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[sH0tgUn jUliA]

C-sec Interview Pt 3 - Kel & SJ

 

“Shepard,” Xanthe replied with a single word.

Remi walked around the table, next to Naleena (the side of hers closest to the door), folded her arms and sat against it.  Xanthe was not as tall, but she positioned herself well within what would normally be considered an appropriate comfort zone, and raised her chin so that her face was within a centimeter.  Her grey eyes took Naleena in with her same, typical cool, demeanor.  “That’s the Shepard argument.

“Three hundred thousand Batarians killed, all while operating with Cerberus.  I read you, in fact, had to deal with a retaliatory terrorist group that cited Shepard’s actions as their reason to make their attack on Caleston.  And that’s still far short of a more direct conflict that could break out.  But Shepard wants the Council to believe the alternative was worse.

“I could stop this investigation right now, if you want, Naleena.  I can set this straight, but you have to come in line with me.  Maybe you need me, Naleena, if you see some Merit in me.  You recognized that you don’t have all the answers, you are simply taking what looks like the best solution to you.  There’s a lot you have, Naleena, a ship worthy of envy, a fast track acceptance as a Spectre.  I’ve read your files, I know about the pardon.  I know you had to stay alive...and you did what you had to.  But the one thing you don’t have is time in the chair, the experience of using all that power you have now, so you cannot see all the alternatives.  I can change that, Naleena.  I can change it and we can save lives.  Not because it is even moral, but because better math leads to a better future.  If, in fact, a better future is what we’re trying to create here as Spectres, isn’t it?”

 

Naleena smiled, but didn’t blink. “So that’s what this is about? Time in the chair?” she asked, and leaned against the wall. “I’ll grant you that. I’m new at this, and the chains of command are heavy. I’m not military. I know that my highest level experience prior to my assignment was doing contract black ops work for whom I suspect was The Council or a Council member nation: doing stuff that The Council couldn’t afford to have a Spectre get near.

 

“You mention ‘the Shepard argument.’ There is a difference. Where Shepard has only her visions to support her actions in the Bahak System, I have hard evidence to support mine on Omega.

 

“Do you know what we do after each mission? We view our helmet cam footage to see what we did well, and what we could do better the next time. Then the team works on their weaknesses in the simulator. There’s some interesting video of the attack in and around Afterlife that you should see. And you should see the autopsy reports of the leader and a few of those involved in the attack. Come on, Xanthe, your curiosity is peaked now, isn’t it?”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

C-Sec Interview Pt 4 - Kel & SJ

 

Remi stood in Naleena’s face, then walked away, though she still kept her head turned so her expression could be seen.  

Xanthe’s eyes lowered to the floor, “You are right, that you have at least based your decision on something.  I would throw Shepard in the brig immediately and head straight to the Council chamber, that ex-Spectre’s hands in cuffs.  I will look at your footage because I will not leave your side of the story out of the investigation.”

Then, Xanthe turned back to face Naleena, “But it will not change the fact that I have been doing this job for longer than you have.  And this doesn’t need to get back to the Council if you are willing to resolve this with me.  You may be able to hold yourself in battle, survive, even command.  But you need someone to guide you as a Spectre.  I don’t have to do a thing, Naleena, if you do.  If you go back to the Council, by your words, tell them that you are in over your head.  You did the best you could but Omega proves that.  Say that we discussed it, and put yourself in my hands, until time I see fit to clear you to be on your own.  We are a long lived people, you and I, and we have time to learn where others simply succeed or fail.  I’ll shoulder the responsibility, face the Council’s Wrath, or behind the door politics, while you thrive, able to put aside these outcomes that leave you on a hook.  You know, deep down, that I don’t do this for my benefit, but I do it because I know it is the best outcome.  And it is in your best interest.  And that while you are looking at me, look at yourself and you’ll hear what I am saying is as real as the white diamond in the center of my forehead.”

 

Naleena listened to Xanthe felt that her last exposition was very condescending. She ignored it for the time being, knowing that Xanthe needed to see the information.

 

Naleena tapped her omni-tool. “VERA, send the security and helmet cam video from the firefight in and around Afterlife.”

 

“Working,” VERA said in a voice resembling Avina’s. “Sending files.”

 

Naleena saw the video on her ocular display. “Xanthe, open your omni-tool. I’ll transfer the file to you so you can see it.”

 

Xanthe saw the battle that took place. She saw EMIR mechs and mercenaries mercilessly mowing down civilians who were in their way, and then she saw Naleena’s team in action: the Asari Commandos, the highlights on all three assault fronts, Mira’s near fatal wound, Frank’s creative use of the Atlas Mech’s ME cannon to take out the Batarian Vanguard.

 

“I want to draw your attention here,” Naleena said.

 

Irina removed the prophet’s helmet revealing his glowing yellow eyes. His breathing was difficult, with fluid accumulating and made the familiar sound of death rattles. The Prophet looked at the group around him. “Krogan once showed promise, but a sterilized race. Potential wasted. Turian: too primitive. Asari: practice of reliance on other species for reproduction introduced genetic weakness. Batarian: DNA strands too similar to a prior failed attempt. Human, we are your salvation through your destruction. Prepare for your ascension,” the Prophet said, his yellow eyes faded to brown, and let out a dying breath of air.

 

“The ranting’s of a madman? Perhaps, but I think not. And did you notice the eyes? VERA, send over the autopsy report on the leader and the four members of the assault team on which Dr. Tolus analyzed,” Naleena said.

 

“Working. Prepare to receive data,” VERA said and sent the information to Naleena’s omni-tool.

 

“Xanthe, I’m copying the files to your omni-tool,” Naleena said. “Note that Dr. Tolus found an implant embedded on the brain stem of the leader. This implant actively receives a signal from somewhere. Notice I said receives. The signal isn’t limited to the Sahrabarik System. It is also present here on The Citadel. When properly shielded it stops receiving it and deactivates. All of them show the presence of the same prions clustered in the limbic system that we discovered in the food and drugs in the section of the station we destroyed.”

 

Naleena looked up at Xanthe. “Food Xanthe. They contaminated the food supply. The prions entered their systems, collected around their limbic systems, and then they were indoctrinated. Shepard recovered files from a Dr. Rana Thanoptis on Virmire who was performing indoctrination experiments for Saren. Thanoptis was missing something from her experiments. It was the prions. There is no cure.”

 

“7 million people would have been indoctrinated. Many would have been killed. Omega is a major hub. Travel between the Traverse and Illium gets routed through there. And think if it spread to other places in the galaxy, like The Citadel. It would have been so easy. Now do you understand? I made the correct choice. I had to save those people from that.” Naleena said.

 

“And my choices? Before I was a Spectre I made the correct choice on Omega by gathering evidence and bringing parties together to fight the Collectors and saved lives; on Caleston I made the correct choice to infiltrate and that choice saved 225,000 people and the hostages in Dome 410; and I made the correct choice on Omega. Tell me, Xanthe. Tell me where have I not made a correct decision? You can’t, can you?”

