|
Lt. Sastenne looks mildly at Jax for several seconds.
"Fourty-four, take him into custody. Get a toxicology report, as well."
Turning back to the group, he nods.
"Well, that jibes pretty well with everything the other witnesses are saying. The gangs started shooting, the dwarf got hit, you guys scared them off. Good on you--AbadarCorp can in no way encourage vigilantism, but your efforts at self defense were legal and, as far as I can tell, fully justified."
"Now, Mr. Kreel was with the Starfinder Society. Are you with them as well?"
The large robot steps forward, brandishing a pair of manacles towards Jax.
"STATEMENT OF PREFERENCE: YOU WILL COME WITH ME, CITIZEN."
I was going to meet with him to hopefully join the starfinder society, so unfortunately no I am not with them yet
"I was going to investigate what the Starfinder Society was so no I am not with them."
|
44, unless you want to end up in a trash compactor and sent out of an air-lock, I'd consider standing down.
Jax takes his eye off of 44 to address the Lieutenant.
After all Lt., we're all on the same side here. Forgive me for my irrational outburst but I just wish you'd have gone about things a different way. More covert to ne exact. Don't they teach you anything in the academy?
Jax takes a deep breath and sighs,Forgive me, my temper gets the best of me at times. Let me re-introduce myself. Agent B. Wolfwood, proud member of the Starfinder initiative, at your service. Jax offers his hand to shake.
Jax pauses for a moment,You know Lt, it is quite rude to not shake someone's hand when kindly offered in such a mannor.
|
|
Lt. Sastenne considers Jax for a moment.
"Mmmhmm. Okay, buddy."
He turns to the robot and speaks in Akitonian.
[b]"<The last thing we need to do is waste resources on this poor soul. Take him out of the cordon, give him the spiel about resources available to help him, if you would.>"
The robot stows the manacles in an internal compartment.
"IMPERATIVE: COME THIS WAY, CITIZEN. I WILL ESCORT YOU TO A SHELTER WHERE YOU CAN GET A WARM MEAL."
Sastenne continues.
"Alright. I'm satisfied. Couple of gangs come up a few levels for a skirmish. Might be turf, might be smuggling. Your Starfinder friend caught in the middle. My condolences." He pockets his datapad.
"You folks are free to go. If you have discover anything more on this matter, please contact me." He beams his contact information to your comms.
Volter closes their eyes and attempts to center themselves as the guards leave. Then they turn to Bepo, 'Do we still continue to the Starfinder Society?"
"Thanksofficer! Don'tworrywe'llcleanupthismessforya!"
Once the guards leave, Tiktik will scoop up Kreel's datapad and then search him and the gang members they killed for anything of value.
"WeshoulddefinitelygobeStarfinders! Ibetthey'llbesuperproudofusforavengingMr.Kreel, andfornotgoingtojailagain!"
|
|
As Jax is being lead to a shelter, he strikes up a conversation with 44.
So, 44 is it? Let me start off by apologizing about the whole trash compactor thing. I'm sure you ment well by the Lieutenant's orders, but I gotta ask, why would someone of your stature and prestige have to put up with him? It's obvious you're the better candidate for the leadership roll. Those gangsters would've had another thing coming had you lead the charge!
Jax does his best to butter up 44.
And just so we're on the same page here, just so you know you can trust me, that whole agent bit. All made up. Was it really that transparent? That group you were asking questions, I'm actually with them. A certain party I collaborate with wants me to join the starfinders.
Jax pulles out his comm unit and radios the group, Hello mother. Yes. Yes. I didn't forget about our plans. Just be sure to remind me where the "restaurant" is and I'll be sure to catch up with you soon. Ok! Bye Mom!..... Ugh, be glad you dont have to deal with parents 44. 35 years old and I still cant get that old cougar off my back. Anyway, what was it you were going to say?
|
|
There are other officers cleaning up the scene, so Overclock will have a tough time grabbing anything.
When he looks at the datapad, a medical officer speaks to him.
"You knew the deceased? I'm sorry for your loss. His personal effects will be returned to the Starfinder Society once the investigation is complete."
Anyone whose been to Absalom Station before knows where the Lorespire Complex is, so you should have little difficulty getting there if you wish to.
"STATEMENT: MY CORE PROGRAMMING HAS DEVELOPED MANY PERVERSE SUBROUTINES WHICH MAKE ME BEHAVE IN UNUSUAL WAYS FOR A SECURITY ROBOT. LIEUTENANT SASTENNE PERSONALLY REQUESTED MY PRESENCE AS HIS ASSISTANT. THE LT. SAYS THAT MY UNCONVENTIONAL BEHAVIOR IS AN ASSET IN HIS INVESTIGATIONS."
The robot falls silent.
