Dateline: Absalom Station. The party members each receive a summons to meet with Captain Arvin about a secret multi-part mission.
|
Idir arrives at the meeting location Captain Arvin gave, looking a little frazzled. He'd been eyestalk-deep in paperwork since their previous mission, wrangling Joros and bureaucrats alike.
"Good...good afternoon," he says as the others come in. "I never thought I would say this, but I might almost WELCOME mortal danger as a break from clerical work."
|
A slender, medium height woman enters casually, glancing around to take in the surroundings. She wears a stationwear flight suit, a survival knife, semi-auto pistol, and several belt pouches. She appears human, although her eyes are not natural. Her hair is strawberry blond with tints of mauve and cyan. She is attractive in an understated way.
"Good day. I'm Lola Izis. I've been assigned to a Starfinder team that is having a briefing here. Am I in the right place?"
Two things suggest she might be something other than she appears. Her voice is polite but lacking some of the emotion that such words usually carry, a little like a bad actor reading lines. Also, her movements are highly graceful and precise in a way that implies she could be very dangerous.
She sits, crosses her legs, and pulls out a datapad that occupies her attention unless spoken to.
|
|
"I believe so, yes. Idir of the Herd Fernas, formerly of the Absalom Huddle, now of the Starfinder Society, at your service!"
He thinks on whether he's filed any paperwork Ms. Izis might have submitted, either from his original role of desk jockey or more recently in his capacity as an actual Field Agent.
|
|
As usual the Lorespire Complex bustles with activity. It's quieter inside Venture-Captain Arvin’s private office where Idir and Lola wait for the VC and the other members of their team. The door slide open quickly. Arvin, a lashunta man scans the room, then glances down at his datapad and frowns.
"Well at least you two are early. Early is on time. I've got to look into something quickly. I'll be right back. "
|
Massive creature enters the hall at 4 limbs looking slightly disoriented but luckily it is not seen good through AR armored helmet.
Thundergun spent much time playing different games and analysing data, thinks how to prevent science from being corrupted my ego.
Kuozars example was a proper point of inspiration.
Izalguun shows usual shyness and tryin to find a place or corner where he is not an obstacle to others.
-Oh, new face. Thundergun from Izalaraan greets you. I am proud to represent my kin here. I am technical wanderer. Good to know I am not really late.
|
|
"Nice to meet you, Thundergun from Izalaraan. I am Lola Izis of ..." the woman cocks her head as she pauses for thought, "of Absalom Station, my current place of living. I am a hacker, so technology is also my area of expertise." As if to emphasize this last point, she alters the decorative holograms adding color accents to her stationwear armor so that each little projector forms a hand that waves at Thundergun. Then they go back to slowly shifting colorful glows around her neck, waist, and shins.
|
|
Idir recalls seeing Ms. Izis' name cross his desk before...and the "irregularities" it was connected to. Remembering its similarity to other scenarios Idir had encountered in the past, he elects not to pry. Privacy was another type of safety after all.
"It's an honor and a pleasure, Ms. Izis!"
When Thundergun arrives, he smiles and waves.
"Good to see you again, Thundergun! I'm sorry I'd yet to send a response to your last i-mail, my inbox has been flooded for weeks now!"
|
|
A human with coppery skin and a short, androgynous haircut enters the room. Their clothes appear to be handspun, and they have a pair of weapons so shiny that you are sure they have never been fired before. They are carrying some kind of portable toolkit, which they are occasionally banging on or swearing at under their breath. They offer a hand to each of the agents
"Hey everyone! I'm Knitter Joro. Though I probably won't be doing much knitting here, since you all should have everything tied down. I used to help sew up wounds back at Ourojoros, so I've been getting medical training since I left the Vault. This will be my first real job as a Starfinder, and the higher-ups told me that you'll be helping me learn what it's really like out there, hopefully while keeping a twinkle in my eye."
VC Arvin, a grim-faced male lashunta re-enters the room. He glances at his datapad and frowns. He elects to speak verbally, but as he does so his antennae pivot away from members of the party that he is addressing.
