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Post by redbelle on Feb 22, 2024 13:15:01 GMT -6
Jocelyne, Jess noted, got a bit of a crafty look on her face. "Are you saying if there was a person with ties to House Ulla, and they would be willing to take on the role, they would perform the duty of downplaying the insinuated slanders while hailing the unity of the house? I have..." Jess knew this could go badly. "...someone potentially in mind. Not that they would necessarily enjoy the job, but if it was important enough, they'd fulfill that role. Meaning, of course, if they could do it without being your spouse." "Why yes. The spouse is expected but anyone with strong allegiance may take it upon themselves without the fear of initiating a duel. It is tradition not to shed blood in the welcoming of people to a house... That bit tends to come later in daily affairs so our monarchy decided to... 'place some restrictions' so that houses gaining power didn't lose it on the same day." Ellu cut in. "Have you even seen the King? Growing up on Homeworld all I ever saw were pictures while his lackeys spread his decrees." Ulla nodded. "Once, a long time ago. He appears to some houses every now and then but affairs of state keep his attention occupied, or so the word goes. None the less he will be putting in a personal appearance for us on your day so you'll see him soon."
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Post by KelRiever on Feb 22, 2024 17:29:53 GMT -6
Jenus
Jenus took a couple of more bites, swallowed, then seemed to think to herself. "I mean, you want us to find this person...who is maybe using, definitely hiding, somewhere in Armali, is that right?" Her dark eyes betrayed her lack of confidence before she revealed it with her words. Putting down her fork, and leaning back, she continued, "I am not much of a detective, you already know. Taking down heavies is more my thing, I'm a soldier. Are you sure you want me along?"
More consideration, then she added, "So, I'm going to guess you want us to...er...hit up the....uh, places that might be frequented by...these types? Like you did back when we were looking for that gang member?" She stared then across to Alarya. "Maybe you should do the talking part."
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Post by KelRiever on Feb 22, 2024 17:34:50 GMT -6
Jocelyne
Jocelyne nodded. "Well, it sounds like you need someone who can, at a minimum, bite their tongue. Better if they can be patient, keep a poker face about it, perform their duty loyally. i wouldn't mind doing it myself, but I'm thinking of someone who's good at that kind of thing, specifically..."
Before Jocie even said it, Jess knew who it was, and how much torture would be inflicted on the individual subjugated to the task, in particular.
"Morgan. Morgan, you met him before, Ulla. He's really perfect for the task. Now, I won't lie, he is not for formalities. But, that doesn't mean if it isn't important enough he won't do it. This sounds important enough. I would have Morgan be by your side to perform such a thing."
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Post by redbelle on Feb 22, 2024 19:04:19 GMT -6
"Uhhuh..." Jess leaned in with a glint of mischief in her eye. "... And maybe we could field my sister in as backup. In case Morgan feels like he's outnumbered Amy's the perfect artillery piece to back him."
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Post by KelRiever on Feb 22, 2024 20:19:27 GMT -6
"Aw, yeah, I suppose. I mean, Reine would be good too, but I think Amy's a perfect backup."
Jess swore now that Jocelyne was disappointed in that her perfect design for Morgan torture had been thwarted. But the offer was public now, to have Morgan and Amy at Ulla's side to perform the duties.
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Post by julia on Feb 22, 2024 22:20:11 GMT -6
Alarya shifted in her chair. "Laara and I were friends and trained together under the same Cabal, but she resented the fact that I stayed in the Commandos after Noth incident and our subsequent court martials. We lost touch. Laara was the most stealthy commando in the squad. She'll be found only if she wants to. Trying to find her might be a futile pursuit." Jenus had a dumbfounded look on her face at the mention of "court martial". "I think it's time to bring Jenus up to speed," Naleena said with a nod to Alarya and turned to Jenus. "What we knew about Alarya was what she was allowed to tell us. She wasn't a cadet aboard the Destiny Ascension. She was part of a hand picked unit. Why don't you tell her the rest, Alarya, because I've ordered you to do so." Alarya nodded and turned to Jenus. "It's complicated with top secret docs I had to sign and I'm not to speak of it to anyone unless forced to by someone like say, a Spectre, or the highest ranking Asari Intelligence officers. "I was aboard the Destiny Ascension during the Battle of the Citadel as part of an elite squad called The Shadow Sisters. A few months later we were sent to the Noth System to secure an artifact that they thought was Prothean...," and Alarya continued telling Jenus what she'd told Naleena and Mira ( Post 1613 Dated Sept 30 2022). ".... And that's pretty much it. So now you know why I don't talk about my time at the Academy or any missions or anything personal. I try to keep focused on the present, but I've got to handle this. My friend and CO Lineala got railroaded, and we've got to get her out." "That's why Mira and I are going to Serrice. We're trying to find a legal way of doing this. And I need access to top secret docs," Naleena said.
