Mass Effect: Void Shadow Broker Thread

[Dervish]

[[This thread is for use of in-character events and dialog that may have happened in the past and includes things like Extranet activity, video surveilance footage, tapped phone calls, and other means of technologically monitoring player characters in the name of building up a character's back story, to provide a hilarious joke, and otherwise giving a glimpse into the player character that would not be seen in the actual in-character thread. For examples of how this works, please refer to the thread for Mass Effect: Nova. Participation is optional for this thread, but it's recommended!

The premise for this is that it's information that can be obtained by the Shadow Broker by intercepting communications. It has no real bearing on the plot, but it could be used as means of foreshadowing and giving an insight towards your character.]]

[Dervish]

ENTER ENCRYPTION CODE: ******

…ACCEPTED
SELECT FILE: OMG.D4.IZOTHSBAR.CAM4.08.24.2182
FILE SELECTED. PLAY VIDEO?: Y
PLAYING VIDEO:


[Bar door opens, male turian with distinctive red facial markings and a duster coat enters and walks past patrons, heading towards counter. Turian grabs salarian at counter, pulling him off his feet and onto his back on the counter. The turian has a pistol to salarian’s head. Turian identified as Darius Ryloc, salarian identified as Izoth <For more information on subject including full name, refer to attached file>]


Ryloc: “A turian walks into a bar. Remind me how this joke ends.”


Izoth: “What the… who are you? What do you want?”


Ryloc: “You forgot to make a few payments. I’m here to collect, don’t think about it too hard. Your head might explode.”


Izoth: “The… Shadow Broker sent you? Oh, please don’t… I meant to pay, really!”


Ryloc: “Sure, which is why you’re a terrible Quasar player. I’m here for credits, not excuses. I can’t bank excuses and I am not a patient man.”

[Two krogan, a batarian and a human approach Ryloc, weapons drawn. Ryloc’s omnitool flickers briefly and an explosion is heard. The room is cast in darkness and the brief sound of gunfire, distinctly a heavy pistol, and briefly a shotgun and submachine-gun are heard, along with sounds of pain and struggle. The lights flicker once more before turning on again as the backup generator activates. The krogan, batarian, and human lay dead, chests and heads with visible signs of heavy pistol rounds visible. Ryloc reappears as tactical cloak is deactivated, two pistols in hand with one under Izoth’s head.]


Izoth: “Oh, god…”

Ryloc: “Wrong. I’m Darius. You should have called your boyfriends off, I hate being interrupted. So, about the credits, I would like to remind you I am not a patient man.”


Izoth: “Okay, just don’t kill me! I will get you what I have, and transfer the rest as soon as I get the payment from my next shipment! I’ll turn over all of it, I swear!”


[Ryloc releases Izoth, and crosses his arms, pistols in hand. He nods, and Izoth disappears around back. Two minutes later, Izoth returns with a small bag. Ryloc takes the bag with the barrel of a pistol and peers inside]


Ryloc: “Looks to be in order. It looks like you put a down payment on your life. You have until the end of the month to make the rest of the payments. Too bad, I was looking forward to the punch line of my joke.”


[Ryloc turns to leave and stops at the door, looking back at Izoth]


Ryloc: “This will be the last time you see me. If you disappoint our mutual friend again, there won’t be an establishment for me to return to. Have a good day!”


[Ryloc opens the door, disappearing from the camera’s view. Izoth slumps against the counter, staring at the dead bodies on the floor]


PLAYBACK STOPS


NOTES: Izoth paid the entire fee in full, taking out a 50,000 credit loan from a well-known volus loan shark. Izoth has recently turned the deed of his establishment over to Shadow Broker agents, and it is now operating as a front for operations and a safe house for agents while in District 4 on Omega.

ATTACHMENT: 43Z-Y7TZ [SELECT TO OPEN]


[USER CLOSES VIDEO FILE]

[Voltin]

LOGGING YOU IN AGENT...
WHAT FILE WOULD YOU LIKE TO VIEW: t40WeSzz32.THESSIA.vid
PLAY VIDEO FILE NOW, AGENT?: Y
INITIATING PLAYBACK...

[The camera zooms in on a classical asari bar. It's seats plush, it's walls covered in crimson velvet boards, the fancy kind with buttons in the center of each one. As a twist, the sounds of a smooth jazz quartet from Earth drift through the room. Among the waves of blue patrons, sits a lone human female at the bar's counter, sipping on her drink and talking to no one. An asari woman approaches the empty stool next to her.]

"Ah-ah dear, it would be best for you not to take that chair. It's reserved for a... friend."

[The asari woman leaves, and the woman still siting continues to sip on her drink through it's tiny straw. A new drink comes her way, at first a look of shock spreads across her face, before eventually deciding to sip on this new liquid instead. Another newcomer approaches the bench, a salarian. This time, the lady makes no objections, and the man sits down next to her.]

"My-my, you come here often, sweet-cheeks?"

