Dead Suns AP by GM Cellion (Inactive)

Game Master GM Cellion

Isu looks in horror at the ostentatious hotel. "By Sarenrae's light, this place is a den of opulence and evil. Such extravagence while so many suffer from hunger and exposure to the elements." Meanwhile, he approaches the front desk and asks for more details on the 7D zyper-bar experience.

Solaria hearing Riahti's voice, suddenly breaks from her group, dropping her bags and runs, arms open wide towards her old friend, amid screams of delight "OOH Riahti... yes hi ... how are you!! ... ohh my you look great ..." She takes Rhiahti in a warm embrace, her eyes smiling with an occasional tear. Her words leaving her mouth before they have fully formed, in a torrent of barely distinguishable Lashunta. She giggles as the two females talk words over one another, though not really caring, just enjoying the moment of their re-connection. Before they break off their bear hug and place one another at arms length, looking one another up and down, as though making sure that nothing was out of place, taking in the other's presence.

After these moments of joyous reunion, Solaria invites Riahti to meet her new friends, as she does so taking out her datapad. Her hands flash over the devices controls, pulling up the latest shorts from Zo! Productions. "Look, she says excitedly, here we are exploring a derelict spacecraft. It's ours now...." and see... as she quickly shows Riahti their exploits as Starfinders and listens to Riahti's stories of the goings on at the motel. "My rooms 201x, come up when you've finished your shift and we can have drinks and some pizza."

......

Later when she introduces Riahti to the group, "You saw Isu, right. Here's here on a mission to clear the Five Arches of a mob of deadly halfling pizza producing hoodlums.... " she giggles.. before lowering her voice talking secretively into Riahti's ear, "He's really brave .. and strong... He's a hero!"

Then seeing Sydney lying back, sunglasses on despite being indoors in relatively dim lights. Sydney giving the impression that she is napping and eating, in that cool way she has, "This is Sydney, you saw her too, she's that ace pilot the flew the spaceship to the moon, fighting and beating mercenary sent to kill us." her antennae twitch as she communicates with Riahti, Sometimes I wish I was like her, you know she's sooo cool..

"Then this is our friend Arc, he's got links here, his dad in the Dean of the university. Arc has powers and is a great fighter, just like Isu. But Arc has these powers linked to the sun, he's a real catch." she winks at Riahti and digs her gently in the ribs.

"Then there's Ted over there. He's weird, he just spends his time with his datapad looking at engineering designs and doing things with technology." she lowers her voice once more, "He has these mysterious powers too, he can harm enemies just by pointing at them, weird!"

Finally she introduces Spectre, but only after her antennae twitch warning Riahti of Spectre's morals built around the expediency of making credits by whatever means, anything he does is motivated by the credits at the end. But then tempers it with knowing that Spectre has always been there at dangerous moments when her friends needed him. "See, this is Spectre, he repaired the damage to the ship, after we got in another fight. Without him, we might have drifted aimlessly in space, we could have even died!" her eyes open in astonishment at the thought.

As each introduction is made, Solaria shows a clip from her datapad featuring the exploits of that Starfinder. Finishing with, "We are all Starfinders now!!"

..........

Solaria spends the evening eating and drinking with Riahti, until one by one others leave and the two Lashuntas return to Solaria's room for a sleep-over. Eventually they both lie down on the bed asleep with the exhaustion and happiness of a reunited friendship.

Arcalinte bows politely to Riahti as Solaria introduces them and gives her a winning smile.

"It's a pleasure, Riahti."

When Solaria finishes her speech, he chuckles a bit.

"You forgot the most important part! Not only is Solaria a Starfinder, but she's the CAPTAIN of our little crew of Starfinders."

Then Isu makes his declaration of horror and his smile immediately disappears.

"No! Isu, WAIT!"

He rushes after him to make sure Isu doesn't do something that could get them kicked out of the hotel...or at least get them a stern talking-to from their Loss Prevention chief or Front Office manager.

I speak from experience here. As an AYS Agent at the JW Marriott Minneapolis Mall of America I hear about EVERY guest that misbehaves, one way or another!

Riahti stares at you all wide eyed in amazement, reminding you more than a little of the first time Solaria joined the party. She shakes hands, bows, and otherwise exchanges greetings with everyone. With Arc she reddens and offers an awkward "H-hi! Enjoy your stay- I mean, nice to meet you." before stepping back and adjusting her uniform's tie.

(Later on during the sleepover, she asks about a thousand questions about the young and maybe eligible solarian!)

She's even more amazed to find out that your group were the ones to explore the Drift Rock. The news reached Castrovel a week ago, but without the media furor that gripped the Station. And when it did arrive, the identities of the explorers were being kept anonymous due to some kind of legal dispute.

