Zemfira nods to Zephyr, relieved they would not worry about where to stay. "And I suppose expenses will include lodgings once we are no longer booked at the Hotel. We will likely need to be on the lookout for something more permanent soon." She made a mental note to further review the guidelines of their new positions when they had some downtime.
The datapad in the pockets of the detective has a convenient listing and access key for what Durevor labeled as "Home", a cross-referenced address and lookup on the InfoSphere lists the address as "Skyline Haven", a couple of levels down. Transit there looks to be quick and efficient, though your interpretation of the transit systems the further down you go tend towards less efficiency. Within the matter of an hour, the five of you could be at his door, if you wished. Looking around the campus, both foot and vehicle traffic are light, likely due to the time of day, with the campus being spaced out just enough that there is some modicum of sound filtration, the business center of the city far enough to see, but not really hear.
_____________________________________
Subway it is!
The yellow slickerered Holistic Detective begins to walk to the subway....
Zem follows, keeping an eye out for trouble or tails on the way.
While Zem looks one way, Pertinax looks the other.
Sparks watches with interest everything he sees getting to Duravor's place.
Arrival at the complex that was formerly home to Durevor Kreel, the appearance is modest and unassuming. This a working-class neighborhood, with the occasional graffiti tags on the wall or other visible locations, but the area does not feel unsafe. There is a feeling of community present, evidenced by the conversations that various individuals are having together, with no one seeming to be a "stranger", or unwelcome air about them. The green spaces or community areas are relatively unmarred and orderly.
The access key Durevor kept on the datapad gets you in the door and reaching his floor is a matter of taking the elevator (or stairs), at which the same key opens the door with a chime of recognition. The interior of the small apartment is much like that of the datapad. All of the necessities are present, but personal embellishments are few and far between, unless one counts the indentations and wear on the carpeted floor and indentations in the seating areas. The display screen in the room adjoining the kitchenette appears to be preset to activate with entry, the large screen partitioning into several channels and displays, also mostly default in terms of arrangement or customization. Station News, a couple of info feeds on alien worlds and phenomena, a paused holographic exploration simulation, with the ambient sound of the place changing to something that cannot quite be made out– but sounds like something ambient and soothing if it were heard through the helmet of a heavy suit of some sort.
It seems that Durevor was the sole occupant, and while somewhat tidy, the next scheduled cleaning would have been soon.
"All right, Starfinders," Sparks says, apparently relishing the ability to refer to the group that way, "Fan out and see what we can find. Let's be respectful, but thorough."
Zem nods and starts looking around for clues. She peeks into drawers and scans shelves and such, even looking into kitchen storage, if there is any.
Dirk Gently is seen wearing impeccably white gloves, as the Dirindi enters the dwarf's domicile. Lazily placing a finger on the initial piece of furniture, the Espionage Specialist frowns.
Prints. We must dust for fingers that leave prints.
The excited Stellar Sage then walks about the dwarf's domicile, keeping his steps short and slightly stuttered.
Best to blend in with the former occupant for the foot printing later.
All of you spread out to examine the apartment, looking for details about what Kreel may have been doing that was significant enough to get him killed in a fight between two rival gangs who were not even known to be seen in the area of the docking bay. For those doing the wandering, there are some framed snippets of headlines, digital stills of news articles that held some significance to him. Zemfira finds the articles in the hallway leading to the bedroom.
"Counsel Sinks Mining Giant Stellaris Corp in Class-Action Lawsuit Over Unpaid Wages"
"Galactic Horizons Mining Faces Backlash Over Dangerous Work Conditions in Asteroid Fields"
"Creon Mining Disaster: The Fight for Accountability and Worker Justice"
"The Ore Wars: How Counsel Defended the Miners of Creon-7 Against Corporate Greed"
Dirk, in following the somewhat worn path walked daily by the Dwarf, finds himself at the couch, seating himself in the indentation and reclining. The indentation is a bit odd, that in trying to fit the lines and emulate them, one heel does tap on the low table, and another display shuffles into the multi-display, the home communications inbox of the deceased. One of the communicators is obviously Kreel, but the other just has their contact information as "HCBoss".
On the few other datapads that are about the domicile, there is little on them save for sample data on metallurgy tests, though making sense of the values and projections without context is over your head.
_______________________________________
Pertinax helps the others look around, and tries to find a common theme in the articles Zem finds.
