This went a lot better than I thought it would.
So, here we have the Asari Ark and at the same time some interesting new additions. Big thanks to Mastermind4892 for his contributions and ideas.
Hope you enjoy.
Chapter 12
The Line of Duty
Suvi gave a small yawn as she gently awoke from her sleep. Gently sitting and peeling the covers from her body, she smiled as she gazed at the still sleeping nude form of Sara. Last night truly had been spectacular. After all that time waiting… and it had definitely been worth it. A part of her now worried that their second time wouldn't' be as good, but mostly she was relaxed and happy to let that worry manifest. As much as she dearly wanted to stay in bed next to the Helldiver however, she had an early shift and needed to get to work. She knew that Sara was aware of this though, so she didn't feel bad about leaving without saying goodbye. She didn't want to wake Sara anyway. According to what Scott had told her, that would be a really bad idea. Sara was… not what you would call a morning person and she would often be extremely cranky if her sleep was interrupted prematurely. This made Suvi think… perhaps she could find some way to change that…
But now was not the time for that. As she finished getting dressed and prepared to leave early, she very quickly planted a gentle kiss on Sara's cheek. The Helldiver stirred ever so slightly, but didn't wake. If anything, she seemed to smile at the light kiss which in turn made Suvi smile. Whatever she was dreaming about, hopefully it was nice. Perhaps it was even about her.
Sara finally woke by herself a few hours later. True she was not an early person, but she'd never woken up this late before. Last night had left her feeling quite tired.
Though she was a little disappointed to find the bed empty, she understood Suvi's reason or leaving. For a few extra minute she simply lay relaxed in bed, her mind drifting back to last night. The erotic thoughts of Suvi's naked body against hers left her feeling a little aroused and she found it impossible to resist the temptation to touch herself. Eventually though she stopped herself before it got too far and she got out of bed. As she began getting dressed, she paused for a moment as she got an idea.
As Suvi poured herself a cup of coffee, her thoughts went back to last night. How it had left her feeling so satisfied and complete. Her thoughts however were suddenly interrupted when she felt someone come up behind her.
"Morning, Doctor. Sleep well?" Sara whispered in a surprisingly erotic tone.
Suvi couldn't help but smile and she felt herself becoming aroused by the Helldiver's new bold approach. Her hold seemed a bit firmer and more determined. It was still gentle and in no way rough at all. But compared to last night there was noticeable difference in the way Sara was touching her, even with the both of them still being clothed.
"Sara, now's not the best time. My shift ends in a few hours. After that we'll have as much privacy as we want." Suvi protested.
But Sara it seemed wouldn't have any of that and she simply responded by holding Suvi a little closer. Forced to give in to her temptation, the scientist pressed herself into the hug but froze and stopped when she felt the familiar sensation of Sara's chest against her back. But there was something different… and then she realized it. Sara wasn't wearing a bra.
As soon as Suvi realized this, combined with her "weakness" for Sara's chest, arousal hit her with the strength of a lightning bolt and reduced her to putty in the Helldiver's hands. The mere thought made her desire suddenly skyrocket.
Breaking down, Sara acted as the giver as she caressed Suvi through her clothes, giving the scientist a quick but very pleasurable orgasm, and it was incredible. It almost felt like they'd just made love again in the span of less than a millisecond. Not only that, but it was a test ament to how skilled Sara's hands were since she'd been able to bring that sort of pleasure while Suvi was still clothed.
This whole thing left Suvi wondering what happened to the shy virgin from last night, or the person who had tried to awkwardly flirt with her on the bridge in front of Kallo. Because whoever had taken her place… was even better... bolder… sexier… and she liked it. Make no mistake, this was still the same woman that she'd fallen for. The woman that shared so many common interests with her, but it was good to see a new confident side of her. No more shyness or uncertainty. If anything Sara now seemed to only want more… perhaps even a little bit too much. Suvi was left still shaking a little after the orgasm and she felt all tingly inside. It came as a big relief to her that she could still stand after that, considering that it had come out of nowhere. Even so, she still had to use the table to keep herself steady.
"Consider that a preview for the main event." Sara smiled.
The search continued for any other leads on the missing arks. So far, no success… until now.
Scott headed for the bio lab, having just seen a message from Cora who just might have found something.
"Did you hear the news from Eos? Asari refugees showed up at the outpost. Only a few, but that's better than none. Bradley says there's an officer in charge, Hydaria. She could know where the ark is." Said Cora.
"We'll head to Eos and see what she knows then." Scott nodded.
Frankly it was a no brainer for him. If there was any chance this was the lead they needed…
"Good. Rumour says Sarissa Theris was on the Asari ark. Exactly who we need." Said Cora.
