The Renegades
Part 1: Respite
Bonds
Terra Nova, the world where it all began.
I forgot how beautiful it was.
She was at the top of 'The Atlas', the tallest skyscraper on the planet. The guard rail in front of her, the only thing preventing her from falling 3500 feet into the bustling metropolis of Scott. The sun was setting in the distance, causing the city to light up as countless windows reflected its rays. The wind was gently breezing on by, carrying the smells from the city below. The scene was quiet, the only noise being a faint alarm blaring below. Technically, nobody was allowed on the huge balcony at the top of building, but that didn't stop the young couple she was watching from a distance. The couple was holding hands, and staring out on to the horizon. Kasumi felt her heart flutter as she watched the two in front of her. Together, the man and woman seemed perfect.
"Keiji, this is amazing," the woman's tone was enthusiastic.
"I knew you'd love it here Kasumi." The man than pulled the woman closer and kissed her.
Keiji
Kasumi paused the memory and walked up to the moment that started everything. As she reached the young couple, she observed her past self. She could see the pure happiness radiating from her form.
This was the moment…
She let the memory resume.
"…I love you Keiji."
"I love you too Kasumi."
Then the door leading to the entrance of The Atlas burst open. Guards armed to the teeth started pouring unto the balcony as they took aim at the two hooded figures in front of them. However, the couple just didn't seem to care and they leaned in for another kiss. Kasumi finally broke her gaze from her past self to look upon a woman walking through the crowd of guards. She was an Asari, a fairly old one at that, and she had just gotten robbed. She did not possess the pure sex appeal of a maiden, and Kasumi could see that she was slowly losing the regal appearance of the matron stage. This Asari was on the verge of becoming a matriarch; one would only need to listen to her voice to understand.
"Rezia," said Kasumi her voice laced with venom. However, the Asari paid her no heed, as she couldn't hear the thief even if she wanted too. This was a memory after all. The Asari examined the two thieves in front of her as if she was sizing them up.
"Thieves are like parasites, never content with what they have, thus constantly taking from others until there's nothing left. I leave Asari space in the hopes of seeing what the humans have accomplished in their short time as a member of the galactic community, only to have a very precious belonging of mine stolen… by two humans…" The Asari glowed blue, flexing her biotic strength.
"Return what you've stolen, and I will show mercy. If not, I'll crush you like the bugs you are."
Kasumi smiled, knowing all to well how this conflict would end. Keiji and her past self walked over to the guardrail, their backs to the people behind them. The two reached the rail, and looked on to the city below.
"You have nowhere to go humans, do not throw your lives away in some meaningless attempt to escape." Rezia moved forward, her biotics growing brighter.
Keiji sighed.
This is my favorite part!
He turned, facing the approaching Asari. As if accepting his defeat, he reached around and took off the big backpack on his shoulders. This caused Rezia to stop her approach and smile, realizing the thieves surrendered. Then Keiji unzipped the backpack, and pulled out two smaller backpacks. Rezia, realizing what they were, screamed.
"Shoot them, Shoot them now!"
But it was too late. Keiji tossed one of the packs to Kasumi's past self, and the couple jumped off the edge of the building. Kasumi jumped down after them. Not being restricted by the laws of physics, Kasumi could move herself through the memory as if it was a dream. She didn't fall; she flew herself after the falling couple.
Pause.
However, the memory didn't pause, it merely slowed down.
Why doesn't it stop?
All around her everything slowed down to a snail's pace. Kasumi looked up above her to see Rezia screaming at the pair from atop the balcony. Below her, she saw Keiji and herself put the backpacks on as they continued to fall through the air. Flying downwards, Kasumi positioned herself to get a better view of the thieves' faces. At that moment, Kasumi could feel tears begin to form within her eyes.
Above them was the screaming Asari, and brilliant orange sky. The building behind them shined brilliantly with the sun's rays, all while the couple smiled and reached out to each other to grab hands. If there was any moment to describe the relationship the two had together, this was it. Just them against the galaxy. They were unstoppable.
I want to freeze time…
The couple pulled themselves closer.
I want to savor this moment…
They started laughing.
To live in this moment for a week...
They pulled themselves into a kiss.
