Tylur and Sybil's shot strike true, striking the gang members on the left side of the dock.
The human Tylur was attacking runs past him, "Gabes! Lets get out of here! The Kings have done their damage, no point risking our lives with these strangers being here"
The other gang member on the left replies quickly, "Your right, but one less King is a good thing!" He takes one more shot at the one remaining gang member on the right.
With a cheer his target drops, "HA! Got him, lets get out of here!" He runs north.
It sounds like people are running behind the north center docking door. It sounds like the door is about to be opened
Round 4
A2, A3
Sybil, Zamasea, DeeV8, Tylur, Iridar <- Here
Link to new battle: Link
"North door," she points to the docking door in question across from many of her group. "We have incoming... My guess, the authorities have finally shown up."
She moves towards the fallen dwarf to check on him... hoping for the best... but not sure what to expect.
Zam, trembling from the shock of being shot, nods.
Dee wasn’t too shaken by the blast that had hit her previously. She used to take damage, from her time as an Agent of her Drow creators to her new life as a rebel with the Android Abolitionist Front. It was there that she went from her former designation Eight to her new self-commissioned name DeeV8.
The designation a representation of her deviation from her vile programming from who she had been. She was ‘proud’ of her new self-designation.
Do not fear, although I am not trained in any sort of medical knowledge, I do not believe you appear in any sort of emanate danger. Now go get’em.” Reaching out, the elf-droid placed a hand on the Lashunta woman’s shoulder. There it was spark again that made her seemed alive more than automation.
================
================
"Yes, I do believe Sybil is correct." Agreed the Android. She too heard the commotion that was incoming. "Do we wish to wait for these individuals to arrive and disclose what has happened? Or shall we also make as they say 'tracks', and make our own exit?"
With his blood up, Tylur snarls and gives chase, hurrying after the retreating gang member who ran past him. "Coward!"
He raises his rifle and fires once again, hoping to take out the man's legs in order to slow him down.
The room is still spinning for Zam, but Dee's hand steadies her a bit. She's definitely relieved at Dee's assessment of her wound. Even if Dee's not a medic, it was good to hear someone say she'd be alright. "Yea? Yea. Yea!" Zam hauls herself up in time to see Sybil running toward Kreel.
Still wary to run out into the open, she reaches out with her antennae and tries to get a mental response from the dwarf.
Kreel? Kreel! Can you hear me? You're gonna be alright. Help is on the way.
Sybil rushes forward toward Kreel, but cant quote reach him. But from where she is she notices a burned mark right on his temple.
Tylur rushes forward, and gets another shot on the fleeing gang member. He is shacking from the electricity blast, but is still running as fast as he can.
Zam reaches out to try to communicate with Kreel, but does not pick up any mental activity at all. There is no response.
Round 4
A2, A3
Sybil, Zamasea, DeeV8, Tylur, Iridar <- Here
The two gang members take off in a run, running down the hall of the station. Seemly disappearing into the depths of the station.
As they disappear into the station, the docking bay doors open and security guards enter, spreading out and pointing their rifles. "Everyone Down!"
Noticing the few of you with guns out. "Drop those weapons! Hands on your heads"
Turning to their other guards, "Clear the room! Check all exits!"
Zam drops her gun like a hot potato, knowing this isn't the time to play space ranger. She places her hands behind her head and stands slowly, speaking in her best upright citizen voice.
Tell them what they want to hear. Make them feel in control.
"The shooting is done. It was some sort of gang fight, sir. My friends and I walked right into it. That dwarven man right there has been badly injured, shot by one of the gangsters. Please get help for him immediately."
"My friends are there, there, there, and there. The injured dwarf is our contact with the Starfinder Society, with whom we were scheduled to rendezvous for assignment."
Tylur grimly watches the fleeing gangsters, but recognizes he simply can't give chase and abandon his friends. After all, some of them might be hurt, and at least he successfully chased off the attackers. Then, as the station security arrives, he immediately cooperates. This is no time for bravado, even if he was in the right. It wouldn't do to get on the bad side of security guards protecting Absalom Station...
"No problem, sir! We're not the enemy..." Tylur responds, gingerly lowering his rifle and leaning down to place it on the deck before standing again and keeping his hands raised and well away from the sidearm still strapped to his waist. "I have a backup weapon, but it's secured with the safety on."
The soldier awaits further instructions, offering no resistance if the guards restrain him or confiscate his handgun.
If questioned, Tylur describes the incident as a class-A ambush, using ever more colorful military language to elaborate. "Our team rolled in from the arriving shuttle, and, before we knew what was happening, gunfire came from there and there. They were firing on each other and indiscriminately into the crowd. Not sure why. I took a hit and responded in kind. Nailed one of them a few times, trying to subdue him, but he and his friend got away down that corridor. I overheard one of them call the other one Gabes or Gabe. And they were both focused on trying to kill the "Kings"...whatever that means. Regardless, we had no beef with either group. We were just defending ourselves and trying to protect everyone else before things got really out of hand."
Dee sees the last of the gang members leave. Unable to remember if they were the ones who had killed their Starfinder contact. She gave a brief pause, praying to the god who had given her guidance during her own awakening.
Guide the good dwarf to his gods of worship...
Her pistol returned to his holster at her hip as she raised her hands above her head. If they wished to take her weapon they could do so by disarming her. They weren’t in the wrong here, and the only person that could have cleared them was very much dead. Ever since her new found freedom, DeeV8 had developed a rebellious streak of authority.
“I believe that my close friend Zam is correct.” Dee replied, motioning to the lovely Lashunta that stood beside her. “Also, Sybil has inspected Mr. Kreel and one would assume she may have a personal opinion on his current condition.”
