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[Redbelle]

“Jess, this is Naleena. There’s no time to explain. I’m sending the coordinates for an abandoned mining dock on Omega. Duty calls. Meet us there immediately. We’re expecting trouble. I’m setting up and ambush. We’re going to need all the firepower we can get. Oh, and Aria will be there so be nice. Vasir out.”

 

Jess raised an eyebrow as she finished writing the request for the Drowned Aspire's ships navigation logs. Looking up at Anika she saw she was already reaching for her white heavy armour. "You think we're going"?

 

Anika rolled her eye's. "When have you ever passed up a fight. Besides..... You like her".

 

"Ditto luv. But what makes you say I like her"?

 

"Those fridge coils you made me buy? Plus all that alcohol. Your going to make her a drinks chest. Aren't you. Cooled no less".

 

Jess held up her hands as Anika cracked her armours seals. "Okay, you got me. I was rather hoping to make this a place for us aliens to hang out in".

 

"Us aliens"?

 

Jess shrugged. "To the majority crew member's, we're the aliens luv. Which reminds me"! Leaning back from where she knealt by the low table she reached back and turned the hot plate down where a large pot lay steaming. "Can't let the chilli burn".

 

Anika snapped her legs and arm armour into place before taking a tool to the bolts and hard fixing her armour into place. Her skin tight suit, which was little more than the pressure outfit for hard vacuum glistened in the light as she pulled her torso armour off the mount. "I could use a hand here".

 

Jess pulled herself up and helped fix and seal Anika into her hard carapace. "Just means I get to peel you out of it later". She whispered into her ear before she pulled away just in time to avoid Anika trying to swat her.

 

Anika shook her head. "Now you".

 

"We're in a hurry right"?

 

Anika glared. Grabbed part of Jess's lighter black and yellow striped armour. "Your not leaving till your inside it". Jess sighed and pulled her clothes off before putting on a similar black version of the vacuum suit. Anika busied herself preping her armour. When Jess was done, Anika expertly fitted her into it in less time than Jess could have alone. "What are you taking"? Jess picked up the Executioner and wiggled it. "You need something.....".

 

"We'll pick something up from the Turians. C'mon luv. Let's not keep your girlfriend waiting".

 

Grabbing their helmet's and carrying them under their arms, they strode out of their quarters. Down the corridors, out of the Audron, after Anika grabbed a rifle from the weapons locker. "Just don't tell them I hacked the lock". Jess said after Anika emerged from the store with a Phaeston.

 

Anika scowled. "Hunk of junk".

 

"Give it a chance luv". Jess admonished. They headed to the dock.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

On the way to the dock in the skycab, Naleena thought for a moment, Should I contact Morgan or not? If I do and he’s in a meeting it could compromise him, but if the Broker’s network is as good as I think it is, he’s already been compromised and is on their **** list. They are well aware of what happened. They know where he’s been. I’ve used the Broker’s network to track down a quarry at last resort, but I’d rather not deal with them. No sport.

 

“Vera, patch me through on a secure channel to Morgan.”

 

Vera complied. “Morgan, this is Naleena. Can you talk?”

 

Morgan was just outside his skycar, ready to return to the Audron from his meeting.  He shook his head to clear it, and then responded, "I'm here. Go ahead."

 

Naleena heard the hustle and bustle of lower Omega in the background. “I need you to report to that abandoned mining dock. Park your skycar further back. I’ll explain when you get there. I’m expecting some trouble.”

[Redbelle]

The Volus clerk tapped away on his slate when shadow obscured his light. He looked up with a sharp comment ready on his tounge.

 

It died as he saw two armoured figures standing before him. One was pure white and had a rifle slung over one shoulder. The other wore a more standardised suit except for the colour scheme. Both wore helmets and both were pointed down at him.

 

Feeling a trickle of sweat that his suit could not whick away in time, he cleared his throat in a way that he hoped belied his nervousness. "<Hiss> Can I help you two......". He stopped. They looked anatomically female, but then, his grasp on other species and their associated gender's was slippery. Despite living on Omega, he preferred to stay away from the danger's on Omega's street. Choosing to take one of his many hire skycars back home before taking it back to work the next day.

 

The striped one leant forward. "Heya luv". Came the meahanised voice from within. "Any chance we can hire a vehicle? We seem to be attracting attention on the streets".

 

"The one in white nodded. "I've shot three".

 

"They weren't dangerous luv".

 

"They were armed". The white one said as if it was the end of the conversation.

 

"With clubs"! The striped one said heatedly. "They were gang bottom feeders and now the organised gangs'll know for sure we're walking around standing out like sore thumbs"!

 

"I shot the three".

 

"Right, so you didn't notice the forth"?

 

"Forth"?

 

"There's always a forth! Someone to run and get help if the three aren't enough. It's basic gang mentality".

 

"<Hiss> Ladies.......".

 

"Why didn't you shoot the forth"? The white one asked.

 

"With this"? The striped one pulled out the biggest gun the Volus had ever seen. The small trickle was the least of his concern at that point. "Bernard would have blown a hole in him". The striped one paused and let out a sigh. "Just be glad you shot to wound. Otherwise we'd have a blood mark on us".

