Ad Pondus Omnium, Undisclosed Location

[Mr. Dust]

Ad Pondus Omnium, considering everything's weight...

1 Month Ago
Undisclosed Location
8:36PM Earth Standard Time

Wandering eyes surveys the galaxy infront of them, since 2183 the Reaper threat had been at the forefront of one's mind, since that time various discoveries, incursions, encounters and attakcs have surfaced. Some more subtle than others, the acquisition of a reaper data core in the dubbed "Genesis System" was but one step to better understanding the second greatest threat to all known life in the galaxy.

The first most greatest threat had been prevailing for as long as one could remember, and it was somewhat ironic that it'd take the lesser threat to make everyone aware of the greater one. But if things continue to progress as they have been, the reapers will undo all life as it was known, what would follow afterwards is anyone's guess..... assuming anyone was still alive.

Hands clasped upon a violin along with a bow, 74cm in length with a grey horse hair, a silk wire formed the winding, the bow itself made of brazil word, as various reports, extranet broadcasts and documents appeared infront of the figure, hands moved and music began to play.

Myria D'Baal, that name long thought dead and the one associated with it now insideously known through most of the galaxy as Bal'Falan Hasati had shown such promise, such conviction, but ultimately she had proven a failure.

Though even a carpenter needs their tools to carry out their day to day activities...

Kelly Armstrong, otherwise known as Kali within the organisation the violinist had founded so long ago had proven to be an interesting and, at first, resilient specimen. However due to her genetic alterations her mind had fragmented and broken apart within itself, a new persona manifested... with help, to shelter the more fragile one.

The Butcher's goals and ambitions being his own, and being someone that took pride in his work, his words poisoned Kelly, becoming more susceptible to Kali's will, ultimately becoming the younger but more dominant mind. There may still be hope for the abomination yet however, her 'uniqueness' may prove to be societies saving grace.

Sandra Kelso was also someone that possessed similar traits to the other two, conviction, indeed she'd definately shown to be capable as well, the various downfalls and smearing against the Systems Alliance and it's Navy may have jaded her but her spirit has not properly been tested, such a variable could not be ignored for it went hand in hand with one's conviction.

If one is to follow their conviction but is absent of the spirit that fuels them, they are easily led astray and may consider anything no matter how terrible to see their conviction served. For now she was free to play the role of dutiful soldier, officer and captain...

Another dossier appeared, this one being that of a salarian male, while the individual was undoubtedly resourceful, he was also enigmatic, secretive, and thorough, highly valued traits but also an incredible risk if exposed to the threat the musician hopes to oppose and ultimately defeat. His motivations deceivingly apparant, the wolves in sheeps clothing will hopefully turn up more conclusive results.

Nine more dossiers appeared and placed themselves adjacent to the others, indeed there was a plethra of viable candidates but so few little time to pursue them all, the organisation was expansive but not properly greased, much like a sports car that backfires and stalls. All the makings of something incredible but closer inspection shows the 'cracks'.

Finishing the musical score, the instrument and it's bow were placed back in a case possibly quite as old as the one whom just handled it. "Samael, what is the current projected viability of project dutchman?" spoke a voice of serenity and calm.

The tell tale image of the AI's physical manifestion appeared seemingly in mid-air, it's 'eyes' glistening like tiny stars in the void of space.

"Viability stands at 20%, insufficent for field testing, 0% viability for core functionality to carry any estimated level of success."

"Thank you Samael" the voice was sincere but given that the AI had neither emotions, per say, and was modelled after the person talking to it, it seemed kind of moot to thank... effectively themself. The figure rose from the chair, hands clasped behind their lower back.

"Has the enigma been solved?" the question breaking the silence after a few minutes silence.

"Last documented decryption attempt was a failure. No new attempts have been made due to Sakoda Toku's absence, a transporter had been taken to Omega prior to the reaper attack and returned without her. There is a high probability of her returning to collect her various belongings before pursuing alternative avenues of employment. Advise detainment until success has been achieved."

Silence...............

"Preparing to send orders to detain Sakoda Toku upon her next arrival" the AI said in a completely absent of emotion tone.

"No.... too many variables on how that action could have a negative effect on both her and her standing with Bacalou forces..."

"Your forces" the AI interjected without a blink.

"Forward the neccersary information to her via the extranet, have the core transported to the Tartarus station and then brought here, if her services are required again in the future, they will be more reliable if she has not suffered captivity or ill treatment" ignoring the correction the hands moved to the neck area, stroking gently in thought.

"................... Acknowledged."

