[IC] Mass Effect: Mercenaries

[0Zeroes]

Ghost was at the meeting point first, didn't seem like anyone was there. He had already done extensive scouting and recon to make sure that it wasn't an ambush and that there wouldn't be any dangers inside the building. The building itself was a small warehouse, warehouse 3-12 it was designated. Filled with very little crates and two large containers, he began thinking, "Who is this guy?" "Why in the hell did he pick me?" he asked similar questions like these over and over again while he hid himself from view, he began checking his equipment and waiting for the "Client" to arrive. "What's the worst that can happen?" he mumbled through his teeth.

[MrDidact]

Dorea Y'varti, Kali the Huntress, entered the warehouse. The former Asari commando was loaded for bear as the humans say, her armor and weapons were all clearly equipped. As her mentors had trained her she had thoroughly reconnoitered the area, one did not simply take chances especially when meeting a mystery client on Illium. Normally, Dorea would not have accepted this kind of offer but she had very little choice and the mystery client had been very generous. After decades of working in the Terminus, Kali knew that this situation could be a cover-up for any number of things. Perhaps another Vigilante gathering mercenaries in order to exact vengeance, or any other established Underworld figure who would do the same, perhaps they were to be press-ganged into bondage, and maybe an old enemy had come for her. That was unusual, for enemies had to be alive to plot revenge but it was possible. Any number of deceptions could have been at play.

Even if the situation was a legitimate briefing, it could turn into a brawl depending on the professionalism of the other mercenaries. For her part, Kali would not incite any hostility and as such she kept her weapons (most of them) in plain view and assumed a cautious but non-threatening stance. She had seen someone else enter before her. Her long years of experience under the commandoes had allowed her to spot the other mercenary, no matter what fancy tricks he may have employed. She kept her hands away from her guns and blades but was ready to snap a biotic attack at the first sign of trouble. Kali called out, her voice ringing clearly in the small space, "Who's there? If it pleases you, I'd like you to come out from where you're hiding. This is a meeting, but I doubt the next mercenary wold take well to someone lying in ambush for them. I certainly won't."

[0Zeroes]

"What the hell? " Micheal thought as he walked out to greet the stranger that just casually strode in. "So this is what happens when I accept a mysterious invite promising things that cannot be given." He said through his voice filter. "Meeting? So there are other people coming, tell me asari, how ever did you spot me?" he said through his voice filter. He was curious as to who she was and who else would come. Probably some dead beat mercenaries who are all about pay above all. Whatever, I can always leave at the first sign of trouble, if he is true to his word, I'll put up with whatever lowlifes he puts me with.

[baskets]

"Aria sent me. Get out of my way."

"Who the hell is Aria? That name doesn't mean shit, bitch."

Alexa scoffed. The Eclipse may preach intelligence and deception, but there were a few humans in the Eclipse that completely ruined that reputation. Alexa examined the three mercs that stood in front of her; two asari and the human male blocking her way. The asari had recognized Alexa's name drop; they began stepping back and walking away. They nudged the human, motioning to leave. The human laughed at them.

"What, I'm supposed to accept this crap name drop? Please. Five hundred credits or you're not getting into the warehouses," the merc spat at Alexa. His hand moved towards his pistol slowly, in a clear but subtle threat.

"I'm tired of this. Ladies, if you please. Aria is grateful," Alexa motioned at the two asari mercs. They each grabbed the human by the shoulder, dragging him out of her way. Being Aria's tool, weapon, and plaything could be a drag, but it had its perks. Like this, for example. Alexa smiled sardonically at the Eclipse mercs. "Thank you, ladies. I'll see you around." Alexa entered the warehouse complex.

Within minutes, she had navigated her way to the warehouse she was looking for: warehouse 3-12. She pulled up the schematics of the warehouse on her omni-tool. Alexa had Aria's people scout the whole area electronically. It saved Alexa time and effort that she didn't really feel like putting in. Everything looked normal, but Alexa could clearly hear voices coming from inside the warehouse.

I didn't know this was going to be a party, Alexa thought, charging up a singularity field in her left hand while gripping her Locust in her right. Just in case. She stepped quietly into the warehouse.

