>>42202727
>>Wander the Trenton
100% secrets and sidequests go

>>42202727
>Wander the Trenton
mite b cool

>>42202727
>>Wander the Trenton

CODEXES!

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>Right then, can I get a single d10 roll?
>Taking the First

Rolled 9 (1d10)

>>42203055

>>42203079

>Writing

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Been trying to construct a better mental picture of Sonali. She's obviously of Indian Descent, judging from her name and appearance. But does she have any other distinguishing features? Scars and stuff.

I kinda want her to have an Om tattoo on her left bicep as a flavor thing. She's not a practicing Hindu, but she's listed as one on her dogtags.

>>42203382

I like the idea of a tattoo, but are we going with making her a Hindu?

Admittedly, that would give us an interesting spin on her religious beliefs if they ever come up.

>>42203764
>>42203382
I'm not opposed to it, if only because we can bring Shiva's wrath down upon people. Or Vishnu's wrath, because that makes less sense.

>>42203382
Is it hindu who carry that little ritual dagger thing everywhere or is that another sect?

>>42203989
Thats Skih different faith

>>42203912

>Shiva's Wrath

Cover ourself in a blue biotic field and Charge into people while chanting in Sanskrit. Badass.

We need to learn Charge.

>>42203989
Nope, those are Sikhs. Hindus are all over the place with their beliefs.

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You decide to go for a walk around the Trenton to mull a few things over. Making your way through the Crew Deck, you nod to the few off-duty Marines and Sailors you see. All of them acknowledge you in some way, whether it’s a nod in return, a wave or a spoken greeting. They like and respect you and it shows in the way they treat you. At the elevator, you hit the button for the Cargo Bay and lean against the wall, crossing your arms and picking at the sleeves of your fatigues. Privately, you think that the Navy Blue and Grey is rather bland, but it does make for a striking image in the media. The N7 Red and Black is far more badass though.

The long elevator ride gives you time to think on recent events more. Takeo’s death eats at you a little, but you can deal with it. You’ve dealt with worse, thinking back to a ratty apartment in a slum on a planet far, far away. Your mouth curls into a frown, as thoughts of the bastard who claimed to be your father invade your head. Immediately, you push them away, bringing yourself back to the present. He’s gone. Just like Takeo. But Takeo was a good man, with a good heart. You’ll miss him, but you’ll move on.

>[CONT.]

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>>42204426

Stepping out of the elevator, you nod to Wang, the Quartermaster, and walk through the Cargo bay to Engineering. It’s rather empty at the moment, Chief Engineer Dawkins being the only one on duty. He looks up from his console as you enter, his eyes meeting yours briefly before returning to his work, a grunt his only acknowledgment of your presence. You walk past him to stand in front of the pulsing drive core. It’s a roiling, churning blue mass inside a cutting edge containment field. An incredibly advanced piece of technology that powers the entire ship and grants it physics defying abilities. And despite being a Tech Aficionado yourself, this is your favorite place on the ship because the Core is beautiful to look at and that’s it.

As you step out on the observation platform closest to the core, you feel a familiar tingling sensation throughout your body as the Trenton’s powerful Mass Effect Fields interact with the Eezo nodes in your body. Closing your eyes, you flex your biotics slightly, lifting yourself a few inches into the air and keeping yourself there. You wouldn’t be able to pull this off outside of the Core, but while you’re within, it’s pretty trivial. Folding your legs under you, you fold your arms in your lap and try to meditate a bit.

>[CONT.]

>>42204459

For a while you drift inside your head, thinking of nothing really, until something interrupts you. You sense, more than hear, the presence of someone entering the room and stopping behind the observation platform. Dropping the fields, you land on your feet and turn to regard the figure behind you.

Captain Reynard stands there, arms crossed and wearing a tanktop and fatigue pants instead of her customary Navy Uniform. She gives you a thoughtful look before speaking.

“Commander, I usually spar with a few of the crew on Wednesdays and was wondering if you’d like to join me today. I’ve found it does wonders for dealing with stress.”

>Response?

>>42204487
"Sure."

>>42204487
"I'd be delighted too. Could use something to take my mind off things."

