Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jun 4, 2015 5:38:16 GMT
"I trust many people on this station to keep their peace, regardless of who they're speaking to, will I wager money that won't stop the leak of information, no," Mr. Locked replied, pouring himself another cup of tea. He went through the same motion of adding sugar and cream before continuing to speak. "As far as Asari asking questions, they're more than welcome to know where you are, in fact feel free to contact those you trust with that datapad, and no it's not bugged."
"The solution here is simple, you feed me and Alliance information on what's going on in the embassy, and you help remove these particularly troublesome pieces from the game board," he continued, "then things return to normal for you, take that datapad with you, you'll be able to get contact me through that, as can I you-" Mr. Locke, without giving Arina a moment to consider anything or speak, summoned a small holographic panel and with it qued the intercom. "Mr. Ji Kim, will you escort Ms. Caenis down to the lounge your associate Mr. Solokov is currently residing at."
The door behind Arina slid open with a hiss, and the accompanying thud of boots against hard floor gave away Hyun's proximity to the Asari as he walked up behind the Asari. He gave his head a quick tilt towards the door way, silently informing Arina it was time to leave.
"That datapad connects to an untraceable QEC device, you can forward information without worry of it being traced back to you, it also has several encryption programs and dead-drop routines for contacting other's through more convectional means," Hyun explained as they stepped out of the office and towards the elevator. Hyun stepped in side for a brief moment to hit the destination on the control panel before abruptly leaving the elevator before the doors closed.
"Scottie's Lounge, down the hall, near the plaza with the oak tree," he added as the doors closed, and the elevator descended, giving her the instructions on how to reach Artyom.
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jun 4, 2015 19:21:53 GMT
I was pretty clear the man had his way to make clear that an audience was over. But this had not been a particular revelation. So he promised her to get rid of the fraction that had tried to kill her and she had to provide some intel for him to do that. But what set her off was the fact that he had sat "me and Alliance." This was not about him being a figure in a criminal scheme, it was the Alliance as an entity. In fact this was not helping her but making her situation even more impossible. On the outside she remained unmoved but inside she rolled her eyes.
She rose when he called his servant in. "Mr Locke, I hope you can stand up to these words, and I hope you can make this fast." she picked up the pad he had given her. "If I get the feeling, you are dragging this out, or taking too much advantage..." Yeah, no idea what I'll do, but it'll be something. "I enjoyed the tea. Good bye."
The maneuver at the elevator seemed a bit much for her. She sighed in frustration. Maybe she eventually had to go to a backup plan. Right now it seemed she had to go back to her apartment and asses the damage. Call the insurance company and the embassy. They'd help her with a new place and probably get her a hotel in the meantime. and then she would have to think about this and wait for the things that came through this pad. She sighed again, looking at it. She had not yet progressed.
She exited the elevator. Nobody cared about her, obviously she didn't look too weird although she didn't wear what would be her usual get up for such a diplomatic occasion. Arina walked down the hall, found the tree and the bar. And there was Artyom waiting. "Hey. Seems he can work no wonders by flicking his wrist."
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jun 8, 2015 6:33:21 GMT
The lounge was a rather dark affair with the lights dimmed, save for a few lamps that hung from the ceiling over the near by booths that lined the wall of the lounge. This left the holodisplays that lined a good portion of the walls to illuminate the establishment. There were all manner of programs shown as well. Several news broadcasts of varying political alignments played in between displays that show cased sports matches that were just as diverse as the news broadcasts in what types of sports they covered. There were even a few displays set to home decor and cooking channels, and one tuned into a kids stream.
Artyom was propped up against the bar, splitting his attention between a display that had several aircraft racing along the Martian desert, and a new channel that was covering the daily happenings of the Citadel. In one hand he held a mug of amber fluid, and with the other he shoveled a few roasted peanuts into his mouth, crunching away at them mindlessly.
