Sparks searches turn up numerous options, especially in the near-vicinity of the area of the Docking Bays. From machine-dispensed nutrition basics (Complete with edible container!") either hot or cold, to low-end hand-prepared meals for those inclined more to small shops or streetside eats, food can be acquired for stationary consumption or on the go. Likewise for lodgings, the options are plentiful enough, ranging from personal capsule affairs ("Racked, Stacked, and Napped!™"), to something more spacious depending on need.
One thought does occur, if a frugal mindset is warranted: Digital Locks only require the key, and the datapad is in your possession...
For Dirk, a casual search on the public InfoSphere quickly pulls up the Starfinder Society's Headquarters, campus, and location here on Absalom Station. A search of the personnel publicly listed lets you find Durevor Kreel listed as a midranking member, primarily focused on mineral prospecting concerns, though a secondary focus in mentoring new and prospective members of the Society. Just above him is a Host Shirren by the name of "Chiskisk", responsible for several branches of smaller industry-focused aspects of the Society.
"Friends, I would happily buy us a meal to keep our energy up, but the thought did also occur; could we not "stop by" the dwarf's place? Borrow his couch to lay down, use the fresher. We could certainly call it investigating if we were asked, and there might be clues that would confirm or deny a connection to all this. Just a thought."
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Zem nods her agreement with Zephyr's idea. She really did want to investigate, though it wasn't a skill she excelled at. She still had a nagging feeling that the dwarf had been targeted for some reason. And with only 50 credits to her name and no idea when more would be incoming, bypassing costs was an attractive option too. But mostly, she just didn't want to separate from her friends. Absalom Station felt very big and lonely in the aftermath of the battle. She felt vulnerable, like she might turn a corner and be lost forever.
"Shame we didn't get paid for our shifts on the Excelsior. I'm afraid I'm running too low on credits to pay my own way. Let's go... I don't like this place, it's too exposed."
She kept a wary eye out for trouble along the way.
To break the heavy silence she turned to Zephyr as they walked. "What did you mean by client? Did you tutor other students at the academy?" She asks innocently.
"I'd feel better contacting the Starfinders and informing them about events and see if they have any suggestions. I'm sure they have investigators better qualified to pursue any suspicions that our host was more than collateral damage to a gang confict. I myself have just 3 credits, so we will need to find some income or charity soon."
"The Starfinders first then? I expect Kreel intended to give us their pitch and make an introduction. Without him, I suppose we'll need to introduce ourselves." She waits for Dirk to locate the information needed to contact his supervisor.
Dirk Gently is seen writing down information that his Three Blue eyes are reading....
The smiling Dirindi finally finishes and he walks back over to the group. He reads
Durevor Kreel listed as a midranking member, primarily focused on mineral prospecting concerns, though a secondary focus in mentoring new and prospective members of the Society.
He stops.
That's us! The second part not the first part.
The Espionage Specialist also hands out a piece of paper with the Starfinder Society address on it to everyone.
"We should call Taeron, assuming he is still on the ship and that the ship is still in the docking bay. He should know what to do. If we cannot reach him, then we should call the Starfinders and see if they can help."
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Zem nods her agreement with Zephyr's idea. She really did want to investigate, though it wasn't a skill she excelled at. She still had a nagging feeling that the dwarf had been targeted for some reason. And with only 50 credits to her name and no idea when more would be incoming, bypassing costs was an attractive option too. But mostly, she just didn't want to separate from her friends. Absalom Station felt very big and lonely in the aftermath of the battle. She felt vulnerable, like she might turn a corner and be lost forever.
"Shame we didn't get paid for our shifts on the Excelsior. I'm afraid I'm running too low on credits to pay my own way. Let's go... I don't like this place, it's too exposed."
She kept a wary eye out for trouble along the way.
[dice=Perception]1d20+4To break the heavy silence she turned to Zephyr as they walked. "What did you mean by client? Did you tutor other students at the academy?" She asks innocently.
