Mass Effect
Storm Singers
by
S'Eleene Paris
Forward
I thought it would be appropriate to mention a few things about this series of tales. All of which I believe important to mention at the very beginning.
First thing, these pages are transcripted from the origional Role Playing Game (RPG) conducted through America Online®'s Instant Messenger's (AIM) chatroom. It is this author's personal opinion that it was a shame they decided to get rid of the progam. The chatrooms had once a roll dice function which allowed for RPG gameplay in traditional tabletop style. The way I generally describe our game is "dungeons and dragons without the actual dungeons and dragons".
Secondly, I would like to point out that this was not written completely by myself. Like mentioned before, this series was origionally an RPG where I was able to enjoy game play with several other people. What I did was take the transcipts from the game and gave it some love. I formatted, detailed, and added bits to the story to make it more an enjoyable read.
So I would like to take a moment to thank the others for their love and appreciation of this RPG. Thank you for bequithing the characters over to me to allow me to continue the creativity once we dispanded as a group.
Most importantly, I would like to state for the record this DOES NOT take place in a vanilla Mass Effect universe. We took some liberties to change a few things because we didn't want to zap all the fun out of the RPG and we tried to stear clear of most of the main characters in the video game. We wanted to be able to allow those of us who had never played before (there was at least one of us who never had) the chance to play utilizing "standard" Science Fiction/ Fantasy tools. So, those of you who are going to critique about things not being exactly the way they were written in the series of media; know I am acknowledging this and I do not plan to change any of it. These stories were written with the heavy assistance from the official Mass Effect Wiki to make sure as much as the information I could was correct according to lore and documentation.
Disclaimer:
This story contains registered trademarks and copyrights. This specific author does not have proper authorization by the companies or parties in question to have the useage of these. This story will never, without the consent of these parties make money from their usage. The cost of these books only of these books are reflecting on the cost of the printing and shipping. Unless the permission is granted this will continue with any of the books in this series.
Dedication:
To: John, Geoff, Blake, Roger, Heidi, Vicki, and Erin; the real Storm Singers.
May you enjoy these adventures the second and third times as you did the first time.
Chapter One
The Storm Singers
"That ship wasn't set up for life support. No Oxygen processors; no anything." Irina tapped a few times on her omni-tool, "but there was a relay of some sort. It looked like it was destroyed-a hyperwave transmitter one. That may have been transmitting orders to the mechs."
"I wish there was more we could have done for them. Those pirate victims didn't stand a chance." Jim picked up his beef and bean burrito. When he took a bite, several dozen pieces of rice fell onto the helm controls. When the Purteo Rican man saw they did, he began to pick them up and ate them. Once he noticed Irina's helmet was cocked in a way which questioned him, he replied. "What? You never waste a good burrito. These are the only ones in the 'verse which even remotely compare to my abuela's."
"Unfortunately, there wasn't anything else to do. They're not going to have to worry anymore about anything considering they're dead." The Turian towered over the pilot's helm control station as he ignored the comment about the food. He raised an eyebrow ridge at the only Human on the Human based mercenary group. " The Alliance will get them sorted out and take care of them. Right now, I want to talk to that archeologist Admiral Hackett wanted us to find."
"What is her name, again? Merida?" The female Quarian asked.
"You mean Madura. She's that Asari adventure archeologist." The pilot mumbled as he took another bite of his burrito. Once he swallowed, "should we let Giro know so he can get whatever poor attempts to flirt with her out of the way first or should we let it be a surprise?"
"Knowing Giro, he's probably already looked her up and begun to practice his attempts to serenade her." Iocus Tokinthes finished tapping his long talons on his omni-tool.
"It's rather both rather pathetic and adorable at the same time." Irina chuckled. "What girl wouldn't want to be serenaded to?"
"About 90% of them. The other 10%, I'd have to question their sanity."
"Not the romantic, I take it, Io?" Irina giggled at his lack of enthusiasm.
"That would be a negative."
"Oh, I'll bet you'll be all super soppy when you meet the girl of your dreams." The group turned around, they were greeted by the Krogan of their conversation.
Korlec Giro was a Krogan of many different talents. Most of which involved him being a battle seige ram. He was very practical for a private mercenary group to have around. His deep, unquiting love for ancient Earth curiousities made him 'eccentric'. Perhaps getting his head knocked one too many times was the cause. "I can see it now. She'll show up right out of no where and you'll run into something as she comes into your view. That is, if I haven't gotten to her first."
"Giro, any girl who legitamately wants you, is not Iocus' type." Irina offered. "If anything, he's not the type to eye-hump every female who comes into contact with him."
"I can't help it if I'm so alluring I just cannot shake them off!"
"OY!" Came as a chorus from the other three.
"How soon will we get to the Kashshaptu station?" Iocus asked, trying to steer the topic back to business.
"W;re not going to the surface?" Giro cocked what traditionally been an eyebrow. That is if Krogan had eyebrows.
"Thankfully, they've decided to build a small station above the planet's middle orbit. It's suppose to be a research station. What they're going to be studying there, I do not know."
"I thought the station wasn't suppose to be done for another few months." The female pondered aloud.
"Well, I don't think Hackett would send us out here if it wasn't." The pilot suggested as he took another bite from his burrito. "Or at least I wouldn't assume he would. I'm not excited about setting her down on a sparsley inhabited planet where the average surface tempreture is 735.15° K. So yeah, it's probably the station."
"That's 462ºC or 863ºF for those of us who prefer other measurement reading units to freak out in." The Quarian mumbled.
When they emerged from the sublight field, which seperated Kashshaptu from it's local mass effect relay. Jim took standard system scan, "this was once a civilized planet?"
"Was it?" Iocus inquired off-handed.
"Where is that station?" The pilot asked to no one in particular as he checked the corridinates the Admiral sent against the starcharts. "Well, the Admiral says it was civilized anyway. The Rachni were a space age civilization once."
"Looks pretty civilized to me!" Giro said wirly.
"Crap." Jim groaned. "The coordinates the Admiral sent are actually on the planet itself."
"So, we're going to do this old school?" Irina asked. "Is there an obvious place to set down, Hot Rod? A settlement of some such?" .
"Well, kind of."
"Kind of? Define "Kind of". As in two prefab shelters and a satelite dish?"
"That would be an improvement. There is a large, flat area. You're going to have to hoof it about a mile."
"Oh, this promises to be fun. Giro, grab an enviromental suit. I'll go start setting up a grid search and test the current atmospheric conditions. Unless a carrier wave for the landing site or something exists. In which case, I'll just get the program ready. You never know this place could be inhabited."
"Yea, you should do that, Io. If this place is inhabited now, I'll eat the landing gear." Jim scolfed.
"Right then." Iocus turned to get to work.
"I'll go and get Alice ready then." Giro smiled and he turned to head to the weapon's storage.
"For what? Varren?"
"How did whoever we're looking for get out here, anyway?" Jim wondered aloud. "Anyway, strap yourselves in. We'll be landing shortly."
"Probably the same way we are."Iocus offered from behind the pilot's right as he buckled his harness.
The landing was vaguely smooth. The turbulance alone caused some damage to the ship's outer skin. "All ashore that's going ashore...what's left of it anyway."
He frowned as he looked back at the view screen. "What the hell would you call that anyway? A hive?"
Irina considered what the Human was looking at as she released her harness with a hard smack. She shrugged, "if it looks like a hive..."
She was interupted by Iocus. "Shuttle drones, away!"
"Fine. It's a ruined hive. I'm willing to bet our Asari friend is in there. I'll do a planetary scan; see if we can get any resources out of here." The pilot began in-putting the commands to run the scans.
"So what do you want me to be? The welcoming party?" Giro asked as he opened the case of his shotgun. "Alice" shined from a recent cleaning and polishing of her chrome plating.
"Of course, and my cover if someone starts shooting something." Irina snarked.
"Heh, alright. Let's move on then." Giro nodded and gave his favorite gun another once over before slinging it over his shoulder.
"We'll take the main hatch and head out. See you planet side, Iocus?"
"Acknowledged. There's definitely electronic readings coming from the formic-like tunnels, so someone is at home. I'm not seeing anything else topside, so I don't think there is a worry for an ambush."
The Krogan nodded. "Good to know."
A few moments of communications system silence occured as the duo headed towards the main hatch. When they arrived, Io concluded his scan. "I'm not seeing anything else. I'll join you guys outside the hill-like structure once I get my suit on."
If there were any organic signs the Rachni had been on Kashshaptu; they were long since gone. The planet was barren on the surface and littering it were tall towers of baked clay. Once they were colonies, buzzing with life. Now only the winds echoed around them. The colomns were monuments to a people no one really remembers.
