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Krara goes to a booth to exchange creds for Luxx Bucks. When you get to one of the exchange booths and put down your 500 credits, the attendant, a halfling standing on a stool, stands up straighter and his face brightens. He says, "Whoa ho ho! Nice! You're a real one, aren't ya?!? Well hey, big spender, so long as you keep coming back to my booth to exchange, I can give you the low down. My name's George. Just tell me what ya need and I'll hook you up!!"
George then turns to his colleague in the next booth, holds up the 500 creds and boasts, "I proclaim this orbital cycle, the cycle of George!!!" As he boasts loudly to his colleague, he jumps up and down then loses balance, teeters left and right before falling and doing a faceplant right into the ground!
With a red face, George climbs back up on the stool and says to Krara, "Ahem, as I was saying. Let me know if you need anything."
The vesk looks bemused at the overeager halfling. Excellent George. Now tell me - where are the best games where one's skills'll make them even richer? The woman at the desk may not recognize talent when she sees it, but I'm sure you can point to where the real action is?
George replies to Krara, "You got it! The true high-rollers play a game called baksu. High stakes tables are out on the grand casino floor. The betting limit there tops out at 100,000 Luxx Bucks per hand! Can you imagine?!?! And rumor has it that it's goin up! UP I tell ya! UP!!!"
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As the party looks around and takes in the surroundings, you see the Nova room mentioned by Janine. There is a lounge area named the Refraction Lounge and there is the grand casino floor mentioned by George.
At this time of day, there aren't many patrons here but you do spot a male verthani whose skin changes hues to match the décor. He eyes you with curious interest while lounging on a settee blowing candy-scented vapor rings from a cigar.
The area is large but sectioned off according to the various table games: roulette, craps, blackjack, baccarat and baksu. Also scatterd all throughout, are video poker, video slots and other assorted electronic "arcade" type games that add to the exciting background din and flashy lights of this floor.
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Hef follows his ward into the Nova room and glances around while the Vesk tastes the disgusting smell of poverty.
He quickly agrees with Sauros, "I don't think we need to waste our time here, Sir. Perhaps we should try the Grand Casino floor where I just overheard George over there saying the high stakes tables are located?"
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Chk'tarlsh catches the complimentary credstick as it is tossed his in direction. "Thank you," he says aloud to Janine.
Cocking his head to the side, he listens for a moment. Shaking his head, he replies, "I can't hear anythinhk buzzinhk. Perhapsh the P.A. ssysstem?"
It takes the shirren some time to shed his heavy weaponry for checking. A short period later, he has deposited a small mound of rifles, grenades and his long sword for safekeeping. He accepts fusions for his pistol, hammer and star knife.
Now ready to enter the casino, he says to Janine. "From my experience, employersh place their employeesh where they sshow they besst fit." Holding the credstick up before him, he continues. "Let me give you a tip." He tucks the credstick away. "If you want to esscape the borinhk vissitorsh, perhapsh try beinhk lessh boorish."
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Not one normally inclined to gamble, Chk'tarlsh cautiously tests the waters with a visit to the Nova room...
..and quickly joins his companions in turning straight around and heading back out.
"Yesh, that doesh ssound more likely where we'd find someone of that calibre."
*ding!* *ding!* *ding!*
And the slot machine cheerfully swallows up Charles' Luxx Buck!
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As the two of you walk along the floor, taking in all the sights and sounds, you eventually make your way to the baksu tables where there seems to be some excitement going on.
An audience gathers around a long, rectangular gaming table as a showdown unfolds between two individuals. One of the individuals is in fact Denanne Karrsi, the board member you're looking for! She smirks as she executes her final play against her opponent. The hapless shobhad groans as Denanne flips over the winning card. She wears an exquisitely cut gown of canary-yellow silk, long black gloves, a wide-brimmed velvet hat, and multicolored jewels. Vibrant geometric tattoos peek from beneath her mane of silver hair, and her violet eyes seem to glow with intensity.
As Sauros and Hef approach for a closer look, Denanne sighs and sips wine from a crystal glass. “I told you to invest your money instead of challenging me!” She scolds her opponent. “Now you’re all out of funds. How boring.”
She casts her eyes around the crowd for a moment before her gaze lands on an unusual sight - a vesk in a tux flanked by an also well-dressed kasatha bodyguard. "Well aren't the two of you an odd couple?" she says with wry bemusement to Sauros and Hef.