But I can't stop it...
The couple released their parachutes.
And before I know it…it's gone.
She kept falling.
Deactivate.
The greybox powered down, fading away to reveal the Normandy's lounge. Kasumi sighed and looked at the time. She had woken up from her sleeper pod a few hours ago, and ever since then she had been wired to Keiji's greybox in privacy.
"Good timing Kasumi, I was just about to wake the rest of the crew," said EDI as Kasumi pulled herself off the couch.
Was she spying on me?
Kasumi groaned and she raised her arms to stretch.
"That's great EDI, I'll be out there in a sec." Kasumi yawned, and walked out the door towards the Mess hall.
Yesterday, after the team had dispersed from the med-bay. People washed up and headed to their rooms or sleeper pods. It was almost a full twelve hours later until everyone woke up again. No thanks to EDI, who seemed to take pride in rudely waking people up with the sound of 20th century human alarm clock.
She's certainly become more…lifelike...since Joker unshackled her.
Kasumi took a seat in the mess as the sleeper pods opened up to reveal most of the ground team. With the pods open, Kasumi could hear the groans of disapproval. However, EDI didn't stop playing the annoying sound until everyone had walked, or fallen, out of their pod.
Garrus, the first to exit his pod, swung his arms about to stretch them before waving to Kasumi. The thief smiled back, her thoughts still focused on her recent experience in the greybox.
Thane was next. The master assassin gracefully exited his pod and muttered a prayer before walking over to the table, greeting Garrus and herself.
Maybe I should ask him how he deals with solipsism.
The rest of the crew eventually woke themselves up enough to head over to the table and attempt to get some food. Unfortunately, nobody really knew how to cook. Which caused quite a commotion. Garrus had to calm the squad down and tell them everyone's just gonna have to deal with rations like normal soldiers. However, before the crew could even get some breakfast, their commander called a team meeting in the FTL communications room for debrief.
This should be interesting.
From what Kasumi had heard throughout her travels, soldiers loathed debriefing. However, this same mindset just didn't seem to apply to the crew of the Normandy SR-2. Despite their injuries and sore muscles, the entire ground team, with the exception of Jacob, assembled in the communications room. Dr. Chakwas was absent because she was having difficulty falling asleep, so Shepard ordered her to get some rest. Joker was in the cockpit, making some repairs on parts of the ship that got damaged during their jump through the mass relay. Meanwhile, eleven highly trained operatives of the ground team were circled around the large table in the center the room, waiting on Shepard to show up.
Kasumi had got herself a spot between Tali and Thane. She considered herself lucky that she wasn't the squirming, tattooed biotic squeezed between Zaeed and Grunt. Zaeed wasn't allowed to shower because he couldn't risk washing away the gel Mordin had applied to his wound. Meaning he still reeked of something awful. Grunt, on the other hand, just decided not to shower. Kasumi's brow rose when she noticed the dried blood that was still on his face.
"Holy shit! You guys fucking stink!" said the foulmouthed biotic as she clamped her hands over her nose.
Zaeed lazily looked down to the girl on his left before moving his eyes on the Krogan behind her. They both shrugged before moving closer to the biotic, sandwiching her.
"UGH! Fuck you guys!" said Jack in disgust. She backed away from the bigger men and headed to the other side of the room next to Kasumi.
Zaeed and Grunt chuckled from their spots, and Jack flipped them off. At that moment, the doors to the CIC slid open to reveal their commander. His towering presence strode powerfully to the front table before looking around to make sure all eyes were on him.
"Alright people, we got a couple things to go over. A lot of important stuff here so listen up. Once we get through this I got something fun at the end."
Kasumi could see some of the crew murmur excitedly at the mention of 'fun'.
I travel with a weird bunch.
"The mission was a success," Shepard began, "the Collector base is no more, and we just saved a whole bunch of lives…at the cost of a few of our own…But that was only one battle in an ongoing war. The Reapers are still out there, and if Harbinger is to be taken seriously, their still looking for a way in from dark space. On that base, we discovered that the Collector's were attempting to build a human Reaper, showing us that Reaper's are partially organic. That piece of information is huge. Now we know that the Reapers 'reproduce' by harvesting entire species, and that's what their likely planning to do to humanity. Maybe even other species as well. Unfortunately, I doubt that that's their true objective here. As some of you may know, I wanted to keep the base because of the value it could have in preparing us for the Reapers…if they find away into the galaxy. Instead, Harbinger didn't want to make it to easy on us, so it blew up the base instead."
