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[Kel Riever]

Faed was in the process of examining his quarters.  Although he had no desire to return to the Flotilla, Faed nevertheless preferred the typical quarian arrangement.  In one sense, if it wasn’t of quarian design, he appreciated asari ships for their typically social atmosphere and arrangements.  In another sense, he found his cabin a bit too lavish for his standards.

First, it was too open.  It wasn’t that Faed didn’t prefer open spaces, but he didn’t prefer them for his quarters.  The good news was that the cabin could be filled with the odds and ends that kept him company over time.  Perhaps a few different computer interface modules, or well, maybe more like ten.  It wasn’t like he was predominantly a machinist, up to his neck in contraptions.  He’d also need a good hologram display.  And his personal database.  VERA could interact with it but it needed to be able to be pulled separately offline from her and…anything. 

Of course, there was the problem of getting it all.  Faed thought maybe he could start with the simple décor of the room when he saw a message appear on his omni-tool.  It had to be one of his contacts, wondering why he hadn’t been online.  With anticipation, he checked his messages, expecting some intriguing conversation about exploring artificial intelligence. 

When he saw the message signed ‘T’Daari’ he was shocked.

It took Faed a moment to compose a response:

Dear Lysix,

There are more gunslingers around here than I can keep track of.  However, there seems to be need for more.  Come on over.  You’ll want to contact the Spectre.  Her name is Naleena.  She was in charge of the rescue operation that broke us out, of course, and as it turns out, I’m now working onboard.

And, really, I don’t think I’d trust any of the gunslingers around here as much as you.

Good luck.  I think there’s alcohol here too, so if you want, you could probably keep your daily drinking routine too.  Maybe.  If it isn’t against someone’s rules.

Rambling.  See you soon.

Faed

[Kel Riever]

Morgan scratched his chin briefly and said to Sherie, "Well...I was talking to Dogger, and telling him about a serious problem about a situation on this ship.  Which is that the food is terrible.  And I mean terrible, while still being non-toxic.  You can eat it, if you have no taste buds.  He had recommended I talk to you about it.  We could really use someone who knows what they're doing taking a look at the menu around here and giving us some advice.  If you were willing to do more, I'm sure it would also help with the cut of share you and Dogger will be taking in."

Scowling as he activated his omni-tool, Morgan added, "And, I'm not really the perfect person to be reviewing bunking needs for the crew.  There's a snapshot here of the list I made for bedding and some other things people around here will need to be comfortable in their cabins, yours included.  Can I give it to you to look over?  I'm trying to get the accomodations as close to home as you can get....while flying in a metal spaceship through the void."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena turned her head to Arian. "From the intel we've received from the Council's other source, with the addition of VERA, this ship can take on a Collector dreadnought. Since you're now a member of the team, VERA is not your standard VI. You'll get to know her and trust her. Our intention is to locate their base and take them out. And we have another overarching mission beyond that. Do you remember the Battle of the Citadel? It wasn't Geth. And....."

 

*** BREAKING NEWS REPORT *** BREAKING NEWS REPORT ***

 

“Aw, sh*t! What now?” Irina remarked.

 

Naleena turned away from Arian and watched the report.

 

*** BREAKING NEWS REPORT *** BREAKING NEWS REPORT ***

 

“This is Stephanie Taylor, Ashland Daily News with a breaking news report from Omega.

 

“Earlier today, a historical event took place when a highly damaged Cerberus frigate, the SR-2 Normandy emerged from the Omega 4 Relay, and docked at Omega.

 

“Ralyna T’Gasi is on the scene for Omega News.

 

“This is Ralyna T’Gasi, Omega News standing on the Omega Station with Commander Jane Shepard of the SR-2 Normandy, the first ship known to successfully traverse the Omega 4 Relay. Welcome back, Commander.”

 

Shepard: “It’s good to be back, Ms. T’Gasi. It was a hell of a ride. And the Galaxy’s a safer place because of it.”

 

T’Gasi: “What did you find on the other side?”

