Iron Stars - j30n1a

(okay @Daira of Artema| P| Andra| Aruke , let er' rip!)

3

2

Two weeks ago on Heras' cemetery at the graves of fallen Heroes of Mytikas. "Robo-Girl, reminiscing the past? Isn't that strange for someone who came back again?" Asks a female voice from the direction of a large tree behind Jeonia. A voice that belongs to a certain Merlon that she has known for a while now. "Still crying every night because you couldn't save them?" A mechanic voice answers. "Oh, fuck you, Jeo!" The Merlon says as she steps out of the shadows of the large tree and walks over to Jeonia's side. The beautiful red headed Merlon stares at Jeonia. "You didn't bring flowers, but candles, those that can burn for years. Are you planning to leave?" *Jeonia nods. "I do. You have been talking so often about how you want to get out and have fun, like back then when you were terrorizing the streets of Creusa. It made me think. And while you always decide against it and stay, I won't. I will go on a journey. I am letting my old life here behind, and start a new one. I will never be the Lightbringer in flesh and blood anymore. But I can still help. And I won't even take away from the rations, wherever I end up being. That is definitely a plus. When, should, I return, I won't be the one that I am right now. Neither here." She touches her metal chest. "Nor the whole look of me. You will be jealous when we meet again." A single tear runs down Andra's cheeks as she hugs the robot right next to her. "I hope I will. May we meet again, Jeonia."

17:31

A few hours later on Heras One's Docking station, inside the Free Merchant named Arcus. "Pilot. Prepare undocking the Arcus." Jeonia says with her mechanical voice. "Roger Roger!" Is the mechanical reply that her Pilot gives. The same 'Roger Roger' that all of her robotic personnel gives her. Jeonia wasn't sure if she was ready to having people around her at all times. Back on Heras she could retreat when it all got too much, too awkward, the looks too piercing. But on a ship? As the captain? No way she could simply nope out. So she decided for a robo crew. An upside is that the CO2 filters will stay fresh. They save energy as Jeonia regulated the room temperature to slightly above freezing, for any room but the Hydroponic garden and the lock towards it. The start was uneventful. The Destination, nothing fancy. The crew, pretty damn silent. Almost depressing. But whenever she left her ship when they entered populated systems, she soon knew why staying away from the living was a good idea. The looks, questions about good, or those wondering why a service bot was walking around a station looking for things to buy. It'll need time to get used to it. And at the same time, she can't just tell them that she is a shadow in a frame. At least not if she does want to continue walking. So she always returns to the peaceful silence of her ship. One day she stares at a mirror. An old picture of hers is on the wall besides the mirror. She is suffering until she remembers some lyrics. "Oh, I hope some day I'll make it out of here Even if it takes all night or a hundred years Need a place to hide, but I can't find one near Wanna feel alive, outside I can't fight my fear Isn't it lovely, all alone Heart made of duraglass, my mind of steel, Tear me to pieces, frame to core Hello, welcome home" She starts playing a century old song and first sways, and then does something that looks like dancing. She laughs, but her current face can't show it.

17:31

Today. "Captain! We just entered the Sanjaru System." Is what wakes her up from her resting position. New chapter, new chances.

4

The world information begins appearing on the ship systems. There is also a hail waiting from the CBSS system patrol that is currently making its way through the system. They seem polite, but firm, moving into a screening position with their patrol boats to keep your ship from making a direct approach on the planet.

"Pilot, slow down the ship." "Roger, Roger!" "Com officer, please open the com link." "Roger, Roger!" "I do need a better communication package for those, they are pretty limited in their responses." She thinks to herself before a video feet opens. Jeonia gets up and walks into a good position so a full body holo can be transmissioned. She waves with a hand as a greeting. "Hello CBSS ship. I am. I. I am a traveler among the stars. I lend my hand, expertise and help, wherever help is needed and my help is accepted. During my travels in this region it got to me that the CBSS is trying to further the technological development of this world. If you let me, I will do my best to accelerate this endeavor. Non of your ideology is of interest to me, and all I will do will be transparently documented for your people to understand and learn from it. Do I have permission to land, or do you have further questions?"

19:53

7

6

19:53

(that is her, for reference.)

There is some silence as the ship captains no doubt confer with one another. After a few moments the comm crackles again. "You have permission to approach. The planet is hostile and the CBSS has not yet fully taken root here. Proceed at your own discretion and take all precautions you think necessary on the ground. The locals are considered CBSS citizens. Any hostiles beyond those needed for immediate self defense will be considered criminal acts and you will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of Treaty of Galatea law.

"I understand. But I did not come here to hurt anyone. Instead, once I am finished, life will be a better one. My map shows three different settlements. One on the eastern and western Landmasses and one on the central one. Your officials might be able to give me a more in depth rundown of the current situation, where would I be able to find those?"

There is nothing but laughter over the comms. "there are no officials here. You're on your own on the ground there , interloper"

There is no laughing from Jeonia. Just silence before she speaks again. "You can laugh if you think this is funny. The people down there, and the members of the party, whom will they remember in their tales, when they share a vodka. You, or me? If we want the universe to shine bright, we need to work together, not make fun of each other." She waits to see if there is a reaction. If not she would order Pilot-Bot to land near the village on the eastern landmass.

