Feel free to introduce your characters here.
You are all familiar with each other, having grown up together in the Gateway District, or perhaps having done business with each other for an appreciable amount of time.
A massive uplifted bear peers across the Gallery, a bustling center of commerce, transportation, and culture aboard Absalom Station.
He dwarfs his two companions, a dwarf and an ysoki who flank the bear.
They are perched upon a bridge overlooking The Gallery. Below them tracks for the "L.R.A." extend across the Gallery and beyond into one of Absalom's largest spaceports. Halfway to this spaceport the bear's noodle stand kiosk is situated. Just an hour ago the supper crowd crowded around the kiosk spending their credits.
An L.R.A. train slowly approaches and stops, letting off several travelers who go about their business inside the shops and restaurants that make up this level of what most call "The Gateway District." The "gateway" most refer to is a primeval piece of architecture that the train now travels through toward the spaceport. There are enigmatic runes all about this arch, and most are proud to live and work in the shadow of such a notable and characterful edifice.
From either end of the bridge approach two more friends and companions, a vesk and an SRO. They are likely leaving their places of business that are on this upper level.
The vesk bears a tray of beverages for everyone, including one nearly the size of a bucket for the bear.
The dwarf whistles idly while waiting for the beverages to arrive - an unusually brassy sound, owing to a number of palladium dental replacements. His coveralls, nominally a florescent green, are dingy with accumulated grease and rust. His skin is coated with a film of sweat and mechanical filth, broken only by the creases of his joints and the smile lines on his face. His hair, a ruddy orange, is shaved close to the sides of his skull while loose on top; runic tattoos line his scalp and the knuckles of his right hand.
A collection of bulky toolkits adorn his belt, and a well-worn nylon bag full of mechanical bits and bobs slumps in a heap next to his feet. Seeing the three latecomers, he hollers, "y'all took yer sweet time about it! Didya sneak inna round without us?"
”Ah, accept my apologies,” Yoromishtali says. ”I was asking S1G-NL if there was enough proof concerning the adolescents doing their illegal drone racing. I have many video files, but the lighting and angle many times don’t allow for proper person identification.”
He finishes passing out the beverages and tucks the tray under his arm. ”It was a good day nonetheless,” the vesk admits. ”The students work hard and show proper discipline. It’s days like today that make me pleased to have come to Absalom Station.”
A sip of his drink, then he nods towards the Gate. ”Not just Absalom Station, but the Gate district. There was available lodging and a place for a doshko-studio in other districts, but this place felt right.” He looks at his cup. ”Do I normally talk so much?”
"...and so I tells the judge, "But Your Honor, my client's name is Susan!" Moxie laughs. He turns to the pair joining them. "Heya, Yoro!" He takes one of the drinks.
He takes a sip. "How's the business? You got the new permits that we applied for, yeah? Just make sure you post them near your office. Gotta be within reasonable sight."
He glances at S1G-NL and just nods in his direction, but less gregarious. "Inspector. What's this about drone racing? You're not going to lock up a bunch of kids having fun, are you?"
”They can fly their drones in the designated areas for that. Racing here among the people and delivery drones, that’s something I frown upon. Plus if they break these rules, what rules will they break in the future?”
The vesk grumbles, ”Reasonable sight...that’s too vague. The regulations should stipulate something like ‘between 1.25 and 2.5 m.’ I do appreciate your help. If you need help making a video advertisement, I will pleased to help you.” He lifts his drink in salute to the ysoki.
Moxie shakes his head. "'Reasonable' is an actual legal term."
He sits down on the bridge next near the Vesk, letting his feet dangle in the air. "It's not precise, but it means where a reasonable person would see it. If you had 100 people in your place, how many would be able to see it? Not take notice." He lifts a finger to accent the point. "But simply be able to view it. From the biggest Trox to the shortest yoski. Doesn't say anything about being able to read it. Just needs to be displayed. See, you follow the stated objective of the law, you do not need to interpret the spirit. That can lead you astray."
He glances at S1G-NL and just nods in his direction, but less gregarious. "Inspector. What's this about drone racing? You're not going to lock up a bunch of kids having fun, are you?"
