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"Ah, that's the ticket! Wonderful ideas, Eli; Alice." Albans says as the Abadarcorp computer chimes its login sound. "Hmm... Unless the dock workers felt like getting a bit of exercise, these logs don't make any sense whatsoever." Albans puzzles over the cryptic logs for a few minutes before shrugging and moving on.
"Easy there, Hakrinag. Those materials can be quite volatile. Especially in a ride as-" Albans flinches as the taxi hits a pothole, opening his eyes only after realizing that he isn't dead. "Yes, marvelous work. Perhaps next time we could make grenades during re-entry? Or maybe during an earthquake. That sounds lovely."
"Even I don't normally begin drinking this early in the day," Albans mutters as the group approaches the bar, "But after that commute, I'm willing to make a bit of an exception."
Still shaking somewhat, Albans approaches the bar and orders increasingly less fancy drinks until he happens upon one which is actually sold on Akiton. He takes a deep drink, and looks around the room. To the bartender, he says, "I daresay, quite the crowd you have today! Is it typical in a town such as Tasch to have so many people celebrating? There doesn't seem to be all that much worth drinking to around here, if you'll pardon my bluntness. Except maybe the town's financial situation. But then, the drinking wouldn't exactly be to celebrate..."
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"I detect lifeforms differing from the current clientele. A shirren and two vesk. I sense they are displeased."
Alice 002 turns robotically to Hakrinag: "HAKRINAG OF THE BONECRUSHER FAMILY, are you not interested in the other vesk?" Alice 002 isn't really making her conversation a secret.
Alice 002 turns to her other companion at the bar: "HUDATHAN SWARMBAIT, look. There are two creatures similar to yourself. Is it not customary for you to go and share greeting unique to your kind?" Alice 002 stares expressionless between Hudathan and Hakringag, utterly confused.
He looks over at Hakrinag and gives the traditional greeting of one Vesk to another.
Alice 002 stands next to her companion vesk, waiting for a response.
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Hakrinag raises a scaly eyebrow at the android. "Do you greet all androids, no matter the circumstances, because they are androids? Being a Vesk means we have much in common, but we have no obligation to force an interaction. When greeting an equal within the Veskarium..." Hakrinag goes on to lecture Alice on the intricacies of the Veskarium's social norms, formalities, and tradition. "...and that's why you always accept a duel from another bull Vesk who you have shamed by stealing their kill during a double fullmoon after the winter solstice," he concludes. Hopefully that robot will stop being so awkward with us.
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The android's mechanical red eyes adjust to focus on the vesk's face. Not quite getting the point, Alice 002 responds: "I do not greet all androids I see. That would be impractical."
Blank expression, Alice 002 continues to stare at Hakrinag as he explains vesk culture. The android waits ten seconds after Hakrinag stops talking before responding: "I have noted your data. I will be sure to avoid bull vesk during a double fullmoon after the Winter Solstice."
Alice 002 turns so her head and body are perfectly perpendicular to each other, observing Madrigal across the room.
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"... but don't do it before you fire into the sky three times- Now we're talking!" Hakrinag cheers as the shots are poured. He eagerly takes up a glass with Eli. I should be on alert. I must not make her feel like I am spurning her, yet I can't accept her advances either. This seems harmless enough...
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Hudathan, focused on the mission at hand, does not take a shot. "Alice, not all Vesk know each other. But, those who are different usually have different information. Perhaps they can tell us more about this town. "
Hood walks order a round of drinks and takes them over to the table. "Hello honored brothers, what ails you? "
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The Starfinders notice that a few random people are carrying weapons, but all are basic and quite worn out, e.g. blunt knives, broken batons, and an odd ancient pistol that you are uncertain can still fire. This is not much different from the rest of Akiton that you have travelled through though. With the reputation of general lawlessness of the planet, it is not surprising that many would carry some kind of weapons, even if just to warn off others.
armor trimmed in silver.
Five of the Starfinders make their way to the bar, conversing on what sounds like vesks' mating rituals. The burly man near to you is nursing a long cold beer. He turns and looks at you with interest. "You fellas new in town? Welcome, welcome! Name's Thron, but me friends call me the Bear! Muahaha!" He holds out his hand in greeting.
The ysoki bartender serving the man at the other end of the bar calls out good naturedly, "Yeah, eats, sleeps and s**** like one, too!" She pads over to the Starfinders. "So what can I get ya out-of-town folks?" Hearing Eli's order, she quickly with practiced hands pour out a round of drinks into a number of rather greasy glasses. Before Eli could reach for her cred-stick though, Thron whips his out and hands over to the bartender.