Zemfira scans through the stories. "Looks like Kreel was especially concerned with the welfare of the miners. I wonder if he consulted on any of these suits and inquiries. That could have made him a target for a corporate hit. Is there a Miner's Union?" She asks aloud as she considers the question herself.
Can we access the messages to or from this HCBoss? Are there any corporations or pro-miner organizations with initials H. C.?
"Someone good at getting information out of the infosphere should study the news on these legal challenges to the Big Mine Operations. Seems these articles all relate to legal actions being taken. There ought to be lawyers and law firms named in these articles. We can contact them all to find if they had contact with Duravor or if they know of any backlash events that involve gangs."
Sparks never spent much time on the Infosphere or computers, so this is as much as he can contribute to that effort.
"We should also see if there are any miners unions or advocacy groups for worker safety. Cast a wide net and if there is anything to this angle, we ought to dredge up something. If not, we can shift our focus to news of gang activity and see if we can locate some link between mining operators and Absalom Station gangs."
A bit nonplussed at the relaxing interruption by his wayward foot, the Espionage Specialist frowns at the home communication's in ox manifestation.
Dirk Gently cracks his knuckles prior to his attempt at figuring out how to work the contraption.
* There's got to be like an "On" switch here someplace...
It takes a couple of starts and stops before Dirk figures out that the display was linked to a HoloSphere display interface, and only then because a gesture of annoyance at the uncooperative screen triggered a couple of inputs that were otherwise unresponsive through more familiar methods. The HoloSphere display was an older model of input, that came and went rather quickly when InputLink bracelets rose to prominence, driven by the popular trends. One of the largest adopters of the HoloSphere interface was the industrial sector, however.
For Pertinax as well as Zemfira, the both of you can vaguely recall some of the issues that the framed articles allude to, mostly that of the wider use of laborers for stellar industrial work as opposed to the more recent and expensive drone and artificial intelligence. Some were afraid of the A.I. systems doing what the Androids did, but being able to recoup the investments required cutting corners. Stellaris chose to do that in wages, and folded when the ruling was not in their favor. The common theme seems to be miner exploitation, and the fight against it.
"A clan of stubborn asteroid miners that operates primarily among
the scattered planetoids of the Diaspora. It has no offices or base of
operations, but the clan members usually view the Armada—the
ever-changing fleet of ships that orbit Absalom Station— as
a central gathering place. Collective crews hire their ships out to a
wide variety of business concerns, including Astral Extractions,
which recently employed the Collective ship Acreon to scout for
new mining prospects in the Vast"
Kreel: We need to clarify exactly what happened on Acreon. If we're going to win this arbitration, we have to present a clear timeline—every delay, every failure of safety protocols, the way the company responded after the incident.
HCBoss: We already know the company, OsmosTech Mining, is trying to cover it up, but I need your advice on how to structure the narrative. We’ve got statements from surviving crew members, but we still don’t have enough hard evidence about the company’s negligence.
Kreel: The crew testimonies are crucial, but we need to make sure they’re aligned. If any crew member hesitates or presents conflicting information, it’ll weaken our case. How are the witnesses feeling?
HCBoss: They’re frightened, Durevor. OsmosTech has been pulling strings in the background—threats, pressure to recant statements... we’ve managed to keep them mostly united, but it’s getting tense.
Kreel: I'll need to get my hands on the original contracts between the company and the miners. There are probably clauses they used to avoid liability, or worse, that tied the crew into illegal working conditions.
HCBoss: Those contracts were buried deep, but I’ve got a contact in the corporate office who’s ready to leak them. It’ll be messy, but if they show how OsmosTech knowingly violated safety laws, we’ll have them by the throat.
Kreel: The public must see the exploitation, not just the incident. We can’t afford to let this slip under the radar. We need to keep the pressure up on OsmosTech.
HCBoss: I've been in contact with some reporters. A few sympathetic outlets are already covering the strikers, but we need to make sure that we control the narrative during the arbitration. The company will try to spin it as an isolated incident, a 'freak accident.'
Kreel: If we win this case, it might set a legal precedent for union rights in asteroid mining. That’s the kind of leverage we can use to ensure this doesn’t happen again, not just with OsmosTech but with other corporations too.
HCBoss: The miners are starting to think of unionizing after this, but the company’s going to pull every trick to prevent it. We're not just fighting for reparations—we're fighting for power in the industry.
