[Poof inside simulator]
"Three."
"Kurik Trudas." The turian stated his name, without taking his eyes away from the simulated enemies that were being generated.
"Two."
"One."
"Starting round one."
Kurik immediately launched a flashbang grenade into the group, and opened fire.
After the simulations were complete, Arcadia was back in the locker room, going over her thoughts. "There is nothing that replaces time spent by each other's side. At least we were able to get a taste of this here, though. Regarding the mission, I hear no protest to the VIP mission any more. I trust Darya will ask her pertinent questions to the client when we meet him. Please be polite in your interaction as he is someone who, if treated correctly, may have needs for our services in the future.
"The client is a secretary in line of ascension to the Salarian Union's Citadel Ambassador, by the name of Bel Nu. He has, apparently, a very large family, most of which he doesn't have to worry about as they are predominantly not on the citadel. His oldest, however, his daughter, is someone who is participating with an internship and so is located here. Given his position, he does need security on a regular basis, usually provided by the Salarian Union itself or C-Sec. As it stands, however, he has expressed concerns in dealing with official agencies in the past, and believes private security performs a much better job. That opinion isn't argued with by his embassy superiors, it seems, as there is an allowance for people like Bel Nu to hire alternative security people for family.
Arcadia saved the rest of the details for their return to the offices that Stormhammer was based out of. "Secretary Bel Nu will be required to attend a meeting tomorrow in the Presidium Tower. It is a conference, followed by a late night black-tie formal affair where the diplomats will bump elbows in what they consider a 'casual' setting. Bel Nu wants to make sure his daughter is safely in attendance. She is attending university for study in the Upper Wards, and will be done with classes late in the afternoon, when Bel Nu will already be in conference. There is a five hour gap of time before she is due, so she is to be brought to a hotel where she may prepare and wait for the event, then brought to the event. Our job is finished as soon as she is through the door to the main ballroom where the event is held. Considering everything working out, we'll be splitting our pay the next day.
"We'll have a chance to meet Secretary Nu in his office, early tomorrow morning, to ask questions well before we are to report to the university. We can go over details with him then, and ask any questions we may have. We are not required to wear any sort of formal attire; we wear what we need to do our jobs. But we should at least put up a good appearance and come across as the professionals we are."
"SWAT team or under cover security?" Darya asked.
"We can do this in civilian gear if you wish, but this is a regular high security operation. Nobody will be batting an eyelash if they see people in the armor we typically wear, though again, I would stay away from war trophies, keep the trappings clean,...you get the drill. The prior security team wore uniformed armor."
Arcadia wrapped up the briefing with Vihaan, making sure contact information was exchanged and that the immediate needs of those who were coming along for the mission had been met. "I hope everyone gets a good night's rest. We'll reconvene here, tomorrow morning, an hour before our meeting."
The next morning...
...had come and the team arrived at the Salarian Union Embassy offices located at the Presidium of the Citadel. It had its distinct feel of utopia, the best that the galaxy had to offer, even compared to the upper wards, or the highest end districts of cities and capitols across the galaxy. It could set the most cynical to question themselves, at least if it depended on appearance and atmosphere alone.
Distinctly, weapons were generally highly restricted. Stormhammer, as a mercenary company, had the licensing to equip gear and equipment, including arms, should they be performing legitimate duties, which of course was only approved after the proper amount of ‘red tape’ bureaucracy, fees, and monitors at C-Sec were overcome. Yet even then, no one was allowed on initial meeting to carry any arms whatsoever into embassy areas. That required a special seal from the embassy itself, which wasn’t going to happen until Secretary Bel Nu was met.
Upon entering the foyer of the Salarian embassy, it was apparent that the salarian diplomatic mission enjoyed its own cultural opulence. Artificial waterfalls were set in aesthetically pleasing ways throughout the space, where rooms and corridors seemed to have no corners, but flowed in gentle curves. Tropical fauna added to the appeal, and the occasional small species even roamed among the exotic plants. A long desk of black marble with colorful veins marked the reception area where everyone was to check in….after passing through a security checkpoint.
