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The vesk who had been standing apart inspecting some of the plants steps forward clearing his throat. "It would mean a lot to my companion if she had the opportunity to speak with her. Besides," he holds up his palm and activates the recently acquired insignia, "our superiors would appreciate our thoroughness on this our first assignments as official agents. We will make it quick, polite, and then be on our way." The vesk hopes that giving the human just a little bit of personal information sways him.
Jubair visibly softens his stance. Well, okay, but mind the tomatoes please. There'll all that keep her happy.
Jubair leads you inside, through a grotty, faded corridor in need of repair. You follow him up two flights of stairs and enter a small apartment. Sat in the corner is an elderly lady
in a blue-and white abaya. She seems to be mumbling to herself. Jubair walks over and places a hand on her shoulder. Nanna Ceren, these people are here to talk to you.
Jubair laughs to Ceren as he explains that you believe his poor Nanna is a hacker.
Ooo nonsense dear, I haven't hacked anything for years. Now, who would like a nice cup of tea?
Jubair reels back You mean, you are a hacker?
What dear? Ceren says Oh,hacking. yes, I used to dabble but it was a long time ago. Did I ask if you would like tea?.
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"Honored elder, I would love to have some tea. Do you make it with lemon leaf, or a different blend?" Kiylee offers to the grandmother as she enters, dipping slightly to not bang her horns on the doorway.
"It is not often that I get to see a human so experienced in the ways of..." the soldier begins before cutting herself off.
She's forgetting things. It... won't be more than a few seasons before she's gone at this rate, if not sooner. Age is not kind to anyone.
"Do you remember the last time you worked your way into something?"
Ceren pauses for a moment, looking at Kiylee. Worked my way in...hmm.. I'm not sure, I'd have to check my neural implants, but it would be going back a while. Young Jubair here has probably told you I'm not what I once was. The doctor called in neurodegenerative brain disease. In my day, we used to call it old age she winks at Kiylee. I have neural implants now, to stop old Father Time, but he's quick, I know that.
Ceren puts the kettle on and whilst the water starts to boil she examines her neural networks oooo, this is like old times! she says as she closes her eyes.
After a few minutes her face drops Oh dear. Oh dear oh dear. This is a spot of hot water. Oh my, did I?...I don't recal...oh, it's worse than I thought She turns to the group.
It seems that I might have suffered from one of my 'dark episodes' that the drugs cause now and again. It looks as though I am in the possession of some highly confidential files belonging to Bluerise Corporation. I must have taken them whilst in one on my 'moments' although I'm surprised I still have the talent . Her chest puffs a little but then she notices Jubair's worried expression. She addresses you all
Please. I'm too old to run from their security agents. If you found me, it's a matter of time before they do. I don't mind what they do to me, I'm on a ticking clock anyway, but Jubair...Please, I'm asking for your help. You can have the files, I don't want or need them, but all I ask is that you take Jubair into protection and if you can, make me 'dissapear'. I'll leave it to your good judgement.
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At the mention of computers Gorjhect starts a little. "Although I am not well versed current technologies I do have some training with computers and 'hacking' as it has more commonly become known as." Gorjhect puts a scaled finger to his lips "On the other hand, I could could put a call into the Medical Examiner and see if they might have a Death certificate of a Jane Doe that has not quite been processed yet. Ceren's name could just 'show up' on that." Gorjhect makes air quotes as he mentions showup.
"I leave it up to all of you."
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I can inject a blurb into the local NewsCube about a little old lady dying from tainted shellfish. The kind of story that provokes five minutes of outrage, but then fades into obscurity. Then, anyone looking Ceren up will find it and think she's dead.
Dammit, they changed their credential protocol. This might take a while.
Reyn continues to hack, but never really gets anywhere with it.
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"There is a whole industry on Absalom station based around body usage... the Eoxians are really big on it, there's this one bone farm..." Kiylee begins before realizing that it might make the kid a bit squeamish. "What I mean to say is that we can do this. Honored elder, your wisdom and knowledge should be preserved, too. And we know someone that can probably make that happen."
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Titus-33 listens to the old woman's tale with astonishment. He had not considered that a human of such advanced age could be capable of the advanced computing required of the data breach they were investigating. He considers the others' ideas, before adding his own suggestions. "We can do similar for Jubair - we should make it so that he is untraceable also, otherwise BlueRise will come to question him too."
Titus-33's hands begin to move over an invisible keyboard, his in-built exocortex and haptic implants providing him with all the tools he requires to hack entirely in AR without the need for physical devices or peripherals. He begins to access the local datanode to generate a death report for the young man, alongside an appropriately dated cremation form.