Kreel: We need to decide which issues we want to bring to the table first. I suggest we push for compensation for lost wages and medical costs right away, while building a case for broader safety reforms later.
HCBoss: I trust you to handle the legal side, but I want to make sure we’ve got someone on the inside watching their moves during the proceedings. The company will likely try to stall or manipulate the arbitration process. Can we have someone there to keep tabs?
Kreel: Once we get through Acreon, we need to plan for the long haul. I expect there will be retaliation, especially from companies like OsmosTech. We should be ready to push for stronger regulations to protect miners across the sector.
HCBoss: If this case goes well, we’ll have a foundation to grow from. But you're right—there will be pushback. The Collective will be looking to you for next steps.
Kreel: I’ve fought these battles for years, but this one... there’s something different. There’s a personal angle with OsmosTech, isn’t there?
HCBoss: Yeah, you could say that. OsmosTech’s top execs have a history with my crew, and some of them owe me favors. This isn’t just business—it’s personal.
Dirk Gently is seen with his lips moving as the Dirindi reads and reads and reads....
Perhaps we order in? Lots to chew on here...who likes salmon patties!
Dirk Gently is seen with his lips moving as the Dirindi reads and reads and reads....
Perhaps we order in? Lots to chew on here...who likes salmon patties!
"To be honest, I'm not sure I like the salmon as much as I like the pickled elven berry that the patties are served with so often, but that sounds amazing right now. I could totally go for that. I'm buying ... who's hungry?"
The elf was not hungry in the slightest, but he had studied team motivation enough to know that in many cases, success had as much to do with meal breaks as it had to do with talent. He didn't feel he had the talent to apply, to this, so it stood to reason maybe he could take care of a meal break. It was also super valuable to them as a team to have non-nefarious data points related to their investigation, and a meal delivery to Kreel's home would be exactly that. Good alibis were engineered, not accidental; so he could take care of that too ...
... and then have some time to think a little more about his job offer.
Pertinax merely shrugs, distracted by his searches. "I could eat."
Zem nods her assent to the suggestion of food. "Dirk, can you tell if this communication thread to HCBoss was intercepted? Also, can we send a secure communication to them? I can't help but think that Kreel was assassinated and that it might just be the beginning of this anticipated retaliation."
Computer use was not her strong point, so she does her best to aid in the researching on the subject of Acreon and OsmosTech.
Seen in the kitchen (wearing an apron with "Kiss the Cook" on it), Dirk Gently turns around (holding a spatula dripping with pancake batter) to smile at Zemfira.
But, of course. My major was in Computers and Engineering, although I did take a Home Etiquette class Freshman year.
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There is no shortage of options for Zephyr to find something suitable that delivered to the current location of the group. Nothing especially extravagant was in the neighborhood, but several highly rated shops were lauded for their selection of grab-and-go options– hearty filling meals, soups, and sandwiches that could fill a stomach without emptying a pocket. Much of the fare is more focused on substance than appearance, but considering the number of positive hits, the taste more than makes up for it.
Zemfira can help Dirk locate OsmosTech in the InfoSphere, getting a summary of its frontpage and a few mentions of the company here and there, most notably the loudest opinions on the company and its practices. In regards to the Acreon, whether intentionally or not, the most that can be found is the promotional information for the ship, and a touch more detail in an aficionado forum.
__________________________________
As a proud subsidiary of Astral Extractions, OsmosTech upholds the conglomerate's reputation for ambitious expansion and high profitability, though not without controversy. Critics argue that its rapid-growth mindset pushes ethical boundaries, with allegations of overworking contracted mining crews and cutting corners on safety protocols in favor of increased yields. Nonetheless, the company maintains its place as a key player in the star-spanning race for resources, propelling the industry into the future while leaving miners to navigate the thin line between opportunity and exploitation.
Prior to the infamous Drift Rock incident, the Acreon had a reputation for finding valuable but treacherous mining sites. Its captain, Loskial Tirth, was a Verthani known for his meticulous approach and sharp intuition. Tirth was respected for balancing bold risk-taking with cautious leadership, fostering a close-knit crew who valued their independence from larger corporate interests. His leadership style was said to inspire loyalty, making the Acreon a sought-after assignment for those willing to endure long stints in the void.
