A lightly green skinned human with feathery hair. A human but not. Does he have celestial bird blood in his veins? He has a mysterious aura about him. And look at those eyes! They glow intensely . . . "Stop staring and pull up a chair." He declares as he pours himself another strong spirit and offers it to any who are willing to partake.
A large vesk approaches. He pauses for a moment as if deciding to accept the invitation or not. He gives a sharp nod before leaning his rifle against the side of the chair and sits down...
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Castamir's Flaxseed Station is quite busy. At night it's usually a Starfinder bar, but during the day it's mostly proles.
Ever present is the hostess-turned-manager EV-34, but everyone just calls her Eevee. She takes orders, listening when needed, and not listening when appropriate. You're not on the clock yet, so there's time for food and drink.
You do, however, have a job. This morning you woke up to a comm message from Tarika. As always she opens with something far too chipper, an exhortation to eat a healthy breakfast, and a reminder to fill your water bottles. The details are pretty basic - they usually are.
You're to pick up a shipment of Yaro berries, a tangy fruit that grows only on the banks of the Yaro River. This seasonal, sizable purple berry is relatively commonplace in the markets of Qabarat, but it’s considered a delicacy on other worlds. You're grabbing 50 tons of Yaro berries from a local establishment called Prat’s Produce and transporting them to Hivemarket on Akiton—where such a delicacy can go for 10 credits a bowl! "No dilly dallying! You MUST deliver the fruit before it spoils, within 6 days of loading it aboard. If you manage to shave a day or two off the trip, you’ll likely earn a bonus from The Company. Easy money!"
"Yo', babes. Les' get dis thing going." says the Ysoki pilot assigned to the BD514. "I'm gonna push dis wreck, 'cause I could use a bonus. So, git dem engines ready to cook!"
Alfonse lowers his voice, "So, Tarika, any side work fer us this mission? I'm sure we can shove some profitable cargo in the nooks and crannies, amiright?"
"Vizzini, are you the pilot assigned to this mission? I trust you have experience with a BD514? I'm Aldo Cygnaurius, captain and chief motivator on this crew. If you have any problems or see anything that doesn't look right, let me know right away. I want to make sure everything goes smoothly on this run."
"Garrez, are you assigned here for security? I trust you've had some experience in these runs already?"
"Not my first choice of job but it beats rotting in a prison cell."
Angel is a thin, heavily tattooed woman covered in piercings, some of which appear to be ports and plugs in the shaved side of her head.
"Pretty sure we can handle a fruit delivery. Seems like a great way to use the talents of one of the greatest hackers and smugglers in the 'verse."
A dim red light briefly flashes in a plate on the side of her head. Angel stares upward and speaks out to no one in particular.
"Yeah, yeah Rhonda, I know. Make friends. Stay humble.
"If you lot need anything hacked, whacked or skyjacked, Angel is proud and pleased to be of service."
"Yeah, ain't nuthin' in this 'verse I can't fly.
"So, Cap'n, you got any ideas on some supplemental work? Seems a waste to be flyin' wit'out full holds."
Alfonse looks to Angel. "Babe, we gonna get along jus' fine. You get 'er in top shape, I'll make her fly like nuthin' no one has ever seen. Even this tub."
"So, Cap'n, you got any ideas on some supplemental work? Seems a waste to be flyin' wit'out full holds."
"I like the way you think, Vizzini. I'm on it already."
Aldo takes Vizzini's advice and considers any additional jobs or people he should reach out to that may be able to help fill the smuggler's hold.
"Pretty sure we can handle a fruit delivery. Seems like a great way to use the talents of one of the greatest hackers and smugglers in the 'verse."
"Do you not like the sounds of delivering fruit, Angel? Let me tell you, If you can handle this fruit delivery and I like what I see, then I will see what I can do about getting you some bigger jobs where we can put your expertise to work. Maybe we can start delivering melons. However, we have to start somewhere and today the job is fruit delivery. Are we copacetic?"
