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Mass Dragon Effect I: Shadows of the Past
Chapter 11: Sins of the Parents
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or Dragon Age, but maybe that could change if EA the company killer kills Bioware. Maybe have its own reignited trilogy would do Mass Effect and Dragon Age some good.
Beta Reader: Albert
Last Update: 04/21/2019
Artemis Tau/Knossos/CSS Normandy/Deck 2
Human Date: February 20, 2183
Within the Knossos system, the CSS Normandy was limping along at FTL speeds out of the system and towards the Macedon system to use the Mass Relay to leave the cluster towards a safe harbor. During that transient flight, the majority of the crew was hard at work keeping the systems operational or performing minor repairs to keep the ship flying under her own power. The only exceptions were the medical personnel busy treating or stabilizing injured crewmembers. And the ground teams, who after a quick shower and a change of clothing, sat in the back of the ship on Deck 1. Ready for the debriefing that follows any preliminary report. Standard procedures after a mission, even if it included a civilian like Doctor Lira T'Soni and a SPECTRE, such as Jondum Bau.
It was an important meeting, but the fact did not stop Joker from voicing a dig at his commanding officers over the intercom. "That was close Captain, Commander. Even with my excellent flying, Cortana's sage advice, Adam's impressive technical skills, and Pressly being Pressly, I don't think the Normandy would have survived if we were not able to take out those two ships in a surprise attack or any more of their buddies showed up. So please keep these missions to a minimal. It is kind of difficult to escape from a planet without a ship. As well as breathing and flying through the emptiness of space," Joker said the last two lines with an overly dramatic exuberance.
"Joker," Cortana sighed while holding back a small giggle from Joker's joke as she cut the transmission.
The majority seem to groan while their newest addition seemed to look confused, "Commander? Captain? Why is your pilot joking about all of us nearly getting killed?"
"Joker is just joking… it's his way of relieving stress, and he gets away with it because he is really good at his job," Jane in a vest uniform explained with a smile as she hung her uniform jacket behind her chair before setting down.
"I see, this must be a human thing or at least comrade thing among soldiers," Liara commented with some level of understanding mixed with her confusion. "I had minimal interactions with humans and just a handful of more times being around actual military forces."
"Well, welcome to the club, some of us have not interacted with the greater galactic community until very recently," Varric joked, leaving Liara to look even more confused as she murmured out "What?"
"Let's say we did not know about the greater galaxy until very recently," Leliana explained for her friend while furthering Liara's confusion.
Feeling they were getting off track, John, in his full-dress uniform, decided to reel them in, "I believe we are tangential from what we really need to discuss. Doctor Liara T'Soni, do you have any inkling why Saren would send a small invasion force after you?"
"I can't think of any reason why," Dr. T'Soni admitted as she shifted into deep thought. "Maybe because I am Benezia's daughter, but I haven't spoken to her in over fifty years. And while I am a Prothean Expert, I am not the only one, and far from the most reputable in the field due to my age."
"Your age? Our records stated you're a hundred-and-six years old. That is not young by most standards," Kaidan pointed out while Ashely nodded along.
"Yeah. I will be lucky if I look half as good when I reach your age," Ashely joke to hide her somewhat jealous thoughts at the older woman with a chest larger than her own, even if she had better legs due to years of service.
Not that Liara noticed as she focused on answering Kaidan's question, "While a hundred-and-six may seem like a long time for most species. To the asari, I am barely older than a child. They often use my age compared to some other asari archeologists in the field to waive off or discredit my work and theories that are already controversial."
"What theories are those?" Garrus asked as he moved forward to focus on the young woman.
"My theory is that life in the galaxy is built upon a cycle of extinction. Where a civilization would rise to a technological point, before they are extinguished to the point that almost nothing remains," Liara explained as Legion-VII developed a stiffer manner before it answered in its robotic clicked voice.
"This unit has heard of such theories on extranet with individual units would claim the Prothean-collective was one of many over the eons, with some of the units even suggesting the Prothean-collective did not build the Mass Transit Relays and instead just built upon them. Most units do not believe it though."
"That's because some of those theorists are just crack-pots that get their data wrong or predict the end is nigh for us all," Trex commented as he looked over the calm asari to determine if she was crazy or not.
Liara proved him wrong as she calmly explains herself, "That's true, and I will admit I have no real way to prove it. So little remains of the Prothean's civilization, and even less of those that came before it. If I were able to point to one thing or a few dozen things to prove it, it would be simple. But all I have is a hunch. A feeling built upon decades of studying ruins that when you look at them, you realize they are too few, too beaten up, too empty, and too clean to be something more than the ravages of time. Especially when you compared them to the well preserved and maintained Mass Relays and the Citadel, which existed when the Protheans existed."
When she put it like that, the group did realize it did sound odd as to what remnants survived the ravages of time and what did not. Too bad the Mass Relays and the Citadel are too valuable to take apart to find out why as Liara explained the biggest hole in her theory, "As for how the Protheans disappeared, I have no answer despite putting fifty years of my life in it to figure it out. I've read hundreds of theories, but none of the scientific ones quite fit.
"Especially when your account for the mostly intact Mass Relays and Citadel. Coupled with scarce and sporadic runs and data caches. Along with it being extremely rare to find DNA and fossil samples of species that may have existed at the time. Combined with a lack of evidence of even of rival empire or rogue AIs. It is as though something just wiped the galaxy clean of the Protheans without leaving a shred of evidence of how it happened."
