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Post by Kai Silverhand on Feb 26, 2014 20:23:41 GMT -6
"Don't take that the wrong way. I recognize you had a culture, brutal and chaotic as it must have been to live on Omega. I can respect that you've made your own way, and I am glad to stand aside for you to be your own person. I would not be a very good parent, anyway. I have my own realities to worry about before I consider settling down."
Oddly enough, this causes Kai to scowl, "And which heritage would that be? Asari or Human? Oddly enough, I think I'm kinda a credit to my Father's race... Survivors one and all. And, don't knock being raised by Mercenaries. It's far better than what actually raised me... the Streets. I just don't want you looking down your nose at me because I ain't all cultured and political. Don't think think that I haven't seen a bunch of war, just because I haven't honed my style before walking on the battlefield. Had to learn everything the other way... through mistakes. Obviously I've survived." She does look mildly insulted...
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Post by Maelstrom on Feb 26, 2014 22:13:03 GMT -6
"Finally caught up to you guys!"
The voice of the other human startled Maelstrom. This time, he was not able to restrain his reflexes from sending his hand to his SMG, though he did manage to keep himself from taking hold of it. Taking a breath, he moved his hand away. This is the one River was talking to. Lysander.
"Damn near got caught but it was worth it!"
Maelstrom's heart was racing, but through conscious effort he kept his breathing steady. One human was bad enough. Two was pushing his limits. Not a much better time to push them, I guess.
"You know a fair bit about these. What kind of action have you seen, Lysander?" Maelstrom asked.
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Post by Iregos on Feb 27, 2014 0:27:15 GMT -6
She sits and listens calmly, without interrupting.
"I admit much of my training, while brutal, was relatively safe compared to yours. I could hardly look down at you for that. However, I have made sacrifices and seen friends die. Few Asari have evaded those lessons, it is only surprising how early you had to learn yours." She glances at the arm while talking.
"I have spent plenty of time with mercenaries. I even preferred their company for a time. That can be a means to survival, or a way of life for Asari and individuals of any other race." Or a waste of life. "You have, no doubt, gained respect for Aria. Omega has a leader worthy of respect, whether in spite of or because of her brutality."
"I spent many decades on Ilium, within an economy based, in part, on fouler things than you've likely ever seen on Omega, all of it beneath the surface. I was never overly fond of politics, but, like you on Omega, I have survived many things that hurt me in politics and war."
"I find some comfort in blunt honesty these days, rather than disdaining it. You are welcome to appreciate my manner, or disdain it. I will remain who I am."
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Post by Murchadh on Feb 27, 2014 4:30:10 GMT -6
" Aicht years in th' royal scots dragoon guards an' tois years wi' eclipse." The scot replied to Malestrom before turning to the new voice in the room. " Indded these things gie aroond dornt they. efter th' stoatin eastern war a lot ay these things whaur left haverin' aroond. Ah booght heem frae a volus oan omega tois years ago." He said to the new human before offering his hand. " Yer eric arenae ye? "
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Feb 27, 2014 5:19:24 GMT -6
Just in time, Shala thought as she finished making what repairs she could. She had felt the tension raise as the two asari compared how they were raised, and couldn't wait to get out. Another reason I like working with machines...
"All done," she said. "I've done what I can with it, hopefully it will help. If there's any more problems, then it's probably physical as opposed to mechanical. Now let's get this back on you."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Feb 27, 2014 12:05:27 GMT -6
Before Eric made his commentary the Scotsman finished regaling Malestrom with his service experience. He was unfazed at the interjection but the merc in black armor flinched, his hand whipping over to his sidearm before relaxing and lowering it.
Shala, the doc and now this guy, thought Eric. Bit of frayed nerves in this little gathering of Mr. B's. And the real fun hasn't even started yet...
The Scotsman responded first while Malestrom listened, eyeing the new face in the conversation. "Indded these things gie aroond dornt they. efter th' stoatin eastern war a lot ay these things whaur left haverin' aroond. Ah booght heem frae a volus oan omega tois years ago."
He then extended his hand. "Yer eric arenae ye?" The demo expert shook the other's hand heartily. "S'right. And you've gotta be Murdach. Yeah, when the Eastern Bloc thing was heating up a fair amount of refugees came over to my neighborhood. Some transitioned into... other enterprises. Other guys came loaded; coulda gone anywhere they wanted but I guess they wanted to maintain certain 'business relationships.' That or they liked the cold!"
Malestrom mustered up "You know a fair bit about these. What kind of action have you seen, Lysander?"
Eric turned to the main in black armor. "Seen my share of hell," he said, his eyes shifting momentarily to the hand that reached for a gun. "Wolff Bridge. Petchol Incident. Two police actions in the Theshaca Raids. Fragged more than my limit of geth since they hit Eden Prime..."
