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Staar will walk next to the ambassador, keeping an eye on the crowd and maintaining a stiff smile. “Shouldn’t someone call the restaurant and arrange a table for the ambassador?” She mentions in a low voice, to her colleagues. She hardly ate outside of her house, but social events work pretty much the same way in either place.
Archon-3 nods at Staar's assessment.
"We could try to talk our way in. If that doesn't work, I can try hacking a reservation." offers Archon-3 discreetly, preferably by relaying it to Baroleg to communicate to the rest of the team.
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Baròleg nods his agreement to Archon-3, "Be ready, let's see how well this goes."
Excusing himself, Baròleg moves away from DV8 and up to the Vesk bouncers. He raises his left hand activating his Starfinder graft while holding his Steward badge in his right.
"Pardon, we are escorting a newly arrived ambassador on a tour of the station. The ambassador has request the pleasure of dining in your establishment. By the authority of the Starfinders and Stewards we'll require a table in short order. I thank you for understanding, accommodating, and supporting our diplomatic efforts. If you'll show us to our table now?" With a friendly yet firm grin he begins moving as if the Vesk are leading him to a choice seating area, then projecting to the team "It's not how much authority you have, it's how much authority you project."
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Taking in the unique and peculiar scent emitted from their Robotic companion, Requiem follows the group, staying with Baroleg - feeling comfortable with a member of the Stewards to escort them. As ever, travelling through Absalom station is a chore for the Vlakan due to the general uproar a d clashing smells due to the melting pot of cultures from across the Pact Worlds and beyond. Struggling to keep focus, they pay attention to DV8 closely.
Reaching the restaurant, they frown at the hubbub inside indicating the potential for a long wait, which would not serve them well. As the Lashunta Steward Officer begins their task. Requiem is all smiles before offering their support.
”If you be so kind, as i am sure you understand - it would be the height of rudeness to keep important guests waiting out on the street.” they say politely to the doorguards, noting their smell of stale sweat and barely contained adrenaline. ”The Society would be forever grateful to your efforts in such a crucial matter.”
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The vesk bouncers look at the group dismissively at first, but once Baròleg starts speaking (with Staar and Requiem adding support) they listen carefully. One of the vesk visibly blanches when he hears mention of the Stewards, and it seems clear he can’t afford to get into any trouble. ”Right this way!” he says, lifting the red velvet rope to let the group through. Other people waiting in line become audibly annoyed, and you hear muttered comments like “I’ve been here for four hours!”, “Today’s my birthday!”, and “Bloody Stewards—flash a badge and stride in like they own the place!”
Inside, the restaurant has elegant, transparent furnishings and multicolored lights that fill the space with an ethereal glow. At each table, a small group of socialites watch in awe as dexterous chefs prepare food in a show that seems as much acrobatic as culinary. A floor-to-ceiling holographic aquarium fills one wall between a pair of staircases, and large windows provide a breathtaking view of Jatembe Park.
The maitre'd leads the group not just to a table, but to a private dining room! ”Please be seated. The chef will be right with you for a personal consultation.”
DV8 spins around and around taking in the luxurious restaurant. ”Verification! Perfexion IS Perfection!” The other diners fall silent for a moment at the loud vocalisation, but then return to their meals.
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Archon-3 taps the side of his head as he tries to get Baroleg's attention. Once a telepathic connection is established, Archon-3 asks the lashunta a simple question. "Can you find out how many credits we have collectively? My guess is only about 4,000-5,000. I just want to make sure we have enough. I have no idea how this is going to cost."
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Staar pulls a chair at the right of the head of the table. “Please, ambassador” and gestures towards it. “This is the seat for the guest of honor” she completes, following the etiquette she learned at her traditional household.
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Baròleg moves through the waiting, hungry patrons trying to soothe any injured feelings. "Thank you for your support of ongoing diplomatic efforts, you're a credit to your species and its engagement in the Pact World's progress..."
As Archon mentions costs, he does shiver briefly before projecting "Thankfully Chiskisk said the Starfinders will cover the costs, we can handle those arrangements while DV8 enjoys its meal."
Baròleg waits politely for DV8 to take its seat before sitting, "Are there any foods or cultures which you're particularly interested in experiencing DV8? Are there any nutritional requirements for your species?"
