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[Kel Riever]

Babe gave Jess a bit of a lingering stare as she took a cue and went to the shower.

"In from the beach, ma'am," Priss said to Sariere, "is it a fitting you're looking to do?"

Safiere only recovered after Babe disappeared from sight, and still stumbled with her words at first.  "ye-s-um...Yes...Morgan, I believe an associate of yours, has hired me to take your measurements, and design up to three outfits for each of you, to your liking."

"What kind of outfits are we talking about?" Priss asked coyly. 

Safiere looked down at her own suit.  "One business attire, one summer formal and one evening formal."

"Ain't that gonna cost a peso or two?"

Safiere didn't know what a peso was, but she caught the meaning.  "Your associate has done me a rather large favor in tracking someone down who took a sum from me.  He had them virtually sign a legal document by fingerprint that will have them in court.  I have a deep appreciation for his work and plan on doing my best work in return for all of you."

"Well," Miss Priss grinned, "How can a lady say no to that?"

Over the next several minutes, Safiere took the measurements of each person, then opened her kit which projected a holograph of the designs she could work with.    It was clear, from her selection, Safiere could really deliver any fashion the women might be looking for.  The tailor, after showing the array of selections, crossed one leg over the other as she sat on a couch and waited for her new clients to pick their wear.  "Anything you see is perfectly fine and will be delivered to your room by the end of the day."

[Redbelle]

Jess had stripped off her gilet for the measuring, despite being told it wouldn't interfere with the scan and was down to a white cotton singlet that clung to her skin.

 

"My business is ships business luv. That means a pair of overalls... But then business is also making clients like me and my get up usually does the trick for that. Though..." She trailed off as she looked at the designs and reached out to flick through them. "...I think... It's time to restyle... Let's keep the look. Green, but add some red trim along the edges. Keep the gilet, but add a long coat that goes to ankle height. Cut at the thigh so I can get my two bog boys out when I need them to settle an argument. Lose the sleeves. They just feel so limiting. I can add a few tech additions to the piece. Plus I could use some new boots. Up to the calf. Insulated". Jess looked over at Priss, then looked over to where Babe was keeping out of Sariere's eye-line. "As for the daily fashion... The summer formal, I have an idea that I just know I'll regret but... How do you girls feel like syncing up our evening wear for a three lady power ensemble"?

[Kel Riever]

Miss Priss simply giggled as an agreement. Babe flashed a knowing look of her eyes for a yes.

Safiere was busy at work after that, spinning the 3D holo models with each person's measurements as she went about programming what a fabricator would produce.  "I have to say, I do love a good ensemble."  She peeked at Jess briefly while she worked.  "Morgan said you'd be the person who might be putting it all together, and to go ahead and give you whatever you asked for inside the terms."

[Redbelle]

Looking between Priss and Babe, Jess smiled, raising a knee up and placing her heel on the edge of the couch as she placed her pinkie nail between her teeth.

 

"I have a few ideas". She said, then abruptly leaned forward and ran some idea's through her holo display. When she was done she leaned back. "This works for a first impression. If we split up I imagine you two will draw every eye in the room. Which would give me the opportunity to work a room... Or leave one, without being noticed".

 

Jess looked at the images on the display. The one in the middle was probably best described as string. White. Wrapped around each other to create broad swathes around the vital area's that ended in a skirt that ended mid thigh. The only things that looked off were the twin pistol holders strapped to each leg. The other two dresses however were symmetrical opposites of each other. It began with the chokers. Black for Babe's, Pink for Priss. From them ran what could only be described as a wave as the material curved around the bodies of the holographic models, at the same time concealing and revealing enough that the figures seemed alluring to all in the room. Jess reached out and removed the figure in the middle and the two that remained appeared almost as a mirror image of the other. The white dresses offset by black and pink bangles and belts for each of the two intended recipients.

 

"Add another gun holster on each of you and the message will be clear... Look, but touch? And it's coming out your hide".

[Kel Riever]

Babe gave a nod.  Jess could tell she just wanted to grab Safiere's holo kit for fun. 

"I say I like the way you think, Honey Bee," Miss Priss responded, "But I think you already know that."

There was a shriek of a jetbike out at the speedway just loud enough to be heard through the windows.  It caught Priss' attention and she said, "That shindig is really rollin' now."

Armali Raceway

The crowd was roaring.  They had just finished watching Longbow and Divine break their lap record on their morning test run.  They didn't seem to notice the quick waves from Divine as she almost ran back into the garage.  Longbow trotted after her.

As soon as she was inside, Divine slammed the door control to close the garage.  And as soon as it was closed, Divine yanked off her helmet, doubled over, and threw up.

Longbow looked shocked, and knelt down next to her with concern.  It took a minute for her SO to finish and she put a hand on her shoulder.  "What's going on?"

"I don't know," Divine choked out.  "Something's wrong with my stomach."

Longbow knew Divine didn't mean it was nerves anymore.
 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Armali Raceway - Irina

 

Irina had watched Longbow and Divine run their record time. Damn! Those two are great! If I could have gotten my hands on one of those Starscreamers, but then I’d probably not have met Jenus, and … this whole event is just …. Ah **** it.

 

“Jenus, I’ve got to talk to Alisa,” Irina said, jumped out of her seat and quickly descended into the pit area.

 

Alisa and the crew were taking a break. Marcus was at his laptop watching the other racers and saw Irina approaching with a purpose. He stood and walked toward Alisa.

 

“What’s up?” Marcus asked.

 

“Do we have a chance?” Irina asked.

 

Marcus was silent.

 

Irina asked again. This time louder. “Do we have a chance? Do I have a shot?”

 

“I heard you the first time, Red,” Marcus replied, paused then continued. “Look, I won’t sugar coat it. No. You’re fast. Very fast. I’ll give you that. It’s like you don’t have any fear out there. But you’re inexperienced in traffic, and that’s gonna cost you. You’re still getting used to the new helmet; that showed during the trial. That bike should have performed better than 15^th.”

 

“Alisa?”

 

Alisa sighed. “I don’t dare run this thing any hotter,” she said. “You hear the way the other bikes sound? Not like this one. Yours screams like a demon, and it needs to hold up for 50 laps. Flat out it’s faster than Deadlock’s on the straight. I pushed the tech on it to the limit.”

 

“Will it hold up?”

