Heroica: Glory Amongst the Stars - Mission #7: My Bleeding Hart

[Kintobor]

Zaria sighs. “No, I should apologize, Jace. I’m just bitter about someone else considering me nothing less than some wanderer when I am more than that. This sword is not for show: elven forged steel, reinforced with a dura-iron core and enhanced with power servos to propel slashes forward: it is not something to be played with and it is only drawn when it needs to be.” Zaria exclaims, removing the blade from her back but keeping it sheathed. She shows off the handle of the blade. “It’s as much a work of art as it is a tool for violence. It is to be respected.” She keeps her khopsh in her lap, turning to Jace and speaking sincerely. “I apologize for my outburst. It was uncalled for.

As for questions, what can we expect at Port Charon? Is there any place worth investigating first? Also, I understand you don’t have access to the full manifest, but what do you know was in the freighter? Anything worth stealing?”

[The Legonater]

4 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin asks "Did the other teams verify that the freighter actually arrived at Port Charon? We wouldn't want to be off track for our first clue gathering session!"

The last confirmed location of both the freighter and the search teams was Port 927-C. Anything after that, your guess is as good as mine. 

2 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria sighs. “No, I should apologize, Jace. I’m just bitter about someone else considering me nothing less than some wanderer when I am more than that. This sword is not for show: elven forged steel, reinforced with a dura-iron core and enhanced with power servos to propel slashes forward: it is not something to be played with and it is only drawn when it needs to be.” Zaria exclaims, removing the blade from her back but keeping it sheathed. She shows off the handle of the blade. “It’s as much a work of art as it is a tool for violence. It is to be respected.” She keeps her khopsh in her lap, turning to Jace and speaking sincerely. “I apologize for my outburst. It was uncalled for."

No hard feelings then, right?

2 hours ago, Kintobor said:

"As for questions, what can we expect at Port Charon? Is there any place worth investigating first? Also, I understand you don’t have access to the full manifest, but what do you know was in the freighter? Anything worth stealing?”

It's now Jace's turn to side-eye Zaria.

To be clear, our primary goal is retrieval. We have clients still waiting in Cosmopoli for whatever goods they've ordered. Produce, riches, supplies, it's all going to be in there, and an onboard manifest should be on Valencia herself to document what everything is and where it's going. Obviously, we won't be able to pack it all into this shuttle, but if all goes well we should be able to ping Valencia's location so that a proper recovery team can come and grab whatever's still good and ship it safely to Cosmopoli. I mean, that said...

...part of Mortizar's interest in this freighter specifically is that he had some high-profile personal items being shipped as well. If we can ensure the security of those, we might be able to have a discussion over some of the cargo. Who's to say what gets lost in these conditions, after all?

[Kintobor]

Zaria realizes where the wary glance from Jace is stemming from and shakes her head, awkwardly smiling in an attempt to defuse the situation. "No, no, I have no interest in stealing the goods aboard the freighter. I am merely wondering if there is anything aboard the freighter that would catch the interest of thieves, or I guess out this far, pirates. I have dealt with Blackguard once and their perchance for violence, it would not surprise me to see them at the heart of this issue.

Also, no hard feelings here, Jace."

[The Legonater]

7 hours ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria realizes where the wary glance from Jace is stemming from and shakes her head, awkwardly smiling in an attempt to defuse the situation. "No, no, I have no interest in stealing the goods aboard the freighter. I am merely wondering if there is anything aboard the freighter that would catch the interest of thieves, or I guess out this far, pirates. I have dealt with Blackguard once and their perchance for violence, it would not surprise me to see them at the heart of this issue.

Also, no hard feelings here, Jace."

Don't mind him, this is all he's stressed about for the past few weeks. Poor guy's getting jumpy.

Jace pinches his nose with his thumb and forefinger for a moment before straightening.

The sooner this is all over with, the better, right? Anyways, I can't imagine why anyone would get so up in arms about this particular freighter, unless they somehow caught wind of the manifest. 

Pirates I can deal with, but I say we call it in the moment we get a whiff of Blackguard.

Agreed. It's bad enough with Oc|Tan getting at our necks, we don't want to rile up Blackguard too. Anyways, any other questions?

[KotZ]

"Recovery, got it." Varen confirms. "Now let's say a recovery team can't get to the ship in time, do we need to fly it out then to secure the client's cargo?"

[karmajay]

Kirwin asks "What type of worries or complications could occur at Port 927-C? Do we have anyone there that will be able to assist?"

