Iron Stars - argus

Argus Balthazar watches yet another commercial for the Greystar Diplomatic Corps scroll by on his compad, sighing gently to himself as others get about business he should be out there performing instead. Outside, the ever present rains of the night world Acastus beat gently against the glass. It fogs slightly in the humidity, the air warmed by the volcanoes north of the city where the geothermal power is harnessed, enough to keep the tens of millions of people living here bathed in neon for their natural lives. The Confederation is a new body by historical standards, but is advancing rapidly on many front's necessary to be considered a strong county - most notably reaching out to nearby worlds to offer them alliance, and inclusion at best- support at worst. There is a gentle ping on his compad a moment later, as the GDC position he applied for weeks ago announces that they would like to see him in their downtown Ash City, Acastus office, as soon as he is able to make it.

Argus feels a surge of energy as he allows himself to take his weight off of his cane. He doesn't take his eyes off of the message for a solid minute. It already feels as if he has come so far, just to end up at the starting line. Everything he has sacrificed up to this point has been proven all worth it. He briefly checks the tabs of his coat, one of his finest, and smooths some imaginary wrinkles. He runs a hand through his purposefully dyed hair and beard, ensuring no imperfections. He begins moving with greater alacrity than he has in a year, he intended to be early for his destiny. (edited)

05:14

(To be added to roll20)

The office you're directed to is recently rebuilt, resembling a crescent when seen from above. The space is modern and bright, entirely offsetting the otherwise darker and more somber atmosphere of the planet. Water features and bright tropical plants are also worked into the design whenever it makes sense for them to be included. The meeting place is on the fourth floor of the building, inside a glass doored executive chamber. There are a few people working inside, focused on computers, or filing hardcopy papers for records too sensitive to be electronically stored.

Argus concentrates on moving and showing as much confidence as he can. First impressions are largely visual, and people are always judging even if they don't think they are. He flashes a cool smile at any that glance his way, but he does not stop to interrupt anyone's work. He has more important business. He moves inside the executive chamber, looking for any possible area where he might be received.

You've guessed correctly and after a moment of standing in an empty room, a Greystar executive enters and invites you to sit. He is in a dark suit, with a dark beard, and several small campaign ribbons are sewn into the breast pocket, though he does what he can to try to downplay them from sight. "Mr. Balthazar, I am Director Kensh, the head of our confederation. I'm already late for somehow two different meetings in two different places at the same time, so I will keep this quick. We recently brought in the planet Arana, to our south. It's an interesting world and we need someone to look in on them, see how they're doing, and see what we can do for them to raise them out of the current somewhat impoverished state they find themselves in"

16:32

"We trained some of their psychic children not long ago, teenagers i suppose you would call them, not kids. They elected to return to their planet, but making contact with them to ensure they're still being treated well also seems like a good idea"

Argus keeps his confident look, but but he can't help but feel a bit flummoxed. As first assignments might go, this was not what he expected. "Director, I thank you for your confidence and endorsement. I shall do this for you and keep your offices updated promptly. Please, do not allow me to keep you from your many duties. Simply direct me to a transport and a contact, and I shall handle the rest."

"There is a corvette standing by in one of the hangars. Feel free to do some shopping beforehand before stepping off, an extra day to get yourself in order won't materially change the situation there. I'll make sure your orders get circulated so you won;t have to play 20 questions with the ship crew" (edited)

Argus offers a slight yet deferential bow "Your kindness is a boon Director, I thank you, and I look forward to my work under your direction." Argus then takes his leave of the director. He is glad for the opportunity to restock himself before he sets out. He had still meant to take a proper tour of the capital world, having only been there for a few months at most while working to secure a position with the Greystar government. He figured there would be plenty of time for that later however. Argus takes the next day to ensure that his bases are covered with his limited budget, though he is confident he can at least weather any storm that is needed. After a restless night sleep, he awakens early to proceed to the hangar bay containing the Corvette, 'his' ship, that'll take him away to his first job. (Listed equipment to purchase in roll20 and here for reference: Stun Baton, 5 Power Cell A variants, Metatool, Bezoar)

(The Bezoar is not available, all of the drugs arent generally)

14:42

(but everything else is good)

(Right, got it, then I'll just wipe that off and replace it with a medkit)

(lemme just pin the stats for it from the registry here. Probably won't become relevant but just in case)

17:55

Original message was deleted or could not be loaded.