 

“She did this for mine, Red. Let the crew worry about the technical stuff,” Marcus replied. “You’ll have to make your moves on the straights. I’ll give you the lines going into the turns, and watch your VI proximity warnings.”
 

“I reset those for close so you can be aggressive,” Alisa said.

 

Irina shifted her weight from her right to her left foot. “Explain,” she said and folded her arms.

 

“You’ll still get a yellow from the standard distance, but you won’t get the red warning as early as you were,” Alisa replied. “Just watch your HUD. And keep an eye on the core temp.”

 

“Now get back to your hotel and get some dinner and rest,” Marcus said. “I mean it.”

 

Irina nodded and left. When she returned to the seats, Jenus looked up at her and saw that she was concerned.

 

 

“Come on, Jenus. Let’s go,” Irina said. “I need some decent food and sleep.”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Armali Raceway - Naleena

 

Naleena arrived at the track and flashed her card at the ticket office. Rea Iallis had indeed called in her seat and the Asari handed her the VIP box pass, and an usher escorted Naleena to the box.

 

The VIP boxes were a real treat. They had their own vid screens showing each part of the track, wet bar, real naugahyde recliner seats, and could call for service from the better restaurant in the facility. One did not have to suffer with the race track food as did the other patrons. Plus there was a direct view of the corkscrew, the most dangerous section of the track.

 

Naleena entered the private box, introduced herself, sat and watched as Longbow ran her time trial.

 

 

“Impressive,” Naleena commented. “That is your daughter, Whisp? Rea told me a little about her.”

[Redbelle]

 

...

 

"...First phase"?

 

"...And when you left... You missed phase two".

 

The figure in the matte black armor didn't move. Didn't turn it's head from Anika giving the impression to Anika that she was talking to a machine when it moved it's hand and gestured towards her.

 

"Everything you are now. Everything that was done... It was all part of a plan. A process to make you ready for the next step. We were taken from our parents and our former lives... We were paid for test subjects. Step one. Step two was to weed out the inferior by putting us through physical and mental training while increasing our general fitness. Not to make us better soldiers. They wanted to make sure we were healthy enough to survive the first stage augmentation. Everything from the food we ate to the number of times our hearts pumped a day. It was all calculated and our routines adjusted for optimal health...".

 

"Your not telling me anything I don't already know".

 

"Yes. We all knew. But we thought it was for the augment. It was... but that wasn't the end of the plan... When we underwent the therapies and surgeries we weren't made the soldiers that were needed for humanity. We were a test bed for the real augmentation that would push us to a class of solider unseen in this galaxy. You were made to be impressive little one. But when you ran, you left behind the horror of what came next".

 

"You expect me to feel sorry for you"?

 

"My sisters and I are... split, as to how we should receive you. I and our leader think you got out in time. The other two think you should have stayed and sowed solidarity in the face of...". The figure went silent as it trialed off and Anika pressed on.

 

"Why are you still wearing that armor. You call me a sister but won't show your face? That wasn't anything taught in the complex"!

 

"You don't know. After you left we were thrown into the final round of augmentations".

 

"What final round"?

 

"The one none of suspected. We were told they could push us beyond what you are. And they were right... They had found a way to make us more... Over a hundred of our sisters were at the complex. All of us went through the final augmentation process...". The armored figure heaved a sigh. "...Four lived to see it's end".

[Kel Riever]

Iole

Iole was pretty much having the time of her life, hanging out with Frank.  Pretty much, what Frank found out was that Iole could fawn endlessly over technical talk.  Not just about jetbikes or weapons, but really just about anything at all.  And, of course, she had a good sense of humor.  Often her protests at being teased were just fake.  She had a way of remembering the fun slights, and would build them up to return the favor at some point.

Of course, when Irina got the signatures from Longbow and Divine, Iole was beside herself.  She didn't say anything at first, but after being encouraged, Iole of course got the signatures of her favorite pilot and SO as well.  Both Longbow and Divine seemed to be having as good a time giving them, happy to have met some fans who were fun to talk to.  Iole had them sign the sleeve of her uniform, saying she'd personally shell out cash for another one, so she could basically save the uniform forever.  It was a half joke.  Frank knew Iole would do exactly just that.

So it came as a bit of a surprise when Iole's mood changed.  Frank saw her looking up at one of the boards updating the status of the pros.  It didn't take him long to figure out, though, because when he followed her gaze, one of the headlines streamed across with a picture of Longbow and Divine.

"Armali sponsored racer Longbow, and SO Divine, considering bowing out of Astella.  Stay tuned for more information."
 

[Cknarf]

Armali, Thessia.

 

Kira rode quietly in the limousine that had picked her up originally, only this time, she had far more control of where it was going.

 

“Did you have a specific destination in mind, Matriarch Kira?” Asked one of her fresh escorts. While the maiden’s tone was polite, and she bore a smile, Kira could tell she would rather be elsewhere.

 

“I suppose we have been driving for some time now.” Kira responded, her eyes the only evidence of the smile under her covering. She looked out the window, and thought a moment. “It’s been such a long time since I’ve been home...” She looked back to her escort. “What would you suggest?”

 

“Well… I was supposed to be at the race today, but something important came up…”

 

“Like escorting a matriarch?”

 

“I’ll make the next one.” The maiden smiled.

 

“You’ll be making this one, as well.” Kira pressed the intercom button. “Driver, take us to Armali Speedway.”

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

Thessia, unknown location.

 

“I can’t believe she’s been allowed to roam free for so long. Matriarch Kira, is a danger to the galaxy, as are the rest of her kind. If it were up to me, I would just as soon have her eliminated along with the rest of them. If she--.”

 

“She won’t.”

 

“How can you be so sure?”

 

“Kira has shown remarkable restraint over the years, despite developing close personal relationships with multiple individuals. Altus Adinax, specifically. That’s the closest we have ever come to intervention, and that was nearly 600 years ago. I trust her, as did our predecessors.”

 

“I don’t see how they could, considering what happened to her last victim.”

 

“Her only ‘victim’, if you could even call her that. She was unaware of her condition at the time. It was a most unfortunate situation.”

 

“If it weren’t for her parents…”

 

“There’s no denying that their influence played a part in maintaining her freedom, but it was a much smaller part than you realize. The republic had a hand in it as well. At the time of the incident, the relationships between the Republics were… strained.  We weren’t exactly on the brink of war, but if things continued the way they did... the outcome likely would have been less than ideal.”

