Well, this does seem a better way to travel. Can we just tell it to take us to the Starfinder Society?
Kris consults the datapad and what she has known about Ab Sat, and gives the taxi a location to head to. Either to the Starfinder chapter house or close to it.
Kenta shuffles onto the taxi with the others and takes Ed's suggestion "Starfinders, take us please now."
As you all climb aboard, you notice the flighty Tian holds back;
"Apologies. I did not sign up for gun-play and Starfinders when I made my deal with the dwarf. He is gone and my contract is game over..."
Aiko shrugs her shoulders and backs into the mix of the crowd with a final quip;
"Don't lose too many lives!"
Inside the cab, your driver-drive acknowledges your destination and requests payment in its tinny voice;
WELCOME ABOARD ROBO-TAKSIO. DESTINATION SELECTED: STARFINDER SOCIETY... 222 LORESPIKE COMPLEX. ESTIMATED JOURNEY DURATION: 22.45 MINUTES. COSTINGS... 3 CREDITS PER PASSENGER. PLEASE INSERT CRED-STICK OR HARD CREDITS FOR PAYMENT PROCESSION PRIOR TO JOURNEY ENGAGEMENT. DANKON."
I've got it. Ed communicates and activates his cred stick.
Retsiji sits down and tries to make himself more compact, avoiding bumping into the other sophonts or any particularly fragile internal bits of the taxi. Can't afford to break anything....
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Kris watches Retsiji as the large vesk tries to get comfortable. A sly grin on her face before digging back into the datapad for any additional information she can glean from it on the way.
"Ysoki, what could you make out of this car given the time? You self-enhanced yourself once before already."
Kris ask in a flat tone, looking up from Kreel's datapad.
Before Kris' question can be answered the grav-cab shunts into life as it lifts off and the driver-drive's tinny voice continues:
"CREDIT TRANSFER COMPLETED. JOURNEY UNDERWAY. 222 LORESPIKE COMPLEX... PLEASE REMAIN SEATED FOR DURATION. DANKON."
As if registering the underlying intent of Kris' comment, a message strapline scrolls across the vehicles Info-HUD:
The grav-cab quickly shifts up a gear and before long you are speeding toward your destination.
Inside the vehicle there is limited distraction: A tube tagged as Akva Dispensanto and a small bowl of what looks like complimentary candies catch your collective eyes.
Catching sight of the message scrolling across the HUD, Kris smiles, "touchy AI Uber driver. The question was strictly rhetorical."
Ed's multi-faceted eyes sparkle. Candy? he asks no one in particular and eagerly tries one of the apparently complimentary treats.
Retsiji sits very quietly, eyes moving but head held still, trying not to rubberneck again.
Your mandibles crush the treat, then as you consume the candy - you find a strange combination of meat-based protein encased in a saccharine candy shell.
Kenta just narrows his eyes at Kris' question, smoothing down his head fur with a forearm.
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Ed silently holds the candy in his mouth for a long time reflecting on the flavor before elbowing Kenta. Sweet... and meaty. Like pork soda. Try one.
ESTIMATED JOURNEY REMAINING DURATION: 14.25 MINUTES.
As the grav-taxi hurtles along in surprisingly smooth fashion, Kris continues to access Kreel's datapad...
After a couple of minutes of rapid typing and clicking she overcomes several levels of protocols and brings up the groups collective profiles onto the screen:
Retsiji looks over at the screen, interested. "He had something in mind. More than just a simple job."
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Ed cranes his neck to read the display. What does 'whimsical' mean? He sits back and returns his attention to the candy dish which he clears out making sure to stow a couple candies in a pocket for later.
What does 'whimsical' mean?
Kris looks at the Shirren Mystic.
"Whimsical, adjective, given to whimsy or fanciful notions; capricious: a pixyish, whimsical fellow." before looking back to the data-pad ...."However I believe the definition you're looking for is 'unpredictable'. Our former benefactor was unsure as to whether you would choose to see his plan through...Whatever that may have been."
