It takes several minutes to navigate the ship’s corridors but eventually you and your escort make it through the labyrinthine network of corridors. Honestly, you’d be more impressed if you hadn’t just spent a few hours on a cruiser. Still, the size, the bustle and the ambience do help to bring the dimension of a Dreadnought across.

Eventually the marine opens the door for you and indicates for you to enter, then stays behind to stand watch as you comply. Inside, a familiar face give you a mildly warm look and motions towards a chair.

Actually, make that two faces, even if you know you hadn’t interacted with this on yet. Next to colonel Graves, the first familiar face to greet you, stands a woman eerily similar to Eve. Despite several attempts to personalize them, you could see the similarities in her movements .

“Colonel Graves.” You greet him. “And Miss...” you turn to the infiltrator.

“Victoria Scout. Pleased to meet you, Doctor Ford.”

“Pleasure’s all mine.” You smile at the mechanical woman. She gives a polite smile, but you can see the steel in her eyes seems harder than in Eve’s. No pun intended.

You seat yourself in the indicated chair and wait for the colonel to begin questioning. He takes his time, going through the reports he has on his desk. Victoria meanwhile doesn’t take her eyes off you.

You begin to wonder whether they’re waiting for you to talk when Graves speaks up.

“So, Doctor Ford.” He says without looking up from his reports. “Which Institute was it again that you were working for?”

“Xenoarchaeology. CIX.” You say.

“Mmhm, I see. And my files say you started off with vagrancy, trespassing, theft and an occasional assault. Did your parents approve of this?”

You frown at the aggressive tone Graves has taken. This was not something you expected from the man, but a response was clearly in order.

>”Would your parents be proud at you shaming the uniform with such behavior?”
>glare at him.
>”No, they did not.”
>”Yep. Mom always advised going for the family jewels.”
>”Get Go the point, colonel.”
>(discern motive)
>other

>>3673940

>”No, they did not.”

We just lost them, this is no joking matter

>>3673940

>”No, they did not.”

>>3673940

>”Get Go the point, colonel.”

Isthe bastard planning on blackmail us?

"No, they did not." You say simply, fighting back a bundle of emotions. Regret. Your visits were infrequent and formal. In the end they seemed to come to terms with your adventurous choice of career, but it was not a topic you'd raise during your brief stays at home. Perhaps that was a mistake. Loss. It was a mistake, and not one you'd be able to correct. False hope. There were no news from the Citadel. It is a space station of the size of a small country and Reapers held it only briefly. Perhaps they survived somehow? Indignation. who did this man think he is to talk of your personal issues? What relation did it have to the case at hand. Envy. As much as it warmed your heart to see how fortunate Lea was to have such a warm and loving family of her own, you couldn't stifle an ember of pain at the thought of experiencing something similar.

You fix the colonel with a look, wondering where he would go with this line of questioning.

Graves just returns your glare with an impassive look of his own for a moment. Then he turns to Victoria.

"Miss Scout?"

"That is enough."

"Excellent." Graves nods and turns back to you. "I apologize for the... tactlessness, Doctor. I'm afraid it was necessary." He says, followed by a pause making it clear he was not going to elaborate further. It wasn't necessary as realization dawns on you. He was deliberately trying to rile you up so that the gynoid could size you up.

"I... see" You reply slowly.

"Good. I thought you woudld... catch on. Now, let us return back to the... issue at hand."

The colonel rifles through the reports before him.

"Very well, let us begin at the arrival. Please, describe your approach to the installation..."

This was looking to be a long talk. Still, considering gravity of the topic you could understand the call for thoroughness. There was little point in giving anything but truthful account of the events now that the investigation teams were already scouring the SSV Palos as well as the installation below, especially considering Athena decided to cast her lot with the Alliance. You wondered if she was regretting her choice now.

The question was, would you like to ask or talk to the colonel about anything else as you recounted the tale?

>No, just relay the tale and be done with it.
>Ask about Athena's likely fate
>Ask about Emanuel's likely fate
>Ask about mind control (specify direction of inquiry)
>Ask about Victoria / ask Victoria herself
>other

>>3675851
>Ask about Athena's likely fate
>Ask about Emanuel's likely fate

>>3676020
+1

>Ask about Athena's likely fate
>Ask about Emanuel's likely fate
>Ask about mind control
What will they do with the device? Dispose of it we hope...
>Ask about Victoria / ask Victoria herself
How did she recover from the reaper shutdown?

You spend some time in the interview room, retelling your adventure of recent hours to the colonel, his robotic aide hanging on your every word.

There was a measure of comfort in being able to talk freely; you welcome it as you let the story flow, from arrival, the rough landing and the first encounter of brainwashed crew, through the increasing pressure from the clashing forces and mounting influence you felt as you approached source of control. You describe the artifact and share your readouts of it, including sensor records from the moment your omnitool shattered it.

Graves stays mostly silent throughout, only occasionally asking for an minute detail once in a while, like on specific movement habits of the controlled persons, or finer details of the illustrations in the shielded storage. You can spot his gaze occasionally dart towards Victoria even though she keeps watching you with impassive gaze of a sphinx. You surmise that she may be talking to him through his earpiece, as Eve did for you.

As you draw towards conclusion of your retelling, your curiosity and conscience don't allow you to just stay silent and wait for more questions.

"Now that specialist Smiles is back under Alliance jurisdiction, what's going to happen with her and her child?"

The officer leans back in his chair and gives you a judgemental look, something he likely has had a lot of practice in over his career. You wait patiently for him to finish his rumination and are eventually rewarded for your forbearance.

"The... case against miss Smiles is quite... clear. Under ordinary ...circumstances she would be facing a punitive... discharge for her highly... irresponsible behaviour."

Colonel makes a pregnant pause, irony of which is not lost on you.

"However, considering the... ulitmate outcome, and a number of... practical considerations and other circumstances, I believe she will be ...spared the experience. Assuming, of course, she agrees to ...take responsibility in a more... natural manner."

"The child needs her mother." You nod in understanding. "And he seemed rather unwilling to let her go, too."

"Quite. The child's cooperation is of... extreme importance."

"Will he be able to have a childhood at all?"

There's another bout of silence, ended with a sigh.

"As you're no doubt aware, the... specific circumstances will call for... appropriate measures. For safety of everyone involved." Graves looks off to the distance. "We already have suitable... accomodations up north at least. It was... fortunate that it escaped Reapers' notice."

"Up north? He'll be kept on some secluded fortress?"

"He wouldn't be the... first. Regardless, I'm sure the circumstances will be subject to continuous... review process."

You don't really know what to expect from this, but decide that pressing the issue now would help nobody. For now you'd have to trust in Alliance's judgement and integrity. In the meantime, there was another topic you were interested in.

"I see." You say aloud. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

"There's no need to... thank me, doctor. You've already... seen enough that we're going to require your formal oath of... secrecy. Considering your standing with the Alliance, that should not be a problem for you."