There was no lack of politeness, however. Once it was clear that those who entered were on business serving a secretary of the embassy, a young salarian administrator guided the Stormhammer team to a series of elevators. They rode up together several levels, enjoying a view of the Presidium from the transparent lift walls. The administrator exited, led everyone down a winding corridor until she gently knocked at a door on the left, and made note of Stormhammer’s arrival through the video com.
“Secretary Nu, the team you requested is here to see you.”
“Of course, send them in.”
The door slid open and the administrator motioned the team through. Passing inside revealed a spacious room open at its far end to a balcony overlooking the Presidium. There was a side area for work, partitioned with a lightly tinted, shatterproof, transparent wall and sliding door. The main room was occupied by a salarian behind a comfortable desk with light green skin and a freckled maroon mottling, in a black and white outfit. Across from him and in front of a lengthy white couch was a light grey elcor. Both turned their heads to those who came in.
“Regrettably: I must leave,” the elcor rumbled in his slow voice, “With anticipation: I look forward to continuing our debate later.”
“Yes, Holdune, we will have plenty of time at tonight’s event. Until then.”
The elcor headed to the exit while the salarian stood and addressed the new entrants.
“Welcome, members of Stormhammer,” the salarian cordially greeted, “I am Secretary Bel Nu and am most grateful for your acceptance on such short notice. Please, make yourselves comfortable and let us talk.”
The formality of introductions was made for all team members. Darya took a seat on the left end of the white couch. She listened as the Salarian described what the team was to do. It sounded pretty simple.
"Do you have any questions?" Secretary Nu asked.
Darya raised her hand. "Yes, I need to ask this, and I apologize for being blunt. The job sounds too easy. If this is such a simple escort, why is a heavily armed mercenary group needed? Have you or your daughter received any threats aside from the general hate mail that a person in your position will receive? Something that really stands out? Something that say might cause a previous group to turn down the assignment after hearing the details?"
The demeanor of Nu changed a bit and he smiled nervously, "Well, now that I've met you, I can imagine that you might be a bit more...intense...of a security than is usually used. It is a short notice situation, though. My last hire left on abrupt terms. They made the usual, respectful excuses but I think it was simply that they were hired away for more cash, which is a shame because what I am paying you could have easily been a raise for them. But they would not negotiate. I can't worry about them now. You are filling an important gap for me while I seek more permanent help."
Shifting in his seat to come slightly forward, the Secretary went on. "I'm an over-protective parent, perhaps, but it also is quite normal for a level of security to be placed upon the family members of someone in my position. While it won't happen for some time, if at all, I am technically fourth in line to Councilor Valern. Such as it is, I and my family could always be targets of extortion or kidnapping. There is no threat that I know of, so...perhaps this will be easy for you after all. But your very presence prevents the possibility of certain threats...arising.
"Then there is tonight's event, a 'must attend' affair. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about such things. I look forward to a regular hire but you were available in my time of need. Are there any other questions?"
"First off..." Menos said as he looked towards Nu, his green eyes flicked to study the man quickly as he stood with his white armor and hooded head wrap, stepping out from behind the others as he gave a courteous bow to the man, one many of the STG learned to do when addressing superiors in formal events, "Thank you for giving us this opportunity. Hearing of the nature of our companies contact, I'm sure we will all do our part to not disappoint you or your expectations." Menos said before he rose up straight, a great departure from the joke cracking salarian the others had met previously.
"I do, though, have a question. It's in line with my colleagues, in fact. That being, the use of private security over something more official or proper. I'm curious, if you don't mind me asking, why you prefer mercenaries to less economically malleable employment?" he asked as he gave a polite smile, keeping his hands behind his back as his fingers were locked together, pulling against one another out of Nu's view, "I apologize if it over-steps some bounds, but I'd really like to know."
"Mmmmm...," Bel Nu made the humming sound, taking a bit of time as he seemed to be thinking up of a good answer. "I..don't. In a convenience sense. It is nice that the Salarian Union embassy guard are available for such occasions, and if I were a lower paid staff member, I might feel forced to use them. But...they have their own hierarchy of command that they follow and I prefer the much more affable relationships I have with those I personally hire. We seem to have better understandings, if you will, even in situations of such short employment. Well worth the extra expenditure, I feel. Does that answer your question?"
