Call of the Deadly Nightshade 3 - The Frosted Tips

*Off Coruscant at last and the stench of garbage permeating their clothes, the team exits their cargo crate to find themselves on a mystery asteroid somewhere in the galaxy. After the pitch is made for our heroes to extricate Octavian Grant from New Republic custody, much time is spent purchasing new goods and exotic disguises. Merchants are insulted and gotten the better of, players are ripped off, one of a kind tuxedos are made, and the provocative Bigg’tuna meets the need for items not normally for sale.*

> "*Frosted Tips is absolutely not a victimless crime.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

## **Previously**

Falling, flying, and slipping out of the Bar at Meteorite Towers, the group found themselves scattered and in search of a means of transportation to Port Corusca. Bota drops into the mysterious Lulu as she attempts to exact revenge against two posh delegates that appeared to hail from Eriadu, eventually finding the situation defused with the approach of Coruscanti Police, Rusty tumbled down through the garbage chute, falling atop an out of his depth Gungan not just once but twice, and Blaine smooth talked his way into a utility speeder with the crew.

Arriving outside the walls of the shipping port, the team crossed paths with the erudite Theodore “Thrusty” Steele. After an argument between brothers, the team explored the area and met a pair of squatters - one of whom was a complete tool, and the other who provided a means of entry into the port. Now safely aboard a mysterious crate bound for the stars, our heroes prepare for their meeting with the enigmatic Nightshade.

## **Recap**

### **Asteroid Laundromat**

The doors of the crate closed, the group finds themselves in near total darkness and silence for mere moments before they realize that they might not have made the best decision of their careers. As a glowrod is lit to reveal the bare interior, the smell of garbage emanating from Rusty begins to fade from notice while simultaneously seeping into everyone’s clothes. A minute passes, then an hour, and just as the concern that they may have handed themselves over to imprisonment begins to take hold the crate moves, evidently coupling into some device.

After an apparent transit, the crate rumbles again and the doors are opened to reveal steel bulkheads and the messy interior of a moderately maintained space station. A brawny, barrel chested human walks into view after securing the crate doors and chuckles as he looks at the disheveled team. He welcomes the group and directs them to a makeshift conference room before heading off on his own business.

> "*Who am I? I’m the captain of this ship, beauty that she is.*"
> ― Capt. Swagg
>
>

> "*Oh, so we’re on a ship.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*No, **this** is a ship (gesturing at the transport next time himself). **You** are on an asteroid.*"
> ― Capt. Swagg
>
>

Deciding to wash the stench off first, the group hands their garb over to Jowkazza for laundering. En route, Blaine spots a Twi’lek that he vaguely recognizes but is not sure why, deciding to talk with her later.

### **The Pitch**

The team enters into a small conference room and take their seats, the doors behind them are closed and the lights dimmed before a holoprojector sparks to life. A masquerade mask resembling a skull fills the center of the room, Droo commenting that she feels like she saw a similar mask at the bar where they first met.

An unremarkable voice begins to speak as images are projected over the mask. Imperial troops and walkers marching through city streets. Imperial starships in combat over Regamus. The death of Imperial warlords as Admiral Daala looks on. The voice discusses the recent expansion and improvements of the Empire, while chastising the lack of any real response by the New Republic.

More images, this time of lavish beachside resorts as the voice describes the political vacation destination known as The Isle, located on the planet Rathalay. From all appearances a high class resort, the Isle is known to be frequented by New Republic officials as well as many of the galaxy’s rich and powerful, all in search of brokering deals that will best line their pockets. Behind this, the New Republic runs a sophisticated intelligence gathering operation in the background, including a security detail that is rumored to include a starfighter group.

Finally coming to the crux of the brief, the image of former Grand Admiral Octavian Grant comes into view. The requested mission from Nightshade is then revealed to be a “retrieval” of Grant in order to safeguard the man from an Imperial assassination, with delivery to a third party that will ensure his safety and use against the Empire.

