The Red Moon Collection - 2 - Three Phantoms

Chapter 2

Sharah Market, Tilno District, Omega

"Tul, I hate to say it, but we might not be able to find a gold-plated blowtorch."

Will glanced over to the quarian as they sifted through a trough of assorted tools. Tul'Sorrin picked up a box and looked it over carefully until he found the specifications printed on the bottom.

"I'm just looking for the right one," the quarian replied as he popped open the container.

The quarian plucked the miniature blowtorch from the box and looked it over carefully. He ran his fingers across the dial that controlled the gas flow and nodded slowly to himself.

"This will do," Tul declared.

Will looked to the merchant and motioned toward the box to indicate their decision. The turian nodded and tapped away at the monitor on the counter between them.

"Hundred and fifty six credits," the turian stated as he looked to the human and quarian.

With a quick tap on the payment screen Will completed the transaction and turned back to Tul. "Hope it's worth it."

Tul'Sorrin slid the blowtorch into the slot on his thigh and tossed the box into a receptacle as they turned and walked from the stall. "You know I was only joking about making you pay for that."

"Don't worry, I didn't," Will smirked. "We have a company account for a reason."

"We have a company account?" Tul chuckled. "Doesn't that sound official."

"Did you think I was paying for the ship repairs out of my own pocket?" Will laughed as they headed down the block.

"Good point," Tul admitted.

Will stepped around a pair of arguing batarians as they made their way through the crowd and toward the supply store where they were to meet up with Eleena. One of them yelled angrily and pulled out a knife causing the other to stumble back in surprise and bump into Will. He stumbled and turned around to see the batarian brandishing his blade at the other who was now trying to scurry into the crowd and out of sight. As the armed batarian lunged forward to begin his chase, Will drew his sidearm and pointed it straight to the aggressor's chest. The other shoppers around them had gasped and begun yelling as they attempted to scramble away from the rapidly escalating situation.

"Put the knife away," Will ordered.

"Fuck you! That bastard stole my credit chit!" The batarian snarled angrily. "He's getting away!"

"Well that's a damn shame," Will shook his head mockingly. "Next time don't pull a knife when you're gonna run into a crowd. Lots of people with guns on this station and if you'd stabbed one on accident they probably wouldn't be as patient with you as I am."

The batarian sheathed his knife irritably and jumped past Will and into the crowd in pursuit of the thief. Will glanced around to the dozen curious observers before holstering his pistol and glancing over his shoulder to Tul.

"Come on, someone probably called security." Will grumbled as Tul stepped up to his side and they continued down the block.

After a quick minute of walking they reached a large stall that was swamped with customers. Will pushed his way past those waiting as he assured them that he was only looking for someone and not looking to buy. As he neared the counter Eleena's familiar voice broke over the mutterings of the crowd.

"Are you fucking kidding me? Those couplings should be five hundred a piece tops."

She had the tone that often arose when she encountered, in her own words, "shit that should not be put up with."

"Listen, sweetheart, these couplings are a hot item." The voice sounded human, which Will confirmed as he reached the counter and looked to his right where the attendant stood.

Tul squeezed up beside Will and glanced toward the asari and human a few feet down. "That was a mistake."

"Cut the crap and stop assuming that I don't know what I'm talking about, jackass." Eleena leaned over the counter slightly. "The extranet posting for your own damned shop shows a list price of four hundred and fifty. Do you honestly think that I don't know eight hundred credits a pop is fucking robbery?"

The human slunk back slightly and cleared his throat. "Alright, fine. Four fifty. How many do you need?"

"Six. I need them delivered to bay E-16." She reached over to the terminal and tapped at the transaction screen.

"Thanks for your business," the human spat passive-aggressively.

Eleena gave him a glare as she turned to head back into the crowd. She caught sight of Will and Tul and motioned for them to follow her out of the mass of waiting customers. Will tugged on Tul's shoulder to get his attention and squeezed his way back through the patrons until they reached the far less dense street. Eleena pushed a tottering volus aside as she stepped up beside them and nodded.

"Got the parts. Can't believe some of the shit these merchants try to pull." She rolled her eyes irritably.

"At least it was only about twenty-five hundred," Will countered.

Tul laughed. "And I felt bad about the price of the blowtorch."

Eleena shrugged and crossed her arms. "I just charged it to the company account."

Tul shook his head in disbelief. "Am I the only one who didn't know we had an account for business expenses?"

"What business expenses have you been making?" Will raised a brow.

"Well..." Tul'Sorrin paused and tapped his foot as he thought. "None so far. But I might have to!"

Eleena smirked as she attempted to change the subject. "The parts should be delivered in about an hour."

"An hour?" Will glanced to Tul and Eleena with a grin. "Sounds like we've got time for a drink."

"I could go for a shot or two," Eleena stated with a sigh.

Tul shrugged. "Sure, why not?"

"I'm glad you all agree." Will turned and began to lead the others down the block and toward Discharge. "Because I already told Shansa and Kallux to meet us there."

