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[Cknarf]

Presidium park, 8:43

 

A slender woman in a shiny white set of light armor, complete with breather helmet, came jogging into the park. Upon noticing the asari at the bench, she slowed her pace, and walked over.

 

“Let me guess…” The woman began, obviously still winded from wherever she had run from. “You’re waitin' for a guy...” She placed her hands on her helmet and straightened her back to help her breathe. From her neck, there swung a long chain.  At the end of it was a glistening badge that read CITADEL SECURITY.

 

“...and he’s runnin' late.” Exhaling deeply, she let her arms fall to her side, before placing them on her seemingly non-existent hips. “Amirite? I’m right, ain’t I?”

[Kel Riever]

Iole's video game jet bike crashed and burned.

The asari Commando looked up, and her eyes slowly started to squint, while her lips pursed.  Golden flecks on her forehead shifted as one of her brows raised.

"Youuuuuu...youuuuu wannnnaa change before we go?  Or are you liking your new outfit?"

[Kel Riever]

Previously...

...after the meeting with the Lord of the Kings and Queens

Jrudek Ib-vu had been a prisoner for some time. His condition was certainly acceptable, but the politeness was a veneer. An uncertain future could wear away at anyone's pillars of confidence. But a time came when Jrudek knew a resolution was at hand, for the pattern of his care had changed, and he was transported, albeit without a view outside the cabins of his confinement. So it was with some relief, though still a fear, that Jrudek stepped into a great entry hall.

As soon as Jrudek saw the violet banners with white emblems, Jrudek knew his master had arrived. While he was unfamiliar with the lavish banners, or the droids clad in the motif of strange ancient armor, or the chained, massive, prowling predator cats, he knew Iyana's mark. Still garbed in orange clothes, Jrudek was brought to stand between the Left Hand and the Right Hand of the Lord where they waited in silence. Jrudek contented himself with observing the crimson banners of Tarballs and the guards that held them in positions of formality across from the Iyana's violet heraldry. His speculation brought a hope which he dared not show, lest appearances be deceiving.

It did not take long after Jrudek's arrival before a section of the floor fell away as a lift. Arising once again, a single figure rode the lift upwards. It was his superior, of course, but when Jrudek saw her, his mouth opened in shock.

Jrudek was not alone in his surprise, for the Left Hand and the Right Hand reacted in their own ways.

Saving everyone from the worst of misunderstandings before any reactions would arrive at an unfortunate result, however, Iyana spoke as she came into the sight of those in the hall.

"Fear not, for the blood is mine only."

Iyana was clad in her gleaming, silvery armor. But there were rivulets of blood that travelled along its creases in places, as if the white haired woman was wounded beneath her plates. The great majority of the blood had dried in a dark red, and it was evident Iyana was no longer bleeding, save in one place, and that was where the open visor of her helm showed the bright red fluid of vitality trickling from the corners of her mouth. Iyana smiled at the Hands and Jrudek, showing her teeth stained in scarlet.

"Jrudek! It's so nice to see you alive!"

Jrudek was disturbed more than he'd been before Iyana, including when he'd seen her interrogate her enemies. The joy his superior seemed to exude had a sinister quality far beyond its past extremes, though Jrudek had a hard time now telling exactly what was the cause of his master's elation.


"We are to depart immediately," Iyana continued through her blood stained mouth. She turned to the Hands. "I will pass along data from my shuttle before we leave with some succinct yet important information, including how to contact me via quantum entanglement communications. Pay particular attention if you would to the folder on care of the Maltruvian Stalkers. I've trained them, but they will gravitate to those who they view as their greaters, and will develop a bond to the one who names them. They are quite intelligent, if not avaricious in their appetite. I would keep them fed well, or they will turn on another of their kind, or even their masters." Iyana turned to each Hand then, a nod of emphasis towards the woman. "But I have faith there will never be a moment these beasts will be famished in your grips."

Jrudek observed an energy in Iyana's stride as she moved past, beckoning him to follow. "I look forward to our future together," she called back to the Hands." Then in a voice much more subdued to Jrudek, she said, "You will be pressed hard, I will inform you, as soon as we leave here. There is much to do and I intend it to happen quickly. You will fly the shuttle as I have some research to attend to, given to me by his Lordship."

[Cknarf]

“Damn. Made me that quick huh?” She moved to unlatch the helmet. “I knew I didn’t have enough ass to pull this off…” Frank’s voice lost the feminine modulation effect as the helmet came off.

 

“I didn’t bring any extra duds, so… yeah.” He cupped at one of his armored lady lumps. “Hope you don’t mind a little boobage.” He shrugged. “Personally, I think they look great.”

[Kel Riever]

Iole snickered.  "There's something about you that always shines through."  Iole closed her Omni-tool and got up off the bench.  "And dear, boobs is all my people got.  So if you need any recommendations on good support, and where you want to draw the line of your cleavage at, I'm here for you.  In the meantime, let's go get something to eat.  I can't wait for all the turning heads."  Iole winked and jerked her head away from the park.

[Cknarf]

“I can’t wait to yell at someone for checkin’ out my rack. Usually I’m on the receivin’ end when it comes to chastisin’.” Frank smirked.

 

“Now which one of those noodle joints did you have in mind? The station’s covered with ‘em.” He asked, taking a look at his omni-tool. “I was thinkin’ one of the hoity toity ones up here on the presidium. The ones in the wards are just a little too grimy for some fine ladies like us.”

 

 

((Click for aborted filler post that I decided to post anyways.))

 

Spoiler

 

 

Vepr II Cargo bay, Earlier.

 

Frank leaned against the crate of weapons, as he waited for the Vepr to dock. He looked great in his new set of light armor. White, of course.

 

“You look absolutely ridiculous.” Marius chuckled at Frank’s appearance.

 

“Well, I think you look fabulous.” Kira teased.

 

“Thanks, Kira.” Frank ‘adjusted’ the armored breasts that protruded from his chestplate “I think so too.” He smirked. “Helmet?”

 

“Almost finished… Aaaaand, got it.” Adir tossed Frank the matching breather helmet.

