The Journey Home
A dull banging against metal is heard from behind. Sounds of metal creaking between the poundings. Two figures are standing by a security screen while one types on a console.
"Leave him we can't save him like this!"
"I can and will save him."
"He made the choice and we must honor his sacrifice."
"I'm not leaving him!"
A thunderous screech occurs as the door is ripped in the center and slowly pushed apart. The face of death and loss emerges.
2 months before hand
A female Quarian stirs around under her covers before sitting up and revealing herself. With a small yawn she gets out of bed and goes through her routine of washing and putting on her protective suit. She appears mostly human except for her legs and hands. Her calves are concave and she has two large toes, and she has two fingers and a thumb on each hand with the index being the longest. Her suit is skin-tight and made out of fabrics and other carbon fiber looking composites creating an air tight environment. It is colored with a light grey so is not blinding, with dull navy bands and rectangle plates. The bands are in a grouping of two which further hugs the space under the breasts. The plates are on the forearm and triceps and are small and flexible. She has a hood which covers the wires and tubes connecting to the back of her helmet and a couple on the sides of her helmet, of which is shaped like a cockpit of an aircraft with mouthpiece that lights up when she speaks and two rectangular pieces of metal which are attached vertically to the mouthpiece on either side. Quarians all wear suits like those in order to protect themselves from viral harm because of their weak immune systems. After her routine she sits on the bed and stares up at the ceiling.
'I wonder what my pilgrimage will be like.' With that thought she stands back up and grabs her messenger bag, sidearm, and a few other of her things and heads out the door to her room. She walks along the almost balcony like catwalk linking other rooms to lifts at either end. Opposite of the many open levels of rooms shows a park/general area for everyone. A fountain is against the wall on the right compared to the rooms, and it was centered along said wall. She walks along till she gets to the lift and pushes the button to head down. Once the lift reached the bottom she saw her mother and a few other of the family friends and heads toward them.
"Keelah se'lai, mother."
"Keelah se'lai, Vomiel'toni." Her mother says kindly before hugging her. "Captain Zulock has come to see you off as well." She motions toward him and he begins to speak.
"It is sad to see you go and we will pray for your safe return, but we are glad to have seen you grow into the proud Quarian that you are today."
"Thank you both" Vomiel says before giving a small bow to the captain. "I will be traveling alone correct?"
The captain replies "correct at least from here you will… but I shall offer some advice, go to the citadel and find a friend of mine there he is Airion the security chief over there and can help you on your way, or you can go your own way."
"Oh and don't forget... don't try to look for the perfect man, okay, sweety."
"Mom… you just ruined half of the girls in this galaxy's dreams."
"Just trying to help."
Vomiel "helmet palms" before hugging her mother. "Take care of the place for me, will you?"
"Of course, dear, and you return to the flotilla safely please."
Letting go of the hug, Vomiel nods and turns to the captain who turns and starts leading her to the hanger-bay and toward a magnificent journey
Hours later...
Half asleep Vomiel stumbles out of her small ship and onto a landing pad within the citadel. Looking around there are a few other races hanging around or making repairs on their own craft. Stretching one last time, she closes the hatch, and locks, it and starts walking to the security checkpoint. There is a Human and a Turian talking to a Krogan. The Human and Turian laugh at the Krogan who stands in a firm prideful stance before stomping through the checkpoint. The Turian stood about an average height for his species which was close to seven feet, and has brownish scales covering his body with black accents. The top of his head sleeks out into a spiky crest which juts out the back of his head a couple inches. The human looks like an Asian male in his forties. Giving a small groan, expecting trouble/harassment, she slows her walk towards the checkpoint with a small messenger bag strapped diagonally over her shoulder so it rests on her left hip and a pistol in its holster on the right. She gets up to the two who were laughing and they don't cause a fuss until she passes them, and the Turian speaks up.
"You have a license for that pistol you have there?" He asks folding his arms. "That is military grade weaponry your bringing in here, Quarian."
The Human replies in a low voice, "Ah give the bucket head a break it's not like she can fight with knives"
They both give a small chuckle as she digs into her bag and pulls out the license, grumbling slightly in her own tongue before folding her arms together on her chest. The human takes it and looks it over before handing it back with one hand the other heading low towards her side. "You're clear. Sorry for the trouble. Just routine."
