Chiskisk looks at Alim, Thank you for the update. What all this has to do with Astral Extractions is beyond me. You seem to be doing a good job. For contacts, little of our work involves the station itself so we have not bothered making contacts. If you make any connections, either for yourself or as members of the Society, it would be a good thing. For past dealings, we have none. We have not needed to deal with either gang before. But some advice, if you can not make that type of person talk with nice words, they give a doubtful look at Dahlia a doubtful look, they normally respond well to a few credits.
When Dahlia makes her comment I have not meant to create issues among the ranks. We have never had such issues in the society, at least none that I am aware of and it is normal for agents to be forthcoming with their reports. I will keep your distrust for superiors in mind but also wish to build a trust with you.
Before Dahlia leaves, Wait a moment. Just give me a few second to get your ID cards and your implant. It will only take a moment.
"I'll take the badge instead of the implant. It's easier to give back if I decide this isn't for me."
Alim hears what Dahlia has to say. As Chiskisk addresses her, Alim's eyes are focused on Dahlia, watching body language as they talk to her. He stands and watches as she begins to move away.
Alim looks back to Chiskisk, taking his badge, and nods respectfully. "Thank you for this. We will do all we can to restore balance to Kreel's life and legacy. Pardon me. " Alim takes the badge and tucks it into his uniform. He turns to his comrades and nods respectfully to them as he briskly walks from the room.
Alim spots Dahlia moving at a fairly rapid pace away from the Spire down the street towards the hotel. Alim gracefully moves around the patches of crowds, and catches up with her moments later. Alim swiftly moves in front of her, blocking her path. Clearly not happy to see Alim, Dahlia looks literally anywhere but at him. Alim stands straight, looking at Dahlia for a moment, shifting his weight from foot to foot, his arms unsure of where to be. His upper arms unfold, and then refold into his upper shoulder area, while his lower arms fold across his chest, then one drops to his side while the other lands on his hip, and finally both come to rest at his sides. From a by-standers view, it would be a very awkward sight. Alim, after attempting to put words together, gives it a try.
"Dahlia..." *sigh* "Dahlia, look. I am fairly new to dealing with all kinds of beings. I have watched my grandfather trade with all kinds for a long time, and learned a great deal from him. However, our kind still have a lot of... long-standing opinions of different kinds. I was quick to fall back on that when I saw you disrespecting the man who gave us this task. There was nothing that we believed he did that was wrong..."
Alim, taking note that he is ranting and trying to justify what he did, takes a moment to regather his thoughts, and tries again. "... I have learned many things on my home planet. But clearly, all the histories that I have learned and reflected upon are only the histories of the Worlds. And of my own family's ancestry... It did not include yours. I clumped you into the stereotype of the general 'human' population, and did not consider your own history, nor the background that you have come from."
Alim, trying to make eye contact with Dahlia, while trying to again figure out his lower hands. After a few awkward hand movements, he eyes brighten as he recalls what he had been trying to remember, and extends his right hand to Dahlia. "I do apologize, each kind had a way of extending a truce and I was just trying to recall..." Alim clears his throat, and extends his hand a bit farther forward. "What I am trying to say is, I am sorry. For the hurt that I have caused. For any pain that I brought up by triggering those foul memories. For my immature labeling of you... I do hope that we can put this behind us and move forward. And I will do better to learn more about you before I... uhhh... Put my leg into my throat. Right? That's the saying human's use?" Alim seems to be attempting to smile, as the corner of his eyes are slightly squinted.
"You need not apologize, Alim. You are not the first to think me rude. I'm sure you are right to trust Chiskisk, he has done nothing suspect, it's just not that easy for me. Dahlia replies, looking far more tired than the time of day warrants.
"I appreciate that you felt it important to speak with me. It speaks well of who you are. I would tell of my.......history.....but (if it made me who I am) I'm not sure it would be good for you. I have always found more value in vigilance, than friendship." losing herself in time for a moment, she continues, "Sung once told me 'trust is the enemy of survival', and I believed him. He was the closest thing to a mentor that I had."
Coming back to the now, she goes on "Walk a bitter, tired woman back to her hotel for some rest." offering her arm as they walk.
