004: The Mean Streets of Aki

[Tiglath]

Garvin and Jaelah walking back to the ship

"Thanks for watchin' my arse. Alright unfortunate phrasing an' I'm as sure as I can be that no one else was but you could give it a bit less volume on the "judgemental" though. Fancy a prawn?"

Jaelah laughs softly. "Blimey, I'm just wondering if she knows what she's gotten herself into." She raises her hand before he can comment. "I trust your judgement in this, Garvin. I know that you're a lot of things, but you're no fool. You know full well what you have signed up for, and so does she." She looks down for a moment and takes a breath. "I have a confession of my own. I would like to approach Roscoe. He wants to know more about being a human, and I see a lot in him as a man."

As Jaelah speaks Garvin responds but then changes tack "I'm a fool for 'er. Can't 'elp meself... 'ook line an' sinker. She's ruddy lovely, Jaelah, but you're right we're both... big girls... an'... wh... what the... oh ... ferfekksakes on a ruddy bicycle!"

"Blimey, I'm makin' an effort to give 'im a baseline of humanity to work off. I'm tryin' so 'ard with 'im now 'cos... well, I promised a lady... but after only a few days of accidental exposure to me 'e deliberately an' precisely maimed a bloke - not by accident or 'ot blood but intendin' that the poor sod would suffer! You an' I both know that's just business as usual for the krank gangs we both despise. So, I'm sayin' you should play a long game 'ere an' that if you go anywhere beyond very careful an' gentle instruction with 'im 'e could become a serial grapeist - that's when there's not one victim but a bunch of 'em". (From my list of jokes recovered from the wall of King Tut's tomb! )

He sighs "Now, I've nowhere near the front to stand in yer way an' all I can pass on is the knowledge of mistakes with 'im I that didn't know I was makin' until it was too late. That's 'ow difficult it is. You must know that we're way beyond "thin ice" 'ere. So, all I can say is don't go runnin' into that minefield because if you step wrong we all go with you. Literally and absolutely".

He adds gently "Look, I know you will - but ever so carefully, eh? Just give me a bit of time to lay the groundwork... or maybe just even find out where the ground actually is..."

[Thumper]

Garvin suggests "If punt images of 'em around the starport vehicle hire places we might get lucky - especially if we flash some creds about. If anybody asks we say we're Bounty Hunters. It might be worth droppin' the odd clue that this pair are not only murderers but are involved in meat smugglin' - apparently that sends the locals off it!"

He goes on "If we can tie 'em to a vehicle we 'ave both an audit trail and a physical one to follow. Receipts or a flight plan might lead us to where they did their business".

Good add…Sir. with a smirk.

[joertexas]

Garvin and Jaelah walking back to the ship

Jaelah laughs softly. "Blimey, I'm just wondering if she knows what she's gotten herself into." She raises her hand before he can comment. "I trust your judgement in this, Garvin. I know that you're a lot of things, but you're no fool. You know full well what you have signed up for, and so does she." She looks down for a moment and takes a breath. "I have a confession of my own. I would like to approach Roscoe. He wants to know more about being a human, and I see a lot in him as a man."

As Jaelah speaks Garvin responds but then changes tack "I'm a fool for 'er. Can't 'elp meself... 'ook line an' sinker. She's ruddy lovely, Jaelah, but you're right we're both... big girls... an'... wh... what the... oh ... ferfekksakes on a ruddy bicycle!"

"Blimey, I'm makin' an effort to give 'im a baseline of humanity to work off. I'm tryin' so 'ard with 'im now 'cos... well, I promised a lady... but after only a few days of accidental exposure to me 'e deliberately an' precisely maimed a bloke - not by accident or 'ot blood but intendin' that the poor sod would suffer! You an' I both know that's just business as usual for the krank gangs we both despise. So, I'm sayin' you should play a long game 'ere an' that if you go anywhere beyond very careful an' gentle instruction with 'im 'e could become a serial grapeist - that's when there's not one victim but a bunch of 'em". (From my list of jokes recovered from the wall of King Tut's tomb! )

He sighs "Now, I've nowhere near the front to stand in yer way an' all I can pass on is the knowledge of mistakes with 'im I that didn't know I was makin' until it was too late. That's 'ow difficult it is. You must know that we're way beyond "thin ice" 'ere. So, all I can say is don't go runnin' into that minefield because if you step wrong we all go with you. Literally and absolutely".

He adds gently "Look, I know you will - but ever so carefully, eh? Just give me a bit of time to lay the groundwork... or maybe just even find out where the ground actually is..."

