You all find yourselves aboard the Brass Clutch, a private transport owned by Radaszam "The Dealmaker" who is both the leader of the Obsidian Spiders mercenaries and the Starfinders' Acquisitives faction. He has called in your assistance on a matter to help build the Starfinder Society's reputation and renown within the Veskarium.
The ship has just entered orbit around Vesk-3 as you have all been called to the bridge for your briefing.
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Hello, my name is Momo Momo say with a clearly rehearsed manner, and I'm in charge of dancing! There have been AbadarCorp Trainess in history that have introduced themselves with more enthousiasm. Her lithe form betrays that she is capable for elegant movement, but for now she seems to be mostly nailed to floor.
She has a nervous, uncomfortable look in her eyes, looking around for a familiar face.
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The polished appearance and relaxed movement of this slightly older woman is either a very comfortable mask, or a sign of amazing confidence. The smile seems genuine, and her voice seems to express a relaxed enthusiasm.
"Oh, a dancer! How nice! I'm Osuro. I'm a performer myself, though my primary activity is acting. Perhaps you've seen one of my pieces? Mostly shock and gore horror, but a girl takes the work she can get, right?"
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A stoic android with crystal blue eyes and feint circuit-print patterns on his face enters the meeting room and greets those present.
Hello, I'm Darkrunner. I am... neither a dancer nor performer of any kind.
He further reflects on why they are headed to their specific destination.
Build our reputation on Vesk-3? I thought the Skittermanders love the Society. Curious.
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"Oh, a dancer! How nice! I'm Osuro. I'm a performer myself, though my primary activity is acting. Perhaps you've seen one of my pieces? Mostly shock and gore horror, but a girl takes the work she can get, right?"
Momo stays silent for a while, looking at Osuro and clearly thinking very hard. Nightarch vibroblade massacre? I know what you did on Verces? Nightmare in botscrap?
Did you star in many movies? I was a zombie extra once... she finally says Zombie 22 in Leprechaun of the dead.
She also greets Darkrunner Hello mister. Dark Runner. Are you an athlete? We had a drow champion on our last mission, he was very strong.
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The meeting room doors open to reveal an older gentleman dressed in khaki colours - A wide brimmed hat, a many-pocketed vest, scarf and leather satchel. He appears to be dressed for recreation instead of a pending mission.
"Greetings, greetings! Oh my, is that Momo Strawberry? What a delight! He moves over to Momo immediately to greet her. "We meet again, are you following me?" He jokes before lowering his voice a bit. "How is the flight treating you, everything ok?"
He will also move around to greet the others. He is very friendly and outgoing. "I can't recall having been to Vesk-3 before... no I spent the bulk of my previous career mapping distant worlds in the vast. Does anyone know anything more about our destination?'
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Darkrunner looks at Momo curiously.
A drow? I'm fairly certain my appearance was not constructed to represent these beings, but maybe the designers came a little too close to an aesthetic. I've certainly spent very little time on Apostae. I am very lithe and quick though, but not "athletic" in the way of lifting heavy objects.
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"Greetings, greetings! Oh my, is that Momo Strawberry? What a delight! He moves over to Momo immediately to greet her. "We meet again, are you following me?" He jokes before lowering his voice a bit. "How is the flight treating you, everything ok?"
Mister Intro! Momo exclaims happily, and then looks at the floor and adds no, I'm not following you...
Vesk space is safe Momo offers as an explanation for not hiding in the turret, though her discomfort may still have something to do with her fear of flying, no Swarm would dare come here, and the Vesk captains are quite respectful.
A drow? I'm fairly certain my appearance was not constructed to represent these beings, but maybe the designers came a little too close to an aesthetic.
Ah, nono, Momo shakes her hand with a bit of embarrasment, you look very different indeed. The drow was very muscular, he would do great in a weightlifting competition. You look very agile... let me know if you want to learn a few dance moves.