Even tool could feel the tension in the air over the conversion. Tool reaches out and takes his badge and follows Alim. Thank you sir following Alim tool noticed Alim stop Dahlia. Tool stops giving them there space but not enough space he couldn't hear what was being said. Tool listened to Alim apology to Dahlia he couldn't help but think of Alim advice he gave to him on the shuttle. Tool though about hux and Dahlia even lizard breath. he found himself like each of them. well maybe not lizard breath so much but he did decided he could be a little nicer to him. na tool shook his head. Tool then looked around for hux and lizard breath letting Alim and Dahlia have there moment.
Katara listens silently as Alim updates Chiskisk and Dhalia shares a part of her past. Katara ponders events in his past that have led him to a similar level of distrust in his superiors. He accepts the badge offered and says to Chiskisk after Dhalia and Alim leave. I apologize for Dhalia's actions although I cannot say I blame her, I also view my superiors in a suspicious light though it has nothing to do with anything you've said or done. Thank you for the badge, we will find whoever is responsible for Kreel's death and bring them to justice.
Katara leaves and follows after his companions though to far behind to hear any possible conversation happening.
You return to the hotel and show your new shinny badges to the woman at the front desk. Thank you, you are all set to go up to your rooms. She goes back to typing at her computer.
You all get a good night of sleep, while taking watches. The night is uneventful. In the morning you each take your time getting ready in the morning and are all set to go down to Mama Fat's.
The Level 21 is relatively unchanged from yesterday. You quickly find Mama Fat's grocery store again at around 11:45. Upon entering the halfling shouts Welcome back! I always love a repeat customer. She looks at Dahlia Did I win you over with my apple turnover that you just needed to come back for some more? I can give you 3 for 5 credits! Now that is a bargain!
She gets a look as if she just remembered why you came yesterday. I can send someone to let him know you are here if you have arranged to meet with him.
She shouts to a Ysoki child who is reading a magazine
The kid runs off to the back of the store. A few moments later, two humans come out with the child and the child points to you. The men walk over to your group. Hello, we are here to escort you to the boss. They maintain a neutral face the whole time and leas you into the back of the store. They lead you down into a basement area.
The escorts open a door and inside is a desk, a bunch of chairs, two guards, and a Ysoki male sitting behind the desk.
Welcome. You have requested a meeting?
Tool step up ill take that deal and buys the apple turnovers. he then turns to Hux would you like one? Tool hands Hux a turnover, but in doing so looses his grip on one of the others and drops it on the floor. picking it up he hands it to Katara. Here this one is for you lizard breath. . Tool then bites into the last one. the flavor shocks him. Mama fats wow this is the best think i can ever remember eating the flavors thank you vary much. Alim,Dahlia would you like one too they are so good? tool offers to but them there own. But mostly so he could get himself another one.
Hux gratefully accepts the snack thanking tool and then mama fat and then tool again
Tool follows them to see the boss eating his second turn over. but even stuffing his face tool is sure to take assessment of his surroundings. Keeping track of door, counting people , observing everything around him leaving nothing to chance.
The door behind you is closed and there are 3 people in the room besides you. Two guards and the boss. The guards are ready with pistols but don't seem particularly aggressive, more like they are taking the same level of observation you are. The boss on the other hand does not have a weapon drawn and just sitting at the desk.
Dahlia sits and addresses the Ysoki, ignoring the guards.
"Thank you for meeting with us, I know your time is valuable, I will try not to waste it. We are all new to the station, and our arrival was met with an unfortunate incident in the docking bay. In the chaos that ensued, our contact, a Mr. Kreel, was regrettably killed. We have been tasked with investigating this death, as Kreel had a few enemies and there are those who would profit from his demise. We understand that a few of your men might have been in the area, and if you have information that would aid us in unraveling this puzzle, we would be most appreciative. Please understand that while we have spoken with station security in the course of our investigation, we are not acting in that role at this time. No information given to us will make its way to the authorities. We understand that the Downside Kings were involved also, But your reputation on this station was such that we knew we should speak with you for the real story. The strength of you character is known amongst the people here. Please feel free to share anything you think might help us, and if remuneration is warranted, I'm sure an arrangement can be made. We have little coin, but we are not without skills that could be useful to someone in your position. Thank you again for your time." When she is done she sits back in the chair and tries to gauge the reactions of not just the boss, but also the guards.