Jane and John Shepard looked at each other, silently arguing with Jane's more expressive face and John's stone frown before Jane took the initiative to tell Liara what they knew, "That is because all evidence was destroyed, by the Reapers."
"The Reapers?" Liara asked with a communitive muttering. "I've never heard of the Reapers. Where did you come by this information?"
"That is because it is only recently acquired information made known to the Council and Confederation's governments," SPECTRE Jondum Bau explained. "When SPECTRE Jane Shepard interacted with a Prothean Beacon on Eden Prime, it downloaded what some speculate to be the final moments of the Prothean's civilization. Though some of our higher-ups do question how accurate the data is despite seeing the recording from the Fade Machine," Jondum added the last bit with a bitter afterthought to convey he did not like his superiors not taking a potential threat, however improbable, seriously.
"We are currently under the belief that the Reapers are some kind of weapon that destroys the Protheans, cleaned up their battlefields with them, and then returned to where they came from. And Saren is looking to reactivate them," Tali explained to Liara as she nervously rubbed her hands for speaking up.
"Amazing, if true then that can answer a lot of questions about the Protheans final moments," Liara mumble with excitement as she slowly rose up. "Commander, the asari have the ability to meld with others by a touch-based telepathic ability. If you give me permission, I could view the memories in detail and help you decipher them."
"Wait, we have a recording of the attack. Why do you need a meld to view it?" Garrus asked the Doctor.
"While it's true that I can view them that way, it is still a recording. From my study of Prothean communications, Beacons are not only able to transmit speech and images similar to how our transmitter can do, but they can also transmit thoughts, feelings, and intentions as well. Things that cannot be conveyed in a recording. With my knowledge of the Protheans built by over fifty years of experiences, I can probably interoperate the images better than anyone in this room. Though I will admit, without exact knowledge of Prothean culture to cipher the images, language, and emotions, it would be more of a guess in the dark due to our limited knowledge of Prothean culture."
"In other words, it will mean little difference if you examined the recording as oppose to melding with my sister," John stated as a matter of fact to the annoyance of Jane who did not like her brother deciding this for her. "No doctor, you will not meld with my XO. You will just have to use the images recorded to decipher the image."
"Of course, Captain," Liara bowed her head in understanding and nearly lost her balance in the process. "Uh… that felt dizzy."
"When was the last time you ate or slept. Doctor Chakwas should look you over," Kaidan stated.
"I'm fine, I just need some food and rest. Though if it makes you feel better, I will go see the doctor once this meeting is over," Liara T'Soni stated as she slowly set down back into her seat as Velanna gave her a soft smile.
"Don't worry, I will show you to the medical bay. It is time for my monthly checkup anyway," Velanna softly explained with a smile.
"I just have one more question for you before wrapping up this debrief," Captain John Shepard stated as he stared down the younger the girl. "Do you have any idea what this Conduit is and how is it tied to the Reapers?"
"I don't know, but I can speculate it could be a pathway to the Reapers. From words that we can translate it shows the Protheans are literal people. Therefore, it could be a locked Relay that leads to the Reapers' location, a pathway to a control panel that connects to the Reapers, or weapons that can stop them. I need more information to be sure," Liara explained.
John slowly nodded at Liara's response before he carried on the conversation, "Very well, now this leaves the question what to do with you."
"Captain, Commander, I would like to volunteer to help you," Liara T'Soni nervously said with a soft conviction. "I am an expert when it comes to Protheans, and I can help you uncover clues on the possible location of the Conduit."
"Not to mention her biotics could be useful in a fight," Wrex stated with an acknowledge grunt to the girl.
While Velanna added quietly, "And we will be able to keep an eye on her while protecting her better without unlawfully detaining her."
John began to think it over before turning to Jane, who silently conveyed that she was for it before John stated, "Welcome aboard the Normandy, please check-in with Doctor Chakwas before you go to bed on this ship."
"Thank you, Captain. I will," Liara bowed again before Jane Shepard clapped once in excitement.
"Okay, anything else to discuss? Anything? Then everyone, dismissed," Jane ordered as the group slowly got up and dispersed when Operations Chief Sarah Sinclair spoke over the intercom.
"Captain Shepard. Commander Shepard. SPECTRE Jondum Bau. Our preliminary reports have been sent to the Council and High Command. Grand Admiral Seven Hackett and the Councilors are on the other line, wishing to speak to you three."
The three stared at each other with raised eyebrows before they turned to the QEC after John ordered Sarah to open a channel. She quickly complied, and four lifelike images of the people appeared in the room, including the old venerated veteran, Steven Hackett. A war hero that was beginning to show his age, but held firm as he stood there to represent the Confederation Alliance of Worlds (CAW).
"SPECTRE, Captain, Commander, we just got your report on your mission," the Asari Councilor Tevos started the conversation. "I see you were able to retrieve Doctor Liara T'Soni."
"At the cost of working Prothean technology and a structure," the Turian Councilor Sparatus snarled. "Was it really necessary to destroy something so valuable?"
Jane, with her jacket uniform slugged over her shoulder, narrowed her eyes as her inner snark responded to Sparatus's question, "Well I am sorry I could not save the Prothean ruins as I need to get the good doctor. And the mining laser was the only viable option." Jane then sighed as her more diplomatic paragon mindset took over to speak. "We did not know how unstable the ruins were. Nor did we know how many darkspawn remain on the planet. Or if reinforcements were on the way. The mining laser was the only thing immediately available to get Liara out, so I made a judgment call."
