DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN MASS EFFECT OR ANY OF THE MUSIC LYRICS USED IN THIS FIC. ONLY THE PLOT OF THIS STORY AND MYSELF HAHAHAHA
Warning lots of Flashbacks and Author Insert.
Mass Effect the Immortal Series Part 2: Legacy of the Dragon
"Regular"
"Dragon"
Chapter 24: The Galactic Core
The final stop was Omega for the group had to get some much needed ammunition and gear for their final trek into the Omega-4 Relay. Martha suggested some additional shielding for the ship and some much needed weapons boost for the Thanix Cannon. Garrus went insane with happiness when he saw the improvements.
"Its own power core system! The Thanix Cannon has its own Power Core System! Spirits! How I would kill for something like that on a Turian Ship," he had said while dancing around adjusting the calibrations of the gun to make sure they were perfect for when they fired.
As for Jeff and Shepard things have been awkward since Thane's speech to Jeff a few hours before.
Still the crew was waiting and was anxious.
As they waited for final clearance to leave Omega they had received a signal coming from just beyond the Omega – 4 Relay from one of the systems that Martha had mentioned was also there. It was from the Galactic Core and the Republic of the Ancients. Wishing Shepard and her crew good luck on hunting down the Collectors.
As they started their final approach Jeff was making final adjustments to the navigation and course correction for when they entered the Omega-4.
"Jeff I am picking up an unknown signal from just outside our sensor range," EDI said as her blue orb popped into view.
"What? Is it the Collectors?" Jeff said checking his instruments.
"Unknown however they are out of sensor range and have been following us for some time," EDI said.
"Notify Shepard she needs to know immediately," Jeff said.
As if reading his mind Shepard came rushing onto the bridge and onto the Galactic Map platform.
"Joker what we got?" she called.
"An unknown craft has been following us just outside our sensor range. EDI has been able to pinpoint it but has yet been unable to identify," Jeff replied.
"Is it friend or foe?" Shepard asked.
"I don't know it is not hailing..." Jeff was interrupted by EDI.
"Ship Identification confirmed it is the Collectors!" EDI said.
"Shit!" Jeff cursed.
"They are on a predetermined course...right for us Shepard," EDI replied.
"Alright if they want to fight then they will get it!" With that Shepard pressed a button on the main screen.
"THIS IS COMMANDER SHEPARD ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS! THIS IS NOT A DRILL! ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS I REPEAT THIS IS NOT A DRILL. WE HAVE COLLECTORS INBOUND, I REPEAT WE HAVE COLLECTORS INBOUND I WANT ALL HANDS TO BATTLE STATIONS!" Alarms began to blare across the ship as crew members rushed to arm themselves.
Jacob ran out with several guns and began to toss them out to any crew member available. Kelly Chambers being that she has never held a gun before rushed into the cockpit with Jeff while the said pilot was trying to find a way out.
"Shit! Commander they have planted a virus into our systems!" he shouted.
"Fuck!" Shepard said as she rushed to get armed. There was no time to rush up to her quarters for her armor as the Collectors began to make their way onto the ship.
"Why are we not moving!" Shepard shouted.
"I'm sorry Commander but somehow the Collectors have disabled our engines with some sort of EMP pulse. My main drive core is shielded against such an assult. Legion and Martha has been helpful in upgrading our cyberwarfare suites," EDI said.
"Good have Legion guard the Medbay and the A.I. Core I want everything watched. All non combat personnel to the cockpit while those on other decks go to their designated areas MOVE!" she shouted.
Jacob tossed her an assault riffle while he went to grab his.
Shepard grabbed her gun and started to load it when the ship suddenly rocked.
"What the fuck was that!" she shouted.
"Hull breech on Engineering!" EDI shouted over the blaring alarms.
Another explosion rocked the ship. This one closer to the CIC as Shepard held on to something.
Something attaching to the side of the ship told her that the Collectors are trying to board.
"Shit!"
MEANWHILE
Zaeed Massani was with Jack as the first of the Collectors broke onto the ship.
Grunt was helping some of the civilians get to cover including the engineering team. He began to open fire on a Sion while Jack hurled some fire at them. Zaeed launched some missiles hoping to get through to Grunt. Even though this was a civilian ship he knew it could withstand the pressure.
The Sion tried to move away and fire its own weapon. This one affects kinetic barriers.
"Shit!" one of the other defenders said as his shields went down.
"Get to cover asshole and try to hold them off," Zaeed said as he put on the cover fire.
