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Post by Maelstrom on Aug 9, 2017 16:00:48 GMT -6
As soon as the last of the newly-re-christened rush aboard with their few possessions, the clamps silently disengage from the matte-black hull. Only a small pair of running lights illuminate the gunmetal gray word, "Xiphos" emblazoned to either side of the vessel's fore. The hangar doors open, and the thrusters flare to life. The vessel's pilot maneuvers it towards the relay with precision, keeping to the meticulously orchestrated corridor of sensor blind-spots that only a handful of people in the galaxy could have created. Just before entering the relay, a burst transmission is received (see casualtyscost.freeforums.net/thread/285/mission-details). With just under three days of travel time to enter orbit of Dakora, the crew gathers in the briefing room to plan their strategy. It is a large room, dominated by a mahogany-topped conference table flanked by chairs of supple Corinthian leather and a full-wall display screen. The holographic readout on the wall shows a detailed topographical map in three dimensions, complete with a small cave system to either side of the canyon. Above the conference table spins an orb showing an estimate of the enemy forces arrayed against them, makes and models of most of the buildings and major tech on the base, and a slew of other information, ranging from information on everything from atmospheric makeup to zoological information on native species. To those present, it is instantly and awe-inspiringly clear that they are the beneficiaries of the spider at the center of the galaxy's web of information. (GM Note- All players should have their character in the briefing room by the end of their first post. Note that all, NPCs taking part in the operation- including the twins as shuttle pilots and etc- will be present, save Torrez, who is taking part via intercom.)
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Post by XanDorak on Aug 13, 2017 0:42:40 GMT -6
Xan hated using the battle-suit. Though years of near-constant wear had made it like a second skin, it was still an uncomfortable one. His range of motion was barely impeded, but it felt tight around the joints.
These were just the prices he willingly paid to do his duty to his people. Someday, they would be taken seriously not just as bankers, accountants, and businessmen, but as physical threats. He only wished to make his contribution to that future.
The ramp he walked up after stowing his gear was easy, and he momentarily chafed at someone catering to his needs. Then came to the realization that no one would go that far to accommodate him on military vessel.
He was pleased to find himself first in the briefing room. With a quick burst of his boost jets, he took a seat near the head of the table.
As he read the info scrolling both displays, feeling happy about threats he would soon seeing.
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Post by Joe Fischer on Aug 13, 2017 2:49:04 GMT -6
Joe strolled into the briefing room, taking in not only the accommodations but the wealth of information being displayed.
Damn, almost feels like my N7 days...
He saw a volus near the head of the table but ignored him, figuring him to be another member of the crew doing a last-minute check on the systems in the room.
"Cool," he said, sprawling in one of the chairs and giving serious thought to using one as his bunk. "First to arrive."
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Post by XanDorak on Aug 13, 2017 8:53:58 GMT -6
Xan inhaled sharply, for a moment hating how the microphone inside the suits of his people always picked up and amplified the sounds of their respirators. Before leaving his company, it had been an issue they were looking in to. If promises still meant anything to the board, he was to receive the first prototype for testing.
"It seems you need an optometrist, Earth-clan," Xan said. He hated the timing of his next breath, interfering with his well-planned rebuke. "You may want to have that done before the mission," Another damned breath... "Or you will be an easy target for the five Vol-clan on that rock."
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Post by spartan560 on Aug 13, 2017 9:03:57 GMT -6
Izahm walked along the ship talking to an old friend he was very surprised to see Lori'ar Hadashi. "So why did you stay?" Izahm asks him. Lori'ar looks straight ahead contemplating his answer before finally speaking, "You know how active my life has been I didn't want to spend the rest of my days living in some comfy apartment. I wanted to explore again. What better way than with you, besides who's gonna take care of your shuttle while you're away playing hero."
Izahm grumbles and mutters, "I don't play the hero," before speaking to Lori'ar, "Alright I see your wisdom, somewhat but I'm still surprised you git an offer."