Sybil places her weapon on the ground and places her hands on her head. She looks to the others with briefly and shakers head mournfully.
"Sybil Surefoot. My identification card is on my right belt side. We were defending ourselves from two rival gangs, one was know as the Kings. They started shooting almost as soon as we exited the ship. Kreel was one of the first hit... fatally." The halfling states with honesty and sincerity.
She is staring at the dwarf as the officers do their thing and feels a burning anger building in her, 'They will pay... Whomever is responsible will pay!'
|
Iridar drops his weapon, raising his arms above his head, he remains silent, knowing that if he said anything the security would use it against him, even if it wasn't anything incriminating.
If the gaurds come over to search him they won't find anything, having left his bag in the middle of the room and they'd find no indication of other weapons on him.
Different security guards approach each of you. Half heartedly listening to each of your stories. A few more join, along with some medics. They gather up all the bystanders that didn't make it out before the shots where fired.
The lead guard approaches Zam, hearing her story. "That seems to align with what we were told about this ship's human passengers. Starfinders, huh? Well, we need to at least take statements from you all, and the civilians around too. Its required."
Both Zam and Sybil's demeanor eases the tension with the captains. The bigger brutes, acting as backup, are told to stand down. They seem to be going through the motions a bit after this.
The medical staff, tend to the other wounded in the group. None of you seem particularly injured, so they leave you alone. They do confirm that Kreel is definitely dead, beyond their abilities to heal.
The each of you are separated, then approached one at a time. The captain stands with a small datapad and asks each of you, in turn, the same questions. Getting everyone statements. They are also talking to all of the bystanders and other witnesses.
You are quickly released. The eye witnesses confirm you were just stuck in the cross fire. Along with Kreel's datapad, the detective shows you had each of your names and descriptions listed on the open document, There is also one more name Chiskisk, along with an address.
Dee answers questions as asked. Although hers were long worded and dry as any Android would give out, the Inspector simply took Zam’s word on exactly what happened. Standing next to Zam, she seemed a little uncomfortable with the situation. Since her awakening, Dee has been learning what it meant to be ‘alive’. Emotions were very much part of that experience.
“Perhaps we should travel to Starfinder Headquarters and meet with this Chiskisk individual?” the elf-droid suggested after the authorities had completed their interrogation.
Once Tylur learns that Kreel is dead, he does his best to take it in stride. Sometimes freak accidents happen, especially when gang-bangers decide to have a free-for-all in a busy docking bay. 'What were those idiots thinking? They've cost us our chance to meet with the Starfinders. Does anyone else even know we're here to join the Society?'
Along with Kreel's datapad, the detective shows you had each of your names and descriptions listed on the open document, There is also one more name Chiskisk, along with an address.
“Perhaps we should travel to Starfinder Headquarters and meet with this Chiskisk individual?”
"Well, that does sound like the only option left to us." Tylur replies, "If this Chiskisk has an address at the main Starfinder HQ, then maybe he's Kreel's superior? Or, if that address leads us somewhere else, maybe this Chiskisk was just another contact Kreel planned on meeting? Even worse, what if Chiskisk had a hand in his death?"
"Excuse me, officer?" Tylur approaches one of the security guards still making arrangements for Kreel's body. "Do you know anyone on the station by the name of Chiskisk? And, is there anything you can tell us about a gang called the 'Kings'...? If we run across these miscreants again, or if they come looking for more trouble, I'd like to know who we're dealing with..."
The officer turns to Tylur as you talk to him. "Sorry, not sure I know anyone by that name. As for the Gang. We are petty sure this altercation was between the Downside Kings and the Level 21 Crew."
"The Downside Kings are a brutal street gang that controls several of the stations lower levels, though intimidation and violence. They are known to engage in a wide variety of illegal activities, from extortion, fraud, robbery, smuggling, and theft, to drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, murder-for hire, and trafficking in sentient species. Their turnover his high, as you can imagine from this type of fight. The gang's current boss is a barbarous human woman named Ferani Nadaz"
"As for the other side, The Level 21 Crew, they are a street gang that claims Level 21 of the lower decks. Our records show their criminal endeavors include theft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling. Though they do have a reputation in their territory for promoting community empowerment, and many of the residence tolerate or tacitly endorse their activities. Its also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. Their leader is a ysoki called Jabaxa."
"I hope that helps."
"I hope that helps."
"Yeah! That helps a lot, actually. I appreciate the intel. One last thing, though. With our contact Kreel dead and no immediate transportation to Starfinder HQ, I'm wondering if you can tell us how to get to this address for Chiskisk. Also, if you've got a recommendation for someplace decent to crash in the event we can't get a meeting until tomorrow, that would be great. Preferably someplace with a nearby casino so we can hit up a bar and get some food. After all this, we may just need to unwind a bit."
Kreel's death is a terrible thing, and Zam offers silent prayers for the dwarf she barely knew, but who surely didn't deserve the kind of death he received. At least it was quick.
However, she's more than relieved they aren't being arrested, and she patiently answers any question asked of her, inspecting her shoulder as she does. She determines that Dee was right, and the wound is only superficial. She smiles as her weapon is handed back to her, making a show of looking clumsy as she holsters it. No reason to raise any more suspicion than they'd already earned.
The name "Chiskisk" is unfamiliar to Zam, but she's glad Dee has at least an inkling who it is.
Once they have a chance to talk privately, Zam listens to the others' account of the fight then offers her interpretation of events.
"From what I could see the shot that targeted Kreel came from the right side of the dock, where the Kings were located. It looked planned and targeted. The Level 21 Crew was on the left, yea? They seemed to be focused purely on the Kings over on the right. Look, this may very well be some kind of turf war, but I really think the Kings came to kill Kreel, while the Level 21 Crew was focused on attacking the Kings."
