I assume you guys are heading back to the ship - and then heading to the scout base to dock?

Apologies, been sidelined with a flu. Hope it's not too late to ask Inspector Norim a couple of questions before we leave his office:

Newton:
Inspector, what is this narcotic, Tusal, that was found in Vlen Backett's blood, and on his clothing and luggage?

You mentioned there were high levels of it in his blood. Interesting choice of words that: "high levels".
What does that mean exactly? The sort of levels that occur following recent use? Levels consistent with heavy addiction? Or levels indicative of taking or being administered an unusually potent dose?

Also, what did your autopsy say about how the drug got into the blood stream?
Was there anything to suggest that the drug may not have been there voluntarily?
Were there signs that Vlen Backett had used Tusal before?
Or does this appear to have been a one-off 'hit'? If so, how was it administered?

You will excuse my questions, I'm sure. It's just that, on top of the shock of Andros' uncle's death, the details of how he died are horrible enough to deal with, without having to deal with unsubstantiated suggestions of possible drug addiction as well.

So, please, what can you tell us about this drug, Tusal, and what the post mortem revealed about the quantities in Vlen Backett's blood?

No worries, not too late, Zenguy.

The levels of Tusal in his blood were high; he would have been quite tipsy, but I'm not a doctor or drug analyst, so can't really say for sure if it was an overdose. Tusal is normally taken in the form of chewable tablets, but can be eaten raw, we don't know how it got into his blood or if he was taking it before his death. We have everything examinable from his body on record, and we are looking into the matter. It's an ongoing investigation, and patience is needed.

ScrubKai - you can't dock for free at the starport - best plan is to head to the scout base where you can.

Newton:
Thank you.

One last question before we go:
Is Tusal strong tasting? Or could it have been slipped into Vlen Backett's food without him knowing?

Newton is has a compad in his hand, and they're legal in the starport. You're welcome to use that if it is any help.

FYI, Newton's line of questioning was deliberate. He wanted the the Inspector to:
a) be clear we're innocent but concerned citizen's, and
b) make sure the POC investigate the possibility that Vlen Backett was innocent.

Perhaps a roll for these is in order:
a) Deception +5 (skill) +2 (Int) = 15 - Investigate 3(?) = 12(?)
b) Persuasion +2 (skill) +2 (Int) = 7 - difficulty? = something lower than 7
(Sorry Andros, looks like he's not going to go out of his way to ensure the investigation check Vlen Backett's innocence.)

In Andros' view: It's the government, or course they aren't going to help. He worked for them, he understands who's back get scratched and we don't have the credits or pull to be in that list. That's why we wants to look into this himself.

Inspector Norrim:
I don't know the exact effects of Tusal, but I do know it is quite strong tasting, whether taken in tablet form or raw.

For ScrubKai - Library data on Tusal
Tusal
Tusal is an illegal narcotic. It is usually sold in the form of tablets, although some prefer it in its less processed, undried form as a wad to be chewed. Tusal is derived from a seaweed. The origin of the drug is unknown, but it is believed to have been imported from the Vargr extents a century ago, and is now grown on various worlds along Corridor sector. A dose of Tusal produces mild euphoria and intoxication; a very strong dose can dull pain receptors and cause unconsciousness. As a Tusal user can remain functional while under the effects of a low dose, many addicts chew six or seven tablets per day to remain in a constant drugged haze. Tusal is especially associated with menial jobs and the unemployed, as an otherwise dull life of drudgery can be made pleasant by the drug. Long-term effects of Tusal addiction include respiratory and digestive problems and a high incidence of stomach cancer.

Time to get going

lets go.

ready

Grainger I have never fired a lethal weapon in anger But manys the time in port where a stunner has come in handy...I shall keep it handy unless and until I no longer can

We'll say there's a couple of stun guns in the ship's locker. They're not legal on the planet, though, but as long as nobody sees them you should be fine.

Newton:
I suggest we leave weapons on the ship. We're far better off using our wits to get out of any situation we might get into, than try and shoot our way out. Also, if there's a risk of being set-up with the authorities, then carrying illegal weapons is just going to make things much more difficult.

What might be sensible is some discrete (TL10) cloth armor under out clothes. Being purely defensive it's hardly likely to cause any problems with the authority.

Give me a minute and I'll see what sort of local support my earlier inquiries have turned up.
Newton returns to his room and his is ever present compad.

Matthew, what planetside contacts (guide, lawyer) has Newton found?
The roll for this (from earlier): +4(Streetwise) +2(Int) -4 Difficulty = 9

Grainger..Okay, Im happy when we are dealing with officials to leave the stun pistol, but I will bring it if we head out and do any investigating of our own. I agree that wearing some discrete body armour might be wise tho...Lets do this

So we're all ready to get on a shuttle to the surface? I'll need you all to list what you're taking with you.