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@Siren-7ᐒIt all good Shifter, got an umbrella just your size. Don't need you to set one foot out in the rain, just set the meet. We're not out for wet work, just the straight juice"
Paeon peeks over Kris's shoulder as she types to her contact, also helping direct if she asks for assistance in coercing.
As you gather round the screen, the online dialogue continues:
@Shifterᐒ Why you all up and into the Level21C? Got business with 'em S-7? Best I know if this is a sour one... My rep if I set up a meet that goes bad."
@Siren-7ᐒ hmm you could say that, they had a protection bit on one of my associates. First spark at 94, and he's going up in flames. Need to know if they failed their bit, or if they breached the contract intentionally.
@Shifterᐒ Can see how that might sting... I know the 21C, they don' shirk. Ratty boss don' let 'em. Mmmm.
@Shifterᐒ ...
@Shifterᐒ ...
@Shifterᐒ Oki. Let me set meet 7... Stay tuned.
"Shifters" icon drops offline.
Chiskisk bobs their antennae;
{Progress I think? In the meantime I can have one of the droids take you to a prep room to exchange any of your Earned Seizure?}
Kris distractedly shakes her head at the Councillor's offer. Good equipment, even at the Starfinders even trade prices would likely be something she couldn't afford.
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Baffled by the byplay, Retsiji ruminates. "Thought I knew Common, but I didn't catch any of that. Umbrella? What were you talking about?"
"Just setting up a meet with the Level 21 crew, Shifter's a good enough sort; but like a turtle doesn't want to stick his neck out too far, for fear of loosing his head. Dealing with the gangs of Ab-Sat that's probably a legitimate worry."
looking at the data pad, Kris contemplates what might be needed to improve it. Not now will need something better soon
"Retsiji, that pistol looks like a child's toy in your paw, want to see if the Starfinders have something more your speed. Wouldn't want the level 21 crew underestimating you."
It does not take long for Kris' underworld contact to get back to you all...
@Shifterᐒ Hey 7. Booked you and your friends a table at Mama Fats' bodega on Deck 21 for tonight - 23:00. Late opening. House menu. Good food but bring your own cutlery. Chef this evening is Jabaxa - little ratty with the custom, but runs the kitchen well.
With current time at just after 14:00 that gives you little under 9 hours to prep and plan...
I am ready to go at any time. I would like to acquire a non-laser type ranged weapon at a later date. I am proficient with long rifles. Does anyone have a recommendation?
@Siren-7ᐒ Dinner tonight at Mama's, sounds good and copy on the cutlery. Do you have a favorite on the menu, Big R's been hungry all day. Thanks again Shifter I owe you.
Finding some of the others looking her way Kris gives them a run down of the meet. "We have a meet set with Jabaxa tonight at 2300, so some time to rest before heading that way. Someone better at reading people needs to go with me if all of you do not wish to go."
Ed looks up from the food trolley with a beef stick dangling from his mandibles. I'm pretty perceptive. I'd like to go.
Time to rest? Do we have a nest? Does the Starfinder Society provide quarters or do our new friends have room? His bulbous head swivels back and forth looking for answers.
The vesk nods sharply. "I'll go. Need a bigger gun, though. If no one wants the second laser pistol I'll do the Earned Seizure thing with it, borrow against the pot, and get one."
@Shifterᐒ A1 you and yours owe me 7. Keep that in banked for down the line. Menu is local fare only, not to everyone's taste but decent food. Tip well and compliment the chef. L8R 7.
As your group collectively moot the way forward and what will be required, Chiskisk excitedly bobs their antennae
{Oh my. Progress! A clandestine meeting with the station's underworld in an eaterie of dubious food standard... Most exhilarating!}
At Ed's query regarding quartering, your host shirren host responds;
{Rest? Yes... of course. May we recommend the sector-haus that Duravor was holding? It will be a tight fit for 6 of you, but it is secure and safe. Good conditions for a satisfactory rest we think...}
Chiskisk then taps at their holo-desk bringing up current weapons and equipment inventory held by the Society.
{Please Master Retsiji. Peruse and requisition what is required...}
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Checking her pack as Retsiji makes his decision, Kris looks to the councillor
"I need an extra battery for the pistol, Councillor Chiskisk, Paeon, do we have a charging station for the current battery in the pistol?"
extending her credstick, Kris transfers the 60 credits
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Retsiji turns over the laser pistol and navigates the inventory screen with stubby, clawed fingers before making his selection. "Light reaction cannon, two clips ammunition. Good weapon. Haven't used one si--for a while."
