|
While you are on Absolom Station you all receive a comm message from Chiskisk to meet him at one of the conference rooms in the Lorespire Complex for an assignment of great urgency.
As you make your way there you run into a few more Starfinders who are joining you on route towards your assigned meeting room.
|
Slinging his guitar on his back, the human with a panther head mask walks into the Lorespire Complex. Once the main door shuts, he fiddles with a wrist comm. "Jess, I am configuring for normal mode."
A small female voice comes for his wrist "Affirmative Ticcus, I am getting flags that your holoskin is disengaging."
The man's form flickers for a second, and instead of a human wearing a panther mask, a full blooded pahtra stands there. He looks himself over, as he heads to the locker room to get his combat gear on.
"Chiskisk is the one that called this meeting?" the pahtra asks.
"Correct Bar. Which according to my knowledge they don't normally call meetings like this, preferring to work more on the diplomatic side and less on the mission side."
"Thanks Jess. Please set up the system to hold my calls. Besides that, I feel that you might want to take a day off, as I don't think I will need my PR while working for the Society....they rarely require Ticcus to do these kind of gigs...preferring Baurquathus."
"Gotcha boss, I will put you on hiatus until you tell me otherwise. I think I will head off to go get a manicure and maybe a spa treatment."
|
Suddenly the doors open and a shirren walks in. He walks slowly, limping a bit. On his back, you can see a heavy laser rifle. He wears brown trousers with side pockets and his jacket is clearly not cut to his build. The jacket itself contains a pin of exo-guardians and a whole set of punk band patches. His clothing smell with a citron aroma.
The alien look around the room and spots Pahtra and he approaches him opening its mandibles. That could be a famous 'shirren smile' that resemble giant insect looking to bite your head off.
"Oh hi!<click> My name is D'vost and I was told by Ziggy that this group will go for some <click> clubbing around the town <clack> to rest after tough missions." As most shirrens their mandibles are not handling speaking well that is why there is a lot of weird noises added into each sentence.
"Let me tell you a joke: Two drunk shobhads were about to get into a fight.<click> One draws a line in the dirt and says,<click> 'If you cross this line, I’ll hit you in the face.'<click>"
"And that was a punchline.<click>"
Suddenly you can hear the most bizarre of sounds which is the laughter of a shirren.
|
|
After getting changed into Bar's equipment, the pahtra heads to the waiting area to wait for Chiskisk.
Seeing a shirren walk in, at first Bar thinks it might be Chiskisk, but quickly realizes it is another agent.
Listening to his attempt at a joke, the pahtra grins slightly, keeping its teeth well behind its gums. "Nice one. So, are you here as our comedian for the mission, or do you actually know how to use that pop gun you have on your back?"
Walking over to the shirren, the pahtra extends his hand. "Starfinder name here is Baurquathus, or Bar for short. I guess I am here because we will have need for some subtlety and possibly stealth."
|
"Subtlety, stealth, and hopefully ... serenity."
A taller-than-average kasathan with a leaner-than-average build glides inot the room. His demeanor behind his veil is tranquil. He clasps his four hands together in front of his torso. His hairless grey skin may be off-putting to those more accustomed to human tones. He is dressed in formal robes over blue skin tight light armor. He carries no overt weapons, but many small items might be concealed in the folds of his robes.
"You may call me Kadef. One might conjecture that my presence indicates a diplomatic mission, but it is my observation that the teams are assembled haphazardly from whomever happens to be available at the moment."
|
A figure adorned in a black cloak approaches the group, seemingly unarmed. Upon arrival, he pulls back the hood of the cloak to reveal chiseled features covered in pale, bluish skin and pocked by circuitry. The android takes a few moments to silently assess those present.
Sev's blank eyes first consider the pahtra.
Pahtra Threat Potential: 89.3%. Analysis: Training in combat and deception. Estimated time for dismantling: 16.9 seconds.
He cocks his head and scans the shirren...
Shirren Threat Potential: 51.7%. Analysis: Basic military and investigative training. Estimated time for dismantling: 13.8 seconds.
… and the kasathan.