"No need to get defensive SPECTRE Shepard, you did the right thing as the mission takes precedence," the Salarian Councilor Valern nodded to the Commander. "And speaking of missions, I trust Doctor Liara T'Soni will be under guard and questioned for what she knows about Benezia and Saren."
"No to the second for she knows nothing. As for the first part, does her being brought onto our team count?" Jane asked the three Councilors and Fleet Admiral, who had various levels of concerns as Jane looked sheepish due to their superiors' looks.
"Are you sure that is wise to trust her? Her mother is on Saren's side after all," Tevos pointed out.
"Counselors, I can verify that she is not tied to Benezia," Jondum spoke up in defense of Jane and John's decision. "Records I pulled from STG, SPECTRE databanks, and her personal logs shows that it has been over fifty years since the two have talked to each other. Well before Saren was born or when the Council Races even knew of humanities' existence."
"Not to mention Saren sending out his forces to capture her, and failing that, killing her shows that Saren considered her a threat to be taken care of one way or another," Jane pointed out before John pointed out one thing.
"Plus, whatever Saren is after seems to be Prothean in nature. Having a Prothean expert could help us find what he is looking for and find it before he does."
The other Councilors slowly nodded in agreement while Grand Admiral Hackett gave his endorsement, "Good, it would be a shame to waste such talent due to paranoia. Especially in what appears to be a vital and dangerous mission." His rough, charismatic voice able to lift their spirits even as he broached a graver matter, "And speaking of dangers, we got the report on the broodmother you encountered Captain. Is your report accurate?"
"Yes sir," John answered his superior. "We can expect Saren to be able to produce at least four times the number of darkspawns seen during the Darkspawn War, likely more. Not to mention a larger percentage will likely be specialized or unique enemy units as well."
"That is very troubling. If Saren is given enough time, he may be able to overwhelm us with just sheer numbers," Sparatus commented to himself.
"We need to double our efforts with STG to see if we can track him down," Valern added with Hackett nodding in agreement.
"Along with CID agents wherever possible," Hackett explained. "Will keep you apprised if we find any new leagues with Saren and his forces."
"In the meantime, we'll be heading to the Citadel for repairs on our ship and our ground vehicles. They took a beating and need some serious repairs before I am comfortable going into any potential combat zone," John explained as the group nodded.
"Will have our space docking bay ready to perform the necessary repairs once you arrive," Hackett stated as the Councilors nodded in agreement.
"Come home safely, for we are counting on you," Tevos stated before ending the Council's transmission with Hackett soon cutting transmission after the Council.
Jondum then spoke up for the group, "Well that went better than expected. Hopefully, the Council will remain as cooperative as it has been. Commander, Captain, I'll be at the bridge if you need me."
The salarian then walk out of the room followed by the two humans when they came up to see Ashely in her dress uniform waiting for them. "Lieutenant Williams? This is a surprise."
"Captain, Skipper, can you spare time to talk for a moment?" Ashely asked them.
"Sure Ash, we can talk right now. What is it about?" Jane asked as Ashely nervously looked as Jondum kept walking, deciding it was not his place.
Once Commander Williams felt he was far enough away, she went onto what she wanted to discuss, "Sir, I wanted to ask if we should limit the areas Vakarian, Bau and T'Soni's can access of the ship's system. I don't feel it is the best of ideas given them as much freedom as we have been."
"Lieutenant, do not take me for a fool," John scoffed at the young woman. "They do not have access to the AI core or engineering, and Cortana is keeping track of their activities. They are not going to be able to cause trouble without us knowing."
"Besides, they are allies. We need to show them some level of trust," Jane gently spoke to placate the young woman.
"I am not sure I count the Council species as allies," Ashely practically snarled, much to the shock of the Sheppard twins, who had only seen her professional side. "They haven't been exactly reliable allies. More like someone that leaves you high and dry while making demands of those they consider below them."
"Okay… I sense a story with such an outburst. Care to explain?" Jane asked her subordinate gently.
Ashely Williams sighed before she straightened up, "You know who my grandfather is, don't you? If it wasn't in my file, you are sure to figure it out when I practically yelled it out loud in the caverns on Therum."
"Yes, General Alexander Williams, the Hero of Shanxi. The man who saved Shanxi from falling into the Turians' hands during the Human-Turian War," John answered.
"Then you also know my Grandfather was killed in the Darkspawn War because of the Council," Ashely bluntly stated. "When the darkspawn appeared on Earth, the Human System Alliance practically begged the Council for aid but were denied. They claimed it was an internal matter that we had to handle despite it being an extraterrestrial invasion. They violated the treaty they signed with us, and they were still demanding things from us."
Ashely Williams then bowed her head as she seethed with anger before adding, "But that was not the worst of it. During the Liberation of Earth that Grandpa-the General was leading, the Council thought it was a good idea to get involved by sending a spy ring to Earth. A spy ring that got captured by the darkspawn, resulting in a surge of new types of darkspawn, which led to higher casualties. One of which included the General, who was assassinated by a vrog darkspawn.
"That war taught every Williams that the Council cannot be trusted. They cannot keep their word. Nor can they resist butting into other people's problems after ignoring them at first. And if their track history of wars is any indication, they also have a habit of making it worse."
