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[Kel Riever]

The light in Iole's golden eyes seemed to dim as she looked disparagingly at Jess.  "I'd be happy to visit the Medusa with company, for a dinner or something."  Then she blushed again as she didn't want to come off as disrespectful to the Captain.  "...Naleena will probably be along shortly.  She's...you probably have more important things to discuss."

Than 'what' was left out of Iole's reference.

"The woman?  Jen Severn?"  Iole looked past Jess momentarily down the passageway.  "I just met her.  There's a parent involved?  Right. I heard about that.  I don't know, she's apparently been aboard the Janiri for some time.  Adjusting.  Maybe she found something here that caught her attention."

Curiousity crept into Iole.  Something about the emphasis Jess had put on at the end of her words.  "Equipment box?  Gear?  Is it something you can only talk to the Spectre about?"  Iole didn't really understand herself and why she was asking, but the question was already out and she couldn't really take it back.

[Cknarf]

 

"Ahm, hey...do any of you know...where I can find Jenus?"

 

 

Spoiler

"Oi, she's prolly gettin' fucked m8. Been around this place long enough to know that if there's an asari around, they's gettin' down. Shiiit, son, I done nailed one myself. Try those twins out for me, yeah? I never managed to work that one out. 'Sides, doubt my main b*tch would 'preciate it if I did, nam sayin? On second thought, don't, 'cause my boy up top don't feel like writin' any of that sh*t right now."

 

Frank suddenly realized that he was lightyears away on a completely different planet.

 

"Oh, right..."

 

Johnny looked up at Arian, who he would always remember as 'that a**hole from the arena', aaaaaand...

 

Shrugged.

[Redbelle]

Jess shook her head.

 

"No no no no. See, that last mission of yours a member of my crew and I were gumming up the Batarian communications, pleasedon'ttellthemwedidthat. And we got stranded. The Janiri picked us up and we need to transfer our gear back to the Medusa. My crewman can take it all back with her, barring the MIP...... I'll get a lifter to move it on over. So that's why I need a kit box. So I can put my armor in so my crewman can take it back to my ship while I hang around here waiting to see Naleena about the latest flash fire that's happening as we speak.....". Jess paused. "Just how up to speed on event's are you? Have you heard about the council ships looking for the Janiri"?

[Kel Riever]

"No?"  Iole couldn't help but wonder why Council ships would be searching for the Janiri.  "We tend to be down the line a step from information.  We're basically given orders to follow and we do that well."

There was a bit of a blush again from Iole.

"Some of us follow them better than others, maybe.  Anyway, I'm up to speed on the things we're supposed to be up to speed on.  The rest I have to wait to hear on from people like you.  But as far as your gear goes, that MIP, is it?  That's your little craft, right?  You have to get that back and...this suit of armor you are wearing."  Iole pointed a finger towards the shoulder of Jess' black and yellow suit.  "The equipment box is easy, Septerax will have one ready.  I'll get in touch with him for you.  If you'd like, I can set that MIP up to be transported back as well.  My kind of thing, actually, I like the small craft.  Especially if its something that reminds me of a jet bike.  Consider it a favor, which of course includes me getting a close look at that little craft.  I hope you don't mind. Bet your gear gets back before you, unless you want to make sure you go with it."

[Redbelle]

Don't make a joke about her box, don't make a joke about her box, don't make a joke about her box.

 

"Sounds splendid luv. If you can get onto that I'd be happy as can be! As for what's going down? Well, I'm on the back foot to so it shouldn't hurt to tell you". Jess leaned forward and said in a hushed tone. "Turns out people outside the council are asking about where we've been and what we've been up to. Shouldn't be a problem of course but.... you know.... How many times have you wanted answers only to have the door shut in your face"? Jess leaned away as she shrugged. "Of course those are the kinds of headaches you commando's don't have to deal with but consider this a friendly heads up so you know it's on the radar. In the meantime I'll just be waiting to get my hands on your box......".

 

DAMMIT!!!

[Kel Riever]

Iole squinted.
 

'You, uh, you run like a crazy ship over there, don't you."

