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If you'll excuse me... As polite a dismissal as you'll ever get.
John does not go to the bar. Instead he returns to his original seat and tries to engage Rar'gul and the nuar in conversation. "You both handled yourselves very well in our altercation with the geese. What line of business are you in?"
When you return to the dining hall, professor Benjam is attempting to scrub a bloodstain out of the carpet. He has already swept up most of the feathers. There are at least two areas of carpet that will have to cut out and replaced. Song is working his tail off in the kitchen.
Isaac is happy to provide whatever libations your hearts desire. He can even recommend a couple of different bottles of Castrovelian vintages, one that is suited to pre-dinner drinking, and one that is a nice pairing with the evenings entree.
Beauregard, you note that Trostinek finds his way to the dining hall shortly after dinner is served, asks for his meal to go, and returns to his quarters.
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Beauregard turns to John Rawlins. He tries to keep an eye on the corridor outside, trying to track the movements of the security chief and Trostinek if they pass by again. He also lifts a gin and tonic to his lips.
"I'm a private dic mostly. Adultery cases mostly, sometimes I find lost kids or whatnot. Occasional bounty hunting work when times get tough." He nods to the bloodstain on the carpet where he felled the first croco-bird. "I got lucky with that one. Couldn't see too good on accounta the lightshow. But it reared back its head just as the axe came in. Couldn't a planned it better. Also coulda just as easily zaged insteada zigged and I'da missed it."
As an afterthought, and still somewhat distracted making sure to keep the corridor in the corner of his eye, he extends his hand to the human.
"Truthpelt. Beauregard Truthpelt."
During this dinner, the space goblins
are loud, messy, and gluttonous. They leave the hall without
cleaning up after themselves.
John does not go to the bar. Instead he returns to his original seat and tries to engage Rar'gul and the nuar in conversation. "You both handled yourselves very well in our altercation with the geese. What line of business are you in?"
"Thankkks," the trox replies in his deep rumble.
Waiting for Beauregard to finish, he continues, "I suppose I'm currrently between jobs. Last job didn't worrrkk out so well - guess you could say I was following my drrreams," snorting a slightly bitter laugh at the end.
Golden eyes looking down, he absently traces a broad finger around the stylised star-and-shirren-head motif adorning his metallic carry case. "Prrobably past time to get back to what I do best."
Snapping his mandibles and glancing back up at John and the nuar, he explains further, "Attendant in the Halls of the Forrrever Queen backkk on Nchakkk. What about you?"
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...
"I'm a private dic mostly. … I got lucky with that one. ... Also coulda just as easily zaged insteada zigged and I'da missed it."
As an afterthought, and still somewhat distracted making sure to keep the corridor in the corner of his eye, he extends his hand to the human.
"Truthpelt. Beauregard Truthpelt."
The human also reachers out to shake hands. "John Rawlins. Truthpelt be fitting name for an investigator."
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...
"Thankkks," the trox replies in his deep rumble.
Waiting for Beauregard to finish, he continues, "I suppose I'm currrently between jobs.... Prrobably past time to get back to what I do best." … "Attendant in the Halls of the Forrrever Queen backkk on Nchakkk. What about you?"
John taps the golden key embroidered on the breast of his long jacket. "I be part of middle management at Abadarcorp. At the best of times it is a form of worship. So do you guard the halls of Hylax? Be you devout? I would fain exchange exchange our views on religion."
After grabbing some food, Doc sits down next to Yariel. "As a medical professional, I must stress the importance of regular exercise, especially during lengthy starship voyages. Personally, I like to take walks after dinner. Perhaps you would care to join me this evening?" She shoots the ysoki a significant glance.
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Completely distracted and in her own world trying to figure out the job going down, Yariel jumps a bit at the interruption. She looks down at the food cooling in front of her, "Oh sure that sounds uh fine."
