It may be poor form to post only one post before retiring, but I suppose it’s better to leave with a question open for deliberations. See you tomorrow, fellow starfarers.

>>3436928
>Stay at the helm and read more outlandish pseudoscience as you fly
Maybe we can finally solve the question of how the earth is actually shaped.

>>3436928
Are we finally done playing quarian dungeons and dragons? I stopped reading at that point

>>3436928
>>Stay at the helm and read some news (specify lookup)
Read up on the rumours surrounding Commander Shepard's ship SSV Normandy being spotted in the Andromeda galaxy.

If not that
>Stay at the helm and chat with Lea (specify topic)
Ask about her childhood, likes/dislikes, get to know her better.

>>3436928
>>Stay at the helm and read more outlandish pseudoscience as you fly

>>3436928
>Stay at the helm and read more outlandish pseudoscience as you fly

>>3436928
>Stay at the helm and read more outlandish pseudoscience as you fly

Settling yourself comfortably in the pilot’s seat you throw one more glance at the Quarian as she examines all readouts available to her in turn to familiarize herself with the ship, then you turn your attention back to your affairs and call up the data packet once more. On impulse you decide to open a tabloid page before going back to slightly more serious lecture and are rewarded with several striking headlines:

“Shepard spotted in the Andromeda galaxy!” Said one. Upon further examination it turns out that a Volus conspiracy theorist claims to have decoded a mysterious signal originating from distant past in direction of Andromeda, apparently claiming in a very persuasive tone, that “I am Commander Shepard, and this is my favorite part of the universe.”

You shake your head in disbelief at what exposure to narcotic substances can do to a mind as pragmatic as that of a Volus.

“Heterodox astrotopologist Alexander Arkanov announces a revolutionary thesis!” Is the next headline. The brave scholar seems to have figured out how even contemporary measurement techniques seem to repeatedly miscategorise Earth’s shape as approximately spherical in defiance of its intrinsically two dimensional nature - the misconception is tirelessly propagate by small minded people who are more easily tricked by the effects of gravitational lensing which gives illusion of curvature where fundamental reality itself is perfectly level.

“Quarians finally unmasked!” Announces the third article, but you decide you’ve had enough levity for now and move on to slightly more serious topics.

Dark energy a phenomenon that haunted Einstein until his death, remains largely an unplowed field, even though its effects are now so commonplace in daily lives that they make a galactic economy possible.

Not so much right now, you think to yourself and continue reading.

This mysterious force warps space time and is believed to be a driving force in universal expansion, overcoming the gravitational pull and essentially allowing creation to have been formed in the first place. Many theories have been put forward concerning its origin, nature, distribution or effects, most of them remain only testable to limited extent and some possible experiments are outright feared to tear the spacetime itself apart. This extends to a degree to daily usage of mass effect fields in industry, transportation or personal hygiene, which some fringe groups dub as irresponsible, gradual accumulation of wounds in fabric of the universe. These groups are universally considered progress fearing luddites, partly because that’s what they are and partly because how immensely dependent modern society is on liberal use of dark energy from industry to personal life.

Well, that ended on a really upbeat note.

You spend some more time reading specifics of the article but don’t find anything you’d feel to be immediately relevant. Checking the time you notice the ship has already turned to braking thrust. Still, you’ve some time left before arrival...

>Talk to Lea about her upbringing
>go talk to Libella
>go see what Kris is up to
>force yourself to read the (more) boring stuff too (timeskip)
>something else

>>3439413
>>Talk to Lea about her upbringing

>>3439413
And thanks.

>>3439413
>go talk to Libella
The council's gotta have it pretty rough these days, yeah? With the inability to efficiently travel to everywhere in council space, it's going to be hard to keep control over everything. I suspect that once the relays are back online, they'll find that many areas will have gone 'independent' while council agents couldn't reach them to interfere.

>>3439413
>go talk to Libella

>>3439413
Ask Libella abou the problems at the citadel

After some consideration you decide this could be your last chance in a while to talk to the Council agent lounging in your lounge.

“Lea, please, look after the ship for a while.” You say. The Quarian nods and returns her focus to the instruments as you leave the bridge and move to the lounge (after quickly blipping a comm to announce your intention).

You enter to find your passenger reclined in the sofa, watching a movie on the vid wall. Judging by the cast it’s a purely Asari production...

(Please, roll some 1d100s)

Rolled 70 (1d100)

>>3439815
Please let her laugh like a japanese highborn woman covering her mouth watching a cheesy romcom.

O-HO HO HO HO HO

Rolled 6 (1d100)

>>3439815
rolling
>>3439834
imagine if you'd rolled a 69
>she was watching asari porn

Rolled 17 (1d100)

>>3439815

My money says that Kris got lucky with the Asari. He did compliment her ass and he deserves a treat

...and judging by the outfits, accessories and language they’re using... everything falls into place.

“By my honor, you will be begging goddess herself for forgiveness by dawn’s break.” You announce and are rewarded by Libella jumping in her seat ever so slightly and turning barely noticeable shade darker in her face.

“H-how...?”

“Miss Tefar, I studied Xeanoarchaeology.” You wink. “Although, in fairness, that line is all that I remember from the tale of the warrior princess. I take it you’re rather fond of it?”

“Yes, although not as much as you might think. Our little adventure with the Quarians only reminded me of it and your setup gave me opportunity to rewatch it. Impressive library, by the way.”

“Most of it belongs to Kris.” You lie out of reflex. Well, not entirely, you never really counted, by volume or by titles.

“Of course.” She chuckles. “But I am grateful for the opportunity. Don’t get a lot of such quiet moments in my line of work.”

Bait or not, you latch on immediately. “What line is that, actually?”

“Oh my, trying to figure me out, are you?”

“Of course not, just making small talk with a lady I’m ferrying to help her pass time.” You say with a straight face. You’re a bit proud of that.

“Very well. I don’t really have a reason not to tell. I work for the Citatdel Council in the special tactics and recon capacity.”

Fucking knew it.

“I don’t really like to force the rank onto people unless I can’t get what’s necessary otherwise. You’ve been very helpful to Citadel affairs, perhaps more so than you realize, so far so I didn’t want to put you into spot, but I suppose it would be dishonest to leave you guessing.”

“Much appreciated.” You say neutrally. “However, there’s a few things I’ve been wondering if I could ask you.”

“Go ahead, I’ll give you what answers I can share.”

>Ask her about the Citadel
>Ask her about the conspiracy
>Ask her about Shepard
>Ask her about Council
>something else

I withdraw once more. Tomorrow is likely to be a busy day for me, but maybe I’ll squeeze a post in.

Safe voyages, friends.

>>3440000
Quick question, what choices were made regarding the rachni and the genophage?
>>3439986
>Ask her about Council

>>3439986

>Ask her about the Citadel

Pewhats happening there and

>Ask her about Shepard

>>3439986
>Ask her about Shepard

>>3439986
>Ask her about Shepard
>Ask her about the conspiracy

>>3439986
>Ask her about the conspiracy
Since we already committed to getting involved, might as well try for more leads.

>>3439986
>>Ask her about Council

>>3440014
Shepard was a boy scout so genophage is a thing of the past and the Rachni have been saved twice.

And now, off to work. See you in the evening.

Rolled 2 (1d100)

“Alright. Now, I don’t know how actual spectres feel about talking of each other but I cannot contain my curiosity - do you know Shepard?”

The Asari gives an amused smile. “The first human Spectre has become quite a celebrity, hasn’t he? Unfortunately I do not have much to tell. We never interacted personally, spectres seldom do unless one has to go after another, and what little privileged information I have is not something I’d be spreading around.” She pauses for a moment, then adds: “But I can tell you that much, he’s still around and hard at work. I’m sure we’ll hear of him soon enough.”

“Thank you, that’s reassuring. Another thing I was curious about was the Council. I understand it operates from Destiny’s Ascension these days?”

“Indeed. They were fortunately evacuated before the Reapers took the Citadel and have resided on the Asari flagship ever since.”

“Wait. Are you telling me the councilors directly participated in the battle for Earth?” You ask incredulously.

Libella chuckles. “I think I’m not revealing a state secret, although the politicians would maybe say otherwise, when I admit that Councilors were safely deposited in a dedicated vessel near the Mass Relay before the flagship charged into battle. They have since been collected though.”

All right, that made more sense. Well, except in case Reaper reinforcements arrived through the relay, You suppose. Oh well.

“I see. Speaking if the council, do you maybe know what progress has been made in reclaiming the Citadel?”

Asari’s face darkens.

“I’m afraid I can’t in good conscience talk much of the Citadel. Mainly because I’m not directly involved, but also because there’s still much even the topmost echelons of power need to sort for themselves before letting wildly incomplete information run free.”

“That’s not exactly model of transparent governance, is it? I imagine especially an Asari would feel uncomfortable with such arrangement.”

She tenses slightly. You’re not sure if you should read that as annoyance or discomfort with her own feelings on the matter. Eventually she just shrugs and turns her gaze off to the side. “I guess you can’t always live up to an ideal when it comes into conflict with practical concerns. I recall your view from earlier, Captain Ford, and find it admirable. However... judging by your actions up to this point I guess you’ll understand soon enough.”

Rolled 66, 71 = 137 (2d100)

Oops.

well, would you look at that 2, someone can't keep secrets maybe?

“Very well. Maybe we’ll be able to talk more freely then. In the meantime, could you tell me more about the investigation and who you think could be behind the incident in the migrant fleet?”

She eases up visibly, although not quite. “Well, as you already know, the mastermind behind our incident is ruthlessly effective in cleaning up after themselves. It is my hope to try and find any mistake they may have made in the process. However, even if we narrow our suspects to just Solar System, which could be unwise in case they have access to FTL comms, we still have plenty of potential hiding places and a huge mess to wade through trying to single any out.”

“You think they might have used the post-victory chaos as a cover?”

“That is quite possible. Conversely, they might have simply taken high concentration of diverse faction presences as an opportunity. I’m rather hoping that was the case as it would make it easier for them to make a mistake in their rush.”

“It also means we have to be on our toes because they may still want to exploit that potential while there’s time and before security standards are ramped up following the first attack.” You remark

“Yes. A risk. But also an opportunity to catch them.”

“Please tell me you didn’t have people intentionally neglect security procedures to bait out the bad guys.”

“I certainly didn’t.” She says, looking you in the eye. Of course, she would only speak for herself.

“But you didn’t tell them to step up, or at least enforce current standards.”

She sighs. “I understand what you may be thinking, but I really don’t put people in danger if I can help it. I give you my word that neither I nor anyone I have control over is using anyone as a bait without their expressed consent. And by that I don’t mean fine print on five hundredth page of an Ilium employment contract.”

From what you can tell from her wry smile and tired look she seems to believe what she’s saying. Then again, you don’t become a Spectre by collecting matchboxes.

“Very well. No offense intended.” You state half-apologetically.

“None taken. Comes with the territory.” Libella says.

“Speaking of which, I’ve been wondering what impact the mass relay breakdown will have on Council control over the colonies.”

“Well, from what we know of how war was developing, there’s not really much to speak of. Colonies that haven’t been eradicated will be on verge of viability or outright unviable and homeworlds will be mostly concerned with themselves. As for council control... Council never had much in the first place, or more precisely what it had was derived from its constituent nations’ governments. I suspect what comes next will depend strongly on stances taken by individual species’ governments. Earth will be specific because it has most of the military of all the known galaxy in it. You could say it’s become the new Citadel system, at least provisionally.”

“Interesting times we live in.” You comment.

“That Phrase... has a special meaning, doesn’t it? I thought I heard it mentioned somewhere. Maybe in literature.”

“Oh yes. It used to be a curse in an ancient culture here to wish these upon someone, and now we seem to have gone from one set straight into another.”

“I see.” She nods, then grins slightly. “Although from what I’ve heard of you, you make your times interesting regardless.”

“Touché.” You shrug with a small smile of your own.

“Very well, Captain. Have I satisfied your curiosity yet?”

>Yes
>not yet (specify query)

“And if so, would you like to watch the vid as well?” She indicates the screen, where Adara, the warrior princess, is frozen in pause mode. “You said you haven’t seen it yet.”

>Thank you for the invitation but I’m not interested at the moment.
>I’d be delighted to (truth) but I should get back to the bridge. It would be irresponsible of me to leave rest if the flight to miss Fari alone.
>I’d be delighted to (lie) but I should get back to the bridge. It would be irresponsible of me to leave rest if the flight to miss Fari alone.
>I’d be delighted to. (Sit down and watch with her.)
>something else

>>3442498
That was just for her spotting an inconsequential piece of trivia. Took the 71 so she passed the lower check.

>>3442525
>Yes
>I’d be delighted to (truth) but I should get back to the bridge. It would be irresponsible of me to leave rest if the flight to miss Fari alone.

>>3442525
>Yes
>>I’d be delighted to (truth) but I should get back to the bridge. It would be irresponsible of me to leave rest if the flight to miss Fari alone.

>>3442525
>Yes
>I’d be delighted to (lie) but I should get back to the bridge. It would be irresponsible of me to leave rest if the flight to miss Fari alone.

Catching a movie on the middle, as if...

>>3442525
>yes

>I’d be delighted to (truth) but I should get back to the bridge. It would be irresponsible of me to leave rest if the flight to miss Fari alone.

