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Ruhk turns to look at Celebryn and favours him with a dazzling smile.
"Well now, you are clearly a valuable individual to know. Much appreciated."
Ruhk shrugs a little, unsure of what to do next.
"Well, we're sitting pretty here, any suggestions of what to do next?
Some people seem to have a plan over there, but..."
Max moves to the left to get a clear shot at the gangster that shot him and he gets a nasty laser burn.
Max tries to keep the laser burn from continuing.
his quick reflexes help him extinguish the flame.
12 shifts over to the outer edge of the crates. "I'll throw some covering fire downrange so you should be able to close, then I will go back to shooting specific targets."
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Amidst the confusion, Valtri slipped over to the console and set about activating the fire suppression system. How hard could it possibly be?
Max yells to Valtri ”Change this mall Muzak to Metallica first!”
He adds ”I have my earbuds out.”
Max loved Metallica!
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Myriad flinches as an errant laser sizzles overhead, scorching some of their "skin" as it passes. They immediately rush towards a larger pile of cover nearby, ducking low so as to come up from a different position before firing their azimuth pistol towards the nearest thug!
Round 3 completed______________________
Ruhk turns to look at Celebryn, and shrugs a little, unsure of what to do next.
Max moves to the left to get a clear shot at the gangster that shot him and he gets a nasty laser burn. He popped up and fired, hitting gangster 4 with a red laser beam for serious damage to his face.
Prototype 12 shifts over to the outer edge of the crates. "I'll throw some covering fire "
His Laser Rifle burns a line across several crates, keeping gangster heads down.
Amidst the confusion, Valtri slipped over to the console and set about activating the fire suppression system. How hard could it possibly be?
Max yells to Valtri ”Change this mall Muzak to Metallica first!”
Myriad flinches as an errant laser sizzles overhead. They immediately rush towards a larger pile of cover nearby, ducking low so as to come up from a different position before firing their azimuth pistol towards the nearest thug! Gangster 8 is caught flat footed, burned right through the chest and falls dead.
Valtri managed to unlock the manual override and throw the lever on the fire suppression system.
Red and white strobes flashed and a loud klaxon sounded. The fire stopped as people looked around confused. Then…
A heavy liquid sprayed down from nozzles in the hangar ceiling. When it hit the deck it foamed up quickly surrounding everything in a suffocating ocean of white suds.
"Nooooooo! These are dry-clean ONLY!"
Max holds his breath and moves to join Valtri behind the console.
With a sharp twist of their left forearm and an almost imperceptible hiss, Myriad activates the quick-release sheath in their left forearm. A small panel near their first opens as a knife begins to emerge, handle first, into their awaiting palm to be held in a reverse grip. They then begin moving forward quietly towards where they recall the thugs being a moment ago.
'Yes, this is our element. Silent death.'
'It is good we do not need to breathe. The organics will be having a difficult time with this. Take advantage of it.'
Ignoring the foam, other than acknowledging the cover it provides EVERYONE, 12 moves up to the next set of crates, remembering there was opposition on the other side. But he has to find them to deal with them.
This was perhaps one of those situations where succeeding was its own punishment. Valtri had expected something a with a little less likely to disorient and smother people. Though in hindsight, in the event of a fire serious enough to activate the system, that was probably the lesser evil. Shipboard fires were not to be trifled with.
For now, Valtri lifted up her collar to cover her face and set about trying to figure out if there was a way to clear away the foam. She wasn't going to do that immediately - the gangsters could suffer the consequences of their actions for a little while - but it would definitely be best to be ready to undo her handiwork, rather than risk suffocating the very bystanders she'd been trying to help.
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Moaning quietly over his bad luck, Ruhk stays put where he is.
After all, he can't see, so even if there was an enemy in range, he couldn't do a thing about it.
If only i had taken that earlier flight...but noooo, I had to pick THIS one.
Both My'riad and Prototype 12 find the going tough, as the foam is a little slippery. Small things you didn't think were there in the clear areas trip you up, and the blinding of the foam and the loud blaring of the klaxon disorient you.
You bump into people, and barely hold yourselves from striking when you realize they aren't the gangsters you're looking for.
You also notice, sprawled at your feet, the dead body of the dwarf you were to meet, Duravor Kreel. You know he's dead because theres a big laser wound right through his throat, and most of his blood is pooling around your boots.
At this point station security show up, sirens blaring. They shout for everyone in the foam to not move with their hands up and eyes shut.
Fire suppressor bots start hosing the foam off of everything.
Well, good news and bad news here.
Good news? This will stop the firefight and calm things down.
