Some part of his mind chants the number on his ticket over and over so he remembers its importance.
Vetch groan inwardly at the undead bureaucracy, hoping that *The* Zane is able to make some headway. When *The* Zane is stymied, Vetch curls up in a ball under Abe's chair where is it safe and out the way.
He waits patiently, resisting the urge to gnaw on anything.
Zane's facial expression looks very annoyed.
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Abe looks up from his computer at Zane for a moment as if to say, I told you.
He waits patiently, scrolling through lines of code.
I hope we're waiting in the right line...
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The shabby human man sitting in the lobby looks over to Abe and smiles. His teeth rotting and brown. "Hey, how's it going?"
Abe kinda looks over his shoulder at the man, and mumble noncommittally, "Yeah, fine. Hey." before looking back down to his screen.
Vetch curls into a tighter ball, hoping for the waiting to be over.
”Yo.” Dash nods at the human, if indeed he is human. Dash hasn’t quite decided if the Eoxians are an advanced species or evolutionary dead end. ”Been waiting long?” He asks, wondering if long lines are an intentional ploy to add numbers to the undead citizenry.
Zane is seething. So, it can't even look up from it's McJob to give Zane an acknowledgement. That will probably change.
Zane takes a ticket. #297
Then another ticket. #298
Then Another ticket. #299
Another.. #300..another...#301... another #302.... another... #303. Even another. #304.
He takes a pause to gauge a reaction. Prepared for anything.
The Zane, always the concerned citizen- would like to report that the chair over there.. is broken. It might be good to call someone - like (insert lady we are supposed to talk with) to advise that there's a time sensitive problem with that CHAIR. THAT CHAIR OVER THERE. The F@+@ING CHAIR is BROKEN. CALL SOMEONE.
Zane is pointing to a chair that appears to be reasonable and whole..... at this time.... so far....
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"Draka, Yes , Draka is right here in this lobby. She is like a REALLY Big Deal. You could get an autograph if you play your datacards right."
Draka flicks imaginary hair away from her eyes and pulls out her communicator. "Draka need seat. Draka give review of poor service while Draka wait." The vesk settles herself in a chair. The furniture groans under the vesk's weight.
She leans towards The Zane, "this service is worse than intergalactic DMV." The vesk applies red lipstick around her mouth before continuing: "Hello, Draka fans. Draka having most boring day of Draka life. Draka stuck waiting for ghoul to call on Draka and Draka friends." The vesk turns the recording screen to capture the ghoul.
"Draka at The Ministry of Eternal Vigilance but there is nothing Vigilant about Ministry. Building not popular. Draka not recommend. Only two people here. Draka give The Ministry of Eternal Vigilance two and a half stars." The vesk pauses, then: "No. Two stars. Draka not like name either."
Draka stops recording and sits quietly in her sunken chair... for a whole 20 seconds. Then, she starts playing music on her communicator. Her green, scaly head sways left to right and her shoulders move alternate moving up and down.
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A few more minutes go by and calmly the ghoul looks up. "295!" The shabby human man jerks up. "Oh! That's me." He gets up to the counter and begins to explain his situation. He leans in on the desk.
"Hi, I am Shan Goulding. I work over at the Fleshworn Fabrications Necrograft Factory a few blocks away as a line inspector. I wanna report that I think someone in the factory is working fer the Corpse Fleet! A half-breed in there named Frenzel."
The ghoul jots down a few notes on her pad of paper. "And what makes you think he is working with the Corpse Fleet?" The man begins to stammer a bit. "Well, he has been cause quite a few issue. Some of the necrografts have come up not to standards whenever he inspects them. Look it doesn't matter." He raps the counter with his finger. "I was hired by a Bone Sage for 3 Eoxian years (15 Pact standard years) of service and he promised me immortality as a ghoul. He is an agent I know it."
The ghoul continues to jot notes. "We'll look into the matter and get back with you." Shan smiles and turns to leave, nodding at The Zane. As he leaves the ghoul shakes her head in amazement before going back to some busy work going back to ignoring you.
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Suddenly the ghouls voice breaks the silence. "296!" It's Abe's number and you all head to the counter where the ghoul greets you.
“Ah. The Starfinders. The bug sent you, huh? You know the stuff people report to me is mostly garbage, right? Petty, stupid complaints about the neighbors or outright lies about rivals and enemies, and none of ’em have nothing to do with the Corpse Fleet."
