Dead Suns AP by GM Cellion (Inactive)

Game Master GM Cellion

Solaria who had kept quiet looks across at Grix. "Whilst returning the personal effects of the crew is in good taste. There are many who see that knowledge provides power, and power is often bought. Whilst our friend, Serissi, understands as someone who has salvaged these ships we stand in, I'm sure he understands that any salvaging operation has a cost. I am sure, he will be prepared to reward those who offer such services to him. That or he understands that one good deed deserves another, so we may call on Serissi for some favour in the future."

Serissi tips his head towards Solaria while his eyes remain on Grix. "The beautiful lady has the gist of it. Like I said, I don't want to give you a promise of payment for anything while you're working for the Mediator. But, members of the Collective share information. If you help us, we will find a way to help you down the road."

Spectre raises a metallic hand toward Grix and Solaria.

"You see, Arcalinte...these two wanted to ask the same question I did. But it seems we have an accord. If we find information valuable to them, we can come to an agreement later. These are the kinds of connections I am interested in forming. My processors are equipped to handle multi-tasking."

Otal's brows furrow as he glances back at Spectre in a confused expression. "Fascinating machine. Is it truly self-aware, or just a clever simulacrum? Where did you find it? Is it from Aballon? Some invention of the church of Triune?"

Better a credit in hand than three in the bush, I think the saying goes... but it doesn't look like he'll budge on this one. Maybe Astral Extractions will have a juicier offer.

Grix bobs his head "Okhay, I understand you Serissi. We'll see what we khan do for you. Oh and Spectre here is a... hmm... huhhh... ermmmm..." He clicks his claws together "You know, I have no idea. You're not with the Aballon or Triune's faith, are you Spectre?"

Isu swipes out of the legal document in disgust. Worthless document, worthless way of talking. This one just wishes for a fair honorable fight. But it is not this one's place to push us out of here and toward the action. No, a bodyguard keeps his honor by keeping his mouth shut.

I'll wait a couple more hours, then... next stop, Astral Extractions?

Spectre's head swivels toward the man.

"I am not a part of any faction, but do attempt to follow my primary functions. My master found it expedient to never wipe my memory module, nor have I received new programming. Perhaps that is what gives me an adventurous and independent attitude. Now, if we can dispense with the gawking, there are credits to earn."

Sydney, who has been quietly observing for the past few minutes speaks up: "Time to jet?" I don't know why they're so concerned about money. Judging from Hardscrabble’s pad, they don't look rich...

"Don't worry, Otal. You can count on us, man. You'll be calling us family before you know it." Sydney take a hand out of her jacket pocket to shake the Akitonian's hand in farewell.

Otal smiles at Sid, shakes her hand, and thanks you all for coming. He walks you back to the airlock and your shuttle, wishing you success in your endeavors and safety while on the Acreon.

After taking the shuttle back to Absalom station, you make your way to the Bluerise Tower, corporate headquarters for Astral Extractions. After checking in with security in a palatial lobby filled with glass, plants, digital art and real statuary, you are met by a lashunta who introduces herself as Ms. Joss. She smiles broadly, shakes hands with each of you in a double-handed clasp, then shows you to a sleek conference room with multiple holo-vid displays.

"Thank you all for responding to our invitation. It's an honor to meet such an esteemed group of Starfinders, though I'm a little surprised there are so many of you... Regardless, let me tell you a little about Astral Extractions. In the meantime, can I get you any refreshments?" She offers mineral water to those who want it as well as light snacks, then goes into a slickly produced marketing presentation that highlights Astral Extractions' efforts in discovering, developing and managing much-needed resources from across the galaxy and selling them to the Pact Words. When its done, she speaks directly to you.

"Now, obviously, we're a for profit enterprise, but we're also interested in the well-being and prosperity of the Pact Worlds generally. We work with hundreds of companies and employ tens of thousands of individuals, directly and through subcontracts, such as the crew of the Acreon." She swipes across the display in front of her, and all of you receive copies of the contract and addenda... (Subsequently analysis will reveal they are duplicates of what the Collective provided you earlier.)

"We hired the Acreon to prospect for unclaimed, unexploited mineral resources on behalf of A.E., which would then hold all rights and claims to those discoveries. A.E. simply wants what the contract gives us the rights to: the Acreon's discoveries of mineral wealth. The Acreon found the Drift Rock, which is an unclaimed, unexploited mineral resources, while in our employ. We just want what we bargained for.

"Now, of course I realize you need to maintain your impartiality as you work for Ambassador Nox, and we will, of course, accept the Ambassador's findings as part of the mediation. And I hope you'll perform your duties fully and capably, because A.E. is always on the lookout for capable freelancers and those contracts are frequently quite lucrative."