Jane was quiet in response as for the most part, she agreed. She did not like the Council and thought they were more of a hindrance, despite turnovers in recent history. The only reason she was willing to work with the Council was to avoid a war that would cost her friends and family, especially those under her command. It was a thought process her brother agreed with as he explained their genuine opinions and reasons.
"Williams, we don't trust the Council. It's a mess that is kept in power through its extremely potent policies, economics, and military might. To be honest, if it weren't for the fact the Council can ruin us economically or that they have the military strength to really hurt us, if not defeat us, I would say screw them. For goddamn sakes, just the Turians alone could beat us since they have a much larger fleet due to the mass number of frigates, and cruisers they had built for their various patrol fleets.
"And that is not including the fact they have one of the largest galactic populations with sixty to eighty percent ready to be called to fight for the Turians at any given notice. Not even the geth can match their numbers as much of their programs focus on analysis, manufacturing or maintaining systems, not combat. And they are one of three races with massive fleets, with the Asari being the most powerful of the three."
"Not to mention the Council has earned some goodwill by helping us deal with the Batarians and their backed pirate and slaver organizations. But we haven't fully forgiven them or forgotten what they've done to every member in the Confederation. That said, it does not mean we should paint them all with the same brush. The sins of the parents and ancestors should never be saddled on their children," Jane explained
Ashely seemed to develop a faraway look as she mumbled, "The sins of the father should not affect his children." She then straightened up to give them a standard salute, "I understand Skipper. Garrus seems like a nice guy, and I'll try to give Liara the benefit of the doubt."
With that, Ashely then walked away from her two commanders. Both of which stared at each other, before Jane stated, "What was that about? Did something happen between her and her father?"
"I don't know, and I don't have the patience to pry the information out of her at the moment. If she wants to talk to us, she will talk to us," John stated as he rubbed the back of his neck to relieve the stress he was feeling. "Let's go, I want to ensure everything is running smoothly before getting some food and heading to bed. Its been a long day."
"Why did you have to bring up food, I could use some chow right now," Jane grumbled, if not whine as she followed John as they took care of the few things required before they went to bed, preparing for the day to come.
Artemis Tau/In Transit/CSS Normandy/Deck 3
Human Date: February 21, 2183
It was early the next morning, and Commander Jane Sheppard was out and about. She had a good ten hours of sleep when she got up and decided to head to sickbay for her standard greeting and to see if a certain archeologist was there. She was disappointed to find Liara was not there, but that did not stop her from giving them her usual welcome. "Good morning, Chakwas, Anders, Merrill, Sten."
"Jane, Jane, Jane, Jane, Jane…" Merrill repeated as she ran up and around the young Commander.
That was until Jane asked with a soft smile, "Yes Merrill?"
"Doctor Chakwas just gave me a clean bill of health, which is odd for I though bills are given to people to pay. So why would she give me a clean bill of health if she is not charging me? Anyway, the point is I'll be able to go on missions soon. Isn't that great?" Merrill asked while practically bouncing off the walls.
"Yes, that is good news, why don't you go and tell my brother," Jane recommended to the bubbling elf, who nodded esthetically in agreement.
"Will do Jane, going to do that now," Merrill babbled before she rushed out to the Captain's cabin, leaving an amused Chakwas.
"That was cruel of you Sheppard," Chakwas said with an amused smile as Jane responded with a patented shoulder shrug.
"And leaving me with a lot of paperwork he can do himself isn't? Besides, John said he will be writing one of those letters once he wakes up, he could use a distraction if Velanna is not giving him one already," Jane said in a more somber tone as she winced as John writing the notification of death letter.
Chakwas nodded somberly, "Yes, it is never an easy letter to write. I am just glad I only had to perform a none evasive autopsy on Servicemen Second Class Scott West. Though it is still never easy, the death of a comrade. Or at least, I hope it isn't for a commanding officer. I've seen too many needless casualties and deaths going through my med-bays due to carless commanders. Hopefully, casualties will not get much higher."
Jane did not voice the idea that she had a gut feeling that casualties are only going to get higher, and switched subjects, "So, outside of Merrill being able to escape the med-bay, how are the others doing."
"Sten is making a quick recovery, I think within two to three weeks, he should be able to move on his own. Though how long it takes him to recover during his rehab will determine how long it takes him to be out in the field," Dr. Chakwas explained to the Commander. "As for the crewmen injured during the battle, four out of five will make a quick recovery and return to the service within the week. The fifth, Servicemen Second Class Alice Crane is stable but will need to be transferred to a hospital to treat her more serious wounds. I suspect it'll be three months of recovery before she can return to service."
"And how is Anders working under you, Doctor?" Jane asked as she noticed Anders was sleeping by the side of one of the injured crewmen.
"Fine, but I don't think he is taking the death of one of the people he was attempting to save very well. I will have a talk to him if this persists," Doctor Chakwas stated as Jane gave a small smile.
"Good, and now for the other reason I am here, is Liara-um… Doctor T'Soni here?" Jane asked in a way that made the romantic in Chakwas smile predatorily at a scared Commander.
"No, she is not here at the moment. After doing a thorough examination, and giving her some much-needed food and medical shots to help her body recover quickly, I gave her a full bill of health and sent her on her way after assigning her a bunk for her to sleep in. She could be still there, but I supposed we can check," Chakwas stated with a smile before calling for Cortana. "Cortana, can you give me the location of Doctor Liara T'Soni?"