Almost like he's mentally watching for misbehavior when his attention is not on you. “Your last team member will just have to catch up. Let's start.
"We have just finished compiling some intriguing news. The Society’s magical archive for divining potential new finds, the Communion Vaults, houses a perpetually sleeping Liavaran Dreamer named Whisperer of Solar Winds. The Dreamer rarely rouses from its torpor, but when it does, it spins interwoven dream stories that point us to promising finds. It awoke earlier this week and has given us an elegant story about a fractured sandstone tablet that could point the Society to a great treasure.
“Unfortunately, the Dreamer speaks in riddles and allegory. Our analysts have narrowed the field of search down to three locations in the Pact Worlds. " Arvin pauses. " But let's see what you make of them. I'll feed the three clues to your comm units."
Clue 1.
A made real one runs for fear of untruths
A piece of the prize stolen brought close to the sun
Under the shadows of a false-made tower
CLue 2.
Bandits stalk the fields
Two sisters long since passed
Allies feast upon stone
CLue 3.
One world, two sides apart
Freedom locked 'neath neon lights
Bad Chameleon
|
|
Idir offers a half-hearted smile as Knitter Joro enters. He'd been one of the first Joros out of the Vault whose paperwork Idir had helped finish and got him enrolled in the Society, but he had his concerns that the young clone was already doing field work, especially given the patchwork of basic education from the Vault, Starfinder defensive training and suspiciously fast certification of his medical license (Idir suspected certain members of the Dataphiles had "helped" him in that regard, possibly with or without Joro asking given how desperately the Society needed medics).
"Hello again, Joro!" he says. "I...gather you're excited! Your first real field mission," he adds awkwardly.
As Arvin briefs them, Idir's muzzle scrunches up and he gives a low "harumph."
"I'll admit, despite my way with words under pressure, lateral thinking has never been my strong suit. But I think I have a few ideas as to at least what planets we might be looking for: the first one says the stolen prize was "brought close to the sun" so I suspect it's referring to Aballon, the closest world to said sun. And the third one describes "one world, two sides apart," that can only mean Verces, which is tidally locked and has a scorching hot sunward side and perpetually freezing dark side. No real idea what the second one is, lots of the Pact Worlds have fields and stones, and I've spent most of MY time in the Pact Worlds here on Absalom Station. I very much doubt we'd find bandits stalking around Jatembe Park..."
|
|
Lola greets Knitter Joro with a wave and a slightly forced smile. She had heard a bit about the Joro refugees from some research she had done on a new song by Stell Z-lin that had cryptic repetitions and a video that had many similar looking people. She read an interview in which Stell explained the source of inspiration for the song.
After Idir speculates on meanings of the riddles, she adds, "Bandits thrive at the fringes of affluence, where they have prey possessing valuables traveling away from secure cities in areas with no police presence. Allies feasting on stone suggests perhaps local sentient species who ingest rocks or perhaps a mining corporation. If Verces is a location of interest, then the dark side will have strong light sources that might rival the sun. If placed on a tower, it would likely cast shadows where clues may be found."
Lola activates a datapad and enters the messages into a database and sets some AI subroutines working on possible meanings of the riddles.
Arvin focuses both eyes and antennae on Idir. "Good deduction. The Dreamer's statements are often symbolic, always veiled. My analysts also arrived at Aballon and Verces. They have more history with the dreamers. They think 'a made one' is a synthetic life form of some sort. There are other details in the rest of the Dreamer's story that lead them to believe the false-made tower is in the Tower-Shadow neighborhood in the Striving Megaplex of Aballon.
"We agree the third clue points to Verces."
The Venture-Captain reorients on Lola. "Mining corporation is good. The analysts are looking at operations in the Diaspora. They think the 'two long-passed sisters' could be Damiar and Lovo, two planets that hypothetically crashed to form the asteroid field."