[Redbelle]

Jess's eye's narrowed as she grinned. "Luv.... Every one of my crew is like a gold nugget to me. I don't get the support you military types do and I don't get the discipline your trained to adhere to in the people I bring aboard......". She paused and went on more softly. "What I do get are people who would never cut it in any academy. To many individualists. Or people without the spine to hold their own. Sometimes I even get the odd one whose got it all figured out but fumbled a career and careened off their path into my world. Sure, some of my people are...... unique. But each one is mine as long as they choose to crew with me. That means I bring out their strengths. Some they never even knew they had. Sure it looks crazy. But everyone knows what it is the ship is about and everyone holds to that purpose".

 

Jess stretched her arms over her head and holding her hands behind her head, stretched her spine as she felt the time on the satellite catching up with her. "Besides.... This crazy captain and her crew kept the main fleet off you with a plan their military couldn't predict. I hope.... Well to late to worry about that now. All I'll ask is don't be afraid to rub shoulder's with mine on the Medusa. Since I lost Anika to you people I've been having to work around not having her as muscle for our business..... Hope your treating her right". She added, peering up at Iole questioningly.

[Kel Riever]

"Anika?  Sure.  Well...well look, before we talk about Anika, I'm just teasing you.  I've been around long enough to know that it's all a mind twist.  Our costumes aren't as fancy as yours, is what I gather.  And we have all these pins, and symbols, and rituals."  Iole laughed.  "You met Tallis, right?  Rhetorical question.  I like the way you treat people, personally.  And anyone would be lying if they told you they didn't think about breaking ranks every once in a while."  Iole's thoughts went back to Frank, and her almost desertion.  She leaned sideways into the wall with her shoulder and folded her arms.  "I wish they'd allow regulation leather jackets.  They feel sooo good."  She rubbed her upper arms with her hands.  "Put one on at the Citadel and I never wanted to take it off."

The thought that Iole was now rubbing her own shoulders, possibly because of the play of words used by Jess, Iole stopped.  "Don't think I ever wonder your value, Captain.  Talk about crazy, how about how we met?  I'm sorry for making you so mad when I blew the train.  Maybe it's dumb to say but if all that didn't happen, we'd never met.  Oh, and hey I remember you shot Tallis in the leg with a spear gun.  Good thing you didn't shoot Jenus, she never would have forgiven you."  Iole was smirking, then her mouth make a funny twist.

"So, Anika.  I like her.  You know, though, she is more straight laced than I expected.  For someone who's so...tall, and...pretty much seems to have everything down as far as combat and fighting goes.  I bet letting her stay over here is a big deal for you.  But you can tell the way the Spectre is all...well you know.  I hope she feels she's fitting in, even if some of us can be more difficult to get along with."  Iole stopped herself from badmouthing her teammate, especially since she'd gotten over it.  "We're a funny bunch, and we don't all work the same way ourselves.  You can probably appreciate that more than most."
 

The way Jess was looking at Iole took a tug at her emotions.  She could tell Jess cared a lot about how Anika was doing.   "Listen, I'll make sure she's all right.  It isn't hard. If she ever asks you about fitting in, or how it's really going, you can tell her we even spoke about it and straight from me, she'll be fine.  Some of us have bigger egos to massage than others.  Can't wreck what works if you know what I mean.  Nobody's rolling over here.  Patience, when it comes to it.  And staying engaged."

Iole smiled at Jess.  She did kind of like the human Captain and understood why she was so personable. 

[Redbelle]

Jess chuckled. "Just be glad I got her out of the habit of quoting regs or you'd never shut her up. She's probably going to find it hard though. She's gone from an academy, to a the Medusa, back into the world she was taught to adhere to. But if I know her, she'll be worried about getting.... to involved. On the Medusa we all knew how strong she was. Heck. I used to spar with her. Cheeky moo never so much as breathed hard in the personal defence class..... Anyway. Good to know she's doing well. Just try to make sure she doesn't lose her temper. She's got the patience of an angel but push her to far....". She let the words drop off as her eye's shifted. In her minds eye she seemed to be relieving something from the past. When she made eye contact again she seemed eager to change the subject.