“Still, once in a thousand moons, we actually get a legitimate lead or two. When that happens, I forward the reports to the government, who passes them on to the authorities and the Pact Council and all the Pact Worlds, or so I’m told. This time, I’m giving ’em to you too. You want to use ’em to go after the Corpse Fleet, be my guest. Literally, since I was instructed to set aside a room upstairs for you. It’s yours for as long as you’re here, as an office and as a bedroom, since you lot still need sleep, I guess. But don’t rush your business on my behalf; I just love strangers—especially living ones I can’t eat—staying in my office, particularly when my boss is pretty much forcing me to play host.” Waneda smiles disagreeably, revealing sharp, scraggly teeth and a long, curling tongue.
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His eyes squint to barely a line. His brow furrows.
Waneda - public enemy #1.
Nemesis. That's the game you like to play. Well, that can backfire.
You find it so fun to be outwardly hostile to The Zane......Two can play that game.
The Zane is great at games.
He then puts his fingers into a shape where the index and pinkie are extended. The shape of bull horns. He repeats a saying he heard a long time ago... when he got detention... around breakfast.. with a club of losers.
Mess with the Dragonkin, you'll get the horns.
"Er, yeah, thanks Waneda for your, ah, hospitality."
Mess with the Dragonkin, you'll get the horns.
Abe stifles a laugh, threatening to ruin the whole effect The Zane was going for. He waits to see if there's any response from this bureaucrat, but he suspects she's seen it all.
"Right. So, er, can you tell us anything else? Do you have some leads for us to follow up? Chiskisk seemed to think you might."
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Waneda stares at The Zane, unimpressed as she slowly raises both of her clawed hands into the air. She forms them into tight fists and smacks the sides of her fists together twice before spinning around in her chair to grab a file.
"Right. So, er, can you tell us anything else? Do you have some leads for us to follow up?
She sighs deeply. "My boss Ambassador Gevalarsk Nor said you helped him out a bit on Absalom. He told me to give you these files in exchange for the package you delivered."
“I’ve got two reports that came in during the last week,” Waneda explains. “They’re the only ones with any merit at all recently, to be honest with you. The authorities might get to investigating ’em soon, but I’m willing to bet your business is more urgent.” She rolls her eyes clear back into her head as if to exaggerate the urgent.
She hands you the files.
“You should probably look into both of these as soon as you can. The flesh brewer works at Fleshworn Fabrications. He said to ask for him at the factory’s back gates, which are right across the street from the ministry. That delightful stench you smell is from the flesh vats in the factory yard. I suppose you don’t like it much but it just makes me hungry. The retired trooper lives down the way. She’s retired, so she should be available whenever—what else is she going to do? If there’s anything else, I guess you can ask me.”
She grabs a second sealed folder. "Gevalarsk Nor also sent this. He compiled a dossier of known Corpse Fleet agents currently active on Eox. I don’t how this background material will help you, but Ambassador Nor insisted you have it,” Waneda says as she passes it along to Abe. The information in the dossier is difficult to parse without much context, but it does include the names of the following Corpse Fleet agents: Rialphus Evanko, Zeera Vesh, and Woan Watten.
Vetch listens with drowsy interest as Waneda makes her displeasure known.
Oh, I'm sure *The* Zane and Draka will take good care of the place, especially once the headbutting and flaming goblinstomper vids start.
Vetch is interested in the maps and reports, scanning them before handing them off to others.
"Uh, thanks. We'll look at these. You've done well.." Vetch smiles rattily.
Abe takes the file and notes the names in his computer. He nods at Vetch's thanks and has nothing to add to it. He's happy to push off, even if it is to a business selling vats of flesh. Ugh...
Once out in the 'fresh' air, he says, "Well, these seem pretty thin to me, but who knows. Maybe they'll lead to something more useful. Frankly, I'm glad for anything useful out of the ghoul. Man I'll be glad to be done with this."
When the group is ready, he heads toward 43 Sethrot Commons to see Voxel Darksend. Before heading in, he'll activate the record function on Messalina's camera.
Draka leans over towards The Zane, but her whispering needs work. "Waneda not much to look at. Draka doubt Waneda eat Draka... Draka doubt Draka fit in tiny Waneda stomach." The vesk lets the more diplomatically-adept handle the situation but stands close enough that she can using her intimidating prowess if necessary.
When Waneda gives Zane the Rachel/Ross, it's the equivalent to a referee whistle signaling the start of a contest. Waneda just gave indication that she/it wants a piece of Zane. It's Game On Time.
Jar Jar Binks Waneda- Ever hear of a Swirley? The Zane has given out over two dozen swirleys in his time at Uni, You keep doing that "side of your fist bumping" at The Zane and your long tongue will be snaking the drain of a toilet bowl. Nothing but a Blue Mint diet and nasty lemonade if you get the drift....
When told where to go, to check out enemies he can kick the shit out of, Zane is amped to go. He wants out of this area. A ghoul has gotten under his skin and pushed his buttons.