"You were gonna hand over that base to Cerberus!" exclaimed Jack, her temper starting to flare. There were a few concerned looks from the alien members as well.
Easy Jack, I'm sure Shep had his reasons.
Shepard focused his eyes on the fiery biotic.
"Not exactly. The Illusive Man was the one who gave me the idea, but as of a few hours ago, I made a deal with him and officially cut ties with Cerberus. This ship is no longer a Cerberus vessel." announced Shepard.
There were words of agreement from team, with the exception of Miranda who shifted uncomfortably. Then, as if Shepard sensed her discomfort, he continued.
"Unofficially, we are still allies with Cerberus in this fight against the Reapers. After all, as of now, they're the only other group in this war willing to help us. Anyways, the main reason why I wanted to keep the base was for proof that the Reapers existed. Sure the technology we could've salvaged from it could've been valuable, but what the base symbolized was worth ten times as much. That base could've finally got the Council to listen to me, and now it's gone," he paused to take a breath.
"So yes Jack, I was going to give the base to Cerberus, but I was only going to give them a week to collect any data they wanted before I informed the Council and other species of the base."
Kasumi looked over at the biotic to see her temper beginning to cool down. The convict crossed her arms and nodded to the commander in acceptance. It seemed like Jack was finally beginning to understand the big picture. Shepard returned his attention to the rest of the crew.
"Although the base was destroyed, EDI was able to steal some interesting data files on some Collector tech, as well as files on other projects those overgrown bugs were working on. I'll being forwarding these files to all of you…but I'm getting ahead of myself... Even though we're all still here, we lost a lot of good people on that mission. Because of why they died, I understand that some of you may not want to work with me anymore."
He still blames himself.
"Once we reach the Citadel for a well earned week off, you guys are free to go your separate ways," Shepard put his hands upon the table and his eyes adopted a sincere look.
"I just want to let everyone to know that it's been a damn honor working with all of you. You guys have been like a family to me, and I wish you all the best of luck."
"And what if we don't want to leave?" asked Garrus.
Shepard looked over to his friend. He smiled.
"Well, I'm not sure. I'm still trying to figure out the next step. The Illusive man agreed to let me keep the ship, and he's going to assist in our funding…but besides you, Garrus, would anybody else be interested in staying."
Hmmm…
Kasumi brought her hand up to her chin in thought. With everything going on with the Collectors, she didn't really have any time to think about what she'd do after the mission.
I could go back to stealing…
But something didn't feel right about that. She'd been stealing from people her entire life. Hell, she even stole a couple things from the people in front of her.
So why am I considering this, Shepard faces suicidal odds on a daily basis…I'm just a thief, not a hero… Well, what about everybody else?
She looked around the room, noticing that the others seemed to share the same thought. Everybody was exchanging glances, wondering who was staying and who was going. Most of the looks were directed towards herself, Zaeed, and the people who 'volunteered'.
"Well, I'm not sure about everyone else, but I'm with you till the end Shepard. I figure things wouldn't be interesting without me around. Well, and I guess I'm not really looking forward to finding a job again." Garrus scratched his fringe sheepishly.
"I believe I speak for both Jacob and I, when I say we aren't going anywhere. This used to be my cell after all and I don't want to see my greatest accomplishment get killed…again," announced Miranda.
"Shepard-Commander, we've reached consensus. This unit will resume it's primary objective of observing organics. We view the most efficient method of accomplishing this goal is working with your crew," said Legion.
Well, that's unexpected.
"Battlemaster, I have everything. Clan, kin, and enemies to fight," Grunt said respectfully.
Is he talking about us…I guess we really are Grunt's family.
The next person to speak was Tali.
"I'm sorry Shepard, but with the mission over, I have to head back to the Migrant Fleet…I'm being considered for a position as an Admiral."
