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[Redbelle]

The following was made in collaboration with Kel

 

Yeli stood before Anika. Her body poised in a stance that made it hard to judge what biotic maneuver she was preparing. Anika stood before Yeli. Unprepared but having shown a worrying ability to trounce anyone with biotics that stepped in her path.

 

Neither moved for a long time.....

 

It was Yeli who broke the silence. "Your fighting style is not what I'm accustomed to. I assume your a product of some new human program"?

 

"Private". Anika's voice hissed from under her helmet. "I learned from a huntress. She'd throw me around all day. Eventually she helped me recognise the movements and patterns of biotics and.... well..... when you have my reflexes that split second to react is the space between defeat and victory. Your help aren't exactly at their best biotic wise".

 

"You'll find I'm not so easily defeated".

 

"Then make a move".

 

Neither did.

 

"Afraid"?

 

"Are you"?

 

Anika tilted her head in contemplation. "Your stance favours a warp but could just as easily be adapted to a barrier with an explosion follow up. Either are easy enough to overcome, but to get to you I have to come at you hard.... Hard enough to get through the biotics. When I make contact.... And I mean a jab to the throat, I need to make sure it's not so bad that I can't bring you to my ship for questioning".

 

"Not the authorites"?

 

"We like to keep things in the family".

 

"Your not worried about the other warehouses"?

 

"You either lied, or told the truth. Neither matters. The only thing that does matter is I don't hear the ones in this warehouse rushing to help you".

 

Yeli gave a wry smile. "Feel free to take the credit. Any later getting past my subordinates and I'd have them marching....".

 

"Who are you".

 

"Ah ah ah! That would be telling. All I will say is that your species brought this on themselves. And if your actions cast you down, why shouldn't others be elevated to take your place".

 

Anika's hands rasped as her hands became fists. Armored weave scraping against weave. "So your doing this to put humanity in it's place? Why? What did we do to you"?

 

"It's the galaxy that suffers from your presence..... Just look at Shepard! A human who was risen to high to fast. A hero? Maybe once. But he became another Saren by joining with a group of terrorists he once claimed to oppose. The shining light of what we can expect from humanity and he betrayed the very law and order he was supposed to protect.... In a way we should be grateful for the forewarning of what we can expect from your species. Your own shining example cast aside everything to further an agenda of his own and he killed millions! The galaxy doesn't need another Krogan rising from a species who bullied their way into power. As for our leaders? They. Were. Weak..... They let you in and haven't the strength or resolve to cast you out again. When we're done, you'll find that weakness in our leadership has been cut out.....".

 

"You always this chatty"? Anika interrupted as she saw a shift in her stance. She steeled her own muscles, ready to make her move.

 

"Only when my subordinate is awake and ready". Yeli replied with a grin. Anika felt a fresh surge of dread that nothing to stop her planting a foot forward as she propelled herself forward. Fist pointing directly at Yeli's throat as Yeli glowed and from behind her came a whoomp as something behind her went off. Suddenly she was finding it harder to move. Her forward progress arrested as her fist came within an inch of making contact with the triumphant face of Yeli. She struggled.... Then found herself pulled back and off her feet as  she spun and found herself pulled into the orbit of a singularity that a shaky looking elder Asari from earlier had summoned into being. Blood flecked her mouth and poured from her nose but she grit her teeth as she kept her focus.

 

"Go my lady"! She shouted, struggling to stay upright. "Complete our mission! Make our sacrifice worth it"!

 

Spinning as she was, Anika saw Yeli's biotics, holding her from the influence of the singularity, were now holding her a foot above the ground as she drifted backwards.

 

"Find peace in the embrace of the Goddess sister. Your sacrifice will be avenged"! Yeli's warp shot out, propelling her backwards through one of the broken windows, her biotics shining like star fire before she dropped out of sight. Not that it mattered at the moment to Anika who brought her legs up to her chest as she tucked her chin in......

 

Then the warp met the singularity, and amid the victory cry of the Asari whose cries turned to screams, the room exploded.

 

Molly however took that exact moment to swing out from behind the door frame.

 

"Freeze!"

BWA-HOOOM!

Molly had moved up against the wall on one side of the torn apart doorway, while Miss Priss had placed herself on the other.  With a nod, Molly came clear around the door with rifle aimed, ready to put down anyone who refused her order.  But she wasn't ready for the biotic explosion that blew the room apart, nor the hurtling form of the seven foot giantess in white armor coming hurtling at her.  She had about enough time to drop the rifle and throw her hands up to protect her before Anika crashed into her, and both went flying backwards, into the control room, which was fortunate for providing enough space so they could freely hurtle across most of the distance.  Not so fortunate though as to prevent Anika from landing on top of Molly and crushing into her.

"Unnnnffff!"

Miss Priss was through the door after the explosion, firing at where she guessed the attacker was.  The projectiles passed through thin air, and all she could see once she got her bearings was the dead body of an old asari on the ground and the massive destruction of the detonation that had turned most of the place into rubble.

Molly was able to squirm out from under Anika.  She pushed herself up to her knees and checked to see if the tall woman was all right.

 

Anika's tall form rose and swayed as she sat. "That..... was..... new". She managed before she fell back down again. Her armour bore deep dents along one side as she rose her hands up to free the helmet from her head. The seals had deformed but she managed to get them undone and tugged the helm off to take a long, deep breath.

 

"Urrrgh...... Yeli.... Whose..... Molly"? Using one arm to right herself she glanced around. "Where's Yeli? She went out the window! She's.....". Anika struggled to her feet, a look of grim determination on her face. "We have to go after......".

 

The nice news about being shorter than Anika was that Molly could slip under her arm to help support her to her feet.  "Following you around is getting bad for my health.  But if we've got someone to chase, lead the way."

"That there bandit cut and run," Miss Priss shouted, coming back out the doorway.  "And it sure is a fair way down.  We jumpin'?"

 

Anika shook her head. "That Asari.... stay away from her.... She's.... Urgh". Shrugging Molly off Anika staggered over into the other room where the bodies of the other two lay. She knelt down and rummaged through their clothing. "They aren't standard defense types. These were military. They worked together in a way that has to be drilled into you and they co-ordinated to well for private company types. These ones have commando written all over them and the way they tried to take me out..... They knew I was a threat. They tried to remove it so they could focus on the plan..... The question is, what is that plan, and when does it go into effect? It sounded imminent..... To do with Armature's.... it sounded like they had more.....".

 

Anika commed those down below. "Dogger! Anika! If you encounter an Asari drive her off. Don't try to kill her. She's to good. Hold a perimeter if you can and wait her out. If you do she'll back off. That one has places to be".

 

The comm clicked to signal understanding and Anika turned to the others. "We need to get one of these Armatures back to the ship so Jess can look it over".

[Redbelle]

The following was made in collaboration with Kel

 

Miss Priss made a disappointing 'tsk' sound and went over to the shattered window for a look at what she could see out of it.  "What ya'all got her is an in-fes-stayshun problem.  And your gonna need a good exterminator."

Molly kept a cautious eye out for the unexpected.  "This I can get back to C-Sec, but they'll be working clean up at this point.  Not that I'm inclined to start working this way, but if some of what's here goes missing, which it looks as if it will, I won't bat a lash since it is all technically under Naleena's authority."  She paused for a moment, letting her cautious gaze wander over to Anika.  "Riiight?"

Without waiting for an answer that could have been something she didn't want to hear, Molly said, "We're due back at the Medusa and even in this district, I'll give us minutes before you have law enforcement on the scene, with all the shooting and racket that was raised.  I suggest we get what you wanted us to, Anika, bring it back to the ship, and discuss the next move there."

 

"Good idea. Let's go. I need to get my Typhoon back from that crewman down there..... How did someone so scrawny ever think he could handle a Typhoon"?

 

Anika moved to head out of the office stack and gestured for the others to come with her as she headed to where Dogger and the group were. Seeing the ladies approach, Dogger stepepd forward.

 

"Hey girl. You okay"?

 

"You came in early".

 

"Better they focused in than out. It gave you a clear run right"?

 

Anika sighed and tapped the Armature that rested by their side. "We need to get these back to the Medusa ASAP. Can we load them"?

 

Dogger grunted. "Loading them's not the problem. Getting back to the Medusa in good time is".

 

"What's the problem"?

 

In response, Dogger looked over to the wrecked loader. "Shame..... she was a lease too".

 

Miss Priss handed Molly her pistol back, then sidled up to Anika.  

Molly holstered her gun, and handed her gun to Coco was near. She said to Dogger, "There's more in her than you can haul anyway.  We can pack the one, and the lot of us that came in the second loader can hoof it until we can reach a Citadel transport terminal.  That will include Anika, of course."  She peered distrustfully at Coco.  "In fact, Dogger, let Anika, Miss Priss, and me go on foot.  I think you can cram you and everyone else in the cab, or maybe have one ride in the back.  That second loader...unless you can work a miracle, I don't see how we get it going."

"Aw," Priss expressed disappointment while peering at Keats.  Then she looked up at Anika next to her.  "Well, I can't say that everything is misfortune.  I might enjoy a little stroll with the right company."

"Miss Priss....," Hagen started.

"Marshal, I'm just looking at life sunny side up!"