"I absolutely TUTORED other students, yes, that. But just to get the pranksters, I implied, you know, that there was a lot of 'extra' tutoring happening. Totally worked out too, only had to go to the Provost's Office a couple times, and that was strictly for discussions, no tutoring involved. Was great really ..."
Zeph smiles
"Well I am not quite ready to downgrade to a sleep pod, although I am sure they're quite nice here. I have 20 or 30 credits I can spare to get us a couple rooms, and the gods know we deserve it. Let's reach out to Kreel's super, find a couple suites with beds, and then decide when we want to maybe do look at his place."
"I also think we should contact the Society first. We could, of course, offer to help out. that way if we do find ourselves checking out his place we can't be accused of trespassing."
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Sparks uses his comm link to first try to reach Taeron. If he doesn't pick up, Sparks leaves a message with a one minute summary of recent events and asks for advice on how to proceed.
His next call, if he cannot get help from Taeron, is to the Starfinders HQ where he narrates the recent events, including the demise of Starfinder Kreel, and asks if the Starfinders can assist the group in finding a place to stay and any other instructions or suggestions.
During the commotion, The Excelsior remained at its berth on the dock, though standard procedure during any minor commotion is to lock up tight. Taeron did not disembark with you, so he is presumably still on board, though Sparks' attempt to connect ends with a message left. The Captain and Bahz are most likely still aboard, but it is possible that with the door closed and the Captain's personal preference of loud Akitonian Junk for music, they would be none the wiser about events.
The next call to Starfinder HQ is forwarded to an individual that may be the receptionist for the section that Chiskisk oversees and with a contact number left behind, the guidance is to expect a call from them shortly.
No sooner does Sparks end that call, than a chime for the group chat and a secondary tone for the group calendar follows.
{T.K.}: Stars that's TERRIBLE! Was anyone hurt? Are you all okay? Was on a call with my contact, sorry I did not pick up. I unlocked the calendar event that was supposed to follow the appointment due to the unfortunate circumstances. With that, it has been a pleasure to be your coordinator. Absalom Station is my destination as well, so if you need a professional coordinator again, let me know. I'll give you a discount. ;}
"Experience an Unforgettable Getaway at Radiance Point!
Indulge in a luxurious three-day stay at Radiance Point, a hotel that exudes high-class elegance just on the outskirts of the city. With all-inclusive amenities and rave reviews, this is a destination that rivals the finest city-center retreats.
But that’s not all! Your stay comes with exclusive recommendations and discounts at select venues tailored to your interests. Whether you’re seeking daytime adventures or nightlife excitement, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to make the most of every moment."
"Well it would seem that we have somewhere to stay; should we head to Radience Point while we wait for that ohter call?"
Sparks looks baffled at Zephyr's question. "Let's get to the resort! If it's paid for, we could be frolicking in a pool, enjoying Tunaburgers with Assianzo sauce, and sipping Solar Flares! Why wait?"
The ever prepared Espionage Specialist is seen already wearing his formal beach wear, holding an umbrella, nodding to his boombox and sipping on some syrup...
Zemfira didn't feel much like frolicking, but food sounded like a good idea. She thought she remembered something about needing sustenance after a shock to the system. So she nodded and followed along.
This hardly seems like a time to head to a resort. Puzzled, Pertinax scratches his head and glances at Zemfira, who also seems less than enthused. With a shrug, he follows the rest.
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"We can still investigate things if we want. But we need a place stay, so let's enjoy our sponsor's generosity. We can use the resort InfoSphere to learn more about these gangs and see if they had any run-ins with our contact. The Starfinders know where to find us if they want us to help or go to any interviews or tours."