 

"Sorry luv. Don't let me keep you. You probably have things to do yourself. I'll look for Naleena myself. Got to get used to this layout you have on the ship and all".

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Janiri – Conference Room - Naleena (Kel & SJ)

 

Morgan's image appeared before Naleena who was sitting smoking a cigarette and drinking something resembling tea. She had a set of data pads in front of her and a keyboard and screen. She sat back in her chair and looked up at Morgan's image. Morgan could tell she appeared tense.

 

“Good morning. Sorry to take you away from your duties, but this is important,” Naleena said. “I received your message and I didn't think much of it until I was paid a visit by a Lt. Commander Jaran a few moments ago. She wanted to know my whereabouts, which of course I couldn't tell her, and after much badgering I got it out of her that this was about Xanthe Remi.

 

“I'm a little concerned that they're trying to pin her disappearance on me. Why? Xanthe used to work for Spectre Internal Affairs, and she investigated me. I turned all of my reports over to her, including all the intel on Iyana. Odd she should disappear like this, though, considering in our last conversation she was bragging about how she had requested and received approval for a squad of Serrice Guard. Do you know how tough the Serrice Guard is? A mere squad could hold off two platoons of Turian Marines.”

 

Naleena took a drag from her cigarette, and exhaled. “Do you have any ideas?”

 

Morgan was in his more casual attire and did not sit.  The bird he'd had from the Janiri had found him again and rest on his shoulder.  He put his hands loosely on his hips and replied, “Maybe too many ideas.  The thinking's been getting to me.  When I talked to the Asari captain, I don't think it was so much a matter of trying to pin things on you as a questioning designed to be on the offense.  Militi was digging for information, and I read it as her simple belief that you or anyone associated with you would know the most about Xanthe's last whereabouts.  I don't know Militi's agenda but she seemed bold enough to take risks without caring if it got back to you.  It makes me wonder if something else isn't going on.  While she was with the Republics Navy, she claimed to be at work for the Council.”

After a pause, Morgan went on.  ”If the Serrice Guard is as tough as you say, then for Xanthe to go missing either had to do with something beyond even their control, or something powerful.  I don't want to speculate too much, but Xanthe didn't seem to be a big risk taker so I would think some sort of space mishap would rate low on the chances of being the reason.  And she didn't do sloppy work, so I doubt this is simply about being out of communication.  Beyond that, I don't want to say.

“The...Iyana bit...I probably worry about that too much, since it's personal.  But I've been meaning to look into that anyway.  I can always do that on my own, but the way Molly Hagen left it, one of the trails of the investigation about biotics programs, and possibly her service record if she has one, can only be pursued if a Matriarch gives some sort of approval.  There are other leads...I'd let Jess fill you in on a couple.  It's best if she fill you in on those.”

 

Then why doesn't he call Jess down? Naleena thought, took a sip of her tea, made a face like it was something quite nasty in the cup and continued. “Yes, Lt. Commander Jaran seemed a bit urgent as well, but then the way Iyana has been able to infiltrate various organizations, I decided to give the files to my own supervisor, Yalson Sao, who forwarded them to the Spectre's Office,” Naleena replied. “If she is truly working for the Council she'll have little trouble obtaining them. If their concern is genuine, I would imagine that what drew the Navy into this was the disappearance of the squad of Serrice Guard.

 

“Does Iyana have any connection, no matter how remote, with the Serrice Guard?”

 

“No, Iyana doesn't have a connection directly herself.” Morgan activated his omni-tool.  ”But when I was putting together what I could about her, and the important people around her, of course I investigated Xhuan Setura, her favored second.  You know she is a decorated veteran of two branches of the Republics military, before she was dismissed without honor.  Her first century of service was as a Commando, and in fact she was a member of the Serrice Guard.  There's reference I had found to some sort of specialized training, but I was never able to find out exactly what.  It wasn't in her Shadow Broker records, it never came up, and there was no ability to penetrate the Republics database regarding Xhuan's classified training.  So that's something that could be looked into with your help.  And I have a suspicion it is also going to involve a direct trip to Thessia.”