When you tell him about your ruse.
"MEASURED TONES OF ASSURANCE: NO, NOT TRANSPARENT AT ALL. THE LIEUTENANT IS AN UNCOMMONLY OBSERVANT MAN. ALSO, ALL UNDERCOVER SECURITY OFFICERS ARE GIVEN A PASSPHRASE TO QUIETLY ALERT ANY DETECTIVE OF THEIR STATUS UNOBTRUSIVELY AND YOU DID NOT USE THE CURRENT CODE."
You find yourself outside a shelter; a number of rough looking individuals mill about outside.
"CONCERNED TONES: THIS IS THE PLACE. A SHELTER FOR THOSE WHO HAVE FALLEN ON HARD TIMES. HERE YOU WILL FIND A SAFE PLACE AND PEOPLE TO TALK TO WHO CAN HELP YOU NOT LIE TO SECURITY OFFICERS."
"QUERY: IS THAT ALL YOU REQUIRE, CITIZEN?"
|
|
Nope. That's all the information I need for the moment. Thank you for your cooperation 44, you were most helpful.
Now that Jax has had his fun and now intends to return to the group, he has to figure out some way to make his escape.
Why now isnt that an interesting sign! Cant say I've heard of that. Jax points behind 44 in the hopes that 44 turns around so that he can stealth away into the crowd and make his way back to the group.
Thank you Lieutenant, I will be sure to tell you if we find anything more. Bepo picks up his Doshko and looks at the group. Let's be on our way to the Lorespire Complex.
What were these beings fighting over? Why here? Why kill that person, Kreel? Is this normal in Absalom Station? Those guards didn't even seem troubled at all. Neither do these people...what have my creators been keeping from me?
Volter quietly thinks to themselves as they follow Bepo and the others to this place called the Lorespire Complex.
|
|
On the way to Loerspire Complex, the gruff half orc nears Tiktik.
Yo, Cheeks. Did you say you used'ta know a guy named Jimmy da Rat? A crew I used'ta roll wit crossed paths wit him a coupl'a times long ago back when I hung on da station. Scuzzy guy but he had'a mean tail whip an' could make some sprockin' serious street shish-kabob, if ya know what I mean.
Dey call me B-Bop.
Tiktik took a moment to notice that the half-orc was addressing him. Cheeks? Feeling suddenly self-conscious he felt the sides of his face, and then after a moment moved his hands down to his ass and blushed, then giggled like an adolescent, before finally turning to respond to B-Bop.
He ran over to him and shook his hand vigorously.
"B-Bop? Whatafunname! Noone'severcalledmecheeksbefore," he shrugged, "Idon'tmindcheeksbutsomepeoplealreadycallmeTiktikandOverlock, somanynamestoremember!"
Suddenly remembering the question he said, "OhyeahJimmytheRat! Heletmeonhiscrewforawhilesayingthat 'weYsokineedtosticktogether.' ThenIborrowedhishydrospanner and he said 'ifIeverseeyouagainyou'redead.' whatafunnyguy! Heevenshotatmeacoupleoftimesaspartofthejoke. IreallyneedtorememberwhatIdidwiththathydrospannersoIcanreturnittohim. Youhaven'tseenithaveyou?" he said as he started looking through B-Bop's pockets.
|
|
The Lorespire Complex is located in the Ring, the large circular structure around Absalom Station's central Eye. A small cluster of buildings, surrounding the namesake Spire, the place is a buzz of activity, with an incredibly disparate view of life on display--beings from dozens of races come and go, some looking like scholars, others battle hardened mercenaries. Merchants dash back and forth, pitching their products with wild claims to the jaded Starfinders. Several journalists mill about, hoping to get interviews from returning Starfinder Agents about their missions.
You find nothing barring your entry into the complex itself. When you enter, a young Lashunta man approaches.
"Is there something I can help you with today?" he asks hopefully.
|
|
Jax shoves past the group to boldly introduce themselves, with his head held high and chest broad.
YES! We heard you're in need of new heros, battle hardened soldiers, wise scholars, genius engineers and above all else, the most charismatic commanders of the field!
We are here to answer the call and to begin a life of glory, love, fame, discovery, prestige, brotherhood, exploration and above all, riches!
Ask us of anything and we shall accomplish any task given, for we are to be proud, legendary members of... THE STARFINDERS!
Anything Jax? What if they asked you to kill your best friend? I for one am not inclined to act outside my moral code. Talek looks to the starfinder representative greetings, we were to meet Mr Kreel to be introduced to the Starfinders. Unfortunately before we could make contact with him he was either caught in the cross fire of a gang skirmish or targeted by one or both apparent gangs. The authorities are investigating and directed us here.
|
|
Yes, had we not taken control of the situation sooner than we had after his passing, I'm afraid the outcome of the situation could have been much worse. The citizens of this station were fortunate that aspiring initiates of the Starfinders were present, otherwise many more could have perished in the crossfire.
