Elite roleplay: Off station

OFF STATION

Your ship, deep space, anything that is not happening inside the Citi Gateway or Ingaba...

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05 Nov 2024, 6:31pm
A loud bang echoing through the structure interrupted the proceedings at play in the room ahead, as I’d taken the opportunity of the exchange between my companion and that Azimuth moron to line up a shot from further behind, just out of sight, precisely aimed past her and into the man’s chest, tearing through it and exiting with an impressively gory display, carrying enough force to pull him off the ground despite magnetic boot contact, and into the wall behind.

Satisfied, not quite without a smile, I began moving through the corridor as well, looking to at least try to provide some support with the remaining guards.
06 Nov 2024, 10:47am
Vasil Vasilescu The Umbrella had been waiting at the hold point for ten minutes before flight control re-opened the channel. “Umbrella you are cleared for landing on pad 27. You have six hours to make your damage assessment. You are restricted to blue zones while on station.”

“See,” Vasil said to Maul. “Sometimes these things work out.”


"Shit, at least we're catching a break somewhere." Maul responded, inhaling sharply from the pain as he sat up straight. "Ya know, besides my fuckin' ribs."

Once on pad 27 and securely within the hangar, Maul took a moment to flip through a holo panel to look at the condition of the Umbrella's modules.

"Oof, looking real bad Cap'n. Truly devastating. Not sure how we'll ever financially recover from this. " He said sarcastically as he waved the panel away and stood from his seat. "Reckon that's enough accessing, huh?"


***



While leaving the hangar, the two of them were stopped by what appeared to be station security, but unlike any Maul had ever encountered.

"Leaving rather quickly, gentleman. How's the damage?"

Maul glanced at Vasil before taking a swing at bullshitting his way through the conversation.

"Not as bad as we'd thought. Though, a slew of things did get slammed pretty hard, the power plant caught the worst of it. Gonna have to get that sorted right quick before getting back on the trail."

The guard, who was actually one of Palmer's agents narrowed his eyes.

"Looks like you took quite the beating yourself."

"Yep, faulty maglock in these old remlok's. Cap rolled to avoid a missile strike while I was beelining for the crew seat to assist. Instead, I went flying into the coffee machine. Took a bad lick." Maul dropped his head in faux shame for a moment and then looked back up at the man. "But if you'll excuse us, Cap here wanted to grab a bite while making a few calls to see about moving some credits around to cover repair costs."

After allowing Maul and Vasil to pass. The agent waited for them to be out of earshot and enabled his comms.

"Alpha to Bravo, targets are on the move. Eyes peeled. Over" He then clicked a switch on his wrist computer to switch comm channels. "Alpha to Command, sending passive target scan data for further eval. Over."

"Roger Alpha, running data against PDB database for cross reference, please stand by for any further details."


***



Top Trumps was loud, colorful, tasteless and the perfect spot to hide in plain sight on a station like this but also a strange spot for Willow to choose to meet at.

"Well," Maul said to Vasil as he shrugged and took a quick look around the room at the dozens of nearly nude dudes and the sufficiently clothed clientele. "not exactly a place I could see Willow entering willfully. Coming here? Must have been real desperate."

A client walked by and gave a dirty look as he bumped into Maul's injured shoulder causing him to curse under his breath.

"shitfuckdamnit...Oh no, I don't think people who come here are desperate I was talking about our fr..." The man proceeded without ever turning back around to face Maul. "...ah never mind."
06 Nov 2024, 4:52pm
“There’s a couple of seats at the bar,” said Vasil over the music. “Let’s grab a drink.”

The bar was towards the back of the place, away from the DJ and the stage, and illuminated by LED neons that washed the bar in a purplish light. The largest and most elaborate of them was a red and blue true neon Top Trumps sign with the T in Trumps blinking off and on along with a pair of Aces.

It was not as brain-thumpingly loud by the bar, though to be heard clearly without raising the voice, or to ensure no one else heard what was being said, a person had to get closer to whomever they were talking to. In establishments like this, that is how most of the initial business negotiations took place. Final negotiations occurred once the parties retired to a more private, VIP setting to seal the deal.

After ordering a bourbon with a beer chaser, Vasil looked over the place with its stage like an island of light in a sea of dimly lit booths.