"More hints in the story tell us that time is short and we may be opposed at every turn. I want you on the next shuttle to Aballon. Any questions? "
|
The office door slides open as a towering vesk trundles through in attire befitting a maintenance worker. A tightly zipped bag of tools sat on one hip and a fairly standard issue self-defense slug-thrower pistol was holstered on the other. Several reinforced hardpoint tethers seem to be placed at strategic locations on his outfit. Though the hulking figure would scarcely be at ease in the often cramped confines of a starship or even station's narrow corridors he at least makes an attempt to look the part.
His prominent chin spurs on the mottled grey-brown man are grown out and indicate that he's no longer a young hot-blooded member of the warrior caste. But one who's likely seen many theaters of combat weather on the field or behind the lines.
"Hello, I apologize for my tardiness, there was a faulty door along my route. I fixed it as per local station protocol and had to submit the requisite paperwork afterwards to report the issue and acknowledge repairs with the 'stations' maintenance technicians."
Shuffling beyond the Venture Captain and the others, keeping sure to let none of them have his backside, he found himself an open space to park himself, though didn't take a seat. "If I missed introductions, I am Voldresk Shak'uun. I am a skilled technician with active training and experience aboard starships, combat vessels, habitation units, and also in the many fields of combat, unlike many who prefer a soft station life."
He nods to the group, "If you require the servicing of your weapon or armor on the field do not hesitate to ask. A so-"-Ehem- "A starfinder member is only as capable as their equipment."
|
|
Lola gives Voldresk a wave, with her hand this time, and states her name again. Then she says to everyone while addressing the VC, "If the fields mentioned in the second dream are in fact asteroid fields, I hope we have a capable starship, as bandits in that part of space are likely pirates. I worked for a time in a mining operation in that area, programing the mining droids. I can perform various tasks on a starship, including engineer, science officer, and pilot. I can leave from here. I travel light."
Perhaps as a visual pun, her holograms shift to a new pattern of greens and blues.
|
|
Joro chuckles openly at Lola's humorous recoloring.
"I'm afraid I won't be of much help for either puzzles or navigation, but I was fair with the computers and in the engineering bay - at least in the simulator. I have my needles and I'm ready to go."
The device they were carrying beeps twice. "Oh, right. One thing I was better than fair at was crafting medications. If you would all provide a small genetic sample -" they demonstrate by placing a drop of blood in the scanner "- then I will be able to customize enhancers for all of you."
|
|
"Hmmm. I'm no good at riddles. But these dream riddles have some direction to them yes? One that no doubt your organization has already plotted a course to?"
He doesn't seem to care for Lola's color changing one way or the other. Nodding at Joro however he presented his open palm. "Just make it quick young medic."
|
|
Joro nods in appreciation at Idir, who they now recognizes as one of the people who helped him once he was out of the vault, and looks over the clues once more. "Bad chameleon? One that can't change colors? Or one that doesn't follow chameleon law? This is something my lizard brain wasn't prepared for. Puns are more my forte than puzzles, and I'm still catching up on astrography - my old neighborhood was a bit smaller than yours."
Arvin addresses Lola's comment. "We're a little short of ships right now. I'll find you the best we have. Meanwhile if you have no more questions, you have two hours to the next Aballon shuttle."
|
|
Thundergun sceptically looks while Joro Starfinder trainee talks and performs. But after long consideration technomancer decides he will ge use to it. After all Joros should investigate their roles in larger society and probably deserve some credits.
And a hacker. Huh. Probably it's time to teach an assistant and check his own ego and skills.
Idir made stable hypothesis regarding riddles 1 and 3 so TG gently waves in his direction with agreement. Technomancer continues searching Starnet within his AR helmet. The T form helmet glass softly shines with faded fallen green symbols.
When TG occasionally yans part of his unpleasant maw becomes visible though.
TG blinks, but founds out that 20 minutes passed in the intarface as it fades. He definitely needs a good sleep, and watch briefing record afterwards.
- captain Arvin, the missions sounds easy, why so anxious? Should we know something else? Thundergun asks.
Somwhy he decides to add instead of introduction after consideration there is additional person in the room.
|
|
Lola waits for a moment when the other Starfinders are focused on other things and approaches Knitter Joro to offer her sample. She whispers something into his ear and smiles afterwards.
