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The lobby is a refuge from the station outside. from the ambience of the foyer, designed to be modernly welcoming, with the slight tint to the windows, emphasizing the separation from the bustle of the world outside, to the positioning of the building itself– just close enough that the foot traffic can be seen without being a part of it. Appointed along that same theme, the little touches make this a welcome launch pad either into the hotel proper and the luxurious comfort therein, or a spot to brace oneself before heading out into the press of society out there beyond the tinted glass. Nevertheless, you will have to leave this comfort, at least temporarily.
You are expected.
Sparks dusts himself off after dropping in on the lobby. When everyone is ready, he says, "Time to go. I've looked over the transit options and we should be able to get to the Lorespire complex well before the meeting if we take the rail line. Tally ho!"
"Sparks ... do you want to take the rail? I am happy to spring for a Rebu, we can even get a Rebu Black if you want. Nothing against public transit, just maybe better for the ride back."
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Dirk Gently quickly stands at the approach of Zemfira. The Three Blue eyes of the Dirindi shine with enthusiasm as the group gathers in the lounge (which happens to have a really plush divan).
How wonderful that we all happened to meet here by this lovely demonstration of sturdy, but completely comfortable couch. One may even say fortuitous. Have a try. Fortuitous. Rolls right off the tongue.
Dirk smiles.
Splendid idea, Zephyr. First impression and all that. We can take the rail back if we bomb the appointment.
The Holistic Detective then glances about. He strangely even checks under that same plush divan...
Anyone seen Pertinax? He may still be on Eox time instead of Absolam Station time.
Just then, Pertinax walks up, unhurried, dressed all in black. "Apologies. Those beds are almost too comfortable." He says, as he props himself against the nearest wall or column. Arms crossed, he surveys the room, just to be sure.
Dirk Gently quickly stands at the approach of Zemfira. The Three Blue eyes of the Dirindi shine with enthusiasm as the group gathers in the lounge (which happens to have a really plush divan).
How wonderful that we all happened to meet here by this lovely demonstration of sturdy, but completely comfortable couch. One may even say fortuitous. Have a try. Fortuitous. Rolls right off the tongue.Dirk smiles.
Splendid idea, Zephyr. First impression and all that. We can take the rail back if we bomb the appointment.The Holistic Detective then glances about. He strangely even checks under that same plush divan...
Anyone seen Pertinax? He may still be on Eox time instead of Absolam Station time.
"So true ... and everyone there is already dead, so how much of a hurry can they ever really be in?"
Zem cares little about how they get to the meeting so long as they get there soon. She bounces on her toes, eager to move.
"So true ... and everyone there is already dead, so how much of a hurry can they ever really be in?"
"Not all of them," She interjects. "Pertinax isn't."
Diverging to Dirk the Dirindi, she detects derision. "Do delay debating descriptions of divine divans and let's depart directly!" She declares. =P
Zeph gets on comms and requests a Rebu Black to take them to the LoreSpire
Dirk Gently bows low to Miss Zemfira.
Tout de suite, Madasaille!
Doffing his hat, the Dirindi politely gathers her bags.
Your chariot awaits!
Opening the outer doors, the gentleman Stellar Sage proceeds to usher everyone outside to really punctuate this interview!
Sparks was rather looking forward to the public transit experience, knowing it would allow observation of many of the most important sentients on the station, the workers who keep things running smoothly in both the physical infrastructure and the bureaucratic machine.
A trip with his friends, however, is pleasant also and he knows he should have time for his peculiar interests in days to come, so he cheerfully enters the vehicle and looks forward to what is to come.
He is wearing a nice traveling suit, with his other gear in a backpack. He gets out his orrery and fiddles with it as the trip begins.
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The ride to the Lorespire Complex truly let the breadth of the station be seen as the business district from your position around the Eye raises just enough to allow sight from one end almost to the other. Designed beautifully, the central dome of the area contained structures that seemed to share aspects of numerous construction techniques, blended into a synergistic whole, intermingled and interspersed with greenery around, and even on some of the buildings, their numerous stories reaching towards the top of the dome.
Like plants around a tall tree, smaller buildings surround the larger ones, the InfOverlay™ providing names, short details, and InfoDots on the locations of prominence. Your destination is marked, your destination located on the Ring as your transit carries you away from the Eye, and the associated campus for the Starfinder Society is delineated as you approach. It is not only the Headquarters for the organization, but also a campus where members new and old spend time between tasks, assignments, and pursuits. The Lorespire is aptly named, a spire raising a remarkable distance over the campus itself, housing likely much of the administrative end of things.