 

“How do I sound?” Frank asked, his voice sounding softer, and more feminine.

 

“Like a b*t--” Quintus blurted, shortly after stepping off the elevator.

 

Without looking, Kira shot out a palm, launching Quintus across the bay with a blast of biotic energy.

 

“Fuuuuuu-”

 

Adir watched as Quintus finally came to a stop just before impacting the hull. The turian was now floating at the mercy of the matriarch. “Modifications to the modulator were successful.” He smiled under his helmet at the biotic display.

 

“Fuuuuuuuuuu-” Quintus screamed, as Kira clenched her fist, and yanked him back as hard as she could.

 

“Aren’t you supposed to be in the cockpit?” She asked, as he floated upside down before the group.

 

“VIs handlin’ it. Mind puttin’ me down?”

 

“As you wish.” Kira smiled, before letting him fall to the floor.

 

Everyone’s omni-tool flashed with a notification, signifying that they had successfully docked with the Citadel.

 

“Good luck, Eli.”

 

Frank descended the ramp with the crate in tow.

 

=========================================================

 

Citadel, Earlier. But not as Early. Know what I'm sayin'?

 

Frank’s heart pounded as he stepped into a corridor with a scanner. The Raikou on his hip caused an alarm to sound, and the area to lock down.

 

Well, ****.

 

The turian behind the glass noticed the badge, and spoke over the intercom.

 

“You know this is the civilian entrance, right officer?”

 

Frank shrugged.

 

A console appeared at the wall near the door.

 

“Go on, then.”

 

Frank walked up to it and stood there.

 

“Your badge?”

 

“What?”

 

“One of those days, huh?" He chuckled. "Scan your badge, please.”

 

“Okie dokie.”

 

Okie dokie?

 

Frank held Molly’s badge up to the console, causing the door to unlock and the door to slide open.

 

“Welcome back, Detective Hagen.”

 

Frank quickly passed through and onto the station.

 

“A’ight, boys. I’m in.”

 

“Good work, Eli.” Marius came over comms. “Our contact goes by the name of Forgal Thrak.”

 

“Krogan?”

 

“Yeah.”

 

“What’s he look like?”

 

“Real big, and real ugly.”

 

“That narrows it down.”

 

“Ha. You’ll know him when you see him. Make your way to Zakera Ward, that’s where he’s based. Should find him around here.”

 

Marius sent coordinates to Frank’s omni-tool.

 

“Now keep in mind he doesn’t know you’re coming. It’s probably best that you don’t walk in there representing C-SEC.”

 

“Sh*t, pilgrim. This ain’t my first rodeo.”

 

“Pilgrim?”

 

“Nothin’. It’s from somethin’ I watched on the net earlier. Old Earth stuff.”

 

“Whatever you say, Eli. Now listen, there’s something else you should know before you get there.”

 

“What’s that?”

 

“Be careful when dealing with Skeet. If Thrak isn't there, you'll probably be doing business with him instead.”

 

“Skeet?” Frank raised an eyebrow.

 

“Yeah. He’s one of Thrak’s goons.”

 

“I’m always careful when dealing with skeet.” He snickered.

 

“This isn’t a laughing matter, Eli. The guy is dangerous. He’s not as big as Thrak, but he’s twice as mean.”

 

“Then why in the hell am I sellin’ him a crate of Strikers?”

 

“It’s just business, Eli. You know how things work.”

 

“Yeah…”

 

“Get it done, Eli. Marius out.”

 

"Sorry, Mols." He muttered to himself, while heading to his destination. It was bad enough that he used her badge to pass through customs, the fact that he was smuggling explosive weapons made it even worse.

[Kel Riever]

"Certainly, madame," Iole jested, then slipped her arm through Frank's in his armor.  They started a walk until they found a perhaps more expensive, but definitely more fun restaurant.  It had neon lighting inside and a bar, though the two nabbed a table in a far corner by a window with a great view of passerby's.  Iole made some small talk, then asked, "Do you mind if I asked how it all went for you on your mission?  If they bother you, you can stick to the good stuff."

[Cknarf]

It took Frank a moment to respond. There wasn’t a whole lot of good as far as he was concerned. He figured he’d just try to keep things positive.

 

“From a… ‘military’ standpoint, I guess I could say that the mission was a success. We did what we had to do, and no one died...” He looked out the window, and was quiet again. “Other than that, I don’t have much to tell, really.” He shrugged, before looking back to Iole.

 

“How ‘bout you, huh? Anything excitin’ happen while I was gone?” Frank asked, as a giant bowl of noodles was placed before him. “I know the boss had some kinda job to do…” He didn’t bother waiting for it to cool, before shoving some in his mouth. “Nah thaht yu wen or anythin’, but--” He winced a bit, as the hot food went down.

 

“Surely you got some deets on the mission, or whatever.”

[Kel Riever]

"Yes." Iole was quick to move on as well, "Not as many as you'd think.  'Boss'...you know what VERA calls her...goes on a run, apparently with some human, comes back.  I know nothing because, you know, I'm a grunt.  I get the impression that something big went down, you can tell sometimes, and Naleena was back pretty quickly for all that.  She was some sort of operative, though, I think.  I never knew entirely, you probably have more data on it than me, but she's, mmm, she's Naleena."

Iole waived a hand over her noodles as if that would help, then she got herself a mouthful and promptly widened her eyes as the head got to her.  Still, she didn't do much about it, chewed and swallowed.  "Another minute for that...anyway, thinks have been a bit boring since you left.  For me, anyway.  That's not entirely true, Jenus and I..."

There Iole took a long pause.

"...We're getting along fine now.  So....I spent a lot of time on the gun range, and I admit I was waiting to hear the news on how you did.  Because yes, I wanted to make sure you came back fine.  The selfish reason, of course, was to eat Raman noodles with you and participate in some terrible mayhem while we could."

Iole grinned and laughed, then her voice became softer.  "You...you're going to be a bit away, you told me?  You seem...glad about it.  I'm all for it, you know, as long as you are getting what you need.  Truthfully, I'd rather have you around, of course.  But I'd much rather you, well, you know...."  She lingered on the last statement, not wanting to sound like a cliche, but Iole gave Frank a warm smile again, before taking another shot at the noodles. 

