"30,000 credits Naruto," said Liara.
Naruto chuckled at his computer screen as he was speaking with both the Asari and Sakura. After waking up, at about 12:30 today, he decided that he should probably call her and speak with her about the T.I.M.'s information on Feron.
"30,000 credits Liara," said Naruto biting the sandwich a crew member had made him. "Is that truly how much the information is worth to you? I mean if you stop to think about it, 30,000 credits isn't really that much at all. Garrus spends more than that anytime he goes to a gun shop, the damages Neji does to most objects are twice that amount, and sadly Kiba spends more credits than that on condoms in a week. I mean if that's all this Beron-"
"FERON!"
"Yeah that's what I said, Feron. That's all this Feron is worth to you?"
"Naruto," growled Sakura.
"I mean 30,000 credits won't even buy me two decent biotic upgrades. And do you know how many goddamn biotics I have on this ship? Too many. I mean personally I think you can do better than 30,000."
"50,000 then," yelled Liara.
"50,000 is getting closer to a better amount but that's still not enough. I want more creds and an apology from Sakura."
"Why would I apologize to you," she asked in shock.
"You can apologize first for not trying to contact me especially since you knew that I was alive for weeks. And then you can apologize for bugging my ships computers you pink haired heifer."
Liara turned and shot a look at Sakura that was filled with nothing but poison. Sakura's face and ears both turned scarlet with embarrassment and she looked at the ground. Liara turned to face the camera obvious rage still upon her face.
"75,000 credits and the apology you want," said Liara.
"Liara," said Sakura angrily. "I'm not apologizing to him!"
"YES YOU ARE! I NEED THAT DATA!"
"Tell you what," replied Naruto finishing his food. "I'm going to hang up now because I just received an email from my Salarian and apparently something he needs help with has come up. While I'm gone Liara, some things are probably going to occur. You and Sakura are I'm guessing going to have a verbal argument which will probably end in angry sex or at least that's how I want to imagine it. And once your clothing is back on, and Liara's office is back in order, you can call me back with a better price, or no deal."
And before either of them could respond, Naruto closed the feed. He allowed himself a small chuckle. Liara had proven to be a good asset, and he was just twisting her hair tentacles at the moment. He had planned on giving her the info about the Shadow Broker free of charge before EDI found Sakura's bugs in the Normandy's computers. No viruses or anything of that sort, but the Normandy's location and all its information were piggybacking to Sakura. He was still going to give Liara the info, but a little practical joke never hurt anyone. Deciding it was time to get on with the day, Naruto went down to Deck 2. Mordin was in his lab pacing back and forth at and astonishing speed even for him. To Naruto, he almost looked like a cream colored blur.
"Uh Mordin," he said.
"NARUTO," he shouted. "BIG PROBLEM, HUGE PROBLEM, NEEDS ADDRESSING URGENTLY!"
"Easy Mordin, calm down and tell me what's wrong."
"Right okay. Remember talk over dinner about Genophage Modification?"
"You said you adapted the Krogan Genophage so that it would continue to affect the Krogan."
"Correct, but now problem has surfaced. Maelon one of the scientists who worked with me, captured by Blood Pack soldiers. Would be a personal favor to me if we could save him."
"Where is he?"
"Krogan homeworld of Tuchanka; last seen outside of Urdnot camp."
"You get all that Joker?"
"What makes you think I was listening," he asked.
"You're too nosy not to listen."
"Yeah well my being nosy helped Mordin figure out that Christina on Deck 3 was the one with the Varren scale itch STD."
"Don't remind me, she was the cook's assistant. All day long, all she did was touch and prepare the food. I brushed my teeth until they nearly bled when I found out it was her."
"Garrus told me that he's still having nightmares about breaking out, but we should be at the Krogan homeworld in 30 minutes."
"Thanks, and don't worry Mordin, we'll find Maelon."
"Appreciate it Naruto," said the Salarian sadly. "Maelon was my best student, will be extremely distraught if harm has come to him."
Naruto patted Mordin's shoulder, and then the ship suddenly shook very violently. Two seconds later it did it again, but this time it was longer. "EDI what is that," he cried.
"It is Grunt on Deck 4," she explained. "He is flinging his stasis pod from one side of the room to the other."
"Why?"
"I am unsure."