>On a Separate Note, would you like to make Sonali a Hindu or give her a Tattoo?
>I was inspired by the discussion and you can choose a Trait based on her Beliefs if you wish.

>>42204560
I say no, or at least not practicing.

>>42204560

Sure, that sounds pretty good.

And I say yes to the Tattoo as well.

>>42204560
A tattoo and maybe a heritage thing but probably non-practitioner

>>42204560
That sounds nice. Do the tattoo.

>>42204560
Non-practicing Hindu would be cool. Ditto for the tattoo.

>>42204560

I'm good for either, but if she isn't religious, could we get a Caste Trait instead or something?

>>42204560

Seconding >>42204629

But I think she should have a tattoo of some sort.

>Sonali is a Hindu by Heritage then but isn't an active practitioner.
>This is just a flavor thing then.
>She has a ॐ tattooed on her left bicep.
>If she isn't practicing though, why does she have the tattoo? Something in her background?

>>42204825
>If the idea is supported, then I can create one. I'm very willing to give a trait if it suits Sonali's backstory.

>>42204960
>why does she have the tattoo? Something in her background?

Maybe it was important to her mother, and this is her way of honoring her memory?

>>42204960
She has one because it turns out that Grandpa Vasusena and all his siblings were active practicioners and also military. And some of their aunts and uncles were military. And so on, for a ways back. So it's literally a heritage thing. As far as she knows, some of them had the tattoo, so she got the tattoo.

>>42204960
Because it looks cool and/or because she lost a bet as a rookie.

>>42204960

I'll support >>42205022

Her mother was a devout Hindu and when Sonali was younger, she found some old religious stuff that belonged to her. She hid it from her father but one day he found it and sold it for booze money. Sonali got the tattoo because it was a part of her mother that couldn't be taken away.

>>42205112

oh thats good.

>>42205112
This sounds good. Do that one.

>>42205112

>I like it. And this seems to have the most support. This is now true.

>Although, now I have another question that seems important: When did she get it?

>When she was Thirteen, in a slumhouse a few days after her mother's belongings were sold. The Tattoo is scarred badly, making it hard to touch up, and the ink is faded, but the ॐ is clearly visible and even more a part of her.
>When she was Seventeen, right after her father died. An symbol of freedom as much as a memorial, it's been maintained well and still bright as the day it was made.
>[Write-in]

>>42205451
>>When she was Seventeen, right after her father died. An symbol of freedom as much as a memorial, it's been maintained well and still bright as the day it was made.

>>42205451
>17

>>42205451
>When she was Seventeen, right after her father died. An symbol of freedom as much as a memorial, it's been maintained well and still bright as the day it was made.

>>42205451
>>When she was Thirteen, in a slumhouse a few days after her mother's belongings were sold. The Tattoo is scarred badly, making it hard to touch up, and the ink is faded, but the ॐ is clearly visible and even more a part of her.

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“Sure,” You answer. “I’d be delighted to. Could use something to take my mind off of things.”

The Captain smiles, “Follow me then.”

She leads you to the Cargo Bay, where several sport mats have been placed on the floor. A few of the crew, all wearing tanktops and fatigues, are stretching out on the sides. You smile slightly at the sight; ever since your Augmentation you haven’t needed to do any kind of stretching. Your muscles are always relaxed and ready to go. In fact, you don’t even need to exercise to maintain your incredible physique, the symbiotes in your body keeping you in tip-top condition. Of course, you do so to keep up appearances and to work out the occasional kink.

You shrug off your jacket and shirt and unlace your boots, leaving you in your tank top and pants. Keeping them on top of a nearby crate, you raise your arms and make a show of stretching, drawing a few pops and clicks from your joints.

“That’s an interesting tattoo.” Reynard says as she catches sight of your left arm. “Is there a story behind it?”

>[CONT.]

>>42205884

Looking down at the simple black ॐ etched into your flesh, you smile a little at the memory. You’d received the news that your father was dead a few days before and his skeleton of an estate was now yours. The symbol had been chosen for the feelings it had evoked, but the act of getting the tattoo was a blessing in itself. It meant you were free. That you no longer had to live in fear of that bastard’s verbal abuse or his beatings. That you were free to choose your own path.

“There is,” You answer, and decline to elaborate.