Before you can respond, she practically floats up onto her feat, dramatically raises her arms and addresses the gathered audience, egotistically proclaiming, "Who's next? Surely there's someone out there who can take on little 'ol me...???"
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Krara, with the halfling close behind, strolls over towards the cocky elf. Investments are slow and safe. Spoils in victory, those are always the sweetest.
The vesk confidently sits down at the table and motions for George to approach. Can I get a Feysplitter, no ice? As the halfling turns to leave and fetch the drink, she grabs him by the shoulder, brings him close to her jaw, and whispers. Also, what are the rules of Basku?
Replying to Krara, George says, "Okay boss!"
George follows up in a hushed voice, "Each player receives six cards except the dealer who receives seven. Everyone forms their best three-card hand, then reveals their cards to determine the winning hand. Simple, right? Here, take this..." George pulls out a cheatsheet outlining several dozen three-card combinations, ranked from highest to lowest.
Seeing Krara take a seat at the table, Denanne says warmly, "Well hello there! Of course it takes a lady to have the balls to sit down with me! Hahaha!" Turning back to the audience, she says, "All you little boys scurry on home while the adults get down to real business!"
Denanne glides back into her seat and says to Krara with a genuine smile, "Whew! I can't tell you how glad I am to see you here. Men and their overblown egos! Now, to the baksu game at hand - literally! Because I'm here for high stakes, I have a couple ground rules. Anyone I sit down with must be in for a minimum of three rounds and bet at least 10,000 Luxx Bucks per round. Agreed? Shall we begin, honey?"
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"Overblown ego"? Pfft. Mine's a tidal wave!
Sauros saunters over to the other side of the table from Krara so as not to seem affiliated with the dressed down Vesk.
"Luxx Bucks? Please. I only gamble with durable, valuable goods. Not some fake currency that can't even buy you a martini."
Sauros pulls out a star-shaped pendant that magically radiates its own light and tosses it into the center of the table.
"Have a look. It's one of a kind. From the First World. If you want it, you better deal me in."
Denanne's eyes narrow as she looks over the pendant, up at Sauros, then back down at the pendant. In a second, her appraisal is finished. She replies, “I agree. It’s not always about the money — I have plenty of that. It’s about the rush of betting everything knowing you’ll win or lose at fate’s whim. Yes, if you’re willing to risk parting with something you value deeply, I’ll waive the credits. But this, while an interesting trinket, is not something I perceive you to truly desire.”
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Chk'tarlsh cashes in all his credits (365) for Luxx Bucks and approaches the table.
Antennae twitching, he tosses his chit onto the table. "It might not be much to ssome, but it ish everythinhk I have," the shirren addresses those around the table.
Turning to Denanne, he continues. "The Black Butterfly teachesh that our true nature ish found in thosse momentsh between our breathsh, between our thoughts. If you permit, let ush ssee what fate revealsh for me between the dealinhk of the cardsh and the revealing of the hand."
Looking at Hef and Charles, Denanne politely says, "Look boys, the two of you are cute - very cute. And I mean it. But what you've got just isn't going to cut it, no offense. I'll still be here for a while though if you come back with some cash or an item of real value!" She flirtatiously winks at the two of you.
You get the feeling that there's no more wiggle room here with this lady...
While Krara has pulled George away from his station and pressed him into temporary servitude, Twich quietly and innocently wanders over to George's station, pulling Aldane along with her.
Twich pushes Aldane in front of the cash changer at the station next to George's to keep the changer occupied and distracted. That changer's name tag reads 'Chris'. "Yah man, how many creds would you like to change?"
With Aldane keeping Chris occupied, the quiet, enigmatic Twich surreptitiously positions herself over at George's station and hacks away, crediting your party's account with 30,000 Luxx Bucks, enough to cover the game with Denanne.
Hearing Sauros' query via comms, Twich taps taps and pulls up the requested cross referencing big gains in Denanne's account coinciding with big losses in someone else's account. It appears a male verthani by the name of Juta got cleaned out big time recently. As a regular here on Luxx, he also happens to have a a private booth over in the Refraction Lounge. Twich flips a picture of Juta over to everyone via comms, logs off, then walks away from George's station.... ....and Aldane! (who is still standing in front of Chris)
Chris, losing patience with Aldane, enunciates, "Sir? SIR!! How much money would you like to change? Do you. Understand. The words. That are coming. Outta my mouth???"
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Hef sees the chirps of messages and subtly reads them, "Hmm."
I guess the note never said they were lovers, but who could get upset over such a thing as credits? There has to be something more personal here if this being would front money for us to beat her at her own game.
