While on a tour of the frozen, underground research lab I stumbled upon, I came across this scientist. It explained to me it was a botanist and deeply interested with the diodia plants which grew on the surface. Its primary point of research was to create a disease and pest resistant version of the vegetable and sneak it into glitch villages to help them.
But, it went on, its secondary 'research' was the perfect bottle of Pozest. Apparently, its colleagues didn't mind it taking time away from its 'real' research, as they benefited from receipt of those bottles deemed not perfect.
Built for the 2022 winter prompt "Diodia".
Mods used: Foodie's Furniture, WW Furnishing, Galactic Dungeons, nuggubs' Mega Mod - Vanilla+, NpcSpawner+
I'm sure you can imagine my surprise when, while peacefully fishing in these icy, arctic waters, my poor little green boat was jostled by the bow-wave of this monster.
The researchers apologised as they welcomed me on board with a steaming cup of coffee - they hadn't been expecting to see anyone for days, let alone a small lonely boat like mine.
As they (a mix of humans and floran) gave me a tour, they explained they were on a special expedition from a wooded planet in the same system. They were collecting a whole range of samples to take back home for analysis - water, mineral, botanical. I asked if they had any special reason, but they told me, no, they were just curious.
They were delighted when I shared samples of the fish I'd caught and, as we said farewell, they promised to send me a copy of the full report of their analysis.
I look forward to hearing from them again and being able to add their report to the growing library in the Galactic Protectorate.
Built for the 2022 Summer prompt "Wavebird" & 2023 November monthly prompt "A Voyage".
Mods used: Immersive Props, Prop Pack, More Outpost Objects, Elithian Races, nuggubs' Mega Mod, Maple32, WW Furnishing, Letheia Expanded
Universe: Starbound Beta
CW: None
Also available on AO3
Notes: Written for the 2022 Autumn Prompt: Falling leaves. I wanted to give a canon reason for why Caseswing always used a sword and never a gun, despite being a novakid.
"Enquiring. Caseswing, could you come here?"
Caseswing looked down from the hayloft, to where afternoon sunlight backlit Shaftsight as he stood in the gap between the barn doors. He raised a metal hand, the joints grinding, as he gestured for her to join him.
"Assuring. Be right there, Pops!" The pitchfork was dug into the hay pile she was hoying down for the animals below, sending a billow of grass-sweet dust into the air. The beams of the barn lit up with a dusty rose as Caseswing made her way down towards the door.
"Hesitant. Is something wrong?"
"Earnest. No, no. You are a good girl and a diligent daughter. But your mother and I worry… Hesitant. It is a dangerous universe, and we feel you should receive some defence instruction," Shaftsight said, yellow LEDs flickering.
"Confused. I am safe here though." Pink light quivered across the barn doors as Caseswing dry-washed her hands. "Why would I leave?"
Shaftsight sighed. "Come into the house. Enticing. Your Mother made apple pie."
Inside the rustic cottage, the kitchen was filled with fragrant steam.
"Concerned. Mama, what's going on?"
Cliptrim halted as she bustled around a tray bedecked for entertaining to place a kindly hand on her daughter's face. "Reassuring. Nothing bad is happening. We have a guest." She waved at the tray as she began to untie her apron. "Be a dear child, and carry this through to the front room."
Caseswing sighed, dipping her head. "Yes, Mama."
Once again, Shaftsight led the way, Caseswing following him to the smartly furnished receiving room. He held the door for her, but Caseswing nearly dropped the tray when she saw their guest.
Instead of another glitch, as she'd been expecting, there stood a strange creature.
At their entrance, the creature turned from gazing out the wide front window. They stood on two legs, webbed feet in sandals. Their skin was slick and rubbery, hands and arms a green so dark it bordered on black, with a face and chest of blinding sunflower-yellow. They had a wide, lipless mouth below three glittering red eyes and a crown of fine, feather-like appendages of dark green. Over their body was draped a robe of fine white cloth, and a slim sword sat on their hip.
