Alim nods, and quietly leaves the group and goes to his bed. He falls asleep seemingly quick, and his yellow orb hovers above his head, drifting no fathering that a few feet from him at any point.
It was an uneventful night. Nothing out of the ordinary happened that anyone noticed.
After everyone is ready in the morning, its time to continue your investigation.
Alim looks around as everyone wakes. Alim seems in good spirits; clearly, the sleep did him good.
He greats everyone as they rise. "Good morning!" Alim dives for the curtains and throws them open to reveal... Daylight? Whatever the light source is here, it's bright, and that seems to make Alim happier. His orb is dancing around, clearly happy too. It bounces from shoulder to shoulder, sometimes around the neck, sometimes jumping over Alim's head.
Alim appears to be smiling, as his eyes are slightly tucked up near the corners of his eyes. "Today is a new day! Let us rise from where we have rested, and enjoy what the day may bring!" Alim gracefully jumps over the beds, and lands softly on the floor. He brings his feet together to form a triangle shape with his legs. His upper set of hands is in prayer pose, finger tips pointing to the ceiling. His bottom hands are brought into his chest, but fingertips point down at the ground. Alim closes his eyes for a fleeting moment, then hums, softly at first, but it grows louder and louder until it is just below what would be a shouting level. When it reaches this volume, his hands gracefully fall to his side and he leaps up. He looks around the room, making eye contact with each of his comrades.
"I will excuse myself for a moment." Alim moves to the bathroom, and his comrades can hear him softly muttering chants in his native language from the bathroom, though it is soft enough not to be able to make out any words.
Alim emerges from the bathroom. His skin seems to have gained a slight sheen to it. His crimson face scarf seems to glow a bit brighter, and also smells vaguely of sweet spices and some type of oil, of which brings anyone who smells it comfort. Alim again looks around the room, making eye contact again with each comrade.
"I would like to begin the day by going out into the surrounding area to talk to those who might have known Kreel a bit more intimately. I know my skills would best be served out there, as Tool and Hux seem more than capable of decoding and further investigating the computer and security footage." Alim turns to Dahlia and Katara. "I would be honored if anyone would wish to accompany me in my search among the people on this Station. I do believe at least one of you should stay here, in case anything were to hear of us looking into this, to help Hux and Tool if needed." Alim then looks again to everyone. "If we decide that splitting up is not something we wish to do, I know that I will get antsy again, and I wish to not be a hindrance to any investigations. I wish to help, so I am willing to listen to what others may suggest for us to move forward."
"I would be pleased to accompany you in a gathering of information, just let me get my things together." Dahlia tells Alim, trying to sound awake.
On her way out, she casually straightens a few things and places a folded piece of paper next to the computer, then says "I'm ready"before following Alim and any others who wish to join them to the door.
Tool,
We need to make contact with this 'level 21 gang'. This is a job that is better accomplished by a few. We need to know what they know about the attack. Please be discreet, and be careful. Take Hux with you, he should be able to help. Learn what you can, we will meet back here in a few hours.
Katara awakens feeling rejuvenated, his minor injuries from the day before gone. Hearing the joyous calls of Alim, he shouts back Good Morning.
Katara enters the bathroom after Alim and exits with shinier scales than he entered with.
Seems like a good plan to me, looks like I'll be the one staying behind. Best of luck to all of you.
Tool walked into the main room. The red circuitry shined a little brighter under his skin. Good morning all. Tool said before sneaking into the bathroom before anyone else can get in there. When he emerges from the bathroom Guy I managed to grab this during the fight at the shuttle it may come in handy when we try to investigate the gangs. Tool holds in his hand the badge that shows you to be a member of the love 21 gang This may help us to get some information easer
Hux rises reluctantly, less than pleased with his comrades enthusiasm and looking somewhat disheveled he moves slowly and enters the bathroom after tool. He exits looking slightly more awake but still not fully presentable. Ya, I'll get to work with tool on that computer you be careful out there don't get yourself shot or we'll have another investigation to deal with Hux then moves slugishly to sit near tool and begin his work.
we should go try to get the video from the cameras well you work on the computer I can sift through the video.