He introduces himself, "Hello Sir Juta, I believe my friends and I might be able to right a wrong that has been done to you. Do yo know a young miss named Denanne?"
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Seeing Krara take a seat at the table, Denanne says warmly, "Well hello there! Of course it takes a lady to have the balls to sit down with me! Hahaha!" Turning back to the audience, she says, "All you little boys scurry on home while the adults get down to real business!"
Denanne glides back into her seat and says to Krara with a genuine smile, "Whew! I can't tell you how glad I am to see you here. Men and their overblown egos! Now, to the baksu game at hand - literally! Because I'm here for high stakes, I have a couple ground rules. Anyone I sit down with must be in for a minimum of three rounds and bet at least 10,000 Luxx Bucks per round. Agreed? Shall we begin, honey?"
The tiny males have a few uses. Krara laughs back. But not nearly as many as they think. The vesk looks around to see what's taking George so long to get her drink, but smiles as she sees Twitch tinkering away beside the hospitality rep. The *ding* on the comms that comes shortly thereafter makes the vesk's toothy maw grin brighter.
Three rounds at 10K apiece. Those stakes are high. But it seems like you've got enough credits in your bank: doesn't risking just money make the rush fade after a while?
The card permutations take Krara a bit to get used to. By the third game (and sixth comp'd drink) however she's bellowing That's Numberwang! as the last card flips.
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Chk'tarlsh inclines his head in Denanne's direction and retrieves his credit chit. "Perhapsh ssome other time," he says politely, taking his leave.
I'll see if I can track down this Juta, he sends telepathically to his companions.
Entering the Refraction Lounge, the shirren looks around for someone matching the picture sent by Twich.
Aldane continues distracting Chris long after Twich has exited stage right...
Hef confidently takes a place at the table and signals that he's ready to play.
"Marvelous!!!" exclaims Denanne.
Afer Hef loses the first hand, Denanne says to the audience, "Well, looks like we're heading down a very, very well-worn path!
But Hef wins the second hand! Denanne responds, [b]"Ahhh! A live one afterall!!! Perhaps we'll have some real fun just yet!"
The final hand is tense as the cards are dealt. The crowd is silent. Upon receiving each card, Denanne smiles a little or frowns just a tiny fraction. But once the cards are laid down, Hef wins!!!
"Played magnificently!! Absolutely magnificently! I bow to you sir!" Denanne stands up and bows with a level of grace that only an elf can exhibit and she encourages the gathered crowd to applaud Hef.
Once the excitement has died down, she declares, "Time for a break. This one's for you, Jerry. See you again next shift, eh?" With a wink, she transfers a $50,000 tip to the pit manager.
As she departs, the party approaches Denanne explaining that you have additional business to discuss with her. Still within earshot of casino patrons, she says, "A drink it is! It's the least all of you can do for me!"
The party and her move off to an empty table, are served a few drinks then left alone. Her demeanor instantly changes from the dramatic gambler you've seen so far to a straight-laced corporate businesswoman - all business and no nonsense. "So, what's this business you'd like to discuss? I wasn't born yesterday and I can easily tell you're not here for entertainment. I assume this has something to do with my being on the board of Abadarcorp? As you all have provided me with some personal entertainment today, I'll spare you 10 minutes of my time."
The party explains the reason for your presence, i.e. to persuade her not to vote against Iseki-Okaibo.
"Oh is that what this is all about?" she asks with a raised eyebrow. "Well, to be perfectly honest with you, I never intended to vote against Iseki-Okaibo. In addition, I have concerns about Datch's motivations in raising that vote of no confidence in the first place. However, I thank you for coming to me and it is good to know that there are others who share the same concerns as me. If there's nothing else, I do have some other matters to attend to. These drinks and the next are on me with my complements. Good day ladies and gentleman, until we meet again."
She very cordially shakes your hands and departs, leaving you the impression that she is probably one of the most competent business executives you've ever met.
Back at the Lorespire Complex, Celita briefs the party inside a small gymnasium. When you enter, she’s completing a frenzied sparring drill against a punching bag. “Since my encounter with Historia Prime, I find this activity to be therapeutic. A friend set this room up for me,” Celita explains, her voice clearly strained from some form of exertion.
Without skipping a beat, she launches into a mission briefing in her typical direct manner, “I respect our outgoing First Seeker and support her plans. Luwazi is wise not to target Datch outright at this juncture. Such an intelligent adversary, however, surely has countermeasures in place for any attack against her, however indirect. We need more information about Datch’s plans before we can strike.” Celita delivers a powerful blow to the weighted bag.
