Looking to think through what you have said, {I can see the logic behind your words. Even if the emotions of the people are illogical, one must live within the system. Best I can do is try to change it}
{Making an apology is much less degrading that enduring this academic suspension. I am willing to do this, under 3 conditions. Muhali must cancel my suspension, restore my access to the university's restricted collection, and then pardon the whole inciden in his tenure review file. If you can get Muhali to agree to those terms, I will make the apology she requested}
Leading up toward the door, {yes yes, Mr. Ah. Feel bad is not worth doing. But happy to have my guard at least..... somewhat agree to proper war stratagies}
{Says the guy who thinks wars should be ended quickly. So, we're going for a walk then? ...or a float?}
Lefty shrugs as he walks around his little desk to stand in front of the office's doorway.
Zam notes Ailabiens 21:2's terms. "Right, we'll see what we can do." There's a lot more she'd like to say, but no reason to stoke this entity's ire until they've determined whether Muhali will be receptive to its terms.
On the way out she stops and addresses Lefty. "We're going to relay communications between Ailabiens 21:2 and Professor Muhali. Just so you know, we'll be right back. Is that alright?"
"That's totally fine." Lefty replies enthusiastically.
Then he realizes that the floaty brain isn't floating off anywhere anytime soon.
{I'll be guarding the strategical genius over here if you need me...} Lefty slowly returns to his seat behind the desk with a forlorn expression.
Dee didn't bother responding to the floating brain's insults. It intrigued her to see his reactions, wanting to dive deeper into the debate, but since they were pressed for time. Choosing one's battles scenario certainly came to mind.
The Elf Droid just watched the interaction between Captain Zam and the offender. In the end that particular diplomacy would get what the team needed from him.
"He seems trustable." The Android replied aloud following her Captain to the next destination. "Lefty, not 21:2 of course."
The group heads back to Muhali's office, she invites you in. "Well, any luck? Did he agree to give an apology?"
She seems both optimistic and filled with doubt.
"As a matter of fact, they did," Zam explains with a smile. "Imagine what a relief it's going to be for you to be unburdened with this scandal. The journalists: gone, the media frenzy: gone, the university's reputation: unbesmirched!"
"All you have to do is cancel the suspension, restore access to the restricted collection, and leave this off Aibaliens 21:2's tenure review."
"That's hardly anything at all!"
Muhali listens to Zam's news.
At first she just laughs "Ha! Leave it off his record?..." She sighs deeply, "Maybe you are right, it would get everything back on track and I can drop this all."
She taps on her data terminal for a few seconds, then takes a deep breath, "Its done! Thank you for stepping in and doing that." Quickly looking around the room she grabs a small ring inside a box with small runes on it. "Here. This was something that Ailabiens 21:2 requested in a grant, before all of this. You can have it. He will just have to miss out on it. He cant fight me on it if I don't have it!"
She hands you the box with the ring in it.
Settling into her chair she looks over the group, "Now.. what can I help you all with? I know you came here on Starfinder business. What can I do you for?"
Inwardly pretty pleased with herself, Zam gives an abridged description of their adventure on the Drift Rock, including the indeterminate symbology found thereon.
"...Symbols also found in the three-centuries-old writings of the scholar Halkueem Zan. His work is in the collections here at QUXX."
Perhaps in the same restricted collection sought by Ailabiens 21:2.
"We're interested in learning more about this surprising connection."
She listens intently, then when you mention Halkueem Zan she laughs to herself.
"Well, first of all, to defend our university. Zan did not do his research here, but we did record it. Let me look up what I can find really fast"
She types away at her computer for a second, "Well It looks like we have access to his original journals, but they are in an obsolete data format, and we also have some physical journals. I can get these digitized for you, it will only need a few hours"
She looks at them again, then back up, "But... I can tell that there are some gaps in the record, either because of Zan's neglect, or because someone has removed these documents... hmm... Anyway, as for the language it looks to be a non-Elvan language group found in association with the few known elven sites on the continent of Ukulam. My good friend Dr Solstarni, here at the University, is the expert in these languages. Let me see if I can get ahold of her."