As if the mission was not already crossing into enough gray areas with respect to loyalty and proper defense of the New Republic, the briefing carries on to explain that the New Republic response is not expected to be sufficient not only for an Imperial attack, but adds that another group has been contracted by the Empire. Images of criminals flash into view as a brief description is given of The Collective, a criminal group that Blaine and Bota are vaguely familiar with after their mission to Lok to rescue Katira some time ago, with this familiarity given as the reason the team was contacted for the mission. The Collective is described as having changed after their run in with the team on Lok, with a shift in power having taken place that seems to be driving the major change in the aggressive nature of their activities.

Finally, the image of a young female is projected into view, and it is noted that recent intelligence recovered by Nightshade indicates New Republic operative Jan Ors, working for a secret organization known as Alpha Blue, has an assignment to keep tabs on Grant. Though her whereabouts are not known for certain, there is a possibility that she is off planet currently to check on the recently returned Kyle Katarn.

> "*There’s no affiliation with what we’re doing to the New Republic, right?*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Nightshade holds no affiliation to the New Republic.*"
> ― Nightshade
>
>

> "*Has Nightshade ever?*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Nightshade holds no affiliation to the New Republic.*"
> ― Nightshade
>
>

As the pitch comes to a close Blaine tries to fill in the gaps to the rest of the group, starting with detailing the involvement that the group had with the Collective, continuing on with what is known about Grant, and detailing concerns over the mission itself. It is noted that the group is welcome to cancel the contract at any time, that the meet for delivery of Grant will occur in empty space, and that the intent of the mission is to acquire Grant by stealth and avoid engagement with the New Republic. Initially, the team decides to think on the matter, and is given the chance to look over the wares for sale on Waypoint in the meantime.

### **Purchase Notes**

**Jawa Jimmy:**

Starting off in hopes of modifying Sparky to be able to bring him along on the mission, Jimmy paid to have his astromech reconfigured to standard physical specifications without changing his software. After a brief back and forth with the droid merchant, he was able to complete the modifications, get a new standard astromech blue paint job (with flame detailing) and have the parts shipped to Cloud City.

> "*Alright, 1600cr and I'll ship your parts back, but I’m putting on those blue flames.*"
> ― Droid Merchant
>
>

> "*When you get Sparky back, he has a standard astromech blue, but when you look closer it seems almost hazy. As you look closer, you see that he detailed into the blue lines these licks of blue flame tailing off into silver.*"
> ― David
>
>

> "*Damn it... it does look good. You were right.*"
> ― Jawa Jimmy
>
>

Managing to score a massive deal for custom armor creation, Jimmy then pays 4,000cr to purchase a helmet that will fit over his implant as well as a tailor made tuxedo that doubles as space age armor. Buying a few additional goods, he spends the rest of his time admiring himself in a nearby mirror.

**Rusty:**

Rusty immediately went in for anti-security and anti-surveillance gear. Though he didn’t fare too well with his bargaining in the arena, he was able to purchase all his desired goods.

> "*I don’t understand. I… sorry I gotta cut in here… I don’t understand. Because like, that guys making me feel bad because he’s overcharging me. But now he’s feeling bad, and I have to feel bad because he’s feeling bad. Come on.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

When the team decided to disguise themselves as a band, Rusty set about building his persona as the singer Sandra Britches. He managed to procure an extending microphone stand (STR+1D), retinal contacts, and after talking with the very seductive Bigg’tuna was able to purchase a wig and a flowing red dress.

> "*What can I do for a **strapping** young Aqualish such as yourself?*"
> ― Bigg’tuna
>
>

> "*I just happened to be in the neighborhood, looking for a cup of sugar… I’ve been looking in all the rooms in this big hunk of rock. I can’t help but be accustomed to your beauty. I think you’ve got a great sense of fashion.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*Go on.*"
> ― Bigg’tuna
>
>

> "*Alright, here’s the truth. My gang and I, we’re gonna be doing something really dumb. I’m going big, and I just wanted to know if you could help me. You know… make me look as pretty as you. Would you be willing to… give me a makeover? If I could just be a fraction of your good looks… I would really appreciate it.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*Honey, there’s only so much I can do to hide those muscles of yours.*"
> ― Bigg’tuna
>
>

**Blaine:**

Blaine approaches the same seller that Rusty just dealt roughly with, but is met by a new merchant who relieves the Gungan. Purchasing more of the normal fare, Blaine also goes in for a Kloo Horn and scores a deal due to it’s poor condition, Jawa Jimmy managing to repair the item after purchase (from 30% to 85% value).

