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[Kel Riever]

Iole winked after Naleena left.  Already told him everything, tall cool one.

"Void!  I better catch Tallis!"  Iole grabbed her bag and headed out.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Dahlia went into Babe's station and examined the gunnery console and controls. She could smell Babe's scent inside. It was delicious. She had to get out of there... quickly. She emerged and approached Dogger who was on the comm.

 

"Do you mind?" she asked, and took the phone from him and punched the number for Sherie. "Sherie, this is Dahlia. I'm in Gunnery... Babe's section. Could you bring a sachet of fresh coffee beans down here, and tie a long enough string around it to put around my neck, please..... Yes, I need it immediately."

 

Dogger looked puzzled.

 

She handed the phone back to Dogger. "It's not something you can comprehend, but I can't go back in there until Sherie gets here."

[Kel Riever]

Morgan

Morgan had his work cut out for him, although work that he enjoyed had never been a problem for him.  He left the bridge, after setting things right, which had taken some time and which he had to handle personally.  That was after he took care of Jess, and made sure she got to where she need to rest, namely her bed, undisturbed.  It could be tricky keeping things under wraps, but he was learning the Medusa, and the way the crew moved around, which was for the most part predictable. 

With all that he’d done, Morgan had needed to clean up and change.  He still had his black leathers, but swapped out his boots for spares (which were still black and fine, if not the pinnacle of comfort), and his white shirt for a good, navy T.  A utility belt later for practicality and his omni-tool on his arm, he went to check on several things, set several things in motion, and needed to speak to Dogger, who he heard was still in that gunnery room Babe had set up.

Babe.  That intervention with her was still on his mind.  The information that came out of it too.  Priceless….

Morgan stopped outside of Gunnery as there was an oh so familiar tray outside the opened hatch, and voices.  Morgan slowed.  When he put his head around to view, he saw Dogger inside, with Dahlia and Sherie.  He leaned against the door for a minute, listening, until Dogger, the one without his back to the hatch, saw him.

“Morgan!...”

“Dogger.”

“Hope we did to your liking.”

“It wasn’t for me, but yes, thank you.  Always a solid man, Dogger.  I appreciate that.”

Dahlia.  She turned her violet, captivating gaze towards Morgan in a casual way.  "So... Morgan. Do you have a minute?" she asked. "I have something I'd like to show you. It'll only take a minute."

Morgan's mind was cluttered with his list of tasks.  Certainly Dahlia was one of the people he needed to speak to on the list, so his thoughts went immediately to what Dahlia needed from the perspective of her position.  "Of course.  Is everything all right?"

"I was doing an inspection and... well, It could be nothing," Dahlia said but she had a semi-serious look on her face. "I'm not really sure and need a second opinion.  Follow me."

[Kel Riever]

Team Boom

As Jenus came back to the Janiri, she took a moment to ponder aboutthe Medusa just briefly.  Really, that ship and her irregularity did not sit well with Jenus' sense of order.  But she'd forgotten mostly about it when she got inside the airlock of the Janiri with Vayne and Irina.  With another nod to Vayne, Jenus playfully elbowed Irina and told her, "I've got to do a check in with the team, Red, probably a bit of a cool down as well.  Will catch you later if you want to do some arms maintenance together."  She then gave a rugged rub through Irina's hair (Jenus really liked her long hair) and went off.

A few minutes later, she came to the team's cabin at almost the same time Ereba did, from wherever she had come.  When the cabin door opened, they saw Tallis hugging Iole like she'd come back from somewhere she wasn't expected to return from.  There were tears of happiness in Tallis' eyes and Iole...well Iole had some leather jacket on, that looked really comfortable.

"Did I miss something?" Jenus asked, wondering why suddenly everybody was in a hugging mood.

[TheMajonese]

Zakera Ward - Quinn's apartment

 

When Arian opened his eyes, he was surprised to see the dirty ceiling of a tiny apartment. It took him a while to remember what happened but for some reason that didn't include the injury to his neck, so when Arian tried to get up, his action caused a sharp pain in his neck. With a groan he sank back on his pillow.

 

He rolled aside and spotted his Typhoon leaning against the wall right next to the bed. For his next attempt, he was more careful and managed to get up without any more pain. And then he also saw the bottles of water that Quinn had offered. Without hesitating he picked one up, opened it and downed it in one. How long did I sleep?, he wondered and wanted to check his omni-tool but then remembered that for some reason, he had to keep it deactivated.

 

Arian grabbed his gun, turned around- and froze.

 

Quinn sat cross-legged on the pillow, right in front of the table with the strange symbol on it. Her eyes were closed and her mouth was moving though she didn't say anything. With both hands at the sword's blade, she held the weapon vertically in front of her, the tip of it standing on the ground. It looked like a religious ritual, like she was praying, but the bizarre part was; the woman was completely naked! She didn't wear anything except for a white cloth around her waist and she didn't seem to care that Arian was standing right behind her. Her skin was wet as if she had taken a bath.

 

While most other people would have turned away in embarrassment, Arian came closer. "This is a joke...", he muttered to himself before he raised his voice and almost yelled: "Hey, what are you doing?"

 

There was no reaction from the human. She just continued with whatever she was doing. But it didn't take long until she suddenly bowed forward and held her forehead against the blade. After a few seconds in this position, Quinn carefully placed the sword on the table and turned to Arian. For some reason she looked much older now.

 

"What is that bullshit?", he asked again. "What are you doing?"

