Mass Effect: Terminus

Gerard Kalgard

He really didn't feel like talking right now, but this was not the place to be confrontational. Aside from that, if they were going to be working together it would be best to take note of one another's skillsets.

"My areas of concentration are weapons tech and AIs. The only security knowledge I have is how to manipulate door controls, which is mandated knowledge for Alliance engineers since having to break in or out of a fortified compound is commonplace. Otherwise, I don't know how to disarm alarm systems or hack into surveillance or the like."

He took a breath, silently realizing that he said more than he thought he would. Before this coversation continued, he wanted to make sure it had some purpose.

"You signing up?"

Sashryn Velentor

"I'm not sure." The young woman sighed. Leaning her rifle against the wall, she crossed her arms and breathed slowly for a moment, still considering the offer.

"There are certainly advantages to working with a team like this, but I'm not entirely sure about how comfortable I am with the crew. They all seem very good at what they do, most certainly. Nonetheless, despite what the Asari said, I am well aware of the prejudice most species have against humans, and I would be the easiest human amount us to target. Or, at least it would seem that way. But then, if our 'captain' can keep her men in line, then this team is probably the safest place for me to be. Were I to get arrested again, I'd like to believe someone would be there to bust me out.

"Well, I've told you my thoughts, what about yours?"

He made sure the coordinates were correct and that his quick work up on this shuttle did not mean any mistakes. Satisfied with his work his ears caught his captains little inspirational speech. Really inspiring stuff aside from pointing out of the obvious differences between the members. Good job alienating all the aliens Asari.... he chuckled a bit. Elvis wondered to himself is the gruff and tough attitude sent more of them away than kept them on. He really hoped he did not have to go through the hassle of finding people would work with them. He knew that he was not....easy or delightful to work with, and at least with Kiares you got the assurance that she could hold more than her own in a fight.

Elvis decided to chime in, his heading popping out from the cockpit opposite the Asari's.. "Also if you did not catch my name, "I am Elvis! You friendly first mate and all around man you do not fuck with! I am fair as long as you do not go out of your way to be a burden or annoying! I handle most of the technical parts of the operation for future reference, when we arrive at the final destination more will be explained. And maybe if you are lucky I might let you hear me sing more!"

Not that most people appreciated his singing though, but if these people were willing to put up with his antics they would get along just fine. He returned his place to the cock pit but talked to Kiares once more "Also, very inspiring speech Cap, I am sure everyone is excited to be working with someone with such a charming personality"

The quiet black-armored human silently gives the captain a nod following the question at the end of her speech.

Gerard Kalgard

They were interrupted briefly by the Salarian, who Gerard listened to for a short time, noting his name and role for future reference. He then returned to Sashryn, responding as plainly as he could manage.

"I don't have anyone waiting for me and don't see any reason to return to the 'civilized' part of the galaxy. Might as well use the opportunity to start making a living for myself.

A word of advice though: If you think these people would be willing to break you out if something goes wrong, don't. I have a feeling that they only returned for the Asari because she's the captain, and possibly because if anyone could manage to break out on her own accord, it's her. She's not the type you stab in the back and get to live.

That being said, you've already proven yourself useful enough to be an asset to the captain. I don't think anyone here would be stupid enough to cross her by screwing with one of her assets. If you join up, I doubt you'd have any real problems with the crew."

Ken had been one of the first into the tiny shuttle, as such he had gone to the farthest front seat so he did block the others from rushing in during the hurried exit of the prison. As they were flying away he was just putting the finishing touches on one last surprise. Activating the prisons self destruct! Or at least he would have if it had one. Really more places should have something like that. He just settled for cranking up the generators to the max and letting them overload. They will be in the dark and without power for awhile at least, so he consoled himself with that.

He started on other things, fine tuning his omni tool and the like. Having it offline so long always seemed to bug him. He thought of running a few tests as he listen to Kiares start on about joining up and Racism. He Ironicly had already hacked into a few nearby armors to get health and shield readings from them, also noticing the few meager credits they had. If they put all of it together the probably coulnd't even buy lunch.