Eric's look became conspiratorial. "This is supposed to be classified" he leaned in a little and in a quieter tone revealed "But turns out those clankers've been nosin' around the galaxy years before that. There was a base my unit was sent in to investigate. Belonged to this outfit -eh- Cerberus. Logs claimed that one of their cybernetics experiments went mustang, massacred the personnel. The 'experiment...' was a geth they found and were tryin' to dissect. Managed to replicate itself and took control of every sublevel. My CO thought he could take the place but when he realized he couldn't, we ran. I knew before he did we were screwed. Went against orders, ducked all around the place setting charges. Brought the whole place down like a giant accordion, smashed the metal fucks into junk! For savin' our asses he sounded the shit outta me... then the brass invited me to N7. Heh, guess I impressed the right people!"
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Post by Maelstrom on Feb 27, 2014 12:38:15 GMT -6
Maelstrom could not have cared less about the N7 program, but that one word caught his attention. "Cerberus." He thought of the man's choice of means in bringing it down. Demolitions charges. Maelstrom preferred nukes. He wondered how Lysander's squad got their hands on the location, though. Maybe they were just being used to clean up Cerberus' mistake. Leaked information. On the other hand, maybe they knew full well and were complicit. Such connections in the Alliance would certainly explain a few things to him.
The man already knew his name, so Maelstrom decided to test a few buttons and see if anything struck a nerve. "I've had my share of experience with Cerberus too. Mostly involved dyeing their carpets red. Well, and some mushroom clouds. Maybe you'd like to tag along sometime and show me how effective those demolitions charges are. Folks get paid in whatever they can carry out. Creds, prototype tech, whatever they find. Only two rules. Don't shoot each other and leave no survivors."
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Post by Kai Silverhand on Feb 27, 2014 18:59:26 GMT -6
"I find some comfort in blunt honesty these days, rather than disdaining it. You are welcome to appreciate my manner, or disdain it. I will remain who I am."
At which point Kai responds, "Atleast we can agree on that. I'd rather someone point a gun at me, than point a smile. Politics is a kids game that has shifting rules. Better to go play on some ice floes. Just... if you are going to say something, Say it. If you want to ask something, Ask it. I don't walk on eggshells, and I don't really tolerate others who do. If you're going to do something, do it. Own up to the consequences. Anything else is just a half-measure, and not worth the time. Get me?"
"All done," she said. "I've done what I can with it, hopefully it will help. If there's any more problems, then it's probably physical as opposed to mechanical. Now let's get this back on you."
Kai shrugs in response, "Not sure what Physical could be doing it... it's probably better for the look." She positions herself to allow the Quarian to put her arm back on, and does what she can with her other hand. Although, the Asari does say, "Not much physical there to be in the way, though... Hooks in at the shoulder, and that whole side is pretty laced with metal. But, you say so... You're the doc. After a fashion..."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Feb 27, 2014 20:42:50 GMT -6
Malestrom opened up a bit more, proffering "I've had my share of experience with Cerberus too. Mostly involved dyeing their carpets red. Well, and some mushroom clouds. Maybe you'd like to tag along sometime and show me how effective those demolitions charges are. Folks get paid in whatever they can carry out. Creds, prototype tech, whatever they find. Only two rules. Don't shoot each other and leave no survivors."
Eric snorted. "Sure would be a change from the geth. Never ran into a single living Cerberus goon in the couple of mop-ups I did. They were always found dead, dismembered or disfigured. And not always in that order...a group that wants to put 'humans first.' Yeah, right - first on the operating table, sick fucks...! I dunno, though... sounds like righteous payback but... Cerberus... the geth... after the Citadel attack and Shepard's brush with the hereafter, I get th' feelin' that they're just two small tips of a very big iceberg..."
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Post by Iregos on Feb 27, 2014 22:25:04 GMT -6
Ressi held a pensive look on the other Asari for a moment, just looking directly at her as another being. "I apologize, Shala. I think all is well for now." She stands up, looking over them out the window.
This is why I normally set boundaries on my alone time, she reminded herself, thinking of the complicated trio in front of one of the better windows looking out to space. She wasn't sure what had brought on the confrontation, but it was good that was over with.
"You should probably see Iskra, to check on the tissue bondings for that arm. I understand she is a compassionate and respectable doctor." She moves in to help with the arm, but they seem to handle it fine without her. "I should return to my duties. I have weeks of work to do in the short days before we reach our destination. Your expertise would be welcome, Shala, some time when you are inclined." Then, to Kai, "thank you for hearing me out..." she trails off, leaving them to their business.
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Post by Maelstrom on Feb 27, 2014 22:32:22 GMT -6
Maelstrom considered the man's response. They were the right words, but he was unsure if the man really had something against Cerberus or was merely a smart merc, willing to work for whoever was offering the best pay. A smirk made its way to his face. In either case, he would not have any loyalty to Cerberus. One potential threat knocked off the list. At least in theory.
As for the rest he was referring to, Maelstrom wondered how much was propaganda and how much was reality...
"As I see it, deal with one threat at a time," Maelstrom said. "And if you want the galaxy to be a safer place, make bigger guns and teach people how to use them."
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Feb 28, 2014 1:29:58 GMT -6
Shala carefully inserted the arm back into its socket and hooked all the connections back up. "All right, give it try," she said.
