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[Kel Riever]

Something clicked in Morgan's mind when Jess spoke.  It wasn't what she said, but the way she said it.  He couldn't stop his eyes from flickering towards her, but just as quickly shifted them away again and kept quiet.

[Terca]

"'Slipped him information'." Eteon repeated aloud before standing and walking over, then crouching in front of Jess. This didn't seem like the conversation you would have without being face to face. She was careful to make sure that she was level with Jess so that she wasn't looking up at her. Nobody needs patronizing when they are being concerned for the safety of others. "I'm not allowed to see the same files that a Spectre is, information like that is coded to specific datapads which are write-read volatile meaning you can't analyze them without a key and searching for one in the system changes the key making the-" She saw a look in the eyes of Jess that made it clear she didn't care about the specifics. Eteon raised a hand for pause. "Point is, any information he received about the woman you think is dead is being kept in a place which is highly difficult to access."

 

She stood and took a step back. "The girl, if dead, is going to check out and there will be no point to approach the her sister since what happened to your crew was designed for your eyes and whoever related to them. It was a way of showing power and patience and cruelty." Eteon turned to look at the opposite wall as she could feel a cold glint in the corner of her eye. "Why ship a corpse to a woman on a distant planet if her sister isn't related? Why worry for the sibling of someone who is long dead?"

 

Eteon knew she was stumbling over her tongue with how she was trying to warm her words. Lies and tricks. Ironic that those were the things that set her cold when she did the same thing to others.

 

Point is. Spit it out. "Forget what I just said." Coward. "Deidrus is the only one who could tell you what exactly told him that Babylon was alive. You ask him and he can tell you about the miscommunication. Otherwise..." Eteon turned around. "Why worry? I was the only one aside from a choice few on the ship that were told your name. I'm the only one who said it when I first met you meaning that only people in your crew could know about it. If you trust your crew to know your name then you don't need to worry. Why tell a bad name to whoever already found your ship?"

[Kel Riever]

Tallis was thinking about skycars, and angry human ladies for a while in the medical bay. Then the asari doctor had come to treat her. 

 

“Hi, I’m going to be taking care of you.  Seems like you’ve got a bad case of grapnel hook in leg!  Sorry about that, I talked…well never mind, we’ll get that right out of you.  Allow me to introduce myself, I am Doctor T’Sohpi, but you may call me Elara.  I admit, it is nice to see yet another asari on board.  Keep in mind you are a prisoner, please, and don’t try anything.  It would be nice if we could keep this civil!  And perhaps I could run some tests…with your permission of course.”

 

Tallis stared up at her.  “Doctor.  Doctor.”

“Yes, that is correct.  I am the doctor who will be taking care of you…?”

“Tallis,” came the response.  Then a second later, “Tallis.”

“Yes, thank you.  I did get your name.  Now, let me see about this hook.”

“Silver eye.  Silver eye.”

Elara paused.  “Did you take a hit on the head?  You might be suffering from concussions.  Let me do a full scan.”

After that, some time passed while Tallis was in Elara’s care.  The hook came out painfully, but Tallis didn’t complain.  She liked being taken care of.  There was a lot of medical gear she watched move over her, and there were apparently a lot of graphs, and charts, and pictures that Elara examined afterwards.  “I really can’t figure out what is going on with you,” the doctor said after she was done looking through everything at least three times.  “Unless it is psychological.  Fascinating.”  Another medic in the bay required Elara’s attention at that moment.  The doctor told Tallis, “Don’t move,” and went off.

Time passed.  There were other beds in the bay nearby.  One had a human man on it, who didn’t seem to notice Tallis much when he got up naked, put on only a medical jacket he found in a storage closed, and wandered out of the bay walking funny.  Tallis played Spikes and Circles¹ in her head for a while when the man came back, floating, thanks to the turian biotic who she had briefly seen earlier.  The man was put on the table next to her, and Elara popped back in for a bit while the turian left.  Then, it seemed, the man wanted to say something really important to Tallis.

 

“Hey commando- Tell your friend-“

Elara went over to him and stuck him with a very large needle.

“How about a little warning next time?” The man said to Elara. “What the hell did you just inject me with?”

“Just a little sedative, is all,” Elara replied as she turned away.  She went off to the other medic again.

 

The man turned back to Tallis.  “Tell her I said thanks.  The one with... with the… golden…”

“Iole!  Iole!”  Tallis said, remembering her teammate and friend.

The man was asleep.

Tallis watched him curiously.  She noticed humans seemed to have hair in their noses.

¹Spikes and Circles:  The asari equivalent of Tic Tac Toe, and just as unable to be won.
 

[Cainhurst Crow]

Essul piloted his ST-55 Jegulza Gunship slowly, setting down the ejector gun as he rubbed his neck and felt the headache coming on subside. He hated being tied to this infuriating stability medication, but it was the only thing keeping him functioning like an actual living creature. He steered his vessel through the FTL field, the front screen blocking the blue lights of relay travel as he got what he'd need in order.

"This is Agent 'Azariak', survey team for Shemaiah LLC. identification number 45432098/04." he said into his comms, giving out the fake identification number and department he worked at while on the ground as it were. The hegemony had entire systems of false identities set up, to be used as a way of getting coded messages across without obvious detection. Right now he was sending the message loud and clear.

SIU operative. requesting false documentation. Citadel access. and the authorization code to prove his identity.

He waited a few minutes, before he got a response.

:Agent Azariak, this is camala District Shemaiah Corproate Branch, your next assignment is being uploaded right now. Please go to our office in the citadel for work assessment and payment.:

Essul looked the data over, seeing the false paperwork that he'd simply have to fill out in a few areas. Soon Essul Ran'perah was Enos Shis'sak, a simple survey scout who worked mostly in the terminus system. Mostly clean record though some incidents in a few bars on off hours. And whose ship, the MSV caracara was authorized for travel within council space, with its guns registered as defensive measures against terminus and attican traverse pirates.

 

It said he was freelance as well, guessing that was to account for his less then expected appearance. Everything said all it needed to, a batarian operating just under the radar who had just enough dirt to throw people off the real trail.

 

"A bit classical, but effective..." he commented, finding a bit of comfort in vocalizing his thoughts, "Now which color will I be going with..." he said as he pulled out a small pack filled with pigmentation alters. While illegal, they'd be damn well hard to trace without a sizable skin sample, and last for a few days at most. Quick, easy to get rid of, and surprisingly effective at helping to hide ones identity, like many of the modern medical products one could use to alter their facial structure at least temporarily.

 

While he got that going, he got out a small sealed container of modified medial normally used for movies. He couldn't use it to cover up his whole face, or the facial recognition software the citadel used would pick it up. But use a sparing amount on some of his scars, the brand on his neck and scar on his forehead, maybe some along his mouth and neck to hide the tattoos and lessen the burn marks, and he just looked like a rough and full of experience surveyor.

 

As he applied it, the pigmentation alters were ready and after a quick scan to make sure it was good, they were injected in and his skin was darkening and lightening in some areas until his face appeared to be a nice and healthy light brownish yellow all around, the average skin color of a batarian from khar'shan.