Pinned a message.

17:56

(so one of them will be in use here) The ship is running with nearly a full crew compliment, and despite being early you see most of the officers and some of the junior enlisted are already here doing the endless work needed to get the ship provisioned and ready to travel. A few of the officers notice your stare and offer a polite head nod in greeting

Argus would return any greeting politely, eventually moving to settle himself in on the corvette and meet with the captain in a proper manner.

The vessel's captain is a young flight officer named August , formerly of the fighter group but his innovative tactics have cause him to be promoted to what amounts to a fighter pilot amid larger craft. He seems relaxed on the bridge and treats his crew with a measure of informality, but not to the point that it seems there is a breakdown in spacer discipline.

01:18

"Agent Balthazar, have a seat, my navigator isn't aboard yet. I understand you wanted to make introductions and get some face time in before we launch"

Argus takes the seat graciously, and sets himself to speak to the captain like an old friend. He speaks a bit more loudly than necessary to have a few members of the crew overhear if possible "My, well informed indeed Captain, you are absolutely correct. I always enjoy knowing all I can about a mission before following through, and what could be more important than the those charged with seeing me to the starting point? " Argus then lowers his voice, so that only the captain may hear. "And on a more personal note Captain August, you and I are both serving in new capacities within our beloved Confederation. It seems quite likely we forge a good working bond. I present a hand in friendship and counsel, for both of us, should we ever require it on this jaunt into the unknown."

"Of course, well agent I am an open book, what did you wish to know?"

"I hope you don't mind moving straight to business then captain? Please inform me of your ship and crew's capabilities." (Getting that stat blurb for the corvette). "I would also ask you what you have been told of my mission? We seem to know little of the true situation we are heading into and I would be prepared for any eventualities if possible. If you have any piece of knowledge about Arana that may assist me, however small it may be, I would hope you could share. I believe that success, or failure, may be shared between us for this mission, and I would despise setting a bad example on the first go around."

"The people of Arana are sea going, and were in a resource war with one another not long ago, though their cities have a few examples of higher technology like tidal generators to power some small things. We got them to agree to a white peace for a time, and to send their combined psychic children to the academy for training. There weren't many. Seems the Scream and societal prejudice after hit that population hard"

"Hmm, complications, many complications. Wars amongst neighbors tend to be the bloodiest kind. Though I suppose we wouldn't be going there if there were no problems to speak of. I suppose anything else will just have to come out on its own."

"That is exactly the point of the trip. You're not being asked to solve the things that are out of your depth. If you can help, you should. If this becomes an observe and report, the council at least knowing about what is happening on our newest world is still a valuable use of time. Thats really all I think can be said before we actually depart and get there. Planning ahead of time only goes so far'

(understandable, didn't know how much this captain was going to get into it)

02:35

"Very well Captain, Thank you for your time and consideration. I shall of course endeavor to be a light burden for our voyage, but please do not hesitate to call upon me should you feel it necessary. I believe I will get some reading done in the meantime, please convey my thanks to your crew as well." Argus would exit to head back to his quarters after this

(It’s a seven day journey south , and we have seven days of downtime now. There is a roll20 handout with what you’re able to work on during that time)

(Is it possible to simply work on a skill and get progress to its 90 day limit? If so I'd like to work on my Trade skill by pouring over manuals regarding the market situation in the galaxy as a whole to ensure I'm not cheated out of paying a fair price, refreshing 'trading for dummies' etc.)

