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[sH0tgUn jUliA]

(pssst we're on Illium... you mean Nos Astras)

 

"Casual but carry a side arm," Naleena said, "I always do. We'll get you a jacket or something on the way."

[Straw Nihilist]

"Or two. In many respects Illium is every bit as dangerous as Omega. Corruption will always root itself where there is money, and where there is not." After vocalising her thoughts on Morgan's question, Jaimie left the group and travelled to the lower wards, where the illegal transactions, while as present as those in the upper wards, were far more manifested to the eye. It was at a back alley gambling ring that she first partook in this corruption. As it stood she had nought but a medical licence and twenty credits to her name. Knowing she would need equipment for the mission that lied ahead, she took to illegal fighting to generate money. It was there that she would spend the duration of their inactive portion of the mission. 

[Kel Riever]

Is that woman suggesting I bring two arms?  Or two jackets?

If I ask her, she's just going to say, "Yes."

Morgan threw a curious glance to the petite, brown haired woman who he didn't know and wondered if she was the source of the smell of bar and cheese powdered chips.  He observed her stand up and head out of the room, and perhaps it was his imagination, but he thought she was mumbling something about the wards.  And if she did, was she speaking figuratively or was she speaking literally...and not quite sure where she was going?

Again, the answer he believed he would guess if he bothered to ask was, "Yes."
 

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Cut scene:  Shuttle arrives. Team boards the shuttle carrying whatever gear they need to carry with them. The shuttle takes off for the Nos Astra Space Port and arrives without incident. The team checks into the hotel. (Naleena has room 1020.)

[Cknarf]

"Good morning, sir.  How may I help you?" The salarian clerk smiled.
 

"Hey, pretty lady." Frank leaned over the desk "I've got a reservation."

"Name?"

"It's under 'T'sarius.'"

"Identification, please."
 

Frank pulled up his ID on his omni-tool

"The entire floor is reserved.  All rooms are available, except for 1020."

"I'll have 1009." Frank nodded.

"Here is your room key, sir. Please enjoy your stay."

"I'll do my best."  He backed away from the counter. "Don't be afraid to use that spare key." He winked, before heading to the elevator.

[Cknarf]

Frank opened the door to 1009.  

 

Sweet.

 

He nodded his head in approval, as he stepped inside.  He tossed his bag on the bed, and came to a stop before the window.  He hit the switch, and the shutter began to raise.  A smile crossed his face, as he looked at the city below.  The last time he was here, he was just a kid.  Now, he was old enough to properly experience the nightlife of Nos Astra.

 

You've got a job to do first, Frank.

 

He emptied the contents of his bag onto the bed,  gathered the tools he'd need to disable any surveillance equipment. 

 

Frank swapped the dark lenses out of his goggles, and replaced them with a green-tinted set.  He slid his tool harness over his shoulders, and made his way to the conference room.

[Kel Riever]

(Note:  This scene is rolled back to the Janiri ten minutes after the breakup of the party)

 

Mira opened her eyes as she heard someone finally approaching.  It seemed like it had taken a long time for anyone to come over.  She was surprised to see Jenus come around the screen.

“Textbrain, Jess isn’t coming.  Neither is anyone else.”

A look of confusion passed over Mira’s normally calm face.

Jenus sighed, “I know, I misunderstood too.  So did Iole.  Apparently the only one of the team who knew what was going on was Tallis.”

“I thought…”

“Nope.”

“So, you are okay with that.”

“Yep.”

“I don’t know how I could have missed that.”

“Too much reading.”

Mira looked at Jenus sarcastically.

“Well,” Jenus went on, seeing the unused set of red training gear in the opposite corner from Mira, “It seems Praxia thought there was going to be a scrum as well.”  Jenus pursed her lips. “Honestly, it is a shame to see it go to waste.”

Mira peered over at the other set, then at Jenus.  “You and I haven’t full contact trained against each other in a long time.”

“Yep.”  Jenus had a glint in her eye.

“Nobody’s here to watch, so we could do whatever we wanted.  Nobody would even know who won or lost.”

“Except me.  I already know who won,” Jenus challenged.

Mira responded, “Well I suppose it has been a while, since you forgot about what happened last time.”

“Oh, I didn’t forget,” Jenus said, grabbing the red set of gear and changing into it. “I owe you laying you flat on your back for it.  You’ve got it coming.”

Mira began to stretch and prepare to face off against Jenus.  “We’ll see about that…”
 

[Kel Riever]

(back in current time...)

 

Morgan was set on picking up more than a jacket once everyone arrived at Nos Astra, sincerely hoping that there would be a human vendor that had something more to his liking.  But landing on an asari world didn’t build his hopes.  Of course, he needed something besides his sheer, electric blue shirt, form fitting black pants and gloss black, multiple buckle, high boots that ended just below the knee.  At least until he could buy his own clothes with the per diem money.  So he asked someone on the Janiri for one.

A gloss white, synthetic, tight fitting leather like jacket with multiple buckles was provided for him.

