The officer raises an eyebrow quizzically as he leans over to give Ferani an appraising look, to which she responds by flipping a rude gesture with both hands. The half-orc's brow furrows once again as he turns back to Krevlor. "Right-o then," he says, tapping at the keyboard in front of him and enters the details given to him by the group.
After a few minutes of standing in front of the booth, the officer finishes typing and reaches over to tear a freshly printed ticket from a small printer nearby. "Seems like there's an active investigation that's flagged because of the details. Please wait over there," he says, pointing his finger at a set of plastic chairs bolted to the floor near the doorway at the back of the room. "One of the investigating officers will be out to see you soon."
Darshe gives as honest of a testimony as he can muster. Asides from him being a terrible liar, he simply couldn't think of any real reason not to tell the truth. Though he had his doubts at first, as far as he is concerned now, they just did station security's work for them.
"We'd better message Chiskisk as soon as we get out of here," he remarks to the others, leaning back in his chair.
After approximately fifteen minutes of waiting with Ferani, just as her patience and jitteriness is about to get the better of her, Officer Dereforth walks out and looks at the group. Her tired eyes widen at the sight of Ferani sitting sullenly in between Herald and Cree, and she turns and whistles into the processing rooms and waves for people to come forward. A pair of grizzled station security officers come forward and proceed to take the gang leader into custody.
"Appears you've been busy today, hey?" she says, before turning and stepping back to the edge of the doors. "If you'll come with me, we'll get this processed quickly." Dereforth ushers everyone into one of the nearby processing rooms before entering it herself and pressing a switch near the door, taking the collective statement from the group. She punctuates the details with nods and interrupts only to straighten out details but doesn't probe too far. It takes roughly a half hour, but the questions are finally done and she ceases the recording in the room
"Well, while we can't condone vigilantism in the station officially, I know that the Downside Kings are scum, and I'm glad that someone's been able to deal with them. If we have any further questions, we will contact you."
After Officer Dereforth escorts the group out of the security precinct building, she nods in thanks and pushes dark hair out of her face before leaving them to return inside.
"Thank you for your time and assistance in this matter, I believe we should go report our findings at the Lore Spire."
Once they are out of the interview room Krevlor turns to the others "I think by many cultural expectations justice has been gained for Duravor, shall we leave for the Lore Spire or does anyone have any last details to tie up here."
"I think we're good to go," Darshe replies, glancing into security precinct one last time. "We have our copy of the data. That should be proof enough for Chiskisk."
The streets outside of the precinct are busy despite the time of night indicated by the dim overhead lighting. The people of the never-resting station file past in mixtures of small groups as the group makes their way to the nearby ringtrain station.
The station is populated but not crowded as the mag-lev train pulls in and its doors open, and the majority of the group get a chance to find a seat or a hand-hold. The station during its night cycle a different sight to the one experienced during the day, with streetlights, open windows, and holo-signs lighting up the vista below the ringtrain as it weaves along its tracks through the varying districts before reaching Drifter's End.
As the group reach the Lorespire Complex, the dark blue building is lit from above by the giant holographic compass sigil of the Starfinders, casting a pale light down. Many of the lights of the tower and surrounding campus are switched off, but like nearly all of buildings and businesses within the station, there are still several dozen people seen in lit offices and the lobby and people still step in and out of the front doors.
Krevlor relaxes visibly once the Lorespire is in sight, the journey finally coming to an end after a whirlwind series of events since they had set foot on the station. He moves up to the reception desk. "Can you tell us if Chiskisk is still in the building. We have some information to report to her I'm sure she will be eager to hear."
Valorus keeps his portable computer close. He says to his comrades before they left for the Lorespire Complex {"Still though, I would rather do this sooner rather than later."}
The receptionist in the lobby looks up at Krevlor, wide eyes appearing startled at the appearance of the kasatha. "Oh, yes, hi!" she says, sliding her chair towards the keyboard without taking her eyes off of Krevlor. "Uh, let me check."
She bites her lip as she makes a quiet series of clicks, her fingers dancing across the plastic keys. "Yes, they are here still. Let me message them for you." The receptionist types a few more commands into the computer terminal, and after a few minutes she nods and turns back to the group, standing and stepping quickly to the double doors at the back of the room and waving a small keycard in front of the sensor. "Chiskisk is in their office still - please go on through." The doors open up, revealing the administration area that is now mostly empty aside from a few employees either working late or having only just started.
