PT 010

7:14 PM

Previously, on Plane Trek...

So, when we last left off, you guys were drifting through Void Space having just escaped an attack by the Kymal on a seemingly dead plane.  You were able to take the captain captive who, thanks to some diplomatic interrogation, you were also able to get information from.  Namely, how his people work.  The Kymal seem to be part of a larger company that makes products and deals in all trade, including trading people.  Those who work for the company have been altered and taught to view the company as a sort of religion, one they can eventually advance in with enough hard work.

Their gear and supplies are also provided by Kymal Industries, as Theo discovered.  And this includes an injection site put into their spinal column set to deliver a poison to their system if they did not register at a deployment station.

Theo was able to disable the device, even if it could not be removed.

Additionally, one of the refugees of this world, named...coincidentally Chance (and is also a tabaxi) revealed an item you retrieved was the Ch'takin or Power Orb.  It holds some religious significance to him, but it's exact nature is unknown.  Although, Dr. Williamson is looking into it.

We pick up now in a second debriefing that Captain Grax called for to...basically reiterate all this information.

Also in the room, in addition to all of you are the senior staff, some additional guards and a couple of nurses.

Viex: "Dr. Forgewight was able to completely dismantle the activation circuits inside the injector.  There's no way for the poison to be applied now.  Unfortunately, the device is grafted directly to the base of the spinal column.  I had no way to remove it without killing him."

Captain: "Commander, Mr. Sage, you two are the only ones to have conversed with him up until now.  How would you describe his position with...well...us?"

Xho, 7:26 PM

He does not understand our... perceived softness.

7:27 PM

Captain: "Would you describe him as hostile?"

Sage, 7:27 PM

No

Xho, 7:29 PM

In a general sense. The indoctrination has been quite thorough.

7:29 PM

Captain: "...I think the big question we have is what do we do now."

Theo, 7:30 PM

I assume we continue to try to get back home.

7:31 PM

Ironspine: "We've done a search of his gear top to bottom, as has the pale kid.  No tracking devices we could detect."

Captain: "Even so, I can't just bring back a clear threat to the Federation because we think he might be nice now."

Theo, 7:32 PM

We have to tell that what we found before they stumble over it themselves.

They know we're out here now, there's no unringing that bell.

Xho, 7:33 PM

Regrettably so.

I am not sure we should not bring him back. Those with expertise would likely get more information from him.

Sage, 7:35 PM

Also where would he go if we let him go?

Theo, 7:36 PM

….airlock?

7:36 PM

Captain: "...all valid points.  He will remain in barracks until we can offload him somewhere, at least."

Captain: "I've also given Williamson permission to study this...power orb with our current guest observing.  Professor, if you could just confirm with her that there won't be any issues before taking off, I'd appreciate it.  I don't want any variables in our next jump."

Xho, 7:38 PM

We are certainly not allowing him out the airlock.

Theo, 7:39 PM

All right.

7:40 PM

Captain: "Mr. Sage, Commander...I think I'd like you to come with me.  Lt. Greenwich, you as well."

Captain: "I'd like a couple words with this...Mir, myself."

Captain: "Unless anyone has anything else, meeting adjourned."

Xho nods, and follows the captain.

7:44 PM

The Captain does head for the barracks.

@Theo do you check in on Arcanist Williamson?

Theo does.

7:45 PM

I'll put you in a separate chat for now, then.

The rest of you head to the barracks, where you find Mir, his large scaly self, sitting on a sort of bed watching you enter.

Mir: "...Commander Xho.  Hello."

Captain Grax: "...We haven't met before.  I'm Captain Grax, welcome to my ship."

Mir ignores him and focuses on Xho.

Mir: "A captain does not hide on their ship while sending others to die for him.  A true captain leads from the front."

Xho, 7:54 PM

We feel differently.

… also, the ship was also engaged in battle at the time. He cannot be in multiple places simultaneously.

7:54 PM

Captain Grax: "Much as I try."

Mir looks at him.  "What information do you need?  I assume information shall pay for my life."