Behind Caseswing, Cliptrim gave a polite cough.
A bright pink glow lit up the room as Casewing blushed, shuffling in to place the tray down, and retreated with her head bowed.
"Apologies, Master Kyo," Cliptrim said as she busied herself with the tray. "Our daughter has never met a hylotl before. Would you like some carrot juice?"
"My thanks, good mistress." The hylotl's voice was deep and rolling. "Is that pie, I smell? I should be honoured to sample your baking, if I may?"
"Flattered. Of course, of course! You must be hungry from your travels. Caseswing, be a dear–?"
"Yes, Mama." Caseswing took the cup from her mother, her hands painting the cup a soft pink, and handed it to the hylotl. "Shy. Here you are, sir."
The hylotl took the cup with a bow of his head. "Thank you… Caseswing, was it? That is an unusual name for–"
Whatever he said was drowned out by Shaftsight clearing his throat.
"Master Kyo," Shaftsight said, once everyone was settled again, "this is our daughter, the Princess Caseswing. Caseswing, this is Serene Kyo, Master of Cartography. He's a Starbounder, someone who travels between planets. He's stopping with us for a while to explore the area. In exchange, he has offered to teach you basic defence."
Casewing bobbed in her seat. "Genuine. Nice t'meet you, sir."
In return, Kyo stood, drawing the thin blade from his hip. Closing his two lower eyes, he held the weapon in both hands, point down, and lowered his head. "The pleasure, my princess, is all mine."
Caseswing's head swung wildly to her parents. "Alarmed! Why is he–?"
Cliptrim patted her daughter's hand in reassurance.
Shaftsight fiddled with a bolt on his chin. "Pensive. We may have some cultural differences to iron out…"
Kyo straightened, nictitating, then replaced his weapon "Perhaps we do." Sitting, he turned his attention back to Caseswing. "Your training, my princess: two hours each day, after the noonday meal has been taken, under the Oldwood tree. Does this suit?"
Mute, Caseswing nodded.
"Pleased," said Shaftsight. "This is an agreeable arrangement."
–
The next day, after Caseswing had helped her mother clear the dishes, Kyo stood, his hand held out in a leading gesture.
"My princess, it is time to begin your training."
Caseswing tipped her head towards her mother.
"Encouraging. Go along, dear. I can finish up," Cliptrim said.
Caseswing followed Kyo to the Oldwood tree on the outskirts of their settlement. Above them, clouds scudded across the mint sky, a stiff breeze ruffling their clothes and Kyo's head fronds. They came to a stop beside the Oldwood tree, the cerise leaves tossing in the wind like an agitated fluffalo.
Kyo knelt, sitting back on his heels, and invited Caseswing to join him. Once she was settled with her legs crossed, he spoke.
"I know you are wondering, my princess, why your parents have chosen this training for you."
"Cautious. Pops said he's worried about my safety. But I'll admit – I don't understand why."
"When you look out at night, my princess, do you feel anything towards the stars in the sky?"
The bark of the oldwood tree blushed with pink light. Caseswing hugged herself and drew back. "No."
Kyo took a deep breath and folded his hands on his lap. "Know this, my princess, anything you say to me during these sessions will be held in strict confidence. I would rather we be open and honest with each other than keep secrets. I cannot train you if I cannot trust you to communicate with me. So please – do you feel anything towards the horizon of your village, or to the stars above?"
Caseswing turned her face away. "I dunno. Sometimes, when I look at the mountains, I wonder what's beyond them. And I think that someday I might like to see. But it's just a fancy. Nothin' serious." Caseswing dry-washed her hands. "But the sky… that's something' different. When I look at the stars, I get this… feeling. Like a… tugging? Like I wanna jump from the highest point and fly towards them."
Kyo nodded. "And this is why your parents are afraid for you."
Caseswing glanced back, tone confused. "Elaborate?"