... - captain Arvin, the missions sounds easy, why so anxious? Should we know something else? Thundergun asks.
"These Dreamer missions are always uncertain. Interpreting the puzzles, or riddles, or rhymes is half-guesswork, and the information is always incomplete. I could be sending you all off on a wild squox chase, or into a tempest you're not equipped to handle. Find an android on Aballon. I wish I had more for you. " The VC looks at his datapad again. "One of the analysts has a note here about 'fear of untruths'. He suggests the android is in some sort of legal trouble based on false testimony."
The shuttle trip to Aballon takes a few days.
The so-called “Prime Megaplex” is home to the judicial regime known as the Machine Court, the bureaucratic overseers of the Insight Array, and the holy church of Triune: Unification Cathedral. Striving is perhaps the most advanced settlement in all the Pact Worlds, housing the industry of dozens of major corporations and thousands of private factories and forges. Even religious followers have a haven in the unique region of the Theology Channel. Veteran adventurers in the Pact Worlds know that if someone needs technological equipment, Striving is the one-stop shop for all purchases.
An entire town-sized section of the Striving megaplex is devoted to anacite understanding of foreign religions. This locale, known as the Theology Channel, consists of hundreds of cathedrals, chapels, and churches dedicated to the various religions of the Pact Worlds. Visitors can partake in rites related to any of the represented deities without fear of societal repercussions. Each of the core deities has a significant structure in the region, and anacite anchorites preside over various structures dedicated to several lesser deities and demigods. Some chapels even offer praise to the loathsome demon lords, with the pleasure cults of Nocticula and the selfimmolating followers of Flauros numbering among some of the more interesting and taboo religious options present in the Theology Channel.
Adjoined to the megaplex of Striving, the immense trinary structures of Unification Cathedral represent the three aspects of Triune. Each of the deity’s three aspects are venerated in the separate structures, but all are interconnected by the undercity of Ascension—a site named both in honor of Triune’s ascension and for the crater’s discovery by Golarion’s old Pharaohs of Ascension. The undercity is unlike Aballon’s other undercities, as it is one
vast forge complex that produces some of the best Drift engines in the interstellar travel market, as well as some Drift beacons. The exact means of creating these beacons is closely guarded, and Triune’s faithful maintain a zealous stewardship over the construction methods. To protect this technology, the grounds of Unification Cathedral are considered a separate political entity from Striving. Triune maintains a host of Trifold Legionaries—Triune’s elite, technologically augmented holy warriors—to guard the secrets of the cathedral and the adjoining undercity of Ascension.
STRIVING LN megaplex Population 152,000,000 (65% anacite, 18% android, 13%
human, 4% other)
Government utopia (guided by the Insight Array) Qualities academic, bureaucratic, devout (Triune, singularitism), technologically advanced
On arrival, the shuttle reaches a blasted wasteland of a planet that despite its dark and barren appearance—quickly shows itself to be covered in glittering metal cities under the full brightness of the Pact World’s sun. The shuttle goes through a set of blast doors into a city built inside and around what was clearly once a massive silver tower.
Aballonian beaurocracy is smooth and effeccient. Minutes after arrival you are through customs and in the midst of the vast mechanized city of Striving.
|
|
DC 12
Before leaving, Lola downloads some information on Aballon. She shares it with everyone.
Upon arrival, Lola seems to perk up noticeably, smiling more often than not, without it being clear what motivates the smile.
Since hacking is her specialty, Lola finds a terminal with access to the local infosphere and begins a series of searches for various things: Liavaran Dreamer, Whisperer of Solar Winds, fear of untruths, perjury, fugitive, stolen prize, artificial tower, tower, shadow tower, etc. She then runs correlation programs on the most fruitful results to see if she can spot a relevant connection in the data.
|
|
While Lola works on her end Voldresk peers over her analytics, "Send me any details you can find and I'll see about scrounging up any mercenary contracts or bounty contracts that might fit our description. If the person in question is indeed wanted then this could narrow our search. Curating from the matching lists will hasten our approach."
