The Threat That Looms Ahead: Chapter 20: Zero Unchained
Come on, Rodriguez, get those barriers up, the diminutive woman jolted the young girl as she dragged her down the corridor.
They're gaining on us, the brunette warned, as she looked behind her back, firing a couple of rounds along the way.
Rodriguez, barriers, the biotic barked.
I'm trying, teach, the girl defended herself.
Trying isn't the same as doing. So stop trying and do it, she ordered.
Yes, ma'am, she complied, greeting her teeth. A blue light flickered over her, then started spreading around her body.
There they are, a centurion cried from across the hall.
Shit, Jack spat, stopping her sprint. She looked around for cover. To her surprise, she found a door. Quick, in here, she motioned Rodriguez. She put her fingers between the tiny slit of the two steel sheets and pulled them apart with a groan.
What about you? she wondered stepping into the dark room behind her.
We'll take care of them, Zero replied confident. If anyone else tries to come in through this door, you take them down, understand? she barked at the pale girl in front of her, who acknowledged with a nod. Alright. I'll be right back. She let her hands go and the doors slammed shut again. She coiled her arm around the brunette's waist and drew her close. Miranda protested at it with a loud 'hey'. Oh, get a grip, bubble butt, the biotic retorted, as the two of them came face to face. I'm just looking out for myself. She raised her hands, facing in opposite directions of the hallway, as her opponents primed their weapons, readying for the attack. Jack projected a field on each side, cutting off the section of the room they were in, shielding them from the incoming fire.
Rounds rained on her barriers as the former Cerberus operative looked around concerned. She could hear the sound of fire bumping on the barriers on both sides and falling harmlessly on the ground, outside the blue light. She shifted her attention to the small woman in front of her. Her complexion was a blistering red and she could hear her growl, as she strained to maintain her concentration and holding fast against the barrage on both sides. Suddenly, the gunfire stopped. Reloading, she proclaimed and the biotic dropped her barriers. Left? she asked.
Right, Zero chose and dove in the midst of the troops.
Miranda threw a smoke grenade first as the soldiers were still occupied with their thermal clips. I can't see, the centurion leading them shouted, before the agent put a bullet through his brain, guided by the sound of his voice. The dragoon saw a dark silhouette through the smoke and threw his lash at it, only to hear the cry of one of his companions. The other lash seemed to curl around him, sending an electric jolt through him as the capable brunette triggered his weapon with her biotics. The assault trooper started retreating, visibly shaken. His helmet was keeping him safe from the smoke, but the visor was ill equipped to handle his obstructed vision. He felt a jab at his stomach and someone tugging at his arm. He started firing his reloaded weapon, only to hear the sound of his fellow soldiers crying out in pain. The last thing he saw, was a flash of blue that shattered his helmet, as it smacked into his face. The cloud of smoke slowly dissolving, Miranda put her breather mask away and opened her eyes, once more.
On the other side, Zero was having the time of her life. She slammed an overzealous phantom against the three assault troopers lined up behind her, then sent a shockwave against a dragoon, tearing at his armor before knocking him down, unconscious. The guardian walked in closer, trying to avoid the still flying dragoon, trying to get a better shot at the biotic, only to have his shield pulled and himself warped. A nemesis fired a shot from afar, hitting her on the cheek. The force of the bullet slamming against her field was rough, sending the biotic reeling a few steps. Ultimately, though, it only served to make her angrier. Jack pulled on the enemy marksman, sending her right into her glowing blue fist. The soldier went slamming up and down the corridor, before the biotic power's effect dissipated. The three assault troops, having cleared themselves of the unconscious phantom, got up and prepared to fire. The biotic extended her hand outward, a blue beam jutting out, as it proceeded to envelop the group. Slowly, but steadily, she felt her strength returning, as the encased group seemed to be stunned and quivering in pain. Three shots resounded through the corridor and the soldiers fell limp to the ground. Hey, I was saving those, Jack complained to the brunette.
