As they journey, Alpha-83 says, "I am unfamiliar with you, so I must ask, what are your names?"
|
Kasha gasped, a bit overdramatically, at that revelation! ”Ahhh! I totally forgot about that! I’m Kasha! Kasha Lexas, that is! Famous actress! She then frowned in realization, continuing with, ”Haha...at least not THAT famous yet. One day I will be though! It’s good to meet you though! You shot those three missiles out, right? That was pretty cool!”
Shaking his head at Kasha's dramatics with a smirk and light sigh, Xond flashes his best smile at "Breaker". "I'm Xond, traveling sword-arm for hire. And who are you, my new magical friend?"
The cluster of buildings is immediately evident upon entering the interstellar neighborhood know as the Drifter’s End. The architecture of the Lorespire Complex sets it apart from the other structures as sort of an organic monument reaching upward into the cosmos as it maintains its magnificence within the fabricated environs of Absalom Station.
The neighborhood itself is bustling and vibrant, but not as upscale as expected, but still far from the disrepair of the Spike, one of the lower echelons of the station. A modest landscaped yard greets visitors to the ‘Spire’, leading to a set of heavy, bronzed doors and and advanced security comm system.
“Hold your letter to the camera please, each one of you,” If you comply the soothing voice requests that you perform a retinal scan as well before being allowed entry.
To Kasha, it responds, "It is a pleasure to meet you. I'm afraid I am unfamiliar with your work - I have not had much in the way of time or inclination to watch any holos. The magic missiles are the result of studying the way magic interacts with the universe - it can be altered and programmed, much like a computer or security system, which is what my previous...occupation...focused around."
To Xond, he replies, "I introduced myself back at the docking bay, but due to the confusion of the police questioning, you may have missed it. My name is Alpha-83. If you require a more human-sounding name for comfort, you may refer to me as Breaker." There is no accusation or malice in Alpha-83's voice - it is merely responding to a query presented by one of its apparent new companions.
Breaker looks at the human man and the dwarf. "And what are your names, may I ask?"
====================================
At the request of the camera, Alpha-83 pulls out his letter and holds it up to the camera once Blacklock is done. It will then provide the required retinal scan, as well, hoping that the previous soul to inhabit this body did not have something on file that would prevent it from joining the Society.
|
"The name is Boris Mulligan. I was a gladiator once. Not by choice. But that's when some people started calling me "Buzzsaw". I don't know how I feel about being called that, though. I don't think it's something to be proud about."
Boris pats his drone on the side. "It'd be more appropriate to call this one "Buzzsaw," but he's Digdig. Call him that cause the frame here is from an old excavator drone. You know, the kind they used to use for mining or terraforming. That sorta thing."
"It is nice to meet you, Boris, Blacklock. Boris, your lack of choice in your previous occupation is unfortunate - and similar to my lack of choice in my previous occupation. You have my sympathies. Digdig is a remarkable piece of engineering. You built him yourself?"
Once inside the doors, you enter a small rotunda with a information desk and a receptionist seated behind it. The young Lashunta woman has an idea why you are hear, but she decides to ask politely, "How may I help you today?"
Xond smiles, a little bashfully at Breaker, "I guess I did miss it, sorry."
Upon reaching the Lorespire Complex, Zonds eyes slowly scan up the building. "Wow... That's one nice building."
"I got the letter right here." He says calmly. Xond reaches into a pocket when his face sinks and a worried grin crosses his face. "One moment..." Xond quickly, and more than a little frantic, searches through every pocket in his pants, coat, and remaining clothes.
"AH HA!" He pulls out a quite wrinkled up letter. His face drops. "Oh crap." Xond does his best to straighten the page out and holds it up to the camera followed by complying with the retina scan.
|
|
To Breaker:
"Most of him I found. Some of the old AI's like him would get idiosyncratic. Usually they just tossed 'em out when that happened. You probably know how that goes. Act outside the role they made 'ya for and out to the trash heap with ya. Ungrateful bastards." Boris pauses thoughtfully; squinting as if he was looking at something far off in the distance. "It's a good thing I found him though. I know I wouldn't have survived the show without 'im."