"My-my, you use that line often, big guy? I also have to say, you are a rather unique specimen; a salarian coming on to me, the stories my friends will tell!"

"The things I'll do to you, my lady. You know... I'm a very influential man here; perhaps we could go somewhere and come to some form of arrangement between you and me..."

"Oh, I know many things; about you in particular too, Mr. Luupnit. I know of your company's shadier business practices. I know of your being of a human fetishist and how you're considered somewhat of a womanizer around these parts, and for your species in particular. I also know that I've rigged that chair of yours to blow you, and not in the enjoyable manner either, the moment you release pressure from the cushion you're sitting on. Oh, and I also know this drink you've sent over contains three..."

[The woman takes a large mouthful of the drink, swishes it around, and even gargles, audibly, before spitting the liquid back into its glass.]

"No, four different sleeping agents. It's men like you that make me adopt a spit, and not swallow policy."

"W-who by the goddess are you and what do you want from me? I've done nothing wrong!"

"Says the man who outsources jobs to a certain Hegemony for it's free labor... But, that's not why I'm here; you see, a certain information Broker likes to collect on upholding debts every now and again, and... I'm the repo-man from hell. Now, start saying those sweet words of yours, doll, before I further spike your own drink with something even worse, then force it down your throat."

"F-fine, I'll pay him through my regular contact by the end of the month, I swear!

"How nice, but, as you'll see, there's a little thing called 'interest' -- you heard of it? -- and the value of your life has skyrocketed since then. How 'bout you pay now with that orange thing around your arm, and send us that little 'insider trading tidbit that's going to make you sooooo rich' you have been so greedily hoarding, then I might be able to consider us even."

"Alright, alright! I'm doing it now, as we speak, so please, please don't kill me!"

"Oh, how it pleases me to see a man on his knees begging for once, even if it is only metaphorically speaking. And don't worry dear, I'll let you live, but it would still be unwise to get up from that spot. Wouldn't want you running if you decided to play me on the sly; I may like to be played every other type of way, but I just hate being fucked over in the end, don't you? Good. Ta-ta, dear!"

[The girl then proceeds to get up and leave as the salarian frantically calls for help and police intervention. Investigations would later reveal no trace of the alleged bomb or the man's "attacker". Any witnesses the prosecution once had, "suddenly" received either amnesia over the entire event, or a reluctance to speak up.]

CLOSING VIDEO FILE...
LOGGING YOU OUT AGENT...

[Legion X51]

-

ACCESSING DATA FILES...
...
...
USER ID REQUIRED.
LOGIN: LSR'MYR PASSWORD: ********
ESTABLISHING DATA UPLINK.

WELCOME BACK, MATRIARCH LYLISSA.
TODAY'S THREAT LEVEL IS: LOW.
YOUR CURRENT PERSONAL BALANCE: 46,985,273 CREDITS.

'/access vidlogx16y42'

ACCESSING VIDEO LOG X16Y42, PLEASE STAND BY...

[The camera pans out to view the whole of the bar known as Immaterium, a bar run by Matriarch R'myr's organisation. A turian is sitting at the bar, chatting with the bartender. Camera zooms in, identification positive: Angar Koross, known turian debtor to Matriarch R'myr. Close up on the bartender, identification positive: Sarisia K'Herra, former military trooper-turned agent for Matriarch R'myr.]

KOROSS: "So, how you keeping yourself, Sarisia? I heard you got shot up pretty badly on a mission a few months back."

SARISIA: "I've been good, Angar - nice to see that you take a concern over my state of health." *notices Matriarch R'myr and blinks once at her, but gives no indication to Koross the Matriarch is there* "Same again, Krasov Rum?"

KOROSS: "If you'd be so kind."

[Camera pans over to Matriarch Lylissa R'myr, who is wearing a long, flowing dress of blue and gold. In her hand is a Razer IX pistol. She enters the bar area and takes a seat next to Angar Koross.]

LYLISSA: "Good morning, Angar. How are you today?"

[Koross, surprised, is caught off-guard.] KOROSS: "I, er... I am fine, thank you, Lylissa. Yourself?"

LYLISSA: "I am very well indeed, Angar. However, it has come to my concern that someone has recently been... neglecting to keep up on their payments. Ring a bell with you? Sarisia, please leave us." [Sarisia nods and goes over to serve another couple of patrons - a human and an asari.] "Right, enough of the bullshit, Angar. You owe me 750,000 credits, and you owe me it as of two weeks ago. I want that money. It is 'mine', Angar, not yours." [Matriarch R'myr draws her pistol and begins twirling it around in her hand.]

KOROSS: "Matriarch Lylissa, you know how difficult the last few months have been for Koross Corporation... I'd love to be able to keep up on my payments, but I can't if I don't have the money, it's simple as-" [Koross inhales sharply as Lylissa points the gun at him in a very nonchalant manner.] "You're asking me to do the impossible, Matriarch... I can't magic money out of my ass."

