Fandom Mass Effect: Between Time IC

[The Silent Z]

In 2184 as chaos seemed to get brushed aside and calm in comparison to the events of Saren and Sovereign. Everything the late commander Shepard discovered and their crew learned of reapers, coming threats that would wipe the entire galaxy clean of intelligent life forms and bring extinction to all races across the Milky Way. It was all swept under the rug and Miranda shepards findings unrecognized officially. Disillusioned, manipulated by Saren into false beliefs, that Sovereign was just some geth technology of great power.

But all of this mattered not, not right now atleast. Another threat was rising, a scientist called Bartarius Carlyle Vander...... In short they called him Dr. Maze for his nickname. A man of suspected human origin, a former agent for Cerberus before he was discovered to have gone rogue and escaped capture to begin creating an army of mixed organics now known as "The Alpha" a sentient creation of Intelligence and feeling, non organic and organic life to create a species of claimed superior ability. Super soldiers. The very goal that Cerberus intended to achieve for mankind and was now in the hands of a successful creator. Dr Maze...

Backed by stolen Cerberus credits and resources, Maze has now risen to threaten all life in the galaxy, save for those allied with him. He was the main threat to the council right now, the threat this council was willing to admit exists. In order to ensure the citadel spaces security and to end this threat before it mounts in greater strength, they've began a project of uniting races into one specialized task force. Not spectres, not military. A team just like the normandys, a new crew, one capable of uncovering this mans plot, it's details and stopping his army. Men and women of nearly every race has been hand picked to join this cause, join the CIU task force and come together aboard the CIU Ship, the newly created and advanced scout ship known as

CIU: Phoenix


The first ship in what aims to be another hand for the council. Council integration unit, team one was underway, crew formed and preparing to set course for new trails in the investigation into Dr. Maze.

 

[The Silent Z]