"I wonder if we'll see any of 'em." Giro pondered out loud.
"I supect we're more than likely to see a Krogan overindulgence with flame throwers than any actual Rachni." Irina offered as she rounded the corner behind him.
"I thought I read some reports about how they've been seen in the galaxy again." Giro tripped over a few loose pieces of the larget, crumbling tower. He caught himself before he fell to the ground. He dusted off his armor and went to open the tower door. When he did, he gestured to Irina with a grandious bow, "ladies first."
She rolled her eyes. "Seriously?"
"Hey, can't there still be a gentleman out there willing to open a door for a lady?"
"He has a point." Iocus shrugged. He gestured for her to lead the way and he followed in second.
The inside wasn't any better than the outside, but it was shelter from the heat and the bright, blinding sun. The enviromental controls in the building were working over time, trying to keep the room cool. Shovels and pickaxes littered the room and on the communication rig in the corner held the archeologists' standard tool kit. "Iri, why don't you head over to the counsole and see if there is any confirmed information about our Asari friend being here."
"Ack!" Giro's voice called to his companions. "Guys, I think I can save us some trouble."
Out of the corner of his eye, Iocus saw his friend hold up his hands. He quickly swerved and pulled out his pistol out of reflex. He cautioned to the new arrival, keeping his side arm raised, but trying not to look threatening. "Easy there."
The dark blue Asari, which had her pistol on Giro's back, demanded. "Who are you? What are you looking for?"
"We're the Storm Singers Mercenary Company, ma'am. And we're looking for an Asari by the name of Madura." The Turian paused, "for friendly business. Not the other kind."
"What for?"
"We have an artifact we'd like her help analysing. Shall we put our weapons down, ma'am?" Io lowered his slightly. "Particularly the one pointing at my companion's back."
Her curiousity weighed out the options as she lowered her sidearm. "Artifact? What kind of artifact?"
Iocus nodded to Irna and Giro, then holstered his pistol. "A really large crystal. I take it you're Madura, ma'am?"
"Not very many other sentients around on this garbage rock. I was hoping with the recent reports of resurgent Rachni..." She paused for a beat. "You know what I mean. I was hoping some of them may have come back here."
"Indeed, I do, ma'am. I am Iocus and I am pleased to meet you. The Quarian is Irina and the Krogan, who is trying not to look embarrassed being drawn on, is Giro. Our pilot, Jim, is still with our ship. Did you have any business you needed to take care of? We could lend you a bit of aid; we are in no immense hurry, and any information on the Rachni could be useful-and valuable. Beyond that," he fiddled with his omni-tool and pulled up a picture of a brilliantly clear crystal. "This is what we wanted you to look at. It's at our base right now when you are ready to take a look."
"Nothing we've never seen before." She shook her head, then looked a bit closer at the photo. "Wait...a crystal? I mean, damn it, I'm an archeologist, not a gemologist."
"It seems to be a piece of technology. Possibly a recording device; we're not really sure. It's very old-similar in age to the Prothean."
Her eyes lit up. "Prothean."
"Probably not Prothean itself, but from a species that was around at the same time. Admiral Hackett recommended you to us..." The Turian trailed off, trying to hint at the discretion involved.
"Who's Hackett?"
"An Admiral in the Systems Alliance. Your reputation apparently proceeds you, ma'am."
"Apparently." She was pensive for a moment, then made a realization, "wait. A Human admiral sent a team of a Quarian, a Krogan, and a Turian to find an Asari about a Prothean artifact. What's the punchline?"
"It's a new reality show we're trying out!"
Irina went over and covered the Krogan's mouth, "...it's a long story."
"And a Human pilot and a private mercenary company." The Turian admitted. "Discretion, ma'am, and a bit of military secrecy."
"Why is the Human military involved?"
Iocus clicked his tongue a couple of times and wagged his talon back and forth. "The Admiral would prefer we didn't say. However, if you are going to get involved in the research, we can probably explain most of it."
She glanced at the Krogan and the Quarian, each in turn. Especially once Irina exclaimed when Giro licked her glove to get her hand off of his face. "Hmm...say that I am interested. What would I get?"
"Research facilities. Room and board. Whatever equipment you need, we can arrange for you. Negotiable salary-particularly if you are able to consult on other missions our team runs. And..." Iocus paused again, for effect. "I can assure you, the Systems Alliance Military will be grateful."
"And me doing a cover of an old Human album called, "Billion Dollar Babies"!" Giro exclaimed enthusiastically.
"Iocus and I...well...we'll try to keep you from hearing that."
"Is that suppose to be intimidation?"
Iocus chuckled, "our facility has certain amenities. Including a Human device called a "Karaoke Machine". Giro is somewhat fond of it."
"Alright, I'm interested."
"Good. We can draw up a contract when we get back to base, if you'd like-and after you've had a chance to look around, you can examine the artifact. Do you have any equipment which needs transporation?"
" I've got some basics, but nothing which can't be thrown in my bag."
"I'll be more than willing to give you a private tour of our base when we get there." Giro winked his eye and said slyly.
Irina rolled her eyes behind her helmet and said dryly, "I bet you would."
"I'm sure Giro would be happy to help you load those up. I'll go and Jim know that we're heading back once we get you packed." To say the least, Iocus was pleased. This mission was in severe contrast with their most recent kerfluffle answering default distress codes. It was going smoothly.
Once aboard the Corvette, Iocus heard Jim's voice on the entercom. "Everything loaded up?"
"Looks good from down here," the Turian checked the magnetic clamps on the totes the Asari brought, Iocus caught up with the other team members.
"...I didn't come with much, and I didn't find so much as a computer disk." Madura added as the group arrived on the bridge.
"I found a rock that looks like Iocus' head!" Giro stuck his hand out and a very vaguely 'Iocus shaped' rock appeared in his hand.
"Give it to me, and I'll put it in a trick or treat bag later." Jim took the rock and placed it on his control panel. "Anything else we need before we head back to base?"
"I have some shopping to do at a Sirta Branch, but I believe they take electronic orders."
"They do." Jim looked at the others. "I take it that is a no?"
"I'm good." Iri confirmed.
"I'm good too. I have some reading to do for Natsumi before we get back to base anyway."
Two thirds of the way back to the Mass Effect relay, the sounder klaxon went off. Jim came through the communication system. "Incoming transmittion!"
"Damn it, Jim!" Giro growled from his station on the bridge as the book he was reading closed.
"But you're not a doctor!"
"I lost my place no thanks to you." He exclaimed as the rest of the crew entered the bridge.
"It's called a bookmark!" Jim yelled over his shoulder.
The message replayed, "your cargo or your lives."
"How about we show them the back end of our thrusters?" Irina suggested.
"Well, we kind of have to. This ship doesn't carry ship to ship weapons!" The ship rocked to one side from the weapon fire coming from the other ship. "Maybe we should think about improving on that."
"Fast engins usually substitue nicely" Iocus claimed over the alert klaxon.
"Then maybe next time, we should improve on those instead." Jim rolled his eyes just in time for another roll of the ship.
"Sure, Jim. With the money we make from selling our surveys."
"This why we need guns on the ship!" Giro complained.
"Think they're after specifics or just going after random ships?" Irina saked as she took the engineering station. When the ship rocked to the other side, she bumped into her station. She groaned briefly and acknowledged she would need to check for damage on her suit. Now was not the time, "okay, so there is nothing else? Cargo or dead?"
"You want to hail them?" Giro exclaimed as he began unpacking his favorite weapons; sensing they were going to be needed momentarily. "Because I don't think our friends are in a talkative mood.
"So, let's see if their ship is faster than ours, but can we keep the option open?" She hit the council with her arm. "Ow!"
"Let's be honest, if it is who I think it is; we already shot up their mechs once. They aren't going to be in a particularly talkative mood." Trying to be the ever diplomat, Iocus interviened with his team. "If we can cut and run, we should. If not, I'll go and get my gun so Giro and I will get some target practice in."
"Look, Engineer. Maybe you can go down and see if you can work whatever voodoo you do to see if you can figure out how to recalibrate our engins and squeeze more out of her." Jim snapped.
"I'll see what I can do about those engines." Irina called over her shoulder as she headed down to the engine room.
"Appreciated." Jim's tone was less irritated as the technician left. "A little more quicker would be appreciate though."
"Iocus, do you have some flash-bangs or something similar to set to explode like mines by the airlock?"
"I think we have a smoke grenade or three. If not, I'm sure I can rig something up." Iocus began to plot possible devices.
