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With the final shots, you quickly finish off the River Rat
Once defeated, the crippled River Rat drifts deeper into the Diaspora. Ezra Silverbrew, the Society’s liaison with the Silverbrew clan, quickly contacts the you with a message of gratitude.
“Nice flying, Starfinders. That ought to teach those skulking thieves to keep away from what isn’t theirs! Now then, as promised, we’ll send you the one chunk of the tablet they didn’t get their grubby hands on. And after you get that, we get to sweep the station for any other ‘surprises’ they might have left behind.”
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“One world, two sides apart
Freedom locked ‘neath neon lights
Bad chameleon”
Message from Venture Captain Arvin
From this, I believe that the “one world, two sides apart” tells us to inspect the Pact World of Verces. The second portion of this dreamspun tale, plus the information gathered from the previous clues, points us to the verthani club owner, Karelite Bogdin. He owns a nightclub called Kozmos in the city-state of Vanos. I believe we’ll find the tablet hidden among his famed art collection in the personal safe in his office.
The mega-metropolis that spans the planet is known for its elevated level of technological advancement. Because of this, most Verthani use various cybernetic instruments to some degree to augment their senses and defenses.
Different nation-cities within the Ring of Nations operate with varying degrees of self-governance, with some being known for their rather lax rules on bodily autonomy. The city-state of Vanos is known as they place to do business if you’re looking to avoid scrutiny from the authorities. Casinos, clubs, and open black markets where the rich can buy and sell sentient androids abound. Laws, which are few and far between, are rarely enforced where they do exist.
Your goal is to infiltrate the nightclub, locate the tablet, and get out.
Traveling from Absalom Station to Verces takes a few days. The city-state of Vanos lies in a perpetual twilight, and the appeal of the city lies mostly in the traditionally nocturnal activities found there. The club is a short distance from the port, down a busy boulevard. Neon lights flash above various storefronts, advertising everything from virtual reality shows to high-end pet shops selling imported animals of dubious legality. All around, people of various species, dressed in expensive clothing, laugh as they make their way beneath the pulsing lights. Many are accompanied by androids dressed in similar black uniforms, all with red collars around their necks.
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"Wait did you say Vanos? On Verces? Well how about that!" Ratatat turns to his party members and says, "Y'know that ex who always talked and talked and talked and talked and never stopped talking? Admit it, you've all had at least one!
"Well it turns out mine was from Vanos. And she would NOT stop talkin' about the place!!
"Here, let me share you the relevant bits of information I learned from her and I'll cut out the tedious bits..."
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Upon seeing the collars, Ratatat mumbles to his teammates "I can't say I like this whole android slave trade thing... not one bit." Ratatat's hair bristles a bit as he speaks.
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Smek grimaces as Ratatat describes the culture of the Vanos, and seeing the collared Androids.
"Since this world seems to play a little fast and loose with the rules, maybe we can find some easier information on this club owner and the club? Habits or a layout?" Smek takes out his comm and begins seeing if he can locate any information...
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"Well, if you want to rattle a club owner, then you present him with a question of title--suggest that he may not hold full ownership of the land that the club is on." Keyrock suggests, knowingly.
"Building permits on file at the Recorder of Deeds may also give some clues as to the layout of the club and, perhaps, even the existence of any secret rooms or passages. That is, assuming, that the city-state of Vanos is far more strict with its rules regarding property and real estate than those with regard to bodily autonomy."
The dwarf stroke his beard, pensively. "Still, if a city that essentially engages in slavery strictly enforces any laws--then it would be those that deal with property and title. After all, you don't want some slave claiming that someone bought them and freed them with strict proof of sale and ownership."
After a few more moments of thought, Keyrock proposes a plan. "If we want to get this Bogdin's attention, then we tell him that he is being sued. Serve him with service of summons and complaint. That will get his attention. If the legal action threatens his title to the club or the androids--or better yet, both--it will certainly serve as a distraction and tie up his time and attention."
"I could probably throw together some proper looking papers. Better yet, if we are afraid that he is going to question the legitimacy of the papers, then we just file a proper complaint with one of the local courts!" Keyrock announces.
