[IC] The Mysterious Case of New Ceres

[hannahbbug3]

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She wasn't the biggest starship in the fleet of the United Galaxy. She wasn't the sleekest, or the fastest. Nor was she the most well-equipped. But none of those things seemed important for this mission. No, the important thing about the Inheritance was that she had a crew that was willing to gamble.

There was, of course, Lavendi. Getting up there in years, now, this was the woman's last hurrah. She had been a captain for many years, now, but decided it was time to hand over the reins to younger folk. However, the lure of adventure called to her despite her years - and Kane was an old friend. So when the boy proposed such a dangerous expedition, she did what she could to help him pull a ship and crew out of the woodwork.

The Captain that they found was a bold, untested android known simply as Colata. New to her body, and thus new to the stars and to travel, she was eager to prove her mettle among the Starfinders. Apparently, the soul that had last occupied her body - someone named Urbos - had been a leader in the field, had done many great things, and so Colata had big shoes to fill. Left with Urbos' ship and crew, Colata quickly and eagerly took up the mantle of leader, winning the respect of the crew of her research vessel (at least, the two that stuck around) with her great charisma and willingness to listen to others. She knows she has a lot to learn - but she is more than ready for a challenge.

Then, there are the brothers, Brutus and Titus. This is Colata's crew. The two ysoki are skilled in many fields and versatile in their expertise, able to fill many roles which were left vacant after Urbos left her body to make room for a new soul within. They feel a strong, familiar kinship to the Captain, and have considered her a sister for some years - she simply transitioned from "big sister" with Urbos to "little sister" with Colata. For this reason, they were the most loyal, and stuck around - and will continue to stick around - through all sorts of danger.

Finally, there's Sirin Gristlebrow. An uptight, no-nonsense dwarf, fitting the stereotype of many of his people, he has come along as the official member of the Starfinder Society in order to legitimize and subsidize this expedition. For some unknown reason, he has been Kane's biggest supporter within the society, completely bankrolling the expedition out of his own funds; paying for crew, fuel, supplies, everything. Even so, he still seems incredibly pessimistic about the success of this trip. Perhaps he follows the old adage of "wishing for good luck is bad luck," because he refuses to say anything hopeful or positive about the trip - nonetheless, he must believe in its potential, not only funding it, but coming along himself.


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These were the brave - and perhaps foolish - adventurers that would be coming along with Kane on his trip to the mysterious planet of New Ceres. For good or ill - they had a day left to prepare. The jump was set for 24 hours from now.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane was never the prideful sort. Perhaps it was the years, perhaps centuries of past lives dwelling in the back corners of his mind, or perhaps it was the raw awareness he felt for how small he was in the world's grand scheme. Standing in the ruins of ancient temples and forgotten kingdoms. But regardless of origin, he was often quite humble in his general dealings. And so it was with a deeply thankful heart that the near-century old Samsaran looked idly at the personnel files of this, the crew Lavendi had gathered him.

Old Ceres had always been a dream to him. Both literally and metaphorically. An ancient, missing piece of his soul which called out to him, both in his soul and in the pulsing green sigil upon the back of his right hand. So it was that he'd scarcely imagined himself alone ever amassing the clout to get there, much less enough to do so with the benefit of a crew.

One by one, he took in the crew as they stood there. Lavendi, his old friend. The first pilot to ever stand foolish enough to take him on, and the first to revel with him in his first ever true find. To her, he had only thanks, and appreciation for her want to have one final hurrah.

Colata, a woman who was in many ways his equal and opposite. A newborn soul to an ancient body, rather than an ancient soul to a body anew. But both of them filled with a sense of -appropriately enough- inheritance in filling the empty space that was the past of their formers.

Brutus and Titus. The two Ysoki who followed their captain loyally. To them, he felt a conflicting opinion. As he knew that their lives were far shorter than the majority of their peers. That they more than anyone else were committing their lifetimes to the mission. But he also knew enough about their level of allegiance that neither would have it any other way.

And then there was Sirin. The mirthless man of mystery. For him, he had truly the most to thank for, but at the same time he was also keenly aware of the elder Starfinder's incongruously sour opinion of the whole ordeal. He'd yet to have the time to truly crack the reason as to why, but the youthful Samsaran had decided that, given the circumstances, he'd either have plenty of time to find out if they survived, and little reason to care if they did not. Regardless, for him he felt a sense of duty. A sense that this trip was a promise as much as a dream. And felt all the more inclined to do his best to see it succeed as a direct and proportional result.


With a smile on his face and a spring in his step for which he held no understanding nor shame, the white-haired man strode towards the ship's humble bridge, set to make the final checks and assurances before the big jump in 24 hours' time. He hoped to be able to talk to Colata and Lavendi at some point individually or together. To gather the blessings of both the captain and planar expert before it was left to him to plot his half-blind course -a course he felt more so than knew- towards their ultimate destination of the ancient, lost world of Ceres. In that moment of doubt, Kane shook his head to disrupt the notion. "Aw come on, Kane. No sense doubting yourself now. You've put every card on the table at this point. All that's left is to hope for an ace on the river..." He murmurs to himself. Unsure of where exactly his card game metaphor came from, but thankful for its optimism, from whatever past life it may well have been sourced.

[hannahbbug3]

Lavendi, it seemed, was not on the ship - she was likely in the station, making calls and visits here and there. The woman had quite the large extended family, most of whom were against this final trip, so the elf was doing all she could to reassure them she would be fine, and to give her goodbyes and promises she would return. It was quite a lot of calls to make.

But Kane wasn't completely out of luck. Colata was on the bridge, giving everything a once-over. She was careful not to touch the buttons, or mess with any of the instruments - even though she was captain, and owner of the ship, she wasn't really an expert - yet - on the ins and outs of how the vessel worked. Still, she knew how to look for blaring red lights and obvious errors, of which she found none. The two ysoki had been through the ship with a fine-toothed comb to make sure everything would be ready for tomorrow.

As Kane appeared on the bridge, the andriod lifted her head, looking over her shoulder to offer the samsaran a smile in greeting. "Hey," she addressed him, calm and casual. "Big day tomorrow... you about ready?" she asked.

[Capt. Infinity]

The cerulean-skinned man smiles towards the android in light of her question. His voice reassuring, even if hinted with pragmatic doubt. "I think I've been ready for years, honestly." Kane admits, a bashful laugh escaping his lips in his bout honesty. "But, that being said... I guess I'm as ready as I can be. Uncertainty being kind of the core of this whole mission." He looks towards her with a curious eye. Clearly still somewhat taken aback at the fresh-faced captain's willingness to go along with things.

"What about you? Do you feel ready about all this? Not to look a gift horse in the mouth or anything, but I'd never really thought that anyone would be willing to follow me into the void on this one. Let alone a whole captain and crew." He explains, continuing his frankness. If this woman and her men were to follow him into the cold unknown that was the promise of finding Ceres, he had to know her motives. It was the barest kindness he could offer her, in light of the sacrifice she stood to bear in the lot of this.

[hannahbbug3]

Colata offers Kane a smile. "...in truth, I feel like I have an awful lot to live up to. From what I've heard of the previous captain from Brutus and Titus... this is exactly the sort of thing that Urbos would have gone for. An adventure into the unknown! Scant chance of success, scanter chance of return! Perhaps there's just something in this body of mine that makes such things irresistible. I find myself quite eager for tomorrow," she says, her smile growing. There is, naturally, a bit of nervousness in her eyes. Not only will this be her first real expedition, but it will be a grand foray into the unknown, doing something that no one has ever attempted before. Still, she seems resolved, and not about to back away now that everything is about ready to go. "I am ready."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane can't help but smile at Colata in return as he watches her steel her resolve against the oncoming adventure. Truly, Lavendi had outdone herself in finding the absolute best woman for the job ahead. He nods his head in deference to her. "I can sympathize with the feeling of a past life drawing you into adventure. I'm pretty sure I've been exploring the world all my life for much the same reason." His smile grows softer, trying to be more assuring. "Thank you for your courage, Colata. For what it's worth, I'll do my very best to ensure that your hope is not misplaced."

The Samsaran glances down at the data pad in his hands, considering the rest of the crew. "I don't suppose you know where anyone else besides Lavendi is at the moment? I know I'm technically a glorified map for the main leg of the journey, but I'd feel bad if I didn't take the chance to wish everyone well on the journey ahead before our big moment." He offers, hoping that, in doing that small enough a favour, he could provide some modicum of betterment to the lives of the crew in preparation for their journey.

[hannahbbug3]

"You're more important than that. A glorified map, I mean," Colata speaks. After saying the words, she seems to become just the slightest bit embarrassed. "What I mean, is, you're a friend. And so long as you're aboard the Inheritence, you're my responsibility, as well. Anything you need, just let me know," she says, folding her arms in front of her and flashing Kane a warm smile. At his question as to where the others might be, she tilts her head in thought for a moment before she answers. "I wouldn't be surprised if Brutus and Titus were somewhere aboard the ship. Finding them might be a bit of a chore... they told me they were going to check the engines, the drivers... they're about somewhere. Crawling in the vents, maybe!" she says with a light laugh. "In which case, they would be able to hear us from here. Perhaps they'll find you? As for Sirin... the man's a mystery to me. Dwarves like to drink? Maybe he's on the station, too."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane smiles at Colata's warm regards towards him. It was all he could've asked for and more that someone so warming in their presence would act as a leader in his journey, and he would remain thankful for his fortune ever after for it. He chuckles at her mention of the Ysoki technicians and their effervescence. "Well then, if that's the case, then I suppose they could intercept me as I head for the nearest bar on the station!" He calls out jovially into the air, on the off chance they could actually hear him. Regardless, the Samsaran shakes his head. "Failing that, I think I will be heading out to said bar. See if I can catch a good word or two with Sirin before we shove off. Failing that... I think one final drink on the station is exactly what I need, regardless."