Departing the Docking Bay for your well-earned reward of a stay at a place that promised a luxury that you may not have seen for a while, if ever. Thanks to publicly available navigation tools and an open comm unit, your route to arrival was plotted, planned, and confirmed. An hour had not yet passed and all of you had claimed your rooms— suites that certainly put your quarters on The Excelsior to shame– with a VI assistant that let you schedule your nights and days as you desired. There are a wide number of amenities available in your suite, and any meals you might request can be brought to your room or billed from the wide variety of restaurants that benefit from an affiliation with Radiance point.
Partway into the decompression from the events of the day, Sparks receives a message.
Subject: Meeting Request for Tomorrow
Dear Sparks Goforth,
I hope this message finds you well. We here at the Starfinder Society understand that today may have been particularly challenging, and we appreciate the effort you've put in. In light of this, we wanted to suggest arranging a meeting for tomorrow at a time that works best for you. This will allow everyone to approach the discussion with fresh energy and focus.
Please let us know your availability, and we'll do our best to accommodate.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Best regards,
Chiskisk
Resource Division Director
Starfinder Society
Zephyrr, delighting in his luck finding native cuisine from Castrovel, stills tries not to seem pushy by inviting his colleagues. He orders Elven Coffee & Kwinkji Tarts while thinking about swimming and then taking a bath.
Dirk Gently is seen by the pool!
Zeph, seeing that Dirk is out by the pool, changes into something more appropriate. Well, appropriate for he& Tom Daley anyway ... there had been additional rumours about Zephyr modeling online before becoming a Solarian. The rumours could certainly have been based in fact.
"Dirk! Have you ever had Elven Coffee? It's amazing, I would love you to try it."
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Zemfira brightens some at the beautiful scenery but still walked with her arms crossed over herself as if she felt a chill. She requests that her room be adjacent or across the hall from at least one other of her friends.
She orders soup and hot tea, following her impulse to treat her shocked system as if she were ill. She knew she likely needed rest but did not wish to be alone. She sent a brief message to her family, letting them know she had arrived safely and her room number if they needed an alternate means of contacting her.
He works out how long it will take to reach the meeting location and suggests the meeting take place an hour after he estimates he can arrive, to give himself some buffer time.
Sparks emerges from the pool area after an invigorating two-hour frolic in the water, toweling his head dry while wearing a robe.
He has his phone in hand and asks the others, "I got an message from the Starfinders wanting to set up a meeting. It was just addressed to me, but I wasn't sure if we were all meant to come. Did anyone else get a message or a similar invite?"
He shows others the text of the message.
Snorkel in mouth, Dirk Gently swims over to Sparks' side of the pool. Blowing slightly used water out of his snorkel, he hears the question posed by the Brenneri.
In a panic, the Espionage Specialist begins emptying his pockets! Unfortunately, he seems to be still wading in the deep end so....
....after a few long wet minutes, Dirk Gently is seen breaking the surface holding a soaked invitation to a knitting club and his spare red liquorice.
He takes a bite.
Not me!
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Sparks emerges from the pool area after an invigorating two-hour frolic in the water, toweling his head dry while wearing a robe.
He has his phone in hand and asks the others, "I got an message from the Starfinders wanting to set up a meeting. It was just addressed to me, but I wasn't sure if we were all meant to come. Did anyone else get a message or a similar invite?"
He shows others the text of the message.
Zem shakes her head in reply to the question. "Likely they simply replied to you as you were the one to initiate the contact. I think we should stick together, though, for safety."
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"I suggested tomorrow at noon, but I also asked them to clarify who was invited. I doubt they singled me out for anything, so they probably want us all. If not, it will still be fun to see the Lorespire Complex and maybe take the tour."
The chimes come a couple of hours later, that of a pair of messages addressed to Sparks comm.
The evening approaches, and the luxury of the hotel is certainly a treat— but you have earned it through your research, studies, and surviving your arrival. Your suite VI has a couple of notifications for things that you might want to see for later if you were inclined. Dinner was soon, but then again, room service was any time. While the menu might be limited, it is by no means insufficient.
