Iron Stars - keaton

The sounds of a stirring camp wake you as your people get ready for another day of travel. After heading south through the plains for a few days you can just make out the greenery of a forest on the horizon. The rumors you've heard place the city a few more days walk through the forest. You can just make out a pair of atmoflyers scouting the forest heading northwest towards the coast.

“Well”, Keaton bellows with a boisterous laugh, “At least now we can be certain that those rumors someone’s got civilization back up and running are more than just tall tales”. With a grin and a pat on the back to his nearest comrade he continues helping break camp while keeping an eye on the flyers. “Would have been a real shame to come all this way to find only ruins and rubble”.

The camp is struck and there's an air of excitement at finding true civilization after so long. The people look to you to lead the way.

The flyers have gotten a bit closer, they seem to be following the coast north.

“Wonder where they’re off to”, Keaton muses to himself. “Perhaps… the academy?”(Isn’t that to the north?) With a shrug and a grin he shoulders the rest of his belongings and motions for the group to begin making their way through the forest.

(Yeah it's almost directly north of you) The flyers pass just west of you as you reach the edge of the forest. As you enter the forest you hear a loud pop behind you, you turn around and see an engine on one of the flyers is smoking and it's quickly losing altitude.

As the popping sound echoes through the trees the grin melts off Keaton’s face. With a quick glance at the others they share a silent conversation and quickly change direction towards the flyers possible crash site. Keaton keeps his eyes on the sky. Was the flyer shot down or was it just a malfunction of some sort? Where did his buddy in the other flyer go? Would they make it in time to do any good? With a heavy snort Keaton clears his mind and focuses on moving forward as quickly as he can. (edited)

(Let's get an exert/con to see how quickly you can get there)

(9)

The flyer crashes a little ways away, a trail of dirt, metal, and smoldering grass left behind as it slides and grinds along the ground. The other flyer circles around and lands around the same time you get there. One of the wings seems to be on fire and is threatening to spread to the tall grasses of the plains. The condition of the pilot is unknown, but the flyer doesn't appear to be too terribly damaged by the crash aside from the wing.

Keaton's lungs heave heavily as he surveys the scene, good arm tucked tight against his side as the adrenaline from the sudden activity pumps through his veins. Been a while since I’ve had to move like this. Flyer looks mostly intact. The pilot might not be in too bad shape. Their buddies here too, good, but no movement from them or the pilot yet. That fire though… that could turn into a problem real soon. “Hu..Vh… Vhan take, take uh… Cara and see if you can’t get the fire on that wing out.” Quickly pointing out the two. “Try smothering it with some of the dirt turned up from the crash if you don’t have anything better.” Finally having caught most of his breath Keaton stands a little straighter. “The rest of you; keep that fire from spreading. The last thing we want is to be standing around in a grass fire. I’ll check the pilot and be back to help if I can, be careful and shout out if anything looks like it’s going to explode.” Wiping at the sweat building on his forehead Keaton makes for the cockpit of the craft. A little of his good humor from this morning resurfacing he shouts back, “We didn’t last three years in the wild to bite it this close to civilization.” (edited)

Your people spring into action, they're able to keep the fire from growing but it doesn't seem to be abating. The door of the cockpit is bent inwards from the crash, but it opens with some effort. The pilot is unconscious and bloodied, the extent of his wounds unknown.

"Well, at least you seem to be in one piece." Struggling a bit with his one good arm Keaton manages to remove his bioscanner from the medical kit swung over his shoulder. "Now, let's see what there is to see." Keaton makes some adjustments to the scanner then proceeds to examine the unconscious pilot.

(Heal/int)

(6)

The scanner takes a precious minute before information begins to appear: Male human, late twenties. Multiple lacerations across the body. Right arm and three ribs broken. Unidentified head wound, concussion likely. Survival rate with quick medical intervention: 62.7%. Scanning brain... error. Unknown interference prevents full diagnosis, advanced lab work required.

Unknown interference!? Keaton mutters a short expletive then quickly begins tending to the wounded pilot. (He attempts to use Psychic Succor to stabilize the pilot.) Need to get him stable enough to get away from this wreak.

The pilot's wounds begin to close and his breathing steadies, though he remains unconscious.

Observing the obvious wounds closing Keaton calls out, "Vhan, have someone else take over there and help me with the pilot." Keaton begins to remove the pilot's harness. With a nod of his head towards the other flyer "Come on, we'll move him towards his friend there. Once he's out we can get away from this burning hunk of junk."

The other pilot has made his way over and is helping contain the fire. They've kept it from spreading to the grass, but it seems to be slowly overtaking the flyer. Vhan comes over to help you, "He's still out? At least that makes him easier to move."

With a nod and grin to Vhan Keaton shouts to the other pilot. "We're getting your friend out but at this rate I'm not sure we can save the flyer!"

The pilot nods, agreeing with your assessment, and comes to help you with the unconscious pilot.

5:57 PM

Between the three of you, you get the pilot out just in time as the flames spread to the cabin.

"All right, that's some great work everyone. Now let's get out of here before this thing really goes up." Once safely away from the downed craft Keaton removes the injured pilots helmet and begins giving them a more thorough examination. Without sparing a glance Keaton addresses the other pilot "Not the best circumstances to meet under but all the same, names Keaton."

"Dig Richards, we were lucky you all were out here." He watches your examination, "Are you a medic? In that case we're doubly lucky." (edited)

"The world is a terrifying and wondrous place. Are you out of New Astria Dig? We were heading that way when we saw your friends ship come down. What should I call them by the way?"

"Yeah I've been there a good... six or seven months now. Sure beats living in the wild. No place here is truly safe, but there's something to be said for a good wall and some numbers to defend it. This here's Elton. He's fairly new, just been around a few weeks. Is.. is he ok?"

(Should I roll another heal to check him over again?)

(There's not much more you can get from him in the field)

(roger)

6:37 PM

"He seems stable right now and most of the bleeding has stopped but it'd be in his best interest if we got him somewhere they could give him a more detailed exam." Keaton pats Dig on the shoulder with a smile. "Can your flyer seat two? You could get him back quickly and we'll follow on foot to New Astria."

"It fits six, you and a couple friends join us, the rest can stay here and we'll send another out to pick them up."

After a moments thought Keaton nods, "The burning fighter will make one hell of a signal fire. Probably best I keep an eye on Elton all the same. Alright everyone you heard Dig. Myself, Elton and Dig plus three others will head out now and a transport will return for the rest of us. Cara, Vahn I'd like you to stay and keep everyone safe until then." Keaton picks out three others and they begin loading into the flyer.

Dig makes sure everyone is settled before taking off, speeding back south towards the city. "We were heading to the new settlement up north, just carrying some supplies. No idea what made the flyer do that."

"There's a settlement to the north as well? We'd only recently heard rumors of New Astria. Until we saw your flyers we weren't even sure they were true. What's the city like? Please tell me there's hot water. We did the best we could out here but I would kill for a hot bath." Keaton exclaims. Tension he hadn't even realized he was carrying at the thought of being truly clean again starting to melt away.

Dig gives an understanding chuckle, "Yes, there are baths. I wouldn't be surprised if that was one of the first things built. You'll see it soon enough, and then I'll head back for your friends."

"That's one less thing to worry about then." Keaton checks on Elton regularly but keeps an eye on the horizon for his first look at New Astria.

Elton remains stable and it's not long before you see a large clearing in the trees beneath you. Farmland surrounds a small but growing city. A large wall encircles most of it, though small homes have begun spreading just outside as the population grows. Within the walls are ramshackle buildings built with whatever was at hand, the older ones more piecemeal but fortified, the newer mostly wood. At the center is a wide cylindrical building with a domed roof, a busy market surrounding it and spreading south and east. The east seems mostly residential though little planning was put into it as homes of various sizes, styles, and materials butt up against the market stalls that wind throughout. You approach from the north which seems more organized and fortified. From your experience you know it's likely military. The southern side of the city is harder to see as you descend towards an airstrip just north of the walls, but you catch a glimpse of some larger buildings before the flyer sets down with a bump and slows to a stop near a large hangar.

"You said you've been here a few months right Dig? Any advice on where I should start? Work? A place to stay? Honestly, after these last few years in the woods this is all a little overwhelming."

"Of course, we've all been there. There are accommodations for anyone able to work. Three meals a day, a small hut of your own, that sort of thing. Most move out once they're settled, build their own home or find lodging with someone else. You're a medic right? You'll have no shortage of job offers. We've a small hospital. The military would love to have you of course, as would any salvaging team. You'll have more choices than most!"

"At least I know I have options. Would it be alright if I wait here until you return with the rest of my comrades? I imagine we will be splitting up after this but the least I can do is see with my own eyes that they've made it."

"Of course, go talk to Abby in the hangar, she'll make sure Elton gets to the hospital."

12:13 PM

(How many people would you say were in your group?)

