A/N First and foremost I would like to extend my never ending gratitude to DeAngelo'sMuse (for editing) and Calinstel for the wonderful ideas that helped me write my story.
I originally wanted to continue the story with Shepard and Tali after ME3 but after certain conclusion I decided to writer an original character and look upon the entire story from an OC's viewpoint.
I hope you enjoy the adventure you're about to embark upon, for better or for worse, here's the story of Kyson Sorely.
~RelayJumper
"How the hell do I get myself into these situations?" muttered Kyson Sorley, as a missile from a defense turret pounded in to the boulder he was using for cover. Kyson was a new recruit on the SR-2 working for Commander Shepard and his elite team of specialist.
Currently the team was investigating a distress beacon on one of the moons of Tharopto, a generic gas giant in the Century system located in the Hawking ETA. After landing by the research facility, the two three-man teams had spread out, turning up nothing until an explosion from under the rust colored lunar surface spewed forth Husks from all angles. Turning towards Kyson, Shepard smiled to himself; not a common occurrence in the best of times. He couldn't help but take a jab.
"What's wrong Kyson? Not as fun as taking down mercs?" Turning from cover, Shepard sights down his X-5f Phalanx heavy pistol and cuts the closest advancing husk in half with one well placed shot. Seeing no new contacts on his flank or ahead, he checked on their third member just five meters ahead and slightly on the right.
Zaeed was busy chucking one of his inferno grenades into the ranks of now dwindling targets. Burning bodies lay strewn about as a new sight came into view.
"The fuck kind of husks are those? They look Batarian and have guns now! Kyson, Garrus, can you get them in a cross fire?" shouted the old mercenary warlord over the com, seeing the second team finally securing the left flank of Kyson.
Garrus just nodded to Kyson from the rock pile he was behind and pulled out his X-97e Viper sniper rifle; capable of rapid cycling and extreme accuracy, it could tear through almost any barrier. Pulling out his own viper, Kyson and Garrus methodically cut down the new targets with a barrage of concussive shots and headshots. Meanwhile, the other four members whittled away and eventually incapacitated the missile turret.
Chuckling, Garrus turned to Kyson, proud to see that all the training he had given the young engineer had paid off. "Gonna have to write a thank you to Rosenkov Materials at this rate Kyson. How do you like the new barrel?"
"I can't lie, you were right. Ups the punch quite a bit, had a bit of trouble ejecting the heat sinks though. Gonna need Jacob to check it out when we get back to the Normandy," Kyson said with some concern. I can't have my guns jamming on me.
"Alright people. Saddle up! We're stacking up on the main bay entrance. Garrus and I shall head in first followed by Kyson and Zaeed. Tali, Kasumi, provide support and stay ready for any doors that need bypassing." Shepard said to the group. As the teams carefully made their way through the cargo bins and debris, Shepard could tell the design was Alliance military. Not knowing the full scope of why they were here, it was his priority to find out. Over the com Shepard heard Zaeed giving "pointers" to Kyson.
Kyson was busy scouting the right flank when Zaeed cut in on his thoughts. "Pay attention rook, we're out in the middle of an open area with minimal cover. A drop ship full of mercs drops in on our arses, what's you next move?" Pausing, Kyson just imagines the hell that would erupt. No overhead cover and barley any around us now…we'd be fucked…
"You hesitated, therefore DEAD! Did any of the sims sink into your thick skull?" Zaeed was exasperated at the lack of response from the rook. All Kyson could do was shake his head and press on. He was distracted as Zaeed…kindly pointed out and the reason was coming into view while approaching the facilities bay door.
Tali had reached the left side of the three story high bay door first, followed by Garrus. The two seemed to be talking on a private channel when Tali looked over to him and froze. Yep...still pissed at me. Damn I wish I didn't need my helmet on this mission. I need a cig. He still felt guilty about his drunken outburst four days ago.
A hand suddenly set on Kyson's shoulder causing him to jump. It was only Shepard. Man, this is fucking awkward. Does everyone know what happened? Embarrassment washed over him.
"Ok people," stated Shepard in his formal 'get ready' voice. With his hand still on Kyson's shoulder he declared the change in plans.
"Kyson and Tali are going in first. Kasumi's scans show no movement and just in case, I want our best shot gunners up front. Kasumi and I will follow. Garrus and Zaeed will bring up the rear. Once inside, fan out around the parameter," Shepard finished, already turning to Kyson.
"Good job out there, Kyson. Glad to see you keeping up with Garrus," He stated. Kyson was unsure if the comment was to help keep him focused or end the awkward position he found himself in. All Kyson could manage was a quick nod and pull out his Geth manufactured plasma shotgun. As soon as everyone was armed and ready, Shepard counted down.
"Three…Two…" Shepard began.
Kyson caught a quick glance at Tali. He couldn't see her face trough her purple visor, but he could see her eyes; iridescent like the very stars above them. They were stunning, even more so than…
"One…" continued Shepard.
Cynthia's…
"GO!" Shouted Shepard while at the same time Tali activated the door's control holo. The bay's door opened silently in the vacuum of space as the team rushed into the large storage bay and to position. The bay was dimly lit by a smattering of flickering lights far above. Storage containers were scattered everywhere as well as the bodies of Alliance marines.