Alexa scowled; from what she heard from the conversation, this wasn't a typical hit she had been hired for. This really was some sort of team job. She opened her mouth to speak, when a resounding voice pounded in her head, Remember why I'm sending you. Dammit, Aria. Alexa could be a galaxy away from the woman and her voice would be forever imprinted in Alexa's mind. The flashbacks and memories never ended.

"Here I thought Aria was sending me for another easy job. Instead I get to play nice with you two. I'm Alexa." She let go of her Locust, but kept her singularity charged.

[MrDidact]

Kali arched an eyebrow as the Human came around the corner, Humans were an interesting bunch to say the least. So little time among Galactic society and already they had amassed so much power. The same went for the Underworld. They fascinated her, how much they lived in so short a time. Kali hoped this male would prove to be interesting, mediocrity is a terrible state. Kali smiled and said, "It would appear so." It seemed this human was making an effort to conceal his identity whereas Kali made no such concession, that could any number of things but that was something to be dissected later. She smiled, her red lips parting in genuine amusement, "It used to be part of my job human. A job I mastered long before you were born. It's no mystery at all."

The Asari Huntress heard a woman's voice and turned her head slightly, stepping back so that she could see the new arrival while keeping the man in view. The woman had a singularity charged, and Kali let her arms fall to where she kept a few of her hidden blades. She did not tense up in anticipation but she was ready all the same to biotically charge the woman and lay into her if it came to that. Her introduction piqued Kali's interest. Kali smiled again and her eyes gleamed, "Ah. I've heard of you, the human known as Aria's Fist. You have an excellent reputation Alexa, they say you were as good as I was when I served Aria." Her smile turned mischievous, "I am Dorea Y'varti. But the galaxy at large knows me as Kali. It is my pleasure." If one of Aria's top enforcers was involved this job might prove to be very interesting indeed,

[0Zeroes]

Micheal prepared himself, this is going to fuck up fast. He tensed his grip on his twin Shurikens, Kali? The fucking Huntress? and Aria's Fist? This was not in the job description, "Quick, think Micheal, what would Ghost do? Calm yourself, collect your thoughts and create a plan." he thought with haste. He'd heard of Kali before, as well as Aria's Fist. They are both trained in the art of killing and have extensive experience in the field. Kali was an asari commando and a well known mercenary, and Aria's Fist is known to report to Aria and Aria only. Remember the old saying, "Don't fuck with Aria." Observing the tension in the room, two biotics ready to rip each other's heads off and kill me in the collateral. "I'm just going to speak, I regret nothing." he smiled (although he has a helmet on).\

"Ladies, ladies, it is apparent that all of us had been invited here. Now I'm not questioning your ability to kill everyone in the warehouse, but we are here as esteemed guests of this "Client". Let's not do something we're going to regret." Micheal knew this was most likely not going to work and an argument into a firefight would ensue. Hopefully these mercs have enough intelligence in them to not shoot first, interrogate the dead body.

[baskets]

Alexa dropped her singularity. "I only kill when I'm threatened or when I'm told to. Neither condition has been met," Alexa returned. She began taking slow steps towards the two, eyeing them both carefully. She started with Kali, the Huntress. Everything Alexa knew about Kali she had heard from Aria. Alexa's boss always spoke highly of the legendary Huntress, and often compared Alexa with Kali. "You do things a little differently, but you both get the job done. Don't expect to be best friends with her. You're kind of a bitch, and she's a little bit less of a bitch. But you two would get along fine, I think," Aria had commented on Kali once. Alexa had to physically shake off the feeling of Aria's voice resounding in her head. Alexa nodded at the asari, "I like you. I've heard of you. I can work with you."

Then Alexa began circling around the unnamed helmeted one. She had no recognition of this man, nor did she think she had ever heard of him, and as such immediately began treating him as an unknown threat. Her mind raced, calling upon years of training. Sword, twin Shurikens, primary threat. Viper deadly but ineffective in such close quarters. Fighting style unknown, but he'd rather avoid a fight right now. Smart, or scared? She smirked. Alexa decided the best way to learn something about this one was to challenge him.

