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[Cknarf]

Frank and Isaan climbed into a cab.

"You're part of an interesting group."

"That I am." Frank nodded, as he stared out the window. "We've got a little bit of everything."

"I didn't notice any salarians in your party. I don't suppose you'd have room for one more on your ship? I wouldn't mind seeing more of the galaxy..." She paused. "...with you." She smiled.

Frank snapped his fingers.  "There!" He turned towards her.

Isaan blinked, confused. "What?"

"What you just said.  That was a prime example of romance." Frank raised his hands. "Well, how do you feel?"

"I... am not sure how to describe it."

"You'll get it, eventually."  Frank shrugged. He thought about her words for a moment.

"I never said anything about a ship... Who are you, really?" Frank squinted.  "Are you STG?".

"You're funny." Isaan chuckled. "One of yours, A human named Avan, referred to your group as a 'crew', so I figured..."

"Oh. Right, I guess that makes sense."

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

The cab dropped them off in front of the apartment complex.  Frank walked Isaan back to 1204.

"I had a wonderful time." He smiled.

"It was... fun."

"I should probably get back.  Next time I visit Nos Astra, is it okay if I call you?" 

"I'd like that."

Frank awkwardly shook her hand, and turned to leave.

"Wait." Isaan grabbed his hand.  "Are you sure you can't stay? Just for a little while?"

"I..."

I'm not that far from the hotel... It's only a few minutes away by skycar.

"I guess I could stick around for a bit." He shrugged, and followed her inside.
 

[Redbelle]

An hour after Jess and Anika left the ship, a police report was filed about a man being flung through a seven story window. Fourty minutes after they left, a former information broker by the name of Harrowgate discovered he'd been marked for death by a former associate. Half an hour after they left the ship, Jess had bought a souvenir of there trip and twenty minutes before that, she and Anika had bumped into an old friend after they'd parked the skycar after they had received a communication from Captain Fox on a matter he wished to see resolved saying he'd owe Jess a favour afterwards.

 

Jess and Anika stood outside the skycar as they prepared to depart the ship. They were clad in civilian gear, armed and with Jess carrying a bag over one shoulder.

 

"What's in the bag"? Anika asked.

 

"Silver". Jess replied.

 

Anika groaned. "You brought her along"?

 

"Never know when you might need to make an impression luv. Beside's.... Silver hasn't been seen in awhile. She needs out of her bag now and then. Let the masses see her in action".

 

Anika rolled her eye's. "Let's hope it goes better than the last time she was on a planet".

[Redbelle]

Taking the skycar they flew towards what could be deemed the seedier side of the city where Jess knew they would find the kinds of brokers they needed. The ones who dabbled in affair's beyond them and hadn't the resource to protect themselves from the consequences. In other words, the desperate and needy.

 

Anika looked out of the window as jess flew them through the air corridor marked for them when the Skycars comm went off. She looked down at it, then back at Jess.

 

"You gonna answer that luv"?

 

Anika reached for the accept call icon and on accepting the call, a screen appeared showing the one calling them. Skin as black as Jess's with a shock of pink corn rowed hair and diamond studs in each ear. Only his face and neck could be seen, as such, Anka saw what she could only identify as a pink feather boa around his shoulder.

 

"Hey Annie girl. Long time no see. How you been doing girlfriend"?

 

"Captain Fox". Anika greeted him.

 

"Ahem...."! Fox said with a look of annoyance.

 

"......Foxy.... Baby". Anika said, trying to resist the impulse of rolling her eye's.

 

Jess muttered. "Oh great. Him again".

[Cknarf]

Frank stood on the balcony, his forearms resting on the railing. He looked up to the skies over Nos Astra. 

 

"Here." Isaan nudged him.

 

"Hm?" He looked over his shoulder.  "What's this?" He asked, as he took hold of the warm beverage.

 

"Tea.  It comes from Sur'Kesh." She smiled. "It's good for you."

 

"Thanks." He brought the cup to his lips. "This is nice." He raised his drink, before shifting his gaze back to the sky.

 

"What's on your mind?"

 

"Just thinking." He took a deep breath, and held it in for a few moments. 

 

"About?"

 

"How amazing it is that we're both able to be here, right now." He smiled.  "Two people from different worlds, sharing a moment on an alien planet, lightyears away from their home systems." He turned his head slightly. "It's beautiful."

 

"It is... romantic?" Isaan nuzzled his armored shoulder.

 

Without thinking, he put his arm around her. "It really is."

[Kel Riever]

On their way out of the meeting with Liara, Morgan asked Naleena, “I know you wanted me along for this, but I can’t help but ask why you wouldn’t bring along Dahlia?"

Morgan shifted a bit in his white jacket, and undid the front set of buckles to open it up.  “She’s capable. And she wants to be involved.  If you don’t trust her…well how will she ever come to the point where she can trust you?  I’m not talking about being naïve.  I’m talking about giving her a chance.  People are only going to carry your luggage for so long if they don’t think there is something better in store for them.”

[Cknarf]

Frank opened his eyes. Isaan was resting her head on his shoulder, running a long finger through the small patch of hair in the center his chest.

 

"Faciniating..."

 

"Having fun?" Frank said, still a little groggy.