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Post by redbelle on Mar 1, 2024 16:47:33 GMT -6
"Aw, yeah, I suppose. I mean, Reine would be good too, but I think Amy's a perfect backup." Jess swore now that Jocelyne was disappointed in that her perfect design for Morgan torture had been thwarted. But the offer was public now, to have Morgan and Amy at Ulla's side to perform the duties. "The more people running cover the better in my opinion. Feuds tend to result from these gatherings so the more people who, spread the load so to speak, the better. But that won't be an issue once we depart and we'll given Homeworld a fairy tale union between us and a Council race that will ease tensions on both sides, and make Homeworlds reception into the galactic community all the easier. But more importantly... I can finally keep an eye on my wayward daughter and teach how how to be a proper lady of the house. Then when house Ulla becomes house Ellu she won't sell up everything and blow it all on guns, male hookers and booze." "MOM!" Ellu actually looked shocked at her mothers suggestion. "There's not way!" "Regardless, we have a little time before the ceremony. Security it preparing the station for his majesties arrival. You'll be given the green light to come over when they are finished. I will have to go to oversee preparations earlier but we have time before I'm needed..."
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 2, 2024 17:03:28 GMT -6
Jenus
Okay, well, uh...so what do you want Alarya and me to do? Are we supposed to find someone? I understand now, what you and Mira are going to do, but me and Alarya uh, is this a distraction thing we're doing? Are we trying to find someone after all, under cover?"
Jenus looked lost, and Naleena kind of remembered that, although improved, Jenus was not exactly the processing type.
"You want me to kill someone?"
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 2, 2024 17:07:45 GMT -6
Jocelyne
Well, I would make the most of the time we have. Amy Babylon has a very organized assistant by the name of Regina Upton. If you're going to have Morgan and Amy run protocol for you, you might as well also use Regina...she's excellent under stress, and in fact, one of her most astounding accomplishments is being able to work with Amy herself. I think you'll be pleased."
Joceyne rose and offered Ulla her hand. "Meanwhile, I would be happy to escort you to your destination with Jess, if that is all you need until our moment. There's plenty of preparation but I say we manage it by omni-tool and hand it off to the appropriate people to get the job done. Resources we have in hard workers here, let's make use of them."
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Post by julia on Mar 2, 2024 17:33:46 GMT -6
Alarya took a huge gasp. "No! Laara was my squadmate."
Naleena interrupted. "No one dies. I want to talk to her. Bring her back to the hotel."
"But Jenus is right. She was pretty traumatized by the whole thing, and could be using. What do you want us to do?" Alarya asked.
"Get her back to the hotel. Get her cleaned up. If she's worried about a fix, we'll deal with it. If she owes credits, tell her I'll handle it. I want to talk to her," Naleena said. "Jenus, the areas you'll be going into, you'll probably have to watch Alarya's back. You'll likely be going into areas that aren't on the travel brochures."
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 3, 2024 11:54:18 GMT -6
"All right, all right," Jenus replied, "I didn't mean Laara necessarily." She backpedaled. "I just wanted to be clear on the mission. Presuming we then know where she is, right? It sounds like you do."
Jenus seemed more relieved the moment the mission became clearer and the less she had to start thinking about things herself. "Retrieve the target, bring them back to T'Sarius for questioning and reconciliation, in less than well charted areas. This sounds like something on my list of jobs I can do."
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Post by julia on Mar 5, 2024 4:45:19 GMT -6
Alarya and Jenus took a taxi Opraya District, an old, lower end mixed residential-commercial district where the buildings were over 100 years old. Naleena had given them a couple thousand credits for “fees” in case they needed them. The asari had a rebuilding cycle of fifty years in most areas of their cities. The foundations of homes would be kept if they were in good condition and a new dwelling built atop. But this area had seen a lot of neglect mostly due to the lower tax base. Convenience stores dotted the district along with a discount food mart. There was a couple of residential hotels that were pretty run down and those living in them were lucky that the plumbing worked and that they had heat in the winter.
They asked at the desks of the hotels if Laara lived there. Alarya had a photo of her from her commando days. No sign of Laara, but 250 CR got them a lead in the Nathal district. The asari behind the desk gave Jenus the up and down and saw the disciple.
“I had to turn your friend away. No vacancy. She gave up here and was headed for Nathal. Be careful in Nathal. Lots of gangs. Lots of drugs. Lots of homeless. But you two look like you can handle yourselves. Your friend didn’t look like the gang type. Addict? Yes. Probably a bonehead,” she said.
Alarya had a blank look on her face.
“Bonedust. Hit the streets three years ago. Highly addictive. Gangs hyped up on combat drugs are fighting over territories. Cops won’t even go in there,” she said.