Lori'ar's mouth plates twitched his species approximation of a smile as he says, "I'm an ex Spectre, an ex C-Sec Lieutenant, I'm still able to handle a shuttle just don't expect me to get too involved in firefights."
Izahm is about to reply when they arrive at the briefing room. He instantly starts committing to memory all the information as it comes up. "Reminds me of my tactical officer days," is all Lori'ar says befire taking a seat nearby Izahm.
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Post by rulaan on Aug 13, 2017 9:17:49 GMT -6
Rula'an spent most of his time going through the many Jeffries tubes and maintenance access ways getting a feel for the ship. This is where he felt most at home. Alone with nothing but microchips servers and the hum of machinery around him. He checks his Omni-tool and leaves the tube he was in heading fir the briefing room not wanting to be late once again. He stops in front of the window overlooking the shuttle bay. His gaze is drawn first to the ship of Maelstrom then to its companion across the bay. He can it started out as an Alliance UT-47A Kodiak but it's been so heavily modified it should be considered a new ship entirely. He was curious as to how the two shops were stealthy beyond their matte black color schemes however Maelstrom gave him an uneasy feeling, more so than any other, whereas Izahm was a ghost to him always right at the edges of his vision or disappearing entirely when Rula'an is looking for him. His thoughts are interrupted by an alert he set on his Omni-tool and he shakes his head continuing on to the briefing room. Once there his eyes unseen widen in awe of the technology in the room. 'Keelah this is amazing' Rula'an thinks sitting down at the far end right side, 'I haven't seen something like this since that Alliance cruiser I rode in after that Batarian raid.'
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Post by Joe Fischer on Aug 13, 2017 9:28:47 GMT -6
"Okay, fine, you were the first one here, but I was talking about members of the team who were actually heading out on the mission," Joe said. "So what are you, another analyst for the Broker here to give us some more intel?"
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Post by spartan560 on Aug 13, 2017 9:36:32 GMT -6
Izahm looks up at Fischer's words realizing there's a Volus there. "Actually Fischer I think he might be one of those two last minute additions Feron mentioned judging by the level of detail in these displays I don't think we need anymore intel," he then looks over at the Volus and says, "Izahm Kanokah, assassin and intelligence collector, pleasure to meet you, and you are?"
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Post by Geneenh T'Loris on Aug 13, 2017 9:39:25 GMT -6
Geneenh strolled through the ship, paying close attention to the system's computer systems and giving the builders a nod of respect. They were xenophobes, but they certainly didn't skimp on technology. Everything she had seen was cutting edge, along with a few items she had only heard rumors about.
It was a double-edged sword. While their equipment impressed her, the fact that such people had strong financial backing meant they would be a thorn in the side of the galaxy for a long time.
*****
She stepped into the briefing and saw she was not the only one there. Izahm and an unfamiliar turian were there, along with the quarian. Fischer was there too, talking with a volus who was apparently another employee of the Broker.
She took a seat next to the quarian and said, "I bet you'd rather be taking a tour of the ship, maybe sending your findings back to your people, yes?"
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Post by XanDorak on Aug 13, 2017 9:46:09 GMT -6
Xan glared at the tall Earth-clan. He was about to make some witty retort about creating a new hole for the human to excrete from or maybe about being the one who would get the more impressive kill count, when the smaller human spoke up, acknowledging Xan for the warrior he was.
"Xan Dorak. Ventilation installation specialist." A breath. "I'm quite capable of installing additional ventilation on any species, in or out of Council space." A breath. Turning to the tall human, he added, "That's why the Broker contracted me."
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Post by rulaan on Aug 13, 2017 9:47:22 GMT -6
Rula'an looks over at his fellow engineer and says, "Yes I would, I was in the midst of admiring a circuitry relay hub when I realized the meeting would be soon. Didn't want to he late again. And as to my people, I have...differences of opinion and philosophy. I do not mesh well with those of the Migrant Fleet. I much prefer the company of ones such as yourself," he looks over at Izahm and then says quietly to Geneenh, "Do you know why that one has a Turian with him?"