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Post by Kai Silverhand on Feb 28, 2014 21:05:24 GMT -6
Kai grits her teeth against the wave of pain as everything turns back on. The Asari moves her arm around as if she were going to crack it. And indeed if those were flesh and bone, those knuckles would be a'poppin. Instead, however, it's a odd clicking noise as the internal bits turn on. She takes an odd stance for her close combat fighting... somewhere between bouncing on her toes and dancing in a small square. It's a very active idle motion... one that naturally wavers back and forth. Her left is clasped near her chin, and the right bent at a 90' angle near her waist. After which she lights off two quick backhanded left jabs, a right hook, left cross into a right straight. All of which seems to focus just as much on speed as power.
The Vanguard grins, "Yup, Dad was right. Probably better than takin' her to a cyberdoc. If my leg weren't already still pretty well tuned up from the last jump, I'd have you take a peek at that one, too. Think you may have even got that weight distribution issue that's been plaguing the back end fixed, to boot." She holds her elbow, and wrenches it around slightly, obviously doing a few last minute calibrations normal to such a arm. The girl calms down for half a moment, before asking, "You know why I had to do that, right? Wouldn't do to have her worrying more about me on the field, than her own skin. Get herself killed. She's been watchin' me like she's ready to adopt. Yeah, I'm young... but, I have the scars and steel that say I survived a few scrapes. Enough for someone to buy me a flight into this one way Can, and thankfully... off of Omega."
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Mar 1, 2014 4:33:07 GMT -6
"I think it's because the older ones are trying to pass on their experience to the younger generation," Shala said. "They--at least the good ones--only want what's best for them, and their experience often came with a painful price."
She took one last scan of the arm to ensure everything was functioning, then nodded. "Glad I could help, Kai Silverhand," she said. "If you'll excuse me, I want to continue inspecting this ship."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Mar 1, 2014 7:05:52 GMT -6
"As I see it, deal with one threat at a time," Maelstrom advised. "And if you want the galaxy to be a safer place, make bigger guns and teach people how to use them."
"Would make folks more inclined to talk and negotiate, knowin' that everyone's carrying," agreed Eric "But some problems in this galaxy are too big for bullets."
Eric gestured to the man in black then to himself "For those you use nukes. Or, if you're like me, Newtonian mechanics. Centripital force, gravity. A demo's best friends. I love a big bang but I find there's more style in knocking out key bulkheads and anchors. Watching an enemy station in orbit twist itself to pieces. Burying your problem under several tons of rock and rubble."
He then looked to Murdach and jerked a thumb in his direction. "Or if you're this guy, you just get yourself a big ol' mech and squash it!"
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Post by Maelstrom on Mar 1, 2014 9:12:27 GMT -6
"Or if you're this guy, you just get yourself a big ol' mech and squash it!"
Maelstrom had to grin. It sounded like he and Lysander were on a similar page.
"Depending on how this thing goes, maybe you'll find out my definition of 'biotic artillery,'" he laughed.
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Post by Kai Silverhand on Mar 1, 2014 18:17:00 GMT -6
Kai nods. Although, she apparently doesn't agree with the sentiment, as she mutters, "Let 'em come to my ward... see them survive a week on Wits and Bravery, then we'll talk about them teaching stuff." She does say to the Quarian, "Good luck with that. You need anything done, though... don't be afraid to ask. Heavy lifting... someone knocked out... you know. I know more about the gates than I know about engineering. Them, I only pass through on the way to places... think you can get what I mean, neh?"
The Asari heads off in her own direction to the shuttle bay. If only for the space, because her kind of training usually ends up ranging about an area. She even manages a nod to the three Humans congregating about their big toys...
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Mar 1, 2014 20:55:15 GMT -6
"...Think you can get what I mean, eh?" Kai Silverhand said before leaving.
I think I do, Shala thought as she let out a sigh. All the energy she had built up from watching the stars had been used up in dealing with the tension from the two asari, so she no longer felt like interacting with the rest of the team.
Well, don't want Kai Silverhand to accuse me of lying, she thought as she resumed looking over her new ship.
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Post by Eric Lysander on Mar 5, 2014 14:35:50 GMT -6
"Depending on how this thing goes, maybe you'll find out my definition of 'biotic artillery,'" Malestrom chuckled.
"Must be a sight to see," said Eric "Having no superpowers or a tank myself, I have to rely on whatever punch I can strap on and carry with me into battle." He snickered "Wow, mind powers! Moving dark energy fields. 'Minds me of these really old vids my uncle Wes showed me. There was one with a scene where one guy made another guy's head explode just by thinkin' about it!"
Eric then eyed the tank for a second. "Hey... think you could levitate Murdach's ride?"
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Post by Maelstrom on Mar 5, 2014 15:03:51 GMT -6
"Hey... think you could levitate Murdach's ride?" Lysander asked. The question made him a bit uncomfortable. Talking tactically about team-mates. It made him think back to the first time he pulled the trigger on a friendly... at least, that's what he was meant to believe he was doing.
"That would take more of a master of magnetism than a biotic," Maelstrom said, trying to start with humor. Getting serious, he said, "But no, I wouldn't try just using my biotics on a mech like this."
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