The Captain raises an eyebrow at your taciturn answer. “Care to share?”

That’s a personal story. You haven’t told a single soul about it, not even your teammates. And you certainly aren’t going to tell the Captain just because she asked.

“No,” you answer simply.

Now both of the Captain’s eyebrows are raised and her expression is of genuine interest. Great, she’s probably going to hound you for it.

“How about a wager?” She proposes. “We spar. If I win, you tell me the story. If you win, I’ll cease all inquiries?”

>Response?
> Accept
> Decline but Spar anyways
> Decline and Spar with someone else
> “Fine, but” (Renegotiate the Terms)
> [Write-in]

>>42205909
>> Accept

>>42205909
>Accept

>>42205909
> Accept

>>42205909
>> “Fine, but” (Renegotiate the Terms)
She doesn't have to win, she just has to fight well. If she wins and fights terribly then we don't tell her.

Heh, we're about to get all sweaty and grabby with another hot chick. Good thing Sonali is straight.

>>42206096

Define "Fight Well." Like, no dirty fighting, or great form?

>>42205909
You know, it IS pretty unusual to have a tattoo and NOT want to talk about it. Everyone is probably interested now.

>>42206177
Well I don't really feel comfortable revealing something we ">haven’t told a single soul about" just because she wins a fight. Also isn't this the asshole of a CO that chewed us out just the other episode?

>>42205909
>Accept

>>42206223
>Also isn't this the asshole of a CO that chewed us out just the other episode?
You know there was a reason for that, right? Did you not read the last thread?

>>42206223
I agree there but gotta point out that she was requested to badger us to help gauge our reactions.

But even then, what would Fighting Well encompass?

>>42206265
>>42206299
Doesn't mean she didn't do it.

Alright then, I guess I'll just change my vote to:
> Decline but Spar anyways

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“Fine,” you answer. “What are the Rules?”

Tying her hair back into a ponytail, Reynard begins outlining them. “Whoever makes the other submit or pins them for six seconds wins. No eye-gouging, spitting, biting, or other forms of Dirty Fighting. This is a friendly spar, not a deathmatch”

You shrug and run your hands through your short hair as you look at the Captain’s silver tresses. Keeping it close-cropped means nothing to distract you in combat and nothing for the enemy to grab but you’d be lying if you said you missed having it longer. “Sounds fair to me.”

Reynard smiles and steps onto the sports mats, rolling her shoulders to loosen them up. She drops into a standard AMA stance; feet slightly spread apart, both fists up and spaced to attack and defend. It’s a good basic stance, and with just a casual glance you can tell that the Captain has it practically mastered. She stands light on her feet, and her arms are held loosely with a certain calm energy behind them. You can see she’s a competent fighter.

You, on the other hand, are well beyond competent. You’re a goddamn N7. Stepping onto the mat, you:

>Immediately go on the Offensive [Physique and Combat Test]
>Go Defensive [Physique and Combat Test]
>Try to Fake her out [Deception and Combat Test]
>Try to Read Her Movements [Perception Test (Comes with Bonus for Body Language)]
>[Write-In]

>>42206599
>Immediately go on the Offensive [Physique and Combat Test]

>>42206599
>>Try to Fake her out [Deception and Combat Test]

>>42206599
>>Try to Fake her out [Deception and Combat Test]

>>42206599
>Try to Read Her Movements [Perception Test (Comes with Bonus for Body Language)]

Now I'm wondering if Sonali speaks any other languages besides English And Body Language. I grew up in an Indian household and am kinda fluent in a few dialects. Of course, that depends on if her parents spoke any other languages.

>>42206782

... Just had the mental image of Sona's mom singing her lullabies in Hindi or something when she was a baby.

>Fake Out Wins
>Roll 2d20 [Modifiers are +8 and +7 Respectively]

>>42206782
>>42206873

>Entirely up to you guys.

Rolled 3, 13 = 16 (2d20)

>>42206945

Rolled 18, 17 = 35 (2d20)

>>42206945
Rolling

Rolled 11, 18 = 29 (2d20)

>>42206945

Lets hope my luck is better here than in most other quests

>>42207035

Good job Anon.

