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Post by Maelstrom on Jan 14, 2014 2:17:19 GMT -6
(If anyone feels lost with this post, read- "Maelstrom's Ship: Vengeance") The hatch to the Vengeance opened as Maelstrom approached. It always brought a smile to his face when she did that. She was welcoming him home.
It was a small hop up into the main compartment of his shuttle, and the hatch closed quickly and silently behind him, closing him back within his own world. The only one he could control. Once they were sealed off from the outside world, the transparent-blue figure of the feminine VI flickered into existence before him. With simulated enthusiasm, she asked, "Do we have a job?"
"Indeed we do," he replied, as he walked back to the vessel's small armory to stow his assault rifle and sniper rifle. The SMG stayed with him at all times.
Emily's form followed to the limits of her projector's range before halting. The salarian had certainly done a fine job programming her personality. "You seem less than happy about that."
"I told you before I left, this isn't a job against Cerberus. The only reason I'm doing this is that that Shadow Broker didn't give me much of a choice," he growled, frustrated with the situation.
"I didn't mean to make you upset," she said, responding as if chastised.
"Sometimes you're too real," he whispered under his breath. Turning to face her as he closed the secure doors to the armory, he said, "You didn't make me upset. I just don't care for the situation."
"Per personal directive thirty-five, I am to remind you that you may have to do things you don't consider pleasant to take down Cerberus," the VI said.
As he headed to the cockpit, he grumbled, "This isn't exactly what I was talking about."
She winked out of existence as he passed the edge of her projection field, only to appear as a bust hovering over the cockpit emitter. "I submit that directive still bears relevance. The Shadow Broker is a vital resource for information on Cerberus activities, and you've nearly run out of targets based on the data obtained when you confiscated this vehicle."
It always made him a little uneasy when she talked about that, as if her Cerberus loyalties would suddenly reassert themselves. He knew better, though.
"Additionally," the VI continued, "this contract pays well. You will need resources to combat Cerberus."
"That's why I'm doing this," he agreed. "It still doesn't mean I have to be happy about it."
"Curious," she said, with a truly quizzical expression on her simulated face. Sometimes, Maelstrom had to wonder whether Cerberus crossed the subtle line present in advanced programming or if the salarian he hired did his job just a little too well in simulating a personality for his ship's VI. Seeming to put the matter aside for the time being, as Maelstrom seated himself in the pilot's chair, she asked, "Bay 93?"
"You were listening in on my comms again," he laughed with a smile.
"Prior to leaving, you stated..." she began. He always hated this part. It was just too creepy. Her mouth moved with his voice as she repeated, "I've never trusted business men. Not before and certainly not now." Her voice changing back to normal, she said, "My personality program anticipated threats based on your concerns and calculated it was best to attempt to record a verbal contract."
He laughed. "You're a wonderful woman, Emily."
She smiled. "To bay 93 then?"
He nodded. "Bay 93."
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Post by Corwin Havens on Jan 14, 2014 2:54:06 GMT -6
Corwin sipped some hot coffee out of his N-5 coffee mug, trying to come up with something he could tell his daughter. That's when he realized something, slowly lowering the mug.... holding it between his hands.
"I... I don't know River," Corwin confessed, sounding tired. "I just know that I feel empty right now. I just.. I..." His mouth hung open, struggling to find the words, but nothing came. The coffee cup started to shake... he blinked, his gaze turning to it... seeing it wasn't the cup, it was his hands.
"I'm going to miss you..." he whispered, trying to will his hands to stop shaking.
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Post by River Havens on Jan 14, 2014 4:50:46 GMT -6
Seeing her father look so raddled, so forlorn and so not himself was rather frightening to River. This wasn't the same man who she met all those years ago on Omega. When they just happened to cross paths one day by sheer luck, only later to reveal that they were father and daughter. Even now after so many years it still seemed too outrageous to even be true.
Corwin had every right to worry though. River was such a quiet child back then, barely able to speak two words to anybody. She was unable to open up to anyone, to trust anyone. But Corwin helped her through her emotional blockage (though she still struggled with it even now). She couldn't very well fault Corwin for still seeing her as that child that needed saving, but those times were over.
"Daddy," she said, realizing that she hadn't called him that in years, "I'll miss you too, but I'll be ok. So will you, even without me or Uncle Benny. I promise I'll be safe."