You were taking forever, Miranda argued.
Whatever, cheerleader. Those kills still count as mine. I got six, how about you? she boasted.
Seven, miss Lawson smiled, proud of her accomplishment.
You're gonna count that guy as well? He got hit by the dragoon's lash, the tattooed woman objected.
It's a Cerberus own-kill. By any rules, it goes to me, she explained.
By any rules, it goes to me, Zero mocked, trying to mimic the brunette's accent, then puffed. Alright, if it helps you sleep any better, she conceded.
More footsteps could be heard coming from both sides of the corridor. We've got more company incoming, Miranda noted.
Got any more of those smoke grenades? Jack inquired, hopeful.
I have, she started, reaching into her back and pulling a pair of packages that were strapped to her back, these, she exclaimed proudly, presenting them to the biotic.
Explosives? You wanna kill us, too? Zero snapped, freaking out.
Only if your barriers won't hold, the brunette retorted.
Fuck, the biotic spat, pursing her lips. Alright. Get close. Real close, she urged the operative. Miranda tossed the explosives to each of her sides and then coiled herself around the small woman, pressing herself against her. Comfy? she teased.
Barriers, Jack, she prompted.
Yeah, yeah, the inked woman complied, outstretching her hands once more and raising a blue wall on each side. The corridor shuddered at the explosion and if any of the enemy soldiers survived, neither one seemed to hear any groans or screams. They assumed everyone was either dead or injured bad enough to be unconscious. Jack collapsed from the strain, to her knees, taking in deep breaths, as she dropped her barriers, while Miranda examined the hallway. In the places where the explosives had landed, the floor had breaches to the lower decks. The walls had obvious dents at certain spots, as well as the ceiling and most of them were scorched and marred with shoot, probably from the corpses of the Cerberus troops. The biotic, having regained some of her strength from her small respite had managed to straighten her legs up, aided by her arms that supported her knees. Are we clear? she shouted at her comrade, at a distance.
I saw a couple of phantoms coming, from around the bend, the brunette confirmed.
Jack lowered her head in despair. She wasn't going to hold up much longer, if their entire trip across the installation was going to be like this. Just fucking great. More swords. Your one fucking weakness. I'd hate to see one of those pretty tits of yours get chopped off.
That makes two of us, Miranda conceded, as she reached the biotic and stood next to her. Ready?
No, the inked woman replied. But does anyone care? Fuck no!
The brunette raised her pistol and aimed it at one of the phantoms, only for the thermal clip to eject. Dammit, she realized. Ran out of clips.
Here they come, Zero steeled herself, a blade reaching for her throat. She side stepped as the phantom's blade tried to follow her. Miranda's kick hit the Cerberus swordsman in the stomach, Jack swirling around her. Catching the second phantom off her guard, as she was about to make a lung for the agent, she slammed her head against the wall. The brunette caught her arm and twisted it, forcing the soldier to drop her weapon.
Operative Lawson saw a blade hit the wall, just an inch away from her eye, only thanks to a barrier that seemed to appear out of nowhere, as it deflected the would be lethal strike. Nice block, Miranda applauded Zero's effort. Her hand still gripping her dazed opponent, she threw her, on her assailant, knocking them both on the ground. With the tip of her shoe, she flicked the fallen blade up and grabbed it by the hilt.
Can you use it? the biotic looked surprised at the genetically engineered woman.
In a rare display of skill, she portrayed a vast array of flips, parries, thrusts and blocks. Fifteen years of fencing practice, she explained.
The two phantoms, having regained their composure, jumped up and stared at their two opponents, the unarmed one going up against the one who took her sword. Miranda twisted the sword around, the blade going up the back of her arm. The two exchanged blows, neither one giving room to the other, the phantom using her plated armor to block the sword. Feigning a high blow, she tricked the brunette into bringing her arm up, in defense, only to slam her fist at the woman's side. Agent Lawson jolted to her side, receiving a punch to the face that sent her swirling around, then a kick in the back that had her reeling against the wall, off balance, before crumbling down.