Having just come off of a mission and long flight to port the crew had agreed to only a short stint at the bar. Will had gladly paid for the round of drinks and ensured Tul'Sorrin that he was in fact paying from his own pocket and not the group's. After a good hour of relaxation Eleena received a message on her omnitool informing her that her supplies had been delivered and the group reluctantly left the always bustling bar. Will walked at the head of the group as Shansa and Eleena debated over whether or not the latest ion drive released by Araxian Propulsion had any practical application. Meanwhile, Kallux and Tul'Sorrin discussed the latest news that the krogan had read about while waiting for the others to arrive at Discharge. Will eavesdropped passively on both conversations for a long while before they reached the street where their docking bay was located. He looked ahead to the airlock leading to the Hyperion and squinted in confusion: standing to the side of the door was a pair of armored figures with their arms crossed and stern looks. The first, a turian, seemed to motion in the direction of the crew as they approached causing the second, a salarian, to nod in affirmation and speak something to his companion that Will was much to far away to hear.

"Hey," Will muttered to draw the crew's attention as he came to a halt. "We might have a situation here."

The friendly chatter behind him ceased as the others stopped at his side and directed their attention to the duo standing by the airlock.

"Oh dear," Shansa lamented. "Does anyone recognize them?"

No one responded.

Will looked to the side where dozens of people hurried to and fro in the street. "I don't see any weapons on them."

"They might just wish to talk," Kallux reminded them. "We are listed in the RMC contact list."

"Look at the armor they're sporting," Eleena observed as she looked them over from afar. "They're decked."

It was true; the salarian and turian were dressed in what appeared to be military-grade armor. Will took a deep breath and began walking toward them just as he had before.

"I'll give them the benefit of the doubt. We're in a crowded street." Will glanced over his shoulder as the others walked with him. "But be ready to draw. You know, just in case."

Will and the rest of the crew approached the door cautiously as the two armored strangers turned to face them. As he got closer Will could see that the turian and salarian were, despite his first observation, armed with pistols at their sides. He hooked his thumb casually into his belt too keep it close to his concealed Carnifex.

"Waiting for someone?" Will called out to them as he slowed to a stop a few meters away.

"We might be," the turian answered. His voice rang of the cocky confidence that Will's often did. "Are you Captain William Hume?"

Will put on a straight face and raised his chin questioningly. "Who's asking?"

The salarian narrowed his eyes. "Agent Vayren."

"And Corsin Rentarius. We're Spectres." The turian looked over the group. "Mind if we have a little chat?"

Will's heart nearly skipped a beat. Since their run-in with Sommesh they had not attempted to enter Council space in fear that the "tip" sent by Commander Narek had been taken seriously. If it had, the Hyperion and her crew could be wanted for smuggling prothean artifacts, a serious crime in the eyes of the Citadel Council.

"What about?" Will asked cautiously.

"We're not here to arrest you," Corsin stated bluntly. "We're here to make you an offer."

Will raised a brow. "That being?"

"We need guns and a ship for a mission," Vayren stated. "We're willing to pay for your services, of course."

"How much, exactly?" Tul'Sorrin piped in. "Because we do have a standard rate."

Corsin twitched his mandibles in amusement. "We'll pay double your normal rates in exchange for your cooperation and discretion. In addition, we can offer a slightly more unique form of compensation. A bonus, you might say."

There was a momentary pause as Will eyed them curiously. "And what sort of compensation is that?"

"A clean slate," Corsin answered. "Your ship and her crew are wanted criminals in Council space. As Spectres we have the power to change that quite easily."

Will looked to either side where is crew stood to gauge their opinions. He was met with mostly shrugs of "why not?" and turned back to the Spectres with a nod.

"Alright, let's talk."

"Might we do so in your docking bay?" Vayren inquired curtly and with no emotion.

"Sure," Will replied slowly.

The Hyperion crew followed Will to the airlock while the Spectres stood at either side of his flank. He felt strange having so many eyes on him as he opened the door that led into the private docking bay where the Hyperion waited. As they walked through the loading area he noted the crate of supplies that was no doubt the very same that Eleena had been waiting on. Will crossed the room and turned back to face the others as they entered behind him and formed a cluster at the center of the room.

"So what's the job?" Eleena asked as they stopped and looked to the Spectres.

Corsin glanced to Vayren who gave him a nod. "We've been assigned to apprehend or kill a dangerous criminal," Corsin began. "A turian arms manufacturer and dealer by the name of Narenthus Antarian. A few months ago he instigated a civil war on the planet Sharkeer to sell weapons to both the authoritarian dictatorship in power and the rebellion against it."

"This is a Terminus issue," Kallux interjected. "Why the hell is a pair of a Spectres investigating?"

"The Spectres were created to uphold galactic stability," Vayren countered sternly. "Our first concern is Council space, but we are also concerned about the well being of other systems."

Corsin chuckled to himself. "A noble thought, but allow me to be honest with both you and my partner. Sharkeer is a border world only a few hours flight from the Attican Traverse and a major asari colony. If Antarian is crazy enough to start a war for profit he's crazy enough to sell to the raiders that just love picking on colonies in the Traverse." The turian crossed his arms and looked to Will. "This is urgent matter and it's why we need a fireteam and ship."