 

Shepard: “Black holes and the Collector base. The Collectors won’t bother anyone again. But I couldn’t have done any of it without this team.”

 

T’Gasi: “So you destroyed their base?”

 

Shepard: “No. The technology was too valuable. Cerberus had a plan to save the base but kill all the Collectors. No one else in the galaxy took the Collector threat seriously. Not the Council, and not the Alliance – only Cerberus. And they’ll use it to prepare us for any future threats.”

 

T’Gasi: “So Cerberus has the base?”

 

Shepard: “Yes. The base is safe. Its technology will be studied and used in the fight against the Reapers.”

 

The newscast continued.

 

**

 

Irina sighed. “There goes our mission, Boss.”

 

“Part of our mission,” Naleena said, and then got a very worried look on her face. “Shepard gave a strategic asset to a known terrorist organization. Shepard is, or was, a Spectre. What she just did is treason, a capital offense. And she acknowledged it on a broadcast. I can’t believe it.”

 

VERA’s light flickered on her terminal. Naleena reached over. Now what is it? “Yes, VERA?”

 

“You have a call on the QEC from Jonas Ashland,” VERA reported. "It is urgent."

 

“Tell him I’ll be right there,” Naleena replied and then turned to the others. “I’ll be back shortly.”

 

She left the lounge and headed to the conference room. Upon entry she keyed in her authentication code, and the table lowered. Ashland appeared before her. He usually had a calm demeanor, but he was clearly agitated.

 

“Did you see that report?” Ashland asked. “I can’t believe it! It’s good that the Collectors are gone, but Cerberus! Cerberus!?”

 

Naleena stood still. “I saw it.”

 

“That’s it? You saw it? Naleena, I have a job for you, and you’re the only one who can do it. It pays very well. You know I’m a very wealthy man, and I can afford this: Ten million credits. I want you to take out Commander Shepard.” Ashland said.

 

Naleena sighed. “With all due respect, Mr. Ashland, I don’t do that kind of work anymore. You’ll….”

 

“Is it the money? Twenty million?” Ashland asked. “Do you remember what Cerberus did to me and to other humans not less than 20 years ago trying to create natural human biotics? They crashed my freighters into colonies. My freighters to spread refined eezo hoping that the exposure would affect newborns. It cost me billions.”

 

“No it’s not the money, Mr. Ashland. I’m independently wealthy. And I remember taking out several Cerberus operatives in charge of those missions in retribution,” Naleena replied, “But I’m a Council Spectre, now. I’m no longer a gun for hire. If you want this done by me, you’ll have to go through the Council. I’m sorry.”

 

“What about this last mission? You did that for me.”

 

“I also had Council approval,” Naleena replied, “The thing is this: Shepard is a Council Spectre. The Council has to declare Shepard rogue. If they do that, I can go after her. If they don’t, I won’t. I spent the last 250 years looking over my shoulder. I don’t want to do it again.”

 

Ashland said his goodbyes, and signed off. Naleena stood in silence. Then she walked over to the bar, unlocked it and poured a drink of an Asari liqueur, took the bottle over to the table, sat in one of the chairs, and lit a cigarette. She needed a drink. The day had been stressful. Where was Anika? She needed Anika. She slammed down the drink and poured another.

 

Why? Of all the things to do, why did Shepard give that base to Cerberus? She could have turned it over to the Council or at worse to the Alliance. The Alliance would have been bound by treaty to share the technology, but Cerberus is under no treaty, and that technology is priceless. To give it to a terrorist organization that has endangered its own people? What was she thinking? We could have used that technology. Naleena thought.

 

The alcohol and herbs began to hit and relax her a bit. She poured another. VERA’s light flickered. She ignored it. Her omni-tool vibrated. She ignored it. VERA made her omni-tool vibrate constantly. She hit VERA’s pad. VERA appeared.

 

“What is it, VERA?”

 

“You are drunk, Boss, and are not functioning at optimal capacity.”

 

“I know. I needed to do this.”

 

“Please explain.” VERA asked.

 

“You sound like my mother.”