The doors to engineering suddenly opened and Martha came out from there. She began firing on several Collector Drones as they started for the Engineers. Taking her gun and holstering it she then unleash a violent lightning storm on the Collector assault troops.
It was then that the ground began to shake as Grunt came charging through the crowd and barreled into the group knocking them over.
"Grunt get over here you overgrown dickhead!" Jack yelled as she pulled the Krogan to safety away from an impaling spike. The Krogan was grateful as he opened fire on a group of them coming at them.
Martha was quicker as she threw down her gun and reached for her lightsaber. Activating only one blade she raced down and slashed a group of them in one slice. At the same time the unleashed a string of flame at them. Then using a biotic pulse pushed them back towards the entrance where they came in.
"JACK YOU AND THE OTHERS GET TO THE WEAPONS LOCKER AND ARM EVERYONE. I WANT DEFENSIVE POSSITIONS AROUND THE CORE AND SEE IF YOU CAN ROUND UP THE OTHERS!" Martha shouted as she fought off another group of shock troopers.
"I'm on it!" Jack shouted as she and Grunt quickly reloaded and she provided a shield with a barrier to protect them from the swarms of bugs that came at them.
Martha grabbed her gun and started firing again keeping her barrier up as she took out several more Collector shocktroopers. Using her firebending she took out another swarm of seekers and cut her way across to the nearest one. Using her speed she cut through the group with her lightsaber. One tried to shoot her but she deflected it with her lightsaber and then sliced his shooting arm off. Jack followed suit with the people behind her as she raced towards the gun racks in Zaeed's quarters to arm the engineers. All of them former Alliance soldiers from various ships. Tali being among them rushed to arm herself with her favorite shotgun. She was in constant contact with Legion as the Geth had taken a position in the medical bay with Dr. Chakwas and those in the crew quarters who had made it to the medical bay.
Shepard was busy in the CIC trying to fight off the Collectors who had invaded the bridge with several other crew members.
Martha raced towards the elevator but found that the power had been cut.
"Shit!" she cursed as she ran for the maintenance shaft in Jack's quarters.
MEANWHILE
Shepard kept firing away as she was covering some of the crew who had not made it to the cockpit yet. Under the stairs was another good place to hide but she could not make it to the shaft. Jacob and Mordin were fighting off the ones trying to get into the communications rooms and she was left with a couple of security guards. Thane and Chakwas reported in with their problems and Zaeed and Jack had told her of their situation in Engineering. When she heard that Martha was making her way up from the maintainance shafts.
Shepard fired a few more round when something hit her leg. There was some blood coming from it as she tried to still the flow. It was gushing out and Shepard was trying her best to catorize the wound. Another shot rang out as she tried to stem that. They managed to shoot her good. Looking around the corner she spotted a sniper just off to the right of the main hatch. She fired a few shots but was unable to get through. The hull of the ship was well built and she knew that if she don't get help soon she would die.
It was then that she spotted water vapor coming out from one of the coolant pipes. It was then that she remembered Jeff's lessons on waterbending.
He used it to heal his most grevious of wounds perhaps I can do the same. Shepard said as she tried to focus on the water but her mind was starting to slip.
COCKPIT
Jeff could feel Shepard slipping as he and the others on the bridge were rushed into the cockpit which was mostly himself, Hadley, Chambers, and Mitchel and Jay Jay. He could see all that was going on thanks to EDI and when he saw Shepard take a hit to the leg he was instantly on his feet. In his hand was a modified sidearm and his lightsaber bounced in his pocket.
Diving in to a hatch that was under the floorboards Jeff did not hesitate to help. Chambers was screaming for him but Hadley held her back.
MEANWHILE
Shepard tried to get up but she was loosing too much blood. She then started to lose consciousness as she was trying to stay awake. She quickly used her belt to try and tourniquet the leg to slow blood loss. She was also running out of ammo.
As she loaded her last clip into her heat sink she just was about to fire when a big Sion came upon her. She tried to fight it off when it threw her against the bulkhead. Trying to get up she fought to get a steady footing. She tried to get a fair shot at but her eyes were full of spots and she could not see past a red haze.
"MARIA!" a voice shouted.
"Jeff?" she whispered to herself.
Suddenly the ground lit up as the Sion was thrown away from her. Jeff came at her with his lightsaber activated and raised.
"My Jedi knight," Shepard joked.
Suddenly more Collectors came and Jeff had his lightsaber read as he deflected shots with the green light blade.
"Maria we need to get you out of here," Jeff said as he formed a barrier and called through his omni-tool. "Mordin I need you in the CIC Shepard's been hit!" he said. Looking to the side the two security guys are still alive but barely.
