"What's the strongest thing you got? I'll take two," she grins.
"We got plenty stronger than you." responds the female ysoki with a smile from behind the bar. Her mixing—at best—seems to consist of combining only two liquids and nothing more. She hands you two, tall glasses of brownish liquid. "Miner's Milk" she explains as she scoots the drinks toward you.
"That'll be two credits, Leatherface,"she says with a smile as she wipes up some of the liquid she had spilled while pouring the drinks. "One cred a piece."
"Don't go makin' the newcomers go all broke now, Podswald." a man at the bar chides the ysoki barkeep. His attire clearly identifies him as a miner. "Thanks to Talbot, this here should be plenty enough to cover this vesk's tab," He takes a fresh credit stick, one of many, out of one of his pockets and smacks it down on the bartop.
He raises his drink in the air. "To Talbot!", he cries.
"To Talbot!", roars a response from most of the patrons as they lift their drinks into the air before each taking a hardy swallow.
“We have to be very careful here. The man that we are looking for seems to be famous and he has supporters. This can become dangerous and these people to seem innocent. No firefight please.” Iseph says.
"You wanna drink to this Talbot, well, okay," says Obozaya to the man at the bar. "But who is he, exactly? Talbot, I mean. Some kind of war hero?"
"You wanna drink to this Talbot, well, okay," says Obozaya to the man at the bar. "But who is he, exactly? Talbot, I mean. Some kind of war hero?"
“War hero?”, the man at the bar responds. “Naw. Just a good ole, wholesome genius, is all! Wars t’aint no reason to celebrate. But startin’ up the mines again… Well, that’s worth holdin' quite a few celebrations1”!
He finishes his drink, slams it down on the bartop, and picks up another that has just been freshly poured. Lifting it up, he shouts, “To Talbot!”[/b]
“To Talbot!” echoes a response from various patrons within the room.
"To Talbot! A great man if there ever was one. Wish he left me with the amount of credits that he left you, friend. How did you ever come on such a bounty? Tell me your tale, and I'll buy you a drink!"
"Thanks, but you can keep your credits. I gots plenty." He indicates to the ysoki bartender that he would like another drink, when it arrives, he says, "Just add it to the tab."
“My story? Well, there ain’t too much ta tell, I reckon. Grew up here in Tasch. My pa was a miner. His pa was a miner. So, t’ weren’t no surprise to no one that I became a miner too.” The man replies, stopping long enough to take a sizeable swig of his drink.
”Dug up thasteron ore. They used ta use it as fuel for space travel. ‘Least ‘til the started usin’ that durn other, off-world stuff—‘finer quality’, they called it. Heh.” He pauses to spit something out on the floor.
“But now, thanks to Ole Talbot, they done gone started usin’ the thasteron again.” the man continues. “Appears he done figured out some fancy new pro-cess for making the fuel. Calls it transmutin’ or refineratin’ or somethin’ like that. Makes fuel out of the thasteron that’s better ‘quality’ than that more modurn, off-world stuff they’d been usin’ in Drift engines instead. So, now Ole Talbot's making fuel better, faster, and cheaper than them off-worlders can. He’s already found a buyer for it, too! Recently sold a whole lot of the new stuff. Rampin' up the mines for it.” The man lets out a belch and takes another sip.
“Sale benefited the whole town. Before Talbot came, most of us livin’ here in Tasch were jobless, hungry--thanks to thasteron havin' gone bust. But that's all in the past, now that Talbot gots the mines workin’ again… Why, the future done look mighty bright!”
The idea that a single individual, or even a relatively small group of people, could implement such an process in Tasch, where resources are limited, and in a fairly short amount of time, such as the month or so that has passed since Talbot departed from the Starfinder Society, is patently absurd.
"Talbot could make us all rich. I wonder if he would be interested in investors, to spread his brand beyond Akiton. Do you know where he operates his business?"
"Sure do." The miner replies before taking another sip. "Ole Talbot's a workin' man, sose I bets you'll find him a workin'. Spends his time up at the thasteron mine up yonder. Just follow the road out of town in a northwestly direction. Past that outcroppin' of rocks with them two tiee-ers." He holds up three fingers, then adds, "With all the vehicle traffic comin' to and from the mine, ya c'ain't miss it!"
