Crisis in Anker City [IC]

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

Offering a small guffaw, Thoth shakes his head at Granger's suggestion. "Cocktail dress robbery?" It's almost tempting. Very heist vid. But- "That sounds a tad too reckless for my blood. We're already on thin footing with the law." Taking a pick from the listings, Thoth pulls one of the convenience stores up on his navigation app. "One o' these convenience stores, I think we can grab some accessories. Like a scarf or somethin' you can wrap around your face. Anything else we'd be gamblin' wasting time on a closed store, or sweet talking hotel desk clerks."

Still, it would be good a good idea to contact the others and get them updated. "MAX, try calling Al' on her Chronocomm. See what the ladies are up to," he instructs while he leads the way to their next stop.

OOC

 

 

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2255 (22:20 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

Lira nodded, "Sure we can try to make something work. Covering hair can go along way to making a woman look different and some basic cosmetics can finish the rest."

MAX-23 contacted Alyson and started explaining their adventure with the robot company and the models. After a few minutes he got around to inquiring on their progress as Thoth led them to the convenience store.

After 10 minutes some supplies were purchased and Agent Acoma was using their refresher cubicle to adjust her appearance while everyone else was waiting outside the store.

MAX-23 reported, "Alyson and Nikki found the shop and it was closed for the night. It was a business that makes security key cards."

"They are waiting at the Royal Casino, at a table near the entrance."

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

"Guess any questions there'll have to wait for tomorrow," Thoth supposes, clicking his tongue. These darn businesses and their reasonable hours. "Let them know we'll be on our way soon, and to be ready for trouble."

Leaning against the wall of the convenience store exterior, Thoth flexes his hands and grumbles. "Wish we didn't have to walk everywhere. But we don't exactly have the spare credits on hand to blow on a rental car. Maybe we should consider grabbing a bus or subway pass if they got one. Could come in handy later." Thinking it over aloud, he steps back inside to inquire at the counter. "Scuse me. Where'd a guy go to find a pass for public transit in the city?"

OOC

 

 

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2305 (22:10 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

Lira came out a few minutes later with heavier make-up that included some seriously dark eye-shadow and eyeliner that made her eyes look so completely different that the only thing remotely close to prior was the color. Her hair was done up and contained under the scarf to be practically hidden.

Granger looked at her approvingly and with much leering scrutiny, "Nope, nope, you definitely look more like eye candy and less officer material. Even without the clothes changing. Kinda like a spacer slut chick. I like it."

Lira's expression was not pleased, "Ahh, thanks, I guess."

Granger grinned, "No problem, you are welcome, sweetheart."

Thoth was able to get some relatively inexpensive passes for the subway system. But checking out the layout, the tubes were designed to really take traffic from interior of the city where the group was towards the rim and outer ring of the city and then around the perimeter. The city's center was rather compact with move things accessed by walking and the service support for the businesses was via service tunnels and out of sight.

It was only 5 more minutes walk to the casino.

Entering inside, the others were at a table a few meters away. The group stood at the top of broad stairs leading down to the casino's first floor. Below as far as one could see, gamblers were busy risking credits in more ways that one could imagine. Sounds of excitement, suspense, triumph, and anguish filled the lavish halls. New arrivals rushed past, full of expectation. Those who had suffered heavy losses trudged slowly up the stairs and out the door, making sure to meet no one's gaze.

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

The casino. The flash of lights and clinking of chips can hold a keen sway over a sapient's neural pathways, programming them to pull the lever or roll the dice for one more hit. While he'd always been too cautious to bet much on the only real casino visit he'd ever had, Thoth worries his new adrenaline junkie tendencies might sway the odds towards overbetting.

Not like they were here to engage with the entertainment, anyways. "The bot said we should ask for 'im," Thoth comments looking over the casino floor. "Maybe that means he left a message with the staff to expect us..." He shuffles his way down to avoid looking too conspicuous on the stairs. Though he tries to speak in a hush, the sheer noise of this place forces him to speak more clearly. "You two can meet up with the girls and give them a heads up, then settle into the lookout spots, I s'pose. MAX and I will ask and look around for this guy." No point in the two of them trying to be sneaky. They'd stand out in any crowd. Well, MAX would. Thoth would if anyone could see him over the crowd.

Making his way towards one of the bars, Thoth leans on the counter and nods his chin at the bartender to get his attention. "Scuse me, sir. The two of us are here to meet up with a fella named Denn Wessex. He got a table round here?"

OOC

 

 

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2310 (22:10 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

MAX-23 stayed with Thoth, not really sure how to go about canvassing bartenders. But Lira stayed with and followed right behind. She commented in Thoth's ear as they headed down the stairs, "I shall come with since I should be able to recognize Denn Wessex."

At the bar she leaned in beside Thoth and added a description, "He is a middle-aged man, light skinned human with short-trimmed hair that is going from light brown to gray. No facial hair and about 180 centimeters in height with an average build. Still in decent physical shape, not putting on any excess fat around the middle."

The bartender shrugged, "Maybe someone meets that description playing at a table there in the back corner. Not sure of the fella's name."

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

Chuckling to himself quietly at Lira's description, Thoth offers the bartender a "Thank you," and moves towards the back tables. Glancing back at Lira, he comments, "Grange' was right. Just the way you talk would get you picked out of a crowd. Maybe hang back once we get close." Even with the disguise, Denn might pick out her voice if she joined in the questioning.

Thinking positively, Thoth hopes the man has been drinking as they near the indicated table.

OOC

 

 

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2312 (22:08 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

Lira and MAX-23 followed in Thoth's wake through the crowded casino to the indicated table at the back, a circular booth with a round table that could seat about 4 comfortably with a 5th using a chair at the open end.

