6315 réponses à ce sujet

[Kel Riever]

"A deal with Marius?"  Iole shrugged.  "If that's what he needs, I can keep my own, I wouldn't expect anyone to think otherwise.  What does he want to deal on?"

It took only another second for Iole to catch on.  "Oh."

Golden eyes danced between Frank and Adir.  Iole was beginning to get the picture.  "Yes.  Well...I am an outlaw now, I suppose." 

[Redbelle]

"Sacré BLEU! Madam please.... Ah must insssist. This is a restauraaant for the more, refined clientel. Surely there are other places where a women of your..... breeding would be more comfortable"?

 

Jess actually beamed as she walked past the long line of people waiting to enter the restaurant. Naleena's summons meant that she'd been able to flash her omnitool pass that showed she was both cleared to be carrying the guns on her waist and walk on in. The Matador however was clearly upset. Both by Jess's less than formal apparel and the arsenal she carried about her.

 

"PLEASE! Ah must insist.... Ah do not wish to create a scene ba calling C-Sec....".

 

"Then don't luv". Jess said patting him on the shoulder. "Now be a dear and bring over the menu. I gave up a bowl of raman to be here so I'm looking for something as good".

 

The Matador, wringing his hands as he looked between the tables, the bar, his station at the front of the restaurant and the clearly unwilling to make his personal world a happy place Jess, and seemed to decide that giving Jess what she wanted was probably the best way to get her out of his hair. "Juuust..... Tra not to sit so close to the other customers. Mei Wei"? He said nodding as he scampered off leaving Jess looking at his back wondering if she should pull Bernard out and really liven up his day.....

 

Behave Jess..... Your a guest after all.....

 

Looking around the tables Jess spotted Naleena and strode over. She gave a hearty, "Hey luv! Fancy meeting up in a place like this! Bit of a change of pace for me but you know what they say....". Taking the back of a chair, Jess spun it around and straddled it before plonking herself down. "I'll try anything once..... Then drink to forget about it. Then try it again.... Because I'll try anything once..... So...". Reaching out, Jess grabbed a bread stick, snapped it in half and chewed one end before swallowing. "....Good job getting out the hospital! Meant to visit but..... You would not believe what my lot have been getting up to".

[Cknarf]

"Keelah, you didn’t tell her." Adir looked to Frank. “Did you?”

 

“I did too!” Frank rubbed at the back of his head. “I just mighta left out a few details...”

 

Adir sighed. “Weapons. We deal in weapons.” He began counting on his fingers. “Guns, explosies, tanks…”

 

“Holy sh*t, you guys do tanks now?”

 

“Occasionally, yes. Well, the brothers do, anyways. I’m retired.” Adir shook his head. “At least that’s what I’m going to tell the authorities if something goes wrong.” He laughed. “I can’t say I enjoyed my time in prison.”

 

“What do you think? Is that something you'd feel comfortable doing?” Frank asked. "It sure beats getting shot at everyday if you ask me.  Pays better, too." He shrugged.

 

“If not, there’s always HVAC!” Adir smiled. “Also, I’ve been having a little trouble with the plumbing lately…”

[Cknarf]

Johnny

 

"Don't f*** with me, Gogs." Friday grinned, without taking his eyes from the woman on his lap. "Like I'm gonna buy that." He buried his face in her breasts.

 

"I don't know, Friday." Velasquez downed a shot. "Jack don't lie." He added, sounding a bit hoarse.

 

From behind, someone pulled Johhny's glasses from his face, and put them on.

 

"Sup, Goggles?" The lanky young man known as 'lil Friday' took a seat in one of the empty chairs around the table.

 

"Carroll."Johnny nodded. He presented him with the Janiri pass card.

 

"What's this?" He asked, struggling to focus through Johnny's thick glasses. He flipped them up onto his head for a closer look, before passing it to Velasquez, who was halfway through a beer.

 

"Mmm." Velasquez snapped his fingers. "Mmmm!" He gulped down the rest of his drink, before setting it on the table.

 

"What?" Friday peeked around his companion. He reached for the card that was now being held out to him. "No fuckin' way..."

 

"I told ya! Jack don't lie."

 

"Off. Off!" Friday shooed away his woman.

 

"A**hole..."

 

"Keep the change, sweetheart!" He shouted, before turning back to Johnny. "So you're really leavin' us then, huh Gogs?"

 

"Wait, you're leavin'?" 'Lil Friday looked a bit confused, while handing the glasses back.

 

"Jack found himself a new job, 'lil Friday. A fuckin' good one at that. I say we celebrate!" Velasquez waved over to one of the waitresses. "More shots!"

 

"Guys I really shouldn't..." Johnny raised a hand.

 

"No is not an option here, Jackie boy." Friday smiled. "You're drinkin'." Friday handed off his own shot and stood up. "You! Yeah, you!" He beckoned to an asari across the bar. "And you're gettin' a dance."