You soon find that Riahti is like a sponge for the tales of adventure that Solaria doles out, and by the end of the night, she's practically begging the group of you to let her join (despite her lack of combat skills).

Otherwise, the night is filled with pizza, fully immersive virtual reality bar-hopping, and catching up between old friends.

I'm going to push us forward to the next day, but we can certainly do a couple of flashbacks if people still have something they want to do before heading to the cafe.

--------

The following morning dawns with you all rested and recuperated, though Isu is nursing a phantom hangover (caused by his brain being unable to reconcile the simulated 30 straight hours of bar hopping he did the night before in one hour of the 7D zyper-bar experience). Riahti apologizes that she has her shift coming up, asks that you consider taking her along for your next adventure, and then heads off to work.

You on the other hand have a pizza parlor cafe to investigate!

--------

It's mid-morning by the time the hover taxi drops you off in front of the Five Arches Cafe in the Gateway district. The Five Arches is readily apparent from the street thanks to its glaring neon pink sign showing a cluster of archways suggestive of the numerous gates throughout the district.

The "cafe" itself looks like more of a cantina, and one that's seen better days at that. As you step inside its cloudy glass doors, you see a cozy establishment with wildly mismatched internal decor. A riot of different worlds' souvenirs plaster the walls, and each table, booth and bench bears the name of one of the Pact Worlds' planets or habitable moons.

Looking around, you spot about a dozen patrons already sitting at tables in pairs or small groups, all nursing drinks. A few glance up at your group as you enter and then return to their conversations.

Your presence is also noticed by a tall female android, wearing an apron and holding a basting brush in one hand. She grins at you all and offers "Howdy there! Name's Uilee, welcome ta' Five Arches. Get yourselves a seat, I'll be right with ya."

Once you have your rooms (and have put in an order for multiple large pizzas), the korasha lashunta slowly approaches, hides behind a nearby potted vibrofern, and then, when the opportunity presents itself, she jumps out to ambush Solaria with a huge hug!

"SOLS!" the korasha lashunta, Riahti, shouts out with glee. "You're back, you scallywag! Why didn't you let me know?" She steps back grinning ear to ear. "And look at youuuuuu~ Next you're gonna say you really did become a Starfinder, huh?"

Sydney is struck dumb as another lashunta appears. "Err-" she stammers out, looking from Soloria to her friend. After a moment, Sydney shakes her head and recomposes herself.

~*~*~*~*~

Her hair was long overdue for a recoloring, so the operative locked herself in the Woman's bathroom with bleach and a box of Cotton Candy Purple hair dye. Sydney takes a shower to wash out the excess dye and pulls a faded purple band shirt over her head. She shrugs on her pleather jacket with 'RELENTLESS' arched across her shoulder blades. She hops into a pair of black skinny jeans while brushing her teeth on front of the small mirror in her room. Sydney laces up her knee-high combat boots like a pro, then steps out into the hall.

Your presence is also noticed by a tall female android, wearing an apron and holding a basting brush in one hand. She grins at you all and offers "Howdy there! Name's Uilee, welcome ta' Five Arches. Get yourselves a seat, I'll be right with ya."

Sydney slides into the curved booth and picks up a menu. "I want some apps." She starts to count off her fingers, "onion rings, chili cheese fries, oh- and fried pickles!" She looks for the human food section. The operative doesn't seem to mind the kooky assortment of patrons in the bar. Perhaps because she's accustomed to seeing a wide variety of species from her pod racing days.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15

Isu keeps his eyes shut, trying to block out any sunlight. This one should not have had 20 virtual margaritas last night.

But as they approach the infamous Five Arches, Isu keeps his many hands near his weapons. Once inside, he looks about very suspiciously.

"EXCUSE ME!" he says loudly. "Are there are halflings here who like pizza?"

Riahti stares at you all wide eyed in amazement, reminding you more than a little of the first time Solaria joined the party. She shakes hands, bows, and otherwise exchanges greetings with everyone. With Arc she reddens and offers an awkward "H-hi! Enjoy your stay- I mean, nice to meet you." before stepping back and adjusting her uniform's tie.

(Later on during the sleepover, she asks about a thousand questions about the young and maybe eligible solarian!)

Arcalinte is more than happy to answer Riahti's questions, flattered by her admiration.

She's even more amazed to find out that your group were the ones to explore the Drift Rock. The news reached Castrovel a week ago, but without the media furor that gripped the Station. And when it did arrive, the identities of the explorers were being kept anonymous due to some kind of legal dispute.

