GM Quirks GATEWAY TO ABSALOM, group 1 (Inactive)

Game Master Quirk, Private Eye

Fikk responds to Gath. "Yeah. I guess so. Lazlo has told me before that the people I bring to him will be treated to good meals with others who are attending some sort of religious, uhhhh, experience...is what he called it. I never went with."

Locket does receive a few interesting links to events on the infosphere.

Perhaps someone would like to throw in a computer check to make sense of some of these.

Locket's comms chimes several times, alerting him to incoming messages. The pahtra frowns as he scans the replies. "They don't work..." he mutters, shaking his head. "Can someone take a look at these 'sphere links?"

Locket's comms chimes several times, alerting him to incoming messages. The pahtra frowns as he scans the replies. "They don't work…” he mutters, shaking his head. "Can someone take a look at these 'sphere links?”

Thak looks over the info Locket shows him. He intuitively senses possibility in there, but it's beyond his world to comprehend.

”I feel like these could be useful, but computers are mostly a mystery to me."

"Um, Sen or Goldenarms, could you check these out?”

He sighs at the incomprehensible code on the screen I really need to learn this computer stuff someday.

"Sure thing!" Senkuviene replies as she cranes her neck over Locket's shoulder to look at his comm unit. She plugs her sleeve-comm into it and gets to work.

Computers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

”Sure thing!” Senkuviene replies as she cranes her neck over Locket's shoulder to look at his comm unit. She plugs her sleeve-comm into it and gets to work.

Thak shifts position to give Sen room to do her techno magic. His eyes watch her fingers dancing across the keyboard and the text flying up the screen. Both sights are fascinating, but none of it makes sense to him. It’s like watching a vid gamer crossed with Vesk speed metal musician. I’m so lost.

Suddenly he nods a decision and turns to the side, away from Sen and Locket. Pulling out his com unit, Thak taps a message to his assistant: Rani, I need to learn more about computers, the ‘sphere, everything. Where do I even start? Are there classes for this stuff? No laughing, I’m serious this time. Let me know what you find out.

He turns back to Sen and watches for a few more moments. She’s gonna laugh, I can feel it. He shrugs. But I've gotta start somewhere. Learn to live.

"How did you learn all this computer stuff, Sen? If.. I.. wanted to start learning it, what would you suggest?"

Sen uses her computer skills to cross-reference a few of the links that were provided. There are various listings for religious events that happen in the Arms. Most are either associated certain ethnic neighborhoods (the Vesk quarter, for instance), or associated with gods of travel (there is a shrine to Desna in the Gallery not far from the entrance to the spaceport, though the larger temple is closer to the Eye).

A few "under the radar" religious events are listed. One in particular seems interesting:

"Come and hear Prophet Fayel Astor speak about how to break the chains of this station and experience true freedom."

"No weapons allowed, as your security is guaranteed by our staff"

"Services every 6th Day, 5 PM."

"Fayel Astor has studied at the finest institurions in Congregation".

Further cross referencing reveals that the location for these services is docking bay 14B, not far from the Gallery.

Gath watches as Locket and Sen go through their evolutions. Incredibly non-technical himself, he can't help but be impressed, "You guys are so good at that."

The big shobhad tries to count days off on his fingers. "Sixth day. Hmmmm. Fikk, did you hand over the girls on sixth days? "

Mysticism, 'Congregation?': 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
Culture, 'Congregation?' untrained : 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (17) - 1 = 16

Thak cocks his head and thinks for a moment, racking his memory for anything relevant… a conversation, a client, or a whispered rumor.

Culture check of 4 + 1d6 expertise for anything that rings a bell about this.
Culture: 1d20 + 4 + 1d6 ⇒ (10) + 4 + (2) = 16 

The big shobhad tries to count days off on his fingers. ”Sixth day. Hmmmm. Fikk, did you hand over the girls on sixth days?”

Finally, he crosses his arms and turns back toward Fikk. ”Gath asked a great question, Fikk. Do you have a great answer?”