"After all, it is a common misconception that you need a reason to sue someone, before you file a lawsuit."
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"At least one... spouse?" Solenopsi's psychic voice pushes into Ratata's brain. "No. I am soldier caste and do not breed."
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"This is the same Bogdin who framed Lerecti for murder?" the formian assaults your mind with her question. "I am pleased to rain destruction upon our foes, but I doubt the efficacy of a frontal assault on his hive with only words."
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Smek considers Keyrock's plan, "It could work... But we can't just leave the androids. We need to shut this place down, or at least cripple enough that it dies. Do you think we could gain the tablet and the androids?" After a moment or two, "And we should have a good B plan, in case Bogdin doesn't particularly care about litigious issues?"
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"'Not care about litigious issues"?!" Keyrock parrots back to the ysoki, convinced that he must have misheard the phrase. "And you want us to gain the androids and the tablet? Why not add acquire the ownership of the whole entire club while we're at it!?"
The dwarf pulls out a silver flask and rapidly imbibes it's contents. Wiping his bearded mouth with his sleeve, he sighs deeply before muttering, "Look, Torag knows, I'm no fan of slavery, but our mission is to recover an object. Not start a flaming revolution."
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"Do you think you could get the club too? I thought you were good, but that good?" Smek smiles at Keyrock, "I'll admit your the best damn dwarven attorney I've ever even met."
Smek readies up his gear, "Besides, if things go wrong we'll just do it the normal way - highly targeted physical negotiations," he pats his sidearm, "We get the tablet, and at least free the androids in the club. Think how that would play for future clients."
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"You expect to acquire the club, too." Keyrock deadpans.
"Clients." the dwarf mutters. "Easily, the worst part about being a lawyer."
The dwarf sighs, then informs the ysoki, "You pay for all expenses, including any and all filing fees and document scans. Further, either you also cover my retainer or else we go with a contingency fee arrangement, in which case, I get a sixty-five percent share of all real property recovered. Do we have a deal?"
Once fee arrangements have been finalized, the dwarf heads down to the city's office of the Recorder of Deeds and begins reviewing any documents for potebi detects of title, building code violations, or other legitimate grounds for suit against Bogdin--or, at the very least, enough information to make a few colorable claims. During his research, he also tries to obtain any copies of permits or blueprints on file that might provide some insight into the layout of the club, possible storage areas for the tablet, and anything appearing to provide information about security measures.
If it seems he has enough time, Keyrock looks for sales or acquisition records regarding any android slaves and the legitimacy of those activities. He also looks into the claims Lerecti made about Bogdin and whether the information from the datapad could provide a colorable lawsuit against Bogdin for wrongful arrest, falsified reports to the authorities, or some other claims.
As a skilled attorney, he wants to make sure that every possible avenue for bringing a claim is researched and considered (time permitting), before suit is filed.
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Ratatat follows along without much relevant skills to contribute but watches on with an extremely amused look on his face.
If asked, Ratatat will help with various menial tasks such as making photocopies, reading through documents looking for various bits of information, going on a coffee run for the party as they pour through various paperwork, etc.
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This is the same Bogdin mentioned by Lerecti
You are able to pull of the following Schematic
The majority of Android purchase are legal enough, but Smek does find something shady enough to make your case something for Bogdin to take seriously. Something to the effect that even going to trial would at very least be costly in legal fees, but even give him bad press for his night club and possible other operations regardless of the outcome.
You also have the testimony of Lerecti regarding the Trafficking. But that particular piece of evidence has little weight on its own.
What would you like to do next
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Alright folks, what is the plan?
"The plan, eh?" echoes Keyrock as he returns from the courthouse. Pleased to have found some schematics of the club as well as a basis for bringing a colorable claim, the dwarven lawyer prepared a legal complaint and filed it with the clerk at the local court.
With a complaint on file, Keyrock rejoins his fellow agents and explains his plan. “Although my research suggests that Bodgin is involved in a number of criminal activities, I think it unwise to get the authorities involved until we have the tablet in hand. Therefore, I have filed a civil complaint against Bodgin.”
