hux seeing the fight has begun bursts out of his hiding spot and takes a shot
jib now having a clear line on the enemy charges pike first in to the fray
Katara tries to aim around jib and hit the enemy but can't tell if his shot landed.
Alim quickly grabs his orb as he hears the shot fired from behind him. As it is transforming, Alim swings at the man.
Right after Twonas gets blasted, his mind becomes assulted by Dahlia and blood starts to trickle down his nose.
Hux is able to make a shot that also hits him!
The robot is not successful as everyone else so far as his pike misses.
Katara does not have the same luck with his second shot as he did with the first.
Alim also can't seem to land a blow. Your group seems a bit out of practice from combat it seems.
All of that the misses do not seem to matter as poor Twonas falls over dying.
The to thugs in the ally look over like they were about to get involved but Twonas falling changed there minds and they just keep chatting, hoping to be forgotten about.
Suddenly and without hesitation jib lurches forward attacking the closer ally dweller (yellow)
hux seeing jib isnt finished takes a shot at the enemy
Having failed to hit his previous target, Katara fires two rounds at the nearest enemy. His shots appear to go just as bad as before.
Everyone is having a hard time hitting the non-combatant and has yet to be hit.
"You all had best make yourselves scarce," Dahlia tells the other 2 goons. "This ally seems quite dangerous."
Seeing to the dying man she was talking to mere moments ago.
I'll take the knife first, then my credstick, then cure him.
If he regains consciousness, "Stay down and stay still, if you move, I will kill you."
Dahlia is able to pick up the cred stick and the knife. She then channels her mystic powers into Twonas. His wounds begin to close up and he takes in a deep breath.
Alim looks to the two lingering individuals in the alleyway. Still holding his light sword, Alim addresses them in a loud voice. "Consider those warning shots. Lay down any weapons and come speak to us... I caution you to think better than to draw weapons."
Tool stays out of it but watches the two preparing to shoot if they make any sudden moves.
Hux looks confused as it seems like Jib is acting more on his own than normal.
Oddly, it seems like Hux is still controlling Jib remotely but trying to hide it and pretending to be surprised.
The poor thugs don't know what to do. They have been given opposing commands and being attack. They like the idea of getting away more so both turn to flee.
Twonas gasps back to life after being brutally murder. What the hell is going on! What are you doing? We had a deal... He seems genuinely confused about what is going on and why.
Dahlia directs Alim to restrain him while she searches him for hidden weapons or other goodies.
"I understand that this must be quite uncomfortable for you. It is unfortunate that negotiations had to go this way. But you should be pleased to know that there is still a way for you to leave this alley alive. We shall begin new negotiations now. You WILL tell me all that you know about this kidnapping, then I will intercede on you behalf so that my associates do not destroy you. Your decision to live by the sword has brought you to this point, but you are a smart man, I know you will make the right choice."
I... how can I trust you? We already made a deal and I didn't betray it. You just blew up my brain and brought it back together. How do I know you won't just kill me again if I give you the info you want? You don't have a good track record with keeping up your side of deals...
"All your life you have followed a path that you thought was best for you. And yet, all those decisions led you here. To this moment. Lying broken in an alley at the mercy of strangers. What you are faced with now is the opportunity to do what is right instead of what you think is good for you. We seek to do good. To set right what has been wrong. To destroy evil where we find it. This isn't about trust, or what happened moments ago, this is about YOU. If you choose to do the right thing, you will be spared. If you continue on this path of evil, you will die."
I would hardly say I am evil... I am not sure if you are good or evil, but the way you break deals, I am leaning towards you being just as evil as anyone I have worked for before. But I guess I don't have much choice. Even if you let me live, I will need to flee anyway so my honor and respect here won't mean much. I'll tell you what you want to know, but please, if you let me live like you say, can I get my payment back? I need funds to flee this planet...
"The deal stands as offered. Take it and buy your soul another chance, or refuse and take your chances in the afterlife. How many men did you help illegally smuggle into Ukulam? How long ago did the kidnappers you helped leave for Ukulam? How much were you paid to help these evil men take the freedom, and probably the life, of professor Solstarni?"