Jim poured on the speed to give them further berth. This made the ship lurch forward. "The inertia dampeners must have overloaded, Hopefully, Iri is fixing that. It takes skill to bank like this in a vacuum. Don't think it doesn't."
Iocus felt like hours as they dodged and banked. Once the pilot was finally able to evade the hostiles long enough to pass out of their sensor range, he fell back into his chair. "Thank God."
"Well, is it just me or are you guys a little dissapointed we weren't going to make a boarding party into lunch meat?" Giro admitted as he began pack his guns back into their cases.
"I didn't think Krogen eat gears or drink oil. Odds are, that was a greeting from a friendly which we managed to piss off." The Turian shook his head and sighed in relief. "Either way, excellent work at getting away."
The steel bridge doors parted and Irina rejoined them; coming from Engineering. She wiped her gloves on her coveralls. "We got away?"
"It appears so. Good work down there."
"Thank you, Jim. Nice Flying."
"Where is our Archeologist?"
"She's downstairs in the galley. Hopefully, not too scared of us." Irina offered as she sat back down at her station.
The distinct sound of Korlec Giro kissing something drew the attention of non-Krogen to him. He kissed her again, then began talking affectionately to Alice. The oversized weapon was shining like new. "We'll get them next time won't we, lovely?"
He placed her into her no doubt expensive, padded and velvet-lined gun case.
"You know, I haven't heard of any major pirating groups using drones. Honestly, I think it would be a waste of ships. You'd make more of a profit selling them to the Quarians." The pilot offered, then winced. "No offense, Irina."
"None taken. Mostly because they would."
Giro sauntered over to Irina and patted her on the shoulder. "Nice job! I was just telling Iocus we keep you around for good reason."
"Well, thanks Giro," with sarcasm dripping in her voice. "I'm sure you were."
"Finally! Home sweet base!" Giro exclaimed as the group stepped out of their airlock, carrying Alice with him.
The small base was a stark, referbished Cerberus fighter base. Their origional base was once located on one of the least desirable wards on the Citadel. A bomb explosion triggered fires and burned the building down to nothing. Thanks to Admiral Hackett, they were able to move to this new location. Albet far from the noise of the Citadel, but Iocus prefered it that way. You're more likely to see if someone is coming for you if you aren't distracted by lights and loud music.
"I don't know about you guys, but I am looking forward to a long, hot bath." Irina rubbed her shoulder.
"How is the arm doing?" Giro asked, if on que. "I saw you hit it."
"It's fine."
"It's times like these I wish we had a medic, a nurse, a doctor, or something." Iocus confessed. "Iri, if the pain gets to be too much, I can take you to a clinic."
"Thanks, Io."
As they turned the corner and they were greeted by Admiral Steven Hackett. The admiral eyes, despite his piercing gaze, were soft as they expressed his approval and appreciation of this hodge-podge team before him. "You're back. Good. I see you were able to convince our archeologist to come. Madura, if you could come with me; we can discuss and sign your contracts."
"Thank you."
"I will come find all of you in about an hour. I have another mission for you." Hackett said before he escorted the Asari to the conference room.
"See you then." Once the crew began to disburse, Iocus pulled Giro aside. "Giro, can I borrow your expertise here?"
"On what?"
"Your specialty; brute force."
"I prefer the term focused brute force, but what can I do for you? "
"I'm getting rather tired of the range disparity between my pistol and sniper rifle. Looking for something mid-ranged. Most of my training was with heavier battle rifles; we never really covered the smaller stuff, like SMGs." Iocus pulled up a Sirta Foundation Catalog on his omni-tool and began poking through it. "Yep, perfecting for focusing it. Got any recommendations?"
"My experience is mostly with shotguns and assult rifles, but maybe I can help."
The Turian noddedl "I'm looking for something accurate. Short burst, ideally. I don't like the spray and pray, but I want something with a higher ROF than a pistol."
"The Locust is a very good choice."
"I don't suppose you know where I could get one of those, do you?"
"You could ask Natsumi. Most of my former associates from my earlier mercenary days are probably not the most honest sources. I know how important that is to you."
"Alright, I'll ask her." Iocus nodded. He watched Madura walk back down the hall. When he turned back to the Krogan, he too was staring at her. "Try not to flirt with her too much with the Asari. We've seen what she can do. Did you want to show her the crystal? I have a couple of questions for Irina."
"Heh. Alright. I won't flirt too much." He turned and headed over to their new companion. "I've been tasked with giving you the official tour. First we'll go by the labs, then the lounge, and then the bunkhouse."
"Riiight." Iocus chuckled to himself as he made his way to Irina, sitting in the corner of the lounge.
The Quarian caught him in her pereffrial vision and looked up from typing an email on her omni-tool. "Iocus? Need anything?"
"So," he started, sitting down next to her at the booth she was in. "I figured we should get Jim a little...present. He wants some guns for the ship, and you'd know what kind of power rating the ship could handle. Got any suggestions?"
"Hmm," she closed her letter and thought. "I wouldn't necessarily go with something too overpowered, which most readily available guns will be. Automated turrets might be the best thing; they won't draw too much from the rest of the ship's power. Or shouldn't, at least."
"Turrets are good. Although, V.I.-assisted targeting might be a little expensive, don't you think?"
"It would be. Either would work well, as long as someone was willing to do the targeting. Don't look at me. I couldn't hit a boulder." It was impossible to se behind her helmet, but she smiled a bit. "Besides, it shouldn't be too difficult to work into the ship's V.I. It might not be the best at targeting, but I suppose I heard you volunteering to do it manually."
"If needed, I could. I've been trained and I could certainly practice."
"Turrets are really little, though. You might regret that."
"Well, I wouldn't have to be in them to target. Do you think you could put together a few upgrade packages? We'll see about getting them fitted."
She nodded. "I should be able to do something."
"Excellent. And now we should probably rescue Madura from Giro."
Aria frowned as she tried to keep her face hidden. She didn't want her subject to know she was being watched. Then again, the trade's woman never doubted her intellegence either. The doctor wasn't exactly stupid. Not to mention with the exposure to things in the universe, she may already know she was being followed. Whether she knew it was Aria, was another story all together.
Nanette Pyxis had hired her to keep an eye on her granddaughter while she was on Omega. The doctor was the third-in-line to her guild's hierarchy and the current monarch was not going to take any chances for the oppritunity for other families to take it from hers. No, the guild's clan-like guild will not fall into the wrong hands. Which was what was leading Aria to do what she was comissioned to do. Who knew what the future to bring. Perhaps they would do her a favor in return.
Aria took a drink from her coffee cup and glanced up ever once and a while to make sure she could see her. "Good," she thought to herself as her target walked into the greasy spoon diner. After offering her order to the waiter, the well-known liquid tar-like coffee the diner was known for, she settled into reading her omni-tool.
The doctor was leaner than she had been the last time she had seen her. It didn't surprise her much. Without having the constant monitoring of the house staff, she would fall into old habits.
The spy decided to update the grandparent in code.
Nana,
I found the planet which you suggested I see. I was disappointed since Omega Beach was a bit leaner than I was expecting. It's been raining a lot and I've been feeling the raindrops, gracefully as ever, fall on my head. Coffee is decent here, if you like chewing on it.
-Air
Not too much later, a reply arrived.
Air,
Sorry to hear about the beach. Rain sounds lovely considering how it's been around here. Cannot wait to see pictures. I do hope they are quite lively.
-Nana
"So where are we headed?" Jim asked as he and the other Storm Singers loaded the Corvette with supplies.
"Omega." Iocus grunted as he loaded a large tote into the shuttle bay.
"Good." Giro took the tote from the Turian and secured it onto the storage shelves. "Me and an Elcore have some unfinished business."
"It think we might I might be able to get us in without you needing to resort to violence. However," Iocus grunted as he loaded another tote. "Our little side-errand will probably help satiate that urge. The message wasn't very specific about how the individual was to be removed."
Guiding a small, electronic lift filled with a couple dozen more totes. Irina secured it in the storage area with one lithely swipe across her omni-tool. "Alright, all loaded up."
When she looked up, the annoyed look was mirrored between her male crewmates. The Krogan shared his reaction vocally. "Really, Iri?"
"What? Body mechanics really aren't my thing. Why do the work when I can make tools which can? Don't get mad if I thought of it first and using my brain over brawn."
Once the cargo bay doors were secure, the band of mercenaries made their way toward the bridge of the ship. "Back to the hive of scum and villianay, huh?"
"It's not that wretched, Jim." Iocus shrugged as the pilot rounded and sat at the helm. The Turian watched as Jim manipulated the controls to do the pre-flight checks.
