|
Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Jan 22, 2014 0:35:36 GMT -6
“I did not meet Mr. Bridges before yesterday,” Iskra said, leaning back against the counter. “I was brought on by the financier, who is an old friend.”
Shala cocked her head. Curious, she thought. Why bring her along instead of an actual medic? To study living creatures, obviously. Maybe that is what the captain expects to find? But still, not to bring a medic along…
“Well, it was nice to meet you, Doctor,” she said. “I hope this mission is…uneventful for you.”
With that, she left and went upstairs to see if any of the others were around.
*****
As she made her way into the eating area, she saw two humans—a male and a female—talking. She recognized the male; he wasn’t Maelstrom, but he had been at the first meeting. She did not recognize the female, though; perhaps she was one of the ship’s crew?
She decided to approach them. As she neared them, she said, “Hello, may I join you?”
|
|
|
Post by dargene on Jan 22, 2014 7:41:23 GMT -6
Watching several streams of data flow down the omnitool screen a green light pops up out of it "Good, circulation successful" Meldom turned his omnitool to standby mode and did a few stretches from being stood up for awhile "Should exercise, keep up flow" he remembered seeing a gym one floor up.
He walks up the stairs he notices the gym immediately "ah good" He walks towards it and moves some things to give him better access to a punch bag "Here we go" He mutters raising his fists and making a ball with them he launches a few punches at the bag "Good weight" he mutters while launches a few more attacks at the punch bag "Okay, lets keep at it" he says finally before punching and dodging fake punches back.
|
|
|
Post by grandest on Jan 22, 2014 12:41:30 GMT -6
Cruendi'has sighed to himself. He had resigned to the area near the sleeping pods and was now setting up his locker. He had given up on commiserating with the other crew members. None of them seemed interested or particularly open. He should've known better. Mercs had the habit of being closed off from other teammates on a short term mission. If they were a mixed crew, even more so. But, even under the best of circumstances, Citadel Races were never liable to bother with a Batarian. Cruendi'has idly thought of his old crew. Why had he pulled so far away? All of his reasoning felt so silly. So he lost a few fellows. So had the Humans, and had they come to a compromise? Had they given an inch of the Skyllian Verge or many of the other Batarian claims? No. If anything, they doubled down, pressed further, and stood prouder. Cruendi'has, he was the one meant to bow. His people were merely debris to be swept away. Cruendi'has, with his top pair of eyes, spied the pair of humans getting to know eachother. Absentmindedly, he tested the unfolding mechanism of his Eviscerator shotgun. Punching sounds emanated from the gym and drew Cruendi'has' attention away. The Salarian was working the punching bag, bobbing and weaving very quickly. Aside from the THUD of fist against bag, the entirety of his actions remained in silence. Cruendi'has stood up and waltzed over. "I've never seen that technique," he confided. "How are you able to reduce the noise of your movements like that? Dampeners?"
|
|
|
Post by dargene on Jan 22, 2014 13:20:23 GMT -6
Meldom hit the bag a few more times before he stopped and turned to face the Batarian "Correct, Dampeners in my boots help prevent noise, as well as stance, Also punch not as loud as i sacrifice power for speed and precision" He smiles "Im Meldom" He says Extending his hand in a friendly gesture "Pleased to meet you" he said with genuine interest.
|
|
|
Post by Eric Lysander on Jan 22, 2014 14:48:46 GMT -6
As Eric and River conversed a slightly tinned voice called out “Hello, may I join you?”
They both paused and turned to see the quarian approach them. The small foothold Eric managed in getting to know his teammates was expanding.
'Don't question it, just run with it,' thought Eric on his turn of luck as he greeted the newcomer.
"Sure. Good to finally speak with you." He gestured to River. "This is River Havens, our newest recruit. I'm Eric Lysander..."
|
|
|
Post by River Havens on Jan 22, 2014 16:22:20 GMT -6
"I was filled in on the details when I signed up, yes. And since this is my first solo mission, I kinda brought whatever fire power I thought I would need. I think I'm pretty armed to the teeth."
At that moment, River jumped in surprise as their conversation was joined by another. Eric introduced himself, and so River quickly followed.
"Uh...hi. How are you? Sorry, I didn't see you standing there."
