Iron Stars - chris-fury

Chris Fury awakens at home after a long night of playing at a local coffee shop, guitar resting on a stand near the bed. The whole city has been up for days now, stealing bits and pieces of sleep where they can. The Still Lady has been banished, street-talk going as far as to say Desmond O shea, the hero who took down the cobalt killer, was part of the team that did it, though he lost his life in the fighting. Different variations of the tale have begun spreading already, but they all share his involvement.

Chris gets up and makes coffee for his mother Maeve. She and him both have the a First Moon shift at Fenian Hydroponics. (edited)

1

(;_;) (pst. Desmond died. You’re Chris now.)

3

(Fixed it! Thanks.)

Chris drinks the coffee while frying up a few mushrooms with soy sauce and fish. He calls out “Ma’ you up?”

There is a stir in the back bedroom and a thud as she rolls onto the floor. “Yer....coming” she says. No one on Acastus has been sleeping well even with the lady gone

Chris looks out the window of their apartment at one of the three strangely self luminous moons of Acastus. He thinks about which songs the crowds liked. “Billy’s Barrage” and “Hailey’s Comet” did well. “The Sword of Dax” and his love song “Answers against Questions” need work.

2

6:49 AM

(Thanks for setting up this channel Neko. I know your busy with the battle.)

Life goes on, as much as it can outside. The city is still pulling itself together, former firefighters, police,and city admin officials still coming out of hiding, and gradually trying to get some kind of order reinstated

Chris smiles. Things are getting better, despite the problems! He clears off the table so he can set for breakfast. He looks over at his guitar and picks it up. (edited)

10:52 AM

"Billy’s barrage came down like rain, Hailey’s fists brought the Lady pain, Dax’s sword cut the cult god deep But our world was born to weep…"

2

10:53 AM

He sings softly reworking the refrain.

The bedroom door opens and she comes down the stairs, exhausted but managing to stay vertical. "Smells good" she sighs, as she sits down at the table

“If they get Ash City running again maybe some more of the Fish Farms will reopen,” Desmond says. “And there will be more food.”

3:04 PM

“I’m going to see what’s going on in the city after our shift,” Desmond says. “So I’ll be home late again. I put my tip money in the pantry drawer.”

"You're a good boy Chris. Thank you" she smiles, picking at the meal you've made with a fork badly in need of some polishing

“You okay Ma’?”

“Yeah. Just miss your sister. That’s all. Your dad and I can’t figure out what went wrong”

Chris looks up from his plate and out the window. He sees some of the neon outlined roof of the other apartment building. “I don’t know either but those murals of hers might be a clue. All those shadowy figures and moons with Runic outlines. I pass one of them on the way to the coffee house.” (edited)

4:37 PM

“We aren’t the only family with a cultist in it. Who knows what pulled them in.”

“Yeah. You’re right Chris. Be safe at work tonight. If I get done on time I’ll try to come see your show”

“Thanks Ma’”

10:16 PM

Desmond cleans up the dishes and gets his raincoat because on Acastus you don’t wonder if it will rain-.you wonder when.

10:21 PM

He leaves the apartment, walking down the three flights of winding stairs and into the street. He starts to pick up the pace so he can get to the El-Tran, which snakes above the central streets of Ash City on sparking steel tracks. (edited)

Thankfully the fighting didn’t damage much of the el tran line, and the route you need to take to the fish farm is intact. It’s about a half hour train ride which gives you time to think about your music

Billy opens his guitar

case and pulls out his notebook.

3:15 PM

He starts to write while absentmindedly humming.

3:18 PM

-Answers and Questions, led to suggestions- (edited)

3:18 PM

-Addition, Subtraction, led to inaction- (edited)

3:23 PM

-Our Story’s revision led to Division-

3:24 PM

-Me and You, You and Me-

3:26 PM

-Too busy in the fight to be free- (edited)

3:26 PM

-Too many meetings, Too many causes- (edited)

3:27 PM

No time for Love, No time for pauses-

3:31 PM

-Guns to smuggle, Too lost in the struggle and fuss-

3:31 PM

-To find a place for us-

3:37 PM

-We helped our world

find its way, but at what cost? (edited)

3:37 PM

-Our Love got Lost-

3:38 PM

-Answers & Questions....-

3:39 PM

Desmond looks to see that his stop is coming and he takes out some flyers and puts his notebook away.

The bus comes to a halt at end end of the block. Ahead, the agricultural district of the city spreads out. Both sides realized the importance of keeping the city fed, and thus this is one of the few sections of town where the war seems almost like it happened somewhere else entirely

Chris walks down the long, block sized buildings to Besong Hydroponics. He puts up his flyers on the chain link fences and sides of the aquaculture structures. (edited)

7:12 AM

He pauses when he passes on of his sister’s pro-cult murals. He’s surprised it isn’t defaced yet.

7:13 AM

“Oh, Evelyn,” he says. “I hope you died painlessly.”

7:17 AM

Chris hums the tune to Hailey’s Comet.

️ as he enters the long arched roof of his hydro-farm. He puts his guitar case in his locker and changes into his rubber overalls and puts on his forearm length gloves. He slips his UV protection goggles on and looks at the board for his daily assignments.

The assignments today are being posted as you make your way over to the board. Today you're inspecting the hatchery, and then making a quality check in one of the holding pens

Chris inspects the hatchery and does a thorough inspection of the holding pens. Whenever he can he will mention to his coworkers that he is playing tonight at the local coffeehouse. (edited)

9:23 AM

He asks them how things are going for them since the fall of the Still Lady.

(Youre chris now, not desmond)

(Fixed it. Need to break the habit.)

Everyone is a mix of relieved and frightened in new ways. THere is no question some elements of the cult, and the hanged man, are still out there. They are licking their wounds for now, but the unknown of their long term plans is a great source of fear. Nearly everyone has a close friend, family member, or even lover who was swayed by the cult, and a web of mutual tragedy is binding the people of Acastus together in strange new ways

When you move on to inspecting the hatchery where soon to be processed fish are being held, a hatch on top of the tank normally not left open is ajar

8:59 PM

(Notice/wis)

(Can do that tonight!)

(no problem!)

(9)

5:32 PM

(My first roll for Chris!)

You notice some black liquid around the feeding hatch, and you've never seen anything like this here before

Chris calls in the issue to his shift chief and shines a light

in the hatch. (edited)

(Not Desmond)

1

There is a dark film beginning to grow in the food dispersal tanks. It does not look natural and ripples as though alive on its own

Chris quickly closes off all the valves connecting the rest of the Hydroponics to the food dispersal tanks. He calls for his other coworkers while he looks about for any high intensity laser. “Get in here,” Chris calls out.

“We’ve got some kind of contamination!”

There is a loud alarm that begins to play and the machinery in this room shuts off

8:15 AM

There isnt anything laser related in the room, anything that could have been used as a weapon was taken with the still lady was running acastus

Chris calls out over the intercoms. “Check for any dark film or substance in any of the tanks!” He tries to figure out if there is any of the substance in the effluent or influent pipes. (edited)

(Not Desmond

)

4

3

So far, it seems to just be collecting in this tank, and has not made its way into any of the other systems

Chris starts to sing the beginning of Hailey’s Comet out of nervousness.

12:18 PM

“She burns bright and then fades to black”

12:18 PM

“You think she’s gone but she comes back” “Falling into the Sun

️ and then slipping away”

12:19 PM

“Here she comes to save the Day”

12:20 PM

“Her best friend is a Thorn among Roses

.”

12:21 PM

“with frenemy words and chameleon poses”

12:22 PM

“What will Hailey do? She’ll come back right at you!”

12:24 PM

@Hailey Clements (Mylonite)

(

Hailey feels a sudden sense of pride somewhere)

You hear the sounds of rubber boots stomping down the gantry stairs to see what you reported in, and the shift leader, along with his assistant both enter the room. "What's going on Chris. We heard the general warning

Chris points at the food dispersal tanks. “There’s a black film spreading inside. It looks alive!”

1:44 PM

“I shut off all the valves to the tanks.”

The film is bubbling, now beginning to slowly spread across the surface of this tank, but it is contained here. A fish floating near the surface of the tank is snatched, whip crack fast by an inky tentacle

“We got any torches to fix the pipes?” Chris asks. “If we do I’ll burn this with ‘em!”

The shift leader tosses a small tank your way, a small palm torch, good for a few quick super-hot bursts, meant to quickly stop leaks while a repair team with proper tools could be dispatched

“We need help!” Chris says. “Get lasers, call police, something!”

1:54 PM

Chris brings the torch down in the strange creature.

The flame begins to play over the creature's flesh and it shrieks with a horrifying wet squeal as it begins being consumed by the fire. It thrashes, splashing steaming water everywhere

“What the hell is this?” Chris yells out.

The steaming slop pile pulls itself from the tank, writhing on the floor

Chris keeps the flame

on the creature.

The creature lashes out with a burning tentacle (evasion save)

(Working this weekend. Will have to roll tomorrow. 24 hour shift.)

(Can do it when I’m back to a computer)

(20 v 15, success!)

2:05 PM

Chris deftly weaves aside as the flaming shadow/flesh tentacle smacks into the cement floor of the feeding tank area. The supervisors assistant is caught on a follow-up strike, and is dashed to the floor. He groans as the wind is knocked out of him

(Thanks!)

8:45 AM

Chris attacks again with the flame

. “Get more torches! Call for help!”

The creature screams, and finally pops, spraying the walls and floor with burning, sticky ichor

It appears now, to be very dead

Chris puts down the torch and runs over to the supervision’s assistant.

1:54 PM

“By the third moon

are you still pulling in air?”

"Barely" he coughs and rolls on to his side

“I’m glad! That shadow scum was almost the death

of us!”

The supervisor is clearly hurt, and the company medical staff arrive on scene aftr another moment. "We should call the authorities on this, and lock down this part of the building"

Chris looks at the vat. “I’ll start looking if the contamination spread!”

2:29 PM

Chris looks at the time to see if he will be able to make his song set at the coffeehouse.

"I think kwe better let the authorities handle this. Take the rest of the night off Chris"

Chris smiles.* “Thanks boss! I’ve got some new songs I’m playing tonight. If you got time come on out.”

“I’ll do that.” On the way out you pass by what looks to be an offworlder talking to one of the resistance fighters who came to answer the cry for help

(Can I interact or just keep walking?)

(He’s going to come to you later)

Chris looks at the offworlder. He wonders if he is associated with the heroic UNW. He’s too shy to say anything and he needs to take the EL-Train to the coffeehouse.

(whats the name of the place, did you have one in mind? You're not desmond anymore but its still your planet, haha)

(Caffeine Dream)

@NoahL enters the Caffeine Dream, as a singer (Chris) hops on stage, the previous set just finishing the last stages of cleaning up

Joshua grabs a coffee while scouting out the Caffeine Dream for the worker he needs to talk to. He notices the man he's looking for as the man heads up to begin singing and playing his own songs. He decides to grab a seat, watch, and relax while he waits.

*Chris leans forward and taps the microphone. *

(

A real musician would know not to tap the microphones) (edited)

1

(He’s nervous....)

12:32 PM

“Sorry,” Chris says to the woman working the sound board. “Had a shadow attack some of us at the Hydroponics Aquaculture today...”

12:33 PM

“Seems like we keep trying to step into the Light but the Darkness keeps drawing us back in...but what do I know, I’m just your friendly neighborhood Acastus crooner.”

12:35 PM

“So, what do you want to hear first Billy’s Barrage, Hailey’s Comet

, or the Sword of Dax?”

12:38 PM

(Up to you!)

(ill roll a d3 quick lol)

12:42 PM

Joshua stands up quick and shouts "Do Hailey's Comet!"

Chris looks out and sees the Offworlder he noticed earlier. He smiles and starts to sing into the microphone while strumming his hollow body electric guitar

. “She burns bright and then fades to black”

12:48 PM

“You think she’s gone but she comes back” “Falling into the Sun

️ and then slipping away”

12:48 PM

“Here she comes to save the Day”

12:49 PM

“Her best friend is a Thorn among Roses

...”

12:49 PM

“with frenemy words and chameleon poses”

“She’s all the craze with an amazing Maze”

"One of the ones who set us free.."

1:08 PM

"Burning Bright for all to see..."

1:09 PM

"Space Orphan, Cherry Bomb and iPod Fan"

1:09 PM

"Doing it all without a Plan"

1:10 PM

"We wish her well and owe her all"

1:11 PM

"She always rises when you think she'll fall..."

1:12 PM

Chris smiles and ends the slightly fast-paced song.

(3xp, 5000 credits, forgot to award earlier)

1:13 PM

(Take another 3 for making a whole freaking song)

(Thanks Neko!)

Joshua claps following the end of the song, stunned by the brilliance of the song. (Great song!)

(I'll have to put that in a handout somewhere, def belongs in a culture section)

Chris smiles shyly . He leans forward to the microphone.

"Thanks, We've got a special guest here tonight. One of those brave offworlders who brave our dark world to bring some illumination. Please welcome him!"

Joshua gets a little big eyed, not realizing he was noticed by Chris. Nevertheless, he stands up, gives a little wave, and says "Thank you. I've not been on world very long, but I hope my time here will be beneficial to everyone on Acastus, y'all have been thru enough. We're all here to see you though Chris! You're gonna be one of the best, I can feel it." As he sits down, he gives Chris a thumbs up and a big smile.

"I'm going to say high to the Offworlder real fast if you all don't mind," Chris says. "I see the mighty Morgan Ngyun is here. She's playing tonight also. Let's see if we can get her to come on a little early so I can sit a spell with our man from the stars

"

As Chris approaches his table Joshua stands up to shake his hand, saying "Great performance out there. Thanks for talking with me today. Name's Joshua Collins."

Chris shakes his hand eagerly and with a little bit of awe.

2:02 PM

"Chris Fury," he says. "We don't often get people from the Stars who come here. When they do their usually fighting or dying for us."

"It's nice to meet you, Chris. If I can help it, I'd like the fighting and dying here to stop. That's more of a long term goal though. Anyway, I'm here because I heard you were working at the aquaculture farm that had an incident earlier, and I was wondering if you could tell me what happened there."

Chris motions for a coffee and a piece of strawberry-rhubarb pie (his regular order).

2:11 PM

He is silent until the coffee gets there, its obvious he is pulling himself together.

2:12 PM

"I've never faced a shadow before," Chris says. "Just threw rocks and petrol bombs at the cultists. This thing was small but insidious."

2:13 PM

He inhales the coffee and then drinks it.

2:15 PM

"It was a film in one of the feeder tanks that rippled when the light got to it. I saw it eat one of the fish. I remembered how Billy used lasers and light to fight the shadows so I got one of the torches we use to repair the pipes and it set the thing on fire...not before it hurt my boss and his assistant." (edited)

2:17 PM

Chris then lapses into silence and drinks some more coffee.

"I'm sorry about what happened to your boss and co worker." Joshua lets Chris drink his coffee for a little bit, before breaking the silence, saying "I don't want to sound too pushy or give you bad memories, so just let me know if you're not comfortable talking anymore. However, I don't know much of anything about these 'Shadows'. What can you tell me about them?"

“Well, they’ve always been on Acastus.”

2:55 PM

“When the first settlers got here it was all volcanos and scattered old inhuman ruins.”

2:56 PM

“The sun is a neutron Star and the moons somehow shine with an other dimensional light.”

3:00 PM

“When they first built the neon city sometimes shadows would rise and take over people. Then we learned to fight them, to a standstill mind you we never ever won forever. The cobalt killer was a bad one. The worst was the Still Lady. We never understood how she got here.”

3:01 PM

Chris eats his pie, thoughtfully thinking between bites.

3:03 PM

“Some think they’re from another dimension. Others think they are psychic residue from the aliens before us, some think it’s both or neither.”

3:04 PM

He goes silent again.

"I'm sorry to keep prodding you with questions. When the shadows take control of a person, do they change at all, physically? Like, do their vein in the neck and arms darken, and almost turn black?"

"My sister had that," Chris said. "She was a follower of the Still Lady. Some of her murals are on the walls in the city."

3:25 PM

"Some change and turn monstrous, it depends how much power the shadow has, some of the higher up followers of the Still Lady...well really bad..."

"I'm sorry about your sister. The Still Lady and her cult have cost you and your people far too much." "I've been investigating the cult, and I like to believe I have a lead on them, maybe something that would allow me to find and track them down, or maybe make them easily identifiable." "Maybe if I can capture some of them, I could see if the UNW could help them, maybe remove the shadows from them." "I'm sorry for what the Still Lady has done to your family and your planet, Chris."

3:31 PM

"I have no more questions right now about the shadows and the cult. Is there anything you wanted to ask me or talk about?"

"Well," Chris says. "If you want any help I'm available. I was in the resistance, just a small time guy but I did what I could."

3:33 PM

"How did you get involved in all this?"

"I ended up with the UNW after the Scream. I jumped on a ship a few weeks after it happened, and then a few weeks ago, I finally made it to Gudrun and became an official citizen." "Shortly after, I met a man named Martin, who works for Trivedi Tech. I told him I was interested in his company, and he informed me that they were in the process of trying to make inroads here, and that he'd like me to keep a watch of the city and report what I saw." "So I've been doing that for..." Joshua realizes he's not sure how long he's been on Acastus, still being unaccustomed to their day/night situation. "Well, I'm honestly not sure, but a day or two at most. I met a resistance fighter earlier who informed me of the situation at the farm." "He messaged me as I was getting some blood identified by a tech on the other side of town, he said it'd be about a day or two. That's the lead I have, and I'd be glad to have your assistance when I learn more about the blood. (edited)

3:44 PM

"As it stands, do you have a way to defend yourself, should you be attacked by a shadow again?"

“No,” He says. “We’ve only seen what lasers and swords like Dax uses against them. We’re lower tech than most other planets, except for our hydro-farms.” (edited)

1

3:53 PM

Chris writes his communicator number on a napkin and gives it to him.

3:55 PM

“Call me when you need help or anything else. You offworlders have saved us. Someday I’d like to see other planets, especially one with a sun

.”

3:57 PM

“Did your world have a sun?”

(Not Desmond)

1

I've not seen my home planet in years..." *Joshua gets lost in thought for a moment, before snapping out. "It does though, it's the most beautiful sunrise I've ever seen. Gudrun is my home for now though, and it also has a beautiful sun. I think your jaw might drop off if you saw it." Joshua laughs, then inputs Chris' compad ID into his own. He then writes his own info down. "Let me know if something pops up on your end. Oh, and are you more comfortable with a gun or a knife, Chris?"

“I’m most comfortable with a guitar

,” Chris laughs. “But I can use either. Only higher level rebels then me or cultists have guns right now.”

Joshua pulls out the kris knife he got off the cultist earlier. "I'll give you this for now, don't want you having too much attention drawn to yourself, but it'll help you out if you get into a jam like earlier." He hands him the knife. "Stay safe out there. Heard the cultists might be hitting the food markets, so watch out if you need to go there later. I'm gonna be keeping an eye out all around for them, so I'll keep my ears on in case you see something."

“Thanks!” Chris says. “If you can ever get me a laser pistol

that would mean a lot. I know it would take out those shadows.” (edited)

(not Desmond)

1

"I have a thermal pistol that I'm happy to give you, I can pick another one up when I'm back on Gudrun." Joshua unholsters the pistol and slides it over to Chris. He then digs out 4 A Power Cell packs as well to give him. "This should treat you well, and consider it my thanks for helping me out today." (edited)

“I don’t want to take your only sidearm!”

Joshua tap his rifle on his back. "Don't worry, this should do me well. However, if you feel that strongly about it, I'll make sure I get you your own when Trivedi Tech gets a more expanded market up and going." (Up to you if you want it)

Chris takes it reverently. “A real offworld weapon that can fight the Shadows from a man who fled the Scream and has seen sunsets on two worlds. There’s a song in that...”

(I love NotDesmonds personality)

(Thanks! I like Joshua’s.)

(Thanks! Its amazing to me that you came up with a song about not just Hailey, but Dax and Billy too)

5:02 PM

"Honestly, I believe you can come up with a song about it. If you do, you should let me know. I'd like to hear it. It was nice to talk with you Chris, and I'm sure I'll be around for a while." Joshua stands up and extends his arm for a handshake, saying "I hope that pistol is useful, and maybe it'll help you have your own adventures to sing about!"

Chris shakes his hand and smiles. He shyly ducks his head turns and goes back to the stage after leaving a tip on the table.

He starts singing quietly “I’m just a crooner Who comes from Acastus But I’m writing a tune for A stranger among us...”

5:14 PM

“A man whose seen sunsets

and fled from the Scream He’s searching out Shadows from our Nightmares & Dreams@

“Oh Joshua Collins be smart, be clever, be wise, for we need your help And wish you another Sunrise

1

5:30 PM

Chris puts down the guitar and takes another sip of coffee.

Joshua gets up, heading out of the establishment, out into the perpetual night air

6:47 PM

Chris has 50 credits in his tip jar from the song, and a handful of people are asking if there are any recordings they can buy

“No,” Chris says. “Some people have recorded me on their compads and shared it. When I get better maybe I get a professional session in a studio.”

6:20 AM

“Thanks for coming out and remember to tip the wait staff. They work hard and we Acastans have to all pull together instead of pulling ourselves apart.”

Chris heads off into the streets, heading home.

You and your father are the only ones home. Your mother is probably working a double again. You hear him doZing fitfully in the back bedroom

Chris looks over him and at some of the books he wrote on the shelves.

6:21 PM

“Glad you made it home dad.” Chris whispers to himself.

6:23 PM

He thinks about when he and his mom gathered his father from the prison when the rebels tore down the fences.

Chris goes about his nightly routine, and after a few hours the entry door opens

Chris gets up and goes to the door.

Your mother is there, you meet her coming into the entry hall fo the home. "Oh hi Chris. how was your show? I'm sorry I missed it, police were questioning people leaving. I guess there was an incident somewhere"

“Yeah,” Chris says. “My feeder tank had a strange organism in it. It’s been taken care of...”

12:37 PM

“I got 50 credits for my set and met an offworlder named Joshua Collins who is investigating the thing that happened at the Aquafarm.”

"So that was your factory...wait, that was you?!" she moves with a surprising amount of speed, hugging you, relieved her son is alive

“It’s okay ma’” Chris says. “Some of that rebel training helped. The shadow thing burned with one of the welding

torches.@

“You’re okay though?” She pulls back but still has a hand clasped to each shoulder

“Yeah,” Chris says. “But the Supervisor wasn’t so lucky. His assistant made it, I think. I’ll check on them next shift.@

“Alright. Well get some rest. You’ve had a busy day”

“Thanks Ma,” Chris says. He looks out from their balcony and he decides to sleep outside so he can hear the rain as it falls down the gutters to the streets below. He gets his blanket and sits outside in one of the petrified and hollowed out mushroom chairs.

The rain always falls on Acastus, tonight is no different.

Chris falls asleep thinking of his fight with the shadow, meeting Joshua and songs that speak to all that you meet.

A storm looks to be rolling in, and the volcano seems more active tonight than usually. Before you can think any further, you find yourself asleep, tired out from the days events

When Chris wakes up he makes breakfast for his mother, father and himself. He also brews some coffee.

