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Text
"Dialogue"
"Dialogue in a language I can't understand."
Dream Sequences and Flashbacks
Breaks…..
Quick message to everybody, it's been really busy with school and everything so sorry about the slow updates.
You may also have noticed that a lot of the chapter names have changed, I changed them to the titles of Starset songs. I decided to do this because I listen to that band a lot when I write this, so you could say that they help inspire this story. I definitely recommend that you check them out.
If you want a radio friendly song then check out My Demons, but I think their song Back to Earth is a better representation of the band.
Chapter 7: Antigravity
July 2nd, 2182
Weyvik, Corsair Base- Medical Station
There is blood everywhere, people are screaming, explosions are shaking the ground…
…..
"Alrighty, he's waking up!"
"Really?"
"Guhh…" I say groggily.
I slowly open my eyes and see a small bright room with white walls, bright lights, and two human doctors, one of them is talking on his Omnitool.
"What's going on? What day is it?" I ask.
"You are just coming out of a medically induced coma to help your body heal after that bomb, today is July 2nd." One of the doctors answers.
A few moments later Siadia, Jacob, and the rest of the squad rush in.
"Hey guys, what's up?" I ask them.
"What's up? You throw yourself at a bomb, wake up after a coma and that's what you say!" Siadia asks, visibly upset.
"I think that remember that a little bit differently." I say incredulously, after all, I pushed here and Jacob out of the way of the blast.
Jacob speaks up and says "She is just upset that you got hurt is all, thanks for pulling our asses out of the fire Jon."
"You're VERY welcome Jacob." I say. Giving Siadia a look, i'm kidding of course.
She slaps me in the back of the head and says "Jackass."
"Owe."
She then gives me a hug.
I'm still pretty sore.
"So what happened after I got knocked out?" I ask.
Castro speaks up and says "Zatarok Dotacka called in some favors across the Terminus system, she got some mercenary groups and Krogan clans to help us assault the Black Chain's base. It's going to be a long time before that group can operate in any meaningful way again."
"Well, that's good, at least we got revenge for all of those civilians." I state somberly.
"Yeah…" Hana replies.
After a few moments pass Jacob changes the subject and says "Oh, by the way, we had your armor repaired as thanks for saving our lives, it hasn't been repainted yet though."
"Thanks guys, that means a lot to me." I say.
There are a few more moments of awkward silence, I notice that all of them are having trouble saying something to me.
"Hey guys, if you got something to say just say it, we know each other too well for this." I say.
They all look at each other, eventually they all look at Siadia.
She sighs, then says "Since we had run out of medigel when we used it on the civilians we did not have any left for you, it was well over an hour until we were able to get some to you."
"What does that mean?" I ask somewhat nervously.
"Medigel usually prevents scarring, but since you didn't get any…" Jacob adds.
I quickly turn on my omnitool and use its mirror function, while I am doing that notice that there are faint lines in random positions on them, there are only 3 on my left arm but there are at least 10 on the other.
When I look in the mirror, I see that there was a scar that went from the bottom of the left side of my jaw, over my eyebrow and splitting into 2 different lines. One goes straight up my forehead, but is relatively short while the other curves towards my temple and to the side of my head.
They must have shaved my head and face when they gave me medical attention, but since it had grown back a little bit I noticed that my hair didn't really grow along those scars, making them visible.
After I inspect my face I put away the mirror and look underneath the sheets to see my chest and legs.
On my chest there is discoloration from burns that goes from about an inch away from the scar I got when I was abducted (When they put the Eezo canister in my chest), all the way to the base of my neck and the shoulder. The burns obscure the tattoo on my chest that had information on it.
Aside from that there is a new bullet scar in my abdomen.
"The scars aren't that bad...:" Castro offers weakly.
"Yeah…" I reply somewhat somberly.
...
A Few Minutes Later
Everyone except for Jacob and Siadia had left to get lunch, they said that they would pick up something for me.
A doctor came by and told us I was completely recovered and that I could be released as early as tomorrow morning.
I don't consider myself to be a vain person and honestly I am still just happy to be alive, but I am still upset about the scars. I know that with money they could probably be removed, but the cash I had left should be used to save the galaxy not cosmetic surgery.
After a few minutes of waiting Jacob remembers something and says "Oh, I forgot to mention that the Alliance has recalled me."
"Recalled?" I ask.
"Yeah, I am one of the marines that are basically on lease from the alliance to the Corsairs. Me and several others are being recalled, others will be rotated in. This is pretty regular, I will probably be just put on some colony/ I will be leaving in 3 days." He replies.