 

“And what does that have to do with Kira?”

 

“Are you familiar with the Locked In program?”

 

“Refresh my memory.”

 

“We wanted, needed, a more secure way of storing sensitive information. We were the first to try it, using those like Kira to keep our secrets safe. In exchange for their service, we offered them a life of relative freedom.”

 

“Because there’s no way that could never backfire.”

 

“For Kira, the timing couldn’t have been better. We were desperate for a truly viable candidate. Those with ideal personality characteristics tended to have only mild cases of the disorder, and were rejected almost immediately. They were still vulnerable to forced extractions. The others proved far too difficult to control, as their drive was just too strong.”

 

“Kira, on the other hand, was the perfect combination of both controllability and lethality. Even if someone were able to make a successful extraction, they would be so severely damaged by the meld that they would be unable to share any intel they may have gathered from it.”

 

“The others you mentioned, what became of them?”

 

“They were tracked down, and promptly eliminated.”

 

“All of them?”

 

“Yes. Kira is all that remains of our program.”

 

“And what about the other republics?”

 

“...”

 

“Well?”

 

“We believe that Serrice had a similar program, beginning around the same time, but the details are sparse. Whether or not it was a success, we don’t know for sure, although I highly doubt that their results were much different than ours. Kira was an anomaly. The odds of finding someone like her...”

 

“I’m not concerned so much about the ones that they were able to control, but those that they couldn’t… “

 

“Unfortunately, we have very little information regarding those involved with their program. From what I understand, our predecessors took most of what they knew to the grave with them, aside from what they allowed to be preserved within Kira’s mind.”

 

“Why?”

 

“They were firm believers in the program.”

 

“Couldn’t we just ask her?”

 

“A number of conditions, unknown to me, must be met before she will release any information. Whether it is a list of guidelines set by our predecessors, a personal code, or a combination of both, I cannot say.”

 

“We have ways of making someone talk...”

 

“No. Her biotic abilities would make capture and containment incredibly difficult. For that reason, it is imperative that we remain on good terms with Matriarch Kira.”

 

“So… do we have anything? At all?”

 

“We have been able to trace a single name back to the project: Tysis. The specifics regarding her involvement are unclear, and if it is who we believe it is, she is no longer among the living.”

 

“A lot of good that does us.”

 

“If any problems arise that might affect us in any way, we will call upon Kira. I am confident that she will provide us with any information we might need when the time is right. For now, there are more pressing issues that demand our attention...”

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

Armali speedway

 

Kira stepped out of the limousine, flanked immediately by her well-armed entourage. They made moving through the crowd easy enough. While her matriarchal status made it easy to weasel inside without any form of payment, access to the VIP area proved more difficult.

 

“Surely you can make an exception for a matriarch...” The friendly escort tried to negotiate. She really wanted to watch from a VIP box.

 

“Oh, just because she’s old, means she can go wherever she wants? I don’t care who you are, if you don’t have a pass, you’re not getting in.”

 

“You…”

 

“It’s quite alright, child. I don’t mind sitting in the grandstand...” Kira said, trying to prevent a scene.

 

“Excuse me.” Came a distinctly turian voice from behind. “There is more than enough room in my private section, if you would care to join.” He gently pulled his right arm free from one of his accompanying females, and held out a hand in greeting. “Mr. Taetrus.”

 

“Kira T’sae.”

 

“Have we met previously?” Asked the incredibly well dressed Mr. Taetrus.”I feel as though we may have.”

 

“I… don’t believe so…”Kira responded, even though the turian looked rather familiar. “Do you do much business in Nos Astra?” She asked, thinking maybe she knew him from the club.

 

Mr. Taetrus shook his head. “I do, but not personally. I have people for that.”

 

“Hm...”

 

“No matter, we will have plenty of time to discuss it in the VIP area.” Mr. Taetrus gestured at the elevator.

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

“While it would be an honor to have you, please, don’t feel obligated to sit in my box.” Mr. Taetrus spoke, as the elevator ascended. “From here, you should have full access to the larger, more open VIP area. However, you will find that the private sections are still very private.”

 

“I would like to explore on my own for a short time.” Kira replied.

 

“Very well.” Mr. Taetrus opened his omni-tool. “You can find me here.” He nodded, stepping off the elevator with his girls, and heading off in his own direction.

 

“All of you, go.” Kira waved off her escorts. “Enjoy yourselves while you can.”

 

“We have been ordered not to leave your side, ma’am.”

 

Kira sighed.

 

"Come on, then."

 

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

 

Frank

 

"Armali sponsored racer Longbow, and SO Divine, considering bowing out of Astella.  Stay tuned for more information."

 

"Well, that sucks." Frank shrugged, offering little to no support to a clearly bummed Iole. "At least you got to meet 'em, right?"

[Kel Riever]

Iole

More bothered about her favorite racer than Frank's response (she didn't worry if he didn't seem to understand), she said, "It's just strange, though.  What happened?  They seemed fine when we saw them."

At the Iallis family booth, Armali Raceway

"Spectre!  I'm so glad you could make it!"  Rea greeted Naleena warmly as she came in, the Commando still in her uniform, though formal dress attire complete with gloves.  "Come on in and meet everyone who's here so far."

Naleena saw five other asari in the room, and while not everyone looked so similar to each other, enough of a resemblance was there to know it was a family.  If anything, it was a mood.  Most of Rea's sisters seemed to have fiery orange facial markings, as opposed to the white of Rea or of the picture's Naleena had seen of Whisp, though one sister had no facial markings at all.  Rea seemed to be among the youngest members, though they all were generally in the same age ranged and Naleena guessed they likely had the same father.

Rea introduced Naleena to each, though it was hard to remember names.  One was a sort of rebel, punk type, she seemed to gravitate to Naleena instantly, one was stand off-ish but polite.  The sister who stood out from the crowd was the youngest, and the one as it turned out, without facial markings.  'Tizzy' was her name, and she was with the one non-asari in the room, a man named Ben, who was about forty years old.  There was some banter about a sister who wasn't there, and strangely Naleena remembered her name too.  'Layl', who was apparently serving in the navy.  Then, after all the sisters had been introduced, Rea brought Naleena to the front of the booth, where a matron had been seated, and only stood when Naleena approached, after all the sisters had been spoken to.

"Naleena, this is my mother, Drasteya."