(Only if its -1 to 0 , but yes at the end of the 90 days you've have training in it)

(Yes, its currently at -1, so I'd like to get started on that)

(No problem, so we'll be at 7/90 for Trade as we arrive at Arana)

02:13

TL2 Human Miscible Breathable Atmosphere Millions of Inhabitants This planet is dominated by seagoing cities built on islands. Ancient First Wave engines keep the cities moving, the constant waves powering the buildings that cling like barnacles to their backs. Despite this one example of hyper advanced technology, the rest of the world has reverted back to a pre-steam standard of living. Battles are fought over island chains where the fast growing timber, wildlife, and minerals are plentiful. Squadrons of Age of Sail ships representing close to a dozen nations or city states prowl the depths, keeping unwanted attention away from their shores and distant island claims. In March 2668, the people of Arana voted to join the Greystar Confederacy.

Argus would thank Captain August for the safe journey before promptly heading off to reach his contact with the government. If he intended to make an impression for the confederacy he had no time to lose.

An outpost has been established on a central island where all of Arana's nations have agreed to keep someone posted though the individual diplomats from each region may rotate there and home depending on where they are needed. As of right now, ten diplomats representing various guilds and world nations are here, their ships brightly colored with clean sails and as many flags and pennants as the sailing ship lines will allow. They gather in a polite group as the Greystar ship sets down, this being the sole reason they are stationed here- and now have something to do

Argus pauses for a few minutes before appearing, gripping his cane and walking with it almost as if on a leisurely stroll. He approaches the group, offering a small bow to the assembled diplomats once he has gotten closer. He offers an inviting smile and gestures slightly as he speaks. "Friends, professionals, fellows of the Confederation, I am Argus Balthazar, and I humbly thank you all for coming to welcome me to your absolutely stunning world. I'm simply must remember to buy a lavish gift basket for my supervisor asking me to come here." Argus chuckles politely "I am sure we have many questions for one another, so perhaps we should begin while we are all still vigorous. A neutral ground introduction with refreshments, on me, I think is a perfect set-up for what I am sure shall be a productive set of talks. Are there any pressing issues for my personage, or shall we convene for those drinks?" (edited)

Drinks are something everyone here can agree on, and perhaps the political discourse will flow more freely with a few rounds of liquid personality inside everyone.

03:02

You're brought in to a three sided large canvas pavilion where porters and servants lay out large silver trays of a milky rose colored spirit, along with several decanters of normal fresh water. Everything is set on silky white doilies and the small talk among the diplomats as they wait to be served is subdued and overall polite from what you\re able to overhear

Argus himself engages with polite discussion, settling on figuring out who are the power players in the room and who are simply playing at diplomat. All the while he begins asking leading questions about the world to hear about any immediate concerns if there are any beyond the resource conflicts.

(Connect/cha as we talk with the people here and I’ll get you a list of what’s up)

(that's a 4 then)

(you do have your expert re-roll, if you like)

(I do, quite nearly forgot, so yeah 8 is def. better)

There are main representatives here from each nation, and they consider the post important enough where nobody here is just filler. Anything you do here can be agreed and acted upon as though with the heads of each government. Despite the planet agreeing to join GSC, there are still skirmishes and naval brushfire wars over some of the more resource rich islands. Nations keep finding ways to subtly duel with one another, most recently there was a massive fire at a Unity of Southern Arana shipyard, sending several men at war galleons into the deep. An alleged Sutton spy is in custody, though he himself denies being a member of the nation, as does the country not recognize him as one of their own.