 

"<Hiss> Ladies......"!

 

"It's this damn Turian rifle". The white one slammed the rifle down onto the table top. "No stopping power".

 

"Wait..... you mean you meant to kill them"?

 

"Safest way to keep a situation from escalating".

 

"You want escalation? How long has it been".

 

The white one checked her Omnitool "Three minutes, give or take".

 

"Three minutes. By now the gang those scrubs were with know we hurt three of their's and cost them face. There probably on their way here now".

 

The Volus's voice hit an octave higher. "Her..... <Hiss>. Her...... <Hiss>.  Here?!? <Hiss>".

 

"Exactly". The striped one leant forward and placed her elbows on the counter, bringing her armoured gloves to rest on her helmet's chin plate. "So you'll understand if we're in rather a hurry to get a skycar and be on our way. We're on a rather tight schedule, see luv"?

 

The white one nodded. "Maybe we should wait here. This shop front has some good tactical advantages. We could hold off a gang easily enough here".

 

The Volus began rummaging for access keys as stripes shook her head. "Gangs on Omega have exposive ordnance. If they hit this place everything inside would be a smear when they were finished.

 

The Volus's hands shook as he dropped keys, other's fell into and through his gloved hands until finally he caught one. Not bothering to check which car it belonged to he threw it at the two figures. "Take it! <Hiss> Take anything! <Hiss> Just go! Please"!

 

The striped one caught the key and held it up between her thumb and forefinger. "Well ain't you adoable luv. That's very kind of you. Put the name down under Griff would ya? There's a peach".

 

"<Hiss>. LEAVE! <Hiss>".

 

Shrugging while the other rerieved her rifle, the two armoured figures departed. Once through the door Jess turned to Anika. "Score".

 

Behind her helmet, though she couldn't see, Jess could imagine Anika cracking a smile. "What did we get"?

 

Holding up the key Jess triggered the security protocol release. They heard a chirp and saw the flashing lights as a skycar unlocked. Metal body panaling gleaming under the Omega light as Jess drawled. "Niiiiice. This one's a keeper".

[Terca]

The skycab pulled into the mining dock. Naleena landed back far enough from the pods so that it would not be detected. The top opened and she and Vayne exited. About the same time Deidrus arrived. The Turian stood tall. It was difficult to read a Turian. They always looked displeased. Perhaps it was their predatory look because their features rarely softened.

 

Naleena turned to Vayne. “Wait here,” and she swaggered over to Deidrus with authority.

 

As Deidrus watched Naleena approach he felt his grip tighten on the helmet he carried on his side. He hadn't been able to come to a satisfactory resolution during his ponderings and his Turian side still told him to reprimand her, despite the successes she may or may not have had with her trick. Thirty-odd years of Turian conditioning made 'ends justify means' processes difficult at times... Or at least he'd like to think so. If she had managed something impressive -or more importantly useful- he knew that there was some amount of anger that should be diverted to other things...

 

"I've heard some things which I might interpret as good but I must admit to some concern at your use of a Spectre's name." He began when she was close enough he could speak at an even tone and be heard clearly. His eyes flicked from the Asari to the Krogan before leveling on Naleena again. "I trust you took that risk with well-weighted odds?"

 

“They were,” Naleena said, “I’ve been around. I treated the situation like I would have if I’d been in their position. I knew of Tela Vasir, so I used the name Vasir. Plus she’s Asari. If they wanted to check extranet on their omni-tools the name would come up positive. At least it would give them pause. Pause enough for me to get my hands on the information and get them back to the ship for interrogation. If I’d given them a name with no weight, would I have gotten the cooperation without using force? Perhaps, but there was a lingering doubt.”

 

Deidrus let a long breath out through his nostrils before closing his eyes a moment, shifting his stance. Her reasons were... Acceptable, enough to shut the little voice in his head up. He gave a curt nod.

 

“I apologize for my methods, but in my experience law enforcement officers lie all the time to suspects to gain information about a crime. You are a Council law enforcement officer. As a member of your team, I was merely acting with your full authority in your absence,” Naleena glanced at the Krogan. “For the benefit of unit cohesion, I’d suggest we don’t discuss anything about my transgression until we get back to the ship. If it wasn’t for him and the Quarian Arrin I would not have gotten the data that was destined for the Shadow Broker. Deidrus, you may only have seen my file and what I did on Illium. Files and appearances do not tell the full story about a person. Handle this gently because I have to answer to those to whom both I lied and recruited.

 

“Now for our actions here, I suggest we wait for Aria and set up an ambush.”

 

"I had heard there had already been an... altercation with the Blue Suns. Were they not completely dealt with?" Deidrus asked. He thought back to the comment one of his old allies had made about Omega-4 and clicked his mandibles. Local folklore. I would hope. "Or are you expecting someone else?"

 

“The audio on the disk said something about Collectors. Vayne has had prior experience and said they’d ripped through Krogan fighters,” Naleena said, “We’ll need a tactical advantage. Aria and I have worked together and can provide some heavy biotic artillery. Jess and Anika are on their way, too.”