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The Vesk stood back while everyone got to work. He positioned himself over by the window, peaking out occasionally. Intelectual studies such as computer use and the sciences were never his forte. No, his strength was in strength alone. Sure he could talk pretty words when he had to be amiable, but most the time he was a man of quite literal action.
”Perhaps we ought not do this here. This apartment is too cramped to adequately defend our charges should corporate security find her.” The trailing mote of darkness was oddly still.
Whilst you start the process of trying to make Ceren dissapear, she hurriedly throws some items in a bag Thank you so much for helping this old and tired lady. I can't stay here, it's too dangerous for Jubair. My husband and I used to spend time at Jatembe Park, watching the hours drift by. We used to play pooh-sticks on the bridge at the Eastern end of the park. I will meet you there in six hours. If you are successful, I will eternally be in your gratitude but if you fail, well, then I can have no complaints. I've had a good life. With that, she is gone.
Sarangari keeps watch at the window, and observes Ceren hurrying away from the apartment.
Gorjhect and Titus manage to access the local datanode and manage to create a death certificate for a Jane Doe. Reynmal tries to help, but all he succeeds in doing in loading up Spider Solitaire. Kiylee tries to think about innovative ways to make a body unidentifiable but can't come up with anything reasonable.
Gorject phones one of his med student buddies. The med student answers Gorjhect, my old mystic buddy, how are you?
Gorject explains the situation, and that you need to create Ceren a new identify for Ceren for the good of the society and that what you need is a body to match the death certificate you have created.
Oh man Gorjhect, this is heavy. I mean, I'd like to help you, but you're basically asking me to physically alter a dead body. That could get me struck off
With guidance from Dyukela, the med student sets to work on making changes to the cadaver so that it would pass any reasonably light inspection as matching an elderly woman with neurodegenerative disease.
With a physically altered body in place and a decently forged death certificate, you make you way to Jatembe Park.
Open to all citizens, Jatembe Park occupies a wide portion of the Eye of Absalom Station. Filled with lush trees and open grass fields, the park offers some natural terrain to the otherwise metalclad station.
You make your way to Ceren's meeting point following a tricky winding path to reach it. However, when you get there, you are not alone...
Three corporate goons, hired by Bluerise Corp have managed to trace Ceren, you assume before Historia had the chance to scrub the data. Ceren cowers on the bridge whilst the goons move in on Ceren.
One of them spots you approaching and puts up a hand Back off, all of you. This is Bluerise business and if you know what's good for you, you'll crawl back to whatever mothers will have you. Leave the area, now
Reynmal, Titus and Dyukela may act
The yellow goon curses as Reynmal tricks him, leaving him flatfooted as Reynmal dives into the foliage and follows up with a blast of his pistol Oh, its on now! he screams at Reynmal.
Dyukela's aim is true and blue goon reels back in pain as Dyukela's aim strikes at his chest.
Titus draws his ranged rifle and takes aim at the Yellow goon
...striking him in the arm
Yellow, fuming and in pain, shoots at Titus Take this you metal freak!
Meanwhile blue takes aim at Sarangari
White moves into the fray. The old b~+&# can wait. Let's have some fun with the freakshow first. he shouts before aiming at Titus I never did like androids
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The Vesk takes the hit, the shot grazing his shoulder. He reacts, sliding into photon stellar mode and attuning himself to the stars. The shadows between his scales and in the folds of his clothes seem to grow impossibly dark in contrast to the rest of him which some how seem to catch the light like a sponge collects water.
The Vesk steps up to the thug , a determined mask across his face. At the same time his ebbing mote of darkness leaps into his hands and takes the form of a shadowy hammer which he brings down on his foe.
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...the Basin, all over again, at the intersection. Need to open it up and keep them from focusing fire. Cannon's a liability in close quarters...
"LOK'TAR OGAR!!!!!!!" bellows Kiylee as she threads a needle between party members to set up on the far flank of the fellow in green. She realizes that it may be a bit for folks to close the distance, so she takes a swing at the fellow with her tactical pike.
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Seeing as the Blue goons are not going to give up with out a fight Gorjhect Sighs audibly "Now remember younglings you are bringing this upon yourselves." the priestly vesk closes his eyes and begins making some weird gestures and speaks under his breath. Finally his eyes pop open, walking up between Titus and Sranagari he points to the one in white. "You must mind your language."
Blue screams in agony as Sarangari's ghostly black hammer tears through his shoulder tissue. He raises his hands in cowering fear at Sarangari Please...no more.. I was just following orders Stumbling and backing away, he dashes past Ceren on the bridge, clutching his bleeding shoulder and makes a run for the safety of Jatembe Park's undergrowth.