He nods to the Android in deference. "Thanks for the kind words, Colata. I appreciate your willingness to help me. And I am happy to consider you a friend in return." He moves to walk off the bridge, waving to the metallic-haired woman as he leaves. "See you in twenty four hours. Though... If you find the time once you're done diagnostics, feel free to stop by the bar yourself. If you're willing to offer me anything I might need, the least I can offer you is a cold drink and a warm meal in return." Kane smiles sincerely, happy to extend an olive branch whenever he can. He will wait patiently for her response, and then regardless, head off towards the exit from the ship, and towards the local tavern. Eager to celebrate his good fortunes, and possibly encounter the enigmatic Dwarf man in the process.

[hannahbbug3]

Colata grins at Kane, nodding at his offer and offering him a wave as he departs. "I might just take you up on that - provided everything is set for the big jump tomorrow!" she says. Then, she returns to her work, checking system after system to make sure all is in order.

In fact, Kane does end up being waylaid before leaving the ships. Whether the ysoki have a supernatural sense for a free meal, the fact that they did hear him shouting, or even the simple happenstance that they were in the right place, the two brothers met Kane at the doors of the ship. Both perked up at the sight of him, grinning. "'Lo, there," Titus speaks up, ears pricking forward as Brutus closes up a panel and puts away a couple tools in his belt. "Just changing a couple indicator lights! Important we stay informed about the status of the air lock, you know!"

"Heading off?" Brutus asks, his much deeper, gruffer voice interrupting his brother.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane smiles as he notices the two Ysoki doing their final rounds of the ancilliary systems of the ship. Waving back towards them as he greets the brothers happily. "Just for a bit, yeah! Suddenly realized that this may well be the last time for a good long while that I may have the option to wet my beak, and thought I'd do my best to have one last night of simple pleasure before I dive headfirst into the adventure of a lifetime." He raises an eyebrow at both of them. "I don't suppose either one of you would be willing to join me now or later? I'm well aware of how important final checks are, but the last thing we want is all of us high strung before the moment of truth, right?" He offers. Trying to be inviting, but not pushy as he endeavours to offer one final reprieve to the two ever-dedicated furry technicians.

[hannahbbug3]

The two brothers look at one another, conversing quickly in ysoki as they considered the offer. From what Kane could tell, Titus was quite excited by the offer, while Brutus was calmer about the whole thing. That was the way of the two brothers, from what Kane had noticed. Titus always eager to explore both in and out of the ship, while Brutus seemed much more comfortable onboard. Brutus treated the Inheritance like his baby, wanting to make sure everything was all right with her and ready to go, while Titus was more just along for the ride.

"We might join you in a little bit. Or, at least, I will," Titus finally said back in Common, offering Kane a smile.

"Let me open up the door for ya," Brutus added, tapping a code into the door so Kane could get off the ship.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane had to admit, he often felt restless whenever he was left out of a conversation. At least conversations which he could not understand. Ever a man seeking to understand things, the concept of being utterly left out of a discourse by simple dint of an uncommon tongue often unnerved him, especially given that the man himself could speak nearly a dozen languages as easy as breathing. So it was that the man looked visibly relieved and excited at the two Ysoki brothers when Titus and Brutus finally answered. The youthful explorer ever-amused at the two Ysoki's dichotomous personalities, and how they somehow both meshed so well together despite them.

"Well then, I suppose I'll see however many of you come whenever you do." He explains cordially. Turning to nod in thanks to Brutus as he begins opening the hatch for the white-haired Samsaran. "Until then, or until I get back, best of luck with the final setup before the trip!" He cheers, before moving to step off the now steadily unfolding entrance stairwell of the ships main door. Off towards the bar scene of the shipyard, and where he hopes to find the last unaccounted for member of the crew. Or at the very least, the makings of a fun night, before he and the crew were set off towards the wild, long-forgotten unknown.

[hannahbbug3]

The pub which Kane finds is the only one on the small station, a rather well-put-together place by the name of Stardrop Saloon. The place, in fact, seems to be the nicest stop on the entire station. Following Kane's instincts and jumbled maps and ancient coordinates has put the party on the edge of civilization to make their fateful jump in the morning, but even out here, the booze joint is the most prosperous. It is, therefore, the main gathering hub, the main restaurant, and of course the main watering hole for a few light years in any direction.

A few people look up as Kane enters the room. The station isn't overly crowded, and the bar is only hosting about seven people including its workers. Immediately eye catching right as Kane walks in the door is a human man outfitted to the nines with weapons and armor, a classic eye patch over his left eye. A bounty hunter, to be sure, looking for recruits in the backwater station, people who have little to do and are willing to take risks. He, however, recognizes Kane as 'that crazy boy performing the jump to nowhere' and does not approach, merely goes back to his drink. Also in the pub are a pair of quarreling Lashunta - at least, you think they are quarreling. They are scowling at one another, antennae twitching spasmodically, and they do not glance up as the door swings open.

Aside from the bartender and two serving maids, that leaves one other man in the pub - the very dwarf Kane has been seeking. Sirin is huddled up against the bar in a chair that is just slightly too short for him. His elbows are therefore both on the edge of the bar to give himself a little extra lift as he reaches for what seems to be his second mug of ale. He glances towards the door as he hears it open, lets out a sigh, and motions to the barkeep to bring another drink over. When Kane arrives by the dwarf, there is a mug of spiced mead already waiting on him, the same stuff that Sirin himself is drinking.

"Boy," the dwarf greets informally.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane always felt at home in taverns. It wasn't exactly a sensation he could fully explain, of course. But time and research had told him that such feelings were likely echoes of his past. Generations upon generations of lives all finding commonality in this, one of the few mainstays of society which, despite centuries upon centuries of concerted development and growth, was fundamentally the same as it always had been. The idea of a far off watering hole. The last stop between an adventurer and their adventure.

Paying only cursory note to the other patrons of the bar, the Samsaran made a beeline for Sirin once he recognized the Dwarf from across the room. The young archeologist nodded and, perhaps despite his better judgment, smiled over at the grizzled, bearded fellow as he seated himself beside the aged Starfinder. Nodding to the bartender as he graciously received the mug of mead he was given. He addresses Sirin in a similarly casual fashion. "Sirin." He addresses. Side-eying the older fellow whilst getting a firm grip on the generous mug of ale. Kane can't help but chuckle, raising the mug towards the Dwarf in acknowledgment. "Appreciate the gift, friend. Though, given all the other bills you're footing on my behalf, I can't help but feel like I'm getting dangerously close to leeching off your generous nature." He jeers, taking a long swig of the mug of ale in order to leave Sirin an opening to respond. The ale went down with a sharpness belying its spice. But, much as it was with the tavern itself, the taste was oddly comforting as it passed over the young Samsaran's tongue. Echoes of toasts to long life and fortune running through his mind. The idle hope lingering that this, too, was a toast to something good that lie ahead of him.

[hannahbbug3]

"Baaah," the dwarf hums in stereotypically dwarven fashion. "Can't take it with me if we all die, and who knows if they even use electrum where we're going?" Sirin points out. He simply picks up his own ale and takes another long drink from it, though a drop escapes and runs down his grizzled beard. He feels it drip down, and his tongue chases after it when he lowers the mug. "You want somethin'?" he asks, old eyes still keen and curious as to the boy's motivations as he looks to Kane.

Electrum is the main currency now used in the galaxy, as its a far more common element than gold. But for simplicity's sake, electrum is valued the same as gold pieces.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane chuckles at Sirin's directness. Dwarf's never were ones to walk around an issue in conversation. And THAT was something he'd come to understand perfectly fine within this life alone. "Well that's a complicated question. All I want is to get to that Goddess-blasted planet in something approaching one piece." He takes another draw of the massive mug of ale. Appreciating the pleasant burning as it pools in the pit of his stomach. Letting the fire stoke him forward. "But, whilst I'd hate to be too greedy, I'd also like to know a bit more about my crewmates before we go and take the plunge. It's the least I can do, after all. When the lot of them are willing to dive headfirst into oblivion based on nothing but my trustworthy face and faith."

The Samsaran's pond blue eyes harden slightly. His voice taking on a more direct tone himself, hoping it would be appreciated by his newfound drinking buddy. "And, if you don't mind, I think a perfect place to start would be asking you why? Why throw your lot in with me? I know I've made a name for myself, sure. But even someone as sure of my credentials as Lavendi had to fight some better judgments to join me. I don't suppose you owe a past life of mine a favour?" He asks, semi-jokingly. Though, he did have to admit, the premise had quite seriously crossed his mind at least once before this, the final days before the start of their perilous journey.

[hannahbbug3]

Sorry, you have to reach friendship level 3 to unlock my tragic backstory. :smalltongue:

Sirin grunts in reply, looking over to Kane. He does seem to appreciate the direct approach the Samsaran takes on. Like most dwarves, Sirin doesn't have much use for beating around the bush, so to speak, and as old as he is, much of his patience seems like it was wasted on his youth. "The past is the past, and I'm not particularly bothered with it," Sirin answers, taking another long swig of his hot, spiced drink. "What's of more importance is the present. I'm an old man with money and no children or grandchildren to leave it to. Sure as hell don't want to leave it to the society, who knows what it would go to. Your mission caught my eye, boy, and even if this is all a crapshoot, you're a young buck with some potential that needs to get off the ground. You're going places, and even if that place is straight into chaos, you deserve a shot."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane can't help but chuckle at Sirin's description of him. It was a damning praise, but it was praise nonetheless. And, having heard stories of the Starfinder society, recklessness was a common occurrence in such lines of work. And, oftentimes, carried with it a value that was worth its weight in gold. "Well then." He muses, raising a mug to the Dwarf in a call for cheers. "Here's to boldly diving forward. Wherever fate may land us." He smiles. Not quite sure of anything to do with his future. But sure enough that here, in the present, he was best served doing right by the people who had faith in him.