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You drop into an NMA stance: knees bent, open palms, left foot and arm forward, right leg and arm held back but posed to strike. Taking a moment to observe the Captain’s movements, you lash out with your right leg, sweeping low across the ground to try and hook her legs with your own. Reynard immediately hops back slightly, moving just out of the range of your attack. That allows you to turn the sweep into a step, planting your right foot on the ground and using it to propel yourself forward, your right arm shooting out through her defenses to catch the Captain in the stomach. It was a blindingly fast attack, exacerbated by your unnatural strength and the momentum of your attack.

The Captain’s eyes bulge out and she stumbles backward, wheezing and retching slightly. She’s definitely stunned and you could easily press your advantage while she’s reeling.

>Attack Again [Combat Check]
>Get Her on the Floor [Combat Check (Coordination)]
>Get Her in a Hold [Combat Check (Physique)]
>Get Her to Surrender Outright [Diplomacy or Intimidate]
>[Write-In]

>>42207373
>>Get Her in a Hold [Combat Check (Physique)]

>>42207373
>[Write-In]

Let her recover.

>>42207373
>Get Her in a Hold [Combat Check (Physique)]

>>42207373
>Get Her in a Hold [Combat Check (Physique)]

>Seems like we're putting her in a hold
>Roll 1d20+8

Rolled 1 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>42207605

>>42207605

>>42207616
Uh, whoops.

>>42207605
rollan

Rolled 8 (1d20)

>>42206945

So, if the languages are up to us, I say Rudimentary Hindi. Some conversational stuff and a ton of curses from our dad.

>>42207605

Rolled 17 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>42207605

Rolled 17 + 8 (1d20 + 8)

>>42207645
>>42207645
wat

>>42207651
Honestly, I'd vote for 'rusty but fluent.' A second mother tongue that we haven't used since we left home.

You don’t give Reynard a moment to recover, immediately darting forward to grab her hand in an iron grip and duck under her arm to stand behind her, twisting her captured hand as you go. Grabbing her other arm, you twist it up as well, before pinning it to her back. The Captain cries out as she’s forced up onto her toes by the pressure and pain from her arms.

Now, you just need to hold until…

“Yield!” Reynard gasps. “I yield!”

You immediately let go and let your CO catch her breath. She bends over for a moment, clutching her stomach, before slowly straightening and rotating her arms. Meanwhile, you step off of the mat, secure in the knowledge that your story is safe. Looking around, you see that the spectating Marines and Sailors are all watching you, wide-eyed in silence. Considering the fact that you did just demolish the Captain in under 10 seconds, it’s not that surprising.

“Congratulations, Commander,” You hear the Captain groan a moment later as she recovers fully. “You really got me there.”

You shrug, “I’m good at this.”

“Evidently,” She replies. “I’ve never been taken down that quickly by anyone.”

“You probably haven’t fought very many N7’s” a familiar voice calls out from the crowd.

Leo walks out from the gathered audience, a wide grin on his face. “Nice job Sona.”

“Not too hard,” You respond as you shrug again. “Definitely helped me deal with my stress.”

“Glad I could help,” Reynard says, a wry smile playing on her lips.

>[CONT.]

>>42208192

“Anyways,” Leo continues in a lowered tone as he approaches you. “I need to talk to you. You got a minute?”

You look back at the assembled crowd and note that they seem rather apprehensive. The thought of sparring with you must not be particularly appealing. Doesn’t look like you’re going to be getting anymore action.

“Yeah, I’m done,” you answer as you sit down on the crate with your stuff to begin lacing up your boots. “What do you need?”

“It’s about Inari,” Leo says, a frown crawling onto his face. “She hasn’t made much of a recovery.”

You sigh, knowing what’s coming next. “She wants out?”

Your Second-in-Command nods grimly. “Singh assessed her a few hours ago and he doesn’t think she’s fit for duty. I filled out the paperwork already. Just needs your signature.”

>Response?

>And Last Action Before Arriving on the Citadel:
>- Talk with Leo [About?]
>- Talk with Inari [About?]
>- Visit Aiden in the Med-Bay
>[Write-In]

>>42208212
Get Leo in a headlock.

Then bully him until he looks after Inari for us.