 

At first she didn't answer, just smiled at him. Quinn turned around on the pillow so that she was facing the turian. "I'm an open book, I'll tell you everything you want to know. Well...almost everything..." She grabbed a white towel and tied it around her chest to cover her breasts. "Oh, and you should take a seat, this might take a while. I have a lot to tell you", Quinn said and pointed at the bed.

 

Arian didn't move, he just continued to stare at the woman.

 

"Okay then...", she sighed. "You don't need to know what exactly it means what I just did. Just see it as...maybe some sort of meditation."

 

"So you speak to your sword?", Arian asked in disbelief.

 

Quinn laughed. "Everyone has his own way of dealing with things. Some are religious and speak to their gods, some others just try to forget. In the end, it doesn't matter what you do, as long as it helps you to clear your mind."

 

"If that's what you have to do, it looks like you've been through a lot..." 

 

Arian didn't expect his taunt to hit her like that. Abruptly Quinn's eyes seemed to look straight through his body as if there was something of interest behind him. After a few moments of being absent, she shook her head and covered her eyes with one hand. "Guess you're right...", she whispered.

 

"And where have you been?", Arian asked quickly to change the topic. Something was wrong with this woman, there was no doubt about it.

 

"I blew up my car", she gave the bald answer and suddenly grinned.

 

"Your car?"

 

Quinn nodded. "It was a personal matter. That car wasn't mine, it belonged to a...friend. I wanted to make sure that C-Sec wouldn't bother that person, so I had to get rid of any evidence. The spectre and her team weren't too happy about that but I didn't stay long enough for them to get me. And I'm seriously impressed. I've hardly ever seen such a disciplined and effective team."

 

Most of the time, Arian didn't speak because he didn't want to, but right now, he couldn't find words anyway. He just stood next to the bed and stared down at her.

 

"Well...blowing up the car wasn't the most discreet way to do it", Quinn remarked and rubbed her neck, "but it was the coolest...seriously, you should have seen the fireball...!"

 

Arian's mandibles twitched. She's crazy...that b*tch is just crazy...

[Kel Riever]

(Note:  The following was a collaboration with Shotgun Julia)

Dahlia and Morgan

Dahlia led Morgan back into the living quarters area of the ship. After they passed Dahlia's quarters she stopped.

 

"Wait up, Morgan. I forgot my flashlight. I have one in my quarters. Let me duck in and get it."

 

She was gone only a moment and returned not with a flashlight but with a walnut case in her hands. "Happy home coming," Dahlia said and handed Morgan the case.

Morgan turned his head slightly and raised a brow.  "Happy home coming?"  He did break a smile, and took the case.  "What's this?  I didn't get you anything." Morgan then stared down at the solid wood box, unsure as to what to make of it.

"Just open it," Dahlia said with anticipation. "I hope you like it."

"I like the real wood case."  Morgan rubbed his fingers over the walnut surface, then pulled open the lid.

Inside the case, lying in a molded bed of red velvet was a heavy pistol with a black metal surface.  Its twenty-five centimeter barrel brought back memories of a different time and as Morgan's eyes wandered over the gun, he was momentarily silenced by his fascination with the gift.

"That is incredible."

Morgan ran his thumb over the engraved words on the side of the weapon that read, 'Desert Eagle Pistol'.  There were components inside along with it.  Unable to help himself, Morgan pulled the gun from its case and felt the weight.

"It's heavy."

The Desert Eagle was large, certainly meant even in its time for an expert shooter, at least at the caliber size of the particular pistol in Morgan's hand.  It felt good, substantial.  Morgan liked his Phalanx, but this was something else.  Something that served a different purpose.  Morgan aimed it away, down the passageway, then lowered it and examined it again in wonder.  He put it back in its case tenderly, and looked Dahlia straight in her deep violet eyes.

"Thank you."

There was a twitch of concern for a moment in Morgan's gaze.

"Is everything all right with you?"

"Mostly," Dahlia replied. "Seeing Priss on board and speaking with her reminded me about Duellos and those things in the Drowned Aspire that I've been trying to forget about. Those and then what happened here." She then spoke in a whisper. "You know that Babe is Iyana's sister, right? She seems okay, and Jess says she's okay, but I'm keeping an eye on her. You weren't here, but it got pretty freaky on the bridge."

Morgan tilted his head away from Dahlia, while keeping his eyes on her.  "Yes...I...keep hearing about that."  Morgan glanced at Dahlia, wondering for a moment if she knew more that he was aware of.  He waived the suspicion off for the moment.  "I meant with you, anyway, D-light.  I wanted to make sure everything was okay with you."

 

"Yeah, things are okay with me, mostly. I could use some R&R. I think we all could. It always seems like something comes up. I have a lot to keep everything running smoothly on the bridge between navigation and being comm officer," she said. "What really made me happy though was to see you and your family arrive safe. i don't know much of the details of what happened.

 

"I need to tell you something else you might be interested in." She pulled Morgan into her quarters. "While I was working for Aria, she would have me act as a courier with certain parties. These are bad people, but they know me from when I worked with Aria," she said. "When I went shopping today I thought I'd check with one of them and see what was in what you humans call 'the grapevine.' It was a social visit. Did a little minagen-X and let them throw stuff at my barrier. It's dangerous, but tiny amounts aren't too bad, but they were humans, and they got loose with their tongues. Well I found out something interesting. The Shadow Broker has a contract available on Iyana. I believe the term was 'declared rogue.' Apparently took some resources with her too. Of course given her reputation, there have been no takers. It's gonna take someone with a lot of skill to do this," then she laughed. "No, Morgan, don't even think I'm trying this. I'm good at what I do: barriers and hitting hard. I'm not at that level."

