001: Unexpected Beginnings

[terrymixon]

Spicoli stops and runs his hands through his hair, "I'm just concerned. Worried that we are granting too much power to something we don't understand and can't control. And, yes, maybe I'm paranoid, but I would rather Roscoe not be aware of my concerns as that would just be more data that he would integrate into his developing personality."

"Please, think about it and convince me I'm being foolish about this before we are back under Roscoe's surveillance, if you can, and I'll not bring it up again." Spicoli finishes.

Jaelah had disabled her comms at Spicoli's request, and now she thought about his statements for a moment. "We all depend on expert systems to live most of the time. I agree that Roscoe is a few steps ahead of that, and that Metz is an unknown quantity. All I can say is, we have to trust each other, and we also have to trust that our new ship isn't homicidal. There's nothing else we can do except to walk away."

Silencer nodded at Walter's statement. His communications were shut off as well. "We have definitely fallen down the rabbit hole. I don't know quite what to make of it all other than roll with it especially as there is real money involved. It's not a scam. Also it is personal now that someone almost certainly connected with whatever the hell Mad Dog had going killed him." When Jaelah spoke he silently considered her words. After a few moments William spoke up. "If we don't trust each other we'll fall apart. That goes for Roscoe and Metz. Mad Dog seem to trust them which is a good indication. I would say one of us speaks to Metz privately about Roscoe and his programming imperatives."

I'm not going to interrupt your talk, but I'll post about your arrival at the TAS facilities later today and you four can keep hashing how what to do about Roscoe at your own pace.

[terrymixon]

"Just new to the area, wanna play with the locals, no crazy money, I'll buy the first round."

He mention a fairly typical imperial card game involving betting and raises but a option to top out.

gambling #1 [2d6+3]=4+3=7 #2 [2d6+3]=2+3=5 #3 [2d6+3]=11+3=14

Oh nice set up and a kill.

So he is as smooth as silk and shows nothing and bluffs well.

deception [2d6+5]=7+5=12

Arkar will watch Roscoe making sure all is well.

Arkar

As you're providing beer, you'll get some folks interested. What kind of stakes are you going for? Give me an investigate roll and we'll see how lucky you get.

You took your eyes off Roscoe for a few minutes getting set up and starting the game. When you look around, you don't see him at first. Then you spot him talking to a couple of the dart players while digging some of the credits you gave him out of his pocket. The group around the dart boards doesn't seem to know what to think of him by their body language. They don't look overtly hostile, but they also seem clannish. Like bikers.

I was so happy when the two of you went off different directions and didn't explicitly drag him along. I'm sure nothing will go wrong.

[terrymixon]

Coinich, Metz can be at the bar as well. Or he can have stayed on the ship. Your call. Just let me know which you prefer.

[ateno]

Arkar is a fixer not a investigator, HA!

Small talk with locals, looking for rings that can damage and small talk, bring up the fight slowly, the clean corner and such.

Investigate [2d6+2]=7+2=9

Arkar

[Tiglath]

Garvin looks around and then tells Arkar "I'll be playin' darts with the kid. More my style - always loose me shirt at cards".

He ambles over to the darts crowd "Evenin' gents. Fancy a game? We're takin' in the "proper" Startown. Just like where I grew up - no one's got too much money but there's a sense of decency. How about I stand you a round of beers while you tell us about this place? I 'eard it was closed down a day or so ago but I'm pleased to find it up again. So what was that all about?"

He will try a few throws of darts deliberately pitching for an average score whilst keeping an eye on Roscoe.

Garvin is handsome, cheerfully friendly, six foot tall, well muscled and entirely at ease in these surroundings. Arguably he appears as an "apex predator" in this social environment. He uses Deception to sell his backstory and Persuasion to encourage folk to talk.

(OOC:
Darts [2d6+5]=4+5=9 [Ath (Dex) + Dex]
Deception [2d6+4]=8+4=12 [Deception + Int (or Soc 5 in this setting)]
Persuasion [2d6+4]=7+4=11 [Persuasion + Int]

A digital reference of Garvin and the bikers from Roscoe's data files:

Screenshot 2024-07-09 162808.png (907 KiB) Viewed 327 times

[ravenspoe]

Silencer nodded at Walter's statement. His communications were shut off as well. "We have definitely fallen down the rabbit hole. I don't know quite what to make of it all other than roll with it especially as there is real money involved. It's not a scam. Also it is personal now that someone almost certainly connected with whatever the hell Mad Dog had going killed him." When Jaelah spoke he silently considered her words. After a few moments William spoke up. "If we don't trust each other we'll fall apart. That goes for Roscoe and Metz. Mad Dog seem to trust them which is a good indication. I would say one of us speaks to Metz privately about Roscoe and his programming imperatives."