 

“Being a Spectre is a difficult job. It is a terrible job, but it is my job. Walk into Council Chambers and tell them that I’m in over my head? That’s not going to happen. You have your information. We’re done here.”

 

"You're done here, Naleena," Xanthe said, even though the images of what she saw turned wheels in her mind, "I'm only getting started with you.  One of us needs to care about the people who died, and even if you don't, I do.  One of us needs to question whether those decisions were really correct, and even if you don't, I will. You're dangerous, Naleena.  I'll be examining what you've sent me more closely, but for your sake, I'd better be convinced that this far-fetched tale has not one scent of a cover up for going rogue."

 

Naleena spun around, her aura flaring. "You dare? Don't you dare imply that I didn't care about the people who died. Don't you dare imply that I'm covering up anything. And don't you dare threaten me with rogue status. Let's face the facts, Xanthe. You have an axe to grind. I'm the 'new Spectre' on a special assignment with a new prototype ship, while you're the Spectre who just got off suspension due to her negligence on an assignment and who nearly got one of her commandos needlessly killed and lost a load of Silaris armor in a p*ssing match with another Spectre. The commando, her name is Tallis, by the way. You're the one who needs to look in the mirror. Don't you dare judge me."

 

Naleena stormed out of the C-sec interrogation room and went upstairs to the Dark Star Lounge.

[TheMajonese]

After visiting the med-bay Arian returned to his quarters. To his relief Dr. Tolus had been too busy and the turian's injuries too minor for the salarian to look after Arian personally and keep annoying him about the problems with his spine. Instead one of the assistants had treated him and Arian had left the med-bay as soon as possible.

 

While the others of the crew were on shore leave, having fun, spending their money and getting to know each other Arian just stayed at the ship and tried to somehow keep himself busy. But his original plan to do some workout turned out to be impossible, after hardly twenty pushups the pain in his injured arm was already too much for him to endure. In his frustration Arian didn't even try any other exercises and instead just sat on his bed, furiously staring at the blank wall. After a few seconds he suddenly stood up and searched for something to throw around.

 

Arian knew exactly what he needed right now. Unfortunately the combat simulator on the Janiri wasn't going to help him in any way. While it was good to improve one's combat skills it certainly wasn't convenient to blow off some steam. At least not for Arian. Fighting against virtual enemies wasn't the same as having real opponents. That was one thing in the turian military he really missed now; the sparring before the actual missions. Except for Eteon he was the only turian in Naleena's team and he wasn't sure if any of the others would like such hand to hand fights.

 

With a frustrated sigh he left his quarters. Arian doubted that he was going to find a club like the Flaming Fury on the Citadel but maybe there was some sort of arena. He had no idea since this was his first time on the Citadel but he wasn't going to find out by just sitting on the Janiri.

 

 

 

After only fiveteen minutes Arian's original plan to find some sort of arena had drastically changed. At first the need of getting some clothes and gear had came to his mind but after a couple of minutes his feet had taken him to the Dark Star lounge where he was sitting now and ordering one shot after another while desperately trying to get drunk. 

 

That was one of his biggest problems; it was almost impossible for him to get seriously drunk. The probably only thing that would really work here was Ryncol but Arian refrained from ordering some as the krogan drink would certainly knock him out and he didn't want Naleena or any of the other team members to have to pick him up from a nearby hospital with an alcohol intoxination.

[Cainhurst Crow]

Huerta Memorial Hospital – JB & SJ

 

Medi-gel and the wonders of modern medical technology were meant to provide a quick healing service as well as effective pain relief. And while it was true, it didn't make Irina feel any better about her leg, the dull pain and numb feeling in it similar to what one might experience after a trip to the dentist, only nowhere near where it was supposed to be. She was lucky though, and she knew it; the round from the sniper rifle had torn through her leg, passing through her skin and muscle but miraculously missing her bone. It had come close, actually grazing it on its way out, but if it had hit her bone, she'd have died or been crippled for life.

 

She was still frowning as she sat in the medical bed, not enjoying having to be stuck here while her leg was given the hours it needed to properly seal and heal. She heard the door open as vayne entered, walking towards Irina with a look of concern in his eye, though a bit of a smile on his face.

 

“So how's the best human krannt in the galaxy holding up?” Vayne asked as he looked towards Irina, curious when she’d be back up on her feet.

 

Her injured leg elevated, and a bit groggy from the drugs, the frown turned to a smile when she saw Vayne enter. “Thanks for stopping by. They tell me I was lucky. I still have my leg. What the hell was that all about down there? Bloodpack? Serrice Guard? Another Spectre taking the boss off?”

 

“The Serrice guard were with the Asari, apparently she came to talk to the boss. I don't like her, but her subordinates did get you here safe and fast, so I don't know...” Vayne said with a shrug as he let out a sigh, “The Bloodpack...is complicated.”

 

Irina looked Vayne in the eye. “Complicated? What do you mean complicated?”

 

“The Bloodpack, they have a bounty on my head. They've had one on me for a while...” Vayne explained as he looked to Irina with an apologetic look, sighing before he looked away, “A while ago, there was this job I had. It was a missing persons case, turned out to be a collector plot to abduct humans. The lead was a Quarian, who got himself on the blue suns and Bloodpack’s **** list. I found him, killed some Bloodpack Vorcha hassling the kid, and helped save about 300 lives..., and I fucked up, immediately after.” He reported, head looking down as he spoke.

 

“Vorcha?” Irina questioned. “You killed some Vorcha to get to your lead and ended up saving 300 lives? How did you f*ck up? I think saving those lives outweigh a few Vorcha, Don't you? But they'll be shooting at you from now on. All the more reason for me to get that skin weave. Look at it this way. I wear light armor because I'm quick with it. The skin weave makes that like medium armor without sacrificing mobility, plus it's hooked up to a Medi-gel reservoir so it can deliver the stuff to any wound.”

 

“It wasn't just that, Irina! Ganar Slayt wouldn't come after someone over a couple of scum-sucking cannon-fodder...” Vayne suddenly burst out, his fists clenched and shaking as he spoke. “There was a Krogan, big one with a **** ton of drugs coursing through his Brains, who wanted to kill me outta sport and to teach a lesson.” As he spoke, one of his hands crept up towards his hump.

“That shotgun pistol I got used to be his. He had two of em, and through luck and smarts I got a hold of one of ‘em. I blew his brains out, and he punched a hole through my hump and nearly killed me, damn well killed my redundant organs...” he said as he started to calm down, his breathing becoming controlled again.

“Didn’t think much of it until this attack, so I did some digging. That Krogan I killed was Ganar Flynt. He's Ganar Slayts son. His only Son, dead by my hand...” he said as he looked to Irina, “I killed the Bloodpack leader’s son before I went to Duellos. It’s why I had the armor I had on...” he said as he looked away.

“If you’re still set on being my krannt, get yourself that upgrade Irina. ‘Cause killing a Krogan’s clan member, especially his kid no less, ain't something that’s gonna go away. It’s the type of thing that gets entire clans killed in retaliation, and their krannts, regardless of race.”

