/dot in!
Fitch has summoned you to the Master of Stars, the faction’s flagship and the largest starship in the Society’s fleet.
A shuttle carries you from Absalom Station to the vessel through the station’s orbiting Armada. Though a veteran of several bloody battles in the Scoured Stars system, the enormous Master of Stars looms defensively over Absalom Station as if daring anyone to face it and the Armada in Pact World space. Even the scars of battles past only beckon threateningly as repair crews repair hardpoints for massive laser cannons mounted on the vessel’s starboard side.
The shuttle lands in a spacious hangar bay, and a drone leads you to a briefing room on an upper deck of the ship.
As you all arrive, Fitch gestures for you to be seated and turns off the recording devices situated around the room. A heavily augmented and exhausted looking host shirren— Zigvigix, leader of the Exo-Guardians faction—nods at your group and clicks impatiently without acknowledging the briefing room’s other occupant, a stocky female Ferran.
“Thank you for coming,” Fitch begins as she turns off the last of the recorders and climbs up onto the briefing room table. “We’ve got a big problem.”Zigvigix gives an audible chitter, earning them a scolding glare from the ysoki faction leader.
“There are Swarm components loose on Absalom Station.” Fitch taps the console below her with the tip of her tail, and her red eyes take in the holographic schematic of Absalom Station that appears in the center of the room over the table’s projector. The image zooms into one of the station’s extended Arms. “For those new to the station, this is Little Akiton, a neighborhood in the Arms. If you want to smuggle a shipment into the station but don’t want station security to take notice, you pay ridiculous ‘docking fees’ to dock here and help in the importing process"
“And this is the Stoic Refuge.” The holographic image begins to highlight a tramp freighter docked on the periphery of Little Akiton. “And its captain, Zelrai Impressium,” Fitch gestures to the ferran woman. “I’ll be gentle and say that sometimes Zelrai makes bad choices in cargo.” Her voice takes on a motherly tone. “But this time—” “SWARM!” Zigvigix’s telepathic voice interrupts Fitch’s speech earning them another glare from the Wayfinders leader.
Uncharacteristically agitated, the shirren looks once more at Zelrai before turning back to the rest of the assemblage. “I’m sorry, Fitch, but you know how I feel about the Swarm!” Fitch nods, allowing Zigvigix to continue. “This time, the Stoic Refuge’s inventory included several cryogenically frozen Swarm. And what happened, Zelrai?” “They got away,” Zelrai responds in a voice like grinding rock. Zelrai looks from Zigvigix’s cold glare to Fitch’s encouraging nod before continuing, “We’d managed to acquire some of the creatures from the Suskillon system. I went to meet with a buyer after we landed, but when I got back to the ship, everyone aboard was dead—members of the Six Tip Gang, my crew, everyone. None of the creatures we’d found were still in stasis. It looked like some died in a gunfight, but others... well, it seems they got out. So, I did the only thing I could think to do—I called Fitch.”
Fitch gestures to the area around the Stoic Refuge. “Due to the number of maintenance exits from the hangar bay, we’ve no idea where the Swarm creatures went. But the Stoic Refuge’s computer recorded a couple Six Tip making it out of the battle after several Swarm creatures made it off the ship. Zelrai managed to dig into the communication logs to find her crew member’s contact—someone named Del Shara. According to the comm logs, he can usually be found in a Little Akiton cantina called Nurkops’s Rich Pick. Go there and find out if the survivors saw or somehow tracked where the Swarm went.”
“I don’t need to tell you how dangerous the Swarm is,” Zigvigix comments with emphasis. “Track them down and destroy them before they have a chance to make a foothold on the station! Whatever you do, don’t let any of them escape!”
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The redhead Lashunta listen to the mission's details and just nods from time to time to reassure the leader of the Exo guardians, yes it is the Swarm what they'll be dealing with, a dangerous assignment but then again they are at Absalom... This may get out of hands quickly.
"I see, I see... So this is a 'search and destroy' kind of mission? Anyways, I'm Soryn Lavernyr from Castrovel, a fairly new agent but a fast learner as well!" Commented and then introduced herself the Lashunta woman, she is currently wearing a well maintained golem forged plate and has a mote of pure bluish white light floating over her left shoulder that brands her as a Solarian.
