- CHAPTER 2
Jay groaned as he opened his eyes. It only felt like a few minutes since he'd finally gotten some rest, but when he looked to his left at the small digital clock on his nightstand, it told him it was 0500 ship time. He groaned again, knowing he'd only gotten his usual six hours of sleep.
Rolling out of the bed, he quickly grabbed a towel from his desk and a clean set of BDU's from under his cot before making a swiping motion in front of the door and stepping out into the cold of the cargo bay. Resisting the urge to shiver, Jay quickly made his way to the elevator to begin his day.
The shower was surprisingly warm, for saying it was a ship. Jay had served on a few different vessels during his service, but had never once had the pleasure of a warm shower. He smiled to himself slightly as he rubbed the towel on his head. Feeling that much more relaxed and awake, he stepped out into the hallway after placing his laundry in the laundry chute. As he stepped around the corner, he noticed the Mess Hall was empty besides one occupant.
"Having trouble sleeping, Ms Lawson?" He asked, stepping up to the fridge to retrieve some food. Another pleasant surprise was the lack of MRE's. He could finally try some proper food.
"I like to eat alone." Came her cold response, as she scrolled through a datapad.
"No shit. You know, I can already tell you don't like me." He chuckled, purposefully sitting down opposite her as he began munching on a pre-made sandwich.
"And what gave you that impression, Gunnery Chief?" She asked, looking up at him briefly and raising an eyebrow.
"The fact I pretty much told you and your boss to fuck off last night?" He smirked, watching as her eyes narrowed slightly before he carried on, "See, I might not have been awake for long, but I like to make a point of knowing as much as possible about who I'm working with. Turns out, this… Cerberus that you work with, is a pretty bad gig." He noted, taking another bite.
"Oh? I'm assuming you're making a blatantly obvious reference to the events of Akuze?" She asked, folding her arms and crossing her legs under the table.
"Damn straight. Hell, the Commander - from what I've read, was the only one to walk away from that. What must've been going through your boss' head when he authorised that?" He asked, leaning on the table as he made his point.
"The Illusive man didn't authorise that. They were a rogue cell - and I believe Shepard dealt with them, personally." She quickly pointed out. Almost a little too quickly. He ignored it however.
"See, Shepard may have dealt with it, but being the sole survivor changes you. And not for the better. No matter who you are, you're always going to be someone different." He grunted, his eyes flickering to the table for a brief moment.
"And that's your professional opinion then? That he's not the same as before that rogue cell ambushed them?"
"Damn straight. Tell me this, in your reports on Shepard that you must have somewhere, did any of them ever mention if he had difficulty sleeping or anything like that? That kind of thing can get a soldier killed in a fire fight. That's all it takes. One little fuck up." He pointed out, nodding slightly. He smirked a little when she didn't immediately have an answer.
"You're awfully more relaxed than you were yesterday." She pointed out, raising her eyebrow again. "I didn't think someone as highly trained as a Spartan would be swearing in front of the ships XO."
"Psh, you're not my CO. You're not even Alliance." He scoffed, leaning back in his chair, his sandwich forgotten.
"Nevertheless, I am Shepards XO."
"No, you're the Illusive man's little pet. Tell you what, I'll even make you a deal." He grinned, leaning forward slightly, "If you actually spend time getting to know the crew, learn to help them if they need it and drop this 'Ice Queen' persona you've got going on, I'll let you - and only you take a look at my armor's helmet. That means no reports to your boss and no Omni-tool. Just you, a screwdriver and a workbench." He grinned, knowing she'd find no valuable information in the helmet itself. He'd already removed the data storage device and hidden it in a storage compartment in his armor.
She narrowed her eyes at him.
"Oh please, you can't deny you've been gawking at my gear. You've wanted to get your hands on it since I woke up." He smirked, folding his arms again. For a few moments, she said nothing.
"Deal." She muttered, offering her hand for him to shake. He took it gently, knowing he could easily break it. He treated her hand like someone would treat a newborn baby. He smiled.
"I look forward to winning this wager Ms Lawson." He nodded, standing up and laughing all the way to the elevator.
Jay fidgeted slightly as they stood in the airlock to leave the Normandy. It was a little too cramped for his liking. He sighed, looking to his right where Shepard was stood patiently waiting with his arms folded, humming a little tune to himself. To his left, both Miranda and Jacob were checking their weapons. Jay himself was carrying a Vindicator rifle, one of the new Incisor sniper rifles and a Predator pistol. Over-all he was perfectly balanced for any situation - unless there was some heavy duty hostiles of course. The Commander had that one covered.
