[OutPost II] SFS 1-33: Data Breach (Inactive)

Game Master GM Red


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Data Breach

Dot!


Data Breach

The Archive’s Cortex is unusually subdued. The typical ambient white noise of powerful computers and environmental systems is softer than usual. There is no panoply of holographic screens ringing Historia-7’s desk. The room is still, as is the leader of the Dataphiles. For a handful of heartbeats, her eyes remain fixed at some spot on the wall and unaware of any disturbance. Then her eyes turn to the door and stares for a few seconds before she reorients her swivel chair fully forward. “Come in. Sit,” she directs. “Let’s begin.” She waits until the room is situated.

“Prior to the incident at the Scoured Stars, my predecessor…” Historia-7 trails off momentarily before resuming her briefing. “My predecessor, Historia-6, and other Society colleagues investigated several corporations as well as the system itself. That research was deleted prior to the systemwide event that crippled us. We discovered the discrepancy accidentally when an ally reconstructed Historian-6’s data links, and we compared them to our own logs. Essentially, we were hacked,” she says flatly. “By parties unknown. I’ve been leading a series of ongoing investigations into this threat ever since."

“The data trail led to private space station owned by a solar-energy corporation, Arch Energy Consortium. The company’s growth was curtailed while their station served as a clandestine meeting place for this group’s board of directors. While their identities remained obscured by a series of complex transactions and shell companies, we did identify a security consultant hired to facilitate some of their operations.” Historia-7 gestures with a finger, and a holographic screen opens in midair to the side of her desk.

“Meet Hira Lanzio, if you haven’t yet already,” she gestures toward the screen, which depicts a human corporate executive, clean cut with short dark hair. “We intercepted Lanzio on Songbird Station in the backdrop of a Strawberry Machine Cake concert. Lanzio believed he’d been contracted to release a magical computer virus aboard the station, not realizing that he was the primary target. The virus was intended to attack the station’s reactor. Let me underscore that for you. Whoever this group is,” she stresses as her voice rises, “they were willing to commit mass murder against thousands of innocent sentients,
just to get rid of and obfuscate one man who might lead us back to them.”

Historia-7 pauses and appears to collect herself. “The Stewards have Mr. Lanzio detained here aboard Absalom Station. He has not been cooperative, but we’re not going to give him a choice. Not if… Not if I have anything to say about it. Approximately twelve hours ago, after a productive session with Mr. Lanzio, he let it slip that he’d set up a private data facility for the group on Verces. On the outskirts of the city of Cuvacara. There’s no listed owner, but we’ve identified the site. I need a team to go there immediately, before it gets scrubbed clean. I’ll be candid: I don’t have as much information to give you as I’d like. My own attempts to interrogate Lanzio… they have not been productive. I’ve arranged an opportunity for you to interview him directly. You might get something more useful out of him.”

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

Hawthorne takes a seat. He listens as the android explains the situation and the LED on the side of his head flickers blue in an irregular, staccato pattern.

"I understand," he says. "Do you want us to do anything to the data beside collect it before it is scrubbed?"

Dataphiles

Male NG android scholar (life sciences) mechanic 3 | SP 18/18 HP 22/22 | RP 4/5 | EAC 17; KAC 18 | Fort +3; Ref +7; Will +2 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6, SM: -2 | Speed 30 | Active conditions: Nil.

Mnamae-6, a very human looking android except for his exceptionally pale skin, remains largely expressionless throughout the briefing. Only once does he react - at the mention of the near massacre of innocents at a concert, his circuit tattoos flares up momentarily before subsiding. He also stops leaning against his six-legged drone and stands up straighter.

Mnamae-6 ponders for a few computational cycles, then he speaks. His voice carries the right modulations you would expect of any live humanoid, but... something is still off. "This is indeed disturbing - such callous disregard for sentient life. I am afraid I might not be much help in the interrogation, however. But may I ask if the Stewards would be providing assistance in this case?"

Acquisitives

|SP 40 (-11)/56 HP 52/52|RP 7/9 |EAC 23 KAC 24|Fort +4 (+2 vs poison and disease), Reflex +10, Will +7| Init +8 Resist Acid 5|Per+11 Speed 50 Underwater Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol +11 (1d8+4 So, Deafen) | Static Arc Pistol +11 (1d6+4 E, Arc 2) | Tactical Baton +10 (1d4+4)

Moxie Moon strides into the room like she owns it, excluding an aura of confidence and ease as she drops into one of the chairs. She is a athletic looking human woman with perfect chestnut skin and a striking pair of golden brown eyes. She is dressed in a form fitting black jumpsuit with a gold symbol of Abadar emblazoned across the left side. Everything about her appearance appears to be perfectly put together, from her flawlessly coifed curly black hair, to the silvery pair of pistols resting on her hip.

She listens to Historia-7 intently and when she is finished Moxie flashes her a brilliant smile, following it up with a somewhat flirtatious wink. "I'm sure I could get Lanzio to see the advantages of choosing to cooperate with us. I have plenty of experience dealing with so-called tough negotiators."

Acquisitives

Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

Sovyal practically swaggers in, following Moxie. A gaunt and pale skinned damaya lashunta dressed in a well fitted black business suit, he gives off the air of a corp executive. His long face, jet-black hair and waxes mustache do nothing to dispel that illusion. At a second glance however, your eyes are drawn to his strange earrings, which seem to be made of the preserved eyes of some alien beast, his bracelets and necklace, which are made of jagged and rusty-colored bones, and his suit's tie which appears to be made of a patchwork of blood-stained military insignia from a variety of worlds.

