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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 26, 2014 22:58:09 GMT -6
This chapter is for participants of the Barce Mission only (unless cleared with the GM as a point for introduction to the story). Here, characters may discuss the events of the mission, continue developing personal relationships, and etc.
The Valiant left Barce a little over a day ago and is now docked at a nearby space station for refueling. Like many stations of its type, sections of it are quite well kept and home to various legitimate businesses, while other, less cared-for levels are havens for mercs and smugglers. There are numerous venues for entertainment, as well as quarters which may be rented out and a number of transports heading to and from nearby systems. It also has a fully-equipped med-center with a competent staff.
(Reviewed and posted with GM permission)
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2014 6:14:00 GMT -6
Iskra sat quietly in the medbay. The nightmares of the day before keeping her from getting a peaceful nights rest.
She had no desire to venture out into the space station as the Valiant refueled. Drell were still so very rare in this galaxy that walking out into the station would insight more staring and questions than she was comfortable with.
She did wonder who would leave during this time. She imagined the whole crew would not wish to return to the Citadel, especially since they’d find better work out in the Terminus Systems. She’d be staying of course, her only means of travel through the galaxy was Captain Hanri, who was more forgiving of the little credits she had to offer.
She rose from the bed she had been mediating on, slowly doing her morning warm ups, her muscles thankful for the movement.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 28, 2014 8:51:36 GMT -6
Maelstrom swiveled about in the pilot's chair, trying desperately not to recall anything about being taken over by the beings on Barce. The past several months of his life had been devoted to making sure he would never be placed under anyone's control again, and all it took was some bugs dancing with flashing lights. They were even able to make him turn weapons on his companions. It felt like he should have been able to do something. Like he was just weak.
Of course, he knew better. Between his basic understanding of science and what Emily related to him about her readings, he realized he was helpless. That there was nothing he could have done.
"Emily," Maelstrom said, "compose a message to Doctor Narei."
"Ready," his VI replied.
"Doctor Narei,
I had mentioned one time that you'd be welcome to come to my shuttle to share a drink with me, whether it be tea or something harder. I will be leaving this ship within the next couple days, to continue on something of a personal quest. I wished to extend the offer to you again. It might do us both some good to rest from our isolation.
Sincerely, Maelstrom
End message. Emily, please send to Doctor Narei's omni-tool."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2014 9:10:02 GMT -6
Iskra’s omni tool beeped as she balanced on her hands, the sudden noise startling her enough to have her fall on her butt on the cold floor. Wincing, she carefully stands back up to open the message. She found herself surprised that it was Maelstrom, though she was unsure why. Maybe she hadn’t let herself trust these people enough to believe they’d follow on their word. Surely they had better things to do than discuss anything with a preachy refugee.
Hesitantly, the young doctor left the medbay and made her way down to the shuttle bay. Her light footsteps even almost echoed in the mostly empty ship. She still kept to the shadows, feeling more comfortable to always have that place to blend into at a moment’s notice. Her journey uninterrupted as she walked into the cargo area.
Walking up to Maelstrom’s ship, she raises her hand to knock lightly before stepping back to look at the ship completely.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 28, 2014 10:04:51 GMT -6
Maelstrom saw the doctor on the monitor before she knocked, Emily following her standard security protocols. He headed for the hatch but paused before opening it. Though he cleaned up after the mission, he had put his helmet back on to feel more secure.
He had already made his deliveries too, leaving them behind people's lockers on the ship. First, a Collector grenade and SMG to Meldom as a "sorry" for having him at gunpoint. Then an assault rifle to Cruendi'has for having his back the whole time. Then a pair of SMG's to River for saving him from the Praetorian. He had yet to compose messages to Meldom or River explaining the gifts; he figured it was best left unsaid with his batarian friend.
He took off the helm, placing it in one of the seats, and opened the hatch.
"Welcome, Doctor, please, come in. I hope you're well."
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Apr 28, 2014 11:23:06 GMT -6
Shala sat in the eating area, reviewing all the data she had scanned from the site, looking for something that could help the Fleet.
One set in particular caught her eye. With some work, that could boost a ship's shields, she thought.
The Fleet...
She stopped and looked off to the nearest bulkhead, knowing the space that lay just beyond. She then looked around the deck. She was the only one currently there; the others were wrapping up from the mission, preparing to go their separate ways once they returned to the Citadel.
And then back to the Fleet for me...