Your Rebu arrives at the foot of the complex, where a small rise of stairs and automatic doors mark the entrance to a wide lobby.
Stepping deftly out of the transport, Dirk Gently's Three Blue eyes turn to gaze upon the resplendent campus set before them. His hands absently busy themselves by straightening his hat, tucking his pant leg out of his shoe, and minimally mimicking holding a microphone while his lips seem to be silently rehearsing his introduction.
Having had the good fortune of being pant leg free, his feet begin trotting out onto the main walkway. His body eventually follows, although there was a moment when they did seem to be at odds...
The Holistic Detective seems quite oblivious of the near war and he smiles at his friends.
Starfinder HQ! Quite exciting! Everyone have their towel?
Dirk Gently (fresh towel wrapped around his neck like a scarf) enters the facility!
Zephyrr, looking almost exactly as he did when they boarded the starship for their journey to Absalom, smiled as the Dirindi made their grand exit. What a day. He too had a touch of blue, and it looked quite new in the laces of his shoe. He was ready.
Towel? Pertinax thinks, but only cocks an eyebrow and keeps walking.
The automatic doors slide smoothly open at your approach, allowing you into a lobby that takes from the pages of a corporate lobby. The touches along the walls and holographic displays are all of things that have been located, discovered, or invented by members of the Society themselves. A smartly dressed Vesk receptionist sits behind a large curving station, the smooth dark blue and silver theme along with the sparkles of the floor making it seem like you were walking among space and the stars themselves.
The receptionist looks up at your entry, tilting their head inquisitively, taking in your appearance. "Hello and welcome to the Starfinder Society Headquarters. Which section and individual may I direct you towards?"
After staring studiously at the Starfinder art displays for quite some extended period of time, Dirk Gently (seemingly a bit startled by the receptionist being there) turns his Three Blue eyes in its direction.
Smiling a not as nervous a smile as a salesman's initial day on the floor type of smile, the Dirindi super casually walks up to the desk. Lazily lingering his fingers across the desk's surface, the Espionage Specialist chuckles.
Which section and individual may you direct us to indeed.
Dirk glances quickly to his companions asking to poll the audience.
Who would we like to be directed to? Seems like something I probably would have had written down...
Zemfira shares an uncertain look with Dirk before smiling warmly at their greeter. "Hello and thank you for the welcome. My apologies, but I'm not sure... Maybe you can help us? We're new arrivals and we witnessed something... unfortunate at the space port yesterday. I think there should be a meeting scheduled for Sparks Goforth and um, friends?" She offers to the receptionist, hoping that was sufficient.
Sparks nods and smiles when his name is mentioned, and then steps forward with his comm unit displaying the message he received and his reply.
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
"We're from the Attelan Star Academy and were selected to interview here in Absalom Station. Our host was named Taeron and we were met at the dock by Duravor Kreel, our contact for the Starfinder Society. There was a firefight between two gangs and, sadly, Duravor was killed in the crossfire. I hope that gives you all the information you need."
Sparks fondles his orrery and rocks forward and back on his feet, burning nervous energy.
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To their credit, the receptionist takes Sparks rundown of the situation and nods solemnly, their attention leaving Zemfira after maybe a moment longer than would be expected. Each of you receives a look as if comparing you to something before they stand and give a very professional gesture to the hallway. "Ah yes, you are expected." As they finish that statement, a WayLine the color of hammered silver appears for those of you that have your comm unit settings set to the level of an everyday assistance tool.
"Please follow the WayLine to your destination, Director Chiskisk has been notified of your arrival and is waiting."
A passing glance at the building directory shows that rather than by rank, the floors of the Lorespire are arranged by division, with the more "hands-on" divisions residing closer to the ground level. Your destination seems to be near the top of the first third of the levels closest to the ground floor.
Sparks thanks the receptionist politely and starts to follow the silver line. There is a spring in his step.
Zeph smiles at the entire interchange, briefly bows in gratitude, and follows Sparks.
Dirk Gently (never doubted Sparks for a second) smiles, tips his hat and follows the Yellow Brick Road....
As he passes the receptionist, he whispers
We're off to see a Wizard!
Zem cocks her head slightly, wondering at the extended attention of the receptionist. But she merely smiles and shakes her head at Dirk's playful whimsy and follows the WayLine along with the others.
