misswhiskers
Traveller
Name: Michelle Rondor
Race: Human
Occupation: Charity worker
|
Post by misswhiskers on Jul 15, 2014 14:26:20 GMT
Anachronistic hipster glasses firmly in place, Michelle Rondor stepped in the Leaving The Ducts office in Tayseri. Originally a middle sized appartment bought for a ridiculously low price, it had become a safe space for many Citadel orphans, the so-called duct rats, away from the gangs that preyed on them. For many of them LTD is the gateway to a modicum of safety, education, and a better life, more often that not off station.
Of course the entire organization was founded on lies, as a front to maintain a Citadel agent for a Terminus slaving company. During the year she worked there she had been helping kids during the day and spent some long evenings discussing the finer points of contracts between Slaves4Us and some Terminus lords who figured that the Citadel was a place where they could conduct negotiations without their enemy coming to shoot up the place. No merchandise handover happened in C-Space, just heavily talk, usually disguised as something entirely benign. This helped "Michelle"'s conscience some.
She had been back in LTD three days already, and had realized that despite the lie this place felt more like home to her that her hastily reconstructed house in Dijon where she had spent her vacations for more than a month.
Since her return she had been mostly getting up to speed with Laykalar's work filling for her in her absence. The young hanar had been doing an excellent job, but there was one problem... He was hopelessly nice and polite. He had let the kids run all over him repeatedly, and Michelle had already stepped in several time to enforce some order once again. His sweetness was not really a character trait she was in a hurry to see him lose however. She had missed this kid.
She started checking today's calendar on a datapad while sipping her tea. What she saw shocked her.
- Wait... That can't be right... Laykalar, we have a meeting planned with Mr and Mrs Snow??
The departure of Julian Snow was a bad memory, one of the main reason she had needed this vacation. This appointment couldn't be a coincidence.
|
|
|
Post by waveshavebroken on Jul 16, 2014 21:35:52 GMT
Laykalar was moored by his desk, reading over reports from the Presidium Laudatix on the aftermath of the Durana incident. Most of them seemed to either downplay Leaving the Ducts or present it in a fairly neutral light, which he supposed was satisfactory. His first time taking charge had seen its odd tides and surprises but he'd navigated through it all. Just another storm to endure, as that delightful turian song said. (He'd listened to it thrice over, analysing the lyrics).
There was a slight shimmer of distant contentment, were anyone watching; pride could keep Laykalar going for a surprisingly long time. Humility was so ingrained in hanar that the emotion burned low and therefore long, a gradual release rather than the hectic blasts of enthusiasm he was otherwise known for. He'd been happy, though, when things returned to normal with Rondor's return. While a taste of responsibility had been very engaging, he hadn't been able to truly apply himself to what he knew was by rights another's role. That would have been most presumptuous of him. Part of him was always resisting the full immersion, and he was glad to pass the charity back into the human's grasping appendages, a little out of shape but definitely healthy.
Rondor's exclamation took him slightly by surprise.
"The other is quite correct! This one has marked it on the calendar system with the symbol signifying great importance". There was the slightest sense of shyness in his next words. "It thought such a gesture appropriate".
|
|
misswhiskers
Traveller
Name: Michelle Rondor
Race: Human
Occupation: Charity worker
|
Post by misswhiskers on Jul 17, 2014 15:25:02 GMT
Snow's departure was a sore point for Michelle, but she hadn't talked about it with Laykalar yet, mostly because she was concerned that he would ask what exactly happened with Snow.
"Ho, it was nothing", she imagined answering. "I just risked his life in a slaver shootout because I was concluding shadow deal with for one of those organizations!" No, that would not do at all.
