The dwarfs little stick hurts, but I shrug it off, and start using what little investigative skill I have to profile these three.
I hope the team Grellick is sending is as good as he promised
2BR is on stand-by in the torpedo bay. That is, currently inside one of the torpedo tubes, ammo and all.
> Sona, ready to fire on your command. Recommendations for legally justifiable force?
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During the 24 hour flight, Jamee spends a good amount of time resting, after setting the Sixes on an automatic pilot through warpspeed. After all of that's been confirmed, he'll crash for a good 8 hours, then eat reclusively by himself and watch weird alien porn in his room. Don't judge him, that's just what he's into.
During the trip, he considers the best lie to tell the station authorities when they question them, and decides to go with Occam's Razor - the simplest solution is often the best. A shipwide scan would show quite an eclectic array of lifeforms - he would tell the gatekeeper that they were a simple cargo vessel on passenger interstellar taxi-driver duty.
That is what he does when the dwarf presses him for more information about their business and cargo. Showing a falsified avatar of his own face for the vidscreens, one of an older, more mature-looking elf, Jamee speaks through his modulated voice box.
"We're a cargo vessel delivering passengers to Uggim 5. Their business is their own. We're just coming to drop them off."
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The dwarf moves out of your view for a long moment, and you begin to worry. Soon, he returns to your sight with a smile.
Welcome to Freeground Station. A docking guide appears on Jamee's HUD, and he effortlessly brings the Sixes into a docking port.
The station is enormous and from the outside looks like a large dumbbell. Small ships like the Sixes dock in internal docking ports around the edge of the bulbous ends. Significantly larger ships are tethered around the "skinny" middle section. The station is a mish mash of different metallic colors and shows signs of ancient and more recent battle damage. The station clearly has substantial armaments, which likely account for the stations continued status as an independent hub. As you are docking, the dwarf transmits a map of the station to the Sixes' AI.
Freeground Station has everything the galaxy offers, for a price. Enjoy your stay. The dwarf cuts off the transmission.
The Sixes fits relatively snugly in its assigned port and the docking sequence takes less than two minutes. You all feel a slight jolt as docking clamps close onto the Sixes' landing gear.
Bucanero's voice rings loud over the internal comms. Well, we be here. Best be looking for this Agent Hyde.
What do you do?
------------------------------------------
The dwarf moves out of your view for a long moment, and you begin to worry. Soon, he returns to your sight with a scalpel.
Take his ear. The elf's voice is emotionless and the response is immediate. The second dwarf moves behind you and grapples you. The scalpel is lightning fast, and pain explodes on the right side of your head.
No more jokes Mr. Barclay.
Yet through the pain you recall that the grappler was wearing a dagger on his hip. You feel the sheath pushed against your hands.
What do you do?
|
Retzack emerges from the docking bay looking alert, with a freshly pressed suit and eternally perfect hair. He is flanked by Simmons who is in well-cut polo and suit coat, and Big Shooter, who has adopted the uniform of a perfect Corp-Sec bodyguard, with armored long-coat that hides both firearms and explosives, and mirrored sunglasses with a built-in HUD.
"Well Sona," says Retzack, "I believe you mentioned an interest in bars and brothels. It just so happens that all three of us have some experience in that scene, so if you care to follow, we'll lead."
Big Shooter forges ahead, his impressive figure and stern face clearing a path into the seedy underbelly that exists in any habitation.
Retzack consults his memory, wondering where he would be, if he were a secret agent about to be kidnapped.
M#!&#!!+**@@! it hurts like hell, and moreover, I don't particularly want a cybernetic ear. I feel the Sheathe in my hand, and it brings me back to the present. Maybe I can knick it, he seems pretty distracted. I try to slip it out of it's sheathe, and into my hand.
Rotgut lumbers after Retzack, scratching his head as he looks around
Bone'ead think broth..broth..broth-place good for look see! he says, patting his belly. The wooden duck attached to his hip quacks out..
I think we should start at a brothel. They should have food, and we can question the workers there discretely.