Darya, at the risk of making Arcadia cringe, had another burning question. She was about as subtle as blunt force trauma. "Secretary Nu, do you have any enemies? Specifically enemies who would want to use this particular occasion to get to you by kidnapping your daughter?"
"Not that I am aware of. Again, someone in my position must always be cautious. Other than that, there have been no threats made against me or this office specifically."
Arcadia seemed calm. Perhaps the questioning did not bother her. Or she wasn't showing it.
"So you don't have any enemies and you don't expect anything is going to happen to your daughter?" Chris raised an eyebrow. "I agree with Darya", he said with a nod to her. "Do you really need a squad of seven heavily armed mercenaries? Wouldn't be two or three of us enough to protect her?"
Naomi gave him a dig with her elbow. "He's paying well so why those questions?", she asked with a smirk though she was thinking the same as her brother.
"Perhaps," Bel Nu smiled, but nervously. "Miss Del Castillo tells me, however, there was a minimum fee in hiring as those who came were expected pay. I would gladly save money if I could, but as I understand it, hiring a lesser number of you will not save me anything, isn't that correct, Miss Del Castillo."
"It is," Arcadia answered.
"When everything goes well, it is easy, yes?" Bel Nu suggested. "But it is your presence which provides the very security I suppose. Again, because something does not happen doesn't mean it can't and many...troublemakers...would be glad to try their hand if an opportunity presented itself. I am in a sensitive position and wish to never have to face such problems.
Secretary Nu thought to himself, then gave a half-hearted chuckle. "I think my daughter...by the way her name is Nadi Nu...will challenge you the most with her curiosity. She is my gem, very smart, very pretty, a wonderful sense of humor. Honestly, keeping the young suitors at bay makes a father like me glad to have the professionals at hand to push them away. But I feel like if this is not the sort of thing you are all interested in, as much trouble as it causes me, I ask that you tell me now. I will be put out, in a way, to get help immediately, but I must start now if this is the case.
...It would be nice, though, if we could go ahead with you all. A possibility is that I could put in a good word with you if this is the kind of thing normally beneath your level of services. There are contacts I have, you know."
"It is part of our job to inquire," Arcadia explained, "We press for details for the safety of your daughter and our personnel, and we pay close attention to your answers. That doesn't mean, however, the job is not secure. Please inform us of your expected itinerary and we will get on with this."
Bel Nu leaned forward with a nod and a sigh of relief. "It is a very basic schedule, and I have made arrangements at the university, hotel of your stay in the meantime, and tower so that all will be expecting your presence. I am not entirely aware of all your home worlds...if you have them...but I will tell you all times are according to the 20 hour Presidium day, and give you some sense of what that's like in general terms.
"Larathos University is part of the Larathos Institution located in the upper Kithoi Wards. The campus is interspersed throughout that area of the ward, but classes and some dorms are predominantly located in the Linron Building, which is one of the taller skyscrapers in the district. Pickup and drop-off for the class is on the 100th story, in what is known as the purple zone, and is above atmosphere. You'll be able to land there directly and go up to the class room to meet my daughter when she is dismissed. That is at 05:00 pm Presidium time, or what would be a roughly full daylight late afternoon. At the university, it is likely best if only two or three of you meet her and bring her back to your vehicles.
"Escort her directly to the Placidity Resort here in the Presidium. I ask that you keep an eye on, and protect my daughter, but please don't treat her like a prisoner. I only want to assure that she has time to relax, change into her proper formal wear, and leave with you for the appointed event time in the Tower. There is a multi-room grand suite at the Placidity, on one of the top floors, which will be able to accommodate her and all of you. Be sure to attend to her needs, feel free to take care of yourself and make use of the amenities as well. However, she is not to leave the hotel, except with you on her way to the event. Hotel staff is familiar with us so you should have no trouble getting whatever you need.