He didn't take his eyes off the two screens above his head when Arina approached. He nodded his head in greeting before shoving another handful of nuts into his mouth. "Did you ask him pretty please," Artyom joked flatly through a full mouth. He picked his mug up and took a long drag on it, clearing the mess in his mouth. "Did you come to any sort of agreement," Artyom asked, not privy to what had been discussed in the closed door meeting.
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jun 9, 2015 17:57:27 GMT
That guy was seriously watching that channel. alright, maybe he had stock in it. Artyom looked quite comfortable in this kind of environment, almost like a casual person, Arina thought.
"No, not exactly. Maybe I should have offered a blowjob." she was snarking back. "Nonetheless I think we have come to an arrangement, yes. It was an offer worth looking into." If he does not keep up to his end, she would not let herself being traded to just another organisation as an informant. She needed time to decide ho to hand her information to the people from secret services. A night or two to think about it and maybe wait for one or two of Locke's requests. See if he really was focusing on their... common enemy of sorts.
"Nice place. I bet this is a favorite of some of the more homesick stationed here." The asari leaned at the bar, next to Artyom.
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jun 11, 2015 10:14:58 GMT
Artyom chuckled at Arina's remark as he shoved another handful nut into his mouth. "Possibly," Artyom remarked, "thankfully he's not a politician other wise he might have taken up the offer." His jest was as much a remark about Mr. Locke character as it was a jab at the often scandalous life of a politician, a habit he often didn't indulge in. The human was used to simply tending to business and business only, but now that he'd stepped aside for the moment he had been left to mellow out a little while he waited and it showed.
"Hmmm, oh yeah," Artyom replied, snapping out of his focus on the displays above. "I'd assume so, though at least Earth's next door, unlike Thessia, or Palavan, or Sur'Kesh, or Tuchanka, as much as I hate having the damned center of the galaxy stationed over Earth, it is nice being so close to home."
The human reached for another handful of bar snacks, but stopped half way only to push the small wooden bowl away, denying himself any more of the easily nibbled on foodstuffs. He took another draw off his beer, draining it closer to the bottom before setting it back down and placing his hands on the bartop. "You want a drink, something better to eat other than left overs, or you feel like heading back to the citadel?"
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jun 14, 2015 8:54:33 GMT
As a diplomat, Arina was very accustomed with being far from what she would call a home. However, part of becoming a diplomat was at least some urge to travel and be confronted with other places cultures and situation. In a way, she mused, had her time on Sur'Kesh been a visit to a sort of home for her, an origin of sorts. The Citadel was the heart of the spider web anyway. But humanity still was not accustomed and not enough generations had passed for them to call them a true intergalactic species. Spread maybe, way too much for some people's tastes even, but not in a way that they called the galaxy itself home. Time would change that.
"While we are here, I definitely would not mind a drink and a meal. What can you suggest here?" It didn't exactly look like a fancy restaurant but the return to the Citadel would be stressful enough. She should think of a story, explaining her absence. Maybe a trip in a shuttle of someone. Not far from the truth, but maybe she should lie about the motive and order of events. Good idea, but at first she had to find out what exactly was the order of events according to official C-Sec reports. and she had to think about an appointment with the TTP of the Shadow Services.
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jun 18, 2015 19:49:50 GMT
"Can't really say, first time I've ever been here, saw it was on the map on our way up to the office and figured I'd just wait here until you were done," Artyom explained. That didn't stop him from at least trying to form some sort of suggestion as to what Arina might like from the establishment. With a quick motion of his fingers a holomenu materialized in front of him. He played with orange apparition, running a single finger over the list as he scrolled down, looking for something satisfying.
"Their burgers sound good, I don't know if you've ever had a burger, so that might be an option," Artyom said, propping his chin on top of his free hand while he continued to scroll through the listing. There was a bit of everything. Unlike some of the more niche restaurants, Scotty's was a pub at heart and didn't bother specializing in any one type of food. They had chicken cuts, beef dishes, pork meals, and a plethora of sandwiches. On top of that their sides were just a numerous it seemed. "Personally I think I'm going to have the tenderloin, haven't had one of those since visiting North America with my ex years ago." With a couple taps of his finger he put in his order and requested a refill of his mug, which summoned the barkeep mech who absconded with his glass only to return it full a moment later.
