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“Um….”
Ikmanji’s eyes cross — the eyes at the base of the mantle looking at Triage and then Lita while the eyes at the center of his mantle focus on the pens — as they consider this.
Looking to Lita they say “I didn’t even know who you were until just now. I have no idea what your signature looks like.”
Research Rat looks down at the pen, and immediately disassembles it into its component parts, then photographs it. "It's not everyday you see such an antique."
As Djakar gestures at the photos, he sighs and starts reassembling it. "The things I do for the network..."
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Djakar begins with the softball questions, knowing that it is important to warm celebrities up before asking the ones that might upset them. Once they've committed to the interview, then it becomes easier to grill them.
"This is Djakar, live on the scene for DNN with celebrity judge, Lita Starr!" Djakar smiles and puts a microphone up to Lita's face. "Lita, would you have a few words for your many fans? How does it feel to be judging this event, and working with Zo!s Entertainment network?"
Then Djakar takes the camera and films the room. "Lita has asked the Starfinders to write her autographs for her. Being a Celebrity has its perks, doesn't it?"
Lita ignores the clarifications as she focuses on her scrolling through social media. Karalie stands up from the table and she steps before Lita as she explains, "I'm Lita Starr's agent, and signing her name will grant the authentic personal touch. When providing Lita's signature include the round curves and dot the eye with a star." She gestures toward the table that has a multitude of examples.
Karalie then addresses Djakar to state, "Lita is far too busy right now to provide the signatures or an interview. She needs this moment to emotionally prepare for being onstage."
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Jek's antenna droops when asked to forge the signatures. Jek looks at the door and then back at the pictures, then back at the door.
"Might be best to leave them blank so Lita can sign them in person for the fans after the event. Opps I think I left a wrench back on the stage.
Jek turns and walks out the door with the missing wrench in hand.
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The first few attempts give issues for Triage as Karalie shakes her head saying, "not enough of a swirl, not enough enthusiasm to match Lita." The next attempt she shakes her head even more declaring, "too much of a curl, it the signature look too desperate to please."
With guidance from Djakar though, Triage starts getting the hang of it. After the next few it becomes natural and over the next ten minutes the party produces a slew of signed headshots that are all placed on top of the large pile.
A few from inspections from Karalie grants her approval announcing, "this should be enough for the event. Lita, they are all complete."
Lita enthusiastically smiles and grabs a handful from the top of the pile. "Perfect! Thank you for all your help! Please take this as a token of my appretiation!" She then hands each of you in the room one of the freshly autographed photos, completely ignoring the fact that Jek already left. Turning to Djakar Lita adds, "oh, and I'll be sure to have Karalie schedule a star-filled time for us to have a proper interview. I think there will be time after this contest is all over for me to give you all my thoughts! I will be looking forward to it!"
With that you are given leave and Lita is in both a good mood for the event and she likely as a more positive view of you all going forward. Next you can find more tasks to settle elsewhere.
Heading to the break room is fairly smooth as there are a handful of people mingling about. Marked with nametags are a few of the crew that are taking a few minutes of their break drinking and eating some nut mix. You see a, Zarzen, a dwarf that is one of the security guards helping manage entrances. His dark black beard is well trimmed and his uniform is immaculate. Tezwin, a halfling helping with maintenance who is content relaxing with a drink in hand, their hair a bit overgrown and bound by several ties. Then there is Yaalik, a half-elf stagehand that is standing near the other two have a conversation, but he hesitates to speak, and ends up nodding along.
A couple other people are poking around the refrigeration unit and cupboards as they quietly talk among themselves. Their chats being drowned out by the boisterous Zarzen.
You enter mid-conversation and Tezwin raises their mug to you before telling Zarzen, "that reminds me of a tale of a explorer who, when he found a far off port, found that the only food he cared for was the one from his home. Given the variety, his mind kept-"
Zarzen puts a harsh end to that as he declares, "Ach! Stop spouting rubbish. I enjoy plenty of music, but this 'mainstream music' is a slew of unlistenable drek. Just because my taste is more particular than any person off the street doesn't mean I'm being picky!" Zarzen glances at you and almost demands, "what do you lot think? Do you enjoy the mainstream music or do you go for the things off the beaten tunnel?"
