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Post by spartan560 on Apr 19, 2015 9:00:52 GMT -6
"That would have taken an extra 23.85 seconds I didn't have," Izahm says, "If I did warn you you would have felt the full impact of my armors detonation instead of just a flash," he then brings up a novel he had recently started reading and starts reading still listening to those around him, a man who like to use nukes on specific targets. I wonder what specific target he has, whoever or whatever it is they must have really pissed him off for him to use nukes. Izahm then resumes his reading waiting for the N7 and the other silver armored who Izahm was assuming is Lysander so he could impart the information he got from that mysterious man. But the words of that Collector armored piqued his interest, "Fischer is a joker but is true that I deploy nuclear weapons against rogue black ops military facilities on a somewhat regular basis," a slight pause, "I wouldn't say nuclear weapons are me 'field of expertise' exactly, though, I'm just good at racking down my prey, fighting them then disappearing into the void." Hmmm the Alliance only has six rogue black ops organizations the Asari have one Turians and Salarians none. Of these seven only the Asari and one Alliance organization are well equipped enough to warrant a nuke. Judging by his response to my unintentional Tech Armor explosion I'm guessing it's the largest human rogue organization Cerberus. They jave a penchant for inhumane treatment and experimentation on their own kind. I'll ask him about once we get to know each other. "So Lysander is the silver armored demolitions expert, Fischer is the uptight soldier, Maelstrom is a commando who uses nukes, Naetilia is now our doctor, Bridges is the leader," Izahm says quietly to himself. Now with a crew dossier he knew what he was going to be doing on his freetime. Stopping reading he looks once more around the room eyes alighting on Bridges who hasn't said anything yet, I wonder if he's just waiting for more people before joining in on the conversations or he's like me, only talks when necessary. He then takes out a relic his father gave him for his eighteenth birthday and opening then closing it in his hands, the relic was an Old Earth steel bladed butterfly knife.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 19, 2015 9:04:53 GMT -6
"An interesting dichotomy," she mused.
"In the days before satellites and radar technology on my homeworld, there was no reliable way to tell when a storm was coming or where it went afterwards. You merely found yourself caught up in its wrath with no time to prepare," Maelstrom said. "And, in the end, there was nothing you could do to stop it. You could only survey the damage it left in its wake."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 19, 2015 10:28:21 GMT -6
Finding his elder by the front door to the Embrace he sought to find out why he had stormed out earlier.
“What’s up, Pops? Is it the turian? You having flashbacks to when Artacus drew down on you?”
"The thought had crossed my mind, but that's not it," snorted Eric. "You didn't notice her choice in companions? That thing's a nightmare waiting ta happen...! Before ya get that look on your face, I put up with Mal's lil' VI for his sake, not mine. The second it malfunctions n' starts killin' I'm takin' a chainsaw 'n electromagnet to it - I lost too many good people to those metal fucks! If our new friend wants ta play with us she'd better shut that thing down n' stow it in a Bultas crate."
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 19, 2015 10:49:55 GMT -6
Izahm sighed and removed his Archon Visor then goes over to the two people he recently startled. "Can I just apologize again, I didn't realize the flash would also be increased, the armor I modified to be denser and it's the first time I've tried to deactivate my Tech Armor like this. So I didn't realize the flash would be this bright," he says trying to sound contrite, "And Naetilia where did you get that FENRIS they usually are suicide mechs and I'm curious as to how you acquired one?" Though he already knew the answer as he was part of the fight she probably acquired it in but Naetilia didn't know that as he was wearing different armor than the set he had used when they first met.
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Post by Joe Fischer on Apr 19, 2015 16:48:52 GMT -6
As Joe listened, he realized that it wasn’t the mech that upset his friend, it was what it represented: the geth.
I lost someone and only heard about it, he thought, thinking back to Jackie. For him to be torn up like this, he must’ve had a front-row seat for it. But still…
“I ain’t taking her side or anything, but Artacus aside, the boss has had a pretty good eye for talent, so let’s give her a chance, okay?” he said. “But if that thing so much as looks at you funny, say the word and I’ll set a new galactic record for drop-kicking one of those sons of bitches.”
He leaned in and whispered, “Besides, I’ll bet my next paycheck what our next objective is. I might be a steroid-abusing, knuckle-dragging mongoloid, but I do know you don’t meet in a place like this to discuss taking down pirates or slavers. Mission like this demands the best, and that’s what the N7s are, right? So let’s get back in there, okay?”
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Post by Deleted on Apr 19, 2015 20:47:42 GMT -6
“Izahm?” she said. “You work for Mr. Bridges?”
She looked over at the other human. “Maelstrom, this is Izahm,” she said. “We worked together a short time ago. He is brave, capable and noble.”
She looked back at Izahm. “How is Dr. McKay?” she asked. “Is she well?”
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 19, 2015 21:03:27 GMT -6
Maelstrom listened to the doctor's assessment of the other human, though he was determined to make up his own mind in time. He was human, after all, and any human he did not know could prove to be a Cerberus agent.
After making the introductions, she seemed to inquire after a mutual acquaintance.