The guards started seeming cautious and indifferent. They remain that way through your whole speech. They seem as if they have grown to tune out the conversations of the boss and are just watching for aggression.
The boss started looking indifferent as if he is used to people coming in to ask favors or waist his time. But your speech has intrigued him and he seems to move right past friendly to helpful.
Tool stands at attention in front of the boss Well dealing with security I came across this Tool holds out his hand holding gently a level 21 membership badge I thought it better it was with you so it can get where it belongs rather then sitting in a evidence Locker . Tool sets the badge on the desk and then returns to his seat.
When Tool reaches for the patch, the guards look nervously ready to act. They relax when they see it is just a patch.
When Tool tells him the story, the boss smirks, Sure, you got this from the security . He lets a light chuckle as he takes the patch from you. We lost two good men that day. Thank you for returning one of their patches.
Alim gratefully takes the turnover offers by Tool, and thanks him. He takes it into his upper left hand, and gently cradles it, debating when to eat it later.
Upon arriving in the basement, Alim is overcome by nerves. He isn't sure where they came from... Maybe the look of the head of the Gang throws him off? Needless to say, Alim decides that staying on the quiet end of things this time may be the better option... Especially if Dahlia seemed to already get on his better side.
The only think Alim adds, in as strong a voice as he can muster, "Sir, we wish to bring balance to Kreel's untimely death. Let us do what we can to bring justice to the men of Level 21, who lost their lives fighting against the Downside Kings."
Ahh I see. This is about the docking bay 94 thing. Well don't just stand there and take a seat! He waves his at the seats as he stands up. He walks over and grabs a few shot glass. Care to join me for a shot? The bottle pulls out is clearly home made moon shine and fills up his shot and one for anyone who takes up his offer.
Now you say a friend got hurt in that pesky shoot out? Well I can guarantee that it wasn't my men. I haven't an idea who this Kreel guys is, but I am sorry for your loss. He shakes his head. The are right, the Downside Kings where there. They fired at my people, probably hitting your friend too.
As you may of learned, as I trust you did your homework before walking into a meeting of this sort, we have been hired to protect the Hardscrabble Collective. They believe they own some big rock or something. This other large company also believes they own this same rock. The Hardscrabble Collective paid us to defend them against any retribution, and it's a good thing they did. The Astral Extraction company paid a different gang to intimidate the collective. So tension has been running high between us and the Downside Gang.
The Ysoki pauses to collect his thoughts, We had a group of our men following a group of theirs. They were going up to the docking bays for some reason and I guess that my men got spotted and it turned into a shoot out.The Downside Kings have been pretty quite since.
So that is my story, any questions? I cant promise that I have answers but I will do what I can.
"I am glad to hear that Kreels death was not by your design. I suspected as much as I better learned the character of this organisation. Can you tell me what you know of these Downside Kings? We may soon find ourselves dealing with them, whether we want to or not. How many are in their ranks? If we contact them, can we expect hostility?"
He chuckles Expect hostility... from the Downside Kings? Of course. You would be lucky to manage a sit down with who ever is leading that place now. Ferani Nadaz I believe. And if you do get a sit down with her, I doubt you will get her to talk much. More than likely, it will result in an ambush and put you at a disadvantage.
He pauses to think, They have a reputation for being a big bad gang, heck I even believed it till we got put on opposing jobs, but I think their numbers are low right now. Maybe the resent leadership change caused it, who knows. But they aren't what you would expect from how much you hear about them. I can confirm at least 8 agents, but I wouldn't expect them all to be at their hideout. They trust in their reputation as part of their safety. Though, the leader does have a big Vesk who follows her around, I would suspect a personal body guard.
Tool hearing the magic word Vesk perked up a little bit.
A Vesk you say. Just curious are you offering any reword for there heads for what they did to your men? I mean to balance the universe and all this was the first time when speaking to someone of authority tool didn't stand at attention
We are hired to protect the Hardscrabble Collective. Each of us know the risk of accepting a job. We mourn the 2 men we lost, but paying a reward revenge for the ones we lost would only mean their loss costs us more money than it already has.
OK understood
"I have no further questions at this time. I thank you again for your time. Please, do not hesitate to contact us if you remember something that might be of use to us."