[hannahbbug3]

Only a few hours later - hours which both seemed to drag on forever and rush by in an instant - the crew was gathered in the bridge of the Inheritance. This wasn't where all of them would be for the jump, Brutus and Titus would be closer to the engine room to keep an eye on everything there, but with only ten minutes left before they proceeded, now was the time for any final words of encouragement and hope to be shared among the crew. Lavendi, a beaming smile on her face, rested her elbow on Kane's shoulder as she leaned against him.

"You ready?" she asks, seeming coolly confident in the minutes leading up to their jump into oblivion.

[Capt. Infinity]

I've kept you waiting long enough! (Sorry, by the way ^^;) Let's do this!

Kane should've been nervous.

By all rights, the man should currently be terrified. Here he was, mere moments from the single most insane idea he, or perhaps anyone has had in perhaps the entire recorded history of space flight. Staring down the precipice of a hopeful, impossible maybe, with nothing but the support of people just brave enough (or perhaps just foolish enough) to believe in him.

And yet... All he could feel was assured. He couldn't explain it -He almost never could- but some part of him felt absolutely confident that, at least in the broad strokes, everything was going to work out. As though not just Lavendi's, but a hundred other hands were at his back. Holding him steady whilst simultaneously pushing him on. Warm, confident smile upon his face, he turned to look Lavendi in her ethereal, prismatic purple eyes, and nods. Smiling with his own limpid blue. "Yeah... I'm ready." He assures her, before turning to look at the assembled crew. "I've been told on some occasions that I have a certain way with words. But... Well, you'll forgive me if I admit I don't think there exist words able to fully articulate how thankful I am to the lot of you." He smiles. "You folk have put your trust and faith in me. In this whole mission. And all I can say is that I hope with every fiber of my being that I can be worth that trust and confidence." The Samsaran spared a glance to each crewman individually. "We all have our jobs. And we all know damn well how to do them. All that's left now is to hold steady, keep it together, and try our best to end up somewhere once we breach our way out the other side." Kane's smile breaks out into a massive grin. Unable to hide his excitement as adrenaline surges through him. "Now come on team!" He cheers. Striking his palm across the railing his stood in front of for added emphasis. "Let's do the impossible!"

[hannahbbug3]

The crew takes its positions, everyone as prepared as they can be. Colata sits in the bridge, straight backed in her Captain's chair with a serene smile on her face - even if the ends of her hair crackle with a little bit of static to betray the nerves she is feeling beneath. Beside her are the chairs for Sirin and Kane, and right in front of them, at the front of the ship, Lavendi takes control.

Kane gives the best directions he is able to give, but the entire crew knows they are flying on a wing and a prayer. Speaking of prayers - Sirin does send one off, muttering to himself an old Dwarven verse to Amm and Shams as the coordinates are put in.

"Everyone hang on!" Lavendi says, both through the bridge and over the intercom as well, so Brutus and Titus know to get themselves secured with the engines.

3... 2... 1.

It isn't anyone's first time on a jump. But it's the first time a jump like this has been attempted, and breathlessly the Inheritance disappears into the unknown. For the first few seconds, everything seems well - the ride is smooth, the G's are normal. Tolerable, even. But then, something strange happens.

"What is that?" Coloata asks, leaning forward in her chair a bit as a strange purple glow appears in the distance - rapidly growing closer as the ship approaches. Lavendi takes manual control, not liking the look of the strange light and attempting to maneuver around it, though they can't veer too far off course... the skilled pilot manages to get the ship skirting around the edges, not going directly through the center of the glow as the ship had been aimed. As the Inheritance passes through the light, it seems to pass right through the ship, unhindered by metal or technology. The light brushes over everyone's skin like a spiderweb, there and gone in an instant.

"Don't know what it was, Captain, but we dodged it-" Lavendi is saying - right when the engines cut. The power goes out, and the ship is at a standstill in the vast emptiness of space.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane was as perturbed as anyone when the purple haze appeared before them, and equally thankful as anyone else when Lavendi manages to avoid the majority of it. And now, stuck in a ship that had suddenly been utterly disengaged by the edges of that light, he he now shares evenly in all of their fears. The blue-skinned Samsaran looks about the room confused. Staggered by the absence of light, as his eyes struggle to adjust to the dark of the void. Almost without thinking, his right hand glows with an ethereal green hue. Summoning into his hand a small, but noticeably steady orange-yellow flame. He unclips himself from his chair and waves the flame about the room. Disregarding oxygen protocol in favour of the benefit of sight as he casts his gaze about the utterly unpowered room.

"Crap! What the hells just happened? Sirin! Is there any way we can still contact Titu- Colata!" The young man shouts. Rushing to the Android's side as he examines the sides of her head. Looking for the archetypal spark which would designate her as still functioning. Still living. He casts his voice out to the helm. "Lavendi! Status report! Where are we? And can you reclaim power to the ship?"

[hannahbbug3]

The flickering firelight fills the bridge, revealing stunned expressions on Lavendi and Sirin's faces. They seem to still be trying to process what has happened - or what has potentially happened - while Kane is quicker to hop to. When he begins to speak, however, the other two snap out of their shock and do as requested. Sirin comes over to Colata's side, helping Kane look her over, as he also messes with the communications pad attached to his suit. "I'll go see if I can find 'em, this thing isn't working," he says after a few attempts at turning the comms back on.

"Status report... it looks like... hm-" Lavendi checks a few monitors, attemping percussive maintenance here and there, before shaking her head. "Seems like everything is powered down - hopefully we're not dead in the water. I'll attempt a manual reboot," she says. Any further information that she can give will have its accuracy dependent on what systems she can get running again.

Colata appears to still be breathing, and there does not seem to be damage done to her. Unconscious as she is, though, she cannot give direction as a Captain should.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane breathes a sigh of relief as he looks over Colata's body, discovering signs of life. Slowly, he steps back, walking over to the front window of the Inheritance to look over the surrounding area. If they couldn't manage to get the nav system back online quickly, their eyes may be the greatest judge of their location they had. He calls out to Lavendi as he does so. "The Captain is breathing. But she's out cold. Whatever spell...Thing just hit us, it seems to have shorted her out too. But if she's not dead, it hopefully means the ship isn't dead either." He sighs worriedly. Holding his flaming hand to one side as he allows his eyes to readjust to the cold void of space. Hoping to see signs of something, anything to give the Samsaran an idea of just where exactly they were.

Let's give this a roll, shall we?

Perception: [roll0] Turns out, fire + glass = GLARE! XD

[hannahbbug3]

Was on a trip for my birthday weekend! We did an escape room and went to the aquarium!! I saw my favorite kind of shark, it was so little and cute!

https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d5/60/63/d56063c2f0d2f33b219c731bb3ec37fb.jpg
Kane spends a while looking out the window, unable to really make out anything much... but it doesn't take someone super observant to notice, after a while, that something is wrong. It takes a moment, but Kane realizes what's wrong - the stars, the nebulae, the planets around them, nothing was moving. They were not adrift in space - they were literally at a standstill.

Right as the Samsaran notices this, however, everything changes. Lavendi opens her mouth to speak - but what she says never comes out, instead replaced by a startled shriek as gravity suddenly takes hold out of nowhere. Their ship begins to plummet, and through the window, a sun suddenly appears in front of them, as if they have ripped suddenly through some black curtain of space and dropped right into a solar system. Below them - a planet covered in mossy green. They've found Ceres - and they are plummeting into its atmosphere at hull-shattering speed. The hull of the ship creaks and groans and - terrifyingly - bends, breaks, as they make entry into the lower atmosphere. Everything is searing hot, for a moment, and then, everything goes dark when they hit the ground. Unconsciousness takes over.

When Kane awakens, he is laying in the wreckage of the ship. The bridge appears mostly intact. Lavendi and Colata are still strapped into their chairs, unconscious, wounded. The back half of the ship - where Brutus, Titus, and Sirin were - is nowhere in sight. The wreckage is smoking, but nothing is immediately ablaze. And, at least, they survived.

Congratulations, you, Colata, and Lavendi are now at exactly 0 HP!

[Capt. Infinity]

Glad you had fun! That shark looks cool! Though, I can't quite place the species. Is it a Leapord Shark?

Kane awoke slowly. The world a painful, dizzying haze as he fought tooth and nail to slowly regain an even state of consciousness.

He awoke to the sight of the world sideways. Realizing quickly that he was lying flat on the front edge of the bridge. Wedged into the far wall, which had sheltered him from a rain of shattered reinforced glass from the forward viewport, which currently lay strewn about on the floor in front of him. Likely the last thing to give upon impact, as the mixture of heat and force finally caved it inwards.

Slowly, the world came into focus in a greater sense. The state of the ship, of Colata and Lavendi, and finally of himself slowly dawning on him. He hurt all over. Bruises, contusions, burns, and cuts littering his damaged frame. The ground around him was wet with an even, almost calming pool of limpid blue fluid. Looking like the Samsaran was laying in some sort of pleasant moon pool. The sight became distinctly less pleasant, however, when Kane realized he was in fact laying in a pool of his own river-blue blood. Despite the surprising quantity of blood loss, his wounds didn't seem too harsh to fix, at least on the outside. Though the shooting pain in his abdomen and chest told him he had suffered no shortage of internal damage. Likely in the form of internal hemorrhaging, as well as at least one broken rib. All of this came to him in an idle flash of insight. But it was all a mere errant distraction as, with a grim chill, he realized that he had to do something despite his state if he wanted to ensure the safety and survival of himself and the rest of his crew.

Slowly, with gritted teeth and jerky motions, Kane hauled himself to his feet. Where they are, or where Sirin, Titus, and Brutus were was not important. What mattered right now was ensuring the safety of the crew he could still account for. So, with painful step and laboured breath, the young Samsaran hobbled his way across the shattered bridge. Blue blood dropping in an idle trail until he reached Lavendi's console. Careful not to aggravate his wounds, Kane dropped down to his knees. Reaching into the underside of the console where, to his relief, he found the smooth metal casing of the medkit, still properly attached to its moorings. Once he'd pried it free of its latches, the blue-skinned explorer laid the box out in front of him and opened it. Finding within a decent assortment of various healing tonics. Each placed into a secure, reinforced glass bottle.