"You, however. I don't know you." Alexa quickly closed the gap between herself and the helmeted merc. She kept her hands well away from her weapons, posing no serious threat. "Shit, you sound like a pussy. I don't know what you did to grab the attention of whoever invited us here, but as of right now, you haven't proven your worth to me. I won't kill you. Not yet. But you'd better start giving me reasons to help your ass out if we find ourselves in trouble." Alexa stepped back, shooting a cold glare into the emotionless helmet in front of her. She stopped when she had a reasonable distance between Kali and the helmeted merc. "So who are you?"

[0Zeroes]

"She's challenging me, don't bite, vague answer." He stood there unwavering for a moment, he then holstered his Shurikens. Slowly walking up to her, he said emotionlessly "Worthless? Don't trust me? Why do I have to answer you? If you're trying to get a rouse out of me...... you're not going to get it." saying the last line with emphasis, he stopped walking when he was right in front of her. "I'm not intimidated by you, nor should you think anybody is. Don't delude yourself" He started walking away from her, "They're only scared of Aria. If you think you're going to find out who I am with that pathetic insult, you're worse that I thought you were." He leaned on the nearest stack of crates, "Typically teams like this consist of 4 people, we're stilling waiting on one more person."

"That should get her off my back, hopefully she doesn't retort with a singularity." He stayed there waiting for her response which he predicted wasn't going to be pleasant, Micheal knew that mercs only respected one thing, power. Observing her and the asari still behind her, he awaited their reaction.

[baskets]

Alexa smirked. He had literally invalidated his own argument. "Shit, you're dumber than I thought. If we're gonna be a 'team,' dumbass, then you're gonna need to tell me who you are. I can't work with someone if I don't even know their fucking name," Alexa shook her head. She was about to let it go, when a thought crossed her mind. "I don't think you understand. There is no me. I'm nothing. I'm just a weapon. You haven't told me anything that I don't already know." Alexa stopped smiling. Her vindication backed up every word; Alexa truly believed everything she said. At this point, almost two decades of having her personality crippled and her brain broken down into nothing began to take over Alexa.

"Because you're right. Nobody's intimidated of me. I'm Aria's Fist for a reason. If you think I'm here for any reason other than Aria's will, then you're sadly mistaken. Everything I do is for one purpose, and that is Aria's benefit." When Alexa had finished, she realized she had inadvertently been charging a warp field in her hand. She smashed her palm closed, dissipating the warp field. Alexa was shaking; it wasn't often that she had to vocalize her role as Aria's Fist. It was normally something that was understood by everyone, and this was one of the few times Alexa found herself having to explain that to someone.

"So I'm gonna ask you again. Who are you, and why aren't you a complete waste of my time and Aria's resources?"

[MrDidact]

Kali smirked at the helmeted man, he didn't seem to be an amateur but he definitely wasn't a steeled veteran either, "Don't worry your pretty little head. We're being quite civil here. Cautious but civil. I enjoy meeting new people, I wouldn't worry about a fight." Kali cast a sidelong glance at Alexa and grinned, "Though I do believe this one would put me through me paces should any kind of physical confrontation occur." Alexa did not seem like the promiscuous type, but you never knew and that never stopped Kali before. In her experience, the hard-assed ones could prove to be a lot of fun. Kali had no doubt that Alexa would be a veritable force of nature in a fight, and would be a worthy challenge. But one did not strike a representative of the Pirate Queen without expecting serious reprisals.

The Huntress inclined her head at Alexa, "I'm glad to hear that, I believe we can work together very well. Anyone that has earned such high status among Aria and her company is worthy of admiration and respect." Kali smirked as Alexa began circling the mystery man, that one was a natural predator. Scoping out the new meat and trying to see what he was made of. She did so in a rather heavy-handed manner but Kali had to respect Alexa's directness and no-nosense approach. She was quite like Aria in many ways. She was definitely someone Kali wouldn't mind getting to know better. Kali wondered what it took to get Alexa to lower that steely exterior. Or if her time under Aria had taught her any skills not relating to martial prowess. Kali smiled internally at the thought.