"This feeling is called many things," Kyo said, his eyes closed and face serene. "Wanderlust. Itchy feet. Starbounding. It amounts to the same thing – the desire to roam, wild and free, and explore new places.
"Your parents know that eventually you will want to leave and explore the universe. It is beautiful, full of unique and wondrous sights. But it is also a wild and dangerous place. They wish you to be the best prepared you can be for this journey, and it is my honour to teach you."
"Oh."
Kyo cocked an eyebrow ridge, lips twitching. "You do not have an emotion to declare about this, my princess?"
"Uncertain. I… I feel many things."
Kyo took a long, slow breath. "Then we shall meditate on them. Once your mind is calmer I shall instruct you in the basic forms. Is this agreeable, my princess?"
"I guess."
"Then we shall begin. Take a deep breath…"
–
For nine months, Kyo trained Caseswing, teaching her the way of the sword. Gradually, as her martial training progressed, Kyo allowed her to join him on longer and longer cartography excursions, teaching her the ways of making camp, field medicine, foraging for food and how to move in the wilderness.
One crisp morning, they sat meditating under the oldwood tree, when Kyo held out a hand. A cerise leaf drifted down to settle in his palm.
Sighing, he said, "By its own design, the falling leaf impels, a time of change."
Caseswing canted her head. "What does that mean?"
"It means, my princess, that my commission on this planet is coming to an end. It will soon be time for me to leave."
"Oh. I thought you might… I don't know… overwinter with us. Or something."
Kyo gave a gentle smile. "Alas not, my princess. I'll return to my home to be with my family for a time before moving on to the next survey commision."
"Oh."
"No emote, my princess?"
"I do not know how I feel. I suppose I am sad, but it is tempered by respect and understanding."
Kyo inclined his head. "Then I have taught you well, my princess. And know this too," he took Caseswing's hand, "I will still be with you wherever your travels take you. Though our paths may never cross again, I shall be there in the swing of your sword and the pare of your knife."
Caseswing's shoulders rose and she turned her head away.
"Fear not, my princess. I do not leave you behind either. You will be with me in the preparation of my coffee, the memories I hold of this place." Kyo gently brought Caseswing's gaze back to him. "We are made of all the people who have passed through our lives, all their lessons and idiosyncrasies. Do you understand, my princess?"
Caseswing nodded. "Yes. I think I do."
"Good. Then there is nothing more I can teach you."
Caseswing stood and bowed. "Thank you for all the wisdom you have imparted to me, Preceptor."
Kyo rose as well, bowing back. "You are most welcome. I wish you luck in your future travels, Starbounder."
CW: Pheromone use
Notes: Written for Written for the 2022 Starbound Spring Prompt 'Greenfinger'. Inspired by this Tumblr post.
Also available on AO3
Above the tossing teal sea of treetops, the soft pearl sky was fading into powdery mauve. In the surrounding treehouses, floran younglings scampered about, dark darting figures that left flickering torches in their wake.
Greenfinger Mawu and I paused by the railing at the highest point of the tree-top village, watching these warm constellations wink on around the huts, matching the colder ones above.
"Thank you, Greenfinger," I said, respectfully bowing my head. "This tour has been very educational."
The Greenfinger beamed. "It has been our pleasure. We are interested in this new unity you are building. It seems foolish for us to withhold knowledge of our culture that you will need in the seasons ahead."
"Again, you have my deepest thanks. Your willingness to share is appreciated. When things have progressed, I'll send an envoy to you."
"We look forward to receiving them."
I cast a glance over the darkening forest. "Your nightly meal will start soon. I should let you get back to your people."
Greenfinger Mawu murmured to themself, and I felt their pointed gaze upon me. "You will return to your ship for the night?"
"I had plans to explore further." I gestured with a webbed hand towards the distant mountains. "I'll make camp so I can continue–"
Greenfinger Mawu made a noise of disgust, their sibilants pointed. "This one thinks not!"