 

“I do not understand the organic need to ‘get drunk.’ For me the drinks and cigarettes are simply stage props. For organics, they elicit physiological reactions that alter chemical pathways in the brain and alter behavior patterns. Some make them more efficient, and others make them less efficient. What you are doing makes them less efficient. Therefore it is difficult for me to understand.”

 

Naleena sighed, finished her drink and put the cap on the bottle. “There is nothing like the ship putting ‘the boss’ in her place, is there? The boss needs some rest and relaxation, but cannot seem to get any. I cannot watch a single show on the vid without an interruption. I just hired a new member of the team, but that wasn’t without a major discussion. Then Shepard took out the Collectors, which was a relief, but she gave their base to Cerberus. This could be a problem. Ashland called and wanted me to assassinate Shepard. I turned him down. After that hostage mission, it was just too much for me.

 

“Organics need camaraderie and companionship. Someone to talk to. It is lonely here at the top. Anika is gone back to the Medusa. I have no one. I was hoping the drinks would help me not think about it.”

 

“Did it work?” VERA asked.

 

“No.” Naleena sighed again.

 

“You could always talk to me, Boss.” VERA offered.

 

“I think I just did. You’re a good friend, VERA.”

 

“I will stay here. It only uses 0.000000000001% of my processing power to maintain this holographic interface.”

 

"Thank you, VERA." Naleena sat back in the chair and smoked her cigarette.

[TheMajonese]

While watching the news report Arian shook his head in disbelief. He had never liked this human spectre but until now he had mistrusted the reports of her joining Cerberus and betraying the council. Now it seems that these rumors were true. Arian had no plan what kind of technology this collector base was made of but whatever it was, Cerberus had it now and there was nothing worse than a terrorist organisation with access to advanced ressources. 

 

Disgruntled he left the lounge without paying attention to the krogan or the human. He wanted to start his workout as soon as possible but first he needed to find the quartermaster. 

 

Standing in the hallway, staring to the left and then turning around, Arian realised that he had no idea where on the ship he was or where he had to go. Indifferently he took the corridor to the right. If he couldn't find the quartermaster himself or got lost on the ship he would ask the next crew member he encountered. 

[Cknarf]

After the novelty of having a suppressor had worn off, Frank gathered his gear, and exited the simulator.

 

Maybe I'll try an actual combat scenario next time.

 

He arrived at his locker, and stashed his weapons, before heading up to deck three.  It was nap time, son.

 

Frank paid no attention to the report, as he walked through the lounge.  

 

Blah blah, Omega.  Big freakin' deal.  ****'s always going down there. Nothing I haven't seen before, I'm sure.

 

On the way to his cabin, Frank noticed the turian that was previously training with the commandos. Dude was obviously lost.

 

"Sup, Stretch?" Frank asked, as he approached, looking up at the turian. "Can I help you find somethin'?"

[TheMajonese]

When Arian turned around and spotted the human, he wasn't able to hide the expression of his mockery for a few seconds. The man in front him had to be a midget, he was even shorter and thinner than Naleena. Arian looked down at the human und focused on what he had been asked.

 

"You can tell me where I can find the quartermaster. I just got here and I have no damn idea where I am."

[Cknarf]

Frank's head recoiled, as the turian turned around. He stood on his toes, trying to get an idea of exactly how tall this guy was.

 

"Hmm. 'Bout an inch on her, I'd say. Way uglier, though." He mumbled to himself, before putting his feet flat.

 

"Lookin' for Septerax, huh? Right this way, Too-Tall." Frank started for the elevator. "Come on, then."

[TheMajonese]

Arian followed the human to the elevator. He was wondering what abilities this guy had because he didn't seem to be really useful in combat, he looked like a good blast of air was enough to knock him over. Naleena probably wouldn't have let the human join the crew if he didn't have some hidden talents. But why did she offer Arian to be part of the crew in the first place? The only thing he was good at was killing.

 

To distract himself from his scattered thoughts, he asked some questions. "About this ship...how big is the crew? And what are they doing between the missions?"

