As the hover train trundles its way cross-station, Pippimi sits impatiently, still a bit hyped up from that earlier encounter. Since her allies seem to be only partially familiar with their now ex-contact in the Society, she fills them in on what her briefing on Duravor told her:
"So Dura was in middle rank of Society, mostly focus on finding rare rocks, very like dwarf! He also love to find new Starfinders and train. Pippimi think some of you could be recruits?" She blinks at each of her impromptu companions. "Also in file: Dura was native to Dia-spo-ra. That that asteroid belt in Pact Worlds? He work with dwarf miners and mining companies. Help protect and support! Very passionate! File say he recently try to fight big corporation called Astral Extractions."
-----
Once at the front desk, Pippimi puts up two paws to wave in greeting "Hullo-hi Charli! Pippimi here for business meeting but see Starfinder contact get killed in shootout. She want to report! Talk to bosses, maybe?" She looks hopefully at the gnome. "Others here also come to talk with Duravor!" She lets the others introduce themselves or elaborate further.
|
As the security forces walk away...
"Well, that was exhilarating. Looks like we're all intact, apart from the poor dwarf. It's not usually this exciting on my side of town... Does society work always draw this much attention?"
As they ride the automated hover train Lenny accesses the infosphere, figuring he can look up some info on their fallen contact...
However he figures he'll just quickly check his email and before he knows it he's wasted their whole trip responding to emails from employees at his gym who still can't operate very well on their own.
He grimaces as they arrive, realizing he's been no help. "Sorry, work was keeping me busy. It's... hard to find good help."
He looks up, blinking as if waking, having kept his eyes on the screen the whole time. "Wait, where are we now?"
Lenny winces at Pippimi's abrupt explanation and attempts to smooth it over a bit.
"Right... Well, I'm Lenny! So Duravor Kreel of your organization contacted us about a job. We were stepping off our ship to greet him when the shootout broke out. Thankfully we ended it quickly and kept the arriving security forces from complicating our situation, but as our skitter friend here said, we need to turn over the body, report, and see what else we can do to help!"
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
As Pippimi and Lenny explain the nature of your visit, the Charli's large eyes well up with tears. "Oh. That's probably why the station officer called the boss. So sad." The gnome reaches for a tissue and then points towards a small waiting room. Between sniffles, she politely asks you to wait. After several minutes, a functionary arrives to lead you to a cluttered but clean office deep in the complex. Waiting in the office for you is Chiskisk, a member of the Starfinder Society’s elected leadership council, the Forum. Chiskisk is neither male nor female, but host, the third shirren sex, and uses ‘they’ or ‘them’ as a pronoun. Seated behind a polished and unadorned plastic desk, Chiskisk wears understated business clothes and is nervously flexing their antennae from side to side—a shirren expression of perplexity. They have just finished hanging up the speaker phone as you walk in.
Chiskisk welcomes you, speaking out out loud slowly and graciously. ”Greetings. Can I offer you refreshments of filtered water and processed-protein wafers? Please, sit down.”
The shirren then gets down to business, speaking much more quickly and telepathically in your heads. “I am sorry that I cannot welcome under better circumstances. I assure you that such attacks are not a daily occurrence, though I realize that is likely small comfort to you. I am pleased that none of you were seriously hurt, but I grieve for Duravor’s death. He was a valued member of the Society, and a friend. May the Lady of Graves be kind in her judgment of his soul. Please, tell me what you know.” They lean back and wait for a response.
"Oh yes. Ferani will have an unscheduled visit at some point...and I know all too well the judging eyes of others, Clank."
On the train he tries to talk to the other passengers and call upon some old contacts...
...but he has spent too much time away from Absalom Station and can't dig up anymore than the others but gladly joins the discussion.
"He could have just asked. The Starfinder Society would be a valuable ally but also get us new enemies...like this Astral Extractions. I will be interested in what his contact at the Society says."
---
At the Lorespire Complex he lets out a small chuckle during the encounter with Charli Poshkettle.
This might be one of the few places being that blunt works out for the best. How the Society survives in this world is fascinating.