He bows courteously to his teammates. "An absolute joy to meet you all, my beautiful little lambs. I am Sovyal Veigh." His voice is a low, throaty rumble that belies his rail thin appearance. He follows by sweeping a rather excessively elaborate bow towards Historia, before taking a seat in one of the chairs. "And my dearest Historia Seven, it is ever the pleasure to wait upon your command." His tone is sincere, but a quirk of a smile at the edge of his mouth suggests otherwise.

---

Sovyal lounges idly through the meeting, providing hmms and ahhhs at appropriate (and inappropriate times), but he sits up straight with a pleased smile at the mention of getting to talk with Hira Lanzio directly. "I see- I see- How ab-so-lu-tely wonderful." He looks down at his fingernails as he smiles "I would be ever so happy to talk to the young Mr. Lanzio. A fine little chat." He leans forward menacingly.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34 HAH! Wasted it on RP.

"As for Verces, well, I can't imagine too much trouble. I just got back from an infiltration on Apostae - you would be surprised how lax the Drow have left their own security."

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

Male Ysoki Outlaw Technomancer 7 | SP 42/42 HP 37/37 RP 9/9 | KAC 21 EAC 21 | Saves F+3 R+6 W+7 | Initiative +4; Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft, Speed 30ft | Spells/day: 1st - 6/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 3/3| Cache Spell: Magic Missile | Status: Old

The door remains open behind Moxie and Soyval just a moment longer than you would expect, and a soft noise seems to follow them into the briefing room with the Dataphiles leader.

*padpadCLICKpadpadCLICKpadpadCLICK*

The source of the noise soon becomes apparent, however, as an ysoki--well on in years--hops up into one of the seats and leans his walking stick against the desk. Chikasa gives Historia a familiar nod of greeting, but remains otherwise quiet through Historia's briefing. Once she finishes explaining the mission, the ysoki leans over in his seat and spits a dark globule into a shallow dish he has at his side, which he then magically cleans with a waggle of his thin, furry fingers.

"Well, sounds like me an' my old pal Lanzio will get another chance to go toe to toe, then," Chikasa says dryly. "That pile o' renkroda filth caused me all sortsa aggravation. I'm sure my ears still haven't gotten back to their right size..." He reaches up with one hand and massages one of the ears sticking out from beneath the hood of his cloak.

"Anyhow. Have the Stewards shared any of the tacks they've been on what's gotten old Hira talkin'? And by the way, you doin' alright? Ya seem a bit more distracted 'n last time I saw ya."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15


While Hawthorne listens to Historia-7 and then the other biological beings begin their questions, Sophia links into the local infosphere and begins to download what is archived regarding the Vercite city of Cuvacara.

Culture (Take 20): 20 + 9 = 29

Exo-Guardians

Hudathan Swarmbait Male LN Vesk Spacefarer Soldier 4 | SP 34/36 HP 34/34 | RP 6/6 |EAC 18 KAC 19| | Speed 30ft | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +0, SM: +0
BOT ME:
[dice=Corona Laser@]1d20+11[/dice] [dice=DMG@EAC]2d8+4[/dice]

An extremely large vesk, bristling with heavy weaponry, walks in. He gives a knowing nod to Sovyal then turns to the venture captain. At the end of the briefing he just grunts. "Aye. We'll talk to him. But Verces is the kind of place where a gun speaks louder than words. I'm sure we'll be fine." He smiles smugly, full of typical vesk confidence. Before turning his attention to his weapons he asks another question in a grumbling voice. "Will we be given starfinder transportation to verces or shall we find our own way?"


Data Breach
Mnamae-6 wrote:
"But may I ask if the Stewards would be providing assistance in this case?"

"Lanzio hasn't exactly been open with them with the information beyond what he's let slip about Cuvacara. I'm hoping you'll have better luck," she replies.

Chikasa wrote:
"Anyhow. Have the Stewards shared any of the tacks they've been on what's gotten old Hira talkin'? And by the way, you doin' alright? Ya seem a bit more distracted 'n last time I saw ya."

Historia-7 sits a little straighter in her seat. "Given the gravity of the situation, I think you can imagine what might be going through my head. Suppose Lanzio had managed to release that virus..." She pauses for effect. "I wish I knew why Lanzio wouldn't talk to me. One would expect he’d try to improve his situation or apply some leverage of his own. We… I assumed he’s acting out of loyalty, but it’s clear that he’s more scared than anything else. I haven’t been able to establish a dialogue, and my predecessor either caught him off guard or got lucky. In fact, ascertaining why he’s not turning on his employers might be a good strategy when you interrogate him.”

Chikasa:

Historia-7 does seems off - she's more edgier than usual, though only just. She's definitely less efficient and less to-the-point than normal.

Hudathan wrote:
"Will we be given starfinder transportation to verces or shall we find our own way?"

"I have arranged travel for you, of course, though you must clear several security checkpoints on Absalom Station, and it is likely the Stewards will search you for weapons."

Hawthorne wrote:
"Do you want us to do anything to the data beside collect it before it is scrubbed?"

Historia-7 holds out a data storage device. "Collecting it is all we need. This device has been modified to accept a large amount of data quickly. We need something more than another trail of breadcrumbs. Do whatever it takes, understood?”

