Raine is in a happy mood after playing with Ron Stoppable and Rufus, sometimes being young at heart is a lonely business. Unfortunately when you are an adult but maintain your hobby from your younger days you would be branded negatively in the eyes of society.
There was a time when she went online and the damned so called jocks would automatically imagine her as a fat unemployed slob still living in her parents basement when she mentioned her interests or commented on social issues. The jocks are discriminating her just by looking at her anime profile picture.
The judgemental stares of friends or relatives also became a bit much sometimes. Even though she was already a working adult, in their eyes certainly that fact mattered less than what you do in your damn spare times. God forbid they know she did write some fanfiction as a hobby, if it doesn’t make money then it’s trash.
She can’t help it though, the plot bunnies are hopping around her brain and they would not die unless you carbon-freeze them like what Boba Fett did to Han Solo onto a piece of blank white paper. How could she work in peace with the damn plot bunnies hopping around in her head. Damn you bunnies, die! Die, so she could work in peace.
With a start however she suddenly realizes that she have been getting off-topic in her musings. So Raine re-oriented her thoughts and concentrate on the present time and location.
Currently Raine is walking together with Mrs. Alakoni, Iden Versio, Kaidan Alenko, and Ron Stoppable to Mrs. Alakoni’s office in order to discuss their next move. Mrs. Alakoni has arranged for her to have bodyguards in her travel to learn more about the current age and what humanity has become in her absence. Raine and her group once again walk the same brightly lit and utilitarian hallway leading out of the chamber where her tree is located and secured.
Along the way, the personnel and the staff working and maintaining the facility cleared the way for their group and saluted respectfully as they pass. After passing through security checkpoints and the cafeteria, Raine is once again back in Mrs. Alakoni’s office.
Raine’s group then took the seats in front of Mrs. Alakoni’s office desk, with Mrs. Alakoni taking the director’s seat with the glass panel behind her, showing her staffs working and laboring hard in their respective tasks.
Once again Raine spotted the white persian cat jump unto Mrs. Alakoni’s lap, purred appreciatively and lay there demanding to be petted by Mrs. Alakoni.
“Oh Opalescence, you have become too spoiled recently.” Said Mrs. Alakoni as she starts to pet the white persian cat.
“Director, you have become the picture of decadence for having such a rare and expensive breed of cat in your possession.” Commented Iden Versio as she relaxes on her seat.
“Oh stop it Iden, Opal and her ilk have been in the family for generations. It’s not an issue at all for me feeding and taking care of her, it’s as much a status symbol for me as well as my stress relief in office so the expense is well worth it.” Said Mrs. Alakoni.
“It’s just a cat, surely there are a lot of them around.” Remarked Raine as she sat on the chair in front of Mrs. Alakoni.
“Any pets nowaday are a luxury Ms. Raine, as most pets such as dogs and cats are eaten rather than being a burden during the cold famine when the deep freeze happen. The pets that still existed today are descended from pets being kept by royalty, nobility, dictators, millionaires and billionaires from that time period. Opal here have the same value as small shuttle and if I maintain the purity of her lineage, her litters would have the same value. Of course some genetic engineering work needed to be done in order to keep in-breeding from happening. ” Explained Mrs. Alakoni.
“Alright, but I don’t want to keep talking about the cat. That is not why we are here after all.” Said Raine with a huff.
“Of course Ms. Raine, we should discuss our next move then. As you know, I have hired Inferno Squad to serve as your bodyguard during your travel. Of course you are free to go anywhere but I recommend you to go to our trade hub in Caldari Space. It’s a large station orbiting the 4th moon of Jita IV in the forge region of space. The station is originally meant to be an assembly plant for our Caldari Navy but has since become the largest tradehub in the whole universe. You would find all sorts of individual in all walks of life and practically all the organization in the universe who would be present in the station. I believe you would do well to make such a station your headquarter in between your travels.” Recommends Mrs. Alakoni as she petted Opalescence’s head on her lap.
“Not to mention, that place are packed with beautiful Gallente elves and the gear made by the Amarr dwarves are top notch as well! Why I remember Kaidan here was smitten with one of the elves during one of our shore leave.” Said Ron as he sits between Iden and Kaidan.
“What elves? And what’s this about dwarves?” Asked Raine with confusion marring her face.