She pulls up her terminal to call. And you wait, as it does not connect.. She looks up and tries again... Nothing.. "Hmm let me try her personal line" No connection. "This is odd. Let me ping her family really fast".. A few more voice connections and a few brief conversations, and no one seems to know where she is.
"I don't like this. Here, take the key to her office, I will ping the guard you met, he does not need to stand where he is anymore. He can join you. While you are looking in her office, I will dig a bit deeper and see if I can track her down."
Lefty gets a ping to come to the office, releaved of brain duty. And heads to the office to escort the group to Dr. Solstarni's office.
Finally a decent assignment! Lefty thinks as he feels the ping from the comms he built into his head, gets up from his make-shift guard post, and begins heading towards the office.
First good feeds on boring shifts, and now better shifts! Those Drift Rock guys make everything better...
---
Lefty appears in the hallway, the enthusiasm for being far from Ailabiens 21:2 apparent in his body language.
{So I heard someone needs an escort?}
"You're in charge of security?" Tylur addresses Lefty, speaking up for the first time since revisiting Muhali's office. The big soldier has switched from quiet observation to heightened concern and it's clearly evident in his demeanor. "Dr. Solstarni isn't answering comms on any channel. Friends and relatives haven't heard from her either. Could be a missing persons case. Or, there may be some foul play at work. Either way, we need to check her office. If you'd give us an assist, we'd appreciate it..."
He gestures for the lashunta to precede them, assuming he's agreeable, but refrains from drawing any weapons yet. "Let's just play this as quiet and unassuming as we can," he advises, "With all those journalists and other faculty running about, it'd be best if we don't stir up any undue anxieties, but we should be ready regardless. Miss Muhali? We'll report back as soon as we find anything explaining the situation."
He then gestures at Lefty's cybernetic components. "You got a comms unit built into any of that, or do you prefer to converse telepathically like Zam here? I'm good either way, but if you want ot rely on your tech, you can use our channel in case we get separated..." He taps the comm tucked into his right ear.
{Let's walk and talk ladies and gentleman, bye Muhali!}
Lefty starts leading the way to the missing Dr Solstarni's office, soon forgetting to answer the question about his rank as a security guard.
{We can flap meat if it makes you more comfortable.}
"I'm not sure why anyone would prefer to, though. Mouths are for eating, right Zam? Can I call you Zam?" Lefty looks to Zamasea for confirmation before continuing.
"As for a comms unit, I got a special package." Lefty uses his prosthetic left hand to tap something metal right behind his left ear.
"What's the Drift Rock 5's number?"
Then Lefty's head jerks up a bit as he remembers a certain absent android. He looks left and right over his shoulder a few times; spotting Sibyl, he says to her "sorry I didn't get your answer back at the brain's office, it's been crazy around here. Where did you say Yon was again?"
“Yes, I believe that is acceptable.” Dee replied, not knowing exactly where their trek would take them. Having all the information available at her fingertips would certainly help no matter how crazy this Zan was. “We will need it all.”
“Interesting, perhaps it is good we still have our weapons in case this leads us to another altercation.” Dee replied looking at the rest of her teammates. With the way the campus had been chaotic, it wasn’t surprise something weird was going on. “We will look into this.”
“Yes, the odds of Dr. Solstarni has been abducted is 50.8%, however the longer the time of abduction gains, the more we increase the percentage of abduction at least by 2% of post-abduction time. Layman's terms, you can bet that if she was abducted it was for the skill set she may possess.” The Elf-droid followed closely Tylur’s side keeping in step with the larger human.
“I believe Lefty the correct designation for Zam is Captain.” Dee smiled, a large cheshire smile. When he asked about Yon, the Android simply remained silent.
The walk is not long to Dr Solstarni's office. When you arrive the door is shut and locked. Luckily Muhali provided a key access code.
--- Once opened ---
The office is in disarray, with cabinet doors ajar, several stone artifacts across the floor from open archival drawers, and a traveling bag open and half-packed. The computer on the desk at the far end of the room is dark, but a diode on its base blinks regularly.