 

"Come on, Friday..."

 

"Nope! You ain't ever let me buy you one, and this might be my last chance to do so. You're gettin' a fuckin' dance."

 

"Alliance boys? My favorite." The asari smiled, placing a hand on her hip.

 

"Come on, Gogs. It's traditional!" Friday encouraged.

 

"Asari don't really count, if you think about it Jack." Velasquez dropped a little drunken reasoning on him.

 

"Alright." Johnny sighed. He downed Friday's shot, and leaned back in his chair. "Let's do it."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena and Jess

 

Naleena smiled, she was getting all sorts of looks from the other clientele in the restaurant as well as the staff as she tapped the ashes off her cigarette. "Good to see you, Jess. It's been a long time," Naleena said as she poured Jess a cup of sake, and raised her up. "Kanpai. If you're new at this recommend the spicy tuna rolls. I'm having the hamachi. The green stuff is wasabi. Mix it with the soy sauce, but be careful. It'll clear your sinuses.

 

"I had to ferry a Spectre prospect to Illium and spend a couple of days going over mission reports with Sao," she said, "He put me up in Azure - it's a resort hotel. I was quite surprised that The Council sprang for it, but he said I needed the R&R after Garvug. And now, Irina is running a potential new recruit through the sim.

 

"How about you?"

[Kel Riever]

Iole

Iole seemed very uncertain, maybe as if she was contemplating how much of a mistake she made.  Her golden eyes settled on Frank and though in some ways Iole was very much Frank's age, at that moment, it was as if he was very aware that Iole had lived almost two centuries when he saw the calculation in her face.  Then, when Iole spoke, it was as if a generation of voices was behind her, spanning the distance of her insanely long, 'young' life.  Evacuating bowels over a canyon fall was nothing in comparison to hearing that voice.

"Comfortable? No.  Can I do it and will I, yes?  I'll even be good at it, Frank.  But you are personally going to make sure I am not ever, ever, ever caught, because if I am, I'll be dragging you with me to jail.  To asari jail, the length of the sentences for the convicted which I will not speak of but will allow you to ponder in reference to your life expectancy."

With that soul clearing message, Iole seemed to resolve her question and warmed as she then addressed both Adir and Frank.  "So, I'm fairly good with my knowledge of small arms, though it is predominantly Council based.  The rest I'd be willing to learn.  Set me up with everything I'd need to know, start me out with the regular stuff, and I should be able to swing this without too much trouble if you can provide me with the proper backup if things go unexpectedly."

Iole shoved up next to Frank.  "Can't be slacking even if this operation could be run with two, can we now?"  

 

[Redbelle]

Taking the sake in hand Jess clinked glasses and threw it back. Putting her's on the table before reaching for a refill.

 

"Same old. Hauling. Trying to recover the funds we lost to Iyana. Morgan came back and I can tell you he's doing a lot better. He and Anika got his family out from under, I assume, Iyana's eye and their safe aboard the Medusa. You might get some interest from one of them. Brainy type. The Medusa's a little to.....utilitarian for her to keep her occupied for long.....". Jess sighed. "The team I sent with Molly. Morgan, Anika and Frank. They got the job done but.... Franks not sent word back after the group got split and....". Jess looked Naleena in the eye's. "....Molly took a bad hit. She's alive. But the damage..... I don't know if she's going to be rejoining us. She needs time to heal..... A lot of time".

[Kel Riever]

The Citadel

Jrudek Iv-vu was in the lower wards, in one of the countless small bars that doted on the working class.  The place was picked for a reason that surveillance was non-existant.

The man sitting across from him had a drink in hand.  He seemed quite calm, a testament to his ability.  Not all of Iyana's operatives were masters of combat, or pedigree criminals.  Some were simply effective at remaining off the radar while in important positions.

"This is from C-Sec access to traffic control?" Jrudek asked in a low voice.

"You can hide a purpose but it is much harder to hide a ship.  That is all the information I have for you."

"That is all I need."

"What of the turncoat?  The one who gave over information."

Jrudek looked up, unashamed to hide his confusion.  "I have no instructions contrary to any you may have received.  I presume that you should proceed however you have been informed."

The man nodded.  "Simply double checking.  The order is final..."

"I wish to know nothing more about that which I have not been kept abreast of.  Even in my position."

The man nodded.  "As you say.  Good luck with whatever you are up to.  Payment?"

Jrudek forwarded the credits via his omni-tool, thorugh the normal, untraceable means.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Taking the sake in hand Jess clinked glasses and threw it back. Putting her's on the table before reaching for a refill.

 

"Same old. Hauling. Trying to recover the funds we lost to Iyana. Morgan came back and I can tell you he's doing a lot better. He and Anika got his family out from under, I assume, Iyana's eye and their safe aboard the Medusa. You might get some interest from one of them. Brainy type. The Medusa's a little to.....utilitarian for her to keep her occupied for long.....". Jess sighed. "The team I sent with Molly. Morgan, Anika and Frank. They got the job done but.... Franks not sent word back after the group got split and....". Jess looked Naleena in the eye's. "....Molly took a bad hit. She's alive. But the damage..... I don't know if she's going to be rejoining us. She needs time to heal..... A lot of time".