LYLISSA: "Eh, not my problem, Angar. You owe me money, and I want that money. You should've thought of contingency plans before you took out the loan, pal." [Lylissa smiles.] "I've got a proposition to make, Angar. You give me 25% of Koross Corporation, and I'll call the debt settled." [Lylissa laughs as Koross sighs and places his head in his hands.] "I love making you squirm, Angar. You really should learn from your prior mistakes, you've been a constant debtor on my books since I first met - and you somehow talked me into bedding - you 5 years ago. Koross surely can't be doing that badly - what's going on, where's the market gone? Hm?"

KOROSS: "I'll... *sigh* I'll think about it, Lylissa-"

LYLISSA: "Not letting you get away from this, Angar... I need a decision here and now. Give me 25% of Koross Corp, and your debt is solved. Otherwise, cough up, before you start coughing up blood instead of money."

[Koross is visibly panicked, and is also shaking with fear and anger.] KOROSS: "OK, OK... I'll give you 25%... Now please, just... leave me be."

[Lylissa laughs, and leaves, signalling Surisia to serve him. Koross can be seen to be shaking with fear, his head in his hands.]

[Grif of Hearts]

ENTER ENCRYPTION CODE: ***************
ENCRYPTION CODE ACCEPTED

ATTEMPTING TO ACCESS TEXT FILE: tl44forrklg.pdf.INGRIDLOUSKMONITOR#038
ACCESSING TEXT FILE
INTER-RELAY TEXT COMMUNICATION FILE ACCESSED

TERMINAL ACCESS LOCATION 1:
EXODUS CLUSTER
ASGARD SYSTEM
TERRA NOVA

USERNAME 1: Reginald
USER: Ingrid Marin Lousk
[Note: Dossier found at text file: 66foswhrnd.pft.INGRIDLOUSKDOSSIER]

TERMINAL ACCESS LOCATION 2:
&:;;FFF(9&$fPPo8(‘@#+%1111111111111111111111111 11
[Note: Location information currently under decryption]

USERNAME 2: KRaven3
USER: Unknown
[Note: Information non-existent until further decryption]

[00:00] Reginald: [LOG IN][ONLINE]

[00:03] KRaven3: [LOG IN][ONLINE]

[00:03] KRaven3: Good. You’re already here.

[00:04] Reginald: In a rush, old buddy, old pal?

[00:05] KRaven3: Neither of us are exactly in the Broker’s good books, Reg. I don’t want this lasting more than fifteen minutes or the Broker’ll have caught onto our trail.

[00:05] Reginald: [MESSAGE DELETED BY KRAVEN3]

[00:06] KRaven3: Fucking hell. I thought you were smart enough not to use real names.
It’s far too easy to track a person with just a first name.

[00:06] Reginald: SORRY, SORRY. My mistake.
As I saying, I doubt we’re being monitored. I’ll try and make it brief.

[00:06] KRaven3: What did you even want me for?

[00:06] Reginald: To strike a deal, like last time. I have some rough information on a small Broker outpost and I need some more information to flesh it out, along with some fresh equipment.

[00:07] KRaven3: And in exchange?

[00:07] Reginald: You know I wouldn’t ask for something without a bargaining chip.
Mission plans for a few different pirate bands. I know you’re into the idea of theft and sabotage as much as I am. We just have different targets.

[00:08] KRaven3: Really?
Anything Blood Pack?

[00:08] Reginald: Plenty.

[00:08] KRaven3: Perfect.
Do you want anything specific? Send me what you know about that Broker base and I’ll see what I can come up with.
Also, what kind of guns do you want? Will a shipment of Lancers do or do you want something a bit more specialised?

[00:09] Reginald has posted a text document for the chat. [OPEN FILE]

[00:09] KRaven3: Alright. I’ll see what I can find. And those weapons?

[00:10] Reginald: I was hoping for something a little more specialised. The mercenaries’ll have their stock rifles.

[00:10] KRaven: …I have a YMIR mech if you want it.

[00:11] Reginald: If you give me that thing I’ll personally massacre half of Tuchanka and write your name across the planet in blood for you.

[00:11] KRaven: Deal!

[00:11] Reginald: Damn Shadow Broker agents’ll never see me coming. >:’D

[00:12] KRaven3: Funny. Last time we met in person, I definitely saw you coming.

[00:12] Reginald: You are the most disgusting alien I have ever had the misfortune of meeting with.

[00:12] KRaven3: It’s amazing what you can get people to do for a few thousand credits, isn’t it?
Speaking of a few thousand credits, I’ll get on that equipment you wanted. Standards and specials. Same drop off point?

[00:13] Reginald: Of course. I’ll pick them up by the end of the Citadel week. Thanks for the help. I appreciate it.

[00:13] KRaven3: Just business, eh?

[00:14] Reginald: Just business.

[00:14] Reginald: [LOG OUT][OFFLINE]

[00:16] KRaven3: The hell do I get myself into?