The human raised an eyebrow. "I must have been visiting the wrong part of it."
Giro entered the bridge with Irina not too far behind and having overheard through the open doorway. "We're all talking about Omega, right?"
"I think so?" Irina offered. "Are you, Io?"
"All the pretty lights hide the filth. And besides, we're going to do a favor for the leadership. It won't be that bad..."
"Don't say it. Let me guess." Jim whipped around on his swivel chair. " "There's no way this could possibly go wrong.""
"What could possibly go wrong?"
Jim rolled his eyes, but swerved back around to continue his prep for launch.
The docks on Omega were practically empty. Few tourists visited the once popular travelor's must-stop. Now only those who were either brave or stupid (mostly both) soul would stray anad would leave having been robbed one way or another. While it was a terrible place for he ill-informed tourist to wind up, it was a hub into the shades of grey to pitch black type markets. If it was hard to get a hold of for one reason or another; you could find it there.
The Storm Singers wound their way down the main drag and as they did, Giro mentioned, "before I forget, we should probably try to find a weapons or demolitions tech at some point. We need bigger guns and bigger explosions!"
"Isn't there some human saying about "trying to compensate for something" or something like that?" Irina asked Jim loud enough for Giro to hear.
Before Giro could respond, Iocus nodded and said, "Major Hashiba recommended a vendor for me.. I have a purchase to make. They should have what I am looking for. I can't speak for your tastes or needs, of course, but it might be worth a look. And I've gotten some basic demolitions training."
"I knew a guy once." Jim was pensive. "I hear he'd flunked out of the Earth Alliance Military. Liked bombs too much. I think his name was Crazy Harry."
"Does he prefer midnight to set them off?" Iocus chuckled.
Giro looked at Jim with a smirk, "really? Maybe you're useful after all."
"I think we might have to do a mental health eval before hiring him." Irina trailed off, realizing she just spoke the obvious.
"Yes, yes you do." Jim nodded.
"As long as he can make a very special handgun I have in mind, he's okay in my book."
"Umm...Giro..." Irina's eyebrow was raised under her mask. "He's an explosives expert."
"Anyway, we're here. I'll go back and keep the engin warm for you." Jim yawned. "Yell when you get in trouble."
"Well, let's get going then." Giro pointed to the building behind him with his thumb.
"Giro, did you want to banter with the Elcor a bit, or did we just want to go in?"
"Fine! We can just go in."
Iocus chuckled and led the group towards the Afterlife Club. He waved at the Elcor bouncer and waited to see if he was reconized.
The Elcor clearly feigned his indifference. "Back of the line, Turian."
"Oh no you don't!" Giro poked the Elcor with his finger. "We actually have an appointment this time!"
"I am Iocus Tokinthes of the Storm Singers Mercenary Company, to see Aria upon her request. The passphrase is: "There is only one rule on Omega."."
"Indeed there is. I'd advise more discreation. This isn't the Turian military." The Elcor made an audible sigh then his eyes grew in revalatory horror. "He's with you, isn't he?"
Giro's face beamed in victory.
The Elcore shut his eyes in abject misery. "There is no way this ends well. Go ahead."
Iocus fired off a snappy, sarcastic salute while Giro whistled as he passed the Elcor. The bouncer went back to his duties, but not before he noted the half-jog the Quarian had to do keep up with the other two.
The two floor Afterlife Night Club, above anything else, was loud. The base line from the electronic music vibrated the walls and floor. The large crowd gathered on both dance floors and bars. They were intoxicated from various questionable drugs (both legal and not) and the hypnotic music. Giro was reminded just how much he hated it. It wasn't as loud as fighting a Thrasher Maw in a Krogan right of passage, but it trumpted anything in Pravia.
Iocus fiddled with his armor a bit, oddly nervous. "Strangely same kind of dampeners that aid in protecting auditory organs when firing projectile weapons are used here..."
"Too bad you can't tell!" Irina yelled.
Even on the exposed upper level, the multiple bars were crowded with a representitive census from across the galaxy. It was no wonder there was a need for night club security; the place was almost standing room only and rival races and gangs gathered here. In the center of the lower level, surrounded by stairwells to the upper level and railings, was the dance floor. Bordering it, were the lounge booths of the VIP section.
"Hey, there is an area over there with only two people in it. One Batarian and one Asari. I'm guessing that's Aria." Giro gestured in the direction to who he was refering.
"I was just about to ask a guard or bartender where she was." Iocus shrugged.
"I guess trying a pick-up line at Aria when we meet her is a no-no?"
The former Lieuntenant started to say something, then stopped. He tried again...and failed to get anything out. It was the third attempt, "I...uh...if you really want to, have fun. Just make sure Iri and I are back aboard the ship first."
"Ummm...Yea, I on't know if I want to see you get pulled apart or anything today. It's not like we have a medic aboard." Irina offered.
Giro lead the group to the VIP booth where Aria was. They were stopped by the Batarian body guard. The Krogan was the first to speak. "Howdy, we're here to see Aria."
The bodyguard rolled all four of his eyes, in different directions simultaniously. "Everupme says that. It's almost never actually true."
"In our case, it's true. Now move!"
"You do not want to make me."
"Maybe we should introduce ourselves?" Iocus offered, cutting n before Giro could respond. This caught the attention of the Asari, who watched with amusement on her face.
"I'm Korlec Giro of the Storm Singers. You do not want to know how many punks, tougher than you, I've killed. Now move!"
"Who the hell are the Storm Singers?" The bodyguard goaded.
"The baddest group of mercenaries this side of Tuchunka!"
Iocus put his hands behind his backand straightened himself to attention. He winked at the Batarian and the Asari in turn, but said nothing.
Aria tried her best not to crack up, as if she was watching some kind of gameshow. "Bray, bring them over here. I think this torturous preceeding has gone on long enough."
Iocus offered a less sarcastic salute than the one he gave the bouncer. "Iocus Tokinthes, Ma'am. Please excuse our public relations expert-he can be a bit exuberant at times."
Aria narrowed her eyes, all trace of mirth gone, and met his eyes as Iocus claimed a seat in the booth. "I don't believe we met."
"No, ma'am. We have not, but we did receive your message."
Her voice went flat. "I thought I told you to be descrete."
"You did, and for us I suppose, it is. For Giro at least."
"For me, it means not wearing my heavy metal get up." Giro winked as he sat down across from her.
"Our excution may be slightly different, but you requested a meeting and we are here." Irina offered, sitting down in the booth next to Aria.
After a few moments, Aria composed herself. "You don't seem to be as promising as I hoped."
"To be honest, ma'am. There is something of an appearance- a front so to speak- that we put on. It makes people misjudge us. And those people are much easier to trick or just plain shoot; if they're not taking us seriously. When we need to be serious, we are."
"Or maybe you just start doing the talking while the Krogan hits things. I've seent he type before."
"Hey! That's a stereotype! Now you're just being hurtful!" Giro protested.
"It makes an excellent spectacle...or distraction." Irina offered as the server brought water for the newcommers.
"Fair," Aria seemed to be waiting for something.
"Okay, let's get down to buisness then. What would you like to "maybe" happen potentially to someone or something." Giro took a drink of his water, but not before he ordered a mojito.
The Asari smirked for a second then lowered her voice. "Within the last few days, I've become aware of certain facts."
Nodding, Iocus opened his omni-tool's note application. "What are these facts, ma'am?"
"Fact one: there is someone on Omega that I would rather not be here anymore. Fact two: I don't want her killed."
Iocus nodded, again.
"Fact three: I don't want anyone else to know about facts one and two."
"Duly noted, ma'am."
"Easy enough, but how will we know who this person is?" Irina asked.
Aria folded her hands on top of the table, "because you don't see too many biotic Turians."
The present Turian raised both eyebrow ridges, but said nothing.
"Ah, understand." Giro nodded.
"Her name is Nyreen Kandros."
"Do you want us to approach her directly? Or try something a bit more subtle?" Iocus asked.
"I'll leave that up to you."
"Could you tell us a bit about what she's doing? Something we might be able to One to convince her to relocate." Irina tilted her head.
"We were close, once. Not for some time, though." Aria snorted, then took a drink. "She thinks this place can be more than what it is. I think the universe needs it to be exactly what it is."
"There is a chance that you're both right, but that's probably not a discussion you want to have with us."
"Signs of compentence, Mr. Tokinthes."
"Status quo being useful for the moment... when you say you don't want 'anyone else' knowing about the afore-mentioned facts, I'm assuming that Nyreen is no exception?" The intellegence officer asked, writing a few more notes on his omni-tool.
