Operation Grievance: The Negotiation of Chance

Cast of Characters (I-Con Squad):

Icond (INIS Squad Leader)
-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Ignores Col. Janice Middleton.

Janice Mehlberg (Imperium Marine Colonel-Retired)
-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Rival of Icond.

Chance Morgenstern (INIS Agent-Retired)
-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Admires Dr. Slager.

Dr. Merrick Slager (Scholar/Team Doctor-Retired)
-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Secretly hates Col. Janice.

Ritch Duhart (INIS Agent-Retired)
-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Inseparable buddy of Chance.
…..............

Operation Grievance: The Negotiation of Chance

345-1122

System: Abin

Setting: A vehicle on the streets of Dakala

The Mission: Chance attempts to acquire the medallion

Story Narrative:
Chance is told to put on a hooded blindfold before Sarosh takes him to the seller. Chance complies. The conversation between the two is just small talk, but this eventually stops after about five minutes. Chance listens carefully for any background sounds that might help him to get his bearings on his possible location.

As the vehicle slows and comes to a stop, Chance hears a familiar sound that is made by a particular machine used in the manufacturing process of starship hulls. A sound he has heard often near the starport located on his home world. Sarosh leads the blindfolded Chance inside a building where he is told to sit in the chair behind him. He complies and the blindfold is removed.

Chance finds himself in a large and abandoned warehouse. The familiar sound of the machine drones on in the distance, while he observes a group of armed individuals standing around a couple of luxury vehicles parked within the empty warehouse. There is just enough light to see faces, but the fading dusky sunlight limits his ability to see much else within the warehouse. A rather large and muscular man opens the vehicle door and out steps a tall and slender man dressed in a designer suit. His appearance and swagger as he approaches the seated Chance indicates his confidence and elite status.

GM Notes:
Boss Character Introduction: Enki Zen (aka Seral Olmhelnan)
Title: CEO - Zollo Biotech (Subsector Level Megacorp)
Hobby: Collector and seller of rare Antiquities

The Megacorp CEO exiting the vehicle is in fact, Seral Olmhelnan, a former Krax Confederation diplomat and fanatic supporter of the 3FT. He now works as the head of the 3FT Secret Service and is currently working undercover in the Sosie Subsector. His mission is to bring Abin back into 3FT control by undermining the current independent government through subversion. This Megacorp CEO role is one he wields with deadly efficiency. He was able to locate and recover the medallion shortly before the spy was caught by Abin authorities. The captured 3FT agent eagerly volunteered for this assignment in order to plant false intelligence with Abin security. She has given some accurate information to string Abin officials along, but this is only to give them a false sense of security. She is willing to suicide herself when her usefulness expires. A true fanatic, just like Seral. Seral is aware that someone is approaching to make a deal for the medallion; however, he is not aware of the Icond Squad yet. The medallion is a genuine ancient artifact, but an added feature has seriously diminished its value. There is a hidden compartment carved into the medallion. It's damaged ever so slightly. A real antiquities expert would spot the defect while assessing the medallion's authenticity. Seral has altered it in order to see if the approaching customer spots the defect. A genuine buyer would walk away, but someone looking for the medallion, like an Abin agent, will offer top dollar. If the latter happens, then the following nefarious plans of Seral will be implemented. The real encryption/decoder chip has been removed and replaced with a replica device. This device will encrypt/decode 3FT code, but the coded information will be fake intelligence designed to mislead the Abin Intelligence Service. This disinformation, if believed, will more than likely destabilize the current government, and compromise the military with potential catastrophic consequences.

Chance has absolutely no idea who this distinguished gentleman is in this current situation. He has been briefed about Seral Olmhelnan, but does not recognize Seral due to his current appearance looking nothing like Seral’s dossier image. Chance does recognize a female bodyguard standing nearby. She was present at the local tavern where the Icond Squad started their investigation with the undercover cop. Chance controls his reaction as to not betray his recognition of the bodyguard.

 

Story Narrative:

Following the aristocratic fellow is a much shorter and portly individual in a cheap business suit. The suit appears to be a couple of sizes too small for the rotund man's frame. In his hand is a metal case which he sets down on the ground and opens it. He lifts out an object that immediately sparkles as the limited light glints off its surface. The medallion! The round and now sweaty little man proceeds to bring the medallion to Chance, but before allowing him to touch it, the fat man says, "What's your offer?" Chance speaks up, "Whose asking?" The fat man's face betrays his concern about the question, but as turns toward his boss, the stately gentleman responds, "That's the least of your concerns. I suggest you make your offer before one of my associates loses his patience and control of his trigger finger." The muscular and beautiful female that Chance recognized moments ago steps forward with her weapon drawn. The distinguished gentleman replies with a sinister smile, "or HER patience!"