 

“You’re my friend, Vayne. I’m not going to desert you. But damn, when you do something, you do it big,” Irina said. “I should probably save up for that bone weave upgrade, too. I know what it feels like to get picked up and slammed by a Krogan, and it ain’t too much fun.” Irina took a deep breath. “Could you find Dr. Michel for me? I have an appointment with her and it looks like I’ll miss it. She might be making rounds checking on her patients. And Vayne, thanks.”

 

Vayne put his huge hand on Irina’s arm, nodded, and left.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The Dark Star Lounge - Naleena

 

The Dark Star Lounge was a small upscale club in the wards upstairs from C-sec. It had a large dancefloor, centrally located bar, light show, and was a gathering place for travelers waiting for connecting flights to other locations in the galaxy and off-duty cops. This was the kind of place that made Naleena want to puke, but it was the only establishment in the immediate area. After what she’d been through, she needed a real drink to cope with the electronic music and robotic people.

 

Naleena entered and walked straight to the bar, her right cheek had a bruise from the hit she took earlier. Fortunately it wasn’t bright and the bruise wasn’t obvious. “Nevosian Ambrosia, neat, and make it a double.”

 

“I don’t get too many calls for that. You’re lucky I have a bottle. Rough night?” the Turian bartender asked pouring two fingers worth in a tumbler.

 

“You could say that,” Naleena replied and slammed down the drink. “Hit me again.”

 

“Really rough night,” the bartender said.

 

Naleena pulled a cigarette out, stuck it in the corner of her mouth, flipped open her gold lighter, and lit it. “If getting shot at and spending two f*cking hours in a C-sec interrogation room counts, yeah, rough night,” she said, then took the cigarette between her index and middle fingers, and blew the smoke out her nostrils. “You ever get tired of listening to this sh*t? Ever want them to play some decent music?”

 

The bartender mixed a drink for another customer. “I thought you Asari liked this stuff.”

 

“I danced to it for money. It doesn’t mean I like it,” she finished her second drink. “Hit me again: A single this time.” The warmth of the alcohol began to wrap around her head like an old friend easing the tension. She tossed her credit card on the bar.

 

The bartender took her card and rang up a tab. “So what did you do to get shot at?”

 

“I’m alive,” Naleena said taking a sip from her drink. “I’m a Spectre. I was on the Strip earlier.”

 

He started mixing a drink for another customer. “The shootout in that club? I saw that on the news. That was you. You’re the one who killed the Drell.” the bartender asked. “I heard they had the Serrice Guard down there, and you and another Spectre drove off.”

 

“That wasn’t my idea. I just wanted to take a friend to the hospital and go back to my hotel,” Naleena said and downed the rest of her drink, then noticed his name tag. “Marius, hit me again. The other Spectre is the one who had me in C-sec.”

 

“Damn, this one’s on the house.”

 

“Thanks.”

 

A young human male patron with dark hair had overheard their conversation. “You’re… the Asari I saw on the news from the Strip. I heard people say you were awesome.”

 

Naleena hoped he would just go away. “Yeah, sure, whatever.”

 

“Come on, they said you took that Drell apart,” the patron said. “Let me buy you a drink. Maybe we could dance or something?”

 

“Look, I nearly got killed tonight, and a friend of mine is in the hospital. I’m getting drunk, and I’m packing heat. I’m not exactly the kind of girl you want to be hanging around with,” Naleena said and took a drag from her cigarette. “Why don’t you find a nice girl your own age?”

 

“Geez I was only….” The guy said and left.

 

Naleena looked back at Marius and shook her head. “Kids.”

 

I miss Morgan, Naleena thought. He had a nose for quiet out of the way dives where you could have a drink and not be bothered. But we’re all victims of our upbringing and our past.

 

A Salarian in black armor walked in carrying himself with a lot of authority. A few people, probably off duty C-sec officers acknowledged him as he made his way to the table in a darkened area along the wall opposite the dance floor with the reserved card on it. He sat there. An Asari waitress walked over to the table immediately and took his order.

 

Naleena leaned in toward Marius. “That Salarian, have you seen him before?” Naleena asked and pointed to the Salarian with discretion.

 

The bartender glanced over. “Yeah, that guy’s kind of scary. He’s a Spectre named Jondum Bao. Why?”

 

“Nothing. Just wondering who he was. I usually don’t see Salarians carry themselves like that,” Naleena replied.

 

Naleena extinguished her cigarette and opened her omni-tool. “VERA, get me Spectre Jondum Bao’s e-mail address.”

 

“Here it is, boss.”

 

Naleena typed out a short e-mail.

 

To: Spectre Jondum Bao

 

From: Spectre Naleena T’sarius

 

I’m the Asari in black leather seated at the bar. I have some important information. We need to talk. Can I buy you a drink?”

 

Bao’s omni-tool vibrated, and he read the message. He motioned to Naleena to join him at his table. Naleena left Marius a handsome tip and walked over to Bao’s table where she sat on the stool opposite him.

 

Bao gave her the once over. “Seeking out a Salarian, T’sarius? Given your track record with my species I’m surprised.”

 

“Let’s just say I’m working on becoming more tolerant,” Naleena replied.

 

“Fair enough. Had a few already?” Bao asked commenting on her mildly inebriated state.

 

“It’s been a rough night,” Naleena said and motioned to her cigarettes. “Do you mind?”

 

“No, go ahead. So what was it that you wanted to discuss?”

 

She withdrew a cigarette from her case and lit it. “I’m being hunted by a rogue faction of former STG. I thought you might be able to help.”

 

“Considering your past, that’s hardly surprising, but how do you know they’re rogue STG?” Bao asked, as the waitress returned with his drink. Naleena ordered another round.

 

“I’m sure you know about the shootout in the Silversun Strip tonight,” Naleena said, took a drag off her cigarette and blew the smoke out her nose. “The Drell assassin had some very interesting things to tell me before he died.”

 

“He talked?”

 

“No. I melded with him, and ripped them from his mind. You know how Drell memories are: perfect in every detail – sights, sounds, every single word. I know this is not your regular STG, but a rogue faction being funded from somewhere in your government. I have a name and face,” Naleena said, and took a sip from her drink. “This is too big for me to handle alone, and besides it will look like a vendetta. Considering what went down earlier that’s the last thing I need. Will you help?”

 

“Why would I want to help you, T’sarius? You killed many of my colleagues in the past.”

 

“How about patriotism? Honor among Spectres? Look, even your government agreed to a pardon for what happened in the past. I was young and impetuous. My sister had just been murdered. She was just a dancer trying to put herself through university. What happened afterward? I just wanted to survive. One tragedy led to another and another,” Naleena said. “Now I just want to help make the galaxy a better place. If you won’t help me, I’ll understand, and I’ll talk to Sao.”

 

“I didn’t say that I wouldn’t help. You understand my reservations since I was recruited from STG myself,” Bao replied. “But this breach within the agency cannot be tolerated. If you have solid evidence, tell me about it. Who is this person?”

 

“The Drell’s name was Talle Nuan, but I want you to see everything else.”