“You never can tell about people,” said Vasil to Maul. “Maybe our willowy engineer did not come here looking to hide. What if she is a secret dominatrix, shy by day, sadist by night. Hell, perhaps the trouble she’s in is that she ignored someone’s safe word and the dungeon master is looking for her. After all, protocol must be followed."
06 Nov 2024, 9:22pm
Vasil Vasilescu“You never can tell about people,” said Vasil to Maul. “Maybe our willowy engineer did not come here looking to hide. What if she is a secret dominatrix, shy by day, sadist by night. Hell, perhaps the trouble she’s in is that she ignored someone’s safe word and the dungeon master is looking for her. After all, protocol must be followed."

That was them. He was told to look out for guys with beards, one with a buzzcut growing out, and an older dude with tidy salt'n'pepper hair. The girl had said the older guy maybe going for the shabby chic look, while the younger one was naturally shabby.

Stroking his styled dark hair, and checking himself in the mirror, Fal put his best but it's gonna take a lot of credits smile on.

"Guys guys" he said turning his hands out as he approached the pair. "I know just what your looking for"

He snaked his arm around Mauls shoulders "Taking big bro for a great night out after the divorce? What a guy"

Fal's free hand lightly punched Mauls arm as two women in tight dresses slinked up behind the, human resources manager.

"So, why don't you buy Shantel and Bambi here a drink, and I try real hard to remember what I was supposed to do when I saw you guys"

Sitting down at the bar, Fal put on a gee wizz, I just go so much on my mind face, while Shantel and Bambi introduced themselves to Vasil and Maul.


Last edit: 06 Nov 2024, 9:31pm
06 Nov 2024, 10:13pm
Maul looked Shantel and Bambi up and down, then focused on the man between them again. He was used to dealing with people like Fal. He was people like Fal. Another drip off the slimy underbelly of the galaxy. Every drip made a different splash but they all spoke the same language; Credits. Maul halted his messy mental metaphors and began to rustle a few credit chips out of his ripped hoodie pocket, tossing them onto the bar.

"20k creds. 10k on each." Maul said, sliding them toward Fal. "That's credits, not civvy micro creds either. Should buy Shantel and Bambi plenty of drinks, don't you think? Mister....sorry, didn't catch your name."
06 Nov 2024, 10:37pm
Maul Montresor"20k creds. 10k on each." Maul said, sliding them toward Fal. "That's credits, not civvy micro creds either. Should buy Shantel and Bambi plenty of drinks, don't you think? Mister....sorry, didn't catch your name."

"Buddy, will do, don't you think pal?"

Bambi and Shantel were real happy with their drinks, and made sure to show their new friends how happy they were. They knew these guys were not usual clients, all they had to do was take them to Symon's room where Willow was waiting, but when a big spender spends big for you its worth buttering that bred.

"So the girls are happy, but what's in it for your wingman pal? You expect me to sit here at the bar hight and dry while you get down and dirty?"


Last edit: 06 Nov 2024, 11:02pm
06 Nov 2024, 11:23pm
Vasil recognized Fal’s forced smile and overly friendly tone immediately. Fal was trying to sell something by approaching Vasil and Maul like a stereotypical used gravcar salesman suckers. The two cars in this case may have been well used by previous owners, but looked to be in fantastic shape.

Vasil at first thought it was the start of a typical transaction for a place like this, an attempt to secure temporary work for Bambi and Shantel. That was, until Fal mentioned he could not remember what he was supposed to do when meeting Vasil and Maul.

It was a not-so-subtle hint that this was far from a chance encounter, and that negotiations were now open to convince Fal to do what he was asked when finding Vasil and Maul. Vasil was about to take a subtle approach when Maul opened the negotiations in as direct a manner as possible and seemed to resolve the negotiation with little effort.

However, Fal's unsubtle play for more money irritated the hell out of Vasil. Even so, he addressed Fal in a professional and polite manner. The kind of professional and polite manner that says, ‘I have a shit ton of money, and you are risking not getting any more of it in the future if you piss me off'

"Well, Mr. Buddy,” Vasil said to Fal as if that was Fal’s actual name, “Given the usual commission structure for securing temporary work of this nature, I am sure you will find a way to carve out some drinks for yourself.”

Vasil drained his bourbon. “I’d be willing to bet that this is likely one of the easiest and larger contracts to pass through this temp work office.” Standing, he slipped an arm around Bambi’s waist. “It would be a shame if these ladies missed out on future contracts with us all because of some administrative fees. After all, even the port authority waived our fees when we landed here an hour ago.” That last part was a half truth, insinuating they were important enough to be given landing clearance on a station that rarely granted such a thing.