"So, we're here for Mordin Solus, a Mercenary called Zaeed Massani and Archangel." The Commander spoke up, reminding them of the objectives.
"I'd suggest starting with Mordin Solus, Commander." Miranda spoke up, in a rather polite tone, Jay noted with a raised eyebrow and a slight snicker.
"Wouldn't hurt to have another gun with us though." Jacob pointed out, folding his arms and leaning against the bulkhead.
"If we run into Zaeed, then we'll get him to tag along. Otherwise, we'll go for Mordin." Shepard conceded, nodding slightly as the hatch finally opened.
As the four of them stepped out into the station, from both Jacob and Miranda's reaction to the smell, Jay was silently thankful for his helmet's air scrubbers. He chuckled just loud enough for Miranda to hear him and glare at him. When he turned back around, he spotted a rather anxious looking Salarian hastily making his way over to them. Jay rested his hand on his pistol.
"Ah! Welcome to Omega! You're new here, aren't you? I can always-" He began in a scratchy voice, making a show of bowing before a deep, gritty voice cut him off. Jay had his pistol in his hand but at his side before anyone could stop him. A Batarian shoved the Salarian out of the way, two sets of eyes were on Shepard and the squad and the other two were focused purely on the Spartan.
"Leave, Fargut. Now." The Batarian growled out. The Salarian panicked, backing away and bowing repeatedly.
"Of course Moklan! Whatever she wants!" The Salarian stammered, practically running back to whatever little hole he crawled out of.
"Blasted scavengers. Welcome to Omega… Shepard." Moklan growled out, looking at Shepard directly, though only with the two eyes not focused on the Spartan.
"You know who I am?" Shepard asked.
"Of course. We had you tagged the moment you entered the Terminus Systems. You're not as subtle as you think." Moklan grinned, his razor sharp teeth on show, attempting to put Shepard off balance. "Aria wants to know what brings a dead Spectre to Omega. I suggest you go to Afterlife now and present yourself."
"Is that a threat?" Jay growled out.
"A suggestion." The Batarian sneered.
"Cut the attitude. I'm not here to cause problems for Omega." Shepard pointed out, looking between the Spartan and the Batarian.
"Things explode around you Shepard. You can't blame Aria for keeping an eye on you." Moklan said, shaking his head. "Afterlife. Now." He ordered, walking off down the corridor.
"I hate Batarians." Jay growled, resisting the urge to shoot him. Shepard sighed.
"Might as well get used to them, the stations crawling with them no doubt. Mostly thugs and Mercenaries." Miranda shrugged.
"Good. That means I can shoot them if they start anything." Jay shrugged, noticing Miranda and Jacobs raised eyebrows at what he was saying.
"C'mon, we've got work to do." Shepard sighed, just as EDI's voice chimed in over their comm. frequency.
"Shepard, I have found that Professor Solus runs a clinic on Omega, however it's currently in the quarantined zone. There's a plague affecting aliens, however humans seem to be immune. I am currently monitoring radio chatter for the location of Archangel. Perhaps this Aria would know more."
"Thanks EDI. Good work." Praised Shepard, as we walked past a Human Mercenary roughing up a Batarian. Shepard paused, bringing up his Omni-tool. After a few moments, Shepard walked over to the man, before he could say anything the Batarian began to beg.
"Please… you have to help me." He asked, wiping blood from his cheeks and lips as he attempted to stand.
"No-one said you could talk. Jackass." The rough, cockney accent of the Merc snorted, punching the groaning Batarian in the stomach and dropping him to the floor.
"You Zaeed Massani?" Shepard asked, looking around. The Mercenary turned around, revealing his scared face and one glassy eye.
"Yeah, that's me. You must be Commander Shepard. I hear we have a galaxy to save." Zaeed replied sarcastically. Jay had to resist the urge to snicker. Shepard smirked however.
"I assume you've been briefed?" The Commander asked.
"I've done my homework. Cerberus sent me everything I need to know." Zaeed snorted.
"My contacts told me I was picking up one man. Not two." Shepard pointed out, looking at the Batarian in particular.
"Batarian delinquent. Pissed off someone rich enough to hire me. And for my 'bring 'em in alive' rate, even." Zaeed muttered, looking down at the snivelling alien.
"Please… I didn't do it." He begged. Zaeed cut him off with a kick to the face.
"I said shut it. He tried to lead me on a chase all over the systems. He should have known better. These people always run to Omega." Zaeed shrugged, looking back at Shepard.
"What's your relation with Cerberus?" He questioned, eyeing him carefully. Zaeed shrugged again.
"Easy. Cerberus is paying me enough to help you with your little mission. That's the long and short."