He whispers to his lasergun - Bubba. Don't worry Bubba. There will be things to shoot. Don't worry.
When Draka gives Zane words of encouragement, he agrees. Liking the support.
Yes Draka, you are more woman that that tiny ghoul on a powertrip can handle. She ain't seen the likes of Blood and Fury.
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”Waitaminute... Ambassador Nor is your boss?” Dash smiles broadly. ”Oh yeah! We go way back. Lots of good times on Ab Station. Lots of favors traded. I think he mentioned you once.” He tilts his head to study the ghoul from another angle. ”Said he had a ghoul handling affairs on Eox, but was considering switching to juju zombification. Cheap labor, you know. Will work for brains and never complain. Anyway, thanks for the tip. You have a nice f@#%ing day!”
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The group drags The Zane away from a tense sign language battle as you head back onto the streets. The delightful and cheerful ghoul goes back to ignoring you immediately.
Right across the street from you is the Fleshworn Fabrications. Just on either side of the Ministry of Eternal Vigilance are a pair of shops if you are looking for any purchases or to install any necrograft enhancements onto your body. The first is Gentlesage's Necrografts and Sundries. The second store is the Bonesmith's Boutique. At the corner of Carpalspur Street and Bareknuckle Way is the address where Gretal Rapinder lives.
Vetch follows along to Gretal's apartment buildings. He takes a moment to slink around the entire outside of both buildings, looking to see if there are any obvious items of interest.
Perception
Stealth
Survival
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Just outside the doors of the Ministry of Eternal Vigilance stands the Fleshworn Fabrications Factory. Tall metal walls behind a chainlink fence and wide, looming security gates mark this as some sort of industrial facility. Inside the gates is a massive metal-and-concrete platform resting at the bottom of an enormous elevator shaft. The edges of circular pools or vats containing some strange undulating substance are barely visible behind the fence, sunk deeply in the ground. A sign that reads, “Attention visitors: Call for agent,” hangs above an intercom on one side of the gates.
*****
Meanwhile Vetch scampers off down the corner to Gretal Rapinder's apartment building. The narrow sliding door to this residential building bears the tarnished metal numbers “5236,” with the final digit drooping to the side. The door is slightly dented and hangs partially open.
The sound of rasping voices shouting angry taunts can clearly be heard coming from inside the residence.
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Dash delivers a deadpan explanation. ”Flesh Yards. Sort of like biological female wombs on a grand scale, growing new biological organisms. All the f@#%ing gross, sticky parts, with none of the fun.”
Pointing out details. ”Grown, cured, shaped, and delivered properly pickled for necrografts. Who wants to get pastrami sandwiches after this?”
Arriving at the door, Dash notes the obvious. ”Hey Vetch, I know we’re supposed to be Starfinders and whatnot, but you could try knocking next time before breaking and entering. Pretty sure we had an invitation.”
Vetch double checks Dash's work, not because he thinks the Dash might be wrong, but because he's not sure that Dash isn't tripping balls and is just accidentally right.
Mysticism
Engineering
"Ayep, that's right. Totally right," Vetch confirms about the flesh and door. "And I didn't do that to the door. Who do you think I am, some sort of immoral android? Nah, I don't break in when I can sneak."
After Dash's and Vetch's commentary, Draka looks at the door with an untrained eye.
"Draka not see signs of foul play. Draka think they just come home drunk forgetting key." The vesk looks at her companions, "Draka go first? Draka know how to handle drunks." With that, the vesk takes out her Swoop Hammer and waits for the 'okay' from her companions.
Okay. Zane is right behind her, with his sword drawn - as he knows it'll be close quarters inside.
Abe readies his weapon and checks that Messalina's camera is rolling. Making sure to get a good shot of the door before they enter.
He nods to the others, "Ready." and raises his rifle.
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Leaving the warehouse behind for a bit the group backs Vetch up at the apartment. Draka draws her swoop hammer and listens at the broken door as she cracks it open. Inside is a shaken skeletal woman. She seems to be surrounded by a trio of slathering ghouls. Two lean over her as she sits in the chairs as another leans against the doorjam. "Little traitor of Eox." The ghoul's tongue slicks out and runs along the woman's skull. "You think it is your legally obligated duty to report? Seems the 5th Squadron needs o teach some proper respect."
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"Hey there!" shouts Abe, not quite ready to shoot members of the 5th Squadron, whoever that is...
"I think you're harassing that poor woman unfairly. What's going on here? Why did you kick down her door?"
He does not lower his weapon as he speaks.
Vetch skitters into a safe position in case things go south. He draws his pistol as he hides behind *The* Zane.