This must have something to do with that mission, he talked to Shepard about in Mass Effect 2.
"Good luck man, we'll miss you." I say.
"Thanks Jon." Jacob replies.
Hana and Castro came back with some Batarian food for us, it was toned down for interspecies customers. They replaced the worms with noodles because the only other species that is down to eat a lot of bugs are the Salarians.
It's actually pretty good.
…..
While we were eating it gave me a chance to rethink my plans.
Originally I had planned to change things for the better while trying to keep the overall story on the same path, but after seeing Weyvik being attacked I quickly realized that there is no way I could live with myself if I didn't save as many people as I could.
So first off I had to try to save as many people on Eden Prime as possible, this includes Nihlus.
In Mass Effect 1 Nihlus was killed on the grounds just outside the spaceport, so I had to find some way to use that spot as a trap to both protect Nihlus and drive off Saren. Also, I need to find out how to make sure Shepard survives the destruction of the Normandy.
The only other thing that immediately comes to mind that I had not been thinking of before is the scientist that is found on Virmire, originally I had planned on putting a tracking device on here and killing her, but perhaps I could just track her down and simply turn her over to the authorities? She did collaborate with Saren after all.
Speaking of plans, the only time frame that I have for the attack on Eden Prime is that it happens sometime in 2183, meaning that I need to leave the Corsairs, be on Eden Prime, and have everything set up in about 5 months.
Hopefully I can do all that.
…..
The Next Day, July 3rd.
Late last night I had decided that it is time for me to leave the Corsairs and start preparing for the events of Mass Effect 1. If I stay I will probably have to go on another patrol, which could go on for months.
That is why once I got out of the medical station I started making my way to the cafeteria, where I knew my friends would be. They deserve to be the first people to know about this decision.
I see them all sitting at a table at the far end of the room so I walk over to them.
Castro notices me and asks "Oh hey Jon, how're you feeling?"
"I'm still pretty sore, but other than that I'm good." I answer, that was mostly true.
They all move over to make room for me.
Before any small talk can start I come straight out and say "Hey guys I have something serious to talk about. I'm going to take a break from the Corsairs."
"What! Why?" Hana blurts out, she turns her eyes away from me. She must have thought of the reason that I was using as an excuse to leave.
I had thought about my excuse, well partial excuse. After the last fight I thought that a quick change of scenery might actually be good. The fact that I got so messed up gives me a valid reason to leave.
"I'll come back in around a year..." I say.
"You promise?" asks Siadia.
"I promise." I answer, knowing that there is a good chance that I won't be able to fulfill that promise..
Jacob speaks up and says "Did you tell the Captain yet?"
"No, he was my next stop." I reply.
After a few hugs go around Castro speaks up "Hey Jon, you have to at least stay until the 4th, we have a going away party planned for Jacob but now I it's for both of you I guess."
"Yeah, sure it'll be nice to have a party on the fourth of July." I say.
They all just give me blank looks.
It was then that I realize that Jacob had told me he grew up on a colony, Hana was from Korea, Castro was from Spain and Siadia is an Asari. So of course they don't know about the 4th of July.
With a sigh, I say "Nevermind…".
A few minutes later I left to talk to Captain Greene. I walked to his office and knocked on the door, I heard someone say "come in" and the door opened.
When I walked in, Captain Greene said "Hello Jon, I'm glad that you are out and about. So what did you want to talk about?"
"Thanks Captain, but I ah… have to uh… resign?" I say.
He looks at me, sighs, and slowly nods his head. "I understand, many people would leave after the injuries you had. You stayed with us for over a year and did a lot of good." He stands up and extends his arm for a handshake. "You will always be welcome here Jon, come back if you feel welcome."
I shake his hand and say "Thank you Sir, that means a lot."
We talk some more, but I quickly make an excuse and leave his office.
…..
The Corsair's favorite bar, Weyvik. Miranda POV.
The trip to this god forsaken ball of dirt was long and uncomfortable in the ship, she had stolen from a smuggler, it was called the Epoch Eagle for some reason.
She was on Weyvik to fix one of the few failures she had ever made on a mission, Jon***** *****. She had another mission in the Terminus but this was her first stop.
"Flashback"
"Why are we looking into this guy again?" asks Miranda.
After the Illusive Man takes another drag from his cigar and says "First, he is on your way, and second he has shown himself to be a talented Biotic with more potential than even he realizes."
"What if he doesn't want to come willingly?" Miranda asks.
"You can try to capture him, but only if you see a good opportunity. There is a good chance that he could kill you if you aren't careful." T.I.M. answers.