"That isn't going to make an official appear to be able to help you when there isn't anyone. Good luck down there" The comm shuts off to more laughter, as the boats begin to move apart, clearing your approach

"I was never good with social interaction, I should definitely work on this." "Pilot bring us down, to the city on the eastern landmass, Comm Officer, see if we can call that city, I don't want them shooting on us or anything like this." A 'Roger Roger' from both of them is all she needs to sit down and prepare for landing.

There is a faint radio signal on the ground but you get the impression the locals aer amateurs in using it at best. Previous mission notes show a CBSS operative named Mobius arrived here nd the locals accepted the equipment, but were not impressed with the party message as delivered. There is a small beach near their treetop settlement you can land in.

Jeonia orders her crew to land close to the beach, but to make sure that the ship is neither swallowed by the sand nor the water. She also orders her crew to look out if anyone is approaching. She then walks down the corridor of the Arcus to the Hydroponic Garden, the only place with a temperature that feeling beings would enjoy. And plants do too. Inside of it, she grabs a basket and collects a few handfuls of dark red mulberries and some ripe pomegranates, to deliver as gifts. Still inside the Hydroponic Garden, she calls for her crew. "Is anyone or anything getting closer to the ship?"

So far the crew has not seen anyone approaching but you've no doubt been seen coming down. You also see there are wood and canvas fishing ships beached here further away, so the locals no doubt know the area and think this place is important to them.

With the filled basket and a cloth as a cover for it, she walks towards the ramp, grabbing a few things here and there. The Laser Pistol, just in case, and other things. Once the ramp is down, she walks down. Sun starts to shine onto her robotic body and sensors start to show her what she would smell, if she would still be breathing. And the warmth of the sun is displayed as a rising surface temperature of her body. One year, still strange. She walks towards the settlement that she saw from above. Always ready to say that she comes in peace whenever someone would approach her. She would have ordered the ship to leave and stay in orbit. But with the situation unknown, and her not knowing if she would run away real soon, she lets it on the ground.

You make it half the distance, wandering through the woods before you see four hunters round the corner, armed with fishing spears and thin leather armor. They are human, and they all look very tired. "Hail, foreigner, We've had enough of off worlders coming in and telling us how to live our lives, thank you"

"You are welcome! But before you are angry at me for something I had nothing to do with, why don't you try some fruit? And while you are at it, tell me something about you and your desired way of living?" Jeonia takes the cloth off of the basket and reveals the mulberries and pomegranates.

(Talk/cha)

(8)

The locals are cautious but approach slowly. “Forgive Me” the apparent head of them says. “We had a visit from the CBSS. All he did was stink up the village and tell us our way of life is wrong, and that we need to join the party to advance. We are still trying to figure out what to do” (edited)

"A bit harsh one could say. Maybe not the brightest light, this Agent they sent. I do have my allegiance. But it won't interfere with my doings. I am not with the CBSS and I don't care for their grand plan. Nobody will alter my equations or fiddle with my plans. I want to bring the pleasures of technological advancement to everyone. And when I heard that the CBSS was trying something here, I thought about helping, on my terms, and for the greater good. But enough of me. What about you? When you close your eyes and think about your future, what do you see?"

"Fish as far as we can see. Safe homes in the trees, predators being kept away and our children safe to grow up on a world whjere getting sick or starving won't take them"

Jeonia nods and agrees to everything. Everything but trees. "You want to live in actual, real trees? Treehouses in real trees? Did you ever try to really connect trees with tree houses to a electric and water network?" She shakes her head. "But that shouldn't be of your concern now. I know this might be a bit pushy, but why don't you invite me to your village so I get to talk to more of your people. And so that I get a better look at what is there and what is needed. You weren't actually on your way to the sea to fish, or were you?" (edited)

"We thought that damned Mosk had come back, and we were going to see him off. You seem nice, and you've brought a gift. We are obliged. to bring you to the chief and into the village, if you'll be so kind as to follow us"

"Anger can be a dangerous unproductive road that clouds decision making. Exceptions are always allowed tho, if someone who calls himself an engineer, kills you by shorting a high voltage cable because he thought that, oh I get carried away. I would love to follow you. But do we need more Mulberries? "

3

“We might. Come with us and we will take you there. I have to ask, what are you?” The man serving as their captain asks

"Wait a second." Jeonia grabs the basked, quickly walks to her ship and fills the basket with as much fresh fruit as it can hold. And then walks back to the group. And on their way to the village, she answers their question. "What am I? I am a woman who loves tech, a woman who loves science. When I was younger, that didn't matter and I was made to train to become a general. Leader of the military, where I came from. I was good in strategy because I always seemed to know what was about to happen. But you know as you grow older and die and come back again, some things are left behind. Who am I now? I am the essence of what I was back then, put into this, rather , uh, interesting frame." "I am no AI or anything like that. My soul just got a second chance to do good. But without a body, this here became my new one. Sounds crazy when you think about it, right? Well just think of me of a woman in a robot frame. A Ghost in a Shell. Whatever you want to name it, I am a human still, just without the body. Still strange to talk about it. And the looks I get. Please don't look at me strangely now."

2

"We have been visited by mnany things we have not seen before. Curiosity is normal. " the captain says, leading you to a large wooden elevator made with fallen tree trunks, and ropes made by woven vines.

17:04

It looks strong enough to support the weight of the entire group. Above, you can see an entire village has been worked into the trees.

"Please don't put me onto the level of 'a thing'. I might not have a beating heart or, live, like one would normally describe it. But I still pretty much feel everything deep down in my metaphorical heart." That said, she looks around, inhales the whole look of this village, without actually breathing. And she tries to guess how many people actually live here.

