Post a short background of your character here!
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A short, shaven-headed human woman in base-colored second skin armor enters the room and sits down leaning over to one side and resting her chin on one hand. She has a set of studs in her skull that anyone with a decent amount of engineering knowledge will recognize as the grounding array for a datajack with some additional feature. She carries a pulsecaster rifle and a standard backback. If anyone asks, she takes off one of her gloves to reveal a Starfinder mark on her palm. "Name's LolaRuby. No other 'nym. Engineer."
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Mich Igan is a small bluish furry creature with six arms, numerous scars on him and several cybernetic augmentations. Despite his condition, a wide smile can be seen across his face.
Two hands are occupied using a datapad to code something.
With a high pitch voice he says Hi! I'm Mich. I'm here to help!
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A muscular lashunta woman strides into the room, sending a winning smile to everyone present. Her bright green hair is braided away from her face, falling to her mid-back. The blue of her second-skin armour is visible on her legs, a black vinyl jacket with excessively ornate buttons concealing the armour on her upper half. A pulsecaster rifle and a sword cane hang from her belt.
"Kaia Ryn," she says as an introduction, offering her hand to everyone in turn. "I'm here to help too."
Rex Armstrong is a Brakim operative who was working against the Azlanti Star Empire. He grew up on Bortan II in the shadow of the Azlanti monitoring station. After working for small time criminal organizations for several year, he began freelancing, focusing on jobs that would strike at the Aeon Throne without bringing too much attention down on himself.
Recently however he's had to make himself scarce around the Star Empire, and as a result has found himself on Absalom Station working for the Starfinders.
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An extremely tall and lanky Brakim joins you. He's got a basic laser pistol at his hip, and full pack on his back. In his hands is some sort of device, almost drone like, but not quite.
"Hello, nice to meet you all," he drawls with a strong accent. "You can call me Rex."
As you all gather in the waiting area inside the Lorespire complex outside Chiskisk's office, you notice a data pad has been carelessly left out on a desk.
Mich, it seems you've remembered a standard Society password, and lo and behold, it works!
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A bleachling gnome enters the room. He wears a brown tweed suit, with suede patches on the elbows. His skin is pale, his grey-ish blue hair askew and disordered. He smiles around. "Ah, greetings! I trust that you are my companions on this next fine Starfinder mission, aye? Looking forward to it, thoroughly." He notices the skittermander offering around a datapad. "Ah, and what is this, our mission briefing perhaps?" He reviews the data, copying it into his own computer system for later reference. "Fascinating."
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Once everyone else has had a look at the datapad, Kaia reaches out to review the data herself. The man in question seems rather normal. Kaia would have expected the dossier to be of someone a bit more exciting than a starship insurance salesman. "I agree with you," she says to the human woman. "But perhaps this 'Bubs' is more interesting than his profile suggests? Or perhaps he's just a name on a forgotten dossier and we're all here for something else?" She doubts that isn't the case, but she isn't sure why a negotiation, if that is their mission, would require the presence of so many Starfinders.
Peaking over Kaia's shoulder to get a look at the datapad, Rex adds "Mahbe, he a agent, and this just his cover."
The door to the well-appointed conference room opens, and
Chiskisk, a member of the Starfinder Society’s Forum, enters,
their antennae bobbing rhythmically as they move to take a seat at the head of the table.
“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 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!”
"I see you have already came across 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 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 wolrd. Any questions?”
As Chiskisk informs everyone of job as escorts, Rex whispers to Kaia "We babysitta now?"
"We expectin' any troubles?" asks Rex after Chiskisk finishes his briefing.
Looking to Gletch the gnome, Chiskisk responds, "I believe Mr. Vinzer will have some idea of where he wants to go. He left here earlier talking about some sort of automated starship tour around the outside of the station, in addition to some other locations on the station. As for our negotiations, I believe the best way for you to help is to keep Mr. Vinzer in a happy, content state. He's more likely to sign off if you do."
To Rex: "Yes... and no! 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.”
"And LolaRuby, I can't imagine dressing like an old lady would be very becoming for you. I should hope that won't be in the cards for this job."
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Hearing Rex's whisper, Kaia smirks and whispers back, "Looks like it." before turning her attention to Chiskisk.
She understands why the Starfinders want them looking after this 'Mr Bubs', but Kaia had been hoping for something more exciting. "So, in short, we should take him where he wants to go and make sure he's happy and safe. I'm sure we can all manage that, with or without old lady costumes."
The six of you find yourselves walking down a long hallway in the Lorespire complex toward the well-maintained guest quarters. As you arrive at Mr. Vinzer's door you collect yourselves for a moment, give each other a nod, and knock on the door.
You hear a momentary stirring as the volume of a music program is turned down. A moment later none other than Bubs Vinzer himself opens the door. A bright smile crosses his face as he realizes his escorts for the evening have arrived. Mr. Vinzer is wearing comfortable, clean stationwear, and he has a drink in his hand.
"Ahhh, my new Starfinder friends are here! Let's see, one, two, three. . . .SIX of you? It looks like Ol' Chiskisk sent half the Starfinder corps! Please come in!"
In turn, he introduces himself to each of you, and offers his hand to shake.
"Hello, Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Insurance."
"Yes, hi! Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Insurance"
"Again, welcome! Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Insurance"
"Come in, come in! Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Insurance"
"Very nice to meet you. Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Insurance"
"Great to see you! Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Insurance"
Mr. Vinzer suggests you all make yourself comfortable and heads for his wet bar. "It's probably a little too early to pop open this nice bottle of intoxicants that Chiskisk sent up, but I think most beverages are stored in this culinary synthesizer. . . ."