>>42208212
>>- Talk with Inari [About?]
What she plans to do now, and reminding her to keep in touch

>>42208212
"Damn it." Sign it.

>Visit Aiden in the Med-Bay

>>42208212

Sigh, sign it.

Then visit Aiden.

>>42208212
Seconding
>>42208301

Also tell her that there's no shame in leaving or having PTSD.

If she ever wants to talk, then she can send us an email or call.

We might not always be ready to answer, or it might take awhile, but we won't disregard her.

>>42208301
This. We need to make sure she is going to get some counseling so she can build something for herself post service.

>>42208212
>Talk with Inari

Same as >>42208301 and >>42208351 have said. Also, that she's frankly impressive to have held it together as well as she has, as long as she has.

>>42208351
>>42208427
Yeah, tell Inari that soldiers get wounded and one doesn't expect them to fight. No shame in that. Body or mind doesn't matter.

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You sigh as you open up your Omni-tool to look at the documents that Leo sent you, “Damn it.”

Signing the form, you send it off to be approved. “You know where she is now?” You ask Leo.
“Upstairs,” He answers. “Sitting with Aiden in the Med-bay.”

You nod and make your way to the elevator, Leo following after a moment.
_

Inari looks… haggard. Dark circles frame her bloodshot eyes and her normally well kept hair hangs loose and and lank. She looks up as you approach her seat next to Aiden’s bedside, but you can tell from her eyes alone that she’s not entirely here.

Aiden sleeps deeply, his normal healthy complexion rather pale and his cheeks somewhat sunken. His vitals remain stable at least.

Pulling up a chair, you sit down next to Inari. Behind you, Leo leans against Singh’s desk and crosses his arms.

“I submitted the paperwork,” You begin.

Inari, her eyes on Aiden again, doesn’t say anything, simply giving you a nod in response.

“What are you planning to do now?” You ask her.

“Heading back to Earth,” her voice is barely more than a whisper. “Going to stay at one of the Alliance’s Institutions until I’m… better.”

You swallow, “You’ll keep in touch, right?”

Inari shrugs. Her body language tells you that she’s ashamed.

>[CONT.]

>>42208964

“Hey,” you say, getting her attention. “There's no shame in leaving the service or having PTSD.”

Skepticism pervades her.

“Soldiers get wounded,” You continue. “No one expects them to fight afterwards. Whether it’s Mind or Body doesn’t matter.”

Your words are having an effect, however small. That deep-seated shame is slowly cracking.

“If you need to talk, call or send an e-mail,” You add. “I might not always answer, or it might take awhile, but I will be there for you.”

Gratitude. You reach an arm around her shoulder and hug her a little, providing what little comfort you can.

>[END THREAD]

>To be Perfectly Honest, I meant to run a lot earlier, but some weird schedule stuff happened and I arrived at University a day later than I had planned, so I spent most of today driving and unpacking.
>So, I'm gonna call it here and try and run again this week
>I can answer some questions while I get ready to sleep.

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>>42209022

It's fine, Valor.

You did good.

>>42209049

Thanks man, that means a lot.

By the way, did you guys want to make Sonali fluent in Hindi or not?

>>42209079
Nah.

>>42209079
Rusty but Fluent works

>>42209079

Hindi or some other Indian dialect.

>>42209079

Might as well.

Not like it'll get much use out here since everyone uses them translators so its a flavour choice.

>>42209079
I like the idea of fluent but very, very rusty. But I'm fine either way.

So, are we going to have to hunt down more companions? We can't just requisition a new Special Forces Team?

>>42209227
We need a Krogan. For Krogan purposes.

>>42209250
We're about as strong as a Krogan.

>>42209267
That doesn't make us a Krogan, though.

>>42209267

I'd love to see vids (like hacked security cam footage put onto the Extranet) of Sonali in action being really popular with Krogans.

When/If she goes to Tuchanka, she sees that she's got a fan club going on.

>>42209227

You're probably going to have to find a good portion of your Groundside Team, yes. Depending on the ship you choose, your Ship Crew will either be chosen for you or part of your Groundside Team Requesting an entire Special Forces team would be a bit much though.

>>42209267

Fun Fact: Krogan have Physique scores from 4-6. Sonali is about as strong and tough as a weak Krogan.