 

"You're awake! Finally."

 

He checked the time on his omni-tool. "You've been up this whole time?"

 

"Yes."

 

I forgot they don't sleep. Creepy.

 

"And you've been doing that, for how long?" He looked down at his chest.

 

"I don't know..." She smiled.

 

"Right." He took her hand.

 

"That wasn't what I expected."

 

"What?"

 

"I figured the human mating ritual would have been more... physical."

 

"Wait... You thought..." Frank covered his face with one hand.    "No, you misunderstand. "He couldn't help but laugh.  "That was what humans refer to as 'cuddling'."

 

"So we didn't..."

 

"Nope."

 

"Oh..." Isaan sat up.

 

"You sound disappointed."

 

"I've never felt... this before."  She rubbed her forehead. "I just... I am so embarrassed."

 

"Hey, don't be.  Those feelings are completely normal."

 

"Really?"

No. Absolutely not. What is wrong with us?

 

"Of course! Especially around me.  I Tend to have that effect on females of every species." Frank shrugged.

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

Naleena turned to Morgan as they went back to the Hotel. "You're right. I need to include Dahlia more. It's just that she's so young. 90 years old is very young. I don't know why Aria gave her to me to train. I'm not a teacher," she said, "And I had no idea that this meeting was going to turn into this. If I'd known this I would have brought Dahlia. I thought she was going to tell me things she'd learned about the Reapers. But instead I have to deal with more of the same sh*t I've been dealing with for the past 200 years. All because Androkan had too many principles he wouldn't back me up on a blanket self-defense.

 

"Did I ever tell you what happened?"

 

"No and it doesn't really matter." Morgan said.

 

"Yes it does. It does because you're my friend." Naleena replied, "That STG agent killed a dear friend of mine, Jenira, in the club. He would have gotten away with it because he had a badge and diplotmatic immunity. I was simply exacting justice. Androkan didn't have my back, and now we have a mess to clean up."

 

Then she turned to Morgan. "Dahlia will be part of our group on this mission."

 

When they arrived at the Hotel, she went straight to her room and sent a message to the team.

 

 

 

Time: 13:15

 

To: Janiri Team Members

 

Please assemble in the hotel's tenth floor conference room in two hours.

 

Naleena.

[Cknarf]

Frank's omni-tool lit up. "That's the boss. I have to go."

 

"Are you sure I can't come with you?" Isaan embraced Frank from behind, as he put on the last of his armor.

 

"Positive." He turned around to face her. "It's far too dangerous."

 

"I'll wait for you."

 

"Please, don't do that to yourself."

 

"But..."

 

"Isaan..." He touched her face. "There's a chance that I won't be coming back from this mission."

 

"I know." She lowered her head

 

"I need you to promise me something." He raised her chin with his hand. "Promise me you'll find someone."

 

"I..."

 

"Please."

 

"Okay..."

 

"Goodbye, Isaan."  He brought her in close, and kissed her forehead. "I'll never forget the time we spent together." Frank stepped out into the hall.

 

She followed him all the way to the elevator.  "Visit when you can?"

 

"Of course." Frank nodded.  "I'll try not to die." The doors closed.

[Redbelle]

"Foxy baby. What do I owe the pleasure of your call.... And how'd you get this connection"?

 

"You know me hun, I always find what I'm looking for. You should be glad, after you changed your contact id and forgot to forward it onto me".

 

Jess stayed silent.

 

"Anyway, I've found something else and.... well jessie baby, I found holes in the K&Q network".

 

"Hole's"?

 

Comprimised sector's hun. Made to look as if no one had been there. But one of my crew is good at finding backdoors....".

 

"I can imagine". Jess deadpanned.

 

"Someone who knows our network been raiding our files. We've kept the corruption contained and starting feeding false information into them. Blow me It should keep the culprit at his terminal slavering over the tasty morsel's we've putout for him....".

 

"Your the king of the putout".

 

"Anyway hun.... We've tracked him down to the planet your on.... and well..... I thought I could kill two birds with one stone".

 

Jess winced. "I've heard that one before luv".

 

"I have someone you used to know on my ship down there hunting the culprit down. But he's not cut out for the rough stuff. Since your there.....".

 

"I'll handle it".

 

"Good on you Jessie girl. Keep those fires burning you hear? Foxy baby out".

 

Jess stabbed the close channel and heard Anika sniggering across in her seat. "Laugh it up luv. If you do become XO one of your jobs is to keep him away from me".

 

"That doesn't exactly make me want to be your XO". Anika observed.

 

Jess sagged in her seat. "Grud damn it".

[Kel Riever]

“Don’t hold it against Androkan," Morgan said to Naleena as they got back to their floor at the hotel.  "He has his own set of principles and at least he’ll always let you know where he stands.  I’ve had far more people make me promises they don’t keep than I’ve had people tell me what they won’t do.”

Morgan and Naleena headed to the conference room and found Frank Eli had just arrived before they did.  Morgan gave a friendly not to Frank, while removing his white jacket and dropping it on the table.

“We’ve been talking, Frank, on the way over.  I’m sure Naleena will lay out the details but basically we’re about to do a lot of breaking and entering.”