"Well, I'd be the first person to steer you clear of working for the Broker.  Just humoring the thought, even, no one should do it alone.  Iyana was the Broker's chief enforcer for a reason.  Think about how many operatives were already trying to take her position by force, and failed.  I only hope you're right, of course, that someone finally takes her down, but I'd be a bit more skeptical, even with the resources that the Broker has available.  The question I have is why would she ever leave?  She had the pleasure of doing whatever she wanted.  Something would have had to go rather against her in the Broker agency to cause such a parting.  And I don't think her psychological issues were ever a problem for the Broker.  In fact, how it used to be was that they fit in quite well with the Broker's plans."

Morgan examined the box briefly again.  "As far as the details of what happened, I could tell you.  To me what is important is that it is nice to hear your concern."

Dahlia looked discombobulated for a moment, then walked over to a medium sized box next to her bed and picked it up with a little biotic assist. "I almost forgot. Here's the ammunition for the gun. You know that it was a mess in the gun shop. A collector's item, they said. Crap, I said. I took it apart and replaced parts from a second pistol they had. It works like new, and the ammunition is good. One thing nice about it is that you'll never have to worry about getting hit with a tech overload unlike with the modern weapons. And there's a holster for it in this box, too."

 

Then she  jumped back to the previous subject. "I do find it odd that Iyana would leave the Broker, unless.... No.... that's wishful thinking....."

Morgan noticed the brief moment Dahlia seemed out of sorts, but wasn't going to pry about it.  Instead
he wanted to know more about what she was thinking about Iyana.  "Unless, what?  I'm wondering what you're thinking."

Dahlia faced Morgan and had a speculative look about her. "You know the Shadow  Broker has been around for centuries, right? Aria said something about every now and then there would be a change in tone in the way the Broker conducted business. She thought the change in tone came when there was a new Shadow Broker. So what would cause Iyana to leave? Perhaps there's a new Broker who doesn't like the way she conducted business," Dahlia said. "But I'm just speculating, trying to make sense out of the rumor mill."

"Well, of course I know the Shadow Broker's been around for centuries.  That doesn't mean the broker couldn't be asari or krogan.  But sure, you have a point, regardless.  If there was a shift in power, Iyana could have found herself on the outside, and she had access to a swath of power in most forms imaginable.  She is a person, after all, and I'd be thrilled if she met her end without any further effort."

Morgan put a comforting hand on Dahlia's shoulder.  "If all this swarm of events is what has you troubled, then I understand.  You sound like you have a lot on your mind.  The point is to make sure you're okay, Dahlia, and if you aren't ever, you can talk to me."

Morgan's hand made her feel peace inside. His steadiness stilled her troubled mind. She felt drawn to him, and hugged him for a moment.  Then felt awkward.  "Thanks. I will.... I... should get back to my station."

 

It must be that meld... I still feel close... I don't want anything to happen to him... Why can't the Broker just leave him alone?

"Sure," Morgan said, and watched Dahlia go.  It took a minute before he realized he was sitting alone in her cabin.  He quickly got himself up and out of there, closing the door behind himself.  There was a lot he still had to get to on the Medusa, and all of it needed getting done immediately.  First up, the ship needed to get back to the Citadel.

[TheMajonese]

Zakera Ward - Quinn's apartment

 

"I'm not sure where to start..." Quinn looked a bit puzzled. "There's a lot for me to tell you and it will be hard to have you understand everything..."

 

Still not sure what he to say, Arian sat down on the bed and placed his Typhoon next to him. He still didn't trust this crazy woman.

 

"Okay, I should start by telling you who I am and why I'm here on the Citadel..." With a sigh she placed her ellbows on her knees and rested her chin on the backs of her hands. "I'm part of a group...hm...you could call it an organization...or unit...it doesn't really matter how you want to call it because officially, we do not exist. Nobody knows exactly how many we are, how many hideouts we have and where they are or what kind of resources we have. Not even I could tell you how many we are."

 

Arian shook his head. "What sort of organization is this? You don't even know your own members?"

 

Quinn nodded. "Some know more than others but nobody knows everyone. We don't have real management so it's hard to keep track of everything. Some of us just stop reporting in but we never know if they got captured, if they are dead or if they just decided to return to a normal life. However there are all kinds of people and we have one thing in common; we kill people."

 

"Great!", Arian said with a snarl. "You can count me in, killing people is my specialty..."

 

If Quinn felt offended by his sarcasm, she didn't show anything. "You might have noticed that I'm not an ordinary soldier. There are countless methods to kill someone and we are trained to use as many as possible. Not all of us are skilled assassins though, but all of us know how to kill and how to remain hidden from public. We operate from the shadows. And we're not for hire, we choose our targets on our own. Carefully. Not everyone deserves to die but there are people in this galaxy who certainly do. Warlords, rulers who exploit, toture and oppress others...you'd be surprised how many of them are still out there. We kill them. Sometimes by working together, other times on our own. We're really good at what we're doing, even if it can be extremely dangerous."

 

"But why all this secrecy? Why are you trying so hard to hide?"

 

"We keep our true identities hidden to make sure that our families and friends are safe. Besides, what do you think would happen if people in high positions realized that there is a bunch of trained killers that murders everyone who abuses political power? Many of them are already paranoid, they would do everything to find and eliminate us. The council might even send out their spectres, because they would fear that they might be potential targets of our assassinations as well. With enough time, patience and luck we'd actually be able to take out the whole council by ourselves but why should we do this? They might be corrupt but there are worse and more dangerous people out there who need to be stopped. As long as we stay hidden, we're safe from everything and noone has to panic."