"Yes, sir." says Miranda.
"End Flashback"
Miranda knew that the Corsairs were known to frequent this bar so she decided that she would ask around for him here. She walked over to a human at the bar.
"Excuse me, do you know Jon**** *****?" asks Miranda.
The man turns around, barely keeping himself from falling off his stool. He is clearly drunk.
"Yeah Jon, he's in Jacob squad. Poor guy got fucked up when Weyvik was attacked about a month ago. He's at the base, I'll call him to tell him that a very attractive lady is looking for him." he slurs out.
Miranda tries to stop him by saying "No, that's oka-" but he is already calling him.
Hopefully he won't be able to put 2 and 2 together and will still come to the bar.
…
My POV
I had just gotten a call from someone that I kind of knew from Zeigler's squad, he told me that a smoking hot girl with an Australian accent and raven black hair was looking for me.
It didn't take me long to realize this is Miranda coming back for me.
Crap.
Well, it's best to confront her now instead of just waiting for her to attack me at some random point in my life.
However, before I meet up with her I need to pick up my armor.
When I get to my locker I pull out my newly repaired armor, when I get rid of the plastic covering that the company that refurbished it used as packaging I take a good look at it.
The most obvious thing about it is that it needed a new paint job, the Corsair symbol was completely gone (Although I might not repaint considering that I am leaving that organization), there are also scorch marks and scratches all over it. There are also some cracks in the armor that were repaired but still visible.
But right now the aesthetic doesn't matter so I just put the armor on and grab my weapons.
…..
When I walked into the bar I immediately started scanning the room for Miranda.
I see her in a corner booth, she is wearing some armor that was actually sensible (probably just to blend in). Which is actually kind of disappointing, I've never actually romanced her, but I can't deny that I was a fan of her outfit.
I make my way to her booth and sit down.
She looks at me and smiles, not naturally, this smile is calculated and does not meet her eyes.
"Hello Jon****, my name is Sarah and-" she says.
"No, it's not." I interrupt.
"Excuse me?" she asks.
"That is not your name." I answer.
She is still smiling, but now her eyes are annoyed instead of just being blank.
"I suppose that it would be obvious given our last encounter." She replies.
"I suppose that it would be obvious... Miranda." I say, pausing for dramatic effect.
Her eyes go wide.
"How do you-" she starts.
"Yes Miranda, I know all about you and Cerberus, so stop beating around the bush and tell me what T.I.M. wants from me." I say.
"Tim?" She asks.
"The Illusive Man." I answer.
"How do you know all of this?" She asks.
"I have my ways…" I reply vaguely.
At this point she is no longer even pretending to be happy to see me, her fake smile is completely gone. It's replaced with a scowl.
"I'm here to recruit you." she says, answering my earlier question.
"I have to decline your generous offer at this time, and just in case your plan is to abduct me or some crazy crap if I say no I would advise against that." I answer.
"What makes you think I would do that?" she asks.
"Like I said, I know all about Cerberus and their less than spotless record." I reply.
"Well, I guess that concludes our business Mr. *****." Miranda says as she stands up and walks away.
From the look in her eyes and the tone of her voice I feel that we reached a mutual understanding, at least for now.
As she leaves I can't help but watch her walk away. What can I say? I'm only human after all. Even in that armor she looks pretty good.
…..
The next day, 4th of July!
The going away party for me and Jacob made for a very odd going 4th of July party, but it was great nonetheless. When I looked around I saw people who had become like family top me over the last year, in Siadia's case even longer.
Overall, this is a nice ending to my time as a Corsair, hopefully I will be able to come back.
When the party has calmed down a little bit I noticed that it is just me and Siadia still awake, she looks over to me and says. "So what are you planning on doing while you're out there?"
After a moment of thinking I say "Well, I still got some money stashed away, so I was thinking I would just start up some sort of militia."
"Whatever keeps you happy man." She replies, her voice somewhat slurred.
…..
Sorry about no updates but the last few months have been crazy.
Next chapter up soon.
Squadpunk 2.0 - Yeah, he is physically okay now, but will he be okay on the inside?
ArchAngel319 - Always great to get encouragement man, thanks again.
Blaze1992 - Yeah, that happens a lot to him. Also I decided that I would introduce your OC's and the whole PMC thing in the space between ME1 and ME2 (I might introduce them earlier but he definitely won't have time to do the PMC thing until then.)
Narutochi - Maybe I could do something with that. I especially like your idea with the consort.
Guest from b4 - Probably not to be honest dude XD.