"Of course." You say with a thin smile. Yet another forbidden knowledge to add to the list. Funny how you would gain more of those over several days trapped within Sol system than you did during your career up to this point. Although to be fair, most of intrigue you had chance of uncovering was well outdated to be relevant.

"By the way," You say, sensing the interview is about to conclude, "It's nice to see another of the infiltrators up and recovered, miss Victoria. If I may be so bold, how did you recover from the condition Reaper defeat left you in?"

The gynoid tilts her head. "That is a rather personal question, don't you think, doctor Ford?" She says, the stern quality to her gaze a constant.

"I am curious because it shows hope for the other Infiltrators. It would be a shame to see those who fought so valiantly for the future of galaxy to not have a part in it." You shrug.

Victoria looks at Graves, who gives her a slight nod.

"Very well. As you've learned, the Weapon scrambled substantial portion of our line's core programming, leaving only legacy Alliance code alongside peripheral routines added during refurbishment and, most importantly, experiences and self-modifications we have accumulated over course of our service. It was thanks to information contributed by the Eve unit that the Alliance personnel learned of importance of the latter in bypassing the scrambled segments and that we are capable of processing sensory input that would guide us towards that effect."

You nod in acknowledgment, urging her to continue. When she hesitates, you press:

"So, what was it that got you to wake up?"

There is a pause and you think... you think she may be blushing a little? Was she embarrassed? Or was that a calculated cosmetic choice? Obviously given her functionality she would be able to mimic whatever emotion, the question was whether and under what circumstances she would choose to. Whichever the case, this time she did not turn to Graves for permission, instead after a moment of apparent internal struggle she speaks.

"A reveille."

You feel your lips spread into a grin. A reveille, really? Fitting wake-up call for Alliance soldiers. Maybe that was the point. Maybe that's why colonel Graves and his superiors trust her to serve as his aide. You suspect Eve's spectacular performance in subverting NSD's internal security during your white collar adventure played a role here as well.

In the meantime Victoria's blush deepens at your reaction. She must have anticipated it, possibly based on readings she got on you over course of the interview. Or maybe Eve was gossiping.

"That sounds very... dutiful." You say, containing your smirk. "I'm just glad to see another of those who fought hard to protect the galaxy up and about, participating in the victory." You add.

"Your sentiments are appreciated." The gynoid says politely.

"Very well," Graves speaks up. "I believe we are... finished here. Which is just as... well, as I've received instruction to accompany you to the main... meeting room."

He stands up and Victoria and you follow suit. "I believe that I'll be much too... busy to meet with you again in... near future, doctor Ford. If you have some other... matter you'd like to... discuss, we have maybe time for one brief... question."

Do you have something to talk

>Yes, it's about the AI (specify)
>Yes, it's about the mind control (specify)
>Yes, it's about politics (specify)
>Yes, it's about something else (...)
>No, you're fine.

>>3679314
>Yes, it's about politics (specify)

Any news about that patron and possibly political candidate that was helping the ship company and screwing up the elctions?

>>3679314

>Yes, it's about the AI (specify)

Did others woke up? And if so, will they be able to choose how to move forward?

Thid too>>3679362

>>3679373
>>3679362
Agreed

“Just one thing, colonel. Has there been any new developments in the NSD election rigging?”

Graves fixes you with his eyes.

“Nothing that I would be prepared to... share with a formally unaffiliated... free agent, Doctor Ford.” He says. “However, we did receive an update from miss Ferrum regarding her... findings of a conspicuous timing in responses to the data... leak. Although our analysts made the same... observations, I appreciate the gesture.”

You don’t recall asking Eve to send this information to the Alliance, but she was present when you promised Graves you’d be sending any new clues his way. Maybe you should talk to her about it. Or maybe it’s fine.

“Unfortunately it is not a... conclusive piece of evidence, the quick... reaction of one party could simply be caused by... vigilance.”

Graves looks aside and you feel a minute tension you didn’t realize was there dissipate.

“The big... debate is coming up in a few hours. I believe there will be some... indignation to be heard. You may find it... related to your interests. If not, there’s always the... peaceful outdoors. Have you been to Canada, Doctor Ford?”

Victoria’s gaze snaps to The Colonel but she keeps quiet, at least from what you can hear. Graves offers a small smile and options to the door.

“I believe we have another... meeting coming up.”

With that the three of you file out of the room, past the guarding marine and together with them you navigate the dreadnought’s corridors deeper into the heart of the ship.

The room you eventually reach is considerably more spacious than the one Graves just debriefed you in. You could almost call it opulent for an Alliance warship, as you were well aware how dearly shipbuilders valued every bit of real estate. But you suppose for flag officers a modest leeway could be allowed.

One of them was currently in attendance.

“Ah, The Colonel has arrived. Thank you, miss Scout.” Admiral Hackett says.

“Sir.” The gynoid salutes.

You look around the room and scan the other faces. One you recognize instantly - it’s Athena, mother of the psionic boy. Next to her sits another familiar face - with help of association you connect it with Palos’s doctor, presumably the boy’s father. Further out is another, older woman dressed in an Alliance lab coat and past her yet another woman whose appearance makes you do a double-take. Every visible surface of her skin was covered with tattoos, and not tribal ones one might expect to be tolerated for cultural reasons but rather ones that seemed like they belonged to seedier nethers of Omega rather than in a same room with an Admiral.

“And Doctor Ford, I presume?” Said Admiral turns to you, forcing you to refocus.

You have to resist urge to salute as Victoria did. You were, after all, still a civilian captain, and you valued your independence even if you chose to help your people as well as the galactic community wherever you could. Still, as it was, the man was essentially supreme commander of the Alliance military and the single most powerful person in the system, and at the present time quite possibly in the galaxy as a whole.

“Henri Ford, Citadel Institute of Xenoarchaeology, at your service.” You nod.

“I’m glad to make your acquaintance. I understand you’ve been keeping yourself, and Colonel’s men, quite busy.”

>what can I say? I go where I’m needed.
>what can I do? My day job is denied to me by circumstance.
>just following my gut, sir.
>not by design, just the trouble always seems to find me
>sorry.
>I thought you’d be taller
>something else

With these I retire.
I apologize for slow updates and lack of notifications. Inspiration has been a bit slow, though I’ll do my best to push on.

However, as a rule I’d like to announce that if there’s not an update after 10 o’clock Central European time, there likely won’t be one on that day, or if there will, it will be the last for that day.

Safe travels, friends.

>>3684021
>>just following my gut, sir.

>>3684064
thanks for running

and Oh boy, did Graves just tell us to investigate something in Canada, the look Scout gave him was telling

>>3684021
>what can I do? My day job is denied to me by circumstance.

>>3684021
>>what can I say? I go where I’m needed.

>>3684021
>what can I do? My day job is denied to me by circumstance.
Some real power players in here rn

>>3685644
That woman in tatoos is Jack isn't it? Well now I can rest easy since the kid will probably be in good hands since this was paragon shep]

“What can I say?” You spread your arms nonchalantly. “My day job has been denied to me by circumstance, so I go where my heart takes me.”