In the infinite expanse of the stars, few embody the light of hope and renewal as brilliantly as you. At Solar Dawn Foundries, we share that same light, forging cutting-edge weapons and armor that embody the radiant power of Sarenrae, the Dawnflower herself.
We have closely followed your exceptional work and your alignment with the values of truth, redemption, and the power of light. It is with great honor that we extend to you an invitation to become a Product Representative for Solar Dawn Foundries.
As a representative, you will be at the forefront of showcasing our state-of-the-art gear, inspired by the radiant essence of the sun. Crafted to deliver excellence in both protection and power, our products are favored by those who walk in the light and seek to defend the galaxy from darkness.
In this role, you will:
Wield and showcase our latest Sarenrae-infused armaments and armor, designed to channel the power of light and flame.
Demonstrate the healing and protective benefits of our light-based technologies in combat and exploration.
Serve as a beacon of hope to our customers and allies, promoting the values of redemption, justice, and renewal in all your interactions.
Participate in exclusive product trials and provide feedback that will shape the future of Solar Dawn Foundries’ innovations.
In return, you will be granted access to premium gear, a generous commission structure, and exclusive training on the use of our cutting-edge technology. You will also have the opportunity to represent us at interstellar expos and major galactic events.
We believe that your influence and skills will light the way for others and enhance the reach of our vision across the stars.
If you are ready to take this step and join the Solar Dawn family, we would be thrilled to discuss the terms of this partnership with you in greater detail.
Shine bright, and together, we will illuminate the galaxy.
With radiant regards,
Solara Ventari
Chief of Outreach and Relations
Solar Dawn Foundries
"Forge the Light. Embrace the Dawn."
Having taken the liberty with all the provided amenities, Dirk Gently is seen dining in formal wear in the resort restaurant. He has reservations for the group and he opens a bottle of champagne once everyone arrives...
Sparks arrives at the table after everyone else is there, apologizing for his lateness. His comm unit beeps and he checks to see who it is from.
He reads a short message and then opens a second message. As he reads, his eyes widen and he looks like he might go into shock by the time he finishes reading. He limply hands his tablet to Dirk with the message open, saying, "I can't believe it!"
Pertinax glances toward Sparks and Dirk, but then returns to buttering his roll. No point letting the food get cold while I wait to be filled in.
Chewing hungrily on his hot buttered toast, the Dirindi takes the offered tablet. His three blue eyes read the presented information while his mouth works miracles with that buttery toast.
It appears that we are all invited to the introduction to the Society. This more lengthy bit seems to indicate that our Brenneri is being buttered up also.
Chewing hungrily on his hot buttered toast, the Dirindi takes the offered tablet. His three blue eyes read the presented information while his mouth works miracles with that buttery toast.
It appears that we are all invited to the introduction to the Society. This more lengthy bit seems to indicate that our Brenneri is being buttered up also.
"LOL, buttered up? They have an extraordinary job offer. Bravo Sparks! Nice work! First to get an offer, that's brilliant! Congratulations!"
"Make sure to prepare for the discussion of terms though, commission-based work is not what I have on my radar at all."
"I'll have to figure out how that would work for me, but negotiating is something my parents and my schooling have encouraged. It's a chance to perhaps advance in the Sarenrae hierarchy, perhaps becoming an adept or even a priest. I hope you all get something equally exciting!"
Sparks raises a champagne glass in a toast, "To adventure!"
Pertinax waves his butter knife in Sparks' direction. "Make sure and wash that butter off tonight. Some primitive cultures may use butter for hair styling, but you don't want to leave it in your fur too long. It attracts flies." He somehow remains entirely deadpan while saying this.
Pertinax waves his butter knife in Sparks' direction. "Make sure and wash that butter off tonight. Some primitive cultures may use butter for hair styling, but you don't want to leave it in your fur too long. It attracts flies." He somehow remains entirely deadpan while saying this.