Bubs continues to make small talk as he serves you your preferred beverages, asking about little things like your insignias, jewelry you might be wearing, or if you've been to one part of the station or another.
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"Ah, hello, Mr. Vinzer. I am Professor Thaddeus Glimgletch, of Absalom Station Holocommuter Techno-University. You may call me Gletch. I look forward to spending an exciting day together."
Having spoken, as if introducing himself at a seminar, he then shuts up and lets the more social folks talk to the ambassador.
"Good ta meet you Mista Bubs. I'm Rex. Ive spent lot time down at shipyards not unlike Picos 4. How many ships you get through there?"
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"It's nice to meet you, Bubs," Kaia says with a smile as she shakes his hand. "Six starfinders may seem like a lot, but I assure you, the society just wants to make sure you have a good time while you're here. I'm Kaia Ryn."
As Bubs makes small talk, Kaia tells him about the small, colourful pop-up market where she found both her extravagant buttons and the several black metal rings that adorn her fingers. The story isn't exactly true, but she thinks he's more likely to approve of the fictional tale than the truth.
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Cycle-1 pulls off a panel of her armor to show Bubs the Starfinder tattoo scribed into her arm. "Lola is right, there are a few less savory places on the Station. We'll be right next to you the whole time though." The blue mote orbiting about her head flashes into a short spear of light that she elegantly twirls about before tossing it back into the air.
"Mich, very nice to meet you! Please. . . .call me Bubs. You're the first skittermander I've ever met! I'm sure I'll have so many questions for you. And take a look at this chip off the 'ol block--that's Bub's Jr., and he'll be attending university next year!"
"Gletch, pleased to meet you. I bet you're the smartest person in the room no matter where you go. I hope my son Bubs Jr. meets plenty of people like you at University next year."
"Rex, from what I've seen of our shipyards, it's a never ending parade of ships coming in for resupply, repair, or trade. A good many of the ships from Picos are ones that my company insures! There's a new drift beacon nearby, and I think that's the big reason things are picking up."
"Ahh yes, LolaRuby, I'll be counting on you in the unlikely event we run into any sort of trouble. You seem like you can handle yourself."
"Kaia, funny you should mention jewelry. Listen, I need to find some nice baubles to take home to my wife. I'm thinking we go to this market of yours later today, and you can help me negotiate some good deals!"
Turning to Cycle-1, Bubs seems momentarily concerned. "Whoa! You better be careful with that! It looks extra pointy! I guess you really know how to use that. I hope you don't have to though! I'm here to have a good time!"
Bubs stands near Rex, and places his hand on his shoulder. His other hand points at an imaginary point beyond the ceiling. He speaks in reverent tones as he describes how he wants to begin his day: "Imagine, if you will, seeing Absalom Station from the OUTSIDE! I have booked an automated tour that has all of us boarding a ship and taking a two hour spin around the station and the Armada. We're due at the dock in an hour. Here's the brochure. Can someone get us there? And can we stop for some breakfast on the way? I'm not sure if that culinary synthesizer agrees with me."
The brochure is from a company called "Periphery Stars", and shows several smiling people looking though starship view ports at many of the exterior features of Absalom Station.
Rex takes the brochure and tries to recall if he's heard anything about "Periphery Stars".
"Sounds good. I not been to Armada yet. Be good to see."
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Kaia's smile widens further when Bubs suggests she show him to the market. If they have the time they can attempt to find the stalls again, but she'd prefer to keep him interested with other things.
"I'm sure we can find somewhere for breakfast," she tells him, before looking over Rex's shoulder at the brochure. She wants to know if it's a tour she's heard about.
Kaia, you seem to recall that Periphery Stars is a shipping company that uses some of their older vessels for local tours.
Finding breakfast will be an easy task. Along the Arms there are various places that sell caffeinated hot brown liquids and various street foods. There is sure to be something that will satisfy any cravings that Bubs (or any hungry Starfinder) may have.
Gletch sees that there have been numerous complaints in the recent past about strange malfunctions on Periphery Stars tour ships.
In any case, a lovely breakfast of various pastries and wraps is found along the way. Minutes later Bubs and his Starfinder companions have boarded the ship for their short tour.
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Before moving in the ship, Mich gets they armor on. It seems that the this heavy armor have seen a lot of fights as numerous scorched marks can be seen on it, as well as other marks of claws, bites and so on...
Souvenir from the Scoured Stars, as well as my bionic eye and arms! Says Mich in a crooked smile!
"I not been on this kind before. I'ma explore a bit as we head out." Rex follows Gletch off the bridge, stopping before the other engine room looking space.
As you make yourselves comfortable aboard the ship, you find that you’re the only ones on board during this automated tour. A robotic voice explains the process, detailing that the ship is scheduled for a
2-hour flight that takes it around the nearby Armada and then
several close fly-bys of Absalom Station.
Key control systems have been covered up by by rudimentary plating.
The ship makes an uneventful exit from its docking bay, and soon you are beginning a series of fly-bys of interesting ships in the Armada.
Bubs is duly impressed by Mich's knowledge of these ships.
Mich is helping!
As the first hour of the tour comes to a close, the ship turns back toward the station for several close-in passes. Without warning, the ship begins to shudder and shake, as if it were going through atmospheric turbulence.