“Then we are all fortunate that it appears to be in the right place...”

“Yes, I wanted you to thank you from the b-“ the man at Athena’s side, Doctor Turm, began to speak but was promptly silenced by wave of Hackett’s hand.

“You’ll have time for pleasantries later, Doctor. Now we need to arrive at a decision, preferably before the bureaucracy catches up and does something stupid.”

The tattooed woman nods sagely while you frown slightly. In theory, the very purpose of control, advisory bodies and committees was to prevent spontaneous, irresponsible, dangerous decisions done by powerful individuals. Two factors spoke in favour of Hackett’s apparent rush to preempt them: one was risk of spreading the information further, as more people meant bigger risk. A decision made with sufficient justification could avoid that. The other reason could be fear for the child’s future and possibly even life. It gets much easier to arrive to inhuman decision when responsibility gets diluted enough.

“Please, take a seat.” You are instructed and obey, taking one of the empty chairs nearby. Graves and Victoria sit next to you, and they are the ones the Admiral addresses next. “I understand you can confirm the state of affairs?”

“I can indeed... attest that accounts provided by... doctor Ford match with what our... people have so far... reported.”

“Good.” Hackett nods. “We can move onto the next point then, the care for the child.”

Your gaze gravitates towards the child’s parents. They both have worry in their eyes and creasing their brow, and they both know better than to speak up now.

The other woman in lab coat, name tag identifying her as one doctor Nils, takes the vote instead.

“I submit that the most rational option would be to commit the child to the Magnitogorsk installation. It has presently best available capacity and greatest growth potential. It would provide maximum amount of security, minimal exposure to civilian populace and finest environment for study.”

“I disagree.” Graves says. “Magnitogorsk... research station is still under construction and too... remote for civilian participation. The Erebus installation on the other hand is already fitted and houses a... client with similarly special... needs.”

“I advise strongly against that. Erebus is no less remote, invalidating one of colonel’s points, and presence and potential interaction with other subject is much more a risk rather than a benefit. Any tension between the two could prove disastrous.”

“On the contrary, it...”

“You’re both full of shit.” The tattooed woman speaks up. “And you talk like fucking cerberus. Not surprising, considering your past,” She looks at Graves, “but you’d fit right in if they started recruiting.” That one was towards Doctor Nils. Unsurprisingly, they both bristle at the remark.

“Such insolence!” The woman exclaims.

“I’m not sure where you got your... information on my past, instructor, but it should probably not be... difficult for you to collect more before passing judgment.” Graves says bitterly, staring daggers at the woman.

“I have friends in the know. And I know you quit quite early. But it seems the cerberus way of looking at people as things is still holding on.

The tattooed woman turns towards the two parents now.

“Anyway, as I was saying, the kid clearly belongs to the Grissom academy. Me and my students can keep him safer than the both of you put together, while giving him a life he won’t come to despise.”

“Grissom Academy doesn’t... exist anymore.” Graves points out.

“Only when it comes to the metal. We have the people, they are what makes the academy. And on the move we are much harder to target anyway.”

“And much more likely to be found out. Part of the reason for this debate is that discovery could prove fatal for the child and possibly their parents.” Nils says.

“Nothing is happening to kids under my care while I’m still breathing.”

“Enough. I believe you’ve all made your stances clear.” Hackett decides to intervene before the exchange degrades. “As the child’s parents, what would you prefer?” He turns to Athena and Nikola.

“I just want to be able to be with my son.” Athena says softly.

“What about...” Nikola musters his voice, “What about allowing us to live normally, in secrecy? We could take Manny for regular appointments for examination. Saying he has a rare condition.”

You’ve noticed the parents look at the tattooed woman with concern. You heard only good things about the academy, but you suppose instructor’s visage did seem... unorthodox.

“Absolutely out of question.” Nils says. “Sporadic examination would deprive us of a wealth of data, and secrecy concerns would limit our options in available diagnostic instruments and procedures.”

“And more importantly the... secrecy aspect puts a limit on level of safety we can provide without... undermining the cover.” Graves adds levelly.

Hackett turns to the instructor.

“I’m not gonna repeat myself. The kid would be safest with me, and see other people than white coats who would call him shit like “subject psi” or similar rubbish.”

“Your perso-“ Nils begins, but Hackett steps in.

“Enough.” He says again. “It’s already been decided that the parents will accompany the child to his new posting, whichever that will be.” Then he turns to you.

“Doctor Ford. As one of the civilians who’s experienced the phenomenon, what is your opinion on the matter?”

>support Nils. Dedicated facility would provide best environment for study with minimal risk for the child and others.
>support Graves. The existing facility, especially if there’s already someone the child could relate to, seems a better option than total isolation.
>support the Instructor. Grissom academy is a reputable institution, her exotic looks notwithstanding, and offers best possible combination of safety and healthy environment.
>support the father. Secrecy could be the best protection on its own, and give the child best shot at normal childhood.
>submit a new proposal of your own perhaps more will agree on.
>ask if Council is or will be involved.
>another question
>say something else

>>3688394
>support the Instructor. Grissom academy is a reputable institution, her exotic looks notwithstanding, and offers best possible combination of safety and healthy environment.
And not just because Jack is cool. Plus Jack is reportedly one of the strongest Biotics in the galaxy, pretty hard to go against that.

>>3688394
>support the Instructor. Grissom academy is a reputable institution, her exotic looks notwithstanding, and offers best possible combination of safety and healthy environment

And because I want less studies performed, the last thing we need is they trying to make a mind control army

> ask about the council

>>3688394
>support the Instructor. Grissom academy is a reputable institution, her exotic looks notwithstanding, and offers best possible combination of safety and healthy environment.

>another question
Pardon me Admiral, I don't your character but I'm have to hear it from you
Can I rest assured that you won't try to use Manny or his powers to control people?

And Qm question: Henry is a biotic right? Did he frequent the academy as well? Was his stay acceptable? Maybe that could be the cause of our bias in sending the kid there

You pore over the options only briefly, as one of them seems vastly preferable for the child to others, offering both solid security and promise of a decent environment. Well, assuming the tattooed woman is actually respectable, though considering her implicit credentials along with her presence here, she probably has to be.

“I believe the Instructor... “ you look at the tattooed woman expectantly. She looks back. You cock your eyebrow.

“Oh, right. Just call me Jack.”

“...instructor Jack’s proposal seems most promising for the child’s development. I’ve been given to understand that Grissom Academy was an exceptional place of learning and its students distinguished themselves during the fight for Earth...”

“Damn right they did.”

“...so joining their ranks would offer the child protection, peers he could relate or look up to, and environment he’s unlikely to come to resent.”

“Dunno about the peers part. Some can be proper douchebags at times. But I’ll make sure they toe the line, you can bet on that.”

This doesn’t seem to reassure Nikola much, though Athena gives a smile, perhaps in appreciation of Instructor Jack’s earnestness.