"A cantina, huh? Interesting, a lot of information and rumors pass through that kind of places, sadly I'm not familiar with the area, but don't worry! Once we find those Swarm creatures I'll obliterate them in no time!" Added a cheerful Soryn speaking in common, she knows that speaking telepathically may be a little weird to many races.
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Well in advance of the schedule meeting time, a tall kasatha enters, nods to both Fitch and Zigvigix along with a customary Kasatha indication of respect, the placing of her two sets of hands together, touching at the knuckles. She wears the traditional hidden soldier armor of her people, including a face covering helmet. For weapons, she carries a doshko, a starknife, and a couple of grenades. She otherwise ia unencumbered by gear.
"Xoni reporting for duty," she says in common and sits in the tallest available chair. She unfurls a face-scarf from a small compartment near the collar of her traveling cloths, secures it over her face and then carefully removes her helmet. Her skin is an unusual color for a kasatha, more gold than silver, more tan than grey. A series of turquoise lines swirl along her forehead and up along her elongated skull.
As each Starfinder reports, she gives the same head nod and knuckles together greeting and repeats her name. Otherwise she says nothing unless drawn into a conversation.
After the core mission is described and a moment of pause makes questions possible, she asks Zelrai, "Can you describe what these swarm elements looked like? Do you know anything of their capabilities? I have never faced them personally, but rumor among soldiers is that there are many forms. What should we be on the lookout for?"
Answering the ysoki and the kasatha, Zelrai thinks for a moment then speaks "Some were still larval, some more bipedal, some had wings - they were only freshly hatched or newly formed when put in stasis"
Ziggy cuts in “They are never the same enemy twice!” Ziggy’s antennae twitch as they pull up records on the Swarm. “Most variants are immune to any kind of acids. They do seem to act similarly when they create a colony. They’ll send out hunters if they have them to search for biomatter to fuel their breeding. It’s only been a few hours, so it’s unlikely they’ve been able to breed and form a proper colony. But if you can find any stragglers, follow them! The Swarm will have moved together to a singular location to form a hive. Once you find it, you should be able to exterminate them all! Just remember, they have a hive mind. If one knows where you are, they all could!”
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His face shrouded by a hood, his body wrapped in a long coat, his hands covered by gloves even though the temperature is cool and comfortable in the Master or Stars, Istilnar, cuts a strange figure. Just over 7 feet tall, his long slender limbs jut out from his lengthy torso like branches from a tree. His movements are slightly ungainly, again like a tree swaying in the wind.
His face is unrecognizable, hidden deep within the folds of his hood. He sits at the conference table listening to Fitch and Zigvigix speak, but says absolutely nothing, leaving his aura cloaked in an uncomfortable veil of silence.
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"Maybe we can use that to our advantage and lure them out of their hideout, assuming that they actually care for their friends, I guess that they don't but they should at least give priority to the fully grown ones as they've few resources at the moment..." Added the Lashunta as she theorizes about the swarm behavior.
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Sitting in his usual lunch spot, Alejandro is surprised to see an urgent message come across his screen. He gives a half smile to his companion, ”I’m going to have to beg for a rain check my dear, work emergency. Shall we reschedule for our usual time? I’ll call this evening if able.”
Heading to the briefing his mind races over what it could be, usually missions come with advance notice or information about travel expectations. Did something happen on station?
Slipping into the briefing he acknowledges his teammates, ”Alejandro Carlos at your service. I mostly just talk a big game, but sometimes that throws any enemies we face off their own game. Hopefully I can assist on this mission. I don’t know much about the swarm, just that it is often used as the bogeyman in stories to children. So do we have a list of biomatter locations the swarm might end up at?”
Alejandro is a male human with light brown skin, bright white hair and matching close cut beard. He carries a variety of gear for many different situations but is not overly armed or armored. A set of pistols are holstered at his waist and slipped into a shoulder holster is a non-lethal stun gun. All the weapons appear to be well used. A sturdy backpack is slung over his shoulders.
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"Hello everyone, I'm Soryn Lavernyr, just your usual Solarian and a student of the many marvels of the universe, a pilgrim of sort, I'm happy of working with you all, let's do this cleanly and enjoy the experience... Of course, assuming that it will be a enjoyable one, not all days you get to kill some spawns of the swarm." Introduced herself The Solarian with a little customary Kasathan reverence.
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"Sirs," Xoni says, addressing both the leaders. "Are we working alone or are other forces coordinating with us? And are we endeavoring to keep this situation secret?"