Noah 2.0 looks up regarding the vesk closely for the first time. [i]Some of these entities have pasts that they do not wish to relate. Interesting. I must consider this as I accumulate a past.[/b]
"Now that looks appropriate." Kris says with a smile as the vesk tries out the cannon. "Anyone else?"
Chiskisk nods in agreement at the choices made;
{Indeed. Most appropriate. Once you all settle on any selections we will summon one of the Society automatons to bring your purchases posthaste.}
Some of these entities have pasts that they do not wish to relate. Interesting. I must consider this as I accumulate a past.[/b]
Ed glanced at the new android. Huh? Were you talking to me?
I was addressing the entire group Mr. Ed, so you were included. I was asking about people's opinion for a non-lazed long arm. I would prefer to have a way to do damage other than simply lazer energy and was considering a tactical crossbow. I have the needed credit. What is your opinion?
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"The crossbolter is a good option, sometimes a bit cumbersome in tight quarters but easily makes it when a fight breaks out. I've had occasion to use them, hi-octane tips are the way to go for maximum effect."
Kris replies nonchalantly from the pod chair she is sitting in.
Koro pats the old but serviceable pistol at her hip, "This ol' girl will do fine for now. Let's get going, 7, I'm all about reading people and gabbing..."
You finish your collective bargaining with Chiskisk, and prior to leaving one of the Society automatons arrives with the selected equipment and weaponry.
The Councillor bids you farewell and good hunting, advising that any assistance required do not hesitate to contact them. Chiskisk also stresses that they wish to be kept informed on how the investigation develops - urging caution and subtly where possible...
A short Robo-Taksio journey takes you back to the Society Sector-Haus where you all are afforded a scant few hours to rest, eat, focus and prepare for the late night meeting.
For some of you the time drags bye, others it is a well practiced ritual ahead of the meeting.
For those of you who do not know me Noah 2.0 starts with slight discomfort I have studied the technomantic arts. If we are to fight together I thought you should know what I bring to the table.
Ed turns from his snooping around the room to look inquisitively at Noah. That sounds interesting. What tricks can you do?
"Yes do tell, my skills do not lean towards technomancy" Kris states as she readies her own weapons. "Mine leans more to the martial side, granted typically from a distance. Not up and close as Retsiji so admirably demonstrated."
Paeon notes the conversation of his companions as they talk about the facets of war. Paeon sits kneeling, hands resting on his thighs he prepares his mind mentally, as he has done countless times before, his stellar mote pulsing in time with his breathing.
His cool voice enters the minds of his companions,
{"I hope that we do not find ourselves in need to practice our.. tricks. However, should we find the need you will bear witness to the thousands of years worth of war acumen that has been bred and drilled into me since birth Kris-7. Your enemy will not have the opportunity to close the distance on you."}
The sector-haus is basically an open plan living area - incorporating a basic kitchen and prep lounge (smart sofas c/w HUD and data-jack ports).
Off the main chamber there is a 3 x sleeping chambers - one single, and two with bunks - all linked to communal sanitary room.
Tricks?This seems like a poor word for altering the fabric of reality. As I am still a novice at this art I suppose tricks will do. I hope that some of my tricks are at least useful. I can sometimes distract an enemy making them waste an opportunity to attack. I can detect the magical nature of items and spell effect and sometimes identify them. More handy I can transfer changes from one item to another and hope to help manage batteries for the group. I can cause surfaces to become quite slippery and I can supercharge any weapon I fire, causing it to do significantly more damage Oh, and I can do this. He fires a series of energy rays into the air covering the spectra of cold, fire, electricity, and acid.
Dropping the magazine, Kris cycles the action on her tactical pistol to clear the last round; before manipulating the takedown lever and releasing the slide.
"I will hold you to that Paeon, but know that I will also watch your back."
Rolling the slide over, she dislodges the recoil spring and pin before extracting the barrel. Everything laid out on the mat before her, Kris pulls her pack close to her, removing her cleaning kit. The weapon was clean by most peoples standards but as Paeon had his form of meditation, this was hers. Hands moving with a mind of their own she turns her attention back to Noah.
"Tricks that are a distraction, can be welcome on the battlefield, as well as more damage. All of which will likely be of use tonight"
Desna favors me with a few tricks. I can cure minor afflictions and shoot stars, he offers with a chirp of pride.
Koro lounges on one of the comfy chairs, her long legs extended.
