"That was Downside. Rules are different there. Fight outside the Lorespire, AB-Sec would be a problem. Fusion Queen? They don't care. AE calls them in for that, AB-Sec laughs at them. Drugs, though--much better excuse."
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Noah 2.0 clearly wants to report in with the Society. He also adds If spun right I think we can get something out of visiting the L21 gang. Perhaps nothing more than a future favor, but the truth is we have hurt one of their rivals badly and and enemy of an enemy is a friend, right?
You make comms contact with Subaltern Vixitera Osh who you'd previously touched base with on at the inception of the investigation into Duravor's murder-death.
She confirms that AB-Sec are aware of the King's downfall, but at present are not investigating further. General chatter is it was likely inter-gang-war, and the Kings brutal power plays under Ferani merely came home to roost.
Her interest is piqued by your questioning - and she advises that unless you deem it warranted she'll let the case slip off the radar...
Regards offloading the Dreamshiver - you quickly nail down that the best potential buyer is one located on the floating Armada surrounding the station:
King Curney’s Kasbah: A combination casino, drug den, and brothel, King Curney’s Kasbah consists of an ungainly amalgamation of several large freighters and assorted smaller ships permanently welded together, their engines only barely able to keep them in orbit around the station. Legend has it that each of the myriad ships in Curney’s collection was repossessed from clients who failed to repay their loans and that even now their severed heads remain in Curney’s private chambers, kept alive and conscious by elaborate alien technology.
Despite being singularly ugly in both body and soul, the dwarf King Curney nevertheless maintains the most popular recreational facilities for the Armada’s less savory residents. Even Absalom Station’s most powerful government and corporate officials have been known to organize illicit deals at the surveillance-shielded tables of his cantina, lose fortunes gambling in his “scrupulously fair” orbits games, or narrowly avoid interplanetary scandal in the synthetic flesh walls of his Pleasure Pits...
On fact remains the King is not someone to cross or waste time with. Unlike the street level criminals you have encountered thus far he is a major player and a nefarious individual.
: Nothing on the buzz feeds or rumour mill suggest that Jabaxa's crew have any predication to either use, or sell narcotics. However the aforementioned King Curney's would likely be interest in their purchase...
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Noah 2.0 clearly wants to report in with the Society. He also adds ...enemy of an enemy is a friend, right?
Frenemy. Ed corrects as he returns from his "me time" looking rested and less like a half-boiled reefclaw. So we're going to the Starfinders next?
Kris spends time chasing rabbit trails within the web before closing the pad down.
"We have a likely player for the dreamshiver, Retsiji should like this part, it's off station within the Armada, one King Curney. Dwarf runs a combination gambling hall, brothel, cantina with loans on the side. Granted it could mean your head should you default on the loan. Not someone you want to cross.
The Level 21 crew doesn't deal in the illicit drug trade, so no dice there, granted as Noah mentioned our work might be worth a favor from them in the future.
We have a need to go to the Armada, so a trip to King Curney wouldn't be out of the way."
Retsiji nods. "Just have to be sure we're not stopped on the way."
So, SFS, Level 21, and then the Armada?
"Some of us got hurt, and Ed used all his magic in the fight. Rest first, then Armada. Quicker we dump the goods, the better."
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Looking unhappy Noah 2.0 adds Do we really stand to benefit that much from the sale of these drugs? Are we willing to risk the penalty of incarceration if we are caught? And finally, are we willing to increase the suffering of our fellows simply for a few credits?
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Ed shrugs. People should be able to chose to buy drugs if that's what they want to do. However, I'd also chose not to risk getting laser burned dealing with rude drug gangs again.
Kris doesn't take any offense at Noah's comment but does look at him a bit strange.
"Soldiers, mercs, others who have done and seen what I have, sometimes find it hard to unwind, their choices when they reach that point are few. Their choices are theirs to make not mine. I've not resorted to recreational drug use but I'll not fault someone who does. You wish to be free to make your own choices do you not?"
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Noah holds firm. So just give them the drugs. No reason for us to be enriched by these damaged souls and certainly no reason to enrich this dwarven thug.