While they are out and about, Dahlia looks for a medkit and medpatch available for purchase.
Alim bids the group best of luck on their search through the computers, and leaves with Dahlia to further investigate and collect information.
While they are out and about, Alim browses the shops to see what is available for purchase, as Dahlia stops at the various shops. Alim is quiet when in among the crowds, and his eyes dart around the large crowds of people when in the marketplace. He clearly enjoys people watching, and seeing how different kinds interact with one another.
Since Katara has nothing to do until the others get back he decides to use the computer that came with the suite to do some research. He attempts to find any information he can about the Astral Extraction group including what their latest ventures are, if they had any public contact with Kreel, where and if they have a headquarters on Absalom Station.
Hux will take 20 searching the computer in the room while he waits for tool to find the security footage and the others to return.
Katara being untrained in the art of technology attempts to access the computer, taking 2 minutes to work it all out and open it up. After he has it opened up he attempts to search for the data.
Failing to find any relevant information due to his lack of computer skills Katara retires from the computer. One day I must learn how these crazy contraptions work someday.
Dahlia and Alim wander the Lorespire complex for a few hours each asking questions of Starfinder Society agents and staff about Kreel. It doesn't seem many people knew him very well, and the people that did know him where only able to give you information you already knew about him. At least that is the case until Alim chats with another dwarf who tells you that Kreel had personally invested money in the Hardscrabble Collective. In addition, one of his cousins was a member of the group, but she died in a mining accident—the result of safety violations perpetrated by her contract employer, Astral Extractions.
Hux heads to the office to get another look at the computer. Behind a password protected website, Hux finds the same information Alim about his investments and cousin.
Tool asks the around and gets a hold of the tapes. Unfortunately, this seems to be a dead end because he is the only one in and out of his office. If he had other meetings, they must not take place in this office.
Katara tries her hand at working the computer. But is unable to figure it out. There are way too many button and the symbols don't make sense. To turn on the computer, you need to click a circle with an open top and a line through it... why?
After the group is reunited at the inn, and information is shared, Dahlia checks to see that her pistol is loaded and says
"Guess it's time to go chat with the level 21 gang."
Ready
Maybe we should go check kreel's house maybe he has papers or a computer there we can get more info out of. and we should go talk to the security officers and see if they got more info before we go to the gangs. the gangs aren't going to want to give up info easy or cheep we should get all we can before putting ourselves in danger by pocking around with the gangs.
Alim looks to Tool, and nods in agreement.
"I believe we should finish this side of the investigation by exploring Kreel's home if possible. Maybe there will be a tip that will make dealing with the gangs easier... Though, I don't know if there's anything more we can gather from the guards. They didn't seem to know much when we talked to them last time... "
Alim looks around at everyone. "But I do think before we leave, everyone should make sure they are in combat shape, just in case we encounter something along the way. We have done a pretty thorough job of finding out what we have so far, and I'm sure word is starting to get around that there's a group looking into Kreel's death being something more... It wouldn't surprise me if whoever was sent to shut Kreel up wasn't getting ready to do the same to us..."
We should talk to Security so we can learn about the gang who the leader are where they hang out what all there involved in. We shouldn't walk into that situation blind the more information we have I feel the more information we will come out with.
I agree we should probably get as much info on both gangs before we just go wondering around asking questions in the spike. its a big place and we should try to know where these gangs usually hang out before we take any chances talking to strangers.
it may be best if tool and I did some research on the computer while you three see if you can get any information out of the guards
Upon hearing that the internet information on the gangs may be less than helpful Hux will instead search for information on the drift rock and the companies competing for it specifically if either has any affiliation with the starfinder society.
Hux uses his masterful button pressing technique to turn on and search the computer.
Tool reads the computer screen as Hux scans through the info on the computer. When Hux gets up to take a pee Tool dose a little research on kreel's cousin and the accident looking for any tie in to the drift rock. seeing Hux is a vary slow peer he also looks into and connection starfinder has with either group claiming the rock.