Grax: "None for me, personally.  Whatever tactics or technical advantages you know of would like be beyond me, anyway.  I'm a poor technical student."

Xho, 7:57 PM

We are not sure what we ought to do with you.

7:58 PM

Mir: "Then we are alike.  I am not sure what to do with me, either."

Mir: "I have shown weakness and cowered from death when it was my time."

Azalea, 7:59 PM

Some would say that survival is the purest exercise of strength. Or spite, depending on who's speaking.

Xho, 8:00 PM

How do the great tragedies of your people end?

8:01 PM

Mir: "...tragedies?"

Xho, 8:01 PM

The stories which end badly.

8:02 PM

Mir: "The stories do not end badly.  Zebos destroys those who oppose him, the Kymal become stronger, evil is vanquished from the land."

Xho, 8:02 PM

And the other stories?

8:03 PM

Mir: "We have our histories, all of which lead to Zebos's rise."

Grax: "What about the stories without Zebos?"

Mir looks at him in the most baffling way possible.

Mir: "...why would there be a story without Zebos?"

Xho, 8:05 PM

For enjoyment or education, typically.

8:06 PM

Grax: "...Sage, do you happen to have any tea on you?  I think now would be a good time for some."

Sage will pour some tea for everyone and pull out some biscuits

8:07 PM

Grax: "Lt. Greenwich, I think I will lower the field so our guest can have some tea."

Azalea, 8:09 PM

Understood.

8:10 PM

Grax lowers the field, which freaks Mir out temporarily, but he relaxes when he sees you're not all gonna jump him.

Sage hands Mir a cup of tea and warm biscuit.

Xho, 8:14 PM

I have not heard of a culture without stories before.

8:15 PM

Mir takes the cup from Sage.  "Zebos teaches.  He tells us of our history and what our future shall be."

Grax: "There are no surviving stories before Zebos?  What were your people before he arrives?"

Mir: "Proud, great...but unrefined.  We have been molded to our best selves."

Xho, 8:17 PM

I doubt it. I feel Zebos is a tyrant.

8:18 PM

Mir sips the tea.  "...is this honey?  Honey's a rarity for our kind, typically.  Too valuable, too expensive."

Xho, 8:19 PM

A common ingredient here.

Sage, 8:20 PM

Some honey to cut the bitterness you have a decent palate to pick that up.

8:22 PM

Mir: "My senses have been heightened to better detect poisons and subtle changes left by prey."

Xho, 8:23 PM

Do you have fiction?

8:24 PM

Mir: "You speak of the liar singers?  Not anymore.  They were allowed but not popular and soon lost their followings.  The marketplace of ideas determined it did not tolerate lies."

Sage, 8:25 PM

Did any of those stories not have Zebos in them?

8:26 PM

Mir: "Not many.  Most still had Zebos, but not the real Zebos.  Others tried to tell stories of those on the line.  Foolish.  Their stories are not important.  And not relatable to everyone."

Sage, 8:27 PM

What do you mean by those on the line?

8:29 PM

Mir: "The Xurwick.  Those on the production lines.  They are fine craftsman who make whatever we need."

Mir: "It's an honor of sorts, the company loves them.  Gives them their own food and housing free of charge."

Xho, 8:30 PM

... in addition to being paid for their labor?

8:31 PM

Mir: "They are given money so they may buy items they need from the store within.  It's a special currency.  They have no need to leave the factories."

Grax: "So...they don't really get paid then, do they?  I assume this special currency isn't accepted outside of the factories."

Mir's look turns ponderous.

Xho, 8:32 PM

... they are imprisoned and controlled.

8:33 PM

Mir: "It is a choice to work there.  And those who save enough can eventually buy their way out.  Then they are like the rest of us."

Xho, 8:36 PM

An entirely enslaved society.

Azalea, 8:36 PM

"You say that stories of those on the line were not relatable to everyone. Were those on the line not able to access or view such stories?"

8:39 PM

Mir: "I do not know if they were played within the factories."

Grax: "...how many do you know of bought their way out?"