Iden, Ron and Kaidan was startled from Raine’s question, with uncertainty they look at each other and then finally sends a questioning gaze towards director Alakoni.
“Oh did I forgot to mention that we have discovered we are not alone in the universe Ms. Raine…” Said Alakoni with chagrin.
“... You could have mentioned that after the apocalypse yes?” Said Raine flatly as she stares at the squirming Alakoni.
“I apologize Ms. Raine, so these aliens.. We have encountered and fought wars with them over the centuries, but currently we are at peace so it’s fine for you to meet them. Think of them as a chance to do some… Extreme cultural exchange. There are only three type of aliens that you would encounter, which is elves, dwarves, and orcs. This is a gross generalization but elves are snobbish, dwarves are stubborn and orcs are bastards. I think that should cover it all yes?” Said Alakoni sweetly.
Raine eyes are twitching but she sighed and decided to move on.
“Fine, I’d complain but I’m not exactly announcing my existence as well.” Said Raine with reluctance.
“Splendid, they just come out of the woodwork one day from the next galaxy to complain about our noise polluting television programs filling their airwaves, some arguments here and there, some fights, some drinking and we have been good friends ever since. Just like real life.” Said Alakoni.
“I can’t really tell whether you are joking or not…” Sighed Raine again with exasperation.
“Moving on from all these distractions Ms. Raine, as I have a new ship in orbit above us right now that I can’t wait to get into. Part of the agreement with director Alakoni is Lai Dai Corporation have agreed to trade in our old Cruiser, a standard Tech 1 Caracal, and replace it with one of Lai Dai’s exclusive product, a Tech 2 Heavy Assault Cruiser, the Cerberus. The transferring of our personnel and assets have already been completed and the ship is waiting for us in orbit. A shuttle is ready to take us off if you are ready to go.” Interjected Iden Versio impatiently.
“Of course Ms. Iden. I would love to flaunt about the Cerberus to Ms. Raine, but I suppose work does come before pleasure. However, before Ms. Raine can take offworld in the shuttle we should see Professor Dexter first for her to get her dropsuit and sidearms. Surely you don’t expect us to send out Ms. Raine just with the gear and weapon given personally by our private security contractor do you?” Admonished Alakoni as she activates her omnitool on her arm.
“Yes director?” Said the opposite channel as the image and voice of Professor Dexter come out from the device.
“Professor Dexter, I am currently in the company of Ms. Raine and Inferno Squad. Do you have the equipment ready for her to collect?” Asked Alakoni through her omnitool in front of Raine and Inferno Squad.
“Her equipment is ready to collect, we have prepared the dropsuit and a list of side weapons for her to choose from. As per your order we did not prepare any primary weapons as it is deemed that her physiology is not ready to use it yet.” Reported Professor dexter.
“Excellent, we would be on our way to your lab now Professor. Please prepare for our imminent arrival.” Said Alakoni with satisfaction.
“Understood director, we will be ready for your arrival.” Acknowledged Dexter.
Alakoni then deactivated her omnitool and shifted her attention to the group in front of her.
“Well then, as you have heard just now ladies and gentlemens. Let us proceed to Dexter’s lab for Ms. Raine dropsuit fitting and then she can take a pick from our side weapons selections before you can fly offworld to Inferno Squad’s brand new ship.” Said Alakoni as she put her beloved white persian cat Opal on the ground and stands up from her seat.
“About time Director Alakoni. I, for one can’t wait to get back to my room in the new Normandy ship. As I would like to try out my newly bought Playstation 45 gaming console. Even though the rotten tomato reviews says it’s an overpriced orange bastard with a lot of marketing hot air, but hey I bought it just to find out whether I should throw out my old black Playstation 44 Pro gaming console and replace it with the newer Playstation 45 console instead.” Said Ron excitedly as he stands and stretches his back.
“Although I was confused when I did some research online before buying the console though, as half are saying orange is the new black and the other half are saying the orange will kill off the company and they should have stick with the traditional black. I have never seen such a divisive reviews online. It’s like the whole internet is on fire with Playstation fanboys and fangirls starting up a civil war. The whole thing has become a messy riot which causes the world to laugh and insult gamers as a whole, but nobody laughed as loud as the fanboys and fangirls of the Xbox Cancer when they see the other side dispute and squabble among themselves.” Said Ron contemplatively as he puts a hand on his chin and taking a thoughtful pose.