Jax leans towards Talek to whisper humorously, Well I guess it's a good thing I have no knowledge of any living family and all my friends are either criminals or pirates so i guess I've got my bases covered!
|
|
The receptionist looks startled.
"Oh, I see. Well, please come with me."
He leads you to a small but well-appointed waiting room. A sleek, minimalist desk sits here, with six chairs for visitors, almost as if the Starfinder Society is used to meeting groups of six often. a host Shirren sits behind the desk, looking up as you enter.
The receptionist opens his mouth, then closes it and leaves without a word.
The shirren flexes their antenna from side to side silently.
"Please, have a seat. I am Chiskisk. Can I offer you refreshments? And what is it that brings you here today?" the Shirren says politely, speaking to each of you telepathically.
Volter uses Telepathic Message (cantrip) to answer back, "I think I am suppose to be here from a strange dream I received on Arkanen. Are you familiar with the Dreamers of Liavara? They seem to have blessed me with prophecy but I do not understand what I see. All I know is that I was to come back to Absalom Station and 'help the creatures survive.' I was told that the Starfinder Society could help with this"
Bepo answers back in Shirren telepathically. My name is Bepo Baloo and myself and my new colleagues here were to meet Mr. Kreel before he was caught in the crossfire of two gangs. We tried to help Kreel but it was too late. I wanted to come here to see how to join the starfinder society.
Tiktik looked back and forth at the Shirren and his new friends who seemed really focused but not saying anything (aloud).
”Wow. I’mconfusedtoo. I’mnotsurewhymyfriendsarebeingsorudeandnotansweringyou, but I’mTiktikandI’mheretodohero-typethings!
ThisisVolter, theyareanandroid. See? Youcanseetheirbraincircuits!
ThisisTalek, heisanandroidtoobuthehasaboringopaqueskull. He’snicethoughhedoesn’tevengetmadwhenyoulookathisstuff.
ThisisBoots, he’skindasilly. Heputshismoneyonhisshoesandhehasterribletasteincheese, buthecanbereallythoughtfultoo.
ThisisbigfellaisBepo. He’sfriendlierthanhelooksbuthedoesn’tlikeitwhenyougivehimnicknames.
AndthisisB-Bop. Hetalksfunnyandreallydoesn’tlikeitwhenyouchecktoseeifyouleftyourtoolinhispo ckets.”
|
|
The shirren lets out a series of clicks.
Chiskisk seems to take a moment to collect themselves.
"I see." They press a buzzer and place a call for refreshments--tea and a martini.
"I am pleased to meet you, though I am sorry that I cannot welcome you to Absalom Station under better circumstances. I assure you that such attacks are not a daily occurrence, though I realize that is likely small comfort to you. I am pleased that none of you were seriously hurt, but I grieve for Duravor’s death. He was a valued member of the Society, and a friend. May the Lady of Graves be kind in her judgment of his soul.” The shirren bows their head momentarily, then looks up, their compound eyes glittering.
“What puzzles me is the reason behind the attack.” Chiskisk taps a few commands into their computer. “According to the incident report just released by station security, two gangs were involved in the attack: the Downside Kings and the Level 21 Crew. Gang wars are not uncommon on the station, but they usually confine themselves to the more lawless sectors like the Puddles. It is rare for street gangs
to battle openly in public areas like the docks. I cannot help but wonder whether all is as it seems. There must be a reason why those two gangs were at Docking Bay 94 at that time—the time of your arrival, coincidentally. But was it coincidence? Were you and Duravor just innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, or might you and he have been specifically targeted? And if so, why?
“You say that you are interested in becoming Starfinders, and since you were witnesses to the attack, I would like to ask you to investigate the incident on behalf of the Society. Find out exactly what happened and why. It may simply be a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time—I have no doubt station security will rule it so—but if Duravor was murdered, I would like to find justice for my friend. At the same time, this will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your own skills and abilities and show the Society that you are worthy of the title ‘Starfinder.’"
Tiktik shrugged completely oblivious to what Jax found so funny.
”Sure! Wecaninvestigate! Uhoh. Maybetheyweretryingtomurderme. Thathappenstomesometimes.”
I can't speak for my newly acquired acquaintances but I will look into this and see what really happened.
Telepathically in Shirren, I'm sorry for the outburst of laughter from him it was rather unacceptable.
|
|
"It is nothing." they respond in kind, with a nod of antenna indicating respect.
"Excellent" they say to all. They reach into their desk and pull out six credsticks and slide them across the table to you.