Krevlor will go up with the others to Chiskisk's office and once they signal them to come in will proceed inside. "It is late so I will keep things succinct and you can ask for further information on particular subjects as you deem relevant. We have identified who killed Duravor Kreel and why. The gang known as the Downside Kings was contractor through shell companies by Astral Extractions. We ended up fighting a few members of the gang at one of their businesses they use as a front but the gang leader has confessed and we escorted and handed her over to station security."
Darshe stifles a yawn as they make their way to Chiskisk's office. After all that time spent in the precinct, he was glad for the lack of wait times. He listens patiently as Krevlor gives his breakdown of events.
"That's about the size of it. Ferani's datapad had all of the correspondence proving it. Turned the original in to security, but we made a copy. Figured that you would want to take a look at it."
Chiskisk welcomes the group into the small, neatly-furnished office and sits at their desk, listening eagerly to the report given by the group. They nod at Darshe's addition, antennae flexing. {"Yes, a copy of these notes would help to keep them safe in case something happens to the originals that you gave to station security."}
While the files are being transferred, the shirren steeples their fingers and presses their fingers on their mandibles, leaning back into their chair. {"I would also recommend to you all that you leave any ramifications of Astral Extractions' criminal activities for station security to handle - they have a powerful presence on Absalom Station and throughout the Pact Worlds, and I would not like it if they turned their considerable presence toward you all."}
{"But this danger not withstanding, you have all done a commendable service in seeking justice for Duravor's death,"} they say, their antennae beginning to quiver in a shirren expression of happiness. {"I personally am proud to welcome you all into the ranks of the Starfinder Society - assuming that you are still wishing to join, that is."}
Krevlor inclines his head respectfully. "Thank you, I assure you that the fate you have placed in me will not be regretted. I for one will heed your advice regarding Astral Extractions."
{"I also thank you and am more than happy to continue my work with the Starfinder Society."} Valorus thinks for a second before bringing up something that is bothering him. {"I am worried about them attempting something similar the Starfinder Society that they did to Duravor once they find out what happened."}
{"Excellent!"} they say, trilling happily with their actual voice.
At Valorus' concerns Chiskisk chitters audibly, thinking to their self before leaning forwards. {"They seem to have targeted Duravor because in fact he was alone - I don't think that Astral Extractions will attempt anything so overt against us. But your concerns are not unfounded, and I will recommend to my fellow Venture-Captains that our people make additional precautions for their own safety."}
{"But enough caution for now. I haven't any tasks for you right now so please enjoy some much deserved rest and relaxation. And I would charge you to keep your eyes and ears open for any further news about the Acreon or its mysterious consignment that may be of interest to the Society."}
"Yeah, sounds good. You can count me in," Darshe replies after a moment of thought, nodding resolutely. He still had a bone to pick with Astral Excavations, but Chiskisk was right; tackling a corporation of that size was downright suicide. "Some R&R does sound good right about now... but when should we expect our first, or should I say second assignment?"
Chiskisk places their steepled fingers against their mandibles, tapping them absently. {"I will check tomorrow for any outstanding requests that have been put through that your skillset might be useful to, and as soon as I have something for you I will contact you. That being said the Society does place value on initiative, and so if you hear anything about the Acreon please do pursue it and let me know so that I can assign additional resources to you."}
As everyone moves to leave the office, Chiskisk turns their attention to Cree and Herald, staring at the both of them for a few moments. Cree nods in response and sits back down, while Herald smiles and turns to Darshe, Krevlor, and Valorus. "Don't mind us - we will catch up with you guys later,"} he says, still smiling and appearing unworried about the coming conversation with the shirren.
Krevlor spends some of the next few days 'relaxing' in the libraries and archives of the Lorespire, taking advantage of the recently gained access to some of them with his membership. His mind was a buzz about various subjects, the information at his disposal was quite overwhelming in some ways.
He will take some time to see if he can find out about the Acreon in case there have been any new or overlooked developments.
Lastly he will offer his aide to the Wayfinder's faction hoping to gain favor with them. He will gladly spend time helping with the repairs the Master of Stars and trading stories with it's crew.