The matron smiled, and Naleena could see the eyes of experience, though she was still centuries away from becoming a matriarch.  It was the face of someone who had once been hard, and yet softened with time.  The fiery markings on Drasteya were the boldest, looking like they'd literally leap from her visage.  She was comfortably dressed in a jacket and slacks, and had a half full wine glass in her hand.  The matron held out her hand.  "A pleasure to meet you, Spectre.  Rea's been enthusiastic about your visit.  Come, get yourself something to eat and drink from the table and have yourself a seat."

Rea blushed at this.  Drasteya motioned to a comfortable seat next to her for Naleena.  There was a small table nearby so that Naleena could place a glass and plate if she wanted within reach (the long table behind had been extensively set with a diverse array of food and beverages, both alcoholic and not).

"I don't know if you've heard the unfortunate news, but though we typically get together as a family only once in a while, and usually for events as important as this, Whisp won't be racing it seems."  Drasteya took her chair again, which she sank into as if it gave her a satisfying protection.  "Her SO is suffering from a severe illness." 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena was concerned about the news. "I don't mean to intrude, but what kind of illness? My mission gets me around to all parts of the galaxy.  We have one of the finest Salarian doctors available, and we are lucky to have a top medical researcher on board as well," she said. "Unlike most military vessels, our medical facility is not a medi-gel dispensary. I could have Dr. Tolus look at her if you wish."

[Cknarf]

"Maybe they're having trouble with the bike or somethin'." Frank suggested at first. "Or... one of 'em might have the hot poops. Could you imagine? Diarrhea at that speed? Oh ho, man, that would be brutal!" He wrinkled his nose a bit. "Whatever it is, I'm sure they'll get it worked out. If anything, they could always find someone to take their place. You know, so the team still earns points for participating."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Raceday - Irina

 

Jenus sat on the edge of the bed, bags under her eyes. “Void! Red, you were tossing and turning all night! And you kept taking all the blanket!”

 

“Why didn’t you wake me?” Irina said as she rolled out of bed and stumbled toward the shower.

 

“Because you needed the sleep. You’re competing today, remember?” Jenus said.

 

“Thanks. Could you order us some breakfast?” Irina asked, turning on the shower.

 

“I already did. Oatmeal and eggs Earth style for you. Remember what Marcus said,” Jenus said as she got on the floor and did her push-ups. “And what in the Void were you dreaming about?”

 

“I don’t remember. Beauty of human memory, eh?” Irina’s voice echoed out of the bathroom.

 

Room service arrived just as Irina was getting out of the shower. Jenus threw a robe on and took in the order.

 

Irina looked at Jenus’ protein drink and frowned. “Is that all you’re having?”

 

“I’ll grab something at the track. Probably some sushi at the VIP restaurant,” she replied. “But you need to eat, now.”

 

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

 

Irina and Jenus arrived. Racers had been taking warm up laps, and it was time for Irina to take hers before the 50 lap. She quickly changed, kissed Jenus, left the shuttle and approached Alisa and her bike.

 

Alisa had the bike idling, and Irina climbed on.

 

“Take it around nice and easy. Let it warm up,” Alisa said. “I know the readout shows everything in the normal operating range now, but it’s not ready for high speed yet. Give her a couple of laps and she’ll be there.”

 

“Anything I should know?”

 

“Keep an eye on the core temp. I’ve got it running hot for the race. If it starts running in the orange, bring it in, and I’ll adjust it,” Alisa said. “Bad things can start happening if it gets too hot.”

 

Marcus wandered over. “And other crews know that trick, too, so don’t think you’re the only one out there with a hot bike,” he said. “The difference between you and them is that you have me. Now get this bike warmed up.”

 

Irina nodded and pulled the bike out onto the track. She followed Alisa’s instructions to the letter on the first lap, and she took the second warm up lap a little faster. The third lap she took the core temp up into the yellow, then pulled back into the pit. There was an Asari waiting. It was Splitter.

 

Irina stopped her bike in place for the crew to go to work, and Splitter approached it. She ran her finger along its line. “Well, well… the rookie is in the finals,” she said. “You won’t get away with that cheap move again. You know you can really hurt another rider with that kind of stunt. I filed a protest to have you black flagged for the race.”

 

“Then why haven’t I heard anything?” Irina said.

 

“She’s just trying to rattle you,” Marcus said as he strode over to Splitter. “Don’t listen to her. The committee denied her protest. They ruled she had been blocking traffic and left herself wide open.”

 

Splitter cocked her head. “True, but your move was dangerous and gutless,” she replied and squinted her eyes. “Don’t be surprised if someone retaliates today.”

 

“We’re running a clean race. Now get the hell out of my pit!” Marcus said.

 

“Clean race? Like you Cascians are infamous for?” Splitter shot back. “Oh, didn’t Marcus tell you? He made his fame by cheating. They never caught him red handed, but there was always a suspicion. When they finally had the technology to do it he retired.”

 

Splitter strutted out of the pit area. Medi-gel and bone healers. Miracles of modern medicine healed injuries in a couple of days.

 

“What was that about?” Irina asked looking at Marcus.

 

“Lies! All of it. Lies!” Marcus replied. “She’s trying to get you rattled. Distracted. And sow distrust in the team just at the time you need to focus on racing. It’s a great strategy, but you have to remember she’s Deadlock’s teammate.”

 

Alisa put her hand on Irina’s shoulder. “The Asari were after my father for years. They couldn’t stand the fact he was beating them at their own game. Some of them think they’re so superior. Sanctimonious b1tches,” she commented. “No offense to your girlfriend.”

 

“None taken,” Irina said and took a deep breath, then heard an announcement. “It looks like that’s my call.”

 

The pit crew had just finished refueling her bike, and she climbed back on, rode back on and took her place in the starting grid.

 

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

 

She felt the electricity in the air like never before as the racers were announced over the PA system. They remembered her, though and the incident with Splitter, and booed when she was introduced on the number 7 bike.

 

Marcus immediately got on the radio. “Don’t let that bother you,” he said. “That actually works in your favor. The officials will be watching you closely. Run a clean race, and if there’s any retaliation they’ll catch it. All the racers know it, too. You can be aggressive. The crowd won’t like it, but f*ck ‘em.”

 

“That Asari really p!ssed you off, Cascian,” Irina replied.

