Starfield, the story of Aurora Stellaris

"I'm looking for a Vanguard named Moara," Aurora said. "He ain't been around. Went off on patrol. Hasn't been back since. Was starting to think it might be time to pour one out to the blackest sea," Jack said. "We could track him down if you know his patrol route." "Look, nothing more I'd love than to help out a fellow Matrian, escpecially one that's missing, but uh... It's a lot of credits, okay? I let it slide for a long time because he's a regular, but if I'm out all that money, I got problems. What do you say?" "Skip to the part where you admit you're lying," Sarah said. "You're calling me a liar? I'll throw you out of this bar, right now," Jack said. "Oh please. Two strangers arrive from off-world, asking for information only you have? You see an opportunity. Everyone always does. Lower the price. Don't think we can't find another way to get what we want." "He could need help. You shouldn't put a price on that. What matters more to you, the money or Moara's life? I want you to imagine him out there. Alone. And here you are holding out for cash. We could be the only ones who could find him," Aurora said. "And maybe he's not going to get found. I'm out the cash either way. That's enough. Either pay up or get out. I'm done talking about this," Jack said. 

Aurora presented a 1000 credit chit.

"Here's your money," she said. "Last time he was here, Moara kept yelling about the Lady of Love. Singing songs. All that kind of thing," Jack said. "Fine. We'll make do," Sarah sighed. "Lady of Love? Venus?" Aurora said. 

"So. You must be the one who got me out of the red with the Trade Authority. Can't say I don't appreciate it, but I doubt you came all this way to do me a favor. Now you want to explain to me why you're going around, harassing nefarious old men by wiping their hard-earned debts?" Percival said. "I'm here to make a delivery for an old colleague of yours - Hadrian Sanon," Aurora said. "Hadrian sent you? She's... did-did she look okay?" "If you consider getting gored by a Terrormorph and living as 'okay', then yeah." "A Terrormorph? She's fortunate to be alive at all. Hope you two had plenty of back-up. So what's this she had you bring all this way down here after putting you in harm's way?" "Tau Gourmet's own free-range, 100% human-fed Terrormorph cells." "Terrormorph attack, huh? Not exactly sure why you'd be bringing that -- wait. Tau Gourmet? Like Tau Ceti Tau Gourmet? That's a joke, right? There's no settlement old enough on Tau Ceti to have a Terrormorph. Either someone's setting up the worst petting zoo in the universe, or... If she made you come all the way for this... let's get inside. I need to see those cells," he said. 

"Can't say I'm thrilled the Trade Authority got its mitts on the research, but I guess that's the price you pay not to live in a cave the rest of your days. All queued up. Let's gaze into the abyss, shall we? All right. Just get those cellular markers tagged. Wait... where are the markers... this-this can't be right. This sample... it's... I'll... I'll need to get this all in a slate," he said.

"If you told me this was a hoax - and it'd be the best damn fake I've ever seen - I'd be mad and very, very relieved," Percival said. "The sample's not a fake. I collected it from the Terrormorph myself," Aurora said. "Can't just humor an old man, huh? I presume you've heard of Londinion?" "Hadrian mentioned it. Sounds like quite the tragedy." "It was. An entire city, wiped off the map. The swarms were so bad, they had to blow the spaceport and seal the place off from the galaxy at large. Not a lot of samples made it off-world from the time of the attack, but the ones that did... well, they looked just like this one. I didn't detect any telltale signatures this specimen ever sat on a ship while it was alive, either. I don't think it was transported to Tau Ceti. This specimen... it grew there. Faster than any Terrormorph should. Which means... if we're about to start a new era in Human-Terrormorph relations, where big, sudden Londinion-style attack can happen outside Londinion? That's not going to end well for humanity," he said. "It would be the end of us as a species," Sarah said. "So... you lugged this bad omen all the way here. You want to tell me what your plans are for it now?" "Orders are to take you and that analasis to Hadrian. She should be waiting at 'The Sixth Circle,'" Aurora said. "The Circle, huh? Could use a drink about now. Here. Faster if we take the lift to the surface. Not supposed to use it... but given the circumstances, I'm inclined to just ask forgiveness. Let's get going," Percival said.

"Hadrian. Our friend here showed me your sample. Suffice it to say --" Percival said. "Lou said we could use the back," Hadrian said. 

