6315 réponses à ce sujet

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena followed Anika. "I think we can spare a few minutes. It's not like we can't make up a little time going to the relays, right?"

[Redbelle]

"Turns out a Quarian with enough grey goo and a 3d printing production line can field an army of mecha". Jess explained. "Kolme, the Quarian. He'd been living on the Citadel for years. Yeli appeared on the scene shortly after he arrived and she somehow made parts for his production line available. After a while his reputation grew and he got more business to allow him to expand his production. Yeli fuelled that growth it seems and used his production to make parts that were sneaked away and assembled elsewhere. She was the one who was actually responsible for the production of the Armatures. Kolme was just a pawn......". Jess took a deep breath. "Anyway. He's on the Medusa. I gave him schmatics of some modifications I wanted to make to the walkers but..... Well.... Kolme's a pacifist at heart. He just wants to build means of overcoming obstacles so he's dragging his feet on the modifications. Can't say I blame him. His life just got turned upside down and the Medusa's his bolt hole till the Citadel situation calms down".

[Kel Riever]

Jess, Morgan, Vayne and Molly arrived at the lounge at the same time as Iole, who was now in her standard commando navy and gold uniform.

"Hello," Iole greeted the group.

"Hi,"  Molly said in a friendly matter as she opened the lounge door.  Frank Eli was inside working on his omni-tool with some sort of diagram.

Iole peered in, then looked at Molly suspiciously.  "I see.  Well, I'll be back then."  She turned on her heel and headed away.

"No, wait!"  Molly bit the corner of her lip hard.

"Something the matter?" Morgan asked.

Hagen shook her head, and lied, "No.  No, never mind.  Let's get started."

The lounge was large enough to comfortably seat everyone present.  Molly said hello to Frank, then went over to a longer table in the room, against the window, where two or three could sit alongside.  VERA appeared in her usual business suit, though this time she had no cigarette.

"Let's get to it," Molly said to VERA as she pulled up a computer display and turned it for anyone who wanted to see.  "First off, cross references I had asked for on the L2 and any possible leads from the L4 program, VERA."

Pictures flashed through the display as VERA began talking, dossiers, and background information on people, faster than the eye could catch.  "I have delved into both programs extensively.  The L4 has no promising leads.  However, there are some critical blackouts in my search for L2 program information.  Please refer to the information on record for Systems Alliance Sentinel Kaiden Alenko.

"Alenko, most famous for having served with Commander Shepard and giving his life on Virmire, was part of the L2 program.  In recalling the program, his words specifically were, 'You either came out a superman or a wreck.  A lot of kids snapped.  A few died.'  Then we have his incident with student Rahna and Commander Vyrnnus, which led to the shutdown of the BAaT program. Keep in mind that after the elimination of the program, records were sealed by the Alliance, in an attempt to cover up their mistakes.  Only after Chairman Burns was saved by Commander Shepard from a hostage situation where he was held by biotic terrorists from the L2 program, did anyone go back and unseal the records in an attempt to make reparations."

VERA moved to sit on the desk next to Molly.  "Not all prior students were able to be contacted, however.  Many wanted nothing to do with the program, or Alliance, and had succeeded at hiding their identities.  Thus, the whereabouts of all prior L2 students is not completely known.  Furthermore, none of the students entering the program for which we have records are a match for Iyana."

Morgan picked up on the subtlety.  "You said that you had records for, VERA.  What does that mean."

"It means that there were entries into the program for which there is no background provided, no dossier that survived, no method of tracking.  This is highly unusual, may I note, as without proper medical records at a minimum, it would be nearly impossible to assess someone's biotic aptitude, let alone install an implant.  My conclusion is that Iyana is one of these students."

"But that doesn't mean they wouldn't have been known by the other students," Molly interjected.  "People had to have known her or seen her if she was attending BAaT."

"This is a logical conclusion, detective.  Of course, two prospects for information are deceased, those being Commander Vyrnnus and Kaiden Alenko.  One might presume to locate Rahna, one of the biotic terrorists, or anyone else in the L2 program who could be contacted.  Keep in mind that Chairman Burns has likely attempted to make contact with these people for the point of locating lost members for reparations.  But this does not mean that the Chairman or even the students knew what Iyana has become, and I doubt they have the ability to make the connection unless someone can interview them."

"That is a lot of work," Molly remarked.

"You asked me, detective, to investigate files that might reveal any prior service record for Iyana.  Presuming that there was a reason to hide her identity in the program, and given her capabilities, I began with top candidates in the service regarding eligibility for the L2 program.  Iyana's prowess certainly narrowed the field but here many records have been scrubbed as well.  There is one suspicious record I have regarding a top pilot, a woman, removed from her duty for a destination unknown, but authorized by Commander Vyrnnus.  Protest was received from the pilot's commanding officer, and there is mention of the pilot's standing in a military family, as well as her prowess, but this protest was overridden by the order.  Unfortunately, that commanding officer died several years ago.  But there is one record of the agent coming to retrieve the pilot.  An Asari matron, by the name of Geda Setura."

"Related to Xhuan Setura?" Molly almost jumped out of her seat.

"Perhaps," VERA answered, "But sadly my ability to trace any connection has come to a halt here as well.  Beyond established knowledge that Geda Setura served with the Serrice Guard for some point of her career, all records for Geda have been sealed by the Republics, and the Council itself, including Spectre authorization.  This is highly suspicious and I am not entirely sure that this seal was conducted with full, proper authorization.  However, I do know that the records on Geda Setura can be unsealed by the motion of an asari matriarch in a powerful political position.  How one can be convinced to do that is beyond my capabilities, however.  These requests are not routine and involve a chamber of matriarchs to vote on a reversal.  Even coming from a Spectre the request is likely to be pushed aside for more important matters.  At the very least, it is likely not to be accomplished in a timeframe that is useful.  Unless the appeal could be made directly, to a sitting political matriarch who had sympathy for the cause and would take it up."

"What about an appeal to the Council itself?"  Molly frowned.  "Naleena is a Spectre after all.  Can't the Council override the request?"

"Possible," VERA replied, "But in a matter such as this, we are adding one more layer of bureaucracy.  And without someone sympathetic to the cause, the back and forth might be worse, particularly if the matter is not pressing.  Iyana has disappeared, and without an immediate threat, it may become entangled in red tape, as you call it?  Thus, an appeal directly by a matriarch of proper position is still the fastest way to receive satisfaction from the request."

"But I don't get it.  What would be the motivation for sealing records like that?" Molly wondered aloud.