 

And I had to be wrong. The Terminus' Myth is confirmed... Deidrus absentmindedly fiddled with the clasp on his helmet as he pondered the possible outcome of coming into conflict with the most reclusive species in the galaxy barring the extinct rachni. He didn't particularly like that they were coming up on an unknown, but at the same time it would be necessary at one point or another.

[Kel Riever]

“Morgan, this is Naleena.  Can you talk?”

 

Morgan was just outside his skycar, ready to return to the Audron from his meeting. He shook his head to clear it, and then responded, "I'm here. Go ahead."

 

“I need you to report to that abandoned mining dock. Park your skycar further back. I’ll explain when you get there. I’m expecting some trouble.”

 

“Got it.  I’ll head there now.”

 

Lost in thought, Morgan disconnected.  What did I do to deserve this? Morgan angrily asked himself.  He put his hands on the top of the skycar and balled his fists.  Nothing, was the answer he gave himself, but he raged inside at the conflict.  He’d have put a bullet in his head by now if it weren’t for people depending on him.  Of course, if they didn’t, he wouldn’t have succumbed to The Shadow Broker’s offer.  The Broker knew exactly how to use people, and Morgan was a sucker, meant to be taken advantage of.

 

Morgan grimaced, popped the door open on the skycar, and got in.  He had the autopilot plot a course to fly to the mining dock and land well outside it. The meeting with Iyana played itself repeatedly in his mind.  Morgan was forced to betray someone, and he didn’t expect either side to understand.  But the cards were in The Shadow Broker’s hands. 

 

The particles of pollution and dust on the skycar’s windshield as it flew now annoyed Morgan.  They reminded him of his position as nothing more than an information hauler living from one worthless task to the next, until he was swept away, never to be seen again.  To distract himself, Morgan checked his gear.  The moment the skycar arrived at its destination, Morgan frustratedly got out and needed to take several minutes to recover his professional demeanor.  He walked the rest of the way to the rendezvous with Naleena.

 

Vayne came into view first.  The krogan seemed to wait patiently, staring further ahead.  Morgan followed his gaze to then spot Naleena talking to a turian in Armiger armor.  Even without being able to see the turian’s face under his helm, Morgan knew it was Androkan.  Morgan stopped alongside Vayne, who noticed the human step up adjacent to him. 

 

Without deviating his attention from Androkan and Naleena, Morgan said to Vayne, “I’m not in a rush to find out what this is all about.”

[Redbelle]

"Would you slow down"?

 

Jess laughed as she sideslipped another skycar and piled on the power. Her new toy surged forward without any fuss or complaint as it over took and left the other, with it's single fist shaking occupant, in her proverbial dust.

 

"Just getting a feel for the girl". Jess laughed. "The power in this thing! It's going to get us to the party on time, that's for sure".

 

"Not if you kill us on the way there"!

 

Jess looked over and saw that Anika was belted in, and holding onto her seat for good measure. Checking quickly ahead, behind and for merging lanes ahead, she threw the Skycar into a barrel roll that saw Anika sink herself deeper into her seat to the point where Jess swore she'd become one with it.

 

"Settle down luv". Jess chuckled as she eased off the power. "I know how to fly".

 

"Thats...... huk..... that's in question". Anika reached forward and unclipped her helmet before pulling it off revealing a very green face. "Could you just...... keep her level for awhile"?

 

"Sure luv".

 

Anika nodded in gratitude that lasted all of a minute before she reached for the window release and leant outside. Jess winced as she heard the noises coming from outside and hoped Anika wouldn't hit anyone on the ground.

 

At last, after much retching and a bottle of water to remove the aftertaste, they made it to where Naleena had directed them and stopped off to walk the rest of the way. Anika took the time to breath the recycled air and recover her bearing's before popping her helmet back on and sealing it back into place.

 

When they made the rendezous, Jess saw Naleena, whom she recognised, hanging around several other people that she didn't.

 

Huh, she thought as she strode up to the group where Naleena seemed to be coming off a conversation with the Turian. "Hey luv. Got your message about a ruckus your looking to start. And who are these lovely people? Hired help"? She swatted the Turian on the rump as she walked past. "Nice eye on picking out the cute ones luv. Are they just for the job or are we celebrating with some afteraction afterwards"?

 

Anika made a half aborted groan.

[Kel Riever]

What’s the hell are these people drinking? Morgan wondered.  Naleena was six feet tall, Androkan nearly six and a half, Vayne (albeit shorter for a krogan) pushing seven feet, and of the two women who exited a sleek, performance air car, Morgan swore the one in white armor stood an inch taller than the krogan.  The only person even close to his height was the other woman, in black and yellow armor, with the demeanor of a super hero.

 

When the black and yellow armored woman swatted Deidrus on the backside, Morgan winced, his rough features wrinkling up around his eyes.  

[Terca]

Deidrus was given pause after Jess slapped his amored rear. The normal Turian inability to express emotions facially started to be shaken a bit and he was somewhat happy his helmet had been on lest he imagined the people around him would have been treated to a very good impression of a Vorcha scowl. From a Turian. Hardly normal.