Kali could practically smell the tension building as Alexa confronted the man. Kali stretched out her fingers as the man approached her. Violence might occur and Kali decided that if that happened she would throw her lot in with Alexa. Getting on Aria's good side was always a bonus, and Alexa deserved the professional courtesy as a player of her stature. However the man didn't buckle under the stress or pull a gun, which was a favorable reaction in her eyes. He wasn't as masterful at retorting Alexa's remarks as he could have been but he did well enough. He still had a little bit to learn about this business and how to stand up to his peers. Like not turning your back on a potential enemy.

The man was now across from her and Alexa in front of her, and Kali moved so that she was next to Aria's Fist while keeping a mostly equal distance with both of them, forming a mercenary triangle, though she was standing a little closer to Alexa than to the other man. Having both of them in front of her was the better choice if a fight broke out, but she didn't want to make Alexa uneasy of having a killer behind her. And hopefully her slight favoring of Alexa in her positioning would display solidarity. For the man's sake she kept an amused look on her face. Before the tension could turn into a firefight, she chuckled lowly, "My my for an unknown quantity you certainly have some guts. Let's not make this unpleasant, I doubt the client will be willing to pay whoever survives should we fight. First impressions and all that." Kali grinned and her eyes gleamed at the man, "Though I do believe you would do well to introduce yourself. We shared our identities and we're going to be working together. It's only polite."

[0Zeroes]

"Well, she thinks I'm an idiot now, that's good. But I'm actually out my league here, I might just stop trying to do anything all together. Shit." Micheal was starting to feel a little bit more tensed up, he had never had to deal with this type of situation before. "Fuck it, I'm just going to stop acting, it's clearly not working." "I'm sorry, but I am particularly unable to divulge that type of information, just call me Ghost, if you really need to call me something. *sigh* I have my reason." A single bead of sweat slowly trickled down his face, he looked ahead of him. Both of them were standing in front of him now and formed a triangle. "Both of these guys have experience in this field, you have zero, this is what happens when you bite off more than you can chew, dumbass." He wanted to gauge their reactions at that name, Ghost, probably none. Ghost had tried not to let his name slip but you never know, Aria has some people everywhere. [/i]

Ghost stayed in his position, and shifted uncomfortably. This was going to be a long night.

[baskets]

Alexa nodded. Ghost. Not a name she'd ever come across before. Put that together with the confrontation that had just occurred, and Alexa had almost everything she needed to know about this Ghost. Everything up to how well he holds his own in a firefight. Maybe later she'd try and find out if someone on Omega had some dirt on this guy, but that wasn't as much of a priority right now. Alexa folded her arms, taking note of Kali's apparent olive branch, in both her words and her body language. Not that Alexa was surprised; Aria's word alone almost had Alexa expecting Kali to align with her. Still, Alexa appreciated the gesture.

"Ghost. Alright," Alexa loosened up. Having sized up this unknown variable in the room, she felt significantly more comfortable. Everything was out in the open, and there was now a general agreement that nobody was going to die. Ghost wasn't quite the coldblooded bitch that Alexa was, but there was definitely something in him that piqued her interest. There was something about this guy that made him important; perhaps the fact that Alexa had never heard of Ghost was it. If he could be placed in the same room, in the same calibre, as Alexa and Kali and still be a complete unknown, that definitely stood out as something exemplary. Still, Alexa felt like she was going to have to push this Ghost to his breaking point to get the most out of him. Alexa nodded at Ghost, an unspoken signal that she approved. Ghost might not understand how the game worked in the mercenary world, but he'd learn quickly. Or someone like Aria would come along and tear him apart.

Kali, however, basically ran the game. Alexa and Kali had a similar pedigree - Eclipse, Aria, and some freelance work - but Kali had centuries of experience over Alexa. She didn't show it, but Alexa had to admit to herself that she was in awe of the asari. But, as Kali had said, there was a mutual level of respect there. Alexa turned to face Kali, keeping Ghost in the corner of her eye.

"So Aria's told me some things about you. You're part of a handful of people that I've ever heard her compliment, Kali. But she never went further than your work with her. So tell me," Alexa paused, selecting her words carefully. Aria had never divulged anything about what Alexa was about to ask, but Alexa knew enough about Aria to make the assumption. "How far did your relationship with her go? Was it purely business? Or were you as hopelessly indoctrinated as I am?" Alexa chuckled. Her remark came off as a joke, but it was true. Alexa was basically Aria's pet, at this point. It came with the territory of being an emotionally-broken-since-childhood assassin, Alexa figured.