 

Naleena's brow furrowed. "Molly didn't make it back? And Frank? What happened?"

[Cknarf]

“There is much to learn before one may begin traffickin' illegal weapons.” Frank's expression became incredibly serious. For a few seconds. "Pffft. Nah. Not really. You just gotta be good at talkin' to people."

 

"Frank, I think there's a little more to it than that..."

 

"Okay, fine. Sometimes..." Frank leaned in, and partly covered his mouth. "You gotta putt stuff up your butt." He whispered.

 

"Frank Eli!" Adir slapped Frank's arm with the back of his hand.

 

"What?" Frank snickered. "You do though. Ask Quintus, he'll tell you all about it."

 

"No! Don't do that. Ever."

 

"What? Put stuff up your--"

 

"No! I mean, yes, but..." Adir brought a hand to his visor.

 

"Relax, old man. I'm just playin' around." Frank smiled, putting a hand on Adir's shoulder. He looked to Iole. "Wanna go play with some guns?"

 

"Frank..."

 

"I mean... Would you care to accompany me to the cargo bay, so we may visually inspect and familiarize ourselves with the finest selection of illicit firearms in the galaxy?"

 

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

Johnny

 

Johnny had a pretty good buzz by the time he exited the bar.  Friday was a little past that point, now draped over Johnny’s shoulder. Velasquez and ‘lil Friday were able to make it out on their own power, but just barely. They were pretty trashed.

 

“Why am I carrying you again?”

 

“B’cause.”

 

“Because?”

 

“‘Cause ya love me.” Friday chuckled. “Ev-evr’body loves James Friday!”

 

Johnny shook his head.

 

“Also, Velasquez is F-U-B-arrrrrrrr.” He laughed. “‘Else eed do it. Yo, Ding! You… sh*t brickhouse… lookin’... motherfu--*burp*.”

 

“Wha?”

 

“I love you!”

 

Velasquez puckered his lips, then started cracking up, as he staggered on.

 

“G-guys… I’ma… I’ma…” ‘lil Friday used Velasquez’s shoulder for support. “*hurk*”

 

“Ha. Grossssss.” Friday slurred, as his younger brother stepped through his own vomit. “Hey Gogs… I’m… I’m onna miss ya man.”

 

“I’ll miss--” Johnny started, but got cut off.

 

“You know oo’s gonna miss you more?” Friday asked. “Mase. She’s gonna be alllllll fucked up when she finds out er leavin'.”

 

Sh*t. Mason…

 

“S-she loves you, bro. Like, fo’ reals. Like, more than ev-everone loves me. Thank god. It's me. Haaaaaa."

[Kel Riever]

Iole

"Sure."

Iole had really no idea about a certain part of Frank, she ultimately decided.  He obviously was so straightforward as to get her right into the heart of things.  Which was, of course, one of the reasons she liked him.  He seemed pretty content, and as they headed to the cargo bay, she watched him and inwardly smiled.  Adir seemed fairly content too, if not possibly a bit fussy about things.  An interesting character train, Iole thought, since she imagined trying to keep things in order around Frank was a bit like trying to keep a kid with a really good throwing rock from hurling it at a glass house.

In the cargo bay, Iole was brought before an eyefull of the kind of things that got shipped.  Or smuggled, for a more accurate phrase of what was going on.  As a lover of all things small arms, Iole was fascinated.  She walked over to the boxes herself, no impetus needed, and started examining them, though she touched nothing without permission.
 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Irina

 

Irina put on her best leathers, slapped her unloaded shotgun on he leg holster, and 12 shells inside her vest. Security never gave her crap about the shotgun because it wasn't a loaded weapon, only a blunt object and something like that could be picked up anywhere. It wasn't like one of the modern weapons with the metal shaving blocks that were always loaded and ready to go. She got around it by some loop hole in the firearm regs.

 

Vayne was waiting for the group near the airlock. She saw him and approached. "Hey. Thought I'd join you for sushi. You know what gets me? On Earth sushi restaurants used to be run by Japanese, where it originated. Then Koreans started running them. Then the French took it off world and made them exclusive and act all annoying. The Japanese are relegated to running Ramen restaurants on the Citadel because the French run the sushi restaurants. Ramen. Ramen is like fast food. I lived on that crap when I was in school. It comes in packages. Just add boiling water open the flavor pack and wait five minutes. There's no way to ruin ramen. Delicacy my ass.

 

"I'll say one thing about colonies like Horizon and Eden Prime. When they're not getting attacked by Geth or Collectors, at least they eat fresh food. That's why on Duellos I used to hunt for my food instead of eating that pre-packaged crap. Hardly anyone does that anymore."