"I am on my way," was the reply.
Jeff used his assault rifle to open fire on the shock troopers that tried to make a break to the two men. Using his barrier he prevented them from sending seekers out to the group. Then using firebending he burned the bugs away. But all this energy was taking its toll on him as he fought to maintain his barrier.
CREW QUARTERS
The shaft under the A.I. Core was opened as Martha came out with her lightsaber in hand.
"Grandmaster I have maintained the A.I. Core there are over 1,567, 324 attempts to deactivate the system and take control. EDI and I have been able to disable all of their systems but the launch areas are still occupied." Legion said as he was still connected to the A.I. Core.
"Alright keep it up Legion," Martha said as she raced out.
Dr, Chakwas was busy trying to help people who were shot as she came by and shot a couple of brutes.
"What's the situation!" Martha asked.
"Miranda, Garrus and Thane are on the other side while Legion, Kasumi, Samara and I are trapped here trying to protect the noncombatants," Dr. Chakwas said.
"Shit," Martha said as she ducked.
There was glass everywhere as she reloaded her clip and fired on some shock troops.
"Where are they coming from!" Martha said.
"They came from engineering and then into here but so far we have been separated." Dr. Chakwas said.
"Alright Legion is trying to protect the A.I. Core so that means I need you to keep these people safe. You are ex-Alliance so that means that I need you at your best understand," Martha said and the doctor nodded.
"Good," Martha said as she leaped out the window and began to attack the Collectors. She unleashed her lightsaber as she attacked them. Splitting it up into two different lightsabers she began a double bladed attack. She was joined by gunfire from Garrus who was camped out in the main battery with some other security detail. Miranda was with Gardner in her office firing shots.
Martha played this game before several times as she was nothing but a whirlwind of light and power. Using airbending to increase her speed she cut right into the group of Collectors. She then opened fire with her gun at the ones nearest the door. Two pistols went to work dealing a lot of damage. Silent in their make but packing quite the punch Martha sent two bullets into a couple of Collector foot soldiers. A large group of husks suddenly came rushing out from the elevator as a larger Praetorian emerged. Instantly biotic energy emerged from it only to be blocked with Martha's stronger barrier. The others began to fire at it only to be distracted by the husks.
"Kill the husks and leave this bad boy to me!" Martha said and twirled her two lightsabers around.
"You heard her fire at the husks!" Miranda shouted and she and Garrus being closest began to pick off the husks. Dr. Chakwas being with two others who could shoot began to open fire. Deflecting a few other blows with her lightsaber she began to attack.
Samara and Kasumi did cover fire while Garrus and Miranda took out the husks.
Martha rushed into the fight and dove when the Praetorian fired again. Doing a roll she came up to the creature and swung her lightsaber at its head. The creature deflected it with his mandables careful of the light blade. Martha headbutted it before burning it with firebending. The Praetorian screamed in pain when she shoved it into the wall and struck her hand into its body where there are no husk heads and tore out its heart.
The creature screamed as she threw it into another group of drone shock troopers.
Another Praetorian was thrown into the group and Thane came out from the Crew Quarters. His lightsaber was flashing violet as he flew through the crowd and began to show the finesse of a former assassin. Linking her lightsabers again in mid flight Martha backflipped behind him and together they began to pelt the larger ones with bullets. A buzzing sound alerted them to seeker swarms coming up the elevator shafts so both Thane and Martha put up barriers along with every biotic onboard the ship. The seekers came out of nowhere as she deflected their blows before she and Thane firebended them down. The flame set the little creatures on fire before the fire alarms finally went off and water began to pour from the sprinklers. But not before being stopped by the two dragons. Both of them used the water to torpedo the rest of the Collectors.
When the attack was over Martha rushed toward the elevator.
"Grandmaster what should we do now?" Thane asked.
"Jack is down in engineering dealing with the ones coming in from the hanger. I need you to help those in here get this place secure and take care of the wounded. I am going up to the bridge and see what I can do from there," Martha said as she headed towards the elevator.
"Aal Drem Aak Drun Hind, (May Peace Bring you Hope)" Thane said.
"Aal Hind Krii Hin Hokoron, (May Hope Kill your Enemies)" Martha replied before running off.
MEANWHILE
Jeff barely was holding on being trapped behind one of the pillars of the CIC. His assault riffle had long ago ran out of ammo and now he is using a pistol. He was tired and weak too weak to call on his biotics as he held out the longest against the Collectors then anyone else on the ship. Shepard was safe with Mordin who was treating her wounds.