A few seconds later as she is spearing some sort of vegetable her black eyes go wide with a bit of realization. She gives a toothy conspiratorial smile, "OOOH! Yes, that sounds fun."
I was just going to do some digging on the old info-net, but actual sneaking and snooping is gonna be much more interesting!
She waves to the bartender, "Double whisky on the rocks please!"
Having partaken in good food and good company, Doctor Flint-Bridge gathers her ysoki companion and goes for a stroll around the Chimera's middle deck. Chatting amicably about past adventures, the two women start at the dining hall and head forward in the starboard corridor until they reach the cargo hold.
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Beauregard nods to Rawlins and Rar’gul.
”Abdarcorp huh? Did a bit of work for them a while back. Someone was cookin’ the books at one of their offices an’ they asked me to figure it out. They expected me to go over the computers but I just went outside an’ looked at the parking lot. Found out who was driving a hover car that was out of their price range. Took half a day. Guy who hired me tried to stiff me on the bill though.” he finishes as he takes another swig if his gin and tonic.
T'sorkel sits with Professor Benjam at dinner, asking about his academic study and credentials. "Are you taking time away from the University or is this official work? My own trip is part of self-study into different cultures and the Akashic Record. I'm finishing up a portion of it and hope to turn my notes into a paper on the psychic imprints on cultural artifacts."
After dinner, he retires to his room to care for the twins and put them to bed.
The hallways seem quiet tonight. The goblins are doing drills in the gym. The galley is closed, though Song leaves out a tray of prepackaged drinks and snacks (Vesk Jerky Slams, Castrovelian Jellies, Slurm Soda, etc.).
At one point you see First Mate Lozu, her datapad in hand, doing some checks. Kiiv also passes through, coming up from the engineering deck, stopping for some Vesk Jerky Slams, and heading up to his quarters.
Having partaken in good food and good company, Doctor Flint-Bridge gathers her ysoki companion and goes for a stroll around the Chimera's middle deck. Chatting amicably about past adventures, the two women start at the dining hall and head forward in the starboard corridor until they reach the cargo hold.
Entering the cargo hold, the two women do a quick loop around the cavernous space before returning to the hallway. Although she keeps up the lighthearted conversation for the benefit of anyone within earshot, Doc scans the space as intently as she can without getting close to any particular piece of cargo.
That baird wi' the teeth jawwed on about a rickety 'bot in here. Is she tryin' t' con us?
Regardless of what she sees, Doc continues out the cargo bay, leading Yariel all the way around the dining hall and up to the port side cargo bay, where she repeats the same procedure before once again heading to the starboard cargo bay. Although the primary purpose of this stroll is to snoop on the other passengers and the crew, Doc was serious about getting some good exercise.
T'sorkel, Professor Benjam is overjoyed to talk to you, and he even seems conversational in many of the topics you touched on. He offers advice on getting your findings published.
He goes so far as to insist you call him Brodynt.
Doc Flint and Yariel, you don't come across anything particularly suspicious in either of the cargo holds. There are several large pieces of cargo that could hold a robot , but nothing that is outwardly labeled "security robot" or anything of the such.
After a long night of wandering the ship, talking with other passengers, and eating Vesk Jerky Slams, you do finally get a bit of sleep. The next morning you head to breakfast and are faced with a bit of a situation at the entrance to the dining hall:
Song stands in the door to the dining hall, arms crossed.
The android seems to be blocking Jincheroga and her
goblins from entering.
“You can’t bring those… those fiends in here any more!
They ate twice their allotted portions last night and made
a right mess doing it! I was up until all hours scrubbing,
and I won’t be spending the rest of this trip tidying up
after them!”
Jincheroga straightens her spine and snarls, saying,
“You dare to bar us from our rightful repast? I paid
good credits for passage aboard this bucket of rust. I
demand satisfaction!”
“You can take your food and go,” Song snarls back. “I’ll
pack it up for you. And you lot can clean up after yourselves
or wallow in it in your own blasted cabins!”