Bullet holes were strewn in every direction, suggesting a panicked fight. Two ramps lead up to the second level on each side of the large bay and another led to the center below the catwalk heading deeper into the ground. Looking into the distance, Kyson thought he saw something move in one of the side wall ventilation shafts. The lights flickered again and it was gone.
I don't like this one bit. He thought to himself. Blue Suns, no problem. Husks outside, no problem. But creepy funhouse of buttfuck? Turning to Shepard, Kyson finally answered the Commander's earlier question.
"No Commander, not as fun," Kyson said finally breaking the tension in the bay. Everyone waited for Shepard to respond before relaxing, slightly.
"Ha! Damn rook's bout to piss 'emself!" Zaeed laughed at Kyson's edginess.
Motioning for Zaeed to settle down, Shepard lowered his revenant assault rifle. "Ok, Tali and Kasumi check the terminals for any information. The four of us will check for survivors." With that the group set out on their tasks.
As Tali and Kasumi walked off to the small shipment office, Garrus and Kyson to the right side of the room, while Shepard and Zaeed went to the left. Slightly fanning out, they could quickly see that the carnage was due to husks. Bodies ripped asunder with entrails strewn about the entire area. Large claw marks from mutated soldiers and Batarians alike.
"Damn, what happened here?" asked Garrus to no one in particular, while turning over an intact body to scan for signs of life.
"Well, no survivors over here, Shepard," Kyson affirmed in a flat tone. He knew was only gonna get worse with the upcoming war with the Reapers but still. Not a sight one wants to become jaded to, well, unless you're Zaeed. Crazy old bastard, probably would use the corpses as a bed if need be, thought Kyson.
"Likewise over here. Ok, Tali? You two got anything?" Kyson noted that Shepard's voice was heavy with remorse. The guy never stopped astounding him. He's always looking out for all of the crew, even if some are ex-Cerberus. He never seemed to stop helping those he cares for. I'm gonna buy him a beer the first chance I get. He could use one. Now that I think about it, he needs a beer or twelve. Glancing around, Kyson noticed it was time to do as Gardner says…'back to work'.
"Bosh'tet!" Tali shouted so loud it made half the group jump. Obviously the encryption on the terminal was some heavy stuff for her to get pissed like that. Kyson chuckled when he realized Garrus had scared Tali. She'd turned around expecting Shepard.
"Told ya you were ugly Garrus" Shepard said mockingly as he passed into the small office.
"Oh yeah, who gets the ladies again? Who is the life of every little outing…?"Garrus began trying to one up his friend, although to Garrus, his brother.
"Ahem, Shepard," Kasumi said quickly cutting off Garrus's potential rant. This brought a laugh from the whole group this time. Garrus just shook his head.
"As I was about to say," Tali interjected, getting everyone back on track.
"I have the layout for the facility as well as some answers. The Alliance was already researching the human husks after the events on Eden Prime. But the research files indicate that the Batarian husks were only provided three days ago." Tali continued to scan through the facility files until she found what she was looking for. Sending a message to all group members, she continued.
"I have updated all of your omni-tools with the facilities layout," Tali said as she once more pulled out her Evicerator shotgun.
Shepard acknowledged Tali with a curt nod, but was already forming a plan to sweep the rest of the base while browsing the layout. It was simple enough. The top level had barracks, offices, and a command post. The basement level beyond the second bay door was another large bay with the same dimensions of the first.
"Garrus, you and Kyson head up the ramps towards the barracks and command/com room. See if you can find that distress beacon and shut it down before scavengers show up. The rest of us are going below to see where these new husks came from. Move out." And with those words Shepard and his group departed towards the basement and lab. Kyson couldn't help but look at Tali as she departed. Oy, I've fucked up. Gonna have to say something soon. This is killing me. Kyson's thoughts must have been obvious. At the very moment he finished his thought, Tali looked right back at him.
"Kyson, get moving!" called Garrus who was already at the catwalk. Kyson could see him shaking his head. Checking one more time for Tali, she and the rest of her team were already gone. Heading up the ramp towards Garrus, Kyson equipped his shotgun with the armor piercing ammo mod he had just gotten off his team mate. Reaching the door to the barracks, they opened the door and proceeded on through. Seeing that the main hall was clear, Kyson turned to Garrus.
"So, how bad did I fuck up?" he asked nonchalantly. He needed help to fix his paranoia filled outburst on Tali. Fear of loosing another just pushes them away. Garrus stood stalk still for a moment before replying, feeling awkward yet understanding Kyson's predicament. Garrus sighed heavily before answering.
"Bad, as in, shot in the heart bad. It's not my place to say anything else." But Garrus knew how much Kyson regretted his actions. He had reasons for the outburst but Garrus' words hit Kyson in the gut. Moving forward they saw a bend in the hall and advanced forward.
"Garrus, if you're holding back for my part, don't. I need to end this…" But Kyson's words died in his throat as they rounded the corner.