 

“Are you suggesting a meld?”

 

“Yes.”

 

“Here?”

 

Naleena sat with both her hands on the table open. “Why not? It will take only a moment, and I promise not to scan your mind.”

 

Bao set his drink on the table and outstretched his hands. “Okay, T’sarius. Let’s begin.”

 

Naleena took them. She closed her eyes. Her mind and Sao’s were one. She located the memory portion of Sao’s mind then shared the Drell memories: every smell, every image, every sound, and every word. Sao saw the face of the Salarian with whom the Drell spoke, and heard the names of more than one Salarian. When she was finished, the process taking about a minute, she broke the meld.

 

It took Bao a couple of moments to regain his equilibrium and examine the memories he just gained. The expression on his face changed from non-committal to one of shock. He tapped on his omni-tool for a couple of minutes.

 

“I’ll help, but why didn’t you take this to The Council?” Bao asked.

 

“I have no desire to embarrass the Salarian Union. Valern supported me. You know the Special Tasks Group. You know your own government. Perhaps we can work together and bring an end to this?” Naleena asked.

 

“Yes. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. Who else knows about this?”

 

“Xanthe Remi, but she doesn’t know the details. Those are backed up on my computer.” Naleena said. She lied about the last part, but would enter that information shortly.

 

“I have things I need to do first,” Bao said. “When things are ready, I’ll be in touch. Now if you’ll excuse me. My appointment is here.” Bao motioned to the front of the club, finished his drink and left.

 

Naleena sat back on her stool and watched Bao and the person he met left the club. She leaned against the wall, tumbler in hand swirling the purple liquid. The ambrosia was purple like Asari blood except with clarity to it. She held it between her and the candle on the table momentarily watching the alcohol condense on the sides of the glass and run back down into the liquid. Then she downed it.

[Cknarf]

Thousands of credits later...

 

Frank left the club feelin' alright, despite being 100% sober.

 

Therapy? Bah! Who needs it?

 

He couldn't believe he considered seeing an actual counselor, when the girls at the club would listen just the same. They’d also get naked and grind on you if you paid them, something not likely to happen when dealing with Lt. Cmdr. Axanni

 

Unless…

Frank shook the thought from his head.  Several seconds later, It came back.

 

I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ask...

[Redbelle]

Kolme's place of all things mechanical. For all your robotic needs, Your one stop Geth-Tech shop!

 

 

In the back of his shop, Kolme worked on new designs. He'd left the others in the front waiting room citing that he never worked with any but his apprentice in attendance. Years of strict adherence to Quarian safety guidelines mandated that he either observe non qualified persons, or worked. He couldn't do both.

 

Thinking of his apprentice he wondered where she could have gotten too as he put the final touches to the finger's on a robotic prosthetic and moved to a human manikin. It was specially built and had detachable parts in locations that surgeons tended to operate at when removing limbs. In this case, Kolme slipped two finger's off the bottom of the manikins hand in as close an approximation to the wound he'd observed on that Frank individual and lined up the palm sleeve before fitting it over the remaining finger's to sit snugly on the palm before activating the VDF adherence sleeve that now covered the palm. Tugging the finger's he was pleased to see that the force at which he pulled prevented the palm sleeve from slipping off. It had been a great obstacle, trying to devise prosthetic that needed no more surgery to use from the get go, but the VDF system had proven to be a grand idea that had solved the issue. Preventing movement in one direction to stop the prosthetic from slipping off while a second VDF system worked in the opposite direction to keep the prosthetic from slipping in the other direction. They'd stay there till the nano batteries inside the finger's died. Which by his last calculation, would be three months. Tapping his Omni-tool he keyed into the manikins faux central nervous system. A replica of the average humans. Keying in several instructions her watched as the finger's flexed as they ought until finally he pulled from a pouch a shiny black leather glove and sealed the two finger's within while the others remained loose. Deactivating the VDF system he slipped off the glove and replaced the finger's before moving over to his bench.

 

Upon his bench sat a faux panel beech effect box with his shops engraving on the top. Lifting the lid revealed a velvet lined interior. Kolme placed the glove inside in the pre-cut depression that fitted the gloved hand. With that done he then reached next to the box and picked up a gauntlet that had the typical Quarian three fingers. This he had prepared earlier. It was a standard Quarian engineer gauntlet with enhanced strength and grip, as well as an assortment of micro refined mass effect manipulators embedded in the underside where the wrist met the palm. Quarians had used these for centuries to hold and manipulate delicate machinery with one hand. If Frank was indeed an engineer then Kolme suspected he'd enjoy playing with the possibilities such technology would allow. The gauntlet's bottom finger was robotic, like the gloves bottom two and it's size had allowed Kolme to entertain adding a hollow to allow additional engineering tools..... It retrospect though, he'd left the hollow empty, figuring the man would likely prefer to fill that slot himself. He placed the gauntlet in the box with the glove, then picked up a slate and began recording.

 

"Now pay attention Mr Frank. Since you have obviously had a loss recently I was moved to whip up the two items you have just come into possession of. Fortunately for you your friend Ms Anika asked me to forward the bill to her Captain Stones account she has here allowing me to ship these out to you post haste. Now, I've done what I can based on my observations but without seeing you personally I was not able to tailor these items specifically to your attributes. Do try to return the equipment in one piece when you next see me and we'll rectify that on the double. I've added the manuals on operating these devices but I assure you they are very much plug and play. Good luck with their operation Mr Frank".

 

 

He stopped the recording and slipped the slate into the box before closing it. Then picked it up and moved over to a waiting delivery floater. A small hover bot that waited patiently nearby as Kolme secured the box inside of it before programming in the person to whom the delivery was to be made. "Now.... voice I.D. will be fine in this situation. But I want you to take a thumb print just the same. Understand"?

 

The Bot made a shrill whistle and spun around on the spot like a overexcited child before backing up and then accelerated fast in a wide arc to fly off, tapping into the Citadel security grid to find it's target. Kolme watched it go and shook his head in exasperation before turning around and picking up another piece, this one an arm.

 

"No rest for the weary". He muttered. "Pulling up a long, tall stool he sat and focused on the fine articulation when from over in the back of the workshop he heard the sound of a door closing. He looked up. "Where have you been"? He asked in a sour mood. "We had customers! I had to leave my work! What do you have to say for youself"?

 

Yeli's blue complexion flushed as the Quarians admonishment hit her. "I'm very sorry.... Mr Kolme. I had to meet some of our other client's.... Some of our work needed a fine tune and I didn't want to disturb you".

 

"Which ones? What was the problem"?

 

"Nothing I couldn't handle.... Mr Kolme".

 

Kolme eye'd her, then gestured to the front. "Well we've got people waiting so go make sure they are comfortable".

 

"Yes..... Mr Kolme".

 

"And log whatever the problem was. I'll look it over and see if we need to call our other clients".

 

"Yes..... Mr Kolme".

 

"And check over our last delivery of Grey Goo. We seem to missing gallons in the tanks".

 

"Yes..... Mr Kolme".

