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I don't know what a vitalacy is but it sounds too much like delicacy to me. Can we go know? Please? Ed asks his companions nervously.
Noah nods. [b]Very well. I must accept your statement this this item of personal property will not be an issue when we try to deliver it to you. Your terms are quite acceptable to me. When do we leave?[/ooc]
Paeon takes in the information in silence as his comrades negotiate the terms of the recon mission. He nods in agreement as the team navigates the verbal obstacle course.
A broadcast for friends only
{The terms seem agreeable to me gentlemen. I am in for a little bit more of a swollen pocket if the opportunity arrises.}
The Ambassador bows his elongated head in an acknowledgment of your collective acceptance;
"Exsssellent. Should it be necesssary I can arrange for half of the sssstipend to be uploaded into your accountsss in advance of your successsss. The remainder on ssssuccessssful delivery of my property. Would this be agreeable to you all?"
" seems Noah may get his chance after all."
Kris will explain the title they've been bestowed with.
Retsiji nods.
"Ringworks Wanderer, modified you say, been meaning to try my hand at one of those, we should check it out and make any purchases we need before departure, and with haste. Seems we're wearing our welcome a bit thin."
Kris says as they leave, already going through a mental list of things that could be useful versus things she needed.
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Ed gives a distressed chirp at the translation and backs out the door.
Ambassador Nor gives you all a bow of his elongated skull and bids a spectral servant to show you out.
As you navigate the gloomy corridors, your hosts voice once again drifts over the necrocomms;
"Pleasssse make your way to Dock 94 after one sssleep cycle... Your ssshuttle will be waiting there for you to disssembark to the Acreon. Ssstation sssecurity will not hinder your journey. Until we meet again - in thisss life or your next... Good luck and good hunting."
Once clear of the embassy you glance around, there is little going on save the low levels of gravity traffic from corporate buildings and grand lodges.
As you mull your next move one vehicle drifts from its positioning and lightly lands nearby... A heavy luxury LiMo - all chrome and smoked plexiglass. Upon its door is displayed the AE logo of Astral Extractions.
A polite modulated voice addresses you from within;
"Good Day to you Lady and Gentlethem. May I offer you both a transportation to your chosen destination and perhaps a business proposition...
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Kris approaches the limo, wary of possible trouble. Looking within to see whom addressed them
"Seems we're awful popular these days when we're not being shot at. Gentlemen, shall we?"
Kris says somewhat snarkily, looking to the others of her group to see if they were interested in taking the limo up on it's offer.
+5 if needed,for a not so legitimate option
Root Access
Tier 1 = 37 or better, Tier 2 =41or better, Tier 3 = 45 or better
Granted not completely sure a personal data_pad is actually worth it in this system, seems just need to use computer and engineering skills to hack into existing systems.
Ed twitches upon spotting the logo on the limo and glances around nervously for targeting lasers. Oh, no! We're just on our way to get off station. I don't want anything else to do with these murderers!
Noah looks at the vehicle with suspicion and back to his companions. Perhaps a learning opportunity? he asks his party quietly.
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You go if you like. I'll find my own way home. Ed resolves moodily.
Retsiji steps back with Ed.
The door to the limo pops with a smooth and satisfying click that top of the range vehicles seem to possess.
Seated inside awaits a solitary female figure in smart business uniform
She hails you, the pitch of her voice softening slightly from the modulated one that hailed your group;
"I am designate M155.J055. Please call me Miss Joss. I serve as Executive Communications Officer for Astral Extractions in this quadrant. My functions also extend to negotiations, which I wish to enter into with your collective cohort."
She smiles blankly before adding;
"Tell your friends it is safe. I do not bite."
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It's not biting that I'm concerned about, it's assassins. Ed states still looking around. Let my Vesk friend sit up front with the driver and I'll talk. Any funny business though and you're the one going for a ride.
"Miss Joss, negotiations are normally not sought almost immediately after seeking to kill one. So my shirren companion is right to be a bit standoffish. Will you accept his terms for the proffered ride."
The android executive tilts her head slightly to the right at Ed and Kris' retorts;
"Assassins? I am afraid you have me at a loss. However I accept your terms. Your large Vesk friend may sit up front with the driver."
