Diedre takes a step forward while at the same time reaching back and pulling the door open wider.
"Come on in guys. It looks like Miss Nadaz's gonna be civilized about this," she says behind her without taking her eyes off Ferani.
"Well, what do you know," Jehir says, surprised.
Jehir comes around the corner, spear leveled. He looks around the office, and his eyes come to rest on Nadaz, the leader of the gang.
"So... we're here about a certain dwarf, named Duravor Kreel. Ring a bell? I bet that's a contract you wish you hadn't taken. How much did they pay you to rub him out?"
Miraj enters after the Diedre and Jehir talk their way into the room without firing a shot. He holds his pistol and sword as before, but keeps them generally down and out of sight, ready but not threatening. "Best be quick," he suggests. "Some of the people out there will have called for some kind of medical aid, I expect, and maybe the police."
Miraj will focus his attention on the body language of the gang leader.
Scanning the room, Jehir doesn't spy any hidden weapons in the desk, chairs, or walls. The storage closet in the northwest corner does catch his eye, however, as he notices the reinforced door and electronic lock.
"So... we're here about a certain dwarf, named Duravor Kreel. Ring a bell? I bet that's a contract you wish you hadn't taken. How much did they pay you to rub him out?"
"You wanna chat? Fine, I'll chat. But I need t' know that you ain't gonna axe me the moment I tell you what you want. Or hand me over t' another gang. No point in singin' if yer just gonna kill me."
"Why would we kill you?" Diedre asks, genuinely confused. "We're not assassins or psychos or anything like that."
She turns to look at the others.
"We're not, right?" she asks. The question actually doesn't sound rhetorical.
"See? Answer all our questions and off you go," she concludes, turning back to Ferani with a smile.
As others question the woman, Diedre pulls up her comm unit to take a few pictures of the gang leader. She then wanders over to examine the sealed storage unit, her curiosity piqued.
Aureum stows her weapon and follows the others into the room, keeping to the wall and letting Diedre do most of the talking.
"Yeah, we didn't actually come here to fight," she speaks up after a moment, glancing around at the rest of the group.
The storage unit catches her eye as well, and she edges up beside the half-elf, examining the door and the lock.
"What d'you suppose is in here?"
"We could ask," Diedre replies with a smile.
"Hey, Blondie!" she calls out to their prisoner. "What's in the lockbox?"
"You wanna chat? Fine, I'll chat. But I need t' know that you ain't gonna axe me the moment I tell you what you want. Or hand me over t' another gang. No point in singin' if yer just gonna kill me."
"See? Answer all our questions and off you go," she concludes, turning back to Ferani with a smile.
"Well... off you go to the Stewards, anyhow. With lawyers and courts and plea bargains... if you play your cards right, with everything you know you could cut a deal and walk."
"But if you don't give us what we're looking for, we'll give you to the Level 21 Crew. They're still a bit sore about that shootout, and other things. Maybe they can get it out of you."
"Now... we know it was your guys who popped Duravor Kreel, and we know that you guys do the dirty work for Astral Extractions. What we don't have is proof that connects the big bad corporation to you guys. Without it that leaves you to hang for their job. We want to know who you dealt with at the corp, and how much they paid you, and why they wanted Duravor Kreel offed."
"And yeah, while we're at it you can open that lockbox. Slowly, mind you! And then step back."
"What d'you suppose is in here?"
Aureum does a quick inspection of the door, but she doesn't find any traps or other hindrances aside from the sturdy hinges and lock.
"Hey, Blondie!" she calls out to their prisoner. "What's in the lockbox?"
"My stuff." Ferani does not seem to be in an especially helpful mood.
"Well... off you go to the Stewards, anyhow. With lawyers and courts and plea bargains... if you play your cards right, with everything you know you could cut a deal and walk...
"Now... we know it was your guys who popped Duravor Kreel, and we know that you guys do the dirty work for Astral Extractions. What we don't have is proof that connects the big bad corporation to you guys. Without it that leaves you to hang for their job. We want to know who you dealt with at the corp, and how much they paid you, and why they wanted Duravor Kreel offed."
"Stewards? I'll take that. Of course we popped the dwarf. It's what we do. That's what I'm good at. Not many gangs could cut a deal with corporate bigshots like Astral." There's not a scrap of remorse in Ferani's voice - she's proud of her record.
"You think I just waltz up there for power lunches? I get encrypted messages and links to anonymous credit accounts. We've pulled in over 2,000 credits on this deal so far.