"She may think she's right. She isn't of course. I have nothing against her personally, and her acting the way she is; is going to get herself killed. Or worse, kidnapped."
"By whom, if I might ask? It's something we could possibly work with as leverage."
"This is Omega. Take your pick."
"So basically anyone with a gun?" Giro said wriley.
"This is Omega. Everyone has a gun." She paused, "or at least everyone should have a gun."
"Alright. Well, the most obvious tactic I can think of is for us to try to hire her for an operation. As it happens, we have one which might require a certain set of skills that I suspect someone with her background would know. Do you think she would be amendable to temporary mercenary work?" Iocus nodded.
"I don't know. I haven't spoken to her. It's possible though."
"Well, I guess we best get to work then."Giro offered as the server returned with his beverage. "Not before I finish this, though."
"I suppose we should start with doing that ourselves. We can offer the carrot of paying a job requaring military tactical skills and the stick from some of the more, shall we say, firearm-loving citizens of Omega."
"Good idea, Io." Irina nodded, "do you know how we could get in touch with her?"
"No. I know she is here, but I don't know where. She's trying to keep herself under the radar, as the Human saying goes."
The Turian scratched his head, "we'd have to start by finding her. We could possibly blow some smoke and get some of the gangs interested, but that seems too risky. Like I said earlier-distraction."
"Or Dr. Solus may know where she is. We could give 'em a ring!" The Krogan twirled his straw to mix up the mint leaves inside.
"And...that's actually not a bad idea." Iocus snuffled.
"Eh, I have my moments," he shrugged. "Speaking of which, we may want to leave here before people start to take notice of us anymore than they already have. I personally blame Irina's talkativeness."
Irina half-glared at Giro from behind her mask. She mumbled an obscenity in her native tongue. With the obnoxious baseline booming, there was no way any of the others could have heard her.
"Is there anything else you can suggest that we could One to convince her to leave? I think we got enough to start with." Iocus closed out of his omni-tool, "if we approach her right, anyway, but anything more would help."
Aria shook her head, "no, I don't."
"Is she musically talented? We could say our band needs a new member."
"But then, Giro, she'd have to hear you sing." Iri teased, "and I doubt we'd get anywhere with that."
"I'll have you know, I've been practicing!"
"Is that what that noise coming from the bottom of the base is? I thought it was some sort of vermin dying."
"One more thing, on an unrelated note before we get to work, though." Iocus asked as he and the rest of the team stood up from the table. "Could you recommend a reputable firearms dealer on the station?"
"They have reputable firearms dealers here?" Giro scolfed.
"I do not have a favorite store on Omega." She snarked. "Bray, send them a list of the reasonable ones."
Iocus nodded his head in a slight bow, mostly for variety's sake. He exchanged extranet information with the Batarian for the requested information. "Did anyone want to get another drink, or should we go see Dr. Solus?"
"Well, for the sake of secrecy," Giro whispered, cleared his throat, then spoke clearer and louder. "Okay! Then we'll get right on delivering that shipment of Asari liquer for you, ma'am. See you around!" With that, Giro walked away from the booth with Irina.
"He's touched isn't he?"
"He's unique, ma'am. We'll send you updates on the extranet. If you run across anything useful, we'd appreciate it if you would pass it on."
She shrugged as the Storm Singers walked away. Once a safe distance away, Bray asked. "I kind of feel bad using them like this. I doubt it would be hard to actually find her."
"The Matriach made it clear she didn't want her to know the guild is looking in on her. Especially with her relationship with the Heiress Aparent. Who needs a Krogan soap opera when you have a bunch like them."
"Still doesn't explain why we're letting them find her. We know she's with Nyreen. What more could we possibly want?"
"The Matriarch wanted proof she was she was alive and it was actually her despite the fact I told her so. Its like she doesn't trust me. If she was here, she said she wanted her off the station. Some things were going to happen around here and she didn't want her granddaughter to get hurt. I had a friend place bugs aboard their ship. They'll do the dirty work and we'll get the credit. Easy."
"What about if she doesn't go with them."
"I thought of that. We're going to be hijacking the Turian's omni-tool once he responds to your response to his request about the firearm dealer. Once we get images and or audio proof, the Matriarch needs, we'll close the link and it will be like nothing happened. They'll be like nothing happened. They'll never need to know, but I don't really think it will come to that. She'll definitely go with them."
"Why do you say that?"
"Because that Turian is just her type."
The clinic they were needing to visit was in one of the residental areas. It was residental only in the sense people slept there, albeit with some sort of gun under their pillow. The homes were upsteps from a cardboard box and tin shacks, but only just. As they weaved their way in the maze of structures, Iocus asked, "Giro, I thought you were "on the wagon" as the Human saying goes."
"Yea, he's on a program alright." Irina smirked.
"Yeah, a three step program."
"I was thinking more like five." She offered.
"Five?"
"Yeah, five. Step one: give up booze. Step two: listen to heavy metal. Step three:..."
"Hit on an Asari," the Turian chuckled. "I see where this might be going."
"Step four: Drown sorrows of rejection. Step five: oops! Off the wagon. Back to step one."
"Keep on going, guys. Keep it up." Giro rolled his eyes. "You're asking for an encore performance of "I Would Do Anything For Love" by Meatloaf."
Once they arrived at the clinic, two LOKI mechs were on guard at the enterance. Iocus nodded a greeeting and the group proceeded to the front desk. The young man at the desk acknowledged them. Hostily. "Oh, you again. You don't have any obvious wounds. Do you have an appointment?"
"I'll have you know, my friend is critically wounded!" Giro pointed at Iocus. "The part of his brain that makes jokes is completely messed up!"
Iocus gently facepalmed. "We wanted a moment of Dr. Solus' time when it is convenient. We brought a message from Dr. Callen; who once worked here."
"Oh, I remember you." He said flatly. "I'll drop the doc a note. Give me about 15 minutes and he should have a break."
Acknowledging he understood, the Turian nodded. The group went to find a seat in the waiting room.
On the table top, next to Giro, was a copy of "Really Overpowered Guns: Weekly", which he was tempted to pick-up. However, once he looked at the date, he didn't bother. 6 months ago was hardly the latest in firearm tech. Instead he amusing himself by watching an episode of Hellsing Ultimate. After the alloted time, he shut off his omni-tool; loudly and hysterically laughing at a joke of very questionable taste.
The group was hearded into a very sterile white and steel office. Dr. Mordin Solus eyed the group. "Now what are you hear for? Didn't I mention I'm not really interested?"
"Dr. Callen says hi. He's doing very well." Icous paused briefly, "and we're not selling anything; just have a small favor to ask of you."
"We're looking for some Turian Biotic." Giro blurted.
"A Nyreen. I think her name is." Irina scratched her helmet.
"And you just assumed..." A rather miraculous event occurred, Dr. Solus intercepted himself as he fully realized what was being said, "once more? Turian Biotic?"
"Yes." Irina nodded.
He got up from his desk and paced back and forth. "Turians don't think highly of biotics. Generally keep them quiet or forced to serve with the Cabal. Seen on Omega?"
Irina nodded, again. "Yes. Have you seen one?"
"Unused to considering. Maybe. No probably!" He rushed back to his desk. He tapped his computer , searching furiously. "So stupid. Should have considered. Called herself Alanna. Obviously fake. Human sounding name? Saw evidence of biotic. NEVERMIND!"
He stopped then eyed Iocus. "Why are you looking for her. Not part of Cabal. Paid to hunt her down?"
"We just need to talk to her." Irina started.
"Well, we actually need to get her off the station, because people wanter off the station without a helmet." The Krogan took out a bag of strange orange and purple chips and began to consume them. Loudly.
Iocus' eyes narrowed at the mention of the Cabal, "no, not hunt her down."
"Remember how you delt with Dr. Nexall's attacker. Seem trustworthy." He mused to himself. "Still, could do anything for money. Come here thinking treat of age old machines."
He stopped again. He was lost in thought once more.
"Doctor Solus?" Iocus tentitively began. "I promise you. We're not looking to harm her in anyway. In fact, we want to get her out of the way of any possible harm."
"Notoriously bad at manipulating people," he shook his head while he broke out of his trance. He pushed a button on his computer. Each of their omni-tools chimed a notification.
"Oh crap! Not another chain letter! You fool me once, Prince of Nigeria. Fool me no more! I'm onto you!" Giro tapped a few keys. "Oops! Sorry. Clicked on the spam folder. Yea, not so good with the tech. Ah! There is the blinking thing!"
Iocus reflexibly checked his omni-tool to figure out how it wasn't already set to silent. The Turian looked up as he realized it was an address. "Thank you, Doctor Solus. Is there anything we can do for you while we are on Omega?"