On the other side of the fight, the biotic wasn't faring that much better. Her barriers had considerably weakened from her previous struggle and each jab that she failed to dodge, meant a painful prick that drove her back, one step at a time. Eventually, her opponent just went for a sweep of her legs and Jack found herself lying down, next to Miranda. Pathetic, she cried out, as she rolled around. And who the fuck fights with swords these days, anyway?
They do, agent Lawson corrected her. And they're kicking our arse. We need to change our tactics, she realized, getting up, as the weaponless phantom had already retrieved her sword, going to stand by her comrade. Bait? she offered.
I make great fucking bait, Jack retorted, her barrier glowing brighter, fueled by her anger.
She charged the phantoms head first, a sword swinging against her, aimed for her neck. Miranda punched the armed hand at the elbow, jolting the assailant into dropping her weapon. Zero, still in momentum, swung under the two, grabbing the falling blade and slashing at the second phantom's leg. The armored silhouette screamed in pain as it limped on one foot. Meanwhile the brunette twisted the arm she had injured, causing the woman behind the mask to groan and fall to one knee. With an effortless push, her opponent was on the floor, at her mercy, then brought a chop to her throat, making her fall limp. Jack, in the meantime, swirled behind her foe, who struggled to balance herself on one foot, only to feel cold steel penetrate her back. With a shrill cry, she fell to the floor.
Do I make great bait, or what? she boasted in a contained fashion, still huffing.
Oh yeah, definitely, the brunette agreed. One would say you're master bait, she chuckled.
Jack turned around to look at her comrade, her face contorted. Master wh, hey, she realized a bit too late. What are you six?
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The pale girl in the room had been hearing to the screams and shouts for a while now. The barrages of fire had been nearly as bad as the explosions. The room had shook and creaked, like it was going to tear apart. Then came the screams, feminine like voices that screamed with an otherwordly tone. It had made her blood run cold. She had felt compelled to put her hands over her ears, as she had crawled in the corner and curled up like a ball, rocking herself. She had tried to convince herself that it was all going to be alright. How could it? What kind of creature could let out a scream like that, other than a banshee? At least with the husks she could see them, they were slow, fragile and, in spite of their hideous appearance, she could cope. This was far more unsettling. The door creaked and light started to come through, penetrating the darkness. Rodriguez stood up and placed her back against the wall, sucking her gut, as if to become one with it, to hide from the light.
Rodriguez, came a voice. Come on, we don't have all day.
She heaved a big sigh. Of course it was going to be alright. Nothing could beat Jack.
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The scientists looked around puzzled. Who were these women? How had they escaped? What were they doing in there? And why were they aiming guns at them? What sort of travesty was this? They were men of science? Good people, doing humanity a favor. Sure, their methods were a little extreme, but circumstances demanded it. They had to do it, there was no other way.
Who are you? What is the meaning of this? demanded one of the men in the labcoats.
Save your breath, asshole. I'm here for my kids, the ridiculously dressed woman demanded, looking at the young men and women strapped in the chairs. Rodriguez, get them loose, she prompted with a nod of her head. Miranda rested herself on one of the workbenches, crossing her legs, pointing her empty carnifex at the scientists.
You can't do that, he snapped. Where's security? he shook, frantic.
They, the brunette started, as she swirled her gun around, took a nap, she settled. The permanent kind.
Jack, one of the young men wheezed. He walked lazily, with a limp and seemed to only be held up by Rodriguez' steady shoulder.
Prangley, the tattooed woman exclaimed, rushing at the young kid, crushing him, under her arms.
Still in pain, Jason reminded her.
Oh, shit! Sorry, she realized, taking a step back from him.
Don't worry. I'll walk it off, he offered, smiling.