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It eppeared not only overland Pathfinder get aboard the vsek vessel - a large armored tubic tank of water staying on the deck right near polit place. The tank is made of glass, carbon and some light parts, like baratu use in their suits. The tank, or an aquarium slowly moves as if being on wheels. There is a fishlike creature inside the tank, similar with crucian carp. Seems like the fish is paying attention to surroundings.
A notification upon glass says:
"Carp Magnus. 15 years old. Avoid put any limbs into watertank.
Also there is pretty good visible ticker screen upon the nank with a sentence:
When brefing starts you can see words producing and running over the ticker...
-This is Schuka. My pleasure to Momo, Darkrunner, Skip , Osuro. Whoever need protection or guarding - it will serve. Defult option: Shcuka is a pilot.
The fish inside the tanks looks agitated and move sporadically meanwhile.
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Did you star in many movies? I was a zombie extra once... she finally says Zombie 22 in Leprechaun of the dead.
"Well, then, you have some idea how fast they try to churn these things out! I honestly think I've been in well over 70, including bit parts, but I've been the starlet for a good 12, now. One of these days I'll get a chance at something done properly, and slower, and move into the mainstream! I've been updating the chassis here with a few tricks to help with the career." Her voice drops into a solid bass, well below what should be in her natural range, and she starts clicking and intonating in perfect Shirren.
"I can't recall having been to Vesk-3 before... no I spent the bulk of my previous career mapping distant worlds in the vast. Does anyone know anything more about our destination?'
"I could regale you with facts from the travel guides, but I'm not sure I really know anything you don't. We'll have some time to do research and discuss what we think we know while we travel."
-This is Schuka. My pleasure to Momo, Darkrunner, Skip , Osuro. Whoever need protection or guarding - it will serve. Defult option: Shcuka is a pilot.
The fish inside the tanks looks agitated and move sporadically meanwhile.
Osuro's eyes get really big. "WOW! I don't think I've met one of your species before! Obviously you have a language. Do you think I could learn it? I really love being able to talk to beings in their native tongues!"
As you talk to one another the doors to to the bridge opens upon a largely open and sleek bridge. The vessel puts on display a mixture of comfort and capability showing the luxury of this transport ship.
At the front and center is Radaszam, the leader of the Acquisitives faction, as he stares out of the viewport toward the colorful planet. As you enter he turns and meets you with a sharp-toothed grin. He points about the bridges to an array of sleek leather chairs arrayed around the bridge. "You're here. Have a seat or otherwise get comfortable."
He allows you the moment to settle before getting into his briefing. He starts with a grand motion directing your attention to the planet through the viewscreen. "Welcome to Vesk-3, home of the skittermanders and continual pain in the Veskarium's backside." He looks upon the planet directly as he studies it for a moment before describing, "the skittermanders called it Oeddertchonk, but that mouthful's gone teh way of the Gap-forgotten."
Turning back toward you he Radaszam crosses his arms and frowns. "The Starfinder Society holds little sway in the Veskarium. Unfortunate, but understandable." He offers his insight while waving a claw in the air. "We're a foreign enterprise, prone to meddling, and the Veskarium keeps a tight grip on their territories. We're rarely granted exploration rights in Veskarium-held space and, the few times we have been, we can't scratch an itch without the government sending soldiers to watch."
"They don't trust us," he declares bluntly. He retains a steely resolve though as he looks over your group and announces, "with your help, we're going to change that."
Radaszam gestures again to the colorful planet outside. "Which brings us here. Vesk-3 is a lush planet. Plenty of water, rich soil, helpful locals–but it's not without danger. The planet suffers from constant low-key tectonic activity–gas seeps, geysers, tremors–that sort of thing. It's a valuable world, but difficult to control. Military personnel stationed here tend to consider it punishment and most vesk don't visit if they can avoid it–except to go on safari, that is."