"Why did they want Kreel axed? Intimidation. They wanted to show the Hardscrabbles how serious they were, an' they didn't want any nosy third parties - like the heroic Starfinders - getting too damn interested in whatever's on that ship o' theirs."
""And yeah, while we're at it you can open that lockbox. Slowly, mind you! And then step back."
With a scowl, Ferani slowly walks over to the storage closet. As she lowers one of her hands just enough to brush the lock, a keycard tied to her wrist activates and the door clicks open. She backs away with her hands in the air.
The storage closet appears to be where the Downside Kings store their spare equipment and ill-gotten gains. Inside, you find:
- A sleek autotarget rifle with "Karkaken by Arabini" descreetly embossed on the stock, as well as 50 longarm rounds
- Two incendiary grenades I
- A quick-release sheath armor upgrade
- A holoskin
- Two mk 1 serums of healing
- 625 UPBs
- 750 credits, spread over half a dozen credsticks
Zhi pulls on the door, stepping back at the same time.
When nothing explodes and alarms don't trigger, Zhi leans around the open door and peers inside.
"Oooo ... an Arabini," Diedre says running her finger across the embossing on the rifle.
"We'll take copies of all communications and money transfers regarding this hit. I'm sure the sender will have attempted to keep his, her, or their identity hidden, but we should be able to find a clue that leads us to the culprit. If we have that, you can deal with any legal problems this gets you into. Maybe the court system will grant you immunity in return for witnessing to the transaction."
Seeing the rifle, Miraj saunters closer to read the writing on the stock. He gives a soft whistle of amazement, saying, "Somebody likes to kill with extreme prejudice."
"All right, have a look at her proof. I'll be outside for a minute."
Jehir steps out of the office and activates his comm, contacting Chiskisk at Starfinder HQ. He types out a quick message:
Chiskisk, this is Jehir Jahanet'ai. It turns out Duravor Kreel was deliberately assassinated by a gang called the Downside Kings. Their leader, Ferani Nadaz just confessed this to us. They were hired by a company called Astral Extractions. Duravor was involved with a rival outfit called the Hardscrabble Collective, and the two groups have a dispute over some starship called the Acreon. Astral seems to have arranged the hit in order to get Hardscrabble to back off.
We want to turn Nadaz over to the Stewards. But we got into a big street fight down here and there are a half-dozen bodies on the floor. Do you have a contact in the Stewards we can turn Nadaz over to without getting arrested as vigilantes or worse?
"Sorry, but we'll also be taking your stash," Diedre says, her regret almost sounding sincere.
She begins gathering up what she can. She slings the rifle over her shoulder, hangs the grenades from her belt, and begins stuffing her pockets of the duster with the cred-sticks and other miscellaneous equipment.
Once she's loaded herself down with as much as she can carry, she hands her comm unit to Aureum.
"Here, use the camera there and get a couple of pictures for my blog," she says.
She fumbles with the duster for a moment, trying to position herself for the best view.
"What do you think? Tough? Sexy? Boob? No boob?" she questions while changing her expression and shifting her arm and consequently the front of the duster. "Yeah, you're probably right - tough, no boob. Much classier."
"Come on, Blondie, cough up the records. We got places to go."
"We'll take copies of all communications and money transfers regarding this hit. I'm sure the sender will have attempted to keep his, her, or their identity hidden, but we should be able to find a clue that leads us to the culprit. If we have that, you can deal with any legal problems this gets you into. Maybe the court system will grant you immunity in return for witnessing to the transaction."
Begrudgingly, Ferani hands over a datapad with a cracked screen, unlocking the device with a short key code.
Chiskisk, this is Jehir Jahanet'ai. It turns out Duravor Kreel was deliberately assassinated by a gang called the Downside Kings. Their leader, Ferani Nadaz just confessed this to us. They were hired by a company called Astral Extractions. Duravor was involved with a rival outfit called the Hardscrabble Collective, and the two groups have a dispute over some starship called the Acreon. Astral seems to have arranged the hit in order to get Hardscrabble to back off.
We want to turn Nadaz over to the Stewards. But we got into a big street fight down here and there are a half-dozen bodies on the floor. Do you have a contact in the Stewards we can turn Nadaz over to without getting arrested as vigilantes or worse?