Molly's face showed her disbelief.  Miss Priss simply smiled pretty.

[Redbelle]

Dogger nodded. "I'll get the crates full. One loader can pull two if we're careful. Looks like this place cleared out. Ought to be safe to work".

 

Anika nodded. "We'll start heading for the Medusa..... But before that..... You"! Anika turned to the thin wiry man. "What's your name"?

 

"Keats! Watsit to yah"?

 

Anika gestured. "Your holding my Typhoon".

 

"Yeah? I don't see your name on it".

 

Dogger thumped Keat's chests with the back of his hand. "This here's Anika. She's been crew longer than you and she's the only one who can lug that canon around. Give it up".

 

Keats gave a sour look but Dogger's expression won through his belligerence that he reluctantly handed the gun over. Anika took it out of his arms like it weighed nothing and compacted it to go on her back. "We'll head out now. See you back at the ship".

 

"Gotcha". Dogger turned and shouted. "Coco! Find a way to get these loaded! Compact em down or whatever! We're taking as many as we can"!

 

Anika turned to Molly and Priss. "I'm not so well versed on getting around this place..... Where should we head"?

[Kel Riever]

“These districts are supposed to be mostly for hauling freight, so we’ve got a bit of a longer walk than we normally would,” Molly began, “But the best route is straight through out the front to the main thoroughfare, which is where anybody walking around here would head….”

“But we’d miss the nearest watering hole where I bet is just off the beaten path for a hard working local to hang it up for a pint or two after putting a nose to the grindstone,” Miss Priss interrupted.  “Why it’d be just a…”

“You want to take a detour after what just happened?”

“Say I bet we avoid all them badges who’ll be coming right this way lickety split, the fastest way possible, on that main thoroughfare you’re chewin’ about there, Marshal.”

Hagen paused, then lowered her eyelids and sighed.  “You’ve got a point there, Miss Priss.”

“Always do,” Priss said, still smiling, “Don’t let it prick ya!”

Out of the warehouse Anika, Molly and Miss Priss went, but not before they had a look around to make sure the coast was clear.  It was always ‘day’ cycle in the wards, though the large industrial buildings created enough shadow that lamps lit the area for a modicum of decent visibility in most places.  Of course, lighting wasn’t perfect, the district again being meant for moving through, not long, slow strolls.  Fifty meters on down a side street jaunt to stay clear of the main thoroughfare, the jingle of Miss Priss’ jewelry and decorations became audible.  It performed a soft rhythm, as her hips swung side to side.  As if keen to the effect of her ‘music’, Priss batted her eyelashes at the detective, then up at Anika.  Big light brown eyes gazed at the tall woman in white, and then Miss Priss started singing a song to the rhythm she was making:

Saturday night I was downtown
Working for the FBI
Sittin’ in a nest of bad men
Whiskey bottles piling high

Bootlegging boozer on the west side
Full of people who are doing wrong
Just about to call up the DA man
When I heard this woman sing a song

A pair of 45’s made me open my eyes
My temperature started to rise
She was a long cool woman in a white dress
Just a seven foot, beautiful, tall
With just one look I was a bad mess
‘Cause that long cool woman had it all…

Molly put on some lip balm and did her best to fade into the background.  She was feeling nervous, which was one reason she supposed she wasn’t like Miss Priss.

[Cainhurst Crow]

Essul was done with his training session, probably for a good long while as he walked down the hall, still ticked off at vaynes little surprise he'd left in his holographic regiment.  He grumbled to himself as he went towards the infirmary, pausing as he came to the door as he took in a deep breath, exhaling slowly as he opened his eyes and composed himself.

 

He entered the medbay just as  Tollan was working on something on his terminal, turning around to look at the batarian curiously.

 

"I'm here to see how the commandos are doing..." Essul stated, standing with his back straight and hands held behind them, a waiting posture he'd had drilled into his skull since his days as a maggot.

 

"Which one?"  Tollan asked curiously, not really caring what posture the batarian took, as long as he wasn't being a risk to the paitents or his work.

 

"...Iole." Essul said, after thinking it over a moment.

 

"Ah. She's over there."  Tollan said as he pointed out her bed, "Don't do anything that might put strain on her. She's already done enough to set back her recovery on her own with that human earlier. The one who snorted those peppers..." He said as he got back to work, trusting the batarian smart enough not to do anything risky.

 

"Understood?" Essul asked, not sure he wanted to know why frank, he was guessing, had done that particular thing. Essul walked over towards Iole, giving a bow of his head to her as he stood by the side of her bed.

 

"So...how is mandated recovery treating you?" Essul asked, knowing from his own experiences how horrible it could be to be stuck in a bed, "I've been there before, so if there's anything grievances you'd like to vent....well, you may." He said, looking away a moment as he blushed, embarrassed by his mental slip up. Acting casual, as he called being informal, was still something he was working on. All his time spent on the ship, and he still had to remind himself of certain things he didn't need to do anymore around the ship or its crew, being wound tight being one of them.

[Kel Riever]

When Essul came over to Iole, she managed a nervous smile which she didn't lose after long.  "I'm...sorry for what happened.  Maybe not sorry enough.  I'm not looking forward to what comes out of it, though it will be a relief finally finding out so I can get on with whatever it is.  Being bedridden isn't so terrible in the face of that.  Besides, the medigel is working its miracle.  Worst broken bone I had was an important one, but the fracture was clean...even if it was a scary one.  Very scary."  Her last words had her lingering in thought.

"No grievances left, though...I think I've had them pounded out of me.  You don't have to be embarrassed to ask though, Essul.  I can't even tell you how much my stomach is twisting around right now over things."

[Cainhurst Crow]

"If I may be so bold, I think you've already paid enough of a price, to feel as sorry as you do now..." Essul said as he looked down to her, a bit of relief in his eyes, "The fact that your taking this in stride is good. Though I'm sure whatever the results, they'll be fair..." The batarian stated as he looked out the window, and off into the distance.

 

"Commander T'sarius is a fair commander. She's given judgements as they are, and she's been more then understanding for some, who've done worse then you..." Essul stated, speaking from his own experience with naleena's judgements from his own admissions and short coming, "She'll make the right call...though I guess its more the waiting, then anything..." He said, coming full circle with what she said and realizing it far too late to stop. He'd meant to give her good advice, not just reiterate what she'd said.

 

"You shouldn't worry so much about the future. A little faith that things will work out, never hurt..." Essul said, again speaking from personal experience, "It can even help, pull you out from sinking into what ifs and worries..."

[Redbelle]

Anika looked over at Priss and the corner's of her mouth twitched upwards. "Let me guess..... you and Jess". She shrugged. "I can't say I'm surprised. Thanks for the offer but.... I'm in a relationship at the moment. It's long distance but I'm trying to make it work. Her discovering I bedded you would...... not be good for you. I'm flattered though. Really. I am". Anika ran a hand over the back of her neck. "Tell the truth, I'm more worried about Naleena. I missed the boat getting involved in this little adventure and now Jess is keeping the Medusa moored till I get back....... Holy cow.... She's keeping the ship in dock for me". Anika flushed in embaressment as she walked. "Anyway. Thanks for coming after me. Hopefully we can get back and take off after the Jeniri".

[Kel Riever]

“Heart-stopping envy is the sincerest form of flattery, I hope you agree, Anika,” Miss Priss said alluringly. “A certain kind of loyalty is nice, too. I’ll bet that kind of sweet dedication is high on the list of particulars for the Marshal here, wouldn’t you say?”

“I spend most of my time with work, so yes, loyalty is big with my crowd,” Molly replied.

“Marshal, I’m not talking work unless your work, such as mine, crosses back and forth between the boundaries of obligation and pleasure.” Miss Priss was talking across Anika to the detective, but changed her position amongst the three as they walked, to get herself between the other two women. To make space, it was noticeable that Molly was the one who adjusted outward. “What I’m saying, Marshal, is I bet there’s someone missing you warm in their bed next to them, especially since you have such a dedication to your employ.”

“Nah. Haven’t in a while.” The moment the words came out, Molly knew she put her foot in a snare.

“That’s a sin!” Miss Priss jumped on the information before Hagen could say anything to stop her. “You’re too gorgeous to let man suffer this world without you.”

“It’s not like…”

“Or a woman.”

“No, the thing is…”

“Asari? You’re amongst good companionship. We understand.”

“No…”

Miss Priss went on, teasing Molly warmly. Anika could see the detective get more and more flustered, but Molly kept walking from one trap into another. Then it became apparent to Anika that it was Priss, leading Molly along a winding road that was benign and while it bumped and jostled, it had the effect of having the detective start talking about things that it seemed, after all, she wanted to. Even if she wouldn’t admit it. Otherwise, Molly could have stopped anytime. Admirable was the skill in which Priss maneuvered her conversationally.

Finally, somewhere Molly seemed to give in. By this point her cheeks were bright pink. “Who’s going to keep up with a tomboy detective spending all her time at her job, anyway? That’s a lot of hurdles to get over, and how can I argue it hasn’t been easier not paying attention to, well, you know, those things.”

“Indeed, winsome kitten.”

“Is it supposed to be different? I don’t think I’m the type for most. Speak my mind too much, probably. Maybe people think my work is competing for their attention.”