I nictitated in surprise at the outburst.
"You, who seek to unite all races…" the Greenfinger continued, making a disapproving noise in their throat. "We will not dishonour our community by allowing you to sleep hungry in the dark. Not when there is light and plenty of meat here. We offer you a place at our fire tonight."
I found myself nictitating rapidly. "I do not wish to impose…"
"Bah!" The Greenfinger waved away my protestations. "Is no imposition. Come! There will be much meat and greensap." Greenfinger Mawu cupped my elbow, leading me back into the grand central hut.
The feasting hall was warm as we entered, the air heavy with smoke and charnel. Green bamboo walls rose into the darkness, shadow and firelight chasing across them, making the skulls of hung trophies seem to shiver and come alive.
There were some murmurings as Greenfinger Mawu brought me to the seat of honour at their side, but a sharp noise from them quelled the dissent. Any floran harbouring resentment would have, I'm sure, been distracted by the trays of food which were then passed around.
Soon my fingers were dripping with the juice of succulent meats and sticky, delicately spiced fruits. The heady ethers of fermented tree sap tickled my nostrils as a server poured me a drink, and on sipping, I found the greensap rich and sweet. Between the Greenfinger and my jovial neighbour pointing out the delicacies available, I ate and drank well, enjoying the rambunctious company.
Once all bellies were sated, Greenfinger Mawu rose and moved to the fire. From a waist pouch, they took a fistful of powder and cast it into the flames. Sparks rose into the cavernous roof, the fire shimmering with blue.
The company immediately quieted, and the Greenfinger turned slowly to address them. "Listen close, my kin, as I tell you of a time before times. A time when we were still a young race, foolish and filled with a lust for conquest…"
I settled back as the Greenfinger began, letting their words wash over me as they paced around the fire.
The story was in full flow when I found myself jerking upright, all senses on high alert, a coil of panicked dread in my stomach. There was a grumble from the honoured warrior who'd been lolling against me. My eyes darted to each darkened corner, seeking out the threat that had my instincts screaming to run.
But all was quiet; the floran lounged around the fire, rapt attention on Greenfinger Mawu. No disturbance came from without. I nictitated, confused, and flared my gills to be rid of my discomfort.
The warrior beside me touched my shoulder – a concerned gesture – but I found myself flinching away, breathing sharply through my nostrils. It wasn't until the Greenfinger, noticing my discomfort, took a step toward me, the air thickening with a nutty scent, that I understood. I raised a hand to show them all was well, and they stepped back, continuing their oration.
"Is strongfish good?" the warrior whispered, their elongated sibilants feeling extra sinister in my distress.
"I just need some air," I whispered back and fled into the cool night.
Outside the hall, I drank in the breeze. The air was fresh and clean, like floating in an island stream. I sucked in lungfuls, trying to rid myself of the cause of my distress.
I'd been such a fool. I should have been paying more attention… I leant against the railing, a hand over my face, listening to the fauna warbling in the trees.
My radio chirped.
"Captain Mio," SAIL said, "I am detecting an increase in your adrenaline and cortisol levels. While your heart rate and respiration levels are not as distinctly peaked, I am still concerned. You do not seem to have moved an adequate distance from the stressor. Please return to the ship for further medical scans."
"I'm fine, SAIL."
"With respect, you are not."
"Ocean Tides, you mother hen. Give me a moment, and I will be." I pulled the sticks out of my bun, allowing the thin, filament-like tendrils to cascade down my back, and massaged my scalp. "I made a miscalculation, that's all."
The radio was quiet but not silent – SAIL had not dropped the call. The night was calming, the susurration of the trees like waves against the shore.
"Elaborate." SAIL asked, after my vitals evened out.