Fuck me thought Naruto. He got in the elevator and thankfully the ship didn't shake again while he was on it. But as soon as the doors opened, the Normandy shook so hard that he fell onto his knees. He rushed to Grunt's room and saw Neji outside the door with a small cut by his mouth and a large one his forehead.
"You alright," he asked activating his 9-tails cloak. Neji just put a hand out and slowly stood up.
"Tried to stop him," he panted. "Bastard's out of control."
Naruto opened the door to see the stasis pod flying towards him. Using his chakra arms, he caught it, and gently placed it down. Then he ran towards Grunt and with as much force, and chakra as possible punched him. The Krogan went flying into the wall hard before slinking to the ground.
"WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING," roared Naruto.
"Something is wrong with me Naruto," sighed Grunt standing up. "This anger… this rage… I don't know what it is but it's driving me insane."
"What do you mean?!"
Grunt roared and rushed to the nearest window and head butted it several times. Thankfully the Normandy's windows were all reinforced so it didn't shatter, but it did crack.
"SEE," he snarled. "WHY DID I DO THAT?!"
"EDI please tell me you can figure out what's wrong with him before he destroys my damn ship!"
"My scanners indicate that Grunt's health is at a normal level for a Krogan," said EDI. "And apart from the Genophage there is nothing wrong with him biologically. However since the creation of the Genophage, Krogan have been very secretive with their medical records."
"Look you little lizard bastard," warned Naruto. "We're headed to Tuchanka now where we can hopefully find a Krogan to tell me what's wrong with you. Do you think you can stay down here for the ride without destroying anymore of my ship? Or I am I going to have to tie you down?"
"I'll… I'll try."
The blond walked out the Port Cargo shaking. That was the first time since Grunt's exit from the pod, that Naruto had truly felt terrified for his life while around him.
Tuchanka
Tuchanka's atmosphere was extremely cloudy. According to Mordin and EDI, the cause of this was a nuclear war that the Krogan themselves started. The Normandy remained in space, but two shuttles (Cerberus replaced the one left behind in the Collector base) took everyone down. Naruto, Garrus, Kiba, Mordin, Grunt, Samara, Jacob, Miranda, and Neji all exited the shuttles taking the planet in. Where they had landed already had a small group of Krogan waiting for them. Naruto was 6'2', and Grunt was 6'3', but the Krogan surrounding were all at least 6'5'. And not one of them looked friendly. A group of four walked up to them holding shotguns.
"What is your business here," one asked.
"Relax," said Naruto putting his hands up. "We're just here to speak with the clan chief, and then we'll be out of your way."
"Good, and get that pup the Rite soon, or otherwise we'll kill him."
Grunt bared his teeth, but Jacob put a hand on his plates calming him down. The young Krogan though still angry understood the message. They weren't here for a brawl with the Krogan as a whole, because it wouldn't turn out pretty for them. They took the passage that was being guarded towards the Urdnot campsite. It was a small distance away from the shuttle and along the way any Krogan they saw gave them a dirty look. It probably wouldn't have been so bad, but they had Mordin and Garrus with them. Krogan animosity for Salarians and Turians would always be inbred. Upon entering the campsite all eyes turned on them. A big Krogan with a hammer on his back walked up to Naruto.
"Give me a reason I shouldn't kill you," he barked poking Naruto with a claw.
"Ooh ooh," begged the fox. "Can I deal with him?"
Naruto relented and let Kurama have a run with his body. Using a fist filled with chakra, Kurama punched the Krogan. The impact was so devastating, that the Krogan's helmet he was wearing shattered off. He rolled into the dirt completely out. Kurama walked over to him, and stepped on his chest with both feet.
"Next person who touches either me or my crew," he rasped. "Is going to get something cut off that they'll wish they had if the Genophage is ever cured. GOT IT?!" All the Krogan in the area just nodded their heads yes. Kurama leaned down and playfully slapped the cheek of the Krogan he knocked out. "Nice talking with you."
"You're such a savage," groaned Naruto.
"You sir are too kind," the fox replied.
Naruto took his body back deciding it would be best before Kurama actually killed someone. He asked someone where the Clan Chieftain was. They pointed to a rocky throne and in that area he could see one Krogan sitting, another standing, and a few guards holding some guns.
"I'll be damned," said Garrus peering ahead with a smile.
"What is it Garrus," asked Samara.
The Turian didn't respond he just rushed ahead of them all to the Chieftain. When he reached his destination he tried to past the guards but they wouldn't allow it.
