From his position around the corner behind the others, Cass listened, trying to get as much information as he could from what he could hear. He was not optimistic about the disposition of individuals that would use a body as bait, but was prepared to be surprised.
A frown and a quick scan of the area caused Cass to skip back nimbly, wondering what kind of place would have this particular effect for a button. Cautioning the others was a bit superfluous as they were already moving as well. Inspecting the negligible damage done, he could not help a dry observation. "Not very welcoming an arrangement..."
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Reflex:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Examining the door, Cass found his eyes drawn to an irregularity in the wall, revealing a compartment with three buttons, each colored differently. A thoughtful frown crossed his expression before looking at the others to see if they had any input on the door. There had been system access, but it was not something that he had seen.
Approaching the door, Cass examined it with a cautious eye, wondering what else this station might have encountered or been used for to have a door of this size.
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Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21
"The body is trapped, as is the hallway to either side." Cass does what he could to identify it, tracing the path from the doorways to the corpse. "Does anyone possess engineering tools?"
If Yes:
"Please allow me to utilize those for a moment..." Setting to, Cass attempts to undo the trap.
Engineering:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
If No:
"There are other ways we can head before risking this trap." Leaving the corpse behind, Cass goes to check the next direction.
Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
The mention of a body does not surprise Cass, and he is not far behind, moving ahead past Zephyr to see if there is anything that could be made out as he approached the body, taking the lead. Careful, he pauses at half the distance to study, then closes the distance if nothing can be made out from the body or signs in the hallway.
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Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
While the others were engaging, Cass had been fruitlessly trying to identify both the material of the object that had impeded them, as well as the creatures, with no luck. Diverting his attention back to the fight, he joined in with what he could manage in this smaller hallway— a measured pistol shot rang out with the lurch of one of the creatures.
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Trick(Surv.):1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 Attack@Tremersynn's target:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21 Damage:1d4 + 1d8 ⇒ (3) + (5) = 8
Cass follows easily, quite intrigued by the manner of assistance that they had discovered on the ship and what else they might find before they managed to leave this station.
Cass remembered that they were intending to find someone for Kaylee, but N-1's instructions were missing something. "Question, if I may: Why would we scavenge from our own ship?"
Which reminded him... "Black Talon, is it possible to integrate and repurpose other spacefaring vehicles?" This whole thing was a windfall of unknown proportions, and he fully intended to leave here with the effects of the Talon integrated, incorporated, or restored. As he spoke, he was situating his armor, and making sure that everything was in place.
The sounds of conversation drew Cass back to the pod area, having verified what the title of "Crew" carried. Softly treading in, he calmly spoke into the pause of the conversation
"Ahem... I would remind everyone that this would be considered quite the opportunity. I have determined that as 'Crew', we now have certain permissions that were unavailable previously." This was a bit of a guess, but for the sake of illustration, he spoke aloud.
"Black Talon, what is your current status and functionality?"
A comm unit was a small price to pay for access, so Cass gave a shrug, surprised that something on this level was not already accessible by the (somewhat limited) virtual intelligence. "Sure, be my guest...?" While the system did whatever it was doing with the comm unit, Cass was looking to see if the room that the items were in could be located, and whether or not they had a manifest of the contents. It was a chance to see how the system worked, as well.
Still curious, he tried to pull up a crew manifest.
For that matter, what about the salvaging team that was here?
Much like the others, Cass was taking stock of how he felt coming out of the pod. The changes were subtle, but something was noticeable. The welcome as being recognized as the crew of the ship was significant, however— that changed the perception of the ship from "Outsider in a place of refuge" to "Crew". A lot of uncertainty vanished with that realization.
Curious about something, he strode over to the closest workstation, feeling the difference in how he moved— or did not have to move to achieve the intended effect. Given that he had worked out a manifest for what cargo they had found, he wanted to compare what had been discerned from what had not in regards to the nuance. Even if the language would be translated, this was an opportunity to refine it more. As "crew", they all should have increased permissions.
