6315 réponses à ce sujet

[Cainhurst Crow]

Vayne nodded as he heard the plan, before looking to Deidrus.

 

"With all due respect Deidrus. It's my opinion you are wrong, in terms of the commandos, and the plan in general..." Vayne said as he stepped forward, keeping his arms crossed.

 

"Stopping the train by shooting its tracks out, not a bad plan though a bit flashy. We'd probably be spotted long before we get our shots out, giving the asari time to hunker down and prepare for us..." Vayne said calmly, looking to the route of the train, "Additionally, I am doubtful these commandos will surrender, even if we leave them with no way out. They're bound to know what's coming for them, and they'll know making it to the base is their best chance for survival..." he said as he looked to deidrus, "And survival is a hell of a motivator to fight to the last man, or last monogendered combatant as this case may be."

 

"I think we're giving the asari too much ability and motivation to combat us. And that what we should ask oursevles is a simple question..." Vayne began as he looked to the train read out, and the audron, "Why do we need to stop the train moving?" he asked, looking to deidrus with a serious look.

 

"If we're planning on killing everyone aboard to leave no witnesses, I could see where your plan comes into play..." he said, looking to the turian curiously to see if this was the plan, "Otherwise, I think there's a less bloody, and possibly less time consuming, way to do this." he said as he looked over the train.

 

"The trains going to be a series of cars, connected together and moving along the track. What if we fly our shuttles, that's franks and my personal shuttle as well, banged up as it is, along the sides while the audron flies above. Lay down surpressing fire while we find out which car has the silas. Then simply detach it from the rest of the cars. Lift it out of there like you would an armored tank using some vehicle grade mag locks." he asks simply.

 

It wasn't much different from how pirates in the old days sometimes hijacked trains on more rural colonies, say for having more then a shuttle or two involved with boarding. It sounded less messy then blasting the train and leaving it marooned for those, things to get at. And at worse, the asari could simply back the train up and connect to their detached car later on.

 

"Even if we don't do that, and stick with the current plan. I think we need to understand that this may turn into a all or nothing affair. And that if it comes down to it, we may need to kill everyone aboard."

[Kel Riever]

Morgan listened to Vayne.  “I agree.  We won’t turn from a fight, but if this is going to cause potential problems with another Spectre, however it rolls out, dead bodies will escalate this.  I would go with as light a touch as possible.  While you could trap the train from the front and the back, Vayne is right in that you are giving them the chance to entrench.  Plus you have to make sure the train stays stopped.

“If Eteon can move through walls, so to speak, she’s the best person to identify our car.  Once we know that, maybe we can decouple it from the engine.  That train can’t brake on a dime, according to what you’re showing me on its profile.  While guards will likely be near the Silaris armor, I think it is unlikely that all commando teams will be circling it.  Maybe we can find some way to take out the commandos in the stranded car without killing them; there will be less of them to contend with at least.  Before that train stops and backs up, or before the base can send a response, we can halt that unfastened car, load the cargo and get out.

“We’ll still need to get aboard, we still need to fend off whichever commandos are nearby, and we still need people who can decouple the car.  Maybe the latch system needs to be hacked.  But you aren’t leaving asari stranded if they don’t decide to surrender, and hopefully, this happens with minimal casualties.

“Now, what Vayne is mentioning about lifting the car right off the tracks without waiting for it to come to a halt…,” Morgan said as he leaned forward, “If it can be done, even better.  The one part of the problem I see there is what if the commandos are on the car when we lift it?  Then we’re stuck with them.  Jess and I talked earlier, and I think she had some concerns about being able to snatch a railcar right off the tracks, but is it possible?”

[Redbelle]

Jess chuckled. "Why kill when we can disable? Anika brought it to me before she left. We break out the riot gear aboard ship. Specifically the gas grenades, smoke bombs and underslug pistol tasers".

 

She pointed to the display. "Fact is luvs, we have surprise. They won't expect us coming. And when the shooting starts we shoot wide with our actual guns to give them the impression we're serious pirates while we're actually throwing smoke and knockout gas at them. They'll figure it out eventually. But we'll have our team kitted out with the kit to overcome the gas and smoke. If the Asari don't have the same their biotics will be neutralised and we can run up and hit them with the stunners. If they do....? Well, no plan's foolproof. If it all goes to hell it'll be them or us  and the gloves come off. I'm a pretty good shot though. I can shoot to disable. A shot in the kneecap will take eight month's to repair and rehabilitate. These ladies have a thousand years to get over the slight".

 

At that, Jess looked up sharply. "That said, I'm putting one between their eye's if I judge you lot or I are going to die. No exceptions. I'm not going out there to protect their side. I'm looking after me and mine".

 

"As for the witnesses if we aim to leave them alive? Let em talk. This is Council and Spectre business. Let them figure it all out. We've got the evidence that the Collector's are real and out there working against them and I'll wager the Collie's know about this ship working to put a bump in their plans. you lot will be better off with the armour when they decide to come find the Audron".

 

"As for snatching the car of choice while moving.... Does the Audron have the mount point's to carry it? And who cuts the car from the rest of the car's so we only get the one we're after? If the train is moving slowly enough we can ride alongside and put people on..... And if the Steed's can't do it....". She smiled. "I've still got that sweet as candy Omega skycar we can use in the hold. Holds four and here's my suggestion. Take the engine carriage. Make sure they can't speed up. This op will be hard enough without them speeding up and making it harder to do our job. We control the engine we dictate the time when help will arrive and keep it's speed at a rate that keep's getting on a moving train possible".