"You know, in complete transparancy, and I'm trying not to betray my own culture here (hehehehe, I made a dairy pun), but butter is better than magic sometimes."
"I feel a little bad to be the only one so far to get such a promising offer. What are you all hoping for?"
"It's tough to say, you know? Like I want more than a modeling contract, but less than a desk job, does that make sense? I love the job that you've been offered, something like that where I get to make the product look good even if it actually doesn't."
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Zem smiled warmly, Congratulations!" She says, raising her tea for Spark's toast. "Don't feel bad, someone had to get the news first. I'm very happy for you. I'm not really sure what I'm hoping for either. 'Gainful employment' as my father would say. Respectable enough for him to be proud, cool enough that my younger brother will want to hear about it," And be a touch envious of his sister, if she were being completely honest with herself. "And something... meaningful, I guess. Fulfilling, you know?" She shrugged, and sipped her soup.
"I hope you all find an offer that gives you opportunities to grow and feel like you are doing a service to the planetary system. I ultimately want to explore the cosmos, discover something new, deal with emergencies."
"Well, we do have to meet with the Starfinders. They certainly have access to a lot of people with a lot of needs. Maybe we can become consultants; we are all extremely talented."
Zephyrr smiles at them ...
"So I can't remember who said they wanted to go out tonight. I know there are 2 clubs here at Radience Point, but there are many more around the station. No one will be surprised if I say we should head to New Kyonin ... right?"
Dirk Gently's lips smile as the Dirindi's mouth busily eats freshly buttered toast.....
The Espionage Specialist then begins to serendipitously look about as he conspiracitorially motions for the group to huddle.
I'm a spy. Good toast.
Dirk then winks as he sits back.
Starfinder sounds supreme.
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The meals that get served that evening are very nearly exquisite. Whether this is the standard of this establishment or something in particular for you is difficult to say. Each order you place through the system offers complementary pairings as well as a tidbit of the history of the dish or the most notable instance of the item. Your dishes are brought by servers, dressed immaculately in a uniform that compliments the room, allowing to be present and working without being intrusive on the ambience. You also discover that each table— at least in your section, of which there are remarkably few tables– has various levels of privacy settings that allowed for both visual and auditory isolation, if needed.
______________________________________
"Corporate Eyes on the Acreon: Claims on Salvage Rights Stir Controversy"
• Starfinder Society and Astral Extractions Clash Over Ship’s Fate
"Drift Crisis Averted: Stellar Flare Dispersed After Joint Pact World Operation"
• Emergency Response Team Prevents Catastrophic Energy Discharge in System
"Gravitonball Finals: Crowd Erupts as Underdog Team Claims Victory"
• Championship Match Ends in Nail-Biting Finish
"Adventurous Souls Beware: Increase in Reports of Cult Activity in the Spike"
• Security Forces Issue Warnings Amid Rise in Occult-Related Incidents
Hungrily munching on his hot buttered toast, Dirk Gently watch the news feed running across the common vid screens.
Quite a busy string of events happening. Anyone currently curious as to these Cultists development in the Spike? Sounds quite fascinating.
"Absalom Station is a big place, with lots of seamy places and rocks with slimy stuff beneath. It's full of people from all over the Pact Worlds and beyond. It's a trade center, a technology hub, and a place of refuge. Anything's possible. If we're going to be here a while, we should get acquainted with as much of that as possible. How about we get a start by visiting a night club near here, one that has a reputation of having civilized crowds? One fight is enough for one day, hey?"
"Absalom Station is a big place, with lots of seamy places and rocks with slimy stuff beneath. It's full of people from all over the Pact Worlds and beyond. It's a trade center, a technology hub, and a place of refuge. Anything's possible. If we're going to be here a while, we should get acquainted with as much of that as possible. How about we get a start by visiting a night club near here, one that has a reputation of having civilized crowds? One fight is enough for one day, hey?"
