"Do they also have noodles, though? I'm starving. Getting shot tends to have that effect, though it might also be the rapid regeneration brought on by healing serums..."
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The bloodied and battle-hardened crew makes good use of Jaxom's maintenance lift access to bypass public transportation as they leave the Downside Kings and the Fusion Queen behind and ascend to level 39.
The crew leave the maintenance lift and follow August's directions to one of the only illuminated buildings in the grey and nondescript industrial-appearing district. The artificial night contrasts with the friendly, warm noble light on the front of the building that announces 'Dieta's Noodle House, Open 24 Hours'.
As you push inside the outer and then inner doors, the flurry of activity defies belief. Small furry humanoids of approximately 3 feet in height of varied muted colours from purple to blue to green scurry about, each of their six arms holding bowls of noodles, credsticks, kitchen utensils, plungers, boxes, pans, buckets, bandages, ladders, and trumpets. The cacohpony of sound is undiluted and constant - you can see why the business has two doors to avoid public disturbance. A somewhat-frazzled human male walks up to you, three menus tucked under his arm.
"Welcome to Dieta's House of Noodles," he says with a tired grin on his face. "How can I help you?"
"A place to set this stuff down would be great, and then two bowls of whatever your most popular dish. I feel like I haven't eaten in ages and it smells fantastic in here."
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The human looks pleasantly befuddled by the multitude of responses.
"I can get you a booth if you'd like ---" As he starts to explain things, a cream-furred, six-armed creature marches up to August and offers him what appears to be a blemshake in a metal canister.
"Caramelblemshake," the creature says, and abruptly walks off, whether August accepts the canister or not.
Almost simultaneously, a violet-furred six-armed creature approaches Diamaante and hands her a slip of paper. "Here'syourbillthankyoufordiningatDieta's!" its says, and wanders off similarly-abruptly.
"I'm sorry about that," the human says to you, gathering the bill from Diamaante, and offering to gather the blemshake from August. "Why don't I take you to your booth and explain on the way?" He heads off into the diner, dodging multiple small creatures carrying varied items, some of which would be quite alarming to find in a diner.
"You want healing?" he says over his shoulder at Diamaante. "You want to see, Dieta, then. I'll put you close to the back room where Dieta typically works and he can come out to you. He's a skittermander, just like the rest of these folks, but he's also an Enlightened of Weydan, and I'm learning from him. I'm Rolfus, by the way. Here we are."
As he finishes his small speech, he leads you to an empty booth. As if on cue, a blue-furred skittermander streaks by and drops off an extra chair.
"Hey, thanks!" Rolfus calls after the quick-moving creature. He grins at the flummoxed group. "Most of them don't stop very long, and they often get orders wrong, but you'd be surprised how often they innately get things right! Enjoy your meals, and I'll get Dieta's attention for you straight away." He gestures at the booth. "Order whatever you need via the console there. Cheers!"
As he walks away, a veritable parade of skittermanders come by, each carrying a random collection of forks, knives, spoons, bowls, glasses, plates, bibs, napkins, and placemats. Strangely enough, once the bombardment ends, you each have a full dining set in front of you, and August has a highball glass alongside his other drinking vessel.
Telion watched in amazement at the barrage of waitstaff, then quickly set to ordering a few selections from the console. Remembering his manners, he offered it up to the rest of the crew.
"What type of place is this? Stitches and 'Wiches? Wait... noodles... hmm..."
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August will pour some of the whiskey into the highball and tenatively take a sip of the caramelblemshake.
It's probably not poisoned - I need tp get a chem analyzer soon.
August sips his whiskey as he thinks about what they need to do.
So we need to split up the loot and give Jaxom time to splice into the datapads. But first - August pulls out his new commlink and pulls out the battery and SIM card from the back.
Everybody should probably ditch their commlinks.
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-5 DC to identify rare creature
Throughout their meal, Jaxom relays, in boring and excruciating detail, everything he knows about Skittermanders and Weydan.
Jaxom will try and “relax” for 10 minutes before he tries hacking the computers.
Afterwhich, and while enjoying whatever is recommended for a meal, Jaxom will endeavor to “take 20” and crack these datapads.
Also, if he feels August’s concerns about the commlinks is warranted, then he will join in ditching, or destroying, his.
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Diamaante listens to Jaxom's lecture about skittermanders. When he finishes, she smiles. "You forgot to mention something--they're adorable!" The lashunta is looking forward to speaking to Dieta--his faith in Weydan seems pretty close to her own ambitions to see more of the galaxy.
She nods politely to August as he suggests throwing away their commlinks, even though she has no intention of doing so. She takes time to rest and relax to recover her stamina.