At the Lorespire Complex:
"I'm afraid we got some bad news for ya. Kreel was killed by gangers on his way to meet us."
Upon hearing the dwarf's information, the mood of the receptionist changes instantly from playful and flirtatious to shocked and anxious as she quickly gets up from behind the desk to whisk the recruits into a modestly quiet and inconspicuous waiting room with comfortable seating and a desk along the back wall. There is a door along the back wall to the left.
It is not long before a shirren, clad in somewhat flamboyant dress, walks out in a stately manner and hurriedly takes a seat behind the desk.
"Greetings, I am Chiskisk, your liason for the Starfinder Society. I understand that you have some news about my friend, Duravor Kreel."
Xond cringes from the sudden turn of mood.
As Xond and the others enter the waiting room, he says "That probably could have used a little more ... tact."
Xond salutes Chickisk, "Hey. We hate to be bearers of bad news but Kreel was killed in a firefight with two gangs not long after we arrived at the Station."
Xond takes a moment, "We're sorry for your loss."
Chiskisk pauses for a bit, choked up and in shock by the news. Those of you who have experienced loss understand completely and demonstrate compassionate patience in the matter.
"Forgive me, I am Chisisk, Starfinder Special Liason. I am shirren host."
Wanting to get to business and not waste anymore of the recruit's time, Chiskisk pulls themself together to get down to business with your group.
”I am sorry that I cannot welcome you to Absalom Station under better circumstances. I assure you that such attacks are not a daily occurrence, though I realize that is likely small comfort to you. I am pleased that none of you were seriously hurt, but I grieve for Duravor’s death. He was a valued member of the Society, and a friend. May the Lady of Graves be kind in her judgment of his soul.” The shirren bows their head momentarily, then looks up, their compound eyes glittering.
”What puzzles me is the reason behind the attack.” Chiskisk taps a few commands into their computer. ”According to the incident report just released by station security, two gangs were involved in the attack: the Downside Kings and the Level 21 Crew. Gang wars are not uncommon on the station, but they usually confine themselves to the more lawless sectors like the Puddles. It is rare for street gangs to battle openly in public areas like the docks. I cannot help but wonder whether all is as seems. There must be a reason why those two gangs were at Docking Bay 94 at that time-the time of your arrival, coincidentally…But was it coincidence? Were you and Duravor just innocent bystanders caught in the crossfire, or might you and he have been specifically targeted? And if so, why?”
Chiskisk takes a curious pause before redirecting the conversation slightly. ” My understanding is that you are interested in becoming Starfinders, and since you were witnesses to the attack, I would like to ask you to investigate the incident on behalf of the Society. Find out exactly what happened and why? It may simply be a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time-I have no doubt station security will rule it so-but if Duravor was murdered, I would like to find justice for my friend. At the same time, this will give you the opportunity to demonstrate your own skills and abilities and show the Society that you are worthy of the title ‘Starfinder.’”
"If you accept, we can recommend accomdations and transfer a small signing bonus to cover expenses. Would you like to help?"
"I came too far to turn around and head back to Castrovel after walkin' through the door. Xond stretches his shoulders with a few cracks. I'm all in."
"Well, I would like to offer you 325 credits each for 'expenses.' Also, I would like to recommend staying at the Moon Phase hotel. Starfinders get a special rate of 16 credits per week for a single efficiency or 50 credits per week for a double room with a bit more space. At any rate, it is centrally located in the Eye. I will give each one of you a temporary SFS card in case you have any run-ins where it may help. Be careful though, because while Starfinders are held in high regard by some, not everyone extends us this courtesy. Good fortune upon you."
Chiskisk softly smiles and then excuses himself as quickly as possible to grieve for his friend. Before he goes, he remarks, "thank you for the weapon, please contact me with any new information that you may come across."
|
|
"The single rooms seem like the best deal. I don't need much, as long as it's gotta bed and a desk and a little space for me to lay out my tools, I should be fine. We should probably try to stick close by though, fer security."