"Here! Let me get that for ya! Enjoy the hospitality of Tasch, all thanks to our saviour Talbot!" he exclaims. The patrons nearby who overhear the comment, almost in unison, raise their glasses and call out, "To Talbot!"
Thron turns to Albans. "You're a Akitonian? Welcome, brother, to our beloved town of Tasch! Where about are ya from? If you are looking for work, you've come to the right place! Get in quick before the rush of other fortune seekers!"
Meanwhile, Madrigal confidently walks over to the shirren and vesks. As she draws nearer, she can clearly see that they are studying the crowd, and seem to waiting As she makes ready to join the table, the two vesks glares at her and starts to stand but they suddenly stop, turn to look at the shirren in unison then sit down again. The shirren cocks his head to one side in curiosity, studying Madrigal with his large multi-faceted eyes. Tension hangs in the air for moments and he eventually gestures for her to sit.
By this time, Hudathan makes his way over to the corner table. The shirren barely glances his way, his attention still fully Madrigal. The two vesks though turns their full attention on him, occasionally glancing at the shirren for directions. Neither reply to his friendly greeting. Hudathan can't help but notice how close their hands are place rather nonchalantly near their sword scabbards.
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Eli raises an eyebrow after her attempt at paying for her own order. When everyone in the establishment raises a cup in a toast to a Talbot, she looks at the Starfinders, and back at the Thron fellow - "Don't mind if I do..."
She takes the shot and puts the jigger on the bar with a smile. "Someone else paying for our enjoyment? Is that limited to one round only?", she indicates another order, and attempts to strike up a conversation with the man.
"Yeah we arrived yesterday. Tell me about this mysterious benefactor of ours. Stuff doesn't tend to be free. Especially not here, from what I've heard."
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"Honestly? My companions and I are here because we are searching for someone. Goes by the name of Talbot." Madrigal gives a good description of him.
"We have been hired to track him down because his previous employer, and our current one, had a rare and expensive item stolen by Talbot. While our employer doesn't really care about the item per se, its the fact that it was stolen, reputation, things like that. The loss of face that concerns him. So, we have been hired to track Talbot down and one of our more promising leads placed him here. I noticed that you and your guards here actively scanning the crowd and I came to ask if you had seen our quarry?"
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Hudathan smiles real big, trying to be friendly. He resists the urge to put his hand on his weapon. These Vesk did not offer me the greeting of an equal. Either they are not the dominant ones in their partnership with the Shirren - THE HORROR! - or they have insulted me and must be challenged. We shall see.
Hid internal dialogue causes his smile to slip at just the last moment.
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"Many thanks, Mr. The Bear." Albans shakes Thron's hand. "Yes, I grew up on an estate in the plains outside Maro. My great-great-grandparents immigrated to Akiton from Absalom station sometime during the Gap; at least as far as we can piece together, of course. But I've been off-world for many years now, providing my services to ship captains, corporations, mercenaries and militaries. Anyone who can pay." He says this last sentence with a genial smile and adds, "So what is this work you mention?" And more importantly, how well does it pay?
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"Someone else paying for our enjoyment? Is that limited to one round only?"... "Yeah we arrived yesterday. Tell me about this mysterious benefactor of ours. Stuff doesn't tend to be free. Especially not here, from what I've heard."
"Go ahead, have another round or three. On me! Credits not somethin' I need worry too much now!" The Bear responds heartily.
The ysoki bartender, momentarily free from her duties, listens in with interest. She pipes right in. "Ahh, Talbot. The Tasch Saviour indeed!" And you can hear the capitalisation in the word "saviour". "Well, a mysterious stranger indeed. Turned up in town a couple of weeks ago. Gathered a number of miners with the promise of work. I remember that day vividly. Right over there on yon' table. First thing he asked is for us to re-open the old thasteron mines! To our shame, the miners started laughing at him!"
The Bear cheekily turns to the ysoki. "Now, now, Miss Podswald. If my memory doesn't fail me, a certain shrill ysoki voice was part of that, too!" He then guffaws and slaps the bar counter in glee. The ysoki glares daggers at him but eventually is caught up by his laughter. "Fine, fine, who can blame a girl for being cynical? Life's been such a doldrums since I was a wee pup."