A few deft flicks of his fingers over the borrowed comm unit set its reception to "open", and he set it on an accessible place, querying the system to see if it could manage some connection with it in order to access his files. If the system was unable to manage the SeCast or ProMat, there might be a way to connect it to the LiCo...
Cass, quiet and observing as all this occurs, has been wary of many things on this ship, but seeing the ball convert into a display is too tempting. As it displays in runes, Cass takes a few seconds to try to comprehend the writings before they shift. It is a long few seconds of consideration that was broken by Kaylee enthusiastically getting into a Pod.
Giving a shrug, Cass followed suit, as this seemed to be the easiest way to make sense of this ship and its purpose.
Pod:
Inside the pod, making sense of the options is not too difficult, though the intent behind them has interesting applications.
- Yes to Cataloguing
- Yes to Communication addition
- No to Sterilization
- Stealth Selection
- Dexterity Selection
Viewing the others prodding at the door, Cass considered what was before them, trying to recall what seemed like that material. Having something like that form a door that was not something that they were familiar with, and that uncertainty was not something that they— like the others– wanted to leave unresolved. Nothing that he had encountered or heard about made sense for the door.
Cass, after helping the others locate their items of interest, retrieved a box of armor that had been translated as "lucent implicate", which was a curious thing, but when he got the crate open, it turned out to be a set of armor much like his Second Skin that used projectors. Interesting, and he could imagine a number of uses for the display function. It was going to take a little bit of time to verify the interface, but it was useful.
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(Clearweave I)
At the mention of actual food, and having seen the nutrient core but having only the barest grasp of how it functioned, Cass was lingering where the conversation was. A bowl of something was in his hands, and he was drinking from it intermittently as one hand adjusted the inventory list that was floating in front of him. The entries were accompanied by an image of the crate label, but a translation program would have to wait.
Zephyr Starrr wrote:
"Agreed. What do we think about making some "test messes" to see what the frogs do with them?"
"I am against experimenting with constructions that may decide to regard us as something that needs to be removed." A twist of his hand changed his display from the manifest that he was building to the map of what they had found so far, setting a "Do Not Disturb" icon on the room in question.
The manifest was sent to the others with a flick, and his question followed. "Can anyone make any use of any of this?"
This was a significant opportunity to determine a lot about where they were currently stranded. There were a lot of items in here, and making sense of all of it would take a while. However, there stood the chance of something being useful in them, so it was worth the time. Using the commlink that he had acquired from the extras and set to his preferences, Cass set to work cataloguing.
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Perception:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (6) + 9 = 15 I'll spare you the deciphering rolls on every check. Cass' take 10 is 21
(4th door on the left)
While others were checking what they would, Cass was examining the crates for any sort of legible markings. It was unlikely anything significant had been left behind, but it was still worth examining for something that could be utilized. As the others worked their way down the hall, checking doors, Cass kept cautious, just in case.
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Perception:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
Looking up from where he was working with the computer, continuing to make sense of the system, Cass paused to take a look at the frogs and then the idea of letting them roam. "Would we be perceived as something that needs to be 'cleaned'?", he asked amid tapping traces out on the system. Ever since yesterday, Cass has taken more of an interest in the ship, though not the the point of damaging things. Then again, they all were adapting to their current situation in different ways.
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Computers:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
"It appears that this was a museum", Cass called over his shoulder. "I am checking on the rest." Access to the system was good... With a bit of fortune, this situation could be turned away from the supply uncertainty that was nearing. There maybe were crew quarters and those could be repurposed as well.
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Perception:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12 Checking the computer for food prep areas, databases, and foundry, if any. Is there a way to release the security in the room?
Sorry, post got eaten.
While all the items looked interesting from the standpoint of culture, Cass was wary of places like museums. No place dedicated to preservation of items was without a security system. Instead, he was looking around for terminal access, trying to get a sense of what kind of ship this was that they were currently on. The systems here, while old, were quite formidable, and what he was acquiring by poking around the systems and gleaning instruction and tips where he could with a cobbled-together system that was more patchwork relative to this ship than any other standard system.
