[Amalgamos Orbit - The Galactic Hub] Gateway to Opportunity

The call was personal, direct and comprehensive. It wasn't unorthodox for Justicars to be specifically called upon, with many knowing their reputation. Though most seemed to forget that the Code wasn't as grey as they'd hoped, with Samara's "employers" often meeting the same fate as the criminals she was called to exterminate. This call wasn't much different. The Justicar was familiar with Alexei Stukov and under any normal circumstance, she would be heading to the specified location to kill him. And anyone who would stand in her way. But the few details she did receive, made the offer intriguing enough to forgo any immediate slaughter. A seemingly grander cause. As cut and dry as the Code was, there were still loopholes to exploit.


Samara arrived at the requested destination precisely on time. Indeed, she was not the sort to dally. Efficiency is one of the several cornerstones of the Justicar way. She was greeted by the figure of a tall man, perhaps ever so slightly taller than herself. It took her a mere second to see that he was preoccupied with several other projects, his mind almost visibly running around the room, taking in every kernel of information and distributing it. She noticed the now defunct bestial looking machine. An interesting construction. Samara positioned herself neatly in one of the more spacious parts of the room, standing firm, hands behind her back. She could have stopped with that, as it was announcement enough of her arrival. Yet, she chose to get the man's attention proper.

"I am Samara. I believe we spoke prior. As requested, I have agreed to this meeting."

Even if the veritable scientist knew her name, she found it common courtesy to introduce herself. She was a patient woman, though her time was still valuable to her.

"I require further details on the offer. I trust you know my strict adherence to the Justicar Code. It will determine my answers and following actions."

Straight to the point, as she was bound to be. Samara laid everything on the table to prevent misunderstandings. Along with a subtle threat, should the offer and her service requirements be something that contradict the Code. The fact that Stukov himself wasn't there to speak with her spoke volumes of his character. Regardless, she was there for information first and foremost. The outcome of all this hinged on what the man in front of her would say in response.

Samara took no offense to Gate's initial lack of response to her arrival. She appreciated pleasantries when they were offered, but were by no means necessary when there was business to be handled. She also knew the type Gate fit into, regardless of his machine nature. Determined in his field, laser focused on whatever goal was relevant that day. It was efficient, something the Justicar most definitely respected. When Gate finally turned to address her proper, she responded with a suitably brief nod of acknowledgement. Samara's reputation often preceded her. Her arrival always caused a spark in murmurs, gossip and legends about her and the Justicar Order. Some true, some exaggerations, many complete fabrications. It didn't matter much, her mission didn't change. People's expectations of her, however, did. That rarely ended well for them.

Gate then displayed his knowledge of the Code. An impressive feat, though unsurprising. Taking into account the seemingly monumental undertaking that was to be proposed to her, it would've been foolish of Stukov and his compatriots to not look into the possible consequences of recruiting a Justicar. Gate's relaying of the Code's rules did indicate one error he either wasn't aware of or simply didn't take note of because of its low probability. Samara surmised it was likely the latter option. In addition, she took note of his reverence when speaking of Stukov. Idolatry was a slippery slope, one she knew far too well.

"The Guardians are a noble group of warriors. Our methods differ. Our goals do not. They answer to their laws, I answer to The Code. Whether that is a benefit, is up for debate."

Samara's tone was matter-of-fact, yet still alluring. It was an interesting dichotomy to some.

Continuing to listen to Gate's spiel, it was evident that Gate was dissatisfied with what the veritable "Space Police" had not achieved in their many years of existence. His slight facial cues were only further confirmation. He was passionate about Stukov's mission and merely his words painted the picture of this enemy as something sizable. They certainly knew that Samara wouldn't bat an eye at facing something risky. It was her life's mission, after all, to protect the just. But general details weren't going to convince her that easily.

"Justice is a dangerous word. Most claim to know its meaning, yet few truly understand it. I have been involved in a similar operation before, where personal greed was under the guise of justice. Vice Admiral Stukov is an accomplished Spectre and a controversial man. His definition of justice is perhaps no different from mine, but his methods are. Even if they do not seem so on the surface. However, your words carry truth. Thus, I have but one request."

There was a very brief pause, letting the words settle, until she continued to speak again, her eyes never leaving Gate.