 

Naleena shook her head and put her hands to her temples, resting her elbows on the desk. “I remember, now. There's been so much going on. You told me about Xhuan Setura. Asari are long lived and even though she was dismissed without honor does not mean she was without friends,” she said, paused, and looked up at the man standing before her. “Morgan, do I sound paranoid? It's that we discovered that Iyana's subordinates infiltrated C-sec. She bought high officials in New York City and elsewhere on Earth. Where else do they exist? Am I wrong to question the loyalty of my government's elite guard?”

 

“The Shadow Broker network was unrivaled because it's the rare person who doesn't have a price.  But beyond that, there may be something besides money involved.  I don't know the Serrice Guard like you do, but I'm too much of a skeptic to believe each and every member of the Serrice Guard is a die-hard loyal, even if most are.  Matriarch Benezia betrayed the Council. How many people thought she ever would do such a thing?”

Morgan shook his head slightly.  ”This doesn't mean they've turned necessarily.  They could be in trouble with her, as much of a stretch as it sounds.  I don't think you're paranoid though.  You're thinking things through, keeping all the angles open, and you should.  It may be unheard of to have members of the Serrice Guard turn, but not impossible.  Why would they, though?  Xanthe was a Serrice Guard member and she turned away.  There has to be a reason.”

After a thought, Morgan said, “I suppose that's what we have to find out, right?  But I'd highly suggest you talk to Jess, too.  I think she may know some things that could help us which, again, I think she should tell you herself.”

 

“Where is Jess?”

 

“Jess is in the quarters originally assigned to Anika,” VERA interrupted. “She was one of  the two on the MIP disabling the satellite.”

 

“Why didn't you mention this to me?” Naleena asked.

 

“When you went to your quarters, you did not want to be disturbed except by Anika,” VERA replied. “I was also concerned for your physical and emotional state. Your bio-signs indicated that you needed rest.”

 

Naleena sighed and smiled. “At least someone is looking out for me. Thank you, VERA. Would you please inform her that I need to speak with her?”

 

“Right away, Boss.”

 

Naleena put her hand to her forehead and paused. “Morgan, I... I... I need some time off. This last mission was hard. Very hard. I'm getting headaches and having vivid dreams of things long past. It was that thing. That Leviathan. Listen to this from the computer data we stole....

 

'The core is an organic-synthetic matrix in a shape perhaps designed to resemble a mythological creature of the race that built it. However, the odd thing is that the matrix seems to react to electrical impulses as if it is coming to life. Imagine the data that is stored within.'

 

Then here:

 

'The core is showing more activity as we repair the great machine. Further analysis shows the matrix contains DNA not matching that of any known species. Some members of the research team have been reporting strange dreams. Three team members living in different cities have recalled dating the same female when that would be impossible. We will reduce shift times from 12 to 8 hours. Perhaps that will counter this.'

 

Those reports were two years ago. I am convinced it probed my mind. I need to speak with someone.... a Matriarch.... but you don't just walk up to a Matriarch. I need to know if I'm all here. Perhaps Aria knows someone and can make the contact? And while I am there, I'll get your approval.”

 

“Looking into these leads is something that doesn't need you once the access is given.  I or someone we trust can take that off your hands.  About your time off, I don't blame you.  All this belief in Reapers as something real...I'm not going to say I have no doubts, but I'm considering it now, and I don't like the idea of it all, that's for sure.  DNA readings don't make sense to me unless there's something dead stored in those machines.  But as machines, there's a reason this galaxy doesn't trust AI.  VERA excluded, when has AI ever been good?  I think VERA may literally be the first, unless there's another AI like her out there.  The Geth...then what you're talking about here is something that is actually separate from the Geth.  Imagine AI of the magnitude of what attacked the Citadel and here there's evidence that there's more than one.  I don't want to think about it more than to say it’s a big universe and what we know about it is scary enough.  

 

“Being a Spectre has to be getting to you a bit, though.  You could use some downtime yourself.  What good are you if you're mind isn't in order?  There has to be a Matriarch who'd be willing to spend time with a Spectre, I'm sure more than one.  I'd talk to someone who's safe, though.  Being old doesn't make someone more trustworthy, necessarily.  You've got a relationship with Aria.  She's got plenty of secrets she needs to keep.  I'm sure she'll get you in touch with someone you can talk to, who can maybe help get you back to center.”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

VERA sent Jess a message: "Naleena would like to see you in the conference room immediately."

