Walking across the alliance grounds I can't shake the feeling in my gut, something's wrong. This whole thing is going too smoothly. The way they reacted about the bugs it's as if they knew they were there. I can't afford to let my guard down not now probably not ever, but that's the life I chose. Kahoku's leading the way across the base, we are out of the open heading down a narrow alleyway heading in the rough direction of my shuttle and the warehouse. As we round the corner he hands me a data pad. Taking it with my left hand I keep my right close to my side arm. I don't like the route we are taking. It takes a fraction of a second for the nano suit to retrieve the data from the pad and wipe the original.

Keeping one eye on my surrounding's I digest the document,

The warehouse is a no go someone tipped off the council, parliament has forced us to co-operate. You can ever bug out or proceed with the mission and loosen the place up a bit before we get there. I'm not going to lie to you son I agree with the council that your a loose cannon but right now that's what the people need. We can give you a twenty four hour head start but you need to be in and out by then. The only reason I am giving you the option to bug out or take the job is because you saved those kids lives and right now your probably the best shot at saving a lot more. Kahoku's guard is a Cerberus mole kill him when you leave and let Kahoku know of your decision.

Admiral Hackett

"Cortana what's the warehouse like?" I asked knowing that she has already read the warning and planned an escape route.

I handed the data pad back to Kahoku as I checked the area for visible cameras. Finding none I looked at the reflection of the Cerberus mole behind me. He has a shotgun in hand and a heavy pistol on his left hip judging from the load out and the armour he has on it's likely that he is a biotic. My suspicions are confirmed when the Nano suit brings up his service record. Fairly clean a warning for disorderly conduct and a few commendations. Well crafted, too well crafted in fact. And the date of his latest posting now that's convenient, two days after I dropped those kids off. What are the odds that miss Lawson set this up?

"Connecting warehouse CCTV feed to your left side, what's the betting skanky planted this clown?" Cortana asks echoing my thoughts.

The warehouse is filled with C-sec and a load of the marines from the briefing, Hackett wasn't kidding when he said that there was a welcoming comity. I spot Garus taking position with a sniper riffle in the rear of the room the way they have there positions set up I doubt they are trying to take me in alive. Time for some psychological warfare I think.

Typing away on my omni tool I covertly tell Cortana to get the bird in the air and that were going with extraction plan B. Now nothing sounds more official than a plan B when your flying by the seat of your pants. Trust me when I say that's the only way I fly. I also ask if she wants to continue or back out from our deal with Kahoku given the change in situation. It doesn't take her long to answer as the video feed cuts out and her neon blue form appears with a sadistic smile as she gives me the thumbs up before disappearing just as quick. Game on I think to myself as I Prepare my strike. Moving my right hand in front of my chest I begin counting down in view of Kahoku but not the fool behind us.

"When the jobs done admiral I am going to pay a visit to my Australian friend, she says she dated a alliance N6 currently stationed here, you wouldn't know her by any chance would you? she's not someone you would forget. Raven brown hair, blue eyes and a severe case of daddy issues."

The N6 realising the game was up goes to level his shotgun at me as I push Kahoku clear with one hand, swiping the barrel of the shotgun away with the other. A shot goes of hitting the wall as I pull him closer into a head but using the shotgun as a hook. Blood sprays everywhere as the man's face distorts. He drops the shotgun as I pin him to the wall by his throat.

"I will take it from your reaction that you know the woman in question" I ask as he spits blood in my face.

Wrong answer I grumble to myself as I summon my omni blade and with a swift punch to the gut I take the little remaining life from him leaving a nasty hole in the man's chest. I turn to look upon Kahoku as he stumbles backwards, his face covered in sweat and blood splatter. Poor bastards in shock I guess he hadn't read the memo but then he's probably going to have a few words for Hackett when I'm gone. Deactivating my Omni blade I offer him a hand off the floor he just fell on. As he takes my hand I pull him up before delivering an elbow to the face. I hate having to play with kid gloves its hard work. I did just enough damage to make them think he tried to stop me. He's barely conscious and got a nice gash on his cheek but he will be fine in a few hours I hope.

"Tell Hackett he has a green light but if any alliance cowboys arrive to the party early I won't be able to guarantee they wont end up like Marcus over there" I whispered as I sat him down.