"Who's she?"
"Probably the best commando strategist alive. Her biotic shields saved hundreds at the battle of Kerkis. Apparently Sarrisa's acting as bodyguard to the asari Pathfinder. She's probably got a plan to get out of this mess already."
"I'll gladly take someone with that much experience. Another reason to find the ark."
Returning to Prodromos once again, they found the Asari they were looking for in one of the buildings.
"Armed and armoured. Good for you. I could've used that ordnance a few weeks ago." She said as he noticed Scott and Cora.
"I'm Ryder." Scott said.
"Lieutenant Harper. We're looking for the Asari ark." Cora added.
"So am I. Watching the skies every day praying they survived the Kett." Said Hydaria.
"The evidence pointed to the Kett being involved." Said Scott bitterly.
"The way pain is "involved" when you get burned."
"What happened?"
"The kett chased our ark across the cluster, but these weren't their regular soldiers. They were hunters. Elite killers." Hydaria explained. "And then there was some sort of fire creature with them…"
"The Dark One." Cora said bitterly.
"Yes. Sarissa something gave the evacuation order. Hundreds of people, all trying to flee, it was…"
"Where could we look for the ark?" Cora asked.
"We lost track. But they launched a ship to help evacuees, and her crew would know. You'd have to find her... follow the transponder, maybe?" Hydaria suggested.
"Consider it done. Focus on taking care of yourselves." Scott nodded.
"The ship's called the Periphona. I'll give you her transponder codes and last flight plan. Thank you. It's… good to see the Kett and the Dark one aren't the only ones winning."
The search for the Periphona took them back to the Voeld again. Things were a bit calmer thought his time. Recently another outpost had been placed and the planet's had been reset as well. Finally they found the Periphona… or what was left of it.
Despite this however, some results did still surface. The ship's flight recorder, once decoded, had enabled them to trace its flight path all the way back to the source. Sur enough, there was the ark, damaged but intact.
"Okay. Time to bring another ark home." Scott said as the waited for the airlock to open.
As Cora finished putting her own helmet on she couldn't' help but take notice of Peebee's. Previously she'd only worn a breather mask. But this new one was completely full face and it looked… Remnant.
"Nice new helmet, Peebee." She said.
"A little gift from Scott." Said Peebee, smiling under the Remnant helmet.
Scott simply looked back at Peebee and nodded. He would've smiled or winked if possible, but no one would have seen it due to his helmet.
So far the ark appeared deserted. There were clear signs that there had been a fight. Wreckage littered the floor. No bodies though.
"What a mess." Cora commented.
"Nobody sweeps up for guests anymore." Peebee shrugged.
"Hello?! Anyone! We're here to help!" Cora shouted.
"Great. Just advertise where we are!" Peebee complained.
"That's the point, Peebee!"
And sure enough…
"Beginning decompression. Die you Kett monsters!" a voice said.
Alarms sounded as the oxygen began to leave the area.
"We're not Kett! We're a Pathfinder team!" Scott said with some annoyance.
Most people in this situation might panic at the thought of suffocating. Scott though, being a Helldiver, had no such worries. His armour was Scott though, being a Helldiver, had no such worries. His armour was Scott though, being a Helldiver, had no such worries. His armour was Scott though, being a Helldiver, had no such worries. His armour was Scott though, being a Helldiver, had no such worries. His armour was Scott though, being a Helldiver, had no such worries. In fact, all three of the team had helmets and mag boots.
Still, they'd rather this didn't turn nasty. Using his omni tool, Scott sent the Asari their ID codes.
There was a brief pause.
"Confirmed. Sorry." The Asari voice finally said. "I'm Captain Atandra, of what's left of the Lucania. Come up to the bridge. Maybe you can help fix this mess."
As they entered the bridge, the found the captain arguing with another Asari dressed in full armour.
"But you'd vent a Pathfinder team into space?" the armoured one agued.
"Respectfully, yes. We can't take anymore chances." The captain replied.
They were interrupted however as Scott cleared his throat and turned to face them.
"Sarissa Theris, Pathfinder. Don't mind the captain. Scolding me eases her blood pressure." The armoured Asari said.
"Cora here's quite the fan of yours. She thought you would've had everything in hand though." Said Scott.
"I thought Matriarch Ishara was Pathfinder, Ma'am. And you were her bodyguard. Like her Tiamna." Said Cora.
Sarissa seemed somewhat surprised to hear those words from a human and cast a somewhat confused look at Cora.
"I served with Asari commandos, Ma'am. Memorized all your battle manuals." Cora explained.