The more military minded of you notice security cameras as you walk, though none in the room itself.
--- Computer ---
The computer is in sleep mode. When interacted with it brings up her log-in screen.
Open behind the lock is Dr. Solstarni's calendar. It shows a schedule research sabbatical in approximately 2 months time, as approved by Muhali as well as the authorities in Turhalu Point (east coast of Ukulam).
However one of the recent files on the computer is a letter from Professor Muhali granting Dr. Solstarni leave to depart 2 months early to take advantage of special conditions in the field, signed 2 days ago.
-- See second spoiler
You also find a series of 15 messages exchanged between Dr. Solstarni and a person named Dr. Eyrub Paqual regarding Solstarni's research into ancient elven settlements of Ukulam. The exchanges begin fairly cordially as Paqual and Solstarni discuss minor details of interest from the minimal research published about these sites. As the discussion continued, however, Paqual grew more insistent and attempted to cajole the Kasatha to meet with him at a cafe called the Five Arches in Qabarat's Gateway District 2 days ago to appraise several artifacts he had recovered. Solstarni refused, siting a busy schedule.
You can determine that the letter from Muhali is a forged document generated by an off-site computer that spoofed Muhali's identiy
The last message conveys Solstarni was feeling increasingly skeptical about Paqual's motives.
--- Room ---
One of the cabinets is ajar and contains Dr. Solstarni's field suit, a set of basic Lashunta tempweave fitted for a kasatha, though it has fallen from its hanger.
It looks to have been knocked off in haste, like someone was trying to grab it fast then dropped it
You also notice a slight dent in the carbon fiber cabinet
You find a printed letter of some correspondence from a Eyrub Paqual inviting Solstarni to meet at the Five Arches Cafe to discuss some artifacts.
The letter was right behind her cabinet. Which seems odd.
You find some printed scans of Halkueem Zan's notebooks marked in red pen.
Sybil moves up and appears up beside Zhelaeuss, "Hey... yeah sorry. Yon, was called away. Mentioned something of an obligation to fulfill. While our paths might cross again, I got the impression it was something he would be at for awhile. Wished him the Lady's Luck and we continue on. So, yeah... we are kinda of the Drift Rock Four now."
As they walk along the the small three foot halfling looks up at the much taller Lashunta and flashes a smile and starts in on getting to know Lefty, "So, what brought you to this line of work?"
----
As the group enters the office the halfling starts to look about with her keen eye...
"Hmmm... Looks like someone left in a rush... " she stops and moves over the filing cabinet, "There is a dent here.." She points it out to the others.
And while looks about the cabinet she notices a letter behind it and holds it up and reads it,"looks like a Eyrub Paqual is inviting Solstarni to meet at the Five Arches Cafe to discuss some artifacts.
And finds some more sheets on the other side of the cabinet next to the wall and picks them up
---earlier---
"Oh, I uh... well mostly it leaves me more time to go hunting. Also depending on my shift I can play around with my prostheses. For example,"
Lefty flicks the flashlight built into his left arm on and off.
"I never lose my flashlight anymore."
"Also I always have all my tools with me." he adds, tapping the odd container built into his left arm.
"So... does team Drift Rock have a job opening then...?"
---
Lefty looks at the others and back to the absent doctor's computer terminal. "I... totally have clearance to snoop around on this. Hold on a second."
Lefty pulls a cable out from behind his ear and plugs it directly into the computer.
After a few seconds, he pulls it out.
{There's a whole bunch of messages between Solstarni and Paqual in there. Paqual seems like a pushy guy, too; wanted her to look at something but wouldn't take no for an answer. Something about taking sabbatical in a couple months. Another thing about taking it immediately instead of later... hey, would someone forge a document from Muhali about taking sabbatical early? This thing's metadata are off...}
Lefty scratches an antenna.
Upon seeing the office in disarray, Tylur immediately draws his sidearm and raises it to eye level as he sweeps the room. Once satisfied it's clear of potential danger, he draws back to let the rest of the team do their thing. He quietly nods at Sybil's discovery. Leave it to the halfling to find something so easily overlooked. He'd have never thought to check behind the cabinet to find such a letter.