Thron eventually brings himself under control. "Not me. I volunteered to lead him to the nearest mine. And it was amazing. Helped him excavate some of the thasteron. Hard work, it was. But well-rewarded. Well-rewarded. I saw! I was the first to see! I do not know by what means he did it, but he transmuted the ore! Into precious liquid gold!"
Podwald cuts in here. "Drift fuel, you mean. Never knew you had a poetic soul in you! Liquid gold, indeed. Hmmph!"
"So what is this work you mention?"
"Mining thasteron, of course!" The Bear calls out, as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. "We have more abandoned mines 'round here than we have hands that can mine them! Get in quick, before the other gold seekers git here!" He studies Alban shrewdly, then adds, "Ya don't look like ye got any mining experience. I could get ya started. And linked up with Talbot. For some cut of your future earnings, of course."
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The two vesks continue to stare down Hudathan without responding, while continuing to glance from time to time at the shirren for directions. But there are none, with his attention on Madrigal.
...I noticed that you and your guards here actively scanning the crowd and I came to ask if you had seen our quarry?"
Madrigal does not sense any deceit in his words.
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The burly man near to you is nursing a long cold beer. He turns and looks at you with interest. "You fellas new in town? Welcome, welcome! Name's Thron, but me friends call me the Bear! Muahaha!" He holds out his hand in greeting.
Under normal circumstances, Alice 002 would immediately turn to “The Bear” and question him about the meaning of his name. She’d point out that he was human and not an 800 pound mammal that hibernates in a cave… unless he did hibernate.
The ysoki bartender serving the man at the other end of the bar calls out good naturedly, "Yeah, eats, sleeps and s**** like one, too!"
With her suspicions confirmed the android, Alice 002, continues to stare in Madrigal’s direction. Emotionlessly, Alice 002 responds to the ysoki bartender. ”I do not require sustenance, but I find your demeanor and hospitality above satisfactory.” Without leaning against bar, Alice’s back faces the bartender and the shelves holding containers of ale. The android listens as Eli and Albans speak to the locals(?)
"Yeah we arrived yesterday. Tell me about this mysterious benefactor of ours. Stuff doesn't tend to be free. Especially not here, from what I've heard."
Thron eventually brings himself under control. "Not me. I volunteered to lead him to the nearest mine. And it was amazing. Helped him excavate some of the thasteron. Hard work, it was. But well-rewarded. Well-rewarded. I saw! I was the first to see! I do not know by what means he did it, but he transmuted the ore! Into precious liquid gold!"
Alice 002 turns her entire body to face the Bear. ”This planet still has resources to mine? Meeting this Talbot lifeform would make me happy.”
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"Really? Drift fuel transmuted from thasteron ore?" Albans turns to give Eli and Alice a knowing smile, "Why, this Talbot fellow must have some truly impressive magic. Friend Bear, you are as observant as you are generous; for I have never swung a pickaxe in my life. But I do know magic, and I do know business. If you could set up a meeting for my associates and I with Mr. Talbot then I assure you we would be most grateful. And I also assure you that it will be even more profitable."
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Seeing the other Vesk remain tense, Hakrinag peels himself away from the bar and heads over. He stands next to Swarmbait and raises a scaly eyebrow at the two seated at the table. We could take them, they don't look so tough. Their scales look soft and you can hardly see any real predatory instinct in their eyes! They were probably the runts of their clutch.
Convinced he and Swarmbait are the superior vesk, he breaks the silence. "Captain, do we need an intervention?"
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"Certainly. Good fortune spread always come right back around, I say!" The Bear replies enthusiastically. "In fact, why not go right now?" Thron gets off his barstool, and almost immediately collapses on his feet, only saved by a quick grab of the countertop. "Ooh, maybe not right now. I think I had a bit too much to drink" He climbs unsteadily back onto the chair, and then rests his head on the countertop. "I don't feel so good..."
A brief while later, he looks up at Albans and Alice. "Tell you what. I'll tell you where he's at. You let him know that the Bear sent ya, you hear?" He then gives you directions to an abandoned mine on the outskirts of the town, cut into the hillside.
The two vesks noticeably tenses as Hakrinag also joins the table, quickly looking to the shirren for directions. The shirren finally gets a good look at the Hudathan and Hakrinag, before turning back to Madrigal.
The family sitting nearby seems to sense the tension, as the father turns back from time to time to glance uneasily at the gathering of vesks. The two parents quickly round up their two children and hustle out of the tavern.