“Thanks,” Alarya said and turned to Jenus as they left. “Just once, I’d like to have something be simple. You know, just ask some questions and get a ‘sure, she lives at such and such address.’ Go pick her up and take her back to the hotel. But no. Someone thought I’d rather fight hyped up street gangs who might not know when they’ve been shot.”
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 5, 2024 13:59:41 GMT -6
Jenus, not really being the urban operator that Naleena was, had decided to rip off a bit of the Spectre's wardrobe to wander about the less good parts of town. As such, Jenus was wearing a long black leather coat over her Commando armor, which did its level best to hide the Disciple placed across her lower back (and a model that would compact itself upon storage). Jenus couldn't help entirely avoid her own color scheme preferences, however, so she wore a long, scarlet scarf around her neck.
Alarya got a bit of a brow raise and a shrug, before a verbal reply. "Sure, but it's expected if she's hooked on something and doesn't want to be found. I think we just have to worry about show offs and toughs who don't recognize they shouldn't mess with us. Still, I don't really expect every, uh, bonehead, to be aware enough. If there is trouble, we'll set an example and maybe the rest will lay off and let us do our job."
Maybe sizing up Alarya, the normal lack of compassion Jenus had took a back seat. "Look, kid, we'll find your friend. I'm not sure we can save her from herself, but at least she'll have a chance when we find her. Let's go."
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Post by julia on Mar 6, 2024 18:22:30 GMT -6
The Spectre's shuttle touched down in Serrice and she and Mira took a taxi to Matriarch Syra's office. They were running a little behind schedule so there was no time for sight seeing. Besides, the only other stop Naleena needed to make was to pick up some Serrice Iced Brandy at the distillery.
Syra's office more closely resembled a museum than an administrative office with faded, two-thousand year old tapestries that displayed memories of a bygone age before even contact with the turians; stone pieces from ancient now ruined temples to Athame; ancient headdresses, and this was just in the lobby. Naleena checked in with Syra's assistant who buzzed them up.
Syra looked as pleasant as ever having just finished her morning mediation and the effects of that washed over Naleena who felt tension fall away. After exchanging pleasantries, and the "... No, I'm still officially on 'desk duty,' and so far have kept my operations in the Terminus Systems as requested, but I fear this one will bring me into Republics Space," Naleena said and shifted in her seat. "One of my crew, Alarya Sarvani, has requested that I look into the imprisonment of her squad leader, Linela Ieari. I-e-a-r-i. I forced her to divulge more details and that caused her to violate a very strict governmental NDA. As you know Spectres are supposedly 'above the law'. And what she told me raised some alarm bells.
"Have you heard of the Noth Incident in 2183? It involved an artifact of some kind. Maybe Prothean? Maybe something else. People were probably still talking about the Battle of the Citadel at the time. I've tried to find files on it. I even had my AI search and we've hit firewalls. But someone like you might be able to breach them... legally."
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 14, 2024 21:37:11 GMT -6
Matriarch Syra took a moment to think, closed her eyes, and Naleena noticed she seemed a bit different than their last meeting. Perhaps not just with the meditation, but she seemed more calm in general. She opened her eyes. "Legality isn't so much a question as to who we bother, and sometimes that has to be weighed. I am not familiar with the Noth incident, perhaps I should be. Much more flying around this old crest of mine than usual. But anything involving an artifact would simply require the proper research and scientific clearance, don't you agree? The Spectre card need not be used here. Research and study, these are enough for your investigation; you look to me like you've recently developed an interest in science, Naleena. As does your bond mate."
Mira, Naleena noticed, blushed.
"Come now, young maiden," Syra said to Mira, "No need for such modesty. I celebrate your togetherness, and I do have some awareness of what you two have been up to. I care about my people, and, Mira, you are somewhat more convincing in the role of researcher, if you don't mind me saying so." She turned back to Naleena. "Certainly you have my blessing. This...Alarya. She is part of your group. Don't concern yourself with disclosure agreements, or send the issue to my staff if it comes up. I promise it won't be an issue, the cost of anyone bothering you about it in legal fees alone will have them drop the matter once they meet my phalanx of young, overpaid and over-degreed attorneys. As far as the rest of your concerns with the Council, I don't really even think involvement of your name has to get out, Naleena. If you keep it discreet as you can, and even if not, someone would have to come looking."
She held Naleena's gaze for a moment, and then asked, "Are you concerned about anyone in particular who might have their eye on you?"