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Sona makes an unfortunate logical connection between fungus, broth, and whore houses. Truely biology was disgusting.
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It would be a simple thing but launching a boarding bot during a docking procedure would certainly be seen as a hostile act by the station. You would have to roll defy danger to avoid notice.
What do you do?
Retzack, you recall that Hyde's dossier listed a lowbrow lodging house on the station as his contact location. It is called "The Baker's Daughter" and is located on the same end of the station as your docking port.
Dexter, you can take the dagger but your captors will notice immediately once you cut your hands free. What do you do?
Well, Grellick and I had this whole plan around the team finding me. on the other hand, the bastard just cut off my ear Dexter hesitates only a moment, once he has a bit of room, then he sliced through the bond on his left hand (rope still off his right hand). He then drives the knife into one of the dwarves.
and then use my left hand to bash in the other dwarfs skull. (They say never to punch a dwarf in the face, but "They" don't have fists made of titanium/chromium alloy)
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Remembering something, Sona spots the armed indicator on the torpedo tube.
> Pops, if you jeopardize this mission with reckless action, I will take you back to Nona for a stern refurbishment.
> I'll tell Them to leave you on while they do it.
> We're keeping the destruction targeted this time, do you copy?
When she reaches the docking bay, she's wearing her little black dress.
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> Noted
2BR sheepishly climbs out of the tube, stuffs all the ammo into a carry box and meekly follows Sona, looking as innocent as a murderbot can be.
"For the record guys, let's avoid antagonizing the local authorities for now. Just had a feeling I should mention it! No real reason!" the intercom inside the Sixes clicks off, cutting off the older psuedo-voice that Jamee talks through. He pilots the Sixes to its designated port calmly and legally, making no sudden movements.
"I vote we go with Bone'ead's suggestion, and start at the brothel. Shall we?" the voice asks out of Blast-O-Tron's mouthpiece when they've all disembarked at port.
You are able to find the Baker's Daughter with little difficulty. As you enter you are immediately assaulted with sights and smells the likes of which you've never experienced. There are men and women of uncountable races dancing on stages or hawking their services among the patrons.
There is a large bar along the back of the main room, manned by a dwarf, an elf, and a kobold, all female.
There are large spiral staircases near the back of the main room going both up and down. A robotic hostess greets you at the entrance. Welcome. Is this your first time to the Baker's Daughter?
What do you do?
----------------------------------------------------
Dexter, your grappler is completely surprised as his own dagger flies up into his face. He falls to the floor with a grunt, incapacitated and possibly dead. You quickly turn on the second dwarf, who is prepared for you. He redirects your strike into his left arm and takes a deep gash, but appears little worse for wear.
Meanwhile, the elf raises his hand towards you. Lightning crackles along his fingertips and then courses through your body. Take 1d8 lightning damage ignoring metal armor (if you have any). For a moment, your body shakes uncontrollably. The elf speaks. Stop these games, Barclay. Drop it or you'll end up on the Hierophant like the rest of them. The lightning stops and you look up to see the dwarf standing protectively next to the elf, mace drawn. Your legs are still bound to the chair by rope. Lightning flits among the fingers of the the elf's right hand.
What do you do?
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2BR waits awkwardly outside. There probably isn't much of a market for him inside.
He holds his various implements of death as if someone else just handed them to him. Whose are these? He doesn't know how to use them, that's for sure. No way. Completely innocent.
The ammo box is closed, but not sealed. Ready to be emptied at a moments notice.
lightning crackles, frying Dexter's side. I wonder what the Hierophant is. its either a torture device, or a ship. either way...
Dexter throws the knife at the dwarf, hoping to remove the elfs protector.
then I try quickly break the ropes (Or chair legs), by pushing back hard against the seat with one arm, and yanking forward with my foot, and I brace for the elfs next attack
Whether she enters first or last, Sona keeps her distance from the rest of the group. "Yes, I am seeking a human male, aged 22, 1.75 meters, with a body that can take the beating his mouth sorely deserves." Unconsciously, the technician clenches and unclenches her hands in the ill-fitting black lace gloves that come with her dress.