"Greenfinger Mawu was telling a story. A history, to be precise, describing the long-ago aggressions between Floran and Hylotl. I should have paid more attention to the subject matter. I should have been paying attention to the subtle use of pheromones–"
"Are you in danger? I will beam you aboard–"
I jerked upright. "No! No, SAIL. I am not in danger." I ran a hand along my tendrils. "It seems that, even though the skirmishes between our people are long past, one's ability to sense floran pheromones – particularly those coded for danger to one of my kind – has lingered in one's blood.
"And your miscalculation was, what, exactly?"
"I was drowsy with drink and warmth, and I ignored the topic at hand. I should have expected the pheromones the Greenfinger would use and prepared myself accordingly."
"Is it not an odd tale to tell, given your presence?" SAIL asked.
In the distance, the clatter of gunfire drove away a group of dark, winged beasts.
"Not exactly," I said. "Yes, it's been centuries, but grudges still run deep for some. Apate Prime II, for instance. Even though underwater cities have been thriving there for many years, the memorial to the lost is still regularly visited by descendants of the overwater villages, and the memory is still bitterly held."
"I still do not understand."
I gathered my tendrils and began to bundle them back into a knot. "Greenfinger Mawu is keen on sending pupils to the reinvigorated Protectorate. Today I have met several floran who expressed interest in being sent. Indeed, many were excited by the prospect. The Greenfinger's story is to remind them of those lingering tensions. I believe they do not mean to discourage their people, only gently warn that they may not be universally accepted." I glanced back at the feasting hall. "Clearly, I have missed the end, but I hope the Greenfinger has imparted their wisdom and grace to those prospective Protectors on how they might handle such situations."
All was quiet from within the hall, but as I stood watching the sleeping village, thought chasing after thought, I felt a sense of dread stir in my gut.
"SAIL?"
"Yes, Captain?"
"Am I doing the right thing?"
"Please clarify the context of your question."
"With the New Galactic Protectorate. Should I have just let it die with Earth? Am I doing the right thing by trying to bring it back?"
"I cannot say, Captain. I can give my projections for your success: running costs, performance breakdowns, decision tree mapping. But I am not programmed to discuss the wider ethical impacts of your choice. You must, as the colloquialism goes, follow your gut."
My hands tightened on the railing. "That's the problem, SAIL. My gut is telling me this is the stupidest thing I've done since that time Whip convinced me to go base-jumping off the Academy's main hall."
"On reviewing your transcripts, I would contest the placement of that incident as being your primary occurrence of stupidity."
I jerked against the railing. "SAIL!" Even as scandalised as I was by the AI's comment, there was no denying the chuckle that slipped out. "I should have your databanks scrubbed for that."
"Forgive us for interrupting, Protector," said a voice from behind me. I startled, turning to see Greenfinger Mawu standing with a strapping young floran a full head taller than both the Greenfinger and I. I squinted, sure I had met them earlier in the day.
"We came to enquire," Greenfinger Mawu said, "if you are well?"
I straightened, misgivings behind me, once more the picture of decorum. "Thank you for your concern, Greenfinger. Yes, I am fine now. I apologise if I caused a scene."
Greenfinger Mawu held up a hand, palm out. "Peace, Protector. There was no problem. We are only sorry we caused you distress. We regret we did not warn you of our intentions with the lesson."
I gave a half shrug, "The trees and the kelp continue to sway."
Greenfinger Mawu gave a sage nod. "Indeed."
They glanced up at their towering companion, and nudged them forward with a shoulder. "We believe this one has something they wish to say."
The tall floran took a hesitant step forward. "This one is called Bahati. Bahati also came to check on Strongfish. Was worried about swift departure." Bahati hunched in on themselves, playing with the vines that snaked down their back and over their shoulder. "Bahati didn't mean to listen to private conversation… But Bahati overheard Strongfish express doubts about task…"
I felt my blood go cold. "You heard that?"
"Bahati apologies. But…" Bahati clenched their fists, then relaxed and stood straighter. "This one believes that Strongfish– Protector Mio should not be worried. This one wants to help people – all people. Fish, bird, metal.