Aware of the gravity of the situation, Kane immediately singled out the three most potent potions within. Unstrapping the first of them and, with minor effort, undoing the cap and chugging the bottle's whole contents. Almost immediately, the man feels his strength return to him. Life flowing through his veins as wounds closed, burns eased themselves and bones, with only moderate discomfort, reset themselves within him. Gasping for air as he finishes the potion, and as he endured the sting of its effects, the man spared a brief moment to assess himself. He was still in bad shape, yes. But he was stable and healthy enough for action. And, until he'd consulted the rest of his remaining companions, that would be enough for right now.

Taking out the other two heavy duty potions, he closed up the medkit and set it aside for later. Before Kane stood up and, without missing another beat in his now fully-operational stride, walked over and gently poured a healing potion into each of the other two explorer's mouths. Careful to avoid spilling, he gave Lavendi her drink before moving swiftly on to Colata. Hoping the tonic would quickly do its job of awakening her as he set about revivifying the Captain in short order. Once he'd administered aid to both, he attempted to rouse both their attentions.

"Lavendi? Colata?" He called out, attempting to focus their minds on his voice, rather than what was no doubt a still-present dull roar of pain, as it was for him. "We're alive you guys. We made it." He explains. The words, perhaps for the first time, really settling their meaning into his mind. "We're... We're here. We're finally here..." He trails off. His gaze extending towards what was once the aft section of the ship. Hoping to catch a glimpse of the outside world. Of the long-lost landscape of the now FOUND planet of Ceres.

Time to roll some heals! Kane is using one of the two remaining Cure Serious Wounds potions on each of them.

Lavendi: [roll0]

Colata: [roll1]

[hannahbbug3]

It's called an epaulette shark! It walks on its little fins and can come on land to hunt in tide pools when it's low tide! They are smol.
Lavendi slowly stirs back to consciousness as she is given the potion, groaning in pain - Colata reacts much the same, but her wince is a little more firm as she opens her eyes. Thank goodness - it seems that whatever happened up in the sky wasn't permanent. Of course, it's not entirely clear how long the three of you have been laying here, unconscious... the fact that it took time for Colata's systems to power back up is largely lost on the group. They were all unconscious, anyway.

But then, as the two women gather themselves and get up, detangling themselves from the wreckage, they each follow Kane's gaze out the torn back of the ship. They can see the sky, hazy with either dawn or dusk, above where they crashed through the canopy - though the majority of the view is taken up by the rather large stone hill where their part of the ship crash-landed and skidded down.

"We're... here," Lavendi says, completely stunned. Colata, meanwhile, is still groaning slightly, placing one hand over her right eye, then her left, then her right...

"I've lost vision in my left eye-" she reports, keeping her voice even. They're alive, that's what matters. It won't do to panic. And... they're here.


https://cdnb.artstation.com/p/assets/images/images/004/669/387/large/sidharth-patel-jngl-1.jpg?1485423319

[Capt. Infinity]

That is adorable and great. :smallsmile:

It takes a good long while for Kane to rip his eyes away from the sight before him. From the wide expanse of stone and greenery that, in the pit of his soul, he'd always dreamed of seeing with his own eyes. In time though, the call of centuries past quiets, and he is once again brought back to the present. To the state of the world around him, and moreover the state of his two present companions. He turns to look at Colata worriedly.

"Damn... Do you think you can continue despite it, Colata? With any luck, it'll come back in time. But... Well, if it doesn't, we aren't exactly within spitting distance of a repair shop..." His voice trails off as the Samsaran remembers another important aspect of the situation at hand. "Titus..." He breathes, before looking up at frayed edges of the ship's hull. "They were all in the aft portion of the shift. But if we survived..." The man stops himself short. He wasn't about to give up hope. But he knew better than to set himself up for the possibly tragic state of reality. "Still though... The other half of the ship can't have gone too far. Maybe if we..." Kane's gaze turns up towards the impressive mountain peak ahead. "The mountain." He states aloud, turning to look at the Elf and the Android. He points up at the landmark. "We can get a better look of everything from up there. If we're lucky, we might catch a glimpse of where the other half landed. Failing that, we might get a shot at seeing some signs of civilization. Or at least the remnants of it..."

He trails off, before moving back to grab and pick up the medkit. Still speaking in the direction of his companions. "Colata, Lavendi. Do you guys think you're fit enough to climb? If not, one or both of you should try to make camp around or in the crash site. Whether it's dawn or dusk, we need a place to stay for when it gets dark. But if it's dawn-" He picks up the medkit and walks back to the both of them. Opening it back up to offer the contents as he turns to look back at the mountains. "I'm gonna try to figure out where the hells we are."

[hannahbbug3]

"I'll be fine. I can continue with the mission - it should not handicap me too much," Colata insists, though at the notion of climbing up the mountain before them, she hesitates. "...I will see what I can do here," she decides, while Lavendi looks on with a frown.
"I don't think any of us should go anywhere alone at the moment. That being said... let me see here, just give me a moment," she says. She rummages around near her pilot's chair and eventually finds a small satchel, taking out a few items and focusing. In a matter of moments, the quartz crystal that she was holding in her left hand takes on a blue glow, and a serpentine light shimmers out from it, taking the form of a large, ethereal snake. Lavendi smiles for a moment and whispers a quiet 'hello, darling,' to the creature before looking to Colata.

"Oh- I forget, you haven't met, have you?" she asks the android. "This is Meda... my companion of sorts. He is a Protean of the chaotic planes, touched by the feywilds... his presence usually interferes with starship instruments, so I don't have him around often, but... well, we don't have to worry much about the ship right now and he is a capable protector," she says. "I'll leave him stay with you. All right?" she says.
Colata smiles at the slightly bio-luminescent beast, offering a nod. "...that is appreciated, Lavendi, thank you," she says, and looks back to Kane. "I'll be fine. See if you can figure out where we are, and where the others might be."

"Coming up with you, Kane," Lavendi says, tucking away her summoning tools and climbing out the back of the ship with the Samsaran.

http://klubbsaga2015.wdfiles.com/local--files/protean/Protean%2C%20Voidworm%2001.png
Gonna need a climb check from you! DC isn't super high, it's not raining and the larger rocks are pretty stable, but some have been loosened by the crash.
Also DC 10 Planes check to recognize an eidolon.

[roll0]

Fun fact, I wrote that entire post before looking at Lavendi's climb modifier. Wish her luck!

EDIT: Oh, she's fine :smallredface:

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane slowly considers his companion's statements. Nodding along as they decide upon the best course of action. He is given pause as Meda appears before him, a twisting serpent of ethereal light and ever-shifting hues. In the back of his mind, some ancient spark of insight informs him of the creature's nature. "An Eidolon..." The Samsaran smiles. "I'm impressed, Lavendi. All these years and you still finds ways to surprise me." He chuckles, before nodding to the Elf as she moves to leave alongside him.

"Alright, let's go." The young explorer states firmly. Leading the way as the duo head towards the harsh mountain ahead. Waving off towards Colata one last time in well wishes, before turning the entirety of his attention towards the harrowing climb to come.

So... Okay, I ALSO just realized that Kane has a nothing modifier to Climb. :smalleek:

So, I will do two things in sequence here. One first if I can get away with it, and then the second thing if not. I'll do them both here, just to save us time on writing extra posts in the OOC if the first idea isn't feasible.

First, I'm gonna offer the idea that, instead of using Climb natively, maybe I can instead have Kane use his Force Hook (http://spheresofpower.wikidot.com/apparatuses#toc7) to hookshot his way up the mountain. Maybe using his Acrobatics to compensate for any difficult maneuvers?

Failing THAT, I'm 100% going to have Kane spend a point of Inspiration to get a bonus on this roll. Because yeah... If Climb's the only option, he's gonna need every advantage he can get.

Climb: [roll0] + [roll1] Uh oh... :smalleek:

[hannahbbug3]

Good thing for you, you can use the Force Hook as a rope to anchor yourself for the climb checks, significantly lowering the DC. Kane's fine!
It takes a bit of time, considering their lingering injuries, for Lavendi and Kane to get up the rockface, and a couple times they do send loose rocks skittering down the mountain behind them. Eventually, though, they reach the top, and are able to see the land around them for miles.

Most of it is green. Just vast greenery, a dense jungle, as far as the horizon... though a few miles away - three or four, by Lavendi's reckoning - there is smoke rising from the trees, what looks like it could be a secondary crash site, and hopefully the rear of the ship.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane stops a moment to marvel at the sight before him. As an archeologist and explorer, he was a touch more used to the sight of vast, nature-filled expanses than the average Galactic citizen. But even he was absolutely blown away by the sheer all-encompassing nature of the flora-swept landscape before him. This was Ceres. The land the galaxy had lost. And yet it seems that, in the UG's absence, the world had flourished into something awe-inspiring. But also likely fraught with unseen dangers.

Said dangers, of course, were made fully apparent when Kane and Lavendi caught sight of the impact crater a little ways off ahead. Kane talks back towards his Elven companion. His eyes trying to adjust to the sun's glare as he surveys the region around the crash sight. Looking for any signs of further danger, or obvious movement. "Well now that looks... Well, 'promising' seems like the wrong word..." He offers apprehensively, weighing the options before him. "Assuming nothing waylays us on the way there, we should be able to make it to the crash site in about an hour once we climb down. I could go it alone if need be, in case you'd rather double back and tell Colata what we're seeing now. Unless... Wait, you and Meda have a psychic link, right? Maybe you can just let her know that way, then we can continue on to the crash site?" The Samsaran asks. Recalling an errant fact about Eidolons which he felt the need to confirm, before making wild demands of his companion.

