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Post by grandest on Jan 13, 2014 2:37:54 GMT -6
Humans, Cruendi'has bristled. Ever since their taking over C-Sec, the Batarian's coming and going on the Citadel become fraught with "complications" and red tape. From holding him at the various docks, to "random screenings" and questioning. Cruendi'has knew what was going on. It was xenophobic prejudice, plain and simple. It infuriated him, especially when it made him late to important meetings. He came off the lift and already he could hear the thumping of the music resonating from Chora's Den. Cruendi'has wasn't one for drinking or dancing, but he always found himself in places like this. Nature of the job, he supposed. As he walked toward the door, another Batarian passed by, his face bleeding. "Ho," Cruendi'has muttered sympathetically. The Batarian, with his hands over his face, looked up questioningly. "What do you want?" Cruendi'has narrowed his lower set of eyes at the wounded Batarian's impropriety while his top set eyed the door. "Who did this to you, brother?" Cruendi'has asked. "Suit-rat bitch!" The other spat in answer. "I'll kill her for this!" Cruendi'has shook his head. He didn't have time for someone to make a scene. "Here," he said, slipping a few credits into the fuming Batarians hands. "Take this, get to a doctor, and go home before you bring further dishonor on yourself and your family." The bleeding Batarian stopped and focused on Cruendi'has, who nodded his head to the right and pointed toward the elevator. Cruendi'has didn't wait for a response. He walked through the doors and immediately noticed the large group of mercs gathered around an Asari dancer. They were talking to a human wearing a gaudy business suit. "Shit," he swore to himself. They looked nearly done with their meeting. With both pairs of eyes, Cruendi'has scanned the room quickly. He noticed a Drell woman sitting at the bar that appeared to be listening in on the conversation. Other than that, the party seemed to all be at the table. He hastily made his way to the group. There was a Quarian among them, most likely the one who attacked his fellow. One of them, dressed in all black, appeared to be making a small power play. Cruendi'has didn't care much for it. He took out the small datapad that held his invitation and threw it on the table. Everyone went silent for a moment, glaring at Cruendi'has. The Batarian focused all four of his eyes on the man in the suit. "I'm late," he announced. "What'd I miss?"
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Post by Kershaw on Jan 13, 2014 3:17:44 GMT -6
"Are we gonna have enough chairs for this, I mean how many more are gonna arrive?"
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Jan 13, 2014 5:09:23 GMT -6
Shala nodded at Maelstrom’s mention of the seeker swarms. Veetor, the member of her people who had encountered them before, said that the swarms had not bothered him; they had only gone after humans. But he also mentioned that the other humans who came later, including the hero Captain Shepard, wondered if that was only because the swarms were programmed to seek humans.
Keelah, she thought, her enthusiasm for the mission waning by the second as she heard the human tell his tale of survival. His mention of the ship they would be using did not quell the unease in her either. Someone who could pay fifty thousand credits to each person in a group this big could easily afford a good ship, but she doubted she would be spending much time on it.
Then the batarian came up to the table. It wasn’t the same one she had injured, but that did not ease her mind. Her hands, which she had kept behind her so as not accidentally touch the others, slid down to her shotgun.
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 13, 2014 6:04:28 GMT -6
"How big is your shuttle-bay?" Maelstrom asks. "I've got a ship I need to stow. Long-range. Current military-grade. A bit larger than your standard shuttle and minimal armaments, but she runs fast and quiet. Only drop-ship in the universe I trust. So long as everyone keeps in mind that she's mine, I'll let this group use her for the mission."
Esteban did not listen to the rest, calling his attention to the well-equipped Batarian entering the room. They all looked the same to him, but he knew the Shadow Broker felt this one was special in some way. Once Maelstrom finished speaking, Esteban answered. "The shuttle-bay has over 1500 square feet set aside for shuttles. If needed, the space could be doubled."
For a change, Esteban did not rise to his feet to greet the newcomer. Even though he was one of the new hirelings, and a skilled one at that, Batarians made him uncomfortable.
"I'm late," the Batarian said to the group. "What'd I miss?"