Morgan sighed.  When he rode the shuttle, he couldn’t look at Essul, or anyone else for that matter.  He got several long looks from the asari when he the Scythe landed and he stepped off.  It wasn’t helping.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Synthetic Insights had a tower in downtown Nos Astros off Park Street and Armali Drive. Naleena had an appointment with their technical representative Camu Din, a Volus AI genius about having VERA installed in the VI core of the Janiri. Din’s office was on the 40th floor of the building.

Her taxi parked in the lot at that level, and she and Morgan walked into the reception area. It was of typical Asari design with a lot of plants, with a high ceiling and natural but non-glaring lighting. Very pleasing to the eyes.

 

"Morgan, when we're in the meeting, please record it." Naleena said.

 

Morgan nodded.

There was an Asari receptionist. “May I help you?”

“I have an appointment with Camu Din. My name is Naleena T’sarius, and this is Morgan Severn. He's my ship's systems analyst.”

“Yes, please have a seat. I’ll let Mr. Din know you’re here,” she went back to doing to filing after pressing a button.

A few moments later a Turian emerged from the office and left.

“Mr. Din will see you know.” The receptionist said.

Naleena entered the office. It was very large. The desk was very large and imposing, and behind it sat a Volus who would have appeared to be about 5’ 10” tall save for his arms if you didn’t know how tall they really were. Obviously he had his chair raised, and had steps up to it.

“ffffssssk… I am Camu Din. Welcome to Synthetic Insights… fffffssssk…. How can we be of assistance, Spectre?”

Naleena sat in one of the guest chairs. “I have a SI VERA 2251A on my shuttle, and I would like to have her installed on a larger vessel, and connect her with the VI if possible for additional power. If that is not compatible, add whatever components you need so that she has the power to run the ship. I’m told you’re the man to see about this.”

“ffffsssk… Hmmm… fffssssk… Yes, Lorik Qui’inn forwarded the file on this… fffssssk … You kept up with the upgrades, yes?” Din asked.

“Yes. Everything on her is current.”

“It… ffffsssk … On it, Spectre… ffffssssk …. It is a machine, nothing more.” Din said.

“VERA would argue that point.” Naleena said.

“ffffssssk… Tell me you didn’t unshackle it.” Din said.

“I needed her to have more operational control of the ship than she did with the shackles, so I removed the shackles one system at a time. She is unshackled.”

The last Morgan had officially heard on VERA, she was a VI.  Since the shuttle rescue on Duellos, he had other suspicions, which were now confirmed.  Though not a technophobe, Morgan couldn't help but feel a pang of anxiety.  Further, he wondered why Naleena had brought him along, though it was possible this was how she was letting him know.  As were his tendencies, Morgan said nothing and listened attentively.

“Oh dear… fffssssk… Standard protocol requires that this unit remain shackled when we install it on a ship… fffsssssk ….  It will not tolerate being re-shackled on your new vessel…, fffsssssk  and legally, I cannot install it without shackles…, ffffssssk…  even in the Terminus.”

“But you could do it for me, right?” Naleena asked with her finger on her omni-tool, “At an additional cost deposited to your private account.”

“fffssssk…, I could for say … fffsssssk 100,000 CR off books.”

“Don’t be ridiculous. 60,000 CR off books, and I don’t report that you even considered this.”

“ffffsssk… I’m the only one who can do this… fffssssk Fine. 80,000 CR and that’s as low as I’ll go…" the Volus tapped his omni-tool. "ffffsssk... Here's the account number... ffffssssk... This is a tricky operation, but my crew should be able to handle it with ease... ffffsssk … I can fit you in the schedule in three weeks.”

Naleena transferred the funds and a beep confirmed it. “How about starting tomorrow?” Naleena leaned forward and replied.

“I have a contract with Ashland Energy... ffffsssk… I will be fined 10,000 Credits per day that it is delayed.”

“How long will my job take?” Naleena asked.

“fffsssk… Two days at most….”

“Sounds like you’re coming out ahead on the deal. Ashland can wait.”

“fffssssk… But you don’t understand.”

“Ashland can wait. Balance the books from your ‘private account.’ Start first thing in the morning or I report this 'private surcharge' to the Illium Trade Cartel. My ship is docked at the Asari military base. Be there.” Naleena stood and left the office.

“fffffssssk … Bah! … Alright!”

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Morgan and Naleena took a taxi from the Synthetic Insights Office to the Nos Astra Spaceport Trading Center. Naleena had another meeting.

 

“Morgan, sorry you had to sit through that last meeting. This is the meeting I wanted you available for,” Naleena said.

 

With a cautious glance over at Naleena, Morgan responded, "Actually, I thought that was your way of finally confessing to me that VERA is an unshackled AI."  He curled a barely discernible smirk.

 

Naleena giggled. "Well, Morgan, I think that tells you that I trust you, but really I thought you knew considering all the stuff she's done that could not have been done by a simple VI," Naleena then got quiet. "And she was the only one I could trust to handle the transaction for your family. She can't be bought."