You soon find that Riahti is like a sponge for the tales of adventure that Solaria doles out, and by the end of the night, she's practically begging the group of you to let her join (despite her lack of combat skills).

Otherwise, the night is filled with pizza, fully immersive virtual reality bar-hopping, and catching up between old friends.

I'm going to push us forward to the next day, but we can certainly do a couple of flashbacks if people still have something they want to do before heading to the cafe.

When Riahti asks to join the group, Arcalinte frowns. He tries to let her down gently, explaining the dangers involved, noting the several times they nearly died, especially during the Corpse Fleet ambush. He also hastens to add that if Riahti felt those risks were worth taking, then she'd need to do some significant training, making some recommendations while adding that his particular training was mostly related to solarian combat and spirituality, which may not necessarily being Riahti's cup of tea. He also suggests asking Solaria about how she trained to become a Starfinder.

Her hair was long overdue for a recoloring, so the operative locked herself in the Woman's bathroom with bleach and a box of Cotton Candy Purple hair dye. Sydney takes a shower to wash out the excess dye and pulls a faded purple band shirt over her head. She shrugs on her pleather jacket with 'RELENTLESS' arched across her shoulder blades. She hops into a pair of black skinny jeans while brushing her teeth on front of the small mirror in her room. Sydney laces up her knee-high combat boots like a pro, then steps out into the hall.

When she emerges, Arcalinte's eyes widen.

"Wow! You look great, Sydney!" he says, clearly impressed.

"Though I have to say, you listen to the same bands my cousin does."

The following morning dawns with you all rested and recuperated, though Isu is nursing a phantom hangover (caused by his brain being unable to reconcile the simulated 30 straight hours of bar hopping he did the night before in one hour of the 7D zyper-bar experience). Riahti apologizes that she has her shift coming up, asks that you consider taking her along for your next adventure, and then heads off to work.

You on the other hand have a pizza parlor cafe to investigate!

Arcalinte tsks Isu when he wakes up with a virtual hangover.

"This is why I stick to tea."

It's mid-morning by the time the hover taxi drops you off in front of the Five Arches Cafe in the Gateway district. The Five Arches is readily apparent from the street thanks to its glaring neon pink sign showing a cluster of archways suggestive of the numerous gates throughout the district.

The "cafe" itself looks like more of a cantina, and one that's seen better days at that. As you step inside its cloudy glass doors, you see a cozy establishment with wildly mismatched internal decor. A riot of different worlds' souvenirs plaster the walls, and each table, booth and bench bears the name of one of the Pact Worlds' planets or habitable moons.

Looking around, you spot about a dozen patrons already sitting at tables in pairs or small groups, all nursing drinks. A few glance up at your group as you enter and then return to their conversations.

Your presence is also noticed by a tall female android, wearing an apron and holding a basting brush in one hand. She grins at you all and offers "Howdy there! Name's Uilee, welcome ta' Five Arches. Get yourselves a seat, I'll be right with ya."

Arcalinte bows politely to Uilee, as he does with almost everyone, and takes his seat with the group.

"Tea, please. Green, if you have it."

Sydney slides into the curved booth and picks up a menu. "I want some apps." She starts to count off her fingers, "onion rings, chili cheese fries, oh- and fried pickles!" She looks for the human food section. The operative doesn't seem to mind the kooky assortment of patrons in the bar. Perhaps because she's accustomed to seeing a wide variety of species from her pod racing days.

[dice=Perception]1d20 +9

"Quite an interesting selection," Arcalinte comments.

Isu keeps his eyes shut, trying to block out any sunlight. This one should not have had 20 virtual margaritas last night.

But as they approach the infamous Five Arches, Isu keeps his many hands near his weapons. Once inside, he looks about very suspiciously.

"EXCUSE ME!" he says loudly. "Are there are halflings here who like pizza?"

This is the last straw. Arcalinte gets back up from the booth and dope slaps Isu.

"That's ENOUGH, Isu! There is no halfling pizza slave ring in this restaurant or on Absalom Station, so please, drop it and sit down!" he says, taking the tone of an aggravated parent without realizing it.

Isu rubs his head. "Arcalinte Soter, This one does not understand. Do you wish to restart our earlier feud? Very well. But there is no time now! We are in the belly of the beast, now. Concentrate. Study."

Isu walks up to the barkeeper. "Hello, purveyor of alcohol! This one is searching for a man named Eyrub Paqual. He may or not be a halfling. This one's companion seems to think this is not a halfling establishment."

"Isu, with all due respect, you don't understand because you're not listening to me. If you keep pursuing this conspiracy theory, you're going to embarrass yourself and possibly get yourself arrested!"

He gives a flustered sigh.

