/dot in!
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Prelude
Darkness is filling the cave. The ceiling is high and the walls are covered with fungus, the air is full of moisture, one can fill it in his nose even. The darkness is so obscure that even with his natural darkvision Croaker can't see much. But in the middle, there is a figure. Roughly his height... it is down on all four waiting for something.
As Croaker comes closer more details can be seen, a big head with two bug-like eyes. Big jaws, no it is mandibles wide open and consuming something, fangs at the end of its paws are big enough to cut through a body like a balloon.
He hears a voice, or rather a though
"Wait, my children, wait. Soon we will slaughter, soon we will feed..."
And then Croaker wakes up, he sits quickly on his bed. He raises his furry paws and rubs on his snout. It is the third night in a row when he has a similar dream. What is more, whenever he reaches out for magic he feels the presence somewhere. Croaker hopes that someone would take care of that.
Croaker stands up and begins dressing, it is 1 at night, he knows that he will not fall asleep tonight so he might as well go out. Lately he heard about that bar with comedy stand up, they should be still open.
He puts on his dark military uniform and hesitates if he should take the laser rifle, and decides not to. He grabs his bag and leaves the apartment
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Whilst Croaker suffers their twisted nightmares and instead opts for a night of laughter and cheap liqueur, a light can be found on within the armoury workshops of the Lorespire Complex despite the late hour. The Workshop’s only occupant is a large well muscled humanoid with six limbs. A long blue tongue sticks out between the vertical slit of their mouth as they focus on the disassembled weapon on the workbench. Goggles are pulled down over their eyes and sophisticated tools are wielded by two of their four arms as the Izaalguun rests on their hindquarters, sparks fly with soft light as they repair small nicks upon the Ivory haft - carved from a single bone of an Icefront predator.
Hmm, the balance is off since my last hunt, i need a better way to store the batteries. they ponder as they work on the haft, removing a section of it to reveal intricate circuitry hidden inside the primitive exterior. After an hour of work, they eventually replace the removed section before binding the haft with the dark grey hide of an Ovi-Raptor.
Rising the hide bound haft they examine the dark metal tip of their spear, before squeezing a set point of the haft, causing the edge of the Spear to glow with a white hot fire, a focused beam of plasma about two inches thick. Satisfied they de-activate the blade and collect their stripped off armour - made from the chitin of a great beast, lined in soft fur and retire for the evening - oblivious of the trials to come.
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In the morning Croaker is still up.
That was a good night! he got into a bar, had a couple of drinks, and found a few fellas to play cards with him. They were mostly drunk so they haven't noticed him augmenting his luck, which he did only few times. Well, couple to be precise. No with a grin on his face Croaker was heading at dawn with a bag of food and a big container of coffee.
It was picked up from a small place run by some starfinder vets specializing in akitonian cuisine.
The smell of my childhood thinks to himself as he couldn't fight much longer hunger in his belly. The breakfast has it all, c scrambled eggs with onion and bacon, ysoki toasts with an extra slice of cheese on top, a couple of salads, and a big container of Akitonian Coffee. Cooked in hot sand, it is a mind-blowing taste. Croaker sniffs in the scent with his snout as he keeps on walking.
Ysoki hopes to have an hour and a half before the briefing to eat and recover after the night.
He always liked big meals, being part of a big Ysoki family meant that he had to fight for food, and later being a mercenary meant that the food was sanctioned. Whenever he had a chance he would buy more food then he could eat. You may never know when they will send you to some forgotten swamps in the drift with dried and tasteless provisions as a food.
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Prelude
"Geo, you know you should be alseep. You know the algorithms you installed in me allow me to be more proactive on your planning and scheduling. And you KNOW Guidance said that you were up on rotation on the next Starfinder mission. That could be....well...today since it is 2:15 AM, or tomorrow," says a quite feminine voice from Geo's wrist.
Sighing, he looks up from a item he was crafting from some archaic physical tomes he 'borrowed' from Royo's libary. "Ellen, I just have to get the last bit of this magic woven into the heels.....I better get this book back to Royo in the morning or he will likely make me dust the Archives--Again. And you knew that took three weeks last time."
With that he finishes the last twisting of magical energy into the heels of a pair of old fashioned boots.
"There...my own pair of Falcon boots. Crafted by myself. I know I could buy them, but it is so much more satisfying to create such items of beauty and wonder yourself."
Finally sitting up straight...feeling all the vertebrae cracking and groaning from the bad posture for.."Elle, you said 2:15 AM? I have been at this for...", his brain so fuzzy he can't add simple number.
"18.75 hours, well a hair over that since it is 2:17 AM now, but yes, you have been at this since 7:30 AM yesterday. With no break except for a R2E bar and a few sips from your canteen," says the wrist computer--Ellen, or Elle when Geo is trying to placate her.