"Lou gave me the abridged version of what went down. I can't thank you enough for taking care of all that," Hadrian said. "Makes two of us," Percival said. "I hope it ultimately didn't end up being too much trouble." "A little more gunfire than I usually like on my delivery jobs, but nothing I couldn't manage," Aurora said. "So, were the two of you able to get that work-up together?" Hadrian said. "Look exactly like the ones from Londinion," Percival said. "Londinion? That-that's exactly what I was afraid of." "Not thrilled to be the bearer of that kind of news, that's for damn sure. So tell me you've got some kind of plan for that work-up." "It's in the Archives," Hadrian said. "The Armistice Archives?" "To give us access, they want to see this analysis you two have procured. With both of us." "What's the 'Armistice Archives?' And what's it have to do with the Freestar Collective and House Va'ruun?" Aurora said. "The UC, Freestar, and House Va'ruun. They made a lot of decisions about what sort of tactics should and should not be permitted in future conflicts. Now its possible to get things out of there, but only with the agreement of members from all three factions. And as to what our research is doing there... well, I'll get to that," Hadrian said. "Doesn't sound like any run-of-the-mill data you're after. I'll take that explanation now." "Place I was hiding out? That was our unit's home base," Percival said. "After some early fits and starts at other facilities, the place eventually became the heart of UC Xenowarfare. A practice that's been banned ever since the Armistice went into effect almost 20 years ago... and the UC military cut us loose for what we'd done," Hadrian said. "Still doesn't explain what the Terrormorph data is doing in the Archives," Aurora said. "The project never got off the ground, but the data our team gathered is now sitting in the Archives, along with all the other information banned after the Colony War. Under the watchful eye of monitors from all the galactic factions still participating in regular politics. But if we can convince the Cabinet to help us access that data, it'll give us the tools we need to decipher what exactly this sample might mean..." "Why wouldn't the Cabinet agree to help us?" "I mean, I hope they will, given the evidence we've acquired. But getting the Freestar Collective and House Va'ruun on our side, that won't be easy," Hadrian said. "Since neither group is exactly on great terms with the UC at the moment. For various reasons," Percival said. "Exactly. But I don't see a better option to solving what's going on here, so it's going to be up to us to get them onboard." "Okay. Then let's go talk to this Cabinet," Aurora said. "Good luck. You two are going to need it," Percival said.

"This is Vanguard Moara. To all UC affiliated ships, I'm heading to the Nova Galactic Staryard orbiting Earth's Moon. Yeah, I know, that whole place is decommissioned, but I need parts for emergency repairs. Hopefully it hasn't been picked clean yet." "That's not good. Earth and everything around it was abandoned a long time ago. And the old staryards are crawling with spacers and other scavengers," Sarah said.

Sarah opened a comm channel...

"If you stop shooting at us, we'd be more than happy to respond!" she said. "It's not me! Mercs hijacked my ship. White-lined a couple of them, but they've locked me down. Really could use an assist," Moara said. "We're going to have to board. Target the engines. Once they stall out, we'll have our chance."

"That's it! Start the docking routine," Sarah said. 

A few moments later...

"All right, let's cycle that airlock and get aboard," she said.

"Am I glad to meet whoever you two are. Looks like we're all in one piece. Any day you walk away from, right?" Moara said. "We're from the explorer's group. Constellation. We need to talk," Aurora said. "What? You guys still exist? Man, I've only heard stories." "We've heard stories too. About a strange object you found on patrol. It doesn't play nice with scanners. It'd be worthless to someone trying to flip rare minerals quickly," Sarah said. "S you're saying I shouldn't be using it as a hood ornament?" Moara said. "You were out on patrol for a long time. People were worried," Aurora said. "Oh that? Yeah. I mean, it's been a mess lately. Spacers, Va'ruun Zealots, plus Ecliptic tracking me down," he said. "We ran into a few members of Ecliptic at the Nova Galactic Staryard. I'm guessing they were after you?" Sarah said. "Ah damn. That's probably how they found me. I knew taunting the Spacers to meet me at Neptune was a long shot," Moara said. "Cydonia is waiting for you. Run down. Forgotten," Sarah said. "Feels like everyone's given up, you know? I've just been spending more and more time in the starfield. Sometimes I wonder if I'm really going back." "Maybe it's time to get out of Sol. I could use more crew," Aurora said. "I'd have to settle some things back on Cydonia. Maybe hit me up later?" Moara said. 

"If you don't mind, we came here for something. That strange object you found?" Sarah said. "Right. Hey, it's yours. Appreciate the rescue. Hope you figure out whatever that thing is," Moara said. 

Aurora grabbed the Artifact.

"Good work. Let's get back to the Lodge," Sarah said. 