 

"I want to know if our last supplier short changed us before I start shouting at someone".

 

"Yes..... Mr Kolme".

 

"You don't know where that matter could have gone do you? Without it the production line's as good as useless".

 

"No..... Mr Kolme".

 

Kolme eyed her once more, then shooed her off. Yeli moved up to the second floor, taking the lift. As she did she brought up her messenger on her Omni-tool and typed quickly.

 

'The old man spotted missing goo. Not a problem yet. Will cover tracks. Confirm need for 10 more units'.

 

As the lift came to a halt a message pinged back. 'Confirmed. More better. Old man can be removed if it speeds up production'.

 

Yeli's crest tingled at the image of Kolme, with her foot on his faceplate, pressing down harder and harder till it began to spiderweb into cracks. She shook it off and replied back. 'Risky. Good thing going. Find out who saw the test walker first. We'll decide from there'.

 

With that Yeli scrubbed her screen before smoothing down her dress and opened the door to the waiting room. She smiled pleasantly and addressed those inside. "Welcome to Kolmes. I am Yeli, his assistant. I'm here to cater to your needs and take any orders you wish to place. Is there some way I can help you today"?

[TheMajonese]

After emptying his eighth glass Arian slammed it back on the bar with such force that the glass slided off the surface and shattered on the floor behind the bar. It took him a moment to realise what just happened and when he saw the bartender glaring at him he just shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry for...breaking it...I can pay for that...", 

 

"Don't you think you had enough?", the turian bartender asked in an annoyed voice while looking at the shards to his feet.

 

"I guess so", Arian replied though he didn't plan to stop drinking. He didn't like the Dark Star anyway with its weird club music and the colourful lights and after paying for his drinks and the broken glass he turned to leave. There were certainly more than enough bars even for him to get drunk. But he already knew that he wasn't going to find something like the Flaming Fury here on the Citadel. It wasn't just about the arena fights or the music, Arian missed the people and also that mysterious community spirit that seemed to be lacking everywhere on the Citadel.

 

A sudden thought crossed his mind. Why am I even trying to drink as much as possible? As usual Arian had no answer for such a question and the thoughts were soon replaced by a somber emptiness. 

 

When he moved to leave the Dark Star he suddenly stopped and slowly turned around. Arian squinted his eyes, he thought he had spotted a familiar face and to his surprise he was actually standing just two meters away from Naleena. It was hard to not recognize her in the black leather coat

 

It took him several seconds for him to decide that he wanted to move up to her. His movement was a bit slow but Arian was used to this alcohol level and had no problems walking without staggering like an idiot. He approached the spectre and greeted her with a grunt. "That salarian...is he a friend or did you two talk about business?", Arian asked directly not caring about being rude. "If it's the latter; how many people do we have to kill this time?"

[Kel Riever]

...at Kolme's


Molly had been in the front office for some time, staring blankly as she had waited for Frank, Anika and the new woman who's name she still did not know.  She hadn't been much for conversation since speaking to Frank last, but she needed to wait to see if she could catch up with the tall woman in white about Morgan and Iyana.  Whatever was going on with the quarian took plenty of time so she was surprised when the asari had come in, introduced herself, and asked if any assistance could be provided.

"Uh, no thanks.  I'm here waiting for 'Eneeka.' "
 

[Redbelle]

The Medusa

 

The sound of the lift came and ended as the lift halted. Jess strode out, her custom sleevless green bodysuit now sporting a tan utiliy jacket. Sleeveless like the rest, it showed the muscle definition in her arms as well as a box tucked under one that she carried close to her hip.

 

Jess looked over the bridge with her mismatched brown and silver eye's before she stepped up and nudged her comm's officer. "Duncan.... I strongly suspect, and I have a clock in my quarter's that backs me up on this.... that you didn't call me when I told you too. And that I stayed up in my quarters for so long that we should have dropped off the workers by now..... Is that correct"?

 

Duncan turned to face her, hen his eye's swiveled off to the side. "Ummm..... Well? It seemed like.... there was no reason....".

 

"I told you to tell me. That was your reason". Jess interrupted. "Anything happen while I was gone"?

 

"No captain".

 

Jess's eye's bored into his. "We'll see. But keep in mind that when I tell you to do something in future.... You do it. Even if you think it's not worth the effort. Got it luv"?

 

"Ahhhh.... Got it.... Cap'n".

 

Jess sighed and shook her head. "For the record luv, its better you disturb me, than not. Even if it's just to ask the time. You call the captain of the bloody ship to the bridge. Are we clear"?

 

Duncan swallowed. "Yes Cap'n... I will....".

 

"See that you do". Jess sweapt past him. Her mind reflecting on the time when she'd been given the same lecture by her then captain as she stepped up to Dahlia sat in her chair and rested her free arm on the back. "Comfy luv"? She asked in a playful tone before calling out.

 

"Marshall report"!

 

At the helm, Marshall turned and called out. "Report, Aye! We closed with the docks and the dock worker's who wanted to leave have gone by shuttle".

 

Jess nodded and turned to Duncan. "Any word from the docks"?

 

Shaking his head Duncan called. "Uuuh.... No? I mean. No Cap'n. They are still having.... ummm. Issues? With their comm array".

 

"So what I'm hearing is that the docks has made no attempt to contact this ship or request we remain in the area"?

 

Duncan's eye's went wide. "That sounds right..... Of course they couldn't contact us if they want......".

 

"Thank you". Jess cut him off quickly. "Marshall. Best speed to the Citadel. Dahlia, plot the fastest course to the relay you can. We've lingered to long".

 

Taking a step back she announced to those on the bridge. "Listen up! You'll be pleased to know we've taken on four new hands! The good doctor Amy Hayashi who helped organize the satellite run and three of those we plucked off the ship we encountered raiding that comet. I appreciate that may be a cause of contention for some of you but I've been engaged with them and I'm convinced they are innocent of any actions against us and this ship during that engagement. The fault lies with the commander's of that vessel and they paid the price. As for the doctor"? Jess paused and cleared her throat. "..... I guess she wants to see what that other ship boiled off the comet that we confiscated.... She'll be around. She's not a spacer though so do your best to help her come to grips with ship life.... Oh...". She said, as an afterthought. ".... Don't mention the Kimono though.... Adds a touch of class I think.... I'm serious. Any complaints and I'll change the ships dress code. Kimono's for the lot of yah"!

 

Jess looked over to Morgan and Dahlia. "Soooo.... Any reason why I shouldn't order course to the Citadel? I take it nothing else came up while I was working our guests"?

[Redbelle]

...at Kolme's


Molly had been in the front office for some time, staring blankly as she had waited for Frank, Anika and the new woman who's name she still did not know.  She hadn't been much for conversation since speaking to Frank last, but she needed to wait to see if she could catch up with the tall woman in white about Morgan and Iyana.  Whatever was going on with the quarian took plenty of time so she was surprised when the asari had come in, introduced herself, and asked if any assistance could be provided.