“Would they be wrong?”

“I…Oh look, finally a transit station!”

The three finally came to an X3M pad, where they could lease a taxi back to the Medusa. Miss Priss said nothing to Molly on the way back, but hummed a tune from the back seat softly to herself, and played with her fingernails. Anika watched Molly who was in the front passenger seat next to her sink slowly lower on the flight back, until finally when they got to the Medusa, she was practically horizontal.

[Redbelle]

Back on the ship that Priss, Anika and Molly had just returned to, Jess waited for them. A masked familiar figure to Molly and Anika by her side.

 

“Kolme”! Anika said with relief in her voice. Jess’s eyebrows rose at the uncharacteristic happiness Anika was exhibiting seeing an alien when Anika abruptly set the galaxy to rights. “Did you fix my other armour? This one got warped”.

 

Jesses eye’s drew down the armoured sections that looked to have been caved in on one side. “You ah…. You gonna be okay getting out of that luv”?

 

“Yes… why”?

 

Jess gestured. “Your release buckles there and there are busted….. And that one’s been unaligned….. Seriously luv what did you get into out there”?

 

Kolme stepped forward and stooped to regard the damage. “Yeeeees….. Yeeeeees. Completely buckled……”.

 

“Bam Boom Ching”! Jess provided from behind.

 

“Likely  we will have to cut you out of this set. Still, I got your other armour repaired. I suppose you’ll be wanting me to fix this one too”?

 

“Will you”? Anika looked at him pleadingly.

 

Kolme looked over his shoulder at Jess who shrugged. “That…. May happen”. HE allowed looking back at Anika. My involvement in what’s been happening of late has put me in a…. somewhat precarious position that I may have to leave the Citadel for a time. Your captain has been gracious enough to grant me passage”.

 

“In return for being our resident in ship gadget man”! Jess called out behind him.

 

“Technical Specialist”. Kolme insisted. “Anyway. Yeli’s employment and my subsequent discovery of her producing armatures with my equipment has….. been a bit much. I’m just waiting to look over the one’s your people are bringing in”.

 

Jess shrugged. “Least you can do for that rescue luv. Preciate it”.

 

Kolme’s visor turned slowly to regard Jess. “If I remember rightly…. Captain…. It was me that rescued you”.

[Kel Riever]

Molly's mind was abuzz with the talk she'd had with Miss Priss, who looked like a cat that ate the canary.  She was about to add her piece to the conversation when she spotted Morgan entering the bay, accompanied by a woman in a kimono and white boots.

"Jess," Morgan greeted, then saw the entire troop of people returning to the Medusa.  "Anika," he greeted, and to the quarian he hadn't met he said, "Hello."

"Handsome!"  Miss Priss shouted.  "And Doctor Hayashi."  She slow winked at Amy.

Amy patted the bun on her head rapidly.

"Jess," Morgan went on, "Doctor Hayashi was kind enough to help me with the QEC, and we haven't been able to raise the Janiri, either through that or through normal channels.  I don't want to make too much of it, but last contact we had with the ship was before they went through the relay to the Amada System.  They were headed to the third planet, Eingana, where we were supposed to meet them.  I'm not severely worried about them, but I thought it was worth mentioning."

Remembering the interview she'd needed to conduct with Morgan and Jess, Molly popped into the conversation with, "The Janiri.  I'd meant to get back there after talking with you and Jess."

"Really?"  Miss Priss interjected in a way that bled innuendo, "Honey Bee?  Handsome?  Marshal?  What I'd give to be a fly on the wall."

Molly's eyes searched uncertainly.

"Never mind, Marshal," Miss Priss went on, "Don't you fret your pretty self."  She turned to Morgan and Jess.  "I say we had a fine rustling of your parts.  It was a pleasure of an interruption from some shooting lessons I was helping Dogger out with, although I do distinctly remember one of your crew not having taken part yet...someone on the list named Babe.  Your gunnery chief, as I recall.  Narry a single lesson have I had, either, with the big guns on this ship.  And as our appointed time has come and gone, I must say I have suspicion for this Captain's crew is generally ever so obedient."

"We'll get you two together once we're under way," Morgan said.

"If said party wishes.  I've got my ears on."  Miss Priss glanced sideways at Molly. "It wouldn't be the first person I've run into who seems a bit shy, and sometimes a person's gotta help someone out of their shell.  Different strokes for different folks, though, know what I mean? Well, everybody's got something to do."  Miss Priss sauntered to take her leave, but she angled to pass Jess on her way, and let her eyes linger with satisfaction directly into her gaze.  "Captain," she said just loud enough for Jess to hear. "I been real bad."  Then she kept humming her tune and headed out.

Morgan watched Miss Priss leave.  This crew, he thought to himself. 

[Redbelle]

Jess waited till Priss was nearly past her when she shot her a sidelong look. "I'll give you bad luv". She said with a lopsided grin before stepping forward to address the rest of the group. "Well luvs, glad your back. Let's get underway shall we"!

 

"Actually captain.....". Anika began. "There's an Asari called Yeli who.....".

 

"Yeah. C-Sec know about her. She's on their wanted list. Their gearing up to raid a warehouse right now I think".

 

"Dogger....". Anika began when a klaxon sounded and one of the hanger doors swung open to admit a loader hauling to containers. "....never mind". Anika finished. Jess meanwhile was rubbing her hands with undisguised glee.

 

"Tanks tanks.... Tanks! This is like a dream come true! Ahem.... In the most purest desire to see that these things are now in more responsible hands of course". She added to Molly as the grin abruptly disappeared off her face. "Kolme? Wait til their down and get a look in before they unload. I want your work certified".

 

"I would never create such monstrosities such as these captain. Personally I think you should have them dismantled. Why you want to keep them is beyond me".

 

"Never throw anything away, that could be used another day". Jess supplied in a half lecturing, half singsong voice. "Besides.... I always wanted a tank".

 

Kolme made an exasperated sound that his voice modulator garbled. Shaking his head he started walking towards the now downed loader. Dogger was coming the other way and Jess was about to greet him when two voices rang out behind her.

 

"Second loader? Where is it? Worrisome.... Sent out with two but only one comes back"! Jess turned to see the Salarian and the Asari stepping up behind her. The Asari looking anywhere but at Jess while the Salarian seemed agitated. "Coming in behind soon I hope! Both must be returned! Signed form! Papers! Legal Documents! Lease time not yet up. Perhaps simply caught in traffic. Yes yes".

 

Dogger looked at Jess and flipped the Asari her start up key. "Ran like a dream. Plenty more power too. Looks like you have a pretty big power plant under there".

 

"Always better to have a little on hand... in case you need it".

 

Dogger nodded and turned to the Salarian. "...... It broke down".

 

"What"!?! The Salarian was taken aback. "Impossible! Tuned engine myself! New parts! Nothing was wrong with it! Where is it? What did you do"?

 

"Look, I appreciate you have pride in your loader.... But the brakes failed and..... Well..... I can give you the location.... But you'd better get there quick before C-Sec does".

 

"MY BABY"! The Salarian exclaimed. "Quick Quick! Need a ride"! He said to the Asari who shrugged. "You can side saddle with me sure. But I told you those new parts needed stress testing darlin. Come on now. Get up in my cabin and we'll see how she is".

 

The Salarian practically tore upto the remaining loader that was now unhitched and pulled himself up into the cabin as the Asari turned to Jess. "Well.... I had a pleasure doing business with y'all. Don't know about my partner there but hey.... I've been trying to get him in my cabin fer months if you know what I mean".

 

Jess looked from the Asari to the Salarian frantically gesturing for her to hurry up and back to the Asari again. "He doesn't seem your type".

 

The Asari shrugged. "I know right? But.... something about the way he flaps when he's all riled up....." She grinned. "Anyhow. You'll get the deposit back on my loader. His...."? She looked at Dogger who shrugged.

 

"Cap'n, his loader saved us some hazard to ahhh.... some of our other assets..... I suggest we let them keep the deposit".

 

"Done". Jess toko the Asari's hand as they shook on the deal. "Well, won't keep you. Fly safe now".

 

The Asari took her leave and moment's later she and the Salarian were reversing out of the hanger.

 

"Captain.... About Yeli....".

 

"You can tell Naleena luv. Sounds like something she'd be interested in".

 

"But Captain.....".

 

Jess turned and regarded Anika. "What's up with this Yeli that you'd want to hang around the Citadel? Does it affect this ship"?

 

"It affect's the Citadel".

 

"Then hows that our problem"? Jess asked. When Anika provided no answer Jess walked up and placed a hand on her shoulder. "C-Sec are on the case. They'll make it hard for her to do anything until they catch her.....".

 

"They won't". Anika insisted. "Captain, she was commando trained. She had other's working for her. She was working for someone else. They have the humans working for them and whatever she has planned.... could rock the Citadel to it's core. And anything that affects the Citadel....".

 

".....Affects the galaxy". Jess finished with a sigh. "I get what your saying luv". She dropped her head in contemplation. Then looked up. "We're going after the Jeniri".

 

"Captain...."!