Diplomacy check of 11 to encourage Fikk's continued cooperation.
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28 

Senkuviene wrote:

”Sure thing!” Senkuviene replies as she cranes her neck over Locket's shoulder to look at his comm unit. She plugs her sleeve-comm into it and gets to work.

Thak shifts position to give Sen room to do her techno magic. His eyes watch her fingers dancing across the keyboard and the text flying up the screen. Both sights are fascinating, but none of it makes sense to him. It’s like watching a vid gamer crossed with Vesk speed metal musician. I’m so lost.

Suddenly he nods a decision and turns to the side, away from Sen and Locket. Pulling out his com unit, Thak taps a message to his assistant: Rani, I need to learn more about computers, the ‘sphere, everything. Where do I even start? Are there classes for this stuff? No laughing, I’m serious this time. Let me know what you find out.

He turns back to Sen and watches for a few more moments. She’s gonna laugh, I can feel it. He shrugs. But I've gotta start somewhere. Learn to live.

"How did you learn all this computer stuff, Sen? If.. I.. wanted to start learning it, what would you suggest?"

Sen shrugs as she works.

"Eh, just sort of comes with the territory when you're in the zoomboard scene. When your board's got an on-board operating system to handle the plasma engine, you gotta make sure the code's just right so it maintains acceleration without overheating or causing a blow-out, plus zoomboards are as much art as science, they're essentially kitbashed together from other vehicle parts, and sometimes you gotta...void a few warranties....to get your board up and flying, and there's plenty of ways around those kinds of security measures on the 'sphere, along with tutorials showing ya how."

She chirps a small laugh when she reads about the so-called "Prophet" Faye Astor.

"Seems those "finest" institutions didn't come with a Common Grammars education! "Institurions," KEE!"

"Docking Bay 14B? That's pretty close to the Gallery," Locket muses. "Once we're done with him," he nods his chin toward Fikk. "Might be worth slipping by to see if Yon's returned before visiting this lot in 14B."

Gath seems momentarily lost, "What do you mean done with Fikk? He's going to see this through, aren't you, Fikk? YOU want to make this right, don't you?"

Fikk nervously glances between the giant Shobhad and Locket. He can only stammer nervously. I'll let you guys decide if Fikk stays with you.

I'm going to move things along and assume that you guys at least case docking bay 14B. Remember, services are advertised as each 6th Day. Currently it's 5th Day, so theoretically nothing public is going on there. I'll get you to the corridor that Docking Bay 14B is on.You can let me know how you prefer to proceed.

Not far from the Gallery there is a long, well-lit corridor off of the main hall. A sign indicates that docking bay 14B is down the corridor. It appears there is at least one turn along the corridor before you arrive at the docking bay.

WHAT...do you do?

There was half a smile on the Android's face at Gath's comment. There was an odd sort of pleasure in Fikk's discomfort. Pleasure? Perhaps it was a bit of righteousness, as well. Rarely did anyone get to be such a direct hand in something like this.

It was... Pleasant?

Gath seems momentarily lost, "What do you mean done with Fikk?

Locket's ears flick in irritation. "Getting him to finally come clean. Still waiting on his great bloody answer to your bloody great question," the pahtra scowls.

He's going to see this through, aren't you, Fikk? YOU want to make this right, don't you?"[/b]

"You better believe he will," Locket murmurs, bright green eyes fixed not on Gath, but Fikk.

- - - - -

As the crew travel the corridor toward Docking Bay 14B, Locket gestures for the others to halt as they near the turn. Raising a finger to his lips, he cautiously makes his way to the corner, peeking around to see what awaits them.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

Gath cringes a little at Locket's initial response, then smiles hopefully when he concludes that everyone is in accord about Fikk.

I vote to keep our pet NPC. I will name him George, and I will hug him, and pet him, and squeeze him...

I vote to keep our pet NPC. I will name him George, and I will hug him, and pet him, and squeeze him...

I love this. It is funny, it was only the day before you posted this that something had prompted me to recall Of Mice and Men... which led to thinking of this exact thing!