"I know we barely knew Kreel, but that was a terrible way to die. Once we get ourselves situated with the Society, I think it would be worth investigating the Level 21 Crew, and maybe even contacting someone in their gang. They might know more about the reason the Kings were after Kreel."
"From what I could see the shot that targeted Kreel came from the right side of the dock, where the Kings were located. It looked planned and targeted. The Level 21 Crew was on the left, yea? They seemed to be focused purely on the Kings over on the right. Look, this may very well be some kind of turf war, but I really think the Kings came to kill Kreel, while the Level 21 Crew was focused on attacking the Kings."
"That seems to fit the profile the security guard used to describe the two gangs. The Downside Kings are apparently the more violent outfit, willing to commit murder-for-hire. The Level 21 Crew may be dirty, as well, but it sounds like they steer clear of purposeful killing except when defending themselves and their turf."
"I know we barely knew Kreel, but that was a terrible way to die. Once we get ourselves situated with the Society, I think it would be worth investigating the Level 21 Crew, and maybe even contacting someone in their gang. They might know more about the reason the Kings were after Kreel."
"Well, at this point, we have as much information as we can gather on Kreel's death. The way I see it, we should explain the circumstances to his superiors. From there, they may have other plans for us...provided they still want us in the Society. Let's see if we can still get an audience with the Starfinders and hear what they have to say on it."
"If we can't get a meeting with a different contact today, we should look into finding accommodations for the night. For better or worse, we're on Absalom Station. We just got involved in some kind of gang war. And, we should take some time to learn the lay of the land before assuming we're really in the clear. After all, if someone's targeting a Starfinder like Kreel, who's to say they won't continue to come after us, too, if we join up? I'm not afraid of a fight, mind you. I just want to be prepared for it so we come out on top."
"That is rather disturbing," Sybil replies to Zamasea De as she gather's up her weapon and stores it away more securely.
She looks to the others, upset at the outcome, "This place is my home, it is not hard to find the Sarfinder Headquarters. I am sure that they will want to know of Kreel's death, if they do not know already. Perhaps they will want a first hand account rather than word from the authorities."
“Why thank you Sir.” Dee replied sweetly nodding to the officer. “Well done Tylur, I believe you’ve found our next lead.” The elf-droid stated giving the soldier a soft smile. This was totally a well-needed piece of information.
“If these Down Side Kings are into this sort of activity, one would assume they may have been targeting Kreel or any of us for debarking from the shuttle.” She was only deducing here, using some logic to perhaps tie all the pieces of the puzzle together.
They might know more about the reason the Kings were after Kreel…
“Agreed.” Dee said, tapping her chiseled chin with her delicate index finger. “One would imagine that the Twenty-One Crew were here for a particular reason as well. From their description, perhaps they were ideally approachable individuals. Of course, I am only speculating with the data provided by Tylur.”
“I agree with you Tylur, I think our next course of action is to find this Chiskisk and give a detail report. As for our induction into the Starfinder ranks, it would take more than this sort of unlucky encounter to cause the Starfinder Society to overlook our potential.”
The Android was beginning to feel comfortable around her fellow recruits. ”Looking on the bright side, at least we will give proper respects to Kreel by notifying those closest to him of his demise.”
“I agree with you Tylur, I think our next course of action is to find this Chiskisk and give a detail report. As for our induction into the Starfinder ranks, it would take more than this sort of unlucky encounter to cause the Starfinder Society to overlook our potential.”
"Then we're agreed. If Sybil knows the way to Starfinder HQ, we can seek out this Chiskisk today, see what he has to say about Kreel's death, and hopefully still secure our spot in the Society. In all honesty, I don't know how that works. I met a few Starfinders out in the Diaspora. One of them offered to vouch for me in applying for membership, and Kreel was my only contact for when I arrived. Without that, I'm not sure if I'll warrant a proper introduction any longer. I guess we'll see..."
"Okay, little lady..." Tylur addresses Sybil as he retrieves his pack, "Why don't you take point and lead us to this Lorespire? Looks like you're our local guide for now..."
|
|
Iridar retrieves his stuff Well, Seems my father was wrong, there are definitely folks in need if weapons in the station, I guess security is just too much of a hassle for him.. he slides his rifle back into his bag and slings the whole thing over his shoulder. the sooner I have a license to whip out whenever gaurds begin to question us the better.
He nods to the Android "let's go, you k ow the way, then lead on...
"Yea, the sooner the better!" Zam's lost her appetite, her concerns over restaurants forgotten. She zips her pack and buckles a long, white staff to it, then slings both over her shoulder.
"I bet Kreel kept a record of us somewhere, and the big wigs at, what was it, Lorespire, are sure to have it too. I didn't travel all this way, and take part in a gang war, only to be sent home now. That would be, be... Well, it's unacceptable. I'll apply all over again if I have to. In person!" Her antennae quiver in excitement.
The guard replies to Tylur, "Ah yes, its located in The Ring district of the station. Lorespire Complex, I believe its called. Any directory can get you directions. One good thing about this station is it is always willing to help out. As for a place to crash for the night, I can't speak for something in The Ring, but I am sure you can find something in one of the directories around here."
The group of you get on an automatic tram system within the station, this one is heading toward The Ring. You quickly find you way to The Lorespire Complex, a campus of multiple buildings and rooms, through its eponymous spire is what people most associate with the Starfinder Society's headquarters.
The tram brings you to the main building. Where you are greeted by a receptionist, a male human.
'Welcome to the headquarters of the Starfinder society. May I inquire as to your business with the society?" He looks on expectantly.