The soldier then raises an eyebrow as Lefty quickly connects to the missing doctor's computer. It felt a little weird to see a lashunta engaging in such a mind-meld with machines, especially after becoming so dependent on leaving that kind of thing to Dee and Yon. Personally, he'd never had a desire to load up on cybernetic implants. Androids came by them almost naturally. So, that made sense in a way. Less so for their security-guard tag-a-long, but maybe it wasn't by choice and the implants helped him cope with a world where he'd otherwise be severely disadvantaged. After all, if Tylur had ever lost a limb on the battlefield, he'd certainly entertain assuring his quality of life thereafter, even if it meant becoming reliant on cybertechnology.
{There's a whole bunch of messages between Solstarni and Paqual in there. Paqual seems like a pushy guy, too; wanted her to look at something but wouldn't take no for an answer. Something about taking sabbatical in a couple months. Another thing about taking it immediately instead of later... hey, would someone forge a document from Muhali about taking sabbatical early? This thing's metadata are off...} Lefty scratches an antenna.
"Maybe this Paqual wouldn't take 'no' for an answer," Tylur muses aloud, "All the interaction could have been a ploy to lure her into a trap. And, when she didn't take the bait, maybe things escalated from there. But I'm not sure if this mess is from a struggle to abduct her, or if it's just from someone trashing the office looking for something? Sybil? You think you can check to see if there are any other hiding places for something they might've missed? And, in the meantime, maybe we can check the infonet for anything on the Five Arches Cafe. After all, if they were trying to lure her there, that means they might still be there if it was a favorite meeting place."
Finally, Tylur looks up, moving his gaze from one security camera to another. "Hey, Lefty? I assume you've got access to the surveillance logs on these things, yeah? You think you could pull them to see if there's any record of who ransacked the place? Or maybe any kind of timeline on when Solstarni was last here? That alone should give us an idea of how long she's truly been missing..."
Lefty remembers to use his mouth when he responds "You mean the cameras in the hall? Yeah, we can take a look. Especially after finding forged documents we should take a close look.
I have to physically go to the camera room, though; closed circuit and all that."
Lefty waits by the door for the Drift Rock four to finish their investigations and file into the hall so that he can lock the office again and lead everyone to the main security room.
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“Excuse me...Lefty is it? I’d hate to be rude but we have yet found a reason to trust you.” The Elf-droid replied looking over his shoulder as he hacked into the system. Once he was done, she looked into the system, accessing the files he had accessed.
“It would appear that Lefty here left out the ‘dirty details’. Yes, is that a quote? I believe it is isn’t not?” Scanning the data Dee analyzed processing the data they had just uncovered. “It would appear that Dr. Solstarni has taken a research sabbatical to Turhalu point on the east coast of Ukulam. It would seem there is a letter between Professor Muhali giving Dr. Solstarni permission to depart for 2 months signed only a few days ago. Very interesting since the letter is a forgery. Considering the Professor had no idea of Solstarni’s disappearance. That would seem logical.” Dee’s violet orbs continued processing in the data.
“There are approximately 15 messages between Solstarni and an individual Dr. Eyrub Paqual. At attempt to meet up at the Five Arches left Solstarni to decline. It would seem that this is probably a starting point we can begin our search? I will attempt a search on this Eyrub Paqual and where the Five Arches is located.” The Elf-droid accessed the infosphere looking for anything on these two pieces of information.
“Agreed, perhaps one with your security credentials could gain access to the cameras. Or I can attempt to find them with the campus computer matrix. But I am sure if we speak to the Professor we could gain access to all systems without dealing with hurdles that may come our direction. This is after all only a suggestion of course, but that could lead to 95.7% success rate.” Dee replied, standing close to Captain Zam. “What do you wish to do Captain?”
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Lefty is right that you can access the cameras from either the front desk, where you helped out, or potentially a security closet. Though you would have to hack into one of those. Lefty does not have rights to those, likely to your own frustration.
