Retsiji grins. "No, I think we're his guards for the day."
Ed pauses a moment, does a mental count of the members of their party and then gives a chirping a cackle. Oooh. A cunning plan. You're pretty sneaky, Resti.
I am in. Noah nods appreciatively as he wonders how anyone can hear anything at that distance.
Kris listens as Paeon presents his riddle to King Kurney wondering what the result will be if the King guesses right. Paeon named his terms for winning but what were the terms for loosing the bet?
Let's go. Ed commands! He hangs back by Retsy and lets the envoy make introductions.
As you being to move forward, the broker clocks you at a distance - likely zeroing in on the bulky vesk spearhead.
He nods as he continues to jabber, flicking his fingers in a "hurry up" gesture to you all.
As you get closer Bendriss' clipped tone comes easier to your ears. You make him more of his side of the conversation;
"Plus a Shirren... Check ... and the human and android! Yes I frakking see them." "Of course I'm trying to wave them over! You think me a moron woman!"
Something catches your eye as you scan the arrogant suit ahead of you. As he jabbers and waves toward you in a condescending manner he seems completely oblivious to the red dot hovering over his forehead...
:
:
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Alright. I could understand the Vesk coincidence, but this is too much. something is up.
Paeon shakes his head slowly as Curney blurts out the perceived answer,
{I am afraid you have guessed incorrectly Curney, although space seems to be an interesting response I do not claim to have it to offer you. I hope to expect that you will hold your end of the bargain?}
"Be a sorry trap that closes on us. Let's do it."
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Ed doesn't catch Bendriss' continued conversation with the distraction of the side conversations, but he does see something. Why does he have a little red dot on his forehead. Wait, is that a TARGETING LASER?! Ed starts to run forward as he grabs his remaining smoke grenade out of his fanny pack.
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At Ed's communication, Retsiji shouts, "" He unlimbers his own laser and peers around for signs of a concealed sniper.
Curney arches an eyebrow as Paeon suggests he answered incorrectly. The repugnant dwarf chuckles dryly as a ripple of murmurs snakes through the assembled patrons.
"Of korse Paeon...The King alvays honours debts... But it vuld only be fair to allow me a chance to recoup my kredits? A riddle for a riddle yes?"
He takes a sip of his tumbler and smiles wickedly as he awaits your answer.
Noah's whispered concern gives you collective pause, before Ed's astute eyes draw attention to a threat underscored by Retisiji's bellowed warning.
Around you passers by react to the Vesk's command and drawing of weapon - some drop, some scream, most begin to run in the opposite direction.
Bendriss' expression remains one of arrogant disdain as he curtly bids you approach.
It is the same expression he wears as the plaza concourse behind him is turned crimson, and the broker drops like a puppet bereft of its strings.
Then the screaming starts...
Your honed combat senses can discern the likely direction of the shot, but you cannot pin-point its source.
Noah runs to Bendriss and to see if the man still breaths and to help him if he is not yet beyond help.
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Mulling over the kings words Paeon takes a sip,
{I am a tactician and not a gambler Curney. I would never give away my advantage. But, I will allow you an opportunity to recoup your losses. Should I fail to answer your riddle, you will pay me full price and should I succeed? Well I hope you have something to offer.}
Caught up in the interplay between Kurney and Paeon, Kris fails to do what she should be doing most.....
Retsiji growls, a low rumble from somewhere deep inside him. "Ed, find me that sniper. That way, I think."
Is he dead, Noahtoo? Ed asks as he dutifully scans the area from whence the laser appeared to originate.
Curney continues to chuckle to himself as he takes measure of Paeon's words;
"Ho-ho... A taktician is it..? Never give avay your advantage eh Paeon Tel'domah..? Tell me zhis then - how is it you haf not qvestioned how it is I know your name and zhat of your kompanion Kris-7? I do not rekall us being familiar vith each other... nor being old friends... Kurious I know this no?"
The dwarf leans back in his chair with a hard smile;
"So tell me Master Taktician do you veel you have the advantage still..?"
Noah dodges screaming patrons to crouch by the fallen broker, but as he checks his vital signs it is clear that, sans the back of his skull, the man has expired.
Amidst the chaos you hone in the man's ear mounted communicator - it indicates an ongoing and open line is still active...
As the others spin and survey trying to locate the shooter, no further incoming shots arrive, nor the baleful red dot that would herald another target...
Your sharp senses discern the likely direction of the shot, but you cannot pin-point its source. (there are numerous surrounding buildings and vantages where the sniper could be positioned)
Through his own communicator he tells the others Dead. then sensibly quickly searches the man for cred sticks, weapons, datapads, or other clues.
Paeon shakes his head, the arrogance of those in power always fails them,
{Do not mistake lack of acknowledgement for the lack of knowledge Curney. It would make sense that the King knows who dispossessed the Queen of her head.}
Keeping his attention focused on Curney,
{If that's your riddle to me then you have chosen poorly. The answer is quite obviously, Yes.}
Retsiji snarls, looking around quickly, before realizing that cover would be a good thing when there's a sniper about and retreating. "Time for coccyges and clavicles!" Sounds better in Vesk.
