Ding
Several days after you defeated the Downside Kings, a Messenger arrives with an invitation (printed on paper that is as black as the void of space) requesting your company for a meeting with His Excellency Gevalarsk Nor, the ambassador of Eox.
Eox is a planet inhabited almost entire by undead creatures. Its dominant species, the humanlike elebrians, were forced to transform themselves into undead to survive an ancient cataclysm that almost destroyed their world. Although many sentient species find them disturbing, the elebrians are not considered “monsters,” at least in polite society. Eox is a full signatory to the Pact, and its undead inhabitants are equal citizens of the Pact Worlds.
You recognize Gevalarsk Nor as the head of Eox’s diplomatic delegation to the Pact Council.
The address of the meeting is at the Eoxian embassy in Absalom Station’s wealthy Parkside neighborhood in the Eye. It also explains that it is required for any of them to enter as it is proof of their official business with Eox.
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"Huh. Well that's odd. Why would the head Eoxian diplomat to the Pact Council want to meet with us? I mean, he's probably the highest ranked Eoxian on this entire goblin-hating station. I can see why he'd want to meet me but you guys....? Weird."
Handsome flashes a grin.
"If you guys weren't aware, Eox is a planet inhabited mostly by the undead. They transformed themselves into undead in order to survive an apocalyptic event. But they're not monsters, per se. Eoxians are equal citizens of the Pact Worlds, despite their scary appearance.
"Anyways, maybe he's got a lucrative job for us...?"
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Hi-C lets out a long whistle.
"Actual paper?" Hi-C rubs the invitation between two fingers to make sure it's real. "Man those elves on Castrovel would be up in arms if they heard about this. But hey I guess this talking skeleton must have creds. I'm in. Don't care much about him being undead. We've already been shot at by the living."
You then hear a bag going *pop!* and look down to see his lower pair of arms opening a new bag of zesty pretzel bites.
Handsome hold up a bottle of rum, offering to Hi-C, "I'll trade you a gulp of rum for a handful of pretzels...??"
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Hi-C uses his remaining unoccupied hand to dig through his backpack, to which he produces five more brightly colored bags of pretzels.
"Let's see... I got two left of Flaming Hot Dragon Chive, one Barbeque Aballon, one Radioactive Fajita, and one Zesty Salamander. The Zesty's my fave. The Chive, not so much, but they come in packs of seven."
Hi-C sanitarily squirts the rum into his open maw without touching his lips to the bottle.
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"you can make paper out of cloth you know. In fact using trees is a relatively recent invention in the history of paper "
Justin is looking at a datapad with Qabarat university: the great courses. As he has been since vanishing into a book kiosk once he got his share of the credits.
"Well we were highly efficient with our last job, so getting more work is a logical result. Though in the vids the second, and often third, jobs are actually tied to the first job 77.61% of the time. Maybe the ambassador has information on Astral Extractions and the Acreon? Either way it's a good opportunity. Does the invention say when we should meet?"
The invitation, oddly enough does not contain a set time to meet, only a location.
DR34-M12 looked at the clothing of her team and then down at her own multi-colored hodgepodge of an outfit. "Since we don't have a set time, maybe we should buy some new clothes? I'm guessing something black would be appropriate." The Android said with a glance at the invitation.
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Hi-C removes his black shirt that reads "Make drinks, not war" and considers the laserburn holes that now pockmark it.
"Well, that's ironic."
While out shopping for new digs he visits the usual outlets, but just doesn't have any luck.
"Solar Topic? Pfft. More like Brown Dwarf Topic. Digs-'R-Us is going out of business. Let's try I Am Attitude."
But as soon as he spies the Panda Suit, he becomes visibly agitated and leaves.
His last stop is The Armery. After a quick perusal of its four-armed mannequins in various poses he grabs a black shirt with tan lettering that reads just "4 > 2" and heads out.
"I don't care if my cargo jeans are half-burnt, I'm wearing those 'til the heat death of the universe. Let's go see this ambassador," which he accentuates with air quotes.
The meeting takes place at the Eoxian embassy in Absalom Station’s wealthy Parkside neighborhood in the Eye. The embassy is normally restricted to Eoxian citizens and foreigners with official business, but the invitation gives them authorization to enter.
The Eoxian embassy has been decorated in a style reminiscent of traditional Eoxian architecture—black marble and bone-pale limestone, vaulted ceilings, sepulchral furnishings, and disconcertingly organic architectural details.