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Post by julia on Mar 20, 2024 18:45:50 GMT -6
Naleena shook her head. "I've kept my activity mostly to the Terminus like the Council wanted, although I haven't exactly kept a low profile. In my last trip to Armali, I loaded up on military grade ordinance for my ship - the type used by Serrice Guard units for commando raids. I used it to take out a major crime boss on Erinle, one who had been trafficking in combat drugs among other things. It was quite a fight. Once the local police chief saw which way the wind was blowing, he chipped in, and I brought a wanted criminal back to Armali," Naleena said. "I'm pretty sure someone within the Spectres took notice not necessarily of me, but of my team. We were outgunned and outnumbered. They had asari commandos, but their mistake was having them lead squads instead of working together. Had they done the latter it would've been quite a fight. So, yeah, I'm pretty sure someone took notice.
I'll give you what I know about the Noth Incident. It's a copy of the file I created from Alarya's 'interrogation'. For safety reasons, it's encrypted. The private correspondence I sent you to make this appointment contains the encryption key. Just scan that with this tablet. Those involved in the incident went to great trouble to cover it up, and I couldn't risk the tablet falling into the wrong hands, and if it did, the encryption is strong enough it would take the best computers about two years to decrypt it. Read it and then wipe the file.
"My first step is finding Alarya's squadmates and find out what they know, and then figure out a way to get Linela out of prison," Naleena said and then rubbed her eyes near the bridge of her nose. "You know, Syra. I can't help but think this is more than a military secret. Something dirty is going on. Once you see this, I know you. You'll want to do some digging. Before you do, you should make sure you have someone close who can watch your back. Here are the dossiers of two people whom I trust: Rea Iallis and Molly Hagen. Hagen is on the Citadel and I believe is a Captain in C-Sec. Rea is an instructor for the Serrice Guard. Either one of these people would be good assets or they know trustworthy people."
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Post by julia on Mar 21, 2024 15:07:03 GMT -6
Alarya and Jenus
Alarya had rented a surface car so she and Jenus could cover more ground in less time. The Nathal District made Old Omega look like prime real estate. A glance down an alley would find people huddled around a drum with a fire going in it keeping warm and several tents arranged in a circle around it. Water stained crates, crumpled wrappers, broken glass, and the smell of vomit made one gasp for clean air, but those living there were used to it. The city government at least provided porta potties. Alarya flashed Laara's picture and of course had to spread some of those credits around just to get a "no" or "yeah, I know her but haven't seen her in weeks."
Alarya looked around in confusion. "Thessia... the asari utopia my ass." The e-democracy left these people behind. Forgotten by those with access and concern only for themselves. She continued driving and saw a disheavled figure walking down the sidewalk past the vacant grafitti covered storefronts. Alarya recognized the gait, pulled over, and got out of the car.
"Calilas!"
The figure ignored her, and Alarya jogged toward her. The figure heard the footsteps approaching and took off at a sprint with Alarya in close pursuit. Another figure in the distance jumped in a car and sped off.
"Fuck! Fuck! Fuck!" the figure muttered as she cut into an alley. She grabbed some crates and pulled them down behind her and kept going.
Alarya jumped over the crates and was gaining on the figure. The figure found herself trapped by a chain link fence which she started to scale with ease. Alarya leaped and grabbed her by the ankle and pulled her down. The two landed and began to fight. The figure hit Alarya hard and knocked her away and pulled a knife, and then they squared off.
"Laara? It's me. Alarya. Put the knife away."
"Go away! Leave me alone!" Laara shreeked, holding the knife in a defensive posture, and she squinted. "And how do I know you're who you say you are? Alarya's dead, just like everyone else."
"Remember Beshiki and Elfin? Remember the time we climbed Mt. Saekro? Remember what you told me when we got to the top? 'I gotta fucking piss,'" Alarya said.
Laara studied her for a moment and lowered the knife. "Well, maybe you are Alarya, but you made me miss my fucking connection. I'm gonna need a fix in a few hours. Sweet dust. But it's been ten years, you bitch. They told me everyone was dead. And why are you still wearing that... those leathers after what they did?"
"What was left? I could've...."
"Ended up like me?"
Alarya winced. It was true. "I'm... I'm working for a Council Spectre now."
"Oh Miss high and mighty is working for a Council Spectre."
"Would you listen? Please? She's looking into Noth. She's going to get Linela out. She wants to find our old team and put the pieces together. She's one of the best," Alarya said.
"And who's your muscle?"
"This is Jenus. Try not to piss her off."
"So your 'Spectre' sent you to find me. Look at me. I'm a fucking mess. I live on the street and I'm an addict."
"I needed to find you. And now take you back to the hotel and get you cleaned up and some fresh clothes," Alarya said.
"And my fix?"
"Know anyone who has stuff? I have some credits."
"Yeah, but I don't need your charity," Laara said. "Next alley over. Lysani might have some extra."
"You need to get cleaned up all the way."
"And if I don't want to?"
