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"I….I don't know where Kevya is now....they told me they wouldn't hurt anyone....they just wanted to meet good looking young people, and they would pay me if I could just make introductions….”
Thak listens and nods, projecting calm, patience, and understanding, fully present in the moment with Fikk. He focuses on the youth’s eyes, gestures, and vocal inflection, looking for hints of truth or deceit.
Good looking young people… introductions… don’t like the direction this is going.
”That’s good, Fikk. I can see that you’re concerned and that you want to help us find Kevya.” Thak’s voice conveys sincerity. Of course, the array of blood-splattered goblins may have 'encouraged' Fikk to open up and share, too.
”Let’s talk in more detail about these people. Who are they? Where do we find them? Have they asked you for help like this before?”
"Thanks, guys. We just wanted to talk and they started shooting! Stupid. And then I got mad. They shouldn't have started shooting." Gath kicks at the body of the goblin 'mancer.
Fikk replies to Thak, "I don't know where you find these people. It was some human named Lazlo. He claimed his 'holy man' master just wanted to meet some people, and that no harm would come to Kevya or any of the others....'
"Anyone who uses 'holy man' and 'master' in the same sentence is automatically super-sus," Sen comments. "Where and when'd you last meet this Lazlo character, Fikk?"
"Up in The Arms, some back hallway not far from the Gateway District. He always tells me where to meet him when I make my introductions."
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Thak briefly glances at his comm unit and nods to Sen. Right you are, my friend. It’s showtime.
”I don't know where you find these people. It was some human named Lazlo. He claimed his 'holy man' master just wanted to meet some people, and that no harm would come to Kevya or any of the others….”
Leaning forward a bit while letting his voice deepen and gain some volume, Thak focuses on Fikk once again, making the conversation more serious but keeping it on diplomatic terms. For now.
”I can tell that you’re starting to understand the… serious and… uncomfortable… position you put yourself into. You want to protect Kevya and help us undo the damage you’ve done. That’s good. It’s a beginning for your story of redemption. Now let’s put together the middle.”
The questions come quickly now, and Thak keeps a constant eye on the boy’s responses.
”This ‘back hallway’ you mentioned… is that where you ‘introduced’ Kevya? Can you take us there?”
”Do you have another meeting scheduled?”
”Tell us more about Lazlo. Who is he? How does he contact you?”
”How many people have you ‘introduced’ this way?”
I see Thak using diplomacy (11) since Fikk is fearful and is starting to grasp what he’s done.
He'd also have sense motive (7+1d6 expertise) running to make sure Fikk keeps giving us good information.
But if Fikk gets defensive or begins refusing to help, Thak would switch into intimidate (8 with Veiled Threat feat) to increase the pressure and get the most information.
I’m happy to play this out more but I also don’t want to bog the game down.
Fikk does his best to answer the barrage of questions. "I guess I could take you to one of the back halls, but it's been a different place every time I have met Lazlo. And no, I haven't heard from Lazlo since I introduced Kevya to him a few nights ago. He always contacts me. I think it's been three people I have introduced to him--Kevya, the Galvano girl, and some Lashunta party dude named Domash.
Fikk seems confused at your question, Senk. "Ever see WHO hang out with ysoki? Lazlo? Not particularly, but there are a lot of ysoki on the station, and I have only ever seen him at our meetings."
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Thak closes his eyes for a moment and resists an urge to rub his temples.
Bigger than what we thought. Could be lots bigger. LOTS bigger.
We only knew about Kevya, but now she’s one of three ‘introductions’: two female, one male. We have a mysterious so-called ‘holy man’ who may or may not exist, plus Lazlo, the supposed holy man’s feet-on-the-ground who requests introductions and then apparently spirits away the targets.
Pulling out his comm unit, Thak jots down notes to organize his thoughts, then turns his attention back to Fikk. He debates allowing more menace into his voice, but decides against it. So far, so good… diplomacy seems to be working. Sen is asking good questions and Fikk is still responding. Seems positive.
”You’ve been a busy fellow, Fikk. Three introductions? Hmm… when did the other two take place? How much do they pay you for these?
Walk us through Kevya’s introduction. Thak emphasizes the word with an ominous flair. What happened, step by step? You met her and went to the club. Did you go in for a while or did you take her straight to meet Lazlo in the back hallway? What happened after that?
Have all of the introductions gone the same way? Does Lazlo meet you alone or does he bring anyone with him?