 

Just as his appearance alterations were finished, his ship alerted him that he was coming out of FTL drift. Taking over again, essul saw the blue shift fade out, and the purple clouds of the serpent nebula great him in the widow system, the massive space structure before him.

 

The citadel was in sight, and he was ready to begin infiltration.

[Redbelle]

"The same reason I tried to take the armour bloodlessly". Jess intoned. "Because much as I have a reputation.... I don't kill when I don't have to. I don't put other's in danger when I don't have to. It's responsibility. I take care of my own. And those Babylon's aren't mine so I don't care what happens to them..... which mean's if whoever tracked down and took my ship hears from Deidrus's lot that the Spectre's think I'm connected to that family then they'll die for no reason...... Except to satisfy a cruel streak in themselves..... And you saw my crew. You know.... whoever did this would kill them. And my ship isn't easy to take. They had to have had connections. My crew heard you mention Babylon and they cold have said that and much more..... And why the hell am I the only one whose not military or beholden to the people who cares about this"?

 

Jess threw up her hands. "Fine! I'll talk to Deidrus. Just know that it's not just me.... It could be everyone around me whose a target for this loon. That means the Audron. This ship and this crew. Considering how easily we got taken for a ride back on Duellos your plenty cold about putting a group of civvies in harms way".

 

"Unless..... Ohhhhh, you think I'm concerned because I know them". Jess hmmphed and sat back on her haunches. "Fact is luv... I like people dead because I had a hand in making them that way. I don't like when people die that I didn't earmark that's connected to me. And it was your lot who put them at risk. Someone's after me. And if they catch a sniff of the connection you put in place? They'll go after them. Because whoever's doing this to me is cruel".

 

Jess looked away. "Do what you want. This is me being a captain making sure every I and T is crossed and dotted". She looked back at Eteon. "And my crew did know my name. It's Stone. The name you dropped amoung them was Babylon. Anything happens to a group of Babylon's on Earth? I'm holding you responsible. Because there's no way I'm letting this fall back on me or the King and Queen's".

[Terca]

Somehow I doubt the same people who butcher a group of people for a message kill everyone in the galaxy with a last name.

 

The thought was sarcastic and talking in third person about Babylon wasn't helping. "You're right, maybe I am being too cold about what might come of this." Eteon sighed, more willing to take a guilt point than allow herself to get riled up. Choose battles. "And what happened on Duellos is at least partly my fault. I should have checked the car before marking it as target. When they had given themselves up I should have checked the car." Eteon sighed and scratched the back of her neck with a talon. "But just like Deidrus and everyone else here who thinks 'should have this', or 'should have' that we can't get stuck in that rut. At any point in time someone should have done something but didn't. That's the magic of retrospect we unfortunately don't have."

 

Eteon walked away from the couch again and sighed. "Unfortunately when I came to your ship and said the word Babylon I wasn't thinking there would be a psychopath later who might somehow find out about it." Eteon leaned back against the wall. "But that doesn't make things better."

[Redbelle]

Jess Hmpphed. "I didn't expect to find out a group of bug men were harvesting people to turn into more bug men.... The Aspire have other places in the galaxy right"? She drew a hand over her brow and kneaded the flesh where she felt a headache coming on. "It's to many. What I saw down in the mines wasn't enough to process all the people taken. It would take hundreds of places around the galaxy to process that many bodies and everything we learnt said that the humans were being divided up. First the DA pickup the one's who can be convinced to leave, whereon their turned into more bugmen.... Then the 'real' collectors arrive and snatch up the rest. And those people aren't anywhere we've seen. There's something else going on that we're still missing. Something we have to find out". She pulled her hand away and slammed it down ont he table making Mr Bojangles jump into the air from the force of the impact. "Dammit I wish we had that armour..... I'm not sold on this council idea. You know them. Anything that makes them look bad they sweep under the rug..... Sorry". She said as an aside to Bojangles who scurried across the table. "But the only way to recover from this is to get Silias armour attached to the hull at the Citadel. And that's got to happen the minute we arrive. We can't afford another delay. But somehow.... unless we call ahead and convince the council that this ship is still the best prospect for dealing with the Collector threat... I can't see it happening.....".

 

"....It's more likely they'll look at the data, call the Aspirant's the Collector's, throw them in the threat range of maruader's and raider's and pretend the galaxy is as safe as it used to be..... See, this is why I don't pay taxes..... Except I do". She deadpanned to the group in front of her. "Really.... Just ignore that last bit..... Taxes!..... yay"!

[Kel Riever]

The conversation was going all over the place and Morgan observed people trying to make sense of everything happening now.  But as much as the Aspirants were a threat, and the failure at the train led them to a judgment at the Citadel, none of it mattered to Morgan as much as the containers Jess had received and why she had received them.

Morgan’s brow creased.  He felt himself fading away from the talk that was happening.  When Jess slammed her hand down on the table, he barely noticed.  Something bothered him that he hadn’t addressed yet, about the containers, and about Jess’ crew, and Morgan was doing his best to figure it out.  

[Terca]

"We have one more FTL Jump before the next Relay which connects to the Serpent Nebula." The pilot informed Deidrus as he stood deep in thought. His eyes focused on the planets in the system they had just entered though his mind was elsewhere. "Our ETA before hitting the next relay is about an hour at cruising speed."

 

Deidrus nodded absently before checking the galaxy map to confirm. Duellos was somewhat out of the way as far as planets went in relation to the main regions of council space. An FTL jump to a completely different system would be required before they would arrive at the Serpent nebula. "Enter the Relay when we arrive, there's no reason to delay. If sensors pick up an unmarked ship when we drop out of FTL scan for FoF signals actively."

 

He didn't wait for a response before leaving the room and using the lift that connected the bridge to the command deck at the top of the the Audron. While he stood in the lift the telltale feeling of FTL flight pressed against him for a moment before it loosened its grip. As it did he clenched his fists until the connecting pieces of his gauntlet groaned in protest. When he looked down to his palms he glared at a piece of grit.

 

When the doors opened up onto the open and normally unused part of the chip we strode in and immediately waved the guard out. He was there as a formality mostly and would spend his time just staring at the blue-shift of space anyways. The soldier inclined his head before leaving the Commander alone with a 360^o view of space and the streaking by of stars and planets.

 

A wave of his hand and the displays muted themselves so that the lights were much less glaring in the dim room which was only lit by silent displays and the service light strips.

 

He sat down at a table near the middle of the oblong room and leaned back a moment before raising his omni-tool and sending a message to Morgan.

 

Come to the Command Deck. Passkey 'Antonoleas' to access the top floor.

  -Androkan.

 

Morgan was still in Jess' chamber, the conversation having left him somewhat.  Jess and the people there were involved, deep in the conversation, and maybe that's why Morgan felt the desire to recede again.

The omni-tool alert went off again on his arm, indicating a message from Androkan.  Androkan?  Morgan didn't want to leave but now he was being called somewhere else.  He got off the comfortable couch and pardoned himself; his destination was the Command Deck.