"The Clan Chieftain is in meetings," one said. "I'm sorry, but you must remain here until he finishes."
"SO I GUESS THEY JUST LET ANY KROGAN CRYBABY BE THE CHIEF THESE DAYS HUH," Garrus bellowed.
The Krogan leaning back on the rock throne sat up immediately at Garrus' insult. The top portion of his head was red, with a matching pair of blood red eyes, and he had a wicked scar going down half of his face. When he stood he was easily 6'10' feet. He looked mean but as he got closer, Naruto could see the smile on his face.
"Krogan crybaby huh," he said in the deepest voice Naruto had ever heard. "If you want to see a Turian cry all you have to do is bend his favorite scope daddy gave him as a birthday gift."
"You still owe me for that scope Wrex it was my best one."
The Krogan burst out laughing. It literally sounded like laughter mixed in with a small rockslide. He shook hands with Garrus and slapped him on the back.
"Ah Garrus, it's been far too long since we last met."
"Likewise Wrex, too bad Shepard couldn't be here." For the first time Wrex noticed everyone else. "So I'm guessing you're wondering what's with all the aliens?"
"Would be nice to know why they're in my campsite."
"Long story, but this guy here is the important one."
Realizing Garrus pointed at him, Naruto walked up to the Wrex and extended a hand. "Name's Naruto Uzumaki, I'm in charge of the Normandy SR-2, nice to meet you."
"I'm Urdnot Wrex, and SR-2? So the Alliance rebuilt the old girl huh?"
"Actually it was Cerberus," said Jacob.
"Haha, you're working with Cerberus now Garrus?"
"Someone has to kill the Collectors Wrex."
"Agreed."
"Who are these aliens Wrex?" Naruto turned to his left and saw a Krogan with a green head walking towards him. "Why are all these aliens and a whelp on our planet?"
"Naruto Uzumaki, Garrus Vakarian, and company," groaned Wrex. "Meet Gatatog Uvenk, leader of Clan Gatatog. He is the result of Varren and Krogan inbreeding."
"Insult me if you want to Wrex, but your allowance of these aliens onto Tuchanka proves just how weak you've become. The Krogan need not stand with any other race. Your reforms will not work."
Wrex head butted Uvenk sending him back just a bit. Uvenk was slightly older, but Wrex looked to be in his fighting prime. Any fight between them would easily end in Wrex's favor.
"Speak when spoken to Uvenk," growled Wrex. "I'll drag your clan to glory whether it wants it or not."
"I like this guy," said Neji.
Wrex climbed back on his throne which was at least three feet off the ground so that he towered over everyone else. "So Naruto," he asked. "What can I do for you?"
"Before we get to that," said Naruto. "Uvenk said you're doing reforms? What did he mean?"
"I meant that he wants to change the Krogan," shouted Uvenk. "Wants us to be integrated with the rest of the galaxy. All he will prove to everyone is that we're weak. The Krogan do not need to change."
"Because your species on the verge of extinction and your planet being rubble is a good thing," asked Miranda.
"Watch your mouth you filthy human."
"Enough Uvenk," ordered Wrex. "And despite what most clans think, this is the right way to go about things. The Krogan are dead unless we can prove to the galaxy we're ready for change. But I doubt you've come to Tuchanka to hear of that, so again… what can I do for you Naruto?"
"Well I have a Krogan on my team," he said pointing a Grunt. "He started tripping out earlier smashing things every damn where. Can you tell me what's wrong with him?"
Wrex hopped off his throne again, and approached Grunt. He sniffed him a few times, and sized him up. And while Wrex towered over him, Grunt didn't seem the least bit afraid. "Where are you from whelp," asked Wrex. "I can't seem to place your sent with any one clan. Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what was expected of you?"
"I am tank bred," Grunt cried. "I was created by Warlord Okeer."
"Okeer is a very old name. Not to mention a much hated name."
"He is dead."
"I suspected as much."
"My line distilled from Kredak, Moro, Shiagur-"
"You are born of a syringe," roared Uvenk. "You are nothing!"
"I am pure Krogan, you should be in awe."
"Can someone please just tell me what the hell is wrong with him," begged Naruto.
"Stupid human thinks there's something wrong with him," sighed Uvenk.
"I say you let me punch this one too," said Kurama.
"There's nothing wrong with him," explained Wrex. "He's becoming a full adult."
"So puberty is what's wrong with him," asked Miranda.