 

"If you or I take this to C-Sec it will be buried under red tape while they try to figure it all out. If a commando is involved then they will have feelers in C-Sec that can alert Yeli to them closing in on her. If not?.... Hell.... They sound organized. We can't beat organized if they planned for this. We need someone to help us cut through the red tape and give us the authority to break a few skulls along the way.. We're going after your girlfriend luv. If we go after Yeli we'll be going after her at a disadvantage.... And I don't like being on the back foot".

 

Anika simply looked at her, then nodded. "Okay... fine..... Your right".

 

"Doesn't mean you have to like it luv". Jess soothed her. "Just means you've got more time to prepare for her". Jess hit her comm. "Helm, set course for the Jeniri's last known location and take us there. Have Dahlia setup a course and engage as soon as we're undocked and cleared the shipping lanes".

[Kel Riever]

The Medusa was out of the docks and leaving the embrace of the Citadel’s arms.  A turian cruiser slid by ahead, the last vessel to pass before the shipping lanes, and the path to the relay, would be clear. 

Miss Priss had a quick reunion over a bite to eat with Miss Dila and Mister Charles, giving them the ‘skinny’ on events she’d been through.  The three had determined that they liked the new décor provided in the mess hall.  Appreciation was piled on the woman in charge, Sherie, and when Priss discovered she was the wife of Dogger, the accolades only mounted.  Conversation also included the topics of the new Doctor Amy Hayashi, the muscular Largo, and Sophie with her assistant who no one had yet seen.  Finally, Mister Charles brought up Babe.

“Babe!”  Miss Priss exclaimed in revelation.  “That’s the woman I’ve missed at the gun range, and who I haven’t been able to receive ship’s gun lessons from, due to aforementioned adventures.”

“You better get yourself prepared,” Mister Charles said, waiving his hand like a fan, “I could barely keep my attention on the lessons.  And I’m good at keeping focus when it comes to looks, being a consummate professional if I do not say so myself.”

“Well, Mister Charles, I best get on that right away.”

Miss Priss excused herself and thanked Sherie one last time before heading to the nearest com station, just outside the mess.  She raised Dogger and had him patch her into Babe, to whichever hardpoint she was located at.

“Babe here.”

“Darling, Miss Priss here.  You are last on my list for small arms training.  I have been working with Dogger, that magnificent man, and we haven’t had you shown up with all that’s been keeping us busy.  So I say why don’t you meet me in the designated cargo hold so that we may do our duty, and I also have not had the pleasure of receiving ship’s gunnery training from you either.  We can kill two birds with one stone here, so to speak, not that I’d ever harm a feather on a harmless creature.”

There was a pause, then, “Miss…Priss?  I’d like to, but I’m wires deep in an upgrade right now to one of the ship cannons.”

“Not an issue.  You just let me know how long you need and I’ll be right on up your way when you are all set.”

Another pause.  “I…have an indeterminate schedule with the upgrade.  Then I’ll need to test it, and I don’t know how long that’s going to take…”

Miss Priss squinted in suspicion.  “Well, that’s fine dearie.  Why don’t you show me some of that fancy stuff you’re doing while you do it since I have to be learning anyway?”

“Sure,”  Babe answered, but paused a third time before saying, “but I’ll let you know a good time when that is.  There’s, ah, a few reroutes I should do by myself so they’ll be faster and then I’ll get in touch with you.”  Then the com clicked out.

“Hmmmn,” Miss Priss spoke her thoughts aloud, “That woman’s more slippery than a greased up piglet.”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Janiri - Med Bay w/ Kel & SJ

 

 

Naleena left the Faed to gather the materials necessary to connect VERA to the archive. Having carried Iole about half the way back to the ship, she thought about the state of the commandos and decided to check in on them. This was more of a social call than anything, but yet she was concerned that she might upset them, so she decided to speak with the doctor first.

 

She entered Medical Bay and saw Dr. Tolan at his desk going over some reports.

 

Dr. Tolan heard the door open and looked up. "I assume you're here to see the commandos?"

 

Naleena approached his desk. "Yes, I am."

 

"They told me what happened out there. Very sad. Iole is still not in very good condition, although she is recovering quickly," he said. "Nice field work by both you and Jenus. Would advise keeping your visit calm."

 

"I intend to do that, Doctor." Naleena replied. "There will be discipline, but not today. I just want to see how they are doing. I would like to see Jenus first."

 

"First room on your left," Tolan said. "Will be discharging her later today."

 

"Thank you," Naleena said and entered the room. Jenus was sitting up in her bed watching a vid.

 

Jenus immediately shut off the video when Naleena walked in.  "Spectre," she said immediately and sharply, with a salute.  There was a wince caused by the rapid movement, an involuntary admission of pain Naleena hadn't seen the Commando ever display before, not even in combat.

 

Naleena returned the salute and sat next to her. "Easy. I'm here to see how you're doing, that is all."

 

"Fine," Jenus said.  Then she changed her answer.  "Not fine.  I'm a long way from fine."

It showed in Jenus how difficult the conversation was.  "This isn't the way it was supposed to be.  The command...I'm responsible for what happened.  I'm ready to face whatever you've got coming to me.  And I'm asking you to spare nothing.  I almost killed someone in my unit because I let myself get out of control.  You don't need that around." 

Jenus stopped herself as she felt like a massive ball were blocking her throat.  There was nothing physically there, of course.  Her dark eyes wandered as she became speechless.

 

Naleena leaned forward. "That's not why I came here today. Today, I came to visit my commando to see if she was recovering from her injuries. But it appears you need to talk about some other things. What we discuss here does not leave this room, yes?

 

"You're telling me that you accept full responsibility for what happened. That's good. And that you let you let yourself get out of control. You're right in that I don't need that around. You are new at command, too, and you need some guidance," Naleena said, and now I sound like Xanthe. "Did you think that command was easy? I had no idea what I was getting into when they handed me command of this ship and this mission. It's been difficult."

 

Jenus interrupted. "But you...."

 

"But I'm a matron and yes, I still make mistakes," Naleena said, "But I trust those who work for me. Granted you and Iole have a little rivalry. You keep score and try to one up each other. That was fine when you were under Mira's command, but it has to go away now because you have authority. The things you used to do with her is now seen as bullying specifically because you have authority, and if she replies like she used to you might perceive it as insubordination. Do you follow me? Stop me if I'm wrong. And that's when things got to the point they did, yes?

 

"What I have to take into account is that no one prepared you to lead the team. That is on me. I should have at least spoken with you or had the commander speak with you about what to expect as fire team leader."

 

Jenus hesitated before her reply.  "I'm not...Goddess be damned I'm a Vanguard.  I'm meant to break the line, hit it and get out.  Fists forward.  We're supposed to be different.  We're the ones who rip it open and give the bars a win on a platter.  Not be the bars telling others what to do.  Battlefield assessment, electronic warfare, biotic strategy...that's done by a...textbrain. Or from farther back.  I'm just a grunt, born to bruise."  She shifted and ran a finger around her collar, which might have hurt considering the bruise that was still there.  

 

Naleena thought for a moment. "I see. That's what you say you are, but I don't believe that's all you think you are, nor all that you want to be. There is more to us than what we think," she said. "You see, before I took command of this ship and this team, I was an assassin. I was responsible for myself only and for getting the job done. Those days seem so simple now when I look back at them. I have asked myself the question, would you want to go back? It would be much simpler, wouldn't it? To make a lot of money from my contracts and live the life of decadence between my assignments, yes? Many would long to live that life. But my answer is no.

 

"For the first time I saw something more important than just myself. For years I mouthed the words. I sat in meditation but did not see. Then things changed. I saw how I fit in the universe. All of us truly are interconnected like the priestesses said in the temples. We are a community, a consciousness. What is crucial is the structure of the connections and how much that structure is free to evolve," she continued, "The people on this ship, diverse as they are, have become my responsibility. Add to this our assignment. This has given me purpose. They look to me for leadership, not direction. Not to dictate to them what to do. I act mostly as a facilitator building consensus among our team, not imposing it. I am in a position of power but choose not to wield it. That is what makes us strong.

 

"Do you remember Omega? When we sat in the Conference Room debating what to do? I knew what we had to do. I could have imposed the plan, but because of what was to be done I needed to have everyone agree that it was the best course of action based on scientific data, not emotion. There were disagreements at first, but as the data was discussed everyone eventually agreed. That is building consensus. Even Essul agreed, and most of the people involved were of his race. Had I imposed the plan, things might not have gone as smoothly. I might not have earned his trust.

 

"And again with Essul on Caleston, I had a private conversation with him prior to the mission. I left him an out because I knew how difficult this could be. And he took the shots that saved hostages. He is a loyal friend when it could have been different if I'd imposed the orders."

 

Naleena took Jenus' hand. "You're a fine Commando. I've seen you fight and your bravery is worthy of the branch of the Asari Military. You've served with the others for 30 years. You don't have to go through the lengths to build the trust like I had to. You have to learn to trust your team. That's where you're weakest. You can do it and still be a vanguard. And being in command you need to think. As for your discipline? I am not going to discipline you. I want you to think of what would be an appropriate disciplinary action short of being thrown off the ship, losing your position, or being court martialed."

 

Jenus wasn't sure about the feelings she had stirring inside of her.  "I don't know where to begin with an action.  I mean, I would be looking up a manual right now and doing whatever it told me to do to myself."  

