Aces High Chapter 1: Poker Face
"Selina! Slow down! They'll think we stole something or… something!"
"Hurry up Vresh! You have GOT to see this!" The young Quarian Selina'Noslin nar Jericho bounced excitedly at the edge of the guardrail.
Vresh'Ikali nar Jericho shook his head at his excitable friend and checked behind him to make sure they hadn't attracted any attention from C-Sec. The influx of the new species, Humans, into the Citadel police force had made the Citadel a more welcoming choice but it was still common practice to "blame the Quarian" if anything went missing.
Not seeing any officials take any interest in them, Vresh assumed Selina hadn't added to their woes and made to catch up with her.
Both were on their Pilgrimage away from the Quarian Migrant Fleet or 'Flotilla' as it was also called. They had been friends growing up on the same ship together. Selina had always been a dreamer, racing off heedlessly after adventure with Vresh needing to bail them both out as she somehow wrangled him into the most perplexing of situations. It didn't irritate Vresh much through. True it could get overwhelming at times but Selina needed someone to look after her or she probably would have gotten herself killed a long time ago. He had to admit later on that at least he couldn't say his life had been boring!
Selina pointed to one of the many ships orbiting the space station. "I've never seen that one before! It looks new!"
Vresh adjusted his head to trying and identify the one she was pointing at. It looked fairly large… maybe some kind of dreadnaught. He couldn't place the class ether and being a Quarian you tended to know every kind of ship there was save certain military ones kept under black tape. Was this one of those? He'd heard the reports. Khar'shan, the Batarian homeworld had gone dark with millions of Batarians fleeing giant war machines known as 'Reapers'.
Earth, homeworld of the Humans, was the next under attack, though they fared better than the Batarians for some reason. Palaven, the Turian homeworld, was also reported to be under siege but no word yet had been reported how bad the assault had been.
The irony was not lost on Vresh. Synthetics had taken the Quarian homeworld and the other species hadn't lifted a finger to help them. Now synthetics were warring against the entire galaxy and homeworlds of other species were burning.
Warships were a common sight now around the Citadel. This one however was different.
"That's it Vresh. That's our ticket."
Vresh balked turning back to Selina.
"Our WHAT? Selina are you hearing yourself speak?"
She turned to her male counterpart. "Think about it Vresh. We find the commander of that ship and ask to go along. Just like Tali'Zorah did."
Vresh facepalmed, "WE'RE not Tali'Zorah Selina. Do you even know how lucky she was to even end up like she did? We're talking like a one in a million chance."
"We'll MAKE it work Vresh! I've got a good feeling about this. A VERY good feeling. We'll traverse the Traverse and find something that will make us every bit the hero Tali was."
A sigh issued from Vresh's mask. "We don't even know who the Captain is let alone if they'll let two Quarians with no military experience onboard."
"Quarians are the best with ships. Everyone knows that Vresh. I'm sure whoever it is would be willing to let two Quarians on a ship THAT size."
Their omni-tools chirped. Vresh opened his to read the message.
It was a priority notice from the Migrant Fleet. A recall order for all Pilgrams and Quarians outside the fleet to return to pre-arranged emergency pick-up locations. Vresh frowned under his mask confused. Why were they recalling everybody? Selina and he had barely stepped off the shuttle a standard week ago. Was it the Reapers? Were they now attacking the Fleet? No one would be so crazy to…
He looked up only to find Selina was no longer next to him. The green and purple suited female was off a ways questioning what looked like a military officer. Panic filled Vresh's mind causing him to hurry over.
"Selina what are you doing! I'm so very sorry sir I hope she wasn't bothering you…"
The officer, a human, chuckled. "Not a problem at all. Just curious about the Jaygratz."
"It's a new Carrier." Selina said. "It's picking up its full crew here from the Citadel. They're supposed to be taking the fight to the Reapers."
The officer checked his omni-tool. "Ah, I'm going to be late for boarding if I don't move. Nice talking to you." He walked off toward the outer ring.
Selina started tugging Vresh along. "We have GOT to get on board it somehow!" She hissed.
"Selina it's a Carrier, a military vessel. You can't just walk on board and expect to be welcomed!"
"If Tali did it then so can we. We've just got to find the commanding officer and ask to be taken aboard."
Vresh grabbed her wrist and pulled her to a halt. "Selina stop this. We're not going to just run into the commanding officer of a Carrier and he'll probably be full up on crew. We've got an order to return to the Migrant Fleet. I know you got it too. Now let's just go home."