Alliance troops were coming down the alley as I heard the shuttle roar over head, Sprinting forwards I looked up as the cargo doors opened. My armour hardened as the rope line fell from the moving shuttle. Hooking it round my waist I felt bullets pinging off my hard suit as Cortana reeled me in like a carp on the line. She wasted no time in beating a retreat as several shuttles began pursuing us. Left and right I swung as the rope slowly reeled me in. Grabbing my pistol I began letting of a few rounds at the nearest shuttle. They don't pack enough punch to take it out but it's enough to buy a moments breathing room as I closed the bay door. Cortana's making the shuttle dance as I struggle across the short distance to the co pilots seat. This chase is even more frantic than the last one, several jar heads are trying to shoot us down from the shuttles side doors. Bringing up a map of the deck we are on I spot our lucky break.

"Head though the junk yard and pull a hard right when we exit, deploy the flares exactly when I tell you" I instructed splitting the view screen between front and rear cameras.

The shuttle rolled and weaved through the tall buildings as we made our way across the ward. Gunfire occasionally struck our flanks but the new shields are holding up well. I have to admit Cortana would make a hell of a race car driver with her reactions, she may even be better than me but right now all I can do is enjoy the ride. To think I used to pay money to go on roller coasters that weren't half as good as this. We lost a few shuttles as we zoomed down the small alleys and narrow gaps between buildings. Now comes the scary bit. Flying though the junk yard the goons behind had stopped firing long ago there now being more cautious following us between the junk piles still Cortana is giving it the full beans as she skirts her way through following my directions as the surroundings fly by in a blur. Exiting the junk yard Cortana deploys smoke from one of the thrusters to give the impression that we have over done it allowing the other shuttle to close on us. Taking the bate they move in close as I hit the fare release button as Cortana opens fire with the missile pod opening a path as the blinded shuttles bottom out on the narrow access path leaving us to make a clean getaway. Exiting the narrow causeway we merged into the outbound traffic and made a bee line for the relay. The clocks ticking and we can't afford any more set backs because I have a feeling that Hackett wasn't entirely honest when he said we had twenty four hours. I am giving us about fourteen hours to get the job done and get out. Three hours to get there and that leaves us on a tight schedule.

"Cortana I am going to grab a bite to eat then hit the rack wake me when we are twenty minutes out please and thanks for getting me out in one piece" I asked as I took my leave.

Why can't things be easy for once? then again if it were easy something would be wrong .I know I am going to run into Cerberus sooner or later but this job has gotten a whole lot more complicated and that is without having to factor in alliance and citadel forces coming after me. I need somewhere to fall back to when this all goes to hell in a hand basket. I'm drawing to much heat from too many angles to keep this tempo up. I haven't heard from sol in a while perhaps I should check in later but right now I am going to make the most of these biotic ration packs and hit the rack. They taste like dogs crap but like Mick Dundee says you can live on them not that I really want to.

It didn't take me long to drift of but then again it never does, the difficult bit is avoiding the nightmares. One day I will be able to sleep without finding myself reliving the past. I'm surprised I only see myself on fire in that car, considering some of the stuff I have done. I ain't a saint that much is certain but I try to balance the good and the bad but it's getting harder. I know I am fighting for the right reasons but it seems that no matter how hard I fight there is always someone else lining up to take their place. Then again what did I expect, I knew it was going to be like this and yet I still signed up. As long as I am alive I will keep pushing, it's not all that bad I have a couple of good friends now, I have a purpose it just feels like I am treading water and not getting anywhere, I managed a record of three hours sleep.

Following my usual pre job routine I go over my gear for what feels like the hundredth time, my hands do the task from muscle memory as my thoughts wander between Chloe and Miranda. I must be loosing it I am going to be making a suicide drop in a short while to go on a black op for people who want to lock me up, and all I can think about is which one I'd rather date. I like Miranda and I respect her but damn the bitch is crazy, not to mention she's trying to get me dead on the illusive man's dissection table. Or there's Chloe the safer option. I like her but getting close to her is putting her in danger maybe I should back off. Who knows? All I know for certain is that if push comes to shove even if I didn't need to keep Lawson alive for the Lazarus project I'd have a hard time taking her out. In all seriousness I don't know if I could.

"What's on your mind Isaac you normally have that done in half the time" Cortana interrupts my musing as she appears on the monitor.

She's in her trademark serious posture. it always make me smile how human like she is, makes me wonder which one of us is more alive me or her? I have never had as good a friend before and I probably never will if she could she would probably slap me for what I am about to say but I wouldn't have her any other way I never thought I would say it but she scares me more than anything else, hell Cortana could probably win a staring contest against the illusive man. Now I wouldn't be surprised if I have two holes in my head were Cortana's staring at me. I guess I had better get this over with.