Yawning just as he was going to respond, Geo just shakes his head and stands up, barely keeping to his feet as the pins and needles runs up his ill used and abused legs and back.
"Right....Ellen, please set an alarm for 7:30 AM. I hope that at least a few hours sleep will make me more presentable for anything tomorrow..", and with that, Geo walks the 5 feet to his bed, and collapses, asleep actually before his head hit the...well not the pillow, more the mattress as Geo didn't land exactly laying in his bed correctly, more across it.
"Night Geo. And I will set the alarm to 9:30, or unless I get a priority message from your higher ups. You need your sleep." With that it uses its remote ability to turn off the lights and lock the door.
As the lights go out, the pair of boots softly photoluminescence for a few moments, and then all is dark.
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Having risen early, Lenleath is relaxing in the lounge with a pot of Kasathan Jade tea - a recent enjoyment of theirs since leaving Icefront and discovering it here on Absalom Station. The Izaalguun is dressed in hides and fur native to their planet, though the heavy coat is draped on the back of their chaise lounge, with their bone and hide bound spear resting at their feet. They drink from a specialised cup that they can pour in their vertical mouth. A book is open in their left arm - a study in Fauna and Flora of the Veskarium which they will be referencing in a lecture later.
This is a grand morning, I miss my family but I am glad I moved here.
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Fitch has summoned you to the Master of Stars, the faction’s flagship and the largest starship in the Society’s fleet.
A shuttle carries you from Absalom Station to the vessel through the station’s orbiting Armada. Though a veteran of several bloody battles in the Scoured Stars system, the enormous Master of Stars looms defensively over Absalom Station as if daring anyone to face it and the Armada in Pact World space. Even the scars of battles past only beckon threateningly as repair crews repair hardpoints for massive laser cannons mounted on the vessel’s starboard side.
The shuttle lands in a spacious hangar bay, and a drone leads you to a briefing room on an upper deck of the ship.
As you all arrive, Fitch gestures for you to be seated and turns off the recording devices situated around the room. A heavily augmented and exhausted looking host shirren— Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians faction—nods at your group and clicks impatiently without acknowledging the briefing room’s other occupant, a stocky female Ferran.
“Thank you for coming,” Fitch begins as she turns off the last of the recorders and climbs up onto the briefing room table. “We’ve got a big problem.”Zigvigix gives an audible chitter, earning them a scolding glare from the ysoki faction leader.
“There are Swarm components loose on Absalom Station.” Fitch taps the console below her with the tip of her tail, and her red eyes take in the holographic schematic of Absalom Station that appears in the center of the room over the table’s projector. The image zooms into one of the station’s extended Arms. “For those new to the station, this is Little Akiton, a neighborhood in the Arms. If you want to smuggle a shipment into the station but don’t want station security to take notice, you pay ridiculous ‘docking fees’ to dock here and help in the importing process"
“And this is the Stoic Refuge.” The holographic image begins to highlight a tramp freighter docked on the periphery of Little Akiton. “And its captain, Zelrai Impressium,” Fitch gestures to the ferran woman. “I’ll be gentle and say that sometimes Zelrai makes bad choices in cargo.” Her voice takes on a motherly tone. “But this time—”“SWARM!” Zigvigix’s telepathic voice interrupts Fitch’s speech earning them another glare from the Wayfinders leader.
Uncharacteristically agitated, the shirren looks once more at Zelrai before turning back to the rest of the assemblage. “I’m sorry, Fitch, but you know how I feel about the Swarm!” Fitch nods, allowing Zigvigix to continue. “This time, the Stoic Refuge’s inventory included several cryogenically frozen Swarm. And what happened, Zelrai?” “They got away,” Zelrai responds in a voice like grinding rock. Zelrai looks from Zigvigix’s cold glare to Fitch’s encouraging nod before continuing, “We’d managed to acquire some of the creatures from the Suskillon system. I went to meet with a buyer after we landed, but when I got back to the ship, everyone aboard was dead—members of the Six Tip Gang, my crew, everyone. None of the creatures we’d found were still in stasis. It looked like some died in a gunfight, but others... well, it seems they got out. So, I did the only thing I could think to do—I called Fitch.”
Fitch gestures to the area around the Stoic Refuge. “Due to the number of maintenance exits from the hangar bay, we’ve no idea where the Swarm creatures went. But the Stoic Refuge’s computer recorded a couple Six Tip making it out of the battle after several Swarm creatures made it off the ship. Zelrai managed to dig into the communication logs to find her crew member’s contact—someone named Del Shara. According to the comm logs, he can usually be found in a Little Akiton cantina called Nurkops’s Rich Pick. Go there and find out if the survivors saw or somehow tracked where the Swarm went.”