“You’ve got the teams,” Morgan then said to Naleena, “If you pull one of those commandos into the fray and let Dahlia do some work.  Presuming Valkara can drive…and I haven’t met her but I’m going with that…send her with Essul, and that commando who is decent with tech, Iole, for the servers.  Have Dahlia, Avan…who seems to be proper stealth and muscle from what you told me…and Eteon go for the physical evidence.  Jess, Anika and Irina can be your distraction team…that shouldn’t be any sort of problem.  Finally, the three of us here now, plus Vayne and the doctor you recommended, Jaimie, can deal with Sao.

“I know you’ll brief everyone when you can but with those groups you can knock out your tasks simultaneously.”

[Cknarf]

"Naleena will lay out the details but basically we’re about to do a lot of breaking and entering.”

Frank raised a thumb in approval.

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

"Sao..." Frank muttered, with a furrowed brow.

It's probably just a coincidence.

He shrugged.

[Redbelle]

The address and directions came through after finding a spot to park, where Jess judged there was a better than average chance of the thruster assemblies not being stolen. Leaving the skycar where they parked they walked across into a greasy looking coffee shop.

 

A bored looking attendant at the counter, a young boy by all concern's, lacklustre and pimples enough to judge his age like a tree had rings. Jess and Anika ignored him and ade their way into the back. The lights way back there were flickering but Jes still made out the contact. It was indeed, an old friend she had let go from the Medusa to Captain Foxes ship.

 

The man saw her and rose, throwing out his arms in greetings. "Jessie"!

 

Jess walked forward and threw a playful punch into his shoulder. "That's Captain Jess to you scrub". She said in a faux growl before she returned his embrace. "And you Howse, how's Fox been treating you? Got you on sensor watch much"?

 

Howse extracted himself and pulled himself back to slide into his seat as Jess did the same across the table. "The man is a slave driver. But you know what they say. Work hard, play harder. Seriously Jess, he's got a basket hoop and enough set aside space for a game of five aside".

 

"Space that could could be filled paying cargo". Jess pointed out.

 

"Aye... But the ships faster than the Medusa. We make our money hauling goods that need quick delivery. Lot less space needed to haul for that".

 

"By grud. Fox's gotten to you".

 

Howse grinned. "Took a few month's but eventually you figure out he's not all show and no substance". His smile grew strained as he looked back over Jess shoulder towards the door.

 

Anika, who hadn't sat, was standing and checking the exit's for any sign of those entering, noticed. "Expecting someone"?

 

Howse smile vanished altogether. "Frankly.... I'm releived to be finally getting out of here. Fox told me to find the man whose been selling K&Q secret's".

 

"Did you find out who"?

 

"No..... But I found a way to. It was all arranged and in place. But then I discovered other people looking for this guy. People asking the same questions. Going to the places I went to.... And then one by one they just stopped looking".

 

"They gave up"?

 

"If you call ending up on a slab giving up then yeah. I guess you could say that".

 

"Someone's killing the people looking for your man"?

 

Howse nodded. "I don't know if it's someone squeezing out the competition, or someone working for our guy protecting him. So far I've been careful. But I'm in over my head here and that's when I asked Fox to extract me. I'm leaving soon, but when we found out you were here we decided to kill two birds with one....".

 

"Stop.....". Jess said holding up a hand. "Just tell me what's going down".

 

"Fox thinks that after losing the Medusa your going to be in hot water. Safeguarding the K&Q network will help certain people look more favourably on you. The Medusa's revenue is a drop in the ocean compared to the whole network and so far we've discovered that all our resource points around the galaxy have been targetted. All the precious ores and gases we tagged and staked a claim on. Someone's running around acquiring it. Going in fast, tearing out what they need, then making off without anyone knowing what's happened till it's to late".

 

"Damn". Jess mummered. "Alright, what else"?

 

"Not here". Howse said and kicked somthing under the table. Jess looked down and saw a small briefcase sitting by the foot of his chair. "This'll tell you what I know. And something else..... I managed to find who I think might be the guy. But I couldn't get close. So I paid someone to slip a small tracker onto him".

 

Jess raised an eyebrow. "You mean one of those small button trackers"?

 

"Yes. The button tracker! Only when I turned it on attracted some attention so I had to ditch it".

 

"Where"?

 

A souvenir shop. Out the back where they keep the stuffed toys in boxes. Only they may have put them out! The stock was running low...".

 

Jess facepalmed.

 

"Look! Someone is hunting me and the signal had interference! Someone was tracing it back to me"!

 

"So how do you know the guy your after even still has the button on him"?

 

"Because maybe the person hunting for me doesn't work for him! It's a longshot but it's all I've got. I've got to get off world now"!

 

"Let him go captain". Anika said. "We know what we need to know. Find the tracking device. See who it leads us to".

 

Jess nodded. "Sounds simple".

 

Howse nodded. "Simple.... kind of. Sorry I couldn't do any better but I'm not cut out for this smoke and dagger B.S. And Jess..... This guy..... We only found what he's been taking recently. We found some pointer's to suggest he's been doing this a long time. Since before you came to join the K's & Q's. We need him. He's been doing this for so long we need to know where he's comprimised us so we can fix the leaks".