There was an old man that did not match Lira's description sitting alone with some playing cards. He was human, but with white hair not cut short, bushy eyebrows, and a gray beard that hung down to his chest.

The man spoke as soon as Thoth approached, gesturing to the empty benches of the booth to either side, "Good evening. Would you like to join me for a game or two?"

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

Rather strange to find someone so... deliberately askew from the description. Thoth wonders if this is someone vetting for Wessex. That would mean the barman was in on it too, directing people to this table.

All very clandestine. Rubbing his own beard in thought, Thoth takes a wary seat across from the man at the table. "I'm here to meet somebody, but looks like we just missed 'im. Guess we could get in a game or two, maybe he'll come back around," he tells the man.

OOC

 

 

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2315 (22:05 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

Thoth thought the man's voice sounded familiar. But he could not place it for any old men that he knew.

The old man smiled as Thoth sat down. Lira slid in on the other side of the booth and MAX-23 took the chair leaving his back to the rest of the crowded room. He started shuffling the cards as he asked, "Who was it that you missed? I have been sitting here for awhile. Maybe I know him."

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

A familiar voice. Not a familiar face, though. Someone he heard through a door, or digitally on a call? Something in his speech mannerisms, maybe? As he wracks his brain to try and think of where he recognized this man from, Thoth drums his fingers on the table, watching their host shuffle. There's a knowing kind of smile he has. "Fella named Denn," Thoth answers. "Was told this 'd be a great place to meet him."

OOC

 

Notice check to see if he can identify the man's voice.

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2320 (22:00 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

Thoth still could not place the familiarity. Neither MAX-23 or Lira spoke up either if they noticed.

 

The old man replied, "Denn, eh? Might have been the gentleman who was just here playing with me. Last name of Wessex, if I recall."

Lira spoke up, "Yes, that would be him."

The old man nodded as he shuffled, "He said he would be right back in a few minutes."

 

Just as the man was about to deal, another man approached the table. This one with gold skin that marked him as a bit odd.

The newcomer gestured to the last remaining space open at the table, his voice had a metallic sound to it, but like a robot or a mechanon, "Looks like you have a good game here about to start. I have the credits and should play."

The old man nodded and smiled, "Sure, we have one spot available for you. I take it you know how to play?"

Without any hesitation, the gold man practically scoffed, "Of course I know how to play."

He looked at the others, "I am Helm Iskraker," in a tone that sounded like it meant something. "Who in the Frontier are you?"

 

OOC

MAX-23 and Lira did no better on their Notice Checks.

You can also try on Helm.

 

Edited February 4 by Paro (see edit history)

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

Perhaps they'd already been made, and Wessex had made a run for it. This strange man could be a distraction. But then, why summon them to a meeting only to bolt? Thoth is so lost in thought that he starts when the golden man appears.

At first, he assumes it's paint. These city folk are a crazy bunch, it wouldn't surprise him if some raver went and painted themselves gold. But that voice is something else. A voice modulator maybe? The man looks far too real to be a machine. More real than any droid Thoth has ever seen.

Giving out his real name certainly seems like a bad call. "Zak Gull," he answers, thinking as quickly as he can of something believable. Maybe part of the ship name is still too on the nose. "Fancy... mods, you got there?" he adds, conversationally.

OOC

 

Notice check on Helm.

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol

 

[Paro]

~ Day 61, 2325 (21:55 hrs remain) Zebulon System ~

---

Thoth noticed that the Helm had gold flakes of skin fall from his exposed flesh when he moved. It was actually skin flakes and not flakes of body paint since the areas were still gold after the flakes fell off.

 

Marlo looked at Thoth with a curious expression when he introduced himself as Zak, and said, "Zak, huh? Okay then."

Lira said simply, "You can me Rey." And MAX-23 added, "Everyone calls me Max most of the time. It is short for my full name but I shall answer to it."

 

Marlo began to deal out the cards of the first hand. He turned to the gold-skinned man, "I don't remember seein' you around before. You new in town, or'd you just make a big score?"

"Both," Helm replied, smiling broadly, as tiny gold flakes popped off the corners of his mouth and floated gently to the tabletop. "I've got my own ship, Erratic Orbit, perhaps you have heard of it, docked not far from the center of the city. I might add she's ready to go out on any work that needs... working. Today, I'm getting the payoff for a big score. I'm talking major stuff, here. So, I'm a free agent now, heading straight to for the big time."

Leaning back in his chair as if to show himself off, the man begins to fall backwards. At the last second he regains his balance and slams forward, landing squarely with a bang and cloud of tiny flakes.

OOC

The gambling is a side show and will be handled with a general skill check instead of worrying about the exact game. Just think of it as a variation of poker in your mind's eye.

[Sala]

Thoth Gesheer, Captain of the Gullwind

---

Not being much of a gambler, nor here for the entertainment Thoth bids conservatively, always prepared to fold if the stakes are too high. This Helm is certainly a showman, and perhaps has had a few too many to drink. The rain of golden flakes all around him leaves the table looking like a child finished playing with a bottle of glitter. Thoth quietly hopes, though doubts, that this man tips his janitors.

"Ain't had much luck lately, m'self. Seems like I'm always at the wrong place at the wrong time these days," Thoth converses as the hand goes around. "Or the wrong place at the right time, once in a while."

"Erratic Orbit? You her pilot, Helm?" he wonders aloud. It would suit his moniker. And the ship's moniker suits his poise and balance.

OOC

 

Common Knowledge for the Erratic Orbit

Character Status

Character Sheet

Parry: 2
Toughness: 4 Base (Skeinsuit: +4 vs Inertial/Ballistic, Albedo Screen)
Bennies: 0/4
In hand: Laser Pistol