Putting his omni-tool away for the moment he leaned forward and smiled under his mask.
"So Kiares, how did my interview go? Did I get the job?" even if they couldn't see his face the tone he used would show that he was pretty confident in his skills.

Kiares

The stern glare Kiares gave Ken would have made every Batarian slave master proud. Clearly not impressed, she counted down:
“Unless treating combat like a game is your personal way of coping, the inability to take fights seriously is a risk for everyone around you. Likewise, going off on your own without any explanation to clear the way to the security room was not only a completely unnecessary risk to yourself, but to our entire plan of escape. And I don’t think I even have to comment on that flushing sound I heard when you were working your omni tool during our second time in lock up.
Make no mistake, your skills make you a valuable asset, but don’t even think for a second that you are irreplaceable.”

With that being said, she responded to Elvis:
“A charming personality doesn’t save you from a bullet heading for your eyes, and anyone who honestly think it does isn’t fit for armed service. Now hold back that infernal wailing you call music and see if there’s some medigel on this shuttle.”

Anything to keep him from singing in enclosed quarters. Now, if only the human biotic could take some of the Salarian’s enjoyment of talking. As much as she appreciated people who followed commands with no fuss, his unwillingness to socialise lead to an uncomfortable lack of information to be had about him. A four eyed conversation later would be required.

And now for the Turian. Since no one else was responding to his plight, it seemed like the time to act like a captain who cared for her men.

Walking over to the scaled person, she took a hidden knife from her left boot and used the heat sink of her pistol to heat the blade. Now face to face with the Turian, she asked:
“Would you prefer to do this yourself, or shall I dig them out?”

Fehln Davris

He had gotten the second bullet out by the time someone offered him help. Out of everyone aboard this shuttle to make the offer, it was their captain. He removed his bloody hands away from the wounds, weighing the risks of letting her do it and continuing it himself. While he didn't trust her at the moment, she was no better than a krogan when it came to her brutality, she had the better view of where the bullets were and the heated knife.

"Do what you need to," he relented, resting his right hand near where his own knife was, just to be safe. If she proved she was worth following, he'd keep in line, but he wasn't about to follow someone who was little better than the prey he hunted.

Sashryn Velentor

The assassin nodded as the older man spoke. Of course they wouldn't save her. This wasn't one of the units her father had told her about in his stories, ones joined by honor and self sacrifice. This was, more or less, a group of criminals. And she was one of the worst among them. No, even if they would rescue other members of the team, she would most likely be left behind. In the end, she would only be a tool, not a companion. A useful tool, perhaps, but not irreplaceable. But perhaps being in a group would decrease her chance of being arrested in the first place. And Sashryn saw the truth in what Gerard said about the others staying away from her out of fear of the captain. Turning her head to the engineer, she nodded.

"I don't have much to go back to either, though I would like to collect some personal belongings. I guess you're right about the crew, on both matters. I think I'll sign up as well. Though if I do," muttered the Woman darkly, "I'll have to request some time to hunt down that son of a Reaper that got me in prison in the first place."

The woman became silent as she stood there, leaning against the wall. She thought about what this new life would have in store for her, and whether or not it was a wise decision. Looking around at the rest of the crew, she wondered how she would get to know them. She had little desire to approach them, but should they begin a conversation with her, or should Gerard continue his, they would find a willing conversationalist. The last four years of her life had been spent alone, and this much social activity was refreshing to the young woman. She had grown up a very social person, in school and at work, so the time spent alone had been taking it's toll. Perhaps after she had gotten used to it, her talkative mood would die down.

Gerard Kalgard

"That's something you'll have to take up with the captain. For the sake of your vendetta, hope that fate is kind enough to let the both of you cross paths and settle your score."

