The Citadel
Zakera Ward
Captain Bailey honestly didn't expect to get stuck with teaching the 'New Guys' about stuff. Though UNSC personnel kept to themselves at the Embassy, providing mostly security detail to the people there, the 'Coruscant Guard' or 'Shock Troopers' as they were called by Ambassador/Senator Chuchi seemed more intent on providing local backup and reinforcement to C-SEC.
A pretty sizable detachment had been assigned to Bailey's own sector of the Citadel's Wards. It included the unit's commander, Fox, the man clad in that blood-red armor with white detailing he'd seen when they came off the transport. Hands behind his back, the Officer of the Clone Army stood at attention by the Captain's desk.
Of course, Zakera Ward had an access point to one of the landing areas nearby, meaning people were going in and coming out of the docks in order to find their way through the Ward itself. It made them uneasy to see heavily-armed men clad in armor with blood-red marks sitting beside C-SEC's uniformed staff.
Bailey was even writing a report on it. He sighed, pushed himself away on his rolling chair, then looked up at Fox and asked, "Commander?" which caused the Clone officer to look at him, the light of the precinct glowing against his black visor as he did. The two men stared at one-another for a moment, to which Fox tilted his head. Bailey said, "You mind finding a chair…? I think we're scaring the newcomers."
"Alright," Fox replied without hesitation. He gently pulled up a chair and sat down next to the man, scanning the area and watching the newcomer Civilians milling about the place, hands in their pockets. Others left, obviously, going through the filters. Fox said, "What's this place's policy on handling Firearms?"
"If you're not military, you're supposed to surrender guns, usually, or check them in alongside your permit," Bailey replied as he wrote up the next report. He continued, "You know, Shepard never mentioned that your people would be deploying here, considering we all thought you were gonna be Security Detail on the Presidium."
"Senator Chuchi spoke to Councilor Tevos about places which require policing," Fox stated, "The Shock Troopers assisted Police back on Coruscant as well, so this is sort of like home," and he looked through one of the large windows at the ward they were in, plus the other four long arms of the Citadel. He added in a murmur, "Obviously, not quite as populated as Coruscant…"
"But with nearly the same population density, I'm guessin'," Bailey replied as he stood up. He turned to the man and asked, "Coffee?" as he lifted the container full of black gold from the espresso machine. The Commander paused, staring at the liquid that had pretty much kept him alive throughout his tenure as Commander.
"Yeah. Thanks," He then replied, trying to keep himself steady. Bailey smirked and nodded, then pulled out two cardboard cups and poured the liquid, handing the man the drink and watching him finally take off his helmet to drink. The square jaw, calm face and dark-brown eyes, slicked back black hair and calm demeanor matched what he expected of the Commander.
"So…" Bailey asked as he walked over to his chair and sat back down, taking a sip from his coffee before asking, "Why take this job? I got word from one of your lower-ranked brothers that you're the top of the Shock Troops. The actual Commanding Officer. Shouldn't you be back home, coordinating with whatever other staff exists?"
"Senator Chuchi specifically requested me and the First Squad to provide escort to her," The man partially lied. In truth, Riyo wanted him around for other matters, with Guard Duty being a bonus. Regardless, he added, "And it's not like I have much choice until I train a 2iC to do offworld missions…" before sipping from his drink.
"Fair enough, I guess," Bailey shrugged, watching the people going about their business and looking at their faces specifically. He looked at the man, then added, "Meanwhile, we never really leave the Citadel," as he sipped from the drink. He shrugged, then turned back to typing reports. Fox hummed, taking another sip of his drink.
"You're C-SEC. Citadel Security. I don't think anyone expects you all to leave," Fox replied as he swirled the drink in the cup. Captain Bailey was an interesting man. And yes, Fox had obviously read up on the place they were going to in order to ensure the best security possible. Commander Shepard had made sure to keep the Waystation up-to-date with their 'Codex', the Galactic History Book.
"Yeah," Bailey nodded, "We do some off-world work from time-to-time like disaster relief and all that, but we leave bringing bad guys in to the Spectres."
"Ah, yeah, the 'Above The Law' units. Commander Shepard is one of them, right?" The Clone inquired. He waved one of his boys forward, handed him a report and tilted his head toward their Gunship, which was docked nearby to allow the Troop to respond as soon as the need arose. He looked at Bailey again.