 

"And one last thing.... Numa.... Ah sod it! Aspirant's.... If they show up we need a covering team with heavy weapons rigged for armour piercing. With luck they won't show, but we all know their out there. We need something in our pocket to keep them from overrunning us if they show".

[Kel Riever]

"Smoke will be good for obstruction, but if they all have rebreathers like we do, gas may not have the effect we want it to.  Stunners sound good, also concussion grenades.  Other ways to get through a shield or biotic barrier without intent to kill?  Dahlia, you could be useful here with stasis."

Androkan spoke.  "We can lift the car off the track.  For heavy rescue and towing operations, the Audron had the mounts to do it.  What has to happen is a team would still need to board the train to attach anchors and decouple the car in whatever way possible.  When it comes to interceptin the train along the ground, it is travelling through a mountain range for most of its trip.  There are a couple of plateaus where someone can come up alongside the train by ground, but there would be a limited window of opportunity before a severe drop off would make escaping by ground impossible."

[Redbelle]

Jess grinned. "If there are plateau's then the steeds can jump on to the roof. Then we split into teams. Team 1 goes for the engine. Trying to attach cables to a fast moving train will be hard enough. Even in the low atmosphere. Team 2 fixes mount attachments. Team 3.... Locks down the car. Then cut's the car free from the rest. Forget fighting the Asari. We lock them in and take the car somewhere more secure where we can crack it open and deal with the Asari team in a place where we can dictate the terms of the engagement".

 

"We'd have to move fast. If the Asari Commando's manage to break free of the car they risk disrupting the lift. Smoking out the inside's would be a good idea. Disorientate anyone in there and delay there reaction time. We could take a compressed air rig. Drill through the armour plating, and dispense smoke screen with airway and skin contact knockout gas. The knockout gas wouldn't help if they have full atmospheric suits.... Which I'm guessing they may have aboard, seeing the planet's low atmoshere. But take away their vision and they'll be stumbling around the car trying to get to the exit's only to find them shut and locked down.... or welded....".

 

As for escaping? If we're taking the car then we just need to hang onto the outer shell. Our suits mag boot's would hold us on. The Steed's could be rigged with mag's easily enough. No way I'm scratching that beauty of a sky car for no reason.... Though if needed it's got the speed, and range of motion to keep up with and support the effort if needed".

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

“Naleena, I am picking up a transmission from the Asari base com officer,” VERA said.

 

Naleena was piloting the ship over the desert floor at medium altitude. Normal altitude wasn’t necessary, and flying at low altitude would look suspicious. “Put her through.”

 

“Shuttle VERA, this is Asari Base Alpha. I have you on an approach vector from the Turian vessel Audron. State your business,” the com officer said.

 

“This is Naleena T’sarius. I am a citizen of the Asari Republics. I am transporting refugees and seek clearance to land,” Naleena said.

 

“Is the Audron not able to transport the refugees off world?” the com officer asked. “We’re being flooded with refugees.”

 

“The situation is a Charlie Foxtrot, and I need to see your commanding officer, and Spectre Remi,” Naleena said.

 

“Understood, sending approach vector Juno to your navigation systems now.”

 

Naleena locked in on the approach vector and got a bit of a worried look on her face.

 

“Everything seems to be going according to plan,” Anika said.

 

“Something isn’t right. Juno isn’t a normal approach vector,” Naleena said, “But on an approach to a military base you do what you’re told or you get shot down.”

 

“What do you mean? You heard her. They’re flooded with refugees,” Anika replied.

 

“You’re probably right. Listen to me carefully, Anika. I know how you feel, but no matter what happens, do not interfere,” Naleena said, “Please do as I ask. It’s for your safety. Stay with Zenon. She needs you.”

 

“You had me bring her on purpose, didn’t you?” Anika narrowed her eyes.

 

“Yes. This could get dicey.” Naleena turned to her. “We’re in the Terminus. The Salarians’ warrant is valid here, and I did not give an alias because it would not pass military scan.”

 

Anika turned pale. “You risked that?”

 

“This is also an Asari base. This makes it part of the Asari Republics. It is up to the commanding officer, and ultimately the Spectre,” Naleena said, “And it’s politics.”

 

VERA locked onto the approach beam of the control tower inside the base. The base was still a ways off in the distance but it was growing larger as they approached. They could now see the defense towers. The base would have no problem holding off the “Aspirants.”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The shuttle crossed the walls of the base and approached its assigned landing area. Naleena saw a squad of commandos waiting.

 

“VERA, take us in.”

 

“Understood, Naleena.”

 

“This is either good or bad, Anika.” Naleena kicked on the inertial dampers, unfastened her harness, stood and put her remaining side arm in the locker. “I am now completely unarmed. There is no way we would get out of this alive. I intend to fully cooperate.”

 

The shuttle touched down, and the commandos gathered in a spread formation around the hatch. Naleena was the first out.

 

The lieutenant checked her omni-tool and Naleena’s ID matched. “Face down! On the ground! Now!”

 

Naleena followed her instructions exactly and put her hands behind her back as one of the other commandos secured her hands with a zip-tie. Anika stood in the door dumbstruck.

 

“You’re under arrest for murder. Under Asari law you have the right to counsel. You may remain silent. You may waive these rights. Do you understand them?” She asked.

 

“Yes. I wish to speak with Spectre Xanthe Remi,” Naleena said.

 

Xanthe was on her way out of the building and about ¾ the way to the landing area. “Untie her! She’s a guest here.”

 

“But, Ma’am. She’s under arrest for murder. The warrant is valid here in the Terminus. We’re holding her for the Salarians.”

