Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 4, 2015 1:40:55 GMT
The Russian's hand latched on tightly to the Asari's wrist, holding on as he pulled her through her jump into the craft. Once both her feet were inside the aircar Artyom took his seat at the pilot's controls, hitting the autopilot off and sending the vehicle in a lateral direction away from the building. Arina seemed to realize who was her rescuer a split second later as she tried to scramble out of the still moving aircar, realizing almost too late she couldnt' go back into the fiery apartment as empty space greeted her step. Thankfully she realized her situation soon enough that she didn't go flying out of the aircar.
Artyom grunted, rolling his eyes as Arina started yelling at him, demanding him to put her down, to take her to C-Sec, to let her go immediately. "I can put you back in the apartment," he said, his cold tone failing to tell if his remark was a joke or not. Casting a glance back a large plum of smoke billowed out of the open door at on the balcony, and even with the sprinklers going the flame continued to grown, it's source in the kitchen still burning hot enough to counter the water pouring over it.
His gaze fell from the fire behind them towards Arina. He realized for the first time that she was in fact clothed in nothing but a towel, her scaled skin shivering. Leaning forward he pulled his white business jacket off, and handed it over to the Asari to cover herself with. "Here," he said simply, letting go over his jacket so it draped over Arina. Reaching towards the climate control, he brought the temperature in the compartment up to a more comfortable level for someone who was nearly naked.
"I warned you," he added a second later, taking control of the aircar again and directing them towards the tip of the ward. "I told you that they'd target you, didn't think it'd be this soon though... or through firebombing your apartment."
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 4, 2015 15:52:24 GMT
Arina laughed loud and dry. “You warned me? That’s funny….thanks” She grabbed the jacket and put it over her shoulders like she had earned it. Which she absolutely had.
“You even got me into all of this mess, remember?” She snapped. “By trying to get me into this webbed criminal mess you’re running. And now your goons are after me. Or some goons that are after your goons, I don’t care.”
She looked back at the smoke coming out of the window of her apartment as the aircar banked away. “My place is burning and all because of you! I want my life back, okay?” Arina hugged the jacket a bit tighter and pulled her knees up. She could fight the welling up of tears but could not stop shaking.
“What do you plan to do with me now?” she asked trying to sound clamly. He would kidnap her and try to make her of of his puppets, by means she didn’t even want to think about! If he gets too close I rip his throat out biotically, she promised herself but she wasn’t so sure about it.
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 5, 2015 4:07:48 GMT
Artyom cast a side way glance at Arina as she snapped at him, reminding him of how she got into the mess in the first place. He simply rolled his eyes again, knowing it was no use to argue over the intricacies of what had just transpired. Truth be told she didn't need someone condescendingly trying to correct her or put blame on her. She was right, she had been pushed into the mess which she found herself in, but she'd only invited destruction upon her once she'd left the protection that Artyom and his group had offered.
"Plan to get you to safety," he answered simply, hitting a few buttons on the control panel in front of him and sending the aircar into a slightly steeper than normal dive. Thanks to the mass effect fields and artifical gravity, the change in momentum didn't register for either of them. "And hopefully get you some semblance of a normal life back, or what passes for normal in the diplomatic circles." A light chuckle passed his lips, but he stopped, figuring Arina didn't appreciate any levity in the moment.
It took them a few minutes, but they eventually found their way to back to the Cortis Tower. The "La Cantina" sign glowed a bright neon yellow and orange, advertising the club below. The remaining twenty stories of the tower were actually occupied by an upscale hotel chain that'd just recently found itself bought out by a human company. The two establishments shared a very healthy relationship, including providing a nice penthouse suite for Artyom to use as his living arrangement. A bit too much sometimes for the lone human, but he enjoyed it never the less.
The aircar landed on a small pad near the top of the tower. Across the walk way leading into the building was a clear glass wall, and on the other side his apartment. "We'll get you a change of clothes from the hotel's customer service," he explained. Hitting a button, he popped the door open, and waited for Arina to get out. "We'll get you Earth side soon, and figure out what to do with you from there."