While you might answer that, Yaalik does struggle a bit a he makes a few attempts to speak to Zarzen, but his doesn't manage more than a small, quiet interjection. Not getting either of the others attention, Yaalik looks to you and points to the other people in the room and his own name badge.
Based on his motions, it is clearer that Yaalik that the pair of people in the room are lacking identifying tags and are dressed slightly too casually compared to other staff or delivery personal.
Zarzen looks at you for a few more long moments as he repeats his question in sign as he says, "hey! Are you sensors running or what? What are you all gawking at?" At this point Zarzen notices Yaalik pointed pointing and reacts quickly. He moves to the lot of intruders as he declares, "oh no. Don't know when you snuck in, but you are heading right back out?"
The pair of shirren fans complain saying, "we just wanted to get pictures with the bands! The station is all abuzz and no one else would know we are back here?"
The dwarf shakes his head and is not swayed, "if I let you lot through then there are a dozen more right after you. I'm not here to give favors, you can join the line and get in like everyone else."
Looking to you, Zarzen asks, "if you could get a hand over here, there are plenty more like this trying to get in with the all the chaos. Delven, also running security, needs a break. Give us a bit of a hand settling some of the load and I would greatly appreciate it."
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With the groups efforts, you are able to able to help resolve this issue quickly. Delven, a male human, looks completely exhausted with bags under his eyes and is happy for the break. You are able to manage the flow of deliveries and keep things moving while avoiding a multitude of fans trying to con their way into the backstage.
Following a delivery of colorful and fantastic outfits for Lita Staar, all of you notice an person skulking through the building. She is an android with bright pink skin, bright red circuity with clothing that of a similar style ot Tsuchi-ko and identical coloring. She has a bright red ribbon dying up her black pigtails. In her hands she seems to be carrying around a tiny Tsuchi-ko.
A quick confirmation determines that this isn't Tsuchi-ko and the comparison between her and the Tsuchi-ko doll she is holding makes that distinction clear.
She looks at Jek with a bit of shock before standing up straight and admitting, "Oh, Hi! I'm Wonder! If you could help me, I wanted to meet Tsuchi-ko. I'm, like, her biggest fan. I've been following her work for years and listening to the works she put out and, I can tell, we are totally soulmates!"
"That's why I made this!" She presents the Tsuchi-ko doll, a hand-knitted facsimile of the cobra-headed superstar with button eyes. With a pleading smile she says, "I wanted to give her this for her collection."
As an aside Wonder notes, "she's, like, a collector, you know."
"I worked real hard on it and I just KNOW she is just going to desperately LOVE it! That is why I had to sneak in!" She holds firm declaring, "I'm sure you can understand! You be helping me and her!"
Wonder is a bit nervous as Triage pulls out the scanner and seems worried Triage might damage the doll. She holds the creation firmly to protect it.
Triage is able to go over the doll with the microlab and the doll returns back as clean. It doesn't have any embedded tech, weapons, or organic material beyond what is typically in stuffing and the knitted exterior.
She watches warily as it is offered that the party could deliver the doll in her stead. Her voice becomes more strained as tears start to form in her eyes, "no! No! NO!" She stomps her boots on the ground and pleads, "you don't get it, if I don't give it to her, how are we going to form a bond? She is like so amazing I'm sure she gets super stellar stuff all the time, but if she sees me, she will know how much alike we are!" Her voice becomes more and more pleading as she refuses to give way.
She watches warily as it is offered that the party could deliver the doll in her stead. Her voice becomes more strained as tears start to form in her eyes, "no! No! NO!" She stomps her boots on the ground and pleads, "you don't get it, if I don't give it to her, how are we going to form a bond? She is like so amazing I'm sure she gets super stellar stuff all the time, but if she sees me, she will know how much alike we are!" Her voice becomes more and more pleading as she refuses to give way.