[hannahbbug3]

Lavendi is silent for a long moment, her eyes scanning the vast wilderness and settling on the smoking crash site a few miles away. What she is thinking, Kane can't tell, but when the Samsaran speaks, she comes back to reality. "You certainly shouldn't go alone," she says, reaching over to place a reassuring hand on Kane's shoulder. "I can keep Colata updated through Meda, and she can do the same for me," she affirms. "My link with Meda is stronger than most summoners and their eidolons, and with our shared knowledge of planar interference, I can venture much farther from him without him being forced back into his own realm - about five miles," she says. Once again, she turns her gaze towards the crash site. "...we should be all right for this distance."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane nods solemnly, appreciating the explanation of Lavendi's situation, before turning his own gaze towards the crash site as well. "Then I suppose we shouldn't waste any time." He breathes. Not saying any more, as he felt offering any worries or hope may unduly jinx their chances. For now, the best he felt he could do was march forward. Beginning his slow descent down the side of the mountain alongside Lavendi. Carefully, yet hurriedly marching towards what may be the last remaining remnant of the galaxy they'd left behind.

Not sure if we're making Climb rolls again. But considering last time, I'ma just take 10 on the roll. Unless, of course, the Climb down the other side is MORE treacherous. In which case let me know, and I'll expend another Inspiration to get an edge.

Also, assume Kane is taking 10s on Perception [17] and Knowledge (Nature) [20] as they travel. Just in case there's anything dangerous, naturally or otherwise, he may need to look out for.

[hannahbbug3]

The elf and the samsaran are able to carefully pick their way down the other side of the rock face, moving in relative silence as they do so. Long ears alert for danger, Lavendi scans the woods as often as Kane does, wary of anything that might have been drawn towards their crash site. She does spare some worry for Colata in that regard, as well - but soon enough, those worries are swept away when a rustling in the underbrush before them catches both Lavendi and Kane's attention. Crashing out from the trees comes a large creature, huffing and snarling and, upon seeing Lavendi and Kane, beating on its chest. It snarls and paces in front of the two of them, hackles raised.

Kane recognizes this creature as a Gigantopithecus, otherwise known as a Dire Ape. The creatures are highly territorial, and are much more dangerous and bestial creatures than the relatively peaceful gorilla. The dire ape attacks anything that intrudes on its territory, including other dire apes not of its troop, and does not break off the attack until the trespasser is dead or runs off.

Typically, a dire ape makes no displays of toughness or warnings before it attacks - it simply leaps into action with little or no provocation, tearing at its opponents with claws and teeth. The fact that this one is doing so is highly unusual. Lavendi has already drawn her Arc Pistol, though she waits for Kane's go ahead before she does anything more.

[Capt. Infinity]

Even as the majesty of the gigantic beast before them washes over him, Kane raises his left hand immediately upon noticing Lavendi raising her pistol. A universal sign to hold broadcast towards his companion as, with brow furroughed in concentration, the Samsaran focuses on the magical energies within him. On the ancient dregs of wisdom which dwell in the shaded corners of his mind. Slowly, Lavendi will notice the strange greenish glow of his marked hand sparkle and shimmer. Wisps of emerald energy swirling around it as Kane attempts to grab hold of a power he rarely, if ever, makes use of in his career. After only a short few moments of concentration, however, the sigil flashes green. And Kane, now mostly assured, points his hand towards the Dire Ape.

Slowly, his open hand clinches into a clawed shape. His face stern as he whelms the naturalistic forces of the world into his being. Calling out to the essence of nature for aid. For the chance to save all parties trouble as he attempts to do something truly fantastical: Speak with the animal, upon its own terms.

"We mean you no harm. We only seek to find our friends." The Samsaran breathes as his magic whelms. Hoping above all hope that his magic will hold, without falling victim to the inherent entropy of his mark, as it has sometimes done within his past, to very little positive ends.

Assuming I can get away with two Standard Actions here... :smalleek:

One Standard Action spent using one Spirit Surge to gain "Speak with Animals" from the Nature sphere.

Then a SECOND Standard Action to activate the Talent. Spending a Spell Point and running the risk of Wild Magic in the process (I'm still not sure if it's GENERAL Wild Magic, or the Sphere-specific one for SoP. But the rolls should be the same regardless).

Wild Magic Chance (10%): [roll0] SAFE.

Wild Magic Effect if Rolled: [roll1]

If all this passes without issue. Linguistics check to raise the attitude of the Dire Ape, as with Diplomacy skill (Thanks to Orator feat). Using Inspiration at no extra charge alongside it.

Linguistics: [roll2] + [roll3] 22 Total.

[hannahbbug3]

All of that is kosher :smallbiggrin:
The dire ape seems to startle a little bit as Kane's words reach its ears, and the fervent pacing stops as the creature lets out a large, low grunt. "You is in my papa's territory," the creature says. "Be leaving! Papa is unwell, but I can and will rip your tiny head from your shoulders!" the ape boasts. It is at this point that Kane will notice this dire ape in particular is smaller than average - not fully grown.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane's expression turns to one of surprise as the young beast relays its situation to him. Careful not to turn away from the Dire Ape, he tilts over to speak to Lavendi. "It's a youngling. They're defending their territory because their father is unwell." He explains hurriedly, before once again addressing the creature. "What if we helped your papa? Made him better? If we do that, can we come in to help our friends?" The Samsaran asks. Desperately hoping the beast would understand the notion of the exchange. And that, in truth, they had the means to help the older beast's condition.

[hannahbbug3]

The ape paces a little more, studying Kane's features, before seeming to settle down a little bit. "You help papa," it says, a command more than anything else. "Then papa decides what to do with you."
The ape trudges back into the trees, not being particularly stealthy about it. The marks of 'dire ape territory' are all over the place as Kane and Lavendi venture further in - scuffed up trees, rocks organized in neat stacks, a few carcasses of animals in various states of decay and dismemberment. Some of these bodies are recognizable as simple deer, a prey animal. There are also the remnants of several skunks, whose powerful odor is likely a deterrent to invaders, and the body of one wolf - likely an unlucky invader into the ape's territory.
"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Lavendi asks, pistol still in one hand while the other is pinching her nose shut to avoid the rancid odor of the lair they are walking into.

[Capt. Infinity]

"Not exactly, no." Kane admits openly. Careful not to speak in the animal tongue as he does so. "But, worst case scenario? We have less of a distance to run like mad before we make it to the crash site." The Samsaran explains. Though even he was tense at the proximity to the immeasurably powerful beast. With the promise of an even stronger one further in. "Still though, keep your distance. If we can't actually help, I may need you to provide covering fire once our young friend gets angry at us for not keeping our end of the bargain. Though, I really do hope it doesn't have to come to that. For ALL our sakes.." He admits. Trailing off as he takes a moment to silently process the situation he was in. The stakes at play, and the strange sensation that, as odd as all of this was, it only promised to get more dangerous and risky the further along they went in their journey through the lost world of Ceres.

[hannahbbug3]

It is a relatively short walk to where the ape's 'papa' is resting. Though the mountain is behind you now, the terrain here is quite rocky, and inside a small gully is the wide entrance to a cave. The dire ape has no trouble picking its way into the ditch, and following the route it used to get down, both Kane and Lavendi are able to manage it as well, without too much trouble. Inside the shallow cave, which is only about ten feet deep and wide, and seven feet tall, is a slumbering gigantopithicus, its back to the entrance. The younger ape trundles forward to wake the elder one, its age shown by the silver hair along its back. The beast wakes and rolls over, and the pair are able to pretty quickly see the cause of its illness - there is a large wound on its face, ugly and infected along the right side of the creature's jaw and making its eye swell shut. Though the wound itself seems as though it wasn't severe - the infection is.
"WHO GOES?" the elder nonetheless booms, clamboring upright. Thankfully, the smaller one intervenes.
"Helpful two-legs. Say they can fix papa."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane stands a bit back. Arms palm-forward at his side. Making an effort to display as little ill intent as he could manage. "That's right." The Samsaran nods. "We can help. Make you better." He explains slowly. Inching his way forward. "I have power that can heal, but I have to touch you to do it. Will you let me?" He asks calmly. Steadily approaching the massive ape-beast. Painfully aware that, in their current situation, an aggressive act on the alpha's part could spell doom for himself, and possibly Lavendi. But confident all the same that what he was trying to do was right. And in the best interest of all parties involved.

Juuuuuust gonna do another Linguisti-plomacy here. Just in case. Taking 10 this time, and using Inspiration.

Linguistics: 26 + [roll0] 27 Total.

[hannahbbug3]

The ape growls, but it seems to be more defensive than aggressive as Kane grows nearer. "NO TOUCH," the ape bellows, while the younger one paces.
"Papa, they help!" it insists, but the older one seems insistent, thumping its fist against the ground a couple times. At the very least, though, you haven't been attacked yet.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane is stopped dead. The sudden dilemma obvious before him. He needed to help. But how could he? Suddenly, he remembers his supplies. The box of healing potions he'd kept at hand, just in case. Carefully, sure to be in full view of everyone, and making no sudden movements, he begins to open the case. "Then I have something for you. Special water. Water that heals if you drink it." He works to explain. Reaching into a the box to produce two of the strongest remaining vials. Slipping them out of their protective slips, he uncorks the both of them and carefully hands them towards the Dire Beast. "Drink these, and you will feel better." He assures. Hoping beyond all hope that the beast was willing to cooperate with the compromise.

[hannahbbug3]

The ape growls once again as Kane comes closer, but it accepts the potions into its hands and is able to drink them down, albeit clumsily. He does manage to get most of the potions down. Within a few moments, the wounds fade, the infection disappears, and the beast perks up a bit. "...GOOD WATER," it booms, reaching down to thwack Kane on the back in something like approval.
"Two-legs helping!" the younger one says, settling down. "Two-legs wanting something."
The elder ape, looking much healthier, makes a very human expression as he quirks his brow a bit. "WANTING WHAT?"

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane purses his lips for a moment, unsure of how to convey his explanation properly. But working through it regardless. He gestures off towards the direction of the crash site beyond the gully. "Big shiny rocks fall from sky. We think our friends are by rock in your land. May be hurt, like you were." He explains. Trying his best to seem sympathetic. "Will you let us go there? Help our friends?"