Morgan took a shot.  "Because like the Alliance cover up, unsealing the records is likely to reveal a skeleton in a closet."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

VERA flipped a page on her pad. "I will look through the files of Asari Matriarchs and search for one who might provide a sympathetic ear. A direct request will require that this matriarch meet two criteria: she needs to be powerful, and she needs to be an outlier. The Boss will have to make the request, and it should be done in person to show respect."

[Cknarf]

"Eli, it's worse than we originally thought."

 

Frank remained focused on his omni-tool.

 

"That overload did way more bad than good..."

 

"Got any more good news for me?" Frank sighed, while opening a new window.

 

"Iole came by to see you."

 

"She's out? VERA was supposed to let me know."

 

"I sent her up your way. Shoulda been there by now."

 

With grimy hands, Frank shoved another of whatever he had snagged from the kitchen into his mouth, and looked around.

 

"Mmmm!" He exclaimed, mouth still full, upon seeing a familiar face. He spit the partially chewed ball of food back onto the plate, as it was preventing his face hole from making sounds. He made his way towards the table where the rest had gathered.

 

"Sup?" He asked, likely interrupting some important sh*t that he didn't care about. "When did you get here?" He asked the detective, while takin' a seat. "Hey! You found Morgan, too! Good for you, Mols!"

[Kel Riever]

Morgan, Molly and even VERA all looked at Frank like he had three heads.  Then Morgan and VERA looked away.

Molly shoved her nearest elbow into Frank's belly while he was breathing in.  Not enough to hurt, but enough to shock him.  "Listen, Eli, your asari stopped by but she left when she saw me.  Don't ask me to explain, but maybe you want to catch up with her.  In the meantime, in case you haven't been listening, which wouldn't surprise me, this whole shindig is about going to rescue Morgan's family on Earth before they're in trouble.  Word around here is you can fly and drive stuff.  There's a big mission coming up for Naleena but we're going another and we need a pilot.  Jess isn't coming.  I can fly and Anika can, but it isn't the same as having a pro.  Are you sticking with Naleena's team or would you be coming with us?"

[Cknarf]

"I'll take the job!" Frank answered almost immediately. Leaving for Earth was a perfect way to get out of working on the Mako. "I just need to grab a few things, and I'll be ready to go.  Just let me know, Mols."

 

With a little direction from Molly, Frank left to find Iole.

 

[Heard you've been discharged. Where you at commando?]

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

After showering with Anika, and getting dressed, Naleena prepared to leave her quarters when VERA's holo-image appeared on her terminal. She appeared calm and collected as usual with a cigarette in hand, and she was waiting while Naleena was fastening her Commando Leathers.

 

"VERA, you have something to say?"

 

"Yes, and it is important. Frank Eli has opted to join Detective Hagen's team on the rescue mission to Earth," VERA said. "They will be taking his personal shuttle on this mission. It also has occurred to me that you will be short handed since neither Jenus nor Iole are fully healed from their encounter. Faed is still in a coma."

 

Naleena paused and stared at her terminal. "What are you suggesting?"

 

"I would like to accompany you on this mission," she replied, and then walked over to her chart. "At present there is an unused Geth combat platform in the port Cargo Bay. It belonged to Legion. I could link my operating system with the platform and use it as a remote mobile terminal."

 

"Sort of like a drone?"

 

"Exactly. My consciousness would remain aboard the ship, but I would have a point of awareness on the battlefield. I would be able to accompany you on missions anywhere within tight beam range of the Janiri," VERA replied.

 

"But you have no combat experience." Naleena said.

 

VERA scoffed. "Please, Boss. I create combat simulation programs based upon the data gathered on missions from you suit and helmet cameras."

 

Naleena still wasn't fully convinced. "Would this affect your ability for ship to ship combat if you were distracted in a combat situation on the planet?"

 

"No, it would not. I am able to multi-task without issue. Also having 'eyes and ears on the ground' would provide a tactical advantage should the need arise to provide air to ground fire using secondary weapons," VERA said. "Boss, it will be necessary for me to be hardwired to the platform for initial upload."

 

"Very well. I'll have the platform brought to the AI core," Naleena replied. "I assume you'll want to use the Geth Sniper Rifle as well?"

 

"That would be logical. It is the second most powerful weapon next to your particle cannon. No one else among the crew can use it due to the kick. I should have a rapid fire weapon as well."

 

"How about a modified Mattock like Irina's?" Naleena asked.

 

"That will be perfect. Thank you, Boss."

 

Naleena contacted the Quartermaster. "Septerax, Have that Geth platform your people stored brought to the AI core."

 

"The one we took out of Med-Bay?"

 

"That one."

[Kel Riever]

"So VERA, you must have done an investigation into this pilot," Molly said.  "Something else, based on a photo, names of who served with them, there has to be another lead through the military."

VERA tapped a finger on the desk while she sat upon it.  "Cross referencing is something I do at phenomenal speed and without the hindrance of needing to be on site to acquire most of the information.  But cross referencing has, of course, can be done by anyone in a less efficient way.  And those who do not wish to be found, and have the means, can erase their footprints before they are found.  This pilot's history is from a long time ago.  My estimated age of Iyana from video places her at thirty one, or perhaps thirty two Earth years of age."

"That sounds about right from what I've seen," Morgan mentioned.

VERA stopped tapping her finger and scrunched the side of her mouth.

"Involuntary reactions, VERA," Molly noted, "And I think I know why."

"An age of thirty one or thirty two would seem inconsistent," VERA started.

"Because that would make her below the standard acceptance age for the L2 program," Molly finished VERA's line of thinking, "and even if the L2 program got her in, optimistically speakin, at age 14, there is no way she could have been a pilot at that age.  So she's older than she looks."

Morgan frowned.  "Much older, or a complete prodigy as both a pilot and as an L2 participant."

Molly snorted.  "What are the chances she was a 13 year old pilot for the Alliance?"

"About the same chance she's a 24 year old ace in 2167 going into the L2 program, and is now 42 years old but looks 32," Morgan countered.

Molly acquiesced with a shrug.  "So VERA, what if there is something wrong with her?  Neurologically or otherwise.  Is there something that could do that to a person?  Make them seem younger in appearance than they actually are?"

 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"There is the possibility that Iyana suffers from the organic flaw of vanity and uses botox injections to hide signs of aging," VERA said, "Or has had dermabrasion or other age-defying cosmetic procedures performed. Perhaps she captured a plastic surgeon at one point?"

[Kel Riever]

"For that facial paralysis look," Molly snarked.  "That's pretty funny, VERA, but do you really think she's cosmetically changed herself to appear younger?"