Gus steps forward.
“She is preparing for the judging. You say you’re a big fan, so you must be able to think of some better ways to meet her. What sort of public activities does she do with fans?”
“My publicist got me involved with some public outreach sports programs. Does she do anything like that?”
“We can give her the doll and a recorded message if you want.”
Wonder looks around as she stammers out, "but the meet and greet was yesterday and, like, I wasn't ready. They say you only make one impression and if it was a bad impression what would I do? What if her next meet and greet is too long away, what if it is too crowded? I'm not good at sports and I wouldn't want to let her down by doing bad."
Gus and Triage's responses are making a reasonable impression on her.
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I-apvii will take a shot at aiding:
"But think how curious she will be once she sees how well your doll came out. She will be even more curious. And next time she will be the one looking for you, you will not need to look for her. Perhaps we could give her a photo of you so that she can recognize you and single you out at that next meet and greet."
If there is a circumstance bonus to push it over into a successful aid, I-apvii will forgo the +2 to let whoever is rolling the main check roll twice and take the better.
When you use aid another, covering fire, or harrying fire and succeed at your attack roll or skill check, you can forgo granting your ally the usual benefit of that action to instead grant the following benefits, determined by the action you used.
Aid Another: Instead of gaining a bonus to a skill check, your ally can roll the check twice and use the higher result.
Wonder releases a bit of a whine as she resists the suggestions from others. She hugs the doll close as she rocks side to side.
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"Wonder, I'm Djakar of the Dirindi News Network. We'll put your message on DNN, and everyone will see it. Believe me that stars notice their most dedicated and creative fans. I certainly do." She waves Research Rat over. "We're going to get your lighting just right, and then we're going to film your message, okay?"
Once Wonder has calmed down and fixed her make-up, Djakar starts filming again. "This is Djakar, live on the scene for DNN. We've met a fan named Wonder with the most amazing cosplay and absolutely fantastically crafted Tsuchi-ko doll. We're going to be delivering the doll to Tsuchi-ko, then escorting Wonder out so that she can snag a seat at this amazing concert."
"Wonder, what would you like to say about your outfit, the doll, and the message you have for Tsuchi-ko today?"
Wonder is a bit wary but with Djakar's support she does agree, especially with Djakar's introduction. She turns to the camera and explains, "I've heard so much about how much Tsuchi-ko advocates for supporting kindness and generosity in, like, the whole music industry and light-years beyond! Her message resonates in my soul that I wanted to show it off. She does a bit of a spin as show shows off her tailored outfit for the camera. "I wanted to make something to make sure to give back to Tsuchi-ko and let her know how much she means to me!"
She gives a smile and presents the doll the camera as she calls out, "thank you."
After the bit is recorded she is a bit reluctant to hand over the doll, but does so knowing the promise it will reach Tsuchi-ko. "Do you think maybe that message came out all right? Do you think Tsuchi-ko will understand, because maybe if I, you know, record that a few-or dozen- more times, maybe I'll get it perfect."
At this point though the party can try to alleviate her worries and direct her toward back out the service entrance to rejoin the other fans at the main entrance.
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Turning to Wonder
"Your a natural. I'd say that one take is all that's needed. We'll make sure Tsuchi-ko gets your doll and message."
"But first we need you to leave so we can finish setting up so the show can start."
telepathically to the rest of the party
"I want to make sure we deliver that doll and message, but we need to make sure the setup is done first. If we don't have time after set up before the show, I have an idea of how to sneak it on stage."
Heading through the backstage you can see various members of the bands getting dressed up and prepared for the event. Various stagehands run costumes, equipment, and makeup from one end to the other.