Ed's antennae twitch as his question is answered with several other 100 credit words, but he accepts unpredictable. I guess it would have depended on how interesting the job was. I wonder what it was. Do you think the Starfinders would know?
You manage to access some of the secure files located on Kreel's data_pad incl. some information from his personal journal entries.
Notable information you harvest:
ᐒ Kreel was a native of the Diaspora, the diffuse asteroid belt between Verces and Eox, and the log entries detail his ties to the dwarves and mining clans in the region.
ᐒ You also glean that he was an outspoken champion of miners’ rights, and was active in challenging large corporate interests that exploited individual miners and labourers. Astral Extractions are mentioned as drawing Duravor's ire on more than one occasion.
ᐒ One entry stands out as particularly hostile - where he describes the tragic death of his cousin Nyrah who died in a mining accident. It is clear from Kreel's writing that it was the result of one of the many safety violations perpetrated by her employer - Astral Extractions.
With some deft hacking you overcome the firewall relating to Duravor's financial affairs:
ᐒ Despite being a mid-ranking member of the Starfinder Society Duravor's stipend was somewhat modest. He seemed to outlay credits to cover patronage of potential recruits to his causes, and currently is funding a sector-haus in the Drifter's End neighbourhood near the Lorespike Complex.
ᐒ Kreel had personally invested money in an organisation named as The Hardscrabble Collective.
Looking for an out-of-the-way bench, she moves to the side to get her stomach back in agreement.
"There was another file, labeled 'Chiskisk' that was in a Starfinder directory. Let me get my stomach back in order and I'll see what I can determine. Unless someone else wants to review the datapad."
Computers: 1d20 + 7 - 2 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 2 = 18
Kris will offer it to anyone who wants to review it
<sigh>
"Gah! Firewalls blocked my attempt again."
Minutes ago you were all going about your daily routines within the sector-haus that your dwarven patron; Duravor Kreel, had supplied as a base of operations for your group.
Minutes ago all was well.
Now you all gather around the apartment holo-comms, as Paeon’s contact in AB-SEC - Subaltern Vixitera Osh gives you the gravest news: Duravor has been killed in an apparent turf dispute between rival street gangs….
"Cause of death is reported as a las-shot to the neck. He likely died instantly Paeon, not that its much consolation… Gangers involved were the Downside Kings and The Level21 Crew - longtime rivals, but both gang-leaders are singing the same tune - that this was an unsanctioned scrap by rogue elements. Unless we find something to the contrary our hands are likely tied.”
Vixitera’s image flickers and looks downcast for a second before continuing;
”Eyeballers claim that Duravor was meeting a group of arrivals off a shuttle, and that he may have been robbed of his data_pad. We’ve crossed referenced AS-TC passenger manifests. Seems he was meeting a group who arrived on a transit-shuttle named the Okimoro - registered to a “Duvra L’Kell”. Name mean anything to you lot? Passenger details are sketchy, but tying in with eyeball accounts were looking for a Vesk, a Shirren, a Ysoki and an Android.”
The security officer pauses, allowing the words to settle;
”We’ll keep looking. Anything you three can turn up let me know… especially on that data_pad and if its key to all this… Couple of final things: Don’t go gunning for revenge, until we know what went down in Bay 94 let cool heads prevail eh? I’ll also need one of you to come to the Sector Station to sign off his body. RIProtocols - Sorry…”
As the holo-comm flickers and ends its transmission Paeon looks to his colleagues his perfect features giving no indication of emotion. His calm deep voice enters their minds,
"Quite unfortunate. Duravor was a kind man and with an eye for irregular talent it seems. I would like to see his face one more time to bid farewell."
Paeon's antennae twitch briefly as his solar mote pulses, releasing a brief flash of light which is quickly swallowed into its eternal darkness, betraying his cool demeanor.
"Your company is of course welcomed."
Allowing his colleagues to gather their thoughts Paeon stands planted.
The Okimoro, Duvra L'Kell... A Vesk, Shirren, Yosoki, and an Android. Intriguing to say the least.