 

“Spirits! She brought back some bad memories…. And some good ones,” Marcus laughed. “Let’s win this thing.”

 

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

 

“Irina Sloane? Our Irina Sloane is running in the race?” Naleena said looking at the starting grid on the vid screen. She zoomed in on her. “Cascian Racing…. What in the Void?”

 

She checked pit row for Cascian Racing and found the crew and noticed a young Turian female barking orders to the crew. “Service Chief Cascian?” she asked. Then when she zoomed out she noticed a couple Asari, one in magenta in the VIP stands right above the pit, and zoomed in. “Jenus? Tallis? Alright.”

 

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

 

“Ladies! Start your engines!”

 

Irina started the Starstreamer and it kicked over smooth. A lot smoother than usual. Alisa and her crew had really outdone themselves on this. The pace bikes started moving the pack ahead for the rolling start. It would be one lap in formation before being started on the beginning of the main straight for the 50 lap race. Irina’s proximity alerts were all in the green for now.

 

“Okay, Marcus, I know the basic strategy is not to fall behind, but what do you have for me?” Irina asked.

 

“You’re faster than the next four bikes, that’s a given, so you’ll want to get by them as quickly as possible,” Marcus said. “There are others in your predicament too, so watch your six. And don’t be afraid to shut them down.”

 

They hit the main straight and the pace bikes pulled onto the infield. Irina accelerated maintaining her 15^th position for the next two laps watching how the riders moved, and also waiting for the engine core to reach optimal temperature. Then rounding turn six, she took outside and went past 14, and slipped into 12^th before turn 8 and heading into the technical section on turn 1.

 

“Nice move, Red,” Marcus said. “Now you’re getting up into the better riders. It’ll be more difficult. Number 22, the one in front of you is a bit tentative through corkscrew and drop. I think if you hang back a little, cut inside, then gun it right at the drop, you can take her before the next turn. You’ll have to hit your e-thrusters a little and that’ll get some boo-birds, but f*ck ‘em. Just make the pass clean and no one can complain.”

 

“Got it,” Irina said, and got by 22 on lap 10. “I’m taking number 15 on the straight.”

 

Marcus shouted into the mic. “She’s too fast. You need to get closer. Do it on the next lap.”

 

Irina didn’t wait, and dropped the hammer, blowing by #15 and #3 before slipping into 9^th. Engine core temp hit orange and she had to back off a bit to cool things down.
 

“You’re crazy! I should have had Alisa leave the limiter on that bike.”

 

By lap 27, Irina had moved to 5^th. She was pushing the bike hard. Deadlock could see her in her HUD coming up behind.

 

On lap 35, Irina decided it was time to make the move. “Marcus, give me a line.”

 

“Nice drafting, now go inside on turn 7, take #17 then take Nitro on the straight. You’ll have your work cut out for you from then on,” Marcus said. “Deadlock’s a real pro. And she’s fast.”

 

Irina made the move into 2^nd, but Deadlock had a three-quarter lap lead on everyone, and showed no signs of letting up.

 

//////////

 

In Deadlock’s pit, Splitter grabbed the mic from her coach. “That upstart is in second and gaining. How’s the bike running?”

 

“Smooth as your ass, Splitter. She won’t be a problem,” Deadlock replied.

 

//////////
 

Irina dropped the hammer again and her bike started screaming a demonic discord down the main straight. By lap 42 she was thirty meters behind Deadlock and gaining by drafting. Deadlock kept turning up the heat, gradually, a little faster and faster until her bike was running in the orange.

 

Lap 48, Irina started making a move, closing what was left of the gap. She was right up on Deadlock’s ass. Marcus was shouting in her headset. It was all or nothing to her. Then she started falling back. A glowing ion stream was shooting out of the side of her bike.

 

“****!” Irina shouted. “****! ****! ****!” Her bike slowed to about 200 kph and she had to pull into the pit. She took off her helmet and threw it across slamming it into the shuttle.

 

“Sonovafuckingbitch!”Irina shouted. “I had her! I f*cking had her!”

 

Alisa and team ran over to the bike and stopped the ion fuel leak. The yellow flag had come out on the track until the ions dissipated.

 

Marcus walked over and put his arm around Irina. “No, you didn’t have her. That bike of hers had more left in it. You gave it the best you could with what you had.”

 

The checkered flag came out and Deadlock ran away with first. Irina, her dream broken, walked over to Deadlock’s pit area. Splitter met her.

 

“What are you doing here?” Splitter asked with aggression.

 

“It’s alright,” Deadlock said.

 

“I just came over to congratulate you on your win,” Irina said.

 

“Thank you. That was a good race you ran, Red,” Deadlock replied. “I was lucky you didn’t have a better bike, otherwise it might have been, what is it you humans call it? A Cinderella story.”

 

Irina laughed half-heartedly. “I guess it sort of was. My ride turned into a pumpkin in the end.”

 

“Better luck next time.” Deadlock said. “And I hope there will be a next time. You’ll attract some sponsors now.”

 

“Good luck, Deadlock,” Irina said. “And no hard feelings, Splitter. I need to go.”

 

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

 

 

Irina went back into the stands and sat next to Jenus. She was feeling down after the race, but there was nothing she could have done. The bike just didn’t have it in it.

[Redbelle]

 

"What final round"?

 

"The one none of us suspected. We were told they could push us beyond what you are. And they were right... They had found a way to make us more... Over a hundred of our sisters were at the complex. All of us went through the final augmentation process...". The armored figure heaved a sigh. "...Four lived to see it's end".

 

"FOUR"!

 

Anika stood abruptly for as long as it took her opposite to say.

 

"Sit down".

 

Anika's legs abruptly gave way and she collapsed back into the chair. She caught herself by on the arms. "How are you doing that"?!?!

 

Instead of answering the figure leaned forward. The chair under the mass creaking as weight shifted on it's frame. "Four survivors. One who fled. You could have been the fifth and be like us. You could have been one of the hundred. Either way... When we learned what had happened and what was going to happen, we showed the Complex how powerful we were".