"Matriarch Ishara is dead. Sarissa was next in line." Atandra explained. "Her battle manuals haven't kept the Kett and the Dark One off my ark."
"That ends today. We'll see your ark safely back to the Nexus." Said Scott, trying to sound reassuring.
"I hope so. We've tried everything else." Atandra sighed. "The Dark One tore through the ark's hull like it was tissue paper. Completely destroyed our SAM node too when he came on board."
"I'm guessing Ishara died as a result of that. Damn AI implants." Scott said bitterly.
"No kidding. We should never have used those things in the first place." Atandra nodded. "Anyway, we managed to trap that thing in an airlock and spaced him, but it wasn't long before he returned, and he brought friends with him."
"They killed our Pathfinder so I took something precious from them. I stole a module containing tactical data. All their secret routes through this phenomenon." Sarissa said, pointing to the outside view of the scourge.
"We call it the Scourge, Ma'am." Cora clarified. "If we could outmanoeuvre the Kett through it…"
"We'd stand a better chance against them." Scott finished.
"Their Archon had the same thought. He sent the Dark One and several Decimation Hunters after us. We escaped again, but only just. They did a serious number on the ark when they tried to board us. Sarrisa's theft didn't exactly make things any better." Said Atandra.
"Its only thanks to that theft that they didn't simply destroy the ark then and there. They want that module back intact, otherwise none of us would be here now." Said Scott.
"Much as I hate to admit it, you make a good point." Atandra sighed.
"What would it take to get the Ark out of here before the Dark One finds you again?" Scott asked.
"An FTL long enough to lose him. But since the evacuation we've been stuck at minimal power. The drive core's dead." Atandra replied.
"My people are investigating but those systems are below deck with some Kett that managed to board the ark before we escaped." Sarissa said.
"We could back them up." Scott suggested.
"The last commando report came from hanger control. I'll give you access… please be careful."
"Seems we were right then. The Dark One's pursuing the other arks." Scott commented as the team rode the tram to hanger control.
"Still doesn't explain why though. I can't help but think there's more to this." Cora said with concern.
"Maybe he's after the other Pathfinders. Both he and the Archon know you can interact with the Remnant, perhaps they think the others can do it too?" Peebee suggested.
"Or they're just trying to cut off reinforcements. Stop us from uniting against them." Cora added.
"Theories can wait. Let's focus on saving the ark." Scott interrupted.
Hanger control appeared deserted until the group noticed a long Asari who had her back to them. They attempted to approach peacefully but the Asari heard them first though and whirled round, assault rifle in hand.
"Stop! In the name of the Goddess, I'll…"
"Vederia?!" Cora suddenly said in shock.
The Asari seemed just as surprised by this, but she did at least lower her weapon upon seeing that the group wasn't Kett.
"A human and a Helldiver? You're ark… Wait… how do you know my name?" she asked, a tiny hint of suspicion in her voice.
Cora didn't say anything and instead took off her helmet. The Asari's eyes widened as she saw the human's face.
"By the Goddess! Cora?!"
"You two know each other?" Scott asked, sounding all the more surprised.
"Ryder, this is Vederia Damali. She and I once served in the Talein's Daughters together." Cora explained. "I never knew she joined the Imitative though."
"Nor I you. Still, I'm hardly complaining. It is good to see you again." Vederia admitted, smiling slightly.
"Good to see you too." Cora smiled back.
"Sarissa made me her new second in command after she became Pathfinder. I'll help you if I can." Vederia said, knowing now the group was here to help.
"The captain says we need to restore power to go to FTL." Said Scott.
"Right. I've tracked the power drain and I think shutting the hanger bay doors will fix it. The Kett forced the doors open and the safeties are draining power trying to shut them." Vederia explained.
"Why keep the hanger bays open? There's no ships around." Scott asked.
"I think the Kett are trying to reach the bridge. They can survive in vacuum for a little while, and The Dark One can be out there all he likes. But if we shut the doors, the last of the Kett hunters lose their last escape route. I just pray the power will be enough for FTL." Vederia replied. "I'll keep watch whilst you take a look at the console."
"For someone who's been promoted in such chaos, she seems to be handling it pretty well." Peebee commented.
"Wonder where she gets it from." Cora shrugged with a smile.
"Don't flatter yourself, Cora." Vederia chuckled, having obviously overheard the conversation.
A small bit of tinkering later and Scott had the doors closing.
"Okay. Hanger doors are closing." He said.
"Kett!" Vederia suddenly yelled.
"We've got this. Cover the console until the doors are shut." Said Cora.
Hanger control became full of explosions and gunfire as Kett body after kett body littered the floor.