Keaton makes his way over to the woman that Dig pointed out. "Hello I'm Keaton" he smiles and extends his good hand in invitation to shake. "Dig said I should talk to you about finding a place to wait while he retrieves the rest of my group." (edited)

11:49 PM

(I was thinking 9-12. Mostly former patients or staff of the hospital where he woke up with a couple others they picked up on the way out of the city or in the wilderness. I imagine that I might keep up with some of them but for the most part we'll head our separate ways here.)

She grabs your hand, "Abby Belrich." She smiles until she sees Vhan holding Elton. She rushes over to him, "What happened to him? Where's his flyer?"

"Crash landing. We were making our way to the city when we saw his flyer go down. I was able to treat most of his injuries but he should get checked out at a hospital just to be sure. As for his flyer... it was mostly intact when it came down but there was a fire we couldn't put out. I wouldn't hold out too much hope for it, sorry."

Another flyer pulls in and starts unloading. Abby nods, "Well, thank you for helping. We'll make sure he gets taken care of." She glances up at the unloading flyer, "At least I have someone to fill in for him. Dig's going back for the rest of your friends I assume? Hopefully he can get something back from the flyer, we don't have the materials to build another yet."

"No trouble. Yes, he should be back pretty quickly if the flight here was any indication."

(If you want to talk to him @Velrond Hexxus is the one unloading. Or you can go your own way)

(Heading to work now. I'll contact Alister when I'm back.

1

When he can find a moment Keaton brings out his rarely used com-pad and starts looking into the opportunities Dig mentioned; hospital work, the military, and salvage operations. Before I get into anything really dangerous I should see what can be done about my left arm. I've managed to get by over the last few years but there wasn't much choice about that at the time. One of the guys in our group had a prosthetic... I'll search around for information on that as well.

The military has a general recruitment post offering better food and beds as well as a monthly stipend for serving. It's also asking for aid in the railroad construction. Apparently some wild beasts have been harassing the workers. The hospital's post falls under the salvage category. It's for an experienced team to salvage advanced medical equipment from the hospital in Old Astria. Other salvage jobs include a post from the Psionic Order asking for psitech from the Academy ruins and one from City officials for a recon team to scout the recently discovered wreckage of a titan-class ship to the northeast.

5:29 PM

You also find a cybernetics shop in the western market that makes prosthetics.

5:34 PM

(You would assume the hospital could have other jobs for an experienced medic, the com-network doesn't really have any specialist jobs on it)

Frustrated but not especially surprised by the lack of information available Keaton contacts the hospital, explains he's a new arrival with medical training and inquires about possible positions. Well... at least if there's something to be done about my arm a hospital is a good place to start.

(Sorry, just saw the bottom line of that last post. Give me a sec)

(No worries)

5:53 PM

The hospital replies quickly, requesting that you visit in person if you're interested. Their location in the southern district is included in the message.

Keaton looks over the listings carefully. While the military route might provide some familiarity and a place to get back on his feet he isn't sure he's ready to sign up for that kind of commitment just yet. The hospital's post is more attractive but he isn't part of an experienced salvage team and still pretty new to the area. Any combat skills he had have atrophied over the last few years and he isn't sure anyone would want an unknown one-armed medic on what sounds like a fairly dangerous endeavor. The other offers fall into that category as well, interesting but potentially dangerous without more preparation. For now, it might be best to visit the hospital and see what other work they might have. Then make his way over to the cybernetics shop and see what's on offer. A small blip pulls Keaton's attention to his com-pad. Well, that was quick. After giving his farewell to his comrades Keaton gathers his things and makes for the hospital.

6:10 PM

Keaton finds somewhere he can clean up a bit on the way to the hospital.

There are bathhouses next to a communal mess hall and a few rows of small huts, generally where newcomers stay until they find a more permanent home. You find some of your friends have made their way here too and are eating in the mess hall.

Keaton takes some time to find a hut and get himself clean then sits down to eat with his friends. They make small talk for a while discussing their plans now that they're back to civilization. He lets them know where to find him if they ever need anything. With a fond farewell he makes his way towards the hospital.

You head into the southern side of the city which seems to be generally administrative. The hospital is much smaller than you're used to, a long two story building of mostly stone. A gravcar turned makeshift ambulance is out front. One of the few working vehicles you've seen in the city. You don't see anyone going in or out of the wide double doors at the moment.

After taking a moment to examine the ambulance Keaton makes for the doors.

Inside you're greeted by sterile white tile and whitewashed walls. A boy, probably late teens attends a desk in a small waiting room. A few rows of chairs for people to sit and wait are the only other things within the room. Another set of double doors leads further into the hospital.

Keaton moves to the desk. "Afternoon, got a message asking me to stop by in person if I was looking for work. You who I need to speak to? Oh sorry, names Keaton by the way." He extends his hand to shake.

"Oh, uhhh hey! I'm Jake," He shakes your hand, "You'll want to talk to Lars, he probably sent the message. I think he's with a patient though, let me go check!" Jake exits through the doors.

Kid seems a little young for this kind of thing but I guess everyones got to do their part here Keaton takes a seat to wait for Jakes return.

After a few minutes Jake returns, "Lars is with a patient but said you can come on back, says you're a medic right?" He holds the doors open for you and gestures for you to enter.

"That's right. I served in the navy as a medic before I was injured." Keaton rises and makes for the door.

"Oh wow, that's pretty neat!" Jakes leads you down the long hallway. Numbered doors flank the hallway, though none have windows to see into them. A short way down he knocks on a door. "Come on in." Jake opens the door and steps back for you to enter.

"Yeah, a lot of good memories there." Keaton rests his hand on the stump his left arm ends with. "Some not so great ones too... but on the balance I think it was worth it". With a polite nod to Jake, Keaton enters the room.

Inside is a fairly standard hospital room, a large bed with various diagnostic equipment attached and a few chairs against the wall. On the bed is Elton, a young man standing over him looking at his bioscanner. He doesn't look up as you enter, intent on his work. "Doctor Lars at your service. Well Keaton, tell me what you think of our patient."

Keaton spares a glance at the medical equipment then walks over to the bed and places his hand on Elton's forearm. "I think myself and some friends pulled Elton here out of a crashed flyer about three hours ago. Broken arm, three ribs, lacerations and a head injury I couldn't diagnose in the field. I stabilized him with a combination of emergency first aid and an application of bio-psionic ability. All things considered, he's a lot better off than he could have been. How's he doing now?"

"He's doing pretty well. Condition is stable. He was conscious when he got here but I put him back under to check everything out. His- wait, did you say biopsion?" He turns and looks up at you, his face bares a slight resemblance to Jacob's though he's at least ten years older. He smiles at you, "You're hired! I'm the only trained medic here, I've got a couple of nurses, but no biopsions."

10:42 PM

"I'm sure you know just how valuable people like you are, and you may be the only one who survived!"

"Uh...", Keaton takes a step back from Elton's bed and raises his hand to create some distance between himself and Lars. "It's not that impressive really. I'm only a restricted talent." As he tries to calm the other man's excitement Lars' last words suddenly register. "...the only survivor?" Suddenly feeling dazed Keaton stumbles back barely managing to find a seat near the bed before he collapses. Of course, he'd known intellectually what had happened to nearly all psychics during the Scream. He'd seen it first hand after all; his own sanity a miracle he hadn't wanted to ponder too long on. And even out in the wilderness as they had been hadn't stopped all rumors and stories from reaching them. But out there had been the ever-present pressure of daily survival. This was the first time he had ever been presented with the stark reality of his situation. He'd been a minor talent, at best. He could patch people up with his abilities and that was about it. He'd been useful certainly but his abilities were nothing compared to others. Especially here with the academy so close by. This is big... maybe.. maybe too big. I might be the only sane Bio-psion left That thought nearly set him off laughing but he clamped down on that urge quick afraid that if he started he might never stop. His thoughts turned to his instructors, friends and other students who were now certainly either dead or insane. Sadness, grief, and relief at not sharing their fate tumbled through him ending up as a leaden weight in his heart and stomach. Keaton swallows loudly and raises a calming had to Lars. "Sorry, Sorry... that shouldn't have shaken me as it did. I've never had to confront the truth of my situation so directly before. Please give me a few moments."

Lars comes up and puts a hand on your shoulder, "No worries friend, I understand. My... my father was a biopsi too before... There are a few other psychics in town, you should talk to them. Actually you'll need to talk to them, all psychics have to be registered so we can tell who's feral. Were you trained at the academy?"

"So there were other survivors." Keaton leverages himself to his feet still a little overwhelmed. "The Academy? Yes, yes I did spend some limited time there. Most of my training was done with the military but some of the finer points of Biopsionics had to be refined there." He pulls at his beard in thought. "All in all I spent perhaps a year there." Finally coming fully back to himself "Your father, you have my condolences." Keaton places a hand on Lars shoulder. "Registration... well I suppose that's sensible considering everything. Where are they located?" (edited)

"They're pretty close to here, in the southern district. There aren't many and I don't think any are biopsi though. Actually I think they could help us! None of the equipment here can figure out what's wrong with Elton's mind but maybe one of them can! Either that or we find one of those psitech bioscanners we used to have." (edited)

"I got some odd readings when I scanned Elton as well. I thought perhaps it was something wrong with my scanner." Keaton removes his scanner and shows Lars Elton's initial scans. "Better to take care of this sooner rather than later. I'll head on over to get registered and while I'm there I'll see what help they can offer. Just in case they aren't able to offer any aid where can we find one of those bioscanners?"