 

For a moment he honestly had no idea what to actually say to the woman since this was a rather abnormal occurrence for him. A threat seemed ideal but as he changed the clenching of his fist to mute the external speakers on his armor he started wondering who the pair actually were. He hadn't met them before but judging by the way she talked she fit the description Eteon had given him (vernacular quirks were actually a useful tab, who knew). With the speakers muted he recorded a quick reminder for himself; Once the issue around Naleena pretending to be a Spectre was resolved he was going to personally meet with all the aliens on his ship. Personally. Without a helmet.

[Cainhurst Crow]

"I wouldn't either, given the luxury to choose." Vayne said to morgan, looking to the short-ish human with a nod. Coming back to the mining dock was eerie, to say the least. It was still pock marked here and there from the battle, the upper level scaffolding that overlooked the dock looked precarious, and there were occasional bullet holes and scorch marks around the place. Vayne however was more concerned with naleen and the turian, for whom he presumed was deidrus, talking to one another. Having two spectres here meant the council must be highly interested in investigating these human disappearances, which meant they most likely had escalated from what he'd last heard about them, being rumor and hearsay from the occasional drunks on omega and wishful bounty hunters who fancied themselves heroes.

 

"Only the foolish or mentally questionable would want to face the collectors. Don't know if you've been in the terminus long enough to know this, but the collectors are something of a boogeymen. Only if boogeymen could eviscerate a full grown man in a matter of seconds..." Vayne said as he paused, eye going unfocused for a second as his mind drifted towards the sounds of screams long since dead and glowing yellow eyes staring at him from a monitor, lifeless, cold, utterly devoid of-

 

"Sorry about that, I...tend to get lost in thought." Vayne said as he shock his head to clear his mind. Krogan as old as him, and some asari as well depending on how hard they went at their maiden years, tended to have some trouble staying in the here and now when there wasn't much to do. Vayne muttered under his breath, something about being a drell at this point, before he saw the new arrivals come forward.

 

"Bunch of big fellows it seems..." Vayne said off handed as he glanced towards the two, unsure which was which. He tried to watch the one in white, something seeming a bit off before the yellow one strode right up to the turian, and proceeded with some light flirting. Vayne laughed, managing to choke it down to a throaty chuckle as he saw the turian go livid.

 

"I think I'm going to like this crew..." he said as he calmed down from his laugh, "They've got gusto, and hopefully they can fight just as well..." he said as he kept looking between the folks with a small smile. With all the tension and gloom in the air, it was good to get a laugh in at least.
 

[Kel Riever]

Vayne’s laugh helped break Morgan out of his mood a bit.  He looked up to the krogan standing next to him.  “I know you can fight, and I’ve got your back, wherever this goes.”  Morgan gazed back at the group.  “It’ll be another mess without some strategy, though.  Sounds like you know a thing or two more about the Collectors than the rest of us.  Let’s see what we can offer up.”

 

Morgan slowly walked forward to approach the others.  His grey camouflaged predator armor felt like it was pressing in on him.  Morgan cleared his throat, “Deidrus Androkan, it’s been a while.” With a quick glance at Naleena and the two armored women, Morgan nodded to the group.  “Do we have a plan for this operation?”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena spoke. "Morgan, I'm in the process of setting up an ambush, and I haven't fully briefed Androkan of the situation. I want to get the drop on them." Naleena then got on her communicator with Bray.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena closed her eyes and looked away when she saw Jess smack Deidrus on the ass. She had to get control over the situation. It was the means to survival. She contacted Bray on her communicator. “Bray, everyone is here except for Aria. I’m expecting your boss any moment. Make sure you and your men take cover and are well hidden. Hide behind crates, not the pods. I don't want those pods damaged in anyway if it can be avoided. Understood?"

 

"Yeah, yeah, Naleena. We get it," Bray said.

 

"Don't 'yeah, yeah' me. This is serious. You don't know what you're facing. No noise. And do not shoot until either Aria or I give the order.” She knew as soon as Aria arrived, Aria would take over command. It was her station, and she was the Pirate Queen of Omega. Naleena was also unaware of the altercations that some of the team had already had with her.

 

After speaking with Bray, Naleena turned and approached Jess, who had pulled off her helmet and was fussing with her hair. "Good to see you, Jess, and... yeah. I'd rather not know how you got those bruises.”

 

"Wha....? Elara said they'd be gone by now." Jess lamented, holding up her helmet's visor to look into the reflective surface.

 

“Consume a lot of alcohol, Jess? It slows the healing process. Slap on some face paint and no one will notice,” Naleena joked guessing that Jess probably had been in a bar room brawl. "Good to see you, too, Anika. To make a long story short, I've been playing Spectre during our Captain's shore leave and we struck the mother lode, hence why you heard the name Vasir. That Krogan still thinks I'm a Spectre, and I'd like to have him continue to believe that until we get out of this alive and......” Naleena sighed as the white armored figure simply kept nodding her armored face. "Anika...... could you take that off? Now?"

 

The figure stood stock still for a moment. Then her hands came up and popped the seals. The helmet came undone leaving Anika's face bare. Jess leaned in. "Nerve Stim?"

 

Anika's cheeks went bright red. "Shut up.” She hissed.

 

"As I was saying," Naleena went on with a degree or two of heat creeping into her voice. "Vayne told me what we could be facing ripped through Krogan platoons with relative ease. He's had personal experience with them. Aria will be joining us momentarily....”

