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Yariel nurses her drink(s) at a slightly slower pace. Not slow enough to look like a jerk, but at least a bit slower than Grath. Hopefully this stuff is just normal booze an I won't end up on da floor.
She looks around, definitely not the floor here at least.
"So cappn is cool? Takes it easy on ya?"
Observing that Grath's propensity toward conversation appears to be directly proportional to his consumption of booze, Rar'gul gratefully accepts another cup.
"He seemed verry amenable to my visit to the brridge earrlierrr - although, I thinkkk it helped a lot that you werre accompanying me. Is therre anything you can suggest we takke with us when we visit him tomorrrrow. A favourite treat or drink or the like?"
John says gently, "Mr. Trostinek, this afternoon your story was that Lozu entered Algiada's quarters. I don't believe you hurt the security chief, but you make yourself look suspicious with these fabrications. If you are to clear yourself, you must speak truth. We will be discrete and understanding. Our only concern is Algiada. "
"Incidentally, I believe you were on the crew's deck last night. What did you really see?
At first offended that you continue to press him on where he was overnight, Trostinek manages to take breath and continue the conversation (due in large part to the congeniality of John). "I was invited to pop into the Captain's cabin for just a bit last night. We had a quick drink, he told me about some of the features of the ship, and then said goodnight."
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John looks at Beauregard, then back to Trostinek. He tries to soothe the vesk.
"Let's avoid that topic then, Mr. Trostinek. How did you manage an invitation from the Captain? The other passengers have remarked his absence. I be a little disappointed myself. On a ship this size, I thought the captain would take a personal hand in entertaining."
"Look, I had some gambling debt at some of our stops in near space. This money helped me get out of some jams. I am just about at the point where I can start paying it back." Lozu appears to be shameful as she relates this revelation."Thank you for sharing this with us. I know it's a difficult subject." Doc pauses for a moment before she continues, "This doesn't seem like something the entire crew knows. How did Algiada learn of it? Did it seem unusual to you that she had such an amount readily available?"
"He seemed verry amenable to my visit to the brridge earrlierrr - although, I thinkkk it helped a lot that you werre accompanying me. Is therre anything you can suggest we takke with us when we visit him tomorrrrow. A favourite treat or drink or the like?"
Grath responds, drunkenly stuttering, "Naw. The ca-ca-captain is one of those guys who already has everything he could ever want."
He hiccups and smiles.
John looks at Beauregard, then back to Trostinek. He tries to soothe the vesk.
"Let's avoid that topic then, Mr. Trostinek. How did you manage an invitation from the Captain? The other passengers have remarked his absence. I be a little disappointed myself. On a ship this size, I thought the captain would take a personal hand in entertaining."
Trostinek responds, appearing relieved the subject has moved along. "Oh, yes yes yes, it was really pure chance I ran into him. What a jolly, humorous kasatha. I suppose perhaps he had plans to make some appearances, but the disappearance necessitates his presence on the bridge several hours a day."
"Thank you for sharing this with us. I know it's a difficult subject." Doc pauses for a moment before she continues, "This doesn't seem like something the entire crew knows. How did Algiada learn of it? Did it seem unusual to you that she had such an amount readily available?"
"No, I suppose the rest of the crew probably has no idea. I had some idea that Algiada had some money socked away. She has mentioned a couple of successful investments in the past, and she's fairly thrifty to begin with."
"No, I suppose the rest of the crew probably has no idea. I had some idea that Algiada had some money socked away. She has mentioned a couple of successful investments in the past, and she's fairly thrifty to begin with."
"How does Algiada get along with the rest of the crew? Do you get the feeling that she enjoys working for the Captain?"
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Trostinek responds, appearing relieved the subject has moved along. "Oh, yes yes yes, it was really pure chance I ran into him. What a jolly, humorous kasatha. I suppose perhaps he had plans to make some appearances, but the disappearance necessitates his presence on the bridge several hours a day."
"You make me look forward to meeting him. I hope I get the chance. What do you think of our other passengers, Professor Benjam and Jincheroga?"
"And what about the passengers? Algiada seemed to know Trostinek. Did she mention anything to you?"
"How does Algiada get along with the rest of the crew? Do you get the feeling that she enjoys working for the Captain?"
"I suppose she got along okay with everyone. She did occasionally grind on Song, but then again Song has a temper, and can be easily annoyed. Come to think of it, Algiada could be a bully sometimes. I know Kiiv never felt welcomed by her."
Lozu continues, this time referring to T'sorkel's question about the passengers. "I'm unaware of anything peculiar between Algiada and any of the passengers. I do know that she was concerned about the goblins on board the ship."
"You make me look forward to meeting him. I hope I get the chance. What do you think of our other passengers, Professor Benjam and Jincheroga?"