Maelstrom wondered what had driven Lysander and Fischer away. He was tempted to go check on them, but he did not want to leave the newcomers alone. The last mission had seen enough division among the team, and he never wanted to see another situation like that again.
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 19, 2015 22:01:27 GMT -6
"McKay is doing well in a small clinic in Zakera Ward," Izahm says How did she know it was me? "Her data was quite valuable in making newer more improved kinetic barrier emitters for spec ops soldiers. Actually her emitter designs will be incorporated in the latest model of Alliance armor and battlesuits," he then sighs and says answering Naetilia's first question, "I recently overhauled my shuttle which nearly broke me so I took this job to help replenish my coffers as the saying goes, though I am extremely happy with the overhauls." He then turns and faces Maelstrom with a slight smile, "Again sorry about earlier and nice to meet you, I look forward to seeing you in action," he doesn't offer a hand but continues gazing at Maelstrom thoughts swirling through his head.
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Post by Corwin Havens on Apr 20, 2015 15:22:03 GMT -6
"Would that be all?" the intrepid reporter asked. The blonde assassin nodded once, answering the question. For the assassin, there was an another pressing concern. He needed to see if he was right, if there was someone watching from up on high. With a smirk, he hooked his thumbs in his pants pockets and sauntered out casually, pausing to check his zipper as if he was doing something illegal behind that statue. It was crass, but always makes a good cover.
He patted laughed to himself and continued on his way, changing his pace slowly to disappear into the crowd of Terrians, Turians, and Asari. He broke off from them and vanished into the shadows when they passed by a massive Elcor.
And with that, Corwin rushed his target. He knew the assassin would be long gone. But if they followed the same pattern, the spot would be monitored. He climbed stairs avoided station cameras, scaled walls, snuck through offices, climbed through airducts, and many other tricks. It slowed him down by a few seconds, but he had no issue with it. Taking the long way, and strange way, would make it far more difficult to track him.
-----
Corwin approached quietly in the shadows, toward the ledge of the massive overlook. The lake in the Presidium looked like a small puddle from this height. Even the hovercars looked like scurrying ants. The area where Corwin was at was small and confined, barely enough room for ten or fifteen people. He suspected this was probably a spot where guards go to in order to give a sort of aerial support to C-Sec agents. But now, it was empty. Smooth walls and bare floors.
The assassin was gone.
The assassin was there.
Corwin shrugged and activated his omnitool, unleashing his omniblade. He stabbed down into the ground and carved a message into the solid metal.
"The Devil Has Come"
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Apr 20, 2015 20:21:58 GMT -6
Esteban was on the verge of responding to the questions when they were distracted by conversation. He wanted to breathe a sigh of relief. He had a feeling what Maelstrom would be talking about. Well, it could be one of several things. The female Turian, though? He did not have an idea. He could only assume...
"Maelstrom," Esteban rose up to his feet, arching his back as he stretched. "We can talk over there." He glanced over at the corner, where there were a few rare Asari rosebloom trees. Esteban knew they were supposed to be some of the sweetest smelling flowers in the galaxy.
"I'll be with you in a moment," he briefly smiled at the Turian doctor to reassure her. "This sounds important, but it shouldn't take too long."
He took a breath and headed over there, waiting for Maelstrom to show up....
"How can I help you?" Esteban asked as the mercenary approached.
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 20, 2015 21:36:38 GMT -6
"Again sorry about earlier and nice to meet you, I look forward to seeing you in action," Izahm said.
Maelstrom did not care for the way the man was looking at him, as though trying to work things out. Exactly the way he expected a Cerberus agent would act upon meeting him, if it were not an immediate firefight between the two. Were Fischer and Lysander present or the turian doctor the man seemed familiar with not present, the gun already in Maelstrom's hand would have been pressed against the man's forehead. He was still considering it as an option.
"Maelstrom," Bridges said, standing and stretching. Indicating a corner with some exotic-looking plants, he added, "We can talk over there."
Before leaving, their employer added to Naetilia, "I'll be with you in a moment. This sounds important, but it shouldn't take too long."
"Sorry to leave," Maelstrom said to the pair, getting up. "I'll be back in a moment."
"How can I help you?" Esteban asked as the mercenary approached.
It took Maelstrom a moment to realize that Bridges was referring back to the question asked right before Naetilia arrived. "Iskra. Have you heard anything? Is she coming?"
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Apr 20, 2015 23:16:10 GMT -6
"Iskra. Have you heard anything? Is she coming?"
Esteban swallowed, unable to stop from frowning. He had a feeling that question was coming....
"She has.... not returned.." Esteban tried to speak and stop.. tried again but was having trouble with the words. He stopped himself and took a breath, steeling himself one more time. It was noticeably difficult. "I tried to send her messages on the extranet and went to her home. All attempts to reach her failed. She is either in hiding, dead, or worse. The one who is funding the mission is looking into this personally, saying she will either be found or avenged."
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 20, 2015 23:25:39 GMT -6
"The one who is funding the mission is looking into this personally, saying she will either be found or avenged," Bridges said.