Her presentation done, she sits at the head of the table and says, "Now, I've talked for long enough. You've been so kind and patient. What questions can I answer for you?"

Once again, Isu refuses to sit. He refuses and water and snacks, and never removes his hands from his weapons. This one trusts her even less than the last one. This one would bet coppers to credits that the water is poisoned.

Grix indulges in perhaps a bit too many of the free snacks. As the corporate presentation winds down and the lights in the room come back up, everyone can see him cradling about a dozen little sandwiches in the crook of his arm.

He sits there, slowly transferring the morsels to his mandibles as he asks "Mis Joss, I'm khurious." -munch- "You say you're interested in the well-being of the Pakht Worlds, but I don't see how this mysterious rokh is good for our well being." -munch- "Especially since I hear the khrew is all missing. Seems likhe it khould be dangerous?" -munch-

"From how you deskhribe it, there's no doubt that you have the rights to the Rokh if that's what's in these khontrakhts." He taps the contracts with a claw, spreading crumbs all over them "And the Hardskhrabble Khollekhtive mostly just want their ship bakh so they khan mourn their lost people. You don't have any rights to the ship, mmm?" -munch much- "Or do you want the ship too?"

Grix keeps his antennae reading the representative's reactions, trying to judge if there's an opening here to get more credits out of this job.

Just realized I never rolled for Sense Motive vs. Ms Joss

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 17

The corporate rep nods at Grix, a serious expression on her face, bordering on grave. "Indeed, you're quite right, it could be dangerous! That's why we have no objection to station security, the Stewards or even the Starfinders inspecting the Acreon or the Drift Rock. And, once your done, our own security forces will do another sweep and we will take the risk and responsibility for any contaminants and clean-up. If it's our property, it's our responsibility."

"And the Hardskhrabble Khollekhtive mostly just want their ship bakh so they khan mourn their lost people. You don't have any rights to the ship, mmm?" -munch much- "Or do you want the ship too?"

"As for the Acreon itself, I'd have to refer you to our lawyers on that one. I'm aware that ownership of the Acreon has come up as an issue in the mediation, perhaps as a matter of salvage rights, but I really don't know. But as for the bodies of the crew, no, of course we make no claim to their remains. I hope they're alright, but of course I fear the worst. Just tragic."

Spectre observes his companions to see whether they are done with the questioning.

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

We should get on with this. There are credits to be earned...

Sense Motive 1d20 + 2 + 3 + 1 + 0 + 1d6 ⇒ (12) + 2 + 3 + 1 + 0 + (4) = 22
Solaria watches the corporate woman make her presentation and make her first answers. "Of course, for us to provide you with the details you want, that will require some reward for our trouble. Of course, it will be a substantial increase for information about the crew. Apart from the contracts, did you have any other contact with the crew as they reported back to you, it might just give us the edge in knowing what happened to them. Do you have their last communication to your company? And such communication would provide considerable collaborative proof to your claim." Solaria continues.

A broad beaming smile crosses her face, as she continues, "But I think I can say we will be exploring the ship and rock, quite soon." She wrings her hands behind her back nervously, before a slightly quivering hand takes a handful of herbie munchies to eat.

Grix finishes the last of the tiny sandwiches and picks at his mandibles as he continues "Ah. You sound likhe you have everything nice and khlean and organized. Very good. Very good." He leans forwards "My 'kholleague' has a point. We have a unikhue opportunity here for you. You are hoping for a khlaim on the ship as well as the rokh, yes? We are workhing for the Mediator right now, but that does not mean we khant... fokhus on sekhtors of the ship you thinkh are most important."

He leans back, letting the offer hang in the air for a little bit. "Nothing too ekhsplicit, of khourse. We have our khontract to fulfill. Still, interested?"

If she does seem interested, he continues with "Tell us a little more about what you ekhspekht us to find. That and a small khredit incentive and we will do our best."

After checking in with security in a palatial lobby filled with glass, plants, digital art and real statuary, you are met by a lashunta who introduces herself as Ms. Joss. She smiles broadly, shakes hands with each of you in a double-handed clasp, then shows you to a sleek conference room with multiple holo-vid displays.

Sydney narrows her eyes. This isn't her scene. What a bunch of rich jerks. I bet they get off to high thread-count sheets and organic avocados. They're probably gettin' hard just lettin' us in here. Sydney shoves her hands deeper into her pockets like the gravity just doubled on her arms.

She offers mineral water to those who want it as well as light snacks.