“I don’t need to tell you how dangerous the Swarm is,” Zigvigix comments with emphasis. “Track them down and destroy them before they have a chance to make a foothold on the station! Whatever you do, don’t let any of them escape!”
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Listening to the briefing Lenleath is taken aback by the uncharacteristic anger from Ziggy and hesitates before clearing their throat. "My apologies but my people have very little contact with the Swarm, what I know I have read in Pact World books since I got here. What can you tell us about them, strength and weaknesses?"
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BEEP. BEEP"Geo, time to wake up. Current time is 9:30 AM. I have received a message from Guidance saying that you have a transport to the Master of Stars at noon," says the feminine voice Ellen.
Scrubbing the sleep from his eyes, Geo starts to sit up. "Blech....my mouth tastes like year old sawdust. Oh...yeah, I had that R2E bar." Grabbing the package he scans the expiration date. "Ellen, I think I need to check the expiration dates...I think these came from my fathers stash back when he was fighting the swarm."
"Very likely Geo. That would make them actually older than you."
Sighing Geo gets up and grabs a grape soda...."Why does this taste like medicine?" he grouches as he downs it.
"Even with our level of technology, the synthesis of real 'grape' taste has forever been out of our reach", Ellen says quite confidently.
"Pull up the message from Guidance." With that Geo goes to read the message.
********
Heading to the shuttle he nods to the others on it. Awkwardly he attempts to stretch out his toes in the new pair of boots..."I must have made them a quarter size to small...sigh"
He follows the drone to the meeting. Seeing Fitch turn off all recording devices, Geo knows this must be serious. "Ellen, turn off. No notes, no nothing. Alpha, Lima, Echo, X-ray, 92."
"Shutting downnnn....."
Thinking to himself I am so going to pay for that later....
Geo spins an old fashioned pen around his fingers as Fitch starts. At the mention of 'Swarm', the pen goes flying out of his fingers, as Geo's face goes a bit pale. He quickly recovers his pen, though his eyes and body posture definitely shows some kind of shock to his system.
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Prelude
At 2 in the morning, the lights are still on in the small apartment. A finished horror holonovel, an epic about a man who's ship drops out of the drift and into the fifth layer of hell where he has to contend with the nightmares, trapped souls, and a disease that is promised to melt his brains into goo, is still flashes on a computer screen.
The red-skinned hylki from Akiton living there, however is fast asleep. After a night of drinking with his half-orc friend at a comedy club in the downlow to celebrate finishing the work, he'd come home and started reading about the adventures of a group of skittermanders to research a new possible novel. But sleep soon overcame him, leaving him splayed out on the couch, lights on and screen reader over his face. He snores softly.
The next morning he groggily wakes up and stretches. "Must've fallen asleep there... Hrmm, better than that one time I woke up in a dress I guess. AH, that's a headache..." He shambles into the kitchen and brews up a cup of Akitonian coffee for himself. As it percolates through the 6 different steps neccesary to create the black slightly-more-liquid-than-tar drink, Ceolor moves to the bathroom and starts to brush his teeth and get ready for the day.
Sitting with the morning news on his reader, drinking his coffee and feeling better for it, Ceolor ponders out loud, "I notified Guidance yesterday I was done with my novel and could start going on missions again. I wonder if I'll get called in today?" He shrugs, turns back to reading about what is wrong with the Worlds today.
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Ceolor's almost laughing smile and bright spark in his eyes as he meets all the new people in the shuttle definitely belies the bender he had last night. He hands everyone a business card as they load up on the shuttle. "Ceolor Xusha! It's a pleasure to meet you. I'm a holonovelist of some renown, when I'm not on a mission that is. Anyways, my details are on the card, or if you tap it to your comms, it'll take you to my personal page and, because you're also Starfinders, give you credits for one of my novels free. Keep an eye out for my newest one Innocents Abound in the next month or so."
The smile and light dims as he hears about the swarm being on the station. "That's a topic I haven't looked into yet. I have heard they are deadly and it's not something that people talk about openly. Can you tell those of us who haven't encountered them how deadly they actually are? And dang you placed them in Little Akiton? They'll be nigh impossible to find if one crime boss or another doesn't want us to."
"My apologies but my people have very little contact with the Swarm, what I know I have read in Pact World books since I got here. What can you tell us about them, strength and weaknesses?"
“They are never the same enemy twice!” Ziggy’s antennae twitch as they pull up records on the Swarm. “Most variants are immune to any kind of acids. They do seem to act similarly when they create a colony. They’ll send out hunters if they have them to search for biomatter to fuel their breeding. It’s only been a few hours, so it’s unlikely they’ve been able to breed and form a proper colony. But if you can find any stragglers, follow them! The Swarm will have moved together to a singular location to form a hive. Once you find it, you should be able to exterminate them all! Just remember, they have a hive mind. If one knows where you are, they all could!”
