Post by Xavier Cross on Mar 15, 2019 11:43:42 GMT
2185. Still on the Citadel, Inner Council Space
Xavier Cross, now with his new nickname, and his Drell Squadmate, Dean Harper, make their way through the crowded corridors of the sketchier parts of the Citadel. Batarians shooting Xavier and Dean shitty glances, Batarians really never got along with anyone. Grunts for most gangs, space pirates, just the worst kind of people. Naturally aggressive, all that good stuff. Keeping his eyes ahead, this wasn’t the first time he had to shrug off the shitty looks from the four-eyed fucks. Dean leans over, whispering towards Cross.
Dean Harper: “You should really ditch the Alliance armor, it’s one thing to be a human out here, but flying your flag, it doesn’t usually end well. That cute little symbol turns into a sniper’s target…”
Xavier Cross: “I’d rather not Dean, I don’t know what kind of shit-show the Drell’s pull, but this symbol, these colors, there is a bit of pride there.”
Dean Harper: “And look where that pride got you…”
Dean had him there, biting his tongue. Xavier just closed his lips, as the repeated thudding of dance music bass begins to grow louder. Dean walks a slight dance in his step to the music, as Xavier groans. If this was the second in command, Cross was terrified to meet the rest of the crew.
Dean Harper: “Lighten up a bit soldier, we aren’t on the clock.”
Xavier Cross: “Yeah, never was the biggest fan of Chora’s Den…”
Dean Harper: “Why’s that boyscout?”
Xavier Cross: “Will you stop coming up with ridiculous nicknames for me!”
Cross grew flustered with Dean, who just laughs as they walk up towards the bouncer.
Bouncer Krogan: “Harper!”
Dean Harper: “Hey big fella!”
The Krogan eyes Cross
Bouncer Krogan: “Who’s the meat sack?”
Dean Harper: “Fresh meat, we’re here to check on the Commander, any issue?”
The Bouncer Krogan points slightly down one of the corridors to a man, who’s been beaten unconscious.
Bouncer Krogan: “Learned the hard way not to get disrespectful with the Commander and the girls...It seems every time The Pack comes here, everyone feels safer, but there is always a higher repair bill.”
Dean Harper: “Can’t make a Salarian omelet without breaking a few eggs.”
The large Krogan bouncer and Dean high-five, if you didn’t get that joke, Salarians once helped promote the Krogan race, a ravage group of warlords to battle a giant space spider race. That’s another story, point being, Salarians basically neutered the Krogans, Salarians are a lizard-reptile-salamander like folk, super smart, short lifespans. Thus breaking their eggs would be a wonderful past time and part of a healthy meal for a Krogan.
Dean walks in, as Xavier follows suit but the Krogan bouncer stops him putting a hand on his shoulder.
Bouncer Krogan: “You’re in good hands kid.”
Oh just great, to the underbelly of the world, these people are seen as heroes. Maybe that’s why the Admirals sent me here, I’m going to reign these wild stallions in, and help turn this into the fittest fighting force known to any galaxy!
Xavier shakes his head, getting out of the daydream as Harper stands there looking at him with his big eyes.
Dean Harper: “Daydreaming Sweetheart?”
Xavier Cross: “Just trying to figure out what self-respecting alliance Commander would spend their free time in a place like….This…”
Xavier looks down at his boots, imagining the terrible and disgusting things he was stepping in currently. Looking around, Xavier looks confused and a bit annoyed.
Xavier Cross: “So where is the Commander?”
Dean takes a few steps, before pointing over at a high-stakes game of cards.
Dean Harper: “I told you, blowing steam off. Let’s watch…”
Xavier Cross: “Which one is?”
Dean Harper: “I said just watch, c’mon I’ll buy you a drink.”
Xavier Cross: “TM88 Peruvian Whiskey. Neat.”
Dean Harper: “Expensive and good taste. I got my eye on you…”
Xavier groans slightly, taking a seat, keeping his eyes trained on the table. Looking at each gambler with interest, looking at what general qualities might lead them to be a good Commander. Any information back at home for Commander MacDonnough’s file was all classified, above his clearance level. In all his time, Xavier has only heard about the Commander, now that he ponders it. Not even in passing had he met the Commander.
Making his way back to the table, Dean sets a whiskey down for Cross, holding his own drink in his hand, looking at Xavier, then glancing at the table.
Dean Harper: “The Commander is pretty cool right?”