 

Jess nodded. "Alive... or with his brain intact. I get it".

 

"Jess"!

 

She sighed. "Find, alive then..... Spoilsport".

[Kel Riever]

Previously...( http://forum.bioware...res/?p=17197500 )

Cluster unknown, System unknown, aboard the Medusa

 

After the meal and the dishes were cleared by the attending merc, Luscious waited without a word as Iyana typed rapidly on the computer interface.  To distract himself, Luscious kept drinking the wine provided to him.  For once, he didn’t let himself become drunk, in fear of what his undisciplined mind might have him do.  Instead, he maintained a persistent numbness.

The data cube Iyana had seized appeared from her hand as she laid it next to the computer.  Iyana neglected to activate it again, however, instead pondering aloud the contents she had discovered within the cube.  “So this ‘Lord’ of pirates…I am coming to enjoy these sentimental titles…Lord Tarballs…well perhaps not all the names are sentimental…aboard the good ship Nostalgia, has come to provide a destination and time of contact for Jess Stone.  Not much to go by.”

“All that’s necessary,” Luscious thoughtlessly remarked, “And nothing more, as my brother used to say.”

“It was a compliment, not a complaint.  Information is my field and I recognize when capable people withold data that can harm themselves.”  Iyana looked critically at Luscious. “I don’t expect you to have thought of such analytical things with that alcohol-laden brain of yours but have you ever considered how much goes into a name and what you can find out from simply knowing one?”

Luscious stared at Iyana blankly.

“Rasgul, for instance, the name of your dead brother.”  Iyana leaned back.  “It has little traditional meaning, but numerology has quite a bit to say of the name.  Responsibility, nurturing, protection, community, balance, sympathy.  Perhaps exacting and demanding of oneself.  Motivated to serve others, yet somewhat stubborn.  One who dreams of close relationships with people, and cooperation.  A person who presents a pliable and easy going image.

“Luscious is a far more flattering name than you deserve, but its definition is obvious.  I’m surprised you weren’t the one named Tarballs,” Iyana went on to mock.  “Jessica is a derivation of the Hebrew name Yiska, which means ‘rich’ or ‘God beholds’.  And then we have a last name which I have my suspicious about, but clearly we have referenced mythology now, have we not?  First Greek and then, pirate!”

“Now, according you this cube, Lord Tarballs has a first name, Charlie.  Charlie Tarballs.  Charlie or Charles most often simply means ‘man’…and that is often enough to set about a life of testosterone driven madness…but there is a theory that it is actually derived from the old German name element ‘heri’ which means ‘army’ or ‘warrior’.  In numerology it is indicatively similar.  Expressive, a quest for destiny, a role to inspire or motivate, perhaps superficial to a fault.  Diplomatic, a desire to work with people rather than alone, yet too emotional.  Someone who dreams of being in the center of a successful domestic unit.”  After the long lecture, Iyana ceased and quietly pondered while sipping the last of the ice brandy in her tumbler.

“Whether Charlie Tarballs lives up to these traits remains to be seen,” Iyana continued after the pause, “But I find that often the name sets the path, and it is the first name chosen that has the most influence.  It is subconscious, a fate if you would, and most have no idea how much of the characteristics of their name that they embrace.”

Not knowing what to make of the monologue, Luscious picked up his wine and took another gulp.  A natural question formed in his mind.

“Don’t bother,” Iyana told Luscious. “My name is not of human origin.”

[Redbelle]

Coffee's came, Chat exchanged. Stories of what had been happening in each of their lives. Jess told Howse about the Medusa and he'd listened quietly, then told her of life on Foxes ship. How Fox had split his crew up into unique cells that existed on planet's like the one they were on to scope the best deals ahead of extranet announcements. They'd rotate though and as well as the ship, he'd been to five world. All beautiful in their own unique way. Finally Howse checked the time.

 

"My ships coming in soon. It'll take me the a meeting point. I'll let Fox know I saw you".

 

"Not Foxy baby"?

 

Howse chuckled. "Well.... Honestly?.... It grates a little after the second week. We just call him Fox behind his back". He rose. "Anyway, it's been real. Stay in touch Jess. After what happened.... you need your friends around you now".

 

"Place on the ship for you when I get it back".

 

"I might hold you to that". Howse grinned, tossed off a salute, then moved off out towards the exit as Jess turned back to reach for the briefcase. Pulling it towards her she straightened and took a long pull from her cup as she felt the dregs slide past her tongue as she reached the bottom.

 

She didn't see Howse leave through the door.

 

She heard the shot though.

 

A sharp crack. And Jess was turning in her seat in time to see Howse's body falling sans his head which was just gone somehow. She felt herself getting up and coiling to run towards him on some instinct driven by an insane hope when Anika reached over and pulled her back.

 

"To late Captain. He's gone. They'll be here soon".

 

Jess looked towards the fallen figure whose feet were framed in the doorway. Blood and rage coursing through her. "Who"?

 

"Whoever wanted him dead. If someones taking out the competition they'll want whatever he has and come looking. The shot was steep so they can't have seen us talking at the back here. They'll be looking for what he left behind".

 

"The briefcase".

 

"Two minute's if we're lucky.... start....".