There look to be a few hundred here judging by the number of huts, their size, and the amount of people you can see on the fence rails watching the elevator being raised. Three figures look to be well ornamented and well dressed compared to their fellows and you get the sense this is the village ruling council coming out to meet with you directly

"I guess I have a lot of work in front of me. We might need something better than those trees. But we will see." With the basket full of fruits, she approaches those that might be the ruling council. "Hello! I am Jeonia Sawall, engineer and curious woman. I want to bring this world back into the star faring age. But I heard that those of the CBSS that came before me, wanted the same without listening to your wishes. So why don't we try again? So you all are people who love to live in trees, and want that to continue?"

"We have a culture we are proud of. We don't want to abandon our gods or our cultures to serve a party on a far away land who does not know who we are"

"And you shouldn't. But. And there lies the problem. Progress. Technological Advancement, beyond, like, industrialised levels, just aren't reachable just by good will and whatnot. And I can assure you, while you and the others might want to go on with their lifestyle, your children, and theirs, might not. And they will open their arms to any offer the party and CBSS are going to make." They walk for a few steps and she looks around before continuing. "I don't say the CBSS is bad, far from it. But you know, it is taking and giving. If you have nothing to offer, but your culture, that might be interesting to a few adventurous tourists, then of course, you have to give a lot, to get something in return. What I can, and want to do, is taking your way of living, your culture, and then trying to find ways on how to elevate you towards a space faring culture, without giving away who you are, and at the same time helping you to find ways on how to become valuable to the CBSS, so you have something to offer, and may be able to dictate the terms on how certain agreements with them will go." She stops and looks at the elders. "Ultimately, you have to decide. Do you wish to stay true to most of your ideals while allowing some to change in turn for advancement. Or do you want to stick to who you are, see your children go, because they want education, technology, whatever they desire, and see other colonists who bring they way of living and destroy the world you know? Because, lets be real, nobody owns a planet. The force that claims it and can defend it, has reign over it. People follow those polities, because they like what they offer. But if a group simply doesn't want to work with the polity they belong to, but the world offers much, other colonists will come. They bring their lifestyle. And not just some of your people will join them. And be it just for a warm bed in winter, and healthcare. Are you willing to work with me on a future for you, or not?"

(talk/cha, at +2)

4

(13!)

3

Your words seem to be making sense here. The locals begin softening to the idea of other cultures being present or understand that their society needs a certain amount of flexibility to withstand the test of time.

Seeing their stance becoming more accepting, Jeonia raises the basket. "To lighten up the mood, have some Mulberries, and pomegranates. My system classified this world as pre industrial. Yet there was some radio response from your city. So where do you really stand? Did the CBSS simply hand you some radio systems and energy sources. Or did they give you more technology?"

"We were given some radio equipment by the negotiator that just left, but no idea on how to use it aside from the people who remember how to from before The Scream. "

22:12

"He wanted us to give up our entire culture in order to get more information"

"Well, I guess when I talk to the CBSS, and that will happen rather soonish, I will tell them that this is not how people should be treated. And I thought the common man was who the CBSS was built on. Okay so we have some radio equipment, I can show you how to use this when we got time for that, right now, not important. So to make use of what I have on board of my ship, which is mostly my Hydroponic Garden and workshop and Laboratory with some 3D-Printer, we should start with a first project, right?" "Um, I am called the Lightbringer, not that Knock-Off title the LLF uses. I brought light to people, and will do that again. I have a question there. Do you use Dinosaurs as pets and like beasts of burden and whatnot?"

1

2

1

"We use them to help our airborne scouts, and we used to use them for war but there aren't many of us left now to make the dangers of taming new ones worth it. We're trying to exist in the trees now, getting what we need from forage and what we can bring in from the water. Both of these rely a lot on the environment and it can be difficult to save enough to get through the cold season. That is most of what we worry about'

"How save are these trees? Is there any risk that Dinosaurs, like, eat them or otherwise make them fall down? And you don't do any farming?"

'Anything we do on the ground gets trampled or eaten. There isn't much to be done there to keep our crops safe. Most of the big herbavores that can reach this high are dead now, hunted to extinction"

"Understood. But you need food. And I have just a good plan for that. Ever heard of hydroponics? Well you did, because I mentioned it like a minute ago. So we need to grow food, but can't do that on the ground. And we won't get a layer of soil up into the trees. But thanks to Hydroponics we don't need soil. And I should be able to 3D print most, if not everything. We just need to carry it here. Then we can build a small biogas plant and fuel it with dinosaur waste. End products can be used as fertilizers and with the produced energy we keep our hydroponic gardens here going like they should. It will be awesome. How does that sound?"

1

"We think giving it a try is better than saying no. We will of course welcome anything you can to do help us"

"Perfect! That is the spirit of curiosity that we need here! With the village being in the trees, we need to maximize our space used, as can't waste space. I would say we put green houses onto every roof. We would need stairs from the outside to reach said roofs. Because I don't expect every family to farm their own stuff, but for farmers to farm all the greenhouses and manage the space to meet the demand. Built out of wood and covered with foliage, we keep the weight low, but trees, and wood as a whole can carry quite a lot. And then I'll 3D print us simple Biogas plants. Less plants and more plastic tons that are connected with tubes. One thing for the waste, one for the gas. The gas can be used to power stoves for cooking and for heating water. What remains can be collected to power a machine that produces electricity. But the whole electricity thing will be a focus a bit later." Jeonia looks at the people and sees that they are willing to help, maybe, but her talking is no plan they can work with, they need orders. "To start. We get the roofs prepared, and then we build the skeletons of the greenhouses and the shelves out of wood. I can help with that. Then we need to transport the 3D printed stuff, and plants, from my ship, here. And then, we need to go and collect dinosaur poop, lots of it. Are you ready?"