The receptionist looks up somewhat in shock, "Oh! I heard, you must be here to see Chiskisk. Can you wait here till I can get someone to bring you to them?" He points to a small waiting area.
Zam rubs her palm down her face, plastering on a nervous grin and putting a hand on Iridar's shoulder. "Sorry sir, he's still in shock. But, um, yes! Chiskisk!"
Bring us to them? Who, or what, is Chiskisk?
"Certainly, yes, that would be fine." Zam picks up some recruiting materials, a brochure with vibrant pictures of space and, in bold yellow letters, BRAVELY GOING WHERE NONE HAVE EVER BEEN.
After a short wait in the waiting area a young woman walks to you, "You are here to speak to Chiskisk, come with me."
She leads you through the complex to an open office. Inside it looks cluttered but clean. Waiting in the office is a host Shirren behind it's desk. It wears understated business clothes and is nervously flexing their antennae from side to side.
A voice enters your head, a soft clean common, seemly with the exact accent you grew up with, {Greetings. Welcome to Starfinder society. Please enjoy any of the refreshments on the table and take a seat}. A table to the side has some filtered water and what looks like protein wafers. Plenty of seats are available.
As you are getting seated its voice enters you mind, once again. {I am sorry that I cannot welcome you to Absalom Station under better circumstances. I assure you that such attacks are not daily occurrence, though I realize that is likely small comfort to you. I am pleased that none of you were seriously hurt, but I grieve for Duravor's death. He was a valued member of the Society, and a friend. May the Lady of Graves be kind in her judgement of his soul} The shirren bows their head momentarily, then looks up, their compound eyes glittering.
{What puzzles me is the reason behind the attack} Chiskick taps a few commands into their computer. {According to the incident report just released by station security, two gangs were involved in the attack: The Downside Kings and the Level 21 Crew. Gang wars are not uncommon on the station, but they usually confine themselves to the more lawless sectors like the Puddles. It is rare for street gangs to battle openly in public areas like the docks. I cannot help but wonder whether all is as it seems. There must be a reason why those two gangs were at Docking Bay 94 at that time - the time of your arrival, coincidentally. But was it coincidence? Were you and Duravar just innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, or might you and he have been specifically targeted? And if so, why?}
{My understanding is that you are interested in becoming Starfinders, and since you were witnesses to the the attack, I would like to ask you to investigate the incident on behalf of the Society. Find out exactly what happened and why. It may simple be a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, I have no doubt station security will rule it so, but if Duravor was murdered, I would like to find justice for my friend. At the same time, this wil give you the opportunity to demonstrate your own skills and abilities show the Society that you are worthy of the title "Starfinder". Good luck!}
{Greetings. Welcome to Starfinder society. Please enjoy any of the refreshments on the table and take a seat}. A table to the side has some filtered water and what looks like protein wafers. Plenty of seats are available.
"Oh, wow...awesome! Thanks!" Ever concerned about feeding his high metabolism, Tylur grabs a bottle of water and a handful of protein wafers. As he sits down, he takes a drink and fidgets with the wrapper to one of the wafers until he can wolf it down.
{What puzzles me is the reason behind the attack}
"Yeah, we were wondering the same thing on our way over here. Zam said she thought one of the Downside Kings specifically targeted Kreel when the fighting broke out. We caught a few burns, as well. That's why we took them on ourselves...and in the hopes of saving Kreel and all those innocent bystanders, of course.."
{My understanding is that you are interested in becoming Starfinders, and since you were witnesses to the the attack, I would like to ask you to investigate the incident on behalf of the Society. Find out exactly what happened and why. It may simple be a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time, I have no doubt station security will rule it so, but if Duravor was murdered, I would like to find justice for my friend. At the same time, this wil give you the opportunity to demonstrate your own skills and abilities show the Society that you are worthy of the title "Starfinder". Good luck!}
Tylur leans back in his chair, chewing thoughtfully on another wafer before washing it down with some more water.
"Well, I'm in..." he grunts as he wipes his mouth with the back of his hand. "I'm all about meting out justice on the deserving. And this burn those gang-bangers gave me is annoying as hell. They deserve some payback for that, and especially for taking Kreel's life...purposefully or otherwise. If that's what it takes to prove ourselves to the Society, then I'd be happy to take on that challenge."
He finishes by looking around at everyone else, assuming they'll all feel the same.
Dee simply takes everything all in, keeping oddly quiet through the entire trip. She had never ventured past the space port during her stay here on Absolon Station, both as an agent of the Nocturnum Corporation, or as a member of AAF. The elf-droid had finally time to look in awe and wonder just how amazing the station appeared. This was going to be her new life now, and it felt…exciting.
Walking beside Zam as they entered the building, Dee nodded to the receptionist as they were lead to Chiskick’s office. She had seen Shirrens before, even working with a few Shirren Technomancers in their past. The telepathic communication was something she always had a hard time getting use to.
The android made her way to the table, grabbing a filtered water and a couple of protein waiffers. Taking in the sustenance, she listened to Chiskick’s explanation. She felt saddened seeing the Shirren gave a moment of silence to the dead dwarven friend.
Doing the same, she too bowed her head, giving a soft prayer to Wayden to protect those around her. Brought together by destiny, somehow the Technomancer knew that this was part of her destiny.
“Thank you Chiskick for your hospitality.” Dee replied, finishing the last of her water and waiffers. “I will gladly help bringing justice to Kreel and prove that I am worthy to join the ranks of the Starfinders. I also accept the challenge.” She nodded Tylur’s direction, “You have my word that I will not rest until this case is solved.”