[Cknarf]

Between missions? Hmm...

 

"Each other." Frank snickered. "It's party time, all the time aboard the Janiri." He nodded. "For real man, it's crazy. You wait and see. B*tches, beers, and... and... f***in', other cool stuff that starts with B. You name it, we got it."

 

"As for the size of the crew, it varies. You see, I'm about 5'8-- Ahh, I'm just messin' with you.  I don't know how big the crew is, to be honest. I only know the 'irregulars.'  Let's see there's..."

 

Frank began counting on his fingers.

 

"The boss, Vayne, Irina, Essul, Eteon, Iole, Tallis, those other two asari I can't remember... there's... three on the Medusa now, I think... Oh, and Frank. He's the coolest." He nodded. "That's me, obviously."

 

The elevator doors opened, but Frank remained on.  He opened his omni-tool.

 

"Septerax?"

 

"*sigh* Yes, Eli." Septerax replied.

 

"I'm sending the new guy your way."

 

"I already kn--"

 

"Good man!" Frank interrupted, before ending the call.  "He's over there, somewhere. Only turian on this level, you can't miss him. Good luck!" He closed the elevator doors, and hit the button for the crew deck.

 

I think he's got it from here.

[Redbelle]

The shuttle alighted on the Jeniri's deck and after a few moment's of sitting idle, the hatch opened. Anika stepped out and looked around the now familiar hanger bay. She nodded the quarter master who nodded back and pulled out a pad to mark her down as being aboard.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

VERA took note that Anika was aboard and sent a text back to the quartermaster.

 

"This is odd. Anika, VERA informs me that you should report to the Conference Room," Septerax said, "I'll have your belongings brought to your quarters."

 

VERA sent another buzz to the quartermaster.

 

"....change that.... to the Captain's quarters."

[Redbelle]

A couple of Asari in one of the Jeniri's intersections noticed a tall armoured human woman walk upto and stand outside one of the crew quarter doors. They watched as she stopped outside. Stared at the door as if willing it open via the power of biotics. Then sighed and started trudging off towards the central elevator. The pair shrugged and resumed their talking that was interrupted five minutes later by the same human, carrying the same luggage approaching the crew door again. This time she got within a few steps of it. Glanced that way and stared. This time though, the pair noticed her eye's were not focused on the door but inward. She was thinking and obviously torn in making a decision. Finally she turned around and walked away again.

 

Both Asari turned to look at each other. One shrugged. "Tsk. Humans".

[Redbelle]

Finally Anika stood in front of the Captains quarter's. Her sense of professionalism was warring with her desire to see Naleena again. The image of her carrying her luggage to the captains quarters......

 

......

 

'Ah the hell with it'.

 

Anika rung the door chime

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

VERA unlocked the door to Naleena's quarters and they opened for Anika. "Welcome, Anika. It is good to have you back aboard."

 

Anika entered, and the door closed behind her as usual. VERA's visage appeared in front of her.

 

"Please make yourself at home. The boss is currently interviewing an applicant in the conference room. I have not informed her that you are aboard. When she is done with the interview, I will alert her that one of the most expensive fish in her tank needs her immediate attention," VERA said. "While I know this is deceit, I have read that organics use this tactic for surprise parties and similar events. I would like your return to the ship to be a surprise. She has been pining for you.

 

"There is room in the closet for your belongings, and you will find your leather commando armor, and a pair of loose fitting coveralls in there if you wish to change into something more comfortable," VERA continued, "Also, you will find refreshments and snacks in the cabinet next to the couch, and a remote control on the table to watch the vid.

 

"The boss discussed organics' need for company. Since you last saw me, I have made alterations to my algorithms to accommodate this. I multi-task so I can remain here and keep you company while you wait if you would like. We could watch the vid together."