"Nadi Nu is due promptly at the Tower at 10:00 pm Presidium. That is what would be considered midnight by most clocks on other worlds, but is the equivalent of 'sunset', or the beginning of the night cycle here. Once you escort Nadi to the ballroom and bring her to my attention, I will greet her and your job will be considered complete. She'll be in my care after that and I have my own personnel to protect myself and her."
Bel Nu stood again from his seat and politely gave a slight bow. "I thank you for your service. If a question does arrive, one of my assistants will gladly handle it for you as I am due shortly to attend to the conference. Best wishes."
After Nu left the room, Darya leaned toward Cadi and spoke in a soft voice. "Why do I get the feeling he's not telling us everything?"
Arcadia nodded, but waited until they were outside the embassy doors to answer. She leaned back to Darya, but did say loud enough for just the team to hear, "Because he probably isn't telling us everything. At least not quite everything. I'm picking through what he said to see if I can glean something between the lines, if you would. But I haven't quite been able to figure it out. Nothing set me off in the sense of believing we should decline the job, but I have a hard time wondering if I am not set off by his diplomatic appeasements or if there is something to be truly concerned about."
Bel Nu's arguments didn't convince Chris and he still doubted that it was necessary to give his daughter such a heavily armed escort if no trouble was expected. He could understand the secretary's precaution that was always needed in such a position but he still believed that two or three guards would be more than enough. Darya's argument just encouraged him to be right about that thought. But there were also other possibilities.
"Arcadia..." Chris turned to the blue haired woman, "You think we can find something in the data that we have about this Bel Nu that could show us if he's always that overprotective towards his daughter or maybe is just paranoid? Maybe he isn't even hiding anything but just acts as always."
With crossed arms Naomi let out an amused snort. "Come on guys, it's just a secretary of the salarian embassy! What do you think is going to happen? You think the salarian has some enemies who would send two dozen elite soldiers just to abduct his daughter?" She saw Chris giving her a serious look and sighed. "I know that everything is possible but I suggest we just do what we are supposed to, nothing happens and we get back to our headquarters without a single scratch. You're probably right and Bel Nu is suffering from paranoia, that's all."
"If you say so", Chris replied with a mocking tone and a shrug of his shoulders.
"Yes, I do!", Naomi sulkily gave back. Then it was time for her to make her demand for the mission. "I will go to Larathos to pick up his daughter..."
With a teasing laughter Chris interrupted her. "Because otherwise you're not going to see an university from the inside!"
"Pfff!" Naomi kept shut and gave her brother a withering look.
"Please, Chris, you may call me Cadi," Arcadia said as the group approached the two skycars they arrived in. She took a casual glance at all three cars, pondered for a moment, and said, "Different seating arrangements for the ride back to base. Chris, Naomi, come with me plus one other. For those in the second car, be sure to link your car's com with ours and we'll continue the conversation on the way back."
The group piled into the X3M skycars they arrived in, and once underway, Arcadia followed through on linking the cars by speaker com so that everyone was in on the discussion. Cadi set her car to autopilot and started talking, "Chris, go ahead and start searching the extranet for anything on Bel Nu, if you have a suspicion. It can't hurt. While you do, I'll pull up some pictures on the locations we are travelling to and transmit them so everyone may follow along with the video displays in their cars or on their omni-tools.
"First, here is the Linron Building at Larathos University, upper Kithoi Wards:
"We'll be landing at the one hundredth floor. That's right where the angle at the side of the building ceases and we get there just before 05:00pm. Now, this is the Placidity Resort:
"We head there directly afterwards, and we have 5 hours before Nadi Nu must be delivered to the Tower for the ballroom event by 10:00 pm sharp:
"The ballroom we are going to is one of the side rooms off the main Council chamber in the Tower. once we deliver Bel Nu's daughter to him at the event, we are finished."
Arcadia threw a mirthful glance to Chris, then Naomi. To her, she said, "I think it is a good idea that you come to the University to fetch Nadi from the classroom. I will go with you and we need one other...but not Chris." Cadi watched to see if there was any reaction from the brother. "You are properly cautious. With Nadi, that will make us nine and we will need three skycars. I would like you in one of them, outside, keeping a sharp eye out, if you will."