"Yeah, what's going on? Ma'am, do you need help?"
Zane just moves into the room. These are military. Skull Squadron or 5th squadron dead-dudes. Same difference to him.
He got a pass from Dash earlier that he has the ability to thrash Eox people, because they all suck. Ghouls and vampires especially.
He doesn't say much, but what is going through his mind is the fact that if these guys get to shoot or attack first, squishy people like ABE and Vetch might get really hurt.
So, he moves into the room. Quick as lightening. whispering something from pop culture long ago forgotten.
Hashtag - Han shot first.
"I think you're harassing that poor woman unfairly. What's going on here? Why did you kick down her door?"
He does not lower his weapon as he speaks.
Ship Magician looks serious. The burly, well-groomed vesk decides it's time to take action.
"RAAAAUUUUGH!" Without any explanation, Draka dives into combat. The party sees a flash of red painted claws and then Draka's inside. The vesk aims for the creature against the South wall and swings wildly.
Draka begins to lift her weapon again and orders: "Ghoul no move! Draka flatten!"
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The entire group is caught off guard as the Starfinders burst into the apartment behind them. One of the ghouls curses just as he ducks underneath Draka's hammer. "F!+~...Larex, Welles! We need to go."
The skeletal woman crawls backwards up onto the couch and cowers in the cushions as she whimpers.
Draka (SP 51/51; HP 46/46; RP 7/7)
Zane (SP 60/60; HP 46/46; RP 7/7; DR/5-Cold/Fire; DR/6 Kinetic)
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Ghouls
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Dash (SP 36/36; HP 30/30; RP 6/6)
Vetch (SP 42/42; HP 38/38; RP 7/7; Elec/Fire/Cold Res 5)
Abe (SP 42/42; HP 40/40; RP 7/7)
Round 1:
Stay still!" Draka lifts her Swoop Hammer back into the air. The weapon moves like a pendulum as the vesk raises it above her head. At the highest point, Draka starts to bring the weapon down again, focusing on the same enemy. "RAUUUGH!"
He goes into this room, with red around his vision. He sees the long, snake like tongue, and has just one focused mental image.
Waneda.
He smiles as he get an opportunity to do what he wanted to do to the ToiletBowl Girl for the past hour.
-- Red Ghoul
Mayhaps his focus on the person in the Ministry vs. the person right in front of him caused his blade to err. He'll strike true next time, because he has a lot of damage to inflict in the name of Waneda.
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Draka smashes the rear-most ghoul with her hammer, crushing it's shoulder as the arm hangs at a weird angle.
The Zane is too focused on injuring the Ministry's secretary and loses focus on the true threat as the ghouls swarm onto Draka.
One of the ghouls gets a taste of Draka's flesh as a few scales rip free and hang loosely on the ghoul's decayed lips. The ghoul's long tongue curls out and drags them back in as they crunch like potato chips.
Draka (SP 38/51; HP 46/46; RP 7/7)
Zane (SP 60/60; HP 46/46; RP 7/7; DR/5-Cold/Fire; DR/6 Kinetic)
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Ghouls (Green -16)
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Dash (SP 36/36; HP 30/30; RP 6/6)
Vetch (SP 42/42; HP 38/38; RP 7/7; Elec/Fire/Cold Res 5)
Abe (SP 42/42; HP 40/40; RP 7/7)
Round: 1
Resolve: 7/7 Stamina: 42/42 HP: 40/40
Weapon Equipped = Azimuth laser rifle
Conditions = None
Spells (caster level 6)
At Will = Token Spell, Mending
Psychokinetic Hand = 3/3
Comprehend Languages = 2/2
Tip of the Tongue = 1/1 (re-roll skill to recall knowledge)
Repair Drone = 1/1 (25%/12hp)
Ranged: Attack: BAB +4, Dex +4 Damage: +5
Melee/Thrown: Attack: BAB +4, Str +1 Damage: +2
Messalina 5’ up
EAC: 19 KAC: 19 CM: 27 HP: 60/60
Weapon Equipped = Frostbite zero rifle
Conditions = None
Ranged: Attack: BAB +5, Dex +3 (weapon focus: longarms +1) Damage: +5
Abe has a shot at green through the door, and takes it despite the cover.
(cover)
While Messalina heads into the room, provoking from blue as she flies in. She then lines up blue and takes a shot (no cover I think).
Abe considers asking for their surrender, but he doesn't like ghouls...
Round 2:
"RAAAU-" Draka suddenly freezes. The muscle above her left eye twitches but the vesk is otherwise immobile. WHAT? DRAKA NOT MOVE?! She seethes with anger, wishing she could track the ghouls with her eyes.