"Feel free to help yourself at the bar. I don't drink, but I feel like if I did, now would be a good time for one. Are you doing okay? I'm not sure anyone really asked yet. Don't want you to think we're focused on the Artifacts and nothing else. You matter too. You've done something really significant, bringing that Artifact here. I'm Matteo. Theological scholar by trade, but now... well, an explorer like you. It's really good to have you with us," he said. "What do you make of the vision I saw?" Aurora said. "I'm not going to lie, I really wish I could've seen this for myself. It's hard to judge otherwise. Both you and Barret saw something. I don't think that's a coincidence. Did it feel like it was trying to tell you something? I don't want to necessarily use the words 'Divine Revelation' but... you know, if the label fits..." "I know it's important, I can feel it." "It has to be, right? All of this is connected. We just need to figure out how and why. We're going to get to the bottom of this. We just need more data, which means more Artifacts," Matteo said. "These Artifacts all came out of caves?" "Second one was on Ka'zaal, burid the same as the one you found. But the first one... Right under our noses for years. Sitting in storage, masquerading as an oversized paperweight. Can you imagine? Potentially the greatest discovery in human history, collecting dust." "What brought you to Constellantion?" she said. "Well, there was some... overlap... in interests. I'd spent years searching for religious relics from human history. I had made a really incredible discovery, just to lose it to  greedy corporation. So I tried to steal it back. In the process, I met Walter. Turned out he owned the corporation. After a long talk, we realized we had a lot in common. And I was invite to join Constellation."

Aurora made good use of the research lab and manufacturing stations in the Lodge's basement.

"Oh, I was hoping we might run into one another again! Your timing is most fortuitous. I'm on the verge of something, but I don't quite have all the information I need," Kelton said. "You never seem to have all the information you need," Aurora said. "Of course now that I understand more about what's going on, it seems plain as day, and yet I never would've umagined it before. They're listening! It means it is ready to reproduce! I believe this tree is sending vibrations out over massive distances, and expecting to detect sympathetic vibrations in return. If there's no response, the tree may vibrate itself - and some portion of the nearby city - to destruction. While it can't be ruled out that the intended recipient of these messages was cut down during the city's expansion, there is one other possibility. As a gesture of peace and good will, a near-literal olive branch, one of the trees from New Atlantis was offered to the leaders of Akila City." "That seems like a nice gesture." "Of course, you can't just uproot a native species and plunk it down on some other planet, in a totally different environment, and expect it to grow. Clearly no exobotanists were consulted ahead of time. The end result was wholly predictable: the tree died within a few short years," he said. "I don't understand how any of this is helpfuli." "If I had a branch from that tree, I could possibly work out a response to these vibrations. We could then broadcast that response, and hopefully calm down our friend here. But, as I say, I need that branch..."

Kelton explained that there was a branch in the museum in Akila City. Someone just had to convince the curator to give it up...

"I'll be back with it soon as I can," Aurora said. "All right, off you go. We don't have any time to waste!" Kelton said. 

"I hope you are satisfied with the quarters available to you. Captain. Now that you are a member of Constellation, I am at your service, no additional protocols necessary. Also, given the likelyhood you will be out in unsettled space, it might be beneficial to go over exploration outpost development. In case you ever need to build a base for field research," Vasco said. "How long have you been a part of Constellation?" Aurora said. "I arrived along with many material goods purchased by the group's previous chair. Malcolm Livingstone. Despite several significant system replcements and upgrades, I have been online for forty-three years." "Do you miss Barret?" "My primary function has been to support and protect Barret during his travels. I am currently unable to do so. That is as capable I can be of 'missing' anyone. I believe Barret would find your question amusing," the robot said. "Protecting Barret must have been quite a challenge." "Barret has, thus far, survived every mission on which we have embarked. It is therefore evident that my efforts have been successful. I suspect that Barrret would disagree with how necessary my intervention has been in any given situation." "I could use you on my crew, Vasco," she said. "I will proceed to my assigned post."

The chameleon ability that Aurora's space helmet - one she had looted some time earlier - provided would come in very handy while she snuck through the Spacer infested base.

Of course, the chameleon ability wasn't perfect - a good eye could still spot the distortion, and it did not work while moving.

But Aurora had everything she needed to make it through. She had decided to go in alone, to better make use of her stealth skills. Bringing a companion, they'd just alert every Spacer in the base - noy what Aurora wanted to do. 

After long last, it semed she made some progress...