Kasathan Threat Potential: 41.4%. Analysis: Trained in diplomatic measures and tactics. Estimate for dismantling: 11.3 seconds.
"Greetings. My designation is 703090072452414749257838637412586730286754309." The android makes a gesture with his head, which has some semblance to a nod. "However, I have found that most organics prefer brevity to precision. In that case, you may refer to me as 'Sev'."
|
|
Bar listens to Kadef and then Sev-'s introductions and then nods as Sev 'finally' gets done with his designation.
"Call me Bar, as Baurquathus is also a bit cumbersome for the common tongue to use. If Kadef is correct, I might need to change into my more social persona, which you might know as Ticcus, the bass and backup singer of the Rusty SRO's. I have also played backup for other bands...hoping someday to get to be backup for SMC....maybe someday"
|
|
Shirren repeats slowly:
"Can I use it? <click>"
And he goes silent for a moment...
He suddenly sees a horde of shirren like creatures running next to him, connected telepathically and charging through the streets of Absalom Station...
D'vost shakes his head.
"Yes I can.<click> But I specialize in tracking <click> all sort of aliens and creatures.<click> But I can be a comedian on this mission. <click>" And he presents yet another shirren smile.
As he listens to Kadef, Sev and Bar giving their names he comments:
"It seems to be common <click> among different races <click> to use names that are easy to pronounce<click> in common." Mr. obvious they sometimes call him.
|
|
Bar looks at Kadef as if they are speaking a different language. "You haven't heard of the Rusty SRO's? Most of us are from Akiton. I am one of the odd balls. We play quite a bit harder music than SMC, though I would love to be backup bass--or even just get into one of their gigs--in SMC. Here let me show you." With that he pulls out his comm unit and pulls up AllVid and pulls up some videos of Rusty SRO's.
It probably isn't to everybody's taste. The SRO's is DEFINITELY harder music, definitely more heavy drums and heavy bass than SMC.
|
The door slides open and closes, seemingly on its own.
Bar suddenly becomes aware of a small creature beside him and looks down to see a halfling staring wide-eyed at him.
It speaks, "Oi, look at this furry, beasty looking one." He giggles slightly to himself.
He glances around the room to the others there.
He starts with Kadef, towering over the small humanoid, "Yep, stuffy four-arm'er.
Sweeping his gaze to Sev, "Aw, at least the last mechanon I worked with was worth looking at.
He stops on D'Vost, cocking his head to the side. His shoulders then slumped, glancing downwards and shaking his head. "Whelp, could of done worse with the group of goblins setting up that heist.
He straightens up, physically takes his hands to rub his face into a smile. He takes a step back to regard the group as a whole, "The names Reticent Stroidjumper," he adjusts the sniper rifle on his back, that almost seems three times his size, to give a salute,"sniper extraordinaire and I'll be here to cover all of your backsides regardless the mission."
"I know what your thinking, someone so stealthy with the name of silence. You see, me mum thought she was crafty with her naming skills and goes on to call me Mute. He squints hard to scowl at them, "But only me mum calls me any other derivatives." he giggles again and extends a small hand for them to shake and his face starts to settle into a genuine smile.
|
|
When D'vost hears about the music bands he quickly removes his jacket and looks at the band emblems present on it:
"No, I am afraid I don't have SRO emblem. <click> If you have one I can wear it on my jacket. <click> I actually got it after finding a music manager that had debt in one of the Absalom gangs. <clcick>"
He looks with interests at Mute listening to what he says.
"Oh, it is a pleasure to meet you.<click>"
|
|
Absorbed in the videos, Kadef is momentarily thrown by the appearance of the halfling team member. Recovering himself, he steps forward to meet Mute halfway and easily offers his own hand while calibrating the halfling's mood and vernacular. Despite the veil across his lower face, he somehow gives the impression of a smile.
"Greetings, brassy shorty. You have correctly counted the number of my arms, but I prefer serene to stuffy."
|
|
Baurquathus rifles around a little in one of his pockets and pulls out a Rusty SRO badge--a triangle patch with an outline of a SRO in the foreground, while the background of the badge in a red rust color. "Sure D'vost. I keep a few around in case fans recognize me."