[hannahbbug3]

The alpha grunts, hands clenching into fists and thumping against the ground. "MORE TWO-LEGS IN MY SPACE?" he asks, seeming irate. But, it seems, he does consider how he has just been helped. So he reluctantly nods. "YOU GETTING THEM. TAKING THEM OUT MY SPACE."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane nods. Making himself non-aggressive as he pays deference to this, the closest thing to a king in these utterly feral land. "Thank you." He breathes in their tongue. "And goodbye." He nods. Before immediately turning to Lavendi and nodding in her direction. His posture far more commanding. Explaining the situation as he packs up the medkit.

"We have his blessing. Now come on, we can't afford to lose any more time." He states firmly. Already moving to head up out of the Dire Apes' cave. Towards the site of the crash site. And hopefully towards the lost and still-living members of their crew.

[hannahbbug3]

Between Kane and Lavendi's navigational skills, the pair are able to pick their way through the woods in the direction of the ship's back half. The walk is interrupted by noises here and there - a call of an unknown bird, the grunt of an animal, the snap of foliage underfoot, the sway of leaves in the trees... Lavendi's scream as a snake darts across the path, which is just rich, isn't it, when her Eidolon has a serpentine form? She recovers from the scare with a light, high pitched laugh, and the two press on, further into the trees, until...


https://i.pinimg.com/originals/69/5b/ef/695bef25225537f4cb0b78df4609d3b6.jpg

The ship lies before you on its side, but mostly intact. This itself is a positive sign - a worse crash would mean worse damage to the people within the wreck. But, having no knowledge of where Sirin, Brutus, and Titus were when the ship ripped apart, the moment is still tense.

Lavendi moves forward, calling out for the missing crew. "Brutus and Titius? Sirin?" she shouts, approaching the wreck carefully, especially as she can see that a few of the wires once connecting the engines to the bridge are still sparking dangerously. "Is anyone alive in there?"

"...I'm here," comes a gruff voice. "Praise the powers above. My leg is caught - move this damn thing off of me."

Coming closer to the wreck, Kane and Lavendi find Sirin, leg trapped under a toppled support beam, cuts and bruises bespangling his body, but he has apparently not suffered the same massive damage that Colata, Lavendi, and Kane took in their crash. His words, though, aren't reassuring. "Don't know about the ysoki. Been hollerin' for them for ages and haven't heard a peep."

It's going to require a strength check to move the beam - unless you can devise some other way of moving it. :smalltongue:

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane is careful as he enters the building. Calling out to his companions alongside Lavendi as they entire the mangled half-corpse of the Inheritance. Hopeful, yet apprehensive.

When he finally sees Sirin, a clear look of relief washes across Kane's face at the sight of the old, ornery Dwarf. Though it is somewhat tempered with a wince as he sees the bruises and injury of the man as he lay trapped under the beam. And ever more anxious as he hears of the old Starfinder's inability to locate the Ysoki brothers within the ship. Regardless, he shakes his head free of the thoughts as he overlooks the situation. "We'll try to find them as soon as we can, Sirin." He assures the Dwarf, even as the words come out more as a means of assuring himself. Hoping beyond hope that the two Ysoki were yet still among the living. "But first..." He hums to himself, kneeling just beside the trapped man. "Let's get you out of this..." He breathes, resting his right hand upon the Dwarven man's shoulder as he closes his eyes to concentrate.

Slowly, green filaments of light wrap around his sigil-bound hand. His mind drawing upon hazy, half-remembered flashes of insight to whelm the magic to his aid. Extending his normally personal teleportation magic beyond his body, and towards the Dwarf before him. With great patience, the wisps begin extending from the back of his hand. Encircling and rotating around Sirin like a hurricane of glowing streamers. Capturing his presence in full as they close around him. The old Starfinder's body briefly turning into the same greenish, mystical light as Kane attempts to teleport him free of the beam. And directly onto the ground beside him.

HaHA! Why move the beam, when you can move the man? :smalltongue:

Standard Action to Spirit Surge away the Personal Teleportation Drawback. And then a SECOND Standard Action to teleport Sirin out of the beam's hold, and safely onto the ground beside Kane away from it.

Wild Magic Roll (10%): [roll0] Oooooooh POOP. :smalleek:
Wild Magic Effect: [roll1] "All allied creatures within close range of the target must succeed on a Will save or be shunted to an empty demiplane for 1d6 rounds. This demiplane is flat, featureless, infinite, unaligned, and features normal magic and gravity."

[hannahbbug3]

Lavendi stands clear when she sees Kane's witchmark begin to glow, used to the unstable nature of Kane's magic. Besides, she's pretty sure Kane has things under control with Sirin, so the sooner the search can begin for Brutus and Titus, the better, she figures. She's already picking her way through the debris of the wreck, further back into the ship, when Kane's magic tears the fabric of dimensions for a fleeting moment. A strange look crosses Sirin's features, but he disappears and reappears beside the Samsaran with no more than the usual delay. Grunting, the man slowly attempts to sit up. "Good on ya, laddie... oof. Couple ribs broken, feels like..." he grumbles, but he's at least managing to move a bit.

[Capt. Infinity]

"No problem, Sirin." Kane nods to the Dwarf. About to pat him on the back, before thinking better of it, given the Starfinder's condition. Swiftly, he hands him the box of healing potions. "Here. Patch yourself up as much as you think you need to. I'm gonna go help Lavendi search for the brothers. Come as soon as you're able." He half-asks, half-commands of the older explorer. Before delving ever-deeper into the corpse of the starship. Calmly, yet hurriedly searching for the two Ysoki men.

So, any sort of roll needed here? And, if so, can I take 10/20?

[hannahbbug3]

Sirin grunts as he takes the medical kit, rifling through it - and noticing how much of the supplies were already missing. "I take it things went just about as well on your end as they did here," the dwarf questions, picking up one of the healing potions and drinking it down. "What's the report on Colata? She's not with you, where is she?"

"She's all right," Lavendi says, as, by that point, Kane is already diligently searching the ship, allowing no distractions through. "I have an eidolon - Meda - I left him with her," she explains, tapping her temple. "Everything seems to be going all right. She's setting up a base camp for us, which we'll hopefully be able to get back to without much trouble," she adds.

Nodding, Sirin gets up with a stifled groan. Rolling his shoulders a bit, he joins in the search for Brutus and Titus.

It takes a while of searching through the rubble, but after nearly an hour of hunting, Brutus and Titus are found. Neither are breathing, and look to have been crushed to death by the same overturned engine. They lie close together, but it appears their death was swift and relatively painless - or at least, they never knew what hit them.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane, in the grand scheme of things, is no stranger to death. Death is an inherent aspect of his existence, as it is the facilitator for his endless cycle of rebirth across the ages. But still, his deaths are an exception. And for most individuals of the mortal plane, this life is the only one they ever live. And so, it is with a heavy heart and somber breath that he looks upon the lifeless frames of Titus and Brutus. The Ysoki brother engineers. Slowly, he moves over to address their bodies. Shutting eyes if any were left open in their death.

"I... Don't believe I truly know what to say." He admits, somberly. "Colata knew them far better than any of us did. And I think we owe it to her to bring their bodies with us. Have them be buried in the presence of their captain." He shrugs. "And, perhaps if a miracle beyond chance occurs, one day we can come back to bring about their return." He offers. Knowing full well the chances of that happening. But also that crazier things than that have happened over the galaxy's many years. "Regardless, we should wrap them up in something and carry them back with whatever supplies we can find. I can make a gurney for the both of them using volt tape, and if the barracks are intact, we can probably gather bed supplies to carry back necessary provisions. Alongside my own personal dimensional storage space." He offers. Trying to be as upbeat and forward-facing as possible, in light of the tragedy.

He turns to look over at Lavendi. "Meda is your Eidolon, Lavendi. I'll let you decide whether or not to relay this information to Colata ahead of time. Though..." He trails off as he stands, looking back at the two young Ysoki. So daring, and so utterly cursed to have lost what short lives they had, whilst beings who will live up to a plurality of centuries have been given mercy in the crash. "Maybe she deserves to be told early. Let her mentally prepare for seeing the both of them when we arrive." The Samsaran offers. Not even pretending to know which call would truly be more merciful. Giving her time to prepare, or allowing her the presence of others for the moment of realization.

[hannahbbug3]

Lavendi seems speechless in the wake of their discovery, and Sirin's brow is more furrowed than it usually is. Both of them give somber nods in response to the samsaran's words, and Sirin - ever the pragmatist - sets about gathering what he can to transport supplies as well as the two bodies. As he moves off, though, he mutters to himself in dwarven. "What a waste. Those boys were good at what they did."

Shaking herself slightly when Kane speaks to her, Lavendi looks to the samsaran with sad eyes. "...I'll figure it out," she assures. They have quite a walk back, and she can relay the message to Meda at any point. For now, though, she's still in a bit too much shock to perform such a feat over their link at this distance. It's taking quite a bit of focus already for her to not break down into tears.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane stops for a moment, considering Lavendi's state. And considered his own. The deeply calm, bordering on cold zen he carried with him in times of stress. Lavendi's reaction was, in truth, the correct one. But it wasn't the one Kane went with. Not with the wisdom of ages in the back of his mind, and the promise of his life-long passion ahead of him. Sighing, he looks back up at her with sad eyes as he unhooks one of the volt-tape rings.

"Lavendi... Don't be afraid to let me know if you need a minute." He offers. Compassionate as he always was for the woman he called his friend. "Sirin and I can handle gathering supplies and... The rest." He offers, beginning to pull out long strips of the tape. Assembling them into a long, two-man gurney for them to use to carry Brutus and Titus back to the new home base. "If we're going to survive this, we need everyone to let themselves break a little bit. The situation is grim, and we need everyone to accept that however they can if we don't want to cave in on ourselves from the pressure." He adds somberly. Reaching out with his right hand to idly shock the volt tape with his magic. Hardening the lengthwise pieces into flat, rigid bars. Sturdy enough to hold the two Ysoki as they made their slow procession back home.