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Kris settles into a squat watching Noah, trying to understand his opinion.
"On one hand you want to get revenge against the parties involved in Duravor's death, we started on that path with the King's but they were only a pawn of Astral Extractions in the corporate game they are playing. On the other you want to give away probably the single most valuable thing we have found for free. If you want to take on a corporation you better have some resources and that's what this is."
taking a breath to organize her thoughts
"The dwarf is a major player, yes, makes the Kings look like chumps, yet he is enough out in the open that Ab-Sats security forces know what he does. Enough politicians go there to conduct business in his cantina...." Kris trail off waiting to judge Noah's response before continuing any further
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In reply to Subaltern Vixitera Osh's inquiry to Paeon's interest he simply replies,
"I've been seeking contract work within the station, was just trying to find out if anyone might want the vigilantes found. Old habits die hard, can't quite seem to tear myself away from conflict it seems. Thanks for your help once again Vix."
Paeon looks between the Androids having their conversation and slips the Dreamshiver into an inside pocket.
{Freshly minted Android indeed. I've no need for your permission nor your morals on this matter Noah. I will seek to offload the drug, and as I have witnessed your negotiating skills first hand you are NOT invited to parley.}
Paeon's solar mote flares with intensity as his temper rises.
{This world is cruel, and this station crueler so. I was bred for conflict. If you should stake a claim to the Dreamshiver and its fate then I accept your challenge. If not, remain in the light as those who know the truth of the world do what needs to be done.}
May have to take a look at changing some of Paeon's themes as what i envisioned isnt really playing out in actuality. If i do change it might be at level two and i'll run it all by you before hand of course. He's turning out to be more of a face and smooth talker than a military force, just envisioning him in massive armor talking his way through things doesnt seem to fit. So may change a few things around.. ie.. give him solar armor instead of weapon.
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Noah considers the more experienced android's words before answering. Each of us must choose our path in this world. I am still learning mine. If I cannot succeed within the law then I will fail within it.
Then reap what you sow. I shall not go with you. Noah says flatly to Paeon He turns away from the man.
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Ed looks askew at Noah's contradictory stances. How would giving it away be any better? You're not making any sense, he complains.
At Paeon's sudden 'flare-up', Ed steps in between the two. Hold on. I will stay with Noah. I don't think my secondskin suite or my first can take any more lasers. I'm not here to tell anyone what to do. Remember we're working together to bring Duravor's murderers to justice, but we make our own choices. If Paeon, Krisseven, and Retsiji chose to deal with another gang to make some money to help our cause, I won't stop them. Maybe the rest of us can do some research at the Starfinder Society or try and set up a meeting the Hardscrabble Collective in the meantime.
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A raised eyebrow and a slight shake of her head are all the emotion Kris shows at the outburst between the two.
As they separate and go to 'opposite corners' with Ed refereeing the match, Kris continues.
"The pilot that brought us onto the station can likely provide transport, granted like any endeavor there will be cost associated. But after we are through we can return and pick the others up from their research."
Or we can just meet you at the dock. Check in when you're done. Use your comlink. Ed offers cheerfully.
A quick data_search retrieves the contact details of Duvra L’Kell - the lashunta pilot of the shuttle Okimoro that was passage for some of the group to AB-STAT.
You find you're in luck that she's still on station, and through a comms conference call she offers to take your group to The Armada, adding that she knows where The Dust Runner is berthed, although does not know its Captain personally.
For 100CR even she'll ferry passengers between King Curney's and the Hardscrabble vessel as is required...
Kris nods to Paeon,
"I'll join you at the dwarf's cantina, Retsijji, Koro?"
Koro merely shrugs at the quandry of what to do with the drugs, "Not too interested in meeting up with the King out in the Armada, I'm for checking out this SR subsidiary..."
A short ROBO-TAKSIO ride takes you back to the now familiar setting of the Lorespike Complex and its campus. Little is discussed, save that after you have given your report, then next port of call is to be the offices of Stellar Resources.
After a short wait you are usher to Councillor Chiskisk’s office, where the shirren Starfinder awaits you.
