New Companions
Clouds. He was flying through clouds, his sight slowly returning.
Flying before him was a bird... made of Light.
It was journeying towards something...
Breaking from the clouds, he saw it. The Traveller, floating gracefully above something... a city of stone.
Following the bird as it dived underwater, he saw statues of humans, reaching up, begging, pleading to be saved from some unknown fate.
Turning, he saw black pyramids of obsidian falling through the water. Past them cautiously, something was devouring a planet in some distant corner of space.
Past even that, he saw the Light, in its purest form. Beautiful colours clashed and twirled, sparked and shone. And he knew in that moment, that the Light would last forever.
Turning once more, the bird flew towards a huge, curving shard. Jagged and twisted, it seemed to shine with an inner Light of its own. It was in it's own dangerous way, beautiful.
Normandy...
Slowly, the Titan began to regain conciousness. Getting a sence of his surroundings, he heard the all too familiar sounds of his ship. The deep rumble of the engines below him. The gentle whisper of the energy shields constantly regenerating.
Simply being here gave the Titan a great sense of comfort, as if he was in a warm, comfortable home and everything was going to be alright.
Taking a moment to finally gather himself, Matt began to sit up. A sharp pain bit at his head, and his hand quickly shot upwards. Mercifully, as quickly as it had come, the pain went.
"Doctor Chackwas, he's waking up."
Sitting and holding his head, the fog cleared. He was in the medical bay of his ship... which wasn't right as his Ghost would have healed him if he was injured, surely? He was out of his armour to, only wearing formal clothing similar to what Anderson would usually chose.
"You had us worried Shepard. Tell me how you are feeling." Doctor Chackwas moved over to the Titan, concern clear in her voice. She had joined the ship early in their travelles. recommended by several for her work in the City, Matt was quick to get her on-board.
Removing his non gauntleted hand from his head and placing it on his lap, he looked towards his carer. "I'll be alright Doctor. How long was I out?"
"About fifteen hours. Things... things have happened Shepard. The beacon was destroyed on Eden Prime, just before the geth fled." The doctor informed her patient.
Thinking on this, Matt was at least glad that Eden Prime was safe. "Well, it's good that the geth were pushed back. It Eden Prime alright?"
Seeing concern on her face did nothing to lift his spirits. "Eden Prime is safe Shepard; it's the First City... it's lost."
"What?!" The Titan's fists clenched so hard, he could shatter bullet-proof glass. His mind could not quite believe what he had just heard.
Stepping forwards, Ashley answered at least some of the questions bombarding the Titan. "The Cabal attacked us, it was a full-scale assault on the First City. They have also pushed into the rest of the Sol System. Commander, they've taken the Traveller, and your powers..."
Pausing, Matt realised that something was missing.
His Light was gone.
"Ghost?"
With a flash, the small ball appeared beside his friend. "I'm here guardian. Don't you worry about me. Listen, we need to be carefull. I can't revive you if you fall."
Standing, he threw caution to the wind and headed for the door. Almost stumbling in his first few steps, he jabbed out a grasping hand and caught hold of the doctor's empty chair for support before pushing on. "We need to get back to the First City."
Before he reached the door, it opened. Moving in was Anderson. "Not yet. Without powered guardians, we won't be able to retake the City, let alone free the Traveller. We need the help of the other races. That's why I ordered Joker to take us to the Citadel. We also recovered Nihlus's body, so we should return it to his people."
"Shepard, please sit down. We don't know enough about what happened to you yet." Chackwas almost demanded, concern clear in her voice.
Turning slowly, the Titan nodded and returned to the medical bed with some difficulty, eventually coming to a sitting position with his legs hanging off the edge.
"Now, I've taken some scans and have detected unusual brain activity. I also noticed rapped eye movement while you were unconscious, which is usually linked with vivid dreams. Tell me, do you remember anything?" Chackwas asked.
Thinking on it, he did. "I... there was a city burning, but not ours. Silver towers on fire... races I've never seen. There were machines killing everything; geth maybe. There was also the Traveler, a golden... thing, eating a world. A jagged shard of Light... I don't remember anything beyond that."
Placing his hand on his chin, Anderson pondered. "I need to speak with the Commander, alone."
Saluting, Ashley moved out of the room followed closely by Doctor Chackwas.
"This looks bad Shepard. Nihlus dead and the beacon destroyed. And I read the report Ashley made. I'm concerned about this 'Saren'. I know of him and his reputation. He's a Specter, one of the Councils finest. He hates humans, thinks we are a threat to the Council that needs to be put down, and I'd bet that's what he will be pushing for now that guardians don't have their powers." Anderson tone was grave, a deep worry that only someone with in-depth knowledge of the situation could give.
"That said, if he was involved on Eden Prime we may have something to use against him." He seemed somewhat more hopeful with this line of thought.