Jehir receives a response in a matter of minutes:
Jehir - I have reached out to a contact of mine at Station Security. From what I understand, they are currently en route to a suspected gang shootout at a club - I'm assuming that's you. They're now aware that operatives of the Society are on the scene. They won't be thrilled, but you should be able to turn Nadaz over and walk out of there. Report to me ASAP.
- C
P.S.: Good job.
Diedre walks back through the storeroom, pausing for a moment to pick up the pistol that Nadaz threw down.
She looks around the large room before walking over to the musical instruments.
"Look Aureum! It's even in my color!" she calls out, holding up a guitar in a peacock blue. She slings it over her other shoulder next to the rifle. She stumbles a bit with the added weight.
"I've always wanted to learn to play."
She then walks out towards the front door to wait for the security forces.
Entiren will do a quick look-over of Hatchburster, checking him for any other notable items on his body. After that, he will go around and see if there is any ammunition he can gather from the other downed individuals, whether batteries or rounds.
Entiren will do a quick look-over of Hatchburster, checking him for any other notable items on his body. After that, he will go around and see if there is any ammunition he can gather from the other downed individuals, whether batteries or rounds.
Hatchbuster is wearing some flashy heavy armor, but Entiren recognizes it would take a considerable amount of time to remove it from the dead vesk. As for more easily carried items, the nuar finds an ugly (but functional) hammer, the gangster's heavy laser weapon, an extra battery, and a credstick. After picking over Hatchbuster, Entiren methodically pulls the batteries from the fallen gangsters' laser pistols.
Miraj will pick up the valuables from the safe .
Miraj takes a moment to check the fallen bouncer next to the table for weapons and credsticks. He'll take a laser pistol if he finds one. If there is still time before security gets to the room, he'll check behind the bar for a potent potable, filling his hip flask with fortification.
Roger that, Jehir responds to Chiskisk. After we're through with the Stewards we'll head up to meet you at the Lorespire Complex. -Jehir
Jehir returns to the others.
"Heard from the boss," Jehir says, not wanting to mention Chiskisk's name in front of the gang leader. "Stewards are on their way and they know we're here. Do we have copies of all the data?"
His voice lowers to a whisper. "Let's take the stuff that's portable or easy to hide. Credits, batteries, grenades, small things. But make sure to leave behind most of the gangers' weapons and such. The Stewards will expect to see them at the scene and will want them as evidence."
Jehir grabs the grenades, then starts rifling through the pockets of the downed gangers.
Entiren nods in response to Jehir's suggestion. Slinging the assault hammer along his back, he says to the group in a low voice "Just remember, they attacked us first outside, so we can justifiably say that we were defending ourselves from at least those who were already outside and those who rushed out to assist them. As for the Vesk, he technically attacked us first as well." Moving over to Aureum and Miraj, he holds out the Artillery Laser that he had picked up. "If one of you two could hold onto this, it would probably look less suspicious than if I were to have it on my possesion. I am not sure how well trained you are with this type of weapon, but carrying for me to carry both a laser rifle and an artillery laser might arouse some suspicions."
"Here, let me take that," Jehir says to Entiren. "Hatchblower never got a shot off with this thing and he has that hammer, too, so it would be plausible that it wasn't his. And I don't carry a gun."
Jehir looks over at Aureum.
"But if you have any magic left, maybe you could do something for Aureum. She looks to be in rough shape."
Aureum quickly rifles through Nadaz's desk, looking for anything else they should grab before security arrives.
Entiren will approach Aureum and cast Mystic Cure upon her.
Miraj takes a moment to check the fallen bouncer next to the table for weapons and credsticks. He'll take a laser pistol if he finds one. If there is still time before security gets to the room, he'll check behind the bar for a potent potable, filling his hip flask with fortification.
Miraj finds the bouncer's laser pistol, but Entiren has already stripped the battery. Rifling through his pockets yields a battered credstick . The bar contains a variety of strong beverages; Miraj easily finds one to his liking and fills his flask.
Jehir grabs the grenades, then starts rifling through the pockets of the downed gangers.
Aureum quickly rifles through Nadaz's desk, looking for anything else they should grab before security arrives.
Aside from some cheap office supplies, the desk appears to be empty.
As the crew of prospective starfinders clean out the club, the familiar sound of security sirens can be heard, approaching from the distance.
As Diedre watches the security motorcycles approach down the corridor, a familiar voice booms down the hallway and throughout the Fusion Queen.
"ATTENTION! THIS IS AHBSALOM SECURITY! COME OUT OF THA BUILDING WIT YA HANDS... AW, FER PIPES AND DRAWERS!"