Dahlia can clearly see freebooter armor and azimuth laser pistol. Anything else would need a deeper search.
I helped a male korasha lashunta named Eyrub Paqual secure travel documents for 15 individuals, permitting them to use local portals to reach Turhalu Point. Most of the visas were counterfeit—including three fake IDs for Port Authority employees to help move the group’s equipment. One of the people already had an academic visa and just needed a little doctoring to make it valid. She was a Kasatha, but seemed ill. I told them that she did not seem fit to travel. I do not know if they took my advice or not.
It took me a couple of days to pull the resources needed, but I think they planned to leave two days ago.
I don't believe I helped anyone take anyone's freedom or life. But to get the visas to go to Ukulam, it was pricey. Smuggling 1 or 2 people? Sure no problem... but getting 15 people plus equipment? Now that takes someone with some skill... and skill costs you. I agreed to the price of 2000 credits a person, plus fees for equipment. I was expected to be talked down in price but Paqual thought it was a steal and took it on the spot. Though, I probably should of charged them more... I didn't make as much profit as I expected after all the expenses of the job.
"You have been paid well in the past for your nefarious deeds, if you have not saved a rainy day fund, then you are not as smart as I gave you credit for. I do not expect to ever see you again. If I do, I will show you no mercy. Are we clear? Go now, make better decisions."
Dahlia stands, making a show of pocketing the credstick and knife.
Once out of the alley, Dahlia suggests they return to the school to determine the best way to get to Ukulam.
I think not murdering me and not honoring our bargain is showing much "mercy" but I will go. And I have money, but not available in a particulatly easy method given I will not be in a place to return home... He stands up, looks at Dahlia with pleading eyes, then scurries off.
We will utilize the hotel. Setting watches, all in the same room.
We proceed back to the school at first light.
The hotel is nothing fancy. The beds are more comfy then the ones on the Sunrise Maiden, but still not not the best quality either. The one upside to the room is that it feels really secure.
Leaving the hotel in the morning, you get to the school with no issue. The chair of the department, Professor Muhali, is in her office and urges you inside to hear your report when arrive.
Dahlia leaves nothing out as she describes the details of what they have learned. The kidnapping, possible poisoning and destination of the abductors.
"They have a bit of a lead, so if you want us to continue to investigate this matter, we should waste no time getting to Ukulam. Can you assist with that?"
She listens closely and takes note on your story. When you conclude, she pauses for a few seconds as if she is processing the information then finally begins to talk. Wow... this plot is deeper and scarier than I expected. I spent time yesterday working on getting you temporary travel visas to Ukulam. Its pricey for the school but if we can get the Dr. Solstarni back plus get the Starfinder Society the information they need, it is worth the money. I am sorry to say but one of the requirements for this visa will be needing to sit through a three hour lecture today about the importance of protecting Ukulam and the what is allowed and not allowed there. If negotiations go well today, you should be allowed to take the gate there tomorrow morning.
Ohh one thing I forgot. You are heading to go the elven ruins, most likely. Are any of you experts on elven things? If so do not worry about but if not, I have a student who worked directly under Solstarni who is willing to travel with you for a fee. I have found 2,500 credits in the budget to award you as a stipend to do this mission. If you fire him, it will take 400 credits out of that stipend. Let me know what you decide.
Dahlia spends her day at the library, brushing up on Ukulam and Elven.
Dahlia is able to sit in with the grad student who is able to teach the fundamentals of the elven language to her. [ooc[If the vote passes for taking the student, I will get into the description of Tumsy, the grad student.[/ooc]
after the morning lecture hux still fascinated with what he saw the last time he went into a class at the school decides to return to the computer and robotics wing where he sits in on several classes. The first in the same laboratory he had visited prior. This time rather than maintenance drones it seems to be larger robots they are working on. the students seem to be working in groups of 3 to troubleshoot problems in robots made for loading and unloading cargo in star ship docks.
Hux watches and listens eagerly as the professor goes through each machine assigning a group to it and telling the students which systems to check and giving a brief summery of the reported problems. it seems the school has gotten actual units from a nearby docking station to give the students experience like what they would get in the real world .