Matt nodded eagerly. "If we prove Saren has gone rogue the Council will reject him."
"I'll get a meeting set up with the Council, head up to the bridge and make sure Joker brings us in to dock." Anderson said, turning to leave.
"Will do." Matt said, jumping down from the medical bed.
As the Titan exited the med bay, he entered the elevator. "Gotta get suited up for the part buddy."
With several quick flashes, the Titan's armour transmatted into place. Giving it a once over, he smiled. "Ah, much better."
Soon, the elevator came to a halt and the door opened. Striding out with his usual heavy footfalls, he headed briskly towards the ships pilot.
"Hey commander!" Joker called out, hearing the Titan long before he was close. "Good timing. I was just bringing us in."
Citadel...
"...will be discussed at the hearing, not before. Good day ambassador."
Moving into the spacious office, Matt and Anderson caught the tail end of a conversation between the human ambassador and the Council.
Hearing the two approach, the ambassador turned. "Captain Anderson, Commander Shepard, it's good of you come so swiftly."
The ambassador held out his hand towards the Titan's, and Matt took it. "It's good to meet you ambassador."
Waving him off, the ambassador paced. "Please, it's Udina to you. You have done so much for humanity, and you've made my job considerably easier. The Council respects you and your capabilities. Dropping your name has let us get our way on more than one occasion."
'Considering everything that's happened, he seems rather jovial' Matt thought to himself. With Earth lost and Eden Prime attacked, he assumed that every human would be dour, not almost joyous.
"I don't mean to be a downer, but you are aware that Eden Prime was just attacked, and we've lost the City." Matt asked, somewhat confused.
Udina's frowned. "I am very well aware of what we have lost guardian. I am however, overall glad with what I have just managed to secure for us."
"And that would be?" Anderson asked, not in the mood for games.
Straightening, Udnia held his hands behind his back. "The Council have heavily implied that they intend to send aid to Eden Prime to help in any recovery efforts, and forces to help us retake Earth."
Matt looked to Anderson. "At least they are going to help. We will need all the help we can to retake the First City."
"Did you not hear what I just said? I didn't say 'The First City', I said Earth. They finally see the races of Darkness as too big a threat to ignore. Finally we've managed to convince them to take real action!" Udina said with enthusiasm.
"We need to get this Saren mess sorted quickly so I can get back. I need to find my team and we need to get our powers back." Matt said impatiently.
Sighing, Udina rubbed his temple. "There's the thorn in my side. The Council refuses to believe that Saren is behind any of it. He's their most trusted and skilled Specter. All they have done is issue a C-Sec investigation which is useless because Saren's a Specter; he's too smart to leave any evidence behind."
"We should move. The Council is convening shortly" Anderson briskly stated.
Sighing, Udina nodded. "We will have to find evidence. They won't accept the testimony from once civilian."
"We'll find some ambassador." Matt said, racking his brain about where to even begin.
"Thank you. And I said it's Udina. Anderson, come with me, we have a few things to discuss before the meeting."
Citadel Tower...
Wandering around the Citadel made the Titan feel wierd. It was similar to how he felt when he walked through the lower City, or Eden Prime.
When you are a guardian, several things become attached to you, whether deserved or not. Some people whisper as you walk past or steel quick glances before scurrying away. Others look up with reverence and respect. Still more with suspicion and fear. This was no different here.
A towering form of armour clad muscle that had close to god like powers was bound to stir emotions in the civilian population.
The Titans journey from the embassies to the Citadel Tower was no different. Even as he strode out of the elevator when he reached the top level, turian guards gripped their weapons that little bit tighter, their eyes following him as he moved.
The waypoint on his HUD told him that the Council was up ahead.
"Saren's hiding something! I just need more time."
Looking ahead, Matt laid eyes on a turian. Blue armour and matching face paint, he looked like C-Sec.
Shaking his head, another turian waved him off and walked away. "Your investigation is over, Garrus."
After pausing for a moment, the turian looked to to his right and spotted the Titan. Early, he paced over. "Commander Shepard? I'm Garrus Vakarian. Untill just now I was in charge of the investigation into Saren."
"Guess the Council didn't want their favourite operative to be slandered judging by how your conversation just went. Though it sounds by your tone that you're not giving up?" Matt said to the turain.
Garrus shook his head. "He's a Spectre; everything he touches is classified. Maybe you'll have better luck than I did."
"Thanks, it was nice meeting you Garrus." Matt said with a nod.
"No problem." Turning, Garrus moved towards the elevator.
Continuing on, Matt found Anderson. "Shepard, there you are. The Council has already started."
Moving quickly forwards, they approached the podium where ambassador Udina made his case.
"...no evidence that Sarren was involved in any way."