And what does Lazlo look like? Anything unusual about him?”
"Yeh, Lazlo. We saw some security footage of a couple ysoki wheeling a big container out of the back of the club, and thought there might be a connection," Sen replies.
"I would guess you saw the ysoki who work the backroom of the club exchanging empties for full kegs. I hang around there a lot, and while a few of those guys are my occasional customers, I'm pretty sure they aren't up to much else back there...."
”You’ve been a busy fellow, Fikk. Three introductions? Hmm… when did the other two take place? How much do they pay you for these?
Walk us through Kevya’s introduction. Thak emphasizes the word with an ominous flair. What happened, step by step? You met her and went to the club. Did you go in for a while or did you take her straight to meet Lazlo in the back hallway? What happened after that?
Have all of the introductions gone the same way? Does Lazlo meet you alone or does he bring anyone with him?
And what does Lazlo look like? Anything unusual about him?”
"I think all three took place in the past two weeks or so. I don't know, I have made a couple of hundred credits all told from this Lazlo guy...."
Fikk continues to answer Thak's questions. "I had some fun with her for a bit at the club. Nothing too crazy. She had a couple of drinks, but she wasn't inebriated. Told her I had someone extremely interested who wanted to meet her and would buy us some wraps up in the Gallery. When we found Lazlo, he made some chit chat with her. It all seemed friendly to me. He suggested they go somewhere where someone else would tell her about some travel opportunities or something....she very soberly agreed, Lazlo gave me a nod, and they were off....I really don't think he was going to hurt anyone. Kevya, and all the others seemed very agreeable about heading off with this guy...."
"Lazlo is always alone. He's an imposing person. Human. A little older I suppose. Always wears a dark colored jacket."
"I am checking the names. Please disregard any visual displays, as they are part of a 'context themed reactive package' that I was unaware was enabled."
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While the others continued their impromptu interrogation, the flicker of the D.E.A.R.S. unit powering up around them indicated an action of some sort, the flickering overlays settling into a lighted— if stylized– version of a long coat and fedora. That the articles of clothing were monochrome, their grayscale stark against the dim-and-detritus setting of their location.
Digital rain seemed to fall, dripping from the angle of the hat, and running down the long coat quite artfully, before it flickered and faded with the faintest of expressions that could be read as "apologetic".
"I am checking the names. Please disregard any visual displays, as they are part of a 'context themed reactive package' that I was unaware was enabled."
Sen gives a telepathic giggle.
"All it needs is a little jazz music!"
"Misery peddling piece of trash," Locket mutters, scowling.
The pahtra bristles as Fiik reveals more of the "arrangement", his ears flattening. Despite his contempt for the man, Locket recognises the progress his companions are making with their inquiries and restrains himself, clenching his fists.
Gath still seems lost in contemplating the dead goblins. Eventually he rouses himself, pulls some clothing from a body and begins cleaning the blood and brains from the spikes of his club. Then he tears some clean portions of another goblin's garment to bind his wounds.
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Always alone. Imposing person. Human. Older, whatever that means to a kid like Fikk. Dark jacket. Well, now we have a description to go with you, Lazlo. That’s more than we had before.
Thak pauses to think, then taps a message into the group comms. Fikk mentioned ‘travel.’ They may have taken her off the station — or at least be preparing to. If we’re dealing with a ‘holy man’ then perhaps his organization has a ‘holy’ private ship for travel. Maybe we could find a clue in the flight plans and docking reports? He includes the brief description of the imposing Lazlo. And maybe something on him, too.
With that, he turns back to Fikk and offers a measured smile that’s more professional than friendly, but his voice conveys warmth.
”Thank you, Fikk. I appreciate your help so far. Now, let’s review… you and Kevya went to the club for a while, had some drinks, and then went off to meet Lazlo… in a back hallway?
Have you seen any of your three introductions since you left them with Lazlo? And how did Lazlo find you in the first place?”
Gath busies himself rifling through the dead goblins pockets.
”Thank you, Fikk. I appreciate your help so far. Now, let’s review… you and Kevya went to the club for a while, had some drinks, and then went off to meet Lazlo… in a back hallway?
Have you seen any of your three introductions since you left them with Lazlo? And how did Lazlo find you in the first place?”
Once again, Fikk does his best to answer Thak's queries. "Right--we met Lazlo not far from The Gallery. No, I have not seen Kevya or either of the other two since the night they met Lazlo."