Mir: "..."

Grax: "But I bet you know at least a couple who had to buy in."

Xho, 8:46 PM

... I am exceedingly glad I have taken anger management classes.

8:46 PM

Mir: "Is this the information you want?"

Grax: "I told you, I don't want information.  At least, not of your people."

Grax: "I want to know...well...I wanted to know you, I guess."

Mir: "...I do not understand."

Grax: "Like we said, we don't know what to do with you.  We can't just release you, you have nowhere to go, and you're responsible for a number of deaths, there's only so much I am authorized to forgive that."

Xho, 8:49 PM

In general, our societies focus more on the individual.

8:51 PM

Mir: "Zebos gives us choice.  He says that's the power of the individual."

Sage, 8:52 PM

He doesn’t give you a true choice though

8:52 PM

Mir: "And you are?  Death or joining your Federation?"

Grax: "You don't have to join anything.  Name a plane and we can take you there.  Drop you off, just a face in a crowd."

Xho, 8:54 PM

Perhaps he should stay with us for a time. We could allow him limited access to our database.

8:55 PM

Mir: "...I am comfortable here for the time being."

Grax: "...ok, Xho can set you up with quarters and--"

Mir: "No!  I mean here!"

Mir: "...put the forcefield back up."

Grax: "Is that necessary?"

Mir: "I am your prisoner.  I choose to be.  I understand it better like that."

Xho, 8:57 PM

It is a clearer role, sir.

8:58 PM

Grax: "...works for me."

About now, Theo's voice comes over the comms.  Theo, what do you tell them?

Xho, 9:00 PM

But perhaps we could still allow some library access.

Theo, 9:00 PM

Captain?   I have good news and interesting news.  Can you come to the lab?  Bring the doctor with you.

9:01 PM

Captain: "Dr. Viex and I will meet you at the lab, just wrapping up in here."

Xho, 9:03 PM

Should I join you as well, sir?

9:04 PM

Captain: "...yeah, we seem finished here.  Greenwich, Sage maybe you should come with us.  We may need extra protection...and I want more biscuits."

You all follow him to the lab.

Dr. Viex meets you there.

And you all meet...a floating jellyfish like creature with eye-stalks and a big smiling face.

Theo, 9:06 PM

Everyone, this is Guest.

9:06 PM

Guest: "Hello."

Xho, 9:06 PM

It is good to meet you?

9:07 PM

Guest: "I hope so.  I only met me like...fifteen minutes ago?"

Guest: "I somehow know what a minute is!"

Azalea, 9:07 PM

Happy birthday, then?

Theo, 9:07 PM

You’ve been very pleasant so far.

Azalea, 9:08 PM

Existence day?

Sage, 9:08 PM

Would you like some tea and biscuits?

9:08 PM

Guest: "SURE!"

Xho, 9:09 PM

I am... confused.

9:09 PM

Williamson: "Short version...the 'orb' seemed to be used to create new lifeforms to inhabit planets."

Williamson: "...we think.  ...I think.  ...I guess."

Sage will hand over a biscuit and a teacup

Theo nods.

Xho, 9:10 PM

Why?

Theo, 9:11 PM

Guest here leaked out before I could repair it.

9:12 PM

Williamson: "The device was full of the genetic records of thousands of species of different ecosystems and enough energy to bring them all to life by the millions.  Maybe a sort of...terraforming project?"

Theo nods.  "Or a record of a lost world."

9:13 PM

Williamson: "Or a restoration project."

Xho, 9:14 PM

That is concerning. Extremely concerning. They could potentially build their own armies.

9:14 PM

Chance: "...wait...wait...you, Theo."

Chance: "...you help bring Guest to life.  Did...did I...are you...?"

Chance gets on his knees and begins praying to Theo.

Theo, 9:16 PM

…. Oh.  Um, no, I"m not a god or anything.  This was the relic that generated Guest.

Xho, 9:16 PM

I am fairly certain he is not a god.

9:16 PM

Chance: "You learned to use the tools of the Gods."