Suddenly the thought of returning to the Fleet was nearly unbearable. Once she was back, she would be Shala'Bekk vas Neema, the mentally scarred survivor of her Pilgrimage, and she would be given a wide berth as if her troubles were contagious. With this crew, she was simply Shala, a skilled engineer. True, her initial outburst with Cruendi'has Tarmikos had set back relations with everyone, but she felt that she had been able to make up for it and regain their trust.
She pulled the shotgun off her back and laid it on the table before her.
Lylia lying on the ground, two spears jutting from her back as she stared sightlessly at nothing...
In a flash of insight, she knew she couldn't hold on to it anymore; it was poisoning her as surely as if she had been exposed to an illness.
But how to get rid of it?
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2014 13:57:17 GMT -6
The doctor gave the man a small concerned smile. "Not as much as I hope you are well, Maelstrom. Why did you not come to see me after yesterday?"
She stepped carefully inside the shuttle, shifting uncomfortably into the most open area of the room. It was a bit nerve racking to be in here again after the day before. Iskra's hands balled into fists as she fought the urge to chant small prayers like she had done in that same room not 24 hours ago.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 28, 2014 14:03:07 GMT -6
"Not as much as I hope you are well, Maelstrom. Why did you not come to see me after yesterday?"
He bristled a bit at the question, not so much because he felt there was an accusation in it as that he felt he had been negligent. After all, he knew there was a relationship of some sort between the doctor and the young Miss Havens. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
"I've had some things to wrestle with. Old demons that my experience on the moon dredged up," Maelstrom admitted. "That's part of why I need to go away for a while. I need to put a few more of them to rest before I can be part of this again."
He found his hand again seeking the security of his SMG. Odd, he thought, that he still considered it a source of security after the events of the day previous. Consciously, he moved the hand away from it. "What would you like to drink, Doctor? I have several human blends of tea. Also, I have some alcohol, if you feel it would be more appropriate. I figure it would be nice to share either while we chat."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 28, 2014 14:20:44 GMT -6
Iskra felt her instincts immediately scream to run as soon as the larger man bristled, his hand falling on his gun. Her training kicking in and her eyes finding the fastest route to cover. To his credit, though, he recovered quickly and seemed to relax.
"What would you like to drink, Doctor? I have several human blends of tea. Also, I have some alcohol, if you feel it would be more appropriate. I figure it would be nice to share either while we chat."
"I will take some tea." She gives him a nervous smile, "Not much of a drinker."
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Post by PaladinKOSP on Apr 28, 2014 14:28:58 GMT -6
Artacus sat on his bed, checking his equipment and cleaning any dirty on the side. He was worn out and done with everyone else for the time being, locked away in his room. His omni-tool beeps and flashes to life as he receives a message. Artacus looks to his omni-tool, gazing at the message. It was the old man. Artacus sets his items aside and types down on the buttons, soon a miniature screen appears to reveal the face of his old man.
"Hello, you old fool.." The turian replies. "Yeah yeah, nice to see you too." Togris replies with a chuckle. "Just checking in on my hell of a son. Hehe.. so how was the mission?" Although Togris did take him out of the slums, gave him a roof over his head, and taught him many things, Artacus never really considered Togris to be father to him. "It was.. surprisingly intriguing." He remarked to the old turian, type away on his omni-tool again. "A lost civilization, a sort of theatre that shows you the past like you're actually there.. and many, many other things... but I'll save the rest when we meet in person." He didn't bother him with the Reapers, Togris would think that he's gone completely mad, but the events from years before this endeavor already made him insane to the point were he could've been put in an insane asylum. But he'd rather not dwell on that right now. "Good! I can't wait to here about what else you've discovered." The old turian responded with a cheerful tone. "Eh.. sorry for bothering you, ya just haven't called back in a while." "Mhm.. I have some work to do... I'll talk to you some other time." Artacus gave a little wave goodbye before closing off the channel. "He really needs to stop breathing down my neck.." He thought to himself.
The turian stood up from the bed and tidied his casual attire, making sure everything was perfect and clean. He picks up his pistol and holsters it behind his jacket and covers his gauntlets behind the long sleeves before stepping out of his room, walking toward the cafeteria with his hands slid into his pockets
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 29, 2014 8:46:30 GMT -6
"Not much of a drinker," Doctor Narei replied.
"Not a problem at all," Maelstrom said, hurrying back to his quarters and waving for her to follow. "I have a very nice jasmine. Quite soothing, but not terribly strong. If you'd prefer, I also have a rather stout Earl Grey."