In all honesty, Gerard doubted the possibility that Kiares would allow time for such a personal matter... unless they had an extended period of break after a big mission. Even if such time was granted though, the Asari wouldn't give permission to go on a wild goose chase. Sashryn would need to do some research first... without being given the opportunity to do just that. Overall, the prospects were sketchy. Her best bet is if chance intervened.

Most people would argue that revenge was foolish, or that vengeance stooped you to the level of the offender. Gerard personally couldn't care less about revenge. When Karth died, that's all he could think about, but after the Great War such ambitions died too. The Geth question was settled. There was nothing more he could do. But that didn't mean he found it wrong for others to want vengeance. It likely wouldn't make them feel better in the least, but wrapping up unfinished business would let them get on with their lives.

Kiares


The Turian, named Fehln as Elvis had informed her, clearly didn’t trust her, judging by his hand winding up near his blade. Good, because in his position, she’d feel the exact same way. Understanding however did not create sympathy.

Placing her left hand flat against his exposed skin, so that the entry point was placed between forefinger and thumb, with the tip of the blade almost touching his scales, she stated:
“Be ready on the count of four. One. Two. Th-“

Then she swiftly pushed the blade inside, ignoring any signs of protest. Once she found the bullet, she held the knife still for a second longer than necessary, then levered the tiny thing out of him.
The result seemed satisfactory, the entry wound she’d worked with was bleeding less than the one’s he did on his own. So far, the blood loss seemed tolerable. Still…
“Elvis, what about that medigel?”

And then she went to get the remaining two out, this time without unecessary delays.

He stood up once more from his seat, he was contemplating napping while the crew talk or bickered or killed eachother, but duty called it seemed. Medigel....not that could be an issue. These shuttles were purchased on the cheap and he was lucky enough to get them to fly in the first place, much less rig them to pull off the maneuvers he required from them. Supplies were scarce, and he room was an issue on a spacecraft.

Though, he did have the spare medigel for him and the captain if required, seeing as they were the only two that mattered.

He moved into the main area, squeezing through the men and women to get over to the Asari and the Turian. He leaned down and offered up a spare pack, "This is one of two packs on this flight, keep that in mind" Because i am not giving up mine if anything goes south on this short trip he thought quietly to himself. At that point he turned around and gazed at the two humans conversing. Must be nice to have one of your own race around to get along with, none of the others had that luxury.

He stared at them and smiled then spoke, "Humans! Gerard...if i remember and...i am sorry dear i believe I do not remember or know your name. You like music? And male, err I mean Gerard, you are an engineer yes?"

Fehln Davris

Working with others brought with it things that he wasn't really used to after so long being a solo hunter. Apparently that included pain he found was worse than what he normally dealt with. Maybe it was the fact that she did it with the false reassurance when she drove the knife into him, but it hurt more than he remembered it did.

He tried to suppress the cry of pain that came to him, but there was only so much that even he could hold back. He could feel what little medi-gel that was left in his armor going to work, thankful for more being available. "Just hurry up and get the rest out" he hissed.

Gerard Kalgard

Gerard snapped to attention when Elvis called upon him.

"I'll let you entertain your artistic preferences without complaint. And yes, I am an engineer. Oh, before I forget, as the technical officer you handle the resources, correct?"

Without waiting for a reply, Gerard tossed the Salarian a pack of medigel.

"I took that from lockup to treat a wound. Allocate it as you see fit. No, I don't have anything else stored away aside from the two weapons on my person."

Sashryn Velentor

The assassin thought about hunting down the man who got her incarcerated. It could possibly take time, several weeks even, to figure out the perfect opportunity. Nonetheless, with proper access to the extranet, she could figure out where he was relatively quickly. Actually figuring out the best position and time to snipe at would take a longer amount of time, however.

As she thought about these things, the Salarian approached her and Gerard. In response to his question, she cocked an eyebrow.

"The only music I listen to is made with classic human instruments. It helps me focus. As for my name, I suppose you may call me Flare. It is the name I use in the industry, so you may or may not have heard of it."