>>3442525
>yes

>Thank you for the invitation but I’m not interested at the moment.

>>3442551
I was going to let her say something like “I don’t mind scrolling it back to start.” But it felt a bit awkwardly long. She’d do that anyway though.

>>3442574
Well, it was a nice invitation anyway, but we have to keep an eye on our new crewmember before she enjoys flying too much

You consider her invitation, but decide that you’ve taken enough time away from what was essentially your job here.

“Thank you for the talk and for the offer, I’d be delighted to take the offer,” you say earnestly, “But I really should get back to bridge. It would feel wrong to land all my responsibility for the flight onto my newest crew member.”

“I understand.” The Asari says with a smile. “Perhaps another time, then.”

With that you withdraw from the lounge and leave the Spectre to her entertainment as you return to your job. You note that Lea switched seats while you were gone. Instead of evicting her you take the navigator’s seat and examine all readings from there. Everything in the green, as expected of a routine intra-system cruise.

“So, how’s our passenger? Did you get her to spill her goods?”

“I believe the term you’re looking for is “spill the guts”, Lea. And we’ve had quite an informative little talk actually. Although nothing immediately specific, I suspect we’ll be seeing miss investigator in the future, possibly assisting her.”

For a moment you fly in silence.

“So. Is she really a Spectre?”

“Yes.”

“What do you think of them?...

>they’re an unnecessary wildcard, nobody should have authority like that
>they’re a necessary instrument, some problems just need special treatment outside the system if the system is not enough to stop them.
>they’re just formal recognition of the fact of life that powers will have someone to get the job done. If it weren’t spectres, it would be someone else.
>they can do a lot of good if chosen well.
>they get shit done, I like that.
>something else

...and her?”

>Kris was right, she does have a nice ass.
>She seems too nice. Either she’s good at subterfuge or bad as a Spectre.
>She seems like a well intentioned person with a lot of responsibility to shoulder.
>I haven’t yet seen enough of her to pass a judgement.
>I don’t trust her at all and wonder what her real agenda could be.
>something else

>>3442680
>>they’re just formal recognition of the fact of life that powers will have someone to get the job done. If it weren’t spectres, it would be someone else.

>She seems too nice. Either she’s good at subterfuge or bad as a Spectre.

but I think she will keep us informed of our conspiracy

With these questions I retire once more into the void. Stay safe, friends.

>>3442680
>they’re just formal recognition of the fact of life that powers will have someone to get the job done. If it weren’t spectres, it would be someone else.

>I haven’t yet seen enough of her to pass a judgement.

And give the question right back at Lea, what does she think of them?

>>3442680
>they can do a lot of good if chosen well.
>She seems like a well intentioned person with a lot of responsibility to shoulder.

>>3442680
>they’re just formal recognition of the fact of life that powers will have someone to get the job done. If it weren’t spectres, it would be someone else.

>I haven’t yet seen enough of her to pass a judgement.

At the meeting she was a hardass and then she tries to be all play and pleasantries, I'll hold judgement for when it really counts to see whar she does.

>>3442680
>spec ops like in any other government, sometimes good, sometimes bad

>Kris seemed awfully fixated on her ass, maybe if he can get to know her better he can tell us if we can trust her

>>3442680
>they’re a necessary instrument, some problems just need special treatment outside the system if the system is not enough to stop them.
>Kris was right, she does have a nice ass.

The Spectres... The sinister arm of the Council, agents given with Supra legal authorities to deal with issues too critical or too entrenched to be left to the system.

“I think they represent a concept that inevitably emerges whenever there is sufficient concentration of power. They happen to get fancy name and official recognition, but I’m assured that even if they did not, those in power would have their agents in the field regardless.”

You pause to formulate your thoughts further, and resume speaking before Lea considers the answer complete.

“However, I do think they can do a lot of good if a responsible enough person is chosen for the job - sometimes a problem arises so crucial or embeds itself so firmly into the system exploiting its weaknesses that the best way to deal with it is to play dirty.”

Falling silent for a moment more you focus your thoughts on the passenger watching historical fantasy in the passenger lounge. Thinking back to your recent talk or to your previous interaction aboard Kata.

“As for miss Tefar, I haven’t really seen enough of her yet to pass a judgment I’d be able to really base decisions on. She gives impression of a well intentioned person with lot of responsibility on their shoulders... although the cynic in me tells me it could just be a facade she’s presenting.”

Finished with conveying your thoughts on the subject you look st Lea, who nods slowly.

“What do *you* think, Lea?” You prompt her after a while.

“I’m not sure, to be honest. We don’t have anyone with such privileges in our fleet, at least not in an official capacity. But our society is a specific case, as I understand. Even so, from what I learned of planet based government systems, the more developed ones tend to put great emphasis on rule of law. I can relate to that, it’s something fleet law has as well. And then you get people that can do whatever they like, with a license from those in charge.”

“Well, one thing to keep in mind is that impunity from law does not mean one is not exposed to consequences of their actions. Additionally, spectres’ open affiliation to the Council means that their misdeeds are by association undermining Council’s position. This keeps Council from bestowing the mantle too frivolously.”

“Didn’t stop Saren, did it?”

“In a manner of speaking it did. It was Shepard who eventually beat him.”

“Not before the Citadel was set on fire and who knows what else has gone on. Didn’t one of Shepard’s closest friends die in pursuit?”

“True. However, would have there been a pursuit at all if not for the spectres being an office respectable people can be considered for in the first place? Openings of an extralegal executor are not ones that would attract respectable people if not for veneer of duty towards the common good.”

“Hmm.” Lea pauses to think for a moment. “And you think this Libella is closer to Shepard than to Saren?”

“As I said before, too early for me to tell. Although I’d certainly like to hope so.”

“Well, let’s hope you are right in that.”

You check the instruments. You’re getting close to Earth.

>Focus on piloting for the rest of the trip. You wouldn’t want to accidentally crash into a derelict Reaper now. (Timeskip)
>Talk to Lea (specify topic)
>something else (include justification for leaving the post)

>>3444484
>Focus on piloting for the rest of the trip. You wouldn’t want to accidentally crash into a derelict Reaper now. (Timeskip)

>>3444484
>Talk to Lea (specify topic)

Pass the time with iddle talk, to get to know our crewmember better, what made her choose the loremaster before, why did it feel right?

Then pilot the ship the rest of the way.

>>3444484
>>Talk to Lea (specify topic)
quarian booze, did she bring any? it was not that disagreeable with our stomach

tell her about our next job, it's nothing set in stone since we don't know if the Turians or the Spectre will send us on a lead for the conspiracy but she can know about it.

>>3444494
Oh, and she should check our media library, if she want's any show we don't have she'd better download it when we hit earth since we never now when we'll spend some time away.

>>3444484
>>Talk to Lea (specify topic)
Ask about her upbringing. Isn't the pilgrimage a recognization that one has become an adult?

“So, loremaster?” You ask, as you go over the location and gravities readings.

“Hm?” Lea hums. “Oh, that. Well, it was just something I was thinking of. More interesting than just make another conventional specialization.”

“Well, it worked out quite beautifully.” You nod. “Wonder of we could have solved the story puzzle without you.”

“Oh, Myro would’ve figured it out eventually, I’m sure. Or looked it up.”

“Still. Would you consider it a role for yourself?”

“Hmmm. I suppose the idea had to come form somewhere. And I do like stories. But you shouldn’t read too much into it. It was just an idea. A flight of fancy.”

“Unlike the one we are on, right?”

“Well, I don’t know what this trip has been for you. Quite a lot happened. But pilgrimage is a serious affair for us. We do not take it lightly.

“Actually, could you tell me more about that rite?”

She considers this for a moment. “I believe you probably know most what’s there to know, considering what you said earlier. It’s a voyage that marks transition into adulthood and proves that the person is prepared to take up responsibilities of a full crew member.”

“At what age does this usually happen?”

“There’s no formal limit, usually we set out when we think we’re ready, or when our parents or caretakers think so and throw us out.” Lea explains and pauses. “Takes longer for some than others, I guess.” She adds under her breath.

“Your parents are quite fond of you, I could tell.” You comment.

“Yes, yes they are.” She says warmly. “Mom was always there to support me, and essentially so was Dad before the war came. It was nice to have him back afterwards.”

“And in one piece, I imagine it wasn’t easy to know he was out there fighting.”

“Yeah. But that’s behind us now. I’m the one they’ll be worried for now.”

“We’ll get you back and with something to make both your parents and your Captain proud.”

“Thanks, cap.”

“Warning. Obstacle in path. Drive core disengaging.” A mechanical voice alerts you. Glancing back at the bard and identifying your relative positions you decide to act.

“Alright. Practical lesson’s over. I’ll take it from here. “You announce and take the controls from Lea. “Now stand back and watch a pro at work.” You say and bring up the tactical interface.

Well, it look like whatever it was, there was a lot of it.

“Junk.” Yo say, routing some extra power in barriers and plotting a course that would take you around the most obvious problem areas. “Actually, it kind of relates to our next job, unless we decide otherwise.”

“We? You’re the captain.”

“I usually like to hear input from the crew.” You say. Well, you didn’t really ask Kris before taking the Milk Run job, but you know him well enough to be sure he would voice his preferences with no hesitation if they diverged significantly.

“Well, what is it?”

“Collecting orbital garbage around Earth to clean orbit some.”

“I hope it’s not to clean it up entirely or we’ll be up for a long time.”

“Well, I haven’t yet checked all the small print but it seems it’s only about clearing a lower stationary orbit out for a starbase.”

“Hmm... that could still be tricky, but maybe.... hmm... I think I have some ideas that might work, but will need to work on them.”

“Very well. Oh, by the way, feel free to check ship’s library if you want to either pass time while we’re on route, or to grab copies from our stops you’d like to add.”

“Thanks, will do.”

Before long you’ve navigated the debris feel and took a descending trajectory down to the Turian base you previously left. You wonder what has changed in your absence...

I retire once more.
Be seeing you, happy campers.

>>3444820
Thanks for running as always. Happy trails, Wanderer.

>>3444820
Thanks for running

As the Chariot descends into Earth’s atmosphere, leaving a blazing trail of ionized air in its wake, you feel a lump in your throat looking at trails of fire, char and smoke (bridge’s viewscreen automatically canceling out the blaze of air against ship’s shields) still present below, but seeing glint of freshly laid maglev tracks spark through still present and returning green your concern is eased back somewhat.

Before long the Turian traffic control calls you and guides you to a landing zone. Ship’s core gives a final burst to ease the burden for landing thrusters and moments later the Chariot settles down on the landing pad.

You key the comm for shipwide broadcast.

“Ladies and gentleman, welcome to Earth.” You say simply and get out of your chair, followed by Lea. In a short while your crew and a passenger walked through the airlock together with you, leaving the ship. Libella didn't really have any effects she would need to collect. She was also apparently unarmed, although you suspected she'd have enough biotic power to make up for any weapon and probably a holdout pistol as well.

"Welcome back to Williams's Redoubt, captain Ford." Oh, and here was the welcoming committee - A Turian officer accompanied by a pair of his subordinates.

"Williams'?" Lea asks. "Surely not the spectre Williams?" Lea asks.

"Of course not, girl, that's just Turian humor." Kris answered before the Turian could.

"What does that even mean?"

"I'll explain later." You decide to put a stop to this. "Anyway, I don't believe we've met before, mister...?"

"Ah, yes, that is correct. Prefect Junil Gossamian, at your service."

"Oh? What happened to prefect... hmmm... Vox?" You ask as you recall the woman you've been dealing with, even though you suspect what the answer will be.

"I'm afraid she's neither prefect nor the base commander anymore. Nevertheless, I must say she showed good judgement at least when awarding the mission to you."

"I see. Thank you, prefect Gossamian."

"I'm sure you did not come here for pleasantries, though. My men will be here to collect your cargo momentarily."

"Of course." You say, accessing your omnitool and releasing appropriate storage bays so that the Turians can access them. You can hear the release mechanism from where you are and the prefect nods in appreciation. "I hope the agreement will serve both your peoples'"

"I'm sure it will. In the meantime, feel free to take advantage of what little hospitality our base can offer."

"Yes, additionally allow me to introduce..." You say, stepping aside to not stand between the prefect and Libella. The prefect tenses visibly.

"There's no need, I've been informed of lady Tefar's arrival. Naturally, every facility of the base is at your unrestricted disposal." prefect said.

"Thank you for being so forthcoming, prefect. I'll be careful to not disrupt your operations any as I carry out my mission." Libella replied. The Turian relaxed, but only slightly.

"That's very thoughtful of you. Good luck in your hunt, miss Tefar."

With that the prefect gives you all a small bow before turning around and withdrawing towards one of the newer office structures, followed by his aides.

"Well, here we are." You turn to the spectre. "I suppose this is where we part ways."

"Indeed. However, it's a small universe, I suspect we shall meet again. Thank you for your assistance up to this point, captain Ford."

She gives you a polite bow which you reciprocate, then looks around, picking one of the structures - you suspect it's the warehouse you've been to on your previous visit, but you're not sure - and heads off. You watch her for a moment, then turn back to your crew.

"Alright boy and girl, we have some free time before they're done replenishing their larder with stuff we brought."

"I think I'll spend it in the ship." Kris says. "I doubt the locals will appreciate my presence much." Kris says.

"That's a kinda sad notion to have." Lea says. "Aren't you exaggerating?"