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Post by Naetilia Bolanis on Aug 13, 2017 9:48:40 GMT -6
After stowing her belongings, Naetilia went to the sick bay to examine its equipment and to ensure it had adequate supplies for its new crew.
She was quite impressed. After the hospital where she did her internship, it was easily the best medical office she had worked in.
Satisfied everything was ready for the mission from a medical point of view, she made her way to the briefing room.
*****
She saw quite a number of the team was already there, along with a couple of people she did not recognize: a volus and a turian.
While she was slowly growing to appreciate the team's diversity, she still felt most comfortable around her own people.
She approached the turian and said, "Hello, I am Dr. Naetilia Bolanis, the medical officer for this team. Who are you?"
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Post by spartan560 on Aug 13, 2017 9:59:06 GMT -6
Izahm chuckles at the Volus creative wording and replies, "I am much the same," he then pats the monomolecular sword over his left shoulder, "Though it is a surprise to see a Volus here. I know a lot of people consider you pushovers, literally in some Krogan cases but you must possess that indomitable stubbornness and warrior spirit I've seen in a couple of Volus who were quite good at being mercenaries."
Izahm then looks over at Lori'ar just as Naetilia comes up and strikes up a conversation with him. "I am Lori'ar Hadashi," Lori'ar replies nodding to her, "I fly our mutual friends shuttle when he's not at the controls himself. I'm not part of the ground team just a pilot. I'm getting too old for in the field work."
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Post by Geneenh T'Loris on Aug 13, 2017 10:00:43 GMT -6
As the quarian talked, Geneenh felt a bit of kinship with him.
Another person who prefers the company of aliens over their own people, maybe we will get along, she thought and made a note to get to know him better when time permitted.
"No," she said in response to his question. "I'm fairly new to the team myself. I just joined them prior to their...acquisition...of this ship. We took it from one of their shipyards and nuked it to cover our escape."
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Post by Naetilia Bolanis on Aug 13, 2017 10:05:19 GMT -6
Naetilia nodded.
"Regardless of your position within this unit, I am pleased to count you in it," she said and took a seat next to him. "I am sure you have wisdom you can share that will help."
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Post by Joe Fischer on Aug 13, 2017 10:10:22 GMT -6
Joe chuckled.
" 'Ventilation installation specialist', I like it," he said. "Since we're getting all fancified with our job titles..."
He got out of his chair, stood ramrod straight and said in what he hoped was an English accent, "I am Joseph Fischer, expert in mortuary affairs and urban redevelopment. A pleasure to meet you, sir."
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Post by rulaan on Aug 13, 2017 10:14:54 GMT -6
Rula'an's eyes widened at her words but says, "Sounds like quite the escapade. Glad I wasn't there. I dislike direct confrontation, for one I don't want to die from a suit rupture and for two I'm not a very good shot. But I am excellent with hacking and repairs." Rula'an then pauses as a thought occurs to him, "On that note why did you choose to become an engineer. Most if not all Asari become diplomats or huntresses and focus on their biotics. You are the first I've ever seen to share an affinity for technology and machines that is equal to my own people."
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Post by spartan560 on Aug 13, 2017 10:24:23 GMT -6
Izahm chuckles at Fischer's antics but deigns not to reply while besude him Lori'ar talks to Naetilia.
Lori'ar folds his hands in the table as he says, "I will offer what wisdom I can. The Spectre we'll be facing is cunning more so than any Salarian I've met. He's got a quick deductive mind reflexes on par with an asari huntress and his marksmanship is quite high, he also has more successful missions than any other Spectre. I would not recommend facing him if we can help it, even other Spectres respect him above the norm."
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Post by Geneenh T'Loris on Aug 13, 2017 10:41:57 GMT -6
She shrugged.
"I have a knack for it, how else can you explain a five-year-old rebuilding computers and making them better?" she said. "I expect that among your people learning technical skills probably starts not much later than that, yes?"
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Post by Naetilia Bolanis on Aug 13, 2017 10:44:06 GMT -6
"Spirits," Naetilia gasped. "You were a Spectre? It truly is an honor to meet you, sir."
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