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 5, 2015 16:36:58 GMT
Arina stayed quiet, just snorted in disgust and stared out the window, rubbing her shoulders. Her blood circulation returned to normal and the immediate shock began to wear off and be replaced by what was a subconscious situation awareness. Her diplomatic service instincts began to kick in. It soon became obvious where Artyom was headed. Of course he had no intention to get her to C-Sec or even just down in front of the apartment complex – where C-Sec and fire team must already be on the scene.
She should contact someone, the embassies, C-Sec… tell someone she was safe – well, was she? She painfully remembered that she had placed the omni bracelet which provided the main interface for her omnitool in her bathroom. A stupid thing just now.
With some mild interest she observed the penthouse, obviously Artyom’s den where he was having wild parties with red sand and prostitutes all the time.
She left the aircar with cautious steps, but the clean floor didn’t feel too bad under her bare feet. It was something solid. The way the Citadel worked, even at this altitude there was next to no wind so the feel of elevation was even less obvious.
“What do you mean, earthside? I am not going planetside, I need to get in contact with the Embassies and the apartment manager. You owe me a set of cloths and a vid call, but nothing more.” She said, standing at the entry to the penthouse, hugging the oversized white jacket around her. The hem was just as long as the towel she had wrapped around.
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 6, 2015 21:22:08 GMT
"If you want a normal life back, or at least the semblance of a normal life, heading to Earth is the next step, get you in contact with the Good Doctor and let him sort this mess out for you," Artyom replied as he got out of the aircar an strode past Arina, "besides what are you going to tell them that won't some how wave red flags, 'yeah boss, I got tangled up in some bad shit, and was attacked, oh what do you mean you're auditing my files, no no don't go looking there."
With a wave of his hand the door opened up for Artyom, allowing the pair inside his apartment. Despite it's penthouse status it actually was rather sparse, almost as if it was used for sleeping and nothing more. The layout was very open, giving Arina a perfect view of every part of the suite, save for the bedroom which was sectioned off by full walls. There was a smattering of furniture here and there, enough to keep someone's eyes flowing through out the room as they gazed around, but hardly what one could call decadent decor. There was also no signs of prostitutes and red sad no matter how hard Arina scrutinized the human's abode.
"Listen, I'm trying to set things right, okay," Artyom added a moment later as they stepped into the apartment and right into the living room, "the people who attacked you, they attacked you to set an example, to show what happens to people who work against them, they won't chase you to the ends of the galaxy, but as long as your still on the Citadel you're still in danger."
Artyom began to pick up the pace, heading towards a large desk that was fitted in the corner, turning around two paces into his march. "And I am truly sorry for dragging you into this," he said to Arina in a softer tone, looking her right in the eyes, "now I'm going to make some calls, you're free to use whatever you like, kitchen, data terminal over there, just make yourself comfortable in the mean time."
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 8, 2015 15:08:15 GMT
Arina was surprised at the overall appearance of the apartment. It looked pretty… normal. Not what she had expected from a crime lord at all, a drug lord even. But what did she know about their world really other than occasional portrayal in action flicks. She was of course aware that the real world was different from a Dirk Black movie but still…. Tehse images stuck. She chuckled dryly as she walked a few steps around the living room. The floor felt clean and warm under her feet.
Which reminded her. She needed shoes and a dress. And she missed her tidesbedamned omnitool. If only she had that. “Who the fuck is the Good Doctor? I don’t need a doctor and I really really don’t feel like meeting more of your friends. That asari and her raloi and those two turians were enough of a menagerie, thanks a lot!“
But somehow she wanted to trust him and she thought that was strange. But weren’t there elaborate studies about the relationship between hostages and their captors? Was she a hostage? Would she be free to go?
She eyed the terminal Artyom had pointed at. Was that a test? Was it even a wise decision to walk now? She was entangled into something she didn’t comprehend fully yet, a passenger in some gang war. It wasn’t a question if she wanted to be in that seat or not, she couldn’t wish it away and the incident at her apartment had been way over her head and a very close call.
