Hello it is me again!
This chapter has caused me many problems and rewrites. I had to compromise on a few things and actually focus on the darker things ME explores. Talking about the Shadow Broker is hard, but it is necessary. Most try to ignore his involvement in ME SI and OC stories. He is a cold individual not caring for the people's lives and cares only for himself. I reflect on what Liara said why he wanted to deal with the collectors. To know every secret is his game and he will do almost anything to get it. I want explain more, but it involves trying to have a normal life and then it turns upside down. Accomplishments' can be a burden if others take notice in your work. This will unfold into darker scenarios for my OC in the story. The next chapter will focus on that entirely. ONI will have its dark side at times, but it will be a necessary one. Matriarch Benezia will come up more than once in the story line before she becomes indoctrinated I will guarantee that. She plays the role of advisor in the story and she has seen many things in her long life. Yoko receives the guns in the story that you will see more of later. On another note I may reconsider Shepard's past again, but the poll shows an even split of a male and female. If you don't feel like hitting the poles I will gladly see them under reviews. I hope you all enjoy the story and review.
See you guys later!
…
Chapter 3
Accomplishments can be a burden too
…
Yoko sat there a bit confused about the new situation at hand as she was walking with Matriarch Benezia and the head master. They were walking towards a conference room in the main building where the staff meets up.
"Why would an Asari Matriarch be here in human space? From what the Codex, it says that Asari that reach the age of 700 hundred years old. They act as Councilor's and sages, dispensing wisdom from Centuries of experience. Why is Matriarch Benezia is here at m school?"
"You are quite surprised to see me in human are you little one?" Matriarch Benezia asked her as Yoko snapped out of her trance.
"Of course, I didn't expect a surprise visit this early in the morning?" Yoko told her as she nodded with a small giggle.
"I see you must have had something planned for the rest of the day. What was your plan for today?" Benezia asked her.
"Well… I was going to go to SNRI for testing with my Psionic powers with Dr. Alder. As well talk to Dr. Chu about my experimental project I created. I might do a bit shopping to be prepared for the first class on Monday." Yoko explained.
Benezia looked intrigued. "I never got to meet an actual Psionic before. Not quite a biotic, but a person who bends energy as will. The first generation was volunteer soldiers' who had higher awareness and were able to read thoughts at times. So are you? Why didn't you try to read my mind for why I am here?" Benezia asked her.
Yoko pointed at her choker that had a glowing blue wires going through it. "Well the choker they gave disrupts the brain waves from going out towards others. So people won't think I cheat in class to get an advantage over them. It keeps people's privacy a secret, but strong minded people can easily avoid such a thing. They can try to remember a moment in their life or a strong experience. I can still manipulate energy around my body and nearby surroundings." She explained.
She placed her hands together as small light blue ball formed in her palms. It slowly got bigger as fibers of energy swirled around in her palm. It floated out of her hand towards Benezia as she placed a biotic barrier around her hand.
"It almost looks like a biotic warp, but it not dark energy…" Benezia muttered as it dispersed into light blue particles.
"Dr. Alder always tests her on Saturdays ever since she was little and it hasn't changed that much. Yoko volunteers to help make implants and other amplifying devices safe for the upcoming second generation and the first generation. She is the most open-minded child in the school. She could go all the way to a university, but she her mother insists she needed childhood memories." Ruben praised her.
"Why would she stop the development of her own child?" Benezia asked him.
"Well when she was a child, she didn't attend any social events nor even had peers her age. She is following her footsteps, but the school proposes system than the usual primary education. It also works on professional areas as well. Minimizing space and maximizing education, while they are here. She is a special case here at the school."
Yoko blushed seeing where Ruben was going with this. "Special case, it seems the military grade weapons, workbench, and advance computers show she is following her parents footsteps. Her father must have trained her in everything he knows. He knew you were going to live alone you will need self-defense skills to protect yourself." Benezia theorized.
Yoko nodded. "Well he trained me in self-defense ever since I was little. I kind of picked up a few things from him, but I was lucky I can keep my guns as well my technology." Yoko replied.
"You sent it away to R&D lab?" Benezia asked her.
"I sent a prototype beam weapon to testing division under Dr. Chu's care. He was quite impressed with its design along with several other people. But it's too dangerous to even employ on a battlefield still." Yoko announced.
"So it was you that created the beam in one of the labs in this school. It punched a hole through the wall of the school after hitting a target." Benezia asked her as Yoko blushed.
"I didn't think it would spend all the energy in the power cell…" She muttered as Benezia giggled.