[Mr. Dust]

Nemo Malus Felix, peace visits not the guilty mind...

20 Days Ago
Planet Ardawin
- Mountain Regions
11:04AM Earth Standard Time

The climb had been quite... exhausting, to say the least, there was of course a plethra of alternative means to reach the top of the mountain regions by way of technology, but how could one maintain their fitness if they simply drive or fly everywhere they wanted and needed to go?

Technology had reached the point where people did not have to get up from their seat to do anything now days, VI assistants could perform technical and digital tasks in cyberspace while organic life simply span about at their desks on swivel chairs, of course in the espionage game there was no greater asset that having people on the ground and behind the fence so to speak.

Installing an artificial intelligence and leaving it up to the machine from thereon to keep one updated was more risk than reward, even an AI that was mapped after oneself had inherent risks, it's like playing chess with yourself. You will invariably pick one side to win if you ever plan to finish the game, and that meant sooner or later Samael would 'pick it's side', even though it was a machine it had the same fundamental 'motivations' as the one who gave it a 'mind' and that mind would never resign itself to the task at hand indefinately.... hence the need to cage it, which again, would not work forever.

Durandal had not resurfaced for the better part of a year, it almost seemed as though the rogue AI would not return, fortunately Samael would be ever vigilante for the signs, that aspect was rooted in the programming and could not be denied.

Sitting down upon a snow covered boulder just outside a cavern that'd serve as a sanctuary for the long cold evening, a backpack was placed upon the snowy ground and a erudalisk journal was retrieved. Fingers were flexed, an audible 'crack' was heard before the bare skin exposed from fingerless gloves tapped upon the micro keyboard.

Ardawin Mountain Slopes, October 11th

I finally reached the top of the mountain range and sure enough there was a cavern there---

Fingers stopped, setting the journal down so that a hand may retrieve a flask from the backpack, such a climb would tire anyone out if they also went by foot, an unfit person would not have the endurance to make it this far in any case. Filtered water passed the rim of the flask and into the gullet, careful not to drink too much at once.

A sigh escaped into the cold, eyes took in the wonderful sight of the Ardawin horizon as the sun started to set, the watch informed the wearer that at this time it'd be only eleven in the morning, but on Ardawin this would be a 'late afternoon' that existed prior to a very long and very cold evening. Each species had a tale of how they first discovered fire, and it was a sorely undervalued [and ultimately unneccesary] skill to be able to create it with but mundane bits of wood and stone.

The flask was stored back inside the backpack and the entry into the journal resumed with gradually cooling fingers.

---almost as if it was waiting for someone to discover it. Whether or not it's a natural formation is debatable, as is the theory that it must lead somewhere. Ardawin plays host to many forms of life and while there are creatures that stalk the skies, waters and lands, there must surely be creatures that skulk in the darkness where other life fears to tread.

Other life... there is a simple cycle on this planet, there is no need for bargaining, favour currying, espionage, subversion or assurances, that of which can defend itself lives, that of which cannot does not live. The galaxy of today is a pecarious tightrope where anyone that hopes to display their 'acrobatic talents' for all to see must be weary of that single fall that will see them plummet to their doom. Just as well that I keep my feet firmly upon the ground...

The typing stopped, it was a sufficent entry for now. The journal was placed into the backpack and the backpack in turn was placed back upon the wearer before they ventured inside of the cavern, there was no tell-tale sign of bones or half eaten carcasses which meant that sapient life either did not exist up here, or if it did... it ate everything. One could hope it was simply a case of the former, but it would also be somewhat disappointing to have come all this way and not discovered something new.

"Fuel" was retrieved from the backpack, various burnable items including lanmo plants that have been plucked of their nutritious fruits and died soon after, good for kindling and feeding embers. A lighter was retrieved from a lower pants pocket, sure it was cheating but with no one else around, who was there to be weary of being caught by?

The lighter was flicked several times before a flame was ignited and placed under what would become a campfire, and that was when the fire starter realised the theory about life existing in the cavern was actually a case of the latter...... by all appearances anyway...

[Mr. Dust]

Mirabile Dictu, wonderful to tell...

19 Days Ago
Planet Ardawin
- Mountain Regions
2:27PM Earth Standard Time

Ardawin Mountain Slopes, October 12th

Sure enough, the cavern was being inhabited by life afterall. While it was unfortunate that I had to 'slay the beast', I did some investigative exploration and found what is evidentally it's nest. Inside it were various cacoon like egg sacks, no doubt habouring more of these strange creatures inside, yet to have been 'birthed'.