"I resent these accusations. This is just another power grab by humanity. First they drag our people into their little war, now they try to divide us." A large orange hologram of Sarren stood imposingly, casting his hate filled gaze towards the group.
Anderson pointed angrily at the hologram. "You're making no sense. Why would we try to divide the Council? And we didn't drag you into any war, the Council offered aid. Besides, our enemies are already starting to knock at your door."
Folding his arms, Saren did not seem amused. "Well that's just convenient isn't it. They start to harry us just when you need aid retaking your world. I'm telling you Councillors, something's off. Do not send help retaking Earth."
Scowling Udina stepped forwards. "That's not his decision! He has no say in this!"
Tevos turned her head to face the turain. "Sending aid to reclaim Earth is not currently up for discussion."
Waving his hand, Saren scowled. "This meeting has no purpose Councillors. Our time is being wasted."
Sighing, Tevos turned back to Udina. She loved the political relationship that they had fostered with the humans. Technology had been traded, which was to be expected from two distinct cultures. Ship and weapon designs had even recently swapped hands. The biggest trade of late had been transmat tech, which had cost the Council an arm and a leg. But it was all worth it, she thought.
Not being to give the humans good news disheartened her, and she hoped that they would still have a strong friendship.
"I'm sorry, but the Council has found no evidence of Saren's involvement in the incident at Eden Prime. This hearing is adjourned." Tevos saw the disappointment on the the ambassadors face, as well as the Captains. The Titan however, just stared from behind his deep blue bone mask.
"I'm glad to see that justice was done this day. Good day Councillors." The image of Saren flittered out.
As the Council walked away, Udina rubbed his forehead. 'At least they are still sending aid.'
"I'll find evidence. If we can just get Saren out of the Specters, that's one more threat gone; and we need every threat gone before we try to retake the City." Matt said clearly determined as he turned to the two humans beside him.
Anderson nodded. "We need to remove Saren from the playing field. He's in too good of a position to cause trouble."
Matt's Ghost flashed into view besides the Titan. "What about that turian? He sounded like he was onto something."
Nodding, Matt agreed. "Yeah, he did. Ghost, see if you can find him."
"Who is this?" Anderson asked.
Beginning to walk away from the meeting area, Matt's ghost was already searching.
"He was the C-Sec officer in charge of the investigation into Saren." the Ghost replied.
Udina nodded. "Garrus, I remember reading about him. He could be useful. See if you can get him to assist you, he might know where to begin."
As that was said, a waypoint flashed on the Titan's HUD. "Got him. Citadel security could use a serious update. I had no trouble hacking surveillance." Matt's Ghost sounded pleased with himself.
"I'm going to pretend that I didn't hear that." Udina murmured.
Making his way towards the exit with all due haste, Matt went to find Garrus.
Citadel, Wards...
"You're sure he's in here?" Matt asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Have I ever given you cause to doubt me?" his ghost replied.
Matt just stared at his HUD with a look his Ghost knew all too well.
"Don't answer that." his Ghost quickly interjected.
Looking at the doorway before him, Matt saw that it was a medical clinic.
Opening the door, the Titan was greeted with a hostage situation. He immediately pulled out a sidearm.
"Who the hell is this!"
The turian holding a human hostage pointed his gun at the newcomer. As he did so, a blue armoured turian swung his rifle round and took a shot. The hostage taker's head jerked backwards, and he slumped to the floor. Jumping for cover, the human did her best to take some form of shelter.
"Shoot them!" another turian yelled.
Thrusting to the side with a burst from his Twilight Garrison, the Titan fired a well-aimed burst at one turian, killing him almost instantly. Another quick shot from the blue turian ended the last hostile.
Quickly checking that they were dead, Garrus then checked on the human doctor.
"Dr Michel, are you alright?" he asked with genuine concern.
Seeming to have recovered quickly, the doctor stood and rubbed her forehead. "I'm fine, thank you. Who were those people?"
"Guns for hire most likely." Matt had his back to the two, currently guarding the door, just incase.
Quickly glancing at the door for himself, Garrus looked back to Doctor Michael. "Doctor, do you know why they were here?"
Nodding, the moved to the guardian. "Yes, they were asking about the quarian. She came here recently seeking treatment for a gunshot wound. She'd been shot but wasn't willing to tell me how or by who. I did what I could to patch her up before she left. She wouldn't even let me inform C-Sec. Guardian, she's scared, and hurt. Please help her." Looking past the turian and towards the Titan, she almost begged.
"Do you know why they were after her?" Garrus asked the Doctor, regaining her focus.
Placing a hand on her chin, she nodded. "She said that she had some information on the geth, but C-Sec refused to take it because she was a quarian. I think she must have been on her way to the human embassies next when she got shot."