"Will do," Darshe replies, snapping an informal salute. He was all too willing to jump on anything that involved the treacherous mining company. "We won't let you down."
When he sees Cree and Herald waiting outside of the office, Darshe frowns slightly, having hoped that they would all be working on the same team. Still, he returns the ysoki's smile and nods.
"We'll see you soon, guys."
Valorus spends his few days reading up on some of the archives, but he also would take a trip to an art museum. It reminded him a lot of home, but he also remembered that it was his choice to leave it behind. There were some very fascinating pieces that made him think deeply of his own values and morals. There were also some cat paintings that looked so adorable.
17 Lamashan 317AG
In the morning, after a couple of days of much deserved rest and relaxation, Darshe, Valorus, and Krevlor receive an e-comm message from Chiskisk, requesting they come to the Lorespire Complex for 10am, and that the meeting is to take place in TR3.
Krevlor enjoyed the new resources available to him. He hadn't expected to have access to them like this for years but by avenging Duravor Kreel they had proven themselves.
Krevlor will neatly pack his equipment and head towards the Lorespire for the meeting, unsure how urgent any potential mission might be.
Despite having an abundance of free time, Darshe does not spend any of it relaxing. One day is spent patching up his armor, while the next is spent filling magazines with the dozens of bullets they recovered from the Downside Kings. When he isn't hitting the firing range or exercising in the gym, he is (rather precariously) tinkering with explosives in his room.
Fortunately, there are no explosive episodes; Darshe is alive and in one piece when he gets the call days later. The soldier throws on his freshly-polished armor, quickly gathers up his belongings, and heads out early.
Chances are that you will have heard recently about the recent death of Duravor Kreel, a field agent and recruiter for the Starfinders, as well as rumours that it was more than just bad luck that he was killed when he did.
Darshe, Krevlor, and Valorus
Making their way back to Drifter's End, Darshe, Valorus, and Krevlor walk up the main thoroughfare towards the Lorespire Complex. The familiar hologram of the Starfinder Emblem floats above the central tower, and there are people standing out the front of the complex as well as passing in and out of the doors of the main building.
Entering the building, the trio of Starfinders make their way through the hallways to the room marked 'TR3'. The door is open, and the walls of the room are lined with a deep bench partitioned off to allow for private study within this public space. Chiskisk is sitting on a chair pulled towards the centre of the room, facing three other individuals - an elf, a ysoki, and an android. The shirren notices Darshe, Valorus, and Krevlor at the doorway of the room, beckoning for them to enter.
{"Ahh, welcome! Please, do take up a chair - would you care for refreshment?"} they say, projecting their voice into the minds of everyone present and motioning towards a freshly arranged platter of protein wafers and a carafe of cooled water. {"In light of the discoveries made by you the other evening, I have discussed the situation of taking additional precautions with some of the other Venture-Captains. They agree that for the time being it is best practice to co-locate resources and field agents. Herald and Cree have been allocated to another team to better assist them in this matter, and I would like to introduce you all to one another as you will be hopefully working together from here on out."}
Chiskisk takes a tumbler of water and places a straw into it, sipping at the liquid through their mandibles while continuing. {"Darshe, Krevlor, and Valorus, please meet Artemis, Herch, and Nina,"} they say as they indicate to the android, the ysoki, and the elf respectively. {"Like yourselves, they have just joined the Starfinders - though I daresay their introduction was not as eventful as yours was,"} they state mirthlessly, antennae drooping momentarily.
The shirren's communicator beeps for a moment, and Chiskisk raises their hand and excuses themselves for a moment. {"I apologise for this interruption, but I must collect something from the receptionist - please, converse and get to know one another, and I will be back momentarily."} The shirren then stands and paces briskly out of the room, leaving the six Starfinders to their own conversation.
"Please, just call me Patches." The ysoki mechanic raises his arm to wave at the rest of the group, showing off the prosthetic limb that functions as his custom rig. "When it comes to computers, you won't find anyone better-suited to the job than me!"
He has mottled fur in varying shades of gray, almost reminiscent of the urban camouflage used in days of old, and wears standard-issue Second Skin armor with an archaic-looking hooded cloak covering his shoulders. Every now and again, he blinks several times in rapid succession, though he doesn't seem fazed by his own tick.
"It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance." says the Android as he stands and bows. "My name is Artemis Lesk, and I look forward to us travelling together."