[Kel Riever]

Previously...




...en route to the Terminus Systems



Iyana sat in the co-pilot's seat with her legs stretched up onto the control panel.  Jrudek piloted the unwieldy Mammoth shuttle, just past the relay of their destination system.  He was manually flying, running through the barrage of instructions he'd received from Iyana after they had taken off from the meeting, clear to the point of travel they were now at.  The litany of tasks was longer than he'd ever received from his superior, and he dared not miss a thing.



There was a priority alert message that came via buoy addressed to Iyana.  Jrudek saw the alert, though he had no capability of accessing the contents of the message.  He turned to Iyana who seemed to be contemplating two datacubes, one in each hand.   She was particularly focused on the cube on her left.

“My superior,” Jrudek informed Iyana, “There is a message for you, highest priority.”


“Yes, Jrudek, thank you.  I will attend to it.”

Jrudek was surprised at his master’s lack of a response to such an important alert.  He remained quiet for another minute, then added, “You have always asked that you be interrupted regardless of your situation for a Priority Gold message.”

Murderous blue eyes flickered towards Jrudek and he felt his stomach drop out from underneath him.  Then the glare receded.  “Yes, I did ask that, didn’t I?”  Iyana set the cubes down, pulled her legs off the control panel, and pulled the message up on a screen angled so that only she could see.  She began reading.

If Jrudek had felt his stomach drop before, as Iyana read, it was as if the atmosphere of the shuttle was being lost to cold space.

Iyana’s arm reached out and grabbed Jrudek before he could react.  There was a thunderclap, and a flash, then the batarian found himself teleported to a new location, a dark enclosure with a feral smell.  It took him a second or two to realize he was in the cage of one of the beasts brought to Tarballs.

“Stay in here!”  Iyana’s command embodied the void.  She stepped away from Jrudek, out of the large cage, and slammed the door shut, imprisoning him within.  Then she teleported away.

Jrudek sank, thankful for his life.

~ ~ ~ ~

Teleporting back to the cockpit of the Mammoth, Iyana slammed her hand down on the control panel, activating the automatic pilot to guide the craft on its course.  She further slammed the door to the passenger and cargo hold shut.  The feeling that rushed to the surface within Iyana caused her to fall to her knees, and put her clawed hands to the sides of her head without touching it.  Every muscle in her body strained, her joints cracked as tendons clenched, the skull leapt to the forefront of her visage, and she opened her mouth in a silent scream, the tears streaming from her frozen eyes.

Morgan!!!
 

[Cknarf]

Frank smiled himself, as he watched Iole. As she looked up from her bowl, he diverted his eyes back to his own, and began twirling his fork.

 

“Yeah. Like I said, I just needed a break.” He began. “But glad isn’t exactly the word I’d use to describe how I feel.”

 

“You think I’m happy about leavin’ the most advanced ship in the galaxy?” He shoveled some more in, before looking back up. “Abou eavin’ you?” He shook his head, and swallowed.

 

“I mean, don’t get me wrong, it’s good to be back with my… family, I guess. And the ship, while it ain’t no Janiri, is still pretty slick. You should see the drive core on this thing, it’s like, pow!”

 

Frank gestured as if he was holding a large ball. As he did so, his fork flew from his hand, and landed somewhere across the restaurant with a clang. He just kept talking as if nothing happened.

 

“Okay, so things ain’t all bad.” He shrugged. “But still, the longer I sit here, the more I can’t help but feel that maybe leavin’ wasn’t the best decision.”

 

Reaching across the table, he grabbed Iole’s fork, and nonchalantly stuck it in his own bowl, claiming it as his own before continuing.

 

“Or maybe it was, I dunno. Either I stay on the Vepr and get right, or I come back to the Janiri-- to you, and risk losing my mind completely. It’s a shitty situation either way I look at it.” He prepared another gob of noods on the stolen fork.

 

“If only there was some way I could have the best of both worlds…” Frank made eye contact, hoping that she might understand what he was getting at. “You know?”

[Kel Riever]

"Aw," Iole blew past the point at first.  She put a comforting arm on his briefly. "Frank, we're surviving.  This thing about the hard things we do.  You can let it get to you, or you can look at the good that has come out of it.  I won't say anything more than if you've got to keep the noodles in your head checked, come to me.  Besides, I hope you know you've helped keep me sane, too."  She smiled gently, and her golden eyes flickered in the low light.

"It would be amazing if Naleena just went and sanctioned me as a free agent, my job to keep tabs on Frank Eli, also known as agent Beans, license to do whatever he pleases.  I could sort your mail, make the...coffee, right?...get your suits pressed.  And of course, rescue you when you fall into the trap of a nefarious villain.  Maybe they could make a video of us where we're silhouetted in black against something exploding in the background."  Then Iole laughed, making a pistol with pointed fingers in one hand, while pretending to brace it with the other.  "Agent Beans, this is Goldie.  Does your rack need a...fitting?"

Iole laughed again, grabbed a fork from the table next to theirs, and dug into the same bowl of raman as Frank.  She stuffed her mouth with a heap of noodles, now a decent temperature, and started chewing with one of the noodles poking out the side of her mouth.  She looked ecstatic, and then what Frank was insinuating hit her.  Iole's mouth froze mid chew and her eyes popped.

"You're sherioush!!" Iole asked through her raman noodle stuffed mouth.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The Citadel

 

“VERA, inform the Councilor that I will be there in 90 minutes,” Naleena said.

 

“Will do, boss,” VERA replied.

 

Naleena hesitated a second, but continued on her way out of her quarters to the Conference Room. There was one call she’d been putting off making and she needed to handle it now. The elevator opened and she crossed the corridor to the conference room. The table lowered and she took her seat at the QE connection.

 

“VERA, open a channel to Dr. T’soni,” she asked.

 

Dr. T’soni’s QEC notification flashed and she entered her private room that she had decorated in a similar fashion to her apartment on Illium.