 

“She’s been pardoned by the Council. Our government hasn’t received the memo,” Xanthe said, “Take these refugees to the freighter.”

 

“Pardoned?” Naleena asked. “When did that happen?”

 

“A couple of days ago. Androkan fail to mention it to you?” Xanthe asked.

 

“Yes, among other things.” Naleena said as she brushed off the dirt from her coat and armor.

 

“It figures. My interaction with him left something to be desired as well. He does not seem to understand the bigger picture,” Xanthe said, “Unfortunately I can’t explain any more details.”

 

What about my shuttle?” Naleena asked.

 

“That’s your personal shuttle? Holy sh**!” Xanthe said, “Yeah, we have plenty of room for that even with the shipment.”

 

“I need to enter a code to allow one of your commandos to pilot it to the freighter.” Naleena said and tapped her omni-tool.

 

“Very well.  Follow me, T’sarius.”

 

“Thank you, Spectre.” Naleena said,

 

“Don’t thank me, yet,” Xanthe said, “You were pardoned in exchange for working with Deidrus Androkan on his mission against the Collectors. Yet, I see you here in an Asari base. I cannot imagine he sent someone of your qualifications to transport refugees."

 

"Let's get out of this storm.”

 

"Agreed."

[Cainhurst Crow]

Vayne nodded, seeing a plan come together, be it  highly unconventional one.

 

"I got concussion and flash grenades, should you guys need it." Vayne said as he looked to morgan, "I also got some incindeary and fragmentation frags left. Even a couple arc grenades. Toss the arcs into the engine room, and you got a temporary EMP, though it might do some damage..." he said as he looked to the spectre.

 

"If you got some smoke grenades for the cars that'd be nice, maybe a couple explosives around here. I can rig up a cutting agent for the couplings. Just in case we don't have a mechanism to unlatch the cars...or if we don't have time to." vayne said as he looked towards the map again.

 

"What we can't underestimate is their biotics..." Vayne said as he pondered, brigning a hand to his chin, "they could severely hamper us. Attack us through the cars if they're good enough. Maybe even teleport as well..." Vayne said resolutely.

 

"We got to be prepared, either to fight, or to incapacitate those asari in the cars first. Locking them inside though, that could help make things a lot easier."

[Kel Riever]

“Steeds jumping on the roof of the train?”  Morgan looked sideways at Jess.  “Wouldn’t that be slightly deadly?”

“They have magnetic clamp hooves.  Saw it in the design manual while I was looking it over.  And they have thrusters like a Mako.”

Morgan swore Jess had an answer for everything.

“All right, but you are talking about hitting the engine as well as the car…which we’ll still have to depend on Eteon for to determine if we are grabbing a car we want…that’s taking on more asari…unless you lock some inside.  How are you going to inject gas into all three cars plus the engine?”  Jess looked at Morgan knowingly.  “You thought of that too, didn’t you?”

“There’s no armor plating on the train,” Androkan emphasized.  “You may have to drill through but it’s the train hull is not reinforced.  It will also mean that welding doors shut will take less time.  The issue is do you have enough people to seal each car and the engine before any asari that aren’t incapacitated, if any, can exit.”

Morgan asked, “Can someone pull up the detail on the train?”  Aelias enlarged the train schematic, with all its details above the planning table.  Morgan stood to look at the train, and began identifying areas.  “Vayne, if you have arc grenades, you can lead the team going for the engine.  Shutting it down might not slow the train because of momentum, but it’s worth a shot.  It will, at least, remove the ability of the engineer to control the speed, and put a wrench into any electronic commands being sent from the engine. If we can get a pilot for your shuttle to fly it while you’re busy, you can get to that engine directly.

“Jess, what if you lead the team for locking down the cars.  You’ve got a handle on the non-lethal gear and I’m sure this isn’t your first hijacking.  Your team can use the steeds and intercept the train from the side as it travels across one of the plateaus.  The steeds can get atop the train, and you can get to work.

“Deidrus, you know the most about the Audron so your team can be responsible for mount attachments.  Frank will know about structure and anchoring I’m sure insofar as the train goes, so he could accompany you.  Eteon would be with you as well, though if we are gassing the cars I presume she isn’t going to be teleporting inside.  At least until we feel we’ve got the asari knocked out.  Your insertion is aboard the Audron itself, and you’ll come down on the train from above.

Androkan cautioned, “They will know we are coming slightly before we get there, since the picket sensors will detect us at some point as we move in.”

“Sure,” Morgan stated, “This way, we’ll be hitting them from three points instead of one.  They’ll still be surprised and have to contend with more threats.  It can only help.”  

[Redbelle]

"Morgan"! Jess said in mock indignation. "Used to hijacking? What kind of reputable business woman do you think I am...... I prefer the term hostile takeover and aggressive negotiation".

[Kel Riever]

Xanthe Remi, stared at the tall human in white armor who accompanied Naleena as she walked.  “With you?”

Naleena nodded.

“Your human companion is going to have to adjust to our ways fairly quickly.  I don’t have time for lessons in asari etiquette.”

“You won’t have to worry about that with Anika.”

Xanthe studied the seven-foot tall woman with a critical eye.  Something set the Spectre off about her unusually ideal appearance.  “Well that’s pleasant,” Xanthe covered, “None of you should be here, I’m positive you are already aware.  Further, you bring with you a pack of citizens who should be on their way to space on someone else’s vessel.  While I’m not going to kick a group of evacuating civilians off this facility, I hope you realize that bringing them here is a security risk.  They shouldn’t even see this place.