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The crew members each are served a delicious meal by multiple pleasant but slightly manic skittermander in a sequential and random fashion, the dishes coming out one at a time. Though they might not be exactly what had been ordered, each smells delectable, and most have noodles in them. Eventually, the four pieces of fish ordered by August are retrieved off of the roast vogun grinder ordered by Diamaante and all break their fast, washing down their meals with spontaneous blemshakes (without noodles) that no one ordered. The only problem is the constant stream of servers offering coffee or cream to Jaxom, making his computer work a bit more protracted.
"*ahem*" a green-furred skittermander wearing an apron says by way of greeting from the foot of the booth near Diamaante. "Ihearyou're lookingfor healingIamDieta Blessed ofWeydantheconduitof theEndlessHorizonIam pleasedtomeetallofyouand welcometotherestaurantif youarefinishedwithyour mealswouldyoukindly followmetothesanctuarywhere wemightdiscernwhatinjuries youhavesufferedandhow wecanhelpyou best?" His broken skittermander patter indicates his familiarity with non-skittermander speech patterns: an attempt to slow down the rapid-fire words you've heard and missed from many of your servers.
Dieta points the way to a door in the back of the facility next to the swinging and regularly opening-and-closing kitchen door. He opens the door and walks in. You follow, expecting a small temple or shrine. Once inside, he closes the door and flicks on overhead luminescent panels revealing yourselves to be in a cool storage room - no religious trappings in sight save for the talisman (IMAGE) flipped over his apron.
"Who'sfirst?" he says, moving boxes of foodstuffs marked 'RAMEN' off a long table and onto the ground.
"I can wait my turn, no big rush."
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The skittermander priest has Diamaante lay down on the long table. From one of the tall shelf units lining the walls, he takes down a micro-fabric pack, unfolds it, and begins examining the lashunta damaya. He spends a good deal of time examining the laser blast marks on her abdomen.
"You shouldwatchout forlasersIt wouldseemthat somehavecome intocontactwithyour body," Dieta says with a knowing wink, motioning her to come off the table.
Dieta continues to service each of the willing crew in the same way, working methodically and swiftly.
Once completed, Dieta holds out of his the higher pair of his six arms and motions the crew to gather in a small circle, arms or hands linked. He then begins to chant in full Skittermander patter.
"OhWeydanEndlessHorizonyouexpoundthevirtuesofvoyagingwithanendgoalinmindeve nifthegoalssimplydiscoveryExploringtheunknownisasacredprocessthatrevealsasm uchabouttheexplorerasaboutthestarsystemorworldbeingexploredTheuniverseconta insawealthofwondersjustwaitingtobediscovered pleaseWeydantakesjoyineverydiscoveryyourfollowersmakenomatterhowsmallorhows ignificant
andprovideforsustenaceforthesemortalsoulssothattheymaycontinuetostrivetodoy ourwork. Thanks."
A dull pink glow begins to colour the lighting in the room as Dieta rises through his chanting. As he finishes and unclasps paws with your crew, the light swiftly fades away.
"Nowifyou'llexcuseme I'vegottoget backtothe kitchenpleasecome backanytime." The skittermander opens the door to the cool storage room and ushers you all back out into the diner before scurrying off with a wink.
Once returned to your table, you see most of the dishes cleared away, though as you stand there, you see three further skittermanders scurry over and clear one further item each. A slip of paper stamped 'BILL' in red ink rests at the centre of the booth.
You find Rolfus waiting for you at the front door to the diner. "Was everything satisfactory?"
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Diamaante is amused by the skittermander's check up and subsequent sermon. It is strange but effective, the healing energies making her feel good as new. She thanks the Weydanite and follows the others out of the noodle shop.
Once the bill has been settled, she speaks to the others telepathically. "We should report back to Chiskisik."
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"Oh, very good!" Rolfus replies to August. "Sadly, I don't believe any shops apart from ours are open this time of the cycle on Level 39; I might suggest a visit Topside. Now, who's covering the bill?"
On most of the levels of the Spike, 24-hour businesses don't see enough traffic (and incur enough criminal activity) to make them a liability. As such, Jaxom knows that the best place to find a new commlink for August would be up in the Ring. By no mere coincidence, Jaxom thinks that the 38 level-trip up to the Topside via the maintenance lift would be enough time and headspace to sufficiently hack the two datapads.
Piling into Jaxom's snug but secure and private maintenance lift, the group settles in for a snooze on their uninterrupted ride up. The combination of noodles and healing, along with the monotonous noise of the 20 minute maintenance lift ride, proves to be too much for the three members of the party who partook of such a combination.