"Uh, no thanks.  I'm here waiting for 'Eneeka.' "
 

 

Anika leaned over and patted her hand from where she sat next to her. "Anyone I know". She said softly.

 

Rachel also leaned in and placed a heavy articulated hand on the others. "I knew a rock band called Eneeka. Are they coming here"?

[Kel Riever]

...on the Medusa

Morgan wanted to say so much, but instead he pursed his lips and said so little.

"Nah.  Everybody onboard can get off at The Citadel if they are barking to go back home to Calleston.  Including Dr. P'Neb Nu.  We'll just have to keep him under a bit longer."  His eyes squinted down at a datapad in his hand.  "Well, except for this rather extensive list of requests from Babe and Yori, our newest pilot.  They've been....working on stuff."  He handed the list to Jess.

[Kel Riever]

...at Kolme's

"Uh, no! No..."  Molly was taken by surprise.  "I meant, I was waiting for you...did I say your name wrong?  Ah-nee-Kah?"

Molly was, in fact, a bit surprised again.  Here was the woman she'd chased through Omega...watched beat the living pants off of everyone she'd ran into...and yet they never officially met...face to face so to speak.

"I'm a detective.  Sorry, Molly Hagen...C-Sec, but working with your Spectre, Naleena, now."  Molly offered her hand to the seven foot tall Anika.  "Maybe Kolme's isn't the best place to talk about it but I've been working on a case for a long, long time.  And it is in regards to Morgan...well, now it is in regards to the woman who was his superior in his...former organization of employment.

"May I have a word with you about it, on the way back, or wherever it is you'd feel most comfortable talking about it?  I'm trying to find anything, really everything, you could tell me that you know about it.  And ultimately, I'd really like to get to talk to your associate, the captain?  Captain Jess Stone."

[Redbelle]

Taking the datapad Jess looked down the list of equipment. "Need that.... Need that.... Need more of that.... Never have to much of that.... lollipops"? Jess looked up at Morgan. "Are they planning on opening a sweet shop on my ship"?

 

Looking down the rest of the list Jess sighed. "Can't say I don't agree we need this gear.... But Calleston's going to be rightly fuming over how we made our exit, and snapping up a load of their workers. If we need to make a stop then I'll smooth over the authorities best I can, but the Citadel's got a lot of this stocked at their place". Jess pondered, then moved to her chair and hit a switch on the arm. "Captain to Babe. Need to know.... How bad do you need this gear? Can we wait till we get to the Citadel? Or do you need it now"?

 

Jess paused as she waited, counting up the reasons why leaving now would be a wonderful idea, while the notion that all the work done in transit would further enhance the ships safety. Something that was sadly lacking, against the possibility of encountering actual threats on the journey to the Citadel.

[Kel Riever]

Just before Jess got on the com with Babe, Morgan (with a small bit of concern in his voice) said, "That's...not just lollipops.  Babe was specifically making sure we knew she was asking for 'Tootsie Pops'.  She...put a video clip link in the datapad to make sure it was clear."



When Jess got through to the lower aft gunport, Babe was just telling Yori, "...Morgan, the first mate, is not a ma'am.  He's a mister..."

The Captain's voice came over the com with the bad speakers, and Babe had to listen particularly well to make sure she heard correctly.  Then she watched Yori for any protest as she answered.

"Babe here, Captain."  Babe tilted her head in consideration. "I'm not used to being asked questions like that...we can handle your ship defensively until we get to the Citadel if you'd like to be under way.  At least if I can train some of the NUBs¹.  Preferably one at a time...," she stopped for a second, regretting immediatley what she'd offered. "We can make due, Captain, between Yori and I...I think we could get out of anything bad we'd need to, as long as the idea is to get to the Citadel and not engage in any more, um, missions of assistance."

Now Babe was biting her tongue.  She looked at Yori, the only person on the ship she'd begun to feel comfortable with.  With a sheepish smile at Yori, Babe thought to distract the Captain (sure, it was a long shot) away from her offer to interact with people, with something else.  Something else important to her, anyway, "Uh...if I may, Captain Stone, you don't really have to get those Tootsie Pops.  It was something I put on there on a whim.  I mean, I do like them, but it's 'Tootsie Pops' or basically blowpops.  Nothing else really does it, so I can get those on my own..."

¹NUB (Pronounced 'noob' just like you'd expect) was a naval slang acronym which stood for Non-Useful Body...and pretty much means exactly the same thing noob does today, applying to submariners who didn't know all of the jobs on a sub.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The Dark Star Lounge

 

After emptying his eighth glass Arian slammed it back on the bar with such force that the glass slided off the surface and shattered on the floor behind the bar. It took him a moment to realise what just happened and when he saw the bartender glaring at him he just shrugged his shoulders. "Sorry for...breaking it...I can pay for that...", 

 

"Don't you think you had enough?", the turian bartender asked in an annoyed voice while looking at the shards to his feet.

 

"I guess so", Arian replied though he didn't plan to stop drinking. He didn't like the Dark Star anyway with its weird club music and the colourful lights and after paying for his drinks and the broken glass he turned to leave. There were certainly more than enough bars even for him to get drunk. But he already knew that he wasn't going to find something like the Flaming Fury here on the Citadel. It wasn't just about the arena fights or the music, Arian missed the people and also that mysterious community spirit that seemed to be lacking everywhere on the Citadel.

 

A sudden thought crossed his mind. Why am I even trying to drink as much as possible? As usual Arian had no answer for such a question and the thoughts were soon replaced by a somber emptiness. 

 

When he moved to leave the Dark Star he suddenly stopped and slowly turned around. Arian squinted his eyes, he thought he had spotted a familiar face and to his surprise he was actually standing just two meters away from Naleena. It was hard to not recognize her in the black leather coat

 

It took him several seconds for him to decide that he wanted to move up to her. His movement was a bit slow but Arian was used to this alcohol level and had no problems walking without staggering like an idiot. He approached the spectre and greeted her with a grunt. "That salarian...is he a friend or did you two talk about business?", Arian asked directly not caring about being rude. "If it's the latter; how many people do we have to kill this time?"

 

Naleena invited Arian to sit with her. She motioned to the waitress for another round. She marveled at how simple the Turian's mind worked. Friend or kill. Yet his words made her realize how few friends she truly had in the galaxy. It was such a huge place with trillions of sentient, sapient beings in it and she could count her friends on two fingers. Up until this evening she had thought things were finally settled in her life and that she could move forward.

 

She looked up at the Turian. "Maybe one? Maybe a dozen? Maybe two dozen? Does it really matter? We'll do what's necessary." she said while rolling the ashes off her cigarette. "The Salarian? That was business, but we won't be dealing with that for a while. One day perhaps in a month, I'll receive a call...." She downed the rest of her drink, and the next round arrived.