"Well I'm sure there are some in the old city, but I think the academy would be less dangerous. They had one, you know, cause dumb students with crazy powers do stupid things all the time."

"Hah, don't I know it. I'm not much of a fighter, though I do know a pilot who might be able to get me out there. It's defiantly something to keep in mind for the future but it might be better to see if there's a solution closer to home. I'll consult with the other psychics and we'll see where we can go from there. Ah, and obviously I accept your offer for employment. We'll get this business sorted and Elton back on his feet in short order." Keaton bids Lars farewell, assuring him that he will return soon, then starts making his way to the psychics compound.

You find the compound quickly and see a large three story building of stone and wood, reinforced with metal. A wrought iron fence surrounds it and two guards stand at the gate leading in.

Keaton stops before the gate. "Hello, just arrived today. I'm told I need to register here?" He moves to enter the building.

The guards nod to you and let you pass. The entrance is an open archway leading down a hall that opens on a glass roofed atrium in the center of the compound. The air is humid and smells of rich dirt and vegetation. Various plants are growing and you recognize many of them as medicinal and a few as the opposite. A tall slightly built man in expensive but well worn clothes is looking over a handful of bots, a watering can sits next to him forgotten.

11:52 AM

(How old is Keaton?)

Keaton spends a moment taking in the room then approaches the tall man. "Hello" he waits until he has the man's attention. "Names Keaton, I'm new to the city and need to register. Also got a bit of a medical issue at the hospital I'd like to consult with someone on." He offers his hand to shake. (28 or so)

The man looks up and you recognize him. He was a young instructor at the academy, though he didn't teach your class. You have to think for a minute before you remember his name: Professor Malbrook. He eyes you carefully for a minute, from your experience you'd guess he was scanning you with metapsionic abilities. "What are the odds, before today I only knew of four psychics who survived. Now I know two more."

Keaton's eyes widen in surprise "Professor Malbrook? Well damn, I honestly didn't think I'd recognize anyone here." (edited)

"Ah, a student of the academy! Forgive me if I do not remember you, we had many students and I did not generally teach the restricted psychic classes. We built classrooms here but... well they haven't been used yet but one day surely." His smile is sad, "Draper has the registry, I'm sure he'll be along any minute. What was this business about the hospital?"

"Don't let it bother you. Like you said I was never in any of your classes," says Keaton with a smile. "Right the hospital; got distracted there for a moment. I'll spare you the details. There's a patient at the hospital, Elton, who I treated in the field and noticed something odd about his bio-scans. I chalked it up to the equipment or circumstances at the time but Lars is having the same issues. He suggested consulting with one of you or recovering a psi-tech bioscanner from the academy. It seems I'll be working with the hospital from here on out and I have a vested interest in Elton's recovery seeing as I was the first one to treat him so I've taken on this task."

"Lars... yes I knew his father. You'll eventually want one of those scanners I am sure, but I would be willing to come along if you think that would be helpful. We have no biopsions here, but three of us are metapsionic in addition to other things. I've heard Plainsford has a healer there though, one of those new touched folk."

"Yeah, he told me what happened to his dad. Unfortunately not an uncommon story these days." Keaton shakes his head sadly. "But any help you could offer would be much appreciated. Once I've concluded this registration business would you be able to accompany me to the hospital?" Keaton pauses "Touched folk? First I've heard of them, who are they? "

"Of course, I would be happy to help. The touched are a strange phenomenon that began after the scream. It seems the residual metadimensional energy of the scream affected certain people in different ways. They've developed abilities similar to psionics, but the mechanics and natural laws behind it are strange. I'm afraid I'm no expert on the subject yet, though I'd like to learn more."

3:51 PM

(Basically the arcane classes in the codex of the black sun)

"The world just gets stranger and stranger." replies Keaton with a thoughtful hum. (k thanks)

"Indeed." A man appears suddenly next to Malbrook, slightly shorter, much rounder in fine silken clothes, somehow unblemished by the hardships of survival. He looks at you, surprised. "Another one? Is it psychics you've planted in your gardens Kent?" Malbrook chuckles, "He's former student Mr. Draper, here to register." Draper is suddenly in front of you holding out a compad for you to sign.

After given the compad a quick once over Keaton takes it and signs. "As I said I only just arrived today, is there anything in particular I should know about New Astria or my obligations to her?" Finished he hands the pad back to Mr. Draper.

The compad says: Keaton Moldova; Restricted Psychic: Biopsion. There is an old picture of yourself next to your name, back from your school days apparently still in the system. Draper takes the pad and vanishes. Malbrook sighs, "He's not much of a talker despite being a politician in the old days. As for obligations New Astria is still in its infancy. There's a loose council of sorts running things for now, Draper is our representative of course. We're close to rediscovering spike travel, only a few more components are missing. Once that happens there's talk of rebuilding the alliance, spreading through the stars, and who knows what else. All that to say, there are no specific obligations... but you have the chance to be a part of something new and help it grow into something to be proud of. You aid the city and it will aid you. You will gain favor and resources and power that was once far beyond your reach. Old Astria was built by and for psychics. In my eyes, it's our responsibility to see it rise from the ashes."

"The current situation certainly does present some unique opportunities." He raises his head and looks up at the sky. "Once, when I thought of the future I dreamed of a clinic of my own somewhere quiet. I was content with that dream mostly because I knew the world would get by just fine without me. There were skilled and talented people aplenty who could handle the big things while I did my part in smaller ways." Turning his attention back to Malbrook, "Now I look around and see many of those people are no longer here. It's time I reexamined what I want and what I can do, perhaps I should start thinking bigger." With a rueful shake of his head, Keaton begins to turn towards the exit. "Forgive me, I'm still trying to adjust to everything here and it seems my thoughts got away from me." He throws a grin over his shoulder "Well one thing at a time. If I'm through here what say we head on over to the hospital and see what you can make of Elton's condition? If it does turn out that we need that scanner can you tell me anything about the current state of the academy? Are ferals the only thing I need to worry about or are there other dangers?"

"Lead the way," Malbrook motions towards the door. "I was there when it happened... though perhaps that is a story for another time. Suffice to say it should be much less dangerous than the City ruins. The faculty were all away at the time besides myself, so theoretically there shouldn't be any ferals of significant strength there. It's mostly untouched by salvagers to my knowledge. Most technology there is deemed unimportant compared to ships or weapons or other such things. I wouldn't go alone, but with a decent team I think you would be able to find your scanner."

"Now that I think of it I might know of some people who might be interested in something like this." That pilot Alister knows at least one team that handles this sort of thing, or Abby the woman I meet in the hanger might know someone. "We'll check in on Elton and Lars then I need to visit the local cyberware vendor to see what might be done about my left arm. If there's time left today I'll inquire with a few contacts about any teams will to visit the academy. It seems that things just keep pilling up today. But as I said one thing at a time. If fate does take me to the academy is there anything you can think of that might be of value to us that I should keep an eye out for?"

"Well anything psitech would be incredibly valuable as we cannot currently make more. I can make a list of things useful to the City and you might find a few things to keep for yourself as well. As for your arm, prosthetics can have some advantages but if you're interested in a flesh and blood replacement, I'd visit Plainsford and that healer I mentioned. I've heard he might be able to do something about that."

"That list would be helpful. As would a map of the academy grounds if such exists. I could probably find the medical facilities myself but other parts of the campus would be less familiar to me." Keaton places his hand over the stump of his missing arm. "I'd thought full restoration would be beyond me. To be honest I've grown fond of the idea of a prosthetic arm. I've become a bit of a tinker over the last few years, even had a few ideas of eventually building my own. But to have the option to be whole again, it's something I'll have to think on." He removes his hand as they near the hospital. "If this healer is capable of restoring limbs then that's all the more reason for me to meet them. Perhaps there are things I could learn from him."

"Yes, I can get a list and map ready for you. I think reaching out to the touched in general would be good for the future of the Order. There aren't enough psychics anymore, expanding to include them would prove beneficial to both parties." The hospital is the same as you left it, ambulance still inactive just outside.

"I think that idea has a lot of merit. Even if these powers operate under different rules you still have a lot of experience teaching and understanding people dealing with those sort of challenges. Have there been any new psychics since the scream or is it too early to tell?" I wonder if that ambulance works? If not I should probably take a look at it. (edited)

"I've met one who awakened to her powers after. More will come when we retake the stars, but it will be a very long time before we number as we did."

"We'll get there someday, as long as we keep moving forward." Keaton enters the hospital and after greeting Jake at the front desk leads Malbrook to Elton's room.

Jake gives a slight wave as you go in and you see two young women sitting in the waiting room. You continue back to Elton's room who's in the same condition, though Lars seems to be with a different patient right now.

After looking over Elton for any changes Keaton motions Malbrook forward. "This would be Elton".

