June 3-4, 3200 - AMIR

[Mister-Kent]

Michael
The Menagerie Director sneers at you as he whisks Kleinsmith away to an autograph session. Kleinsmith gives you a brief glance and a nod. Her expression is something like recognition.

The bio-artist, Zedra Rabin, is hesitant to engage when you approach her, but after you apologize she seems rather insistent on following you around, and telling you about her art. She gleefully pulls a gold-colored glass eye from her purse and points to a large stuffed bird on exhibit, which sports the same glass eye. "People think I'm sick for loving my art so much," she explains with a morbid chuckle. "People don't always understand genius--understand true passion…" she sighs. She follows along with you even as you walk to the Vizier of Cultivation.

"The seeders? Oh, don't worry son," the old Vizier assures you. "Tomorrow's tour will take you up to see the seeders in person. Marvels of ancient science, they are."

He then leans in close. "Truthfully, I was never really sold on the good doctor's 'designs'…but I came around, eventually. They're for the good of all Amir. I do hope we can change your mind as well…"

Guy
Amiel seems weary--any tears shed over Rashad's passing have dried long ago. Now she just seems tired and agitated. "Father returns in a few weeks, and we'd have to be married within the month, but the credits are good as there. Make it to the altar, and I'll cut you in for 40k."

She crosses her legs and folds her hands. "Now, bear in mind, father's always been a bit…abrasive. He may not approve of you right away. But then again, he's been softened since Rashad died. When in doubt, we'll use Rashad's memory to our advantage."

A small, ruthless smile crosses her face. You realize in this moment that Amiel was rather more pleasant last time around--at least, until the time for unpleasantness arose. She's definitely hardened since you left Amir.

She notices her guards transfixed by Killdozer's face. "And…your friend here. Would he care to be 'best man', then?"

[kmbll]

Guy "the Savage," Bounty Hunter

"Of course he's the best man; there's no man better." He eyes the bodyguards with irritation before turning back to Amiel. "He run the kitchen too as a gift to our love. It'll be the finest meal Amir has ever seen."

"Some details to hammer out though. 'Make it to the alter?' What's the risk? Why can't we elope here and now? Hell - we can consummate here and then the rest is just paperwork."He gives a lecherous wink before his eyes focus and its clear he's all business. "Why only 40k? Your family's fortune is worth tens of thousands time that. I'll get more in the divorce."

"Any other aspects of this arrangement you're failing to mention?"

[Coleridge]

Michael, digs goth chicks, Xenobiologist

Michael smiles at Zedra’s jokes and enjoys her company, unconcerned that she seems a bit clingy. Morbid girls are right up his alley.

After they leave the vizier, he takes the woman by the hand and gently leads her to a quiet area to smoke, offering her one if she wants.

“So, I’d like to learn more about your passions Zedra and the tour won’t be leaving until the morning. I don’t suppose you’d like to show me your place?"

Sorry for the delay in posting guys. Let me know if I can perceive anything interesting about this chick from up close.

[Mister-Kent]

Guy and Killdozer
"So…you're going to shake me down for more, is that it?" Amiel asks. "Well, fine then. I'll shake. I can go as high as 65k on the wedding day, and assure you regular access to Reissayar holdings in the Solar Republic. We have estates, ships, shell companies that can surely be of use to you in the future. And that's just for a simple ceremony--we don't even have to consummate it."

"As for obstacles in the way of our wedding day…you don't have siblings, do you, Mr. Savage? I don't think I ever asked you before, though it would seem to be relevant considering our history. My younger sister and her horrible fiancé are practically frothing at the mouth to get some of Rashad's trust, and my youngest brother isn't far behind. They may try to buy you off or worse. I suspect you'll be wise enough not to take them at their word, and keep your 'best man' close by in case they make attempts on your life."

Michael
Zedra takes you to home to her studio in the highest towers of the Night District, Oasis's nightlife entertainment hub . You pass by clubs and casinos, karaoke bars and a sports arena--everything a tourist could want. Her place isn't big, and feels smaller due to the large number of mounted animal heads taking up space.

Zedra talk long and excitedly about planet Amir's natural beauty. "Uh, I know, it's not 'natural-natural', as in 'original parts' kind of natural," she explains sheepishly. "But Amir is home, and there's oh so many way to have fun here…"

We can, uh, fade to black, if that's what Michael would like, and I'll flash forward to the morning in my next post!