[00:17] KRaven3: [LOG OUT][OFFLINE]

[END OF TEXT FILE]
[TEXT FILE CLOSED]

[LOGGING OUT]

[Legion X51]

ACCESSING DATA FILES...
...
...
ACCESSING DATA FILES...
...
...
USER ID REQUIRED.
LOGIN: LSR'MYR PASSWORD: ********
ESTABLISHING DATA UPLINK.

WELCOME BACK, MATRIARCH LYLISSA.
TODAY'S DATE IS: 24TH MARCH, 2183.
TODAY'S THREAT LEVEL IS: LOW.
YOUR CURRENT PERSONAL BALANCE: 48,541,649 CREDITS.

INPUT COMMAND?

/access ORDER GS259#690.

COMMAND ACKNOWLEDGED. SEARCHING ARCHIVES...
...
...
...
ORDER GS259#690 ACQUIRED. OPEN?

/open

COMMAND CONFIRMED. OPENING FILE...

-----------

KASSA FABRICATION ORDER GS259#690

Recipient: R'myr Security Corporation

Date: 27th December, 2182 Universal Coordinated Time (UTC)

Thank you for dealing with us. Below is your order, Matriarch R'myr:

350 Razer VIII Heavy Pistols
175 Razer IX Heavy Pistols
175 Breaker VIII Assault Rifles
175 Breaker IX Assault Rifles
50 Armageddon IX Shotguns
50 Harpoon IX Sniper Rifles
------
50 full suits of Colossus Light Armour
25 full suits of Colossus Medium Armour
25 full suits of Colossus Heavy Armour

The total cost of today's order amounts to: 28,750,000 credits.

This will be billed to your account and must be paid by 31st December, 2182 at the latest.

We appreciate your custom.

[ATPsynthase]

Viewing Activity Log: "802bp02lv9t0" - [TIME REDACTED] [DATE REDACTED]

CONNECTION BY USER "802bp02lv9t0"
ATTEMPTING TO CONNECT... ... ... ...
CONNECTION SUCCESSFUL.
AUTOMATICALLY REDIRECTED BY HOST...
[Automated Message]
Welcome to the SB Archives. Your activity is being monitored and your connection is being traced. If you are unsure of whether or not you have authorization to view these files, you do not and will be terminated shortly. Have a nice day.
>search "nova mercenary"
SEARCHING...
You are currently viewing archives regarding" Nova (Mercenary Company)". What would you like to know?
>dossier
This dossier is a compact version. Please enter "full" to see all details.
NAME: "Nova"
FILE: Mercenary Company
VESSEL: Turian Frigate "Tyrus"
STATUS: Inactive (Terminated)
DSCRIP: An infamous multi-race mercenary group often signing contracts with governments such as the Alliance. Notoriously difficult to defeat. Includes top-notch fighters of many different types.
THREAT: Possibly, if employed by the wrong people
>useless
'useless' is not a recognizable command.
>events
You are viewing events involving "Nova (Mercenary Company)" in descending order by date.
1) Surviving ex-members of Nova contacted by SB for assignment to Operation: Void. Acceptance of invitation is non-negotiable. All members are expected to comply. UPDATE: All surviving ex-members have been successfully contacted excluding Tillus Carturik and Morid Min. Investigation of current locations is underway.
2) Project A-351 Squad agents successfully incapacitate Nova on Bekenstein following Nova's employment by Rosenkov Materials. "Tyrus" is captured by SB agents and reclaimed. Nova members are permitted to leave under conditions they disband and accept employment from SB when asked.
3) Nova is engaged on Citadel regarding their sudden possession of object P-169. Nova escapes with no visible casualties. Heavy casualties sustained by SB agents.
4) [Mandatory status update: threat level minimum]
5) [File created]
>search "project a-351 squad"
SEARCHING... ...
REDIRECTED FROM "project a-351 squad"
You are currently viewing archives regarding" Project A-350 (SB Squad)". What would you like to know?
>personnel
"Project A-350" consists of:
vas Aurie, Kezna'Solah (Tech Specialist)
Khel Zhar (Infiltrator)
Lousk, Ingrid Marlin (Biotic Sentinel, Pilot: "Reginald")
Lyev, Persephone (Shock Trooper)
Nakmor Tara (Shock Trooper)
Ryloc, Darius (Infiltrator)
NOTE: This roster may have changed upon squad restructuring into A-351.
>search "nakmor tara agent"
SEARCHING... ... ...
You are currently viewing archives regarding "Nakmor Tara (SB Agent)." What would you like to know?
>dossier
NAME: Nakmor Tara
FILE: SB Agent
STATUS: Inactive (On Leave)
DSCRIP: Krogan battlemaster. Formerly strong partner of Rashea Marani before Marani's termination. Extremely powerful in close-combat and tight-quarter combat.
THREAT: Under suspicion for unauthorized presence in archives. Evidence and motives have yet to be procured. Sent on leave until facts come into light.
>search "object p-169"
SEARCHING... ... ... ... ... ... ...
"Object P-169" is classified. User "802bp02lv9t0" does not have the necessary permissions to view this file.
>no shit
'no shit' is not a recognizable command.
>search "operation: void"
SEARCHING... ... ... ... ... ... ... ...
REMOTELY REDIRECTED BY ADMINISTRATOR...
[Administrator Message]
Interesting choice of actions for someone so deep in hiding. I didn't think you'd actually be this strategically challenged. Next time, when running from varren, might I suggest not hiding in their nest, Mr. Carturik?
>go fuck yourself.
'go fuck yourself.' is not a recognizable command.
>alternatively, you can just have loads of fun trying to find me.
'alternatively, you can just have loads of fun trying to find me.' is not a recognizable command.
>by the way friendly tip: my mother is way more fun than i am with an assault rifle in her hands. good luck trying to coerce me out of hiding when you've got heirarchy breathing down your neck.
'by the way friendly tip: my mother is way more fun than i am with an assault rifle in her hands. good luck trying to coerce me out of hiding when you've got heirarchy breathing down your neck.' is not a recognizable command.
>yeah, so maybe fucking yourself is a better option. fuck you and have a wonderful day
'yeah, so maybe fucking yourself is a better option. fuck you and have a wonderful day' is not a recognizable command.
>LOGOUT
LOGGING YOU OUT...