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2014 16:35:10 GMT -6
Iskra took in a deep breath as Shala left, she had felt uncomfortable around the other woman. Facial expressions were such an important factor in communication, without it Iskra didn’t know how the Quarian reacted to anything she had said. It was clear the Drell’s resume had worried her more than put her mind at ease, but Iskra did not know to what extent.
The young woman rolled her shoulders. This was the normal time she trained, she could feel her muscles warm just at the thought of the movement. The last week she had spent so much time bent over a desk combing over charts and tissue samples, the normality of working out again felt like a good step forward to adjusting her life without Benewan.
“Asa, be sure to keep Parr in the Medbay and that no one comes in without the proper authority.”
“Understood.” The VI responded. Iskra knew the drugs the lab contained could be dangerous in the wrong hands, or sold for a good amount of credits to the right vender, and she didn’t trust the mercs to not take advantage of a situation.
It wasn’t hard to hear the sounds of voices as she ascended the stairs, the open room made the voices carry throughout the space. The doctor peeked around the corner and felt her heart seize, the whole of the mercenary band was on the floor, broken up into small groups talking to one another.
Pushing herself back against the wall, Iskra breathed in deeply. She could do this, as long as they didn’t all talk her at once, or stare. Swallowing, gathering her courage, she forced herself to step out of the stairwell and walk over to the combat sim. She refused to look over in the general direction of the group, knowing her resolve would waver if anyone happened to be looking her way.
“Specify.” The sim demanded from her.
“Five enemies, varied.” Five was the most common number for the hunting packs. The albinos learning that overwhelming force almost always guaranteed a victory or, if they were unlucky, they would kill the smallest of the five.
“Simulation starting in 5…4…3…” Iskra closed her eyes, calming herself. Her soul fell dormant, her mind clear. The healer was gone, the woman who stood there now was only a weapon.
“One.”
|
|
|
Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 22, 2014 18:49:42 GMT -6
Esteban carefully gripped the highest rung of the steel ladder that he could reach, pulling himself up and within the Jeffries tube. The hatch closed automatically behind him, sealing him in. The tube was in no way suffocating like he expected, surprisingly well ventilated and well lit. He began the climb up to the Captain's Cabin, taking the ladder one rung at a time at a slow and steady pace. Esteban's armored boots and gauntlets made a quiet clink with each rung climbed, probably the only noise announcing his presence if it weren't for the soundproof walls and bulkheads.
He was told his personal belongings was loaded into the Cabin. Esteban was quite curious about it, as there was no way his belongings would all fit through this tube. It meant there was another way of entering the place. It would be one of the first things he was going to investigate when he arrived, after changing into something a bit more comfortable first.
A new shushing sound from above joined the clanking, catching Esteban's attention. He looked up a the hatch that automatically slid open from above, letting in fresh light and another unexpected surprise: the smell of freshly baked cookies. That motivated the businessman to climb faster, finishing the trek up in seconds.
Esteban didn't know what to expect, but he sure was not expecting what he saw. One wall looked like marble with crystal clear water cascading down the smooth rock... a small kitchen on one side with what appeared to be a LOKI mech with a tray full of cookies in it grip.... a personal work station equipped with monitor and filing cabinets... a king sized bed covered with what he could only assume to be blue Thessian silk covers and bedsheets.... all this and more, a nice place to come to unwind.
Esteban walked in, looking around in amazement.. temporarily forgetting about his goal of finding an additional entrance as he started exploring the new room.
|
|
|
Post by grandest on Jan 22, 2014 22:48:57 GMT -6
Now we're getting somewhere. Cruendi'has thought as he shook Meldom's hand. "Cruendi'has Tarmikos," the batarian introduced himself. "Sacrificing power for speed and precision, definitely sounds like a Salarian tactic." Cruendi'has grinned to himself. "What'd you do to get yourself on a ship full of merc scumbags? You really don't seem like the type."
|
|
|
Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Jan 23, 2014 3:37:47 GMT -6
“Sure, finally good to speak with you,” said the human male, and gestured to the female. “This is River Havens, our newest recruit. I’m Eric Lysander.”
First Maelstrom, now this one, Shala thought. Maybe not all humans look down on us.
“Thank you, Eric Lysander,” she said, taking a seat next to him. “It is good to meet you as well, River Havens.”
Shala paused, her mind racing as she tried to think of something to say. Another reason I like machines, you don’t have to bother with talking.
