"It seems we are in accord. To Downlow, then."
The group places a comm call to Zigvigix, the leader of the Exo-Guardians.
The insectile face of a Shirren appears on the screen.
"Oh, Good!" says an obviously computer-generated voice. "Yes, Guidance informed me you would come to see me. I'm always pleased to meet new Starfinders!"
"Unfortunately, we don't presently have a proper headquarters for the Exo-Guardians. So we will have to arrange a meeting place. There is an art park, not far from my residence. I like to go there to relax. Perhaps we can meet there, in about 90 minutes? Excellent! I will see you soon," Zigvigix's computer voice chirps happily. An address and a set of directions appears in your datastream as the Shirren logs off.
The group meets Kipp at the shuttle.
"Downlow? Yeah, I can get you pretty close to there. The low-grav industrial area has a big loading facility and it's just a couple decks below.
The shuttle ride is short and relatively smooth. The shuttle docks in the station's industrial area, and Downlow is only a short ride from there. The group arrives at the art park with several minutes to spare.
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. It has a much different "sound" than the computer voice you heard earlier, but it occurs to you that you are not in fact "hearing" the voice at all.
{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.
{Please buy the brand-new Strawberry Machine Cake album, Star Sugar Heartlove!!!, which is out today, and give it to Historia-7 when you see her. She is the head of the Dataphiles, so you should meet her today! I wish to do it myself, but I... I have trouble standing for long periods of time. Thank you very much!}
"Hm, Strawberry Machine Cake. I think I might've heard of them. Didn't they also make Sweet Sweet Happy Time? Anyway, sounds great."
Dawn accepts the rice candy and chews it thoughtfully. "I do not know a lot about music, but it seems a simple enough task to purchase an album. The warehouse might prove more difficult. Can you tell us any more about this killer alien?"
"...Didn't they also make Sweet Sweet Happy Time?..."
{Yes, that's the one! Though I'm not as big a fan of their early work as some people are. I prefer their later albums, such as Fire Engine Pink and Pastry Planet Pirates. Their later works have been more complex, full of confidence and maturity, but without giving up the energy of their early years.}
While the others have an important and valuable conversation about the societal contribution of Strawberry Machine Cake and their general impact on the zeitgeist, Thuldas stands near the edge of the group, quietly munching on rice candy with one hand and searching the Station 'net with the other, his wire- and crystal-clad fingers sorting through tiny holograms dancing over his open palm.
"A vicious monster in a Downlow warehouse, eh? Perhaps its made the news...
Wint gladly takes the rice candy. He also looks a little longingly at the cold grub noodles but is far too polite to say anything.
"I've never heard of this group. I'll have to listen to it since its obviously so, so good. But I am a little confused. Surely you just download the album to a datapad. Why do you need us to do that?"
{My second assignment...} Zigvigix twitches their tooth barbs for a moment and then holds out a credstick.
{Please buy the brand-new Strawberry Machine Cake album, Star Sugar Heartlove!!!, which is out today, and give it to Historia-7 when you see her. She is the head of the Dataphiles, so you should meet her today! I wish to do it myself, but I... I have trouble standing for long periods of time. Thank you very much!}
Stell tries hard to keep her face from revealing her low opinion of the whole sugar pop genre.
She studies Ziggy's speech patterns, hoping to pick up any subtext to the seemingly simple assignment to purchase some music, although she fears she might not have enough experience with the race to properly interpret.
Before heading to the warehouse, Stell checks her pistol clip to be sure it has been properly loaded.
"...Can you tell us any more about this killer alien?"
Zigvigix nods.
{Of course!} the telepathic voice resonates in your brain. {We think the creature is one known as a feather stalker. Despite the name it is actually quite dangerous, and not bird-like at all. Mind you, the sightings we have had have been fleeting at best. It seems to be quite good at hiding, and we may be wrong about the creature.}
"...Surely you just download the album to a datapad. Why do you need us to do that?"