 

After a few moments of thinking about the things she just told him, Arian laughed. "If it's super important for you to keep your existance hidden, why are you telling me everything about this...organization? You don't even know me..."

 

"Your friend Ruyak told me to trust you and that's what I'm doing." Quinn's reply hit Arian offguard, he didn't know what to say or how to react. The woman continued. "And that's why I trust you to remain silent about this whole conversation. No word to anyone! Not the spectre, not your friends, absolutely noone!"

[TheMajonese]

Zakera Ward - Quinn's apartment

 

"So...why am I here and what do I want from you?" Quinn looked at the ceiling as if she had to think about how to start.

 

"Let me begin with this; we choose very carefully who could be a potential new member. It's very important that we're cautious with our recruitment, the training is long and hard. We have to rely on each other and new members have to fit in as if they had always been part of us. But there's no contract that binds you. All of us are free to leave whenever we want. At least as long as everyone keeps silence about our secrets. A man, a bit younger than me, left us a few years ago, he said that he wanted to be with his family. Well...several months ago that man contacted me."

 

"And?", Arian asked impatiently when Quinn made a pause.

 

"That man...", Quinn said after a pondering silence. "We all use cover names to hide our real identity. He used to call himself 'Sif' but his real name is Isaac Banes..." After observing Arian's reaction she nodded. "I see you remember this name..."

 

After jumping on his feet, the turian began walking back and forth. "Isaac Banes...so he was a member of your...organization? That explains a lot..."

 

"What do you know about Banes?", the woman wanted to know.

 

"He worked with Tarak, the former leader of the Blue Suns on Omega. Tarak wanted a heavy unit for special assignments and Banes recruited and trained us. We were five men, one woman, all turians. He showed us all kinds of things, fighting techniques or absurd ways to use our equipment or to engage an enemy. We all knew that something was wrong about him...he's human but he knew more about the turian body then we did. He showed us how to fight with our claws and even teeth..." With a frown Arian stared at his own talons. It felt weird to talk about his time on Omega. 

 

"Yes, Isaac was one of our best. On Omega he did what Tarak wanted from him; give him a squad of killing machines..."

 

But Arian shook his head. "Our unit disbanded. Banes suddenly left Omega and shortly afterwards one of us was murdered by some thugs...gambling debts. After that, I was the only one who stayed with the Blue Suns. Tarak wasn't too happy about that but after a while he knew how to put my abilities to good use..."

 

"But Banes returned", Quinn interrupted him. "At least that's what Ruyak and I think." She stood up and moved over to one of the lockers. After a few moments she returned, seemingly holding something in her hand but Arian didn't see anything. With two fingers, she held something very small in front of his eyes.

 

"A glass needle?", he wondered. "But what...?"

 

"Actually, it's not glass...take it!" 

 

Arian looked it over and when he saw the dried leftover of a yellow substance inside the small capsule, he winced. "What is this?", Arian wanted to know but he already had an idea of what he was holding in his hands.

 

"Ruyak found it in your apartment on Omega. As I said, it's not glass. It's an organic material. Once inside the body and emitting its content, the needle begins to dissolve within the body. No remains, no evidence. I guess that Isaac was in a hurry so he couldn't make sure that the needle was completely inside the body of..."

 

"So you want to tell me..." The turian had problems to keep his trembling voice low. "That this Isaac Banes was the one who tried to kill me? The one who poisoned...my wife with this..."

 

"Tecost-Blood", Quinn helped him. "We used to call it 'Demon blood' but it doesn't matter. After recieving only a small dose of this substance the victim will start killing everything that moves...either that or the body collapses. We sometimes use it for our assassinations. You hit someone who then does the rest of your work and kills your target. At least if things go as planned. When Isaac left us, he took some of this substance with him, as well as a few of these special needles. I'm sure it was him who tried to kill you by using your wife. Of course he could have just stabbed you while you're asleep, but for some reason he had chosen another way to take you out."

 

Disgusted Arian tossed the needle away. "What do you want from me?", he almost whispered.

 

"I want to warn you about the man who might be still after you." Quinn's brown eyes were searching for his. "You've been trained by him, you have an idea of how dangerous and unpredictable he is. Seriously, it would be best if you would stop drinking and most importantly stop leaving your ship on your own. You were lucky that I was there to save you this time!" 

 

"So these two wannabe assassins who tried to kill me...they were send by this Isaac Banes?"

 

To his surprise, Quinn shook her head. "No, Isaac would have done it himself. As I said, they were amateurs Sorry, but it looks like someone else is trying to kill you as well."

 

"And why would you care?", Arian asked, suddenly aggressive.

 

There were a few moments of silence until the old woman answered. "Ruyak asked me to look into this. He used his contacts to find me and my friends. This is very important for us because Isaac used to be one of us. We want to find out what he is doing and why he tried to contact me shortly after he attempted to kill you. And I could use your help with that..."

 

"No!"

 

"But..."

 

"NO...!" The turian planted himself in front of Quinn. "That spectre wants me on her team, this weird turian shows up and tells me something about a 'job' for me, two idiots show up and try to kill me, I had to kill my own wife because some bastard wants to see me dead and now you expect me to help you with your problems?" While he spoke his voice became louder and louder. "But I'm done with this! So F*CK OFF! You hear me? I'M DONE! If that's all, then you're wasting your time!"

 

Quinn didn't know what to say so she just stared at him. "Okay...", she sighed after a while. "Then I don't have anything more to tell you. Just...be careful!"

 

Arian abruptly turned around, grabbed his Typhoon and stepped to the door of the apartment. When he opened it and stared into a hallway of the apartment building, he glared at the woman. "Where am I?"