Xavier quickly drinks from his glass, looking over at Harper. Xavier then realizes that Dean doesn’t know that Xavier doesn’t know which one the Commander is. His eyes grow wide, as he turns his attention back to the table, and begins to study each person. Until his eyes settle on a large, broad shoulder man, a scar running down his cheek onto his neck. Five o’clock shadow. That had to be him...Oh…
Xavier Cross: “Oh no…”
Dean Harper: “Oh no…”
The smallest one at the table, a spitfire redhead, a few scars of her own, and golden eyes that glowed, grabbed the large man Xavier had pinned as his new commander, by the back of the head, slamming him face first into the table. Xavier and Dean both leap to their feet and rush over to the table.
Xavier Cross/Dean Harper: “Commander no!”
Commander Rowan MacDonnough: “COMMANDER YES!”
Xavier stops in his tracks, looking at the actually Commander. Who looks up at Dean, a twisted look in her eye as she slams the man’s head into the table once more, as Dean rubs the back of his head looking at Xavier.
Commander MacDonnough: “We...do...not...cheat...at...cards!”
Tossing the man aside, Rowan shakes her head, finishing her drink, before leaning forward with her Omni-Tool. Hitting a few strokes on the pad.
Commander MacDonnough: “I think we can all agree these credits are mine. And, as always fellas. It’s been lovely...Someone clean this up!”
She motions with her thumb at the large, unconscious cheater as Xavier stands there looking absolutely stunned. Dean puts a hand on his shoulder.
Dean Harper: “Commander, this is Lieutenant Commander Xavier Cross, Xavier Cross, this is Commander Rowan MacDonnough…”
Commander MacDonnough: “Close your mouth LT, you might get uppercut and lose your tongue…”
Xavier Cross: “I...uh...uh…”
Commander MacDonnough: “I thought the dossier said he was experienced, looks like just a blue brat to me…”
Dean Harper: “Well, it was a special request from Admiral Cross.”
Commander MacDonnough: “Oh yeah, this is Grandma’s kid...I almost forgot about that…”
Xavier Cross: “Wait Wha-”
An explosion rocks the club, as the doors fly off as the Krogan Bouncer stumbles forward, riddled with wounds. Rowan, Dean, and Cross all turn to face it, as a slurred, gravely voice fills the room. Vorcha, basically your worst nightmare of an alien, mixed with the concept of being space’s version of roaches.
Vorcha Leader: “COMMANDER MACDONNOUGH! PREPARE TO DIE!”
The three turns to look at each other, as somewhere, at some point in time, the forgotten classic ‘Sabotage’ by The Beastie Boys begins to play. Cross charges forward leaping over the bar, as Dean leaps behind one of the booths. Commander MacDonnough steps forward, kicking a table over, grabbing one of the exotic Asari dancers from harm’s way, as people begin to panic and rush around as the club fills with gunfire.
Commander MacDonnough: “Time to prove your worth LT, either cover me or make something strong behind that bar there...and you…”
The Commander looks at the dancer.
Commander MacDonnough: “You just stay right here…Harper, let’s burn it down…”
Grabbing his pistol, Xavier leans against the bar looking around, finding a bottle of Burukh, a drink that Krogan’s light on fire, before blowing out, then drinking while it’s still hot. Throwing the bottle into the air, Xavier turns to fire his pistol, hitting the bottle right in the air as the liquid showers down on the Vorcha attackers. Rowan rolls out of cover, throwing a biotic attack. You see, the Commander wasn’t just brutal, she was a biotic, which basically using a special and rare element called Element Zero, they’re able to manipulate a Mass Effect field using Dark Energy. Super science magic that really hurts. Xavier watches as Commander MacDonnough lifts up the attacks using a large scale mass effect field, as Dean turns aiming his omni-tool before launching a tech blast, it was an attack called Incinerate. As the blast hits the Mass Effect field, it would normally trigger a small explosion, but since Xavier had shot a highly flammable liquor...It caused a massive fireball.
Coughing a bit, Xavier hops over the bar looking around, as the smoke begins to clear.
Commander MacDonnough: “I hate the smell of burning Vorcha…”
Dean Harper: “Impressive shot Sweetheart…”
Commander MacDonnough: “Sweetheart? Looks more like a Kid to me…”
Dean Harper: “C’mon, he’s kinda cute in the 'I try really hard way'.”
Commander MacDonnough: “I don’t see it Dean, he’s just...Kid just fits him…”
Xavier Cross: “I HAVE A NAME!”
Commander MacDonnough: “See, Kid works, he’s already throwing a tantrum…”
Realizing he was getting nowhere quick, Xavier just surrendered to the fact that no one would call him by name at this point. Looking around, Dean speaks up.
Dean Harper: “Shall we take our leave, before C-Sec shows up, and starts asking questions…”
Commander MacDonnough: “Fantastic idea Harper. Welcome aboard Kid.”
Xavier Cross: “Thanks….Commander…”
Dean puts his arm around Xavier, smiling a bit.