You can't take my test subjects! What will I have to report to the director? the man flushed.
Your boss is long gone, Jack replied. Left with his tail between his legs. Fucking coward, she spat.
Miranda faked a gasp. Jack, language, she warned, as her omni-tool seemed to turn on.
The biotic raised an accusative finger, ready to lash out. You shut your whore mouth, you cheerleader piece of shit, was something more akin to what she had in mind. Of course, she could never say that. Not with the kids around. You, she snarled, her nostrils flaring, you're absolutely right. And I'm sorry.
Too easy, the brunette mused, playing it back from her omni-tool. Oh, this is going all over the extranet.
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The shuttle was hovering over a small gap, barely half a foot away from the docking bay. The Cerberus soldiers had scoured the installation and found it, an unauthorized vessel parked, probably the infiltrator's they had surmised and set up a barricade in preparation. The tattooed woman guided the group of children, a comely brunette bringing up the rear. The group of troopers that had assembled stood no chance against the diminutive woman's sheer will of determination.
Out of my way, she screamed, a shockwave sending them over the barrier, floating past the mass effect field that protected them from the vacuum of space. With the soldiers out of the way, the small ship's door jutted open. Jack, sensing the interior could be compromised strode forward, barriers up, ready for anything. Reaching the shuttle ahead of her students, she peered inside and saw that it was indeed clear. With one foot on the platform, the other on the entrance to the vessel, she motioned her students to board. Come on, you little rascals, she prodded them, still maintaining her vow to tone down the swearing.
Jack, I need a word with you, the brunette led her away from the shuttle.
Can't you tell me in the shuttle? she demanded.
Remember those explosive packs? The charges I used to clear that corridor? she tried to jolt her memory.
You want them back? the biotic wondered.
Miranda's train of thought derailed at the station, fumbling what to say. No, I, she exhaled, collecting herself. I was supposed to disable the defenses. That's why alliance sent me here. Then the Indomitable comes in and levels the place.
Weren't you here to retrieve the reaper code thing? the tattooed woman cocked an eyebrow.
That's why Liara sent me here, she replied rolling her eyes. The alliance has a different agenda.
So I'm guessing the security systems are online, Jack realized.
Very much so, agent Lawson affirmed.
And if we try to leave now? the biotic wondered.
We get blown, not ten feet away from this place, Miranda explained.
Shit, she stomped her foot. Shit, she shouted again.
I don't have the firepower anymore to bring it down, the brunette was nearly apologetic.
You shouldn't have used those packs, the ponytailed woman spat.
Fine. I'll just let us die next time, but right now, I need you. Your kids need you, she urged her. Jack, you've brought down stations, destroyed moons, you've made my life a living hell ...
What does that have to do with anything? Jack snapped.
What I meant to say is that you can do this and I can't, she admitted. I'll keep your kids safe till you get back.
No, Zero cut her off, through gritted teeth. The moment those defenses go down, you get my kids out of here. You get them somewhere safe.
You're asking me to leave you here? I can't do that, Jack. Shepard would skin me alive, the brunette flushed.
Yeah, Shepard, she thought to herself. Shepard was too mad at her to care, most probably. But she could make sure her kids would make it out alive. She raised her head and stared the woman in front of her straight in the eyes. Please, was all she could say.
Miranda's expression softened at the sight in front of her. Alright, she agreed with a sigh. But I'm coming back for you as soon as I drop your students off. Either we both live, or we both die here. There's no way I'm going back alone. Jack felt a lump in her throat and her eyes grew misty. She couldn't believe the cheerleader was triggering such a reaction from her. Not able to voice her agreement, she simply nodded and turned on her heel, dashing out of the docking bay. The brunette stood there for a moment, wondering if she really saw what she thought she saw, in the biotic's face. No. No way, she thought to herself, dismissing the thought, then walked back towards the shuttle. She took a look at the children cramped up inside, strapped down on the seats, exchanging playful remarks between them. Get yourselves comfortable, she prompted them. We're going to be here for a little while longer.