"By the spirits…" Garrus let out in an equally shocked tone. The room that lay beyond was a simple layout with a combined barracks and mess in one. Only bare essentials were provided, a few storage rooms and enough lockers for about twenty crew members. Bodies were everywhere; Alliance marines and husks, the blood and fluid from both mixing to form a sick iridescent purple color. Putting his Mattock away, Garrus hailed Shepard.
"Shepard, we found the facility's crew. The husks must have broken free during shift change. Most are still in casual attire," Garrus said calmly. Kyson always wondered how the crew members could do that.
"Alright, the labs are empty. Tali and Kasumi are backing up the data so we can figure it out. Zaeed and I are headed up." After Shepard finished, Kyson and Garrus headed up to the next door which would lead to the Offices/Communications. Once again ready for combat, Kyson mended the damaged controls while Garrus covered. While Kyson was busy, Garrus interrupted his thoughts.
"Fine, I won't hold back. You two were getting close with each other. She's interested in you, but your unwillingness to let go of the past will break you," Garrus said with finality.
Kyson understood what Garrus had said immediately. He knew it was true. But letting go…to him it felt like dishonoring the past memories of the one he loved. Having the door controls repaired, Garrus and Kyson cautiously entered the communications center. Hearing footsteps behind them, the pair saw Shepard approach the barracks with Zaeed in tow. Neither of them flinched at the bodies.
"Looks like these marines went through a goddamn blender," stated Zaeed. Shepard simply remained quiet while walking to Garrus.
"Get any more info on what went on here?" He asked tersely. Kyson noticed the hard tone in Shepard's question. Must be bringing back bad memories for him, not surprising really after what happened to him on Akuze.
"No, we just got the doors open and entered until we heard you come up behind us." Garrus had noticed the tone as well, so, he stuck to a simple sit-rep.
"The girls will be meeting up with us soon. They will be getting all the data we need from the terminals in the lab, but I want a thorough search. Anderson's not going to like this." Shepard had snapped right back to formal at the end of his orders. With that, the four team members started scanning the small work stations for anything of importance. Not more than a few minutes went by before Kyson found something.
"Shepard, do you know what this device is?" Kyson asked aloud.
Moving quickly Shepard saw the odd transmitter. It was resting next to an open case. Inspecting further, he checked the case for markings; Cerberus.
"They were set up! Damn them!" Shepard exploded. Knowing what most likely happened, he turned to Garrus.
"Looks like they were either set up or infiltrated, we need that data." Anger was splayed on his face.
"We got the data, Shep," stated Kasumi from behind the group. The final two members of the drop team had regrouped while Shepard was focused on the reaper indoctrination device. Anguish was plain upon his features now. What the team didn't know was that the Shepard while searching the barracks had seen someone important from his past amongst the bodies. Kyson was the first to snap him back into action.
"I can destroy it. I'll just overload the hell outta it." Kyson had heard stories from the other crew about how this stuff works. Some kind of brainwashing to the extreme, then you became a husk. This thing needs to go. Making me edgy even now. Everything about the device appalled him.
"Do that. Make sure Tali scans the case before blowing it to bits. The rest of us are heading out to the LZ. Don't take too long." And with the order given, Shepard and the other four headed out. In passing, Garrus looked over to Kyson and paused. Over his private com link with Kyson, he chuckled.
"Remember, she has a shotgun…" Garrus then turned to follow the others; still chuckling to himself, he hoped Kyson would resolve his predicament. Kyson knew what he meant. Turning to the task at hand, he saw Tali already scanning the case for any other information. Seeing that the others had departed, he switched to Tali's channel.
"Find anything?" Kyson asked as he readied his own Omni-tool to destroy the device.
"No. It's clear. Destroy the damn thing." Tali closed her Omni-tool and headed back towards the barracks to stay clear of the overload. Before Kyson did the same, he turned to her and looked directly into her eyes as best as he could through his reflective lenses and her opaque faceplate.
"Tali, I'm…I'm sorry for my outburst…"
"Shut up! Just get it over with!" Tali burst out before he could finish. Then, in a calmer tone, she continued.
"You can't just expect me to forgive you…You can't expect me to put up with your wild mood swings!" The pain in her voice was amplified by its shakiness. Kyson could hear he crying quietly as he turned and detonated the device. It was like watching his heart at the moment, a violent explosion. God, what do I do? He turned to leave only to see Tali right behind him. This is gonna be a long trip back to the Normandy.
"When we get back to the Normandy, I'm requesting to rejoin the fleet."
"What?" The amount of shock in Kyson's voice made Tali jump.
"I can't let you! Damn it I…I…" His world reeling around him, Kyson couldn't finish. I can't loose her! I can't do this again! His thoughts were going in a thousand different directions as he watched Tali slowly turn and walk way. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw something move again. But this time, it was a person in a strange suit, a Cerberus emblem located on the woman's chest.
On instinct, he lunged forward and pushed Tali away. She spun around just in time to see Kyson attempt to turn. Just to see him get run through by the Cerberus Phantom operative's sword.
A/N One last thought on this first chapter, when I first played multiplayer online…Phantoms scared the hell outta me.
Flames and praises accepted.