Before leaving the hotel, Alim looks at each one of his comrades.
"Hux and Tool, if you could both work on finding out more about the companies that were at fault for the mining accident of Kreel's family member, that would be helpful. While we need to figure out how the gangs are involved, we also need to know what these companies have done and any other dirty things they may have their hands in. Their histories will be of much help to further our investigation... And why this Drift Rock seems to be of so much value..."
Alim looks to Dahlia. "Would you like to join me to talk to the security guards? Katara, would you like to go along, or would you like to stand guard here in case anything happens...?"
Once arrangements have been ironed out, Alim nods to his comrades that stay behind to work on computer work, while Alim and his group head to talk to the Security Guards.
Upon arriving to the Security Guards station, Alim looks around. He notices that there are a lot of individuals wandering around, but notices that one Guard seems to stand out above the rest. Everyone seems to show this Guard more respect, and seem to frequently approach them with questions. Alim's lower hands lightly tug on the bottom of his crimson scarf, while his top hands make minuscule adjustments around his mouth. Alim straightens himself, and approaches the Guard he believes to be the leader of this department.
"Excuse me, pardon the intrusion, but we have been sent here as a part of a Starfinder mission of sorts. We are looking into the death of one of their own, Kreel. He was murdered on the Docks when we first arrived here on the Station." Alim pauses for a moment, and then extents his bottom right hand. "My name is Alim of the Qawiu Aldhihin Clan, but you may call me Alim. These,", Alim motions to his comrades, "are also fellow Starfinder investigators. We were hoping you would have some time to speak, maybe in the privacy of your office?"
Alim and his comrades follow the Guard to his office. The door closes. Alim speaks up again. "When we were arriving on the Docks, Kreel was shot in what first seemed like a possible accident. The Level 21 Gang and the Downtown Kings were in a shoot out in a public space. Now, when we spoke to the Security Guards that showed up, they didn't have much information for us. We are hoping you can help us fill in any gaps. Where are these gangs typically found? We would like to talk to them, as we have some interesting leads that we believe they could help us with...Speaking of which, do you know someone that is relatively reasonable to talk to on either side? Like a contact person, or a recruiter? What exactly do these gangs do in order to get money? Do they smuggle weapons, are they drug lords...? Also, do you happen to know the size of both of these gangs, and if there would be any reason for them to be quarreling with one another?"
Alim takes a pause, and briefly looks around the office. His eyes return to the Guard. "We do not wish to tread on any unwanted grounds. I do not mean for it to seem that we are trying to take over any of your job. If that is how I have made you feel, I do apologize."
Alim's eyes seem to begin to glow; clearly, what he is feeling is somewhere between anger and determination. When Alim speaks again, it is clear his is determined to right the wrong that was done to Kreel. "But I want to make it clear. Kreel died in what is growing to seem less and less like an accident. And, if Kreel did not go when it was called on by the Universe in a natural and balanced manner, then I am not going to just stand by and let that be. We are here to ensure that balance is restored, and justice is brought about for Kreel and his family."
Alim takes a moment, and regains his center. Alim's eyes make contact again with the Guard, nodding in respect towards them. "Any information you can give us would be greatly appreciated."
The sheriff listens to Alim and seems to know what you are talking about. Trust me, I know about that crazy incident. I still don't understand what was going on. We are looking into it ourselves but an outside group might have a better chance at figuring it out because the gangs maybe willing to chat with you where they run and shoot at us. Well, I will know some stuff about the gangs, but you would be better to talk to Officer Ted and Officer Arnold. Ted has been looking a lot into the Level 21 Gang and Arnold has been with the Downside Kings. With that he points you to the desk of each.