{But then you wouldn't get the custom scent modules! Sure, you could download the sound, but the music experience isn't complete without the pleasing smells. Cinammon Rocket is the scent-organ player of Strawberry Machine Cake and she is very talented. Oh, also, the cover of the album has a collectible hologram of the band as a bonus, which is very nice.}
She studies Ziggy's speech patterns, hoping to pick up any subtext to the seemingly simple assignment...
Stell can tell that clearly Zigvigix is a big fan of the band, and thinks they (the shirren is of the host gender, neither male or female) are telling the truth that they find the errand rather onerous to do themself.
Thuldas's search for news about the warehouse finds only a small story about the warehouse being closed due to "unsafe conditions."
However, a search for Feather Stalker in the news reveals the following article from the previous week:
Local alleged gangster Donny "Iron Balls" McGuinty is in critical condition today after being admitted to the Sarenrae's Light Hospital in Downlow district. His wounds are considered very severe and were allegedly made by an alien creature called a "Feather Stalker."
Eyewitnesses reported that McGuinty introduced the creature to a crowd of partygoers at a local nightclub, claiming it was his "new pet" and that he had snuck it through quarantine "right under the Stewards' noses." Shortly thereafter the creature went berzerk and mauled McGuinty, and then injured several other partygoers as it fled the scene.
The creature is believed to still be at large in the Downlow district. Madame Wong's Happy Dragon Tian Kitchen has offered a 100 credit reward for the carcass of the beast provided it is fresh and relatively intact.
McGuinty is charged with possession of a Class D1 restricted lifeform without a licence and breach of station quarantine. When asked for comment, Steward Captain Anaka Uris, said: "While this incident is tragic, it illustrates once again the importance of observing station quarantine procedures. Hazardous lifeforms are restricted for a reason, and failure to do so can result in injury, sickness, and loss of life. This incident could have ended up much worse."
After this conversation with Zigvigix has concluded, Thuldas will read this article to his companions as they travel to their next destination. In the meantime, he will keep on ear on the conversation while expanding his search to learn more about feather stalkers.
|
"...Surely you just download the album to a datapad. Why do you need us to do that?"{But then you wouldn't get the custom scent modules! Sure, you could download the sound, but the music experience isn't complete without the pleasing smells. Cinammon Rocket is the scent-organ player of Strawberry Machine Cake and she is very talented. Oh, also, the cover of the album has a collectible hologram of the band as a bonus, which is very nice.}
"Scent modules? Scent modules!!. I'd never heard of such a thing. How much does this cost, I think that I'll get a copy for myself.
Scent modules. What will they think up next?"
"Scent modules? Scent modules!!. I'd never heard of such a thing. How much does this cost, I think that I'll get a copy for myself.
"Scent modules. What will they think up next?"
Once out of Ziggy's company, Stell says, "I think the scent module thing is mostly a gimmick. I had to sit through one of the Strawberry Sugar Pops' numbers at a benefit where I was a backup musician to Gemma Argenta. They flooded the arena with smells, some of which were interesting, but some almost made me gag."
[dice=Life Science check to identify a creature (take 20)]20 + 7
Over the course of the next several minutes, Thuldas checks the station's Library Data regarding "Feather Stalkers."
Skimming a variety of articles he discovers that there are a number of species of Feather Stalkers, but they all have a number of things in common.
Feather Stalkers are Crinoids, though they are land-based rather than aquatic. They have animal-level intelligence but are cunning predators, and often quite territorial. They attack by lashing enemies with their feathery fronds, but also are able to shoot their feathery fronds like natural javelins. The ends of these fronds are incredibly sharp and can pierce armor.
Feather Stalkers also commonly have a certain level of environmental adaptation and flourish in harsh environments.
Zigvigix holds out a credstick with 50 credits on it.
{Here... I don't expect you to pay your own money for the album. It's really more of a personal thing. But it is a limited edition, so please don't wait too long!}
{As for the warehouse, the Stewards currently are guarding it, but they are expecting you. Just show them your insignia and tell them why you're there.}
{Is there anything else you would like to know?}
"My curiosity has been satisfied. I am ready to perform the assigned tasks. Should we purchase the album first or fight the alien?"
