Kov'i claws Ferani to bits in front of Zetara and it is frightening to say the least. With Ferani dead, Vrokilayo decides to leave the club. He heads to the back of the dance hall and escapes through a secret door with a few gang members. With Ferani's computers and her own admittance you have solved Duravor's death. Duravor was planning on exposing the Astra Extractions Corp for its abuses of its miners. Astral Extractions Corp. hired the Downside Kings to kill him before he could.
After everyone clears out of the Fusion Queen security forces show up. Duanimon and Garland show up around the same time and you are all able to make it back to your lodging.
When you report this to Chiskisk he thanks you for your service. If you are ready for another assignment his Excellency Gevalarsk Nor, Ambassador of Eox would like to speak with you all. If you agree he will send a transport to pick you up and take you to his ship docked outside Absalom Station among the armada.
"Hrm, that was a turn of events that the Downside Kings were who we were looking for. I was just trying to get Zetara out to safety." Ehron muses at the evidence gathered.
Thanks for saving me Zetara says to everyone. I wasn't sure there right at the end if I was going to make it out.
She tells everyone about the grenades she found, and asks if anyone has grenade skill and wants them.
"Would someone care to explain to me precisely what transpired in our absence? I get the sense that it was fairly momentous," Duanimon asks the group. In reply to Zetara, they say, "I would not be averse to taking them, though I have no specific skill in the utilization of explosive devices beyond a basic profiency in their use."
Well, I don't have a basic proficiency, so they are yours. Feel free to give them to someone more skilled, if someone else is.
Zetara hands 1 frag grenade I, and one incendiary grenade II to Duanimon.
"Some gang members showed up while Ehron was 'fixing' a taxi to allow us to get to you all and demanded Zetara go with them. Against my better judgement, she agreed, and after a few minutes we tracked her back to the club they were holding her in, dressed up as the help, and then dealt with the problem."
"From what I can gather Duanimon, the Downside Kings had tracked down Zetara after our initial claims that we had rights on the Rock. She went with them at her insistence as Kov'i notes." he nods towards the vesk. "But we followed to try to act as backup if things went sour. We found about their bar and were trying to get information when it got messy. Not sure what tipped them off, but they tried to accost myself, Kov'i and Scera." Ehron says with a shrug.
"But it was enough for Zetara to get free and set fire to the kitchen, causing a panic. Kov'i ran into the kitchen and came back out with Zetara and then we escaped." He looks to Zetara to see if she wants to fill in the extra details.
Ferani just asked me to hack something for her when she first took me... seemed like we were going to make a deal, and I thought it was going to be okay. ... Then she saw my friends coming into her place on her monitors, and... she thought it was a set up. So, she bashed me over the head and told her goons to take you out. I got out of the restraints and started the place on fire when I attacked Ferani, and then Kov'i came in and finished the job (thanks!).
Seems like it accidentally worked out, since it turns out that they were who were were looking for.
Are we going to keep working for the Starfinders?
"It's not a terrible job."
Zetara smiles.
True. And it is *much* better than being imprisoned and experimented on. I say we stick with it.
Scera felt a wash of relief as Zetara came out of the back and they fled before the authorities arrived. She gestured for the kasatha to come with them and they arrived at their lodgings asked the others, "Do you mind if he comes up with us? If it weren't for him I would have remained restrained to the bar," She looked a little nervously at them, "and I owe him a promised reward for helping us, or at least trying to."
Once you are all away from the Fusion Queen, the Kasatha that assisted Scera introduces himself. "Allow me to formally introduce myself. I am Zyfarion Yono. You do not owe me anything darlin'. I don't like seeing a woman cry, especially not one as beautiful as yourself. I will have to make myself scarce for a while. Don't forget me." He says with a wink and turns to leave.
Once you are ready to meet with Gevalarsk Nor he sends a Eoxian Shuttle to pick you up and fly you to his large Omenbringer Class ship. Its large spine looking protrusion stretching out like a giant maw as you approach it.