The WayLine™ leads you deeper into the complex to an office that is cluttered, but clean. The display on the door denotes this as Chiskisk's office. Standing in the office behind a polished and unaccented plastic desk, this Shirren is setting a slate down, looking up to all of you with a bit of nervous perplexity. A glance around at the clutter shows it to be that of accumulated work details, data slates indexed and grouped, with scant few adornments here and there.
"Ah, greetings. Refreshments are there if any of you have the need. I bid you take a seat, please." The voice is in your head, telepathic communication from Chiskisk, and his "voice" is much like his demeanor, having an understated precision to it.
"I regret that I cannot welcome you to Absalom Station under more favorable circumstances. While incidents of this nature are not typical here, I understand that may offer limited reassurance. I am grateful that none of you were seriously harmed, but I deeply mourn Duravor’s passing. He was both a valued member of the Society and a personal friend. May the Lady of Graves be judicious in her assessment of his soul."Chiskisk pauses, inclining their head briefly before raising it, their compound eyes reflecting a calm focus.
"What remains unclear to me is the motivation behind the attack." They enter a series of commands into their terminal with swift precision. "The report from station security identifies two gangs as the perpetrators: the Downside Kings and the Level 21 Crew. While gang activity is not uncommon on the station, it is typically confined to less regulated districts such as the Puddles. Open conflict in public spaces, particularly near the docks, is an anomaly. I find it difficult to believe that this was mere chance. Why were these two gangs present at Docking Bay 94 at the exact time of your arrival? Was it coincidence, or were you and Duravor deliberate targets? And if so, what was the reason?"
They pause here, considering each of you and straightening. "Given your direct involvement as witnesses to this incident along with what the reports say, I would ask that you investigate it further on behalf of the Society. Uncover the truth behind what occurred. While station security may conclude it was a matter of unfortunate timing, if there was intent behind Duravor’s death, I will see justice done for my friend. Additionally, this investigation offers you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills. The Starfinder Society is often in need of skilled individuals in regular or irregular capacities, if you are interested."
Finished with what they had to convey, they patiently await your response.
___________________________________
Subject: Join Ilyrian Ecotech – Unite Your Heritage with the Future of Biotech!
Dear Zephyr Starr,
As an individual of proud elven heritage, you carry within you the legacy of a people who have always understood the balance between nature and progress. At Ilyrian Ecotech, we share that deep connection to the natural world, and we have built our company on the principles of harmony, innovation, and sustainability – values that have long been the hallmark of elven culture on Castrovel.
We are honored to extend to you an invitation to become a Product Representative for Ilyrian Ecotech, a role that will allow you to not only represent our cutting-edge biotech products but also to further the mission of uniting technology with the natural world. Our products are crafted with respect for the environment and designed to enhance life through organic advancements, genetic enhancements, and sustainable innovations – all inspired by the rich ecosystems of Castrovel.
As a Product Representative, you will:
Showcase our advanced biotech solutions that harness the wisdom of nature and the elegance of elven craftsmanship.
Represent the latest innovations in organic enhancements, from genetic therapies to eco-friendly technologies that align with elven ideals of preservation and growth.
Promote our commitment to sustainability, helping clients and communities embrace technologies that work in harmony with the environment.
Be a key voice at interplanetary expos and conferences, where you will help shape the future of biotechnology across the galaxy.
In recognition of your unique perspective and connection to the natural world, you will gain exclusive access to our newest products and prototypes, including bio-enhancements designed specifically with elven physiology in mind. You’ll also benefit from generous commissions, travel opportunities, and access to Ilyrian Ecotech’s prestigious network of researchers, scientists, and innovators.
Your role as an Ilyrian Ecotech representative will not only advance our mission but will also empower you to uphold the traditions of your elven heritage while shaping the future of biotechnology.
We would be thrilled to discuss the details of this partnership with you further and welcome you into the Ilyrian Ecotech family.
May your path be ever in balance with the world around you.
In harmony,
Faelar Elanaris
Director of Heritage Relations
Ilyrian Ecotech
"Nature’s Wisdom, Technology’s Future"
When Chiskisk invokes the Lady of Graves, Pertinax bows his head and responds "So is she always, so may it ever be."
Sparks starts a new document on his comm unit and lists the gangs mentioned and Duravor's name.
"It sounds like we'll need to investigate anyone who might have a motivation to harm Duravor, followed by an attempt to see if any such suspects have connections with local gangs. Can we know what Duravor was responsible for recently and any reasonable suspects you may be able to identify, just to get us going?"
Dirk Gently enters the functional office of the Resource Division Director of the Starfinder Society. The Stellar Sage deliberately delays his advance, as he studiously studies the stoic desk. Nodding his utter expectations, Dirk slowly begins testing each chair until his sits satisfied with his third choice.