After a few minutes, Mordin looked up, "not come back here? Unless you're wounded."
"We can do that. Or not do that, as the case may be. Did you have a message you wanted us to pass along to Dr. Cullen?"
"I have his address."
"Fair enough. Thanks for your time and help, Doctor."
He nodded. "Will be here if you need me."
Iocus pulled the group aside before they headed to the address. "I don't know how much you know about the Cabal, but without getting into too many details; if we show up at her door, she's going to panic and probably start shooting. So it probably be best for somone else to take the initial lead."
Glancing at Giro, Irina asked, "ummm. Who do think would be best?"
With a jaunty grin, "Giro did such an impressive job last time. I think it should be him."
"Well, should I try the need-for-a-member-of-our-band angle or that I-am-confessing-my-undying-love-for-her angle?"
"Remember what I said about her shooting? I'd go with the hiring-for-an-operation-needing-military-training 's not a complete lie. We could One her for that System's Alliance mission particularly if she has Cabal training."
Irina gave Giro a mock sympathetic pat on Giro's arm. "You could always sing to her later."
"Alright, already. Fine. I'll take the more straight forward approach." Giro huffed. He approached the female Turian's door and knocked.
There was no answer.
Exagerating his volume, Giro spoke loudly. "I'm Korlec Giro of the Storm Singers. We are a mercenary group and would like to hire you for a job."
Again, there wasn't an answer.
"I will start singing balads right here, right now, if you don't at least give us an answer!"
"Now that'd get me to open the door." Irina muttered under her breath. "Are we sure we don't have the wrong address."
"Okay, listen. Your life is in danger and we're trying to help you." Giro pleaded.
Iocus surveyed the corridor. No life signs, except for a feral Tom Cat, were present. Even the animal skirted away in haste. "Perhaps address her by name?"
The Quarian cleared her throat and tapped on the door. "Nyreen?"
Continued silence answered her.
"Iocus, do you want to try something?" She frowned.
"I hope this doesn't go badly."
"Look on the bright side," the other male chuckled, "at least something will happen."
The former military Lieuntenant walked in front of the wooden door, making himself visable and deliberately avoiding touching any of his weapons. "Nyreen Kandros, we just want to talk. It's important."
"Nothing. Should we leave a message and let her know we're here?"
"Oh. I'm sure we won't have to go that far, Iri." The krogan popped a strong peppermint into his mouth. "I'm sure everyone in this block already knows we're here. Let's try to just open the door. Maybe we'll get lucky. Carefully, though. I'd hate to spring a trap."
"Worth a try." Iocus shrugged.
Irina nudged the Krogan forward. He groaned as he went back to the door. "Fine! I'll do it."
He reached out and slowly opened the door. As he pushed on it, the door creeked open without resistance. However, what it revealed was a ransaked apartment: bed covers were rring was the splattered mixture of blood of three different colors: red, blue, and purple.
Iocus bit off a curse and drew his side-arm. "Giro, take right. I'll take left. Let's make sure the apartment is clear."
The apartment was a small efficancy which consisted of three seperate rooms: Kitchen, bathroom, and living/ bed room. It was sparcy decorated and the stacks of boxes indicated movement of habitat.
"Got a body over here, boss!" Giro called beyond the dividing wall, between the kitchen and the great room.
"Let's finish the sweep, then we can look at the corpses. I don't want anyone shooting us in the back while we do that."
"It's singular."
"Iri, close the door, so we don't have any unexpected visitors." Iocus called as he exited the petite bathroom He crossed the apartment to meet Giro in the kitchen. "What do we have?"
"I think it's a Batarian."
"You think?" He bent down beside the Krogan. "How bad is it?"
"You know, some day I'll actually go for my medical degree, but today isn't that day. Speaking of which, we might want to consider getting some sort of medic." Giro rolled his eyes. "From what I can tell- let's just say whoever was here; got a head and stayed ahead."
As the Turian heard Irina just about to enter the kitchen, "ugh, Irina. You might not want to see it. It's rather a mangled mess. Looks like a decapitation."
She nodded; taking his advice. She turned and went to investigate Nyreen's computer instead.
"Huh. Looks like a pistol of some kind. You're going to love this. There is a blood pack tatoo."
Giro only grunted in response.
"Yea, that's my though too. We are going to have to figure out what happened here. Aria would not be pleased if we didn't-particularly if they bothered her friend." Iocus' palm smacked his forehead plates which echoed a bit in the small space. "They couldn't be..well...okay, they are this stupid. Giro, you're not going to believe this."
He handed the Krogan the omni-tool which he had pulled from the Batarian's cloak. He read a few lines before looking up at the Turian.
"Aparently, the Blood Pack think this is their 'territory'. They were going to extort some sort of rent payment from the residents."
"Now, that doesn't seem so stupid. Rather classic actually."
"No, it's not. But, leaving written evidence of it is. Oh, and the decapitated Batarian with the Blood Pack tatoo. Yeah." Iocus cringed, then shook his head. "Sorry, I think my palm hurts. How do Humans do that so easily."
"Years of practice." Iri called from just beyond the wall. "I would guess. I'm not seeing anything specific on Nyreen's computer on the surface, but I might have to bring it back to the Corvette with us to do some more extensive searching."
"Sounds like a plan. Anyway, if Nyreen was anywhere close to being involved with this; we really should figure out what happened."
"Since when have the Blood Pack let Batarians become members?" Giro looked at Iocus, confused.
"Dunno. More questions to ask." Iocus smile grew into a wicked grin. "Giro, are you feeling intimidating? I think we might want to pay a visit to their local recruiter."
"Paying a visit to a Blood Pack recruiter," His grin matched his friend's. "Sounds like fun. Let's get to it then."
"Yep," Iocus checked his weapons. "'Fun' is exactly what it sounds like."
A small churp sounded on Iocus's omni-tool before they could too far down the alleys to head off their mark. It contained a message from Bray, inquiring about the messy business in the residental district. "He says Aria is warding off Blood Pack bloodshed at the moment and she would appreciate it if we could investigage a Salarian that's living in the area. She says he has a habit of keeping his ears open and his mouth shut."
"Right," Irina scolfed. "A Salarian that keeps their mouth shut. Is that even possible?"
"As much as a Salarian can, I suppose." Giro offered. "Which really isn't for too long."
"I guess we should go and pay this Salarian a visit. He might know something about Nyreen."
Iocus closed his omni-tool, but not before inquiring about the Salarian's information.
"Agreed."
The directions of Aria's senechal lead the trio to an apartment not too far from Nyreen's place. "Irina, why don't you take point. You're the least threatening-looking of the three of us."
"Thanks, Io. I think?" The lone female stepped up to the door and knocked. "I'm looking for a Tellor.
She waited a few more moments.
"Seriously! Not again!" Giro whined.
Irina rolled her eyes, under her mask, then knocked again. Louder.
The voice which came was hurried and anxious. "The deposit should arrive soon, you Blood Pack goons!"
"We're actually not with the Blood Pack. Besides, I don't think they'd hire a Quarian."
The door creaked open and the Salarian blocked the opening. "Quarians are known for mercenary work, will fight for parts. Known connections with the Blood Pack. If not looking for protection money, what are you looking for?"
Iocus coughed, "well, we might be mercenaries, but we're not working for the Blood Pack."
"Yeah, I'm actually known for killing Blood Pack members."
With one quick look, the Salarian's antenna sprung up. "Turian mercenary. Working for Citadel patrols? No, Citadel authorization often shown up front. System's Alliance connections? No."
He trailed off for a moment before turning his attention back to them. "Mission to stop Blood Pack? What would you need with a Salarian information?"
"Bray said you are fairly good about being discreet. Are you sure you want all the details."
"Details are important. Can't assess the situation without details. Details are currency. Names, Ids, fingerprints; all worthwile. Without details, can't be assured of accurate information. Might step into Blood Pack trap. Are we understanding each other, Quarian?"
"...yes?"
"The short version: the one that shouldn't get you in trouble, is that we're looking into a break-in. One in which has the Blood Pack's fingerprints all over it." Iocus offered, trying to keep from revealing too much.
"I trade in information. Whatever you may have is valuable. There maybe information of a female Turian which may or may not live there. There is nothing on a break-in. If you need information, the price must be right. Information can be very valuable."
"As it turns out, we're looking for information on both." Irina mentioned. "Nyreen's apartment was broken into and a dead Blood Pack Batarian was found inside. Turian, Batarian, and a third type of blood (of which we couldn't identify) was there."
