Muse I've wanted to let out for a while now

[calibrates_big_guns]

Well ... this is happening.

Look, um, muse, right? Look, I'm flattered about all this, really. But it doesn't seem like you've got a plan, and while I've learned improvising gets things done pretty well, this seems like a place that's good for a plan.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I was in the middle of some calibrations.

Comments

[cmdreffingshepard]

I think the impulsive thing usually happens first, then the plan forms later.

Sometimes things work out okay that way. Someone should probably pull you away from those endless calibrations.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Are you sure that's not just the way you do things?

I'm not exactly complaining. What did you have in mind?

[cmdreffingshepard]

Hey, if it works...

[She smiles faintly.] I'd hate to just keep pulling you into these situations. But mine's got me stuck on this damn turtle.

[calibrates_big_guns]

I suppose I can't argue with results. Besides ... it's fun as all hell.

[There's an amused little smirk.]

Turtle?

[cmdreffingshepard]

Yeah, I know. It sounds crazy. But what about my life isn't?

[calibrates_big_guns]

You do have a point there, when living on a giant turtle is not the craziest thing you deal with.

[cmdreffingshepard]

Yeah, aside from that it doesn't seem too different from home. Secretive politicians, at least. Oh, and some monsters.

Frankly, I wouldn't mind a couple more familiar faces.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Sounds about right, as long as the politicians make condescending air quotes.

I guess I could be persuaded. Although I would like to know a little more.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I have to admit, I haven't seen that yet. The air quotes part, at least. The condescension is definitely there.

[She smiles faintly.] You mean, you don't just want to go in blind, guns blazing?

[calibrates_big_guns]

Well that sounds right at least.

[He chuckles] It'd be nice to know what I'm getting myself in to for once.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I honestly don't know much. Word is, we're expected to help with something, but no one is saying what, exactly, or how we're supposed to do that.

There was that attack when I first arrived - zombies, people were calling them. Basically husks, but without the Reaper implants. Smarter than husks, too. Otherwise, it's pretty much just a city. On a turtle. With a bunch of secrets that need to be uncovered.

[calibrates_big_guns]

So it's business as usual then?

[cmdreffingshepard]

Pretty much. Aside from those zombies, not as much to shoot, though. So far.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Well that's disappointing.

[cmdreffingshepard]

You're telling me. I show up, hear we're supposed to help with something, then some politician is saying all the foreigners need to stay away from work sites and not help.

It's a cover-up, of some sort.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Isn't it always?

[cmdreffingshepard]

The more things change...

[calibrates_big_guns]

The more they stay the same.

[That's one of the human sayings he's really gotten to like.]

I'm assuming you have a theory as to whatever's being covered up? Typically you are the one who knows what's going on.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I think it definitely has something to do with how and why people are being brought there. [He knows her so well.]

But there are still a lot of things to figure out.

[calibrates_big_guns]

That much, I guessed. [Of course he does, especially after all they've been through]

Again, business as usual.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I'm half expecting Cerberus agents to show up, any day now.

[Or even a Reaper, but she's not going to say that out loud. Maybe she's afraid of jinxing it.]

[calibrates_big_guns]

You're just asking for trouble now.

[Hey, it gives him more things to shoot, so he's not entirely opposed to it]

[cmdreffingshepard]

Well, there are some openly racist people hanging around, so it's not outside the realm of possibility.

[She wouldn't mind having some Cerberus agents to shoot, either. After having to work for them, it'd feel like evening the score, a little.]

[calibrates_big_guns]

Ooh, so there's something to shoot.

[You'll get the chance. Trust him.]

[cmdreffingshepard]

Still free speech, big guy. They have to commit a crime, first. Calling nonhumans freaks is racist as hell, but probably not call to actually shoot anyone.

Yet.

[calibrates_big_guns]

I'm going to hold you to the "yet" part.

[cmdreffingshepard]

I expect nothing less, Vakarian.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Here to please.

[Take whatever you want out of that one.]

[cmdreffingshepard]

I'll hold you to that, too. [Smiiiiirk.]

[calibrates_big_guns]

[He pulls the turian equivalent of a smirk.]

I'd be disappointed if you didn't.

[leather_bastard]

I've always found it useful to make plans when someone else lacks any sort of strategy.

Especially if you're trapped inside their head.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Well I've been stuck with someone who loves their improvisation for a while.

[Looking at you, Shepard]

I'm going to work on something once I get my bearings.

[leather_bastard]

Improvisation is a useful skill to have, of course, but it simply fails to stand up to proper preparation.

I suggest you get your bearings quickly. Your enemies will not wait idly by for you to familiarize yourself with your new situation.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Finally someone who speaks some sense.

[Even if he is a terrifying leather-man]

I've done some looking and I haven't seen anyone I'd count as an enemy. A few people I don't particularly like, but most of them are comrades of mine.

[leather_bastard]

There's always an enemy.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Well that's a little paranoid even for my people.

[This guy must be loads of fun at parties...]

[leather_bastard]

It's only paranoia if it's not true. When it is true, it's simply realism.

[calibrates_big_guns]

Fair enough.

[Cheery guy ...]