*******************The Bekket Burns****************************<br/><br/>The gunfire had stopped. The pain had died down enough for the thought to register within the Turian's mind. He didn't dare move, for even the slightest of stretches could bring back the pain. It was gone, now, and the he was at peace, as if he had just laid down for a long rest after a hard days work.<br/><br/>There was an explosion somewhere in the bowels of the ship. It was dulled by its distance, but the vibration in the blood stained floor was enough to rouse the Turian's eyes open. It was bright, like paradise may have been. The fires had grown in size since last he had been conscious and now they burned wildly.<br/><br/>There was a dark figure, though, among the flames. He was looking back, the explosion having drawn his attention for a moment. In his right hand was a pistol. The Turian recognized it. The blood on the ground beneath him had been drawn by the very weapon. His eyes glistened in the fire. Those human eyes.<br/><br/>The figure's left hand, though, carried something unfamiliar. Had his eyes been stronger, or his head less wanting for rest, the Turian may have known what machination had brought about his end, but that which the human bore was no longer of his concern. As the flames grew higher, the Turian closed his eyes to rest.<br/><br/><br/><br/>******************* Lorek Assassination *****************************<br/><br/>Sarto closed his four eyes and ran his hand up and over his face. The comfort of the stiff chair was the most he had had today, and even with the bobbing and weaving of the taxi, the spinning sensation he had felt was beginning to lessen.<br/><br/>He opened his eyes and tried to look out at the passing landscape with more appreciation than a working man had, but Lorek was far too familiar too him. The Red Dwarf sun with it's brilliant golden wreathe and red heart was setting ahead of the cab. Yet even it's sprawling display of gold and red lines stretching over the sky failed to draw a emotional response from the Batarian. Simply too much had gone wrong for him to relax and appreciate it today.<br/><br/><span style="color: Cyan">We're about a minute away Mr. Sarto.</span>The cab pilot, an Asari, informed him. He was a regular of hers, and well payed to be so. An agent of the Shadow Broker was not the type to stray into unknown territory. Too many would kill to know even a fraction of what he did.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">Thank you.</span>He said and sat up in his seat somewhat. Ah! At last, he thought to himself as the feeling of anticipation found it's way into his gut. There were few things that really took Sarto's mind from his work. Alcohol dulled the senses, and music just became racket when he had worked long enough. Sarto needed a more dynamic form of relaxation.<br/><br/>The cars gradually accelerating decent caused the jarring sensation of falling within Sarto, which was a welcome feeling. He felt his anticipation grow even more, the uneasiness within his stomach feeling as fresh as a masseuse' hands.<br/><br/>With the car's touch down Sarto leaned forward and extended his credit chit to his driver who quickly charged him and returned it. The canopy of the cab opened and Sarto stepped out, taking a moment to straighten his dark clothing.<br/><br/><span style="color: Cyan">Have a pleasant evening Mr. Sarto.</span>The Asari driver bid him before closing the cab and taking off again.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">Oh, I intend to.</span>Sarto answered to himself and walked quickly forward away from the landing pads and parking ways to the several flights of shallow stairs that led up the the tall, but elegant tower ahead of him. There were numerous men walking with Asari women, each dressed in a flowing, though somewhat revealing gown.<br/><br/>As Sarto continued he passed in a ring of well maintained vegetation with numerous small pathways running through the trees and flowers. Along the paths were more couples, men of many races, but always an Asari woman, walking, talking and laughing. Stone benches that were fabricated to look hand crafted were dotted through the area, many occupied.<br/><br/>The serenity of the environment in the setting sun was profound, but Sarto had little interest in sitting and chatting at the moment. He needed the best stress relief available, and at the end of the wide stone pathway, behind the glass doors was where it was waiting.<br/><br/>The entrance to the tower was gilded in glass windows that stretched for great lengths along it's base. Two Asari stood besides the pair of doors leading in, both smiling pleasantly.