"That she is," The man replied with a proud smirk the moment Fox paid attention again.
The Commander nodded, then said, "She seems capable," as he recalled her file. She was their first point of contact with this Galaxy and she played the part of mediator for the entire Waystation Force, not just between each-other, but the Galaxy. And if the messages Fives was sending him were anything to go by, the ARC Trooper was enjoying his time aboard the Normandy.
Fox was honestly glad they kept tabs on each-other… Made him feel glad he missed that first bolt…
"Shepard?" Bailey snorted, then shrugged and said, "She just came back from the dead and is kicking ass, so, yeah, she's capable," and he let a little of his Pro-Humanity pride swing in for the faux-monologue about the Commander as he said, "Even before that, two years ago, she put down a Rogue Specter with seniority over her and saved the Council."
"I read her file on the trip over, Captain," Fox replied calmly, noting two Asari that had just entered the place, armed… He added, "I'm also trying not to be biased, considering most, if not all of us are Human or Human-Adjacent and thus meaning the fact we're showing this much joy over one of our own finding an Alien guilty might raise a few brows…" and he caught another. A Batarian, familiar facial structure and tattoos.
"Fair enough. Just saying, though…" Bailey replied, then leaned forward as the Batarian passed and spoke to him, "Suspect on our six," in a whisper. Fox looked the Alien over.
"Saw him. Arms dealer on a Watchlist if I remember reading the files right," He then replied, grabbing a hold of his blaster pistol. The two men looked at the alien as he and his two Asari guards, scruple-less Mercenary women wearing the Eclipse Sisterhood's yellow armor, marched into the Citadel's Zakera Ward unabated…
Captain Bailey thoughtfully hummed, scratching his chin, then asked, "You think he's here to pass off some new gear?" to which Fox nodded. It was possible, both capable officers thought, that there was some shadier deal going on. Bailey pulled up some data on a shell company that was suspected to be in use by the man to smuggle equipment around and he saw that a freighter had recently arrived.
"Best bet is to get someone to watch him," Fox told Bailey as he saw what he was doing. He appreciated proactiveness, but engaging the man's forces now was probably not a good idea. Not without a warrant. He added, "We can't exactly leave this post until our shift here ends in an hour, but I know he has warrants that approve surveillance…"
"Gonna call it in…" The human captain replied, then pulled up his Omni-Tool, made sure the channel was secured and spoke in a clear-cut, sharp voice, "All Units, this is Zakera Ward Section 17. Be advised:High-Profile Batarian arms dealer, Gron Caksokan, just passed through our filter. Requesting one pair to keep tabs on him for now…"
"I'll ask my boys to back yours up…" Fox nodded, then activated his com system and ordered, "All First Squad Elements. I'm sure you picked up the call, but just in case you haven't, an Arms Dealer just stepped through our filter with an outstanding surveillance warrant. Any unit available to back up C-SEC units on surveillance duty has the go-ahead."
"Thanks," Bailey offered to the Clone. Though it was still weird to Bailey that he was a Clone, it was nice to see he was a professional.
"No problem. Let's bunker down and let the Surveillance teams update us until our Shift's done," Fox nodded in reply, then drank his coffee. Bailey nodded in agreement and got back to writing reports, with Fox himself finishing his cuppa joe, tossing the disposable ware in the trash and putting his helmet back on as he joined the men in vetting arrivals.
When End-Of-Shift came, which was surprisingly sooner than expected, the two men walked out of the Station and followed the path their Arms Dealer took. Fox asked, "How did you not nail this bastard to the wall yet?" as he kept a hand on the right-side pistol while they walked. The locals eyed the Clone walking with Bailey with a hint of suspicion.
"Good alibis and a lot of issues with witnesses 'disappearing'," The human male replied as he held his own hand on his gun and the other on his badge. Fox snorted, feeling an all-too-familiar kinship on that end in the case of certain aliens. The two walked toward Shin Akiba, the supposed location of the Batarian, keeping their weapons at the ready.
When they reached the colorful neon area of Shin Akiba, the human market area in Zakera, they found themselves watching people milling about, drinking and eating together and just enjoying a calm night on the Citadel. The pair of C-SEC and their two Clone reinforcements were also there, keeping tabs on their quarry.