Emily opened the doors before he reached them. The room was small but not overly cramped. When the vessel was a Cerberus shuttle, it had been filled with sleeping pods for the crew. After his time being confined by the controlling organization, though, he could not relax in sleeping pods. There was a bed in the back right corner, meticulously made, and two trunks at its foot. On the forward bulkhead there was a very small range for cooking on. He quickly filled his teapot at the water dispenser; it was far too small to be called a sink. Tapping a couple controls by the door, a couple bench-style seats revealed themselves from the bulkheads to either side of the room. They were far enough apart that people with space issues would not feel like they were crowded or in an intimate discussion, yet not so far apart as to make two parties feel there was a great distance between them. True, its decoration was sparse, almost military, but it was the warmest place in Maelstrom's ship. Before sitting down, he set the range on high, knowing it would take exactly three and a half minutes for the teapot to boil at that temperature.
"I apologize if it's a bit close in here," Maelstrom said. "They didn't really design this thing with the thought of it being someone's permanent residence."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2014 15:04:52 GMT -6
Iskra was hesitant to follow but after a moment she took a small step into the back compartment. Looking around she couldn't help but feel reminded of the small base on Rahkana that truly was the only place she called home. Sparse and utilitarian. Her fingers absentmindedly dragged against the wall, the very feel of the shuttle now imprinted in her memories.
"Jasmine sounds lovely."
While Maelstrom put a pot onto the stove that was smaller than her bunsen burner in her lab, the young doctor took a seat on the edge of the bench, letting her mind wander. She wondered why he asked her here. Her life must seem boring to him, she couldn't imagine this man able to stare a data pad for hours, looking for some solution in letters and numbers.
"I apologize if it's a bit close in here," Maelstrom pulled her out of her thoughts. "They didn't really design this thing with the thought of it being someone's permanent residence."
"It is an interesting place to call home."
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 29, 2014 16:26:15 GMT -6
"It is an interesting place to call home."
He almost laughed. It was nothing like what he imagined calling home as a young man.
"It is at that. But it suits my needs. Able to move from place to place anytime I feel eyes watching my back. Stealth systems to get me quietly to where I want to go. And a VI with security and defense systems that would put a whole pack of varen to shame when it comes to being a watchdog."
He grabbed a small drive from one of the trunks by the foot of his bed. "Not sure how Bridges would feel about this, so it had best stay between us. My VI recorded everything that happened down there, including some moments I'd rather not recall. I've watched it a few times, now. In any case, I would have guessed you would have been one of the first to make it down there, were it not for what happened with River." Setting it down next to the Doctor before retaking his seat, he said, "I figured you might still want to take a look around, if only through my eyes and the readings from my omni-tool."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2014 17:09:21 GMT -6
Iskra took the drive from off the seat. She stared at the piece of tech for a moment before her wrist rolled and, almost if by magic, it was gone from her hand. She gave the man a slight smile.
"That is more than enough considering originally all I had was the comm chatter. Just wish I had the time to give to studying it more in depth. From first blush, I did not hear of anything that could help me. Though the ruins sounded like it could keep an Asari scientist's interest for a lifetime."
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Post by grandest on Apr 29, 2014 18:55:52 GMT -6
Cruendi'has was alone on the Valiant, if you discounted the Collector hostage that was in the cage in front of him. Which, personally, he was unsure of. The creature hadn't attempted escape since being brought on board and, with all the excitement on the moon, many had forgotten the alien was even there. Not Cruendi'has though. He stood and pondered. What did these guys have in connection with these "reapers" Artacus wouldn't shut up about? What did they have to do with the Geth? What did Bridges and, hell, even Cerberus want with the site? So many questions and they all made Cruendi'has' brain hurt. Maybe he'll get at least one answered soon though. He had sent a message out to Mr. Esteban Bridges reminding the businessman of his agreement to divulge what information he had withheld beforehand. His employer had at least come through on the payment portion of their agreement and, if Esteban didn't show, Cruendi'has guessed he'd have to be okay with it. Out of the corner of his eyes, he spotted Iskra moving lithely toward Maelstrom's vessel, The Vengeance. The door opened and the Merc in Black invited the Drell aboard. Reflexively, Cruendi'has pulled out his new assault rifle. A gift from Maelstrom. The Batarian could only guess it was for freeing him from the nano-bots' control. It had been a hairy situation, to be sure. Perhaps this meant Cruendi'has had a new friend. Someone to call upon when things got rough. He missed having that. Ever since he distanced himself from the Hegemony, things had grown difficult. It wasn't just that, though. Thinking back, Cruendi'has acknowledged that something was changing about the way the galaxy was headed. Increasingly, those on the outside of the Citadel and its sphere of influence were going away altogether or otherwise being hunted or used by dark entities. One could practically smell it hanging in the air, a paradigm shift that was set to bring everyone together. Everyone but the Batarians. Where is Life. His mind churned. "Under the Hegemony," he whispered back. But what if that were no longer true? What if it wasn't enough to be a conscientious objector to his culture? Cruendi'has knew the answer before he'd even finished the question. "Damn it," he muttered, gritting his teeth.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 29, 2014 19:22:13 GMT -6
"Though the ruins sounded like it could keep an Asari scientist's interest for a lifetime," Iskra said.
