"We're running a simple op. Get in, get the VIPs, get out." Zaeed brought the holo-table to life, showing a massive jungle planet. "This is the planet of Woodfall, originally an Systems Alliance colonization venture, but constant raiding from pirates, mercs, and slavers have forced the Alliance to look elsewhere. Since then, crime syndicates have made the jungles of Woodfall their haven for red sand production and a halfway-house for slaving ops."

Standing to peer at the representation of the planet, Yulan Griggs looked at his comrades, then back to planet, "Okay. But who are the VIPs, exactly?"

"Some quarians that were in-system on their Pilgrimage got picked up by a band of pirates. Taken down groundside and are being held against their will. The Flotilla has contacted us and is willing to pay a large sum for their safe return." Zaeed zoomed in to the northern continent of the planet. Three large buildings were brought up on the map, surrounded by several smaller structures. "The largest one in the center is used for the production red sand, it's heavily guarded and the grounds are patrolled routinely by heavily armed sons-of-bitches."

Griggs snorted, "But I'm guessing these people don't keep prisoners in their main facilities. Giving them a personal tour of their drug operation would be bad business."

"Correct. Which leaves us with these two remaining auxiliary buildings," they were highlighted in bright orange on the map, "and several, smaller surrounding ones. We don't which one has got the quarians, but they're somewhere in there. That's our point A." The map zoomed out several miles into the 'sky' of Woodfall, before spinning east. It revealed a large bay, where several rivers cut through the thick jungles to empty into it. Sandy beachheads lined the edges, almost looking like a resort.

"That's point B." Zaeed stated. "It will be our insertion point and our extraction point. The reason I picked this lovely spot, is that exactly one click inland, any ship that attempts to land anywhere near that facility will be blown out of the sky. These people have set up AA emplacements all over the area. Once we hit that beach, we hoof it all the way in and out."

"Great." Griggs chuckled. "I'm sure Elfie would've loved dodgin' flak though."

Ignoring his commentary, Zaeed pulled up a list of Blue Suns personnel, "Griggs, you're leading group Alpha. It'll consist Sergeant Harin and four of his men. I'll take Riktus with group Bravo and four other boys. We'll hit the beach, split up and hit this facility from the north and south, respectively. Any questions?"

Leaving the farthest corner of the room that the alien inhabited, Riktus finally spoke up, "Which group is our four-eyed recruit gonna tag along with?"

The mere mention of the batarian made Zaeed's blood boil a little bit. Vido deliberately went behind his back, hired the alien, and immediately brought him onboard as a greenhorn. He made sure to have a little 'chat' with his compatriot about proper business practice when they got back.

Zaeed didn't like having this batarian around one bit. But since the kid came all the way out here, might as well see if he could be any use. If not, he could leave him on Woodfall and that'd be the end of it.

"He's with Griggs." The human visibly flinched when he heard his name. "Anything else?"

Silence.

"Suit up and get your gear in check. We launch in two hours."

Solem waited in silence. He listened to the thrum of the Iscariot's mass effect drive as he sat on what could pass for a tiny bunk. Being stuffed right next to the engine room, Solem was forced to bunk by himself aboard the flagship of the Blue Suns' fleet. It was loud, dirty, and people had avoided him ever since he came aboard.

Still better than Khar'Shan. At least on this ship he didn't have to worry about someone slitting his throat and gouging out his eyes in the dead of night.

It was pretty clear where he stood here though. Everyone either avoided him at all costs, or they gave him a look that could melt titanium.

Frankly, he didn't care either way. As long as he earned some kind of paycheck he could send back home, this was a victory.

Years of loyal service as a Ranger to the Hegemony were all for naught. His family still lived in the ghettos, barely surviving on the meager funds sent from the government for his service. All the while his brother was still in prison for crimes he didn't commit, despite repeated promises of his release.

He was fed up with it all. So, Solem figured the best way to help his family now was to leave Khar'Shan and find work out in the Terminus. Life would be no less forgiving, but it gave him a much better chance to earn a steady paycheck. Maybe if he made enough, he could pay off the warden and get his brother off-world, bring him into the Suns too.

"Hey, four eyes." The batarian turned to find the human known as 'Griggs' standing in the cramped doorway.

The alien stood, if not for the low ceiling, he would've easily towered over the man before him.

"We…uh…" Griggs eyed the batarian nervously for a moment, "…We're getting ready for an assignment, grab whatever gear you've got and meet up in the drop bay. I'll tell you the plan along the way."

Solem snorted at that. 'Whatever gear you've got.'

All he had was his worn-down Carnifex pistol and Ranger gauntlets, something he always promised himself he'd get rid off, but always end up keeping. Too useful.

Following the human out of his 'room', Solem kept his eyes locked on the back of the man's head and spoke.

"I'm going to need weapons and armor." Solem glanced down at for a moment before continuing, "Something lightweight, but can withstand a direct impact should the kinetic barriers fail."

The human burst into half-genuine, half-forced laughter, "You don't get it do you, four-eyes?" Griggs about-faced and shoved a finger in Solem's face. "You're a fucking greenhorn. You don't get to make demands or requests. You take what we fucking give you, and you prove your sorry ass out there in a firefight."

Solem just smirked. Then he pushed past the human, towards the armory.

Finally posted a new chapter of something, even though it was very short.

Guys, holy shit. Spec Ops: The Line…I won't say anything about other than it's an experience like no other. Check it out, you gotta.

Anyways…

Peace.