Matt had to hold back a smile as Garrus's eyes lit up. "That must be information linking Saren with the Geth. Shepard, I know that I'm not part of the Alliance, but I want to bring Saren down as much as you do. Let me come with you."
Matt knew it was his duty as a guardian to help the innocent, wether part of the Alliance or not. If Garrus wanted to help, he was more than welcome; especially as the Titan no longer had the use of his powers. "We'll do what we can Doctor. Come on Garrus. Let's go find a quarian."
Moving out of the room, the human and the turian made their way to a public transit station. "Ghost, can you locate the quarian?"
Bleeping, it paused for a moment. "Looking through surveillance footage... I think I have her. She's been moving about with no pattern to her movements. Likely to throw off anyone following her. But the trail goes cold in an area with little to no servalance. It's fairly close to the human embassy, and if she is tries to make a run for it, Sarren's people could be waiting."
Jumping into the cab, the Ghost directed them into an upper level of the Wards.
On the ride there, Garrus spoke up. "Before I forget, there's a krogan after Saren. Apparently he did something to piss off the Shadow Broker. Don't know what he did, but it must have been bad for the Broker to send hitmen after him."
Matt smiled. He remembered when a krogan singled him out after hearing of a Titan's strength, and had challenged him to a test of strength. Matt had suggested an arm wrestle, which the krogan had been so eager to accept. When Matt won, the krogan head-butted him. Even without his helmet on, the Titan was not greatly phased, and returned the gesture.
The krogan ended up on the floor.
That was a good day.
As they landed, they exited the vehicle with a modicum of urgency. "She's somewhere in these back streets. I'm sure of it."
Moving through the vacant back streets, the two kept their eyes open, and the Ghost kept track of what little footage was being taken in the area. They had drawn their weapons after Matt sensed something was up. He'd learnt to trust his hunches, they always seemed to be right.
After searching street by street, the Ghost bleeped. "I've got her! She's running two streets over, being chased! Marking on your HUD."
Hammering his legs as fast as he could, the Titan closed the distance to his quarry.
Just before he reached a T junction, the quarrian ran past from right to left. Getting his timing as perfect as he could, the Titan activated the thrusters on his Twilight Garrison.
Throwing his right arm hurtling forwards, his iron fist impacted onto the helmet of a turian hitman that had only just rounded the corner. Flying back into the wall, he dropped to the floor, unmoving.
Instead of pulling back his speed, the Titan let his momentum carry him. Spinning on his feet, he slammed the back of his left wrist into a second turians head, knocking him out cold at the very least.
Pulling on the reigns, Matt came to a juddering standstill. The quarian had made it several metres away, with two more hitmen joining the chase from a hidden pathway between the guardian and the quarian.
As they gave chase, Matt and Garrus watched as the quarian turned, throwing two explosive devises at the salarian hitmen. Not quick enough to dodge, they were thrown from their feet and sent flying.
As if noticing Matthew, the quarian came to a standstill. "Guardian?"
Jumping from a concealed position, a turian grabbed the distracted quarian. Putting a pistol to her head, he slowly backed away to the door the quarian was trying to reach. Garrus and Matt slowed their pace, guns raised.
"Back off now, or the quarian dies." the turian said, seemingly desperate to get out of this alive.
Backing up, he soon reached the door.
Not taking his eyes off the two, the turian opened the door with a shaking wave of a clawed hand. Pacing backwards with the quarian, he saw Garrus and Matt look up at something behind him.
Quickly glancing behind him, the turian hitman was greeted to thick red plating to the face.
Flying backwards, he landed on the floor in-front of Matt and Garrus. After making sure he was lying still, they looked back to the doorway. Standing there, was a huge, red krogan.
After staring at the towering figure behind her for a moment, the quarian back-pedaled. Moving back towards the Titan, the quarian kept her eyes fixed on the krogan.
Moving to meet her, Matt placed a hand on her shoulder.
Squeaking and recoiling at the unexpected contact, she turned to face the Titan. "Guardian... guardian I... I..."
Placing his hand on her shoulder again, Matt steadied the nervous quarian. "It's ok. You're going to be fine."
Slowly getting control of her breathing, the quarian calmed herself.
Heavy footfalls betrayed the krogans approach. Moving between the quarian and krogan, Garrus kept his gun lowered. "Wrex."
The krogan grunted. "Turian." Looking past Garrus, Wrex eyed the quarian. "She ok?"
Turning to look at the krogan, the quarian nodded. "I'll be fine."
Wrex nodded. "Good. You're coming with me."
"The hell she is." Garrus said, instantly tightening the grip on his rifle at Wrex's glare. "She might have dirt on Saren. We're taking her to the human embassy."
Wrex shifted his weight towards Garrus, but Matt stopped him before he could do anything. "Hey, Wrex. You're going after Saren right? So are we. Let's not fight. How about you join us?"