He smiles at the vast amount of different visitors to the building and when they enter the office he nods graciously while accepting a water. He takes a sip as the telepathic conversation begins and swallows quickly.
"It is unfortunate and only serves as a reminder that nowhere is truly safe. At least he will be at peace but it is time for business...and justice. I can't offer much myself but one of the King's we grabbed told us the attack was ordered by their boss, Ferani. Seems they are based out of Fusion Queen. It seems we are getting quickly involved beyond what any of us expected...do you know why we were contacted?" Zoran adds being forthcoming and hoping for the same in return.
It would be terribly impolite to our Host turn down such hospitality. Clank devours the protein wafers ravenously, noisily stuffing as many as he possibly can into his mouth with both hands in a feeding frenzy reminiscent to the Golarion Piranha or fox for those that have studied Life Sciences. In a matter of seconds he goes through any and all refreshments offered, then grins widely by way of thanks. A second later he burps loudly, only then looking a bit embarrassed.
When things get down to business:
"Not sure we've been living on the same Levels if you think brawls like that aren't a daily occurrence. But yeah, it was a bit close to topside for scum like the Kings to be poking around, let alone Level 21's crew. Also, what's the Society doing with people like L21?"
Zulu ignores the proffered refreshments, and is glad of it as he might well have lost a hand to the ravenous goblin. The android smiles, well his approximation of a smile, wryly while watching the diminutive creature demolish the hospitality cart.
Not terribly adept at offering condolences or any matters of showing emotion, he skips the inconvenience and continues to let his group do the talking.
Pippimi manages to nab a single wafer before Clank obliterates the remainder. She holds in in one hand and nibbles slowly as she listens to the rest of the group explain how things went. When she has an opportunity to speak, she steps up onto a chair and offers a hand to shake Chiskisk's claw.
"Hiya-hi Chiskisk! Pippimi Volikoli, Blastwerks marketing. It very nice to meet you." She grins broadly for a moment with a genuine friendliness, before rapidly turning serious. "Dura dying like that very sad, Pippimi agree. But Pippimi not think accident. She grab one of Downways Kings thugs and ask friendly questions and thug spill whole story. Like Zoran say, Kings' boss Ferani organize! Boss tell Kings that Duravor new 21 Crew leader and Kings believe!" She takes a couple more nibbles of her wafer "Pippimi think very suspicious, but not sure why Kings' boss would lie about it."
She finishes her wafer and looks at her empty hand in dismay.
|
|
The shirren bows their head momentarily, then looks up, their compound eyes glittering. They pause for a moment, watching as the refreshments disappear under the goblin's voracious teeth. However, as each of you explain as best you can, they just look more confused. “What puzzles me is the reason behind the attack. You say Duravor was a part of the Level 21? That does not sound like him. He was a good man.” Chiskisk taps a few commands into their computer. “According to the incident report just sent to me by station security, two gangs were involved in the attack, like you said: the Downside Kings and the Level 21 Crew."
They look at Clank with a smile. "I suppose you're right. We don't see to many goblins on the surface. Gangs, either. Gang wars are not uncommon on the station, but they usually confine themselves to the more lawless sectors like the Puddles, or other lower decks. It is rare for street gangs to battle openly in public areas like the docks. I cannot help but wonder whether all is as it seems." The shirren sighs heavily, then stares at the antique compact disk player on his desk for a moment. After some thought, they returns to the present.
They look at Zoran and Pippimi curiously. "I must confess. I am not aware of what mission Kreel intended for you. However, there must be a reason why those two gangs were at Docking Bay 94 at that time—the time of your arrival, coincidentally. But was it coincidence? Were you and Duravor just innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, or might you and he have been specifically targeted?" They point towards Pippimi, then at Clank. "You say he was involved with the Level 21's. And that he was targeted by that awful gang. Perhaps that is why he invited you to the station. Since you were witnesses to the attack, and specifically called here by Duravor, I would like to ask you to investigate the incident on behalf of the Society. Find out exactly what happened and why. It may simply be a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—I have no doubt station security will rule it so—but if Duravor was murdered, I would like to find justice for my friend.” They hold out their hands, inviting.
|
|
Lenny makes a queasy face, as if he's eaten some bad solar soufflé. "Oh, I thought we were done with the "random" gang wars. Now we're going to go in deeper with those people? Can we at least complete proper registrations with the society so that we can call for support if things go badly down there?"