Sophia manages to download the following information about Cuvacara. Cuvacara is known as the Dusk Jewel by the locals. Verces is tidally locked, and Cuvacara, like most major cities on the planet, is built in the shadowed band between the light and dark sides of the planet. Twilight bathes it in a perpetual night just a shade past sunset. Most Vercite cities are beautiful, but Cuvacara is particularly striking due to its diversity of architecture, gleaming triangular skyscrapers, iridescent glass towers, brightly lit floating neon displays, and ribbons of multilayered roadways and bullet trains festooned with lights.

Please slot your boons. The scenario is of high importance to the Dataphiles faction. If you have played 1-14, you may also want to slot its associated Conspiracy boon.


Everyone receives a data package from a handle named 'Sophia.' The file is named 'Dusk Jewel.'

>>Background information. You're welcome.

Moxie's MMS, however, simply says, >>Background information. ...

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

"At least we'll be going somewhere attractive," Hawthrone says in an apparent non-sequitur given the direct link to Sophia's data and his overclocked processing unit. The LED on the side of his head flickers between blue and green as his companion's com units ping.

The Triunite reaches for the high-capacity data passport and a slot on his datajack pops open.

"Not yet," he says, manually closing the doors protecting the data ports. "Sorry. Sophia can be premature, sometimes."

And immature. I saw that; don't be rude.

"What? She looks even more dangerous than that gnome you were eyeing."

I was not eyeing Charli.

Hawthorne sighs for no apparent reason.

Acquisitives

Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

Sovyal winks at Hudathan. "Ah, we have the big brute. Guidance must have thought this mission needed excessive aggression and firepower rather than finesse. How very curious. The emerald dame is rarely wrong."

He surveys the information on Cuvacara and whistles. "A mighty fine place for a little entertainment. Once we're done with this little escapade, perhaps a short vacation may be in order."

"Ah Historia, my dear, if you've identified the site we are to investigate, do you have any other information on it? Perhaps layout, entrances, or at least directions to the nearest relaxation establishment?" He gives the Dataphiles leader a mischievous smirk. "Ah, that last one tends to get overlooked when you're gathering data, doesn't it?"

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

Male Ysoki Outlaw Technomancer 7 | SP 42/42 HP 37/37 RP 9/9 | KAC 21 EAC 21 | Saves F+3 R+6 W+7 | Initiative +4; Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft, Speed 30ft | Spells/day: 1st - 6/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 3/3| Cache Spell: Magic Missile | Status: Old

Chikasa quietly watches Historia-7 for a beat, wondering why this mission has her so on edge. He thinks back over the briefing so far to pick up on moments when she seemed most unlike herself, his datajack whirring softly behind his left ear as it picks the conversation apart, and finally lands on two points that need clarification. "Right, so we gotta interrogate Lanzio for any more intel we can glean from him, then head off to Cuvacara to retrieve the data stored there before this organization sends in the cleaners. Two questions though, Historia: first off, what about Historia-6? You said he caught Lanzio off guard at some point. Can we go to him for some information, or at least ask how he got to Lanzio?

"Second," the ysoki's voice grows softer and he leans in as if sharing some secret information, "You said 'we' got hacked. Have I just got cobwebs on the brain, or am I right to think you don't just mean 'we' as in the Society? Historia, has your data been corrupted?"

Exo-Guardians

Hudathan Swarmbait Male LN Vesk Spacefarer Soldier 4 | SP 34/36 HP 34/34 | RP 6/6 |EAC 18 KAC 19| | Speed 30ft | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +0, SM: +0
BOT ME:
[dice=Corona Laser@]1d20+11[/dice] [dice=DMG@EAC]2d8+4[/dice]

Hudathan smiles at Sovyal’s comment. ’Aye,you’ll be needing rescuing again, no doubt.”. He chuckles, good-natured. He turns to the venture captain after reviewing the notes. ”What are the laws like in this sector of Verces? Last time I was on planet, that particular sector was... chaotic.” He grimaces, obviously disliking the planet.

Boons!:

Faction: Dataphiles
Promotional: Promotional Reroll (Goblin IPA)
Starship:
Social: Faction's Friend
Slotless: Elixir of Renewal, Claimant to Salvation, Marked Field Agent, Star Sugar Heartlove!!!, Starfinder Insignia, Tip of the Conspiracy

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

"The last time that I saw Historia-6," Hawthorne says gently, "It was not good."

"I think the ysoki has cobwebs for brains. I mean, look how old he is. Like three hundred years?"

Shush.


Data Breach
Sovyal wrote:
"Ah Historia, my dear, if you've identified the site we are to investigate, do you have any other information on it?

"I do have a satellite recon photo. The facility must be underground because we’re seeing a small concrete bunker with the equivalent of a blast door. There’s a shuttle pad nearby. It’s constructed on the border of the industrial side of the city. Away from entertainment district. It’s an area of nondescript warehouses and buildings that all look the same. Other than that, the facility is a black box. As mentioned, we can shuttle you to it, however, and have an extraction ready for when you’re finished.”

Chikasa wrote:
"First off, what about Historia-6?

"You're joking, right?" Historia-7 looks at Chikasa with her mouth agape. "It's as he suggests. Historia-6 isn't with us any longer. Lost during the Scoured Stars Incident."

Chikasa wrote:
"You said 'we' got hacked. Have I just got cobwebs on the brain, or am I right to think you don't just mean 'we' as in the Society? Historia, has your data been corrupted?"

Historia-7 calmly shakes her head. "My data is just fine. I cannot understate the importance of this mission, and perhaps it is coming across too strong."

Hudathan wrote:
”What are the laws like in this sector of Verces? Last time I was on planet, that particular sector was... chaotic."

