It's common knowledge that the Galvano family generally are law abiding, but there have been questions in past about them using intimidation to win certain contracts, making the ysoki scrappers in this part of the station unhappy with them.
...
He smiles at Gath, Locket, and Goldenarms. ”It’s good to work with friends again.”
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"Always good to be with friends. Old and new. " By swinging his lower left hand Gath indicates the whole party, and by a small extension of the swing generously including Fikk.
...
"Perhaps we are..." The thoughtful look was levied across all of them, weighing the concept. "...sustaining an injury for a shared goal undoubtedly moves us beyond 'acquaintances'. What more would we need to do to be considered 'companions'?"
...Perhaps it was a factor of time?
"We share a quest. We are brothers-in-arms."
Gath stands by Locket and also examines the fence. "Looks too strong to smash through. Could we climb it?"
He keeps Fikk close with small tugs on the man's arm. "Be brave now, Fikk. Show them honor. Remember you are here to fix your mistake."
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Thak scans over the scrapyard area, eyes lingering on the main gate and its inviting squawk box.
Gath stands by Locket and also examines the fence. ”Looks too strong to smash through. Could we climb it?”
”We’re on a parallel mission to the Galvanos— finding a missing person who’s important to us. If we pool our resources, everything gets easier. No need to sneak… let’s just ring the bell and go in through the front door.”
He begins a mental checklist. Hi. Looking for lost girl. Likely connected to your daughter’s disappearance. Let’s work together. And we have the schmuck who… um, no, better leave that part out, at least for now.
He looks around the group, briefly glaring at Fikk. ”Shall we?”
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"Always good to be with friends. Old and new. " By swinging his lower left hand Gath indicates the whole party, and by a small extension of the swing generously including Fikk....
He smiles at Gath, Locket, and Goldenarms. ”It’s good to work with friends again.”
...
"Aww, thanks big guy!" Senkuviene comments. "You always this much of a softie?"
Her antenna twitches in an impression of a humanoid wink.
When they arrive at Galvano's, Sen sidles up to Locket.
"Hey, you okay buddy?" she asks. "Seems like this 'investigation's' overrevving your plasma drive, if you know what I'm saying?"
Thak scans over the scrapyard area, eyes lingering on the main gate and its inviting squawk box.
Gath stands by Locket and also examines the fence. ”Looks too strong to smash through. Could we climb it?””We’re on a parallel mission to the Galvanos— finding a missing person who’s important to us. If we pool our resources, everything gets easier. No need to sneak… let’s just ring the bell and go in through the front door.”
He begins a mental checklist. Hi. Looking for lost girl. Likely connected to your daughter’s disappearance. Let’s work together. And we have the schmuck who… um, no, better leave that part out, at least for now.
He looks around the group, briefly glaring at Fikk. ”Shall we?”
"Aww, thanks big guy!" Senkuviene comments. "You always this much of a softie?"
Gath takes hold of his upper left arm with his two lower hands and pushes the index finger of his upper right hand against the firm flesh of the held forearm.
"No. Father says a warrior must be hard."
...
”We’re on a parallel mission to the Galvanos— finding a missing person who’s important to us. If we pool our resources, everything gets easier. No need to sneak… let’s just ring the bell and go in through the front door.”
...
He looks around the group, briefly glaring at Fikk. ”Shall we?”
...
"OK. " Gath looks significantly from Locket, to Sen, and then Fikk. He steps up to the speaker box and presses the red button.
"I am Gath of Akiton. My companions and me want to talk to the Galvanos about their missing girl."
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Tightness wraps across Thak’s chest. He closes his eyes and inhales deeply.
This will be good. Easy talking points and what should be a receptive audience. We’re all in this together. Looking for a lost girl, too. We’re here to help.
He steps up to the speaker box and presses the red button. ”I am Gath of Akiton. My companions and me want to talk to the Galvanos about their missing girl.”
”Whaa—?“ Thak’s eyes fly open and he almost stumbles in place.
Just as quickly, he stops, takes a deep breath, smooths an imagined wrinkle from the coat over his armor, and checks his tie. He nods almost imperceptibly. A confident smile spreads across his face.
”Not exactly the approach I planned, but it’s a good start, Gath. That should get us in the door… and that was the goal.“
Thak steps forward next to Gath, looking into his face. ”It’s good. We’ve got this.”
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"Aww, thanks big guy!" Senkuviene comments. "You always this much of a softie?"Gath takes hold of his upper left arm with his two lower hands and pushes the index finger of his upper right hand against the firm flesh of the held forearm.
"No. Father says a warrior must be hard."
"I mean, dads aren't right about everything," Sen replies with a shrug. "MY dad certainly isn't. Or my uncles. Or my mom and aunts...or my host..."