"It's taken me months of negotiations, but I've arranged a meeting with Brigadier Teshgari, a prominent member of the Veskarium military. She's got enough standing to grant us exploration rights to a few Veskarium holdings I'd like to dig my claws into–if she can be convinced of our competence, trustworthiness, and value." Radaszam pauses to make eye contact with everyone, crossing his arms. "You're scheduled to have dinner with Brigadier Teshgari tonight at Hunt, a restaurant in the city of Ewagadravona. If you impress her, she'll invite you on a safari expedition into the subterranean tunnels of Gadraveech tomorrow morning. Prove yourselves competent down there and you'll help build a promising future for the Society. Mess it up and I'll know exactly whose career to ruin. Understood?"
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Oof Momo exhales, wondering if she's actually not safer on the ship, tectonic activity, gas... is the gas toxic? she asks.
What is a Vesk safari like? Are there any dangerous creatures out there? Is there a local population?
When Radaszam piles on the pressure, Momo starts looking downright miserable, and tries to avoid eye contact. Nevertheless she asks What would impress a Vesk Brigadier? I doubt it is sugar-pop dances...
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Schuka swims to a tanks side closer to Osuro. Some lights can see underneath her small body and right after Osuro hears...
Meanwile watertank ticker inform:
-Schuka is fine with gentle touch or tap. Glass is laser-proof, but water generally not. Using laser may cause countermeasures.
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As far as Radasazam describes mission profile - the fish becomes even more agitiated. Soon watertank shows another message:
[i] -Are there any particular place / point of interest at Vesk? [i/]
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Mister Intro! Momo exclaims happily, and then looks at the floor and adds no, I'm not following you...
'I jest, of course! I am so pleased to be working with you again.'
"I could regale you with facts from the travel guides, but I'm not sure I really know anything you don't. We'll have some time to do research and discuss what we think we know while we travel."
Skip begins to draw out a paperback travel guide from his vest, then immediately returns it as Osuro begins speaking.
As Schuka's tank begins to move, Skip stares for a brief moment in a calm, quizzical way. It's almost as if he distrusts what he is perceiving, in a practiced manner. When it's clear that others can see the tank move a wide smile breaks out and he greets the newcomer warmly.
Skip appears overjoyed at the concept of dinner out with distinguished guest, followed by a safari adventure.
"That sounds delightful! While I'm happy to hear I've dressed appropriately for the safari, I'm afraid I'm under dressed for dinner." He removes his wide brimmed kahki coloured hat and looks down at it before continuing. "Subterrainian, you say? I guess I won't be needing this then. Shame, it's made of the finest sholapith from the jungles of Castrovel.... but I digress. Is there any more you can tell us of Brigadier Teshgari that may help us in our negotiations?'
Radaszam nodes as he answers back, "the kind of safari is going to depend on who you are with and the game you are hunting. Word is Brigadier Teshgari would be looking to add some local predators to her trophy collection. That is likely why she is in Ewagadravona."
He ponders a bit more as he scratches at his chin also offering, "the town's claim to fame is its permanent entrance to the subterranean realm of Gadraveech. Beasts sometimes find their way out those depths and I'm no expert in beginning to describe what is down there." He ends up shaking his head as he expended his bit of knowledge on the matter. "In town you should be safe though, there are plenty there that will be willing to help you."
He pauses a moment before shaking his head in responses to Schuka's query. "I haven't been to the town myself, but the there isn't much site-seeing going on. The entrance into Gradveech is the biggest draw to travelers into the town. Locals avoid going underground, but plenty of vesk that go there are venturing to test their mettle. There are a number of hunting lodges in Ewagadravona that organize safari expeditions into Gadraveech. The Hunt that you are going to is one of them."
Radaszam gives a minor nod of appreciation of Skip's attire, even given the environment. He answers him, "Aside from what I mentioned to Momo, Brigadier Teshgari's an upstanding military officer with enough influence to get us an in with the Veskarium bigwigs. She's a capable combatant and strategist, known for her fondness for big game hunting."
"Of late, she's been stationed around Vesk-3 by choice." He gives a shrug toward the planet overlooking the room as she notes, "I'm not sure what she's hoping to hunt in Gadraveech, but I expect you to help her bag it and transport it topside. She'll be accompanied by her skittermander assistants. I’m sure they'll be exasperating but be patient. Brigadier Teshgari won't appreciate you bullying her subordinates."