Walter smirks at Silencer, "Metz is Harmless. There are multiple ways to put the science nerd in check. However, he does have the technology to make our lives miserable. I will trust Metz for the sake of what is going on, but that does not mean I won't keep an eye on him."

Walter's face returns to deadpan, "The robot, however, is not on my buddy list." I can't bet my life on a metal frame ran by an AI. Even with every safety protocol in place, technology can go wrong. I will treat Roscoe in the aspect of which he was built, to serve. So, Jaelah, Spicoli, Silencer, what's the plan?"

[terrymixon]

Walter's face returns to deadpan, "The robot, however, is not on my buddy list."

So noted.

Roscoe's Updated Christmas list:

Lucius Metz
Walter Slaine
Jaelah Shugilamar
Garvin Slade
William Larsson
Arkar Olsonsmith
L Spicoli
Madam Treegarden

[terrymixon]

Arkar is a fixer not a investigator, HA!

Small talk with locals, looking for rings that can damage and small talk, bring up the fight slowly, the clean corner and such.

Investigate [2d6+2]=7+2=9

Arkar

They are more willing to talk than the bartender, though they don't seem to know much. One of the men was in the bar when it happened. Said there was a huge brawl with the guys that are playing darts now. When it was over, someone found the dead guy under the table near them. Someone called security, and everyone cleared the hell out.

[terrymixon]

He ambles over to the darts crowd "Evenin' gents. Fancy a game? We're takin' in the "proper" Startown. Just like where I grew up - no one's got too much money but there's a sense of decency. How about I stand you a round of beers while you tell us about this place? I 'eard it was closed down a day or so ago but I'm pleased to find it up again. So what was that all about?"

We'll save these dice rolls for now. Let's get some RP in first.

A couple of the guys are setting up to throw darts with Roscoe, but a big guy will interpose himself between you and them. Unlike Roscoe--whom you assume they see as a mark--this guy seems to recognize you for the kind of guy you are. "Already got a game going. My buddies will show your friend how it's done and won't fleece him too bad. I know the type: a day tripper slumming it. That's fine. You, on the other hand, look like a player to me. Why do you want to know about the dead guy? What's in it for you? Kicks over someone getting dead? That don't speak to highly of you. Damned vulture."

[joertexas]

Walter's face returns to deadpan, "The robot, however, is not on my buddy list." I can't bet my life on a metal frame ran by an AI. Even with every safety protocol in place, technology can go wrong. I will treat Roscoe in the aspect of which he was built, to serve. So, Jaelah, Spicoli, Silencer, what's the plan?"

Jaelah shrugs. "Go to the Society office, and then go back to our new home. There's nothing else to do."

[terrymixon]

Walter's face returns to deadpan, "The robot, however, is not on my buddy list." I can't bet my life on a metal frame ran by an AI. Even with every safety protocol in place, technology can go wrong. I will treat Roscoe in the aspect of which he was built, to serve. So, Jaelah, Spicoli, Silencer, what's the plan?"

Jaelah shrugs. "Go to the Society office, and then go back to our new home. There's nothing else to do."

That's what you get for being all conspiratorial and missing the bar crawl.

[terrymixon]

Spicoli, Waler, Silencer, and Jaelah arrive at the TAS facility once they wrap up their conversation. It is situated directly on the main concourse of the starport and has big wide glass doors looking in on a luxurious and well appointed lobby. There is a doorman dressed oddly similarly to how Roscoe was when you first met him standing near the doors holding a handheld card reader. He smiles as you approach. "Identification cards, please."

When someone points out that you are there to get your identification and you show your temporary passes, he will open the door and gestured to the left side of the lobby. "If you will proceed directly to our business offices, someone will be able to get you your permanent identification. Welcome to the Travelers' Aid Society. No matter where you go, you'll always find a home with us."

The doors to the left side of the lobby are as well appointed as the others you can see scattered around at various points, all made of dark brown wood that seems to have been oiled and polished to a bright sheen. When you go through the doors you find yourself in a more office-like area and there is a young man seated at a desk directly inside the room.

"Good evening, and welcome to the Travelers' Aid Society. How may I assist you today?"