Browsing bounty boards, Mercenary requests, private interest protection details, and even forums discussing local wanted news. Voldresk digs his own hooks into dragging out as much information from their meager pickings by utilizing Lola's work to fine tune his searches. Any contracts about bringing in or finding androids that line up with Lola's information could be pruned further. While he's not a bounty hunter by trade the amount of things that slide over Mercenary contract boards is vast. With luck he'd snag some more information and bring them that much closer to their target.
|
|
"Hello, I apologize for my tardiness, there was a faulty door along my route. I fixed it as per local station protocol and had to submit the requisite paperwork afterwards to report the issue and acknowledge repairs with the 'stations' maintenance technicians."
Shuffling beyond the Venture Captain and the others, keeping sure to let none of them have his backside, he found himself an open space to park himself, though didn't take a seat. "If I missed introductions, I am Voldresk Shak'uun. I am a skilled technician with active training and experience aboard starships, combat vessels, habitation units, and also in the many fields of combat, unlike many who prefer a soft station life."
He nods to the group, "If you require the servicing of your weapon or armor on the field do not hesitate to ask. A so-"-Ehem- "A starfinder member is only as capable as their equipment."
"Pleased to meet you, Mr. Shak'uun! I'm Idir of the Herd Fernas. I look forward to working with you, especially given your clear respect for proper protocol and emergency preparedness!" Idir replies, greeting the vesk. He may be carnivorous...or, at least omnivorous with a heavy bias towards meat-based sustenance, but a man who's late to a meeting because he was conscientious enough to fix something he came across AND fill our proper paperwork for it afterwards can't be ALL bad...at least he'd probably ask permission to eat me if things came down to that, right? he thinks to himself.
... - captain Arvin, the missions sounds easy, why so anxious? Should we know something else? Thundergun asks."These Dreamer missions are always uncertain. Interpreting the puzzles, or riddles, or rhymes is half-guesswork, and the information is always incomplete. I could be sending you all off on a wild squox chase, or into a tempest you're not equipped to handle. Find an android on Aballon. I wish I had more for you. " The VC looks at his datapad again. "One of the analysts has a note here about 'fear of untruths'. He suggests the android is in some sort of legal trouble based on false testimony."
Idir listens to the conversation and gives another thoughtful grunt.
"We seem to be encountering people in legal trouble on these missions quite a bit recently. I may need to consider a night course in law school once we get back, to be better prepared to help in these matters in the future."
The shuttle trip to Aballon takes a few days.
On arrival, the shuttle reaches a blasted wasteland of a planet that despite its dark and barren appearance—quickly shows itself to be covered in glittering metal cities under the full brightness of the Pact World’s sun. The shuttle goes through a set of blast doors into a city built inside and around what was clearly once a massive silver tower.
Aballonian beaurocracy is smooth and effeccient. Minutes after arrival you are through customs and in the midst of the vast mechanized city of Striving.
Idir is largely quiet during the trip, going over the riddles multiple times and taking notes on directions they can investigate based on what's already been discussed. Upon arrival, he seems a bit more relaxed than usual.
"Ah, Aballon! A world primarily inhabited by inorganic beings who at least won't be tempted to eat you if conflict arises. And efficient enough for things to run relatively smoothly! Let's get to work, Starfinders!"
He begins doing what he does best, linking up to the local infosphere and putting out messages to various legal departments and law enforcement offices in the area, filling out ROI forms to request access to their records so he can sift for information.
While Lola works on her end Voldresk peers over her analytics, "Send me any details you can find and I'll see about scrounging up any mercenary contracts or bounty contracts that might fit our description. If the person in question is indeed wanted then this could narrow our search. Curating from the matching lists will hasten our approach."Browsing bounty boards, Mercenary requests, private interest protection details, and even forums discussing local wanted news. Voldresk digs his own hooks into dragging out as much information from their meager pickings by utilizing Lola's work to fine tune his searches. Any contracts about bringing in or finding androids that line up with Lola's information could be pruned further. While he's not a bounty hunter by trade the amount of things that slide over Mercenary contract boards is vast. With luck he'd snag some more information and bring them that much closer to their target.