“So, how long have you served with the Captain?” she asked.
|
|
|
Post by dargene on Jan 23, 2014 4:49:59 GMT -6
"Sacrificing power for speed and precision, definitely sounds like a Salarian tactic."
Meldom chuckled "In our nature i suppose"
"What'd you do to get yourself on a ship full of merc scumbags? You really don't seem like the type."
"Use to work for Salarian STG, until..how they put it" he gestures with his hands "needed elsewhere, guess they did not like my work, decided to get credits working as a merc, shadow-broker very generous, gives me jobs now and then, told me about this one too"
He looks the Batarian up and down "How about you, how did you get this job?"
|
|
|
Post by Maelstrom on Jan 23, 2014 5:16:21 GMT -6
Maelstrom spun in the pilot's chair as he considered his options.
"I am paranoid," he admitted to himself, before going down the list.
"That assessment would seem to be correct at current," Emily agreed.
Brushing off the VI's comment, Maelstrom said, "I like Arcturus, but I don't think I've made enough of an impression to get him on my side if need be. I at least hope he isn't caught in the crossfire. Seems like a decent sort."
"Meldom is... unique. I wouldn't care to guess how he would react. I need to get to know him better, if for nothing else to know how he'll behave when we meet the Collectors."
"The batarian's not likely to care if humans start killing each other." He paused. "I take it back, a batarian would probably laugh his ass off. "
"The drell... I have no clue where she stands... I've never met one of her kind. I should introduce myself at some point."
"Bridges... he's genuinely self-interested. Could be an ally if Cerberus' play endangers his mission."
"Lysander... Between being a true merc and his level of affinity for women," Maelstrom said, thinking back to the meeting at the bar, "I can't trust him. At least, not yet."
"Shala'Bekk vas Neema..." he said, remembering the name from the mission data Esteban had distributed. Quarians have such lovely names, he mused for a moment before returning to more pressing issues. "I seem to recall hearing the doctors talking about Cerberus nearly destroying a vessel of the Migrant Fleet. That would create enormous animosity in a quarian." He nodded to himself. "Shala'Bekk vas Neema..."
"You do realize all this speculation is based on the unsubstantiated assumption that River Havens is a Cerberus agent," Emily reminded.
"That's why it's only speculation and not action," Maelstrom countered. "Emily, prepare to send a message directly to Shala'Bekk vas Neema's omni-tool."
"Ready to record audiovisual," Emily replied.
"No, text only," Maelstrom said. As an additional thought, he added, "And translate to quarian."
Her image flickered for a moment before saying, "Ready."
"To Shala'Bekk vas Neema,
I noticed you seemed uncomfortable with our group when we first met. I wanted to state again that it is a pleasure to be working with one of the Migrant Fleet. It is my hope that we can work together productively during this mission and that through knowing you I may come to better understand the spirit and traditions of your people. We may have more in common than you know.
- Emily, transcribe this part in English- 'By the homeworld I hope to see someday,'
Maelstrom"
"Emily, send."
"Would you wish to compose a letter to Doctor Iskra Narei as well?" Emily asked. She was programmed too well. She knew he would be thinking of it because of he had not interacted with her yet.
"No, Emily. I'm not sure how to handle her yet, so I think it needs to be in person first. I'm just not ready to head back out there yet. I need to come down some more first."
"In this case, alcohol's properties as a depressant might be beneficial," she suggested.
The idea was tempting. "No, Emily. New behavior directive. Do not suggest alcohol as a means of modifying my emotional state. Enter."
"New directive accepted. Query. Should I advise against using alcohol to modify your emotional state?" she asked.
He thought about it...
|
|
|
Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Jan 23, 2014 7:07:44 GMT -6
Just after asking the others about the captain, she felt a tremor in her right arm, an alert that she had received a message on her omni-tool.
“Excuse me, someone just sent me a message,” she said, then activated her omni-tool and brought it up.
To Shala'Bekk vas Neema,
I noticed you seemed uncomfortable with our group when we first met. I wanted to state again that it is a pleasure to be working with one of the Migrant Fleet. It is my hope that we can work together productively during this mission and that through knowing you I may come to better understand the spirit and traditions of your people. We may have more in common than you know.
By the homeworld I hope to see someday.
*****
“…We may have more in common than you know.”
What could that mean? she wondered. Other than our races being bipeds, we have nothing in common. But then why would he say it if he didn’t believe it? Maybe he means us personally rather than our races? But then we have even less in common.