Sen's antennae perk up at Gath's straightforward approach.
"I mean, having the big guy tell 'em why we're here and what we're about shows we're not flarin' around," she replies to Thak.
There is a pause, then a gruff male voice says "Step through the gate when I open it, then proceed to the barn dead ahead. Don't step off of the road."
With that, the gate opens. There are piles of scrap to either side of a path that leads toward a large building. Sliding doors, big enough for a large piece of equipment to drive in, stand open with bright light spilling out into the dimly lit Botscrap neighborhood.
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”I mean, having the big guy tell 'em why we're here and what we're about shows we're not flarin' around,” she replies to Thak.
Looking from Sen to the box, Thak nods. ”Good point. Between that and his voice, I imagine we’ll make a good impression.”
Moments later, the box coughs up a reply as the gate whines open. ”And it appears we did. We’ll make an envoy out of you yet, Gath.”
Moving through the gate, Thak looks around the yard, surprised by the amount of light pouring onto it. I always imagined scrap yards to be a dimmer affair…
The corners of Gath's mouth widen slightly. "Thanks, guys. C'mon, Fikk." Gath marches toward the barn with the human by his side.
"Do you ever think about how lucky we are to live in a world where we can redeem our mistakes by good actions?"
"Hey, you okay buddy?" she asks. "Seems like this 'investigation's' overrevving your plasma drive, if you know what I'm saying?"
Locket scowls. "Yeah. As much as I can be with all this scum and filth," he grumbles. Despite his words, he seems less agitated following the exchange with Sen.
When the gates open, Locket slips in behind Gath, eyes scanning the compound.
Locket first hears, then catches a glimpse of some type of creature running between the piles of scrap.
As you all step through the gate and begin moving toward the barn there is a low-pitched growl coming from somewhere to right, among the many piles of scrap.
A large, furry creature appears, and it stands before you. On its back are several spines, and it flares them in an intimidating display.
Just when you think this thing is going to attack you, a vesk emerges from the barn, points some sort of remote at the beast, and says "Percy! That's enough! Back to the fence!"
The creature's collar flashes a red light, you hear a buzzing sound, and it runs back the way it came.
The vesk points you through the large barn doors, beyond which two others (both human males) are setting up a table.
...
A large, furry creature appears, and it stands before you. On its back are several spines, and it flares them in an intimidating display.
Gath doesn't reach for a weapon, but steps forward to face the creature, spreads his arms and straightens himself to his full height.
Just when you think this thing is going to attack you, a vesk emerges from the barn, points some sort of remote at the beast, and says "Percy! That's enough! Back to the fence!"The creature's collar flashes a red light, you hear a buzzing sound, and it runs back the way it came.
The vesk points you through the large barn doors, beyond which two others (both human males) are setting up a table.
Gath waves at the vesk. Then he continues into the barn. "Hi, I'm Gath. I talked to you at the gate."
Locket freezes as the creature emerges from the shadows. The pahtra runs through scenarios in the event the beast attacks.
He is relieved to see the animal leave at the vesk's command, but flicks an ear in that direction just to be safe as he follows Gath into the barn.
The vesk ushers you into the barn and points to several mismatched chairs around the table. In a brusque tone he tells you, "sit. Miss Galvano will be here momentarily. She is very interested in what you have to tell us about her sister."
Around you see several tool benches. There is at least one large piece of rolling stock up on blocks with a motor hanging on chains just above it.
Gath looks carefully at the chairs. He tests one by grabbing the top of its back, and shaking it, then pushing the legs into the floor and pulling and twisting to load and flex it. Dissatisfied with the first, he tries a second. That one seems to meet his approval because he sits down.
"Fikk, that one will hold you." He points to the first chair.
Then he settles to wait for Miss Galvano.
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A large, furry creature appears, and it stands before you. On its back are several spines, and it flares them in an intimidating display.
Just when you think this thing is going to attack you, a vesk emerges from the barn, points some sort of remote at the beast, and says "Percy! That's enough! Back to the fence!"
The creature's collar flashes a red light, you hear a buzzing sound, and it runs back the way it came.
As the creature approaches, Thak stops, claps his paws together, and then turns them palms up for a couple of beats before letting his arms drop back to his sides. Seemingly unaware of the creature’s charge, he stands in that spot wearing the patient expression of an office worker waiting for a morning transport that’s late yet again.
Once the animal turns away, he continues walking. He swivels his head to talk over his shoulder to the group. ”They smell fear. And sandwiches. I think we’re fine on both counts. C’mon, then… let’s not keep Ms. Galvano waiting.”