Theo, 9:17 PM

Well, the gods made them pretty user friendly.

9:17 PM

Williamson: "The safety clearly needed more work."

Theo, 9:18 PM

... anyway, please don't do that.

Xho, 9:18 PM

He is an extremely competent engineer.

9:18 PM

Guest: "...does this make you my dad?"

Grax: "...we need more vacation days."

Xho, 9:20 PM

Between "parent" and "god," I feel we would be more comfortable with "parent."

Theo, 9:20 PM

No, I"m more like the midwife?  Anyway.  Viex?  What do your readings say?

9:20 PM

Viex: "...depends.  What are you looking for?"

Theo gestures vaguely at Guest.  "Does Guest here seem like a normal flumph?"

9:21 PM

Viex is waving her device around him.  "Yes...but also no?"

Viex: "Yes, on a DNA level, he is a flumph.  And maybe more severe scans will show more.  But he seems...profoundly healthy.  Like...everything seems brand new."

Xho, 9:25 PM

Likely because it is.

9:25 PM

Viex: "His vocabulary is also miraculous."

Theo, 9:26 PM

Mmm.  He knows everything he needs to know to function.  Was he based on someone that existed?  Is he brand new?

9:26 PM

Viex: "I have literally no way of determining that."

Theo, 9:27 PM

I wasn't asking you.

Just... stating the parameters of the puzzle here.

9:28 PM

Williamson: "I'd have to dismantle the device to fully determine such things.  Which would be both disrespectful to Mr. Chance's culture and heritage and also...might fill the entire ship with horrible deadly monsters."

Theo, 9:28 PM

Yeah, I don't think we should dismantle anything.

Also it might turn you into a tressym or something.

9:29 PM

Williamson: "Also distinctly possible."

Grax: "So...Guest...I guess we'll...get you a room."

Guest: "Can I sleep with dad?"

Theo, 9:30 PM

.... oh Gond save me.  I don't have a lot of room.  It's okay, we'll get you a nice place to stay.

9:30 PM

Grax: "I think we can find you somewhere more fitting to your needs anyway, Guest."

Theo nods.

9:32 PM

Grax: "Xho, surely you can arrange lodging for...uh...Guest."

Xho, 9:32 PM

Of course. There is significant space.

9:33 PM

Grax: "And Sage, I am going to need you to research what a flumph's diet is like."

Xho, 9:33 PM

((How much do I know about flumphs?))

9:34 PM

((...uh...roll me...a nature check?))

Sage, 9:34 PM

I will do my best

Guest do you have any knowledge of what you like to eat?

9:36 PM

Guest: "I believe I feed almost entirely on psionic energy through a filter feeding method.  ...also...one of you is thinking about butts."

Xho, 9:36 PM

((4!))

9:37 PM

((Not very much, sadly.  You know it is a flumph, and you saw them around the Underdark.  But you didn't really hang out with them.))

Xho, 9:37 PM

I am not sure what the requirements for life for a flumph are.

9:38 PM

Guest: "I feel like I have an extensive knowledge of my normal living situation.  I can help you find a place for me."

Xho, 9:40 PM

Excellent. That would simplify things substantially.

9:41 PM

I'd say you find the best quarters for him are above the mess hall, cause then he can feed on the psionic energy produced below during meal times.

Theo, 9:41 PM

Anyway, captain, the relic has been repaired, so we should be good to jump.

9:43 PM

Grax: "Excellent.  We can plug in another set of coordinates from our list and hope to find an intact base on the other side."

Xho makes arrangements for the flumph.

9:50 PM

So, after the new living arrangements are sorted, you guys reconvene on the bridge where Duma's been running things.

Duma: "Why do I always feel like I'm missing out on something?"

Grax: "Nope, very mundane today so far.  Professor, ready the next set of coordinate from the Joined's list."

Xho, 9:53 PM

Unless you were ready for parenthood, perhaps that is for the best.

9:53 PM

Duma shoots Xho and odd look.

Xho, 9:54 PM

Congratulations are in order for Dr. Forgewight.