Jincheroga bristles, and seems poised to start a fight.
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”And then Beauregard negotiated a truce between two idiots,” Beauregard mutters Unser his breath. As he does magic seems to shift around him and the world around him seems to slightly loose color saturation. He, then confronts the two.
”You-“ he says to Song. ”These Goblins are a sentient species, and aside from being sloppy eaters, they haven’t done anyone any wrong. No need to be racist or, well speciesist.” then, before Song can respond, he turns on the Hobgoblin.
”And you, you paid credits for your portion of food and reasonable accommodations. You and your posse left a mess here last night, we all saw it. They don’t have to feed you in excess of your allotted food, and they are certainly free to take umbrage if make a lot of extra work for them like you did.”
Now, ya got two options, Song, you could give ‘em a second chance, and if they mess up again, Captain can confine them to quarters for damaging the ship in excess of normal wear and tear, which was in the contract, by the way, Jincheroga. Or, you can take your food and eat in your cabin, Jin, which would also be in line with the contract. Either way, you are both smart enough that you shouldn’t need me to point this out.”
Beauregard, at least for the moment, has managed to distract Jincheroga and Song. Neither side seems ready to back down though.
The four goblins giggle gleefully and seem like they would LOVE to get their junk lasers out.
T'sorkel addresses the goblins directly, telepathically of course. Quiet you. Or the Captain has cause to bring you and Jincheroga right back where you came from. If you can't behave in the dining room, then you'll get nothing to eat.
Jincheroga stands down. "Fine. PACK IT UP, COOKIE! We'll shall break our fast in our cabin". Jincheroga throws shadow your way as she waits for Song to pack a bag for her.
Just as Song delivers a couple of bags to Jincheroga, First Mate Lozu comes in to the dining hall. "Song, have you seen Algiada? She isn't answering her locked door and is nowhere to be seen."
Song replies that they have not seen her. Lozu asks everyone to keep an eye out for her.
Moments later, power aboard the Chimera flickers, plunging
the dining hall into darkness for a moment. Emergency lighting
illuminates the area dimly as a voice comes over the ship’s
intercom system, as follows:
“Folks, this your captain speaking. We’ve had a bit of a
hitch in our systems and, unfortunately, we’ve lost power to
our thrusters. Rest assured, though, that our capable chief
engineer is on the job and will have the problem fixed as
soon as possible. Sorry for the inconvenience, and once we
get this fixed, I’ll speak with our pilot and see if we can’t
make up for any lost time.”
Lozu rushes to the bridge and Song glumly continues to serve breakfast.
It is then that Professor Brodynt Benjam asks to speak to you all in his quarters....
-IMMEDIATELY AFTER BREAKFAST, IN PROFESSOR BENJAM'S CABIN-
Professor Benjam’s brow creases in concern, making him
look older than his graying hair suggests.
He fumbles with a pen for a few moments, then says, “I
don’t know if you are concerned about events on board, but
the disappearance of Security Chief Iom and the subsequent
loss of thrusters have left me… uneasy. Are these events
connected? Perhaps I’m being overly cautious, but I am
transporting a valuable relic, and I cannot dismiss these
things as mere coincidence. What if someone has disabled
the ship and put the security chief out of commission to
steal my cargo?”
The professor removes his spectacles and continues,
“Given how you handled the mishap with my broken
containment box, you all seem to be quite competent.
Would you be willing to do me a personal favor and look
into this disappearance? No matter what you uncover, I can
pay you once we reach Absalom Station and reestablish
connections to a wider infosphere.”
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Beauregard grumbles under his breath. Of course can't even get a three day cruise back to Akiton as a break. He then straightens up.
"Look, mister, a couple of unruly goblins and a hung over security chief usually means bumpkiss, but if it makes you feel better, I'll take the case." He then produces his specialized datapad from his coat pocket. "Now, it'd help if we knew what was going on here. In your own time, what is this artifact that whoever it is might be after, and what would someone want with it? Maltese Falcon of some sort?"