“According to the interdepartmental memos I’ve retrieved, Datch is away on a business trip. I’ve taken the liberty of pulling some strings to temporarily lessen the security of the Golden Vault, AbadarCorp’s main office on this station not far from here. I want you to gain access to any files stored in Datch’s private office. Discretion is key. Leaving digital or physical evidence of our involvement is more harmful to us than simply failing to meet the objective.” Celita hits her target with a final, spinning kick. “Do not allow greed to cloud your judgment. If you attempt to steal anything other than information from the Golden Vault or access high security areas beyond your target, neither the Society nor I can help you.”
She provides you with a company directory listing the location of Datch’s private office on the Golden Vault’s ninth floor and maps on how to reach Datch's office.
"To accomplish this mission, you'll have three major tasks. First is to get up the elevator to the ninth floor. For this, you'll have to find a way to get past public reception on the ground floor - somehow convince them to let you in.
"Second, once on the ninth floor, you'll need to access the security control room. The door to access the control room flank another receptionist desk so you'll need to find a way in without raising suspicion. Once inside, your technical skills will be needed to deactivate cameras and delete any footage of your presence.
"Third, make your way to Datch's office, access his computer and lift those files. Then get out quickly and quietly.
"Any questions?"
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The Golden Vault is a short walk from the Lorespire Complex. The gleaming building is a marvel of smooth glass faces interspersed with panels of solid gold. The Golden Vault is AbadarCorp’s headquarters, and as such most of the its upper levels contain offices, boardrooms, and chapels.
A palatial reception area accommodates a constant stream of business professionals. The pyramidal chamber’s walls are transparent aluminum and the floor is gold-veined black marble. Steps mount a raised platform that ends abruptly in a partition of glass and marble with four turnstile entrances. Beyond the partition is an elevator - including the elevator to the ninth floor and Datch's office.
The only way to access the elevator to Datch’s office is through one of the turnstiles. A receptionist inside a reinforced booth controls each turnstile.
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Krara realizes and toasts to Hef back at Luxx as they bask in victory. Didn't know we had such a killer card shark on our side! After this whole thing is done, maybe you can give me some pointers, eh?
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Scoping out the Golden Vault from a vantage point across the street, the vesk gladiator frowns and looks to the others. The front door may be the hardest to get through: tight quarters, and only one or two entry points. Perhaps one or two of us could pretend to be high executives, with me shaking the receptionist for daring to not let you through immediately?
Or if we could cause a distraction, Twitch and other tech ones could slip through in confusion, jumping barrier?
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Hef nods and accepts the drinks for their successful mission, "You just have to be calm, pay attention and listen."
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At their next briefing he adds an option, "I've got most of the general clothing, could go as maintenance. Nobody seems to pay attention to someone in work clothes. Might need to hack the system before though to submit the repair call that we had responded to."
You are all kept current of real time events as First Seeker Elsebo sends a message. ”Agents sent to a corporate retreat managed to influence high-ranking members of AbadarCorp. These agents survived some unorthodox workshop activities and persuaded an executive to oppose Datch’s vote. The cooperation of these AbadarCorp staff members may be enough to tip the scales in favour of Iseki- Okaibo.”
Twich transfers the original 30k back to Luxx (because she's an upstanding person). The party then spends the rest of the day on Luxx getting smashed and having a good time losing a portion of the money to those down on their luck.
Before you blow ALL the cash, however, Arvin contacts you on a secure channel and says, "I understand you managed to acquire some funds through... somewhat illicit means? I'm sure your first thought was to donate those funds to the official Starfinder charity, 'Home Amongst the Stars' which runs an orphange for unfortunate children. With learning disabilities. And crippling diseases. And missing limbs. And other physical disabilities. And are socially awkward. And have been bullied to the point where all of their tabletop RPG games have been stolen, ripped up or otherwise destroyed. So, how much cash exactly can I put you all down for? Hmmmmm....???"
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Krara spends a bit of time getting some fake credentials set up and finding the right outfit, before heading into the Golden Vault, with others trailing behind her. Giving a brief nod to the receptionist without breaking stride to try and follow right on the heels of another AbadarCorp employee she say Hey-o! We gots a ticket to do a revamp up on 9th. Get the digs sets up right 'fore some promotion.