Thak shakes his head a little, then smiles, hearing his aged mentor’s words. ”There’s always something gonna happen when you’re dealing with moderate wealth and the aspiring classes. Want to throw you off your game, they will. Gotta be ready for it but not look like you expect something. Deflates their fun and gives you a stronger starting position.”
Let’s hope I learned that lesson well, old friend, or I might be sharing this story with you in spirit tonight.
The vesk points you through the large barn doors, beyond which two others (both human males) are setting up a table.
”Through here? Thanks.” Thak nods to the vesk and enters the larger space, looking around a bit at the workbenches and machinery. ”Cozy.”
He pulls out a chair, dusts it off, and straightens his coat and tie. He sits at the center of the table’s side, spreading his fingers wide and placing his paws on the table, palms down. Closing his eyes for a moment, he organizes his thoughts and focuses his attention.
And so we begin again…
A formidable woman appears in the barn. She wears all black, and has several tattoos and piercings. She eyes you all quietly as she approaches the table and sits at the head of the table. "Lady and gentlemen....who are you, and what do you know about my sister? Now is the time to speak."
Gath stands when Miss Galvano walks in. When Goldenarms introduces him he waves with a simply palm outward sweep of one hand. "Hi, Miss Galvano."
Then he sits down.
Locket regards the woman with his bright green eyes as she approaches the table and addresses them.
He politely inclines his head and raises his fingers in a wave at the introduction from Goldenarms. "A pleasure," he murmurs.
Elektra Galvano listens to Goldenarms, and sits silent for a moment. Finally, she speaks to one of the other scrappers near her in the barn. "Skup! Take note of Mr. Goldenarms model number. I like his style. I wonder if a similar model can be acquired for the residence."
Looking the rest of you over, she speaks again. "Please sit. I'd like to know what you think you know about my sister. Seems odd to have a group like you show up this time of night."
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Sen follows Ms. Galvano's instructions and takes a seat.
"Well, we were kinda investigating someone else's disappearance before we found out your sister's disappearance was connected. Kevya Yonnick, daughter of the proprietor of a nice establishment up at the Gateway. Following her trail down to Lolo's Tail-Shake, we found out she got introduced to some dude in a dark coat named Lazlo who apparently wanted to talk to her about "travel opportunities" and "holy man" stuff...apparently your sister got introduced to this Lazlo guy too, along with a lashunta named Domash, but we haven't found anyone looking for him too...we figured we could swap info, join forces, and hopefully ensure both Kevya and your sister come home safe!"
Elektra Galvano listens intently to Senk. When the shirren finishes, she responds, "You did the right thing coming here. You hear that boys? We're going to do all we can to help these people find my sister." Looking back at her visitors, she continues, "Tell you what....I'll tell you all I know, and then if you can find Tessa I will give you an appropriate monetary reward. Of course I have other people looking out for her as well, so if they find her first, I have to pay them, and if that happens I will be sure to let you know if we find your Miss Yonnick as well."
Elektra recounts the last night Tessa was at the residence. She tells you she was invited by someone to attend a religious service out in the arms somewhere (at that Fikk slouches down in his seat a little more). She left that evening, and was not seen after.
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She tells you she was invited by someone to attend a religious service out in the arms somewhere (at that Fikk slouches down in his seat a little more). She left that evening, and was not seen after.
Thak listens carefully and nods along as Elektra speaks, noting Fikk’s slouch as he scans everyone’s faces.
”Invited to a religious service. Interesting. We heard about the connection to the so-called ‘holy man,’ but not specifically to a religious service. That’s good information.”
He pauses for a moment, then continues. “We can revisit that topic with some of the folks we spoke to earlier” — he leans hard on the word for Fikk’s benefit — ”and see what else we can discover.”
Pulling out his comm unit, he adds, “Do you have a recent picture or vid of her that you could send to our comms? And can you tell us what she was wearing the night she disappeared?”
Elektra provides several pictures and holo-vids of Tessa.
She takes a moment to talk about the reward again. "The reward I have offered is 2500 credits for the safe return of my sister. Rest assured I will happily pay you that if you find her, possibly more. Here are my personal comm codes. You can call if there is anything you need. Boys, pour them a drink! They need a pick me up before they go out and do some detective work!"
The vesk produces a bottle of very high quality intoxicants. Top shelf stuff. He pours you all a glass.
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Sen's antennae give an awkward twitch.
"Um...thanks Ms. Galvano, but I'll pass on the drink. I may be over the age of majority for shirrens, but I think by Absalom Station law I'm technically still considered a minor. I've gotten enough reckless flight tickets, I don't wanna REALLY put my license at risk with a FWI!"
Gath accepts. "Thanks, Miss Galvano."