As we leave his thanks the boss in their native tongue.
Alim listens to the conversation rather quietly. He is careful to hear everything that is said, and watches closely the body language of the boss. He politely waves away the offer of the drink, and continues to stand in thought. It seems as though he is being honest and helpful with us... though he doesn't seem to know much that would be of help. As Alim thinks, his yellow orb travels a bit from him, seemingly intrigued by the guards. It hoovers near the one guard for a moment, and does a quick spin around the guard's body before returning to Alim's shoulder.
Alim looks to the boss. "The only questions I can think of would be if you have any knowledge in their weapon skills? Do they have a specialty weapon or fighting style that they seem to stick to? Has your team picked up on any ritualistic behaviors in their time following and fighting them? "
Alim listens to the response of the boss. "Thank you for your time, sir. It seems that we have learned all we can here. If it is alright, may we stop by here again if we happen upon more questions for you?" Alim bows slightly as he turns to leave. "May your men stay safe defending the Hardscrabble from the Downside Kings, and if any should die, may they die with a purpose, and with honor for the cause. So may there always be balance."
Katara accepts the offering for the shot as he listens intently to what is said by his companions and the gang boss. He is silent throughout the conversation and thanks the boss for the information they have shared as he exits.
They are a street gang, not a cult. They aren't known for any sort of rituals. They normally stick to small guns because its less conspicuous to walk around with easily hidden guns than it is to walk around with big ones. That being said, the Vesk guard is always seen with a big rifle in his hands at all times.
When Alim sends his glowing explosive or advanced scanner or camera or what ever it is over to circle one of the guards, both guards draw their weapons and get ready to shoot at Alim. Right before they fire, the boss waves his hand at them Stand down boys! He turns to Alim What the hell do you think you are doing? Are you trying to make enemies? Because either that is some technology I am unfamiliar with, or you are one of those freaky Solarions. I am not too familiar with those weirdos but I do know they turn light or darkness into weapons.
Alim turns back to the boss, and sees his orb bee-lining towards Alim's shoulder. As Alim turns all the way back around, his orb hides behind his neck, not wishing to be seen by anyone. It almost seems to be shaking...
Alim looks at both the guards, and then back at the boss. "I am a Solarian. Any yes, I can turn my orb into a weapon. However, that is only when my orb and I feel that fighting may be the only solution. We are a peaceful kind by nature, and my orb meant no harm. My orb just has a mind of its own, and sometimes doesn't know its limits." Alim cranks his neck to shoot his orb a look, and his orb seems to sink a bit, but at least stops shaking. Alim turns back to the boss. "No ill intentions were meant by my orb's wandering. It doesn't typically do so unless it feels we are in good company. I apologize if you think we meant any harm." Alim bows again slightly, and his orb dives behind his neck, to stay hidden. "If you feel uncomfortable, please do not hold that on my comrades, for we all hold good intentions. I understand if my kind makes you uneasy. I will take my leave now. Thank you again for your time, and your kindness shown to my orb. If our paths are ever to cross again, my orb will be better behaved."
With that, Alim stands again, and turns to the stairs. As he turns, his orb dives in front of Alim's shoulder area, with just a sliver of it peering over his shoulder, looking back at the guards and the boss.
The boss gives Alim a weird look, Hey look, I know almost nothing about your kind. I do not know what that orb is, all I do know is that I have seen a different person with one of those orbs turn it into a sword and slice through one of my men. I do not know what that orb is, besides being a weapon. I did not know it has a mind of its own. But you better learn to train it before it ends up causing you and your allies to end up in trouble. But you guys can take your leave if you don't have anymore questions. If you need to make another appointment ever, follow the same procedure.
Upon leaving the basement, Alim nods at Mama Fat, and proceeds outside. The sun is bright, and Alim squints for a few moments as his eyes readjusts to the daylight.
He turns to his comrades, and makes eye contact with each of them, before continuing on.
