Chapter 11: Terminusations
(11:00AM)
Nicholson swayed on the spot, agitated and a little worried.
"Are you sure we should be going to Lorek Malraux? Conflicts in the Terminus happen every week. There's less with the Reapers about, but it's not too bad yet. We still can't send whole fleets in as it would be considered an act of war – ungrateful bastards. And what about Emilia? Should we stay here and..."
Malraux sighed. "This is a little different to the average Terminus conflict. These new upstarts, "The Crimsons", have made overt calls for our attention."
Garrus strode into the CIC corridor with Tali at his side, overhearing the conversation. He joined the discussion. "Plus there is a political angle to this. If we show a willingness to aid in a batarian concern, it may lead to closer relations with the reformed Hegemony. The batarians could make useful allies".
"It would also be nice to try and help shrug off the stereotype of the batarian thug", Tali interjected.
"And have you been listening to anything Miss T'Soni said, Myles? The Reapers have deserted the Fathar system. I went to see Harlon – he is relenting and apologetic – and admits that part of the data got through before we stopped him. Stop being pedantic. We are going."
Myles nodded. "It's okay Parrin, I'm just...I don't know about Emilia? She's.."
"You're quite enamoured over her aren't you. Working quickly are we?" Bau jested.
"We just have this connection. We went to high school together actually – only found out yesterday. I don't know why this has happened so quickly..I.."
"Please do not get all soppy on me Myles" said Malraux. "I am fine with you...perusing your fancy. Just as long as it does not interfere with our work."
"It won't Parrin. Don't worry".
"We should look at Liara's Intel on Emilia's former partner a little later Malraux", Bau pointed out. "You've been rather distracted and we haven't properly researched Emilia's connection to this. We've just speculated a bit."
"I know Bau, I apologise. We can find out more about this David Lindo later".
Zaeed had now exited the lift, jolting his head in recognition of Garrus, Bau, Tali, Malraux and Nicholson while proceeding to walk towards them.
"Alright Myles? How's the father?" Zaeed asked.
"Fine Zaeed. How's yourself?"
"Good, good. If you don't mind, I'll be coming along with you. I know Silvio – always thought he was a bit slimy. It be nice to give him a good talkin' to, if you know what I mean."
"I didn't know you knew Zaeed, Myles", said Bau".
"Oh yeah. His father's an old friend of mine. Poor bugger's disabled in some home back on Earth now ain't he Myles?"
Myles nodded, sadly.
"What exactly is your connection with Ferraro, Zaeed?", Garrus asked.
"Like I told Parrin here. Went on a few shakedown runs with him in the Terminus back in 84. Took out this Blue Suns freighter. Never really liked him. I mean that bloody hair of his; he's always dying it and stuff. It was goddamned ginger last time I knew".
"Yes, he has some odd indulgence with hair dye and disguises", said Bau. "Often grows beards - shaves them off. Has a different look every month."
Garrus spoke up. again. "We should stop chatting, we will be at Lorek in about 20 minutes. We should go and get ready. Liara's reports say that death toll's currently only 2000. Mostly batarian civilians. But there has been a distress call from some refinery in the Western region of the planet. It's owned by some private firm – Arlo-Thompson. They employ mostly human workers refining minerals on various planets across the Terminus. They're reporting heavy casualties and the presence of Cerberus troops, as well as The Crimsons."
"Any idea of its strategic importance?", questioned Malraux.
Tali answered. "Arlo-Thompson have a deal with the Batarian Hedgemony – they sell supplies to them. The Crimsons may want to sever supply lines to the Hegemony. We still don't know why Cerberus could be there".
"How are we getting down there? What's the plan" asked Myles.
"Cortez will take us down in the shuttle just outside the refinery. We'll get in, neutralise any Crimson or Cerberus resistance, and search for survivors to evacuate". Garrus replied.
"Okay then. Let's go", Myles acknowledged.
(11:30AM)
Twenty minutes later, the Normandy had entered the Fathar system and was circling in orbit of Lorek.
Steve Cortez flew out in the Kodiak shuttle with Bau, Malraux, Garrus, Zaeed, Nicholson, and Tali.
Liara decided to stay aboard the Normandy and help co-ordinate the mission from there.
They touched down a few clicks from the Arlo-Thompson refinery.
"There are a few routes into the refinery. The Crimsons are bunkered down by the West entrance." said Tali.
"I'll go with Tali and Zaeed around the back to look for survivors. You, Jondum and Myles should try and divert The Crimson's away from our position so we can get in without too much hassle", said Garrus to Malraux".
"Sounds like a plan" said Bau. "Come on".
They split up and progressed to infiltrate the refinery.
(End of Chapter 11)