 

"In my apartment!", Quinn answered with a weak smile. "No, seriously, you're still in Zakera. Just exit the building and then follow the street to your left. You then can reactivate your omni-tool and your friends will find you."

 

The turian stared at her. "Thanks...for everything..." 

 

"And Arian?" Her voice caused him to turn back. "Don't tell anyone about me!"

 

"I won't", he muttered, "because nobody would believe me anyway."

 

 

 

 

When Arian left, Quinn turned around with a sigh and sat down on the pillow to continue her meditation. She had realized that the turian was too upset and confused to listen to her. For now there was nothing else she could do. Sooner or later he will help me...even if he doesn't admit it, he wants revenge.

 

 

 

 

Like that crazy woman had told him, Arian activated his omni-tool again after he had followed the street for almost ten minutes. He already tried to think of something that he could tell the others if they should ask him about his whereabouts. Although he still disliked Quinn, he wasn't going to betray her. 

 

And as much as he hated it, he couldn't stop thinking about Quinn's words. She was searching for the man who tried to kill him, who was responsible for the death of his wife and who was still somewhere out there...

 

Banes had to die...! But Arian still wasn't going to help this woman. This wasn't his problem any longer. He just wanted to forget. And working for a spectre was great to be distracted from his past. At least that was what he hoped. I will personally rip the next assassin that tries to get me apart! I'm not going to die like that. 

[Redbelle]

Anika felt Naleena's arm's enfold her as she heard the door to the washroom open. Sliding her hands over Naleena's she hugged her, though it tickled her that as Naleena lent her face into her, her cheek only came up to her shoulder blade.

 

It was another annoyance to chalk up to those who'd engineered her. That and having to duck under low doors.

 

"You were quick. Everything okay in the conference? I hope it wasn't another mission".

[Redbelle]

When Jess came to, she felt freshly washed, in the soft comfort of her bed that had been stripped and remade. Jess found herself staring up at the see thru ceiling to see the murky depth's of the nebula flying past......

 

That was it.... They'd had to fire the guns.... Out of all the strangest things she'd ever seen she'd never known another person to be physically excited by firing guns as Babe was. Though she supposed that Babe had to find her pleasures where could, seeing as mere mortal's like herself couldn't keep up unless they had a backlog of toys, techniques and resraints to keep her under control.

 

Shame Babe had broken all of them.

 

It was like an old movie she'd once saw about a man who transformed into a big green monster and left destruction in his wake. Only with Babe, the hornier she got, the stronger she became.

 

Her finger's on her mechanical arm twitched and she brought it up. Still looked okay, but the slow movement of the fingers told her something was wrong. She supposed she should count herself lucky. If her arm had been flesh and blood, Babe might have crushed every bone in it. Letting ehr arm flop down onto the bed she rolled over to get up and dressed.....

 

And came face to face with Babe.

 

Jess froze, her eye's going wide as she realised the woman responsible for all that had happened was lying just few inches from her. The cover's pulled over her shoulder. She looked angelic sleeping there but Jess had a hard time forgetting how she'd been just.... What time was it? Rolling over, to get out of the bed from the other side she stopped yet again.

 

Amy Hayashi and Miss Priss were on the other side, one draped over the other, sound asleep.

 

Wincing, Jess got up and crawled to the bottom of the bed only to find Largo and Mister Chris propping each other up at the foot. An arm from each around Sophie and Miss Dila. Jess hung her head as a sigh emerged. Then she spent her time picking her way past the four on the floor, yet another set of blankets up around them.

 

Heh... Morgan really is thorough.

 

Getting to her rise up wardrobe she dressed silently. Taking her time as her arm kept giving her problems before throwing on a golden thread hip cloak. Bad enough she'd noticed the problems. She didn't want anyone else seeing until she had time to take a look at it. Or Kolme. He'd made it, or had combined all the tech to create it.

 

Looking at the ground in and around her bed she saw that they were still dead to the world and Jess decided to let them sleep in. She entered the elevator and began descending when an idea struck her. Calling up on her comm she placed a call.

 

"Doc? It's me. Listen, I need to talk to you about that plan we came up for Anika. Back when we were worried she might try taking over the ship. The Sedative. Listen.... you think you could put something like that in a blowpop"?

[Kel Riever]

It took some time to sort things out missing a few crew members, but they'd be up and about eventually.  Morgan had who he needed for the immediately important things.

Like getting back to the Citadel.

Dahlia was on the bridge, and Morgan got up there himself.  The place was looking much better, Morgan had to admit as he pat himself on the back.  Marshal and Duncan had returned to theirs stations as well.  Morgan ordered the ship around, and Dahlia handled the details with her navigation expertise and general ability to handle Marshall while she did her work.  As the Citadel once again became the destination, and the Medusa moved into visual, Duncan signaled Morgan for an incoming Com.

"It's Control at the Citadel.  They want to talk to someone in charge.  Sounds serious."

"I'll take it on one of those good old fashioned headsets," Morgan replied.  Then he synced up to the call.  "First mate on the bridge.  How can I help you Citadel Control?"

"Do you know what you did when you tore out of dock?"

"I...have an idea."

"The Harbormaster will be waiting for your Captain as soon as you land.  And the Captain better have some answers.  Not to mention be ready to get a bill for those moorings that were torn off."

Morgan couldn't help but wince.  He knew this was coming.

Still, there was just no explaining what had really happened.  Morgan figured to reimburse Jess for the damage.  He'd have to get his funds back, but he had to do that for Jen anyway.  That was one happy coincidence in a sea of pandemonium.