“You really shouldn’t mention your hobby during work Ron, it’s simply not professional.” Complained Kaidan as he stands from his seat as well.
“You can berate me when you have slain more zombies than I do in multiplayer Kaidan.” Said Ron with some swagger and arrogant expression on his face.
Kaidan simply stay silent as he do not wish to continue this conversation in front of Iden Versio, their client and a VIP.
Simply taking Kaidan’s silence as an admission of defeat, Ron leads the way out of the office as he holds Alakoni’s office door like a butler.
Seeing that their business in Alakoni’s office are more or less wrapped up. Both Iden Versio and Raine stands from their seat as well and together with Alakoni and Kaidan exits the director office and proceed towards Dexter’s lab as Ron closed the door behind them.
On their way to Dexter’s lab, every staff and personnel they encountered cleared the way again for their group and salutes as they walk past. Although they still need to pass security checkpoints, it is just a matter of time before they reach the entrance to Dexter’s lab. Alakoni greets the pair of guards guarding the entrance and proceed to enter the lab, followed by Raine and her bodyguard entourage behind her.
Inside the lab, Raine could see Professor Dexter as well as his lab assistants lining up behind the Professor with some side weapons being presented on a metal tray as well as a few of some high tech looking drop suits for her. As Raine and her group walks closer to Professor Dexter, the Professor and his assistants stands straighter and more alert.
“Welcome back Ms. Raine, I hope you don't press any more button while you are back here in my lab this time… And I can see somehow you have done some make over a lot of growing up as well. I didn't realize looking like a cat is considered trendy nowadays by our youth.” Said Professor Dexter with some weariness, fear and confusion when looking at Raine’s new gear and cat girl / assassin appearance.
Raine nodded and made a motion of crossing her heart to show her sincerity not to press any button while in Dexter’s lab and choosing not to comment as Dexter and his assistants discreetly ogling at her pair of breasts.
“Well as long as you understand Ms. Raine.” Said Professor Dexter with some relief and reluctant acceptance, quite used to strangeness from his sister Dee Dee.
“Well Professor, let us start with the dropsuit first then. What do you have for Ms Raine?” Asked Alakoni from beside Raine.
“Very well then director, for the dropsuit I would limit the selection strictly to the light class of dropsuits as due to Ms. Raine physiology and stature, only this class of dropsuit would suit her best. We have three type for this class of dropsuit for Ms. Raine to choose from. The basic light frame type, it doesn’t come with any role specific customization but it comes with a better shield and shield recharge rate. Next we have the scout class light dropsuit, it have standard shield but it is designed and optimized for covert operations and stealth. And finally we have the pilot class light dropsuit, it have weaker shield, no stealth ability but compensates for that by having the best electronics capability in order to bypass and fly shuttles as well as some smaller class of spaceships. Now Ms. Raine, from among these suits. Which one interest you the most?” Asked Professor Dexter as he points at each dropsuits in front of Raine, being held by a lab assistant.
Raine thoughtfully considers and with certainty she choose the pilot class light drop suit. As she would value the ability to operate a shuttle and spaceship more than having a better shielding or stealth ability.
“The pilot class light drop suit, a good choice Ms. Raine. The dropsuit would serve you well I am sure of it. Caldari dropsuits are famed for having the best shields and electronics in the whole universe, the one we are outfitting you is one of our better models so please take care of it.” Said Professor Dexter with pride and caution.
With her choice, two of the lab assistants withdrew the light dropsuits type that she didn’t choose. The lab assistant holding the dropsuit she have chosen moves forward, and starts fitting the suit on to her undersuit given to her by Ms. Ashi. As the lab assistant is in the process of fitting the components and armours of the pilot class light dropsuit, a few new lab assistants move forward to present her the sidearms she could choose.
“Ms. Raine, this time please choose your sidearm. Please choose only one as it’s best to carry one type of weapon and it’s corresponding ammunitions in order not to burden your movement ability too much.” Explained Professor Dexter as Alakoni and Iden Versio looks on with interest.
“Now Ms. Raine, I would be explaining weapons in more detail compared to the dropsuits as a weapon is a dangerous thing and should be respected. Not that dropsuits is lesser compared to weapons you see but you must appreciate your armour and respect your weapon, that is our way, the caldari way.” Explained Professor dexter as one assistant move forward and presented a pistol in front of the standing Raine being fitted with the pilot class light dropsuit.