The Krogan gave a response that Esteban thought was clever. "Are we gonna have enough chairs for this, I mean how many more are gonna arrive?"
The businessman gestured to one of the last open seats and nodded. "We have enough," he replied confidently. "Besides, we are almost done here. I will explain the situation to our new arrival after everyone makes their own decision. If you accept, I will transfer the meeting time and place to your omnitool as well as the location of The Valiant so you can inspect her yourself."
Esteban did not bother saying anything about anyone not accepting, noticeably so. He sat and waited.
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Post by grandest on Jan 13, 2014 9:09:25 GMT -6
The Krogan grunted his disapproval. The Quarian reached behind herself. Cruendi'has glared at them both through narrowed eyes. He raised his hand at the businessman's invitation to sit. "I prefer to stand," he said. He folded his arms across his chest and waited.
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Post by Kershaw on Jan 13, 2014 9:53:27 GMT -6
Kershaw surveys the baterian glaring at him "What? We've just been here a long time is all"
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Post by Eric Lysander on Jan 13, 2014 9:59:43 GMT -6
Eric noted the late arrival and everyone's reaction to him. Especially the quarian.
'Great,' he thought to himself. 'The party hasn't even started and someone wants to break out the noisemakers.... heh, once more unto the breach...'
He attempted to break the tension the only way he knew how - by drawing attention to himself. He turned to the quarian.
"Would theee lady care to accompany me on the inspection? Strictly professional capacity, of course. If there's any improvements, mods or additions to be made on our ship, nothing beats a quarian's expertise." He held an open palm up to the batarian newcomer. "Am I right? How 'bout it - up high...! Dude... come on..."
No response from the batarian. Eric slowly lowered his arm.
"... looks like what you're missing is a sense of humor..."
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Deleted
Deleted Member
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Post by Deleted on Jan 13, 2014 12:58:59 GMT -6
Arcturus didn't look up at the newcomer, busy going through the data once more while contemplating on his decision of accepting or not. He was quiet for a few moments and listened, but then finally looked up to give Estaben his answer. "I accept."
He then started to look up the information on the human's ship. "The Valiant...It was a Turian ship. Hmm. At least you have good taste, human."
The Turian glanced around, and said, "If this is everyone, I think we should go and get this mission started." He wasn't one for waiting; no telling what the enemy was doing right now - who will also not wait around for them.
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Post by Maelstrom on Jan 13, 2014 13:42:35 GMT -6
Maelstrom shrugged. "So long as there's room for my shuttle, why not? Don't have any other jobs going right now."
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Post by Kershaw on Jan 13, 2014 13:58:13 GMT -6
Kershaw's grin returns "my trigger finger's been getting awful itchy, let's get this thing started"
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Post by dargene on Jan 13, 2014 14:21:59 GMT -6
Meldom leans back in his chair and crosses his legs "I agree with the Turian.. about both things, turian design is good but also we should get moving preferably soon..many eyes and ears in this place.." his voice quietens near the end of his sentence, his omnitool starts to beep and he taps at it for a few seconds before standing up abruptly "I have your information, shall meet with you at the ship with my things" as he starts to walk out a Salarian grabs his shoulder and speaks within earshot to those at the table who listen carefully.
"I know you" the Salarian says to him, Meldom looks around but does not turn his body "I think you are mistaken im.. Vaulkner" he says in a quick and cold voice The salarian does not let go of him "No no.. Meldom.." Meldoms Fist curls up into a ball "Not my name.. Someone else" he retorts, the other salarian finally forces Meldom to face him "I know what you did, took me awhile to track you, then again most refer to you as.. Silence" with the last word Meldom threw a punch into the Salarians throat catching him off guard then proceeds to run out the door engaging his cloak, the other salarian follows shortly after.
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 13, 2014 14:22:34 GMT -6
Esteban cleared his throat loudly, using a traditional human method of calling attention to yourself. He decided not to wait for anyone to quiet down, immediately throwing himself into the conversation.