[MrDidact]

Kali tilted her head at Ghost, men of mystery could go either way in her experience. Either they were hacks with no personality wishing to appear formidable or they were the genuine article that simply wanted secrecy. Only time would tell which this Ghost was. Their mysterious Client had obviously selected Kali and Alexa for their reputation, and that indicated that Ghost had to be in their League in the client's eyes. But then again, as a nom de guerre Ghost wasn't very original. And he seemed quite uncomfortable. Kali wondered what he had done to earn this job. She'd have to start making inquiries. One could never learn to much about anyone, ally or enemy. And Kali still wasn't sure if Ghost was her ally.

It seemed as if Alexa approved of Ghost, or at least didn't despise him. Not killing him was also a good sign. The man definitely had potential, Kali just hoped he'd live to see it fulfilled. As long as he remained on her side of course. Kali kept Ghost and Alexa within easy viewing and she regarded Aria's Fist again. Kali could see so much of Aria reflected into her, the same brusque manner, direct attitude, and unwillingness to tolerate incompetence. And she was quite pretty, as much as a fellow Asari even.

Kali turned her head slightly to face Alexa and smiled in a genuinely pleasant manner. She chuckled melodically at Alexa's question and her violet eyes gleamed, "I'm pleased to hear that. Aria was not the type to give compliments in person, but I'm glad my work was appreciated. I've heard a lot about you on the grapevine, the stories don't do you justice. Not by a long shot," Kali's eyes and smile took on a playful look and she chuckled softly again, "Well I worked under Aria for some time and for a little it was just business. But I was even younger then. I was never as dedicated to Aria as you are, but let's just say that the last of my innocence died under her." Kali grinned, Aria was not anyone's idea of a healthy partner but she was definitely an experience. Kali tilted her head and her voice assumed a 'just-us-girls' quality, "And yourself? I imagine that a gem such as yourself attracted special attention from Aria."

[0Zeroes]

Micheal slowly gauged their reactions, they wanted more information, anything that could give well, anything. Kali is more interested in Aria's Fist currently, but I sense that Alexa (WE DO NOT KNOW SHE IS ALEXA YET, Calling her Alexa for sake of ease) definitely wants to find out as much as she can about me. Micheal wanted let them talk, hopefully he could find some more information about these two women. He tried to act as unnoticeable as possible made sure he could hear the conversations these two will have. Unfortunately, neither of them have an openness or middle ground to him, they might even distrust him. They've both had years of experience in this exact field, Micheal couldn't read them. "I don't even know if they notice what I'm doing or not, but the best scenario is that Kali's eagerness to find out who Alexa is will score me a free pass."

Micheal thought that if any other mercenaries came, he could shift their attention away from him and onto the newcomer. [i]"This is starting to seem like a bad idea, there is a 90% chance that the "Client" isn't going to go through on his promise. Maybe he should just slip away now and go find a more productive way to do his work.

[baskets]

Alexa shifted uncomfortably. It was uncommon that she was faced with such open flattery, and she wasn't sure how she felt about it. Still, Alexa had asked the question first, and it was really only fair that she answer it herself, as well. She struggled for words briefly, as she debated how to go about this. "Well... Like I said before, I'm Aria's tool. For just about anything, I guess," Alexa drifted off weakly. Dammit, girl, shake it off. You've been through tougher shit than a flirty asari, Alexa sighed inwardly. Ironically, Alexa felt like the feeling of being uncomfortable made her more uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable was not a state of being Alexa was used to. Alexa straightened her posture up. It was all in the body language.

"You know how she is," Alexa shrugged, no longer showing signs of discomfort. "Aria's been my boss for six years now. I've been her right hand for about five and a half of them. I guess it helps that I was trained to follow orders without question. Not exactly my intended purpose when the Eclipse broke me in as a kid, but Aria knows how to work everything her way."