Sid can't help but notice a disturbing lack of alcohol. "You got any booze?" Sydney takes a seat and pops open a bag of dehydrated potato slices. She props her heavy booted feet on a table and reads on the packaging 'lightly salted.' Lightly salted?! Well, now I don't wanna eat 'em. She offers the package to Grix.

"Of course, for us to provide you with the details you want, that will require some reward for our trouble."

Yeah... Judging from this place, I bet they got some pretty deep pockets. Sydney crosses her arms over her chest, feet still propped up. Sydney scowls; this is what working for THE MAN feels like. She figures it's better to keep her mouth shut for this encounter.

When Sydney asks about a stronger sort of beverage, Joss shakes her head and apologizes. "No, but I could get you some Castrovellian heartfruit nectar."

She considers the groups questions thoughtfully before responding with a wry smile. "Now, Master Grix... surely you wouldn't want the appearance of A.E. bribing the Mediator's investigators, would you? So, I'm afraid I can't offer you anything right now. But, as I said, A.E. is always on the lookout for talented freelancers and those contracts can be very lucrative."

To Solaria, "I'm afraid the contract is, effectively, our last communication with them. Any logs you find on the vessel will likely be much more dispositive than anything else. That said," she glances back at Grix, "it would certainly harm our claim if you found records or log entries indicating an independent claim to the Drift Rock. I should hope those don't exist... hopefully they don't get lost in an accident or anything of the sort."

You don't really need a Sense Motive on that, do you?

Isu growls lightly... probably only those immediate to him can hear it. Dishonest, dishonorable...We will only help this group if the truth favors them. There will certainly not be any... favors... paid to them. This one pledges such.

"Oh, I khompletely understand Mis Joss" Grix nods with overacted understanding "Bribery would be khompletely inappropriate. We will let you know if we find anything of, particular interest to you yes? Maybe if this turns out well for Astral Ekhstrakhtions we khan diskhuss other jobs." He gladly accepts the package of crisps from Sydney and carefully peels it open.

"I suppose we know everything we need to! Thankh you for that... very... interesting (?) presentation and providing your prespekhtive on all this." He picks out a single crisp and holds it in his mandibles as he gets up to go.

That was a bit of a wash, but ready to go when everyone else is.

Solaria, chews on her herbie munchies, before picking out something that got stuck in her teeth. She smiles at the woman, "I'm sure we'll be glad of the opportunities." with a slight hint of sarcasm. "And if we don't find anything, you'll be the first to know." She looks the woman in the eye, before she takes her leave, mumbling to Grix as the go out. "Good looks, bad warmth!"

You are escorted out of the offices of Astral Extractions and, eventually, make your way to the shuttle bay where the Ambassador has secured a vessel for you. Quarters are cramped and you're only barely able to find enough seating for all of you. In the cargo hold is a small robot that will observe your progress.

As you strap in, you are hailed by station control. The voice on the other end indicates that you have clearance to depart and provides you with a vector to the Acreon and the Drift Rock.

I'm going to pause here just to give y'all time to RP and follow-up from the A.E. meeting and also determine which roles you'll be taking. You'll find a summary of the roles under the Campaign Info tab, and the stats for this little ship in the spoiler box above.

Isu isn't expecting an attack on the short ride over to the Acreon, but he plops himself into the turret seat and fiddles with the controls. Not a bad ship. Anything with a turret merits respect. This gives me the ability to swivel in any direction.

Isu hits the intercom to call the bridge. "Captain, Isu Greelax Zyte of Clam Tarma, House Hadula, Scion of Isuma the Missing, checking in. Turret gun seems operational and I will maintain post here in case of an unlikely attack. After all, we are still in the airspace of Absalom Station, correct?"

Sydney walks through the ship bay with punk-rock swagger. Her hands are stuffed in her pockets and she’s blowing large bubbles with her chewing gum. The gum pops and cracks in her mouth as she prepares to blow another bubble, ”this it?” She takes a stroll around the Hippocampus examining the different parts of the vehicle.

Inside, Sydney eagerly helps herself to the pilot’s chair. She pulls what looks like a pair of Oakley sunglasses from her jacket pocket and puts them on. At her chair, Syndey starts flipping switches to turn on the ship’s engine and thrusters. While the equipment warms up, the operative starts searching through music channels. She grunts and settles on a song. She sets the volume to a reasonable level for background music. Sydney doesn't put on her seatbelt unless someone points it out.

Solaria is glad to get out of the offices of AE, shaking her head and clearing her antennae of the clinging claustrophobia of the corporation that stifled Solaria's free spirit. She steps quicken as they near the space dock and she sees the shuttle, her eyes sparkle in the yellow neon lights of the space station. She cannot believe her luck, when having entered the shuttle and Grix directed her to the captains seat. "Me, to sit there. That's where the captain sits!!" With a face full of wonder, Solaria takes her place, ready for the trip.