"Then this is like entering the Maiden Stage," suggested Samara.
"I don't think male Krogans like to be called Maidens Samara," laughed Kiba.
"Spirits he's going through adolescence," Garrus said putting a hand on the scarred side of his face. "Can't we just take him back to Omega and buy him a few dances?"
"All that other crap you all are speaking of isn't important," barked Wrex. "Young Krogans must go through the Rite."
"Too far Wrex," shouted Uvenk walking away. "I'm not going to allow the Rite to happen for a syringe created freak."
"He is a true pain in the ass," remarked Neji.
"Of that I'm sure we can all agree," sighed Wrex. "Uvenk is definitely more of a traditionalist in terms of Krogan behavior. He and a few of the other clans would prefer that things remain the way they are. But what those quad munchers fail to realize is that our species is on it's last leg. The first thing all young Krogan males want to do is go out and join mercenary gangs. They want to prove themselves, but most of the time all they do is get killed."
"It has just occurred to me that the last time I saw a female Krogan was centuries ago," said Samara.
That is understandable; the females never leave Tuchanka. They even live in separate camps apart from us males. And the fertile females that we do have need to remain on Tuchanka to breed. Despite what the other clans may think, this is the best option for us to prolong the Krogan race."
"But what about Grunt," asked Kiba. "He still has his growing up issue?"
"Ah yes, the Krogan Rite. He will need to speak with a Shaman, but currently the only Shaman in Clan Urdnot is out giving the right to another young male. Grunt will have to wait." Grunt picked up the nearest boulder and flung it at least 100 yards. It nearly hit a Krogan wearing brown armor. The male turned around and roared barring his fangs. Wrex only laughed at the entire situation. "Baby pyjak nearly hit my brother Wreav just now," he teased. "I think he'll fit in fine with us. He just has to wait for the Shaman to return and then he can have his turn."
"Maelon's location Naruto," said Mordin reminding him.
"Right right," agreed Naruto. "Wrex, there's a Salarian here who has been captured by the Blood Pack. Do you know where he might be?"
"My scouts told me about that," said Wrex. "The Blood Pack on Tuchanka is run by Clan Weyrloc a big adversary of Urdnot. Currently they're operating out of a nearby beat down old hospital. You can borrow one of our trucks just try not to damage it."
"Garrus, Kiba, and Mordin, you guys come with me. The rest of you just remain here and keep a watchful eye on Grunt, and makes sure that he doesn't destroy anything. If you need to, send a shuttle back up to the Normandy and get Ay down here too."
Everyone nodded their heads and began spreading out throughout the Urdnot camp. As he was headed towards the truck Naruto heard Wrex mutter to himself," did you die or reincarnate Shepard?"
Weyrloc Facility
The 30 minute trip was anything but joyful. The roads were bumpy, twice the Krogan driver ran over a Varren, and upon exiting the truck an ambush of 20 Vorcha attacked them. The Vorcha were all killed being no issue for the foursome, and then they entered the hospital.
"Re-purposed Krogan hospital," said Mordin holstering his gun. "Sturdy, built to withstand punishment."
"That's unfortunate," sighed Garrus. "Hospitals aren't fun to fight through."
"What is fun to fight through," asked Kiba.
"Gardens, electronic stores, antique shops but only if they're classy."
"Focus people," ordered Naruto suppressing a laugh. "And Mordin why wouldn't the Krogan try to keep nearby hospitals running? I mean from the way they fight it's not as though they don't need them."
"Krogan as a species normally avoid doctors and hospitals because of Genophage," he explained. "Males see hospitals as an unnecessary weakness, unsure of female viewpoint but sure it's different."
"How has the Genophage never been cured by now," asked Kiba stepping over a skeleton of a Varren. "You told us you modified it, but there hasn't been any Krogan scientist who could cure it?"
"Krogan never truly shown interest in science even after original Genophage was deployed. No way they would be able to cure modified strain."
As Kiba and Mordin continued chatting, a door malfunctioned and wouldn't open. With a little help from Garrus, Naruto slid it open and standing in an upper portion of the room were four Krogan.
"Weyrloc members Naruto," whispered Mordin.
"How do you know," he asked.
"Recognize symbol on armor."
Before Naruto could speak further the biggest of the four Krogan stepped forward. "I AM THE SPEAKER OF CLAN WEYRLOC OFF WORLDERS. WHY HAVE YOU INFILTRAITED OUR FACILITY?!"