If he could make sense of whatever language the ship used, figuring out the rest of this ship would be easier. Finding food was going to be a priority soon unless they were very fortunate.
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Perception:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 6 + 2 = 13 Culture:1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21for Deciphering
Cass was taking some time to get situated in the other room, making sure that there was nothing in there that was threatening, donning some gloves to make sure that the area was cleaned to his standards before getting settled. He seemed distracted, lost in his thoughts for the amount of time that he was cleaning, and then spent a fair amount of time interacting with Zephyr and the former prisoner— Alethia. His Elvish was rusty at first, but it became something functional by the time that people were setting up for bed.
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How much interaction is possible with the team that was here before? Could a passing Diplomacy over time improve their regard towards us?
The unused pistol was replaced in the holster, unused. The prevalence of these... "creations" was both curious and troubling. Considering how long the technology had to endure to keep these creatures alive, they were woefully in the dark about what this was, and where they were. None of the things that they had encountered were anything that Cass was familiar with in passing, and that was concerning. So, since the others seemed capable of dealing with things at present, he began to look around for a computer.
Managing any sort of link with these systems was out of his grasp currently, but that would have to change. "The nearest terminal for this room ought to be..."
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Looking around for the nearest system to start studying the language and trying to figure out how to interface safely with the system.
From the first exclamation, Cass was keeping an eye in that direction, and to see another misshapen flesh-thing skitter about, freed somehow was not instilling any sort of confidence in this place. He drew his pistol again— getting faster, and got ready to shoot if the others did not end it before that shot could occur.
Drifting behind the others, Cass does what he can to remain out of the way, still trying to make sense of this ship that they have been marooned on. This curious area appears to be a research lab, but was this of experimentation, or creation? There was not enough to say just yet, but it was easy enough to focus more on the task of salvage than anything else right now. There was no point in leaving here empty handed. Trusting Kaylee to make sense of the system in the room, he took a look at the rest of the room with an eye for study.
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Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13 Culture:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (12) + 9 = 21 Any writing to decipher?
The weapon was put away now that the immediate threat was handled, Cass returned back to stand beside Zephyr, out of the way of the vandalism currently occurring. He almost seemed like nothing had happened and their compatriot had not been recently attached to a head from a tube. He knew well enough to stay out of the way when there were large weapons being swung about, much less with oddities in tubes being destroyed or freed... that was the uncertain part.
"Given the situation regarding contamination: should that not have been done before things started getting smashed?"
Hearing the words from Tremersyn, Cass backs up and tries not to make any motions that would invite hostility. Getting hit by what both he and Drabbon carried would be quite painful, and likely best avoided. Zephyr puts out another spell, and from his position near one of the chambers, he aims a shot at the skull that was attached to Drabbon.
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TA(Surv.:1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10nnope. R.Atk@Skull:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18,damage:1d4 ⇒ 3
Cass saw the skull settle onto Drabbon with a "tsk", as he moved from his place in the doorway, certain that it touching him was a Bad Thing. The others reacted with ranged fire and he stayed low, slipping along under their line of fire to finally engage, the flicker of light from the edge of a simple, if sturdy knife coming out from its sheath and describing an arc that intersected with the skull— Typically things that affixed themselves took a few seconds at the bare minimum before the connection was complete, and that was all that was needed to strike a decisive blow.
On guard and crouched low against the line of fire from his associates, Cass had one hand raised in a stance that almost seemed to hide the knife against his arm, making ready to strike again.
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TA(Survival):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (16) + 9 = 25 Atk:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20,Damage:1d4 + 1d4 ⇒ (1) + (2) = 3
From his position at the rear, Cass calmly speaks into one of the pauses in destruction. "Is salvage not worth more if it is intact?" Thus far, nothing in this room had attempted to harm them, so potentially freeing the contents of the tubes seemed counterintuitive.
Trailing behind the others, Cass cannot quite see around them all, and can only catch glimpses around everyone. Sergeant Anovus stopping made him pause, trying to see around everyone.