”They can fly their drones in the designated areas for that. Racing here among the people and delivery drones, that’s something I frown upon. Plus if they break these rules, what rules will they break in the future?”
The six crab-like legs of his body moving in sync, S1G-NL closes in on the others, his single bright optical "eye" studying them, and the multiple conversations. After a few moments, he makes a chirp sound as he begins speaking. "Mr Yoromishtali is correct. It is not an issue of the children having fun, but there are places for that. What they do puts others at risk."
S1G-NL detaches his head-segment, and it begins flying upwards slightly as a drone itself. "It would be quite hypocritical for me to be anti-drone, so please understand that I am not. I also am aware that I have at times... exceeded the speed parameters."
Its head hovers slightly before lowering back down to its body with click. "But I do that with an awareness that these children do not possess. They have neither my reaction time nor the same level of sensor sophistication."
"Their lack of piloting skills and awareness puts me, and delivery drones, and even other small creatures at risk... That said, of course I do not wish to lock them up. And I do not think we can make positive IDs on them. Until such a time as the station installs new surveillance equipment, our hands are tied. So to speak." Disapproval of the surveillance equipment, and the weapons equipment, and the droid equipment, were often sore spots for S1G-NL. "In the meantime, perhaps Mr Yoromishtali can simply take away their toys."
Thuldas lets out a rumbling belch. "So kids're hot-roddin' in th' streets 'stead o' th' tracks. Anyone ask 'em why?" The dwarf idly fidgets with a cracked elasto-dampener - the culprit of an overheating engine that had taken most of the day to track down.
”The way you explain the reasoning behind the regulation is very clear,” Yoromishtali nods to Tremox. ”I can see the commercial: If you want to live your best life within the regulations of Absalom Station, contact Tremox Soshi. He will lead you through the legal labyrinth.”
As they discuss the drone racers further, Yoromishtali replies, ”I don’t have any legal justification for taking their property. As to why they are racing, I believe they were improperly educated. They needed to be taught self-discipline and respect for the law. Maybe I can give them some lessons in the doshko or unarmed combat.”
As all of you enjoy your beverages, Kusa peers out over the Gallery. He spies a new customer of his--a human traveler who has had more than one meal at his noodle stand. He crosses the Gallery heading toward the hotel, his arms full of bags and packages.
As he does, an ysoki comes up from behind him, pilfers one of his packages, and runs off.
Kusa points this out, and you all see this ysoki running across the tracks below you. The human traveler realizes one of his packages is missing and begins calling out "HEY! Stop him! Thief!".
Moxie stands as he sees the yoski thief running. "Ah geez, right out in the open? What are you, looking to get caught?" He squints at the figure, hoping it's not one of his cousins. "Something tells me I might have a new client soon..."
He turns to S1G-NL. "Inspector, maybe you want to do the honors?"
Yoromishatali leans over the bridge slightly and cups his hands around his mouth. ”Stop!” he calls. ”It will only get worse if you don’t!”
The vesk looks below considering jumping from the bridge to the ground below, maybe via a cart’s roof in the area. He moves to the stairs ready to run to the ysoki. ”Well, he'd have good counsel Tremox. The ysoki might have an accomplice. Anyone else coming?”
S1G-NL is already moving and splitting into two parts when Tremox prompts it. While its head section flies up into the air to get a better vantage point, its lower section crawls along the floor, activating an internal speaker system, and booming its voice throughout the area.
"This is Constable S1G-NL of the Stewards. You are wanted for questioning in connection with a theft. Resistance will be seen as indicative of guilt."
S1G-NL sounds off at the offending Ysoki, who pauses for a moment, then seems to look off in the distance (perhaps toward a companion). He pulls a pistol, and continues to move toward the bridge most of you are standing on. Several onlookers scream, and run away from the action.
1. Thuldas
2. S1G-NL
3. Kusa
2. Red enemy
5. Green enemy
6. Tremox
7. Yoromishtali
Thuldas groans as S1G-NL hums off after the petty thief. "Can't a guy finish 'is drink? Is this what we're doin'?" Carrying a mug in one hand and a large, circular porthole cover in the other, the dwarf trudges towards the south side of the rails.