 

"Oh, goody," Jess said rolling her eyes. "Maybe she's gotten around to topping up the Audron’s coolant reserves.” She saw the unasked question in Naleena's eyes. "Don't ask luv. A lot of history and a merc gang between us.”

 

Naleena long years of dealing with all kinds of people prevented her from releasing the sigh that was building from within. "Deidrus and I will speak privately once we're back on the Audron, and I am willing to accept any disciplinary action he deems appropriate for impersonating a Council Spectre.”

 

"Well I know the problem you had impersonating an officer luv.”

 

"What?"

 

"You got caught doing it!" Jess grinned. "Reminds me of the time the Medusa convinced a Batarian convoy we were Turian border patrol. Turns out they were smuggling all kinds of illegal goodies into turian space. Weren't too happy when the pirates found out they'd been pirated. And speaking of Turians...," Jess jerked a thumb over to where the helmeted Turian stood. "You mind if I take this one? I like the strong silent type.”

 

Somewhat relieved that the woman was Jessica Stone and not another person who could be mistaken for her in repute, she had heard enough things about one Silver, Deidrus felt comfortable enough to turn his external speakers back on. "Miss Stone, before you continue with the somewhat incriminating comments you should know that I am Androkan."

 

The Turian still had his feathers somewhat ruffled, so to speak, so his tone was a bit cool. He wasn't particularly interested in being hit on by a Human. He was somewhat keen to get off that particular conversation path. Hopefully her knowing who he was would be enough to get her to give up, and that the others were far enough away to not hear him.

 

This is so bad on so many levels, Naleena thought and sighed, "For the sake of the Goddess! Can we please get on the same page? Because if we don’t and we’re facing the enemy Vayne mentioned, we’re going to get shredded. I’m trying to set up an ambush!" Naleena lowered her voice. “Now, Captain Androkan, can we sort of pretend I have some kind of authority when I call the Krogan and Morgan over here?”

 

Naleena motioned to Vayne to join the group, and introduced him to everyone. Vayne already knew Morgan, but she didn't know if he knew the others. "Bray's men are in position. We'll take up position on this side of the barricade the Blue Suns used. Androkan will lead that group," Naleena pointed to the area where Arrin had been. "I was originally going to snipe from above, but that changed when Aria said she'd join us. Aria and I will team up and provide biotic artillery.... Speaking of Aria."

 

Aria's skycar arrived. The top opened and a Batarian climbed out, followed by a Krogan who extended his hand. A blue hand grabbed it and the Queen of Omega pulled herself out of the rear of the car holding a Claymore shotgun. The three of them approached the group.

 

"I'm glad to see the party didn't start without me, Naleena. And I see you have my men deployed," Aria said. She looked over the group and walked around them. "Captain Silver... fancy seeing you here again. I thought you'd be gone after our last meeting. Captain Androkan we meet again. A pity you didn't stay and converse. Morgan and Vayne. Strange company you keep Naleena, or is it Spectre Naleena these days?"

 

Vayne bristled a bit at her last remark.

 

Aria shot him a glare. "I suggest you save your petty grievance for later. Anyway, Naleena, you brought me here, what's the plan?"

 

Naleena shuddered when Aria blew her cover, but filled her in on the plan, "And I thought we'd team up, for old times, unless you have another idea?"

 

"I say we rip them a new one. You did right by calling me, Naleena. I’ve fought Collectors before. I caught the Suns trading with them. Your plan is a good one. No one here take them lightly. We let them come in then hit them hard," Aria said, "Krath, get the grenade launcher out of the car. No one fucks with Omega."

[Cainhurst Crow]

Vayne stepped forward as he motioned towards the group, following morgans lead as he looked about his new teammates. They seemed an alright bunch as far as armaments went, some more flashy then others. 'Who honestly wears yellow in a gunfight?' Vayne thought to himself as he looked the armor over, 'You might as well have painted cross-hairs on yourself. And white outside of arctic weather...wow.' He thought as he gave a nod to the others, a simple "Hello." from him and a small hand wave before the queen arrived.

 

Vayne looked to aria, keeping his mouth shut as he gave a standing bow to her as she addressed them. Courtesy towards the rulers was always the best policy not to ****** them off, especially when said person might be the one deciding if you life and die in a fire fight. He looked around at the men and their positions, nodding at the positions they'd taken. It was smart, though snipers might come in handy for covering blind spots, or drawing fire should it come to that. Though something made vaynes head perk up as aria began to talk, looking towards Naleena with a raised brow as aria addressed her in such an odd fashion. Either Naleena kept her spectre status a secret from aria, which wasn't a good idea. Or she had some history with aria and the later didn't agree with Naleena being a spectre, which was also not good.

 

'Or she could have been pulling my leg...'  he thought to himself, deciding it could wait till later. It wasn't like this revelation changed much, or meant she might be more prone to double crossing him then before. Still, he'd need to make sure to do a bit more digging into this mission, just so he knew what he'd been told about it was true.

 

Vayne wasn't as surprised to hear that the queen of omega had dealings with the collectors, nor that she was more skilled at handling them then his family had been. She was after all queen of omega, and for anyone as old as he was, he knew how powerful she had been when she first took over, or how she could probably be just as dangerous as the collectors, all by herself. One thing was sure though, he felt a lot more confident about their odds with aria here personally.