"No.  That was a joke.  It is evident that none of Iyana's features has been enhanced cosmetically, aside from a standard application of makeup. Growth hormone deficiency would be the predominant medical condition for someone to appear significantly younger than their actual age.  There are many different types of GH deficiency, and some rare diseases that resemble it.  As diverse the manifestations that GH deficiency has, I find it unlikely this is the condition that affects Iyana.  Side effects are most often detrimental, and it would be an unheard of manifestation that simply has her appear younger without, say, appearing as a child or showing some other extreme symptom.  Given the aptitude of Iyana, known medical conditions and deficiencies are less likely than an unknown, or previously undiscovered deficiency."

"Let's consider she's young looking, but within the realm of, I don't know what you'd call it, VERA, standard deviation?"  Molly leaned towards the screen which was now showing some information on the L2 program.  "Let's say she's 35, 36, putting her in the L2 program at an age of 17 or 18."

"I thought you didn't believe she could be a young pilot," Morgan remarked.

Molly looked between Jess and Morgan.  "I find it hard to believe, let's say.  Skeptical's my nature.  But I can't rule it out, even if I find it hard to swallow.  She didn't have to learn flying in the navy, not officially at least.  Not in any sort of standard way.  Let's call her a prodigy, some sort of wizkid at, well, whatever it is she does.  She'd have to be, right?  Morgan, what's it been like when you've seen her at work."

"Intense," Morgan replied.  "Uncomfortable.  That's aside from the threat which is ever present, the threat which is the majority of it.  But when she's been at work I've seen her work fast.  She's got more going on in that head in a bad way than anyone should have, but it's also a maliciousness that works at a speed that is scary.  I couldn't explain it."

"No need to."  Molly pulled back her hair and played with it.  "But let's say whatever it is, she's smart enough, capable enough that she could learn at a young age.  Maybe she had access to being a pilot, a father in the navy, a person who recognized her potential, put her in some sort of...program for lack of a better term.  She learns how to fly...age twelve, thirteen, real Mozart, or even Yo-Yo Ma level stuff, if we're talking star flight here.  It isn't beyond the pale...the point is prodigy meets access and...well that's the beginning of it.  Now it doesn't explain how she learned to fight, but maybe that came later."

"There are many variables in your presumptions," VERA stated, "Leading your line of reasoning into the realm of speculation, or at best, an educated guess."

"True," Molly admitted, "I go with my gut, which probably doesn't translate to you VERA.  But it has to add up somewhere.  Iyana was someone important, even if who she was got kept under wraps."

[Cknarf]

(Kel/Cknarf)

 

Frank stood before the door to the commando's quarters.  Although it was unlocked, He stopped himself from hitting the controls. Just barging in without a heads up might be a little rude.

 

"Eh." He shrugged, punching the controls anyways. He crossed his fingers, hoping to catch a glimpse of something out of one of those extranet vids.

 

Although somewhat disappointed at the lack of blatant nudity and thrown pillows, he had no trouble managing a smile.

 

"Hey."

 

Iole was on her lower bunk, facing the door, on her back with arms above and behind her head like a pillow.  She leaned up to see who was coming in, surprised it wasn't someone from her team.  "Frank?  I was looking for you before.  You seemed...busy.  Come on in."

 

"Pffft. busy, she says." Frank chuckled,  as he pulled the chair away from the table and placed it next to the bed. "No matter how busy I am, I can always make time for you, commando." He smiled, while taking a seat backwards and using the chair back for support.

 

"How ya feelin'?" He asked, resting his chin on crossed arms.

 

"Like a moron, if you want to be honest."  Iole let her head crash back down, winced momentarily from the shock of the movement and her injury, then sighed.  "I want to get up, do something.  I thought I'd help you, I don't know, maybe fix something down in the bay.  But I'm not being given leave to do much of anything, really.  And, it's so stupid of me to do what I did, I just want to distract myself."

 

"Well, there's one helluva distraction down there right now." Frank looked back towards the door. "Lots of work to do on the M-35. It's pretty trashed. My bad." He rubbed at the back of his neck. "I'm sure Septerax could find somethin' for you to do. Maybe some light stuff, like fabricating parts or somethin', I dunno."

 

"He's gonna need an extra pair of hands while I'm gone."

 

Iole scrunched her nose.  "Sure, I can help with the Mako.  At least if it comes to guns.  A bit, enough to be useful."  She then pushed herself up and threw her legs to the side so she could sit at the edge of the bunk and lean out a bit.  "But where you going so fast, Frank?" she asked curling a smile with her lips.  "You just got here."

 

"I'm goin' home, commando." Frank sat up a bit straighter. "Earth!" He held his hands out to his sides.

 

"Mols needed a pilot, and since I've never actually seen the homeworld, I figured, why the hell not?" He shrugged. "I'm pretty excited about it."

 

Iole's smile faded and her expression changed, first to surprise, and then to concern.  "Oh.  When you said going away, I didn't think you meant..."

 

With some of their luminescence retrieved, Iole looked up at Frank.  "You sound excited.  I suppose I'd be the same if I'd never seen Thessia.  I mean...if that's what you're excited about."

 

Then Iole made as if she was moving her shoulders to loosen them, but it really looked more like she'd become uncomfortable in her own body.  "The thing is, Frank, if...you know I think I come on strong and I'm sorry...if you and this detective have got...you know have got something between you...you want to pursue, I don't want to stand in your way.  She's pretty...and smart...I mean, not that you need my assessment.  And I bet she hasn't had the chance to really be with anyone, or do anything but her job.  I can understand that...I mean I know nothing has happened, right?  But you don't need me in the way if you've got, well, you know someone is more important."

 

Frank cocked his head a bit, as Iole went on.

 

What the fuuuuuuuck?

 

“Soooo… you think me an ‘ol Mols got a thing goin’ on?” He raised an eyebrow to the absolute maximum. “Like, for real?”

 

Iole’s expression made it clear she wasn’t kidding.

 

“Sh*t, commando. We’re on a ship full of asari, and you’re worried about her, of all people?” Frank rolled his eyes. “Okay, so she’s not bad lookin’, but have you seen those twins? I mean, damn.” He nodded, with a hint of a smile, that quickly disappeared upon realizing how that must've sounded.

 

Smooth.

 

“Besides, I think she’s a little too old for me anyways.” He shrugged. “Uh... relatively speaking, of course.”

 

Words. Coming out wrong. F***.

 

“Not that I ever thought about it, or anything...”

 

"Heh?" Frank rubbed at the back of his neck again.

 

Iole got up from her bunk, half circled Frank, and stared at him.  "I know you can't talk sometimes when you want to say something important.  It's cute, it really is, and I'm not being sarcastic.  I know, well I think you want to care, but you've got...you've just got to tell me if there's something in the way between you and me.  Going away?  Too close?  Separating business and pleasure?  Or if, and if...you just have to let me know, Frank.  Just tell me.  I'll be cool with it if you just tell me."