The closing was just as puzzling. That saying was common among her people, but how had he learned it? While her people had learned much of other races from three centuries’ worth of Pilgrimages, very few were allowed to learn about them; the safety and security of the Fleet was paramount to her people, so few outsiders were allowed on their ships. The last time was…
Shortly after the Alarei incident, rumors had circulated that Captain Shepard had been allowed to come aboard one of their ships to defend Tali’Zorah from charges of treason, that she had somehow been responsible for the geth outbreak.
Shala knew then that story was a lie; Tali’Zorah had helped Shepard save the Citadel from the geth, so why then bring them into the Fleet? Some stories even stated that Shepard had brought a geth with him to help re-take the Alarei, that it was somehow different from the others. If she hadn’t been so wrapped up in her grief she would have laughed at that story.
She shook her head, bringing herself back to the present and focusing on the message, as well as how to respond. Curiosity gnawed at her, demanding she leave and get answers to her questions.
No, I have just met Eric Lysander and River Havens, it would be rude to leave them so quickly, she thought. But still, he needs to know that I want to meet him.
She took a moment to formulate her response in her mind, then typed it out.
Maelstrom
I was uncomfortable because I was surrounded by strangers in a place I had never been. But I did remember you greeting me, it went far to ease my discomfort. I look forward to working with you as well. I would like to meet you right away, but I am currently introducing myself to other members of the team and it would be rude to simply leave them so soon after meeting them. If you would like, we can meet in one hour.
Suddenly fear gripped her. What if all this friendliness was just a ploy, what if he hated her and wanted to hurt her, like most of the other humans she had met?
No, he is a team member—
If he was a Quarian, yes, you could trust him, but he isn’t, is he? Who knows what he really wants?
That sounds like something Mother would say, she thought, and then she knew she would meet him. She continued with the message:
Where would you like to meet?
|
|
Deleted
Deleted Member
Posts: 0
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 23, 2014 7:41:33 GMT -6
The world faded away, the only thing left was the sound of her breathing. Shallow, controlled.
The enemies surrounded her, approaching with intent to kill, driven by the need to survive. Just like her.
The world would not hear her movements. The wind would not catch her cry. The Goddess would not accept her into her arms today.
There was only calm.
Dropping low, Iskra kicked the legs out from under the first enemy. Raising up and slamming her fist into it, the body smacked into the ground with the extra force. She moved fluidly out of the strike of the second enemy, striking the open rib cage and then the chin. The third fell with a deadly strike to the head with her foot.
The fourth and fifth approached slower, and together, studying her movements. Then they both rushed her. Smoothly dodging the first attack, she caught the second ones wrist and ran her fist into its head. The body fell, she could feel the end coming. The current changing.
She looked over her shoulder to the final predator. The last dance. He stepped. She pivoted. A missed strike. A swift kick to the legs. The head between her hands. A sharp twist. And finally, a thud.
Iskra stood calmly in the middle of the combat sim, having not retreating one inch from the start point.
“Simulation successful. Specify.” The VI addressed her once more. “Again.”
|
|
|
Post by Eric Lysander on Jan 23, 2014 9:14:31 GMT -6
As Eric made introductions he processed River's words. First solo mission. Armed to the teeth.
Young and eager, definitely someone looking to prove themself as he once did. But a question lingered: no longer under the wing of her mentor, would she retain the advice imparted to her or cast it aside to follow her own impulses? Every first-timer goes through an adjustment period. Eric found that he and others who made it through with the least amount of time and trouble had struck a balance between their tutelage and their own experience and instincts. This mission would more than serve to determine River's potential.
“Thank you, Eric Lysander,” the quarian responded “It is good to meet you as well, River Havens. So, how long have you served with the Captain?”
"Captain?" Eric stumbled "Oh, you mean our fearless lead-"
“Excuse me, someone just sent me a message,” she interupted, bringing up her right arm and activating her omni-tool.
Eric shrugged, looking back to River.
'Hey, at least she said something to you,' he reminded himself. 'As for the kid... just remember back when you were a snot-nosed nobody comin' up. See what she can do. Give her a word or nudge only if she needs it.'
|
|
|
Post by Maelstrom on Jan 23, 2014 11:23:12 GMT -6
"Where would you like to meet?"
"End of message," Emily reported.