After Mute tells the group about himself, Bar looks down at the 'kid'...though Bar does realize it is a halfling. Hearing him call himself Mute and knowing enough to know that halflings make great infiltrators Bar nods. "Nice to meet you Reticent Stroidjumper, though I hope in the heat of combat I might call you Mute. I would be most happy to have your expertise with a sniper rifle at my back."
|
|
Sev listens quietly to the exchange by his fellow agents. Analysis: Present exchange of oral communications is preceding inefficiently.
Upon the halfling's arrival, the android considers his fellow agent.
Halfling Threat Potential: 64.9%. Analysis: Target more lethal at longer range. Estimate for dismantling: 12.2 seconds while within current proximity.
As the newcomer reaches out a small hand, the android pauses for a moment.
Social protocols initiated. Conclusion: Gesture is non-threatening. Target attempting to..."bond".
Sev then extends one of his mechanized hands, grabs ahold of that of the halfling, and begins to squeeze.
Analyzing tensile strength of dermal layer and internal structure of calcium composite frame of appendage. Conclusion: Reduce fluidic pressure to phalanges to minimize compressive force.
"Greetings, Ret..." says Sev, seeming to stop in mid-speech.
Directive: The majority of organics prefer brevity to precision.
"I am... Sev."
|
|
Mute throws a couple clicks D'vost's way with a couple of giggles and notices his small hand engulfed by one of Kadef's. After he applied all four, Mute makes an effort to not seem so small by using his other over the four but to no avail.
He quickly slips from Kadef's grapple and turns to Sev for another shake, "It's ok, you big talking machine. You can call me Mute..." His lip points into a slight smirk and adds, "On the condition of only when you can see me..."
He takes a slight bow and then recedes into the shadows.
Mute pops up next to Bar again, "I remember you know, my sis and I snuck into one of your shows. Your quite the mean shredder and I can't believe I'll be fighting alongside you. Always told my gran'da I'd get to 'rock out' with important people."
|
|
"It's ok, you big talking machine. You can call me Mute..." His lip points into a slight smirk and adds, "On the condition of only when you can see me..."
"Very well..."
The android looks around, unable now to discern he halfling's form from the shadows. "By what appellation, then, would prefer that I use to designate you now?"
|
|
As you banter among yourselves and Stroidjumper hides in the shadows to avoid drawing too much attention to himself the door in front of which you are waiting opens up at the appointed time.
The door to the well-appointed conference room opens, and Chiskisk, a member of the Starfinder Society’s Forum, motions for you to enter,their antennae bobbing rhythmically as they move to take a seat at the head of the table.
As you take your seats they continue
“Welcome, colleagues. As you know, the Starfinder Society has been quite efficacious of late. The acts of brave agents like yourselves has made the Society once-again respected and known throughout Near Space and even in some areas of the Vast.
We have been quick to capitalize on these new opportunities.
Recently, the Society has reached out to nearly a dozen new civilizations with which we have mutual interests. At this moment, the Lorespire Complex is brimming with ambassadors, dignitaries, and probably also spies from many worlds.
“I had the honor to conclude preliminary negotiations with one such ambassador. They are about to sign an exclusive exploration and trade treaty with the Starfinder Society, largely based on our recent exploits.
However…” the shirren pauses awkwardly, then moves to an expansive window that overlooks the Lorespire campus.
“The delegate has requested a recess in negotiations to go over some details in the treaty and has asked for a family member of his to explore Absalom Station before signing the agreement. Of course, I granted them freedom of the station, as long as they accepted an escort of local Starfinder agents to see to their every need.” The shirren turns back to face the conference table. “That ‘escort,’ of course, would be you!”
Chiskisk slides a data disk across the table.
“Here is the dossier on the visiting dignitary you’ll be escorting. Find out what they’re interested in seeing, and take them there. Be gracious hosts, entertaining tour guides, bodyguards, or social planners, as the dignitary requires. It should go without saying that this emissary’s daughters safety and security are paramount, as is their continued goodwill toward the Society. If you do a good job, we might just secure the opportunity to explore a new world.