"Let me examine it FIRST!" Chance's defiant reply has visibly upset the bodyguards, and the portly associate’s facial expression betrays his fear. The little fat man turns toward his boss, and the gentleman nods his approval. Instant relief is visible on the fat associate’s face, and Chance is relieved as well although his demeanor does not betray his hidden fear with his bold and reckless response.

Chance examines the medallion. He is confident the medallion is the one the group is looking for, but he cannot find the hidden compartment. He decides to improvise to buy a little time. While continuing to examine the medallion, Chance reaches within his pocket. The gentleman seller's bodyguards instantly cock their weapons. Chance quickly replies, "Relax, I need my loupe to take a closer look.” Chance grimaces and exclaims, "Damn, not on me. Does anyone have a jeweler's loupe handy?" "You're trying my patience," was the gentleman dealer’s acidic response to Chance’s demand. "Hey, I want to make a sound decision, which means top money for YOU, so I think it is a reasonable request." Chance takes a bold step with the tone of his response.

"You have 5 seconds to make an offer, 5...4...3." Chance interrupts the Gentleman Antiquities Dealer, "Fine, fifty thousand credits is my best offer. Take it or leave it." Chance's reply is extremely dangerous, but he feels he’s out of options. The gentleman dealer’s patience is exhausted, and offering top dollar without being 100% sure is too risky. Chance hopes for the best, but is ready for what awaits, including death.

The gentleman dealer declines Chance's offer. "Well, if that's your final offer, then we have nothing further to discuss. Take him back to where you found him." The gentleman turns and enters his vehicle. The bodyguards holster their weapons and enter the remaining vehicles. Sarosh places the hooded blindfold over Chance's head and leads him back to his vehicle for the return trip back to the social club. Chance is thankful for the hooded blindfold that now hides the visible sign of relief on his face.

GM Notes:
I utilized the SOLO 2E and OPSE tools along with Cepheus Light Skill checks to resolve the negotiation process. Chance was not able to make his skill checks with locating the hidden compartment, but did manage to make critical skill checks to survive the failed negotiation. Chance deciding to make a low-ball offer actually prevented this situation from going from bad to worse. Seral was not able to make his skill checks and therefore believes Chance is just a buyer and not an Abin spy. Chance’s brash and bold courage was respected by Seral, but Chance’s limited negotiation abilities were not. Seral agrees it was wise to make a low-ball offer, but thinks Chance is absolutely terrible as an appraiser.

Story Narrative:

The ride back to the social club is quiet. Sarosh is fuming about the failed negotiation and the evaporation of an opportunity to turn a profit from a successful deal. The hood is yanked off of Chance as the vehicle pulls up to the social club. Sarosh’s tone is deadly serious as he informs Chance about his finder's fee. “You owe me ten percent of your 50kCR offer. That comes out to a Finder’s Fee of 5kCR payable whether a deal is made or not.” Four huge dudes approach the parked vehicle. Chance knows these guys are TKs and his failure to pay is going to hurt. Sarosh instructs Chance to stay in the vehicle and think about his options. Sarosh and the TKs have a quick conversation, and Sarosh returns to the vehicle. Sarosh explains, “Here’s your options. You pay me my fee, and I will drive you back to Veiled Vices where your friends are waiting. Don’t pay, and learn how to walk again after your broken legs have fully healed. Your choice!” Chance fully understands the nature of the threat, and does not doubt that Sarosh and his four friends will make good on that threat. With a sarcastic tone, Chance replies “Oh, my ABSOLUTE pleasure” as he hands over 5k credit bills to Sarosh. Sarosh gives him a big grin and says, “a pleasure doing business with you. Sit back and enjoy the ride!” Needless to say, the ride back was more pleasurable for Sarosh than it was for Chance.

Up Next: Where Do We Go From Here?

***AI images generated through https://perchance.org/generators

Operation Grievance - Going For the Gold

Cast of Characters (I-Con Squad):

Icond (INIS Squad Leader)

-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Ignores Col. Janice Middleton.

Janice Mehlberg (Imperium Marine Colonel-Retired)

-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Rival of Icond.