Xoni's mind is racing, although she keeps her emotions in check. She lives in Little Akiton. Having emigrated from Akiton only weeks before, she found a cheap unit that helped her conserve her limited credits. She had enlisted in the Starfinders as a way to make more credits than dry farming on Akiton, since becoming a widow with the children still growing up.
She has just left her children with a matronly ysoki and a charming skittermander who run a nearby child care center. Her husband had been the farmer while she had trained as a soldier, so it was only logical that she should transition to a place and a job that would have a demand for her services. Now she wonders if she should have left Ajweba and Tomio with relatives back on Akiton.
She tears her thoughts away from her children and focuses on the briefing.
"So do we have a list of biomatter locations the swarm might end up at?”
"It's a warren down there, they could be in any number of locations. The Six Tip Gang might know more"
"Are we working alone or are other forces coordinating with us? And are we endeavoring to keep this situation secret?"
Fitch shakes her head. “We're keeping this on the quiet but if we can’t find and destroy the existing creatures before they form a subcolony, we may have to alert the authorities. Bringing security in at this point will cause needless panic, hinder our investigation, and make it impossible for normal life to continue on the station. But if it we can’t contain this threat, we’ll have to bring in security, the Stewards, and anyone else we can think of to help cleanse the station. Until then, the less that know, the better.”
***
can I roll Culture to recall pop culture knowledge about the swarm? Like rumors or so, not necessarily factual information, will roll in advance
Soren recalls seeing something about the Six Tip Gang on the news.
Recently the Six Tip Gang has gained some notoriety after claiming responsibility for a failed assassination attempt on Absalom Station’s Prime Executive, Kumara Melacruz. Rumors suggest this was in retaliation for the arrest of their leader, but the gang’s involvement is still not proven.
"Our primary focus is on containing and eliminating any swarm, however as you rightly suggest, this may involve combat in close quarters - we must do what we can to be discrete and minimise casualties - but I would suggest that we need to act swiftly as there may well have already been casualties. if it becomes clear it is out of hand though, radio in and we will be forced to alert the authorities."
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"Come to think about it that six tip gang was in the news the other day... Something about an assassination attempt, a pretty shady business if you ask me, but I don't buy it, I mean... They're a gang, why would they target the Prime Executive? Revenge? I dunno... I just hope we don't need to fight with anything but swarm to complete this mission. Said the Solarian as she recalls the news that she saw a few days ago.
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"Hmmm, does seem strange that a low level gang might be up to such things"
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Heiuxin, a white-scaled dragonkin decked in heavy armor and loaded with weapons, including a rather complex-looking doshko, enters the briefing room and seats herself as close to the leader of her Exo-guardians faction as the arrangements allow. She takes up a considerable amount of the room, given her size and load-out, but she does not draw much attention to herself until the briefing begins and it becomes clear that this is a seek-and-destroy mission.
"Excellent," she says, baring her razor-sharp fangs in an excited grin, "I've been hoping for a proper hunt. This will do very nicely! Do not worry, Master Zigvigix. We will find these Swarm components and grind them into dust. As ever, my blade is at your service." She draws her weapon, an ember flame doshko with some interesting modifications integrated into it, and heavily taps the floor with the haft, though she does not activate the weapon.
While the others ask questions, Heiuxin reflects on what she knows of the Swarm.
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Tik's whiskers twitch as the dragonkin makes her introduction, but he says nothing. He takes a comm unit from his belt and taps it quickly, clawed fingers clicking in the temporary lull in conversation.
[ooc]Taking 20 on Profession (Mercenary) check to recall knowledge about the Swarm for a total of 30.[ooc]
"That's a good point about the gang's activities. Maybe they've been hired for something big?"
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Xoni is grateful to see another Starfinder who is obviously prepared for combat, since it is beginning to sound like combat will be inevitable. She is confident of her abilities, but her relative poverty has limited her weapons to a doshko, a starknife, and a couple of frag grenades. She'd like a pistol for making her preferred style of attack, a ranged volley followed by a rush to close combat. But she can throw her starknife. Other Starfinders told her that she can expect to pick up some weapons if an enemy combatant is captured or killed.
She glanced at the dark, hooded one and tried to divine his classification. He was lightly armored and carried no heavy weapons, that she could tell, only a knife and something that looked like a claw of an arthropod type creature. Perhaps he was a mystic or a technomancer.
