The party smuggled themselves onto the Citadel, responding to a request from one of Ares' old contacts. They ended up working free lance for the Sirta Corp to assist in investigating a string of Blue Sun attacks. They went off to follow leads and sent Winona and Juleena down to C-sec and the Asari Embassy to track down leads and see if Juleena could find anything out about herself. First appearance of Nyla and Mehrkuri.

As Ares and the others go with Venari to assist in the warehouse raid, Jorram turns to Luna.

"My VI assistant and I can help you harden your warehouse security." He gestures at Petra, her ocular sensor narrows.

"YES. FROM INITIAL SCANS MY COMPANION AND I CAN INCREASE YOUR DIGITAL PROTECTION BY 33.6784%."

Winona taps Juleena and as they walk away says to the group "We'll look into some C-sec files and see if we can get Juleena back on the books at the embassy."

Luna sends them the case number on their omnitools, "This is the one you're looking for. I'll send word ahead. You still have your bounty license?"

"Yep. Same ID number you have on file."

As they make their way down the ramp, some of the dock hands and volunteers wave. Winona recognizes a couple of the doctors from the Terra Nova job. Seeing her return their waves Juleena speaks up, "Did you serve on this ship at one point?"

"Nah, they were parked on my home planet for awhile and Luna gave me my first big job."

"I see. They do medical research?"

"A little bit. You might find it interesting. They gerryrigged an old Turian frigate to function as a field hospital and basic research site. Well, more of a processing site." She points to a man in his mid thirties in a lab coat, moving a crate onto the ship, "Kerry over there always has something brewing but other than that they use the facilities to manufacture what they need on site."

Juleena's eyes lit up a little, "Do you think they'd let me take a look at how they do it? It could be of great aid for Namakle."

Winona shrugs, "I'm sure if you ask them they'd show you but I doubt you'd find anything new honestly."

"While Dr. Vortiox and TV have been quite illuminating there is still about a century of medical technology to catch up on and it's not my strongest area of expertise."

"That's fair. Let's get this job done and then we can hang around. Cab or walk?"

Juleena stares off at the warehouse district of the Tayseri Ward, buildings still being rebuilt but a crowd buzzing with energy. "I'd prefer a walk. It's been a few centuries."

Continuing down the street, Juleena takes in the crowd around her. Not many new species, but she remembers her companion "There doesn't seem to be an influx of new species, how did humans find this place?"

Winona's brain goes static for a moment, she comes back "Right. So while you were…away…humans," she gestures at herself, "found Prothean ruins on a planet in our solar system, Mars. We figured out Mass Tech and found a relay. Except the relay was in Turian space. A short war followed first contact, and we were allowed to establish colonies. Extremely condensed but that's about as much as I remember from history class."

Juleena's shoulders slump a little "Do you know who started the fighting?"

"Kinda depends on who you ask. Doesn't really matter at this point."

There's an awkward silence, Juleena thinks of another question. "Have they been expanding the wards? There's quite the amount of construction happening and our docking procedure seemed a bit scrambled."

A wry smile, "Well we were trying to stay under the radar on the way in so that's on us. But the construction, probably rebuilding from the Geth attack."

"Geth? You mean the AI the Quarians built?"

Winona looks around, "Yeah, that's why those Quarians we saved from Cerberus had on those suits. The Geth ended up rebelling against the Quarians and forced them off their homeworld. Quarians now wear those hazmat life suit deals because their bodies haven't adapted to foreign germs or something. Think it relates to living in space. They just live in a giant fleet that roams the outer reaches of the galaxy."

Juleena's mood sinks, thinking back to how the Vorcha situation played out. "I have a feeling the Geth were justified in their actions."

Winona pauses. "I mean I'm not a philosopher, but they messed with AI tech and it bit them in the ass. Anyway, fast forward to about a year ago and a whole bunch of Geth got super intelligent, heard rumors they were led by a rogue Specter. Think his name was Saren or something like that. Turian. They attacked here and they almost killed the council. The only reason this place is still standing and they're not dead is because of the first human Specter, Commander Shepard. The Alliance turned the tide of that battle and that's why we have a council seat even though we've only been here for what would feel like a long holiday to you."