***
Ceolor has a few thoughts and goes back to an earlier piece he had penned 'that rough patch' in his writing career where he had to market his skills to a few travel blogs to meet his rental obligations.
During a recent visit to check the currency of the info (and the extra spare credits for doing so) Ceolor came across the Six Tip Gang.
Recently the Six Tip Gang has gained some notoriety after claiming responsibility for a failed assassination attempt on Absalom Station’s Prime Executive, Kumara Melacruz. Rumors suggest this was in retaliation for the arrest of their leader, but the gang’s involvement is still not proven.
Each Six Tip Gang member is tattooed with a symbol not unlike a top-down representation of Absalom Station. The more important they are to the organization, the more intricate the tattoo. No two tattoos are identical, and different gang members have them placed on different parts of the body.
Like the Downside Kings and other gangs of their size, the Six Tip Gang is made up of independent cells and sees itself as the unofficial lifeblood of the station. Each cell is autonomous (with exception to sharing the same overall leader) and controls its own area.
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Lenleath nods in thanks to Ziggy's information and that brought forth from the bubbly red-skinned humanoid/ A chance to explore my new home, I just hope I don't come to regret it... the Izaalgun ponders as he waits for the others to get into readiness. Shrugging and re-adjusting the straps on their armour, made from the chitinous hide of the first beast they hunted along with their Mother many years ago.
"I am ready when you all are. Lead the way Ceolor - you seem our best guide, if you are amenable."
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Geo thinks on what he has learned about the Swarm, their weaponry and what he knows of Little Akiton
"Ziggy is right, they are not the same thing each time. One component can be ground based, with acidic bites, then the next could be a combo unit, able to handle on the ground as well as fly, and have attacks both ways. Others can be like transportation units, holding other components until it releases them. Almost all have some kind of acidic blood, bite or spit. They are merciless and should be put down before they can get enough biological material to construct a brood pit."
As he says that, Geo's usually humorous voice seems very...cold, with the look in his eyes almost as sharp as a monoknife.
"Zelrai, you made a VERY bad choice in cargo. Whomever you were going to sell these to has the level of stupidity that even a Darwin award would be too good for them. I hope for your sake that we can deal with this without the Stewards finding out about this. Though even if we do, we might want to tell them about your....lack of judgement, with the physical--hopefully dismembered--bodies of the swarm present."
With that, Geo checks his pistol, and turns off the stun setting, setting it on the table in front of him. Muttering to himself "I knew I should have made spell chips instead of the boots....and it is still rubbing my left toe weirdly."
Once they leave the briefing, Geo will power Ellen back on.
"Geo, you know I don't like that..it is unfair you can do that. I could have just turned off my record function," the small feminine voice comes from the wrist comp.
Looking down at the wrist comp, he sighs,"Sorry Elle, but the way Fitch and Ziggy were looking daggers at each other and the Ferran in there, I knew it was going to be bad. Can you pull any info that might be in my dads chronicles on the Swarm for me? Anything at all?". Looking back up, his eyes are steely, but with a hint of tears.
Quietly, "Got it Geo....and I am sorry."
Whilst up late at night working on some vexing medical mysteries, Rayburn had been watching a rivetting documentary about Suskillon.
The armed forces of the Suskillon system have been fighting back against Swarm invasion for several months. They have reached out to the Pact Worlds for help with detailed information on the Swarm invading their system.
The Swarm creatures on Suskillon seem particularly intelligent. Their hive mind makes it so that other Swarm creatures within a short range are aware of not only attacks, but also where to find their enemies.
From Zelrai’s descriptions of the Swarm on Suskillon, flying creatures called antecursors, guardian creatures with acid weapons called corrovoxes, tiny creatures dedicated to making a hive efficient called programmers, and giant armored convecytes are likely. But with their low numbers, they could have created a small hive in a single location and a handful of eggs in the time they’ve had.
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"Geo....you might have problems flushing them out. They have a hive mind...something like the Shirren's telepathy but stronger. As soon as your group hits one, they all will know you are looking for them. Here is some of the data your dad had, and some that is coming in from Suskillon."
Geo will scroll through the information..."Yeah, we might have a small hive already on the station. That isn't good. Assume acid weapons, and maybe these things called convecytes. I think those are something my dad said he saw...they are like APC's if I remember right."
Reaching into his shirt, he pulls out an old set of dog tags, dented and acid scored. Gritting his teeth he whispers, "Guess I get to go into battle for you huh dad...."
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Croaker sees Lenleath in the Lorespire and wishes to approach him when they are both taken to a shuttle.