He gives a suspicious look as if the shirren has asked him to walk into gang territory naked.
| 2 people marked this as a favorite. |
Clank mulls over the Shirren's words... thoughts... mental communications of a pointed nature. Whatever they were, they were a lot to think about: diving straight into gang territory was a good way for the goblin to garner more attention than he wanted. Also, it was incredibly likely he might get swept up in the inevitable altercation and Security was sure to be already keeping tabs on him.
But yet these Strangers came to his defense... and he wasn't going to abandon them.
Clank pipes up: "Is there anything you haven't told us that we should know?" He looks around, "I've been on a couple mission briefings in the past where it would have been really useful to know 'don't tell anyone who your employer is' or 'bring snacks.'"
Zulu simply grunts at the captain with a shrug. "Sure. Here for work anyway."
He'd been a hired gun before and on less information. Although this time it was more of a hired investigator.
"Assuming you pay."
Can't forget to stipulate that part. Again
With the exuberance typical of her race, Pippimi extends her hands forward to shake Chiskisk's claws "Pippimi help for sure! No worry! Pippimi and Chiskisk can talk business afterward anytime!"
Zoran nods to the Captain.
"It is never so simple, right? The way I see it these gangs are harassing civilians so they need to be dealt with either way."
When Clank poses the question Zoran gives an agreeable expression.
Smart. I forget how often people leave out important information even when you are helping them.
|
|
Chiskisk's many eyes focus on Lenny. He rasps aloud, "I am afraid the mystery around this fine agent's death does require us to delve deeper with these dastardly criminals." They shake their head, and continue. "And I'm afraid I cannot grant you an official title in the Starfinder Society. You see, we normally require a sort of Commencement ceremony, where trainees do certain tasks for us." They pause. "However, if anyone asks, you can tell them you're Starfinder trainees working towards your field commission." Their face grows sad. "There's a lot of field commissions needed these days."
Then, they turn to Clank and smile. Chiskisk's antennae flicker a moment and they pull out a datapad. "I suppose it may be helpfuly for you to know what we had on him in his file. Duravor Kreel was a Venture Agent of the Society. Most of his work focused on mineral prospecting, but he also took an interest in mentoring new and prospective members of the Society. He had no family and few friends; especially after the Scoured Stars. I cannot imagine who would have wanted to hurt him, though perhaps I am blinded by friendship. That is all I know." They glance at Pippimi. "I will say again. I do not know how he could be working with the Level 21 crew. I hope that is a lie. If it is not, Duravor was in over his head."
Chiskisk laughs a little, then taps on the console. "It was z45719, yes? There will be the standard Starfinder sum awarded to you after you complete this mission. And, I can offer each of you 200 credits for expenses. I will send you this, plus my Comm code so you can call and report as necessary." Across the room coms buzz as they let you know that you've received a credit transfer and a message.
Finally, Chiskisk nods in appreciation at Zoran's comment. "I appreciate your good will. If there are no other questions, I wish you good luck."
Zulu nods at the starfinder and follows the rest out of the room when they disperse.
When they have a moment he dispersed the 450 worth of credchips he pulled off the dead gangers, straps one of the pistols on his hip and holds the other two out.
"Spare laser pistols, 15 charges. Anyone want one?"
That finished he shares his understanding, "we need to investigate both gangs, know their base of operations. Split up, or one at a time? I lack social skills, but can help with tech."
Tapping the infosphere he sets his exocortex to assist in trudging up any information on the two gangs.
|
Davrin had been uncharacteristically silent after the gangfight, very unlike his usual jovial self on the flight into Absalom Station. He quietly mourns the passing of the dwarf. He had not known for long beyond the few tranquil nights back on the Castrovelian moon. Goodbye, my dear friend. Our encounter was brief but the memories will last... And if we can't get justice for you, I at least promise you revenge.