 

“Spectre T’sarius, you have news about Feron? It isn’t good, is it?” Liara said with her head hanging. “I have been preparing myself for the worst.”

 

“I’m sorry Dr. T’soni, it isn’t. Feron was dead when we found him,” Naleena replied not telling her he’d been tortured. “The atmosphere on Eingana is hostile to mass effect generators. We nearly lost the Janiri which would have stranded us there.”

 

Liara’s eyes welled, but she choked back the tears. “I am sorry that I endangered you and your crew.”

 

“We found the relic. It was a key to an Inusannon archive,” Naleena said. “In addition, there is a primitive civilization there. It is Prothean. I’ve told the Council of the location of the archive and how to best get to it. The files will be at the University of Serrice. I thought you might be interested in taking a look at them when they get there.”

 

“Very. At least Feron’s death wasn’t in vain.”

 

“Please be careful with the information. Even C-sec has been compromised by Shadow Broker agents.” Naleena warned.

 

“That would not surprise me. How do you know this?” Liara asked.

 

“A side case involving a Shadow Broker agent named Iyana. She’s a mass murderer and does it for pleasure. I intend to take her down,” Naleena replied. “One of my sources within C-sec who had been working on the case had several major leads and suddenly the case was closed by someone higher up. Just warning you. Also, in your information gathering if you were to come across anything related to this person, I would be very appreciative if you would contact me via QEC.”

 

Liara gave her a deadpan look. “Thank you for the warning. So far, I’ve seen nothing about her…. I won’t keep you any longer. Take care, and good luck in your mission.”

 

The connections severed.

 

**

 

Naleena left the Janiri and took a taxi to the Presidium to meet with Councilor Tevos. She really didn’t like the Presidium very much because the gravitational force was much less than what she was used to both on the ship and in the wards, but that was where the Council decided to have its seat of government. When she parked her taxi, there were signs ‘Centrifugal pseudogravity is in use on The Citadel. Dropped objects and persons jumping may fly upwards toward the windows.’ This is why the dance clubs install mass effect field generators for gravity.

 

She walked into the antechamber of the Councilor’s office and was greeted by her assistant Lucia. Lucia sat behind her glass-topped desk handling the routine communications delegated to her by the councilor.

 

“Good evening, Spectre T’sarius. Councilor Tevos is expecting you and will be with you shortly,” she said, smiling at the Spectre.

 

Naleena took a seat on the leather couch, opened her omni-tool to check her stock performance and waited. Soon Lucia told Naleena she could go back.

 

Naleena entered Councilor Tevos’ elaborate office that overlooked the Presidium from the Embassy Suites. Plants from Thessia and other Asari colony worlds framed the opening. The Councilor had a painting by the artist Atashi behind her desk, and another one across the room above the couch. Tevos stood from her desk made out of a light colored wood and bid Naleena accompany her to the balcony.

 

“It seems that you created quite a stir recently,” Tevos said as she reached the railing and turned to face Naleena.

 

“How so?”

 

“You made an enemy of Councilor Udina,” she replied. “First it was asking for the sanctions against the Earth corporations, and then it was failing his chosen candidate for Spectre. Not that you didn’t have justification, but couldn’t you find anything redeemable about the candidate?”

 

Naleena leaned against the railing, and pulled a cigarette out of her case. “Do you mind?” she asked. Tevos shook her head. Naleena lit the cigarette. “Roman was a fine soldier, but too idealistic for the job. He wouldn’t make the tough calls. When I went into the research lab to create the diversion I found they were working on the cure for the genophage as you saw in my report. What was not there was proof that they’d found it. The Batarians were preparing to weaponize it for dispersion. I had to make a decision right then. The tissue samples, the data, had to be destroyed and the researchers killed.

 

“He thought the genophage was wrong and that the Krogan deserved a chance. That’s not his call to make. That’s the Council’s call. Until The Council issues a directive regarding the genophage I must uphold current policy.” Naleena emphasized the last points with her cigarette. “Besides it was his fault I had to create a diversion in the first place. He’s not ready.”

 

Tevos raised her brow. “The last few months have really hardened you, Naleena. But this wasn’t why I called you here. We’d like you to follow up on the intelligence you obtained from the Batarian.”

 

“You think there’s something to it?”

 

“Yes. We’d like you to take the ship into Batarian space, but be careful when you do it. This is not a Council sanctioned mission. Find that research facility, see what they’re doing and get out.”

 

“Understood, Councilor. We won’t be flying Council colors on this one,” Naleena replied.

[Cknarf]

“I am.” Frank nodded. “But I couldn’t ask you to do that. It wouldn’t be right.” He shook his head. “Being assigned to a ship like the Janiri is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime.”

 

He thought for a second, and remembered the absurdly long lifespan of asari.

 

“Well, you know what I mean.” He shrugged. “And you’d be leaving your team behind…”

 

He turned his attention to something outside.

 

“People you’ve been with for decades, for someone you hardly know. How’s that for selfish?” He chuckled.

[Kel Riever]

…regarding events of The Terminus Systems

Xanthe was going over her data with five screens in front of her, in the CIC of the Kurinth.  She said aloud to her captain.  “This means Martalis Nadlur is dead?  That turian bandit lord held sway over three planets and had vested mining interests that traded with Council space.”

“Yes, Spectre Remi.  Conflict is inevitable, a struggle between surrounding warlords for his territory and assets.  The infighting of his own lieutenants is already bloody and indecisive.”

The white diamond centered on Xanthe’s forehead moved as her brow furrowed.  “There is no threat to Council space, and resources will be purchased elsewhere in the meantime, but Nadlur was protected by loyal and well paid partners.  They must have known his loss would mean the certain threat of an outside takeover.”

She then waived a hand past all the screens.  “This is a snarl.  Not to mention the information T’Sarius has given me.  I must inform the Council that the rise of this turmoil demands more attention.”

“Will they respond appropriately, however?”