Malbrook looks over Elton carefully. "Ah... I think I see the problem, come here Keaton." He places a hand on your shoulder and a rush of power flows into you. "Look at him now." (Heal/int +2 for Malbrook helping)

(10)

You look again at Elton. This time your vision blurs and you see a strange aura around his head. You intuitively sense the distinct signature of telepathy surrounding him.

2:49 PM

Your compad pings and you see Abby is asking if you want to help inspect the wreckage of the atmoflyer for tampering.

2:49 PM

(The others are going on a group mission to check it out, you can join if you want)

"This is odd. I'm seeing evidence of telepathy." He turns to Malbrook, "Some sort of attack perhaps? How do we help him?" Keaton notices his com-pad beeping and checks his messages. "Abby says she's sending some people out to examine the crash site. She wants to know if I'll help. Maybe we can learn something that would help Elton here."

"You go, I'll stay here and assist the doctor. Be on the lookout for ferals. Can you feel the power of our connection? I've formed a gestalt with you, it will allow you limited access to my own skills. You'll be able to see psychic effects and tell if someone is psychic or touched, that's what allowed you to see the telepathy affect lingering in his mind."

"My thanks, I'll return later. Hopefully with some information that will be of use to us." Keaton nods and rushes to the exit.

Keaton leaves the airfield heading towards the baths. A few people give you weird looks at the blood covering you but not as many as you'd think. The baths aren't very busy currently and an attendant takes your clothes to be washed.

(This is my first time leveling do I need to tell you what I spend my skill points on?)

(No, I can see on your roll20 sheet. And generally we trust you not to cheat lol)

(K)

(What is legal to purchase here as far as weapons and armor goes?)

(Pretty much anything tl4 is available)

(do we need to play out me going out and finding it or can I just pick it up?)

(Whichever you prefer)

(Alright, still going back and forth over the prosthetic arm. Would it be possible to mod other pieces of equipment into the arm? I like the idea of having a bio-scanner or multi-tool built into it. Maybe even have multiple arms I could attach that each had different mods.)

(We could probably work something like that out, keep in mind these would add permanent strain though)

(I could probably live with that.)

(You can check out the cyberware section in the book for stuff, the integrated scanner I'd put at 15,000. That's comparable to other integrated tools like compad)

(Thanks, a lot of the things I listed are more goals down the road. I just wanted to check before I started building that way and getting my hopes up. In the immediate future I was just thinking about a normal prosthetic arm and then developing my own masterwork version that I could mod.)

6:07 PM

(Would it make more sense to take something like this as a Unique gift focus?)

(Depending on how much you want it to do yeah)

(I'll think about it and work out exactly what I want to do with it then get back to you and we can talk it out.)

After bathing for the second time today Keaton turns towards home intent on getting a good nights rest.

The hut assigned to you is small, but clean. A neat bed with a nightstand and dresser are the only furnishings and decorations. The room smells faintly of pine, the furniture freshly made.

Exhausted from the days events Keaton settles in and goes to sleep.

Your sleep is deep and dreamless. You wake and it's already late morning, you can hear people outside going about their daily business.

Keaton rolls out of bed especially enthused because he had been able to sleep in an actual bed. Sending a quick message to the hospital and Malbrook informing them that he will be in as soon as he gets done at the cyberware vendor he prepares for the day. Checking his compad for directions to his destination Keaton sets out to see a man about an arm.

The cybernetics shop is nearby, in the same district as your hut. The shop is small and clean, some cyberware on display with neatly handwritten notes on their function. A woman is sitting on a stool, reading something on her compad when you enter. Her left arm elbow down is prosthetic, the intricate machinery revealed though most people generally opt for a hyper-realistic synthetic skin covering. Her right arm is tattooed to imitate the left, cogs and wires painted over smooth skin and slender fingers. She smiles up at you as you enter, "Hello, welcome to my shop!"

Keaton presents his missing left arm with a wry grin. "Hello, as you can see I'm in need of a new leg."

"Hah I think sticking a leg there would be a bit impractical but who am I to judge! I'm Clare by the way." (edited)

"Keaton. I just got into town yesterday. I'm looking to do something about my situation here. What would you suggest and how long does the procedure normally take?"

"Just yesterday huh? The procedure isn't too long, I'd suggest taking it a bit easy for a couple days after though while you get used to it. Just a standard prosthetic? Anything specialized would take me a bit to get ready for you."

"Is it possible to build the joint in such a way that I could remove and replace the arm myself. I'm a bit of a tinkerer with a medical background and I'd like to be able to examine the arm and perhaps develop my own designs. I'm not too concerned with how it looks as long as it functions in the way I require."

"Hmm I could do something like that. Could you come back for it tomorrow? It'll take some tinkering myself to make it easily removable."

"That should be more than fine. I'll see you tomorrow." With a wave he leaves the shop. Checking his pad it seems this took much less time than he had thought. He spends an hour visiting various shops looking for equipment for the expedition to the academy. (This is how I'm explaining the rest of the stuff I bought) That done he will make his way to the hospital to check on Elton. On the way he realizes he hasn't heard anything about the flight recorder they recovered yesterday so he messages Abby for an update.

Abby replies saying that they think the wreck was caused by a feral psychic instead of a mechanical malfunction. Malbrook is waiting for you at the hospital when you enter, talking with Jake at the front desk.

Keaton approaches them with a friendly smile. "Good day, how are you both doing? Has there been any developments with Elton?"

"Ah, good timing Keaton. Jake here has informed me that your patient is awake. Would you care to join me? I think we both have some questions for him."

Keaton raises his eyebrows in surprise, "Awake, that's wonderful news." He gestures for Jake and Malbrook to follow him as he starts towards Elton's room. "According to Abby there were no mechanical issues with his flyer. She seems to think it's the work of feral psychics."

"Well then let's hope he has the answers we seek. That would explain the telepathic signature we found. I was able to dispel whatever the effects were, I assume that helped or allowed him to wake."

As they enter Elton's room. "Thank you again for your assistance with this situation its truly appreciated."

"Of course, it is no problem." Elton looks up as you enter, a small half-eaten bowl of soup on a tray in his lap.

Keaton smiles as he approaches the bed. "Hello I'm Keaton, myself and some friends were there when your flyer came down. How are you today?" (edited)

"Oh are you the psychic? Thanks for saving me! I'm feeling alright I guess, mostly tired and a little achy. Honestly pretty good for being in a wreck like that!"

"You're more than welcome." Keaton readies his bio-scanner, "If it's not too much trouble I'd like to take a few scans now that you're conscious. We're still looking into what caused the crash and I'd like to compare these to those we took earlier." He begins fiddling with the scanner. "What can you tell us about what happened?"

"Honestly I dont remember much. I was flying with Dig to Plainsford with supplies--food, tech, that sort of thing--then I woke up here. Lars filled me in on what happened while I was out. I guess I just blacked out and crashed or something."

7:34 AM

Your scans show that he is generally healthy. The strange error is no longer showing.

"Well, everything looks fine now." he hums to himself in thought. "Jake will go over the details regarding the rest of your recovery in a few moments." Keaton motions Malbrook and Jake to the side. "What do you think?"

Malbrook thinks for a minute, "Well clearly there was some sort of psychic tampering. With the equipment from the academy we probably could have learned more before I dispelled it."

"That's a shame but probably for the patients best. The less time he spent affected by whatever it was the better. Speaking of the equipment, I've made some plans to visit the old academy next week. If you could have that list and map available by then I would appreciate it."

"Of course. Stop by the Order before you go and I'll have it ready. A shame none of our biopsionic masters survived, but I'm glad you've stepped up. With some more experience you'll get there."

"Ha, I never had plans to be a master but I suppose things change." Keaton shakes his head at the oddities of fate. "I'll visit you again before I head out." Turning towards Jake "Sorry, I know we got caught up in Elton's case here but I don't think we ever went over what would be expected of me. Will I be spending more time here at the hospital or I noticed an ambulance outside perhaps providing emergency response services to the city? I'm willing to do whatever you think will be more helpful."

After a moments thought, "Although I will say that being part of the ambulance service would probably be closer to the duties I was used to performing in the navy."

"Oh! Um, you'll probably want to talk to Lars about that. But having a medic with the ambulance would be great, right now they have to bring them back here before they get any treatment."

Keaton nods his head in agreement. "I'll do that." He moves to leave the room. "Malbrook, don't hesitate to contact me if I can be of use to yourself or the Order. Elton, If you remember anything else about the crash or experience any lingering issues please let us know." With a final wave to those present he sets out in search of Lars.

You find Lars with another patient. The patient is a man, later middle aged, in military dress. Lars is currently rotating the soldier's arm at different angles, monitoring his shoulder.

Keaton waits until it seems as though Lars is finished before announcing his presence. "Afternoon Lars, how's it going?"

"Hey there Keaton! Have you checked in with Elton yet? He woke up a bit ago!"