Aldo thinks that the key to a tidy little profit here is to see if you can get some off-book berries for your own.
"Do you not like the sounds of delivering fruit, Angel? Let me tell you, If you can handle this fruit delivery and I like what I see, then I will see what I can do about getting you some bigger jobs where we can put your expertise to work. Maybe we can start delivering melons. However, we have to start somewhere and today the job is fruit delivery. Are we copacetic?"
"Sure thing boss. You sound a lot like Rhonda, at least the old version before I made a few... upgrades. Anyway a job is a job, I'll give you that, and if we play it smart we can make a little for ourselves on the side."
"I can pitch in a bit of a stake if the rest of you can. Or we acquire them by... other means."
"Garrez, are you assigned here for security? I trust you've had some experience in these runs already?"
The vesk lets out a little bit of a sigh. Its hard to tell if he is annoyed or just taking a second to translate his thoughts into Common. Captain, Garrez is part of my… personal name. You can call me Kazador. Most humans tend to shorten it to Kaz. Kaz, is also sufficient.
He takes another breath and glances at the others at the table before meeting the Captain’s eyes again. This will actually be my first time on such a mission. . The vesk looks momentarily uncomfortable, perhaps embarrassed. But he continues I served two tours with the Vesk Military. 2/2 MUSOC 0311, but I was crosstrained on most heavy weapons systems. My last few gigs have been with working as a trouble shooter for various terraforming crews. One of these involved a good number of flight hours in a BMC Mauler. I was co-pilot and main gunner. The vesk gives another nod, almost a tiny bow. Im sure I can handle any weapon system aboard our ship.
”Sounds like you’ll be a good person to have on the crew, Kaz! Bein’ crosstrained is always essential on a ship. It’s like my bro, Lucius, always tol’ me. Ye’ never know what you will be manning ‘til the fight’s on. He says sometimes he’s been da best pilot, best gunner, best engineer, and has manned every role a ship crew might need. ‘Cept magic officer, of course. He ain’t one for the mumbo jumbo.”
He then turns to Aldo. ”More berries, you say. I’ll hafta check wut we can fits in here whatchoo think we can get dem for?”
Alfonse checks the smugglers holds and other spaces to see what he thinks they can squeeze into the ship.
”More berries, you say. I’ll hafta check wut we can fits in here whatchoo think we can get dem for?”
” Now Vizzini, just to make sure we are on the same page, I don’t want you smuggling any berries in those cheek pouches of yours. Perhaps when we’re up to AKitonian sun diamonds you may be up to the task should we meet a border patrol, but we need to make sure our profits don’t get eaten up.”
“Captain, Garrez is part of my… personal name. You can call me Kazador. Most humans tend to shorten it to Kaz. Kaz, is also sufficient.”
”Kazador, welcome. I’m glad to have somebody with your experience on board. Hopefully we won’t run into any trouble on our fruit run, but I figure if we hope for the best and plan for the worst, we’ll always be prepared. Be sure to check out our weapon systems and make sure everything is in proper working order.”
"Sure thing boss. You sound a lot like Rhonda, at least the old version before I made a few... upgrades."
"Angel, I am not entirely familiar with your qualifications, yet, but who exactly is this Rhonda and what exactly are you talking about when you say upgrades?"
"Angel, I am not entirely familiar with your qualifications, yet, but who exactly is this Rhonda and what exactly are you talking about when you say upgrades?"
Angel taps the side of her head while she explains.
"Oh right, Rhonda. The geniuses at Absalom Station juvenile detention centre thought a cyber nanny might help to correct my moral lapses. Jokes on them! Never give a powerful AI to a hacker and expect me not to tinker with it! Now she helps me out in other ways, even though she is still a know-it-all."
Alfonse is pretty sure that it'd be a bad idea to keep the berries in living areas (assuming you want to sell them and not eat them right away.)