"I was thinking about Miranda and Chloe, I think Chloe wants a relationship with me but I don't know if I am over my crush with Miranda or not." I responded avoiding her eye contact.

As I strapped the rest of my gear on I tried to avoid looking at Cortana, she seemed to take the whole attempted kidnapping badly. Cortana has a seriously devious streak to her. It wouldn't surprise me if she spent her spare time coming up with new ways to get even with her. I already found out that she sent a set of krogan genitals to her safe house along with a pallet of anti ageing cream. That made me chuckle when I read a copy of the note but I am going to end up dealing with the fallout from that. Got to give her credit though it is inventive, perhaps I give her too much free time. I have been avoiding looking up but I can no longer avoid her gaze, and I can assure you she looked crossed as sparks erupted from her eyes. Why is it around women I never know when to keep my mouth shut?

"So which one is the winner then? Is it skanky or the good doctor" Cortana shouts her voice noticeably more venomous when referring to Miranda.

Doing up the last of the straps attaching my kit bag to my chest, I consider my answer in my head and my heart but there can only be one answer. The real question is do I wind Cortana up a little more? On my way to the rear door I check the timer fifty seconds till go time long enough to dodge the question. I can feel the shuttle change course as I grab the rails to keep myself in place during the upcoming acrobatics.

"Defiantly the good Dr, what can I say I always have been a sucker for a red head that with said I wouldn't kick your best friend out of bed " I replied taking one last backwards glance.

The shuttle violently dived weaving left and right at extreme speeds taking the safe route through the the security bay door slides open after having the safety features over ridden. As I look down into the nights sky I can see the flames licking at the side of the shuttle, the ground bellow an obscured black, its features too far away to be recognisable. Its now or never I suppose as the flames die out the jump light now flashing away. I use all my strength to throw myself clear of the shuttle as it pulls back hard. I steal one last look as I straighten my body into a aerodynamic dive. An iron man style readout pops into my vision as my nano suit comes back on-line. Time to clear my head it's show time.

My neck feels like its being forced back by an angry Krogan as I pick up speed, I just need to hold on a little longer, I can't open my arms until I reach a precise altitude or I am going to end up of course. If I end up of course it could give me one of two problems either I end up as target practice for the AA guns or I end up having to do more trekking, costing precious time. Cortana has programmed in a flight path for me to follow all I have to do is follow it without getting myself skewed on a tree when I land. Reaching the marker point I can barely breathe a sigh of relief as I open my arms pulling a G heavy turn as I slow down a little. Banking left and right weaving between the edges of the AA guns targeting grid I can't help but be glad for the monsoon weather and the lighting storm. Not only is the weather going to help me infiltrate this place but its got to be playing hell on there sensors.

The tree lines approaching awfully quickly and I have just passed within the safe zone for the AA guns range so Bracing myself I pull my chute to slow myself as I enter the tree line. Branches struck out from all directions as I descended deeper into the burgeoning vegetation. Taking this as a cue to get out while the going is good I disconnected my chute, hardening my armour as I fell the last forty feet or so. Landing in an undignified heap I quickly drew my side arm and scanned the area. No hostiles for the time being. Taking cover behind a rock I quickly stripped from the wing suit and adjusted my equipment. Weapons holstered in there usual spots, aside from my sniper rifle which is in my arms. The spare gear I bought with me is stashed in a waste pack. There's not much I needed to bring. A couple of spare ear pieces a few micro charges for blowing up the defences and most importantly the hacking unit Cortana created.

"Cortana I'm on the ground moving to breach the compound's perimeter" I announced over my coms preying she can hear me.

Moving forward I activated my nano suits optical functions. Cortana and I have been making a few upgrades, that could give me an advantage from experience gained on previous ops. My favourite at the moment is the vision mode I am using now. A form of night vision with a thermal overlay. Living heat signatures are highlighted like standard thermal imaging but everything else is standard night vision.