"Now, if you will excuse us, I believe Bambi and Shantel were about to give us a tour." He smiled politely to Fal, nodded, and without waiting for an answer, started to guide Bambi away from the bar.
07 Nov 2024, 12:08am
Maul, following Vasil's lead, stood up from the bar and threw an arm over Shantel's shoulder. "Let's get one thing straight Buddy, I'm not your pal. 'Sides, like my partner said, I believe that's plenty enough creds to jog your memory. Would de a real damn shame if you were the sole reason that we'd have to start making a ruckus within the confines of this lovely establishment. Running off clientele, causing these wonderful employees and yourself to lose out on the steady cred flow. Yep, would be just terrible."

Maul used his available hand to slide the credit sticks closer to Fal and leaned down closer to him. Blood was starting to seep slightly through bandage on his head. "But boy do I ever love to make a fuckin' ruckus."
07 Nov 2024, 10:17am
Fal beckoned at a girl behind the bar for a drink. The guys had made their choice, it was a dumb choice as far as he could tell, but whatever. He'd been paid well, and the girl in the room had dropped plenty of credits on her host too. It was the threats that ground Fal's gears.

"Oh boy, you sure told me guy" Called Fal "I can feel my conscience growing back. Have fun doing what ever" he said turning back to the bar, getting his pad from inside his sports coat.

He shot a message to his guy with Willow "Damn straight I don't want trouble in my bar, so I'll wait till you pricks leave" he said under his breath as he sent the message.

Bambi and Shantel slowly lead Maul and Vasil out of the bar, and across to a long apartment block playing the affectionate hostess all the way. The housekeeping staff did more than a passable job of keeping the place presentable, but the cheap air freshener was fighting a loosing battel against the smell of of excited or nervous people doing hot wet things on and hourly rate.

The sound proofing could have done with some work too. On the way to the elevator, plenty of cries moans, and fleshy organic sounds escaped from the rooms they were passing. It was the same story at the door the party stopped at.

"You ready for all this?" asked a man's voice from inside.

Willows soft whisper-like voice answered "Like, bring it. I can take it"

"Oh you asked for it, bitch" then one of the girls pressed the rooms com.

There was the sound of people hurriedly moving, then silence from inside.

"It's Bambi, I got the guys you wanted here" said the girl holding the com button.

There was a click, and the door slid open. In the small room, a half-naked guy was sitting in a large padded chair with its back to the door. His tanned face was showing over the top with narrow dark eyes surveying the party at the door. Willow, fully clothed, was sat on the large bed with a power-link in her hand humming in overcharge mode.

Her hair was up in a towel, and her face was no longer its signature alabaster white. She was instead looking like the sort of girl that always took her time doing her makeup before going out.

"Oh, hey guys" she said with a relived smile, turning off the Power Link.

On the bed, the sounds and flashing graphics of Mashin-Mechs played on her pad.
07 Nov 2024, 3:08pm
Vasil did not immediately recognize Willow without her usual two-tone black and white color scheme. But once she spoke, he knew that was definitely her sitting on the bed. It was a smart move. Her usual appearance was unique, so anyone looking for a wispy goth gal would overlook this version of Willow.

The fact that she felt the need to alter her usual appearance indicated to Vasil that she was worried about being found, and that meant she was probably in more trouble than a simple misunderstanding.

“Our apologies for interrupting your game,” said Vasil in his usual calm, dry manner, “We can come back later if you like. But we only have landing clearance for a few more hours, so we’ll have to leave before then.”
07 Nov 2024, 3:43pm
"What? God no. Like, I got the feeling everything in this place is, like, sticky, you know? Besides, this dude charges by the hour, and I'm all out of chips" said Willow standing up, packing a few personal items into a shiny tote bag with the Golden Jackal logo on it.

She stood and slipped over to a mirror on the wall "Let me do my hair, and like, we can book, okay?" She took the town off her head, revealing her long straight black hair was now a dirty blond-brown color.

"Erh, you were right Lonzo, it didn't take, but whatever, it'll do for now. At least it's not black anymore, right?"

Taking a scrunchy in her teeth, Willow started dragging a brush through her hair that Lonzo had thrown to her. Working a physical alchmey knowen only to women with long hair and stylists, Willow made a ponytail that looked like it should belong to someone with much shorter hair than her.

"Like, you've been a total star El, thanks so much" said Willow, throwing the brush back to her host.