Naleena, the Spectre, and Anika entered the lobby, where it was clear preparations were being made to leave, just in case.  Several scientists and a few workers were present, and one approached who looked wispy, important and bothered at the same time. 

“Xanthe," the wispy asari challenged, "I didn’t realize we were receiving guests at our entirely off limits facility.”

The Spectre did not hide her annoyance either.  “Doctor Foteni, it is my responsibility as to who is given access, so I’ll remind you that as Chief Scientist, you have plenty to do rather than worry about my charge.”

“Indeed I do,” the wispy asari sarcastically retorted, “I’m just observing how quick we are to follow certain rules and not others.”  She turned away arrogantly and strode back to giving orders to those packing equipment.

A slight smirk broke across Xanthe’s lips and she held up a hand before Naleena reacted, “Please, she’s harmless.  And I’ve grown the wiser that some of the brilliant minds around here still find the need for entertainment beyond their considerable work.  You try managing a herd of people who are so intelligent and possibly insecure.  However, see what problems your presence can cause?"

An asari maiden carrying a large case came nearer and stopped a short distance away from Xanthe.  The Spectre waved her to continue, and the maiden handed off the case before saluting and running off.  Xanthe remarked, “Pardon me, but I need to change.”

Xanthe went to a corner of the lobby obscured from the main area by a series of already stacked crates.  She began to undress and explained, “This is really for the non-asari scientists…I don’t want to distract them.”  One disrobed, Xanthe squatted down and opened the case.  Inside was a suit of evergreen and ebony armor with golden trim.  Naleena immediately recognized it as a Justicar’s uniform.

As she donned the uniform, Xanthe presumed to explain, “I am not, but was almost, a Justicar.  They had me, if you will, accepted, and about to take my Oaths of Subsumation.  That, of course, was when the Council decided to select me as a candidate to become a Spectre; they were about to lose me.  Yet the armor was given to me anyway, in honor of my dedication.”  She looked down at the suit as she fastened a clasp, “And as you know, the armor does not make a Justicar.

“I don’t need to let my enemies in on that misunderstanding, however.”

Placing the final clasp on her Justicar uniform, Xanthe held a palm to her white diamond facial marking in a moment of strain with the amount of information she was managing in her mind.  “I want to know what is going on, Naleena.  And if you are asking for the Council and the Republics to extend their generosity by having you on this base, then return those good graces of the Republics by telling me everything without omission.”

[Cknarf]

"Destroying the tracks could do more harm than good."  Frank crossed his arms.  "If the train cannot stop in time, derailment would complicate things.  Although the armor would remain intact, chances are, it would be strewn about if the car were to be destroyed."
-------------------------------------------------------------------------

Frank looked to Deidrus

"Androkan, using the Kodiak for this mission will put myself, and anyone else on board at great risk.  There just wasn't enough time to repair it completely. I can get it in the air, but I'm not sure how long I can keep it there.  Not to mention the hatches are going to be off for this run,  They are just too mangled to function properly.  It might get dusty, and in the event of a crash, we are going to lose people."  Frank shook his head. "I know the risks, but make sure the men you send with me know what they're getting into."

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

"Picking up the entire car sounds like our best bet.  Get me aboard, and in one piece, and I can handle the decoupling.  Once it's detached from the engine, things should be much easier."  Frank looked around the room.  "I'm not exactly a soldier, so it's up you all to provide cover while I work."

[Terca]

Eteon nodded her acceptance of the plan. She would admit to preferring not to have to play adventurous pyjack in a den of incredibly well-prepared and seasoned war-Varren. On the other hand she had a somewhat unhealthy love of attempting the difficult to impossible. It was a difficult thing to balance but she decided that in this case caution was worth the survival aspect. Though there was fun to be had... Reasonable fun in a way.

 

"Depending on which car holds the Silaris armor it might be worth grabbing at least some of the people from the compartments behind. Saving some lives along the way might allow us to curry some favor with the Republic. They slighted us at the facility but ultimately they designed it, they know how to fit the Audron with it." She turned her head lazily to look at Deidrius and though her posture was relaxed her gaze was hard. Her expression was one of giving the officer a choice. "Or we could leave them. The council will lean on the Asari either way to make sure we have the tech we need for the mission."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

This is before the robbery......

 

“Spectre, do you know what is going on? There are these things that were rendered humans put inside of some sort of specialized Collector armor. The Drowned Aspire had crates of the armor. The armor has probes that go into the bodies and it takes over all brain function, making them super strong armored husks,” Naleena said, “I think they’re controlled by the Collectors themselves.

 

“I know about the Drowned Aspire compound, Naleena.” Xanthe said, “Tell me something I don’t know.”

 

“I don’t think you really understand the danger. One of those things nearly ripped the turret off my shuttle,” Naleena said.

 

“Hey, it looked fine to me.” Xanthe countered.

 

“That’s because one of the human engineers on the Audron repaired it,” Naleena shot back. “The man is a genius.”

 

“Trust me, we can handle them.” Xanthe said.

 

Naleena shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t think you understand, Spectre. There are thousands of them. They can climb walls. If they get inside this base, you’re going to be overwhelmed, and I don’t care how well trained your commandos are.”

 

Xanthe started taking her seriously. “Guards, take them to the interrogation rooms in the detention area.”

 

Xanthe and two guards escorted them down a corridor that led to a detainment facility with some interrogation rooms. There were cameras in the rooms and listening devices.