Dee looks into Eyrub Paqual in the infosphere and she finds a series of articles about elven ruins he published over the past 6 years.
It appears these articles are poorly vetted or site him as one of the numerous secondary authors. Maybe a front of some kind
[ooc]DC 21 Computers on data found - Dee passed already[ooc]
You can detect inconsistencies in his online bios and records, suggesting he might be entirely fictions
The Five arches are a much simpler matter to look up. It is an establishment located off the beaten path in the Gateway District near the east side of the city. According to its advertisements the Five Arches is a "Cafe dedicated to serving the discerning palettes of a dozen worlds". According to online reviews, it's an eclectic dive with wildly variable food and drink quality combined with bizarre food pairings for the daily specials. Overall, the reputation suggests its not a place that right-thinking individuals frequent willingly.
Lefty frowns for a moment.
"Oh, uh, sorry for not being specific.
Um... and thanks for explaining better, Dee."
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"I can go check with the front desk on the security recordings," Tylur offers, "That way, the rest of you can give Muhali an update on what we found...or rather, who we didn't find. Good job on spotting the forgery, Dee. You think you can see about arranging a transport for us to the Five Arches? I doubt Solstarni is there, but maybe we can get an idea of who was trying to lure her away from the university."
"Yeah- uh- maybe it'll be easier to talk to Muhali before anyone visits the front desk, though." Lefty suggests
"Hopefully it won't be too much trouble to take a peek at the logs..." he muses out loud while still standing by the office's exit.
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"You are quite welcomed Lefty." The Elf-droid overly smiled, revealing perfect white teeth. "There is something that seems odd with this Eyrub Paqual."
"Interestingly enough, it appears these articles are poorly vetted or site him as one of the numerous secondary authors. Perhaps a front of some kind? I believe we should use caution here." She stated, looking at Tylur. "I will contact a local transportation service and arrange us a means of transport to our next destination."
The group finally decides to head down and check on the footage. Luckly the group of reporters has dispersed and all that is left is a grateful receptionist.
Showing quick approval for you to look over the tapes. There seemed to be securty cameras in the hallways and the entrances. None in the offices or classrooms. The Receptionist Ikimsi looks over the logs. Some unusual activity is spotted. A trio of Korasha Lashunta carrying heavy backpacks and wearing uniforms entered the building 2 days ago in the late evening. After all reception and personnel had left. They took the stairs up, but there seems to be no footage of them on other floros or even leving the building.
The uniforms are those of Gateway District's Port Authority
There are some inconsistencies in the footage on several floors, including the floor where Dr Solstarni's office is
Zam points out the uniforms are the same used as the Gateway District's port Authority!
While you are scanning over these documents Muhali had called in a detective. A brief conversation leads to a few things.
1. The Detective determines that the best course of action would be follow up at the Five Arches at the Port Authority.
2. Based on the suspects, he thinks that they might hide at first sign of law enforcement.
3. He is willing to deputize you in the short term to investigate further. As long as at least 2 of you wear bugs
Muhali speaks up, "This is all very unpleasant. Lefty, you are to do whatever you can with this group to find Dr. Solstarni. You have been complaining about being stuck in the building anyway. Go, save her. Wherever she might be"
As Lefty watches the footage along with everyone else, his home-made HUD built into his head gets his attention.
{Huh, I think I saw a few inanimate objects move around without anyone being caught on camera.}
Lefty frowns as he double checks the non visual portion of the logs.
"Aaaand the timestamps are off too. Maybe someone's been messing with our cameras..."
--- in Muhali's office ---
Lefty, too excited to think of the comfort of the non-telepaths, says telepathically {Thanks Muhali, I look forward to it!}; he also lacks the presence of mind to ask any important questions, though that's his usual MO.
{Also can I wear one of the bugs? I wanna see how much info I can shove through it with my jack} he adds, tapping something metallic behind his left ear.
The halfling looks around at her colleges, "It seems like everyone wants to record us of late. With our celebrity status, I am not sure that you could afford our rates to do so Detective. After all a person's personal space has all sorts of value you these days." She says with a matter of fact tone, and rather straight face, even if on the inside she is busting a gut laughing on the inside.