Artemis returns to his seat then says "Social norms require me to ask: are any of you easily offended?"
Krevlor bows in response. The grey skinned Kasatha where's a loose fitting pale cowled robe. As he moves you might make out the outline of a pistol beneath them and beneath the hem microcord can be seen. Holding a staff in his hand and with the backpack being put aside it seems to have come to the meeting ready to depart.
"I am pleased to meet you. I am Krevlor, a scholar and priest dedicated to Talavet. I would not say I am easily offended, your's is a curious question."
The elf woman stood and watched as Chiskisk introduced everyone around the room. Crossing her arms over her chest she took in every individual as the Shirren made their exit. Her clothing was elvish in make, not over the top but nothing too simple either.
Shirt and pants of earth tones, and what appeared to be a reddish half cloak hood pulled back to display her elven features. Raven shoulder length hair, piercing sapphire blue eyes, and long pointed ears. Unlike the rest of her kin, this elf did little to hide her face.
Slung over her shoulder was a pulse caster rifle, and at her hip was an ornate longsword of elvish make.
”I am Nina Nightstar, faithful follower of Weydan. Well met everyone.” the Elf stated, bowing her head respectively. Attached to the base of her cowl was a starship heading into the unknown, the symbol of the god Weydan. "The guidance of Weydan, I do not offend easily my Android friend. She smiled at Artemis softly.
"That's good. During situations of violence, I tend to say things that shock and offend my enemies, and I'd hate for you all to be offended as well."
Darshe leans forward on his chair as the newcomers introduce themselves, flashing a smile at each of them. The rugged human has tousled brown hair, and stubble around his mouth and jaw that likely grew over the time it took him to reach the Lorespire. He wears a suit of heavy metal armor that, asides from a few amateur patch jobs, looks shiny and new. And of course he has his weapons - his trusty assault armor at his belt, and his brand new autotarget rifle strapped to his back.
"Darshe. Just Darshe," he says, nodding to their new friends. Eyeing the android, he smirks. "I grew up around asteroid miners. Never did learn Dwarven, but if I can tell you one thing, it's that they can curse up a storm. So I doubt I'll find anything you say offensive."
"I am curious, what areas of interest motivate you? Exploration of various sorts is a key motivator for me, primarily scholarly but also physically."
"I find the actions and thoughts of organic lifeforms to be the most interesting thing. You are all endlessly amusing."
"Then again, my parents always did say I could be smug at times."
As the group are getting to know one another briefly, Chiskisk comes back into the room, their antennae twitching. {"Thank you for your patience,"} they say, the familiar voice echoing through everyone's mind. {"I trust that you have become acquainted with each other in the time I was gone."}
The shirren sits down and takes another sip of water through the straw from their tumbler, setting a folded sheet of paper onto their lap. The paper as black as the void, and appears to have a pewter-coloured seal on it. "I had intended, once you were better acquainted, to have you assist in a matter for the Starfinders. But it appears a different opportunity has been delivered to you - literally, in this case."}
They lean forward and hand the folded black paper out to the group. On the front of it are the names 'Cree', 'Darshe', 'Herald', 'Krevlor', and 'Valorus' written in silver caligraphy, the words seeming to float above the paper. The pewter-coloured seal has the emblem of the government of Eox embossed into its surface.
On breaking the seal and opening the letter, the same silver writing is found inside.
We would like to extend our hospitality and request for you to attend a meeting with His Excellency, Gevalarsk Nor, on this day the seventeenth day of Lamashan at midday at the Eoxian Embassy.
Wracking his brain for information about Eox, Patches blinks a few more times. "What about those of us whose names aren't on the invite? Won't it look bad for us to crash the party, even if the original recipients can't make it? I don't wanna be the guy who upsets the skeleton people by showing up where I'm not supposed to be."
Even for the typically opinionated ysoki, the inflection in his voice puts him decidedly outside the boundaries of 'polite society'. As if to prove this point, he reaches into his satchel of supplies and pulls out a mass of hard candies that have all melted and fused together, which he promptly pops into his oversized cheek pouches and begins gnawing on with audible enthusiasm.
Darshe had heard of the undead people of Eox, usually in the context of horror stories or unflattering gossip. He'd never met an elebrian before, but the very idea of them gave him the creeps. But it is confusion, not fear, that shows on the soldier's face.