Didn't expect her to reply that fast, Maelstrom thought, as he reclined in the comfortable pilot's chair. His estimation of her increased. How to show her?
"Emily, start text recording, translated to quarian," Maelstrom said.
"Ready," she replied.
"To Shala'Bekk vas Neema,
I believe my shuttle would be the best place to meet. If this is unsatisfactory, I would also be willing to meet behind the mainframe backup systems in engineering.
Maelstrom"
"Emily, send to Shala'Bekk vas Neema's omni-tool."
|
|
|
Post by grandest on Jan 23, 2014 15:23:59 GMT -6
Cruendi'has thought over Meldom's question. To some species, his former elicit acts would be too much of a blight to stand. "Actually, I mainly do work as a bounty hunter. Rarely work with large groups. But my past experience and skill-set seemed to suit a motive of our employer." Cruendi'has read into the Salarian. "Your people, especially STG, hardly ever go into a fight without knowing how to exploit every possible weakness." He intimated. "Tell me, do you believe there to be a way to incapacitate a Collector?"
|
|
|
Post by dargene on Jan 23, 2014 16:58:28 GMT -6
Meldom Folds his arms and smiles thinking about the question, indeed he would need a teammate like a batarian, they were strong and not really afraid of anything "Indeed" he nodded " When collectors bodies found STG lept at the chance to get some, still have good friends in STG, asked for some intel about them before i left" Meldom clears his throat and brings up his omni tool "Lets see" he watches the streams of data flow "Ah here we go, They have wings that are biologically developed, allows them to travel distances, guess you could stop them moving if the wings were.. disposed of" he watches the data pressing his fingers on the hologram "Four eyes, take them out they would be blind i assume.. Other then that, short of shooting its legs and grabbing its weapon.. there the only suggestions i can come up with" Meldom held his hand where his chin was "Also, poison, or drugs, but we don't know enough about their body's.."
|
|
|
Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Jan 23, 2014 23:39:32 GMT -6
I believe my shuttle would be the best place to meet. If this is unsatisfactory, I would also be willing to meet behind the mainframe backup systems in engineering.
Shala considered his offer. While space and privacy were virtually nonexistent in the Fleet, it was still considered a sign of trust to invite someone into your private quarters, even if you often shared it with three others. I wonder if he knows that about my people, she thought.
But what if his intentions were harmful? On his shuttle, he would have all the power; with but a word he could seal it, trapping her inside, not to mention he was much bigger than her. So were those batarians, she thought, and smiled.
His choice of an alternate meeting place puzzled her. Clearly he wanted some privacy for their discussion, but behind the mainframe backup systems? What if his intentions were to harm the ship?
With her people, safety and security of the Fleet was always the top priority in any situation; if one had to choose between saving one of her people or a ship, the ship always took priority.
Maelstrom
I will meet you on your shuttle. I am looking forward to it.
Shala’Bekk vas Neema
She looked over at the others. “Sorry about that,” she said. “Now, what were you saying about the Captain?”
|
|
|
Post by Maelstrom on Jan 23, 2014 23:59:50 GMT -6
"I will meet you on your shuttle. I am looking forward to it.
Shala'Bekk vas Neema"
"End of message," Emily reported.
Maelstrom nodded before rising from the pilot's seat. He made his way back to the small armory on his shuttle. With care, he set his assault rifle and sniper rifle in their place, at the center of all the other weapons on display. They were the best weapons he ever used, and he had rearranged the entire armory to reflect their significance. Few people would ever see the armory, and he doubted any would guess the significance, but it was one of the little touches that made his shuttle feel just a little more like a home.
He considered putting the SMG up with the other weapons, but he decided against it. There was too much uncertain right now for him to go completely unarmed. Well, not completely. He had a service knife. Not much good at range, though.
As he walked out of the armory, he gave Emily the usual order to secure it so only his voice-print would open it again.
"Emily, when Shala arrives, use open-channel protocols. We don't want anyone here getting the idea in their heads that you're not just a VI. We've got enough trouble," Maelstrom said. It was a simple change, disengaging her personality temporarily. Without it, she acted like any other advanced VI. A part of him always felt guilty for giving that order. Another part feared that whatever spark there was in her personality that made her so easy for him to relate to would be lost. He knew such concerns were irrational, though, so he tried to put them aside.
"Understood," she agreed.
|
|