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Post by Corwin Havens on Jan 14, 2014 10:04:07 GMT -6
Corwin took her words to heart. He looked at River... really looked at her. He knew his little girl grew up into a powerful young woman. In a lot of ways, she was always far more powerful than he ever was. Her biotics alone was probably unrivaled throughout the entire galaxy. But in the ways that mattered to Corwin, she always needed him... he found he loved tucking her in at night, reading her stories... even cooking for her. After spending over twenty years of his life killing thousands for the Alliance and then for credits, there was something.. .something right about caring for someone else.
"River," Corwin broke the silence with her name. He wasn't sure how long he was quiet for... but it was probably too long with hos he was feeling. "I taught you almost everything I could to help you survive. You'll be safe. I know that."
Corwin rubbed his eyes with his palms, wiping away the teary fog from his vision. His voice started to return to somewhat normal. He liked it when River called him daddy. Probably why she didn't do it too often. "It'll just take time. I'll be fine... I'm sure of it. Ben's probably looking at me right now, telling me not to grieve. Anything lost will come back in another form."
Corwin started to smile, his lips curling slightly. He still felt terrible, but now the weight of exhaustion was finally hitting him.
"You should head to the Valiant after breakfast. Iskra should be waiting for you there. She'll be the ship's doctor."
Corwin wanted that to be a surprise for her. Iskra was an old friend of Benewan, living in the guest bedroom while she struggled against Ben's fatal disease. Corwin thought his daughter started to like the Drell. At least Corwin hoped she did.
Corwin reached out across the table, extending his hand for her. (assuming River takes it so Corwin can have his fatherly moment). Corwin cupped her hand between his, making sure she felt that he was still there. He spoke caringly and confidently, as a good father should. "Just remember River. If you get into trouble out there, I'll come running. You'll never be alone. I promise."
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Post by grandest on Jan 14, 2014 13:04:15 GMT -6
Cruendi'has thought over Esteban's proposition. It would be extremely difficult. Something no one, to his knowledge, had ever done- had ever thought of doing. The word, "enslaved" hung in the air. It was a tempting and delicious concept, that he would not deny. Ironic, even-- considering the Collectors namesake. The Quarian quickly butted in. “I accept your offer, Esteban Bridges." Cruendi'has couldn't tell for sure behind the females mask, but he knew she was watching him. Waiting for him to strike at her as if he were some crazed Vorcha. Meanwhile, she is the one who attacked another of his people and read of nothing but animosity. He watched her move away, hugging close to the wall. Cruendi'has could think of nothing worse than spending days in the same cramped vessel with the Quarian... But he needed the money. And the capture of a lifetime whispered to him... Taking another quick look over the datapad with the mission info, he asked Esteban, "What sort of bonus is available for the capture of this Collector?"
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Post by River Havens on Jan 14, 2014 15:52:19 GMT -6
River reached across the table for her father's hand, taking it in a firm grasp before bolting across to the other side and rushing straight into Corwin's arms. She embraced him firmly, wrapping her arms around his neck and squeezing tightly.
"Thank you Daddy."
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 14, 2014 16:08:59 GMT -6
"What sort of bonus is available for the capture of this Collector?" The Batarian inquired, reading through the data pad while Esteban read the Batarian. Both men learning the terrain of the coming fight. Contracts were never about offer and acceptance. There's no art to that. For Esteban, it was about negotiation, counteroffer. The battlefield of self-interest. It was the only honest and honorable battlefield in the galaxy. Both sides knew where the other stood, from the motivation to the end goal. What could be more noble?
Esteban splayed his fingers of his left hand, half of his arm immediately consumed by neon orange light. He called forth his weapon of choice, the omnitool. He flicked his fingers over the holographic interface, scrolling through dozens of screens. His dark eyes never left the Batarian, still searching Cruendi'has' expression.
"A bonus requires a payment restructure," Esteban answered calmly, making an observation of what the Batarian asked for. "Ten thousand credits now. Forty nine thousand credits upon the completion of the mission. It comes to a nine thousand bonus. If you perish, your next-of-kin will be entitled only to the ten thousand, minus retrieval, shipping, and processing fees. They will be responsible for any fees not covered by the ten thousand."
The businessman tapped on one screen in particular on his omnitool, taking a glance down to it, then back up at the Batarian. "Do we have an agreement?"