"We'll let the Spectre deal with that. So are you coming? Three squares and soft bed," Alarya said.
Laara groaned. "I suppose, for now."
"Jenus, could you bring the car around?"
Laara smelled really bad. It probably wouldn't be a good idea to take her through the lobby. Sneaking her in through a fire exit would be better.
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 25, 2024 15:29:21 GMT -6
Syra
Matriarch Syra listened to Naleena, took the tablet and drew up a holoscreen on her desk. "Let's get this done immediately, shall we?"
Whether Naleena had expected it or not, Syra went straight at the encrypted file. She read at a rather rapid pace, Naleena noticed, and only the soft swish of the wooden beads on Syra's wrists or the sound of her tapping fingers could be heard for a few minutes. When she closed the file, then afterwards wiped it, she slid the tablet back to Naleena. It was quite the feat, Naleena considered, if Syra had read the entire thing in such a short time. Then again, it wasn't that surprising, considering who Syra was.
"You are a busy bird, Naleena T'Sarius. My life is complicated out of necessity. For you, I'd recommend cutting back a bit, although I doubt you'll follow my advice. I understand the reason for your suspicions, yet I cannot shed more light on them. I will rely on you to continue your course, and will grant you whatever permissions will make your job easier. There are some people I can assign to doing some digging as well, but...if I'm involved, I warn you it may set off more concern than yourself. My enemies are many and I am, after all, a public figure. I am watched. Even when I do my best to keep things under wraps."
She sighed, looked up for a moment as if in thought, then went on. "This human Molly Hagen, I'm sure I can make a special request as she is stationed on the Citadel, through the Republics Embassy. I am not familiar with her work, however you seem to have faith in her. As far as Rea is concerned, are you really asking me to give up my best personal guard?"
It took a few seconds for Naleena to realize Syra was joking, her humor was so dry and her face so straight.
"Rea Iallis does teach classes at the Serrice Academy but I have asked her to cut back on her schedule as I've had some threats recently against my office, you know, from this or that or the other source. Part of the job, really. But she's extremely efficient and so I've had her work with me for the past few months. I will assign her to you if you wish, my request is for you to keep me informed as soon as she is available to send back to me. Follow the proper procedures, please, or someone else will scoop her out from under me. She is in high demand."
"You will get along with out her?" Mira asked out of concern.
"Of course. I've always had to watch my own back, long before there was a Rea Iallis to help. And if I didn't have her, I'd have taken you up on the task, Mira T'riel. But Naleena, who would never enjoy such a static position for her, has snatched you up as her own personal bodyguard."
Mira blushed. Syra turned back to Naleena. "Ask for whatever else you need, if I can provide it, I will. If you'd like, I will send for Rea and whe will be here within the hour."
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 25, 2024 15:45:08 GMT -6
Jenus
Jenus caught up to Alarya, having kept her pace normal throughout, perhaps never worrying if Laara had it in her to get away. With her hands jammed into her trench coat pockets and her red scarf catching the wind, she looked around, wrinkled her nose, then she looked at Laara.
"Really," Jenus said, as if it were a one word statement on everything Laara was.
After a quick roll of her dark eyes, Jenus cleared her throat (likely due to the stench). "I'm not the good with people kind of person, so let's get this straight - you are coming with us, and Alarya gave you the nice version, so be thankful. As far as your fix goes, leave it. I'm sure with the med we have on board, we can do a compensate for whatever...chemical you've been pushing through your veins. None of this is an issue. We do have to clean you up, however, so stay put while I get the car. And...don't try to run again, because then I'll be agitated."
There was a lingering warning glance from Jenus, then she left to get the sky car. "In the back with her," she said to Alarya, "And you in the front. Try not to touch her any more until she gets scrubbed like she's been irradiated."
As Alarya had asked, Jenus got the car around. Fortunately, there was a keyed side entrance near the back, opening into an unoccupied hallway and with an emergency stairwell next to the door. They got in and up the stairs to their room where they could send Laara straight into the shower, and no one even saw them on the way. For Laara, the room was so clean she was even aware of her own smell for a moment.
Jenus set the water to mostly cold (enough to be uncomfortable, not enough to cause a problem). "Keep it that way, you need it."
Once outside the bathroom, Jenus said to Alarya. "I meant it. We need to dose her with a recovery drug. I am not traveling around with a drug perp on...whatever that stuff was called. We'll avoid the withdrawal symptoms another way. Tell room service to fetch us up some new clothes for her, and put it on the tab."