"Yeah, just came from there actually." He shakes his head "It's too bad he hasn't been able to remember anything that would shed some light on what happened. Well anyway, Jake told me to ask you about the ambulance out front. It seems like I'll be working as ER for the city, not too different really from what I did in the navy."

"Oh, yeah that'd be a great help! We can make you up a room to sleep here if you want. You'll need to be close by if you're on call."

"I would live here at the hospital? I guess I don't mind the idea. What kind of shape is the ambulance in?"

"You dont have to live here, we can get you set up with something nearby if you'd prefer. The ambulance is.. working. It could use a tune up if you know of anyone who could check it out."

"Something close by might be better. I'll take a look at it and see what might be done." Keaton nods towards Lars's patient."Everything alright here?"

The soldier looks up at you, "Ah, just an old wound nothing to get worked up about. Doc here insists on checking it out every so often. Just gets sore if I use it too much."

(Would my current level of biotics be able to do anything for him?)

(The core skill wouldn't be enough to help)

"I know how that is." Keaton gives a wave with the stump of his left arm. He claps Lars on the back with his right. "Alright well, I'm going to go take a look at that ambulance. Are there any tools or spare parts around? I can get my own if not."

"I don't think we have much of that here, but plenty of people around do. Shouldn't be too hard to find!"

"Well there was no harm in asking. I've got some tools at my place. I'll take a look at it before I head out just in case there's anything else I might need." (I bought a tool set earlier) He exits the hospital and starts looking over the ambulance.

(Fix/int)

(11)

7:20 PM

(what kind of vehicle is this again?)

(gravcar)

The gravcar ambulance is in workable shape. You're able to replace a few rusted parts, tighten other, and perform general maintenance that was clearly overdue.

It's been too long since I've been able to work on something like this He packs his tools up and returns to Lars. "I've looked over the ambulance and it should be running better now. Is there anything else that needs doing around here right now?"

"Thanks for that! Umm I can't think of anything that needs your specialties currently. There's always plenty of grunt work if you don't have anything else going on. I was going to have Jake deliver some medicine to a patient who's not here, you could go instead if you'd like."

"Sure, on my way back I'll take a look around and see if I can find a place." Keaton takes the meds from Lars. "Anything I should know about the patient?"

"Oh he works one of the outer farms east of here, he's fighting off a bit of an infection. Shouldn't need any of your fancy psionic stuff, the meds should do the trick. For places to stay, honestly you're best off building your own or hiring someone to build for you. Not much of a housing market right now, we just build more when we need them. Plus side is it's affordable for most people especially if you help build it."

"Can I take the ambulance if it isn't needed now? It'd be good for me to see how she runs on an errand like this." (Actually, can I drive without ranks in pilot?) "Is there anyone you'd recommend as far as construction goes or should I just check the net?"

(You can drive around easily. Anything difficult or crazy would need a check with no pilot skill, but for emergency work you could have a separate driver if you wanted)

10:18 PM

"Sure, you can take it. For construction you could check with one of the councilmen for open lots, they'd have a better idea for who to hire for that too. They work out of the big domed building in the center of town, I'm sure you've seen it."

"Alright thanks, I'll drop by the council building on my way back. Radio me if there are any emergency calls." Keaton hops into the ambulance and after a few moments of fiddling with the settings gets the gravcar going. This will give me some more experience moving around the city (When I get some more money I might hire Hope to develop a Ghost Driver for me if she's up for it.)

(Cobb who she's worked for a bit could build an expert system pilot for you) The gravcar starts easily after the work you did on it earlier. There aren't many other vehicles on the roads right now and most of those are hoverbikes or other smaller means of transportation. You have a siren for emergencies, but without it it's not too much faster than walking as the streets are full of pedestrians.

At first a little put out by his slow progress through the city Keaton eventually starts to enjoy the lazy pace. Checking his position on the onboard nav-com he sees that he should arrive at his destination soon.

You make it past the crowds and out the eastern gate. The road is much less busy here and you're able to pick up speed. The farm you're heading for is close to the forest edge. As you approach you pass the farm with a few young men and women working as well as a couple of bots. You see a sturdy farmhouse that's quite large, an older man sitting on the porch watching the others work.

Keaton doublechecks the address then carefully pulls the gravcar to a stop. Gathering the medicine he approaches the old man on the porch. "Hello, I'm Keaton I have a delivery from the hospital for," he squints and reads the name on the prescription. "Are they here?"

"Greg? Yeah that's me." He doesn't get up as you approach, but he does offer his hand to shake, "You new there? I haven't seen you before."

Keaton moves forward and hands Greg the medicine then shakes his hand. "Sure am, just got in yesterday. Was lucky enough to find work with the hospital. This your farm?"

"Yeah, it's doing alright. People always need food, so we're well compensated out here." He grabs the medicine, opens it and pops a couple pills in his mouth, washing it down with a swig from a flask at his side.

"Good to hear it. Well, take care of yourself, I've got to get back to the city." Keaton waves farewell and turns to walk back to the gravcar.

As you return to the ambulance, an alert sounds from within as well as from your compad. Multiple railway workers injured in attack from unknown beasts. Head to location immediately. The location is noted in the gravcar's navigational system.

"Damn", Keaton swings into the drivers seat flipping switching and bringing the gravcar around towards the beacons direction. The thrum of the antigrav array increases as he puts on speed but is quickly drowned out by the ambulance's siren once its activated. (Heading to work)

(Let's get a pilot/dex when you get back)

(7)

You follow the tree line around the city and find the beginnings of the railway, following the coast north. You only see a few guards patrolling who quickly get out of your way when they hear you coming. You zoom along the rails for some time before nearing where the construction has stopped. You see a crowd of people hurrying about and yelling orders. There's a general feeling of chaos in the air.

It'll probably be faster to proceed on foot from here. Keaton quickly parks the ambulance then moves towards whatever is causing the chaos. He keeps his eye out for anyone who looks like they're in charge or might know what's going on.

It's hard to tell who's in charge, multiple people give orders, some contradictory. You see four people laid out on stretchers, gashes and lacerations covering their bodies. Two of them have familiar short quills sticking out of them.

Keaton uses his larger bulk to shoulder his way through the crowd towards the injured. "Whose in charge here?!" he bellows as he goes imediatly to the person who looks the most injured and begins using Psychic Succor.

9:39 PM

After a moment the quills catch his attention Are these...? ( Did we ever recognize those creatures after we got a good look at them? Are they indigenous to this world?)

(Most of the world besides the main city and academy was under strict protection sort of like a sanctuary/nature preserve. You'd know it was some sort of agreement with the Zadack on the moon, but not the specifics of it)

9:46 PM

The wounds begin closing up, though some of them have lost a good deal of blood. The quills match those of the beasts you had fought the day before.

9:47 PM

A worker nearby points to one of the wounded in response to your question.

Keaton continues to heal each of the wounded according to the seriousness of their injuries and keeps one of the quills to study later. "You," he calls out to the worker who answered him "These men should be fine in a few minuets. They'll be weak though. Grab some of the others around here and take the injured that way" pointing back in the direction he came from "My ambulance is there, can't miss it, great big gravcar with the flashing lights. And for gods sake don't let then wonder off. I do a damn good patch job but I'll need to look them over more closely when we have the time." Upon treating the person the worker pointed out. "Up and at'em soldier the wars not over yet. What the hell is going on here?"

A haggard man with a bushy beard sits up, scratching at the fresh skin. "Attacked by a big group of those quill beasts. I never heard of them attacking like that, usually they'll pick off weak targets in small packs so we figured we'd have enough people to be safe."

"How big a group? We've got to get these people out of here." Keaton looks around trying to gage the situation.

"Hard to count with everything going on, maybe as many as ten? None of us are soldiers so we did our best to drive them off. We sent for some soldiers to help out, we'll need to start working again as soon as we can."

"Are there any other wounded. I can get them back up and going." Keaton raises an eyebrow "What exactly are you working on here that's so important that your first thought is starting up again in the middle of something like this?"

"A few others are scratched, but no one's life is in danger thanks to you. We're making the railway to Plainsford. We need safe, reliable transportation for people and goods. They've got some mines up near there with minerals we desperately need to remodernize."

"Fair enough. Are the beasts still about?" (Do I see any indication of soldiers or the situation settling down or is it still just chaos?)

(Things are settling down a bit since you sort of took charge and their boss is not dying. No soldiers there yet, you responded right away so it'll be a bit before they get there) "I don't know where they ran off too or if they're coming back. I'd guess they'd stay away since we fought them off but they didn't seem to be acting like other beasts I've known."

"How so? Other than they attacked you in the first place of course."

10:41 PM

(Was he one of the ones hit with the quills? If so Keaton takes out his bio-scanner and begins inspecting the foreman) "Oh and I'm Keaton by the way."

Your scan reveals a subtle poison from the quills, the effects slowed from your earlier healing. It seems to be for paralysis rather than being deadly.

10:52 PM

"Nice to meet you Keaton. How do I put this.. they fought harder and longer than they should have for the resistance we gave them. Like something was driving them."