Sybil had also followed along with her new comrades through the station to the Starfinder headquarters. It had been good to return home yet at the same time it was different, something that the halfling was trying to figure out.
At meeting the receptionist she again noted that the drow as he called himself lacked some social skills. While being straightforward is nice the delivery left much lacking. What can you do though, obviously someone saw something in being a group or they would not have placed to together in the first place.
Following along into the office of the Shirren and gave a nod and a Greetings Chiskisk" in a mental though to the being before her.
She also partook in refreshments with a bottle of water and two protein wafers. One she munched on slowly and the other she stored away for later. She listened and nodded to herself.
As fast the conversation began it was kinda over. Prove yourself by finding out what really was going on. "I too would like to know what really happened. I am up for it as well," Sybil replied.
Considering the law of the station and what authority that a Starfinder or an citizen had to investigate a possible crime
While not able to convince the station security that those items belonged to you, you where able to swipe the gear off a few of the dead gang members on your way out.
You get:
2x Azimuth Laser Pistol
2x Batteries
2x Credsticks (each with 150 credits)
"Yeah, we were wondering the same thing on our way over here. Zam said she thought one of the Downside Kings specifically targeted Kreel when the fighting broke out. We caught a few burns, as well. That's why we took them on ourselves...and in the hopes of saving Kreel and all those innocent bystanders, of course.."
Chiskisk's antenie continue to shake a bit, almost as if it is a bit disturbed about what that might mean. {This is a bit disconcerting! Kreel was a good man. I appreciate you looking into it}
“You have my word that I will not rest until this case is solved.”
{Hmm, well, I can't speak for your Android sensibilities, but if you do need some rest during your investigation, might I suggest the Moons of Sleep. It is a small hotel located a short walk from the parks and towers of the Eye. They offer discounts to any Starfinders seeking rooms, a curtosy I will make sure the extend to you. I believe the Starfinder rate is 16 credits per week for an efficienty or 50 per week for a small 2 bed suite}
Almost as if it forgot something, he pulls up his datapad, does some quick typing on it. {Ah yes, I almost forgot, I just transfered 200 credits to each of you. Call it an early signing bonus plus expenses}
Looking over each of you in turn {I am no expert on the gangs of this station, but from a seasoned Starfinder officer, might I suggest "hitting the streets"} You all get a slight tickle at the use of an idiom used telepathically, it is almost more of an image than it is words. {You might start with research on the various gangs, or even (I dare to suggest) look into Kreel. Here is my direct line, if you have any questions. I am not sure what assistance I can offer, but you should at least have one friendly contact on this station}
Zam's clutches a bottle of water, her fingers fidgeting with it nervously as Chiskisk introduces...itself? She's quite curious to know whether chiskisk is considered male or female, but realizes that Shirren morphology can deviate drastically from the binary designations of the Lashunta, and she doesn't want to sound ignorant or rude.
At any rate, the telepathic communication is a relief, making her feel at home and comfortable, and she again has to make a conscious effort to reply verbally for the benefit of the others. She relays her impressions about the shootout, shared with the group, to Chiskisk.
{Were you and Duravar just innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, or might you and he have been specifically targeted? And if so, why?}
Zam gasps audibly, no effort needed. She honestly hadn't considered that they'd all been targets. "I mean, I suppose it's possible that the gang might have been trying to kill us all. But why? We're just fresh recruits. Perhaps Kreel had some knowledge or mission he'd intended to share with us that didn't sit well with the Downside Kings."
"Me too," she says to Tylur, and Dee, and Sybil, as they offer their acceptance of the mission. "I mean of course I accept. That's why I came to Absalom Station--to become a Starfinder! And I couldn't ask for a better first assignment than to investigate the very attack against us that took the life of our first contact in the Society."
Zam activates her comm, inputting the information that Chiskisk gives them, including its direct line and the name, location, and rates of the Moons of Sleep. She notes the credits deposit with glee, but doesn't want to verbalize it for risk of sounding unprofessional, and so she simply confirms receipt.
"And you're absolutely right. There's only so much information about the gangs we can get from the infosphere. We need to talk to people, try to establish some line of communication with these gangs, and also try to figure out what Kreel might have been involved in to draw this kind of attack."
"Chiskisk, is there any other information you think we need right now, before we get set up at the Moons of Sleep and start snoopin--investigating?"
...We need to talk to people, try to establish some line of communication with these gangs, and also try to figure out what Kreel might have been involved in to draw this kind of attack.
"Yeah. And if we have to teach these gangsters a few more lessons to extract the information we need, I'll be happy to lend a hand in that. Especially these Downside Kings. They sound like a despicable lot from how the station security guards described them."
Tylur gives a nod to Chiskisk for the unexpected advance. "Much obliged, sir. I gotta admit, I've been a bit short on funds of late. This will see immediate use in getting settled and resolving this business surrounding Kreel's death. Thanks for the tip and good word on the lodgings, too."
"Well, guys? Why don't we get checked in, meet for dinner, and then plan our approach? Maybe Dee can research the info sphere while the rest of us establish whatever contacts we make on the station? Sybil, since you know your way around, maybe you can suggest a few places to start...or avoid."
"Chiskisk, is there any other information you think we need right now, before we get set up at the Moons of Sleep and start snoopin--investigating?"
It looks toward you, {Well, not that I can think of. I would see if you can access the Infosphere, maybe gather some information that way. This is your opportunity to show what you can offer the Starfinders}
DeeV8 listens to Chiskisk’s suggestion about finding lodging first then ‘hitting’ the streets to gather information. She remembered her Rebel Cell having contacts here, perhaps she could find a contact with her Underworld connections she may have here at the station.