 

On his way up, Morgan felt pulled in different directions again.  The feeling perplexed him more than annoyed him this time. 

Upon arriving at the elevator, Morgan boarded and waited until it was clear.  He typed in the passcode he'd been given and rose to the Command Deck.  When he exited, he stepped into the oblong room with its cool lights and displays.  Deidrus was reclining in a chair at the central table.

"Something on your mind?"

 

Androkan nodded his head before motioning to another seat at the table with his hand. It appeared to the Turian that Morgan himself had also been thinking about difficult things as well from his expression.

 

"I would admit so." Deidrus said before glancing out one of the displays of the room. "I recommend you get comfortable." He warned, nearly half-joking. As cordial as the meeting might be for a Turian ship Deidrus had no reason to beat around the bush, so to speak.

 

Morgan took a seat in the angular chair Deidrus motioned to at the table. "Fire away."

 

A breath was forced between the teeth of the Turian before he began speaking.

 

"Antonoleas is the name of one of the first Turian council Spectres. Her ship was the Undros, which in the Turian language was a diminutive of this ship's name. Audron. She was known as the Arbiter of the Council in the earliest days before races like the Elcor or the Batarians were even diplomatic entities to the early Primacy. A famous quote of hers which you have no doubt heard was her defense in what would be known as the Trial of Gaul. Three-thousand members of a mixed colony in the Traverse came into union during the early years and developed itself as a surprisingly efficient militaristic pseudo-society. It was also by credos militaristic, antagonistic and reclusive when not lashing out at neighboring colonies. It was destroyed virtually overnight after Antonoleas was given the task to limit the weapons caches of Gaul."

 

The Turian shifted in his seat before continuing the story. "She was also the first to be determined rogue though that listing was only made after she had submitted herself to the council. She was put on trial for genocide rather privately, not that there was anyone who cared about the tiny glitch in a very subdivided society, and was forced to give her defense. When questioned why she destroyed the colony of Gaul she said that 'There are no Martyrs of that place. Neither goddess nor spirits were hailed, nor were the rights of those beyond their gravitational pull respected. Nobody knows of the Gaulians. Nobody will know of their death. Nobody will know of their weapons. The needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few, and thus the colony of Gaul was an easy sacrifice for the stability of the region, the galaxy and anyone who comes here.'"

 

"She was executed." He paused a moment. "The outcry of the Turians 1300 years ago against the act mattered little despite their service in the Krogan Rebellions. Despite that, the phrase remained with them; 'the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few'. Over a millennium it became central to Turian ideology." The Spectre motioned to their surroundings with a talon. "This ship, the Turian ranks within the Council military. Our Armigers themselves are the embodiment of that ideal. Even a soulless Broker Operative like myself knows that these things are in the blood."

 

"The story is not meant to bore. It's supposed to explain that I know what I say next is cruel but true: If Duellos' Aspirant population turns out to be more resilient and to have spread itself through the planet, and the Nefrane could not destroy them..." Deidrus sighed and trailed off. "The galaxy may have to live with more instances of Antonoleas.... But I do not know if the crew I have on board is ready... Or ever will be to have to make such a decision like that."

 

To Morgan, he could understand the weight of what Deidrus was saying, even if he wasn't in his position.  Morgan took a breath before he spoke. "It's a hard call, right?  Not everybody can understand.  And sometimes any leader, anyone in charge, can make the wrong call.  We talked about this earlier, I suppose, about the Shadow Broker, and what happened on Noveria, though the circumstances were different.

"People seem to be nose deep in it right now.  Questioning the right move, blame, looking at what to do next.  I can't say I'm different.  But I'm not questioning you.  Even if you were going to leave me behind."

Morgan put his hands flat on the table.

"Who's correct?  What if you could have saved someone and let them die?  You and I have both worked for the Broker and we both know this wouldn't even be a conversation if we still were.  But that also can mean there are other ways to look at this.  Does that make sense?"

 

"It does, but remaining rooted too deeply in the past and the possibilities that may have been..." The Spectre shook his head. "The future holds what we can't have right now, certainty about the past. We may never know if one more or fewer souls could have been saved until a mother without child, or lover without loved one cries for justice. We gamble on the future for on the whimsical ideal that what we do fixes the broken world of the past. Some people become cartographers for that. Others servicemen and women, others politicians. None of them have the 'right answer'. And neither do I."

 

A dry, humourless chuckle could be heard coming from the Turian. "And how do you explain that to people like Stone? People like Eteon?" Those that aren't us. The words were unspoken, but the meaning was in his eyes. "Some call me shortsighted for my focus on the outcome of the mission as opposed to the people in front of me. Sometimes the mission is the saving of lives in a roundabout way. Sometimes it isn't. It is relying on the graces of whatever deity you believe in to provide that luck or misfortune. But that isn't good enough for some."

 

"People like you and I may need to make decisions that those people, the people who are members of our crew now will never forget. They will always wonder about the 'what if's' and the 'should have's. And when this war with the Collectors and Aspirants begins and it starts somewhere densely populated, somewhere like Illium or Eden Prime, can they make the call for the future, or the call that soothes their morals?"

 

"Morals," Morgan tossed the word about.  "How to be two-headed?  Cut losses without becoming a monster?  Explain it? Do your best, I suppose.  Ask the philosophers.  Eteon I don't know.  Jess, I think Jess understands as much as I do, but she's got some other concerns right now..."  Morgan trailed off.

 

Like I do, even if nobody's checking in on that.

Where was Jess going?  And Morgan didn't mean with her feet.

"But the people who need it to be explained to them are Xanthe, and if Xanthe won't listen, the Council.  That's what's pressing.  You were appointed as a Spectre, and with that, entrusted to make certain decisions.  You are going to stand against another Spectre, likely ready to defend themselves, before the Council who will judge you.  Your case needs to be made to them, and won, if you are to survive as that which you are.

"All the rest, for better or worse, can be sorted out later.  Crew, asari commandos, the great battle between saving the many over the few, or to leave no one behind.  There will be time for all of that once the Council is able to understand what you did, what you are doing, and that for your mission, you must have that armor."

 

"True enough." The Turian conceded. "The great moral battles can be fought while we actually have footing to stand on." Despite how diplomatically we will have to put it in order to have any semblance of acceptance on the part of the Council. At times they were gunshy.... At worst they were in denial.

 

"However on the topic of Stone I do have a question." The Turian lifted his chin slightly and looked Morgan in the eye. "How is she?"

 

Morgan flinched.  "I'm not sure, but I'm going to say as good as she can be right now.  She's got to put herself to work and she's doing that.  There's a point...I don't want to say because it's a suspicion on my part...that you may have to let her go.  To do what she has to do.  And I want to be upfront with you as well, Deidrus, I know something about who she has to deal with.  And if Jess does, I have to go with her."