Radaszam addressing Darkrunner with a nod but adds, "if all goes well. The first step will be to impress her at the lodge. She isn't likely to be keen on heading out with a group she distrusts one way or another."
"As for what she might be hunting, I'll leave it to you to parse out from the rumormongering. I will say though she is likely looking for something dangerous if she has come to Ewagadravona."
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Momo types a few messages, and after a short while her datapad goes ‘ping’, showing a message from a sender stored as ‘little blond punk’
Momoring! Be careful when you go there, there’s earthquakes all the time, with caveins and new tunnels appearing. The skittermanders are your friends, i heard they rescued some explorers that were looking into a new tunntl system. Bring a torch and some snacks! Stay safe! Zozo
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"I seem to remember the Brigadier is heavily prejudiced to military might. Only the biggest specimens will do for his trophy room, and only the bravest and most recognized warriors are welcome company. We may have to fake a few points . . .." She turns and looks to Radaszam. "Tell me again why you didn't assign a Soldier for this effort?"
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Schuka checks infostructure and Starnet to check if there are any massive rivers, lakes or underground streams in the region.
Hearing about military might, Schuka produce a bulb, her tail shines from inside with yellow pulse.
Suddenly a part of watertank unatteches to be dropped at the table with Psychokinetic hand , than anouther one, and another. After half a minute you see effeicient 1 round sniper rifle, constructed and likely operational.
SAFARI! - appears on the tank-screen.
"I seem to remember the Brigadier is heavily prejudiced to military might. Only the biggest specimens will do for his trophy room, and only the bravest and most recognized warriors are welcome company. We may have to fake a few points . . .." She turns and looks to Radaszam. "Tell me again why you didn't assign a Soldier for this effort?"
[dice=Diplomacy]1d20+13
Radaszam holds firm as he answers with a biting retort, "I have no desire to waste my time and not a bit more to waste yours. If I thought she would only welcome soldiers among her group then I wouldn't be sending you lot. If she did, then it would be a sure lost cause as it doesn't take much digging to figure out the Starfinders aren't a military focused organization."
Barring his fangs and a low grumble, "barring some damn smear campaigns."
Focusing back on the group he states, "if you have some or can make common ground, take advantage of it. I'm very well certain you are all qualified though and expect you to pull this off."
Barring any other questions you are directed toward the shuttle and transported planet-side right to the town of Ewagadravona. Even on approach it is apparent that Ewagadravona is a fortified town more vesk than skittermander in aesthetics.
As you get closer you can see it is encircled by high walls patrolled by vesk soldiers, its impressive gun turrets are aimed inward to fight off internal threats. Blocky buildings with thick doors and steel-shuttered windows line the winding streets. Half the buildings–clearly those inhabited by the resident skittermanders–are festooned with fluttering banners and painted a riotous jumble of colors.
When you disembark you are immediately surrounded by an array of smiling and colorful skittermanders offering greetings, handshakes, hugs and help to you all.
"Hello and welcome to Ewagadravona nufriends! I'm so excited for you to have come here! I hope you are going to have the most wonderful time and if you think you might not let me know and I'll give allsix to make sure to change that! Where do you need to go, do you want food, can I get you a blanket?"
This barrage of helpfulness comes from all sides as the the locals intend to make sure the party is attended to. The group even has some chance to speak with them and Osuro finds that some are more aware of the Brigadier's goals from coming here and can provide that information in the spoiler section.
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"Thank you for the welcome! We do hope to enjoy our time here. I was told we need to find a Brigadier Teshgari and go with her on a safari. Do you think that will be fun? Anything we need to make sure we take with us?"
Osuro spends more time talking with the skittermanders, alternating between Vesk and Common as seems simpler at a given moment.
"If I understand what these little guys are saying, the caves have some REALLY big versions of them running around, and the Brigadier's REAL interested in bagging an EXCEPTIONAL example of the species to add to her trophy collection."
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Darkrunner is overwhelmed by the sudden attention of the skittermanders and each hug causes him to shut down, socially, a little more.
