You all begin gathered on the deck of a ship sailing to Ukulam on Castrovel, accompanied by the leader of the Acquisitives faction, Radaszam. Looking around, you decide to get acquainted with your fellow Starfinders...
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A very young, small, petite, delicate, and immaculately white Ysoki.
About 3 feet tall for 60 pounds.
She has no equipment or gear, carries nothing at all, and wears only the lustrous fur her parents gave her.
Oh, actually, you do spot a datajack on the left side of her head.
And her cheek pouches seem rather full.
Smiling, she bounces around: ”Hello, hello, hello! I’m Sparks! Can I get back to piloting this? Please?! Pretty please?!”
As she flits about, you see a small white mouse perched on top of her head.
Sparks casts a spell, and creates a flimsy leather pilot's hat with goggles, that she puts on, forcing the mouse to scamper down her back.
"Can I get back to piloting please?!”
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A gear-head looking Lashunta steps onto the ship, looking if she recognizes anyone besides Radaszam.
"Hi Sparks! I don't think I've worked with any of you before. I'm Telwyn. Never actually been to Castrovel before this. But I heard rumor we might get to see a Renkroda. I grew up on books and holos of the them, so can't wait to see one in person. It would be awesome to ride around on one like the old days, but hopefully with more clothes on!" "But I bought a riding kit just in case!"
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A human girl wearing a white and bright orange pinafore dress sits on the railing of the boat, kicking her legs in the air and sea-spray as the wind sends her extraordinarily long turquoise pigtails fluttering. She turns to watch the two other Starfinders introducing themselves and shouts out her own bubbly greeting, so that it can be heard over the noise of the ocean.
"Heya Telwyn and Sparks!!! I heard that too! It's going to be so zetta exciting to meet a renkroda up close and personal!" She positively beams at both of them "And hey, I'm Lynn! Starfinder and idol, all in one high energy package!" She pumps her fists in the air to punctuate her statement and then swings around to join the other two on the deck. As she does, you notice that holographic images of stars flicker across her dress and orbit around the real (and very large and velvety) ribbons that adorn its sides and back. Her outfit looks extremely impractical for adventuring and she doesn't seem to carry any weapons or adventuring equipment beyond a small duffel bag.
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Sparks smiles when Lynn enters--
--Sparks jumps up and down and claps:
"LYNN! Wow! It's great to meet you! My teacher, professor Alpha, from PANGEA bragged about meeting you. But no one believed him! Stuffy old android... err, not that being an android is stuffy."
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The animated conversation is halted as a small child creeps up to the deck casting fearful looks behind it as it goes. He runs up to the biggest among you, hiding behind your legs and lets out a pitiful squeak.
"Help meeeeee!!"
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Sparks looks around, trying to see who might be chasing the child.
"What's wrong, what can we do to help?! You're safe with us!"
When the voice of Fitch comes out of Sparks' datajack: "Come on, Sparks, that kid doesn't need help. It wants cheese or something..."
The morning sea air whips past as Radaszam leans over the edge of the yacht’s top deck to stare into the water. “I hope you're enjoying Castrovel. We should land on Ukulam soon, several miles south of main headquarters of the Esowath Conservancy on the continent. I wanted to thank you all personally for attending the gala with me.
“Charity events like this are important to preserving the beauty of the galaxy. ‘Save the Renkrodas’ has really caught on. Enormous carnosaurs like renkrodas tend to feature in gruesome tales, but they are majestic and inspiring animals. Unfortunately, some renkroda subspecies are quite near to extinction. The Esowath Conservancy usually hosts one or two of these upscale fundraisers every orbit to draw attention to endangered wildlife; I try to attend when I can.” The vesk pauses uncomfortably.
“Oh, I know; I’m usually all ‘guns and glory’ or ‘safety and security.’ Look, what’s the point of fghting if you’re not fighting for something? Glory and honor grant influence; influence can change the galaxy. Wealth gives you the comforts you've worked hard for, but it also allows you to help others who haven’t had the best luck. I try to funnel a generous portion of my income to charities like the Esowath Conservancy, which is trying to keep the natural beauty of their planet intact.”