Walking forwards cautiously I follow the pre programmed way points sweeping for hostiles with the riffle as I make reasonable progress. The key thing here is to make progress while keeping noise to a minimum. It's open season, but I don't want to give my position away to quickly. Silence is golden as they say. This forest is too quiet, I know the local fauna is hiding from the storm but this is just too quiet it gives me the creeps. I have made my way about halfway to the destination four miles from my landing site in about twenty minuets so I am making good progress. Cortana hasn't checked in yet but she could be trying to crack there remote security or the storm could be blocking communications ever way there's nothing I can do about it so I have to keep moving forwards and hope for the best. I don't like working independent like this but this is the way things pan out I just have to adapt and overcome the situation on my own.

Spotting thermal motion in the distance I take cover on a fallen tree resting my riffle on the trees bulk I scope the situation. Looks like three, no four aggressors chasing an escapee. I can't tell what species the smaller heat source is from this distance. Judging from the gunfire I'm guessing it left without paying it's board. This complicates things. There coming closer, I need to decide on a plan of action and fast. Flipping the safety off I take aim. There about four hundred meters down range. Timing my first shot with the flash of lightning I squeeze the trigger as the thunder rumbles over head. The slug hits its target with the force of a truck being dropped from orbit, literally decapitating the furthest target away from me in a red mist.

I may have a new sniper riffle of preference. Taking the time to line up a second shot all intentions of hiding the sound have gone there gaining on there quarry I need to act and quickly. Letting lose another round it strikes the second human in the chest, knocking him of his feet breaking the tree behind him covering his friend in blood. The other human stopped running, he just stood in shock. Making him an easy target. Another head shot, another exploding skull. This is defiantly my favourite gun. Sul made a hell of a job modifying this black widow, I can manage the recoil with my augmentations but the real gains are in the ammo capacity and cooling, still bloody heavy and that silencer is comical. Its nearly as long as the gun.

Holstering the widow I pulled out my silenced pistol as I clocked another hostile rolling out from cover. The fourth target is advancing more cautiously on the runaway. From the look of it, its a young Quarian. Hiding behind a tree the Batarian is sweeping round closely with a shotgun in hand. Gliding silently across the wet ground I grabbed the Quarian gently pushing her back as I switched my armour modes. The Quarian squirmed giving our position away as the Batarian rounds the corner cocking his shotgun. Quickly reacting I pulled my knife and struck him in the nose as he tried to raise his shotgun. I had to let go of the Quarian for a second but given the range shooting him would of cover us both in blood.

Turning to look at the kid I switched my vision modes to normal as I knelt down level with it. Poor thing been shot. Damn it I didn't act quick enough. If I give the kid some of my medi-gel then I'm going to do more harm than good. I can't get Cortana to bring the shuttle in to help either as the defence grid is still up. That's if I can even get hold of her. Judging from the suit it's a young girl but I could be wrong. Moving over to one of the dead humans I ripped his jacket getting a long cotton strip. Tying the cotton strip into a tourniquet over her wounded shoulder. The girl squirmed as I pulled the dressing tight. Letting her go again I quickly scanned the area for another search party. For the moment all is quiet but that can change in an instance. What I am about to do doesn't sit well with me but my hands are tied. Digging out one of the spare communication units I handed it over.

"Kid if you want to get out of this dump, your going to have to try and link up with my partner. She has a shuttle landed a few miles from here. With the defence grid still up she can't come to you your going to have to go to her. Trouble is I need to disable the AA towers do you think you can try and get to her on your own? " I explained after turning my voice scrambler off.

We can't stay here we are exposed, if I take her with me she is going to slow me down but I dint want to leave her. And with that wound the kid doesn't have long without medical attention. If she can get to the shuttle maybe with Cortana's help she can use some of the medical supply's to clean her wound. Getting up I help the girl to her feet.

"I will try but what about my family can you save them?" the girl asked her voice weak and raspy.

Drawing my rifle I began scanning for hostiles again. What do I tell the kid? I never have been good with kids. I want to help but I don't know if I can. I'm here to raise hell and leave this was never meant to be a rescue op this was just meant to be a hit and run so to speak. This is getting more and more complicated by the minuet.

" I will do my best kid, Now get going and stay in contact" I replied as I began walking towards the enemy position.

Taking one last look I started moving as fast as I could caution having long since departed from my state of mind. It wont take them long to realise there patrol is missing. Given the current state of the operation its safe to say that things have gone from crappy to full on shitty in the space of a few hours. I gave the kid my word that I would try and help her and I intend to follow through. The plan still stands if only barely get the guns off-line and then hit their network. If I can get in I may be able to locate the slaves and cause their captors a few problems.