"As you see, our good friend here has volunteered, I think only one of is enough, Detective?" as she motions to Zhelaeuss.
"Seems like someone went to a lot of trouble to cover their tracks in getting their hands on Dr. Solstarni," Tylur comments as Lefty and Dee share what they've unearthed from the recordings. "Detective? I don't mind being deputized...or wearing a wire for you. And frankly, I'm relieved we'll be free to follow this lead without any unintentional interference from the local law enforcement. That'll let us do what we do best. And, for your peace of mind, we'll try to keep any collateral damage to a minimum."
"So...I guess this Five Arches is the place to be," the big soldier muses aloud, "Is there any information you can share on this place? What's the layout? What can we expect there? Zam? Lefty? Muhali? Or Detective? You got anything you can add before we head there?"
"I would agree with Tylur, and I believe your assessment is correct Sybil. Being Starfinders and sent here to investigate the situation here on Castrovel had led us to the next step of our mission. With or without the authorities help on the matter." Dee wasn't sure why they were giving the security representatives such a hard time. They had a mission they needed to continue. Being the Drift Rock Four was becoming more of a hindrance than an advantage.
A bit taken aback by Sybil's response. The lashunta is stunned for a second till Tylur speaks up. "Things happen, but I hope you are willing to go in and learn. Not gun's ablazing"
"As for the five Arches, it is a small local establishment. Run by an interesting android. It is out on the street with most of the seating outside the building on a patio. You will be exposed to the busy street. I can attempt to slow down some trafic. Not a road block but maybe something to lighten the crowed a bit."
"It also sounds like the Port Authority might have some information. Why where those people in the recordings wearing their suits. 2 Leads, I guess. I leave it to you... Starfinders" He then salutes you. It is obvious he looks up to you as Starfinders, even if you have no direct authority.
"We'll check out the Five Arches first, but circle back to the Port Authority when we're done..." Tylur acknowledges the detective's input. "Load me up with whatever identification we need to be deputized...and we can add your bug here to my armor. Also, if there's a comm channel we need to know so we can call you in, share that, too."
Lefty nods enthusiastically at the team's impending departure, then (at the mention of blazing guns) he remembers his 'hunting rifles' back in his apartment.
"I wanna avoid fighting in the city as much as the next guy, but think we should bring... insurance?" Lefty suggests unhelpfully.
"I don't know that we have any reason to go in loaded for bear yet..." Tylur states, "And a heavy arsenal will do nothing in helping us keep a low profile. A full weapons load will just advertise our presence and startle the locals. And, in my experience, when those two factors are combined, it usually means your quarry creates more collateral damage than you want if they make a stand...or, they use the resulting chaos of the crowd to impede you and slip away."
"So, all of that's to say that I'd prefer to investigate this with handguns and my blade for now. If we run into something heavier than that, hopefully we can spot it first and then coordinate our approach to neutralize it before the enemy can bring it to bear on us. And, if that doesn't work out, I trust Dee to have our back with a bit of magic. That's certainly saved us a time or two already, and she's as good as any arm cannon in my book."
The detective reaches into his small bag, pulling out 5 tiny black, almost winged, devices. "Just placing this on your person, on or near your transmitter, will allow me to listen in." He hands them out to everyone.
"As for a comm channel here is a the local network address that you can send a ping to. I am hoping it does not turn to blows. I am not sure I can get more than myself as backup for this type of activity. But if you need, I will do my best to be there"
Looking to Lefty, "Yes. Small arms and more.. subtle, weapons would be preferable in the city."
Everyone collects their items, and prepares to head out. A quick transport to the Gateway District near the east end of the city.
The Five Arches is readily apparent from the street, thanks to its glaring neon sign suggestive of the numerous portals in the district. A riot of different world's souvenirs plasters the interior's walls, and each table, booth, and bench bears the name of one of the Pact Worlds' planet or habitable moons.