"You all have a Salarian named Maelon here," cried Naruto. "We want him back."
"THE SALARIAN IS RIGHTING THE WRONG HIS PEOPLE AND THE TURIANS BESTOWED UPON THE KROGAN CENTURIES AGO! YOU WILL NOT INTERRUPT HIM! OUR PEOPLE HAVE WAITED CENTURIES FOR THIS CURE, AND WE WILL NOT BE DENIED ANY LONGER!"
"Look just give us Maelon and perhaps we can work something out?"
"YOU THINK I BELIEVE YOU? YOU THINK MUST THINK THOSE OF CLAN WEYRLOC ARE FOOLS! WHEN THE GENOPHAGE IS CURED, OUR CLAN SHALL RULE ALL KROGAN!"
"Urdnot Wrex would never stand for that," growled Garrus. "He wants to unite all Krogan, not have them be dominated by one clan."
"THAT ANCIENT FOGEY WILL BE THE DEATH OF THE KROGAN! HIS REFORMS WILL NEVER WORK. WEYRLOC GUILD WILL RULE ALL KROGAN AND WE WILL TAKE OUR REVENGE ON THE GALAXY THAT NEARLY DESTROYED US. THE KROGAN WILL HAVE AN EMPIRE!" Mordin finally having enough reached for his SMG and unleashed four shots. The speaker stepped back and drew his shotgun. "PATHETIC SALARIAN, YOU MISSED A TARGET THAT WEIGHS 900 LBS!"
But as Naruto stared closer at what the Krogan was stepping on, Mordin in fact hadn't missed. Mordin had shot a flammable pipeline that was beginning to smoke. He hit right on the money. Two seconds later the pipe exploded catch two of the Krogan on fire. It burned through their armor so fast they didn't even have a chance for their natural regeneration to kick in. They roared and fell to the ground in a dead heap. The other two, out numbered, turned and fled.
"Kiba," said Mordin.
"Yeah," he replied.
"You wanted to know why I modified Genophage." The Salarian looked at the Kiba. "Krogan like him were why." And without another word, Mordin continued on ahead of everyone else. Naruto, Kiba, and Garrus stared at one another shortly before following their comrade. Upon entering the door up the stairs, the group walked into the actual hospital part. There were several Krogan skeletons on the floor. But that wasn't what shocked Naruto. What shocked him the most were that there were several actual bodies on the floor. Several of them had been sliced open with some kind of omni laser. After comparing the dead bodies, Naruto realized that each of them was missing a certain organ, which another one had.
"Never seen so many Krogan females dead in one area," sighed Mordin.
"I've never seen a female Krogan," admitted Naruto. "Their a lot smaller."
"Scales also not as tough. Whoever made Maelon do this, forced him to use this kind of tactic. Would never have voluntarily done this to the females. Taught him better than that." Mordin walked into another room that was also filled with the bodies of dead females. Some were in body containers, but most weren't. He grabbed a chart and read outloud. "Dead Krogan. Female. Tumors indicate brutal experimentation. No restraint marks. Volunteer. Sterile Weyrloc female willing to risk procedures. Hoped for cure. Pointless… pointless waste of life."
"Well this is surprising," said Naruto.
"What?"
"I'm just shocked that a Salarian is disturbed by the sight of a dead Krogan."
"WHAT?!" For the first time since he had met Mordin, Naruto saw a look of pure hatred shot in his direction. "WHY? BECAUSE OF GENOPHAGE WORK?! NEVER EXPERIMENTED ON LIVE KROGAN! NEVER KILLED WITH MEDICINE! HER DEATH NOT MY WORK, ONLY REACTION TO IT!"
"The Genophage probably cut the Krogan population by at least ¾," growled Kiba.
"Goal was to stabilize population."
"You keep saying that though Mordin. You wanted to stabilize the Krogan population. Have you ever thought about how it would feel if someone stabilized the Salarian population? Only a small handful of you could breed every 40 years. Do you realize that if something like the Genophage was forced upon the Salarians that you guys would die out in 200 years?" After you modified the Genophage did you even have the balls to return to Tuchanka?"
"Yes," said Mordin sadly. "Yearly recon missions. Took water and tissues samples. Ensure that no mistakes made. Superiors offered to do it. Refused. Needed to see work in person. Needed to tell self it was necessary." Mordin got closer to the Krogan corpse and placed his hand on her brow. "Rest young mother… find your gods… find someplace better."