He listens gravely to the Venture-Captain and gradually shakes off his somber mood. By the time the team leaves the Lorespire Complex, Davrin is almost back to his usual affable self.
"Hmm, I say we split up but just to gather more information about these two gangs. Any group that locates their base do not engage. We'll return back here in a couple of hours and consolidate what we find?"
Pippimi waves a friendly goodbye to Chiskisk and rolls on out of the room, convening with the rest of the group in the hallway. "Group all in to help Chiskisk?" Pippimi stares upwards at each of the members, and when they confirm that they're willing, she hops upwards to pat them on the shoulder. "Great! We work-team now, like in Veskarium! Share responsibility and look out for each other!" She grins infectiously!
As the group discusses where and what to investigate Pippimi pipes up with "Kings thug say Ferani behind attack. Ferani big boss at Fusion Queen, yes? Start investigating there?" When Davrin suggests to split up, she mentions "OK! Pippimi find info on Fusion Queen. Pippimi very capable. See all soon!"
Pippimi takes a short detour to spend her newfound credits on a starknife with the called fusion, along with a single Mk1 healing serum. She also spends 10 minutes to quickly assemble a Qwik-build Blastwerks Stickybomb Grenade I!!!. With shopping done, she heads out to the business quarter of Absalom Station to see what people might know about the Kings gang and the Fusion Queen.
|
|
Zulu searches the infosphere for information on the two gangs. Unfortunately, they appear to keep a low profile on the nets. Everything you can learn is from vague references on social media sites, most of which you already know. You guess a more face-to-face method would yield more information.
However, while searching the digital walls of the station's residents, Zulu finds some interesting pieces of gossip. The biggest news, discussed endlessly on newsfeeds and in public conversation, is the arrival of the derelict ship Acreon a few days ago, the whereabouts and fate of its missing crew, and the nature of the mysterious “Drift Rock”, an enormous asteroid, the ship brought with it. Rumors and speculation are rampant: the Acreon’s crew witnessed something significant and were killed to keep it secret; the entire crew went mad and walked out the airlocks; the Drift Rock contains precious riches, from rare and valuable minerals to advanced technology, or even legendary treasures of lost Golarion, preserved before the planet disappeared.
Pippimi and Davrin head off together and seek out information as they quickly realize their client lists overlap in many places. After knocking on a few doors, you get an insider trading tip from a stock trader. " You've heard about the disagreement between Astral Extractions and the Hardscrabble Collective, right? Both of whom claim ownership of the Drift Rock and the right to examine the Acreon and determine the fate of its crew. Well, the Astral Extractions' stock is about to explode, since they have 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 trader winks at the two of you, obviously hoping for some favors in the future in return for this million credit infoshare.
Finding little of use from the two gangs, Zulu is pleased to hear about new lines of research in the form of two groups related to the gangs they were after.
Prior to diving to deep he suggests to the group. "Suggest we locate lodgings, base of operations. Easier to do research from proper terminal."
Passing the various market Zulu purchases an additional healing serum to add to his kit.
Once the group is settled he dives back into the infosphere.
"Appending search criteria, Archon, Drift rock, supplimental. Astral Explorations, Hardscrabble collective, Kreel background, connections. How are they related to gangs?"
"I will hold on to one of the pistols. It won't hurt with what we are about to get into." Zoran says extending one of his empty arms to Zulu taking the pistol and getting familiar with it.
He plans to do some shopping but wants to help with the investigation...
---
Zoran finds a nice quiet place to discuss with the others before he adds in he lets them know his plan.
"If the Hardscrabble Collective is getting shaken down they will be more apt to discuss finer details. I am going to follow that lead if anyone wants to meet me there." Zoran adds using a comm device hidden within his cane.
He heads out for the Hardscrabble Collective headquarters or local office.
|
|
Taking Zulu’s advice, the group takes advantage of the free lodging provided by the Starfinder Society. Apparently this perk wasn’t available in the past, but the Society seems to have gone through some rough times lately and has lots of empty rooms.