"Not many mercs would take a suicide mission for the pay." John pointed out, folding his arms over his chest.
"Most mercs don't get an offer like Cerberus gave me. This mission doesn't sound like good business. But… your Illusive man can move a lot of credits." Zaeed grunted, turning around and looking down at the Batarian.
"Good to have you Zaeed. We have a lot to do." Shepard said when he turned back around. He stepped up to him and offered his hand. Zaeed immediately shook it.
"That's what they tell me." Zaeed nodded, smirking a little. He pulled out his pistol and motioned for the Batarian to stand. "I assume the Illusive man told you about our little arrangement?"
John snorted, "No, he didn't."
"Good thing I asked. Picked up a mission a little while back, just before I signed on with Cerberus. Thought you might be interested. You heard the name Vido Santiago? He's the head of the Blue Suns. Runs the whole organisation."
Shepard and the others shook their heads, so Zaeed continued.
"Seems he recently captured an Eldfell Ashland refinery and is using their workers as slave labour. The company wants it dealt with." Zaeed grunted.
"I'll make sure we get that done." Shepard nodded.
"Good. We can get it out the way so we can concentrate on being big goddamn heroes." Zaeed chuckled, throwing his arms up in the air. The Batarian took that as his moment to attempt an escape. Zaeed shot a single bullet while Jay stuck his left arm out, low enough to strike the Batarian in the neck just as the bullet hit him. The Batarian went crashing to the ground and groaning in pain, rolling on the floor as he coughed and spluttered.
"Nice job, tin can." Zaeed nodded, looking at Jay. Jay snorted, before glancing to his right where Miranda and Jacob were stood. Jacob was attempting to hide a smile and Miranda was scowling at him.
"What?" Asked Jay, holding his hands up in the air, "I didn't shoot him." He shrugged.
"I'd better turn this thing in before it starts to stink." Zaeed sneered, making his way over to the Batarian. "Don't worry, I'll be locked and loaded next time you're ready to get some killing done." Zaeed called over his shoulder.
"Meet us at Afterlife in thirty." Shepard ordered, earning a nod from the man. "Let's go." He said, turning towards the rest of the squad.
As the four began walking through the dim and flickering hallways of Omega, Miranda spoke up. "Never thought I'd come back to this piss-hole. Hasn't changed much." She shrugged, Jay noticed how she even managed to make something as simple as shrugging elegant - in her own way.
"Never been. Spartans can't exactly blend into a crowd when we're in our combat gear." Jay responded, shrugging as well.
"Really? I couldn't tell." She quipped, smirking slightly.
"Well played Ms. Lawson." he nodded, chuckling. Even Shepard and Jacob were chuckling slightly.
"That music is beginning to piss me off…" Jacob grumbled as they stood outside the entrance to Afterlife, waiting for Zaeed.
"That's why you need a helmet." Jay chuckled, tapping the side of his to emphasis his point. Jacob just groaned.
"I think if we have to come back here, I'm going to shoot myself." He muttered, pinching the bridge of his nose. Jay and John snickered at the ex-soldiers discomfort while Miranda rolled her eyes.
"Shepard!" Zaeed called out as he almost 'swaggered' over.
"I like this guy." Jay chuckled, folding his arms over his chest.
"What's the deal with Omega then?" Zaeed asked as he joined them a few seconds later.
"We're looking for a Professor Solus and a vigilante called Archangel." Shepard responded, patting Zaeed on the shoulder. "This here is Miranda Lawson, my XO on the ship." He introduced, pointing to the Cerberus Operative.
"Pleasure." Zaeed grinned, winking his good eye. Jay watched amused as she grimaced but put on a polite smile.
"This here is our Armory officer, Jacob Taylor." He pointed to the darkly skinned Jacob Taylor. Jacob nodded politely.
"Cod piece." Zaeed nodded back. Jacob narrowed his eyes slightly. Jay chuckled again.
"And you've already met our last squad member. This is Alliance Spartan II, Jay-049." Shepard introduced. Zaeed whistled slightly, taking in the soldiers armor and size.
"A Spartan, eh? Heard rumors of you boys from some of my Alliance contacts. You look damned impressive, son." Zaeed nodded, offering Jay his hand which the Spartan shook.
"Good to meet you." Jay nodded. Zaeed turned back to Shepard.
"What're we at Afterlife for?" He asked. Shepard sighed as they stepped through the door.
"Aria wants to talk." He shrugged as they began the short walk down the corridor to where the music seemed to be coming from. Zaeed chuckled a little. As they walked down the corridor, it looked like a group of Batarians were going to try and start something, though when they caught sight of the Spartan they seemed to back off and went back to their seats.