 

The figure leaned back again and went on. "It was our leader who was the first to break out. She had power even those who creaed her didn't imagine. She found out we were cattle. Experiments to be used, dissected, and used in the next round of experimental test subjects. We were process refinement. We were never intended to be soldiers. Four survivors this time. Perhaps the next would have yielded eight? It didn't matter. Our leader came for me first. Somehow she knew I could help. When she freed me the outside door from my recovery room had an armed response team outside with orders to kill us. And so I went to see them. And when I saw them I asked them to put their guns in their mouths and pull the triggers. They were scared, or course. But they obeyed. And everyone I met that day obeyed too. People obey me because I was made to be obeyed. Only my sisters and a select few hold their free will in my presence. The fact you are capable of resisting marks you as one of us. Even if you are pre-process...".

 

Anika felt her cool start to evaporate. "Why did you... 'ask'... those people to ring me here"?

 

"Because.... We don't know what to do with you. Your one of us. But not one of us. All we now have are each other. Another one of us means we are not as alone as we once were and our reach is greater. On the other hand, you are a reminder as to what we once were. What we lost. And what we can never return too. We are sisters through our bond Anika. And unlike us, you now know that you are not alone. And you know what that place we were raised in was. So why don't you tell me, and be honest... What do you want"?

[Cainhurst Crow]

Faed at the Pavilion with Essul

 

Faed began to get winded. He wasn’t used to the physical exercise, and Legion noticed indications of fatigue in his bio-signs. Faed exerted control.

 

“I’m sorry. Having been cooped up on ships most of my life, I’m not used to this level of activity. Thank you,” he said and started to return to where Essul was seated.

 

The young Asari leaned forward. “That’s alright. It’s been fun,” she said and followed him. “My name is Denala. I’ve never met anyone like you before. Where are you from?”

 

“It’s complicated,” Faed replied.

 

“I’m complicated,” Denala replied.

 

Faed realized the younger generation didn’t know what a Quarian looked like. He could tell them anything, and due to the headlines that saying he was a Quarian would get, telling them anything would probably be the best course of action.

 

“Trust me, it’s more complicated than you could imagine,” he replied and ordered a Turian brandy when he returned to the bar.

 

“Turian brandy? That means you’re dextro,” Denala said. “There are only two dextro species in the galaxy. Are you…?”

 

“Who says there are only two? But you’re right. There are only two, and I’m not Turian,” Faed said. “I’m dying. I don’t have long to live. I have a lot of antibiotics in my system to ward off infection. I wanted to enjoy a night out without my suit.”

 

“But how did you know how to dance like that?” Denala asked.

 

Faed offered Denala a seat at the table. “300 years ago on our homeworld, we Quarians were a very decadent people. That was why we created the Geth, so we would have more time for our pleasurable pursuits,” Faed said. “The Migrant Fleet has 17 million people living on thousands of ships. We had to create a way of maintaining some kind of coherence. Our researchers made a virtual city that is a replica of the largest city on Rannoch at the height of our civilization before the invention of the Geth.

 

“Do you see these nodes on my forehead?” Faed said and pointed to his cybernetic implants. “These are the visible ones. I have even more cybernetic enhancements. Every Quarian does. They help us with all of our technical work. And they allow us to interface directly with this virtual city where we can interact with each other via an avatar that does not wear a suit. Everything you can imagine is there, and your avatar cannot die in the virtual city. If it were not for this, the fleet would have fractured centuries ago.

 

“So while our fleet does not have room for pleasurable activities, we do have them in this virtual city.”

 

“But it isn’t real,” Denala said.

 

Faed frowned. “It is… the best we have,” he said and gestured to the club. “This, however, is real. And so are you. You are a sweet girl, Denala, and I am getting tired. I must go.”

 

He turned to Essul and motioned with his head that they should leave. 

 

"The races, huh? Sounds like you've got a nice day planned out for yourself. Your friend though...he's the one everyone's talking about. The quarian without a suit walking around like it's no big deal..." She said as she looked towards faed, staring at him for a bit before she turned back to the bar, "So, I have to ask...how'd some big, strong, batarian like yourself wind up with a quarian like him?"

 

Essul was silent as he searched his memory, trying to remember what faed had used as his excuse, "He was on a medical ship...found the wreck during a search in the terminus. Torn up by pirates, I'm guessing. He was the only survior, and they found a way for him to last without the suit for a while...so he's living it up, and I'm keeping him out of danger..." He sounded slow, and essul knew he sounded slow. He was getting a bit drowsy, the powerful ale affecting his body and dulling his already dulled nerves further.

 

"Really? The only one....must have been hard on him..." Letanze commented with a small smile, "And you must be a big softie, taking someone like that under your wing." She said with a laugh.

 

"It's...it's nothing, really..." Essul said as he finished his water, feeling a tad bit warmer all of a sudden as he looked back towards faed, seeing him motion that he was ready to go. "...It's about time I left anyway..."

 

"Hang on. You can stay just a few minutes more, right?" Letanze said as he reached out to hold essuls hand gently, "I'm sure your friend will be fine. Who knows? Maybe he can join in as well. The other sisters would be jealous if I got two hard-to-get species at once..." She offered with a rather more predatory grin. 

 

Essul notcied a few things, now that he could get a good frontal view of this asari. He couldn't feel her touch, so he couldn't tell if she was a fighter from that, but the small scar on her cheek did suggest it. She was more purple then she was blue, something he didn't catch due to the lighting, and she had deep violet markings around her eyes and on her forehead. She wore a sleeveless dress, he couldn't tell the exact color but he assumed it was blue and black, but the one thing that caught his eye most was the tattoo she had on her upper arm, one that sobered him up and sent a chill down his spine.

 

"....I'm sorry...but that's not happening..." She said, his voice going much colder then it had the entire night, and giving Letanze pause as essul turned and joined faed, "Let's go..." he said simply, not looking to see if the kid was following as he left the eclipse initiate behind, his right hand clenched the entire time.

 

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

 

The race was something Essul didn't have much knowledge about, coming to watch it thanks only to legion's somewhat disturbing ability to access the extranet and hack into systems to register their seats while still inside of faed. Still, as he sat and watched the races, the batarian couldn't help but wonder what all the fuss was about.

 

"So this is the big race, huh? Wonder who will win?" He asked, sounding a bit bored as he sat back in his seat. Faed looked to essul curiously as he sat next to him, being around so many and getting to actually hear the world without a filter, and not have everyones attention be on him, was a nice change of pace.