Raine looks with interest and even took a picture with her omnitool.
[http://images.eurogamer.net/2013/articles/a/1/5/7/5/8/0/9/Minmitar_Flaylock_Pistol.jpg.jpg]
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“This here is the Flaylock pistol, a mainstay sidearms of the Gallente elves. This snub-nosed pistol have enough ammo for three shots per clip and you can carry a maximum of five clips in combat. The Flaylock is designed to fire one-inch direct attack missiles. Typically, the weapon is armed with pack-loaded dumbfire, or seeker missiles effective against infantry and armored targets, but is fully compatible with a broad range of missile types, making it one of the most versatile sidearm weapons on the battlefield. The seeker missiles utilize pre-launch lock-on and rudimentary self-guidance to track designated targets, though the finite propellant limits the practical engagement zone to short ranges. Although less effective against shielded targets, the tandem warhead allows penetration of armor layers before detonation, amplifying the effectiveness of the narrow fragment stream and maximizing each projectile's lethality. This weapon is the very image of the race it was born from, just like the elves it is an accurate but impotent weapon in combat. I am making a joke about their lack of ammo by the way as they can only shoot three times. ” Explained Professor Dexter as he waved the flaylock pistol away and gestured for the next lab assistant to move forward.
Raine looks with interest as yet another pistol was presented in front of her, she then took another picture with her omnitool.
[http://web.ccpgamescdn.com/dust/wallpapers/Amarr-Scrambler-Pistol/2560x1440-Amarr-Srambler-Pistol.jpg]
“Next we have the Scrambler pistol, a mainstay sidearm of the Amarrian dwarves. This pistol have enough ammo for twelve shots per clip and you can carry a maximum of four clips in combat.The Scrambler is a semi-automatic pistol originally designed and manufactured by Carthum Conglomerate. A small-scale directed energy weapon, it produces a laser-induced plasma channel capable of dealing short-range pin-point damage to a target. Power consumption is excessive, but is addressed via a rear-loaded, self containing liquid fuel cell, allowing cells to be exchanged quickly and easily once exhausted. Moreover, advances in the polymers used in the weapon's construction have greatly reduced heat build-up and improved heat dissipation, resulting in improved reliability over earlier modules. This weapon is the very image of the race it was born from, just like the dwarves it is a powerful but stubborn weapon in combat. The weapon need some expertise to handle and if you don’t treat it well it will stop firing.” Explained the Professor yet again as he waved the scrambler pistol away and gestured for the next lab assistant to move forward.
Raine still look on with interest as yet another weapon is presented in front of her, curiously this time it’s not a pistol but it’s a small submachinegun. Raine once again took another picture with her omnitool.
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“And finally we have this submachine gun, a mainstay sidearms of the Minmattar orcs. This submachine gun have enough ammo for eighty shots per clip and you can carry a maximum of 6 clips in combat. Favouring function over form, the SMG is a lightweight, full automatic weapon designed for close-quarters combat. What it lacks in stopping power and accuracy it grossly overcompensates for with quantity. Designed to injure and impede, the hailstorm of bullets the SMG produces is most effective in tight spaces against multiple targets.This original design is a paradigm of Minmatar construction. An inelegant but reliable weapon solution that is simple to produce, easily repaired using almost any available materials, and provides comparable pound-for-pound performance with similar sub-automatic weapons was a result of this design. Although an unabashedly low-tech weapon, it excels at what it was designed for: killing anything right in front of you. This weapon is the very image of the race it was born from, just like the orcs it is an effective but brutal weapon in combat. Since it is quite low tech by our standard, each bullet have low damage and stopping power, you would need ton of ammos in order to utilize this weapon effectively." Explained the Professor yet again as he waved the submachine gun away and gestured for the lab assistant to move backward and join the other two assistant holding the flaylock pistol and scrambler pistol.
Raine were waiting for the caldari sidearms to be presented to her as well but became confused when nothing happen and they act as if she needs to make the decision to choose from three sidearms weapon.
“What about the caldari sidearms?” Asked Raine with confusion.
To Raine’s bewilderment, everyone starts laughing at her words.
“Forgive me Ms. Raine, but you have already carried a fine Caldari sidearm with you all this time. Please pass me your Nova Knife, that knife is our mainstay Caldari sidearm. I can also do the explanation and expose of our mainstay sidearm as well if you’d like.” Said Dexter as he extended his hands, requesting for the Nova Knife currently sheathed on Raine’s thigh.