Bad news? My next stop is probably the local station for questioning...
Unless there are so many of us they'll settle for taking statements on site and let us go?
I REALLY need a change of clothes!
Myriad stares down at the dead dwarf, then turns to look at the other android with them. "This will complicate things. We were to meet this one for a meeting with the Starfinder Society." Before much more could be said, station security begins to arrive as the foam is washed away. Before anyone could see, they quickly sheathe their knife back into the compartment in their forearm and holster their laser pistol.
'This was a setup. Those gangsters were here for him, and now they will take to take us down for his murder.'
'Nonsense, just tell the truth to the security, they will sort this out and we will be released in no time.'
'We agree with the other, we should run. Now.'
'No, we run, they will assume we did this and will not stop chasing us.'
'Quiet, all of you. We will remain and see how this plays out.'
Myriad looks at the other android and slowly raises their hands and security fans out and begins to secure the area.
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In the confusion, Max rushes to the downed gangster to retrieve his laser pistol, he had brought a needler to a laser pistol fight and had the burns to prove it.
Max subtly pockets the laser pistol as he spits out his earbuds from his mouth and turns to everyone holding his earbuds aloft. "My earbuds, there they are!!"
As the authorities begin closing in, 12 pulls the battery from his laser rifle, then slings it over his back, pulling the sling tighter than worn when battle ready. Then, unless stopped, he returns to his rifle case and stows the weapon properly, without replacing the battery.
The security troopers approach and detain everyone in the area. They take your weapons and question everyone as the emergency medics attend to any wounded.
It takes hours, but Security matches your statements, the bystander statements and camera feeds, and conclude you all acted in self defense.
They return your weapons to you (grudgingly), and you are free to go. Fire suppressant foam stained, but free.
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”The dwarf was with us. We will pay for a proper send off, but we are going to need his personal property.”
Max holds out his credit stick.
”Wait that’s empty, we will pay at the ceremony.”
Well, good news and bad news here.
Good news? This will stop the firefight and calm things down.
Bad news? My next stop is probably the local station for questioning...
Unless there are so many of us they'll settle for taking statements on site and let us go?
I REALLY need a change of clothes!
"A little magic goes a long long way in these cases."
Cev castes Token Spell and begin to remove the flame retardent from the young man's clothing ...
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Ruhk looks at his clothing, carefully running his fingers over the sleeve, before favouring Celebryn with a brilliant smile.
"Ah, I'm deeply indebted to you, that is a rare brand jacket you just saved.
You're a useful sort of have around."
"...We will pay for a proper send off, but we are going to need his personal property."
The on-scene Inspector glares coldly at Max.
"This is a mass homicide incident. That will have to wait until the investigation is complete." He said. "As an officer of the Starfinder Society, he is covered by Death Benefits anyway."He paused, his interest in you sharpening.
"What is your interest in his property anyway?"
Max clambers up on a desk to look to eye to eye with the inspector.
"He was paying us and giving us a job. So his effects probably have a contract or specifics about what we needed to do."
"Absent access to his property, perhaps you could simply provide directions to the Starfinder office? In theory, he would not be the only one who knew what they wanted."
Valtri, still organising her own belongings, let out a faint sigh at the conversation unfolding. Trying to get Duravor's belongings was definitely crossing a line. Thankfully, it looked like cooler heads were going to prevail, though she stood ready to add her own .02 creds if it seemed necessary.
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Passionate little thing, isn't he? But he might get into trouble if he keeps pushing like that...
Perhaps I should make myself a little more scares...
With barely concealed contempt, the detective thanks you for your cooperation before your personal property and luggage is shoved at you and you are unceremoniously hustled out of the taped off incident scene.
A formally uniformed chauffeur approaches you and doffs his hat.
"I beg your pardons, sirs and madames, as the case may be; The Starfinder Society apologises for your unfortunate experience and requests the honor of a meeting at the Spire." He states formally, bowing and gesturing to a sleek hover limousine parked in a "NO PARKING" zone.
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Ruhk considers for a moment.
This didn't feel like a trap, and it wasn't likely to be either.
A group of gangsters decides to get into each other and a few people get caught in the crossfire.
He doubted there was some oldtimey gangster lord who wanted to meet the "meddlers" and "scare them straight".
No, this was most likely perfectly legitimate.
Having convinced himself, Ruhk approaches the Orc and holds out his hand to shake.
"Splendid! An absolute pleasure.
I cannot speak for anyone else, but I would be more than happy to take you up on that Mr...?"
The android just stares, motionless, at the law enforcement officer until someone hands him his rifle back, and then has to actually indicate he should move.