"Ah honest mistake, but do you know why I am here?" Benezia asked her.
"I can only guess this is about relations with the Asari Republic and one of the factions under Humanity's banner." Yoko guessed as she nodded.
She turned to her. "Correct, unlike the Alliance, the ACF has opened its door's more to the galaxy. Systems Alliance has opened up trade with us and slow trade with Turian Hierarchy. Unlike the ACF trading influx of Element zero to the Hierarchy, Alliance, and republic. Most would think that humans are rushed and high strung. But it doesn't speak about the individuals themselves most often."
"We are short live compared to most people as some people are just lucky to make it to a hundred and fifty years old." Yoko replied.
"Take you for instance, you acted without a reason and pursue your goals with indomitable determination. It is admirable trait, but also an intimidating one too many." Benezia told her.
"There are many that are scared of us?" Yoko asked her.
Benezia nodded. "True, both factions of Humanity displayed impressive military might and able to beat back the Turian army. Only Krogan were able to do it with their hordes. I had several talks with several other species. You can run over anyone in your path with ease. How would you respond to that type of questioning?" Benezia asked her.
"Well I am not one to trample over other people, but I think that is what some others think when I accomplish things like Cecilia Alcott. In the essence of things for someone has to succeed the other fails. If that concept is everywhere in the galaxy it would be a waste to place a label on someone." Yoko explained.
Benezia nodded. "I see why you directed me to her Mr. Ashford she has surprising insight for her age. Everyone in these times will still label others due to their perception of their race. Unlike most of my colleagues I prefer to go outside of Thessia' space to give people guidance. I wanted to see Humanity's tomorrow, meaning their children who give a great insight to what there tomorrow is like." Benezia explained.
"I want to discredit the many rumors and provide correct facts. It sounds like you want to help shaped galactic events even more due to the First Contact War."
Benezia nodded. "If the Turian Hierarchy just reported meeting a different vessel from the Relay and contacted the Citadel. The event of the thousands of lives would have been saved on both sides. They didn't expect a counter attack on their own systems, while they occupied Shanxi. My people have wars, disease, famine, violet crime, and the fact we are riding on the back of wealthy colonies and huge resources of Eezo."
"Well compared to Earth situation, they Systems Alliance quickly developed to actually revamp their own cities to help their people creating more animosity with the poor and rich classes. Urban development teams on our side decided to do that after several laws was lowered due to the Alliance picking up new laws. They are changing the third world and 21st century technology in cities that were left behind by going into space when we discovered space travel." Yoko told her.
"I have visited Earth myself and I see the two different philosophies the System Alliance approaches as well the ACF. Systems Alliance has the rushing behavior of trying to colonize, expand, and adapt to new technology. Never planning for the future properly as well care for its people. It relies on corporations' to solve their problems to get things done. ACF having their AI's to support them and make decisions'. It gives your people time to focus on things that plagued their society. Now what is my question, where do you think your people will be in the next thirty years?" Benezia asked her.
Yoko thought about it for a moment. "Well the Alliance wants to push for a Spectre and the Council seat wanting more voice shaping their events in politics as well galactic events. From what my father says High Command doesn't really care about getting the position seeing they have more important things. The Skyllian Verge is becoming more dangerous each year due to the Batarian people thinking we are colonization more planets and their attempts at concessions will fail." Yoko explained.
"I see… then there might be a war or the fact the Batarian people will not be a part of the Citadel Council in the near future."
"The near future… you think they would leave the Council and shut down their embassy?" Yoko asked her.
"In truth I think Councilor Tevos anticipated such a thing by allowing free colonization in unstable region that was rife with planets to colonize. The Hegemony was always interested in colonization in the region, but lacked the funds and resources. In their culture slavery is an integral part of the Batarian caste system, despite being illegal according to Council law. The custom is so deeply ingrained in Batarian culture that Batarians consider the Council's anti-slavery standing to be prejudicial. Just how the ACF approached their AI's have helped progress their efforts for over a hundred and forty-nine years' helping progress forward. It helped create this station within eight years, which is considered a great milestone in many eyes. What would you be in the future Yoko? A solider like your father or esteemed scientist like your mother?" Benezia asked her.
"Well I don't know… I already have a foot in the door as a scientist, but I want to do more than stay in a lab all day. I miss the time I spent traveling with my mother before settling down on Cocoon." Yoko explained.
"Restless spirit… do you think you will fight one day on some battlefield like your father. Take up a career with fighting and understanding the scientists. Why not become both then or become an investigator?" Benezia asked her.