(I think if you show them how you'd fo about it, they'd be game to see what you can do. There is one abandoned hut here no one is using if you want to set up like a demo for them)

Jeonia sees the abandoned hut and the people that can't really follow her thought process. So she does what she does best, and gets to work. She builds a simple ladder out of logs and thick branches. A ladder was easier and quicker to build than a stairway or similar. But she was afraid that it would break under her weight. The frame and structure was built with flexible long branches, that could easily be bent to get into the correct form. She then gets other logs to make some shelves. Working with wood and simple materials, reminds her of her beginnings. She would be seen smiling, but her current frame doesn't support this motion. After all this preparation was done, she needed to go to her ship, to 3D print the missing parts and to transport them all, she needs more people, so she approaches the elder. "I need some helping hands to carry a few things from my ship over here. Would you be so kind and send them with me? I guess if I would ask, maybe nobody would volunteer."

"How about the party that brought you in. They seem strong enough for the rigors of carrying that stuff through the jungle? "

"They would certainly be enough. But they looked tired, and I don't want them to be exhausted just because they had to help me. But if they want to, they would certainly be enough"

He assigns the patrol and some sleds to assist you. Normally they use them for bringing back large nets of fish but they can easily be suited to other types of cargo (edited)

To: Jeonia Sawall
From: Reza Collins

I think I am equally unsure of where to begin. After I received your Ghost Icon and the request to help give you that second chance, I spent most of my free time listening to your stories. And most heartbreaking of all was your unceremonious end. Well I guess it should be called a pause now. 

I don't think its fair to say you are insignificant. What you did for the people of Heras? Tens of millions now are under the umbrella of the Protectorate on that world. Stability. Peace. A chance at a new life not under the shadow of the Overlord. All because of the Lightbringer. Yes I know your pause came well before the planet's unification, but Mytikas survived because of you and that gave the Protectorate the opportunity to build upon your works.

I never got bored of your stories then and I would never get bored of your dreams now, Jeo. I am glad to know that you are forging a new path forward, but you are not ugly. At least not to me.

I am heading to Galatea for a time. While you quest to bring light to the galaxy, I look for knowledge and understanding. Hopefully something I could share with you one day.

You are most welcome Jeo. Just live your life and that will be payment enough

Maybe we can meet for a picnic next to a windmill.

Fondly,
Reza

3

On their way towards the ship, she turns to her men of burden. "So, do we need to be careful? Like is it dangerous to walk here, with all the dinosaurs?"

“This close to the settlement they give us some breathing room. They seem to know their friends that come by tend not to make it back. Sometimes you get one that’s really hungry or really sick though , and we handle them too but that doesn’t do a whole lot of good for the person or two they eat before we put them down”

"That does not sound very pleasant. And, just a hint, dying is not as pleasant as one would think. I do have my experiences with it. And maybe we need to find a solution for that too. Maybe we need some cable carts to connect points of interest. And the stations protected by high voltage fences. But we won't get that done with some bio plants filled with the occasional remains of a dinosaur. But lets not make step two before step one, and get to my ship. We will get what we need, but it might take a bit." Jeonia coms her ship. "I will be visiting the ship with some humans in tow. Please bring the ship to an adequate temperature, suitable for them. And prepare the unused quarters." She then turns to her companions again. "So I guess we should be careful on our way, and as a warning, I might need the rest of this day, so you might need to sleep on board. But I do have enough food and drinks available to serve you a pleasant dinner." "And the stay might show them how pleasant a life with modern tech can be. Convincing them one by one." She types a short message to her crew. Preload some entertainment, let us show them the best we can offer. Any kind.

THe ship begins working to make it comfortable for organic guests and you can see they are in awe at their approach to the vessel.

"I guess you have never been invited into a space ship? By these douchebag Officials I mean." Jeonia asks as they get closer to the ship.

"the ship that brought the CBSS rep here seemed pretty eager to get out of here. Maybe he was bothering them too?"

A robotic laugh can be heard. "That might be the case. Well, today and tonight, you will experience a glimpse of your own future. You can still fish and go your ways, but that doesn't mean you can't enjoy life when you are at home!" She tries to get them to the ship quickly. Looking around and up to try and see any danger before it gets too close. She vividly remembers her first field mission for the Protectorate. When they were attacked by flying monsters. Not a pleasant memory.

(anything specific here you want them to see while we're here? )

(Jeo would show them around, show them the Hydroponic Garden with the best fresh fruit. And when she starts to design, plan and 3D Print stuff, which might be some fix or admin roll, those men get to rest. Each in a quarter for themselves. This is to plant a seed, to make them want this tech. It is like a virus. They get to watch movies and shows, play games, watch adult movies, whatever pleases them. All that while being well fed, getting to shower hot and for as long as they like. Getting them hooked for the pleasantries of modern life, so they talk about it back in the village, and with their families. So that maybe others join Jeonia on subsequent trips back when she has to print our or construct more to finish more Hydroponic Gardens on other houses. She wants to further steer the will to accept new stuff and move on from old traditions and towards a mix of traditions and modern life. If that makes sense to you.)