"Maybe," Maelstrom replied. "The half hour or so I was there was more than enough time for me. Though, I admit, I'd have probably felt differently if it weren't for an... infestation. I'm still not quite sure how to look everyone in the eye."
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Post by Deleted on Apr 29, 2014 19:50:18 GMT -6
Iskra folded her hands in her lap. She wasn't sure how to make the man in front of her feel better. Being taken over while fully aware wasn't something she had personally experienced. Touching was clearly out of the question, neither of them particularly keen on being that close to anyone else...Maybe a first step then?
"You can start with me." she says quietly.
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Apr 29, 2014 20:20:38 GMT -6
Esteban stood quietly in the cockpit, staring out at the energetic plasma from the relay corridor flow by. His arms were crossed across his chest, his dark blue synthetic silk shirt hung loosely off his frame. There was something he found relaxing, watching how the mass effect relay system worked. It was impossible for mass to exist, giving a loophole to the limitations of infinite energy required to go past the speed of light. Zero mass meant zero energy would be needed. It was ingenious.
"Good job Paris," he patted the pilot's shoulder before turning, marching down the hall. He should feel happier right now. His spoils were secured. And discovering what might be the origin of the Keepers should be the top scientific discovery of the past five hundred years. But there was so much that went wrong.... he sighed, heading for the stairs to the crew quarters. He needed a drink and to see who is there...
"Hello all," he announced his presence who whoever was up there.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 29, 2014 22:22:08 GMT -6
"You can start with me," the drell offered.
Maelstrom looked her in the eye, trying again not to let the undeveloped and un-nurtured scientist within him examine her eyes like a biological curiosity. He did not hold the gaze, just enough to let her know he appreciated the offer.
Thankfully, the tea kettle started to whistle. He placed the loose-leaf jasmine in one of the spherical tea-infusers and placed it in the teapot. Maelstrom then poured the steaming water into the teapot. That the kettle boiled early was irritating. The thermal array must have been out of calibration again; he would have Emily look at it.
He quickly fetched the traditional Asian teacups, the kind without handles, from the foam in which they were packed, knowing it would take but minutes before the tea was ready.
"I would not dismiss the data immediately. Those... things... were well organized. You might find something in their biology that could help restore your homeworld. Perhaps if their traits were introduced to a less... invasive species."
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Apr 30, 2014 9:58:07 GMT -6
After several minutes of thinking, Shala realized there were really only two ways of getting rid of the shotgun: throwing it away or giving it away. Throwing something away, at least among her people, was done only if something was no longer of any use and was trouble than it was worth to repair it, so then it made sense to give it away.
If she was on a quarian ship, there was a section set aside for the trading of unwanted items; she could simply put it there and anyone who wanted it could take it. But she knew on ship like this she would have to actively seek someone out to give it to.
But who? she wondered.
It would make sense to give it to someone she thought could use it, but with a crew like this, who really needed another weapon?
Then why not someone you've connected with? her father suggested.
Her mind immediately flashed to Maelstrom; she knew they had made a deep connection, despite the short time they had been together.
No, he has more than enough weapons, she thought. Besides, I don't want to burden him with someone else's pain.
Then who?
Cruendi'has Tarmikos suddenly popped into her mind, surprising her. Cruendi'has?
As she thought about it, there was an odd sort of symmetry to it; and she had heard the radio chatter during the exploration of the base. She had heard how he had looked after Maelstrom when he was incapacitated.
I wonder if he will accept it, she thought. Well, only one way to find out...
Cruendi'has Tarmikos: I wish to speak with you. Please come to the dining area at the earliest opportunity. Thank you.
Shala'Bekk vas Neema
As she waited for his response, she wondered what to give to Maelstrom.
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