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It appears most probable that Talbot does not yet realize the weaknesses of his artifact. Once the corporation that has purchased this fuel arrives, they will fail to authenticate the engineered drift fuel. Under those circumstances it is unlikely the corporation or town will respond in a manner of positive agreement.
The circuits around Astrator's temple faintly glow. His mental energies reach out to Marino.
Counterfeit fuel. Illusion gone soon.
"So you're happy 'cause you get to dig up Thasteron again? Well, not my taste, but to each his own."
Qbozaya raises her glass and drinks.
"Is Tasch the only place you can get this Thasteron stuff?"
As he talks to the miner he catches the gist of Marino's conversation.
"Are we leavin' already? Lemme finish my drink first at least!"
As you are departing the bar, you are approached by a rather large vesk, who has had just gotten up from one of the tables in the corner as you were making your way to the door. He is dressed in dark armor trimmed in silver, a design that vaguely resembles a business suit. He wears a visible longsword.
”Before you leave, my employer, would like to have a few words with you.” says the hulking vesk. He motions over towards the table that he had just left. There you see seated another, large vesk and a shirren. Both are similarly dressed in dark, silver-trimmed armor, although the shirren is not sporting a longsword as the vesk are.
[dice=culture]d20+5
"The fellow is rich. Although I am a famous movie star, I wouldn't mind be richer. We are wondering if the man in question would be interested in some investment, help him expand beyond this planet. You're with AbadorCorp, so you understand. The value of money. The value of investment."
[dice=bluff]d20+7
Obozaya looks the Vesk over.
"Okay, fine. We already got a job though."
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A sense of relief washes over Astrator as the telepathic communication cuts off. That outcomes was the most predictable. In the future I will attempt communication with a more responsive being
At the summoning of the vesk, Astrator glances over toward their table. He is cautious and uncomfortable about most interactions that would occur in such a location under such circumstances.
"How does this employer identify itself?"
"How does this employer identify itself?"
"His name is Philt." replies the burly vesk. "Now, this way if you will." He gestures towards the seated shirren and other vesk.
You make your way to a long table at the southwest corner of the conjoined common room of the bar.
”Good day,” the shirren says aloud, in the click-clack manner common among his people when they choose to be audible. As he speaks, the two vesk make their way behind the shirren, standing behind him with their arms crossed.
”My name is Philt.” the shirren continues, ”I am a representative of Abadarcorp.”
“My agents and I overheard you talking about Talbot." Philt continues, "This made us curious just as to what your interest in Reynald Talbot may be. Care to enlighten us?”
"The fellow is rich. Although I am a famous movie star, I wouldn't mind be richer. We are wondering if the man in question would be interested in some investment, help him expand beyond this planet. You're with AbadorCorp, so you understand. The value of money. The value of investment."
"Understand the value of money, I most certainly do." Philt responds, seeming somewhat insulted. "Which is why I know that entering into an investment with Talbot would be ill-advised. But then, I don't think that that is the reason for your interest. So, I will ask you once again: what is your interest in Reynald Talbot?"
As if on cue, the two vesk lean forward a bit behind their boss, as if listening closely for the answer.
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"How else can I put it, friend? The guy is rich. We like money. M-O-N-E-Y." Realizing he is telling the same lie that the fellow didn't believe last time, Mustachio leans forward and whispers....
"And we certainly wouldn't say more, here in a tavern full of his newest best friends."
Probably wouldn't hurt to tell AbadarCorp the truth, and they are the ones getting ripped off. Maybe he would even help. But we can't say that in front of the whole place!
{{Trust me, his friends won't hear our conversation.}}. Mustachio hears a voice say in his head, as the telepathic shirren looks his way.
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"I believe Abadarcorp would have a reasonable reaction to our current objective- despite the current appearance of concern or hostility" the Android notes, unemotionally and as though the Shuirren and Vesk weren't standing right in front of him. He continues on: "Their corporation expresses ideology in congruency with ours at this point in time."