Alexa glanced at Ghost. She shook her head. Whatever he was doing in his little corner, she didn't really care. He wasn't openly a threat. Her attention reverted back to Kali. "It's funny. Sometimes I have to remind myself that the reason I signed with Aria was to save my own skin. That my undying loyalty to her hasn't always been around. That there was once a time," Alexa leaned in close, and began to whisper, "that she had to drag my sorry ass to her bed and I didn't willingly follow." She grinned suggestively, leaning back away from Kali. She gave a low chuckle, glancing at Ghost again. He was up to something, but it wasn't enough to make Alexa want to bother him again.

[MrDidact]

Kali, decided that for the moment Ghost wasn't of particular interest. He was unlikely to try anything and if he bolted it would only mean a bigger share of the take. He seemed to be weighing his options and observing their conversation. Quite smart actually, but not a state that Kali found interesting. She thought he would probably open up later as time progressed but if he didn't it was his loss. Kali was a good person to know in more ways than one. She idly wondered when the hell their fourth teammate or their mystery client would show. She decided she'd have to be patient, she needed the money after all.

She also decided Alexa looked quite endearing when she was uncomfortable and uncomfortable she was. Alexa probably wasn't used to this kind of situation the poor dear. Kali decided to keep smiling, but the expression was one of interest and even approval with no trace of mockery. It's not like Kali had never been awkward about this kind of thing, back when she was just Dorea Y'varti things had been much different. When Alexa composed herself Kali took notice and she decided she liked Alexa's confidence even more.

Kali tilted her head and smiled somewhat wickedly, "Oh that is very true. Aria often tries to make it seem as if she's above that kind of thing, but there's a reason she has a few girls with her up in the booth. Why have an employee for just protection if you can have them for more? Aria has always been practical." Poor Ghost, I hope he doesn't feel too left out. Alexa's mention of being abused by Eclipse matched the stories she had heard but Kali didn't let her displeasure and sympathy show on her face, she doubted Alexa was the type to appreciate anyone's sympathy. Kali leaned in when Alexa did and after she spoke Kali covered her mouth and giggled, a reaction that somewhat clashed with her fearsome reputation but there it was. Kali's giggles subsided and she said, "Oh my, there's more to you then meets the eye Alexa. I'm sure you keep Aria very happy," Kali mirrored Alexa's suggestive grin plus change and pitched her voice a little softer, "Though I wonder... if you ever considered following someone else?" Kali winked and her other violet eye twinkled with barely restrained suggestiveness. I wonder what Ghost thinks of this

[0Zeroes]

"Oh shit, openly defying Aria and is she..... flirting with Alexa? What the actual fuck has this meeting come to?." Micheal was confused, little more than confused. What the hell were they doing? Micheal had no idea, he tried his very hardest to stay in his position and keep his mouth shut. Micheal noticed that Alexa was caught off guard and that Kali was using this to her advantage. He decided not to get involved, he had already given up so much information as it is, no use giving up more. What he had found interesting was that Alexa was giving information herself, telling both of us that she had been abused as a child and used by the Eclipse, "Those fucking scum." He had already found that he was gaining alot from this conversation and decided to keep this course of action. "I'm in a better position right now, I guess I'll jus-"
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
(We don't have a full team right now, but I've decided to start with a pre-mission. It'll probably be a couple of full-turns long and I'll be the Client. The reason I'm not making him an NPC is that he kinda leads how the RP goes. I'm open to suggestions on how the Client acts but right now, I'm sticking with a more arrogant. Illusive-Man type guy.)

Micheal's thoughts were cut short when a man appeared inside the warehouse. His body above his chest was hidden with the shadow of crates and containers. "I am the Client, your employer. But it seems that our esteemed fourth mercenary (ShadowD) isn't going to show. All of you were invited here for a reason, and that reason was that all of you are elite. Don't try to come any closer, or you will be shot at and forfeit your reward. Micheal Linn, Alexa Pearce, and Dorea Y'varti, all of you veterans in your field and have proved your worth many times already. Now, I know everyone of your dirty little secrets, and you know none of mine. Don't bother asking your contacts or Aria about who I am, you won't find anything. Now.......... onto business."