<br/><span style="color: Cyan"><br/>
Welcome back, Mr. Sarto. </span>The Asari to the right said as he approached. He smiled at her and nodded his head. It's good to be back. He thought to himself as the doors opened before him.<br/><br/>The Asari behind the glass counter at the center of the lobby sat patiently, her hands clasped visibly on her lap.<span style="color: RoyalBlue">Good evening Mr. Sarto, </span>She said in a kind voice as he approached,<span style="color: RoyalBlue">How may we be of service to our favored customer?</span><br/><br/>Sarto placed his hands on the counter and a pale blue holo-interface appeared before him.<span style="color: Olive"> Favored customer? He asked with a laugh. And what have I done to earn such a title?</span>He was in the mood to be coy this evening, his mind long lost from it's previous concerns. He scrolled through the list of images, Asari women, that were displayed on the interface.<br/><br/><span style="color: RoyalBlue">To call such a man of your fine taste and excellent demeanor favored is the least courtesy that we can do, Mr. Sarto.</span>She replied with a smile. Sarto returned the smile and selected a girl from the list, the image expanding to fill the display along with a list of her statistics and talents.<br/><br/><span style="color: RoyalBlue">Ah, a wise choice, Mr. Sarto.</span>The Asari said, looking at the girl with approval.<span style="color: RoyalBlue"> I'm certain she will prove most accommodating to your needs. Shall I charge her to you?<br/>
</span><br/><span style="color: Olive">Please do.</span>He answered after perusing her statistics.<br/><br/>The Asari woman nodded to him and tilted her head to the left.<span style="color: RoyalBlue"> She will be in room 9 on the 13th floor.</span><br/><br/>Sarto smiled and nodded at her before stepping away from the desk and proceeding up the great glass staircase to the sides of the desk. There were two elevators at the top, the left opening for the approaching Batarian who stepped inside.<br/><br/>The ride up to the 13th floor was enjoyable. The elevator's acceleration and deceleration were so gradual that they were barely noticeable and the view out the great glass panes reaching up to the building's apex were astonishing.<br/><br/>The elevator stopped and opened on the floor. Sarto quickly exited and made for the numbered room. He could already taste her, feel her against him. The Asari knew their crafts very well, and Sarto was only too eager to partake of them.<br/><br/>He passed room 8, and another Batarian who was walking back to the elevators before finally reaching the door numbered 9. He stopped before it and once again tended to his dark clothing, ensuring that they were as straight and neat as could be before entering.<br/><br/>The room was dark, much darker than he had expected or ever remembered them to be. Sitting in it's center was a single light shining down on the lone bed. All around it were the darkest of shadows. Had Sarto not been in these rooms many times before, he would not have known it's size.<br/><br/>On the bed was a naked Asari, the one that Sarto had chosen. She truly was a lovely little thing, her legs laying to the side, showing off her curves. And what curves she had. Her breasts were small, but that hardly mattered<br/><br/>Sarto stepped into the room, the automated door behind him closing. He took of his jacket and tossed it into the dark. Beneath the coat was his folded up pistol, held snugly behind his right arm on the mag-lock sewn into his suit. It was a weapon of necessity for a man in his position.<br/><br/>He glanced up at the Asari girl, looking at her eyes as they darted to his gun. It was only then that he finally saw the fear in her eyes, the slight quiver of her body.<br/><span style="color: Olive"><br/>
Oh, is it the gun?</span>He asked.<span style="color: Olive"> Don't worry, I only use it to kill fools who would dare strike such a flower as you.</span>He smirked and walked forward, thickly laying on the swagger. It was all in good fun, of course.<br/><br/>Her eyes stared at him, then at the gun, then at him again. Sarto looked at her, slightly annoyed and confused at her manner until a sudden pang of realization hit him square in the face. It was a plea. His mind, still dulled from his thoughts of lust and satisfactions tried to piece together what was going on.<i><span style="color: Olive">The gun, me... Her eyes darted above his left shoulder, and the son of a bitch behind me!</span><br/>