Dean Harper: “I told you the Commander was something special…”
Xavier Cross, now with his new nickname, and his Drell Squadmate, Dean Harper, make their way through the crowded corridors of the sketchier parts of the Citadel. Batarians shooting Xavier and Dean shitty glances, Batarians really never got along with anyone. Grunts for most gangs, space pirates, just the worst kind of people. Naturally aggressive, all that good stuff. Keeping his eyes ahead, this wasn’t the first time he had to shrug off the shitty looks from the four-eyed fucks. Dean leans over, whispering towards Cross.
Dean Harper: “You should really ditch the Alliance armor, it’s one thing to be a human out here, but flying your flag, it doesn’t usually end well. That cute little symbol turns into a sniper’s target…”
Xavier Cross: “I’d rather not Dean, I don’t know what kind of shit-show the Drell’s pull, but this symbol, these colors, there is a bit of pride there.”
Dean Harper: “And look where that pride got you…”
Dean had him there, biting his tongue. Xavier just closed his lips, as the repeated thudding of dance music bass begins to grow louder. Dean walks a slight dance in his step to the music, as Xavier groans. If this was the second in command, Cross was terrified to meet the rest of the crew.
Dean Harper: “Lighten up a bit soldier, we aren’t on the clock.”
Xavier Cross: “Yeah, never was the biggest fan of Chora’s Den…”
Dean Harper: “Why’s that boyscout?”
Xavier Cross: “Will you stop coming up with ridiculous nicknames for me!”
Cross grew flustered with Dean, who just laughs as they walk up towards the bouncer.
Bouncer Krogan: “Harper!”
Dean Harper: “Hey big fella!”
The Krogan eyes Cross
Bouncer Krogan: “Who’s the meat sack?”
Dean Harper: “Fresh meat, we’re here to check on the Commander, any issue?”
The Bouncer Krogan points slightly down one of the corridors to a man, who’s been beaten unconscious.
Bouncer Krogan: “Learned the hard way not to get disrespectful with the Commander and the girls...It seems every time The Pack comes here, everyone feels safer, but there is always a higher repair bill.”
Dean Harper: “Can’t make a Salarian omelet without breaking a few eggs.”
The large Krogan bouncer and Dean high-five, if you didn’t get that joke, Salarians once helped promote the Krogan race, a ravage group of warlords to battle a giant space spider race. That’s another story, point being, Salarians basically neutered the Krogans, Salarians are a lizard-reptile-salamander like folk, super smart, short lifespans. Thus breaking their eggs would be a wonderful past time and part of a healthy meal for a Krogan.
Dean walks in, as Xavier follows suit but the Krogan bouncer stops him putting a hand on his shoulder.
Bouncer Krogan: “You’re in good hands kid.”
Oh just great, to the underbelly of the world, these people are seen as heroes. Maybe that’s why the Admirals sent me here, I’m going to reign these wild stallions in, and help turn this into the fittest fighting force known to any galaxy!
Xavier shakes his head, getting out of the daydream as Harper stands there looking at him with his big eyes.
Dean Harper: “Daydreaming Sweetheart?”
Xavier Cross: “Just trying to figure out what self-respecting alliance Commander would spend their free time in a place like….This…”
Xavier looks down at his boots, imagining the terrible and disgusting things he was stepping in currently. Looking around, Xavier looks confused and a bit annoyed.
Xavier Cross: “So where is the Commander?”
Dean takes a few steps, before pointing over at a high-stakes game of cards.
Dean Harper: “I told you, blowing steam off. Let’s watch…”
Xavier Cross: “Which one is?”
Dean Harper: “I said just watch, c’mon I’ll buy you a drink.”
Xavier Cross: “TM88 Peruvian Whiskey. Neat.”
Dean Harper: “Expensive and good taste. I got my eye on you…”
Xavier groans slightly, taking a seat, keeping his eyes trained on the table. Looking at each gambler with interest, looking at what general qualities might lead them to be a good Commander. Any information back at home for Commander MacDonnough’s file was all classified, above his clearance level. In all his time, Xavier has only heard about the Commander, now that he ponders it. Not even in passing had he met the Commander.
Making his way back to the table, Dean sets a whiskey down for Cross, holding his own drink in his hand, looking at Xavier, then glancing at the table.
Dean Harper: “The Commander is pretty cool right?”
Xavier quickly drinks from his glass, looking over at Harper. Xavier then realizes that Dean doesn’t know that Xavier doesn’t know which one the Commander is. His eyes grow wide, as he turns his attention back to the table, and begins to study each person. Until his eyes settle on a large, broad shoulder man, a scar running down his cheek onto his neck. Five o’clock shadow. That had to be him...Oh…
Xavier Cross: “Oh no…”
Dean Harper: “Oh no…”
The smallest one at the table, a spitfire redhead, a few scars of her own, and golden eyes that glowed, grabbed the large man Xavier had pinned as his new commander, by the back of the head, slamming him face first into the table. Xavier and Dean both leap to their feet and rush over to the table.