"I'm sorry I smacked you. I got frustrated and lost my composure. But you're don't seem serious about learning, since you read a bunch of sphere-sites and you're acting like you know everything. That kind of arrogance disappoints Sarenrae, because you're choosing to stay in the dark rather than seek out the light of truth."

Spectre watches the interplay between Isu and Arcalinte passively, analyzing each of their arguments.

In the end, though the likelihood of Isu being correct about the halfling slave-trading ring remains slim, the probability of it being the more lucrative theory is certain.

Walking up next to the Kasatha soldier, Spectre says "I am afraid the Solarian can be quite adamant once he feels he has discovered the truth. I find your open-mindedness to be a potentially lucrat...positive attribute. You do not seem to have the same moral qualms about earning credits in an unsavory manner. If we could infiltrate a halfling slave-trading business, it could prove to be a good front for credit-laundering. I will help you discover the truth."

Uilee takes the rather strange group that has arrived in stride, arriving back to your table with a notepad to take orders. At Sydney's request, she responds "Sorry hun, I don't keep any of that stuff on hand anymore. What I do have is today's special! Roast squallwing with bluebell compote and taggit oil dressing! You'll love it."

To Arc she adds "Tea, I can do. But you'll have to settle for Felheed tea, which is more of a black than a green. Fine by you?" None of the food or drinks she's mentioning ring a bell immediately to any of you.

While you make your orders, you notice that Isu's loud exclamations have attracted the attention of some of the clientele. They stare with open interest at the kasatha and then at his company. When he gets up to talk to the robo-bartender (who incidentally is not capable of answering any of his questions), Uilee pops out of the kitchen and asks "Looking for someone hun? I see a lot of folks around these parts, maybe I can help ya."

I forget, can you make Culture checks untrained or not?

You can make checks with Culture up to DC10 untrained. After that, trained only. Sadly.

Culture 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10 any bonuses available for Castrovelian natives.

Solaria, her brain fuzzy from lack of sleep, her jaw sore from talking and laughter, wears dark glasses, dark robes, reflecting her mood, in need a caffinate resuss breakfast bar. She sees the new look Sydney, smiles weakly, "Morn Syd" she greets meekly, How does she do that, look like that after all that went on yesterday... oooh!.

The ride in the taxi, is monotonous and uncomfortable, hanging head and drooping antennae look across at her companions, "We there yet..."

At the cafe, she follows rather than lead, and waits for Uilee to return with the food and starts, "Forgive my kasathan friend, he is rather direct and doesn't explain why. We are indeed seeking Eyrub Paqual. I have some good news for him, a paper he has submitted to CastroNature has been published and nominated for the annual awards ceremony. As he hasn't replied through the infosphere, we wanted to try and find him. Whilst we do that we can take some vid and stills and discuss some details. So if you can help it would be really useful. We were told he frequents this place often, so not finding him at home, thought we'd try here." She looks quizzically at Uilee, but underneath her mind is starting to whirrr. Getting back into dangerous ground, spinning a yarn, yes the excitement, she smiles on the inside, Maybe its not such a grey day after all.

Bluff 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 11 + (6) = 19

Unfortunately, being Castrovelian doesn't get you any bonuses on this particular check. I'll also let the others say whether or not they want to special before Uilee brings it out for anyone :>

"Eerub Pakal, ya say? Sorry hun, the name doesn't ring a bell to me. But not all the regulars share their names, what does he look like?" The android wipes her segmented hands on her apron. "I don't get a lot of 'award-getting' types around here."

Culture DC20: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (8) + 11 = 19

Sydney squints at Uilee, trying to recall what those foods are. It all sounds familiar but she can't quite remember. She shrugs and tosses her menu to the middle of the table, "sure, gimmie the special." The operative stretches her arms up across the booth's wall and rests one boot-clad foot on her knee.

"We are indeed seeking Eyrub Paqual. I have some good news for him, a paper he has submitted to CastroNature has been published and nominated for the annual awards ceremony. As he hasn't replied through the infosphere, we wanted to try and find him."

Sydney keenly watches the Uilee's expression as Solaria explains their presence. "We heard he likes to come here," she adds, still looking at the waitress.

Sense Motive (Uilee): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 27

"Fine by me, thank you," Arcalinte replies, as he returns to the booth and peruses the menu, seeing what other options are there are besides the special Uilee seems eager to push.

Uilee returns with two trays featuring some kind of unidentifiable roast avian creature with bulbous blue puffs smelling of turpentine, all swimming in a thin black sauce. She sets them down in front of you and puffs out her chest. "Let me know what ya'll think. It's a new recipe. A bit from here, a bit from there." A chuckle (quickly silenced) comes from one of the tables nearby.