(So we'd be spending probably max of 3-4 hours here if we wanted to make it back to the village with our cargo before dark. Does that sound alright?)

(There would be no need to rush, as Jeonia staying in the village overnight might not yield anything. So we could stay overnight and after a refreshing stay, walk back in the morning, with all stuff made.)

(Sounds good )

01:50

The patrol settles in for the night and they’re shown their rooms for the evening. Some basic instructions on how to use ship facilities are made available and ready for them to follow. One by one they drift away from the galley to explore the place , at least what areas they’re allowed into

Jeonia was happy with this. Her plan seemed to work. But at the same time, she needed to work. So she sits down and tries to design the remaining parts she needed for the Hydroponic garden, and all the simple parts needed for the mini bio gas plant. It was her first time designing such a thing with only simple components that she could 3D print. And she was extra careful, as she did want it to work. (don't know if a roll is needed.)

(I think we would be able to get away without one since this is part of your background and character experiences)

Once the designs were finished, she lets the Printer do its work and some of her crew bring the things to the ramp so everything is in one place. Jeonia tho, she curls down in a corner of the workshop, near a wall outlet. And starts to sleep. Tiny robots leave a nearby cabinet and while Jeonia sleeps, her power recharges, and the tiny bots clean her frame completely. The next morning, she wakes all passengers via intercom and tells them to meet her near the exit once they are ready. She wondered if they had a long relaxing sleep, or none at all as they watched TV all night, or played games, or else.

They all seem tired and rested in equal measure. They've enjoyed their night here, and have gone through days worth of food and hot water between all of them , just in one night. They excitedly talk among themselves but go silent as your frame stomps to the ramp where they've assembled, getting ready to drag the cargo through the jungle.

"Good to see you all in such a good mood. I tried to design every part as light as I could, both to save materials and to make it easier to carry, but it still needs to do the job, so it is quite a bit to be carried, and please make sure to not damage anything, as that would be quite unfortunate. Let us hope that no Dinosaur is around while we carry it over. If you are ready, we can leave." Jeonia gets a few components herself and then looks at the villagers, seeing if they have a question or are ready to move out. She does realize that they might not feel too comfortable around her, but that is something she can't change right now.

They are prepared. Conversation is quiet and low right now but you get the sense this is the first moment without stimulation many of them have had since last night. They will be digesting what they have seen and experienced through the night.

The ramp lowers and Jeonia and the others start walking back to the settlement again.

"Please don't drop anything. I like the stuff rather clean and not sprinkled with soil and whatnot."

The team begins moving through the jungle, returning back to their settlement close to mid day. They had not been expected to be gone overnight and a night of worry breaks as everyone returns not only safe, but smelling better, looking healthier, and looking more relaxed.

"I am sorry, it took me longer to manufacture the parts, so your beloved men had to stay overnight. I did care for them. Those of you who call themselves builders, or engineers or are simply interested, please follow me while I start to construct the first simple hydroponic garden and biogas plant." She looks around to see if there is interest. "And to the hunters here, we will need to gather some dinosaur remains once everything is done. To fuel the mini biogas plant. And to have fertilizer and materials for the plants. But for now, whoever wants to, follow me and help me while I construct the first garden."

You've got plenty of interest in what you're doing, and in whats been done to everyone over the night. A small crowd follows you to the empty hut, where they come to observe your work.

With people watching her, Jeonia makes sure to construct the hydroponic garden and mini biogas plant slowly, and with detailed explanations. For all of them to understand.

(fix.int )

(rolled a 6, used Expert Reroll and got a 10)

1

The biogas plant is completed after half a day of work. The locals aren’t sure exactly how it works but seeing it come together had helped them to some degree and they’re eager to see what it does in action

Jeonia is happy with her work, even if her robotic face has no way of showing this, or her voice mudolator that is only able to produce a mostly monotonous voice. But still, she is happy. "Good, good. This is done. I hope you remember some of my explanations. But I will stay to explain again once we have this one going. Now we just need some seeds and some already grown plants. I do have enough on board. And then we can see it grow. But there is one more component that might be safe or dangerous to be obtained. Dinosaur poop, for the biogas plant. I guess some of you might know spots where we can collect it, in larger quantities, well I guess every single dump might qualify for larger quantities, but we will see, and then we can bring it here, without being eaten by a dinosaur, and see the whole system working."

1

(Do we want to go on an adventure to harvest some and see some Dino’s?)

(I would love to!)

(3xp, 5000 credits )

Mission and XP Log

3 XP Rebuild Sanjaru, unaligned

XP Total: 3XP

09:29

Level Up 1->2

Old HP: 7
HP Roll: 11
New HP: 11
AB 0->1

New Focus: Tinker 1 (Fix 1->2)

3SP + 1ESP
Charisma 12->14 (3SP)
Talk->0 (1ESP)

(edited)

1

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Pinned a message.

BY morning it becomes evident you're going to need some bio to begin breaking down for fuel. A large grassy plain is north of the woods and many dinos are known to rest and hunt there.

"When I was talking to some of you, you often mentioned some grassy plain. I guess that could be a good start, we just need to take some sacks with us, so we can collect the poop. Fresh is better than old. Oh and please, I don't know much about Dinosaurs, tell me when I have to duck away, I don't want to die again."