Selina stopped and stared at him. "Y-y-you want to go home now? But Vresh! We haven't completed our Pilgrimage yet!"
"The Fleet ordered us back Selina. You know as well as I do that they only do that if something big happened. We should go back and see what they're doing."
"No."
Vresh narrowed his gaze. "What?"
"I said no Vresh! Run home to the fleet if you want. I'm not going back until I've found something." Selina ripped her hand away from Vresh's grip.
The two stared at each other. Vresh sighed. "Alright, you're your own woman Selina. I've looked out for you for years but obviously you're an adult now and can make your own decisions…"
"Vresh this is the first and maybe the only time we're going to be able to be out of the Flotilla like this. Do you really want to waste it? Once we go back we'll be sealed away again inside those ships like cattle, safeguarded from the galaxy that hates us just so we can survive. This is it Vresh! This is our big moment! We have a chance to find something that maybe can make a change and let us live freely again!"
Vresh rolled his eyes. "And how are two young Quarians going to accomplish what an entire fleet can't?"
"We have to try! Tali brought back information that lead to more understanding of how the Geth developed and shared information on weapons that may lead to a possible victory. Maybe we can find something like that. A… a virus or sorts… something that could win the war without a fight."
"And you think that the best chance we have is on that Carrier. Selina I've said it before but you are quite the dreamer. Really now, what are the chances we'd be able to land a spot on-"
"…Jaygratz too eh?" The name cut through the crowd causing the two Quarians to turn on the spot trying to see who said it.
Through the crowd was another Human. He was dressed impressively like the Officer before. "I don't think I've ever heard of a Quarian being officially listed on an Alliance Vessel before."
The tall Quarian female opposite him in bright red twitched her head to the side slightly for a brief second. "I was personally requested by a friend of mine. I believe he's running the shindig."
The human laughed. "Don't think I've met a Quarian who knew human idioms ether."
"You'd be surprised."
"I already am. Lieutenant Commander Mark Jameson. CAG for the 239th Interceptor Wing." He held out his hand to the Quarian. She took it and shook it. "Ta`gaTh Solana'Aylen."
"That's a fancy sounding title."
"It's a rank equivalent to that of Major in the Alliance."
"Ah, that means you outrank me."
"You're not in my chain though. I think I'm the Ground Contingent."
Jameson winced. "I sympathize. You're in for one hell of a fight down there. Mind if I just call you Major?"
"I'd prefer it. Most people wouldn't recognize the rank."
"Alright Major Aylen ma'am. May I escort you to the shuttle bay?"
"Only if you duck when I pull out my rifle." The two of them started walking.
"Based on what I see on your back it wouldn't matter much if I was or wasn't but would prefer to keep any new holes from being put in my person. Widow fan huh…?"
Vresh looked at Selina who was looking back at him with excitement dancing in her eyes.
"Oh no…"
"Come on Vresh!"
"Selina did you see what that Major was carrying? She had two Widows strapped to her! TWO. WIDOWS. Do you know what that means?"
"The M-98 Widow is an Anti-Material rifle well known for its ability to punch through any armor with ease. However the force and recoil of the weapon is so great it's been known to snap anything with a non-synthetic arm. Recently one company finally managed to produce a model that retained its performance without breaking the user's arm." Selina quoted.
"And she carries TWO of them like it was nothing! Anyone with access to one is part of some serious combat Selina! We could get killed!"
"Reward always has some Risk." Selina said before racing off after the two.
"Selina! SELINA! Oh Keelah… Ancestors protect us." Vresh prayed know there was no way back if Selina opened her mouth to the two.
"Excuse me! Excuse me!" Selina called out to the Quarian and Human ahead of them.
The dark skinned CAG turned to see if they were calling for him and seeing the Quarian running them down he stopped causing Solana to turn as well. The Major did not look pleased to see the two Quarians.
"You know these two?" Jameson said spotting Vresh catching up.
"I don't recognize these two Fleet Rats." Solana said icily.
"My friend and I overheard your conversation." Selina said. "You see we heard you were part of the crew of the Jaygratz and-"
"-were wondering where the shuttles going there were. Got kind of loss you see." Vresh quickly interrupted her. Oh Keelah please let this bluff work…
Jameson and Solana exchanged glances before looking back at the two Quarians.
"You part of the Volunteer Force?" Jameson ventured.