Xanthe knew what the Captain meant, that the Council was stretched as it was with its Specters, not to mention the pursuit of other interests.  “Perhaps if I could come up with more compelling evidence.  I will look again at T’Sarius’ data.  My investigation into the details of these bandit lords can wait.  In the meantime, set course for Thessia.”

“Yes, Spectre.  May I ask why?”

“I wish to speak briefly with my Republics patrons, and I believe we will need more assistance from the Serrice elites.  Particularly if trouble ensues.  I will need some of the best Commandos available.”

“A high demand.”

“A request, one I hope that will be fulfilled.”  Xanthe turned off the screens and went to the nav computer.

~ ~ ~ ~

Xhuan Setura was going over her data with five screens in front of her, in the newly built command center for the colony.  It served as a control tower for the expanded landing tarmac, and overlooked most of the grown dwelling.  When she needed a quick mental break, Xhuan could get a good glimpse of the yard where the militant arts were practiced.  Currently, however, she was keeping track of all the activity happening in the area, both on and off world.  Mostly, she was concerned with the on world activity, knowing the rest was in the hands of her superior.

As Xhuan’s thought went to Iyana, she received a gold priority alert from the white haired woman of her fear and admiration.  Setting aside all the tasks before her, Xhuan immediately opened the communication.  There was no salutation or closing, simply a sentence:

Prepare Operation: Equity, and ready yourself for my arrival.

~ ~ ~ ~

Iyana reached up to comfort the dark haired Morgan.  He was handsome, and yet his umbral eyes had the glint of cruelty. 

“You will be my salvation,” Iyana said to him.

But Morgan did not respond. 

Behind him was a woman, one eye beckoning and enticing, the other a hollow, steel portal from which hate poured forth.  Her left arm was human, but the right was a claw of metal. 

Standing behind her were the others, an asari Spectre, a veteran krogan, a brutal turian, a mocking human jester.

Iyana clutched Morgan, pulled herself up on him, and wrapped herself around him.  “They will all be rewarded for your trials, and for the help, the life you have given me.”  There was dread as Iyana felt Morgan’s repulsion and anger.  “I ask not for your forgiveness, only for you to let me deliver what you deserve, your family, your peers.”  She glanced to the monstrous woman behind Morgan.  “Even her.”

Morgan seized Iyana by the throat.  His grip was iron.  She struggled, but she could not break free.

“Time…,” Iyana rasped, before Morgan’s fingers collapsed her windpipe.

The white haired woman awoke, cast to the deck of the Mammoth shuttle.  An alert indicated she was two hours from her world.  Jrudek was still caged, and the cockpit was empty save for her.  She pulled herself up, a cold sweat having drenched her body beneath her armor. 

Surely, the Lord must know by now.  Or have his suspicions, Iyana thought to herself, still trying to control the tremors in her hands from the dream.  She looked briefly at the message alert that was flashing, and opened Xhuan’s confirmation that her message had been received.  The planet of her destination loomed large in her viewscreen.  Iyana composed herself, and as she did, she was reminded of the datacubes, one from Tarballs that she had used, the other was Jess’s that she had stolen. 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Vayne leaned against a wall of the Janiri as he watched Naleena depart, setting down his own drink as he scanned the news stories on his omnitool. He paused when he came across the story of an apparent terrorist attack by asari rebels on Lorek, raising a brow as he read it. He clicked the video as it loaded, watching the security footage the hegemony had.

 

The images are blurred, but vayne frowns as he looks to the alliance officer. More specifically his armor, vayne tilting his head slightly as he sees the asari in the white lab coat as well.

 

'I had a quick business trip to Illium. The human, his name was Roman, he’s an Alliance officer....' Vayne remembered as his smile from earlier faltered a bit, remembering what naleena said exactly, 'They’re considering him for Spectre. And Sao wanted to go over a mission report with me...'

 

A human and Asari assaulting a research base on Lorek. A mission report and a spectre candidate. Vayne turned to look at the ice brandy as he picked up his glass, downing the whole thing as he set it back down. Could be nothing, but Vayne had been a bounty hunter and detective for hire before he was part of Naleena's crew. And something told him, something was off.

 

"I just hope I'm wrong..." He muttered to himself, shelving it for another time. He wasn't about to stir up trouble, not now at least. But when things were a bit calmer, and there was a lull in their work load, vayne filed this particular incident away for later.

 

////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

 

Essul sat at a table in the lounge, letting out a sigh as he took a bite of some bio-bread and drank the now light brown beverage humans called coffee, enjoying its bitter yet sweet flavor well. He hadn't eaten in a while, a bad move for a biotic who burned through calories at a greater rate then normal members of his species. Bio-bread was one such answer to that, simply bread with a heck of a lot of sugars, nutrients, and calories, stuffed into the tough dough and made to be eaten quickly.

 

It was like flatbread, that could count as a full course meal, twice over. And Essul was feeling better now that he had both going through his system. He glanced up to the lights as his mind danced between Naleena and the hooded batarian. He hope the one was alright, and he hoped the other was dead. By the gods, did he hope he was dead. There were enough people like him as it was, they didn't need more.

 

///////////////////////////////////////

 

Yron turned around casually as the doors to the holding cells opened, seeing two familiar looking figures enter the room. "Well, glad to see you're back on your..." Yron paused as he got a good look at Machaera, actually wincing a bit as he finished, "...feet." he said, absentmindedly rubbing his own jaw at the sight of the robotic one.

 

"Don't hold back, my appearance is frightening..." Machaera stated simply, as if it were as simple as stating his favorite color or which hand was dominant, "But just think, if my appearance shocks you. What might it do to our enemies?" He asked, pulling off what would have to pass as a grin with his new face.

 

"Make us easy to identify, for one?" Yron replied sarcastically as he glanced to Ren'Danna, who stood by Machaera's side, and watched him carefully, "Couldn't you do something less...creepy? Synthetic skin or something?"

 

"I offered it, and he refused. He's paid me well enough, so I'll let him choose his modifications as he sees fit..." Ren simply stated, before she gave a bemused chuckle, "I could do you to, if you'd like. I never got ot work on a drell before. How about it? New pair of lungs that'll never get water-logged?" she offered.