If Arc asks about other food options, he quickly comes to realize that the menus are just for show and that Uilee is far more into preparing her 'specials' than anything resembling ordinary food. Even the tea he ordered comes back as a tall glass of black-violet liquid with a faintly acrid scent.

Uilee pauses afterward as Sydney continues Solaria's questioning. "Does he? I'm sure I haven't heard the name. Real sorry hun."
To the best of Sydney's judgement, Uilee isn't being deceptive, she really doesn't know anyone by that name.

----

As Uilee returns to the kitchen, a group of three scrappy looking lashunta sidle up to your table. You notice all three have weapons slung across holsters and sheathes: they seem to be a rough sort. One in the lead leans in and quietly speaks. "I couldn't help but overhear, you're looking for a Pacqual. Mind mentioning what that's about? We might have some... uh... interests that align, if ya know what I mean."

Despite their scrappy appearance, Sydney is struck stupid by the sight of the lashunta. To regroup herself, Sydney takes out the Star Sugar Heartlove!! pen from behind her ear and begins to twirl it between her index and middle finger. Her other arm continues to rest, stretched out across the back of the booth.

Slight of Hand (twirl pen): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (9) + 10 = 19

"You lot look at little rough for academia. What beef you have with Pacqual?" She raises a single quizzical brow, a facial expression she'd practiced to perfection in front of a mirror. Sydney was glad she'd put in the extra effort to re-dye her hair. Making sure her outward appearance fit her punk persona took effort. She didn't want them to think she was a pushover. And she wasn't.

Sydney doesn't make an effort to be friendly or hostile towards the scrappy looking lashunta. She leaves the smooth talking up to one of her more diplomatically-inclined companions.

"If special orders are the way to go, I'll have a spinach omelet with wheat toast, please," Arcalinte says. Or...whatever the closest equivalent to that would be, please."

He hoped keeping it simple would increase his likelihood of getting something more tolerable than what was just brought to the booth.

I wouldn't be surprised if I get hot and crispy pillbug. Uilee clearly will not be thrown off her groove! :P

He takes in the aroma of the tea and closes his eyes. It wasn't an Idaran tea ceremony, but it would still help to center himself. Just before he actually takes a sip, however, their booth is approached by what appears to be another gang. Arcalinte eyes them warily, but says nothing. Sydney'd asked them all he wanted to know, and knowing rhe cycles of their group of adventurers, a fight would probably begin soon.

Isu takes in the lashunta, but says nothing. He just stands up to his seven foot height and stands next to the booth with his 4 arms crossed. He glowers at the trio.

The lashunta eyes your group with a smirk and then turns to answer Sydney. "He didn't do right by us, short-changed us on some work we did. That's all I say until I see where you all stand." He stands there with a slouch, thumbs through the back of his belt, waiting to see what you have to offer. He doesn't seem particularly perturbed by Isu.

Uilee comes back with Arc's earlier order of a spinach omelet with toast... or rather, something that bears only the vaguest resemblance to that dish. Broad dark-green leaves dominate the plate with some bright red gelatinous substance nestled in the center of them. To the side, a couple of slides of perfectly ordinary looking wheat toast.

Arc's tea tastes about the same as it smells, a mix of turpentine and some kind of rotting plant matter. It's absolutely foul.

Spectre scans the turpentine tea.

"Are you going to drink that?" he asks. I can't make the DC on the culture or life science...

He turns to examine the lashunta.

"In the event that we have a stance regarding this 'Pacqual,' it would not be a positive affiliation with him, either," Spectre says awkwardly.

diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (9) - 2 = 7

The lashunta eyes your group with a smirk and then turns to answer Sydney. "He didn't do right by us, short-changed us on some work we did. That's all I say until I see where you all stand." He stands there with a slouch, thumbs through the back of his belt, waiting to see what you have to offer. He doesn't seem particularly perturbed by Isu.

Uilee comes back with Arc's earlier order of a spinach omelet with toast... or rather, something that bears only the vaguest resemblance to that dish. Broad dark-green leaves dominate the plate with some bright red gelatinous substance nestled in the center of them. To the side, a couple of slides of perfectly ordinary looking wheat toast.

Arc's tea tastes about the same as it smells, a mix of turpentine and some kind of rotting plant matter. It's absolutely foul.

Spectre scans the turpentine tea.

"Are you going to drink that?" he asks. I can't make the DC on the culture or life science...

He turns to examine the lashunta.

"In the event that we have a stance regarding this 'Pacqual,' it would not be a positive affiliation with him, either," Spectre says awkwardly.