[Kel Riever]

As the Medusa was brought in to another bay adjacent to the Janiri, the hanar Harbormaster and two C-sec guards were waiting.  

"Sir, are you sure you will not need us?  What if one of them gives you difficulty?" The turian C-sec guard asked.

"The Citadel is all around us.  They have come back of their own volitions.  If this one foresees a problem, it will call for assistance.  Otherwise, this one will take the time to explain to the head of the vessel why there will be violations submitted against them.  There will be expenses, but they are receiving substantial forgiveness as they are part of a Spectre's task force."

"Yeah," the human C-Sec guard remarked, "It's a bunch of opportunists.  You think they can pay any of what they're going to have to?"

"The Citadel does not abide by those who cause dangerous situations for no understandable reason, or damage to the docking apparatus.  This one will be submitting full repair costs and if they claim hardship then they will see it in court."

The turian and human looked at each other skeptically.  "Well, good luck, sir.  We'll be nearby if you call."

As the two guards walked off, the hanar Harbormaster shimmered in bioluminescence.  He said aloud, though no one could hear, "They will know this one's name is Lolo, and they will come to know not to mess with the Lolo."

[Kel Riever]

Babe

Babe woke up. 

At first, blue eyes saw the Serpent Nebula, and then the great construct of a station coming into view.  Then Babe realized she was looking up at the wide view window that was the Captain’s ceiling.  And then she realized the ship was heading back to the Citadel.

Sitting Bolt upright in the bed, the sheets fell off Babe, to reveal her top.  She looked down and around at the aftermath of a marathon session of fornication and debauchery, spotting the sleeping bodies littering Jess’ cabin.  Neither Jess nor Morgan was around.  Babe put her hands to her face and realized her black leather driving gloves were torn.  Then she looked at herself and realized a heavy machinery chain was wrapped around her. 

A quiet panic ensued, where Babe peeled herself out of her predicament, out of what was left of her clothes, and discovered Jess’ shower.  There was a moment when she wanted to scream, as the first water that blasted from the shower head was freezing.  Fortunately she managed to keep her mouth shut until the water adjusted itself. 

Exiting in the buff, Babe found only her crop top and her cotton striped pants were worthy of reclamation to wear for a trip back down to her personal wardrobe.  Going barefoot on the deck was a bit interesting and without bad incident.  She passed one crewmember who gawked and Babe made sure to keep her stare frozen forward, ignoring that person, not even getting a good idea of who it was.

Somewhere within the next half hour, Babe was finding something to change into.  She was half way in the middle of putting together an outfit, then she remembered something in that ritual in the cabin that she’d promised to Jess.  Curling her lip in devilish satisfaction at the thought, Babe redid her outfit quickly, and slapped on a long, black, leather decorative coat.  The only thing visible once she closed it was a pair of black, T-strap high heel pumps on her feet.  Then Babe stepped out to go find Amy Babylon.

[Redbelle]

Jess's route took her to the engine room. After all the years spent on the ship she knew the engine room like the back of her slightly crushed mechanical hand.

 

She knew she didn't have much time.

 

Activating the heat dump routines Jess took a look at the logs. Then hacked into them and recoded the data to indicate a power spike in the core had flooded the ships heat sinks. Jess then commed Duncan.

 

"Duncan"?

 

"Captain? Oh it's you.... Thank you thank you.... I quit"!

 

"What"?

 

"This isn't what I signed on for. I mean I only came along because everyone else did and I didn't want to be the one left out and I like communications and all but now everyone's yelling at me and leaving me in charge of a ship. A whole freakin SPACE SHIP! I don't know what half this equipment does and it's old. Really old and......".

 

"Duncan.....".

 

"WHAT"!?!?

 

"Your fired. Just give me a time line, starting from when the ship left the Citadel".

 

"I...... FINE"!!!

 

The data came in and Jess modified the logs, hiding her tracks in the code. It took longer with only one working hand and the fatigue she still felt from Taking care of Babe, but eventually, it was done.

 

"Well...... at least we have a reason for hightailing it..... 'Excuse me miss, why did you defy all Citadel traffic laws and tear out of port'? Well sir, one of my crew is a genetically modified sex maniac and her fetish is big guns going off..... Huh.... She must really like it when we get into fiiiiiights.......".

 

The mental image of Babe, breathing hard while sweaty and cross eyed in her gunner's chair popped into her head before she could stop it. Shaking her head, she called up Morgan and updated him on her work.

 

"Get our fallen comrades in my quarter's to medical. Anyone asks, heat stroke. Doc can whip up a good story. Wouldn't be the first time. As for the rest, just wing it".

[Kel Riever]

Morgan was on the bridge, about to seriously knock Duncan in the head, letting Dahlia see just how angry he was at the com officer, then the call came in from Jess, directly, straight into his com.

There was a sigh.

Then Morgan said to Dahlia.  "I have an idea which way this is going to go. Take the chair, please, while Jess isn't here."

Morgan then gave Duncan a look, like, Firing?  I'll show you what fired looks like in my book.

But Morgan headed off the bridge and up to the room.  Babe wasn't there.  Hmmmnnn.

"EVERYBODY UP!" 

There were some reactions worth catching on video.

"Everybody up, and off to the medical bay!  Report to Doc immediately!  Except for you, Miss Priss.  Get yourself cleaned up, dressed up, and come with me.  Just in case...."

[Redbelle]

With her work done, and the ship back at the Citadel, Jess headed for the bridge.

 

They would soon meet with what she expected to be a very irate official and as much as she would have loved to simply bribe whoever was coming over, this being the Citadel, she expected that kind of grease in the wheel's wouldn't cut her any slack. Better to simply get it over with and try to minimize the damage. Though who knew, maybe they could get out with a slap on the wrist.....