Raine, with a blushing face, unsheathed her ‘Blackprey’ ZN-28 Nova Knife and passed it to Professor Dexter outstretched hands. Raine also took a picture of her knife with her omnitool in order to complete the sidearms set.
[https://web.ccpgamescdn.com/dust/news.control/8738/1/Nove_Knife.jpg]
“Ah yes, the ubiquitous Caldari Nova Knife, a mainstay sidearms of the Caldari humans. This knife of course has no ammo as it is a melee weapon, you could use it as a throwing knife but I wouldn’t recommend it as it is costly and it is not a disposable weapon. A close-quarters melee weapon, the nova knife is as deadly a weapon as anything on the battlefield. Its name derives from the heated plasma edge of the blade - formed by a thermic igniter and linear gravity condenser that, in skilled hands, can be used to carve through even the thickest Dropsuit armour. This weapon is the very image of the race it was born from, just like the humans it is a resilient but difficult weapon to master in combat. The only downside is that you have to be in striking distance in order to utilize this weapon, but this weapon is the pride of the human race and is featured in multiple coat of arms.” Explained the Professor as he hold Raine’s Nova Knife on his hands before he return the knife to Raine’s hand.
Raine then sheathed her ‘Blackprey’ ZN-28 Nova knife and direct her attention to the three lab assistant holding each sidearm weapon as if to gauge which weapon to take with her.
“Now Ms. Raine, we come back to which of three sidearm weapons that you will carry on with you in your journey. Remember that you can only choose one as it will not be possible to carry all three with you on your person. Will it be the grass-type Flaylock Pistol, the water-type Scrambler Pistol or the fire-type submachine gun?” Asked Professor Dexter as he gestured towards the three lab assistants holding the sidearm weapons.
“Grass-type, water-type, fire-type?” Said Raine with a confused tone as she tilted her head cutely.
“Never mind the terms Ms. Raine, it's something of an inside joke among our lab staffs.” Explained Professor Dexter humoredly.
“Then what is my Nova Knife type in that term? I am just curious.” Asked Raine as she holds the tip of her deactivated Nova Knife edged blade.
“Lightning-type obviously, now Ms. Raine, what would your choice of sidearm weapon be?” Asked Professor Dexter once again.
After some consideration, she decided to take the Amarrian dwarves Scrambler Pistol. Who wouldn’t want to use a futuristic laser pistol like Han Solo from Star Wars? Raine then points at the lab assistant holding the Amarrian Scrambler Pistol on his hands.
“... I choose the Scrambler Pistol.” Answered Raine as the lab assistant that is holding said sidearm weapon moved forward and presented the sidearm weapon to Professor Dexter.
The Professor then took the offered Scrambler Pistol and fiddled with the control panel momentarily.
“You have chosen the Scrambler Pistol as your main sidearm in your journey Ms. Raine. Are you sure of your choice?” Asked Professor Dexter once again.
“Yes, I am sure.” Confirmed Raine on her selection.
“Then this weapon will serve you well. I have registered this weapon under your name and by locking your genetic code to this Scrambler Pistol, it will only fire when it is in your possession. We already have a blood sample courtesy of Dr. Vahlen, even though I was told it didn’t come from your body, her scan result has shown that it is the same substance as the one circulating in your body. Please take this CAR-9 Burst Scrambler Pistol as your loyal companion, take care of it well and it will serve you faithfully.” Professed Professor Dexter as he passed back the native Amarrian Scrambler Pistol to Raine.
Raine accepted the offered Scrambler Pistol and holstered it on her right thigh.
“And before I forget, here are four full spare clips for your CAR-9 Burst Scrambler Pistol. Inside the clips are self-contained liquid fuel cell, if it ever break and spill please do not touch the spill it as it will be harmful to flesh and skin, and be warned it is extremely flammable.” Said Professor Dexter as he passed the spare full clips to Raine’s hand.
Raine accepted the offered clips and stored it in the pouches of her cat tail belt for easy retrieval and storage. Only then she realizes that the lab assistants that is fitting her pilot class dropsuit is no longer tinkering around her. Raine assumes that she already has everything she need from the Professor’s lab and ready to go onboard the shuttle offworld.
“Is this everything Professor?” Asked Raine to Professor Dexter.