"EDI how much longer till you get the ship moving again?" Jeff called as he painfully fired a few more shot at some drone shock troopers. His barrier is what keeping the seekers at bay but it is slowly weakening. He is too weak to do any firebending having spent his energy keeping his legs working and defending Shepard. He was very tired and very sore. The Collectors had managed to get him in his side and he was bleeding out but some waterbeing from the sprinklers had helped some.
"Legion and I are working to bring the systems online and Tali is trying to restart the engines. We need about ten more minutes before we are ready to depart from this place," EDI said.
"Shit EDI I don't think we have enough time!" Jeff shouted to her.
"Just hold them for ten minutes that is all Legion and I need to purge the system." EDI said.
"What about the protocols that Martha gave you can you use them?" Jeff said.
"I am already using them to my full capacity along with Legion. The protocols are the ones that have kept us safe so far but without the engines at full power the H3 fuel cells are the only things keeping me functional. They will not last for another ten minutes at this rate," EDI said.
"Tebe!(Fuck!)" Jeff cursed in dragon.
He tried to shoot his enemies but his clips ran out.
"Gov! (Shit!)" Jeff cursed again as he tried to reach for his lightsaber.
The light blade has protected him so far. But right now his arms ache and one was broken. He can't swing it like he should and his biotics are nearly exhausted trying to keep the barrier up. He could barely make out the blackness that started to come to him.
Jeff held on as long as he could praying for some chance they could get out.
Just as his barrier failed another took its place and this one was the familiar blue of someone he knew very well.
Shepard! He thought as he turned.
Sure enough Shepard was there at the entrance to the armory holding her side and using a barrier to protect him and herself. Jacob and Mordin were by her side. Jacob reinforcing the barrier with his own and Mordin was busy helping the two security guards up and hauling them back towards the Armory.
"Jeff we have Chambers and the others we used the maintenance shafts to get them to safety now come on!" Shepard said as she opened fire on another shock trooper.
"We need to give EDI time to finish the systems purge there is someone hacking into the system!" Jeff shouted to her.
"We also need to get them off my ship!" growled Shepard as she fired again on another group of attackers.
The doors to the elevator suddenly opened and Shepard was prepared for another round of Collectors coming from the rear.
Instead she was met with one short woman. This one was armed.
Martha came out in a blaze of fire as she took out the seekers to get to her grandson. She was mad and when she was mad she was going to get even. Opening fire on the Collectors was something Shepard nor Jeff had seen before in the angry woman. She attacked with a ferocity that could kill hundred of people should she truly unleash her power. But she kept it contained enough to incinerate anyone who strays too close. Using her lightsaber she deflected the shots of the troops still coming into the hatch. Then with enough force to drive anyone out she then hurled out the remaining troops out of the airlock back onto their ship.
"EDI activate protocol zulu, zulu alpha omega foxtrot beta!" Martha shouted.
"Activating," EDI said and suddenly the ship started to lurch from the movement.
"What was that grandma?" Jeff shouted from his hiding place.
"Something I installed to insure that no one steals the ship," Martha smirked.
"Critical systems repaired initializing reboot of main engines," EDI said.
Martha then made one final push to get the Collectors off of the Normandy. She along with Shepard and Jacob began to use their biotics to push the Collectors back through the way they came.
"Ok on the count of three we are going to make one final push then EDI I want you to make a break for it understood?" Shepard shouted.
"Yes Shepard," EDI replied.
"Alright lets get these son of a bitches off of my ship!" Shepard said and all three of them gave one heavy push and they flew off of the ship before the hatch closed on them and they could feel the ship lurch as it took off.
Martha dashed into the cockpit and resumed control while Shepard rushed to Jeff's side. They could feel the Thanix Cannon opening fire on the Collector ship just before the ship turned again towards the Omega-4 relay.
"Is everyone ok?" Shepard asked the crew in the cockpit.
"We are fine thanks to Jeff he made sure we were safe before going after you," Kelly said from her spot next to the door.
"Yeah Joker really came through for us and for you," Hadley said.
"Joker that was stupid and reckless you could have gotten yourself killed!" Shepard screamed at Jeff.
"I could not bare to see you hurt again Maria. I could not bare it if I let you die again like before," Jeff said turning away.
"Hey look at me," she said gently and Jeff looked up at her emerald eyes.
"You were very brave today, stupid but brave I commend you for it," she said.
"Where is my grandmother?" Jeff said asking for Martha.