"Just like old times, huh?" Cora asked, leaning out of cover to shoot a Kett hunter in the face.
"Your aim's gotten a bit sloppy." Vederia joked.
"Shut up!" Cora chuckled as Vederia also giggled a bit.
"Well, that… should have done it." Scott said with confusion once the hanger doors had closed and the last of the Kett had been dealt with.
"So where's our damn power for FTL?" Peebee asked.
"I'm not sure. Give me a second." Vederia said as she accessed her omni tool.
The whole placed then suddenly shook, causing Peebee to fall on Scott and Cora to lose her footing.
"What the hell…"
"Sorry, Ryder." Said Peebee.
"Much as I like you being on top of me, please get off." Scott joked, causing Peebee to chuckle slightly.
Vederia meanwhile, who had managed to stay on her feet, helped Cora up.
"Thanks, Vederia."
"Right… here we go… fuck!" Vederia cursed. "We lost some electrical junctions and the overload started a fire. Damn it! That shouldn't have happened!"
"What could've made them overload?" Cora asked.
"If there's something else draining power on the lower decks… something big…"
"Maybe the hunters rigged something up?" Scott suggested.
"I wouldn't put it past those wretches. If they delay the repairs enough, then The Dark One will find us again." Said Vederia.
"If we're quick and efficient, we can outmanoeuvre them."
"You're right."
"We should get to the lower levels and find the source of that drain." Said Cora.
"Which way to the lower decks, Vederia?" Scott asked.
"The living quarters. I'll unlock access for us." Said Vederia.
"Us?" Cora asked in confusion.
"I'm coming with you. No way you're just leaving me here." Vederia insisted.
"If that's what you want, I'm certainly not gonna turn down any extra help." Said Scott.
"Ryder, its Sarissa. We got some power then a damage report. What happened?"
"An accident, ma'am. We're fixing it." Vederia replied.
"Vederia. Was beginning to wonder what had happened to you." Said Sarissa.
"I'm with Lieutenant Harper and Ryder. Probably best we stick together for now."
"Agreed. Continue with what you're doing. We'll keep the drive core prepped." Said Atandra.
"We won't let you down, ma'am." Said Cora.
"I know you won't, Lieutenant. You have my second with you. Sarissa out."
"I do wish her opinion of me wasn't so overrated. I've barely done anything noteworthy since this all happened." Said Vederia.
"Sarissa wouldn't have chosen you if she didn't think you weren't best for it. And based on past experience, I'd say she chose wisely." Said Cora.
"All these years and you haven't changed a bit, Cora. Always complimenting and pushing me on. Always trying to be like a second mentor." Vederia smiled.
"You never complained back then."
"I'm not complaining now."
"Hate to admit it, but I've definitely missed you."
"Sheesh. Get a room would ya?!" Peebee sighed.
"Peebee!"
"That's enough! We don't want the Kett knowing where we are." Scott interrupted.
"I think the Kett were after the fire suppression controls." Said Vederia.
Scott tried to access them with his omni tool, but a sudden electrical surge shocked him.
"Agh! Yeah, that's fried."
There was s sudden spark sound and everyone whirled round to see Vederia rewiring a nearby control panel.
"Vederia?"
"Whatever this powers, the ark needs fire control more." The Asari said. "There. Try again."
Scott tried again and this time it worked. Water went everywhere as the sprinklers kicked in.
"That's better." Peebee sighed with relief, despite the fact that the sprinklers had left her and her outfit soaked.
Vederia's omni tool then lit up with a message.
"What is it?" Cora asked.
"I think I've found the power drain. Looks like it's in the observation deck. This way." Vederia replied.
"Captain Atandra here. We're warming up the drive core, but we need more juice."
"We're on it, Captain." Said Scott.
"Good. The Dark One is still out there somewhere. We've already lost so many, and matriarch Ishara. It can't be for nothing."
As the door to the observation deck opened, Cora, Vederia and Peebee all seemed to suddenly clutch their heads as if in pain.
"Ow! Agh!"
"What is it?!" Scott asked, particularly worried as to why this wasn't happening to him.
"It's like nails on glass!" Peebee groaned.
"I feel it too." Cora added.
The group managed to fight through the pain until they found what they'd been looking for. Some kind of massive device wired to several junctions in the room.
"This is it." said Vederia.
"What is it?" Scott asked.
"It looks like the Dark One's attack sheared off some hull plating. Then someone rigged up this mass effect field device. The field's so strong it holds the hull together. It would help people evacuate the deck beyond…" Vederia explained.
"And give anyone sensitive to mass effect fields a nasty migraine." Scott finished.
"No kidding, but they'd survive." Said Cora.