Sargent Mcfeeblerduchy hops out of a diminutive sidecar and tosses his helmet to the bike's pilot.
"I HEARD THA-" His artificially booming voice cuts out abruptly as the gnome slaps the bottom of his chip twice with the back of one hand. "I heard that some Stahfindahs were mixed up in this, but I figued that you would have gotten smahter after yestahday!"
The thunderheaded sargent glares at Diedre's new guitar. "What, did you serenade them all to death? Where are all ya friends? Did you serenade them to sweet obhlivion too?"
"No, I didn't s... " Diedre starts to say, rolling her eyes. She gathers her composure and turns on her smile. "They're inside keeping an eye on your prisoner for you. You're welcome."
She shifts the rifle and guitar on her shoulders and glances down at the duster to make sure she's not giving the Sargent too much of a good view.
"We had some issues with the bouncers and some of the low-level thugs, but the leader is ready and willing to be taken into custody."
"Honestly officer, we didn't expect it to go this way. I just wanted to ask some questions, and I approached the club with my weapons sheathed. But when I addressed the doormen, they recognized me, and drew their lasers and opened fire."
"The fight progressed inside, until the leader surrendered to us. She has confessed to us that her gang was hired to assassinate Duravor Kreel at the docking bay where we met before. She has evidence that the contractor that hired her was a corporation called Astral Extractions."
Jehir looks around.
"It may look like just a street fight. But there is a major case here, and you may want to get your organized crime people down here, or whoever would investigate that kind of thing."
"We will, of course, co-operate fully with such an investigation. I'm sure the Starfinder Society would have no problem with us doing that."
Miraj by this point has retrieved his sword cane sheath and has resumed his charade of walking with a limp. He's hidden away his pistol and the laser pistol he scavenged, and sits on the bar, nursing a drink.
When he hears the Sergeant, he sets the glass down and waits for the officer to ask him a question, slipping off the bar as he enters and standing respectfully, determined to hold his tongue and not say anything to irritate him.
"We had some issues with the bouncers and some of the low-level thugs, but the leader is ready and willing to be taken into custody."
The sargent's eyes widen a bit. "Ya nabbed Nadaz? Ahre ya sure? Now this is somethin' I need tah see. BOYS!"
McFeeblerduchy snaps his fingers, and two officers hustle into the club. Moments later, they emerge with Nadaz in tow, who immediately starts demanding a lawyer.
"Ya, ya, I know yah rights. You'll get yah lawyah. You'll also get yah day in court, yah scumbag!"
"Honestly officer, we didn't expect it to go this way. I just wanted to ask some questions, and I approached the club with my weapons sheathed. But when I addressed the doormen, they recognized me, and drew their lasers and opened fire."
The sargent takes a long look at Jehir, his eyes roaming from the Borai's weeping black wounds to his bloodshot eyes to the immense blood-soaked doshko strapped to his back.
"You? Scary? They musta been crazy."
"It may look like just a street fight. But there is a major case here, and you may want to get your organized crime people down here, or whoever would investigate that kind of thing."
The gnome's eyes narrow slightly. "Well, boy, lucky fer you. Yah talkin' tah the actin' head o' tha Orgahnized Crime Task Farce! Now if the five o' yah could give these officers your statements and then get the HELLS outta my crime scene, that would be just dandy!"
Over the next thirty minutes or so, each of the prospective starfinders is interviewed by a pair of officers, who dutifully record the statements. A burly-looking officer approaches each witness in turn, asking if they need medical assistance.
After statements have been taken and medical treatment applied, the prospective startfinders are permitted to leave without so much as a personal search. Despite Mcfeeblerduchy's grievances, it seems that even tenuous attachment to the Society carries real weight.
For the second time in two days, our protagonists find themselves bloodied, bandaged, and riding public transit to the Lorespire. An elevator the size of a train car lifts then up out of the Downlow, and a light hovertrain whisks them from the heart of the Station out to the Lorespire Complex.
As the group approaches the Lorespire, the sudden brightness of the day-lights is disorienting and a harsh departure from the perpetual gloom of the Fusion Queen. The moment they enter the building, a functionary collects them and whisks the group up an elevator to Chiskisk's office.
The shirren is sitting behind their desk, and looks up the moment the prospective starfinders enter the room.