Bone'ead enters with the group, his beady eyes searching for the bar. He is confident is more talkative companions will be better able to navigate the maze of alien races packed in here. It's time for a drink!
|
|
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Big Shooter enters first, his dark-sunglassed face and coat-ensconsed body coldly ignores the robotic hostess and instead observes the scene. After a moment he holds a figure to his ear and talks, sub-vocally.
Simmons enters next, and smilingly engages the robot. "Hey there. Look, don't make a scene but -the- Mr. Black is here. Now, we don't want a lot of attention, he's just here looking for a friend of his. Please keep autograph requests to a minimum, and try to remain discreet when the press gets here to ask about his visit.
Now, are you able to handle discreet, celebrity visits? I certainly hope so because--"
Retzack enters then, bright smile and impeccable hair lighting up the room. "Ah, please, ignore my press agent. Sometimes I think the fawning crowds get to him more than me. Please, I'm just looking for a production assistant. He's the -only- one who knows the codes to the glitter-vault and finding him will save a lot of time. If you could just go fetch the manager so we can find him that'd be green. Run along now."
Retzack waits with the practiced* air of one who hates waiting.
*He once spent a decade waiting in a bus station of Skylar IV just so he could practice the art of waiting-while-not-waiting. The food was terrible.
Blast-O-Tron accompanies Bone'ead on his way toward the bar as Retzack and Sona take care of the information-gathering. #1 best interstellar tip for finding a good seat at the bar...go to the bar with an ogre. Jamee can't derive any pleasure from Blast-O-Tron drinking, obviously, but the oral port for the RAB leads directly to an internal, refrigerated decanter that Jamee will empty out for his own use later on.
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Sona flashes BoT a chiding look, but is otherwise not able to act on her instincts. She'll have to have a word with Jamee later about interstellar/interspecies intoxication laws.
Then Thorne sidles in line at the bar with him, and starts making drink recommendations.
Haephestus is outside with BunkR BustR, holding something under his arm and smacking on something like gum.
Yaelin was with the group before they entered, but seems to have disappeared.
Dexter, the elf dispassionately watches the last dwarf fall to the floor with a dagger in his eye. Remember that this is unnecessary.
As you struggle vainly to free your legs you are again engulfed in lightning. Take 1d8 lightning damage. The elf moves back towards the sole entrance to the room, but doesn’t turn to leave.
Once the lightning finally stops, he chides you, This is all unnecessary.
He looks at you disdainfully. You are still bound to the chair. What do you do?
-----------------------------
2BR, you are approached by a Halfling that seems unable to stand still. He speaks frantically to Haephestus, Wow, wow, wow! Tricked out model! Nice, real nice! Listen listen listen, I know some guys can get you set up with some new gear. Anything, anything! Names Montgomery, what you need, huh, what you need?
2BR, what do you do?
-----------------------------
BoT and Rotgut, you make your way to the bar and all three bartenders cannot stop looking at the space ogre. Patrons move out of your way like Moses and water. You reckon the barstools will not hold your weight, and you elect to stand at the bar.
The kobold is the first of the bartenders to pick their jaw off the floor. She speaks in broken, skeptical common. What need?
What do you do?
-----------------------------
The hostess smiles at Simmons. The Baker’s Daughter is equipped with top of the line VIP suits, offering privacy, luxury, and the latest in high end entertainment options. The robot closes its eyes for a moment. Mr. Black is insufficiently designated. Please provide further information …
The robot trails off as Retzack enters and it listens to the goblin patiently. The manager will be with you shortly. We deeply apologize for any inconvenience.
When Sona approaches the robot almost looks relieved. However, she seems confused by the request. I apologize, client records are strictly confidential. The light in the robot’s left eye flash off and then on faster than an organic could possibly tell.
What do you all do?
2BR stands stock still, looking out of place and confused, and certainly not saying anything.