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Post by redbelle on Mar 25, 2024 17:33:34 GMT -6
Homeworld - Diplomatic Station
The day came and went and nighttime drew in but few could sleep for what would occur in the morning. Boris had retreated to the Love Hammer, his old tank seemingly a place of comfort to enjoy some peace before tomorrow. Ellu to had retreated to her gunship and was elbow deep in it's maintenance and life support upgrade. Aboard a ship like Medusa it's engineers had looked it over and decided the craft needed an upspec that Ellu had refused, but now the ship was quiet and the hanger silent, she was taking the time to look at the schematics and hardware the engineers had left behind.
Ulla had returned to the station. Her priority was to keep the peace between the nobles coming for the ceremony. Once the ceremony started violence would not be permissible under penalty of death by the Kingsguard but with so many feuding houses in close proximity, someone had to keep them apart.
Ulla's house items that she'd brought with her comprised mainly of what seemed to be industrial equipment. Her people had disassembled everything that was vital and replaced it with dummy versions to pass scrutiny back on the station and Homeworld. The Medusa though had swallowed it with room to spare for personal possessions that comprised the contents of her house that she would be leaving behind. Nothing of value that could be used against her was left she assured Jocelyne and as Jocelyne had toured the container holding her houses items it reminded her of a war museums storage vault. Military uniforms and sabers going back generations hung in transparent transport lockers while paintings of past generations rested in racks. It was apparent the Ledirakian's were closely tied to those who came before them. Pride in their ancestry was evident where ever they looked, but so to was competition in some of the houses that seemed eager to end family lines and start ones of their own legacy.
At last, the day came. Everyone had assembled back at the Cone's diplomatic sector in the house that had been prepared for them. The yacht stood on the pad as Jess strode around the main hall, looking around for Boris and Ellu.
"Pre 'meeting the King of the warstacks' nerves you reckon?" She asked Jocelyne. "Or you think they just jumped out the window and made a break for it?"
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Post by KelRiever on Mar 25, 2024 18:21:08 GMT -6
"Nerves, aye," Jocelyne agreed with a nod, Jess noticing her getup with every button and littlest thing polished to a high shine. With a finger to her tricorn, Jocelyne added, "I trust Pepper will deliver Boris. Ellu may have had a moment of doubt in all her bravado but she'll show, unless she wants Morgan hunting her down. And no matter her tough edges, she does not want our Morgan hunting her."
Perhaps the comment might strike a nerve depending on how Jess felt, but Jocelyne did not mean it to. Her sea blue eyes gave a wink of encouragement to Jess. "I think it will be fine."
Unbeknownst to Jess or Jocelyne at that moment, Pepper was doing her best to clean up Boris and make him look presentable. Perhaps they'd spent enough time together that Pepper could finally understand.
Keith and Elf showed up, the two giving an uncertain glance about as they hadn't seen the expected duo yet, like Jess and Jocelyne. Largo tromped on by with a crate. "Captain Jess have need?" he asked, still having not adjusted to the proper calling of Jess in her promoted position. He was nudged by one of the nearby loader lads but Largo didn't figure it out.
"I hope we have good attendance from the crew in general," Jocelyne said to Jess.
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Post by julia on Mar 26, 2024 21:08:46 GMT -6
JenusJenus caught up to Alarya, having kept her pace normal throughout, perhaps never worrying if Laara had it in her to get away. With her hands jammed into her trench coat pockets and her red scarf catching the wind, she looked around, wrinkled her nose, then she looked at Laara. "Really," Jenus said, as if it were a one word statement on everything Laara was. After a quick roll of her dark eyes, Jenus cleared her throat (likely due to the stench). "I'm not the good with people kind of person, so let's get this straight - you are coming with us, and Alarya gave you the nice version, so be thankful. As far as your fix goes, leave it. I'm sure with the med we have on board, we can do a compensate for whatever...chemical you've been pushing through your veins. None of this is an issue. We do have to clean you up, however, so stay put while I get the car. And...don't try to run again, because then I'll be agitated." There was a lingering warning glance from Jenus, then she left to get the sky car. "In the back with her," she said to Alarya, "And you in the front. Try not to touch her any more until she gets scrubbed like she's been irradiated." As Alarya had asked, Jenus got the car around. Fortunately, there was a keyed side entrance near the back, opening into an unoccupied hallway and with an emergency stairwell next to the door. They got in and up the stairs to their room where they could send Laara straight into the shower, and no one even saw them on the way. For Laara, the room was so clean she was even aware of her own smell for a moment. Jenus set the water to mostly cold (enough to be uncomfortable, not enough to cause a problem). "Keep it that way, you need it." Once outside the bathroom, Jenus said to Alarya. "I meant it. We need to dose her with a recovery drug. I am not traveling around with a drug perp on...whatever that stuff was called. We'll avoid the withdrawal symptoms another way. Tell room service to fetch us up some new clothes for her, and put it on the tab." (While Jenus was getting the car) Laara gave Alara a knowing look. "Your CO reminds me of Linela. Doesn't put up with bullshit." "She's my teammate. And you're right. She doesn't put up with