"Doctor T'Soni is in the Science Lab on Deck Two," Cortana responded over the comms.
"Thank you, Cortana," Chakwas acknowledge before turning to a nervous Commander Sheppard. "Well now you know so I suppose you will soon be trying to meet her. But before you go, can I ask why are you looking for her?"
"Oh, you know, just checking on our newest member. Making sure she's acclimating well with the crew," Jane quickly explained as she slowly became unnerved by the unrestricted attention given to her by the good doctor, making her blurt out things she rather keeps quiet about. "Also, she looks like she needs a friend, and someone to lay their body-head… um I mean, be there as someone to rely on."
"I see," Chakwas practically smiled like a spider to a fly. "I didn't realize you were suddenly attracted to the same gender. You did turn that one girl down because you told her you were straight."
"I am, normally, but the asari aren't exactly female, being a mono-gender species that is feminine by nature. And the asari Consort theorized it is because of that, that some asari are the exception to the rule to me, and I did like the cute geeky science types," Jane added before she realized she was flying directly into the web laid out to entrap her. Therefore, she did what any soldier would do when faced with a trap she could not beat, retreat.
"You know, I should go see Liara before she leaves. So, I should go," Jane added to end the conversation and practically ran out of the room with a smiling Chakwas staring at her with eyes filled with mischief before she went back to work. Gossip can wait, paperwork cannot as she let Jane retreat with a little of her dignity as she waited for the elevator that was in use.
Artemis Tau/In Transit/CSS Normandy/Deck 1
Human Date: February 21, 2183
It was early in the morning as Captain John Sheppard sported a strained smile as Merrill left the captain's cabin with a small skip as he sighed in annoyance. He lamented on why Merrill could not show up five minutes later. By then he would be grateful for the distraction. Instead, she came in at an inconvenient time for his guest. So as the young elf skipped out the door, John promised he would get back at Jane as he turned to his naked bed to get his first guest of day to reveal herself, "She is gone, you can come out now."
There was momentary silence when Velanna slowly emerged with the bed sheets wrapped around her body, the only things she was wearing as she dared not put on any of her clothing while Merrill was there. Now that she was gone, she slowly slipped on her underwear as she kept movement to a minimal and the bedsheets wrapped around her body. She was too embarrassed to show any flesh, and John thought it was cute as he continued to stare at the self-conscious Velanna.
"C-can you not look… please?" Velanna asked with a stutter as she looked down to where John presumed her clothing was while poking her fingers together under her covers.
"You are cute when you're embarrassed, even if it is a surprise you can still get embarrassed. We are well past your first time," John bluntly stated causing Velanna to blush crimson before turning back to look at his console.
He ignored the sound of shuffling cloth as Velanna put on her clothing as he began writing the letter every commander hated writing, the notice of death. It was a difficult letter to write due to the fact you are either writing about how a friend died, trying to sound serene when someone you dislike was killed or writing about someone you did not know well enough to make their death seem worthwhile. Mr. West's was in the latter part, and John was having difficulty writing about him. He was making some progress due to having the previous experience of such letters after Torfan when most of his men were killed during that cluster fuck of a battle. He was getting past "We regret to inform you" when he heard a loud chime of someone asking to be let in. A welcome sound even as Velanna let out a squeak before disappearing behind his bed. John sighed in both annoyance and gratefulness as he pushed off writing the letter for now.
"Enter," John commanded as the opened door revealed Wrex's imposing figure in full battle armor as though he was a man on a mission.
A mission Wrex was going to explain when his powerful nose caught whiff of what he and Velanna did last night. He couldn't help himself but say, "Well someone seemed to have gotten some action. Too bad I have to interrupt your fun, but I figure I had better give you my temporary, if not permanent resignation sooner rather than later."
"Your leaving?" John asked in shock. "Why the hell are you leaving now? Especially, after all the trouble I had to go through just to have the privilege of you being assigned to my team. This better be a good reason after the heavy negotiating your Clan Council had to do to convince High Command to allow you near combat on this ship as a bloody mercenary. Or so help me, I'll give you a swift kick in your stubby tail so hard you fall into something foul. I don't care if you regain your title of Supreme Commander of the Krogans when I do it, I will do it."
"Oh, I have a very good personal reason for doing this, it's about an heirloom of my family," Wrex explained to Captain John Sheppard. "During the war that the galaxy calls the Krogan Rebellions, a lot of valuable artifacts of my people were taken by aliens on the ground as trophies of their victory. Most wound up in museums or private collections with a few being returned to the few surviving clans. This particular artifact is in the hands of a criminal ass known as Tonn Actus, a profiteer with a pension for selling narcotics on the black-market, extortion of goods, and helping the client connect with mercenary bands they wish to hire."
"And what is this heirloom that he has exactly?" John asked Wrex, who responded with a simple, yet complicated answer.
"Family armor. Or more specifically, one of the few, if only pieces of armor that still exists that my ancestors wore when they founded Clan Urdnot," Wrex explain with a pained expression on his face. "It is mostly useless ceremonial armor that makes your human's medieval knights armor look practical for modern combat. But it is a piece of my clan's history.
"And according to intelligence, this turian scum bought it off the black-market to hyphen his reputation by claiming his ancestor stole a valuable heirloom from the current head of the Krogan Clan Alliance. I cannot allow this ass to continue to use my clan's name to make himself famous. I need to retrieve my family armor and teach this idiot that you don't fuck with the krogans!" Wrex had roared before he added this line as though it was as an afterthought, "Plus, if I don't do something, then some stupid numb nut could try to politically use this to go after me, and that would not do."