Whoa
"Congrats, Tali!" cheered Kasumi, hugging her friend in congratulations.
"Wow Tali, looks like your making it big time. I couldn't think of anyone better for the job. Just don't become too much of a politician, you know how I feel about those types," said Shepard, others from around the room nodded in approval. A few even clapped.
"Thank you everyone. If things don't work out with that then I'll be back as soon as I can. I promise," finished the Quarian.
Well, who's left?
The only one's left to speak was Mordin, Thane, Jack, Zaeed, Morinth, and herself. The fast talking salarian answered next.
"The Normandy, proven to be very valuable to my research. Nearly limitless resources, interesting co-workers, new projects, admirable goal-," Mordin sniffed,"-yes, looking forward to our continued work together Shepard."
"If Mordin is staying, I believe I will stay as well. He's getting very close to finding a cure for Kepral's syndrome, and although I miss my son, Mordin's experiments could mean a cure for my entire race. I'm actually surprised that he's getting so close, the best doctors of the Illuminated Primacy haven't made progress in decades," said Thane.
Wow…maybe Mordin can cure my kleptomania as well? Wouldn't hurt to ask.
"Thank you Thane, I know it can't be easy to leave your family again," replied Shepard with respect.
"A week together will suffice."
To the right of Mordin, Morinth let out a sigh.
"Yes, Morinth," prodded Shepard.
The Asari gave the team an apologetic look.
"…Look, I know you all know about my…condition, and I know some of you don't trust me…because of what happened with my mother. I also understand if some of you would like me gone…I'd just like everyone to know, that this mission gave me a new perspective on life. Spending nearly 400 years on the run has severely limited my options in life, and this mission has shown me the importance of friendship and camaraderie. I won't lie to you, the first day I joined this team I looked at everyone as a piece of meat for my mind to tear apart. As we completed missions together, I began to feel a bond that I hadn't felt in centuries. In doing so, I began to fight the urges of my condition for both your sakes and my own…I'd really like to remain on the SR-2, Shepard, if you'll have me. "
That's…strangely touching.
Looking over at Shepard, Kasumi could see him examining the Ardat-Yakshi. The gears were turning in his head as seconds passed. Eventually he replied with a curt nod, before turning his attention to the remaining three.
Kasumi and Jack exchanged looks, each one urging the other to go first.
I haven't made up my mind yet! You go!
Kasumi broke her staring contest with Jack as Zaeed coughed from his side of the room.
"…Well, seeing as it's us three remaining, I think I understand the two ladies enough to speak for both of them."
Oh really?
But Kasumi wasn't about to question the bounty hunter. Zaeed probably understood how the galaxy worked better than anyone on this ship. His days in the Alliance, and the Blue Suns, introduced him to people from all over the galaxy. Kasumi crossed her arms across her chest as she waited for Zaeed to continue.
"All three of us are thinkin' about how simple it would be for us to go back to our former lives. Kasumi is thinkin' she could just go back to doing what she does best. Jack is thinkin' about going back to whatever life she had before Kuril got his claws on her. Me? I'm lookin' to just take Cerberus's money and go find a nice place to retire and live out the rest of my life. But the thing that's naggin' our minds is a question. Can we really go back? After everythin' we've accomplished on this team. Can we just return to the petty lives we led before this mission? For me, I've thought about it…and no, I can't go back to that simple life. If I just retired right now, I wouldn't know what to do with myself. You brought me into this fight Shepard. You showed me somethin' more than just the next paycheck, now I'm in it for the long run."
…Wow, guess the old guy really did understand. I think that's what I'm feeling too.
Kasumi closed her eyes as she began reaching a conclusion. Shepard gave Zaeed his thanks, and then put his attention on the two undecided women.
"Shit, you guys sound like pussies," said Jack, crossing her arms and backing away from the table.
What do I have left?
"Oh come on Jackie. You know you still want help on your biotics," replied a smirking Morinth.
…Nobody knew me besides Keiji and the family…but I can't go back to either of them.
"Fuck you," said Jack as she leaned against the wall of the room.
"What'll you do instead girl? Go back to a life of crime for a year of two, 'fore you end up in another cryo-cell."
This crew is the only group of friends I have left.