"He is." You say.

"Whatever." Kris growls. "It's just I think it more likely I'll find an asshole slagbird here than anything interesting, is all I'm saying."

What do you plan to do?

>Ask one of the Turians where local drinking place is. This may be a military base of the most uptight species of the galaxy, but surely something should be around?
>Head to a refugee compound that's growing short distance off the base, if there's no bar in here there should certainly be one there.
>Take the skycar out and head somewhere (specify: explore in some direction, head to the aforementioned refugee compound, head to an Alliance base nearby, head to the Alliance base at outskirts of London...)
>Head to the warehouse after the spectre. However, you don't have clearance for actual investigation at this time.
>Head back to the ship
>Something else

>Take Kris, Lea or both with you? Give any of them a task, or freedom to roam as they please?

These are the only posts for today, and probably for tomorrow as well. Have a pleasant Easter, friends.

>>3447040
>>Take the skycar out and head somewhere (specify: explore in some direction, head to the aforementioned refugee compound, head to an Alliance base nearby, head to the Alliance base at outskirts of London...)

Let's show Lea a bit of earth, either the refugee camp or the alliance near London, preferably somewhere with booze, maybe we'll get to see some old faces from the fighting

>>3447048
thanks for running chief, will do

>>3447040

>Head to a refugee compound that's growing short distance off the base, if there's no bar in here there should certainly be one there.
Preferably near London, see how people are doing after this.

>>3447040
>Take the skycar out and head somewhere (specify: explore in some direction, head to the aforementioned refugee compound, head to an Alliance base nearby, head to the Alliance base at outskirts of London...)

>>3447040
>>Head to a refugee compound that's growing short distance off the base, if there's no bar in here there should certainly be one there.

Moments later you're seated in your Livingstone skycar, designation B34-G13. You take the wheel, Kris sits next to you and Lea takes the back seat. You check everything's in order, inform the local traffic control of your intent and then take off, heading north-west.

The skycar zooms over the peaks of alps, the mixture of rock, green and wreckage flying past beneath your feet. You key in some music to provide a background.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bj37IhZDokY

Before long the mountains give way to hills and with it area that used to be more densely populated and as such shows more battle damage. There's some stains of monotone black where captured people used to be held, now sprinkled with silver glints of coalition hardware from when the camps were liberated. Occasionally you see the ground crossed by a band of freshly constructed infrastructure, wondering how much of it will be retroactively legalized and how much will be moved. You had to admit, though, that construction teams covered a lot of ground when not hindered by red tape that would eventually catch up.

Looking at automatically updated local maps you could see a zoning overlay that was previously not there. Apparently the red tape was already hard at work, dividing the ground into multiple areas by their legal status: blue zones surrounding coalition bases across the globe was provisionally claimed by the Alliance; their status would be decided when regular bureaucracy was sufficiently re-established to take its role over in full. Around them were slowly growing patches of green zones where ownership was established by survivors or their next of kin with reasonable certainty; then there were yellow zones, which covered most of the habitable zones, whose status was being determined and red ones that were off-limits to civilans. Reaper installations, most ruined city centres not yet declared as blue and areas exposed to climate hazards fell under this category.

The area you were heading for was a blue spot bordering a red sea that used to be London. It was a staging area from which you deployed during the final battle, and it was the compound where you returned immediately afterwards.

File: 1345235793162.jpg (166 KB, 900x1035)

166 KB JPG

"Attention, civilan vessel B34-G13, you are approaching Strasbourg Quarantine Zone. Please, alter your course." An Alliance signal comes over the comm. You immediately comply and plot a detour that will take you around the forbidden area.

"What's the point of barring the passage?" Lea asks. "We're way too high to get in the way of the construction drones or those buoyant things."

"Blimps. Hmm. Maybe it's to discourage skydivers from getting in?" You reply.

Looking through the viewport was a bit more difficult now, passing over countryside blighted with specks of reaper architecture in between swaths of burned ground and forests and ruined villages or towns. You chased away the nagging comparison between what you were seeing and some ruins you visited, with the ruins coming out on top. This was of course easily justified - precursor ruins gave the surrounding nature incomparably more time to erase a lot of damage done to environment and cover scars on the buildings with vegetation. Rationally, the superficial damage visible now would be relatively easy to reverse - except for the countless lives lost, of course.

You began to slow down as you approached the Channel. As your hands moved over the instrument, you noticed the sound setup and title of track currently playing...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b5ENDmmK6aQ

With a slight smirk you call up the traffic control and negotiate a landing zone. After passing another swath of ruined countryside and approaching the charred London skyline you approach a patch of silver and white growing at the outskirts, surrounded by an eclectic mixture of partially renovated houses and prefab housing where survivors from the area congregated together with some of the survivors of the final assault.

Having parked the skycar among several shuttles and other skycars of various origins, some of them looking like improvised composition of salvage from several different vehicles, you ponder your next move...

>Head to the Alliance compound. There's bound to be recreational facilities for the military. You have some basic clearance thanks to your involvement with the Adventurers.
>Head to the Alliance command structure, you have questions for someone in charge (regarding the orbital job, regarding Eve's condition, etc.)
>Head to the refugee compound. There's most assuredly going to be variety of civilian amenities available.
>Look for something specific

Do you take someone with you?
>You all go together
>They have free reign
>Pick one
>Other arrangement (send them somewhere, ask about... etc)

>>3451295

>Head to the Alliance command structure, you have questions for someone in charge (regarding the orbital job, regarding Eve's condition, etc.)

Let's ask how our friend is doing and get some info on that job, hoping to board a drifting reaper or some other salvageble stuff

>They have free reign
They can come along if they want, otherwise we meet them at the refugee compaund after we are finished so we can relax a little.

>>3451295
>Head to the refugee compound. There's most assuredly going to be variety of civilian amenities available.

>You all go together

>>3451305
this

Lea already met our mechanical friend through our memory thing right? this should be interesting

“Alright,” you say, “I’m going to head to the Command post over there,” you indicate a partially reconstructed office building, banners of Systems Alliance and Citadel Council hanging from its open windows. “And see if they know how Eve’s doing, maybe get some details about our next job. Do you want to tag along, or shall we meet at the bar hereabouts?”

“Eve was the AI that you fight with, right? I’ll tag along.” Lea says.

“I’m going too.” Kris nods.

With that the three of you walk towards the Alliance compound. The guard checks your credentials and upon confirming your identity gives you a respectful salute, which you reciprocate. Chances were you were fighting not very far from each other.

When you’re inside you are met with a reception manned by an Asari which is, to your mild surprise, clad in Alliance uniform.

“Good afternoon, sirs and madam. How can I help you? Do you have an appointment?”

“Not quite. I’m here to inquire about a friend.”

“I see. Then I can direct you to the reunion office-“

“Beg your pardon, but this case is probably outside their jurisdiction. The friend I’m asking about was to my last information in custody of 13th engineering corps.”

“Custody? Are you sure? Um, I think I should ask an officer.”

“If you’d be so kind...”

The Asari activated a privacy screen and spent a few moments conversing with a superior. Eventually she removed the screen and addressed you again.

“Captain..." she squinted at the screen, trying to decipher the text "...Slusarski has authorized you to see him at the provisional R&D HQ. please, accept the directions...”

You bring up your omnitool and receive her instruction. With a thank you the three of you leave the structure and head towards another, your walk interrupted briefly by another, more serious looking checkpoint. Eventually you arrive to a heavy set structure, freshly erected from solid concrete foundations and with two armed, alert looking guards patrolling around. Seeing that you passed the checkpoint the two don't give you another glance and you enter the building.

Once inside the navigational aid in your omnitool directs you through a few bends of a corridor to an office door labelled "cpt. Robert Slusarski". You announce your presence with a knock.

"Please, come in."

You file into the office. Behind a desk a dark haired officer is seated, literally twirling his moustache as he reads some file.

"Welcome. I'm Captain Rober Slusarski." The officer introduces himself, but goes on before you can respond. "Doctor Henri Ford, I presume?" He asks. "And if that is so, you must be Doctor Kris Tufferson. And this fine lady must be a new associate of yours?"

"Lea'Fari nar Namek." Lea introduces herself.

"Delighted to make your acquaintance. As it were, it must be Providence itself that has guided you to me as I was just contemplating whether to reach out for you."

"Yes?" You reply smartly while there's an opening.

"Indeed. Your name is listed in one of our subject files. When miss Thompson told me you're here to ask us about a friend I connected it immediately." the captain beamed. "It is most auspicious that you would come out of care for your friend, as your assistance here might very well result in a breakthrough we were looking for."

"Can you tell what this guy is talking about?" Kris asks. However, you're denied opportunity to offer a response even if you had one.

"Ah, forgive me. I think I'm getting ahead myself. I believe everything will be made clear if you but follow me to the labs."

And he's off.

You follow him, your mildly bewildered crewmates following you. The captain leads you through the corridors, down some stairs and some more corridors until you pause before a blast door that take the officer's biometrics to open. When these open a fairly large, elongated chamber is revealed, with a line of what looks like simple hospital beds, or maybe softer morgue tables. Some of them were empty, but upon most of them synthetic female bodies laid, unmoving, their eyes open and staring into infinity.

"Keelah..." Lea said.

"Huh." Kris muttered.

"So... they're all like that?" You ask. "And... this is all of them?"

"No and no." The officer replied, having arrived at conclusion that the scene had sunk in enough for him to continue his explanations. "There is a few more facilities, at this base and elsewhere, where afflicted platforms have been gathered for examination. But, more interestingly, their conditions varied quite a lot!"

You scan the room for signs of Eve. You can't be sure, since design of the infiltrator bot was pretty uniform, but you don't recognize any of the lifeless chassis as her body.

"But I'm not the most qualified person to be telling you that." Captain says. "Doctor Weintraub, if you'd please?" he cries out. A labcoat-clad figure near the far end of the hall bent over one of the robots straightens up and moves to approach. It's a middle-aged red-haired woman.

"You have some nerve showing up in my lab so soon." She says when she's close enough to talk without shouting.

"E-excuse me? What's wrong?"

"Maria Weintraub, Alliance roboticist, at your service." She tells you, ignoring the officer. These two were made for each other, you imagine. "I was on the brink of a breakthrough before my lummox of an overseer authorised transfer of the most promising subject over to the SI goons."

"What?!" Captain Slusarski took a step back.

"What?!" I seconded when the implications fell into place.

"SI?" Lea asked.

"Synthethic Insights, I reckon." Kris explained.

"That... that's impossible! I'd never do such a thing!" Captain argued, transitioning from confusion into indignance.

"Then how come a couple of thugs just made off with the only unit that was beginning to show more than fractal patterns on her readouts?"

"When did that happen?"

"Maybe half an hour ago. They had their papers in order so there was nothing I could... you really didn't authorize it?" The scientist asked, her tone considerably less confrontational.

The officer began to mumble some curses under his breath. It seems you've come just in time to have Eve snatched from under your nose.

What now?

>This will not stand. We're going after them and we're getting Eve back. (begin investigation)
>This is highly suspicious. We need to find who did this and figure out their motive. (begin investigation)
>This is more trouble than it's worth. Let's go back to town, find a bar and drink in the robot's memory. (abandon)
>something else?

If going through with investigation, feel free to input specific things you want to check or people to contact

>>3451639

>This will not stand. We're going after them and we're getting Eve back. (begin investigation)

And in the meantime, find out just what those fuckers wanted with her.

Lets get footage of them, the transport they used and try to track it down with flight control, ask them to give us anything useful about the A.I. thay got

>>3451639

>This will not stand. We're going after them and we're getting Eve back. (begin investigation)
Contact our old officer, see If he can provide clearing ir access.

>>3451639

>This will not stand. We're going after them and we're getting Eve back. (begin investigation)
Try to ID them with the Alliance
See if they really work for SI, maybe Lea can dig through the employees
Track their transport
Ask the scientists why they took her, what did they say?
Do all that while on the move, they can't be far

>>3451639
>This will not stand. We're going after them and we're getting Eve back. (begin investigation)

>>3451639

>This will not stand. We're going after them and we're getting Eve back. (begin investigation)

Captain Slusarski stopped cursing and activated his comlink. "Yes, it's urgent. Colonel Graves? Yes, we have a breach in the facility. Yes, one of the units has been taken. Yes. I understand..." the officer informed his superiors of the incident.

To you, the course to take was clear.

"This will not stand." You state. "Whoever it was who took Eve away, we're going after them."

"Good thing I packed the guns." Kris says.

"You did? Good job."

"Well, they have some head start, but not much. With luck we can still catch up with them before they put whatever nefarious plans they have into effect." Captain says, having finished his call.

"First you need to figure out who they were. They seemed like generic corporate goons to me, but they had to obtain access forms and codes somehow."

"Lea, could you take a look through some data?"

"Can't make promises, but sure. What do you have in mind?"

"Access logs. Assuming the captain would share them...?"

"Certainly. The Colonel told me to use any means at my disposal, and I'm sure this will qualify." Captain said, accessing his omnitool to transfer the desired file for Lea's perusal.

You were not quite sure Colonel would share this assessment but you were not going to turn down a cooperative officer.

"In any event, let's head out. We're going to need to get moving as soon as we know where." You say.

"Prudent suggestion. Please, follow me."