Voldresk's plan works well and narrows the field significantly.
TG preloads some data including maps to oofline mode as rookie shows good example.
-Mission based on pure interpretation. So philosofycal, as you can imagine. Lets dive into context.
The technomancers just wonders where these clues may lead. And how powerful prophecy are...
Thundergun thinks he's close, but can't quite isolate the crucial data.
"Ah, Aballon! A world primarily inhabited by inorganic beings who at least won't be tempted to eat you if conflict arises. And efficient enough for things to run relatively smoothly! Let's get to work, Starfinders!"He begins doing what he does best, linking up to the local infosphere and putting out messages to various legal departments and law enforcement offices in the area, filling out ROI forms to request access to their records so he can sift for information.
There are so many avenues of search that Idir barely has time to follow up on more than a few.
The computer search, cross-indexed withVoldresk's board searches yields a good candidate. Lerecti is an android, recently arrived in Tower-shadow fleeing charges of murder on Verces. You track them via a cred-stick trail to a convenince store. There you see an androgynous android, garbed in workers’ clothes.
The android looks up from its examination of synthetic soy burgers. A quick few steps take it through a curtained doorway into the back room of the store.
|
|
Voldresk pointed towards the back room, then glanced over at Thundergun's comments on the local cuisine causing him pause.
"What? I don't think we've got time for trying out the local dishes. Especially when our likely target could be escaping out the back."
He looks to the team,
"I'll circle around back incase they decide to flee."
Before heading back out and around to be ready for a runner.
"We should go before something strange happens."
Before heading towards the back room of the storefront in pursuit
|
|
Idir shrugs.
"He was suggesting a way of starting a conversation with Lerecti," he says.
But then upon seeing their target begin leaving he sighs.
"Your assessment is accurate, Voldresk. See if you can cut them off while I try to catch up."
Idir begins making his way after Lerecti.
"Excuse me, Lerecti? Do not worry, we aren't law enforcement, we simply wish to speak to you!"
|
|
Lola draws on her experience with criminals to see if she knows anything that might help convince this guy we can be helpful.
Reduce the DC of Culture checks to recall knowledge about the criminal underworld by 5
She suggests others try to get around the building to cover a back entrance while she tries to follow the person of interest through the establishment.
Voldresk, Idir and Lola follow the android through the curtain. The space beyond is a narrow aisle hemmed in by tall shelves of boxed merchandise. Turning left you see the android pull open a door. It's just enough of a delay for Idir to speak.
The android looks out the partially open door, but stops and turns back toward you. "The others weren't Stewards either. You won't get paid for hurting me. The contract's been filled already."
Behind you a drone-like flying anacite (one of the robotic natives of Aballon), says, "WHat are you all doing back here. Employees only. Can't you read?"
|
|
Thundergun knows his team is not law enforcements. Although Starfinders may be whoever they want in a particular situation so he says from top of head without obligations. Probably he this monologue in a recently watched Startube video.
- We are solving problems and uncover mysteries. I can provide sertificates. So, can we talk without prejudices about our troubles and needs?
"Why don't you all get out of here before I summon law enforcement?" The anacite clearly doesn't like having you in its back room.
"Maybe it's just the Vault talking, but I'm not sure 'we aren't law enforcement' is a normal way to start a conversation."
"I was curious about the pasta with meatless balls. But also, why would you think we are Stewards? Or trying to hurt you?"
The android merely inclines its head to the Joro's first comment. To the second, he replies, "Stewards are boy scouts. And nobody looking for me is a boy scout. But the horse-alien has an uncommon brand of courtesy. Perhaps I can trust you."
...
- We are solving problems and uncover mysteries. I can provide sertificates. So, can we talk without prejudices about our troubles and needs?
"I am stranded on a strange world, with less than 100 credits, facing extradition to my home world where I face slavery, or torture and death while being pursued by various -- thugs who think they can cash in on a contract that's been executed for 16 hours now. What are your troubles and needs and how may I help you? "
|
|
"Why don't you all get out of here before I summon law enforcement?" The anacite clearly doesn't like having you in its back room.