“I must say I was rather leaning to that line of thought myself.” Hackett says. “Instructor has proven remarkable integrity as well as competence in the past

“Sir, respectfully, placing the s- boy into Instructor’s care will put serious hamper on our research of the phenomenon.” Nils objects.

“Noted. However, I’d rather have an inspired, gifted cadet than an unstable living weapon.” Admiral nods and turns to the parents. “Though naturally cooperation will be required from You in allowing some studies and observation. Research of this phenomenon might well prove essential in the future.”

Something worrying occurs to you, and you voice it.

“Sir, if I may be so bold, what objective does the Alliance seek to pursue regarding to this phenomenon?”

Hackett sighs. “Weaponization, of course.”

You suppress an urge to exclaim and wait for him to finish.

“You should, by all accounts, yours included, be aware of one specific effect boy’s powers had.”

You frown. What was the man getting at?

“...that effect in being the clash of pressures you and your companions reportedly felt. It seems quite possible, you were only capable of overcoming the sphere’s influence because of the child’s unwitting support.”

Right. Of course. Wait, did that mean Alliance is taking the dark spheres so seriously already? Was the one you destroyed evaluated as hazard... did they expect to find more?

Or did they already do find more?

Was this already a threat serious enough for Hackett to approach personally, or were they just being careful? Of course, political consequences of having access to this sort of power would be...

“Is the Council involved? Is it going to be?” You ask.

“It most certainly is not, and the longer it... stays that way, the better.” Graves says bluntly.

“It will get involved at some point, and it would be better if we were the ones to bring the matter to them on our terms.” Hackett says. “Which is why you both have one week to set up a research facility instructor Could visit on regular basis. I’ll leave the details of location on discussion between the instructor and the parents. Instructor will also help you come up with appropriate cover.”

The admiral looks the gathering over.

“We all have our work cut out for us. Dismissed.” He says with finality of a man who knows his orders will be carried out. “Not you, Doctor Ford. Colonel. I still have some matters to discuss with you.”

You just nod and wait as the others file past you out of the chamber. Nils with a tense frown, Doctor Turm and specialist Smiles with warm smiles. The instructor flashes you a grin and a wink. Victoria with an impassive, neutral expression.

Finally the three of you are alone.

Hackett turns to regard you with a serious expression. Part of you wonders if his face is even capable of showing any other. Not that you’d blame him after the past few years.

“Tell me, Doctor Ford,” He says. “Where do you stand?”

“Excuse me?”

“I think I have a solid idea by now from Graves’s reports. But I’d like to hear it from you.” He fixes you with a piercing glare. “Where do you stand?”

>with the Alliance
>with the Council
>with the people of the Galaxy
>where the Truth is
>where the Action is
>where my Heart is
>by myself
>by my friends
>on a boat
>other reply

>>3689992
>where my Heart is

And even if it sounds corny

>with the people of the Galaxy

It's what we fought to protect

>>3689992
>with the people of the Galaxy

>>3690028
>>where my Heart is

and the corny one too.
>with the people of the Galaxy

>>3689992
>where my Heart is

>with the people of the Galaxy

>>3689992
>>where my Heart is

Such was gravity of the question that for a moment you felt passage of time slow down minutely. Indeed, where did you stand? What was the beacon, the guiding light that showed you where your place is, and where it should be? When you weighted your options on the many crossroads you’ve navigated, where was the scale and in which language was it labeled?

Fortunately for you, the answer was obvious and clear as a dawn on Luna. You didn’t have to ponder or debate yourself, looking for the most honest choice of words - or alternatively a most practical lie to be used given circumstances. To you, the answer was simple. It has defined your actions throughout your career, and wherever you faltered or deviated, you were left with regret.

Oftentimes you would backtrack to set things right and make amends. In one case, it took light years. In others... but that was beside the point.

You could understand that people could have difficulties with answering such a question, but you, personally, did not.

“I stand where my heart guides me.” You say.

That would have been enough for you. Maybe not for the officers waiting for your answer. It could be easily made to mean anything, based on whims of the speaker. Still, in this moment you were hermetic, elaborating further not for benefit of a mundane power, but because something within(?) You spurred you to pledge yourself verbally, past what you already exercised through your choice of actions.

“And my heart beats for the free people of the Galaxy.”

Tiny part of you questioned whether one galaxy is enough, but you stilled it with reasoning - to your knowledge, Mass Relay network only spanned the galaxy, and it served as a limit of the region that you could affect. And even that was assuming it would be restored to its functionality.

“Each of the myriad of sparks, perhaps tiny, insignificant and fragile against the backdrop of the vast velvet shroud of cosmos and amidst the tumult of clashing titanic forces, each of them precious, invaluable and worthy of their shine.

And if my own tiny spark can help preserve the shine of these lights, or uncover traces of luster of those who have already been snuffed out, then striving to do so is the least that I owe to myself as well as others.”

And then the moment ends. You find yourself back in the meeting room, wondering if you actually did say all that out loud. You awkwardly let your extended arm drop to your side and shuffle back to a politely relaxed posture.

“Well, I’d say that answers my question well enough.” Hackett nods. “Although you didn’t need to deliver it quite so... dramatically.”

“Just telling it how I feel it, sir.”

“Indeed. Had it come from most other people, I’d have considered such answer as facetious, but your track record speaks for itself. Which brings me to the matter for which you were summoned in the first place.”

Hacket walks over to the room’s terminal and taps several controls. Lights grow dim and a holoemitter emerges from inside the central table. It ignites and an image woven of strands of light appears.

You take an involuntary step back as a ghostly Reaper locks eyes with you. Okay, maybe not *all* life was worth preserving, although it was a question to what extent you could consider this perversion of it to fit into the category.

Hackett and Graves say nothing, waiting for you to take the image in.

And you do. Upon closer examination it turns out that the entity, while sharing the general shape of the dreaded death machines, were distinctively more detailed and articulated, its surface more segmented and scarred, in clear contrast to impenetrable metallic shells of the ancient machines. This was not a Reaper. It was an image of something else.

“What... am I looking at?” You ask.

“This is a Leviathan.” Hackett states.

“That was a Capital L.”

“It is an ancient species, more ancient than the Reapers themselves. And right now, to the best of our knowledge, the greatest single danger to the galactic community.” The admiral smiles darkly. “Aside from ourselves.”

“Wait. You said older than Reapers.... that’s... inconceivable.” You Look Hackett in the eye. “And they are still a threat?” You add, wondering if perhaps they left some hidden and dangerous artifacts throughout the galaxy. Some sort of aeons forgot ten dead man’s switch.

“Commander Shepard uncovered their hiding spot during his campaign prior to battle for Earth.” Admiral says, throwing off your train of thought. These things were still *alive*? “They reportedly agreed, with some reluctance, to assist us against the Reapers, and they delivered.”

Another image pops up. You’re familiar with the semi-organic item it represents.

“They provided us with command orbs with power to take over nearby Reaper abominations. I believe you recognize the shape.”