[hannahbbug3]

Lavendi looks up to Kane when he touches her shoulder, and slowly she reaches both hands up to cover the lower half of her face. Her eyes are watery but she's a bit too proud to let tears fall. "I just... I can't imagine how Colata is going to..." she stammers, then trails off slowly, letting the end of the sentence hang in the air. She takes a few deep breaths, then nods. "I think I'm going to step out for just a bit. Call me, if you need me," she says, moving out of the wreckage to sit on a rock nearby. She buries her face in her knees as her shoulders shake.

Sirin returns after a while with a few supplies in his arms. The medbay had been in the middle of the ship, and when the ship split it took a lot of damage, but Sirin has managed to pilfer another kit of potions and some rations from the sickbay. "I'm going to go see if I can find the engineer's closet," he reports to Kane, seeing the samsaran still working on the gurney and Lavendi outside. "Not that there's much hope of repairs at this point, at least not for the Inheritance, but maybe there will be something in there which can help Colata's recovery," he says.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane knew better than to intervene with Lavendi's grief. Her feelings were the right ones, and she had to face them on her own terms. He, meanwhile had to work through the strife his own way. By keeping calm and collected, and helping to look forward, whilst honouring what has occurred.

He nods towards Sirin when he returns. Remarking in the Dwarf's idea. "It's a chance at least. Probably the best chance we've got." He admits. Soberly finishing his work as he gingerly, carefully lays both brother out on the gurney, before once again standing up. "Let me go with you. It'll go by faster with two people looking. And you could use the extra pair of legs if you want to cover all the ground and make it back to base before sunset rolls in." He offers. The Samsaran's eyes idly falling on the Starfinder's still partially mangled leg. "Come on, friend. Let's get our captain back to her peak." He breathes. Stepping forward, but motioning for Sirin to lead the way. Confident that the explorer had made himself more thoroughly acquainted with the ship than he before the big jump mangled it halfway into scrap.

[hannahbbug3]

Sirin gives Kane a grim nod - of course, the man's expression is always grim, even if it seems moreso now. Without a word, he starts picking his way back through the wreckage past the engine rooms. This place has sustained quite a bit of damage, and there are still fires burning within. The old dwarf lets out a breath. "Got anything that can quench those flames?" he asked. "Doubt it'd be wise to head back there while there may yet be another explosion... come to think of it, we should clear out as soon as possible," he says.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane glances around at the littered gouts of electrical and chemical flame. His face a mix of concern and apprehension at the utter disrepair of the vessel. "Well, I suppose I could go us my abilities and pour some water onto the affected places. But I doubt I'd be able to douse a meaningful amount of the place before the power ran out..." He admitted sheepishly. Before a spark of insight crossed his face. His eyes lighting up with inspiration.

"Actually, if we really want to avoid this place detonating on us, I could actually make it rain in here. Smother out any fires that aren't running on an oxidizing agent." He offered, smiling wryly at the notion of making it rain throughout a spaceship of all things. Though his childlike amusement didn't last long, as his own wisdom got the better of him. "Of course, if we do go down that route, I suggest we do so after scavenging what we need. Since I doubt any exposed electronics would survive even a light drizzle fully intact..." He murmurs, turning towards Sirin for some note of approval or dismissal. "Or, of course, we could just do things the old-fashioned way and track down an extinguisher, or try our hand at turning the fire suppression system back on for this half of the ship." He waves a hand somewhat over dramatically towards the elderly Dwarven Explorer. "As always, I differ to your superior expertise." He explains, mostly with sincerity. His eyes wandering the corridors as he searched for any available fire extinguisher units. On the off-chance Sirin scoffed off the notion of drowning (presumedly) the only piece of modern technology for miles in magically conjured rain.

Gotta say, it's good to be back!

Throughout all this, assume Kane is Taking 10 on a Perception check to search for useful items both for their quest to help the Captain, and towards possibly stopping a warp core meltdown/this place from going up in flames. Resulting in an effective [17].

[hannahbbug3]

Sirin looks around the wreckage, lips pursed in thought. "Don't think trying to activate the fire suppression system will help much, doubt the pipes survived impact. Here in the engine room, there was, of course, the emergency suppressors in case of explosions... but those worked by openin' up a few vents into the vaccum of space. Won't work on an oxygen-rich planet like the one we got here," he huffed. "What's more, trying to turn on power could lead to a meltdown, itself." He stroked his beard in frustration. "Don't think there's much we can do for the fires if you've not got anything other than water for it. But how about protective magic? Got anything that can help us resist the heat? I know you've got a lot of tricks in your hat, young buck," he said.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane runs through his mind as they approach the foreboding door leading into the engineering section. The heat of the flames within creating ripples of heated air even behind the shut blast door. His thoughts race through all the various wards and incantations he'd manage to coax out of his mark over the years. Trying to figure out what combination of actions could possibly save his cerulean skin against the flames. Suddenly, his alabaster eyes opens wide, and a smile crosses his face as he *snaps* his fingers in triumph.

"I got it!" He cheers, turning to look at Sirin with a smile that just absolutely screamed "It might just be crazy enough to work." He explains hurriedly as they get uncomfortably close to the door. "It's not gonna be easy, but if I play this right, I can make myself immune to the flames for long enough to get in, grab the materials and get out. It'll be risky. I've got a minute or two tops, and I can't take you with me -blame the mark, not me-. But for the time that I have it, I'll be fine." Slowly, the young explorer raises one hand. "You on the other hand... Might get a little soggy." He shrugs, as the green sigil on the back of his right hand begins to glow and swirl with emerald light. The light disseminating into the bulwark above as, in defiance of all science and nature, storm clouds began to fill the hall. Slowly at first, but eventually gathering in dark swirls enough that genuine rain begins to fall upon the Dwarf and Samsaran beneath them, in what could be fairly described as a light drizzle.

Kane looks down at Sirin, smirking over to the aged Starfinder as he readies himself before the door. "Wish me luck, old man." He breathes, pulling his hand down and clenching it suddenly into a fist. Allowing the green light to surge once again. Weaving its way around him, and dragging the falling rain along with it. Coalescing into a sort of misty shield of moisture around him, allowing him to place his hand on the emergency release panel without an ounce of discumfort. "For Colata's sake, if no one else's..." He sighs to himself, before pulling the switch and opening the doorway. A surge of hot air and flame rushing out, as Kane's magical rain began to thereafter rush in. Savouring his last taste of non-smokey air, the young reincarnator steadies his stance before rushing in. Hurriedly searching for something, anything to help his Captain and crew.

Alright, time to spend all the things!

Spending a Spell Point to create the Weather effect for 6 minutes. Spending a Spirit Surge to gain the mantle for 1 minute. With willingness to spend it at MOST twice more for additional minutes. AND spending an inspiration to get an extra d6 on the upcoming Perception check. I'm using it on the Knowledge rolls as well, but they're free under my Inspiration rules.

Perception Check vs LOTS OF SMOKE: [roll0] + [roll1]

Knowledge (Engineering) to Know What to Look For: Best of the following two rolls - [roll2] + [roll3] and [roll4] + [roll5]

Knowledge (Engineering) to Find What I'm Looking For: Best of the following two rolls - [roll6] + [roll7] and [roll8] + [roll9]

[hannahbbug3]

The engineering section of the ship is quite small comparatively, about a 5 by 20 foot room with long shelves on either side. Or, well, that's how it should have looked, but after the crash, most of the items are in the floor and several are aflame. The back wall, connected to the engine room, is entirely broken, and that's where the smoke and heat is coming from which Kane has to contend with as he ventures further into the room. Thankfully, his magic protects him from the most choking effects of the smoke and the heat of the fire, and he is able to do a quick search of the room with the limited time he has for his magic to hold out. He knows the parts he is looking for - a light receptor, a few golden wires, and it wouldn't hurt to have a general repair kit if he can find one, too... peering through the smoke and with a good mental image of the parts he needs in mind, Kane is able to grab the receptor and the repair kit within a minute's time. The wires prove harder to find in the mess, but with another minute granted thanks to his powers, he is able to find enough of them to make this work, and still have enough time to escape the room before his magic wears off. He returns to a very soaked, but impressed looking dwarf in the hallway as Sirin sees the collection of items that Kane comes out with. "That ought to do," he says with an approving nod. "Now let's get going. Get the two boys and our pilot and get out of here..."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane's eyes take a moment to refocus to the light in the hallway Sirin was standing in. Both because it was a sudden relief from the angry red flames which had caked his vision within the engineering closet, and because virtually the entire time he'd been in there he'd been operating in a state of hurried zen. His body running on near autopilot as his mind raced through all the pieces he'd need. Scanning the flaming wreck for the items he needed. As though he were a man possessed, driven beyond normal reason in order to help his Captain. To ensure that the mission continued.

Idly, the Samsaran had the good sense to thank his past lives for the courage and insight they'd granted him, before he shook his head and nodded to the grizzled Dwarf, happy to hear his praise. "Sounds like a plan, Sirin." He nods, heading down towards the grim cargo of Brutus and Titus's gurney. The sadness at the loss tempered by the success they'd managed to find. And the knowledge that both Ysoki would've wanted them to continue with the mission. With the collective dream of Kane and his crew to explore this planet. And salvage from its ruins the mystery of what truly happened to the lost planet of Ceres.