Yoko turned her head a bit. "Well I am still eleven years old; I still have some to decide what I want to do. I want to do something proud and something that can make a positive difference." Yoko explained.
"Well said, it was actually quite enlightening to talk to you. I need to talk to one of my followers named Shiala about giving you something that will help with your future choices." Benezia told her.
"Future choices…" Yoko muttered.
"When people want to do great things, they will face opposition one that can be negotiated as well others who can't. There will be no doubt someone will chase after your skills and knowledge. People will try to exploit those people to create a worse outcome than the positive outcome. I will be speaking to other students on their view as well their parents. I will be back in a moment Yoko." Benezia told her.
They made it to the lobby seeing other people and other families were there talking to their children. Benezia talked to one of her followers as Ruben laughed.
"I was so interested in your conversation, I forgot to speak. You know you are not just making this school famous. You are making me proud to see you have given intelligent response to someone of stature. She was only impressed by your recent accomplishments. Can you stick around the lobby for a while for her? I have no doubt that it might be important to you in the future. I see Miss Hee is here waiting for you." Ruben told her as he walked off to his office.
Yoko turned to see Chinese girl running up to her with her rich black hair and almond eyes. She wore purple tank top, white shorts, and white sandals. She wore a similar choker like Yoko's around her neck.
"Hello Miss Prodigy, it is about time you left that depressing room. I see you have to wear this stupid choker just like me even on a free day. I saw you talking to Matriarch Benezia; she is amazing in her own right. She knows how the politics run within the Citadel and other races. Since I am shooting to be high ranking politician one day she is good step in the door." She told her.
"A fellow Psionic like me we live side by side in the dormitories due to our unique status. Kim Tae-Hee a girl that came from South Korea. My first friend here at the Academy and she can relate to me in everything. We strive to become something great." Yoko thought.
"Kim, I almost forgot why you want to be a politician so much. I always see most of them as back stabbers or people kissing the feet of others most of the time." Yoko asked her friend.
"Well I say Edward D. Teach talk on TV one day as Ambassador and it clicked. I want to help the people rather than my own pocket. There are too many people like that nowadays who care about status, money, and power. Like Cecilia and her family of bunch of bigots they didn't want to do anything to do with Matriarch Benezia." Kim pointed out.
Yoko nodded. "I don't see why they act like that when we are trading with them. We have other aliens visiting the station as well." Yoko wondered.
"They thought they could join our side since we don't destroy our culture by absorbing their culture instead. Maybe they think the Alliance is too weak to help promote Humanity. I really don't know what goes on in her father's head. I saw Nina sitting around here and I was hoping we can go shopping. Nina and you two are stuck around playing with too much technology. You are guys are behind on fashion and I already know of your appointment at SNRI seeing I test there too."
"Hello Kim, Yoko…" A quiet voice called out to the two. The two turned to see a girl with green hair and purple eyes. She was wearing a light green dress with sandals as she looked like she was crying.
"What happened to you? Why are you crying?" Yoko asked her.
"Don't tell me that Cecilia is picking on you again? What did she say to you this time?" Kim asked her.
"I am weird introvert freak… she acts so superior to others. That she has better genes and a better social standing than me." She muttered.
Yoko crossed her arms. "Or maybe the fact I laid her out flat the other day she is just wants to feel better good about something. We are friends and she wants to go after you since your shy nature calls people to you. You should ignore her Nina; she can't measure up to us. Family problems must be catching up with her. I will deal with her personally if she tries it again." Yoko reassured her.
"Thank you…" She muttered.
"Well you did break her nose with a roundhouse kick to her face. After she tried hitting you, she can't get you back for that since you are actually trained in self-defense. I know self-defense as well from my parents, Nina you really need to pick up study some martial arts." Kim suggested.
Nina nodded. "Can you teach me how to?" Nina asked her.
"Yoko actually got military training from her father and friends. She is practically a solider coming out of basic." Kim suggested.
"We have free time after we shop around. I will show you a moves and practice forms."
"Having a little chat about me?" They saw a girl wearing a white dress; she had blond hair and chocolate brown eyes. Cecilia had a smug look on her face.
"We weren't even talking about you Cecelia? We were talking about teaching Nina some self-defense."
"Because the baby can't fight her own problems, at least you have some backbone." She told them.
"I just don't see your problem with us being at this school. Ever since you turned ten you are acting like some spoiled brat." Kim asked her.
"I don't see why you are at the top of the class… I have been designed to have no flaws. My genes make me more superior than an average human. You three are making grades higher than me still…" she muttered in anger.