Proceeding through the woods I spotted another patrol. Six man team looking for the original party. A few Batarians ,a Turian and an Asari sniper. The storm's lifting slightly but the fogs still going to help me at least my luck hasn't totally faded. Pulling my sniper riffle to my shoulder I lined up and took the shot on the Asari. Not bothering to see the body hit the floor I strafed behind a tree. Rounds impacted the ground were I was just a second ago. Not bothering to take cover I moved back into the open and walked forward taking another shot, this time I saw the carnage of the heavy round taking out two Batarians that had bunched up. Amateurs you never bunch up in a fight if you can help it.

Sweeping to the side I kept walking forward closing in on the now backing up patrol. Taking another shot I took out the last Batarian with a round through his sniper scope. That just leaves the Turian. Crazy fool tried to charge me like a Krogan. Dropping the sniper riffle I planted myself as my armour hardened. The Turian tried to fire a blast from his shotgun but I reacted quicker. Throwing myself diagonally forward I sidestepped the round. Grabbing the armoured thug by the wrist I threw him over my back. His body colliding with a boulder. With a sickening thud. Switching my vision modes I surveyed the scene.

The Turian's still alive barely, he's got a nice belly piercing blue blood seeping out, normally I 'd put the guy out of his misery but I'm in a bad mood at the moment and I need to know what I am walking into Moving over to get some information out of the guy I hear a pistol shot, looking to the left I see a half decapitated Asari trying to crawl towards me lining up another shot. Drawing my side arm I let off the rounds into her skull why won't these clowns die my concentration returned back to the impaled scout, as I stood above him.

"How many people are in the out post and are there any more patrols?" I asked as I holstered my side arm.

The Turian just gave me the finger before I put my weight on his chest, holding it there for a few seconds I went to question him again but he had already passed I am going to have to do this the hard way. Holstering the sniper riffle I switched to my assault forwards I quickly reached the outer perimeter of the first outpost without running into any more at the run down structure I could see two guards on the second floor and no outside patrols. Past the structure theirs jagged cliffs with the main facility bellow.

Crouching low by the fallen tree I stowed my rifle and made one final sweep of the area checking for any immediate threats. Finding none I proceeded to search for an unexposed route across to the building. Finding none I swore as I activated my adaptive camouflage and sprinted across the marshland. Having a gun out and using the stealth module runs the suits power cells down rapidly. I'm over using the systems any way if I am not careful I could end up leaving myself exposed, the suit's tactical options aren't designed for extended use. Sliding to a stop in front of the side door of the dilapidated outpost. I consider my assault options. I need to cut the building off from the enemy network, take out the defence grid and proceed to the main facility. Easier said than done. My timer reminds me I am slightly ahead of schedule, so I don't need to take any risks at this point.

The door is security locked with a surprisingly advanced lock I could hack it but with my limited skills and without Cortana's help it could take a while, worse I am exposed and it will draw attention. Looking at the building I decided that a breach entry was also out, too much noise it would compromise the mission. I cant afford to be detected if I am I could be pinned and then its game over. Grabbing the guttering I ascend the side of the building like a squirrel up a tree. Pulling myself up onto the roof I move over to the transmitter sweeping my omnitool over the transmitters main control panel Cortana's application begins automaticley. When the program is finished the defence network will be overloaded, the AA guns will be little more than lawn art.

"Prophet I have just picked up your young friend, according to my sensors the defence grid is powering down do you want me to pick you up? Cortana announced over our encrypted frequency.

Looking at the facility from my rooftop vantage point I considered my options. On the one hand I had given my word I would try and help the kid however the clock is ticking and I don't want to get stuck on this rock longer than I have too .If I do it increases the risk of getting caught by the alliance and or citadel forces. I will be faced with an impossible choice, fight them or surrender. They may not be the ones to land the fatal blow but I am certain I won't live long enough to make it to court let alone a trial. That's the price of fame I guess then again I haven't made many friends. The view below doesn't bode well. Cages of children and Quarian's huddling together in the rain like cattle ready for auction. Looking at the makeshift prison camp. A twisted plan forms in my head. The crazier the better in my book. I have been making a living out of doing the ridiculous you could say its my speciality. This is going to go well or end up turning to crap, the problem being that there is a very fine line between the two. Tagging the visible hostiles I withdraw from the roofs edge as a search light lazily passes my vantage point. It's a stupid risk on my part the alliance will be here soon and I have done my part but I gave my word. I always keep my promises besides the kids down there don't look as though they have long left with the way a couple of those guards are beating them..A man's word is a good measure of his worth in my opinion, its all I have left. Looking at my mission timer I have about three quarters of an hour, enough time to get this done right provided I don't have any more distractions.