As to Thak's final question, Fikk responds thusly: "Someone pointed out an ad on social media. I responded. This Lazlo guy exchanged some messages with me and I made the introductions. It was that simple."
Gath looks over the group. Goldenarms is often busy when he's wearing a picture. Thak and Sen are still talking to Fikk. Locket's just watching.
"Locket, what's all this stuff?" Gath asks, and waves a hand over the leaper's components. "There's a little money and a healing serum too."
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”Someone pointed out an ad on social media. I responded. This Lazlo guy exchanged some messages with me and I made the introductions. It was that simple.”
The Brenneri does his best to not register shock and anger at this revelation, but some probably leaks through anyway. Unbelievable. Just unbelievable. “Attractive people wanted for kidnapping and transport to undisclosed location. Finder’s fee paid promptly!” This is insane.
”So what’s our next move, chief?”
Hearing Sen’s mental message, he concentrates to reply. ”How are you at digging up details on social media ads? We may have a juicy lead there."
Turning his full attention back to Fikk, Thak holds his emotions together and reinforces his professional demeanor.
The youth has been cooperating. Berating him — or beating him to a pulp — wouldn’t accomplish anything except make me feel better in some primal way. It’s tempting, but wouldn’t help Kevya or the others. Stay focused.
”This ad you mentioned… what did it say? Have you seen it lately? Can you show it to us?”
Fikk opens his comm unit. "No....no....not there.....Nope. The ad is gone. Don't see it anymore." He shows you wear he had initially found it on a commonly used listing site for sales or services offered.
"It just said he would pay a 'facilitator' to set up these introductions, and something about a 'win, win, win' situation for all involved. Honestly, I just think this is some sort of product sales thing or pyramid scheme. Maybe he's paying these people to demonstrate a product? I don't know."
1. He has made three "introductions." Kevya, a Lashunta male named Domash (who doesn't seem to have an obvious presence on social media), and the Galvano girl (Galvano seems to be a notable family in these parts of Absalom station--scrappers who do fairly well in their business, and may include semi-legal dealings).
2. These introductions are made to a human named Lazlo. You have a description of him. They were generally made in out of the way places in or not far from the Gateway district in the Arms.
3. Lazlo has been described as a "holy man" who advertised for someone to facilitate these introductions on social media (the ads now seem to be gone). It may be that this Lazlo is, in turn, taking them to yet another person at an unknown location.
Gath finishes gathering up useful gear from the goblins. He looks around, and for the first time enters the conversation.
"Fikk, you want to make sure Kevya gets home all right, don't you?"
1. ...
3. Lazlo has been described as a "holy man" who advertised for someone to facilitate these introductions on social media (the ads now seem to be gone). It may be that this Lazlo is, in turn, taking them to yet another person at an unknown location.
...
1. ...
3. Lazlo has been described as a "holy man" who advertised for someone to facilitate these introductions on social media (the ads now seem to be gone). It may be that this Lazlo is, in turn, taking them to yet another person at an unknown location.
...
Gath finishes gathering up useful gear from the goblins. He looks around, and for the first time enters the conversation.
"Fikk, you want to make sure Kevya gets home all right, don't you?"
Fikk replies, "Sure. Of course I want these people to go home if that's what they want to do. I never meant for any of them to do anything against their will."
"At least be man enough to own up to your actions!" Locket spits, unable to restrain himself any longer.
"You can't be peddling that stuff of yours and not have any idea where these 'introductions' might lead."
The pahtra glares at Fikk.
Fick says "can I go now?"
"We're all going to go now. 'Cause we all want to see Kevya home safe."
Gath rams the last bit gear into the goblin's rucksack, and stands up. The rucksack looks more like a handbag than a backpack in his grip.
"And since you want her home safe too, you're going with us. An opportunity for you to be a righteous warrior." Gath smiles broadly, his lower canines prominent.
Then the shobhad looks at the other party members. "But where are we going next?"
I don't care how scared he is. I'll happily spring that leak for him, Locket sends back in reply to Sen, scowling.
"There's always scum who make a living cashing in on the lives of others," he says aloud. "Folks disappear on the street all the time. Most aren't so lucky as I wa-" he cuts off abruptly.
"Look, he doesn't want to help. He's only interested in himself," Locket says, pointing at Fikk.
"You're in charge of him, Gath. Keep him outta my way, lest I do something he regrets."
Gath lays a hand on Fikk's shoulder. "Come on, Fikk. Hey, do you have a weapon? Might need one if Lazlo wants to fight instead of talk."