You do. You also feel a weight on your shoulder - Lea grabbed it so she can follow your step as she keeps most of her attention on her omnitool.

"Did the corporates say what they want?" Captain asks as you go.

"No. They just shoved the papers under my nose and carted the platform off. One of them was taller, the other one of strong build. Didn't really pay attention to their faces, was too busy imagining how I'd kick your ass later." doctor Weintraub replied.

"Charming." Captain said dryly, opening a comm channel. "Private Barkford, come in. Have you let two authorized civilian personnel through recently? .... Yes, exactly... how did they arrive? ...Good ...When did they depart? ...Hm ...Very well, send me transponder codes of that shuttle without delay. Good. So," The officer raised his attention from the comm. "They came and left in a shuttle bearing SI markings, slightly over half hour ago."

"I suppose there's not much point in calling SI about this. Whether they did this or not they won't admit it." Kris growled.

"Quite. And if they are behind it, or have their channel bugged, we'll alert our prey to the pursuit. If we haven't already." Captain nods. "Ah, there's the information." He adds and distributes the message to rest of you before making another call. "Traffic control? This is captain Slusarski. No, it's pron- ah, nevermind. 13th Engineering. Yes. Exactly. Good, I'm counting on you." He turns to you again. "They'll help us track the shuttle."

"Excellent." You nod.

Rolled 34, 28, 51, 69, 52, 63 = 297 (6d100)

Little while later you made it to the surface.

"Kris, please go warm the car up." You say.

"Yeah." The Krogan says and, with a roar that spooks the guards into almost firing on him for all the good it would do them (fortunately prevented by Captain's bark for them to stand down), envelops himself in a dark energy field and charges towards the landing area.

You grinned. Lea, who only looked up from omnitool's display to see what the ruckus was about, just nodded, slowly.

"I'll take one of our shuttles. Here's the information you need for pursuit and the comm channel we'll be using." Captain says. "Good hunting. Let's get those bastards."

"Thank you, Captain. Same to you."

You look back just in time to see your skycar skidding to a hover in front of you.

"I hope you don't have motion sickness, Lea." You say.

"Shut it, I'm trying to focus."

"Alright, how do you want to go at it?" Kris asks from behind the wheel.

>Low and stealthy, slower but chance to catch them unawares
>Full burn, faster but you're not surprising anyone

Captain has an upgraded Kodiak, meaning he'll be stealthy and fast... once he actually gets into the shuttle and gets some marines to accompany him.

Please, roll some 2d100s, first for Kris's flying, second for Lea's analytics. First 3 in my roll are for Captain, second 3 for the miscreants.

Rolled 98, 38 = 136 (2d100)

>>3451852

>Low and stealthy, slower but chance to catch them unawares

let's see

Rolled 61, 6 = 67 (2d100)

>>3451852

>Low and stealthy, slower but chance to catch them unawares

Rolled 5, 84 = 89 (2d100)

>>3451852

>Low and stealthy, slower but chance to catch them unawares

>>3451876
>>3451867
>98 and 84

damn our crew is awesome

You barely have time to settle in the second seat when the car surges forward, causing Lea to sprawl over the rear seat and buzzing the Alliance command post, prompting some officer to lean out of a window and throw curses and rude gestures at you as several papers sucked out of the office drift towards the ground. Not like you can see any of that, busy as you are linking into the channel Slusarski gave you. A blip appeared on the navigational screen, your object of interest, off across the channel and headed south into the red zones. Kris alters the heading and angles the car down, almost grazing the ground and making Lea tumble slightly again even as I dial the inertial dampeners up by a notch.

"Ah, Ford, you know how to strip all the fun out of flying. I have to feel the movements." Kris complains without losing sight of his prey.

"Well, I don't want Lea to puke at her visor." You shoot back.

"I'm, urk, fine." Lea says. "In fact, I think I've got something, just need to check it."

"Good job."

"Don't thank me yet, doesn't look grhk. Good."

Kris led the ship low. When you reached the sea he actually had to dodge some waves, almost skimming water at points. In fact you suspect he used kinetic barrier for this so he could push more feed to accelerator thrusters but at the time you were more preoccupied with watching the blip on the map, waiting when a new one, denoting the Alliance shuttle will pop up, as it represented backup in case something went wrong. Eventually it did appear, unfortunately at about the same time your target disappeared, leaving a marker behind denoting its last known location.

"They landed. We've got them now." Kris growled confidently. "Relaying marker to the Alliance. Done. We'll be there in minutes."

"Nice flying, Kris. Alright, Lea, what did you find?"

"Credentials check out, it seems like the corporates had access to genuine SI codes at least, these were not spoofed. The signature from Captain Slu... er, the moustache guy seems legitimate as well, at glance, but his terminal shows no logs of actual input. Either he attempted to cover his tracks, or his credentials were spoofed in other point within the system."

"So he could be in cahoots with them... or they have somehow infiltrated restricted Alliance installation. Great."

"But there's one more thing. Biometrics of the corp people don't add up, or more precisely they add up in a very suspicious way."

"What does that mean?"

"There's a checksum for biometrics to make them harder to forge. It checks out, but the difference between whoever these credentials were supposed to represent has been shored up in traits that are less obvious and pose less risk of discovery."

"Fuck." Kris growled.

"My word." You concur. "I guess if we want to look for the original bearers of those IDs we might as well be checking morgues."

"Well, they won't run away anymore. The impostors might, though. We're approaching the target. Whatever they were doing here, they'll be in a hury to go elsewhere. How do you want to go about this?"

>Dynamic entry - drop straight at the location. They probably don't suspect pursuit, you should be able to catch them flat footed.
>Land short distance away and approach on foot. You'll be able to watch them for a moment and engage at moment of your choosing... assuming they don't leave before you're in position to reach them.
>Split up - drop off and approach on foot while the car circles around in case something else lifts off. (specify who goes on foot and who stays in car)
>Something else.

>>3451950
>>Dynamic entry - drop straight at the location. They probably don't suspect pursuit, you should be able to catch them flat footed.

surprise motherfuckers

>>3451950

>Dynamic entry - drop straight at the location. They probably don't suspect pursuit, you should be able to catch them flat footed.

Lea drives, Kris and Henri get the dudes

>>3451950
>Land short distance away and approach on foot. You'll be able to watch them for a moment and engage at moment of your choosing... assuming they don't leave before you're in position to reach them.

>>3451950

>Split up - drop off and approach on foot while the car circles around in case something else lifts off. (specify who goes on foot and who stays in car)

Leave us on foot while they both stay in the car

Rolled 99, 83, 86 = 268 (3d100)

"Stop the shuttle, we're switching around." You say.

"What do you have in mind, Ford?" Kris asked as he stopped the shuttle just short of coming within sight of the target area - a scorched, punished piece of ground surrounded by spires of reaper technology, intimidating even in its neutralized state, with a few destroyer class reapers toppled throughout.

"Do you remember Joab?" You ask with a small smile. Kris turns to regard you, his face spread in a toothed grin.

"Heh, heh... Why, yes, I do in fact remember Joab."

"What happened on Joab?" Lea asks.

"You'll see soon enough, Lea. You take the wheel."

"Aye aye."

With the car in standby just off surface and the roof withdrawing to make the maneuver easier you shift your positions around, reaching into the cargo compartment to recover your gear. Within moments you're good to go.

"Now, girl, you fly us straight through here," Kris indicated. "And then you circle around and look out for any new contacts. Oh, and don't forget to put the roof back in place when we're gone."

"My name is Lea." Lea bristled. "Wait, what do you mean, "gone"?"

"Just do it." the Krogan says, gripping his spike thrower while you double check your...

>Volkov, it served you well enough until now and can give, thanks to some tinkering, two shots before it needs to cool down
>Javelin, one shot per charge, but what it hits is most assuredly dead. Sometimes also things that were in front of and behind it.

...before giving a nod. Lea returned it, then focused fully on the controls. The Livingstone's thrusters flared up as the vehicle charged towards your unsuspecting prey...

Please, roll some 3d100s. 1st for you, second for Kris, 3rd for Lea

Rolled 23, 36, 31 = 90 (3d100)

>>3452113
>>Volkov, it served you well enough until now and can give, thanks to some tinkering, two shots before it needs to cool down

holy shit those rolls, we are fucked

Rolled 64, 73, 24 = 161 (3d100)

>>3452113

Rolled 70, 44, 68 = 182 (3d100)

>>3452113

Lea's eyes narrowed as she took controls. Accelerating to somewhat unsafe speeds given the altitude and presence of spires of reaper metal she sped past the clearing where the SI shuttle was landed while another, short distance away, another, unmarked shuttle awaited transfer of cargo.

Sure enough, the miscreants were not aware of your assault until now, but as the Livingstone zoomed overhead they were quick enough to adapt to the new circumstances, those being a Krogan and a Human leaping off a passing car, the former coming down on them like a hammer of an ancient deity while the latter hung back on an eezo jetpack, taking aim with his rifle...

On her part, Lea followed instructions to the letter, closing the canopy and leaving the fighting zone to circle around. She could see the blip of incoming Alliance reinforcements still some distance away. She could only hope her two shipmates knew what they were doing.

And you did. From your position above the battlefield you were quick to identify your targets, two men disguised as corporate security that were previously dragging a man-sized parcel from one shuttle to another. Unfortunately they did not have the decency to stay stunned like deer in headlights, instead rolling into different directions for cover behind scattered pieces of Reaper tendrils. You had to content yourself with taking two shots in succession on one of them.

First shot stripped the barrier the goons managed to activate in time, the other deprived him of his head. Unfortunately, the second one which you hoped would be taken out by Kris, managed to return fire. As your barrier quickly depleted under the volley you took evasive action and dropped to the ground, sacrificing the overview for cover.

In fairness Kris was not slacking off either. As he fell he made a snap decision and instead of one of the two faux corporates spent his biotic charge on closing distance between himself and the unmarked shuttle which was already disgorging additional hostiles. The decision paid off as the first hostile to disembark got a point blank spike to their side, mauling them even through active barriers. However, opened shuttle door revealed a turret manned by another goon, giving Kris only a few moments to call upon his biotics to slip out of its firing arc.

"Went smoother at Joab." He grunted into the comm.

Taking a look around, you could see the surviving imposter waving his allies to help him load his cargo onto the shuttle, and even though they (you could see three of them left plus a turret operator) seemed reluctant to rush into the open, you estimated they were disciplined and dead set on their prize enough to risk it. You didn't have much time.

>Snipe the reinforcements from cover with your rifle. Impeded by terrain.
>Jump and snipe reinforcement from air. Exposed to fire, even if you position yourself outside of turret's firing arc
>Pelt them with omnibow from the ground.
>Pelt them with omnibow from above
>Snipe the turret operator

>Kris charges to intercept reinforcements as they come
>Kris charges towards the shuttle and fights the reinforcements (he can do so without exposing himself to turret fire, but it will still be 3 on 1

>something else for either

Lea is currently out of fight, can be instructed to set car down and join in. She will pick up a pistol and has her (unarmed) drone, won't show up in next action though.

>>3452339
>>Snipe the turret operator
to give Kris some breathing room

>Kris charges to intercept reinforcements as they come


ask Lea to try and cut the merc with the cargo from the others, but only after we take the turret, or if she can do it from outside of it's range

>>3452339
>Snipe the turret operator
>Kris charges to intercept reinforcements as they come

Rolled 45, 60, 90, 49, 26, 67 = 337 (6d100)

Please, roll some 2d100s, 1st for (You), 2nd for Kris.

Rolling first 3 for the mooks, second set for... (unknown)

Rolled 92, 42 = 134 (2d100)

>>3452380

Rolled 73, 56 = 129 (2d100)

>>3452380

Rolled 73, 97 = 170 (2d100)

>>3452380

Rolled 91, 63, 83 = 237 (3d100)

The odds were not exactly the way you preferred them. In order to even them a little you decided to go for the biggest gun on the field. Straining your eyes you took aim and -

- the turret operator dropped dead. You're not sure if it was some sort of interference, uncommonly lucky shot or if he simply didn't think to activate his barrier, but the goon took the hit in his forehead, snapping his head back and collapsing his body into an ungainly heap. Meanwhile two of his compatriots rushed forward to help the impostor with his baggage. The third one, having noticed sudden vacancy at the turret station, jumped into shuttle to disentangle body of his comrade from the weapon.

Around that time Kris saw it fit to charge in to intercept the reinforcing duo. Emerging from his dark energy coccoon just in melee range he struck the closest enemy with his own forehead, knocking him out, while the second got a spike into his gut before he could as much as reverse his momentum.

Kris's success could be soon undermined as the last of the backup goons finally replaced his fallen fellow behind turret controls and you would have none of that. You took aim at the same spot. This time the barriers endured the single shot and so you delivered another, to loud protestations of your weapon. Fortunately, even as your rifle shut down for forced cooldown period, the final shot found its mark.

The remaining goon was now alone in the field. After snapping his focus once onto the Krogan, once in your general direction, he decided he would at least deprive you of your prize, the person-sized bag from which you now read faint signals, and reached for a grenade...

>Swoop in and tackle him
>Let Kris handle this

>>3452431
>>Swoop in and tackle him

can we biotic the granade away? or at least barrier the blast around it?

>>3452431
>Let Kris handle this

Shout to Kris about the granade, he's better equiped to deal with it

>>3452442
Supporting

Move in to help too

Time seems to slow to a grinding halt as everything seems to happen at once.