️

(Where do you want this to go from here. Sort of having a tough time getting a direction for Chris)

(If you wanted to tour Gudrun you could go back with Joshua)

Hey Chris,

Earlier today, I helped the resistance deal a huge blow to the Still Lady cult and located the Hanged Man, allowing them to obliterate him with a few well placed air strikes. I'm planning on returning to Gudrun soon, but in the mean time I'll be resting in and around my hotel. *Sends Chris his location.* Drop on by if you get a chance. Oh, and if you wanted to see the sunrise on Gudrun yourself, I could speak with my boss about bringing you along with. Whatever you choose to do, it was great to meet someone with your talents.

-Joshua Collins

(I’d like to do a tour of Gudrun and book a few shows at a coffeehouse! Money

would be better on a thriving UNW world

and I could send the credits home!)

6:30 AM

(Unveil some of the other songs too!)

(Sorry, I was gonna see IC if you wanted to come with but I didn't think I was gonna find the Hanged Man, I went hoping to find out more about the Shadows)

8:36 AM

I'm sure you'd do well on the Gudrun circuit. And I'll be glad to have a travelling partner, theres only so much to say to the pilots on a week long journey! I've never met them in person, but if you're on Gudrun for long enough, I'm sure you'll meet them. I'll send you a message when our ride is here, but you'll probably have some time to do what you need to to get ready.

(up to you guys how we want to do that, if nobody has any pressing engagements, we can move to you two meeting up for the trip)

(I’m up! I can move to @NoahL ‘s channel)

(I have nothing going on in Acastus atm, but i dont wanna rush Chris off if he has stuff he wants/needs to do)

(Have guitar

will travel

)

(nothing you ened to set up before we go?)

Chris tells his mother and father over breakfast about his big opportunity to go to Gundrun.

"I'll leave a message at the Aquafarm and then drop by Caffiene Dream and pick up some coffee beans to take with me. Maybe help sell their brand across the spacewalks."

1:37 PM

"I'll be sending credits back and see if I can get some time in a real music studio!"

———————-

4:57 PM

(Back from Joshua’s channel)

4:57 PM

“Good luck in your next job! I appreciate you getting me to Gudrun.. I’ll head to the Harvest Spirits and see where the night takes me before I see my first day!”

Chris heads to the Harvest Spirits following Joshua’s directions.

The spirits is lively tonight as people begin to relax. Two major UNW enemies defeated in the span of as many months has almost everyone celebrating something or other

Chris looks for the proprietor.

The baron is behind the bar serving drinks and making jokes with a few farm hands

“Hello sir,” Chris says. “I’m Chris Fury, a musician from Acastus. I hear this is the place to play on Gudrun. Any spots available in the future? I can audition any time.”

“It just so happens the concert cube is down for repairs tonight” he says, pulling its plug from the wall. With a wink “Why don’t you see if you can’t help me out with some entertainment”

“The praise this place gets still doesn’t do it justice!” Chris says. “I’ll set up on stage. Thanks Baron!”

8:08 AM

Chris quickly sets up on stage and checks to make sure the microphones

work well for his crooner singing style.

Its not exactly how you'd have it set up, but you can make it work

Chris leans forward and speaks softly into the microphone

.

8:25 AM

“Gudrun means a lot to the people of Acastus. It is the home of heroes and place where people in this universe can get a second start.”

8:27 AM

“I’m here to sing some songs that I hope you’ll like. My first one is dedicated to @Paxcyan Wilder (Billy) . He really helped liberate Acastus and he was a friend to an Acaston called Desmond O’Shea.”

8:28 AM

“This is called Billy’s Barrage, it commemorates the battle between the Liberators of Acastus and the Still Lady.”

8:29 AM

The song is mid tempo and with a slightly rockabilly sound. (edited)

8:30 AM

“It was Billy’s Barrage that saved the Day Billy’s Barrage made her go away Blowing the Still Lady into dust While Desmond could only do what he must Leaving Billy to cry Billy gave us bombs and guns laser rifles by the ton He believed in us While we had faith in him Billy engineered our win! The fixit kid from outer space The wonderboy who wanders place to place Running against himself in a one man race But can he ever build a home? Billy gave us bombs and guns laser rifles by the ton He believed in us While we had faith in him Billy engineered our win! Billy is an Admiral strong Billy he can do no wrong It’s everywhere where he belongs That’s why he’s in this bar room song! Billy gave us bombs and guns laser rifles by the ton He believed in us While we had faith in him Billy engineered our win! With his heart on his sleeve and his brains in his hands He makes friends Like the universe expands Billy don’t stop crying ‘Cause it means that you’re still trying To save and fix, battle and befriend From Stars without Number To Stars without End” (edited)

3

1

(Lets get a perform/cha roll with it)

(12!)

4

Several people have their compads out taking recordings, and the room is filled with clapping when the song ends. It only takes moments for videos to begin popping up on the UWN gudrun-net, soon to by syndicated to other member worlds behond

12:17 PM

*beyond

“Thanks so much for this warm welcome to your warm world. I’ll play some more songs and then find a nice place to sit and watch my first sunrise

! Any suggestions?”

(Chris will play his full set of songs and then get a beer

and talk to the Baron.)

The beer is poured for you once you finish your set

7:08 AM

"Well done, the people seem to love it"

“I’m grateful for the chance to play at the sector famous Harvest Spirits!” Chris says. “Are there any openings for a paying gig here or at other places on Gudrun?”

"Well , you could try to strike it out west in the Taros cities. They're larger and much more culturally developed, if you can make it there I think you'd do well on any of the UNW member worlds"

"Cool!" Chris says. "You know lots of musicians, is there a good place I could make a recording around here or do you know a musician who has a contract with a recording studio?"

"I'd speak with Ms. Clements of Psyke TV, personally"

2:28 PM

"She has an eye for that type of thing"

“That would be a dream come true!” Chris says. “ i’d appreciate it to no end!”

“Here’s her comm frequency. She’s off world right now meeting some new friends to planetary south but she can reply when she’s got time

@Hailey Clements (Mylonite)

Hi! My name is Chris Fury. The Baron gave me your comm frequency. I'm a musician from Acastus and he recommended you as someone who has a recording studio. I just performed here at the Harvest Spirits and my latest song, "Billy's Barrage" just did well on the UWN gudrun-net, and will be syndicated to other member worlds. Are you able to meet sometime?

(edited)

 Chris Fury! I’ve heard of you. One of my guys just sent me a video of you playing at the Spirits like fifteen minutes ago. Way to go viral dude. 
But yeah, I’d be happy to have you come in sometime, or if you have any idea when you’re next gig’ll be, I could pop over there and watch. Glad Baron recommended you to me👍. Lemme know what you think.

@Hailey Clements (Mylonite) I’d love to come in so I could have some recordings people could buy and download. Just tell me where and when.

Cool. I’m a bit tied up atm, but I’ll shoot you a message when I can

Chris turns to the Baron after finishing his beer

. “This Pilsner is amazing! “

“I saw you typing away in your pad there. Did you get a reply?”

“Yes!” Chris says. “Hailey Clements is going to record some of my songs when she returns from one of her missions!”

“Know of a good place I can stay the night and I can get a good view of the sunrise? It will be my first!”

"Here, or in town there are a few places, you might want to get yourself some sunglasses though, especially if you've never seen one before"

“I’ll do that right now! Where can I buy some sunglasses?”

"I'd try the market. Should be a few stalls open this late"

"Thanks!" Chris says. He pays and leaves a tip. He packs up his guitar and backpack and walks out, heading to the marker.

The market is busy even this late at night, third shift workers finally getting off work and getting what they need for their own evening/morning, before returning to sleep.

Chris looks for some sunglasses

and sees if the market allows people to play for money.

There are no signs saying that playing is prohibited in any way. There are several stalls that have loose adventuring gear, tinted goggles and glasses among them

Chris buys a pair of tinted goggles and some really cool sunglasses.

(Emphasis on “really cool”

1

The owner of the stand is happy to provide them for you, so long as you wear them in your next video

“Hell yeah I’ll wear these!” Chris says. “They look great!”

Chris finds a place, opens his guitar

case, throws some paper and coin credits in it and starts to play his Acastan Ghost 5 Hollow Body Guitar. (Famous guitar maker throughout the sector. Or so Chris thinks.)

(Perform cha$

(11)

You begin playing at the market, and although the hour is late end with another 200 credits, and several videos of you taken. You have the same success here, and youre shown a few of your own videos, already with several hits on UNW dataweb

8:38 AM

(3xp)

(yay!)

As you begin packing away your guitar, the sky begins to light up, the first rays creeping over the clouds.

Chris puts on his goggles and looks at the majestic Gudrun sunrise. It seems like a disk of golden promise and a ball of flaming hope.

(I've only picked one foci. I'd like to add specialist (with singing) and Iron Hide.) (edited)

(so specialist for perform, works for me)

(Actually instead of Iron Hide I'm going with Shocking Assault, he is called Chris Fury!)

10:14 AM

( With Level 1: Gain Punch or Stab as a bonus skill. The Shock damage of your weapon treats all targets as if they were AC 10, assuming your weapon is capable of harming the target in the first place.)

10:14 AM

(Does this mean I can take my punch, currently at negative one to zero?)

(yes that is correct)

Chris feels the sun

️ on his face and is surprised st his feelings of amazement and sudden loss.

12:33 PM

“Oh my sister,” Chris says. “If you had seen and felt the sun just once you wouldn’t have fallen for the Still Lady.”

12:35 PM

He repeats the old blessing.

12:36 PM

“May the blessing of light be upon you, Light on the outside, Light on the inside. With sunlight of our ancestors shining on you, May your heart glow with warmth, Like a turf fire that welcomes friends and strangers alike.” May the light shine from your eyes, Like a candle in the window, Welcoming the weary traveler

“ (edited)

The morning air is warm and even with the glasses is very bright. Your skin feels hot in comparison

Chris turns and asks around for a good hotel.

Baron's brewhouse has a small hotel attached to it, and for 50 credits you have somewhere to rest your head after the long trip

Chris heads back to the brew house hotel

and checks in. He send 100 credits back to his family on Acastus along with a message.

7:07 AM

“Hey ma’, hey pa’ I made it to Gudrun itself! My songs are getting some great play and the place is amazing! The people here walk around without fear and the markets are full of food and open 24 hours a day! I’m staying st the famous Harvest Spirits. Tell our friends I’m doing well and I’ll send more money later.”

(It'll be about a week for your message to get there right now, but it was sent successfully)

1

Chris looks at the mirror and thinks about his time in the Acastus resistance when he was known as “the Blade”.

7:54 AM

He takes out his mask and looks at it.

7:55 AM

He holds it up and speaks to it.

7:56 AM

“To new beginnings and new songs,” he says.

Outside the sun rises, coating the winter morning in gold, and Chris, exhausted from his journey, falls asleep, bathed in light.

Chris awakens later and makes sure to put on his cool sunglasses so he can walk into the Harvest Spirits at evening and see a sunset from one of the windows.

1:31 PM

He decides he will mostly work at night, since he is a musician,

‍

, and so he will get to see lots of sunsets.

“

The sunset is almost as beautiful as daybreak, and before long it is dark again, where you feel more comfortable. THe mood at home is high, the UNW having just defeated the Remnant, and you're reminded of the days immediately after the still lady's defeat, though blessedly, there is less vigilante justice

Chris gets another Pilsner and talks to the locals while catching the latest acts on stage. He’s trying to get a feel of the local music

scene. He’s checking to see about any of the Taros Cities that have musicians that are willing to form a band.

You come to realize youd have to actually visit to find out. Everyone playing in central right now is human

Chris thanks everyone and pulls up a map of the Taros Cities. Which is the biggest?

6:29 AM

He also looks around to see if there is a place he can do one more paying gig before leaving town.

There is an amphitheater downtown built by Dank Crew. It is outside, and it is currently winter, but if you promote people may show up for a show

Chris asks the Baron if he knows the Dank Crew, and if he does would he be willing to give a recommendation?

The Baron does not have contacts with Dank Crew anymore, not since they relocated out to the desert. He no longer sells their Ether Dew drink in his establishment either, hoping to push his own line of beverages. He seems to be holding his own

Chris thanks him and goes down to the amphitheater to talk to it’s management.

There is a Dank Crew supervisor named Yarvik on hand, who runs the small production team there. You almost miss him, them picking up early on winter hours.

"Hey!" Chris says. "My name is Chris Fury. I've recently had a few local successes. Any chance of me putting on a show here?"

“When did you want to perform?” He asks. Already tapping away at a scheduling program

“Do you have an opening coming up where most people will have off? Like a weekend or a holiday?”

“Tomorrow night. weather should be nice and it’s a more popular night out”

“Any advice on how I should promote it?”

"Maybe play on some corners nearby. You're in the heart of the city, won't ever be more people around than this"

“Thanks! I’ll do it.” Chris says. “This city

is amazing.”

Chris finds a street corner, opens his guitar

case for donations and starts busking.

The smooth notes of the Acastus Crooner begin to fill the evening air, and people gather, to listen

Chris will tell all about his show tomorrow evening.

1:04 PM

“Spread the word! I’ll be playing tomorrow at the downtown amphitheater.”

Some take flyers, others throw a credit or two into your case. It is hard this close to city center, there is simply so much other advertisement

Chris plays his songs on as many street corners he can before he gets too tired and goes to sleep when the sun starts to rise.

He sets his alarm

and also has a wake up call from the Harvest Spirits hotel

for the show.

You’re woken up with time to spare, and the Baron has breakfast sent up for you

Chris eats his breakfast and gets ready for the show. He wonders if Acastus Coffee would do well on Gudrun.

You ponder this drinking the slightly different Gudrun brew. It is a pure strain, coming from an iron seed.

7:52 PM

You hear a few people talking about the show tonight

Chris approaches them and hopes they can come to his show.

4:41 PM

"Hey," his says. "Hope you can make the performance!"

 Hey! I’m sorry to say I don’t think I’ll be able to make it myself, but we’ll see.
As for a recording/tech crew, it’s a little short notice but I should be able to arrange something. At least a small camera crew to get a more professional video out there. How’s that sound?

5:05 PM

(Irl going to bed rn, so that’s a factor as well. I’ll see where this is at when I get up)

Sounds great! Thanks for the help.

A follow on message shows that the crew should be there about an hour before the show

Chris heads to the arena to get ready.

There is a small crowd out tonight. The winter chill is keeping many at home, but you see families or couples in the open air theater, huddled together under blankets, watching the opening act.

Chris listens to the opening act so he can remember the name and he can say something good about them when he is up.

You hear the name of the band a few times. They can’t seem to play a song without referencing themselves. The crowd builds a little more but it still seems sleepy out tonight.

One member of the crowd stands out, a neon haired woman who is watching the stage intently. You see her directing a handful of light and sound technicians from the top of the outdoor theater

With a cap and dark jacket, she's trying to avoid standing out too much tonight, though clearly not well enough.

Chris takes the stage and waves to the crowd. His Acastan Ghost 5 Hollow Body Guitar slung over his back.

4:46 PM

“Hi,” Chris says into the microphone

. “Lets give some applause to the opening act.

4:48 PM

After whatever applauding is done Chris slide his guitar

so it’s ready to play.

4:50 PM

“My name is Chris Fury and I was in the Acastus Resistance. I want to thank all you in Gudrun for the support you gave to giving my planet freedom from the Still Lady”

4:52 PM

My first song is dedicated to a member of the audience, a brave woman who, along with Dax, Billy Riger and the departed Desmond O’Shea ended the rule of that malevolent spirt.”

4:53 PM

Chris plays his song.

4:53 PM

Hailey’s Comet!!! She burns bright and then fades to black You think she’s gone but she comes back Falling into the Sun and then slipping away Here she comes to save the Day We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall Her best friend is a Thorn among Roses

with frenemy words and chameleon poses She’s all the craze with an amazing Maze Going out in a great big Blaze We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall One of the ones who set us free.. Burning Bright for all to see... Space Orphan, Cherry Bomb, iPod Fan Doing it all without a Plan We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall (edited)

Hailey watches intently from her crew’s spot up top the theater, impressed by the show, and needless to say flattered.

Chris starts on his next song.

-“My next song is about how Love and Revolution sometimes don’t work out. On Acastus some fought for Freedom while others just kept their heads down to survive. I’m not judging. It was bad for all of us. This one is called Answers and Questions..... Chris sings in a mid-tempo crooning “”Addition, Subtraction, led to inaction--Too busy in the fight to be free- No time for you and me. Too many meetings, Too many causes-No time for Love, No time for pauses--Guns to smuggle, Too lost in the struggle and fuss--To find a place for us--We helped our world

find its way, but at what cost? -Our Love got Lost- (edited)

6:58 AM

Answers and Questions.... Chris lets his voice trail off with the last note on the guitar.

(Sorry if I seem slow, I’m just not sure how much or what Neko jumps in with in your thread, so I wanna make sure I’m not jumping he fun with anything)

(I didn’t. The interaction seems like it’s between you two as he plays and you judge for suitability for psike tv

9:11 AM

(I thought the character interaction was more important here)

(We can have Chris finish up the set.)

9:41 AM

Chris finishes up after about an hour.

9:42 AM

“Thanks Gudrun! I’ve seen one sunrise

and two sunsets

since I’ve come here. It is an adventure for me. Thanks for all you and the UNW did for Acastus.”

9:43 AM

“Maybe someday it will be a stable world like this one.”

(Ah ok got it. Makes more sense)

1:05 PM

Hailey applauds with the rest of the crowd as the set finishes up. The camera and lights crew starts wrapping up as the taping ends. She heads down after to wait for Chris backstage.

Chris comes back off stage and sees Hailey. He waves.

1:25 PM

“Thanks for recording the set! Hope it was worth your time.”

She waves back. “Hey, nice job out there. You’re really a natural. I definitely think we could work together. We can talk business when you’re less busy, but I’m excited to work with you.”

“Any chance you able to sell some recordings of the concert and maybe we make a deal

for future events?”

3:11 PM

(How would entertainment money work in Stars without Number?)

“For sure. We can sell your albums and recordings through PsikeTV, as well as market your live shows tickets if you want, and you’ll get a generous portion of the profit from all that.”

3:15 PM

(We’ve talked about that a little, but i don’t think we came to a conclusion. PsikeTV is a basic holding thing, an dChris Fury would become part of it. Guess this would be as good a place as any to clear it all up)

“Thanks!” Chris says. “I wish we had Psike TV

on Acastus. Still Lady wouldn’t allow any such content. I’m sure you would kill in subscriptions if you started selling shows there. My father has a novel about what life was under the Still a lady that would make a great miniseries if you want to see it or send you a script.”

“That sounds interesting. I’m sure it would do well, if he’s half as talented a writer as you are a musician. If you want to send me a copy of it, I’d love to see it. He’d get a cut of the profits from that of course. Also, I’ve actually been thinking about setting up a HQ on Acastus. Do you think that would be possible now?”

“Wow!” Chris says. “There are lots of people who need work and the cost of living is cheaper than some of the other UNW worlds.”

3:27 PM

“There is a feud going on between the rebels and the security forces.”

“Hmmm, that’s now a bad idea then. Could provide a lot of work for them and hopefully bring the planet back to life some”

“I can be a point person for you if you want.”

“That would be fantastic. A rising star like you could really be a symbol of hope for them.”

“Sounds good! I’ll take whatever credits you think I can get from the show and leave on the next transport!”

(Next on Psike TV

‘Stranger Things’ meets ‘The Expanse’ in the exciting Mini-Series ‘Moons of Acastus ‘!!!)

(Aka “the Twilight Zone but with more space”. Sounds good hahah. )

3:42 PM

“Ok sounds good. Talk to you again soon I’m sure.” (I’ll let Neko decide the credits)

2

(Id say the music and miniseries and the associated costs would be a minor production center for artwork/cultural goods. It’s building this month so we can say this deal is what’s supplying its first batch of product)

(Cool !!!)

4:30 PM

Chris shakes her hand and then sets out for the Harvest Spirits Hotel to sleep.

(Awesome!)

Chris gets up and sees what flights ✈️ are leaving for Acastus.

There are flights continually leaving for various planets, Acastus one of them. It looks to be a 9 day trip

Chris packs his guitar

and gear

️. He books the flight ✈️ right away, thanking the Baron for his hospitality.

7:12 PM

“I can bring some of you beer to Acastus and give it to some people who might want to import it.” Chris says.

"I will gladly donate a few cases to you for some samples" he says "A good marketing opportunity for me

“You’ve helped me out,” Chris says. “And I’d love for Acastus to start becoming more connected to other parts of the Sector. It is really struggling.”

10:15 AM

Chris loads up the samples for the flight and sends a message to his mother and father that he’s coming home.

(9 days of flight time between here and there, any downtime projects?)

Work on two songs, ‘The Sword

of Dax’ and ‘Cyrus God of War’.

(

Can “Cyrus God of War” be to the tune of “Zero to Hero” from Hercules?

) (edited)

4

(Yes, so much yes to this)

Chris starts to play his first version of

11:54 AM

The Sword of Dax Dax was just like you and me A piece of regular humanity In despair and righteous rage He created a magic blade The sword cut through reality Slicing things that we can’t see Enemies live in fear of him Scattering to the Sector’s rim Staying humble as he goes Against intergalactic foes He investigates the ancient past In alien ruins of the outcast Dax doesn’t lift his sword for fame Or some attempt at great acclaim He swings it for you and me He wields it to keep us free

1

11:55 AM

@Dax Withers

11:56 AM

Chris keeps at it and thinks about how Cyrus has gone missing. He jots down some notes and practices some heavy chords.

Chris checks on the other passengers to see who is going to Acastus.

There are two Trivedi Tech representatives aboard the flight, and a military advisor looking fellow

Chris approaches the military advisor. “Hi!” He says. “I’m Chris Fury going home to Acastus. We don’t get lots of visitors but I’m hoping that will change. Can I ask why you’re visiting?”

"I thought I'd see if any there were interested in joining the UNW army, chance to get off world, see the galaxy. I'm just there to recruit"

“There will be,” Chris says. “Economy is still struggling. Plus the UNW helped us a lot”

"We tried. Between friends, I wish the government would have done more to directly help you" (edited)

“Well Trivedia is here and we don’t have a government yet...”

"its not up to me, its up to the people" He says, as reports continue to scroll by on his screen

"What do you mean," Chris asks. "Has something happened ?"

(How much money/resources did I get from @Hailey Clements (Mylonite) for the TV Show and the Music on Psike TV?)

(Nothing yet. Trades haven’t been done this month yet )

1:26 PM

“Acastus is 9 days from UNW territory and we have almost nothing in between to support travel”

1:26 PM

“And the people need to want us to be there. Else it loooks like an occupation”

"When I left it was a struggle between the Resistance and the newly reinvigorated Police," Chris says. "Has anything changed?"

"Youd have better information than me, we haven't had much communication from them since The Still Lady was defeated"

"I can't wait to get back," Chris says. "I'm going to put on a TV Series based on my father's novel about Acastus. It's based during the rule of the Still Lady."

(What Neko said)

(He's just taking about his plans. Unless I got that part wrong.)

Chris also talks to the Trivedia people and asks if they know Joshua Collins.

He knows Joshua Collins by reputation (this is a UNW army officer he’s not from Acastus) and is familiar with his work , but they don’t have a personal relationship

8:01 PM

Trivedi tech is importing technology and consumer goods outlawed by the still lady so he thinks the people of Acastus will be pleased by that

Chris thanks then and then goes to bed

. Thinking about his dark and mysterious home.