</i><br/>Sarto's right hand reached, then grabbed the gun, feeling it unfold in his hand in under a second. He spun left, bringing his arm up to open fire.<br/><br/>A fist struck from the shadows as he turned, smashing into his coming about wrist. Sarto screamed as he felt the bones in his arm shatter under the impact. The gun fell limply from his hand and he grabbed his wrist moments before a foot caught him in the chest and shoved him backwards and to the ground, tight into the sharp corner of the bed.<br/><br/>Sarto cried out again, the corner driving into painfully into his back. He writhed for a moment, still clutching his arm.<span style="color: Olive"> You... you son of a bitch...! Don't you know who I am!? Don't you know who I work for!?</span>He wheezed out.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Yes.</span>The shadows replied. The voice was human, male. It was deep and it's resonance was familiar to Sarto.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Freighter out of Omega 12214534V, registry Bekket. There was a unique package on board. Who was the buyer? </span>The shadows spoke quickly, reciting the information in rapid succession. The question at the end, though, was slower.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">I don't know what your-- ugh!</span>Sarto began before in a swift, and frighteningly fast movement, the figure stepped forward and brought it's knee squarely into face. The Asari girl, who had huddled herself against the wall at the head of the bed, cried out when the blow connected.<br/><br/>Sarto's senses were lost for a moment and his head lolled backwards before the pain hit him and the blood began to flow freely. He knew something had been broken, but he didn't know what.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">I can't tell... you... that. </span>He tried to sputter out. His vision was blurred and incoherent, but he could see the shape of a man, now visible in the light to his chest. He wore something dark, light armor maybe. There was also a long coat that went down to his boots, that was clear. Sarto tried to look up at his face, but it remained in darkness. Even so, in one brief moment of clarity he saw the glimmer of his eyes... those Human eyes. He did know this man.<br/><br/>The Human's arm raised and clenched a fist, but Sarto retracted, holding up his unbroken arm while trying to retreat against the bed with his shattered one.<span style="color: Olive">Wait! Wait! He shouted. </span>The Human paused.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">We don't know... who the buyer is... I swear to-</span>Sart screamed as, in a single blindingly fast motion the Humans arm came down on his exposed leg, buckling it downward.The Asari clasped her hands on her mouth stifling her crying.<br/><br/><span style="color: Blue">Who was the buyer?</span>The Human asked again, calmly.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">We don't KNOW!</span>Sarto screamed at him, the pain now well beyond unbearable.<span style="color: Olive"> He was smart! He bought through proxies and middle men! We could only track it back so far until we lost it!<br/>
</span><br/><span style="color: Blue">How far back did you get?</span>He asked, still cold; still calm.<br/><br/><span style="color: Olive">Vega... Antoli.</span>The Batarian spat past the blood. He knew the Human knew who it was. The room fell silent, save the Asari's stifled cries. Sarto's head rolled to the side where he saw the pistol laying on the ground several feet from him.<br/><br/>With his broken, useless arm he reached for it, slowly. Darkness was beginning to come in around him, and his mind went blank, save the desire to protect itself. Inches away from the pistol on the ground a loud gunshot sounded in the room and Sarto slumped forward.<br/><br/>The door opened, flooding the previously dark room with the finally rays of sunlight before shutting again, leaving the Asari and Sarto alone. Once she was sure the Human was gone the Asari scrambled forward off the bed. She, on her hands and knees approached Sarto's slumped form. She reached out, tentatively, stopping just short of his bloody and mangled body before placing her shaking hand on his shoulder and pushing him up slightly.<br/><br/>Squarely in the center of his chest was a fresh hole, the blood leaking from it slowing substantially. There was absolutely no question in her mind: the Batarian was dead. She leapt up, her breathe still broken by sobs as she hit the emergency button on the wall beside the bed.