Theo plugs the coordinates in, ignoring the vicious taunting.

9:55 PM

Grax: "Ready.  Engage."

The ships jumps again and you find yourself now above a world...that you can't really see.  The whole world seems to be coated in a sort of smog.

Grax: "...this can't be right."

Xho, 9:58 PM

What world have we arrived at?

Theo, 9:59 PM

Heavily industrial.  Just... all the industry.

10:00 PM

Pilot Dharsila: "Coordinates are 914421."

Xho, 10:00 PM

That is disgusting.

10:01 PM

Duma: "Sir, our sensors can't read anything from the planet's surface.  Whatever's in there is disrupting our sensors."

Azalea can't help but be disappointed in these people.

10:02 PM

Duma: "...sir...we have an incoming transmission."

Grax (confused)

: "On-screen."

Xho, 10:03 PM

Perhaps they do not require oxygen to breathe.

10:05 PM

The screen is filled with the scene of a very colorful metallic dragonborn, each scale a different shiny color.  He's dressed in an equally colorful leisure suit, sunglasses has long horns on top of his head.  "Hey!  Welcome to the Casino Mélodie!  Where the music never stops!"

Dragonborn: "I am the owner, Itsiko Sthyr, but everyone calls me Itsy."

Dragonborn: "Now, I'm not seeing you on the ol' reservation list, but fortunately for you my fine friend it's the slow season so we can get you some rooms.  How big a party we looking at here?"

Xho, 10:08 PM

Party?

10:09 PM

Dragonborn: "Yeah, you know.  Your posse!  Your crew!  Mi familia, eh?  How many people should I make rooms for?  ...and how many will be sharing, huh?  All in one room, maybe?  We do have those kinds of parties."

Dragonborn: "...unless you're here with kids, we also have accomodations for that too.  We can be totally safe...or not.  You make the rules, Mi Amigoes!"

Captain Grax: "...we're sorry, we were hoping to make landfall with the Planefleet base here.  We are here on business, you--"

Dragonborn: "Uhhhhh, sorry my dude.  I'm afraid I don't know of any Planefleet base.  Unless your Planes are...I didn't have a metaphor prepared for that.  How about this?  You guys dock here.  We let you use the phones.  You play the slot machines a bit while you wait for the pick up.  Everybody wins."

Grax: "...we're not really looking for a pick-up.  ...is there an embassy we can meet with?"

Itsy: "Sure, yeah.  But, they have trouble getting a signal out through all the smog, you know?  Government funding.  Look, if you dock, you can call out to whomever you want.  Ok?  Ok."

Xho, 10:14 PM

Is this a gambling establishment?

10:15 PM

Itsy: "Gambling, entertainment, fine dining.  I provide a very classy music act.  We have a water park in the summers, but that's closed right now."

Xho, 10:16 PM

People are expected to go outdoors?

10:16 PM

Itsy: "It's really not that bad."

Itsy: "The skies are green, but you get used to it."

Grax: "...you can really get a call out?"

Xho tries hard not to make a disgusted face.

10:17 PM

Itsy: "Cross my heart and hope to die."

Azalea, 10:18 PM

"With that much smog, you just might."

Azalea mutters.

10:19 PM

Grax: "...we'll get back to you."

Grax: "Duma, end transmission."

Itsy: "I'll be ri--"

He gets cut off.

Grax: "If there is still a base in all that, it could be our best shot back home."

Grax: "Commander, how do you feel about leading a ground team?"

Xho, 10:21 PM

I would be happy to, sir.

I do not feel it will yield results, but we can at least have an accurate description of the plane.

Presuming one of us does not break an obscure law, get sentenced to death and then require extrication, or some equally absurd incident.

10:22 PM

Grax: "We'll get you set up in some protective suits...for obvious reasons."

Grax: "I'll send you with the usual team.  Sage should be especially useful.  He doesn't breathe."

Grax: "Duma, call him back and tell him...we're ready."

Xho, 10:23 PM

A respiration mask will likely be sufficient.