> "*Hey man, that’s my kloo horn. Why you gotta be talking like that.*"
> ― Worron
>
>

> "*Well first you should apologize to your mother for treating it like that.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Look man, I just come out to Waypoint to make some money. I play that thing in my spare time, I’ll give it to you for a clean ‘thou, but come on man.*"
> ― Worron
>
>

> "*Oh, I think you’ll have something to play with after I’m gone, but…*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

**Jowkazza:**

After taking some time to handle cleaning the groups laundry, Jowkazza headed off and spent his time changing his fur to have frosted tips with the intent of pushing the band name.

### **No NPC Left Behind**

Feeling content with their purchases, Blaine decides to have a look around and see if there is a reason that he recognized the Twi’lek upon their arrival. After a brief conversation, her *very* forward nature is a bit more than Blaine can handle however. He awkwardly exits the conversation and instead secures transport to Rathalay with Captain Swagg for 1,800cr (commenting that Bota will foot the bill).

> "*Oh, sugar. Nobody’s looking for me out here. In fact, I don’t even think you know where you’re at, do you?*"
> ― Bigg’tuna
>
>

> "*You know, I feel like a lot of people… have been unfairly victimized by different groups. I’m always trying to look to help people out. How did you get a bounty on your head? Is there something we can do here?*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Dear, with those frosted tips I don’t think **anybody** victimized you, but I’m awfully proud of my bounty. He **deserved** it.*"
> ― Bigg’tuna
>
>

Moving deeper into the asteroid, the group finds a private docking bay where they hold a brief conversation with Lucas. The Zabrak explains that he runs the private dock, even that he just a few minutes prior had a ship that departed after arriving at the same time as the group, then goes on to say that he is only working here to save enough credits to pay for the private investigator that he is contracting to search for his sister, Vanessa, whom he calls “Ness”. Blaine states that they may know his sister (for no apparent reason), then plays a sad serenade on his kloo horn to garner enough sympathy to get Lucas’ contact info after Rusty comes in close for a hug.

Closing out with their tour of Waypoint, Blaine and Rusty walk down to the medical bay and meet up with Alla’lon. Initially taken aback by Rusty’s look, she seems to understand the goal of the “band” after receiving an invitation to sing and/or dance for the troupe.

> "*Do you like music?*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Does it matter how I answer that? Because you’re already produced a kloo horn, and I get the feeling that no matter what I say I’m going to have to hear you play it.*"
> ― Alla’lon
>
>

> "*Do you want to be a doctor, or would you rather be in a band?*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

Though initially hesitant to accept any kind of offer, the Twi’lek eventually agrees to follow along with the team as a doctor/dancer for the price of 9,000cr/month if the team is able to smuggle her off the station. An agreement in terms achieved, Blaine says that he will take a nap and think on the job, agreeing to speak with her before heading out with a final decision.

## **Featured Characters**

### **Our Heroes**

* Blaine Hansom
* Jawa Jimmy
	+ Sparky
* Jowkazza
* Roostan Steele

### **NPCs**

* Captain Swagg - transport pilot
* Nightshade
* Hugo Thiff - Droid Merchant
* Gumbral Thiff - Covert Equipment Merchant
* Worron - Covert Equipment Merchant
* Ten Sunna - Arms Merchant
* Lucas - Private Dock Operator
* Alla’lon - Medic
* Bigg’tuna - Seductress

### **Mentioned**

* Bota Zi
* Droo Vos

## **Inventory**

* **-10,630cr (Jawa Jimmy)**
	+ -crazy arms and legs (Sparky)
	+ +standard astromech blue flame paint job (Sparky)
	+ +daft punk helmet (+1 Energy;+1D Physical)
	+ +tuxedo armor (+1D Energy;+1D Physical)
	+ +surveillance detector
	+ +master security kit
	+ +smoke generator
	+ +omni-box

* **-13,730cr (Rusty)**
	+ +surveillance detector
	+ +silence bubble
	+ +smoke generator
	+ +telecoping mic stand (STR+1D)
	+ +retinal contacts
	+ +wig
	+ +red dress with pink accents
	+ +gold hoop earrings