They beckon you to sit at a meeting table where cups of Castrovelian Bark Tea and a plate of Galacticookies sit for your consumption.
With their antenna aquiver, Chiskisk bids you report your findings;
{Greetings-Greetings my investigatory friends. What news do you bring us of your endeavors?}
After leaving your companions to pursue their station-based line of reporting and investigation, you three head to Dock 97 where the familiar sight of the battered Sanjaval Mule Class shuttle: Okimoro sits waiting… its engines emitting a low whine as it readies for flight.
As you approach, the lithe form of her captain – Duvra L’Kell appears on the gangplank beckoning you aboard;
”Nice to see you again Miss. You too Scales…”
She then takes in form of Paeon with an approving arc of her eyebrow;
”Guess you traded in Whiskers for something much easier on the eye… Weydan have mercy I surely approve!”
The Damaya adjusts her headset with a smile and bids you all sit;
”Grab a seat an’ buckle up. You know the drill.”
She flicks some switches, then pipes through the comms with a more professional tone;
”Absalom Station. This is transit shuttle Okimoro requesting departure protocols for Dock 97. Pilot: Duvra L’Kell conveying 3 alive in-transits for short hop to Armada. Confirming registration coding for AS-TC clearance now…”
As she waits for the confirmation from Absalom Station Traffic Control, Duvra swivels to face you all;
”So it’s a trip to King Curney’s ? Business or… pleasure?”
At the final word her eyes linger on Paeon…
As Ed rattles off events between morsels, the Councillor's mandibles hang agape and his antennae shift independently;
{Visited yes... Violent! Oh dear... never good! Wha-Duravor Murdered?!?! Astral Extractions?! The mining corp what have th--- The Acreon! I-I-Oh my... We are finding all this difficult to process...}
Chiskisk's tone is perplexed and panicked as they try to make sense of Ed's revelations.
Kris greets the pilot with a hug and a smile "we needed a lift and couldn't think of a better pilot for the job." buckling in she sits back in her seat. "Well a bit of both, any suggestions?"
Retsiji will not join the away team. "Place like that, if you don't need me I'll be in the way, and if you need me I'm not anywhere near enough."
Paeon ignores the pining of the pilot as he sits and buckles in until giving in slightly.
{Unless you can fly backwards, might want to take a look where your going lass}
He adds a wink before setting his attention to his mental preparations.
Not noticing Paeon's own wink
Kris laughs out loud at Paeon's comment, and pops his shoulder with a playful slap "Ferrying whatnot around this station and the minefield of ships circling it, that 'lass' has backwards covered and likely sideways too. Don't fault her for appreciating her cargo" Shaking her head she rolls her eyes at the pilot.
Ed has the right of it Chiskisk. Noah 2.0 confirms. Though he seems a little light on the details. We also talked with the Level 21 folks and seem to have come to some agreement with them. While we did not specifically plan for violence against the Kings it ended up that way. Their leader is dead and if they can ever reorganize, which I doubt, it will take a long time. In the mean time other gangs like Level 21 will be moving into their territory. I think 21 will be quite pleased with the outcome and might even help us in the future should we need it for the 'favor" done for them. It does seem that 21 is the lesser of two evils in this case as they do not seem to be involve in murder for hire or sentient trafficing. Noah 2.0 pauses for breath before adding And while I certainly believe Ed is right about the murder of Duravor, and that Astral Extractions corporation ordered the hit, we do not have irrefutable proof of such connections.
Chiskisk’s antaennae bob and shift back and forth tracking the conversation as they take it in.
{I see. Grave tidings indeed… You have all risked much and we can only commend you all for your efforts. Know you have our thanks, and those of the Society for our fallen colleague Duravor…}
The shirren mulls further the ramifications of your investigations thusfar;
{We would bid you remain quiet on the violent retribution perpetrated upon the Downside Kings. In the seedy underbelly of this station, one often reaps what they sow – you would do well not to draw unwanted attention to yourselves through those actions. As some of the Kings survived their knowledge of your actions is now a commodity they can trade to find new homes or sources of revenue. Knowing, but not proclaiming your acts of vengeance, we think, is a sound stratagem.}
Chiskisk’s proboscis dips into their tea before continuing;
{The trail you have uncovered does seem to lead to the door… albeit a subsidiary airlock… to Astral Extractions. We have grave reservations about implicating the corporation at this juncture… without evidence to pass station officials it will have little or no impact. They have a powerful presence onboard the station. Without irrefutable proof we would not wish you, nor the Society to risk a battle we have little hope of winning.}
The Councillor looks forlornly into their tea, as if searching for inspiration.