 

***********

 

Faed

 

Faed opened his eyes again.

 

"Do not be afraid, we are here."

 

He looked around. There was no one in the room. What is going on? Who said that?

 

"Creator Faed was dying. We saw no alternative. We entered Creator Faed and have successfully defeated the infection. However, this required nano-replication."

 

Legion?

 

Yes.

 

Faed heard the reply but did not feel his jaw move. He concluded that it was coming from within his head. "So you saved my life, for that I thank you, but when can you return to your platform?"

 

We cannot. There are too many of us now. And if we returned Creator Faed would die.

 

Faed sighed. "Then we're stuck with each other?"

 

Yes. Creator Faed may find that he may exist without his suit.

 

"I always wanted to get out of my suit. I never thought this would be the way. I would like to confirm what you've told me with the doctor." Faed said.

 

Of course.

 

.... Sarissa, one of Dr. Tolus' nurses heard Faed speaking and checked on him. "He's conscious, doctor."

[Kel Riever]

"You would  do it again.  For fun."

Jenus came up behind Irina and put a hand on her shoulder.  

"I was looking for you.  Got bored and, well, I see you decided to spend some time with the krogan who was your brother in a previous life."

With a chuckle, Jenus gave a nod to Vayne.  She was in her mostly black casuals, dressed for downtime.  "Give me a pass on the headbutt, Vayne.  You can go ahead and be alpha here.  I'm just stealing along for the ride.  Got Jealous Red was spending so much time at the arena."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Jenus' touch sent a warm feeling through Irina. She slipped her arm around Jenus' waist and pulled her tightly for a moment. "We're getting sushi. Vayne's buying. Come along. I think we can both use the R&R."

[Redbelle]

Amy immediately felt better having lost the suit the Citadel Focus Group had created.

 

She'd have to recommend firing them.

 

Nigel had done his job. Making sure she had a private space to redress and once she wa out the door he was pushing a tablet into her hands. "One minute. The press are getting restless".

 

"Ignore them. They want me early so they can file their stories sooner. News cycle ends soon".

 

"Don't we want them reporting"?

 

"Not just yet. I handed out advanced copies to some of the media. They'll make their deadlines with positive headlines. Anyone who manages to slip in will either support the message with an independent take or have the negative drowned out".

 

"Is that.... right"?

 

Amy cast a pitying look at him. "It's not wrong. TerF has history. No unity meant other parties could cast them in the worst possible light. Now we're gaining a leader it's time to fight back. The good thing? We have nothing to lose". She looked at the tablet. Running down the suggested changes to the speech she was due to give. "You mispelt 'Convince' and 'Tomorrow' has two O's. Not three". She handed back the tablet as she power walked the front door and checked her watch.

 

Ten Seconds.

 

"Good luck Ms Babylon".

 

"Pffft, I'm a professional".

 

As Nigel leaned forward to hold a door open the reaction in the crowd was immediate as those the in front row saw the movement and turned. Causing those near them to turn which caused those near them to peer over the crowd and like wave the whole crowd was suddenly facing her. Lights flashing as she strode with a light smile, her back poised as she stepped up to the Podium and planted two hands on the sides.

 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, I am Amy Babylon, Terra Firma's press secretary. Let's play our game". Her smile broadened as the chanter's in the background lifted their signs and started chanting. Probably the same usual uninspired drivel. She tapped her microphone and the sound boomed out across the walkway. "Ladies and Gentlemen and distinguished others. Thank you for attending this press breifing. I am sad to say that this will be short but if I can get through it perhaps there will be questions afterwards. I would first like to say to my esteemed opposition member's in the back holding the signs, that they forgot to add a comma to the first line that reads, 'Go home'. Well I am proud to say that the TerF party has indeed come home to the seat of galactic decision making and now stands ready to aid in the never ending work that is ensuring fairness, justice, and equality for those we serve".

 

"It is no secret that our party had a rocky start. During Terra Firma's founding many pointed to us as the worst that humanity had to offer. However, as our opponents slander grew, they only proved that the worst that humanity has, is found in the fear of the unknown. At something new coming out of the very fabric of humanity that in time curbed it's extreme wing to find a voice of reason, and sought the path to carry the human race forward. That voice is Terra Firma. Humanity has spoken after a time of contemplation. After seeing the current leadership of our people failing to represent our culture and civilization to the galactic audience. And I can speak for all our members when I say that we look forward to representing the very best humanity has to bring to the galaxy. For the galaxy, and those who dwell within it, deserve no less".

 

"We at Terra Firma believe that we can serve best by remaining resolute in our ideals. We believe that as a party when problems arise, we should have the power, infrastructure and the people with the expertise to effect resolutions to the problems that affect us in this age. It might surprise you to know that we at Terra Firma have politicians who are not professional's. Rather, we drafted our people from the walks of life that affect you all. Maintenance personel. Emergency personel who have actually seen and know the stresses of serving on the front line. We have doctors and lawyer's. We have people all of you rely on, on a day to day basis who move the levers that government move. The difference? Our people know how to make things work".