At the introduction, the Dirindi stands, tips his hat and sits again (deciding to try a fourth chair).
A mysterious event beckoning to be solved!
Zemfira takes only water and settles lightly down on the nearest seat. She nods, hearing much of her own suspicions and ruminations echoed in the telepathic speech of the Shirren. "It did seem that way, Director, targeted, I mean. Master Kreel had fallen before I even comprehended a fire fight had broken out. I might be mistaken, but it looked like he fell to the very first shot."
She nods agreement with Sparks' thoughtful line of question and adds, "There was a Lashunta with him at the time. Is she also affiliated with the Starfinders? She escaped the bay but we saw no sign of her since."
While the nerves have not subsided in Chiskisk, the interest on your parts do a lot to help calm them a bit. The questions you ask are received and once you pause, they address them, their body stilling as they focus on the details while retaining your questions.
"Miss... Zemfira?" they nod slightly, as if they were more asking themselves. "Duravor did not work with any Lashunta, at least directly. That individual, I believe, was a higher-level partner of IC{ON}, an image consulting company, one Hesara Bhas. While the Starfinders may have some very loose connections into that industry, the amount of curation that they provide is more than we have found necessary. She may have in proximity by coincidence, unless there were others traveling with you, perhaps."
Their attention shifts to Sparks, and an antenna moves slightly. "Individual Goforth, while suspects are something I have no knowledge of, as Duravor did not directly report any incidents to me, not even in passing. His area of concern with the Starfinders was in regards to the more industrial side of things, mineral prospecting and acting as a mentor when he was available. The gangs being present on the docks is very rare, especially for an incident like that. That stands out more than anything else."
Concluding those answers, Chiskisk folds their hands, looking to each of you to see if any more questions arose.
"Sounds like we need to find out who has been communicating with the gangs. If there are any files Duravor kept on his work that we can see, that might help determine someone who might have had an interest in ending his activities."
"May the handshake of our minds bring light to every truth we will share." It was an ancient Asanan greeting, but it seemed even more appropriate in light of his new job offer. Courtesy also demanded that he announce himself as a telepath to another telepath.
"With your permission, I will speak aloud so that my colleagues can share in the dialogue. I am not so skilled yet that I can address all of us telepathically in any case. Could we please review any information that the Starfinders have on Duravor's official work? I know that for employment reasons the organization cannot keep records on anyone's personal dealings; we will search for those on our own. Corporations frequently exploit local "talent" - the blackest of black ops are frequently accomplished in the light."
Dirk Gently glances up from his notes.
Both excellent inquiries! The lashunta and his current roster of projects, people's and places are good starting points. Follow the money!
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Zemfira inputs some notes through her com device to refer to later. She nods her agreement with Dirk's sentiment. "I think we should speak with Hesara Bhas as well. If she was not conferring with Kreel, she at least saw the event from a different perspective. And I don't think she was interviewed by station security. Should we contact her directly and request a meeting, or try to drop in for a surprise visit?" She was unsure of the protocol and did not want to alienate anyone who might be of aid in the investigation.
She considers their dilemma and decides to try and clarify their situation. "I think we are all glad to be of service in this investigation, Director. But if we are going to be poking our noses in, we're going to need some measure of authority to protect us from having them snipped off. It doesn't seem like you're offering us positions with the Starfinder Society so much as an audition. We're just Academy graduates, fresh off the ship and green as new grass. If we're going to be investigating local gang activity, we're going to need all the help we can get. Can you explain to us what the Starfinder Society will do to support us in this?"
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There is a moment of consideration as Chiskisk receives the delivery that Zemfira put forth, and there is a bobble of his antenna that precedes his response that denotes chagrin. "Apologies Zemfira. Durevor was inclined to try to recruit you into the Society. Given your reception, it was my fault to presume that not all of you would have been inclined to assist. Should all of you wish membership in the Society, I am prepared to grant that including a signing bonus plus expenses. Would two hundred credits to each of you for necessities, and my comm code so that you can contact me directly if needed suffice?
Turning to address Zephyr, the Shirren nods politely. "That seems reasonable to assume that my friend may have caused offense, whether knowingly or not. I can have the last six months condensed and sent to you. A gesture of a hand indicated Sparks interest.
"I fear that any notes that Durevor may have kept were private to him. Access may be difficult. We were good friends, but not so close as to share access codes. I can provide you with his home location, but that is the best I can do."