There are a few customers eating and chatting. You see a female presenting android walk out with very interesting food to deliver to a group of younger Lashunta.
"Alright, gang...how do we want to play this?" Tylur asks, "Dee? You think you might be able to establish a rapport with the android and ask a few questions for us? Or, maybe Zam can win over a few of the locals and see if anyone recognizes Solstarni's name or image?"
As Tylur speaks, he makes sure to turn his body so the camera provided by the detective captures the location and current inhabitants in case they need to reference it later. At the same time, he does his usual visual sweep of the premises to see if he notes anything suspicious, as well as the obvious tactical terrain, including potential exits and security measures.
Lefty decides that even though subtlety isn't his strong suit, perhaps he can look around the room like Tylur.
However, he has a hard time focusing on watching anything other than the Drift Rock 4.
"A rapport with a strange android? I will attempt to interface with her and see what information I can gather." The Elf-droid replied waiting until the Android was clear before she approached her.
Once the Android was clear, Dee made her way to her. "Greetings, I am DeeV8 I am looking for some information. Liberty to all, Circuitry is a must." Said the elf-like Android with a pleasant smile. It was the AAF's standard secret protocol greeting to agents of the Android Abolitionist Front. "As Plexin 1 guides me to you, I hope you can help with the information I seek." DeeV8 knew that most Androids knew who the AAF was, she hoped that this one maybe is a hidden agent.
As you all look around the bar, you see about 13 people sitting around nursing verious drinks. Most in pairs, but a few by themselves.
The female displaying android turns to Dee, "Ah greetings! Same to you. I hope I have the correct information for you. What can I help you with. Oh and the special today is avian cutlet with a fruit compote with a Triaxus winter tuber"
Sadly, she does not seem to be a hidden agent. Though it is hard to read her face as there is no reaction to Dee's words beyond it seeming like a greeting.
Lefty watches as DeeV8 engages with the waitress. He elbows Sybil and Tylur.
"Think the kids come here often? Think they'd have seen something?" He asks, gesturing towards the group of younger Lashunta.
"Why thank you for the information. My party and I will need a table for 4." Dee replied, hiding her displeasure. She hoped there might have been a connection between them, unfortunately, Tylur's assumption had been incorrect.
Following the waitress, Dee kept her on alert looking to Tylur for guidance on what to do next.
"Ah.. Here is a table for your group. Let me know when you are ready to order."
He walks away, keeping an eye on all the tables.
Your group finds the table, sits and can look at menus.
"Well, I guess we might as well order something.
Oh wait, I know. Let's ask the waitress about Starstarni when she comes to get our orders.
Whaddya think?" Lefty asks the no one in particular as he scoots his chair closer to the table.
"Solstarni..." Tylur corrects Lefty.
The big soldier takes a seat at the table the android gave them and slowly gazes about the room.
"Let's sit and observe for a bit," he tells the team, "Get a sense of the clientele here. Maybe it's a meet-up point for whoever took the professor. If so, we need a sense who comes and goes from this place...as well as anything underhanded that might transpire here."
He looks over at Dee. "Seems like the host was unreceptive...either intentionally or because they're running a legitimate business and not involved in the Solstarni matter."
As you look around the room. You see, what seems like normal clientele.
There is a solo Lashunta that seems to notice you. Also seems to flinch a little at the mention of the name Solstarni
"So... should we order something while we wait?" Lefty looks around, too oblivious to notice... something.
"So... should we order something while we wait?"
"Suit yourself," Tylur responds, "I might have a drink while we wait..."
He scans the room again, noting the various exits.
"Say," he suggests, "Lefty? Or Dee? Can either of you download an image of Solstarni from the university infosphere? Maybe we can use it to ask a few people if they've seen her? It's possible someone may have seen her come in if it was a meet-up point. I mean, even if she refused to meet her contact here, it's possible they could have brought her in against her will. And, if necessary, maybe we can flash the credentials the detective gave us to gain folks' cooperation..."
"Flashing credentials sounds fun. I'll get on that download."
Lefty leans back and looks spaced out for a minute while he searches digital space for a good photo.