Thank you. That's not necessary. No thank you.
Fighting through the skitter throng, he asks Did they give you directions to Teshgari or the caves?
He's holding his arms up above the reach of them to minimize unwanted contact.
There are a multitude of suggestions with a several directing to the location of Hunt where you are set to meet with Brigadier.
"Well I'm certain you will have fun if you came here to do it! We don't go because of the lots of things down there that would wan tot kill us, but I'm sure you can handle it!" The skittermanders are very encouraging and even point out several places in town where you might consider restocking on equipment as well as the entrance to the underground realm.
They helpfully note if you need to find the caves, to just follow here all the gun turrets are pointed.
Heading to Hunt, you find it to be a large well-off restaurant with a fire pit at the center being used to cook meat. There are a large number of vesk at tables sharing platters of food as they boast and discuss matters.
At the door you are met by a bright yellow skittermander. She is only a few feet tall have a colorful scarf that is twice her height that is looped around her neck.
"Hello!" She declares with a bounces and several waves. "You must by the Starfinders. Brigadier Teshgari will be absolutely glad to see you arrived. I'm Mimzy, Brigadier Teshgari's mobile nutritionist. Although I admit that you won't see much of that today given that were are here at the Hunt. They didn't want me to help with the food here, which is fair, but I must admit isn't my favorite. They cook a lot of meat, which I think is great, but they the menu is small outside of that."
She waves you along as she guides you through the restaurant toward Brigadier Teshgari's table as she continues to speak at length. "There is a bit of bread and vegetables here, but you don't see many people order them. I admit that I enjoy cooking myself and especially baking rolls and meat pies. Do any of you like pies and, if you do, what kind of filling do you like?"
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Oh, everybody is so helpful here Momo remarks, somewhat smitten by the Skittermanders and their clear directions. Where the guns turrets are pointed... That does indeed sounds quite clear to her.
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Hello Mimzy, my name is Momo, and I'm charge of... she hesitates, and then finishes anyway Dancing. That sounds silly right now, right?
I'm not so good at cooking, she adds, I only know some traditional dishes from Akiton. Have you ever had Arabuk?Your pies sound great... she says, but tries not to imply she'd want one, what kind of vegetables do you get here?
Also, do you know when the Brigadier expects us? He seems occupied at the moment?
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Skip is happy to depart from the ship for a shore excursion. He seems happy and relaxed as the skittermanders swarm them, and makes conversation with them with good humor. He seems to be enjoying himself too much to take notice of the direction of the turrets as they depart to the restaurant.
'Mimzy, a pleasure to meet you. Nutritionalist, you say? I trust that you can at least expect the Brigadier to eat his daily share of protein this evening at least! Does the Brigadier usually travel with a large entourage?"
"I rather enjoy a sweet pie. Some I have had are personal sized with a maple filling, usually adorned with rasins or various nuts. It's delightful with an afternoon coffee. Tell me, is there more you can tell us about The Hunt? From the name I gather it's some kind of wild-game based menu?"
Along that train of thought, Skip will quietly add to the other Starfinders "A way to impress the Brigadier may be to sample some of the more extreme menu items, prove our intestinal fortitude, as it were!"
"Absolutely not," responds Mimzy. "I would love to see dancing! I haven't had Arabuk, but I've heard about it from the Pact Worlds. Maybe I can try some one day. They have some vegetables here, but they really don't have the best selection, just some seasoned veggies the cook by the fires. It isn't the worst but really more of a side dish at best. I can recommend some good places nearby though if you would like some good vegetable dishes there is a wonderful place nearby that has wonderful salads."
"The Brigadier is waiting for for you. She made sure to set aside time for the meeting before her hunt tomorrow. I'm hoping you will be able to join us!" She points toward a table at the other end of the restaurant to which she is currently guiding you.
She does beam with a bit of pride to Skip as she confidently declares, "I absolutely ensure her diet keeps her healthy no matter where we go. Who she travels with varies on her work, but often it just her, myself and Jomp."