Going to Officer Ted, and giving your speech again to him, he responds with some information. Well sir, I can't say I can give you all of that information but here is what I can do. The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims (unsurprisingly) Level 21 of Absalom Station’s seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal endeavors include theft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
He continues, The Level 21 Crew may be a criminal gang, but they have a reputation in their territory (and neighboring levels) for promoting community empowerment, and many neighborhood residents tolerate or tacitly endorse their activities. The gang has also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. A grizzled ysoki called Jabaxa currently leads the Level 21 Crew.
The last bit of information I got for you just came across my desk yesterday. You hear about that drift rock? Well the one company, the Hardscrabble Collective, fearing retribution from powerful corporate interests has recently hired the Level 21 Crew for protection. Beyond that, I don't got much else. If you find anything new out about them, I have an informant budget and I am willing to pay for information.
Katara accepts Alim's invitation to join their talk with the security guards. I'd be happy to join you, it is far more likely that if whoever killed kill Kreel is also trying to kill us they will strike while we are in public rather than attempt to assault a hotel frequented by Starfinder Society members enough to encourage a discount.
Seeing Alim's seemingly expert conversational skills in comparison to his own Katara decides to leave the talking to him rather than butt in and muck it up.
- Duravor Kreel was a midranking member of the Starfinder Society. Most of his work focused on mineral prospecting, but he also took an interest in mentoring new and prospective members of the Society.
- Kreel was a native of the Diaspora, the diffuse asteroid belt between Verces and Eox, and was known to have ties to dwarves and other mininggroups in the region. An outspoken champion of miners’ rights, Kreel was active in challenging large corporate interests that exploited individual miners and laborers, including Astral Extractions.
- Kreel had personally invested money in the Hardscrabble Collective. In addition, one of his cousins was a member of the group, but she died in a mining accident—the result of safety violations perpetrated by her contract employer, Astral Extractions.
- The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims (unsurprisingly) Level 21 of Absalom Station’s seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal endeavors include theft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
- The Level 21 Crew may be a criminal gang, but they have a reputation in their territory (and neighboring levels) for promoting community empowerment, and many neighborhood residents tolerate or tacitly endorse their activities. The gang has also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. A grizzled ysoki called Jabaxa currently leads the Level 21 Crew.
- Fearing retribution from powerful corporate interests, the Hardscrabble Collective has recently hired theLevel 21 Crew for protection.
The combination of Hux and Tool scourer the internet for information on Astral Extraction. They find some interesting result. They summarize the info and text it the the group.
- Astral Extractions is a powerful mining conglomerate with business ties throughout the Pact Worlds. Most of the company’s operations are centered in the Diaspora and the rocky moons of the outer planets, but it has also begun sending scout vessels into the Vast in search of new claims. The company recently hired one of the Hardscrabble Collective’s ships, the Acreon, for one of these exploratory missions.
- The public face of Astral Extractions is that of an ethical and respectable corporation, but outside of the public eye, some say the company uses hired muscle—corporate mercenaries, strikebreakers, and even criminal elements—as proxies to intimidate and threaten those who stand in its way.
- Following the arrival of the Acreon, Astral Extractions secretly hired a violent Absalom Station street gang called the Downside Kings to coerce the Hardscrabble Collective into abandoning its claims on the Acreon and the Drift Rock.
Alim turns to officer Arnold, and asks about the Downtown Kings, giving the same questions as he did to Officer Ted.
Seeing Alim begin to struggle swaying officer Arnold, Katara attempts to help. Unlikely this will go well, but here goes nothing.
Hello officer my name is Katara Lonewalker, sorry for bombarding you with these questions but it is imperative that we get the information we need in order to bring justice to those who have wronged Kreel and perhaps hope to continue to cut short the lives of the innocent. I implore you to please bequeath us with any knowledge you have on the Downside Kings.
Dahlia tags along and tries to put on a smile (even though it goes against her very nature) and help elicit more info from the security detail.
Officer Arnold is a lot more stern of a person the Officer Ted. I don't know, this information I have is quite valuable and some people have died gathering it. If I just share it with you, it makes it seem less valuable. Also, how do I know you aren't going to go and report to the Downside Kings the info we have so that they can move around and stuff?