 

Jess was already ahead of her. The briefcase was out and open and a inbuilt terminal popped up and ran the ready status line. Jess didn't know what was important so she simply copied the whole content's which was thankfully small. Howse had kept to the point when compiling only what she needed. The case was nearly closed inside of a minute when she had an idea.

 

She smiled.... unpleasently.

[Kel Riever]

***Encrypted message incoming***

To: Avan

From: Typhin

There’s been a request I received from upstream. It isn’t a bounty; it is a request for information. From what I know of your last whereabouts, and my being acquainted with your proficiencies, this is the sort of thing that might interest you and could be very lucrative.

A newly appointed Spectre is aboard a prototype asari frigate called the Janiri. The request is for any and all pertinent data you can muster regarding the vessel’s capabilities and the people aboard, particularly as it pertains to special operatives. You know the usual standards for information; data has to be valuable as resale, the more the better. We’re talking 10k to 20k per piece of good data, you could make out very well if you can get close. It could be very bad if you’re caught, so that’s what is likely driving the premium pricing. Anyway, I know you, Avan. You can get close. Maybe you aren’t killing anyone but who cares? This is an excellent payout.

I hope your new mission doesn’t stop you from doing something like this. Good luck and let me know if it sounds good to you.

~ ~ ~ ~

***Encrypted message incoming***

To: Snowman/Operative 66

From: Leader – Cell 4

Information is being sought pertaining to the Janiri, its capacities, and the personnel aboard, particularly regarding its special operatives. The request has gone out through other channels, and premier pricing is being offered. Any significant data that you can pass along will save us in cost and you will be compensated in turn with appropriate investment assets. Standard procedure; both you and the network will make out better.

Remember we are seeking the rogue agent as well.

[Redbelle]

The Salarian walked into the coffee shop with all the nonchalance of someone who hadn't just blown a mans head clean off his shoulders. He wore a black suit cut to the Salarian form with a white undershirt and finished with a red tie that matched the lining of the inside of his jacket that flapped as he walked forward. He stopped by the counter where the clearly terrified boy was looking over the counter.

 

"G-g-get down man! S-s-someone just d-d-died out there"!

 

"Yes". came the response as the Salarian's head jerked this way and that to take in the small, dingy interior. He turned to the counter. Placed his hands on dirty wooden surface. Swiveled his head down and to the side to see a small, tarnished push bell. Blinking at the device he bruoght a hand up and hovered it over the plunger and brought his hand down in a carefully judged tap that made the bell ring out, startling the silence. The boy looked up with wide eye's as the Salarian's head swiveled around to fix on him.

 

"Service",

 

"Y-y-yes?... C-c-can I h-h-help y-you"?

 

"Man". He pointed outside to where Howse's feet still lay visible, now encircled by blood that had pooled around him. "Case".

 

"H-h-he gave it t-t-to me. S-s-said to h-h-hang onto it for s-s-someone".

 

"Me". He held out his hand, palm down and open.

 

The boy wasn't about to argue. He turned and reached back to a counter where he pulled the case out of a worn and abused counter. He held it up and the Salarian snatched it, moving his arm back down to his side before smoothing the front of his suit. "Appreciated". He said as he looked around inside the shop. "Others".

 

"T-t-they b-b-bailed out back man.... S-s-soon as the guy died".

 

"Hmmm". The Salarian frowned as he turned to leave. "Inconsequential". He walked out the door as the boy head turned as if watching a predator that could turn on him. As the Salarian left, he noticed something on the back of the Salarian's head. A simple bar code tattooed on on the back of his cranium. He left and once the boy was sure he was gone he looked down and pulled open the counter that the Salarian had been standing over.

 

"I-i-it's safe. I think. N-n-now where's my money"?

 

Jess and Anika looked out, having crammed themselves into the space that barely held them what with Anika's size. Jess tried to move, but found she was utterly stuck. "Tell you what luv....". She said holding out an arm. "Just us a hand and I'll pay you double".

[Redbelle]

The Salarian took a leisurely pace across the road, looking down at his handiwork with casual interest as he reached up to button his jacket as he strolled by. Reaching the other side of the road to the sidewalk he strolled away several blocks doubling back on himself out of habit to ensure he wasn't being followed before he turned into a side ally where a gleaming black sky car lay. It's security scanner in the bonnet going back and forth with it's red light. Pulling out a fob he switched off the scanner and and the door's opened allowing him to put a foot in and sit himself down in the passenger seat. Panel's lit up and where the driver would have sat, a blank face board existed where the controls would have otherwise been.

 

"Rendezous". Said the Salaarian. The car whined to life and the doors slid closed and locked as the skycar lifted off and took to an air corridor.

 

The Salarian keyed his comm and a voice came over the comm. "Did you get it"?

 

"Success". Stated the Salarian.

 

"Good. The STG are paying good money for this. Have you confirmed the package"?

 

The Salarian looked down at the case and brought his hands around to pop the catches. He lifted the lid.

[Redbelle]

Jess and Anika walked out of coffee shop to the sound of a a faraway explosion from off in the distance.

 

"Grenade"? Asked Anika.

 

"Yep". Said Jess.

 

Anika looked up at the sky. "Huh... Looks like rain".