Spending lots of time on the terminal, , Zulu is able to learn a little more about the deceased Starfinder. Apparently Kreel was more than just a champion of miners. His transaction records show he had personally invested money in the Hardscrabble Collective. In addition, his FaceSpace account shows that 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 android stays behind during the next portion of the investigation, face only inches from the computer.
Zoran searches diligently but comes up short. Asking around, he learns that the Hardscrabble Collective is a clan of stubborn asteroid miners that operates primarily among the scattered planetoids of the Diaspora. It has no offices or base of operations, but the clan members usually view the Armada—the ever-changing fleet of ships that orbit Absalom Station—as a central gathering place. Collective crews hire their ships out to a wide variety of business concerns, including Astral Extractions, which recently employed the Collective ship Acreon to scout for new mining prospects in the Vast.
No office on the station. That should at least make it more difficult for the Kings to intimidate them. Time to investigate further...
"Alright, looks like I already hit a dead end but I will keep looking. Nothing on station but the Armada might give us a contact."
Zoran keeps trying to find a common link leading him to a contact.
If Starfinder Accommodations are so nice, I wonder why so many have earned the nickname 'Murder Marauders' in the past? I don't think I'd ever want to leave.
Clank contributes to the diplomatic efforts as best he can by avoiding them entirely. He does, however, try to put his cultural appreciation to the test and attempts to set up feelers with some of the goblin enclaves on the station if they'd heard anything relevant.
|
|
The trader winks at the two of you, obviously hoping for some favors in the future in return for this million credit infoshare.
Davrin tips his hat at the trader with an impish grin. "My, my, ready for seconds there, I see. Hmm, I can pen you in say, two Tuesday from now? You have my usual rates..."
---
Consolidating the information gathered from the rest of the team, Davrin becomes troubled. Kreel, what did you get yourself into? He shares his thoughts with the rest of the team. "If Kreel was indeed involved with this dispute between Astral Extractions and Hardscrabble Collective, it seems to me that his untimely demise was not simply an accident."
He ponders briefly, then adds, "If Astral Extractions had engaged the Downside Kings to do their dirty work, then it stands to reason that the Hardscrabble Collective had some ties with the Level 21 Crew. Now why a collective of miners would go so far as to get themselves involved with gang warfare though is beyond me. Just for protection? Or something more malicious. Let me dig through a bit more on Kreel's relationship with the Collective and perhaps the Level 21 Crew."
Adopting the guise of an acquaintance of Kreel who would recommended him join the Collective, Davrin sets out to find contacts of the organisation through the usual watering holes.
The trader winks at the two of you, obviously hoping for some favors in the future in return for this million credit infoshare.Davrin tips his hat at the trader with an impish grin. "My, my, ready for seconds there, I see. Hmm, I can pen you in say, two Tuesday from now? You have my usual rates..."
Pippimi follows up by pressing a build-it-yourself Blastwerks My Little Incendiary Grenade (trial version) into the trader's hands. "If interested in other new hotness, try this! Pippimi guarantee this hotness new and exclusive. Coming to Absalom Station soon!" She winks at the trader.
----------
She follows Davrin back to consult with the rest of the group. After getting filled in on Zulu and Zoran's discoveries, Pippimi bounces in consternation. "Pippimi remember now! Astral Extractions bad safety record is open secret with Blastwerks higher ups. Push contractors into danger, but stay safe with lawyers. Companies like Astral E give Corps bad name!" She puts paws on her hips, upset on behalf of her own corp.
"Hardscrabble sound like very hard to find. Maybe post on info-sphere that have good info for them. Hardscrabble contact us then? Pippimi would do it that way." She does her best to craft an enticing forum post regarding Duravor and posts it to a mining-centric Absalom Station BBS. "OK! Pippimi post. Leads flooding in soon, Pippimi very sure."