Chris spends the time in transit practicing his songs and writing new ones.

You arrive at Acastus days later, to find a handful of ships in orbit, and development on the ground. Small passenger ferries are running from the large Ark ship to the surface, and a small web of new lights below shows another settlement is slowly taking shape, 600km south of Ash City

Chris asks about the new settlement.

He takes the next shuttle down to Ash City.

6:31 PM

On the ride down he writes the lyrics to Cyrus-God of War

6:31 PM

Cyrus God of War Where has our war god gone? What Valhalla is he living on? Has he found peace beyond this place, where the finish line ends this race? Consecrated by a God’s cursed blessing Cyrus’s soldiers constantly pressing Wars were waged from star to star The next battlefield was never far Voices debate whether war is just But they don’t fight the soldier must Did this super-soldier want justice Or like us mortals did he just miss? Consecrated by a God’s cursed blessing Cyrus’s soldiers constantly pressing Wars were waged from star to star The next battlefield was never far Councils of Peace and Councils of War His voice was raised to an angry roar We all wanted an end to strife But hands kept reaching for the knife Consecrated by a God’s cursed blessing Cyrus’s soldiers constantly pressing Wars were waged from star to star The next battlefield was never far Our God of War is Lost in Space While our struggles wear our own face With questions about how to live tranquilly But can we be peaceful and have liberty?

6:31 PM

@Garion

(Beautiful)

No one on the passenger liner has any idea what this might be

9:26 PM

the liner is challenged by one of the picket ships as it comes into system space, but upon declaring its cargo as civilian travelers, the challenge becomes an escort as you make preparations to land. Passing through the slate grey cloud layer, you end up on the outskirts of Ash City, the only place a craft can set down at the moment

Chris says goodbye to the Military Advisor and gives him his comm number in case he needs any help. Then he calls his parents and tells them he is coming home to the apartment.

Your parents are overjoyed to see you, and are both home, for a change

“What’s happening with the new colony?” Chris asks. “How are things since I left? Did you get the credits I sent?” (edited)

"We got the credits son, thank you (bonus 3xp there for you for personal goal completion) . That new settlement, well, Greystar Combine is running Acastus now. They've promised to help the people here, and to get the police and resistance working together again"

“Well,” Chris says. “I hope it gets us back to being a world with less terrors, like when I was a kid. Before the coming of the Shadows.”

“Remains to be seen. We are happy too see you but why are you back so soon?”

“I’ve made some deals with Psike TV

. They are not only playing my songs but they’ve agreed to do anTV miniseries on your Novel. The one about life under the Still Lady!”

This surprise him. and he sits down in a chair, breathing heavily

“Dad,” Chris asks. “Are you okay?”

"I'm just shocked" he says, panting a bit and regaining his composure

“I know,” Chris says. “Amazing isn’t it. People love the story of Acastus. I’m sure it will do well .

"If it prevents this from happening somewhere else, that's the best I can hope for"

“How about you mom?” Chris asks. “Things doing well at the hydro-farm?”

"They're getting better, slowly. No more problems since the one you dealt with"

“Great!” Chris says. “Let me buy you two dinner and then I’d like to meet some of my old friends in the Resistance.”

They are appreciative of your efforts, and you later headoutside with your mother, as the both of you make ready for work

“How are these new Grey guys?” Chris asks his mother.

Chris goes to work.

You arrive at work to find your locker still stocked with your gear. Your supervisor is happy to reinstate you for the time being, until you leave the planet again

Chris gets to work, telling his coworkers of his adventures on Gudrun and the future miniseries.

They are interested in the stories but are cautiously optimistic about the miniseries. A few are upset, feeling like this is re opening the past

Chris works hard and then will take his mother home after work.

(Are you waiting on a quest or did you have something in mind. Having trouble figuring out where this is going)

(Have I gotten the money

for the miniseries? If not I’ll wait for a quest.)

(No, nothing happened with it yet, It has only been about 10 days of gametime. That isn't enough to film anything)

(Okay)

11:25 AM

(I thought it was a way for the character to help pick actors, filming locations and do a soundtrack. Otherwise I can keep looking into his past as a Member of the Resistance.)

(We can do that then, just get me started, because I have no idea how you want to go about that)

Chris goes to his favorite Resistance coffeehouse. To see any of his old compatriots back when he we known as the mask wearing “Blade”.

(did they know it was actually you if you also were using a secret identity?)

(He would have been known as a member of the Resistance but his operations as ‘The Blade’ would have been known to only his handler and maybe certain members of their intelligence. Does that work for you?)

(So, The resistance as a whole knew Chris Fury, as he was a member, but only select members knew he was also' the blade' because reasons. Am I getting that right?)

(If that works for you.)

6:27 AM

(I saw the resistance as being like many where they had to operate in cells for protection. )

(sure)

The coffeehouse is somewhat empty despite the rain outside, again. Three people sit inside at different tables reading newspapers or looking at compads

Chris asks for an espresso and a chocolate

covered mushroom

.

Your food is brought to you after a few moments. "Same order as always." the patron in the corner laughs, still holding up his newspaper

Chris looks over. “Yeah... Its just so well done here. Haven’t found a better chocolate

covered mushroom

anywhere else.”

"Especially since the occupation" a familiar voice says

12:56 PM

(one of your friends)

“I agree!” Chris says. “How are things with you?”

He doesn’t put down the paper. “Things could be better. We have gained some stability but now we have foreign interests to contend with”

“What foreign interests?” Chris asks. “My mother mentioned something about some people I think she called the Greys?”

"Greystar Combine. Those are the ones. Settlers from offworld."

"What do you think of them? " Chris asks.

"Acastus spent a long time under the still lady. This might not be as nefarious, but we're still had the hands of a foreign power"

“My parents seemed happy,” Chris says. “But one of them was imprisoned. Anything that brings peace, some prosperity and no prisons is good to them.”

“There’s no prisons for now. I just worry about the future. How hard we fought to free this place and it’s in the hands of someone else

“Where is the leadership with this?”

"There is no leadership" he coughs and laughs. "The cult made such a big deal of finding them, any they didn't round up and kill, are in hiding"

8:20 AM

"Theyve got little reason to come out of it"

“Still in hiding!” Chris says. “Any way I could visit them? See how they’re doing? I wonder what happened to my cell boss.”

"If we knew where they were we would be doing the same thing ourselves. THey're in hiding for a reason"

“So who made the agreement with Greystone?” Chris asks. “I’m sorry I asked. It’s not like the Resistance had just one leader...we were a fragmented lot. If it wasn’t for the offworlders we would still be under the Still Lady. But I can see how it seems like a new player is on the scene. I mean when things were bad where were they?”

"Exactly. Still, theyve managed to get the rebels and the police forces to work together. It's more than we accomplished, and its more than what the UNW did. Speaking of, they have no idea about any of this I'd bet. "

“Yeah,” Chris says. “History is written by the victors but only known by the victims. Maybe I could talk to some of them...or write a song.”

10:19 AM

“That’s why I want my father’s novel made into the miniseries. So people can see what this world went through.”

'A song might be a discrete way to get the message out"

“So ,” Chris asks. “It’s been a while. My songs and work at the hydro farm keeps me off the street. What are you doing for a living now?”

"I get by. Doing some consulting for the police, goodwill and all that. I don't think its very fulfilling"

“Well,” Chris says. “I hope it keeps the peace and gives Acastus a chance to breathe and prosper for a bit.”

9:38 AM

Chris leaves after making sure to buy some chocolate

covered mushrooms

for his parents.

You're checked out quickly, and your rebel contact goes back to reading the paper

You head home to the beginning of night hours with your presents for family. The UNW and Greystar news reports are on tv, repeating when the loop ends

“Here you go Mom,” Chris says. He hands her the chocolate

covered mushrooms

. “I got them at the Coffee

️ House. Still the best in Ash City. It’s still got some of the old Resistance members there.”

7:15 PM

“What did the news say?”

(It would be whatever is in the news channel, its too much to summarize here, but she would relay that information)

(Got it!)

Chris Fury,

Long time no see, bud! Glad to see your music has taken off in the UNW. I have some business to take care of in Vapormills, but me, along with Svenka Vilnovha will be going to Acastus to speak with their new leaders in the Greystar Combine. We were hoping you would be willing to join us, as a native Acastian (/sp), and I figured it would be a good chance for you to see your home planet again! Let me know if you would like to come with, as we would like to leave soon, to be able to report to the Council next month. Hope all is well.

Joshua Collins

A further message comes through, days later, showing they are back on Acastus, allowing you to meet, if you'd like

(we can pick this up when things get stable, just send a post)

@Chris Fury (Desmond) , after a month or so of taking some time off for new music, starts thinking about a tour of the sector around Acastus. Suha has recently come into the confederation, but little is known about them. There are other worlds nearby that have not been contacted at all

Chris wakes up, leans over and grabs his Acastus Ghost 5 Hollow Body Guitar

. He starts to strum and thinks about playing down at the coffee

️ shop for his newest set.

The streets are beginning to get busy again as Greystar settles in and begins making something like a functioning government. Cult activity hasn’t been reported in a solid month and you see reformed combined security patrols on the streets once again

5:35 PM

The planetary defense force is back, and seems to habe some spine finally

(Bump)

(Sorry. I've retired from my old job and started a new one. I've used a lot of what I learned here to GM with a group playing SWN (a face to face sit down). I would only be able to post a few times a week. Is that too little to begin again?)

3

(No that’s more than enough friend)

While at the coffeeshop Chris looks for any of his old friends who was in the resistance but then joined Greystar.

There are a few who you recognize from the resistance. One has a Greystar identification chit on him now and is paying for his drink. He sees you and gives a slow nod

Chris walks up. "Been awhile! How goes the new work?"

“Things are busy. Suha joining our confederation has given us a lot of new work to do. It’ll be even busier once leda and buey join us too. Places like those could really benefit from a tour , something to tie them into the culture we are trying to build”

"That sounds good!" Chris says. "Mom and Dad seem to be doing better with the new prosperity. Gresystar seems to be good for Acastus."

“You might want to have them looked at by an actual psychic doctor now that we have some. “

8:49 PM

“I know your father is still in a lot of pain”

Chris nods. "We still struggle with how my sister went over to the Still Lady. He more than Mom and I."

“They probably can’t do anything for his feelings, but they could fix his back, ease some of the pain from torture. They wouldn’t need to operate or anything. Just a touch. I can make a referral for you if you like”

"I'd like that!" Chris says. "I owe you."

4:38 PM

Chris leans in and then asks,"I'm thinking of making a tour but I was wondering if Greystar would be interested in me being an undercover agent, like I was during the Resistance. I saw how we were saved again and I'd like to get off the sidelines."

“What If there was a way to do both. A traveling rock star would be able to see a lot of planets. I bet with the right words you could even leverage some of that star power to get to see some really sensitive things”

“If you can offer some real treatment for my father’s crushing back injuries from his confinement and torture the least I could do is get back into the fight to protect Acastus. It seems we’ve now got enemies from beyond the stars as well as those in our backyard.”

“Come by my house tonight. The psychic academy is opening a branch on Acastus. I know who the headmaster is going to be and even though they’re not open yet I bet he can still help”

Chris nods and heads back home to tell his mother and father about the news.

You make it home in between your father preparing for another rest and your mother heading out to work. It’s rare to catch them both at once but today you have.

7:24 AM

“Chris. What’s wrong. Did you run all the way home?”

Chris smiles in between breaths. "Dad...I couldn't wait to tell you. One of my old friends in the resistance...he's with Greystar now...he may be able to help you...with the nightmares."

3:48 PM

Chris sits down across from his father, glancing over at him mother. "They are opening a Psychic Academy. I'm going to talk to him tonight about it."

“They are? I saw bulldozers where the pyramid used to be. I thought maybe something got left behind. I bet that’s where they’re going to build it. You’re meeting them tonight? Well, nothing to lose I suppose. Just keep your wits about you when you’re dealing with these people. “

"I will Dad," Chris says. "I think it's time to to give back to Acastus again."

8:54 PM

"Mom, I'll walk you to work at the hydro-farm before popping over to my meeting." (edited)

She nods and gets her coat, and umbrella. It’s beginning to rain again outside as it does so often on Acastus

Chris puts on his hooded grey and blue long coat and joins her. He makes sure he has his flashlight with him. "What do you think Mom? A psychic academy on Acastus?"

“I’m always going to be a little nervous about it. It feels like something close to the still lady for me. Those kinda powers and stuff. I shouldn’t be this way but it just makes me think of your sister”

"Evelyn was so talented, some of her art is still traded I hear." Chris says. "I wonder if they painted over more of her murals-the ones she made when after she bonded with the Still Lady."

“Mrs. Corrothers told me theres a few on the outskirts of town still. Under bridges and a few down alleys. She went on some errands the other day near the city limit and saw them”

"She fell so far..." Chris said. "Went from kind to creatively cruel in only a few years. I remember how she said the only way to be kind was to show the uncaring cruelty of the universe. It was our last conversation. I joined the Resistance the next day."

“She wasn’t your sister when she joined the cult. That’s what your dad and I tell ourselves.”

Chris nods like he agrees, opens his mouth but then shuts it. He lets the drops of the heavy Acastus rain

️ speak for him. He drops his mom off at the Hydrofarm.

8:32 PM

“I’m going to that meeting mom. I’ll come by later to pick you up. Hour after 2nd moonrise?”

"I'll be done around then, good luck. Keep your wits about you" She gives you a small hug, and sets off through security, into the factory for her shift.

Chris heads to the house. He notes some of the changes that have happened.

The house is a bit brighter with the new coat of interior paint. The city hasn’t changed much physically but the mood of fear and oppression have lifted. The air feels fresh and it is calming to no longer have to listen for the sounds of sirens carried in the wind

Chris takes a breath and enters. "The future..." he says to no one and everyone.

The meeting draws close and as the academy is not built yet, the headmaster of the academy elects to come to your home. Adamaris Tidecaller is a Merlon from the UNW planet terezinho, originally. Upon joining Greystar he had undergone a dangerous mission to the planet Buey, that had seen him tortured and captured by something like a cult

7:09 AM

A long scar across his forehead , and standing with the assistance of a cane, he none the less cuts a sharp image of blue flesh against a dark grey suit

I usher him in the small apartment and ask if he would like some coffee so he can sit down in the living room with my father. Around the small table are some of my father's books and papers. My guitar stands up in the corner.

“I heard some of your music while I was recovering from my ordeal on Buey. Haileys comet is my favorite so far I think. When I heard that I had the chance to help heal the family someone who helped me , it was an easy choice to make. I have some skill in bioscopics and some skill in telepathy. I can fix the torturer’s pains in your body and if the memories are too much, I can edit them, so they don’t bother you anymore. I would not offer this kind of service without careful reflection, and without your permission. “

"I'm glad you liked my songs. I'm playing again after the third moonrise at my local coffeeshop." Chris smiles and puts cream and sugar on the table.

10:07 AM

Chris looks at his father. "What do you think dad?"

(What do you think his dad would do? How far would be go to make peace with the past)

(I think he would want the physical self to be healed, less dreams but hold onto the memories for his writing, so as to continue to be a witness to his experiences with the Still Lady and her despotic government.)

2:42 PM

Chris sees his father struggle a bit and says, "Dad has often said to Mom and I that if he forgot about all the bad that happened, especially with Evelyn, he would lose some of the good memories of her and when we liberated the prison."

"The body we can heal. How does your father sleep? fits during the night? bad dreams? Night terrors?"

"I know he has lots of bad dreams," Chris says looking at his father. Chris's voice shakes. " And mom has told me about his night terrors."

5:26 AM

"What do you think dad?"

“I shouldn’t forget. Someone has to remember. But being in pain during the day...I could do without

"Mr. Tidecaller," Chris asks. "You have obviously been through a great deal of pain and came out of it a healer and headmaster for the Academy. We appreciate you offering to help. What do you charge for this service?"

“I’ll consider the account even. Your music helped me keep hope during my recovery”

"Thank you!" Chris says. "How about I do a benefit show for your academy to help it grow?"

“If you’re insisting on doing something more, dispelling some of the fear of MES users and drawing attention to the cause could help quite a bit. I wouldn’t say no to that”

“It’s the least I can do for you helping to assuage some of my dad’s pain.” Chris says while laying a hand on his father’s shoulder.

“I’m going to check with Psike TV

about broadcasting it. Make it a charity event for your academy so it can help more people!”

"Please do!" he says, the first genuine happiness he has expressed since entering. "Bring your father by the academy, tomorrow morning, and I will do everything in my considerable powers to heal him. "

"We'll be there!" Chris says. He picks up the coffee. "Need anymore?"

He smiles "for now that's enough for me, Bring your father by at first rise, I will prepare a space for the work"

7:35 AM

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Cool! I’ll post the concert soon.)

Chris goes to the local Psike TV station.

The station is small with only a few people working right now but all are eager to help out. Hailey has made a promise to this planet and they’re eager to help carry it out

@Hailey Clements (Mylonite) (can you make an introduction via Gudrun?)

(Oh, didn't realize the concert was starting now. I've got you

) Hailey's hologram comes on with a prerecorded intro, but it moves fluidly as if it were live. "Hey! How's everyone doing tonight? For anyone who doesn't know who I am, I'm Hailey Clements. But you don't care about me. No, you're here to see someone else. Who do you guys want?!" After giving a moment for the crowd to shout his name, Hailey replies, "Then without further ado, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN OF ACASTUS, GIVE IT UP FOR CHRIS FURY!!!"

The crowd roars at the generous introduction, and a spotlight illuminates the stage, filtered to a light blue in color as to not cook poor Chris Fury as he tries to sing.

Chris smiles and starts to sing, attacking his hollow body Acastan Acoustic guitar with aggressive strumming

in a Rockabilly tune... Hailey’s Comet!!! She burns bright and then fades to black You think she’s gone but she comes back Falling into the Sun and then slipping away Here she comes to save the Day We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall Her best friend is a Thorn among Roses

with frenemy words and chameleon poses She’s all the craze with an amazing Maze Going out in a great big Blaze We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall One of the ones who set us free.. Burning Bright for all to see... Space Orphan, Cherry Bomb, iPod Fan Doing it all without a Plan We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall... (edited)

Chris smiles. “I’d like to thank Hailey of PsikeTV for broadcasting this and Mr. Tidecaller for all his work helping the people of Acastus deal with both the physical and mental strains of our struggles with the Cultists and the rest. Please give to help his Psychic Academy grow. Next song....” The Sword of Dax Dax was just like you and me A piece of regular humanity In despair and righteous rage He created a magic blade The sword cut through reality Slicing things that we can’t see Enemies live in fear of him Scattering to the Sector’s rim Staying humble as he goes Against intergalactic foes He investigates the ancient past In alien ruins of the outcast Dax doesn’t lift his sword for fame Or some attempt at great acclaim He swings it for you and me He wields it to keep us free

“Please watch Dax and Grupp’s interview tonight with Presidential Candidate Zam Renald. They always ask great questions.”

There is a small donation meter, set into the stage so only you can see it. Currently, there is a sizeable amount of money raised, and additional pledges to support the academy in other ways from people who do not have a lot of money right now

10:22 AM

the list scrolls on and on, as the broadcast spreads

10:22 AM

Several cameras have also been set up, thanks to Psike TV, and this performance will be recorded and set out to worlds that dont have the ability to get it in real time, or through broadcast

2

"Next one is for Billy Rigger. As you know Hailey, Dax, Billy and Desmond broke the Dictatorship of the Still Lady on Acastus," Chris says. "They helped the resistance and then fought her. Many of us died in that fight. Their efforts with us the Resistance, let us open to charting our own course again, but of course her shadows still stretch to this day, shadows cast by our moons and neon signs." (edited)

7:11 AM

Chris plays a rollicking bar room jumpy tune.

7:15 AM

Billy's Barrage

7:20 AM

Billy’s barrage came down like rain, Hailey’s fists brought the Lady pain, Dax’s sword cut the cult god deep But our world Acastus was born to weep… It was Billy’s Barrage that saved the Day Billy’s Barrage made her go away Blowing the Still Lady into dust While Desmond O’Shea did what he must Leaving Billy to cry Billy gave us bombs and guns laser rifles by the ton He believed in us While we had faith in him Billy engineered our win! The fixit kid from outer space The wonderboy who wanders place to place Running against himself in a one-man race But can he ever build a home? Billy gave us bombs and guns laser rifles by the ton He believed in us While we had faith in him Billy engineered our win! Billy is an Admiral strong Billy he can do no wrong It’s everywhere where he belongs That’s why he’s in this bar room song! Billy gave us bombs and guns laser rifles by the ton He believed in us While we had faith in him Billy engineered our win! With his heart on his sleeve and his brains in his hands He makes friends As the universe expands Billy don’t stop crying ‘Cause it means that you’re still trying To save and fix, battle and befriend From Stars without Number To Stars without End (edited)

3

Chris plucks at his guitar. He looks into the blue light.

"We've been through a lot here on Acastus just like you've been through a lot on your worlds. The Fleshshapers threatened all of us. I hope that unites us. I know that the personal struggles all of us face daily united us before that. Here is a little song about Acastus that I hope you can see is little bit about you, whether you live here or not. (edited)

4:59 PM

Chris plays a slow song that revolves in a reflective rhythm. His voice croons and keens plaintively.

5:01 PM

Shadows cast Shadows on Acastus the Dark Three moons circle us in three arcane arcs Circling a sun that no longer shines Marking our time in three different lines Volcanoes keep us warm, with blankets of ash The clouds cry for us, as the rains lash Forests of mushrooms, hydrofarms under rooves We drink our dark coffee as the Still Lady moves Greystars among us, white stars above Shine through grey rainclouds we both love Ash City makes history but we should fear The history that was already here Our future’s lighthouse bright To ships in a stormy sea As that flashlight in your hand always finds little lost me Dictators, Rebels, Revolution, Revival We’ve seen them all And they’ve seen our survival So have chocolate, a coffee A freshly grilled mushroom steak As a new generation is born and makes time for our Wake (edited)

There are enough funds and enough songs to complete the initial recording of the show (I think 3-4 is usually an EP style release in modern times) and there are enough funds to keep the academy branch here sustained for some time

6:00 AM

At the side of the stage, your father is standing there, looking strong and healthy once again

6:00 AM

His teeth have even been fixed

6:00 AM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Chris smiles, stands and slings his guitar over his shoulder.

6:07 AM

"Your contributions will go to helping people heal. Thank you all. Hope to see you in the future as I tour the sector." Chris walks over as the cameras follow him and he hugs his dad.

6:11 AM

He will later try and contact his old Resistance buddy who is now in Greystar about the previous offer. (That was lots of fun! Thanks!)

(I leveled up! I will reroll hitpoints.)

(Alright I’ve got a good mission )

Greystar is needing a skilled agent for a sensitive task and a traveling singer makes sense. The people of Acastus are trying to see what other worlds might be around them and a traveling rock star is the perfect cover to examine their cultures

It’s a tough day for Chris as he packs his bags

and

guitar.

10:18 AM

“Well Mom, Dad,” he says with a forced upbeat tone. “I’m going on tour. I’m excited to see more of the Sector. Maybe some of the UNW. Meet some of the heroes of Acastus but I’m going to miss you both.”

"We're just a comm call away Chris" your mother says, "and now with your father back on his feet, I've got someone at home to help out. We can finally start to go for walks again. This is all thanks to you son"

Chris bids them goodbye and heads to the Ash City Spaceport. ( Has Greystar given him a planet

to go to or can he pick one?)