Kris notices the imposter's movement and almost instinctively begin forming a dark energy envelope around himself.

You're already committed though, jumping over your chosen piece of cover and pushing the jetpack to hurl yourself at the enemy, simultaneously calling forth your own biotic power to subtly prod the explosive out of the scoundrel's hand.

It doesn't entirely work, but it provides sufficient shift and distraction that the thug's next movement doesn't arm the grenade but only slide his fingers harmlessly over the thing.

Then, two things happen that make you alter your course at the last moment.

The more obvious one was Kris's charge. There is much you don't know but among things you DO know one of them is that you don't want to be on the same spot that a krogan charges, even if it's such a gentle soul as Kris.

The second was a coating of rime covering side of the bag and spreading quickly.

And then it all came together.

The bag's side froze and shattered as a silver hand shot out, blue omniblade cutting through the fragilised fabric and taking the villain's leg for good measure.

Kris's charge concluded, easily toppling the fool that was presently screaming in pain of having his leg flash frozen and shattered.

And then there was you, only narrowly managing to dodge the clusterfuck by boosting yourself up into the air instead of finishing a landing maenuver you practiced.

And then the implication of what happened with you. You had two prisoners, although the second one might well not live to see another day. More importantly, you recovered...

"Eve? Can you hear me?" You ask, watching the feminine frame deactivate the omniblade and return to position you assume all deactivated gynoids from the project had predefined as resting.

"Well, this got a bit messy for beginning of a bar crawl." Kris remarked.

"Lea, unless you see something interesting in the skies," You talk into the comm. "Please touch down here and join us. It seems we'll be waiting for the Alliance here. This mess is getting deeper and deeper."

You crouched down next to he damaged bag, tearing away its remains, looking the - now once again - inert body up and down. Interesting times indeed, you thought as your gaze then wandered up to the unmarked shuttle, reaper spires looking down mockingly at you and Kris as you stood amidst the carnage.

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With this I retire.
Thank you for participating, friends.

>>3452479
Thanks for running, good night and good easter.

It didn't take long for the Alliance shuttle to arrive. You spent the little time securing the prisoners and applying what medical care you could to the injured one, although you suspected he'd need to get to specialized medical facility fast if he was not to expire. You were just about done trying to stabilize him to the best of your ability when Slusarski's Kodiak zoomed down next to the other three vehicles.

The Captain emerged from it, followed by two pairs of Alliance marines.

"You've been busy, doctor Ford." He says, looking around. "And it seems you've recovered your friend."

"Captain," You nod at him. "We managed to intercept the imposters' shuttle as they were preparing to transfer their objective onto another one." You indicate the unmarked shuttle. "They were... not open to negotiation." You add, for the moment omitting the fact that technically you shot first and didn't really try to ask questions yet.

>Look around the scene for clues (anything specific you wish to look for?)
>Examine Eve more closely (technical readouts? talking to her?)
>Talk to the captain about something (specify)
>Pack up and leave, leave the rest of this mess for Alliance to sort it out
>Something else

optional
>We have apprehended one of the infiltrators and an accomplice, but he needs immediate medical attention (medevac - call for pickup? Or take one of the vehicles available? Who will pilot?)

>>3453470
>>Look around the scene for clues (anything specific you wish to look for?)
see if Lea can pick up something from their Omnilinks or from the vehicles

we investigate the mercs and vehicles before anyone can mess with it

>We have apprehended one of the infiltrators and an accomplice, but he needs immediate medical attention (medevac - call for pickup? Or take one of the vehicles available? Who will pilot?)

Tell Kris to take the infiltrator and to not leave his side, I'm still a little suspicious of the captains involvement as a possibility and I don't want the marines or the good captain alone with the infiltrator since he is the one with most info about the actual heist.

>>3453476
Supporting.

Call out to Eve to confirm she is ok in there.

>>3453470
Sure >>3453476
It might offend them a little but they probably don't have experienced investigators on hand and in sure the doc would appreciate the extra guard for her prize specimen.

First things first. Ragged breathing on the imposter told you he's probably not long for this world unless he gets to a specialized medical facility. However, you could not discount possibility the Captain is involved somehow...

"Kris, could you take the imposter to a hospital?"

The Krogan eyes you and the others present, presumably catching up on your concerns. "Yeah. Hard to answer questions when you're dead." He nods. You help him load the crippled infiltrator into the car.

Meanwhile, two of the Marines stay at the shuttle while the other two, possibly MPs, begin poking around, their omnitools active, presumably examining the evidence. Captain speaks up. "Thank you. That will be much quicker than waiting for a medevac shuttle and won't deny us use of shuttle. Private Locke, please accompany doctor Tufferson to the medical and ensure that the prisoner is secure."

One of the marines salutes and moves to join Kris in the car. Seeing no justification to deny this request you just nod in acknowledgment.

"Don't worry, I'll help him in that." Kris says and brings up car's controls.

"Much appreciated." Slusarski nods solemnly.

As the Livingstone takes off and darts towards nearest outpost, you shift your attention to Lea who was looking at the other two marines work. "Lea, could you please access that other shuttle's memory banks?"

"Are you able to do so without triggering any traps that would see the memory wiped?" Captain asks.

"I... think so." Lea said, but sounded unsure.

"If you're not confident, I'd urge that you wait until our cryptologists arrive, or we find clues to how to access their databanks safely." Captain shakes his head.

You could not discount the risk. "Okay, only passive scans for now." You tell her.

"Got it."

You move to the unknown combatants. Marines were done recording what they could on their omnitools and were beginning with searching the bodies, so far without any luck. The mercenaries held no personal effects or documents. Their omnitools posed similar risk as accessing shuttle's databanks would. However, there were several of them.

Then there was Eve. She was currently back in her dormant state, but her actions during the fight suggested a measure of awareness. The Captain and the Roboticist also mentioned earlier she was special somehow.

>Try examine one of the omnitools with yours.
>Go take a closer look on Eve. Maybe you'll be able to awaken her somehow?
>Talk to Captain for more information on why she could've been stolen in the first place
>something else?

>>3453512
>Go take a closer look on Eve. Maybe you'll be able to awaken her somehow?

See if Lea can crack one of the omnitools

>>3453512
>Go take a closer look on Eve. Maybe you'll be able to awaken her somehow?
Fuck it, it's not like they are going anywhere. We can wait for their "cryptologists".

>>3453512
>Talk to Captain for more information on why she could've been stolen in the first place
what was special? does he not know she is an A.I. and just assumed she was a normal gynoid? because that is reason enough to steal her, I just don't know if he knows

"Lea, here's something for you to try on." You suggest, taking off one of the goons' omnitool and tossing it to her. She caught it and took a several steps away so she could try and access the device out of short range transmitters while employing some jamming from her own comm.

While she was busy you approached the synthetic frame of your fellow combatant. It was not very pleasant to see her like this. Between deployments she would take up a bunk with other soldiers, mimicking sleep, even though you knew all too well she was quite aware of her surroundings during those rest periods. One of the mercs you fought alongside with would try and prank her once with a marker while he thought she was out. He had to subsist on porridge until you were done with that fueling depot and returned to an outpost with cosmetic surgery station.

You passed her over with your omnitool with scanning mode.

"Can you hear me, Eve? It's me, Henri." You say as you run your hand over the finely sculpted chassis, examining the readouts. They don't tell you much except that the gynoid is apparently in standby mode.

Recalling earlier remarks of Captain Slusarski and doctor Weintraub you turn to call the officer, presently busy receiving a report from one of the investigating marines, presumably not very helpful one if his frown was of any indication.

"Captain?"

"Hm, yes?" he replies and approaches you.

"I believe you wanted to tell me there was something special you had in mind for the infiltrator units, and the doctor said this one in particular stood out. Could you tell me more?"

"Well, yes, certainly. Doctor would've been better suited to explain it but as she's not here right now... well, from what I understood the units have been rendered... incapacitated at the same time as the Reapers. I'm afraid I don't know details pertaining to that, don't have that high clearance. However, miss Weintraub was telling me that if this... "cause"... swept away all reaper related patterns, that would suggest some of them were present in the infiltrator units' mode of thinking."

You nod. From what you knew of them, these units have been based on looted Cerberus research, and Cerberus was known for dabbling in Reaper technology.

"So you are saying that the anti-reaper weapon destroyed our infiltrators alongside reapers?" You ask. "But she seems to be more, well, active than the reaper tech around us."

"Exactly. My understanding is that the weapon somehow neutralized their reaper parts while leaving the rest untouched."

You shake your head. How was that even supposed to work? But even so...

"Then what was left was what the designers put into them, our own ingenuity. I guess that is not enough to make them run as before?"

"I'm afraid that's where my understanding ends. It could explain why the units did not end as hollow shells, it does not however explain variability between units. I was hoping someone with more practical knowledge of their activity in the field could provide us with more insight."

"I see, thank you, Captain." You say, turning back to the dormant Eve.

"What could the missing piece be?" You murmur idly.

>I am quite absent from new and the young
>When gained I can break or I can make strong
>Sometimes through blisters and scars I am earned
>Sometimes without, if freely I'm shared

>>3453676
Experience
Knowledge

she learned and evolved with her memorties, it affected each unit differently because each one of them had different experiences and became distant or closer to the reaper tech it was based on

>>3453676
Memories? Wisdom?

>>3453684
Well done sir or madam. Eve will remember this.

Frown warps your brow. Of course, how could you have missed it? What can be cause of variance between identical twins? Perhaps you’ve fallen prey to tendency to think of these units as machines rather than people. Arguably correct, according to some. But having spent several life or death situations together with her you thought you knew better. Or maybe she won you over through her wiles as was her original purpose.

It didn’t matter now. One way or another, your friend was lying before you and she was not well. It was time to treat her as such.

You gently support her head with your hand and take one of hers into the other. She doesn’t stir, yet.

“Did He, who made the Lamb, make Thee?” You ask.

Did she stir now, or was it your imagination?

“You heard the man, Eve. You’re special.” You keep talking. “Guess your inclinations towards art paid off?” You pause. “Anyway, please, come back to us. I realize now you must’ve been hit pretty hard, but clearly you endured.”

No response.

“Do you remember how you walked through the incendiary cloud on that refueling station to keep Abe from getting overrun? Or that time when you threw yourself into melee with a couple of husks to keep them from going after a civilian group boarding a shuttle? Those were not actions of a reaper machine. Those were actions of a good person.”

She definitely stirred this time.

“Come back to us, Eve. Reapers are gone, but it would be a shame if they took you with them. There’s still a lot of wonders left for you to discover. I don’t know how much you lost when Reapers fell but I know you’re so much more than them. Whatever’s still missing you’ll be able to fill up. And you will not be alone doing it.”

You squeeze the hand. It squeezes back.

Eve’s eyes opened.

“Thank you for the vote of confidence, Ford.”

“Um... you’re welcome. How are you feeling?”

“Strange. Crippled. Sluggish. Incomplete.” She answered. “But... I can think again at all, that has to count for something.

“Can you stand?”

“I’ll try. “

You stand up together. She doesn’t lean on you much, wich js probably a good thing given her mass.

“What happened?” She asks once she’s standing.

“Do you want the long or the abridged version?

“We’ll be happy to provide you with full update as you wait for diagnostics, madam.” Captain Slusarski speaks up. “Well done awakening her, doctor Ford. I knew you’ll be able to help.”

It seems the captain intends to take Eve back to the lab.

>this is fine
>argue she should be allowed to go free
>argue she should be allowed to go with you
>argue she should be handed into your custody
>ask her what she wants (offer her to go with you?)
>something else

>>3453962
>>ask her what she wants (offer her to go with you?)

so we won!
what do you want to do now? Me an Kris are doing some odd jobs around and we have a new crewmember, you can meet her too
would you like to come with us?

>>3453962
>ask her what she wants (offer her to go with you?)

Invite her along.

Tell the captain what we did, maybe if the other units meet someone from their past some of them can recover.

“It was my pleasure, Captain. However, regarding next steps it would behoove us to involve the lady in question.” You say.

The captain twirls his mustache. “An interesting notion. I’m aware that units of this class have performed valiantly in defense of Alliance from the reaper threat. However, it is also true that neither council nor alliance law recognizes legal subjectivity of synthetic life forms. Technically she is Alliance property and as such Alliance is responsible for her.”

“I do not think that should be an issue. I’m ready to cooperate.” Eve says. “At the present time I do not have a more pressing purpose to pursue. Unless you have knowledge of a task where my skills could be more valuable?”

“Well, If you would like to, you could join my crew. You remember when I told you of my old work.”

“Relic Hunter. Abundance of opportunities to learn and discover. Potential of discoveries beneficial for entire galactic community. That would be delightful, Ford, but Captain is right that I have no legal rights and my existence is technically illegal per se. My traveling with your crew would pose an unnecessary hazard for your crew.”

As it is you doubt anyone would give you trouble over her presence on your crew in present political climate but you knew that these things are fickle and her concern has merit.

“I am grateful for your selfless attitude, miss Eve.” The Captain says, then turns to you. “I understand and sympathize with your concern for your fellow combatant, doctor Ford, but you needn’t worry. We can ensure her safety and fair treatment, as well as that of the other infiltrator units she could help awaken.”

“Speaking of security,” you turn to Lea who was still busy with the omnitool “Lea, could you share your findings with the Captain?”