Any questions?
|
|
As you banter among yourselves and Stroidjumper hides in the shadows to avoid drawing too much attention to himself the door in front of which you are waiting opens up at the appointed time.
The door to the well-appointed conference room opens, and Chiskisk, a member of the Starfinder Society’s Forum, motions for you to enter,their antennae bobbing rhythmically as they move to take a seat at the head of the table.
As you take your seats they continue
“Welcome, colleagues. As you know, the Starfinder Society has been quite efficacious of late. The acts of brave agents like yourselves has made the Society once-again respected and known throughout Near Space and even in some areas of the Vast.
We have been quick to capitalize on these new opportunities.
Recently, the Society has reached out to nearly a dozen new civilizations with which we have mutual interests. At this moment, the Lorespire Complex is brimming with ambassadors, dignitaries, and probably also spies from many worlds.
“I had the honor to conclude preliminary negotiations with one such ambassador. They are about to sign an exclusive exploration and trade treaty with the Starfinder Society, largely based on our recent exploits.
However…” the shirren pauses awkwardly, then moves to an expansive window that overlooks the Lorespire campus.
“The delegate has requested a recess in negotiations to go over some details in the treaty and has asked for a family member of his to explore Absalom Station to be entertained before signing the agreement. Of course, I granted them freedom of the station, as long as they accepted an escort of local Starfinder agents to see to their every need.” The shirren turns back to face the conference table. “That ‘escort,’ of course, would be you!”
Chiskisk slides a data disk across the table.
“Here is the dossier on the visiting dignitary you’ll be escorting. Find out what they’re interested in seeing, and take them there. Be gracious hosts, entertaining tour guides, bodyguards, or social planners, as the dignitary requires. It should go without saying that this emissary’s daughters safety and security are paramount, as is their continued goodwill toward the Society. If you do a good job, we might just secure the opportunity to explore a new world.
Any questions?
|
|
D'vost hides the Rusty SRO badge which he will patch to his jacket after the mission. Shirren looks with interest at his co-agents wondering what kind of mission would that be. When Chiskisk explains the goals D'vost has some bad feelings about this, he opens the files on his datapad and comments:
"Excuse me!<click> I think the files are corrupted.<click> I can see a comic page, instead of information. <click>"
Says shirren with a straight face.
|
|
Chiskisk pulls up his own data pad and slightly embarrassed mentions that this is indeed the picture Shrani Kokulu - the second - herself submitted for her official diplomatic envoy access card. It does appear that she used some sort of cartoon filter setting on my camera when she took the picture. But for now this is the official picture of a legal representative of the Damai delegation.
|
|
Looking over the relevant data on the pad you possibly jog your memory on the Damai's
CULTURE (RECALL KNOWLEDGE) OR DIPLOMACY (GATHER INFORMATION)
Based on the result of a Culture check to recall knowledge or a Diplomacy check to gather information, you might know more about the dignitary’s species. You learn all of the information whose DC is equal to or less than the result of their check.
|
|
Kadef listens attentively with his head tilted to the left. He is silently pleased to be chosen for another diplomatic mission.
"Sir, do the damai have any dietary or cultural taboos?"
Kadef passes along his impressions of the Damai gathered from library research into the histories of inteliigent Near Space species.
|
|
Bar walks into the conference room and takes a seat, thinking that this might be the first time he has meat Chiskisk. He does recall that they are both a member of the forum and one of the ones that works with the diplomatic functions of the society. Nodding slightly to the quick briefing on the diplomatic delegation he looks at the data pad.
"Interesting filter....it seems like this envoy might have a bit of a whimsical personality. This might be a bit fun. Though I do hope she listens to the people who live here on Absalom station. Some of the area in the spike can be quite....problematic"
|
|
Chiskish answers Kadef's question
"We are not aware of any taboos cultural or dietary or otherwise."