Radaszam clears his throat. “So, your mission is simple: mingle, dance, enjoy the food, and talk up the Starfnder Society. We’re one of the sponsoring partners for this event, so it’s a
chance to make a good impression on some of the socialites and corporate elites who attend these functions. See if you can make some new connections for the Society, perhaps even a few new allies.
“Oh, and the Conservancy pays well for security, so the only concern you need to worry about are corporate sharks. lawyers, and any aggressive wildlife we see on the safari tour this afternoon. I’ve negotiated special passes for you. You're permitted to carry any gear you’d like, but I recommend checking your bulky pieces with a valet: heavy weapons, power armor, that sort of thing.
“This event will be broadcast live across Castrovel and then rebroadcast to other Pact Worlds, so be on your best behavior. Just relax and enjoy the gala. That said, when does everything ever go as planned?”
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Telwyn gives the vesk an almost-exasperated look. "You just had to say that? When does everything ever go right, indeed... I remember the last party you invited me to Radaszam! Let's hope this goes off drama free."
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After they are away form Radaszam, Telwyn remarks to the others. "Aww, I never knew the big lizard had a soft spot for the even bigger lizards. Anyway, the Ronkrodas are only a part of what the Esowath Conservancy does. I hear they are front and center in trying to keep the whole continent of Ukulam free from the influences of technology and politics. But this campaign has sparked interest and is supposedly heling their ailing finances. They probably have a lot riding on this I would guess."
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2251 creds is the total cost.
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Lynn hops up towards Radaszam as he explains the task at hand. She holds her hands to her chest and seems about ready to burst from excitement "Oh my gosh this is a super opportunity! Thanks for the invite Radaszam. This is going to be rad!" She giggles out loud.
"And Telwyn is right, that last party had stuff going wrong left and right. Did you bring any of your Spiders along for this trip?"
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She also turns to her allies and adds to Telwyn's insights, saying "Mmm hmm! I've been hearing some really interesting stuff on the net about them! They've been really having a hard time these days, what with all the corps that would absolutely LOVE to build a mega-mine over in Ukulam. Plus on the other side they've got super extreme guys that want ALL of Castrovel to be a reserve like Ukulam - basically to kick all the people out!" She shakes her head "Jeez, a whole planet as a preserve would be kinda interesting, but the people here would be in some crazy trouble if that happened."
"Anyway, this is going to be a zetta important event for them!"
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A heavily laden skittermander with fiery red fur bursts into the area where the group is waiting. In addition to his armor, he appears to be wielding a tactical pike in two hands, a starknife in one hand, has a solar mote hovering nearby and he has a... datapad? Regardless, he beams a widemouthed smile at the group.
"Hullo nufriends! Remerix has arrived! We will be bestest nufriends ever!" The skittermander grins. "Remerix is happy to greet all!" He holds up his datapad. "When innevitable fighting occurs with notfriends, Remerix has many skittermander music to aid in battle... though Remerix knows not all nufriends have proper listening orifices to appreciate skittermander music." He offers up the access code to his personal music station to anyone that wants to listen.
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Remerix beams, clapping his hands (several.) "Remerix loves dancing!"
Remerix is so overcome with the thought of riding Renkrodas and dancing that he clearly can't concentrate on much else, positively brimming with excitement.
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♪♩Welcome to the club now♪♪♪, Sparks dances along to Remerix's music.
"Can I give you a hug!" she says, while giving him a hug.
"Sparks loves dancing too!"
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Sparks is jumping up and down to get the most of the morning sea air in her fur.
"Thank you Rad"--
--she giggles out loud, looking at Lynn: "Rad!"
"-- for inviting me. Though I hope I have a real ticket, not one stamped complimentary! We'll sure impress those donors. Yes, we will! Though I admit to not being a big friend of huge things that can gobble me up as a light snack... but I will mingle, dance, enjoy the food, and talk up the Starfinder Society. Yay! That's what I do every day."