"Meals on me so order whatever you like."
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jun 20, 2015 15:16:37 GMT
The corners of Arina's mouth curled upwards when Artyon asked her if she knew what a burger was. What would be next? "Do you have that electricity down there on Thessia?" She looked over his shoulder at the menu. "Thanks. I'll go with that classic'o'egg burger. No fries though." While a biotic generally ate more, that meal at his place counted for something.
"If you ever get the chance you should give the Forrest At Night a try, a place on Kitoi, some Thessia home cooking. You must try their mushroom soup and the Nartin Chili." What am I doing here? Fraternization with the head of the crime syndicate. She should be angry at him but he wasn't so bad to be around.
When he was not doing his thing or something, she thought. From the corner of her eye she caught a singing hotdog on an ad in one of the terran vid channels. It strangely reminded her of a dish she had been served in Mulla Xul.
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jun 24, 2015 8:37:38 GMT
"Burger it is," he repeated as she gave him her choice. He quickly tapped at the projected display, poking the meal that Arina had indicated. He ordered is a la cart, as per her request for no fries. He wasn't sure if she wanted a drink, and decided if she did she'd order something from the bar. With both their order in place all the two had to do was wait for the meal.
"Forrest at Night, Kitoi ward," Artyom echoed, nodding his head in thought as he tried to recall ever seeing the place. Nothing turned up in his head, and figured he must not have seen the restaurant, or if he had only in brief passing in his aircar. "I'll have to go sometime and try it out, have to admit I haven't tried any dishes from Thessia," he added, folding his arms in front of him on the bar top while he waited. His attention was split between the races, the news, and Arina at that point.
"When I do I'll let you know, and you can advise me what other dishes might be good to try along side the mushroom soup and the Nartin chilli," he remarked with a chuckle, and maybe just a little bit flirtatious tucked in there.
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jun 25, 2015 16:38:48 GMT
“It’s a place with great attention to detail to create the immersion that your sitting in a real forest. The open kitchen is a sort of a hearth in the middle and alcoves are places along the walls.” She shrugged. “It gives the feeling of home. Well, if you’re not from the polar regions.” Nodding towards the screens she added “So, you’re interested in racing? I suppose a person like you might have investments in a team or something?”
It was good to get her mind off the fact that just a few hours ago someone was trying to kill her in a ball of fire. But eventually she had to get back to the Citadel and report in. While Artyom probably would let her use his omni, she had no intention to do that. She’d stick with the romantic shuttle tour or something.
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jun 29, 2015 7:58:11 GMT
Artyom imagined the restaurant as best he could, picturing the hot stoves and ovens, or whatever Asari used for cooking, in the center while the outer perimeter was lined with tables and seats all tucked into small alcoves. It might not have been the tropical environment he often fetishized but it still sounded enticing never the less. Definitely worth a look.
Arina's question didn't register at first, causing him to cock his head slightly as he realized what she was talking about. "Oh, nah," he said simply, shaking his head briefly before taking another pull off his drink.
"I was a marine for eight years, but I didn't join the Alliance directly, age seventeen I enlisted in the Russian Federation as part of the VKO," he paused, realizing the acronym didn't mean anything to Arina, "air and space defense force, glorified colony guards basically, and part of the training includes operating shuttles and strike craft, got a taste for flight there."
At that point a serving mech plodded along from the kitchen, joining it's bartending brethren for a brief moment as it deposited the two meals in front of the pair. The food looked decent enough, despite how quickly it was prepared. The Russian flipped the bun on his sandwich over, and reached for the ketchup bottle near by. The top popped as he twisted it, tilting at a forty five degree angle to let the red paste flow out.
"Was out for a flight when I spotted your apartment on fire," he admitted, lowering his tone in respect, "trying to clear my mind of things."