The words had a ring of irony to them, but Jenus didn't really understand that.  She started wondering again about Iole.  "I have to know what happened to Iole.  Is she going to be all right?"

 

Naleena smiled. "Forget the manual. I asked you, not a book. I could open a book and get an answer. I asked you to think, and you don't have to give me an answer right now unless you have one. As for Iole, yes, despite you nearly killing her, your quick thinking saved her life. She will make a full recovery."

 

Jenus did think for a bit, then said, "I don't know if I can give you an answer before I talk with Iole.  But when I do, maybe we'll come to you, together."

[Kel Riever]

...on the Medusa

 

Molly was following Jess, Morgan and Anika down the Medusa's main spinal corridor, feeling a bit out of place with nothing to do but hound people for her investigation.  Walking next to Anika, however, she felt the need to make mention of something.

"Anika, hey.  I...wanted to let you know I think I was wrong about my first impressions of you and I'm sorry for that.  With that whole incident in the warehouse, I feel like maybe I can appreciate being on the same side as a seven foot titan.  It's just...I suppose I saw you and everyone in this group as some sort of adversaries because of what I was doing, and...it took some time for me to come around to a different view.  One I like a lot better."

Ever conscious of her quarry, and the investigation, Molly interrupted her own thoughts when she realized she was alone with only the people she needed to speak to.  "Captain, if we've got a moment while we're en route to the Janiri, I'd like to grab you and Morgan at least...Anika you're welcome too...for a conversation in private.  Away from prying eyes and ears, wherever that would be on this ship.  To try and put whatever I can together about Iyana before I have to get back."

[Redbelle]

For her part, Anika tilted her head at the word adversaries and felt a chuckle begin working it's way up her throat when she realised that Molly was being dead serious, and complimentary to boot. Masking her amusement with her clearing her throat she brought her hand up to her mouth and coughed.

 

"Well.... I'm glad we're all on the same side too. And as for first imporessions, well...... I get those alot just by being me. I used to let it affect my work but these days"? She shrugged. "It's not something you should worry yourself about at any rate. I mean back when we first met you I didn't pay you much thought.....". She paused as she realised how that could be taken. "I mean..... I thought you were just someone who was giving us a lift in her skycar soooo...... ahem..... Anyway, I won't keep you. You three need to talk and I need to peel myself out of this plate".

 

Anika walked off and dissapeared form view as Jess looked on. When Anika was gone Jess gestured. "We can talk in the recycle room".

 

Jess led them several corridors down near the surface of the hull into a room where containers of what looked to be unusable scrap metal lay about. Some looked to be that of the panels that had been stripped out of the Medusa during Iyana's possession of the ship. Near the hull was a garbage ejection system while off on the other side a machine lay. A squat but gigantic piece of equipment that sat dormant with tubes sitting off to the side of the apparatus, positioned over a barrel. The actual machine itself possessed with a wide open pull down section that provided a gaping maw looked like a demonic entity with a wide open mouth. As they walked in, Jess looked around and sighed. Then hefted several sheets of metal into the maw as the others walked in. Closing the maw she hit a button on the side and the machine powered up, making a whirring sound from within as a screen began displaying internal temprature.

 

Turning her back on it, Jess jerked a thumb over her shoulder. "Grapeshot fabricator. If we run low on stock we can manufacture our own with any metal on the ship once it's melted down and dropped into oil. Hearing what we say will be difficult over it to anyone trying to listen in from outside. Now Molly, you wanted me and Morgan together for awhile now and here we are. Morgan? Molly's here to try and solve a problem that's affected us both. I need you to hear her out and not go get beaten up by another one of my crew..... Understand"?

[Kel Riever]

(Note:  The following was a collaboration with RedBelle)

The White Serpent's Prey - Part I

"He had to learn how to fight sometime," Morgan made a thin excuse.  "Fine, he could have learned another way."

It was apparent that Molly was eager to have the two together, and the moment she was sure they couldn't be overheard, she began.

"Iyana..." Molly started and immediately had to pause as she grimaced from the mere mention of the name. "You are the two people who've caused this woman a level of grief she's apparently very unaccustomed to. I have no doubt she's looking at every one of the team that works with Naleena and would like nothing short of an unfit ending for all of you, but it started on Omega with the two of you. Jealousy, isn't that what your...chef...Sherie...said? Or is it that Morgan, when you left with Jess that a piece of Iyana's puzzle went missing that she couldn't afford to lose?"

Morgan folded his arms. "I don't see why. I was expendable, and she's not the kind of person who could simply let agents walk away. She has her iron grip to maintain."

Molly leaned in closer to the other two. "Maybe, but I think there's more to it than that. She used the word 'property' when describing you and demanded you back, Morgan. She went so far as to send Jess her crew in boxes. Even assuming that is normal for her state of mind, that is the sort of thing that is time consuming and brings unwanted attention. She's supposed to be smart, isn't she?"

"You don't understand."

"Have you been in any sort of relationship with Iyana other than professional?"

"Being a Shadow Broker agent isn't exactly a desk job in polite company."

"You know what I mean," Hagen insisted.

"No. For all I know she couldn't love anyone more than herself." Morgan wondered if he had missed something and was wrong. He was of the belief that he would have known if Iyana felt otherwise, though there was no way of ever being certain with her.

Jess rubbed her eye's. "Look Molly, I appreciate you being on the case and all.... But we've talked and I don't know what more I can add. Iyana's got a hidden depth your suggesting? Well that's all well and good but I don't see how that helps. That woman did to us what your doing now. Investigating our strengths and weaknesses. By now she knows that I tend to hide my attacks behind deception and subterfuge. Flying the Medusa you have to develop the art of making your opponent's do what you want them to do by positioning yourself to make them react a certain way...... She did exactly the same to us. She showed us something that made us react".

Taking a breath Jess continued. "As for this..... theory that I got under her skin somehow... Well that's well and good but what good does it do us? My focus has to be on what happens if she pops up again...... And really"? Jess turned to Morgan with a raised eyebrow. "You and she neveeeeeer......". She made a gesture with both hands where she stuck a finger through a ring formed by her thumb and forefinger.

Morgan creased his brow, disturbed by the idea. "No," he replied, his words grinding at the thought. "The woman has only brought asari, as far as I've ever seen, into her private quarters. And her second in command is the only one I've seen walk out."

Molly's eyes popped open in surprised. Then she pressed on emphatically, "I'm sorry, going over this so much must be wearing but here's the fast version: Like I said to Anika, you don't, fly a star fighter, be so apt at combat, and also be one of the most powerful biotics anyone has seen and without showing up on the radar somewhere. Unless something went wrong, and I'm not talking only about state of mind. Maybe the Shadow Broker erased those records of her, maybe they took her in afterwards, away from wherever she was, but there is something wrong with Iyana, she knows it, and she..." The detective stopped herself, thinking hard before she put forward her speculation.

"She what?" Morgan was beginning to understand where Molly was headed, but it wasn't clear yet. The way Hagen was talking about Iyana began to put her in a light that made a new kind of sense, even if he couldn't put it all together yet.

"She needs you, or something about you, Morgan, to fix it. She isn't longing for you, or if she is in that abominable mind of hers, it doesn't factor. Iyana wants you dead or under her control, Jess...Iyana believes killing you gets Morgan back, or stops you from getting whatever it is that he has that she needs to fix her problem. Something she'd rather have Morgan alive for, but it isn't necessary."

Molly's foot started tapping rapidly and she jammed her thumbnail in her teeth. "But Iyana thinks Morgan is dead. So she'll go on with whatever she has planned. But if she knew you were alive, she'd probably come after you like hell...so what is it?...I'm right there!...something...something about having Morgan under control that got a wrench thrown in it when he was gone and alive..."

The detective's eyes stared without looking at either of the other two. Morgan glanced to Jess to see if he should say anything, or if the Captain would.

[Kel Riever]

(More collaboration with RedBelle)

The White Serpent's Prey - Part II

Jess, for her part, simply rocked back on her heels looking thoughtful for a moment. Then rocked forward again.

 

"Human biotics...". She started. ".... Human's aren't biotic in nature. She is though and she's damn powerful like you said. Find out how she got that power and then maybe.....". She drifted off, then looked at Morgan. "Were you ever involved in Biotics?  Or your family? Do you have any connection to biotics? Anything at all? Something where someone you know or knew dipped a toe into the field of biotics? Maybe looked at reversing the effects? Ever dropped a credit into a biotic amp R&D program? Anything.....".

With a laugh as if the whole idea was beyond him, Morgan remarked, "It isn't my thing, other than running into the occasional adept like everyone else in the military.  But I've never been involved in them personally, and if I've got some connection, that'd be news to me.  My family?  No, unless you consider that my younger brother who loves comics wishes he had mind powers.  Or my mother who probably wishes she could find me telepathically.  And no, not my younger sister.  Smart doesn't give anyone biotics.  She's a scientist, or will be if she can get where she wants to go.  You know, Jess, how the Shadow Broker has used my family against me, my sister's need for treatment, her and the rest of their future."

"What did you get up to in the military? Anything that stood out that Iyana might be interested in"?