 

Yron winced at the suggestion and shock his head, "No thanks, I like my body just the way it is..." He commented as he got out of Machaera's way, smirking on the way out, "Non-poly-carbonate."

 

Machaera watched him leave in silence before he looked back down towards Falling Leaf, walking to her as he looked her in the eyes, "You saved my life out there. Not something I'd expect one of my own kind to do. Let alone a human..." He said, crossing his arms behind his back, "Why'd you do it?"

[Kel Riever]

Falling Leaf couldn't help but look at the batarian she'd rescued and the shocking visage that he had now donned.  She gulped, and her normally cool demeanor was shaken for the moment.  "I...did not consider race to be a factor in my decision, despite the prior conflict between batarians and humans."

With a brief but nervous smirk, Leaf then said, "I have never operated as part of a military organization.  I am a professional assassin, and as such, I seek gainful employment.  There was an opportunity to work with someone worthy of my service, and so I have displayed to you my ability.  Efficiency, I suppose.  There is a presumption on my part that you could always use another good gun for the proper pay.  Am I right?  I would be crestfallen if, after watching one who is so admirable with his art, he did not find a certain appeal for my particular brand of extermination."

[Kel Riever]

“I am.” Frank nodded. “But I couldn’t ask you to do that. It wouldn’t be right.” He shook his head. “Being assigned to a ship like the Janiri is an opportunity that comes only once in a lifetime.”

 

He thought for a second, and remembered the absurdly long lifespan of asari.

 

“Well, you know what I mean.” He shrugged. “And you’d be leaving your team behind…”

 

He turned his attention to something outside.

 

“People you’ve been with for decades, for someone you hardly know. How’s that for selfish?” He chuckled.

Iole swallowed her mouthful of raman in a hard gulp.  Her golden eyes were wide with a shyness and and admiration.  She listened to Frank, his words precious to her, and when he last left her with his question, she slid in her seat closer to him to wrap her arms around him.  She hugged him tightly.

"It's very brave of you, to come to me," Iole said quietly to him, her head next to his.  "You are no less than those who are my friends.  In fact, you are more."

Sliding back to her chair, Iole realized she still had chopsticks in her hand, so she placed them back next to the bowl.  She couldn't quite look at Frank and glanceda away.  "I want to go."  The moment the words were out of her mouth, a twist of fear wrenched in her gut.  What she was thinking was ludicrous, a textbook case of fleeing the military.  Part of her feelings made her want to swoon right off her seat and collapse on the floor, but she didn't do any such thing.  Instead, Iole said, "It's wrong, but...I'd want to do it because it's you, Frank.  I would be in a lot of trouble, you know.  I would...what could we do?  What could we do to make it work?"

Iole stopped and looked at Frank, her expression wavering but so, so hopeful.  "If you want it, and you're asking because you think it will be all right, that we could make it, I'm....does it mean?  Does it mean you...?"  

There was no saying it.  Iole needed to hear if Frank would finish the sentence.

[Cknarf]

Citadel, Some restaurant somewhere.

 

“...calling for the execution of Commander Shepard. What are your thoughts on this, Bill?”

 

“There’s no way the Alliance would consider…”

 

Johnny subconsciously poured himself another glass of Shiraz, without taking his eyes from the news report on TV.

 

“You sure picked a good time to take the big vaycay, Jackie boy.”

 

“Mm.” Johnny nodded slightly, as he took a sip. He set his glass down on the table. “Sure did. Looks like things are really heating up.”

 

“Lucky bastard…”

 

“You know, you could always put your app in too, Friday. You’ve served long enough.”

 

“Nah. Knowin’ my luck, we’d already be at war with the batarians by the time it got processed.” Friday chuckled. “‘Sides. My pop would kill me if I left ‘lil Friday behind. He’s still pissed that he signed on after I did. Blames me for it.”

 

“So you’ve got what, another year, then?” Johnny took another drink.

 

“Yeah. Then we’ll take ‘em at the same time. ‘Til then, I’m stuck watchin’ his ass.”

 

Johnny snickered

 

Friday launched a balled up napkin at him. Johnny deflected it with the back of his hand.

 

“What?” He chuckled, before finishing his wine.

 

Friday stood up. “Come on, Gogs. Let’s go find the guys.”

==============================================

 

“Just got a message from Velasquez.” Friday checked his omni-tool.

 

“Yeah? What’d he say?”

 

“He wants us to meet him at the Arena.”

 

“Of all the ways to spend shore leave…” Johnny shook his head.

 

“What’d you expect? He’s a marine!” Friday punched his arm. “And so are you. Bet ya 50 creds you can’t top my score from last time...”

 

“Make it 75, and you’re on.” Johnny pushed his glasses up with his index finger.

 

“Atta boy. C’mon, we’ll take a cab.”

===========================================

 

Armax Aresenal Arena

 

“Yo Friday!” Velasquez waved the pair over to a table just outside the observation area. “Ya’ll got here just in time.” He inclined his head slightly, as Johnny passed.”Jack.”

 

“Domingo.” Johnny nodded, and proceeded to the railing.

 

“What’s up, Ding?” Friday took a seat on the opposite side.

 

“A new round’s about to start. I’ve been waiting to see these two since they walked in. Where’s ‘lil Friday?”

 

“Off chasin’ tail. You know how he is…”

 

Johnny removed his glasses, and withdrew a case from his pocket. He carefully placed them inside. From the other pocket, he pulled out a second case containing his contact lenses, and put them in.

 

“Such an interesting pair…”

 

“Hey, Mase.” Johnny glanced at the dark-haired woman who had appeared next to him, before looking back down at the challengers who had just entered the arena.

 

“They could say the same about us, you know…”

 

Johnny smiled, and put his arm around her.

 

“Aaaaand there she goes…” Friday shook his head.

 

Velasquez looked over his shoulder. “Poor Mason.” He laughed. “She’s been after him since basic.”

 

“Think we should tell her?”

 

“Nah. That’d be bad for unit cohesion.”

 

“As if that isn’t!” Friday gestured at his two comrades.