Giro whispered to Iocus, "why do I get the feeling that this is the type of guy who within a week would know all the questionable extranet sites you've ever been on?"
"Krogan pornography? Let's not even think about that." He whispered back.
Giro feigned shock, "I had in mind sites about glam music. I don't want to know all about the creepy sites you go to."
"Nyreen had access to certain passages. Omega mostly hollow. 65% passages. Easy accessable. But, there is a price. Always a price. You have connections, don't you?"
Iocus coughed and returned to the important conversation. "Of course we do. Single. Ex-military. What do you think?"
He intentionally didn't elaberate.
"Blood Pack too low priority for most agency. Must have done something high scale to take this much attention. Whoever your bosses are, I require a, "good word". Very simple."
"We don't really have "bosses" per say. We're mercs. We do contract work. We certainly have contacts, of course. You say you're looking for a good word? We could arrange that."
"Omega has not been safe for some time. Gang wars increasing. Stability falling. Not going to stay long." He closed the door for a moment, but returned with his own firearm. "Follow me. Passage is in the basement. False valve opening. Very obvious."
"So you're looking for...shall we say, a new employment oppritunity?"
"Anything to get off Omega."
"I'm sure we can work something out which will work for 're the Storm Singers Mercenary Company at your service. I'm Iocus Tokinthes."
The Salarian expertly grabbed a piece of horizontal pipe. He spun it 90 degrees, and slid open the full pocket door which lead to what once was a maintenance shaft.
"That is Korlec Giro." Iocus pointed at the Krogan.
Then in turn, pointed to the Quarian. She interjected. "Irina nar Tonbay."
"We're currently taking some business and then we're off to perform a military contract for the System's Alliance Military. If you help us out with our local business. I'm sure we can arrange a position." When the door shut behind them, Iocus continued. "How recently did you see Nyreen?"
"Never seen Nyreen go through here. Tracked movement through an unauthorized access. Only here to receive pay in information."
"Tellor, would you feel more comfortable with one of us leading?" Irina turned on the flashlight on her wrist, connecting to the outside of her suit. While the room was lit, but it was only lit enough to note the continuation of the corridor. Nothing actually was really bright enough to see properly.
"Turians are built for combat."
"I'm also wearing armor. Giro, do you want to take rear guard?"
"But then how will Irina hide behind me as a shield?" The Krogan mocked a protest. "When we get ambushed. Not "if"."
"I'll just switch to Iocus, I assume." She chuckled.
"I'm not quite as good as providing cover, then again, armor." Turning to the Salarian he asked. "Tellor, did you have any recommendations for searching? Or shoud we just make do with a "left hand rule" walk?"
"Not ancient ruin designed to keep interlopers out. Practical accessways for maintenace. Designed to navigate easy."
"Alright, I'll take the lead, but you tell us where you think we should be going." Iocus gestured for the group to go down the hallway.
"Affirmative. Recomed caution. Not only one tracking Turian."
Iocus drew his pistol. "Let's not split up, gang."
Whoever designed Omega was careful about not making the tunnels a twisty maze of little, off-shoot passages, all alike. At the bottom of a ladder, lead the troop to another corridor. Irina thought and said as she passed by a blue and green mosaic was lovely. "It's a shame it's not where a lot of people can see it."
"It's probably why it's still beautiful." Giro scolfed. "Above and the hooligans would have graffiti'd it long ago several dozen times over."
The Salarian nudged Giro's arm, whispering so only the group could hear. "Krogan, something wrong. Reverberations too intense for only five people. Keep your guard up. Don't intend on dying down here."
"Got ya." He extracted Alice.
After several minutes, and the rounding of the next corner; they were met with a female Turian. She cocked her gun and in an authoritative voice, "hault right there!"
The Krogan didn't move, but spoke. "I guess you're Nyreen."
"Who are you?"
"A group of mercs call the Storm Singers. We're here to help you, if you can believe that."
"Here to help me?" She scolfed, "with what?"
"To help you off this station in one piece." Irina offered from behind Iocus.
"She sent you, didn't she."
"Yep, she did." Giro chuckled. "Assuming we're both talking about the Asari with the inflated ego."
Nyreen laughed heartedly. "I guess you're safe enough."
Walking into the flashling illuminations from the dark end of the corridor, a female Turian showed herself with an assult rifle slung over her shoulder. A steel-blue colored Asari followed slightly behind, only just off to the side of the Turian. Both females had been roughed up.
The Turian had butterfly stitches over a wound on her forehead. A bruise was forming around it and it gave the impression it was recently cared for.
The Asari, she was escorting, was a bit worse off. She had a split lip and dried purple blood crusted on it, closing the wound. There was a cut on her hand, which also looked recently wrapped, to keep out infection. Iocus couldn't help noting; despite her injuries, the Asari's features were very beautiful with classic elegant lines. The only markings on her face were a very light dusting of freckles across her nose; the only natural source of imperfections. He briefly wondered how she came to be with the other Turian and if they were partners.
Irina gave an intregued look at the male Turian. Not that he could see it because her suit. Then she elbowed him. After a few seconds, it brought his attention back to Nyreen. It was just in time for the female Turian to ask, "why does she want me off the station?"
"To be perfectly honest? I think she cares about you. In her own way. She's worried you're going to run afoul with the local merc groups." Then Iocus added, "and from judging by the state of your apartment, that fear is somewhat justified."
"She didn't care much for my sense of humor, apparently." Giro frowned while Iocus rolled his eyes.
"She should run a tighter ship!" She scolfed.
"Maybe yes, maybe no. Either way she is worried you would get shot and wants to get you somewhere safe." Irina tilted her head slightly to the side. It was difficult to convey emotional body language when one couldn't express it with facial expression due to her opeque mask.
Nyreen turned to Iocus, "you're military. You'd understand."
"This isn't a military instellation. Merc groups, like the Blood Pack, don't even understand the concept of 'discipline'. You can give even a low-level military grunt an order; they'll follow it. The rabble here? Good luck with that. Since you didn't bat an eyebrow ridge when I mentioned it, I assume you're responsible for the Batarian in your apartment."
She glanced at the Asari, "yes."
Iocus nodded in approval. "Good shot, but do you want to have to deal with that every day?"
She looked guilty for just a second or two. "Where do you want me to go? Pravala? Back to the Cabal? Some safe hidey hole in the colonies? I signed up to be a soldier."
He twitched at the word 'Cabal'. "No, I don't think you want to do that. Tell you what, we can offer you a temporary position-as a soldier. We have a contract with the System's Alliance Military; they're sending some extra personel to the colonies. They're concerned they will be getting hit by Batarian raiders. It'd get you off Omega and make Aria happy. After that, it's up to you."
The Krogan perked up, "and yes! We do have a dental plan!"
She frowned, thinking.
"And Karaoke!" Giro tried to entice her further.
"If you want to stay on, we'd welcome you, but you certainly don't have to." The more sensible offer came from the Quarian.
"Look, I'll be honest with you. I agree with what Aria says you'd like to do here on Omega, but I don't think this is th right time for it. Come with us for this mission and do some real military work. If yo like it, you're welcome to stick around. If not, we can put you in touch with some folks who might appreciate your abilities." Iocus gave a bit of an unusal emphasis on the last word.
"Who do you represent? You've got an assortment of races, but you said System's Alliance and I see no Humans."
"Ultimately? Ourselves, but we do a lot of work for the System's Alliance."
Then Giro interjected, again. "We keep the designated bad ass Human at the base, typically."
The Asari turned to Nyreen. "You should go. I've already brought you too far into this. Don't worry about me. I'll be alright. Please go."
"What's this?" Iocus raised an eyebrow ridge.
Nyreen snorted, "I saw you get shaken down. I wasn't going to let that go."
"Irina," Giro whispered, "did you attach some type of Asari magnet to me or something?"
She whispered back before returning to the other conversation. "Why would I do that? I'd feel sorry for the Asari."
"Besides, you were pretty handy with that pistol." Nyreen frowned. "Not too many Asari I know go for the pistol instead of Biotics, but we'll worry about that later."
"Aren't you going to introduce us?" Iocus and Irina winced simutainously at Giro's question.
The Asari chuckled and extended her good hand, "Rayne Pyxis."
"Iocus Tokinthes, ma'am," He blurted and he nodded, but didn't quite bow. He composed himself then turned to Nyreen and nodded to her, "and ma'am."
Giro shook her hand. "Korlec Giro. Nice to meet you, and I apologize for Iocus. He was born without a sense of humor."
"Not true. I just believe in warning shots." He poked at Giro at the back of his head.
The Quarian half waved. "Irina."