“I try and find some information on the Infosphere, but as you stated Zam, there is only so much data available there.” The elf-droid would attempt to gather as much information she could scour from whatever source she could gain access to. “I believe there may be a few contacts here from my old rebel cell that I can try tap for information to help us.” She was an outlaw after all.
Pulling out her PDA (Personal Data Assistant), she activated the device sending out a couple of communique to some of her former Rebel Contacts here at the station and abroad.
Theme Knowledge (Ex)
-5 DC for Culture checks related to knowledge of the criminal underworld.
==============
- Castrovel Jets are in the finals this year
- A derelict ship named the Acreon arrived a few days ago. Crew are reported missing. The ship is towing what people are calling the "drift rock". Rumors abound about why.
- 2 Companies. Astral Extractions and Hardscrabble Collective both are claiming rights to the rock.
- A Simar has been spotted leaving the Communion, there is much speculation as to why.
Duravor Kreel was a midranking member of the Starfinder Society. Most of his work focused on mineral prospecting, but also took interest in new members to the society.
He was a native to the Diaspora, the diffuse astroid belt Verces and Eox and was known to have ties to the dwarves and other mining groups in the region. An outspoken champion of miners' rights, Kreel was active in challenging large corporate interests that exploited individual miners and laborers, including Astral Extractions.
Kreel had personally invested money in the Hardscrabble Collective. In addition, one of his cousins was a member of the group, but she died in a mining accident-the result of safety violations perpetrated by her contract employer, Astral Extractions.
The Downside Kings are a brutal street gang that controls several decks of Absalom Station’s lower levels, or “Downside,” through a combination of intimidation and violence. They are known to engage in a wide variety of illegal activities, from extortion, fraud, robbery, smuggling, and theft, to drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, murder-for-hire, and trafficking in sentient species.
Turnover among the Downside Kings’ leadership is high, but the gang’s current boss is a barbarous human woman named Ferani Nadaz.
The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims (unsurprisingly) Level 21 of Absalom Station’s seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal endeavors include theft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
he Level 21 Crew may be a criminal gang, but they have a reputation in their territory (and neighboring levels) for promoting community empowerment, and many neighborhood residents tolerate or tacitly endorse their activities. The gang has also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. A grizzled ysoki called Jabaxa currently leads the Level 21 Crew.
Tylur lends what he can to the team's attempts to gather information on the two gangs, but he fears he'll be a lot less effective than his less-intimidating friends. He starts by striking up conversations with station security again...wherever he can encounter a uniformed guard...and hoping he can "talk shop" with them to establish a reasonably trustworthy rapport. Mostly, however, his efforts focus on visiting Level 21 and the "Downside" to get a sense of the neighborhoods and those who inhabit them, counting on his own intimidating presence to dissuade anyone from giving him too much trouble. Even if he can't get much information on the gangs themselves, at a minimum, he hopes to assess the tactical layout of those parts of Absalom Station in the event things get out of hand once they do manage to track down each gang's leader.
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Zam stands outside the laundromat, Suddenly Sudz, rumored to be both a drug production site, as well as a storage site for the Level 21 Crew’s fenced goods. She takes a deep breath, nodding to Tylur and Iridar. ”Thanks for coming, guys. Alright, let’s do this…”
...and if I find that this info leads us nowhere, I’m coming back here with a warrant from Starfinder HQ and shutting down this pathetic excuse for a “laundromat,” Zam makes air quotes with her fingers, suggesting this were the lamest cover for an illegal drug ring, ever. ”And next time, I’m bringing a Vesk with a bad temper and a craving for wrikreechee! And I promise you, that’s as certain as a Castrovel Jets win in the finals this year!” Wheezik, the chitinous, mollusk-esque wrikreechee proprietor of Suddenly Sudz quivers in his seat, surrounded on either side by Tylur and Iridar.
{Wheezik: And don’t forget. I’ll be here, inside your brain, watching you day and night.}
Her antennae quiver excitedly, emphasizing the point. In truth, it’s from sheer amusement, and she smiles inwardly. That last line wasn’t true, but no reason for this bottom feeder to know that. He looks so fried out on whatever industrial grade chemicals he’s been injecting into himself for the past 10 years, he’d probably believe she was the queen of Castrovel if she told him so.
That had gone better than she'd expected.
The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims
(unsurprisingly) Level 21 of Absalom Station’s seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal endeavors include theft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
The Level 21 Crew may be a criminal gang, but they have a reputation in their territory (and neighboring levels) for promoting community empowerment, and many neighborhood residents tolerate or tacitly endorse their activities. The gang has also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. A grizzled ysoki called Jabaxa currently leads the Level 21 Crew.
Fearing retribution from powerful corporate interests, the Hardscrabble Collective has recently hired the Level 21 Crew for protection.
Those who want to get in touch with the Level 21 Crew can leave word at a bodega called Mama Fats’, which the gang uses as a message drop.
The Downside Kings are a brutal street gang that
controls several decks of Absalom Station’s lower levels, or “Downside,” through a combination of intimidation and violence. They are known to engage in a wide variety of illegal activities, from extortion, fraud, robbery, smuggling, and theft, to drug and arms tracking, kidnapping, murder-for- hire, and tracking in sentient species.
turnover among the Downside Kings’ leadership is high, but the gang’s current boss is a barbarous human woman named Ferani Nadaz.
Astral Extractions has recruited the Downside Kings to threaten the Hardscrabble Collective and pressure the miners into handing over the Acreon and the Drift Rock to the company without dispute.
The Downside Kings are known to use a nightclub called Fusion Queen as a front for their illegal activities.
After hearing about the two companies, you spend a bit of time pouring over the Infosphere about the two companies.