Go with the flow, Arina, take it as a matter of diplomacy, look at all the angles and let them connect by themselves. Just some gentle steering here and there to make the right chips fall or keep standing at the appropriate moments….
She smiled and some of her self-assurance was back. She walked to a small bar in the living area – nice couch, she thought – and looked at the drinks. She poured herself a Whiskey. That calmed her nerves even more. She took a deep breath and dropped the jacked onto the couch.
“C-Sec will find my omnitool in my apartment and they will start looking for me. They will assume that the attackers took me. And if there’s a real good officer on the case they might track the traffic protocols around the building and will find your skycar’s ID.” She summarized her musings and took another sip, wandering over to the console.
“Who do I call to get some cloths?”
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 9, 2015 5:25:14 GMT
"Yes, and then they'll rescue you and lock me up for a very long time," he quipped back as he headed to the other side of his apartment. He could only imagine her jubilation and how it quickly disappear once she'd been set up to have an untimely accident. As much as her attitude lent to her having an abrasive personality, he had to admit it worked for her. It had to given her job. Of course it also worked against her as he felt his sympathies being tested with each word that came out of her mouth. Still it was his fault she was in this mess, and he owed it to her to at least take her off the playing field.
"Just bring up the hotel's VI concierge, and give it your sizes, they'll send a new outfit up," Artyom shouted across the room as he took his seat. His attention was quickly drawn elsewhere as he pulled up the holodisplay. The orange apparitions and the desk he sat at was almost identical to the one he used down in his office. Even the small flash hidden under the top drawer was in the same place.
The Russian hit a few buttons on his display and a moment later a voice very familiar to Artyom spoke up. "That fire's connected to you isn't it," he human male said in a lighthearted, joking tone- despite the gravity of the situation.
"An informant, she wanted out, they moved on her," Artyom answered, his voice low, "this is the third contact they've hit this month Hyun, and she's the first to survive."
"Yeah, scuttlebutt's putting them moving soon on something, if I was a betting man I'd say it's probably tied to that council session coming up, the more it looks like the Alliance can't handle security in our own home system, the more likely we'll see Hierarchy ships flying in low orbit."
"Makes sense."
"That's now why you contacted me though is it?"
"No," Artyom answered, pausing for a moment as he looked from the display towards Arina, "I owe her away out."
"An appointment with the Good Doctor then huh, I'll see what I can do," Hyun replied, his tone a bit more solemn, "I'll keep in touch, until then get her off the Citadel, things are only going to get worse for your group in the mean time. I'll catch you on the bounce."
"On the bounce," Artyom echoed, hitting a button on the desktop and banishing the screens. Placing his hands behind his head, he sighed, looking up at the ceiling high above his head. Things were in the air at the moment and he really didn't like not knowing what his third or fourth move was going to be. 'Just focus on the here and now' he thought to himself.
"You hungry," he asked, shouting again to Arina.
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 10, 2015 8:56:18 GMT
Arina raised her eyebrows and grinned sheepishly to herself, her back turned to Artyom.
She still had no idea who or what this Doctor was but she didn't feel like in immediate danger so she decided to shift back a gear. This could after all prove to be interesting and valuable. While she wasn't able to record anything this time she could still pay some attention to people and locations, knowledge that could prove valuable at one point.
From Artyom's comment she took it that he felt quite sure about his contacts in C-Sec (or higher) to protect him. She hadn't really expected her comment to shake him anyway, so she shrugged it off.
His conversation eventually offered her a very concerning point though. What was that about the Council meeting and obvious possible danger? This did affect her interests directly and she tensed a bit. As she took it, whoever had attempted to kill her was – at least in Artyom's opinion – also attempting something around the Council session. Maybe sticking around and getting some of his trust wasn't the worst option for now. It was in any case the best she could do, she doubted he'd let her walk just like that. She may get out the door but he had his own hitmen. Obviously.