Keaton thinks for a moment then shrugs and shakes his head "I'm not sure what to make of that, I'm no Xenobiologist. Things seem to be settling here. I need to check in with the men I healed to make sure there are no complication. I'll take those that require more attention to the hospital." He makes his way back to the ambulance and starts checking over the injured.

After thinking for a moment about the creatures odd behavior Keaton decides to message Alister, Hope and Malbrook about the attack. He gives Malbrook the details of what happened yesterday at the flyer and today at the railway. Keaton explains he is concerned with possible increased ferial activity that might be linked together by these creatures.

You find one of the men seems to have been afflicted with the poison and is now unable to move, the other two don't seem to have been hit with the quills.

Keaton places his hand on the paralyzed man's chest. "Don't worry, you're going to be fine." Been refining this for a while but this will be it's first real test Focusing on his biotic abilities he works to sense the foreign presence of the poison in the man's body. Holding that presence firmly in mind he moves his hands over the man where he senses the most poison. Using brief more controlled bursts of his power than normal he slowly begins fighting the poison back. (He's using Organic Purification Protocols and committing effort for the day.)

You wrestle with the poison for a minute, eventually the man lifts an arm and places his hand on your shoulder, "Thanks." The process was taxing, but successful and the man slowly regains use of his body.

Keaton wipes some sweat from his forehead "No trouble, just glad I could be of help." Ugh... been a while since I've had to put that much effort into it. They drill the basic healing so deep into your bones it eventually becomes routine but the control and focus this required was something else. (If no one needs to go to the hospital and Alister is coming here then Keaton will hang around.) (edited)

(Sure, sounds good. You've healed everything they needed, they could go to the hospital to double check things/recover but they're in decent shape now)

6:37 PM

@Velrond Hexxus A man holding a laser pistol walks up to you, one of the few with an actual weapon, "Hey there, I heard you're the one investigating those beasts?"

Keaton's eyebrow raises in question. "Don't know that I'd say I'm really investigating anything. Was paid to do a bit of salvage yesterday on a downed flyer. Ran in to these same creatures. Seemed like a strange coincidence so I asked some questions. Who are you by the way?"

"Oh I'm Randy, just one of the workers here. Used to be military before. Anyway, found some tracks heading into the grasses, thought someone should know. I can tell the soldiers when they get here if you're not looking into it."

Keaton hesitates for a moment. I've taken care of the worst of the injuries. No one here can't get to the hospital on their own if they really need to. It would be good to find out what's going on and maybe stop this from happening again. That last thought decides it. "It's a good idea to let the soldiers know. I'll stick with you till they get here then we can decide on a course of action from there." He sticks his hand out, "Keaton, good to meet you Randy. Where did you serve?"

"I was a mercenary, got hired by Black Sun and ended up here when we lost. Just doing what I can now."

7:20 PM

You can see off to the south a troop of soldiers heading this way.

Alister waves at Keaton as they approach “Heard trouble was brewing. What’s the situation now?”

"Things seem to be calming down a bit. Workers here were attacked by a group of those creatures, about ten according to the foreman. He seemed to think it odd that they attacked at all. According to him the creatures usually don't attack groups the size of his. Just before you arrived Randy here said he found some tracks leading in the grass." Keaton gives a big smile, "Thought I'd be generous and save some of the glory for you fellows instead of taking care of them all myself." (edited)

Auril peeks around from behind Alister.

I will gather some tools and will be heading north to you. I have some other business there that may interest you.

It will take me a couple of hours to get there

(If all three of you are teaming up again, we can jump back into the mission thread since it's kind of a continuation of it)

"Well now, who's..." The smile slips from Keaton's face quickly transforming into a grimace. He stumbles back a couple of steps good hand grasping his forehead. The beeping of his com-pad going unanswered. Moments later his eyes return to Auril and Alister this time with naked suspicion in their gaze. His good hand begins inching towards his laser pistol while he slowly starts backing away.

“Keaton.... hold up....” Alister moves to hold his hands up in a non threatening manner and slowly moves to block Keaton’s view of Auril ”Auril you need to apologize... he knows you’ve messed with him.” (edited)

She looks down at the ground, sullen and ashamed, her voice is hoarse and quiet, "Sorry."

Hand trembling on the pistol's grip Keaton takes several deep breaths before the anger seems to melt off his face replaced by a stony visage showing no emotion. Slowly he peels his hand away from the weapon letting his arm hang limply at his side. Keaton addresses Alister never taking his eyes off of Auril. "I know we weren't exactly blood brother but I expected better of you and Hope." He takes a few steps back, "Best leave me be for now least I say... or do something we both regret." Keaton moves away from the pair but never turns his back on them. He approaches Randy and the soldiers and begins going over plans for following the tracks.

Alister winces at Keaton’s words and silently moves to the back of the group with Auril.

Keaton exits the academy intent on finding a bath and a drink in that order. (edited)

(Just remembered I need to pay for my new arm. Was it standard price or more?)

(Standard price is fine)

3:15 PM

There are baths by the small huts assigned to newcomers with attendants to clean and supply clothing.

Keaton attends the baths then grabs something to drink from a local store before returning to his hut. (I intend to sleep the night then in the morning go to city hall to see about getting a place of his own built)

(Just wanna drink at the hut? There's a bar too)

Keaton spies a bar he hadn't noticed before as he walks towards his hut. He looks at the drinks he bought then sighs before continuing on to his hut and dropping the drinks off before returning to the bar.

The bar is lively as the day ends, many workers spending their time here to relax after a busy day. Behind the bar is a young man, styled blond hair flowing down to his shoulders, an easy smile on his clean shaven face.

Keaton takes a seat at the bar and taps the countertop to get the bartenders attention. "Get'a pint here?"

He comes over to you, grabbing a glass, "What's your poison friend? Haven't seen you in here before, name's Gerald."

1

"Keaton, only been in town a few weeks. Surprised I haven't found this place yet. What have you got?"

"Nothing terribly fancy, I brew most of it myself. Got a couple of pre scream barrels lying about too, but those aren't cheap. I mostly make beers though I've got whiskey too. Heard someone in Plainsford has grapes growing, so maybe we'll get some wine soon." (edited)

"Beer to start. Just got back into town from a salvage mission, glad to be back."

He fills the glass with a thick dark beer and slides it over. A rich nutty aroma emanates from it. "A salvager eh? I bet you've got some good stories. How was the old city?"

Keaton take a long draft of his beer. "Don't know that I'd call myself a salvager. I'm just a medic who tends to get in over his head. Been working at the hospital lately. As for the city, I wouldn't know. Just got back from a quick trip to the old academy."

"The academy? I wouldn't think an old school would have much of value, but I'm sure the Order appreciated it. And everyone appreciates a medic. Too many of us have had to start over, learn new trades as our old skills aren't of much use. Benny over there used to be an artist, had paintings in galleries all across Black Sun. Now he works construction. The whole world's different these days."

"Not much is right." He takes another drink, "I'm not complaining, I know i'm lucky. Could be in a much worse spot but for now things seem to be working out."

"Any dealings with ferals is dangerous business, I'm glad you made it out safe. We're all lucky to have made it out of the scream safe. Civilization returns, if slowly. Let me know if I can help out with anything. Everyone's friends with the one who sells then drinks eh?"

Keaton spends the next half-hour in the bar drinking two more beers and chatting with the other patrons. Knowing he has to get an early start the next day he pays his tab and leave a generous tip for the bartender before heading home.

The promise of a new home makes the hut feel even smaller as you enter. The strange, foreboding things you learned today war with the exhaustion of a successful mission. (edited)

Despite the events of the day or perhaps because of them Keaton falls into a deep and dreamless sleep as soon as his head hits the pillow.

You wake, a little sore from the previous day's excitement. The pavement outside glistens in the morning sun, an overnight storm washing clean the cramped streets, already busy with people about their business.

Groggily Keaton rolls out of bed and gets ready for the day. After grabbing something to eat and cleaning up he heads out for the city center to see about getting a new place.

A large domed building dominates the center of the city, surrounded by a bustling open market. You see people entering large double doors flanked by guards.

Keaton browses through the market a bit on his way to the doors but eventually makes it inside the building.

Inside you find yourself in a small entryway with a short line going through a security station. They seem to be scanning people and checking bags.

Keaton take his place in line and prepares himself to endure the bureaucracy to come.

You wait a few minutes before your turn is up. A bored guard looks up from his compad, "Name?" He has a strange monocle like you saw sergeant Griggs wearing that zooms and focuses in on you as you approach.

"Keaton Moldova, Here to apply for a lot for building. Can you point me in the right direction?"

He gives his scanner a perfunctory wave over you and glances at his compad, "Moldova, biopsion eh? Good to see you registered. That'll be second floor, second door on the right for building permits. Go on through."

"Thanks, appreciate it." Keaton says with a smile and follows the guards directions.

An elevator takes you up a floor and you enter the indicated door. Inside is a small lobby with chairs to wait in. The reception desk is currently empty, but there's a small bell sitting on it.

He approaches the desk and rings the bell.

1:15 PM

"Hello?"