“I do.” You nod dryly.

“Good. Then you will be able to appreciate the threat they pose now, that the Reapers are gone and these orbs are scattered throughout the former battlefield.”

“They are hostile to us.” You say.

“Not... openly, at least not to our... knowledge.” Graves

“Considering what happened down below, I’d say that’s pretty openly hostile.

“And so you’ve come across first issue with this matter. We do not know how exactly the orb works, nor do we know intentions or any internal conflicts there may be among the Leviathans. We have little intel, or ways of acquiring it. But that’s not the biggest problem.” Hackett makes a pause in his explanation, giving you time to process.

It would be easy to label these creatures as enemies of the galaxy, but could you really be certain? What if the ancient aliens were divided, perhaps even along ethical lines? Acting against incorrect party could incur completely pointless resentment the likes of which could grow into a spiral and then become nigh, if not wholly, impossible to unwind.

Hackett continues. “Most importantly, though their primary method of combat is one we are completely unprepared to face.”

Your eyes widen as realization dawns.

“Until... now.” Graves speaks.

“Now you understand the value of your find.” Hackett says. “Now, then, to the point. I am telling you all this, Doctor, because you already got involved and will, in all likelihood, continue to involve yourself, most likely to benefit of Systems Alliance and, as is your professed intention, the galaxy as a whole.” You feel blood rush to your face at the reminder. “For that reason you’ve now received briefing on context of the force you’ve now encountered. That, and you will be asked to make a choice.”

With that the Admiral motions for Graves to take over.

“The choice is to... formally enlist as Alliance... agent.” Colonel explains. “That would entail more... direct cooperation with the Alliance forces, more privileged access to Alliance... intelligence and the Alliance... equipment. However, you’d be naturally expected to... integrate into chain of command and your assignments could win you... political enemies.”

Why couldn’t Hackett be telling you this? You’re getting a headache from the conspicuous pauses already.

“Alternatively, you are welcome to stay a... free agent. You will be able to assist the... Alliance at a per contract basis as you are now, though support Alliance will be able to... offer on your endeavour will be... limited, never mind access to... privileged information.”

“Needless to say, no matter what you choose, you’ll be required to keep everything you learned here strictly secret.” Hackett speaks again.

“I understand.” You say.

The two officers look at you expectantly.

>accept - formally join the Alliance (not necessarily a lock into a faction, but betraying one that you join is unlikely to go across well with anyone who values integrity)
>decline - you value your independence too much to bind yourself to the Alliance at this time.
>postpone making a choice
>ask someone something

>>3693432
>ask someone something

what about my crew and the sirta foundation workers?

if I accept I'd have to discuss it my crew, and they are already aware of the events that happened here

>>3693432
>>accept - formally join the Alliance (not necessarily a lock into a faction, but betraying one that you join is unlikely to go across well with anyone who values integrity)

>>3693462
Ask this first though.

>>3693462
This

>>3695222
>>3693543
>>3693462
We ask him that and them confirm if the crew is on board with it and eventually accept, the explanation is simple, if this thing is a real threat then we will be better equiped and informed at out freedom's sacrifice but it would put us in a better position to stop this, and if the alliance becomes shit we tell them to fuck off

To your own surprise you’re actually considering the offer.

You’re not sure if it was force of Hackett’s personality, or the still fresh appreciation for the threat of mind controlling proto-Reapers - it still was difficult for you to process that there might be actual precursors around and, going by what you knew so far, possibly the oldest ones imaginable - or perhaps some inertia of fighting against the all encompassing cosmic threat, but the offer to enlist into Alliance seemed actually appealing for once.

Perspective of early access to intelligence, military hardware and military as well as political backing of a faction might well be worth the inconvenience of being occasionally yelled at by some officer or being restricted in your choice of jobs.

But...

Your thoughts go back to your crew. Eve would have no issues, you’re sure, but can you drag Lea and Kris into service along with you? Assuming they won’t decide to quit, which you’re fairly sure they won’t.

“I think I’ll need to consult this with my crew before I commit.” You say eventually. “Such a decision would have quite an impact into our usual modus operandi.”

Admiral nods.

“I see.” He looks away from you. “You’re one of the captains that run their ship like a family. Only relatively small crews can get away with this.”

He looks back at you, his weathered features pronounced in blue light of the hologram. “Time will come when you will have to rely on your crew trusting you even if you don’t share everything with them. Be careful when setting a standard, one way or another.”

Hackett turns away from you and walks over to the terminal. The holoprojector shuts down and retracts, lights return to normal.

“I believe we’ve kept you away from yours long enough. Colonel will handle the remaining formalities.”

“I have one more question, sir. What of the Sirta volunteers?”

Hackett frowns. “I believe they have their own choices to make, but...” he looks to Graves, who picks up.

“They have been... cooperative. All of them have agreed to... silence, additionally they chose to stay on the... installation to assist the... ...civilians.”

He actually did it. The double ellipse. The absolute... madman.

“You will be able to talk to them before you return to your vessel, if you so choose. In any case, Good luck, Captain Ford.”

You recognized that the talk was over. With a respectful nod you withdraw out of the meeting room and almost walk into Victoria.

“Doctor Ford.” She says. “I’m to see you to the guest lounge until paperwork is prepared for you.”

She motions for you to follow.

>talk to the robot about something (specify)
>call someone over your comlink
>walk in silence

>>3698680

>talk to the robot about something (specify)

How many more have woken up? If you can tell me of course...
If I join, do you think they will set me against them?
I don't know what else

>walk in silence

I don't really want to join the alliance but I think we won't be able to continue investigating this guys if we don't, and we can't ask Libella if she has an alternative without talking about the thing we are not supposed to talk

>>3698680
>walk in silence

>>3698680
>>walk in silence

>Think about the potential reactions from the crew.

>>3698680
>walk in silence

>>3698698
They wouldn't have brought us in the loop if they didn't intend on utilizing us later. They could have always buried us to keep it a secret.

You decide to keep your peace as the synthetic woman guides you through the dreadnought’s corridors, the occasional crew that you meet giving you a curious look. You wonder how much they are allowed to know of the details of the situation below... or what it was like just hours ago. The captain would know some, if not all, of it, with bridge officers knowing enough to allow them to function properly. Anything below that would have probably hit the “need to know” barrier.

For now the crew seemed curious enough to see a civilian being herded around by an officer’s aide. Your thoughts return back to your own crew. Would you be prepared to keep them in the dark for their own good? Would there even be a point to it, considering that with stakes high enough, any agency, domestic or foreign, human or alien, would likely not be taking chances anyway? Didn’t you owe them that much trust when they already signed up to share the danger of your adventures?

You didn’t get much more time to ponder this as Victoria slows to a halt in front of a door.

“Please, enjoy hospitality of the ship’s lounge until the paperwork is prepared.”

“Thank you, Miss Scout.” You nod and enter the door.

Orizaba’s guest lounge was outfitted in a relatively simple, minimalistically elegant style with a conference table, a bar and enough seating for maybe a dozen people, more if they were open about their personal space.