{"There's water and protein wafers on the side table. Please, make yourself comfortable. Then tell me everything."}
Jehir cooperates with the officers and gives his statement, though he avoids volunteering information or getting too specific about the fight itself. He accepts the first aid treatment from the burly officer stoically.
Upon returning to the Lorespire Complex he helps himself to some water and sits down.
"Well, the bad news is Duravor was indeed murdered. The good news is that it doesn't seem to have anything to do with his work here at the Society."
Jehir begins to outline the information and evidence they have gathered.
Miraj watches as Jehir is patched up by the medics, making a mental note to ask him about his oddly colored blood.
When his turn comes to make his statement, he sticks to the self-defense story and tries to keep everything accurate regarding the fight. He keeps an eye out for Officer Steppeth, hoping to build a relationship with him as a contact and ally within the 'force'.
Once away from the night club, he will also ask for two of the scavenged batteries, one to replace what had been removed and another as a spare. He contributes the cred stick he found on the bouncer to the others collected, mentally thanking the Downside Kids for their contributions to the group's meager cred accounts.
"Zat vas some good fighting done back there. Vell done! I hope zis means ve haf passed our entrance test and can become actual Starfinder instead of prospective ones."
When reporting to Chiskisk, Miraj shares his Evidence Board, including the information on Duravor's cousin and family.
Aureum keeps her statement truthful and to-the-point, wanting to be out of there as quickly and smoothly as possible.
In Chisisk's office, the tall woman sips a cup of water and sits to the side, her head feeling a little fuzzy under the bright lights (probably thanks to the drinks she'd had in the nightclub).
She nods along as Jehir and Miraj begin to share the information, adding her own thoughts here and there.
Diedre sits next to Aureum as the group begins a verbal report on their first mission. At various points she provides photos to match the information.
"Sorry," she says when the picture she had Aureum take of her in the duster pops up. "You're probably not interested in that one."
"Hey," she says to Aureum as Miraj and Jehir continue on. "Do you mind if I keep this," she says, pulling on the collar of the coat. "I think I rock this look." She giggles a bit. "I probably should put my stationwear suit on underneath it though," she continues, moving the lapel aside and flashing the Lashunta of view of her bare chest. She giggles again. Perhaps she's had a little too much to drink as well.
He keeps an eye out for Officer Steppeth, hoping to build a relationship with him as a contact and ally within the 'force'.
Miraj doesn't spot Officer Steppeth, or anyone wearing the same light-blue uniform. All the officers reporting to the Fusion Queen have the same dark navy/black uniform as Sarget McFeeblerduchy.
Chiskisk listens attentively as the group outlines their investigative findings and the subsequent dust-up at the Fusion Queen, asking occasional questions for clarification. After the story has wound down, they study Miraj's compiled notes for a moment before speaking, their telepathic voice measured and thoughtful.
{"This is some very thorough work. You are all to be commended. I will be packaging this information in a presentable format and sharing it with Station Security, as well as some of our diplomatic contacts who may find it relevant."}
They pause for a moment, antennae darting back and forth in thought. {"It is especially fortunate for the Society that you managed to capture that Nadaz woman alive. As an organization, we have always suffered from a reputation as, ah, "overzealous scavengers", and the restraint you exercised here will be good for optics."} Chiskisk's mandibles scrap together in a sign of irritation. {"...Although you will forgive me if I'm not perfectly enthused with the thought of Ferani Nadaz relaxing in a cell for however long this mess takes to head to trial."}
Chiskisk stands slowly, retrieving a small box from a drawer, and walks around their desk towards the group, leaning on their cane for support. Opening the box, the senior Starfinder reveals five metallic brooches in the shape of the Starfinders' emblem.
"It ish my honor," Chiskisk states, speaking aloud for the first time, "to offer easch of you formal memberschip in the ranks of the Schtarfinder Schoschiety."
Returning to a more comfortable telepathic tone, they continue, {"I am very much looking forward to the discoveries you will make and the knowledge you will share with the Society in the future."}
{"...Although you will forgive me if I'm not perfectly enthused with the thought of Ferani Nadaz relaxing in a cell for however long this mess takes to head to trial."}
Jehir Shrugs. "If the Starfinder Society wishes revenge, it is possible that some kind of 'accident' could be arranged for Nadaz now that she is incarcerated. But ultimately she was a tool, and others were also responsible. Outside of an actual infiltration of Astral Extractions, Nadaz' cooperation with the Stewards is the only way I can see the people truly responsible ever being held to account."