Alfonse checks the capacity of the various smuggler's compartments, to make sure they don't get more than they can carry.
Rain pours down on the small freighter, BD514, over dark ocean toward the city of Qabarat, which grows rapidly on the horizon. Though known as the Jewel of the Western Sea, little of the city sparkles in this weather. Qabarat lines the mouth of the Yaro River, which stretches past the city, into the foothills of the Stormshield Mountains beyond. Navigation beacons and the city’s traffic control AI direct BD514 to a landing pad at Ship’s End, the city’s bustling starport.
Alfonse nimbly pilots the freighter around the traffic at the starport, never even getting close to any of the other lumbering hulks. "Easy, peasy. I got dis!"
When the crew first gets to the ship, Kazador goes through everything. He makes sure there are no stow-aways. He wants no surprises. However, he soon finds a big one.
Moments later a large fuming vesk approaches Aldo. Captain! There are no weapon systems on board! How can this be!?!? Kaz cant quite understand how a ship can have no guns…
”Ain’t no profit in shootin’, Kaz.” replies Alfonse. ”We just gotta outfly any buggers what want to take our ship. As long as we gots Angel in Engineering, she can boost the engines, and I’ll fly circles around anything wut tries to take is.
“‘Less you have better ideas. ”
”Ain’t no profit in shootin’, Kaz.” replies Alfonse. ”We just gotta outfly any buggers what want to take our ship. As long as we gots Angel in Engineering, she can boost the engines, and I’ll fly circles around anything wut tries to take is.
“‘Less you have better ideas. ”
Kaz is still pretty furious. He throws himself down in the copilot’s chair and mutters something like …might as well roll the windows down and throw rocks…
Captain! There are no weapon systems on board! How can this be!?!? Kaz cant quite understand how a ship can have no guns…
"Kaz, I recognize that we have no guns. However, if we installed a turret mounted particle beam, it would weaken the ship's armor, the hull integrity, and increase our heat signature. All of this will not work for us. You see, on this mission, we are going on the down low. We don't want to be recognized. Think of it as a type of camouflage that will give us the ability to go places unnoticed. However, that being said, we should look at some protocols in case we are boarded and want to resist. Do you have anything like caltrop traps we can deploy or barriers to hold attackers off? I trust your weapons are fully charged up?"
--------------
As the BD514 approaches, the Captain offers our pilot some 'encouragement'.
"Vizzini, do you see where we need to land? I hope you can handle this boat. I know you've got this, but if you damage our ship, it's coming out of your wages."
Aldo uses Demand to help Vizzini land the ship.
Alfonse, well aware that damage comes out of his pay, masterfully sets down the clunky transport ship.
A quick search on the Infosphere gives some basic information. Qabarat, also called the Shining Jewel of the Western Sea, isa great lashunta city-state and the largest spaceport in the planet Castrovel. Qabarat is situated at the mouth of the Yaro River, where it flows to the Western Sea, past the sea cliffs at the edge of the Stormshield Mountains on the western coast of Asana.
Visitors to Qabarat often arrive in the spaceport at Ship's End, which is where you find yourselves now. Between this district and the Bright streets, the city's commercial center, lie the Battle Yards, where soldiers train, and the city's numerous universities. There are
several public aiudara that link Qabarat with other settlements.
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Do you have anything like caltrop traps we can deploy or barriers to hold attackers off? I trust your weapons are fully charged up?"[/b]
The vesk clearly does NOT agree with the Captain’s assessment about the unarmed ship. But he is a professional and keeps his mouth shut.
As far as repelling a boarding party, Kaz hefts his huge gun. It is a literal cannon. While somewhat outdated, the light reaction cannon is very reliable and puts heavy rounds down range.
Prat’s Produce can be found a few miles from the starport, on SprikStreet. Fortunately, BD514 contains a vehicle called a cargo rig and a couple of hovercarts to help transport the goods.