"I don't know. The professor seems nice enough. It's those goblins that have me on edge. They don't seem interested in being good passengers aboard this fine vessel. You should keep an eye on them. Something smells funny to me."
"I suppose she got along okay with everyone. She did occasionally grind on Song, but then again Song has a temper, and can be easily annoyed. Come to think of it, Algiada could be a bully sometimes. I know Kiiv never felt welcomed by her."
"Did Algiada ever mention having family, friends, or professional contacts in the Pact Worlds? I'm concerned that her disappearance may have been motivated by an upcoming meeting."
"Did Algiada ever mention having family, friends, or professional contacts in the Pact Worlds? I'm concerned that her disappearance may have been motivated by an upcoming meeting."
Lozu replies, "I know very little about her personal life. She kept that pretty close to the vest I suppose. I do know she had a few successful investments and had managed to save a few credits. Otherwise we didn't do much more than exchange pleasantries on occasion."
"Ah. 'The perrfect gift for the man who alrready has everrything!'" Rar'gul rumbles in imitation of the advertisements, chuckling.
"Otherr than the Captain, you frriends with any of the other crrew? Have you had much chance to speakk with the otherr passengerrs?"
"Ah. 'The perrfect gift for the man who alrready has everrything!'" Rar'gul rumbles in imitation of the advertisements, chuckling.
"Otherr than the Captain, you frriends with any of the other crrew? Have you had much chance to speakk with the otherr passengerrs?"
Grath burps, then almost under his breath he mutters, "I WAS friends with Algiada. But NO MORE. Good riddance. She's a thief. I think. . .I think I need another drink."
He smiles and turns to you both, puffing his chest out, and proclaims "I AM THE LIQUOR!" He then sits down in his chair and takes another gulp.
The shirren frowns. "You weren't much more acquainted than the occasional pleasantry, but she was willing to loan you 10,000 credits to cover your debts? She sounds very generous unless she wanted you to owe her. Had she ever asked you to do something because of the money she gave you? Maybe overlook a transgression or take a specific job? Or even something small like covering for her or swapping a shift?"
Lozu sighs, covers her face with her hands, and replies to the shirren, "I had lost credits that were earmarked for ship repairs. I went to Algiada first, she told me to keep it quiet and that she would lend me the money. I don't know, maybe she would have asked for a favor in return at some point, but so far she hasn't."
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"I don't know. The professor seems nice enough. It's those goblins that have me on edge. They don't seem interested in being good passengers aboard this fine vessel. You should keep an eye on them. Something smells funny to me."
"We be in agreement there, Mr. Trostinek. The goblins be a mystery and maybe a threat. You might consider yourself in your cabin. If Beauregard has no questions, I believe we'll take our leave of you."
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As John and Beauregard leave and head to the vending machine, as soon as they are out of earshot of the Vesk Beauregard turns to John.
”That seals it. He’s tangled up in this somehow. I’d bet my hat. And he’s rather clumsy about the meta-game. I’m sure he can tell lies good enough to sell ice to winter Ryphorisns, but he’s a novice when it comes to what to lie about. Notice how, every time we close in on him, he tried to deflect us to another party. The Engineer, the first officer, now the Hobgoblin and her team. And he responds to accusations with anger and obstinance. Classic tells of someone who’s looking to throw blame off himself however he can. Plus his story about his run-in with Lozu still makes no sense.”
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”Whenever I’m lost on a case, like this one, I go back to motive. The big three motivators of crimes tend to be money, jilted lovers, and revenge. We have a bit of a revenge angle with the professor, but since he hired us, that makes little sense. There seems to be an affair between a couple of the crew, but it also doesn’t seem to be a problem. That leaves money. That 10,000 credits and the ownership of this vehicle would be more than enough to drive some to a crime, so let’s see what the others turn up, but otherwise that’s my going theory.”
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"In my experience the lender be more likely to attack the debtor. If there is to be an attempt to take the ship, I feel the goblins must be mixed up in it. Maybe the others came up with something."
John opens the door to the hold and crosses to the vend-o-matic. He stops to consider the wares. After punching in the code for a static arc pistol, he selects a Desna tea. He turns to Beauregard, "Would you like anything?"
John, as you close down the interface to the vend-o-matic, the machine whirs to life. Your arc pistol should be ready by morning.
After enjoying a fine dinner and then continuing the investigation with crew and other passengers, it is now fairly late in the evening. You all feel your beds calling to you.
It appears Song has long since finished clean up work in the kitchen. As he tends to do, he left out a few leftovers and some prepackaged snacks for anyone who is in need of a midnight snack. There is also a simple beverage synthesizer that can make a serviceable cup of coffee, tea, or most other beverages available for your use.
The goblins can be heard in their cabin. You assume Professor Benjam has long-since retired. The corridors are silent.