"She is in the cockpit steering this ship away from the debris and preparing for the final assault into the Omega-4 Relay," Jacob said slowly helping Jeff up. He noted the broken bones and lacerations on Jeff's body.
"I will take care of him," Mordin said securing Jeff as he headed towards the elevator that would take him down to the Medical Bay.
Shepard walked with them to check up on the ship leaving Jacob there with the crew.
"Alright people we did good now lets take it to the Collectors," Jacob said.
"Not so fast first we need to repair the ship and then we can deal with the Collectors. The thrusters are not responsive so only that burst into light speed have saved us from harm. Now we need to stop and access the damage before we fully enter the relay," Martha's voice said over the comm.
Jacob sighed more delays.
LATER
As it turns out the damage was minimum and the extent of it was not as bad as one thought. The armor that Martha had installed worked like a charm. It was only through the hacking efforts of the Collectors that they were able to enter the ship in the first place. They used an EMP field to make their way onto the ship and failed to capture anyone thanks to Shepard's readiness plan. Martha had also been a huge asset as well. The Immortal had proven her worth fighting off the Collectors and helping to organize the crew into a fighting force. Her own officers could have easily done it had they not been pinned down. Shepard stood with a sling on her shoulder and her leg was badly hurt but she was not ready to give up just yet.
There was just one more thing on mind before she was ready to fight the Collectors. That was the grandmaster herself. Opening the door to the cockpit she was confronted by something she did not see everyday.
Martha sat there piloting the Normandy like nothing Shepard had seen before. The woman had it in her to fly them into the core.
"How is my grandson doing?" she asked.
"He is fine taking a bath literally," Shepard said remembering Jeff being lowered into a tub of water.
"Water has healing powers it is good that he remembers that," Martha said while navigating them towards the Omega-4.
"How long till we reach the relay?" Shepard asked as she sat down in the copilot's chair.
"About twelve hours since we had to steer clear of the relay thanks to our friends." Martha said.
"How long can you hold up like this till we get there," Shepard asked.
"Jeff should be fine after two hours in the tub and something to eat. After that we will be at the relay until then I will pilot the ship. You should get some rest Commander all the fighting has taken a toll on you," Martha said.
"I can't after all this I am ready for a good fight," Shepard said.
"I know but your shoulder needs healing," Martha replied.
"I know," Shepard said.
Martha paused in her piloting to look at Shepard. Slowly she stood up from her chair and walked over to the Commander.
"What are you doing?" Shepard asked.
"Hold still," Martha replied and grabbed Shepard's shoulder and she could feel a burning sensation pouring into her and a light suddenly emerging from her and started to mend some of her wounds. Suddenly the shoulder bandage fell along with her sling and her splint.
When Martha was done she looked at Shepard's face and found her shocked expression amusing.
"What you are not the first person I have healed," Martha said as she sat back down.
"No I have never been healed like that before," Shepard replied.
"I know that, so what do you say now that we are here and the Collectors have made themselves known that we take them down eh?" Martha said with a smirk.
"And what shall we do in the meantime? My crew is hurt or dead and our only pilot is recovering from multiple injuries." Shepard said.
"Jeff is not the only pilot," Martha said and returned to flying the ship.
"You? But I need you to fight since obviously you are the most powerful biotic in the galaxy," Shepard said.
"Yes and my grandson is not going to be happy if I took his baby on a joyride without his permission. No you are not ready to fight the Collectors yet. Your ship needs to be repaired but that can wait right now we need to rearm and then we need to deal with those bastards once and for all," Martha said with determination on her face.
"What are you not telling me?" Shepard said her voice low.
"I heard rumors that the Collectors are building something in the core. My connections with the Republic of the Ancients had told me that the Collectors had been doing a lot of activity lately. The Protheans are the most concerned since normally the Collectors stick to their area of space. Now however they had moved out towards the main arm of the galaxy. When I told them of the attacks on human colonies they had a feeling that the Collectors were up to something to require that many humans," Martha said.
"You sure about this?" Shepard said.
"Yes, that is why I joined your group other then to see my children and make amends," Martha said.
"I understand," Shepard said.
"So what now Commander this is your ship after all," Martha said.
"Well for starters can you make me one of those weapons you have I feel kind of off watching you Jedi at work," she smirked.
"Ah I see Jeff has introduced some old vids to you eh?" Martha said.
"Nah saw them back on Earth when I was living on the streets," Shepard replied.
"Well the truth is, it is going to take some time to build your own lightsaber so you can borrow my daughter Vanessa's one in the meantime. And since we are on the subject of Lightsabers I would suggest that you watch were you are pointing with that thing," Martha jested.