Meanwhile, Kiylee skewers Green with the sharp end of her tactical pike, sending rippling waves of pain through Green's torso .
White looks around, seeing Blue abandon the fight and then a strange sensation starts to overcome him as random and cluttered thoughts flood his mind Wh...what's happening? Soup. But only if it's not raining and then there's the political aspects to think about the swampy goodness of the Aballon cloud...what...am I... It is then that he notices Gorjhect staring at him
White manages to push away some of the more obscure thoughts but is weakened nonetheless
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Titus-33 raises his rifle to his shoulder and instructs his exocortex to form a datalink with the scope mounted on the rifle's upper rail. With the scope's data feeding directly through his exocortex's powerful processors Titus-33's aim is substantially improved. He focuses his sight picture on the nearest guard and squeezes the trigger.
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Gorjhect looks about the ground. Finding a Small stone no more than 5 lbs he reaches a scaled hand closing his fist as if he were grabbing it he grasp ahold of it. His mental powers grip the stone and he swings his hand the stone moving with and 'throws' the stone at the one in white attempting to knock him out.
But the stone flys harmlessly over the man in whites head.
Titus' aim is true and reflects his advanced combat tracking system, crippling Green to the floor. He raises his hands in submission and crawls away into the safety of the bushes, crying for a time when his mamma would bake him warm bread and read him bedtime stories.
Meanwhile, Dyukela shoots at White who manages to duck in time as the blast flies harmlessly wide. White is in luck, as just at the time he ducks to avoid Dyukela's blast, Gorjhect launches a 5lb stone at where White's face would have been, but it falls harmlessly 5 ft behind him.
In anger, and fear, White fires at Sarangari who happens to be nearest
It strikes Sarangari squarely in the shoulder.
White laughs, but not for long, as he realises he has lost track of Reynmal who pops out of the bush and pops a cap in White's behind. White runs off in screaming agony, clutching at his butt cheeks which are going to take some time to be used as a seat.
As the last goon dissapears, you approach Ceren on the bridge. For someone who has just witnessed a brawl, she seems remarkably relaxed
Well my, that was exciting! she says I feel younger already, and no doubt you've made them think twice about harassing an innocent old lady, right? she winks at Titus. And even if they did come back, I doubt they would find me. I'll be out of their reach for good.
You make your way back to Historia's office, where you are greeted and thanked for your efforts. [b]Not bad. Not bad at all Historia says as she peruses the hacked files. Ceren is safely assigned and Jubair will also be a helpful ally for the Dataphiles. Here, this is for you She nods toward a small box on the desk. In it you find a credstick with 200 credits, and a frostbite-class zero rifle.
Jubair found that rifle, clearing out his grandma's house. Goodness knows what else she has in there. It's yours if you want it
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Titus-33 deactivates his rifle and let's it hang at his side on his sling. He doesn't fully understand Ceren's wink, but is glad that she's OK. "Your new identity is robust," he says, trying to be reassuring.
Satisfied that Historia-7 is pleased with their work, Titus-33 examines the rifle. "Super-cooled focused beam rifle. Well made. Some signs of external wear. Who will wield it?" he asks the group.
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"RARRRRRRRRRR!!!! Next time we see you thugs, we pull out the stops! You were never here!"
Kiylee snickers a bit and gives Titus an elbow.
"That means she likes you! Wouldn't be surprised if you get heart-shaped boxes filled with candy from her at some point during the next year! You should totally check in on her 'new identity' at some point to make sure it is... holding up!"
"Nice rifle, but my strength is more in melee and I've got this cannon just begging to be used on something. I'd suggest someone who has skill with 'em take it. Titus, you can use rifles, right?"
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Titus-33 is not at all clear about what Kiylee is insinuating. "Do you think she wishes to engage in some kind of romantic liaison?" he asks. "She must know that androids do not replicate through exchange of genetic material?"
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"I am proficient with rifles of this type, yes. I will carry it if no-one else wishes to. It may prove useful should environmental conditions prohibit the use of lasers." Titus-33 picks up the zero rifle, checks that it's safety is engaged, and cinches it tight across his back with it's sling.
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"If you want to put it that way, sure? Humans are weird. They say they're going to do one thing then do the exact opposite -- unlike say, orcs or orc-kin, who let you know straight-up what they're going to do and how they're going to do it." Kiylee muses, then shakes her head.