Once again, when you present your temporary ID, he will ask for your Imperial ID and verify that you are who you claim to be. That done, he will stand and walk over to another door set off to the side. "If you'll come in one at a time, I'll get your permanent ID made for you. I'll need your picture and have the equipment to take it here. It won't take more than a few moments."

In ten minutes, all of you have your nice, shiny Travelers' Aid Society identification. It is an ornate identification badge with their logo, your picture, and that chip that can be read by their equipment. It looks fancy.

The young man then returns to his desk and makes a couple of notes and looks up. "It says in your guild file that there are four others that need their identification, and we can handle that at any time, day or night. Before I release you to enjoy our facilities, there is a note the director wished to speak with you. Do you have time for that this evening? It's marked urgent, and if you could accommodate him, I'm certain that he would appreciate it."

[ateno]

They are more willing to talk than the bartender, though they don't seem to know much. One of the men was in the bar when it happened. Said there was a huge brawl with the guys that are playing darts now. When it was over, someone found the dead guy under the table near them. Someone called security, and everyone cleared the hell out.

"Four credits. Brawl, huh, did you see anyone get a vid of it, did you? I hear some news rag wants to buy it. I could cut you in, if you know."

Looks at person.
Deception [2d6+5]=8+5=13


'Another Round."

Arkar

[terrymixon]

They are more willing to talk than the bartender, though they don't seem to know much. One of the men was in the bar when it happened. Said there was a huge brawl with the guys that are playing darts now. When it was over, someone found the dead guy under the table near them. Someone called security, and everyone cleared the hell out.

"Four credits. Brawl, huh, did you see anyone get a vid of it, did you? I hear some news rag wants to buy it. I could cut you in, if you know."

Looks at person.
Deception [2d6+5]=8+5=13


'Another Round."

Arkar

"Not that I heard. Probably, though. Might be on Glisten Online. People are always posting crazy stuff there."

They'll take another round.

[Eris]

Silencer nodded at Walter's statement. His communications were shut off as well. "We have definitely fallen down the rabbit hole. I don't know quite what to make of it all other than roll with it especially as there is real money involved. It's not a scam. Also it is personal now that someone almost certainly connected with whatever the hell Mad Dog had going killed him." When Jaelah spoke he silently considered her words. After a few moments William spoke up. "If we don't trust each other we'll fall apart. That goes for Roscoe and Metz. Mad Dog seem to trust them which is a good indication. I would say one of us speaks to Metz privately about Roscoe and his programming imperatives."

Walter smirks at Silencer, "Metz is Harmless. There are multiple ways to put the science nerd in check. However, he does have the technology to make our lives miserable. I will trust Metz for the sake of what is going on, but that does not mean I won't keep an eye on him."

Walter's face returns to deadpan, "The robot, however, is not on my buddy list." I can't bet my life on a metal frame ran by an AI. Even with every safety protocol in place, technology can go wrong. I will treat Roscoe in the aspect of which he was built, to serve. So, Jaelah, Spicoli, Silencer, what's the plan?"

"I don't know." Spicoli shakes his head, "It's a pickle. We need the ship and the ship is Roscoe, so we need him, too. We need to find out more. Maybe Metz has some controls over the AI we don't know about. We need to find out. I'm not against it or him, just worried about the potential danger it could pose if things go wrong."

"I guess, talk privately with the others and with Metz and keep an eye on things." Spicoli points ahead where the TAS signage is displayed, "Here we are!"

Before entering Spicoli will add, "Walter, Jaelah, Silencer, each of you know some of the others that I don't. Maybe you should have a private chat with those you know and then maybe we should try for a meeting with Metz away from Roscoe and the ship where we can hash some of this out. I'd like Metz's take on things before we do anything remotely rash."

[Tiglath]

A couple of the guys are setting up to throw darts with Roscoe, but a big guy will interpose himself between you and them. Unlike Roscoe--whom you assume they see as a mark--this guy seems to recognize you for the kind of guy you are. "Already got a game going. My buddies will show your friend how it's done and won't fleece him too bad. I know the type: a day tripper slumming it. That's fine. You, on the other hand, look like a player to me. Why do you want to know about the dead guy? What's in it for you? Kicks over someone getting dead? That don't speak to highly of you. Damned vulture."

Garvin steps up to the big guy and looks him directly in the eye giving a smile that doesn't reach the coldness of his eyes "Disco is it? You want to be careful offering to dance with strangers old son. Chances are I could 'ave loads o' trophies for it. Fair warning - wouldn't want you embarrassed in front of yer mates now would we?"