[END OF LOG]

[Captain Jenno]

From: SteveoIsViktorious@Extranet.net (Steveo Viktoran)

Subject: "Hey Tanya... how're you?"

Hey Tanya, long time no chat, am I right?
It's been a while since I've had the time to email you back, you know how hectic life on Illium can be! But I've been getting all of your extranet messages, and reading them is usually the highlight of the business week!
So, how's Elysium treating you? Good, I should hope- I remember (because that's what salarians do, I guess!) you mentioning that you wanted to get into a workout regime at some point, probably during one of Nova's biweekly drinking parties. Did you ever get around to doing that?
Speaking of Nova's fondness for cheap liquor, how're you holding up on the booze front? I hope you've got a bottle set aside for celebrating, at least.

Business over here is going pretty well, in case you're curious. I started this coffee business- Hey, maybe you've seen one of my stores on Elysium! - And so far, I haven't flipped the fuck out and accused an employee of working with the machines, yet.
Hell, I even got back into contact with my family. Have I ever told you about my brother, Benjamin? He's a krogan, (we're an odd family) that I think you might get along with!
In fact, you're probably going to meet him pretty soon.
Do me a favour, don't break him too quickly, alright? I promised dad he'd come back in one piece.

Sorry if you don't get this message at a good time, by the way. I admit, it'll probably seem a bit out of the blue, but...
A morally ambiguous little blue bird, with a penchant for blowing up the stuff we love, reminded me to send this, and... well, I felt like it was something I had to do immediately.
I hope you didn't get the impression I wasn't replying for any other reason than a lack of time, though, I've always intended to.
Do you still keep in contact with the rest of the crew, by the way? I haven't heard from any of them in... well, years. I suppose we all got new lives, and most of us got swept away in them.

But hey! If a certain blue bird is to be believed, we're going to be remedying that pretty soon.
Speaking of Ryloc, did he break into your house, too? Or am I just some sort of special exception? I'd be frightened of him if I wasn't so damned intrigued.
What a strange little bugger.
Not the first agent I've encountered lately, though. A lot of my customers, I think, are agents in poor disguises. Not that I mind, I'm raking in the credits either way.
It'd just be nice for somebody to order a coffee without having first arranged a sniper rifle to take me out if I resisted, y'know?
Well, you're probably in the same boat, that was a silly question, really.

In fact, speaking of the Broker, I'm guessing he's intercepted this message, too. So, just for him, here're my bank details!
My ID number is 80085, and my password is BiteMeBroker.
Have fun, go nuts! Buy yourself something nice, big guy!
... Ahaha, he's gonna ruin me...
Anyway. I don't care about him right now, he can get buggered.

I look forwards to your reply, Tanya. And even more forwards to seeing you in person again.
Now, if I remember (and I do), I promised Tillus that I'd buy us all a round of drinks when this Broker business was over.
So how about we all celebrate the group getting back together in typical Nova fashion? (That is to say, drunk and with very little self control.)
Drinks're on me, but you're buying your own bloody snacks.
Hah, but I've rambled on long enough, I suppose.

Get back to me when you can, if you can.
I hope to see you soon,

- Steveo.

P.S: But seriously Broker, fuck you man.

[Message End]

[Voltin]

Logging you in.
Logging you in..
Logging you in...
Welcome, agent. How may I be of service.
>Access file entitled: I'm Sorry.
Multiple entries found. Please specify.
>File type: Message
Multiple entries found. Please specify.
>Author: Persephone Lyev
Multiple entries found. Please specify.
>Date: [INFORMATION CORRUPTED]
Loading...
Done. Displaying now:

Dad,

Look, I screwed up, I know I missed your wedding, and I know from your previous messages that you are pissed beyond belief but, I had a very big career related thing to do. A... interview to be exact. A thing on... Bekenstein, very lucrative by all means. It was something that I could in no way pass up. Please forgive me, I'll be over in a month or so when my schedule is cleared up, since I know have the money to, and you could introduce me to this bombshell of yours, then punish me in any way you see fit; even if this means bankrupting me with all the drinks you could possibly order. I love you.