[Redbelle]

Anika's eyebrows were raised during VERA's speech and when she was done Anika found herself nodding. "Uh..... sure"? She said before shaking herself out of it. "Sorry. It's just.... I was worried how it would look. Me coming straight up to Nally's quarter's and....". Anika sighed. "That sounds good. More than good. Gives me the chance to wind down. That's right. Right? Your not supposed to feel anxious meeting someone you like? It should be like shoes. Not new shoes that need breaking in. Old ones that fit right. Though Nally and I are new so I guess that analogy doesn't work and I'm babbling". Anika dropped her gear down and ran an armored hand over the back of her armored neck. "I just.... wonder. How things are going to be. Jess seems to be trying to push me towards Nally and I want to be right there. But there are things that need doing and..... And then there are the people who might notice me on the Jeniri..... and....". Anika stopped again and looked up. Realising she was pouring out all her feelings to a computer. "You know? A vid sounds good right now. Take my mind off things. Where was that closet"? She asked plucking up her bag and heading over to where VERA pointed. "I brought my own clothes. Does Nally mind if I strip my guns in here? I like to oil them in quarter's back on the Medusa. Does she have shamp- never mind! I brought my own of that too".

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

VERA sat on her desk smoking a cigarette. She looked up at Anika. "It is alright for you to tell me what is on your mind," VERA said and shook her hair back. "The boss 'bared her soul' to me earlier because she had no one else with whom to speak. I like interacting with organics in this manner. It helps me understand them better. If it would help, I will mark your data file 'confidential.'"

[Cknarf]

Frank dug through the refrigerator.

 

"Ugh. There's nothing to eeeeeat."

 

"You can't be in here! This is a restricted area!" A krogan voice boomed, startling him.

 

"Pretty sure this is the kitchen." Frank used his foot to close the door, prompting a growl from the krogan.

 

"Yeah. My kitchen. Now get out!"

 

"No way, man. I'm hu-"

"I SAID OUT!" He stomped his foot, and got into position as if he were about to charge.

 

"Alright, alright! I'm leavin'!" Frank threw up his hands and backed away from the fridge. "Don't gotta go all bloodrage on me." He grumbled. On his way to the door, he snatched a brick-shaped package from a shelf and bolted.

 

"Hey!"
-------------------------------------------------------------
Frank examined the package while walking back to his room. Aside from some alien text, and a blue band, it was plainly wrapped. He tore one of the ends off, and looked inside.  There were six blue sticks, arranged in a 3x2 pattern. With a thumb and forefinger, he carefully pulled one out.

"Gross."

It was about the size of a hotdog, and squishy, yet firm.  It was coated in a clear, gelatinous substance, much like a certain canned meat from Earth.  It nearly slid from his fingers as he pinched it.  After wiping away some of the goo, he ran it under his nose. Surprisingly, it didn't have much of an odor.  He touched it with the tip of his tongue, and his brow furrowed. It was a familiar flavor, one he had experienced long ago as a child.

 

Burgat?

 

He bit a chunk out of it.

 

"Yuuuuup." He nodded. "That's definitely burgat."

 

It's actually not bad, when it isn't coming from a dumpster.

 

He opened the door to his room, and entered. With a stick of burgat pinched between his teeth like a cigar, he began pulling off his armor.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Lysix approached the docking bays wearing her armor and carrying all of her wordly posessions in the ruck on her back. If Faed's directions were good, and she was certain that they were, the Janiri was just ahead. Sure enough, the ship came into sight. It was a beautiful craft to her eyes, though T'daari was no expert in space faring vessels. She approached quickly, hoping to find a guard or crew member she could speak with, but instead was brought short by the disembodied voice of a VI.

 

VERA performed a scan of the young Asari. She did not appear to be a threat. VERA detected biochemical reactions associated with the organic feeling of hope. "Is there something I can do for you?"

 

"Yes, I think so. One of your crew members, Faed'Vells nar Ketsa, told me I should come here and speak with the Spectre Naleena about signing on. I'm Lysix T'daari, one of the hostages you rescued from the Batarians."

 

Upon hearing the name Faed, VERA opened the outer door to the airlock. "Please step inside. The door will close behind you and I will initiate a decontamination process. When that is completed a member of the security team will be waiting at the interior to escort you to the Conference Room."