The inside of the grocery exudes a cleanliness that is minimalistic, but not sterile. Rows of shelves and friendly aisle displays present a
wide variety of well-organized foodstuffs for purchase. Dozens of people—mostly lashuntas—go about their daily errands, selecting food and making (sometimes telepathic) conversation. Small, bright screens scattered about the store use flashy ads to announce the day’s best deals and upcoming specials. To the right of the entrance, automated check-out lines supervised by a middle-aged lashunta woman, tally up customer purchases.
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In walks an android--that much is pretty clear, by the flat affect of facial (non)expression and mechanical eyes. It is androgenous and nondescript for the most part. It wears a none-too-new cloak with a hood, currently pulled up.
It stops and gives Eevee a deferential nod. Well hello Eevee! The android's voice carries a pleasant inflection, but the facial expression remains flat and neutral. It looks around the area until it spots the Aasimar, then walks over with purpose.
Hello, Captain Cygnaurius. I understand that we will be shipmates aboard BD514. And I take it this is the rest of the crew? He looks at each of you in turn--expression still not changing My name is Chip. I am a skilled engineer, and am quite confident that I shall be able to repair almost anything on--and including--the ship. Pleased to meet you all.
When the android hears the Ysoki's name, his head moves back slightly, as if in surprised recognition. He then tilts his head a bit, and his voice takes on a slightly deeper tone, with a...mushy accent. You surely are a meanie!!
He throws himself down in the copilot’s chair and mutters something like …might as well roll the windows down and throw rocks…
Chip leans toward Kaz and quips (again, with no real change of facial expression, but with what one might consider "proper inflection" of the voice) If we gather a few extra berries, maybe we could open the windows and JAM the enemy ship's weapons!!
"Hello, Captain Cygnaurius. I understand that we will be shipmates aboard BD514. And I take it this is the rest of the crew?" He looks at each of you in turn--expression still not changing My name is Chip. I am a skilled engineer, and am quite confident that I shall be able to repair almost anything on--and including--the ship. Pleased to meet you all."
"Good to have you aboard, Chip. That's Vizzini in the pilot's chair, Kaz with the big gun, and that one with the tatoos is Angel. At the moment, we are getting ready for a quick run to Akiton. We could use your help loading up the hovercars. After we are loaded up with a fifty ton shipment of fruit, we are flying out of here. Once you are back on board the ship, check over BD514's engine and get us ready for a quick departure."
"Alright team, time to get some fruit. Hop aboard those hovercarts and get us to Prat's Produce."
Aldo approaches the lashunta woman and begins discourse.
"Well met, Mam. What a fine store you have here. We are here to pick up a fifty ton shipment of fruit for delivery to Hivemarket on Akiton. My team and I are here with hovercars to take the shipment. Could you kindly direct me to the fruit?"
The woman stares long and hard at Aldo. For a moment the envoy thinks maybe he didn't speak out loud or that the woman is deaf. Just before he's about to repeat himself, she points to the general manager’s office in the rear of the building....
"Thank you very much.". Aldo replies graciously. As he departs, the captain tries to find out her name from either a name tag or else he will simply remark, "I didn't catch your name. Who should I mention when I pass along my compliments to your general manager?"
The Aasimar moves with the company toward the rear of the shop office toward the office. When he finds it, he knocks, waits for a reply, and enters when prompted.
Prat’s Produce can be found a few miles from the starport, on SprikStreet. Fortunately, BD514 contains a vehicle called a cargo rig and a couple of hovercarts to help transport the goods.
Kazador helps hook the trailer up to the cargo hauler. Since the hauler only seats 4, the vesk rides back on the trailer. He makes a loop w/ a cargo strap so he has some secure to hold onto.
Book 1: We're No Heroes
Date: 1 Gozran 322 AG
Location: The Pact Worlds, Planet Castrovel, Qabarat
Ship's Log
*********************************************
An older, stocky lashunta wearing blue coveralls sits behind a wooden desk covered in papers. He taps furiously on a datapad while grumbling to himself. His most notable feature is a missing left antenna and a thin scar that begins at his forehead and zigzags back along his scalp. He looks up, tosses the tablet aside, and asks in a polite but agitated voice, “What can I do for you?”