"As for the dead bloke it's just business for me". He taps his own temple for emphasis as he continues on "Remember, downstairs for dancin' and upstairs for thinkin'. Don't get me wrong - thinkin' is what I want you to do. Now, the trouble with the game is that when players suddenly die it doesn't go quiet. The game goes on. Doesn't stop, drags in those on the sidelines".

"Keep listening cos that's where I think you an' your crew are. There was a bloke murdered in this boozer just over there while your crew were in. The problem you 'ave is that 'e mattered and that pulls you into the game. Let's be fair - no one thinks your crew 'ad too much to do with it but you ran interference for the button man. Those who follow the form want to know all about 'im. Play this "clever" an' you could get paid twice for the same job".

[terrymixon]

A couple of the guys are setting up to throw darts with Roscoe, but a big guy will interpose himself between you and them. Unlike Roscoe--whom you assume they see as a mark--this guy seems to recognize you for the kind of guy you are. "Already got a game going. My buddies will show your friend how it's done and won't fleece him too bad. I know the type: a day tripper slumming it. That's fine. You, on the other hand, look like a player to me. Why do you want to know about the dead guy? What's in it for you? Kicks over someone getting dead? That don't speak to highly of you. Damned vulture."

Garvin steps up to the big guy and looks him directly in the eye giving a smile that doesn't reach the coldness of his eyes "Disco is it? You want to be careful offering to dance with strangers old son. Chances are I could 'ave loads o' trophies for it. Fair warning - wouldn't want you embarrassed in front of yer mates now would we?"

"As for the dead bloke it's just business for me". He taps his own temple for emphasis as he continues on "Remember, downstairs for dancin' and upstairs for thinkin'. Don't get me wrong - thinkin' is what I want you to do. Now, the trouble with the game is that when players suddenly die it doesn't go quiet. The game goes on. Doesn't stop, drags in those on the sidelines".

"Keep listening cos that's where I think you an' your crew are. There was a bloke murdered in this boozer just over there while your crew were in. The problem you 'ave is that 'e mattered and that pulls you into the game. Let's be fair - no one thinks your crew 'ad too much to do with it but you ran interference for the button man. Those who follow the form want to know all about 'im. Play this "clever" an' you could get paid twice for the same job".

He doesn't back down. He doesn't look intimidated, either. "You got a lotta nerve gettin in my face with that crap. I don't mind playin darts with the other guy, but your mouth is making purchases your body won't cover. You want to see what that brawl looked like? Say one more word."

The rest of the dart players have mostly refocused their attention on the building incident. Any affability (real or false) seems to have evaporated. Roscoe only now seems to be catching on that something might be about to go awry.

[joertexas]

The young man then returns to his desk and makes a couple of notes and looks up. "It says in your guild file that there are four others that need their identification, and we can handle that at any time, day or night. Before I release you to enjoy our facilities, there is a note the director wished to speak with you. Do you have time for that this evening? It's marked urgent, and if you could accommodate him, I'm certain that he would appreciate it."

"We will do that when all of us are available," Jaelah says politely.

[terrymixon]

The young man then returns to his desk and makes a couple of notes and looks up. "It says in your guild file that there are four others that need their identification, and we can handle that at any time, day or night. Before I release you to enjoy our facilities, there is a note the director wished to speak with you. Do you have time for that this evening? It's marked urgent, and if you could accommodate him, I'm certain that he would appreciate it."

"We will do that when all of us are available," Jaelah says politely.

"Of course. Then please enjoy your visit to the facilities today and we hope to see you back again soon."

We'll see if you have to bail the rest out of jail first.

[Eris]

The young man then returns to his desk and makes a couple of notes and looks up. "It says in your guild file that there are four others that need their identification, and we can handle that at any time, day or night. Before I release you to enjoy our facilities, there is a note the director wished to speak with you. Do you have time for that this evening? It's marked urgent, and if you could accommodate him, I'm certain that he would appreciate it."

"We will do that when all of us are available," Jaelah says politely.

"Of course. Then please enjoy your visit to the facilities today and we hope to see you back again soon."

We'll see if you have to bail the rest out of jail first.

OOC: Or scrape them off the floor and pour them into that Autodoc quick like! Raises the dead, yeah I caught that bit earlier...see Spicoli was paying attention even if it didn't look like he was.