Peering over the turians shoulder, Wrex eyed the Titan. "You're Shepard, aren't you? I know what you've done, what you can do. My people have a saying: Seek the enemy of your enemy, and you will find a friend."
Matt nodded and walking up to the krogan, he extended a hand which was quickly taken. "Welcome aboard."
All eyes went to the quarian, who seemed to shrink back into her suit. "Sorry, I'm Tali. Tali'Zorah nar Rayya..."
Matt's ghost appeared in a flash of light with alarming bleeps. "Wait, Zorah? As in Admiral Zorah?"
Tali nodded. "Yes, he's my father."
'Holy shit, quarian royalty.' Matt couldn't help but feel the pressure of the situation drastically increase. If something untoward was to happen to an Admiral's daughter on a guarians watch... well, he didn't want to think of what would happen.
"Right, we need to get the human embassy. Lets move." Matt, Garrus and Wrex moved through the Citadel, ensuring the safety of the quarian in their midst.
As they moved into more populated sections of the Citadel, the odd group earned some choice looks from civilians. Probably the best look they received was one from a curious salarian. He had a look that said 'I want to dissect you and figure out how you work.'
"So, human. I've heard that you've killed Gods." Wrex rumbled in his deep voice, eyeing a group of salarian onlookers.
Matt thought about this. He had indeed killed Gods... with the help of his team... and his powers. "Yeah, a few."
"HA! We talk about killing Gods and you say you've killed 'a few'." Wrex, like almost every other krogan loved a good fight. What he wouldn't give to meet a 'God', and then shoot it.
Matt sighed. "It's not all fun and games I've died; a lot. I've lost friends along the way." The Titan saw the gaze that Wrex threw his way. The one that said 'I'm a warrior too and I know what you've been through.
"But it does feel good to get a win every now and then." The Titan admitted, earning a chuckle from the krogan.
As they neared their objective, Matt's Ghost alerted C-Sec security and they group soon had their own guards. Several turians garbed in blue stroke besides and behind the four.
"Shepard, I have to ask. What's it like when you die?" The question had been asked by Garrus, who seemed genuinely intrigued.
Matt had been asked that question before. "It's not what everyone thinks. People think it's just black, then a flash and you're back in the land of the living. There's something there; in that space. You go somewhere in-between death and revival but I can never tell quite where."
Garrus couldn't quite hide the shock on his face. "You mean that there is something after death?"
The Titan shook his head. "I don't know. Warlock Thanatonauts are the explorers of death. Although controversial, they kill themselves over and over, trying to catch glimpses of what lies beyond."
Tali shivered. "Keelah, I heard of that, but I never thought it would be true. Killing yourself over and over..."
Rounding a corner, they finally approached Udina's office. "Not every Warlock does it, but times were desperate, and people tried to find answers to their questions anywhere they could. Even in death."
Wrex grumbled. "Makes my plates itch."
"Hey Wrex, why are you after Saren anyway?" Matt asked. He was happy to have the extra help on his mission; but he'd rather be able to trust the help. If they had a genuine reason to be here, all the better.
The krogan grunted. "The Shadow Broker hired me. Apparently, Saren decided it would be a good idea to send some of his geth after the Broker's informants. Trying to keep him blind or something. That, and I think the Broker was interested in some of your human tech, and you don't part with it easily; especially after you've just been attacked, so his plans have probably been set Broker doesn't like to be blind or empty handed."
Matt chuckled. Sound's like a Warlock.
Comming to a stop outside the embassy, the C-Sec guards nodded to Garrus. Returning the nod, Garrus followed the others inside.
"Commander," Udina greeted, standing from his desk and moving towards the group. "your Ghost informed me that you were coming and you had something we can use against Saren?"
Anderson stood at ease next to the politician, a hopefully expression on his face.
Turning slightly, the Titan gestured towards the quarian. "This is Tali..."
"Tali'Zorah nar Rayya." Udina interrupted. "What are you doing on the Citadel? I thought you were supposed to be on your pilgrimage."
Tali sighed and rubbed her helmet where her brow would be. "It's a long story sir. The short version is we stumbled across some geth and we followed them. I managed to disable one and snag some data from it's memory core before it wiped everything. I was spotted by a few other geth though, and had to run. They must have identified me and known what I managed to get, spreading the word to find me across their network. What I have is not much but it could incriminate Saren."
Anderson nodded with his hand on his chin. "Let's see it."
Bringing up her omni-tool, the quarian let the audio evidence play. 'Eden Prime was a great victory, despite the loss of geth forces. We're one step closer to finding the conduit.'
Anderson's eyes widened. "That's Saren's voice!"
"This is the evidence we need." Udina agreed, already plans within plans were forming in his head.