"I'll see what all the hoot'n'holler is about. Y'all play bounty hunter."
With his drone segment having been able to fly off the balcony, it arrives at the suspects first, and begins scanning them to run through the database. It activates its camera, recording the suspects as it draws closer.
S1G-NL's lower form was forced to take the stairs, losing time, but continues to pursue both his top half and the suspects.
There is a commotion as S1G-NL yells a warning at the suspected pickpocket and begins descending from the bridge down to the main level.
A station security bot takes note of the situation, and it begins flashing security lights and making a loud buzzing sound. Two more human security guards quickly surround the culprit, who drops his pistol and surrenders.
The suspected accomplice appears to have gotten away.
As things are sorted out, the victim of this theft retrieves his stolen package from station security and approaches S1G-NL. [/b]"I want to thank you all for standing up to that thief--not sure I would have noticed this was gone if you hadn't made a commotion."[/b] He holds up a neatly wrapped package from a nearby jewelry and gift store. "I'm taking this home to the missus when I take care of my business here on the station."
Moxie walks over to where they are holding the thief. He shakes his head at the yoski. "Well, that was a bit stupid, wasn't it? Still, stupid doesn't deny you due process." He takes a holocard out of his pocket and slips it into the young yoski's hands. "Call me if you need help. I won't make any promises, but maybe you won't throw your life away. And think about how much your friend means to you if you're locked up and he's out there free." He twitches his whiskers and nods to the officers.
”Come to my doshko training place,” Yoromishtali says to the robbery victim. ”I can teach you how to fight with your fists, so that you always have a weapon available. Or I can teach you simply to appear more intimidating so beings won’t want to displease you or try to steal from you.”
The ysoki bandito sneers at Tremox, but takes the card just the same.
The victim seems impressed by Yoromishtali. "I'll probably only be on the station another week or so, depending on how things go the next couple of days. But if I have time, I'll be sure to stop by your place."
This human takes a deep breath, sizes the four of you up, and invites you all to dinner.
One by one he approaches each of you, shakes your hand, and says "Nice to meet you, I'm Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Galactic Insurance...yes, hello, Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Galactic Insurance. Bubs Vinzer, Galactic Insurance. Very nice to meet you, Bubs Vinzer, Vinzer Galactic Insurance."
After he introduces himself to each of you, he suggests buying you drinks and a bit to eat. "After all, it's the least I can do. This necklace was not cheap. The wife would have killed me if it were lost"
He goes on to suggest Yon's Level 7 Bar and Grill, conveniently located here on the Gallery....
”Yoromishtali,” the vesk introduces himself to Bubs Vinzer. “Your mate sounds intimidating.”
Yoromishtali quickly looks at the others to judge their reactions. He believes that they will agree to Vinzer’s offer. ”I accept your offer of refreshment. It is kind of you. Yon’s Level 7 is a great choice. They have a tasty dish -- grilled squabish stuffed inside a rotisserie parchen.”
After he introduces himself to each of you, he suggests buying you drinks and a bit to eat. "After all, it's the least I can do. This necklace was not cheap. The wife would have killed me if it were lost"
"I ain't gonna turn down a spot o' vittlin'," Thuldas says with a guffaw, "But I should advise ya to only promise one round o' drinks. This group can tap a well."
Tremox chuckles, rejoining the group. "Ain't the that truth. But I think a nice meal would be wonderful. Bubs, are you telling me that a guy like you doesn't have his wife's expensive necklace insured? Or is it sentimental?"
S1G-NL begins to point out both that it was only doing its job, and also that it does not eat or drink, when the others have already accepted.
Hardly in the "mood" to celebrate, with the assumed accomplice managing to escape, S1G-NL silently submits a request for station camera feeds to hopefully get a sense of where the potential accomplice was going.
Bubs excuses himself to return his packages to his room at the Gateway Arms nearby, then suggests you all meet at Yon's in 20 minutes.
Just a bit later, you find Bubs arranging for a table for all of you.
"Mr. Yoromishtali, I think I will take your suggestion and order the stuffed parchen dish you mentioned. We have something similar at home--a giant tree swine stuffed with a pygosian rending goose. Really quite delicious, and it will feed a crowd. And Mr. Thuldas, I think I can afford at least two round of drinks. You're on your own after that."