Spectre enters the ship and looks for a seat where he can interact with the computers.

"My training allows me to fill many rolls," he drones in his monotone. "I am most adept at computers and engineering roles."

The shuttle responds to codes provided to you by the Ambassador and you ease out of Absalom Station under thrusters. It takes a little while but eventually you clear the station's immediate area and then the Armada beyond it. It will take about about two hours to reach the Acreon.

When you're about half-way, Ted detects something on the shuttle's sensors. Another vessel is closing on an intercept course. Strangely, its transponder is not working and you can't identify the vessel.

Earlier, after leaving the AE offices and when approaching the ship: Grix stretches, sweeping the last sandwich crumbs off of his clothes. "No good, no good at all. No ekhstra khredits, only some hints and promises. At least we got a lunch out of them." He hooks his claws through his vest. "Hardskhrabble have some emotional khonnekhtion to this, so I suspekht of the two they're more likhely to get us some khind of reward if we help them. Ekhstrakhtions khan just ignore us if we do something shady that helps them. I don't trust them either." He mulls over his options.

Once on the hippocampus: Grix clasps his claws together, saying "I learned khuite a bit of khaptaining from my old khrew, but Solaria, you deserve a chance in the chair since you're so ekhcited. I khould fire the weapon up front." He doesn't look too excited about that option. Instead of taking his seat, he wanders around the tiny ship, putting his claws on every surface "Sure feels good to be on a ship again."

He stops next to a computer terminal. "Ted, what was that on the sensors? It is moving khuite fast. Heading towards us."

I have returned from Chicago!

Arcalinte stays quiet throughout the discussion at Astral Extractions. It was standard corporate patter, meant to sound impressive and technical without saying anything of substance or committing to anything. He gives a small "Heh" when Solaria and Grix attempt to bargain with them. He'd done enough paperwork for companies like them back on Akiton to know they NEVER agreed to anything without a contract written up beforehand.

As they leave, he gives them a quizzical look.

"Can't believe you attempted to cajole more money out of them like that. This is corporate bureaucracy, everything's done in contracts and writing. And I do have to say, while I know we're supposed to be impartial mediators here, and I suppose asking both parties for bribes is impartiality of a sort, what Astral Extractions implied to us sounds shady as sh*t. Our goal here is to illuminate the truth, not obscure it with more shadows. But Grix is right. We at least got lunch out of them."

When they arrive at the shuttle, Arcalinte is about to make a move for the "captain's chair," but when he sees the excited look on Solaria's face, he steps back, embarrassed. Then he notices Sydney's position.

"You...you may want to buckle up. We won't be on this shuttle long, but there's all sorts of debris and satellites near the Station, and I'd rather you not crack your head on the console if something hits us."

After pointing that out, he takes a seat of his own and buckles up, then folds his hands in his lap.

"I could also man a turret if need be, but it seems Isu already has that situation well in hand. I'm more of a melee fighter in any case. I'm going to try to meditate during the shuttle trip."

He closes his eyes, and his mote begins a slow orbit around his head, pulsing quietly in rhythm with his heartbeat.

There is a second gun I believe

Spectre punches a few buttons.

"You may want to stop worrying about whether the crew is buckled up and look at that unmarked vessel. It seems to be on an intercept course. The odds of it being friendly are low. Very low."

Should I plan on engineering?

Welcome back Arc! Spectre: I think you could go on either engineering or science, and its easy to switch between roles mid-combat. Up to you.

To Arc's earlier comments: "Khorrupt, shady khorp meant easy khredits to me. I thought we might be able to entice them to offer some likhuid khash up front to... uh... pursue their interests for them. No good though." He shrugs "The ambassador is paying us well enough I guess."

Not being super familiar with the roles, which one would benefit us the most right now? I think I'm the best in the group at either role.
I was thinking, though, that Ted's best skill is computers and then I could be engineering. I'm happy to go wherever it's most helpful.

Spectre punches a few buttons.

"You may want to stop worrying about whether the crew is buckled up and look at that unmarked vessel. It seems to be on an intercept course. The odds of it being friendly are low. Very low."

Should I plan on engineering?

"If that is the case, then making sure we are buckled up does have some importance. One can divide one's attention."

Understanding that meditation will have to wait, Arcalinte unbuckles his seatbelt and gets to the other turret, buckling himself in there.

"I'm ready, should we need to fire."