Sashryn now began to wonder why she had given Gerard her actually name. Perhaps she just wasn't used to using her pseudonym vocally, as most transactions were done digitally. She would have to be more careful in the future.

Following Gerard's action, albeit reluctantly, Sashryn handed over the two packs of medigel she had as well.

Kiares

Fehln might be an impatient patient, but on the plus side he didn’t complain, and kept reasonably still as well. She had the other bullets out of him in no time. Once that was finished, she took the pack of medigel Elvis had given her and applied a little of it to the holes. Barely enough to do the job, that stuff didn’t swim in the ocean’s, after all. Finished with that, she threw a glance a the rest of the crew, and since all of them seemed to be more or less fine, she stood up without a word and walked over to the next wall to lean against it. In prison, she’d done enough sitting already. To pass the time, she started working on her newest Omntool.

Elvis

Surprisingly generous these two, maybe they think a few packs of gel tips things in there favor. No matter, the thought was nice enough. "Why thank you my pink companions! This will do nicely until we reach our destination, unless you do not want to join up....But I am sure this generous donation of medigel acts as your commitment to us, trust me! You will not be disappointed." With that he did a quick 180. He stole a glance at a noticeably darker edge of the cabin, not from the lights but more like the indicvidual taking up the space there. This man or whatever it was, had not spoken a peep the entirety of his stay with the group. If their is one thing Elvis could not stand, it was something he didn't know. Unknowns were a hazard in his line of work.

Shuffling through the ship he finally placed himself in front of the dark individual, "A name and background if you would be so kind." Elvis said in a tone that could be described as cautious.

Fehln Davris

He did his best to keep his mouth shut while the remaining bullets were pried out of him, but there was only so much that he could be held back when a knife is digging into your flesh, a searing one at that. She was efficient if nothing else, and didn't use the knife as an excuse to prove a point with him or any of the others. Maybe she wasn't exactly the kind of person he brought in, but one incident didn't mean anything, he still didn't trust her, he'd give her a chance for now, but if she proved to be a problem, he would deal with her one way or another. Her equipment check did remind him that he was going to have to do the same, a hunter with faulty weapons was a fool waiting to die.

Despite his need to check his weapons though, his eye took priority over them. He carefully began to remove the scope, his every move of his fingers careful and gentle, yet at the same time methodical. He had done this hundreds of times since his encounter with a marauder on his home planet left him nearly blind, and he never wanted to screw up and leave him with a worthless eye or a damaged scope. When he finally managed to detach it, he carefully placed it on his lap, closing his bad eye as he began to go over the scope to make sure it was still in working condition.

The black-armored human stood quietly, his pointed, gloved forefinger and thumb resting against his chin just below his mask. He appeared to be in deep thought as the Salarian approached. When "Elvis" spoke, inquiring his name and background, the silent human shifted somewhat, appearing to stand at attention.

"Kayne." He replied, his voice well-spoken and clearly articulated, but also somewhat deeper than one might expect from such a lean (if perhaps rather tall) individual. "Kayne Cerebrix." His hands moved behind his back as he continued to stand upright. "I am a biotic. Formerly a displaced citizen of Earth, formerly an experimental subject of the Cerebrus organization, and currently unemployed and once more displaced."

There was a short pause as the human appeared to think to himself again. "If it is indeed possible for one to ever truly not be displaced..."

Gerard Kalgard

The former Cerberus agent watched the exchange between the Salarian and the biotic. Nothing particularly relevant stood out, until Kayne claimed to be a former Cerberus experiment.

"Well shit," he thought. He already distrusted the biotic just because he was uncomfortable with the concept of someone being able to rip you apart with their mind. Now he had a legitimate reason to be cautious around Kayne. If the biotic ever discovered that he had worked for Cerberus in the past, things could get ugly. Experiments weren't exactly well-treated, and those that survived typically didn't have cozy feelings for their captors.