"Fuck you too old man."
…I still have the greybox.
"Jack, you're an admirable warrior. Don't waste your strength on the easy fights, less you'll go soft."
But Hock wasn't the only one who wanted it's secrets.
"Don't tell me you're a pussy too Grunt."
I'd be hunted for a long time.
"Says the one who'd rather fight weaklings than those who are truly strong."
I guess Zaeed was right…I really can't go back to that life.
"Whatever," said Jack, snapping her gaze away from the group in front of her.
"I'm staying too Shep," Kasumi announced, straightening her pose.
Shepard brow rose in surprise, but he gave her his thanks. Kasumi smiled and she turned to the reluctant Jack.
"C'mon Jack, it'll be fun. Free food, and you don't even have to pay rent. All you gotta do is face suicidal odds and get into fights with the greatest enemies the galaxy has ever known," joked Kasumi.
The biotic paused, eventually muttering something under her breath.
"What was that, I couldn't quite hear you," teased Kasumi.
"I said fine!" Jack snapped. "But only because I got nothing better to do, so don't get any ideas."
Every person in the room shook their heads at the ex-con's antics. Even after spending two months with all of them, Jack still refused to let go of the walls she put around herself.
"Thanks Jack, I'll make sure you don't regret it. Now we get to move on to the fun stuff! EDI load up the scores." said Shepard excitedly. Kasumi chuckled as murmurs of excitement spread through the room.
"Of course, Commander."
Gotta hand it to him, when Shepard loosens up, he sure knows how to keep things interesting around here.
Then EDI' s avatar popped up and projected a big holographic list that filled up the back wall of the room. The list was a leader board. It was Shepard's last second idea to simply lighten up the mood before they entered the Omega Four Relay.
"Legion won? My ass!" shouted Jack as she read the name at the top of the list. In response, the geth unit in question simply adjusted the metal flaps protecting his optic lens. the entire room exploded into commotion.
"I could've sworn I got more points than that," said Tali, "How did Kasumi do better than me?"
"Remember Tali? Kills with combat drones and hacked enemies don't count," said Kasumi.
"When did we make that rule?"
"I guess Shepard was a little scared after seeing you decimate all those heretics on that geth station." Kasumi winked
Kasumi laughed as Tali's posture sagged. The thief turned and started reading down the list.
Legion- 542 points
Grunt- 444 points
Morinth- 343 points
John- 320 points
Garrus- 319 points
Zaeed- 282 points
Thane- 253 points
Miranda- 240 points
Jack- 239 points
Kasumi- 232 points
Tali- 213 points
Mordin-201 points
Jacob- 194 points
"This list is crap!" exclaimed Garrus, gaining grunts of approval from the disappointed.
"No way the cheerleader did better me!"
"It's because I have self-control Jack, you should try it sometime."
"EDI what were the rules again," asked Tali.
"The rules were that everyone got one point for killing a husk, two for an abomination, five for a scion, seven for a collector, and ten for a possessed Collector or Praetorian. Kills using a combat drone were deducted. The winner wins 100,000 credits, second place gets 50,000 credits, and third place gets 25,000 credits.
"Alright, lets not get to hasty here EDI. We all threw in for that money, so why don't you give us a detailed break down here," said Shepard.
"Legion, and Grunt received the most points simply because they killed the most enemies."
Grunt let out a roar of approval before looking over to Legion and giving the robot a grunt of respect. Shepard rolled his eyes.
"Fine, but no way Morinth got more kills than me-," growled Garrus, "-no offense."
"None taken…Turian," said Morinth as she glared at the ex-cop.
"Morinth is in third place because of her biotic blast that vaporized roughly 200 individual seekers during the last phase of the 'long walk'," replied EDI.
"What! That doesn't fucking count!" exclaimed Jack, with agreements from everyone except Morinth.
"I only gave her half of a point for each."
"Nope, I think I speak for everyone when I say seekers don't count EDI. Sorry Morinth," declared Shepard
The Asari only shrugged and rolled her eyes, realizing she wasn't going to win this argument.
Then the list changed.
