Zirelle gets tired of waiting for the others and signals the driver to go.
She says to Chuck
They've got the other car. I'm sure they'll catch up. And you know the professor, so we should be good.
"Uhhhhh..." Chuck gives a look back to the others before turning back to Zirelle and stammering "Yes. Uh. Yes ma'am, we will go."
He starts to drive away with a smile.
Dev activates his comm and calls out to Chuck and Zirelle.
"Umm...hey guys. Where are you going? We were going to follow up on a clue that Ben just got and then were going to see the professor. We already are looking into one death, I don't want to have to investigate another!! Get back to me please!"
He turns to the rest of the group.
"I guess they felt that getting to the professor was more important...I just hope if they continue out there they are safe!"
Chuck slows the car and responds with a team broadcast. "Sure thing Boss. Can you send me the coordinates and fill us in when we get there? We ain't getting younger."
"OK..we will catch up at the professors once we are through with Ben's guy, ok?"
Once he receives the reply, he and the others will head off to the meeting with Ben's mysterious informant.
Erryl, Dev, Zirelle, Chuck and Ben meet up in Startown about an hour before the intended meet-up with the mysterious figure and park their rented ground cars on the best-lighted lot they can find, then make their way to within sight of the bar, Flotsam. It is a typical Spacer's Bar - few locals and lots of transients, mostly in some stage of inebriation. Sandwiched between a office complex and a holo-tattoo parlor, it bears a lighted sign made to look like driftwood floating on the tide.
As they get out of the cars near the bar Zirelle says
Okay, so we're meeting some mysterious guy? Ben, are you sure he meant all of us, or just you? Should we go in separately so it doesn't look like you brought a gang, or do you think he's cool with the crowd?
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"Someone should keep an eye out and make sure we were not followed. I will go sit alone and the rest of you can be nearby. If it seems good, I will wave you over. But it would not hurt to stay separate at first in case they did want to just talk to me alone." Ben says as he looks around again to make sure no one was following.
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"Sounds like a good plan to me. Sure looks like a place we can stay occupied." Chuck says.
"I hope this place has darts!" he says walking toward the bar. "I've got 20 creds on a game of 301."
"Why don't I stay here with the cars. I'm happy to shoot anything ugly ... although that seems like a lot in this neighborhood.
Zirelle goes in and gets a seat with a good view of the front door. She orders some food and acts like she's waiting for someone.
Nobody senses anyone tailing you as you arrived at Flotsam.
Erryll stays with the vehicles as Ben, Chuck, Dev and Zirelle enter the dimly-lit bar. Inside, a driving beat is playing, drowning out most other sounds. The place is packed with loud spacers drinking and engaged in what appears to be a contest involving drinking beers without use of hands. It's the sort of place where you can seat yourself, but the only open seats are at the bar where a burly-looking man with close-cropped gray hair and a neat black bow tie serves drinks. The place smells of spilled beer and that curious metallic tang that clings to people who have spent months in recycled atmospheres. There is no sign of your mysterious contact.
As you look around, a crowd of spacers finishes their drinks and head for the door. They leave the only open table.
What do you do?
Zirelle sees the table open up and makes a beeline for it, welcoming Chuck and Dev if they choose to join her, but they had already decided that Ben was going in alone, and she didn't know who else wanted to group up, so she doesn't look at or acknowledge anyone when she goes in or when she grabs the table... just welcomes them if they come over.
(As previously stated, she will also order some food if possible.)
Ben finds a place to sit off to one side and then orders whatever is on tap and local to drink while he waits.
Dev joins Zirelle and also orders something to eat, as well as drinks for her and Chuck.
"Just a pint with a neat glass of whiskey please." Chuck requests of Dev.
He glances around the bar for a game of skill or chance to play.
Chuck, the only game you see is the no-hands drinking game. The rules seem a little loose and half the fun seems to be how much you spill on yourself.
Dev and Zirelle much on some sort of fried starch which is just okay, but with a zesty dip that's pretty damned good. The beers are nothing to write about, but they're cold and not too overpriced.
After about fifteen minutes, your man shows up.
The strange man shuffles over to Ben's spot at the bar, shooting glances over his shoulder. His eyes dart around the room, as if marking the exits. He grabs a chair and moves it over to one side, so he can sit with his back to the wall.
"The name’s Odoy. Detective First Class. I’m armed, by the way, don’t make any sudden moves." He grins suddenly, as if his face just spasmed.
"Have you ever heard of a man called Ven Yasha? He’s got his finger in every cargo that comes through Regina. I’ve been trying to find a way into his organization for years, looking for him to slip up. He’s bribed half the Commission and he’s got spies everywhere. I think he killed Vlen Backett, or ordered his death anyway. I don’t know what Backett was up to – maybe he was one of Yasha’s couriers, or something, but he was involved. I’m not on the case – and isn’t that interesting, no ulterior motives there I’m sure – and you can’t rely on the rest of the POC. They couldn’t find Assiniboia at midnight."
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I have not heard of this Ven Yasha. Do you think he commonly orders assassinations, or is this an unusually brash move for him?" Ben asks as he keeps his hands on the table and talks to the man.
