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Following on from Gulkyn's missiles flying directly at the Iketshi, Aegis turns and levels his pulsecaster again.
Again a bolt flies from the end of the weapon and connects the two, and again the horrid monstrosity roars, but is not brought down.
Ignatius decides that more is better, and unfortunatley for him, only the first bolt connects, as the second sails just inches wide of the Iketshi fore-plate.
This means another minor burn to add to his collection.
The Iketshi decides to go for broke, and trys one last time to bring one of you down, turning on Gulkyn and attempting to shoot him in the face;
Gulkyn unperturbed by this, moves around the side of the Iketshi and briefly outshines the sun as a wave of fast moving heat and plasma spread outwards from him, and burn the Iketshi to a crisp
As it drops to the floor, it also drops a datapad, a datapad which contains enough information to exonerate your android contact, should you so wish....
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Picking up the datapad, Aegis-9 declares, "Justice will be done!"
The android sees to it that the local authorities have been notified that three individuals responsible for disturbing the peace can be found in the least salubrious part of town--though he does not utilize such adjectives himself.
"Come, let us find our wayward 'one made real' and, if we are able to see to his exoneration, let us do so." the android Starfinder urges.
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Returning to your android contact, you hand over the datapad, that has all the evidence he needs and he is overjoyed!
So much so that he forgets he was supposed to need to retrieve the artifact from a safety deposit box, and instead hands it to you, after drawing it from a bag at his feet.
Once back aboard your ship, you contact Venture Captain Arvin, who explains that whilst that is a job well done, it is only job 1 of 3!
He directs you to the planet Verces, which is the fifth planet from the sun.
He explains to you that the tablet fragment on this planet is probably in the keeping of one Karelite Bogdin, a verthani of many seperate interests.
His business however is run out of a very top-end and high-class club on Verces.
As you are on the vessel, licking wounds and heading towards Verces, some of you may know a little bit more about the planet and what to expect;
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Pleased that he had a hand in bringing justice to a fellow android, Aegis-9 prepares for the next mission. Knowing he us headed to Verces, he is not contented to to simply rely upon what he already knows, but strikes up conversations with others to try and learn more about the what the party may encounter on the planet.
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You do all indeed know a bit more about the planet and what you might be facing;
Verces is tidally locked, with the largest civilisation based in a sprawling metropolis which spans the entire circumframce of the planet and is called the Ring of Nations, lying between the scorching heat of Fulbright and the numbing eternal cold of Darkside.
The most technologically advanced are the native Verthani, 8 feet tall with chameleon like skin.
The mega-metropolis is know. For the elevated level of technology and the advancemnt of technology. Because of this most natives use various cybernetic enhancements.
Different nation states exist within the mega metropolis and all have varying amounts of autonomy. The city state of Vanos is known as the place to do business with any and all comers. Also the place if you are looking to avoid scrutiny. The richest can even buy and sell sentient androids here!
You have been travelling for around 5 days to get here -
Any prep you would like to conduct before marching to the club?
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Any prep you would like to conduct before marching to the club?
Since I'm using the Navasi pregen, and her backstory says she was raised with privilege and some degree of wealth, I'd like to use that to look more "appropriate" for clubbing in a place like this.
Navasi gets to reduce the DCs of Culture checks by 5 when recalling knowledge about the criminal underworld.
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Aegis-9 tries to learn what he can about Bogdin to try to determine the best way to approach the villian and his lair.
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Ignatius, you manage to find something that looks exactly fitting for a high class high profile party goer. It’s sefinatley the current trends of fashion through and through!
Your extra research into Bogdin means you know he definatley deals on the wrong side of the law, he smuggles and can buy and sell anything for a price. He is known for the practice of buying and selling other sentients, especially androids.
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Aegis-9 feels an ache in his transistors when he realizes that Bogdin engages in slavery of his kind. “Freedom is the right of all sentient beings.” he declares.
"However, this unfortunate circumstance may provide us an opportunity to approach this villain." the android declares "What if you were all to pose as android-traffickers? And I, as some of your... 'merchandise'? Perhaps, then, Bogdin may eagerly meet with us and reveal the location of the tablet we seek."