Malachai
Anything you want to do before I proceed to morning?

[kmbll]

Guy "the Savage," Bounty Hunter

Guy grins big, "My love, I merely felt as though you were failing to see your true worth. Clearly, an oversight on my part. Of course it would be an honor to wed you." He steps forward and pushes her hair back behind her eyes. "I know we don't have to consummate it. But surely that's the most fun part? And I am conceited enough to think you chose me for more than my reputation."

He sighs deeply at her question about siblings. "Not in the sense you mean, no. But I had thousands of brothers and sisters. Comrades whom I'd fought, loved, and cried with for two decades, all gone in a bloody coup." Guy clenches his fists and looks off into the distance."Let us be more explicit this time, you and I. How much do you love these siblings of yours?"

"I'll keep my man well at hand - do you have a kitchen where he can create his art? And perhaps more suitable clothes for your fiance to wear and your men's finest armor to wear under it?"

[Mister-Kent]

Guy
Amiel calmly lets you part her hair, and hesitates when you ask about her love for her brother and sister. "I care a lot for my family. We've not always been close, but they were very supportive when Rashad ran away from home, abandoning his duties. In fact, they told me not to hire you to retrieve him, and when Rashad died resisting you…they have never forgiven me for it."

"My sister Aveline…we used to be so close. I don't think she would be as driven for the inheritance if her asshole fiancé Rufaro wasn't pushing her. If it comes down to a confrontation, please do what you can to spare my sister any physical harm. I don't care about Rufaro's well-being. In fact, if the opportunity presents itself, it would be better for all of us if he went away…"

"My little brother…sweet Mustafa. I believe he can be reasoned with. He's just confused! He looked up to Rashad, idolized him. Aveline and Rufaro have him under their sway, and I fear they'll make him do something terribly foolish."

Killdozer
"The Reissayar manor has everything you'd need for…your art?" Amiel says, looking a bit confused. "I'm…I'm sure we have what you'd need when you're there. Do you…I mean, what do you eat?"

[Coleridge]

Fade to black for Michael please. Tomorrow the real fun begins!

[Marullus]

Malachai
Anything you want to do before I proceed to morning?

It looks like I got lost on the previous page:

Malachi will continue to blend and browse - perhaps there is other science or pretech of interest on this world...

He keeps an eye on Michael, in case his antics arouse post-seminar response.

Once Michael wandered off with the taxidermist, he seemed safe enough and Malachi let him go. He then focuses to find more pretech of interest and potential leads for this trip or the future by getting dinner and making friends at watering holes of the locals, trying to remain blended if he can.

[Mister-Kent]

June 3, Evening

Malachi
After Michael and his new friend leave you, the Vizier of Cultivation has a small impromptu lecture with anyone at hand--yourself, a young mother, the old couple from the Fallen Angel. He discusses the seeders, and their own evolution over the years. He notes that though they are pretech and highly complex, the seeders can be--and have been--modified. The Caliph's personally-appointed pretech engineer will be with you all on the morning's seeder run.

Upon leaving the Menagerie, you carouse a bit in Oasis's popular watering holes. Through your handy assimilation, you find the places the locals go, not the gaudy overpriced bars for offworlders. There are rumblings about the Harmonists being rounded up by the Caliphate, which pleases some Amiri and disappoints others.

Guy
Papa Reissayar will be arriving in a week (around June 10 or 11), and the wedding can take place any time after that, but must be before July 1. In the meantime you can use Amiel's manor as homebase while on Amir, and you have every contact for her in case you have to go offworld soon.

Mustafa lives in the home's guest house by the pool. Aveline and Rufaro have their own apartment in Oasis, but have access to the family home as well.

Michael, the Morning of June 4th
You awake early, and Zedra is eager to go on the tour. Having never seen the Zone's Edge before, she wonders if the animals are different there.

The tour gathers at Oasis's southern gate, and will depart shortly.

[Mister-Kent]

July 4, 3200
8:00 AM
Oasis, Planet Amir

The tour of the seeder site at Zone's Edge is 35 people large, including:
Michael Hillkowitz
Malachi Lykos
Zedra Rabin, the bio-artist
Dr. Lyla Kleinsmith
Bjorn al-Ahmed, Vizier of Cultivation
Tobin Thrace, pretech expert
Assorted aids, tourists and locals

They travel in a caravan of five ATV buses. Bus One has al-Amed, Thrace, and Kleinsmith, their aids and some VIP tourists. Bus Three has Michael, Malachi, and Zedra among some offworld visitors. It will take a few hours to reach Zone's Edge, but then the group will get to see the seeders up close, as well as what the border between the Green and Gray looks like.