"I totally support that idea and it doesn't even have to be an Elf club; civilized with good, modern music. Sounds like fun."
Dirk Gently's Three Blue eyes turn big as an epiphany hits him like all that buttery goodness will later this afternoon!
I should be using my Espionage Specialist skills to gain knowledge of the general type of people that are staying at the hotel, a sense of their tax bracket, perhaps, as well as the subtle touches that denote their particular place in their socio-economic stratus sphere!
The Dirindi seems surprised by this revelation!
But then the Stellar Sage recalls that he majored in Computers and Engineering. He mostly skipped his Culture Classes in favor of beach volleyball and gin rummie....
Eventually dinner winds down, more to the thought of being nearly too full for the evening ahead than running out of options that seemed delicious and mouth-watering. Your plates are cleared away, options for a post-dinner drink are offered, and your plans beckon. Whether you do or do not get changed, do or do not set out, there are a lot of ways to distract in Absalom Station, and you just might find one or two of them. It would certainly take your mind off of things.
It all starts with a step out of the dining room...
~ ~ ~
...Morning— or what counts as "morning" for the time you wake up after last night– is marked by leisure. No alarms waking you for class, the stresses of assignments needing to be finished is a present but fading memory, still recent and bittersweet. The day is yours, with only a few things that stand out immediately. A meeting with the Starfinder Society was today, and there were two more days of this bliss.
______________________________________
Sparks is up early, takes an early morning swim, and then dresses for the meeting with the Starfinders. He orders a room service breakfast, several different kinds of sushi, and texts his fellows that he is down in the lobby, ready to set out for the Starfinder HQ. He uses the time to familiarize himself with the public transit options and the best route to the Lorespire.
The strange (one may even do much as to called it odd) disturbing sound of an electric screwdriver is heard from behind the plush divan that Sparks is currently seated upon, busily perusing the public transit options.
A moment after the disturbing sound of an electric screwdriver stops, the awkward sounds of something heavy being bullied behind the same plush divan that Sparks is currently seated upon is heard.
Not much more than the time it takes Sparks to turn his head to view the odd sounds coming from behind his plush divan, the morose sound of someone being bullied through a not so large opening in the floor behind the plush divan can be heard.
Dirk Gently squeezes his slight frame up, up, elbows and knees up through the apparent egress that newly emerged from behind the plush divan that Sparks is currently seated upon and staring at the Espionage Specialist.
The Dirindi waves to Sparks, as he quickly comes from around the plush divan that Sparks is currently seated upon, braces his hands on it and pushes it over the new (mostly experimental) egress to the lobby.
Having done that, the Stellar Sage straightens his slightly rumbled attire, fixes his slightly asquewed hat and plants his rumblstilskin on the plush divan that Sparks is currently seated upon.
He smiles at the Brenneri.
Nice couch.
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Zemfira was looking forward to the meeting today almost as much as breakfast. She had eaten little the night before, treating her system delicately while she coped with the shocking and uncertain circumstances of their arrival to the station. After an evening of contemplation and rest, she was feeling much more herself and thusly famished.
She joined the others in the lobby, greeting Sparks and Dirk as she joined them. "Good morning, I hope you slept as well as I. I expected my dreams would be troubled, but I suppose I was so exhausted I drifted right off. Excellent beds, I must say." She ordered a full breakfast and set to with gusto.
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Zeph is up fairly bright and fairly early. He orders Elven Coffee & Kwinkji Tarts (again) out by the pool while thinking taking morning swim; there was naturally freestanding water on Castrovel, or so they said. He sipped the coffee with love.
Setting off to meet the others, Zephyr says a prayer to Yuelral; he knew that she loved him, but he wondered who loved the fallen from their arrival the other day; the evil weren't his concern, but maybe he should pray that Torag watched over the dwarf. Maybe there was a temple he should visit ...
"Hey good morning! Wow that couch looks amazing."