Said Quarry was, much to everyone's surprise, sitting with a human female. A beautiful blonde with wavy hair and a black dress. Her eyes glowed blue, almost looking prosthetic in nature. She was genuinely beautiful in every sense of the world, with a body to match. A strange contrast to the Batarian. She smiled at him and slipped her hand under the table.
A credit chit was exchanged and the two men looked at one-another. Bailey said to Fox, "Let's try not to spook her. Let Gron leave with his two guards…" while eyeing the two Asari women, both of whom were exchanging small talk with a pair of local women at a ramen shop. They still had a clear view of Gron and the blonde.
The two nodded to each-other, smiling, then Gron downed his drink and left his plate and a few credits to pay for the meal, departing with his guards. Bailey and Fox nodded to one-another, then stepped forward as the woman still ate her own meal. When they were close enough, the captain cleared his throat, causing the woman to turn her head.
She said, "Good evening, Officers. Didn't expect some of the new people to be working with C-SEC tonight," almost trying to sound like she didn't notice the two Clones that had been trailing Gron.
"Yeah, fair enough," Fox nodded.
Bailey quipped, "I think you're the first human being I've seen chatting up a Batarian with a smile on her face. Are you two familiar with each-other?" and he put his other hand on his belt after motioning broadly in the direction Gron had left. The woman seemed surprised, but she really wasn't, obvious by the fact she was still relatively calm.
She looked to where Gron had been sitting, then chuckled and said, "Oh, yeah. He and I go way back…" before she turned to face the men, "He spared my life in the Skyllian Blitz, back on Torfan, so I tracked him down to talk with him. Figure out why he didn't take me as a slave or just kill me, as Batarians tend to do…" and she laughed awkwardly.
Fox stared, unimpressed, while Bailey hummed. He asked, "You know his name, then?"
"Gron," She nodded.
He then asked, "And what's your name, then, ma'am?"
"Patricia Stone. Call me Tricia," She smiled, scratching the back of her neck, "Hope we didn't do anything wrong just by meeting… It's not everyday that a human and a Batarian can just sit and chat, after all," and she stared at the two men, still, her glowing eyes adjusting to their sight. The neon lights must've been causing issues.
"Right," Bailey replied as he activated his Omni-Tool, "No problem. We were just curious."
Fox asked, "What's with the eyes, miss Stone? If you don't mind me asking," as he tapped a finger against the self-molding plastic grip of his sidearm. He saw her take a moment, staring at him with what almost felt like a death glare that he met in kind, though hers was concealed behind an awkward smile.
She took a half-second to think, then immediately replied, "Lost them in the Blitz. Got a miracle from a doctor that was testing out stuff like this on a backwater in the Terminus almost eight years ago, out of the Alliance's prerogative," and she shrugged, "I know it was probably not a smart thing to go to some shady cyber-doc to stick new prosthetic eyes in my sockets, but I was sort of desperate to see again…"
She then added a hint more reverently, "It's a blessing from God that I took for granted before my injury, you know? Seeing, I mean," and she smiled again at both of them.
"Hm…" Fox tapped his foot and looked at Bailey. The man nodded, his face a stone mask. Fox then said, "Apologies for bothering you, ma'am, and thanks for answering our questions. Enjoy your meal," then he and Bailey turned and left. The woman seemed to know better than to stop and ask them why they'd even walked over.
Bailey whispered into his Omni-Tool, "CENTRAL, this is Section Seventeen, Bailey speaking. Ask the Alliance for the service records of one Patricia Stone. Tell them it's related to an outstanding Warrant on a Batarian arms dealer," before casting a quick glance back at the woman, who had in fact finished her meal and was now leaving. He added, "And send a patrol to keep tabs on her. Female, human, early thirties, five-foot ten, blonde hair, prosthetic blue eyes. Just left Shin Akiba, heading up-spin"
"This is gonna be interesting," Fox mumbled. He activated his own com system and said, "All teams, go into Yellow Alert and follow up on C-SEC findings about miss Stone. Keep tabs on Gron as well and try to be as out of sight as possible," then he looked at Bailey and said, "I have a bad feeling Miss Stone isn't here just for a courtesy visit."