 

"Unlike the professional politician who seeks to be in power for the sake of power, our delegates are working men and women who have suffered through the bad decision making of those who lack the background, understanding or experience to decide matter's in the area's that government control and the public rely on. The men and women of Terra Firma are people like you who have elected to temporarily give up their positions at enormous sacrifice in both their personal lives and their salaries to do a thankless job for low pay because they do not want those that come after them to suffer the same mismanagement they have suffered. That is the mission of Terra Firma. To create a strong Earth that does away with inefficiencies so that when someone calls the seat of power of Earth and asks for aid.... Earth can mount a response. Not in months or years as current policy dictates. Under Terra Firma we will create an Earth that, be it security or aid, or maintaining the galactic economy, Terra Firma will simply deliver what is promised. What the people expect, and hope".

 

"A strong home world is after all, what we all want for ourselves. And Terra Firma strongly believe that those with strength must use that power responsibly. Fairly. Without temptation to abuse that power. To care for those who choose us to govern them. And to support our galactic neighbors whom we share this galaxy with. The TerF party do not fear the future. We seek to embrace it. To ensure the future for all of us will be good for all. That is Terra Firma's vision.... That is where we plant our flag".

 

Amy checked her watch and saw the time was close to the end of the current news cycle. Already she could see some trying to get their stories out. Sadly, the engineers who had set up their sound system had accidentally overpowered the system, blanketing the area in enough throttled output that sending a message through the soup would leave any message garbled.

 

In other words.... Not broadcast quality.

 

Some seemed to have noticed and were starting to walk away form the crowd, searching for a place they could transmit when Amy's next words reeled them abck in. "I notice we have time for a few questions if you promise to keep them short....". Again her smile.....

 

Grud she'd need a cigarette after this.

 

".....Anyone"?

[Redbelle]

Jess steepled her fingers as she laid it out to Naleena.

 

"After Frank offered his shuttle, he, Molly, Morgan and Anika left for Earth. I gave them a contact in case they needed some kind of support on planet. Just in case. They arrived and met my contact. Then Anika, bless her, decided to go all body guard and convinced the group to change vehicles. If any eye's were on Franks shuttle, they'd be disappointed to see it stay where it landed".

 

"The team took a limo to where Morgan's family was staying. Frank drove. Anika tells me he's a good wheel man. They arrived and met the local security. Then things startied happening that set Anika's suspicions off.....".

 

"The pickup was taking to long. Things weren't moving as fast as she'd like. Then the police arrived. There was some commotion. Frank got on one of their bad side. Morgan and Molly were down with the family. Anika was up top not liking all the extra bodies in the zone when Molly came back up.... I'm not sure what triggered it but Molly I'm told clicked first. She knew they weren't regualr police and she lunged for one. The guy though had his gun out and shot her. Some kind of weapon mod. It practically blew her back out.... Morgan was downstairs. Frank was in the limo. Anika was already twitchy and when she heard Molly yell her weapon was up, out and lining up with one of the security guards.... Anyway, she says she did a bandit shoot. Something about using the guns recoil to aid firing in a strafing pattern and she downed several before the ones left got to cover....".

 

"....Anika grabbed Molly. and the Officer who shot her. Dragged them to cover. I'm told Frank got hold of a gun and shot the Officer..... then"? Jess sighed as she ran her hands over her eyes. "I'm told they plugged Molly into the limo's emergency crash couch. Funny thing about some of my friends. They like to have something on hand in case they get shot.... Don't ask". She said seeing the questions in Naleena's eyes".

 

"Anyway, the rest was just them being chased to a location where my friends had a setup to get them out of danger. Morgan I'm told took down a gunship on the way there and got seperated. When the limo arrived at the location Molly was bundled into the back of a medical transport. Frank went with her. Anika took the family back to Franks shuttle and left. She said the family was the mission. And by her account any more time spent on Earth would give whoever was trying to take them down more chances to find them..... She got back and the family are aboard the Medusa right now. Anika's unwinding. Helping Morgan's brother settle in. Morgan got back after her. He's looking like a new man. Losing all that weight in his shoulder's has done him the world of good..... And Frank"? Jess scowled. "....Haven't heard a word".

[Kel Riever]

...

 

Grud she'd need a cigarette after this.

 

".....Anyone"?

If there was one thing clear, it was that the minority in the crowd were the people who came to find out something and make up their own mind about Terra Firma, Amy Babylon, or whatever else was going on.  The political positions were much less interesting, however, than what Morgan was witnessing with the speaker.  He was fascinated by some of the similarities, but the greater differences between Amy Babylon and the woman he was much more familiar with.  Still, he was the first one to know that siblings were usually very different people.