"I am guessing this is a daddy issue, you weren't even interested in grades until now. It seems you are trying to keep up with today's society is too hard for a perfect being." Kim mocked her.
"Well truthfully you can never call yourself perfect on ideal… which has a flaw itself. If you are perfect this wouldn't be up for debate then. If a human with flaws helped create you are you really perfect?" Yoko asked her.
Cecilia was stunned for a moment. "Wait…"
"You see, you are not a perfect being like you proclaimed. Stop messing with other people for your own shortcomings and be the person you want to be. If you want to be better than others seek to improve and master yourself. If you aren't happy with your father's expectation tell him to screw off. This is my future not yours… you rich girls are always the same. Always thinking it will fall on your lap like a gift from god. You never worked a day in your life for it, what happens when it runs out. Your father screws up because you're human, you don't have real skill to work anywhere. Goodbye Cecilia I dispensed wisdom instead of a fist your face." Yoko lectured her.
She had a worried look as she ran off. "Well that was weird usually she tries to say something back." Kim told her.
"I'm guessing it was her father pressing her to do better. We are the competition around here, especially with our grades are." Yoko thought.
Nina nodded. "I didn't think you to be so wise…" Nina muttered.
"When you hang around older people than you, you can pick up their life lessons and help avoid them. Personally that is a better idea than going in blind in life. My grandfather Shino on my dad's side of the family tells me these things when I visit him or have video chat." Yoko explained.
Nina turned to see the headmaster coming this way with a box in hand. "Excuse me young ladies, there was a delivery this morning that came in your mailbox. I came to gift it you Miss Yoko, especially when you almost forgot about it." Ruben minded her.
Yoko blushed as she nodded taking it graciously from her. "Thank you Mr. Ashford, I almost got caught up in Kim's shopping event." Yoko thanked her.
"Well I alerted your parents that you are leaving the school soon. So you don't have to worry about your parents calling you to see if you left the school." Ruben assured them.
"Thank you headmaster…" Nina muttered.
He patted her head chuckling. "You are welcome, I can't let the three brightest pupils in the school go missing or get into trouble. Matriarch Benezia is coming back to meet you Yoko in a few minutes." Ruben told her as Ruben noticed a blonde hair man with brown eyes coming in from the door. He was dressed with suit that looked expensive. "I am sorry ladies I can't speak to you more; Mr. Alcott is here with another complaint again."
Ruben walked over to the man and ushered him to his office. He took notice of them and frowned. He kept going as Kim snatched the box from her. She quickly opened it up.
"Hey give it back!" Yoko shouted.
Kim saw the words "Savant I" on the Omni-tool as she whistled. "You get the awesome gifts and it is not even a special occasion or your birthday for a matter of fact." Kim noticed as she handed it to Nina.
"Savant model is developed by Serrice Council who created the most bio-amp on the market. They don't go for profit; they typically make customers go through rigorous screening process before you can be approved to purchase their goods." Nina stated as she pulled a piece of paper. The words approved stamped over it with Yoko's name with an armory license card.
"I didn't think Uncle Jack would send me such a thing." Yoko muttered as Nina wired the Omni-tool to her old one on her arm. It was transferring the information from the old one to the new one.
"Well you are quite lucky to meet people who care about your future. I am guessing the little test of your beam weapon in school has reached people in other regions of space now." Kim reminded her as Yoko blushed.
"It was a successful accident, I only wanted it to hit the target, but it sailed through the wall." Yoko muttered.
"It is done…" Nina told her as she handed her the Omni-tool. Yoko slipped her old bluewire one in the box. She placed it around her wrist as it glow blue with a pink center around the hand region. "Yoko your new Omni-tool has military functions unlike your old one. There are several programs on there are used for combat only."
"Really…?" Yoko asked her.
"Well besides the programs it has high processing power, holds more data, cools down more efficiently after one program use, and it is very good to apply medi-gel to a wound if need be it. The programs it can now run are overload, dampening, and hacking. But what surprised me the most was the fact you already had some drone program on your old one." Nina told her.
"When I was three Tadius Ahern gave me the program before Shanxi was attacked. I have picture of the occasion in my room still on my wall." Yoko explained to them.
"The one with General Williams is in." Kim asked her as Yoko nodded yes.
The three noticed Asari Matriarch coming back with an Asari commando. She was wearing light armor that was black. She carried shotgun on her back with a pistol on her right hip.
"I see you and Miss Hee are friends…" Benezia asked her.
"Hello Matriarch Benezia, I didn't expect you to come back so soon." Kim told her.