Tellor didn't extend his hand, but nodded slightly. "Tellor. Couldn't chosen better group. Been with them less a half and hour. Impressed with already."
"Fine!" Nyreen gave in. "You want to go with them too, then? I'll be in if you do. Let's get out of here."
"More recruits." Iocus stopped himself as he half turned around. He swerved and faced the Asari again. "Wait, you're the one who shot the Batarian?"
Rayne nodded.
"Well, she had the kill shot. He was so focused on me, he was literally not watching his back."
Giro laughed boisterously and clapped. "Well, I'm officially impressed."
"Like I said," Iocus nodded in approval, "good shot. We should get out of here. I have one stop to make before we leave Omega, but I think that is about all."
"I need to pack a few things, but it's not much." Rayne mentioned.
"I'll go with you so you'll know where our berth is." Irina interjected before Giro could offer.
As the group exited the tunnel, Rayne motioned to Giro. "Nice peashooter."
He smiled as he took Alice off of his shoulder, "so you noticed my friend?"
"Obviously. It's beautiful."
"I'd consider letting you shoot her, but unfortunately the recoil would probably snap your arm off. They're still trying to fix that."
The sexual undertones were hard to miss. A mischevious gleam in her eye was also hard to miss. "That's alright. I prefer something a little more, agile you could say. Agile and with the need for more, shall we say, technique. I prefer technique over raw power anyday. Power is fine and all, but it can get tiresome and careless."
"Oh, she can go the distance, if that is what you're concerned...ack!"
The Krogan was pulled backward by Iocus by the back of his armored chestplate. "Come on, Giro. We have an errand to run."
Clicking his tongue and winking, he exited with Iocus, Nyreen, and Tellor. Irina gestured with her head and lead the way out of the Salarian's apartment. "Come on. Let's get your stuff."
"So, what do you think of our new recruit?" Giro asked as he took a shot at the billiard's table on the Corvette.
"You mean, recruits. There are more than one of them." Iocus watched as Giro's ball missed.
The Turian calculated his next shot and made his solid colored ball go into the corner pocket. They weren't going to have this conversation again. It was the same conversation they had every single time he came in contact with a female of various species. Needless to say, it was a conversation they often had.
"You know which one I mean."
Iocus tried to play ignorant, but he knew which new resident he was referring to. He sunk another ball into the pocket. "No, I don't."
"The Asari."
"You mean Rayne." Even to Iocus, his tone was a little brash.
"Is that really her name? I thought she was joking. A lot of Asari do that to me. Not sure why. But yea, her. Isn't she hot? I mean her taking out that Batarian and all. It makes my..."
"Yea, don't need to hear about that." He picked up his beverage and took a drink. "Not sure if you noticed, but she had a medic's bag."
"Ask and ye shall receive!" He laughed. "Interesting take on her oath, though. She sure is something."
"Yeah." He mumbled and took another shot. He was distant and being distracted caused him to miss his shot. "She sure is."
"Noticed you didn't answer my question, though."
"What question?"
"Avoiding, huh? Interesting." Giro took another shot, but missed on purpose. "I don't think I've ever seen you avoid answering a question."
Iocus missed his next shot. "Sorry, I was trying to focus on our game."
"Right," as he lined up the next shot and took it.
"You don't believe me?"
"No," there was sarcasm in his tone, "no, I believe you. You're avoiding and still not answering my question. Hrm...interesting."
"What's interesting?"
"Nothing." Giro bent over and sent the number eight ball into the side pocket. "Nothing at all."
Rayne frowned as she adjusted the frame one more time. It would have been a lot easier displaying her certifications in her field if she was only a field medic. However, she was a doctor. A doctor specializing in Xenomedicine and Field medicine. A pairing which she knew would get used and often. She would be an asset to any group she was hired onto, if they were lucky enough to be able to hire her.
Not that she could turn a nose down at most opritunities now days. Trying to keep the guild out of her hair had been a battle which this included not taking the funds given to her by the guild matriarch, Nana. While her grandmother was always out with good intentions, she couldn't keep accepting money from the guild without going on missions. It wasn't right. Every once and a while, random credit deposits were made into her account. When she inquired with her bank about who had made the deposit, the account for which it came from no longer existed. It seemed that her grandmother found ways around her granddaughter's stubborness.
Keeping the guild away meant keeping her mother out of arms reach. A position which was fine for both parties involved. Fewer arguments in the toxic relationship with her meant her sanity remained intact. Even at the cost of not being able to go home. There was no way she was going to let her mother have power over the occurences in her life especially since she had become a disappointment to her mother for things out of her control. She thought to herself, "physical limitations should never be reason for hating someone. Especially when it is your own daughter."
She sighed and looked over into the clear glass seperating the medical suite from the doctor's office. A pang of melancholy swept through her as she spotted the pictures on her desk. Her family. It had been at least a fifty years since she had been at the house. It had been her little sister's fiftieth birthday and Andromeda Pyxis and her oldest daughter had an argument of the century.
She backed up, without watching right in center view of the frame to make sure it wasn't tilted. She was surprised when she stumbled into something behind her.
"Hey, careful." The timber voice of the Storm Singer's intellegence officer, reverberated in her ear. He caught her before she hit the ground. "We don't need our medic to need a medic this early in the game."
"I already have." The Asari chuckled as she turned around, then motioned to the bandage on her hand. "Remember?"
"Ah, yes." Iocus chuckled, "but that happened before you joined us."
"So it doesn't count? I see how this works." She giggled as she folded her arms across her chest. "So what can I help you with? You don't look ill, but that hasn't really stopped anyone before."
"That's comforting, I suppose." He gave her a playful smile. "I came down to see how your unpacking is going."
"Most of my personal things are in my room. When I saw the state of your trauma bay, I wanted to cry. Whoever was in charge of your medical supplies on this ship should be shot. I can only imagine what it's like at your base. A poorly trained monkey could have done better."
Iocus gringed as he nervously twitched. "Ma'am, unfortunately, we haven't had a medic until you came aboard. I have the most medical training and I only know basic first aid. It's been kind of a free-for-all."
"I stuck my foot in my mouth, didn't I?"
"You did, but it doesn't mean you're not right. We should have taken better care of the medical bay."
"Well, it's going to change." She gestued to her qualifications, determined to make her point. "This is my trauma bay and when we get to your base, the med bay is mine. If you need anything, you have to come and see , unless I'm severly injured or dying, supplies are offlimits."
An impish smile crossed his face. "Anything, huh?"
She playfully swatted his arm. "Not like that."
"Point taken and understood. Although, you did leave yourself open." He took a moment to look into her eyes and he observed she was close enough to smell her purfume. It was an intoxicating scent of human apples. It was mixed with something else, which he couldn't quite put his finger on. Her eyes were bright and twinkling. He stepped a half step forward, closer to her, a slight huskiness to his voice."Wide open."
"Ugh." She groaned and rolled her eyes. She went back over to the counter and began unpacking the next box of supplies, privately smiling.
Noting there was more than one certification on the wall, he went over to view. "So, you're an actual doctor? Not a doctor-want-to-be? Huh. How did we get to be so lucky?"
"Perhaps some stars aligned somewhere on an astral plane or something." She smirked as she broke down the box. She looked up at him and went over to where he was studying the frames.
"Xen-o? Zeno? Something medicine?"
"Xenomedicine. Don't worry most people can't pronounce it."
"A specialization?"
She nodded. "It means I know how to heal multiple species equally well. The joys of being of a species which lives practically forever. You have plenty of time to hone and specialize in several fields."
"Oh? Which ones?"
"Obviously Asari, but I also know Turian, Krogan, and Quarian. I know a lot of human anatomy and not that great with Salarian, but I'm going to work on that."
"You don't seem to be too fond of Batarian anatomy."
He smiled once she giggled again. "Apparently."
"I'm assuming Field Medicine has nothing to do with crops then?"
"Basically, it's a trauma specialization. Think emergency department in a hospital."
Iocus couldn't draw his eyes away from her lips as she spoke, until she turned away. "Do you have any names you prefer to be called, Dr. Pyxis? Or do you prefer your honorific?"
"Just Rayne will do. I prefer not to have a giant target painted on my head. Using our titles sometimes gets doctors killed. I would rather not do that."
"Neither do I. Nothing shorter? Like Ray?"
"Not if you prefer your fingers intact."
"Alright. Well, I should probably go and make sure Nyreen hasn't killed our resident Krogan. See you at dinner?"
She nodded. "See you then."
"Bye, Ray." He chuckled as he quickly left the room before she could respond. Once he rounded the corner, a thought whispered. "Like a ray of sunshine."