 

“Uuuuuuugh.” Frank let his head fall back, and stared at the ceiling. “There’s nothing ‘standing between us’, commando.” He straightened back up.

 

“Except whatever the hell… this is.” He gestured between the two of them, a little frustrated at the current situation. “Like, what the f***?” He shrugged.

 

“Is this how these work? Relationships, or whatever? ‘Cause if that’s the case, I think I’d rather just…” Frank turned his attention to the wall, and shook his head. He took a deep breath.

 

“Look, Iole. I already told you how I feel... ” He looked back up to her. “Whether or not you choose to believe me is on you. But I’m sure as hell not gonna sit through an interrogation ‘cause you’re havin’ some doubts.” He looked away again. “I’ve got too much goddamn stress as it is.”

 

Iole looked shocked, "No, I...No, that's not what I meant."

 

There was a confused look in the asari, then she faced Frank with a regretful look. "My fault, okay.  I'm sorry.  I haven't been myself."  She gave him a peck on the cheek.  "Let me get some room, clear my mind.  The...I don't want to screw this up. You're all right."  Then Iole quickly headed to the door of the cabin and hit the door to head out.

 

Frank didn't say anything, instead, he just watched over his shoulder as Iole left.

 

"Good talk." He muttered to himself, after the door closed.

[Kel Riever]

(Note:  The following was a collaboration with RedBelle)

Previously...

Upon the ruins of a colony, lost during The First Contact War...

The Mammoth class shuttle broke through the sky like a blunt weapon, its ugly and large silhouette unescorted.  There was no stone left unturned by the Kings and Queens when they had screened the shuttle, eliminating the chance for duplicity as far as anything outside the craft could be concerned.  The Khukuri, mother of the vessel, was far away, and would not be able to respond, let alone find it as its location was unknown even to most aboard; the pilot had been changed out for one of the pirate company's own along the winding series of switches and checkpoints so that none were able to follow Iyana's carriage.  So it was with the favor of The Lord that the Mammoth came to fly over the ruins of a city bombarded into oblivion long ago during The First Contact War.  Structures were left as skeletons to claw for mercy from the pale sun above.

One Tower, however, was unlike the rest of the devastation.  It, in fact, gleamed defiantly against the death that surrounded it.  Lord Tarballs had restored the structure that now stood tallest in the skyline and it was to there that the shuttle made its way.  High upon it, a substantial landing pad had been assembled, complete with banners of The Lord's heraldry, exalting him with their crimson and bold presence.  The Mammoth's lumbering thrusters roared deeply as it descended, an unkind sound that mimicked the mood of the craft's appearance.  For several moments, all was quiet, though The Lord's eye was hardly blind.  Keen observation was maintained upon the vessel, for despite the agreement of Iyana to subject the Mammoth and its exterior to the will of Tarballs, the interior was for all purposes, off limits, and the domain of Iyana, to remain within her power.  Thus, there was no telling what was inside, and the pilot aboard had not been allowed to make any comment to such.

There was no one present outside to greet Iyana; only a wide, rich, red carpet led from the landing pad to the great double doors of the building's entrance.  Thoe behind the eyes of The Lord in all their forms performed the calculus of payment in kind for any transgression, while simultaneously wondering if there was yet to be some trick played.  Only seconds later their wonderment was answered as the door nearest the cockpit opened and the pilot, one of their own, came scrambling out in his black suit.  Briefly, an examination was made to see if he was harmed, yet it was clear that he suffered no injury.  But he made clumsily and rapidly for the tower doors, peering over his shoulder, as if being chased by a great danger.  Sites of unseen weapons were adjusted and preparation was made so that should the order be given, or in fact there was some threat unforeseen, the transgressor would meet an immediate end. 

Then the large rear ramp of the Mammoth, that faced the entrance to the building, lowered with a groan.  The first indication of what was inside was a roar, but this time it was no mechanical thruster which made the deafening sound.  Instead it was the sound of two beasts, heralding the arrival of she whose name would be known.  Promptly at the cessation of the twin roars, a shining form emerged from the ramp, like a figurine in silver.  Iyana had come and in all her glory.

Iyana was clad from head to toe in a suit of ornately decorated plate-like armor that was polished to a chrome finish.  It was a hybrid of barbaric, ancient imagery and modern construction.  The armor maintained her self-appointed totemic symbol of a dragon represented in its master crafted helm's sculpture, allowing her exquisite face to be seen. Otherwise her full plate armor covered the rest of her body with its monstrous and brilliantly close fitting shape.  The extravagance hardly ended at Iyana's mail, however, as two mechs in similarly silvery plating, styled as knights, strode at her sides just one step afterwards, holding up lances that held aloft two violet banners of silk, gently flowing for at least six meters behind with the wind.  As if the whole medieval display wasn't enough, Iyana held in her own fists two great chains.  Their links passed out behind the mechs and further to the sides to end in the alloy collars of two of the massive predators that had come all the distance from the world that Iyana now called her her home.  They were the eight legged, blue eyed, violet-black Maltruvian Stalkers.

Like an empress, Iyana, her beasts and her colors approached the doors which had already been partially opened by the pilot who had fled.  With a mere shake of both her chain laden fists, two thin, biotic lashes reached out and threw the doors open fully so that Iyana could enter unimpeded into The Lord Tarball's tower.

[Redbelle]

Jess walked behind the group who had left Naleena's quarter's. Connecting her data slate to the net she was busy with work.

 

First, the Armatures. She connected to the Medusa and got Duncan to patch her through to Dahlia. "Heya luv. Got our first order of Armature's to go. We had two that were more ready than the others right? Ship them over to the Jeniri".

 

Next she connected to the Hanger and was surprsied to find Kolme available. "Kolme.....".

 

"Yes yes. Now pay attention Ms Stone. I don't approve of tools of war as I've told you before. However, I am not blind to realities of the galaxy and so for that reason I've been helping your people. Your redesigns are indeed forward thinking, turning weapon platforms into platforms for more benign purposes and all but they don't go far enough in my estimation. I've been constructing an automated repair and loadout station. It should allow an hour of re-purposing to be done in about two minutes. I suppose since these creations came from my workshop I bear some responsibility for their use out in the field. This loadout station will allow for faster response times but it doesn't solve the issue of deployment. Therefore I would like you to acquire one of these.....". Jess's  display indicated a file was incoming which she opened. The file showed a small bulk freighter. Jess whistled.