"Just a moment!" After a minute a door opens and a portly balding gentleman enters, "So sorry about that, yes, hello! How can I help you today?"

"Yes, I'm looking to acquire a piece of land to develop. Something close to the hospital and large enough for commercial use later if necessary."

"Large enough for commercial use? Most land right by the hospital is for government facilities, but I can find you something close. It'll be 5000 credits for the permit and the land itself, building on it will be additional costs to the building crew." (For actual building we use the costs for sunctums in the codex book but you can add onto it as you make more money)

This is going to cost me a lot of money Keaton pulls at his beard thoughts turning to just how he's going to be able to afford the things he wants to do. "Alright, I'll take the permit now but it might be some time before I'm able to start development." He retrieves his compad and initiates the transfer of credits for the permit.

(I'd say for a simple living space for just you but bigger than the huts would be 1000 credits if you help build. Then for anything additional we'll use the other costs)

(Alright, lets start with that then.)

3:56 PM

"Do you have any contractors you would recommend for residential development? I'm looking to build a place of my own you see."

"There are a number of good ones here, but the best are currently in Plainsford. New developing city with more space you see. Land up there is cheaper too if you're interested, but obviously that's not close to the hospital."

4:00 PM

He hands you a few business cards for contractors here and in Plainsford.

4:01 PM

"I'd recommend the Johnson brothers if you're going local."

Keaton takes the cards and smiles in thanks, "I keep hearing about Plainsford but I can never seem to find the time to visit. What can you tell me about the place?"

"I haven't been myself. It was started less than a year ago but has expanded greatly in that time. They have the advantage of forethought and experienced planners where New Astria was built by whoever showed up first and grew as more survivors were found. They have access to rarer resources than we do here which is why the railway is so important for trade and travel."

"I'll have to make time to visit. Especially if the land prices there are more affordable." He thanks the gentleman for his services and exits the office. On the way out he sends a message to the Johnson brothers detailing his interest in hiring them. Once he reaches the street he turns towards the hospital intent on checking in with them.

The waiting room is empty when you enter, Jake apparently back with Lars or on an errand of sorts. Your sedated captive is in a room near the back of the hospital, still sleeping.

(Do i know how messed up the scanner I found is?)

(It should be fixable with stuff you can get around town, but you're not sure if it's quite in your skill level to fix)

(fix 2 isn't enough?)

(It'll take a fix check as opposed to just being able to fix it no problem)

7:59 PM

(You don't have much experience with psitech stuff yet is the main reason it's tricky)

(If I try and can't do it do I break the thing?)

(I'd say with fix-2 you wouldn't break it, but you'd need someone else to help if you failed)

(Can I estimate the difficulty of the check or is that beyond me?)

(DC 11)

8:05 PM

From the door behind you, you hear someone enter and turn to see Alister and Auril.

Keaton is sitting at the empty desk studying the device and doesn't imediatly notice their entrance. (I'll just pop into their channel then.)

(If you want to fix the scanner before you go to the city you can make the check)

(Do I get the +2 from Alister?)

(Yeah if you want him to help)

(Yes please. We can say he helps me out before he leaves the hospital.)

8:40 AM

(11)

(Will we be having some downtime now? I'd like to read that book I found at the academy and mod some of my equipment but those things take weeks.

(Yeah you can take some downtime, a lot more time passes once you get into spike travel so things have been moving pretty slowly timeline-wise so far)

(what fix level and cost would be a mod that increases a guns range?)

(I'd say a mod to double the range would be fix-2 5000 credits)

(These are the things I want to do. Just let me know what I have the time for. Study biotic manual for 1st lvl psychic power. (1 Week) Study the alien psi-tech manual with the academy to learn the language. (1 Month, don't have to do this all now but would like to make some headway) Plan on renting a workshop and paying someone to help me mod to cut time in half, 110/day (100 for the shop and 10 to hire someone with fix-0). Mod Field uniform Customize +1 ac (1/2 week, 1440) Mod Spike thrower Customize +1 to hit (1/2 week, 1440) Mod Spike thrower Extended Mag double mag size (1/2 week, 940) Mod Spike thrower Range Increase double range (1 week, 5770)) (edited)

(Keep in mind you can only maintain as many mods as your maintenance score allows. I don't know your fix level or anything, but the formula for the number of mods on gear you can maintain is (Fix lvl x 3) + (Int mod) + (Con mod))

(Thanks, I took that into account. My Fix is 2 now so that's 6+1 for 7 total. I've got no other mods and plan to put Fix up to 3 at lvl 6 and maybe take Tinker at 7 so I should be alright.) (edited)

(I think we'll give everyone a week of downtime as a polity, Wes has had some spike time now and hasn't met you guys yet anyway so it'll line up fine with his. I'll say you can do two of your mods and either the bio manual or a week of the language. Remember you won't be able to read the whole thing without the Diplomat focus or an actual Zadack to help you)

(I took diplomat this last level)

9:51 PM

(I'll do the Language, the Spike Thrower extended mag and Field Uniform Customize)

(Ok cool

so 7/30 days towards learning Zadack. The shuttle will be done at the end of the week as well)

(I'm gona poke around some of the other books and buy some drugs. Should I run them by you first or will they be fine as long as they're TL 4?)

(List them here. Weapons and armor all TL4 is fine, for other stuff it's good to check)

(sure)

(I'd like some Hush and Squeal from the main book pg 73) (edited)

(Starvation cheep pg 102, Shush chems and zip stims)

(Darkness visible pg 94, Purge Tab)

10:55 PM

(That's it, less than I thought really) (edited)

(None of the Darkness Visible ones are available. Shush chems and zip stims you could find/make with your medical experience. Hush and Squeal aren't available but you could buy the supplies for the cost and then make a heal or fix check to make them)

(Alright, I want five doses each of those. The Shush and Zip do I need to roll or pay for or do I just make them no cost? 8 fix roll to make the Hush and Squeal unless I need to roll for each.) (edited)

(Don't need to roll for those. They're just not available to buy but with your military medic training you'd know how to make basic stuff like that. So the book cost is still accurate, it's just for the supplies to make it rather than the drugs themselves. Let's get a roll for each of the latter, we'll say 8 is for Hush. You're wanting 5 of each of those too?)

(Yeah five of each. Rolled for Squeal, 13)

(You're able to make 5 functioning Squeal, it takes you a few tries to get the proportions right so you're only able to make 2 Hush)

(K I spent 525 on the Shush and Zip, 1000 for the Hush (wasting 600 of that in the failed attempts) and 1500 for the Squeal. Total is 3025)

(Alright, is anything going on when the downtime ends? If not then I want to finally head up to check out that other settlement.)

(I'll give a brief update later today after work then we'll get stuff started

)

(Sounds good, can't wait)

You exit the workshop you rented, your hired help waving as he goes his own way. Your new mods and meds are complete and the psitech book in your pack is slowly starting to make some sense. Your compad pings as it receives the monthly news report.

Keaton finds a place to eat and grabs some lunch while spending several minuets going over the latest news report. He grunts in concern as he skims some of the articles until his attention is captured by the news of the impending trip to the moon. A soft clinking fills the air as he drums his mechanical fingers against the tabletop in thought. Perhaps I should look into this. What better way to continue my study of Zadack then to go the place it's spoken. Mind made up he gathers his com-pad, pays his bill and makes his way to the local hanger to speak with Hope about the details of the moon mission.

(Just to clarify, Abby is the one who builds ships, Hope was a PC who we dropped cause she went inactive for a month) The hangar is swarming with workers putting the finishing touches on the shuttle. It's much larger than the flyers and can support more people and much more cargo. You find Abby giving orders at the center of the activity, pointing and gesticulating with a ruler.

(Sorry about that, it's been a while. I meant Abby.) (edited)

(No worries, I have trouble remembering my own npcs too lol)

Keaton waits for an opportune moment to approach Abby. "Afternoon Abby, you look busy."

She smiles as you walk up, "Keaton! You'll be glad to hear Elton is doing well. He's back up and flying again and telling anyone who'll listen about you saving him. He makes you out to be quite the hero!"

Keaton holds up his hands and give a slightly embarrassed smile. "I don't know if I'd go that far. But it is great to hear that he's up and about again." He laughs and looks at the shuttle. "Congratulations by the way. I just read you've finished a working shuttle." (edited)

"Aye, she's not much to look at but she should be able to get out of atmo which is more than we can say for anything else we've built yet! I'll have to find some daredevil willing to test her out though. That Alister might want to try but knowing him he'll take that poor little girl along. Kids her age should be in school or out playing, not getting zapped by ferals and going to the moon!"

"I was actually curious about that. Why the moon?"

"Well without spike travel there's not much else out there. Plus I think everyone's curious about the Zadack. They were so mysterious even before the scream, now who knows what all is up there."

"Fair enough. Have you set a date and time for this expedition yet?"

"Nothing so specific yet, there's not in any hurry. You can talk to Alister about it if you want to plan for it. We're finishing up some safety checks and we'll do a few in atmo tests before you go."