“Thank you.” she murmured and clicked through the hotel service menu on the console. For a brief monet she felt tempted to go for the most expensive items on the lists just to annoy him but eventually discarded that as childish. She decided on a simple Armali style dress in red and white and a set of simple sneakers with a soft padding. Good in case she had to move fast and the lest likely to hurt her feet without trying them on. Arina pinched in her measurements and the VI indicated a twenty minute delivery time.
Then the asari diplomat in a towel slouched down on the couch and stretched her long legs and sipped from the drink. She didn't really feel hungry but he seemed to be trying to be pleasant so she decided to accept. “Hm. I wouldn't object on a seaweed salad,” she replied with a smile.
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 11, 2015 7:05:49 GMT
"A seaweed salad," Artyom echoed in a befuddled and slightly disgusted tone, as if trying to wrap his mind around the idea of eating anything that was both slimy and stringy. Looking at the back of Arina's head, he rolled his eyes, wondering how attached to the aquatic life the Asari species was. Of course bananas were delicious, which played into horrible misconceptions about human development. Shaking his head, he decided she probably just like slime and gunk in a bowl more than her preferences being based around stereo types.
Standing up, the human sauntered over to his bare kitchen. The counter tops were lined with a few kitchen appliances or cooking tools, but nothing fancy. Opening up the cabinets would have revealed a few canisters and containers, but the human simply went to his fridge. The cylindrical fridge opened up from the top, ascending and releasing a small fog as the cool air was released. "No seaweed," he said with a small laugh, "I've got a very expensive head of lettuce, but no seaweed." Reaching down the Russian hefted out a slightly iced green sphere. It was partially true, with Earth below them it was far cheaper now than before, but still it was somewhat pricey to get it fresh. This particular produce had set him back at least twenty credits and right now all it was doing was sitting there, cryogenically frozen until he wanted a salad.
Of course he knew well enough before hand that he didn't have what she wanted, but was simply looking for something for himself. "I think the hotel has what you're looking for," he added a moment later after putting the lettuce back and searching some more, "go ahead and order room service, already buying you a new outfit."
Artyom fished out his meal, an old take out meal he'd stashed a couple days ago. The polymer container was a milky grey, but after a few minutes in the microwave it had turned clear, a nifty trick to let Artyom know it had been reheated to the right temperature. The smell of spice, grease, and chicken wafted up from his dish as he grabbed a fork and dug into the mix of sauteed vegetables and cuts of chicken breast. He stayed in the kitchen, leaning up against the counter as he eyed Arina, watching her sip at what he figured was whiskey by the color of the liquid in her glass. Of course she'd help herself to his bar.
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 12, 2015 14:40:04 GMT
Now, did Arina hear a bemused undertone in Artyom’s voice? She indeed had expected him to just order something but the man operating his own kitchen when he asked about eating something. Of course he had no seaweed salad. He didn’t look like a seaweed person at all.
“Please don’t bother with room service, it was just what came to my mind first. I have no idea what you have on hand. I am not picky though. I suppose we don’t have time for an extended candle light dinner now anyway?” She said with a smile over her shoulder, turning her face more his way.
“Maybe later, when I have a more appropriate wardrobe – service says some quarter hour – so, what’s available and a tad more substantial than lettuce? Whatever you’re having has an intense aroma.” Of course she was accustomed to quick lunches well enough to recognize at least the basics of microwaved Asian style food.
She would give a lot to be able to order something at the Embassy Of Food now, that small but fun take-away at the heart of the embassy quarters on the presidium. But not in this getup and not in her current situation.
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 13, 2015 4:35:56 GMT
Artyom chuckle lightly through a mouth full of food, a smirk perking up on the corner of his lips. "I suppose given the situation, no a candle lit dinner isn't an option, though given your previously indignant attitude I doubt you'd have given me the time of day if I had asked you out to dinner," he shot back, his tone lighthearted, "if you ask me your attire isn't horrible, I've seen worse, and white fits your teal skin well."