"And Bahati thinks that if this one Floran wants to help, then others will want to help. And Bahati thinks– no, Bahati knows that universe is one big nation where the brave must protect the small.
"So Bahati knows that what Protector Mio is doing with Galactic Protectorate is right and true and so Protector Mio should not doubt."
I couldn't help but gape and nictitate while the wind sighed in the trees.
"Thank you," I croaked out. I stepped forward and took Bahati's hands. "You have no idea how much it means to me that you've said that. Thank you so much."
Bahati gave me a solemn nod, which turned into a cheeky grin. "So, can Bahati be a Protector?"
I couldn't help but laugh. "I will send you an application personally when we're ready to accept cadets."
As Greenfinger Mawu guided us back inside, to the sleeping place they'd prepared for me, I couldn't help but feel moved by the young Floran's words. It was so deeply gratifying to know that my crew and I would no longer be the only line of defence against the terrors of the 'Verse. We'd soon be joined by so many others, just like Bahati; a thought that buoyed me to the stars.
There's nothing quite like hanging out on the beach with your buddies. Getting drunk on strange cocktails, eating your weight in barbequed food. Swimming and playing until all you can do is laze on the sand around the campfire and watch the sun go down.
Lex belongs to @star-fi, Marion belongs to @marionandinteriordesign, Phzi belongs to @awful-roffle. Mio, Caseswing, Oganesson & Yasahama are mine.
Built for the 2022 Summer prompt "Party", and the 2023 Spring & Summer prompts "Flowery clothes" & "Squirt Gun".
Mods used: Immersive Props, Foodie's Furniture, WW Furnishing, City Co. Street Props, NpcSpawner+
Log Entry 2029.2, Kraz Morass IV, logged by Mio, Captain of The Vestige
'Tides, I can hardly type this, my hands are shaking so badly.
Associate Engineer Kata and I were investigating an unusual signal from this planet as part of her field training, when we were caught short by an incoming blizzard. Worse than that, I stumbled in the low visibility, sliding down an ice shelf and landing such that I damaged my Environmental Protection Pack. Night was closing around us, dropping visibility and temperature further, and I was beginning to succumb to the effects of the cold. However, when we tried radioing the ship for a retrieval teleport, we were met with nothing but static.
Thinking quickly, Kata instructed me to wrap myself in a blanket, while she took the Matter Manipulator and built a shelter of ice around us. Being from a Category 3 Cold planet herself, warm-blooded, and with a working EPP, Kata is far more used to the cold than I.
As I sat there and shivered, she moved swiftly to bring out a nanostove and rations. I was somewhat surprised when she produced a billycan, rather than the standard MRE packets of fish pie. She was somewhat sheepish when I pointed this out, admitting she'd asked Sparkfoot to whip up a batch of coralcreep curry. She explained, as she heated it, that it was a traditional dish on her home planet, helping to stave away the planet's chill. Once I started eating, I was glad she had flouted the rules, as it helped restore some of my heat.
We are now huddled together, as close to the nanostove as can be, preparing to sleep to the sound of the wailing winds and pelting snow howling outside our shelter.
Of all my crew, I am very glad to have Kata on this run. Though we have stretched the term 'training' to its extreme, she has performed exemplorarily, and I will be discussing a commendation award with Yuudai.
Built for the 2022, '23, & '24 Winter prompts "Igloo", "Blizzard" & "Coralcreep curry".
While out in the woods, it starts to rain. Through the trees, you see neon flickering. Desperate to get out of the downpour, and with the promise of a cup of coffee, you run towards the light.
The bell jingles, off-key, into the silence. You approach the counter to see the menu board has been scratched through. How strange, you think, they only seem to sell Spooky Pie...
Built for the Autumn '22 prompt, "Spooky pie". Inspired by this diner post, this x-files post, and a story I now ofc can't find.
Mods used: Foodie's Furniture, General Store, WW Furnishing.