 

“Stand guard outside the rooms. I’ll be right back.” Xanthe said, and she went to another communications room and got on a console. She keyed in her password and logged onto the system.

 

“Xanthe to tower. Launch two patrol fighters to do a flyby of the town and Drowned Aspire compound,” she said, “We’ll see just how serious this situation is.”

 

“Acknowledged. Scrambling fighters for launch.” The control tower officer said.

 

Xanthe stopped and poured herself a cup of coffee and brought one for Naleena. She signaled to Lt. T’goni to join her in the interrogation.

 

Xanthe entered the interrogation room with a file in her hand. “This is probably not up to the standard you’re used to, Naleena, but it’s what we have here on the base.” She put the paper cup of coffee in front of Naleena. “Now why don’t you begin by telling me the real reason you’re here. Why did Spectre Androkan send you?”

 

“He didn’t send me.” Naleena protested.

 

“What do you mean ‘he didn’t send you?’ You realize deserting a Spectre sanctioned mission is a criminal offense?”

 

“I do. I didn't desert. Things on the Audron got… complicated.”

 

“Explain ‘complicated,’ Naleena.” Xanthe demanded.

 

“Due to circumstances after our last mission, I struck Spectre Androkan.” Naleena said.

 

Xanthe raised her brow. “That action can get you shot or thrown in prison depending upon the Spectre. And on a Turian vessel? You’ve got a crest, I’ll give you that. You must have had a reason for doing that. What was it?”

 

“Androkan let it go. Spectre I don’t see how this is important.” Naleena said.

 

“You are sitting on that side of the table and will answer what I ask you.” Xanthe slammed her hand on the file.

 

"You'll only make this more difficult. Do you understand?" T'goni added.

 

“Crystal.”

 

“Good, now answer the question.” Xanthe said

 

“When we had just arrived in town from the Drowned Aspire compound, Spectre Androkan ordered a takeoff for a new mission within 15 minutes. There simply wasn’t enough time to warn the port authority to sound an evacuation alarm and get ourselves to the ship. It would have required leaving squad members behind to be ripped apart by those… things.” Naleena said.

 

“Go on.”

 

“Some team members decided to alert the Port Authority to sound a general evacuation alarm. There were innocents in that town who were going to be slaughtered without any chance of escape,” Naleena said,  “I remote piloted my shuttle to make a pickup of other team members and refugees and took them back to the Audron. The second part of the team wasn’t going to make it back in time, so I asked Spectre Androkan for rendezvous coordinates. I wasn’t given any, but took my shuttle to the Port anyway, and made the rescue of our team and more refugees. No one gets left behind!”

 

The memory of this was making Naleena angry. “Upon returning to the Audron, I left my shuttle, went to the CIC and struck Spectre Androkan. Then I chastised him about building loyalty among team members and his reckless behavior. I would never have done that to my team.”

 

"They weren't your team." Xanthe said.

 

"That doesn't matter."

 

"It does matter. You are not a Spectre. Yet you were able to remain aboard the Audron? How?” Xanthe asked.

 

“His Cabal worked out reconciliation.”

 

“Interesting,” Xanthe said and her communicator beeped. “I’ve got to take this, and I want to verify this with Anika.”

 

Xanthe left the room and listened to the call. It was from the fighter pilots.

 

“This is Ice Queen. Turn on the video of your omni-tool, Spectre. Patching live feed.” The pilot said.

 

“Waiting your signal,” Xanthe said, “S***! Naleena wasn’t kidding. Ice Queen, Return to base.”

 

“Acknowledged. Ice Queen out.”

 

She contacted base command. “Captain, alert the Nefrane. Evacuate the base! Have everything loaded on that freighter when that train arrives, and be ready to load that armor material onto the ship,” she said, “T’goni, I just want to confirm with her partner about striking the Spectre, and then proceed with the rest of the questioning.”

[Kel Riever]

“Are you praying?”

Mira T’Riel slowly opened her eyes to see Jenus staring back at her, just in front of her face.  “I was meditating,” Mira answered, her voice low and serious. “And not anymore.”

Then Mira couldn’t hold back any longer and smiled.  Jenus smiled too.

“You must be ready if you’ve got the time to bother me,” Mira then said.  “If something happens, I’m not going to save you because you forgot your lift grenades, or your respirator, or your manners.”

Jenus laughed, “Textbrain, if something happens you’ll be picking up the pieces after I’m finished with it.”

The Anotaria train was about to leave.  Of the three commando teams aboard, two were in position while Mira’s team, not normally assigned to the train, picked up the last of the extra gear assigned for the transport.  It included grav chutes, extra compressed air for the rebreathers, and an item or two of additional firepower. While Iole had her Hellbringer, she had been fascinated with an additional heavy weapon being loaded aboard if one of the teams needed it. 

Iole named it the moment she saw it.  “I want to bring ‘Bam Bam’ wherever I go.” She had exclaimed.

The joke Jenus and Iole wouldn’t get over was if Tallis would call it, ‘Bam Bam’ or ‘Bam Bam Bam Bam’.  Tallis thought it was as funny as they did, laughing every time they brought it up.

Mira knew she was always the serious one, to a fault.  That’s why Xanthe had said she was in charge of the operation.  Mira spent too much time thinking about what could go wrong.  The creatures that had come out of the human compound worried her more than the others.  She thought beyond Duellos, and why they hadn’t been discovered before.  Now the commandos were caught having to reel in a load out from the receiving station.  Nobody was worried about it getting back to base safely but her.  That was her nature.