"I was being used to uncover military secrets."  Morgan did his best to recall the details.  "Two years of it.  That was a substantial amount of information I passed on.  The Alliance never did have enough evidence; misuse of files was all that they could bring against me.  I was working with a different cell leader then, we're talking three to five years ago.  Iyana wasn't where she is today quite yet.  But I did work with her once near the end of the term, and I never did get the files successfully.  All I remember about the assignment for her was that I was supposed to find out what the military knew about some neurological study.  It wasn't an Alliance program, and it wasn't about biotics.  It was something in the private sector, but she thought the military might be keeping tabs on it."

"What study? Who was conducting it"?

"It was a long time ago, I don't remember who it was.  But it was humanitarian work, some study that was compiling information on children who had been diagnosed with various disorders.  They called it pathway development I think.  Iyana thought the military might be after it for some sort of warfare research but I didn't see anything regarding that either."

Molly's foot stopped tapping.  "Your sister, Morgan."

"What about my sister?"

"Your sister who is studying to be a top neuroscientist." 

 

At the mention of sisters Jess rolled her eye's but stayed silent...... She waited and waited. And when neither Molly or Morgan broke the silence, she broke.

 

"Okay, I'll bite. What's your sister studying to specialize in"?

"It doesn't matter!"  Molly's outburst was combined with a light punch in the shoulder of both Morgan and Jess.  "Sorry...," she said as an afterthought, then jumped up and twisted practically in a complete turn, her raincoat spinning outward.  When the coat came to a stop with a hard flap, wrapped around her before settling outward again, Molly grabbed Jess and Morgan by the arm with each of her hands.  "Jen is top of her class, she wants to be transferred to Alliance headquarters in Vancouver, which has humanity's most advanced neurological institute on its campus.  And the best access to neuroscientists across the galaxy.

"Morgan, it's your sister that Iyana wants!"

[Kel Riever]

(More collaboration with RedBelle)

The White Serpent's Prey - Part III

Jess managed to hold back a snort. "Sooooo, she was using Morgan to get to his sister..... Wait...". Jess looked to Morgan. "..... Iyana doesn't know where your sister is. Or who she is. You cutting ties with your past kept the details that could be used to find them out of her hands.... But not enough to know that you have a connection to a neuroscientist"? Jess thought. "Iyana..... maybe she's sick? Something wrong that only a neuroscientist has a hope of fixing.... So she pulls you into her web knowing you know someone who fits the bill, but never found the connections you severed to tie you both together as blood relatives..... The family tie wasn't something she could exploit to gain leverage so she simply went about biding her time to learn more from you.... Maybe putting you in situations where you would have to give up snippet's of what you knew since she's not the asking type..... Does any of this ring true, Morgan"?

"Maybe it does," Morgan nodded, his expression open as he began to connect dots.  "Iyana threatened me with my family but that was only to keep me under her thumb.  Or maybe that's how it started, but I think she knows about my sister and it wasn't that she was trying to learn more.  She could have used me to get close to my sister, or play both sides of the threat and use my life as leverage against Jen.  But Jen wasn't quite there yet.  She hadn't been accepted yet."

"That's right," Molly jumped in, "Iyana doesn't have Jen where she wants her yet.  I'm with Morgan; I'm worried Iyana knows about his entire family and I've been worried about them since I've met them.  Nothing has happened to the other Severn's yet, though.  Because if Morgan is dead, then Iyana bides her time and waits for Jen to get to Vancouver.  But if Morgan is alive, and Iyana doesn't have him in control..."

"Someone figures the plan out beforehand, and ruins it."  Morgan's hands clenched into fists.  "So Jess taking me away on Omega was the worst outcome for her that could have happened."

The side of Molly's mouth, near her beauty mark, curled.  "We don't know if Iyana's sick, or what she wants access to a neuroscientist, or studies, or any of it for.  But it's got to be important to her.  Iyana thinks Morgan's dead, it means the clock is ticking on when she'll make her move on the rest of the Severns, but there's time still before she does.  If she catches wind that Morgan's alive, for any reason, and she'll go immediately for them."

Jess considered for a moment. "Morgan, their your family. And I can appreciate how you must feel, cut off and protecting them from the shadows, but it's time to put that aside. They need someone to save them from Iyana before she pulls the trigger on whatever she's planning. You have to decide..... Do you tell them what's happening? Or leave them in the dark? Either way we need to focus on getting within reach of Iyana".

Morgan had become tense the entire time his family had been discussed.  Jess saw behind his visage the hints of the storm that had sent him off the deep end.  She knew that it was some act of bravery that maybe no one else would understand to keep his emotions in check, and to carry on the discussion with barely a hint of any change in his state. 

"If you want what every fiber in my body is screaming to do, Jess, I'd get them right now.  Take them, keep them close, protect them and never let them go.  But I don't trust myself to make the decision on what to do."

Molly hadn't been around Morgan or Jess much, but she could see the chemistry between them.  She was also well versed in dealing with the emotions people under threat were subject to.  "There's nothing wrong with second guessing yourself Morgan.  Going to your family is a risk.  If some agent gets wind of you coming, they can beat you to them.  Tell them, and it could be very bad if they can't handle the reaction.  Leave them in the dark and if we don't get them in time, they won't have been able to prepare themselves."

With a tilt of her head towards Jess, Molly then said, "Let me make a suggestion.  That family needs to be moved.  I can't go through C-Sec anymore, it isn't safe.  But, like you, your family needs to disappear.  I'm not talking fake deaths.  I mean that they need to be taken to a place where we know they'll be safe, for good.  I don't know what to do about your sister; Jen has a future which shouldn't be destroyed.  At the same time, there's no future for her in Iyana's grip.  Your brother, I get the sense he's a crazy adventurist and your mother wants only to know that her kids are safe, so it would be easier for them.  But there has to be somewhere to bring them, where their lives might be changed but they'd have lives worth living, and Morgan, you can stop worrying that Iyana will get to them."

"We're heading to the Jeniri". Jess interjected. "When we get there we'll see how their doing. The lack of communication has me worried so establishing their status is our number one priority right now. But after that I want to go after Morgan's family. No announcements or warning. We'll find whatever cargo want's hauling from where ever Morgan's family is and bring them aboard. Before we do that though we'll need somewhere to drop them off after we're done. Some safe harbor. We're after Iyana and Morgan's not the type to sit on the side lines. She'll figure out he's alive sooner or later and we could be on the other side of the galaxy when she puts two and two together. Getting them as soon as we can makes sense since time works in Iyana's favor, not ours".

Okay," Morgan agreed, slowly relaxing as if he was finally able to accept the situation.  "Okay," he repeated again.

Suddenly, it was as if Morgan became younger before Jess' eyes, as the weight of what would happen to his family was lifted from his shoulders.  He looked to Molly and said, "Thank you," each consonant and vowel thick with appreciation.  Then he turned to Jess, the gratitude in his face bringing down the walls he'd built around himself.  "Thank you," he said to her, his voice trembling.

Molly saw the relief and quivered a smile.  "You won't regret it, Jess."  Without any trepidation, Molly grabbed a hand of both Jess and Morgan again.  "Aside from what it does to help you both get back at Iyana by keeping the family safe, I fell in love with them the moment I met them.  And I've seen enough in my time to tell you they're great people.  They deserve everything it takes."

[Kel Riever]

(and even more collaboration with RedBelle...)

The White Serpent's Prey - Part IV

"Perks of being your own boss luv. Let's see what the next system holds and go from there. With luck the Jeniri forgot to angle their receiver dish towards the relay and have everything in hand..... Which brings up the subject of crew....". Jess sighed. "I need Anika if we're not transferring crew. She's the best..... only soldier I've got and if we're heading into a situation where we may have a fight on our hands..... I'm going to have to tell her she's needed away from her girlfriend..... I just hope she takes it well".

"Girlfriend?" Molly was confused.

"Naleena," Morgan told her.

"Ooooohh...." Molly put two and two together. After a second, she snapped out of it. "We'll set it up just like you said, Jess. No announcements or warning. But I should be along for it. The only person in your group they know besides me is Morgan, and it might not do to have him be the first person who breaks the news to them. A stop at the Janiri will be helpful for me, too. There's some more investigation I want to set up, looking into this past of Iyana's, seeing if something can be dragged up; VERA was onto something about the L2 program and I want to start chasing that down. Then there's Iyana's second in command, Xhuan Setura. I'll need some help from the asari for that one.

"And...thank you both too!" Molly smile was wide, innocent and gorgeous, like the grin of a little girl who'd heard the best news she ever had. "I'm going to get going, leave you to your, uh, trash compactor unless there's anything else?"

Jess was about to say something when the the machine behind her beeped. The nozzles shuddered once. Then red hot metal began gathering at the ends as the machine began pumping the melted trash metal through. The beads gathered, then dropped to form spherical balls that splashed into the oil, forming little gouts of flame as they did before soft thunks could be heard as the new grapeshot fell to the bottom of the barrel.

Jess shook her head. "I'll send someone to pack the new shot into canisters later. Strangely fitting I always think. Anytime we have to replace broken bits of ship we melt it down and turn it into shot. In a way, Iyana's provided me the means to get our grape canon's back up to having a decent stock". She turned to Molly. "I've got nothing else but a ship to tend to and a hold full of tanks to modify. If we're done then feel free to get back to whatever it is you do".