Odoy looks over his shoulder before answering, his bloodshot eyes intense. "Yasha’s obsessed with protecting his organization. Anyone he
doesn’t trust, he kills. That’s my guess. That, or Backett had something that Yasha wanted."
Zirelle eats her yummy fried starch, and tries to listen in to make sure that Ben is okay.
"Do you have some names of which men Yasha would turn to in order to clean up something? A few names of who to check on could be very useful." Ben asks.
Dev continues to pretend to be drinking and eating with his friends while watching the doors to keep watch on who comes in or leaves while Ben is talking to this informant.
"No. Yasha's organization is so ghostly it's almost a legend. Just when you think you have him...he disappears like smoke. Some investigators don't believe he exists. But he does. He's real. And he had Backett killed. I know it."
"So, should a concerned citizen decide to look into Yasha or his organization, do you have any suggestions for starting points or informants to pay a visit to?" Ben asked as he wondered what could be done with the knowledge he had gained so far.
"No! But they'll slip up. They must. Do you have any leads you can share?"
Seeing that Ben's contact only had limited information, and was pumping HIM for information rather than the other way around, she gets up and walks over, slowly, no quick movements, and puts an arm around Ben.
Honey, I think it is time to go to see our friend now. We're already late. If your friend here needs more of your time, maybe just give him your comm address?
Chuck shovels starchy snacks into his mouth as he relays a story about a shorted circuit in a Navy fighter turrent that caused some ruckus in the hangar when noone could shut it down.
When Zirella stands up to approach Ben, he pauses his story and looks around to see what's happening.
"We do not have anything to share at this point, but if you want to share comm numbers we can keep in touch should something come up." Ben offers the detective.
Detective Odoy considers, then warily agrees, giving you a communications exchange where you can leave a message.
Ben buys the detective a drink and then heads out of the bar.
"Alright boss" Chuck says to Dev. "Looks like this was an easy assignment"
He waits a few moments before standing up and heading out himself.
"We should get on the road. That guy was hoping you would do the work for him. He also clearly had not hacked or tapped the TAS comms: I want to make sure he does not follow us."
"Alright, let's go and see the Professor and hope we get there before it is too late! If he is somehow mixed up in this shadowy criminal organization we want to get to him and hear his story."
Paying his tab, Dev heads out with the others and piles into their rented vehicle.
Zirelle removes her arm from around Ben after they leave and says
Hey, sorry if I was too forward... just trying to play the part and get the detective to back off. Good contact though. We might be able to get some information from him, if they learn anything.
She then climbs into the car with everyone else.
As the team speeds along the Regina roads towards the beautiful ducal estates at Dancado, a comm arrives for them from Inspector Norrim.
"I have some important news. The case has been solved. A standard Assumption of Custody sweep has identified Backett’s killer."
"We used the security footage from the TAS Hostel to create a profile of the likely murderer – short, red-haired, involved in the tusal trade, and potentially violent. The Public Order Commission pulled in a score of suspects and questioned them all, One is clearly guilty and is now charged with the crime. He is a tusal smuggler and thug called Darrian Jak. He will be arraigned in the morning."
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"Oh! Wow! Yea, that's great Detective. What a relief." Chuck answer abruptly.
"Welp, who is this Jak fella' and does he have a record or anything? What's the motive? What gave it a away? Y'all get him to run his mouth or somethin'?" He gives a dubious look to the others, as if to say this seems too convenient, right?.
The group, of course, continues on to see the professor, though the cops are apparently satisfied.
"Oh! Wow! Yea, that's great Detective. What a relief." Chuck answer abruptly.
"Welp, who is this Jak fella' and does he have a record or anything? What's the motive? What gave it a away? Y'all get him to run his mouth or somethin'?" He gives a dubious look to the others, as if to say this seems too convenient, right?.
"There was no confession. Not yet," says Pallod Norrim. "But I'm quite sure of my facts, Mister Mudd. Believe me, this is our killer, and he will be convicted."
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Once you are out of the press of the multilevel city, the drive is a pleasant one, winding its way through the forests of Dancado. The trees here have adapted to their environment; each has two sets of leaves. One set is for absorbing sunlight from Regina’s primary star, the other set of grey fronds is for feeding
on reflected light from Assiniboia. This is unsettling for non-natives, as the trees squirm sometimes to pick up more of the wan light from the gas giant.
Ujinka’s home is surrounded by a high fence enclosing several square kilometers of garden. When you drive up to the gate, you are scanned by an automated security system that confirms your identities.
The short avenue up to the house winds through the trees. There are several strange pieces of sculpture in the grounds. The house itself is an impressive
structure on the edge of an artificial lake.
When you arrive at the house, a robot servant opens the door. "Professor Ujinka will be with you momentarily. Please follow me to the lounge. Please mind your step."
It is not possible for a robot butler to sniff snootily but this one makes a good attempt. The hallway beyond is packed with shipping crates and boxes; it is like a small freighter dumped its cargo on the mansion. You are led into a large room, one where the whole east wall is transparent, overlooking a lake. On the wall are holos of planets the professor has visited. She has been all over the Marches.