An airy chime sounded from above, indicating the train was about to depart.  “Let’s go! Let’s go,” Tallis called out and Mira’s team boarded with the additional gear.  There was an irrational moment of fear in Mira, and she quickly messaged the engineer to hold while she stepped off the train.

“What’s happening?” Iole inquired.

“Textbrain probably forgot to download a book for the ride.”

“All right, Tallis, Iole, Jenus, come with me.  Each of us is grabbing one of the cases against that wall over there and bringing them along.”

“You can’t be serious,” Jenus exclaimed. “Why would we ever need those for this trip?”

Tallis frowned, causing her blue facial markings to scrunch up.  “Too much, too much.”

“I’m not asking,” Mira insisted, “I’m telling.”

With a few grumbles, Mira’s team retrieved the cases she directed them to and brought them aboard.  After that, Mira signaled the engineer and the chime sounded again.  Seconds later, the train began leaving the station. 

As the train accelerated, Mira left the door open to watch the passing flatlands of Duellos glide by.  The train would be in the mountains soon, where the view would be cut short by jagged cliff walls, but for now she could peer an incredible distance across to the horizon.  It was a soothing view, but Mira felt as if she could see through the calm as if it were an illusion.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Irina shook her head and walked around the room. "You guys a f***ing crazy. Just saying."

 

"Do you have a better idea?" Aelias asked.

 

"NDA. Non-Disclosure Agreement, remember?" Irina said. "Do you think I want it brought up, 'Oh Irina said blah blah blah about security. Or blah blah blah about this, or that should things go to **** and we get caught? No. I'll just do my gaol time and get out without being sued so I don't have to work the rest of my life for Indentu-tech. So you just tell me what to do. I'm just a grunt."

 

Dahlia stayed close to Morgan. She was more than a bit worried about this job. "Morgan, have you heard stories about the Serrice Guard? At one time they were just ordinary commandos. Then they became famous. Five of them killed over 100 bloodpack mercs over 9 days. Why can't Androkan simply approach the Council for the armor upgrade? I'm with you, but I'm just wondering why."

[Redbelle]

Jess heard the muttering's behind her back and briefly wondered why she was getting involved with this attempt.

 

She could have just left with Anika. Hell she could sit out this one and get off world on one of the evacuation shuttles and get back to her ship and......\

 

"What's the council ever done for us"? She suddenly asked the room. Looking up she saw them looking at her, incomprehension at the question on their faces.

 

"The council says alot of things.... But there not here. And suddenly things get a little rough and we're looking to a group of people who haven't had to run for their lives.... fired a gun in self defence or anger.... watched as a group of people got torn apart in front of their eye's..... They allowed a corrupt judge to sit on the seat of power, wielding their authority.....".

 

Jess felt her jaw tighten. "They aren't here. And if we call them and they say no, you can't have what you say we need because we've got other plans.... What then? You think that other Spectre told Deidrus no because she got up on the wrong side of bed? The council gave Deidrus their orders. He's carrying them out. The council gave the other Spectre her orders. She's following them. There's no way the concil could have known our investigation would bring us to this world. No way they knew ahead of time that two Spectre's would bump heads.... and if Deidrus calls them.... and they tell him no, this ship can't have the armour.... Then next time this ship meets the collector's this ship will very likely go down, and go down hard. Maybe go down swinging... but still, it'll just die and take everyone aboard with it".

 

"And as a fellow Captain that is not acceptable. If I was in charge I'd be doing the same. The council can't take action against Deidrus because he's still working towards fufilling the mission he was given. A mission set by the council. Spectre's operate with autonomy and if the council are brought into it and tell us no? Then we're in the wrong. If we don't give the the chance to tell us no.... Then maybe we were wrong but the circumstances make our action's sympathetic".

 

"Because, and this is what it comes down to. Deidrus has been working to preserve the mission and keep everyone aboard this ship safe. Safe is relative. We have to fight for our lives sometimes.... But there will be bigger and tougher fights in the future and here and now we CAN get the armour and be ready for our enemy". Jess looked at the group. "Call the Council and we MAYBE get the armour. And if we go to take it, if they say no to us.... then we're right up the creek. The ship and the crew come first luvs. That's the position every captain can never forget. And Deidrus is Captain. This is the path in front of us. And if this was my ship half of you would have a black eye and nursing your ribs for all the back chat".

 

Jess looked over at Deidrus. "I don't gain from this.... Deidrus and I had an agreement. An agreement that I fufilled and now I'm free to go back to my ship. But if I leave without helping you ge that armour then there's a good chance I'm helping dig your graves which will be either a broken hulk, drifting in space. Or a you all get to become stardust when the core explodes when a beam lances through it. The Council won't kill us. The Collector's will. I don't want that to happen to any of you".

 

Jess started for the door. "We're talking in circle's. We have enough for a plan. I'm getting Baldy. Anything that goes wrong? We improvise, we try not to hurt anyone. This goes bad in the long run, the effort's we take to not kill anyone will go a long way towards helping our case. Aelias.... get the Quartmaster to have riot gear ready for us in the hanger. Let's get this done. Times ticking and the Collector's aren't idle".

 

Stopping by the door she looked back at the group. "Anymore? Or can we get this done? Seriously Luv's.... Collector's. Harvesting a colony because we oooh'ed and aaah'ed about kicking up a little fuss. Take it from me. The council can't help us nearly as well as we can help ourselves. I need people who can help me lock down the carriage's. Use riot gear and know when and when not to use lethal force. We'll probably be the first line against the commando's if they react quicky enough so bear that in mind. We'll get dropped off ahead so the Audron can get clear far enough not to betray our presence. Then when we're done it can swoop  in and go to work".