"Likely the same, though your operations will be isolated to the site itself. You shouldn't encounter too many people there, even if Cuvacara is densely populated."

I think that's more or less what she knows, so I'll move us ahead a little later tonight. I have to respond to some of you in Discussion as well and will do that now.


Data Breach

Thanks to Historia-7's arrangements, you have no issues reaching Bastion, the Stewards' headquarters, on Absalom Station. The Stewards insist on temporarily confiscating your weapons at a checkpoint, and remind you that this visit is a courtesy extended to the Starfinder Society. They also indicate they'll be recording the interview.

The accused terrorist Hira Lanzio waits in a stark, bright-white interview room, at a white table and seated in a white chair. His once-styled, dark wavy hair is now slightly disheveled, and Lanzio is bereft of his signature sunglasses and all other trappings of privilege. The interview room is otherwise featureless except for a one-way mirror connected presumably to an adjacent room.

Some of you may observe the prisoner in the adjacent room without being heard, while others (or all) may interrogate him directly. Those of you with the Tip of the Conspiracy boon gain a +3 circumstance bonus to Bluff, Diplomacy, and Intimidate checks, and can reroll one check. The party can attempt a total of five checks to influence Lanzio (though any one PC should not roll any more than one roll (unless its a reroll) per post)

Acquisitives

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Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

Sovyal cracks his knuckles, sizing up Lanzio through the one way mirror before going in. "I think we have ourselves quite the ugly little worm. Let's see if we can't peck at him a little. Make him squirm. Make him... break."
---

Once inside the interview room, Sovyal spends a few moments in silence, walking a circle around the room and around Hira, before settling in to loom over his shoulder. "Just keep looking right ahead my good man. Right ahead. Right- a- head." He croons. "I will be behind you. But nothing to worry about. The Stewards are thorough on removing the weapons from those coming to talk to their captives. Reasonably thorough, that is." He adjusts one of his bracelets of animal bones and lowers his voice. "Can't have anything - unpleasant, happening. No, nothing unpleasant. Reconstructive surgery is expensive, you see."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (12) + 14 + 1 = 27

Bones clink against each other behind Hira as Sovyal continues to loom. "Now I hear you were working for some truly fine individuals. Frightening, I'm sure. But fine none-the-less." He breathes out. "I think you'll find that there are fine individuals in the Society as well. Ones that can negotiate your release from the Stewards and into more... how should we put it..." Sovyal cracks his knuckles one by one. "-more 'creative' hands."

"But first, I'm terribly curious. What about your current employers has so solidly secured your loyalty? It couldn't be their health plan - after all, that won't do you much good where you're going."

Acquisitives

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|SP 40 (-11)/56 HP 52/52|RP 7/9 |EAC 23 KAC 24|Fort +4 (+2 vs poison and disease), Reflex +10, Will +7| Init +8 Resist Acid 5|Per+11 Speed 50 Underwater Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol +11 (1d8+4 So, Deafen) | Static Arc Pistol +11 (1d6+4 E, Arc 2) | Tactical Baton +10 (1d4+4)

"I think I should talk to him first. Talking to people is kinda what I do. Maybe I can get a sense of what he wants. And if he isn't willing to negotiate, then maybe we can try something else."

Moxie saunters into the room and grabs the opposite chair, spinning it around and resting her arms against the shoulder rest. "So Lanzio, I'm here to talk to you and I'm hoping you're someone who is going to be reasonable. I'm part of a Starfinder faction that sees the practical need to make contacts within the business world, among other things. I really don't care what you may or may have not allegedly done in the past. I've done things myself I'm not proud of. There's video of some of those things in the data sphere. You've probably seen it."

"The point is, there is really no benefit to you to be recalcitrant. The Starfinders might be the only chance you've got left to salvage the mess you've made of your life. We have connections, resources. Work to keep you busy and give you something meaningful to do. But if we're going to help you, you're going to need to help us. You don't have to decide right now, but you're going to need to decide quick. So think about it."

I have an ability called Slick Customer. It lets me roll Diplomacy first and chose to give up my expertise dice to reroll the check. To keep things simple, I will only do this every time I roll a 5 or less and no other time.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 12 + 1 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 12 + 1 + (6) + 1 = 37

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 9 + 1d6 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 9 + (3) + 1 = 23

Dang Sovyal, ya ninja'd me. Would you mind going in after Moxie? Do the Good Cop, Bad Cop routine? It might not matter for the sake of the game mechanics, but that's how they do it in the movies.

Dataphiles

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NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

Stop.

"But--"

No.

"I can--"

Do not try to hack the Stewards' servers.

"You're no fun."

"I will wait behind the glass," Hawthorne says. "Try to get what you can on access terminals, living security, robots, any turrets, description of uniforms, and, obviously, the layout."

Acquisitives

Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

Sounds good to me Moxie! Assume Sovyal comes in and does his creepy, menacing routine a few minutes after Moxie is done.

Exo-Guardians

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Hudathan Swarmbait Male LN Vesk Spacefarer Soldier 4 | SP 34/36 HP 34/34 | RP 6/6 |EAC 18 KAC 19| | Speed 30ft | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +0, SM: +0
BOT ME:
[dice=Corona Laser@]1d20+11[/dice] [dice=DMG@EAC]2d8+4[/dice]

Hudathan frowns as the stewards insist on taking his weapons. "Back on Vesk-3, the guards were strong enough to enforce the rules. Didn't need to confiscate the weapons." He drops a large artillery laser, a rifle, a cannon, a taclash and an antique longsword on the table. As he steps away he lifts up both hands, revealing the large claws attached. "Besides, you forgot one important thing. A vesk is never unarmed." He grins, toothily.