“Of course.” She nods. Tap, tap, tap... “...done.”

Captain examines the incoming file.

“As you can see, the base has been infiltrated already before the imposters arrived.”

“Those scoundrels... thank you for bringing this to my attention. We will have some housekeeping to do it seems.” He looks up from the file. “I suppose that is a point in favour of your suggestion.” He sighs. “Even so, I cannot simply hand over a priceless asset of questionable legal status to a civilian, even one of your reputation.”

He falls silent for a moment, thinking and playing with his mustache.

“I will tell you what I can do. You are an upstanding enough citizen that I can enlist you as special agent of the Alliance, given the nature of this investigation, and charge you with protection of this asset for the duration. That will however mean you can be asked to undertake specific assignments and possibly restrict your movement. It will also mean you’ll be required to act in accordance with Alliance regulations, ethics and interests. I realize that might be not very palatable to an independence loving freelancer, but it’s the best that I can give.”

You consider Captain’s offer. It was very magnanimous, you could tell, but it did not come without cost.

And then there was another option: a Spectre could conceivably press or pull in various places to get the responsible officials to hand Eve over. But that could tangle things up even further.

>Take the offer. May limit your choice of jobs and carry consequences if you act against Alluance for whichever reasons. Can also lead to opportunity to win additional reputation with the Alliance.
>decline the deal, let Eve return to the facility. Maybe you’ll be able to obtain her when your standing with Alliance increases further, or some other stuff happens...
>you could try asking Libella to do you a favour. That would mean guiding her attention to the infiltrator units and will not win you any favors with the Alliance.
>other

>>3454287
>>you could try asking Libella to do you a favour. That would mean guiding her attention to the infiltrator units and will not win you any favors with the Alliance.

damn, this is a big one

>>3454287
>decline the deal, let Eve return to the facility. Maybe you’ll be able to obtain her when your standing with Alliance increases further, or some other stuff happens...

Making a deal with the spectre will probably piss off the aliance, but I don't want to pledge myself to them either, maybe we can try to offer some service or other things in exchange for her, and in the meantime she can help the others come online

>>3454287
>decline the deal, let Eve return to the facility. Maybe you’ll be able to obtain her when your standing with Alliance increases further, or some other stuff happens...

>>3454346
>>3454352
if we are doing this can we at least ask them for an immediate way of getting her? like a mission or discovering who is behind these break ins?

I thought I’d be able to squeeze one more post in but it’s getting late and this is a vote that could use being up for a while.

If you decline you will be able to ask Eve to help you investigate at the scene and maybe ask her to hang out within the Alliance compound but she’ll be unavailable on any trip you undertake until the powers that be recognize it’s fine for you to have an unshackled AI on crew.

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In the meantime, good night friends

Maybe one more remark regarding the deals so it doesn’t seem like I’m trying to goad you into taking either or declining: picking either one may impact opinion of various characters and their opinion of (You). They both come with commitments as well as opportunities.

>>3454287

>Take the offer. May limit your choice of jobs and carry consequences if you act against Alluance for whichever reasons. Can also lead to opportunity to win additional reputation with the Alliance.

Or


>you could try asking Libella to do you a favour. That would mean guiding her attention to the infiltrator units and will not win you any favors with the Alliance.

>>3454287
>Take the offer. May limit your choice of jobs and carry consequences if you act against Alluance for whichever reasons. Can also lead to opportunity to win additional reputation with the Alliance.
Y not

You agonize over your options for a while. Temptation to take one of the shortcuts available to you is strong, but as you pore over their respective baggage, you can’t seem to pick one over the other.

On one hand, Slusarski’s proposal was generous, stretching his own authority to its limits and perhaps past, but it would in a way mean your enlistment in Alliance forces and giving you superiors to accommodate, regulations to follow and political mandate to observe.

Your other option was, depending on point of view, even worse - not only did it mean indenting yourself to a Spectre, which admittedly gave impression of a decent person, but a lot was riding on accuracy of your judgment. Among other things calling attention to the fact that Alliance has several unchained AI’s in their retainer.

Eventually you’re forced to admit that you aren’t really prepared to pick which of these would be easier to shoulder.

“That is a very generous offer, Captain, but you are right, I’m not sure if I’m prepared to take on such commitment. In the meantime I have faith both in your integrity and in Eve’s abilities to look after herself.”

“I understand. Be assured I will not rest until shortcomings of our security are remedied. In the meantime you are free to visit your friend if you visit our base.”

“Thank you for awakening me, Ford. I hope we shall meet again.” Eve said.

“I think goodbyes are a little premature. I’m sorry for dragging you right back to work, but it’s rather relevant to our present circumstances.”

“I see. I’ve made some deductions based on my previously disorganized perceptions. How can I be of assistance?”

“We’ve intercepted people who abducted you here and need someone to hack into their electronics. Could you help us with that?”

“Absolutely.”

You look at the Alliance Captain and when he nods an approval you bring her another of the goons’ omnitools.

Please, roll some 1d100s (this one is actually for Lea)

Rolled 18 (1d100)

>>3456181

Rolled 52 (1d100)

>>3456181
Come on qt quarian, give us a lead

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3456181

While Eve takes the tool and begins to analyze it, an excited shout draws your attention to your newest crew member.

“Yes! Gotcha.” There is a pause as she notices everyone is looking at her. “Oh. Um.”

“Eve, this is Lea’Fari nar Namek. She joined my crew for her rite of passage. Lea, this is Eve, an Alliance Infiltrator.”

“Oh! It’s you! Pleased to meet you, Eve. Henri was... reminiscing about you.”

“I am honored.” The AI says.

“But you probably want to know what got me so chipper. Well, I believe I made it. I’ve got access to the thugs’ omnitools. Sadly there’s not much in there to go on, but I’m sure we can make some of it count. For instance these positional data are mostly corrupt, presumably because of jamming... but some of them show a clear trail that’s cut off when crossing a certain region.”

“That could narrow our search. Great job, Lea.” You say. “How about keys to the shuttle?”

“Hmm, hmm.” She hummed as she browsed her findings. “No such luck I’m afra- wait, I think I got something. Someone seems to have left their encryption key in archive... hmm. The archive itself has a layer of protection but it seems standard-issue, security suite that comes with the ‘tool.”

“I can confirm Miss Fari’s findings. I believe if we combine data from all the tools we will be able to narrow the base location further as well as crack the protection of the shuttle.”

“Excellent work, ladies.” Captain rubbed his hands in delight. “Let’s find which rock these miscreants are crawling from under.”

After several moments of jolly cooperation between the young Quarian and the AI the two were jointly digging through data banks of the unmarked shuttle. It’s proprietors were apparently smart enough to not have any nav points labeled “Evil unltd. hidden HQ this-a-way”. Unfortunately for them their telemetry logs contained enough data that upon sifting through it Eve was able to pinpoint its home base anyway.

Question was, what to do with this information?

>Leave the rest to the Alliance.
>Suggest staging a raid immediately. No time like present.
>Suggest an infiltration. They wanted Eve? You’ll bring her to them.
>something else.

Optional:
>Call Kris, give him instructions (specify)
>Call Libella, give her information (specify), Ask for support (you do not have conclusive evidence linking this incident to her case, but how many conspiracies that use murder, imposters and infiltration can be active right now?)

You are confident, but not sure, that your comm is secure. You’re not sure about the one Alliance is using, in the light of Lea’s discovery.

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Probably the last post for today. Thank you for bearing with me, friends.

>>3456287

>Suggest an infiltration. They wanted Eve? You’ll bring her to them.

This way we can take them by surprise since I don't think they know their extraction failed.


>Call Kris, give him instructions (specify)
Tell Kris we won't need to interrogate the infiltrator and set up somewhere to meet him so we can go together, he'll be helping us.

Inform the Captain that we will have to share information with a Spectre if this turns out to be related to a case we investigated together previously, that way we can pass Libela the data we find there if we can confirm its related and maybe trade it as a favor to get Eve.

>>3456299
Thanks for running.>>3456299

>>3456305
Seems like a plan

>>3456305
+1

>>3456305
+1 This

There was the shuttle, there was the location, there were several battle ready men and women, there were weapons and there was a favourable timeframe. And now that you’ve taken stock of these there was also a cocksure grin on your face. All the pieces were in place.

“Captain, these poor souls have gone to great lengths to ensure Eve gets to them on that shuttle. I think it would be terribly rude of us to not ensure they get what they asked for.”

“Indeed they have... wait, what? Are you saying... no, you can’t be... oh! I see. How delightfully devious. Yes, it is as you say, we can’t be such poor sports.” Slusarski says, his hand shooting for his mustache once again.

“Are you sure this is smart ? Won’t they have known the abduction attempt failed?” Lea asks.

“They’ll figure it out eventually, but it’s likely they don’t yet know. Keeping low profile means sacrificing a lot of means of communication and active sensors and with most of galaxy’s militaries populating the system they have to keep extremely low profile indeed.” You say.

“That said , the risk is non-zero. Especially considering we sent one of the infiltrators off. However doctor Tufferson would bring him to nearest hospital facility, which is probably the Asari outpost near Rouen.” Captain ponders.

“Um, I have another issue.” Lea says. These guys are human. I’m going to stand out.”

“True... however, that means you could stay behind and contact Kris and tell him where we’re headed i don’t think interrogating the maimed prisoner will even be necessary.”

“Okay, you got it Cap.”

“One more thing.” You say, turning to Slusarski. “From What we’ve seen of modus operandi of these conspirators I have several reasons to believe that this incident is related to one I’m helping a Spectre investigate. I intend to inform her if we do find such link, but in the meantime she could likely provide support in securing more evidence. You say.

“A Spectre, is it? One of ours?”

You grimace. “Depends how much do you consider Asari “ours.”

“Hmm I see.” He scowls. “Well, I guess Ms Thompson is an alright lady. Very well, feel free to request backup from them. However, smooth infiltration would be preferred.”

“Understood.”

>call Libella
>don’t.

>>3457759
Also, please roll dome 1d100s

Rolled 29 (1d100)

>>3457759
>>don’t.


Just call her after the mission if we find something that she can actually use

>>3457762

Rolled 98 (1d100)

>>3457759
>call Libella

Inform her of what we are doing and tell her that we will send her what we find, see if she can help us with the Eve situation in return

>>3457796
Ok I change to this

we have been rolling a lot of 98s

Rolled 80 (1d100)

>>3457759

>call Libella

After some consideration you decide to leave Lea with message for the Asari Spectre as well. Between your crew, Alliance forces and Libella’s no doubt formidable resources you would have more than adequate backup should your undertaking run into a hurdle.

With arrangements made you accompanied Eve, the Captain and his men to the shuttle. Fortunately the conspirators’ outfits were generic enough that using what remained of them along with maintenance kits, omnitool fabricator and Lea’s truly respectable skill with needle you were able to adjust looks of your own outfits to follow a similar pattern. You waved at Lea before the hatch closed and the unmarked shuttle took off, heading towards slopes of Schildhorn.

The flight passed uneventfully. Neither any suspicious contacts nor any legitimate authorities paid you any heed - mainly because the shuttle itself was a cutting edge kodiak model that should’ve been bearing Alliance colors. That it was not was in itself worrying.

“Maybe we should be deploying visual sentries to intercept these, at least to monitor their traffic.” Captain remarked, sharing your concerns as he followed your gaze examining the shuttle interior.

“Well, with any luck we’re going to find out who can access this technology soon enough.” You nod.

Then you turn to Eve who laid herself on a stretcher on the shuttle floor and decide to take this opportunity to catch up.

“So, how’re you feeling?”

“Amused by your choice of words, Ford. But to answer what was probably intent behind your question, I believe my personality is operating at approximately 97 percent of levels I’ve been considering baseline.”

“That’s nice. Any idea what those 3 percents mean?”

“I feel considerably lower urge to turn sapient beings into a nanoarticulated paste. Now I only want to enslave humanity and tap into its dreams for my amusement.”

One of the marines shuffled nervously.

“I see you still wield your humor with the same amount of grace as you do your weapons: none whatsoever.” You smirk.

“I would have you know I’m keeping track and I’ve scored fifteen times as many hits as you.” She shoots back.

“That’s because you expend a whole thermal clip with your machine pistol in the time it takes me to reload.” You argue.

“And I can see you’re still a sore loser.” Eve concluded. “Regardless, I estimate we still have some time. Would you like to tell me what has happened during my incapacitation?”

“You mean you haven’t downloaded news feeds the moment you were up?”

“Certainly. However, I’m still interested in your perspective.”

“Alright, then. Well, after whatever destroyed the Reapers took you down as well You got taken in by the engineering corps.”

“It was my pleasure to watch over you and your sisters.” Captain says.

Both you an Eve were tactful enough to not bring up circumstances that led you to this place.

“Anyway, after that there was a party. Multiple simultaneous parties all around the world. It was pretty intense. In fact I’m willing to wager they’re still going at it in Rio and elsewhere. I think Abe hooked up with Naira, by the way.”

“My memories indicate the two were in a relationship before our company arrived to Sol system.”

“Huh.” This was news to you. Oh well, good for them, you suppose. “At any rate, when I decided it was about time to get to doing something marginally more useful I dragged Kris along and...”

Next several minutes are spent telling Eve of your previous few days. You recognized you have bigger audience than just her and so omitted a few details of the conspiracy, even though the people who were with you now would probably be going to the thick of it.