"That deck's deserted now. We need to turn the device off." Said Scott.
"We need to know how to do it safely though. We do it wrong, it could damage the ark even more." Vederia advised. "Can you scan it, Ryder? Your Helldiver suit should be able to figure something out."
An in depth scan from Scott's omni tool told them what they needed to do.
"Okay. The device requires two people for shut down. One disconnecting the cables, and another at the device itself." He explained.
"I can handle the device, you take care of the cables." Said Vederia.
"Alright. Cora, keep her covered just in case." Scott ordered.
"You go it, Ryder."
Whilst Scott and Peebee went to handle to cable, that just left Vederia and Cora alone.
"So, both of us are now second in line to a pathfinder. Funny how these things work out." Vederia said, breaking the silence.
"Yeah. Technically, I should actually be Pathfinder, but our former one chose his son instead of me." Said Cora, still sounding a little bitter over that.
"Seems a bit unfair." Vederia agreed.
"He wasn't too happy about it either, but he's not too bad at the role… most of the time." Cora joked, causing both of them to giggle slightly.
"I heard that!" Scott yelled.
"You and he seem close." Vederia suggested.
"He's our Pathfinder, I…" Cora paused though when she realised what Vederia was implying. "What?! No! No, nothing like that. We're just friends. I'd never…"
Again though, she soon realized Vederia's intent.
"You're teasing me again, aren't you?"
"Yep." The Asari simply nodded, holding back her laughter.
"I don't know how you remain so optimistic at a time like this." Cora sighed, shaking her head slightly.
"It's part of what you taught me."
"You've really grown up since we last saw each other." Cora said, unable to hold back a proud smile under her helmet.
"Cora has a girlfriend!" Peebee suddenly sung.
The Asari's singing however was interrupted as Vederia threw a small biotic pulse which hit her right on the backside and tripped her up.
"What the… Hey! That wasn't funny!"
"Do not tease one of my battle sisters." said Vederia sternly.
Even Cora couldn't resist laughing slightly at that, as did Vederia.
"Maidens." The both sighed with a slight chuckle.
After a few moments, the device was finally disconnected fully.
"That noise. It's gone." Cora said with relied.
At the same time, some pieces of the hull that had previously been held in place by the device now fella way from the ark and simply drifted in space.
"If anyone asks, it was like that when we got here." Said Peebee.
"Or we just tell them it was all your fault." Vederia joked.
"Very funny." Peebee sighed sarcastically.
"Ryder, the drive core's coming online. You did it! A few minutes, then we're out of here." Said Atandra.
"Can we still got to FTL if there's, say… a big hole breach down here?" Scott asked.
"The manoeuvre I've planned should hold us together. If the FTL burn doesn't… we'll have to cope." Atandra sighed.
"Sarissa here. Superb work, all of you. We're almost home. You've made me proud, Vederia."
"Thank you, ma'am." Vederia said formally. She then relaxed and took several deep breaths. "It's really over."
The moment of peace was short lived however when the ark's hallways became filled with the noise of an alarm.
"That's not good." Said Cora.
"Atandra here! It's the Dark One! He and the Kett hunters blindsided us. There's a dropship headed for the breach on deck twelve!"
"How long until we have FLT?" Scott asked.
"Too long! Sarrisa's coming to help. Push them back!"
"We've come this far. They're not getting us now!"
The group headed to the breach, weapons drawn for the imminent last battle.
"Secure your helmets and keep your mag boost activated." Scott advised.
"Don't need to tell us twice." Said Vederia as she secured her own Asari modified recon hood. "Goddess give us strength."
A Kett dropship arrived first with several Kett troops, but they were easily dealt with. The tricky bit came in the form of The Dark One himself as he slowly hovered in through he wreckage, his fire burning aggressively and black smoke billowing from his massive silhouetted form.
The Dark One's gaze fell on Scott almost immediately. There was no surprise in his voice or body language, but the Helldiver still got the impression he hadn't expected this.
"How fortuitous I should find you here, Ryder. You've saved me the trouble of hunting you down again." He said, his dark and terrifying voice making everyone shiver slightly.
"More like I've brought you trouble." Said Scott
"Don't be so certain."
Throwing his hands forward he cast fire in their direction, facing them into cover.
"Remember back on Voeld! He's vulnerable to cryo." Scott yelled.
"I've got just the thing for him then." Said Cora.
She suddenly popped out of cover and fired with her shotgun. This time though they weren't' typical shotgun rounds. Each round hit The Dark One directly and as they did they left behind a steadily growing whiteness. Cryo ammo.