Finally, they reached the door to the club and before the need to press any buttons, the door automatically opened, revealing the pulsating, sweaty and hormone laced atmosphere of Afterlife. Neon lights pulsed along to the music, people were drinking and dancing, Asari strippers on various platforms kept some male attention as they twisted and gyrated against their poles. Jay groaned within the confines of his helmet as they stepped into the club.
"I went to a place like this once. It was a shit 'ole. Places like these are goddamn slaughterhouses." Zaeed spoke over the music. As they walked past the bar, a Human reached out and pulled Miranda into his lap before she knew what was happening. She pushed herself away just as quickly, but the stranger wasn't having any of it.
"C'mon honey. I feel like getting lucky tonight." He slurred, stumbling forward slightly. Jay quickly stepped between the two as the drunken man walked into his chest armor. He stumbled back a little, "'Ey! Wha' was that for?!" He demanded.
"I suggest you go home." Jay replied, looking down at the man.
"And I suggest she comes with me." He replied, a goofy, yet sickly grin on his face. Before Jay could respond, the man had pulled a knife and taken a swipe at the Spartan. With a quick jab, the man was doubled over from a strike to his gut before Jay slammed his head against the bar, knocking him out cold.
"I didn't need your help." Miranda muttered into a comm. frequency that the rest of the squad wouldn't over-hear.
"Would've done it for any of the squad." Jay responded with a shrug. There was a slight pause.
"Thanks." Miranda replied quietly. Jay just nodded as they caught up with the rest of the squad, oblivious to what had happened as Miranda and Jay had been at the back.
"Aria's upstairs." One of the Guards they walked past said. John nodded as they climbed a short flight of stairs leading to a balcony overlooking the dance floor below. Once they reached the top, a guard held his arm out and another approached with a scanner. He quickly began scanning all five members of the squad.
"Hey short-stuff, you missed one." Zaeed grunted to the rather squat Batarian as he pulled a knife out of his belt and held it to his chin. Zaeed smirked.
"That's far enough, Commander Shepard."
Shepard pointed past the Batarians shoulder and towards the Asari. "I was told you're the one to talk to if I have any questions."
"They're clean." The Batarian called out.
"Is he stupid?" Jay asked Jacob incredulously from a little lower down on the balcony., knowing how much firepower he had strapped to his back. Jacob just chuckled.
Aria turned around to face Shepard, "Depends on the questions." She replied cryptically.
"You run Omega?" Shepard asked. Aria laughed as she turned back to the dance floor below.
"I am Omega." She announced, throwing her arms out to the sides. She turned back around, smirking at Shepard, "But you need more. They always need more something, and they all come running to me. I'm the boss, CEO, queen - if you're feeling dramatic. It doesn't matter. Omega has no titled ruler, and only one rule." She announced as she sat down comfortably on the couch. "Don't fuck with Aria."
"I like it. Easy to remember." Jay called out from the back, earning a smirk from both the Commander and Aria. Shepard sat down as well while the others watched the guards that surrounded them with weapons.
"If you forget, someone will remind you." Aria warned, pointing to a nearby Batarian. He looked at Jay in particular as he nodded.
"Then I toss your sorry ass out the nearest airlock." He threatened.
"I'd like to see you try four-eyes." Jay warned, his fists clenching slightly.
"I'm looking for Mordin Solus, do you know where I can find him?" Shepard cut in, defusing the situation.
"The Salarian doctor? Last I heard he was helping out plague victims in the quarantine zone. I always liked Mordin. He's as likely to heal you as he is to shoot you." She smiled slightly, the Commander leaned forward slightly.
"What can you tell me about him?" He asked.
"Used to be part of the Salarian Special Tasks Group. He's brilliant and dangerous. Just don't get him talking, he never shuts up." Aria chuckled as she folded her hands and rested them on her thighs. "If you really need to find him, take a shuttle to the quarantine zone. No guarantee they'll let you in, of course."
"What about Archangel?" John asked, Aria smirked.
"Ah, the vigilante. He's currently slaughtering the biggest merc groups here on Omega. Heard they're resorting to hiring anyone trying to take him down. Their recruitment office is down there." She said, hooking a thumb over her shoulder towards the lower level.
"Thanks for the information." Shepard thanked, standing up.
"Yeah, just make sure you don't bring the plague back with you." She warned with a dismissive wave of her hand.
"I told you to get lost lady. The plague has the whole zone quarantined! Nobody gets in!" The guard practically shouted at a young human woman as they approached the door. The shuttle ride wasn't as long as what any of them had expected. Apparently the zone was quite close-by.