"I know how to handle a sword," Shepard replied.
"Really?" Martha said.
"I learned a few things in N7 bootcamp," Shepard replied.
"Dealing with old fashion swords not lightsabers. These are more...intricate to handle," Martha replied before getting back to work in steering the ship.
"I will go check on Jeff now," Shepard said getting up.
"You do that," Martha replied.
The trip to the galactic core was rough as Martha had to steer them through a minefield towards the main Collector base. Jeff, it would appear had suffered some broken ribs from a shockwave and was too drained to fly the ship. So he sat there in the copilot's chair while Martha steered the ship. Shepard watched as the immortal effortlessly steered the ship through the debris field when they came on the other side of the Omega-4 Relay.
"Entering the debris field and putting the ship on full stealth," Martha said and engaged the systems on the ship.
"Why full stealth? Do we have the full stealth system on this ship?" Jeff asked from his seat. His hand was bandaged from the impact of the pistol he had held when defending the CIC.
"Yes, I installed it while on Omega," Martha said happily.
So far Jeff's injuries were wrapped in wet bandages to help with the healing process. His ribs took the most impact from the fight and his fall. He was fine other then that. When his barriers went down was when he took the hit. If Shepard had not raised her own barrier along with Jacob then he would have been dead.
Martha steered through the field and Jeff saw how good his grandmother was at flying this ship. He was one of the best pilots out there but he does not have the centuries of experience that Martha had. He was glad to call her grandmother.
The immortal steered the ship clear of the debris field and into open space monitoring for any hostiles.
"I detect on unknown object out near the core," EDI said.
"I can see that EDI do you detect any hostiles in the facility Collector and synthetic alike?" Martha asked.
"I detect multiple enemies hidden in the debris field Martha most of them automated drones. However there are one or two larger dreadnaught class vessels within the larger facility. I am also detecting a power source simular to a Reaper within the facility," EDI confirmed.
"Shit! I knew it!" Martha growled.
"What did you know?" Shepard asked with an eyebrow raised.
"My sources in the core had been getting reports of possible Reaper activity for quite a while but we did not know what. The Collectors had been busy trying to collect as much humans as possible. We thought at first it was some sort of new experiment but now we know for sure now." Martha said.
"Sure of what?" Jeff asked.
"That they are using the humans to grow a Reaper," Martha said.
"Grow a Reaper?" Shepard said in shock.
"Yeah Reapers are not built the same way you would build a Geth or a Mobility bot. No Reapers are Leviathan Tech gone wild and Leviathan Tech are all grown organically. They use live living organic tissue and roboticize it into another member of their kind. That is how they have been so successful. We now have proof if these readings are right. The Senate is going to want to hear this!" Martha said.
"Fuck! If that is the case then more so we have to take that thing down," Shepard said.
"My thoughts exactly," Martha said.
"Joker when we hit the ground I want you back at the helm if you are able. Martha when you land this thing I want it somewhere where they can't see us and make sure they can't see us. I am going to have engineering and everyone able to start repairs I want to be out of here as fast as possible." Shepard said.
"I know and what of the Illusive Man?" Martha said.
"I will take care of him," Shepard replied.
ILLUSIVE MAN'S HIDEOUT
The Illusive Man sat there behind his holographic interface staring at the screen in front of him. A blue light suddenly shown itself and Shepard appeared.
"You are late reporting," he growled.
"Sorry sir we were attacked by the Collectors," Shepard replied.
Turning he saw that indeed Shepard showed signs of a hard fight.
"That set us back for sometime you know that right Lilith," he said.
"Sorry sir it won't happen again. We are now on the other side of the Omega-4 Relay nearing the Collector base. So far nothing but I finally managed to get communications back online to make my report," Shepard replied.
"So it seems EDI has been keeping me informed of your progress with the Dragon Prince. It would seem as if you have him just were I need him," the Illusive Man said.
"Yes, soon he would be in Cerberus's control," with that Shepard's line went dead.
NORMANDY SR-2
When the line was cut Shepard gave a sigh of relief acting was not one of her things but this game is proving to be dangerous.
"You have done well Commander." Miranda said.
"You of all people surprise me Miranda why the change of heart?" Shepard asked.
"After witnessing what they are willing to do to achieve their goals I had to question their motives. The Goa'uld queen was just the beginning of the turning point. I've also did some digging and found other horrific experiments going on that I am ashamed of. If we are going to do this we need to do it right Shepard. And going on this mission has been the right choice," Miranda said.
"So what are you going to do about it Cheerleader?" Jack said standing off to the side.