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Following their fellow agents into the Restaurant, Requiem can't help hearing the general dissent rising from the eagerly waiting patrons, deciding it would be best to let the Steward handle the situation, they merely give the residents of Absalom station an awkward smile. As they enter Perfexion the Vlakan pauses as they are truly assaulted by the overwhelming noise and vast array of smells coming from the place. Shaking themselves, they walk to their booth, trying their best to avoid other patrons.
Reaching the table, Requiem takes a seat next to DV8 after their guest has sat, in order to show proper respect to the foreign dignitary. Turning to DV8 the diplomat smiles and enquires. "Whilst I have heard of this restaurant before I have never had the chance to visit - with so many different eateries on Absalom station. may I ask why this one in particular?"
DV8 takes the seat courteously offered to it by Staar and notices Grathus taking up a guard position near the door. A sound like a gentle wind chime is emitted from its vocalizer, and seems to indicate approval. After Baròleg returns from soothing the crowd outside, DV8 responds to his question about food preferences with the cryptic reply ”Perfexion KNOWS.” Similarly, Requiem’s question about why this restaurant was selected is met with Perfexion is Perfection because Perfexion KNOWS!” Er1ka discreetly slips away to do a security check, but everything seems perfectly normal.
A waiter starts bringing out drinks, with a different selection for each of you. And even though you didn’t order them, a sip reveals that that they’re frankly . . . delightful!
Soon after, the restaurant’s award-winning chef (a lashunta) comes into the dining room. They walk around the table slowly, pausing behind each of you. Baròleg and Staar, with your lashunta ancestry, you know the chef is very gently probing into your minds—but not for thoughts—for subconscious associations relating to food and mealtimes. Requiem, with your mystical empathy, you sense this as well, and realise the chef is brushing ever-so-carefully into first experiences with different tastes, even those long-forgotten and deeply-locked in childhood. The rest of you feel a slight tingle. Everyone knows they could resist this psychic intrusion if they wish.
A waiter follows the chef and, on a datapad, takes note on what customised meal the chef has selected for each of you. But when the chef stops behind DV8, the lashunta looks vexed. The chef shrugs, nods at the waiter, and you can all see the waiter enter “unknown/uncooperative [house special]” on the datapad for DV8.
When your meals are served, those of you who allowed the chef to psychically brush your subconscious minds receive what can only be described as your heart's desire.
DV8 receives the house special, an exquisitely-arranged (and quite trendy) deconstructed soufflé garnished with wild herbs and fungi gathered (with special permission of the government) from an otherwise forbidden nature reserve on Ukulam in Castrovel. DV8 holds one of its grasping-apendages over the food; a small nozzle opens in its palm and sprays some sort of acid over the food. As the food liquifies, another nozzle sucks it up like a straw!
DV8 begins, literally, glowing with appreciation as it starts eating. "SUPREME CULINARY JOY!"
But . . . some of you may notice something odd.
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Baròleg watches with some fascination as the technological being 'eats' the food its served... Baròleg tries to remain calm after Grathus points out DV8's reaction to the food, he opens the connection to the team, "Does anyone have any medical skills? Mechanical? Can anyone help?"
He turns to DV8, "Pardon ambassador, are you allergic to any organic compounds? Or does your species have any adverse reactions to common organic compounds? I believe you may be have a reaction to your meal, and we could use your advice on how to treat the condition." Baròleg removes a mirror from the hygiene kit in his pack and tries to show DV8 the symptoms.
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"Everyone relax. Calm down. Things like these can be expected. In fact, this could be all part of Perfexion's perfection. No need to panic. Protocol dictates that everyone sit down to their meals or continue what they were doing. I will see to the ambassador." states Archon-3 in a very calm and soothing manner.
"DV8. May I please approach you and see to your needs? It is likely this is a minor issue, but I would like to be sure, nonetheless." offers Archon-3, looking to a diplomat to pave the way with good graces if needed.
Once the issue is known, Archon-3 will then provide medical attention as necessary.
Thanks to Grathus spotting the symptoms early and Er1ka’s and Archon-3’s quick-thinking and teamwork in treating the symptoms, DV8 no longer seems to be in any danger. Indeed, with Baroleg’s calm and careful explanation of the problem, DV8 doesn’t even seem upset at all. ”Intervention averts crisis. Systemic integrity maintained. GRATITUDE EXTENDED.”