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{{Well in that case... We are with the Starfinder Society, here to bring him back to the Lorespire and recover the artifact he stole. Alive if we can, dead if we have to. A lot like the plot of a movie I did wardrobe on, you may have seen it, "The Dandy Goes to the Ball." Excellent costumes on that one, right?}}
{{Can’t say that I’ve seen a lot of movies lately.}} Philt responds via his limited telepathy. His message is broadcast to Mustachio and any other Starfinders that have joined him at the table. {{As for Talbot, I can certainly attest that the man is a thief. A role for which I intend to see to him pay. No one can be allowed to swindle AbadarCorp and then walk away without facing punishment.}} The shirren pauses for a moment, as if considering whether or not to divulge more.
Then, the shirren continues, {{Your Starfinder Society deserter approached corporate buyers in Maro with a new, alternative fuel for Drift engines. The fuel was purchased for analysis, and if it checked out, would have been evaluated as a new commodity on the galactic markets. To the chagrin of the buyers, the fuel reverted to common thasteron not long after the AbadarCorp ships made to depart Akiton’s orbit. The fuel was purchased on good faith and AbadarCorp does not tolerate outright fraud. AbadarCorp is here to see to it that he pays for his crime.}}
{{But, I am concerned about this artifact that you say he stole. What exactly is it? Does it pose any serious threat?}}, Philt asks without any audible words.
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{{It is unlikely that he is aware of the degradation of his fuel. The artifact alters the molecular construction of materials- but the compounds are unstable and revert to their previous molecular alignment. He may believe that this artifact produces permanent molecular changes.}}
Astrator looks around the group at the table, unaware of any reaction to the frankness of his conversation.
{{As long as we acquire the artifact, AbadarCorp would be free to prosecute Talbot according to the laws and customs of planetary trade.}}
Obozaya leans in close, not trusting the shirren's insistence that they will not be overheard.
"Lemme guess... seein' as there ain't no local law around here you can call on, and seein' how everyone around here seems to love this Talbot, your problem is finding a way to actually get to him."
"Are you in some kinda rush? When word gets out about the fuel and Talbot's buyers dry up, the love-in here will end. These people don't love Talbot... they love having work and money in their pocket. When that's gone, so's the love. Then you could just walk in here, post a reward for Talbot, and the town'll bring him to you."
{{It is unlikely that he is aware of the degradation of his fuel. The artifact alters the molecular construction of materials- but the compounds are unstable and revert to their previous molecular alignment. He may believe that this artifact produces permanent molecular changes.}}
Astrator looks around the group at the table, unaware of any reaction to the frankness of his conversation.
{{As long as we acquire the artifact, AbadarCorp would be free to prosecute Talbot according to the laws and customs of planetary trade.}}
{{Even if he was unaware of the duration of the artifact’s effect, as your android companion suggested,}} Philt notes, {{ he is certainly aware by now that that something is amiss, for the AbadarCorp fleet that purchased the fuel from Talbot is two now days overdue for departure.}}
{{The prosecution of Talbot is paramount. Should we capture him, any artifacts found on among his personal belongings would be forfeit. }} The shirren’s antennae twitch for a moment, as if in excited anticipation. {{However, you Starfinders obviously have an interest in the artifact. What is it that you are proposing?}}
"Are you in some kinda rush? When word gets out about the fuel and Talbot's buyers dry up, the love-in here will end. These people don't love Talbot... they love having work and money in their pocket. When that's gone, so's the love. Then you could just walk in here, post a reward for Talbot, and the town'll bring him to you."
{{Time waits for no being.}} Philt replies. {{I suspect that Talbot is already making plans to depart Tasch as soon as he can. And once he does, I suspect that a former Starfinder knows of all kinds of places to hide. If Talbot is to be captured, it will have to be soon.}}
{{However, you Starfinders obviously have an interest in the artifact.}}
"The artifact is stolen property. It was stolen from the vault at Starfinder HQ, and our job is to return it to its proper owners. Since it never belonged to Talbot, your people got no claim on it no matter what you do to him. And we don't really care about him beyond getting our stuff back."
{{What is it that you are proposing?}}
"I don't think we're proposin' anything. You're the one who asked to talk to us. If you want us to do you favors, make an offer."