 

Better for their bank balance if they could. The Medusa's fund's had only just climbed to what she deemed the minimum standard for dealing with emergency repairs and resupply. Like as much, the fact was the Medusa was healing. But the healing process had sucked a good deal of surplus cash out of her reserves. Any more damage or any more unexpected dips into that reserve would seriously threaten the ships ability to keep operating a peak performance.

 

Heck, they still weren't peak in certain area's anyway. And now Duncan was playing up.... The thought of him returning to his old post was worrying. They'd ask him questions. Find out where he'd gone. Find out that Jess had the rest. These people had come aboard to find fortune under her command. If they got lifted up back to where they'd come from.....

 

Sometimes being a pirate in civilized space was just to much hard work. She missed the days when it had just been her, her crew and ship operating on the frontier. Far away from all the red tape and officials who wanted everything done, 'just do'.

 

The lift door's parted and Jess stepped out on to the bridge. "Watcha luv's. Let's play catchup. I've been out of it for awhile so let's find out what I missed. Anyone want to be first"?

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Dahlia stood at her nav station and faced the captain. "Jess, well, the ship just started moving and I felt a jolt when it broke free from the moorings, and ran to find Duncan, whom I later discovered was in gunnery," Dahlia stated and she was none too pleased about it. "I had no idea what in the void was going on. Duncan being the second mate, ordered me into Babe's compartment to see what she'd done with the guns. I was confused. I'm not a gunner. The controls on the ship are primitive. I'd rather not discuss what else. Then Morgan restored order. What was this all about?"

[Redbelle]

Jess raised her eyebrows as Dahlia finished. "I think you mean Dogger luv. Though.... naw. Can't see the resemblance myself. Isn't that right Duncan"! She called back over to the comm station where Duncan seemed to be having a nervous breakdown, holding his head in his hands while he slowly shook it from side to side. Jess shrugged at the lack of response as she turned back to Dahlia.

 

"Well luv..... It's complicated. Suffice to say that while we were meeting with TerF, Babe's alter ego emerged and.... well let's just say that Babe's.... different. Maybe the same way Anika's different... just more.... Look, imagine a horny male teenager building the ideal woman who will literally go to any length's to please her man. Then imagine every science fiction film where an experiment breaks out of a lab to become an unstoppable force of nature. Then add those two ingredients to a triple X holo vid production where nothing is taboo..... Add a dash of 'Not getting any', for years leading to an apocalyptic melt down of self control..... Plus a Capital ship gun fetish.... And you've pretty much got an idea of  the length's me, Morgan, Amy, Priss, Largo, and a whole host of others had to go to so that I could get Babe into the mind frame to not throw herself at Press Secretary's.... of whom the one in question is currently aboard ship".

 

Jess took a deep breath and closed her eye's as she realized just how ridiculous every she had just said sounded. In a pique of defensiveness she opened them and looked square at Dahlia. "And no I don't consider it above and beyond the call of duty. I'd do the same for you if I found out you needed a good lay. So now all we have to do is convince a Citadel port official that none of that happened and what actually happened was something else entirely".

 

Across where Duncan sat, hearing everything that had been said, he bowed his head further down. "We are so dead".

[Redbelle]

Over by the helm, looking puzzled at the explanation Jess had just given, Marshall spoke up. "Captain! We didn't actually break free. I used the onboard emergency decoupler protocols to override the clamps to pop them off. We didn't technically cause damage to them. I mean, the override isn't meant for use except in extreme emergencies and from the tone, when I was called to get us moving it sounded urgent. Dogger's got this voice he uses when he's pretty far gone with someone when they've screwed up.... This time he was.... like ten times over that line. But again, I popped the clamps so if the Citadel's saying we damaged something then it shouldn't be as bad as their making out. We could send one of the engineer's out. Check the clamps. If one didn't pop then it didn't respond to the override which is an oversight in the Citadels emergency release system that let's ships undock themselves in the event of a catastrophic emergency".

[Cainhurst Crow]

Essul had decided to stay out and continue the search for Arain, feeling it was at least his duty to do something helpful after failing to assists in stopping her before. As he searched and serached, he was about to give up when his omnitool pinged arians signal. Essul stared at it, debating what to do as he saw it was located on Zakera Ward.

 

His eyes narrowed as he made up his mind, cloaking and making his way through the streets towards the increasing signal. He was still dressed in armor, and he still had his gun ready as he closed in on the omnitools signal. When he did though, he did not expect to see who was wearing it, that being the rightful owner. Essuls heavy steps came to a halt, and he holstered his gun as he decativated his cloak as he approached the turian from behind.

 

"Arain..." Essul stated flately, loud enough for the turian to hear as he came walking up from behind, quickening his pace so he was next to the tall kidnapped member of their team, "What are you doing here?" Essul questioned as he looked around the area.

[Redbelle]

New's of the Medusa's return filtered through the Janiri to Naleena's quarter's where Anika and Naleena were relaxing on her couch. At hearing the news, Anika sighed.

 

"Well, I better go see which way the wind blows. I don't know. I've worked for the K&Q and Jess since she helped me escape the complex. Now..... I'm worried. I know what I want. But I'm tied to my commitments". Anika shifted out from under Naleena leavinv her to watch as Anika dressed and picked up her rifle. "We'll see how it goes. But I'll be coming back".

[TheMajonese]

Taken by surprise, Arian spun around and immediately regretted it as a sharp pain in his neck caused him to clench his teeth. I will certainly stop drinking...