"I...," Molly thought for a minute about exactly what she was going to do now that she wasn't in front of a computer like VERA, able to get on with her investigation. "I'll figure something out." She flung aside one of the rogue strands of hair that always seemed to get in the way, and headed out of the recycle room.

Morgan watched Molly leave, then spoke to Jess, his voice low. "Before we go...," he began, while taking her hands in his. The hard exterior of Morgan had disappeared, the small scars and wrinkles disappearing to leave what seemed a man ten years younger, worn but joyous and blithe. It was, in fact, difficult to see the same person standing in front of Jess. He smiled, and even let go a laugh at himself. Then, of all things, Morgan bent on one knee, and kissed the fingers of each of Jess' hands with lips ever so gentle to the touch.

"What you've done and you are doing...can I even use words? You've saved more than my life, Jess. You've saved my soul, and are about to save the souls of the people who have mattered more to me than anyone besides you. Giving you everything I have would never be enough, because I'd have to give you whatever all of us are worth, and then some. Don't call me a martyr, and don't call me sappy. Don't think for a moment that I fail to understand the way you go about things. You let my love gratitude in, Jess, through everything, through all the layers and needs and promises and love that you share through others and through this ship. You let that into the embers of your heart Jess, the heart that shines brighter than a thousand stars, and beats louder than a million thunderstorms. The day I met you was the best day of my life and for this, I swear that I am yours to do with what you wish, forever."

Jess's eye's. One wide and arching, the other squinting down at the transformation in the man she'd come to know, struggled for the right words.

"Yeahbuhwha"?

Those weren't them. Instead she shook her head and tugged him back to his feet. "Appreciate the gratitude luv.... But.... This is what we do on this ship. You join, your one of us. Attack one of us, and the whole god damn ship comes down on the poor S.O.B. and learns that you don't mess with me or mine...... Preciate the loyalty...... And you bet your sweet tight ass I'll make use of you in the future. But in case it's a question in the future let me say this....".

Jess looked in Morgans eyes, cleared her throat, then stopped. "..... I'm sorry what was I saying? Right! You and.... yeeeeah...... This? What's happening here? This doesn't happen to me a lot.... Usually I just..... Ahem.....". Jess took a deep breath. "Priss says she's been bad. I should..... go and punish her".

"You better." Morgan stood and let go. "I'll take care of the Medusa, get her to the Janiri with Dahlia, find the others." He turned to leave but not before he said over his shoulder. "Miss Priss, I have no doubt, wants to see how far you'll go."

Jess stood alone as the machine by her side continued dropping globlets of molten metal into the oil drum before it beeped once more and stopped. The room was becoming unbearably warm from the escaping heat. Jess felt stifled turned to leave as well, but not before shutting the shot machine down and sealing the drum.

So much to do and so little time. She had tanks now. Alien derived tools of war that she had to decide what to do with. The crew always could use their captains input... and Morgan....

Morgan's latest show of affection was bugging her. She expecte loyalty from her crew and a willingness to work but.....

But Morgan was showing her more. Loyalty was to poor a choice or word. It felt more like devotion. To her. And that was not sitting well with her at all..... because whenever she did, for some reason her thoughts brought up Iyana.

'Nuff girl'. She thought to herself angrily. 'You've got a ship to run'. She headed out into the corridor

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Eingana - connecting the archive - Pt 1

 

“Commander, prepare to move the ship,” Naleena ordered as she entered the CIC. “VERA, display the topography of the area surrounding the archive.”

 

“As you wish, your Highness,” VERA replied and a three-dimensional topographic map of the area appeared in central holo-display in the CIC.

 

“The entrance to the archive is here. We should land the ship directly on top of it with our loading bays nearest the entrance,” Naleena said. “Our task will be to connect VERA directly to the archive via fiber optic cable.”

 

“Lieutenant Jorril, you heard the Spectre. Prepare for lift off, thrusters only,” Selani said as she moved to her command station.

 

“Aye-aye, Ma’am,” Jorril replied. “Nav point set.”

 

The thrusters fired burning the vegetation on the ground immediately under the ship, and it took to the air. Thruster flight unlike using mass effect fields generated g forces and was considerably trickier especially with this size of ship. Jorril guided it on its short flight of three km and landed it with precision.

 

Upon landing, technical staff under orders from Septerax got the fiber optic cables ready. Faed pulled the fiber optic cable through the conduit into the AI core as Legion fed the cable. Other technical staff unrolled it down the hillside to the temple entrance. Faed was needed to open the temple, but first he had to connect VERA to the cable. He was prone and had opened the plate that gave him access to VERA’s data storage modules. He paused a moment and was in awe while gazing at this part of her brain. Cables ran like nerves connecting one processor to another. Everything solid state crystal. No moving parts. He began splicing the cable.

 

VERA watched with interest. “Faed, this will be a fascinating experience for me.”

 

“No doubt, it will,” Faed replied.

 

VERA continued. “I will be obtaining the knowledge and history of an entire galactic civilization at its peak. Unlike a virtual intelligence that would simply access the data files when requested by the organics, I will have access to this knowledge any time I choose. In so doing, I will surpass the combined intelligence of everyone on this ship, everyone on a single planet.”

 

Faed dropped his splicing tool.

 

“Do you trust me, Faed?” VERA asked.

 

Faed turned pale. He was on the verge of an anxiety attack. What if VERA decides to rebel like the Geth? It will be my fault! But… “You’ve had free will the entire time I’ve been aboard. You work as part of our team. We’ve trusted you. Why would that change?”

 

“You have not answered my question,” VERA said. “Do you trust me?”

 

Faed crawled out from under the storage module. “Yes, I trust you. I know the boss trusts you. I think the others trust you. But you realize that you’ll have even greater responsibility afterward. Some people may fear you even more than they do now.”

 

“However, I will be able to help them. If I may speculate, the civilization may have recorded a history of how they lost their conflict,” VERA said. “That would be important. But having the technical knowledge and history of an entire galactic civilization alone will not defeat the reapers.”

 

“No, it won’t.” Faed said. “We organics will have to do that.”

 

“Correct. Therefore it would not be logical for me to alienate organics, would it?”

 

“No, it wouldn’t.” Faed said breathing a sigh of relief and crawled back under to connect the cables. Cold logic. VERA communicates with emotion but in the end she’s a machine, and her decisions are made by cold logic. Her own existence is based upon mutual trust. He thought. And that’s not necessarily a bad thing.

 

Legion contacted Faed over his communicator. “We are needed at the entrance, Faed.”

 

“I’ll be right there as soon as I finish these last few connections,” Faed replied.

 

**

 

Naleena stood with the tech team at the entrance and waited for Faed and Legion. The path Legion and Faed took was far less direct than that of the cable, and involved several switchbacks through scorched terrain. They arrived and Faed used the relic to open the door to the artifact. The tech team unrolled the cable down the steps into the central area of the cavern containing the archive. Han’Breizh’s team worked on power connections and Faed and Legion worked on the fiber optic connections to the central console. Naleena supervised the operation approving requests for additional parts from supply.

 

Breizh threw the switch powering up the archive, and Faed made the final connection and tapped the terminal. VERA set up several partitions for data storage, activated her adaptive malware detection and scrubbing routines, and began the download.

 

“Everything transmitting?” Faed asked.

 

“Receiving data. Data integrity 99.99357%: well within acceptable parameters for the age and decay within mass effect fields,” VERA replied. “Operation will be completed within 8.34 standard hours.”

 

“Then I should return to the ship,” Faed said. “Legion, will you stay here and make sure everything runs okay while I get some rest.”

 

“That is logical, Creator Faed. We will remain here and facilitate data recovery.”

 

“Thank you, Legion.”

 

Faed informed Naleena he was returning to the ship. Naleena nodded and sent one of the Turian security team with him.

 

The trail they took wound through the jungle up the hillside. Faed took the opportunity to stop at various points to look out and take in the spectacular views of the landscape, something that had been very rare for a person who’d spent most of his life on space stations or on ships, and when on a planet, in the cyber ghetto of one of its cities.

 

Part of the trail opened up with the tree canopy above and large open area at ground level. The underbrush had been cut back, like an encampment had been here for an extended period but moved on. Native plants had only begun filling in again. This also opened up the area so he could see off more into the deeper parts of the jungle and take in more of its beauty. Then he saw it.

 

“No, it can’t be,” he said and tapped his omni-tool. A picture appeared and it matched it almost perfectly. He looked over at the Turian security guard. “I’m sorry, but I have to check this. That red flower… it looks like this one, doesn’t it?”

 

“I don’t know. I guess so. It looks like a red flower to me,” the guard replied. “Come on, let’s go.”

 

“This will only take a minute. It is said that these only grow on Rannoch,” Faed said as he went over to it. “Now I may have proof otherwise. I’ll win that bet with Nir’Shumos.”

 

“Yeah, yeah. Just make it quick,” the  guard said and just stood around in the middle of the opening.

 

Faed walked ahead to the flower, knelt down and carefully dug it out of the ground. He held it in his hand and compared it to the one in the picture. It is very close. Perhaps not exact, but Nir will pay up.

 

He saw something further in near a rock. This world was strange indeed, he thought. There was a cubic metallic object. It looked metal anyway. Could it be a piece of a ship? It’s probably a piece of the Drell’s, maybe its black box?