"Just because there's not an exchange of that sort of level doesn't mean that there can't be an intellectual relationship? That may be what she's interested in, after all... your thoughts, your dreams?"
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The vesk checks himself over briefly and sees they are minor burns that barely heated his scales though that second shot was particularly uncomfortable.
He glances over to his comrades and sees that they have weathered the battle fairly well, or at least everybody's insides remain inside. "Good, everyone's OK," he thinks to himself.
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The vesk is pleased that Historia-7 is satisfied with their performance though the only visible indication is that of his mote which bobs in delight. Hopefully his sponsor will also be pleased with the report. If not, at least he was able to strike such fear into one of his foes with one blow that the coward broke and fled.
At Titus-33's question regarding the rifle, the vesk mutters under his breath, "All yours, bub, as far as I'm concerned," and then quietly dismisses himself out of the office. He lingers just outside the door in case Historia-7 has any other information before they move on to the next mission.
After you finish in Historia's office, you each spend a few hours tending to your wounds, whilst Titus downloads the latest combat tracking update. You make your way to see the head of the Exo-Guardians.
The Exo-Guardians do not currently have a headquarters on Absalom Station, but their leader, Zigvigix resides in the poor but trendy neighborhood of Downlow. Garbage litters the ground around the district’s largest art park — a cement lot filled with undulating metal sculptures and covered in graffiti of grotesquely adorable creatures. The sounds of music and chatter drift over from the nearby clubs, chronically interrupted by the roar of the local gangsters’ engines. A heavily augmented host shirren is sitting on one of the park benches, eating a simple meal of cold grub-noodles and rice candy. Their antennae perk up at the tremor of approaching footsteps.
Welcome, new Starfinders! And congratulations! the shirren’s voice telepathically projects. My speech-name is Zigvigix, but feel free to call me Ziggy if that would be easier for you. Have some rice candy to celebrate your graduation! Today is your big day!
When you are ready, I have two assignments I could use assistance with. The first is to help me secure a new headquarters on Absalom Station. I’ve been in talks with our station’s protectors, the Stewards, and they were kind enough to give us ownership of a warehouse here in Downlow for that purpose! The current owners no longer want it because a vicious alien took it over and kills anyone who goes inside. Once the alien is gone and the warehouse cargo has been returned to its owners, we can start installing desks and computers, so please go in and incinerate the creature!
My second assignment... Zigvigix twitches their tooth barbs for a moment and then holds out a credstick. Historia tells me you did an an above average job helping her with a delicate hacking situation. High praise indeed from Historia. Please can you buy her the brand-new Strawberry Machine Cake album, Star Sugar Heartlove!!!, which is out today, and give it to her when you next see her. I wish to do it myself, but I... I have trouble standing for long periods of time. Thank you very much!
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Kiylee doesn't have too much difficulty with the urban decor, even though it is a bit noxious. Just like that Goblin town back home, only cleaner and a bit more orderly... she muses as she makes her way through with the rest of the party.
"Gnnnnnnnngggggeahhhhhhhhh!" is probably not the reaction that one expects in greetings as the Nuar grabs her forehead and rubs it a bit.
"Sorry Mister Zigvigix, your thought-words give me a headache... legacy of a few too many blows to the head when I was younger." There's a bit more rubbing, along the base of the horns as Kiylee listens to the briefing. So courier run and heavy combat? How did these play out back home...?
"Are either of these mission objectives time-sensitive? I mean, if we pick one are we at risk of missing the operational window for the other one?" the Nuar asks after a moment or two of personal assessment.
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Strawberry Machine Cake? They're catchy, but not my cup of rum personally. Their albums always sell out immediately, though -- we may already be too late to buy one.
Reyn pulls up his communicator.
I know a guy who used to sell...uhh...sandwiches...to the roadies who set up the stage show for them. He might be able to get us a copy from the band's manager.
He taps a few buttons.
Hey, Croakie, it's...
He turns away from the group and lowers his voice in a vain attempt at more privacy.
...you recognize my voice, right? Right! Good to hear you too! Listen, you know how I dumped that load of "hair spray" for you before "your parents" showed up in Racchus Martis station? Yeah, yeah, you're welcome. Listen, I got a favor to ask..."
Not time-sensitive, no remarks the Shirren Obviously if they sell out that would be disappointing but they are such as popular band and the music is so catchy... he trails off Anyway, I'm sure Historia would love a copy
The Shirren turns to Titus I believe the creature is a feather stalker, a predator far more unpleasant than its name implies. As far as the Stewards have been able to piece together, a two-bit crime lord illegally imported the creature, and the beast promptly ate him. Here, I have some footage...