"The Valiant is docked at Docking Bay 93," the businessman said forcefully, cutting through the chatter. "The VI on board will let you on if you choose to inspect it. We will meet in on the main level of the Valiant at 9 am tomorrow."
He looked past the others and over to the Batarian. "Stay please," he addressed the individual. "I will explain the mission."
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Post by grandest on Jan 13, 2014 16:31:43 GMT -6
At the boisterous Human and Krogan's attempts to diffuse the tension, Cruendi'has relaxed slightly. He never knew to what crowd he would be needing to play to-- the mindless xenophobe or the amicable progressive. Based on current actions, the Quarian appeared to be the former. He didn't understand the flashy human soldier's mannerism in raising his hand, or his apparent attempt at humor or praise toward the Quarian, So the Batarian chose to ignore it. Cruendi'has took in the information on their vessel and the various opinions on its worthiness. He silently agreed to the observation of the superiority in Turian space-craft manufacturing, even if something twinged inside himself at the thought. The human businessman cleared his throat, and Cruendi'has listened intently. He set a time and place for embarkment before again acknowledging Cruendi'has again. "Stay please," the man said. "I will explain the mission." "Ready to hear it," he said with a toothy grin.
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Post by Eric Lysander on Jan 13, 2014 16:33:01 GMT -6
Releived that his employer reasserted control and that no weapons would be drawn after all, Eric verified that he had the ship schematics loaded on his omni-tool as well. "Bay 93 - got it, Mr. B..."
As he got up to leave he froze. "Waitasec... 'VI on board...?'" He took a breath, composed himself and patted the Phalanx pistol clipped to his side. One other detail he overlooked; he blamed the blunt force trauma he received from the waitress earlier for his lapses.
"Well that little twinkle box better cooperate... or I do some radical reprogramming!" he said as he left Chora's Den.
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Post by Kershaw on Jan 13, 2014 17:19:41 GMT -6
Watching the various other members leave Kershaw himself decides business is concluded for now "Well its been fun, I'll take a quick look at the ship, see if it's sleeping pods have room for a krogan, but otherwise I'll see you all tomorrow" he leaves, swaggering out the same way he swaggered in.
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 13, 2014 20:07:00 GMT -6
Esteban spoke quietly to Cruendi'has, ensuring his voice would not carry over the hypnotic rhythms of the music. Chora's Den was alive with sound, lights and motion... a temple to the decadent. Dancers were enthralled by the music, their dance equally sublime and seductive. The lights pulsated, complimenting the amorous beat. Everything about it made the perfect cover, monitoring devices would be virtually worthless.
Esteban summarized exactly what he told everyone else, molding the words to make the mission sound attractive. Yet, there was a different sales pitch to end it. A challenge to the Batarian's unique skillset.
"The rest of the team will be dedicated to killing Collectors," the businessman stared at Cruendi'has seriously, his voice taking a darker tone. "I need something different from you. The Collectors have to be taught a lesson. I need one of them taken alive, enslaved. Can you do this?"
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Post by River Havens on Jan 14, 2014 0:14:03 GMT -6
Elsewhere on the Citadel, within one of the thousands of apartments...
This was supposed to be a momentous day for River Havens. It was something she had been looking forward to for many months, maybe even years. This was to be her first mission in the field, officially beginning her life as a mercenary as well as an adult. From the time that she could handle a gun or hold her own in a fight, River had been training for the time that she could make her mark on the world. Where most budding adults were preparing to attend universities, entering the work force or getting married, River had been preparing for the chance to see some real action.
At least, that had been her goal. At the moment, it didn't look like she was going to get her chance. In fact, judging from the way her father was talking to her at the kitchen table, it didn't seem like she was going to leave the house anytime soon. Across from her, her father Corwin was making his case as to why now was not a good time to let her out on her own. And for the most part, River could understand where his concern was coming from. All her life, Corwin had tried to shield River from the horrors of the world. Which wasn't easy considering their lifestyle as mercenaries. Even the way they started out as father and daughter began with gun fire and a body count. Still, the two of them together found ways to make it work.