bullshit. The boss is looking for the other members of our old team," Alarya said. "The boss?" "Naleena T'Sarius. The Spectre." "Spectres usually rise up through the ranks of the Commandos or whatever military. Armali grad? I never heard of her," Laara said. "She's a former assassin, and then contract cleaner for the Council. I understand she got into some real trouble with the Special Tasks Group, and you know the Salarians: you can outlive them but they keep records," Alarya said. "And the others? "They were originally security for a top secret facility that produced Silaris Armor," Alarya said. Laara laughed. "This is too much. A criminal turned cop; a commando who was busted to recruit rank; and a bunch of former security guards. Tell me they have combat experience." "They defeated Serrice Guard. The one you just met killed a Krogan in combat with a spear. And then there's stuff I can't talk about because it's classified," Alarya said. "Holy shit! Okay, I won't give her any trouble," Laara said. "And then there's Darius, a Turian ex-con who is our engineer. And he's not too shabby under fire either," Alarya said. "And then an ex-con. This keeps getting better and...." And then Jenus arrived with the car, and Laara and Alarya sat where Jenus had instructed. Laara kept quiet on the ride back to the hotel and cooperated fully. She didn't give Jenus any trouble. The shower felt good, although she would've preferred it a little warmer. When she emerged from the shower, she put on her robe while waiting for the clothes to arrive. Even cleaned up she looked about 250, about 100 years older than she was. A human couldn't tell, but another asari could. "Jenus, Alarya told me a bit about you. Basically you got from almost nothing to where you are not through the fancy academies like we did, but the hard way. Much respect. And... thanks. Thanks for pulling me out of there. I won't give you any trouble," Laara said. "I understand your boss is looking for what's left of my old squadmates. I'm almost looking forward to training again, but I've got to get on those meds first. It's going to be a rough ride."
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Post by julia on Mar 27, 2024 4:12:27 GMT -6
SyraMatriarch Syra listened to Naleena, took the tablet and drew up a holoscreen on her desk. "Let's get this done immediately, shall we?" Whether Naleena had expected it or not, Syra went straight at the encrypted file. She read at a rather rapid pace, Naleena noticed, and only the soft swish of the wooden beads on Syra's wrists or the sound of her tapping fingers could be heard for a few minutes. When she closed the file, then afterwards wiped it, she slid the tablet back to Naleena. It was quite the feat, Naleena considered, if Syra had read the entire thing in such a short time. Then again, it wasn't that surprising, considering who Syra was. "You are a busy bird, Naleena T'Sarius. My life is complicated out of necessity. For you, I'd recommend cutting back a bit, although I doubt you'll follow my advice. I understand the reason for your suspicions, yet I cannot shed more light on them. I will rely on you to continue your course, and will grant you whatever permissions will make your job easier. There are some people I can assign to doing some digging as well, but...if I'm involved, I warn you it may set off more concern than yourself. My enemies are many and I am, after all, a public figure. I am watched. Even when I do my best to keep things under wraps." She sighed, looked up for a moment as if in thought, then went on. "This human Molly Hagen, I'm sure I can make a special request as she is stationed on the Citadel, through the Republics Embassy. I am not familiar with her work, however you seem to have faith in her. As far as Rea is concerned, are you really asking me to give up my best personal guard?" It took a few seconds for Naleena to realize Syra was joking, her humor was so dry and her face so straight. "Rea Iallis does teach classes at the Serrice Academy but I have asked her to cut back on her schedule as I've had some threats recently against my office, you know, from this or that or the other source. Part of the job, really. But she's extremely efficient and so I've had her work with me for the past few months. I will assign her to you if you wish, my request is for you to keep me informed as soon as she is available to send back to me. Follow the proper procedures, please, or someone else will scoop her out from under me. She is in high demand." "You will get along with out her?" Mira asked out of concern. "Of course. I've always had to watch my own back, long before there was a Rea Iallis to help. And if I didn't have her, I'd have taken you up on the task, Mira T'riel. But Naleena, who would never enjoy such a static position for her, has snatched you up as her own personal bodyguard." Mira blushed. Syra turned back to Naleena. "Ask for whatever else you need, if I can provide it, I will. If you'd like, I will send for Rea and whe will be here within the hour." Naleena remembered that Rea had offered to join her a couple years ago, but then Naleena got tied up with Alexandra, the wedding, and everything. Now she felt guilty about asking after finding out she was Syra's personal bodyguard. Molly had a good eye, could spot details even the most experienced investigators missed, and she wasn't as fragile as most humans anymore, given that her abdominal cavity was completely robotic. Besides, she came with benefits that Syra could use. "Rea would be an excellent fit. It would be an honor to have her on my team. I promise to return her to you in one piece once the mission is done," Naleena said. "Molly can take some of your investigative load off your shoulders. And if you need to infiltrate an organization, she did manage to infiltrate Iyana's fortress and pass herself off as someone with command authority. She's not your ordinary C-sec detective. If you wish I will make a call to Molly and let her know that you're requesting her."