After seeing the situation, he shakes his head and follows Hawthorne into the observation room. "Let us know if you need any lasers in there. Huh. ha huh." He smiles, lazily.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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Male Ysoki Outlaw Technomancer 7 | SP 42/42 HP 37/37 RP 9/9 | KAC 21 EAC 21 | Saves F+3 R+6 W+7 | Initiative +4; Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft, Speed 30ft | Spells/day: 1st - 6/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 3/3| Cache Spell: Magic Missile | Status: Old

Chikasa initially tries to slip by the guards with his "staff" in hand, but decides Historia and Luwazi would both be pretty furious if he did something to mess up the Society's relationship with the Stewads. He sheepishly turns back at the last moment, gives the guard a mischievous grin, and drops the glamer disguising his tactical shirren eye rifle as a walking stick. "Silly me," he says, "Nearly forgot about this one. Sorry 'bout that, my fine young friend. The memory's not what it used to be."

---

When the Starfinders are lead to Hira Lanzio's interrogation room, Chikasa follows Moxie in and takes up a spot leaning against the wall in one corner of the room. After she finishes her pitch to Lanzio, Chikasa looks up and stares the man directly in his eyes.

"Hullo there, Hira," he says in a friendly, familiar tone, "Don't know if you remember me, but I'm one o' the folks what kept ya from killing all them innocents--and yourself--back on Songbird Station. Good times, eh? Boy you sure missed one hell of a show!

"Now, as my friend, Miss Moon here, has explained so eloquently, the Society has a lotta opportunities available to those looking for a change in their lives. Take me for example. Back in my younger years, when I wasn't so long in the tooth and didn't have so much hair in my ears, I was quite the criminal element m'self. They used t' call me Chik-Chik Boom, on account o' my signature sniping skills. Boy, I tell ya, I caused a whole mess o' trouble back there on Akiton!

"But that's all in the past! Now I use my skills--both martial and mechanical--to help folks out, not to mention to earn myself an honest living! So whaddya say, fella? Help us bring down the slime what sent you to your death, just to cover their own backsides, and we'll see what we can do to cover yours, huh?"

Aid Diplomacy, Tip of the Conspiracy: 1d20 + 1 + 3 ⇒ (12) + 1 + 3 = 16
Successful aid for a +2 to Moxie's Diplomacy, not that she needed it all that much. ;D

Dataphiles

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Male NG android scholar (life sciences) mechanic 3 | SP 18/18 HP 22/22 | RP 4/5 | EAC 17; KAC 18 | Fort +3; Ref +7; Will +2 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6, SM: -2 | Speed 30 | Active conditions: Nil.

Mnamae-6 has negative to his social skill checks so I think best if he doesn't attempt. GM, the Stewards removes our weapons but T771-M4, his drone, has gone a weapon attached. So does the drone stay outside?

Recognising that he is of not much help in interrogating Lanzio, Mnamae-6 quietly moves over next door, staying in the adjacent room while observing his teammates in action. He keeps an eye on Lanzio, trying to see if he can figure out how he is reacting. Not likely though. He still hasn't quite figured out organics' expressions. Or tone of voice. Or just organics in general.

sense motive: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (10) - 2 = 8


Data Breach

I think I won't put too much emphasis on adjudicating the weapon confiscation so as not to slow down the game. I think it's meant to reinforce that the Stewards are no-nonsense in their HQ, and the scenario doesn't really give the PCs an option to not have to confiscate your weapons (which is kinda railroady). Anyway! You can keep the drone with you.

Lanzio raises his head to see Moxie walk in. His hands are folded in his lap, and he listens to her speak, his expression changing from one of defiance to one of surprise, his eyes wide. "You've done things you aren't proud of? You make it sound like I knew what I was doing." He sighs.

Then Sovyal walks in, and Lanzio nervously shifts his eyes to watch him circle the room, bouncing his leg up and down. "I-I'm not trying to protect them. I just..." He quickly steals a glance up at the cameras recording the interview. "Fine. About the location... I came up with the basic specs, but they customized it after I sold them on the proposal, bear that in mind."

"The facility is forty feet underground and shielded from an EMP pulse. There’s no network connection from the outside. So you can forget hacking from a hotel room or from across the street. You’ll have to physically go to this computer. The vault has an independent power supply and climate system, with limiters hardwired to prevent a software glitch, so I don’t think you can exploit those. That said, I think if you can somehow raise the temperature even a few degrees where the data core is housed, you can put a strain on the processor, which might make it easier to compromise. I hope you’ve got some talent with computers or at least electronics. If not, best of luck.”

Lanzio sighs heavily, and looks ahead at the one-sided window.

Chikasa walks in and Lanzio looks relieved. "You - yes, I remember. You of all people must understand the power and reach of my former employers. You think just because your android leader figured out you got hacked, that you’re safe now? Think again. My best chance is they decide it’s not cost effective to bother trying to kill me again. That can only happen if they don't think I'm helping you." He eyes the camera.

Lanzio's attitude has shifted to Friendly, and you can still make 3 skill checks collectively to improve it further.

___
Also, you all did an outstanding job with your roleplaying here. I'm impressed.


”Hi there!” Sophia communicates wirelessly to T771. ”What is your specialty? Artilliary? Making pancakes?”