(You can pick one. Buey and Leda are both candidates to be brought in to the confederation. Kelvin is on Leda now formalizing the legal side of it, but you can still go too. Other than that, the scouting reports and everything are up on roll20, if you see something interesting or if theres a world on the map nearby without anything , we can do those too)

“I’m looking for a ship bound for Buey,” Chris asks at the spaceport.

He mispronounces it without realizing.

“Ah you’re the gig that’s heading out to visit. Greystar has paid fare for you and your crew. Head aboard and get comfortable”

Chris is amazed that Greystar is taking care of the bills.

9:08 PM

He walks on board with his guitar

over his shoulder, a wheeled suitcase

and a backpack

with one of his dad’s books

in it, along with a notebook

of his sister’s Sill Lady art.

a small scouting report populates on your cabin screen as you make yourself comfortable in the shuttle. Theocratic Rule the planet is ruled by the priesthood of the predominant religion or ideology. The rest of the locals may or may not be terribly pious, but the clergy have the necessary military strength, popular support or control of resources to maintain their rule. Alternative faiths or incompatible ideologies are likely to be both illegal and socially unacceptable. Terraform Failure This world was marginal for human habitation when it was discovered, but the Mandate or the early government put in pretech terraforming engines to correct its more extreme qualities. The terraforming did not entirely work, either failing of its own or suffering the destruction of the engines during the Silence. The natives are only partly adapted to the world's current state, and struggle with the environment. (edited)

9:12 AM

The report ends with a small statement advising travelers that the local uprising by religious rebels has been ended, and the planet is peaceful and open to outside visitors once again.

Chris makes sure his drummer and bassist are set up well. They practice some songs on the flight ✈️.

The flight to Buey is quick and the Catholic Church space authority from the planet below grants you access to the shipyard mid continent. They promise someone on the ground is ready to meet you, and will give you more specifics about your show. As the small ship comes in to land, you see a jeep with two priests in it, flanked by ten men at arms on foot

“We may not be on a mission from God, lads,” Chris says. “But it looks like we’re on a mission to Him!” (edited)

Chris says this as he walks up to the group.

One of the priests hops out of the vehicle. “Welcome to buey” he says, smiling. The sunlight is weak , blocked by rolling clouds but still brighter then Acastus by many times. “You’re here to perform. Greystar was kind enough to send us one of their best. “

“Thanks Father,” Chris says putting on some dark shades. “Where will you have us play? I hope it’s a night concert. I love seeing a sun

️ but my band mates and I are used to a neutron Star.”

"We have soldiers who are deployed in the northeast, theyre doing a grim job of cleaning up a city were were trying to occupy, and getting a piece of important machinery working again. You going out there and boosting their morale with a show would mean a lot to them. These men have been on the front lines for months, and haven't had much to smile about"

“Well do our best Father!” Chris says. “Just get us there.”

something like an armored half track rolls out of one of the nearby hangars. The engine is loud and it cracks the ground under its weight as it begins moving toward you. “This should get you and your instruments there. I assure you that things are perfectly safe but there are. A lot of natural hazards in no mans land”

“We appreciate it. Your troops went through a lot. Anything that they would enjoy hearing or any messages from you we could pass on? Anything from the conflict that would mean something to them?”

"They'd enjoy knowing the Church is looking proudly at them, and that those who are not with them now are being taken care of in the afterlife. I also want them to know we're making plans to get everyone home and back to their lives once the city has been secured. Anything you can say to give them some kind of assurance in what we're doing here. The fight here was a little strange. It is hard to find something to say about it"

Chris straps his Acastus 5000 Electric

️ Hollow Body Guitar

on his back and plucks out some sustained notes

.

10:45 AM

“Me and the band got this! We’ll do you and your message proud.”

“I know we have asked you to do something a little unconventional. Above all just help the men and women who had been fighting out there forget about their troubles for a little bit

Chris smiles shakes their hands and then strides out on stage, his drummer taking up position behind his snare and cymbals. The standup bassist walks up and she lets it lean against her body. She plucks our a slow, jazzy beat.

12:37 PM

“Hey Buey!” Chris calls out through his old fashioned mic

. “You fought a great fight and those that sent you here want to see you all home soon. You fought a nightmare, the Vicious Viceroy and your whole world thanks you. As a fellow fighter of mind controlling, murderous despots we know the price you pay doesn’t end after the last shot is fired. Here’s to you, your sacrifice and your path that will lead you home!”

The soldiers go silent as the show begins. There are a few thousand here at least, most of the crowd is walking wounded in some way- bandages are present on almost every single one.

"Here is a song from our War against the Still Lady," Chris says. "I hope it speaks to you too!"

2:29 PM

Our rifles are heavy But our sleeping bags warm The tents keep us dry From the gathering storm The guns are now silent The dead now cremated We were here for the War While the Peace has just waited Our families are home Far away from this place They want our return And pray for salvation and grace Our Duty kept us On the front lines To spare our families From the Still Lady’s crimes Hailey, Billy and Dax our Heroes True Desmond, Regulus now Honored Dead Their blood and ours spilled To keep Freedom’s Tree Fed So we will stay on Till we’re done with the fight Knowing our homes Soon will be in sight (edited)

Chris turns to his band and has them strike an upbeat rhythm which contrasts with his previous song.

The crowd is intently listening, a hushed silence falls over them all, as they wait for the next one to begin

1

By the time the third moon rose we were drunk on red rice beer There were no rain or clouds so the stars shone cold and clear Our neutron sun, in its sky run, gave a faint blue flickering light We chatted of other worlds who have days and not just night Oh Acastus, our neon home of volcanoes, rain and ash! Our hydrofarms grow great bounty over the geothermal gash Other places have their graces like oceans and shining suns, But we’ve got coffee, bread and chocolate by the tons! There may be terrible troubles like ghouls and ghostly beasts But they are just the dark dessert after magical misty feasts We gather in our coffee shops and sing them away with songs While our rebels and freedom fighters work to right their wrongs Our planet runs the gamut of riddles old and new Our mysteries are too many and our explanations far too few So if you meet a sad Acastan, with their teary eyes a glisten a drink of ale will get you a tale worth at least one listen

7:16 PM

The song ends like it began, with a bar room beat and a swinging rhythm.

(What’s this song called? I’m putting handouts with them up since people really like them

(That is great! Haven’t named it yet! How about *A Drink for an Acastan”?)

4

(Sure! I'll add it

(I now need to up my game on my Roll20 campaign! )

Chris jumps right into his next song. Cyrus God of War Where has our war god gone? What Valhalla is he living on? Has he found peace beyond this place, where the finish line ends this race? Consecrated by a God’s cursed blessing Cyrus’s soldiers constantly pressing Wars were waged from star to star The next battlefield was never far Voices debate whether war is just But they don’t fight the soldier must Did this super-soldier want justice Or like us mortals did he just miss? Consecrated by a God’s cursed blessing Cyrus’s soldiers constantly pressing Wars were waged from star to star The next battlefield was never far Councils of Peace and Councils of War His voice was raised to an angry roar We all wanted an end to strife But hands kept reaching for the knife Consecrated by a God’s cursed blessing Cyrus’s soldiers constantly pressing Wars were waged from star to star The next battlefield was never far Our God of War is Lost in Space While our struggles wear our own face With questions about how to live tranquilly But can we be peaceful and have liberty?

Much of the crowd is not familiar with Cyrus or the protectorate to begin with, but the themes of war are strong for them, and they can relate to the message. It seems like you are winning them over

"Here's one for you and @Eisheru, et al. " Chris says. He plays a fast paced martial song.

1

3:09 PM

Tidecaller! The Viceroy is now vanquished The war we fought is won Our people will be free From cruel contagion Tidecaller, Tidecaller You destroyed the Viceroy Tidecaller, Tidecaller You brought our planet joy A terraformer Terror Unleashed by God knows what A machine made monster Powered by evil blood Tidecaller, Tidecaller You destroyed the Viceroy Tidecaller, Tidecaller You brought our planet joy We fought old friends, made puppets by his spell. Using them for evil ends We sent him straight to hell! Tidecaller, Tidecaller You destroyed the Viceroy Tidecaller, Tidecaller You brought our planet joy Now we burn our infected dead, in a purifying pyre. We hope that Viceroy fries In a pit of demon fire!

The time is getting late and although the soldiers are cheering and in high spirits, their drill officers begin looking on, trying to get things wrapped up so they can dismiss their men. The priest who met you on the landing field and his entourage look on, over the assembled group

“Well it’s been an honor for us to play for you,” Chris says. “We hope we gave you a little music

for your big sacrifices. We’re from Acastus, so it’s unusual to say this, because we don't have a day. but we can in Buey, ‘Good Night!’ “ (edited)

Chris and the band bows low and the lights go off.

(3xp, 5000 credits)

9:10 PM

The show ends, and the soldiers cheer, especially as their victory has been immortalized in your last song. The priest and his retinue come to find you, making their way through the celebrating crowd over to where you and the band are putting your instruments away

“Hello Father!” Chris says. “We hope that helped, obviously not as much as the Tidecallers did. They send their regards and would like to talk to you.” (edited)

"Are they here? any of them? I know Eisheru Tidecaller was the one responsible for killing the fungal viceroy. He did not stay long after the fight, he had a wounded member of his caste with him"

“They were wondering if your people would want to explore joining the Greystar Confederation,” Chris says. “The Tidecallers fought the Viceroy and are eager to continue working together to address mutual concerns, like the Terraforming Technology and your shipyard. I know that there are those on Acastus that would love to visit your planet and show you how we use our hydroponics. They might be a away to safely deal with any of the fungi infestation.”

2:35 PM

“My mom and I worked for years on a hydro farm, as a matter of fact she still works on one that makes some of the best cocoa beans, the ingredient in Acastus chocolates

.”

"With the terraforming machine broken now, that might be the best way forward. I see that a copy of the Greystar charter is here with you. I'll need a night to talk to my superiors, and look things over. We can fly you back to the shipyard. You'll need to wait the night, I would imagine, but we can have an answer from the planetary bishop by morning"

Chris smiles and then helps his band load up their gear on the transport.

(anything you wanted to see here during the evening/night?)

(No, Chris would probably be really tired after the show and after thanking the band for their work fall asleep.)

(Alrighty, moving on) The next morning there is a gentle knock at the door of the bedroom you were provided. Buey has a small embassy, which you suspect was a rectory before the residents here were either killed in the war or moved on to other duties. There is a good amount of Buey memorabilia in the room, namely manufactured products of local industry. It seems almost done intentionally, as though to give you some sampling of the planet for you to in turn inform Greystar of.

"I'll be right there!" Chris looks over the Buey memorabilia to see if there is anything of note while putting on some clothes. He opens the door. (I think Chris may have missed an opportunity to investigate Buey last night! Damn) (edited)

The glassware looks to be very well made, better than the quality on Acastus. The small selection of fresh food laid out is lesser in quality, but the soil here is poor- something the Jesuits have not been shy about,

7:40 AM

At the door, a priest in training is standing there a bit nervous. "Mr. Fury, sorry for disturbing you. The conclave is ready to give you their decision when you're awake and ready to meet

“I’m ready!” Chris says eating his food quickly. “Thanks for breakfast.” He takes a piece of the glassware with him to the meeting so he can compliment it’s amazing craftsmanship.

The nervous priest in training brings you through winding hallways to the central chapel of a large building. The priest you met on the landing fields, along with two others in more ostentatious dress are there, sitting in chairs. One has been set up for you , facing them, though they sit close to the pulpit and as such will be looking down towards you. "Welcome, Mr. Fury. Please sit. We have come to a decision about the offer to join the Confederacy"

Chris look up at them and then bows his head. “Your hospitality is as great as this glassware I’ve found. Whatever your decision it was an honor to help entertain your soldiers during this difficult time.”

“Buey will be joining the Confederacy, but two things need to happen First, we want to take you up on your offer to repair the soil here. You mentioned your Mother has spent a long time working in those farms. She is familiar with the actual day to day work it sounds like. If she and a chosen team could come out to advise for a few months to get us started and help troubleshoot that takes care of our main problem

5:46 PM

The other is the safe dismantling and removal of the terraforming device from the fungal viceroys palace. It’ll never work again but leaving it here is too dangerous. Some heretical sect or lone maniac could easily restart the whole process and securing it here is more resources than we have to give”

Chris looks very emotional. “I would like to thank the Conclave. My mother and father might welcome a change in scenery. They’ve had some struggles....As for the terraforming device we’ll work to get that dismantled and off planet. All we would need is the use of your spaceport.”

"Of course. you're not going to be able to land heavy ships there (cruisers and up) but its plenty to serve any light vessels you plan to send- even if this takes several trips. We don't expect a quick removal, just as long as we see progress"

Chris laughs. “I’m a hydro farmer, who can play the guitar

and a former freedom fighter. The details of how to handle your terraformer are beyond me but I will pass on that information and fly back with a light vessel. I’ll make sure to call ahead before we land so that we bring what you need, in both hydroponics and other technologies.”

"All we can ask. We'll work out the smaller matters with the diplomats who will surely be following this conversation, but thank you, for everything"

2:08 PM

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Chris bows his head. “This chapel

is magnificent. Does it have a library

? On my way out I’d like to see if you have any records on the Terraformer I can take with me to Acastus.”

2:20 PM

(Cool! Great hooks for the next Chapter in the Buey Adventure!)

"We do have some volumes in print, and on electronic copy, you're free to access whatever you like. We're all about to be family"

Chris gathers the information and goes to the Greystar Spaceship with his band. He is humming a new tune that he is working on.

(It's one day back to acastus from here if youre working on any downtime activities)

On the way back Chris studies the old records on the Terraformer to see if he can determine who built it and what type of government they had before the present one.

The terraformer was built by the Terran Mandate (later to be removed and replaced by the Tenebrian Empire) during the second wave of expansion from Earth. Records of its workings never made it to the planet, as Tenebrian-Black Sun war broke out shortly after and the orders were either intercepted, destroyed, or never sent. The colonists here did what they could to try to understand the machine, years of incomplete understanding finally culminating in the psy-fungal crisis they recently overcame

(Love this lore!)

Chris goes to sleep thinking about Old Empires and how History haunts us all.

(its 1 day on the trip back to Acastus) Entering Acastus space, the normal security is passed as youre indeed yourself, and on official business. Upon entering you are able to discuss the planet's decision to join, along with their conditions for doing so with the monthly meeting of agents that control polity actions. The priesthood of Buey seemed sincere in their offer for the Fury family to come and work as consultants to help make their planet healthy again

Chris goes to the hydrofarm where his mother is a supervisor. He looks nervous and walks at a fast clip. He passes one of his sister's old murals and grimaces at their insane swirls and eldritch designs.

Mrs. Fury is outside the plant, talking with a few employees. Shift has just ended, and almost on cue the sky lights up with the first of Second Rise's rainstorms. Seeing Chris approach, splashing through puddles gathering in the street, she waits for him to catch up and dismisses her friends

Chris waves at his mother and lifts an umbrella that he always carries when he meets her. He opens it and steps to cover her.

7:31 PM

"Hey Mom!" Chris says. "I'm back from Buey. I wonder if you have time for a coffee and a chocolate croissant on the way home. My treat."

7:31 PM

He pauses.

7:32 PM

"I'd got something I'd like to ask you and if you like it, how to approach Dad."

“My son the music star comes home. Of course I will”

Chris walks with her to the coffee shop, holds the door for her as he shakes his umbrella out and then enters. He checks what she wants and then orders it. After getting the order he sits down and drinks the coffee.

8:46 PM

"Buey has nothing as good as this." Chris says.

"How was Buey? You're the first of the Fury's to ever go off world. That's really something" she says, looking down into her drink. Outside, the rainstorm has finally broken, and sheets of thick droplets soak the roads

"Well," Chris says. "That is what I came to talk to you about."

1:32 PM

He takes a bite of his croissant, enjoying the buttery, flaky crust and the chocolate.

1:37 PM

"The Jesuits need to grow food despite having diseased soil from a failed Terraforming Technology," Chris says. "They want to use hydroponics so as to bypass the soil conditions and have a yearlong harvest for their people."

"that sounds like a terrible problem, and a great idea for helping them out. did you come up with that?"

“I mentioned it,” Chris said. “They need our help and we need the jobs here. But. I’m afraid when I talked about it, well I guess I let slip how long you had done it and you being a supervisor and all. They’d like you to come and head up their hydroponics initiative.”

"I see. What's the planet like now? the climate?"

“Definitely not as much rain

,” Chris says. “And they actually have a sunrise

.”

9:27 AM

“They are struggling to feed their people,” Chris says. “There was a Terraforming Problem that created a fungi-human creature called the Viceroy which could mind control the populace.”

9:27 AM

“Do you remember that man Tidecaller, who helped Dad?”

"I do. I've seen him around a couple times actually" she says "he seems to enjoy walking outside in the rain"

“He fought the Viceroy on Buey. He might have some more information on the planet. Maybe we could invite him over.”

(Eisheru did, you can message him if you want, hes away on Jivani right now, but within a 2 day jump of home)

@Eisheru, et al.

1

### BEGIN SECURE TRANSMISSION ###
To: Agent Fury
From: Eisheru Tidecaller

Greetings Agent Fury,

I received your request for more information on Buey. The soil was very poor from my recollection. The fungus that was connected to the Viceroy seemed to be choking the life out of everything else. While the fungus died with the Viceroy, I do not know what that means for the soil. It may return to normal now that it doesn't have an unnatural corruption plaguing it. The climate was variable, but on the colder side of temperate. Obviously as you know by now the atmosphere is human miscible. If you have more specific questions, do not hesitate to reach out.

Fair Winds and Following Seas,
Eisheru Tidecaller
### END SECURE TRANSMISSION ###

Chris shows his mom the communique. “Here is what I have.”

"I see. This presents some...unique..challenges. I think we have what it takes to try to make it work. What do you think Chris?" she sighs "You think this is a good move for your Dad and I?"

“I think getting out of the apartment and away from Acastus may be a way to help us all get over what happened with Evelyn,” Chris says. “Her conversion to that crazy Still Lady Cult. It’s all around us and Dad may be able to find some peace for a while. He always wanted to see a sunset.”

She sighs for a moment, idly stirring her coffee and looking down into its dark depths. "I think you're right. Even if its for a few months, it will still be good to get away. Alright. Let your Father know what's going on. I'll make arrangements with work. Just send me a copy of that message. If its got government stamps on it they won't give me any trouble about leaving for a while"

Chris gets on his compad and sends him mom the messages. He also cc's @Eisheru, et al. so that any information about Buey is shared between all of them.

### Begin Secure Transmission ###
Agent Fury,

Should there be any issues with staffing approvals let me know and I will assist in what ways I can. I do not foresee any issues since your family will be on Official Confederation business. 

Best of luck to you and your parents on Buey
Eisheru Tidecaller
### End Transmission ###

(edited)

He then finishes his coffee and then asks, "Is there any other questions Mom? I was thinking of getting dad one of those rye rolls and a light roast coffee to go."

"I think thats all I can really say until I talk to work. We'll be able to go, I dont think they'll give me any trouble"

Chris gathers the order for his father and sets out home with his mother. He holds the umbrella high to keep the rain off her. He looks about the dark streets he had fought for during his time in the resistance. It had gotten better with Greystar but many were still out of work.Will his parents going to Buey help both that and this world?

Returning home, your Father is inside, making some notes in a small book for a sequel to his previous work, now that Greystar is here and the planet has changed again. He looks up as he hears the door open and you walk in

“Got your favorite!” Chris says raising the bag of fresh rolls and the coffee

️.

“The rye rolls are fresh and the coffee is light roast like you prefer.”

"Thank you son" he smiles, standing up to take your burden from your hands. "I got an interesting message from your mother. Something about another world?"

"Yeah," Chris sits down at the small table up against the wall where the kitchen meets the living room. "You know I went to Buey for that concert. It's the same planet where Mr. Tidecaller fought this intelligent fungal creature called the Viceroy which came from a Terraformer, which is broken. Well they want Mom to help set up their hydrofarms since their food production is compromised."

“Even when the still lady was in@power she had enough good sense to keep food production going. We never went hungry. Their world sounds like it went through something else entirely. I think we should see what it is like there. It would help my book. Your mom would get a position she deserves...and I think we all could use a break from Ash City for a bit”

Chris exhales and his shoulders visibly relax. He smiles and looks up at his father. “I am very happy you said that. Your last book

was well received and maybe if you want to do some readings on Buey we can get a cross-cultural literature and music exchange going between Buey and Acastus. A culture with a Jesuit structure must produce some interesting works.”

"It might be nice to see another planet and work on my notes. Alright Chris. Your mother is already going, and I am not going to stay here by myself while you go explore other planets. I'll let the landlord know we're going to be gone for a while so he can watch the place for us"

"I'll be traveling with you and a team to disassemble the Terraformer," Chris says. "I'm going to keep studying their history and music."

"We leave tomorrow, I thought I saw"

“Excellent!” Chris says. “I’ll help you pack.”

(anything you wanted to buy or do before we head out?)

"I'm going to go buy some chocolate and other supplies Dad," Chris says. "They don't have a lot of that on Buey."

4:32 PM

Chris leaves and buys these supplies and then goes to a coffee shop that has a running open mike during the third moon's rise.

(He also drops by the monthly Agent Meeting).

Gear packed, and the apartment set to be left to itself for a few months, the Fury family heads to the airport to make their flight to Buey. A shuttle has been set aside for their use and more flights with the handpicked hydroponics and soil treatment crew will follow in the coming days

“I bought some shades for both of you,” Chris tells them. “Sunrises and Sunsets

are beautiful but the noon times can be headache inducing for us Acastans.”

9:49 PM

He hands them both some dark sunglasses

.

They each gratefully accept and place them in their bags. “So what did you do on these long flights son? You’re probably an expert at handling them by now”

“I work on songs or read about history. The stuff on Buey and the Terran Mandate was neat.”

"The fall of the mandate was over 30 years ago and its amazing how much has already been written. That's really something "

“Yeah, the terraformer was built by the Terran Mandate, which was replaced by the Tenebrian Empire. It was during the second wave of expansion from Earth. So the colonists worked with only a limited understanding of its technology which led to this intelligent fungi that became The Viceroy. It makes me wonder where the Still Lady came from. Was she an alien or other dimensional creature or a leftover from the Terran Mandate that was transformed by our pre-human moons and ruins?” (edited)

"I wonder if your sister ever knew the answer. Apparently some of her journals are still floating around out there somewhere"

“I didn’t know that!” Chris says. He frowns. “I wonder how we could get one.”

“Probably former cult sites on the moons” mr fury thinks after a moment. “Most everything in ash city is bulldozed now. Maybe in the deep Acastus wilds too. Not much of the forest was ever explored”

“I will check that out once I get you and mom settled in Buey,” Chris says looking up at the starship about to transport them. “It will be your home for a few months and I want to make sure everything is okay.”

“I am sure the church will take care of us too, and you will be around d. We will do this as a family. Just like we do everything else”

"That's means a lot dad." Chris says as he helps them with their luggage onto the shuttle. After getting them settled in their room Chris goes to his and pulls out his guitar and starts to play. He works through an old Acastus tune and then starts to riff off it and begin to write words and notes down.