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You make your way to the less salubrious part of town, and locate the club in question, one Kozmos.
The line stretches around the block, filled with easer concert-goers and the well heeled and high and mighty of Verces. Whilst waiting in line in boring, nothing happens and before long you are at the front of the queue.
The Vesk bouncers spend a long time looking over your invitations, and especially your weapons. However the tickets are totally legitimate, and you manage to pass inside into the night-club without any further trouble.
Walking through the large double doors into the club, the wall of sound, light and music hits you like a physical wall.
The main dance floor of Kozmos extends almost eighty feet from north to south. There are a pair of raised bars, both of which are tended by clearly augmented Verthani natives, nesting within raised platforms in the northwest & northeast corners.
Two androids wearing red collars tend a central bar, which also serves as the main drinking area for the club.
A large stage is covering most of the south section of the room, flanked by dual ramps, one leading up the east and the other the west side.
Each ramp leads to a door, with the southern guarded by an intimidating looking Vesk who stands under a sign marked "Dressing Room". Another double door lies in the middle of the Eastern Wall marked "Fire Exit"
You have entered almost directly opposite through the club entrance in the middle of the western wall.
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The human envoy approaches the bar. "Excuse me, please." She says very politely and sincerely. "My friend and I have some business with Karelite Bogdin." She purposefully says the word 'business' with a subtle degree of distaste.
"We'd appreciate it if you could tell us where his office is." She gently places a hand atop the bartenders hand to convey the sentiment: "I'm so sorry that you're in this predicament/that you have to work for someone who traffics in androids."
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You are met by the Vesk at the front door, who suggests you speak to one of the bartenders or the other Vesk about getting a meeting with Bogdin.
The two augmented Verthani;
Yes of course we’ll be able to get you in to see Bogdin, but he obviously only meets those with real clout, wealth and money. You’d be best off buying some of these new just in odd the latest vessel powders. They are truly a sense enhancer
The androids;
Yes sir, thank you sir, what can I get you to drink sir
They steadfastly refuse to answer any questions or even try and get you in to see Bogdin at all!
The Vesk guarding the stage ramps;
Stage personnel only. Now leave
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Seeing the others getting push back Anu leans over to Aegis-9 "Time for plan B I think."
Anuzoreus leads Aegis over to the Verthani a little roughly, "I'm looking to sell some merchandise, this android is carrying it."
Aegis-9 nods at Anu, though he is not convinced that Navasi has abandoned the plan as much as addied an improvised nuance to make potential allies should things go awry. Still, he agrees, it does make the ruse more difficult to pull off.
"And I am programmed to keep it from the likes of you." the android says in response to the "seller".
The generally law abiding android has difficulty engaging in deception.
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The androids turn to regard Gulkyn & Ignatius;
"They aren't pleasant, but they are required. What are we drinking please sirs?
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At the other bar, one of the tenders leans in towards Anu & Aegis;
"I have no doubt about the merchandise however Bogdin doesn't know you, you have never met him & there is still a lack of any obvious wealth for him to get involved directly, why don't you let me handle it with an avaricious twinkle in his eye, he leans back.
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"A bribe? No sire, you're mistaken. A bribe would indicate I would dare keep any proceed for myself. No matter what information you may contain, 'bot, it is not up to me.
That said however, I'm sure Bogdin would be more than happy to see you, if you just sauntered up to any of the Vesk and simply asked them?"
With this he tips you a wink and goes back to serving all of the other guests.
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Gulkyn - nothing too out of place not really
Anu/Aegis - that last one really gets his attention - if there’s something seedy underworld characters hate is their competitions getting the sentient beings!
Shortly after you are approchaed by a pair of burly Vesk;
”You will follow us”
You are escorted through the private areas of the club to a very plushly decorated office, heavy furniture, thick carpets, faux wood panellings and gold leaf copiously splashed on every surface.
Sat in the middle of it all is a Verthani male with extensive modifications, cybernetic implants scattered across his head arms and legs.
”Well, you have my attention, I am Bogdin the owner of this little enterprise - what do you want from me?