"You're a spiritual person," asked Garrus.
"Explored several religions once modification work complete. Different races. No answers. Many questions. Why was I allowed to live after creating something so deadly? Krogan think of Salarians like me as evil, Salarians think of me as hero. Hard to see self as a hero as Krogan body count continues to stack.
"How do you sleep at night Mordin," asked Naruto folding his arms. "You literally just rationalize all this away. How do you justify it man?"
Mordin sighed and took a deep breath before speaking. "Wheel of life," he replied with his eyes closed. "Popular Salarian concept. Similar to Human Hinduism in focus on reincarnation. Fix past mistakes in next life."
"I'm a Turian and sometimes I think the Genophage was wrong Mordin," said Garrus. "Surely this has to bother you."
"Without Genophage, the galaxy would've been at war. Turians and Humans would've destroyed Krogan utterly. Genophage was better than genocide. It saved lives."
"LOOK AT THE DEAD WOMEN ALL AROUND US ASSHOLE," roared Kiba. "IS THIS SAVING LIVES?!"
Mordin looked from the dead female on the operating table, to the bodies that covered the floor. He hung his head shamefully before turning around.
"Had to be me," whispered Mordin. "Someone else might've gotten it wrong."
Seeing how Mordin was upset at their unintentional ganging of him, Naruto decided it was time to put an end to this conversation.
"That's enough," he said before Kiba responded. "We've sidetracked ourselves long enough. If you two want to argue about this further later that's fine, but right now we're here to look for Maelon."
And with that everyone un-holstered their guns and exited the morgue like room. As soon as Naruto opened the door to the next area a Varren pounced onto him. Just before it bit his face, Garrus killed it with a well placed shot to the jaw. Springing up, Naruto took noticed the room had Varren, Vorcha, and Krogan in it. The foursome split up deciding to divide and conquer. Kiba charged the four Vorcha with his pistol. Every time he attempted to get close, the Vorcha used their Flamer omni-tool ability. Garrus and Mordin were trying to take the Krogan down in their own special ways. Mordin with his Incinerate and Neural shocks, while Garrus was switching between his assault rifle, and sniper rifle. Naruto using Kurama's chakra was running on all fours fighting with the Varren. He pounced one, and with his claw ripped out its throat. After that, Naruto opened fire on the rest of them. He could see Kiba positioning all the Vorcha in one area for a big jutsu. Finally getting them all where he wanted he flew in the air above them.
"Doton," he cried slapping his hands together. "Yomi Numa!"
As Naruto snapped a Varren's neck, he could hear the Vorcha shrieking as a dark swamp appeared under their feet. They tried everything to get free. Two sunk instantly, while one was holding onto a railing bar, and the final Vorcha holding onto his comrade. But the power of Kiba's swamp was too powerful and they both sank as well. Finally Mordin kept paralyzing the Krogan's nervous system allowing Garrus to finish them off with powerful Concussive Shots. Naruto took a deep breath and stopped moving, and one minute later he activated his Sage Mode. On the upper level of their current area there were numerous Varren, no Vorcha, but three Krogan. One of the Krogan's signatures was slightly different. The energy radiating from it was the largest Naruto had felt in weeks. Kiba soared into the air as the others took the stairs. He had to dodge several carnage attacks that were launched and took cover in the air behind a sturdy post.
"Krogan Battlemaster," cried Mordin pointing at the biggest of the Krogan. It was wearing a silver black colored armor with a helmet protector on. Strapped to its back was a giant hammer. "Highly dangerous!"
"How so," shouted Naruto firing at the Varren approaching.
Naruto got his answer a second later when the Battlemaster biotically lifted Garrus into the air and flung him into a wall. Naruto and Mordin both moved to help the Turian, but three Varren and one of the Krogan stepped into their paths. The second Krogan went after Garrus who was loading clips into his assault rifle.
"No you don't," snarled Kiba. Strapped to his leg was a shuriken pouch. Kiba reached in and pulled out a bone. Biting his thumb, he smeared his blood across the bone and flung it towards Garrus. "Ninpo Kuchiyose: Akamaru!" There was a puff of white smoke, and Akamaru appeared out of it. He pounced onto the Krogan going for Garrus and went straight for his throat. The distraction of Akamaru got the second Krogan's attention along with the group of Varren. The air in the room got cold as Mordin used a wide spreading Cryo Blast. The Krogan and Varren were all frozen; that was all Naruto needed. He unleashed from his Geth assault rifle shattering every last one of them. The foursome turned to the Krogan Battlemaster who laughed at them.