Legion- 542 points
Grunt- 444 points
Garrus- 319 points
Zaeed- 282 points
John- 280 points
Thane- 253 points
Morinth- 243 points
Miranda- 240 points
Jack- 239 points
Kasumi- 232 points
Tali- 213 points
Mordin-201 points
Jacob- 194 points
"What!" Shepard shouted as Garrus cheered next to him.
"It's alright Shepard-" Garrus started, but he was cutoff.
"Not a word Vakarian! EDI! How did I lose points?" asked a flustered Shepard.
"I had given you forty points for killing the Human reaper larvae. However, because you disqualified seekers from counting, I deemed that changing the point value of that kill as necessary."
"She's got a point Shepard, in the end, it still only counts as one," teased Garrus.
Shepard looked around the room, hoping for someone to back him up. Unfortunately, nobody did.
"You gotta be kidding me," Shepard said with a groan.
"That was not a joke Shepard. Grunt, and Legion should I transfer the credits to your chits now-,"
"Whoa, hold the fucking phone here," interrupted Zaeed, drawing some confused looks from the aliens in the room.
"Very old human expression," Kasumi explained to Tali and Thane, who muttered their thanks.
"What're a two month old Krogan, and a Geth going to do with all that money," continued Zaeed, and murmurs of agreement spread amongst the group.
"I won it human, I'll buy what I damn please," growled the Krogan next to him.
"Do you even have a credit-chit Grunt?" queried Miranda from her spot to Shepard's right.
"…No. But I have an omni tool," said the Krogan, a hint of embarrassment on his voice.
"Not the same thing big guy. Well that settles that, if he doesn't even have a credit chit it looks like Grunt is too immature to handle that amount of money. All in favor of disqualifying Grunt raise your hand," said Shepard raising his hand into the air.
Ouch, you're cold Shepard.
A wave of hands soon followed. The few to not raise their hands were Kasumi, Thane, Mordin, and Morinth.
"…Damn, pyjaks," growled Grunt, as if he was just morally wronged.
"Yeah, and Geth don't even need credits so Legion's disqualified to," stated Jack.
"We question your judgment. Geth have many uses for credits," droned Legion.
"Really Legion, like what?" Tali asked disbelievingly.
"…We are reaching a consensus…consensus achieved. We shall purchase materials organics are fascinated by."
"Why?" asked the Quarian.
"For study."
"…Materials like what?"
"Shoes."
"…And?"
"Cars."
"…And?"
"Houses."
"Really?"
"Yes, we will purchase books as well."
"Are you serious! Your going to blow 100,000 creds on books!" shouted Jack.
"E-books."
Kasumi laughed at the geth changing his statement.
"Jack's gotta point, Legion. Outside of studying them. Do you, not the geth, really want any of those things?" asked Garrus
Oooohh, that's a low blow Garrus you know it can't express things like that
"No…data…avail-."
"Well looks like Legion's disqualified too," interjected Shepard. "Can't have that money not going to a good cause. EDI change the list.
"…Very well Shepard."
Mordin
Kasumi
Thane
Morinth
Jacob
Miranda
Tali
Zaeed
Jack
Garrus
John
"WHAT!," was the unanimous reaction from all across the room. The exception being Mordin, Kasumi, Thane, Grunt, and Morinth. While smiles formed on the faces of the former, the latter two roared with laughter at the unexpected results,
"Because Grunt was disqualified for his maturity, and Legion was disqualified because it wouldn't put the money to a good cause, I did away with the point system and ranked it entirely based on maturity and moral standards when currency is involved. Mordin, Kasumi, and Thane I've already transferred the money to your credit chits," said EDI, her monotone voice almost sounding like it was agitated.
Kasumi activated her omni-tool to see that somebody had indeed donated 50,000 credits, causing her to pump her fist into the air as an uproar of disapproval spread throughout the room.
"You think a thief is more responsible with her money than I am? I was the one who managed all the funds the Illusive Man gave us."
"And I was the one to tell you what to do with that money in the first place," rebutted Shepard.
Oh I can't wait till we get to Citadel, I'm going on a shopping spree!
In her excitement Kasumi connected to the extranet on her omni-tool.
"Mordin's only gonna waste that money on science shit!"