"She already made it, I'm not going to insult her by wasting it," Arcalinte replies. He stoically begins drinking the tea and eating what he ordered, making a heroic effort to try and keep it down. While he does so, he regards the lashuntas.

"Where we stand depends on where you stand on a recent event. Does the name Dr. Olmehya Solstarni mean anything to you? Pacqual was eager to arrange a meeting with her here, a meeting she turned down. Was this meeting to include you?"

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11

"She already made it, I'm not going to insult her by wasting it,"[/b] Arcalinte replies. He stoically begins drinking the tea and eating what he ordered, making a heroic effort to try and keep it down. While he does so, he regards the lashuntas.

"I simply meant that I have a few rusty parts I might want to soak in it..." Spectre replies.

Solaria sits and speaks slowly and quietly to the Lashuntas, as she pushes the revolting looking refreshment away from her. One sniff of aroma and one small taste was enough to make her hunger dissipate and her thirst disappear. "It is difficult to converse without an introduction, I am Solaria and these are my friends and protectors. And you are?" She rises from her seat extending a hand of friendship.

Before continuing, "It would be both beneficial for us both to find this Eyrub Paqual, for whatever our motives might be, it is in your interest that we find him too. After all, the prize whilst not of itself worth a great deal of credits, it will bring more than enough credits to Eyrub Paqual to pay you off as well. And if it doesn't then I'm sure we have no objections to whatever arrangements you might make for recovering your possessions. " She smiles again.

Bluff 1d20 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (15) + 11 + (4) = 30

The lead lashunta snorts at Spectre's comment, then grins unpleasantly as he watches Arc struggle against the 'unusual' food. "Olmehya? Nah, never heard of her before. But we did meet with Paqual here for a job a few days ago, before he stiffed us. 'Fella talked a good game, that's for sure." His face turns to a scowl. "But talk is all he left us with. And talk don't buy you much."

He listens in to Solaria with a building smile, ogling her as he does so "Well sweet cheeks, now you're speaking my language. If there's a chance in this to get our pay back, and maybe a little extra, then maybe we can work together. How about you and I take a walk outside, sort out how this relationship is gonna work? I figure maybe the two of us could have a close partnership." He raises an eyebrow, cocky grin on his face.

"Twonas En, at your service. Me and the boys handle odd jobs, and whatever it is that you lot don't want to talk about sure sounds like an odd job to me."

life science: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 22

Ted's top hovers over Arc's meal briefly and then bounces back to flit around Ted, "Drink up, Arc, it won't mess with you unless you're undead."

Sense Motive 1d20 + 7 + 1d6 ⇒ (4) + 7 + (5) = 16

Solaria retracts her hand, as the word Sweet Cheeks cause her antennae to twitch at the uncouth louts suggestion. She stops from calling the lout out, remembering all the times the hotel guests would make comments out of place, and this was no difference. Instead her scowl that was forming, turns to a blank face, showing no emotion, "Well, Twonas En, the work we do doesn't require any closeness, you would stand a better chance with Uilee. But a place to start would be to elucid... no, tell us what you did or do for Paqual? There are things you know, his appearance, his method of contact, which might prove useful to us. Tell us and I might even consider a closer partnership." She gives him a cold wink, on a blank expressionless face.

"As you can see, we are not the law and have our own ways of doing odd jobs."

She looks at Arc, his face pulling faces and looking a strange colour, "You alright, that omle.... whatever, don't eat anymore, grit and earth is healthier."

Ted hears words in his head, "Now is not the time for games Ted, leave Arc we need his strengths now, as we do yours, should this go pearette shaped."

Diplomacy 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (13) + 10 = 23

Isu's face turns to a dark scowl at hearing his friend Solaria addressed so, and his hands go to his weapons and he opens his mouth to speak, but Solaria continues the conversation before he can jump in.

This one will wipe that man's smile from his face with my own four hands.

Isu holds on just a bit longer to give Solaria time to do her thing.

Twonas raises his hands in mock apology as Solaria turns cold, then takes a step or two back. "I didn't mean whatever it is you're thinking gal, smuggler's honor."

His voice low, he says "Now, I was just thinking we could work together on this. Trade a bit of intel, maybe help each other track Pacqual down. But if all you've got to offer is more questions, well that don't make for a good trade now, does it?" His eyes flick between the people in your group "We don't do s#$+ for free. Had enough of that already."

He swaggers back, away from the table you're all seated at, and raises his voice. "Me and the boys are going to head out, but we'll be around outside for a bit if you change your mind. Especially you, sweet cheeks." He smirks at Solaria and then makes his way out of the restaurant, flanked by his two pals.