Someone within earshot, but distant enough from Morgan that he didn't have to worry about being caught by a stray camera, jumped at the first opportunity to ask a question.  It was a man, perhaps just in his mid-twenties, well groomed and with blonde hair.  "Miss Babylon, Gave Trent with the Interworld Herald. What is Terra Firma's official position on Shepard's call with saving the Council at the battle here two years ago?  Saving the Council at the cost of the Alliance Fleet, the blood of men and women sacrificed so we could become part of galactic integration?"

A loaded question, if there was ever one, Morgan thought.  The reporter wanted to goad Babylon.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena & Jess

 

"All that happened while we had the disaster on Garvug? Glad to hear the family is safe finally, and good to hear that Morgan is doing well," Naleena said, and then sighed. "Too bad about Molly, though. I really liked her. She would have made a good addition to the team. Anything she needs she gets if she wants it, you understand?

 

"Frank hasn't returned? That is odd. It's been nearly 10 days," Naleena furrowed her brow. "He should have at least reported by comm link. I'll check with my sources."

 

Their food arrived, and Naleena made a face. She grabbed the waiter. "Don't run off. I asked for Hamachi. This is Illium Skaldfish. You can tell by the grain and by the way it glistens in the light," she said and then checked Jess' tuna rolls. "Her's are fine. Where is the Hamachi?"

 

The waiter was uncomfortable, and the Maitre d' came back to the table and spoke in his outrageous French accent. "Is something zee matter?"

 

"Are you trying to pass Illium Skaldfish for Hamachi? Or was this a mistake in the kitchen?" Naleena asked.

 

The Maitre d' waved the waiter away. "I am sorry, but we are out of ze Hamachi. Eef you look at zee bottom of zee menu eet says that we may substitute depending upon availability." He also cast a glare at Jess.

 

"You don't have a problem with my companion, do you?" Naleena asked, this being the first time she'd been in there as a Spectre, but she was remembered from before with some other company.

 

"Uh, no madam."

 

"Good. And you will make an adjustment on the check for the Skaldfish?"

 

"Oui, madam. We will comp the Skaldfish." the Maitre 'd said nervously. "Is there anything else?"

 

"I'd like two orders of unagi, maguro, and spider rolls.... Don't worry, Jess, the spider rolls are crab meat, not spiders," Naleena said. "And another large sake."

 

"Right away." he said and scurried off.

 

"Anyway, Jess, we have another mission coming up, and it'll be a dangerous one," she said. "I can't really go over the details here, you understand, but we'll have a very quick stop at Thessia first, and then it's off on the mission. No time for shore leave, sorry. The Council gave me a time table."

[Redbelle]

Amy locked eye's with the reporter. "Well Mr Trent. I, and all of Terra Firma extend out heartfelt sympathies to the families of the brave souls who perished in the battle for the Citadel when the combined fleets of many of the council races could not repel the invading Geth and their capital ship. though I have never worn a uniform myself, I have seen the aftermath of tragedy firsthand as a child. Back then, I was fearful of the violence visited on my life. The repercussions still echo with me still. But though I imagine images of that day still exist what was never seen was what those in uniform did for us....". Amy took a pause as her hands gripped the podium a little tighter. Then continued.

 

On that day, a man in uniform came and took us away. We went with him to a place where he made sure we were safe and comfortable. He told my parents that he and others would not stop till.... the one responsible was brought to justice. Small acts to the many who know this story, but one thing that was never told was this.....".

 

"That man in a uniform made me feel safe".

 

"I therefore ask you.... has there ever been a time when your world spiraled out of control that you needed someone to lift you up and carry you to safety before that someone went out to fight the monster on your behalf"?

 

Amy's grip loosened somewhat as one hand fell to her side while the other rested on the podium. "To send a man in uniform, sworn to protect and serve our species, is no easy thing. But it is harder still for any man or woman to put on a uniform and swear alligience to obey the lawful orders of their government. Knowing that by taking an oath and wearing such a uniform may one day put them in harms way. Yet these men and women.... all but stranger's to us.... Well they do it anyway. Because? Well you'd have to ask them. I doubt there is but one answer....".

 

"Of the decision to move part of the fleet into safe guard the Councillors, that was a military decision. And it is the policy of Terra Firma not to second guess those who have courage to wear a uniform. But I will say this much.... Those aboard the Destiny Ascension knew they would die. They knew not even the biggest, most technologically advanced warship the council possessed could save them. They stared death in the face..... And then when they heard that our people, who did not shirk their duty, flew in and screened the Ascension to safety.... I'll bet all those people knew what it was like to feel safe".

 

"So Mr Trent.... The question is not why did we spend lives to join a galactic club. The question is why did our brave soldiers do it? And I will tell you this.... The people of our military know that when things are at there darkest, their role, their one promise to those they swear allegiance to, is that when all other lights fail, they are the ones to carry us out of the darkness. And when that call came, our uniformed men and women didn't flinch. They went and did it. Because if they couldn't.... no one else could".