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Alice 002 offers Thron one of her awkward smiles that fails to reach her mechanical eyes. "Thank you, The Bear. You are very generous." Pleased with the outcome of their conversation, Alice 002 continues to stand motionless at the bar. The android turns from Thron to watch Madrigal from afar once more. I'll inform the others after they finish their conversation.
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Albans spends some time chumming with his new friend. "It's ok, a location will suffice," he says when Thron fails to stand, "And we'll be certain to keep your hospitality in mind when we report back to our superiors. Could be that you would make a valuable liason for our organization in the future. It's easy work that pays well."
Albans takes note of the location Thron mentions and waits at the bar for the others to finish their business. He realizes that he's lost track of Madrigal, Hudathan, and Hakrinag, so he waits for either Eli or Alice to take the lead. In the meantime he makes pleasant small talk with Thron and the barkeep and tells stories that are almost certainly exagerated, if not outright fabrications.
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"Bodyguards, no. Just the companions I talked about. So, do we help each other, or get in each others way? I prefer help myself." She turns to Hudathan. "He is speaking telepathically. I can hear him just fine."
"Ah, I apologise," the shirren speaks aloud this time, although he is obviously trying to keep his voice low. "It seems that I have allowed my prejudices to get the better of me. I meant your vesk associates no disrespect." He then bows congenially at Hudathan and Hakrinag in turn. "Nonetheless, it is best we conduct our business discreetly, no? I do not think the patrons of this fine establishment will look kindly upon our... business."
"And yes, back to the business at hand. Certainly, assistance is always appreciated. Even in the cut-throat corporate world, AbadarCorp has found that alliance bears better long-term fruits than outright competitions." He hesitates here briefly, whether to ponder something or simply for dramatic effect, before continuing. "But it seems we have a conundrum here. The best alliance are forged on common goals, but only when the parties do not covet the same ... asset. Or liability in this case. As mentioned, there is only one Talbot. And unfortunately, on this matter, I do not trust that my employers are willing to share."
"I see no need to hide the reason for our interest in the man. It would be common knowledge soon. He contacted my esteemed corporation's representative at Maro about a week ago, promising an endless supply of a new, alternative fuel for Drift engines. Naturally, we were skeptical, especially on this backward world of Akiton, but all potential business opportunies must be pursued. Lo and behold, without divulging his source, what Talbot provided checked out under our scientists' analysis. It would have been a new commodity on the galactic markets. Alas, it was not to be. Only after landing our fleet of transport ships on this planet did the initial batch revert to common thasteron. AbadarCorp does not tolerate outright fraud, and you must agree an example must be made of him to ... future such occurrences. Wouldn't you agree?"
"So, I have been very honest about our interest in this rather unsavoury character. Perhaps you could return the courtesy? A peaceful resolution of our conflict might still be in the works." Despite his gentlemanly words, he eyes reveal his inner resolve.
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Hudathan laughs. "Well, friend, we may be able to come to an agreement. We want Talbot brought to justice, but primarily to regain an artifact he stole from the Starfinder Society. If you want him, that may work with us." He folds his hands together. "What do you plan to do with him once you're done? A thief does not deserve a... overuse of justice."
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"Talbot stole an artifact he believes is call the Philosopher's Stone. In reality it is a Charlatan's Stone. While it does something similar to the first, it is only an illusion, and a temporary one at that. We want Talbot only to recover the Charlatan's Stone. After that, you can have him to do what you wish. Him being punished by you is just a fitting end as him being punished by us, no? So, can we work together on this?"
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""What do you plan to do with him once you're done? A thief does not deserve a... overuse of justice."
"Oh, rest assured. While Talbot deserves to, and will be punished, the AbadarCorp does not carry out anything as barbaric as summary execution. Abadar, after all, is the god of law and civilisation. Talbot, if captured alive, will suffer the full extent of the law."
"Talbot stole an artifact he believes is call the Philosopher's Stone. In reality it is a Charlatan's Stone. While it does something similar to the first, it is only an illusion, and a temporary one at that. We want Talbot only to recover the Charlatan's Stone. After that, you can have him to do what you wish. Him being punished by you is just a fitting end as him being punished by us, no? So, can we work together on this?"