"Well it is because of your friend wanting to make a difference in the galaxy one day. There is no doubt there will be a conflict in the future. Since she developed an actual beam weapon there are people who will want to exploit her for being young. Miss Hee your goal is to become a politician not to line your pockets with money. A daunting task itself seeing how governments work and trying to help your people. I analyzed Yoko's responses and I have no doubt she will be fighting in her future." Benezia told her.
"Yoko is going to fight in the future." Nina muttered.
"Matriarchs' like myself have lived have seen many things. Often seeing the path our young one takes and advise them of their options. It is up to them to make that choice when it comes to them. In this day in age there are many dangers even for children. You placed yourself on galactic radar for such an accomplishment so young. I asked Shiala to bring two special weapons here for you. There are developed and hand crafted from a Justicar. Something you can use without feeling a kickback of a weapon."
"Guns…" Nina muttered.
"Whether you know or not it you contributed something big to the galaxy. A secret only you know and many will want no matter the cost. The data-pad inside will give you the details and specs on how they work. The pistol is the 'Acolyte' a famous gun used for Asari resistance fighters and the 'Disciple' a gun created by Justicar. I hope they serve you well in the future. They are quite light for even a child to use without a problem." Shiala explained.
"As well I want to give you this for excellent insight." Benezia told her. She gave Yoko a yellow silk ribbon with black Asari writings on it."
"All is one…" Kim muttered.
Benezia nodded. "Correct you have the basics of our language down. This phrase comes from our religion 'Siari' that is called "all is one". The universe is a consciousness, every life within it is an aspect of the greater whole, and death is a merging of one's spiritual energy back into greater universal consciousness. As you play a part in helping the galaxy it will continue to follow the ones coming behind you. But I must leave and I hope you all have bright futures'." Benezia explained as Yoko nodded with a bow.
"Thank you for the kind gifts."
"Don't mention it I hope to see great things from you three." Benezia walked off giving her goodbye along with Shiala.
"Lady Benezia, shouldn't we have told her about the Shadow Broker?" Shiala asked her as they formed a group of her body guards.
"She is a smart and resourceful girl she would figure out the meaning of our words. The ACF is not forgiving to spies and terrorists. There is no doubt the Shadow Broker might move in to kidnap her to force her mother into a position to reveal SNRI secrets. Maybe they want the information about her beam weapon to sell to all. The opportunity to make money is tempting for the Shadow Broker. A little girl living alone is a prime target for anyone." Benezia told her.
"You thought much ahead…" Shiala asked her.
"When you become a Matriarch as well Shiala you will learn choices now do affect the future. A simple bad investment seems bad in a present time, but down the road it can be fruitful. I made a choice to give her weapons she could use against potential attackers."
"Do you think she will change something in the immediate future?" Shiala asked her.
"She already did the introduction of beam weapons will be on ships and soldiers. It may be specialized weapon only used for certain tasks. I have no doubt she will change many things in the near future. Asari Republic, Turian Hierarchy, and Salarian Union are talking up a storm saying it is impossible. I personally saw the video saying otherwise, she didn't make the weapon for their military. She made it for her father that is working in the military to keep him safer along with his friends. She seeks to be closer to them in some sort of fashion." Benezia explained.
"I see, but why those one of kind crafted guns. Those guns are not easy to replace or cheap?" She asked her.
"I have a feeling she will need light weaponry due to her young stature." Benezia explained as they got into a secured sky van.
…
Yoko traveled around with Chinese girl and shy Nina as who followed without question. They were moving throughout the department stores and markets. Yoko was carrying a huge gravity cart filled with bags. The girls were buying accessories, clothes, and electronics as Yoko hummed along.
"Are you not tired of carting our things along Yoko?" Nina asked her.
Yoko shrugged carelessly. "The cart itself is powered be element zero just float. It takes away the resistance that strains your arms. I really want to register my two new guns with Guardian Corps and on the gun range soon." Yoko explained.
Kim was checking her mirror as she noticed something funny. "Yoko can you take off your neural inhibitor it doesn't match your clothing properly?" Kim asked her.
She nodded placing in a pouch of her sweater dress.
"Yoko there is a strange man following us. He has been following to each shop looking at mainly you." Kim told her telepathically.
"I was starting to notice that each time after we left the school. Do you think we should interrogate him?"
"Ok, let's go down the alley and you do that stealth trick you do." Kim told her.
"If we cut through here we can make it faster to your house Kim. Nina can you carry our stuff my hand is getting now." Yoko told her.