You ARE probably the best at it. ;)

@Spectre: We want both roles filled most likely. Engineers can regenerate shields, but science officers rebalance shields to protect the right quadrant of the ship. So they go hand in hand. I think Spectre on Engineering would work pretty well (consistent shield regen!).

Grix takes up a seat next to Solaria and gets ready to be a terribly obnoxious back-seat captain.

"You...you may want to buckle up. We won't be on this shuttle long, but there's all sorts of debris and satellites near the Station, and I'd rather you not crack your head on the console if something hits us."

Sydney wordlessly pulls the belt over her torso and clicks it into place.

The shuttle responds to codes provided to you by the Ambassador and you ease out of Absalom Station under thrusters. It takes a little while but eventually you clear the station's immediate area and then the Armada beyond it. It will take about about two hours to reach the Acreon.

When you're about half-way, Ted detects something on the shuttle's sensors. Another vessel is closing on an intercept course. Strangely, its transponder is not working and you can't identify the vessel.

Sydney rests one elbow comfortably on the armrest, her knuckles holding up her cheek. Her free hand is messing with the coordinates options.

She sits up when Ted discovers something on the shuttle's sensors. Sydney turns her head to look at Solaria and her backseat Captain,
Grix: "What's the plan? You want me to turn this ship one eighty?" She casually points a curled hand with her thumb out towards the screen detailing the status of the ship's light laser cannon. "This baby is small but she can make some tight turns. Just give me the word."

Isu sits up straighter and his hand go from caressing the turrets controls to tightly gripping them. "If you judge it hostile, Captain, this one is ready to eradicate it from existence."

If you keep it in our front arc we can use both guns

[ooc]Hmm. Given his radio silence, I’m going to park Ted in the back for this one. Someone else want to take the science officer role? Will have a substantive update and adjust Roll20 later today.

With Grix next to her, Solaria feels the confidence flow through her, "Great, you're here to help, I could do with it." Her eyes smiles at Grix.

Ready for the backseat driver .. :-)

You are unable to raise the other ship on comms, your hails being returned only with the hiss of the background radiation of space. A moment later, alarms begin to blare as the other ship's weapon systems come online and target your vessel.

Piloting: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (11) + 14 = 25

Roll piloting and everyone declare actions. If piloting check doesn't beat 25, move your shuttle on the map. I'm likely going to have a crazy day at work tomorrow but will try to keep us moving.

For the science officer role, anyone with computers trained can pop in to temporarily fill it. If we want, Grix or Arc can spend rounds Captaining while Solaria runs some scans for example.

Grix peeks at the displays "Lookhs... very hostile, and very khlose to Absalom Station. Ah, that's their weapons powering up. Whoever they are, they're makhing their intentions awful khlear." Grix rasps out a -keh-. "Shields up everyone, we're in for a fight." He leans forwards in excitement.

Piloting: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (1) + 10 = 11 Oh geez XD

Not much you can do with a Nat 1 but in the future don’t forget you can claim a *1 from the ship’s computer and the captain may be able to give you a bonus, too. I can’t check Roll20 from my phone but if you haven’t already go ahead and move the shuttle.

turret: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 3 + 1 = 16
damage: 4d4 ⇒ (1, 4, 1, 3) = 9

USING A bonus +1. Since positioning doesn't matter with the turret, Isu will go now.

Isu opens fires with the coilgun in the turret. "Captain, this one is opening fire. Let's take this bogey out quick, over."

Solaria opens the comms link one more time, "You may think you have the advantage of some fancy flying, but I've seen the harangie centipede have more control that that!! You will shake that piece of trash you call a ship to a steaming pile of metal mayhem, "

Taunt, Pilots phase, Bluff 1d20 + 2 + 3 + 3 + 2 + 1d6 ⇒ (20) + 2 + 3 + 3 + 2 + (3) = 33 Enemy ship takes -2 in pilot phase for 1d4 ⇒ 4 rounds

Not so good this round, but hopefully it will help the cool kid Syd in the next few rounds.

Grix (or anyone), chime in if I have this wrong, but I think you can move the shuttle six hexes. It does not cost anything to turn and, because the shuttle has perfect maneuverability, you do not have a minimum number of hexes you have to move before turning. In other words, you can turn on a dime.

Yep, that sounds right.

Grix clicks his claws in amusement at Solaria's taunting of the other ship. "I've got no khlue what khreature you're talkhing about, but that was some nice shouting! Kheep 'em khonfused likhe that and this'll be easy."

So she can still turn the ship? Awesome!

Sydney performs a tight turn so their ship is facing the hosile presence.

I do believe that no one has claimed the forward gun, someone needs to shoot it!