"Science 'shit', more valuable than a 100,000 credit tattoo, Jack."
Oh there's a 50% off sale this weaker at Armani's!
"Well at least I'm still getting paid by Cerberus…"
"I thought that money was all going towards your retirement Zaeed?" asked Thane.
"…Shit…"
"Commander!"
At that moment, Joker's panicked voice broke the loud commotion.
"What is it Joker?" asked Shepard, a serious expression asserting itself on his features.
"It's Jacob! Something just went really wrong with his injuries, Dr. Chakwas needs help down in the med-bay."
"Got it. Miranda, Mordin go help her out. Oh yeah and Mordin, can Zaeed shower yet?"
"Yes," replied the salarian as he jogged out of the room.
"Great! Zaeed, Grunt, go take a shower, that's an order. Garrus, Legion, and Tali go help Joker finish the diagnostic on the ship, see if we can speed this trip up a bit. Everyone else, this meeting is adjourned. Return to your posts and look over the files I'll be sending you. Look for anything useful we can use, and if we can't use it, call up somebody who can. Now let's get moving people, we're not on shore leave yet."
Everyone snapped to attention and headed back to their posts.
Kasumi once again found herself alone in the Normandy's lounge. She had taken up her usual spot on the couch, and she was currently lazily scrolling through some of the files Shepard sent to her.
Schematics for Collector weapons, combat implants, and armor…Shep does realize that almost all of these things require an organic component to them? Theirs no way we'd be able to mass-produce these things.
She dismissed that file and decided to look at another one. Only to realize it was almost completely in a language she had never seen.
Really Shep, what am I supposed to do with this?
"Hey EDI what's the deal with this one file?"
"I'm still working on translating the Collector language. We do have more than 7 different species on board, Ms. Goto."
…Yup definitely more lifelike.
Kasumi decided she'd read over the file anyways, see if she could make anything out.
...Nazara…defeated…three….Humans…Turian…Krogan...Quarian…Asari…Rialite.
Kasumi paused.
Rialite, where have I seen that word before.
It was a word translated from the Collector language. However, that word didn't appear in any language she knew about, but she could've sworn she had seen that word before. Reaching into her pants pocket she grabbed Keiji's graybox.
Maybe you can help me remember Keiji.
She activated the greybox, and entered a different realm. She departed from reality, and entered an area of darkness. The only things that illuminated the area were the flashing screens around her, each presenting a different memory. She ignored these however, and approached the bright avatar of Keiji.
"Show me Rialite."
Then like magic the surrounding area flashed white, causing Kasumi to shut her eyes. When she opened them she found herself in a familiar place.
The Atlas building?
She was in a dimly lit hallway that extended a long ways behind her. In front of her, Keiji and her past self were busily hacking through the security systems of a state of the art vault.
"Got it," said Keiji, and the vault slowly opened up, revealing a huge room. The vault was full of priceless art, and archaic devices from all over the galaxy. There was even a 21st century human car on a platform in the corner. The two thieves stealthily crept inside and Kasumi followed. Instantly, the pair started sweeping the room for whatever it was they were looking for.
"Found it!" Kasumi walked over to her past self who was quickly hacking through the defenses of a smaller security box located in the back of the room.
"Awesome, lets grab it and get out of here," said Keiji as he ran up to his girlfriend.
"Gimme a sec Keij." There was a click and the small door on the security box popped open. The thief's past self reached in and pulled out an odd looking datapad.
Kasumi leaned over her past self's shoulder to get a better look at what it was.
"Really? This is what that creep of a Volus wants?"
"Doesn't really matter what he wants if he's paying us this much."
Pause.
The memory stopped as Kasumi's past self was about to slip the data pad into a small bag she wore across her waist. Kasumi moved her head so she could get a better look at what was on the pad.
Rialite
The word was scratched into the back of datapad. Kasumi scratched her head.
What the heck was I doing stealing something the Collector's knew about?
Kasumi thought about it, but she just couldn't figure out the connection between the Collectors, The Atlas building, and this datapad.
Resume
The alarm started blaring at that moment.
"Oh shit, time to go Kasumi. Remember the escape plan?"
"You got it Keij, I always wanted to go base jumping off a building like this."