Addressing Tremox, he continues. "That necklace was brand new, so I didn't have time yet to specifically insure it, though of course it would be covered under our general insurance. I suppose I would have to pay the deductible in that case. That's a good reminder for me to get on the infosphere sometime tomorrow to take care of that."
As the small talk dies down, Bubs explains his purpose for being on Absalom Station.
"I think I mentioned that I was in the insurance business, did I not? Anyway, I am here on a peculiar business matter that could possibly be very lucrative for my company."
Bubs continues, as he takes another sip of his second glass of wine. "About 18 months ago, we made a payout on a lost starship. Owner claimed it was damaged and he had to leave it in a hangar here on Absalom. Anyway, we made the payout on the ship, and I always assumed the ship was scrapped."
Bubs looks you all over. "That's not the end of the story, though. Turns out someone who knew the owner claims the ship was forgotten about and left to rot in a hangar here on the station. I have a rider on all of my insurance payouts that states we have first right to salvage any starships we make a payout on. Honestly, usually it's not worth our time to chase them down. This ship, called the "Djinni Mirage", had an upgraded drift engine. If it's in reasonable shape, I can get some of that payout back."
Bubs looks at you all. "You seem to be knowledgeable locals. Any of you heard of this ship? Know where it might be hiding? The owner was one Jif McLaren. Last I heard he signed on on a freighter making runs out in the Vast. Don't think we'll hear from him again."
"Hmm." Thuldas scratches his chin with a meaty hand, temporarily lost in thought.
"I work inna scrapyard - Crawdun Scrap'n'Salvage. Junked a lotta starships. 'Upgraded drift engine', ya say? We typic'ly don't mess wi' drifts; the 'bot priests get antsy. You got any other definin' features?"
"It is plausible." S1G-NL begins. "There are many hangars here, and for records could certainly be incorrect, whether unknowingly or intentionally."
"With an upgraded drift engine, however, I imagined it would be a target for anyone who knew the ship. Anyone who was paid off to shelter her may have turned around to strip her themselves. An overclocked drift engine is something that would appeal to most anyone, but especially those looking to perform illegal actions."
S1G-NL pauses. "Why are you speaking to us and not the authorities? I trust you have the proper documentation of ownership and aforementioned insurance claim paperwork?"
Tremox taps his chin and then pulls at a whisker. "Huh. An abandoned piece of salvage. I guess I could do some checks to see if McLaren owned or rented any spaces when he was here. It should be public record, unless it was under the table. Not definitive, but it would be a place to start."
Bubs replies to S1G-NL. "Yeah, I have the paperwork. It's air-tight. All I have to do is find this ship. If any of you really want to pour over the boring legalese, I'm prepared to share the documentation."
”Eighteen months? I was living here at the time, though I did go to Akiton for about five weeks around that time. Do you have any idea of the events that damaged the ship? It must have been severely damaged. The owner thought repairing the ship was not a course of action he wanted. Was he the owner for long? I can try to investigate the crew situation. Maybe someone knows where Jif McLaren left it.”
Moxie pulls on one of his whiskers. "Ya know, I bet old Nibs would have an idea of where it could be. He's an old yoski who works the light rail system. A conductor, but he doesn't actually ride the trains. He's worked around here for as long and anyone can remember. Worth a shot." He takes a long drink from his ale. It was flavored with some weird spice from Castrovel. He wrinkles his nose at the taste.
Bubs responds to Yoro. "The paperwork indicates Jif had a 'landing mishap'. It looks like he hit another ship in dock. Yeah, we had to pay off that Captain too for the damage. Looks like McLaren only had the Djinni for a short time--less than a year"
Nibs works early mornings down in rail operations, on one of the levels just below The Gallery. It may be best to see him after a good night's sleep. Bubs is happy to buy another round and continue the conversation.
Going to Nibs' place of work requires a trip down one level from The Gallery. The area is a beehive of activity. There are baggage handling facilities for the nearby spaceport, along with private hangars and workshops.