Okay, listen, I was looking for a girl, She was young, beautiful, and gifted with magical abilities. More importantly, she was a... good friend of mine, and I don't want her vivisected. Give her to me, and we can both leave While I talk, I very passionately gesticulate, hoping to conceal my efforts to wriggle my feet free of the ropes.
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--- Team Eggs in a Basket ---
Sona eyes the ports in the room with no small measure of skepticism. ICE was likely the least of her concern. She needed something relatively clean with a short route to records. Would be nice if it didn't look like every length of chrome in the sector had been in and out of it twice, but she could always wear a write-blocker. She wouldn't be able to really enjoy any paydata in that case, but 0ne couldn't be too cautious.
--- Team Don't Wake Daddy ---
“Oh, I don’t know about all that.” Hephaestus eyes the tweaker up and down. “I think keepin’ this one with one leg in the scrap heap is the Commander’s MO. I once sawr this baby mow down twenty armed soldiers, an’ that was a’fore they sent in three Huntsmen. I saw it tear apart a T class cruiser from th’ inside… solo. Even if I were interested in parts, I’d pity the fool who thought they could open up ol’ BustR and keep their fingers.” Daerol checks his vitaprint wrist tattoo for the time, flashing the spider module tucked under his arm. “That said, sure! We’d love to see the inside of your black market chop shop. Wouldn’t we, pops? Sure to be a whole passel of non-mission-critical people to meet. -distinct lack of station security? Stuff like that?”
BoT nudges Bone'ead with a metallic elbow. "This one says that you guys serve pizza flatbreads. I heard they're good here. We'll take a double order."
Bone'ead nods happily, drooling at the thought of the pizza to come
See, that wasn’t so difficult. Come to save a friend, or is she something more? Hmm. The elf laughs as if he wasn’t just electrocuting you. I do not judge, but vivisection? That is just propaganda of a government that is scared to understand.
He moves closer to you and places a finger on your burning scar. Now this is interesting. Where did you come by this? He leans in close to inspect it.
At that moment you manage to free your feet.
What do you do?
---------------------------------------------
Sona, you notice that there is a third group operating in the Baker’s Daughter, aside from the patrons and those selling their services. You count at least five individuals that appear to be casing patrons. This is not a safe place to display wealth.
The robot continues to look blankly at you, but you notice that it has extended a hand. The robot is subtly offering you access to its data port.
A visual scan of the remaining employees reveals an unmistakeable deference to a large lizardman that enters the bar from a back room. Flanked by a lizardwoman, the enormous beast approaches Retzack.
What do you do?
--------------------------------------------
Outside the bar, Montgomery shakes his head vigorously. No no no no. You got me all wrong. I don’t want to buy this beauty. I want to sell you some upgrades. The halfling suddenly looks over his should and curses. He begins running down the street.
2BR, you notice a station police patrol heading in your general direction.
What do you do?
---------------------------------------------
The kobold hits a few buttons on an odd metallic box. There is a whooshing sound, and suddenly she pulls out a full pizza. She hands it to Rotgut. Need more?
What do you do?
---------------------------------------------
Retzack, you are approached by an enormous lizardman and his associate. Mr. Black, is it? Welcome to the Baker's Daughter. How may I be of service?
What do you do?
Bone'ead grins happily and takes the whole pizza, his large hands quickly stuffing it into his slobbering maw. He chews manfully as he speaks..
Bone'ead need find Barnabus Barclay. Him human. Looks like..uh..human. You know where him be?
The duck quacks out
I'm seeking an acquaintance of mine, a man by the name of Barnabus Barclay. Dark hair, olive skin. Have you any information on where I might find him?
Bone'ead continues to chew as he looks at the Kobold expectantly
I never slept with her, I mean, if she were a few years older, then maybe, but not as it is Dexter thinks as the elf implies a relationship with the girl.
When the elf starts getting touchy-feely with his face, and asking about his scar, he turns slightly, so his scar faces away from the elf. I was in an accident a few years back, nasty solar storm caught my ship. I also got This that day. On This he swings his metal arm around, catching the elf, and sending him flying back into the wall.