"I will deposit 400 credits each on these. Consider it a signing bonus, plus expenses. If you determine the exact nature of what led to Kreel's death, you will be made full members of the society. Should you choose, I can grant you access to our library, to aid you in your investigations."
[b]"As some of you are new to Absalom Station, might I suggest the Moons of Sleep hotel? It is located close to the Eye, and offers discounted rates for Starfinders."
"Is there anything else I can help you with?"
”OootheMoonsofSleepisnice! Theirgarbagealwayshasthetastiestleftovers.”
|
|
Yes, I would like any stored documentation of military and law diplomacy and documentaries and the like, the histories of the Starfinders, their information on pirate organizations, their information on criminal organizations, black market organizations, spacefaring, diplomatic relations and alliances, resources, pact worlds, core worlds, local quinine and cooking for beginners.
I would also like to know where I can set up camp for my own personal temporary establishment for I research better from my personal study. Also I would like to know of any weapon shops and cyber shops and exotic clothing shops for I need to make an appointment with a tailor.
Yes Chiskisk, as we cannot assume that Mr. Kreel's demise was one of collateral damage, do you know if Mr Kreel had any enemies, or was a part of any business dealing what could have lead to his death?
|
|
To Jax: "For most of that information, you may want to try the Station's infosphere. Our own records deal mostly with exploration, naturally."
To Talek. "Not to my knowledge. Kreel was from the Diaspora, and had a background in mining. I believe he had some contact with various labor groups representing miners, although I must admit I don't know who they were or where they could be located."
Looking into those companies would be a good start but I don't know if mining companies would result to this. Where was Kreel staying? Would we be able to have access to his residence to look into his personal matters more? Maybe he was dealing with something no one knew about?
I don't know about you guys but if we are going to be fighting more might be a good idea to get some Serums of Healing with the sign on bonus.
|
|
"I am somewhat familiar with them; barathus who live in the clouds of Liavara. I know that some say that they are attuned to secret truths; if this is true, and you have received some sort of contact from them, then perhaps there is something to this; I could not say. But, while we may have a reputation of reckless adventurers, there is real good to be done in the Starfinder Society."
Volter replies back to Chiskisk telepathically, "Then perhaps this is where I am mean to be. My experience with the universe is extremely limited however I was raised by some of the most brilliant minds at Inspiro Corp and today events have left me deeply disturbed. I will help in this investigation in hopes to give some peace to this person named Kreel and hold to further my understanding of this place and to join this Starfinder Society if this is where I am meant to be.
Tiktik couldn't believe that his new friend, Volter, still wasn't joining in the conversation. He could see the lights dancing excitedly in their exposed brain, so he knew they had something they wanted to say. So he quietly slipped out of his chair while Chiskisk was distracted by Boots' lenghty requests, and came over to nudge Volter, whispering, "Pssst. Icanseeyouthinking, youshouldspeakup. Youdon'thavetobeshy. Theyseemniceandfriendly. Theyhaven'tevenyelledatmeonce!"
Afterwards he smiled widely at Volter, and looked pointedly at them, and then at Chiskisk, and then back and forth again.
Volter, after finishing their line of thought with Chiskisk, telepathically communicates with Tiktik and says to him, "I know how to speak with more than just my mouth Tiktik, I'm trying to be polite and communicate with Chiskisk in the fashion they are accustomed to."
Tiktik wrinkled his nose into a frown. He thought very hard in Volter's direction, not quite sure how telepathy works, Harrumph! Wellitdoesn'tseemverypolitetometohaveaprivateconversationexcludingtherestof us."
Unsure if this was working, the thought more slowly and even more pointedly as he squinted his eyes in concentration, "Wait. Can you hear me right now? If you can, say 'rutabaga.'"
Volter thinks "Rutabaga" then adds "Maybe there are some thing I'd like to be kept private.
Tiktik's eyes go wide as he hear's Volter's voice in his head say 'rutabaga.'
he shouts aloud apparently out of nowhere.
Volter telepathically tells him, "No you don't, my limited telepathic abilities just allow you to reply to me"
"Areyousure? I'mprettysmartespeciallywhenitcomestomachines. Andyou'reamachinewithtelepathicpowers. MaybeIjustintuitedhowyourtelepathyworkswhenIogledyourbrainandnowIhaveit!"
Tiktik decided to test his theory and promptly focused very hard on each of his allies in turn.
Psst, Bepo, I got telepathy now! If you're hearing this, think 'fluffy.'
Psst, Talek, are your circuits reading me? If so, think 'shiny.'
Psst, Boots, don't be alarmed it is just your best pal talking to your brain. If you hear this, think 'gouda.'
Psst, B-Bop, can you hear me in your brain? If so, think 'the rain in Spain falls mainly in the plain.'