Tak Vorla
~~~~~~~~
​

The past year had been quite the run of heartbreak and risk takes for ol’ Tak. The decorated Volus commando was all about that life of party, thrills and action with each risk paying off in spectacular glory!! If you were to hear him talk about it and share his war stories of tantalizing tales from all across the galaxy. Indeed… Tak Vorla was a one of a kind Volus, he didn’t talk about credits, whine about the councils overlooking them for a seat or the ever boring life of trade and stock with a center used point on its effect on the economy, all the things most Volus could talk your ear off for hours while putting you to sleep.

But not this guy! Tak Vorla was blessed with luck and biotics! Trained with the Cabal vanguard for years, even serving alongside them for some time. He’s become perhaps the only Volus commando in history, again…. While the odds may be true, it’s certainly how he’d tell it. Some would describe him as charismatic and brave with quotes of his being used on ads on the citadel such as ‘I’m biotic god! I think things and they happen!’ ‘Names Tak! Cause it’s all about what’s in back! Oh yeah baby!’ He’s got ads running across the citadel in certain markets to raise business for the locals clubs, a few stores he’s possibly shopped in and purchased a item or two. He’s all about that life of partying and making himself known to the world while benefiting with some discounts when he can, after all…. He is still a Volus and the deal just can’t be passed up, even if his humility takes a few hits.

Tak’s been a headache for many over the years, just as many people would speak well of him and sing his praises just as many would say the opposite with just as much as passion. He’s been the face of the Volus military due to his above average abilities that most Volus could only dream of and the cause of many anxiety attacks and head aches. But what most people may never know is that Tak while being a lover of karaoke, dancing and the nightlife when not on missions to save lives and add to his ego. He’s been one big mess ever since the divorce from his now ex wife and earth clan model…

Oh yes, Tak Vorla believe it or not was in love and somehow got the girl. The match played on many minds of how they possibly could end up together? A Volus with a tendency to annoy and live off his inflated ego while appearing to lack sense. While she was about the exact opposite and the cause for many to envy the Volus for having such a wife that was both a successful model and way out of his league. But somehow it happened and the charismatic Volus got the girl, showing the side of him that was much sweeter and loving then usually shown, while using his ability to make people laugh to seemingly seal the deal. But this past year the marriage took its toll and his typical public persona, ego and risk taking became too much leading to a troubled but continuing upkeep his image, Tak to agree to the divorce and let both sides move on. A subtle cause to his increase in behavior and risk taking but overall gained a new role

The recently former CIU AKA Council Intergration Unit made contact with the Volus. Those council representatives made a case for him to accept the role of captain overseeing the CIU Phoenix and its newly formed crew hand picked by the council themselves. Of course, the nagging feeling of how it could help his people finally get a seat on the council and a little more respect was ever present. The play on his vanity and Volus nature when it came to credits, resources and access to special stock was also a pretty strong move. But nonetheless….

Tak accepted.

Now nearly a month into this new role and getting settled aboard the ship. Tak made sure to get to know his crew, personally introducing himself and familiarizing himself with each and every member of the ships crew, taking the initiative to build a relationship or begin the process of building a relationship with the each member. He’s certainly to have made quite the impression and perhaps a number of annoyances amongst other things by now.

Today however, it was a pretty common but masked version of the man as Tak took the earth morning hours to kick up the tunes from the earth clans 20th century with the Carpenters being a main choice so far, seemingly replaying ‘Rainy days and Monday’s’ a fair bit with his own performance mixed in within his own private quarters Ah yes, just one of those days upon the anniversary of his divorce. On the surface he’d seem fine and just singing it up as per usual however beneath the surface perhaps not as much. Eventually however the Ol’ Tak was alive and kickin with The Bee Gees ‘Stayin Alive’ to pick him up a little and get him back into proper form.

The Volus taking up his moves and performance to another level. Creating quite the scene as he prepared to leave his cabin for the main haul of the ship to oversee his crew as Captain.

 

[Marsis]

Metro Saezarryx​

Metro has been up and running on the deck of the CIU Phoenix for a few hours already. He was an early bird, even to his race's standards. To his own satisfaction : each morning, the Turian had some time to enjoy the quietude before the relative agitation that came with a starship full of crewmates. After a month they fully adapted to the artifical timetable of the vessel. Thus, there were not much more than the ship's VIs here to greet him at such a time, and the few of those who had their shift playing during "nighttime".

As Second in Command officer, Metro was overseeing the routine of the Phoenix. They curently weren't chasing one objective in particular, still being in the investigating and planning phase of their mission. Which means that they were for now supposed to lay low, to not attract the attention, even if the captain could sometime have trouble with that position. That was one of the reasons of Metro's presence here, after all. To temper the reckless risk-taking behavior of the Volus.

It wasn't the very first time for Metro to take some command responsibilities, otherwise he would have never been selected by the Hierarchy for this post. In his missions as consultant against Cerberus and other human forces, he was always being involved in the decisionmaking process. His quite unique expertise, both from his time in the military and his academic work outside of it, a mix of theoretical and practical background, then made him someone worth listening to. But to actually lead people in his own name? Never did he have to do that with more than a restricted squad on the field. Hence why Metro was taking his job on the Phoenix so seriously. Maybe too seriously. There still was a captain above him, and he might occasionaly come close to forget that.

Speaking of the devil, there he was, announced by the Bee Gees when the airlock to his private quarters opened. Metro slightly shook his head with a sigh upon hearing that. He was reviewing recent reports on a large screen when Tak appeared in the main haul as if he was in a music clip.

"Good morning, captain" he said in his low-pitched metallic voice.

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Talis worked in her intelligence lab, writing up reports on the latest intelligence sent to them by the council. The first month the task force was formed was largely uneventful in the search for this Maze villain, the task force was mainly getting the crew and resources together on to Phoenix. Talis on her part, spent most of her time setting up her lab, installing equipment and setting up data streams. It was difficult work but exciting and interesting, in her old job everything was already set up and rigid with now budget to speak of and alot of red tape to approve of new resources and techniques. In this job she had as good as blank check to bring what she needed and experiment. Right now she a good enough set up to rival information brokers on Illium.

She paused when she heard the captain singing outside the door, indicating it was almost time for the crew meeting. She sighed, where did the council found that volus she wasnt sure. She expected a spectre to take charge of this task force and therefore was surprised when she was introduced to captain Tak. One paper he sounded ideal, an impressive military record and training and she wasnt a believer that race should be a factor in a persons qualification. However Tak did not make the best impression to her, he seemed brash and reckless. What worse, he seemed to take nothing seriously. She held her tongue though when it came to concern, hoping he would prove her wrong but she was still waiting.

Finishing her reports and setting them to everyone's datapads and omnitools, she took a deep breath and stepped out of her lab and made her way to the meeting.

"Captain..." She greeted Tak before turning to Metro." XO." Now the second officer Metro now that is man who seemed capable of running things, attentive and took things seriously. She would not mind if Metro somehow took over. "You guys should have already received the latest from the council." She announced taking a look around the ship.

 

[The Silent Z]

Tak Vorla ​

~~~~~~
The morning was a blend of great music, feelings ranging from one end of the spectrum to the other and a psyching ones self up for the crew. There wasn’t need to appear any different then he did on any other day with a saddened, loss of hope attitude to ruin the mornings of each crew member that set gaze upon such a version of him. NO! Tak was all about life, setting a thrilling example and getting things done his way while never wavering in his energy and persona, to him, it gave confidence to the crew in his ability to lead…. Even if not everybody vibed with the new captain. But it was an outlook he always maintained despite it all.