Croaker looks at Ray called Geo, Ceolor and Lenleath, he can spot symptoms of exhaustion and lack of sleep. Some show symptoms of poisoning, alcohol mostly which he can smell with his snout from a mile away. As he smiles. On his arm, you can see a red cross patch marking him as some sort of medic.
"My name is Croaker and as you can see I am a battle medic. I am a mercenary which means that I work for the highest bidder. Lately, it is mostly Starfinder Society. My contract ties my salary to how many of you I will bring back alive, so please don't make it easier for our enemies. We seem to be flying towards Masters of Stars which means that Fitch is involved. "
Croaker looks around
"She is an amazing Ysoki and her missions are fun and not very lethal. So this should be like a walk in the park. What is more, I brought some food with me so that we can eat breakfast together." by now you can say that his short companion is able to talk a lot.
At first Croaker walks in smiling bringing the food in the bags. But feeling the atmosphere in the air he never offer it to anyone. He just leave it on the table. His small dark eyes look at the aliens around the table thinking extensively.
"Gangs, swarm and couple of others."
He listens to what Geo is saying about the swarm and asks a few questions of his own
"You all say Biological Matter? What do you mean by that? Alien bodies? Could those be animals? Processed food? What exactly" asks Croakers and very quickly he adds
"Ziggy, forgive my bluntness but I never dealt with the swarm. I know from the stories that Shirrens escaped from the swarm and they were hunted. Could it be the case that Swarm will target shirrens first? Can they 'recruit' new beings to be part of them? Is there any risk that some Shirrens will get under the influence of the swarm?"
"Oh, and last part. I am a soldier, how far can we break the law in pursuit of the swarm? If we need to step on some toes will we be backed by Starfinder Society? "
Rayburn has an exact fix on the location of Nurkops Rich Pick. A seedy bar it seems.
***
Ziggy replies "Anything is possible - but processed meat might not work as it has been filled with who knows what. As to Shirren - it would be speculation"
Fitch replies to the question from Spike “We want to avoid any official interest from Station security - If we can’t find and destroy the existing creatures before they form a subcolony, we may have to. But bringing security in at this point will cause needless panic, hinder our investigation, and make it impossible for normal life to continue on the station. But if it we can’t contain this threat, we’ll have to bring in security, the Stewards, and anyone else we can think of to help cleanse the station. Until then, the less that know, the better. This could be a problem if you step too hard and find the authorities take notice, or are requested to take notice"
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Glad that many of their companions were more informed of the threat they were due to face, Lenleath hoists their bone and hide spear to test the new weight and balance and nods, their face grim.
"It seems we have a hunt afoot - a hunt across a Space Station is different than I am used too, but I will stand firm in this." they intone gravely, almost ritualistically as they pull out warpaint and mark their face with a pattern of a blue Wyvern - a predator from the missing Golarion, the fanged maw running down the ridges of their jaw.
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Ceolor's face lights up as he recalls the travel piece he'd written. "Been so many years ago since I wrote that piece, it's not one of me best pieces but it did help get me a permanent spot on the site. I even occasionally get to write about places where we go on missions. Here take a read. As far as I know the information is up-to-date. BUt I haven't checked it in a few months, and, welllll, let's just say Little Akiton changes quite a lot faster than big Akiton."
He listens to all the talk about the swarm and how bad things can get with them. He starts to jitter in his chair. "Normally I would be interested in getting details for a possible novel, but this is a bad topic to write about in general and if this gets out of hand, my home could be affected. Let's find these things and wipe them out before they get any worse. Everyone ready to get moving?"
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A red-haired half-elf male wearing a Castrovelian forest green graphite carbon skin sheepishly slips into the back of the room.
"Oh, hi, everyone. Master of Stars is a pretty big ship and it seems some of the elevators don't go to every floor...
"But I heard what you said about the Swarm. Nasty creatures, or I think so, anyway."
"Since it sounds like we'll be trying to track these creatures down I heard from down the hall I'm pretty good at spotting things and following them around. Like it a little better outside in the open air, but the Society got me out of the Scoured Stars in one piece 'course they also got me in the Scoured Stars so I'll do what needs to be done wherever I'm needed. Can't say I've spent much or any time in Little Akiton before now, but I know I've been in worse."
As you leave Fitch follows you outside. “I have one more task for you. Ziggy and I are at odds as to what to do with Zelrai.” A matronly mask falls over the ysoki’s face. “Zelrai is a good kid, misguided and profiteering at times, but a good kid. There’s no way anything like this could have been remotely intentional. But Ziggy’s got their mandibles in a riot over her bringing the Swarm here. They want her imprisoned or worse. That’s where you come in. We can’t come to an agreement, and before we bring in the First Seeker or station security on this, we agreed to go with our cleaner team’s recommendation. If we turn her over to the Stewards or station security, the lockdown that will follow on the station’s docks could make things difficult for the Society, not to mention what will happen to Zelrai. But if we don’t turn her in… well, she already owes me. Now she’ll owe the Society much, much more. As you hunt these Swarm monsters, consider what she did and how that may have affected the station compared to what the repercussions would be if it’s all revealed. Then get back to us.”