Tali however, caught their attention. "There's more. Saren's not alone."
'And one step closer to the return of the Reapers.'
After a moment of pause, Udina spoke. "I don't recognise that second voice. Regardless, I'll set up a meeting with the Council."
Citadel Tower...
"We've reviewed the evidence provided to us, and we find it to be irrefutable." Valern had passed the recording to a team of STG operatives wich had vetted the evidence. After finding no issues, they had declared it legitimate.
"We hereby revoke Saren's Spectre status, and withdraw all assets made available to him." Tevos said with a wave of her hand.
Matt smiled. Finally. Now he could focus all of his attention on helping retake Earth.
Udina was trying to hide a grin behind an air of formality and professionalism. "Might I ask what efforts will be made to apprehend Saren?"
Sparatus straightened and held his clawed hands behind his back. "Our intelligence says that Saren has retreated to the Terminus Systems. He currently poses no threat to anyone."
"So you're just going to leave him out there? Why don't you send ships in?" Matt didn't understand why the Council was letting this threat linger. They should deal with it now, before it could grow.
"Sending our ships into the Terminus could spark a war. And with what we are about to undertake on Earth, we will need every ship at our disposal." Tevos stated with finality.
Saren had an army of geth at his back, and the Alliance was still a fledgling power. They needed someone to defend them out here. "I'll go after him."
Udina turned in shock. "You can't be serious Shepard?! We need you to help retake Earth; not chase after some disgraced Spectre."
The Titan shook his head. "Udina, you know the state we are in. My team is scattered, but I trust each of them to do what they can, wherever they are. But out here? There's a clear threat to everything we have that is going unchecked. I need to stop him before he tries something again.."
Sparatus placed a hand on his chin and nodded. "Yes; one ship would not provoke a large response. This would be acceptable."
Tevos nodded. "Commander, in this most unusual situation, we must ask, would you be willing to act as our instrument?"
Matt paused. "Are you asking me to become a Spectre?"
Valern nodded. "As a Spectre, you will be given access to our most advanced equipment, trusted with our most delicate information."
"Spectres are those that go above and beyond for the betterment of all." Sparatus added.
Tevos smiled. "So, guardian. Are you interested?"
"No."
That was not right; did he just say no?
Grabbing his arm, Udina scowled and hissed his words. "What are you doing?! This would only further relations between us. The Council has wanted a guardian on the payroll, and with what they are about to give us I'd say it's a small price to pay."
Ripping his arm back with laughable ease, the Titan turned on the spot. Walking away from the befuddled Councillors, the Titan's three alien allies fell in behind. He couldn't have his loyalty questioned or find himself in a position with he would have to choose between humanity and the Council. "I'm a guardian, a warrior of the Light. And I'm going to do my job."
Eden Prime...
Tyler-5 felt like he was floating; a feeling of complete weightlessness flooded his systems.
Colours flashed and swirled through his vision so brightly, almost blindingly so.
The Hunter saw the Traveler, faces of people and creatures he didn't recognise, some he thought he might have once, and others that somehow he thought he would never get the chance to meet.
A sudden cold chill brushed up against his mind, and set the colours to flight. It was as if they could not bare being in the presence of something so... grave.
Fear began to dig it's roots into the usually playful Hunter, and he was just so desperate to get out, to run and not look back.
Peering into his suddenly dim surroundings, he tried to focus his sight onto anything he could. But there was nothing left.
Something sounded behind him, a quiet, jittering clicking noise like teeth clicking together as a jaw opened and shut rapidly.
Almost gently, something touched his shoulder. While whatever it was felt rather light in weight, it carried something heavy with it; like the non-physical burdens people carry with them, only heavier.
After an eternity of nervousness, the purple and white-faced Exo slowly turned his horned head.
Peering down to his shoulder, he caught a glimpse of something horrid. A tri-clawed hand rested there, each talon coated in serrated chitin. Tiny green veins of etheric fire seemed to flow from each tip back up the claw, towards the wrist and out of sight.
Before the Exo could take note of any further details, the claws dug into his shoulder, rending metal and piercing his soul.
He screamed.
Eden Prime...
Almost flying out of bed, Tyler-5 woke panting.
Taking in a quick glance of his surroundings, he saw that he was in a medical bay, along with half a dozen more guardians.
As he stirred, he hopped off bed and made for the door, one hand placed on his mettle head. "Ugh... Ghost?"
Slowly, and seemingly with an unusual amount of effort required, his Ghost flashed into being. "Guardian... you're awake!"
The Hunter nodded slowly. "Uh, yeah. What happened?"
His Ghost bleeped nervously. "A lot's happened guardian..."
As his Ghost petered out, the doors were flung open.
Without breaking his stride, Carl moved into the room and in one motion, he grabbed the Hunter in a bear hug and pulled him into the air.