She felt guilty however, the hanar was a sensitive creature, and he had become good friend with the ex marine. His replacement as head of security, a raloi named Shaart, had also moved on after a few weeks. It wasn't a big surprise considering his laconic nature, but apparently he had been grateful for the experience. She actually had a meeting planned later with a representative of the security firm Single Order Solution for a small security contract. Leaving The Ducts had suffered local gang hostility many times, and right now they were absolutely vulnerable. It still felt weird to her to replace Snow. As grating as he could be, they had started this together and he had risked (and suffered) a lot for the kids. Many of them still asked about him.
"So huu, are they his family? What did they say when they booked the meeting?" she finally asked.
|
|
snow
Traveller
[TI0]
Name: Julian Snow
Race: Human
Occupation: EVA specialist/troubleshooter
|
Post by snow on Jul 19, 2014 4:36:31 GMT
"Welcome to the Citadel, you are currently in Tayseri Ward. Please have your identification and travel visas at hand please..." The VI droning as the passenger liner began to empty out, the line of people emerging towards the security checkpoint, one middle aged couple nearing old age were amongst the crowd, their attire distinguishing them from the mostly professional/tourist crowd. The man was distinguished not just by his height and striking dark grey eyes, but by his attire when compared to the other passengers. He was clad in work jeans, cowboy boots, a button down flannel shirt and a red/brown rancher coat, and on his belt, a silver badge denoting his position in law enforcement. The woman was redhaired with traces of silver, short yet willowy with blue eyes, clad in long blue skirt and light grey cashmere sweater.
"So this is the Citadel, if you told me fifty years ago in high school that I'd be standing here, I'd flat out call you insane Karina", the man chuckling in amazement as he stood in line, unable to stop gawking mometarily as his wife slapped the lawman's arm good naturedly, "oh come off it Mattias, fifty years ago we had difficulty colonizing Mars. It shouldn't surprise us too much considering how far we as a race came", Karina laughing as her remarks bringing a wry smile her husband's face as they reached the security booth. Handing their paperwork over, Karina took the time to consult the map terminal to the side, trying to find the level where Leaving the Ducts was located. "Looks like it's down a ways from here Mattias, we might have to catch a cab." "Yeah, it'll give us some time to send Leaving the Ducts a message about our arrival, though judging by the message sent by what's his name...Laykalar? I think he might be long gone."
Mattias's rustic accent rumbling softly as he and Karina were cleared by the checkpoint, the duo getting a couple of stares from sophisticated asari and a few turians, seeing a pair of humans from the more remote regions of the UNAS but the duo walked towards the aircab station undeterred. "Maybe Mattias, but after finding out secondhand about Lucien, we need to do this, our grandson needs us. Even if he doesn't realize it...", Karina replying with a touch of determination as they stepped into an aircar, the vehicle heading towards the depths of Tayseri and Leaving the Ducts.
|
|
|
Post by waveshavebroken on Jul 22, 2014 22:09:29 GMT
"This one has arranged contact with Karina Snow and Mattias Snow. They are grandparents of these one's colleague, and are concerned for him. This one thought they might wish to discuss matters relevant to his employment, and visit Leaving the Ducts. They responded eagerly to this one's suggestion".
It wasn't normal for the hanar to be evasive, and he wasn't very good at it.
"They informed this one that they were willing to travel to the Citadel with haste. This one believes it must prepare to meet them..."
*Ten Minutes Later*
Laykalar had thought for some time about how to present himself. He felt as though he should make an effort in that regard, not only to show appropriate respect - it was a human custom to don select attire on formal occasions - but to make the couple feel more at ease. They might not have had many dealings with non-humans, let along beings with a body plan that was almost completely lacking in familiar points of reference. That had led him to the thought that Mr. and Mrs. Snow might not be able to distinguish him and might suffer some embarrassment. To that end, he had researched Terran customs further and encountered a useful tradition of visual linguistic aids to encourage recognition absent the awkward need to make inquiries. In short, this was why Laykalar stood ready to meet the human couple with a large sign he'd made himself, which read:
The Most Respectable Mr. and Mrs. Snow.