Entering the main haul with a typical Tak energy about him and out of his morning slump. The Volus captain turned his gaze over toward his XO as the Turian male spoke to him with a ‘Good Morning, Captain’ Tak made a clicking noise the best he could as a Volus with a few finger gun shots “XO, Metro! Good morning indeed. Let’s rock it today!” Tak responded full of life and positive vibes. “Looking good! Oh yeah!” The Captain added in typical fashion to the start the morning with a compliment to his crew. Meanwhile he turned his gaze over to Talis as she entered whilst he motioned along to his spot at the head of the haul overlooking the crew in the room so far, slight dance motions reminiscent of the human period of music he listened to this morning.

“Good morning, Talis! Calm and to the point as ever, I like it, keep that unique vibe!” Tak spoke in reply before sighing a little and dropping his shoulders. A tired display knowing full well what the council has sent but cared little for the intel. It was deemed a typical waste to him. He respected the manner and reasons in which Talis and the others kept things straight, updated on the latest from the council and so on and so forth. But after nearly a month of practically nothing but potentially a waste of time. Tak was getting tired of the same old, same old, he wanted action and results but more importantly he desired to bring this doctor down quick and hard. The Volus had enough experience of council rumblings, fumbling and stumbling along during a crisis that could destroy and/or threaten much of the galaxy. After all that’s happened and being rumored to come true, he didn’t wish for this Doc to have the chance to threaten lives like the Saren, reaper combo did and in some cases might still?

No. He wasn’t a sleeper and patient fella when it came to missions, he liked getting results and acting quickly. That’s what got him here and that’s what would either end him or be his glory ridden calling card. “Ah, yes, the council whispers….” Tak spoke exhaling a breath and getting himself back up to proper form. Head raising with a tilt up, shoulders straight and back in line as he took a pause to look about the room to see who’s missing and who’s present while gathering his thoughts.

“A.I mandate a full crew directive…” The Captain spoke issuing a final report for all personnel to report to the main haul then begin a thorough review of the ship and its maintenance before take off to the new destination. “Now, Talis, I’ve seen the latest. But let’s set that aside shall we? A near month in and results have been garbage. Time for a change in plans! Oh yeah!” Tak added with a seeming gleam and air about him. Hinting at potential new intel he had outside of the council or simply Tak aiming for instant results by taking a shot in the dark and going rogue with this one.

Meanwhile awaiting for the last of the crew to arrive, a pause filled the air…..

Marsis ThatGuyWithSouvlaki spacepanda

 

[Marsis]

Metro Saezarryx​

The Turian acknowledged Talis' presence with a nod and returned the greeting. As far as he could judge, this Asari had a serious work ethic and seemed to be a reliable teammate. It was probably good to have her with them, all the more seriousness to counterbalance Tak Vorla's way of life. But he was still waiting to see what she was able to do when in actual action before giving his verdict about her.

Metro closed every windows on the screen and shut it. Already being in the main haul, he waited there for everyone to gather as the Volus ordered, and just turned around to lean against the desk while facing the captain. After he spoke, the Turian quickly glanced at Talis, then resumed to Tak.

"And what changes are you talking about exactly? I know what we're doing for now isn't the most fun, but that's no reason to do something hazardous. Unless... is there something new we haven't been told about yet?"

 

[ThatGuyWithSouvlaki]

Talis had to resist the strong urge to roll her eyes at Volus greeting. Honestly, she didn't mind a cheery attitude or a good laugh, but it seems to be so constant with Tak was grating. There was a time and place for that sort of attitude, and her patience for that sort of thing at the moment of limited and already stretched thin. The idea for mutiny was getting stronger and stronger, though she knew even how tempting it would be it was unlikely she would actually do it.

"With all due respect, you assume I dont go through this data and might have picked some good intel." She said seeming slightly offended that her work was just thrown away. She took a deep breath as she listened to the Turians own question.

"I would like to know that as well. If you have any new intel, it is sort of funny that your second and intelligence officer doesnt know about." She added to Metro's comment.

 

[The Silent Z]

The expected push back was alive and well… Times like these reminded Tak how Shepard must of felt going through that ordeal with Saren and the reaper. It was sad to see so much doubt even when facts are provided without much need for further explanation instead it was all met with seeming offense to the truth? Odd. Familiar. But, odd…. Much of the crew had been filing in and gathering around yet some were still missing. Time was going through lapses in flow as the captain listened to both Metro and Talis.