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Post by grandest on Jan 14, 2014 18:04:59 GMT -6
Cruendi'has liked what he was hearing, but these sorts of missions took a special kind of preparation. He didn't like the sound of, "minus retrieval, shipping, and processing fees," either. These business types just loved to skim off the top and it could become "expensive" trying to contact people within the Hegemony-- Even he had trouble at times. Cruendi'has looked both at the datapad and Esteban. "Twenty thousand now, and you have yourself a Collector."
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 14, 2014 19:29:58 GMT -6
"Twenty thousand now, and you have yourself a Collector," Cruendi'has countered. Esteban had to smile at how clever the move was. Get the money immediately and minimize the risk. Also, the amount of credits will ensure that he'll be considered for the next mission if he performs admirably. Esteban casually navigated the holographic interface, pulling up the encrypted finance screen to transfer the funds over. He wasn't happy with the encryptions his bank provided, so he improved on them, increasing their complexity tenfold.
"Agreed," Esteban arched his omnitool over the Batarian, transferring the twenty thousand credits over to his account. "Welcome to the squad. Be at Docking Bay 93 at 9 am tomorrow." He quickly tapped his wrist, extinguishing the fiery orange glow with a flick of his finger. He was satisfied with the agreement, nodding his head briefly at the Batarian. "If you will, I have a prior commitment that must be attended to."
Esteban did not wait for a response. He set his palms on the arm rest, rising up like a giant. The businessman stood out in a place like this, refusing to conform to the dress code and refusing to brand a weapon. It was not as if he acted oblivious to the potential danger. He acted as if it presented no challenge to someone like him. He bent his knees, lowering himself just enough to grab his briefcase and swept the remaining data pads in. With one more nod to Cruendi'has and whoever was left at the table, disappearing into the cacophony of flickering lights, writhing body, and near-deafening music. He walked at an unhurried pace, heading for where he last saw the Drell woman. He felt a tinge of sorrow when thinking about her, though he could not figure out why. She reminded him of a desert, skin kissed by the bronze sun. It was more than physical appearances though. Something about her felt distant, detached.
He approached her from her side so she could see him coming. Last thing he wanted to do have the appearance of sneaking up on someone. It was uncouth.
"Miss?" Esteban said, attempting to grab the Drell's attention. "My name's Esteban Bridges. You look familiar to me. Have we met?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 19:48:32 GMT -6
Arcturus Tilo removed himself from his seat once the meeting was over; glad he had until tomorrow of free time before he left with the rest of the mercenaries on this mission. He gave a very brief but cautious glance over at Esteban and the Batarian as they quietly talked before he walked out of the dance club. He really didn't like Batarians, for obvious reasons, but he knew most were all right. He was willing to work with this one, but that doesn't mean he'll automatically trust the alien - let alone everyone else in this newly formed squad. Working with other mercenaries...well...it's tolerated. His father, Areus, repeatedly warned him of working with other mercenaries when he decided to become one - always telling him to accept solo job offers.
'Well, dad,' he thought, 'We can't always get what we want in life. You taught me that when I was a child. At least you understand that I'm not ready to return home...return to the Turian military...'
Once he was away from Chora's Den, he could think without anyone bothering him. 'Time for a walk...maybe see if dad is around before I go back to my ship and relax and get ready for tomorrow's events.'
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 20:00:40 GMT -6
Iskra refused a refill, it was too easy to lose herself to the sweet drink. The warmth she felt at her core was comforting after the last few days of feeling hollow but she needed to keep her mind.
Desperate to take her mind off the memories of a dying Benewan, the doctor slipped the data pad from her coat. Corwin had given her a file on the man she was meeting. She had read the thing multiple times over the course of the day and had memorized every word, yet she still felt like she hadn’t gotten a good sense of the man.
The file read more like a technical manual than a file on a human being. She wondered if that was by design and found herself disappointed. She preferred seeing the passion of ones convictions, see the measure of man by his actions rather than his accomplishments or how much money he has.
She sighed softly, she was comparing him to Benewan, which was unfair. The Drell had been her greatest supporter and friend during these last few years and she did not truly know anything about this man. Corwin put his trust in him, she’d award him the same courtesy to a point.
“Miss?” Iskra blinked, looking up to see Mr. Bridges standing before her. “My name is Esteban Bridges. You look familiar to me. Have we met?”
“No, I’m Dr. Iskra Narei. Corwin has asked me to join your mission to Ploba.”