"Yes! Yes we are, didn't get very good directions you see and-"
"Say no more." Jameson said cutting Vresh off. "First time a Joint Task Force this size was created. Hell I had to even double check where the bloody shuttle was because they kept changing the location every five minutes. I was almost about to just request my bird and fly over there. I think we can help each other out. No problems Major?"
"None. At. All." Solana said through clenched teeth.
"Ah, here we are." Jameson said spotting a secure checkpoint. MILITARY PERSONEL ONLY BEYOND THIS POINT read the holosign flipping through various languages near the door.
An Alliance Solider stood at the checkpoint saluting Jameson and letting him through. He stopped Solana but a quick scan of her ID revealing her as the CO of the Volunteer Ground Contingent had the solider saluting her and apologizing for the confusion. Solana brushed it off saying she understood considering she was the only Non-human officer in charge of something.
As Vresh expected, they hit a snag when they tried to pass.
"Ma'am I'm not registering you as part of the roster…" The soldier said to Selina. "I can't let you pass unless you're part of the roster."
"But we're volunteers!" Selina said.
"Could you just check it one more time? We were kind of rushed through and maybe they didn't write us down or something…"
"I've checked it three times sir. Neither you nor the lady is on the list. I just can't let you through without clearance."
As the two Quarians tried to clear up the confusion, Jameson leaned to Solana. "You're gonna need all the hands you can get on the ground Major. Think you could throw your weight around a little? They just want to help. You can't fault them for that. Earth would really appreciate it."
Solana just looked at him. Jameson cocked his eyebrows. Solana sighed. "I'm gonna regret this I just know it…" she groaned before activating her omni-tool. A few quick taps later and she put it away and turned to the solider.
"Check it again Corporal."
"Ma'am?"
"Did I stutter soldier? What part of 'Check it again' didn't you understand?"
The soldier checked the list and paused.
"…Oh… I see. Go on through you two."
Selina danced through excitedly while Vresh seemed to be relieved as he followed.
Jameson grinned. "Catch you on the shuttle. He turned to continue onward."
Selina laughed as she and Vresh were just ahead of Solana. "I can't believe it! We're really going to be a part of the Jaygratz! It won't be long now Vresh! I can already sense we're getting closer…"
"YOU TWO! ABOUT FACE!" Solana snapped causing Vresh and Selina to jump before cautiously looking over their shoulders.
Solana was staring right at them.
"That's right! I'm talking to the two of you! Turn around! Now!"
Both Quarians turned on the spot to face the taller Quarian. Vresh had to admit she was quite imposing while staring him down. He gulped. Had she caught on?
Solana stared them down tapping one foot.
"Well you see Ms.-"Selina started.
"I don't care what you were thinking about doing!" Solana snapped cutting her off. "I know what you two are up to and I'm sorry to say this isn't the place for it. Do you know the mission you are about to undertake?"
"…No?" Vresh hesitantly ventured.
"Noooooo…?" Solana hinted.
Vresh suddenly recognized what she was looking for… and realized that once again, Selina had gotten him into something over their heads.
"No Ma'am!" He said loudly hoping if he at least sounded military.
"At least one of you has a brain." Solana growled. "Congratulations, you just enlisted in the Systems Alliance Special Forces Joint Operations. You have effectively forsaken your duty to the Migrant Fleet. Your ass now belongs to me until I or someone higher than I in the Human Systems Alliance Navy says otherwise. You are at my beck and call whenever I want you and you will be expected to work alongside the best the Galaxy has to offer from all races in an effort to combat the Reaper menace. Am I clear?"
"Yes ma'am!" Vresh announced.
Solana rounded on Selina. "AM. I. CLEAR? FLEET RAT?" She roared.
Vresh could see Selina shaking slightly and her eyes were wide.
Vresh gestured as best he could.
"Y-y-yes ma'am!" Selina said.
"Holy shit it CAN learn!" Solana said with false amazement before backing off. "Both of you get your asses on that shuttle RIGHT THE FUCK NOW! MOVE WITH A PURPOSE!" Solana barked causing the two to scamper into the small craft. Solana moved leisurely inside preferring to stand while others were strapped in.
A soldier already in the shuttle banged on the hatch to the cockpit. "Full up!" he announced.
The shuttle doors closed and the shuttle lurched as the thrusters fired sending the small craft to bring the occupants to their new home.
Awww... guys aren't shy are you? I don't bite much... unless you WANT me too. ^_^ Hope you're enjoying the ride so far. If you still have a character you'd like to see aboard the Jaygratz I've still got openings.
Feed me Seymour!