I'd say we go purchase the album. Seems a bit more time sensitive."
I'd say we go purchase the album. Seems a bit more time sensitive."
"Agreed! I don't think that feather stalker is gonna wander off wi' th' Stewards guarding the door."
Thuldas takes the credstick from Zigvigix, slipping in into a pocket.
"We'll shoot ya a message when we've completed both tasks. Pleasure to be of service, Ziggy."
Stell went along with the others to the music purchase line. She hoped none of her fans recognized her. She had a very low opinion of the Strawberry Machine Cake group and their music. She was so worried, in fact, that she took some time to cover her features with a hat, some sun glasses, and a little make-up to minimize the chance anyone would recognize her.
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Wint isn't quite sure why Stell has changed appearance, but he'll certainly go along.
He buys himself some glasses and a hat and wears them
Rising Dawn doesn't understand the need for disguises. She retains her normal appearance as she gets in line to wait for the album.
A wave of powerful emotions wash over her. All of the fans around her are so excited and happy. The android finds it intriguing that a band could inspire such powerful feelings in people.
Thuldas has never been to an event like this, and finds it all very... saccerene. Still, to each their own. He takes the time to read the news article to the group, as well as a rough description of feather stalkers, bringing them up to speed with his research.
Stell looks at the long line and says, "We don't really need five people in line just to buy one copy of the recordings. You guys mind if I do a little busking? Might as well make a cred while we wait. If you want me to take a turn in line, give you a break, let me know."
Stell strolls over to a spot slightly off the walkway, removes her disguise, and gets out her synth-fiddle. She sets out her comm unit with a holograph of a archaic top hat with a connector code that allows passersby to donate a credit or decicredit if they like what they hear. Next to the 'hat' is an info-link to her music uploads.
Stell begins to play. Her melodies are mostly of her own composition, but she mixes in some covers of pop songs she likes. As she plays, she sways and then begins to dance. She loses herself in the music and looks truly at peace.
But seriously, would adults really buy a scratch 'n' sniff album?[/ooc]
Profession (musician): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (7) + 7 = 14
Stell begins playing off to one side of the line. Most of the young Strawberry Machine Cake fans give her dirty looks and make remarks about "old people music." Stell doesn't feel especially motivated to give a strong performance for this crowd, but she does get a handful of centicredits and decicredits for her trouble.
Meanwhile the others stay in line, and the wait is rather arduous. The crowd is boisterous and pushy, and the group feels rather exhausted when they arrive at the checkout counter.
Finally they obtain the album and try to get out past a small riot of fans eagerly listening to (and smelling) their new album. They manage to push their way through the crowd, dodging elbows and heads and the teenagers dance around.
The Starfinders all are glad for a moment to relax after ordeal among the Strawberry Machine Cake fans, and look forward to a nice relaxing shootout with a tentacled monster.
The arrive at the warehouse, and two Stewards are there parked in a cruiser out front of the warehouse. They greet the Starfinders as they approach.
"You must be the ones Ziggy sent over, right? Yeah, he said you were coming. Here's the keycard for the door. Don't worry about the police tape; just go ahead and cut it."
Dawn draws her laser pistol and nods to her companions, indicating her readiness.
Once the party finally extracts themselves from the mass of Strawberry Machine Cake fanatics, Thuldas is in a particularly sour and grumpy mood. After they speak with the Stewards, Thuldas asks the group to stop for a moment so he can catch his breath.
Iolas is fairly worn out from the Strawberry Machin Cake fiasco. He nods in concurrence with Thuldas at the suggestion of stopping for a bit.
Wint would have both bought his own copy AND danced with the teenagers until his companions grabbed him :-)
Definitely no problem with waiting for his friends to recover.
When we decide to go in he'll draw both pistols and his baton.