The Dark One hastened to try and reach them as the cryo froze him once again. He touched down, but that was it as he became frozen once again, his fire extinguished.
"Told you I'd only brought you trouble." Said Scott.
But everyone jumped in shock as The Dark One's head suddenly moved to look directly at Scott.
"WHAT?!"
To only add to their horror, the Dark One then moved completely and stood upright again.
Cora immediately took action and fired more cryo rounds, all of which hit their target but this time The Dark One simply shrugged them off. Slowly rising up into the air again and hovering a few inches off the ground his fire reignited and the ice surrounding his body melted instantly as did any of the shots Cora continued to fire.
"Did you really think it would be that easy?" he asked rhetorically.
He then cast his hand forward and an invisible force sent everyone but Scott flying.
"And you, Ryder…"
Scott went to dive for cover but he found himself surrounded as the Dark One cast a ring of fire around them. Normally Helldivers had no fear of fire, but this was no normal fire. Scott's HUD was constantly lit up with danger warnings as he was essentially encased in a prison of fire that was almost as hot as a sun.
Scott could only stand his ground and aim as the Dark One slowly glided towards him.
"You won't escape me this time." He said, passing through the fire as though it wasn't even there. "You are going to give me what I want."
Scott fired several shots, but they were vain. Each round seemed to just melt upon contact.
"Defiant to the end. A true Helldiver through and through." The Dark One said with a mocking sigh.
"I'm not afraid of you."
"Maybe not, but everyone has something to fear… and you are certainly afraid of something."
"You think so?"
"I know so. It's the one thing I always know: people's greatest fears." Said The Dark One, his fire now burning a much darker colour. Scott did his best to suppress a growing feeling of dread. "You carry such a heavy burden on your shoulders. You fear what will become of the Imitative if you fail. You fear that they will starve and die… assuming I don't put them out of their misery first."
"Why are you doing this? What do you want?" Scott asked, trying to stall in any way he could.
"I want what you want, Ryder. I want a home."
"Meridian is not yours to take."
"I have waited more than 600 years for this. If the Remnant who came before you could not stop me, then neither shall you."
The Dark One then reached his hand towards Scott and began to make his way even closer, forcing the Helldiver so close to the ring of fire that Scott could feel the heat even in his armour.
"Now…"
But before the Dark One's hand could touch him, something rather unexpected happened.
EDI had mentioned beforehand that the mass effect field device was still connected and that it could be remotely triggered. Sure enough, that was what was happening right now. The field activated and began pulling everything not tied down towards like a black hole… including The Dark One who struggled against the immense power as it drew him in and seemed to almost consume him within itself.
Thanks to this though the ring of fire disappeared and Scott backed away, finding relief in the feeling of a normal temperature again.
"Nice thinking, Vederia!" said Cora, she and the others finally appearing again.
"That should slow him down for a while." Said the Asari.
Sadly though, this was another short lived victory. The field suddenly exploded, leaving just the Dark One in its wake, his fire now burning fiercely with rage and dark growling emanating from him.
"Or just piss him off." Said Peebee worriedly.
"You will all die!"
Everyone again dove for cover as The Dark One cast fire in every direction, roaring in anger as he did.
"Cora, remember that trick that you taught me?" Vederia asked, ducking to avoid a large fire ball.
"Which one?" Cora asked back.
"You go high, I go low."
Cora nodded understandingly.
Peebee and Scott did all they could, but their weapons weren't having any effect. Nothing at all seemed to work. Peebee did make note that he seemed to grunt when hit with a biotic warp and other kind of biotic attack, but all that seemed to do was just make him even more angry instead of causing harm or injury.
On the plus side however, it did provide more than enough of a distraction. So when the attack came, it caught The Dark One completely off guard. Both Cora and Vederia lunged at him with a biotic punch, Cora hitting him right in the face and Peebee hitting him square in the groin. The resulting force from both ends sent him crashing head over heels to the floor, landing hard on his back and so close to falling off the edge.
The entity groaned and growled, dazed from the attack. He was about to attack again when his focus was suddenly shifted to the Kett ship not far off from the Ark. It had opened fire on the neighbouring ark and missile were incoming.
"Cease fire! You'll destroy the Pathfinder!" The Dark One yelled angrily.
He was suddenly knocked again though by a combined attack from Cora, Peebee, Vederia, and finally Sarissa, who had finally arrived.
"That was for Ishara, monster!" the Asari Pathfinder yelled.
Using just her own biotics, she then charged up another attack.
"Get off our ark!"
The warp sent the Dark flying our into space, disappearing from site.
Now just the missiles were left to deal with.
"Like the battle of Kurkas, there's still a chance." Sarissa said, throwing up a biotic shield which had enough radius to cover the hull breach.