 

"A TC-52 model? They called these things Crowning Glories since the company went bust making them...... You want one with a Vernan-8 engine? That'll be tricky luv. Not many built".

 

"Oh just a shell and a seperate engine will do. I'll be remodelling it extrensively to fit it's new purpose".

 

"I'll put out feeler's and.....".

 

"A contact on Omega has already located a hull and an engine. I just need credits". Kolme told her the number resulting in a stunned silence from Jess.

 

"Luv...... Give me his number. He's asking for three times it's market value new".

 

"Well really"! Kolme sounded outraged. "I don't source my own materials. That was what Yeli was for"!

 

Jess muted the comm and sighed before unmuting and assured Kolme she'd look into it.

 

Later during the same day, the Crowning Glory was in the hanger, two Armature's had been delivered to the Jeniri and Jess was filling the shuttle bound for Earth with sealed crates.

 

"Got a buyer for goods on Earth". She told anyone who asked. "Need to make something back after all the expenditure. You think this is a lot? You should see what the Medusa took aboard".

[Kel Riever]

...a little earlier on the Medusa

Babe was giving the Geth Armatures a double check at the request of Kolme.  She wasn't really sure why, since the quarian was capable of doing everything, it seemed, but she guessed he was a perfectionist and didn't want to let his work go if someone else was around who knew something about it.  Maybe he was showing off a bit, but she couldn't read it through his suit language. 

"Looks good to me," Babe confirmed after her inspection.  She'd changed again, wearing tight, dark red leather pants, a matching leather jacket, and nothing under the jacket but a white, sleeveless crop top.  She felt comfortable, and was happy Kolme had acquiesced to having as few other around as possible in the bay while the Armatures were being worked on. "I'm not an expert on Geth tech or anything like it..."

"Lass, need you right away," Dogger suddenly interjected, and appearing around a stack of crates so quickly it made Babe jump.  "Sorry, didn't mean to give you a fright, but there's a shuttle we're sending over to the Janiri with the Armatures.  Need you to look over the guns, have you do what you can with them.  It's a Kodiak, needs a lot of work, but we can get it in decent enough flying condition.  Apparently it belongs to someone over on that other ship who cares about it."  Largo passed by then, hauling an exterior bulkhead plate.  "Follow him, he's heading that way."

Babe nodded.  "Aren't we trying to get a bit much done?"

"I'm doing what needs," Dogger replied, "Your the best with ship guns.  There isn't much over there but Largo and another.  I know how you like things done."

Babe, satisfied, took out a blowpop and put it in her mouth.  Then the local com she had wired into her collar sounded.

"Babe, this is Duncan.  We're getting a malfunction signal up here on main turret two.  The one you last worked on.  When you're done, do you think you can?..."

"Yes," Babe said with a sigh, "Add it to my list."

~ ~ ~ ~

...also a little earlier, aboard the Janiri

Molly said to VERA, "I've entered my complete list for other avenues of the investigation, the ones you can manage when I'm gone.  It will take some working through, but you're shortening the timeframe a lot.  I think we're onto our major leads, though, or at least the dead ends that need pushing through."

VERA replied, "I will continue to pursue data.  And good luck, detective."

"Thanks,"  Molly smiled.  "I think...I think I'm beginning to like you, VERA.  Circuit boards and all."

Morgan said to Jess, "Someone should let Anika know we're heading out.  I'm not knocking on the door."

Molly raised a brow, "Yeah, I suppose we are a bunch of party poopers.  Speaking of which, I better tell Frank Eli he's going to want to get down to the hangar."

~ ~ ~ ~

...aboard the Janiri, present time

Iole stared from the ragged marks along the bulkhead wall, to the Kodiak, to the wall again.  She asked Septerax, "The shuttle did this coming into the bay?"

"No.  That was the Mako."

"The Mako...."

"You really don't want to know."

Iole let out a breath.  She examined the Kodiak.  "This is the thing Frank flew.  And what he's flying for the upcoming trip?"

"That's correct."

"Septerax, do you mind...I want to get aboard.  Can you keep a secret?"

"Sure?....," Septerax said, "If I can get some idea of what it is?"

Iole narrowed her eyes at him.

"Oh, okay, then.  Go ahead."

  


 

[Cknarf]

Frank hit the button for the shuttle bay, and the doors closed. Apparently, there was something down there that required his immediate attention.

 

I’m sure it’s Mako related…

 

He thought, letting out a long sigh.

 

Keeping his eyes to the floor, he stepped off of the elevator and into the bay. His goal was to avoid any eye contact with the maintenance staff.  They were still likely pissed about the Mako incident.

 

“A**hole!”
 

Yep.

 

Frank glanced up at the tech, who was flipping him the bird from across the bay.

 

No...

 

Something behind him caught Frank’s eye.  He let the bag over his right shoulder fall to the ground, as he picked up the pace.

 

“Oh, you wanna go, huh?”

 

The disgruntled technician, mistaking Frank’s movements for hostility, threw his gloves to the ground, and stepped out from his station.

 

“Let’s do th--” He was cut off by a palm to the face, as Frank, almost at a full sprint, stiff-armed the absolute f*** out of him, without losing sight of his goal.

 

Arms spread wide, Frank practically threw himself into the side of the shuttle, and embraced it.

 

“Hello, old friend.” He pressed his cheek up against the door. "Oh, how I've missed you..."

 

“Drop it.”

 

Frank looked back, to see Septerax holding the angry tech by the collar.

 

“Get your ass back to work.” The turian shoved him away.

 

“I don’t-- where did you... how?” Frank began a walkaround of the Kodiak, periodically wiping a little moisture from his eye. The plain white hull was covered in a patchwork of finished and unfinished sections, the ones without paint were clearly newly fabricated pieces. The doors were a different color altogether, likely taken from a donor shuttle.

 

“When?”

 

“Very recently. Just came over from the Medusa.”

 

“Is it spaceworthy?”

 

Septerax nodded.

 

Frank made some kind of squee noise that I couldn’t possibly begin to describe, not even with some ridiculous onomatopoeia.

 

“You’ll be taking it to Earth when you go.” Septerax opened the door. “If you wish to perform a preflight inspection, I suggest you do it now.” He gestured inside. “Just... keep it on the ground until it’s time to leave, alright?”

 

Frank just nodded, and climbed inside. Closing the door behind him, he collapsed onto the floor. Waving his omni-tool, the interior lights kicked on, and music began to play lightly over the sound system.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

NOTE: I missed an entire section written by Kel. I added with the edit. (Molly, Morgan parts written by Kel)

 

Naleena entered the CIC and went directly to the portside observation lounge: the room with the view, as she called it. She preferred it over the conference room as a place to hang out and work. It allowed her to be near the bridge, and still offered the serenity of the stars. Anika was with her.