Inside, a pair of undead skeletal attendants lead you to a spare but well-appointed office that feels something like the inside of an ancient mausoleum. The office is that of Eox’s ambassador to Absalom Station, Gevalarsk Nor.
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As you enter the room there is a large Nor’s elongated cranium marks him as an elebrian, a native of Eox, and he is clearly undead—his skeletal countenance displays no scrap of flesh, and an eerie light burns in his otherwise empty eye sockets.
“Thank you for agreeing to meet with me. I’m certain you’re aware of the recent interest in the prospecting ship Acreon and the asteroid being referred to as the ‘Drift Rock,’ and I believe you’re also acquainted with the dispute between Astral Extractions and the Hardscrabble Collective over both the ship and the asteroid. Both parties are currently awaiting legal arbitration, but the wheels of justice often turn quite slowly. As a result, I have offered my services as a mediator in hopes of finding a solution that is equitable to both factions.
“The first step in this, of course, is learning the specifics of the opposing claims. Reports of your recent endeavors in dealing with some of Absalom Station’s most notorious gangs have led me to believe that you might be useful in this undertaking as well. You’re new to the station, you seem to possess a wide range of skills and abilities, and you certainly appear capable. In short, you’re perfectly positioned as a neutral third party that could cut through all of the red tape surrounding this issue and get to the heart of the matter.“He finishes calmly, seemingly having spoken the entire speech in one breath…until you remember he doesn’t breathe. “I would like you to go to the Acreon, find out precisely what happened to its crew, and ascertain the value of its asteroid cargo, as well as determine whether this Drift Rock is truly as ‘mysterious’ as the media claims.” he finishes as he crosses his spindly fingers while doing what appears to be smiling.
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DR34-M12 had a little too much fun as she browsed the selection at the shop she'd researched on the data sphere. Though she was delighted by the options, she stuck to her task and selected a well fitting, black buisness suit.
The android was delighted by the beauty of the Parkside area. Absalom Station's wonders never ceasing to amaze. A thought reinforced by the Eoxian embassy. Both incredible and intimidating, DR34-M12 was glad in her change in wardrobe.
After Gevalarsk finished his offer DR34-M2 leaned back to the group with a smile. "I told you." she loudly whispered.
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Justin has never been so happy to be so short he could just hide under the desk while sitting in a chair
"So what's in it for me... errr... What's in it for us?? And you're an Eoxian diplomat right? What authority do you have over that ship? Or are you saying you want us to head over there on the sly??? That's pretty risky, y'know!?!?"
justin ahems. "Two goblins fight over a bottle of rum. They ask a bigger tougher smarter goblin to decide who's it is and how to split it up. Presumably a fair chief will take a shot for his trouble and divy the rest fairly between the two goblins. "
Justins tail whaps against Hi-C's leg
"I'm sure the esteemed ambasador has people that work out those little details... "
Hi-C pops another star-shaped pretzel into his mouth.
"You had me at 'value', then lost me after that. How much we talkin' here?"
In response to Hi-C,"But of course there would be compensation for your time and efforts," Nor says as his hand goes to his chest in an attempt to seem hurt you would even question the fact."I can offer each of you 600 credits if you agree to help with the moderation." he explains.
"So what's in it for me... errr... What's in it for us?? And you're an Eoxian diplomat right? What authority do you have over that ship? Or are you saying you want us to head over there on the sly??? That's pretty risky, y'know!?!?"
Nor looks to the goblin,"As I said, I have volunteered to arbitrate the dispute. there will be nothing discreet about it, in fact I have contacted station security and, if you accept, there will be a shuttle ready at 0900 hours tomorrow morning to take you to the Acreon."
justin ahems. "Two goblins fight over a bottle of rum. They ask a bigger tougher smarter goblin to decide who's it is and how to split it up. Presumably a fair chief will take a shot for his trouble and divy the rest fairly between the two goblins. "
"Unfortunately my contribution is so needed because of my lack of knowledge in the situation. I have no ties to either organization and genuinely want to help the station mediate the dispute." he says while adding,"I believe in the power of democracy and would strive to avoid any further violence over the issue."
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"600..." Handsome's eyes go big and watery...
"I'm in! We're in...right guys???"
Handsome looks around at his compatriots questioningly...
" Of course the more we have up front the better our chances of coming back alive...and with your information. Would it be okay if we shared any findings of archeological or cultural significance with the starfinders? After mediation was continued of course. I mean i highly doubt its an alien god brain but any number of the rumors circulating around it make it out to be the biggest discovery since drift travel. " he fidgets with his tail. He may DOUBT its an alien god brain but there's always hope...