Juleena looks Winona up and down, studying her. "I genuinely would like to talk more about humanity in general later but are there any other major galactic events I've missed?"

"That's all I've got. I'm sure others can tell you more." They weave through the last few alleyways to the local C-sec office.

As they walk up to the reception desk in the station the receptionist asks them for their ids, Winona pulls hers out. "Winona Malloch, independent contractor. We're here to review the C-sec files pertaining to the Sirta robberies that have been happening lately. Sirta Recovery Agent Luna Pešek and Lt. Venari should have sent word ahead of us." A brief pause as the Turian at the desk flicks through some files.

"Ah yes, here it is. He did send word. And who are you ma'am?"

Juleena produces various company engineering IDs on her omnitool, "Dr. Juleena T'desi, I'm here to assist as a technology expert."

The Turian furrows his brow as he looks at the IDs. He flicks through a few more screens, "Apologies, it's been awhile since you've been through. Wanted to cross reference some of those IDs. Found what I needed though, you're clear." There's another pause as he continues typing, he looks up when he's done. "We have a room set aside for you with the files as well as media viewing devices for the footage we are allowed to share."

"Thank you." Juleena and Winona head down the hallway to the room the Turian pointed out. As they enter there are a few datapads set out as well as a portable video console with some data cards. Juleena sifts through the datapads, "I won't be much assistance with crime scene analysis so I'll check their manifests to see what was stolen, maybe it's possible to figure out what they're building."

Winona begins viewing footage from the scenes. "Sounds good." A pause as they each focus on their research. "So far it looks like Ares is right. High impact rounds, brutal, efficient. Has Blue Suns written all over it."

Juleena has a manifest in each hand, flipping between the two "There seems to be two patterns. Some sites had manufacturing and processing equipment stolen, some had medical VIs stolen. I think the VIs center around neurosurgery applications. However, where the manufacturing equipment was stolen, VIs were left alone. The opposite is also true. I think there may be two parties involved."

Winona continues going through the forensic reports. "Like what kind of manufacturing are you talking about? Sirta is a medical relief group, mostly."

"The equipment stolen would be excellent for field repairs. Essentially, you put raw materials into the device, input a design, the machine processes the materials and creates the design. It's great for small components for basic fixes. I actually have one in my lab! I think it still works."

Winona chuckles. "We'll just have to find out when we get back cause nobody has been able to figure out your lab. But, fairly common equipment that takes a degree of knowledge to use?"

"Should be. Even in my maiden years every expedition had a couple machines similar to the ones stolen."

Winona starts separating the forensic reports by what was stolen from the site. "Sounds like a decent side hustle but what's the VI stuff about?"

Juleena pulls up a few links on her omnitool and sends them to Winona "Some reading if you're interested, but according to the programming notes they are suited for neural interfacing. Taking brain scans, storing the data, categorizing. Probably for use with patients that have severe brain trauma."

"That's a bit more interesting. Kind of a weird thing to sell on the black market but do you think there's any nefarious applications for it?"

"We could perhaps ask TV if we get access to long range communication but I do not know of any."

After separating the forensic reports by what had been stolen, Winona finally caught the break she was looking for. The manufacturing gear was absolutely stolen by the Suns. The rounds used, gear used, methods used. The VIs though. Those were stolen by professionals. Guards from those sites were taken out quietly. Choked out, slit throats, clean headshots. Winona looked up "Well the captain would probably want to be in on the conversation with TV. Found what I was looking for, want to get some air and then we can head to the Armali Embassy?"

A soft smile from Juleena, she was appreciative of the summary without the gruesome details. "Sure."

As the pair exited, Winona walked up to the reception desk. "We're done reviewing, just letting you know. Thank you for letting us have access to some of the case files."

The Turian pushes a few buttons. "Ms. Malloch and Dr. T'desi?"

"Yes."

"Alright, I just need to scan your Omni tools one more time to complete the time stamp." They comply and then head out the door.