Astral Extractions is a powerful mining conglomerate
with business ties throughout the Pact Worlds. Most of the company’s operations are centered in the Diaspora and the rocky moons of the outer planets, but it has also begun sending scout vessels into the Vast in search of new claims. The company recently hired one of the Hardscrabble Collective’s ships, the Acreon, for one of these exploratory missions.
The public face of Astral Extractions is that of an ethical and respectable corporation, but outside of the public eye, some say the company uses hired muscle—corporate mercenaries, strikebreakers, and even criminal elements—as proxies to intimidate and threaten those who stand in its way.
Following the arrival of the Acreon, Astral Extractions secretly hired a violent Absalom Station street gang called the Downside Kings to coerce the Hardscrabble Collective into abandoning its claims on the Acreon and the Drift Rock.
Underworld sources claim that Astral Extractions speci cally ordered the Downside Kings to target Duravor Kreel, whose anticorporate activism was well known to the company’s board of directors, to discourage other parties (particularly the Star nders) from intervening in the Acreon matter.
The Hardscrabble Collective is a clan of stubborn
asteroid miners that operates primarily among the scattered planetoids of the Diaspora. It has no o ces or base of operations, but the clan members usually view the Armada—the ever-changing eet of ships that orbit Absalom Station—as a central gathering place. Collective crews hire their ships out to a wide variety of business concerns, including Astral Extractions, which recently employed the Collective ship Acreon to scout for new mining prospects in the Vast.
While the Hardscrabble Collective calls itself a clan, it is more of a cooperative business enterprise, a coalition of dozens of ships’ crews who have banded together for mutual bene t and safety. While some of the Collective’s members are related, most of them are individuals from a dozen di erent races: humans, dwarves, androids, ysoki, and more. Nevertheless, the Hardscrabble Collective is as tightly knit as many families, and members ercely look after one another’s welfare.
Following the arrival of the Acreon and Astral Extractions’ claim on the ship and the Drift Rock, the Hardscrabble Collective contracted with an Absalom Station street gang called the Level 21 Crew to protect its members and its interests on the station until the dispute can be resolved.
"You do have a way with people, Zam," Tylur grins as they exit the "laundromat" and leave Level 21 behind. "We need to meet up with the others and compare notes. Dee can probably check the infosphere again for information on the Hardscrabble Collective and Astral Extractions."
"Wow! This is a lot of stuff, most of it behind-the-scenes and no way for anyone to really dig into it without us connecting it and bringing it all to light. We should update Chiskisk the first chance we get, but we also need to confront these two gangs to confirm everything. Maybe we can find hard evidence so station security can charge them or something?" Tylur finishes off the last protein wafer he brought with him from the shirren's office before continuing.
"It seems to me Kreel had a history with both of these companies that have a claim on the Drift Rock that's been in all the newsfeeds. He butted heads with Astral Extractions...even lost a relative to them...and he invested in the Hardscrabble lot while supporting their cause and speaking out for miner's rights. That probably didn't sit well with AE. And, if they thought he was somehow using his position in the Starfinder Society to further oppose them, that must be why they had the Kings target him. Maybe he had something incriminating on them that would have swayed public opinion?"
"In the meantime, the Hardscrabble miners and AE's corporate goons contracted with these two local gangs to try and intimidate or protect against one another. The two probably already have a history. So, that incident in the docking bay was more than just a turf war. It was more like a blood feud, I imagine. Either way, they're both being manipulated by corporate interests...maybe moreso on the AE side than the Collective. I know a bit about how corporations go after assets like this Drift Rock, too. When they view something as a resource, and they covet it for some reason, they don't let little things like legalities get in their way. I helped fight a lot of wars back on Akiton that started under very similar circumstances."
The big soldier takes out his handgun and starts breaking it down in preparation for cleaning it. "Before this is over, I suspect we're going to butt heads again with these gang-bangers. And this time, it'll have to be on their turf, so they won't be running away just because we show up. I doubt station security will have a strong presence there either. Otherwise, they would have already cleaned up the streets these guys call home. So, we better go in prepared to shoot, if it comes to it."
Tylur ponders for a few more minutes as he peers over Dee's shoulder at the infosphere data the android collected. Finally, he suggests, "Might be best if we start with the Level 21 Crew. Their rep makes them out like they're less prone to murder us before hearing us out. Maybe Zam can work her voodoo magic on them with her honeyed words. At a minimum, we might get them to open up about the Kings. If those two are long-time enemies, Level 21 might have some intel we can use before we go back to the Downside. After that, the Kings are likely to have some real hardcases among their members. It's going to get physical real fast with them, for sure. So, it might be a good idea for a couple of us to case the Fusion Queen nightclub before we all go in looking for answers. I'll volunteer for that initial recon. From there, hopefully we'll have enough information to map out a decent strategy for the night we go back for a bigger confrontation."
"What do you guys think?"
She listens and nods her head as Tylur goes a good job summarizing the information they've all gathered, playing with her hair and knocking her boot heel against her chair.
"I know, right? This could be just the tip of the asteroid of a whole web of conspiracy and illegal conduct by AE. Who knows how deep this wormhole leads? We definitely need to at least try to talk to these gangs, but we have to be careful how we approach them. If they think we're acting on behalf of the Stewards or, worse, a rival gang, our goose is cooked." That only makes her think of Kreel, and it makes her angry.
"You're right we should definitely start with the Level 21 Crew. I mean, I just feel like there has to be someone there who would talk to us. Of course, we could also look into HC, but they're a step further removed from the murder, which is what Chiskisk specifically asked us to investigate."
"...case the Fusion Queen nightclub before we all go in looking for answers. I'll volunteer for that initial recon."