Your loving but at times inconsiderate daughter,
~Perry

PS, you should be thanking those ingenious sons of bitches salamanders for this software which spell and grammar checks drunken writing. Oh and the bar, since I had to down three shots of tequila and a a bottle of ryncol before I had the guts to send you this message.

>Close file
Closing...
Done. Is there anything else, agent?
>Access file: Entry #31; Author: Persephone Lyev; Date: 2168
Loading...
Done. Displaying File now:

Entry 31: I met a girl today, human. A cute little thing, red hair offset by striking blue eyes. She was being raped by some scum of a man, and I just happened to be passing by the alley in which he was doing his deed. I stood there watching, I could tell that this was turning him on even more, before shooting an entire clip from my sidearm into him after he had finished inside her. The girl had been clearly traumatized by the whole affair, so I took her out to some lunch where she cried and I attempted to console her. She told me about how she came here to Omega to escape some heiress destiny her parents had planned out for her, and how this had left her very poor. I figured I had enough money to spare, so I took her into my home, promising to take care of her until she could leave this place and go back home for letting that man do what he did to her.

>Close file
Closing...
Done. Is there anything else, agent?
>Access file: Entry #33; Author: Persephone Lyev; Date: 2168
Loading...
Done. Displaying File now:

Entry 33: I found that girl dead today. She had been shot so badly that... that I could barely even recognize her. If it hadn't been for that pendant... Those who were around said that they had no idea who her attacker was, but I knew, it had to be the same fuckers who worked with that guy I shot dead when I found her. Needless to say, I hunted every last one of her attackers and their cohorts and then put them through pain that none of them could have ever imagined in their sick and twisted dreams. They begged for me to spare them, claimed they had children, and families that they had to take care of. I didn't care, by the time I was done with them, they were even more mangled than they had left the girl. I have lost all faith in the goodwill that I believed all people could hold, and I've lived on this shit hole for the past six months, slutting it up to pay the bills when my guns couldn't. I found out today going through her stuff today that her name was Veronica.

>Close file
Closing...
Done. Is there anything else, agent?
>Access file: Entry #32; Author: Persephone Lyev; Date: 2168
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Entry 32: The girl has been living with me for the past two weeks, yet she still refuses to give me her name! She plays coy and gives me some bullshit like "McTolovo" or "Babith the Squirrel II, Esquire" before giggling like a little girl! The only bright side I can see to these shenanigans is that she's finally out of her damper of a mood. I've also found my little slice of hell has been cleaner than even when I had first moved here to Omega, and that the girl is capable of quite some feats in the kitchen. She's sweet and considerate, nothing like me even when I was living back with my mom and dad. She did try to give me a pendant that she's had, coated with diamonds and probably expensive enough to get her out of here. I told her to sell it herself and get off this rock, but she refused, saying that it held too many memories for that, and that she only felt right giving it to me, even if I was going to be the one to sell it. I called her a dumbass, naturally, and told her to keep it if she felt it held so much sentimental value. I've been thinking of holding double shifts, so to speak, lately so that the two of us could do something relatively nice, like dance at Afterlife. That's something that the girl really doesn't like, me whoring myself out so that I can support myself as well as her, so she's pledged that as soon as she gets a job, I have to quit doing that to myself, as if she has any power or sway with how I run my life...

Closing...
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[Legion X51]

ACCESSING DATA FILES...
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LOGIN: LSR'MYR PASSWORD: ********
ESTABLISHING DATA UPLINK.

WELCOME BACK, MATRIARCH LYLISSA.
TODAY'S DATE IS: 24TH MARCH, 2183.

/access camera RA01, date 15/01/2183

FILE ACQUIRED... OPEN?

/Open File

OPENING FILE...

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-Rembrandt Apartment-
-38th Floor, Tyrolea Tower-
-Thessia-
-15th January, 2183-

[The camera mounted in the corner of the room records all that happens in the single room that makes up most of Chris Rembrandt's apartment on Thessia. Rembrandt himself can be seen making some tea, whilst in the bed, a sleeping Asari can be seen. She has pale purple skin, and dark purple face markings. She looks very tall, possibly taller than Rembrandt, who is a lofty 6' 3". The Asari stirs.]

"Ah. I was wondering when you were going to wake up, Blue." Rembrandt's accented voice fills the silence of the apartment. He turns, a cup of tea in his hands. "How are you feeling, then?"

The Asari murmurs something and opens her eyes, slowly. She looks around, cautiously, and then catches sight of Rembrandt. "Dutch? What the... Where am I?"

Rembrandt takes a sip of his tea. "I got you back to my place, Marianna."