He had to admit that he was nervous. Snow had rarely spoken of his family, and Laykalar had suppressed much of his natural curiosity out of respect. Things would become known to him as and when Snow thought it appropriate or useful, if he ever did. Now, though, he was going to have another perspective on his human friend, courtesy of those who knew him best. He felt both privileged and cautiously ill at ease, as though he risked betraying a confidence. Naturally, these fought for oxygen against the suffocating intensity of his good cheer.
He knew from experience what it was like to see the Citadel for the first time. He wondered how they were feeling about that.
|
|
snow
Traveller
[TI0]
Name: Julian Snow
Race: Human
Occupation: EVA specialist/troubleshooter
|
Post by snow on Jul 23, 2014 7:49:43 GMT
"Looks like this is our stop Mattias, tip the driver if you would please", Karina Snow shaking her red tresses as she gracefully emerged from the cab into the heart of Tayseri Ward, her husband Mattias Snow close behind, walking with the posture of a old time lawman as the air cab left the stately looking couple in at the intersection. "Looks like we're here hon, Tayseri Ward as Laykalar described it. 'A unified stream of multiple voices is how he described it', I thought that was an exaggeration", the erstwhile Harney County Sheriff ran his right hand through his salt and pepper hair in amazement, watching species he had only seen in vids or met briefly in the Portland/Seattle/Vancouver metroplex milling all around him.
"I guess I can see why little Julian stayed here, must remind him of Portland. Anyways, the nice young man Laykalar told us to meet him here, he said that he'd be waiting at New Dillinaga Square. Shall we dear?" Karina wrapped her arm around Mattias's, leading him into the throngs towards the square, looking for their contact at the charity Leaving the Ducts. Making their way through the crowds, Mattias kept his expression matter of fact, but his eyes told the story of his amazement upon arriving at the Citadel, his craggy features unable to disguise his taking in the sights. Karina was much more unabashed about her amazement, looking at everything with an amazed smile when she saw a tall, pulsing hanar holding a sign with what seemed to be a case of eager nerves. "Look there Mattias, 'the respectable Mr. and Mrs. Snow.' Congrats hon, you're now respectable", a mischevious grin appearing on Karina's matronly features, making her light up even more. "Well, I guess we'd better not keep...Laykalar over there waiting, let's go shake hands with tentacles so to speak", Mattias adopting a neutral, yet determined look as the couple walked up to the hanar, until they reached the 'jellyfish'.
"Wow....you are tall!" Karina Snow's voice cutting through the din, addressing Laykalar from Leaving the Ducts. "Oh, where are my manners, you must be that nice young man Laykalar. I'm Karina Snow and this here is my husband Mattias." Karina giving the young hanar a warm smile, letting her husband make introductions, "nice to meet you Laykalar, we're Julian Snow's grandparents."
|
|
|
Post by waveshavebroken on Jul 27, 2014 11:54:25 GMT
The humans were making every effort to be polite, with their awe at their surroundings shining through the courtesy. For a pleasant moment, Laykalar had a sense of his own initial excitement at meeting non-hanar, like a strange reflection of his arrival at this beacon of the Enkindlers. While the joy and amazement of alien interaction would never leave him, that initial wonder had been tempered by experience. It was rewarding to have a renewed sense of the revelation, to confirm anew that all races shared the capacity for wonder at the universe.
"The other is quite correct! This one is honoured to meet the others, and welcomes them to Tayseri Ward. It hopes their journey to the station was satisfactory".
The two moved and spoke with confidence in their partnership, elegantly playing off each other with a duality he had seen in other committed couples. They had clearly been mated a long time, and he wondered how far they were along the human lifespan. It was difficult to tell, given the cosmetic alterations humans were so fond of. Laykalar considered how fortunate Snow had been, that these relatives of his had made it through the war, and that they retained their sense of wonder at a galaxy which had recently threatened to extinguish their people. He also felt the stirrings of sadness, to know that Snow had lost a large degree of the optimism his grandparents demonstrated.