"To speak directly to Vice Admiral Stukov before fully committing to this cause. My service will, ultimately, be to him. The Code does not deal in vagueness. I will need comprehensive details on what we will face. Should the mission stay true to its set goal and my request satisfied, I would be honored to accept."

Samara was unsurprised by Stukov not being able to meet face to face. From the sporadic bits of information she had received, this seemed like a monumental undertaking. Something of great importance indeed. At the very least to Stukov and Gate. Whether it would prove to be actually the case, was to yet be determined. Them reaching out to her seemed enough confirmation for the time being.

Her first true glimpse of the illustrious Admiral was through the blue hologram. She could subconsciously place every color that would be there if they were meeting in person, so this worked acceptably well. As Stukov was near finishing his initial remarks, Samara greeted him with a slight bow. A sign of respect, though not uncommon, as she did that with most people she met. Whether the encounter would lead to her killing them or not. Her soldierly stance didn't change an inch.

"It is an honor, Admiral Stukov."

She took a moment before continuing.

"I almost did not. Your reputation precedes you, Admiral. Under normal circumstances, you would have been dead by now. However, your predicament is a noble one. The Code permits such... curiosities, to a point."

Samara remained as matter-of-fact as ever. Something Stukov likely knew already. Now was the time to get some proper clarity. Curiosity is one thing, but getting the Justicar to commit would require more than an ideological spiel.

"Your dutiful colleague explained the importance of your mission. As something befitting of a Justicar. A dangerous journey into the unknown, to clash with a formidable foe threatening the Nebula. He did not, however, say who and what we would be facing. Further details would be most appreciated, Admiral."

The Justicar didn't entertain the Admiral's nicknaming of Gate. To her, regardless of reputation, they were all people deserving of respect. Her gaze has never left Stukov's holographic self. She continued to look squarely at him, awaiting the requested intel.

Samara had seen Stukov on news screens before. A man of conviction, loudly proclaiming his beliefs whenever he could. A man many feared, held in great respect, and some who thought him to be a pompous fool. To a man like him, those doubters were no more than dissident vermin, that much was certain. Samara found some of those aspects to be admirable, yet dangerous. Many great figures eventually crumbled under the weight of their own ambition. A slight misstep and the foundation disintegrates. Several of them had the displeasure of meeting Samara. Most would curse her title, like an unfair, avenging angel. She didn't think of herself as such, though the reputation sticks. "For the greater good," they would shout out, before they took their last breath. She knew what they meant. She took no pleasure in these duties. It didn't matter what she thought. There was only the Code.

When he divulged in the details of the Grineer, everything locked into place. Ambitious indeed, the Admiral.

"I have faced them before, yes. A small army, invading a colony world. They are dangerous adversaries, make up their lack of intelligence with crude augmentations and sheer numbers."

It was evident that Stukov knew much about Samara as well, primarily how she operated. Gate had alluded to that already. And while the Admiral's assumption was correct, there was one thing he didn't account for or purposefully omitted.

"You are half-correct, Admiral. The Code adheres to the galactic law. It also permits Justicars to work within acceptable parameters outside of it, should the need arise. If standard laws' limitations are exceeded, the Code supersedes them. Most authorities comply with this, because they know what would happen otherwise. Or, I would remind them. The Justicar Order has many tenets, protection of the innocent is chief among them."

She did not care whether he would take anything she said to heart. He was merely looking for a weapon and she was one of the best around. It became clear his issue was both with the Grineer, as well as authority. His frustration was palpable. And yet, his aim sincere enough. "For the greater good," it echoed through Samara's mind for a moment. One, where she could be clear in how her role would work and what the consequences would be. The danger did not phase her, it was as mundane to her as breathing.

Samara fell to one knee, one hand resting on it, the other in a fist, touching the ground. A harmless biotic flurry emerged around her as she spoke.

"Very well. The Grineer will face justice. By the Code, I am sworn to your service until the mission is completed. Your actions are my actions. Your wishes are my Code."

The biotics dissipated when she finished. Samara stood and assumed the same position as before.

"If you make me do something extremely dishonorable, I may be forced to kill you when I am released from my oath. For now, I wait further instructions."

Her sentence left some seeming ambiguity. Her tone and intention did not. It was something matter-of-fact. If wronged, Stukov would die. Until then, the deal was sealed.