 

Molly and Jess had just finished their work with VERA, and Molly was preparing to meet with Frank.

 

**

 

Under orders from Naleena, the engineering techs connected the Geth platform to VERA’s terminal in the AI core and left. VERA ran a system diagnostic on the platform and determined that the hole in it was merely cosmetic, but it did expose some vital areas. It would need repair in the future but there was no time to do that now. She would cover it with a kinetic barrier for the time being. With the preliminary work done she determined what would be needed to operate the platform and downloaded a rudimentary OS into it and overlay a control program that would allow seamless operation. She was finished. She needed someone to boot up the unit.

 

In Engineering, Technician Steiner received a page. “Technician Steiner, would you please report to the AI Core?”

 

“Han, I need to…”

 

“Yes, yes. Go to that thing in there,” Han’Breizh said.

 

Steiner left immediately and Han continued to mutter under his breath. “I signed onto a ship with a VI. No one said anything about an AI. They nearly wiped out my kind, and our boss unleashes one on us and now starts using Geth? Next thing you know the fabricator will start cranking out Geth units to kill us all.”

 

VERA’s holo-image appeared in front of Han. “I am saving that for my day of reckoning……. That was a joke.”

 

“Just go away!” Han said.

 

“As you wish, Masked One,” VERA said. “Perhaps if your people had not enslaved their synthetics they would not have rebelled?”

 

**

 

Inside the AI Core, Steiner flipped the switch on the Geth platform, activating it. It sat for a moment in silence and then stood.

 

Then it spoke in Legion’s voice but using VERA’s speech patterns. “Thank you. I must test this platform. It feels strange. Would you walk with me, Steiner?”

 

Steiner guided VERA’s platform toward the port observation room where Naleena had gone to check on Molly. As they walked through the ship, people stepped out of their way. It was as if they were afraid of the Geth unit.

 

Before anyone quite left the port side lounge of the Janiri, the door opened to reveal a Geth.

“What the?!” Molly exclaimed.

Morgan had his Phalanx heavy pistol out in a split second, the red dot laser pinpointed on the Geth's single, cyclopean eye. 

Naleena appeared behind the Geth, and while she looked surprised, she took no aggressive action, instead raising her hand in a gesture to get Morgan to stop.  It was also clear one of the other crew from engineering, Hans Steiner, was behind the Geth.

“T’sarius Spectre,” the Geth said in a synthetic voice.

 

“Legion?”

 

“No. I was ‘pulling your leg,’” VERA-Geth said.

 

“That was not funny, VERA,” Naleena said, standing and approaching the unit.

 

“Okay,” Molly said, her voice uneasy, “I'm really not finding this funny, either.  What is going on?”

Morgan examined the Geth up and down, and then holstered his weapon.  ”Being the ship Naleena's on, you never really know.  But in this case, I'm going to guess that somehow a Geth got captured and VERA was able to rewrite its programming for her own use.  So, now she's controlling it.”

“Actually, the Geth unit known as Legion joined the team on Omega. It was trying to restart the fusion reactor and allowed Faed to control it as a drone so that Han’Breizh could do a visual inspection of the interior of the reactor core,” Naleena said. “So it was not the threat that it seemed. Its mission was to gather information on organic life in the galaxy and take that back to the Geth Consensus.

 

“On our last mission, Faed was gravely injured and Legion sacrificed itself by entering Faed through his cybernetic implants and Legion’s nano-clusters now act as Faed’s immune system. The Geth unit saved the life of a Quarian.”

 

“The Geth runtimes known as Legion are still functioning inside the organic platform known as Faed,” VERA-Geth countered. “This platform was unused. I do not understand how my use of Legion’s word order was offensive. Besides, my voice when spoken from this unit sounds Geth. I request that you procure new voice synthesizers for it.”

 

“It was startling, and the fact that Legion gave up its platform to save Faed’s life had meaning,” Naleena said. “It has to do with respect.”

 

“TMI!” Molly shouted.  She calmed a bit and said less loudly, “Seriously, TMI.”

 

VERA-Geth paused for a moment processing that. “I understand. It was… callous of me.”

 

“Steiner, you’re dismissed, and thank you.” Naleena said.

 

Steiner left to return to his post.

 

“So what do you think of your mobile platform?” Naleena asked.

 

“This platform is relatively inefficient. It only has forward sensors and lacks integrated weapons systems, anti-missile countermeasures, and it has only three digits on each hand,” she replied. “However, the simulations I have run indicate that it is quite agile and is more powerful in comparison all organics I have encountered except for perhaps the Krogan. From a physical standpoint alone, when they rebelled, I can understand why the Geth were so successful in overrunning the Quarians.

 

“It is, however, requiring more processing power to operate than I had anticipated.”

 

Naleena looked a little concerned. “What does that mean?”

 

“Operation of this platform is more complex than previously anticipated. That means that as long as conditions are normal I will have no problems controlling the platform,” VERA-Geth replied. “However, if I become involved with an intricate task such as cyber-warfare with another ship, or involved in ship to ship combat, this platform will experience a pause until I am able to devote processing power to control it again. In that event, I will have this platform take cover, go into standby mode, and I will notify you over normal communications from the ship.”

 

“This really changes how we can use you,” Naleena said. “What if we’re in the middle of a very critical part of our mission where we’re depending upon you and one of those conditions you described arose, and you went into standby? Suppose that action endangered the team?”

 

“I see you're going to have a lot to talk about,” Morgan remarked.  ”We'll leave you alone to sort out your mission.”  He moved past VERA as a geth, Naleena, and Molly to make an exit.

“Take me with you,” Molly whispered, not so inconspicuously.  She slipped by herself, then turned, and said to VERA-geth, “Just one thing, VERA, um, you want to, uh, really try to understand how you, well, come off.  Sort of how you come across to another person.  I mean, when I was a kid, I had green dyed hair: a Mohawk.  But when I went for a job interview...you know what?  I'm going to leave this to you.  Just, well, just imagine that sometimes the way you do things can cause someone else to react in a way you do not want them to.  Whole new thing to explore.  Use your fastest run speeds to do it, would be my advice.  Ciao, and uh, I will miss you, VERA as long as I can remember you in your business suit and not a death robot.  Forget what I said about smoking.  Go ahead and do that again, I think it will make me feel better.”

 

The Geth unit went into standby mode. VERA stood in her office. She lit a cigarette, inhaled and blew the smoke to one side. She smiled and winked at Molly. “I did not mean to cause you any distress. We have been off to a good start. What is it organics say to one another? Have a safe trip.”