"This one would like to extend its welcome on behalf of Leaving the Ducts and this one's most honourable employer, the learned Michelle Rondor".
|
|
snow
Traveller
[TI0]
Name: Julian Snow
Race: Human
Occupation: EVA specialist/troubleshooter
|
Post by snow on Jul 28, 2014 6:59:22 GMT
"Why thank you...Lay-kal-ar? I am so sorry if I got your name wrong, today's been a day of firsts for me and my husband." Karina Snow inclining her head in greeting as she got a closer look at the hanar, curious at the fact that every time that luminous voice of his spoke, his skin seemed to flicker and shimmer. Her husband Mattias surprised not just at how Laykalar spoke, but how enthusiastic he seemed, "hard to tell with hanar, but the sign he had was a dead giveaway", Mattias mused to himself as he gave the young hanar a once over mentally before continuing. "Thanks for the welcome, we're still adjusting to this...well, I had thought you had exaggerated the importance of this place, turns out it was the truth", a reassuring smile coming onto the craggy lawman's face, not wanting to jump into unpleasant business immediately. Fortunately for the Harney County Sheriff, his better half Karina jumped in.
"I did read the brochure you sent me and my husband, but it seemed a bit too brief. While we make our way to your main offices Laykalar, would you mind answering a few questions for an old lady?" Karina's blue eyes fixed on the tall, polite 'young man' that had given them such a formal greeting, hoping to coax him out of his shell a bit. "I work with children at the grade school in our town Laykalar, I think what you do for war orphans is splendid, so I guess my first question is, how did Leaving the Ducts get started, and how did you end up volunteering?" Mattias let out a chuckle, "I'm afraid that's two questions hon, give Laykalar some time to answer", the tall human's jest earning him a playful slap on the arm as the couple allowed Laykalar to take the lead.
|
|
|
Post by waveshavebroken on Aug 13, 2014 18:55:57 GMT
It wasn't really possible to get a hanar's name wrong. There was only the most common translation, the most popular means of converting the subtle luminescence into structured sound.
"This one was itself a new arrival to the station. It travelled here on a registered pilgrim vessel as soon as it was able, on a voyage of spiritual discovery and self-betterment. When the relays cleared for non-essential travel, this one's scholars set course for the Citadel". He flashed fondly at the memory, which now seemed surprisingly distant. "It had the good fortune to encounter the learned Michelle Rondor at a public celebration shortly thereafter. This one spoke at length with both the learned Rondor and the others' grandson. This one was still finding it difficult to adapt to the new environment - it had not prepared itself adequately. Indeed, this one would propose that it is not possible to adequately prepare for one's first experience of the Citadel!"
As if to underscore his point, a male krogan wearing a cowboy hat and a woman's dress walked past, the huge dress billowing like a sail, the krogan apparently unfazed by the odd glances he was getting from many nearby humans.
"The conversation was engaging, and this one was intrigued by the charitable intentions and kindly manner of those it spoke with. There was also a law enforcement officer who sang". This was offered in the equivalent of a cheerily offhand comment, such as might provoke a friendly chuckle. That was the intention, anyway, but Laykalar wondered if he had miscalculated on that point.
"This one was later offered a job with the charity - Leaving the Ducts was newly established and needed to find those willing to spend time engaged with it - this one was on a pilgrimage of discovery that necessitated contact with people of diverse origins. It was a natural symbiosis!"