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Post by KelRiever on Apr 22, 2024 13:46:45 GMT -6
Jenus
Jenus gave Laara a look out of the sides of her eyes, clearly skeptical. "If anything, this isn't even the beginning of the beginning of what you have to go through to clean yourself up. I've dragged an addict or two in over the course....the odds aren't in your favor. But you're right. When you're with us you're going to be clean and stay clean. And you are extremely, extremely lucky to have Alarya as your friend." Jenus then opened up her omni-tool, punching in a message to Naleena:
We've got the perp, knocking the smell out of her with a cold shower, now. Let us know what's next.
Syra
"Yes, you should reach out to C-Sec, on my authority. I will leave it to you to pick up the detective. In the meantime, I will have Rea come over myself."
Syra swept her hand over her desk and a holo popped up. There was an asari on the other end in uniform.
"Matriarch Syra, how can I help?"
"Send over Iallis. I have a new mission for her."
"Affirmative...but, she's on a combat drop training currently. As soon as she's..."
"Now," Syra was firm, "On the way, have her belongings packed and sent by shuttle to The White Rose, a ship you'll get coordinates on. I don't have time."
"Understood, Matriarch."
Syra cut the line. "Serrice, always thinking they are the most important event. Give Rea fifteen minutes."
It was less than fifteen minutes when Rea came through the door to the office. Naleena knew it had been a bit, but when she saw Rea, it was as if the maiden seemed younger than ever, and that was despite her appearance; she'd clearly been in the middle of the training mission. While in her light gray Commano Leathers, Rea had a sheen of sweat on her, a good covering of dust, and a few heavy scuffs marking her leathers. Her disciple was holstered on a back harness, and a pistol was strapped to her thigh. But when she matched eyes with Syra's guests, she glowed.
"Naleena!" she called out and smiled.
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Post by julia on Apr 28, 2024 4:44:55 GMT -6
Alarya
It was just a matter of time before Laara began going through withdrawals. Alarya had gone out to one of the local clinics to score something to ease the pain. Of course this meant she had to get past the receptionist and see a doctor.
"I need to see a doctor," Alarya said.
"What is the issue?" Idresa, the receptionist asked.
"It's for a drug withdrawal, specifically bonedust," Alarya said.
"May I have your name?"
"Sarvani. Alarya Sarvani. I'm a Commando," Alarya said.
"I can see that, but you really should go to the hospital at the base here in Armali," Idresa said.
"It's not for me. Look I work for a Council Spectre and she sent me to get this stuff for a witness. We don't have time to go all the way to the base," Alarya said. "I can call her if you want. I just need three doses of Ketalin. I have an account number."
"You need a prescription for that. The doctor will want to see the patient," Idresa said.
"Okay, it's for me," Alarya said.
"The doctor will be able to see you in about two hours," Idresa said.
Alarya saw how many people were in the room. There were ten waiting. "I need to get in to see the doctor. Who wants 100 CR to wait ten minutes longer and let me go ahead?" and she began passing out 100 CR notes to the sick people. And she turned to Idresa, "Now can I go in?"
"Room 2."
The doctor entered. Alarya explained the situation to her and walked out with three doses of Ketalin and returned to the hotel. Upon arrival at the suite, she told Jenus what she had and injected Laara with the first dose.
Naleena
Commander Bailey had just gotten a fresh cup of coffee and his morning donut when his com buzzed.
"Never a moment's rest," he grumbled. "Yeah, this is Bailey, what is it?"
"This is Spectre T'Sarius. Do you have a moment?"
"What kind of trouble are you into now? You still on the Council's shit list?"
"Yes, I am. But I need, or rather an Asari Matriarch needs one of your people: Molly Hagen," Naleena said.
"Hagen? What the hell for?"
"Call it a diplomatic exchange. I need to borrow this Matriarch's personal bodyguard for a special mission, and I need to replace her with someone competent. Hagen was the first name that popped into my head. Do this for me, and I'll owe you."
"There's gotta be a catch," Bailey said.
"No catch. Just have Hagen on a shuttle to Serrice. I'll meet her at the space port. Text me with her flight information," Naleena said.
"How long do you need her?"
"Don't know. Could be a few months. Like i said, I'll owe you," Naleena said.
"I'll hold you to that," Bailey said. "I'll contact Hagen and get back to you."
A half-hour later, Naleena received a message with Molly's flight information.
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