Of the three, only Telion remains awake and alert alongside August and Idar when the carriage finally rumbles to a halt in the Ring District. The crew find Diamaante asleep and curled up in a ball on one of the bulkhead seats, and Jaxom passed out, his forehead touching the screen of Ferani Nadaz' datapad, gently snoring.
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The streets of the Ring, despite the hour, still buzz with activity as the crew step topside. Obvious outworlders insistent upon a night of fun stroll alongside flight team members hurrying to and from missions, reminding you that though the cycle might grow quiet for most people on Absalom Station at nightfall, it is an artificial and arbitrary distinction.
August locates a convenience kiosk and purchases a replacement commlink while the others mill about, pondering their next move.
The newsfeed vidscreens around the 24-hour kiosk visited by August are full of rehashed news regarding the 'Drift Rock' and the ownership squabble between Astral Extractions and the Hardscrabble Collective. Plenty of outlandish theories are posited about what this all means, ranging from Armageddon and the coming of the Devourer to a high-profile staged publicity stunt advertising for Earl Grey's upcoming blockbuster 'Drift' opus. The only new bit of news is the development that an as-of-yet to be identified third party has been hired to arbitrate between the two groups.
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Jaxom's suggestion is actively or passively agreed upon by the entire crew, and you collectively stumble back to the Moon of Sleep.
"Hey there, Starfinder-Elects!" a cheery Landry waves to you as he sees you enter. "Y'all look like you're in the right place." He cocks his head at Telion and the entertainment equipment in the solarian's arms. "I hope the show went well?"
You all find yourselves up to level 42 where most of you activate your door and collapse into bed.
You all awake, rested and refreshed, halfway into the next day (Fifthday).
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Soooo, now I got my mail.
Ummm, First, great stuff here. Second, I’m reluctant to just cut and paste that info right into the gameplay thread.
It’s clear these guys killed Kreel. That stuff I’ll share. As well as evidence of slaving and stuff.
@GM - is that stuff about the trysts pertinent to the story, or just fluff to the story?
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**************INBOX F NADAZ ID #19335************
(read) Sender: bdooc Subj: You up? ;)
(unread) Sender: CDillon Comestibles, Inc. Subj: Overdue account balance
(read) Sender: *******& Subj: Your job, Part 2
(read) Sender: Chunder Subj: Shipment #A67
(read) Sender: Cherry Ripe Subj: Financial statement for Daikon House
(read) Sender: WashUp Financial Subj: Recent Deposit #AE77760080
(read) Sender: *******& Subj: Your job
(unread) Sender: Bookings and Bots Subj: Lamashan Special!
*************************************************
Accessing the emails from Sender '*******&', Jaxom reads (in reverse chronological order)
{Subj: Your Job, Part 2}
**************Message Begin*********************
Nadaz - I have been instructed by my superiors to stress the extreme nature of their displeasure with the Starfinder Society's persistent enquiries into the Acreon and the Drift Rock. We remind you that the substantial and generous payment made to your WashUp Financial account on 25 Arodus should have told you how quickly and expeditiously we would have wanted your job completed, but it seems that I will need to inform you bluntly. I now have. Do your job.
**************Message Termination***************
{Subj: Your Job}
**************Message Begin*********************
Nadaz - The cleaning that we have ordered involving D Kreel has been officially given clearance for utmost priority. I trust that the preparations we discussed upon meeting on 24 Arodus have been rendered, and your team will be prepared for mobilisation at this email. This is necessary in order to send a clear message to the Hardscrabble of our lack of a need for arbitration in the matters surrounding the Drift Rock property rights. A payment labeled '#AE77760080' has been released to your nominated financial account. Further communication will only be as necessary.
**************Message Termination***************
Cross-checking the letter from the WashUp Financial institution indicates that a payment of 15000 credits was posted on 25 Arodus. The other emails reveal evidence of sentient being sales/slavery, extortion, and larceny carried out under the orders of the Downside Kings. The most recent email from 'bdooc' yields a curious missive.
{Subj: You up? ;)}
**************Message Begin*********************
F - I wanna drive my android train into your gaping wide tunnel. You always said Twills twerk your t@&#. Let's do this. Tonite, I'll cum to you and then I'll cum in you. Tell your goons to clear out.
-A
**************Message Termination***************
**************INBOX A CHINGLEMEYER-BADOOCQUE, ESQ ID #41129************
(read) Sender: TWILL Subj: Preliminary report
(read) Sender: Nadaz Subj: Gagging
(read) Sender: TWILL Subj: Mission selected
(read) Sender: *******& Subj: Your job
*************************************************
Jaxom reads the well-tended inbox with interest, in order:
{Subj: Preliminary report}
**************Message Begin*********************
We await your preliminary report once the target has been acquired.