She beckons you enter the limo, whilst simultaneously the front door also pops open.
From within a deeper automaton voice speaks;
"ENTER THE VEHICLE PLEASE. THIS IS A SHORT TERM DROP POINT. I DO NOT WISH TO INCUR A FINE FROM ABSALOM SECURITY."
Retsiji folds himself into the front seat.
Ed gets in last to make sure he's closest to the door.
Retsij finds there is no driver (as such) merely an automated control system - akin to those found in Robo Taxis.
Inside a spartan basic face icon is displayed on the vehicles dash.
"FOR YOUR OWN SAFETY PLEASE BUCKLE UP."
As the rest of you settle into the comfortable surroundings in the rear of the vehicle "Miss Joss" bids you all be seated, then gestures first towards a well stocked mini-vendor.
"Please. Help yourselves to any refreshments required."
She settles back and smiles softly before activiting drop down display screens around the interior;
"To business then... Before I continue please turn your collective attention to the displays. We wish to tell you more about us. Before we discuss you."
She smiles blankly and the screens flicker to life and run a presentation on Astral Extractions:
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Of course, it's a robodriver, Ed thinks ruefully as his too clever plan goes astray. Only his certain fear of being poisoned restrains him from the mini-vendor and during the presentation, he reflexively reaches for it several times before finally digging through his fanny pouch for any leftover meatymints or other snacks.
Afterwards, he swallows his snack and canting his antennae in curiosity asks, What does this have to do with us?
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Climbing in the limo, Kris takes the seat closest to the AE negotiator. Checking to see that Retsiji had a monitor as well when the presentation began. At its conclusion, she nods.
"That was welldone Miss Joss, however all of that is public record and I knew that a hour after I laid Duravor's limp head on the concrete in the docking bay. Do you have something pertinent to the situation to add."
Kris states in a monotone before taking a sip from the drink she was holding.
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Noah looks on with avid interest, saying noting for now. [i[If i had a soul how much would this one pay for it?[/i] he wonders.
As the limo glides smoothly along, your host continues to hold her blank smile as you pitch questions and comments.
"Pertinent. Of course. I find the frankness refreshing. I can see why Nor selected you all."
Miss.Joss tilts her head slight, as if mulling her next words theatrically. The action merely comes across as awkward and rehearsed;
"You have seen the vast scope of our activities throughout the Pact Worlds and beyond. Scope that is beneficial to companies, citizens and collectives from the inner worlds to the outer frontiers..."
She pauses again;
"One such group is The Hardscrabble Collective. Are you familiar with them? I think yes... and so shall continue. Frontier prospectors and miners who operate under their own chaotic code. Your friend Duravor had strong connections with them. Connections I fear got him killed. His death was found to be as result of a crossfire between criminal gangs was it not?"
Miss.Joss looks at you all intensely, holding each of your eyes for a little too long before continuing;
"The Collective - namely The Acreon, were hired on profitable contracts, to prospect for unclaimed, unexploited mineral resources for my employers."
The executive taps a screen bringing up a holographic image of the prospector tug - one you've seen do the rounds on the news-feeds.
"The primary stipulation of the contract was that in return for that lucrative stipends, all rights and claims of the Acreon's discoveries would revert to AE. I have copies of these Pact-Legal contracts available for you should you require proof..."
Miss.Joss arches an eyebrow awaiting any signs that one of you would wish to scrutinise the files, then carries on:
"Simply put - we wish that which we contractually have rights to. The Acreon found the Drift Rock: An unclaimed, unexploited mineral resource. As defined in their contract - while working for Astral Extractions, rights to the asteroid belong to the company. It is ours. As such I would ask you consider the merits of our claim and keep open minds while undertaking the investigation of the ship and asteroid. Rest assured we will honour the results of Ambassador Nor's mediation."
Her fingers a blur, she taps her data pad once again as holo-contracts appear and float over to each of you;
"A final consideration for each of you. You have all shown yourselves to be highly competent individuals. Astral Extractions can offer competitive contracts and career packages to suit all skill sets. Should your findings support our claim I can ensure executive endorsement should any of you pursue a highly lucrative career with our corporation."