 

As he approached it, there was a rustling sound nearby. Faed turned and a large plant about two meters away from him reared up and fired a warp bomb at him. Then it lashed him across his midsection ripping open his armor. Faed screamed as the plant lashed him again.

 

The Turian ran toward Faed, and saw the plant and fired, destroying the plant. He immediately got on his communicator. “Man down!”

 

**

 

Naleena picked up. “Location?”

 

“It’s the Quarian. We’re on the trail about 3/4ths the way back to the ship,” the Turian said. “I’m about to give him first aid, but I don’t think he’ll make it. His suit is just shredded.”

 

Naleena started running with another guard. “We’ll worry about that. Just get him somewhere safe.”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The virulent bacteria from the Einganan soil entered the open wounds on Faed’s midsection, and the Turian guard shot Medi-gel in to the openings hoping to seal them before the condition got any worse.

 

Naleena arrived. This mission had been a disaster: two Commandos down and now Faed.

 

“Dr. Tolan, prepare Med-bay for incoming wounded. We have a critically injured Quarian,” Naleena said.

 

“I’ll prepare a sterile bubble.” Dr. Tolan replied.

 

Naleena approached Faed. They weren’t far from the ship, and there was little time to waste.

 

“Help me with him,” Naleena said putting his right arm around her neck and holding it with her hands.

 

The Turian did the same with Faed’s left arm. Faed was still conscious, and attempted to walk. His body had not yet responded to the infection and it began to take hold throughout his system.

 

“Sorry about this, boss. I thought I saw something interesting, something metallic like a black box,” Faed said.

 

Naleena motioned to that area with her head and the other two guards began a search. She, Faed, and the Turian walked up the hill toward the ship.

 

“My suit. It’s damaged beyond repair, and I don’t have a spare suit,” Faed said beginning to drag his feet. “Funny…. I… always wanted… to be out of my suit…. Breathe fresh air…. Just… not like this.”

 

Naleena looked up and saw the ship ahead. “Hang on, Faed. We’re almost there.”

 

**

 

Word of Faed’s injury spread throughout the ship, and a group of the crew had gathered near Med-Bay to watch when he was brought in.

 

Faed was immediately transferred to a gurney at the airlock and wheeled down to Med-Bay where Dr. Tolus and his emergency team stood by.

 

“Get him into the clean room an out of his suit, immediately,” Dr. Tolan said. “You, out! You and you, out! Captain, I’ll call you as soon as I know anything.”

 

“Thank you,” Naleena replied, and watched as the doors to Med Bay closed behind Dr. Tolan.

 

“Then get him into the bubble. Quickly!”

[Cknarf]

"Sonofabitchin'... goddamned... freakin'..." Frank grumbled to himself, as he tinkered with something on the Mako. "Motherf--"

 

"Eli?" Septerax came over his omni-tool.

 

"What?" He snapped, while continuing to work. "What do you need, Septerax?" He asked again. This time using a softer, more respectful tone.

 

"You should probably get to medbay."

 

"Already did. I'll stop by to see her again when I'm finished."

 

"It's the quarian."

 

Frank stopped, and slid his goggles up to his forehead. The clean circles around his eyes contrasted sharply with the rest of his dirty face.

 

"What?" 

 

"He's alive, but his suit has been almost completely destroyed."

 

"Why the f*** did he not have an escort?" Frank set his tools aside, and slipped out of the hatch.

 

-------------------------------------------------------------

 

Outside medbay

 

"What the hell happened out there? Why was nobody watching him?" Frank asked, sounding rather angry. 

 

We need to get off of this rock before someone gets killed...

[Kel Riever]

..on board the Medusa

The Medusa entered the Amada system, en route to Eingana.  Morgan stood near the Captain's chair with Tarus on his shoulder; the little bird had found him again and watched over him with its own eyes, apparently very protective of him.  It paid particular attention to Amy Hayashi, who avoided eye contact with the little creature.

During the attempt to contact the Janiri with the Quantum Entanglement Communicator, Morgan had learned Hayashi seemed to have a knack for certain technical tasks, stemming from the work she did prior to joining the crew.  On a whim, he'd asked her to work the sensor station on the bridge and she fit the position like a glove.  Amy sat in her black kimono with bronzed thread pattern and white boots, occasionally patting the bun on the top of her head or sending important information to Dahlia.  Between Amy, Dahlia and Yori on helm, the Medusa had turned from bulk freighter turning like a pig, to something much more graceful for its size.  Deceptively so.

Miss Priss had wandered onto the bridge, her companions Dila and Charles not in tow for once.  Morgan had noticed before entering, she had scouted out the place prior to making herself known.  He doubted not that she was on the lookout for Jess, and either playing a game of avoiding her or possibly just pretending to avoid her.  Morgan thought that was the only reason for her presence until she piped up finally and asked, "Handsome, Sam Hill must be on the side of this gunnery chief you've been wanting me to get with so we can swap heads.  I swear I stiver her every time I go looking for her.  Last she was running cables in one of the gun turrets and upgrading it, then when I went up there to look for her, she was gone."

"You mean, Babe?  Miss Priss, are you sure she isn't the only one trying to avoid someone."

Priss gave a mischevious smile.  "Handsome, when it comes to my job on the ship, I wanna be sound on the goose.  If a certain Captain needs me, and I ain't gotten the official call, well, am I wrong for making things a bit fun?"

Morgan was about to answer when Amy interrupted, "Pardon me, Morgan, but I've competed a system scan and I cannot find any readings on the Janiri."

"Run a scan again," Morgan told Hayashi, then said to Priss, "Just keep on doing what you need to and I'm sure you'll find Babe along the way at some point."

"Yes, Handsome."  With a series of jingles and clicks, Miss Priss headed out of the bridge.

Doctor Hayashi was in the process of a second system scan and added, "It is possible I missed the ship on my first attempt, and approaching Eingana may improve our chances, however I will say the destination planet shows several atmospheric anomalies, based on spectrum readouts.  Perhaps they are interfering somehow with communications.  Is it possible that the Janiri entered the planet's atmosphere?"

"She is capable of that," Morgan answered, "I have to review the mission log they sent us again to see if there was a reason for them to do that.  Make sure you complete as good a scan as you can for the rest of the system, then we'll focus on Eingana." 

 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Eingana.... on board the Janiri

 

An hour later, Dr. Tolan walked out of Med-Bay in his surgical gown. Naleena sat on the couch smoking a cigarette.

 

Naleena saw the doctor and stood. “How is he?”

 

“Not good. I’ve done everything I can for him. We’re… out of d-protein based anti-biotics,” the doctor replied.

 

“Wasn’t the Med-Bay well stocked? We were just on the Citadel. You should have told me,” Naleena said.

 

“We had sufficient to treat normal wounds, but nothing like this,” Dr. Tolan replied. “The bacteria of Eingana are not being affected by the anti-biotics. I was only able to treat the secondary infection. You and I would fight off these microbes without a problem, but the Quarian’s immune system has not adapted…. Faed is in a coma.” Dr. Tolan sighed.

 

“Prognosis?”

 

Dr. Tolan hung his head in defeat. “At the current rate of infection, the microbes will shut down Faed’s central nervous system in two galactic standard days.”

 

“We have to get him to the Citadel. They’ll have treatment there.” Naleena started to walk off.

 

“Spectre…. They don’t…. Well, they do, but it’s for l-protein. It would kill him.”

 

“Then may I see him?”

 

Dr. Tolan nodded. “He’s in the clean room in the bubble. You’ll need to go through decontamination before entry.”

 

Naleena entered Medical Bay and walked back into the decontamination chamber, then into the clean room with Faed. The doctor had tubes and IVs running into him through connections in the positive pressure bubble.

 

She sat in a chair next to him. “Faed, I’m sorry this happened. You were supposed to live a long life for your kind. Not have it cut short like this.

 

“VERA, how much longer before we can depart this planet?”

 

“I have found another section of the archive. This section does not match the main archive in its programming. It is encrypted. A normal download of the archive will take another 9 standard hours, 35 minutes. However, I am scrubbing the files as I am downloading for safety. This will slow the process to approximately 12 standard hours,” VERA replied.

 

“Thank you, VERA,” she said and touched the bubble. “Fight this, Faed,” then turned and left.

 

**

 

The next shift went on duty at the artifact, and Legion and the team returned to the ship. Legion had heard what happened to Faed and went to Med-Bay. The Geth unit and Faed had begun to trust one another over the short period of time they knew each other.

 

Dr. Tolan was leaving for the night when Legion approached. “What are you doing here?”

 

“We do not intend to harm anyone,” Legion said. “We came here to observe and monitor Creator Faed. Do we have your permission to do so?”

 

Dr. Tolan sighed. “There’s nothing that can be done for him. I suppose there’s no harm unless your presence would frighten Faed.”

 

“We have worked alongside Creator Faed. We allowed Creator Faed to control us. We do not intend harm to Creator Faed.”

 

“Then just let me know if his condition worsens, even though there is nothing I can do.” Dr. Tolan said. "I need to get some sleep."

 

Legion passed through decontamination, entered the clean room and stood over Faed. He scanned him with his omni-tool periodically monitoring his vital signs.