<br/><br/>The room sounded a tiny beep then went silent, a comforting reminder that help was on the way. The Asari slumped against the wall and slowly slid to the ground where she gathered her knees against her chest and cried silently.<br/><br/>Another beep sounded, this one unexpected. The Asari held her breathe and looked up, fearing that the Human may have returned. There was no Human, but where he had been hidden in the darkness was a small blinking red light. The Asari frowned in confusion as the bomb detonated and killed her.<br/><br/><br/>**************************************************************************************************<br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><br/><b><span style="font-size: 15px">SIRNOOBSALOT</span></b><br/><br/>The Asari bartender fell hard as Gilax threw her, she tried to catch herself on the ground, but slipped and met the floor on her shoulder instead. She writhed in pain and fear, but managed to strike a key on her omni-tool.<br/><br/>Rajarr's shots struck true, cutting into the nearest thug's shields and turning them to sparkling static as the following bursts cracked and split the Turian's armor, sending the man to the ground as blood oozed from his antiquated armor. The next thug in line, a Human, took what followed, his shield held and he took aim, lifting his rifle to his shoulder. His eye widened behind the display in the scope as the chair, not moving fast enough to trigger what remained of his shields, caught him full in the face. He hit the ground just as his gun did, and rolled around, clutching his bloodied features.<br/><br/>A near thug, watching the sudden exchange shouted madly into his omni-tool Kill the fucking Krogan! before lifting his gun and firing, the bullets trailing behind Rajarr as he retreated to the rounded walls and a nearby booth, one of the few in the small bar. Most of the thugs all turned from their pot shots across the bar at Sorv, though none of them hit anything but bottles and half full glasses. Their intentions and intended ammo turned toward the booth where Krogan had taken shelter. Six of thugs all moved in toward the area from both sides of the bar, firing in bursts to try and keep Rajarr suppressed as they moved in for the kill.<br/><br/>The small group of thugs remained unaware of Darion on the second level, all save the one Darion killed. The shot made the nearby Salarian jump, startled by how close the shot sounded. He turned to see the corpse and Darion as he tucked himself behind a discarded table. Below, over the edge of the railing, the terrified patrons had managed to squeeze out of the single backdoor to the bar, leaving only a strewn mess of alcohol slick floor and broken glass. Gilax was, of course, no where in sight, having fought his way out through the crowd earlier.<br/><br/>The Salarian thug, however pulled his rifle back over the railing and ran toward the knocked over table Darion was covered behind. The Salarian kicked at the table, though it didn't do much to move it, and fired his weapon around it, shouting angrily, though not daring to go around it's lip out of being shot himself.<br/><br/>Outside of the bar, a Illium security officer was enjoying a nice cup of Earth imported coffee when the first thuds of shots being fired reverberated between the buildings. Very shortly after an alert came up from her omni-tool. It was an emergency call from a local bar, the purple sunset. It wasn't more than a block away. The security officer dropped the cup of coffee and grabbed the gun from her hip. She didn't bother waving her payment of the tab before running from her table and away from the cafe as patrons turned their heads toward the shots and stood in concern.<br/><br/>The officer was running along side the sprawling cliff-face of stairs and railings as she saw the pile of Asari bursting from the bar's back door. And then, from among them, a Salarian. A local thug, Gilax. The Asari officer ground her teeth. There was absolutely no way that the piece of slimy filth wasn't behind whatever gunfight had broken out. She wasn't going to let him get away.<br/><br/>Officer in pursuit of suspect at Purple Sunrise! Need backup immediately! Shots fired, shots fired! She shouted as he lifted her wrist to her face.<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>Ashana watched the unending lints of skycars float through the sea of skyscrapers, as the sun began to set. The purple haze in the sky was turning black as the wreathe of orange that preceded it slowly washed toward the horizon. The reflections off the glass of the city around Ashana made the very world sparkle as the night dawned, and the brilliant sunlight gave way to the lights of a city beneath the stars.