[Kel Riever]

Standing outside the conference room with Jess, Iole nodded. "Put in a good word for me about using the QEC!  Um, if it isn't a problem."

[Redbelle]

"No problem at all luv. Though if your looking to phone a girlfriend you can always use the one on the Medusa. Just don't forget to reverse the charges. I hate huge phone bills". She winked. "You can always take Serafina back to the Medusa as an escort if you need an excuse..... Toodles for now luv". Jess turned and approached the doors, hand reaching for the door controls on impulse before the door sensor registered her and swooshed the doors open. Shaking her head in amusement, Jess entered the conference room.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena smiled and stood. "I was completely unaware you were aboard, otherwise I would have come to see you earlier."

 

The first thing Jess noticed about Naleena were the dark circles under her eyes and that she looked pale.

 

"Please sit," Naleena said. "I'd offer you coffee, but we're out of real coffee at the moment and only have this crap. VERA informs me you were on the MIP and essentially saved our butts. I guess that makes us even, but I'd still like you to come along. I have connections with industries in Asari space. And black market connections there. You can turn a profit selling Asari goods elsewhere. You have the licenses now."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Ereba heard Arian and turned. "She's probably with Red working off some post mission stress, if you know what I mean," she said and winked at Tallis. "Anything Tallis or I can help you with? Come on in. We got snacks in the red bowls in here. I've seen you fight, and you're a hell of a soldier both with a weapon and hand to hand, but I noticed you got this little hitch in your dodge that might get you in trouble if you were say facing a charging Krogan. But there are ways to compensate.

 

"Oh, how do I know these things? My dad's Krogan. And you thought no one ever watched."

[Redbelle]

In the conference room

 

"Don't you worry about it luv. You got important things to get done. Paperworks a b*tch, I know".

 

Jess stepped inside and the doors closed behind her as she moved to sit nearby to Naleena. "By the way, when your done here Iole needs some QEC time. She's got a call to make". She shrugged. "Not sure who. Didn't ask for the details. Not my business. Anyway, Morgan! How's things on the Medusa? You need me for anything or are you okay without me for a while longer"?

[Kel Riever]

Morgan hadn't disconnected yet from the QEC.  He opened his mouth to say something, then changing his mind he sighed in humor at his own ability to still get caught off guard by Jess.  "Everything is good here.  I have to say taking the Medusa in, I see her appeal."  The bird on his shoulder, Tarus, chirped as if it wanted to participate in the conversation.  "You be quiet," Morgan told the pet, then said back to Jess.  "I did say to Naleena that there were a few things I'd leave you to tell her yourself.

"If you want us to get anything while we're here on the Citadel, let me know.  I'm going to have to figure out what to do about Jen's medical supplies before we leave.  Other than that, I'm off.  Your ship will be in top shape when you get back.  We're getting some people to work."

[Redbelle]

"Glad to hear it. Now tell me what you two have been discussing while I was running around so I'm up to speed. I heard there's a council ship that tried to give you the shakedown. Something about business with you luv". Jess turned and looked in Naleena's direction. "If somethings up that your having ships sent after this ship it sounds like someone has put you on a list of people they really want to have some face time with".

[TheMajonese]

Arian gave Ereba a confused look. "Your dad's a krogan? How...?" Then he interrupted himself. "Oh, yeah, asari..." 

 

To avoid standing in front of the others like an idiot, Arian walked over to the snacks that Ereba had mentioned, even though it was a bit reluctantly. But when he glanced at the red bowls, he realized that the food was uneatable for him anyway. With a sigh he turned back to the asari.

 

He pointed at the long scar on the left side on his face that went below his eye to the back of his head. "Frag grenade, a few years ago", he said with an odd lack of emotion in his voice. Then he placed a talon on his left leg. "Some nerves are irreparably damaged. It somewhat limits my movement...but I still beat Jenus when I joined the team...", he added with a somewhat amused snort when he remembered how he actually ended up on the Janiri in the first place.