Hux too caught up in what is going on to see that soon he will be the only one left that the professor hasn't assigned a task simply watches as all but one robot gets assigned a crew. Finally only he and 2 others remain. The professor squints at Hux for a moment not recognizing him but decides simply to tell the remaining 3 students to work on the last robot not wanting to risk hux actually being a student he simply didn't recognize.
The professor explains that this machine is having issues with its hydraulics system. Hux awkwardly introduces himself to his group mates as student who normally takes the same class at a different time and is coming in today because he has an appointment later. The others in his group, Pinns a fellow Ysoki and Mike a human. Somewhat skeptically they both agreed to begin work. Hux taking a few moments to familiarize himself with the machine and noticing the arms work quite similarly to jibs weapon mounts. After each of them have had a chance to look over the problem and run through some tests they all agree that several of the actuators will need to be replaced. In this process Hux finds that while both Pinns and Mike seem to have a good understanding of the machinery and are far more use to the mass produced factory fitted parts they have much less practical skill for making repairs and tweaking the machinery. Hux ends up doing most of the work actually installing the replacement parts and re configuring the system.
At the end of the class the professor looks over the work and commends the group for their work. after class as the students are leaving Pinns comes up and talks to Hux. Hey Hux, you aren't really a student here are you? hux stands and stares not sure what to say for a moment until Pinns continues I heard some people from the star finder society are here to investigate the disappearance of of Dr. Solstarni your with them right? hux responds well ya actually I am hux rolls up his sleeve and proudly displays hux star finder implant badge. How did you know I wasn't a student? Well there is only 1 class they let work on the really machines and I could tell by the way you worked you have been doing it a lot longer than any of us. Also me and a few of my friends were eating lunch on the roof the other day and I saw you asking questions with the scary lady.So have you figured anything out yet? well i cant say too much but for the moment we have made some progress in our investigation but I had some down time so I thought id poke around and see if I could learn anything being in a school it felt like the thing to do. well I've got computer aided design next you want to tag along? Sure that sounds interesting
Hux followed Pinns to another room full of computers. This class was a bit harder for Hux. One of the first things he had done after gaining his freedom was use a rudimentary computer drawing system to design a few custom parts for jib and have them made by a fabrication company but he quickly learned to make do with what he could make himself and not rely on such expensive custom ordered parts instead modifying and making his own. It had been a long time since he had used the software and this program was far more advanced than the one he had used. Still Hux was a fast learner and with some guidance from Pinns and the instruction of the professor Hux was able to learn a lot. following that class Hux went with Pinns to a class on computer coding. At this Hux excels needing little instruction and even offers some advice to Pinns who seems somewhat less confident in this subject. after class Pinns tells hux that he is done for the day and asks if hux is interested in getting something to eat. the two go to the school cafeteria and talk of Pinns's plans for after school and of Hux's exploits with the star finder society. After they eat Hux invites Pinns to come back to the sunrise maiden where they both pour over the circuitry and engine systems. Finally Hux shows off his crown jewel of creation Jib. Pinns is blown away by the complexity and uniqueness. Pinns struggles to comprehend the strange thrown together machinery but cannot deny its effectiveness seeing how strong and capable jib is in combat. Finally the 2 part and exchange com information hux agreeing to keep in contact and Pinns agreeing to come check in if he is ever on the station.
Leaving the school Hux returns to the hotel to await his comrades and tinker with jib settling in for the night
The class is taught by an Eco-Warden (an armed military like organization who is given power in the Pact World's to help protect the environment). He is a human. He teaches that Ukulam is the biggest nature preserve in all of the Pact Worlds and after seeing the effects that tech has had on some planets, Castrovel had agreed to leave this land alone. After the formation of the Pact Worlds, they gave the authority to the Eco-Wardens to protect this land. Since it has gone into protection, there has been very little exploration and research on the land. Short expedition have been made but have not gone more than a mile into the jungle. The only person to break this code was Zan. Your visas will allow you to go into the areas that are normally forbidden and you are some of the only people to experience this. This makes the preservation part of the lecture even more important.