"I am going to put an end to this quietly in the shadows. As long as Cerberus is alive then I will help you as best I can Shepard. You have proven to me that you can be trusted and you will do what it takes to do the right thing." Miranda said.
Jack walked up to her and the two eyed each other out before Jack gave Miranda a hug surprising the other woman, "Don't worry about Oriana we will keep an eye on her," Jack said.
"Now we have work to do people so dismissed. Martha has landed us in an area the Collectors have left abandoned. But we still are vulnerable. Joker should be up and about in a bit thanks to our dear old Doc. But we need to get to them and fast. Martha how big you said this Reaper was?" Shepard demanded.
"I don't know exactly but I have to say at least destroyer class at least," Martha said joining them in the briefing room.
"How's Joker?" Shepard said all business.
"Jeff will be fine a shower should finish the healing process. As for our landing site it is beneath their sensors, but I would not doubt that they know we are here," Martha said.
"Alright folks we need to shut these bastards down for good. We have three dragons and on Asari Justicar so that gives us the advantage with biotics. Miranda you, and Garrus are leaders for our detraction team. I will lead the infiltration team through the back. I want someone with tech skills to try and enter here," Shepard said pointing.
"Mordin I need you to remain behind with Dr. Chakwas as backup we are going to need it. Your STG skills will come in handy when we break past their system firewalls. Martha your infiltration skills will come in handy I need you to find the main control panels and disable them. That will allow us to meet at the main chamber and deal with the Reaper construct. Any questions?" Shepard said.
"Nope,"
"None,"
"I'm with you Shepard,"
"I am with you all the way Commander,"
With everyone in their squads Shepard assigned some people to their posts with Tali and Legion running as Tech support while Garrus and Miranda made up the other two teams each with one Dragon member and one heavy hitting tank. Grunt made up Garrus's team while Zaeed took up Miranda's. Martha being the strongest of the Dragons and the master of infiltration will go on her own to deal with the main control center.
"Alright people good luck." Shepard said.
Saluting they made their way out of the airlock towards their destinations. Thankfully the mass effect fields around the ship allow atmosphere outside of the facility. Shepard had her team head towards the main ducts while Tali took the secondary power coupling to her right. Garrus and Miranda both took their teams through their planned routes leaving Martha alone to deal with her own mission.
"Grandma?"
Martha turned to see Jack walk up to her just before they left.
"Yes Jack?" Martha asked.
Before she could say another word Jack enveloped her an a tight embrace, "Good luck," Jack said.
Martha hugged her back, "You too," she said.
She then ran off to join Garrus's group. Looking up Martha saw Jeff at the entrance to the ship limping along. Martha also gave him a hug before shifting her form to that of a Collector. Taking flight she managed to find an entrance just above the main hanger.
This looks like a good place to start. She said as she shifted her form into that of a seeker insect. Taking flight once more she entered the base following the swarms as they made their way towards the main control hub.
MEANWHILE
"Ah shit that can't be good!" Jeff said as he sat down once again in the cockpit. Typing in commands he had the ship ready to begin launch procedures to prepare the Normandy for an emergency departure. He was reading the diagnostics when he saw the swarms of seekers heading in Shepard's direction.
The groups had made it to the rendezvous point only to be confronted by hordes of Collector troops.
"Ah shit!" he could hear Jack scream as she blasted another group of seekers with a fireball. Firebending helps deal with the seekers as both she and Thane set them ablaze. Jacob and Miranda provided the barriers while Samara used her biotics to help feed energy into the two Dragon members. Shepard managed to get grazed by a stray bullet but that did not stop her from putting a bullet into Harbinger. Jeff had to heave a sigh of relief that she is still alive. Checking the feeds he saw that his grandmother is still a ways away from the main control center.
Shepard and the others are currently pinned down as they are being over run by heavy Resistance. Harbinger was the hardest to hit since he has biotics. Shepard had a hell of a time killing him each time he appears.
Jeff had an idea off of a sudden tapping the comm. Unit he nearly yelled into it.
"Shepard, Maria if you can hear me tell Jack and Thane to use firebending on Harbinger he is practically energy and firebending is the manipulation of energy so use it!" he said.
The response is instant as both Thane and Jack fought back. Providing cover fire Shepard and co managed to keep the two dragons covered while they target Harbinger. Breathing a sigh of relief Jeff leaned back against his chair once more.
MEANWHILE
Martha had just made it to the main corridor that would take her to the control room of the facility. Being a seeker does have its advantages. Feigning damage also helps as other Collectors ordered her to the main repair facility. She hurried down the corridor towards the main control unit. She could hear the shooting from her ear piece as she hurried towards the controls.