 

Looking around Jess found herself sorely missing Anika's towering presence but forced it down. "I'll be in the hanger. See you down there".

[Redbelle]

As Jess moved to leave Aelias's Omni-tool flared to life. "Wait". She called out as she read the information. "Another colony has stopped transmitting". She said turning to Deidrus. "They say it's comm failure but..... It's on the list we prepared from the information the team brought back.  The DA have been there".

 

Jess sucked in a cheek. "The Collector's aren't idle". She repeated as she turned and left for the hanger.

[Kel Riever]

Morgan stood as Jess headed out, “Let’s not question this anymore.  We had our chance to leave at the right time.  Naleena did, and it is to her credit.  The rest of us stayed and let’s leave it at that.

“Jess is right in that it’s time, though.  Irina, how about going with Vayne.  I bet he could use you to take out that engine.  We need a pilot for that shuttle, though, can you provide Deidrus?”  The Spectre gave him a nod.  “Good.  Dahlia, you stick with me and Jess.  Frank, I don’t know you, but it sounds like you’re going to lend a decent hand and I’m happy to work with anyone who Deidrus thinks is qualified for this mission.

“For com and organization, it’ll be Red Team for Vayne and the engine assault group, Grey Team for Deidrus and the group seizing the armor car, and…Silver Team for Jess and the group putting the lock down on the Commandos.  That work for you, Androkan?”

The turian nodded.

Morgan banged his fist hard on the planning table.  “Rock and roll!  Everybody grab your *sses and gear up in the hanger in five.  Time to knock this out!

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Xanthe finished questioning Anika. Anika had confirmed everything that Naleena had said. She left the room.

 

"T'goni. There's more. A lot more. I don't believe for a second that this is the only reason that Naleena is here," Xanthe said, "Time to tighten the screws."

 

She entered the observation room. Naleena took a sip of coffee from her dixie cup. The Spectre had a less than amicable look in her eyes.

 

(Kel, take over this scene - I've got to go - will be back around 3:00 pm PDT)

[Cknarf]

Frank left the comm room a little confused. He knew his objectives, but some other things were unclear.

What team was I on again? How are we getting on the train?

He shrugged.

I'll just stand around in the shuttle bay, I'm sure someone will tell me where to go.

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

Frank needed some extra equipment, in case decoupling proved more difficult than expected.

"Septimus?"

"Need something?"

"Explosives."
 

[Cainhurst Crow]

"Red huh?" Vayne muttered to himself, not seeming pleased with the news at first before he gave a chuckle, "Seems the color has a thing for me...I'll suit up, get the grenades and do what I need to ta kill the engines." He said with a nod, looking at Irina.

 

"Let's get going then. I'll give you some of my bombs as well. Never hurts to be a bit armed." He said as he left the communication room, heading for the elevator at a relaxed pace. Vayne was going to miss this crew, he had to admit there was a chemistry here that worked well.

 

Like a bottle of fuel, with all the same volatility, it was only a matter of time before the whole thing blew up with a spark, and he was somewhat glad that mixture was blowing up slow and steady, rather then all at once with lots of blood and violence.

 

His thoughts drifted back to the red, the color of his crew and himself when they'd first set off as pirates. He'd said he'd have given up the life of a marauding space bandit, gone straight and narrow with bounty hunting. And now here he was, plotting to heist a train, using classic sangar tactics to disable the train so its speed dropped and it was forced into a reset mode, long enough to keep them from hitting the brakes hard, or speeding up to shake them.

 

Vayne let out a sigh, his calm perplexing him so much more. He was in a life or death situation, and yet he felt fine. More then fine, he felt young again, like he did fighting the collectors. What was it? Was it his hump healing up, finally pumping that secondary nervous system again? Possibly, he'd not felt pain moving about anymore, so he guessed that was it.

 

The thought lasted for a few seconds before he sighed, knowing the truth.

 

'I missed this...there's no other way around it.' Vayne thought with a sigh as the elevator got down to the shuttle level, heading to his personal ship in the bay. 'Much as I tried to do the right thing...doing this stuff, this is what I was always good at...' he thought opening the door, 'This is what I enjoy. Hopefully I keep doing this to fight the collectors because otherwise...' he thought as he opened the door to his armory slowly, opening his sliding pannel and looking over his many grenades.

 

"I may end up doing something stupid, if I don't keep reminding myself what I'm fighting for..." he said finally, findign his resolve.

[Terca]

Eteon watched the Aliens on deck leave then let out a sigh, straightened up, and began stretching her arms. The crew had gotten over any qualms they might have had and were willing to go through with it. Jess' speech didn't hurt either with allaying any fears... Or was it more to the point a 'we might as well?' The Cabal shook her head and clicked her tongue. It was surprising to her that out of everyone she wasn't the one causing the most mischief and with this plan she had a feeling that while it might be considered extreme... She shook her head to herself and walked out of the room. She would need to suit up for a potentially less-than-pleasant encounter with centuries-old soldiers.

 

At least there weren't any Aspirants.

[Kel Riever]

The elevator door opened straight into the bay.  If nothing else, the turians were organized.  Most of the deck seemed spacious now, with Naleena’s Scythe and all turian shuttles absent, the civilians gone, and Frank’s shuttle lifted out of the way into the racks above.  The three mecha-steeds belonging to Silver Team were already waiting towards the large rear bay ramp, which opened aft on the Audron.  That’s where they would leave the ship from, to ride across the plateau and catch the train.