Where's our teacher, one of the students asked, a young man with a shaved head. Prangley was the name Jack had called him by.
She's, agent Lawson minced her words, got some blowing up to do.
Shepard's here? a very young looking boy with long hair jumped in, from the group. His comment made everyone unusually silent for a moment, before the children broke out in laughter.
They really are her students, Miranda realized with a smile.
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The small woman wondered around the installation. She brought up the schematics she had on her omni-tool, a little gift from her new "friend". She wasn't good with reading them, but the operative was kind enough to lay down a breadcrumb trail for her to follow. After many twists, turns and some backtracking, she found herself at the central command console, the element zero core that powered up the installation just beyond her reach, separated by thick glass. The number of flickering lights, readings, beeps, nobs, switches and levers were making her queasy. Thankfully, she realized, she wasn't there to tinker. Just break shit up. And if there was one thing that she took great pleasure at, this was it. With a growl, she pulled back her fists and blue lightning danced across her body. Repeatedly she slammed on the console in front of her, chassis, chips, wires and main boards flying about at each hit. The swirling fuel inside the core slowed down to a halt and the lights around her went off. Her fingers fumbled with the orange lights coming up from her left arm.
Miranda, can you read me? she asked, concerned.
I read you just fine. It's just that everything went dark all of a sudden, she replied.
I destroyed the command console. I think, Jack stammered. I'm, she started, only to stop mid sentence as the ground shook with a loud thud around her. The light from her omni-tool revealed a group of tall, hulking robots.
Jack? Jack? Are you still there? the voice came from her omni-tool.
Just get my kids out like you promised, the small woman retorted calmly, then closed the connection. Ymir mechs. Of course they'd have Ymir mechs, she realized, hearing the whir of their barrels. She sighed, resigned, her barrier illuminating the room. Why the hell not?
With a growl, she charged, slamming herself at the first of the mechs. The diminutive woman punched right through it, the robot exploding in the process. Strong stings hit her back. Ammo rounds. Her barrier was dropping fast. She lifted one of the droids still turning around towards her and slammed it against the source of her pain. The increasing number of explosions had fully illuminated the room and Jack could see even more Ymir models were being siphoned in. She needed an alternate escape route. She dug her fist deep into the hull and tore it open. She lifted the metal sheet over her, all the while screaming at the effort it took. Protected by the fire for the time being, she shone her omni-tool to the room below. As she didn't make out anything menacing around, she decided to jump down inside, the opening being too small for the mechs to follow.
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The shuttle slammed and skidded. She hadn't the time to be careful. She had to be in and out in less than three minutes. The kids in the back screamed and cried, terrified, even as the vessel was immobilized. She swung the door from the cockpit open, as the vessel's entrance jutted open. Get out. Now! All of you, she barked, prepping the engine for another run.
Where are you going? Prangley wondered.
To get your teacher. And if anyone asks, tell them not to blow Cerberus up yet, she informed the boy.
Good luck, he tried to shout over the sound of the engine, walking out. With the last of the group off her ship, Miranda span it around and darted off hurriedly.
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Red lights flickered everywhere. The station was getting increasingly more cold and breathing was difficult. Along with the defense systems, she had also disabled life support. It was a realization that came just a tad too late. Also, with the eezo core out of order, the mass effect fields were disabled, which meant that she would have to brave space itself, even if Miranda did make it back in time. She felt a vibration on her right hand.
Go ahead, she huffed, exhausted.
Jack, it's me. How are you holding up? the operative's voice sounded from her omni-tool.
Breathing's, she paused, hard, she settled.
I know. Just hang in there. I'm almost at the station, she relayed.