"We thought you died!" Carl yelled, eventually dropping the Hunter.
Pretending to draw in a desperate breath, Tyler-5 acted exasperated. "Whew, thought you were gonna crush me there bud. But why all the hugs? I've died before you know."
Clunking into the room, Saladin used is axe more akin to a walking stick. Not that he would ever have admitted as much. "But you have only truly died once; as have we all."
The Exo looked confused at the Iron Lord. "I've missed something, haven't I?"
Saladin nodded. "Follow me."
Sharing a look, the two guardians left behind turned and followed. Finally managing to get a look at his surroundings, Tyler-5 noticed several tells that gave away this places affiliation.
They were in a FWC base.
Tags or logos on the clothing of people walking by or keeping busy, coupled with icons on holographic terminals were a dead giveaway.
"So, what are we doing at Cult HQ?" The Hunter asked nonchalantly.
Not even looking over his shoulder as he pressed on, Saladin turned a corner. "It's not their HQ. This is a Cult Command facility on Eden Prime. I would have thought you'd recognise the Cult HQ as you and Carl here follow their doctrine."
The Exo shrugged. "I'm don't do homes or bases, I do discovery; exploration. Staying in one place constantly makes me irritated."
Carl smiled. "You keep staying on our ship. If not a home or a base, what do you call the Normandy?"
"A base that moves." Tyler-5 retorted. "Listen guys, I appreciate the warm welcome and it's nice to be amongst other Cultists, but what the hell has happened?"
As the group moved, Saladin and Carl filled in the Hunter on the events that had transpired, Tyler-5 grew increasingly concerned.
The City was lost and Eden Prime was attacked by robots. Worryingly, it also appeared that every guardian had reportedly lost their Light. Focusing himself, the Hunter could feel something missing.
"Also, several of us have received... visions. None seem to be identical. Did you have one?" Carl asked Tyler-5.
The Hunter slowed his pace. Realising that his friend had dropped behind, Carl stopped. "You ok Ty?"
The Hunter just about registered that something was said. "It was cold... and dark. I think there was something there. Something old."
Tyler-5's Ghost flashed into being besides him as he walked on. "I was monitoring you after I managed to picked myself up. I did detect something unusual. I thought it was Hive magic for a second, but that would be ridiculous. We haven't seen any Hive for a while."
Tyler-5 chuckled. "Yeah, not so much. I think something grabbed me. It's claws looked Hiveish."
His Ghost chirped in worry. "That's not concerning." He said it with a clear sarcasm.
Saladin grunted. "A matter for later. We're here."
As the three guardians entered the vibrant war room, they spotted three individuals. One was an asari that Tyler-5 thought he recognised. Another was an Exo he certainly knew well. Lakshmi-2 held her hands behind her back in a formal stance, and gave the three a nod as they moved towards a central table.
The final figure was the teams resident Eliksni. Vox'trix stood with this upper two arms extended and holding up his weight as he leaned over the table. His two lower arms were delicately pressing holographic icons scattered across the tables surface. He was wearing no mouth cover, leaving his mandibles free to move.
"Greetings guardians," Lakshmi-2 began. "it's good to see you all awake. Vox'trix here is coordinating relief efforts with his House, to which we are all grateful."
Fully concentrating, the Eliksni just made a low growl of acknowledgement.
"The Alliance has taken in the refugees that managed to evacuate the system. The Citadel has sent forces to take back their own. Now, guardians, we must focus on retaking the City." Lakshmi-2's intent was clear. She wanted to do nothing less than charge back into the Sol System and bring the fight to the Cabal.
"No!" Saladin slammed his clenched fist down onto the table, causing Vox to jump back slightly and draw all four arms closer to his chest. Lakshmi however, stood her ground.
"We need to retake the City, Iron Lord." She pressed. "If we retake our home..."
Saladin growled. "There will be no point taking back the City if the Devils grow so powerful that they can wipe us out. We must take the fight to them, before they can break us like the brittle swords we are."
Lakshmi-2 narrowed her mechanical eyes. "If we go after the Fallen, we'll lose guardians."
"If we don't, it will be them coming after us, and we will still lose guardians." Saladin argued.
Lakshmi placed her hands on the table and leaned forwards. "So far, they've only attacked Citadel worlds, who's to say that they won't stay in those hunting grounds?"
The asari shot the Exo a venomous glance. She was insinuating that they should just have to deal with the continued attacks.
"Who's to say it should be their problem. We know this enemy. We have experience fighting them. I'm going to put an end to their schemes, with, or without the help of the Alliance." Saladin was getting more incandescent by the moment.
Lakshmi sighed, placing a hand on her forehead. "I cannot offer any formal support from the Cult. I also can't see any others willing to offer support."