If he is still breathing, I walk over to where he landed, picking up the dagger along the way, and pin his arms behind his back (breaking them if necessary), and holding the knife to his ear. Why don't you tell me everything you know about the Heirophant.
|
|
Reflexively Big Shooter sees the large lizman and makes a move to step in front of him, hands out in a intercepting motion. Simmons puts a calming hand on his shoulder and says some soothing words. Big Shooter nods and steps back, but his sunglassed-gaze never leaves the big lizman. The statement is clear: The person you are talking to has loyal, strong security.
Simmons is the first to speak. He steps in and shakes the lizman's hand warmly. "Ah! So good to see you! Mr. Black has been looking forward to this so very much. I'm terribly sorry, but I seem to have forgotten. Ah, what is your name? And of course you are the manager here, of course?"
The statement is clear: The person you are about to speak to has flunkies. He is either rich or important. But probably both.
Once the lizman gives his name, Retzack at last steps forward, also shaking hands warmly. "Ah! So good to see you after all these years! Surely you remember me?" He steps close, as a good friend might. "Is there someplace more discreet we could go? I have a very important matter to discuss with you, my good friend."
Retzack's eyes are big, deep....hypnotic.
> Try not to get fleeced while this 0ne is out, petit fils.
> And maybe keep any idle hands off this 0ne's hardware.
> It would not do for this 0ne to violate a self-enacted mandate against murder aboard this station.
Sona finds an out-of-the-way place to jack into the robot's offered port. Then, just before jacking in, she stops to run rime.bat on Miss Muffet.
STR +1 DEX +2 CON+1 INT +2 WIS +1 CHA +1
HP 13/13 ~ Damage 1d6 ~ Mechanic 6
* Channels Sona's Mending Operation
-------
Outside, the box Hephaestus was holding jolts to life, a ring of eight LEDs blink from red to green in succession, one light remaining red as the tether launch protocol fails to transfer.
The creature struggles in Daerol's arms for a second before jumping over to 2BR's hull with a thunk of magnetization.
Pulling the knot in the sleeves of his jumpsuit tight around his waist, Daerol looks down the street at the fleeing tweeker. "I'm pretty definitely sure the Commander would want us to follow that guy. D'ya think we can do that without catching that officer's attention?"
Bone'ead grins happily and takes the whole pizza, his large hands quickly stuffing it into his slobbering maw. He chews manfully as he speaks..
Bone'ead need find Barnabus Barclay. Him human. Looks like..uh..human. You know where him be?
The duck quacks out
I'm seeking an acquaintance of mine, a man by the name of Barnabus Barclay. Dark hair, olive skin. Have you any information on where I might find him?
Bone'ead continues to chew as he looks at the Kobold expectantly
The kobold looks at you and then looks at the duck. Her gaze shifts rapidly between the two of you for a moment, until a glint of understanding crosses her face. She reaches out her hand as if she is asking to hold the duck.
What do you do?
I never slept with her, I mean, if she were a few years older, then maybe, but not as it is Dexter thinks as the elf implies a relationship with the girl.
When the elf starts getting touchy-feely with his face, and asking about his scar, he turns slightly, so his scar faces away from the elf. I was in an accident a few years back, nasty solar storm caught my ship. I also got This that day. On This he swings his metal arm around, catching the elf, and sending him flying back into the wall.
[dice=H&S, metal fist, forceful]7
[dice=Damage (Non-lethal if possible)]7If he is still breathing, I walk over to where he landed, picking up the dagger along the way, and pin his arms behind his back (breaking them if necessary), and holding the knife to his ear. Why don't you tell me everything you know about the Heirophant.
[dice=DD+str to pin the elf]8
[dice=Parley, with threats of mutilation as leverage]7
The elf grunts as he is thrown back against the wall. He winks at you as you approach with your dagger drawn, and then he winks out of existence.
The room is sparsely furnished, with only the chair in the center of the room. As you try the door you find that it is locked.
What do you do?