The human rolled his eyes slowly, laughing a bit more as he looked down at his meal, playing at it with his fork. "Not sure if I have anything else at hand," he added, his tone returning to it's more reserved nature as he pushed off the countertop and stepped towards the fridge again. "You can have the rest of this if you want though," he said, placing the container down on the island counter top that surrounded the cylindrical fridge, "best fajita's in town, but sadly I don't have any flour tortilla's left."
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 13, 2015 17:53:33 GMT
Arina wondered what his original intention about her being hungry had been since he didn’t have anything else on hand. But still, sharing food had some meaning in many cultures – most certainly in asari culture – and she was diplomat enough to pay attention and take advantage of such details.
“You are flattering me.” She replied on his comment about her makeshift wardrobe with a grin. She tried to forget how most of her apartment had been burned down by now and wondered briefly what damage the fire extinguishers had done. Would they be already searching for her now? Most certainly.
She rose and strolled over to the kitchen, putting the whiskey glass down on the counter. She shrugged, looking at the leftovers. “Sure, it looks substantial and given my current situation, that’s probably not a bad thing.” She took it without hesitation took a bite. She was no expert, but in her current state it tasted mighty fine and it was calming her stomach. “Not bad” she mumbled with a full mouth, nodding.
She still was leaning at the counter munching, when the door rang. The hotel concierge service most likely.
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 14, 2015 2:49:36 GMT
Artyom pulled the circular hatch up again to reveal the contents of his fridge as Arina left the couch and waltzed over to the kitchen. The shroud of icy fog wasn't as thick as before since the cylinder was withdrawn only partially, giving them access to the "fridge" part of the appliance. Down at the bottom was the frozen goods, effectively the "freezer". The top shelf was devoid of anything substantial. Mostly condiment containers and the lone long neck brown bottle. The second layer was a bit more populated as a few different containers of produce and uncooked meat cuts occupied it. If she wanted anything else he'd have to cook it, which they wouldn't have time for anyways. Reaching for what he thought was leftover container, Artyom pulled the milky plastic box out and opened it up to find out it had been leftovers.
"Okay, yeah that's ripe," he said with a cringe on his face, turning away from Arina and dumping the container in a near by trash chute. With a whir and a thunk the rotten food and container were vacuumed into the receptical and whisked away somewhere that it'd never offend anyone again.
"Well guess it doesn't matter what else I have, glad you like it," the Russian added a moment later as Arina voiced her approval.
Their quick meal was interrupted however as the small chime from the room's VI informed them that there was someone at the door. "I got it," Artyom said briskly, leaving the Asari to eat the remains of the meal he'd had the night before, if she so chose.
Artyom waved the door open as he stepped up to the light grey barrier, retreating into the walls to reveal a Salarian in a black and blue uniform and a grey plastic bag in hand. It draped down from what looked like a hanger, putting the Russian's fears at ease.
"Here's your requested items, the shoes are in the bottom," the Salarian bellhop said in the quick, no-time-to-talk tone that his species tended to take. Grabbing the items from the Salarian, Artyom waved his right hand and gave the man a tip. With a thank you and a quick nod the bellhop disappeared.
"Here, the bedroom and master bathroom are over there," he said as he walked back to the kitchen and handed the bag to Arina. Reaching down he lifted a smaller, clear bag that was attached at the bottom, showing her the shoes. Inside were two flat, white soles that were the sneakers she ordered. Simply standing on them would wrap her feet in a nice pair of athletic running shoes.
|
|
stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
|
Post by stardust on May 15, 2015 15:07:14 GMT
She shrugged at his comment after the search in the fridge. „I'll take what I can get – while I can get it.“ Some lesson that has been working with you, she thought. “Although I have to admit, I'd like to see you work kitchen miracles” She chuckled as she watched his back as he went for the door, she took another bite.
The bellhop was discrete enough not to watch around the apartment. Maybe the people around Artyom usually knew that being too nosy or uncooperative – in their sense – easily ended you up without hands or a heap of ash.