Aaaaand that's your free pass to take us however forward you'd like! Mythweavers is down right now, but I'll do my best to remember to knock down another use of the Spirit Surge for that extra minute. Hope your holidays were nice! :smallbiggrin:

[hannahbbug3]

Between the three of them, Kane, Sirin, and Lavendi are able to take back both the supplies and the gurney. Lavendi leaves carrying the bodies to the boys while she carries the supplies they've found. The elf seems unable to look at the gurney for their entire journey, and instead focuses on leading the way back to where she can sense her eidolon. For her, that sense is better than any compass, and she leads them on a straight course through the woods and back to the small mountain that she and Kane climbed over to begin their journey. With the load they have, climbing up it is impossible, but after about an hour of scouting around searching for alternate routes, they are able to find an area where they can pass through with relative ease. Being careful with their load, the group makes it through the clearer pass and is able to orient back in the direction of the wreck thanks to Lavendi's empathic link.
Soon enough, the front half of the ship is in sight, and Sirin lets out a little breath. There is smoke rising from the wreckage now, where there wasn't before, but it is only from a campfire that Colata has managed to start while waiting for the group to return. Now, she is waiting near the broken back of the ship, able to tell from Meda's behavior that the group was close. The golden-haired android smiles at first, upon seeing the group, but when she sees what they're carrying... her expression falls.
"Titus? Brutus?" she asks, the little LED disk at her temple flickering with what can only be unease.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane walks calmly into the newly formed rudimentary campsite alongside Lavendi and Sirin, but is genuinely taken aback when Colata asks for her fallen comrades. For a moment, the Samsaran is silent. His only indication of mood being a stunned look of surprise cast towards Lavendi, who'd apparently never managed or chosen to let the Android know ahead of time. It was, however, not something he'd hold against her, as he suddenly found his mouth drying at the prospect of explaining it himself. Regardless, he somehow manages to whelm his strength as he turns back to look at Colata. His expression comforting, but still clearly carrying a look of distress all his own.

"They... They didn't make it." He states softly. The blue-skinned man gently shaking his head as he turned his gaze back at the gurneys which carried the brothers. Dying with so little time left, and yet still taken far, far too early. "They... Died together. Near as I can tell they were side-by-side, holding each-other up, right until the end..." He allows his voice to crack slightly in speaking. Tried to show Colata she wasn't facing this alone. But he clears his voice swiftly thereafter, to show that, at the same time, it was a burden they would face together without fear. "We wanted you to see it. Thought they would've wanted that. That we- That I owed you that much." He set down his gurney, and stepped slightly aside, should Colata want to look at the draped-over figures herself. "We... Weren't sure of their wishes, if they had some sort of will, or last requests. We thought that, if they didn't have any... That it should be your call how we should honour their sacrifice." He offers with a final nod. Placing emphasis on the last few words. Making it clear that, without question, what they died for meant something. And that it was up to all of them to make sure their deaths weren't in vain.

[hannahbbug3]

Colata stayed quiet for a long while, looking at the bodies of her two friends. They'd been her only two friends, stepping into this body. And now... they were gone. She stared in silence at them, but when game began to speak, she lifted her head. Only one eye was focused, but of course, they knew the other one was busted, right now. The LED at her temple flickered a few more times, before settling once again to its usual, steady glow. Death wasn't a concept that androids really understood. That was to say, she understood it, of course, but... it was different for her in a way similar to Kane. Though, while it was his soul that reincarnated, it would be her body to keep going. She understood the permanence a little more, perhaps...
But then again, she didn't really comprehend emotions in the same way, did she? So as she stood there, looking at the two bodies of her friends, she was only quiet. "They should be buried here," she finally said after a long, long while. "We should make them a memorial. The first star-voyagers in centuries to come to rest on this planet..."

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane nods towards Colata, understanding that, despite her appearance, the brothers' deaths were hitting her as hard as anyone. "I think they'd like that." He agrees, turning towards Sirin and nodding. "I'll see if I can't find something to dig up a spot for them. See if you can find two slabs of porous stone from the mountain for headstones." He looks back at Colata. "I'll let you decide if I should be the one to write the epitaph or not." He explains. Before beginning his search of the supplies and wreckage. Trying to find a shovel, or something of equivalent use.
It wouldn't be the prettiest gravesite. But it would have effort and care put into it. One of grandeur, and earnest respect. The sort of thing deserved of the two intrepid engineers who helped bring Kane and his crew onto the lost land of Ceres.

[hannahbbug3]

Where ordinarily Sirin might have made some comment about sending a dwarf to look at rocks, he doesn't this time, out of respect for the task that lay ahead. Gruff and sharp as he is, he turns to his duty with all due diligence, picking out a couple slabs which are good enough size and consistency to meet Kane's specifications. Colata, meanwhile, sits down to ponder the words she might inscribe, and Lavendi calls Meda to her side.
"Come here, my lovely protean. We're going to do some form shifting to help our friends," she says, pressing her hand to the serpentine eidolon's forehead. After a couple minutes of focus, the changeable protean's form shifts, and where it once had no limbs, it instead has two forelegs with claws that look meant for digging. Lavendi turns to Kane. "Just show him where to dig," she says, mood still low from the events of the day.

The two graves are dug side by side and the bodies placed in. As Sirin and Meda work together to cover up the two tiny ysoki, Colata moves over to Kane. "...I think I know what I want to write," she says. When Kane indicates that he is ready, she dictates to him the words she wants written to memorialize her two closest friends.

'Brutus - Stalwart Friend and Steady Companion
Whose homeworld of Keppyn lies far beyond the stars
Resting here in eternal peace with his brother'

'Titus - Cheerful Company and Bright Personality
Who always yearned to see more than he could ever imagine
Resting here at his final adventure with his brother'

[hannahbbug3]

https://i.imgur.com/WGrfJy6.jpg

Over the course of the next fortnight, the group manages to lick their wounds and get a functioning camp in order. Sirin inspects the ship's integrity and instructs the others to strip out parts which look unstable and might become dangerous - these parts are largely where the ship hit the mountainside and slid down, so the final result is a base with one open side against the mountain face. Fairly protected from the wind, but the first rainstorm that the group experienced led them to finding out just what a poor choice that was, with all the water running down the mountain and straight into their base, flooding it. Thankfully, some magic helped clear up the mess, and the few days after that saw them digging a trench around their base to divert the water for the next storm that came up, remedying the problem well enough. The rest of the changes made around the camp were mostly quality of life fixes. Securing supplies, finding a source of food, chopping wood... it becomes a routine.
After the first few days, though, things settled enough for some proper exploring to be done. It started out with just Kane, scouting out the area around the camp, though Meda often accompanied him in one of its myriad forms. Lavendi also scouted as well, but mostly in search of supplies - not exploring just for the sake of it. Sirin made improvements to the base with Colata... and after two weeks had passed, everyone was back to full health and functional again - including Colata's eye, which Sirin had repaired.

Morning dawns, and it is Colata that greets Kane when he rises. Andriods have very little need for sleep, and with her improved vision, Colata has taken it upon herself to keep watch most nights. She is watching the sun rise over the trees and rocks when Kane stirs, and she smiles at him. "Morning, friend," she greets.

Here are a few interesting things that Kane might want to follow up on with a group that he has discovered while camp was being worked on!

Several outcrops of hewn stone surround the area. The best Kane can tell, they may be road markers, because they seem to be directional and, were the underbrush not there, one would always be visible when standing at another, like guideposts.

There is a lake not too far away, which has unnaturally cold and still water. The pool looks endlessly deep. When he went there accompanied by Lavendi's eidolon, Meda seemed excited about the place but could not quite say why.

There is, of course, the territory of the dire apes on the other side of the mountain, if that should be of interest. Not something I imagine Kane spent much time in, but just a reminder of its existence.

Kane has discovered tracks for countless beasts as he explored, as well. Some were easily recognizable, such as deer, boar, big cats, and other larger game animals. But there have also been tracks which are harder to identify. Some tracks seem like a dragon's, but it would have to have been made by a small dragon. They are definitely reptile in origin. He might speculate Lizardfolk. They're too large for Kobold.

In hunting for food, the group has claimed strange-looking but tasty rabbits with wings and little tails resembling a lion's, as well as deer for venison and wild boar. The reptile creatures and the big cats must be stealth predators, for you haven't encountered any yet.

Other than animals, Kane has not encountered any sort of sapient inhabitants of the planet. That likely means you are far from civilization, if one exists, because certainly someone would have come to investigate the crash.

[Capt. Infinity]

Kane stretched and yawned as he walked out of the now-established basecamp to greet the morning sun, and Colata along with it. The hot, humid nights on Ceres meant that he'd taken to sleeping shirtless, using his jacket as a blanket to hold off the wind. But the fear of insect bites out in the wild was strong enough that, humidity or no, he was forced to don a t-shirt and jacket prior to his many expeditions. He responded to Colata in a tired voice as he did this. Lazily threading his arms through the holes in his jacket, which was already beginning to show wear from the Samsarans many tousles with the wild jungles around them.

"Morning, Captain." He yawns to the Android. Though he still managed a smile as he began addressing the sleepless woman in full. "Good to see nothing made your night watch particularly difficult this time around. With any luck, we've finally managed to scare everything dangerous off." He offers, hopefully. Upsetting memories of the first few nights, where beasts and creatures of the night howledge just beyond their field of vision flooded through his mind. Quickly shaken away as Kane stood beside Colata's sitting spot. Casually looking out on the now-brightening horizon.

"I think we've finally made enough of headway to start taking our exploration efforts seriously, Colata." He affirms, turning to look over at the Android. His limpid blue eyes meeting her bright yellow gaze. "I've found enough signs of civilization, dangerous and otherwise, that I want to poll the crew for a possible full-scale expedition." He glances back over towards the camp. Where the rest of the remaining crew still slept. "Plus there's a few things I want to ask Meda. Which something tells me I only have a shot at if Lavendi is there to translate." He looks back over to Colata. "That is, if you think we're secure enough to consider pushing further."

[hannahbbug3]

Colata gave a little laugh. "I don't know why you're asking me for permission, Kane... I was captain of the ship, but you're captain of the expedition," she points out. "If you're just asking for my opinion, though... I think we're well established here, yes. And our objective is to explore, not to stay cooped up in camp all the time. What have you found out there? I've been curious," she says, turning her gaze back towards the forest as a bird call echoes through the morning air. She hums softly. "I've been hearing that call very often. I think it belongs to that big white bird that I see every now and again. The portly one, that looks like a parrot? Have you seen it?" Colata asks. "Mostly I've seen it at night, while the rest of you are sleeping..."