 

Lysix did, and the door closed behind her, and the process began.

 

VERA continued. "I must apologize for the boss' appearance. She is not at her best."

 

The process concluded, the door opened, and Lysix was met by an Asari commando.

 

"So you're another possible new recruit? My name's Iole," she said as she led Lysix back through the CIC. Lysix saw Asari, Turian, and Human crew members. She noticed that those of command rank were Asari.

 

"Don't let appearances deceive you," Iole continued, "The ship is civilian comfort by design. We still operate as a military vessel but have civilian benefits. Here we are. Good luck."

 

***

 

In the conference room, VERA alerted Naleena. "Ahem, sorry to interrupt your stupor, boss, but Faed recommended another applicant: an Asari named Lysix T'daari. She is here."

 

Naleena snapped out of her daze. "You just let her onto the ship?" Naleena asked.

 

"I trust Faed's judgement, Boss. We got to know each other rather... intimately."

 

Naleena raised a brow. "Intimately?"

 

VERA changed the subject. "You have an applicant waiting, Boss."

 

"Back to work," Naleena sighed. "Send her in."

 

***

 

VERA released the door lock on the conference room. "You may step inside."

 

Lysix saw Naleena seated with a tumbler, bottle of Nevosian Ambrosia, an ash tray, and her case of cigarettes open on the table.  Naleena had taken her black leather coat off and had it draped inside out over the back of the chair. Her black commando armor was unfastened in the front down to the middle of her breast bone.

 

Iole took Lysix' side arm, pack, and stood at attention. "Ma'am."

 

VERA made the introduction from her holoimage. "Naleena T'sarius, may I present Lysix T'daari."

 

"Dismissed, Commando." Naleena said. "Please, be seated Ms. T'daari or may I call you Lysix?"

 

"Of course..." Lysix paused as she sat, wholly unsure of how to address the Spectre. "...Madam."

 

Iole turned and left. The doors closed behind her.

 

Naleena sat up straight. "You'll have to excuse me. I was unwinding after a very stressful series of events."

 

"I will concur. The boss is not always like this." VERA interjected.

 

"And this is VERA," Naleena said gesturing with an open hand to the holoimage of a human female wearing a business skirt suit sitting with her legs crossed at her knees on an oak desk in the center of the conference table. "I understand you were a hostage along with Faed, and you're looking for work. Why don't you begin by telling me about yourself?"

 

VERA took out a steno pad and pencil.

 

Lysix nodded to VERA's image when she was introduced, and at Naleena's request for information leaned back in her chair, thinking. Then, she started her story.

"I was born on Omega. Didn't much care for the idea of being a stripper, so I signed on with Eclipse. That's where I got my Sentinel training. Fought with those bastards for fifteen, twenty years maybe. Never really moved up in the ranks, I didn't want the authority any more than they wanted me to have it. Eventually, I got tired of dirty work. Me and a Salarian I knew from Eclipse, Deek Molus, decided to go freelance. Worked out pretty well for a while, until we got tired of Omega. Deek got famous for fighting a bunch of Vorcha, and when the Ashland recruiters came by he was on the list. Got me a spot too. Guess you know how that turned out. The Batarians locked me up with Faed, and he suggested I come to you if I wasn't interested in getting my job with Ashland back. I figure I have to move along though, so long as you don't ask me to go around gunning down people who don't deserve it, I'm your merc."

 

VERA wrote down everything that Lysix said on the pad. Then she picked up the cup of coffee next to her, took a sip, and looked in Naleena's direction.

 

Naleena smiled. She liked self-starters. "We have a fairly good assault team on this ship: a Krogan and two humans who are straight assault; a Turian cabal; a Turian soldier; and four Asari Commandos. I like to divide them into two fire teams. What skill set or sets do you bring to the table?"

 

"I'm a Sentinel. My omni-tool is programmed with the best tech powers available, to give my own armor a boost and strip the bad guys naked. I've got years of experience fighting in the belly of Omega; in close quarters combat, I can stand with the best, and if need be I can stand alone. That said, I have little experience in open terrain and my biotics are not as refined as most."