Again, their hands fold on the desk, awaiting any other inquiries.
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Dirk Gently sits up straight!
We get badges!
The Stellar Sage mimics holding his badge up to pretend miscreants.
Stop miscreants! In the name of the Starfinder Society! I, say, stop.
The Dirindi's Three Blue eyes shine in merriment. He stows his badge away.
Yes. Perhaps a cursory search of his premises would enlightened our persons of interest parameters.
Dirk Gently stands.
Expenses, you say. This type of undercover work does require the proper attire. A new suit would be the right course of action.
"Thank you so much, we are anxious to get started!"
Zeph looks at his comm, waiting for the credits to arrive ...
Zemfira's relief is palpable and she beams in gratitude. "Yes, Director, that will more than suffice. Thank you so much!" A sense of rightness, of belonging settled into her that she had not felt in some time, if indeed, ever before now. She felt a strong urge to be worthy of the esteem the Director had just shown.
Other than her earlier question on how to contact the Lashunta, she could think of only one more. "Was Kreel involved in any mineral rights disputes? Perhaps mediating or acting as arbiter on someone's behalf?"
Pertinax is more than a little surprised by the offer, but nods his assent to joining the Society after a moment. Well. That was...unexpected. Before he can do more, the others resume their conversation, and he contents himself with glancing between them and nodding from time to time.
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Sparks thanks Chiskisk for making everyone a member of the Starfinder society. His beaming smile makes it clear he is sincere.
Zemfira asking her question seems to give Chiskisk pause. "Perhaps... It would not surprise me to know that there were other things that he was involved in outside of his work for the Starfinder Society. I can confidently say that there are no ongoing disputes on our behalf." A few gestures with their wrist-comm holo-interface sees the notification of the funds sent to your respective accounts, and they fold their hands on the table again.
"Let me clarify, please: Your looking into this is a request of a friend, not as agents of the Starfinder Society. While investigations are often handled by agents, this instance would see station security taking action too long after the fact to yield negligible results. As I stated previously, all of you are not incapable, and demonstrated that you can handle yourselves. Looking into his death may result in nothing, but it is at least something that I can do for a close friend."
Their antenna droop as they finish their piece, and for all that they are a reasonably successful individual in this instance, the minimally decorated office and stacked work surfaces, they have lost someone that meant something to them and are managing the best they could.
Dirk Gently's smile freezes in place as they are dismissed.
So, no badges then.
The Espionage Specialist stands, doffs his hat and exit the office.
No worries. I can make some... someone show me to a computer thingy.
"We truly are both honored and blessed Director; we will honor your fallen friend as well. Well met and peace of mind to you."
Walking away with the group: "It isn't supposed to be like an Episode of COPS, we're just asking around for some information about an old friend. We don't need badges, we need a little bit of charm and a few well polished cred sticks. This is the kind of thing that Dirk does in his sleep. I'm almost tempted to do it without using any magic ..."
"Hehhehehehehe, that was a joke, I would never do that."
"We'll do our best," Sparks adds enthusiastically.
Zemfira nodded, "Understood, Director. I wish we could have known him better. Your sorrow resonates, please allow me to offer my condolences." She said simply, offering her gloved hand in what she hoped was a comforting show of solidarity.
Once on their way, she suggested to the others, "I suppose Kreel's domicile is the best place to begin. Now that we have permission to check it out."
Dirk Gently glances at Zephyr.
The only thing I do in my sleep is eat Oreos and play gin rummy. I had a grip on the Oreos but the gin rummy game started using them as chips....
The Stellar Sage looks at Zemfira.
Yes. Rightly so. To the dwarf's domicile discreetly and directly.
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Heartened by the show of confidence from all of you, Chiskisk takes a breath and sets the . "It is appreciated. Please do keep me informed, and I will do what I can from this end if it is needed."
With no further questions, all of you are free to leave, a bit of interacting with your system has the WayLine leading you out of the complex and back into the light of Absalom Station.
_________________________________
"Well, fellow Starfinders, anyone need to get anything before we go to Durevor's place?"
Dirk Gently is seen wearing a bushy fake moustache, a yellow rain coat (complete with yellow cone hat) and a blue umbrella with butterflies encircling its edges.
Rightly so, matey!
"Well, fellow Starfinders, anyone need to get anything before we go to Durevor's place?"
"Seems like we have somewhere to sleep for the next couple nights, I just looked at the hotel booking. Let's get started."
"Lead the way." Pertinax says, with a gesture towards the door, but addressing no one in particular.