 

"It's still nice to hear from you about VERA.  And on that transaction of that ridiculously large amount of money, I appreciate it...though...I'll have to tell you about the endpoint of that transaction sometime."

 

Naleena saw a plaque outside a door, “Dr. Liara T’soni, Information Broker.” She entered, walked up a flight of stairs and was greeted by a charming secretary.

 

“Hello, I’m Nyxeris. You are Spectre T’sarius. Go right in. Dr. T’soni is expecting you.” Nyxeris showed her to the entrance of T’soni’s office.

 

T’soni’s office was spacious and overlooked the main trading floor of the space port. Liara’s desk was in the power position facing the entrance. As you entered, there was a terminal to the left, and a potted plant, a couple of potted plants to the right, and two guest chairs directly in front of her desk. There were no ash trays, so it was implied that this was a non-smoking office.

 

Naleena entered and Liara greeted her. “Spectre, I’m glad you stopped by. Please have a seat.” Liara sat behind her desk, waved off Nyxeris who left and closed the door behind her. Liara continued, “I see you brought Morgan Severn with you."

 

"I didn't think we'd met.  You have me at a disadvantage." Morgan remarked.

 

"I make it my business to know about ex-Shadow Broker agents," Liara said, "and if you find yourself in need of employment I may have some jobs from time to time."

 

Morgan raised an eyebrow in surprise.  "Word gets around fast.  I don't mind doing work, but my information is somewhat focused.  I don't really know how much I can help you.  My primary asset to the agency was the trust they had in me and that's been a bit compromised."  The edge of Morgan's mouth twitched in disappointment.

 

"This matter ordinarily wouldn’t have concerned me, but when I found out that you were investigating the Reapers, it became a matter of great importance.” Liara said.

 

“How did you know that I was investigating the Reapers?” Naleena asked, “And please, call me Naleena.”

 

“I’m a very good information broker. As you may know I served with Commander Shepard at the Battle of the Citadel and fought against the Reaper Sovereign. I studied the Prothean extinction, and discovered that there were other galactic extinction cycles before them,” Liara said. “That is why when this matter came up, I felt the need to contact you directly. You are in great danger, Naleena.”

 

“What kind of danger?”

 

Liara folded her hands on her desk and leaned forward, “While you were going under the name Shiara Danri, the day you were found by the Salarian Special Tasks Group, you eliminated the entire group that attacked you in the club.”

 

“That was self-defense.”

 

“According to the report, the Spectre who recruited you considered everything self-defense except the final kill,” Liara said, “While you received a blanket pardon by the Council, that only affects Council Space. This is the Terminus. Someone within the Salarian government instigated an effort within the Nos Astran Police Department to reopen the case. The case file has also been forwarded to the desk of Spectre Supervisor Yalson Sao who himself is STG.”

 

Naleena sighed. She knew that when Deidrus said those words that this was going to come back to haunt her at some time in the future. “So what do you suggest? Where do we start? And what is your fee for this information?”

 

“Because you are actively looking into the Reaper threat, there is no fee. Normally it would be 20000 CR.”

 

“That would not be a problem for me.” Naleena replied.

 

“I know, but the transfer of funds at this time would look suspicious.” Liara countered. “You need to start at the NAPD precinct at Fifth and Main. The evidence room is located in the basement, and the main server on the fifth floor. Find and remove all traces of the evidence. Then hack into the server, and delete all files, and locate the backup server, hack that, and delete those as well. Getting in will be easy. Getting to those locations will be difficult. Getting out undetected will be even more difficult.

 

“Then you’ll need to find Yalson Sao’s office. It is located in a 15 story building across the street from the Dracon Trade Center. Do the same there,” Liara said, “His office will be even more secure than the police station. Be careful.

 

“Before you go, it came across my desk that C-sec is looking into the murder of one of its officers, Lt Alejandro Torres. One of your team members, Frank Eli, is a person of interest.”

 

Naleena stood, “Thank you. I owe you. Let me know if there is anything I can do for you in the future.”

 

“Succeed at this first. Then I’ll contact you if I need you.” Liara said. “Good luck, and to you as well Mr. Severn.”

 

Naleena turned and left her office. So that was the famous Liara T’soni. Fascinating. She smiled and the two entered the main area of the space port.

[Cknarf]

Frank ran a scan of the room for a third time.

 

Odd. Figured there'd be something.

 

He slid his goggles down over his eyes.

 

There you are.

 

His lenses revealed a large amount of circuitry, and four listening devices, that were built into the wall.  

 

No access panels.

 

Tearing into the building would be messy, not to mention loud, so it left him with one option.  He had to track down the source of power, and disable it.  Frank followed the lines down the hall, casually waving his omni-tool at a few cameras along the way.  He stopped at a door labeled 'maintenance'

 

After about a minute, the lock was bypassed, and he was inside.