Along the way you pass by one of the green rooms and see it is occupied by a dwarven band playing on a set of instruments inspired by the long past ages. You recognize them as the Starfishers, a progressive folk band bringing traditional dwarven labor shanties into the current era. They have drums and guitars and sing a song of traversing the space between stars without the drift, describing days of both loneliness and isolation as well as the mettle to overcome those daunting challenges.
Continuing forward you are able to get to Tsuchi-ko's dressing room. Right outside you see Tsuchi-ko and Faleen, her personal assistant. Faleen is a dressed in professional, but comfortable clothing that seems far easier to spend the day in than the vast number of outfits you have seen being prepared for the entertainers. As you approach Tsuchi-ko seems a bit despondent as her head droops low and Faleen tries to console her.
Tsuchi-ko looks up and looks up to you and puts up a more of a cheery disposition. "Hello Djakar, Starfinders. It is wonderful to meet you all. I was actually opening to have something to thank you rather than to ask for help."
She takes a more firm resolve after a moment and straights up to ask, "I hate to impose upon you, but the issue is that I wanted to get a cupcake tower from Galar's Galactic Bakery, but unfortunately it seems as though the dates got mixed up and they won't have the delivery for today. If you could, I would really appreciate your help to get a replacement. Either purchase another dessert or make something yourselves if you can."
She provides a credstick to you as Faleen adds, "if you are willing, I have already gathered the dietary requirements of everyone on staff for the original order. I'll send that to you to try to make sure that we don't exclude anyone."
Djakar does get the sense Tsuchi-ko's dissapointement is real, but knows that this isn't the show stopper. Even still she does seem to want to make sure that the staff are rewarded in some fashion. Faleen seems to recipocate thsi feelings.
"Aww, look Djakar! Some bosses actually care about their staff enough to give them cupcakes!" Once his dig at his self-centered boss is done, Research Rat glances at the list. "Do you mind if I add myself to the list? I'll eat practically anything, but I go nuts for the ones filled with raspberries and chocolate cheesecake."
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Djakar says, "We'll be happy to complete your commission if you help us with something. We heard from a fan, Wonder, who wanted us to give you a beautiful doll she made as a gift for you. Can we play you her video, and present you with the doll?"
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Djakar looks to the others. "I would prefer that we purchase them, though a scene of us making them would provide excellent video footage."
Tsuchi-ko responds to Research Rat with a vehement, "of course! We wouldn't want to leave you out."
"Hopefully your needs should be accounted for on the list already, Faleen nods to the datapad. "It was meant to be a surprise for, but we had contacted the Society and they provided they nutritional requirements that they had on file for catering the event."
Hearing about the generous gift from Djakar, Tsuchi-ko mentions, "well of course, I would happy to give some time for that."
Meanwhile Faleen is confirming and nods that Tsuchi-ko actually has time for this and she also confirms with you all that the doll has been swept for tech, scrying sensors, and other dangers.
Going to the All Hands, Bargai is happy to offer aid, especially for how much the event is doing and the fact that the staff are all residents of the Sparks that she would love to see given an extra reward given the last year.
"Although," she signs, "I don't want to looking for business, as we provide food and services for the people that can't afford it." She does sign for Fidget's aid as she does note, "what I can do is provide a few of the local businesses. Some of them have been having trouble make ends meet as well, I would love for you to send them this work."
They provide a short list of local restaurants, bakeries, and shops that you could task with helping fulfill the order with those checks.
The list of locations is a solid starting point to work from. None of the shops that can provide desserts for the entire event staff, but Jek is able to pick a variety of desserts from the few storefronts to cater the requirements of the staff.
Returning back to the event, it seems as though it is highly successful. The staff gratefully goes through and grabs desserts off the trays while Tsuchi-ko thanks you. "I really appreciate all your effort. It is only because of them, and you, that we are able to put this event together. This is a small thanks, but I hope you enjoy it."
She hands over a lanyard with a bright and sparkling badge shaped like Strawberry Machine Cake's logo. Tsuchi-ko describes it sample as part of a branding deal and is a recovery aegis.