The biotic closed down the comm, saving her breath for the walk back. The mechs had disappeared, not one to be seen nor heard in the past five or so rooms she went through. Having taken care of most of the personnel with Miranda's help, she figured whatever troops had been left alive, had already evacuated the installation when life support started failing. Oxygen was becoming scarce and Jack was starting to see double. The entire ordeal had taken its toll, on the young biotic. More than once she had to stop and catch her breath, only that didn't work as well as she had hoped for in the first place. There really was no breath to be had anymore. She tried to grab as much oxygen she could, in her biotic bubble, only to realize air didn't quite work like that and trying to use her biotics made her even more tired.
One more time, she brought up the schematic. To her content, she noticed she was no more than a couple of rooms away from her destination. She picked up her stride, hope pushing her forward. Just one more room to go. The door opened and she walked in, but something felt odd. Something she couldn't really pinpoint. With great effort, she forced her barrier back on and walked carefully around. Her vision still double, it was hard to make much coherence of her surroundings, so she shut one eye as she took a few reluctant steps forward. There, she spotted it; a shadow coming from the swirling red light, too human like to be a coincidence. Jack turned around, throwing a warp at it's high ledge instinctively, only to feel a powerful hit, square at her abdomen, knocking the wind out of her. Zero fell down on her back, her assailant jumping off her nest, a nemesis. She held her sniper rifle aimed at the biotic. Though her prey didn't seem that hurt, she didn't seem able to fight back. Without so much as a breather mask, she looked spent, as she clutched her abdomen, where the bullet had hit her.
Go on, you Cerberus bitch. Shoot, Jack seemed to taunt her.
I'll never understand what people hope to accomplish with that, the nemesis monologued, aiming for Zero's head.
She wasn't talking to you, came a voice behind her. The Cerberus soldier turned around to stare down the barrel of a carnifex pistol. The round exited its chamber, accelerated by the warp core and penetrated the front side of the helmet. Without hesitation, it passed through steel, ceramic plating, flesh, bone and brain matter, splattering it all over Zero, on its way out. Her reaction made it clear she didn't mind. Cerberus bitch? Miranda complained.
I thought she might be too familiar with cheerleader slut, Jack kidded. Glad you found a thermal clip.
Had a bunch stuffed in the shuttle. Couldn't carry them all, the operative informed her, holding her pistol up for display. With the other hand, she tossed her a rebreather mask, which the biotic hurriedly donned. Can you walk? she offered her hand to lift the small woman up.
Zero looked up at her, taking the arm. Barely. That shot hurt like a son of a bitch.
Let's get out of here, before Alliance blows us both out. Come on, agent Lawson prompted them both. The two women rushed to the shuttle, Miranda driving off, nearly before the door had even closed. She helped Jack to her seat and even gave her a hand strapping down.
Thanks, said the surprised biotic, verily stunned at the care and attention the brunette seemed to give her.
It's nothing, she dismissed, her face more stoic than usual.
I didn't mean the seat belts, Zero clarified.
I know, Miranda said, after she turned to face her. Once more she shifted her attention to piloting the shuttle, her gaze searching for something in the space ahead. So, she began after a long silence, how did you imagine you'd find yourself between my legs?
Jack turned sideways to look at the brunette. Agent Lawson simply tried to look at her from the corner of her eye, before starting to chuckle. Ha, the small woman drawled, appreciating the joke. The two of them laughed for a while, before the view was marred by incoming fire. What was that?
That was the end of that Cerberus installation, Miranda explained.
Oh, Zero exclaimed. What ship are we boarding again?
The Indomitable, she reminded her.
Right, right, she replied and silenced herself for a moment. Wait, isn't that, she started.
Yes, Miranda confirmed.
Fuck, Jack exclaimed, hiding her face in her hands.
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*Long chapter. Took long to write it. Hope it takes a short time to like it. What do you think of the Jack/Miranda team up? Now, I should really work on getting the two lovebirds together again. Ashley/Vega and Garrus/Tali have such an easier time at it.