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Message: <blockquote data-quote="Whizbang Dustyboots" data-source="post: 9566632" data-attributes="member: 11760">The Sorcerer wasn't big enough for a ground vehicle, so Albedo set out on foot toward the mines, twitching his woven poncho to cover his stun baton and pistols, while still leaving them accessible if he needed them.He picked his way up the loose rocks on the inside of the caldera, until he reached the rim. Vents of hot toxic gas opened under his feet as he climbed, forcing Albedo to step quickly to avoid the fumes or from quick-frying his leg.He stayed low out of habit -- it was unlikely that his target would be monitoring every volcanic crater on Storix -- and pulled out his electrobinoculars and scanned the outer portions of the mining camp.The view telescoped dramatically, letting him pick out details of the figures moving around the camp, even in the dim light available. Typical mining workers, a mix of the insectoid Lek'tok, rat-like Murian, and horned Ghol who made up most of the population of Storix.No robes. It wouldn't make sense that Itsuki Itch would be wearing them, but the Mystic Order didn't behave like normal people. Maybe it was a religious vow or maybe they were all insane. Either way, no sign of them.But looking closely, there were plenty of signs of armed men and vehicles, typical toughs. Storix was a gang-controlled planet, mostly held by the Red Moon Syndicate with the Targ Cartel always looking for an opening to take over. The last thing Albedo needed was to be mistaken for either side of that conflict.Albedo didn't speak Targ -- it was tough for vertebrates to speak it -- but they understood Galactic Standard just fine.With a sigh -- there was always the chance that this sort of thing might go wrong, he descended the far side of the crater, descending to an outlying set of huts and vehicle maintenance buildings on the edge of the Gur the Targ's Spice Mines."I'm looking for this man," Albedo said, showing an image on the small battered data pad that he carried with him outside his ship."You're lost," the Murian said, spitting a brown stream of whatever well-chewed leaves he had stored in his lower lip. "Jantus Temple is that way."Albedo moved his boot out of the way of the spittle before it reached him. His first instinct was to twitch his poncho aside, show this officious little man he wasn't to be insulted like this. But there were spherical cameras in every corner of the room and presumably armed guards who would come crashing in if there was even the threat of violence. So: Be nice, for now."What's your name, friend?"The Murian looked up, tense, expecting a fight, but not getting one."Rolan. Niff Rolan."His pink eyes flicked to Albedo's hips and then back to his one good eye."Nasty scar you have there ...""Albedo. Facula Albedo."There was a flicker in his expression. Subtle, but it was there. He knew the name.Albedo didn't let his hands drift to his hips. He had a feeling he'd be facing armed Targ enforcers if Rolan got any more nervous than he already is. Instead, Albedo's thumb moved across the data pad, calling up a credits transfer."Master Itsuki has gone missing. I've been asked to find him, before he gets hurt."Both Albedo and Rolan could hear the lie in that, but neither showed any change in expression."There's a finder's fee for anyone who helps me. And for spreading the word, let's say ..."His thumb clicked the screen several times. Rolan's wiry eyebrows shot up and he held out his data pad. There was a beep and a transfer of credits."I'll spread the word, Mr. Albedo.""I appreciate that. I'll be around until I find him."Without making any sudden movements, Albedo turned and walked back toward the crater, ears straining for the sound of weapons being brought to bear on him. He didn't relax until he was back over the ridge line and safe.</blockquote>

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