I don't think that we're being targeted. Ed observes and then moves over to verify that Bendriss is obviously dead.
He notes the active light on the dead man's ear piece and picks it up and listens.
He's been shot! Someone get medical help. Noah exclaims to any passer's by that might be watching as he searches the body.
Curney smiles and tips his glass in a salute;
"Bravo my bravo. Qvite the stones on you boi.... You and your friend Kris-Seven kom here valtz into my place... and you think you hold the kards?"
The ugly dwarf chuckles his words down, the affixes a hard stare upon you both;
"So to buziness then... Vhat brings you to before me... Haggling for 200% before you prezent your vares?"
Within minutes the plaza becomes relatively clear, and you collectively become aware of figures pressed against the surrounding buildings - drawn as ghoulish spectators to the macabre scene far below...
Noah rifles through the downed man's possessions collecting a cred-stik, wallet and comms device before Ed deftly retrieves the android of the latter, cocking his head to listen to any audio;
The comms crackles for a second, then you hear a female voice; cold and concise;
"Greetings. You would be... ... The Shirren: Skzzrrr'ed'kl. Time is of the essence my chitinous friend... Best you and your friends leave soon. Better yet leave Absalom. Smartest move. Safest too. Living under my gun is no life at all..."
The comms crackle again and you hear the thump and series of clicks akin to a case or container being closed and locked.
"Must fly. Bye-bye Skzzrrr'ed'kl."
As Ed listen's Retsiji barks a warning to the others.
Of Noah's proclamation of murder/death/kill and appeal for medical aid there are no takers... save the distant sound of AB-SEC Sirens
Paeon nods,
{Fair enough Curney,}
Paeon reaches into a pocket and produces the Dreamshiver,
{This is what we have to offer, heard you might be interested.}
Kris continues to scan the crowd while observing Kurney and his guards.
Ed gives a squeak as he hands the comlink back to Noahtoo. I think we'd better go.
Noah looks up almost in surprise, takes in his surroundings for a quick moment and nods in agreement. Yes, go. He follows Ed in retreat.
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Koro joins Retsiji in scanning the surrounding buildings for the shooter, hugging a wall for some semblance of cover.
She hisses, "Hurry!" to Noah and Ed as they check the body, repeating her entreaty as the Ab-Sec sirens grow louder.
With a nod to Retsiji, she leads the group out of sight into the darkness of a nearby alley and through to a busier boulevard, calling for a taxi with her comm.
"Hear anything of interest on his comm, Ed?" she asks .
Not interesting, scary! The woman knew us all. Knew my Shirren name even and said we'd be smart to get off station.
"Let's go. We can regroup at Lorespire. Take the long way."
Tucking the items he salvaged from the dead man Noah nods agreement.
Not for the first time in recent days your group finds itself fleeing the scene of a murder with the sounds of screams and sirens echoing in your ears.
Koro finds a location near a service vent that provides both cover and a degree of privacy. As she receives the booking confirmation from R0B0-TAXI0, you all breath a collective sigh and take stock...
After a convoluted journey you arrive some time later at the familiar campus of the Lorespike.
As previously several station (and perhaps Society) denizens sit in breakout areas conducting research, meetings or merely in contemplation...
You congreagate upon one of the breakout areas available settling into the hexagonal slouch-couches...
As Paeon produces the vial of Dreamshiver, Curney's eyes narrow;
"Ho-Ho! Is zhat Dreamshiva? I recognise the blue tinge y'know... Tell me it is..."
The dwarf smiles and nods towards one of the onlookers who moves forward dutifully;
"Zhis is the Khemyst. He handles all my produkt. May he inspect your vares Paeon Tel'domah?"
The man who comes forward is a
human dressed in long coat oft seen on frontier medics. Its various loops and pockets hold syringes of a similar tinged liquid to the Dreamshiver.
He holds out a gloved hand with an emotionless expression;
"Narcotic if you please."
The big vesk sits down warily on a couch, which gives only slightly under his bulk, and watches the news. "What now? Main lead's splattered."
We have these things he was carrying. Noah produces a cred-stik, wallet and comms device.
Retsiji shrugs, as if to say that there's nothing he can do with the items.
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Paeon hands the dreamshiver over to the chemist.
{It is in fact dreamshiver Curney}
Kris remains watchful and quiet, aware that the discussions going on were not her best forte.
Ed looks nervous as the security pass is revealed. I don't know if I want to go back there. Who do you think that the sniper was?
I would guess someone working for the corp who was willing to kill to prevent any ties to them from the gang and its actions to kill our dwarven friend. Quite efficient really. This sniper is willing to kill all of us of course, but knows each kill is a calculated risk and will surgically remove only what is necessary. I respect that. No, going back would be foolish I think. There are too many resources stacked up against us at this point to act so openly against the corp. Better to hurt them in other ways and make them regret their actions.
"Might be more intel there. That's your problem, though."
Ed continues to look jittery. "Maybe we should get off station. We could go find the Hardscrabble Collective in the Armada. I how the others are doing?"