"I'm human, you ass! Humans can't get the plague! Now let me get my stuff before looters get it!" She demanded.
"This thing affects every other race out there! We're not taking chances. Nobody is getting in until the plague has run its course." The guard said with some finality just as the squad walked up to the door.
"There's a Salarian named Mordin Solus in there. We've got to get in there to find him." Shepard spoke up, looking at the Turian guard.
"The doctor? Crazy bastard opened a clinic in the slums a few months ago. The Blue Suns weren't too happy when he moved in. I hear Mordin's trying to deal with the plague. I wish him luck but the area is still locked down. Our orders are to either wait until either the plague or the Blue Suns has killed everyone. Then, we go in and clean up." The Turian shrugged.
"Listen, you're stuck here until this quarantine is over. That could take weeks. What you really need is to get this problem solved now. That's what we do - we solve problems. Let us in, and we'll get this district sorted out." Shepard shrugged, pulling his Avenger rifle from his back. Jay and Zaeed also pulled out their rifles while Jacob pulled out a heavy-duty looking shotgun and Miranda pulled out a pistol.
"You think you can fix this, why not? The quarantine zone is more to keep infected people in, anyway. I'll radio ahead, tell them you're coming." the Turian nodded.
"Wait, you're stopping me but not them? You son of a bitch!" The woman spat.
The guard shrugged and pointed to Shepard, "You don't have a grenade launcher lady. Get lost." The woman turned around and stormed off into the crowds of Omega. Shepard turned to the squad.
"Fortunately, humans are immune to the plague." Miranda noted.
"Damn, and I was really hoping to catch something as a souvenir." Jay replied sarcastically.
"Spend the night at Afterlife and you'll get what you're lookin' for." Zaeed quipped, snickering slightly. Shepard nodded to the squad and walked through the doors.
"I don't like this, Shepard. It's too quiet and there's too many possible ambush points." Jay warned, leading the group through the dank, abandoned corridors.
"Just keep your head on a swivel, Jay." Shepard replied, checking the left flank while Jacob watched the right and Zaeed watched their back with Miranda in the middle, ready to support anyone.
As the group approached a corner, Jay dropped to a knee and held up a balled first before holding up three fingers and pointed around the corner. As they approached the corner at a more cautious pace, they stacked up, waiting for Jay to give the go-ahead. When he nodded, Jay spun around the corner, his burst-fire weapon already spitting out bullets as two of the Blue Suns were dropped, the third diving for cover, but not before John caught him in the neck, dropping him as well.
"Clear." Jay announced, his rifle still raised, watching their area for any other threats.
"Move up." Shepard ordered, watching as Jay began walking with his rifle raised again. They continued walking through the corridors for another couple of dozen minutes, only bumping into another three Blue Suns mercs, all of whom were quickly dispatched. Eventually they managed to make it to the clinic after following the signs that were posted on the walls of some corridors.
As they slowly made their way down the steps towards the clinic, Jay stopped quickly. "Mechs up ahead. ROE, Shepard?" Jay asked, turning his head slightly over his shoulder.
"Don't fire unless fired upon. We're not here to make enemies." Shepard replied, shaking his head.
"Yes sir." He nodded, lowering his weapon as he continued walking down the stairs.
As they turned the corner, they spotted what appeared to be a welcome desk with a series of mechs and a heavily armed human watching them. They silently walked past them, putting their weapons away as they walked up to the clinics door. As the door opened with a slight scraping, they were met with the sight of countless aliens along with a few humans piled into the waiting room. As the humans scurried around the clinic, tending to various patients, Shepard caught one on the arm and quickly asked, "Where's Mordin Solus?" The woman looked tired and weary of the strangers.
"He's in the back." She replied, shrugging out of the Commanders gentle grip as she went back to tending a female Turian.
"Thanks. Alright, let's go talk to him." Shepard nodded, waving the squad to follow him. As they stepped around in-patients and headed towards the back rooms, they began to hear a Salarians hurried talking. Shepard turned sharply into the room where it was coming from.
"Professor Mordin Solus?" Shepard asked, removing his helmet to show the Salarian his face. He offered him a kind smile. Mordin just walked up to him and scanned him with his Omni-tool.
"Hmm. Don't recognise you from area. Too well-armed to be refugees. No mercenary uniform. Quarantine still in effect." The Doctor walked over to a terminal and began typing something, still talking to himself. "Here for something else. Vorcha? Crew to clean them out? Unlikely. Vorcha symptom, not a cause. The plague? Investigating possible use as bio-weapon? No. Too many guns, not enough data equipment. Soldier, not scientists." The Salarian began to pace again before Shepard spoke up,
"Relax, Mordin. I'm Commander Shepard, and I came here to find you. I need your help on a critical mission, and I need your help." He said, turning slightly at the sound of Jay's chuckling behind him.