When Cadi glanced over at Chris, she inadvertently saw the screen with the extranet searches of Bel Nu. "I'm betting you are having a hard time sorting through the litany of promotional articles, all of which have led to little information? I had looked Bel Nu up before and there is no current, overt scandal or any such political firestorm surrounding him personally."
"Looks like the Vi checks out its a VI allright its had a full personality patch up bit its clean."
Becks said approaching the group.
"^This unit nicknamed Blinky will be of servace to this unit. ^"
While browsing through the extranet articles Chris let out a sigh. "I guess you're right, there's nothing about him that would help us." He closed the extranet and leaned back in his seat. "I'm okay with that plan, Cadi. And I guess my sister as well..." He turned back to Naomi on the rear seat. When he noted her glowering at him he began to laugh. It was obvious that she didn't agree with Cadi on her plan.
"Come on, it's not as if I'm leaving the Citadel! I'll be just outside at the sky cars, don't worry so much about me!"
His sister just muttered "Still don't like it.", before looking outside the skycar's window.
With a laugh Chris turned to Cadi. "I think the Alliance military is glad that they got rid of us. Naomi was causing trouble every time they tried to seperate us, she would rather have rejected our superior's commands than being send on a mission without me."
The skycars were pulling into the building where Stormhammer was based out of. As the groups exited and went inside to await the appointed time for pickup, there was room for discussion. "I do not want to say there is nothing about him that would help us, more that the extranet is his public face. We need to look into it and so you are intelligent for doing so. If there was something obvious we should know. But because nothing was found on him specifically, doesn't mean there isn't reason for suspicion."
Arcadia remembered Naomi's reaction to being split from her brother. "I am not a military commander, Naomi. I make suggestions, we do what we must. I will give orders if no one disagrees, but if you think it is best your brother comes with us to fetch the secretary's daughter, I will not say no."
There were a few hours to kill, likely to pass faster than anyone expected. Arcadia did throw a couple of glances at the LOKI mech during that time. She found the droid to have kindled her curiosity.
"Don't worry, Cadi, Naomi is just overacting. It won't be that bad for her if she stays alone for a few minutes." Chris exited the sky car and gave his sister an encouraging look.
The twins spend the last few hours with an old card game while Chris tried to cheer Naomi up. They were both quite relaxed and didn't expect much trouble for their mission even though they both thought that it was a bit trivial.
"I don't think so, Chris," Darya countered. "A lot can happen in a few minutes. I don't think Naomi is overreacting. People can be abducted in a few seconds. I will go with Cadi to pick up his daughter. That way, Cadi can keep the engine warm and I can be with her while she changes and gets ready for the event."
"You're right about that", Chris said with a nod to Darya. "But I think Naomi is more worried about me, am I right?"
His sister just scowled. "You remember what happened last time we seperated?" She raised her bandaged arm. "That wouldn't have happened if you had stayed with me! Still burns like hell!"
With a sigh Chris began to deal out the cards for Naomi and him. "And that's not going to happen this time, there are no Vorchas with flamethrowers around. You go with Darya and Cadi, just relax a bit! You want to join?", he asked Darya pointing at a free seat next to Naomi.
"Cause nothing says "we're just trying to keep your safe" like having someone watching you take off your clothes." Menos spoke up, the first time since he'd came out of their meeting and looked more than a little antsy as his hands shoke a bit, fingers seeming to look for something to do as he reached into his back pocket on his armor. "Don't get me wrong, its not a bad plan in keeping an eye on her. I just think we should wait till we meet this daughter before we get a solid plan going. She could be super cooperative, or a total brat, and it could throw everything off..." He brought out a deck of cards and began to shuffle it quickly, the flipping noise of the small rectangular shapes of paper seeming to calm him down as his shoulders stopped tensing a bit, his voice losing some of its edge.
"I'm not the smartest salarian in the galaxy, but I do got instincts though. And my instincts are telling me this mission could end up ass up if we aren't too careful..." His eyes darted towards Darya as he spoke next, "You looked up Nu on the net. You searched his daughter out as well, right?" He asked, obviously curios if she found anything regarding the girl as well.
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