[Kel Riever]

Tallis laughed, "She'll never say!  She'll never say..."

Arian caught exactly what Tallis was conveying, that Jenus would never admit that he'd ever even had an upper hand on her.  She had that undefeated attitude that couldn't be sundered.  What Arian saw in Tallis, though, was as equally undaunted, a sort of just ridiculous level of heart.  He'd been around long enough to see her hurt and lose friends, though of course it wasn't like she'd ever killed her...anyway, that was her in the moment, and Arian was clear her laughter was at Jenus and not Arian.

Making a gesture of lifting weights with her arms, Tallis added.  "Jenus working out.  Jenus working out."  Then in full parody, she rolled up her eyes, blew out her cheeks, clenched her fists and bent her elbows as if she was flexing for a body building contest.

[Cknarf]

Johnny suddenly felt the need to lift, but randomly picking up heavy things in the middle of a conversation would be incredibly rude.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"Glad to hear it. Now tell me what you two have been discussing while I was running around so I'm up to speed. I heard there's a council ship that tried to give you the shakedown. Something about business with you luv". Jess turned and looked in Naleena's direction. "If somethings up that your having ships sent after this ship it sounds like someone has put you on a list of people they really want to have some face time with".

 

Naleena poured Jess a cup of the bitter caffeinated tea she was drinking. "I apologize for the tea. It must be Krogan or Batarian in origin. One of our Spectres, Xanthe Remi, has gone missing in the Terminus. The last time I saw her was after Garvug when she told me things had gotten very dangerous, and that she'd received approval for a squad of Serrice Guard. Those are Asari I wouldn't want my team to tangle with, not without putting everyone through some rigorous training. We're good, but a squad of Serrice Guard, I was telling Morgan, could hold off two platoons of Turian Marines," she said and leaned back in her chair with one leg cross over the other at the knee. She took a fresh cigarette out of her case. "Do you mind?"

 

Naleena lit the cigarette, and continued. "No decent coffee this morning, and this is all I have to start my day.... I had also thought that Xanthe might be able to help with our investigation: Iyana, especially after finding out that Molly Hagen was now out of action. We lost Iyana in the Terminus, and that move seemed logical. I warned her: 'Do not underestimate this criminal. She's kills for pleasure and has a very loyal following.' Xhuan Setura is former Serrice Guard. So is Xanthe. The difference is that  Xanthe left to become a Justicar, then left that path to become a Spectre. Xhuan Setura was dismissed without honor.

 

"It's just a gut feeling, but I believe Xanthe's disappearance and Iyana are connected. Morgan kept deferring to you during our discussion."

[TheMajonese]

Janiri - Lounge

 

Arian was usually really good at hiding his thoughts and feelings behind a stonecold expression on his face, but when Tallis 'talked' to him, he couldn't help but cast a somewhat helpless glance at Ereba before turning back to the other asari. He had no idea what it was that made Tallis say everything twice. But Arian had the feeling that he could easily say something that sounded mean if he asked about her unusual behavior. And for some reason he wanted to avoid that with Tallis.

 

So he just shrugged and turned to leave. "Ahm...Thanks...I guess I'll have to look for Jenus at the gym..."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

"Hey wait, before you go. You beat Jenus?" Ereba laughed. "No offense to you, but I'll have to remember that one next time she starts riding us. You know, I watch you train alone against the holograms VERA creates in the combat sim. You know how she creates them, right? She takes real mission data and writes adaptive code for the bots. They learn from what you do and how you react to them. Then when we go out on a mission she takes our suit cam data and adds new information to them."

 

Ereba shifted in her chair. Her leg was becoming uncomfortable. "Damned shrapnel. It'll be like this for a couple of days. I guess what I'm saying, Arian, is that instead of keeping that knowledge you have locked inside your head, when you see Jenus, why don't you talk to her about sharing that with us?"

[TheMajonese]

"That fight? It wasn't even anything special", Arian said with another shrug, sounding indifferent as he did so. "Just part of the test to find out if I was good enough to join the team, that's all. I mean...you could just ask Jenus about it, I don't think there's a reason for her to keep this a secret."