Nina nodded taking it as Yoko walked ahead of them. It was dark as she walked around it first as she disappeared. The two went straight into the darkness as they moved towards the end of the alleyway. The man followed them as he didn't notice Yoko.
Yoko dropped down silently as she twisted his arm and pressed two fingertips behind his right ear. "Surprise…" She muttered. Kim and Nina came straight back with their stuff. Kim crossed her arms and smirked as he struggled. He couldn't move one inch. "This technique stops all movement so relax."
"I can't believe this…" he muttered.
"Well it is not often an eleven year old girl can overpower a grown man." Kim muttered. "Who are you and why are you following us?"
"Like I will tell you…" he muttered.
"No need Ryan…" Kim muttered with a smirk. He looked flabbergasted.
"Damn you're a Psionic as well." He muttered.
"It sounds like omission doesn't Nina?" Kim asked her.
"He knew Yoko was one, but not you." Nina muttered as she pulled off his Omni-tool of his arm. She found it was password protected and encrypted. "It has a military grade security on it."
"It seems he is throwing up random thoughts to avoid our mind reading session." Yoko told Kim.
Kim lit her hand on fire as she smirked. "I know a good way to make him talk. Nina patch through his Omni-tool signal to Black-box so he can break into it." Kim suggested.
The man was nervous as she placed in front of his face. "I already broke his security information; he didn't think he would get caught." Nina told them as he looked shocked.
"Damn…"
Nina looked at the information. "It is all about Yoko in this file…" Nina muttered.
Yoko looked confused. "Who does he work for?" Yoko asked her.
"The "Shadow Broker" he was tasked to know your biography, schedule, and your daily life. I don't know more than anything, but that." Nina explained.
"That message was deleted."
"Our education has gotten a lot better on the ACF side unlike the Alliance Ryan. We can learn pretty much anything it we put our minds to it." Nina answered.
Yoko slammed him to the ground as Kim waved him up in the air with her powers. He screamed as light blue glow covered his body. Yoko walked over to the case holding her new shotgun. She took it out making sure it was loaded. She cocked it back as Kim dropped him on the ground with a thud.
"Don't move I know ONI would like to meet you. Black-Box can you please call ONI to send some people out here to our location." Yoko told the AI.
"Yoko they will be here in seven minutes." Black-box told her.
"Well good job Nina, I didn't think you can piece together a deleted message." Kim praised her.
"This guy didn't have the skills to be a real agent. He is most likely a new guy to their ranks. Omni-tools can delete data, but like every computer. It can hold fragments of data on here to trace back, if he reviews more than one time. It makes a bit easier and since he was using a low-grade Omni-tool. It made even easier for us." Nina explained.
"A novice is a better term for this idiot…" Yoko muttered.
"Come on, put the gun down please. I was only watching you for your day to day events. I was not going to hurt you." Ryan admitted.
Kim recorded it. "You just admitted to stalking little girls and we know you work for the Shadow Broker. ONI is going to love this guy." Kim giggled.
The three noticed two men wearing black uniforms with ONI tag on their jackets. They walked up to the three as they shook their heads. "Man, we have to give it credit to parents and new education system. Good job girls in catching him.
Yoko scans the ONI tags on their chests to see they were correct. "Your ID tags are correct and embedded with the right code. You can take him away." Yoko eased up putting the safety on the smooth and curved shotgun.
"He is a Shadow Broker agent and apparently a stalker. Do you want Omni-tool evidence?" Kim asked them. The man nodded looking at the evidence playing it back hearing his admission. The other looked at the spies Omni-tool for information.
"Solid grounds to arrest him, you girls' aren't exactly normal. Kim and Yoko, two are psionics if I am correct." He asked them.
"Of course we are, is there a problem?" Kim asked them.
"Did you catch him with your powers?" he asked them.
Kim nodded her head and pointed towards Yoko. "Yoko did that ninja thing and snuck up behind him." Kim told him proudly.
They looked around the alleyway to see it was a mixture of darkness and light. "Really… not bad for Super Ninja's kid… we will take it from here on out. But you do know there is a reward for capturing spies right?" he asked them.
"The person who catches or inform on them gets the suspects credits and reward of 2500 credits." Nina informed her friends.
"Since Yoko disabled him she get the reward, but we can be generous to you." He told them. He pressed his Omni-tool to send in a report as their Omni-tool shines. "You will each get 2500 credits since I am good guy and Yoko gets this guy's credits for the smooth take down."
The three pumped their fists happily with a smile as he sent the credits over to their bank account. His partner cuffed him using Omni-gel to hold his arms together.