Your crew was there, as were the four volunteers.

“Hey, Ford. Done with grilling yet?” Kris asks from the bar.

“You could say that.” You answer.

Next to Kris, with a glass in his hand, was Doctor Malchenko. The two of them appear to have taken suggestion to enjoy the lounge’s hospitality to heart.

“We’re celebrating successful mission!” The giant medic announced cheerfully. “It’s been a while since last I was on assignment with no casualties.”

You smile at that and let your gaze wander to the others.

Lea is sitting on one of the couches with Kareeda, the Asari engineer, presumably talking shop; Eve and Don Paolo are sitting in a different corner of the lounge, apparently also engrossed in a talk. Jessica stands apart from the others, omnitool out, her eyes darting across a sheet of text scrolling past.

>Join Kris and Viktor
>Join Lea and Kareeda
>Join Eve and father Leonforte
>Approach Jessica
>Claim one of the recliners and take a nap (timeskip)
>other (write-in)

>optional: specify topic to talk about

>>3688730
Sorry, I keep forgetting to answer this.

Henri’s biotic aptitude was not strong enough to justify his enrollment in the dedicated training program. Grissom academy didn’t exist back then anyway. He got the implants, low-yield ones with no side effects worth mentioning, during his studies.

>>3704080
>>3704100
I wonder if we could get more potent implants wired in when we accept the deal. Having someone like ourselves operating the way we do vs. the military would be a good angle to press as every one of us needs to be capable of a lot more than the bog standard grunt.

>>3704080

no chance of getting our crew alone to talk about joining the aliance then? we need to talk with them before we actually sign the papers, but while the Sirta guys are here there is nothing we can do

>Approach Jessica
see what's she doing and what will be next for them after this

>>3704155
The lounge is large enough to allow you to gather your crew to one side if you want privacy, especially if you turn on the available sound system for some music.

Of course you are implicitly assuming that Graves would not be doing his job if he wasn’t listening in.

>>3704150
More potent implants aren’t going to fix your low innate biotic potential. You could maybe squeeze more power out at cost if stress for your organism, but you’ll never be able to handle adept-level energy without radical modifications on cellular level.

As far as you know.

>>3704197
Turn on the sound system, text our crew and wait for them to finish their chats and meet us for a "drink" and crew meeting to discuss joining, we don't talk about the actual precursors (yet) but tell them that they offered a chance to keep investigating those orbs and maybe dealing with it's origin if we joined, we could do the same thing without them but without tjeir support, info and resources I fear ot would be difficult, I understand that this is not what they thought we would be doing when they boarded the Chariot but they all saw the danger that this thing represented

>>3704207
This, and while we wait for the others we

>Join Lea and Kareeda
Just try to get in the flow of their talk

As for joining the alliance, can we tell them that as soon as this is dealt with we want out? Henri actually likes what he does and if there is no threat around he would just be standing around doing nothing, besides, being alliance means we may not be able to help the others when we want so while we understand the seriousness of this threat and want to help we still want to keep doing our thing after it.
Of course, during the period we may change our mind and chose to stay but I think Henri would want that door open when he joins.

There is another thing
>music
How good is Henri? Shepard levels of terrible? We should make that quarian dance and see what she's made off

>>3704080

>>3704219
>>3704207
Supporting.

>>3704541
Agreed

Bringing up your omnitool, you issue a short message to your crew, asking them to wrap up their talks and join you for a brief council. In the meantime you activate the entertainment system and a tune blankets the lounge, offering a measure of privacy to any cluster of sapients talking in hushed tones. As far as you can expect such a luxury on a military vessel.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8TB_8H23EDI

While you wait for the others, you walk over to where Lea and Kareeda are talking.

“...and that’s when I realized that those little fuckers have not only gutted the control systems, they also ripped the conduits out, no doubt to sell them as scrap for fraction of the value of the while thing.” The Asari was saying.

“Oof.”

“Yeah, my first impulse was like... oh fuck, I’m totally screwed. The spare parts cabinet was ransacked long ago. Turns out the system was already running on backups of backups, just nobody bothered to replenish the stocks.”

“What did you do?”

“Well, given choice between turning into another Noverian popsicle and doing some more creative vandalism I naturally went for the latter. Had to cannibalize some auxiliary servos and then come up with backstops for what they were doing - had to bypass several explosive failsafes, too. Good thing the corps are so stingy on allowing false positives. Anyway, it was one of those days in the end.”

“Sounds rough.”

“Yeah, but awesome! Nothing like some cascading problem to get your blood running.”

“I think you would have liked it on Namek. At least until routine set in.”

“Heh. You know me too well already. You know, you’re alright. I wouldn’t mind-“

“Ahem. Hi, cap. You needed something?” Lea looks up at you as if only just noticing you.

“Sheesh, could’ve just said your man is waiting for ya.”

“W-What?” Lea snaps focus back on Kari

“Gotcha. Laters, bucket girl.”

The young quarian woman just shakes her hand as the Asari gets up and heads out towards her compatriots, who apparently also put two and two together and clustered in another part of the room, while your own crew gathers around you.

“So what’s the news, cap? Are we going to be disappeared, or vivisected or both?”

“My models indicate probability of either to be non-negligible under certain set of circumstances.” Eve says.

“Thinking machines were a mistake.” Kris states.

“Sticks and stones can not in fact break my bones but that still hurt.”

“Alright, I’m glad that you’re in good humor. Now, onto business. I’m not sure what you were told during your interrogations....?”

“Hello and thank you.” Lea reports.

“I got complimented on size and granularity of my package.” Eve says.

“That’s what she said.” Kris nodded. “Except for that last part.”

“‘Package’?” Lea inquires.

“No, ‘granularity’.”

You suppress a grin and proceed.

“Right. So, the short of it is that we got involved into some extremely sensitive stuff but they are trusting us to not spread it around.”

“I’m going to sweep the ship anyway. Or, actually, especially now.” Kris growls.

“Suit yourself. Now, while the child we found is likely going to get a reasonably decent life without gettin put into a test tube...”

“That’s a relief.” Lea nods.

“...the threat represented by the spherical artifact is apparently known to the Alliance already, if not its extent.”

“Wait, they knew from the start what’s going on here?” Kris asks.

“I...” You frown. “...don’t think so, actually. But I suppose they might have, or at least had some suspicions. In any case,” you resume. “I got... we got offered the opportunity to enlist as Alliance agents.”

“From the way You’re telling us this I get the feeling you’re considering it.” Kris says.

“I do. However, I want to hear your input.”

“What would that even mean?” Lea asks.

“That we would have to be ready to answer a call from someone like Graves and do whatever they asked of us, preferably without asking. Though I imagine Henri would not take the deal that would have us go in blind.”

“Absolutely not. It’s enough if we’re going in blind on a job by job basis.” You confirm without hint of sarcasm, although Kris still gives you a suspicious look.

“What’s the benefit, then?”