***
Culture, Diplomacy (Gather Info), or Profession (Bounty Hunter/Smuggler)
Six Tip Gang
[spoiler=20+] Like the Downside Kings and other gangs of their size, the Six Tip Gang is made up of independent cells and sees itself as the unofficial lifeblood of the station. Each cell is autonomous (with exception to sharing the same overall leader) and controls its own area.
likely to go into hiding until it can merge with another cell or replenish its numbers. If confronted, a smaller cell would prefer to avoid a confrontation if possible. Acquiring this information grants the PCs a +2 bonus to Diplomacy, Intimidate, and Sense Motive checks made with members of the Six Tip Gang.
Life Science or Profession (Mercenary)
Suskillon and the Swarm
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Unsure how they feel, seeing Zigvigix’s vehement reaction and hearing from their allies’ of the horror of the Swarm they can see where Fitch is coming from but feels they may be misguided. A criminal will never truly change their ways and this criminal is the cause of several deaths already and possibly more.
”It does not look good for your ally Fitch, they were beyond ‘misguided’ and in fact seem criminally negligent and the cause of murder.” they remark as they head towards the shuttle that will take them back to the Station. Once they land they turn to their colleagues. ”I think we should start with the private club where we can question the Six tip gang, we need more information before we can successfully hunt.”
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Ceolor pulls up the notes he's gathered for a new #SeemorewithCeolor post.
He glances up at the young Zelrai. "I see where Ziggy and Lenleath is coming from. Some kind of punishment is absolutely called for! This is not something that one should transport, EVER, but I also believe in giving people a second chance. I wouldn't have left Akiton with out a few chances myself. This is something that should be talked over about later, but I truly believe something like shipping only for the Starfinders for a few years, or even joining the society would be called for."
***
Ceolors intimidate comes across more like some sort of general advice coming from a concerned relative. I merely elicits a few nods of understanding.
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Croaker looks at Orrian with a bit of skepticism, how can help them someone who got lost on a ship. But he decides to not be hasty, half of the team was in less than their top-notch form today. He approaches Orrian and pokes him in his side
"Welcome to the team! I am Croaker I will stitch you together if you decide to step on a mine. That fella yeah the red-skinned one is Ceolor, Geo is the other Human. Have you seen his boots, not bad, I need to ask where he bought them. And the big guy is Lenleath. Tell me, do you own an enercycle? "
Following the conversation, Croaker makes few calls to try to learn a few things about the gang
"Didn't learn anything new here."
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Orrian gives the ysoki a curious look.
"Enercycle? No, I can't say that I do. Not much of a pilot, but what did you have in mind? See, I'm more of an outdoors, tracking, enjoying nature type of guy. I originally joined the Starfinders to help the Scoured Stars expedition so I could learn how to help set up new colonies in the Vast, but we all know how that one ended."
"And, team, about this punishment debate, it seems like it's a matter of how much trouble this is to clean up. If we can track down and take care of these pesks easy, it's better to have somebody owe us a favor than to get station security breathing down everybody's neck. If it's more of a problem, though, we already have somebody who's to blame. Let's see how much trouble it is and decide then."
Little Akiton turns out to be exactly what Ceolor promised. It isn't the worst, but it is certainly in the top 5 places you wouldn't go by choice in Absalom. Most people do a great job of pretending not to notice you, a group of obviously heavily armed and armoured people are probably not wandering about to take phots and see the sights.
Nurkops’s Rich Pick is a single-story establishment nestled between and under large multistory tenements. When it was constructed, it likely had the charm of sculpted design elements and neon lights, but now most of its more attractive features are lost beneath layers of dirt and grime. The only windows are so covered in grime that they’ve become nearly as opaque as the walls, but mounted lights make them gleam and shine into Little Akiton’s dim streets alongside the digital sign depicting a wealthy ysoki on a golden hoard.
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"Ellen, memo please. Get more street level clothes." Rayburn says into his wrist comp
"Got it Geo, though to be fair, after you wear the same clothing a few days in the row, I am certain it is 'street' enough for even where you are going." says a smug feminine voice.
"Well, lets go. Maybe we should pick up lower level clothing?"
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Orrian thinks to himself as they gather outside the street.
Well, here we are. Probably drawing some attention to ourselves, but in this part of town I don't really mind it. We're here to talk to a gang, so looking tough shouldn't hurt.