 

He wasn't really happy to see Essul in his heavy armor behind him. The batarian was part of Naleena's team and he even saved Arian's life on Caleston but he was still batarian. And he just had to sneak up from behind like that.

 

Since he wasn't really good at lying and making up stories, Arian decided to tell the truth. At least a part of it. "I woke up in some apartment. I was alone, so I left...but I have no idea where I am now or how to get back to the ship."

[Kel Riever]

Morgan

Morgan came down the gangway, with Miss Priss at his side.  She looked pretty decent for someone who'd been roused from a sound sleep and rushed to get herself ready.  Priss had decided to go with her all pink cowgirl look, or almost all pink cowgirl look, as under her pink leather jacket she was wearing a black and gold corset.  Morgan knew where that  had come from.

As if reading his mind, Miss Priss threw Morgan a wink.

Exiting the gangway, Morgan saw the Harbormaster waiting.  A hanar.

Morgan sighed.  He texted Jess:  I bet you've got a thing or two to sort out.  Let me take care of the Harbormaster.  I've got Priss with me.

"Where is your Captain?"

"I'm the First Mate.  She's got more than a few items on her to do list, since we had a malfunction."

"This one is not aware of any stated malfunction in your communications with Control.  This one wants to see proof of said malfunctions."

"Sure."  Morgan started up his Omni-tool.  "Need to transmit, and please I'd like the A-B report on purported rules violations."

The Harbormaster paused.  Nobody much knew about the A-B reports, nor were they supposed to.  It was the report used by law enforcement for rules violations and submitted to judges in cases of arbitration.  But it did have to be revealed if requested by the accused.  Asking for the report, even if it was within his rights, got the Harbormaster a bit perturbed.  "I assure you the damages are substantial and may I suggest there is more that I can assess in the report than I have bothered to consider."

Morgan ignored the veiled threat.  He could have a fit about it, or he could offer to play ball.  "I understand.  So, let's talk about this and see what we can come up with that makes this quick and easy for both of us.  I still need something for the ship.  Send me the base tickets, then."

That was more like it for the Harbormaster, someone willing to pay fines.  The man knew his business, so he understood what the Harbormaster needed to do.  There couldn't be an incident like this with nothing to show for it on his end.  He was sending the tickets to the First Mate's Omni-tool when he noticed the woman staring at him, seemingly enthralled.

"Ma'am, this one wants to know why you are staring at it."

"Me?  Staring?"  Miss Priss looked surprised that she'd been caught.  "Oh, Darlin', I'm sorry.  I've didn't mean nothing by it.  I just always, always...well, darn if I am just not embarrassed to say."

Morgan feigned interest in reading the tickets.

The Harbormaster flickered in bioluminescence.

"Yes," Miss Priss said.

For a hanar, the Harbormaster seemed surprised.  "You understood what I just said?"

"Well, of course.  I have, and as I said I am terribly embarrassed to say, I have always had this fascination with the Enkindlers, and...you know I hope I am not rude for talking about something so important in such an informal way, but this one has always wanted to find out more than...well...than you can get from reading any old nonsense on the extranet.  And I just haven't had the opportunity to sit down with anyone...oh I don't want to insult."

There was another flash of bioluminescence.

"Yes, thank you.  You are so kind for understanding.  I've only talked to one hanar about it, and frankly, it wasn't that smart.  Everyone else I've talked to has given me second hand information.  But I know, I'm bothering you.  Sorry as I said.  Please conduct your duty.  We are so sorry for the events that have transpired."

"Truly," Morgan said. "This is going to take me a moment, Harbormaster.  If I may step over here, I'm going to transmit to the Captain the list and get the fines over to you.  A couple of minutes?"

"Yes, this one will allow you to set your matters in order."

"That's very impressive," Miss Priss said.

"What is impressive?"  The hanar's tenticles floated around in an unusual pattern.

"Well," Miss Priss started, and moved closer to the Harbormaster as Morgan moved away.  She whispered something and several bioluminescent ripples were triggered by the hanar.

Morgan counted the seconds, while he ignored the ticket information.  After he got to thirty, the Harbormaster was floating away with Miss Priss, who was giggling.  And then the Harbormaster called back to Morgan.  "This one will return.  You are instructed to stay where you are until affairs are concluded, as your companion has shown keen interest in the Enkindlers.  I ask that you not take advantage of the situation in the meantime."

"Oh, no.  No, we want to come back."  Morgan put on his earnest face, and pretended to read his Omni-tool.

[Redbelle]

Jess scratched the back of her neck as Morgan's text came in.

 

"Morgan's handling things... Speaking of things. I've got to catch up with with Kolme.... Duncan? Cabin! I'll deal with you later. Dahlia, you've been picking up Duncan's slack for awhile I noticed. Sorry to stack on you but I need you to take over his post till I can get a new comms specialist aboard".

 

"It's not my fault"! Duncan's voice called out from where he sat.

 

"Duncan, Cabin! Now! I need to think about what I'm going to do with you. I'll contact you before the days end. Till then, your confined to quarters. Get some sleep. Cool your jets. Stop stressing out. Then we'll talk. Dahlia, the conn's yours. Call me if anything comes up.... Anything"

 

Turning crisply, Jess strode into the lift and took it down several levels before reaching the ships spine that connected the forward hanger.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Dahlia sat her tush in the comfy captain's chair, and after a while saw a very tall blonde walk in. Anika appeared to be perplexed.

 

"Hey, Anika. Long time. If you're looking for Jess, she's in a meeting with Duncan. Do you want me to let her know you're here?" Dahlia asked.