 

Naleena raised an eyebrow. "Interesting. An Asari Sentinel. I don't see many pursuing that line. Alright, I'll have Mira put you through your paces." She turned to VERA. "VERA, have Mira report to the conference room. Tell her she has another evaluation and to assemble the commandos in the cargo bay. And run a background check on Lysix."

 

Then she turned back to Lysix. "If you pass your evaluation and background check, you're in. While we're waiting for Mira to arrive, do you have any questions?"

 

"Only one. What kind of work can I expect to be doing with you?"

 

Naleena sighed. "Well we were investigating the disappearances of human colonies caused by Collector attacks, but if you saw the news report about an hour ago, that has been dealt with. We have another part of our mission, however, and that is investigating for whom the Collectors were working, gathering information about who or what they are, and gathering technology," Naleena replied, "It may not sound exciting, but it is dangerous work. I can't tell you anymore other than you'll be well paid for your work. Not until you're on the team."

 

Mira arrived and stood in the doorway.

 

"Enter, Commando." Naleena said.

 

"Yes, Ma'am." Mira entered and stood at attention.

 

"At ease. Mira, This is Lysix T'daari. She's applying for another opening on the team. She's a sentinel. Put her through an appropriate test. You may address her as Lysix. I'm having VERA run a background check. When you're finished, have Lysix wait in the crew lounge and deliver your report to me. Good luck, Lysix."

 

"Yes, Ma'am," Mira replied, and she turned to Lysix. "Will you follow me, please?"

 

Lysix and Mira left the conference room.

 

"Boss, one of the Prejek Paddlefish appears to be stressed," VERA said. "You should administer 5 g of crushed amaranthine seaweed to the tank water within the next 15 minutes before it goes into shock."

 

"Is there anything else?" Naleena asked. It was a rhetorical question. VERA knew that. She grabbed her cigarettes and the bottle and left the conference room.

[Redbelle]

"Confidential.... Yes. Please. Do that". Anika spent the next ten minutes unscrewing the fastener's that held her armored plates to her body and stepped out of them. She pulled the tie out of her hair and her long blonde locks cascaded down over her shoulders across her back. "Does this place have a shower? I should freshen up. I've been working on the Medusa and..... it's ready to fly. It just might not be up to her old standards yet.... And VERA? This is confidential right? If by some unfortunate set of circumstance Jess happens to forget that she didn't disembark the docks maintenance crew..... could we.... just accept that she's got a lot on her mind right now? I'm not going to be there to remind her after all and it's not like she's planning on keeping them. Just to get more of the work done while they tank up the cargo pods with a comet passing by".

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"What is the organic expression? Take a breath, Anika," VERA said. "Yes, there is a shower. It is behind the boss' office space next to the entrance. You might not want to activate the high intensity jets that are used to clean under the head crests since they will be about at your mouth level. Otherwise the celiing rain jet should suffice for cleansing your hair. The side jets may be separately activated for body cleansing and there also is a seat and steam setting should you wish to use it as a steam bath. Asari do not perspire like humans, but the shower was built to accommodate humans as well.

 

"As far as taking care of things on the Medusa, Dahlia requested a transfer from the Janiri to the Medusa," VERA continued and her image followed Anika to the shower using different holo-stations. "I was quite surprised to learn of her technical expertise when she began repairing the Medusa's navigation system. She apparently worked on Aria's frigate and understands non-networked systems and the reasoning behind them."

 

***

 

I was looking forward to a little r & r. First it's terrorists; then it's a new applicant; next Ashland is demanding I assassinate a Spectre; next it's a misunderstanding with the evaluation; next another new applicant; and now my fish. Naleena emerged from the elevator. She was opening the door on her quarters. "What next?

 

"Anika?!"

 

Her expression changed from dread to relief. "Anika! Thank the Goddess!"