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John comments on how this voyage is more interesting than usual, but doesn't seem at all concerned. Captain, crew, and ship have a good reputation, and the Abadaran is sure that they'll soon be underway again.
John finds himself backing up the quick-acting nuar once again. "Professor Benjam, it may comfort you to know that my friend here is a professional investigator."
T'sorkel has no problem navigating the dark corridors of the ship. However, he is perturbed by the malfunction to the engines. Not only will this delay us, but aren't the engines supposed to be the most vital system? What does this say about the state of the ship if they go down?
He has no further time to contemplate the issue as the Professor gathers them. He's happy to help the man. Professor, what is this relic you found? Is it valuable beyond its history? Is it something stolen, perhaps?
Rar'gul nods to both John and Beauregard. "Rrarr'gul," he introduces himself. "Nice to meet you both."
"That is corrrect," he replies to John. "Amongst other things. The prrivilege of grreeting and guiding visitorrs to the Forrrever Halls also falls to us. I would welcome such discussions."
- - -
The following morning, Rar'gul heads to the gym for a workout before breakfast and arrives to the dining hall a little late. Strolling up to the entry just prior to First Mate Lozu's arrival at the dining hall, he is just in time for the crew's revelations.
Rar'gul enjoys a hasty breakfast before accompanying the others to the professor's cabin.
- - -
The massive trox stands off to one side, trying not to crowd the room's other occupants. He finds himself backing up the others' assessment of the situation at this early point and expresses interest in further information about the professor's cargo.
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Yariel slips into the dining hall after the gobbos leave. She rolls her eyes, "Break My Fast? Seriously? Who says that, jeeze."
She digs into the food until the lights drop, her eyes quickly adjusting to the darkness then dimness. She pokes her head into the kitchen area and softly speaks, "Mr. Chef Sir? Um... I'm Yariel and uh... I'm sorry I don't mean to intrude. How are you doing? Everything okay? Need any help with anything? If uh... not, then I was wondering if you had a go box or something so I could take my food with me? The foods really good but I don't feel like eating right now and don't want to waste it."
_______________________
She follows along with the group to hear out the professor and quickly interrupts his spiel, "Listen ya little gasbag! I let ya slide last night putting us all at risk, but don't think I'm gonna let yeh drag me inta something else. Ya ever consider that maybe the universe doesn't revolve around YOU? Now, what we know RIGHT NOW is that the engines don't work and the security chief has disappeared. Trying to get us all to guard your other box of murder geese ain't going to help no one."
She turns to the group with a huff, "Now me? I'm going to hack into the security chief's room and see what I can find. After that I'm going to fix the engine so we can get out of here before pirates show up to kill us all. Any of you all are welcome to join me."
Professor Benjam turns to Yariel. "I have three words to say to you: 1,000 CREDITS EACH."
Doc is one of the first passengers to show up for breakfast, taking hot tea and a small selection of fruits and pastry. Seeing the commotion between Song and Jincheroga, she sighs under her breath, ready to go diffuse the situation, when the gruff nuar steps in and smooths things out.
Per'aps there is some useful folk 'ere.
Doc's hand reflexively darts to her pistol before she realizes that there is no imminent threat. Clicking on the flashlight in her comm unit , she joins the rest of the group in the cramped space of the Professor's cabin.
"I have three words to say to you: 1,000 CREDITS EACH."
"I'll admit that this is not my typical line of work, but I am certainly looking forward to a challenge."
Professor, what is this relic you found? Is it valuable beyond its history? Is it something stolen, perhaps?
"Excellent questions, T'sorkel." The halfling does not allow Benjam to answer before she piles on more questions. "Who would wish to burgle you, Professor? How easy would it be to abscond with this object? Is it hazardous in any way?"
Professor Benjam attempts to answer your questions.