Holding the glass with his pinky and ring fingers extended, he tosses back the drink. He places the glass delicately on the table.
"We'll find Kevya and Tessa. And we'll bring them home safe."
Locket swipes through the images sent to his comms, nodding once when all seems in order.
"Thanks," he says. Downing the drink in one go, he sucks air through his teeth and flicks his ears. "We'll find the girls," he says simply, returning the cup to the table with an audible clunk.
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Thak accepts the offered drink, nodding appreciatively.
”Thank you very much, Ms. Galvano. We’re happy to meet you and work together with you. I second what Gath said: We’ll find your sister and the others and bring them home safely. And we’ll make sure those behind this are stopped so they can’t do it again.”
The liquid warms his throat. Disconnected images float in his mind: dancing… gunshots… laughter… blood… intense green eyes… running… goblin bodies…
He stops drinking and squeezes his eyes shut with a wince and a tiny shiver. He smiles, trying to hide the reaction behind socially acceptable appreciation of fine liquor. ”This is… truly delicious. A pleasant refresher. Thank you again.”
But it stirs up more than I need to see right now. Calm… focus… be calm… breathe.
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"Hey Thak, you okay? Gettin' some...vibes." Sen asks, concern in her thoughts.
”Thanks, Sen. I’m okay, just a little jumbled. It’s been an unusually raucous and emotional time since we sat in the Gallery. I just… the drink… it’s a lot for me to process. I’ll be fine.”
Thak musters himself and puts the stack of mental images aside. Task at hand first, make sense of the rest later.
A stray memory of green silk and soft touches echoes through his mind. And that task will be fun.
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As he puts down his glass, a thought flashes through Thak's mind.
”One last question if I may, Ms. Galvano… does your sister have any close friends we could speak with? Perhaps she confided some detail of her evening plans to one of them. Even a stray bit of information could make a difference in moments like this.”
Thak smiles reassuringly, conveying that he truly believes that the girls will be found safe and returned home unharmed.
"Oh. Good idea, Thak!"
In response to Thak's query, Elektra pulls out a comm device and makes a call. "Tina? CAN YOU TURN DOWN THE MUSIC? So do me a favor then, NO...just....yes, I know. Just step out of the club for a moment. Okay...yes...now I can hear you."
1. Tina knows that Tessa had plans with some guy she met at Lolo's Tail Shake to go to a religious event with a "party atmosphere and good food".
2. Tessa thought this guy was fun, but not really her type. She said he was a little weird, but seemed safe to be around.
3. At this, Fikk just puts his head in his hands shamefully.
4. Tina wishes you all well, and expresses how much she misses Tessa.
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”The meetings all happened around the Gateway district. Seems like that’s a good place to start looking for our mysterious holy man’s imposing sidekick. It’s familiar to us all and of limited size. Maybe we can catch a lead there…”
Thak’s voice trails off as he mulls over the information, looking for connections. He cocks his head for a moment, then continues.
”… and maybe the religious service in the arms can get us somewhere. Religious stuff infers money and power, so if there’s a new player in the area, the old players probably aren’t happy about it. Success begets success, but it also makes enemies.”
”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.
Locket’s words echo in Thak's mind and dark thoughts begin to swirl. He leans toward the Pahtra, keeping his voice low.
”Locket, what you said earlier about people disappearing, not being lucky… what do you make of all this? Where should we go next?”
"Fikk, is that what you told Tessa? That there was a religious service? Was there really a service, Fikk? Or did you hand her off to Lazlo in a corridor?"
”Locket, what you said earlier about people disappearing, not being lucky… what do you make of all this? Where should we go next?”
Locket appears uncomfortable, turning away at the question. After a brief moment, he turns back, not meeting Thak's eyes. "It was a long time ago - a different life," he murmurs. "Could be any number of places," he says with a shrug.
He releases a deep sigh. "I could try some old contacts?" he offers, slipping out his comms. "Can't promise much."
Locket messages some of his more trusted contacts from his time on the streets with details of the missing persons and the emerging religious organisation, hoping to find out what they might have heard or seen.
Most of Locket's contacts find it strange that a religious service would take place in one of the arms. Most temples and shrines are in the Ring (though a few may be found in some of the more ethnic neighborhoods in some of the Arms, such as the Vesk Quarter).
Locket does receive a few interesting links to events on the infosphere.
"Fikk, is that what you told Tessa? That there was a religious service? Was there really a service, Fikk? Or did you hand her off to Lazlo in a corridor?"
"What have we got? A religious service in the arms. A handoff to Lazlo in a corridor. We don't know anything about Fikk's young man. What was his name? We haven't seen Yon. Maybe we should see if he made it back to the bar."