Essentially, by taking the visa you are agreeing to leave as little of an impact on the nature there as possible. They understand that you might need to fight some of the local animals, but you are not supposed to hunt the animals. You are not to chop down trees. You may collect fruits, but not more than you need. No vehicles are permitted at all. The lecture goes into detail about all the dos and don'ts of Ukulam, and as such if you start suggesting things that would not be permitted, I will let you know that they are not allowed and it will be up to you if you want still do it anyway.
After leaving the lecture on eco safety, Katara decides to head to look for a tavern to get a nice strong drink. While walking around someone runs into Katara, bouncing off him the kid falls to the ground. Katara is a bit caught off guard and reaches down to help the kid up.
As he pulls him to his feet the kid whispers Vorin needs you. while slipping a piece of paper to Katara. After thanking him the kid scampers off back into the crowd of people roaming the station.
The paper holds directions to a bar in Qabarat as well as some additional instructions at the bottom. It tells him what to say to the bartender and to have the regular payment ready. Realizing this will likely be for his final payment he decides to head straight for the bar. His walk to the bar is uneventful as he ponders what to say to Vorin.
The bar is quite packed and seems to be a little on the lower scale in terms of its customers, Katara walks up to the bartender and orders a drink while sliding over a credstick. I’m looking for something a little stronger today. The bartender nods while pointing to a door in the corner of the bar. The bartender pours him a drink and then goes back to serving his other customers, Katara takes the drink and heads over to the door he had pointed to.
Upon entering the room he notices a pair of guards armed and ready for a fight. [I’m looking for a Vesk[/b] Katara says to the guards. They look him up and down before the one on the left spoke. Second door on the left. Following their instructions Katara walks down the hallway a bit and enters the room. Inside he is surprised to see he is greeted with not just Vorin but also his son Otig.
Katara greets them as he walks over to the table. Nice to see you again Vorin, you seem to have put on some muscle since I last saw ya kid. How’ve you been Otig? Once at the table he slides a credstick over to Vorin and sits in the empty chair. Vorin responds to Katara as he walks in Good to see you’re still alive buddy, I see you’ve got some new gear so I take it you’re doing well.
Otig stands up and offers his hand to Katara before he has time to sit down. I’ve been good sir, dad has me training to get stronger. Katara shakes his hand before sitting down. No need to be so formal Otig, doesn’t seem like Vorin has been joining you in these training sessions. Katara lets out a laugh as Otig chuckles. Hey, I could still put in the ground buddy. Vorin smiles as he takes the credstick off the table. That’s the final payment Vorin, oh and here you should take this as proof that you took me down. Katara pulls a metal tag on a chain out of his pocket and hands it to Vorin, the tag has his name and identification number on it. There’s also some blood on it and plenty of scratches.
Vorin takes the tag and pulls out his own I remember when we first got these, we were so proud to finally make it through training. We were so devoted to him back then, now I can see we were just blissfully ignorant. Katara nods and responds Sometimes I wish I could just forget everything we learned, go back to how it used to be. Other times I wish I was strong enough to go back and kill that bastard once and for all. Anyways, why did you bring Otig with you?
The boss wanted this to be a kind of first assignment for him, to just watch as I take out an old friend. Likely just wanted to show him what happens to those who go against him. Vorin checks the time before reaching into his shirt and pulling out his own tag. He looks at it for a few seconds before taking it off and handing it to Katara. Take this to remember me by, I’ll just tell the boss I lost it while chasing you through a city. It looks like our time is almost up, we should probably leave before they have to kick us out. Vorin reaches out and shakes Katara’s hand. I’m going to miss you Katara, one day I’ll find a way to escape and I’ll come find you wherever you are. We can settle down and live peacefully for once. Katara smiles as he shakes his hand for what might be the last time.So many times I thought I might never see you again, this is the first time it isn’t because I think you’ll die. I know it’ll be hard to get away with your family but I’m certain you’ll find a way. I’ll see you around Otig, try not to get in too much trouble. Try not to die Vorin, then I’ll really have to go back and kill the boss or at least die trying.