Exo-Guardians

Hudathan Swarmbait Male LN Vesk Spacefarer Soldier 4 | SP 34/36 HP 34/34 | RP 6/6 |EAC 18 KAC 19| | Speed 30ft | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +0, SM: +0
BOT ME:
[dice=Corona Laser@]1d20+11[/dice] [dice=DMG@EAC]2d8+4[/dice]

The vesk chuckles and puts his face up against the glass. "If they would blow up the asteroid we were on then I don't think this concrete box will stop them." He shakes his head. "This guy's toast."

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

”Have some faith in the Stewards,” Hawthorne says. ”Like all systems, it is vulnerable to infiltration, but I am fairly certain they can keep their detention center from exploding.”

Acquisitives

Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

Sovyal looks down his long nose at Lanzio, small smile building across his face. "Why my dear, quivering little rat, surely you know more than just a few likely-outdated factoids regarding the building's climate control..." He strokes a waxed moustache tip with his fingers "No, surely there is more you could be encouraged to divulge. The only question is what encouragement you'd prefer?"

He pauses, letting Lanzio dwell on it for almost a full minute before he adds "Did you know I just returned from a trip to Apostae? The drow have *quite* the interesting way of keeping their underlings in line. Why, I found one half-orc there who mustn't have been able to keep his mouth shut. Do you know what they did to him, little rat?" He smirks at Lanzio. "They replaced his head with a tentacle. A tentacle! Can you imagine?"

"Now the Stewards are not ones to sink to such wonderfully... creative... solutions. No, not the Stewards."

Intimidate: 1d20 + 14 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 14 + 1 = 16 Jeez.

In his heart, Sovyal knows that Historia wouldn't sink to that level either, and unfortunately that shows when he makes the suggestion.

Acquisitives

Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

In case I'm allowed to make another attempt with a different strategy after that failure:
Changing gears, Sovyal's eyes follow Lanzio's gaze before returning to rest on him. "Of course, such unpleasantness doesn't become the Society or the Stewards, does it? No, we would *much* rather help you help us."

"Your employers have eyes everywhere, yes? It surely feels that way for you, doesn't it. But you see..." Sovyal reaches up and taps the lens of the security camera with a lazy smile "I'm not one who likes being watched either. This little piece of junk is being fed a loop of you sitting here right now, waiting for us to come interview you. What we say here is hidden from sight. Secret. Safe... as long as you cooperate. And, little rat... you will cooperative, won't you?"

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

Acquisitives

|SP 40 (-11)/56 HP 52/52|RP 7/9 |EAC 23 KAC 24|Fort +4 (+2 vs poison and disease), Reflex +10, Will +7| Init +8 Resist Acid 5|Per+11 Speed 50 Underwater Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol +11 (1d8+4 So, Deafen) | Static Arc Pistol +11 (1d6+4 E, Arc 2) | Tactical Baton +10 (1d4+4)

Not sure about how the checks for this one, but are there other skill checks besides Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate we can do? Like maybe Computers or Engineering regarding those cameras? And it sounds like repeating the checks we've already done has diminishing returns, is that right?

Seeing Lanzio glance nervously at the security cameras, Moxie says, "This guy seems to be worried he's being watched. Do you think we could do something to divert the babysitters for a little bit? Work some techno-magic on them? I'm sure one of you snuck your tool kit in?"


Ooh! Can I?

”What? Now you like her?”

Sophia tests the cameras for unsecured remote access. (Assuming at least one camera is within 20 ft of the window).


NG combat droid 3 | HP 7/30 | EAC 15; KAC 18 DR1/- | Fort +3; Ref +2; Will +1 | Init: NA | | Speed 30ft | Active conditions: None
Sophia: Artificial Intelligence wrote:
”Hi there!” Sophia communicates wirelessly to T771. ”What is your specialty? Artilliary? Making pancakes?”

T771-M4 cocks its head to on side when it receives the comms and swivels its upper body to face Hawthorne, assuming that Sophia would be able to see through his eyes. It does not reply, but simply raises its attached spear, mimes a jabbing motion, then lowers it again.


"Oh? A centurian? Nice. Do you like ancient history, too? I love reading about the ancient history of the lost world. The clothing styles of Cheliax are adorable," she continues her wireless conversation.

Meanwhile, the LED on the side of Hawthorne's head flickers away.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

Male Ysoki Outlaw Technomancer 7 | SP 42/42 HP 37/37 RP 9/9 | KAC 21 EAC 21 | Saves F+3 R+6 W+7 | Initiative +4; Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft, Speed 30ft | Spells/day: 1st - 6/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 3/3| Cache Spell: Magic Missile | Status: Old

Chikasa digitally notes Lanzio's description of the facility and his recommendations for how they might be able to hack the system. "It checks out logically," he thinks, "Though it's definitely not the whole story."

Straightening up from his position against the wall, Chikasa limps over toward the table and clambers up onto its surface. The age-shrunken ysoki takes a step across the table, so he is standing directly in front of Lanzio, looking the captured operative right in the eyes. "Tell us about security," he demands flatly. "There ain't a squox's chance on Eox that this system don't got some kinda nasty countermeasures set up. Give us that, and we might be able to actually get you safe, Hira."

Chikasa turns to climb back down off the table, but stops and turns to face Lanzio once again. "Oh, and one more question from me: a name. Big ol' conspiracy groups like this always got a name. And don't go givin' us nothin' like Arch Energy. We know they're a front. So what is it?"