Oh great a Cerberus-over powered reject on my boat. If this isn't recipe for disaster I don't know what is. And a philosopher to for that matter; the universe likes to have its fun does it not. Still, even a monster can have its uses.

"Listen to me Kayne, Cerberus is dead and gone. Your loyalties should lie with the men and woman who saved your life. I am giving you back your freedom. Your life, your choice. But I will give you an option, an opportunity I will only offer once. You are an enigma, you are neither cared or wanted by the general populace. You represent a sore wound in the galaxy that will not heal for decades. THis is what I offer, refuge. A place to rest your head, work to earn your keep, and people to watch your back. Purpose Kayne Cerebix, that is my offer."

*Inhale*

"I would tell you normally to take your time on this decision but the station is coming up soon"

"You misunderstand me." The human replied through his black mask, his well-spoken voice responding in a tone that was a combination of comforting as well as fascination. Following a short pause, the hand caressing his chin shifting to a posture of crossed arms at his chest, he continued. "I have no loyalty or lingering particular fondness for the Cerebrus organization. My former affiliation was one of temporary necessity and unfortunate circumstance." Kayne stated, his tone now neutral once again.

"Although biotics are the next step in sentient evolution, this distinction is not limited to a single species alone, be that human or otherwise." He continued, the articulate-speaking human's demeanor polite and informative in tone. "Ascension is blind to color, species, and civic affiliation." He stated conclusively.

The black-veiled man then moved his hands behind his back, standing at attention once again. "And I accept your gracious offer, first mate." He then gave a single, short nod. "I thank you for the opportunity, sir."

Gerard Kalgard

Gerard neither knew nor cared about what Kayne meant by biotic evolution or ascension, but that didn't matter. The fact that he came off as a philosopher rather than an insane killer meant that civil conversation was perhaps possible. Obviously, Cerberus gave this one the wrong kind of mental enhancers; however, this didn't change the fact that he and Gerard would have to work together. It may be better to get it out in the presence of others, as to decrease the risk of violence.

"Let's get this out of the way," Gerard said, rising. "Once upon a time, I worked for Cerberus -- not as a researcher or anything that would place me near the labs, but I was in their employ nonetheless. This is no longer the case. Now, I am also signing up. I hope our pasts do not pose a hindrance to our cooperation."

Telling the truth was risky, but less so than trying to hide the truth from a biotic.

"As my views towards the late Cerebrus organization are indifferent, our shared past affiliation will have no bearing in either direction upon our relationship." The man's voice bellowed articulately from his mask in reply, his tone as informative as always. Although he had not yet shared his earlier life experiences in detail, were someone to somehow ask, Kayne had no personal blame for Cerebrus regarding his large loss of memory and social attachment.

This had been an unintentional result of a consensual participation on his part in an experiment. In fact, the only questionable aspect of the organization in his eyes was its somewhat irrational view on the narrow concept of species. This was of course a result of species-based nationalism and war, but the time of a galaxy-wide war was now over, at least for the time being. It was all irrelevant now, and only one path remained.

Ken had waited to be showered with praise and awe of his amazing skills, so he was a bit taken aback when he got a small tongue lashing instead. He sat there, looking at the Asari with a blank look on his face, not that she could tell, and tried to think of what he had done wrong. After quite a bit of time he figured he was just not used to working in a team, problems came from working with teams. They tend to slow him down, though this group seems to be on the ball, maybe it would be a good idea to give them a shot.
Also he had thought the toilet thing had been funny... No sense of humor in the Asari at all. Not just this one but in the whole race of them, he could not ever remember seeing one laugh.
He shrugged as she turned away to attend to other matters. Going back to his omni-tool to keep himself busy, all while keeping an ear out to pick up any useful information he could from those who were talking around him.

He was fine till he heard Gerard mention that he used to work for Cerberus, and Ken stood up.
He walked to the back of the shuttle and looked down at Gerard. His face hidden behind his mask as he simply asked.
"How long did you work for them?" the question had a bit of an edge to it, like he had said it through gritted teeth.