The rest of the group would see him suddenly adopt a LOT more serious mien than they have ever seen before. He suddenly looks almost dangerous and not as comical as usual.
He'd sneak up to the door and listen closely at it, pistols at the ready, hoping to see if there is somebody beyond it.
After taking a few minutes to catch his composure, Thuldas draws his hammer and gives it a few test swings. Noticing his small blue companion's sudden change in demeanor, he crouches beside him, whispering "Do ya wanna slip in first, all sneaky-like? Or ya think we should make a bangin' enterance?"
Iolas slings his artillery laser off of his shoulder. He loads a battery into it and charges it up, saying, "Well, I'm all in favour of a big entrance. My artillery laser isn't exactly the stealthiest thing."
"The door opening will be obvious so I think a stealthy approach isn't going to work. So I'll go along with Iolas, lets open the door and go in shooting. I'm pretty sure there isn't anything immediately on the other side, at least"
Stell is dismayed at seeing how disheveled everyone is after getting out. "You should have let me take a shift. I didn't make much, but it may be enough to buy some coffee and snacks.".
She spots a vendor and while the others are resting she buys everyone a Thurston's Finest Canned Coffee and some Snarfee's energy bars.
When the group forms at the door, ready to advance, Stell draws her semi-auto pistol and switches off the safety.
"Yo! Steward! Are the lights on in there?" she calls to the stewards. If not and if there is no way to turn them on from outside, she sets her comm unit into a set of straps that allow it to project its flashlight forward. She sets her earbud for "walkie talkie" mode and tests it before indicating she is ready.
A portable force screen blocks the front of the building, but as the group approaches the building the stewards drop the screen.
"We're going to put the screen back up once you're through, in case the thing gets past you. Give us the all-clear and we'll drop the screen again and let you out."
The large door opens and the interior of the warehouse is revealed. The warehouse isn't especially large as such things go, and is lit by a series of lights up near the ceiling around the perimeter of the room. They are not especially powerful and the warehouse is full of shadows.
A variety of crates and cylindrical containers are distributed around the room. In the southwest corner a hovercar sits on blocks in a maintenance bay. In the northeast corner a scaffold holds a second layer of crates above ground level, and a forklift sits in front of the scaffold. A ragged hole in the floor in the northern section leads to a pit of unknown depth. And a pile of debris and trash sits in the middle of the room.
The creature is nowhere in sight.
Wint advances stealthily into the room along the line shown on the map.
He looks around as he advances
Iolas walks forward fidgeting with his laser artillery rifle. He looks about trying to stop anything moving or out of the ordinary.
Stell turns on her flashlight and holds it in one hand, gripping her pistol in the other. She angles the light toward the ceiling and watches for danger above.
Range = 30 feet.
Thuldas strides into the center of the room, his left hand out in front like a shield, crackling with technomantic energy, as he slowly spins his hammer in a figure eight pattern at his side. He scans the room around him, anticipating an attack.
Dawn follows Thuldas, staying behind the dwarf and looking around.
The group advances into the room, spreading out.
So far all remains quiet.
Dawn does her best to remain quiet as she moves at half speed to first look at the pile of the junk. If the creature remains hidden, she will then move to the pit, then the forklift.
Stell moves slowly and cautiously to the catwalk. She illuminates the way with her comm flashlight while simultaneously aiming her pistol in the same direction ready to fire if something threatens her or her mates. Once she has determined there is nothing on the catwalk or clinging to the ceiling, she directs her light down to the floor level and looks for things hiding behind crates and such. Once she has checked the floor level from above, she will move to study the next area that has been in dim light. In this way, she works her way around the catwalk.
It's times like this I regret watching all those horror movies of people searching for dangerous aliens in dark places. Who knew I'd be doing it for real?, Stell thinks as she searches, beads of swat forming on her freckles.
Wint will stealthily and sneakily proceed along the green line, looking into the pit and then very, very carefully looking over the platform.
Will definitely take 10 on stealth for a 21.