Gonna roll Computers in case I can use that as a roll to influence Lanzio here by showing that Chikasa at least is competent with computers.
Also going to roll a Culture check in case he gives us a name for his organization. I have the Outlaw theme, so the DC to recognize anything about the name would be 5 lower.

Computers: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Culture: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

Male Ysoki Outlaw Technomancer 7 | SP 42/42 HP 37/37 RP 9/9 | KAC 21 EAC 21 | Saves F+3 R+6 W+7 | Initiative +4; Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft, Speed 30ft | Spells/day: 1st - 6/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 3/3| Cache Spell: Magic Missile | Status: Old

So much for being competent with Computers! Yeesh!

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

"Well, if it is privacy that he is concerned about..." Hawthorne murmurs while Sophia is busy doing her own thing.

He makes a series of complicated gestures with his hands.

Four white brick walls manifest around Lanzio and his interrogators, appearing to hide him from the cameras. From the camera's perspective, the walls are translucent enough to see that nobody is strangling or beating anybody.

Holographic Image (1st): duration is concentration.

Shooting for a circumstance bonus to the interrogator's rolls.


Data Breach

@Moxie, it only allowed for social checks (with no penalty on subsequent checks) but the camera was a separate mechanic with a few different solutions and some leeway for creativity. Like the holograms.

Lanzio nearly leaps out of his chair as the walls appear. "What the? Ah, I see..." He grins knowingly. "Are they soundproof? Either way, I appreciate the attempt. If the Stewards would just store the data off the network, we wouldn't have to worry about this."

Even Sovyal's first attempt proves effective. Especially being cornered in with him by the holographic images, Lanzio becomes incredibly sheepish and talkative. "I've told you all I know about defenses, but I let one thing slip. The corporation was involved in magical R&D, so I wouldn’t be surprised if you ran into at least something… out of the ordinary. That might also be an opportunity. I get the impression their magical assets are not as disciplined as their technological holdings, and someone in the Starfinder Society might be able to trace their research or materials. I’m sure your Historia-7 told you to get digital files, but any example of their arcane projects could be valuable to you."

"As for the name... Do you really think they'd be foolish enough to just tell me who they were? Arch Energy is what they identified themselves as, and nothing more. I've told you all I know, honestly."

Lanzio's attitude has been improved to Helpful.

Then a lashunta enters the adjoining room to meet Hawthorne and Hudathan. "Evening. I'm Xatina Marcos, a Steward." She nods. "I have to admit I'm impressed with how much you got Lanzio to talk. I must confess that we did monitor," she clears her throat, "most of the interview remotely, and we're pleased with what we heard. Thank you."

"There is some equipment we'd like to offer you to support the investigation." She looks into the room at the holographic images and waits for the others to return.

Acquisitives

|SP 40 (-11)/56 HP 52/52|RP 7/9 |EAC 23 KAC 24|Fort +4 (+2 vs poison and disease), Reflex +10, Will +7| Init +8 Resist Acid 5|Per+11 Speed 50 Underwater Thunderstrike Sonic Pistol +11 (1d8+4 So, Deafen) | Static Arc Pistol +11 (1d6+4 E, Arc 2) | Tactical Baton +10 (1d4+4)

If Moxie has the chance to ask anymore questions.

"You're making the right choice helping us out. The facility sounds like they have some tight security. Do you know if anyone is allowed to go in or out? Like contractors, janitors, service people?"

As a professional actress, Moxie is also a master of disguise. Its not a skill she gets to use very often; so if there is any chance it could come into play she'd be super psyched.


Data Breach

"I highly doubt they would allow anyone in there other than those intimately involved with the corporation. It's a highly protected underground bunker," Lanzio replies. "And it's also likely they have an elaborate surveillance setup. Try not to look too suspicious."

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

Hawthorne taps out a SMS to Moxie.

>>> Ask him if the locks are mechanical, keypad, key card, finger print, or biometic.

He takes a moment to change his train of thought to the lashunta who entered. "Thank you, we would appreciate any assistance," he says. The concentration on the illusion making him sound slightly distracted. He maintains the image until other three have finished with Lanzio.

"Aw. You didn't give me time to hack the cameras."

You were too busy discussing pass times with T771-M4.

Acquisitives

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Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

Sovyal adjusts one of the rings on his fingers as he peers down his nose at Hira with dissatisfaction. "Something... 'out of the ordinary'? Why my little Hira, if you were any vaguer I'd suspect you of actively trying to get yourself killed." Sovyal strokes his goatee.

"That their magical assets are less advanced than their technological ones is of little comfort. Do you have anything more concrete to add, or are we done here? Any others working for them that we can entrap?" He pauses, then muses out loud "Nothing quite like bringing along a captive to help bypass security..."

----
Presuming he has nothing else: Sovyal looks a little disappointed when he hears the Stewards member talking in his ear. Already? He'd hardly gotten Lanzio sweating yet. But he steps on out of the interrogation room and into the observation chamber.

"Bah! Cooperative, but clueless. My least favorite type of captive, if I had to rate them."

Exo-Guardians

Hudathan Swarmbait Male LN Vesk Spacefarer Soldier 4 | SP 34/36 HP 34/34 | RP 6/6 |EAC 18 KAC 19| | Speed 30ft | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +0, SM: +0
BOT ME:
[dice=Corona Laser@]1d20+11[/dice] [dice=DMG@EAC]2d8+4[/dice]

The vesk grunts. "Thank you. Any equipment would be helpful." He follows the steward to the stash. Weaklings like these need any help they can get. Help, like me. He cracks his fingers and smiles. "This lot is a crew of expert negotiators. You ever need more help, I recommend 'em. Good with people, they are." His eyes glitter, like this is a high compliment.