"We are not done yet Cortana prepare for a hot extraction. If my gut is right this is going to go down to the wire. Be ready" I replied as I checked over my hud quickly.

Half a bar of power to get this done right it should be enough provided I don't take any big risks . Attaching myself to the railing behind the skylight in the middle of the roof, I quickly plan my next move picking my targets in a careful order of perceived threat. I broke the glass in time with a clap of thunder as I begin to slide down the rope I take a deep breath. Face forwards with my weapon in hand the nano suit's enhanced optics mode switch on as my vision adapts to the low light. I fire In rapid targeted bursts dropping three targets in rapid succession before they could even react. Spinning round as blood sprays the room I keep picking off targets as they scrabble for cover. Most of them are dead before they made it to cover. Checking to see if anyone could raise the alarm I released myself from the rappel wire. I landed on the floor nearly slipping in turrian blood putting my assault riffle away I switch it for my silenced pistol and knife as I moved through the room to the server. I make sure there all double taps to the vital organs learning from my earlier mistakes. Reaching my target I launch the second of the two programs Cortana gave me as a small download bar popes up on the edge of my HUD. Going to walk out of the buildings only door. I am thrown backwards as the door explodes inwards. Time slows as shrapnel brushes against my body slicing into the nano suits outer skin. Reacting on instinct I bring my pistol to bare hesitating a fraction of a second as I try to identify the troops storming the building.

Realising they weren't alliance troops I unleashed the pistol as I flew backwards. Taking out six of the eight people entering the room as my body collides violently with the hard ground behind me. I try to move,my vision blurring as i try to scrabble to my feet My shields are more than half depleted already. I can barely react as a shotgun round hits my arm the round averted from my torso by a familiar figure shoving the shotgun away at the last second. Regaining my composure I manage to let of another round before I am bioticly slammed into the servers behind me. At least the shotgun wielding sentential is down and out leaving it a one on one fight. Trying to resist the power of dark matter is like trying to ski uphill. Managing to tilt my head forward I'm forced back into the main server with a horrific thud as the circuitry gives way under the force of the impact. I feel the current surge into the nano suit as my body spasms. Barely avoiding passing out I fall to the floor as smoke seeps out from my armour. This is turning into a really bad day. Laughing like a mad man I rase my head to face my opponent.

Removing my face plate I stare down the biotic in front of me, a psychotic smirk forming on my face. The nano suits off-line judging by the way I am feeling and the fact that even my visor has gone dead. I am going to have to do this the old fashion way. I'm totally unarmed now at least visibly My holstered weapons are smashed to pieces. The knife and pistol lay on the floor near the doorway. Given my current situation Cortana will probably carry out our contingency plan or at least half of it. Looks like the alliance will get a early morning wake up call. Forcing myself up onto my knees I struggle to keep my balance as blood roles down my face blurring my vision even more.

"Hands behind your head now" the Australian shouts commandingly.

My position is shockingly bad, I'm running on reserve. My body is a mangled mess but I am not out of this yet. I know I am practically out on my feet but as Zaeed said rage is one hell of anaesthetic . Defiantly I struggle to get to my feet as pistol round strikes my left shoulder. A clean entry and exit, missing bone and vital organs. Nothing worse than a painful warning. At that range she could have shot out my shoulder joint, if it was anyone else I would have taken the more debilitating shot. She is making a shocking amount of mistakes given how dangerous I am, if I do say so myself. Fuck it why am I criticising her screw ups I should be thankful. Just a little closer come on.

Diverting my glare for a second I manage to catch a view of myself of the reflection of one of the consoles along the wall. I look a state. My armour is shredded , there is blood seeping out of every single, slice and tear in my armour. There's no wonder my armour isn't functioning. There is more holes in it than a Hollywood blockbuster plot.

Slowly raising my hands up I cringe in discomfort at what's coming next. My body's screaming in agony already so I might as well turn the level of pain up another notch. After all what's the worst that can happen, I die again. Didn't turn out that bad the last time did it. Spiting blood onto the floor. I lower my head in feigned defeat. I am actually watching her reflection, waiting for the right moment.