"And neither's the Batarian," The man nodded, "Some goods registered under one of his shell companies have arrived. C-SEC brass is trying to get a Warrant to search the stuff, but it's gonna take a bit before the bureaucrats up in their Ivory Towers decide to give us a way to investigate these bastards…"
"Let's hope we won't have to break the law," Fox said, fully knowing they might have to to prevent whatever Tricia and Gron were planning. He wasn't fond of the idea, ever. Breaking the law was bad enough when it was being done by random civvies or his own brothers, but him and his team having to break local laws to solve a possible problem case?
… Honestly, were it not for Riyo, he would've hated this posting…
Normandy
Elsewhere, Shepard had set a course for the Waystation first and foremost, to retrofit the old girl with the suggested turbolaser enhancements for her secondary batteries. Obviously, General Tano's input in matters of ship defense was as important as everyone else's, so they did as asked. Added upon that, however, the rather obvious matter of talking to Colonial Admin about Helo's wife.
… And having them all meet Lord Rhasits and Kyra. Which was going to be interesting, Shepard thought to herself. She watched from the bridge, beside Joker, as the Stealth Frigate danced in FTL, moving toward their intended catching net next to Beta Viperidae:The other Mass Relay. She said to Joker, "Y'know, I feel like this place is becoming a little crowded…"
"Oh, what, ya mean the Space Wizard and Wizard's Apprentice we picked up on the way?" Joker quipped as he prepared their exit vectors with EDI's help. He told her, "I mean, they're pretty cool… And neither of'em tried to rip anyone's throats out, obviously," while looking up at her. The woman seemed distracted, though.
EDI spoke, "Apologies for interrupting the one-sided discussion, mister Moreau, commander, but I have just received word through the FTL Communicator that the Galactica has long departed the Waystation," which caused Shepard and Helo, who was waiting near the airlock, to pause and look at her. She continued, "It seems they've departed to meet the Quarian Migrant Fleet at Raheel-Leyya."
"So we'll meet them there," Shepard sighed deeply, rubbing her eyes, "Alright. Let's get this refit done ASAP and get moving. I'll give my bi-weekly report to the Waystation's council and we'll clear Tali's name. Two birds with one stone. Thanks for the update, EDI," and she pat Joker on the shoulder, then turned and walked over to the team.
"Can't believe they're putting her on trial for treason," Helo spoke quietly, crossing his arms to his chest, "Doesn't seem fair to poor Tali, especially considering the way Garrus spoke about her and the rest of your team, Commander…" then he scratched his neck. He looked back toward the laboratory door, concerned.
Rhasits spoke, "Calm yourself, Captain Agathon," his voice soothingly smooth, "I'm certain doctor Solus has the machines contained…"
"I still can't believe the frakkin' Cylons are here and working with the Collectors," Helo mumbled, "We need to warn Galactica. Warn everyone before they come out swinging at us," and he told Shepard, "I can feel the bastards breathing down our necks already…" with an unease about him that was understandable and palpable.
Kyra spoke, "Master said you should relax, though I can understand the unease…" with a peaceful, neutral tone, "I would be wary of any who burned a homeworld of mine. You must remain self-assured in the fact that they can be found out before they do damage, taking into consideration what you told us of the Cylon Detector."
"Yeah, I know…" He sighed deeply, then nodded, "Thank you both."
"Of course," Rhasits spoke, "We will be working together henceforth, so I don't see why we shouldn't aid each-other," before casting a glance at Ahsoka, who was sitting there, arms crossed and glaring a little at them. He smirked a little behind his mask while the Clones behind Ahsoka were laughing. The 18-year-old General cast a glare back at them and they shut up, though.
"We're about to enter the Viperidae System!" Joker called out, "If you folks want front-row seats to how your home away from your homes developed, c'mon forward!" and indeed, they did. As the ship approached the Mass Relay at Eezoo-given Superluminal speeds, the team braced for the deceleration that slowly began to take hold.
It wasn't long after that the ship emerged from the Relay's hold, caught and returned to its normal mass as the blue aura of Element Zero faded away from the hull, only to reveal the hive of activity that was Beta Viperidae dead ahead. The Gas Giant saw several new blips of light appear next to the Waystation. Several dozen new ships of various makes.