Data Breach

"Like I said, I've told you everything," Lanzio insists as the images disappear. Sovyal, Moxie, and Chikasa exit the room.

As the rest of the party rejoins Hudathan, Mnamae-6, and Hawthorne back in the adjoining room, Xatina has retrieved some equipment from a storage locker. "Yes, expert investigators indeed. Perhaps you should reconsider your career path?" She jokes. "The Council of Legates recognizes that the Society is not only acting on its own agenda, but toward the safety of all the Pact Worlds. For that reason, we will assist in your investigation." The lashunta hefts a bunch of equipment onto the plastic desk. "This is yours."

The Goods:

darksight goggles (2)
mk 1 diffraction cloak (2)
mk 2 serum of healing (2)
a credstick containing 145 credits

"And you can get your weapons back on the way out, of course," Xatina adds.

Any other purchases to make on the Station before departing for Verces?

Dataphiles

NG Human (Akiton) Priest Mechanic 5 | SP 40/40 HP 34/34 RP 3/6 | KAC 21 EAC 19 | CMD 29 | F +6 R +10 W +3 | Perc +9 (darkvision) SM +1 | Init +6 | Speed 25 ft | 1st: 0/1 | Active Conditions: water breathing

Scanning the offered equipment, Hawthorne says, "Thank you. We appreciate it."

Outside

"Please allow me to check in with the Dataphiles," the Triunite politely requests. "There are a few things that I should get. I will meet you at the launch bay. Nobody has a signal jammer, do they?"

Purchases (assuming nobody has a signal jammer already)
Mk 1 Signal Jammer (wireless) 100 credits
Mk 1 Signal Jammer (radio) 100 credits
-2 Fame to purchase Digital Imp (ally boon) and slot that.

Acquisitives

Male Damaya Lashunta Operative (Spy / Star Knight) 7 | KAC 26 EAC 25 | DR 5/- | HP 46/46 SP 49/49 RP 9/9 | F +5 R +11 W +6 (+2 vs. undead immunities); Evasion| Init +9 | Perc +14 | Active Status:: -none-

No signal jammers here. I've spent a bit of time looking through my books and I found the Evenfire Unit - a rather expensive space heater. We could use it to raise the temp of the room with the datacenter, but it seems like more than a bit of overkill. So instead...

Sovyal purchases a lighter and an aerosol spray (81 cred total) and joins the rest of his team in heading for the Station spaceport. While waiting for folks to assemble, he picks up one of the two sets of goggles that the Stewards provided and starts inspecting them. "Considering the mission at hand, I'll be taking one of these."

We should probably put the cloaks on the front-liners, considering how likely they are to draw enemy fire OR trigger traps.

Exo-Guardians

Hudathan Swarmbait Male LN Vesk Spacefarer Soldier 4 | SP 34/36 HP 34/34 | RP 6/6 |EAC 18 KAC 19| | Speed 30ft | Fort +5; Ref +7; Will +4 | Init: +5 | Perc: +0, SM: +0
BOT ME:
[dice=Corona Laser@]1d20+11[/dice] [dice=DMG@EAC]2d8+4[/dice]

Hudathan looks at the cloak and shakes his head. ”These will protect those of you who cannot protect yourselves.”. He then turns to the remaining pair of goggles and smirks. Some races cannot see in the dark. Silly.. I have low-light vision, which is hopefully enough for where we’re going.

No new purchases.

Second Seekers (Luwazi Elsebo)

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Male Ysoki Outlaw Technomancer 7 | SP 42/42 HP 37/37 RP 9/9 | KAC 21 EAC 21 | Saves F+3 R+6 W+7 | Initiative +4; Perception +2, Darkvision 60ft, Speed 30ft | Spells/day: 1st - 6/6, 2nd 5/5, 3rd 3/3| Cache Spell: Magic Missile | Status: Old

Before leaving the interrogation chamber, Chikasa turns to Lanzio one last time and gives the man a quiet nod. A faint glow from his spell cache, however, shows that the ysoki is casting a spell, and his voice resonates within the prisoner's.

"I really do hope we can help ya, Hira. You've been played for a fool long enough. Time you got yer life back on the right track."

---

Chikasa's gaze passes over the equipment offered by the Stewards, and he lets out a low whistle. "That's some fine gear you're offerin' there, Sugah," he tells Xatina. "We thank ya kindly for the assistance." While he speaks, he surreptitiously slides the credstick off the counter and into the folds of his robes.

Sleight of Hand: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

No further purchases here either, but if anybody wants to use that credstick for their purchases, I'm glad to give it to whoever wants it.

Dataphiles

Male NG android scholar (life sciences) mechanic 3 | SP 18/18 HP 22/22 | RP 4/5 | EAC 17; KAC 18 | Fort +3; Ref +7; Will +2 | Init: +3 | Perc: +6, SM: -2 | Speed 30 | Active conditions: Nil.

"I apologise I was not of any assistance in the interrogation. I hope that we can make up for it later," Mnamae-6 shares with his team after the debriefing.

He does one final check on himself and T771-M4 and is satisfied. "We are ready to proceed."

It seems that T771-M4 is the only frontliner in this group? Which brings up a good question of whether a drone can wear magic items? Separarely, Mnamae-6 already has darkvision but not the drone, but I think a PC without darkvision should take the goggles.

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