 

"Weather satellite's must be on the fritz. C'mon. Let's find this guy we were sent to get".

[Redbelle]

Olias smiled as she handed over another stuffed toy to the beaming human child who threw open his arms and embraced his new friend as the child's parent's looked on fondly. "Make sure to tuck him up with you at night". She told the small girl.

 

"I will! Ooooo fluffy Mummy"!

 

"Thank the nice Asari".

 

"Thaaaank yooou"!

 

The mother looked over at the father whojerked his head towards the exit. "We'd better go or we'll be late". The happy couple led their child away and ahad of them the door opened admitting a woman dressed in green with bare arms to walk in. She held open the door for them and after they departed, she walked up to Olias behind her counter.

 

"Hey luv. Phillis Sykes, I work for GoSPA".

 

"GoSPA"

 

"Galactic Society for the Prevention of Accident's". Jess deadpanned. "We've had reports of contaminated stuffing having been put into several batches of stuffed toys. I'm here to check your stock. Make sure there's nothing that came in that's contaminated".

 

"Contaminated"?

 

"Eezo". Jess stated. "Some idiot purposely spread Eezo dust into the stuffing material. The law official's are looking into the matter. They suspect it's terrorist related. Cerberus or whatever they're calling themselves now. Meanwhile I need to check your records. Make sure they match up with the ones I have".

 

Olias felt slightly overwhelmed but she kept her head. "No one told me you were coming".

 

"You should have got a call".

 

She bent her head to her terminal and scanned the woman before her. The ID came back as Phillis and showed the picture of the woman standing before her. But stil.....

 

"Look, I don't own this store. Let me call the owner and....". Her comm went off. "Wait one moment will you"? She said as she turned her back to step over to the comm unit. Accepting the call she found herself on a voice only circuit. "Hello"?

 

"Hello. Is this Memories of Dreams sovenir shop"?

 

"It is".

 

"My names Becca calling from GoSPA. I just wanted to inform you that you should be recieving a visit from one of our members today concerning your recieving goods we beleive to be contaminated in some fashion. I appreciate this is out of the blue but I must ask that you refrain from selling any stuffed animal's you have at the present time. If you haven't opened any boxes with stuffed toys please keep them closed and any on display should be removed from public view and....".

 

"Wait.... Someone called Phillis is already here".

 

"She is? I was just passed this.... Wait a minute". The voice faded to the background as if the person on the other end of the line was calling over to someone. "Rollo! How long were you sitting on...... That long?.... She's there, she's.....". After a few long moment's the voice came back. "I'm sorry. There's been a problem at this end. In any event I need you stop selling any stuffed animal. If you've sold any recently we'll need records of the sale so we can track these people down if the batch number's that were shipped to you match up".

 

"Eezo?.... Terrorists?.... I".

 

"I appreciate this is sudden Miss, but Galactic Toy Safety Regulations state that we take this seriously. Phillis can talk you through it. She's one of our more experienced employee's".

 

"Yes but I....".

 

"Have a nice day". The line clicked off.

 

Olias stared at the comm unit when she heard a sound and turned to see Phillis at the door, turning the open sign to closed and locking it. She drew a rebreather out of her pouch. "If I can see your shipping list's I can tell you if we have a problem here". She said.

 

Olias stared at her, then nodded, slowly. Oh the boss is going to be upset. She thought

[Kel Riever]

Previously...( http://forum.bioware...res/?p=17207550 )

 

Cluster unknown, System unknown, aboard the Khukuri

 

Standing at her command station, statuesque in her brass and black commando leathers, Xhuan Setura analyzed the data streaming before her on displays in regards to the Khukuri.  Upgrading the crew’s performance through her methods had been brutal, and there were a few she had pushed too far, but the result had been worth it; a lot that were capable, as well as willing, and could be taken into battle without fear.  Those who had ended up in the infirmary were a price that had to be made.

Jrudek Ib-vu approached, having just received his briefing from Iyana.  Xhuan was already aware of his assignment, and turned her attention to him.  Jrudek looked at her directly with his four eyes and leaned his head to the left in respect.

“I am to meet the Lord of the Kings and Queens, and I was told to receive further details from you, Xhuan.”

Though Jrudek was taller than she, Xhuan looked down at him from the platform of her command station.  “You understand that this man is a leader of a vast organization of pirates.  He will likely be displeased with the proposed deal.  Not to mention being approached by someone who is not his own, who reminds him that the trust he has placed in someone else has been violated.”

“It is why I am being sent,” Jrudek replied.

“Then you are ready.”  Xhuan, her bird of prey like facial markings and vivid green eyes forming a visage of the batarian’s strength.  “Board the Montague which will travel to your destination system.  From there you will be provided with a local craft that will deliver you to the place of meeting.  You are to arrive early, so that you may be assessed by the Kings and Queens.  There will be no duplicity, however, I need not remind you the price of betraying certain information from our end.  We would prevail over such transgressions, however, you would not.”

“As such it would be only my price to pay.”

Xhuan studied Jrudek for a moment.  “You are far too skilled at saying what someone wishes to hear, Jrudek.  That ploy may work with others, and I hope for your sake it works with Tarballs.  But striking this deal will be a coup, for us personally and the Shadow Network.  You don’t have to see as far as Iyana can to comprehend that.