"So, it is just like that," John sighed as he took a more thoughtful look. "What do you plan to do?"
"I plan to use what funds I save to hire a ship and a mercenary squad with an honorable reputation for going after the pyjak hiding out on Tuntau. A gassy ball of rock found in the Phoenix system located in the Argos Rho cluster. And according to my intelligence, he is planning to leave within thirty days, possibly less if he knows I am coming for him. He is not exactly in an armed facility as he is staying in one of those temporary building used for establishing colonies."
Now John knew that if he let Wrex go, he would no longer be his problem and would be a relief to his growing headache. However, he also could not ignore that if he helped Wrex, the krogan would owe him a favor that he could use down the line. With that in mind, he made his decision, "Don't bother with the hiring mercenaries and a ship, it would be a waste of money. We have assets that patrol that area regularly as the Argos Rho cluster is a major mining cluster with a few industrialized krogan colonies. I think there is even a small colony in the Phoenix system, Intai'sei, and a refurbish Citadel training base called Pinnacle Station. Let me make a call, and we can get transport to the system where we can take a stealth shuttlecraft to the planet and a small team to take care of it together."
"I appreciate it, Captain. I'll upload the specific quadrants of Tonn's last known locations. You have my thanks," Wrex bowed and was on the moving out when he stopped with a knowing smirk before stating, "Give Commander Velanna my regards, and tell her I hope to be there at her wedding when she is brave enough not to hide behind your bed."
Wrex laughed as Velanna let out a 'meep' from her hiding space. Wrex continued to laugh as he got on the elevator and headed for the lower decks. Once Velanna was sure the krogan was gone, Velanna appeared, fully dressed, and a made a dash to the service door to climb down the ladder to a secluded part of the ship, too embarrassed for words to be seen in public. The sight both annoyed and amused John as he got up to make a few calls and order a divert course to make a stop in the Argos Rho cluster. He had mentally decided the letter could wait. Especially when we saw whose ship was assigned near the cluster. It seems an impromptu reunion was in order.
Artemis Tau/In Transit/CSS Normandy/Deck 3
Human Date: February 21, 2183
Deep in thought, Dr. Liara T'Soni was focusing on the recording she was told about yesterday. The young asari watched it frame by frame as she took extensive internal notes of what had occurred on her now fifth viewing. She had been analyzing the images for the last two hours since she got up this morning. As someone who claimed to be a Prothean Expert, she could not miss the chance to view the final hours of what was a vast empire. She was not disappointed and used her brilliant mind to notice discrepancies that were present before formulating her own conclusions. Conclusions with far-reaching consequences as she vocally noted them in her omni-tool.
She paused the image, looking at the world that seemed familiar but was too out of focus when she felt a small tap on her shoulder. The action made her jump up before she turned around to face the person that touched her. Liara's startled sky-blue eyes stared into those memorizing emerald eyes. Jane began to laugh as she tried to calm Liara down, "Sorry about that, I didn't think you would panic with such a small tap to the shoulder."
"No need to apologize, I was just distracted with my research on the recording you provided," Liara replied with her embarrassment plastered on her face.
It only got worst when Jane noticed Liara had also pulled up her CAW made codex made public for public relations and military geeks, "I see dusty old recording download in someone's mind is not the only thing researching. Do I have to worry about you being a fangirl or a scientist hope to dissect me to find how I tick," Jane joked as Liara hyperventilated as the young asari misread the mood.
"No, it is nothing like that! I mean, yes, I was interested in you when you rescued me that only grew with how well you treated me, but also the fact you had a Prothean recording in your mind. But I did not study your codex because of my own interest in you. I wanted to study it so I would not embarrass myself in front of you, which I appeared to fail at."
"Don't worry about it. It was just a joke," Jane quickly explained while holding back her own embarrassment as she repeated in her mind the lines 'she's interested in me.'
"Oh, by the goddess, this is so embarrassing. You must think I am such a fool," Liara commented as she nervously scratched her tentacles as she switched topics. "Is there something you need from me, Commander."
"I actually came to look for you to see how you are doing, but I see you are doing pretty well. Back to work?" Jane explained before asking her question.
"Doctor Chakwas proved to be a very skilled physician. Her knowledge of asari biology is impressive and her treatments last night were great," Liara explained before turning to the holographic console in front of her. "As for your other questions, yes. To be able to glimpse into the final moments of the Protheans was just too tempting for me not to ignore and I could not wait to study it."
"Did it live up to expectations?" Jane asked the young maiden, who nodded in response.
"In part, yes, as it gives a good answer in what happened to the Protheans, as well as give a crucial piece of evidence in my theory of galactic cycles for civilization," Liara pointed out to a startled Jane.
"You think these Reapers were responsible for the extinction of species in the previous cycles?"
"There is not enough evidence to say for sure if the Reapers were responsible for all of them one way or another," Liara admitted. "All I know for sure is that the Reapers did kill off the Protheans, but there is just little to no evidence the Protheans did not make them, or they existed before them. Just as there is no evidence that the Protheans made the Mass Relays, though it is a popular theory they did and they likely built the latest version of the Mass Relays.