"This artifact was from my latest dig. I can assure that it is in no way dangerous or hazardous to anyone. It is merely a historical relic that many scholarly types such as myself take a great deal of interest in. As to its exact nature and location, I will continue to play that card close to the vest, as it really shouldn't have any bearing on ascertaining what has happened with Algiada."
"I'm not sure who would wish to steal this, though I will tell you that this item is considered quite notable, and could mean thousands of credits in honorariums and future grants for me. It is of such a size that it would not be difficult to transport it even on a very small ship."
Professor Benjam is willing to pay you each 1,000 credits upon your return to Absalom Station. He does have a credstick he's willing to give you that will be a 300 credit advance against that 1,000 (50 credits each).
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...
She follows along with the group to hear out the professor and quickly interrupts his spiel, "Listen ya little gasbag! I let ya slide last night putting us all at risk, but don't think I'm gonna let yeh drag me inta something else. Ya ever consider that maybe the universe doesn't revolve around YOU? Now, what we know RIGHT NOW is that the engines don't work and the security chief has disappeared. Trying to get us all to guard your other box of murder geese ain't going to help no one."
She turns to the group with a huff, "Now me? I'm going to hack into the security chief's room and see what I can find. After that I'm going to fix the engine so we can get out of here before pirates show up to kill us all. Any of you all are welcome to join me."
Professor Benjam turns to Yariel. "I have three words to say to you: 1,000 CREDITS EACH."
...
John says quietly to Yariel, "See there. The professor is a reasonable man. Why don't you hear him out?"
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Professor Benjam attempts to answer your questions.
"This artifact was from my latest dig. I can assure that it is in no way dangerous or hazardous to anyone. It is merely a historical relic that many scholarly types such as myself take a great deal of interest in. As to its exact nature and location, I will continue to play that card close to the vest, as it really shouldn't have any bearing on ascertaining what has happened with Algiada."
"I'm not sure who would wish to steal this, though I will tell you that this item is considered quite notable, and could mean thousands of credits in honorariums and future grants for me. It is of such a size that it would not be difficult to transport it even on a very small ship."
...
John addresses the professor quietly, "So, you only wish us to investigate what happened to the security chief? You have no wish for us to guard you or the artifact? And you will still pay us if the Chief Iom be found drunk in the hold?"
The man swivels his head to the others. "It sounds like an excellent offer. I would urge you all to consent."
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Yariel rolls her eyes at John and mutters, "Reasonable or just Desperate?"
She thinks for a second, " Ugh fine. I've heard many promises in my life of great riches for little work, but as your task aligns with my interests I'd be a fool to turn it down."
She looks at the doctor about to speak, "Don't say it, don't you dare bring it up. I was a lot younger."
Quickly swiping and typing a few things onto her computer she looks back at the professor and gives her best impression of an Abadarian contract creator, "Common mercenary contract has been put together and sent to your comm. You are welcome to read it over, but the basics are 300 credits down, six thousand credits upon safe arrival of you and a small package which you are being incredibly vague about. Be forewarned I am now recording this conversation for further evidence of the contract."
T'sorkel's eyes widen at the prize. But if the Professor was offering up such an amount, then he expected trouble. Trouble? I'm just a student! He looks at the others, noting that they seemed just the sort for his type of work.
I'm not sure...what help could I be? He thought of the relic that the Professor claimed was invaluable. What could it be? He felt the Akashic Record spin around him.
Before he knew it, he found himself speaking to each of their minds. I'll do it, but only if I can see the relic too. After we reach Absolom if you insist, but my curiosity is peaked. If it's a simple historic relic as you say, being able to see it would be worth it, yes?
"Thank you, Professor Benjam, for the information. Now, unless anyone else has any additional questions," "we should go commence our investigation." Doc steps out into the hallway and moves to a secluded corner (or a nearby cabin), waiting for the rest of the ad-hoc investigatory party to join her.