Katara says his farewells as he stands up and finishes his drink. He puts the metal tag around his neck and then tucks it under his clothing, making it is less noticeable. After that he waves to Vorin and Otig one last time before exiting the room and heading back into the city. Katara walks around the city for a few hours just taking in the sights of all the different vendors and shops available here. After that he heads back to the hotel to await the return of everyone else, while waiting he reminisces on the times he spent together with Vorin in the past.
Tumsy is a purple colored skittermander. He is about 3 ft tall and covered in soft fur. Tumsy is a male.
I am a graduate student here at Qabarat, and have always been a student. So I am 15, I turn 16 in a couple of months! How exciting!?!
Ohh no Dahlia! Almost no one has been to Ukulam! It is forbidden by most people. The school doesn't have the ability to send people when they want, i int takes tons of paper work and even then, researchers are not allowed deep in the jungle. They must of called in ALOT of favors to get you visas! But I am excited that I get to be one of the only legal groups to go on this adventure! And I get to help the Starfinder Society! It is like a dream come true, yes it is!
I have never been in a fight, no. I have always been a student, and Dr. Solstarni hasn't taken me into field training yet...
Can I defend myself? Defense is probably what I can do best in combat! I may not be able to help much in combat, but I should be able to avoid being a hindrance for, yes I should!
"How long have you known Solstarni? Are you aware of the potential danger involved in this mission?"
I met her in my second year, yes I did! Seems like ages ago now. I started working with her on a more one on one basis about 4 years ago.
Ohh trust me, I know the jungle is a dangerous place! People aren't even allow deep in the jungle and some parish, yes they do. I think I am ready for this! How could I pass this up? Helping people and exploring Ukulam? Even if I don't make it back, it would be worth it for the opportunity! It is clear the little fellow is very excitable.
Hux will check the public records on the info sphere relating to this student as well as any publicly visible records the school keeps.
After this hux will contact his buddy Pinns and ask if he knows Tumsy or if he could find anything out about him. Hux also asks if he as a student has access to any school records or any more info than would be publicly available.
Hux can find a couple of publications with Tumsy as one of the secondary authors. He doesn't seem to be involved in any extra curriculars but you find an article about him in the school paper. He managed to help an elderly woman who had fallen due to a heart problem. Because of Tumsy's help she made it through the situation fine. The last bit is that he is listed in the course catalog to be a Teachers Assistant for Solstarni in the next semester for an intro level course. You know that intro level courses with TAs tend to be more of taught by the TA than the professor. Besides that, there does not seem to be much on the infosphere about the small skittermander.
Pinns is unable to give any info. I have never heard the name before. But he is in a different department than me. From what you said, he studies in the cultural fields and I do not know many people over there. I can ask around, by my friends probably won't be much help either.
The name is TUMSY! Yes it is!
Trying not to show his clear excitement about learning about a protected area, Alim walks into the mandated class required before leaving for Ukulam. As he sits through the class, Alim takes some notes on the do's and don'ts of where the group will be heading. He listens carefully to the man giving the course, but doesn't ask any questions.
After class is over, Alim tucks his notebook into his backpack, placing it carefully in front of the collapsed tent. Looking around, he sees the man that was teaching the class. Curious about a few things, Alim goes to approach him, but stops short. Standing a few feet behind the teacher, Alim hears the man mumbling to himself, "How awful it is that such an undeserving population of individuals be allowed to travel into such places in Ukulam... Heck, I've been on the force for 20 years! I've never even been beyond the patrol deck! *sigh* Whatever. I've done what I can. " Hearing the man's self-talk, Alim slowly and quietly exists the room, not wishing to further upset the teacher.