"Hey team," Orrian half-whispers. "So this Del Shara guy - what's the plan when we find him? We tryin' to be nice and personable throughout or are we grabbing the guy if he doesn't cooperate? Just want to know the plan for who we're trying to impress and who we're okay making mad." Orri glances around at the dirty building and down the adjacent alley, readjusting the squad machine gun strap on his shoulder as he does. "Seems like somebody always ends up upset."
The nearby alleys are mostly trash filled with rear access doors to most of the streetfront businesses - they feature heavy steel doors.
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Croaker leaves the air-ground taxi.
Damn, that was over cozy! If I were a bigger alien we would not have fit there! Says Croaker as he stretches his legs after and arms.
He collected the long and heavy suitcase containing flame rifle and petrol container. Ysoki decided to not unpack it just yet, as the case contains the hell knights logo. He learned it a long time ago that deception and showmanship is the key when treading in such territories. Croaker turns around and sniffs the air with his snout, stench of garbage, alcohol, dust, and moisture are easily found here.
Croaker turns towards Orrian
"My take is, the guy is most likely guilty. But until proven we should not use force unless in self-defense. Let us not let him getaway! Then we will begin with being nice and we will see what gives." He looks at Geo, Ceolor, and Lenleath for opinions.
Croaker looks at the building for any signs of aliens on the lookout.
"Geo, Lenleath do you have any way to lock that back doors? I don't want to let Del Shara flee that way."
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Being that 'bigger alien', Lenleath unfold themselves from the air-ground shuttle with some obvious discomfort and the odd popping of multiple joints. Could Madam Fitch not have ordered an non-Ysoki Taxi? Mayhaps they were related. they ponder as they move through Little Akiton, taking note of those paying close attention and wrinkling their nose at the smell of rot and decay. The claustrophobia and smell makes me miss home, despite it's own inhospitable traits.
Snapping out of their reverie they turn to Orrian and Croaker. "Hmm, I agree, this man may be a criminal but we do not want the unwanted attention of a siege or full-frontal assault. Play nice, allow the prey to let us into their den, then remove the head of the snake if they attempt to bite."
The Izaalguun then answers Croaker's query with regards to the rear entrance. "I can most certainly try - please make sure no-one follows me?"
Strolling down the street, Lenleath ducks into a linked alley further down the street from the club before doubling back, not wanting their target to be too obvious. Then they attempt to ensure the door remains sealed, using their plasma-edged spear to weld the lock.
The rear door is made of thick steel and has an obvious locking mechanism that seems to open from the inside. The lock is also pretty serious, but the door has been jammed up enough to delay an exit - at least for a while.
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As the group leaves the briefing room Ceolor pulls out his comms unit and hits a few buttons calling someone. "Hey Frank! I need a taxi... No not Speedy Suzy she'S a bit to, well, ostentatious. Is Low-key Louis free? ... Yeah I'm headed into Little Akiton and the Ysoki is the least attention grabbing of your drivers.... Yeah, yeah I'm going there again, and yeah I do know the risks, this is for Starfinder business though. ... Great thanks, and yes we'll cover the danger fees." HE looks up at everyone and smiles, "Got us a ride. It'll be a bit tight, though."
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On the way there, he looks over at Orrian, "So I got to talk about this a bit on the way to the Stars but what got you into the Starfinders, if I may ask?"
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As he piles out of the taxi, Ceolor gives a stretch and yawns for a moment. "Well, here we are, Little Akiton, try not to look at people crossly and no staring."
He takes a sniff of the air, very glad he'd found housing elsewhere when he first moved here. Few parts of Akiton proper smelled as bad as this place could. "I think compassionate voice might help here. But nice idea blocking up the back door. I really should get that zap stick and some ion-bonding tape some time."
He adjusts his clothes, assured that the freebooter armor he has on should be enough to try convincing people he belonged here, "Well I'm read to head in if you are."
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Orrian turns his head to Ceolor, smushed between Lenleath and the door in the crowded Ysoki-driven vehicle.
"What got me into the Starfinders? Wanting to see new worlds. I grew up on Castrovel, but was always looking for a place that I really fit in. Lots of people with my heritage feel the same way. I like the outdoors and helping others out, so I thought I might become one of those colony specialists that go out into the Vast and help people looking for a new life get their colony up and running. Maybe even stay if I found one I liked.
"Anyway, the Starfinders were planning this big expedition to the Scoured Stars, so I signed on to get some first hand experience. Wish I never would have gone. A year later after being trapped and watching people die in the worst circumstances, the Society shows back up and brings the survivors home. Since then I've gone on several missions; actually pretty successful ones. Don't plan on going back on any grand expeditions any time soon though, and thankfully nobody's asked. But the people aren't bad, and sometimes I even get to work outside."
Orrian looks around the crowded cab and then out the window, the run down streets of Little Akiton offering little better than the inside of the cab. He sighs. "Could be worse."