"Hello, I’m a heterogenous catastrophist. Er. Sorry. I’ve spent far too much time lately arguing with archaeologists. I’m Iaros. Excuse the mess, I’m just
back from offworld." Professor Ujinka enters. She is at least 100 standard years old but moves with the energetic hyperactivity of someone who has just
undergone a course of anagathics. "Can I help you with something?"
Chuck, the last time you met the Professor was many years ago on a different planet. An introduction may be appropriate. Sally reminds Chuck.
"Hey there, Professor. I'm Chuck Mudd and I don't know if you remember me but I piloted your shuttle a whole bunch a few years back and taught you 5 card stud with physical cards and uh... We're here to ask you some questions about..." Chuck says.
Unsure how to phrase "Vlen Backett is dead and you may be in danger", he looks to the crew for help phrasing the question.
Zirelle steps forward.
We're not sure whether you have heard of Vlen Backett's passing. Dev here is his next of kin, and we came across a note that you wrote him mentioning a meeting to discuss something you had been talking about previously. We'd like to know what it was about, and whether it could have had something to do with his death.
"Indeed. My uncle's death was sudden and very unexpected. As my friends have said he received a message from you and I was hoping that this might shed some light on what happened to him."
"Hey there, Professor. I'm Chuck Mudd and I don't know if you remember me but I piloted your shuttle a whole bunch a few years back and taught you 5 card stud with physical cards and uh... We're here to ask you some questions about..." Chuck says.
The professor smiles, her bright eyes amused. "Of course I remember you, Charles. You don't think just anyone can waltz in here, do you? His Grace has provided me with some rather impressive security." She gestures as a shape moves by the window. You have a momentary glimpse of a man-sized drone flitting by. You're fairly certain you spotted cannons on its airframe.
Zirelle steps forward.
We're not sure whether you have heard of Vlen Backett's passing. Dev here is his next of kin, and we came across a note that you wrote him mentioning a meeting to discuss something you had been talking about previously. We'd like to know what it was about, and whether it could have had something to do with his death.
Iaros Ujinka puts her hand to her mouth in shock. "Oh no! Vlen..." she sighs.
"Indeed. My uncle's death was sudden and very unexpected. As my friends have said he received a message from you and I was hoping that this might shed some light on what happened to him."
"My dear," she says to Dev, seizing his hand in her calloused hands. "My sincere condolences. Vlen was a remarkable fellow, truly remarkable. Please, sit down. Can I have the machine get you something?"
Professor Ujinka’s robot servants provide food and drink for you and then leave quietly. She sits on a couch, her legs curled up beneath her and sips a drink while she talks.
"Vlen and I know... knew... each other professionally. I am considered an expert in Ancients archaeology, and Vlen was something of a well-informed amateur."
"‘Finding Ancients sites has traditionally been a rather hit-or-miss affair. Either the site is so large that it is obvious from orbit, or so well hidden that they are discovered only by chance. All of the surviving intact sites are virtually impossible to detect using conventional sensors – there are no electromagnetic emissions, no thermal signatures, no gravimetric traces. They’re effectively invisible."
She gestures excitedly, warming to her subject.
"Some years ago, I obtained a spacer’s diary, where he described an anomalous disturbance in the G-band of his ship’s communications system when they were in orbit of Yori – and there’s an Ancients site on Yori. I looked into the matter and there are a handful of other cases where other vessels reported similar G-band problems that all correlated with known Ancients sites. I believe that under certain conditions, a G-band signal can be distorted by some aspect of Ancients technology."
"Now, it’s not as simple as just tuning your ship’s radio to the G-band. It’s only under certain conditions and I’m not sure what those are. I applied for funding but the university said my proposal lacked evidence. So, I went ahead anyway, of course."
"There’s another dig on Beck’s World. My assistant Juni is there now and she’s working to isolate the G-band conditions. I contend that with funding and time, we will be able to develop a workable method for finding as yet-undiscovered Ancients sites."
"I mentioned this to Vlen... four years ago, I think. He said that he might be able to provide a ship and funding for the initial phase of experiments – in exchange for a share of the bounty on any sites found. I suppose that's no longer going to be the case."
Ujinka brightens "Unless maybe... No. Forgive me. I get excited at times like these. Now please tell me, what happened to Vlen?"
Zirelle brightened visibly. Now THAT was interesting. Vlen was probably killed by that guy the police caught, right? She hoped so, because that would open the way for them to work for this lady and look for valuable archaeological treasure. With a legit scientific backer, no need to smuggle or use a fence. Brilliant!
She remained quiet out of respect for Dev though, of course, but she suddenly hoped that the death wasn't a mystery at all.
Sally, any chance we know anything on Ancients and or G-Band distortion? Chuck thinks to his assistant.
"He was murdered." Chuck blurts out, before giving a sideways glance to Dev. "Uh... there's a lot to unpack, but we're not sure what happened but we have some leads." He pauses to stuff a sandwich in his mouth and looks the others.