She looks around, leans in to Radaszam and whispers: "As you can see, I never carry any gear, but, just for you, I'm going to wear clothes!"
She winks to Telwyn: "They probably have a lot riding on this, but my guess is you'll just go riding!"
Sparks listens to Lynn's insight, and nods sadly when she hears about the efforts being attacked by both sides.
Then Sparks gives all a little lesson about Renkrodas.
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Radaszam replies to Telwyn, "Hmmmm... Yes. But I expected trouble at that last party. This time around I'm not expecting trouble per se.... But I smell something awry in this sea air....
"Now it's entirely possible that the smell I detect is due to your desire to ride a renkroda. You do realize that these are wild animals that will likely bite your head off in a split second, right? They're not tamed beasts of burden.
"Feel free to entertain whatever daydreams you wish but read my lips." Radaszam over-enunciates the next sentence: "No one can possibly ride a renkroda and live to tell the tale." Radaszam ceases to over exaggerate, "Now that being said, I like your enthusiasm! Do have a good time at the gala and enjoy yourself."
Responding to Lynn, "No, no Spiders this time. Security for this event is being handled entirely by locals. I'm a guest, same as you... Well except that I can afford my 50,000 credit ticket. He he he." Radaszam grins unapologetically.
Apparently mishearing Lynn or perhaps purposefully mishearing Lynn, Radaszam says, "And yes, I am rad." He chuckles again.
Turning to Sparks, "Never fear Sparks. Your tickets will appear as a normal ticket. So the integrity of your scrapbook will be juuuust fine."
"Now, everyone. Are there any other questions before we arrive at the gala site?"
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As Remerix gets an unexpected hug, he looks between the outgoing Sparks and slightly withdrawn Twitch, trying to determine if they really are the same species. He shrugs and files it for future knowledge, wishing that all species were as easy to quantify as Skittermanders and Vesk.
"Remerix makes good impressions! This is Vesk." He raises his teeth in an approximation of a toothy snarl, not unlike a Renkroda likely is and lowers his voice an octave. "Grr. Stop playing music. Stop dancing." He returns his voice to normal. "See? Just like home, right?" Smiling guilelessly to Rad, he gestures to his impressive display of armor and weaponry. "Umm. What counts as Heavy Power Weapon Armors?"
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When Lynn speaks to him, his childlike facial expressions melt away to reveal an equally small halfling but with a much more experienced look about him. He glares at Lynn....
"No fair. You are ruining my grand entrance!."
Turning to the others "Greetings all - I'm Twik - Halfling Spy Extraordinaire at your service!.
Are we sure this is the mission? Mingle, Dance, Eat & Talk are all things Im pretty good at. Sounds like fun! This is the real reason I joined the Society. Not to be used for my small stature to clean out starship missile tubes like the other day. That was an insult!
When do we start?!?! Point me in the right direction!"
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Lynn claps excitedly as the skittermander rolls up and begins providing musical accompaniment. "Hey, nice to meet you Remerix! And I've never met a Vesk that didn't like to let loose and dance. Maybe your approach is wrong?" She pokes a cheek with one finger and her face takes on a thoughtful cast.
"OH! Hey Twik!" She pats the halfling on the head "If it's up to me, you'd never be sent to clean out missile tubes ever again! You are WAY too good at adventuring for that!"
She turns to Radaszam and asks "Do you have any people you'd definitely like us to meet? Or talk to? Or dance with? Or sing to?" She winks at the vesk and giggles.
Radaszam's eyes narrow just slightly and a barely perceptible sigh escapes his lips as he says, "Yes Remerix... Just. Like. Home."
Radaszam quickly recovers from his bemused annoyance at Remerix's antics and replies, "Powered armor would be anything that requires its own battery to be operational. From what I see, the personal armor that you're all wearing is fine.
"And heavy weapons would be, well big heavy pieces, such as artillery lasers, flame throwers, plasma cannons and so on."
Speaking to Telwyn, Radaszam says, "Tell you what. If you behave AND if you ensure that one also behaves..." Radaszam points his thumb over at Remerix. "...and I'll be happy to tell you ALL about anything I hear regarding how to ride a renkroda. Deal?"