Xavier Cross/Dean Harper: “Commander no!”
Commander Rowan MacDonnough: “COMMANDER YES!”
Xavier stops in his tracks, looking at the actually Commander. Who looks up at Dean, a twisted look in her eye as she slams the man’s head into the table once more, as Dean rubs the back of his head looking at Xavier.
Commander MacDonnough: “We...do...not...cheat...at...cards!”
Tossing the man aside, Rowan shakes her head, finishing her drink, before leaning forward with her Omni-Tool. Hitting a few strokes on the pad.
Commander MacDonnough: “I think we can all agree these credits are mine. And, as always fellas. It’s been lovely...Someone clean this up!”
She motions with her thumb at the large, unconscious cheater as Xavier stands there looking absolutely stunned. Dean puts a hand on his shoulder.
Dean Harper: “Commander, this is Lieutenant Commander Xavier Cross, Xavier Cross, this is Commander Rowan MacDonnough…”
Commander MacDonnough: “Close your mouth LT, you might get uppercut and lose your tongue…”
Xavier Cross: “I...uh...uh…”
Commander MacDonnough: “I thought the dossier said he was experienced, looks like just a blue brat to me…”
Dean Harper: “Well, it was a special request from Admiral Cross.”
Commander MacDonnough: “Oh yeah, this is Grandma’s kid...I almost forgot about that…”
Xavier Cross: “Wait Wha-”
An explosion rocks the club, as the doors fly off as the Krogan Bouncer stumbles forward, riddled with wounds. Rowan, Dean, and Cross all turn to face it, as a slurred, gravely voice fills the room. Vorcha, basically your worst nightmare of an alien, mixed with the concept of being space’s version of roaches.
Vorcha Leader: “COMMANDER MACDONNOUGH! PREPARE TO DIE!”
The three turns to look at each other, as somewhere, at some point in time, the forgotten classic ‘Sabotage’ by The Beastie Boys begins to play. Cross charges forward leaping over the bar, as Dean leaps behind one of the booths. Commander MacDonnough steps forward, kicking a table over, grabbing one of the exotic Asari dancers from harm’s way, as people begin to panic and rush around as the club fills with gunfire.
Commander MacDonnough: “Time to prove your worth LT, either cover me or make something strong behind that bar there...and you…”
The Commander looks at the dancer.
Commander MacDonnough: “You just stay right here…Harper, let’s burn it down…”
Grabbing his pistol, Xavier leans against the bar looking around, finding a bottle of Burukh, a drink that Krogan’s light on fire, before blowing out, then drinking while it’s still hot. Throwing the bottle into the air, Xavier turns to fire his pistol, hitting the bottle right in the air as the liquid showers down on the Vorcha attackers. Rowan rolls out of cover, throwing a biotic attack. You see, the Commander wasn’t just brutal, she was a biotic, which basically using a special and rare element called Element Zero, they’re able to manipulate a Mass Effect field using Dark Energy. Super science magic that really hurts. Xavier watches as Commander MacDonnough lifts up the attacks using a large scale mass effect field, as Dean turns aiming his omni-tool before launching a tech blast, it was an attack called Incinerate. As the blast hits the Mass Effect field, it would normally trigger a small explosion, but since Xavier had shot a highly flammable liquor...It caused a massive fireball.
Coughing a bit, Xavier hops over the bar looking around, as the smoke begins to clear.
Commander MacDonnough: “I hate the smell of burning Vorcha…”
Dean Harper: “Impressive shot Sweetheart…”
Commander MacDonnough: “Sweetheart? Looks more like a Kid to me…”
Dean Harper: “C’mon, he’s kinda cute in the 'I try really hard way'.”
Commander MacDonnough: “I don’t see it Dean, he’s just...Kid just fits him…”
Xavier Cross: “I HAVE A NAME!”
Commander MacDonnough: “See, Kid works, he’s already throwing a tantrum…”
Realizing he was getting nowhere quick, Xavier just surrendered to the fact that no one would call him by name at this point. Looking around, Dean speaks up.
Dean Harper: “Shall we take our leave, before C-Sec shows up, and starts asking questions…”
Commander MacDonnough: “Fantastic idea Harper. Welcome aboard Kid.”
Xavier Cross: “Thanks….Commander…”
Dean puts his arm around Xavier, smiling a bit.
Dean Harper: “I told you the Commander was something special…”
Well howdy there pardner.