"Thank you for the credits." Yoko thanked the men.
"Don't mention you ladies are trying to have a good time without someone stalking you. Why don't you girls go have fun near the arena since you are playing around with military guns?"
"Arena," Yoko asked him with confused.
"It is down at the Nautilus strip, it contains a battle arena using the most advance holograms. It uses simulated data collected from real live soldiers or you could play games there." He suggested.
"You aren't suggesting they gamble away their money, while they are there?" his partner joked.
The man shrugged indifferently. "Well there are more things to do then gamble away on those machines. They have arcade there as well stores to shop for items you don't normally get. Whatever you try to do afterwards, you should head home now to tell your parents. Yoko you should head over to the SNRI building to meet your mother." He explained. The girls nodded following them out of the alley way. They ushered the agent in the back as they took off.
"It seems like we have to split up and go home…" Kim whined.
"What is the problem?" Yoko asked her.
"I wanted to head on down to Nautilus to see what they got. The stripped just opened to help focus on tourism and it hearing it from him. It seems like a lot of fun to visit too. But I know my parents would like me to go back home after this happened." Kim muttered.
"Well after hearing they are stalking Yoko they may want us to stay away from her." Nina muttered.
"I am not some curse…" Yoko told them.
"You aren't, but the Shadow Broker is a dangerous person. If he wants something he will try to get. Blackmailing, threats, assassins, and even gives out false information that can ruin you. I can see why Matriarch Benezia gave you those guns. You made yourself a target for making the fabled beam weapon. I don't like this either Yoko, but our parents will say otherwise. Nina lives close my parent's house so we will go together. I have psionics and martial art skills to protect myself. I will take home Nina home just in case." Kim told her
Nina put her hand under her chin. "What about Yoko?" Nina asked her.
"She has guns and knives on her person as well training from her father to back her up. I am sorry I have to do this Yoko, but we need to get some distance off you for a while. Be safe and be sure to head to SNRI soon to meet your mother." Kim explained as she grabbed her bags. Nina did the same
Yoko dropped her head. "I finally make good friends and I lose them to this stupid Shadow Broker…" Yoko muttered as she pulled an Omni-tool to look at the time. It was near 12:00PM as she sighed. "I have at least one hour before I am supposed to go there.
Yoko's Omni-tool beeped as she pulled it up. She saw a video screen pop-up of her mother's face. It was a serious look she got after something big like blowing a hole in the wall of the school. "Yoko, come over to SNRI headquarters now… Don't stop for nothing you hear me. Keep your weapons on you as well." Asami ordered cutting off the video feed. Yoko walked to a taxi sky car with her Asari Shotgun in hand. She checked the inside to make sure no one was there. She got in as it closed it as she tapped away on the screen. It headed towards the SNRI building. She had a visible frown on her face as she knew this was not going to be pleasant.
…
SNRI building was ordinary sky scarper style building, though it had factories, labs, offices, and most likely meeting rooms. The lobby was the first thing you see and it looked normal. Yoko had her head down as she waited in a meeting room. She was playing around with her new guns to see how they worked.
Asami sat outside the meeting room with Catherine as she sighed.
"The Shadow Broker … who would have thought he would come after my little girl." Asami muttered.
"Well he sees Humanity as another outlet to gain more money and power. It was bound to happen seeing we are keeping our information from leaking out. He wants every opportunity to get any foot in the door. We dissuade the use of information brokers with any business within out territories. AI's can help do the ground work way faster than some untrustworthy broker who can sell your information away. I think it is stupid to rely on the Shadow Broker…" Catherine told her.
They heard the sounds of footsteps came behind them as they noticed Admiral Margaret Parangosky wearing her grey uniform with medals. "Good day Doctors it is unfortunate we have to meet under these circumstances. We fully interrogated the man and we found out he was only following orders. But the information suggests they may want to kidnap her in the future or plant a bug within her systems." The admiral explained.
"Is the broker hoping to gain the information about beam technology to leak out into the galaxies militaries? Maybe he was going for me or maybe he will use Yoko as a stepping stone to get information on SNRI?" Asami wondered.
"Well those are possibilities that could happen and he still can interrogate her for the information. We are not going to allow this to happen to our youth. We are spreading the word that this Broker cannot be trusted. Anyone working with him will be put to death or incarcerated depending on the offense. On another note I have agents clear any bugs and upgrade the security of the school. We are also placing a superintendent AI in Eden Academy. But I need to speak with you about your daughter and her placement in the school." Margaret told her.