"I don't get it. What does this guy want with us? I hate to admit it, but we're just fresh recruits."
Nina remained quiet, listening to each of her teammates. She was happy to see Chiskisk return. Not that she wasn’t comfortable with anyone here, the elf soldier just wanted to see why they had gathered this Starfinder team today.
Looking at the letter, Nina was rather impressed just how beautiful it was. Trying to remember anything about Eoxians, she wondered why the Ambassador wanted to speak with the team?
"Perhaps there is a reason why the Ambassador wants to speak to us?" wondered the Elf aloud. "I couldn't imagine he would assume that we wouldn't question his intentions just because we were recruits." Nina assumed that the Ambassador was a lot smarter than that.
Considering his position, the elf didn't have to assume much. She totally knew they were all at a disadvantage. Plus, Eoxians always creeped her out just a little. They were very much undead, with plenty of rumors about the sociably accepted race in the Pact World. But it didn't mean that it made it easier for the soldier to trust them.
=========
"Eoxians seem like interesting people. I look forward to learning more about them...Oh, I see that I am not invited. Pity."
Chiskisk’s antennae flex and bow as they intertwine their fingers together and press them to their mandibles. {“I suspect that anyone who knows of the Society and how we operate will know that the compositions of our teams are fluid, based off of the needs of the tasks being performed. I doubt that it would create any sort of diplomatic incident if you were to arrive uninvited, as it were.”} They make a keening trill reminiscent of a chuckle as they speak.
{“But I suppose it would not hurt for us to send the Eoxian embassy a little forewarning that you three will be in attendance in the place of Herald and Cree,”} they say, turning their compound eyes to Nina, Artemis, and Herch.
{“I must admit that my curiosity is also piqued as to why the embassy has organised this meeting - I would appreciate it if you would keep me apprised of what you learn when you get the chance.”}
"Gevalarsk Nor is the head of Eox's diplomatic delegation to the Pact Council. We are all Pact Citizens here, I believe, as well as sentient beings, he can not just forcefully recruit us. He is a respected politician not some deranged Eoxian outlaw. Killing off members of the Starfinder society for no good reason wouldn't make sense." Though he privately considered Nor might have a very good reason we are unaware of.
"I can only assume he is aware of our recent escapades, perhaps he has a bone to pick with Astral Extractions and feels we would be more driven on such an investigation for example. I am quite curious about this meeting and am in favour of attending."
"I have heard of Astral Extractions before, but I was unaware that your group had previously tangled with them. Were they involved in the death of Duravor Kreel?"
{“I must admit that my curiosity is also piqued as to why the embassy has organized this meeting - I would appreciate it if you would keep me apprised of what you learn when you get the chance.”}
“Of course.” Nina replied to the Shirren Starfinder representative. “We will contact you as soon as we complete our meeting with the Ambassador. Do you wish for us to contact you via communicator? Or shall we have an impromptu meeting afterward?” They were all Starfinders now, and if the leadership wished to know about what was going on with the Ambassador it probably was a good idea to fulfill that wish.
“I have to agree with Krevlor.” the Elf responded in agreement. “Politicians always have dual agendas, it’s up to us to be extra cautious. Undead or not, I think it’s safe to tread lightly on anything that involves them. Them being politicians of course.” She found it hard to trust politicians, especially in a place like Absalom Station. Not that her people didn’t have their fair share of politicians. “I am sure that Weydan will guide our next path.”
"I have heard of Astral Extractions before, but I was unaware that your group had previously tangled with them. Were they involved in the death of Duravor Kreel?"
“I have seen the news footage about the attack and the death Mr. Kreel as well.” Nina added, bowing her head in respect. “May the dwarf rest in peace as justice certainly prevailed in the end.” It wasn’t hard to miss, because the whole incident had been all over the Infoweb.
“But if this is another crossroad that leads to another path in finding out why Kreel was murdered, we must be vigilant.” Nina’s tone was serious. She didn’t want to assume that everyone had accepted her opinion on the team, but since they were all Starfinders after all, it only made sense for her to speak her mind on the matter.
"I will tell you about it on the way. I do not wish to dredge up painful memories for Chiskisk." He inclines his head and gets ready to leave.