{Investigate this Stellar Extractions by all means. Locate this Bendriss and see if they will shed more light on Astral Extractions involvement, but tread softly my friends. Yes Ed, you spoke of Earned Seizure – by all means access our supplies and info_net as necessary. That much you have earned… and once we are in the position to close the investigation we shall talk again.}
Duvra laughs heartily at the banter, and soon has the Okimoro off-station and slowly winding into the busy orbital collective of vessels known as The Armada.
As you make you way toward your destination, the lashunta pilot tips her head toward the main cockpit screen;
”See that rough an’ ready freighter there? That’s your Dust Runner. She’s an Akitonian Sanjaval Dromedary Class shipper. Old model, but great range. We’ll catch ‘em on the way back from the Casbah.”
Duvra focusses as she arcs the small shuttle between two conjoined warships, then after a minute draws your attention to the large vessel ahead, golden-skin glinting at the fringes of the Armada:
”And that my lovelies is King Curney’s Casbah. You will never find a more wretched hive of scum and villainy. Be cautious when you’re onboard eh?”
As the shuttle manoeuvres toward one of the many docking ports, she taps her comms headset;
”I’ll reset my comms to lo-wave three-one-niner. You want to chat keep it on the low-down. Hail me on that channel…”
The Okimoro shunts as the docking arm engages, and she flashes a hard smile at the pair of you;
”Don’t have too much fun without me… I’ll keep the engines running”
She chuckles to herself as the airlock opens;
”Straight ahead. They’ll be a welcoming committee no doubt. Just flash those killer smiles an’ your gilt and you’ll be good. Then you can be bad…”
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Kris exits the shuttle after setting her comm unit to the indicated channel.
"Thanks we'll be in touch, hopefully without too much trouble. Handsome here will just flash his pearly whites and those guys at the door will be all smiles." she says with a smile and a wink, holding up her cred stick as they step out the door.
Letting Paeon lead the way Kris heads towards the entrance. Pistols are strapped in place while the knife is secreted away in the quick release slot.
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Ed gives Chiskisk a segmented thumbs up. Noahtwo, maybe you can search the networks for anything more about Bendriss and AE. Ed then gets to wheelin' and dealin' to liquidate the gear they don't need.
"What can you tell us about Drift Rock? It sounded like Bendriss didn't want anyone to become interested in it or the Acreon."
I can take a look Ed. Noah gets busy with a data pad and finds what he can.
Paeon exits the shuttle, Kris in tow.
{Thanks for the lift lady, don't be too far now.}
Paeon settles his mind into focus. His mote trailing behind shedding its dim light as he traverses the corridor.
Ed’s online investigation merely corroborates what you already know:
Drift Rock is an asteroid that was recovered and towed back to Pact Space by the Hardscrabble owned prospector tug Acreon. The vessel was chartered by Astral Extractions to carry out the exploration. Upon its arrival no crew have answered Absalom Station communications prompting the ship to be quarantined at a distance from Ab-Stat, pending investigation.
However some additional information is gleaned on the eponymous Bendriss:
One Haraldd Bendriss does indeed work for Stellar Resources and is listed on their company site as Lead Project Broker.
Councillor Chisisk can also add little more;
{Of Stellar Resources we know little, they are not part of usual Society suppliers listings. We can guess that as an asteroid from Drift Space, then Drift Rock itself may possess unusual mineral qualities that both Hardscrabble and Astral Extractions would see as viable commodity. The salvage rights would be lucrative indeed… but by the same token it could be a worthless piece of space debris…}
The shirren looks perplexed and dismayed at the prospect that all this chaos may be for naught but greed and commercial principle.
Noah continues his media search, evidently finding nothing so far...