When she had gotten there she transformed back into her original self and began shooting. Using air bending she blew the rest out of her way as she forced the door open.
There was the most grotesque sight that would meet anyone. It was a huge bug of sorts with many legs.
"Fuck! I don't know if your a flea or a crab," Martha said and began to point her gun out at it.
The creatures eyes glowed a golden color before Martha felt herself being enveloped in a glow of yellow energy.
You are a persistent one I give you credit immortal the voice behind the creature said.
"Nice to see you too Harbinger," Martha said as the creature tried to attack her. Martha used her airbending to sweep the creature off the ledge into the tunnels beyond.
You are clever in using Shepard to gain access to this facility however you are too late the ascension has already begun, Harbinger said.
"Well two words to that squid brain FUCK YOU!" Martha said and cut the communication line between him and the facility.
Typing in a few more commands in Prothean she managed to get into the system.
"Shepard this is Martha I'm in," she said over the comm unit.
"Any resistance?" Shepard joked.
"Oh yeah quite a bit I told Harbinger where to shove it," Martha replied.
"Alright get me some schematics and see if you can spot where we have to go from here," Shepard replied.
"On it!" Martha replied as she began to hack into the system.
"EDI can you see anything," Martha asked her comm.
"There is a chamber up ahead of Shepard and the rest and there is going to be a lot of resistance along the way. The Reaper is being held at the far end of the central chamber." EDI replied.
"Fuck!" Martha cursed in Dragon as she opened the comm to Shepard before relaying the information.
"Shit is this bad how much more information can you tap out of the computers?" Shepard asked.
"I gotten all I need Commander and setting the charges now," Martha replied.
"Good 'cause we are going to need your help soon." Shepard replied.
"On it!" Martha shouted as she ran towards the main controls and began to work on the mass effect fields.
Suddenly the doors began to open and troops began to pour into the room.
"Fuck!" Martha cursed again as she hid behind the controls. Holding up her gun she began to fire back at them before leaping over the consul and unleashing a lightning charge. The whole wave went down as she ran through them towards the edge and leaped off.
Transforming into a dragon she flew off towards the central chamber.
MEANWHILE
Shepard had to shoot her way through her troops and she is nearly running out of ammo. Throwing biotic toss after biotic toss she was growing weaker along with Jack, Thane, Samara, Miranda and Jacob. The others were already running out of ammo and tried their best to fight off this enemy. Grunt was even feeling the heat as the Krogan ran out of heavy ammo some time ago.
"Shit! We can't get through and I am too tired to bring up another barrier," Miranda said as she used the last of her clips to kill off a few husks.
"There is too many of them," Jacob said as he too ran out of bullets.
"I'm out!" Jacob called.
You're out but I'm not a voice said and Martha came flying through from above and began a fiery assault. Landing just in front of the group she began to breathe fire on the Collectors.
Transforming she activated her lightsaber and began to hack and slash through the rows of Collectors. Using the blade as a shield like the Jedi she named it after Martha deflected the shots and they bounced back at the Collectors. Jack and Thane quickly joined her as they too activated their lightsabers and began to fight. Fresh and full of energy Martha sent a massive shockwave towards the oncoming troops. Turning on the other end of the lightsaber she began to attack the Collectors with a vigor. Using both sides to her white lightsaber she split the two and began with dual weapons. Shepard watched as the woman was sending wave after wave at the troops coming through.
"Come on let's go!" Shepard shouted as she led the rest of the team away from the entrance. She then began to fire on the ones trying to come in from behind. Suddenly a ring of fire appeared as Martha did a move that Shepard only seen Jeff do in training. She lit all the Collectors around her from the inside like how Harbinger does with taking control. Shepard ran towards the platform that would take them to the Reaper Construct.
Garrus, Miranda, Samara and the others followed leaving the three dragons behind. Once they were safely away Martha quickly gathered up the other two and transformed into her dragon form flying after them as they floated towards their destination. The huge tunnel was filled with pods all of them filled with humans from the looks of it and Shepard was sad to see them like this.
"Martha is there anyway for us to help these people?" she asked.
Yes, The Normandy has a beaming upload which can beam the people out of the pods and store them as energy data for now due to the amount of people. When we can get as far away as possible we can arrange a transport for them to safely be returned to their homes through the stargate. Martha replied.
"Sounds good to me!" Shepard replied as they exited the tunnel and found themselves in shock by what laid ahead.
TBC