"Wait! Wait! Don't shoot! I am unarmed. Look, we can help each other? I can be useful! Just don't k-kill me!" Livvey said. "Spacers aren't usually the surrendering type," Aurora said. "It's because I'm smart. You've killed... so many. I'm nothing. No chance. So we can make a deal? This place is full of traps. Traps everywhere. I removed them. But this... This corridor is just too dangerous. See... it looks normal. One step inside -- slam! You are trapped. And nobody's been standing after the doors reopen." "How'd you deal with the traps?" "No, sorry. If I tell you that... then I lose my... leverage. They're ingenious. Took, uh, a lot of lives to tease them out..." he said. "It looks like this place really tore you apart." "It's true. So many of my crewmates are gone. And this corridor is the worst. But I figured it out. There are letters on the floor. It is a grid. Those letters must spell something. But there are so many words or small phrases." "How many words have you tried?" she said. "Five? Six? It's hard to find... volunteers. I really thought we had it with 'Am Mantis.' Poor Fred." "You're smarter than you look." "Why does everyone always say that? See, I've been helpful. You... You could let me go? Or better, I can help! I know these traps, I know how this Mantis thinks. Please, let me help -- and give me just a taste of the cache inside. You can trust me," Livvey said. "Just get out of here. I don't need you," Aurora said. "I have sacrificed... too much. No, I... I won't go. I... will fight you!"

Livvey reached for his hidden gun but Aurora finished him before he could pull the trigger.

Before navigating the trapped floor Aurora took out the laser turrets on the ceiling at the far end of the corridor. 

The Mantis' spacesuit was a good find for Aurora - it was mechanised, allowing her to carry even more loot.

But it was the Razorleaf that was the true prize. Now it was time to check up on Barret...

"So, you actually get that computer working again?" Lin said. "I found a transmission. From Barret," Aurora said. "Funny. Even knowing he's alive. I still never want to see him again. Heller, on the other hand... Okay, let me send you the location data embedded in the transmission. Find them, okay?" "Why don't you come with me?" "What? Really? Not really cut out for... whatever it is people like you an Barret do. But it might not be a bad time to think about a career change after... all this. If you have room in your crew for an outpost supervisor, maybe we can talk," Lin said. "Thanks Lin." "Be a while before Argos comes to pick me up. I'll be here if you need me. And het, if you ever need a little extra help, I've been thinking about a career change lately. Maybe it's time to put Argos behind me." "You're just the kind of traveling companion I ant, you should come along," Aurora said. "Works for me. I'm not fussy about assignments. I'll go where I'm needed. Good luck finding Barret. Keep an eye out for Heller while you're at it?"

"Oh, hey, it's you. And here I thought you were some pirate coming back to kill me. Lucky me, right?" Heller said. "You're on a lot of painkillers, but otherwise you're in surprisingly good health," Aurora said. "Considering the spaceship wreckage, you mean? Yeah, well, you missed the worst of it. Pretty sure we ripped throught all the emergency meds that were salvagable... Hey, you know, when I pulled you to the MedBench on Vectera, I honestly thought: 'shit, I think I just saved someone's life!' Oddly proud moment, you know? So, uh, guess I'm saying... Glad I paid it forward... Man, I was so terrified when I got pulled on board that pirate ship. Barret was all: 'Sorry, brother, I'll get us out of this. Trust me...'" "That doesn't explain the crashed ship." "Oh, I'm getting to that... He tells me we need to start pretending to fight each other. Trick the pirates into thinking they need to come in before one of us gets killed. I just remember him shouting 'This kid is a killer! How am I supposed to defend myself against these pearly whites? He's gonna bite my face off!' I mean, I didn't think it would work, but they came in. All of a sudden, we were wrestling with two of them. Barret reached for one of their guns..." he said. "Crash like this. Looks like he smashed the flight controls completely." "Bingo. Blasted the pilot in the back, through the flight console. Dropped orbit like a rock off a high-rise. I blacked out, and when I came to, there he was. Smiling like it was just another day on the job. 'You missed the fun part, Heller! I mean, I go through all the trouble of saving your butt, and you weren't even awake to notice!' Then he did a little... finger gun thing..." "He really survived the crash without a scratch?" she said. "Well... no, I don't think so. I caught him holding his ribs a few times. Favored his left leg a bit, you know?" "But Barret isn't here. I need to find him." "Oh, yeah. Probably should've talked about that first. Did I mention I'm on a lot of painkillers? So I was real excited when a ship showed up. Then less excited when I realized it was a Crimson Fleet ship. And then really, really les excited when Barret said 'ot's okay, I got this...' He mumbled something to them, and they were all gone," Heller said. "The Crimson Fleet has him. Again..." "I was drifting in and out, but yeah. I think so. Got a signal from the ship before they grav jumped. Guessing it was Barret. Haven't really been in a good space to have a listen. Here you go. Hey, uh, I should come with you, right? I don't think anyone else is coming..." "Let's get you on your feet first," Aurora said. "Yeah. Just, uh, don't ask me to operate any heavy machinery for a while. Give me a minute. I think the worst of it is... yeah. I'll be all right. I'll be all right. Ready to wisecrack with the best of them... Let me know when you want to gead out. Still think there might be a spot for me on your ship? I gotta get off this rock." "Yeah, let's get going." "Phew, I'm glad to hear you say that. For a second I thought you were gonna leave me behind. What's on the agenda today?"