Vomiel grabs his wrist rather quickly, then takes back the slip with a small attitude and replies, "Bosh'tet".
She starts to walk off and relax when the Turian makes a wolf whistle at her as she leaves. Vomiel tenses up and continues a bit faster with heavy steps. She reaches the end of the checkpoint in her own heated world.
"Don't worry about them Quarian. They are just bored milk drinkers."
Vomiel jumps back, startled. Getting herself back together, "I-I'm sorry?"
The Krogan from earlier was leaning on the wall and laughed before stating, "heh the guards are useless only good for deterring." He scoffs at them before standing straight and continuing, "The name's Klax. It's good to meet someone else who hates the discipline here." He shoots a wolfish grin.
Vomiel recovers from the initial shock of the large (normal for the species) humanoid/lizard/worm like creature. He has a very large frame compared to the Quarian but tiny arms, legs, stubbed tail and hunched back making him look like a tadpole in the middle of forming into a frog. He is wearing thick plate armour which covered everything but his red crested head. His voice is deep, but it shows all of his emotion. His smile shows his row of sharp teeth and his two eyes glint with a hint of blood lust but not towards the female standing before him.
"Nice to meet you?" She states with an edge of confusion. She holds her messenger bag close to her as security for this odd situation. "I'm Vomiel'toni"
"Ha! it's good to see a Quarian in the Citadel. Hmmm... I realize that you don't know me or owe me anything, but could you do me a favor?"
"It depends. what exactly is it?" She replies as she shifts her stance to her left leg still holding her bag with one hand.
"Well I figured you were heading to the C-sec chief seeing as it's your first time here and I needed to give this data pad to him. He is a Salarian and an old friend. Normally I'd go myself, but I have to take care of something of a personal nature and I wouldn't want it damaged."
"Of a personal nature? That involves damage?"
"hmph, some dolt challenged me and I don't intend to disappoint. With that, I must go. If you don't want to, I can come back for it"
"No, it's fine. I'm heading there anyway."
"Thanks, Quarian. We'll meet again shortly."
With that bombshell, he hands over the pad and walks off full of testosterone. Vomiel stands looking at it, thinking about postponing that favor for a little bit to look around this huge wondrous place first. She puts the data pad in her messenger bag and goes to sit on a padded bench away from the corridor. 'Or should I just take this to him anyway? I could always look later, right?' As she thinks this her visor starts to fog up. She realizes this and, in a rush, fiddles with the wires and tubes under her hood. After about a minute, it seems to be fixed as the fog goes away and she sighs in relief.
She relaxes and leans back onto the bench. After a beat, she nods to herself, getting up and walking with purpose to the elevator on the left. Once inside the door closes behind her and she looks for the buttons, she finds them but it is not clear where the offices are it only mentions Residential districts and docking bays.
"Bosh'tet" she just picks one at random and once it starts moving she turns and looks though the glass behind her. Vomiel stares at the scenery and three of the five arms that make up the Citadel making it look like an enormous bullet that fanned out to the primer.
The elevator suddenly stops. She turns around and sees that she's not at her destination but then a large elcor slowly stumbles in. He is brown and looks very similar to a guerrilla on all fours, but his head is embedded into his body.
"with small concern, I am sorry if I startled you" The elcor says in the monotone unemotional voice that his species carries.
"oh you're fine" Vomiel says with an 'I wasn't expecting this' tone. She moves a little to the left and the eclor turns around to face the door. "With small relief, that's good. with small curiosity, where are you going?"
"Oh I'm going to C-sec and why do you speak like that?"
"Factual, our people lack facial expressions. Therefore, we speak our feelings so as not to confuse others."
"Aw, it must be annoying to have to explain your self all the time."
"Thankful, it is necessary like the suit you wear, but I appreciate your concern."
"you're welcome."
And so they continue their ride through the elevator in awkward silence. The elevator stops and the elcor stumbles out with his his heavy weight making muffled thunks as he walks out.
"With sudden incite, if you are still looking for C-sec it is on the left of me quarian." The elcor says while turning his head towards her slightly.