"Pippimi not so sure Hardscrabble best lead anyway. Maybe get reason for Duravor's dying straight from Bantrid's mouth? Team track down Ferani and ask questions?"
|
|
Zulu is hard at work on the computer while the rest of the group searches the streets. A follow-up search on the Astral Extractions shows that they are, publicly, an ethical and respectable corporation centered in the Diaspora and the rocky moons of the outer planets. Recently 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. However, beneath the surface there is a darker side to the company. 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. Some dark web sites claim that 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. They go so far as to claim that Astral Extractions specifically ordered the Downside Kings to target Duravor Kreel, whose anticorporate activism was well known to the company’s board of directors, to discourage other parties (particularly the Starfinders) from intervening in the Acreon matter.
Zoran and Lenny hit the streets, searching for information on the elusive Hardscrabble Collective. Unable to get anyone in the know to speak with them, the two do manage to find a flyer advertising membership in the Collective. The group is described quite well and you realize that while the Hardscrabble Collective calls itself a clan, it is more of a cooperative business enterprise, a coalition of dozens of ships’ crews who have banded together for mutual benefit and safety. Some of the Collective’s members may be related, But most of those on the flyer are individuals from a dozen different races: humans, dwarves, androids, ysoki, and more. Nevertheless, the Hardscrabble Collective are advertised to be as tightly knit as many families, and members are supposed to fiercely look after one another’s welfare.
Clank, while meaning well, ends up watching an underground fight ring and catching up with old friends. He doesn't learn much applicable to the mission, but does learn exactly why you shouldn't tinker with a grenade in the middle of an abandoned theater.
Davrin, or Davros McMillan as he now introduces himself, goes to several seedy bars to learn what he can about the Collective and the Level 21 Crew. Using his information on Kreel, he is able to pass himself off as a future member of the Collective. A drunk Kasathan, hearing this, spills some information. "A Collective, aye? Good man! Just like the Crew! I heard you lot hired them for protection! Smart people, you are! Ya, the Level 21 Crew may be a criminal gang, but they have a reputation in these parts. They good people! Promoting community empowerment and stuff, man! My boys and me, we love 'em. Heck, even my momma loves 'em! " He goes on to tell about how the gang has also been known to hire itself out to defend marginalized and threatened groups or factions. They protected his parents on a job once. Davrin is also able to learn that a grizzled ysoki called Jabaxa currently leads the Level 21 Crew. Not a dwarf named Duravor Kreel!
Pippimi's post does prove productive, backing up the drunk man's words. An anonymous poster says that following the arrival of the Acreon and Astral Extractions’ claim on the ship and the Drift Rock, the Hardscrabble Collective contracted with an Absalom Station street gang called the Level 21 Crew to protect its members and its interests on the station until the dispute can be resolved.
Stretching his shoulders and arms after finally drudging up all the data he could within his search parameters, Zulu waits for the rest of the group to gather.
"Summary. Hardscrabble and Astral Explorations feuding over possession of Aceron and drift rock. Suspect Kreel worked with hardscrabble and Level 21 hired to protect him. Theory Downsider gang hired to kill Kreel and intimidate hardscrabble. Theory, the gunfight we stepped in is the result."
He stops for a moment to continue gathering his thoughts.
"Locations of both gang headquarters known. Suggest further investigations into both, particularily Downsiders night club, secure proof."
Looking around the group. "Thoughts?"
|
|
Lenny is walking back with Zoran when he sees Zulu's messages come across.
Group text: "Yeah, sounds like the collective took a job, really liked what they found, and got in too deep with this company. I guess they hadn't yet learned to draw up their contract just so, around incidental findings during exploration."
Just then they physically rejoin the group.
"I agree. It appears Davrin infiltrated the collective well enough that they don't appear to be hiding anything. The other side though... who's really in control? Astral Explorations or the Downsiders. There's still a lot to uncover there."
"This kind of business isn't too uncommon, I would bet. Let's rendezvous with the others before we move forward." Zoran says to Lenny as they go over the new messages.
After arriving they hear out Zulu but Zoran proposes another idea as well.
"I agree our evidence is going to come from the...most likely cold-dead hands of the Downside Kings but we from the information that was gathered we may be able to procure some assistance from the Level 21 Crew. They get to strike back at an opponent and fulfill their contract." Zoran proposes.