And as they drew closer, indeed, the Galactica was missing. In her stead, however, several new ships were present. Three new Republic Venators hovered over the station, which was still under construction, but rapidly expanding. The central ring which contained the Star Road had expanded from a skeleton to a fully-fledged 'customs' area of sorts.
The inner skeletal areas of the station had also been upgraded. Defense turrets arrayed in batteries of Turbolasers, missile VLS tubes and kinetic Close-In Weapons Systems permeated the station, while thick armor that combined upper layers of Titanium with middle layers of alloys local to the Republic's Galaxy and inner structures of honeycombed armor. Added upon that was an energy shield supported by the Station's reactors.
All of this was visible in the other areas of the station that expanded ever-outward, now including Shipyards for retrofitting, repair and other duties. The habitation area of the Station remained surprisingly almost the same, save for layers of defensive armor added unto it. Even now, they could see crews in Zero-Gee suits working on it.
The Alliance had also deployed a fleet here as it seemed, though it was small. A cruiser and several Frigates lay docked beside the Colonial Navy's Civilian Fleet. However, the show wasn't about to end that quickly for the crew or those present, either. As the station's central power structure and portal to the other three Galaxies spun to life, creating a massive tear in space-time that resembled a whirlwind portal of black and blue, the bow of one ship appeared.
A bulbous hull that resembled a sea monster of ancient tales began to emerge, escorted by smaller minnows of a similar design. When she fully exited the portal under her own power, the Normandy's sensor suite measured her at over five kilometers long and bristling with energy weapons that, thankfully, remained inactive.
To greet her, a much larger vessel of a similar arrowhead shape as the standard design language of Star Destroyers in the Republic fleet moved in to greet her. This other ship was pinged at over eight kilometers in length and was similarly well-armed and armored. They stood bow-to-bow, but their weapons were not aimed at each-other. Rather, greetings were being exchanged audibly over com.
"Holy frak…" Mumbled Helo.
Cortana smiled as she appeared beside EDI, stating, "Ladies and Gents, say hello to the CAS carrier Shadow of Intent and the Mandator-class Might of the Grand Army… Waystation, this is Normandy, requesting Permission to Dock at… Drydock seventeen in order to accomplish requested Refits, over?" and, while everyone else stared with awe at the mass of ships gathered.
Rhasits spoke, "A truly menacing sight for anything in this Galaxy. Both that Star Destroyer and the Carrier," as he stared at the two ships shift themselves into patrol pattern together, all while the CAS-class warship seemed to deploy a single dropship. Ahsoka was smiling, well aware of who'd come to visit.
As the ship docked, she was met by engineering crews, including, much to the surprise of everyone, floating gas bags with snake heads and various tentacles. The bioluminescent creatures approached the ship and, at the behest of Republic and UNSC engineer crews, began the refitting process for the Old Girl.
The crew, meanwhile descended the moment the umbilical connected to the vessel, stepping out through a transparisteel tube into the innards of the station. Additional hallways, a customs section and various other important facilities had been added, with the station now being manned by more UNSC Personnel and Republic staff.
Ahsoka put her hands on hert hips, looking around, then breathed deep of the recycled air of the station. She said, "Smells a little more like home all of a sudden," then cast a glance over at Padmé, who waved at the crew, then paused the moment she saw Rhasits, presumably. Ahsoka rolled her eyes, then mumbled, "This is gonna be interesting."
Another Lightsaber-wielding woman emerged from beside Padmé, alongside a surprising sight:A Clone clad in an armor set that did even less to hide them in any environment. A purple main color, with reds and oranges added upon it as stripes to mark the man, plus standard Commander's garbs like a kama and left shoulder pauldron.
She paused, noticing the Sith and his Apprentice, too, then blinked and looked over at Ahsoka, who waved it off and mouthed, "Long story" to the woman. She nodded, then breathed and warily approached the crew. She was a brown-haired beauty that still bore the scars of her and her unit's combat tours, her blue eyes glimmering with hope.
She bowed and greeted, "Commander Shepard. I'm General Cheyeli and this is Commander Bastion. We're with the Four-hundred seventy-sixth Legion, currently on assignment to the Waystation as a permanent Garrison. It's an honor to finally meet you," her voice smooth and soft, warm and welcoming. She smiled and extended a hand to the Commander.
