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EDIT: Changing location of this post, to account for the Trouble at the Eris.

"Jarvis, can you hear me?" Aashe asked, stepping in to a borrowed, empty apartment in the Presidium Commons. The Quarian was headed out to the ship already, and the others wouldn't be far behind - she only had a few minutes.

"Yes, Ma'am. How may I be of service." Her Virtual Intelligence, Jarvis, replied via her Omni-Tool. He was programmed with a crisp British accent, and a sarcastic sense of humor.

"I would like to make a message, the usual recipients please - Audio only." Aashe said, setting down some supplies she purchased in the Commons.

"Yes, Ma'am. File open. You may begin speaking any time."

She nodded, she'd been thinking about what she wanted to say the entire walk back to her ship. But with the file open, she found the first words were the hardest.

"I hope this message finds you both well. I wanted to write you and let you know I'd be off grid for awhile, I'm not sure if there will be a secured Buoy to bounce messages off of where I'm going. I heard there was some trouble on your planet recently - something about Donovan Hock being robbed. I hope this isn't a growing trend, I'll keep an eye out for your names in the news.

"I've got a new mission, and some crew joining me. The company will be a welcome change. I can't tell you much, of course, for your safety... but some generalities wouldn't hurt. We have a Quarian, he's... cranky... but I picked him up some food packs that are fan favorites in Citadel space. Hopefully some rest, safety, and good food will improve his mood, but I guess we'll see.

"An Asari is joining us as well, she's gorgeous - of course. I think she's some sort of authority figure, though it's hard to be sure. I'm not up on my Asari terminology. She strikes me as more of a monastic type - calm like a deep ocean or something similar. I'm thinking she might enjoy my Zen inspired room that I told you about last year. I haven't had much chance to go in there and play with the Zen garden. Maybe she'll do better with it...

"The leader of the little expedition is an interesting man. Most likely ex military - and handsome too. He seems... excited about this, and not just because of the money. There's something here that speaks to him on an emotional level - and that's a wonderful thing to see. So often, I feel like mercenaries are just surviving life, rather than living it. Though maybe that's a galactic condition.

"Another human woman joined on - with my current looks, she could be my sister. I thought about changing my hair before we left dock, but I think this might actually work out to be advantageous. I might be able to sell a "sister" con if we need to. She's a bit shorter than I am, and younger, I think - there's rather a few cons that benefit from fake familial ties. I'm not sure if she's much of a liar, but she seems fun enough. She's a little more relaxed than some of the others... I wonder if she likes tequila.

"There was a man who arrived right before I excused myself to get the ship ready, more military, if my radar serves me right. He's a little more beat up, but I think it looks good on him. Sort of a... well chiseled thing. I didn't get a chance to get a good read on him, but - I've got no complaints.

"And then the kid... mid teens, I think, a boy. He strikes me as a Wards Rat - I'm not sure he's ever been in space before, or if he has - he might not remember. He worries me, on what might be a maternal level. He seems young to be so quiet. A part of me hopes I'll find him digging around the ship in places he shouldn't be - someone so young should be a handful. I'm also thinking about teaching him the Con... that is, if he's interested in listening.

"Well, I have to go - the systems are still cold, and I'm sure we'll be in a great hurry to leave when the others get to the ship. I miss you both. Take care, and be safe - I love you."

Aashe took a long breath and released it slowly. "Jarvis - end Audio File, and start running the systems check. I'll need a report in 15 minutes, you can send it direct to my earpiece."

"Yes, Ma'am. Should I send your message?"

"That'd be great Jarvis, and warn me if anyone comes to the ship, I'd like to greet our new guests personally, and show them to their rooms."

Aashe caught her own eyes in a mirror on her way back out of the apartment. There was a sorrow there that she always had after sending these messages. She watched her eyes for a second, cleared her throat, and smiled to herself.

"Good night, good night! Parting is such sweet sorrow, that I shall say good night till it be morrow." She said to herself, something about Shakespear always cheered her up. "Well, that's over. Time to go have some fun."

With the smile firmly in place, she grabbed the food she had picked up, and swept out the door to head to the docks, and see if she could find Krieger.