Chance Morgenstern (INIS Agent-Retired)

-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Admires Dr. Slager.

Dr. Merrick Slager (Scholar/Team Doctor-Retired)

-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Secretly hates Col. Janice.

Ritch Duhart (INIS Agent-Retired)

-Character Reactions (SOLO 2E p.36): Inseparable buddy of Chance.

…..............

Operation Grievance: Going for the Gold

​
344-1122

System: Abin

Setting: Apartment of Sarosh Nakajima in Dakala 

The Mission: 

Probe Sarosh about the medallion by posing as potential buyers

GM Notes:

The potential for combat at this point is quite high, but a few more details are needed. I used the One Page Solo Engine (OPSE) to flesh out the details before resolving combat using my copy of Cepheus Light by Stellagama Publishing.

Story Narrative: 

The 3FT agent decides to interrogate the Icond Squad members by posing as an undercover cop, wanting to know who they are and why they are hanging around this area. The Icond Squad notices the 3FT agent approaching their position. As the agent approaches, the undercover cop tells Icond he has no clue who this is. Ritch says he doesn't match the description of Sarosh that was described to him by his jewel thief informant. 

The 3FT agent recognizes the undercover cop as he gets closer to the group, so his original plan won't work. Time to improvise an alternate story. The agent decides to change his identity from local cop to government official. Unfortunately for the agent, he has no idea that the Icond Squad is aware of the medallion's true purpose and that the group is working for the Abin government. The 3FT agent identifies himself as a government agent investigating the theft of the medallion. He wants the group to identify themselves and to tell him why they are obviously staking out Sarosh Nakajima's apartment. The Icond Squad and the undercover cop know this person isn't who he says he is. 

Combat Resolution:

Since the PCs have an advantage of knowing the 3FT agent is lying, they received a DM of +1 to their surprise roll. 

GM Notes: I resolved combat using Cepheus Light rules for combat. The Icond Squad failed to achieve surprise. Chance attempts to grapple the agent and fails. Merrick follows suit and fails his grapple attempt. The 3FT agent is next in initiative order and he fires his drawn pistol hitting Ritch. Body armor absorbs the bulk of the damage. The rest of the party draws their weapons and a firefight ensues. Several misses occur, but eventually the 3FT agent lies unconscious from several serious gunshot wounds. No one else is injured.

Create a Plan: 

The undercover cop has no choice but to report the shooting; however, he wishes to maintain cover. He'll leave the task of questioning the perp to his law enforcement colleagues. The undercover cop and Icond Squad members will split up and rendezvous at a local watering hole a few blocks away from the scene.

Solid 8+/Dangerous 

Resolve Plan:

The plan roll fails but the subsequent consequence avoidance roll is successful, so the party successfully escapes the scene without injury. 

Story Narrative:

The Icond Squad and undercover cop quickly leave the area in separate directions. The undercover cop reports the shooting and gives his superiors a quick briefing. The 3FT agent's identity is unknown to the group at this time, but something may be revealed if he survives. The group meets up a few hours later at an all-night diner to discuss their next step. 

Word about the shooting is spreading fast in the neighborhood. The arrival of the police and ambulance only helps to get the word out. Will this help or hurt the Icond Squad? 

GM Notes:

I used the OPSE tool to answer any questions about any fallout from the shooting. I also did a check to see if the group wanted to continue the operation or wait until tomorrow. SOLO 2E provides excellent tools for generating answers to questions and consequence results. I use these from time to time, but I tend to lean toward the OPSE tool due to having access to the OPSE Android app. This convenient digital tool saves time and allows me to cut and paste text when I need to write up my story narratives.

Story Narrative:

The group heads back to Sarosh's neighborhood after a few hours and sets up for surveillance. This time Icond, Chance, and Ritch will be on the ground while Colonel Janice, Dr. Merrick, and the undercover cop sit in a vehicle within eyeshot of the scene. As dawn approaches, there is no sign of Sarosh. The party decides to call it a night and try again in the evening. The group heads back to their base to get some sleep. 

345-1122

It's early afternoon before they're back at it. The Icond Squad receives fresh news about Sarosh. He's been spotted, but not at his apartment. He has been seen on a nearby street at a known Throttle Kings' (TK) hangout. The group feels time is against them, so contact must be made. The undercover cop has sufficient street cred to maybe have a chance to gain entrance, but the rest of the group is a different story, except for maybe Ritch. Since Ritch got Sarosh's name from the jewel thief, maybe that will buy him entrance? Ritch is not confident that simply dropping the jewel thief's name will get him anywhere, and the undercover cop agrees. The group decides to break into teams of two and stake out the social club. 