 

Vayne looked to Naleena and Deidrus, "I'm skilled with incendiaries and explosives, good with medium and close range combat, and I have a gun that shoots explosive armor piercing disks..." he said as he motioned to the chakram launcher at his back, glad to have the experimental prototype at his side for this one, "Well need good support from higher ground. The collectors I've fought could fly...maybe. Things were a bit complicated when I first saw them 90 years ago..." he advised, the look on his face and single eye told them he was deathly serious about it. "So it might pay to have some men who can snipe, or defend our snipers. Unless we want to get picked off from the air." 

[Terca]

Deidrus looked to the Krogan and stamped down a dry comment he felt inclined to make about Naleena not bringing some of his crew here when she was going to take on the other responsibilities. He knew he was being unnecessarily bitter so he kept his tongue in check.

 

"If you need a Marksman I can assist from the walkways but if we are expecting more than a few in the air at any particular time I can have two of my strike teams moved here." He looked to Aria and Vayne for any indication if having the marksman support would be useful, though if the enemies were mobile having Strike One and Two would be good. "I could have a group of Armigers brought here quickly to match any mobility advantages the collectors might have. They can move from defensive positions here up to the walkways," Deidrus motioned to the tiers along the side of the dock for storage and movement of goods. "It will provide cover for anyone approaching from the front and their propulsion units mean they can relocate more quickly than other units should focus shift." Dropping his hand again he pulled his Mattock off his back and checked the scope on it for a moment before settling it in his arms. "I can direct from there if you all are going to be in the heat of it."

[Redbelle]

..........."Miss Stone, before you continue with the somewhat incriminating comments you should know that I am Androkan."

 

Jess paused what she was doing, hunching over slightly as she tilted her head to the side. Turning towards the armoured Turian figure she stepped up to him. Her face passive as she cast her eye's up and down his form. "Are you sure"? She drawled. "Your a bit on the tall side. Plus.....". She added. ".....I've never seen Androkan so you could be anyone under that helmet pretending to be Androkan. And just why is a Spectre involved with, as far as I can tell, a motly crew of criminals and law skirter's, worried about a few little minor morally ambiguous event's out of my past? Aren't we starting to entertain more than a little of that Spectre high and mighty double standardiness that goes with the job? Well on that score you could be a Spectre. But so far Naleena's doing a more convincing job than you are, Androkan.....". She leaned forward. "If that's really your name. Naleena"! She called over her shoulder. "Whose Captain Hot stuff over here"?

 

Naleena covered her eyes with a hand. "Jess...... That is Captain Androkan".

 

Jess looked back at Naleena, back at the helmeted faceplate of Androkan, over at Anika who was rubbing her eye's, refusing to meet her gaze leaving Jess looking back at Androkan.

 

She turned away to cover up her embaressment. "Well from one Captain to another....... Nice tush". She deadpanned before moving away and raising her voice. "Right luv". She addressed Naleena. "What's the plan? We got a plan right? First thing's first! Where are our bad guys? And how long till they arrive? Just point luv and we'll get it done".

[Kel Riever]

Morgan watched the woman in the black and yellow armor speak.  There was something frenetic and charming in her speech; she was a fast talker.  “Ms. Stone brings up a good point.  Do we know when the Collectors will arrive?”

 

The eyes that turned towards him made Morgan feel uncomfortable.  He didn’t like the attention but pressed on, defaulting to his naturally hard looks to carry his confidence.  “I mean no disrespect.  But I think a few basics would go a long way.  For example, we need to know who’ll be in charge of this.”  Morgan nodded to Aria without looking her straight in the eyes, “Not in charge of Omega, of course…we know who that is, but is the tactical commander going to be the same person?

 

“Once we know, and can form a plan with direction, I think it is pretty clear between Omega and the Audron, that we have access to some firepower.  We don’t know enemy numbers, and I presume the Collectors are pretty capable, but we’re fighting in a sensitive area.  Another problem is if the Collectors are expecting to see Blue Suns, we have none.

 

“On that, if we have the time to get armor painted in the Suns’ uniform for the turians, batarians and humans here, the ploy could be more effective.  If the Collectors are closer, we’ll be more accurate, they’ll suffer more, and we can hope to avoid more casualties, on our side and in those pods.”

 

Morgan got the once over from Aria. He shifted under the examining stare that she gave him.  Morgan sensed she knew more about him than he preferred, but there was nothing he could do about it.

 

Aria addressed the group in a tone that demanded obedience, “I didn’t come here for someone else to even think they’d be in charge.  Having said that, I’ll be busy taking heads.  The rest of you will need a commander to answer to, and who I’m going to hold responsible for your group.”

[Redbelle]

"Her". Jess said pointing to Naleena. "By all accounts she's been on top of this from the get go. I don't know if anyone has time to get brought up to speed on the goings on here. But let's make this simple".