---
"Excellent. I accept your offer."
Celebryn assumed the car was for him ... and is just about halfway inside as the others decide to join.
Max gets in and sits on his booster seat in the driver compartment so he can look out the window.
”I’ll drive, just point the way. Better that than cleaning this nice car after our trip. Let’s see what this baby can do!.”
DRIVER
...but I would be more than happy to take you up on that Mr...?"
Tipping his hat, the driver replied;
"I have the honor to be named Gurlak Eviscerator. Please call me Gurlak sir."
Gurlak helps you with your luggage into the trunk as the rest board the vehicle.
The interior of the vehicle feels larger inside than the outside seems to appear. It is nicely appointed with rich polished leather seating and richly decorated extras, such as three pull down three dee viewscreens, auto booster seating for the small statured, and a silver drink dispenser with ice.
GURLAK
”I’ll drive, just point the way!"
Gurlak looked down in apparent regret.
"I do apologize sir, but the Starfinder Society Insurance guarantors are very... insistent that only authorized members operate Society vehicles."There have been... unfortunate incidents where this rule was not followed and has resulted in massive, ahem, what you might call full-contact litigation. I'm sure you understand." He said regretfully.
Max slides over with a look of total disappointment.
Gurlak smoothly piloted the limousine down the concourse and into an access way into an exclusive vehicular tubeway.
Part of the way is transparent, and you get a spectacular view of an arm of the Absalom station, modules flickering with arc-light as they are welded in place, and beyond that an amazing vista of stars.
In a deceptively short amount of time, you enter the Ring sector of Absalom Station, and then after that you arrive at the Lorespire Complex.
The campus is dense with the number of buildings and rooms.
At the base of the spire, you come to a halt and are ushered into a large reception area, decorated with the Society crest on the floor and several cased artefacts with little presentation videos underneath them.
When you mention your names to the reception Lashunta, she says;
"Oh yes, you were in that shootout at the shuttle bay! You're all over the news!"
A button lights up on her desk, her eyes drop to it.
"Yes, yes, you're expected. If you enter lift 5 over there, it will take you directly there."
The lift takes you very high in the spire.
The doors swoosh open into an elegant reception area, and a human comes over to greet you and usher you through the back doorway into an executive office.
The office space is cluttered with cases and cabinets with datablocks, paper documents, mysterious devices and artefacts, but is well ordered and clean.
Behind a polished and unadorned plastic desk, a Shirren wearing understated business clothing rose and gestured to you to take various seats of appropriate sizes.
"Greeting gentlebeings," The Shirren said aloud.
He touched a glowing part of his desk, and a number of plates and mugs rose silently into view. (An elegant display of filtered water and processed-protein wafers, safe for everyone in the pact worlds.)
"Refreshments?" He asked, his antennae flexing from side to side.
Ruhk steps forward and takes a cup of water, enjoying the chance to freshen up a little after all that had been happening.
He does however notice the antennae and frowns.
"Is something the matter, you seem..."
Ruhk allows his question to fade away, offering the Shirren a chance to answer at his own pace.
Max was looking for a power outlet for his coffee machine and perks up.
"Quadruple espresso with lots of milk froth! Or I can make my own with the water and a standard power hookup!"
The android stands, waiting for the briefing, or negotiation, or whatever this sentient has in mind.
"Thank you," Valtri said simply, helping herself to some nibbles. It had been a while since her last meal, what with those hab-sinking gangsters and the aftermath of the fight.
There would be a pitch coming, she was sure.
Celebryn seemed oddly aloof and profoundly disinterested in the refreshment. It wasn't so much that he was waiting for the hammer to drop ... but the Starfinder they had planned to meet with was, in fact, dead.
"Is something the matter, you seem..."
"Ah, well..." the shirren started.
The shirren arched its antennae at Max as he spoke, touched a couple of colored lights in the plastic desk, and a quadruple espresso with lots of milk froth arose next to Max.
Greetings gentlebeings... the shirren said, this time telepathically into all your minds at once.
It is good to meet you; we are Chiskisk, Absalom Station Councillor to the Forum of the Starfinder Society.
We are sorry that we cannot welcome you to Absalom Station under better circumstances.
We assure you that such attacks are not a daily occurrence, though we realize that is likely small comfort to you.
We are pleased that none of you were seriously hurt, but we grieve for Duravor's death.
He was a valued member of the Society, and a friend.
May the Lady of Graves be kind in her judgement of his soul.
The shirren bows their head momentarily, then looks up, their compound eyes glittering.