“Not quite, there is one last piece of equipment you still need to complete your gear.” Said Professor Dexter as he snapped his finger and one of the lab assistant presented Raine with a black pilot helmet that complemented her suit nicely.
Raine took a glance at the offered pilot helmet and feel that the design is a bit imposing, and to her chagrin it still looks like a black cat. Raine does not believe everyone here will quit imposing their catgirl fetish on everything she is wearing anytime soon..
Nevertheless Raine still took the time to take a picture of the helmet with her omnitool.
[https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/originals/37/ce/62/37ce6255ffb8c0d667c9f0a8f3e60b86.jpg]
“This pilot helmet suit the necessary electronics to interface with a shuttle and the smaller class of spaceships on-board computer and electronics. Just think about what you wish to do and the helmet system will do the rest for you.” Explained Professor Dexter as he offered the pilot helmet to Raine.
Raine accepted the offered helmet and found out that she can still wear her mask under the helmet as the space inside the helmet adjusted to fit the size of her head comfortably.
“Looking good Raine!” Said Ron excitedly.
“Yes, Ms. Raine it’s a good fit for you, and I am happy that you have chosen the scrambler pistol as well as it is the same model as I am using now. I can show you the ropes later if you would like.” Offered Iden happily.
“Sigh, I was sure that she would have chosen the Flaylock Pistol instead. The pistol have a homing capability that I was sure that would have sealed the deal.” Lamented director Alakoni taking the loss as a personal slight.
“Now director, isn’t it better if Ms. Raine have an expert to show her the ropes for a particular weapon?” Soothed Kaidan.
“I suppose you are right Mr. Kaidan, as long as Ms. Raine is happy with her choice I suppose.” Conceded Alakoni looking at Raine’s fitted form.
Raine can hear the conversation of both Alakoni and Kaidan very clearly even when she can see that they are conversing in a lower volume. It seems that the helmet is also enhancing her hearing and sight, as from within the helmet she can spot various HUD display of her surroundings. Names of personnel, their armour configuration and displayed weapon are also displayed in her HUD display.
Even the vehicle behind Professor Dexter is labelled as a Caldari Viper dropship, and was clearly marked that the helmet are able to interface and pilot such an impressive vehicle.
Raine was a bit woozy as her view suddenly zoomed into the Viper dropship and she can see the details of the ship in a clearer and sharper image.
[http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-VJTrMMY_cp0/Txbp8DoAy3I/AAAAAAAAAI0/X6NpsR0AM1E/s640/devblog_2.jpg]
“I am sure you are currently a bit overwhelmed with the HUD of the pilot helmet now Ms. Raine. If you can just spoke the word ‘scout mode’ it will revert it’s setting to a more natural feel for your eyes.” Said Professor Dexter helpfully in front of Raine.
“Scout mode.” Said Raine clearly.
Raine view are suddenly clearer now as all the HUD display disappears and replaced with her more normal unaugmented sight. The picture are still clearer and sharper than she is used to though and she is sure that this helmet also comes with night-vision as well.
“Yes this is better, thank you for the advice Professor.” Said Raine with gratitude as she bows slightly in thanks.
“Your welcome Ms. Raine, that is all we have for you today. However if you have any issue please do not hesitate to come to me or any of my staffs.” Replied professor Dexter acknowledging Raine’s thanks.
“Ms. Raine I can say that you are now ready for your trip offworld. Please follow me to the hangar, a shuttle has been prepared for your party and remember that the support of the Lai Dai’s group are behind you as you traverse the stars. However please try not to cause an incident with any of the aliens you encountered on Jita station as those kind of cases are legally more complicated than your average legal case.” Said Alakoni encouragingly as she give an advise for Raine’s journey.
“Yeah! It’s about time! Zombie slaying on Playstation 45 here I come!” Shouted Ron as Kaidan elbowed Ron none too gently which shut Ron up.
With that distraction over, Raine says her goodbye to Professor Dexter and his lab assistants. Then all of Raine’s group exits the lab and after walking for some time with Alakoni leading their group towards the hangar. Raine can see the transition of the hallway from bright and utilitarian towards a more metallic and practical design with pipes criss-crossing the rooftop. Raine then passed a large metal gate which leads to a large chamber even larger than the one with her tree in it.
Ahead of her, she can see a landing platform with aircraft personnels doing various tasks around the ship which she assumes is her shuttle offworld.