Aurora motioned for Heller to get moving.

"You got it. Catch you on the flip side, boss. Thanks for letting me tag along," he said.

Aurora heard voices, one of them Barret...

"Oh yeah. There's no certainty to the universe at all. Once you really start getting out there, the laws of physics kind of turn into suggestions," Barret said. "Youre pulling my leg again, right? What's the weirdest thing you've seen? No exaggeration this time," Matsura said. "Hmm... Let me think... Unicorn. Not kidding." "Wait. The mythical mare with a magic horn thing? Was king Arthur riding it too?" "Okay, it was more of an extremophile in the vague shape of a horse, but my point still stands. You need an open mind out there. You go into the far reaches of space too tightly wound, your brain is just going to pop like a soda can," Barret said. 

"Holy shit. You actually found me. Well, this is turning into a regular Constellation party, isn't it? Should've brought drinks," Barret said. "Yes. I don't know why, but yes," Aurora said. "Well, you didn't need to worry too much. Matsura the Grim here is actually a wonderful host." "I have enjoyed our time together, Barret. But I can't just let you go, with nothing to show for it. Is Constellation willing to pay ransom in exchange for this man's freedom?" Matsura said. "Hasn't Barret been enough trouble? Just let him go," Aurora said. "You want me to end this with nothing to show for it?" "It would make sense to just go along with what I want." "What? No, that's not true," Matsura said. "Look, Barret is more trouble than he's worth. A lot of pirates are already dead." "He does seem to be unusually skilled in that area..." "You clearly get along with Barret. You're friends," Aurora said. "A rasnom isn't about how much one gets along with the hostage... Enough. I must insist on payment for Barret's release." "We'll pay. Here."

Aurora parted with 4000 credits.

"Goodbye, Barret. I have enjoyed our time together," the pirate said. "Likewise, Matsura! Good luck with  all the... you know, pirating..." Barret said.

"You were just laughing it up the whole time?" Aurora said. "Hey, you're underselling my harrowing escape from certain doom here. A little charm goes a long way when the knives are out!" Barret said. "Who was that pirate, anyway?" "Matsura the Grim? Honestly, a pretty nice guy as far as pirates go. Think I butted heads with his mentor once, years back. Had the same kind of 'surprisingly hospitable' vibe."

"Sorry for the wait, everyone! Got a little held up on Vectera," he said. "Barret! We were worried sick," Noel said. "Well, some of us were..." "I see what you did there, Walter. And I know you've been secretly crying into your piles of money just waiting for my return," Barret said. "Actually, Walter HAS been complaining about you more than usual, which always is a sign when he's worried," Matteo said. 

"Wait. Is that? Ha! And to think the first Artifact was taking up dust on the library shelf. Now look at them all. You feel it a bit, can't you? Ever since I found the second one, had the visions. Being around them is just... comforting. So, hey, I'm still not a hundred percent, plus I feel guilty dragging you into all of this. Why don't I stick around? Help you get adjusted to the wird corners of the universe?" Barret said. "If you're coming with me, who's in charge of the Frontier?" Aurora said. "It doesn't matter to me. Never get too attached to ships. After the fifth or sixth time one blows up and you get marooned, the romance fades. Plus, the Frontier is a Constellation ship, and you're one of us now, so it's just as much yours as mine at this point." "Traveling together sounds good to me." "Marvelous," he said. "Curious feeling, knowing you've seen something that no one else has, that you know something no one else does," Walter said. 

"Thanks for taking the time to talk. I wanted to ask you about the Artifact you found on Vectera. When you pulled it from the rock... held it in your hands for the first time, how did you feel?" Sarah said. "I had visions, heard sounds and music... it's difficult to describe," Aurora said. "How did you feel... inside? What were your thoughts?" "It was like being instantaneously pulled across the entire galaxy." "When it comes to the Artifacts, it never ceases to amaze me how the science... well, simply fails," Sarah said. "Why didn't you bring this up back at the Lodge?" "Honestly, I wasn't sure how you'd react. Some people would consider what you went through a deeply personal experience." "I have no problem being open about these things," Aurora said. "The Artifacts are so different, so alien. And I'm certain one of them reached out and... 'spoke' to you. Quite the mystery." "Yeah, it definitely felt like it was trying to communicate." "Unfortunately, there's no way that I know of to reply, and believe me, I've been trying to gather data on the damn things for years," Sarah said. "What sort of data have you gathered?" "All I have to show for my efforts are eyewitness accounts, scores of inconclusive metallurgical test results and wild theories." "This whole experience must be ibcredibly frustrating," Aurora said. "It would be... well, an explorer's dream to solve a mystery like this." "Then we'll get to the bottom of this mystery, together." "Look, I wanted to thank you for taking the time to talk, and for keeping an open mind. And I also wanted to say... well, I'm pleased we're on this journey together. It's the best decision I've made in quite a long time," Sarah said. 