"In this case , since it's not the adult dignitary itself but one of it's offspring I must caution you about alcohol consumption and excessive behavior of any sort as we would with any young adult"
"If you are ready we could go meet with your young charge"
|
|
"Immature, juvenile representatives of a species are generally less developed and, therefore, lack the strength and fighting prowess of mature adults. The threat posed by this 'offsprng should be minimal." notes Sev. "This mission should be what you organics refer to as a 'confectionery ambulation'. This unit is prepared to commence the meeting."
|
|
Sev's question is met by giggles and Mute was about to respond until Chiskisk entered the room. Figured he'd leave Sev's mind ponder this for some time and Mute would poke some fun later.
Feeling like the poised shirren never lost sight of him, he slowly strides into the light and pauses to wait quietly while Chiskisk spoke.
After Chiskisk sets the pad down, Mute draws his to make a copy and review the data.
A stir of emotion actually crosses is face and easily noticeable by anyone paying attention. Turmoil erupted in Mute. He's heard of Chiskisk and the great work he's done for the galaxy, this and the need to make his mum proud versus getting the angle and taking advantage of this young, possibly wealthy princess.
His joyful demeanor returns with is mind made up...both and some fun. He stiffens up into his business man visage and asks a serious question he hadn't heard asked yet, "Oi, Mr. Chiskisk. You want us to show this lil princess around the whole of Absalom on a friendly jaunt, knowing nothing round'ere is free. You per chance have a shiny, starfinder logo stick lying around for incidentals an' such?"
After he hears a response he adds, "I also just got back from a small mission in the Diaspora and been out of the loop. What's, and no pun intended, the "buzz" on the station? Any activity we should be aware of?"
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Shirren stands silent wondering if this is another hallucination after injecting the implant or is this a reality. He decides to wait and see. Maybe he will wake up and head towards the briefing in real life.
He could have anticipated that: a Shiren, Kasatha, Android, Pahtra and Halfling walks into the briefing room - that already sounds like a joke.
|
|
Chiskish nods at Sev-'s words ..you are not quite sure if he's agreeing with them or just acknowledging that they've heard them.
They then answer Kadef's question
"The daughter is close to adulthood, the right of passage will commence next year. Do not let her out of your sights and do not let her sneak of on her own. Do not allow her to be hurt"
|
|
At Mute's remark about nothing 'round here being free Chiskish clicks his mandibles before answering
“The Society intends to reimburse you for reasonable expenses for the dignitary and yourselves: meals, transportation, tickets to desired social events. Please, no gifts though, not for them and especially not for yourselves.”
Chiskish tilts their head to the side as they mull over the next question
"Nothing unusual about the activity on the station"
You do remember at least 3 reports about gang activities on the news from the local holo net ..today..before breakfast, but like the man (bug?) said; nothing unusual.
Bar thinks of a few places and activities which he himself thinks will be suitable for a young adult female
Chiskish motions towards the door in the room
"If there are no more questions we suggest you go meet with the young lady and her family.We suggest you immediately go there. It's best to not let the ..impulsive and impatient young one waiting too long"
As you start to leave Chiskish mentions
"This visitor is coming from a place that hasn’t had a lot of contact with the Pact Worlds. A single misunderstanding out in the
wider station could result in animosity toward us, resulting in the end of these negotiations. Consider yourselves both ambassadors and chaperones for someone who isn’t accustomed to the station.”
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
Without delay the party set's out to meet up with the subject of your current assignment.
Following the directions provided on the data pad you have no problems location and traveling to the location where the dignitary and his family is staying in a spacious guest room in one of the Lorespire’s central housing.
After you knock and anounce yourself the door opens and you enter a swanky room
Inside are 2 humanoids. One middle aged man in respectable clothes, who is slightly balding and wearing reading spectacles and a young woman in a what can only be described as a very colorful outfit who's almost gleaming with excitement as you enter as she squeek's .
"Are those the people daddy? Are they going to take me out of this booooooring place and show me around outside?" she then takes a closer look at your party and she seems to loose color and get's a trembling lower lip
"..but they are like totally old? They look like they wouldn't know what to do for a good time if it snuck up behind them and yelled boo! right in their ears?"