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Geo seems to be thinking--or likely brooding--on the way to Little Akiton. Any questions or comments are usually single or double syllable, and as few as possible.
Getting out of the cab, he looks around and sighs..then proceeds to say more words than he has since leaving the Lorespire, "This is a good place for the brood to nest. Look at all the biological material here...living and dead. Either of those nobody--or very few--would care about if they went missing for a short time. And from what I have read, a few days to a week at most would allow a foothold situation. Maybe a couple if they didn't have the right components....but still."
Seeing Lenleath head...apparently pretty stealthy...into the alleyway, Geo just keeps his eyes open and searching the streets.
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Croaker listens to the story, his snout shows some concern for those who can read Ysoki mimic expressions.
"Yeah the Scoured Stars left so many dead and even more scarred for life. This might not be an easy exploration mission, but I think we will be fine." he attempts to pat Orrian on his back but his hand is squeezed so he settles on nodding Orrian way.
Geo seems to be thinking--or likely brooding--on the way to Little Akiton. Any questions or comments are usually single or double syllable, and as few as possible.
Getting out of the cab, he looks around and sighs..then proceeds to say more words than he has since leaving the Lorespire, "This is a good place for the brood to nest. Look at all the biological material here...living and dead. Either of those nobody--or very few--would care about if they went missing for a short time. And from what I have read, a few days to a week at most would allow a foothold situation. Maybe a couple if they didn't have the right components....but still."
Seeing Lenleath head...apparently pretty stealthy...into the alleyway, Geo just keeps his eyes open and searching the streets.
"Agreed, let us move in and try to find the person." says Croaker showing readiness to get inside.
The front entrance is a large double door that passes by a security station before descending into the cantina’s common room.
Despite the reputation of the area, Nurkops’s Rich Pick is surprisingly busy. A long bar stretches from the north wall where signs indicate kitchens and restrooms. To the west of the bar are a handful of tables arranged in front of an empty stage, while booths line the wall next to the stage and along the east wall. The decor has callbacks to Akiton with reddish tints to the windows to imply the red planet’s surface, while deep browns and brass accents add to the effect.
Several locals occupy the cantina, enjoying their drinks while making small talk and relaxing in the familiar company. A large, six-armed robot is serving drinks.
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"Well it is best to get the full bearings of your surroundings and to immerse yourself in the terrain to get the best striking spot." Lenleath remarks, their hunter's wisdom mixed with a secret desire to explore the culture of 'modern society'. Making their way to the bar, the Izaalguun eyes the robot suspiciously - a hang over from their upbringing before shaking their head Not all technology is harmful, though frivolous use begs questions...
Turning to the patrons drinking at the bar Lenleath smiles politely and enquires. "Hi, what do you recommend? I'm fairly new to Little Akiton and wouldn't mind a bit of advice on where to see, new gosip what to avoid if you don't mind?"
Lenleath heads to the multiarmed bar server who responds amiably "Welcome to Nurkops’s Rich Pick! Fancy a range of drinks from our esteemed menu set to light your night and aid you in flight? We also have a great range of bar snacks! You are clearly new to town, here to see the sights? Downtown Little Akiton is a fantastic place to spend your tourist dollar [insert your name here]! and we are delighted to have you join us!" the robot spits out with well-programmed enthusiasm.
A few of the other guests chuckle, clearly having seen this before, "Welcome to the bar" one of the locals comments, Lenleath seemingly putting them at ease... they start making recommendations for local activities, none of which seem particularly high-brow, but the Izalguun seems to have found some new drinking buddies.
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Croaker looks at how Lenleath enters and begins chatting at the bar and asks his comrades:
"Did anyone of us got the Del Shara image? I completely forgot to ask for that, and it would be super useful when searching for the man." says Croaker
The ysoki walks straight to the bar, he sets his case with a flame rifle next to the chair throws to the bartender
"One akitonian miner's dream?" asking for one of the more popular drink amongst the miners on akiton. Then he looks around the bar in search of aliens with visible tattoos on their skin.
Picking up his drink and keeping it cool, Spike casts his eyes around the patrons and clocks two individuals talking in low tones together seated near the stage with similar tattoos. The tattoos resemble a top-down view of Absalom Station. While they are not acting in any way to intimidate the other customers they are clearly being given a wide berth. Telltale bulges in their jackets suggest they have firearms, and they wear battlegloves.
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Spike takes a sip and lowering himself to check the case. He share with a lowered voice:
"Near the stage, there are two individuals of interest..."
After a moment
"No, not that hot chick in the back, she has to little fur and lacks a tail to be attractive. The folks with tats of top-down absalom. With a big space around them, like a fish stalls on the freemarkets. They have battlegloves and some guns under their jackets." then you hear a loud thump as Croaker straights himself and massages his head.