"Mission? What mission? No. Too busy. Clinic understaffed, plague spreading too fast. Who sent you?" Mordin asked hastily as he bent down to pick something up.
Shepard sighed as he rubbed his forehead, "Ever hear of an organisation called Cerberus?" he asked.
"Crossed paths on occasion. Thought they only worked with humans. Why request Salarian aid?"
"We're going to hit the Collectors." Jacob spoke up.
Mordin folded him arms and tapped a long finger against his very worn and old - for a Salarian - chin. "Hmm. Collectors? Interesting. Plague hitting the slums is engineered. Collectors one of few groups with technology to design it. Goals may be similar." He muttered, loud enough to be heard. Shepard nodded.
"But," Mordin continued, "must stop plague first. Already have a cure. Need to distribute it at environmental control centre. Vorcha guarding it." He paused as he turned to Shepard. "Need to kill them."
"We'll get in and deal with the Vorcha." Shepard nodded, pulling his helmet back on. As he said that, the vent that was humming quietly in the ceiling stopped working, the room bathed in red warning lights.
"Typical." Zaeed grunted, pulling his heavily modified Avenger from his back, Jay doing the same.
"That sounded troubling." Miranda smirked, looking at Jay as he shrugged.
"You think I did it? I'm hurt Ms. Lawson." He gasped. Mordin just shook his head at their antics as he brought up him Omni-tool.
"Vorcha have shut down environmental systems. Trying to kill everyone. Need to get power back on before district suffocates. Here, take plague cure. Also, bonus in good faith. Weapon from dead Blue Suns mercs. May come in handy against Vorcha." Mordin replied, passing Shepard a modified Predator pistol and the plague cure. Shepard handed the cure to Jay as he attached the small metal canister to the small of his back.
"One more thing. Daniel. One of my assistants. Went into Vorcha territory looking for victims. Hasn't returned." Mordin added, looking up at the Commander and the squad.
"If I see him, I'll do what I can to help, Doctor." Shepard nodded, turning around as the squad filed out of the room and back into the corridors.
"Shepard, I have uploaded a NAV-point where the Environmental Control Centre is located." EDI chimed in over their radios.
"Thanks EDI." Shepard replied, motioning for Jay to take point.
They had been walking for only a few minutes before they began to hear the distinct voices of Vorcha coming from below them.
"Jay, you're up. Scout ahead and tell us what you see." Shepard ordered as the Spartan jogged ahead, pulling out his sniper rifle as he went, blending into the shadows perfectly.
They waited for a few minutes, checking their weapons before the comm. crackled to life. "Sir, I count three Vorcha on the landing below the balcony we're on. I count another six on thermals around the corner. Two Krogan too."
"Copy that, we're moving up to your position. Take a shot if you have one." Shepard replied quietly.
"Sir, be advised, they have flame-throwers. I advise aiming for the tanks or using a Sabotage against them." Jay added.
"Acknowledged." Shepard replied before hearing the distinct crack of a sniper rifle quickly followed by a loud booming explosion.
"Three Vorcha down." Jay chuckled over the comm. Shepard had to hand it to the Spartan, once they arrived on the balcony above where the still burning remains of the three Vorcha were, he couldn't see Jay anywhere.
"As soon as they turn the corner, light them up." Shepard ordered.
"Incoming." Jay warned, another crack of his rifle nailing one of the two Krogan through the faceplate of his armor, instantly killing it.
"Damn he's good." Jacob grunted, using his biotics to lift a pair of Vorcha into the line of fire of both Shepard and Zaeed. Miranda jumped up from behind her cover and nailed a Vorcha in it's throat. The Vorcha stumbled forward, gripping at the wound before slouching forward and falling in a heap on the floor. Another crack from Jay nailed another flame-thrower Vorcha as he rounded the corner, taking out another two with it. Shepard stood up from cover as the final Krogan rounded the corner a lot more cautiously. A quick biotic warp from Miranda staggered the charging Krogan. Zaeed quickly put the Krogan down with a burst from his Avenger.
"Jay, regroup." Shepard said into his comm.
"Already have, Commander." Jay said, appearing from the shadows behind him.
"Where were you?" Jacob asked, confused how he'd scored some of the shots he had from there.
"There's a balcony up there." Jay said, pointing to the particular perch he'd used. Jacob nodded slowly.