“With the complaint on file, the next step is to secure personal jurisdiction through the execution of personal service of summons and complaint upon Bogdin. Under Pact Worlds law, this can be done by any mature being with the capacity to testify competently in a court of law handing the document to Mr. Bogdin or one of his authorized agents for service of process. I plan to personally deliver the summons and complaint at the club, where we know Bogdin is likely to be found. Sometimes potential litigants attempt to avoid service of process by hiding or having large, beefy ‘obstacles’ prevent delivery of the documents. That is where you fighting types come in. As long as the documents come into physical contact with Bogdin’s body, we can be certain that jurisdiction will attach.” Keyrock explains. “Once the documents are properly served, Bogdin will have to give us his attention and an audience at some point, either in the club or at court.”
“Hopefully, he will do so within the club, where we suspect the tablet to be. I will urge him to do so behind closed doors in an effort to avoid unwanted publicity. If he agrees, then we are potentially closer to the location of the tablet. If he disagrees, I and a few of you muscle will try to keep Bogdin busy while the more stealthy among us does some ‘inspection of the premises,” the dwarf nods to the ysoki as he speaks the words “inspection of the premises”.
“If Bogdin will not grant us an audience at the club,” Keyrock continues, “then, he will have to give us an opportunity to examine him in court or some other neutral setting. Otherwise, Bogdin risks us securing a monetary judgment in our favor due to his absence.”
“Once we get Bogdin’s attention, we can encourage him to quickly settle the claims against him. If all goes well, then Bodgin will accept our offer of settlement, which would entail us dismissing the pending lawsuit in exchange for adequate consideration in the amount of the stone tablet we seek plus an amount equivalent to my reasonable attorney fees.” Keyrock flashes a smile at the thought of fee recovery, which would make this particular Starfinder mission particularly more lucrative than those in the past. “If things do not go as well as expected, then—“ The dwarf pauses for a moment, choosing his words rather carefully.
“As an licensed member of the Pact Worlds bar and an officer of the court,” Keyrock opines, “ I would never… never… NEVER suggest that one engage in an act of theft—even if the potential object to be stolen was in the possession of a criminal and his title thereto were rather questionable. “
“Likewise,” he continues, “I would never… never… NEVER suggest that one engage in the use of violent force in order to relieve an individual of wrongfully obtained property. At least, not unless such force was to be utilized in response to an imminent threat of bodily injury or harm. “
“However, I cannot be held responsible for any actions that may be taken by my fellow agents, during the pending litigation against Bogdin. Particularly, when such actions are against my express advisements to the contrary, right?”
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You head to the club, papers in hand.
Who ever wants to "dress up" or otherwise try to bend can make disguise checks.
The main dance floor of Kozmos extends almost eighty feet from north to south. Two raised bars, tended by clearly augmented verthani, nest within raised platforms in the northwest and northeast corners, while two large vesk guard a door in the middle of the northern wall. Two androids with red collars tend a central bar, which serves as the main drinking station. Throngs of verthani and a handful of other species fill the dance floor, and the 10-foot ceilings barely rise two feet above most of their heads. A large stage covers the southern section of the room, flanked by ramps leading up from the east and west sides. Each ramp leads to a door, with the southern one guarded by an intimidating vesk who stands under a sign marked “Dressing Room.” A double door marked “Fire Exit” lies in the middle of the eastern wall, and the club entrance is the sole door along the western side.
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Keyrock puts on his professional clothes and enters the bar, wanting to look conspicuous in his well-tailored suit.
Knowing that Bodgin is a verthani, Keyrock decides to approach the nearest member of that race. Brandishing a copy of the summons and complaint, the dwarf notes, "Would you by any chance be Karelite Bogdin? I have some legal matters that I am certain he will wish to discuss."
The dwarf pauses to look around the busy establishment. "Nice club." he mumbles as he awaits a response from the bartender, clearly intending to be heard. "It would be a shame to have it all be shut down."