The journey will take most of the day, walking there, spending a few hours at the site, and moving on back to the camp. You will be going with a different team, these ones more used to hunting rather than fishing. They are equally strong, but do not smell as nice as the ones who have spent time in your ship.

Jeonia might not have the most beautiful frame right now. She actually just looks like some special service bot. But the possibility to disable her sensors for smell, was part of this frame as well. So she does. Not smelling anything was most likely a good thing, considering what they are hunting for. As they start walking, Jeonia starts talking. "So, you go out hunting more often then, yes? How dangerous is it? Are there ways to control the dinosaurs? To repel them?"

There used to be ways to ride them, but able bodied men and women to risk now are too few to make it a good idea. They hunt now and again but there is no way to truly repel the dinos, aside from just living in places that are hard for them to reach or get to.

Jeonia makes a mental note that she needs to find better ways to protect the people, aside from living in the trees, as there might be others on Sanjaru who don't live in trees. "What do we do if one sees us as easy prey? Run?"

'We won't outrun them. We have to try to fight, or at least ward them off from attacking"

Jeo nods. "So we best don't make ourselves targets then. But I am intrigued as to what we will find when we reach this grassy plain."

(sneak/dex, and we'll find out! )

(0, so as this is a new mission I do have a new Expert Reroll, and I should use it, Reroll is 8)

2

(you are not seen by dinos)

22:43

The walk over is quiet, and you hear lesser animals in the woods, and find some evidence of the dinos passing but you do not see your first until approaching the wide meadow, where you see a massive long necked herbivore resting in the shade

"Wow. What a majestic being! And say, did you at one point in your history ride such a large dinosaur?"

"Never this kind, not this size. Could you imagine trying to keep something like this close to the city? Even when its not trying to attack you, its size would be a danger. There are surely others around though, and we will need to find some raw materials for your plant"

"But it would be an interesting thought. Building a city, suitable for Dinosaurs and the smaller ones. But, yeah, yeah, we need to start small, we need to get you all started into the new age first. Therefore we need some Dinosaur remains. Where would they usually do their business? Where they go? Where they eat?"

"Usually close to their nests. We'll need to fan out into the woods around the prairie here to find one and we may need to deal with an angry mama dino if there are eggs in the nest"

"And with 'deal with' you mean, run away, right?" She asks to reassure that she knows the proper course of action.

"Running won't save you; Not with how fast they run. We'd need to fight. Is that something you're prepared for?"

"I guess that is partially the reason you are here. I might be good at calculating the ballistic curve at high speed, but yet I am not used to translate that into actual shooting proves. I might be able to hit something like a dinosaur, but I am no Warrior. I am an engineer, in a service bot frame. So don't expect too much." Jeonia knows her limits, and has no problem sharing them.

(survive wis)

!roll 2d6-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [5, 4] Result: 8

Level 2 j30n1a
❤️  11/11
🛡️  12
⚔️  1
XP 3  

ST | DEX | CO | IN | WIS | CH
14    5    14   18    9    14

Adm  -1  | Lead 0  | Shoot -1
Con  -1  | Perc -1 | Sneak -1
Exe  -1  | Perf -1 | Stab  -1
Fix  +2  | Pilo -1 | Surv  -1
Heal -1  | Prog -1 | Talk   0
Know  0  | Pun  -1 | Trade -1

🏓 
Laser Pistol -1 | 1d6-1

(edited)

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Pinned a message.

You move through the forest quietly, avoiding large dinos and the overhead sweep of a flying one patrolling above the broad trees before finding your first small pile of dung, without a nest or dino in sight.

With the ability to decide if she wants to smell something, or not. Jeonia approaches the dung and fills it into their baggage. "We need way more than that. I want you to have enough for a bit, and I think after the first one is up and running, you all will want to have more. Let us carefully move on. Let us avoid risks where we can, or hope that your ability to fend a dino off, is good enough."

The burlap sack is clearly something the others arent happy about being around, not having the option of turning off their nose or mouths. The smell must be seeping into everything.

Seeing that the rest are uncomfortable with the sack, Jeonia tries to carry as much as she can herself as they move deeper into the woods to find another nest, before they can maybe move back to finish the work.

There is another shadow passing overhead. This time the flying dino is lower and circling. It must have seen something or some member of your group

A flying beast let dark memories resurface, from her first Mission for the Protectorate. So to not loose someone to something like this again, she turns to the others. "Have you seen that flying dino? Can they get to us in the woods? Do they stay for longer if they sense easy prey?"

“Yes. Look up and you’ll see it too. They circle if they think there might be an opportunity “

"So do you think it will attack us once we leave these woods? That is frightening. Couldn't we just hide in the woods, hide from that thing and anything else, and then leave by night or something?"

(We'd need to fashion some concealment if we want to spend the day, since by the scene/dice it will eventually spot you)

(Yeah, I guess the idea is to make that thing loose interest. So while they can continue searching the woods, they have some covered shelter that they can retreat to, to stay out of sight, and once they feel save, they make a run for the village before the predators of night appear. Or, they stay overnight with a good hiding spot to leave in the next morning.)

(okay, so we need to make or find one of these things then )

14:57

(based on whatever you think is the right move)

"How many Predators roam these woods at night?" Jeonia asks, clearly tinkering with a plan in her head.