Clank shimmies free from the wreckage of the stadium. "Huh. Force is amplified when it is contained in an outwardly expanding band. Good to know." Then he receives his comm message to meet the party.
The goblin looks a little less optimistic at the prospect of aid.. "I wouldn't expect too much from the L21... especially after we took out several of their squad. I imagine they're laying low and wouldn't be eager to attack the Kings on their own turf. That's usually reserved for questionably sane types like us."
Pippimi meets back up with the rest at Zulu's prompting, rolling in with a sigh and a "Pippimi ex-hausted and need beauty nap! Too many factions, too much shell and coin game... Pippimi used to Veskarium companies that fight with honor in open!"
"Zora, you forget we accidentally help Kings kill Levelers earlier? This Jabaxa going to be out for our blood too! Maybe we not talk to them if we don't have to? They seem like victim in middle, like Dura!" Pippimi plops herself down on the ground and starts doing some stretches to limber up after all that tiring info-sphere posting.
"Kings night club seems like most obvious place. Pippimi ready to go there!"
"I distinctly remember that shot coming from one of the King's but you are right. If they have knowledge of us doing that we may end up with more enemies." Zoran says with a laugh trying to sound convincing about what transpired at the docking bay.
As they walk towards the club he poses another question to the group, "So what are you dine people drinking?"
"So what are you dine people drinking?"
While walking to the Kings nightclub, Zulu responds to Zorans question.
"Dont drink. Don't dance. Poor in conversation. Suggest overwatch and, back up as primary role for intelligence gathering. If shooting starts, I have better input."
|
|
A quick net search tells you that the Fusion Queen is a nightclub located in the lower levels of Absalom Station, deep in Downside Kings territory. You know that the Kings also own and operate the club, using it as a hideout and base of operations. The neighborhood is somewhat depressed, but still considered trendy in certain circles, and the club is usually filled with patrons (most of whom have no connection with the gang) at all hours, day or night.
As a group you make your way down the Spike, into the lower levels of the station. As you go down the lights get dimmer, the floors get dirtier, and people get harsher. Yet, the floor you end on is still populated, primarily by humans with a slightly larger than normal percentage of other races. The Fusion Queen is an established venue, and the address is easily found online. As you approach, lurid neon lights brighten the otherwise dingy space station corridor here, advertising the main entrance to the Fusion Queen.
In front of the bright purple-painted door is a short line of club goers, leading up to two bouncers. They seem to be checking ID's and pointing those with weapons towards the lockers nearby. (Marked with a sign, ONLY TEN CREDITS PER LOCKER PER NIGHT. MANAGEMENT IS NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR LOST OR DAMAGED ITEMS.)
These two are obviously members of the gang by their yellow crown tattoos. They seem to be on the lookout for rival gang members, probably due to the recent shoot out. Neither look like the Kings you saw before.
As the group walks Zulu mutters to the group, "Those doormen look like Downsiders. They seem to be watchful for attack. Recommend discression unless violence is preferable."
Watching the guards search for weapons and nothing his rifle isn't exactly subtle.
Chance of disarment 97.32% his exocortex helpfully pipes into his consciousness, Zulu continues.
"Do no wish to disarm in this neighborhood, among hostiles. Volunteer to hold gear and provide overwatch outside. Unless we shoot our way in. Plan B."
|
|
"So the Astral Explorations and the Downside Kings seems likely our culprits, eh?" Davrin's eyes once again take on a steely look, and he is in all agreement to go after them first.
Reaching the nightclub, though, it is clear it would not be that easy to get in, at least not without their weapons. Losing himself in the crowd, perhaps a relatively easy task for the small fellow, he circulates around the building, looking for an alternative way in.
"Unless, of course, you guys want to go in guns blazing?" he asks with a crooked grin, and you're not quite certain how serious he is.
|
|
A master of stealth, the bodyguards don't even see Davrin's shadow. Unfortunately, it becomes pretty clear to the halfling that the club is built up against the outside of the station. It appears this is the only way in or out.