As usual, Koro was lounging in one of the more comfortable couches in the sector-haus Duravor had imprisoned...rather, supplied for the three companions.
When Subaltern Osh's message begins, she bolts up and listens attentively, launching herself angrily up off of the couch in agitation as the security officer continued her description of Duravor's death.
Paeon's calm voice in her head, as usual, quieted her fiery blood, but it didn't quiet or slow her frantic pacing.
Then she stops, nodding, "I want to see him again too..." she says softly, holding a hand over her eyes, not quite hiding the twin tears rolling down her cheeks.
With a shake of her head, her short red locks fanning out, she swivels to her two companions, "These passengers...probably more recruits of Dur's...if they have his data pad..."
She shakes her head again, giving her cheeks a quick wipe, "Let's get down to Sector Station, get this over with."
Paeon watches Koro pace frantically, his antennae tracing her movements . As she stops to speak he listens, his dark eyes making eye contact with her.
Perhaps hearing my voice may calm her...
Clearing his throat Paeon warms his mostly unused vocal chords with a series of hums and low tones before his dark cool melodic voice erupts,
"Calm yourself child. This was after all an accident. We shall look upon his face and thank the man that brought us in from the drift. Go find us transportation."
Paeons stellar mote swirls around Koro's torso and head radiating light before reattaching itself to Paeon's chest,
Unusual this mote is, could it be sentient or was this just coincidence?
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Do you think the Starfinders would know?
"If they don't, I'm sure Kreel had the info on his datapad, given time and space ... to think, I'm sure I can get the info we need from it"
between the vesk's tail in my back and the constant back and forth movement of this shuttle it's nearly impossible to type accurately!"
You recall Duravor having made offhand mention of the Okimoro and its pilot Duvra L'Kell once or twice before.
The Okimoro is transit shuttle, a Sanjaval Mule Class if memory serves. Its pilot Duravor described as a sassy Lashunta - most unlike the scholarly Paeon...
He would oft charter the ship for collection and shipment of recruits and sundry items for the Starfinders.
The ROBO-TAKSIO grav-cab, continues to shift through the other traffic and provide a monotone update of the journey's timescale:
ESTIMATED JOURNEY REMAINING DURATION: 08.15 MINUTES...
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Kenta takes a furtive nibble on one of the meat candies... pausing while chewing to contemplate. He then narrows eyes and queries the machine "Free free right?" before leaning forward to shove as many nuggets of sweetsaltyunctuousness into his cheek pouches as are on offer.
To the discussion he adds "Best to know read whats there before go to Starfind... better good yea?"
Noah 2.0 listens to the broadcast with detached interest. At its conclusion he states This is a paradox for me. Duravor Kreel was my owner. He commissioned me for some great purpose, I am sure of this. But had not yet shared said purpose with me. Does he have an heir? If so I would assume I would become their property. One moment. The android seems to think deeply for a quick moment and then concludes It is likely that this Duvra L’Kell and Duravor Kreel could have some connection. I am sure I have heard him mention the Okimoro and its pilot before. They certainly know each other. Consider the similarity of their names. I will gladly accompany you to view Duravor Kreel one last time and to make sure his belongings are returned to be given to whatever legal heir is pronounced.
The vesk tentatively reaches out and takes one of the candies, delicately placing it into his mouth while trying not to display his fangs overmuch. He grimaces at the flavor. "No vesk made this. We can't taste what you call 'sweet,' and the umami isn't quite right."
As you mull and mourn the circumstances of your patron's death, Subaltern Osh chips in;
"As I said my condolences to you all. Once you three get here we'll likely have pulled more on Duravor from our data_bases - if he had any Death & Bequeathment Protocols they'll likely pop."
You see the hologram of the security officer tapping at a keyboard, then nodding to herself;
"When you get here ask for AB-SEC-PD... Pharasman Division. You've been assigned morticians Teal and Sallow. They'll deal with any questions you might have. Anything else pops regards Duravor and this case you know where I am. Sorry to be the bearer of this news again..."