"Packs. Tens, hundreds maybe? it all depends on where you go, or where you hide"

"We can collect all the material that we need inside of these woods, but going out into the open might get us caught by the flyers. Making them loose interest is desired, but that means we might need to stay here, overnight, which in turn means other problems could arise, light night active predators. We don't have the time and resources to necessarily build a hideout here, but if we would find the poop of a large predator, we could hide right next to it, as its fumes would detract any smaller predators. At least that was how I remember it from the books, but you are the ones living with these creatures, do you think this would work?"

"unpleasant, but it might work. I doesn't sound like we have any other choice if we're all going to come back from your errand alive:

"It is easier when you can simply deactivate certain senses. But in the end, you rather endure that, then to die to an attack that we can't fend off. Let us continue to look for more dinosaur remains, and once we find a huge one, we know that we have found our hiding spot."

|(sneak/dex _

!roll 2d6-2

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [5, 1] Result: 4

There is a massive squack from the air and the shadow gets larger as the patrol comes to combat stance. The creature has spotted,and is about to pounce

19:06

(initiative)

!roll 1d8-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [2] Result: 1

2

!roll d8

Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 4

(Evasion save, bird is first h

(Success! 16v12)

The swooping bird is fouled by the tall trees and quick thinking of the ground team. They dive into brush and woods as its large talons scrape harmlessly at open air. It is forced to abort its dive, and circles 50m above the treetops.

!roll 1d20-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [5] Result: 4

Jeonia quickly draws her Laser Pistol and shoots towards the predator. Or better, she shoots towards the sky, but it doesn't even get remotely close to the dinosaur. "Forward, quick quick, to a position that this thing might not be able to attack."

Arrows and other shots go skyward, dissuading the beast from diving again, instead it circles over the group, cawing loudly, and you hear responses from distant mountain peaks that more might be coming soon

Not wanting to wait to see and find a hiding place, she looks for one in the immediate surrounding. Luckily her simply robotic self doesn't show it, but she is worried that someone dies, because of her, and she might be unable to protect them. So she does what she can to bring them through alive.

There are no caves nearby, but the trees thicken to the east, providing more of a canopy from above observation.

Jeonia points towards the east. "There! This might give us some more cover and protection from above. Are we running towards some new dangers in there? It looks more thick and gnarly there."

(I don't think we'd have time for a full on in depth exploration of the risks here, we are reduced to dealing with the bird, or running into the woods to encounter possible new danger instead)

(There is fear of the bird. So running deeper into the thick woods is what will happen)

Running i nto the darker woods, the team is taking cover in the darkness of the trees. Eyes watch from the bushes, several sets of them, and some seem to be keeping back, content to just observe.

Jeonia starts to freak. She was no warrior, no expert explorer, she was just an engineer that loved building things. And this became dangerous, real quick. She almost screams at the others. "Does someone have a fire? Light a fire, drive these things away or they might attack as well!" If she has shown some leadership skills before, she doesn't now, she is simply afraid. (edited)

There is a frantic effort to light torches and otherwise prepare to deal with whatever else is in the woods. Incidentally, more dung is quickly found and bagged, giving you all you need- the matter shifts to escaping the forest with it.

Jeonia is shaking. Only her simple frame prevents her panic to be visible to just anyone around her. "Let us go! We have enough. Let us just go home, in one piece!"

(sneak/dex)

!roll 2d6-2

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [4, 2] Result: 4

Entering the woods, the team and its torches begin moving as quickly as they can. You are being hunted, and a raptor emerges from the brush 20m ahead of you, low ,and howling to the rest of its pack.

!roll 1d20-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [2] Result: 1

(so there is one Raptor in front, and its pack behind) Jeonia full on panics when the Raptor appears in front of them. Her frame has trouble keeping up the speed in the thick woods and it isn't made for combat. "Run this thing over, when it falls the rest might disappear. We can't stop or we get surrounded." "I don't want to die again." Jeonia tries to shoot the Raptor in front of her, but she pulls the trigger prematurely, all she possibly hit was some fern a meter in front of her.

(We only see one, we do not know where the others are)

(okay, good to know, but it doesn't change her actions.)

(oh i missed your shot up at the top)

18:10

The raptor roars as the shot hits near it, but not it directly. The rest of the team you are with begin scattering, cohesion breaking down and terror overwhelming the group you are with between the sky beasts and the raptors, they only now want to get home, and all scatter into the brush in different directions

18:11

The raptor in front of you lowers its head and surges forward, jaws opening wide to bite down hard as it charges into the melee with you.

18:11

!roll d20+5

Nekosmash Roll: [8] Result: 13

(miss)

(sadly her AC is indeed just 12)

!roll d6

Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 5

(5 damage, back to you)

!roll 1d20-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [19] Result: 18

!roll 1d6-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [3] Result: 2

(The hit is actually 14, due to -4 mod for shooting in melee.) (HP 6/11) "Warning, Warning, Structural Integrity unclear, Oil leakings. Please proceed to repair station." Messages like these immediately pop up as the Raptor leaves her heavily damaged. She might not be tasty, but another bite could leave her nonfunctional. The only good news in the flood of red light was a green dot next to the status of her core. Her Anchor in this world was still intact and undamaged. A short emergency message gets send to the ship, that poses as an amplifier for it, to send it into space. "D-stroy Din-o." Her voice modulator seems to have been damaged, like many other of her systems. But standing right next to the Raptor, she at least manages to not totally botch the shot of her Laser Pistol. (14/2) (edited)

the beam of energy bubbles flesh near the Rapto;s snout and fries part of it away. Flaking scales crumble like ashes in the wind.