Marianna frowns and sighs. "What the hell happened last night?"

Rembrandt chuckles to himself. "Well, you got a bit drunk and-"

Marianna silences him with a raised hand. "Right. That explains why I'm lying in your bed, naked. OK, I can deduce everything from that one answer - 'you got a bit drunk'. Why didn't you take me to my house?"

Rembrandt shrugs. "Don't know where it is, Blue. Figured you'd be safe here." He turns to the table where a teapot sits, filled with dark liquid. "Tea?"

"No thanks... Tea will just make my hangover worse." Marianna sits up in bed and puts one hand to her head in discomfort. "Agh... will someone please tell the man in my head to put the sledgehammer down? I've had quite enough of this headache after 2 minutes. Also, I can appreciate why I'm at your place, but..."

Rembrandt took out a bottle of water from the fridge unit. "It was your idea for sex, Blue. Here, catch. Should help with your hangover." Rembrandt throws the bottle of chilled water at Marianna, who catches it and opens it thirstily, downing a quarter of the bottle in one go. "You were pretty drunk last night, though I hear you fuck better when drunk."

Marianna laughs. "Apparently so. I must've been three sheets to the wind to go for you, Chris." She smiles, whilst Rembrandt chuckles and looks out of the window. "I suppose I'm what you humans call a slut, aren't I?"

Rembrandt nods. "Yep, you are. You've managed to bed me, Karmi, Delft, Lucy and Surisia. Huh, I guess you take the battlefield bond between squad mates just that little bit further beyond the battlefield, hm? Only person you haven't managed is... uh..." He took a sip of tea.

"Collins." Marianna said simply. "And that's because I can't stand him."

"You can't stand me, or so you say." Rembrandt countered.

"Dutch, you're different to Collins... Collins is just a general twat, you're more of a... 'loveable bastard' type-"

Rembrandt laughs. "Loveable in more than 'one' way, eh?"

Marianna smiles. "Yes, yes, whatever. Now, where are my clothes?"

"Oh, I put them in for washing." Rembrandt replies, pointing to the active washing machine. He sips his tea again.

"So... I have nothing to wear?"

Rembrandt shifts uneasily. "No... I was hoping you'd still be asleep by the time they were ready to dry..."

Marianna rolls her eyes. "Men sometimes... They are so damn disorganised. Why didn't you plan ahead? Do you not have any dressing gowns or anything?"

Rembrandt thinks for a moment. "Yeah, I do have one! It's a fluffy white one, you'd like it. Hang on, lemme get it from the bathroom." He sets his tea down on the table and walks over to the bathroom. He walks inside and, after a couple minutes, returns with a white dressing gown. "Here, wear this in the meantime. I washed it yesterday, haven't worn it."

"Much appreciated." Marianna takes the dressing gown and climbs out of bed. The camera catches a brief glimpse of her naked form before it is covered by the white gown as Marianna throws it over her shoulders and slips her arms inside the sleeves. Marianna ties the gown at the waist with a double knot and then walks over to the table to make herself something to eat. "Mind if I make myself a sandwich?"

Rembrandt shrugs. "Sure, go ahead. I've already eaten something."

"Aside from me?"

"Slut." Rembrandt is the one to roll his eyes now. "I had some toast and butter before you were awake."

"I'm feeling rather tender right now... You must've been rough." Marianna takes out two slices of medium-cut brown bread and a tub of butter, and spreads a generous helping of butter on each one with a butter knife. She then places the knife down on the chopping board and takes a bite out of one of the slices of bread and butter.

"You told me to 'play rough', so I did. You liked it." Rembrandt takes a gulp of tea. A knock at the door followed by a flanged groan causes Rembrandt to smile. "And it looks like Master Delft is suffering from last night as well." Rembrandt walks over and opens the door. A Turian man of around 5' 11" walks, or rather, staggers in, clutching at his head. He is wearing a cyan t-shirt and jeans. Rembrandt directs him over to sit by Marianna.

"How much did you have to drink last night, Thran?" Delft mumbles something under his breath. "What was that?"

"I said, two glasses of ryncol and a shot of black vodka! There is too much alcohol by-product swimming around my system right now..." Delft notices Marianna's gown. "You and Rembrandt get it on last night?"

Marianna nods. "Whatever brought you to that conclusion... Dutch says so, and I vaguely remember last night, despite being... possibly the most drunk I've been in a long time. What did you get up to, then, Thran?"

Delft shakes his head. "I don't remember... I did wake up at Sari's, but I don't think anything happened." He gestures down to his clothes. "I woke up in these. Sari gave me some meds for the headache."

"Where is Sari?"

Delft wonders for a moment. "I think she's gone to work, at Immaterium."

Marianna laughs. "She was in a bar last night, and now works at a bar in the morning... She can't escape it, can she?"

Delft slams his head against the table and groans. Marianna giggles and pats him on the back. "There, there, Thran. You know, beating your head against a table will only make your headache worse..."

"It helps, Mari. It helps in some bizarre way, but it helps. Remmy boy, you got any painkillers?"