Maelstrom closed his eyes and hung his head for a moment. His hands curled into fists, and he had to control his breathing to keep them from taking on a biotic glow. He wanted to put his fist through a wall that probably cost more than his shuttle. Part of him tried to convince himself that if anyone could manage to survive and go to ground, it was Iskra, but something told him that was not it. Still, it helped some.
"I can respect a person's desire to hide, but let our financier know that if she is found and needs be avenged, I am at his disposal. It's a job I wouldn't need to be paid for."
He gritted his teeth for a moment. "Thanks."
With that, he headed straight for the bar, downed and refilled his drink, and returned to his seat.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2015 5:41:04 GMT -6
As soon as Maelstrom sat down, her mech approached him and made a sound she had learned was a whine.
“Forgive my mech,” she said. “It is seeking physical contact from you in the form of patting or rubbing. If you do not wish to do so, please let me know and I will call it back.”
(Insert reply by Maelstrom, if any)
“It appears that Mr. Bridges gave you news that was not to your liking,” she said. “Do you wish to share it?”
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Post by Maelstrom on Apr 21, 2015 7:04:19 GMT -6
Maelstrom pet the mech, though he found it somewhat unusual for a combat mech to seek physical affection. Someone must have installed an emulation program on it similar to what he had installed on Emily, albeit almost certainly far simpler. Still, he knew better than most the comfort that could come from such simulated companionship, and he was certainly the last person in the galaxy with a right to shatter someone's illusions regarding a VI. “It appears that Mr. Bridges gave you news that was not to your liking. Do you wish to share it?”
"If you've taken jobs like these before, you know the hazards of our employment don't always confine themselves to the duration of our missions," Maelstrom answered. "We're not certain, but it would seem they've claimed the life of one of our teammates."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Apr 21, 2015 10:59:10 GMT -6
Back at the front door to the Embrace Joe was persuading Eric to return with him to the meeting to get acquainted with the new recruits, offering to assist with dealing with the FENRIS unit and the VI Emily should they go rogue. “Mission like this demands the best, and that’s what the N7s are, right? So let’s get back in there, okay?”
Eric inhaled and shrugged. “Loyalty programmed isn’t loyalty earned. Mal and the new girl put too much stock in their robo-pets to see that…well, if someone’s gotta save them from themselves it may as well be us. Let’s go meet th’ new folk.”
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2015 11:41:23 GMT -6
Naetilia nodded at Maelstrom’s remarks.
“If I agree to work for Mr. Bridges, this would be my first time working…in this field,” she said. “But if you know anything about my people, it is that military service is compulsory, so I am…familiar…with the loss of comrades.”
The mech came over to her and whined, so she petted it.
“I did not acquire this mech through purchase,” she said. “It was in the service of some Eclipse soldiers that I had to fight through, which Izahm helped me with. It was damaged during the fight, which I think is why it has imprinted upon me.”
(Insert reply from Maelstrom, if any)
She looked over at Izahm. “How long have you worked for Mr. Bridges?” she asked.
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 21, 2015 11:55:47 GMT -6
Izahm who had been lost in thought looks over at her, "I just got the invite a month and a half ago, I've been...ahhhhhh" he pauses cracking his knuckles not wanting them to know about his research, "Taking care of some business matters, so this'll be my first time with Bridges myself as well," he then looks down at the mech and says, "So what happened after I left? Did the Hegemony send anymore assassins looking for McKay in Omega?"
(Insert reply if any)
He then turns to look at Maelstrom and says, "I'm deeply sorry for your loss, during my time as a war journalist I saw many friends of mine killed in action so despite my young age I do understand losing a comrade."
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Post by Joe Fischer on Apr 21, 2015 12:17:10 GMT -6
Joe nodded at the senior N7’s remark about loyalty.
“Damn straight,” he said. “I don’t trust anyone until I’ve shed blood with them.”
“Mal and the new girl put too much stock in their robo-pets to see that,” Lysander continued. “Well, if someone’s gotta save them from themselves it may as well be us. Let’s go meet th’ new folk.”
*****
When the pair re-entered, they saw Maelstrom talking with the new arrivals.
“Everyone can relax, I brought Lysander back!” he said. “He forgot his Alzheimer’s medication, thought it was bingo night back at the retirement home, but I got him straightened out.”
He then noticed a slight change in one of the new arrivals. “Hey, new guy, you took off your helmet!” Joe called out. “I know why you kept it on, all of my awesomeness was making you a little insecure. It’s okay, sometimes I get insecure when I see myself in the mirror…but then I realize who I’m looking at.”
He extended his hand, his usual grin in place.
“Hi there, I'm Joe Fischer, I kill people and break things,” he said. “And you are…?”
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Post by spartan560 on Apr 21, 2015 14:05:09 GMT -6
"It's more of a visor really but helmet works, just as long as that awesomeness doesn't make your armor explode from being unable to contain it," Izahm says trying to be sarcastic as he gets up shaking the N7's hand that was a 180 personality flip, "Izahm Kanokah, I find intel and file people's termination papers," he pats the Disciple and Widow at the last part, "One other thing how often do you have to replace those mirrors you look at? Cause I'm sure you've cracked a few with that aura of awesomeness you possess," jeeze sarcasm really is not my forte.
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