Rumors and logs from the Acreon tell tales of hazardous missions to asteroid clusters riddled with rogue drones and natural space hazards. Its success attracted both admiration and envy, especially from rivals like OsmosTech Mining, who saw the Acreon’s exploits as a thorn in their competitive side. Even before the enigmatic Drift Rock was found tethered to it, whispers of ambitious ventures and dangerous discoveries often surrounded the ship, leaving a legacy marked by fortunes won and lives lost in the cold reaches of space.
Now, the Acreon floats in quarantine above Absalom Station, its hull battered and eerily silent. For the past three days, the ship has been unresponsive to all hails, fueling speculation and fear throughout the station. The sudden lack of communication and the unknown nature of the Drift Rock have only deepened the mystery, prompting officials to impose strict containment protocols as the Hardscrabble Collective and its contractor search for answers.
Since Sparks has no real skills needed for the sleuthing, he focuses on the physical items in the living unit, hoping to find evidence of a different thread to pull on. He orders food when the suggestion is made and takes care of clean-up.
Dirk Gently excitedly begins to Google stylish outer space wear....
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A wave of paranoia washes over Zemfira and she suddenly feels inhibited about speaking any further suspicions out loud here. Remembering speaking with the Director earlier and something Zephyr had said before, she taps the elf's shoulder and then her temple, pantomiming that she wants to speak to him telepathically.
Do you think it's possible the corporation planted a bug in this apartment? Maybe we should be careful what we say here... if we don't want to be next on their hit list.
A wave of paranoia washes over Zemfira and she suddenly feels inhibited about speaking any further suspicions out loud here. Remembering speaking with the Director earlier and something Zephyr had said before, she taps the elf's shoulder and then her temple, pantomiming that she wants to speak to him telepathically.
Do you think it's possible the corporation planted a bug in this apartment? Maybe we should be careful what we say here... if we don't want to be next on their hit list.
Raising an eyebrow, but very much taking the well expressed hint, Zephyr 'listens' to his colleague intently: "To be honest my friend, although it's more of a Dirk thing, I wish I had thought of this, and I am glad that you did. Let's ask everyone how we should best be sure that the apartment is secure. A listening device could also help us find who planted it!"
Zeph turns to the rest of the group and silently asks which of them might best be able to find a listening device if one were present.
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Dirk Gently (his screen stuck on Amazon Search for fancy duds) turns his Three Blue eyes to both Zemfira and Zephyr. The Espionage Specialist frowns. He stands. Quickly turns to write down something and hands it to them.
They got bangles on sale!
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Dirk Gently (reluctantly) leaves the console, stands and makes reassuring gestures that confidently relate his intentions of professionally handle the possibility of there being an issue.
The Espionage Specialist then--Swiftly (not Taylor)--activates his Voice Amplifier !
The Dirindi's Three Blue eyes shine with expectation..
..
Dirk then writes down some words and shows his team.
Some words....
The Professional then takes the same paper, writes some more words on it (would he really?) before showing the team again...
....they could be watching, listening, bugging the whole place! I may be freaking out! Anyone got a paper bag?...I don't feel so hot... anyone else ever been to Taiwan?
Dirk Gently stumbles into the kitchen, runs the faucet and begins to expertly drown his sorrows....
Pertinax looks more confused than anything by the Dirindi's odd pronouncements, but gets the gist of what's going on. He gets out his PersComm and pulls up the music app, and begins playing an old favorite from back home at a volume that's loud, but below what he figures would draw the neighbors' attention.
Sparks shakes his head regarding the questions about detecting bugs. Communicates via his comm unit writing what he wants to say so it shows on the screen and then showing others his screen, so there is no transmission to intercept.
He writes, It seems we have a few leads. These mining corporations mentioned in the framed articles bear investigation. Perhaps we would do better to locate the gangs and try to find someone who is willing to talk about the shootout at the docks.
"Let's eat and then wrap this up: we know who we're talking to next. I need to make a call too. I got the most amazing job offer: Ilyrian Ecotech!!! Just the idea that I could uphold the traditions of my elven heritage while shaping the future of biotechnology; how cool is that!?"
Zeph checks the status of the food delivery ...
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Zem claps a gloved hand over her mouth to stifle her laughter at Dirk's antics. Still shaking with giggles, she gives Pertinax a thumbs up approval for the cover music.
"Congratulations!" She tells Zephyr, glad that two of their membership had received such rewarding offers.
"Dirk, is there anything published in the Infosphere about Kreel's demise yet? If not, I feel like we should send a warning to his contact. Let them know that he's gone."