Rembrandt frowns. "I thought you said you had some."

Delft shrugs and drinks some water. "They haven't affected the level of pain, I can tell you that." He glances at Marianna. "I've gotta say, it's a shame you're wearing that gown-argh!" Delft is silenced by a slap from Marianna.

"Mari, you can go and take a shower if you want - should be enough hot water by now. Allows me and Thran to sort some stuff out." Rembrandt looks out of the window of the 38th floor apartment in Tyrolea Tower, whilst Marianna gets up and walks into the bathroom, closing (and locking) the door behind her. When the door is locked, Rembrandt turns around to face Delft, who looks groggily up at him. Rembrandt storms over and hauls the Turian to his feet, grabbing him by the lapels of his shirt. "Now, you listen to me, Delft, and you listen to me good. I know what the fuck you did last night, and you're gonna fucking pay for it if you do it again. I saw you spike her pint of Pride with that drug you have. I saw you, plain as daylight, and now she's ended up fucking me. I was trying to do the honourable thing, and it was your fucking drug that made it all go wrong."

Delft grows limp in Chris's arms. "Alright... I'm sorry. I spiked her drink-"

Rembrandt shoves Delft against a wall. "I know that, you dextro-based piece of shit! You spike her drink again and I will fucking END you, you understand me?! I will fucking end you!"

Delft nods. "You're not lying, are you, Remmy..."

"No, I am NOT lying. Do it again and it'll be a shit-ton worse than this." Rembrandt releases Delft, who collapses to the floor, and walks back over to the table and switches on the vid-screen, tuning it to receive a human sports channel. In the bathroom, a running shower can be heard along with Marianna singing a rock song Rembrandt recognises as 'Thunderstruck' by AC/DC. He chuckles. "Marianna and her penchant for old rock music... She was singing Kashmir at the party, you remember, Delfy?"

Delft struggles to his feet. "Eh? What was that?"

Rembrandt looks over his shoulder at Delft. "Get up, I barely touched you. I said, Marianna was singing 'Kashmir' last night, wasn't she?"

Delft nods in agreement, though one can tell that he can't remember exactly what Rembrandt's talking about. "Big fan of your race's music, she is."

Rembrandt nods and returns his attention to the vid-screen. He takes out a cigar and lights it, smiling as he hears Marianna continue to sing. "I knew she was good, but not this good. I guess she was pretty drunk last night. But not drunk enough for her to screw me of her own free will..." Rembrandt aims those words at Delft, who by now has gotten back in his chair.

The shower stops after a few more minutes, and 5 minutes later, Marianna walks out of the bathroom, in the white gown and with a white towel underneath over her legs and waist. "So... what was all of the shouting and scuffle about, then?"

Rembrandt flicked his head back at Delft. "He spiked your drink. I told him if he does it again I'll kick his ass."

Marianna looks at Delft, who cringes. "Won't happen again, I swear!"

"Better fucking not." Marianna can be heard to say under her breath. Delft gets up and excuses himself to go to the bathroom, leaving Rembrandt alone with Marianna again.

"Chris?"

"Yeah?" Rembrandt lowers the vid-screen volume. "What's up?"

"It's about last night..."

"Yeah? What about it?" Rembrandt sets his cigar down in the ashtray on the table.

"I heard you and Delft arguing... It was partly the alcohol, yes, but part of it wasn't... There's no real easy way to say this, Dutch, but... I like you. I've liked you since you joined A6G."

Rembrandt frowns. "I thought you liked Karmi."

"I do, but... I also like you... The others were just me being the drunken slut I am. But with both you and Karmi, there was something... real, something that wasn't me just being a whore and trying it on with my squadmates. With you it was more of an animalistic feeling. You know, you're a tough, strong soldier-"

Rembrandt extinguishes his cigar for now. "As are you."

"Yes, but there's some part of me that, right now, just wants me to just rip your clothes off and relive last night. I don't feel that way with Karmi, because she's a delicate sort of love... But you're just... irresistible at times, especially when you're in action."

"I don't know what to make of this, Blue. For months I thought you hated me-"

"I have never hated you, Chris. Never."

"It seemed you did... Is this the alcohol or Delfty's drug? Or is this actually how you feel?"

"I switched Delft's drug for water, I knew he'd try it that night. This is actually how I feel, Dutch. It may sound completely unbelievable, but it's true..."

Rembrandt leans over and kisses Marianna on the cheek. "D'you want me to keep this a secret from Karmana?"

Marianna nods. "Just as a matter of principle, Dutch. If she found out, then I'm sure I could persuade her to stay."

Rembrandt smiles. "Of course." He kisses Marianna on the lips and then turns back to the vid-screen just as Delft emerges from the bathroom, wiping his face with a towel. "Quick refreshing wash, Delfty?"

Delft nods. "Something like that. What were you two doing, you look suspicious..."

Rembrandt laughs. "Don't I always look suspicious?"

[CLOSING FILE]