Reflexively Big Shooter sees the large lizman and makes a move to step in front of him, hands out in a intercepting motion. Simmons puts a calming hand on his shoulder and says some soothing words. Big Shooter nods and steps back, but his sunglassed-gaze never leaves the big lizman. The statement is clear: The person you are talking to has loyal, strong security.
Simmons is the first to speak. He steps in and shakes the lizman's hand warmly. "Ah! So good to see you! Mr. Black has been looking forward to this so very much. I'm terribly sorry, but I seem to have forgotten. Ah, what is your name? And of course you are the manager here, of course?"
The statement is clear: The person you are about to speak to has flunkies. He is either rich or important. But probably both.
Once the lizman gives his name, Retzack at last steps forward, also shaking hands warmly. "Ah! So good to see you after all these years! Surely you remember me?" He steps close, as a good friend might. "Is there someplace more discreet we could go? I have a very important matter to discuss with you, my good friend."
Retzack's eyes are big, deep....hypnotic.
[dice=Mesmerize]11
The lizman looks dismissively as Big Shooter, but smiles as Simmons moves in to shake his hand. I am Darrius Shotzky, though my friends call me Shotz.
His smile grows as Retzack approaches. One of my VIP holosuites is surely available. He gives a meaningful look to his associate and she scurries off.
His tone flattens as he looks into Retzack's eyes. It ... has been a long time Mr. Black. Of course I remember you. As he leads you towards the back of the bar, he asks, What can I help you with?
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> Try not to get fleeced while this 0ne is out, petit fils.
> And maybe keep any idle hands off this 0ne's hardware.
> It would not do for this 0ne to violate a self-enacted mandate against murder aboard this station.Sona finds an out-of-the-way place to jack into the robot's offered port. Then, just before jacking in, she stops to run rime.bat on Miss Muffet.
[dice=Operate Machines (Autonomy Mode)]14
[dice=Traits]5
** spoiler omitted **-------
Outside, the box Hephaestus was holding jolts to life, a ring of eight LEDs blink from red to green in succession, one light remaining red as the tether launch protocol fails to transfer.
The creature struggles in Daerol's arms for a second before jumping over to 2BR's hull with a thunk of magnetization.
Pulling the knot in the sleeves of his jumpsuit tight around his waist, Daerol looks down the street at the fleeing tweeker. "I'm pretty definitely sure the Commander would want us to follow that guy. D'ya think we can do that without catching that officer's attention?"
The robot follows Sona back to the hostess desks, and to all appearances looks to be speaking with Sona about the drink menu. As Sona jacks in she immediately gains access to detailed customer information. A quick scan through the data reveals that Barclay has been staying in room C13, three levels below the main tavern area. Your internal defense systems easily disinfect you of a mild case of roborreah.
What do you do?
Bone'ead takes the duck and hands it to the Kobold
Bone'ead favorite duck. Need back. Also more pizza he says as he gulps down the last bit of pizza he had
2BR turns, looking like a tragic, down on his luck robotic slave to Haephastus. Trudging along mournfully, carrying that big heavy box, almost falling to pieces. Simply pitiful.
Muffet.ms is offended. Her box is not that big.
----
After pushing ten credits into the robot's maintenance fund, Sona makes her way to BoT.
> He's been staying in C13.
She looks back at the spectacle Retzack is putting on.
> Should we wait for him to catch up?
2BR turns, looking like a tragic, down on his luck robotic slave to Haephastus. Trudging along mournfully, carrying that big heavy box, almost falling to pieces. Simply pitiful.
You can still see him. He isn't running, he is trying to move quickly but casually. If you want to stay with him without drawing attention let's see a DD with Dex.
Pointy eared s~$~! Dexter thinks as he punches the wall. he looks around, wondering where they put his stuff.
Are there any containers in the room?
air vents or other escape passages?
Did they get the hidden comms device in my boot (Can't be flashing around a phone with Grellicks number on it?)
BoT glances over at Retzack's mesmerizing display before responding to Sona. "Let's give him a minute to see what he does with their rapt attention, then check out that room."