"Ah, so that's how he did it. Certainly, I profess some personal interest in uncovering the means in which Talbot effected his fraud. A long-lost artifact, I see. Even if what he had wielded was not the true reknown Philosopher's Stone, the false counterfeit is indeed still very valuable. But please do not misunderstand. Neither my organisation nor myself have any intention to lay our hands on this artifact, since it is the rightful property of your Society."
"I'm sure you lot can punish him apporpriately! If it suits you the same, we'll take his little stone. We both want to make an example out of him, but you want the person and we want the stone. Any snag on your end?"
"So it seems that we can come to an agreement after all. You wish to retrieve this item of yours, while we want the man himself. An alliance thus would be beneficial. Whoever first locates and apprehends Talbot would hand over the other item of interest? It seems we have an agreement."
"I understand that Talbot is likely hiding out in one of these abandoned thasteron mines in the outskirts of the town. With two groups we can cover more ground. We'll meet here again in Tasch once we have further developments. At this time, I should be taking my leave to commence our search. We have rested sufficiently." At this time, Philt finally breaks out into a grin. "Perhaps we can make it a competition, no? Good day." Signalling to his vesk bodyguards to follow, the shirren and his entourage make their way out of the bar.
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Alice 002's red mechanical eyes watch the shirren and his entourage exit the bar. As the door swings shut, the android turns towards Madrigal and approaches. "I acquired Talbot's location from a human named Bear. I am ready to proceed." Alice 002 stands as still a statue, blinking at 15 second intervals. When the party heads towards the door, Alice 002 follows.
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Eli looks at the rest of the starfinders heading out, then gives Tasch and Bear a quick glance. "Right. That's my crew heading out. Better not split up, right?"
She stands up and starts walking away. She turns around for a few more seconds, however: "Oh yeah- em, guys... If you have any of that fuel Talbot gave you, I wouldn't sit on it. Just get rid of it. Sell it, burn it, whatever - just get rid of it fast. Bye!", she waves once more before running to catch up with the crew.
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"Ha ha! The hunt continues, let us prowl!" he roars. As the inferior Vesk take their leave, Hakrinag slaps his tail against the floor three times and snarls. "More footage my robotic companion! You always let your inferiors go first, gives them a fighting chance!" Running on all fours, he leaps out of the bar and onto the street, eager for action.
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The Starfinders take a few minutes to consolidate what they have learnt from the patrons of the bar and the representatives of AbadarCorp. Delighted that not only do they know that Talbot is hiding out in the mines, they actually know which specific one he is in. Looks like the Starfinders are going to beat AbadarCorp to the game!
Just as the team gets ready to leave the bar, however, suddenly a deep booming female voice echoes from outside the front of the bar. “Intruders! We know you’ve come to Tasch in search of our savior. I give you this one chance. Lay down your weapons and leave our town. You will not disrupt the salvation of Akiton, not when Reynald Talbot has come so close to saving our world! You have one minute to decide.”
On hearing this, the patrons of the bar looked alarmed but not particularly surprised. Perhaps bar fights are a regular occurrences. Some glare at the Starfinders. "Is it true? You're after our saviour?" But they do not stay behind to get your answers. Clearly knowing who is waiting outside, they do not wish to be caught in between and the customers quickly flee through the front entrance. The ysoki bartender rushes out and disappears through the back door. Thron, however, is obliviously snoring away on the countertop.
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Hudathan nods to Hakrinag and laughs. "'bout time! Things were getting boring! Let's prepare for the party!"
He moves to the table in front of the door and drags it to the side. Then, he returns to his table and kicks it over. After that, he crouches down behind it and aims his cannon at the door.
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“Intruders! We know you’ve come to Tasch in search of our savior. I give you this one chance. Lay down your weapons and leave our town. You will not disrupt the salvation of Akiton, not when Reynald Talbot has come so close to saving our world! You have one minute to decide.”
Alice 002 has trouble understanding why the lifeforms outside are threatening them.
As Madrigal attempts to negotiate, Alice 002 moves to crouch behind a table. One knee rests on the floor while the other leg is bent to cradle her elbow. The android pulls out her laser rifle and aims it at the door.
Her red mechanical eyes whirl in and out of focus as her exocortex searches for a foe to initiate combat tracking on.
Lastly, Alice 002 prepares to shoot the first aggressive lifeform that enters the building.
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Albans walks behind the bar and calmly pours a drink. Holding the drink in one hand and his pistol in the other, he says "Haven't been home for a day and the locals already want to run me out of town. Some things never change, I suppose." He crouches behind the bar and waits for the shooting to start.