“I know my place, what I must do, and in the end, you and I both will sit at the tables of the powerful.”

“Go to the shuttle that will take you to the Montague Jrudek,” Xhuan commanded.  “Perfect combat.”

[Redbelle]

Jess read down the lines of shipping manifests after Olias had given her access to the shop database. She scrolled her finger down the list tutting. "Not good. Not good. Not good at all". She said straightening. "I think we've found a batch. I'll have to take your stock for disposal. You haven't opened any of the ones that came in in the last few days have you"?

 

"One or two.... Their out on display. Look, I really think....".

 

Jess/Phillis's hand reached for her mask and it went on immediately. "Don't think. Protect yourself. I need to call in the hazmat box. We need to get all of those crates contained now. I need to see what units have been sold to who as well so we can track these contaminated toys down".

 

"But why spread Eezo on toys"?!?

 

"In toys luv. It's the stuffing not the outer surface".

 

"But why"?

 

"Simple. On the outside Eezo symptoms would show up early. Inside the fabric of the toy allows containment up to a point. You think of all that moving and jostling.... Cerberus are believed to be actively trying to study Eezo affects on humans as well as other species too.... A mother falls pregnant, or has a young child, they walk by a shop selling contaminated toys. Chances are good they'll be the type to buy them".

 

Olias looked like she was going to swoon. The knowledge given that her shop wa being used to put people in danger. "I need to sit down".

 

"Good idea luv. Meanwhile put this mask on if your staying inside. There shouldn't be any Eezo particles floating around but better safe than sorry right? Got any bags"?

 

"Bag's"?

 

"Bin bag's. I'll start collecting what's out here. And if you have a truck for the crates that would be useful".

 

"Out back.... excuse me". Olias wandered off leaving Jess alone to go about her work as she commed Anika. "Luv? Your up. Bring the car round back. You get the sky trailer"?

 

"Got it and enroute".

 

"You paint it up like I said"?

 

"Captain... Please... It's me".

 

Jess grinned

[Redbelle]

"Okay that's the last of them"! Jess said as Anika loaded the last crate. The bag's of stuffed animals were thrown in with the rest as Jess cast a look over at Olias who stood by the door hugging herself.

 

"Are you sure there's no danger in the store still"?

 

"Trust me luv. GoSpa's all about stopping accident's before they can happen. You'll be fine. We'll track down the one's you sold to. Just keep doing what it is your doing". She held out her hand looking expectant and Olias looked confused before she realized she was still wearing the re-breather. She pulled it off and handed it back to Jess. "Thanks luv. Now then, Let's get these things disposed of"! She called to Anika who stood in an orange hazmat suit.

 

Anika simply saluted so Olias couldn't hear the voice who had called her earlier and both got into the skycar and ascended into the sky. Once they were far enough away Anika pulled off her head gear. "We've got to look through all THAT"?!?

 

"I know luv".

 

"There's..... HUNDREDS"!!!

 

"Five hundred  and four if their records are up to date".

 

"That's going to take awhile".

 

"Many hand's make light work luv.... We're going to need help finding that tracker".

 

"Who"?

 

Instead of answering Jess pointed the skycar towards the hotel. They had a meeting to attend.

[Redbelle]

The trip was uneventful and on arrival a helpful belhop handed them the loading truck they used to transport goods around the hotel. Carrying the bag's while Anika made the first of many trips, to and fro, they entered the conference room.

 

Jess looked around and dropped the bags. "Okay! Soon as the rest arrive. We get them to help rip the stuffing out of these things". She reached into one of the bags and pulled forth one of the stuffed animals and examined it. "Looks like it's got a fabric seal. Explains how Howse got it in there. Better go pickup the rest while I empty these out".

 

"This place is going to bet pretty full of stuffed animal's captain".

 

"And we'll gut every last one of them to find that tracker".

 

"Aye captain".

[sH0tgUn jUliA]

The team gathered in the tenth floor conference room in the hotel. Dahlia arrived in a general snit due to feeling left out of things. She was angry with Naleena for still treating her like a child even after the way she’d handled things on Duellos. I’m not a f*cking maiden who just dances in a strip bar! I’ve got brains, and want a chance. She thought as she took her seat.

 

Irina arrived. She left Zenon in her room watching a movie, and with the gaming holosystem.

 

Naleena had coffee and donuts brought up earlier, and had the Turian snacks put on red trays. She arrived in the room and took her position standing at the head of the table. She had a holoprojector set up. The planning of this job was going to be difficult since VERA was out of the picture being installed on the Janiri, and she’d come to rely on her in the past three years. She didn’t realize how much. The AI allowed her to perform tasks well beyond what she normally did.

 

“Good afternoon, everyone. Sorry to disrupt everyone’s shore leave, but a couple of important matters have come up, and they relate directly to our investigation,” Naleena said, “I met with a source this morning who informed me that an Asari by the name of Shiara Danri shot and killed a Salarian STG agent outside of a club where she was working. That agent had killed a friend of hers. Ms. Danri was simply extracting justice for a killing the STG agent did moments earlier. The trail on the case went cold, and the case was buried under a huge stack of other more pressing cases. However, recently some people in the Salarian government have stirred interest in this case, and the NAPD have re-opened it.”