[Zepher]

"I don't mean to be offensive, but I have many more questions, and I suspect you're ill-equipped to answer all of them. That is why you've hired us. I'm ready to investigate Charon."

[The Legonater]

5 hours ago, KotZ said:

"Recovery, got it." Varen confirms. "Now let's say a recovery team can't get to the ship in time, do we need to fly it out then to secure the client's cargo?"

Hypothetically, sure. If all else fails we can try to tow Valencia back home, but it'll be an awfully slow ride and a strain on our engines. 

I can make it work.

There's also the possibility that Valencia's in good enough shape to fly herself, but I wouldn't lay all our chips on that one.

2 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin asks "What type of worries or complications could occur at Port 927-C? Do we have anyone there that will be able to assist?"

There's not an official Hart dock there like there is on Ebria. We'll be all on our lonesome.

28 minutes ago, Zepher said:

"I don't mean to be offensive, but I have many more questions, and I suspect you're ill-equipped to answer all of them. That is why you've hired us. I'm ready to investigate Charon."

None taken. Strap in then, folks, or take some Z's if you need. I'll let you know when we're arriving.

MM Note: I'll update in a couple hours, but feel free to interact amongst yourselves if you want!

[Zepher]

Merei keeps an eye on the pilot - it seemed impolite to speak with her while being briefed, but she is clearly component and Merei likes the way she speaks in certainties. If they need to tow, Alexa Cygnus will make it happen. But, now, she is at her work, and Merei will not distract her from that. She instead approaches Zaria. "I'm sorry to interrupt, if you were hoping to take some Zs. ButI'd like your read on the situation. You seem to suspect some sort of foul play? The fact that two parties have already gone missing seems ominous. The port itself may be a danger even before we get to the ship. Do you think this was a coordinated disappearance, and people at the port want the ship to remain gone? Or did it run afoul elsewhere? I'm curious, too, about the items aboard. I think you and I are of a like mind that they are the most likely reason the ship has been targeted if it has indeed been targeted."

[karmajay]

Kirwin sits down and listens to the conversations around them

[Kintobor]

1 hour ago, Zepher said:

"I'm sorry to interrupt, if you were hoping to take some Zs. But I'd like your read on the situation. You seem to suspect some sort of foul play? The fact that two parties have already gone missing seems ominous. The port itself may be a danger even before we get to the ship. Do you think this was a coordinated disappearance, and people at the port want the ship to remain gone? Or did it run afoul elsewhere? I'm curious, too, about the items aboard. I think you and I are of a like mind that they are the most likely reason the ship has been targeted if it has indeed been targeted."

Zaria turns to Merei and shakes her head. "Oh no, if anything I will likely be resting my mind in meditation until we reach Port Charon, but if you wish to talk, Merei, I am willing to converse.

In terms of what I believe is going on... I am not entirely sure. If bandits or pirates were involved, the first recovery crew would have discovered as such and reported it. This could be a trap, but what benefit does our supposed enemy gain from laying it? This whole situation raises many questions, and we do not have enough information to come to solid answers. In any case, if it is a trap, I think we are capable of handling it." Zaria removed her khopesh from the hilt and pulled out a whetstone out of a leather pouch on her belt, proceeding to rhythmically sharpen the blade. "If it is Blackguard, then I will deliver divine judgment on them for their transgression against the passengers and staff of the Boreal Express." She smiles confidently. She enjoyed the calm that came in routine, in the calm before the storm, even if the storm was arguably more invigorating.

10 minutes ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin sits down and listens to the conversations around them

As Zaria sharpens her blade, she speaks to Kirwin. "You did not answer my earlier question, Kirwin." She ceases the sharpening to focus on Kirwin, looking at them directly. "Did you cut off that arm you were holding, or did you find it?"

Edited October 29, 2021 by Kintobor

[The Legonater]

The heroes settle in for the flight. Some continue talking, some try to get some rest, others take the time to mediate. Jace had returned into the cockpit for most of the duration, but after quite some time he stepped back into the crew hold, and tapped lightly on the metal ceiling until everyone was paying attention.

Look alive, folks. We’re here.

Through the viewscreen the heroes can see the silhouette of Port 927-C, Port Charon, cast against the bright nebulae that lay beyond. As they get closer, they realize that it’s a surprisingly small station, and one that is showing its age. It its prime, it would have been a top-of-the line model. Now, it is in the process of becoming dilapidated, out of unuse more than abuse. Only a sparse few ships seem to docked here at the edge of the Euripides Arm.