Jaelah nods. "I know better than to start a relationship with the idea that I can change him in some way. That certainly didn't happen with Henri and me, I can tell you that. The most difficult lesson we had to learn was how to work together despite our flaws. Now, we each did change some things about ourselves as a result of our marriage, but it wasn't forced on either of us."

She stops and thinks for a moment. "My biggest worry about each of us is that we command enough power to drastically change the Imperium, and everyone else around it. We are the most powerful beings that we can even imagine. We need real relationships to keep us stable, even though they won't be perfect ones. You have something with Treegarden, and I'm not drawn to anyone but Roscoe. Bilis probably needs someone, as do the other guys. Maybe not right away, but sooner or later, we will all need such a connection to keep us human."

[Tiglath]

Metz will show up without any armor. He does look a tad wary, though. “What the devil were you talking about? You’re difficult to understand at the best of times, but your message was virtually incomprehensible.”

Garvin taps the back of his own head and greets Metz with "You should get one o' them translator chips put in yer 'ead - all the cool kids are gettin' 'em now".

"Doc, I need to 'ave a word - it's about Roscoe. What with recent events... um.. anyway I've just thought on the possibility of 'im gettin' a girlfriend. I just need reassurin' that 'e could cope with that without... well... gettin' over enthusiastic - like 'e did with the cargo crate. Don't get me wrong I'm on the kid's side but I didn't want things to get... complicated that's all".

[Tiglath]

She stops and thinks for a moment. "My biggest worry about each of us is that we command enough power to drastically change the Imperium, and everyone else around it. We are the most powerful beings that we can even imagine. We need real relationships to keep us stable, even though they won't be perfect ones. You have something with Treegarden, and I'm not drawn to anyone but Roscoe. Bilis probably needs someone, as do the other guys. Maybe not right away, but sooner or later, we will all need such a connection to keep us human."

Garvin thinks for a moment and replies quietly "The power we've got ruddy terrifies me almost as much as the fact that we're inevitably goin' to fall under the Ancient's control. I'm goin' to fight that but I've no idea 'ow yet". He doesn't admit anything but can't help but break into a smile when Jaelah mentions Treegarden's name. "I think we do need people to keep us... um... people. That sounded better in my 'ead. That's why I was keen on Bilis gettin' a body - but I'm not even sure if 'er "comfy shape" is human. I think there's a lot in what you say though". He grins at Jaelah and offers his sizeable doggy bag "Clever girl - 'ave a piece of... er... crobster? Tasty but you wouldn't want it sharin' yer fresher".

[terrymixon]

Metz will show up without any armor. He does look a tad wary, though. “What the devil were you talking about? You’re difficult to understand at the best of times, but your message was virtually incomprehensible.”

Garvin taps the back of his own head and greets Metz with "You should get one o' them translator chips put in yer 'ead - all the cool kids are gettin' 'em now".

"Doc, I need to 'ave a word - it's about Roscoe. What with recent events... um.. anyway I've just thought on the possibility of 'im gettin' a girlfriend. I just need reassurin' that 'e could cope with that without... well... gettin' over enthusiastic - like 'e did with the cargo crate. Don't get me wrong I'm on the kid's side but I didn't want things to get... complicated that's all".

"A girlfriend? Why are you thinking about getting him a girlfriend? So you can double date?" He shakes his head. "Like I told you all earlier. I started his moral programming as someone who was a good person. What he did in the cargo bay is something that can be laid at the feet of all of us--whether we like it or not--because we allowed him to believe that playing fast and loose was acceptable. We led him to the conclusion that the ends justified the means. I'm not saying that to be judgmental, but it's true. I believe he has had a course correction on that front, and I've insisted he run anything dramatic past the group before he acts, and he has agreed.

"As far as personal relationships, well, he simply doesn't know that much about them. First of all, as a scientist, I don't go dating very much. That put me at something of a disadvantage when it comes to understanding women and relationships. While you might blame me for not giving him extensive programming on the matter, I simply don't know enough to do it justice. Does any man? Also, he didn't have the plumbing so it wasn't an issue. As an android, there was no need for genitalia because he wasn't going to reproduce, and I never foresaw the need for him to have anything like that."

Metz leans back against the wall. "Now, I have no idea what he's got going on down below. When the ancients changed him into a living being, I think it's very likely that he now possesses all of the appropriate appendages. Having a discussion with him--an ongoing discussion--about relationships and sex is undoubtedly an excellent idea but I don't think that getting him a girlfriend to push him into having that kind of thing is the right approach. Something like that needs to develop naturally, doesn't it? If someone finds him attractive or he find someone else attractive, then it's a different story, but perhaps we shouldn't be poking the bear. There is likely time to lay the groundwork to make sure that he understands both the rights and responsibilities of being a partner to another human being.