"Tidecaller fought and Tidecaller won but the price was too much He was just done So he gave up on sadness Gave up on tears He stepped back from madness Forgot all the fears" (edited)

Chris plays some more of the new tune, writes some notes down and then starts to sing again with a slower tempo. "no fear, no hate, no anger, no lust, He joined the Red Sangha to earn their trust" (edited)

The trip to Buey is a quick day of Spike flight, and your parents seem to adjust to it by time the trip is over. The world of Buey, the soil a tiger stripe of unhealthy blue, contrasted with rich green and brown, is the first thing to be noticed

Chris points this out to his mom.

8:50 AM

“What do you think?” He asks her. “Will hydroponics be able to help?”

"Without getting my hands on the soil, I don't know. but the planet looks sick, you can see it from up here"

"I'm glad you are taking this on Mom," Chris says. "That Terraformer really wrecked havok on Buey. I'm glad Acastus didn't have to be Terraformed. Dad, you're the scholar. Do you know what planets in the Sector had been Terraformed or is that lost in history?"

"Buey was, I believe they were supposed to be the first of many, but the war and the disaster after stopped it from moving anywhere else. It's hard to believe, but remember, we're out on the rim out here. There are a lot of barren planets this machine was supposed to seed life into"

“When its dismantled and taken off planet, maybe they’ll be able to get it to work.” Chris speculates our loud.

The ship heads down,h eading to the shipyard, which as you land, you can see large sections of it are being inventoried.

“Want to see some of that when we land Mom or get settled?”

Chris peers down at the Terraformer. He wonders how Tiger Stripe of blue matches the original location of the Terran Mandate machine.

The stripes seem to be organically spread, possibly the contagion taking root in some parts of the soil, but not in others. A small open roof vehicle with two priests begins driving toward the shuttle, it is long bodied with enough room in the back for all of you, and your bags. It comes to a halt, and the engine shuts off for a moment, the two priests emerging to give you welcome to Buey

"Hello!" Chris says. "I'd like to introduce you to my parents. This is my mother Maeve and my father Lex. Forgive us for the sunglasses, but worlds with suns are not easy on our eyes."

"As expected. Welcome to Buey. I'm Father Greggory, and this is Father Andonis, We're to be your escorts while you're on planet, and we're here to help you handle the terraformer"

"Thanks," Chris says. "Would you like us to start now?"

12:08 PM

Chris looks around at the spaceport.

12:09 PM

(Would Chris be able to see how much security is here compared to other worlds he's been on?)

(The spaceport here is a military spaceport so it’s pretty secure. During the war it was their lifeline off world and they also didn’t want the viceroy to take it and have an ability to spread elsewhere )

(Do they take us to the Terraformer or to our residence first?)

(It’s up you you. It’s early in the day here. It would make sense to do it in either order)

Chris looks up at the huge pieces of the Terraformer.

5:29 PM

“Mom,” Chris asks. “Mind if we look at that before settling in?”

"Sure, we should do that first, its what we came here to do after all" A second vehicle is brought up for you, to take you to the former Fungal City, across the no mans land of trenches , bunkers, and artillery emplacements. Although the fungal army has been destroyed, killed to a man once the Viceroy was defeated, the remnants of their war preparations stretch across the kilometers long landscape between the landing zone and their ruined city

Chris asks one of the people taking them through the devastation, “I wonder what type of change went in in their minds that turned them into such an army under that Viceroy. On Acastus we’ve seen people who chose to join the Still Lady, did these people have a choice?”

"We don't think they did. It was almost like an infection that got into their bloodstream through fungal spores, and once it hit their brains, the Viceroy took over from there. We studied as best we could when the Viceroy was alive, but the bodies aren't of much value now without anything controlling them

“Sad,” Chris looks over at his parents. “Sorry Mom, Dad we’re here to get away from that for a while.”

3:41 PM

Chris studies the approaching city for any anomalies that would point to a pattern of infection.

The soil is striped in the same tiger formation of what you'd seen from space. It spreads almost like the ground had veins , though there is nothing on the soil here to suggest the planet is organic on that kind of scale.

12:17 PM

The vehicle heads through the gates of the ruined viceroy city, speeding toward the keep constructed onto the back of the terraformer

"There it is Dad," Chris says. "The lone Terraformer from the Terran Mandate in this Sector. Constructed by an Empire that fell before it could engage this engine of earth like climates."

There is a quiet amount of reverence as you approach the fallen terraformer. Ladders and a other scaling equipment have been set up, and a work crew is still going through the process of dismantling the castle constructed on the machines back. The removed flagstones have been piled up in large mounds, and a constant stream of workers in and out of the terraformer either carry stones, or carry back empty sling straps or grav sleds to haul more.

7:08 PM

A funeral pyre is also burning nearby, where fungal citizen bodies found in the city are carted over to be disposed of

Chris looks at the funeral pyres and his mind flashes back to the mass human sacrifices the Still Lady sanctioned. He turns to those who are leading his family there.

8:09 PM

"You have all suffered much. I hope what we do in some small way help in your recovery."

"You being here is a start, certainly." The group gets out of the vehicle and begins heading toward the ladder leading into the exposed side of the terraformer. The iron railing is freshly painted, and it seems as though some focus on trying to restore it has been applied lately. "Alright, so we need to get a tour here, and then I suppose we show your mother the soil, let her take some samples. I guess from there you will know what to do, if theres anything that can be done at all"

“The idea is to create an enclosed hydroponics crop away the diseased soil,” Chris says. “On Acastus we couldn’t grow anything other than fungi outside because of the lack of light so we made hydro farms with indoor illumination. We’re hoping to apply that here.” (edited)

"The light we provided was similar to a terrestrial sun."

"So this is essentially going to act as a soil replacement. Is there a way to actually restore the soil itself? "

"I don't know," Chris says. He looks at his mother. "Any ideas on soil reclamation?"

"Maybe something like Phytoextraction. We find something that does grow in the fungal area, and then when the plants mature, we harvest them and dispose of them off world. Then plant new, until the contamination is leeched from the soil. It might take years, but its the only way to do it without polluting something else"

Chris nods and then points at the iron railing.

12:57 PM

"Well, lets get a look at this titanic Terraformer."

Heading through the iron guts of the terraformer, the machine is truly a monster of a creation. Broken pipes, split conduits, fallen beams from the ceiling and evidence of dozens of electrical fires show that the Scream and what came after it was not kind to this machine. aa

8:37 PM

The Viceroy also made a significant number of changes to its internal workings, coopting a number of the life creating systems here to instead keep the nutrient rich preservative bath he permanently floated in, perfect

Chris crawls through much of the machine, taking videos and pictures that he can save for his mother and the scientists at Greystar.

3:38 PM

"Do you think any of this technology can be saved Mom?" Chris asks.

3:44 PM

He looks for anything that resembles a control center or a transmitter/receiver array.

There is a set of controls that are built into the viceroys tank, and the ruins of it. There are not much of them left

Chris looks over the controls.

9:32 PM

“What kind of monster twisted all this technology into a recipe for tyranny?”

“Some kind of psychic id imagine” your mother says, looking over as much of the controls as she is able to grasp. “This harnessed tremendous amounts of bioscopic energy to work”

"I'll have to send a message to Eisheru and the other Psychics." Chris says. "Anything else we should look at before getting settled in?"

“Maybe we check around the base of this thing. See where the actual soil change would have taken place. I’d like to get a few samples”

Chris nods and makes his way outside with his mom. He tells the delegation he’s with,”We’re going to take some samples outside. What is the timetable on taking this apart and shipping it to Greystar? It looks huge. Do you need more assistance?”

7:44 AM

(I looked through my old adventures for Chris and found he got a cult dagger

from Joshua Collins.)

(That’s three in total then. Does Chris have it on him?)

(Yes. Here is the quote from 5/29/2019...

Joshua pulls out the kris knife he got off the cultist earlier. "I'll give you this for now, don't want you having too much attention drawn to yourself, but it'll help you out if you get into a jam like earlier." He hands him the knife. "Stay safe out there. Heard the cultists might be hitting the food markets, so watch out if you need to go there later. I'm gonna be keeping an eye out all around for them, so I'll keep my ears on in case you see something."

@NoahL

(Wow almost a year ago. Alright. That’s all three)

(The looong game!)

She does need some help, even something simple like shoveling or bagging collected samples. Several crates are requisitioned, along with clean-suits for each of you. Temporary sanitation facilities also begin going up near the terraformer as she wastes no time getting to work.

After a few hours Chris stops, wipes the back of his sleeve across his brow. He looks over at his mother. “It’s been some time since I shoveled and skimmed in the hydro tanks! Almost forgot what hard work was!”

"Some hard work helps the creative process" she says back, sounding actually happy. "This kind of work, actually going somewhere, this is incredible. What a feeling, and thank you for bringing it to us"

Chris smiles and bends down to bag more samples. “I’m glad you and dad agreed to this. Just wait till you experience your first sunset

!”

Sunset is close, and the sound of scraping tools on the ground is all you can hear for a few moments as your parents and the acastan work crew put on their shades, ready to see the sun for the first time

Chris takes a deep breath and sings a little tune , ”The end of a day and the beginnings of night, Our world turns below us In its flight from the light, Constellations are coming, Noon has gone to bed, But the Sun, our home Star Waves goodbye in yellow and red...” (edited)

“This could be a good home for a while.” Chris says to himself.

"I tihnk so. Do you think you'll miss Acastus in the meantime? "

“I will,” says Chris. “But I’ll be recording an album and studying this artifact that Joshua Collins gave me a long time ago.”

4:12 PM

“Of course if Greystar calls I’ll have to answer. But this work on Buey looks pretty intense.”

The sun begins to set as everyone puts their sunglasses on. The sky is shining with brilliant yellows, red and oranges as the flaming sol like star dips below the horizon. A beautiful star field and pleasant looking single moon takes to the skies in its place

(Love that description!)

When the stars come up Chris calls out to his Mom and Dad. "Let's get some sleep. It takes some time to get used to day and night cycles."

(3xp, 5000 credits)

8:01 AM

Everyone stays up a bit longer than necessary, taking in an alien sky for the first time, before nodding off after a hard day of work

When Chris gets back to his room he drinks lots of water, showers and falls into bed exhausted.

8:00 PM

The long journey, the hours of shoveling and moving pieces of the Terraformer and shock of being on a world with day and night help him sleep.

You awaken the next morning to a briefing called by your mother, marked urgent on the electronic notification you have.

Chris gets up, dresses in his armored suit and rushes to the briefing. He realizes he hasn’t worn this outfit or carried weapons since his time in the resistance.

A briefing is beginning as you enter, where your mother has the planet Espinoza spinning on a small holographic display. She is still wearing her sunglasses and the normally pale acastans are all sporting healthy shades of red. Most have been sunburned or at least bronzed by the unfamiliar rays

10:35 AM

"Have a seat Chris, we're just about to go over the next phase of possibly fixing this planet"

Chris sits down and pulls out his data pad. He writes...*need to purchase sunblock

for Acastans.”

2

"So, just for the new arrivals, we're going to try to purify the soil here through the use of plants, hoping that their roots can help absorb some of these contaminants. Then we harvest the plants, once they mature, and we dispose of them off world, or use the ashes to fertilize for another attempt. We have identified a plant on the world of Espinoza that may help us. Agent Aris has found some samples and returned them. His own ship has moved on to other objectives, but I was able to catch the report. We are sending a team to explore, and gather some of these coral grasses. They should be able to handle the massively elevated nitrogen levels in the soil here" (edited)

Chris keeps taking notes

. He then looks up to see if his name is on the team.

Chris has been assigned to the team. It’s not expected to be a dangerous mission but the planet has not been explored heavily

Chris will gather the supplies he needs and gets ready for the expedition.

(If there’s anything you want to buy just make me a list, book prices for it all )

Tent

️

9:59 PM

Laser Rifle

10:00 PM

Binoculars

10:03 PM

Survival Kit

10:04 PM

Ten Days Rations

10:08 PM

3 Lazarus Patch

10:08 PM

About 500 Credits.

10:09 PM

I check what we need to transport the plants.

The actual supplies for the mission will be handled by the other members of the team. Your own gear arrives by nightfall from the church stockpiled and is loaded aboard the corvette you arrived in

Chris bids goodbye to his parents and takes inventory on how many members will be on this team with him to Espinoza.

The pilot not counting, you, and the chosen mission team numbers six people, divided between security and various experts

Chris says hello to all and assists in anyway possible to load equipment, help with inventory or whatever comes up.

(3 days of travel time if you're working on a skill during the downtime)

8:03 AM

(I think I have all your songs on both the roll20 and wiki now, as well, let me know if i missed any)

(Thanks! That was lots of work. I’ll look at them!)

9:27 AM

(I’m deciding on getting a new skill or upping my Stats with my unused XP. Also I’ve got all those Billy Bucks to spend from the wedding!)

(Sounds good, we can pick up when you know what you want to do!)

(Ok, I bumped 14 Dex to 18. I would say I am doing balance and speed work with my Cult Dagger. I'm also song writing.)

(works for me!) Espinoza is a lush world home to just an NMC outpost, and the orbital picture begins coming in as the ship makes orbit

8:46 AM

Chris makes sure the NMC knows of them coming to the planet and why.

(just a heads up, the NMC outpost has been abandoned.)

1

The outpost does not return any information, and no signals.

Chris frowns. “Let’s land near the base and look for plants. Anyone know what happened with the NMC Outpost?”

"THey abandoned the world when the Shapers started their attack on Benavides. They were worried aboutbeing cut off from the NMC heartland, and now they just dont have the ability to get supplies out here long term"

"Okay," Chris says. "Let's get those plants and check out the base if we have time."

2:56 PM

Chris looks at the pilot.

2:57 PM

"Any problems setting this down? Do we need to use the base as a cleared section of ground or do you have room somewhere nearby?"

“We are going to have to use the base. Agent Aris looked through it and cleared the place two months ago. It’s effectively ours

Chris nods. "Okay, Lets settle down there. Everyone on full alert during our recon of the area for the plant. Four of us will go out while our pilot and one guard will stay back with the ship."

The team splits off as the lighter comes down, and you disembark feeling the warm sunlight of Espinoza on your face. The waves crash gently on nearby shores, and the coral jungle nearby is large. The two remaining here go about fussing with the keypad and getting the main doors of the base open.

“Hey,” Chris says smiling. “Put on some of that sunblock

.”

8:28 AM

“It’s bright, beautiful and burning

!”

Everyone's burns have had some time to heal from buey, though the tropical sun here is another matter entirely. Someone makes a joke about being the first Acastans in years to return with tans, though few people will notice them.

9:37 AM

The base chimes gently, as it opens and the assistant that is more drone than VI begins coming online

“Let’s check the base before going out,” Chris says. “I’m going to check on this assistant.”

12:25 PM

Chris goes to the base and sees about interacting with the assistant.

The box makes a tri-tone beep, three times, before finally the assistant here chimes in. "Hello there! Welcome to Espinoza base! How can I help you?"

“I’m Chris, what is your name?”

“Hello Chris. I have no given name but I am the automated assistant for this base. How can I help you?

“I’m here to look for a particular plant,

,” Chris shows the Assistant the data his mother gave him. “Do you have any information on it? Also, what can you tell us about this base and why it was abandoned? Do you need any assistance yourself?”

She repeats something thats been confirmed a few times already for why the base was abandoned. The NMC scientists here feared being cut off during the shaper advance and abandoned the base. The NMC now does not have territory or infrastructure in between to support operating this far away from their capital, and will not be returning.

(Sorry, was a little clueless here)

9:52 PM

Chris starts the search for the plant. “Let’s keep the pilot

‍✈️ and one guard here. The rest with me.”

You head into the jungle , bordering the sea and the constant crashing of nearby waves is pleasant. At least under the large coral colored trees you’re out of the sun. Small primates jump from branch to branch , and colorful birds caw and shout to one another as you begin the hunt for the plants you need.

"This is a beautiful place!" Chris remarks.

9:06 AM

He watches the primates and birds, looking for any patterns that suggest communication or intelligence of some sort while looking for the plants.

9:06 AM

He says over the comms, "Check in with the ship every 15 minutes."

(lets get a notice/wis now that we're in the jungle )

(9)

The path through the forest winds and twists before coming to a nearby cove. Waves are much more gentle in here and the tide pools are numerous. Small crabs and pinching urchins inhabit them, and so do the long creeping yellow/purple vines you’re looking for

“By the three Moons!” Chris says. “Look, there are the plants

. Let three of us harvest them while one stands guard.”

It takes close to an hour to gather what you need, piling the roots into careful balls and preparing them to be quickly transplanted into the ships hydroponics bay upon reaching orbit. As you prepare to make your way back into the jungle, you hear a low, throaty growl , though you cannot see its source

Chris pulls out his dagger and attempts to locate the noise.

1:40 PM

"Everyone halt!" Chris says. "Get together in a defensive circle."

The five of you make a tight circle, backs to one another as you keep watch on the jungle, and ensure you cannot be flanked. Everyone raises rifles, and checks that power cells or ammunition magazines are in place

“Away team to Corvette,” Chris calls over his Comm. “We’ve got some sort of growling animal out here. Anything happening there?”

"Everything here is clear, we have the base swept clean and the local area is also fine"

“Let’s move forward, back to the ship.” Chris tells his group. “We’ll do a wedge formation up. Three people.”

3:46 PM

“The wedge of three in the front. Two people in the middle with the plants.

One for rear guard. That will be me. I believe whatever is growling is behind us.”

The group assembles in the formation you've agreed on, and you begin heading out into the jungle. Sticks break under heavy paws behind you as you begin making your way back to the ship. There is evidence something big passed this way

Chris calls out. “Keep moving!” He checks to see if the binoculars will be of any use.

The vegetation here is too thick, and the binoculars are of limited use as you make your way back to the ship. As the crew begins climbing aboard, you get a glimpse of a massive, tiger like creature , before it vanishes back into the jungle

“Everyone in?” Chris asks. “If so let’s lift off. I’d love to do some more exploring but we’ve got a planet to revitalize!”

(3xp, 5000 credits)

1

The predator is still out there, and the ship lifts off before it has a chance to make this mission go from a success to something very different. The plants are moved into the small hydroponics bay, and start getting water right away to keep them healthy for the journey back to Buey (3 days of downtime)

Chris will go over some more Buey Jesuit History. Finish his latest song.

12:35 PM

Practice some blade work.

12:38 PM

He will also check with his Acastus team about how they are doing.

12:39 PM

“So,” Chris says at a breakfast

briefing on the second day.

12:40 PM

“How are you doing with this mission on Buey? Any questions or concerns?”

12:41 PM

Chris cooks a mess of pancakes for everyone.

12:42 PM

He will make a big pot of Acastus Coffee .

️

The mission seems to be going well so far. Everyone is eager to get back and see if these plants are capable of healing the soil there

7:43 PM

Dozens, if not hundreds of plants will be needed for a starter crop if this is successful

Chris makes sure everything is ready for when the ship returns to Buey so that the plants

can be delivered and planted as soon as possible.

The ship makes its 3 day junmp back to Buey, and is welcomed into an impromptu landing field made outside the former Viceroy's enclave. The Terraformer has not moved or changed, and it seems for now efforts on it have been abandoned in favor or trying to remove the soil toxin with these plants instead. Mrs. Fury has marked several grids of land with surveying flags, showing how many plants and where they are to be placed. She is one of many who flock to the Free Merchant as soon as it comes in.

Chris hugs his mom and turns with a sweeping gesture.

8:32 AM

“Here they are Mom!”

8:33 AM

He points at the plants

being taken off the ship.

She moves over to one of the trays of them coming off the ship, lifting fronds and checking the roots. "Perfect. These degraded far less than I thought they would during the trip. You did well Chris. Let's get these planted, and then all we can do is wait"

Chris follows his mother’s instructions and begins planting the new flora.

He makes sure everyone has enough water and food throughout the process.

The ground is marked, and by evening, you have about half the plants in place where they belong. Floodlights are wheeled out, along with searchlights from hovering grav craft high above to help complete the work

Chris works to get the plants

in place. Checking to make sure the fill soil and water requirements are met.

9:12 PM

“Strong work!” he tells those toiling. “We need to leech the soil of this excess nitrogen.” (edited)

It will be a few days before the plants have had enough time to make measuring anything worth it. A small crew will remain at the test patch to keep an eye on things and watch for pests. (anything you wanted to check out while youre here?)

(Chris will check out the Terraformer and see how long it will take to break down and move off planet.) (edited)

The terraformer is a little understood piece of technology. The removal work could take months

Chris goes to his mom and asks, “Anything I can do to help?”

"Just need to wait a few days for things to grow. I hear some rumors about some unexplored islands along the equator. You're already kitted out for exploring, what do you think?"

(I’d like to jump into the next group mission, when it happens but I’ll jump into exploration if it works for you!)

10:38 AM

“I can do that!” Chris says. “Buey is turning into quite the adventure.”

(There's nothing going on right now that hasn't already left)

10:53 AM

(pretty much everyone is away)

Chris gets a team ready for the expedition.

(theres two islands, a castle in a forest, and then theres another island with just a large structure and nothing else)

“Im going to check out this castle

,” Chris tells his mom. “I’ve read some of this Buey history. Let me see if this is referenced somewhere. If not...this could predate the present civilization.” (edited)

(Alright, so the western island) The ship is capable of leaving and delivering you to the coast of this island, though the walk through the forest up to the castle itself will be up to you and your security detail. By time your survey is completed, its expected the test data from the plants will likewise be ready to review

2

Chris gets his team together and heads out to the island.

A small passenger lighter sets down, letting the six of you off at the edge of a dense woodland , where most of the trees seem to be some variant of cherry blossom. The blight has not stretched this far south and the plant life seems to be healthy- though the native life on the main landmass was not sturdy enough to fight back the blight on its own. Transplanting these would likely end the same. The castle ahead is barely visible , its ruined battlements and collapsed turret towers now a home for birds and roosting creaturess

“We’ve got some untouched foliage for revitalization,” Chris says. “Send a message back to my mother along with some pictures.”

11:37 AM

Chris leaves one guard with the pilot and heads into the forest. “Have fun storming the Castle

,” he says quoting the ancient classic.

The path through the woods has been worn down by the passage of animals, the ground is flat beneath your feet and the soil here is the rich dirt that this planet once had throughout its entire ecosystem. If the current project goes as planned, perhaps Buey can become this way again. As you round a path, you see what looks like two suits of armor, fallen at the roots of large trees. Arrows are embedded in their front plating, with shafts made of modern composites and fletched with white

Chris kneels down at the foot of the trees.

1:14 PM

“Take defensive positions,” Chris says. “I’m going to check these bodies to see how long ago this happened.”

The armor has been made from signs, repurposed canned goods, and other scraps of metal as you get closer to it. The workmanship is not as flawless as it once seemed. The trash armor has degraded with time, and the bodies no longer smell, making them at least a few weeks old

"Sad second-class knight," says Chris. "What war did you fight in?"

3:09 PM

Chris checks to see if they are human or humanoid, like the Merlins.

"Looks like low tech weapons and armor," Chris calls out to his group. "Don't engage with lethal force if possible."

flipping open the helmet, the face is that of something between a human, and the fungal infected humans the viceroy was controlling. The transformation either stopped on its own, or stopped because the creature died, but never completed

"One of the fungals," Chris says. "Let's head to that castle. Be careful."

the group comes to a small bridge made of wood that spans a fast moving stream. Another of the partial fungal knights is bent over one of the large boulders in the middle of the river, two arrows sticking out of its back.