"I cannot wait to meet her. It's been ages since Constellation has had someone new. I wonder what she's like," Cora said. "Just go easy on 'em. Being interrogated by a kid ain't exactly the best way to make a first impression," Sam said. "I'll limit it to the really important stuff, Dad." "This does not bode well. And you must be the latest poor fool to get dragged into our dysfunctional little family." "And you must be Sam Coe. The Freestar Collective expert," Aurora said. "Whoa, I know a few dark sides of the Akila moons, but if you're looking for deep history lessons. Well... I'm gonna fall asleep before you do," he said. "Trust me. Don't encourage him. Cora Coe, by the way. Hi hi," the young girl said. "Good to meet you, Cora." "Nice to meet anyone brave enough to fly the Frontier." "Perfect! And you must be the new engineer... or maybe our new gunner?" Barret said. "Hey, don't spook our new friend. Frontier's a fine ship. Honest. Now let's talk business. Sarah tell you about the expedition?" Sam said. "Only that it was in Freestar Collective space," Aurora said. "Sure enough. That's where we're heading. The three of us are heading to Akila, first settled planet of the Freestar Collective and, not coincidentally, the home of their capital -- Akila City. We'll land in the city spaceport, but the frontier's our goal. It's rough country, spawned a lot of stories. And I got a lead on a tale that makes me think one thing -- Artifact." "Anything I should know about Akila?" "Yeah, don't pissoff the freestar Rangers. Far as the Collective is concerned they're judge, jury and executioner. They're the 'good guys,' but that don't make 'em any less dangerous. Outside that, just don't be an asshole," Sam said. "I'm ready. Let's get to it." "Okay. We'll meet you onboard your ship. Talk more when we get there. Once we land on Akila, it's gonna be you and me. So if you want to do any freewheeling before then, Cora and I will just be riding passenger."

"Here, this is for you," Barret said. "Thanks, but you didn't have to give me anything," Aurora said. "I knew someone who collected those things once... heh. Seems so long ago, now. Anyway, I figured you might have use for it." "Definitely. I appreciate it, Barret." "You're quite welcome. If I see anything on our next expedition to a planet then I'll hanfg onto it for you," he said. 

"What do you want to be when you grow up?" Aurora said. "I want to fly my own ship and go all over the place. Like you and Dad, really. But hopefully not as crazy as your travels. I thought Dad's were exciting. But yours...? Brrr," Cora said. "Do you and your dad really go everywhere together?" "Yup! I've been his co-pilot since I was old enough to read a map. He lets me fly sometimes and fix things aboard and use the intercom and everything! I just have to promise not to complain about having to stay aboard the ship when we're somewhere dangerous. Dad says when I'm older he'll teach me how to use a pistol, and once I'm a good enough shot I can go with him anywhere! I can't wait to get older."

"Hold it. By order of Marshal Daniel Blake, I need to inform you we've got some trouble at GalBank. Folks might be in danger, so you may want to steer clear," the security guard said. "Don't tell me someone got the drop on you guys again," Barret said. "Hey, you need to show a little respect." "Look, no offense, it just seems there's always some kind of trouble here. Price of a free society, I guess." "Is Marshal Blake in charge of security?" Aurora said. "Not usually, but he took charge of the situation because the bank robbers are part of the Shaw Gang. The Marshal's had a lot of experience dealing with the gang, so he's calling the shots," the guard said. "If people are in danger, then I want to help." "I guess that'd be the Marshal's call. Maybe a little outside help will do some good."

"You need to stand back. Now," Daniel said. "Sounds like you could use some help," Aurora said. "I don't mean to be rude, but I don't know you. Now please stand back." "There are lives at stake. Let me help you."

The marshal sighed.

"I wish I could say you were wrong, but I'm backed into a corner here. Some folks from the Shaw Gang tried to rob the place, but they got spotted by a guard. They're using the intercom to communicate," he said. "They must have made some demands by now," Aurora said. "They won't talk to me. Say they don't trust a badge. They want a neutral negotiator. In other words, they didn't plan for this so they're stalling while they come up with one." "Maybe I can talk some sense into them." "Hm. Alright. I'm willing to allow that, but a few things first. Say what you have to, but whatever they ask for, there's no way in hell I'm giving it to them. Also, there are lives at stake, so don't get cavalier. Find out what they want, and then report back to me. Hey! You in the bank! I'm sending a negotiator, so don't shoot!" Daniel said. 