After a few minutes of chatting, the three talkers finally convince him to share some stuff. Look, I won't be able to give you everything that is in the file. I am still working on corroborating some other stories and moving informants to safety and if that info goes public, he may be as good a dead.
He pulls a file out from inside his desk, opens it and finds the a specific sheet of paper he is looking for. He is what I know, the Downside Kings are some bad dudes. The Level 21 Gang gives the anti-hero feel of doing some bad things but helps the community, the downside kings the are a brutal street gang that controls several decks of Absalom Station’s lower levels, or “Downside,” through a combination of intimidation and violence. They are known to engage in a wide variety of illegal activities, from extortion, fraud, robbery, smuggling, and theft, to drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, murder-for- hire, and trafficking in sentient species.
[b]Turnover among the Downside Kings’ leadership is high, but the gang’s current boss is a barbarous human woman named Ferani Nadaz.
Astral Extractions has recruited the Downside Kings to threaten the Hardscrabble Collective and pressure the miners into handing over the Acreon and the Drift Rock to the company without dispute.
The Downside Kings are known to use a nightclub called Fusion Queen as a front for their illegal activities. Sorry, I think that is all I can give you. If you plan to meet with Nadaz, just be careful. She is a bit trigger happy. If you gather some intel on this gang, I am happy to pay you some creds.
An officer recognizes Katara and says, Hey, you are the guy who helped in the gang fight. We were going to send your payment to the socity but since you are here, he hands you a cred stick.
After officer Arnold finishes sharing the information Katara thanks him for giving them what he could. Thank you officer, this information will be put to good use in our investigation.
Turning to the new officer offering him the credstick Thank you for the reward, these credits shall be put to good use.
tool looks into hardscrabble
After getting all the information he can on Astral Extractions hux turns his attention to the Hardscrabble Collective and looks to see if he can find any useful information on them
After spending time searching the computer, Hux and Tool are convinced they have found everything they can on The Hardscrabble Collective. They compile it into a lost again.
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- Duravor Kreel was a midranking member of the Starfinder Society. Most of his work focused on mineral prospecting, but he also took an interest in mentoring new and prospective members of the Society.
- Kreel was a native of the Diaspora, the diffuse asteroid belt between Verces and Eox, and was known to have ties to dwarves and other mininggroups in the region. An outspoken champion of miners’ rights, Kreel was active in challenging large corporate interests that exploited individual miners and laborers, including Astral Extractions.
- Kreel had personally invested money in the Hardscrabble Collective. In addition, one of his cousins was a member of the group, but she died in a mining accident—the result of safety violations perpetrated by her contract employer, Astral Extractions.
- Astral Extractions is a powerful mining conglomerate with business ties throughout the Pact Worlds. Most of the company’s operations are centered in the Diaspora and the rocky moons of the outer planets, but it has also begun sending scout vessels into the Vast in search of new claims. The company recently hired one of the Hardscrabble Collective’s ships, the Acreon, for one of these exploratory missions.
- The public face of Astral Extractions is that of an ethical and respectable corporation, but outside of the public eye, some say the company uses hired muscle—corporate mercenaries, strikebreakers, and even criminal elements—as proxies to intimidate and threaten those who stand in its way.
- Following the arrival of the Acreon, Astral Extractions secretly hired a violent Absalom Station street gang called the Downside Kings to coerce the Hardscrabble Collective into abandoning its claims on the Acreon and the Drift Rock.
- The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims (unsurprisingly) Level 21 of Absalom Station’s seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal endeavors include theft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
- The Level 21 Crew may be a criminal gang, but they have a reputation in their territory (and neighboring levels) for promoting community empowerment, and many neighborhood residents tolerate or tacitly endorse their activities. The gang has also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. A grizzled ysoki called Jabaxa currently leads the Level 21 Crew.