"The first steep in this, of course, is learning the specifics of the opposing claims. Reports of your recent endeavors in dealing wih some of Absalom Stations most notorious gangs have led me to believe that you might be useful in this undertaking as well. You're new to the station, you seem to possess a wide range of skills and abilities, and you certainly appear capable. In short, you're perfectly positioned as a neutral third party that could cut through all he red tape surrounding this issue and get to the heart of the matter."
I would like you to go to the Acreon, find out precisely what happened to its crew, and ascertain the value of its asteroid cargo, as well as determine whether this Drift Rock is truly of 'mysterious' as the media claims"
Before going to see Nor:
Zyfarion Yono? ... wow. Scera, you are a popular woman.
She whispers the information in the spoiler to Scera if she doesn't seem to know already.
"The Starfinders seem to an organization whose goals suit our temperament while protecting their own. A trait we may call upon if we find more about our captors. I suggest we maintain a good faith with them and work towards their favor."
Visiting the Eoxian's puts Ehron on visible edge as they travel into the death ship. But hearing the request from Gevalarsk Nor seems to put him more at ease.
"It would be pleasant to visit a comforting rock asteroid. Space stations do not feel so natural. Can you tell us more of the asteroid and ship? Not to bias us, but to give us an informed starting place to sort fact from rumor?" He asks to start to get a feel of what the job may entail.
Scera blushed at Zyfarion's compliment and said, "Thank you Mr. Yono, and I won't forget you." her head dropped slightly, "I'm just sorry you have to run because of me." She looked up as he walked off, "I hope we meet again one day." She watched him walk off as Zetara began to whisper to her.
In shock the lashunta woman turned quickly to look at Zetara and said, "Really?! I had no idea." She smiled slightly, seeming pleased with herself as she placed a hand on one hip and said, "I guess I'm useful after all."
As they discussed whether to continue their work with the Starfinders Scera nodded and said, "Yes, I think that would be a good idea. It's worked out fairly well for us so far and I agree that it definitely beats the prison place."
When they went to their next meeting, the one with Gevalarsk Nor, Scera felt fear. It wasn't as bad as the prison, she still retained her faculties, but the undead creeped her out. She did her best to swallow her fear and revulsion and found some success when they finally met their contact. She stayed in the middle of her group as much as she could and listened to what the eoxian had to say to them. As he spoke she found herself intrigued by him and became curious about what it was like to be undead and his people's culture. She wasn't sure if she was curious enough to ask and now was not the time anyway.
Mister Nor, we would be happy to look into this for you, and are grateful for the opportunity to be of service. May I ask what you are offering in the way of payment for our services? We are, of course, very interested in resolving the dispute for the good of all, but are unfortunately not in a financial position that allows us to work for free.
Garland watches Yono walk off, instantly recognizing the gunman. He's about to say something when he sees Zetara already whispering in Scera's ear. Good to know we have someone like him on our side. We're just making friends all over. He listens to the story of what happened while he and Duanimon were gone. "I still can't believe you went by yourself with them," he tells Zetara. "But I'm glad everything worked out."
Garland makes no objection to continuing to work for the Starfinders.
The smuggler enters the bone ship with hesitation. Eoxians made him nervous, and he can't help but remember the one they met on the prison and the feeling of dread that emanated from him.
"My colleague is right, our resources are limited and reimbursement would be much appreciated."
When they enter the Eoxian ship, Duanimon looks around intently at the necromantic technology with unconcealed fascination.
After the ambassador speaks, they chime in, "First, I am curious whether Astral Extractions and the Hardscrabble Collective have accepted your offer of mediation. In addition, I second my lanky companion's request for more information regarding the Acreon, particularly its current location and past history."
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"There will be payment indeed. Station Security is aware of my intentions to send a team of starfinders to look into the Acreon and have authorized payment of 600 credits to each of your accounts upon completion." Gevalarsk looks at Duanimon and adds " The Astral Extractions and the Hardscrabble Collective have begrudgingly accepted my assistance on the insistence of the Syndicsguild."