[Pulpatoon]

"The Reissayar manor has everything you'd need for…your art?" Amiel says, looking a bit confused. "I'm…I'm sure we have what you'd need when you're there. Do you…I mean, what do you eat?"

Killdozer, who had been lost in his concern for the caged animals, snaps back to attention and begins to piece together the offer being made to Guy. He shifts on his feet, hoping to telegraph his discomfort with this turn of events to Guy, but he responds jovially to Amiel's questions. "Lady, you ever seen a fella better equipped to eat than me?"

[Coleridge]

Michael, Xenobiologist

As the caravan makes its way to the seeder site, Michael spends the majority of his time staring through the viewscreen windows, observing the planet’s ecosystem and making notes on any interesting observations. He tries not to get lost in thoughts of his father, but his mind drifts anyway. Is this what an explorer should feel heading into the unknown? He knew he should feel more excitement, taking this step into the unknown, but at the moment all he felt was fear, and the insecurity that perhaps Kleinsmith had the right idea about this planet, and was making it a better place.
In between his gloomy ruminations and clinical observations, Michael will take a quick moment to touchbase with Malachi.

“Hey man, thanks for coming along for this ride. If you need me to push this expedition a certain way, just let me know.”

If there is any more time before the arrival, Michael will invite Zedra to an expedition in the bathroom to kill some more time… He finds his interests already moving away from the woman, his clinical mind yearning to answer the puzzle awaiting ahead.

[Mister-Kent]

Killdozer and Guy
Amiel softens at Killdozer's quip. Her guards are visible caught off-guard as well. "Yes…I suppose you're right, sir," Amiel replies to the mutant. "Who indeed? Amir is a place that prizes evolution, after all--and perhaps you fit right in."

She offers your crew to come by the manor sometime soon, likely after your own business on the planet is concluded, and she and her men depart for home.

Fast forwarding Guy and Killdozer to July 4th Morning, unless there's pressing business in the evening?

Malachi
Amir is so lush and 'Mediterranean'--verdant, humid. How does it compare to your memories of Agamemnon?

You are the first to spot a strange sliver of green light on the horizon, piercing the jungle fog. It looks like a tear in a window curtain. The light grows as you approach your destination.

Michael
You and Zedra begin to get into something, but she can tell you're not up for it today. She slinks back to the seat, trying not to act disappointed, as the caravan arrives at your destination.

In a mossy green valley, with palms overlooking from the ridges on either side, the ATVs form a semi-circle. The officials disembark first, and as the rest of you tourists emerge from the air-conditioned vehicles, a flock of multi-winged birds screech overhead, passing over you in a perfect formation.

There is the sound of life teeming just beyond the bushes, caws and croaks of diverse species. Kleinsmith seems pleased, taking a deep breath of the hot early afternoon air.

There is a rumbling of machinery just over the next hill, and the clouds above flicker with ripples of pale green light.

Zedra tugs on your arm. "Oh…wow. I've never seen a 'seeding' up close. It's flashier than I expected…"

[kmbll]

Guy "the Savage," Bounty Hunter

That evening (preferably), Guy and Killdozer head to a seedy looking/spaceport bar to ascertain information on the Xiao Brothers.

[Pulpatoon]

When Killdozer has a moment alone with Guy, he says, "I don' think thissus no good at all, Boss. 'Bout the Lady, I mean. She got ev'ry reason in th' world to think you, of alla th' guys in th' galaxy, will be the one thas gonna get right up her family's nose. Whenever they look at you, they're gonna see their brother's dying moments, and that picture is gonna get grislier every time they picture it. She wants t'goad 'em fer some reason. She's after more'n just th' family fortune. Which is fine—let'r make her plans. But we shouldn't oughta be in the middle of it."

[kmbll]

Guy smiles demurely, "You think? I figured we'd go get the Xiao Brothers then I'd stand on an altar and we'd be doubly wealthy men." Guy watches the ships moving up above as he and Killdozer walk towards the nightlife district. "I don't think she's a bad person. I think she was a spoiled rich brat with no conceit of the real world who used the executioner's axe when she was looking for a switch. I think the world became much more real for her with her brothers' death and her family has never let her live it down and, worse yet, dragged her into their politicking. She knows that any man she marries will be in her family's crosshairs - so why not the only man she truly hates? If they kill me then it's no loss to her and if I kill them then she gets more of an inheritance. So I say let's trim the family tree or walk away with our credits. They may choose their own fate.