The group makes its way to the Quantum Lounge Social Club. The stake out teams keep their eyes on the club for several hours. The long and boring task eventually pays off when the group spots Sarosh as he leaves the social club. Sarosh exits the club with a couple of people, but they all go their separate ways, including Sarosh. The three teams follow Sarosh as he makes his way to a vehicle. Icond signals Colonel Janice, Chance, and Ritch to make contact with Sarosh. 

Make a NPC Reaction check:

2d6 roll with DM +1 = 10

Result = Friendly reaction with interest. 

Cepheus Light Game Mechanic Check 

Can the group get Sarosh to listen? 

Difficult 8+

Roll with DM +3 for streetwise/carousing skills: 9 = success 

Story Narrative:

The Colonel, Chance, and Ritch approach Sarosh as he's getting ready to enter his vehicle. Chance does most of the talking, and using his Carouse skill he gets to the subject about buying the medallion by flashing a wad of Credit bills. Sarosh looks around to see who's watching and grabs the wad of credits and slips it in his pocket. Sarosh whispers to the three, "I don't have the medallion, but I can put you in touch with someone who will listen to your offer. Only one of you can come, and you'll have to go with me right now." The three Icond Squad members quickly discuss the offer, with Sarosh being able to hear their conversation. Colonel Janice suggests that Chance should go. Ritch concurs. Chance agrees and gets into the passenger side of the vehicle. It's a risky and dangerous move, but Chance believes it's worth the risk. Sarosh and Chance drive off with Colonel Janice and Ritch surveying their surroundings to see if anyone is watching or following Sarosh's vehicle. 

Icond and the undercover cop shadow the Colonel and Ritch and notice the two TKs following them. Colonel Janice and Ritch hail a taxi, and head to the original tavern where the mission began. Icond and the undercover cop know that there are only two places the Colonel and Ritch would go. Either the rendezvous location or the local tavern. If the two are aware they're being followed, they will head to the tavern instead of the diner. Icond and the undercover cop both agree the tavern is the best choice, so they'll head there as well. 

GM Notes:

I conduct a few more question and answer checks using the SOLO 2E and OPSE tools to see what is happening with everyone except Chance. I'll resolve his meeting afterwards.

Story Narrative:

The Colonel and Ritch arrive at Veiled Vices, the little tavern they visited at the start of this mission. As they enter the tavern, Ritch spots two individuals inside the vehicle closely watching him as they drive by. 

Ritch glances at the Colonel, and she also notices the two passing by. She whispers “TKs” and Ritch nods in agreement. The two enter the tavern. It's not very crowded this early in the evening, but the bartender is the same one as last time. He recognizes the two as they approach the bar. The Colonel and Ritch order drinks then head to a table with a view of the door. Icond and the undercover cop enter the tavern about twenty minutes later. They both grab a couple of brews and head for the table. After about five minutes, the two individuals following the Colonel and Ritch enter the tavern. The two give a quick glance and notice the undercover cop. Their suspicious faces ease a bit at the site of the undercover cop. They then proceed to walk over to the corner table where the party is sitting. The two street thugs inform the group not to leave until their "friend" returns. Their threatening tone is undeniably sinister. The group is on high alert. Fortunately the tavern is almost empty. 

The two TK toughs sit at a nearby table, each with a hand under the table within easy reach of a concealed weapon. Ritch decides to lighten the mood by calling out for the bartender to bring a couple of drinks to the two TKs. "Drinks on me," as he nods to the two thugs. The TKs nod to Ritch, but their sinister expressions do not ease. The party is careful with their conversation since the tavern is fairly quiet at the moment. Icond quips, "It's all in Chances's hands. Let's hope he can make the deal!" The party clinks their glasses in a hopeful toast. 

Up Next: The Negotiation of Chance

***AI images generated through https://perchance.org/generators

Operation Grievance: Pound the Pavement

I have taken a long break from this campaign (too long) to play some other RPGs, but with the release of Paul Elliott's SOLO Second Edition (SOLO 2E) I am stoked to get started playing again.  I am picking up the story from where I left off last back in 2021.

341-1122

System: Abin

Setting: City streets of Dakala 

The Mission: 

Make contact with an informant who has information on the location of the criminal organization who possesses the medallion and locate it. 