[baskets]

Alexa smirked dangerously at Kali. "Sorry, but you'll have to do better than that," Alexa threw her head playfully to the side. Beneath her relaxed, playful demeanor, Alexa was shaking from a multitude of emotions. Part of her wanted to hit Kali for making such a suggestion and effectively challenging Aria for power, while another part of her wanted to run and hide and escape the discomfort she felt. As much as she tried to hide it, Alexa was not exactly enjoying the direction the conversation had gone. It had never been on option to go against Aria like that, and now that the opportunity was presented to her, Alexa only felt the desire to blindly react with violence. She struggled to come up with something else to say in order to hide the fact that she was still incredibly uncomfortable.

Fortunately, the enigmatic Client finally arrived. She compartmentalized the conversation temporarily, focusing her attention to the job at hand. Alexa had to cock an eyebrow when the Client revealed that he knew just about everything about all three of them. Alexa was less impressed that he knew about her; she was fairly well-known throughout the galaxy and was usually very open about her past. What caught her attention was his apparent knowledge of Ghost, or Michael as he had been called. Whoever he was, the Client apparently had an information source comparable to the Broker and the resources to stay as hidden as a dead Commander Shepard. Alexa chuckled silently at that. Aria had not particularly enjoyed the lengths she had gone to to not only locate the Commander's body, but to make sure that she had been approached by the real Commander Shepard.

In any case, Alexa decided it would be best to remain silent. Aria had sent her here to figure out whatever it is was being offered and take the offer if it was worth their time. Speaking out of turn would not exactly be conducive to a successful mission with those objectives in mind.

[MrDidact]

Kali smirked right back at Alexa, "Certainly. I enjoy a challenge." For an idle moment Kali wondered if she had gone too far. Some might see Kali's advances as a challenge to Aria, hell maybe Alexa thought it was too. It certainly wasn't her intention to headhunt Aria's Fist, but Kali had to wonder if Aria was the jealous type. She didn't think the Pirate Queen was, she certainly wasn't a one-partner Asari from what Kali remembered. But who knew what Alexa was really thinking? This line of thinking could become dangerous. But then again so what if it was? Kali wasn't the type to shy away from danger.

She was about to say something else when their mysterious Client walked in. Kali wondered if he really knew everything there was to know or it was all just bluster. Regardless, it wouldn't be wise to test him no doubt he had backup somewhere. Besides, a nobody wouldn't have been able to afford that hefty advance that Kali had gotten. She wasn't so far overwhelmed by the Client but that might change, her past wasn't exactly a secret but one would have needed excellent sources to know about Kali's last love. But then again he might have gotten his information from the Shadow Broker for all she knew. It was best for her and her bank account that she not cross him.

Kali leaned slightly to one side and crossed her arms while she listened to the client speak.

[0Zeroes]

"Great, this guy knows anything and everything about me. If I do anything that might slightly tick him off, he'll probably take a walk down memory lane: Tour de Micheal Linn." Micheal began to think, it wasn't difficult to find out about his past, hell, he didn't even try to cover his tracks until he started running with Ghost. But one thing really started to scare Micheal, what if he knew about his mentor? Even veterans like Kali and Alexa knew nothing about him and maybe even Aria knows nothing about him. But this guy does. "Remember why you're here, you're doing this to help people." Micheal decided that it would be best if he just shut his mouth and not cross the Client in anyway, Alexa and Kali can do all the talking they want, Micheal will just stay in the background.
_____________________________
~The Client

"Not the talkative bunch are you? I'm going to go ahead and ask why you guys aren't talking, it's not professional and just rude. If you guys don't talk I might have to go ahead and say things like how Ghost is just a shadow of his mentor, the actual Ghost, and how his parents died in the C-Sec bombing of 2175. But that's just unprofessional isn't it? Since we don't have a full team, don't actually do anything that will be noticeable, just some pre-work while I hunt down other candidates. Your mission is to completely wipe out a very secretive organization of puppetmasters. They don't have a name so we'll just call them the Puppetmasters, these people have ties to every single illegal activity out there. Slavery, illegal weapons trade, corrupting officials, you name it. There are 4 people in the Puppetmasters, each with their own personal army. I need to get information on all of them and take out each of them and their armies. Before you start actively bringing them down, you would need a full team. I will find more candidates for your team while you, renowned mercs, do some recon. I have put an account with a large amount of funds to aid you in your endeavors, if I need to contact you, I will do so. Until then, goodbye." The Client walked off into the shadows and disappeared, not leaving a single trace of his presence.