"Help her! Quickly!" Cora ordered.
Both she and Vederia ran up to Sarissa and added their own biotics to the shield.
"Peebee, please!" Cora yelled through the gritted teeth.
The previously hesitant Asari managed to find her courage and joined them. The combined power of four biotics caused to shield to expand so much that it not only shielded the entire ark but caused the missiles themselves to bounce off and instead hit the Kett ship.
As the enemy ship became engulfed in explosions, the four biotics let the shield disapate.
"Captain, get us out of here." Scott said into his comm as they made for the door.
"Punching it! Hold on!"
There was a bright flash as the ark disappeared, flowed by a second flash from the explosion of the Kett ship. He saw both as he regained his balance.
No outburst of rage or anger came from The Dark One. He simply hovered where he was, his fire burning calmly in the vacuum of space.
"Run all you want, Helldiver. You have only prolonged the inevitable."
Back on board the Lucania, several more crew members had been awoken from Cryo in order for the ark to complete its journey.
"A skeleton crew, but enough to patch up the ark. She'll make it to the nexus." Cora commented, sounding relived.
"Sorry, but we need to prep for the nexus approach. We've got a hell of a story for them." Said Atandra.
"They'll throw you the party of a lifetime. You can raise a glass to the fallen, and to a better future." Said Cora.
Sarissa then joined as well.
"Lieutenant, before you leave, I have a small request to make." She said.
"Ma'am?"
"I want you to take Vederia with you."
"What?!"
Even Scot was surprised by this, but he remained silent for now.
"Hear me out." Said Sarissa. "Yes, I chose her as my second, but she has so much more potential than just being next in line as Pathfinder. She'll make one hell of a commando, but I don't' see her having that future under my wing. She needs better mentorship than I can give her, preferably yours."
"Ma'am, I… I don't know if this is right…" Cora stuttered with confusion.
"Vederia herself should have a say in this." Scott said sternly.
"If this is Sarissa wishes of me, I…" said Vederia, hesitating.
"If you really wish to stay that bad, then I ultimately won't force this on you." Sarissa said reassuringly. "But believe me when I say, you'd be far better off with Ryder. You'll put your skills to far better use with him, and Lieutenant Harper."
"What about being your second?" Vederia asked.
"I'll find another." Sarissa simply shrugged.
"If Ryder and Cor… Lieutenant Harper will have me, then…"
"As she said, it's your choice, Vederia. But you'd be more than welcome on the Tempest if you accept." Said Scott.
"Then I do accept." Vederia smiled, her gaze briefly falling on Cora.
"Welcome aboard then, Vederia." Said Scott as he and the Asari shook hands.
"Let's go then. We're done here." Said Cora.
"Thank you again for your help. We all owe your lives." Sarissa smiled as she and Cora shook hands.
Back aboard the Tempest, Scott found Cora in her quarters. She was sat at her desk with the picture frame in her hands again.
"Hey. You okay?" he asked.
"All things considered… I suppose I am." Cora sighed. "I still can't' believe that Sarissa would send Vederia away like that."
"You once told me your own mentor did something similar. Perhaps it's the same for Vederia."
"Much as I don't won't admit it, you may be right." Said Cora. "Thank you for helping us bring the Asari home."
"It was my pleasure." Scott smiled.
Cora simply smiled back.
"By the way, Vederia and I have already sorted out where she's gonna stay. She can bunk with me given that we're low on space." She said.
"You gonna be okay with that?" Scott asked.
"Sure. It'd hardly be the first time we've shared a room." Said Cora.
Her gaze then fell on the doorway and Scott turned to find none other than Vederia standing there with a small box in her arms filled with some of her possessions.
"Sorry. Am I interrupting anything?" she asked.
"Not at all. I was just on my way out." Said Scott.
"Pathfinder, I'd just like to say…"
"Ryder, please. There's no need to be so formal."
"I'm sorry. I've just gotten so used to protocol it feels weird being a ship where everything's so… different."
"You'll get used to it." Cora smiled.
"At least I don't feel too out of place. Your doctor was very welcoming. And Peebee… well, she's my race at least." Said Vederia. "The rest of your crew gave me a warm greeting as well. Your Arkane, Ali, even said that she was honoured to meet an Asari commando. I did not expect that."
"You'll find we're full of surprises." Scott smiled. "And there's Cora."
"Yes. And there's Cora." Said Vederia.
Her voice railed of fa bit on that last sentence, but she quickly regained her composure.
"Anyway, I just want to say, I'm honoured to be a part of your crew. I will not let you down, Ryder."