There are also businesses down here that are less savory than the ones above. Small cantinas and taverns selling cheap intoxicants. A lonely goblin is set up at one dead end under some pipes and conduits offering electronics repair services. You think you spy a fortune teller storefront along one misty corridor. Right next to it is a seedy little bar with scantily clad people dancing in the front window.
Passing through this area, you arrive at a cleaner, more upkept area with several offices and warehouses. One door indicates it's for the LRA ("Light Rail Absalom") control station. A sign indicates that visitors or deliveries should press a button to be buzzed in.
Nibs should still be at work here.
Yoromishtali is dressed in comfortable and stylish (for the Veskarium) clothes as he meets up with his compatriots. He doesn’t have a weapon, thinking he can handle most anything in the station with his knowledge of unarmed combat. In the Veskarium he would bring his doshko, but here on Absalom Station, where the mix of cultures and societies can be bewildering, he doesn’t want to appear to intimidating or threatening.
As they pass the dancers in the window, he slightly bumps into another pedestrian. He gives a brief bow in pardon, feeling that acceptable for the minor offense.
Once standing before LRA control station, he says ”Here we are,” while pressing the button by the door.
Moxie seems to enjoy the walk down. He nods to a few people as they pass. When he sees the goblin, he wanders over for a few minutes. "Heya. Can you fix holovids? My cousin told me he bought one from somewhere and it glitches out about two-thirds of the way through. Is that something you can look at and maybe fix? Maybe I should tell him to come show you?"
After speaking to the goblin, Moxie rejoins the group headed to the LRA.
Thuldas is carrying the same sack he was the previous day, but the collect of mechanical bits and bobs seems to be completely different. Coupled with the heavy port-cover slung across his back, the dwarf seems to be more akin to a walking junkyard than an investigator of any sort.
He breathes the canned air deeply. "Ah, we got atmo-scrubber, coolant vapor, an' ol' lubricant. What a great mornin' t' be alive!" His enthusiasm seems to be... genuine?
”It is a great morning to be alive!” Yoromishtali agrees with the dwarf. ”Another day to test and prove our strengths and skills.” The vesk looks back at the door then takes a glance at the pedestrians.
He holds up his comm and sweeps it across an arc of the street. Many of the comms ping, chirp, and warble. ”A free offer for a lesson at my doshko facility!” He calls out with a laugh. ”Confront your fears!”
Moxie seems to enjoy the walk down. He nods to a few people as they pass. When he sees the goblin, he wanders over for a few minutes. "Heya. Can you fix holovids? My cousin told me he bought one from somewhere and it glitches out about two-thirds of the way through. Is that something you can look at and maybe fix? Maybe I should tell him to come show you?"
As the goblin looks at you, a thoughtful expression crosses his face. Rubbing his chin, he asks, "did you try blowing on it? Sometimes that clears it right up. Not sure why--it just does. If it doesn't work, come and see me."
He hands you a stained business card that says "Zecky, goblin repairman."
It includes his comm codes should you be interested in his services.
An intercom near on the wall near the door pipes to life upon pressing the buzzer.
"What can we do for you?" says a voice through its tinny-sounding speaker.
Yoromishtali looks at the others to see if any of them want to speak. After waiting a moment he leans closer to the microphone. ”Greetings. We are looking to speak with Nibs, the ysoki named Nibs, in case there are more than one Nibs working here. We hope he may help answer some questions we have concerning an old starship.”
Moxie nods as if someone can see him. "Yeah, Nibs is that you? Tell Nibs, that Moxie wants to talk. Won't take long, I promise." He smirks, whispering to the others. "Don't ever believe a lawyer if they says that..."
"It's Nibs. I'll buzz you all in. Just wait in the conference room right off the entrance. I'll be there in a minute."
The conference room is bare bones, with an old table that has seen better days. The chairs are all mismatched, but they do seem comfortable at least. There is a basic beverage synthesizer at one end of the room.
Sure enough, Nibs arrives after a moment or two. He greets Moxie with a hug. "It's been too long since we have seen each other Mox. I can never thank you enough for getting my lazy no good brother off on that petty theft charge. He's still lazy and no good, but he is staying out of trouble and barely holding down a job working the back room of a club down in Botscrap."
Turning to the rest of you, he says "So. What's this I hear about an old starship?"