**************Message Termination***************
{Subj: Gagging}
**************Message Begin*********************
Anton- You will get inside me the next time we see each other or I will break a piece off of you and fit it inside me while you watch, you geared git. -F
**************Message Termination***************
{Subj: Mission selected}
**************Message Begin*********************
Agent C-B, your most-succinct presentation was received by the Council and deemed to be feasible and within our code of ethics. You have already laid the groundwork for infiltration into the Downside Kings organisation through the curious avenues of sexual persuasion, and the Council remains interested in your strategies in bringing Ms Nadaz to our interested 3rd party unharmed and helpless. Their backup strategy is none of our concern, however, and we would strongly urge that you do not engage with them in this endeavour, or your support will be terminated. As is, proceed with your machinations with Twill confirmation code AA9Q. You may recruit a further agent to your side for this scheme. Good luck.
**************Message Termination***************
{Subj: Your job}
**************Message Begin*********************
You have been selected as a nonlethal means to acquire Ferani Nadaz of the Downside Kings for our ultimate purpose. Should you fail to acquire Nadaz, we will enact Article C247 as a means of acquiring her in a non-nonlethal way. You have met the subject of Article C247, and while you remain on the side of co-worker, any disobedience on your part will be seen as interference with Article C247 and by transitive properties, AE, Inc. This will be responded to with terminal force. Payment will be submitted to Twill Enterprises upon completion of your job.
**************Message Termination***************
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August grimaces at the "You up?" message.
"Ugh, that is...disgusting."
Reading through the spectacles he notes the "Article C247".
"I wonder..."
He looks up from the note at his fellow Starfinder recruits.
"Well, it seems pretty obvious from these messages that the Downside Kings assassinated Kreel on the orders of Astral Extractions. It also looks like the Twills weren't a random attack although if they were supposed to bring Nadaz back to their paymaster in AE they chose a damned odd way to go about it when they started shooting."
He checks the time and their pile of loot.
"We have plenty of time to sell and divide the spoils we've collected and get sufficient credits before we report into the Society but we do need to check in."
August turns to Diamaante and gives a slightly mocking bow.
"As our most famous and best-looking compatriot would you care to do the honors? I'd be delighted to hear the star of Secrets of the Dark reenact a scene reporting to her superiors - although the double entendres might not work on a Shirren."
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Diamaante is particularly interested in Earl Gray's new movie. Maybe one day, she will be just as famous as him!
After a good night's rest, she meets thee others as Jaxom reveals the results of his hacking. She rolls her eyes when August mentions her previous role. "I don't think the scene translates well. I would have to add a line about 'breeding arms' and then the whole metaphor just falls apart." She shrugs. "But yeah, I will check in while you boys deal with the details."
She calls Chiskisik on her comm and fills him in on everything that went down last night, including the new information Jaxom has provided.
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When Idar reappears in the morning, he has adjusted the strapping on his new laser to that it is slung behind his back, barrel down, partially covered by his poncho. His mask has a few stains from the previous night's noodles.
"Am pleased we solve death of Dwarf Kreel. Shame death required to learn."
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The crew marvels at their pile of loot stacked up in Jaxom's room prior to heading down to the breakfast room to discuss their thoughts and dreams. Minnie, the soldier-turned-restauranteur, greets them warmly.
"Hey hey! It's my Starfinders-to-be!" the gregarious vesk holds her arms wide, a floured apron straining to remain on her frame. She points at August. "Gunpowder tea again, or will it be coffee this time around?" She takes the crew's drink orders efficiently and bustles about the well-attended room.
"Waffles?" she says with mock disdain at Idar's request upon her return. She smiles widely. "Of course, honey! This wouldn't be a breakfast spot without Mama Minnie's homemade waffles! Now you just drum up your appetite and I'll see what I can do about it. Nice rifle, by the way." She winks at the kasatha as she heads back into the kitchen.
Diamaante attempts to ring Chiskisk on her comm-link, but her phone call gets re-directed to Loretta-3 after the shirren fails to pick up.
"You've reached main reception at the Lorespire Complex. May I assist you?" You remember Loretta-3's clipped and precise vocal inflections.
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"Greeting to you, Diamaante. Finder Chiskisk currently is in a meeting. He has specifically requested the presence of you and your colleagues at his office here at the Lorespire Complex as soon as possible. He will be out of his current meeting in the next 30 minutes. May I make an appointment for your team with Finder Chiskisk at 12 noon?"