Then, she gave Carl and Tyler-5 a knowing glance. "However; if individual guardians from the Cult wish to offer themselves to your cause, I may be willing to turn a blind eye."
A smile appeared on Carl and Tyler-5's faces.
Carl turned to Saladin, and held his hands behind his back, adopting a formal pose. "I volunteer to help in the fight against the Devils."
Tyler-5 leaned back against the table, crossing his arms. "Count me in."
There was a moment of pause.
"Vox?" Tyler-5 asked, wondering why the Eliksni had not pitched in.
After looking at his friends for a moment, Vox shook his head. Placing his clawed hands back onto the table, he gave a low gurgling chirp. "The Fallen in Sol System are up to something. Need to find out what they are doing."
Vox sighed, or preformed the closest approximation that his species could manage. "I can be more help in the Sol System, need to deal with this before we have another crisis on our claws."
He then looked up from the table and gave a toothy grin, his mandibles twitching slightly. "If you need any information on the Devils during your journeys, I will do what I can to answer. Can analyse anything you send me."
Carl nodded. "See if you can pick up on Sotel's, Saint's and Dakota's trail. Hopefully we can rope them in to help out."
The Eliksni seemed to chirp happily at the mention of those names. "Will do."
Lakshmi nodded approvingly. "Then it's settled. Sarrisa and her team can travel with you and offer support. At least until their government calls upon them. Your ships are waiting for you in our hangar. Feel free to stay as long as you like."
Turning away from the guardians before her, Lakshmi focused all her attention on the Eliksni besides her.
Tyler-5 smiled. "You see how his face lit up at her name?"
Carl knew the Hunter was talking about Sotel. He replied in a hushed whisper. "You think he's into her?"
Tyler-5 played innocent and raised his hands. "Just saying his eyes widened and his little teeth things began twitching. I don't know if that's a thing they do."
Sarrisa moved out of the room with the three guardians, and spoke when they had reached a pause. "So, how are you three feeling?"
Sarrisa noticed how Saladin used his axe to carry some of his weight as he moved. "We're fine Sarrisa. Don't worry about us." he said stoically.
Tyler-5 clicked his fingers and his eyes widened ever so slightly. "Sarrisa! I thought you looked familiar."
Saladin and Carl both turned and raised an eyebrow. "You didn't remember her?"
The Exo shook his head. "Couldn't remember. Maybe it was something to do with losing my Light?"
Carl nodded knowingly. "It has taken its tole on all of us."
Soon, the guardians and her team would journey out into the galaxy. At the thought, Sarrisa gave the guardians a genuine smile. "Well, I'm looking forwards to working with you all."
Authors Note:
Hi all, I hope everyone is well. I have done a quick change on the previous chapter so that the Alliance Fleet is in combat with the geth, who formed a blockade to stop the fleet getting to the beacon; rather than being ignorant to the whole event.
Now, I want to talk about a couple of reviews that were put on this story.
To the guest who said that it would be unlikely that the Alliance would miss the Reaper, I believe you are right so I have amended the chapter. Thank you for helping make the story better.
The above three guest reviews however...
You find it unlikely that the Alliance would trade technology, even Light infused weaponry with the Council. I find it unlikely that two unique cultures that are both advanced would not have trade. Throughout our history, trade has been a major constant.
You also don't like the way I used Dead Orbit (the edgiest faction), to be the one to lead everyone out of the Sol System. I don't think that the New Monarchy or the FWC would be the ones to lead us out. Now that we are out however, Dead Orbit takes a back seat and New Monarchy builds up our relationship with other races and the FWC will be the tip of the spear when taking back the Sol System. They are going to be the main focus now that Dead Orbit has played its opening role.
Now, this threw me a bit as I've never been called 'Numb Skull' before.
So, you say that the Exo are not humans, yet there is evidence that they are:
'– so there you have it, Ace, that's why I did what I did. I had no choice, really. It was that or the great beyond. Just know your dad did what he had to do if I ever wanted to see you and your mother again. You probably won't recognise me, since I'll be, well, a robot and all, but I'll find you, I promise –'
– from the journals of Cayde-6
There is plenty more; so much more that proves they are human. If you want, I would honestly suggest Myelin Games lore video on Cayde-6. I cannot recommend his videos enough as they are so good at describing the lore.
So, perhaps next time you throw insults, you might want to check the lore first.
Have no worries WritersMind, the Vex will be getting involved. They see no gain in fighting against the Reapers, as it would gain them nothing, so they simply retreat back into their Logic Worlds. However, something's off about the precise 50,000 year pattern of extinction, and when they see a flaw, they smell blood.
Finally, thank you to everyone who has a tolerance to my grammar. I'm certainly not the best writer. It's not my forte, but I am trying.
Thank you all and have a great day!