"I'm no good at chatting people up and that sorta thing, but I could probably dig up some information on these gangers if I hit the infospheres. Gotta be something on 'em online."
|
|
Kasha quietly followed along with the others and heard Chiskisk's request for help as well. She responded with, "Of course! I was curious about this myself, after all...Hopefully we'll be able to bring justice for Kreel if this truly was intentional!"
She grins a little, giddy at the prospect of already having an important mission in the Starfinders! She turns to Boris as well, stating, "That works! I think I could probably wander around a bit and ask some of the people in the neighborhoods if they happened to know anything about the gangs as well? They shouldn't be able to resist me!" She chuckles a bit at her last statement.
Blacklock is able to lift a security level data pad from a distracted guard at a substation just outside the Complex. Amidst a small altercation in the neighborhood among a vesk spacer and a human shop owner, the data pad was almost like loose change in the street.
"I would be happy to assist in investigating Kreel's murder. I myself was wounded when the Downside Kings opened fire. They did shoot first, and seemed to be specifically aiming for Kreel. I myself was wounded after they shot him. The Level 21 gang was more concerned with shooting the Downside Kings - they were unconcerned with us. I certainly hope to prove myself worthy of joining the Starfinders - I believe it to be my primary purpose." Breaker is on-board 100%.
Breaker will also take a single efficiency at the Moon Phase hotel. He does not require any fancy accomodations - and probably wouldn't know what to do with them if he got them.
He then sets to work researching what he can of the Downside Kings and the Level 21 gangs.
He will then take to analyzing Kreel's datapad for any further information.
Huddled into one room at the Moon Phase, the team goes to work on the infosphere connection with the two datapads that they now possess.
Duravor Kreel was a midranking member of the Starfinder Society. Most of his work focused on mineral prospecting, but he also took an interest in mentoring new and prospective members of the Society.
Kreel was a native of the Diaspora, the diffuse asteroid belt between Verces and Eox, and was known to have ties to dwarves and other mining groups in the region. An outspoken champion of miner's rights, Kreel was active in challenging large corporate interests that exploited individual miners and laborers, including Astral Extractions.
Kreel had personally invested money in the Hardscrabble Collective. In addition, one of his cousins was a member of the group, but she died in a mining accident=the result of safety violations perpetrated by her contract employer, Astral Extractions.
The Downside Kings are a brutal street gang that controls several decks of Absalom Station's lower levels, or 'Downside,' through a combination of intimidation and violence. They are known to engage in a wide variety of illegal activities, from extortion, fraud, robbery, smuggling and theft, to drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, murder-for-hire and trafficking in sentient species.
The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims(unsurprisingly) the entire 21st Level of Absalom Station's seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal activities include heft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
The Downside Kings are a brutal street gang that controls several decks of Absalom Station's lower levels, or 'Downside,' through a combination of intimidation and violence. They are known to engage in a wide variety of illegal activities, from extortion, fraud, robbery, smuggling and theft, to drug and arms trafficking, kidnapping, murder-for-hire and trafficking in sentient species.
The Level 21 Crew are a street gang that claims(unsurprisingly) the entire 21st Level of Absalom Station's seedy lower decks as its territory. Their known criminal activities include heft, fencing stolen goods, gambling, prostitution, racketeering, and smuggling.
The bar in the lobby of the Moon Phase is moderately busy and somewhat quiet with patrons mostly talking quietly amongst themselves. There are screens in the bar area projecting news reports and sporting events, some from off-world.
Alpha-83 considers the data on Kreel's datapad. All things considered, it suspected the Level 21 gang was looking for the Downside Kings at the dock, and was willing to consider their involvement in the incident a coincidence. The Downside Kings, however...they were known to engage in Murder for Hire, and Kreel seemed to have made something of an enemy of this mining company, Astral Extractions. How active had Kreel been in challenging their labor interests? Active enough that the company felt the need to have them killed?
"In addition to being a member of the Starfinder Society, focused on mineral prospecting and mentoring new members, Kreel also had a financial stake in a mining group called the Hardscrabble Collective. It appears that his cousin was a member of the group until her death in a mining accident - the result of safety violations by their contracted employer, Astral Extractions. Kreel was also an outspoken champion of miner's rights, active in challenging large corporate interests that exploited miners and laborers, including Astral Extractions."