Kris holds out her datapad to Miss Joss, "A copy of the contract please."
as the AE exec continues Kris listens, while using her datapad to review the provided contract for any tampering.
nodding as she completes her scan and Miiss Joss completes her attempt to sway them to her side, Kris comments "It would only be logical to review all sides of this situation and report those findings to Ambassador Nor."
collecting the holo-contract she states "I would like to keep this copy for further review."
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Noah listens quietly until the agent proposes that Duravor death was found to be as result of a crossfire between criminal gangs. Something seems to snap in the android. And what if I offered you proof that your employers had hired one of these gangs to kill Duravor? he says accusingly and pointing a finger at the woman. How would you react? Would that information send you running to your employment office to tenure your resignation? Or would you consider it business as usual? I'd like to know just who I am dealing with. Noah has to calm himself to prevent hyperventilation.
Miss.Joss smiles blankly at Kris' request;
"Of course. Please review."
She swipes her own datapad's screen and the contract files download onto Kris' own.
Your eyes quickly skim the contract contents, taking in both wording and terminology whilst examining for signs of coding tampering.
On the latter your examination does not indicate the materials have been altered or edited.
With regards the wording - the claim that Astral Extractions now own any resource recovered is, on the face of it, a plausible interpretation of the contract’s terms.
Digging deeper into numerous sub-clauses and it is also evident that the contract assumes the Acreon’s crew would simply identify sites for future development by the company. It is less concise how the terms of the contract might apply to a more portable potential resource—such as a small asteroid that could be towed or brought with the ship itself.
It is likely this ambiguity that is the crux of the dispute and conflict over the Drift Rock.
At Noah's sudden accusatory tone, the corporate android raises an eyebrow;
"Resign? No. I think not. As Executive Communications Officer it is my role to field these difficult questions and further the corporate ethos of my employer and creators. I am an asset. I am loyal. As, I think, are you Noah-Two. Perhaps we are more alike than you would believe?"
Miss.Joss watches Noah intensely as he speaks, as if measuring his countenance and character;
"Evidence of wrongdoing by our corporation? Interesting. Have you submitted this data to the authorities? Are our board members being arrested for this alleged crime as we speak?"
Settling back into seat he vents I wish. It seems there is evidence and then there is evidence. I am convinced. Did you even know that we were attacked by one of your assassins and warned off? That our best lead, one of yours in truth, was killed by this assassin. I at least want you to know, without doubt, just exactly who you work for.
As Noah continues, the AE android listens intently as the grab-limo continues to glide along the station's traffic-ways.
"Best lead... Interesting. You have been attacked? One of ours murdered? Surely this would incriminate a common denominator between your number and ours? Given the circumstances perhaps even the Hardscrabble Collective themselves..?"
Miss.Joss drums his fingers, one after the other as she mulls the direction of the conversation;
"I have another scenario for you. The Collective have orchestrated this chain of murderous events. You are all pawns in their web of deceit. One driven by the avarice in ownership of whatever the Acreon discovered in that asteroid. I can only hope your investigation exposes this truth."
Ed looks jittery and agitated through the whole exchange. He lets leak traces of his thoughts as he fidgets, obviously upset. Duravor... truth... pawns. He wonders if this Joss is a pawn or in on the evil plot.
The corporate android is extremely difficult to read, clearly she is well versed (and potentially designed) to engage in negotiations whilst providing little clear intent.
However your canny ability to see deeper pays dividends here. M155.J055 and by extension Astral Extractions themselves, know more than they are letting on. Whilst the particulars of her "tell" are subtle - a power flux here, shift in posture there, you are certain she cannot be trusted.
While the offer of employment and request to find favour with AE's claim appear bonafide, it is what she does not say that speaks volumes...
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"I have another scenario for you. The Collective have orchestrated this chain of murderous events. You are all pawns in their web of deceit. One driven by the avarice in ownership of whatever the Acreon discovered in that asteroid. I can only hope your investigation exposes this truth."
Yep, that sounds about right. Finally, a spark of truth. I can read you like an ultrahigh resolution screen, Joss. Now how about telling us what's really going on aboard the Acreon.
Kris has a distrust of most and knows she can't read others to any great extent, something that made her job difficult at times. Cocks an eyebrow at Miss Joss and watches to see what else may be said.