"I don't think we're proposin' anything. You're the one who asked to talk to us. If you want us to do you favors, make an offer."
"{{And favors don't come cheap. We know how rich AbadarCorp is. And you know how poor the Starfinder Society is."}}
{{I asked to speak to you in order to ascertain who you are and what your intentions towards Talbot may be; I believe I have now done so.}}{/b] Philt replies. [b]{{I am also aware that the financial reputation of the Starfinder Society has been negatively impacted by recent events.}} Philt replies. {{Word of a Starfinder defrauding AbadarCorp, its buyers, and, as you have suggested, this entire town will most certainly not help the reputation of your organization.}} The shirren businessman does not seem to be making threats, so much as simply stating facts.
{{By contrast, if you know of AbadarCorp’s means, then I suspect you are well-aware that I, as its representative, have already been afforded sufficient means necessary to seize Talbot.}} Philt continues. {{The Starfinder Society has failed to deal with Talbot in a timely manner. Now, it would seem, it is time for AbadarCorp to do so.}}
{{I am prepared to send out my security forces shortly with orders to seize Talbot. As I am eager to leave this dust-ridden town and return to the comforts of Absalom Station, I am prepared to offer them a considerable bonus payable on the condition of the return of Talbot to me within the next couple of days. I would prefer, of course, to complete this assignment under budget.}} Philt conveys with obvious regret. {{But, under the circumstances, it would seem that this is the only reasonable choice that I have to make.}}
{{The Starfinders should have ensured that Talbot never left Absalom Station with any artifact. Now, it would seem, AbadarCorp must clean up the resulting mess.}} Philt responds. His antennae once again twitch in apparent anticipation.
{{And if I were to give you the benefit of another day, what choices in benefits might I expect in return?}} asks the Abadaran businessman.
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Mustachio's mouth drops as this whole conversation spun 180 degrees in the matter of seconds. Now the AbadarCorp rep was expecting THEM to provide the favor?
{{"I... we... well... um. Absolutely nothing. We were sent here to do a job. You are slowing us down. We shall be on our way now, and get it done. It appears that your group and mine shall not be working together, but instead racing toward a similar goal. Just like what happens to Captain Flash in "Captain Flash and his Drunken Bros". Thankfully, WE are not drunk.}}
Mustachio looks around at his compatriots. {{Uh...most of us, anyway.}}
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This seems like a most unfortunate turn of conversation, and not as I would expect a conversation with AbadarCorp to progress
Thinking through the conversation, Astrator attempts to determine where the difficulties in communication have occurred to get them to this point. He is certainly not diplomatic, however he is exceedingly logical.
{{The outcomes of this interchange appears to have become illogical. It would appear that we both share a similar blanket goal, with no overlap in secondary outcomes. We seek Talbot because he has wronged our organization. You seek Talbot because he has wronged your organization. We are able to serve both organizations simultaneously, at a decreased expense for both.}}
{{If we bring him to you, then you do not have to pay a private security detail to apprehend him. If we bring him to you, then we do not have to worry about his continued agenda against our organization. These are synergistic goals, and the only 'payment' being asked is that we maintain custody of an object stolen from us.}}
{{You are a business man. Does the value of this broken relic offset the cost of your private security team needed to apprehend him?}}
Obozaya blinks for a moment and then looks at Astrator with surprise.
"Was that..." she stares for a moment and then shakes her head.
She turns back to the Shirren.
"Okay, listen. Before you stopped us, we were about to head over and get the guy, and that's what we're going to do right now as soon as we're done here."
"So if you want us to do anything for you now's the time to mention it. We could bag the guy and put him in cuffs for you. Or we could rub the guy out. Or we could just soften up his security to make it easier for your guys to come in. Take your pick! We don't care as long as we get our artifact back. But if you want us to make it easy for you, well, you gotta make it worth our while."
"You're the businessman. You do the math."
"Oh, uh, by the way. Talbot's kinda the big hero around here. If you're going to haul him out of here in chains, be prepared for a mob riot. You could bring in some more security vehicles to transport the guy. Or maybe do something to win them over, like telling them you've taken over the mine and are gonna hire everyone. You figure it out."
"But we gotta go do our job, so make up your mind quick."