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Perception:1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 5 + 1 = 7
Overly cautious on the first foray out, Cass was more paying attention to the ship and its intricacies than trying to find anything distinctive, though they did happen across a room. Knowing better than to venture in, he still gave a cursory glance without entering before marking the position on the map and heading back.
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Survival:1d20 + 9 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 9 + 1 = 15 Stealth:1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16
Cass had little to say, looking around at what looked more like a salvaging party, slightly relieved that they were not expected to fend off Ravagers with just the few of them if it came to it. While preparations were underway, he stayed out of the way, training making him as unobtrusive as he could without seeming like he was trying to hide, hands calmly clasped behind his back as if there was little to be worried about. Instead, he went over to the doctor and his assistant, and started to advise them on how to better distribute their gear so that they were not as hampered by their gear.
A wince and a groan was Cass's response to their interacting with what might have once been a member of the salvage crew. The pain caused by the reveal of the creature was negligible, but not something that he would want to endure again, given the choice.
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(8/16)
Will:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Pacing the front of the group, Cass holds out an arm to stop the foremost individual from going too far. Once he has their attention, he pointed to the laser, and shook his head. "I am not sure what manner of company they are expecting, but traps rarely bode well for the recipient." Carefully, Cass looked around the doorway, and then to the other that was in the room.
"...can anyone else ascertain anything that we may be missing?"
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Perception(@23):1d20 + 5 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 5 + 1 = 23 Hooray for Operative's Edge!
While N-1 tested the systems on this salvage ship, Cass looked over everyone and took note of their states. "Is it possible to prevent them docking here? Them behind us is not a pleasant prospect." As he spoke, he settled his equipment about him a little better. One of their dropships would be a decent escape option, but only as one of the last resorts.
'...and I thought it was unnecessary to bring everything...', Cass thought to himself as the significance of the wreckage sinks in. It looked like this mission had gone from "salvage" to "survival".
Cass had been looking around the entryway, trying to get a sense of the salvage, and how— or where– the plants they had been shown would be in a ship like this. If this was a longstanding wreckage, they would be near the science bay, or the quarters, perhaps. Considering the response of the creatures around them, it was distinctly possible that there was some kind of an ecosystem here. However, they needed a link into what functioned of the system, if there was any.
While the others directed Armond, Cass started to scout ahead to the nearest intersection. Two more individuals would be difficult to manage, let alone feed. For now, though, they just needed to ensure an environment with breathable air.
"As soon as they disembark, we should begin moving in case they decide to look for us."
Cass spends a fair amount of time with Armond, asking details about food and such. When not occupying his time there, he was studying, believe it or not. Titles such as "Hospitality of Houses", a study of the variances in etiquette of several notable cultures, as well as a selection on the nuance of intonation in negotiation. The closer they get to the salvage site, the more withdrawn he becomes, focusing on making sure that his gear is in order.
While this sort of preparation was unfamiliar, the kind of preparation of going into an uncertain place with potential hostiles, Cass remained confident in what he could do. Thus far, this was a means to acquire funds, at quite the risk, as well. As he prepared his equipment, he set himself to focus on completing the job.
Leaving the cup of whatever it was on the table, Cass departed as well. The atmosphere of the ship seemed odd, though it was not too far removed from that of the "Every Oddity". Perhaps it was that you were not regarded properly until you gained affiliation with one of the gangs. That did raise the question of what "proper" regard was in a place like this, but that was mostly an academic endeavor. He supposed that they would see in time.
Anovus voiced the thought that was on his mind as well, so he paid attention to the response.
Just like before, Cass has a cup of whichever liquid seems to be the most common, and finds an open seat somewhere within the view of the Sergeant. There was some curiosity about the crew on this ship, as their level of regard was decidedly unfavorable. Keeping an ear open for whatever was making the rounds of gossip and rumors. Any potential conflict would be deferred, and if necessary, Cass would return to the dropship.
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Perception:1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
Recreation seemed to be the best way to get a feel of the crew without too much friction. As a recognized newcomer, Cass did what he could to not be in the way of anyone traveling the main areas as he looked around for a seat to take, and individuals to observe. If there was a challenge, however... Well, better to consider that option when he got to it.