Soryn was obviously a solarian, which usually meant a capable fighter as well. The ysoki might be a mechanics specialist, with all the gear he carries, but it was hard to tell. Alejandro did not seem like a combat specialist, but both he and Soryn seemed to have skill at speaking persuasively, always good skills to take into a potential hostile cantina in search of information people don't want to give up.
Several spoke with great confidence, something that might indicate great skill and experience or perhaps overconfidence in one's abilities. Xoni preferred to withhold judgment on the likelihood of success until more was learned. The swarm were certainly fearsome opponents which should not be underestimated.
When a break came in the briefing, Xoni again spoke up. "Zelrai, why were these brought on board instead of conducting business away from the station? Who would risk such an accident as has indeed occurred on the station unless they intended to keep these dangerous creatures within the relatively safe confines of the station? And would you expect the buyer to be seeking the creatures to capture them rather than to destroy them?"
"Zelrai sighs. I had some prospective buyers, mostly scientists and weapons dealers and the like. I knew keeping the creatures in stasis was the safest bet, so I didn’t even consider putting them up for display like normal. I paid the deck officer to look the other way, like always, and went into my meetings. Everything should have been fine.” Zelrai looks longingly at the holographic image of her vessel. “But it wasn’t. My gunner seems to have made a deal behind my back with some local gang called the Six Tip Gang, but I don’t think they ever intended to deal. They drew on my crew instead.”
"And we know the Six Tip are involved" continues Fitch “The Six Tip Gang usually operates out of the Arms and has their hands in smuggling operations throughout the station. Their leader has been imprisoned for the last few years, but station security hasn’t been able to make any headway into dispersing the gang.”[b The holographic image changes to show a cantina in Little Akiton. [b]“As far as Del Shara, all we know is that he operates out of Nurkops’s Rich Pick. It’s a spacer bar, so it isn’t too likely that the gang will be there alone and without heavy support.”
"Ok get to the task at hand, time is off the essence"
***
Outside you have the minutes available to look up further information on the Infosphere.
Soryn digs that news article back up and a few other follow on pieces from the local news reports.
Further to the report seen earlier, further information also comes to light.
Each Six Tip Gang member is tattooed with a symbol not unlike a top-down representation of Absalom Station. The more important they are to the organization, the more intricate the tattoo. No two tattoos are identical, and different gang members have them placed on different parts of the body.
Like the Downside Kings and other gangs of their size, the Six Tip Gang is made up of independent cells and sees itself as the unofficial lifeblood of the station. Each cell is autonomous (with exception to sharing the same overall leader) and controls its own area.
A cell that has been depleted, like the one that boarded the Stoic Refuge, is likely to go into hiding until it can merge with another cell or replenish its numbers. If confronted, a smaller cell would prefer to avoid a confrontation if possible.
Tik gets onto the shady Mercenary 'looking for work' forums, and scrolls down to the 'off topic' lounge where a few veteran mercs are comparing notes and arguing tactics about battling the swarm on Suskilon (where these swarm were sourced from)
The armed forces of the Suskillon system have been fighting back against Swarm invasion for several months. They have reached out to the Pact Worlds for help with detailed information on the Swarm invading their system.
The Swarm creatures on Suskillon seem particularly intelligent. Their hive mind makes it so that other Swarm creatures within a short range are aware of not only attacks, but also where to find their enemies.
From Zelrai’s descriptions and knowledge of the Swarm on Suskillon, flying creatures called antecursors, guardian creatures with acid weapons called corrovoxes, tiny creatures dedicated to making a hive efficient called programmers, and giant armored convecytes are likely. But with their low numbers, they could have created a small hive in a single location and a handful of eggs in the time they’ve had.
***
Little Akiton isn’t the most dangerous neighbourhood in the Absalom Station, but it’s not exactly a place most visitors seek out. The region is made up of dark back alleys, shady characters, and even shadier deals. Most of the people on the dark, wet streets are resident gang members, mercenaries, dock workers, and crew waiting to ship out or looking to spend their credits. These folks go about their own business, trying to avoid potential crime or actively looking for it. Station security has a presence in this neighbourhood, but most suspect the local authorities are on the take.