 

"Humanities fleets were warned by Shepard and his team. Warning the council ignored. Humanities fleets were first to respond and arrived in time to intercede. It cannot be denied that the actions of our brave forces were the only ones that made a difference that day beyond holding the line. And yes... the cost was high. To high. Yet the actions of our soldiers demonstrated one thing. Humanity can be trusted with the power it has. And now we are here I can tell you all that Terra Firma will not be sitting idle. Our party will campaign strongly for more military strength. Access to council shared technologies that have yet to be released to us despite having a member on the council. When all is said, it as not our soldier's that failed humanity. It was the number's we could field into that engagement and the handicapped advancement of our ships against a superior enemy".

 

"So Mr Trent. On Shepard's call.... No comment. On the men and women who fought that screening action. I am proud that such fine men and women exist, ready to fight in our darkest hours. We will remember them. And we will not sit idle to ensure that those brave men and women who still serve are given the very best that we can give, for the finest of human qualities. But Mr Trent, I am dismayed that such fine people's actions are casually dismissed as payment for inclusion into the council. For let us never forget one thing..... For those who fell and didn't, we all owe them the continued existence of our galactic civilization. I hope in future you will recall that fact and report it so that our uniformed men and women are acknowledged in their role in keeping us, and indeed the galaxy, safe from monsters".

[Redbelle]

Jess didn't bother hiding her grin as Naleena chewed out the Maitre d'.

 

"Well, surprisingly other than the family business the Medusa's in good shape. And..... I'm not sure yet but something I want you to keep on your radar just in case..... I took on two new personnel. You remember Priss from Duellos? She's working aboard the Medusa now. She and another woman called Babe. I'm not sure yet but I think both may have a past connection to Iyana. It's to soon to know and both are pretty damn brittle on the matter so I'm trying to coax the story out of them. I don't think either are connected anymore so I'm not worried. Just letting you know about this 'not' thing in case it ever does become a 'thing'.

 

The Maitre d turned to leave and as he did, Jess's hand came down, smacking his backside.

 

"Oooh firm..... Don't worry luv. I had my shots at the port. You got any ketchup"?

[Cainhurst Crow]

"Glad you two could make it. I was getting a bit worried there..." Vayne said with a smirk as he looked between Jenus and Irina, "Never tried Ramen, but don't worry about the Sushi. We aren't going to one of those elite fancy joints..." He said as he opened the door to the citadel, breathing in a fresh breath of highly filtered air.

 

"I know a place down on Zakera. Called the Onna-bugeisha. Its small and out of the way, but damn if they don't make good cuts. You haven't lived until you've tried a Thresher Maki..." He said, eager to show them the place he'd fallen in love with a few years back.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

At The TerF Rally

 

A reporter from the New York Times, Scott Spencer raised his hand, and Amy called on him.

 

"Scott?"

 

"Your candidate for Prime Minister, Charles Saracino recently called Commander Shepard a hero after she was taken into custody on charges for turning over the strategic resource of the Collector Base captured beyond the Omega 4 relay to the known terrorist organization, Cerberus. Doesn't Mr. Saracino think that the Collector Base would have been in better hands had it been turned over to the Systems Alliance?"

[Kel Riever]

Jenus

"Come on then, enough of this mush," Jenus did her tough act, knowing Irina wouldn't be thrown by it.  "Show me what I've been missing."

Jenus, for once, wasn't around her team.  It felt strange, but she had a glimpse into that maybe leaving them behind had created the opportunity of actually spending time with the others from the Spectre's team besides Irina.  And Vayne was the kind of krogan that was right up her alley, it seemed, for having fun.

Tallis

Tallis fidgited.  Nothing good was going to come from standing just inside the airlock, and after a while, it looked odd.  Not that Tallis had a problem with being looked at oddly.  Still, the questions would come and that would be no good if she meant to speak to Naleena before she ended up having to answer to Selani.  She wasn't off duty, and was supposed to stay around the Janiri but that could include being outside, so Tallis made her report to VERA that she was heading dockside and exited the destroyer.

Jrudek

That is precisely what I was looking for, Jrudek said to himself as he spied the Medusa.  He hadn't seen the ship since his departure for The Lord, and witnessing it in its original form was a bit disconcerting.  Worse, it looked like it had been improved in some ways.  The observation area he had infiltrated was part of C-Sec security for monitoring the dock, so he was assured that the window he watched through did not in turn give his presence away.  Of course, monitors had been defeated as well as the one human guard who was stationed here, now quite nearly dead on the floor.  Jrudek hadn't bothered to finish him off, it simply wasn't worth his effort as the unconscious man's body barely breathed throgh a smashed ribcage. 

Jrudek pondered whether Jess Stone was aboard.  It was possible, but if the ship was getting ready to move, he could figure that out.  It was better to catch her off ship, alone preferably, where he could comply with Iyana's order.  So best to intercept her on the way back, if she was off, while maintaining a lookout on the Medusa.