 

“She’ll figure it out eventually. Let’s go. The sh*t’s about to go down.” Velasquez got up, and joined the others on the railing. Friday followed.

[Redbelle]

“What a shame.  And here I’d thought I caught you with a moment to spare.”

Morgan stood in the doorway of the exercise room, leaning against the frame, arms folded.  He was still in his dark grey armor, though his helm was gone and the protection certainly lost its new shine.  In fact, part of it looked like it had been scraped to hell.  But the man inside the armor looked like he was fine, with the hint of a smile on his lips.

More than fine, in fact.  Something had changed about Morgan.

The dark eyes were the same, the black hair, the tanned skin, the jawline, the scars.  But there was an inner intensity, a voltage that exuded quietly from him.  Something was downright rugged about Morgan, something strong and rough.  The glint in his eyes had a draw to them, like summer storms or the low rumble of an earthquake deep beneath the surface.  There were times when Morgan’s average height seemed to grow, when he was at his best.  Now, it seemed Morgan was nearly Anika’s height, though it was surely an optical illusion.

“Don’t let me stop you.  You better put that bag down while you’ve still got the chance.”

The words from Morgan were now the earthquake.  They had a fullness to them, a deepness that Jess had no way of explaining how they ever could have been hidden.  His arms seemed more substantial, his chest larger, there was the thrumming of an engine in him that just reached out with an invisible force.  Again, more impossible experiences.  But for lack of a better word, Morgan had become…

More.

Morgan looked at Jess, awaiting some sort of acknowledgement.  His gaze was locked with hers, tough, the dark eyes wondering of what she thought. Yet those eyes also seemed like pools Jess could just dive into, submerge herself in, and be embraced by.  

 

 

Jess held the bottle as she looked at the transformation in Morgan. Gone was the shambling, weary mono syblic man she'd met on the Audron. Now he actually seemed...... younger. Spry. She dared say it..... Happy.

 

Morgan looking happy? It was good..... Odd to witness after having come to accept months of his brooding presence......

 

"Bag's on notice. Think I'll let it sweat a little before the final blow". Jess took a final swig, draining the water before tossing it over to where her gear lay. She took a few steps towards Morgan, breathing heavily from her workout before stopping a few feet from him. Hands on hips.

 

"Well? I know how it went but..... how did it go? Family's been squared away. Gotta shop on the Citadel for them later but.....". Jess took a breath and sighed. "....Look, I heard you all seperated and about Molly..... Business first luv. What's been happening? Anything that could come back to bite us"?

[Cknarf]

Frank moved swiftly, pressing his lips into Iole’s as if it were second nature. The kiss, lingering perhaps a little too long, prompted a ‘woo hoo!’ from another patron across the establishment. He pulled away, but kept his face close to her’s.

 

“I wouldn’t dare ask if I didn’t.” He took her hand, and squeezed. As he gazed into her eyes, the thought of the consequences associated with what he was asking crossed his mind.

 

“I… wish I could promise you that everything would work.” He looked away briefly. “But I can’t.”

 

She deserved to know what she was getting into before any final decisions were made.

 

“My people aren’t…” Frank bit his lip. “They’re good people, but… they don’t always do good things.” He got a little quieter. “There is a very real chance that we could both land ourselves in jail for a very long time.” He looked back to Iole. “And I don’t even want to begin to think about what the minimum sentence would be for deserters in the asari military…”

 

Frank shifted a little in his chair.

 

“I- I could just come back.” He began nodding. “I could totally return to the ship, a-and then you wouldn’t have to worry about any of that I’d- I’d just… I’d be fine. Yeah. I could work it out, and you’d still be there to help, and everything would be fine. I know it would.”

 

“Yo! Eli!” Frank’s omni-tool came to life. “You got an ETA? Big bro’s gettin’ hella jumpy.”

 

“No matter where I end up...” Frank looked up from his omni-tool. “There’s nothing I want more than to be with you. Whichever way we go, Iole, as long as I have you by my side, I know that--”

 

“Hellooooooooooo!”

 

“I… What do I tell them?”

[Kel Riever]

...at the best raman noodle restaurant on the Citadel

Iole suddenly felt jammed and blurted, "Yes!"  She was immediately overcome with another pit drop from her stomach.  Under her breath, she started cursing, but Frank could tell it was more of a panic streak, and her attempt to resolve her fear, not a question of what she wanted.

"Frank, I am so f**ked!  I need to get my gear, and...and I can't leave with military property.  I'll have to go back to that ship, and find a way back to you.  Just...just leave it to me.  I can only hope...I hope...someone is going to understand.  I don't want to think about it anymore."  Iole's heart was racing.  "Let's do this!  Tell me where to meet you and give me twenty minutes!"

~ ~ ~ ~

...on the Medusa, in front of a punching bag getting what it deserves

"Sure," Morgan responded as straight as one could.  "Probably a lot could come back to bite us.  I'm thinking, for one, Iyana is going to be very, very mad."

Now Morgan's dark, summer storm eyes were whirling, like he was basking in the thought.  Jess could tell part of it was also likely from something he seemed to catch in her stare, but she couldn't figure out exactly what. 

"Molly deserves all the help we can give her," Morgan added with concern.  "We also couldn't have done it without your Yakuza friends.  I personally owe them, and I'd like to give back to them in some way that is appropriate for their generosity.  Right now, they're likely saving Molly's life, though, so whatever they need to do that, money, anything, I'd like to give it to them.  Molly herself is going to likely need the best doctors anyone can find, not to mention she's probably going to have to find someone good with...making her whole."  Morgan paused with a glance down at his Omni-tool.  "She left a chip with investigation data on it, and...a bit of a personal message, for us, and anyone from our group going after Iyana.  It's something we should share when we're ready.

"Frank took off but I'll vouch for that he's doing whatever he needs to for himself.  He's solid, and I trust he'll turn up again.  Anika, really Jess, couldn't have added the perfect person to the bunch.  She's got my brother smitten, and she gave confidence to the whole family when they needed it.  Speaking of which, I'll settle the other Severns down later on, but a little bit of time won't hurt them either.  They need a slower pace right now, to take everything in a bit at a time.