The status of the delivery is "Delivering", which at least is good. The restaurant promised a hot delivery, and enough food for everyone was going to be a fair amount.
In the span of time that everyone has been in the apartment, there were no surveillance devices that were found. The position that Durevor held at least suggested that his work allowed him to do both with little issue. It was a wonder that he had not been more high-profile than he was.
The summary of Durevor's work of the last six months arrives with a chirp, and there is a thread link to a SecurePoint File, and among the expected regular work, there are some highlights.
OsmosTech Mining Arbitration:
Kreel played a pivotal role in preparing the Hardscrabble Collective for their arbitration case against OsmosTech Mining. He worked closely with collective leaders, drafting airtight legal arguments and assembling evidence of unsafe working conditions, delayed hazard pay, and exploitation under predatory contracts. Kreel’s expertise was instrumental in presenting a unified narrative that brought the plight of miners to the forefront of public attention.
Discovery of the Vitraxis Vein:
While leading a Starfinder-backed prospecting mission to the fringes of the Diaspora, Kreel identified a massive deposit of vitralite—a highly sought-after mineral used in advanced starship construction. Rather than selling the rights to a corporate bidder, Kreel negotiated a joint-use agreement that allowed independent miners to claim shares of the deposit under fair terms. This success bolstered his reputation as a champion of miner autonomy.
The Stellar Forge Incident:
Kreel mediated a tense standoff between the mining crew of the Stellar Forge and their employer, NexaCore Industries, over the company’s use of defective oxygen reclamation units. After presenting indisputable evidence of negligence that led to multiple near-fatalities, Kreel brokered a deal mandating NexaCore to pay damages and replace all faulty equipment. This resolution set a precedent for accountability in corporate-manned operations.
Drafting the Void Laborer’s Accord:
Working with representatives from the Pact Council, labor unions, and independent mining collectives, Kreel contributed significantly to the early framework of what would become the Void Laborer’s Accord. This proposed Pact-wide charter aims to establish baseline safety standards, fair wages, and collective bargaining rights for asteroid miners. Though not yet ratified, Kreel’s advocacy laid critical groundwork for the ongoing negotiations.
Acreon Arbitration Preparation:
In the weeks before his death, Kreel was heavily invested in preparing to arbitrate the Acreon dispute between the Hardscrabble Collective and Astral Extractions. His notes reflect meticulous research into both parties, the contract specifics, and prior incidents involving Astral Extractions’ exploitative practices. Kreel intended to use this high-profile case to highlight the broader systemic issues plaguing the mining industry.
"Sounds like our best lead is this Hardscrabble group. What say we contact them first? Then let's investigate the gangs."
"Corporate then criminal? I have no issues with that."
Dirk Gently places his pristine boots on the coffee table and places both hand casually behind his head. Three Blue eyes turn to his peers, shining in delight.
It does seem that our dwarf hand his hands in multiple cookie jars. His consistent involvement with representative support for mining groups (Hardscrabble Collective being his Front man) participant uneasy investigation by said Corporations.
The Dirindi absently recrosses his ankles.
Doubtful an actual corporation of being involved rather an individual inside one. People have agendas. Corporations have vending machines.
Dirk yawns.
Isn't this exciting. Here I thought we would be neck deep in basement held paperwork list and forgotten until newbies arrived on the job. Other than our dead ambassador, this is better.
Suddenly standing the Espionage Specialist begins to shakes violently! Just as suddenly he stops, sit, smiles.
Apologies. Not certain where that came from. Definitely try not to make sense again or at least not officially.
The Espionage Specialist then reread the information....
He is still reading when the food arrives....
The apartment Kreel called home was a reflection of his practical, no-frills lifestyle. Nestled in a quiet corner of a mid-tier Absalom Station complex, the space bore the marks of a man who spent little time indulging in decoration. The walls, still painted in the neutral tones issued by the building management, were bare except for a single faded holo-image of a mining crew posing triumphantly before an asteroid cluster and framed stills of work that he had done. The furniture was sparse and functional: a battered couch that had seen better days, a metal dining table with mismatched chairs, and a utilitarian desk piled with datapads and a scattering of notes. A faint metallic hum filled the air, the familiar background noise of the station’s life-support systems.