Turning to Lynn, "No, no. No one in particular. I myself don't know who will attend so I can't say."
Facing the entire party, "Above all, just enjoy yourselves. It should prove to be an enjoyable and educational event."
The ship docks at a natural harbor near a secluded beach crisscrossed by flower-lined paths. Faintly shimmering energy fields surround the entire area in an enormous half-dome, while tents and other temporary structures provide a pleasant looking provisional settlement. The gala site is in a clearing with a large animal pen and an even larger stage.
Radaszam escorts you to the security station where you may check in any powered armor or heavy weapons if you so choose.
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A sees interlocked panels of polycarbon plate comprise this large square pen, which is crested with an elaborate ivy trellis. Small grates in the polycarbon panels allow a view inside. An information kiosk stands nearby.
Through the grates you see a feathered renkroda and although it occasionally slams its tail into the polycarbon pen in agitation, the durable panels keep the renkroda effectively contained.
Several gala attendees mill about the pen, but the most distinctive is a female kasatha who is checking on the pen and the renkroda's disposition.
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A small kiosk with portable barriers acts as security control for the gala. Security guards wearing Esowath Conservancy uniforms check invitations of arriving guests and monitor several small vidscreens.
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This modular stage sits 5 feet above ground level, with stairs on both sides. Several transmitters are built into the edges of the stage. A broad dance floor spreads out in front of the stage.
A string quartet is currently playing a subtle Eoxian piece while a nervous-looking barathu with a datapad floats nearby watching the performance for slip-ups or dangers.
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A sees interlocked panels of polycarbon plate comprise this large square pen, which is crested with an elaborate ivy trellis. Small grates in the polycarbon panels allow a view inside. An information kiosk stands nearby.
Through the grates you see a feathered renkroda and although it occasionally slams its tail into the polycarbon pen in agitation, the durable panels keep the renkroda effectively contained.
Several gala attendees mill about the pen, but the most distinctive is a female kasatha who is checking on the pen and the renkroda's disposition.
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A small kiosk with portable barriers acts as security control for the gala. Security guards wearing Esowath Conservancy uniforms check invitations of arriving guests and monitor several small vidscreens.
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This modular stage sits 5 feet above ground level, with stairs on both sides. Several transmitters are built into the edges of the stage. A broad dance floor spreads out in front of the stage.
A string quartet is currently playing a subtle Eoxian piece while a nervous-looking barathu with a datapad floats nearby watching the performance for slip-ups or dangers.
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Remerix looks a bit glum as the music taste that seems to be part of the ambiance is a far cry from his kind of music. He briefly considers trying to liven things up, but he knows enough that anyone playing Eoxian music is catering to a dead crowd anyway. He does go over to the Barathu, waving a couple of hands. "Heya, everything going ok? You seem... stressed."
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Telwyn watches the feathered renkrodas with great wonder.
She notices the electrified coil and thinks They must be worried about some nut job trying to jump in there with those amazing but deadly predators...
She scans the infokiosk for the most interesting bits before noticing the kasatha woman who looks like she's in charge of something.
"Excuse me, do you work with these creatures? It must be amazing! I've never seen one before... Are you going to feed them or something like that anytime soon? He seems agitated, probably not too happy having all these people like me staring in at him instead of roaming free with a trusted ally riding on his back telepathically connected together like two twin wild souls..."
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Sparks will look around the security kiosk, to see how well the invitations are being monitored, if anyone is ever turned back, and to have a look at the screens: do they cover a lot of places, are the guards good at checking them.
She then will spit out her rolled up electrician's outfit, ejecting it from her mouth pouches.
A little shake to get rid of the spittle - "Sorry, ma'am... but 100% organic if you're wondering".
She pulls the overalls on, then clicks her little lower paws together to have the overalls change into a white outdoor cocktail dress, white sunhat, white sunglasses, and white hand fan...
After which she saunters off towards the bar, having a look around to see what is going on here--
--but, very unused to clothes, she is not attentive, being so careful with not getting her legs tangled in the dress and falling on her face.