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"looks like we're ready to go, I don't visit these areas of Abasalom too often so I hope I don't stand out too much, I can't really hide my mote but then again I'm guessing that most people there carry at least a small arm on them. Said The lashunta who prefers a civilized exchange of words rather than bully and intimidate with mean glares and foul language.
"Our best bet is finding a well informed member of the Six Tip gang but their organization's structure is... Messy, the tops surely don't share any relevant info to the ones on the streets." Suggested Soryn as she does some workouts before leaving, you should always be prepared before doing any demanding physical activity like, chasing or fighting the swarm and gang members.
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Alejandro listens to the end of the briefing and then the added information gathered by his teammates, "Ah great work you all. This'll be easier to manage now. I say we hit up Nurkops’s Rich Pick to track down Del Shara and keep a close eye out for Six Tip bangers. We need to figure out where they took the swarm, narrow down our search a bit. Try not to kill anything but the swarm, we might need to talk to people to solve this issue."
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Heiuxin nods to the elder agent's suggestion. "Yes, we should make for the buyer first. They should be able to point us in the right direction so I can add a Swarm component's head to my trophy wall."
En route to the space bar, Heiuxin confirms the obvious point that she is not particularly eloquent, and would prefer to stand back and play bodyguard to those members of the team would be better suited to extracting information diplomatically. "If you need anyone to apply any...pressure, though, I won't be far away." She grins wickedly at the thought, then quiets down while the others talk.
Little Akiton turns out to be exactly what the travel guide promised. It isn't the worst, but it is certainly in the top 5 places you wouldn't go by choice in Absalom. Most people do a great job of pretending not to notice you, a group of obviously heavily armed and armoured people are probably not wandering about to take holiday photos and see the sights.
Nurkops’s Rich Pick is a single-story establishment nestled between and under large multistory tenements. When it was constructed, it likely had the charm of sculpted design elements and neon lights, but now most of its more attractive features are lost beneath layers of dirt and grime. The only windows are so covered in grime that they’ve become nearly as opaque as the walls, but mounted lights make them gleam and shine into Little Akiton’s dim streets alongside the digital sign depicting a wealthy ysoki on a golden hoard.
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Tik's whiskers twitch again. He lifts up his pack and follows along to the bar. "I'm not very intimidating, you know? It's the size, and I talk too much. Of course, there's intimidating and there's intimidating. There was this AbadarCorp ysoki I met last mission--really polite, no threats, no 'oh, boogy boogy, I'll tear your soul apart,' but--" He shakes his head. "Yeah, she was scary."
On reaching the area of the bar, the ysoki looks around and takes a deep breath. "A little bit of home! Dad was a Nurkop, you know. Not that I expect special treatment here." He checks his weapons (a laser pistol, a pulsecaster pistol, a survival knife, and a tactical baton). "Ready?"
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"I have passed this cantina few times. I have never entered. It is a place of violence and conflict. I have children to keep safe. I too am not one to play diplomat or interrogator. But my blades are sharp and I will stand ready to fight. My appearance and height tend to make people wary of me. Not being able to see my face, most focus on my doshko and starknife. Perhaps that will help."
Once the trip back to Absolom begins, she activates her comm unit and contacts her child support service to request that they keep the children until contacted again. She also tips them off that there may be trouble in Little Akiton and suggests they stay off the streets. She is careful to give no mention of the swarm, so as not to start any rumors.
She also removes a number of funny little bits of flare on her clothes, pins, little fabric flowers, an origami rose. She explains her children made most of them and one, the rose, was a made by her deceased husband. She scuffs up her armor a bit to look a bit more disreputable and covers her face with her hidden armor helm, which makes her look a bit more intimidating. She walks with her starknife in her upper right hand, but keeps it generally hidden under her cloak.
He turns to address Zigvigix one last time. "I understand the Swarm has significant telepathic abilities. Would that leave them vulnerable to assaults on their minds?"
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Istilnar, keeps his distance from the rest of the group during the transit to Little Akiton. When they arrive at Nurkop's Rich Pick he enters independently than the rest of the group. Picking a table in a shadowy corner of the bar, he sits quietly and observes his surroundings. With a subtle wave of his hand he he harnesses the strands of mystical energy in the air in order to detect the presence of magic.
Istilnar moves off alone into the bar/known gang hangout.