Taking us in.

Cygnus takes the same position she did when leaving Ebria, closing her eyes and dipping her head in silence. Even with her eyes shut she is able to deftly guide Actaeon towards the old station. She looks back up to active a display on the viewscreen that shows all the docking stations available on the port’s nearest arm. She seems to only need to glance at the display for a moment before nodding and then bringing the shuttle in for a landing. Actaeon’s docking ramp touches down, revealing the station beyond.

Welcome, everyone, to what they call the Last Stop in the Universe.

[karmajay]

13 hours ago, Kintobor said:

As Zaria sharpens her blade, she speaks to Kirwin. "You did not answer my earlier question, Kirwin." She ceases the sharpening to focus on Kirwin, looking at them directly. "Did you cut off that arm you were holding, or did you find it?"

Kirwin responds quietly, "Our team walked into the situation actually. Maybe the person was lucky. Our team member Bers may not have stopped at an arm if necessary!" Kirwin softly taps their head. "No, I try to use my old noggin for these adventures. I'm not much with a blade! I do have these if we get in a spot though." Kirwin opens up their satchel and shows Zaria the grenades inside. 

10 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Welcome, everyone, to what they call the Last Stop in the Universe.

Kirwin's eyes get a bit brighter while looking at the port. When they speak softly toward the viewscreen  they seem much more animated then when talking to others. "Ah, mystery awaits us for sure!"

[Kintobor]

2 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin responds quietly, "Our team walked into the situation actually. Maybe the person was lucky. Our team member Bers may not have stopped at an arm if necessary!" Kirwin softly taps their head. "No, I try to use my old noggin for these adventures. I'm not much with a blade! I do have these if we get in a spot though." Kirwin opens up their satchel and shows Zaria the grenades inside. 

Zaria’s eyes widen at the grenades. “Well, just keep them away from me when you throw them and you should be alright.” Zaria prepared for a bout of meditation as she spoke to Kirwin, crossing her legs on the floor. “If you don’t feel comfortable with a blade that is understandable. Not everyone has the constitution for close combat.”

12 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Welcome, everyone, to what they call the Last Stop in the Universe.

Zaria stood up and looked at the view screen towards the port. She tried to find the benefits in all of life’s paths but was finding it hard here. She smiles in an attempt to improve her own morale. “Well, I imagine it has a more rustic charm once we get inside, you know? Maybe a nice restaurant or pub?”

[The Legonater]

MM Note: I'm going to be out for most of the day, so I'll move things along for you all.

39 minutes ago, Kintobor said:

She smiles in an attempt to improve her own morale. “Well, I imagine it has a more rustic charm once we get inside, you know? Maybe a nice restaurant or pub?”

How about a diner and bar? Most people are gathered over there.

To the diner, then!

Cygnus takes the lead, stepping through light grey corridors touched with teal and lingering dust. After only a moment, the corridor opens into a wide diner and bar. Like the rest of Port 927-C, at one point it was surely a bright, gleaming area. Now, however, several of the lights have dimmed or died, granting a seedy quality to the surroundings. The heroes look around at the many patrons. A Chimeran works at the bar, serving two uniformed men. At one table are a group of three individuals in matching armour, and the table past them seats three engineers. Also at the bar is another human woman, and sitting alone is a feline Chimeran. Lastly, a distinguished looking man is just beginning to start a conversation with someone with Adamite components of some kind.

I imagine at least some of these are regulars. Let’s see what we can find out.

What will the heroes do?

[Zepher]

"One person here is assuredly a regular," says Merei. "I will order us some drinks." She approaches the bar, tipping her hat to the two uniformed men there. "Hello." She turns to the bar tender. "Do you have a menu for drinks or food? What would you recommend? My friends and I are new here, but we've had some other friends pass through in the last month or two. Do the names Titania or Eston spark anything in you? We were hoping to find them." She asks as unassumingly and persuasively as she can, and tries to use her insight as well, in case the bartender is not entirely upfront with her.

[KotZ]

"We should split up and talk to the groups." Varen went to go for the bar but saw Merei got there first. "Ah. Oh well." He pushed his flask deeper into his pocket. Wouldn't want to be caught with that in a bar. "I'll go to the lone woman. If nothing good comes from her, I'll talk with the lone Chimeran."

Varen flashed a smile to his teammates. "Showtime." He then walked over to the human woman. He leaned on the bar, motioning for a drink, and then looked at the woman, "Want one? On me." He then showed the flask from his pocket. "If you want anything stronger. Don't worry, it's not spiked."