Lozu sighs, covers her face with her hands, and replies to the shirren, "I had lost credits that were earmarked for ship repairs. I went to Algiada first, she told me to keep it quiet and that she would lend me the money. I don't know, maybe she would have asked for a favor in return at some point, but so far she hasn't."
"I know this is a very challenging subject Thank you for speaking to us, Lozu." Sensing that their questioning of the first officer has run its course, Doc retires for the night.
Once she reaches her room, the halfling sends a message to the rest of her compatriots:
< The past 24 hours have been eventful, and I believe the upmost caution is required from this point onward. Firstly, I am requesting that each of you see me in the morning for a brief medical scan. Aside from the obvious benefits, this will assist me in delivering time-sensitive treatments should the situation become fraught.
Secondly, I propose that we develop a system for tracking the movement of persons around the ship tonight. This involves observation of the crew quarters, the passenger cabins, and any "unorthodox" passageways outside of the main corridors. >
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<Sounds Good. In addition, tomorrow morning I would also appreciate it if you would do a medical scan of the captain if we can get an audiance. I want you to scan for recent injuries. And if you can, take a DNA sample. That blood on the Idari statue had to come from somewhere.>
As he is heading off, Beauregard will send a text to the first mate, hopefully she sees it first thing in the morning and gives Beauregard the info before she gets her head on straight. He wants access to the full list of what was purchased from the Vend-O-matic and he wants to look at the ship's first aid kits.
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As Grath gets more and more incoherent and close to passing out, she leads him over to the bed and tucks him in, carefully placing the mostly empty bottle of booze back where it came from.
She looks up at Rar'gul and waits to see if he has any questions before splitting out of there with him. Getting back together with the group, she agrees to set up watches. Suggesting they just stick together with their current groupings and take four hours at a time watching to see who is moving around the ship at night.
The Shirren bows his head to Lozu and departs with the Doctor.
Once outside, he asks her as she is sending the message, She didn't try to lie to us about the credits. That matches what we found in the ledger. And do you remember the datapad, Doc? It talked about an 'Uncle R' and taking care of his home. We thought that to mean the Captain. What if this 10,000 credits was a way to take ownership of the Chimera? Algiada talked about securing "memories." Possibly something the Captain has aboard ship? Either way, it seemed clear she wanted the Captain out of the way.
I might consider that he found out and killed her. But what if instead, she succeeded? She discards the body in the incinerator, but the murder weapon doesn't go down. Then she uses a holo-disguise to appear as him, staying mostly on the bridge or in his quarters to avoid contact with as many people as possible. She could be alive and well right now up on the bridge. Once the trip is over, all she has to do is terminate the crew's contracts and she's finished.
Yariel, Grath seems to sincerely appreciate you coming by his room this evening. As you help into bed, he murmurs "you're so much nicer than that thief Algiada....I hope I never see her again...."
Rar'gul and Yariel, your turn at watch came far too early. Grath's hootch packs a punch, and you're still feeling it. The coffee from the beverage synthesizer helps a little, but you think to yourself that you wouldn't mind a nap after breakfast in a little while.
Not long after you assume your duties on watch you hear a sound coming from one of the ladders down the hall. Peeking out you see a single shadowy figure making his way down the aft lift toward the engineering deck.
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Returning from the hold, John checks his comm unit and responds to the doctor's text.
<Trostinek remains defensive when questioned, but opened his room for us to search. He visited with the captain last night. His presence on the crew deck was confirmed by Song.>
<Regarding monitoring movements on the ship, two people could watch the central corridor on the crew and passenger decks. >
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Yariel scrunches her nose sniffing the air, "Eh, it's probably Kiiv getting an early start. Let's go check if he needs help. And if it isn't... well that's why your coming with me Rar'gul."
Not that it'll likely do her any good, but she tries to move quietly and keep an eye out for an ambush or oddities.
Darkvision
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Preparing for sleep, John disrobes. ,He examines the garments and sighs, then takes the robe to his sink and cleans a small spot with water and shampoo. After he's hung it to dry in the shower, he brushes his teeth and gets into his pajamas that are essentially a white t-shirt and boxers. He lays his pulsecaster on the table beside his bed, leans his cane against the table and slips under the covers.
After a few moments he gets up to double check the lock on the door.
"Thankks for the drrinkks and company, Grrath," Rar'gul says, rising, as he and Yariel make their preparations to leave. "It's been rreal, yo," the trox adds with a buzzing chuckle, throwing in a lame attempt at a gang hand sign.
Almost at the door, he is struck by a thought. "Otherrr than the Captain, has therre been a kkasatha crrew memberr orrr passengerr aboarrd The Chimerra rrecently?"
Closing the door gently behind him, he turns to Yariel, loosening his tie as they stand in the corridor. "I'm feeling a bit peckkish. Going to rraid the vending machine beforre turrning in. Want anything?"