* **-11,100cr (Blaine)**
	+ +kloo horn
	+ +voice scrambler
	+ +code slicer
	+ +master-craft security chip
	+ +frosted tips
	+ +puka shell necklace
	+ +retinal contacts (green)
	+ +flesh camoflauge
	+ +Lucas’ contact info
	+ +Ten Sunna contact info (first follower of the band)

* **-500cr (Jowkazza)**
	+ +frosted tips “flesh camoflauge”

* **-1,800cr to depart Waypoint (Bota)**

## **Notes**

* An additional note was made that Octavian Grant would keep his belongings for retrieval in his personal spacer’s chest, in the event that he can not be retrieved he requests that his materials be taken
* The recent shift in Collective actions includes a shift in contracts and operations that seem to focus on the retrieval or investigation of materials and artifacts associated with former force users or mystical cults
* Nightshade offered to buy back any materials purchased on Waypoint for 150% of it’s original purchase price
* Cover Names (all disguises give +2D to associated skills):
	+ Blaine: ???
	+ Rusty: Sandra Britches
	+ Jimmy: Debonair Daft Punk, aka DDP
	+ Jowkazza: ???

## **Quotations**

> "*Who am I? I am Piff McFly Swagg. You can call me Captain Swagg.*"
> ― Capt. Swagg
>
>

> "*I’m not calling you that.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Why did I do this? Why did I spend all this time in this crate? I can easily buy a Ghtroc Freighter…*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*I mean, I guess we could always just betray Nightshade later… Blaine thinks to himself, and not out loud on the comm with Nightshade…*"
> ― Jordan
>
>

> "*I think we can get a paint job on this guy. Make him look alright for you. Get some flames on the side too.*"
> ― Hugo Thiff
>
>

> "*Flames… really…?*"
> ― Jawa Jimmy, threateningly
>
>

> "*Alright, uh… how about standard astromech blue. Will that work?*"
> ― Hugo Thiff
>
>

> "*Yeah, blue flames!*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*Shut up Rusty, you’ll give me away!*"
> ― Jawa Jimmy
>
>

> "*I’m just picturing Droo watching us and just shaking her head.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*Or just, sometimes I just imagine her just horrified*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Yeah, like: you guys have no people skills.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*Jimmy, look up some famous kloo horn player on the holonet for me.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*You think we got the holonet here?! Why you think I was playin’ that janky ass kloo horn brotha?*"
> ― Worron
>
>

> "*Oh no. I’ve made a horrible mistake. I’ve made two big mistakes today. The first was riding in that crate with the guy that was in the garbage dump, and the second one was talking to Bigg’tuna.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Hey Rusty. There’s a woman that’s hot to trot. I gotta get out of here.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*Oh no, I’m not into Bigg’tuna man. I listened to your conversation and that is **not** okay.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*So wait… I have to wear Jawa Jimmy’s robe?*"
> ― Chris
>
>

> "*Yeah, they just don’t have a robe lying around here, or enough cloth to make one, but they can add on to Jimmy’s.*"
> ― David
>
>

> "*I don’t need a robe though, I want a dress.*"
> ― Chris
>
>

> "*Oh… oh, I see… and hoop earrings. And now the dress has pink lightning bolts on it?!*"
> ― David
>
>

> "*Hey man. I’m sorry man, if you can and you want to take a load off, I’d like to buy you a drink.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*I, uh… despite the fact that the drinks are already paid for and I have access to them… I appreciate the gesture.*"
> ― Gumbral Thiff
>
>

> "*I get the sense that you guys aren’t going to be hiring me, but it was nice to talk, and uh… you look great.*"
> ― Alla’lon
>
>

> "*Oh, thanks.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

> "*I was actually talking to your friend.*"
> ― Alla’lon festering to Rusty
>
>

> "*Thanks. I really tried.*"
> ― Rusty
>
>

> "*Yeah, and uh… look… shell necklaces were popular in the 10’s. BBY. It’s… 11 **ABY**.*"
> ― Alla’lon
>
>

> "*No doctor makes 10,000cr a month. Thanks to our universal healthcare system.*"
> ― Blaine
>
>

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