"Jay, thanks for the heads up. Here on out, you're on scouting duty. If you see a way to make our lives easier, you do it. The quicker we get there, the better." Shepard nodded, patting the Spartan on the shoulder. "You any good at clearing out a path for us to double time it?" He asked. Jay was silent a moment, looking at the Commander.
"On occasion." Came the eventual response. Shepard smirked and hooked a thumb towards the stairs leading to the lower balcony. "Then move it Spartan." Jay nodded and pulled out his Vindicator.
"Yes sir."
"I knew he was good but… damn." Jacob muttered as they moved through the corridors. He shook his head as he spotted a small Blue Suns squad with broken necks or knife wounds.
"Big guy's like a goddamn killing machine." Zaeed chuckled, admiring the precise nature of the wounds.
"Either way, I wouldn't want to piss him off." Shepard muttered, shaking his head slightly as they moved up.
"Sir, we've got an issue." Jay crackled into the squads ears.
"Talk to me Jay." Shepard replied, shouldering his rifle.
"Walkway up ahead, two corners away from your position. Vorcha on the far side with missile launchers." He informed them, a small grunt followed. "One moment, switching position to provide support when you come through the door."
"We'll be at the door in twenty Spartan. I don't plan on getting blown apart today."
"You have a short sprint to some cover once you exit the doors. From there, move along and take whatever shots you can. I'll cover you." The Spartan replied, a slight smirk evident, even over the comm.
"Everyone hear that?" Shepard asked, turning to the squad. When they all nodded, he motioned them to follow him.
"How'd he get through the door?" Jacob asked, slightly puzzled. Zaeed snorted and nodded back at all the corpses the Spartan had left.
"If these idiots didn't see him coming, those Vorcha are as good as dead." He chuckled.
"Jay, we're at the door. Breaching in 3... 2... 1!" He grunted, punching the lock to the door as they sprinted down the walkway. Just as the door opened, a crack of a sniper rang out in the cavernous chamber as the Vorcha with the clearest shot on the door slumped over the handrail before falling over. Its head was missing.
"Oh, shit! Did you see that?" Zaeed barked, chuckling. "Goddamn spectacular." He praised, chuckling still.
"Switching targets." Jay muttered, followed by another shot. "All the heavies I can spot from this position, sir. Give me thirty and I'll be back with you." And with that, the Spartan went silent.
"Move up, but stay in cover!" Shepard ordered. Miranda went first, keeping low as shots pinged off their cover.
"Come on over here!" Jacob called out, pulling a few distracted Vorcha off their feet as they hovered over the chasm. Moments later, their screams echoed through the chamber as they fell to their deaths.
"I count two left, Shepard!" Zaeed called out, ducking back into cover. A shot from Miranda's position quickly followed by her voice, "One now." caused the others to chuckle.
"Incoming." Jay muttered before he dropped down from a position higher up further down the walkway before he reached down behind a corner and picked up the final Vorcha from it's hiding place. The offending Vorcha clawed at the armor and visor of the Spartan but didn't make so much as a scratch. One dismissive toss later and that Vorcha too was falling to his death.
"Damn nice sniping, son. What rifle are you using?" Zaeed asked, walking up and nodding to the Spartan.
"Modified Incisor. Bolt action setting. Modified it before we left the ship." He shrugged. Zaeed nodded appreciatively.
"I use a Viper, myself. Not quite the same impact as yours though, eh?" He chuckled, moving past him. Shepard sighed and motioned the others to follow. Jay received a nod of thanks from both Jacob and Miranda as they walked past him.
"Final stretch people, keep your eyes peeled." Shepard ordered.
"Sir, those Blue Suns you passed? They were harassing a civilian called Daniel. Wasn't that the guy Mordin was on about?" Jay asked, pulling out his Vindicator. Shepard nodded.
"He must've hid after you took care of them. Good work." Shepard praised, watching as the Spartan nodded and moved to keep up with the others.
As they stepped through the final door, a snarl carried across the room. A Vorcha was glaring at them. "You no come here! We shut down machines, break fans!" It snarled, it's razor sharp teeth dripping with saliva. "Everyone choke and die! Then Collectors make us strong!"
Jay snorted, "Well, at least we know who's behind this." He grunted as he moved up towards a short flight of stairs leading up to the fan control. As they jogged up the stairs, Shepard asked, "What do the Collectors want?" as he pointed his Avenger at the Vorcha. The Vorcha threw his head back and snarled menacingly.
"Collectors want plague! You work for doctor, turn on machines, put cure in air. We kill you first!" It snarled, reaching for a pistol. The distinctive three round burst from Jay's weapon sounded to Shepards right as the Vorcha jerked back, three rounds cleanly passing through it's skull.