"I was trying to put off her speedy graduation, but it seems like she needs to graduate this year. She will live with me for now on and go to work with me." Asami explained.
"Are you really going to rip her away from her friends Asami?" Catherine muttered.
"I already got several calls from concerned parents about my daughter's stalker. They won't hang out with my daughter after school or they just avoid her all together." Asami theorized.
"True, but I have alternate solution to the problem at hand." The admiral suggested as they turned to her.
"What solution? I hope it isn't trying to conscript her to the army to become some shock trooper.
"I want her to enter a special program one that would maximize her talents to the fullest extent. The program is more of a science experiment itself in many eyes. We want to see the effects of military training on younger people. Yoko is suitable candidate to undertake a program that is three months if she doesn't washout. She will be placed into a special program that I am directing and another focusing around Dr. Alder's research. It will focus around her education and it ensured we can keep an eye on her. When she finally turns twelve years old we will send her to the training facility." Admiral Parangosky explained.
A woman with brown eyes and braided ponytail walked up. She was a similar scientist uniform you would across the galaxy. She held a data-pad in her hands.
"Irene, are you pushing for this?" Catherine asked her as the woman nodded.
"Correct, you see Yoko is the strongest of her generation of Psionics. It has developed new avenues to my field and the military. This project in essence will see if children come out better than there adult counterparts in training. As well show the potential of Psionics second class on the battlefield if they ever choose to join. The project after this will be geared to a prototype fighter using her mind to help fly it." Irene explained.
"Are you actually trying to implement that?" Asami asked her as she nodded.
"Of course, I call it brainwave direct control system or "BDS" will be implemented in a test fighter. Since your little girl has some prior training and good knowledge in the work I am doing. I put her name forward above the rest since first generation class has busy lives." Irene told them.
"Now you understand why I came up to you. Dr. Alder believes she can do this, but I can't let untrained people go through the experiment." Margaret explained.
Asami looked back to her child. "I am not fooled so easily you want my daughter for something much more…" Asami muttered.
The admiral gave a small chuckle. "I see… you saw past me. Fine, I will give you the truth then. The training I am asking her to undertake will be hard for a reason. We are gearing this training around the newly acquired data about Spectre's. We are hoping to create soldiers' who can operate alone and discretely."
"Then why not let Shiro become a Spectre?" Catherine asked her.
"You never give away your first draft pick especially if he can take you to a championship. If he can train others to be champions why hand him away. High Command knows the council is trying to get insider information on how we operate and the technology we employ. We will mold around the process for easier conversion than a regular solider." Margaret explained.
"We put off gaining a council seat for a chance to understand their agents? What a great idea…" Asami muttered.
"Agents that can do anything and go anywhere, it is something to be actually afraid off. Since we don't want a civil with the Alliance we have to play nice with. Spectres elude us, but we understand they are quite necessary. Spectres take the best of the best to undertake missions that are suicidal for regular troops. They are there for observational capacity and dangerous places, guerilla warfare, sabotage, and enforcing the law. We need more people to step up and actually cross the line to help protect our home front." Margaret lectured.
"Is this about the increasing tension on the Skyllian Verge? That is why it has been bumped up to priority status." Catherine assumed.
The admiral nodded. "Batarians will not issue their military to undermine us by conducting deniable terrorists' action rather than war. We want to make sure it doesn't affect the ACF and its people." Margaret explained.
"You want to send my child against suicidal odds…" Asami muttered.
"Suicidal maybe, but we need game changing ways to adapt to the new problems we face. Dr. Alder, soldiers under Shiro's command, and even I think it can be done. This isn't something you can just decide on your own or your husband's as well. We will tell her about the program and wait until her she turns twelve to decide. I will propose it to her now." She suggested as she walked into the room to meet Yoko.
She looked up at the Admiral giving a short bow as she got up from her seat. Irene followed after her to make sure Yoko was fine.
"What are the chances that Yoko will want to take this course?" Catherine asked her.
"Yoko isn't the type to let people control her destiny… she is fighter and innovative thinker. If she thinks that her life was ruined by the Shadow Broker. Yoko was always the one to join good causes if it helps a lot of people. If the Shadow Broker persists in chasing her I really don't know what to do. I should call Shiro, but I should wait until he comes back home. I know High Command will block the call unless it is necessary call."
"If the situation doesn't get better… what will you two decide on?" Catherine asked her.
Asami frowned as she shrugged. "Sending her off to the program mentioned will maybe help her. It is true we can't hold her hand anymore…" Asami admitted as she watched over the meeting. She walked inside to meet her daughter to discuss her future options.