"But I think the rest you know, or you can handle, Honey Bee."  Morgan threw a laugh more with his expression than anything else.  His scraped up armor and gritty look only added to his roguish demeanor.  "Iyana, she would have come for us.  Whatever it is she wants with my sister, Jen is now safe under our protection.  I wouldn't be surprised if Iyana tries to make some sort of move.  She's smart but we've got more of the cards now.  The rest about Iyana we'll have to figure out.

"When you're ready, of course,"  Morgan said with a warmth in his voice.  "Now, why don't you tell me what's on your mind, Captain?"

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The Citadel (kel & SJ)

 

Naleena left the Councilor's office and patched her omni-tool into the Janiri while in the common area. "VERA, would you please open a secure channel to Xanthe Remi?"

 

"Yes, Boss," VERA replied. "Boss, is everything alright?"

 

The question took Naleena by surprise and she stopped. "Yes, it is, VERA, why do you ask?"

 

"We have not spoken since Garvug. I was concerned."

 

"We'll talk when I get back to the ship, I promise," Naleena replied and she continued to walk.

 

"Very well, I will patch you through."

 

QEC, Xanthe thought to herself, then sighed heavily.  She was literally just about to dig into the information Naleena had sent her again, having handled three other problems on her way to view the data.  Briskly, Xanthe walked to the conference room aboard the Kurinth, closed the door, and activated the QEC.  She leaned forward on the table with one hand, and spoke in a somewhat agitated tone.

"T'Sarius, your ears must have been wringing.  You making it a habit of contacting me these days?"

 

Naleena smiled. "Xanthe, I don't have much time, but I thought I'd pass on some information and it could impact the Terminus. The Batarians have some interests there. You saw the news about Lorek?"

 

"Your work I take it?"

 

"Xanthe! It was a local Asari rebel with some octanitrocubane," Naleena smirked. "Rumor has it the Batarians were working on a cure for the genophage. So she flattened the place. Just letting you know so you can keep an eye out in case you find any Batarian run labs. A Batarian alliance with the Krogan would really upset the galactic balance....

 

"But you know the Council can't say anything about this because it will stir up wounds with the Krogan, so the game is deny deny deny. This conversation is strictly off books: black ops stuff. Fortunately you have clearance. I checked. Don't tell me. This really made your day."

 

"No need to pat yourself on the back yet, Naleena.  We work as agents of the Council.  If they must deny facts, we must still fulfill our duty.  They must be convinced, they must be shown the value or a couple of Spectres will make a difference at the end of the day.  Trust me; I'm out here in the Terminus Systems.  It gets worse by the day.  Stack the problems I deal with on top of yours and it gets very ugly, very fast."

Xanthe stood back, poised and attentive.  Naleena was not exactly her favorite person, but she was beginning to trust her, and she saw that trust reflected.  

"I will be asking for reinforcements of my own, from Thessia.  There are matters amongst the bandit lords, pirates and petty tyrants that demand attention, lest they escalate.  You have experienced firsthand the dangers of Terminus space.  Be sure you are well protected, Naleena.  This tribe of yours that you have assembled, they better have your back.  The next projectile that pierces you may be much more accurate if you do not take precautions."

 

"We got off to a rough start in our acquaintance, Xanthe, but we're Asari as well as Spectres. We can show The Council that a couple of Spectres can make a difference if we work together and exchange information between us."

 

Naleena paused a moment before continuing. "Xanthe, I want you to know that if you need our assistance, you can call. Good hunting."

 

"Hmmn," Xanthe responded tepidly.  "I suppose you can be reasoned with, even if you shared words that had me suspended from duty. All is one, Naleena."

 

Naleena closed her comm channel and took a taxi to the strip to meet Jess.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Armax Arsenal Arena

 

Arian and Irina had gone through three matches in the Arena, and the Turian was getting bored with it. He'd gotten angry about wasting his time even though his goal was to provide money to that waitress on Omega.

 

"Okay, you want a challenge? Let's do it. Ever face geth? Probably not. These synthetic bastards show no mercy, so what do you say we start with their best. I have a few things unlocked, and we'll need 'em. So let's go Geth Super Elites, and let's throw a Geth Colossus in there. Shall we give it the self-repairing program? Or do you think that would be too difficult? But I'll warn you, one hit from that thing and you're done. I'll have to 'revive' you before you 'bleed out'," Irina said, and she was going crazy now. "We get bonus money for this you know. I'm signed with Kassa Fabrications, and while we get paid, the proceeds from the match go to Make A Dream Foundation that helps children. You should feel warm and fuzzy inside.

 

"Now let's check the heavy weapons inventory I have unlocked.... of course we have the Collector Particle Beam, but we also have a grenade launcher, a rocket launcher, and would you believe I'm dying to use this, a M-920 Cain. Don't worry, if we're too close, death is only temporary here. See you learn something - blast radius. I think we could use that on the Colossus - we'll score major points. They'll drop it in the final wave plus think of the kill streak."

[TheMajonese]

"The sooner we're done here, the better", he said with an annoyed voice. "How about this; I distract the colossus and you destroy it."

 

Arian had no idea what to do against virtual enemies. There was no risk of being hurt or killed, but at the same time, there weren't any rules. It was just confusing and he still didn't see a point in this arena fight. He ended up sitting at one spot without moving more than a few meters and defending this position against the waves of virtual enemies. When he spotted some viewers who were watching the fight, he just shook his head in disbelief before turning his attention back to the match. It was probably boring to watch the unusually tall turian just sitting in one corner and laying down prolonged fire on the enemies without moving much, but Arian didn't care. This wasn't about giving an entertaining show.

 

The only good thing about this arena was that he could try out his new weapon and he was overwhelmed by its effectiveness. Arian didn't even have any modifications for the Typhoon and still it shredded through unprotected enemies without giving them a chance to target him long enough to wind down his shields. The Typhoon had been expensive but it was worth every single credit.

 

When the next and hopefully last round started, Arian moved back to his position to prepare for the elite round.