8:02 PM

There is a small sign, that says AUTONOMOUS ZONE AHEAD and two more fungal heads are stacked at the base of it

Chris has the group move forward in a flying wedge of three with one in the back. Chris is in the lead, on point.

8:49 PM

The one in back of the wedge is constantly covering the rear.

As you near the midpoint of the bridge, a human voice calls out from the deep woods. "Halt right there! State your business, and your city of origin!"

“My name is Chris Fury. I am on a mission to cure the soil from the Fungal infestation. I’m from another world called Acastus and hail from its capitol, Ash City.”

“Chris fury, you and one bodyguard may continue crossing and we will parley”

“I’ll do you one better and come alone.”

8:18 AM

Chris tells his group, “Call back to the ship and the mainland what we’ve found. Stay here. “

8:18 AM

Chris moves forward by himself.

Three humans in leather armor and carrying recurve shortbows emerge from the trees. Arrows are not currently our or nocked, but the skill displayed in the fungal knight kills is evident. "Mainlanders, and you've come alone. We've never heard of Acastus or Ash city, are these new places on the mainland?"

“I’m from another world altogether,” Chris points at the sky. “Another planet around another star. We came here to help heal the land from those fungal creatures.”

"How many have you killed?" They note your arms and equipment with interest, as its far beyond what they are using

“None,” Chris says. “We came afterwards to work the soil. We didn’t know there were any left.”

"There arent now. Something must have happened, there was a whole camp of them here that died at once. A few clung on for a bit longer, we dispatched them recently, but overall, things are quiet now. We've been watching the mainland for news"

“A man called Tidecaller slew the leader, some being called the Viceroy,” Chris says. “These people from what you call the mainland asked for our help to bring back the soil so it can feed them. I call them the Jesuits. I gather you have no ties to them.”

"We were the original inhabitants of the planet, and the Jesuits came after. We've lived here ever since the landing, and have enjoyed our quiet lives since then"

“That is astonishing!” Chris says. “Were you the ones the rogue Terraformer was made for?”

"Once, not us directly, but our forefathers were the ones who brought it here"

"Do you have any records on it?" Chris asks. "We are trying to figure out how it was used to make these fungal creatures and how to reverse it."

"Records? no, nothing like that, but there is someone in the keep who may know something about it. "

"May I speak to them?' Chris asks. "It would mean much. I didn't know Buey had such a history. All the books and contact I've had were through the Jesuits."

"As history tends to be recorded. You and your friends are free to come with us, but we're going to ask you to keep your weapons stowed or shouldered"

“Of course!” Chris agrees. “Please lead the way. If there is any other rule or custom that we should heed please tell us. This information could help us all!”

"Honor the peaceful intentions you've approached us with, and all will be well"

11:14 AM

You're escorted through the woods, down narrow game trails and out onto a wider road at the foot of the castle. Strong walls protected by an overhead dome have helped keep the area free of observation. a guard stands on each side of the gate, long spear and square shield resting in idle hands

11:15 AM

they salute as the group approaches and the large reinforced wooden door begins to slowly winch open

“Impressive!” Chris says. He salutes back.

inside, a town suited to the middle ages is situated within the castle walls, basking in the sunlight allowed through the dome above. There is a faint buzz in the air, as generators deep within the castle keep the dome working properly

12:55 PM

Dozens of people fill the streets, going about their daily chores, and it seems like your path has you heading right into the keep

Chris waves

at people and smiles. He looks for the differences in how they seem to the Buey Jesuits.

Chris keeps following their directions.

there is almost no sign of religion or organized practice within this small settlement, and if there was ever a chapel as part of the keeps original buildings, it has been torn down or changed into something more useful. most of the soldiers you see seem to favor light or medium armor, and everyone has a bow in addition to other weapons they may carry. Firearms are almost non-existent.

Chris asks as they're walking, "You don't seem to use firearms or lasers. Why is that? Everyone looks like they use bow."

"Noise. They're loud weapons, and leave certain traces behind"

"People of stealth and strength!" Chris says. "You ever hear of the Greystar Confederation?"

"Rumors. Heard one of you killed the viceroy. Is this Acastus part of the Confederation?

“A man I know, Tidecaller, he slew the Viceroy and yes, Acastus is part of the Greystar Confederation,” Chis says. “They’ve done good things for my planet. We ourselves were ruled by an inhuman despot. They helped clean up the mess after she was defeated.”

"Despots seem to be plentiful this side of the galaxy" she says, leading you into the keep and then taking an abrupt left, down a winding tower into a library space, where thousands of books are stacked in neat rows. an elderly man wheezing quietly to himself sits behind the desk, reading space lit by dozens of candles, and he seems to be referring to a number of books all at once.

“My father would love this place!” Chris says out loud. He quickly realizes that he did so without meaning to. “Apologies,” Chris says. “My name is Chris Fury.I’m from another world. We’ve been helping to heal the soil. We didn’t know people other than the Jesuits lived on Buey.”

"There have been many people here before the Jesuits, but the Jesuits now control tihngs. We have been fine here on this island all this time"

"I'd like to ask about that," Chris says pointing at the books. "Anything on the Terraformer or the Terran Mandate. Did they bring it?"

"They did, and I was one of the technical crew sent here with it " There is a light and vitality in his eyes that was not there a few minutes ago, as he begins tihnking of fond past memories

12:44 PM

"I was one of the chief engineers working on it, but youre going to be disappointed. It's not something you can use to terraform a world with life on it, but its meant to turn barren worlds into something that life can live on

"I'm not disappointed," Chris says. "I'm honored to meet you. My father is a writer and would love to talk to you. So much about the Terran Mandate and our past history is lost. Besides, enriching barren worlds is miraculous. My mother, a hydrofarmer ,is attempting to cleanse the soil."

12:53 PM

"What happened to you and the crew that brought the Terrraformer? How did you end up here?"

"The terraformer was always a difficult piece of machinery. We were here on the rim, and the galaxy was at war. We were forgotten about until the Jesuits came. the machine is secret, and its power over barren worlds absolute. We had to sabotage it so none would be able to harness it save us'

“Given a chance,” Chris asks. “Would you look over it now and see if it can be salvaged to do some good either here or on a barren world?”

"Ah, so youre asking me to return to the mainland. I have a few conditions with this. If you meet them, then we have an accord. You and I will be the ones returning, your men will remain here as well taken care of hostages to ensure my safe return to this place once the inspection is over. I perform a valuable service for my people as lorekeeper, and It is irresponsible of me to not take measures to ensure i am kept safe I will be returned here with you, and traded back for your men when the inspection is over and my word on the terraformer is final. I will not be threatened to produce results that are no longer things the machine can undertake

“I can stay as the hostage,” Chris says. “If that satisfies your need for safety. The men will take you to the machine and you can meet my mother and father. One knows hydroponics well and the other is a writer and researcher. I’m sure they could help you immensely, if you desire it.”

“I don’t trust your men. I won’t travel with them. You’re the only one I’ll go back to the terraformer with”

“Let me talk to my people,” Chris says. “I can’t tell them to be hostages. I’d rather let them volunteer.”

2:09 PM

Chris relays the offer to his people via comm. He tells them how he tried to volunteer as the hostage but was rebuffed.

They will agree to stay, securing the terraformer means other worlds can become homes, or ones with problems may not need to suffer any longer. The possible sacrifice is bigger than any of them

“You are brave beyond my words to express,” Chris tells them. “I will work hard to finish this exchange quickly.”

2:55 PM

“My people have agreed,” Chris says. “Remember they are doing this on the remote possibility of saving people they do not know on the word of a person they have not met. They are the best of Acastus.”

Chris leads him to the shuttle.

He admires the construction of the shuttle as he enters and takes a seat, the pilots look to Chris but by now have been clued in as to whats happening with the rest of the detail. Returning to the former rebel enclave, the terraformer remains monolithic over the surroundings as it always has

Chris asks his mother and father to accompany the Chief Engineer with him to the Terraformer.

9:50 PM

“Engineer,” Chris says. “This is my father, the writer and my mother, the hydroponics expert. They came to Buey to help correct what the Viceroy did with your Terraformer. Would you look over it with us?”

"I've agreed to do this, with all of you. I can't promise the results will be to your liking, but it seems you've assemled a strong team here, and this may be our best chance.

“It caused the problem, let’s make it part of the solution,” Chris says. He looks nervous and his eyes go to his mother. “Let’s hope this tool of titans can solve the problems of us mere mortals.”

(gonna write a summary here, since I think Chris has done everything he can really do)

1:05 PM

The terraformer can be removed from the planet, but the new Greystar troop ship is the only thing capable of moving it. Its removal will not fix the problem here on its own, the results of the plant testing and further expansion of that project of successful could fix buey. Results are expected within the next few days. For the cost of 10 pretech components needed to replace the sensitive components here, the engineer can get the terraforming machine running again, but it is only capable of seeding barren worlds with atmosphere. The kind of climate it forms and the other world factors that result happen on their own - the terraformer simply kick starts the process and accelerates it into several months, rather than dozens of years

WOW!

Chris sends a message to Greystar (Also Posted in Monthly Meeting).

6:31 PM

“Would you know where some pretech parts would be?” Chris asks both his father and the Engineer. “Any hints in history or from the time you were with the Terran Mandate? I saw so many tomes and manuscripts on your island. There must be a clue there somewhere.”

“You May find a piece or two on the other island here where another group tried and failed to make a settlement. You saw those faux knights at the bridge, didn’t you?”

6:33 PM

“I can’t say they’ll be there, but their traps and security measures will”

“I’ve got to check out the possibility!” Chris says. “Let’s get you back to your tower, you release my fellow Acastans and we’ll search for them!” (edited)

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

Chris gives his mother and father a hug, gathers food and some technological comm for the Engineer and, if he is willing, gets back to the island. He is worried about the hostage Acastans.

THe hostages have been treated well, and many are found relaxing after what looks to have once been a large meal. As the engineer has been kept safe during this mission and his advice was not questioned, the exchange goes smoothly, and your squad assembles for a push on the second island

“I’m glad all went well for you,” Chris tells the crew. “You all took a risk for the benefit of others and as you know it payed off. We have an opportunity to get the Terraformer working and offer hope for a barren world.” (edited)

3:33 PM

“Since you have all rested I’m ready to go to the next task, finding pretech parts to make that behemoth of metal and genius a benefit for the sector again.”

3:34 PM

Chris turns to the Chief Engineer.

3:38 PM

“I always read about the Terran Mandate growing up and my father would talk about its history, but the ghosts of Acastus seemed more real to me than the wonders of a distant, fallen Galactic Empire.” Chris says. “I’m fortunate to have met you and maybe we can work together to give one last benefit of Terran Technology to the beings of this sector.” (edited)

( Does Chris have this? The Greystar Confederacy has completed its wealth endeavor. Its rating in this area has improved by +1 Bringing planets into the union has unearthed small caches of pretech parts, awarding all GS personnel 2 of them.)

4:09 PM

(This was 5/5/2020 )

)yes it’s for everyone )

(Cool! 2 down 8 to go for the Terraformer.)

Chris hands him two of the pretech parts.

5:26 PM

“If you want to get started,” Chris says. “Here are two. I never thought I would get to hand them to someone who actually constructed such artifacts.”

"We're close then. I can begin getting started on repairing it with these, but I'll need the rest in order to do anything with it. This is a good start though"

"We're off to look for more!"

12:43 AM

Chris and the group head to the other island where the Engineer said there may be more pretech.

The lighter flies low, and fast over the water leaving a rooster tail of white water, kicked up by its powerful engines. Setting you down on the beach, you are greeted with a forest similar to the western island, though the castle here looks ruined. There is no evidence of anyone on the walls, but the engineer warned that even with the Viceroy hybrids gone, there could be traps and other mechanical defenses still in placec

Chris looks at the castle and the forest with his binoculars looking for the best route.

4:54 PM

"I'll go first," Chris tells his crew. "We will have the pilot and one guard stay back. I'll move forward, clearing as I go. I'll call the rest of you up to me every 200 meters. I'll leave markings so you can stay on my trail."

4:54 PM

Chris looks at the guard staying back. "Be ready with one of the lazarus kits."

(During the flight Chris records and sends his latest song to Psike TV to be broadcast)

5:05 PM

(The video opens with Chris playing his guitar on a ledge while over his shoulder a window shows the water of Buey's ocean racing behind him. The sun is setting and reflecting across the water.)

5:07 PM

Tears no More Tidecaller fought and Tidecaller won but the price was too much He was just done So he gave up on sadness Gave up on tears He stepped back from madness Forgot all the fears What do you get when you give up regret? Where do you go with no high or low? Swallow the potion that kills your emotion But as all your tears go dry, Your love’s left to cry. She loves him so much, From Violet to Red- But the colors are faded Where have they fled? We all walk with our damage crawl with our wound We all got to manage The dance of the doomed So we hope this song finds you happy But can this old guitar, Touch a cold fusion heart a dark Iron Star?

Chris moves off into the trees and the first 600m are free of. traps. A large stone sits in the path ahead. It can be gone around on either side though there is a dense carpet of leaves and sticks around the boulder

Chris calls back to his crew. “I’m 600 meters in and there’s a large stone in the way with forest debris surrounding it. I’m going to try and find a way forward.”

8:52 AM

Chris sends his coordinates along with a few pictures.

8:53 AM

Chris looks closely for any hidden traps as he works his way to the left around the stone.

8:54 AM

He tries to stay off of any leaves.

(lets get a notice/wis for any tell-tale signs, though on initial inspection aside from staying off the leaves, things look good so far)

9

You notice a shimmering wire, spider silk thin, on the right side of the boulder

Chris radios back. "Looks like we have a trip wire to the right side of the boulder. I'm going to move past it on the left side. I'll call back ofter the next 200 meters."

7:50 PM

Chris moves forward with the best stealth he can muster.

Bypassing whatever trap is around the boulder, Chris then comes to a small ravine, that seems to run the length of the island, with a bit of water at the bottom

8:14 PM

it is about 200m from the top of the southern side, to the top of the north, and it is loosely wooded, ending at a slow moving creek on the bottom

"I've moved up to a ravine," Chris calls back. "I've made it around on the left side. Move up here with me and bring some ropes and pitons."

9:31 PM

Chris checks to see if there is a way across the ravine on foot while the crew brings the gear.

the ravine can be scaled on foot, going down this side, and climbing the other, though the terrain is a bit wet, and might be slippery especially close to the water

Chris uses his binoculars to scan up and down the ravine, picks the descent with the best hand and footholds and makes his way down.

The path you've plotted is moderately difficult to transverse, though you make it to the other side after an hour of climbing. The group would be hard pressed to follow, especially carrying cargo or supplies

“I’ve made it to the other side,” Chris calls back on his comm. “Just set up camp and drop a rope for me when I return.”

12:55 PM

Chris continues forward, wiping the sweat off his now bronzing skin.

12:56 PM

“Glad I’ve got these sunglasses

and a hat,” Chris says. “This place is beautiful but hot. Never thought I’d miss an overcast sky and volcanoes.”

Ahead, there are ruins of a castle, that you finally are able to see through the thinning trees. Moss grows from tumbled blocks, though the front port and curtain wall seem solid still. tattered yellow stained banners hang from the windows, though there is no symbol on them anymore. There is no evidence of the half-fungal knights, or anyone else.

Chris moves forward, seeing if there is an opening through the front windows. (How high are the windows?)

(They’d be just tall enough off the ground to prevent people climbing in, as a security feature)

(Can I use my 100 meter teleport or do I need to try the front portal?)

(You need to be able to see where you’re teleporting but I suppose you could see the wall behind the window, so you’d teleport in off the ground - and wont know what you’ll be falling into)

(Front Portal it is!)

9:09 AM

Chris walks up to the front portal checking for any more traps and snares.

From the outside, it appears the gate is free of traps, though the door itself is solid and it is difficult to see through

Chris walks up and sees if he can open it.

The door when tested budges slightly, but you hear a scrape behind it, like something has been placed. You do see enough of the inside to get a general idea of the layout (if you're planning to teleport inside)

(You also get the 3xp for gather terraformer pretech, since everyone donated)

(Thanks!)

Chris takes out his laser pistol

and teleports just 10 meters inside the portal.

Inside forecourt, you see a mine has been rigged behind the door, and you have neatly bypassed the immediate danger. A staircase leads up to a second floor of the forecourt, and a hallway leads deeper into the keep itself

2:20 PM

There are no obvious traps on the stairs or down the hall

“I’m inside the castle

,” Chris radios back to his people. “There is a mine attached to the front door

so do not enter that way if you come here later.”

3:28 PM

Chris takes the stairs up to the second floor.

The room is a workshop where armorers once made the knight like objects of war needed by the half fungal residents here. The old furnaces and work tables are quiet now, the hammers falling silent for the last time months ago. A few bodies sit slumped over the tables or work stations

Chris searches the room. If there is a window Chris looks outside with his binoculars.

Chris can see the forest outside, and the lip of the ravine he approached from. There is no movement outside

Chris goes down the stairs and takes the hallway deeper into the keep.

The hallway is narrow once you throw the doors open. It is 20m with a double door at the end. There are several alcoves on the right and left sides of the hall but it’s difficult to see what’s stored in them

Chris moves forward, hugging close to the left side to see if he can spy what is in the first alcove. He checks for traps.

A small spiked club hangs on a Tether and looks to be swinging out as you walk by

Chris will try and an avoid the club.

(you saw the trap, so you can get through this area without springing it)

10:32 AM

(We'll assume Chris has his ballet shoes on for this part, and lightly steps through everything)

After glancing at the different alcoves for traps and equipment Chris goes to the far end and carefully opens the double doors. (edited)

The double doors open to reveal a large feasting hall, where long tables in rows have been arranged. There is a raised dais that runs across the north end of the room where a high table, several thrones, and other chairs of note have been set. Table settings mold and rot, the silver, gold, and brass mottled and rusted. There was food here once perfectly set out, though it has rotted or been picked at by scavengers.

2:45 PM

Dozens of bodies, likewise in dreadful conditions, occupy rusting suits of armor

“What great intrigues, boasts and bawdy behavior once whispered or roared in this chamber,” Chris says. “Now the quiet dead sit at a table of decay, debating nothing.”

8:47 PM

Chris looks at each knight and works his way to the dais.

8:48 PM

He checks for any unusual weapon or device.

There is a body at the prime seat at the head table, his armor and weapons are more ornate, and he is slumped forward, face planted into whatever he might have been about to eat

Chris calls back to his group. “I’m inside the Keep. I’ve made my way to what could be a banquet room. Lots of corpses in armor, like we found earlier. I’m checking them out.”

9:25 AM

Chris cautiously examines the armor, weapons and corpse that sits in the prime seat. (edited)

(Mental save, at +2)

(Success 13 vs 8) (not sure where the plus 2 goes)

(you're trying to beat an 8, and did, so you're good) The corpse rises, the barest semblance of animation in its eyes, and your nose begins to bleed a trickle, only for a few seconds as you ward off the stupor it tried to place on you

Chris draws his Still Lady dagger

as an on turn (Assassin) action and stabs the corpse. (Let’s see what this thing can do...)

(It would be a stab/dex check against a dc of 6)

(Attack 11 damage 3) (Does Chris notice anything special about the dagger?)

8:50 AM

Also Shocking Assault Level 2: In addition, you gain a +2 bonus to the Shock damage rating of all melee weapons and unarmed attacks. Regular hits never do less damage than this Shock would do on a miss.)

8:53 AM

(Eisheru told me to roll the skill. Sorry about that. I rolled a 10 on stab skill.)

1

The knife plunges into the neck of the awakened reverent, and it falls slack back into the chair. There is a charge of purple sparks, and for a moment it writhes again before falling still

"I always wondered what this would do," Chris says. He pulls the dagger out looks at it and then inspects the armor and weapons of the reverent.

Outside there is a peel of thunder , and the castle trembles gently. Forecast reports a storm coming in off the sea from nowhere. It wasn’t on any reports (edited)

“Everyone back to shuttle!” Chris calls over his comm.

9:56 AM

(Can he contact the mainland where the Terraformer is?)

(Yes he can)

“Dad,” Chris calls desperately. “Are you there?”

11:58 AM

Chris grabs the ornate weapons from the corpse and starts looking for a way to the keep’s roof.

“Yes Chris we hear you. What’s happening out there?”

“I’ve made a horrible mistake,” Chris says panting as he races for the way to the roof. “I fought a corpse that came to life. I stabbed it with a dagger

from a Still Lady Cultist. Now there’s a storm

brewing.”

"The dagger, who did you get it from? do you remember?"

“Yes,” Chris says. “Joshua Collins.”

"We'll have to deal with that once you return." The shuttle is lifting out of the forest ahead, and it noses down, heading toward the roof to pick you up

Chris looks at the approaching storm

and at the ornate weapons. “Oh Evelyn,” he says talking about his sister. “Is this the curiosity that caused your madness. Have I made the same mistake?”

The shuttle lands, as the broiling storm cloud is 40km off shore, and coming in fast. It hovers next to the roof, ramp down. Its engines kick up dust and loose stones, swirling them around

Chris runs into the shuttle.

“Can we outrun the storm

?” Chris asks hitting the door lock.

"We'll be able to go above it, at least." the pilot says, already shutting the ramp behind you as you make your way aboard. "Find a seat! we're going to be climbing rapidly, and you don't want to fall!"

Chris grabs a seat and puts on the harness. “I know this sounds strange,” Chris says. “But track time see if the storm

is following us. I have made a horrible mistake.”

The shuttle heads back toward the mainland, but the storm seems to be holding position over the castle, not moving, even though winds would normally make the clouds move with them

2

Chris looks at the weapons he took from the Remnant. Is there anything special about them. Do they have pretech parts?

(oh you mean the ones from the fort here?)

(Yes)

The sword is exceptionally well made, and the blade is fitted with a thermal razor, allowing you to cut bulkheads with swings of the blade

12:15 PM

Monitoring the storm, it seems firmly stopped over the castle now

“Can we get any better readings in what that storm

is doing?” Chris asks.

Chris straps the sword

to his waist. “Well at least we got something from the mission.”

(3xp, 5000 credits)

(Cool!)

The storm is still once again holding level over the castle, and doesnt seem to be changing its plans anytime soon. It is confined to the local area, and not spreading

“Let’s head back,” Chris says. “We can get the Terraformer taken care of and hopefully the storm

will stay in place.”

1:50 PM

Chris wonders what the storm is doing at the castle.

As you come to land , the preliminary results from the plant study are in, and things are working. The soil contamination levels are falling, and new seedlings are already being propagated for another batch of plants, now preparing for widespread planting across the world.

Chris smiles and thinks at least this is going well.

7:51 PM

“Are my father and mother available?” he asks those working on the base.

"They\re both inside the terraformer control deck, on the top. I think they're going over plans for dismantling it before anyone touches the thing"

Chris heads inside the Terraformer, to the control deck.

Mr. and Mrs. Fury are on the control deck along with the technician recovered from the castle on the island. There are schematcs being displayed for the eventual disassembly and move of the vehicle

“Mom, Dad!” Chris runs

over and hugs them. “I’m glad to see you are okay. Everything looks like it’s going well. I’ve got a story to tell you.”

They pull some of the spinning chairs around and sit "What happened on those islands, is that the story?"