<br/><br/>A cracking voice sounded near Ashana, between two official looking Asari the bore pistol's at their hips. The two were in uniform. There was some small static as the voice shouted about pursuing a suspect, the name of a bar, and calling for backup. Ashana turned her head slightly, giving the two a sidelong stare. They stiffened for a moment before suddenly dashing off, shouting something back into their omni-tool. One of them reached for their weapon. Ashana's eyes narrowed as they ran. Something struck her as being... odd. The event kept her attention more than it should have.<br/><br/><br/><b><span style="font-size: 15px">SONIC</span></b><br/><br/>With a simple glance over to his omnitool, he began to influence the controls in an attempt to tune into the frequency of his fellow crewmates. Cantenelli wanted them up to speed and gathered, and with the amount of time that had passed, it was about time for a report. The fact that people had not been keeping each other up to date on any recent activites did make Firas question what could have happened to either of them.<br/><br/>The Omnitool showed a bar for each member he had attempted to call, however some bars began to flicker an unsure orange. Concern and frustration forced an annoyed growl from the man but he spoke regardless, pressing down upon his earpiece to ensure that the driver would be unaware of any responses from his team.<br/><br/>"This is Firas, my mission is complete. Report."<br/><br/><br/><br/><b><span style="font-size: 15px">SIRNOOBSALOT</span></b><br/><br/>The Quarian's foot remained on Kala's back long enough to leave an imprint in her skin when it was finally removed. The airlock behind her opening signaled the Quarian's retreat, though the shotgun's barrel remained inches from Kala's head.<br/><br/>Captain. The Quarian spoke amid the invasion of footsteps upon metal. A Human made his way past the two and toward the cockpit where he reacquainted himself with the pilot's chair, mumbling things inaudibly in either frustration, glee, or both. The others surrounded the Quarian and Kala. Standing behind her was a Human with gray hair beginning to frost his temples. Beside him stood a Turian in complete combat regalia with a pistol sitting as his side. The burning scowling on the Turian's face was directed at Kala and didn't waver for even a moment.<br/><br/>The Human with the graying hair looked down at Kala, with a frown. You were trying to break into my ship? He asked after a moment in a tone that could freeze ice.<br/><br/>As Kala began to respond, the Turian surged forward and drove his shin into Kala's side, snarling at her. The Human remained stoic, and simply watched the Turian strike her.<br/><br/>My Turian officer doesn't like thieves. He thinks they represent the very lowest form of life; life that cannot exist without taking from other worthy life. The Human paused for a moment. I'm inclined to agree.<br/><br/>The Human walked around Kala and squatted down beside her. He let his elbows sit on his knees and he turned his head slightly, looking at her. Though, unfortunately, I don't have much room to speak on the subject. You see, I'm a pirate. Unfortunately for you, what that means is that I have very little consideration for laws. And, when someone tried to steal from me, I kill them. The Human paused for another moment.<br/><br/>Even so, I'm not one for... uncivilized behavior. As long as your willing to be civil with me, I will be civil with you. That kick was for trying to break into my ship. It was for being uncivil to me. Now, what were you trying to take from the ship? Schematics? Cantenelli asked, watching Kala closely.<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>Ashana's eyes broke from the retreating Asari as Firas' voice suddenly emitted from her omni-tool. It wasn't taed, though something in the intonation seemed stressed to Ashana.<br/><br/>I've got what I need. Something's strange, though. Sorv, are you on the line? A moment passed with no response. Sorv? Ashana pressed again with still no answer. Sorv not responding unsettled Ashana even more than she already was. Either something was preventing him from responding, or he was dead. Firas, did he tell you where he was going?<br/><br/><br/>***<br/><br/><br/>In the bar, amid the rage of bullets and ammunition, Sorv's omni-tool displayed an error message. It was trying to receive a transmission, but something was interfering with the signal. The error followed with a quick blurb asking Sorv to please exit any enclosed areas and reconnect to his channel.<div class="messageTextEndMarker"> </div>