As he spoke, he led them across to the office, drifting forward while keeping several tendrils behind, in an instinctive approximation of a scout back in the oceanic depths of Kahje.
|
|
snow
Traveller
[TI0]
Name: Julian Snow
Race: Human
Occupation: EVA specialist/troubleshooter
|
Post by snow on Aug 14, 2014 19:07:49 GMT
"You got our Julian to speak when you first met him? I would like to know how accomplished that Laykalar", Karina replying with a bit of astonishment. To her knowledge, Julian was never much of a conversationalist, "he's always been a bit on the shy side, especially as a kid." As Karina and Laykalar spoke, Mattias caught a glimpse of a Krogan wearing a Stetson, along with an evening gown, "what the? Is that a Dallas Businessman's Special that crossdresser is wearing?" Still unbelieving at what he just saw, Mattias rejoined Karina and Laykalar, his wife hanging on every word that the hanar was saying."So Laykalar, when you say you're on a pilgrimage, are you on a religious mission of some kind, or am I just losing something in the translation", the red haired woman conversing genially with the hanar student/teacher/administrative assistant. "I apologize for some of these questions, we haven't even left the solar system once in our case, in fact", Karina giving Laykalar a mischevious grin, "in fact, back when myself and Mattias were growing up, we were 'certain' that there was no intelligent life outside our own little proverbial sandbox. Mass Relays, faster than light travel, all of this, it takes a bit of getting used to." "What my wife and I are trying to say, is thanks for taking the time to help us out with finding our grandson", Mattias's rustic sounding voice interjecting, curious at Laykalar's formal words but his demeanor suggesting an eager nature, "Julian's not the easiest person to get to know, as his grandparents we know that first hand, but we haven't heard from him in four years, not since before the war. We were told he was killed in action, then MIA, then told that they had no information at hand at this time. To be quite frank Laykalar, you're our last hope at finding out where he might be." Keeping a level tone, the earth lawman's eyes took on a familiar tone to Laykalar, Julian's eyes had the same expression when dealing with a task at hand. Mattias was making his intentions known, he wasn't going to be denied of his grandson's location short a Reaper fleet.
|
|
misswhiskers
Traveller
Name: Michelle Rondor
Race: Human
Occupation: Charity worker
|
Post by misswhiskers on Aug 21, 2014 13:13:36 GMT
"We're help you as much we can Mr and Mrs Snow", said Michelle. She had seen them arrived by the window and had waited for them in front of the door. On one hand treating with a fellow human could prove more familiar to the couple, but on the other she was peculiar herself. Both her overweightness and glasses were signs of days older than them. "It is an honor to meet you", she continued. "If you would please enter our offices, I have Nevian tea soon ready." She guided them in.
|
|
snow
Traveller
[TI0]
Name: Julian Snow
Race: Human
Occupation: EVA specialist/troubleshooter
|
Post by snow on Aug 22, 2014 6:28:23 GMT
"You must be the Miss Rondor so prominently featured in the brochure that we got in our electronic mailbox. Please, call me Karina", Karina Snow replying with a genial grace in response to the rather stilted greeting in her mind, Mattias giving a singular nod, content to let his wife do the talking for the moment. "We're just glad to get news that our grandson is still alive, and until recently having a reputable job. The two of us can't thank you enough for that news, if you could indulge this old lady, mind telling me and Mattias here about your organization and how you managed to convince our stubborn grandson to help out?" The red haired lady giving the rather stout yet motherly looking young woman a knowing grin, as if to say 'we know just how difficult Julian can be'. Mattias Snow's eye expression hadn't changed during the conversation yet a courteous smile appeared on his craggy features as the country couple and Laykalar reached the entrance to Leaving the Ducts....
|
|
misswhiskers
Traveller
Name: Michelle Rondor
Race: Human
Occupation: Charity worker
|
Post by misswhiskers on Aug 26, 2014 10:37:55 GMT
Michelle lead them inside, considering how to break the first of many awkward news. She lead them to the visitors seats. "Julian was actually sent here by the Alliance as a part of a community service sentence. He had been involved with a grey market salvage team. As hard to approach as he is he showed true motivation to help the local children however, gaining their respect and proving instrumental into preserving our safety here. I couldn't manage to convince him to stay much longer after his community service ended unfortunately."