 

"I assume you mean the Broker Handler that cut up her crew members." Deidrus replied. It was a guess, but a good one. Morgan didn't just walk off of Omega without saying 'goodbye' to whoever was the one moving his information. He wasn't a broker so he was in exchange, thus someone had to hire him out. Morgan and Jess had left together that day and returned. The math wasn't complicated. It helped to have xenophobes watching the coming and goings of all the aliens at times. "Someone was willing to spend a sickening amount of time on what they were doing... Few people of that ilk are able to find secretive pirating ships." He leaned forward in his chair and breathed slowly out through his nose. "Are you going to be walking into the Broker's den?"

 

"I...sure, you can say that.  There's more to it.  I haven't put everything together, yet."  Morgan paused.  He wanted to finally say something to Jess, but she was consumed.  "What she's going through started with me, and she would have her crew today if she hadn't come and gotten me on Omega."

That was the moment Morgan broke in his thoughts.

 

He put a hand to his eyes, and felt the blood hammering through his head.

 

"I'm not ready to sort it all out."  Morgan pulled his hand away. "But I don't need to.  What has to happen is that I see this...Iyana...come to an end.  I'm useless until that happens.  And I can't let do anything but be by Jess' side, helping her in every way I can while she now has to deal with this..until she can reclaim some semblance of what she lost.  If that is even possible.

"Where that leads us?  I don't know.  It doesn't have to go beyond this handler, but Iyana is...more than enough...for anyone to take on.  So I'm not going to let Jess try to alone."

[Terca]

Eteon rolled her eyes at Jess' joke since she couldn't tell where the punchline was. Somewhere in between the fact Stone was a pirate and a taxpayer she guessed though uncertain. She accepted the joke for what it was, an attempt to thin the atmosphere a bit and appreciated it. She was about to make a sarcastic retort but paused when she noticed that Morgan was leaving the room with a curt farewell.

 

After the door was closed she looked to Vayne and Jess before shrugging. "He's a bit out of it..." She trailed off. Then again we all would be if we weren't focusing on other things right now.

 

"I do agree with you about the Council. Their inception was as a form of peace treaty between the races once they came together but since then have not accomplished a lot aside from maintaining status quo with a few exceptions."

[Kel Riever]

When Morgan left the Command Center and came out of the elevator, he felt sicker than if he’d been hit by a polonium round.  He didn’t even remember what deck he exited onto, just needing to get off when two of the turian crew got on.  Morgan’s vision was tunneled, and he felt his stomach roll.  One foot stumbled over the other and he had to catch himself on a nearby console.

It wouldn’t have happened if it wasn’t for you.

The picture of the crates filled Morgan’s mind.  There, Jess’ people, slaughtered, because he couldn’t keep himself separate enough, or away enough.  They were dead because of him.  That was the thought that had been bothering him, and now crushing him.

Morgan didn’t want to admit it, but he had to.  You should have died on Omega, he said to himself, And now look what it has brought you.  His breath became rapid, and he fought to keep from vomiting.  He argued with himself that he didn’t kill those people, Iyana did.  That he didn’t have a choice. That he wasn’t a monster.

None of it stood a chance in the face of what he felt to be true, which was that he might as well have slaughtered those people with his own hands.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Before leaving the system, the Zephyr docked and transferred the refugees, Naleena and Anika to the Nefrane. The refugees were escorted to a common area where cots had been set up and they could get some rest during the flight to the Citadel. Naleena, Anika, and Zenon were met by Xanthe and a commando and escorted to private quarters. This being a military vessel, the quarters were not up to civilian standard, yet they were comfortable.

 

“We heard from one of the guards on the Zephyr that everyone survived, is that correct?” Naleena asked Xanthe and flipped her omni-tool on record as they walked to their quarters. “And was a bombardment of that intensity really necessary? There may have been people still alive.”

 

“Unfortunately this was declared a quarantine zone. It’s like when a highly contagious fatal disease with no cure breaks out,” Xanthe said, “Sometimes you have to make the hard call. You know what these things were capable of doing, and they were still pouring out of that compound by the thousands, and they started getting off world. This call wasn’t made lightly.”

 

Naleena made a reserved reply. “I see.”

 

“As for your friends, yes. I’d been observing the entire battle from a distance. When I gave the order to surrender, everyone was still alive.” Xanthe said as they arrived at their quarters, “A couple had fallen, but my commandos caught them in their grav chutes. The cargo was a total loss, however. But with the site purged, we’ll be able to recover it,” she said with pride.

 

“Here we are, I’m sure you’ll find these quarters sufficient.”

 

Anika looked around the room. "I grew up in a place like this..... I'm used to it."

 

“Thank you, Spectre.” Naleena said.

 

Xanthe closed the door.

 

“The Spectre is playing games. The cargo was a total loss? She didn’t take my advice. She waited until something put the cargo out of reach for some aura flaring…. It’s like chest thumping in your species,” Naleena said with disgust, “I’ll demonstrate how it’s…”

 

“No, that’s okay. I get your point.” Anika said. "I'll wait for Jess to tell us what happened.... She'll need some calming down when she get's here I expect. She does not like losing. There's nothing on the Audron to vent on like back at the Medusa.....". Anika paused. "I'm worried. It sounds like the mission went to hell. I can't even guess how everyone's reacting....". She reached out and took Naleena's hands. "Thanks by the way. I think.... telling that woman about our plan helped. Helped them keep a distance. Last thing the group needed was fighters and gunship's fighting the Audron for dominance in the sky. I can't believe it though. There's no way our group would have done anything to risk the cargo. It was the whole point of the operation. Grab the cargo. Get started on equipping it. Jess wanted us to leave with the Audron in a good position to go after the collector's and defend itself.... She's.... we've.... grown a little fond of that group Deidrus put together".

 

"Anika, that's what doesn't make sense to me about this entire thing," Naleena replied turning to her, "I reminded Xanthe that the Audron would have to return to the Citadel to have the armor applied anyway. It is very difficult to apply and requires specialized equipment. It isn't something the Audron's crew could do. The Council would decide if the Audron's mission would merit the armor. So I told her to let the Audron just take the shipment. At least the armor would be intact. Now it isn't, and it's a waste for both sides.... I too, am worried about Jess. I hope she doesn't see us as traitors."

 

"She won't." Letting go of Naleena's hands Anika took a step away and looked around the room. "It's nice.... a little more Spartan than I've grown used to on the Medusa.... Naleena.... I've a question and I want to put this out so it's not something that surprises you.... Are you okay sleeping with more than one person? Because on the Medusa.... It happens. You don't have to though. Everyone respect's each other's boundaries. Jess makes sure that no one is ever forced to do anything that their uncomfortable with. I just need to know so when we get back home I know what to say to the others. You'll be the only Asari on board and I don't want your peoples' reputation to tar you when a group of long haulers see you walk onto the ship". Anika paused. "Jess will respect whatever decision you come to. She'll enforce it if she has to with the others. But if Jess invited us up to her cabin for an evening.... would you say yes? or no"?