 

"Okay... " Frank stroked his chin. "There!" Frank flipped a lever, causing the whole tenth floor to go dark.

 

Using his omni-tool as light, he snipped a few wires, before flipping the lever again.

 

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

 

Recipient: Naleena T'sarius

From: Frank Eli

Subject: Surveillance

 

Boss, the conference room is clear.  Knocked out a few cameras in the halls just for laughs.  If you don't have anything else at the moment, there's something that I'd like to look into while we're on planet.

 

 

*message sent*

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena's omni-tool beeped.

 

Recipient: Naleena T'sarius

From: Frank Eli

Subject: Surveillance

 

Boss, the conference room is clear.  Knocked out a few cameras in the halls just for laughs.  If you don't have anything else at the moment, there's something that I'd like to look into while we're on planet.

 

******

 

Reply:

 

Go ahead. Just don't take too long. I'm calling the team together for a meeting later. We have a mission.

 

N.

 

PS: Thanks for clearing the room.

[Cknarf]

Frank cleaned himself up a bit in the bathroom.  He frowned at the ugly bandage in the middle of his face.

 

That needs to come off.

 

He winced as he quickly yanked it from his face.  "Much better." He smiled, before heading out the door.

 

Frank arrived at his destination via taxi.  He looked up to the sign, and grinned.

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

'By the Goddess!'

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

 

Each side of the sign had the silhouette of an asari dancer.

 

"Enjoy yourself." The krogan doorman nodded, as Frank entered. 

 

"What's it gonna be?" The quarian behind the bar asked, while wiping out a glass.

 

"Just water, please." Frank turned his back to the bar, and watched the action on stage.

 

"That'll be 7 credits."

 

"Must be some high quality water." Frank scoffed, while paying the bartender 10 Cr. "Keep the change."  

 

The DJ came over the sound system.  "Let's hear it for Huntress!"  There was a burst of applause from the crowd. "Alright, folks, this next performance is sure to set your pants on fire! With nearly 700 years of experience, she's easily the best dancer in the Terminus Systems... The one! The Only! Maaaaatriiiiarrrrrrrch!"  

 

Frank watched as the older asari gently descended from the rafters, a biotic aura surrounding her.  The crowd totally lost it.

 

That's who I'm here to see.

 

He squeezed his way through the crowd, to the front of the stage.  Everyone, including other entertainers stopped to watch her performance.  Frank threw credits by the tens, doing his best to draw her over.  He was just a kid last time they had spoken, she probably wouldn't recognize him, especially with his injuries.  She finally acknowledged him.  She crawled on her hands and knees to Frank, and planted a kiss on good side.

 

"Come find me when you're finished." Frank stepped away from the stage.

[Cainhurst Crow]

"I could get used to this." Vayne said as he layed back on the luxerious couch provided for his room, looking about with a smugly satisfied smile on his face. It had been centuries since he'd managed to enjoy himself this way, or at least afford to, and he'd almost forgotten what it was like to have the high end quality of things. He looked about the spacious room, using the provided remote to turn on some television as he waited for frank to do his thing.

 

"Hope they take as much time as they need..." he said, keeping his words nondiscrept in order to avoid tipping anyone in the security off on anything, "Longer I get to sit here, the better."

 

Essul walked into his room and looked about, a frown on his face. It was impractical, the furniture would hamper a need to quickly dismount it in case of attack, the architecture of the room was designed with too many corners and hiding spaces and could be used too easily for enemy movement concealment, and the air in the room was scented and offered a constant distraction. He walked over towards the wide window looking out into the nos astra night scape, a frown on his face.

 

Too exposed, too easy for someone to fly up in a gunship and take out this entire floor. 'Whose idea was this anyway?' he thought as he walked over towards the provided terminal, taking a seat with his hands in front of him and waited in silence for frank to do his work.

 

When the power went out, both knew frank had done his job, though in not quite the way they'd had thought. Essul stood and drew his knife, tucking it up his right sleeve as it brushed against the compact hidden gauntlets he wore beneath his uniform as he stepped towards the door, staying on the side of it in the darkness. Vayne sat on the couch as he waited, his new N7 Eagle pointed before power came back on.

 

When nothing more happened, both went back to their tasks, vayne watching some television while essul opened his omnitool, accessing the data he'd been working on since this trip as his eyes scanned the code, sitting on the floor with his back against the couches base for comfort.

[Cknarf]

"Found you."

Frank looked up from his omni-tool. "Ma'am." He smiled.

She took a seat on his lap. 

"I'm looking for a friend."

She ran the back of her hand down the side of his face. "I think you've already found one." 

"Can we go somewhere a bit quieter?"

"Sure. But it'll cost you."

"Not a problem." Frank smiled.

The Matriarch let him to a room in the back.
-----------------------------------------------------

She was in excellent shape.  Her body was still tight, save for a little sagging in the usual places, nothing out of the ordinary for someone her age.  Frank leaned back in his chair, as she danced for him.