Not having especially unpacked anything on seeing the size of the ship, Cass nodded, noting the difference between them between those recognized as crew and what they were, which made them the newest of those that could potentially be considered as "crew". So, they settled in to wait out the ride, idly perusing the latest on on what could be garnered from the local "bounce up(date)". as they had known it to be called. Some token research was done, but it was more that they were getting the feel for the crew, paying attention to see what could be aided by his presence.
There had always been the uncertainty of whether or not even meeting with Armond was going to guarantee a spot on the ship. It was worth the favors called in, but it was only for the favorable words. Once confirmation was received, it was a full night of calling in favors for whatever currency was could be utilized. Cass showed up at dock with more gear than one might have anticipated, none of which from the same source— even for this place. A large duffel, a pack, and a case was in his possession, and all of it together was almost at the point where moving easily was going to be difficult.
Stamps, stickers, holo-DOTs, scuffs, and scars were on the gear that could be seen, both bags filled. Composed, his clothing looked like a flight suit that had been adorned with logos and emblems from numerous product manufactures, in their various languages and colors. It seemed somewhat out of place for his manner, but there was no real uniform cited in the contract, either.
While some may have relaxed entirely upon agreeing to the contract and receiving one credit to establish the connection, Cass did was very upright and more proper in his mannerisms than one would expect from a resident of an outlaw outpost. He took interest in the stories provided, and did add a couple of interjections of dry humor here and there. While he did drink, it was sparingly, and is the first to take his leave, presumably to set things in order.
It was a few minutes before Cass realized that blending in with this crowd was not for this situation. Trusting in the favors that had he had been assured would be paid, they made their way over to the table, to give the Vesk— Armond– a nod of greeting along with the others.
Around this station, the common method of dress was "whatever worked for the work you were doing" and for Cass, utility pants and boots just came with the territory. Fashion was not exactly current, so any shirt was fine, the mud-green sleeves rolled halfway up his forearms. While attention to his appearance was noted in the sharp lines of his facial hair and lack of stains on the shirt, there was not much else to him. Human, no scars, no emblems of affiliation, hair kept low and neat so as to be almost bald, though there was the quicksilver chrome loop of a comm accessory over one ear.
"Armond, I presume." Confident, his stance was relaxed. "I am Cass."
In crowds, blending in was a learned skill, and while a few individuals approached the Vesk to state their intentions, Cass decided to wait a bit, and see what they were inclined to do. Given the bottle and glasses, it seemed like they would be there a while, if they stayed. A couple of favors had been called in, so perhaps there may have been a mention of him before the sign got posted, but just getting that early mention in might be enough.
It was clear that the Vesk's posture made them one of the bigger figures here at the moment, so rather than crowd them, he would wait a little while.
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Blending in (Stealth):1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Service in trade was the method of exchange for this Station, and as there was more than enough to trade on occasion, one could start accumulating favors. Enough favors in the right place and the right words from someone could grant you access to almost anything. A choice piece of equipment, or perhaps a coveted berth on a ship with a reputation more than earned. It all depends on how useful one could make themselves in this place.
Cass had it better than some, his skills in healing the injured and a shrewd eye at reading individuals left him at a somewhat neutral position, and a fair bit of room. Few people wanted to antagonize the one that knew how to put you back together.
Attempting to put truth to the rumors was a more difficult task. Especially when there seemed to be a bottleneck in the hallway that was preventing any confirmation.
An accredited graduate of the Michaelis Institute, they have not contracted out to a family as a professional attendant of yet, so this finds them at loose ends. In the meantime, while their contract waits to be selected, they are taking some time to round out their skills and perfect alternate applications... After all, nothing prepares one like the unexpected.
NPC: Wadsworth - Subtly snarky Institute AI, distributes Contracts and Appointments.
Hook: Contracts are assigned to graduates, intended to assess their capabilities before they are "Appointed" to positions. As a graduate with no appointments, they are both free to travel as they would like, and also targeted for their affiliation if it should become recognized.