 

Naleena took a deep breath. "That depends upon what is involved. Anika, I am very particular in selecting my partners. There may be casual partners with whom I will not meld - it will just be physical. And there have be a few serious partners with whom I've melded. Melding is a sharing of ones innermost thoughts, feelings, and memories. You are not a casual partner to me. We would have to discuss the boundaries with Jess before making any decision, you understand. Other than her, I do not know anyone else on the Medusa. Oh, and Dahlia would be coming with us, you know. My duties with her are not finished, which reminds me, I need to send a progress report to Aria. What did you mean by 'my peoples' reputation tar me?'”

 

Anika sighed. "It's not bad tar. Just that when long haulers have nowhere to vent their..... let's go with frustrations.... and the mono gender Asari nature tends to get some humans a.... little horny",

 

"One time Jess told me to go to a bar where dancer's were an hour before we were due to depart from orbit.... Turns out we were a couple of crewmen short. i went in and found them dropping their earning's in front of a couple of Asari dancers". Anika shook her head. "Drunk out of their minds.... Convinced they were going to marry them.... They were waiting for the dancer's to finish their set so they could go home with them".

 

Anika chuckled. "I ended up throwing both of them over each shoulder and dragging them out of there. The dancer's were grateful. They'd been dancing long past their set time and they were exhausted. But as long as those two idiots paid.... they kept dancing. They probably earned more in a day than they ever did in a month. When Jess found out she turned Felix into a coat stand and Natahsa into a chandelia in her quarters. Took pictures, then threatened that if they ever did something so stupid again she'd post them on the Medusa's message board".

 

"What I'm saying is establish your boundaries. Jess has the crew whipped into shape but we all fly a can and every now and then, tempers flare, feelings get bruised and people who ought to know better can't keep their hands to themselves..... But we're also a family. And we forgive each other alot to because everyone knows that when your hauling in deep space for long periods of time, things break. The trick is accepting that and then putting everyone back together again. The Medusa's.... kinda like an extended family to me and Jess.... And they'll annoy you. Make you laugh, cry. You'll want to kill them. You'll want to name your next born after some. You and Dahlia will be the first non humans we've had. Who knows? Maybe it's the start of something new.....".She trailed off. "Hmpph.... I mean, as long as we don't pick up any Salarian's..... I guess I'm kinda getting used to Turians.... A little".

 

There was a terminal in the room. Naleena sat down.

 

To: Aria T’loak

 

From: Naleena

 

RE: Dahlia

 

So far Dahlia has proven to be quite competent. She has shown abilities beyond what I expected to find in a maiden her age, however. For example: her barrier is extremely well developed. She used it to hold off a horde of collector-human hybrids until we arrived on the scene. Is there something you haven’t told me?

[Terca]

With Morgan off of the Command Deck Androkan leaned back in his chair again and breathed long through his nose. Antonoleas. He shook his head and peered out one of the side windows. Betrayal at its most unsubtle.

 

The blue hue of FTL travel died down as the ship approached the relay two systems from where they had first entered the cluster. A gas planet in the distance shone along with the a distant old star, both contrasting with the reflective but dark monolith of the relay. The Ship paused out of FTL for a moment as it scanned the surroundings before drifting to the relay.

 

Relay jump to the Serpent Nebula will begin shortly.

[Cknarf]

Omega, 2174

Twelve-year-old Frank Eli crouches quietly behind a dumpster, staking out a food stand.  It's been days since he's had anything to eat.  He stares longingly at the fried something-on-a-stick being prepared by the Batarian vendor.  He waits for the line to subside, before making his move.  Sprinting from cover, he snatches a handful of the sticks without stopping.

"Hey! Get back here!"

He ignores the burns on his hand from the greasy food, as he ducks into an alley.  Without waiting for it to cool, he pops a chunk of fried meat into his mouth.  It's tough, probably varren, but he's not in position to be picky. Before he can finish the first stick, he's grabbed from behind and thrown against the wall.

"This'll teach you not to steal from people!"  The vendor punches him hard in the gut, and drops him to the ground. "Did you think I wouldn't catch you?"  He crouches, face to face with Frank, before slapping his head.

"I-I was just hungry."  Frank stutters.  "I'm sorry, sir, I--" The vendor slaps him again.

"You're not sorry..." The he balls his hand into a fist.  "But you're gonna be by the time i'm finished." Frank evades the punch.  Firmly grasping one of the sticks, he drives it into one of the batarian's eyes.  "Aghhhh you little sh*t!" Frank scrambles to his feet and makes a run for it. "Now you're dead!"

Frank made it to the docks. The numerous containers made excellent hiding spots.

'Dextro Rations
No. 3773'

He climbed into the crate full of nutrient paste, and listened.  His pursuer was dumping crates, and getting closer. "I know you're here!  It's only a matter of time before I find you..."

"What do you think you're doing?" Another voice called out. "Get out of here, before you get yourself hurt."

"Yeah? And what are you--" The batarian stopped.

"The Suns don't like people snooping around their crates."

"I didn't realize--"

"Get moving."


The batarian was gone, but with Blue Suns walking around, Frank decided to stay in the crate. 

-------------------------------------------------
The crate jostled, and Frank opened his eyes to darkness.  He had fallen asleep.

"Where do you want this one?"

"There is fine."

"That's the last of 'em. Close the door, and  tell cap we're ready..."

The voice trailed off.  Frank cracked open the lid and looked around.  He was in the cargo bay of a small ship, and it was prepping for take off.

[Cknarf]

Vepr smuggling vessel 2174

"What do you know about the shipment?"

 

"Mostly Carnifex pistols.  About a dozen Avengers.  Although I hear there's something special in crate 3773."

"What is it?"

"A few predators... and a  Kishock Harpoon Gun."

"No way."

"Wanna check it out?"

"You know I do!"

Frank felt around, digging through the tubes of paste, until he gripped one of the pistols. The lid opened.

"Whoa, easy now, kid." The turian raised his hands, and stepped away from the crate as Frank climbed out.

"You a merc?"

The turian shook his head

"Call your friend over here."

"Quintus, come here for a second."

"What do you need, broth--" he stopped, as Frank swung the gun in his direction.

"Where's this ship headed?"

"None of your business."

"Yeah? Well I'm making it--" The pistol  in his hand overheated and sparked.

"Keelah, what is going on down here?"  A quarian asked, as his omni-tool faded.  "And to think we hired you for security."  He pulled the pistol from Frank's hand. "I see you've met Marius and Quintus." He waved the pair of turians away.

Frank frowned.

"I'm Adir'Razt, captain of this fine vessel. And you are?"

"Frank."

"Well, Frank, do you mind telling me why you're in our cargo bay, waving guns at the crew?"

[Terca]

When the Audron arrived in the Serpent nebula there was no time devoted to watching the massive cloud of blue and pink dust and gas move about. The Audron Continued on its path to the Citadel, though with its current charge it was only going so quickly into the range of the huge space station.

 

During its approach Deidrus made his way down to the bridge and stood, as always, beside the Galaxy map. He spoke to nobody and aside from the normal muted chatter between members of the crew little was said. The Spectre was quiet even in mind while he focused on the surroundings of the ship and its operation. Soon...