"Well if you think you're just going to walk up here and get us to surrender, you're dead wrong," the robber leader said. "This only works if you're willing to cooperate," Aurora said. "So tell me, stranger, how do I know you're going to deal straight with us?" "Because you're not the only one who's had trouble with the law." "Okay, so let's talk," he said. "Must be something you want, so start talking before I get bored." "Well you better listen up. We'll drop the hostages off somewhere safe in the system. After that, we'll radio back where they are and the Marshal and his crew can come and get them." "It could take a while to get you a ship," she said. "This whole damn job's gone wrong. It was supposed to be... just a quick hit,. Clean and simple, you know? So let's just... let's all try to keep our heads, yeah. Cause my guys, they're going crazy in here. I don't know how much longer we can last." "It's not too late to end this peacefully. There's no good outcome for you here. If you give up now, at least you'll still have your lives. This ends with your surrender or your death. It's that simple. Surrender now, before anyone gets hurt, and things will be a lot better for you. You keep this up and it's your funeral." 

"It could have easily gone sideways but you kept it together. Bravo," Barret said. 

Aurora returned to the Marshal.

"The Shaw Gang's making fools of us all," Frank said. "Those guys are scared, I can tell," Daniel said. "Those amateurs folded like a house of cards," Aurora said. "Is that so? And what did you say to make them fold so quick?" Daniel said. "I scared them into submission." "Hell, that works for me. Here. You've more than earned this. You got us out of a tough spot, and you did it with courage that's not common. If you're interested, head over to the Rock and ask for Emma Wilcox. She handles the new recruits." "All right. Now that lives aren't on the line, let's ge back in GalBank and see if we can get those maps," Sam said.

Instead of waiting for the bank to open back up, Aurora went straight to the museum...

"Hi! Please feel free to have a look around. It's the reason I started this place," Leah said. "I'd like to talk to you about a tree branch," Aurora said. "That... is not something I expected to hear today. I assume you're somehow associated with the United Colonies? I've received some odd messages of late." "I'm here on important botanical work. A tree is upset, and the consequences could be dire." "A tree is upset? You scientists are something else... Regardless, I can't just hand over museum property. And I must admit, I'm not especially inclined to help the UC, or New Atlantis for that matter," Leah said. "I can understand your hesitance. But this has nothing to do with the UC or the FC. There's a chance that people could get hurt," Barret said. "Don't try and lecture me, please. Well, I'm afraid you've wasted your time, because I'm not authorized, nor particularly inclined, to release any of our pieces. That includes hundred-year-old tree branches. Sorry, but it's staying in storage." "I really need that branch. All right. How much is this gonna cost?" Aurora said.

She put a thousand credits on the counter. 

"I think we can work something out. I can't believe I'm doing this... Please, return it in one piece," Leah said. 

"You got some business with me?" Emma said. "The Marshal sent me," Aurora said. "Well, if the Marshal sent you , that means he's looking to recruit you. Just so you know what you're getting into, I'll explain who we are and what we do. The Freestar Rangers ensure the safety and security of the Freestar Collective and its people. We might hunt down a fugitive, break up a smuggling operation, investigate a starship theft or put some would-be bank robbers behind bars. Whatever needs doing to keep the people safe, we do." "Don't most places have their own security force?" Sure, but we Rangers work across the whole of Freestar Collective space," Emma said. "I think that's admirable." "Like most things that are worth doing, it ain't alays easy. But do I think we make the Freestar Collective safer for everyone? Yeah, I do. I imagine you got some questions. I'll answer anything I can." "Are there a lot of Rangers?" Aurora said. "The number's always changing due to retirements, recruitment and unfortunately death in the line of duty. But as far as I know, there's never been more than a dozen Rangers at any one time." "What authority do the Freestar Rangers have?" "Well, in theory a Freestar Ranger can go anywhere in Freestar Collective space, even private property. But of course, it doesn't always work out that way. We also have jurisdiction over local security when we're tracking a fugitive," Emma said. "Is it paying work?" "I'll say right up front that if you're looking to get rich, this ain't the line of work for you. But yes, we do get paid from time to time, to help with expenses and such." "I know what I need to. Let's continue," Aurora said. "Okay, then. A word about myself. I'm in charge of making sure anyone who wants to be a Freestar Ranger is up to the task. That being said, the Marshal wouldn't send you here if he didn't think you had potential. So what's it going to be? Are you ready to sign up with the Freestar Rangers?" "How do I apply? Do I fill out a form or something?" "I prefer a more practical kind of evaluation. I'll give you the details if you want to join up." "I want to join the Freetar Rangers," Aurora said. "Just when do you plan to sleep between this and everything else?" Barret said. "Bedore I hand you a badge, I need to know you can handle the job. You helped with the hostage situation, but sometimes people just get lucky. Trll you what. Use the mission terminal and take one of the listed jobs, your choice. Come back alive, and we'll talk about you joining up," Emma said. "Okay, I'll do one of your missions." "Then I suggest you get going."