Alfonse is about to speak, and then he lets discretion take over. He raises an eyebrow at Aldo, all while thinking, 'Wonder how he lost his antenna. And why didn't he get a replacement. I'll be a cyber-antenna would look cool!'
Kazador hangs back a little bit. He is happy to let others do the talking. The vesk keeps a lookout for any potential trouble.
Perception +5
”My compliments to you, Mr. Prat. I’m Aldo Cygnaurius from EJ. We’re here to pick up a fifty ton shipment of fruit bound for Akiton. My crew is ready for the pickup.”
With one final and frustrated look at the datapad, he turns to Kaz in the back, "Old habits die hard huh? I feel that in my bones."
He then turns to Aldo. “It’s good you’re here, but you’d better hurry. There’s a lot to move, and those Yaro berries will spoil before too long. You’ve no idea how much this shipment means to me. I’m retiring after this. Thirty years running this place. Now it’s Needa’s turn. This shipment is my retirement plan, so please, be careful, okay?”
With one final and frustrated look at the datapad, he turns to Kaz in the back, "Old habits die hard huh? I feel that in my bones."
He then turns to Aldo. “It’s good you’re here, but you’d better hurry. There’s a lot to move, and those Yaro berries will spoil before too long. You’ve no idea how much this shipment means to me. I’m retiring after this. Thirty years running this place. Now it’s Needa’s turn. This shipment is my retirement plan, so please, be careful, okay?”
"Thirty years is quite a tremendous achievement. I'm sure you are ready for a well deserved rest. We are eager to make this shipment go well ourselves. Without doubt, this shipment will be to the benefit of all of us. Do you have any suggestions on how to prevent the Yaro berries from spoiling? We were also wondering if you had any surplus berries that we could bring along to supplement our shipment?"
"Just move'em quickly. That's all. Extra? Well I'll tell you what, He gestures helplessly at the tablet on the desk.
"Help me out here. This thing was working fine for inventory last night, but now it’s a mess. I need to file the change of ownership paperwork, but I can’t get the damn thing to work! Fix it and I might find some extra.”
Aldo looks to his crew and asks, "Any of you pumpkins think you can help, Mr. Prat here with his tablet? If not, let's get the shipment loaded. We've got a deadline to meet!"
Turning back to the manager, "No problem at all, this is a crack crew they assigned to me. We should have you up and running in no time."
"Yo, that's right up our alley! We can help you out on that, Mr. Prat! Here, let's have a look-see on it."
Alf hands it over to Angel, but even his quick look gives some useful information. It looks like the password reset function is turned off, but the thumbprint log on is still functional. It will have to be hacked to fix, though the thumb can help.
Chip looks on, ready to give his own expert advice if required...
"So, Mr. Prat. If you can put your thumb here for a moment..."
Mr. Prat obliges, muttering about stupid technology.
"Sure this looks like child's play."
"While I was at it, I made a few modifications to make things work more smoothly in future."
If possible, Angel will tweak the device to round up any shipment made under our client name so that it adds a little extra we can skim off the top for ourselves.
With one final and frustrated look at the datapad, he turns to Kaz in the back, "Old habits die hard huh? I feel that in my bones."
The vesk doesnt say a word but he gives the man a nod and maybe just the tiniest bit of a bow. Its a small gesture but it conveys respect and honor to one who has lived so long and clearly survived some drek.
Once the deal is made Kaz set up the hovercarts and carefully but swiftly starts loading things up.
Angel finds that it really is child's play, and the reason why... To anyone who knows what they're looking for, there's a malicious firewall instead that blocks Prat's password from being reset and the algorithms and firewall utilize classic space goblin coding techniques! Given Angel's skill, it shouldn't be too hard to fix