"So, dear folk, any renkroda milk drinks?"
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Lynn's first dress is a puffy blue affair that trails a long tail of resplendent violet bellflowers, both real and holographic. The real flowers slowly scatter in her wake as she makes her way round the gala.
With a wave goodbye to most of her party, she joins Remerix at the stage, curious about what performances they've booked. Once there, she looks up at the subdued quartet and begins to ♫♪hum along with the music♫♪. As she hums, the flowers on her dress begin scintillating with light of various shades.
Meanwhile, she also eyes the stage and its set-up.
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Remerix is busy focusing on trying to calm (or at least talk to / with / at) the barathu, when he hears Lynn's performance. Not wanting to interrupt or lose the the attention of the busy organizer he demonstrates an impressive amount of perseverance in not immediately running back over to her. Instead he waits for an opportune time to say, "That. Was. Amazing!" How did you do that? Remerix is completely impressed! Maybe have to figure out a performance sometime." He beams gleefully.
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"Heya, everything going ok? You seem... stressed."
You don't know if it's your friendly face or your smooth, calming voice (well, must be the later!) but your friendly greeting calms him down enough to look away from the datapad and the performance.
"Oh hello there. Why yes, of course I'm stressed! Who wouldn't be??? This show must go absolutely PERFECT!! Do you know how important this event is??? No room for mistakes!! And yet there are pitfalls and risks all around threatening to push us over the brink into disaster!! Look at that!"
He points to security's spy drones in the air. "Those are FAR too loud! They'll throw the music off! And over there..."
He tries to subtlety point towards the banquet table but comes off quite obvious. "That haan has been eyeing the quartet unusually critically! What if he's displeased? Or worse yet, what if he's actually a music critic?? We'll be ruined!!!
"And that's not the LEAST of our problems!" He gestures towards the renkroda pen. "And what if that pen isn't strong enough? What then??? Disaster!! DISASTER I tell you!!! Oh my oh my oh my oh my...."
The poor barathu seems on the verge of a nervous breakdown. What do you do, lil skittermander? What do you do.....?
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She scans the infokiosk for the most interesting bits before noticing the kasatha woman who looks like she's in charge of something.
"Excuse me, do you work with these creatures? It must be amazing! I've never seen one before... Are you going to feed them or something like that anytime soon? He seems agitated, probably not too happy having all these people like me staring in at him instead of roaming free with a trusted ally riding on his back telepathically connected together like two twin wild souls..."
From the information kiosk, you learn interesting bits of information about feathered renkrodas but nothing more than what your team had already been able to discern and research on the way to this gala.
However, you do also learn a bit more about the renkroda here in the pen. His name is Vossi and he’s been captive for about a month while recovering from a broken leg that could have been a life-threatening injury in the wild. But the good news is that Vossi is almost completely recovered and the Esowath Conservancy intends to release him back into the wild the tomorrow!
The kasatha seems cold and distant at first but upon hearing your concern for the renkroda, she responds to you with a bit more warmth, "In a manner of speaking, yes I do work with the animals that the Conservancy protects. My name is Muldoi and I'm pleased to meet an animal lover such as yourself. I'm the head of security here but just as much for the security of the animals we're protecting as us sentient beings."
She steps in a bit closer and lowers her voice, confiding in you. "Between you and me, Vossi's leg had already healed sufficiently to be let back into the wild a week ago. And it pains me so much to keep him locked up longer than needed but well, fundraising for conservation is important. Almost a necessary evil, I suppose.
"Nevertheless, I look forward to letting him out of captivity tomorrow."
She looks on upon Vossi in fondness.
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Twich goes to see what others are eating. (banquet table)
An elaborate ice sculpture of a feathered renkroda stands over a table covered with hors d’oeuvres, including formian-style barbecued mountain eel, aparian caviar, bacon-wrapped caypin stalks, and roasted ksarik poutine.
Several corporate executives and dignitaries mingle around the banquet table. However, one individual in particular approaches you. He's a regal-looking haan wearing a fine suit.
"Hello there! My name is Ipsoth. What's yours?