"Yeah, Noah's tricks come in handy. Me? I've the gift of the gab from my Pa, so negotiation's my game, but when it gets hot and heavy, I'm a fair shot with ol' thing." she says, patting the vintage pistol at her side. "[/b]
Me? I've the gift of the gab from my Pa, so negotiation's my game
"Sounds like we have a spokesman, Resiji and Paeon are our muscle, it would be unusual if we showed up without any. Ed, I hope you can read thoughts without projecting you're doing so, Noah, like me you shouldn't speak unless spoken to, but be ready to react with those tricks you've mentioned. When do we leave? We're moving onto their turf for a neutral meeting, they may not be the enemy here. "
Paeon stands and looks to Kris-7
{Koro Tass although I have no doubt that you are able, should you find yourself in need of aid during your negotiation please signal to me.}
Standing to his full height he stretches out his limbs,
{I am trained and versed in all manner of diplomacy, part of my attempted molding into military leadership. I am more than happy to appear as only... "muscle" as you describe it though.}
When the servitor automaton arrives with Retsiji's new acquisition, he checks it over quickly, wipes a small bit of packing grease off the barrel, then stows it. "Didn't see too many people on the street carrying. I vote we show up a little early and let you folks make sure there's no ambushes waiting."
Unlike many vesk, Retsiji does not carry a doshko. In fact, the only melee weapon visible is a survival knife clipped to his armor.
{I am more than happy to appear as only... "muscle" as you describe it though.}
{"To appear as what they expect and be something more, is the height of my trade. Should they dismiss you as 'dumb muscle', you can be three steps ahead of them when it's time to act."} Kris replies with a wink.
"Arriving early is fine with me, do not doubt they will be aware of us and probably have something prepared should things go awry. Remember, we are meeting on their territory."
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Your ROBO-TAKSIO drops you all off around a block away from the meeting point.
From your first pass-by before disembarking you gleaned that Mama Fats' Bodega is a small eaterie and bottle shop located on the twenty-first deck in The Spike - the crowded, run-down lower half of Absalom Station
You noted a couple of customers exiting, and through the plexi-fronting can see a small individual seating within, along with a wall mounted security arm.
Most likely it is a CYLOPS Class Security System. Combines Camera, Motion Tracker and Heavy Stunner... Often are deterrents running on base power, with zero systems engagement. When they are fully functional they make for a nasty sentinel
As you all trudge through the neghbourhood its clear that its low-end, but not quite a slum. Some derelicts of various races, genders and ages huddle in small pockets around alleyways and "rat-runs" that course through The Spike.
You recognise a number of neon graffiti tags on walls, pavements and doorways that are clearly ganger-tags indicating territorial rights and perhaps other information to crims, street folk and other gangs.
Closer inspection confirms these are tags of the Level21Crew...
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Speaking quietly Noah 2.0 points out the security arm. CYLOPS Class Security System. Combines Camera, Motion Tracker and Heavy Stunner.
As the group proceeds he runs some fingers long the wall and adds Hmm. Level21Crew tags all over.
Retsiji nods, chambering a round in his heavy rifle before stowing it again. "I'll go first, draw fire if it's coming, and if not Kris comes in, then the rest of you." If that's agreeable, the vesk strides in, trying to look like someone's hired muscle.
Hmm. Level21Crew tags all over.
Interesting. See any suspicious characters? The big bug surreptitiously pulls up his collar, hunches over and peers around as he leans into the doorway.
"Sounds good Retsiji, beware the Cyclops, it may not be powered up right now, but once it is, it will be a formidable opponent."
Giving Retsiji a moment to 'clear' the room Kris follows him in, "Koro are you ready?"
Sketching a slight bow to the small figure within the room Kris queries "Jabaxa?"
Koro steps out of the ROBO, and stretches , gives her shoulders a roll then smiles at Kris, "Always"
She arches an eyebrow at the Vesk's vigilance, but shrugs, she'd rather he be over-cautious.
Following at Kris' shoulder, watching the small figure's reaction...
Paeon allows the others to get into position and takes watch outside the building for now keeping a watch on the street,
Your keen eyes spot various lurking figures in alleyways or huddled on the streets. Nothing overtly hostile, but more the odd telepathic or spoken whispers:
{Credit for a crippled bug sir?}
"I've a wife and 2 skittermanders to feed... spare me food or cred?"
or a flickering holo sign suggesting Will debase myself for food
Apart from the destitute, there seems to be no immediate threat...
As Retsij enters the shop, the only occupant - a middle-aged female halfling seated at a cashier machine, eyes him with a stern gaze.
The CYCLOPS unit does not swivel to track him, but its lights show that some functionality is present.
The portly little shoppe-keeper is about to address the big vesk when first Kris, then Koro enter. At Kris' question and posed name, the halfling shifts her hard gaze to the women;
"'An' a good evening to you childe. Welcome to mah bodega. Jabaxa is it... You an' your two frien planning on taking away or eating in?"