I'll look forward to seeing how they respond to a different location outside their normal habitat, will they even be aware that the sterile white is not the same as the dank dark stone what is presumeably their natural environment... time will tell.

The fight hadn't been without injury to oneself, both physically and mentally. While it was certainly a horrifying creature, it was also merely acting out of defense for it's offspring and thus could not be faulted for such, basic intellect and responses.

It had the potential for greater intelligence, or at least it did before it was unfortunately killed but such is life on Ardawin, just because one was capable of speech didn't mean it was an exception to survival of the fittest...

[Mr. Dust]

Montaini Semper Liberi, mountaineers always free...

14 Days Ago
Planet Ardawin
- Sanctuary Facility
6:01PM Earth Standard Time

Uncovered eyes peered through the plate glass at the several cacoons that had been taken from the cavern to the north east via shuttle, fortunately there was no umbilical cord like attachment that otherwise prevented them being moved without causing injury to the contents inside.

When they hatched... if they hatched, they would prove quite interesting when they are eventually introduced back into the wild, where will they gravitate towards, will they be as vicious as their mother and try to maim everything around them or will they be more timid, hide from other creatures even though they could just as easily devour them. Time would tell.

Eyes peered down at the journal that had been given much attention over the past few days, nevermind the amount of attention it had received over the last few years and more. The mind contemplated the day where it would forcibly change hands, there would always be at least one person gunning for the proclaimed leader of the Bacalou, for however long the organisation held some form of prominence in mapped space.

Whether or not they'd care about keeping the various affects one had accumulated over the years, only time would tell. The practice of operating in plain sight had its pro's and its con's, for example there was no Bacalou 'merchandise' anywhere to be found, so no implications of involvement... however that in turn meant that anyone that gunned for it's leader and knew where to find it, that person's quarry would be in a dire disadvantage indeed.

But life seemed so much easier to live when not surrounded with minions just itching to let loose with a storm of bullets at enemies they've never encountered before but are pre-disposed to hate. That and the violin helped as well.

[Mr. Dust]

Abusus Non Tollit Usum, Just because something is misused doesn't mean it can't be used correctly...

10 Days Ago
Tartarus Station
- AI Construct Core
9:54PM Earth Standard Time

While the Tartarus station played host and home to a small army of loyal Bacalou soldiers, it was almost laughable that their leader.. or at least the 'big boss at the top' could pass through them and they were none the wiser to such presence, double edged sword yet again.

Though, there were a few select individuals that could identify the proclaimed leader of the Bacalou, so any deranged lunatic that popped up out of nowhere proclaiming to be the one and only Mr Dust would quickly be dealt with... or left to their whims, depending on how society responded.

Inwardly however, things would be more complicated, the threat of death or severe pain for disobeying a superiors orders may make the timid susceptible to intimidation by imposters. Who are they to refute the order of a superior they've never met, or heard from before? Such is the purpose of what was colloquially referred to as 'Upper Echelon'.

A sect of the organisation to give outsiders the impression that the Bacalou was some kind of clandestine government [government of whom was anyones guess] black ops division. Not.... entirely... inaccurate.

Eyes watched as Samael scanned the reaper core, it's dare it be said 'majestic' blue glow illuminating an otherwise considerably dark room. Of course entrusting an AI to studying reaper technology had it's own potential list of problems. Indoctrination for organics can be slow... very, very slow.

For a non-living, non-organic machine however close to 'real life' it may be, an intelligence can still become 'corrupted' when subjected to malicious elements often enough. The main reason why Sakoda Toku was given the chance to study the core herself, while her skills with technology were astounding, if she were to fall under the influence of indoctrination, the fallout if she 'went rogue' would easily be neglible or mitigated.

Some, who overlook the initial fact of it being an AI, may feel that putting a reaper core and what has a track record of going bad in the same room a stupid decision, and while not completely the same thing there was something to be gleaned from doing so.

If Samael is able to fall under the influence of indoctrination, artificial mind and all... then it was reasonably safe to assume that the person watching it work, the same one with which Samael's personality and 'mind' were duplicated from, was also equally likely to fall under said influence, which is why this would be the last trip one makes to the Tartarus station. Curiousity is a bad habit, but how could one resist on seeing the heart of what makes such monolithic creations 'tick' ?

[Mr. Dust]

Bono Malum Superate, Overcome evil with good...

8 Days Ago
Undisclosed Location
7:28AM Earth Standard Time

A reaper attack upon Omega wasn't exactly something one could predict, not only did it present naught but a hub of divided criminal factions and destitute civilians, it's significance to a reaper seemed inconsequential. Whatever the first documented reaper, Sovereign, wanted in mapped space, was upon the Citadel, it seemingly failed to obtain it as well.