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 14, 2014 20:24:20 GMT -6
The Drell stood out against the carnal nature of Chora's Den, not participating in any of the unique pleasures the location offered to all genders and races. Even the way she introduced herself screamed this.
"No, I'm Dr. Iskra Narei," the Drell formally introduced herself to Esteban, who stopped to the side of her. "Corwin asked me to join your mission to Ploba."
"Pleasure," Esteban replied cordially, extending his hand. He believed this location may be an anathema this discussion with her, a potential problem that was easily addressed. Esteban leaned forward, remembering to keep a respectful distance from the Drell. "Would you mind if we spoke somewhere a little more quiet? My throat is starting to hurt from speaking over this music."
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Post by Eric Lysander on Jan 14, 2014 20:25:52 GMT -6
Eric first stopped over at the Upper Wards Markets to see the volus Expat about some upgrades to his weapons and grenades, namely incendiary, cryo and armor-piercing. Anything that could put serious hurt on the enemy and potentially weaken support structures for more widespread destruction. His visit afterwards to Rodam Expeditions ended in disappointment; evidently hunting with explosives was not considered fair sport and therefore there were none available over or under the counter.
Still, the former Alliance marine could make do with material obtained and from his personal stock. In conjunction with the other mercenaries' weapons and abilities, the team should not be such easy prey for the Collectors as Esteban's initial expedition. And he found the turian ship's schematics to be adequate, spec-ed out for hit-and-run operations and there could be a fair share of running to be had if this one failed. Maybe the quarian woman could eke out an enhancement or two to give the team another edge.
'There is no shame in losing to a superior opponent...'
Eric could not remember if the quote came from a human or turian officer as he steered his rented hoverpallete bearing three titanium-laminate strong boxes towards the cargo elevators. There was one other important matter he wanted to speak Esteban about before heading underway. Contained inside one of the strong boxes were the parts to assemble a device capable of addressing that matter. A device he brought with him on his last few jobs, a "rabbit's foot" he would joke but inwardly hoping he would never have to use it.
'Hopefully his little watchdog VI won't flip out,' thought Eric. 'Half the mercs on this mission are WMDs in themselves...'
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 20:28:44 GMT -6
Iskra hesitated at the offer, barely taking his hand to shake when offered. The option of leaving was appealing but the unknown destination could prove more dangerous than the place they were currently speaking.
“Very well.” She spoke quietly back to him between beats in the music.
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 14, 2014 20:47:35 GMT -6
Esteban calmly rose back up, turning and striding for the exit. His presence naturally cleared a path, walking confidently and with purpose. He led Dr. Narei from the den of iniquity, out into the open environment of the Wards. When compared to where they came from, the silence was nearly deafening.
Esteban turned his head and slowed his pace, gesturing for the Drell to walk beside him. He was in no hurry. "Thank you," Esteban broke the silence between the two, looking around at the far more pleasant scenery. "What were you told about the mission? I would hate to repeat information you already know."
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 21:01:13 GMT -6
The Drell adjusted her pace to fall in stride with the man, finding it oddly unsettling walking around in the open. So much of her life she had stuck to the shadows, trained to only be seen in a passing glance and gone. The Citadel didn’t have danger lurking around the corner. The station was full of life, which she found deafening compared to the silence of her homeworld. Even the quietest of places was overwhelming to her ears, she felt the tugged of need to return to the ghosts that quietly watched over her.
“A group of archaeologists were hired to help excavate a unique structure buried under the surface of one of Ploba’s moons. Within a few minutes of arriving a race called the Collectors appeared on the moon and destroyed both the research team and their protection.” She spared a glance at him. “You were the only one to escape alive.”
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 14, 2014 22:21:12 GMT -6
Esteban walked through doorways and down a side path, leading the way toward an area of the Wards that he liked to bring investors as well as potential clients. It was the view of the arms of the Citadel. The size and grandeur of the station was on display for all to see and enjoy. It reminded him of being on a mountainside, looking down over a valley, except this time a valley made of lights and billions of tons of metal. It lacked the refreshing air that one expects with the sight, but the majesty of it more than makes of for it. Esteban stopped at the railing, leaning his hands against it to admire the view. He saw a river of technology rushed past the windows made of hundreds of different vehicles, ranging from hover-cars all the way to the Destiny's Ascension.