He punches in a couple of codes, reaches into the machine and pulls put a tube of meat paste and a flat-packed cotton candy. Immediately tearing open the seal of the meat paste, he begins sucking the sweet contents from within. Turning back toward his cabin, something in the machine catches his eye and, on a whim, he grabs two blind bags and heads back to turn in.
Now back in his armour, Rar'gul turns to Yariel as she scents the air. The trox nods, replying, "Right behind you, Flash." Taking up his large staff, he follows his partner as best he can, clunking and bumping along the corridor.
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Grath hiccups and says goodnight to Rar'gul. "Thanks for coming by, big guy. I owe you a bottle when we finally dock in the pact worlds". With that final comment, Grath smiles and nods toward Yariel, now leaving the rooms.
"Kasathas? Nope. The Cap'n is the only one I can think of. Of course I'm drunk right now, so ask me again in the morning."
This shadowy figure is using the anti-grav ladder mechanisms at the read of the trip, apparently moving from the crew deck above to the engineering deck below.
Their back turned to you, they suddenly stop.
Without even turning around, the figure says, "You've caught me. Are you going to take me to the brig for some card games and a few nips of Grath's hootch? I hope so!"
"That depends on whether there's a need to," Rar'gul ventures cautiously, slowly drawing his pistol. "Just stay rrigh- Kiiv?! Is that you?" he asks, catching sight of the familiar tail.
Kiiv turns around and smiles. "I had a hard time sleeping. I finally gave up and decided to get back to work. Besides, I had some inspiration as far as getting this bucket of bolts going a bit quicker. "
Kiiv peers behind Rar'gul and sees Yariel. "I thought I heard two sets of footfalls. What are you two doing up? Still a few hours until Song has breakfast going."
Rar'gul tries to get a read on the engineer.
"We've been takking turrns on watch," Rar'gul explains."Trrying to kkeep an eye on things with everrything that's been going on."
"Sorrry to have to put you thrrough this, but we'll need to do a quick pat down and searrch," Rar'gul apologises, striding toward Kiiv. "I'm surre you underrstand the need to be thorrough."
"So, what's this inspirration you had?"
Kiiv submits to Rar'gul's pat down, though it seems awkward to both of you. All he seems to have are a few mundane engineering tools and a comm device.
"Oh, uhhh, well, I Just had a bit of a brainstorm on
why the decouplers might be jammed and thought I would
see if I was right…I just need a few minutes down there, and then I might try to get some rest again. Speaking of which, you two ought to try to get a few minutes of shut eye. Or, in the very least, try some of the coffee from the beverage synth units in the dining hall. It's not half bad. Well, I'll probably see you at breakfast."
He seems to brush off Yariel's offer to help.
Kiiv gives you a nod and heads down the lift.
Rar'gul wishes Kiiv a good night and watches the engineer leave. He turns to Yariel once Kiiv is out of sight, "So, backk to our post in the dining hall forrr some coffee? Or do we follow him?"
Kiiv replies to Yariel, "No no no, I insist. Rest up here. I'll really just be a minute or two. I'll check in with on my way back through. A quick beverage might be nice after I check the decouplers."
Kiiv excuses himself and goes down the lift. Yariel, you and Rar'gul may follow if you like.
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Yariel taps a quick message into her comm unit to the group and then follows down the lift quietly. She looks at Rar'gul as if to say, if you can be quiet, come along.
'Caught' Kiiv heading down to engineering just now. He seems to be up to something as he really doesn't want us along. Gonna try to sneak after him. Be wary of shiz going down.
Arms spread wide, Rar'gul glances down meaningfully at his broad, heavily armoured body, and gives a slow shake of his head.
Pointing straight down, he indicates he will remain close by. Taking out his comm unit, he swipes open a voice channel with Yariel. The trox points toward Yariel's comm, then to his own before placing it to his ear.
'Caught' Kiiv heading down to engineering just now. He seems to be up to something as he really doesn't want us along. Gonna try to sneak after him. Be wary of shiz going down.
Doc wakes to the chirping of her comm unit. After a moment's thought, the halfling quickly slips into her clothes, tucking the diminutive needler pistol into an inner pocket. As she dresses, she sends a response to the group:
I have a hunch. Beauregard, if you would be so kind, please meet me at the lift.
"I was awoken by some alarming noises emanating from the engineering deck. It appears you've been woken by the same thing!" She shoots the nuar a significant look. "Clearly, the responsible choice would be for us to go wake the engineer, don't you think?"
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Beauregard clumsily rolls out of bed, having only gotten in an hour ago and grumbles. ”Good thing I didn’t cast any spells yesterday, I’m not getting any magic back off of tonight’s rest,” and begins searching for his clothes, magically summoning a hatchet to his hands and putting it in his coat pocket.