Finding a bench in a green space they take a seat, Winona leaning into one corner and Juleena sitting straight up with her legs crossed in the middle of the bench. The permanent, beautiful spring-like weather felt good, the breeze created by the ventilators felt surprisingly natural. Juleena looked around. This was closer to how she remembered the citadel. Serene, a place of refuge and learning. People of all races conversing, sharing ideas and experiences. Juleena looked over at Winona. So far she'd only seen her flying, fighting or repairing starships. In the calm Juleena studied her face. Not too dissimilar from an Asari. Rounded ears stuck out from her head, long black hair came over shoulders. Narrow jaw, slim face. A few scars, including a large one that looked fresher. She was still surveying the crowd. Juleena sat back, took a deep breath and soaked in the sounds of civilization.

After a few moments Winona peeked at Juleena out of the corner of her eye. She was looking up at the passing traffic, a small smile on her face. It had been months since she officially joined the crew but the ageless Asari's mind remained an enigma. Was she actually relaxed or was she mentally taking apart every ship passing above her, scrutinizing components? It must be related to Asari biology but she showed almost no wear and tear considering the survival situations she had to find herself in. Two, who knows if it was more, centuries and her face was still soft, round, her eyes kind. The armor she built for herself added to the aura, it seemed to emit a comforting hum. The awe inspiring nature of the matriarchs was starting to make sense.

The two were snapped out of their thoughts by the ringing of their comms. Boros' voice cut through, sirens could be heard in the distance "Warehouse tip was good. Interrogated a boss, following up on that now. What'd you find?"

Winona sits up, "Suns are for sure involved but there's a second party. Specialists, probably an extremely well trained assassin. Seem to be looking for manufacturing equipment and neuroscience type VIs."

"Huh. I'll get back to you. We are you two?"

"Outside C-sec, heading to the Armali embassy now. Is Jorram free?"

"He's rejoining us, Reeva's slinking back to the hideout. Probably be back on comms soon. Over and out."

Juleena was already standing and moving towards the shuttle platform, Winona had to jog a little to catch up. A cab pulled up to the platform and they entered. The Turian driver looked straight forward as they got in, "Where to?"

Juleena replied "The Armali Embassy, please."

Once Winona got settled the cabby started the meter and pulled away.

The cab was a larger vehicle, about eight passengers could fit in total. The Turian didn't seem to be in the mood for talking. A few minutes went by. As the city flew past the side windows Juleena noticed the buildings were looking more and more industrial. She pulls up the map on her omni tool that the group downloaded from an Avina terminal upon arrival. They were moving farther and farther away from the correct district. She nudged Winona, who had fallen asleep, and gestured at the map. Winona unclipped the strap on her holster, Juleena steadied her. "Who are you and where are you taking us?"

The Turian looked straight ahead. "Just taking a shortcut ma'am."

"What is your name?" Juleena's voice lowered as she tried to sound intimidating. No answer.

Winona goes to draw her gun, only to feel a blade at her throat. A light blue asari decloaks, kneeling in front of Winona with the blade drawn. A devious smile on her face, purple eyes shimmering with malice. A powerful voice barely hiding how unhinged the speaker is "He can be a little shy." The Asari rocks back onto her heels, still crouched. Juleena, readies biotics, Winona makes a move for her pistol but the Asari is faster. The sword is back at Winona's throat, this time digging in and nicking the skin. Blood drips down the blade. A demented chuckle "Good try but I recommend relaxing. Enjoy the ride. There's not much left." The blade still at Winona's throat, she moves around to the seat next to her and sits. "My name's Nyla, by the way." She leans back, smiling.

Winona slowly moves her hand away from her gun. "Okay Nyla. What do you want?"

"Just money and thrills. And I have both right here."

"Well we don't have much money and I, for one, am not that fun so are you sure about that?" She sounds nervous as she speaks.

Juleena looks in the direction of the control panel. She sees an emergency button. She braces herself.

Nyla readjusts herself and leans in closer to Winona "Oh it'll be fun for me." A sarcastic tone creeps in "And thank the Goddess for dropping Dr. Juleena T'desi into our laps. She'll bring in a wonderful bonus." A wolfish grin. She traces up Winona's neck with the blunt end of the sword, forcing her to make eye contact. A scream from Winona as her nerves get fried, her vision starts fading.