"An honor to meet you, too… Though I think I should really be the only one saying that…" Shepard was a bit surprised as she gripped and shook the woman's hand. She then shook Bastion's and said, "Good to meet a fellow Commander again," only to get a nod out of the man wearing the helmet.
"Good to be here," He nodded back, seemingly not quite as talkative. He said to Shepard, "Hell of a Crew you have here," and he eyed the Sith and his Apprentice, "And you…" then he scratched his chin. Rhasits bowed to the two of them.
"Greetings, General and Commander. Lord Rhasits, at your service," He offered warmly, much to the two's surprise. He then motioned to the young Miraluka woman beside him and stated, "And this is my Apprentice, Kyra," and the girl bowed. Though they were trained relatively young to view Sith as the enemy, few (former) Jedi had encountered any. Many even thought them extinct.
"Huh," Cheyeli mumbled, "Quite welcoming for a Sith."
"I come from a long time ago, General," Rhasits replied, "And I have no intention of making enemies of anyone here-" only to pause as he felt something. Shepard looked at him, concerned, as did Helo, before the man visibly smiled, taking off his mask to reveal the Pureblood Sith Species face behind it. He cast a glance behind the Clone and General.
And Ahsoka smirked, too, then sighed, "Oh, I'm never gonna hear the end of this, am I?"
"Heh… No, you're probably not, Snips," A familiar voice spoke. A young man with brown hair approached, arms crossed over his darker coat and armor. He smiled as he and Rex greeted the group with a wave. He said, "Looking good as a General…"
"Feels good, Skyguy," Ahsoka smiled back. The two bumped fists, then she motioned to the crew, saying, "This is Commander Shepard. The woman I and Jester Squad are working under. And these two are Sith. Lord Rhasits and his apprentice, Kyra," only to watch as the confusion streaked across Anakin Skywalker's face.
Even Padmé seemed a bit confused by that, but realized it to be true as she approached. Rex looked at Jesse and Fives, past Ahsoka and the others, then pointed at Rhasits and mouthed 'Sith?' as a question, only to get a combined nod from all members of the Fireteam, all of them stifling laughter save for Jesse.
Rex rolled his eyes and mumbled, "Just another day in the Grand Army of the Republic…"
When he regained his composure, Anakin said, "I leave Ahsoka alone for a few days and she comes home with two Sith…" which got a chuckle out of everyone present. He extended his right hand at them and said, "A pleasure to meet you, Rhasits, Kyra. Have to say it's a bit weird to be saying that, considering what they taught us at the Temple…"
"Of course," Rhasits nodded, "And this is the Chosen One, as foretold by the prophecy. Truly, an honor to meet you, as well…"
"... Right," Anakin blinked, a bit surprised that Rhasits knew. He then looked at Shepard and said, "And good to meet you, Commander. I read your file and I gotta say, it's nice to finally meet someone who appreciates unorthodox approaches," which got a laugh out of Shepard.
"Not as unorthodox as… Flying half a ship?" Shepard snorted, "She gave me the files, too."
"Yeah, well, we're still here," Anakin shrugged, smirking, "C'mon. Everyone else is already in a meeting. Best to get to it while the refit's happening," before looking at Cheyeli and tilting his head. She nodded and started leading the way with Bastion, while Rex and the others formed up around the crew as a defense unit, though not before Blue Team also moved to join them as a guard unit.
Chief had deemed Shepard important enough to guard. That was sweet, she thought… Sweet and worrying, honestly. What the hell drove a Spartan to decide a human was worth protecting to the point the entire Squad followed them in? Honestly, no, no need to wonder about that. Even in friendly territory, it was probably a good idea to have an extra gun.
One final meet and greet was set for today, when they entered the still-under-construction Waystation Meeting Hall, an amphitheater of hundreds of seats. There, a pair of hunchback aliens, one clad in white armor and with a cape on his back and the other, in an ornate, ancient bronze armor set, spoke to UNSC representatives.
Both serpentine aliens turned their heads to greet the team, showing the split-jawed morphology of their faces. One of them, however, missed two of his mandibles, though he didn't look that much worse for it. Both noticed Chief and seemed to smile, or do whatever passed for that to their species, before they put their right hands, balled into fists, to the left sides of their chests and bowed their heads in greeting…
… Okay, probably the Shadow of Intent's crew, Shepard thought to herself, stunned at how fast this alliance was growing.