[Redbelle]

"Hey Nally". Anika was dressed a towel and was busy drying her hair with another. "Sorry to crash in on you like this. Jess sends her compliment's and wonder's if.... well... If you wanted me aboard to liase.... as she put it and.....". Anika stopped toweling her head and hung it around her shoulders with her fists hanging on either end as she gazed at Naleena with the hint of a smile on her face. ".... and Goddess I've been away from you to long. C'mere". Anika let go of the towel that remained wrapped around her shoulders and slipped her arms around Naleena's neck. Taking her time to stroke her cheek with the back of her finger's as she gazed into her eye's. "Well? Aren't you going to welcome me aboard"?

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena maneuvered Anika backward toward her desk so she could discreetly set down the bottle of Nevosian Ambrosia. Then she slipped slipped her arms around Anika and pulled her away from the desk, and leaped up onto Anika wrapping her legs and arms around her, her aura glowed blue and she kissed her for about minute.

 

"How's that for a welcome?" Naleena asked, "You don't know how glad I am that you're here. VERA told me that one of my prejek paddlefish was sick. She didn't tell me you were on board."

[Redbelle]

"I wanted to surprise you". Anika said, as she slipped her hands down her back to hold her against her. "Personally I think Jess set me up and invented a reason for me to come over. Co-ordination between ships she said.... But never mind that. Your here, I'm here....". Anika rested her forehead against Naleena's. "....I think you need time off from work. To much commanding can be bad for you you know. You free for the next hour"?

[Kel Riever]

Faed found himself frustrated.  He witnessed an asari crewmember passing in the hallway talking to what was apparently a turian quartermaster about a perfectly fine computer interface.

“I really need equipment that is top of the line,” the asari said, handing the quartermaster the combined screen and interface. “This thing glitches.  And you have daily software updates coming in that are supposed to automatically take, but this is always a day behind.  It makes downloading messages a constant problem.”

“Probably a software issue,” the turian responded. “We’ll have a new interface sent to your station.  Give me a few hours, I’ll toss this one out.”

“Thank you Septerax.”

The asari walked off and the turian was heading to the nearest incinerator.  Faed followed him without drawing notice.

“VERA,” Faed said into his com.  It had been synced with the AI.  “Would you please refrain from incinerating that interface once Septerax tosses it in the bin?”

“Of course,” VERA replied.

A moment later, Septerax had casually tossed the asari’s interface in a hall incinerator, presuming it would be recycled or disintegrated by the automated systems.  The quartermaster wasted no time heading to his next activity.

Faed slipped up to the bin and looked inside.  The interface lay at rest in the hollow.  VERA had even kept the drop doors shut so it didn’t tumble downward.  Faed pulled it out and examined it, noticing only a black scuff mark on the clean white screen case.

“Software problem,” Faed scoffed. “As if you wouldn’t figure that out, VERA.  Probably dropped it and dislodged something.  Or doesn’t like the scuff mark.”

“We have plenty of hardware to replace it, Faed.  One interface is surely inconsequential.”

Shaking his head, Faed lectured, “Don’t have someone teach you that attitude, VERA.  There are highly trained people around here, but the flip side of that can lead to elitism.  I’ll bet this little thing can be fixed in no time at all.  And if it needs a part or two, I can get them while we’re in port.”

“Naleena made mention of Frank possibly needing something from Caleston retailers.  Perhaps you two could get anything you need together.”

“The same Frank I met when I was rescued?”

“The very same.”

“Well, if you would be so kind, direct me to him.  And thank you, VERA.” 

[Cknarf]

Frank wasn't asleep long, before a knock at the door woke him up. He had a bad taste in his mouth, and a mild pain in his stomach. He breathed into his hand, and sniffed.

 

"Ugh. F***in' burgat."

 

 He climbed out of bed, and wrapped himself in his blanket before groggily shuffling towards the door.

 

Ain't nobody got time for clothes.

 

He opened the door slightly, and poked his head outside to see who it was.  It was the quarian that he had 'rescued' earlier on.
 

"Glad to see you made it aboard, Slick." Frank smiled, forgetting the quarian's name. He could probably remember if he tried, but he was still half asleep. "Sup?"