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With the infamous cantina at few steps of her the solarian puts the best smile and enters with the intention of gathering some information using her charm and cunning wordplay rather than fearsome intimidation unlike what gang members should be used to, perhaps her empathy can give her an edge, if not, the key tidbits of information that they obtained at the Lorespire are surely to help her in a way or another.
"Wish me luck..! And keep your weapons at hand just in case." Says the Lashunta as she walks away from the party into the bar, it sure is easy for her to keep her weapon at hand as it's always orbiting around her head.
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Alejandro takes a look at the bar and is about to ask about a plan when two of the party members simply leave the group and walk on in.
"Uh... I wonder what they are up to? At least one said to wish them luck. Are they trying to get lucky? Maybe they are just thirsty? Should we follow or wait out here? She seemed like she wanted us to wait."
Alejandro listens for the signature signs of a brawl breaking out or weapon fire. If there is none he will wait outside for at least a minute.
I was going to offer to try my luck, but got beat to the punch. Ah well, not the last time that'll happen. And a pretty lady often has a better chance than a grumpy old man.
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Xoni fidgits when the group misses the opportunity to discuss a plan and members of the team depart into such a dangerous place alone. She never enters such places because she knows she will be considered either a threat or a mark. She knows she could not play the part of a spy because she lacks the credibility of gang participation. But she is not sure Istilnar will fare much better unless he can think and talk fast. Soryn seems like she can be charming, but that will not make her immediately able to win over such criminals as are likely inside.
But once the game begins, she cannot do more than stand by in case her blades are needed. Meanwhile she thinks through the words of a traditional Talevet prayer for those in need of help and inspiration. Televet, Storyteller supreme, tell a tale of courage, wisdom, and ingenuity, give it to those who have yet to see the path to the story's end.
Istilnar is first into the bar.
The front entrance is a large double door that passes by a security station before descending into the cantina’s common room.
Despite the reputation of the area, Nurkops’s Rich Pick is surprisingly busy. A long bar stretches from the north wall where signs indicate kitchens and restrooms. To the west of the bar are a handful of tables arranged in front of an empty stage, while booths line the wall next to the stage and along the east wall. The decor has callbacks to Akiton with reddish tints to the windows to imply the red planet’s surface, while deep browns and brass accents add to the effect.
Several locals occupy the cantina, enjoying their drinks while making small talk and relaxing in the familiar company. A large, six-armed robot is serving drinks. Istilnar can tell straight away that this is very much the sort of place where everyone knows your name, and if they don't, they are interested in who you might be.
He sits down at a booth in the corner - no sooner than he has sat down than he finds a speaker built into the table crackles to life "What'll it be buddy?", as he looks up it is the six-armed barman clearly talking to him via the intercom. Several other bystanders are also casting a lazy eye in his direction; the stranger in a large hooded cloak drawing a lot of attention.
The six-armed bartender pours the beer, one of the locals standing at the bar walks it over and places it down in front of Istilnar and goes back to sitting at the bar as another round is poured for the group.
Istilnar can see he's currently the topic of a few quiet conversations.
***
Soryn arrives at the door and enters the club.
Istilnar sips slowly and keeps his eyes peeled - trying not to look too overtly (or get mistaken for an undercover cop). Unfortunately nothing in particular stands out.
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Soryn gets to the bar finding a gap in the crowd, and orders a drink.
The multiarmed bar server responds amiably "Welcome to Nurkops’s Rich Pick! Fancy a range of drinks from our esteemed menu set to light your night and aid you in flight? We also have a great range of bar snacks! You are clearly new to town, here to see the sights? Downtown Little Akiton is a fantastic place to spend your tourist dollar [insert your name here]! and we are delighted to have you join us!" the robot spits out with well-programmed enthusiasm.
Soryn can't see much of interest, apart from noting that most people are eyeballing the stranger in the corner who is trying to hide his identity.
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Heiuxin approaches the bar as she enters, making sure to find a different opening away from Soryn. Despite her obvious nature as an outsider (given both her provenance from the icy plains of Triaxus and her appearance), she orders with the ease of a regular in a favorite establishment. "An Akitonian brandy for the old-timer," she says, nodding toward Alejandro, "And I'll take a Junker's Delight. Oh, and here's a little something for your trouble." As she slides her cred-stick into the pay-scanner, she adds a gratuity of a half dozen credits. "A little 'six tip' for ya there, friend," she says with a wink. She then turns her head to look overtop the crowd around her and discreetly check if anyone is paying her special interest.