Her father had been sitting with the idea that River had wanted to venture out beyond his protective reach, and for the most part, it looked like Corwin had finally come to terms with it. He even recommended she take part in a new assignment that he had helped plan. But then, there was the sudden passing of Benewan, her father's oldest friend. Somehow the loss raddled Corwin to the point that he was no longer sure if he wanted to let River go on the mission after all.
Now father and daughter sat at odds at the breakfast table over a serving of fluffy pancakes.
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Post by Shala'Bekk vas Neema on Jan 14, 2014 0:26:34 GMT -6
Shala was so focused on her own thoughts that she did not notice the departure of the others.
In her mind she pictured a scale. On one hand was the fifty thousand credits. On the other hand was the human’s questionable story, the possibility of facing the Collectors and the batarian.
Back in the fleet, her job was simple, to maintain the Neema to the best of her ability. Even if the ship required constant attention, she was doing her part her to help her people and she liked doing it.
During the attempted raid on the Asari colony, she had not been injured, but there were other scars, scars that were visible to anyone who bothered to look. Her father had been talking with her, trying to help her come to terms with what happened and it had helped some, but then the incident on the Alarei...
Why me? she thought. Keelah, why had they contacted me?
“Duty, we all have one, Shala,” her father’s voice suddenly echoed in her head. “Your mother and I, we protect the Fleet. You keep the ship running. Others prepare our food. And others look after our health. We all have a duty, and when we do it, no matter how small, we are helping the entire Fleet.”
“Yes, Father,” she whispered.
She looked over at the human, talking intently with the batarian. “I accept your offer, Esteban Bridges," she said. "You’ll need someone to look after that ship of yours anyway.”
She then left, her hand never leaving the wall as she did so.
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Post by Corwin Havens on Jan 14, 2014 0:55:59 GMT -6
Corwin could make pancakes. He knew how to do that. He didn't know how to save Benewan, now lying dead at Huerta Memorial Hospital. His eyes forever vacant, staring forward into the void. Leaving Corwin alone. Corwin was making pancakes because he could not figure out what else he could do. This helped him feel useful. Needed.
Corwin looked like an absolute mess. His sparkling blue eyes were bloodshot. His handsome face unshaven, covered with two days worth of stubble. His short blond hair, normally immaculately kept, was sticking in almost all directions. And his simple outfit of white silk shirt and dark slacks, was in shambles. He carried himself as a man defeated, uncertain what to do. Uncertain what he can do. Despite being independently wealthy, having access to plenty of resources... he felt powerless.
"ben....." he barely uttered, his lower lip already starting to quiver again. Corwin would never hear his voice again. Never talk with him again. It was like the galaxy lost something special. Someone special and important. And nobody realized it but him.
Corwin sat down at the table, opposite his precious daughter... the only person who mattered to him more than Benewan. He served her a plate full of pancakes, at least making sure his daughter was fed.... his daughter... wait... he started remembering the conversation he had with her only a couple of hours ago. More like a fight. He didn't want her to go, didn't want her to leave him. He just wanted a few more days. That wasn't too much to ask for.
So Corwin looked across the table at his daughter, running his hand through his disheveled hair... taking a deep and shaky breath. "River," he somehow managed to say, though his voice almost cracked. "Have you reconsidered what I asked?"
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Post by River Havens on Jan 14, 2014 1:41:32 GMT -6
River poked at her plate of pancakes, decidin how she should answer Corwin's question. In truth, she wanted to be snarky and tell her father that she didn't care what he wanted and that she was leaving home whether he liked it or not. Any other teenager would've probably behaved that way, but River just wasn't that sort of person. After all they had been through together River couldn't find it in her heart to be that cruel.
She was just as upset about her "Uncle Benny" as much as Corwin. The drell was her family, and it broke her heart to see him lying there in a hospital bed, hooked to so many machines just to keep him alive. She knew she would miss his stories and his teachings; their times together were special to her. But staying home wasn't going to change that.
"I've thought about it," she said, not meeting her father's gaze. "I just don't agree with it. You told me you would let me go on this mission. In fact you were the one who told me that I should go. Why are you backing out now?"
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