[The Legonater]

1 hour ago, KotZ said:

Varen flashed a smile to his teammates. "Showtime." He then walked over to the human woman. He leaned on the bar, motioning for a drink, and then looked at the woman, "Want one? On me." He then showed the flask from his pocket. "If you want anything stronger. Don't worry, it's not spiked."

The woman looks Varen over as he approaches.

Hey there, hotshot. I'm, uh, gonna pass on the special flask - but I'll take the order.

 
Drinks'll be 5 each. I'll be with ye in jus' a moment. 

2 hours ago, Zepher said:

"One person here is assuredly a regular," says Merei. "I will order us some drinks." She approaches the bar, tipping her hat to the two uniformed men there. "Hello." She turns to the bar tender. "Do you have a menu for drinks or food? What would you recommend? My friends and I are new here, but we've had some other friends pass through in the last month or two. Do the names Titania or Eston spark anything in you? We were hoping to find them." She asks as unassumingly and persuasively as she can, and tries to use her insight as well, in case the bartender is not entirely upfront with her.

One of the uniformed men gives an overeager wave in return.

Greetings, citizen!

Merei Persuasion Check (DC 1) - 3, 4, 5 (2 Successes)

As the barkeep begins preparing drinks, he ponders Merei's questions.

Well, menu's easy enough, here's what we have:

Quote

Menu of the Charon Crunch*:
The Port'C Standard- 5 Credits
Cosmpoli'Tan - 5 Credits
Riqon '75 - 10 Credits
Æher Brew - 20 Credits

Cool Ranch Drivitos - 5 Credits
Portside Quarter Pounder - 10 Credits
Flamin' Wild Space Wings - 15 Credits
Pluravvian Pizza - 20 Credits
Popcorn - 1 Credit

*Better name TBA ~ Port 927-C Management

As for yer friends, I do think I recall a Titania an' a Eston, though they passed by here quite a few days apart. Last one came here, oh, say a week ago? You say you're friends with both of 'em? 

Merei Insight Check (DC 1) - 4, 1, 5, 2 (2 Successes)

The bartender seems open and honest enough.

[karmajay]

Kirwin looks uncomfortable in the full space. They whisper quietly "Ok, ok if we are gonna solve this mystery then we have to gather info. Don't like it, don't like it but gotta do it" Kirwin walks over and steps up to the table with the engineers. "Hello I'm looking for some friends that have gone missing I'm wondering if any of you can help me do you work at the docks we are looking for the HMS Valencia it was last in this port and has no been heard of since" Kirwin takes a deep breathe and continues "I also have some skills in the engineering and technical field so I'd gladly help you with a task if you could help me with the required information."

Kirwin realizes they were speaking a bit quickly but hopes they got the main idea across. He perks up a bit and says "Sorry, I'm not used to having my head out of the tech and having to ask people questions! Do any of you work at the docks or could help us find our friend's missing ship?"

 

ooc: periods in the 1st paragraph left out on purpose hehe

Edited October 30, 2021 by karmajay

[The Legonater]

5 hours ago, karmajay said:

 Kirwin walks over and steps up to the table with the engineers. "Hello I'm looking for some friends that have gone missing I'm wondering if any of you can help me do you work at the docks we are looking for the HMS Valencia it was last in this port and has no been heard of since" Kirwin takes a deep breathe and continues "I also have some skills in the engineering and technical field so I'd gladly help you with a task if you could help me with the required information."

Kirwin realizes they were speaking a bit quickly but hopes they got the main idea across. He perks up a bit and says "Sorry, I'm not used to having my head out of the tech and having to ask people questions! Do any of you work at the docks or could help us find our friend's missing ship?"

The engineers are surprised by Kirwin's arrival and sudden outburst, and take a moment to look amongst each other before turning back to the newcomer.

What are you s'posed to be?

Oh my gods you can't just say that!! Don't mind him, he's always a dick. So, you're better off with machines than with people? You've come to the right place, friend; all the hubbub isn't quite our cup of whiskey. 

Valencia, eh? Yeah, we're familiar. You say you were friends of Valencia? You'd probably know Chief Engineer McSorley, then, right?

[karmajay]

2 hours ago, The Legonater said:

Valencia, eh? Yeah, we're familiar. You say you were friends of Valencia? You'd probably know Chief Engineer McSorley, then, right?