"I will say your meals sound wonderful! The food here is a bit more simple with mostly spiced meats."
Reaching the table there are a vesk and a skittermander waiting for you. Mimzy introduces you all. "Starfinders, this is Brigadier Teshgari and Jomp, the Brigadier's artillery aide."
The Brigadier rises to meet you all. She is dressed in a clean and clear Veskarium dress uniform and carries a stoic, regal countenance as she stands above most of you. She has green scales and has a set of three horns that crown her head.
The other is a skittermander with aquamarine fur who doesn't bother standing to greet you but does give a wave with a hand before turning their attention to settling one of the various guns stacked behind his chair. He has a set of thick-framed glasses and a comedically long, waxed mustache. "It is a pleasure to meat you all at this meat establishment."
Focused on you, Brigadier gestures to the seating and beckons you, "please take your seat." Looking across from you she introduces herself, "I am Brigadier Teshgari. I was born on Vesk-Prime and serve as a Brigadier within the Veskarium military. I have served proudly for many years and have accomplished victories against many threats including several against the Swarm."
Looking upon your group she then asks, "tell me of yourselves. Your name, home, career as well as what you have accomplished."
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"There are so many kinds of pies to like, I don't really know how to answer the question! Do I go with a sweet pie, a savory pie, a trick pie like one with live birds that get released during service?"
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"tell me of yourselves. Your name, home, career as well as what you have accomplished."
Osuro will answer in perfect Vesk, with no significant accent. "I hope you are ready for the variety of answers! As Starfinders, we come from a wide variety of backgrounds, each strengthening the organization with unique skillsets and perspectives. I am Osuro and, myself, I still find work as an actress between Starfinder missions, enhancing my body and skills with tools that provide advantages in both environments. Acting has me well practiced at long, grueling days of repetitive tasks, sometimes including stunts, that can drain you physically, mentally, and spiritually. As a starfinder, I have found myself in a variety of conflicts with as wide a variety of creatures. Some conflicts were social, and others not. I have negotiated peace with a xenophobic aquatic race. I have stood toe-to-toe with a powerful corporate security team just to win the opportunity to convince the corporate scientists that they were destroying a full planet's ecosystem, and early-stage civilization. None of the important work was done alone, of course, it was performed as a team, finding ways to synergize beyond our independent capabilities."
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Schuka slowly follows her teammates within moving watertank, wondering around because not much skittermanders she saw previously.
As soon as Starfinders reach the Hunt and Mimzy, she sends him a telepathic message:
Pie! Pie with shrimps and seaweed. Otherwise - your best.
Later she uses a input filter to consume the pie right in the water.
The fish not get too close to fireplace, prefering to stay close to Momo.
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Near impressive vesk with military background Shcuka feels even better seeing professional among these probably harmful skittermanders. Giving her mates time te respond - she than send a sentence to watertank screen:
-Schuka. Was able to withstand Azlanti military to leave homeplanet Parin, which is occupied. Main pro areas: piloting, bodyguarding, classified.
At the same time the stellifera sends telepathic message: You may tap the glass but remember - I am the one who knock at the end.
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When the swarm is mentioned, Skip glances quickly at Momo for her reaction before introducing himself. Knowing the Vesk value strength, Skip takes a boastful approach.
"Brigadier Teshgari, I am Skip Intro. Before being a Starfinder, I have spent an entire career exploring the galaxy for mining riches and mapping distant planets. There with the local populations I would share in their cultures and taste their wild meats. So I know tonight shall be a treat for all! I am also eagerly anticipating our hunt together. I hope we will have an honourable hunt. You should know, that I also hunt the hunters!
While I have no objection to hunting for sustenance, I also believe is justice and ethics. Our morals are our strength. As for my home, I now reside on Absalom Station, like many of our number."
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I have served proudly for many years and have accomplished victories against many threats including several against the Swarm.
Momo looks like she's just been slapped across the face. She did not expect the Swarm to be mentioned here.
Looking upon your group she then asks, "tell me of yourselves. Your name, home, career as well as what you have accomplished."