|
|
snow
Traveller
[TI0]
Name: Julian Snow
Race: Human
Occupation: EVA specialist/troubleshooter
|
Post by snow on Aug 28, 2014 18:47:22 GMT
"Grey market salvager, Community Service, safety of the charity? What happened to cause you to fall like this boy?" Mattias Snow listened to the all too brief statement, yet the content alone was disturbing news to him. The lawman's eyes narrowing slightly at the mention of the Alliance placing his grandson into Miss Rondor's custody but not even telling either him or Karina Julian's whereabouts when asked. "So when you say gain the respect of the local war orphans Miss Rondor, are you stating that your organization is butting heads with local gangs and other criminal organizations? What was his actual job here at Leaving the Ducts, was it passive security here, or did you have my grandson work with authorities to attempt to curb their influence?" Mattias finished, sitting down in the offered chair, making sure to maintain eye contact with the rather plump woman, Karina sitting down to his left.
"Reason I ask about Julian's job Miss Rondor, is that Julian barely escaped the gang life as a boy. He joined a gang in northeast Portland at the age of eleven and by the time we managed to get custody of him he had a rap sheet and was involved in the anti asari riots of 2181 in Portland." Mattias pausing, allowing for his wife to retake the initative, her small hand taking Mattias's as she fixed her stare on Miss Rondor, "I'm sorry Miss Rondor....I guess what we're trying to say, is that before the war, he was starting to put himself back together. He even managed to graduate from high school despite being behind two years when we finally got custody of him."
Karina going wistful for a moment, her eyes slightly watering up before continuing, "after the war, all we were told about our grandson was that he had gotten a Bad Conduct Discharge and they had no clue about his whereabouts after the relays re-opened. To find out that he was here all along until a few weeks ago...", the cheerful demeanor gone from Karina, replaced by a wistful sadness as she tried to collect herself. "Simply put Miss Rondor, the Alliance seems uninterested in helping us find our grandson, and every attempt we made at finding out why he recieved the Bad Conduct Discharge has been refused for reasons of Systems Alliance security. We're here for answers and we're hoping you can help us with that", Mattias's voice retaining it's rustic vibe yet displaying a determination similar to his grandson as the elderly couple paused, waiting for a reply to their plea.
|
|
misswhiskers
Traveller
Name: Michelle Rondor
Race: Human
Occupation: Charity worker
|
Post by misswhiskers on Sept 1, 2014 20:00:06 GMT
In front of Michelle's eyes, the kind old grandfather turned into the inquisitive and sharp sheriff. A few alarms went off in her head, but her face only showed her old trusty poker face.
"Here's the thing, when we settled here we immediately registered on the local gang's radar as competitors. For them the kids are a resource, and we were here to take it away. I actually had no idea about all of those things, and I'm pretty sure I would have ended up in the hospital less than a week later, if Julian hadn't immediately identified the threat and taken steps to ensure our safety. We didn't play vigilante if that is what you're asking, but there were tough spots. I'm sorry to say we both got wounded a few times. But the authorities helped us get a grip on the situation, and we managed to curb the escalation of violence."
Well, for now anyway, she thought, I'm not meeting a security specialist from Single Order Solution in two hours just because I want company...
"Julian alluded to his past with the gangs, although not in much details, which will probably fail to surprise you."
Michelle's mask cracked a little when Karina talked. A flash of guilt and sadness appeared on her face when Snow getting his life back together was mentioned. She quickly got it under control.
"What you need to understand is that as troubled as Julian was before the war, he came back even more lost. I could never figure out exactly what happened to him on Benning, but he needed help. I... I thought his work with us helped him, and I still like to think it did, but it wasn't enough by a long shot. He needed more than that, he still does."
She stopped talking for a while, pouring tea for all present, including Laykalar as they were both used to.
"Do you have other questions we may perhaps answer?" she asked finally.
|
|