"I'm looking for a turian. Someone you know."

"I know a lot of turians, child." She removed her top, and straddled him. "You'll have to be more specific."

Maybe I shouldn't have worn armor...

"Do you know where I can find Marius Gavian?"

"Depends." She pushed his face into her breast. "Who's asking?"

Scratch that. Armor was definitely the right choice

Frank blushed "You don't remember me, do you, Kira?"

"Who..." She paused, and took a closer look at Frank.  "Goddess. Little Frank Eli?"  She embraced him. "My, how you've grown!"

"It's been awhile." He smiled.

"That it has, child."

"So, do you know where he is? I know you two are close."

"We were close" She frowned  "Mr. Gavian doesn't visit me anymore."

"Damn."

"But... I'm pretty sure I know where you can find him."

"Please."

Kira leaned in close, and whispered something in his ear, before climbing off of him.

"Thanks."

"Humans aren't very popular in that area, so be careful."

"Of course.  Good seeing you Kira." Frank turned to leave.

"Tell Marius his lady misses him."

[Cknarf]

This must be it. 

 

Frank stood before a tavern with hand painted sign, in turian script. 

 

I think.

 

The door chimed as he walked into the turian establishment, causing the patrons to become silent. They watched him take a seat at the end of the bar.

 

"Got anything safe for human consumption?"

 

"Sure." The turian spit into a glass and slid it in front of Frank. "How's that?"

 

The patrons erupted with laughter.

 

"Great, thank you." He calmly picked up the glass, and threw it at the bartender, striking him in the side of the head. "You wanna try that again, bird?"  Frank heard the sliding of chairs behind him.  He turned around on his barstool, to see ten angry looking turians staring him down.

 

F*ck.

 

"You just made a huge mistake, human." The bartender shook his head.

 

"Yeah... I'll be going now." Frank slid from his stool, and began walking to exit, only to be blocked in by a pair of turians.

 

"Outta my way, a**holes, I'm not in the mood."

 

"You Alliance?" One of them poked Frank  hard in the chest.

 

"What's it to you?"

 

The turian shoved him.  Frank prepared an overload charge on his omni-tool.

 

A metallic clank brought their attention to the floor.

 

"Grenade!"

 

Frank turned his body but it wasn't enough to avoid being disoriented from the blast.  He felt someone grab his arm and pull him outside.  He was shoved into a skycar.

[Cknarf]

Frank shook his head, as his vision began to return. 

 

"Frank Eli."

 

"You know who I am?" He asked the hooded turian.

 

"Yes. You're the only human I know that would pick a fight with an entire bar of turians." He chuckled. "Still got that temper of yours, I see." He wagged a talon.

 

"Hey, I've gotten better, Mr. Gavian."

 

The turian removed his hood.

 

"Damn, Marius, what happened to your face?"  His right mandible had been reduced to a stub.

 

"Shouldn't I be asking you that? You look like sh*t." He laughed.  "Krogan wasn't too happy about a lost shipment, and we got in a fight.  Let's just say he's no longer a customer."

 

"Yeah, I got in a fight with another human.  He was as big as a krogan, though..."

 

"Sure he was."

 

"Whatever. How's you brother?"

 

"Quintus is on a run to Thessia, lucky bastard. I got a line on some Disciples. He's looking into it."

 

"When's he coming back?"

 

"He's due back in a couple days. If you're gonna be around, I'm sure he'd like to see you."

 

"I don't have that kind of time."

 

"What's the hurry?"

 

"I'm on a mission. Working for the council."

 

"Don't mess with me, Eli."

 

"No, I'm serious. I'm in the market for some equipment..."

 

"And I thought you were just here to visit.  I'm sure I have something you'll like." He nodded.  "Fill me in on the way.  You can start with how you found me."

"I went to see Kira..."

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

"Now I understand why Adir gave you his Savant.  Sounds like you're up against it."  Marius parked outside a warehouse on the outskirts of town.

 

"I'm confident that we'll get the job done." They stepped out of the car.  "I'm feeling pretty good about it."

 

"I'd feel pretty good too, if I was on an all-asari ship." Marius laughed, opening the door to the warehouse  "Right this way." He stopped at a large, unmarked crate, and waved his omni-tool.  It slowly slid back, revealing a staircase.

 

"Neat."  Frank followed him down the stairs.

 

"I've got just about any weapon you can think of.  Grenades, blades, and upgrades..." He looked to Frank.  "If you wanna ditch that tired-ass armor, I've got something better."

 

"Hey! I like my armor."

 

"Fine, but at least consider some modifications. I can't believe you run around in light armor without a modulator." Marius hit the lights, revealing a wall full of weapons, and crates of explosives.

 

"I think I'm gonna cry." 

 

"Please, take a look around. And ignore the price tags, I'm selling everything at cost."  He patted Frank on the back.  "Sniper rifles are over there."