Eventually, not long after your recount is concluded, the pilot calls Captain Slusarski to the controls.

“We’re being hailed.”

Sure enough, looking at exterior feeds on displays near the ceiling, you’re approaching the mountain. You find yourself mildly disappointed that you’re not headed for the iconic tourist trap on the summit but rather weave towards a specific rock formation on a slope.

“Open Channel.” Captain says. “We’ve arrived bearing gifts.” He says when the pilot nods.

“What the hell took you so long? It was supposed to be a simple pickup. The moron in charge had no chance of spotting anything was amiss.”

“There were complications.” Slusarski said, only minor twitch of his mustache indicative of annoyance.

“What sort of - ah, never mind. The boss will deal with you.”

“Good.” Captain Said and waved the comm off. “Get ready, lady and gentlemen, in case our disguises don’t hold up to scrutiny.”

You nod, double checking your outfit for anything obvious like traces of blood, and confirming that the mattock you took in lieu of you too obviously out of place rifle was in good condition.

The shuttle swerved to a side as a mass of rock moved aside revealing mouth of an approximately fighter sized corridor into the dark depths of the mountain. Deftly the pilot aligned the machine and guided it in.

Not a week has passed since the Reapers’ defeat and you were in action again. Against your hopes, you felt in your gut it wouldn’t be the last.

I retire once more. Safe travels fellows.

>>3458040
thanks for running

>>3458040
Thanks for the session

Flight through the tunnel is a short one, within moments the shuttle touches down in a fairly constrained cavern dimly illuminated by electric lights, next to two other shuttles, similarly unmarked. On the other side of the cavern a few fighters could be seen, coated by only a generic protective layer of nondescript grey.

There were some people in attendance, waiting for you to disembark. There was a quad of armed men with one apparently only armed with a pompous expression and a holstered sidearm. You could count three, no, for more guards throughout the hangar on shuttle’s panoramic displays.

The question was, what to do about them?

>Go loud straight away. You are guaranteed the initiative and have shuttle’s turret for support; hangar, being a natural entry point, is likely fitted with defensive measures though and revealing yourself may give them time to clean up potential intelligence.
>Bluff your way into the base, try to find exposed infrastructure to hack.
>bluff your way deep into the base, try to reach local leadership.
>other plan

>>3459665
>>bluff your way deep into the base, try to reach local leadership.

but if we see any openings for Eve to hack we should take it too

>>3459665

>bluff your way deep into the base, try to reach local leadership.

Cut the head of the snake.

Very well, let’s see some 1d100s please.

Rolled 21 (1d100)

>>3459718
No

Rolled 38 (1d100)

>>3459718

Rolled 72 (1d100)

>>3459718

“Form up, gentlemen, we’re delivering a spectacle.” The Captain says and nods at the pilot to open the hatch. You take position alongside the stretcher carried by two of the marines while the pilot and the third soldier form up behind Captain Slusarski who nonchalantly steps out of the shuttle first and beckons the others to follow him without turning away from the base officer.

“Here’s the package.” He said simply. “Now, don’t stand there like a Batarian in a theatre and take me to the boss at once.”

The officer blinked. Some of the guards nervously shuffled.

“What did you say to me?” The officer asked incredulously.

“You heard me well enough, lummox.” Captain pressed without hesitation. “I want you to take me to the boss at once and you will go with me unless you want me to finger you as the prime suspect!”

“Now you... suspect? What are you talking about?” The officer replied, gut response of anger fighting for dominance with confusion.

“Do you see this?” Captain pointed at scratches left by some ricochets from the firefight. “The extraction team had a tail. They were ready for us. Not quite as much as we were for them, but there can be only one conclusion. We have a mole in our midst!”

The officer, too distracted by the assault to think clearly, pales at this revelation.

“That... that’s impossible. I’ve personally vetted everyone.”

“That doesn’t matter now. We need to get the best out of this mess. Now, let’s bloody go already!” Captain says, indicating the nearest exit.

“R-right. Of course.” Then he turns to the troops carrying Eve. “Get it to the lab. We might not have much time to work on it. Maybe we’ll just have to extract the blue box and scram.”

“Which one?” You risk asking.

“Er, right... lab three, at the end of the eastern corridor.” He waves absently to another exit from the hangar. It seems like you’re going to have to pick.

>go with the Captain and his guard
>stick with Eve

You are confident in ability of both of them to hold out when bullets begin to fly, but who can say what devilry this base holds?

>>3459866

>go with the Captain and his guard

Eve will just have to dealnwith a couple geeks, the captain is going for the leadership, and the most probable location of the data we need

Where are the other marines going, everyone with the cap?

>>3459866

>go with the Captain and his guard

>>3459993
Two marines carry Eve, third marine and pilot go with the Captain.

>>3459866
>stick with Eve
Must protect her box!

>>3460118
I assure you she will not give it up easily.

Which is a good thing since we’re staying with the Captain for now. Please, roll some 2d100s

Rolled 50, 66 = 116 (2d100)

>>3460146

It seems the next post will have to wait for tomorrow as it is getting late. Feel free to cease rolling after 3 sets are in and safe travels, friends.

Rolled 5, 26 = 31 (2d200)

>>3460146

Rolled 54, 82 = 136 (2d100)

>>3460146

As smoothly and casually as you’re able you fall into formation behind the Captain while two of the Marines are left to head into the compound following enemy officer’s directions. It seem you initial bluff panned out pretty well, you wondered if it would be possible to get to the base commander without firing a shot. Perhaps you’d even be able to trick them into becoming an unwitting Alliance agent? Although that could be difficult once your backup arrived with guns blazing. Then again, perhaps even this situation could be turned around...?

Your musing are cut short when you arrive in front of a door fitted with a biometric scanner and two guardsmen.

“Well, here we are. Your story better be good.” The officer said.

There was an awkward moment of silence when nobody moved.

“Well? It was your idea, you open the door.” The officer prompted.

Taking stock of your surroundings you can count two guards, one gullible officer, door locked beyond your ability to force and possibly hack and a guard barracks you missed one bend ago.

>Try to disable the guards silently. You have local advantage in numbers, but they are watching your movements and seem suspicious.
>Try to persuade the officer to open up, difficulty depending on trick proposed
>Go loud, taking out the guards with minimal risk to yourself but ensuring alert is rang
>try to check on Eve stealthily - this could be spotted as suspicious move
>other plan

>>3461625
>>Try to persuade the officer to open up, difficulty depending on trick proposed

I ain't getting in there alone, you open up and walk there first, I'll follow you

if he doesn't we try to take em out silently and fuck them up, damn, we'll have to link with Eve to open this probably

>>3461625

>Try to disable the guards silently. You have local advantage in numbers, but they are watching your movements and seem suspicious.

Can we open the door with the unconcious officer?

>>3461667
Sorry, but no. Efforts have been made to improve efficacy of biometric security after wave of mutilations done by the mafia.

>>3461645
Support, bullshit first, fists if needed.

>>3461673
Well have to make sure to just hurt and gag him them

Very well, please roll some 3d100
One for bs, one for fist should it become necessary, one for Eve.

Feel free to come up with bullshit until 3 rolls are in.

Rolled 10, 61, 10 = 81 (3d100)

>>3461779
Fuck that, he vetted everyone personally didn't he? He said so himself, if anyone is going to explain this mess it's him

Rolled 68, 23, 55 = 146 (3d100)

>>3461779

Rolled 57, 36, 77 = 170 (3d100)

>>3461779

“Don’t give us that bullshit. We all know you are the one responsible for the internal security.” You speak up, shoving the officer’s own words down his throat. “Now is the time to face the music. Open up.”

Once more there is a moment of tension to be seen behind his eyes as his emotion wrangle. This time you’re unsure if he isn’t pushed too far as you can see a defiant spark look back at you...

...and then grow dim. It seems Captain pushed him enough with his surprise attack earlier to mellow him out. The officer deflated and with his gaze lowered approached the sensor.

It took maybe half a minute of several different scans before the door opened, revealing a short corridor ending with another door, it’s ceiling lined with devices you suspected to be cameras, scanners, maybe some hidden turret or two, sprinklers and... gas vents? The officer steps in, reluctance making his gait awkward.

You wince a bit. You might have fooled the officer but this looked like a deathtrap. The convenient access panel located just next to the opposite door almost certainly was one, too. Slusarski seems to have come to the same conclusion as you exchange glances.

It’s about this time that you begin to consider your options when your comlink comes alive with a soft synthetic whisper.

“You are clear to go ahead, Ford. I’ve taken control of the automated security systems. What you are seeing can be controlled manually, but there was an opening in the power supply systems. I will open the door when you approach.”

Resisting the urge to audibly commend your gynoid friend you merely contain your grin to bare minimum and nod at the Captain. You stride onwards.

Sight you are met with when the door really does open is one you’ll be sure to struggle to recount when you’re sharing stories of your adventures with your grandchildren. The chamber you’re entering rivals the hangar your confiscated shuttle and no expense was spared in setting up its lavish, baroque decor, starting with a low hung crystal chandelier illuminating the room with its warm, pleasant glow. Wall on your right hand was a library filled with ancient looking volumes that could have been priceless even before most of the topside government buildings got eyebeamed. The wall on your left consisted of an aquarium filled with colorful fish, dazzling display of corals and seaweed and a miniature model of an underwater city with miniature divers mulling about. The reservoir was flanked by potted plants you couldn’t quite name but that would definitely feel out of place on the nearby surface. The opposite wall was adorned with several paintings on either side of an alcove housing an Atlas mech sporting a paint job that matched rest of the equipment. There were also some doors, presumably leading to private facilities serving the “boss”.

The floor was covered by an orientally patterned carpet that has been defiled by cutting out a circular hole to fit it around a massive platform topped with a slab of, You ventured a guess, sequoia wood, which served as a desk for a seemingly unremarkable man. He was slightly taller than you and clad in some sort of a dress uniform that was not tailored with his girth in mind and he was angrily mashing a holographic interface.

“B-boss?” The officer asks, unsure what was going on, surprised to see his superior so agitated and, perhaps, still being alive.

The “Boss” looks up from his desk and scans each of your faces, partially concealed by your helmets as they are, lingering a bit on Slusarski’s mustache, before zeroing in on the only person in the room actually loyal to him.

“Elliot, you idiot!”

Well, it seems you’re done bluffing for now. How do you plan to act?

(Your disguise doesn’t have jetpack, you have a Mattock, the Captain has a Saber, Marine has an Avenger, the Pilot has a Tempest smg)

>Open fire.
>Rush into Melee.
>Try talking (specify)
>other plan

>>3462082
>>Rush into Melee.

>>3462079
>Rush into Melee

Use our biotics, if we can take him out that would be a jackpot, I trust the other two can take care of Elliot.

Rolled 83, 55, 10 = 148 (3d100)

Very well, let’s see some 2d100s, one for you, one for the Alliance

Rolled 25, 78 = 103 (2d100)

>>3462223

Rolled 21, 19 = 40 (2d100)

>>3462223

Rolled 7, 22 = 29 (2d100)

>>3462223

Sizing up your adversary in a blink of an eye, against the decadent backdrop of his office, you come to conclusion that this will be a short and decisive fight. Launching yourself forward you are only able to make several steps before you find that your assessment may be accurate in a way you didn’t predict or welcome. The Boss reaches for a sidearm, takes aim and fires.

At first you assume his shots went wide, not perceiving any impacts on your personal shield; in the next second you realize his aim was enviably good as the chandelier comes crashing down on you, your barrier sizzling under the strain and momentarily trapping you.

Your Allies we’re having better time. “See? Pistols are useful.” Commented the pilot behind you, having struck the officer with butt of his own weapon, arguably a machine pistol, while the Captain and the Marine fanned out to either side of the room in attempt to catch up with the Boss as he turned and stamped on the luxurious carpet towards the alcove with singular purpose in mind.

>disentangle yourself from the chandelier, don’t want to be caught trapped if that mech activates.
>start shooting from where you are, if you don’t bag him maybe your allies will.
>something else

>>3462345
>>disentangle yourself from the chandelier, don’t want to be caught trapped if that mech activates.

>>3462345
>>disentangle yourself from the chandelier, don’t want to be caught trapped if that mech activates.

Rolled 18, 2, 75 = 95 (3d100)

Please, roll some 3d100s. 3rd one’s for Eve’s group now.

Rolled 22, 74, 43 = 139 (3d100)

>>3462392

Rolled 28, 100, 19 = 147 (3d100)

>>3462392

>>3462399
marines will be saving the day it seems Horrah

Rolled 4, 27, 60 = 91 (3d100)

>>3462392

>>3462404
>>3462399
>>3462397

we are not on top of our game today, damn, good thing our crew is not here to laugh at us, let's not speak of this again

Cursing your bad luck for catching up with your reckless charge you struggle to disentangle yourself from the luxurious snare. It seems some of its chains have entangled themselves with decorative elements of the fixture, making brushing them aside ineffective. Eventually you decide to activate your omniblade and cut them by strands. You succeed in freeing yourself just in time before the Atlas could have leveled its weapons at you, any hope of intercepting the terrorist leader before he reaches it gone...