"I'm not as weak as those idiots," he boasted. Taking the hammer off his back, he charged it biotically and smashed it onto the ground. Everyone was thrown back from the impact and smashed into the wall. "I will make you all suffer for doubting the power of Clan Weyrloc."
"Doton: Kengan no Jutsu," roared Kiba. The Battlemaster turned and the last thing he saw was Kiba's rock covered fist smashing into his skull. Stepping over the dead Krogan, Kiba blew on his fist and the rocks all crumbled off. "Everybody okay?"
"A little worse for wear but we'll live," said Garrus patting Akamaru on the head.
"Likely the last of the enemies," said Mordin. "Lab should be through there."
Everyone grabbed a few thermal clips that were littered over the floor and continued moving. They entered the lab area of the hospital and immediately turned left. This area much like the rest of the hospital had dead Krogan, some skeletons, others freshly dead. The search for Maelon finally ended when they found him in a large room with several beds working on a large vid screen.
"Maelon," said Mordin with a confused look on his face. "Alive… unharmed… don't understand."
"For such a smart man Professor you always were pretty dumb," sighed Maelon turning around. He was a young looking Salarian with a dark skin pigment.
"For someone supposed to be being tortured you look pretty safe," said Naruto.
"Weyrloc wouldn't torture him," explained Mordin. "Need Maelon at peak capacity. Must be using a different type of coercion."
"I don't think the Blood Pack took him Mordin," said Kiba. "I think he came here on his own."
"Impossible! Project necessary whole team agreed!"
"Do you know how stupid I would've looked arguing with the great Doctor Solus," asked Maelon. "I was your student! I looked up to you!"
"Experiments performed here. Live subjects! Prisoners! Torture and execution, your doing?!"
"The blood of millions of Krogan are already stained upon Salarians hands Professor. What's a few more to create an actual cure? And yes I admit my experiments may be a little sadistic, but only because I was taught by a monster."
"Never taught you any of this Maelon!"
"What makes you think the Krogan will be okay with this," asked Naruto.
"I told them what it might take," snarled Maelon. "Weyrloc agreed right away, but they were the only clan. Clans Jorgal and Nakamor shoot Salarians on sight. Some of the Urdnot Males and Females were willing, but Urdnot Wrex was too weak. He refused to give up his people. He'll regret that when the Genophage is cured."
"We're shutting this place down Maelon," said Naruto.
"Doing more than that," agreed Mordin. Maelon reached for a gun on the side, but Mordin shot him in the face faster than anyone could see. Maelon crumpled to the ground, with a glassy eyed look forever upon his face. "Apologies Naruto, misunderstood mission parameters. No kidnapping. My mistake."
"Are you okay Mordin," asked Garrus.
"Experiments show just how far Maelon had gone. Expected it from Krogan, but not from one of mine. Maelon's research is the only loose end. Should destroy it, worked for years on Modified Genophage. But don't know what to do; too many variables! Too many variables!"
"The data is useful," said Kurama.
"You think so," asked Naruto. "In my opinion it's tainted. A lot of Krogan died for his research. Mordin shouldn't want anything to do with it."
"Right now they died for nothing Naruto, but keep it and their deaths will mean something. Hell Maelon's work could even help to cure the Genophage someday but you'll never know if Mordin destroys it."
"It's better to have it and not use as opposed to just deleting it," suggested Garrus.
Mordin took a deep breath with his eyes closed. "Point taken Garrus," he said. "Capturing data, wiping local hard drive." Four seconds later, all the screens that were in the air vanished off. "Done. Ready to go, ready to be off Tuchanka. Anywhere else. Maybe someplace sunny."
"With food," said Kiba rubbing his stomach. He hopped on to Akamaru's back. "I'm starving."
"Do all humans always think of stomach? Or just you?"
"Do all Salarians never speak in complete sentences or is it just you?"
"And here I thought they were going to be friends," sighed Garrus over the argument.
"Not in this lifetime," groaned Naruto.
Doton: Kengan no Jutsu - Earth Style Rock Fist
Doton: Yomi Numa - Earth Style Dark Swamp
Ninpo Kuchiyose: Akamaru - Ninja Art Summoning Akamaru