04:04

On a world where news travels slowly, despite this happening some months ago, the investigation is far from over

Argus tucks the information about the spy away for later in case that might serve as a hurdle for his mission to settling the current tensions. It would be bad form to start stirring the pot now. 'No,' Argus decides, 'best to offer as many carrots as might be able to.' "Unfortunate business all around to be sure," Argus would chime in amicably, "But if I may be so bold ladies and gentlemen, I offer that it such times of strife where the greatest oppurtunity for advancement can be found on all accounts." Argus continues, trying to keep his momentum. "Let us take the tragic fire at the shipyard for instance. A calamity that is certainly one that will pull at all manner of strings personal, economic, and political. An incident that could befall any one of our nations. However, imagine if you will ladies and gentlemen, if such things were not solely the burden of 'your' governments or 'your' planet alone? You are now a member of a very large family, and I believe I can speak for that family to say that none of us wish to see one of our own dragged down by tough times. I speak of trade treaties and economic integration between Arana and the greater Confederation. Let's say that shipyard is not solely a planetary project, but a joint venture between various organizations here and off planet. Inviting off world companies to invest and interact in both public and private arenas ensures less risk involved for new ventures for you people while ensuring greater stock of profits for both parties. All and all, a net win in any respect."

You sense you have their attention, and the age old questions of who would be responsible for what, how would profits and costs be distributed, and all sorts of other administrative matters begin to come up

Argus does his best to redirect and reflect specifics, as he'd rather get a direct line to the Director's office to be able to provide concrete details. In the mean time, he tries to bring the topic of conversation around to the children trained by the confederation in psychic matters and how they have settled in.

They seem to be doing well though I’m some communities there is still a prejudice against their powers- though things have improved a bit when it’s clear they won’t torch and become a danger to the wider community

Argus insinuates that if possible he would like to possibly visit with the former students if at all possible, as well as go perhaps take a tour of the rest of the nations infrastructure. He aims to provide as clear a picture of the planet and its 'current' status as he can manage to get back to the director. Also maybe he wants to enjoy his time a little longer on this tropical world.

The students are scattered between a few of the countries though the triple alliance hosts the most of them, as they have the widest swathe of territory. They’ve offered to sail you back but the ship can abbreviate a journey of some days to only an hour or two

Gregor thanks them for the offer of sailing. While perhaps he could sail back to the main neutral ground, he instead offers the diplomats to travel with him alongside his visits to check up on the students. With the approval of Captain August first of course. Show them some more of the swanky bits of the Greystar Confederation, hype up the benefits of offworld trade, etc. Barring any obstacles, Gregor would prepare to travel to meet with the students and begin his first report back to the director

The delegates would rather see firsthand the space travel their society has not had for some years now, and begin filing aboard- and are polite enough not to comment on the lack of luxury cabin space since it is only a short trip

Argus does his best to entertain the gaggle of diplomats, continually applying social pressure about how all this will be again be possible through expanding cooperation with the confederacy. However he is now more focused on his next order of immediate business, checking on the former students.

As the ship lands, the diplomats file off to their respective consulates here with a pledge to meet tomorrow at your ship for further talks. The southern alliance has the most territory among itselves and the psychic students here have decided to own a home together. there are some local customs laws they are violating, with unmarried men and women living in the same home- unrelated- but no one has openly challenged them yet, fearing them now returned from the wider galaxy with control over their powers. The home itself is very pleasant on the exterior, but when looking close you see bars over the windows and a tell-tale sign of a firing port for a gun carved between some bricks on the roof.

14:49

The door is wood and banded metal, with a brass '25' for the street number hammered into it.

The home would send plenty of mixed messages to Argus. Were the defenses here before from the planets many civil wars, or did the students know something more about the alliance and the land around here than he did. Regardless, keeping a few questions in mind he would step toward the property, looking to knock politely to see if anyone answered.

A woman in a slimmed down hoop model dress opens the door and smiles warmly upon seeing a similarly well dressed person standing there. “Good morning sir. How can I help you?”