Kirwin says "Sorry, my friend over there is more familiar with the people aboard the ship. He works for the same company and they are worried about the crew because there has been no word about the ship since they docked here. They must believe Mr. McSorley is quite capable because they something out of the ordinary happened and not something that could happen due to lack of maintenance. "

[Kintobor]

Zaria realizes she's a little late to the game as she shakes herself out of her daze, taking in the atmosphere of the diner. She steps up to the bar and pulls out 25 credits from her credits pouch.

"Barkeep? Riqon '75 and an order of wings, please." She leans against the bar and looks over the two uniformed men, attempting to gauge which organization they belonged to.

[The Legonater]

1 hour ago, Kintobor said:

Zaria realizes she's a little late to the game as she shakes herself out of her daze, taking in the atmosphere of the diner. She steps up to the bar and pulls out 25 credits from her credits pouch.

"Barkeep? Riqon '75 and an order of wings, please." She leans against the bar and looks over the two uniformed men, attempting to gauge which organization they belonged to.

The barkeep nods and takes the credits before sending the order into the kitchen. As she waits she eyes the men beside her, easily determining that they are Space Police officers from a branch of the Interstellar Trade Authority. 

Hello there miss; does there seem to be a problem?

At this time, the plate of wings comes piping hot from the kitchen, served with her drink beside.

Flamin' Wild Space Wings: (Consumable) Doubles the velocity of your next turn.

Riqon '75: (Consumable) Blinds the next round, but adds a die to the next attack dice pool. 

2 hours ago, karmajay said:

Kirwin says "Sorry, my friend over there is more familiar with the people aboard the ship. He works for the same company and they are worried about the crew because there has been no word about the ship since they docked here. They must believe Mr. McSorley is quite capable because they something out of the ordinary happened and not something that could happen due to lack of maintenance. "

The lead engineer peers his eyes at Kirwin, and then over at Jace. He seems suspicious. but appears to mostly believe Kirwin's story.

We were here when Valencia docked-

We're always here!

We're the engineering and repair team here on Port Charon.

927-C.

Sure. Anyways, we work here, so we when Valencia docked we were around. The freighter stayed in port for a number of days, if I recall, not your normal overlay. You'll often get ships here staying a night or so to repair and refuel, but this was something else. At least, the ship seemed fine to be.

Whatever it was, McSorley was damn pissed about it. 'Kept going on about delays and keeping on schedule.

Well, a big company like Hart has a lot to keep track of, I'm sure punctuality is vital. Especially at the rate they're expanding.

[Zepher]

On 10/30/2021 at 12:32 AM, The Legonater said:

As for yer friends, I do think I recall a Titania an' a Eston, though they passed by here quite a few days apart. Last one came here, oh, say a week ago? You say you're friends with both of 'em? 

Merei Insight Check (DC 1) - 4, 1, 5, 2 (2 Successes)

The bartender seems open and honest enough.

"I will try the quarter-pounder." Merei puts in her order before attending to business. She speaks loud enough so that the other two at the bar can hear her. "My name is Merei. They are both friends of a friend, would be more accurate. We're worried about them. They came here, but as far as we know they didn't leave, and they should have. Or if they did leave, they didn't report it. They were here looking for information about a missing ship. Is there anyone who would have interfered with their efforts? I wouldn't want to disappear mysteriously myself."

[Kintobor]

5 hours ago, The Legonater said:

The barkeep nods and takes the credits before sending the order into the kitchen. As she waits she eyes the men beside her, easily determining that they are Space Police officers from a branch of the Interstellar Trade Authority. 

Hello there miss; does there seem to be a problem?

At this time, the plate of wings comes piping hot from the kitchen, served with her drink beside.

Flamin' Wild Space Wings: (Consumable) Doubles the velocity of your next turn.

Riqon '75: (Consumable) Blinds the next round, but adds a die to the next attack dice pool.

Zaria squints at the Space Police insignia on the uniforms of the two men next to her. She wasn't sure what to make of the organization, but they seemed to have good intentions. "No, there isn't a problem." Zaria responds. "My associates and I are looking into a missing freighter that passed through here. The name of the freighter was the Valencia. You wouldn't happen to have seen it or have any information regarding it, sir?" Zaria asks, beginning to eat her meal. The drink was not what Zaria was used to, but it was a cold reprieve from the spiciness of the wings. She exhales as she feels her cheeks swelter and her mouth water. She was used to spicy cuisine, but this was hot for the hell of it. Zaria looked down at the orange coloured sauce of the wings. This was now a challenge to be overcome.