"Right. Before anyone gets too excited, Beauregard has already stumbled upon the most logical conclusion - nothing at all is afoot; this is simply a string of coincidental events. However," Doc takes a deep breath, "This voyage is so very boring, and I'm willing to take the Professor's credits for a bit of exercise."
"The way I understand it, there are three major paths forward. One," she holds up a finger, "investigation of Chief Iom's personal cabin. Two," she holds up a second finger, "a friendly chat with Iom's best friend. That burly lizard knows something, I'm sure of it. Finally," she holds up a thumb, "the mechanical failure is a problem for all of us regardless of Iom's disappearance. We need to convene with Kiiv and see what can be done."
"For the sake of expediency, I vote that we split into pairs and tackle all three paths at the same time. I'll spearhead the security chief's cabin - as a medical professional, after all, I have the most legitimate reason in the eyes of the crew to bypass the lock on her cabin."
"Beauregard, you seem to be a charmer - perhaps you could have a chat with Trostinek? And Yariel, I'm sure you're best suited to get this ship up and running again."
Despite her small stature, it looks like the halfling is well-accustomed to dishing out orders. "Anything I've missed?"
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As the halfling talks, Beauregard thinks to himself, then pipes up. ”Well, that hobgoblin lady seemed to be itchin’ for a fight. I mean, who is ready to throw down an a transport ship in front of a whole lotta witnesses for breakfast in your room? Maybe something there. That Vesk also looked like the surly sort. I suggest everyone grab their weapons and keep them at hand. Something smells fishy.”.
With that the Nuar hold up his hand and a hatchet appears in it. Then he pockets the weapon.
T'sorkel nods at the Doctor. Yes, that sounds good. He looks back and forth among the three named. Who should I go with? Or perhaps I should stay here with the Professor? What if they come for the relic? He wrings his hands in a very human gesture of nervousness.
Algiada's Quarters: Dr. Flint-Bridge and ?
Engineering deck to look for Kiiv: Yariel and ?
Searching for Trostinek to question: Beauregard and ?
Rar'gul nods his head at the contribution of each of the eclectic group. Not necessarily the way I would have gone about things, but they do cut to the heart of the matter.
With his return passage, board and meals already paid for upfront, the promise of compensation is far from a priority for the trox. However, the small advance - given his current lack of credits - would certainly make the voyage more pleasurable, especially in the case of a chance encounter with a vending machine...
"Yeah, I'll watch yourrr backkk," Rar'gul rumbles in reply to Yariel. S"Name's Rrarrr'gul," he says, stepping forward, his large carry case in hand.
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"Thank you, Professor Benjam, for the information. Now, unless anyone else has any additional questions," "we should go commence our investigation." Doc steps out into the hallway and moves to a secluded corner (or a nearby cabin), waiting for the rest of the ad-hoc investigatory party to join her.
"I have got one more question. Professor, why choose us? Capability and willingness to step into a fight be not a rational basis for trust? Why not ask the captain or other passengers for help?"
"Right. Before anyone gets too excited, ...
[b]"For the sake of expediency, I vote that we split into pairs and tackle all three paths at the same time. I'll spearhead the security chief's cabin - as a medical professional, after all, I have the most legitimate reason in the eyes of the crew to bypass the lock on her cabin."
"Beauregard, you seem to be a charmer - perhaps you could have a chat with Trostinek? And Yariel, I'm sure you're best suited to get this ship up and running again."
Despite her small stature, it looks like the halfling is well-accustomed to dishing out orders. "Anything I've missed?"
…
T'sorkel nods at the Doctor. Yes, that sounds good. He looks back and forth among the three named. Who should I go with? Or perhaps I should stay here with the Professor? What if they come for the relic? He wrings his hands in a very human gesture of nervousness.
"T'sorkel, why don't you accompany the doctor? I'll accompany Beauregard."
"T'sorkel, why don't you accompany the doctor? I'll accompany Beauregard."