 

"We need to know when, where, and number's. When their coming. Where they'll gain access to this bay. And how many. That last one is really up in the air, but the other two we might have a reasonable shot at factoring some control over. This bay has only a few entrance and exit points and I'd hope someone hasn't been skimping on traffic control so that we can't tell when a ship arrives that looks......". She paused as she came up with the word. "...... collectery". She winced. "When and where dictates where we setup to ambush so that they don't know we're here. After that..... we grind down whatever force they send, take hostages and get some answers to making this over sooner than later".

 

"So luv's..... Anyone know how this bunch of so and so Collector's intend collecting"?

[Terca]

"As to your comment about posing some Suns I would need to change the group I would call on. Armiger armor is fairly distinctive and depending on what the Collectors are expecting will create unwanted suspicion. That said, there is extra armor there which could be brought that would fit Suns' standard issue." The Turian offered since there seemed to be a bit of a choice here. "If someone has experience fighting the collectors before I would not have issue with them assuming direct control of my units for the time."

 

He didn't particularly like the situation where he could not direct his men himself due to lacking knowledge but he knew that the plan came first as well as success over 'comfort'. Doesn't make it more 'fun'.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Upon hearing Stone’s words, the Human phases “baptism by fire” and “thrown to the wolves” came to Naleena’s mind. I’m an assassin, infiltrator, thief. I work alone. Investigating is one thing, being in charge of a military operation is another. 

 

"Morgan, I need to speak with you," Naleena said, "in private." She approached Morgan and took him to the side.

 

"What about?" Morgan asked.

 

"I'm going to ask you a question, and then I'm going to make a snide remark about Jess' armor. Speak with Vayne, then Aria, and make a decision based on your answer to the question," Naleena said, "How did your meeting with your contact go, and what transpired?"

[Kel Riever]

Morgan glanced past Naleena and then back at her.  His expression conveyed all she needed to know that things didn't go well.  "The Shadow Broker didn't need the data once it was compromised.  My copy of the data was destroyed."  He trailed off as he thought about Oleb...

 

"You can't worry about me, or The Shadow Broker right now.  It isn't a factor anyway. Once we're done here, I need to speak to Androkan.  And when I'm done with him, we can talk more."

 

It wasn't the most satisfying answer Morgan ever gave, but it was the only one he was ready to.  "The good news is The Broker is off my back at this moment.  The bad is I can promise you we aren't getting any help from my people on this.

 

"Aria has to know something about me, I'm sure.  But I'm not surprised she's keeping it quiet.  It probably isn't a good idea for me to appear to be on the friendliest relationships with you, in front of her, if she has your trust.  

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena listened intently to Morgan. The Broker knows the data was compromised.

 

"Understood," Her face showed an angry appearance. She opened her right hand, flared a blue aura, and then turned away looked back and waved her hand in a downward motion as she walked away from him. Morgan ducked in a defensive reflex.

 

There were some dead Blue Suns on the floor that Bray’s men had stacked up behind the barricade. One good turn deserves another. And besides Asari are Eclipse Sisters, not Suns, but Humans on the other hand…. She got a wicked look in her eyes then turned to Jess. “Captain Stone, since you so graciously volunteered me to be in charge of the military part of the operation, and Captain Androkan also agrees that some armor that is less conspicuous than his Armiger should be seen, and that we know the Collectors are expecting to see Blue Suns, I would suggest that you remove a suit of Suns armor from a corpse and wear it. That yellow armor is like wearing a target that says ‘shoot me.’ As for Anika? White? Really? Now if you’ll excuse me, I need to speak with Aria.”

 

Naleena left her standing speechless as she walked over to Aria. Jess’ jaw dropped at the suggestion that she take off her favorite armor.

 

“So what did you want to see me about, Naleena?” Aria asked, “And things get a little testy there with Morgan? What happened?”

 

“Aria, the Shadow Broker knows the data was compromised. I would guess that we face one of these: the Suns try to retake this area before the Collectors arrive to get their bounty, and then we take on the Collectors; the Collectors will show with a larger force; or nothing may happen. Call me paranoid, but I won’t bet on the last.”

 

“By now the Suns will know I’m involved and will be nowhere to be seen,” Aria said, “I’d say the second scenario.”

 

“Aria, I’m the best sniper here, but I’m the only one here who knows your biotics well enough to work with you. I’ll be with you taking heads,” Naleena said, “but I’d highly recommend that you take up Androkan on his offer for additional snipers. The order for this has to come from you.”

 

Aria pondered the situation. She didn’t like it, but she knew having snipers would be a good idea. “Androkan, may I speak with you.”

 

Androkan made his way to Aria.

 

“In light of new intel, bring in your snipers. But note that this is at my discretion, not yours,” Aria said, “Naleena and I will be taking heads. Naleena, you’ll need something more appropriate for close work than those pea shooters.” Her driver handed Aria a shotgun. “You remember how to handle one of these, don’t you?”

 

Aria tossed a Claymore into Naleena’s hands. Naleena smiled. “Just like old times, Aria. Androkan, would you take care of this for me. She’ll be of more use to you above than she will to me,” Naleena handed him her Black Widow. “She also has an IR scope and laser targeting. You’ll also have the best tactical view of the battle. I suggest you make the tactical calls.”