"There is one additional detail that I'd like to ask your help with". Nor says, steepling his bony fingers. "Among it's other cargo, the Acreon was carrying a package destined for the embassy. Of course, with the ship being quarantined, the packae has been undeliverable. I've been eagery awaiting its arrival, and I'd consider it a personal favor if you could find the package and bring it to me when you return to the station. It's clearly marked, so I don't imagine it will be too difficult to find. Do so and I will add 500 credits from my personal account to each of you."
"What does the package you are waiting for contain? I have little desire to break laws to bring it to you."
"I assure you there is no contraband or illegalities involved. As I said it was to arrive to me via legitimate channels and would have had the ship not been quarantined. I am not entirely sure what the package contains, only that it was urgent. I am willing to pay for its swift return, but if you are uncomfortable with the job I understand and am willing to wait until the dispute between the two factions is resolved." Gevalarsk Nor answers, his speech is void of any tone or emotions.
Zetara looks around at everyone to see if they agree.
If everyone looks okay with it, she says Okay, we're in. How do we get out to the Acreon? The shuttle you sent to get us here, or did you have another plan?
If everyone *isn't* okay with it, she waits to hear the additional questions or objections.
Ehron watches the stony undead as others speak and it responds to see if he can gather any insights, but otherwise remains silent pleased that some extra reward had been arranged.
600 credits? 1100 credits? Garland grins widely, suddenly feeling more at ease on the dead starship. The job seems easy enough compared to what they just went through. And he couldn't care less what sort of package this was he was asking them to retrieve. 500 credits was 500 credits. "Sounds good to me!" he says, clasping his hands together.
"Very well. Given your word and position, I have no problem with retrieving the package."
"I concur with my companions. We shall embark upon your task."
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Scera nodded in agreement with her companions after listening to the discussion, "Yes. we'll get the job done." She cocked her head slightly to one side and stepped out from behind Kov'i where she had unconsciously moved and looked at Gevalarsk Nor and asked, "Um, what's it like to be not really alive?" The question might sound impertinent or insulting but their was a tone in her voice that made it sound like more of an innocent question asked in curiosity.
Gevalarsk turns to Scera and stares at her with his emotionless stare for an uncomfortable amount of time. Then he says "Life has many levels. Like an egg to an infant to an adult, the transition from your current state of being to the one I currently possess is difficult, but has value. I can only imagine what the next level will hold."
Gelvalarsk then looks at the group. "I will give you a vehicle on loan to take you to the quarantined zone where the Aceron and the drift rock are being kept. " "You have clearance to examine the ship and rock. I recommend searching the ship first. Move with a sense of urgency though, the Syndicsguild would like to get my report soon."
"Unless there is anything you think we should know to help us succeed in our mission, I believe we should get started." Kov'i stands and gives him a moment to respond, then leaves if there is nothing forthcoming.
Zetara stands as well, ready to leave, but waiting to see if there is anything further.
"There is something more Mr. Lesk. In the interest of transparency you will be given an observer robot to record everything during your visit. And before your mission, the Astral Extractions and the Hard Scrabble Collective would each like to speak with you. I recommend speaking to both of them, or neither of them. Else you will give the appearance of favoritism. "
The ship you are escorted to is a Ringworks Wanderer
"This is the Hippocampus, your ship for the mission."
Ehron nods at the extra revelations. "May I ask if the robot will be recording or actually live streaming? Also if something dangerous destroys the robot can we exchange any liability for the robots secured records?" he asks while pondering further and noting. "The Wanderer's are a nice little ship for a shuttle, a touch cramped although."
What do you guys think? Should we talk to the groups involved, or will that needlessly complicate things?
I wonder if they will try to bribe us or threaten us... it is possible that we could get more money for doing favors, but if they ask for the same thing, or it is unethical...? Especially now that we know our actions will be recorded. There are likely ways around that, but I'm just not sure.
Will the observer robot accompany us if we choose to speak to the interested parties beforehand?
"We should hear what they have to say, but our small robotic friend should record all such offers. That way we should keep ourselves clear of any allegations of partiality."
"Peace is important. We should do our best to get it right."
"Kov'i is right. We should gather as much information as possible before embarking on our endeavor, and the robot's records will prove our neutrality in the matter."