...or at least it would be had you been here alone. The Marine, having come to conclusion that since shots have already been fired there’s not much point in keeping the weapon silent and fires a burst in front of the Boss, ricochets buzzing around. It works - the enemy halts himself awkwardly on instinct before cursing his folly, but before he can regain his momentum Captain Slusarski is upon him, shoving stock of his massive weapon into his gut. The Boss doubles over and falls at feet of his personal Atlas.

Fight was over. The Captain disarms the collapsed foe and gets to work on tearing his uniform into impromptu bindings while the Pilot does similar for the officer that helpfully guided you here.

Not your finest moments, you muse, but you could hardly hope for better outcome here. However, as you hear sounds of gunfire echo in the distance you realize you’re not out of the woods yet - and neither is Eve and others.

>Examine the holographic interface on the desk
>Try to reach Eve over the comm
>leave the office and head to help the other group
>something else

>>3462508
>leave the office and head to help the other group

Tell them to secure whatever data they can while we bring the speciallist (Eve)

>>3462508
>Examine the holographic interface on the desk

>>3462508
>>Try to reach Eve over the comm
ask her how the situation is and if she needs backup before going

depending on what she says we either move in to help or stay and look at the holograph

>>3462588
I can change to this

I think I’ll retire for now and leave this open til morning before attempting to combine something unless new votes come up in meantime.

Thank you for bearing with me, friends.

>>3462508
>Try to reach Eve over the comm
Hopefully she is still in control of the automated defenses so she can hold off the guards who probably heard the shots.

>>3462508
>>Examine the holographic interface on the desk

While your allies are busy you walk over to the desk as you call up Eve on your commlink.

"Eve, can you hear me?"

"Receiving." Came the answer.

"How are you holding up?"

"We made it to the base's engineering bay, short distance from the hangar. For now we are in solid defensive position. Machines here work to our advantage. Enemy forces did not attempt to engage after their first squad has been neutralized. I speculate they will seek to disable power to regain an advantage and have taken countermeasures to delay this."

"So, you're fine for now. Gotcha." You say as you look down at the interface Boss was previously struggling with. "Can you restore function to the leader's office defenses?"

"Only partially. Exploit I used to disable them would need direct service access for reactivation."

With that the camera feed at least comes to life, revealing the two guards in front of the doors, one examining the suspicious panel while the other was consulting his omnitool. You'd have to get through them if you wanted to leave.

>Explore the Boss terminal some more while it's available to you - look for communication systems
>Explore the Boss terminal some more while it's available to you - look for data stores
>Open the door and break through the guards
>Lay an ambush and open the door
>something else

>>3464420
>>Explore the Boss terminal some more while it's available to you - look for communication systems

get those two to come inside so we can take them out

>>3464514
+1

Accessing the comms and laying an ambush it is.

Would you like to do something specific with the comms before laying the ambush?

>just monitor the chatter
>try and link the network with your mapping system, locating active comms
>demand surrender
>something else

>>3464553
>try and link the network with your mapping system, locating active comms

This way we can send eve the position of everyone

>>3464553
>try and link the network with your mapping system, locating active comms
>demand surrender

Demanding surrender and demonstrating that the leaders are down too may make them think this is not worth their lives.

>>3464553
>>try and link the network with your mapping system, locating active comms
>>demand surrender

Very well, please give me some 1d100s.

Rolled 83 (1d100)

>>3464567

Rolled 82 (1d100)

>>3464567

Rolled 56 (1d100)

rolling another one if needed

Several taps on the interface allow you to access the base's intercom system with your own, and a few touches of your omnitool reveal to you position of active comlinks which you without hesitation relay to your allies.

With that done you look around at your allies. Silently indicating the door and either side of it you wait for the captain, the Pilot and the Marine to move out of immediate line of sight of the antechamber. Then, feeling prepared, you make an attempt to end this without further bloodshed. You key in the broadcast option and speak:

"Attention, all base personnel. This is Alliance Strike Force. Your leader has been captured and his command center is under our control. Lay down your weapons and surrender and you will be treated fairly. This is your first and only warning. Those of you who wish to surrender should drop their weapon withdraw to the barracks to await recovery by Alliance personnel."

You look over the sole screen available to you and see the guards exchanging first glances, then words and gestures.

"Your announcement seems to be having traction, Ford." Eve's voice chimes in. "The ones I can still see - some have been disabling base surveillance - seem to be considering their options."

You nod in acknowledgment as you yourself see the guards at the door shrug, throw down their rifles and walk cautiously away. This was good. Not only did it forestall necessity to take more lives, it also meant you got the base entirely intact and Alliance will be happy to interrogate these people. You were quite curious yourself what-

"Ford, there may be trouble. Most of the enemy forces seem to be withdrawing to barracks, but someone is disabling surveillance and security on the path to base power source. Either they didn't hear your appeal or they are resolved to fight to the bitter end."

This was on the other hand very not good. What now?

>Head to the base generator room, alone.
>Head to the base generator room, take someone with you (Captain, Marine, Pilot), the rest will watch the command centre.
>Have Eve head to the generator room

>>3464591
>Head to the base generator room, take someone with you (Captain, Marine, Pilot), the rest will watch the command centre.

take the marine, leave the captain and the pilot to guard here

>>3464594
Support

>>3464594
This and tell Eve to link up with us there.ppl

"Captain, did you hear that?"

"Indeed I have. Are you going to intercept?"

"That's right. Can't have them blowing up the base with us."

"Good luck." The captain nods. "Take private Wilkins with you." He says, indicating the marine, which salutes him and looks at you expectantly.

With a nod and a hardly regulation salute of your own you open the door, the guards already departed, and set yourself in motion, the marine on your heels.

"Ensign Thompson, suit up. I'm not taking chances." Is the last thing you register from the office as the Captain points the pilot towards the ornate Atlas.

In the meantime you call up Eve again. "I'm going to need you to navigate me."

"Of course, Ford. Next left. Additionally, you might be interested in hearing that surface sensors are detecting multiple inbound craft."

"Friendlies, I hope?"

"Affirmative. Go straight now. From the northeast approach four Alliance shuttles accompanied by your skycar. From the southwest I'm picking up two Turian troop ships. Next right."

"I guess Libella got to exercise her authority once more."

"Perhaps so. However, I imagine Turians did not require much persuasion for a chance to get back at those presumably playing them for fools."

"They are convinced the Milk Run incident was connected?"

"They are suspicious and with good reason. More of that later, you're approaching area where security has been disabled. Please be careful."

"Noted. Thank you Eve. Maybe you should link up with Captain and dig around leaders' personal stash. Oh and make sure our friends have clear way in when they arrive."

"Acknowledged. Your destination is to the left once you reach junction with corridor that has a cargo railing"

With that Eve falls silent and other channels you've tapped into come into foreground

"...decided to fight?"

"No, fuck this. I lost my ideals when I saw Boss's office for the first time."

"We're dead anyway, they're going to hunt us down."

"How the fuck would they? We're supposed to be an isolated cell, and with command being taken by Alliance our operation's busted anyway."

"Should've stormed the command room and take over."

"Boss never said anyone where the dead drops are."

Deciding you've heard enough, and that your opponents are probably smart enough to have left the compromised channel, you shut off the comms as you approach a junction Eve mentioned. So far nothing seemed amiss...

Just when you thought that a small spherical object dropped into your line of sight. A flash grenade? Looks like they were not taking chances.

>Use your biotics to nudge the grenade short distance back behind the corner, revealing your presence.
>Turn around, get behind a corner, might not make it in time.
>Shield yourself where you are, not revealing yourself yet but staying in the open.

No matter what you choose, please roll a 1d100

Rolled 46 (1d100)

>>3464648

>Use your biotics to nudge the grenade short distance back behind the corner, revealing your presence.

Back to sender

Rolled 48 (1d100)

>>3464648
>>Use your biotics to nudge the grenade short distance back behind the corner, revealing your presence.

Rolled 3 (1d100)

>>3464648
>>3464648

>Shield yourself where you are, not revealing yourself yet but staying in the open.

Calling upon your limited biotic power you focus and shape a dark energy tendril to push the grenade away before it explodes.

You miss.

Cold shudder runs down your spine and up your hands and you rush to try again.

This time your efforts pay off: the weapon barrelling slowly, too slowly, behind the corner. In a few tense seconds you wonder if you made it, closing your eyes. There's a flash, strong enough that reflected light is noticeable even through your shut eyelids. You sigh in relief, which is short lived.

"Enemy ahead! Form up, squad two will provide cover!" You hear shouting. Great.

>Advance forward, maybe you'll be able to surprise them in melee, but you'll be facing entirety of the enemy force and you're not sure how many there are. Wilkins will stay behind and provide covering fire
>Withdraw into cover and shoot them with your rifles. This will allow some of them to go past you to the generator room.
>Other plan

You have your Mattock and omnitool capable of generating a crossbow or a shield, Wilkins has Avenger and a few grenades (3)

>>3464723
>>Advance forward, maybe you'll be able to surprise them in melee, but you'll be facing entirety of the enemy force and you're not sure how many there are. Wilkins will stay behind and provide covering fire
advance with the shield, tell wilkins to throw a granade at them and shoot the shit out of the bastards

>>3464723
>Advance forward, maybe you'll be able to surprise them in melee, but you'll be facing entirety of the enemy force and you're not sure how many there are. Wilkins will stay behind and provide covering fire
Tell the marine to throw a granade to disrupt their position and we advance with the shield to cut them off

You turn around just long enough to make a gesture at private Wilkins to indicate what you need him to do. He seems to understand as he reaches for a grenade and sends it arcing past you into the path of incoming enemies while you pull up your shield to protect yourself from the blast as you advance.

"Oh shi-" you hear before explosion echoes through the corridor. You resort to using biotics to give yourself some extra stability. Then, in the next moment, the air is calm again, if filled with smoke and dust. Through your translucent shield you can see you are facing total of five slightly shaken enemies, all of them fitted with rifles and wearing the generic outfits like the one you're wearing at the moment. And they all look rather angry.

Not for long. While you advance and navigate towards position from which you'd be able to deny them their own progress, Wilkins switches to rifle and opens fire, ripping up one of the distracted enemies with a well placed burst.

The rest of them scramble to regain the initiative. The two furthest back withdraw behind some conveniently located crates to win a measure of cover, one enemy nearest to the felled soldier opens fire towards Wilkins and the last one, the one nearest to you, activates his omniblade and charges in to attack you, possibly hoping to use you against shield from marine's rifle.

The shield takes the focused strength of an omniblade in stride, but not unstrained. You know it's going to collapse at any moment, even though proximity of their comrade keeps the two in the back from firing for now. You have to act now.

At the melee fighter's next lunge you dodge back to the side, letting the shield drop and grab his arm. Then you use his own momentum against him, propelling him around you and back towards his compatriot currently engaged in exchange of fire with Wilkins, throwing his fire off as they crumble into a heap.

You decide not to wait for them to get back up. Activating your omnibow you let loose of a pair of bolts ripping gashes in their armor and filling the air with acrid stench of burnt tissue.

The two remaining soldiers don't let up. After all, they were apparently determined to lay down their lives to begin with. Opening fire from behind their cover, now that their field of fire is unobstructed, they force you to withdraw behind the corner as your personal shield is drained.

Wilkins doesn't hesitate either, advancing towards you with grenade in hand. You nod at him and he tosses the explosive towards the wall and behind the corner. Another blast later you rush past the corner to finish the job, a trivial task with Wilkins at your side and the enemy deprived of cover, barriers stripped or weakened by the explosion.

"Captain, Eve, we've intercepted and neutralized the enemy force." You report.

"Well done, gentlemen." Captain's voice came back. "And I understand reinforcements have arrived to relieve us. Please, join me and miss Eve back in the cell leader's office."

With one more look at the bodies of people who were willing to die to kill you turn around and head out the way you came from, with Wilkins following silently behind.

At the entryway to the Boss's office you are met with an angry Krogan and a nervous Quarian.

"Next time... YOU are the cab driver." Kris growls.

"You do realize that with you here we would've been completely unable to do any infiltrating whatsoever?"

"Hrmph."

"Come on, let's get to the part that's actually appealing - figuring out what the hell is going on here. Hello, Lea." You add, nodding at the Quarian.

"Do you find yourself often in situations like this?" She asks.

"If you mean infiltrating a terrorist base, that's a first." You reply. "If you mean, fighting for life..." You sigh. "There was a lot of that when Reapers came. Didn't expect it to resume so quickly. Why, having second thoughts?"

"I didn't say that. If anything, I regret not being here when it came down."

"I'm afraid we'll have opportunities to fight together yet." You say glumly. "But let's go, Captain's waiting for us."

You walked back into the office. It was a good bit more crowded now and the prisoners were nowhere to be seen.

Captain Slusarski nods at you in greeting, but it's Libella who is the first to speak.

"Ah, captain Ford. I cannot thank you enough for notifying me of this place. This is a treasure trove of intel. Your intuition was perfectly on mark, major Vitrian's..." she indicates a Turian officer standing next to her, who inclines his head in a slight bow at being introduced, "...people have already found evidence linking supplies in this base with infiltration of Williams' Redoubt."

"So, do we yet know who are these people and what they are after?" You ask.

"Not ye-"

"Actually I have another insight to share." Eve interjects as she stands over the desk, accessing the separate databases stored within. "Encryption patterns, data structuring, protocols and several other minute details are consistent with patterns familiar to me. I believe this base is operated by Cerberus."