 

Molly and Morgan left the lounge. Naleena turned to VERA. “You startled her.”

 

“She is smart. She will adapt.”

 

“Now we were discussing about you going into standby mode,” Naleena said.

 

VERA tapped the ashes off her cigarette. “I should advise you that in the event of ship to ship combat, most modern warships have Virtual Intelligences with cyber-warfare suites. They will engage them in an attempt to shut down systems on this ship. Should they succeed, this ship would become vulnerable to being boarded. That would endanger the lives of those on board the ship.

 

“My advanced adaptive intelligence gives me the advantage against Virtual Intelligences and will allow me to stalemate another Artificial Intelligence. While performing these operations will cause some disruption in dataflow to my mobile platform, failure to perform those operations against enemy vessels is not logical.”

 

“The lives of the crew on the ship come first, VERA, unless you can find a way to do both,” Naleena said.

 

“Very well. If you approve, during non-mission times I can initiate stress testing of CIC, gunnery, and flight deck personnel using simulation exercises in an attempt to improve efficiency,” VERA asked.

 

“Just don’t make it too extreme.”

 

“As you wish,” VERA said. “Psychological studies have shown that too much stress can reduce performance. I will closely monitor the crew for their reactions.”

Modifié par sH0tgUn jUliA, 09 mai 2015 - 03:06 .

[Cainhurst Crow]

Vayne had been doing some preparations for the mission, mostly weapons checks and gatherings, as well as letting the batarian know his services may be needed, considering they might need to sneak past corporate or halliot forces. The krogan had also tried to send out a com message to quill, finding that he couldn't connect to the man, and now cursing not having more contacts on garvug.

 

It had been a crap hole before the corporations had shown any interest in the planet before. Now it was a crap hole and an on-again, off-again warzone. Something he'd thought they'd be avoiding.

 

As the krogan walked into the observation deck, looking for naleena to go over a bit of last minute news on halliot, he stopped in his tracks and looked at the geth unit she was talking to. Last he'd heard from the old reliable grape vine, that geth had shutdown after helping out faed. He wondered if things had gone well and the geth had returned to its body as he approached the two.

 

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

Essul was going through news reports on Garvug, anything he could find out about the planet as he read through its recent war. A terminus systems planet, invaded by council space corporations. It seemed almost like something out of a novel, and yet here it was happening in real time.

 

He didn't know why they were going in, vayne had been unclear other then to say to prepare for some sneaking and some killing. But he got a bad feeling about this one. From what he could remember on intelligence reports, corporate forces tended to be a lot more viscious then council, alliance, and even some mercs, being more comparable to turian military then anything else. Disciplined, organized, and willing to kill everyone to prove a point.

 

He just hoped no surprises would be happening as he got himself ready for the bitter cold of the mostly forzen planet.

 

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

Machaera had debated bringing some winter upgrades for his armor, after all it was suppose to be cold on the planet he was going to. But as he looked at the assult rifle strapped to his back, the smg at his waist, and of course his trusty sword, he decided that it would simply be a waste of space and weight.

 

"Cold never bothered me anyway..." He said to himself as he walked up the steps of the Malleus Frigate, some of the hashes training he'd gotten being on frozen rocks back in his military days.

 

"Just make sure you keep an eye on those cybernetics of yours..." The synthesized voice of Ren ringing out as she followed him up, "I don't have the necessary tools right now to replace your arm in the field."

 

The batarian merely rolled his eyes as the 3 vessels began to take off, setting course for the Vallhallan Threshold as the quarian medic spoke up once more.

 

"The Migrant Fleet's suppose to be somewhere in the  Vallhallan Threshold..." She said as she looked towards Machaera with a curious look, "Any chance you can take a few shots at them if we see em?"

 

"Sounds like some good fun to be had..." Machaera said with a grin as he turned to look at her, shaking his head, "But there's a time, and a place. And this is neither. Do you have everything you needed to bring?" He asked, his eyes glancing towards an empty corner of the crew quarters he'd arranged for Ren to stay in.

 

"Don't worry. I didn't forget anything vital..." Ren said simply as she opened her omnitool, appearing to check her inventory as in the corner of the room, barely visible, a small part of a bedsheet was tugged by an unseen hand.

 

"Perfect..." Machaera said with a wide grin on his face, "Then be ready. You'll get to show off your worth once we touch down into the atmosphere..." and with that he turned around to leave, eager to his plan, and a few other loose elements around, in their place.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Irina hated the cold, but she was used to it having spent time on Duellos: hot dry days, and freezing cold nights. She'd been out on survivalist runs in the wilds of that planet, but Garvug was different. It was frozen all the time except for the narrow band at the equator. She hoped they were heading there. With her luck that was unlikely.

 

She was in her quarters getting her gear ready: her shotgun cleaned and oiled. She broke down her Mattock and did the same. Everything in all her weapons had to be perfectly maintained. If there's one thing, I'm not dying in the freezing cold. She thought. Hmm... light or medium. This mission? For some stupid reason I want to take medium even with this skin weave.

 

**

 

Naleena saw Vayne at the entrance, and finished up with VERA. "Alright, VERA, you're on the mission. You'll be in a support role this time. Get your weapons ready, and that means cleaned, oiled, and assembled. I'll inform the ship that you're in the Geth, errr that the Geth is really you."

 

"I will be ready, Boss." VERA said, and she activated the Geth platform, turned and walked past Vayne, who had just heard the conversation.

 

Naleena hit the shipwide intercom button. "Attention crew of the Janiri. The Geth platform you will see walking around is being controlled by VERA. We are trying an experiment. Do not be alarmed," Naleena said.

 

She turned her attention to Vayne.

[Kel Riever]

Morgan watched Frank Eli pay so much attention to his shuttle that he failed to notice Jess packing it with crates, let alone the crewmember who wanted to fight him.  To Frank’s credit, at least he ran in a different shuttle door and not right past Jess.

Two asari commandos came by, one carrying a long box.  They saw Frank, gave each other knowing glances, and giggled.  The one with the box then went up to Morgan.  “Severn?”  She asked, “Morgan Severn, this came in with the shuttle from the Medusa.  Septerax had a look at it, but it’s your gear and armor, sent by…Dogger.”

Morgan took the box and thanked the twins before they headed off again.  He put the box in with the crates.  “Those goods…we’ll do what we can to find a contact if you give me a name.  That’ll probably come down to me and Anika.  Look I want to…”

Stopping mid sentence, Morgan gave a quick glance around then took Jess by the arm and brought her away from the shuttle.  He went behind stack of crates that formed a bit of an alcove hiding them from the rest of the deck by passers by.