She then spots Mute at the back of the party and skips on over next to him as a smile returns on her face
"At least this one is sorta cute" she takes out a datapad and puts he head next to Mute's as a blinding light makes most of you - but Mute for sure - see sparks as she says "Smile, it's selfie time!" before she blows out a bubble of some sort of pink gooey ooze that keeps expanding until it's almost the size of her head before it pops with an audible plopping noise and she sucks it back in as she skips back towards her father again typing away on the datapad chewing loudly
She then kisses the older man on the cheek.
"Can we like now literally go? Pleeeeease?"
The man gives you a slight smile of resignation
|
|
With giving Jess off for the night, Bar thinks maybe he shouldn't do this, but it seems like Shrani needs to be shown that this group can certainly be 'fun'. Bar reaches down and hits a few buttons, and his Starfinder uniform reconfigur3es to Ticcus's leather jacket and human bodied male with a 'panther' mask.
"Dear milady , I am Ticcus, the guitarist and backup singer for the Rusty SRO's. I am certain that myself and my friends here can show you all the rocking places to go."
|
|
After his photonic sensore adjust to the flash of the 'self-E' Sev analyzes the pair.
Combined Threat Potential: 9.1%. Analysia: No apparent combat training. Estimated time for dismantling: 5.0 seconds.
Having no regard for their potential comforts or taboos, or else no inclining of the potential for such, he instructs, "You will comply with all imperatives and mandates that we provide during the span of our escort of you on this station."
|
|
For all his years of life, Reticent Stroidjumper never had been left without words to say by the simple act of having his picture taken. The blank and dumb look on face lasted well after Shrani moved on. Quite hilarious for those that noticed.
Snapping himself together, Mute realized how empty his head had become and quickly searches for something to say.
Of course, his mouth began moving before before he knew what to say and of course his 13 year old self self surfaced. He quickly straightens, arms to the side making quick short bows to the delegate and then to Shrani, "Good evening, sir and madam. I am Reticent Stroidjumper and it my great pleas..." his voice squeaks and quickly clears his throat, "Honor to escort your daughter on a tour of Absolom Station."
His voice cracks again and he looses his nerve hoping his foolishness wasn't noticed.
|
|
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
"It is a pleasure miss.<click> We will make sure that you are having a great time at the same time being safe.<click>"
He is thinking for a moment, then decides to tell a joke
"Do you know how to solve the problem of homeless and hungry in the Spike? Let the hungry eat the homeless"
After that he grins in a Shirren manner waiting for a reaction
|
|
From what he's experienced of her so far Bar senses that she's rather impulsive
At Bar's transformation the girl claps in her hands and hops up and down "He looks like fun, he can do tricks! I like him!"
Her father at least seems to appreciate Sev-'s stern tone of voice
Stroidjumper thinks that by the way how the girl is clinging to her father that she won't be too comfortable being left by herself
The girl winks at Mute and smiles at him as he tries to put on a brave face
After hearing D'Vost joke she blinks a few times before looking at her father and whispering something which sounds an aweful lot like ..is that bug serious? do they eat people here? ..oh, it's a joke?! she then turns to D'vost and grins before blowing another pink goop bubble which pops and get's sucked back in again
It seems D'vost has very little clue on what goes in a young woman's experience
|
|
"Daddddddyyy! My escorts are here now! Can we noooow gooooo?! You promised that they would show me what a real literal club is like!! I wanna go see one now!"
Her father smiles with a sigh of resignation as he addresses you
"I expect you to keep her save. She can have one light alcohol beverage, but that's it.After that it's just juices and soda's for her"
He then kisses her on her cheek and wishes a good time as they say their goodbye's to each other before the girl puts on a short coat and skips out the door assuming that you will follow in her wake
As you exit the room she twirls around and asks
"So where are we going?"
Bar remembers a club that's not to far away which he think won't be too dangerous and will allow a young woman of her age inside. The Nebula's bar. It has a reputation for having no line to get in, and the club’s volume level is much lower, allowing for casual conversation.
|
|
"I know a place, called Nebula's Bar. Not too bad a place, some decent music--though not too loud to keep conversations from happening. Some dancing happens there, and decent alcohol. And I know the bartender and a couple of the bouncers...I should be able to allow the young lady one alcoholic beverage without any major problems."