"It could very well be proof that a civilization that reaches a tipping point that leads to destruction once they reach a technological or territorial limit, or fall due to sheer hubris!" Liara exclaimed before she adopted a more nervous and depressed poster. "It is just unfortunate that the recording is not usable as evidence."
"Why? What is wrong with it?" Commander Sheppard asked, and Dr. T'Soni gave a straight answer after pulling up several dozen close-up screenshots with her omni-tool.
"As you can see, the images are blurred just as I thought due to a lack of knowledge and understanding of Prothean culture. Without proper context, I cannot tell you with accuracy what they mean. Other than this planet is very important," Liara stated as she pulled out a planet covered in shadows before that squid-like ship appeared.
It was out of focus, just as Liara said but that was not all it had wrong with it as she pointed to fragmented portions of the image. "Which brings up the most concerning part, the data is fragmented. I think the Prothean Beacon you used on Eden Prime was damaged enough that certain data points such as coordinates to the planet may no longer exist in the recording. It also explains why it suddenly became active on its own and exploded. Too many users and organic minds near it in such a short time caused it to overload and explode."
"So, I don't have all of the data?" Jane asked, and Dr. T'Soni nodded in agreement.
"If you want to find what Saren is after before him, you will need to find an intact Beacon to get the data."
"This is good and bad," Jane stated, much to Liara confusion before Jane elaborated on her theory. "Saren tried to destroy the Beacon with explosives before he left. If he did not need them to destroy the Beacon, then he would have just destroyed it himself to be sure."
"Couldn't he damage it before he left?"
"It's possible, but something in my gut tells me that it was damaged before he got to it. Which means he is possibly on the lookout for another Beacon as well. Though, that may not matter all that much as we have no idea where we can find a Prothean Beacon."
"That is not entirely true. While the Protheans were spread out across the Galaxy, the majority of their holdings were in what we call the Attican Traverse and portions of the Terminus Systems. Moreover, large swaths of those clusters were left unclaimed, recently claimed, or on the fringes of claimed space. Meaning, if there is another Prothean Beacon, the territory he can find one is very limited," Liara explained as Jane got a very thoughtful look as she realized Eden Prime may have been more of a target of opportunity then a long thought out plan. Or at least a plan ready to activate if the Confederation found one.
Though Jane did not mention that as she asked, "How limited?"
"I can forward you a list what experts, including myself, agree there is a high probability of Prothean Artifacts that could have survived and likely left unexcavated. It includes a few hundred celestial bodies that have a high probability of artifacts and a few thousand with a slight possibility. But it is better than the billions known, not including asteroids," Liara admitted before handing Jane a list from one of the asari's personal data pads.
A quick look and sure enough, Jane saw Eden Prime was at the top of the list. "Very well, this can be useful to hopefully find a Prothean Beacon. As well as to find Saren himself when we narrow down the results further by crossing out worlds not claimed by major powers since he only succeeded on Eden Prime due to surprise and a security hole that he can no longer exploit." Jane then gave Liara a heartfelt thanks, "Thank you Liara, you've been more than helpful."
"I'm glad I could help," Liara smiled nervously. "I know you took a big risk taking me in since my mother is apparently working with Saren. I hope I can prove to you that I am not my mother and you can trust me."
"I trust you," Jane said with a moment's thought.
"Good, because I want to be close as you are an interesting subject to study," Liara explained, only realizing after she said those words. "Oh no, I did it again. I didn't mean that I want to study you like you're a lab specimen. Not that you aren't interesting and you have pretty eyes and… oh the goddess, why can't I shut up?" Liara asked herself while she buried her embarrassed face with her hands.
Jane, also with a tint of a blush, decided to end the conversation, "I think we've embarrassed each other enough, so I should go."
Liara only nodded in embarrassment while mumbling, "Of course, Commander."
Jane took it as her cue to walk away, and she was about a step out the door when Ensign Tali'Zorah nar Normandy ran into her. The young quarian stumble as she looked up to see she ran into her superior officer. Her face lit up in embarrassment as she wished she had her facemask up to hide it. The young quarian's arms flailing around as her apologies shot out faster than an automatic assault rifle, "Sorry Commander, I did not see you there. I didn't realize the time and had to run to make it to the Science Lab to use the most of the time I had. I don't get much time off and was able to get a couple of hours to study it, and I didn't want to waste any time."
"It's okay Tali, no need to apologize," Commander Jane Sheppard smiled before her brain caught on everything the young engineer said. "Though what could you need the labs to study? Don't you spend your off hours in engineering?"
Tali looked nervous, unsure what to say when she pulled into her suited armor an organic computer chip, making Jane realize the armor was not as skin tight as it appeared. It also took Jane a few more seconds to realized the computer chip was taken from a darkspawn corpse as she pulled out gloves that came with the uniform to examine the component up close. "Where did you get this?"
"During the last mission," Tali admitted. "I notice one of the darkspawns was not as dead as it first appeared, so while it was still alive, I hacked into the OS system to salvage a few pieces I cut out of it to study."
"Why would you do this?" Jane asked the young engineer, hoping she had a good explanation.
Tali, as fortune have it, did as she nervously replied, "Because of my father, Fleet Admiral Rael'Zorah vas Rayya of the Third Fleet requires that my Pilgrimage must be something special."
"Care to explain," Jane ordered, and Tali obediently followed her orders.