 

"You don't sound that excited over this. I figured you'd be at least a little more interested, since Irina's in this race." He didn't know her all that well, but he did remember her. He and legion both wondered how she'd do, though legion was a bit more analytical, as faed allowed legion to speak his mind, "Our analysis shows her vehicle is structurally less-stable then some of her competitors. Additionally, it appears she is using an older model. Crewmate-Sloane is statistically not likely to win." He said, his voice the same sort of flat tone it had been, and sitlll gave essul the creeps.

 

"Well, It's not like I'm not rooting for her or anything. I just...don't get the draw of it. Comeptitions in general aren't something I usually get into, even if I understand them..." Essul explained as he worked on easing his discomfort a bit. He was going to have to get used to this being part of talking to faed, after all, "I just don't get what's so-"

 

And then the engines blasted off on the bikes, and any sound essul would have made was drowned out by the roar of the engines. His attention moved back to the races as he watched how blindingly fast each of the contestants moved, eyes glued to the race as he couldn't help but get sucked into the action. It was like watching interceptors preforming manuvers, but more static then that. The closet thing essul could compare it to was something he used to do, Orbital Drops.

 

It made him feel like he was flying when he did those, and he wondered if that same sort of wonder was in these contestants as well.

 

As Irina began to get neck and neck with her competition, Essul couldn't help but lean forward, eyes wide as he saw her gaining more and more, getting sucked into the action. And then his eyes going wide as he saw he ion stream pour from the side of her bike. He at first wanted to shoot out of his seat and rushed down the field, fighting the instinct as he watched her instead slow and pull away, nodding as he watched.

 

"Don't be stupid, Sloane...take a bow and live another day..." He mumbled to himself, glad to see she was alright, and needing to sit for a bit to calm his nerves after that exciting race.

[Kel Riever]

Armali Raceway

The Iallis sisters were a bit up in arms about the news that Longbow was considering bowing out.  One of them was on a line with her while the others were hovering, waiting for more details.  

"She says Divine is sick."

"Something stinks worse than Elcor Dung!"

"Oh, come on, you're always thinking someone is cheating."

"Hey!  How out of touch are you?  Do you know how much is on the line?"

"Yes, well it would be a career wrecker if that were true and anyone found out, so why would anyone take the ris..."

"Shut up, I can't hear!  Yes...yes, well, oh come on are you serious?  You can't give up...no good...no that sucks!"

The two not involved were Rea who listened without speaking and stood a bit out of the way, and the mother, Drasteya.

Drasteya turned to Naleena.  "Thank you for the offer, but the circuit only allows racers to see their own medical professionals prior to the race.  The information could always be passed along, but unless she wants to be disqualified, Whisp is restricted until after the event."

The matron seemed upset, but patient.  She reached over to pour herself another half glass of wine.  "These things happen.  Still..."  Drasteya picked up her wine glass and tilted it slightly in Naleena's direction.  "Still," she went on, her voice lowered so only Naleena, and possibly Rea could hear, "it is a rather convenient point to knock Whisp out of the race for her competitors.  There really isn't much time to find a replacement and I do know that as much of a team she has behind her, my daughter's backup pool of talent is what we call shallow.  They'll get the points but this is a season wrecker to what's been a great year.  These pros can cheat like anyone, the difference is you'll never see it happen.  I wouldn't put it past someone to have tampered."

Sitting back with a bit of introspection, Drasteya sipped her wine and took her time letting the flavor wash over her tongue.  After she swallowed, she said to Naleena.  "This booth provides more than just a better visual angle on the race."
 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena thought for a moment. "I know it's a long shot, Drasteya, and a very long shot, but my guess is the human rider who nearly won the singles event would jump at the chance to be your daughter's partner," she said, and took a sip of her drink and tapped her omni-tool. "She's part of my crew. If Whisp wants to race all she has to do is ask. Here's her contact information."

 

She glanced at Rea noticing her fidgeting while speaking to Drasteya. "Unless you have another racer in the family."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Armali Raceway - Faed

 

Faed continued to enjoy the events from under his hood. He ordered some Turian meat skewers from the vendor who was walking up and down the section aisles, and some bottled water. His special order had to wait.

 

Then it finally happened. When the vendor returned, a member of the press was with her. Faed cringed. There was no escape, but he couldn’t tell them the truth either.

 

“Legion, I’m afraid. I can’t tell them about you because they won’t understand. Yet I need to tell them something. Some truth, but I’ll have to deceive them so they don’t lock us up in a lab somewhere.”

 

“We can regulate your adrenaline levels so that you will not exhibit any agitation, and so will remain calm, Creator Faed.”

 

“I would like that. Thank you, Legion.”

 

The reporter sat down in the vacant seat next to Faed. “I’m Ayesha, a reporter for The Republic Today,” she said and showed her credentials. “I hope you don’t mind taking some time to speak with me, but it has been centuries since we’ve seen a Quarian wandering around without and environment suit. As you see, I don’t have a camera intruding. So there won’t be any ‘gotcha’ questions.”

 

Faed sighed. “This was bound to happen sooner or later, but please, I wish to remain anonymous.”

 

“Every Quarian I’ve met wears an environment suit due to a weakened immune system. How long have you been able to live without one?” she asked. “And what allowed you to do that.”

 

“It has been a few months.” Faed replied. “The Quarians have a view that continued existence within a sterile environment is essential to their survival in the fleet. A group of scientists left with a group of volunteers to try to improve the immune systems in case we were to find a world on which we could settle. Some way to speed up the process of adaptation. I was one of the volunteers. The lab was on a world in the Terminus.”

 

Ayesha made some notes and looked up at Faed. “How many of you were there?”

 

“A dozen,” Faed replied calmly. “The tests couldn’t be done in the fleet due to the risks. They began introducing dead viruses like vaccines to trigger responses in our systems. They worked. Our systems weren’t as dead as our people thought. We created anti-bodies. Things were going pretty smoothly, but then we were attacked by Collectors. I ran outside the facility, and my suit was torn.” Faed pointed to Essul. “This Batarian’s ship happened to be passing by and rescued us. I, unfortunately, am the only survivor.”

 

“What about the research? Surely the research survived.”

 

“Unfortunately, routing out the Collectors from the facility destroyed the notes,” Faed said. “The computer systems were destroyed. The doctors aboard the ship saved me using some nanotech, which I have to replenish periodically. However, I can live without my suit. This Batarian works for The Council.”

 

Essul nodded to the reporter who noticed a Council emblem on his shoulder.