Juleena hurls a biotic pulse at the emergency button, the doors fly open. The Turian driver panics as he works on righting the flight of the vehicle. Nyla, shocked but able to brace herself. Juleena biotically pulls Winona out with her as she is thrown out of the side door. She lets herself fall for a second before creating a biotic field around herself to fly. Winona feels herself come to and then immediately have a wave of panic wash over her as she realizes she's falling. The cab turns around and heads straight for Winona, as it approaches a singularity blast flies out of the window, catching her. Juleena moves towards Winona to try and free her, hurling a biotic pulse at the windshield. The cab shakes and glass cracks but it stays on course.

Regaining her bearings, Winona yells out "GET OUT OF HERE DOC!" and draws her pistol. Still foggy headed and thrown off by the zero gravity sensation, her two shots ping off the side of the shuttle. As the shuttle screams towards her Juleena feels her mind being invaded. The new presence cuts through her own consciousness, as well as the other voice she sometimes hears.

Any animosity towards Nyla dissipated from her body. Nyla's voice rings in her head "Clever girl. Gave me a good rush for a moment." Juleena finds herself frozen in place.

The gravity field holding Winona fluctuates, sending her first shot into her foot and the other flying off into the void. "COMEON DOC COMEBACK TO US!"

The shuttle maneuvers back over to Winona, "Mmmm. She can't hear you." She leans out, wrapping her hand around Winona's throat "It's just you and me." She slowly closes her fingers around Winona's neck, Winona craning her head to avoid her gaze. Finally stabilized by the grasp of the Asari, two shots ring out. The first pings off Nyla's barrier, the next, intended for Juleena, dings into her leg armor. Winona's voice cracking with desperation "DOOOCCC, WAKE UP!"

Suddenly her throat is released, Nyla snarls. A sniper bullet to her arm almost broke her barrier and forced her to let go. A blue comet flies in front of Winona's vision, Nyla diving out of the way as Ares biotically charges her. The singularity dissipates, Winona feels herself begin to fall again only to be caught. Boros looks down at her with two eyes and keeps two eyes on the shuttle, firing a shot that hits the exposed interior of the shuttle. He grunts out "Reeva said she saw something on her CCTV hacks, sent us over."Juleena felt her mind become hers again, and had just enough time to fly out of the way as Skarr rammed a car into the shuttle, the Krogan firing his shotgun through the windshield at the Turian driver. Ares caught a stray clump of wiring as his charge missed, hanging onto the falling shuttle. Pulling himself in the Drell throws a biotic punch at Nyla, her barriers shatter. She slashes him across the chest, slicing through his barrier and follows up with a biotic throw. Anticipating the throw Ares shifts his feet just in time. Steadied by Boros, Winona lets off two shots at the gas tank, fuel starts leaking. Over comms Boros yells "ARES, SKARR GET CLEAR!" An incendiary tech burst soars to the fuel and lights it. The engines explode, the cab begins to lose altitude rapidly. Skarr sends two more shotgun blasts before it can pull away, injuring the Turian. Ares leaps out, hurling himself at the nearest rooftop in a blaze of biotics. As the cab continues to drop, Jorram catches a glimpse of Nyla, tries to get a shot off. It's a bad angle but the round squeezes through the gap only to be deflected by a biotic aegis created by Nyla.

Jorram's crisp voice comes over the comms "Yeah I think Skarr killed this ride. Hope the owners have insurance. Wouldn't mind an assist." Him and Skarr jump out of the crumpled car, Juleena catches them with biotics and slowly lowers them.

Boros touches down and sets Winona on her feet. Sirens wail in the distance, the comm channel opens "Think your friend can get us out of this one Ares?"

"No. We got lucky on that raid." Ares pings the nearest shuttle depot, "Split up, meet here. Get there as quietly as possible."

"SKAARRRRR"

Boros jumps in, "Save it Skarr, I doubt those two are dead. Let's just get back to the room and figure this out."