"The droid will transmit its findings in real time, or as close as it can manage. The problem is the drift rock contains something that makes scanning and communications weak around the ship. So long as you are not at fault the droid is insured, but I warn you intentional tampering with the droid is considered a criminal offense as this is an official investigation. " Gevalarsk answers in the same dull tone all his conversation is delivered.
"I will arrange the first meeting then. The Astral Extractions has its headquarters in the eye of Absalom Station. Why don't you take the Hippocampus for a spin and get used to its controls on the way there. "
Zetara thanks Gevalarsk, and makes sure he is set up to send them group texts so he can notify them of the meeting time, and then she goes to the Hippocampus to claim a berth.
Garland nods. "We should meet with both groups. Gather as much info as we can." He looks at the droid with suspicion, uncomfortable with being recorded but knowing there wasn't much he could do about it with most of the team seemingly okay with the idea.
Garland follows Zetara to the ship, thinking about their upcoming meeting with Astra Extractions. He doesn't feel much like a neutral third party after directly helping Jabaxa and the Collective, but that fact hardly bothers him. And as long as they did the job right, Astral Extractions wouldn't find out.
Ehron smiles eager to get to the ship to look it over inside before bowing with respect to the undead being and following Zetara. He sends a encrypted text message over the comms to the group at watching their words, and any unencrypted comms in near the robot.
Heading in first, he folds his long limbs in against themselves to claim the pilots seat. Running over the controls to find the locations, and test against any undue surprises for a normal ship in Eoxian hands.
Kov'i will follow the rest of the group out.
Gevalarsk turns to Scera and stares at her with his emotionless stare for an uncomfortable amount of time. Then he says "Life has many levels. Like an egg to an infant to an adult, the transition from your current state of being to the one I currently possess is difficult, but has value. I can only imagine what the next level will hold."
Scera wilted under the undead being's look and then breathed a sigh of relief when he responded to her. She decided that she would keep her mouth shut unless she had something important and germane to their work to ask him and shifted to stand behind Kov'i again. She took in what was said and otherwise shoved further questions she might have about their host into the background of her mind and didn't ask them.
The lashunta woman felt a great wave of relief as they finally left and gave their hist a slight, nervous, smile before leaving. Once they were safely away and clear of the undead ship Scera relaxed as they began to discuss their task she said, "Yes Garland, meeting with both would be good. Do we do it as a whole or only a few of us?"
"I understand the livings need for...rest. I know my ship makes most of your kind uncomfortable. It is my understanding the Starfinders have provided you with lodgeing. Return there and discuss the details. Contact the Astral Extractions or the Hardscrabble Collective when you are ready. take the time you need, but urgency is appreciated." Gevalark Nor sends you the comm numbers to each group.
"Remember to stop back here when you are ready to go to the quarantine zone to pick up the Observer Droid. It will remain here until you go on your missions." Gevalark Nor leaves you in the docking bay with the Hippocampus.
With his companions all boarded, then Ehron flies the the craft with easy competence back to Absalom Station. "Let us hope we can keep a little lower profile this time." he chuckles. "So where to now, also should we grab some extra gear? Maybe pool money for some Healing Serums?" He suggests.
"I think we should just talk to them now. I doubt either party will attack us, so more combat gear seems unnecessary before we actually visit the Acreon. Either way, who should we meet with first? I'm curious to hear Astral Extractions' side of the story, but I have no strong preference."
Now is fine with me. We can rest later, after the meetings, and before we go out to the quarantine zone.
"If we are going to speak to them now, we should probably get the recording droid, as I believe we mentioned previously."
After you have rested and done a day of shopping, a representative from the Astral Extractions contacts you through the hotel you are staying at. Her name is Ms.Joss, she is a dark skinned Lashunta female that has a very corporate look to her.
"I hope this is a good time. Mr. Nor told me you are the ones he has hired to do the third party investigation into the Acreon. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Mat'valika Joss, you can call me Ms. Joss. I am the head of the Astral Extractions legal department. I would like to invite you and your crew to the Bluerise Tower, our Corporate Headquaters in Absalom Station. "