Solaria, as far as you can tell, Twonas is being honest about his offer to collaborate, and in general you don't get the sense that he's being deceptive. You also get the sense that even if you don't partner with him, he's the sort that might accept a flat payment of credits for any info you want.

Each of you hears in your mind Solaria's voice, "We could buy information, they seem as honest as the day is long. But they maybe have a code which will make the exchange fair, the information fairly reliable. How much do we pay?"

I'll be out tonight, see you all tomorrow.

Spectre responds to Solaria's telephathic message aloud.

"I suggest that we simply team up with them," he says in his monotone.

"I am accustomed to working with smugglers, and have found that although you must keep an eye on their actions, they are not without honor in a transaction of this kind. Perhaps we might even find use for them in the future, or engage in some long-term accommodations."

His gaze turns to Solaria.

"Further, if my analysis of common euphemisms is correct, he seems to have objectives beyond a simple transaction in mind. Perhaps that would be of enjoyment to you, and if not, feigning interest might be of use to make this transaction more lopsided in our favor."

"Well, Spectre," Arcalinte says between trying to choke down his meal. "I think you've found your people. At least they're friendlier than the Downside Kings or the Level 21 Crew."

My bad Arc, I was sure I'd included your uhh... "meal" experience with my last post.

The tea stays just as vile as it was at first sip (or rather, first whiff), though after a few minutes of drinking it becomes clear that it isn't outright harmful. As for the unusual gelatinous "omelet", the initial bite is a warm and slippery experience. But surprisingly, once combined with the dark green leaves and some toast, its more or less palatable. The gelatinous substance has a taste that is almost, but not entirely unlike scrambled eggs with a lot of pepper.

Once he gets past the initial experience, Arcalinte continues eating his meal.

"You know, this isn't bad," he comments. "I'll have to ask Uilee just what she used to make this. And recommend some actually decent tea."

Ted hears words in his head, "Now is not the time for games Ted, leave Arc we need his strengths now, as we do yours, should this go pearette shaped."

Ted winks at Solaria, "Felheed tea is an indigestible liquid from Eox known to be mildly hallucinogenic for undead. For everyone else, its safe to drink, but rather foul-tasting. As for the food, Squallwings are native to Triaxus, Bluebells a synthesized experimental vegetable from Brethedan gene labs, and Taggit Oil is a rather rare mix of oils from magical creatures known to be a poison in large enough doses."

Ted guffaws and changes the topic, "We should just tell Twonas that Eyrub Paqual doesn't exist."

Isu makes several gestures with his hands. "Are you all done with that disgusting food? This one is impatient to see what these rude men want. I for one trust them about as far as Solaria could through Ted and we are long past due for a decent fight."

Isu draws his two weapons and waits by the door, now gesturing with his head.

"It's actually not that bad, Isu. Would you like to try some?" Arcalinte offers.

"As for the tea, I can understand why only undead would find it palatable. Spectre, I think you should probably take the lead on this one. You speaks Twonas' language better than any of us, and I suspect you'll want to cultivate him as a contact anyway."

Solaria hearing Arc nods her head profusely, "Yes, great idea Arc, anything to stop that leering vegetable getting any closer is fine by me." Her companions hear additional words in their minds, "Those louts are just like the fare here, revolting but probably necessary to continue. Scum that they are." As she mentions the lashuntas, her hands move over her clothes motioning as if brushing off dirt.

"Spectre, you go make a deal with them, I'm sure they will respect your .... knowledge."

"You're all making too big a deal out of the food's appearance, seriously!" Arcalinte replies.

Spectre nods. "I am glad we have an accord," he says, then moves toward the door the smugglers recently left through.

Assuming they really are waiting there...

Once he sees the leering Twonas, he begins negotiating a deal.

"I apologize for the antics of my companions," he says. "They have sent me to negotiate terms with you, after all. You indicated that we might trade intelligence and work together, and my team is willing to do this. Please let me know what you have in mind. Furthermore, though the lashunta Solaria seemed to indicate a dislike for you, be assured that she is only toying with you. Should we be able to negotiate favorable terms, I anticipate she will drop her charade."

Sorry...couldn't resist.

Isu, of course, goes with Spectre, as he is just waiting for a fight to break out, and disapproves of how lazy the others are being, just sitting around and eating disgusting food. He opens his mouth to counter what Spectre says about Solaria but changes his mind, because honestly, it was pretty funny.

Twonas and his two pals are skulking about right outside the restaurant. When Spectre comes on out, he straightens his back "Ah ha. They send the droid out. And with good news..." He smirks at the news that he still has a chance with Solaria. "Well then droid, if your group wants to work together, lets talk."