Once outside the office as they walk through the lore spire. "Someone in Astral Extractions tried to obfuscate their involvement using shell companies. They hired a gang called the Downside Kings who assassinated him when he was coming to meet with us at Dock 94. This led to a shoot out with another gang, the Level 21 crew and we also became involved."
"The Society is going through legal means but I wouldn't draw personal attention on yourself by speaking too freely of it with people you don't know. Astral Extraction has already proven it is willing to assassinate members using catspaws. Many of the Downside King are dead and their leader is in station security hands. It was challenging but the result so far is measured. The thugs of Absallom station have been given a fresh reminder not to tangle with members of the Starfinder Society."
“Agreed.” Nina nodded in agreement. She didn’t want to make Chiskisk feel bad about losing a colleague. Following Krevlor with an equaled pace.
“Interesting, there is some news that the Infoweb doesn’t cover.” replied the Elf. She was aware of the two individual gangs but didn’t know that Astral Extractions was the puppet master behind the whole thing. “Thank you for sharing that information.”
“My apologies, I was unaware of just how devious Astral Extractions was.” She said sincerely. The soldier was worried that she had roused one of the members of her new team. “I didn’t mean to cause any disarray.” The last thing she wanted was her new teammates not to like her. Of course, if it was the will of Weydan then so be it. “Agreed, one should not underestimate the Starfinders.”
"I see. I meant to cause no harm, I was just looking for further clarification. The use of assassins implies that they have a good deal of wealth, which makes then quite dangerous."
While the group chats about the occurances of the last few days, they make their way to the Parkside neighbourhood of Absalom Station. Situated in the Eye, the wide streets here are lined by well-tended trees and bordered by perfectly manicured lawns, and gleaming apartment towers of steel and glass rise towards the immense shielded dome above. The interior of the dome projects a realistic holographic representation of a beautifully clear sky, the Sun's light peeking through the hologram enough to add to the realism. Wealthy citizens of the station walk or are driven in small lozenge-shaped robotaxis, and the neighbourhoods opulence and luxury presented are in stark contrast to other regions of Absalom.
Following directions easily found on the infosphere, the six Starfinders eventually find themselves standing in front of an imposing structure constructed of steel and black marble, surrounded on all sides by a tall black fence. A pair of banners with the Eoxian emblem hang stiffly from tall poles affixed to the opened gates of the embassy, beyond the gates a pair of skeletal guards, dressed in armour of what looks to be polished obsidian and metallic bone, stand unmoving just on the inside of the gate. Each of the guards is carrying an imposing rifle, jagged and sharp with no discernible trigger.
As they approach the gate, both of the bone guards appear to animate from their statue-like positions and step imposingly in front of the opening, blocking the path to the embassy. "Halt," one of them states in a low tone, its thick Eoxian accent emanating from where its voicebox would be had it been alive. As it speaks, its jaw moves open and closed as if trying to form the words with a tongue and cheek flesh that no longer exist. "Please state your business on Eoxian grounds."
Darshe is content to let Krevlor get their new team members up to speed, both because the kasatha had a penchant for succinctness, and because he was still somewhat bummed out by Kreel's death. Bringing his killers to justice and becoming a Starfinder were a big deal to him, but the unfinished business with Astral Excavations still left a bad taste in his mouth. And now they had to meet with an undead politician.
The soldier grimaces when they step onto the threshold of the ominous structure, and outright bristles when the guards step forward meet them. Words like "intimidating" and "unnerving" were not quite adequate enough to sum up his feelings. Still, he would be damned if anyone called him a coward. He retrieves his gaudy invitation from a fold on his armor and presents it to the bone guards.
"Uh, it's our understanding that Gevalarsk Nor has requested our presence," he says calmly, his accent clashing with the formal tone he is attempting to emulate.
Nina remains attentive throughout their journey to the Eoxian Embassy. The architecture was quite foreboding, giving the elf a sense of eeriness.
Her people were about life, not death. Despite the Eoxian being citizens of the Core Worlds, it still made her a little apprehensive dealing with them.
Letting Darshe do all the talking, she remained quiet and very alert. Not that this was the place to start a fight or anything. Pretty sure that the Eoxian Diplomat had a lot of power here, she would keep close to her teammate in case things went south.
"We have these invitations." says Artemis and he produces them.