- Fearing retribution from powerful corporate interests, the Hardscrabble Collective has recently hired theLevel 21 Crew for protection.
from what i have gathered this drift rock is a big part of whats going on. Kreel was involved with the collective. maybe we should speak to them first to see if we can get more of the story on this rock and the dispute over it. and also see if they have more info on Kreel's cousin and that accident. We should go as a group there is safety in numbers. and maybe they will help us with info on the Level 21 gang seeing they are working together. that may be easier then to go in guns a blazing. Tool also well waiting for the group to all meat up dose a little research on the computer.
Alim looks over at Katara and Dahlia, and what seems to be a grateful look crosses his face as they jump in to aid him in conversing with Officer Arnold.
Alim listens carefully to everything that the Officers give them as far as information goes. When Officer Arnold finished speaking, Alim nods. His eyebrows are furrowed, as he seems to be deep in thought, trying to piece what they have learned together with the other information. Alim looks up at the officers, and back at the Sheriff, who isn't far away. "I want to thank you all for all your help. This information has been most helpful, and we will use it to further our case." He looks at each officer, making direct eye contact with each of them. As he speaks, the tone in Alim's voice is one of sincerity, and has a comfort about it. "This information will be well-kept. If we find out anything more, one of us will be sure to bring it back to you, to aid you in anything further regarding the gangs."
Alim then turns to his comrades. "I believe we should return to the hotel and see what Hux and Tool have found. Maybe we can being to figure out next moves from there."
Upon returning to the hotel, Alim greets Hux and Tool with warm words, his eyes tucked up in the corners in what can assume is a smile. Alim sits on the floor in the middle of the room, back against the foot of a bed, as Hux and Tool lay out what they have found. Once they have relayed all their information, Alim speaks of all they learned from the officers about the gangs. Finishing their conversation, Alim sits for a minute, bringing his legs into their triangle shape. He stares at the floor for a moment, gathering and processing everything that has been discussed.
After a little time, Alim looks up from the floor, and makes eye contact with each of his comrades. "I do not personally like the idea of getting involved in legal matters between two feuding companies. Typically, outside sources intervening has historically swayed who becomes the victor. And typically, I would find such unbalance caused by myself a disgrace..." Alim's bottom hands lightly tug on the crimson scarf, and he seems to be anxiously playing with it without thinking. "...However. These are not just two companies suing one another. The Astral Extraction has hired the Downside Kings to bully the Hardscrabble Collective into surrendering something that is in the midst of being disputed who has rightful claim to it. It seems as though the Level 21 gang was only hired as a protective measure, and that alone disgusts me. The Hardscrabble does not seem to be actively fighting back, they are on the defense. And I am angry that the Downside Kings seem to be willing to go after people in broad daylight, consequences be damn. They don't care if they hurt civilians in the midst of their fighting, and I will not stand for such aggression. They are throwing off the balance of the natural legal system, and taking measures into their own hands...."
Alim lets his words sink in for a moment, and then continues. "I believe what we should do is attempt to go to the Armada and see if we can locate the Hardscrabble Collective. It may take some discussion and talking down if they are protective of their own, but once they see what Kreel meant to each of us... I have no doubt they will let us help bring justice to both him and his cousin." Alim looks around, for the badge that Tool had found of the Level 21 member. "Maybe, once we talk to the Hardscrabble, we could bring the badge to the gang, and apologize for their loss. Then, maybe they would join forces with us, or aid us in some way to bring down the Downside Kings or even the Astral Extraction...Astral Extraction has no right treating people who oppose them in such aggressive ways, and if taking them down restores balance and justice for Kreel's death, I am willing to go the distance."
Alim looks directly into the eyes of each of his comrades, anxious to hear what their thoughts are to move forward with what they've learned, and what they think of his plan.
Hux looks around somewhat comfusedly as alum speaks and when he finishes hux looks nervous about the intensity with which he speaks.
I agree with tool that the next logical step is to look into the collective knowing their history could be extremely valuable to us and i think rushing into interactions especially with criminal organizations can be risky.
Katara is impressed with the resolve of Alim to bring justice to those who have wronged Kreel.
I agree as well, meeting with the Collective and gathering as much knowledge as possible is imperative.