And if she was not alone?

Stone would be when he was finished with whoever he had to deal with.

[Redbelle]

Amy drew herself up. Knowing the response would not be taken easily.

 

"As you are no doubt aware, Cerberus is an alleged terrorist organization. I say alleged because recently new facts have come to light as have certain actions taken by said organization. These actions are currently under review. However, I can say that the recent actions of Cerberus were as a direct result of Commander Shepard's participation in that organization".

 

"There are many questions we need to answer first of course. Such as Shepard's status during the time when he was assumed KIA by an unknown ships assault on his vessel, the first Normandy. And while a N7 alleged joining of said organization leads Shepard's actions to be suspect I again must point out that while he worked with them to effect the safeguard of human colonies. Colonies the council refused to aid in a direct reversal of our coming to their aid during the battle of the Citadel..... Cerberus managed to keep it's nose clean. As such the history of Cerberus does not fall on Shepard. Rather, we are more interested in his time spent with them. The information he acquired while part of their organization..... I must stress that inside knowledge of Cerberus is practically non existent. As such we aim to gather as much information as quickly as possible".

 

"I would point out that base that you refer to as the collectors is just the tip of a information iceberg that we are now currently mining. For example, no one has brought up the subject that Cerberus was able to construct one of the most advanced Turian/Human ships in the galaxy. Not only construct, but expand upon and improve on the design, so I am led to believe by experts. This ship also carries evidence of alien coding that allowed it to transit the Omega relay that we are investigating. Believe me Scott, I know that this situation is hardly optimal. But I am confident that the Systems Alliance is pulling all the benefit it can from recent events".

 

"As for Shepard's current status..... Again, we do not comment on military operations on the grounds that we cannot reveal current military actions to the media. If you wish for more information I suggest you contact the Systems Alliance for comment. But I can say this. Shepard's actions have revealed information we did not possess. Since we did not possess it, we did not know what questions to ask of the situation that was hidden from us. Recent events have opened a door into a world once hid beneath the radar and because Shepard has made us aware of certain facts, we can now work towards better safeguarding everyone's future. As for handing over the collector base to the System Alliance? Be rest assured that we are working on gaining access to the base to send our own independent experts in to judge the claims made of it. The simple fact is, Cerberus had everything it needed to move on the base first as they were first in the loop. The System Alliance will be interceding at a point in the future. As for all the benefit Cerberus has brought the galaxy recently, the organization must still answer for it's past. Accountability for past actions to the individuals involved enforced.....".

 

"..... I am told by the military liaison that Shepard is fully cooperating with filling out reports and is acting in accordance with the System Alliance regulations.  Progress is daily and allows us to work towards seeking answers. Anything else I say would be pure speculation. We must allow time to unfold and those in charge to do their jobs before circumstance dictates our course".

 

"So yes, we wish we had been offered first bite of the apple Scott. But because Cerberus was running it's own private security action on behalf of the human colonies, they got their teeth in first. I would also add that due to council inaction we have confirmed that those on the Collector base were responsible for mass genocide. The humans taken there will never leave. The families are still being informed and our hearts go out to them. But in this matter we must again bring up the dedication of the council to the security of it's member's citizens. Again, humanity is ready to step up to fill that void under Terra Firma's guidance. I hope we can count on the electorate for their support in this as we rise to combat the challenges that come from existing in a galactic coalition of species".

[TheMajonese]

The alcohol eventually broke the barriers. Arian was still a bit reticent but after a few drinks he eventually gave up his gruff behavior. The human introduced himself as Aaron, an engineer who worked at the Citadel Docks. The stains in his face and on his clothes came from his work on an very old machine that 'tends to spit around with every sort of liquid', he also told Arian that he was here to get himself as drunk as possible. That at least was something that they both had in common, though Arian didn't speak it out loud.

 

The mood in the bar had changed significantly; the conversations became louder, while the topics lost relevance and in some cases all sort of niveau. The amount of alcohol consumed was continually increasing as well. The atmosphere reminded him of the Flaming Fury, it was the kind of place where one would spent an evening with good company. When Arian asked the human about the bar, Aaron confirmed his assumption that most customers came here regularly and knew each other. 

 

"You have family?", Aaron suddenly asked and looked at the turian.

 

Arian's answer was a head-shaking.

 

The human gave a frustrated snort. "Lucky bastard..." He blinked a few times, then he turned to Arian again. "Hey, you still haven't answered my questions yet!" His words were already hard to understand. He put a finger on the turian's armor plating. "What's with that gear you have?"

 

"Nothing...I'm just a mercenary, that's it..." Arian felt that it was better to lie about his current occupation.

 

When he ordered the next drink, he realized that he had no idea how many he already had. But credits weren't going to be a problem and Arian smiled inwardly. This evening looked like it was going to fun; something that Arian had really missed during the last few weeks, or even months.