13:39

!roll d20+2

Nekosmash Roll: [5] Result: 7

It bites back, trying to get its jaws around you without risking another shot from the pistol, but you are able to evade the snapping jaws.

!roll 1d20-1

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [13] Result: 12

Jeonia evades a potentially fatal attack. But the beeping and warning messages continue to pop up. She tries to shoot at the beast again, but limited movements make her hit the Dinosaur with the pistol and shoot at a nearby tree instead. (8 miss) (edited)

The raptor rears back, unsure about the noise and heat of the pistol and takes a deep bite toward the robot frame

22:53

!roll d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [18] Result: 21

!roll d6

Nekosmash Roll: [4] Result: 4

(21/4)

!roll 1d20-5

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [10] Result: 5

(2/11 HP) Jeonia was distraught. It sounded so simple, yet she had no idea what to expect from these dinosaurs. This beast was ferocious. It didn't stop biting her, even with her not being tasty at all. In fact, her frame will most likely kill this Raptor in the end. Sharp metals that destroy its intestines. Or heavy metals that poison it. But there was no chance of explaining it to this beast. All that it seemed to feel was violence. And violence was something Jeonia had always been bad at. Strategy, was a thing she liked in the past. But her strategy here was failing badly. Running was no option. It would just overpower her, and the other direction was leading to another foe. One last shot. But another bite hit her, the warning messages turned into a constant red. She ends up with only minimal control over her shot as it goes wide. (5 miss) (edited)

4

!roll d20+3

Nekosmash Roll: [7] Result: 10

The scratching beast isn't able to get a deeper bite into the robotic frame as it would like, and the damage is superficial at best. The sounds within beep and buzz for at least another few seconds as the struggle continues.

!roll d20-5

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [7] Result: 2

1

The beeps and buzz continue, as does Jeonia's inability to aim at the Raptor, at all. She wasn't even getting close to hitting that thing. She would cry if she wasn't in a service robot frame. Hope was running low. But she was hoping that those who accompanied her, would get away safely. (2 miss)

!roll 2d6

Nekosmash Roll: [3, 2] Result: 5

The Raptor grows frustrated with the difficult meal it is trying to digest, with the heat and light of the laser weapon constantly going off near its face it decides to abandon this metal meal and head after easier prey as another member of its pack sounds its hunting call elsewhere

17:25

(Taking fighting withdrawal, and then moving 15m east to the edge of the clearing)

Surely a good fighter might have shot at its target now, hoping for an easy shot into the enemies back. But not Jeonia. Her frame was heavily damaged. She, in panic. All she wants is to get away. Quickly. So she turns around and looks at the villagers. "W--e, n-n-n-eed, to r-r-r-un awa--y. Back home! N-n-now!"

(lead.cha)

!roll 2d6+1 ! Lead/Cha

Daira of Artema | P | Jeonia Roll: [5, 5] Result: 11 Reason: Lead/Cha

1

Rallying the scouting expedition is difficult, you pull bands of isolated fighters together, forming a cordon around the poo sack that keeps the raptor back with torches and well timed shots from your laser pistol. Overhead, the bird beast seems to have lost its taste for the hunt, and although many are hurt, some seriously, you make it back to the village- where your med bay can treat what local remedies cannot.

Not just the rest of her expedition needed to be stitched together, Jeonia herself was a shadow of her already sad looking self. She had fluids leaking out of tubes. Cables hanging loose and her movements had no fluency anymore. Her frame was broken in so many ways that it was a pain for herself to administer her self repair. Luckily, it was easier done on board of her ship, but still, it was a pain. Jeonia wasn't sad, it was a thrilling trip, even if it was just a tad too thrilling. But they all came back alive, and with the materials that were needed. Once she had finished her self repairs, she reloads before returning to the village. (Expending 5 Spare parts to 'heal' back to full HP) The Biogas Plants would soon be running, and they may find better ways of collecting the waste. But in a few months, they will be able to harvest their first planted food. Here in their treetop village. And not just that. Out of wood and what was available, Jeonia will rebuild this whole village. It will be tedious work, but when she is finished, this village will be a raw model, for others to be advancing just like them. Sanjaru was on a good way. And one advantage to her new self was, that she has all the time there is, to bring advancement to the Iron Stars.

(I know we talked about just leaving her here to help move things along for a while. 3xp, and 5000 credits for this, and we can keep playing it out, or do Dawn depending on your mood)

Level 2->3
HP Old: 11
HP Roll: 11
New HP: 11+1=12

No Focus Pick

4SP
Shoot-0 (1SP)
Pro-0 (1SP)
Know-1 (2SP)

0SP banked

(edited)

(Gorgeous. I sent you a new sheet so it’s up to you how we wanna truck along )

(Jeo will do some off screen work here on Sanjaru, for a bit. Maybe only visiting someone else's thread for some picnic. And in the future pick her up again. For now. It is time for some tasty blood again. But we'll talk about this in PM)

About 10 days later...

Incoming Message!

From: Reza
To: Jeonia

Ms. Sawall! Jeo! Oh thank goodness you are alright. I got your first automated message and was half way to my ship when i got the second all clear. Do we need to upgrade your defensive capabilities? How is your core operating hardware doing? 

Im... A bit tied up here... If you are saying it is critical to your life that I come, I will... Just uh... Might be different than from what you might remember...

I am doing well. Navigating the "Game" here is challenging. But I feel that I am so close to my goal, it's just within reach. 

We will enjoy that picnic soon!

Your Reza Collins