"The illusive man is interested in you, its the only reason your still alive, he thinks you could be an asset to humanity with the right motivation" she coldly remarks as she grabs my right arm putting a restraint on it. Momentarily she moves her pistol away from my head. Reacting instantaneously I throw her forwards, not needing the suits assistance to throw her round like a rag doll. She fires her gun panicking. The round nicks my neck but it only serves to make me angrier. As her body moves in front of me I tackle her to the ground. Her weapon sliding away from her as I head butt her as hard as I can. Relentlessly I adjust my grip on her trapping one hand under her body I squeeze her other wrist as hard as I can with my good arm. Felling her bones cracking under the pressure of my grip. I feel bad but I have had enough of this.

"This is the last time I will say this Miranda Cerberus is using you. Your sister is about as safe as a Salarian on Tuchunka. Cerberus will turn on you as soon as your usefulness starts to diminish" I spit as I intensify my grip.

Miranda is screaming but I block the sound as I grab her gun, to anyone who reviews my video footage of what I am about to do It's going to appear barbaric but I need to make sure that she is no longer a threat. I really don't want to do this but I have no choice. I will have to delete the footage of this encounter later. Ironically the only thing I have that's still working is my helmet cam. Brushing the barrel of the gun across her cheek to make sure I stare her down. As I watch her fighting back tears.

"You know we both had a similar upbringing, my father was a lot like yours. Believe me when I say I am sorry about what I am going to have to do, I want you to know that if I had another option I would take it but right now I cant afford to have you interfere. I bitterly announce.

Resting the guns barrel on her forehead I notice how she stops struggling as a single tear rolls down her cheek. Taking a deep breath as she closes her eyes I the gun over to her forearm. Pulling the trigger I get up as she screams in agony, tears now flowing freely a look of shock on her face. As I weakly get up.

"you have about thirty minuets gorgeous, be gone before the alliance get here and think about what I said I may be the only friend you have. I could have killed you at any moment if I wanted to. If you don't believe my warning about Cerberus ask the illusive man about teltin. He is putting children through tortures worse than you endured trying to improve them like your father did to you. They are one in the same" I evenly remark as I walk out into the moonlight reattaching my cracked visor.

Remarkably the suits backups had started kicking in all I had were communications and basic optics, not a lot but more than enough to see my mission through. Limping down the dirt track I contemplated my actions a moment ago. I am becoming what I hate most,a monster, as my mind begins to dwell I remind myself I had no choice. It does nothing to remove the sickening feeling I have that a part of me enjoys all of this. Focus for heavens sake or this is going to get even worse if that's even possible. Using my wounded arm as a steady for my aim I move into the shadows. Pausing for a moment to spot my targets I am surprised to see that they are not looking for me. If anything I would say they look bored.

"Cortana I need fire support danger close,I need you take out the APC in seventy five seconds" I order as I close the gap on my first target.

Silently I stalked the Batarian sentry. Getting as close as I dared before executing him. As soon as I pulled the trigger the rest of the thugs sprung to life. Garbing the dead Batarian I used him as a human shield quickly taking out the human in the open in front of me as the two Turians took cover behind the apc at the edge of the compound. Taking out the search light I drop the dead Batarian meat shield as overheat the pistol trying to buy myself enough time to get to cover. Managing to get behind a broken column just in time to avoid a hail of gun fire I realise just how pointless the manoeuvre was when the APC's turret swivels to lock on to my position. Swearing under my breath I prepare myself for an inevitable death.

Closing my eyes I hear an explosion but I don't feel pain. Hesitantly I open my eyes to see the phoenix hovering a few feet away from me the doors opening. The flames of the burning APC lighting the camp in an erey glow. The young Quarian is moving uneasily down the ramp as I approach her.

"We need to go we have less than ten minuets to get to the relay before the alliance get here, and we defiantly don't want to be here for that." Cortana courteously informed me.

Too late I thought to myself as I watched helplessly as an alliance spec ops team moved out from the tree line. There laser sights covering my chest with six bright red dots. How many times am I going to get held at gun point in one day. I was defiantly right when I decided that today was going to be a bad day.

Hope you have enjoyed the chapter it hasn't been an easy one to write, and I have had a lot of trouble editing it so that it is legible. For some reason this site doesn't seem to like the way I format my documents. Anyway thanks for reading and let me know what you guys think.

BioshockerN7 I had originally planned on having a pairing between prophet and Miranda but I am toying with several ideas so your going to have to keep reading if you want to find out what's going to happen.