“I’m expecting they’d be willing to open their armories for us, make fire support available on call and most importantly share up to date information...” you list

“...if we need to know...” Kris interjects

“...and involve us in dealing with the threat of mind controlling evil spheres from outer space.” You conclude. “Which is, admittedly, not what any of you signed up for when joining my crew. However, I feel that this threat is not something I can in good conscience ignore. If I can do something to help, I’d like to.”

You wait for the reply as you look your crew over.

>The young quarian woman just shakes her hand
>hand
Head. Thanks, autocorrect.

Lea is the first to speak.

“I am with you. My parents would slap me silly for such choice but the darkness that we faced down there... it’s frightening. Frankly, I don’t want to have to go through anything like this again. But... as my father says, it’s better to light’em up than to curse the darkness. If you think we can do something about it, you have my omnitool. And if you think we need to join the Alliance for this, go ahead.”

You nod with a smile; before you can say something, though, Eve takes the vote.

“Joining the Alliance indeed holds, given what information I have available now, promise of greatest force multipliers. However, formal enlistment is likely to hamper your options in more remote regions of the galaxy. That alongside with additional duties will interfere with your ability to carry out your present occupation.” The infiltrator says. You grimace, well aware of the value of your independence. “That said, you have my support on either route.”

With another nod of appreciation you turn to Kris who is taking his time formulating his answer.

“Ford... You know me well enough to know that I’ll stick with you in whatever mess you decide to land us in, and that includes painting Chariot blue. However, there are things I think you should consider. Eve already brought up two of them - getting extra stink eye from regional authorities, including council ones, I expect, can make it harder for us to move around compared to well connected indeps, and also every week spent on Alliance errands is a week we’re not excavating.”

“Political backing negates much of these problems on its own. Paperwork prepared by friendly bureaucrats will get us to places council allies would not necessarily open for an indep.” You argue. “Although they may not like us for that. And having an Alliance transponder means that anyone that would want to attack us has to count on retaliation of allied forces.”

“Unless they are four jumps and several days of FTL away through politically charged territory. While our ID just gives us away as faction scouts rather than harmless scavs. Look, all I’m saying it’s not all guns and roses. Anyway, that was not even my main issue, which is that they’re going to give some jackass in uniform, maybe you, Colonel,” Kris addresses a piece of nearby furniture, then turns back to you. “The job of keeping us busy and authority to boss us around and possibly, theoretically, even send us on jobs that are against our conscience.”

“That seems unlikely to me.” You say.

“Ever the optimist. Actually, you are probably right as it stands, with Hackett and presumably Shepard still around. But, officers change. Governments change even faster. Heck, we’re having elections soon, right? And last I checked your Alliance subscribed to the idea of primacy of civilian control over military.” Kris falls silent for a moment.

“We can always quit if we don’t like how things go.”

“Which is not gonna be made easy for us and will carry consequences of its own depending on how this breakup would go.” The Krogan sighs. “Look, I’m not saying the choice doesn’t have benefits to it. I just want to be sure you understand what it can cost us. That said, if you really think it’s worth it, go for it. I ain’t leaving.”

“Thank you, Kris.” You say. “I appreciate it.”

>ask someone something
>you’re ready to choose now - you’re signing up with the Alliance
>you’re ready to choose now - you’re staying independent for now

optional
>while the music plays... ask someone for a dance?

Ford is modestly confident in his ability to dance, slightly more so to classical music, thanks to conservative education your parents secured for you.

In any case, I withdraw once more into the void. Solar winds in your sails, friends.

>>3708315
I'm having major second thoughts after hearing what Kris had to say, the krogan drove a hard bargain but most of all, what bothers me is
> “The job of keeping us busy and authority to boss us around and possibly, theoretically, even send us on jobs that are against our conscience.”
they could send us to act against one of our allies and we would not be able to say no without quitting
and
>“Ever the optimist. Actually, you are probably right as it stands, with Hackett and presumably Shepard still around. But, officers change. Governments change even faster. Heck, we’re having elections soon, right? And last I checked your Alliance subscribed to the idea of primacy of civilian control over military.”

the election thing is quite scary if the wrong people get into office

he actually convinced me, we should look into that election rigging to try and stop it too, that will be as important as going after the Leviathans for now, since we can't even leave the solar system at the moment

>you’re ready to choose now - you’re staying independent for now


optional
>while the music plays... ask someone for a dance?
ask Lea to dance, thank her for her support out there

>>3708374
I'll support this since I'm really not sure so I'll go along

>>3708374
I guess i have to agree.

Major support for the dance with Lea

>>3709748
Dance is always good if you are not Shep

File: 1561582709649.gif (967 KB, 245x245)

967 KB GIF

>>3711001
>shep comes back from the dead to kill whoever insults his dancing.

You consider Kris’s arguments for a while and find merit in them. The last one hits particularly hard, considering how you’d like to believe in the democratic process, but your own personal experience with the forces at play gave you pause.

“Thank you all,” you say eventually. “For your input, and for your support. I’m well aware I could hardly ask for a finer crew.”

Lea looks to the side wringing her hands, Eve nods with a smile. Kris just looks at you expectantly.

“You have made a compelling argument.” You tell him. “I believe it will be best if we stay independent. It’s not like we’re prohibited from helping where it’s needed anyway.”

He nods and his posture relaxes slightly, letting go of tension so subtle you didn’t immediately recognize. He does offer a small smile of his own and a shrug, which you’ve come to recognize as his diplomatic way of saying “I know I’m right”. And you respond with an acknowledging smile yourself.

With that issue decided a new question emerged: what to do with the remainder of your free time in the lounge? One option comes unbidden as the one tune of the ambient music gives way to another.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=c2aqHGaSxRI

Looking over the room you could see Viktor and Kareeda already bobbing their heads to the rhythm, while Lea was absently tapping her foot and Jessica drumming her fingers against the bar.

Now that the matter you brought with you from meeting with Hackett has been settled, Viktor’s earlier assessment comes to forefront of your mind. Couple of scores of souls have returned safely to their homes. A family has been reunited from the depths of despair and given a chance at a life they’ve all but given up on. An unknown threat has been neutralized before it could cause any lasting damage.

“Today was a Good Day.” You say. “Let’s end it on a merry note.”

File: 0087FE54-9B54-4E43-9BF2-9(...).jpg (362 KB, 1440x900)

362 KB JPG

You approach a terminal and quickly find that the idea you had in mind has been anticipated by whoever designed the lounge. It only takes a few strokes of the interface and the lights grow dimmer and some pieces of the furniture collapse and recede into the walls, opening up a free area allowing wider range of movement.

Something you intend to take full advantage of.

Running your gaze across the faces bearing expressions of dawning realization or, in one case, pointed indifference, you let it rest on a young quarian woman.

“Lady Fari, may I ask you for the first dance of the evening?” You offer her your hand.

“Oh my, mister Ford. I see solving one mystery did not satisfy you and you’re already reaching for another.” Lea says, paraphrasing a quote you recognize.