 

Once the Audron was within five light-minutes of the station and near its communication relays it sent the IDs of the crew and the ship to be verified by Citadel Control first, then the Hierarchy for secondary clearance since they would be using that dock. When the accepting response was received it entered another short FTL burst to come within 500 kilometers of the Citadel and cruise towards the given docking area.

 

"We will be docking at the Citadel in a few minutes. Use decon on exit and entrance. All first-shift unnecessary crew may depart once docking is completed."

[Cknarf]

Vepr smuggling vessel 2174

"So you stabbed him in the eye?"

Frank nodded. "It's not like he doesn't have three more."

Adir shook his head

"Don't you have family?"

Frank looked down and sighed.  "Used to.  I've been on my own for the past two years."

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that."

"I'm just glad to be leaving Omega."

"Where will you go?"

"I haven't really thought about it. Probably wherever your next stop is."

"Oh no, child.  It wouldn't be much better than where you just left.  Do you know what we do?"

"You're smugglers, right?"

Adir nodded. "Yes, and many of the runs we make are to places very similar to Omega.  But, once in awhile, we deliver to a more friendly location. You're welcome to stay aboard until then."

"Okay."

"Great! I could use an extra set of hands around here anyways.  Welcome aboard the Vepr, Frank."

[Cknarf]

Present day

Frank stood in the medbay, as Elara checked him over one last time.  "I've gotta say, doc, you work fast." he touched at the thin devices on each side of his ribs. "Whatever these are, they seem to help."

"Your ribs are still damaged, but the precise mass effect fields generated by those devices keep everything in place, allowing you to move around safely."

"Neat."

"You may still feel some tenderness, but don't push yourself too hard, and you should be fine.  It's relatively new technology, so they will only hold a charge for three galactic standard days."

"Thanks, doc."  Frank slid on his tattered old shirt, and headed for the door.  "Commando. Commando," He looked over his shoulder at the other asari. "Get well soon." He stepped out of the medbay.

"We will be docking at the Citadel in a few minutes. Use decon on exit and entrance. All first-shift unnecessary crew may depart once docking is completed."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The Audron docked at the Citadel at Docking Bay C10. The Asari were released from custody and escorted off ship. Deidrus was met by Captain Bailey of C-Sec.

 

“Sir, would you come with us? Council orders.” Bailey said.

 

“Council Chambers, I assume, Captain?” Deidrus replied.

 

“Actually the officers will be escorting you to the Dilinaga Conference Room.” Bailey said.
 

“I can find my own way there, Captain.”

 

“Sorry, but my orders are that you have an escort,” Bailey also stopped the commandos. “My orders are that you’re supposed to report to the Council as well. Just follow the C-sec officers and we’ll have no problems. Also, Spectre, before your group heads up, they want your Cabal available as well. I’m heading up to Bay A5 and wait for the Nefrane.” Bailey left.

 

Deidrus tapped his communicator. “Eteon, would you disembark and meet me on the concourse. It appears that you might be needed for an appearance before the Council.”

 

                                                                                                ***

 

The Nefrane pulled into docking bay A5. The refugees disembarked first and were put up in one of the hotels in the wards. Xanthe informed Naleena and Anika that it was time to leave. Zenon followed them. They were met by Captain Bailey. Bailey informed Xanthe where to report. Xanthe informed Bailey that Naleena and Anika were to accompany her.

 

“Great.” Bailey said. “Sergeant, put the commandos, in waiting room A, and Eteon in room B.”

 

“Yes, Sir.”

 

“The three of you will be in waiting room C until called.” Bailey said. “The last thing I need is opposing witnesses squabbling. Follow me. And Xanthe, you’ll have to relinquish your weapon…”

 

“Yeah, yeah. Before entering the Conference Room. I know the drill, Bailey.” Xanthe said, “Now can we get on with this?”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Deidrus Androkan was already in the Conference room. He was seated on the right hand side flipping through pages of documents on his omni-tool when Xanthe Remi entered the room. She had a cup of tea in her left hand, and she took her seat at the desk on the left. Androkan looked at her out of the corner of his eye pretending to ignore her presence. Remi played a similar game while sipping her tea.

 

“All rise and remain standing.”

 

Deidrus and Xanthe stood while The Council entered on the left. Valern entered first, followed by Tevos, Sparatus, and last by Udina. The Councilors took their seats at the long conference table at the end of the room.

 

Tevos spoke first. “This session of the Citadel Council is called to order. At issue are the events on the planet Duellos involving the Silaris armor facility run by The Citadel Council, the train, and the shipment of Silaris armor for a Council project. Spectre Androkan is it not true that you ordered and participated in an attempted robbery of a train containing said armor bound from the Silaris armor facility run by Anotaria Industries to the Asari military base on Duellos?

 

Androkan took a deep breath. “It’s not that simple, Councilor.”

 

Tevos interrupted. “Answer the question.”

 

Androkan perceived Xanthe gloating, but he had no choice but to answer the question. “Yes. Councilor it isn’t as simple as it sounds. Our mission…”

 

Valern interrupted. “Yes, your mission was to investigate the disappearance of humans from colonies, and follow up on any leads to a mystery race called the Collectors.”

 

“Which is what we were doing on Duellos,” Androkan said, “You have my report from Omega, Councilor.”

 

“Spectre Remi, it is my understanding that your commandos thwarted the attempted robbery?” Councilor Sparatus asked.

 

“That isn’t quite true. It’s more like Spectre Androkan bungled the robbery while I on the other hand told my people to stand down and give him the armor and let the Council sort out the mess.” Remi said.

 

“Interesting. Why did you do that?” Sparatus asked.

 

“Because there are only three places that this armor can be applied. Two are in Asari space and the third is here in the Citadel dry dock facilities.” Xanthe said. “It would be necessary for him to get Council approval. It would have been a shame to see the armor just go to waste like that.”

 

“That’s a lie!” Androkan countered. “I tried to negotiate in good faith with her prior to the incident. As you see in our report about the Collector ship we encountered, its weaponry would cut through the Audron’s armor like a hot knife through lard.”

 

“Yes, the Collector ship.” Udina said. “Where is it?”

 

"If the transaction went as planned the ship should be in Asari Republic space." He replied, directed his attention to Udina.

 

“And how did it get there?” Sparatus asked.

 

“One of the squad members you handpicked for me, Naleena T’sarius, negotiated a deal with Anotaria Aerospace. It was in the Terminus and other squad members claimed salvage rights along with Aria T’loak.” Deidrus said.

 

“We recently granted Naleena T’sarius a pardon.” Valern mentioned, “And she appeared favorably in one of your previous reports, Androkan.”

 

The Turian nodded. There was no point in his mind to bring up the incident on Duellos.

 

“The Systems Alliance will be looking forward to receiving updates on the alien technology, Councilor Tevos.” Udina said. “So you tried to negotiate with Remi. What did she say?”

 

“She told me to contact the Council.” Androkan said.