"What? Are you sure? That sounds dangerous, and definitely not something you should do alone. At least take someone else with you." She hesitates to give too much advice here, since this is definitely Tylur's area of expertise.
"And then, I'll get a message for the Level 21 Crew through that bodega, Mama Fats. I'm pretty new to this spy thing, though. Should I write it down? I should! What should it say. It outta be something clever..."
She opens her comm unit then, thinking better than to leave a digital trail, motions. Her backpack opens of its own accord and a small writing pen and notebook float into her hands . She says the words slowly as she writes. "...Hardscrabble's scrambled...Kings are holding the frying pan. You've got more friends than you know. Let's talk..." She looks up. "How's that?"
“I believe I can do that without too much effort.” Dee replied, her fingers tapped away on her PDA, writing up a quick summary and what was happening before sending it off Chiskisk’s direction. “That could be an avenue we could seek if needed, however I do feel we ‘owe’ them some sort of punishment for what they did to the poor dwarf.”
Part of her wanted to hand on their own street justice, but the elf-droid knew that could be a problem with her other teammates. Sometimes running with outlaws had its perks and flaws.
[quote: Tylur]Maybe he had something incriminating on them that would have swayed public opinion?"
“Whatever the case, we believe that perhaps it was Astral Extractions that may have hired the Kings to perform this heinous act? But I could be speculating, of course, only assuming the data we have gathered thus far. Now proving this may be something a little more difficult.”
“If I recall what the authorities stated about the Twenty One Crew they were more into promoting community empowerment, hiring themselves out to help defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions.”
The Technomancer checked her PDA again, hoping to see Chiskisk’s reply before continuing. “This is probably the reason why they were at the Docks protecting Kreel from impending attacks. Enter the Corporate bully, hiring the Kings to take care of Kreel. I too have seen this sort of behavior during my time as a slave to my Corporate oppressors back on Apostae.”
[quote:Tylur]”...So, we better go in prepared to shoot, if it comes to it..."
“I am ready to take the lives of these vile individuals if need be.” The Android responded, nodding at the soldier in agreement. DeeV8 wasn’t afraid to take a life if she had to do it. She didn’t look for violence preferring a more passive avenue, but if she needed to kill she could do it without too much remorse. Such dispassionate feeling came from the programming she once possessed long before her awakening.
[quote:Tylur]"What do you guys think?"
“Looking over the data I’ve gathered I have to agree. The Crew has shown they could be the most approachable out of the two gangs.” She agreed with Tylur. “Plus, I am sure we could gather more information on the Kings by meeting with individuals who may be more open to giving us information considering why we are on the case in the first place.” Knowing how the Underworld worked, Dee had a feeling that one gang would be ousted the other if given the chance to.
[quote:Tylur] ….” So, it might be a good idea for a couple of us to case the Fusion Queen nightclub before we all go in looking for answers. I'll volunteer for that initial recon….”
“As for recon, it’s best to be careful about how we approach the Kings.” Dee wasn’t too sure she liked the idea of simply walking into this Fusion Queen. “What if they received news who foiled their plans gathering our names and our faces in the process.
That means we could be walking into a very dangerous situation.” The elf-droid nodded towards Zam’s direction “I agree with Zam as I would tread with caution having the backup there if something goes awry.”
[quote: Zam] "How's that?"
“Absolutely perfect.” Dee replied, giving the Lashunta a compliment for a job well done. “That goes for you as well Tylur.”
"...'Hardscrabble's scrambled'...sounds like a good enough way to get 21 intrigued enough to talk, Zam. Let's go with that. At least if they think we're potential allies, that should keep them from shooting us before we bring them up to speed and make our case against the Kings. We can decide on dealing with the Downsiders and casing the Fusion Queen after that."
"Once we do, I'm still willing to do the recon, but I'd certainly appreciate some degree of backup. Among all of us, I'm probably the right kind of clientele to show up at the nightclub and get inside. I don't think any of the Kings got a good look at me during the firefight. Iridar and I moved left to engage the Level 21 Crew in the docking bay. So, hopefully, we'd have that going for us, too. If I just show up for a drink and a little entertainment, maybe I can at least get the lay of the land in there. Scope out any interior doors and exits. See what kind of security setup they have. And, that way, we know all our options."
Tylur finishes putting his sidearm back together once he's satisfied the action is clean. Stowing the weapon, he kicks back on one of the beds in their suite at the Moons. It seems a lot more comfortable than he expected, and at least his feet didn't hang off the edge. Still, it would take some getting used to after sleeping on the ground and a too-small bunk on a freighter for most of his life. If this was kind of experience a Starfinder could expect, he certainly wouldn't complain, though. Comfort could be good sometimes.
"Hey, Zam? We probably won't get a meeting with Level 21 until tomorrow. And those protein wafers don't really do more than hold hunger at bay for awhile. You still want to grab dinner and check out a casino? Might as well enjoy Absalom Station a bit while we wait for our answer..."
"Those are some good finds for sure." Sybil comments as several of the others come up with information that will be quite useful going forward.
Because no one has brought it up she asks, "Do we want to approaching the gangs before approaching either Astral Extractions or Hardscrabble Collective? It would seem that those that had Kreel killed would be part of the Astral Extractions. The gangs are mere pawns."
She shrugs, "I do suppose we want the little fish to go after the bigger ones..."
"Yeah. I think we start with the gangs. If the intel we've got on Astral Extractions' connection to Kreel's murder pans out, we'll likely need proof rather than just hearsay. And, if we can pin down the Kings, that may give us AE. Depending on what we get out of them, I think Chiskisk can probably take it from there. The shirren has the Starfinder Society's resources to hold the corporation accountable."