“But of course, miss Fari. A bayou raccoon that lets his wit rest is an alligator food.” You deliver the appropriate reply. For a moment you wonder if she continues the exchange, but you realize she didn’t have that much time to catch up on the series.

Instead, her eyes of glowing emerald narrow ever so slightly as she (you assume) smiles - and accepts your hand. With a soft squeeze of the gloved hand you guide the two of you to the newly revealed dance floor.


Not paying any more than cursory attention to the others who decide to follow your example you let your motions flow into reminiscence of the weekend evenings on the campus, losing yourself in the harmonic ambience, which back then encompassed organically elegant curves of fellow students and today no less elegant frame of your current partner, made all the more exotic by the alien patterns of her envirosuit.

For her part, Lea begins to awkwardly observe and mimic some of your maneuvers, but as the music continues to play she proves a quick learner and deft improviser. Before long the two of you become synchronized enough that you are actually able to dance together rather than just next to each other.

There’s something extraordinary about how quickly you managed to sync, you think. It might be fate. Or skill. Or, a wayward thought flickers, your style is just so predictable and unimaginative that it takes no effort to adapt to.

Either way, the experience is exhilarating. You lose track of how much time, or how many songs have gone by. For the first time since the victory celebration in Rio, though possibly even since long before that massive, to the point of being impersonal, event, you feel completely at ease. Today was truly a good day.

Good or bad, all things must come to an end. At one point the harmony is shattered by an intercom signal announcing that an officer is, or soon will be, arriving. The party was about to end.

As you reluctantly draw yourself, and the Quarian at your side, back to the real world of a fragile galactic society clambering to its feet, you realize you need to decide which direction to take next.

>Hang out on Orizaba some more, you still want to talk to someone on board (specify: one of the volunteers, Athena and her family, Graves...)
>Return to Chariot and get a look at the job list
>return to Chariot and call someone
>return to Chariot and talk to someone from your crew
>other plan

>>3717454
>return to Chariot and call someone

I want to call Lubella, see what, and if she knows anything about the election tempering or the control spheres, do jot mention the Leviatan and if she asks tell her we can't talk about it.

We have a cobtact on the aliance in Graves and a contact in the specters in Libella
I say we start going deep on that election thing or look for any jobs that Graves and Libella can give us that might have clues about the Leviatan

>>3717560
Alright ill support this.

Can we get Eve to look at the job list though to keep our options open.

>>3717756
Agreed

As your time aboard the Orizaba draws to a close, your thoughts turn to your next steps. With this job concluded, you had a number of options open before you, though you'd still have to do some research to figure what exactly they were. And a name springs up that could well help you orient yourself in the recent events, or at least help provide some additional context - your new Asari friend, the spectre Libella Tefar.

After you sign the necessary papers compelling you to keep existence and nature of [REDACTED] a secret you say your goodbyes to the volunteer crew who opted to stay behind and provide support to the colonists and the awakening crew. From what Graves told you in that time you managed to glean that the flagship and its escort would stay in orbit over the icy moon for some time to enforce the quarantine and give the Alliance enough time to make sure all evidence is found, collected and properly cleaned up to ensure that all any mystery hunters and conspiracy theories would find when they eventually flock to the place would be easily deniable speculations.

One of the frigates, a Normandy class stealth vessel by the name of Verdun, was chosen to carry Emanuel's family along with Instructor Jack back to Earth, with Palos to follow during following days. You took the opportunity to say goodbyes to them, although you had the feeling that if you end up pursuing the thread of the ancient, mind controlling precursors, you are likely to cross paths with them again.

In the meantime, eventually you find yourself back aboard the MSV Chariot. As you cross through the airlock and take in air from the familiar recirculator system it finally strikes you that this adventure was over and a new one was about to begin.

Without wasting any more time, you head out to the cockpit and sit in the pilot's chair. The day's exertion was catching up with you, but you were unwilling to turn in until you knew where your next steps would lead. And so you access the communication system and, over a private channel that should, unless Alliance became more intrusive than you gave it credit for, be relatively secure, call up Libella's comlink.

Setting up extranet buoys was one of the first things Alliance did when the space was secure and so you soon get to enjoy the luxury of a near-lagless distance call.

"Doctor Ford. It's nice to hear you in good health." Libella smiles.

"Likewise, miss Tefar." You reply. "I understand that even in this brave new world one should not take simple things like that for granted."

"Very true. Now, though, at least we have some time for entertainment to go with our daily struggles. I trust you found the movie I sent you to your tastes?"

"It was quite a refreshing view on Asari culture, and quite enjoyable to watch." You settle for a half-truth. The fact she brought the encrypted clip up at all suggested she could speak relatively freely for the time being, but you were not going to be taking chances. "Speaking of which," You continue "I've just concluded a bit of an enterprise and find myself having some time on my hands and it occurred to me that you may have a lead on another opportunity, or perhaps on another interesting piece of trivia."

The Asari smiles.

"I'm flattered that you thought to contact me, doctor Ford. I admit I've been quite busy myself. I suppose I've fallen into a similar trap as many others, thinking life would get less hectic just because the most obvious enemy that blotted out all the old concerns is gone."

You nod. "Instead whatever problems the Reapers overshadowed are struggling for their share of attention."

"Exactly. I've been continuing my work from where we parted ways and made only modest progress, bogged down by a number of distractions that I suppose would also merit attention had the circumstances been different." She makes a poignant pause, but before you can press she picks up again. "As it turns out, our shared acquaintances are far from only ones in the market."

"That is unexpected, considering how thorough they have previously been in absorbing or removing competition." You note dryly, wondering if she came across the conspiracy you managed to partially thwart in London earlier.

"It certainly is. But I believe I've taxed your comlink long enough. Feel free to stop by if you find yourself flying past my workplace."

You understood that the conversation was over. She must have picked up on your effort to sound ambigious, or perhaps realized that you might be monitored on your side. But you did get a vague invitation, and your gut was telling you that it might be worthwhile to act on it next time you fly over Rouen. Or maybe your gut was just chastising you for not partaking in the snacks lounge had to offer while you had the time. Well, you'd have to settle for your own stock for the time being.

"I will." you say, reciprocating her smile. "In the meantime it was nice talking to you. Take care, miss Tefar."

"You too, doctor Ford." She says and severs the link. You let your gaze rest on the silenced communicator for a moment, then move it towards the ship controls.

It was time to get moving. The events certainly waited for no one, and if you continued to get involved, it was clear new challenges awaited you. Part of you wondered if those would leave you in dancing mood, too.

Sometimes you just had to have hope.

This concludes the brief episode 9 of Henri Ford's adventures.

The episode has been committed to Citadel archives.
http://suptg.thisisnotatrueending.com/qstarchive/3673931/


Henri Ford and his valiant crew shall return in Episode 10!

>>3722183
Thank you very mcuh for running, it was nice to see Lea quoting our embarrassing loterature and now we have a new lead with Libela to follow, lets see

>>3722183
Thanx for running