"I just wanted to say thanks for the daring rescue back there. I had plans for Matsura, of course, but I appreciate the backup," Barret said. "You're welcome. Glad to help out a fellow Constellation member," Aurora said. "It's good to be part of a team, isn't it? To be part of something so much bigger than any one of us. So many things can go wrong out there... working with people you can trust is important. And that's why I've been in Constellation so long... it's good to have people who will help out when you're in a jam." "Exactly how often do you get into jams, Barret?" "Exactly as often as I need to. Jams are just sticky successe, right? At first it seems annoying but it eventually washes off," he said. "I'm glad to be part of a team." "Just wait 'til we get matching shirts and start having official cookie days." "I do like cookies," she said. "They're one of humaninity's greatest achievements: modern medicine, space travel, and cookies. I'm glad you joined Constellation." "You've certainly made my time in Constellation very enjoyable." "Well, I try to be welcoming to everybody who joins -- Oh. Oh, um... exactly how enjoyable? Wait, no! Don't tell me. Not right now anyway... just. Let me keep going. It's hard to imagine just who I'd be had I never joined up. And I never would have met Ervin or lost him, I suppose..." Barret said. "Who's Ervin?" "Ervin Madani was my husband. He was also a brilliant biologist who joined Constellation a couple years before me... He's gone now... I remember his bright smiles when I returned from my trips... more brilliant than any star." "I hope I'm not stirring up bad memorie for you, Barret," Aurora said. "It's not you, Captain. It's just been on my mind... I can't say why. Ervin's been gone for over twenty years. Strange how memories can pop up when you least expect it." "Sorry, Barret. I don't know what to say." "Yeah, don't worry. Logically I know I should be over it, but I'm not. And it's gotten worse lately. I've ignored my feelings about Ervin's death since it happened. It's time for me to confront it. I mean, where else would I get to dodge space pirates and discover new planets? On that note... I think I'd do well to distract myself with a little adventure for a bit," he said. 

"They definitely passed this way. Let's just hope they're not perched up on these canyon walls waiting to snipe at us," Emma said.

"The standoff at the bank ought to keep the Marshal tied up for a while." "Wait, you mean that whole thing was a setup to keep the Rangers distracted?" "If the Rangers get in our way, then they get what they deserve. That's all you need to know. Now quit complaining at get back to your post."

"Damn! That was rougher than I expected. Let's talk," Emma said.

"Are you okay?" Emma said. "Yeah, I'm good. Not my first firefight," Aurora said. "Really? Guess you've led a pretty exciting life, Maybe the less I know about that, the better. Let's search the area. Maybe we can find something that explains what these guys were up to." "What are we looking for, exactly?" "Hopefully we can find something that explains who these guys were and why they were after the Waggoner Farm," Emma said.

"Find anything interesting?" Emma said. "Take a look at this," Aurora said. "Let's see what we have here. Hm, interesting. Whoever pulled that off must have been one hell of a ship-jacker. Speaking of which, let's get back and let Ms. Waggoner know that she's safe for now."

"What happened? Did you find those men?" Mikaela said. "They were in the canyon, like you said. Unfortunately, it came to violence," Aurora said. "Well, it's good to see you're alright, then. They must have been crazy or desperate , trying to take on the Freestar Rangers. So who were they? And why did they want my farm?" "Know anything about a stolen HopeTech starship?" "HopeTech? The cargo company? Sorry, I don't know anything about that," Mikaela said. "We have a lead, but it's still too early to say." "They say the Rangers always get their man, so to speak. I'm sure you'll figure it out. I can't thank you enough. I'd hate to be remembered as the Waggoner who couldn't hold onto the farm that's been in the family for so long." "Just doing our job," Aurora said. "Of course. All the same, I'm grateful," Mikaela said. "If you have any more trouble, give us a call. We're in-system so it won't take long to get someone out here. Alright, Deputy, let's get back to the Rock. We need to report this to the Marshal," Emma said.