My name is Momo, and I'm an AbadarCorp trainee. I'm in charge of Dancing! She says, trying to muster more enthousiasm than earlier. I was born on Akiton, but nowadays I'm living on Absalom Station. If she's not spending her time holed up in a gunnery turrey, that is.
My parents died when I was young, she says, not mentioning the involvement of the Swarm in this. I grew up looking after my sister, when we both joined AbadarCorp entertainment. I must say my sister is a bit more popular than I am, she has been on a few television shows. I've only been an extra in movies.
I have been on many missions for teh society... lately I've been on a science mission, investigating natural phenomena on a distant planet, as well as taking flying lessons.
She hesitates for a moment, wondering is she should go there, but then she adds Mister Intro here, and myself... we have been in an honor spaceship duel with the commander of the Honorbound over salvaging rights.
She leaves out the part that says the whole engagement lasted a whole twelve second before the Vesk side surrendered, succumbing to overwhelming firepower.
Mimzy takes some mental notes as she takes a position at the table. The Brigadier settles into her seat as she listens to each of your introductions.
She nods with some approval toward Osuro's introduction. "What roles have you played and what stories have been told on your shows? I've seen many shows attempt to portray the glories of battle, but few have been accurate to the truth."
Brigadier Teshgari offers a more stern glare to Darkrunner as she studies him intently as she asks, "I assume the creature did not feed upon your own world. Were you among those awakened on Absalom Station or elsewhere." She looks along him as she adds, "you were able to use your technical skill to determine the creature's location then?"
Her posture shifts a bit as Schuka speaks of the Azlanti. She acknowledges his telepathic communication with as she questions him, "I would ask if there were others who haven't heeded you and what came of them."
"I won't debate the ethics of hunting, but I won't serve well to hunt those unable to protect themselves." She bares her teeth at Skip in a mututual match of strength and respect. "I would want to hear more of your battles later after food has been served."
After Momo speaks, the Brigadier asks her, "do you agree with Osuro that your performance trains you to be ready and capable of battle?"
As you discuss a set of stern-looking vesk servers arrive at the table carrying heaping platters of fire-cooked meats. They remain taciturn and focused on the the deliver and pay you little to no heed before they depart once more.
Mimzy eyes the food with a wince of displeasure while Jomp looks to you with a curious glance as he straightens his glasses.
From across the table Brigadier Teshgari regards you with silence while taking a portion of meat and placing it upon her plate.
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She nods with some approval toward Osuro's introduction. "What roles have you played and what stories have been told on your shows? I've seen many shows attempt to portray the glories of battle, but few have been accurate to the truth."
Continuing in perfect Vesk, "Sadly, I have not had the pleasure of working on a war piece. Humans prefer well-muscled men for those roles, not women. I've been advancing my career through horror vids. I am well past being 'Girl 4', or dying to set-up the villain's methods for the audience. Recently I was in 'Eoxian Gifts' where the cast was slowly eaten even as we whittled away at the undead. There were six combat scenes, but really only two that I think demonstrated actually effective tactics. In the final scene, I was alone with a Necrovite. Not something anyone would want to experience in reality, I assure you. I had the pleasure of pulling a plasma conduit and bathing the Necrovite in plasma, providing a very nice bit of the big baddie effectively melting away. Of course, they then pan to a secure shelter of some kind, in some unknown location, and show the Necrovite returning to undeath, setting up the first of probably many sequels. But the fight choreography hones my combat skills, and every now and then shows me a trick that works in actual combat. I've thought about asking to play the baddie, at least once, but my vocal enhancement lets me provide EXACTLY the scream they want for a given scene, so heroine I remain."
Attempting to show no weakness, Osuro deals with the spiced "arachnid" meat as best she can. "Your chefs enjoy waking the diners, don't they?"
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Brigadier Teshgari offers a more stern glare to Darkrunner as she studies him intently as she asks, "I assume the creature did not feed upon your own world. Were you among those awakened on Absalom Station or elsewhere." She looks along him as she adds, "you were able to use your technical skill to determine the creature's location then?"