The receptionist looks Krara up and down, seemingly a bit doubtful. Then spots Hef carrying the drywall as well as the rest of the party all decked out in uniforms. "One moment" says the receptionist as he taps away at the computer.
"Hmmm... Okay. Looks like you've there's a work order for you here. Alriight, seems items are in order. Seems like your crew is making you do all the heavy lifting, eh buddy?" the receptionist says to Hef.
The receptionist prints out temporary passes for each of you to the ninth floor and ushers you through to the elevators.
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When you get to the ninth floor, you head in the direction of the security control room. Just exactly as you were briefed, there is a reception desk flanked by two doors that lead to the control room. Sitting at the desk is a gruff looking dwarf.
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"DUDE! You look just like Unger Stonehewer, the famous Gravel Ball lineback! 'Unger-the-Hunger', am I right??"
Sauros attempts to distract the dwarf with video feed of Unger's top plays, pointing out the likeness in a 'I'm-definitely-not-racist-thinking-that-all-dwarves-look-alike' sort of way.
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"DUDE! You look just like Unger Stonehewer, the famous Gravel Ball lineback! 'Unger-the-Hunger', am I right??"
Sauros attempts to distract the dwarf with video feed of Unger's top plays, pointing out the likeness in a 'I'm-definitely-not-racist-thinking-that-all-dwarves-look-alike' sort of way.
Steve! We've got a job to do! Krara yells over at Sauros and moves towards the other vesk. and gives him a slight smack on the head. Besides, Unger's an overrated has-been - no offense she says with an aside to the dwarf as if he has a personal stake in Unger Stoenhwer's legacy. Always falling apart in the clutch. Now, Eidel Manson - that's the one you want in the big games. The stop in GravelDome LXI against the Flints?
As she argues loudly with her fellow tall vesk, Krara's adjusts the boxes she is carrying to further block the receptionist's vision.
The dwarf first eyes your temp badges then, obviously excited by the chance for some gravel ball chit chat, replies to Sauros and Krara (mostly Krara), "Hey hey now miss! Why yes, Eidel may be impressive but let's give credit where credit is due! Do you know how many times Unger has pulled wins out when it really counted? Sure, he's gone down a fair amount but on the absolutely critical plays, he always comes through!!"
Seeing Hef set down some drywall, the dwarf says, "Hey you! Take a load off! What do you think? Unger or Eidel?"
As Hef ambles over to the dwarf receptionist, there's a sudden *CRASH!* Everyone looks over and sees Aldane on the floor. There is an awkward 3 seconds of silence as the dwarf looks at Aldane, then at the rest of you.
Sauros, Krara and Hef all go: ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
And you three more or less simultaneously state in a low tone so that Aldane doesn't hear, "He's the boss' kid..."
The dwarf says, also in a hushed tone so that Aldane doesn't hear, "Ohhh... gotcha. Yah, lads, every team's always got some dead weight. Sometimes, it's not so obvious whom that is." The dwarf again looks over at Aldane who is still on the floor asking for help... "And sometimes, it's blindingly obvious...."
Twich easily slips by, makes short work of the locked door and although the computer system is sophisticated, she manages to delete the footage of the party plus keep the cameras deactivated so the party's exit will not be recorded.
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Garbed in his maintenance uniform, Chk'tarlsh trudged along with his companions, lugging a hefty toolbox up to Level 9.
Reaching the reception area, the shirren lets the toolbox drop to the floor with a crash, to join in the animated discussion between the two vesk. "Unger'sh not sso bad, model of conssisstency. Mansson doesh have the upper hand - but that can be ssaid of almosst the entire league."
Relieved at having an out from awkwardly staring at Aldane, the dwarf excitedly takes Charles' cue to switch the conversation back to the topic of gravel ball. Sauros, Krara, Charles and the dwarf continue chatting while Aldane remains on the floor.
"Help? Please? Someone....? Anyone.......? Helloooo....?!?!"
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Using the map and directions provided by Celita, you easily find Datch's plush office and the door lock, interestingly, poses no issue for you to defeat and enter. Your target, Datch's computer, is sitting atop a large, beautifully finished wood desk.
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The Kasathan lifts an eyebrow at the Kasathan-dressed human flopping on the floor, then moves over to offer one of his newly available arms to get the man up. He leans over and winks to acknowledge the excellent distraction while saying loudly, "Pull yourself together!"
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Up in the office Hef glances into the room to make sure there aren't any traps or other dangers, then simply keeps watch down the hall so they have warning if an unscheduled guard is approaching.