 

Ayesha smiled. “I will leave you to enjoy the races. Here is my card. I would like to do an in depth story about you and the Migrant Fleet at some point in the future, if you would not mind. You are unique and have a fascinating story, one that could hold some hope for your people.

 

And I am glad to see that not all Batarians are opposed to the Council. Good day.”

 

The reporter left and Faed took a deep breath. He turned to face Essul. “Hope for my people. What a bunch of crap! They consider my people suit rats,” he said. “They don’t like you because you have four eyes. They don’t like the Volus because of their suits. They don’t like us first because of the Geth, and now because of our suits. They won’t even allow us to have a homeworld. Our ships are old. They won’t last much more than a few decades. Then what?”

 

“We will have to reach an understanding with each other,” Legion said.

 

“I agree, Legion. What do you suggest?”

 

“Joining with you has given us more insight into organics than we have previously observed. You do not only fear Geth and other synthetics. You fear each other,” Legion said. “It is complex. We have begun to understand the physiological mechanism that triggers fear. It is necessary for survival of organics, but it is also illogical. When you spoke with the reporter, you did not experience fear because we were regulating the physiological response. That allowed you to make false statements without any physical signs. We do not find this to be a positive outcome.”

 

“I’m sorry to have dragged you into this.”

 

“Your apology is unnecessary. What is done is done. Once we have gathered sufficient data we will speak with T’sarius Spectre. We will need to return to our Consensus and report directly.”

 

“What will happen to me?”

 

”We do not know.” 

[Cknarf]

Armali speedway, in the bathroom...

 

Frank carefully poured an amount of fine red powder directly on to the sink. Using the edge of his hand, he began forming it into a crude line.

 

*sniiiiiiiiiiiif*

 

*sniff*

 

*sniff*

 

"Oh, f*ck yes!" Frank exclaimed, still leaned over the sink. "That's some good sh*t, T..." 

 

There was a firm knock at the door.

 

"Ocupado!"

 

He wiped his nose, and the residue from the sink. Picking up his remaining narcotics, he headed for the door.

 

"Sorry. I had to take a massive sh*t." He said to Iole, as an annoyed asari brushed past him. She probably had to poop too.

 

((Fixed.))

Modifié par Cknarf, 29 novembre 2015 - 04:28 .

[TheMajonese]

At the hotel lobby

 

Again Arian was sitting in front of a large screen in the hotel lobby and was watching the race. And even though he was awake this time, he still had no idea what was happening. Arian hadn't even watched the terrible Blasto movie to the end, at some point he had just left the cinema (not without complaining about the terrible movie) to visit the next bar. After several hours of continued drinking, it seemed like a miracle that he hadn't felt the desire to vomit yet or to do something he would regret later. Not that he wasn't already regretting the last night. He could still remember most of what happened, but had no idea in which order it happened.

 

The worst part now was that he was far from sober and even though turian facial expressions were hard to read for non-turians, it was obvious to anyone in the hotel lobby who looked at Arian's face that the turian was completely trashed.

 

Arian stared at the screen and he had the feeling that the race was over but he couldn't concentrate on the names to read who was the winner. To him the racers looked all the same anyway. But suddenly he remembered something else. He opened his omni-tool and began typing a message to Johnny.

 

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBYou still alive0´ß?

[Cknarf]

Johnny had gotten up feeling just fine. Maybe a bit dehydrated, but fine. He didn't remember every detail about the night before, except that when he woke up in the theater, Arian was nowhere to be found, and he was being pestered by a couple asari for the last fifteen minutes of Blasto.

 

He made his way to the bathroom to wash off some of the stink from last night. While he couldn't tell himself, he knew he probably smelled like booze still. As he let the shower run, his omni-tool, resting on the sink, flashed with a notification. He put it on, and  began checking his messages.  There were about ten, all from unfamiliar contacts listed under what appeared to be asari names. Johnny continued to skip through them, lingering only briefly on an image of an asari that was just short of pornographic. He chuckled to himself before continuing on. Finally, he got to Arian's message.

 

 [BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBYou still alive0´ß?]

 

It was clear from the text that Arian had continued to party long after the movie was over. He typed up a reply for himself.

 

[Alive and well. Are you still drunk? If you need me to come get you, just let me know.]

 

Johnny hit send, and stepped into the shower.

[TheMajonese]

Im fineand watching the race

 

Arian hesitated to hit the 'send' button as he didn't know if his reply was making any sense but in the end he just sent it and deactivated his omni-tool afterwards. Then he turned his attention back to the large screen even though he still had no idea what was going on. There was a news about a racing team that was bowing out of the competition for some reason but Arian had no idea who they were.

 

The turian just continued to watch the broadcast with a lack of interest and concentration that made it hard to remeber anything and with the help of several bottles of water he was able to very slowly recover from the last night. During this time he figured that he should really start and do something useful while being here on Thessia instead of getting drunk.

[Cainhurst Crow]

"That's a rather grim way to look at things..." Essul said as he watched the reporter leave the area with her big story, looking back to faed as he crossed his arms, "My people have done a lot to earn their bad reputation. Yours are at least working to try and get a better future. Some day you'll find a new world to live on...I'm sure of it..." He said, trying to be at least a little supportive as he looked back to the reporter.

 

"I'm just glad she didn't have a camera present...the last thing we need is your face getting plastered up on every galactic news site on the extranet. Or mine for that matter..." He said, a bit self conscious of his own scars as he looked to faed again, only to see him talking to himself, or rather, talking to legion. He wasn't sure how much he'd heard or not, and frankly, didn't really care. He tended to ramble too much anyway.

 

"Faed?" He asked as he went to try and tap him on the shoulder, "Everything okay?" he asked.

 

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

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Faed had appeared to be talking to himself when in fact he was talking to Legion. It was something people would have to get used to. Essul's question jarred him.

 

"Everything okay?"

 

"What? Yes. I don't know. Really, I don't know," Faed said. "Legion and I were talking about how it has to return to the Geth Consensus, my homeworld, to make its report soon. This means I will have to leave. It is a journey I will have to make alone."

 

Faed laughed expressing a little irony. "You know, Quarians go on a pilgrimage as part of coming of age. I chose to simply leave the fleet, but here I am on a pilgrimage to the homeworld except the Rannoch is in the hands of the Geth. You know what's ironic? I never wanted to have anything more to do with the Migrant Fleet and my people, and now I may be representing them. I never wanted that. I hope I don't screw it up."