Looking up, Alpha-83 said, "Depending on how much of a critic Kreel was of Astral Extractions, and that the Downside Kings have been known to engage in murder for hire, it is possible that the Downside Kings were hired to eliminate Kreel. The Level 21 Crew may have gotten involved by a tip off from whomever arranged the murder that they had the chance to ambush some members of the Kings, in order to make this appear to be a 'wrong place, wrong time' scenario and help divert suspicion from Astral Extractions. Perhaps it would behoove us to learn more of Astral Extractions?"
|
|
"I used to do a little bit of asteroid mining myself. I know some of the places that miners like to hang out at here on Absalom station. I might be able to find out what the Hardscrabble collective and Astral Extraction are doing getting involved with the local criminal element."
[dice:Profession(Miner)1d20+5[/dice]
"That would be most useful, Boris. I concur, Blacklock, that looking into Hardscrabble and the accident are both good avenues of inquiry. Shall we set to work doing so?"
|
|
Kasha nods along, replying, "I agree with searching Kreel's apartment! Should hopefully be something we can find in there. This whole thing with Astral Extractions...I agree on learning more, but I'm sure we won't find much out considering they're a pretty big corporation, aren't they?"
She puts a finger to her chin in thought, "The deduction that Astral Extractions possibly hired the Kings to murder Kreel is pretty sound. We'd need evidence before we can really do anything though. Maybe we should see if we can talk to Level 21 Crew or something if they really are just against the Kings? Might be on the same side of things somewhat?"
"Speaking with the Level 21 Crew could be useful. I am not well-suited to negotiations, as I lack skill in that area. Perhaps I can assist whoever searches Kreel's apartment? We could likely ask Chiskisk for permission or access."
Xond scratches his chin. "Does anyone know where the Level 21 Crew or the Downside Kings' hideouts are? 'Cause we're gonna need to know that before we can ... "negotiate" with them, Whatever that happens to mean." He thinks for a second before he has a lightbulb moment and snaps his fingers, "Anyone is free to join me, but I'll go and cruise the bars tonight and see if I can find their bases with a little charm He flashes his "Dashing Smile"tm and a few free drinks."
Boris cannot seem to recall Astral Extractions or the Hardscrabble Collective for that matter. Blacklock comms Chisisk who provides access to Kreel's place.
Kreel's apartment is austere and has little in the way of comforts or decor even. There are a few pictures on the wall of some dwarves that look similar to Duravor. Aside from a few books and papers there is little else to the place. Definitely nothing that would provide any clue as to why he was killed.
Blacklock does find a cheap plastic bag for grocery items whilst auditing Duravor's dust bin. It says 'Thank you for shopping at Mama Fat's' in the most cost efficient screening that a store could procure.
"I believe we will be able to locate the Level 21 Crew if we journey to the 21st level of the station - they do claim that as their territory, after all. However, we can see about identifying a more specific location. Will trawling local drinking establishments help with that?"
After Blacklock returns from investigating Kreel's apartment, he agrees to buy drinks for the group and hopefully get lucky with information. Hungry to piece together information that will get them headed in the right direction, the new recruits decide to start in the lounge of the Moon Phase where a diverse group of spacers regularly gather to blow off steam.
Upon entering the establishment, an announcement comes over the giant vids in the bar, an attractive lashunta woman announces stoically with an inflection towards slight sensation: BREAKING NEWS! Just in... the Acreon, a space freighter's crew vanishes into thin air after retrieving the mysterious "Drift Rock", an asteroid rumoured to contain valuable minerals. Related: The Hardscrabble Collective appears in court to fight the Astral Extractions Corp. for rights to the rock...More to come."
A vesk pilot is sitting next to a human woman and a kasathan at the bar discussing the matter further.
In the Moon Phase Lounge, Alpha-83 watches the news report and quietly says, "It appears that this 'Drift Rock' may be involved as well. It cannot be coincidence that the Hardscrabble Collective is launching a court fight against Astral Extractions for the mining rights."