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

Marius had racks full of common M-97 and M-92 rifles, all with various modifications.  Frank reached the back wall, where the high-end weapons were kept.  There were several Raptors, a pair of Kishoks, and a single Incisor. A black M98 with a bipod was set up on the counter.

 

"No way..."  Frank leaned in close.  "Never seen one in this color before."

 

"That's not a standard Widow.  That's the semi-automatic version."

 

"So... what'll you take for it?"

 

"That's 39Kg of rifle right there." Marius laughed.  "How about something more your size?" He pointed to the Raptors.

 

Frank shook his head. "I don't want a damn pea shooter. Semi-automatic would be ideal, but I need something with a little more umph."

 

"Hmm." Marius scratched his forehead.

 

"What's in the case?" Frank pointed at a long ebony box, with gold plated latches and trim. 

 

"Right! How could I forget? It's one of my finer pieces."

[Cknarf]

Marius waved his omni-tool, causing the latches to pop open. He raised the lid.  "It's a one-off. Came across it on my last run to Earth."

 

 "****."

 

"Yeah.  Figured you say something like that. That's real silk, too." He pointed at the lining of the case.

 

"Is that... wood?" 

 

Marius nodded. "Walnut. Stock and handguard." He removed the rifle from its case. "There's not a bit of polymer on it, and you can feel it." He safety-checked the rifle before handing it to Frank.

 

"That's for sure.  What's this thing weigh?" 

 

"Roughly 8kg.  Overall length is about 100 cm.  It's rather unwieldy."

 

"And a sling, even? Classy."  Frank wrapped his arm through the sling, and brought the rifle tight against his shoulder.

 

"Yeah. Unlike most rifles, it doesn't collapse, so it doesn't work with the standard magnetic retention system. The sling is almost required."

 

Frank peered through the scope.

 

"That's a self-illuminated, 4-12X variable scope, on a quick-detatch mount. It has a built-in rangefinder.  It sits a little high, but the riser allows for a comfortable cheek weld. "

 

"I see it has iron sights as well."

 

"Backup, incase the scope were to be damaged."

"Nice. Ammo capacity?"

 

"15 shots per thermal clip.  It doesn't require one to function, as it has an internal heat sink as well, but the rate of fire is drastically reduced."

 

"How does it shoot?"

 

"Smoother than asari ass."

 

Frank raised an eyebrow. "So... good then?"

 

Marius rolled his eyes. "Between its balanced recoil system, muzzle brake, and weight, there's very little muzzle rise.  You get the power of a Mantis, and the recoil of a Viper.  It's damn near magical."

 

"You know I gotta ask. What'll you take for it?"

 

"I... was hoping to make some money on this one." Marius sighed. "But since you're a friend, I'll let it go for what I have in it..."

((Frank's inventory updated))

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

"So first you rob me, and now you want a ride back to your hotel?" Marius threw his arms up.

"Hey, you said you were selling everything at cost..."

"Yeah yeah. If you ever decide to sell, I get the first shot at it."

"Deal." Frank shook his hand. "Not that I'd ever do that..."

"Ugh. Don't rub it in." Marius climbed into the skycar.  "Come on."

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

Marius parked in front of the hotel.  "Here's your stop."

"Thanks.  Tell your brother I said Hi."

"Good luck, Eli.  If you're ever in the market for more quality equipment, don't hesitate to contact me." He pointed a talon at Frank.  "But you're paying full price next time."

"We'll see." Frank smiled. "I need to ask one more favor. When you get home, give Kira a call.  She misses you."

"Hmph."

"She's still pretty hot.... For an old lady." Frank held his hands in front of his chest. "Excellent t*ts."

Marius gave him the talon, as the door to the skycar closed.

Frank returned the favor, before going inside.

[Redbelle]

Anika stepped into her's and Jess's room to find Jess had returned to her normal green outfit. She caught her clipping her shield belt around her waist and raised an eyebrow. "If you need that, you should be wearing armour".

 

"Don't know if I need it or not luv. I'm not planning on starting any fight's on this rock".

 

"So what are you planning"?

 

Jess turned and looked at her. "Information gathering. Arthur gave us what we needed to know where the Medusa is. But I don't trust the wench who stole her out from under me. I need to know what to expect before I walk anyone onto that ship. See if anything turns up as having been delivered to it. People taken aboard. What kind of people. Supplies. The works. I need to know why my ships being dangled in front of me like a piece of bait".

 

"Bait"?

 

Jess sighed. "That planet it's orbiting.... it has a route that ships don't frequent a lot... but it's there. The Medusa's not hiding from it and wouldn't you know. A ship passed by and picked it up, tagged it automatically, and sent that data through the relay network. Guess what the ships broadcasting as"?

 

Anika shrugged. "Anything. The registery masker system isn't hard to figure out".

 

"It's the Medusa". Jess blurted out. "That woman who stole my ship is flaunting it in a piece of space where it would have shown up anyway if Arthur hadn't beaten her to the punch of showing me where it is"!

 

"Soooo".