However, from a closer vantage point, Davrin sees an interesting encounter. A lashunta man walks up to the bouncers, his high class suit trimmed to perfection. With a slip of a credstick and a flash of ID, he and his two female companions enter the club. Which is especially notable since the bouncers didn't make any attempt to take their barely concealed side arms!
As the stealthy and charming members of the group do their thing, Zulu stands back rifle close at hand and watches, setting his exocortex to track the bouncer on the left, watching for body changes in aggression and calculating combat scenarios out real time.
Zoran quickly sees the resemblence in the signage and lets out a laugh.
"I guess when you own multiple levels of a station you can be as transparent as you want."
As they near the club he takes on a stride that favors his cane but isn't handicapped. Before they arrive too close he halts the group asking how they wanted to approach the situation.
Pippimi rolls over to the line into the club, then takes a peek inside. After getting a full gander, she rolls back to the party and looks up at them with some paws balling into fists. "Kings very bad sorts, Pippimi not mind if we go in and give out bruises. But Lenny also right, maybe not rush to try first? Lots of people in club will get hurt, maybe visitors, maybe us too."
"Davrin, you look like maybe you could do a bit of charm-offensive. Can you get us in with weapons on us? Just in case we need?"
"You aren't the only one." he gives Lenny a wink and tap of his cane as he tries to come up with a plan.
Davrin...I imagine he has some rough customers and bodyguards.
"You might be on to something Pippimi. Davrin, with such an exotic entourage of customers you would need at least one or two bodyguards. Shall I tell the roughnecks of your arrival?"
Zulu nods and the group decides to try to bluff their way in.
As they walk up towards the gate, he surripticiously transfers his pistol from his hip to under his fatigues coat, hoping that if they have to disarm his rifle will distract the guards.
He keeps the rifle at hand in case things go to hell, maintaining his target tracking on the left most guard.
Zoran walks up to the bouncers on his cane and introduces himself.
"Evening gentlemen. I am the handler for the esteemed Davrin who never fails to please a client. He has a rather exotic entourage tonight with the skittermander..." he says trying to plus up their notoriety but he looks to the sign for weapons and back, "...that being said I would prefer if myself and his bodyguards could keep their weapons in case it gets too handy?"
|
|
Once the group gets to the front of the line, Zoran works his magic. The guard checks his list, and frowns. "Davrin... He ain't on here. " He looks at your group and his frown deepens. "And I'm almost to my cap of dudes for the night. " At this point the other guard, who has been rotating between checking out Davrin and Pippimi, whispers in his ear. "You're right. " He looks at Davrin and bows slightly. "A man of your talents may attract some more female customers. You all can go in. Just holster that rifle, big guy. " He looks at Zulu pointedly. "No need scaring people. It's a night club, not a fight club. " The second guard chuckles, and receives an elbow to the ribs for it.
The group heads inside, pausing only briefly for Clank to get stopped by the bouncers. "No funny business, greeny." Once Clank and Davrin flash the cred sticks they're sure to be spending tonight, the bouncers give up and let you all pass.
The dimly lit interior of the nightclub is filled with the press of sweaty bodies, a haze of narcotic smoke, and the pounding beat and ululating vocals of bakarang music blaring from the main stage in the northeast corner of the room. A sinuous bar winds around the northwest corner, offering a variety of drinks and drugs for purchase. Booths line the south wall of the club, facing the main stage in the northeast corner and the crowded dance floor beneath it. Gyrating dancers stand atop four smaller stages scattered around the club: one behind the bar, one in the center of the room, and two flanking the main stage. Wide double doors marked “Staff Only” exit the room to the west.
|
|
Lenny whispers to his team as they saunter into the bar, "Huh, I thought that was going to be harder. I'm guessing the getting into the gang's private section will be considerably harder."
He notes the staff-only doors and casually begins to watch for who is coming in and out of them while he wanders over to the bar for a whiskey.
"No less than 18 years. Rocks." He rattles off his order to the bartender as if it's as intrinsic to him as his shoe size.