Upon leaving the room, Alim finds himself caught up in unanswered questions and thoughts. As he walks down the hallway, he realizes he really has no idea where he is walking to. The sound of Dahlia's voice catches Alim's attention, and he walks towards it, mostly absent-minded. As he approached her voice, he recalls the area and recognizes that he is outside of Professor Muhali's office. Finding the door open, Alim stands in the doorway. Standing directly in front of him is Dahlia, and to the side of her is Professor Muhali, but there is a third voice, which confuses Alim. He looks around, and notices the voice coming from in front of Dahlia, along with some strange blurs of color near her leg. Curious, Alim moves closer, until he can see over Dahlia's shoulder. Standing before him, was a small, furry, purple critter. Its movement was quick and jumpy and excitable, and its voice followed a similar pattern. Overhearing bits of the conversation leading up to this, Alim can't help but smile, his eyes turning up at the sides. As Alim watches the little one speak, the orb is intrigued by the creature. It drifts over to him, performing a large circle around it, hiding where it can. The quick and excitable movements the small purple creature does is startling to the orb, and when one of its hands almost touches it, the orb quickly scurries back to the safety of Alim's shoulder. Hearing that Dahlia is to go study with the small purple creature and that he is joining the group, and brings his lower right arm up and across his chest. Alim bows slightly, and looks to the purple creature. "My name is Alim, young one. It is my honor to have you along with us on this part of our adventure. I will do my best to make sure you are well protected. If you wish to learn or practice any combat skills prior to our departure tomorrow, please do not hesitate to approach me. While you are much more versed in the Ukulam area, you also I am sure are aware of the dangers it holds. I wish only to make sure you are safe while you journey with us." Alim stands straight again, still looking at the little one. "I will part now, so you can work with Dahlia in preparation for our impending adventure. But I do look forward to asking you questions and learning from you myself. I hope you do not mind. " Moving aside, Alim nods to Dahlia as she leaves with Tumsy, and looks back to Professor Muhali. "We will do everything in our power to bring back Dr. Solstarni, you have my word." With that, Alim nods to Professor Muhali, and makes towards the lobby.
Exiting out onto the street, Alim looks around. Noting the tolling of the bell on campus, Alim notes that it must be about 1pm. Students flock out of the local buildings, and the once quiet campus is a roar with student chatter. Being surrounded by the students, Alim reminisces. Lost in thought, Alim walks around campus, through some of the buildings, into one which must have been the local gathering spot for most students, and into a courtyard. Pausing here, Alim takes in the view. This courtyard is beyond beautiful, it is like a little oasis in the center of the campus. With a lush lawn, trees of all various shapes and sizes, and a small creek that flows gently into a small lake at the center, Alim finds himself in awe. Who would have imagined such a place would exist on a campus like this...? Finding a small tree with giant leaves sprouting from its branches, Alim settles in. Beginning a small chant, Alim begins to reset himself, recharging, and setting himself into a place of balanced harmony. His small orb drifts and sways with the chants, at one point just simply allowing itself to catch and blow with the gentle breeze. The orb seems to enjoy the breeze, and catches a few more times, before returning to the space in front of Alim. After finishing his chants, Alim looks to his orb, who has agai begun to drift on the breeze. Alim smiles to himself, as the orb catches Alim looking at it, and quickly returns to his side. Alim rises, stretches his arms to the sky, and exhales deeply.
Noting the time of day, Alim decides it is best to head towards the hotel for the night. Upon arriving, he finds himself to be the first one back. Thinking about the upcoming adventure, Alim takes out a pen and some paper. He writes two notes, and works for a while on each of them. Sealing them each into their own envelops, he writes on one The Qawiu Aldhihin Clan and the other Naziha. Looking at both, he nods, and looks up to find Tool and Dahlia have arrived back. Clearing his throat, he addresses them both. "I don't know much about what awaits us, other than the pieces we have gathered... And I don't know how much planning we could even do, even if we knew all there was to know. What I do know, is a difficult time lays ahead of us. And I shall give you both my word I shall fight until my dying breath, should that be what it comes to. But I ask, should anything happen to me, that these letter go to the addressed parties. Alim displays the sealed envelops, and continues with some emotion in his eyes, though his voice betrays him not. "These letters must make it. I need to know that someone will know of them and care for them should I not make it back. They are kept on me at all times, so I ask that one of you retrieve them off me, should that be required...." Alim drifts off, much quieter when he speaks again. "I do acknowledge I ask a lot of you two, and I do apologize if this is more than you can bear..." Alim looks at both Tool and Dahlia for a fleeting moment, before breaking gazes and moving off to his bed.