 

"So.... So now I'm not chomping at the bit to race to get my ship I started asking myself.... What would I do if I had worked hard to drive a woman to a burning rage and then dangled her most precious possession in front of her? This wench is systematically taking everything I have away. What's left".

 

"The ship".

 

"Exactly". Jess nodded. "I can't delay to much or she'll know somethings up. But seeing as Arthur gave us advanced warning on knowing where she is, I've got time to do some digging and try and figure out how she's going to screw with me next".

 

"And we're on a planet of information broker's".

 

"And I don't want them getting nervous or send the wrong message by walking into one of their offices dressed for war".

 

Anika grunted. "Let me get changed. I'll come with you".

 

"Glad to hear it luv. But feed Mr Bojangles first will you? He's getting skittish".

 

Anika looked over to the cage where Bojangle's was pressing a foot against against the transparent surface. Then moved to slip out of her gown, throwing her jumpsuit on before equipping her shield belt and collector weapon loadout. Jess looked on.

 

"You like those guns don'cha".

 

"They don't run of of ammunition which is a plus".

 

"You know, if they overheat it's alot quicker to just pop the thermal clip and slap another one in. You can do that and charge someone on a cooldown".

 

"Then the trick is to stay cool".

[Cknarf]

Frank returned to his room.  He laid the rifle case on the bed, next to his tools, and opened it up.

It's so goddamn beautiful.

"Best 1000 Cr. I've ever spent."

Frank closed the lid.  He noticed something on the nightstand.  It was a handwritten note, in an alien language.

"Hm."

He scanned it with his omni-tool.

--------------------------------------
Detecting language...

Salarian

Translation:  Used that spare key, you weren't there. Apartment 1204, corner of Main and Phoros.  -- Isaan

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

It worked?

Frank cracked up with laughter. "I can't believe it worked!"

He decided to check his messages on the extranet terminal.

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

Recipient: Frank Eli

From: Officer Dolf Träger

Subject: RE:Sorry

Apology accepted.  I have some bad news, though. Torres is dead.  We found him in a custodial closet. Definitely homicide, a brutal one at that. You're actually a suspect in the case, if anyone finds out that I'm communicating with you, I'm in deep sh*t.  I know you didn't do it, you couldn't have, you were long gone before any of it happened. Don't know if I can say the same for your batarian friend, though.  Not saying he did it, but you should watch your back nonetheless.  Good luck, 'detective'.

-Dolf
----------------------------------------------------------------------

"Sh*t."

Frank took a seat on the bed, and rubbed his forehead

Didn't even get to apologize...

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

Frank didn't mourn for too long, he had a lady to meet.

[Cknarf]

Nos Astra Corner of Main and Phoros, apartment complex.

Okay... 1204. 

Frank buzzed the door, and looked into the camera above him.

"Oh! You came! Just a minute!"

He impatiently rocked on his heels, until the door opened.

"Hello, Mr. Eli." Isaan smiled. 

He presented her with flowers he picked up on the way. "Lovely flowers, for a lovely lady." 

"Thanks.  I think?" She accepted the flowers, looking rather confused.

"It's a human thing..." Frank shrugged.

"I am intrigued by human courtship rituals." She set the flowers down by her door. "I would like assistance in understanding the concept of 'romance'."

Frank pursed his lips. "Right." He checked the time on his omni-tool. He was expecting a message from Naleena at any moment. "We should get going."

He offered an arm to Isaan.  It took her a moment to catch on, but she finally understood, and they began their 'date'.

[Cknarf]

"I have to say, Mr. Eli..."

"Please, call me Frank."

"Mr. Frank..." She continued. "I never expected a human would express interest in mating with me."

Frank raised an eyebrow. "I... Huh?"

"It would be pointless, not to mention biologically impossible."

"It's not something that normally comes up on the first date."

"Date?"

"It's like an appointment... but for fun.  Surely you understand fun."

"Well of course." She scoffed.

"We are currently on a date, attempting to have 'fun'."

"Oh."

Frank sighed.  "Would you like to get something to eat?"

"Yes."

"Okay. Great!" Frank pointed across the street. "How do you feel about asari cuisine?"

"It is acceptable."

[Kel Riever]

Previously...( http://forum.bioware...res/?p=17129815 )

Cluster Unknown, System Unknown, aboard the Medusa

Three times, Luscious had observed Iyana teleport from various positions on the bridge into the captain’s chair.  He couldn’t figure out exactly what she was up to but little of her made sense to him.  Nor did he care to understand her much anymore, either.

When finished with her last teleportation, Iyana insisted that Luscious accompany her down to the cargo bay where she had left the throne and table set up.  He noted that the table had been cleaned of his blood, and rather lavish meals had been set in two places; one in front of the throne and one in front of the chair he had sat in when Iyana had broken his arm and stabbed him.