Immediately bullets began flying. Previously hidden Vorcha sprang up from their positions and opened fire. Everyone quickly dropped behind cover as bullets began to pepper their positions. "Shepard, what did you do to piss these people off so much?" Jay asked, leaning out of cover and knee capping an approaching Vorcha.
"Why don't you go and ask them?" He replied with a grin. The Spartan was silent a moment before nodding slowly.
"Good idea, sir. Lawson, you're with me. Get them out in the open!" Jay called out, earning a nod from the woman. Jay burst out of cover immediately, dropping two Vorcha in the process. His rifle swept from target to target, each one either wounding or killing. Suddenly, two Vorcha began flying up into the air, suspended by biotics. Jay quickly nailed them both.
Advancing slowly, but steadily, the squad began to face less and less opposition the closer they got to the terminal. Just as they cleared the last of the Vorcha from the raised platform, the distinctive whine of a missile caught Jacobs attention. "Incoming!" He yelled, the squad dropping to the floor. The missile detonated by Miranda, throwing the shapely Operative through the air a little ways before crashing into the bulkhead. Dazed, but not injured, she slowly got up, and used her biotics to erect a protective barrier around herself.
"Heavy, up top at our six!" Zaeed called out. With a grunt, Shepard stood up and sent a small burst towards the offending Vorcha. As the Vorcha fell over dead, bullets began pinging off of the floor and surrounding area from their flanks.
"Split up! Jay, Zaeed, take the right. Jacob, Miranda you're with me." Shepard ordered sprinting to the left and dodging fire as he went.
"C'mon old man. Keep up." Jay grunted, pushing himself off of the floor, weapon in hand.
"Old man my arse." He grumbled, following the Spartan, who had slid to a halt by a concrete pillar. Jay poked his head around the corner of his cover, as he tried to asses the situation.
"What've we got?" Zaeed asked, flinching back when a chunk of concrete was blasted from the rest of it.
"Flamethrower and about three other standard Vorcha." Jay grunted, ducking back around. Just as he did a giant wall of flame burst past the concrete.
"Hope you have a plan, kid. We're sittin' ducks here." Zaeed grumbled. The Spartan nodded, pulling something from his belt before showing it to Zaeed. "Ha! Bastards won't know what hit 'em!" The merc barked out a laugh. A second later, Jay hooked his hand around the corner and the incoming fire went silent. A few second later, a dull thump reverberated through the chamber. The Spartan swung around the corner, weapon raised.
"Oh shit!" Jay exclaimed, right before he was bull-rushed by a Krogan. Zaeed chuckled slightly at watching the Spartan go flying. Three shots later and the Krogan slumped to the floor, blood trickling out of two holes in its head and one out of its throat.
"Need a hand?" The merc asked, standing over the Spartan as he rested his rifle against his shoulder.
"I'm good." Jay chuckled, pushing himself up. Nodding to Zaeed, they both went back towards the middle where the sounds of gunfire had cut off as well.
"Shepard! You good?" Zaeed called out.
"We're good!" Came the reply, just as the man and his part of the squad turned the corner from where they were. "Let's get this cure distributed, shall we?" He asked, putting his hand out for the canister that Jay was carrying.
"This'll only take a few minutes, then we can get back to Mordin." Miranda stated, beginning work on the Terminal.
"Environmental systems engaged. Airborne viral levels dropping. Patients improving. Vorcha retreating. Well done, Shepard. Thank you." Mordin stated as soon as they entered his lab.
"And well done from me as well. I'm not sure what those Blue Suns would have done to me if you hadn't killed them, thank you." A human man chimed in from the other side of the room. He was looking at Jay in particular.
"Happy to help." Jay nodded. Mordin turned to the man who was obviously Daniel.
"Go. Help with patients. Remember what I taught you." Daniel left quickly, smiling at the squad as he walked past. Once he had left, Mordin continued, "Good kid. Bit naïve. He'll learn. Letting him take over clinic. Should be able to handle it now that Vorcha are gone." He smiled, and for the first time Shepard realised one of the Salarians distinctive, fleshy horns was missing the top half.
"We've helped you cure the plague, are you ready to help fight the Collectors?" Shepard asked, offering his hand to shake. The Salarian shook it immediately.
"Yes. Unexpected to be working with Cerberus. Many surprises. Just need to finish up here at the clinic. Meet you at your ship. Looking forward to it." Mordin nodded.
"Alright, we're heading out, we'll see you on the Normandy Mordin." Shepard nodded back, turning around and motioning for the squad to leave.