 

“Wait a minute,” Irina interrupted, “What in bloody buggerin’ hell does Shiara Danri have to do with us?”

 

“Shiara Danri was the alias I was using at the time,” Naleena said.

 

Irina made a wise crack. “The plot thickens.”

 

Naleena glanced at her and continued. “As many of you know, the agent would not see prosecution for his crime due to diplomatic immunity, among other things. The Council granted me a pardon for this, but it only extends for Council Space. This is the Terminus.”

 

“So what do you need us for?” Irina asked. “You’re a Council Spectre. Just walk in to the police station, present your Spectre ID and confiscate the evidence.”

 

“It’s not quite that simple, Irina,” Naleena rebuked, “While this is an Asari world and while the system government is deferential to the Asari Republics, this is the Terminus. There is a certain degree of autonomy granted. Spectres, while they have a greater degree of authority than local authorities in most cases, I do not in this one. Since it involves me there is a conflict of interest.

 

“Also, Spectre Supervisor, Yalson Sao who is also a member of the STG, has taken an interest in the case. This will hamper our ability to complete our mission, and take action against Collectors and any of those… things we saw created on Duellos. I see no easy way out of this mess.”

 

“We need to break into the NAPD station where they’re keeping the evidence and remove it. We also need to wipe the computer hard drives and their off-site drives of this case and any mention of Shiara Danri or me,” Naleena said.

 

“Gee that doesn’t sound too complicated. I suppose my filing skills will come in handy here.” Dahlia cracked.

 

“Actually they will,” Naleena said, “You’ll be on one of the infiltration teams. Eteon’s infiltration team.”

 

“So that’s it for the mission? Get the evidence and get out?” Irina asked.

 

“When we’ve dealt with the police, don’t return to the hotel. Rather we’ll meet at a rendezvous point here. I’ll send Jenus and Tallis to make sure it’s clear. They might have to roust a couple of squatters. Stealth with bribery is preferred, extreme prejudice is authorized.” Naleena said, “It’s my old safe house. It’s in the industrial district. There very few patrols in the area. Most everything is on-site private security.

 

“I’ll lead a team to the Spectre’s office. We’ll break in and wipe his hard drives. I expect the security there to be very tricky. Salarian minds are like a maze. Their security systems are similar.

 

She pulled up a holomap of the area. “My thoughts on the NAPD is having two diversions: one large one that is going to clear out the station, and one inside. There’s an empty lot about four blocks away. I need someone who is good with explosives on this. Your instructions are simple: boost a car without setting off an alarm, drive it to the lot, set a bomb, detonate it, and don’t get caught. Make it big enough to draw attention.” Naleena said, “Diversion team two. You walk in the front door. I’m thinking Jess, Irina and Anika for this. I need the three of you dressed to kill.”

 

“I’m not wearing a dress!” Irina said.

 

“Then you’ll dress nicely,” Naleena replied, “And you’ll wash and style your hair. Jess can help you.”

 

“F*ck you!”

 

“It’s for the mission.” Naleena sighed, “You’ll walk in and report a stolen vehicle. Make up some sh*t. You’ll be brought to robbery-homicide division which is in the heart of the station on the main floor. Get into an argument about whose fault it was. Blame Anika for it. That will get attention. One of you listen for any changes in security protocols and prepare to make any kind of excuses so you can get that information to the infiltration teams.

 

“Stealth team two will sneak in then and go for the evidence room in the basement. ROE is choke holds to subdue allowed. If you have to knock out an officer, make sure you drag them out of sight. Avoid detection from security cameras. Morgan suggested Dahlia, Avan and Eteon for the evidence team.

 

“Stealth team one. This is the toughest one. You’ll take a skycar and land on the roof of the building. There are security cameras on the roof. On the west side of the building there is a ventilation shaft on the tenth floor. You’ll have to scale the side of the building down to the vent, and enter. First, tap into the roof cameras and record a five minute loop on each, and loop this back through the feed. Cap the camera lens with duct tape. This shaft goes to the HVAC unit for their main server. It’s going to be quite warm in there. They may even have cameras and sensors in the vents. I’m not sure. You’ll have to scan for them on your way in.

 

“You’ll need to have rebreathers on your equipment inventory for this one. There will be a crawlway somewhere in this area for maintenance workers. Open it. It will get you to the cool air side of the system. Once there you’ll need to find a place where you can drop down into the server room, but before you do, you need to make sure that all the workers are taken care of. I’d recommend using sleep gas. Here is some that I used on jobs. Essul, Valkara, and Iole will go on this team.

 

“My team will be Morgan, Vayne, Jaimie, and Frank. I’m sure you have questions and things to discuss about this. Let’s have them.

 

"One last thing... I suggest no one refer to each other by their real name. Let's pick names for each other before we leave this meeting."

[Redbelle]

Jess, up to her elbow in the innards of a sorry looking and floppy Varren toy looked up. "Sounds great luv. Now can all of you start pulling these things apart? I've got another five hundred to go and one tracker to find". She looked around at the faces looking at her. "What? I'm not making this up! I need that tracker"!