"Right. T'sorkel, was it? You're with me. Everyone, keep your comm channel open." With the shirren in tow, Doc stops by her cabin to collect a large white satchel with a red cross emblazoned upon the side. Once T'sorkel has grabbed whatever items he needs, the two passengers head for the lift.
Professor Benjam attempts to address John's question. "I prefer that you are independent from the crew. I have no reason to believe that they can't be trusted, but I think all of you are a better choice to look into this. Besides, the crew are going to busy for a while. And who else was I going to ask? The hobgoblin?"
Yariel and Rar'gul will head to the engineering deck to check on Kiiv.
Beauregard and John will look for Trostinek.
Beauregard and John, I'll need to know where you are looking for Trostinek.
Yariel and Rar'gul, Kiiv won't be hard to find.
Doc and T'sorkel, I'll probably start your segment first. Yes, you do have access to at least be on the crew level, though that doesn't mean you can get into any of the rooms up there. Probably Sunday. (I will try to engage everyone at some point though on Sunday).
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As Beauregard trudges around the hall looking for the vesk, First checking the galley then his room, he makes Small Talk with Rawlins.
"You with Abdarcorp huh? If you don't mind me asking, what side of the fence do you fall on? In my experience, there are the ones who are obsessed with business and making money, and the ones that are into it for the society and infrastructure building."
T'sorkel nods to the Doctor. Very good. Oh, this could be exciting!
As the Doctor heads to her cabin to get her bag, T'sorkel nods and heads to his own, trying to make it look like he knew what he would need. He remembers that the Security Chief could be quite intimidating, so he decides to take his baton and pistol, along with a medical kit, tools, and flashlight. At the last second, he grabs his starstone compass too for completely unknown reasons. Just be prepared! Who knows what will happen?! Choices, choices! Adrenaline from the situation and the constant stream of choices was making his heart beat quickly.
He meets Doctor Flint-Bridge back out in the corridor. Ready, Doctor. The Security Chief should be there, right? Like you said, she's probably just sick. She can't have left the ship.
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After a few moments Rawlings returns from his cabin wearing a long loose red robe patterned with black silhouettes of trees and white lapels and cuffs. Sober brown tight-fitting second skin armor can be glimpsed under the robe. A light pulsecaster hangs from his white sash; the holster's tip is strapped to his right thigh. He holds his ever-present cane. "As you said, Beauregard, best to be prepared."[b]
As Beauregard trudges around the hall looking for the vesk, First checking the galley then his room, he makes Small Talk with Rawlins.
[b]"You with Abdarcorp huh? If you don't mind me asking, what side of the fence do you fall on? In my experience, there are the ones who are obsessed with business and making money, and the ones that are into it for the society and infrastructure building."
"Why can't one be both, friend? Abadar teaches that civilization brings benefits to all, something few would deny. But self-enrichment, whether it be money or reputation or learning, be what drives people. For me personally -- I like being paid, but the more important reason be that the corporation provides a structure and -- guidance -- and discipline too, that I lack."
"One must feel antipathy to those members who put money above all. Bargains and contracts should be sacred. Were it my place, I would apologize for the one who cheated you."
"What about yourself? Have you ever wished someone had been there to persuade you from foolish actions?"
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"He didn't try to cheat me per se." Beauregard answers. "Just deducted a bunch of stuff from my bill. Like use of 'sacred ground' to conduct business because the office was also a temple. Also 'seeking information from the clergy' because I had to ask the office workers questions to solve their own case. Even charged me five credits for hittin' the head. Called it a 'maintenance fee.' Anyway, talked to his superior who was a lot more along your line of thinking and he cleared everything up." Beauregard pauses.
"I guess stopping people from making foolish mistakes is all well an' good. But it seems to me if some mook never feels foolish then they don't really get a sense of humility. Run around thinking they're the greatest thing since instant coffee. People learn a lot more from their mistakes than their successes, or from people just tellin' em what to do."