"Oh thank you so much"
She walks past him and pats his upper shoulder in thanks before they both part ways. As she walks down a hallway she pulls the data pad out of her messenger bag and takes a few more steps before looking up.
"oh..." she says as she stops under the sign of 'C-sec chief of security, Airion'. She gives a quick sigh out of nervousness almost expecting trouble like earlier but keeps her outward appearance normal. She walks in through the door which closes behind her. A salarian looks up from a pile of work.
"ah you must be Vomiel it's good to see you." He waves her over to his desk. His room is spartan other then a chair, a couple of plaques on the wall, and his desk with a heavily padded swivel chair
She walks up "hello Airion, sir". Vomiel holds her hands in-front of her waist while holding the data pad, her stance showing as much respect she can muster without looking weird. She was convinced she was looking weird anyway, luckily her helmet is tinted.
"No need to be so formal."
"Oh, yes, before I forget." She Hands him the data pad she has been carrying.
"Oh what is...? ha! klax the old brute! Let me guess he's in a fight correct?"
Vomiel nods, wondering what the connection could be between the security chief and the boisterous Klax. But before her thoughts can decipher their relationship, Klax walks in and puts a hand on Vomiel making her jump.
Klax says, "Not anymore."
Vomiel speaks up after taking his hand off of her "never again please."
"Heh... sorry about that"
Airion says, "so do I have to put you in the brig again?"
"No that poor sod is still alive."
"lucky him"
Vomiel sidesteps and keeps silent as an awkward silence fills the room. Airion takes a quick look at the data pad. "Well done Klax I appreciate your work and will transfer the money to your account once I get this in. And for you, Vomiel'toni we need to find you a job."
"She could work for me"
"No offence, Klax, but what you do is a worthy story to tell in Omega. A Quarian just starting on her pilgrimage should not be joining you."
"nothing like some quick learning..heh heh."
"I'll do it." Klax and Airion spin their heads to stare at her.
Klax shoots another of his signature wolfy grins. "I like the way she thinks; she will make a fantastic addition to the crew."
"So you are a Pirate?" She tilts her head to the right in question.
"I swear that was only once and I thought you covered that up, Airion"
"oh, but I did, you see." Airion states with a fake innocence.
Vomiel Looks at them with her hands on her hips obviously not appreciating the sarcasm.
"okay, the truth is we solve... mmm... disputes for money."
"Like a mercenary?"
"There are some occasions of that."
"That doesn't sound too bad." She states as she relaxes her stance.
"I would rather someone with a bit more experience but we are in dire need of a mechanic."
"course stereotype me why don't you, racist." She gives something of a pout as she folds her arms onto her stomach. "My race does have experience with repairs due to living on star ships for all our lives that's true. But my skills lie elsewhere."
Klax laughs. "well least you got some spirit, but in reality we really do need your help with that."
"Fine, I guess I'll help... how long are you going to be staying here I would like to look around at least."
"We will be in docking bay 13 for a few hours so you will have time to look around."
Airion speaks up, "But you will need some money." He types on his computer and a small beep occurs. Vomiel checks her omni-tool and looks at her account.
"Ten thousand?!"
"Airion, where did you get that money?"
"Oh 20% of your pay of course."
"Wait didn't you..." Klax checks his balance before throwing back his arms in rage. "You stole my money before even asking?!"
"I planned ahead and besides if she didn't join you I would have just put that money in your account."
"You... why... grr... just don't pull that stunt again." Klax stomps out of the room growling while Vomiel hides behind Airion.
"He'll be fine but you need to pull your own weight but I guess that goes without saying for you. Don't worry about Klax he's a tiny bit rough around the edges, but he'll treat you well. One final thing though, be careful and don't take any chances."
"y-yeah.." Vomiel stammers out before sighing. "thank you for the help though."
"It's nothing. The captain just owes me now."
"Oh?"
"Yes but you better go I have work to do and you're running out of time."
She then glances at the time. "Right... bye!" She runs out of the room and the door closes behind her. She hops in the elevator and pushes the button for the market place.
Airion leans back in his chair with a sigh before getting back to work.