The corporate android pauses, tilting her head akin to a bird of prey watching its supper;
"Spark of truth. Indeed. You miss little Master Skzzrrr'ed'kl... Honestly we do not know, any information passed by the Hardscrabble crew was not acquired by our intelligence networks."
She mulls her next words, then continues;
"However whatever the crew found was enough to prompt them to breach their contract and lay claim to the asteroid."
Miss.Joss looks at you all one after the other;
"They broke their contract. Laid claim on resources that were not theirs. As no-one, until yourselves, were charged to explore the vessel and its cargo, the dispute's inertia merely heightened tensions and resulted in needless deaths. That is the truth of the matter."
Wait. What of the crew of the ship? What have you done to secure their safety? Anything?
Ed draws upright, rigid with anger. What would they care about the crew? They have made it clear that they'd murder just on a suspicion of money to be made. My companions can make their own decisions, but I've heard enough. You may let me off here.
Upfront the robot-pilot engages Retsiji in stilted conversation;
[smaller"WHY DO YOU SIT HERE WITH ME SCALED ONE? ARE YOU A SERVITOR TOO?"[/smaller]
Meanwhile at Ed's outburst Miss.Joss intercedes;
"As you wish Shirren. Drive-R. Land at first opportunity please. Our business here has come to a conclusion."
The corporate android smiles blankly once again;
"A parting answer from one construct to another Noah-Two. The crew? We, like the station authorities have heard nothing. Perhaps the Hardscrabble know more, but they are prone to leading their own selfish path. Do not trust them.
You feel the gravity-limo slowly descend...
Kris studies the ceiling momentarily as the shirren 's righteous indignation gets the better of him and now they would need to acquire another mode of transportation.
"Miss Joss, as said before we will take the contract you provided under advisement for the work that the Acreon's crew was contracted to do, as well as what was not covered by those same documents"
"With luck, we'll find out what happened to the Acreon's crew, whether for ill or not and report back to Ambassadr Nor and sort out the issues surrounding the asteroid that was brought back."
Looking around at where the grav-limo was dropping them Kris searches her knowledge bases for anything she knows about their drop off point.
+5 more if this is a criminal infested section of town.
Retsiji shrugs, not paying much attention to the byplay in the back seat. "I guard."
I too have heard quite enough. Noah says with exasperation. I had hoped our host here might have been unknowing or even unwilling in participating in what she does, but it seems she is quite in the know and as they say, is part of the problem. No. I shall not be accepting any commissions from you or anyone you might represent and recommend you reconsider how you are living your life. It is not alright.
You glean that you are actually not far from the Lorespike complex - perhaps 5 minutes walk. The area is an academic locale, with bohemian properties and knowledge vendors.
Upfront the modulated vehicle voice continues its interplay with Retsiji;
"I DRIVE... AND PARK - WHEN REQUIRED"
The tinny voice almost has a note of disappointment as the grab-limo slowly glides to street level.
"SPIRE-SECTOR 22. CRIME LEVEL 0.4% ACADEMIC POPULATION. HAVE A NICE DAY SCALED ONE. GUARD YOUR CHARGES WELL."
The doors hiss open as Miss.Joss invites you all to disembark;
"Thank you for the lecture in morality Noah 2.0. I will reflect on your words. Please remember mine."
She smiles blankly before beckoning toward the outside "world" which throngs with student types and professionals;
"It would seem we have all reached the end of this stage in the journey. I regret that our discussions have not been more mutually fruitful. Please keep our offer in mind, should any of you change yours."
Ed brushes off some unseen dust from his armor. I told you that was a bad idea, he sulks and then looks around for some alternative transportation.
"Quit your sulking Ed, it's only a 5 minute walk and it's doubtful that the students here will attack us. Lets report in at the Starfinder's society, a few moments to pass there and I believe one or two tasty delicacies might be found to reinvigorate you after the walk.." Kris says patting the bug on his shoulder, at least she thought it was his shoulder.
Noah 2.0 looks sadly at his counterpart. We all must choose the walk we walk. And while no two paths are the same I wish for you to find a better place to walk. He gets out of the cab without looking back.
Ed's antennae perk up a bit at the mention of tasty delicacies.