"Absolutely, moving along now. I sincerely apologize for the misunderstanding and the disturbance."
Idir shoos the party out of the back room.
The android merely inclines its head to the Joro's first comment. To the second, he replies, "Stewards are boy scouts. And nobody looking for me is a boy scout. But the horse-alien has an uncommon brand of courtesy. Perhaps I can trust you."
"Thank you...you...may be a little right and not quite...we don't necessarily have an iron-clad code of conduct, but scouting IS part of our job description. Maybe we should continue this conversation somewhere a bit more discrete, if that would make you feel safer?"
He gives Lerecti the time to decide and follows their lead if prompted.
"I am stranded on a strange world, with less than 100 credits, facing extradition to my home world where I face slavery, or torture and death while being pursued by various -- thugs who think they can cash in on a contract that's been executed for 16 hours now. What are your troubles and needs and how may I help you? "
Idir holds up his hand and shows his dermal implant.
"To be brief, we're Field Agents from the Starfinder Society. Our divination specialists gave us a cryptic lead that appears to direct to you."
"A made real one runs for fear of untruths
A piece of the prize stolen brought close to the sun
Under the shadows of a false-made tower."
"Now, I don't want to make assumptions about what "piece of the prize" may or may not have been stolen, whether by you or anyone else. So perhaps we might start with your side of the story?"
|
|
Lola tries to calm Lerecti by saying, "I was LULZ 1515, a slave to organized criminals. The Starfinders helped me escape and gave me a new identity that has kept me safe. That is why I've tried to disguise my android features. I'm taking risk telling you, but you need to know I, at least, very much understand your situation. I will help you any way I can."
|
|
Voldresk grumbles a bit at the various interruptions and unwillingness to listen by the android.
He first turns to the drone Anacite, "We are conducting official business, I'm sorry if this is causing undue delays or hardships for your business." He produces his Mercenary credentials to the individual in an attempt to ease tensions. "We are not here to entangle anyone in a fight however, just to ask questions to follow a lead. If we are not accosted during our time here then we shall be leaving as soon as our interview has ceased. I would rather not a fight with other authorities or security forces today."
Voldresk returns his attention to his team and Lerecti, "There was a contract floating about but it has been claimed by at least one group that's already assaulted you. Please tell us, were there any items of value in your possession previously? Which group may have taken them and where were they headed, we may be able to provide you with ample compensation and protection for these details."
While Voldresk runs interference (quite successfully) on the shop-keeping anacite, Idir shoos the party out the back door. The back of the shop is a service corridor, unnervingly clean, with conduit and piping in orderly arrangement and well labeled.
In the corridor the party, tries by various means to reassure Lerecti about their intentions.
"I thank you for your declarations of support and believe I can trust you. Two weeks ago, I was working for a contract investigatory agency, infiltrating certain circles of Verthani society which are still engaged in illegal android trafficking. My partner and I had succeeded in procuring significant evidence. Shortly after sending our preliminary report we were ambushed. My partner was killed, but I was able to escape. Almost immediately a warrant was issued for me by verthani authorities. My two conclusions were that someone inside the agency tipped off the target of our operation, and that the target had sufficient resources and influences to arrange the ambush, and when that failed, frame me for the murder of my partner, to the satisfaction of, or in conspiracy with, verthani prosecutors.
"I took the evidence and fled to Aballon to avail myself of the planetary government's offer of fair tribunal to all synthetic life forms. About 16 hours ago I was accosted by two verthani thugs, physically assaulted, and robbed of my evidence. Without the evidence, the chances for my success at trial are -- low.
"That is my sad tale."
|
|
Idir pounds a fist into an open palm with an unusually determined look on his face.
"I am 100% in agreement with Ms. Izis. What you describe is a horrific miscarriage of justice and must be rectified as efficiently as we can manage. We obviously need to ensure your safety while the evidence is being recovered, however. None deserve to be trafficked, whether for labor or to be murdered for their meat!"