“Yes,” Chris says. “I was looking for more pretech and was attacked by an corpse creature. So, I stabbed it with a dagger

that Joshua Collins gave me. It belonged to some Still Lady Cultists.”

2:57 PM

“Purple sparks

️ came out and then it collapsed. After that a large storm

swept over the island.”

"Do you know where Mr. Collins was able to get that dagger? Did he ever tell you?"

"No, I believe he got it off a cultist."

1:17 PM

(Here is the quote from 5/29/2019... Joshua pulls out the kris knife he got off the cultist earlier. "I'll give you this for now, don't want you having too much attention drawn to yourself, but it'll help you out if you get into a jam like earlier." He hands him the knife. "Stay safe out there. Heard the cultists might be hitting the food markets, so watch out if you need to go there later. I'm gonna be keeping an eye out all around for them, so I'll keep my ears on in case you see something." @Joshua Collins)

(alright, so he didn't really give you the background, just it came out of what he thinks is a cultist)

(I can look through his old thread)

"I see. nothing more about what the cultists were doing or who specifically it might have been then it sounds like. There is a working theory I have, based on what we know about the lady"

1:19 PM

(well its info Chris specifically has. All we can go by here is what Joshua told you, which is little)

1:19 PM

(not what joshua saw or did, but didn't tell you)

"What is that Dad?"

"I wonder where Mr. Collins got that dagger. If it came from a high ranking cultist, and was plunged into a new body...their essence could be inhabiting that body now"

2:24 PM

"We may need to plan to go back there Chris, this time much more prepared than we were"

“I am so sorry,” Chris says. “I let you two down. We came here to get away from all that and I just unpacked a suitcase

of sorrow.”

“We can put it back son. It won’t be easy. Gear up and assemble as many of the squad as you can”

Chris gathers up whoever is available and heads back to the shuttle. He’s got his armor, thermal pistol

new sword

.

11:56 AM

(Can I call for any other players who want to@join?)

(you can ask in the meeting if you like)

(Alright! I put it out there. I’m on my way. I think

most everyone is on a mission.)

(Scoria isn’t and is headed to buey, I’ll see what he wants to do)

The aid request is seen by @SpacedBear , and a shuttle brings him down to the surface outside the city, where Chris and his security team are waiting with their own transport

Chris waves and says, “Thanks for coming! We’re about to head off to an island where a large storm gathered after I stabbed a corpse that came life with a cultist dagger

.”

Scoria lets the water balloon of information hit him and continues to look like a friendly rock at he approaches "Of course! It is my pleasure to assist those in need. You expository greeting was very to the point and I appreciate that, thank you! Would you please tell me more about the incident with the stabbing? "

“I try and get to point!” Chris laughs. “Daggers lend themselves to such rhetorical flourishes!”

7:19 PM

“I try and not come across as edgy...”

7:21 PM

Chris sits on the wing of the shuttle as his crew loads it with supplies and weapons.

7:24 PM

“You see I was investigating an island with a castle

at its center.” Chris Fury’s hands move as he talks. They point, draw shapes in the air and punctuate important elements by making a karate chop motion.

7:28 PM

“Gathering pretech parts for the Terraformer you see now completed. After making my way past many traps and challenges I came upon a banquet hall with armored corpses. The one at the seat honor attacked me. In an unwise decision I struck it with a cultist dagger

an adventurer named Joshua Collins gave me. The corpse fell back, unmoving, but a spark

️ of purple energy had passed from the weapon to the Revenant.”

7:29 PM

“Then came the Storm

. I arrived here, took counsel with my father and am now headed back.”

Scoria nods "I recognize your dagger-based wordplay and appreciate the levity it created. It seems that which is dead does not wish to stay dead, which I believe to be a less than ideal situation. How may I assist you in your venture, Chris Fury?"

“Come with me on the shuttle back to the island.” Chris says. “From there we may have to navigate a Storm

and fight the undead

‍♀️!”

Scoria nods "Very well. I must advise you however, that due to recent circumstances my outer litholayer has not had the chance to properly oxidize and harden, making me quite a bit more fragile than I appear. As a result, I will have to be reasonably cautious around threats. Regardless, I am with you. Lead the way Chris Fury"

A shuttle is prepared to bring you back out to the island, with enough space in the crew bay for everyone, and their equipment. There is a locker and armory aboard for use (can requisition weapons, armor, or other gear you think you might need)

Chris sits down and shows Scoria a geospatial look at the island on the Shuttles scanners.

1:07 PM

“Anything I can get for you? Are you hungry?”

Scoria follows along with the scan and familiarizes himself with the island "Yes, thank you Chris Fury that would be appreciated. I have not eaten properly for several decades so am quite famished"

"That is about 30 or 40 years more than I could last," Chris says. "What do you eat?"

"Anything nonferrous or containing silicon. Organic food is also digestible for me"

"Well," Chris says looking through the supplies on the shuttle. "We've got steel-cut oatmeal, beef jerky, some cheese sandwiches, bits of sandstone and some ready to heat and eat ration plates."

(dont want to interrupt the RP, but im caught up)

"Excellent selection. The sandstone and jerky would be greatly appreciated, thank you. Scoria settles down and crunches on the bits of sandstone "What can you tell me about yourself, Chris Fury?"

“Tell us when we arrive,” Chris calls out to the pilot.

1:44 PM

“I’m a former hydroponics worker from Acastus.” Chris says. “I was in the Resistance when the Still Lady ruled our planet. I’ve been pretty successful as a singer. My album is doing well on PsikeTV.”

1:46 PM

“I recently got involved in charity work on Buey. My parents are working on reclaiming the soil from the Terraformer poisoning.”

"Your accomplishments are many and your skills varied. I commend you on your successes and wish luck to your parent's efforts. I would be interested in hearing the music you have produced, if you are willing to share."

Chris smiles and he pulls out his hollow body Acastan Acoustic guitar with aggressive strumming

in a Rockabilly tune... "Hailey’s Comet!!! She burns bright and then fades to black You think she’s gone but she comes back Falling into the Sun and then slipping away Here she comes to save the Day We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall Her best friend is a Thorn among Roses

with frenemy words and chameleon poses She’s all the craze with an amazing Maze Going out in a great big Blaze We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall One of the ones who set us free.. Burning Bright for all to see... Space Orphan, Cherry Bomb, iPod Fan Doing it all without a Plan We wish her well and owe her all She always rises when you think she'll fall..."

Scoria claps...well clacks at the song's conclusion "I found the rhythmic structure and atonal harmonies of the contrapuntal melody thoroughly enjoying. The vibrations were also quite soothing to my connective microstructure. Thank you for this serenade, Chris Fury"

(caught up , we dont need to rush things, but I'm good when you two are)

(I'm good if Scoria is.)

(

)

The storm is ahead, within 5 minutes of flying, and the clouds are an inky purple/blue, lit from within by lightning that is the same color. the storm is not moving despite strong winds around it, the clouds remaining in place and swirling gently under what looks to be their own power

"Can we fly in or do we need to walk?" Chris asks the pilot.

"I'll get you as close as I can, but prepare for a bumpy landing"

"I trust in your skills. You will get us down safely" Scoria says reassuringly to the pilot "Do you have spare equipment available, Chris Fury? I am in need of provisions." (Fluff for getting the starting equipment loadout, that ok?)

(ships' got a locker and armory, just make a list and ill let you know if they dont have something)

(basically everything on the Blade char creation loadout, I'll fetch it)

2:42 PM

Monoblade sword
Backpack
Woven Body Armor or Combat Field Uniform
Compad
Secure Clothing 
Lazarus patch
Thermal knife

(edited)

1

(alright, yea thats loadout stuff so the patch is available)

(is a field uniform available? Or do I just stick with the woven armor?)

(CFU is available)

(awesome thanks!)

“We’ve got what you need!” Chris says. “This will be a tough landing!”

5:35 PM

(Won’t be able to post till midnight

EST)

"Thank you, Chris Fury. May the Goddess be with us"

Chris makes sure the crew and Scoria are clipped into their harnesses, then he clips himself in and braces for the landing.

The shuttle bumps and shakes as lightning and storm clouds begin swallowing it up. Lighting lights up the viewports outside, the flashes of intense beams shaking the craft and sending it on a bumpy course toward the storm lashed island below. Stones levitate around the castle itself, as it is constructing again bit by bit. Trees sway in the strong breeze, and the pilot is working to make a direct approach to the front gate, as the winds are truly intense. A pair of stones rocket up toward the vessel, and a gut wrenching barrel roll is the only thing that stops you from ending up as a burning wreck

"Drop us off as soon as you can," Chris calls out to the pilot. "And then get the hell out of here! No need for everyone to pay for my mistake."

"That was not very kind of them." Scoria responds in the same sincere but dry tone he always does, face implacable, though he has a deathgrip on one of the handles in the shuttle. It would not be surprising if there was a Geon hand shaped dent after he let go ROCKS DO NOT BELONG IN THE SKY. PLEASE BY THE GODDESS CRASH OR LAND JUST STOP BEING IN THE SKY (edited)

3

The side door blows open, the explosive bolts firing to allow you quicker exit, and the security team exits amid the gale and thunderstorm. The front doors of the palace bang against one another, not locked against th storm.

Chris pulls his out his thermal pistol

in one hand and his sword

in the other. “Go! Go! Go!” he yells as he charges toward the front doors

of the palace.

changing grip from the shuttle bar to his hammer, Scoria thrust his legs down and propels himself onto the earth outside Like that. Exactly like that Scoria follows close behind, his heavy footsteps lightly rumbling the ground below. (edited)

Chris glances back at Scoria. “You’re a brave one!” Chris calls back over his shoulder.

"As are you, Chris Fury!" Scoria moves to a location with slightly more cover than completely out in the open. "How shall we proceed?"

“There were some traps last time!” Chris yells over the Storm.

7:18 AM

“I’ll wave

everyone in if the front doors

are safe,” he looks around at the destruction. “Well safer...@

7:19 AM

Chris goes to the front doors

and checks to see if the traps have been destroyed in the storm.

The traps are no longer active. They have been removed there is no longer evidence of them in the area

7:50 AM

(You don’t see them destroyed or any of their pieces , so whatever is here now has used them or taken them away)

“Let’s go!” Chris yells over the storm

waves

back at Scoria and the security team and runs inside.

Scoria, hammer at the ready, follows in (edited)

Inside the main hall the storm finally ebbs away as the door shuts. The staircase winding upwards into the workshop is still there while the feasting hall is to the right , the portcullis door open and in a rusty open position

3:13 PM

There are sounds beyond the feasting@hall door

Scoria enters behind Fury, and seeks cover up against a wall. He takes a cloth from a utility pocket and quickly wipes his face and head to stop the water from dripping down his eyes and dry his hammer and hands. Slippage was the last thing he wanted in this situation Once the whole squad was inside he looked to Fury for direction

Chris points with his sword

at the feasting hall. “This is where it started.” He creeps forward to steal a glance into the hall.

Scoria positions himself on the other side of the entrance "What do you see, Chris Fury?"

The “king” and four knights are in the hallway, not speaking but standing around one of the feasting tables. The simulation of a feast is occurring now, the rotted food tumbling into empty guts and rattling inside armor

"Some kind of zombie faux-feast," Chris says. "I want to go in and do a surprise attack. Are you good with that or do you want to attempt a conversation?"

"Hmmm. Considering their violent response to our arrival and your less than friendly previous encounter, diplomacy does not seem to be a viable course of action." Scoria tightens his grip "Let us engage on your signal, Chris Fury"

(You'll get a surprise round if you're engaging, we won't have a way to get close to them for a melee execution without notice, and the full minute of shooting setup time is probably going to see you noticed)

(Attack it is!)

8:22 AM

Chris gives the GO signal and fires his thermal pistol .

*Scoria leaps into the room, the runic knots carved into the hard stone of his hammer beginning to glow deeply with iridescent light. Scoria charges one of the knights, politely and swiftly serving them with their next course made of Scoria's favorite dish: "Severe Blunt Force Trauma". * (edited)

2

(Cool!)

(just need what you're shooting/stabbing, and the attack/damage rolls)

(Attack 11 Damage 9)

2:51 PM

(Aiming at the closest figure)

(it's possible this attack is one too high, but I'm unsure

) (Attack 24 Damage 8) (Attacking closest knight that isn't the one Chris is attacking)

(Great roll!)

Chris and Scoria charge into the room first, with the rest of the Greystar security team at their back, fanning out to not hit friendlies in the confused melee. The thermal projector shot is unable to punch through the thick plate armor the revenants are wearing, but Scoria's hammer crunches down on another of the knights, the killing head crumpling plate easily- exactly what the weapon was designed for

3:27 PM

One of the security troopers fires a burst, striking a target neither of you have engaged, and lightly damaging it

3:27 PM

(and now actual initiative, with the surprise round having run)

(correction, it was 9 damage as he has Armsman, [1d10+1] + 2*Sunblade + Attribute, 5+1+2+1)

3:34 PM

(If it changes anything)

(not enough for a death still, but a step closer, certainly)

(And his shock right now is 5 vs AC20)

(thank you Eish!)

3

(Initiative 4)

(4 for the revenants. So once we know scoria’s result I can get an order together. Chris will go before the undead though)

(I am on mobile for the day, so am having trouble with getting to roll 20. For the sake of progressing the scene, I am ok for a surrogate roll for initiative if that's alright with you, Neko)

(Can I close with the

sword?)

(4 for Scoria as well. +1 dex)

2

(Attack 21 Damage 10 + 4 Shock Damage)

8:32 PM

(This is the Thermal Blade I took from the King so I don't know if it does anymore. Also I'm using Shocking Assault Focus You’re extremely dangerous to enemies around you. The ferocity of your melee attacks stresses and distracts enemies even when your blows don’t draw blood. Level 1: Gain Punch or Stab as a bonus skill. The Shock damage of your weapon treats all targets as if they were AC 10, assuming your weapon is capable of harming the target in the first place. Level 2: In addition, you gain a +2 bonus to the Shock damage rating of all melee weapons and unarmed attacks. Regular hits never do less damage than this Shock would do on a miss.)

(Okay, so Chris, Scoria, Undead. Chris is close enough to charge into melee. The swird is a large advanced melee weapon, that can cut through bulkheads, since its a thermal razor)

8:40 PM

The knight locks blades with Chris, though his downward swing beats the undead's guard, sending sparks flying as glittering flaming blade meets the rusted witch metal

(be at desktop in 2ish hours, sorry for delay)

(no worries at all, pbp, delays are the norm)

9:50 PM

(I just have no life)

(Attack 6 Damage 5+5 Shock) (edited)

Although Scoria's blow is wild, the hammer catching on an overturned table, there is enough of an impact for him to overwhelm the undead he is fighting. the king, and two of his retainers escape through the rear door of the feasting room, up a set of spiral stairs, while another stays behind, guarding the door, sword raised. The knight engaged with Chris is unable to bring his sword up in time, sliding easily and harmlessly away from the musician turned warrior

Chris swings again.

(12 attack 6 damage plus 2 shock but I believe I get an extra 2 so 4 shock)

Scoria directs his attention to the knight guarding the stairwell and charges. There really is nothing quite like a target rich environment (Attack 12 Damage 11 [shock 5 AC20])

Chris with a swift downward cut defeats his foe, lopping the two halves of the reanimated warrior in two, as Scoria charges in, and is parried by the door sentinel

(Is active defense a mechanic in the game or is that fluff for "you missed"? If it's the former, I gotta start using that haha) (edited)

(total defense gives +2 to AC and makes you immune to shock, but you can't attack)

4:23 PM

(i got the name slightly confused, but the rules were applied correctly)

(gooot it)

Scoria kicks the knight back to break the parry and lets the hefty weapon fall, letting gravity accelerate it like a pendulum as he forces it back upwards into a rocketing uppercut

7:13 PM

(Attack 6 Damage 8 [shock 5 AC20])

(Chris would have been between your last attack and this one, so we'll let him go now, and the knight will respond)

(Sounds good!)

(Attack 22 Damage 11 Shock Damage 2)it says 2 but I believe I get an extra 2)

7:54 PM

Chris calls out to Scoria, “Hammer away at them!”

"The progress is slow, Chris Fury, but we shall exit victorious nonetheless!"

“You’re doing great!”’ Chris says.

The sentinel at the stairs is now fighting overmatched in this two against one, and though he puts up a strong defense, Chris is able to batter through it, with Scoria following up, the halft of his hammer following the sword cut (now we're caught up, and the wight is going to go now since his turn got skipped ) He fights hard, knowing that his orders are to keep you away from the stairs, and he lashes out at Scoria (11/7 , 3 shock if you are AC 15 or less)

Scoria is able to avoid the majority of the blow, and is again thankful for the equipment stockpile on the shuttle as the rest of the force is dissapated by the combat field uniform (AC 17) (edited)

"Chris Fury, advance to slow the leader. Your retinue and I can handle the situation here and will join you at its conclusion" Scoria steps forward, rocketing the head of the hammer towards his foe (Attack 16 Damage 7)

The wights head is driven into the stone and splattered like a dropped egg. Bone shards and splinters fly everywhere as the hammer head dispatches the sentinel

(how many more wights are there?)

(the king and two more went upstairs, that's all you've seen so far, but everyone in the feastin room is dead now)

(huh, well that worked well)

(you splattered the last one pretty handily)

"The situation has concluded. I shall now rejoin you"

His blade leaving a trail of bouncing sparks, Chris charges up the stairs. (edited)

Scoria follows

8:12 AM

Scoria and Chirs ascend the stairs (on the left of the room) To see the Wight king, and this remaining two now crossbow armed retainers at the far end of the space. TheKing is sitting upon the throne, and each crossbowman stands directly in front of the torch on each side.

8:12 AM

(each square is 2m)

Chris fires with his Thermal Pistol

9:33 AM

and then takes cover at the doorway.

9:34 AM

(Attack 27 Damage 6)

9:35 AM

(at the Crossbowman on the left)

There is a flaming shower of sparks as the crossbowman is hit, though keeps his feet despite the flames spreading across his undead body

10:48 AM

(scoria)

Scoria double advances to take cover behind the second pillar. Ha lacks a ranged weapon, so careful advance and cover is his only option

(you can take that total defense move during your advance if you like, in the absence of needing your main action for attacks)

(Sounds good!)

(Are these hand load crossbows or chunky ones that take a while to reload?)

(Chunky ones)

"Chris Fury, please tell me when our foes are reloading; I believe your sight-line is superior to my own"

(I gotta roll for them when I’m back to a computer )

(No rush!)

(Zombies get their turn now just not home to roll it)

Two bolts fly down the corridor, missing Scoria, and the other (18/2) strikes Chris. the King things for a moment, and begins weaving his hands through the air , working to channel some kind of energy

Chris fires

at the King

.

10:27 AM

(Attack 25 Damage 10)

Scoria, seeing the bolts wiz past, takes the opportunity to charge the guard

The king is hit, his tabbard beginning to smoke as flames catch, and Scoria closes so in a few seconds he will be within swinging range of one of the crossbowmen. The spell being channeled fizzles out at the strong hit, though the double thump of the crossbow is loud enough to fill the room. (20/1 Scoria missin Chris)

2:00 PM

The King begins trying to weave another spell, this time glyphs begin to swirl in the airin front of him

2:00 PM

(chris up)

Chris fires again at the King.

3:17 PM

(Attack 22 Damage 10)

5

3:18 PM

"No!" Chris calls out. "No dark magic!"

5

Scoria grunts as the bolt impacts a shoulder, but he continues his charge and thrusts the hammer down on the offending crossbowman (Attack 21 Damage 10)

2

"Please note that continuing to perform such magic will not be conducive to your health"

Chris smiles at Scoria’s remonstrances.

7:11 PM

“Rock on my brother!” he yells.

The king is wounded but remains standing , his blade drawn he makes a devastating two handed sweep at each of you (evasion save)

(11 vs 14)

(14 vs 7)

(8 if failed, 4 if passed, and then Chris up)

Chris' statement is quickly corrected to "Rock Down" as Scoria collapses from the sweeping blow (Downed at 0HP) (edited)

1

(Attack 9 Damage 4 plus 2 Shock Damage if AC 15 or less but I believe I get an extra 2 for my Shocking Assault ) (edited)

The king steps back, now firmly trapped against the stunning assault of fury and the throne itself. He is heavily injured. Much of his reanimated body is coming to pieces His downswing is clumsy, and the blade tumbles from his hand

Chris calls out, "Get a Lazarus Patch for Scoria!"

11:33 AM

Chris lifts his sword and brings it down on the King.

11:35 AM

(Attack 27 Damage 6 2 shock if below AC 15 and 2 shock for Shocking Assault)

(King is dead, if you want to narrate how that looks - hard fight, you earned it) One of the medics is able to get a patch onto the Geon, using one of the precious few left in Greystar stocks to do so.

11:55 AM

None of them gripe, seeing the Geon fight, and knowing he can hold his own

11:55 AM

(Scoria also revived)

The flaming sword hovers than draws back for a second as Chris steps forward. Then he brings it down on the side of the Kings neck. The crown dislodges and rolls off the hanging head.

12:08 PM

The rain drips from Chris' hair . He staggers and drops to his knees holding his side from the King's sword cut. (edited)

12:08 PM

"Scoria!?!" he asks. "You okay? We did it."

Scoria pushes himself up to a kneeling position, though it is clear he's using the hammer for support "I am still alive Chris Fury. I have been told Geon are quite stubborn in this way, though the application of the Lazarus surely assisted. You fought valiantly and your prowess with both sword and gun are praiseworthy. I am honored to have called you a brother-in-arms"

(6xp, 10,000 credits)

2:19 PM

outside, the storm is beginning to fade away, and the dagger that began this entire process clatters across the ground as the Kings body begins to dissolve, time now passing at an accelerated rate for the decay of the corpse. the crown, and his own replacement blade are left behind

(Great Mission! Thanks Neko and Scoria.)

"The honor is mine Scoria," Chris says panting. "So tell me are there any other Geon on Acastus? How did you come to be there for so long?"

(Okay so I have 12 XP I used 6 XP to raise my Con from 11 to 14 I went up to 8th level so I'm re-rolling hit points. rolling 8d6+16+8 ( 5 + 5 + 3 + 3 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 1 )+16+8 =49 Is this right? Also spent 5 points of my 6 XP left to raise Talk 0 to Talk 2) (edited)

5:30 PM

Chris puts away his pistol and turns off his sword before stowing it. He picks up the dagger lifts the crown with it and hold the sword.

5:30 PM

"Scoria," he asks. "What do you think of these?"

(sorry, was afk for the day) "There are others, but few in numbers. I was on the Acastus when a distress call came from a geological survey team in the area. Being one of the only beings able to resist the heat easily, I rushed to their aid and managed to get the team out of the ash cloud so they could be airlifted. I opted to stay for the second airlift, but a lava flow high in silica erupted from a tube nearby and I was unable to evade it. I presume search parties were sent but did not find me until the other survey team decades later"

10:04 PM

Scoria looks at the items "They look like potentially dangerous and valuable artifacts. We should consult with an expert post-haste"

“I know someone!” Chris says. Chris contacts @Eisheru, et al.

(I thnk Chris you spend your XP like you would spend skill points, which is not correct. We'll figure this out)

10:13 AM

(I think when you were playing desmond the same thing happened, and we realized around the end somewhere you should have been MUCH beefier)

Eisheru sends a response to Mr. Fury Good Second Rise, Chris. Is everything alright? How goes the work on Buey?