[Terca]

Not keen on showing... insubordination to Aria Deidrus made no action acknowledging Aria's statement once she was focused on Naleena. He took took the Black Widow carefully and placed it on his back as it folded into itself. "I'll get on comms with the Audron and tell Teams One and Two to get here along with some regular marines for mimicking Suns." And Eteon, because she's the only one on my ship who should be able to Play a Suns accurately.

 

He took a few steps away from the group and muted his external speakers as he hailed the Audron. "Strike teams one and two along with the first set of Marines, I need you incident on my location ASAP. I want half of team two wearing standard issue Armor mocked up as Suns equipment which means Septimus, get to work. Eteon, you're going to be part of the crew coming here so get yourself armed. Properly." He looked over the part of the docks he could see and tried to think of the best options for sniping with. "Bring Raptors with extended barrels but with a collapsible scope for those in Armiger gear. You'll be working from a lot of angles. The rest take Phaestons and handguns."

[Redbelle]

Jess closed her mouth shut as Naleena walked off and leaned in towards Anika.

 

"Pay her no mind luv. She's jealous of our fashion sense".

 

"Totally". Anika growled, watching the retreating back of their new mission commander before moving with Jess to look at the armour of the blue suns. Anika saw the problem right away. "Captain......".

 

"I know luv. Nothing your size. You think the locker's keep blue paint markers"?

 

Anika's shoulder's slumped. "Please tell me your not painting me".

 

"I'm not painting you".

 

Anika nodded. "....... Your lying though.... aren't you".

 

"Luv, the moment I asked for paint marker's you knew you'd be getting a new paint job. Any idea you weren't was just self delusion on your part. Now go see what's in there while I break out my inner Picasso". She grinned. "That white is the perfect canvas to see if I've got the touch".

 

Anika looked over her shoulder. "You know their going to make fun of us".

 

Jess's grin fell away. "If they can think of a better way of making you a blue sun then their more than welcome to offer up a suggestion. Till then, we get the job done. Pretty or no". Jess reached down and removed a helmet from one of the bodies. "Besides..... If Naleena want's us blue, it means we'll either be shielding this group from the suns, or acting as means of keeping these Collector misfits from smelling a ruse. Either way. We'll be in the thick of something big".

[Cainhurst Crow]

Vayne nodded at hearing the good news, the more troops they had, the better they'd fair. Having trained soldiers would also be a big asset in this fight, if his experience was going to be any sort of help. Still, the krogan felt a bit out of place with so much preparations being needed to take place. Tricking the collectors and luring them in was good and all, but it could go very wrong, very quickly, given the wrong circumstance or timing. They'd need to be undetected, keep the enemy from knowing their full number, and push their offensive advantage as much as possible if they were to survive en tact.

 

Still, vayne couldn't help but feel nervous as he walked a bit out of the way of the others, near one of the creates to be used as cover, it was about his chest level, and it would do well to serve as a bit of an impromptu work station for what he needed to do. He upholstered his chakram launcher and placed it on the surface, the red gun would need to be checked thoroughly, but right now he had other concerns. Vayne upholstered his scimitar shotgun, the semi-automatic was a good shotgun, adequate and fast, though a little weak. He checked it over, making sure it was in top working order as he loaded a fresh thermal clip into it, making sure it was clean and ready to go, and not to jam at all. Once that was done he holstered it and checked his Carnifex, the pistol was a good backup weapon, should he need it. He looked down his modified sights attached to the rail, holstering it as it seemed to be in good working order. Once that was done, he picked up his chakram launcher, his heaviest used weapon so far. There was some scorch damage on it, and he brought it closer to his face to make sure the magnetic rail wasn't damage. The last thing he'd need was a damaged rail to contend with throwing off his speed and accuracy. Luckily, the damage was superficial, and as vayne held down the trigger, the fabricators in the rifled went to work spinning around a small disk of explosive material. Vayne held down a safety switch, and soon the rifle stopped spinning as the disk rested in the rail, activating the rifles recycling function as as the material was broken down and stored in the rifles material pocket, similar to what omnitools used.

 

"Good. Now to check the non-physicals..." He commented as he holstered his chakram launcher, opening his omnitool. He scrolled through a few functions, making sure his programs were responsible and ready to go while leaning against one of the creates. He wanted to make sure that whatever happened, there would be no problems on his end during a fight. Against anyone else, he might have been a bit less paranoid, let a few things go to chance. But not this time, one slip up, and vayne didn't need to be reminded he'd be dead.

[Terca]

Eteon and Team One traveled in one pair of shuttles towards the docks while half of team to got to work putting together the 'new' armor sets. It would be their first real exposure to combat in a while, especially under the odd circumstances the commander had put them under. Most were interested, even excited, but the natural tendency of Turians to convert superfluous emotion into predatory ambition.

 

One of the few that weren't going through that process was Eteon who was slightly thrown off by the fact she was supposed to be impersonating a member of the Blue Suns, hopefully someone indefinite and not popular so she didn't need to learn any mannerisms. I'm not brought out into the field like this... Something odd must be happening. She shifted in her seat against the indoor wall of the shuttle and looked up at the steel-gray ceiling, reptilian tongue running against the inside of her lower lip in slight nervousness. Her armor was blue now and had the Suns' logo on the front but she still felt exposed, even without any enemies around. An odd feeling and foreboding in all the worst ways.