"Hmm" he answered looking like he was wrestling with a decision he had already made. "You better be careful out there Will" said Lonzo regretfully as he put his pad away after reading a message from Human Resources "Someone may have reported a suspicious girl hiding out in the apartments here. Good luck honey"

People like the girls and Lonzo had a nose for trouble, and the habits of rats on a sinking ship. The apartment wasn't sinking, but the escorts were abandoning it.
07 Nov 2024, 5:47pm
Bambi and Shantel evaporated like mist before Willow had finished getting ready. Whatever Willow, Maul, and Vasil were caught up in, they wanted no part of. Besides, they did what they’d been paid to do.

“Alright,” said Vasil once Willow was ready. “A short tram ride and we’ll be at the landing pad, then we’ll get you back to your ship.”

A steady flow of passengers going about their daily routine entered and exited the tram at stops along the way to the ship terminal. Laborers, corporate types, casino dealers, smiling casino winners (though they were outnumbered by the disheartened losers), and small groups on shopping junquets from the main starport, came and went without paying any attention to the trio sitting near one of the tram doors.

By the time the tram reached the terminal, only two corporate suits remained in the tram car with Willow, Maul, and Vasil.

“Port Terminal C,” announced the friendly, automated tram voice as the tram came to a stop “This is the end of the Blue Line. All passengers without yellow access must depart at this time.” The doors hissed open. The two suits remained seated.

Rising, to leave, Vasil found the exit blocked by two armed station security guards and another suit. The suit glanced over Vasil and Maul, settling his eyes on Willow. A small white bandage across the bridge of his nose did nothing to hide the bruising from being bashed in the face with a VR headset. He squinted at her. Unsure at first, nodded to Willow. “Yep, she’s the one.”

“I suggest you all have a seat and ride with us for a bit,” said the taller of the two suits still in the tram. “There’s someone that wishes to speak with you about certain... activities.”

The station security guards set hands on their sidearms to emphasize it was a good idea to have a seat and follow instructions. Vasil stepped back and sat down. The guards and busted-nose suit stepped in. A blue light over the door turned yellow and the door hissed closed.

“Next stop, Security, Substation 1,” announced the tram voice. “Have a pleasant ride.”
08 Nov 2024, 10:55am
Kasumi GotoSatisfied, not quite without a smile, I began moving through the corridor as well, looking to at least try to provide some support with the remaining guards.


The officer's body slumped against the wall, leaving a trail of blood as he slid down. The remaining guards, seeing their leader taken out so swiftly, hesitated only for a moment before tightening their grips on their weapons. Their resolve seemed hardened by desperation.

"Drop your weapons!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the corridor. But they didn't budge. Instead, they raised their guns, determination etched on their faces.

One of the guards, a grizzled veteran by the look of him, snarled in response. "We've got nothing to lose," he growled, his eyes burning with defiance. "And none of us want to stand before Hothis and tell her we've given in without a fight."

A tense standoff ensued, the narrow corridor amplifying the weight of his last statement. My partner and I kept our weapons trained on them, fingers ready to pull the trigger. I exchanged a glance with my partner.

"Looks like we're doing this the hard way," I muttered, readying myself for the inevitable clash.
08 Nov 2024, 12:44pm
“Fine. Either way, you are dead.”, I called into the room, preparing for the inevitable confrontation.

Given my unique physical constraints, however, I couldn’t move past my companion in the corridor, and those Azimuth idiots were not quite so idiotic to keep giving me a free shot at them without risking a case of friendly fire. So instead, I prepared to roll a flashbang along the ground into the room - assuming that the one I’d recovered from a dead guard had any kind of magnetic properties - followed by a shield projector so at least I wasn’t a sitting duck with a, at least bigger, target profile.
08 Nov 2024, 3:09pm
The flashbang skittered across the floor, its magnets clamping it near the makeshift barricade. I took a quick glance, tinting my visor just before the detonation.

A blinding flash and deafening bang erupted, throwing the corridor into chaos. Seizing the moment, I sprinted forward, covering the distance to the barricade in powerful strides before vaulting over easily thanks to my agility and slender frame.

The guards, disoriented from the flashbang, were still stunned as I landed amidst them. I swiftly took down the nearest one with a blend of close-quarters combat and my shotgun, and scattered the men with a shot from my gun. My unexpected attack wreaked havoc, and I took advantage of their confusion.

"Cover me, aim higher!" I shouted, and ducked away, giving my partner a clear firing path.


Last edit: 08 Nov 2024, 3:15pm

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