DV8 starts moving towards the doors. ”Perfexion is NOT Pefection!” it says loudly. ”Commence exit.”
But DV8’s way is blocked by the lashunta chef, who has just run out of the kitchens wildly brandishing a meat cleaver. ”How dare you!” the chef shouts hysterically. ”Take that back! Perfexion is perfection!” Waitstaff try to pull the chef back into the kitchen, but to no avail as the chef shrugs them off. It doesn’t seem like the lashunta is actually going to swing that cleaver, but they’re also not calming down after the public slight to his restaurant’s reputation.
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Er1Ka steps between the chef and DV8.
"Excuse me! Is this your normal method of conversing with patrons."
She gives the chef a stern look.
"The Ambassador has suffered some kind of adverse reaction to something he has consumed! If you contact Chiskisk Of the Starfinder society he will ensure that payment will be made in full."
"Now I suggest you detain the Ambassador no longer!"
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Baròleg moves next to Er1ka, and connects the team and the chef, "Perhaps we should handle this quietly, to avoid disturbing your other patrons. The meal was delicious, and we have paid. Our honored guest is unharmed by what was clearly an accident. We shall leave and you can return to work, this doesn't need to go any further..." He speaks out loud briefly, in a slightly louder than normal tone "Yes chef, the meal was wonderful and we're glad everything is fine too."
He watches to see if the chef accepts the social 'out' Baròleg offered, and he motions discreetly for someone to walk DV8 out in case the chef doesn't.
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Startled by the sudden reactions of their teammates, Requiem is unable to react due to not seeing the problem. As DV8 signals their departure the Shaman stands with a woeful sigh - it was truly the best meal they had tastes since leaving their homeworld, especially considering their time trapped in the Scoured Stars. Following the group, they also try to calm the chef, whilst seeing if they are not overreacting in order to hide something.
”It is unfortunate we have to leave so early. Our sincere gratitude for the meal, it was divine but our guest is sensitive and must now depart.”
The chef remains angry, but seems partially mollified by Er1ka's promise that payment will still be made in full as well as Baròleg's and Requiem's public acknowledgments that the meal was delicious. The chef steps aside, telepathically sending each of you a message not to bring "that thing" back into Perfexion ever again. For its part, DV8 seems completely unconcerned by the entire altercation and rolls outside the restaurant.
Outside, DV8 spins around, looking at the sights of Absalom Station. Perfexion is right next to Jatembe Park, which occupies a wide portion of
the Eye of Absalom Station. Filled with lush trees and open grass fields, the park offers some natural terrain to the otherwise metalclad station.
DV8 watches the park for several minutes as people frolic and picnic in the open space. Near a group of trees in the distance, a small furry, vulpine animal with a squirrel-like tail and a head that vaguely resembles a fox emerges, sniffs the air, and disappears into the undergrowth.
DV8 begins visibly shaking. "Evaluation: Permanent Nonjudgmental Companionship. Colloquial verbiage: WANT PET!"
Staar heads into Jatembe Park. Unfortunately, the squox that DV8 saw before has disappeared and no others are visible at the moment. It's a big park with foliage and clumps of trees everywhere.
Er1ka quickly finds a set of squox tracks and follows them to the roots of a large tree. A whole den of squox must live in the tree, as six of them burst out in every direction once she approaches! The squox race all over the park, screeching and dodging--they don't seem scared though. Maybe this is their way of playing? DV8 vocalizes "Delight! DELIGHT!
Initiative (Round 1)
Er1ka
Staar
Requiem
Baròleg
Archon-3
Grathus
Squox
Bold may go!
Er1ka tries to calm a squox, but it dances around and seems to be teasing her!
Archon-3 has some better luck with their squeaking approach, as a squox sits with its head cocked, listening.
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With the rest of their group dashing off to comply with the Ambassador's command - Requiem decides to hand back close to Dv8 so that they are not left alone in Jatembe park. The Vlakan is not convinced that there will be a specific attempt on their charge's life but the Station had been known to harbour street thugs when they were last on the Station two years ago.
"I will stay with the Ambassador to ensure their safety for now, let me know if you need assistance with your task." they say over the Comms to their fellow Starfinders.
One squox sits listening to Archon-3, but the others race around. One tries to dash between Baròleg's legs and almost knocks him over, but the Steward regains his balance quickly.