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jun 30, 2015 17:11:53 GMT
“I’m pretty sure your mind was distracted from whatever you wanted to clear it from.” She replied with a grin. Arina closely observed the methodical procedure with which Artyom was treating his burger. Of course she knew about various sauces. Funny thing, grilled meat and tasty sauces in various arrangements was something almost all civilizations had developed on one way or another. Just the elcor had gone somewhere completely differet in that regard.
“I got a taste of your flying, let’s just say you qualified in my eye. Did you see any combat in the war?” Why not share a few stories while she was eating. She checked her own burger and added some sauce as well. This was going to be messy but it was a messy day already.
She bit into the affair with some caution, sensing the sauce spreading in the corners of her mouth. The meat had a distinctive smoky taste. Probably fake as she couldn’t imagine the place using open fire and smoke. Juice trickled over one of her fingers and dripped onto the plate. He put the burger down again to clean herself up a bit with a napkin.
[great. Now I am hungry and want a burger…]
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jul 2, 2015 8:37:18 GMT
Artyom rubbed the bun over the top of his tenderloin, spreading the dollop of sweet ketchup around, listening to Arina speak. The breaded patty was nearly as big as the plate with the buns to match, making the task of eating it a little bit hard at first. The Russian lifted the sandwich up and took a small portion off the overhanging cut, giving him a bit more room to attack it fully, putting in two good bites before taking a pull off his drink.
"Ha, which war," Artyom chuckled with his mouth full, muffling his laughter and words. He paused for a few moments to finish chewing before swallowing his bite, and chasing it down with another swing.
"I'm guessing you're asking about the Reaper war, yeah I did see combat but it wasn't with the Marines," Artyom answered, going in for another bite before continuing with his mouthful again, "I was leading a group of mercenaries called the Black Krokodils, primarily ground operations, had a few of my old squadmates working with me as well, one you've already met."
"What about you, what were you doing during the war," he asked, his mouth finally clear of debris.
(Haha good, you and me both)
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stardust
Adventurer
Name: Arina Caenis
Race: Asari
Occupation: diplomat
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Post by stardust on Jul 3, 2015 4:03:01 GMT
Now it became a bit clearer to arina where his connections were coming from. That explained so much. “I see.” She just said, while chewing. “You have translated your business into the new times? I soppose the name was staying for old times’ sake.”
She shrugged at his question, smiling. “I was stuck on Niacal, don’t know if you’ve ever been to the place. After the bigger settlements were evacuated, it was jungle guerrilla warfare. I was mostly responsible for coms and logistics. There were a lot of mouths to feed and coordination of ops was a nightmare. We relied a lot on messenger relays instead of long range radio” She shrugged again. “I have seen a few reaper creatures however.”
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Artyom
Adventurer
Name: Artyom Solokov
Race: Human
Occupation: Business Owner
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Post by Artyom on Jul 7, 2015 6:34:18 GMT
Artyom took another large bite out of his sandwich as he tried to think of Niacal was familiar at all. The Alliance had done a fairly good job giving their soldiers an education on the various exoplanets that they might find themselves on, but there were so many planets out there that being aware of all of them was impossible. That left Artyom's interstellar knowledge primarily to human colonies and what planets he'd seen during his service, both with the Alliance and outside the miliatary.
"Can't say that I have," Artyom replied, listening to Arina as she explained how the planet's defense force resorted to gurilla tactics once the major population areas had been evacuated, though Artyom read that as harvested as well. He wasn't that surprised she'd taken up working the logistical side of things. No doubt her diplomatic experience provided her with suitable skills in making sure things were arrange properly.
"I can imagine, our group was usually deep insertion ops, no base of operations planetside, but I'm well aware of how much it takes to keep a group fighting," he replied, glancing over at Arina. He laughed at her remark of seeing a few Reaper abominations while she was on Niacal. "Did you argue them to death," he asked, chuckling, "joking of course, how'd that go down?"
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