The android nods. No, it was not my own world, but one I was visiting for a mission. As for the creatures location... it turns out to be quite immense and would envelope its whole planet in time.
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Darkrunner immediately detects the context of the dinner and Teshgari's intentions.
I suppose we were warned that this would be the situation.
Darkrunner tries to feed some of the extra spicy meat into his synthetic digestive system.
It does not go well... his face is soon near-red and he's just trying to maintain composure while not talking too much (but very obviously breathing heavily and unable to focus on any conversation).
Maybe nobody noticed...
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After Momo speaks, the Brigadier asks her, "do you agree with Osuro that your performance trains you to be ready and capable of battle?"
Dancing is not just moving to music. I have been trained in many dances, and an extensive range of martial arts. Momo takes care to reveal the yellow mote - which was dimmed before - now circling around her head, signifying solarian training.
With some cheekiness, she adds the song from the movie 'Dancer who seeks revenge' (the title rolls better off the tongue in Akitonian), looking at Osuro to check if she knows the moves.
Listen to my story
Happiness is all lies
Does it really matter what I feel?
I'm just doing as I'm taught
Act a little crazy
Give the crowd exactly what they love
There is not much left
On my heart, on my mind
Born to entertain
With a wink, with a heart
Don't forget to smile
Cause I'll show you a good time
Staring down the barrel of my gun
I'll MAKE YOU DANCE
(La, lalala, lalala, lalala)
Lift you feet up
Move your body!
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After a delay Schuka sends another text message to the screen:
—One of recent mission I participated - in Veskarium. We tracked down infamous Keeper of the Lie organisation to their facility. One of them survived to speak up. Generally we try to bring things not broken and species alive back to base.
Schuka gonna drop some meal in the watertank and bites, expecting shrimp pie probably.
Brigadier Teshgari eats her food with stony silence as you all respond to her. She takes measure and offers no input or retort to you as she mulls over your reactions.
While reacting unpleasantly to the introduction of the food, Mimzy eats small portions of the food with impeccable manners as she keeps cuts small pieces of the meat.
Jomp does not share either the silence or dignity of the others as he just cuts pieces of meat and loudly chews the large hunks. Some of the food makes it past Jomp's mustache, but most of it ends up in his hair. Throughout the meal he ducks beneath the table and drinks from a large jug of water that he clearly believes to be covertly hidden below his seat.
As her plate empties and the dinner is ending, Brigadier Teshgari tilts her scaled snout imperiously. "At dawn you will accompany me on a hunting expedition into Gadraveech. A new tunnel system was discovered by skittermanders from Nakonechkin Salvage, who returned with wounded hunters and tales of fierce predators. I've earned the privilege of exploring these tunnels." She smiles, clearly satisfied. "It's my hope strovions lair there–you might know them as stridermanders."
"They're cunning beasts, which I’ve yet to have the pleasure of hunting. I'd like to add a large specimen to my trophy collection. You will aid me, if you can." Refocusing on her each of you she once again takes measure of you and sneers. "Tell me Starfinders, you spoke of your prior missions and duties, but what assistance do you believe you can provide me?"
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Skip peers down at the plate that is served to him, and chooses to dive right into the meal to attempt to impress the Brigadier.
It goes poorly. He attempts to collect himself and tries to refocus on the conversation.
"Tell me Starfinders, you spoke of your prior missions and duties, but what assistance do you believe you can provide me?"
"Well Brigadier, I.. oh my... whooooo... " He struggles. "I like my team offer our wealth of experience. While I am a newer member of the Starfinder Society, I have a lifetime of experience traveling to strange and distant places. He pauses a moment to collect the sweat from his forehead with his napkin. "I have been witness to many strange events in my travels. Not much surprises me anymore. While the Stridermanders may be cunning, they are no match for a seasoned explorer such as myself... and the rest of my team, of course."
"Can you tell me more about their pelt? Would it be suitable for the lining of a loafer, or a rougher texture for gloves or a hat?"