By the way, it may not have been clear, but Locket's ire and scowl was directed entirely at Fikk, not the mild-mannered Gath.

Locket does some exploring down the long corridor toward docking bay 14B. He attempts to do so stealthily (though he's probably not as quiet as thinks he is).

At the terminus of the corridor he sees a large sliding bulkhead door labeled "docking bay 14B" on an old sign inset on the door.

Above the door is a newer sign that says "Church of the Broken Chains". A large holo screen attached to the wall cycles through many of the things you read on the infosphere earlier.

In this area is also a large round desk, likely used as a place to distribute information. Off to the side is a small vestibule with several lockers.

No one is in the area.

A good perception check by Locket may add a few more small details. No map for this area. Basically, hallway ends in small greeting area with a large bulkhead door. Big information desk. Small vestibule to the side with numerous lockers.

Locket scans the corridor, his ears slowly rotating as he listens for anything ahead.

Perception: 1d20 ⇒ 16

If it seems clear to do so, he will motion for the others to join him.

Gath peeks around the corner with one eye, keeping watch on his friend.

I know who Locket's pissed at. Gath just wants all his companions on the Quest to Save the Girls to get along.

Locket notices some sort of control panel near the big sliding bulkhead door. It appears to have an intercom on it. There is also a camera.

Thak brings up the rear of the group, glancing ahead to keep an eye on Fikk and looking back down the corridor to avoid surprises. He tries to look nonchalant as he does both, but he occasionally wrings his paws and smooths his jacket.

You always said the same thing in moments like this, old friend… ’Looks like a good place to lose a body.’ Not exactly a comforting sentiment today, though.

”Gath peeks around the corner with one eye, keeping watch on his friend.

Thak leans toward Gath. ”How’s Locket doing up there? See anything suspicious?”

I’m on board with keeping Fikk around for now. The “chance to fix what you screwed up” redemption narrative is fun. We might make a hero out of him yet!

"He looks okay...."

Locket makes his way back to the group. "Looks deserted," he shrugs.

"Got a small area with some lockers then a bulkhead door at the end of the corridor," he reports. "There's a control panel with some sort of intercom and a camera. Probably for the door."

The holo monitors have various pictures and graphics, including people dancing, eating, and listening to a speaker. There appears to be a large stage, impressive lighting, and tables with food in these pictures.

Reminder: today is Fifth Day. The infsphere site (and indeed, the holo monitor set up where you currently are near the bulkhead door) indicate there is an event each Sixth Day.

While the others scout ahead, Sen pulls up the infosphere again, this time searching for the keywords "Broken Chains" to see if it pulls up anything more specific.

Computers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 10

"From their promotionals, nothing official taking place until tomorrow," the pahtra says, looking around. "How far we willing to take this? Go knock and see if anyone's home? Take a poke around? Or head back to the Gallery and see what's what tomorrow?"

“From their promotionals, nothing official taking place until tomorrow,” the pahtra says, looking around. "How far we willing to take this? Go knock and see if anyone's home? Take a poke around? Or head back to the Gallery and see what's what tomorrow?”

Thak scratches his ear, then rubs the back of his neck for a moment. How far indeed… an excellent question.

Leaning in, he speaks softly but with an edge in his voice. ”We’re way beyond our comfort zone, but people are missing and every minute counts if we’re going to find them and get them home. This is too important to wait and play nice. I say we go now.”

The smell of dead goblins, snarls of the junkyard’s guardian, and the plaintive looks from imagined eyes fill his senses for a moment. Thak winces involuntarily, but shakes it off and keeps going.

”I’m not wild about walking up and knocking, but maybe our computer experts can get us through without undue attention.”

Turning to Senuviene and Goldenarms, he tilts his head toward the door. ”What do you think? Can you get us through there?”

There was some consideration in that the day is not the day of the event, but Locket did imply that a loss of time could mean a loss of life. At the very least ongoing trauma could be prevented, and in that case, the sooner the better.