"You'll love the view so much, you won't want to jump. Let's go!"
Fast forward
The memory then sped up to a breakneck pace. Within seconds, Kasumi found herself in a familiar spot.
Play
"Keiji, this is amazing."
"I knew you'd love it here."
I guess it won't hurt to watch it one more time.
With that, Kasumi stood back and just watched the memory play out once again. Up until Rezia came on the balcony with the guards.
"Return what you've stolen, and I will show mercy. If not, I'll crush you like the bugs you are."
She most know what Realite is! Could she be connected to the Collectors?
Kasumi found herself smiling again as the couple jumped from The Atlas once again. However, this time, before she could follow after them, something happened. The whole world shook around her. A piercing siren like sound broke her eardrums, causing the thief to let out a scream of pain.
"DEACTIVATE!" Kasumi yelled in panic.
And just like that, Kasumi found herself back in reality. Kasumi tossed the greybox aside and put her face in her hands. She realized she was shaking.
God…what the hell was that? Oh no!
Kasumi reached over to the greybox that had landed on the couch and hastily swept her omni-tool over it.
"No, please don't be broken!"
Kasumi had heard rumors of a greybox sometimes randomly breaking down after too many uses. This was yet another reason why so few people actually had one.
"God damn it, please no-," the thief stopped what she was doing when she heard the door open. Looking up from the greybox she saw Shepard's imposing figure walk in.
"Kasumi?" Shepard had a concerned look on his face. Kasumi shuddered as she saw his blue eyes get outlined by the red glow of the synthetics. Whenever he was stressed or worried, his blue eyes would turn red, it was unnerving. Kasumi looked back down at the greybox.
"I'm fine."
"Don't lie to me Kasumi, you know you can trust me." Shepard walked over to the couch and sat down next to her. She never really noticed just how much bigger he was next to her. She deactivated her omni-tool, which revealed that nothing was wrong with the greybox. Picking the little object up, she handed it to Shepard.
"I thought I had broken it."
"…Well that's not very good. I wasn't aware these things could just break."
"Yeah, I just thought I'd really lost him this time. Sorry for worrying you."
"…It's fine. Did you fix it?" Shepard returned the greybox to her.
"Yeah, I think so." She was obviously still a little shaken up.
"Good, did you get a chance to look over any of the files I sent you?"
Oh yeah!
"Yeah I actually found something interesting." Kasumi activated her omni tool and brought up the file she was looking over.
"Oh, that one. Yeah EDI's still trying to translate it from the Collector's language," said Shepard sheepishly.
"Yeah that's just the thing, I've seen one of these words before," She brought up the file into a larger holographic display in front of them.
"See that word "Realite", I don't think that's Collector language. I remembered seeing it a long time ago, so I went into the greybox. That word was on an old obsolete datapad that we stole from an Asari named Rezia."
"…This is something we can look into."
"I know! Rezia was a very powerful and rich Asari who had connections with the colonization company Exo-Geni. She always liked going to different colonies she invested in. We stole that particular datapad during her visit to Terra Nova."
Kasumi looked up to Shepard to see what he was thinking, and she could see the gears turning in his head.
"Do you still have the datapad, or know what was on it?"
"Unfortunately, no. We gave it some creepy Volus who paid us a handsome sum for the job."
"Alright, good work Kasumi, send me everything you know about this Rezia person. If she has connections with the Collectors, or if this "Realite" thing can tell us something about the Collectors plans, then we just hit something huge…Also send me anything you know about this Volus as well."
"You got it Shep."
The commander got up from the couch and headed for the door, but before he left he turned.
"Kasumi, make sure that greybox is still functioning. It could prove useful in the future. Make copies of those memories if you have too."
Wait what?
"Ok…may I ask why?"
"In this war, our biggest problem is finding allies. With the secrets on that greybox, specifically the ones against the Alliance, we have a way to guarantee the Alliance's support."
With that the Commander left the lounge, leaving Kasumi alone once again.
..When Shep gets hardcore, he scares me.
So there's chapter 2. Leave a review and let me know if you think I did ok with Kasumi's character. I was shooting to add a different element to her bubbly nature, through her use of the greybox.