Argus offers a slight bow and flourish to the woman, offering his own warm smile. "and good morning to you madam, I, Argus Balthazar, stand before you at your service and may I say a pleasure to make such a fine acquaintance on such a fine day as today. I do beg your pardons for my intrusion, but I have been directed here as I am to understand that a certain number of former students that called this area home and I've been asked as a favor to look in to their situation. For full transparency, I come as a representative of the Greystar Confederacy, but it is my hope that such knowledge shall not deride the possibility of 'pleasant conversation."

“Of course not. Please come In. Tea?” She asks, as the door squeaks open to let you in. You get the sight of a loaded projectile rifle next to the door along with a few extra magazines for it

Another thing to note for the discussion, but he tries to show nothing about questioning it. Instead he simply enters into the hallway proper. "I would absolutely enjoy a cup madam, thank you. My I have your name?"

"Ah, how rude of me. Elizabeth, at your service. Pardon the mess in here, things have been a bit tense since we came back from Acastus as you probably noticed when you were walking up. You're from the Confederacy, so we feel safe letting you know that the people here have not taken our return well, even though we aren't torch risks anymore.

04:07

"We've had some trouble- bricks thrown through the windows, and a mob has formed out in the street a couple times before we drove them back"

"Drove them back? I hesitate to ask miss Elizabeth, but have their been any serious injuries to you or any of the other students?"

“None that the trained bioscopic we have here couldn’t handle, but they would have been serious otherwise”

"but thankfully, we have a good one on staff. One capable of regrowing limbs even which was quite fortunate. Shame the wounded in the mob wouldnt allow us to work on them. We would have happily done so. They also seem like they refuse to leave well enough alone."

"Well, as the old saying goes, the oldest fear we have is fear of the unknown. Though my condolences of course to your situation. I am glad at least you all are persevering through it. May I ask as well as to the role you currently have in society? Is everyone here truly so afraid of you and your fellows?"

'Afraid enough to form a mob. I feel like those old stories about witches, and warlocks, though this time we have actual powers. We don't really have a role. Nobody is going to hire us, nobody trusts us enough to come forward for help- and there isn't much to do. We're holding out here as well as we can, but that's a finite thing. Especially if the street violence gets worse"

Argus would take a moment to consider this information. Certainly not what he wanted to hear in regards to the students, but also not outside of the realm of possibility given what they could do. "Well, miss Elizabeth for what its worth I hope you can accept my condolences and by extension that of Greystar. We certainly would never want to allow such injustices occur against such fine examples of our fledgling confederation." Argus tries laying on the charm as much as possible. "While I am here I will try speaking with the representatives of the government to see what can be done in the now about this. Perhaps when the planet is opened more to off planet businesses we can get you and your fellows involved in satisfying work that can utilize your skills, and maybe build some confidence in the community." Argus stamps his cane once on the ground. "Now though, let's not this speak of ill tidings keep us from a pleasant afternoon. I would be glad to meet the rest of your number and see what this planet has to offer in the way of refreshments."

The others are called down, 5 in total including Elizabeth. They are likewise in finery, and have the pink skin in patches of freshly bioscopically regenerated flesh. Most of them are armed at least with a handgun, though another one of the women sets a long gun down near the entry door to the kitchen, just out of reach

Argus would be a bit off put with such obvious measures for self-defense, worrying that what Elizabeth had said was in fact understated. Still he puts on his best face, introducing himself to the 4 others, asking for their names and introducing himself again as he did with Elizabeth.

they go around the table, offering polite greetings in return, and sitting down for tea. Elizabeth gets right to the point. "We need you to get us out of here. We need you to bring us back to Greystar where we won't have literal hounds at the doors every night"

Argus hesitates, not expecting the request "Madam, I can certainly understand such a request, but is it truly so hopeless? No chance of redemption or reconciliation?"

“They think we will cause another scream. They think just being here is a danger we are forcing them to live with.

16:02

“The culture won’t change. It won’t change quickly, by any means

16:02

“And we are going to be martyred at this rate before it does”

(Archived, Argus has quit)