Iyana motioned for Luscious to take a seat.  He did, seeing that the meal was a tender red meat, cooked rare, and sliced thin.  There was nothing else on each plate aside from a garnish on top of the meat.  For drink, Luscious had been poured a glass of red wine, whereas Iyana had a tumbler of the Serrice Ice Brandy he had brought her, this time with ice in it.  One of the mercenaries stood by in attendance, apparently should Iyana need anything.  Iyana sat in the throne, turning on the computer display that was set slightly to the side of her meal.  After glancing momentarily at the display, she cut off a piece of meat.  It was so soft and the steak knife so sharp that the meat was severed in one stroke.  Iyana placed it in her mouth, chewed and swallowed, then made as if to ponder its taste.

Iyana raised her hand to tilt it back and forth.  “Somewhat all right.  It could be better.  What do you think, Luscious?”

Luscious hesitated cautiously, then cut his own piece of meat.  He tasted it.  The meat was warm, supple, and bled its rare juices in his mouth.  Luscious didn’t want to admit it but he knew better than to say something untrue.  “It's good.”

“How do you feel eating one of your former mates?”

Luscious felt the world collapse in on him.  His head became dizzy and a massive nausea formed in his belly.

Iyana cackled.  “Look at your face!  What do you think I am, some sort of barbarian?  Please, you are eating actual cow meat.  The steaks were transferred from the Montague when she docked.”

Grabbing the table to hold himself up, Luscious forced down his sickness.  He breathed out heavily, trying to calm himself.

“Better,” Iyana said.  “But a long way from control.  Finish your meal.”

“I’m no longer hungry,” Luscious replied, barely able to keep from heaving.

Iyana’s stare became hard.  “Finish your meal, I said.”

With a glance, and sweat breaking out on his forehead, Luscious obeyed.  His hands shaking marginally, he managed to pick up his utensils and continue.  No longer able to recall the taste of his first bite, consuming the remainder of his food had become awful.

After three or four mouthfuls, Iyana sipped her brandy in one hand while typing on the computer with the other.  She opened a channel with the built in com and put it on speaker.  “Let’s see what your prior captain has been up to, Luscious, shall we?”

Xhuan Setura’s voice, now somewhat familiar to Luscious from prior calls Iyana had him listen into, came through, “Yes, my superior?”

“Update on Stone.”

“The Audron is still located at the Citadel, as it is under a refit for Silaris armor.  Spectre Androkan is serving out his suspension but is not inactive.  However, the circumstances of his sanction have led to the transfer of most of the Audron’s ‘unique’ personnel, including Captain Stone, to the newly appointed Spectre’s vessel.”

“That is the same asari hussy who interrogated Morgan, correct?”

“…Affirmative, my superior…Naleena T’Sarius, appointed and now directing thou course of the Janiri, a prototype frigate.  I have included what we know of it so far in an attached file.”

Iyana used the touch screen to examine the file.  “The information here is hardly up to my standards.”

“I understand, my superior.  All will be sent to you as we discover more.”

Luscious expected Iyana to erupt as she had done so many times when seemingly disappointed, but she appeared to move on.  “The standard for becoming a Spectre is so low these days.  What is the current location of the Janiri?”

“We have recently been informed by contacts that it had docked at an asari naval base on Illium.  We do not currently have access to a contact within the base.”

“That is a lie, my hawk,” Iyana said, the tension coming back into her voice. “There are other branches of this Shadow Network that are not in my downstream who prefer to keep their assets hidden.  I want you to press, on my behalf.  Consider the alternatives if you fail me.”

“I understand.”

Iyana cut the line.  “Well, Luscious, I give credit to your beast of a former captain.  Had she wanted, she could have come running immediately.  She has not, which either means she is truly frightened…” Iyana paused as she seemed to study Luscious’ expression.  “…Or she is attempting to prepare the best she can when she comes.”

“I know Stone,” Luscious found himself speaking despite his fear.  “I know you’ve hurt her.  I know she won’t let it pass.”

“Of course, Luscious.  She does not enjoy the benefits of a coward, as you do.  It is the way and the when that matters to me, though.  I see I must begin to twist the screws further, if I can.”
 

[Cknarf]

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

"Yes, the food is absolutely delicious." Isaan smiled.

"Yeah..." Frank poked at the ugly food in front of him. "I agree..."

"So, Isaan, tell me about yourself."

"I'm a student at the university here. I work at the hotel, and I am eleven years old."

"You're... younger than I expected."  Frank suddenly felt awkward.

"It's all relative. I would be around 22, in 'human years'.  I am very much an adult."

"That makes things much less weird."

You're on a date with a Salarian, Frank.  It's already weird.

[favoritehookeronthecitadel]

Avan smiled at the Salarian Clerk.

"Hello."

"Hello, I'll have room 114. My name is Avan Rezal, Im under T'sarius' reserved floor."

"ID please."

He showed the Salarian the ID on his omni tool.

"Thank you, here's your key card. Wow, so you're all together?"

"We're in a crew."

I was just asking. That one man. With the bandages? He's cute."

"Um, well, Im sure he would appreciate that." His eyes widened in slight surprise.