 

“And why didn’t you?” Udina asked.

 

“Because the situation on the planet had changed,” Androkan said, “My team had been investigating the Drowned Aspire. We’d heard about a connection to the Collectors but we weren’t sure. Then when my team made it to the inner parts of the DA… Spirits… all hell broke loose. These creatures that were rendered human and part Collector started pouring out. They were fast and strong. That was when I made my decision to exercise my Spectre authority and take the armor from the train. We alerted the base about what we call ‘aspirants.’ The mission was done with non-violent means.”

 

“He authorized deadly force!” Remi shouted, “And I have proof.”

 

“Really, you have proof, Remi.” Androkan said. “Let’s see your proof.”

 

“I call Naleena T’sarius.” Remi said.

 

Deidrus knew Naleena had been present when he issued the orders and left prior to the change of plan. This could be damning, he thought.

 

“Captain Bailey, escort Naleena T’sarius into the room, please.” Councilor Tevos said.

 

A couple of moments passed and Naleena entered.

 

“Naleena, do you swear under penalty of perjury to tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth?”

 

“I do.”

 

“State your name for the record.”

 

“Naleena T’sarius.”

 

Councilor Tevos began. “Naleena, please describe the key events of that day.”

 

Naleena related the events of the Drowned Aspire, the escape, the gunfight with the sheriff who was a supporter of the Drowned Aspire, the ransacking of the town by the hybrid creatures, the call back to the Audron on short notice, Jess and Morgan going to the Port Authority to alert the judge to sound a planetwide evacuation and alert the base, and that the Audron was leaving without them: team members, and friends. And that she’d gone back with her own personal shuttle to rescue them and some townsfolk.

 

Naleena bowed her head almost in shame. “Upon my return I struck Spectre Androkan in anger, and chastised him. There was time to evacuate everyone. Fortunately his Cabal, Eteon, mediated reconciliation.”

 

“That is a serious charge to which you admitted.” Sparatus said.

 

“I am being honest with you, Councilor. I do not pretend to be perfect. My actions was in the heat of the moment, and it was wrong.” Naleena said.

 

“Noted.” Sparatus said, “Go on.”

 

“Spectre Androkan called a briefing during which he explained that the negotiations failed, the mission parameters, and authorized the use of lethal force. Then he gave anyone who did not wish to participate the opportunity to leave,” Naleena said, “My being a citizen of the Asari republics cannot take up arms against the Asari military without it being an act of treason. I cannot sabotage a Spectre mission because that is an act of treason against the Council. I saw this as a contest between two Spectres that could get a lot of good people killed. I took the opportunity to leave as did my friend Anika who is in the room outside. We left immediately on my shuttle with refugees from the Audron and surrendered to Asari authorities in the base. I was interrogated by Spectre Remi during which she determined what Spectre Androkan was going to do, and I requested asylum along with my friend. She granted it.”

 

“So you never actually divulged the plan to Remi?” Councilor Tevos asked.

 

“No. I had gone there to cooperate and ask for asylum. She conducted her investigation like she was interrogating a suspect. I was answering her questions. There came a point where she figured out what was about to happen. I did not deny it. I requested asylum.”

 

“So Spectre Remi, you guessed that they were using lethal force?” Valern asked.

 

“Against twelve Asari commandos you’d have to. And then why else would T’sarius ask for asylum?” Remi countered.

 

“You took a gamble in asking me to testify, Spectre. Fortunately, you were correct… to a point.” Naleena turned to Remi.

 

“Thank you, Naleena.” Councilor Tevos said.

 

“Wait, Councilors, there’s more.” Naleena said.

 

“I think we’ve heard as much as we need to hear.” Udina said.

 

Androkan raised his brow. “As the apparent accused here, I request to hear her out.”

 

“I too, want to hear this.” Valern said.

 

“Moments after Spectre Remi left the base. I learned from Anika that non-lethal means were going to be presented to Spectre Androkan, and since Anika’s Captain was most familiar running this type of operation – she’s a Terminus pirate – she always uses non-lethal means. I requested and received permission to contact her from the freighter Zephyr. The communication is on their recorder, however I made a time stamped audio and video recording of it. I will play it for you.” Naleena said and played the recording notifying Xanthe about the non-lethal attack, and suggested that Xanthe let Androkan take the armor and let the Council deal with it. The Council noted the time stamp.

 

“And I did. I called off my squad, and let the Audron have the armor.” Remi said.

 

“After it was already on the ground!” Androkan said.

 

“Spectre Remi, your statement while accurate is a lie of omission,” Naleena said, “Councilors, listen. I recorded this on the Nefrane:

 

“I’d been observing the entire battle from a distance. When I gave the order to surrender, everyone was still alive. A couple had fallen, but my commandos caught them in their grav chutes. The cargo was a total loss, however. But with the site purged, we’ll be able to recover it.”

 

“You ******!” Remi shouted.

 

“Your commandos blew the bottom out of the car and sent the cargo dropping to the bottom of the canyon. That’s when you called off your team. If you couldn’t have it, no one could.” Androkan said. “I’m sure the commandos can confirm the timing. We can call them to verify.” I now know where Naleena’s loyalty is. What did Remi do to her?

 

Sparatus sighed. “That will not be necessary. This is damning for both parties. That armor was desperately needed for a Council project and now because of reckless behavior of two Council Spectres it lies at the bottom of a chasm. If Spectre Androkan had come to us over QE we could have arranged a source for him. If Spectre Remi had  used better judgment at least the armor would have arrived at The Citadel intact,” Sparatus said, “I have no choice but to move that both Spectres receive a 60 day suspension. Fortunately no one was killed. It appears we have only one cool head in the room.”

 

The Council voted 4-0.

 

“Spectres Remi and Androkan, you may leave.”

 

Androkan couldn't be surprised by the outcome though he could be substantially angered by it. "In that time there will not be a human colony left in the Attican traverse." He turned to exit the room but made sure his voice was loud enough to be heard. "And by then it will be too late for the rest."

 

***

 

With the hearing over, the witnesses were released from their rooms.

[Terca]

Deidrus entered waiting room B to see Eteon leaning against the wall, eyes on the ground before the clicking of his boots drew her attention. She looked up and upon seeing his scowl looked up to the ceiling of the room. An oath could be heard muttered before she looked to him again and shrugged. "That's the face of someone who just had their ass kicked for robbing a train."

 

The Spectre glared at her a moment before taking a calming breath. "A sixty day suspension is as much as I would have suspected. It does not make things particularly easier with the foresight." He walked to one of the chairs in the waiting room and seated himself before opening his omni-tool for a moment, checking something then closing it. "Though at the very least I have an idea of why they took such issue and put a Spectre on management of an Asari Republic's resource." He glanced to the Cabal. "They referred to the armor as 'the council's'. Silaris armor is as to my knowledge supplied primarily to fighter units in the Republics."