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Smek will put on his Corp gear to look the part, and accompany Keyrock in. Before entering, "I'll act the part of client/observer. I don't think it's wise for you to get that close alone. Everyone else can take up tactical positions if negotiations break down."
Smek scans the club for guards and anyone that might fit Bodgin's description.
Standing next to Keyrock as he serves the notice, Smek will try to appear as menacing and displeased as he can.
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A number of other club goers are definitely in some type of stylish armor. And many have small arms visible. Out in the periphery of the club, there are a few well armed minders keeping their eyes on various charges.
The first verthani that Keyrock approaches is a someone high stung individual. "What? Legal matters. I told them it was...." She then looks down at you. "Did you say Bogdin? I wish I were him. Though if there is legal issues a foot maybe not. I have enough to deal with on my own. Don't need his as well." With that she disengages with Keyrock and finds someone to dance with.
Reaching the bar, you wave the papers in front of the bar tender. "Nice suit. But I have not seen Mr. Bogdin this evening." He shrugs a bit at the threat. "Klaus an I would be fine. There are other clubs and there are always more buyers. The Kozmos," he gestures towards the central bar. "Well then who cares, they are property." After taking a moment to sense the somewhat seriousness in Keyrock. He motions to one of the near by Vesk. "Demetri, these gentles need have some papers for the boss. Do you know when he will be back?"
The Vesk lumbers over "Nyet. Mr. Bogdin tell us no'tink"
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"Well, Demetri, is it?" Keyrock responds to the vesk. "Let me tell you sum'tink."
"I'm just an archaic dwarf. I was trapped in a simulation of ancient Golarion and later got let out by some of your Starfinder scientists. Your world frightens and confuses me." begins the dwarf in an manner similar to that of other attorneys he admires.
"Sometimes when a hover truck or an enercopter flies by the my window, I wonder, 'Are these giant metal birds seeking to build a nest here on the balcony of my penthouse suite on Absalom Station?'"
"I don't know. I'm just an archaic dwarf. My primitive mind can't grasp these concepts." he continues."But, there is one thing that I do know: Your employer, Karelite Bogdin, is facing claims for considerable compensatory and punitive damages, including the sale of defective products, which could result in severe financial loss to Mr. Bogdin as well as a likely substantial decline in this establishment’s good will.”
The dwarf shoves the papers in the vesk's face and threatens, "So, if you have any interest in your boss' financial status and in your own continued employment, I'd suggest that you let him know about this suit this instant."
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The Vesk scowls. "Kom this vay." He opens the door and motions for you and your assistant to follow. The other Vesk talks softly in comm unit. You can tell the conversation is strained. You over hear, "He's got papers!" As if somehow the word paper carries some additional weigh of fear.
Demetri escorts you to a luxurious office. This office contains several small workstations, a desk, and well-stocked bar. Two doors lie on the western wall, with one clearly being a leftover relic from a previous renovation. A door on the eastern wall is blocked by an open and empty deep-space storage pod. Two doors frame the northern (left of map) wall.
"Wait Here. Don't Touch any'tink"
Demetri watches from the door.
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"Nice place your boss has here. Nice enough, anyways." Keyrock says as he scans the office, looking for possible hiding places for the tablet or possible incriminating evidence that he may be able to use for leverage.
Realizing that his companions are likely more skilled at casing a potential target than he is, Keyrock hopes to distract the vesk. "So, how soon do you expect your boss to arrive? You told him that I had 'papers', I hope. That is something that I am sure that he'd like to know."
"And, of course, you told him what was on the papers--since he'd undoubtedly want to know that too, before he arrives." Keyrock continues. "I mean, you've read them right? Explained to him what he is likely to face? Gave him all the information he'll want at hand before he arrives?"
"I mean, I've got the papers right here in my hand, if you need them, but I am sure you already conveyed all that you need to, right?" The dwarf gives the vesk a look of concern.
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"Or the start of some more lucrative employment." Keyrock says, trying to get the vesk's attention. "You seem very good at your job. How much does Bogdin pay you, anyways?"