Septimus was waiting and addressed them as soon as they came off the elevator.  “Silver, you’re up first.  The Audron is accelerating to your drop point and will be there shortly.  I’ve heard from Aelias.  Your non-lethal options, standard gear, and a few supplementary articles should you choose to use them are awaiting at the lockers to your left.  Good luck.” 

The three made their way to the table.  As Septimus had indicated, there was more gear for their purposes than anyone could rightly carry.  Morgan was glad the steeds could handle a bit of cargo within their forms.  Jess started grabbing items and pointing out what the team would need.  Morgan followed her instructions, and began fastening everything from concussion grenades to gas canisters and drill bits.  The drill itself Jess attached to her back harness and Morgan placed an air compression rig onto his.  In the supplementary gear, Morgan noticed climbing cable, hooks and grapnel guns.  He made sure each team member was equipped for climbing and simply remarked, “You never know.”

Morgan inspected Jess, and had to admit, she looked nothing less than awesome in her yellow and black armor.  He reached down and around her without hesitating, making sure the straps, holsters and harnesses were tight to her suit, giving an extra tug or two for good measure.  When he was done, he did the same to himself while talking to Stone.

“You’re in charge of our little group here, Captain.  We’re following you,” Morgan quipped.  Then with sympathy, he added, “I know you miss Anika, I can see it.  But you’ve got us.  And while Dahlia and I don’t wear shining armor, maybe we can make up for your missing white knight.”

[Redbelle]

Jess was in the hanger speaking to the Quartermaster who had several crates open and their content's ready for inspection.

 

Riot gear. The one crate every ship hoped to never have to open. Because if it was, it usually meant that a situation on the ship had arisen where a large number of people needed taking down with the minimum risk to their health. Sure it could be used to aid in police actions off the ship like on planet's or space stations. But dropping a ships riot control team off to aid in dealing with such matter's was often considered to be a drop in an ocean.

 

Now however, the gear was utilised in a more offensive capacity. namely knocking the train guards. Looking over the gear Jess reached out and picked out a shock mod. That would go towards Sinbad. Next came a few grenade mods which she could use to alter her own. The electric shock mods particularly appealed. Gas and smoke were certainly the prefered choice in gaining leverage over a situation.... but if they needed to go full bore.... She hoped it wouldn't come to it. A grim sense of rationality told her it probably would. No way a group of commando's would roll over and not try to stop them.

 

Looking up, she saw Team Silver's Mecha-Mount's being loaded with the gas dispenser's to incapacitate, slow down or disorientate the Asari on the train. Large square rectagular boxes with mag clamps to fix them to their target while a small hole would yield a high speed diamond tipped drilling tool that would be cooled by a liquid nitrogen system. Making whatever it drilled brittle while keeping the drill bit from melting before it got to the next stage. The bit would retract and a nozzle put in it's place to inject a hi volume output gas of whatever was currently filled in it's reservoir. And that would be that. Simply fix the rig in place and let them do their work.

 

Jess didn't know how noisy it would be. If the drill's might alert the troops on the train. Slower drilling seemed a better approach but the QM had told her that they simply didn't have time to take the rigs apart and swap out the gearing systems. Already one of those little details that was biting them because no one had thought of it......

 

The mount's were ready. Team Silver's had been given high priority repair for the coming mission. Jess check her gear. She had her rebreather and a visor that would bounce radar off surfaces to give her a 3D replica of her environment if things went badly and they were affected by their own smoke. Sinbad needed the shock unit installed. Jess paused, then picked up a second and walked to the bench where she proceeded to attach the unit to Sinbad.

 

Then the part that gave her pause. Taking the second unit she unattached the battery and unscrewed the casing to get to the gut's of the device. Looking over it all it seemed straight forward enough. She wouldn't need all of it. Just the contact points, the power source and a triggering system that wouldn't cause it to accidently go off. Looking over the bench she found extra parts that she could use in a pressure switch. Assembling all the parts she laid them out. Looked down. Then looked around to see if anyone was watching.

 

With no one paying attention, at least for now, Jess popped her hand. It wasn't a full release for the arm to likewise come pop the shotgun. The armoured glove she wore was made to come apart as would the forearm if she needed. With her hand open she began to poke around in the empty slot inside.

 

The one's who had put her arm together had not only thought of her every day needs but also thought of what she might need in the future. As such, her arm and hand contained sections that were void space, waiting for a need to arise that the space could be used to fufill. The material's also meant that her arm was essentially a ground. Which for now was handy.

 

Jess first attached the contact's inside and made sure they were touching only the part of her false had that wouldn't inadvertaintly fry any of the inner workings. Next went in the pressure plate. Making sure both weren't yet connected she attached a monitor to the plate, then the battery. The monitor showed pounds per square inch and retracting just enough to allow her hand to make a fist she watched how many pounds were generated before setting the plate to that threshold. Withdrawing the monitor she deatched the battery and connected the plate to the contacts. And then.... admitedly, somewhat nervous, she re-attached the battery and pushed it down into her hand compartment. Sealing it all up and flexing it out she was pleased to see all the parts didn't impede her hands movement's. Reconfiguring the monitor she pressed her knuckes to the contact's. Nothing happend and as she made a light fist, still nothing happened.

 

She tightened her grip as if she was going to punch someone and there was a CRACK! the monitor spiked in current for a split second. Then, having released it's discharge, it settled back down. Jess nodded in approval. It would not electrify again till she released, then put the pressure back on. She wondered just how many uses she'd get out of it when she saw others and decided she'd iron out the bugs in the design later.

 

She strode over to where people were beginning to gather.