Vixitera's hologram looks momentarily sad, then flickers off leaving you all alone with your thoughts...
As it begins its approach to your destination, the ROBO-TAKSIO rejoins terra-firma and accesses a slip road entering the The Lorespike Complex.
Located in Absalom Station’s Ring sector, you cast your collective eyes over the large campus housing multiple buildings and rooms, though its eponymous "spiked" tower is what people most associate with the Starfinder Society’s headquarters.
"ESTIMATED JOURNEY REMAINING DURATION: 02.65 MINUTES... PLEASE BE READY TO DISEMBARK UPON INSTRUCTION. WILL YOU REQUIRE A RETURN TRANSIT?"
"No.... more free free candy?"
"No." At least I hope not.
Noah 2.0, already wearing his Second Skin armor, shoulders his weapon explaining People are getting shot out there. I am certainly not going out unarmed.
Ed remains mum about the two sweets he stashed away before everyone suddenly got interested in them. He sighs as he looks out the window. He really didn't expect the station to take so long to travel across.
Paeon reflects on the simplicity of Noah's statement.
"People are getting shot aren't they. I shall retrieve my gear while our ride arrives."
The Lashunta heads back to collect his personal affects and dons his armor. He thinks for a moment then stuffs the rest of his modest belongings into a backpack. Ensuring his journal is stowed safely.
As Paeon's telephathic and physcial voices calm her, Koro looks to her friend, thinking, not for the first time Gods, but he's gorgeous....
Then with a rueful smile and a twitchy kind of shrug, she stops her pacing and faces Noah as he succinctly evaluates his situation.
"Hey, as far as I know, you're nobodies property, Noah. Duravor would never stoop to 'owning' you." she says with passion.
At the opinion to be ready for possible violence, she smiles crookedly, "Absolom Station's got'em mean and nice, have to be ready for both" she says, patting the pistol holstered at her hip.
Heading for the door, she absentmindedly fingers a console, calling a grav-cab to their location, "Duravor used that pilot and ship a bunch of times, so I hope we can get a chance to talk to her... a Lashtuna as well I think, Paeon." she teases, as she waits for the others.
As they are close to their destination, Kris checks to make sure nothing has been left behind, tucking a stray lock behind her ear as she glances out the window.
"If we are not dropped on their doorstep, I could find a quiet place to check the files before we contact the Society, and verify what Kreel had in mind for us."
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Ed elbows the rat stuffing his face at his side. You know anything about computers? Kris seems to be having difficulties.
Kenta turns from trying to force more sweets and cocks head before taking the pad from Kris and tinkering...
Computers:
...before tossing it back to Kris, shrugging his shoulders and saying "Must be broken"
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** spoiler omitted **
As the grav-taxi slows down and stops at the forecourt of the Lorespike Tower, the vehicle’s tinny voice pipes up once again:
”YOU HAVE NOW ARRIVED AT YOUR DESTINATION. ROBO-TAKSIO THANKS YOU FOR YOUR CUSTOM.”
There is a pause as the door automatically slides open onto the busy campus concourse;
PLEASE DISEMBARK AND DO HELP YOURSELF TO A COMPLIMENTARY MEAT’N’GREET CANDY SNAK. AND REMEMBER: ROBO-TAKSIO – WE GET U THERE.”
As you exit the cab a small bleeping noise emits indicating another hire…
Inside the sector-haus Koro’s console flashes up with an acknowledgement message:
Paeon returns to his new friends, his presence unmissable in his expertly fit armor. He glances at them both sidelong while waiting for transportation.
"I hope it doesn't take all three of us to identify our departed."
A small half smile creeps across Paeon's face as he stands stoic, helmet shouldered with his backpack, his stellar mote circling his torso in what one may call an orbit.
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Retsiji unfolds himself and emerges from the robo-taxi. "Come on. Let's get out of sight." If there's an obvious entrance to the Tower, he marches towards it.
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Ed bows to the vehicle before following after Retsiji.