A partial mimicry in the manner of Thak's head tilt, and the Android righted their head and regarded the door. Depending on the system, just attempting the door could be problematic. However, this was further from the core and the essential systems... It posed an acceptable risk.

"Sen, please assist?"

Traceries of light spun up around around their body, as if accents to the contours of the Android's frame, streams of imitation data flowing along those traceries, as a small cubed node of light floated just above the palm of the hand they offered to the Shirren.

A contextual representation of an open link.

The light smoothly dimmed, similarly to the level of how obvious this attempt would be, until the streams of data were mere wisps of light drifting over and around.

The digital manner of their self-taught jockey comrade would offer insight into their skills, as well as assuage a curiosity— aid never hurt. Their manner was technical and precise, shifting blocks and surfaces of code as one would a puzzle box, opening and unfolding deeper, halting and sliding the traceries to make doors, windows, keyholes, and connections.
_____________________________
Computers: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24
The door is one thing. Any Bay-related plans, (guest?)lists, or open links to chase?

Gath's eyes get a little wider. "I'll keep watch here." The shobhad plants his feet at the corner and swings his head from side to side to look down the corridors for passersby to head off.

Senkuviene nods.

"Sure thing, Shiny!"

She goes over to Goldenarms and does what she does best.

Computers: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Before Goldenarms and Senk can poke around too much at the control panel, a cheery voice comes from the intercom speaker near the panel.

"Hello! Can we help you? We're closed now, but please come back tomorrow for our speaker and good food."

"Somebody's talking to Sen and Goldenarms," Gath announces quietly to Fikk and Thak.

"Maybe they can talk their way in. "

Sen waggles her antennae at Goldenarms. She doesn't think anything at them, but the statement is clear: You take the lead on this one.

Locket's ears twitch nervously as he watches Sen and Goldenarms approach the panel. His heart drops at the sound of the voice through the intercom. "Ah, Fikk!" he mutters.

The flat tone of the Android comes in response to the prompt from the speaker after a brief pause that saw their eyes sweep over everyone. The prompting of Sen returned a message through their linked communication thread that they had been probing the system with.

<please continue.>

"External penetration testing. Please disregard our presence. You may have previously noticed some oddities a couple of days prior. This is a randomized station schedule, and this will be completed soon. Your timely response has been noted."
____________________________
Bluff: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 2 = 14
Here goes...?

”External penetration testing. Please disregard our presence. You may have previously noticed some oddities a couple of days prior. This is a randomized station schedule, and this will be completed soon. Your timely response has been noted.”

Hearing the interchange, Thak walks up behind Goldenarms, putting on his best “annoyed bureaucrat” expression. ”Let me guess… another one that never got the test notification? Geez, what do those people in the office do with their time all day? It’s obvious they aren’t sending the notices like they’re supposed to. Gah!”

He leans closer to the speaker. ”Uh, yeah, sorry about all of this. We’ll note your location and let them know you didn’t get the notice. We’ll be done in a few minutes.”

C’mon dice…

Bluff: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (11) + 8 = 19

There is a bit of a pause.

Finally, there is a response from the intercom voice. "Who did you say you were with? And yes, we were NOT informed of any sort of inspection or check. If you could address any concerns through our infosphere site, I think we would be glad to help in any way we can."

”Who did you say you were with? And yes, we were NOT informed of any sort of inspection or check. If you could address any concerns through our infosphere site, I think we would be glad to help in any way we can.”

Thak smiles. ”We definitely will. Sorry about the misunderstanding. Thanks for your help.”

I’m split on what to do next. If we get the door open and go inside, they’ll raise the alarm right away. If we come back tomorrow, we can sweep in with the crowd and possibly slip away to explore, but there will be people here. And we don’t know how time-dependent things are with the kidnap victims. What do you all think? Thak could try to keep them talking and distracted so we can finishing breaking in, or he can set us up for coming back tomorrow. Thoughts?