"I'm happy to talk about what Pacqual hired us for, but I need to know why you're interested in the man. And be honest with me chap, because I don't take well to liars."

"After I know what skin you've got in this, or uh, circuits or whatever, we can talk about how else we can help each other. I've got losses to recoup, and I can smell that you've got some kinda job brewing."

----

Meanwhile inside, Uilee starts clearing the clean plates and glasses from your table (basically just Arc's :>). Though her face and tone are almost emotionless, you get a sense from the swiftness of her movement that she's pleased. "How'd you like it hon? I tried a new recipe there. Something special for ya. Anyone want dessert?"

"Thank you, Uilee. If you don't mind my asking, what WAS that new recipe?" Arcalinte asks. "The meal was alright, though I strongly suggest you invest in some other varieties of tea. For living people, Felheed Tea tastes terrible, without the hallucinogenic kick undead get from it."

Ted also goes with the robot and stands to the side with Isu. He tumbles a grenade with his fingers in his pocket as his top sits on his left shoulder trying to look tough.

Spectre, hoping to genuinely develop some contacts with these smugglers, resorts to the truth.

"This Pacqual had attempted to arrange a meeting at this very establishment with a university researcher. This person has gone missing, and we suspect that Pacqual, or whoever is pretending to be Pacqual, is behind it," the droid says.

He goes on to explain their interest in finding Pacqual to find the missing researcher.

Sydney observes with interest to see how their captain deals with the thugs calling her Sweet Cheeks. If their words had been directed at Sydney, she might have already thrown a punch.

He swaggers back, away from the table you're all seated at, and raises his voice. "Me and the boys are going to head out, but we'll be around outside for a bit if you change your mind. Especially you, sweet cheeks." He smirks at Solaria and then makes his way out of the restaurant, flanked by his two pals.

Sydney slides her plate of unappetizing food to the side. She leans forward, forearm on the table, to whisper: "Let's beat 'em black and blue in the alleyway." The operative looks hopefully around the table. "Screw them and screw this Pacqual guy. They're all probably trash." Sydney straightens again in her seat, waiting for the others to give their response.

~*~*~*~*~

Out in the alleyway, Sydney stands brooding with both hands in her jacket pockets. She wants to see how the interactions will play out and feels inclined to be present in case the lashunta try to 'screw' the party out of several hundred credits. I don't understand why they would even run with the stuffy academia crowd anyways. Sydney sighs loudly and kicks at the ground with the toe of her boot.

Twonas eyes the various other party members leaving the restaurant with interest as Spectre explains the group's goal. "Huh, then you're some kinda private investigators? On a missing persons case?" He grins "You're not cops, that's for sure."

He leans back, hands in pockets. "I wouldn't put it past Pacqual to have kidnapped some poor datahead. That lashunta gave off vibes... crazy man vibes, if you know what I mean. Still he was offering good credits, so we took up the job."

"Now, me and the boys, we're what you might call free traders. We're good at getting things around without the Port Authority knowing where they're going. And that's exactly what Pacqual needed."

He raises a hand and begins listing off tasks accomplished. "He needed travel documents for that team of his, fifteen people in total, so they could take the portals here in the Gateway district to a place called Turhalu Point on Ukulam. Travel date was yesterday. Easy enough for me, I know a guy who knows a guy."

"Ah, and he needed fake IDs, three of them, to disguise some of his men as Port Authority folks. I saw three of his guys disguised as Port Authority security the day after, but your guess is as good as mine as to why. The documents I had forged for him would have got him through the portal just fine."

"And of course, there were the shipping crates Pacqual wanted to bring with him. Ukulam customs folks are awful fussy about what you bring out there, but I managed to work my magic for him. He had a few crates of firearms, a big-ass sniper rifle, some kinda industrial comms unit split into three parts, and a box of what he said were fungal spores." Twonas shrugs "If you ask me, he had something he wanted dead out there. I didn't ask any questions, better not knowing in my business."

At that, he looks back at Spectre, smirking slightly. "There you have it. Lined everything up for the guy, and then he off and ghosts me."

-----

Back inside the restaurant, Uilee cocks her head to the side "Oh, is that so? Here I thought maybe the spices would enhance the turpentine flavor to make it more exciting to living tongues... hmm! Well, thanks for the feedback hun, looks like I need to keep innovating!"

Arcalinte frowns.

"The turpentine flavor is part of the issue, Uilee. The average person DOESN'T like drinking it. Undead tastebuds don't have to worry about flavor. Tell me, does anyone help you with your 'innovating' at all? I imagine that if you had someone to test your creations before you started trying to sell them, your dishes would be greatly improved and your profits would skyrocket..."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12