[Pulpatoon]

Killdozer chews his lips for a minute. "Back in the gladiator pits, yuh always expected someone t'go fer yer throat, anytime, if you was in the arena or not. An' 'cuz you figgered they was gonna get you, it was alright fer you t'get them first.

"Rich folks, the folks that filled th' boxes at the arena, is like that. They gotta lotta things. All those things is what makes'em different from everyone else, and everyone else wants their things, so they feel alright in doin' all kindsa bloody shit to protect their things. An' most of 'em can't tell the diff'rence between things and folks.

"I seen a lotta stuff in my time. A... a lotta stuff. An' ain't nuthin' scare me like folks born with too much money. I say we go after these brothers, and then we blow for vacuum. Leave th' lady an' her family t' play their games with some other suckers."

[Mister-Kent]

Guy and Killdozer
July 3rd - Evening
The Night District

You meander through steamy lamp-lit streets to the Night District's seediest establishment, The Diamond in the Rough. The Diamond is a narrow building, three stories tall, with the ground floor being the general bar area and the debauchery increasing as you ascend floors.

The bartender has a serene look on his face, like he's blitzed or recently meditating. His nametag reads "Lam". "The Xiaos? Ah, my friend, no, they haven't been here in some time. However, I think the boys downstairs were the last to speak to them. Er, you know, before they left." His grin remains calm and pleasant, and his voice never raises tone.

"Though…they aren't usually up for visitors. You…are inquiring about the bounty, I assume?"

(Insert social roll of your choice here please, along with any other check you'd like to make about Lam, the bar, etc)

[kmbll]

Guy gives an appreciative look at Killdozer's story, "I don't think I've told you much about Raboud. It's a bit totalitarian in truth - you only own what you can hold and someone's always after it. The Captains are basically Pirate-Kings - they have the power and the capacity to take anything they want on Raboud and every other man is less than they but you can sort of tell the power of a man but how much he holds. Those who settle in the massive city-states fight a massive game of chess to hold and gain property. Those on the Captain's ships basically work to gather more and more for their Captain. But what do you do when you have that kind of power?" Guy looks intently at Killdozer and sighs,"You fight with other Captains. It's generally not a direct confrontation and it's hard to say how much of the machinations of the Pirate-Kings are at their own discretion or those working for them but mini-wars and political intrigues are common place. I was never much one for the politicking there either - it was easier on the ship where you had what you needed and people relied on you to survive and you on them. I generally found if a man wanted to involve me in his games, it was easier to kill him and then he didn't care so much about his property. I think the principle holds here too."

Assessing the obvious worry in his friends' face, Guy shakes his head and chuckles, "If it worries you that much, we'll see what Malachai thinks."

Entering the bar, Guy smiles coldly at the bartender, "I'm having a good day - let's keep that going, shall we? Tell me more about the boys downstairs and where I can find them. Yeah - I'm after the bounty - you might have heard of me, I'm called 'the Savage'." Guys winks at him.

Can you tell me more about the room? I got a 2 in a perception check so I'm assuming no..

[Mister-Kent]

Guy
"I'm glad you're having a good day," Lam says sincerely as he pours a drink and slides it to a lady down the bar.

Lam tilts his head and looks at you calmly (also regarding Killdozer with a breezy laugh). "Hm. The Savage, eh? You seem sunny, but with that name it sounds like you're holding onto some anger. I could recommend a self-help seminar on holovid. Did wonders for me."

"Anyway, you're not the first person who's come after the brothers' bounty, but you are the first person who's asked politely. That goes a long way. The boys downstairs used to employ the Xiaos--construction work, odd jobs. Minor heists. When you go down there, tell them that 'Sunil' sent you, and they'll cooperate."

Lam then turns to take care of other customers, but then catches you before you take the wide, shallow cement staircase downstairs. "Oh, gentlemen. A word of caution--since I don't want anything to ruin your good day. The other hunters who have been by don't seem like the sort of people I'd mess with, and depending on what the boys told them they may have a head start. Just…be careful."

The room is smoky and crowded and noisy. Lam is the serene eye of the storm amidst the chaos.

The entrance to the basement is a large green set of double doors, with a PRIVATE sign on the right door.