"And when it comes to whom needs to instruct him on that, are any of us really the right choices for that? I think that I've had half a dozen relationships over the last three decades and they were all with people that I worked with, so as you can imagine, they ended badly. My track record is exceptionally poor and I might need to sit in and audit the class when it happens. And then there's you. I gather that you're something of a ladies man. Is that really the kind of lessons that we want to teach him? For God's sake, you had a wild fling with Madam Treegarden in a restaurant. I'm sure that was very exciting, but if we're talking about getting Roscoe to show restraint that is not exactly the example we want to be presenting for him, is it?"

He threw up his hands. "I'm uncertain that any of us really are great examples when it comes to the relationship department. I don't know everyone else as well as I should, but I believe that only Jaelah has ever been married. Her husband died and I can tell that it still haunts her. That's not the kind of burden that I would want to put on her to help teach Roscoe what it means to be a good partner in a relationship or a considerate lover. Like the rest of us, she has to decide what's right for her and the timing that is appropriate. I would not want to be the person to rush into something that's going to cause her pain.

"So, who would we choose? Should we bring somebody in from the outside? That seems very risky. First of all, we'd have to explain how Roscoe doesn't really understand how relationships work because he's only a few weeks old. Oh, and he's also got psionic powers and can turn into a robot. While I'm certain that his endurance and ability to please a partner might be unparalleled, once again, explaining it to whoever would have to instruct him would mean letting them know secrets that we can't afford to share. So, it has to be one of us and that makes me despair a little bit."

He takes a deep breath and let it out slowly. "What do you have in mind? Whatever it is, I want the very best for him and all of us. Lord knows we could all use something to bring us back down to the level of regular people."

[terrymixon]

Just a reminder to everyone that you're free to discuss your plans in as much detail as you want but I'm not actually going to write any post going forward with the search until you declare an action. Once that happens, we'll move forward.

Again, no rush but if you're waiting for me to put more information out, I haven't heard someone actually declare that they're doing something, only discussing possibilities. Let me know when you're ready, and at your speed, and we shall proceed.

[Thumper]

Growler-
”Spicoli, with Arkar’s assistance, can you access the station’s cargo crate RFID or other tracking system to see if you can find a crate log with the right time stamp.

In the meantime, I’m heading out to the docks to do some old fashioned HUMINT with the photos of the crates, labels, and murderers. Who’s with me?

Garvy, are you heading out to the vehicle rentals?”

[terrymixon]

Growler-
”Spicoli, with Arkar’s assistance, can you access the station’s cargo crate RFID or other tracking system to see if you can find a crate log with the right time stamp.

In the meantime, I’m heading out to the docks to do some old fashioned HUMINT with the photos of the crates, labels, and murderers. Who’s with me?

Garvy, are you heading out to the vehicle rentals?”

Spicoli indicates he can and gets out his computer. "It might be best if Arkar scouts places where the crates came through so I could be sure I'm accessing the right systems. With him as a transmission point, that'll make that easier."

[Thumper]

Growler-
”Then I’m going to the same areas as Arkar, to provide mutual support by proximity. I’ll do my own investigation without calling attention to Arkar.”

He’ll try to start with a cargo crate seller. His approach will vary by the person and situation, but will go generally something like:

“Can I speak with you a minute? I’m a licensed Bounty Hunter by trade, but hired as a Private Investigator at the moment to find a couple people who may have information regarding a murder and possibly meat smuggling.

A couple of men, pictured here (the glisten bar picture) came through here a couple days ago with two cargo crates bearing labels…here. They’re pics are pretty fuzzy and unreadable, but I thought you might be able to help as you’re more familiar with the crate business around here. I’ll drop 100 credits on tab in that pub over there in your name if information proves useful.” ***Edited***



DMs Int +3, Invest +4

[terrymixon]

Growler-
”Then I’m going to the same areas as Arkar, to provide mutual support by proximity. I’ll do my own investigation without calling attention to Arkar.”

He’ll try to start with an official supervisor. Or gerwise, he’ll beat the street. His approach will vary by the person and situation, but will go generally something like:

“Can I speak with you a minute? I’m a licensed Bounty Hunter by trade, but hired as a Private Investigator at the moment to find a couple people who may have information regarding meat smuggling and a murder. I think I need to speak with the station’s dock crew who provided support and cargo handling for the Overland Express which left two days ago. Can you tell me where I can find ‘em? If you connect me to them, I’ll drop 50 credits on tab in that pub over there in your name. If information proves useful…100 credits.”



DMs Int +3, Invest +4

Note: The Overland Express never came to the downport. All their cargo handling was at the upport.

People will look at the pictures and you'll probably want to modify your pitch as they seem to think the crew of the Overland Express was smuggling meat based on your phrasing. The news of that gets very ugly responses and it will not take long for word to spread.