It made him almost smile.
"You have most of the important details," Esteban said in an even tone, his natural baritone voice coming through finally. "There are far more unknowns than known, so the team must be prepared for all contingencies." His eyes followed the passage of ship after ship. He found it calming. "You are a medical doctor then, yes?"
Esteban turned away from the breathtaking sight, leaning back on the railing. His hands were still braced against the bar for support.
[insert response here]
Esteban adjusted his hands on the bar, making sure he had good support. "I am in the middle of negotiations to secure something from Councillor Udina to help in this adventure. It's the chemical formula that's supposed to repel the Collectors organic weapon: bugs called Seekers. Would you be able to look at it when I acquire it to tell me if you can synthesize it?"
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Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2014 22:56:33 GMT -6
Iskra did not take any time to enjoy the view like her companion, it reminded her too much of the view from Benewan’s window.
His labored breathing was all that joined the chorus of machines. Charts and charts of information scattering the desk in front of her. Corwin’s tired form in the corner as he slept uncomfortably in the chair, data pad still clutched in his hand….
The young doctor blinked away the memory, clasping her hands behind her back as she looked away from the man in front of her. The lush foliage of the Citadel was always a marvel to her. They were well kept but mostly ignored by the rest of the populous. The effort it would have taken to grow these things here was only something she could dream about for her plans.
"You have most of the important details. There are far more unknowns than known, so the team must be prepared for all contingencies.” He spoke to her, though his gaze was directed elsewhere. “You are a medical doctor then, yes?"
“No.” She responded shortly, watching the leaves move as the air for the station blew in from a vent above it, “I got my doctorate in Biology. I have medical training though, so I will be able to help you in that capacity.”
“I am in the middle of negotiations to secure something from Councilor Udina to help in this adventure. It's the chemical formula that's supposed to repel the Collectors organic weapon: bugs called Seekers. Would you be able to look at it when I acquire it to tell me if you can synthesize it?"
She finally turned to look at him once more, “Of course. I will need to know the lab environment I will be working in, how many people you have hired that can possibly help, and the amount of time I will be allotted to work on the project.”
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Post by Corwin Havens on Jan 14, 2014 23:03:16 GMT -6
Corwin took his daughter into his arms, holding her there for what felt like forever. He could still remember the first time she hugged him, back on Omega. From the first moment, they shared a special bond between them, like they knew they were connected somehow. She was timid, afraid of everyone around her... all except him. And he never let anyone get that close to him before... except for her. She hugged him freely that day, a smile gracing her face for probably the first time ever. Corwin probably hadn't smiled that happily for years. On that day, he swore that he'd never let her go, never let anyone or anything harm her again. He'd like to think he did pretty good with the promises. She learned how to use her biotics and was arguable the most powerful adapt in the galaxy. She could shoot fairly well and could almost take him in melee combat. Almost.
Corwin smiled the same smile he had when he first hugged her. Though that smile faded slowly. He knew. It was time to let go of his little girl.
"I love you River," he whispered to her, trying not to embarrass her too much. He let her go very reluctantly, but he still did it. "Come on, let's finish eating. There's no way you're going to meet your teammates on an empty stomach."
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Post by Esteban Bridges on Jan 15, 2014 0:01:54 GMT -6
Esteban studied the way Doctor Narei carried herself as she stared at the station's foliage. The way she positioned her arms. The arch of her back. The distance between her feet. Everything gave him little clues on her state of mind. Doing that was as natural to him as breathing. The body never lies.
After he felt he had a good read on her, he turned his attention to the people wandering by.
“Of course," Dr Narei finally said, Esteban turning his attention back towards her. "I will need to know the lab environment I will be working in, how many people you have hired that can possibly help, and the amount of time I will be allotted to work on the project.”
Numbers, he thought to himself, finally glad to have found something that he could help her with. Numbers were at the heart of the business world, knowledge of them meant life or death a lot of times.
"You will have ten days," Esteban said after a moment's pause to reflect on it. "Six days to arrive at the system. Four days of reconnaissance. As for resources, Corwin assured me every major system on the Valiant had its own VI dedicated to it. So you will have a VI at your disposal in the medbay. The medbay is supposed to be well equipped. I was told it can double as a lab, so you will have that as well. A couple members of the team have a background in scientific research, so you will have access to them. I suggest touring the medbay to make sure you feel it is up to the challenge."
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