"My apologizes for stirring up trouble there for a moment." Alim looks at his orb, which has returned to floating over his shoulder. "It will not happen again. Now, as for us, it seems as though we have exhausted all of our leads... It seems as though all roads point towards the Downside Kings and that Astral Extraction. Alim turns to his orb, and it seems to perk up a bit at this new bit of news, and begins to dance around Alim. "It seems as though we owe it to Kreel to pay the Downside Kings a visit. We should walk by the shops, make sure everyone is well equipped, since we don't really know what we are walking in to. Or how many will be there to greet us." Alim turns to Tool. "It seems like you may get to fight a Vesk after all... Just remember, killing is only necessary if they don't surrender, and still pose a threat. No one deserves to die unless they have fire in their soul's for the reason they fight. Only then can they die with balance in their soul and heart."
With that, Alim looks around the group, waiting to hear what other ideas everyone has, or if they are in agreeance with what he has proposed.
"That all sounds well, but perhaps we should visit Astral Extractions first. If we are able to start our conversation with the gang by saying 'we just spoke with your bosses and......' ,we might be less likely to be shot at on sight." Dahlia says
sounds good we should go see Astral Extractions
I'm on board
Ya I like the plan where they won't want to shoot us. Hux looks down and takes a moment to think. what exactly is our goal with the down side kings? I mean I know we are tasked with investigating kreels death, but we knew from the start it was the gang that killed him. I guess I'm just wondering what we hope to gain by going forward. Isn't the purpose of most murder investigations just to find the killer? Just what does the society expect us to do? are we just going for revenge now?
It is easy to find Astral Extraction's corporate offices in the Bluerise Tower in the Ring (the same district as the Lorespire Complex and your hotel). The tower is . Upon taking the elevator up to where the corporate offices are, you find yourself in a waiting room. At the desk, there is a woman typing away on a computer who doesn't look up when you enter the room.
The more paranoid members of the group are sure to notice that security cameras cover every angle of the room.
Addressing the secretary, Dahlia attempts to find what little information she might have.
"Hello young lady. You seem fairly busy. Does the collective keep you overworked? Have you been at this job long? What is your impression of your employers? Have they been fair and kind?"
If she responds in a friendly way, I will have more questions.
The secretary doesn't look up from her work. Yes, I am busy. We all are. Now I don't see anyone having a meeting any time soon on the schedules. Why are you here?
"It seems this company is in the business of violence and murder. We are here to speak with someone about that. If no one has a meeting soon, we should be able to talk to someone right away"
She is still looking down working, makes a small laughing noise Ohh we got another group of journalists who have no evidence but think they can make demands. They do not have meetings but still busy. Especially for this nonsense.
"You think this is nonsense? I see now why you are just a secretary."
She scoffs at you First, I am not just a secretary. Second, it is nonsense. You come in here making wild claims and demanding to see someone. What makes you think you have any right to do that? Now, if you are done insulting me and making baseless claims, I am going to ask you to leave. It is a hassle to call security. Despite what she says, she stops looking at her computer screen for the first time to find her comm unit.
"Of course you're not a secretary, secretaries are polite and accommodating and welcoming and ......useful."
Turning to the others she continues "I told you guys they were guilty, won't even answer a few simple questions." but makes no motion to leave.
Trust me, you aren't the first of your rude type to come in here. You walk in trying to dig dirt on my employer and then accuse them for murder or something insane then you think I am being rude? Ha! We get your type all the time. And do they have, nothing. What do you have, nothing. Now leave.
She starts dialing and makes a call, Hello, sorry we have another group of crazies... Yep... okay... sorry again, see you in a bit. She hangs up and goes back to her computer work.
She adjusted her seat slightly to keep an eye on you guys and is keeping hand under the desk, probably holding a weapon.
She seems ab it frightened watching you guys while tying to hide it. She is also antsy for the security guards to show u.
Hux chimes in speaking first to the secretary So you get alot of visitors walking in and accusing your employers of murder? then his turns to his comrades perhaps we should look into their past crimes. If they have a history of killing those who try to speak up for the miners we could have a new angle for our suspicion maybe we should talk to other proponents of miners rights
"So, just to recap,
You are not a secretary, but won't answer any questions.
Others have come before us with similar accusations, but you dismissed them as well.
Your employer wants people to think they are on the up-and-up, but are not willing to answer simple questions.
And you waste station security resources where no crime has been comitted.
As for digging up dirt? Your associates murdered our friend right in front of us. the dirt found us. Think for a good long time about just how much crime you want to cover up. Just how deep you want your involvement to be. Just how many lies you are willing to tell for them."