There are a lot of people doing cargo down here, and sorting through them is time consuming. It also draws attention.

A pair of starport security officers eventually put in an appearance and accost you. "Here, now," one of them says. "Word is that you're investigating meat smuggling and murder. Those are both very serious accusations. I'll need to see your license and something to back up the alleged crimes. If they are real, this is something for starport security."

If Arkar is nearby, he'll hear this. How he reacts is up to him.

[joertexas]

Garvin thinks for a moment and replies quietly "The power we've got ruddy terrifies me almost as much as the fact that we're inevitably goin' to fall under the Ancient's control. I'm goin' to fight that but I've no idea 'ow yet". He doesn't admit anything but can't help but break into a smile when Jaelah mentions Treegarden's name. "I think we do need people to keep us... um... people. That sounded better in my 'ead. That's why I was keen on Bilis gettin' a body - but I'm not even sure if 'er "comfy shape" is human. I think there's a lot in what you say though". He grins at Jaelah and offers his sizeable doggy bag "Clever girl - 'ave a piece of... er... crobster? Tasty but you wouldn't want it sharin' yer fresher".

Jaelah takes one of the appetizers. "Mm, that's not bad. Let me know about Roscoe."

[joertexas]

Growler-
”Spicoli, with Arkar’s assistance, can you access the station’s cargo crate RFID or other tracking system to see if you can find a crate log with the right time stamp.

In the meantime, I’m heading out to the docks to do some old fashioned HUMINT with the photos of the crates, labels, and murderers. Who’s with me?

Garvy, are you heading out to the vehicle rentals?”

"I will go with you," Jaelah says.

[Thumper]

I had forgotten the two murderers (I forgot their names) rode down from the high port. Did they transit the low port?

Let me go back and edit the approach in my previous.

[terrymixon]

Growler-
”Spicoli, with Arkar’s assistance, can you access the station’s cargo crate RFID or other tracking system to see if you can find a crate log with the right time stamp.

In the meantime, I’m heading out to the docks to do some old fashioned HUMINT with the photos of the crates, labels, and murderers. Who’s with me?

Garvy, are you heading out to the vehicle rentals?”

"I will go with you," Jaelah says.

With Garvin or Walt?

[terrymixon]

I had forgotten the two murderers (I forgot their names) rode down from the high port. Did they transit the low port?

Let me go back and edit the approach in my previous.

Jack-o Campbell and Maston Wiastona. They had to have exited here. Where they went from here, that is unknown.

Arkar has responded. Looks like you're stuck with the consequences.

[ateno]

... this is for starport security. "

Arkar brings up the license on his abandoned comp and displays it in holo.

"Gentlemen, here is our license, and it is our bounty. Even though meat it is heavily related, we are on a imperial starport therefore we are in the right and can operate without impingement. Though we are not abhorrabt to showing favor to assistance."

Deception [2d6+8]=8+8=16

To deliver with authority and confidence but not be aggressive.

Arkar

[terrymixon]

... this is for starport security. "

Arkar brings up the license on his abandoned comp and displays it in holo.

"Gentlemen, here is our license, and it is our bounty. Even though meat it is heavily related, we are on a imperial starport therefore we are in the right and can operate without impingement. Though we are not abhorrabt to showing favor to assistance."

Deception [2d6+8]=8+8=16

To deliver with authority and confidence but not be aggressive.

Arkar

The security officer looks over your license and the bounty. "It says murder at Glisten. Nothing about meat smuggling, and that has to be local. If it's smuggling, its going through the downport, and that makes it our business, bounty hunter. You can operate here, yes, but you've claimed a crime that falls under our jurisdiction. I'll want details or you can come in and explain why not to my captain. If you help us out, we can smooth the way to tracking your fugitives. You'd still get the bounty, and we'd stop a crime that could set the city outside the port on fire if word gets out, which I'm very much afraid it might already have."

This is a friendly reminder that your character's actions have consequences. The level of militant vegetarianism of the people of Aki was made clear, as was the fact that a mixed-up shipment of meat ended up with unrest and people dead. You were warned. Now things might get a little warmer than you'd planed for. Good luck!

[Thumper]

Growler:
”Sure, Officer. I understand. Happy to come speak with the authorities. I was a cop once. A Marine before that.”

[terrymixon]

Growler:
”Sure, Officer. I understand. Happy to come speak with the authorities. I was a cop once. A Marine before that.”

“Really? You’d rather get hauled in rather than just tell me about the smuggling? Okay. What about you, pal?” He looks at Arkar. “You want to save us all a lot of trouble and just tell me what’s going on?”