"Before the quarians ended their conflict peacefully with our geth creations and resettled our former homeworld and colonies, the majority lived in ships for three hundred years of exile with limited space and genetic diversity. To compensate, my people would go on a right of passage called the Pilgrimage to go out alone in the greater galaxy to find something of value to bring back to be accepted with their new crew. And while some traditions were disposed of, such as a Fleet Admiralty Board to oversee the Conclave Council. Others were remapped, such as the Pilgrimage still being a right of passage for adulthood.
"Usually, it is completed by one of three ways. Exploring the galaxy to find valuable resources to claim for the quarians. Develop new or upgrade current technology by ourselves or on a team. And finally, join the Confederation or a Defense Force for two to five years. With how things are going, I suspect I'll be able to drop the nar part of my name for vas by next year."
Tali then nervously rubbed her hands as she explained the problem, "That said, it may not be enough to live up to my father's reputation. My father is possibly one of the most famous quarians in recent history. Not only was he the first quarian to reach Admiral and Fleet Admiral of the Third Fleet in the Confederation Navy. But he was also a political force that shaped much of current Quarian politics, including the founding of the Confederation and peaceful relationships with the Geth. Despite the later forcing us off our own planet three hundred years ago when we tried to kill them all. As the eldest daughter, a lot of quarians expect great things from me, and I can't disappoint them or my father."
"So, you were hoping that studying darkspawn technology would help you live up to these expectations?" Jane asked, and Tali nodded yes.
"Whoever is equipping the darkspawn had some advanced technology. If I can reverse engineer it, not only would it be like completing two different paths for my pilgrimage, which is impressive, but also possibly save more lives. As reverse engineering their base technology could allow us to advance our base technology, as well as find a weakness we could exploit, at least in theory."
Jane thought it over for a moment before she made her decision, "Then we will help you. I will talk to my brother about allowing you to have unlimited access to a lab and help you collect samples in the field. Just be mindful of your workspace as Liara will be sharing the lab to do her own research," Jane explained before handing the component back to Tali, who pocketed it and rushed to give her a big hug.
"Thank you, thank you. You won't regret this," before the young qurian rushed in the lab.
The door closed behind an amused Jane and was thinking if she talked to her superior officer now or later when she received a call from her brother. Curious, Commander Jane Sheppard opened a line of communication, "What do you need John? I've got some paperwork to fill out, which you should know since you dumped a good chunk of it on me."
"Commander. Something has come up recently, and I had to divert the ship's course to the Argos Rho cluster," Captain John Sheppard explained over the comm. "I need you to come up to my Cabin to discuss you being temporarily in command of the Normandy as well as impromptu reunion we are about to have."
"A reunion? What reunion? And why would I be temporarily in Command of the Normandy?"
"I'll explain everything when you get up here. Let's just say I took advantage of a friend nearby, and I will need to be off the ship for an important VIP mission with Wrex."
"Fine, there was something I needed to discuss with you anyway. No point in waiting to give each other more work. I'll be up there, Jane out," Jane ended transmission before she moved to the elevator to go to her brother's Cabin to discuss their next step. Jane had a feeling that the next couple of weeks will be frustrating, and yet rewarding at the same time.
Sorry for the long delay, but work burned me out and did not have as much free time to work on this chapter until recently. Hope to get back in my regular updates soon. Anyway, I hope you enjoy this chapter regardless and wonder how you like the character development and my opinion on Saren's attack on Eden Prime being more opportunistic and desperate in finding a Prothean Beacon. After all, Saren has been under the radar over the years after all and does not seem the type to risk exposure unless he deems it necessary.
Author Notes
A) Okay, I noticed Naruto the Elemental Star (ES) is getting little attention, so I plan to focus on Mass Dragon Effect (MDE). After Chapter 30 of ES, I will concentrate on releasing 3 more chapters of MDE. Before going to a 2 MDE to 1 ES chapter update with the exceptions of 2+ chapter parters getting priority. If fans of ES do not like it, sorry but if you do not review it, then I do not know if the story is doing well and will assume a loss of interest.
B) As for gameplay choices, if the player decides not to help Wrex, then he goes off on his own to complete his personal quest while completing the quest earns his loyalty. While not helping Tali would not affect her loyalty, the players to lose their chance to gain some minor upgrades to weapons, armor, and power cooldowns, while Tali receives no mention for upgrading the technology in MDE II.
C) Worked in making classes in Codex: Governments and Galactic Policies to make each class more unique and fixed grammar and spelling in Codex: Spoiler
D) Stories Recommendation:
1) Green the Ryno's B-312 Ruby is an RWBY crossover series where Ruby was transported as a child to the Halo Universe and became a 3rd Generation Spartan during the Human-Convenient War. She fought in the battle for Reach before she was transported back to Remnant, and that is all I can without spoiling it. Overall, it is an excellent story I highly recommend with one of the friendliest authors on the site.
2) Agent-G is another author I suggest if you are hungry for sci-fi fanfics that is not a curb stomp of one universe versus another. As he takes time to craft a beautiful universe that takes account the various factions' strengths and weakness. Mostly Star Trek, Stargate, Babylon 5 and Battlestar Galactica.
Character Stats
Name and Rank: Doctor Liara T'Soni
Species: asari
Class: Adept (biotic)
Special: Lash
Melee Weapon: biotic martial arts
Grenades: cluster grenades
Kinetic Weapons: Acolyte (power amplifier), & M-9 Tempest/N7 Hurricane (power amplifier)
Ammo: pulse kinetic rounds