 

"Have you ever wondered why we kill, Arian? There are people in the galaxy who create great works of beauty; those who design complex cultural marvels; compose great musical compositions, not this crap they're playing in here. And on the other hand, there are people like us. People who kill. Firing a gun is a binary choice. Either you pull the trigger, or you don't. It's about as simple as it gets," Naleena said and she took a drag off her cigarette, blew the smoke off to the side away from him. "I have killed a lot in my life, Arian, more than you can imagine. I do not enjoy it. Being a killer has made people afraid of me. It has made my life a lonely existence. There was a time in my life when things might have been different, but if they had, you and I wouldn't be sitting here having this drink. It would be you speaking to someone else."

 

She extinguished her cigarette. "Let's get out of this place."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The Janiri - Ereba

 

“But Lieutenant, Ma’am, you said that Shay and I wouldn’t be split up. You promised!” Ereba protested while carrying her duffle bag.

 

Lt. Dinouri sighed. “I’m sorry, but orders are orders. The Janiri is short one commando and I had to select one. I drew a name at random to be fair.”

 

“Why not Ranassa , or T, or Errika, or Wasea? Why me? You know Shay and I are going to be bonded. For f*ck’s sake, Ma’am!”

 

“It’ll be alright, Ereba,” Shay said. “I’ll be waiting for you. Don’t forget to write, and call me, and send pictures.”

 

“Same goes for you, babe,” Ereba said, then embraced Shay and kissed her.

 

Lt. Dinouri gave them a moment but then interrupted. “Let’s go, Corporal! Our ship is leaving shortly.”

 

“Yes, Ma’am,” Shayrana said and went off with her lieutenant, turning to wave to Ereba one last time.

 

**

 

Ereba boarded the Janiri. It was unlike any vessel on which she’d served. The first thing she noticed was that it was a mixed race crew, and the next thing was that it looked… civilian. It was well lit and the seats were… leather… real leather. She shook her head in disbelief, but then heard about cost overruns on military vessels and investigations uncovering 1000 CR screwdrivers that were identical to the 15 CR screwdriver you could buy at a hardware store.

 

A Turian security guard approached her. “Are you the new commando?”

 

Ereba snapped to attention. “Specialist Ereba Danri reporting for duty, Sergeant.”

 

“You’ll find your team on Deck 3, Specialist.” The guard said in a typical gruff Turian manner.

 

Ereba took the stairs down to Deck 3. I’ve seen artwork on the Nefrane, but design here is a bit over the top for a military vessel, unless they have civilian crew, which I guess is possible. Some stations could be run by civilians outside of the CIC. She thought.

 

Arriving on Deck 3 she heard some Asari voices coming from the wardroom. One of them sounded familiar.

 

“You’ve gotta be sh*tting me,” she said to herself.

 

She walked into the wardroom. Jenus, Tallis, and Iole were seated at a table playing cards talking about the times with Mira. Ereba dropped her duffle bag. She still had her M-98 Widow across her back and her Kassa Locust holstered.

 

Jenus looked up. “You! I knew they were sending someone over, but of all the available Commandos, they sent us you.”

 

“I sure kicked your ass in the Arena,” Ereba said.

 

“That’s ‘in the Arena, Sergeant,’” Jenus said. “I’m in charge of this team. You report to me. And there’s no cheating on missions. What the f*ck is that thing strapped to your back?”

 

Ereba took it off, and held it in her hands. “This is an M-98 Widow Anti-Material Rifle, Sergeant. It was originally a Geth rifle, but Kassa Fabrications made modifications and added mass effect fields to reduce the kick without reducing its firepower. It has a built-in armor piercing mod, but I added an extended barrel, extended magazine, and counterweights to reduce aiming time,” Ereba just beamed with pride over the gun. “I saved up for two years to buy this. Makes your panties wet just looking at it… Sergeant.”

 

“And a human weapon for your backup?” Jenus asked.

 

“What can I say? Kassa gave me a deal. I need a rapid fire weapon for a quick escape, Sergeant,” Ereba said. “When you’re being sent to scout a position alone you need a weapon that’s able to make a kill with one shot, and another to provide suppressing fire for you to escape. Sorry, but I don’t see any Asari-made weapons that do that. I find it kind of stupid that the military has neglected to issue any. Instead they give us these toys like the Disciple and Acolyte. We’re not built front line stuff. That’s why I bought these.”

 

“Toys? The Disciple and Acolyte are fine weapons,” Jenus said, “They take down shields, and biotics do the rest. You know how commandos fight. You went through the training, Danri.”

 

Tallis eyed Ereba’s rifle and she handed it to her. “That works fine when you’re in a team, Sergeant,” Ereba countered. “But when your blue ass is a hundred meters away from your squad or you’re on a special assignment, you need different options. I can one-shot kill with that rifle from a half-kilometer and can move to another spot before the enemy can get a fix on my position. The target’s dead before they hear the report. Can you do that with your Disciple?

 

“I say we should use our biotics to soften up hard targets and get some more powerful weapons so we don’t have to rely on them so much in close combat,” Ereba said. “This lighter weapon doctrine might have worked fine in the past, and it might work fine for now with the Turians and humans carrying the heavy load, but in a sustained conflict we have to rely on guerilla tactics unless we buy our own non-standard issue stuff.”

 

“You mean like the Hellbringer,” Iole said.

 

“Yeah, like the… Wait… do you pack one of those things?”

 

Iole looked to Jenus then back at Ereba. “Yeah, I pack one. I’ve been carrying it for a few years. Heavy-assed weapon, but it rips through about anything, especially with AP rounds.”

 

Tallis handed the Widow back to Ereba. “Nice rifle. Nice rifle.” Then she pointed to Jenus and made a charging motion with her hand and hit her other hand with her fist. Then pointed to herself and held up her hand in front of her.

 

“Uh, what are we doing? Are we playing charades or something?” Ereba asked.

 

“That’s just Tallis,” Iole said. “She has something a little off, and that’s the way she communicates. But she’s very smart, and a hell of a commando. What she was saying is that Jenus is a Vanguard, while she specializes in hardened Barriers.”

 

Tallis nodded.

 

“That’s handy,” Ereba said with a smile, and turned back to Iole. “We had one with a Hellbringer in my platoon. She’d been carrying it a bit longer than you, but I can see you’re well on your way. That upper body of yours is looking good. She started complaining about having to buy new armor frequently.”

 

Jenus laughed. “I like your attitude, Danri. I was busting your t*ts. You can call me Jenus. I think you’ll fit in. Just remember this isn’t the Arena. We don't hard pair anyone on the team, but as a default, Tallis was paired with Iole, and it's me who's missing a partner.  That means you're going into the simulator with me, first opportunity after you get yourself stored.  Eventually, we'll get you with everyone on the team and we'll figure out what works best. Welcome to the team.  Now, go settle yourself while I finish taking all of Iole and Tallis' money."

"Not on your life," Iole chimed.

Tallis rolled her eyes.  Twice.

[Cknarf]

Frank strolled down the streets of Tayseri ward, with his hands in his pockets. There was an occasional *ding* every minute or so, as he fiddled with the bell he had stolen from Kolme’s.

 

From his left pocket, he withdrew a business card, and examined it.

 

“Huh.”

 

It was from the club he had just left.  There was a handwritten note on the back, in what appeared to be turian script. He translated it with his omni-tool.