I've found three artifacts. A cultist dagger, a crown and a sword. Any chance you or someone you know can check this out?

Perhaps reach out to Adamaris Tidecaller as I am currently investigating a critical matter. If he is not available I can come and look after this matter has been concluded.

"Thank you for your assistance." Scoria bows lightly to the hologram

The storm overhead continues to dissolve as quickly as it sprung up, before long the sunlight of Buey begins breaking in and shining its warm beams on the island again (edited)

"Well, I'll contact him and see what he says. You get first pick if you want the crown or the sword. I've got to hand the dagger over to Greystar."

11:10 AM

"I'm heading to a planet to check and see if it can use the Terraformer. If successful the Terraformer gives it a chance to flourish. You up for the trip or have you got somewhere else to go?"

Scoria nods "I believe the crown will be of most use to me. I already have a weapon I'm quite fond of" He pats the hammer which glows gently as the touch "Is this planet on the way to Mariam by any chance? I'm trying to get back to the temple to tell the order I am not in fact dead"

“It’s called Bourgani,” Chris says checking his Sector Map

on his compad. “Coordinates 2214. Mariam is 1414 so it could be a stop for you.” (edited)

Scoria ponders for a moment A few more days? With the good that was done here... Maybe there will be more. The order surely will not mind. "I shall accompany you once again, Chris Fury. Let us go to Bourgani"

Adamaris Tidecaller, this is Chris Fury. A great warrior called Scoria Foehammer and defeated an undead king. He left behind a sword and a crown. Can we show them to you on our way to Bourgani?

(edited)

“I will meet you at Bourgani and we can discuss things as the terraformer lands and begins it’s work”

Chris turns to his group. "Fire up the shuttle! We're Bourgani bound!!!"

Scoria follows Fury to board the vessel "Onward!"

Chris has the pilot set course to Bourgani.

(3 days of downtime on the way to the planet)

10:39 AM

(i know in the Greystar meeting there is currently some debate on if the terraformer is better used here or on Shaila, and it seems to not have resolved yet)

(Scoria you good on going to Bourgani or do you want to go elsewhere?)

(I'm up for whatever mostly, so I'll leave it to you. If Bourgani is on the way to Mariam I'd prob prefer that.)

(We got a poll going now as far as the terraformer, but Bourgani is a step closer to Mariam)

(Ok Bourgani it is.)

Bourgani is still the world of pink sands and primal seas, with another three large storms preparing to blow in off the expansive ocean to batter the mainland once again. It seems the terraformer has been re-routed to Shaila to amend the unfortunate nuclear situation there, though the people may live to see the desert bloom in their lifetime, all thanks to the Fury family and their work (edited)

Chris sends out a message to see if Adamaris Tidecaller is on the planet or in orbit.

Scoria, unfamiliar with the situation let's Chris take the lead

Adamaris is in orbit, landing right now is impossible with the storms developing, and makes his way over to your vessel with a trio of Greystar guards. A healing scar all the way around his head, level with the temples, is bandaged, and the dressings are slightly damp from the wounds draining

“Mr. Tidecaller!” Chris says. “I’d like to introduce you to Scoria Foehammer. I didn’t know you were still recouping from surgery. We wanted to see what this dagger

, sword

️ and crown

were about. Since they all were connected to a Revenant on Buey.”

6:48 PM

“Scoria & I fought that creature a week ago. We wouldn’t have asked you to travel

in your present condition.”

6:48 PM

“Had we known.”

He waves up a hand dismissing your concerns. "It is alright Mr. Fury. The items you have might need more than a cursory review here, but they are far safer in the hands of the Academy and its branch here. You were right to bring this matter to our attention"

“So Scoria and I shouldn’t try and use them?” Chris asks. “I know it didn’t go well when I stabbed the remnant with the dagger.” “You got any questions Scoria?”

"I would not try to use them again until we know more about them. This is something I can determine, given enough time"

"I do not Chris Fury. Luckily, patience is one of my strong suits." Scoria turns "Thank you, Adamaris Tidecaller. Your assistance and insight is greatly appreciated. I look forwardward to seeing you expert conclusions on the matter of the artifacts." He blows slightly

“Well,” Chris says. “We can wait for the storm

to pass and then land on planet?”

The storms below are swirling slowly, mega hurricanes of wind and rain, though there are small gaps in the storm cover to the land mass below

"It may be difficult, though considering the skill of our pilot I see little issue with landing in this inclement weather. Perhaps we land there" He points to an uncovered area a storm seems to be moving away from

“You heard ‘em!” Chris exclaims. “Set down on his mark!”

The pilot is able to hold course, though it is difficult, and before long you are standing on the shore of pink sand, on this primal world. Only one pair of human boots has ever touched its soil, and that person is long gone, back in other territories. the air and water are the cleanest you have ever smelled, as the world is fresh and new in every possible way

Chris takes off the sword/gun belt he wears and pulls his compad out and drops them in the pink sand. He walks into the waves, dunks his head and walks out.

10:06 AM

"That was refreshing!' Chris says with the water streaming down his face. "This could have been a home for people if the Transformer wasn't needed somewhere else."

(Is there a shipwreck

to investigate?)

(Its within a large storm, but there is a wreck here)

Scoria kneels and scoops a small handful of the sand into his mouth "The rose quartz particulate in the sand is also quite pleasing."

“So?” Chris asks Scoria. “You want to go check out a shipwreck or head for Mariam?”

"Let us explore the nearby wreck, but leave if there is any indication that flight conditions may deteriorate. Being grounded in this world would not be ideal"

Chris nods and looks to the Storm ️ as it drives over the sea , pushing a wall of rain before it. (edited)

6:29 PM

Chris straps his belt back on and centers his sword over his left hip and his gun close by so he can cross draw.

6:31 PM

“You’ve got the spirit of an adventurer with the wisdom of an explorer,” Chris says. “Glad we’re partners on this.”

6:33 PM

Chris heads back to the ship, speaking into his compad about the wreck and how to best fly there.

The path through the storm is dangerous but the pilot seems up for it, it will require weaving through the bands ofwind and rain t get to the eye, where the wreck is now. Once there, you will only have about half an hour to explore before flight conditions get too dangerous and it will be time to leave the area.

7:39 AM

or risk being stuck here for a very long time

Chris jumps out and starts surveying the wreck.

9:45 AM

“What do you think Scoria? 15 minutes in and 15 minutes working our way back?”

"We shall work with thirds, Chris Fury. 10 minutes in and 10minutes out. The remaining 10 is to ensure we are prepared for the unexpected"

“Sounds good!” Chris exclaims.

Chris starts exploring with Scoria.

The wreck is a large bulk freighter that evidently had trouble and was forced to ditch on this planet. A hull this large would never be able to escape gravity and take off again. It is beached on a reef, with roughly half of it below the water line. A battered and kelp covered maintenance hatch is on the roof and identifiable by the hazard chevrons around it

Chris runs up to hatch and pulls out his sword. "This thermal razor should cut through the bulkhead." he says and swings downward.

There is a shower of sparks, as you cut the panel out, and the cavernous cargo bay lies below. The floor is partially flooded, and the water looks to be about 20m down, where some crates, barrels, and boxes are currently suspended in the current.

"It may be difficult to lower you down there and back up while also allowing time to search the bay. What is your plan, Chris Fury?"

“Get the winch from the ship and drop the line to me! I’m going for that cargo!”

8:50 PM

Chris smiles, gives a salute to Scoria and drop down into the hole .

Scoria looks down the hole after him "That man is most likely mad" He turns and goes to retrieve the winch from the ship

The winch is handily found, and it mag locks to the deck of the downed cargo ship easily. There is a small hiss as the locking plate connects, and a few puffs of steam seal it. The controls for the winch appear on both of your compads, simple ones showing up, down, and pause.

Chris swims over to the nearest crate he can wrap the winch cable around.

The crate is marked COMPACTED MATERIALS INSIDE, and there is a small seal on the top where the contents can be accessed

(also chris you fixed the terraformer and are doing this so woent get to be there, give me 2 d100 when you get time so we can at least see what Shaila turns into)

(Rolled 44 and 26 together it is 70. Is that what you needed.)

2:02 PM

Chris sees if he can wrap up the whole crate in the cable so it can be lifted by Scoria.

(thank you)

8:05 PM

There is enough here to do it, but barely. The storm ahead is picking up speed as you complete the efforts to get it properly secured. Whatever you have recovered, it looks to be all you are going to obtain for now

“Pull it up Scoria!” Chris says.

8:29 PM

Chris treads water and waves his free hand at the heroic Geon.

Scoria flicks the winch and guides the load up with his hands for safety

Chris looks up from the flooded cargo hold, concentrates and then teleports next to Scoria. ✨

The crate rises as the shuttle comes in to pick you both up. Rising back into space, the lock begins drying out, and opens. Although the contents have been shattered, the pretech junk inside is worth a solid 50,000 for each of you once sold

10:51 AM

(the trade good, not a pretech component like for mods. Basically just a nice chunk of money)

"excellent work, Chris Fury. I was unaware of your mystic skill and am thoroughly impressed."

“It manifested when I was young. I’m not sure why but some Acastans have gifts. Maybe it’s all the eldritch energy from the moons.” Chris says. “My sister had a gift, of insight but she became enamored of the Still Lady and used it in a terrible way.”

"I'm sorry to hear that Chris Fury. I too was blessed by this acastan energy. I was imbued with the energy and mind to become a sunblade. It was not until several decades later I decided to use it for good with the Order of the Knotted Wheel. "

“You’ll have to tell me about the Order on the journey,” Chris says. “So do we head to Mariam or do you have another location?”

(i know he wants to keep going west so he can get home, Haila would be the next stop, entering UNW lands)

(Let’s head that way and see if @SpacedBear wants to@change it.)

(Ok with me!) "I would be more than happy to tell you of the order, Chris Fury. And yes, I could appreciate if Mariam were our next destination"

Atmosphere: Breatheable mix Temperature: Temperate Biosphere: Human-miscible Population: Hundreds of Wasimian Aliens Tech Level: TL5 Seagoing Cities Either the world is entirely water or else the land is simply too dangerous for most humans. Human settlement on this world consists of a number of floating cities that follow the currents and the fish. These city-ships might have been purpose-built for their task, or they could be jury-rigged conglomerations of ships and structures thrown together when the need for seagoing life become apparent to the locals. Currently the only inhabitants of the planet are the aliens from Wasim, who remain aboard their floating Ark vessel, known to the human evacuees as 'The Breaker of Shoals' . The Wasimians have become friendly with humans when a peace deal was struck between the United Nations of Worlds, Admiral Madeline Beckwater, and the Wasimian ark dwellers. The Wasimians joined with the Sargasso Spiritualists once the other humans evacuated the planet as part of the peace deal. The spiritualists have declined to leave, despite the ambient conditions becoming too warm, and the atmosphere far too thick for them to breathe.

The haila station welcomes you in and refuels the vessel (3 days of downtime by the way), and the automated system attendant is here if you require anything beyond using this place as a fuel stop

8:00 PM

Mariam is now two jumps away

“So Scoria,” Chris asks. “How has the Sector changed since you were hibernating in the hard rock under Acastus?”

(If Scoria is busy in real life @SpacedBear we can drop him off planet.)

(It’s another three days to Gudrun, ans then two to Mariam

3:56 PM

(And we can decide where to go from there)

(sorry, school's been picking up and then was bday yesterday. Lil hungover now)

3

(Happy Birthday

!!!)

(We can split off if you want to Chris since you got scoria back to Mariam)

"it is indeed different, Chris Fury. There is a strong degree of similarity, but it is as if the whole image is shifted out of phase by a handful of degrees"

Chris looks out the window at Mariam. (edited)

12:20 PM

“You knew the universe before the Scream,” Chris says. “There will be much to catch up on.”

Scoria looks out the window where the temple should be "I do hope not too much"

1:30 PM

(thanks for the adventure Chris!)

(we can split off, and ill describe how things look to you Scoria)

Chris smiles and puts his hand out. (edited)

“You may have lost some years but you have gained a friend.”

Scoria shakes back "As have you. I look forward to seeing you again, Chris Fury."

Chris drops off Scoria and then starts looking at the star charts for the nearest planets.

(you're in UNW territory now, and the map is updated, you can kind of go anywhere)

(Ok. It looks like I’m buying a tour bus! But first stop Gudrun!)

3:31 PM

“Head to Gudrun!” Chris says. “I’m going to drop by PSike TV

!”

Psike TV headquarters is domiciled in New Athens, a city east of Central, near some hot spring lakes that exist on the planet;s surface. The settlement is small, everyone here an employee in the singular entertainment industry - and it appears there is work on some sort of movie happening. It takes you a few moments to realize it is the mini-series about your father that you and Hailey Clements had spoken about almost a year ago now

Chris checks in to see if he can drop by the movie set.

The set is a place where you’re welcome since it’s the story of your family , and the directors give you the vip treatment

8:16 PM

As you come onto the set and word of you being there spreads

Chris thanks everyone he meets for bringing his father’s work to life. He asks if they have settled on all the songs for the soundtrack.

There is actually a message being drafted to you, that was not sent, to see what you would pick

Chris will look it over and offer to recommend some musicians and see if they need him to compose any songs.

(are there any of your existing ones you'd want them to feature?)

https://www.worldanvil.com/w/iron-stars-nekosmash/a/a-drink-for-acastus-28chris-fury29-article

A Drink for Acastus (Chris Fury)

(But they can use any.)

A drink for Acastus will become the new opening credits of the series which currently has an 8 episode run, covering the last days of the Acastan Plutocracy and the rise of the Cult of the Still Lady

Chris sees about a meeting with Psike TV

executives about a sector wide tour.

9:08 AM

He points to the new tour bus being made.

(You feel like touring for a little bit or did we want to play secret agent?)

(Is like to tour different worlds and maybe meet the various characters if they are up for it.)

(we can 100% do that)

Chris then heads back to Acastus to oversee some of the building of his spaceship

(just a heads up it's not gonna be done until month flip and we are still a bit of IRL days away from that) (edited)

(Chris will head to Buey then.)

(7 days in downtime) Buey is the same as ever, though the terraformer is gone now, and beginning to work on Shalini. Mr. and Mrs Fury are also there with their technical crews, overseeing the first steps of the planet's change

“On to Shalini!” Chris says.

(sorry, i meant shaila but thats 1 more day of downtime north)

(No problem! Chris was going to to Buey to see his parents.)

The terraformer, Fury parents, and the assigned crew for the project are below, set up in the shallow forest round the plant Shaila's mountain region where they're reasonably safe from the radiation storms that now plague the world in place of the fire storms .

Chris looks down at the Terraformer as they land on the irradiated planet. (edited)

3:56 AM

The tool of that old dead empire is finally working to bring this world back to life

Your parents are in the control room, and do not come down since they cannot leave, but the boarding ladder extends to the ground, allowing you to come up

Chris climbs up the ladder. He looks around to see if he can notice any effect the Terraformer has on the surrounding area.

The terraformer has only just begun its work, days ago at the most. this close to the device there is some greenery poking through the desert sands, and rainclouds are forming further out into the desert. Although the air purifiers are working, the machine is going to be fitted with tracks so it can more rapidly continue its soil enrichment process, mixing the sand with fertilizers, moisture, and emulsifiers so it becomes more like tillable soil than a desert sand.

Chris goes to the control room. He starts walking faster in anticipation of seeing his mother and father.

Both of them are in the control room and are happy to see you when you make your way up. Several scanners and other monitors show the myriad readings, meaurements, and other important pieces of information needed to control the terraforming process

“Wow!” Chris says. “This is amazing! Great work mom and dad!”

8:00 AM

“Did the old Engineer from the Terran Mandate come?”

"He is in the secondary bridge, down in the guts of this thing overseeing the fine tuning. He was adamant that he is to be down there since he's the one who knows this thing best

Chris sits with his Mom and Dad to hear how they have been since he left. After that he will go to the secondary bridge.

They have been doing well, and are eager to see the planet changing for the better. They're very excited to have the family back together.

Chris takes this in and then goes to the secondary bridge looking for the Engineer.

The engineer and a six strong team of assistants are hard at work in the guts of the machine ensuring everything runs perfectly and the way that it should

“Engineer!” Chris greets the scientist. “You are finally able to put this in use after all these years.”

3:50 PM

“What type of climate will this planet get from your machine?”

"This world will be temperate, with a thick atmosphere. It will rain over these desert sands and make them green someday soon. We may even get enough in some low areas for inland lakes and seas"

“We’re there any other scientific expeditions that made it through before the Scream?” Chris asked. “Any last attempts at colonization or Empire building the Sector didn’t know about?”

"Notihng that we would have been looped in on. We had a mission and until the scream happened, were doing it."

“That’s too bad,” Chris says. “Who knows what other life saving technology could be out there.”

9:26 AM

“Well what you’re doing is amazing and reclaiming this world from radiation poisoning must be a great capstone to your mission.”

(I'll update the map once i figure out how to shade it in a natural looking way, but you generated a pretty biologically vibrant world once this finishes)

Chris spends some more time with his mom and dad, helping however he can. “Greystar is building a spaceship

for my next tour,” he tells them. “I’m heading back to Acastus to pick it up. Anything you want from the apartment when I get home?”

(ITs finished this month actually)

(Excellent!)

10:17 AM

“I’m heading off mom, dad!” Chris says. “Love you both.”

10:17 AM

As he says this he thinks of his sister, who although gone, is like an aching absence for all of them.

(where were you thinking of heading? pciking up your ship?)

(Absolutely!!! Chris is going to tour and look for cultural artifacts)

The Tour Bus is constructed in Bueys shipyard, a day away from this planet, and its crew of your roadies and various management personnel are ready for you, awaiting you on board the vessel having arrived to inspect it a few hours earlier

Chris runs his hand over the skin of the sleek space yacht

.

8:15 PM

“We’re about to see the sectors!” he says to himself. “Let’s go in and talk to the crew.”

The crew is aboard as they have been , and are waiting for instructions

Chris walks in and says hi to his duet and sometimes solo singer

‍

Sandra Swindon, the four armed Synth Jazz drummer Korba, the Piggen bassist Oironk and the backup Merlon guitarist Aquinas.

5:55 AM

“We are going on a good will tour of the Sectors!” he says. “To help with this we are taking up the Aphroditan Guild - Cultural Investigation Grant and provide them with detailed reports of cultural sites, around the sector.”

“Any place in particular you plan to start searching out?”

“I say we start at the heart of all the Sectors Gudrun and then go to Terezinho! “ Chris says. “What do you think?”

(THey'd have no issues with that, did you plan to stop anywhere on the way?)

(No we will kick it off on the planet that started it all Gudrun!)

(8 days of downtime on the way west then)

Chris sits down with his band in the studio on the ship and sends the sheet music to their cool shades that act as a "heads up display".

"We're going to go over the old songs to warm up and then we will take on the new ones that we will premiere on Gudrun."

(I;m going to need to change some goals if you are good with that.)

(yeah go ahead, lets hammer those out)

(Just did it! Now I have to redo character sheet.)

(Sounds good, once we get everything fixed we will move along)

Whenever Chris finishes a song, Daitrij claps excitedly. She really enjoys the concert and her premium seat. And she knows that she has to get him to visit the Protectorate as well. So as soon as Chirs is about to leave the stage after his last song, she jumps down her box and walks over to him. This time a bit less shy as Fangirl time is over and she acts as the Herald now. "Mr. Fury, do you have a minute?"

“Sure!” Chris says as@he puts his guitar

back in its case.

Daitrij grins. "As a fan, I have to say. What a wonderful concert! As the Herald of the Protectorate, I have to ask you if Heras and or Radji could be a station on your sector tour? The people of the Protectorate would be honored to have you there and you would get the chance to play in one of the densest populated region in the Iron Stars. What do you say?"

“I’ll go to Heras right after Terezino,” Chris says. “Will that work? We are working with the Aphroditan Guild - Cultural Investigation Grant and provide you with detailed reports of cultural sites, around the sector.”

11:23 AM

“If you could find the best place to perform the concert on Heras that would be a great help.”

"Oh, so you are working for Valentina then? That is awesome. And on Heras. Well, you could play on the former temple area. We do have much space there and modern infrastructure. That could be a perfect fit."

“Can you set that up for us or know who we should contact?”

"I am not an expert when it comes to that. But I will call the city officials of Mytikas to make sure you have an easy time on Heras. But should I attend I will have to wear more formal clothing and will be the Herald and not a fan. I was great to be here and to meet you, Mr. Fury. Should you need help, just call me. Good bye and may the flame in your heart guide your way."

“Well this tour will be a success if it just gets all us to reach out and work together.”

1:22 PM

Chris helps break down the stage and asks his band members how it went for them.

1:23 PM

He then sends a message to Buey about the money made for the Soil Reclamation Fund.

After the crowd has dispersed, Aris makes his way over to Chris and the band as they pack up. "Excellent show Mr. Fury! And quite a successful fundraiser at that. Although I must say, it is a little strange to hear songs about such recent events."

“I try and take inspiration from what I see around me,” Chris says. “Any ideas on what would be a good subject for our band’s next song?”

"Well, they say to write what you know. Perhaps you could tell something of your time on Buey and tie it into a bigger message of hope and reconstruction. There's quite a bit of sadness to your music. The sector may be ready for something a bit more uplifting. " Aris shrugs his shoulders "But you're the artist. I wouldn't want to tell you how to do your work."

“I’ll try!” Chris says. “I’ll take it up with the band on our drill to Terezino.”

"Best of luck to you. Do let me know if you find anything in your travels that might interest me, as well. I'd like to do my own part to preserve history, even if it's not as entertaining."

“Hope to see you again and spread the news in your travels.” Chris says. “We are looking for more planets

or space stations to perform our shows.”

7:54 AM

Chris gets the band ready by helping pack up.

(Were you heading right to Heras from here)

(Yes! Did that obtain a goal?)

(I believe so)

Chris gets onto the tour Yacht and after a brief talk with his band goes to his room. When the ship enters drill space he sleeps heavily, anticipating arriving in Terezino.

(3 days of downtime on the way)

Chris gets up early every "day" and practices both his swordplay and a quickdraw with his thermal pistol (safety on). Then, after coffee and toast, he practices with the band.

A large entry for the planet pulls up on ship archives as you arrive at the platform directing the system traffic. There is less here with the departure of governor Whitaker to the north but the world still resembles a busy paradise system

Chris calls down to the planet. “Chris & the Furies requesting permission to land for the concert!”

New Antioch provides landing clearance for you, projecting the coordinates onto the main screen of the space Yacht the band occupies. EVeryone is eager to continue the tour coming off a huge success at Gudrun

“Let’s take her down and give these people a show,” Chris tells the pilot.

Setting down, you see a large stage has been prepared in the city center for the visit, and local police are setting up a cordon to keep the crowd back while still offering them a good view of the show.

Chris makes his way to the stage with his band waving

at the crowd. When he gets to the stage he starts setting up his guitar

and making sure the sound check is good.

Everything sounds correct

The crowd is assembled and eager to hear more of the Chris fury band

(Got a lot going on, we have students coming back to school

. Will post later.)

(Sounds good man )

(I’m going to have to take a hiatus

from the game. Lots of school and family needs right now.)

(understandable, hope to see you again soon)