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Thak is lost in thought, processing, sorting, and assembling the things Fikk told them.
Two introductions before Kevya; Goldenarms found data relating to one. A so-called ‘holy man’ and Lazlo, his majordomo / fixer / errand boy. Fikk, pawn looking for a quick buck. And Kevya, wherever she is.
Something seems to settle in Thak’s mind as he rejoins the moment.
”And since you want her home safe too, you're going with us. An opportunity for you to be a righteous warrior.”
”Yes, Fikk. You’re coming along. You’re in way over your head, and I think you know it. Consider this one step toward making things right. You have many steps to go. We’re not friends, but we’re not enemies… yet. Let’s make sure things stay balanced that way.”
Turning to the group, he starts unspooling his thoughts. “All of the introductions happened in the same area, so there’s probably a connection between that part of the station and the location of our mysterious ‘holy man’. Maybe it’s transportation or stora— um, housing. Otherwise they wouldn’t risk being recognized because of the repetition. Even back corridors have regular denizens who don’t want the world snooping into their business.”
“And Goldenarms got a hit on one name from the introductions… Galvano. The Galvano family.” That could be trouble. Not for us, but maybe for Fikk once they find out he’s responsible for the introduction. We’ll need to walk that line very carefully.
”I suggest starting with the Galvanos. I can probably get us in the door there. With their resources and, ahem, connections on all sides of the law, they may have information that will get us closer to all three of the kids. What do you all think?”
”There's always scum who make a living cashing in on the lives of others," he says aloud. "Folks disappear on the street all the time. Most aren't so lucky as I wa-“ he cuts off abruptly.
Thak cues on the pahtra’s words, turning ever so slightly in his direction but not visibly reacting. Hmm… not sure he’s ready to talk about that yet. Not the time…
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Looking around the group, Thak lingers for a moment on Fikk. A primal gleam passes over his eyes, but he shakes it off.
Focus… task at hand. We need to find Kevya and the others. Every minute works against us. Daydreaming about revenge fantasies won’t help them; finding Lazlo will. Focus on Lazlo.
”Sounds like a plan! Nice work by the way, that was as smooth as a klikharp's thrum!”
”Thank you, Sen. This is pretty much what I do all day… only without the guns” — he glances toward the dead goblins — “and the mess. You’re pretty sharp with that board and those tools, too. It’s good to have you with us.
He smiles at Gath, Locket, and Goldenarms. ”It’s good to work with friends again.”
And good to not be alone. So very good.
Fikk looks aghast when he realizes you all may be heading for the Galvano scrapyard, and is particularly concerned that it seems you all want to take him with you. "No no no no! I can't go with you to the scrapyard! Those mobsters will kill me! I...I think some of them saw me leaving the club with the Galvano girl. Nope. Nope. Nope. I can't go with!"
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"No no no no! I can't go with you to the scrapyard! Those mobsters will kill me! I...I think some of them saw me leaving the club with the Galvano girl. Nope. Nope. Nope. I can't go with!"
Thak spins to face Fikk and leans down into the youth’s face. His voice takes a sharper edge.
”NOW you mention that they may have seen you leave with the girl? NOW you get around to sharing this? Is that why you ran from us at the club? Is that why you led us on a wild squox chase through the station — a chase that ended with the pointless deaths of those goblins?
Lives are on the line, Fikk, and YOU are on the hook for them. That’s why you ARE going to the scrapyard with us. We’ll protect you. We need you alive and—” he pauses, letting an ominous smile creep across his face ”—mostly undamaged to make sure that we find everyone.”
As Gath crosses his arms and eyes him, Fikk can only agree to come along. He pulls the hood of his jacket over his head and attempts to stay behind the massive shobhad.
THE GALVANO SCRAPYARD is a massive compound composed of several buildings and gigantic yard with dozens of piles of scrap, all sorted into various types. There seems to be a main building with large, open doors and light spilling out. Several pieces of equipment are evident, including large material-handling tractors, some robotically automated.
There is a strong industrial odor in the air. The complex is surrounded by a heavy duty fence. There is a small speaker with a little red button at the main gate.
Locket pointedly does not look in Fikk's direction, although his irritation is clear in frequent agitated flicks of his ears.
Upon reaching the complex, the pahtra busies himself studying the boundary fence, leaving the task of the intercom at the gate up to his more socially-inclined companions.