She put the rest of the food down and finished her whiskey, washing the spicy meal down with the liqueur. Alright, she almost felt ready to meet some Good Doctor. Almost curious who or what that was.
“Thanks.” she took the dress and the shoes from him While she couldn't care less about what he would see or didn't, she want into the bedroom. Which was looking similar than the rest of the apartment. “Hm.” She disappeared around the corner and threw the stuff on the bed, her towel next to it. She sniffed the skin on her arms two times, left and right and then winced. She had spent time next to a fire burning plastic.
For a moment she mused and then went straight for the bathroom and looked over the arrangement of what humans called male skin care products and the like. She chuckled at her own face in the mirror, shook her head and turned up the water in the shower.
The affair was hot and short and she stepped out, taking one of Artyom's towels to dry up. Again she chuckled to herself, feeling tempted to use some of whatever perfumes he might have. She knew enough about human males to knew the basics of aftershave. She resisted the urge and instead returned to the bedroom, putting on the dress and slipping into the sneakers. The dress was a tad too long with these shoes but only barely. She bounced a bit, it felt alright.
When she returned to the living room, she was pulling up the long semi-gloved sleeves. “Alright, this is much better. Now. What is the next step?”
|
|
Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
|
Post by Artyom on May 16, 2015 9:40:51 GMT
Artyom simply nodded as Arina gave her thanks and headed to the bedroom. The Russian's eyes caught one last glimpse of the Asari's teal skin as he looked up her legs and to the small of her back before she entered the room, and the door closed behind her. The running shoes were a good call, in his mind, but he wondered why she went with a dress. It would probably look good on her, and given their, hopeful, appointment it was probably a safe choice- but he'd never be caught dead in something that restrictive. Hopefully things would stay relatively calm from here on out.
The human had propped himself up against the counter top. He was expecting Arina to be quick about getting changed, simply sliding the dress on and going commando. That expectation was wrong though as the sound of running water came from the master bathroom. Artyom shook his head. "A shower, a meal, I might as well call it a night cap," he muttered to himself, using the archaic term for a 'One night stand'. He couldn't sit around doing nothing however, and busied himself with his omni-tool.
A few button presses put him through to C-Sec, and an Officer George Hanover. "Hey George, listen I need to know what's going on with C-Sec," Artyom said, speaking at the orange holodisplay. A rather rough hewn man sat on the other side, beard covering most of his face and joined by a neatly combed hair to form the epitome of rugged good looks.
"Come on, Arty, you've got to use the lingo," the man said, cutting Artyom off with a heavy british accent. Artyom just shook his head, urging George to continue speaking. "Well the skinny is nothing, pretty peaceful as is, what'd you do, one of your boys go push a granny into on coming traffic?"
Artyom stood there silently for a moment, letting the implication of what George just said sink in. "Wait, you haven't heard any report about a fire down on the Kithoi ward," Artyom asked. George looked a little confused but shook his head.
"Uh, no, nothing, no reports came through dispatch, no calls for emergency services," George repeated, "What's going on Artyom, if shit's going down and we're not hearing about it then something's really wrong."
"I'm not sure, Hyun should know more, get a hold of him," Artyom replied, moving to hang up the call before stopping as he remembered something, "and just keep an eye on the sky for me will you, I'm heading earthside soon."
George nodded in the affirmative as Artyom closed the feed just in time for Arina to step out of the bedroom, asking what their next step was.
"Right now, getting out of here," Artyom said. Despite his nervousness he maintained the flat, "In-Control" tone he'd used before. He put his hand on the Asari's shoulder and herded her towards the exit, his eyes occasionally glancing towards the picture windows. "There's a small shuttle bay on the underside of the arm, we'll ride the elevator down to the maintenance levels and exit from there." The elevator was just a quick jaunt down the hall way. A sense of relief washed over Artyom as the lift arrived promptly. He hoped that the ride down would be as quick.
|
|