 

“Yeeeeaaaahhh. Got them digits, son.” He chuckled to himself, before slipping it back in his pocket.

 

The f*** is that?

 

Something ahead caught his eye.  It was small, fast, and coming right for him.

 

Nope!

 

Frank bolted.

 

“Fuuuuuuuuuuu!” He ran from the unidentified object at full speed, dodging the occasional pedestrian as he did so. He looked over his shoulder.

 

Sh*t! It’s fast!

 

Making a hard left into an alley, he carefully swerved around the various debris, doing his best to keep his suit clean.  He slipped on something, but for once, he managed to recover.

 

“Dammit!” Frank had reached a dead end.

 

Fire escape…

 

He made a jump for it, but was too short to reach.  Looking back, he saw it round the corner.  In a last ditch attempt to reach the ladder, he ran at the wall, and pushed off, the tips of his fingers only managed to brush the lower rung.

 

The machine was now upon him.

 

Frank stepped left, then right. Then he faked right and tried left, but it mirrored his movements.  The damn thing was just too fast.  The machine made a whining noise, and a light flashed.  Cornered, he had no choice but to fight.

 

Frank hit the small blue machine with an overload charge. He pulled his pistol, and followed it to the ground. He poked it with the tip of his shoe, and jumped back, as it popped open. He crouched to examine the contents.

 

Kolme's

 

“Oops.”

 

Frank opened the box that was inside the bot.

 

"Now pay attention Mr Frank…"

 

Frank only made it halfway through the recording, before he began messing around with the other stuff inside. It didn’t take him long to figure it out.

 

“Neat.” He made a fist, smiling as the prosthetics moved just like the real thing. He wiggled them independently a few times, just for fun.

 

I’ll have to get one in white…

 

He thought while looking at his black gloved hand.

 

“Guess I should probably fix this…” He picked up the crashed bot.

 

It didn’t take long to get the little thing back in working order. He carefully placed the bell inside the bot, dinging it one last time, before closing the lid and sending it back home.

[TheMajonese]

Arian had finished the drink in one go before Naleena began to speak. The alcohol made it hard for him to follow her words and needed a few more seconds to think about what he had just heard. Then he let out a scornful snort.

 

"I'm just glad you offered me this job on Caleston without knowing anything about me. I imagine it to be very hard for me to find a proper employment since under Citadel laws I would probably be considered as war criminal", he said with a joyless laugh. "And I certainly know how it feels to be alone."

 

For a second Arian thought of shattering his empty glass on the floor as he felt the familiar urge to throw something through the the bar but then he thought that breaking one glass was enough for now. Instead he turned to the asari. "To be honest, I don't know why I kill. But it's the only thing I've ever been good at. You know what happened during the fight on Omega? I saw Mira being flung over my head and hitting the ground just a few meters away from me. I didn't do anything to help her. If she was shot right next to me I wouldn't even notice it." It was obvious that the alcohol made Arian say things that he probably didn't say while being somber.

 

While getting up from his seat he noted the slightly purple stain in her face. "Did anything happen to you? Just a bar fight or something serious?"

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"I was leaving the hospital when I received a frantic call from Irina," Naleena said and began recounting the details of the fight. "... The Drell and I danced. He was good. Very good. I underestimated him, and it nearly cost me my life. But his employers underestimated me, and it will cost them theirs..., eventually.

 

Naleena pointed to the bruise. "This is a reminder of an event that happened 250 years ago on Illium. My younger sister was dancing and doing other things to pay for her university education. She was murdered by the Special Tasks Group Chief of Operations. Ten years later I tracked him down and killed him. The Salarians were not pleased. Their race can hold a grudge. It is easy to outlive a Salarian, but you cannot outlive their record keeping, and there is no such thing as a cold case.

 

"This was supposed to have been settled before I became a Spectre. I was working for the Council on an assignment and as payment, all I wanted was a pardon. They agreed, however, there apparently are some who were not pleased. This bruise is a gift from them. It is a reminder that you can't run from your past. You'll end up running in circles until you fall back down into the same hole from which you were trying to escape, only the hole has grown deeper. Now, Irina is in the hospital. One tragedy leads to another, and another, and another. This is too big for me to handle on my own. That was why I was speaking with the Salarian. He is another Spectre. He agreed to help."

[TheMajonese]

Unintentionally Arian clenched his fist at Naleena's words. You can't run from your past... The sentence began to circle in his mind and block out any other thought. It sounded poetic, meaningful but at the same time hollow. You can't run from your past...You can't run from your past...You can't run from your past...

 

"There's nothing left anyway...", Arian mumbled to himself.

 

He shook his head to clear his mind, the dull feeling created by the alcohol helped him to get rid of those unwanted thoughts. 

 

"While doing work for the Blue Suns on Omega I've killed countless people. All I cared about was following my orders and getting the job done, no matter the costs. When we arrived there a few days ago I was attacked by a human that I've never met before but he knew me. Probably because I killed someone of his family, I don't even know. I guess there are many people on Omega who want to see me dead and I might even deserve it but you certainly do not. You just avenged your sister's death, they can't pretend that this salarian had been completely innocent.

 

If you ever get have any problems with those people again I'd be glad to help." I've got nothing else to do anyways...

[The Red Shadow]

Yori popped her head up obviously starting to get dirty with all the gunk dust and smoke from soldering. She pushed up her goggles wrinkling her nose "not my fault all the Morgan's I know are girls"

[Redbelle]

Jess rubbed her eye's. "Blow pops..... why not? It's not like a box will break the bank".

 

Marshall spoke up. "If she can have blow pops can I get some penny whistles"?

 

"If he's having penny whistles..... can I get some sherbert dips.... orange sherbert dips? I love those".

 

Jess shot an annoyed glance to her bridge crew. "Babe..... we're heading to the Citadel. Do what you can and consider any parts we pulled off the other ship to be at your disposal. We'll fill out this list when we get to our destination". Jess turned to Marshall. "Lay in a course to the relay and hit it. We're long overdue".

 

"Aye Captain".

[Redbelle]

Kolmes

 

Anika nodded to Molly. "I'm sure Jess could help you more than I could..... I'm just a bodyguard.... was a bodyguard. Now though? I guess I don't know..... I got into a relationship and I seem to have.... uh, misplaced my work. I think we're just waiting for the next assignment Naleena gets assigned to help her out on".

[Kel Riever]

Molly swept aside her hair and listened, particularly to the 'just a bodyguard' comment.  Then she confessed to Anika.

"Did you know I ended up chasing you through the streets of Omega behind that band of club hooligans you eventually beat up on the roof of the club?  After running in a complete circle?  You know, the ones who wanted you for your queen?"

Then Hagen looked up at Anika, her brown eyes uncertain as to whether she should burst out laughing hysterically at the tall woman, or just shake her head in disbelief.  Instead, what came out was a sort of flash curling up of her lip to her beauty mark before her mouth went into a flat line again.  "You know, when you body charged a krogan through a skylight, then got up off of landing on him and shouted at the top of your lungs?"