Kallux let out a grunt of disapproval. "Then why not bring in turian or salarian soldiers?"

"The Council..." Vayren paused for a moment. "The Council has requested no military involvement of any kind. Understandable, given the opinion of Council governance in the Terminus Systems."

"It also helps to have people familiar with the Terminus Systems," Corsin added. "A rarity in most military organizations. That's where mercenaries come into play."

"Why us?" Will asked flatly. "There are plenty of merc groups on this station with more firepower and bigger ships."

"I suppose that would be my question to answer," Vayren began. "Five months ago I was assigned to observe and, if necessary, eliminate an organization that I believe you are intimately familiar with: Project Sommesh."

The Hyperion crew shifted slightly at the name, their attention clearly captured.

"I monitored your struggle against them and I was impressed by your capabilities," the salarian continued as he crossed his hands over his waist and laced his fingers. "Your cooperation with the Red Moon Collective is also a point of interest. Spectres have been known to hire and even recruit from the organization."

"So you want us because you think we have morals?" Shansa asked curiously. "Didn't you just offer to clear our criminal records of a serious crime?"

Vayren let out a sigh. "I know very well that you did not intentionally smuggle any prothean artifacts. My specialty with the Spectres is gathering information and I can assure that I am very good at my job."

"Well it's comforting to know that you all don't take a batarian criminal's word at face value," Will admitted.

"We don't," Corsin clarified quickly. "But the Council government doesn't have the time or interest in verifying the validity of every report."

Will snorted in disgust at the thought. "Well if you don't have anything else to add, I'd like to discuss this with my crew."

Corsin nodded. "By all means. Vayren and I will wait outside."

The Spectres made their exit quickly as Will and the rest of the crew watched. Once they had completely exited through the large door the five members of the Hyperion crew looked to one another.

"Well that was... unexpected," Tul stated.

"Very," Will agreed. "Thoughts?"

Kallux shifted anxiously. "It seems a little strange to me. How do they even know this turian started that war on Sharkeer?"

"They might have evidence they didn't want to share yet," Shansa replied. "I mean... we didn't even accept the mission. There's probably a lot more information they don't want floating around."

"Maybe," Eleena muttered. "But I agree with Kallux, something doesn't feel right."

Will crossed his arms and nodded. "You're right, but think about what they're offering. Do you all really want to be wanted throughout Council space for the rest of your lives?"

"No... I don't," Tul'Sorrin admitted quietly. "I'd always wanted to visit the Citadel. Maybe just once."

The group fell silent as their eyes sank to the floor. Will looked to each of them as they stood quietly and contemplated the situation at hand.

"If we decide to work with them... who's going to be in charge?" Shansa looked up to Will as she spoke.

Eleena looked up. "Yeah, there's no way I'm doing this unless you're calling the shots, Captain."

Will smiled regrettably and looked to Kallux and Tul as they nodded in agreement. "I don't think that's an option here."

"Tell them we'll accept the job under the condition that you remain in charge," Kallux reiterated.

"Fine, but if they reject it-"

"Then we go back to doing what we do," Eleena interjected with a grin.

Will let out a sigh. "Alright."

He crossed the room and tapped the control console at the center of the door. Corsin and Vayren were standing at either side of the exit and looked over their shoulders as Will stood with a hand showing them back in. The turian turned and stepped through the door with Vayren just behind him.

"The crew has one condition if we accept this job," Will informed the Spectres as the turned and stood side by side. "I call the shots."

Vayren snorted indignantly. "Do you honestly think that-"

"Shh shh," Corsin quickly held up his hand and looked to the salarian. "Let's try to be civil here, Vayren. You told me yourself that you noted Captain Hume as having exceptional leadership skills." The turian turned back to Will and stared the human down for a few long seconds of silence. "How about this: the three of us share equal power when laying out our plans. Majority rules. As for battle... Spectres usually operate alone. Even when we work as team, each Spectre is typically responsible for his or her own self. You command your squad as you normally would in a fight while Vayren and I adapt to your decisions." He glanced to the salarian. "Think you can handle that?"

Vayren sneered slightly. "Of course."

Will nodded confidently. "Alright, fine. We're on board."

"Good choice," Corsin informed him. "If it's alright with you, Vayren and I have some gear we must collect. What do you say to a meeting in two hours to discuss our first course of action?"

"Two hours," Will affirmed with a nod.

Vayren eyed Will closely. "Good, we'll be back with our supplies within the hour."

The Spectres gave Will and the crew a respectful nod before turning and exiting the docking bay through the large door once again.

"This is gonna be a fun one," Kallux commented with more than a hint of sarcasm. "I can tell already."

"I don't see how this could go wrong." Will turned back to face his crew with a grin. "We've got Spectres on our side."

Eleena crossed her arms with a smirk. "Yeah, but we're gonna be going up against the people Spectres tangle with."

Will's grin faded slightly. "Good point."

Tul'Sorrin shook his head. "Captain, I need access to that company account. There's no way I'm going into this without a new shield generator."

"Tul..." Will fell silent and bit his lower lip as he caved before he could even begin his argument. "I'll forward you the information."