The Turian questioned but showed more reserve in his reaction. While the Asari seemed to dislike Tak’s sudden change in plans and even perhaps took offense to his comment? Now she openly questioned him about why Metro wasn’t aware of this intelligence if any were present. Much of the same old rhetoric the Volus had faced before over his years of service and his particular brand of getting things done. It wasn’t by the book, it wasn’t predictable, it wasn’t in line with all the red tape and slow developments most were accustom to within the council forces.

Instead of overreacting to the Asari. Tak just shrugged it off and would of rolled his eyes instead to her ‘All due respect’ line and added XO not knowing comments. She was about assumptions and being right while not open to change and adapting to the facts at hand. It’s a wonder sometimes how the council ever got past the reaper with all the obstacles they played and limitations they wanted others to play in. “Ah, Talis, time for a new outlook on the future that is now.” The Captain spoke sticking to something more mellow and groovy in comparison to his Asari counterpart. “You say I’m assuming while taking offense. I’m going off facts on recent history and ignoring the lack of respect we have going here.” Tak responded fairly and calmly for him. “Facts are we aren’t dealing with plenty of time and council intel to catch up leading to a change in results and the lack there of…. Facts are a month in and we’ve got nothing. Facts are this doctor was Cerberus and operated by a completely different playbook. while we play by the same tired one where results are lacking and time is wasting and is known by many, Cerberus included . Truth is, I’m Captain for a reason and the way I see it, we’ve tried it the council way and combing through intel for something good. We are waiting for results to fall into our laps simply stated. Life doesn’t work by the book and waiting for it all to happen. If anything I’ve shown more willingness to try another’s way for some time now and it’s not working. How much longer would you like us to wait before trying something new?” The Volus finished explaining his side without getting agitated and offended. Truth was he had experienced this sort of push back plenty of times before and knew it was only inevitable it would happen again.

“Metro not knowing isn’t funny. It’s fact. Shall I run everything through public channels or let my contact do his thing and run a secured line? Funny is how he’d react if he knew I shared everything before giving him time to keep the info updated to current events. By the book isn’t exactly his style…. Kinda like the enemy we are dealing with right? Isn’t mine either really. But different reasons to be fair yet similar too.” Tak added on with admission to already known facts about him. Sometimes he wondered if anybody ever considered why the council went with a unorthodox choice for captain instead of the commonly viewed ‘right’ choice for the job many would have preferred. Even the council had reservations and knew the headache Tak would be if given the opportunity.

Now turning his attention to Metro after going into Captain mode for a moment with Talis. Tak looked over the crew assembled thus far and returned to Metro’s shared question. “A change in plans is very much needed even if only for a trial experience if results pan out. Adapt to the situation and facts good or bad… accept it. I’ve done so many a time no matter the risks taken to get there. But never you worry XO Metro! I’m not just a pretty face.” Tak mused after all he couldn’t stay in Captain mode forever… it was rather tiring and not his style really. “The change in plans are taking us to Omega first. The updates on the situation and intel are still running live through a private channel I’ve got with a paranoid but effective contact and Ol’ pal of mine.” He shared rather happy he’d get a chance to return to Omega after some time and also to see what’s going on with old Peros. Life was never boring with that blunt batarian.

“A glimpse would be… The odds are in favor that my change in plans shall bring results and I’m all about those results, especially a time like now. So, look alive crew! Ready the ship and don’t mind the smell when we arrive! cause life is about to get flipped upside down and taken for a ride. Oh yeah!”

 

[Marsis]

Metro received with a mildly surprised ear Tak getting into "captain mode" for once. The first half of his speech even felt like an actual remonstrance to the vessel's intel officer, it was almost like discovering a whole new side to the Volus' personality, one he could even call calm and collected. But there still was a fake undertone to it ; like he was self-conscious about it, willingly putting on a mask to appear this way. A mask that eventually fell off for the rest of his talk. Once he finished, the SIC officer left the desk he was leaning back against and clapped in his hands at the attention of the crew.

"You heard the captain! To your places, set course for Omega, let's go."

He crossed his arms waiting for the main haul to empty itself of most crewmates as they hurried to their post on the Phoenix. Metro then came closer to Tak Vorla.

"Captain, may I have a word with you?"

After they went a bit away from the center of the haul, the Turian spoke.

"Sir, I'm not necessarily hostile to a change of plan. I too find that we have limited time and that we are to take initiatives. But the intel officer do have a point : you can't just do your thing and decide of the mission's whole direction without consulting anyone. I hear the fact that your contacts may prefer to stay private with their information, but there just can't be place for secret among us. Otherwise, it's the best way to undermine trust, and eventually to both slow down and jeopardize the whole operation more than what too much caution would."