"I know you won't." said Scott, putting a hand on her shoulder reassuringly. "See you two later."
As Scott left, Vederia took a moment to admire the surroundings of the bio lab. She even gave a slight chuckle when her gaze fell on the many racks of flowers.
"All these years and you're still a sucker for flowers." She said.
"Old habits die hard." Cora smiled with a shrug.
"You really don't have to share your bed with me. I…"
"Vederia, it really is not a problem." Cora interrupted as she stood up. "Besides, I doubt you'll find anywhere else more comfortable… and with privacy."
"I suppose so." Said Vederia.
To Cora's surprise, the Asari then flung her arms around the human and pulled her into a friendly hug.
Despite the surprise though, Cora smiled and hugged her friend in return.
"It's good to have you back." She said.
As Vederia hugged Cora, she suddenly noticed the picture frame on the desk. She had to admit, she was surprised when she saw it.
In the frame was picture of none other than Vederia herself with Cora. They both had their arms around each other and were smiling at the camera. At the same time, they had a dreamy look in their eyes.
Vederia remembered that all too well. The time when they had not only once been in the unit, but had also been more than just good friends.
All these years, and the human had kept it…
"The feeling's mutual." Vederia smiled happily as she hugged Cora even tighter, feeling more safe than she had in a long time.
"No matter what, you always give me strength." She added.
With the Tempest heading back to the Nexus for refuelling, Scott had some time to kill. And it seemed quite opportune when he was informed that he had another incoming call from Kamara. It had been a while since their last talk so he was quite pleased to be hearing from her again.
He wasn't expecting this call to be the one where he go to talk to Shepard himself though. Kamara had already said it would be a while yet. What did also make this one a little special is that Sara would be present for this one. She hadn't yet met Kamara, so it would be interesting to see them talk.
"Ready to meet the legend's daughter?" Scott asked.
"Ready as I'll ever be." Sara shrugged, sounding both excited and nervous.
"Ah, Ryder. It's been a while." The Asari smiled as her hologram appeared.
"Good to hear from you again, General." Scott smiled back.
Kamara's gaze then turned to Sara.
"A pleasure to finally meet you, Sara Ryder."
"It is an honour to finally meet you as well, General Shepard. The stories of your father and mother are legend." Said Sara, sparingly even bowing her head as though she was in the presence of royalty.
"So everyone keeps telling me." Kamara chuckled. "I understand congratulations are in order for finding the Turian and Asari ark. You've definitely helped turn this whole thing around since it all began."
"Just doing our duty, ma'am." Said Scott modestly. "I'm guessing though this call is more than just that."
"Indeed. There's someone I'd like you to meet." Said Kamara. "She's been rather excited about talking to someone in another galaxy."
She motioned to someone out of sight with her hand and to Scott and Sara's surprise a younger Asari, probably around 260 or something, came into view and stood beside Kamara.
"Stand here, sweetheart. That's it." said Kamara. "Ryders, this is my daughter, Liana. Liana, this is Pathfinder Scott Ryder of the Andromeda Initiative and his sister, Sara."
Liana was quiet for a moment as she simply looked at the siblings. Despite that she was probably a young adult by Asari standards, she looked both nervous and excited. If anything she seemed like a fangirl meeting her idol.
"Hello." She said, giving a tiny wave, sounding both nervous and excited in a way.
"Hello to you too, Liana." Scott smiled back.
"Didn't know you had a daughter of your own, Kamara." Said Sara.
"I was coming to it eventually. Thought it would make a nice surprise for you to meet my little girl." Kamara shrugged.
"Shepard must be very proud of you."
"Oh he is. He loves his granddaughter just as much as she loves him. Don't you, dear?"
Liana nodded, smiling at her mother. She then turned back to Scott and Sara.
"Sorry if I seem a bit lost for words. I've… been a bit of a fan for a while now." She said. "My grandfather told me a lot about you two."
"Really? What he did he say about us?" Sara asked curiously.
"That you're a little short for Helldivers." Liana replied, trying to suppress a giggle.
Both she and the twins laughed at this. They knew it was just a joke from the tone of her voice so there was no offence.
"Liana." Kamara sighed as she shook her head, but she also looked happy. "Forgive my daughter. She has a sense of humour beyond her years."
"I wonder where she gets it from." Sara smiled.
And there you have it.
Believe it or not, there were some people who complained that Cora wasn't romanceable be a fem Ryder so the Vederia romance is in a way a response to that.
Anyway, next chapter will be a completely original one as it will be Max's loyalty mission. Just gotta hope it'll be up to a standard that it actually feels like a loyalty mission that Bioware could've written.
Until next time. :)