 

"Or they are being dramatic." Eteon countered, shifting in her position against the wall. "I have never been in a meeting of theirs but it seems at least partially the part of Galactic diplomats to be dramatic to assist their allies." Eteon's head tilted in the direction of the door he entered from. "Especially the Asari. I don't know why they would ground a ship when they need to be dealing with bigger issues." She shrugged. "But as I said I have no idea how half the political things here operate."

 

Deidrus let out a 'hmph' before standing. "Regardless, the outcome is set. Spectre Status being revoked is mostly an issue being able to force those in Council Space to do things without a rifle." A sharp glance from Eteon was ignored as he continued speaking and walking towards the exit. "It is mostly useless in the Traverse and Terminus at best and is usually the ignition for immediate conflict when used in front of a pirate. The issue lies with the ship itself..."

[Kel Riever]

When Tallis had rejoined her three companions, the featherweight lock cast around her leg didn’t stop her from hobbling towards them and jumping in their arms.  Reuniting started the group gabbing with each other, but all Tallis could say was, “No pants!  No pants!  Iole! Iole!”

Even for Tallis, Iole was a bit weirded out.  She guessed there’d be something to figure out later.  The other eight commandos nearby gave a few sidelong glances, but they chalked it up to team peculiarities.

Twelve commandos were escorted to their waiting room, where they would wait to see if they would be called as witnesses before the Council.  While they traveled, they were respectfully quiet.  But once in their waiting room, most of the commandos talked about the incident with the train, and what was about to happen.

Mira, Jenus, and Iole talked about the Aspirants. 

“Okay, so maybe if we knew a bit more we should have let them get the armor.”

“How would that have ever happened unless Xanthe passed on the information she was only just getting?  And how can we even blame her?  She was assessing the threat in real time.  The armor would have made it back to base if it wasn’t for Androkan.”

Mira was a bit more thoughtful.  “Maybe we should have understood a bit better.  We didn’t do anything wrong, per se.  I’m not going to say we even did a lot right, though I’m sure the other side doesn’t see it like that.  But, hindsight being what it is, I wish it had gone another way.”

Tallis nudged Iole, “No pants.  No pants.”

“What are you trying to say?” Iole looked over at her wounded friend.

“Thank you.  Thank you.”

 

“You’re welcome?”

Jenus laughed.  “Come on, Tallis, give us some signs!”

Tallis jumped up, with impressive agility given her lock cast, and started with her charades.  First, she stuck her hands near her nose with her fingers coming out of it.  When that didn’t seem to make sense, She pointed to her leg, put her hands to her head as if she was sleeping, and pointed next to her.  When that failed, and she saw Iole’s gold fleck facial markings crinkle in confusion, Tallis made as if she was stumbling and falling.  Twice.  Then she said, “Human! Human.”

“Are you talking about one of the men who fell off the train?” Iole finally caught on.

Tallis nodded.  She squatted down (with one leg extended, of course), put her arms out like wings, lifted herself up on her leg (commandos are often extremely fit), and made like she was catching something with her arms.

“Oh, yes, the one I caught.  He was next to you in medical?”

Tallis nodded again emphatically, and said, “Thank you!  Thank you!”

“Thank you for putting him next to you in medical?  I had nothing to do with that?”

Tallis shook her head vigorously to indicate Iole was missing the point.

“Honestly,” Jenus remarked, “I think she’s being difficult on purpose this time.”

Tallis scowled at Jenus.  Then pointed from her side, to Iole.  “Thank you. Thank you!”

“Oh.”  A light went off in Iole’s brain.  “Oh.  He wanted to tell me, ‘Thank you.’ “

Tallis clapped and jumped around, thrilled she finally got the point across.  Then she fell because of her wounded leg.

While Mira was helping Tallis up, and giggling, Jenus teased Iole.  “He totally fell for you.  In more ways than one.”

“Come on!”  Iole was shaking her head in disbelief.  “It was crazy.  I felt bad he went off the train.  I set the explosives, after all, since none of you are nearly as good at it.  Jenus, you can throw grenades, but if you ever had to set one, you’d blow your crest off.”

While Tallis was being helped up, she was nodding again and still looking at Iole.

Mira said, “No, I think Tallis is trying to say she thinks he does like you.”

Iole laughed, then was serious.  “Really?”  She then folded her arms across her chest.  “You all have been cooped up too long at that base.  Now you’re just running up your nonsense fantasies on me.  The only one here who wants to get in with a human, is Jenus, and that’s after a butt naked, drunken jump into a canyon.”

Jenus guffawed.  “Don’t knock it ‘till you try it!”

Iole smiled back.  She didn’t want to admit it but she did think the human was kind of cute.  Maybe it was his sense of humor after nearly plummeting to his death.  That takes some personality.  He had something on his helmet, though, when she caught him…a word she really wasn’t familiar with, although she remembered the letters: B-E-A-N-S. 

Iole wondered if it was some sort of unit motto.  Probably some jingoistic human phrase meaning, ‘Death from above,’ or something like that.  Though he really looked like he wasn’t very experienced at taking a dive from a great height.

Scrunching her nose, Iole disappeared into her omni-tool, which had been given back to her.  She looked for something technical about weaponry to distract herself.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The guard knocked on the door and told the commandos they could go. The commandos left their waiting room.

 

"What the hell, Textbrain? We didn't get called?" Jenus said, "I thought we were so important to this hearing. They made such a big deal out of it."

 

Mira was about to speak but saw Xanthe's aura glowing as she stormed out of the room.

 

Iole looked over at Mira. "I guess the hearing didn't go the way the boss hoped. Probably why we weren't called."

 

Mira nodded. "I think we'd better leave her alone for now. There's a coffee shop across the way. I'm a bit hungry. Shall we see what they have to eat?"

 

"Yeah, if you're buying." Jenus said. "Come on, Tallis, you'll feel better after you've eaten."

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Another guard knocked on the room Anika was in, and informed her that she would not be called and could leave.

 

"What about Naleena? Where is she?" Anika asked.

 

"She's still in the conference room with the Council. The meeting hasn't adjourned." The guard said. "I can bring the two of you something to drink if you want to wait here for her."

 

"That would be nice, thank you." Anika replied.

[Terca]

Deidrus and Eteon saw the Commandos once they were out of the waiting area. The two of them stood somewhat off to the side since coming into contact with them right now would feel... Awkward. At the same time it was the Commando's fault, Deidrus' fault and Xanthe's fault. There was no point trying to shunt it onto someone else but... Walking into a group of people you effectively took captive, regardless of the reasoning, was a bit awkward.

 

Eteon was willing to stay out of sight but Deidrus appeared to be less inclined to whatever brand of tact was being ignored. He walked out from the hallway in the same direction as the Commandos was walking though from looking at the back of his head Eteon knew he wasn't watching them. He was being awkwardly polite then? Or possibly just looked creepy. Either was a possibility though to hopefully diminish the chance of the latter the Cabal jogged over to the older Turian and walked alongside him, her eyes also not directed at the Commandos.

 

If luck was in their favor the fact that Eteon was completely armored during the time they would have seen her and the Spectre- Ah... He probably went to the cell after he took off his armor. No luck there.