Story Narrative: 

The group makes its way into a seedy area of the city and heads into a local tavern known to be a hangout for members of the criminal organization responsible for the medallion theft. The local undercover cop who is escorting the party has infiltrated the gang, and will introduce them to his confidential informant (CI). 

Tavern patrons enthusiastically greet the undercover cop, so it appears his cover is good. A rather burly and surly individual approaches and asks, "who the hell is this?" The undercover cop vouches for the I-Con Squad, and although the street tough gives a skeptical grimace, he nods to the undercover cop and walks to the back where a private group is gathered at the back of the tavern. The undercover cop smiles and says," a round for the house!" While the patrons hoot and holler, the cop whispers to Icond that the street tough is actually a high-level enforcer for the criminal organization. Everything is cool for the moment, but be careful. 

After about 30 minutes, a rather wormy looking figure enters and heads to the table where the party is sitting. The undercover cop introduces the party to Turl Herdisen, his CI. Turl's high-pitched and squeaky voice fits his image, as he proceeds to tell the undercover cop the news that the medallion has already been sold, or at least that's what he has heard.  

As far as the undercover cop is concerned, he believes the CI is telling the truth.  Colonel Janice waits for the CI to move on before voicing her opinion.  "Despite his claims, I think it would be foolhardy to believe it before checking it out.  I think we need to investigate further." The rest of the team along with the undercover cop agree.  After all, the CI is low-level and may be misinformed.

Create a Plan:  

Make appropriate Skill checks, then apply DMs to The Plan roll.

Solid 8+   Danger Level: Dangerous

GM Notes:

I will make appropriate skill level checks (Cepheus Light Rules) for the I-Con Squad members and use these as positive and/or negative DMs for the plan resolution roll. The fact that the I-Con Squad is unknown on Dakala means their inquiries will be viewed as highly suspicious, even with the undercover cop's presence.  The squad members nonetheless are skilled at this kind of work, especially Icond, Chance, and Ritch. I consider this type of activity to be quite dangerous and it could lead to the death of a member or members of the team.

Plan Resolution:

Skill DMs: Successful checks: Icond, Chance, and Ritch (no automatic success rolls made) / Failed: Col. Janice (no critical failures) = DM +3

Plan Roll: 2d6 +3 = 12  Success!!  [I decided not to roll for a consequence due to the level of success]

Story Narrative:

The I-Con Squad along with the undercover cop hit the streets over the next few days to further investigate news about the medallion theft.  Ritch befriends a local jewel thief who is quite knowledgeable about the theft.  She has reliable information about the party responsible.  It has not yet found a buyer who will pay their asking price.  She tells Ritch they are exceptionally greedy, and will hold out for top money.  Although she doesn't know who is holding the medallion, she does know a crew member of the responsible organization.  His name is Sarosh Nakajima, a member of the Throttle Kings.  The Throttle Kings have ties to organized crime in Dakala, but are one of many such gangs.  The Throttle Kings or 'TKs' are mainly involved with the illicit drug trade, but have a few members who specialize in theft and fencing of high-value items such as jewelry and weaponry.  Sarosh is part of the theft/fencing operation. The jewel thief gives Ritch his address and tells him, "You didn't get this from me."

 

The party locates Sarosh's residence, an apartment in a better section of this rough neighborhood of Dakala.  A sign that he is not simply a low-level street thug.  A quick survey of the apartment location indicates security systems are present.  A straight approach will not work, but the I-Con Squad has a few options at their disposal.  One difficulty will be the bio-identity access passes at the apartment entry point. The team will need to decide whether to defeat the security system and make entry, or conduct a stake-out and track Sarosh's movement.  Time is of the essence, so long-term surveillance is not possible.

GM Notes:

At this point, the options for the team are limited with the time factor situation.  Nabbing him and conducting an interrogation probably won't yield much.  Approaching him as potential customers is an option, but someone approaching out of the blue without a known connection would be highly suspicious and would probably fail. Time to break out the One Page Solo Engine Generator (OPSE)!!

OPSE Results: 

Advance A Threat=An agent of the 3FT is also looking for Sarosh.  Does the 3FT agent spot the party casing Sarosh's place? 

Find out by making an Ask The D6 check for the situation.  Result=Bad stuff happens, but it's not yet catastrophic. 

GM Notes:

With this development, I think it would be great to actually play this out using my game's combat system.

Up Next: Advance a Threat Resolution

***AI images obtained through https://perchance.org/generators