It's timing was uncharacteristically terrible as well. Picking a time like a citadel-alliance fleet to arrive and engage a confederacy on it's last legs, which would only make the latter fight harder, if it was a kamakazi run it could have easily rammed itself into the station and potentially still kept going through it without much of a dint.

Yousuf did report that during this time, the terminals in the DHS building had become unresponsive the moment the reaper had attached itself to the station... implying that the reaper wanted information. Apparantly it wanted it so bad that it had to make a personal appearance to do it, why it didn't simply use a proxy was beyond one's ability to guess.

Speaking of proxies, Dygnitas had survived the suprise attack on his ship, that much was clear, several documented sightings report him alive, well and outfitted with reaper implants. The Dust Marked had failed to eliminate him, as did the ash bomb, incompetence on their part cost Omega many many lives. Hard to say whether they were innocent lives, but avoidable losses none the less.

Still, to make up for their failure, Sphinx Incorporated had rushed in to provide aid to the locals of Omega, at least those that accepted it anyway. Looking at things optimistically, several significant details came of this incident.

• The Dust Mark are losing their touch.
• Ones hunch about Dygnitas was right all along.
• Reapers seem to be capable of making 'mistakes' or having lapses in judgement.
• Information, that can only be found on Omega, is of great interest to the reapers.
• Sphinx Incorporated, a front company for the Bacalou, gains much positive press for assisting the citizens of Omega.
• Omega is incapable of defending itself against the likes of a combined council-alliance fleet, and would have been put to heel had the latter continued it's assault.

Then again, if push came to shove, there was likely more than enough naval forces in the terminus combined that, had they been requested, would rally at Omega to fend off the 'foreign' invaders. Another interesting detail that surfaced was the recent 'attack' at the Pharos facility, a solitary salarian had dispatched Sekhmet's guard, taken her hostage, and escaped.

Bold, Daring, Resourceful, Not overly reckless... a clearer picture was taking form of the kind of salarian that would be capable of pulling off such a feat by themselves no less. Add to the fact he was sporting a custom built armour by Sakoda, knowing her exorbant prices there were only so many salarians that could afford it, and even fewer that would have known to seek her out.

No other facilities had been 'hit' since that time which meant either the salarian had bitten off more than he could chew with breaking into another factions facility, or they obtained the details they were after..... and only two significant details came to mind from Pharos, it was where 'Trina' had been 'reborn', and it was also the facility Sekhmet had used to send reports to her leader.

A single paper trail pointing to outside of mapped space... one would not want to disappoint the salarian in pursuit of his quarry, though... said salarian may find something completely different to what he expected, only time would tell.

[Mr. Dust]

Repetita Juvant, Repeating does good...

January 1st
Undisclosed Location
6:39PM Earth Standard Time

Months had past, near even a year had past since the suprise incursion upon Pharos, and yet.. nothing. It was seemingly apparant that whomever that salarian was that boldly strode into the hornets nest had.. in some shape or form.. 'expired'. A shame, one could have learned a thing or two from such a resourceful salarian, they were after all crack-infiltrators.

Maybe not by means of bluffing and wading openly through enemy ranks, but if one wanted to get somewhere relatively unnoticed, salarians.. starting from the STG and going up from there, were seldom 'showed up' by another races counterpart.

The galaxy was growing stagnant, quiet, as if it were choking on its last breath and yet nothing was to be done about it. The systems alliance had suprisingly kept itself reclusive inside its own respective territory and likewise so did the factions of the terminus. It almost appeared as if everyone in the galaxy had lost the will to fight after the rebellion over Lusia, everyone had seen how those waving the same banner can still perform truly chaotic actions and.. despite better judgement, create casualties from them.

The Bacalou had taken a human councilor hostage, pawned him off to blood thirsty mercs, but was saved...

The Bacalou had taken a fight directly to the turian councilor, infected his crew with an engineered virus specifically targetting turians, dentonated a WMD on his ship, but he escaped...

The Bacalou had taken near a whole colony of asari from a back water planet with very few casualties of their own, and the asari republics response was to instigate a war of their own, starting with forming a "Restitution" and laying claim to Lusia, a densely krogan populated world... but the war was quelled.

Salarians had continued on unscatched from the Bacalou's presence, the time would eventually come but for the present time, the asari had yet to reach the end of their use, more affirmative action was required, action that one way or another would be spurred on... most likely from the shadows, as it had been for a while now.