The aroma of spices and sizzling oil heralded the arrival of dinner, a welcome break from a long day. A delivery courier—a Vesk wearing a bright orange coverall emblazoned with the logo of Diaspora Eats—stood at the door, holding a large insulated bag. Their ridged face betrayed no emotion, but the casual flick of their tail and a practiced "Enjoy your meal," spoke of countless other deliveries on their route.
The meal was a modest but satisfying spread of dishes from the neighborhood often frequented for its hearty, no-nonsense cuisine. A couple boxes of spiced fried okra and grilled protein skewers sat beside generous servings of sauced rice infused with tangy herbs. A small container of pickled vegetables added a sharp contrast to the meal, a recipe undoubtedly honed over generations. The food carried with it a sense of home, a warm comfort in the small apartment.
"I have found any time visiting a city to get food where working people get their food, since it is usually good but relatively cheap, since they don't spend overhead on frills. Street vendors are the best!"
He sniffs out the entrees with fish and picks one to enjoy.
"Sounds like our best lead is this Hardscrabble group. What say we contact them first? Then let's investigate the gangs."
"Sounds fine to me."
Zemfira checks the InfoSphere for office locations of the Hardscrabble Collective. "Could we contact them through Kreel's Datapad?"
Furtively shoveling preposterous portions of palatable pieces of spiced fried okra, following that up by literally sucking each individual portioned grilled protein off multiple skewers, and applying generous servings of sauced rice infused with tangy herbs, Dirk Gently burps out
Hardscrabble Collective sounds like they might have superb vending machines.
Sparks takes a moment to sit quietly and enjoy the feeling of a full stomach and a new group of friends. He is thankful for the opportunities he has been given and looks forward to what is to come.
"You're right Dirk ... and I could really use a pack of gum right now."
"Corporate then criminal? I have no issues with that."
"Let's get moving then? To the HQ of Hardscrabble? That is what we agreed before dinner anyway ... do we know where that is or are we relying on Rebu? I have thoughts about that, but they aren't entirely positive."
Zem quickly typed up a communication to send to Kreel's HCBoss contact.
Kreel killed in gang battle crossfire. Ruled an accident. Possible retaliation. Investigation ongoing. Will make contact under the name Zemfira.
She let the others review it for input before hitting send.
"Ok, I'm ready to go now."
Dirk Gently reluctantly puts down his fourth helping of sauced rice infused with tangy herbs. The Espionage Specialist begins typing furiously on the Data pad.
How to visit Hardscrabble Collective? Send....
He gives the group a thumbs up.
Probably best to get the whole details of where and how.
While there is not much that can be done involving hardened security for communications without additional modules, the datapad itself is practically untouched save for a couple of programs that were installed. It is little effort to at least scrub the system, install a couple of consumer-level safety and privacy tools, and at least be that much more secure.
The query of the location of the Hardscrabble Collective brings up their usual contact information, Infosphere links, and the persistent messageboard entries matching the query. Given the sources, it seems that they hold no office on Absalom Station proper, but out in the unofficial ring of ships just outside of the jurisdiction of Absalom Station proper called "The Armada".
A response comes in the next ten minutes. Although it is not a message response, the tone of the ring indicates a video chat. The caller is HCBoss
___________________________________
Zemfira takes a deep breath when she sees who the video chat is from. "That was fast... ready? Here we go!" She announces before reaching over Dirk's shoulder to accept the communication.
"Hello. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and so abruptly like that but given what we've been piecing together here in the aftermath... I thought you should know. Hopefully I haven't violated some sort of protocol in reaching out to you like this..."
Panicking a bit, Dirk Gently begins quickly combing his hair and popping a fresh mint into his mouth, as Zemfira accepts the call....
The call is framed from the shoulders up, displaying an older dark red skinned human male in a worn blue coverall, with a short beard of black hair, and a close-cropped hairstyle. There are signs of fatigue in his expression, as well as some reserved emotion in their eyes. He appears to be in a cabin on a ship, if the bulkhead behind them was any indication. From the height, they are likely taking the call at a desk or something similar. You can see a muscle flex in his jaw as they take in Dirk and Zemfira, though his gaze does look past the two of you for a second or two as they seem to deflate.
"Dammit.", He mutters, looking down for a moment and then squaring his shoulders. "You're talking to Otal Serissi. There is no violation on protocol with something like this, just..." Another hard sigh, and a flex of his jaw as he shakes his head slightly. "What happened to Durevor?"