If we’re breaking in now…
He turns toward Senkuveine and Goldenarms for a moment as if checking on their work, then turns back to the camera. ”It looks like we’re almost done testing, but these last few steps may temporarily interfere with the video and audio links. Don’t worry — if it does, then everything will be back on in just a few minutes. Thanks for your patience.”

If we’re coming back tomorrow…
He cocks his head as if remembering something. ”Hey, were you serious about coming back tomorrow? Food and speakers sounds good. What’s this… uh… what do you do here?”

Gath continues to peer around the corner and relay play by play to his remaining companion. "They're all gathered around the door, Fikk. Just talking. Do you think we should go too?"

Actually , now that I write the post, I think I favor coming back tomorrow, but, as previously stated, I can roll with breaking in now.

Thak cocks his head as if remembering something.

”Hey, were you serious about coming back tomorrow? Food and speakers sounds good. What’s this… uh… what do you do here?"

Thak will listen to the reply, give enthusiastic agreement, wish them well with the promise of returning tomorrow, and then depart with the group down the hallway (in the spirit of moving the scene forward).

Sen doesn't say/think anything, letting the smooth-talkers do their thing.

Locket watches on, ears twitching anxiously, as his companions interact with the intercom.

At Thak's mention of coming back tomorrow, the pahtra visibly relaxes.

"It's hard to hear. I think maybe we're coming back tomorrow, Fikk. "

The five of you decide to retreat from the hangar bay door for the time being, but not before you confirm the information with whoever it is on the intercom.

"Oh yes! We'll have some great food and music! We do have a special speaker as well--his name is Prophet Fayel Astor, and he has studied at the finest institutions in Congregation."

Congregation, is of course, a district in Absalom station. By the way, I may slow down on posts for 2-3 days. The Outpost IV event has started, and I have three tables to get started.

The traceries of light fade from the Android as they pull back the attempt to probe into their systems. Taking their cue from the others, they nod, as if to themselves, and make to depart, making notations in the air as if they were on their personal display. If anything, they had to maintain the ruse that they attempted. Giving up halfway was a certain tell that it was false.

"That does sound pleasant", they add. "Are tickets required for entry?"

"No tickets needed, though we may need to limit entry should we reach capacity."

"Come early, then," Sen says, aloud. "When ya openin' the doors?"

The voice on the intercom indicates the doors will open about 1600 hours tomorrow afternoon.

I haven't been keeping close track of time here, but I figure that leaves most of the current evening and the morning and early afternoon tomorrow if there is anything you want to do. Why don't we give everyone a round of anything they want to check on, a purchase they would like to make, etc. Sunday night I will make a post describing the big event.

When the party reunites and describes the plan, Gath just nods. "We should go back to Yon's place and see if he found anything."

For tonight --- after checking the bar, Gath is equally happy to go home and sleep or follow someone who has a better idea and wants some backup.

When the party is ready to split up, Gath cautions them all to say nothing to anyone about the goblins. "My hero-father would kill me if he found out."

Gath also seems to be under the impression that Fikk is a full-fledged party member. He's willing to release the man on his own recognizance if Fikk says he'll meet with the party tomorrow before the service.

Things for tomorrow: Gath's number one priority is to collect his pay and pay Thak for the drink. He'll be happy to accompany anyone who wants backup during the day. Otherwise he will put in a few hours of work at the warehouse.

The Android is amenable to the idea of checking back in at Yon's to keep him apprised of what they have learned. Returning home and checking in on anyone there would also be prudent. While they did not desire them to be exactly nearby, the potential for them to be nearby if needed would definitely be preferable. The clinic's hours were over, but there were still some personal projects and published papers that would be pleasant to peruse.

Fikk was a question. On the one hand, their behavior was problematic. On the other, it appeared that they possessed little that could actively help or hinder.

There was a word for this feeling... "Apathetic"? No, too distanced. "Indifferent"? No, too uncaring. "Ambivalent"? Yes.. that seemed about right.

Fikk was a loose end in this, and had some things to answer for. It was more than likely up to Gath about what they would do with him.

"Tomorrow evening, then?"