Keaton nods in understanding. "I'll be sure to get in touch with him about it." He says his goodbyes and then makes for the Psychic academy to speak with Malbrook (Is that the name of the master who speaks Zadack thats helping me?) regarding the trip to the moon and the Zadack.

4:24 PM

On the way he types out a message to Alister about the moon trip.

(Malbrook doesn't speak Zadack but he's the only one you know of who's met one before. He was secretive about it out of respect for them since they're so isolationist)

4:30 PM

(Also, Alister just let me know he's taking a break due to life things so Dig or Elton can take you if you don't have at least pilot-0)

(Damn, wish I read this before I message him. Oh well.)

4:47 PM

(As far as Malbrook goes, can he give me any information on proper greetings and etiquette for the Zadack? I don't want to show up and make an ass of myself if I can help it.)

(You're welcome to ask him) You find Malbrook at the academy, for once in one of the unused classrooms instead of his garden. He seems to be gathering materials for teaching, you see a few of the books you recovered from the academy among them. "Keaton, hello! Don't mind me here, Rey says he found me a student and I've found myself quite unprepared!"

"Malbrook", Keaton greets as he holds out a hand, "Good to see you, its been a while. A new student, that's great. Have you meet them yet?"

"Not yet, Rey's supposed to be on his way from Plainsford with him. What brings you by?"

"Have you heard the news that Abby's finished a shuttle capable of escaping atmo? They're planning an expedition to the moon to look in on the Zadack. I'm considering going and was hoping you might be able to tell me something about their culture or etiquette that would be helpful when we contact them."

"That's excellent. I suppose I will tell you some. Of course, there's a chance they'll kill you on sight for going uninvited, but I think you have a chance. They tend to like biopsions the best. As far as etiquette, don't harm anything on the planet unless it's necessary for survival. Plenty of beasts and creatures there will try to kill you so thankfully self defense is fine. Don't try to give them currency or inorganic goods. This is all assuming they didn't all die from the scream, most of them are MES sensitive, but I have reason to think they didn't."

"Truly? What makes you think they are still alive? Also, what do they look like. I've never seen one... I think you might be the only person I've known who has."

"You'll know them when you see them I think, it's more fun as a surprise. As for why they're alive... can you keep a secret?" He pulls out a fine silver chain holding a complex wooden carving of what looks like a many legged creature tangled into a knot, eating its own tail. "This was a gift from them. Created by their most powerful nullifiers, much more skilled than any we had. This is what saved me from the scream. They had warned us against... well, never mind about that. Suffice to say I think they created the means to protect themselves."

"Astonishing," Keaton mutters as he inspects the neckless. "I don't suppose you'd be willing to let me examine it?"

He hands it to you, "I don't like being without it long but you can look it at here." The hard wood is a dark gray-black and cool to the touch. The carving is intricate in its detail and you can see little runes carved along the back of the knotted creature. The body of the creature resembles a millipede but the head is closer to that of a snake.

"Thank you" Keaton spends a few moments looking over the necklace before retrieving his com-pad and taking several pictures of the amulet and the runes on it. Finished with his inspection he returns the necklace to Malbrook. (Do I recognize any of the runes from the book I have or is it a completely different writing system?)

(They look similar, but don't seem to be part of the standard Zadack alphabet)

(Does the moon have a breathable atmosphere or will I need to pick up a vac suit?)

(It has an atmosphere)

"Hmm... You said nothing inorganic as a gift. I'd like to bring something. Would seeds, plants or other foodstuffs be appropriate?"

3:54 PM

"I wouldn't want to disturb their ecosystem with something it can't handle."

"Perhaps I should be more specific. If you give them something inorganic they wouldn't accept it and might even be offended. If you just happen to leave it lying someplace and one of them finds it..." He shrugs "There's a significant distinction to them about finding it as opposed to buying or building."

"Fascinating, would it still serve the same purpose diplomatically? If I brought something and just happen to leave it there might they accept it as we would a gift? Would they be grateful for me having left it or would there be no good will gained by doing so." Keaton hums thoughtfully, "Ah, suppose they leave something for me? Would it be a slight not to take it?" (edited)

"They might leave something in return. I'd suggest you take it if only because it would likely be quite valuable here since interactions with them are so limited. Only the less orthodox of them would accept it as a gift and leave something in return. The more conservative of them may or may not take it and they wouldn't see it as coming from you. They're an odd folk with some strange taboos about their tech, but overall I think you'll be alright."

"Thank you for making the time to speak to me regarding this. One last question, if I were to hire some others to accompany me for protection how well do you expect that would be taken? Or... would I be better off going myself?"

"That's up to you. By yourself the Zadack are less likely to kill you. Bring others and the wild beasts there will be less likely to kill you. I'm honestly not sure what to expect there after the scream so I dont know how best to advise you on that front."

Keaton nods in understanding. "Thank you again for your assistance with this matter."

Keaton sends a message to Rey to see if he's willing to help. Then exits the academy and heads back to the hanger to work out the details of the trip with Abby.

The frenzy you saw earlier seems to have calmed down now as various tests and checks are completed. Abby sees you approach, "Keaton! Turns out something came up and Alister won't be able to make it this time."

Keaton regards Abby with a troubled expression as he approaches. "That's too bad. It would have been good to have him along. Are there any other qualified pilots available for the trip? I was thinking I'd like to head up in the next week or two. That should give me enough time to prep everything here, does that work for you our were you trying to get something going before then?"

"Dig or Elton could take you. I heard that Rey had some experience as well though I haven't seen him fly before. You can go whenever, we're in no rush here. Get your supplies ready and team together and the shuttle will be here when you need it."

(Any time over the next few weeks I'm not doing anything assume I'm working to learn Zadack.)

(Ok, you'll have a workable knowledge of it with your focus and the week you spent on it but you won't be fluent in time for the trip unless you do it quite a bit later)

(Do they speak our language at all?)

(You wouldn't know for sure, but you could assume at least someone there does since they've interacted with humans before)

(Alright, I'll learn what I can here and then hopefully be able to complete my understanding there.)

(You'd also know that telepaths are able to speak and understand across language barriers assuming they have a few of those)

"Thanks again Abby, I'll get my things together and let you know when I'm ready to go." With that done Keaton heads to the train station intent on finally visiting Plainsford.

The station is very busy with goods, supplies, and people being loaded and unloaded from the train. Tickets are fairly inexpensive but in high demand, you may have to wait for the next train.

Keaton finds a place to sit and takes out the Zadack book and leaf's through it.

Your train eventually arrives and you settle in for the ride. The seats are comfortable if a bit cramped for room. Next to you sits a young woman with a puppy on her lap, tongue lolling playfully. A chime sounds indicating the train's departure and shortly after you feel it start to move and pick up speed. You're set to arrive in about 3 hours.

Keaton gives a polite greeting to the young woman then settles in for the trip. He reads for perhaps half the trip before deciding to take a break. Clearing his throat he turns to the woman and asks, "Well what's bringing you to Plainsford?"

She looks up at you smiling, "Breeding! Er, dogs that is. Not many pets survived the scream so I'm trying to bring them back. It's tricky to keep the gene pool wide though with so few dogs around so I'm hoping to find some more variety in Plainsford! I haven't been before, have you?"

"No, this is my first visit. I hear there's a healer here who I would like to meet. There are some other business prospects I want to look into as well. What breeds of dogs do you have?"

"A rather strange assortment of survivors. Mostly large hunting dogs and the like but a few smaller lap dogs and I even found a corgi a few month back. A healer huh? I wonder if they gave any veterinary experience."

After a flash of light, you appear with your mercenaries and Zadack around you. Looking around, it seems they teleported you back to the moon. The Zadack begin a heated discussion of what they saw, speaking to quickly for you to make out the words. The mercs just look around in confused amazement at your surroundings. You're once again in the forest beneath the Zadack city.

One of the Zadack approaches you, "Your friend has activated the beacon, do you wish to return to him?"

(He would have about a day between me moving the stuff back before activating it.)

(Sorry guys, some things have come up so I'm not going to be available for the next few days.)

(No worries

)

(Alright, I'm back. Sorry about that I'm having to look for a new job and thats taking up a lot of my time and attention right now.)

(No problem, I just started a new job myself so I'm gonna be busier too)

Keaton shakes off the disorientation from the teleport and focuses on the Zadack addressing him. "Yes thats probably for the best. Hold for a moment though." Keaton moves to the remaining mercs and begins healing any injuries they have. "I plan to lead an expedition into the old Astria to look for one of your missing people. As we left earlier I was approached by one of their family here who wished to accompany that effort. Would you be willing to let them join me?"

*"Each one's will is their own, the recovery of the Mediator would be a great boon. When the shadow has dissipated we will open the gate. Return there and you will be let through."

(Alright so am I waiting for the monster to leave then they'll send me back through the gate?)

(They can teleport you back to the beacon Rey has. He was saying after you rescue the Zadack from the city you can get back that way)

(Ah thanks, will the other Zadack be coming with me?)

(If you ask him yeah, he's not with you currently)

Keaton nods "Where might I find the Mediator's family?"

"We can call them for you if you wish."