Nor looks to Justin,"The stipend would be provided up front, should you accept it will be in your accounts before you leave the embassy. As far as sharing you findings," he says while looking around the room at all of you,"I intend for the investigation to be as transparent as possible so feel free to write your own report. I will be sending a A/V hover droid along to follow you and document everything impartially." he finishes.
"The drone is preprogrammed to record and document anything and everything you might find or see. I assure you it is sophisticated enough to stay out of your way if that is what you are asking." Nor says in response to Egg's question.
"Can I assume you accept the job then?" he inquires of the room.
"Of course we accept the job!" DR34-M12 said excitingly, thoughts of adventure and discovery dancing through her neural matrix. As did some of the clothes she had been forced to overlook and less portable tool sets she had been admiring.
"Excellent, I'm sure both the Collective and Astral Extractions will be pleased to hear the case is moving forward. There is one additional detail that I’d like to ask your help with,” Nor says, steepling his bony fingers. “Among its other cargo, the Acreon was carrying a package destined for the embassy. Of course, with the ship being quarantined, the package has been undeliverable. I’ve been eagerly awaiting its arrival, and I’d consider it a personal favor if you could find the package and bring it to me when you return to the station. It’s clearly marked, so I don’t imagine it will be too difficult to find.”
"Oh ho HO! So it turns out you have a vested interest in this ship beyond pure philanthropy??? One might think special care in delivering a package from a quarantined ship deserves special compensation, yes? Be it credits, perhaps specialized equipment, or promise of future reciprocal favors..."
Handsome looks up at Nor with an expectant look...
"Umm, not to sound speciest, but I haven't processed a single vid where undead sending people to get a mysterious package aboard a derelict ship was a good thing." DR34-M12 said with some hesitation and dim circuits.
"Umm, not to sound speciest, but I haven't processed a single vid where undead sending people to get a mysterious package aboard a derelict ship was a good thing." DR34-M12 said with some hesitation and dim circuits.
"My dear that is extremely speciest." Nor says bluntly. "The package is neither dangerous nor radioactive, however I understand that such things do not come without a price." Nor slyly comments,"If the package is returned unmolested, you will receive an additional 500 credits; I believe that is a fair price for your discretion and efficiency?" He says with his brow raised.
"I'm sure the shuttle and the Acreon are both well equipped to move simple cargo from one bay to another... but yes. the package is too large, and too important to go in your... cheekpouch. the ambassador replies.
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"Phrasing!!" giggles Handsome Gob....
Nor seems to ignore Hi-C's comment, "I've already received permission from Station Security to send an exploratory team to the Acreon and have arranged for a shuttle, The Hippocampus, to take you there. It will be ready for you by 0900 hours tomorrow morning." he says,"Now, if theres nothing else, I'm sure you all have some preparing to do before getting a good nights rest, yes?" as he motions with his had to the door.
Justin would object to the specism behind the term scampering out the door but the description would be apt
"600 up front and 500 later upon delivery for each of us! Score!" says Handsome looking quite pleased as the team walks out.
"Such a score! Spanners and spandex here I come." DR34-M12 said cheerfully, her circuits glowing with delight. "What kind of supplies should we get for the mission?"
Just as Nor promised, by the time you left the Embassy grounds, the 600 credits have appeared in your accounts. What is more surprising is you each were sent 2 messages; 1 from the Hardscrabble Collective, and 1 from Astral Extractions.
The Hardscrabble Collective message is actually directly from an 'Otal Serissi'. The message is an invitation to meet about his ship, The Dust Runner, out in the Armada.
Astral Extraction's message is also an invitation, this time to visit them at their corporate headquarters in Bluerise Towers. The Astral Exstraction invitation seems to have a signature, Ms. Joss-Corperate Liazon to the Public.
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"Hmmm... You think the two corps wanna grease our palms for some favors...? You guys wanna see what they say or just ignore them? Personally, I'd be interested in what they've got to say to us..."
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Hi-C's comm unit emits a ringtone akin to a jackpot going off, and he works his fingers rapidly through his PayStar account.
"Sure 'nuff! Old Boner was good on his word! Man this gettin' paid thing is addictive. I'm not used to it."
At the mention of possibly even more money, he seems lost.
"I'm up for anything at this point. Hey maybe that tower will have those little fruity cookies... You know, the kind with like a layer of cream between two layers of... Cookies. The hells whatever they're called."
"I say we listen to what the Hardscrabble Collective has to say. They could have more information or work for us. I'm not sure about Astral Extraction though. It could be a trap."