"Conservation is such an important and worthy cause is it not? I'm always happy to meet like-minded people who believe in such an unerringly righteous goal!
"And how are you finding the proceedings today? What do you think of the Esowath Conservancy's efforts at putting on this show? Music... food... even a live renkroda on display!!"
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Sparks will look around the security kiosk, to see how well the invitations are being monitored, if anyone is ever turned back, and to have a look at the screens: do they cover a lot of places, are the guards good at checking them.
She then will spit out her rolled up electrician's outfit, ejecting it from her mouth pouches.
A little shake to get rid of the spittle - "Sorry, ma'am... but 100% organic if you're wondering".
She pulls the overalls on, then clicks her little lower paws together to have the overalls change into a white outdoor cocktail dress, white sunhat, white sunglasses, and white hand fan...
It becomes quickly obvious that security is only superficially reviewing the invitations and not with an eye for detail at all. However, that is probably understandable as you recall your invitation being looked over in detail and very carefully prior to boarding the boat that brought you to this location. Needless to say, no one is turned back.
You peek over at the video screens and based upon your observations, the coverage appears to be quite thorough. A variety of fixed cameras as well as camera drones cover the gala grounds as well as a decent distance out beyond the event's boundaries past the shimmering energy field.
In addition, the guards monitoring all this surveillance apparatus appear to be alert and paying attention. From what you can discern, they are quite professional.
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Lynn's first dress is a puffy blue affair that trails a long tail of resplendent violet bellflowers, both real and holographic. The real flowers slowly scatter in her wake as she makes her way round the gala.
With a wave goodbye to most of her party, she joins Remerix at the stage, curious about what performances they've booked. Once there, she looks up at the subdued quartet and begins to ♫♪hum along with the music♫♪. As she hums, the flowers on her dress begin scintillating with light of various shades.
Meanwhile, she also eyes the stage and its set-up.
Your presence on stage certainly uplifts the mood as the quartet plays their piece a little snappier and a little crisper. A few eyes scattered around the gala grounds lock onto you but the extra attention is something you're accustomed to and puts you at ease. This is your element!
You hear Remerix's exchange with the barathu and with you now on stage, drawing the attention that you do, you vaguely overhear the barathu saying to Remerix, "Wow, she's stunning! But oh my god oh my god oh my god! What if she falls?? We don't have insurance to cover that kind of liability!!! Oh no oh no oh no!!!"
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Any good spy knows that the best place to get information is wherever the alcohol is flowing the most freely. So, Twik heads to the bar....
A polished wooden bar featuring a vast selection of top-shelf beverages hovers slightly off the ground behind a few low bushes.
As you arrive, an android bartender is finishing a colorful cocktail with rainbow-colored bioluminescent fish giving off black vapors. The bartender hands the drink to a gnome wearing a black leather jacket covered in prismatic nanocarbon studs. Well, he looks like an interesting fellow...
The android comes up to you and says, "How ya doin today sir!!! My name is Envarik-1. Can I make you a drink?? What'll be your pleasure?!?!"
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Sparks smiles at the guards and praises them about the great ticket checking system they have in place, and about how alert and pert they seem.
Sparks' Artificial Personality speaks out too, with Fitch's voice coming from the datajack, giving praise about the use of drones and such.
Sparks tries to gather some information as to what threats they might be expecting, and if they have a list of potential trouble makers.
She keeps on eyeing the bar...
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Remerix isn't quite trained for this sort of counseling, but he tries his best to talk the Barathu out of potentially being so stressed it pops. "Uh, there, there." He makes a patting motion towards the barathu, unsure if his claws would damage it. "Remerix is sure that things will go fine. There is obviously no need to worry! It not like idyllic gala is veiled foreshadowing for impending semi-catastrophic events!" He waves to Lynn as a distraction. "Look! You have attracted lovely singings! Plus on bright side, if she starts to fall, you can be gentle-being hero and cushion her!?
Although it is clearly out of his depths, he is altogether pleased with his handling of things. See, Rad? Remerix makes bestest impressions.