"If we really want Nadaz to suffer, I'd prefer for that to wait until after she has given the Stewards everything they need for their investigation."
"It ish my honor," Chiskisk states, speaking aloud for the first time, "to offer easch of you formal memberschip in the ranks of the Schtarfinder Schoschiety."
Returning to a more comfortable telepathic tone, they continue, {"I am very much looking forward to the discoveries you will make and the knowledge you will share with the Society in the future."}
Hesitating for a moment, Jehir gingerly picks up one of the medallions.
He smiles, and nods at Chiskisk.
"It is my honor to accept," Jehir says. He bows slightly to Chiskisk, and puts the brooch on to his armor.
Diedre can hardly contain her excitement. She bounces up and down on her feet as Chiskisk gives her her medallion.
A actual squeal escapes her as she tries to find a place to attach it, finally settling on the lapel of the duster. She quickly brings up her comm unit to take a picture of herself with the precious symbol.
"Who's up for drinks?" she says, full of energy. "I'm buying!
"It's yours," she agrees with a smile. "It looks pretty good like this though," she giggles.
Aureum beams openly when Chiskisk presents the brooches, and lifts one from the box with delicate fingers. Her eyes pass briefly over each of her colleagues, and then come back to rest on the Shirren.
{"I'm eager to unearth those discoveries,"} she replies simply, also using the familiar telepathic tone of voice.
Accepting the metallic brooch with clear respect, Entiren simply stares at it for a few moments before turning it over in his hand a couple times.
Is this actually happening? I have truly joined the ranks of the Starfinder Society? Those who explore the darkness to find new sources of light? Mentally shaking himself out of his hesitation, he attaches the brooch to the material of his jacket over his left breast. Standing and facing Chiskisk, he bows towards him as he says "I must thank you for the honor of receiving this symbol, esteemed Chiskisk. May the light of distant stars comfort you when needed, and closer ones light the way to what you seek."
Glancing over at Diedre, he sighs softly when she offers to buy everyone drinks. Turning to look in her direction as he stands and steps back from Chiskisk, he says to her in a low voice "Didn't you drink at the Fusion Queen?" Shaking his head slightly, he continues in a normal conversational tone "But since you offered, it would be impolite to decline. I will accept your offer, on the condition that what I get does not inhibit me in any lasting way."
"Yeah, but someone with a stick up their butt would complain," she continues, waving her hand dismissively. "I'd better put my stationwear suit back on underneath."
Miraj accepts the Starfinder commission stoically. Going through his mind is all he had to go through the past months to make a clean break with his past on Triaxus. He thanks Chiskisk and spends some time studying the emblem, running a finger over the smooth surface. He tucks it away as drinks are mentioned.
That brings to mind another reason to reflect fondly on the moment. He had to abandon what few friends he had long ago. Now he has a group who is inviting him to join them for drinks. He's already had a few nips from the good stuff he nicked from the bar (had to inspect the quality, after all), but he could see no reason to get a little plotzed.
Before he leaves, however, he steps into a restroom and changes out of the clothes Diedre got him and back into his traveling clothes and his preferred hat and overcoat.
"I'm in," Aureum says at the mention of drinks. She stands, feeling quite a bit revitalized after a bit of rest and water.
"Might be nice to dance without getting shot at; I was just starting to enjoy it," she murmurs to Diedre.
...
He's already had a few nips from the good stuff he nicked from the bar (had to inspect the quality, after all), but he could see no reason to get a little plotzed.
...
... but he could see no reason not to get a little plotzed.
Chiskisk grins as they walk back to their desk. {"After the last 24 hours, I believe you do deserve a little rest and relaxation. Go enjoy yourselves, but not too much - I will likely have an assignment for you within the week. Until then, your time is your own."}
The shirren sits down with a heavy omph, setting their cane aside. {"I'm still curious about this ship and the cargo Astral is keen to keep us away from. Keep your eyes, ears, and antennae open. You never know what you might stumble across."}
As the group turns to depart, Chiskisk leaves them with a parting thought. {"Oh, one more thing. It appears that you have formed a rather functional team here - with any luck, we'll get you assigned to some long-term field work. Many long-standing field teams develop a team monkier or call sign, often for ease of long-range communication and cohesiveness. I would start ruminating on one, if I were you."}
With a twinkle in their eye, the senior starfinder dismisses the Society's neweset members. {"Now go! Celebrate. Let this old bug get back to their work. We'll be putting you back through the meat grinder soon enough, I'm sure."}