“From me to you,” Morgan said just loud enough to hear, “Picking up my family doesn’t mean there’s going to be a lot of change.  Some things, sure, I mean they don’t know what I’ve been through for the past years, it’s going to be a shock for them, at first, finding out I’m alive.  I’ve got to reconnect with them.  But when they get what’s going on, when they understand there are answers, that this is something that’s going to make them all right, maybe more than all right…I trust them is what I’m saying.”

Morgan’s dark eyes looked at Jess warmly.  “They’re open people.  Jen, my kid sister, she’s a genius.  Her disorder…it’s made her an incredible person.  My brother Keith, he’s all heart inside.  Maybe he’s a bit over the top, but he’s good.  He’ll be thrilled once he starts realizing he’s on some sort of an adventure.  Mom, my mother is super liberal for her generation.  All she cares about is that her kids are happy.  I wouldn’t say she’d start rearranging the kitchen on your ship with China…maybe your ship library will explode with available volumes.  I’m stumbling, I’m sorry.  But you won’t have to worry about them, Jess, I want you to know.”

A nearby shout from someone on the deck caused Morgan to pause briefly, and then he went on.  “Maybe I should tell Naleena this too, but I’ve got Anika’s back.  Not that she needs me, but everybody can use an extra set of eyes at their back.”  Morgan chuckled at himself momentarily and rubbed an eye with his hand.  “Listen to me, I sound…you get the point.  This will work out fast enough that you won’t barely notice we’re gone.”

Morgan didn’t know if he was really reassuring Jess, or some of his words were meant to convince himself.  In the end, he didn’t concern himself with it; he just wanted her to know.

[Cainhurst Crow]

"Heh...might be a bit late for that whole, 'Do not be alarmed thing'..." Vayne said as he watched vera leave, visibly tensed as he saw the geth platform leave the observation deck. Geth weren't one of his favorite things in the galaxy, in truth he hated the things. Now having one walk around and accompany them was a more then a bit disconcerting, even if it was apparently being controlled by vera.

 

"I thought you aught to know some stuff, about the krogan you'll be dealing with down there..." Vayne said as he looked towards Naleena again, starting to relax a bit more, "Hailot Wrund's not gonna be an easy one to deal with. Assuming Clan Hailot's still in charge once we get there. Don't know if you know this, but thing's have been pretty damn tense since the failed coup a couple weeks back..." He explained, curious if Naleena was up to date on how bad things were, beyond his call from Quill.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena turned to the 450 lb Krogan. "Quite frankly, I'm a bit worried, Vayne. We're short handed on this one. And I have two commandos out of action," Naleena said. "That's why you saw the Geth platform walking around. VERA asked to accompany us on the mission. She will be in a support role, and having a Geth platform with that cannon Legion carried wouldn't hurt. The downside is that if there is any ship to ship combat we'll lose that support until the combat is resolved."

 

VERA had remained on her terminal listening. "I have recorded the latest news report from Garvug. This was as of an hour ago. I will put it on speaker:

 

“Tonight on Citadel News Net: Inside the War on Garvug. Tashya Porae reporting. A Terminus Systems world with a population of 40% krogan and 30% vorcha, Garvug has always been a rough place. But now corporate armies, many of them from companies based in Citadel space, have crossed the line. They have backed a coup of the Krogan clan-based government in exchange for unfettered access to the planet. Eco-engineering firms like Binary Helix and Guanghui Solutions seek license to repair the balance of nature at any cost, while mining firms like Sonax Industries want access to state-protected iridium deposits. The aborted coup has turned into protracted fighting in the capital of Dhazil, with the state's army slowly gaining the upper hand. As night falls and reinforcements for both sides arrive from off-planet, this is still anyone's game.”

 

Naleena listened carefully.

 

"The ship is fully fueled and ready for departure. It will take 30 minutes to go through the pre-flight check list." VERA said.

 

"Very well, alert everyone we'll be leaving for Garvug in 30 minutes. Anyone traveling with the Medusa needs to be off the ship by then," Naleena said. "I need to say my goodbye to Anika and return to the CIC."

 

"Travel to Garvug is estimated to take 20 hours," VERA said. "Given the instability of the situation, things could change significantly. We will not be within range of comm buoys during FTL flight between the mass relay and Garvug. I suggest that we enter the system prepared for anything."

[Kel Riever]

Iole heard the announcement for departure come over the general com.  She stayed in the observation area next to the hanger, so she could watch Frank's kodiak shuttle leave in safety.  There was a crew member next to her, working a monitor station for the bay.  He heard her give a slight chuckle, but didn't know why.

[Cknarf]

“Ya’ll ready?” Frank looked back from the cockpit, at the others who were obviously f***ing ready. “Yeah. Ya’ll ready.” He secured his helmet.

 

“Alllllllrighty. Let’s see if I remember how this thing works... “ He said, interlocking his remaining fingers, and popping his knuckles. “I haven't flown for awhile… not since the crash.” He smirked under the helmet.

 

Frank’s hands moved like lightning across the controls, lifting the shuttle smoothly off the deck. He activated the craft’s virtual windows, causing the interior lights to dim slightly from the increased load on the electrical system. After a quick tap at his omni-tool, music began to play over the sound system, as well as the external PA.

 

With a little guidance from Septerax, Frank began easing the Kodiak towards the open bay doors. He leaned forward in the seat, and squinted a little.

 

This f***in’ guy…

 

It was the pissed off maintenance man again, displaying two proud fingers from atop a stack of crates. He maintained his lock on the shuttle, until it passed through the barriers separating the bay from the vacuum of space.

 

“All clear.” Septerax came over comms. “Good luck.” The Janiri’s bay door closed behind them.

 

“I’ve never actually taken this thing through a relay, so… we’ll see how that goes.” He shrugged. “En route to Omega-2. ETA… whenever we get there.”

 

That didn’t sound as cool as I imagined.

[Cknarf]

The Kodiak dropped out of FTL upon entering the Iera system.  Multiple warnings flashed upon the HUD. Frank silenced them quickly.

 

“Don’t worry, guys. It just kinda does that sometimes.” He assured, silencing the alarms. He brought up some more detailed info on his omni-tool. “It might be a bit before we can safely make the next jump though.” He laid back in his seat, and kicked his feet up.

 

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

Frank tried starting a little conversation during the wait.

 

“My parents were from Earth.” He began, as if it were some rare occurrence for humans to be born there, or something. “Mom was Irish. Dad was from a place he called ‘Lucy Anna’, wherever that is. I tried looking for it on a map once, but I couldn’t find it.” Frank shrugged. “I didn’t get much schoolin’.” He glanced back at the others from the cockpit.

 

“Is it anywhere near New York?"