Noticing the painting, Keyrock tries to give a subtle nod towards. "I see your boss has an affinity for art. He must make a quite a few credits to afford that one."
He then devotes his attention to the vesk. "However, I find that such bosses may have appreciation for art, but they don't appreciate their employees like they should. They cut corners. That's what I think led to this lawsuit--your boss selling defective 'bots'. Where else is he cutting corners? Are you sure you're getting the payment that you deserve? A fine specimen of a vesk like you could easily be earning more money working providing security at a prestigious law firm, like mine, or else working for one of my corporate clients on Absalom Station."
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Smek waits until the guard is either fully engaged with Keyrock, or obviously trying to ignore him. Regardless, once the guard is distracted Smek silent moves into the shades and deeper into the office.
He quickly and quietly searches the office, if nothing immediately jumps out he moves to the painting. Adjusting it slightly so he can try to open the safe behind.
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Smek quickly keys in the permissions to give full control of the systems to his comm, and close out control to any other sources if possible.
Once Smek is sure he has control switched to his comm, and locked out any other controls, he'll move back to Keyrock. Looking frustrated and impatient at the Vesk, Smek whispers to Keyrock as quietly as possible, "I can open the vault, if we can keep Scales occupied I can acquire the asset." Smek tries his best to time his whispers to Ratatat's engaging with the Vesk.
Smek continues to glare impatiently as he waits for Keyrock's response.
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Smek has gained control. At that moment a chirp is heard on Demetri's comm unit.
"Da?.....Da, I am here wit them." He looks over at Smek standing near the painting covering the console. "Nyte. Little Rodent just standing next to it. No tochink." He looks at Smek. "Please to move away from paintink. Is very....precious to Mister Bogdin. Don't want you to get hurt."
A few moments pass as Demetri listens. "Da." He looks at Keyrock. "Mister Bogdin will be here shortly" He moves in to the room, shooing Smek out of the way and stands in front of the access terminal.
Outside. Solenopsi notices the one vesk by the dressing room door moving towards the door labeled Fire Exit but waits at the bottom of the stage. The other vesk starts to make his way to the front door.
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"I can open the vault, if we can keep Scales occupied I can acquire the asset." Smek tries his best to time his whispers to Ratatat's engaging with the Vesk.
Smek continues to glare impatiently as he waits for Keyrock's response.
Keyrock shrugs and returns the glare.
Smek has gained control. At that moment a chirp is heard on Demetri's comm unit.
"Mister Bogdin will be here shortly" He moves in to the room, shooing Smek out of the way and stands in front of the access terminal.
"Short Lee?! SHORT LEE!? Just who are you calling 'Short Lee'?!" Keyrock erupts in an apparent rage. "I may be a dwarf, but that doesn't give you license to discriminate against me based upon my physical stature. And my name is Keyrock, not Lee!"
The dwarf walks over to the wall, interposing himself between the vesk and the corporate Starfinder, and bangs his fist against it.
"You've just stepped into a civil rights suit, Demetri! If you thought your boss was about to face a legal nightmare--I assure that it is nothing compared to what you're about to face."
Keyrock looks around, pointing to his allies and anything that could conceivably hold a video recording device.
"You all heard it. And I bet, given your boss' security measures, that your words were recorded, too! Witnesses? Sure, a jury might choose to ignore their testimony. After all, they came here with me. But recorded evidence? A jury would NEVER ignore recorded evidence. With that in hand, this is a slam dunk case, Demetri!"
The dwarf stands on his tiptoes, attempting to look the vesk square in the eyes. "I will have your job, Demetri, and then, I'll have the entire contents of your bank account! Whatever assets you hold, you size-ist!"
"And, then, I'll go after your boss too. Clearly, this is negligent hiring. Why don't you wait here, Demetri? Wait, right here and then, we he arrives, you can tell Bogdin exactly what you've done. I am sure he will be delighted." Keyrock says, smugly. "Don't you dare leave, Demetri. I won't have you go and destroy any evidence and risk have you ruining my case."