“Scout mode off.” Said Raine as her HUD activated again and confirmed her assumption that the ship is her shuttle offworld. Raine’s view are then zoomed closer to the shuttle and make the shuttle have a brighter and clearer image in the dimmed surroundings of the landing pad.
[https://brainbooger.files.wordpress.com/2011/02/caldarishuttlenew.png]
“That’s our ticket off Earth Ms. Raine, the journey should take around 10 minutes for us to reach my ship in orbit. I hope you are mentally prepared for a serious culture shock when we reach the Jita Station. I will show you around as it is my Squad’s base of operation when trying to find any mercenary work.” Said Iden Versio from Raine's side.
Raine just nodded and standing around as Alakoni are clearing the red tapes for the shuttle launch offworld with her director clearance. Alakoni then shortly cleared Raine and her group for launch after discussing it shortly with the landing pad flight control.
Iden Versio, Kaidan Alenko and Ron Stoppable have already proceed ahead without Raine but somehow Raine trailed behind and walks closer to Alakoni as she felt that she have something to say before they say their goodbyes.
“Ms. Raine, I hope you have a safe trip and return back to us when anytime you want. Know that you will always have a home with us here.” Said Alakoni full of emotion like a parent letting her child off at her first day of school.
Raine rolled her eyes behind her helmet, but decided to hug Alakoni in this instance. As she felt she needs to be the great grandparents instead of being treated like the granddaughter with her hands being held.
“Know that I am proud of what our family have achieved here and today. Not only you but to all of our family, I hope you can let everyone know as well. And I will be back one day bringing great gifts for the family! Just wait and see.” Said Raine returning Alakoni’s heartfelt emotion.
Alakoni sniffed and avert her eyes as they separated, Raine then walked away through the landing pad and into the shuttle’s ramp where the rest of the group are waiting for her. Raine then turns around on the shuttle ramp and waved goodbye at Alakoni’s waiting figure.
“Goodbye Mrs. Alakoni! I hope you take care of yourself and the company in my absence!” Shouted Raine as she say her goodbye.
“I will Ms Raine, don’t worry! Goodbye and have a safe journey!” Shouted Alakoni in reply.
Raine’s last view of Alakoni is her standing on the edge of the landing pad and furiously waving her hand in goodbye at Raine.
“You will see her again Ms. Raine, Separation makes the heart fonder after all. Just make sure you stay in one piece and return home. That’s all that matters and no matter who say otherwise, a mercenary’s priority is not money, it is returning back to a home worth returning to.” Advised Ron Stoppable beside Raine in the confine of the shuttle’s ramp.
“Wise words, Ronald. It’s unbecoming of you, I am surprised.” Said Raine quietly.
“I have my moments.” Said Ron as he looked away in embarrassment.
Raine and her group then moved on from the shuttle ramp and into the shuttle’s passenger seats. As everyone’s buckling on their seat Raine hears the pilot’s announcement.
“Ready for dust off, we are taking off for docking with Normandy SR-2 in orbit.” Announced a woman’s voice which is the shuttle’s pilot.
Raine then felt the shudder of the shuttle’s taking off and when she take a view of the outside of the shuttle from the window, she can see the chamber where she was in with Alakoni earlier.
Raine can feel the shuttle takes off vertically and keep on ascending until she can see the rooftop opening up if she looks up from the shuttle’s window.
And with a sudden acceleration she can feel the shuttle exits the opening and she can see the view changed into snow white as they fly into the middle of a raging blizzard and hail.
The ice from the hail are pelting the shuttle yet the ice and the wind pressures are not impeding the shuttle at all as Raine can feel the G-force as the shuttle keep accelerating faster and faster almost vertically.
From the shuttle’s window, Raine can see the view as the ground becoming smaller and the world becoming rounder until she can see the sun peeking out on the horizon and the stars appears among the darkness of space beyond that as her destination.
Raine is not able to see anything beyond the darkness of space but if she look down to Earth, for a moment her thought processes halted as she sees for one beautiful moment the white swirling cloud and the blue roiling oceans superimposed with the sun’s reflection on planet earth surrounded by stars in the darkness of space and she can feel a tear drop from the corner of her eyes from the beauty of the view. Even though the homeworld is ravaged, it’s still living, it’s still beautiful and that makes it worth fighting for.