The Threat That Looms Ahead: Chapter 25: A Future For Krogan
The Normandy had managed to reach the moon orbiting Tuchanka, without being spotted by the Turian fleet, then followed the satelite around, to retain her cover. Once there, Tali had taken the malfunctioning AI offline again, in order to resume her work of restoring it to its full capacity. Meanwhile, a shuttle had circled around and managed to safely land on the surface of the planet below, manned by four people. Three humans and an Asari. Quite possibly against his better judgement, the Captain had decided to leave the Turian he had trusted so many times before, back on board. Tensions were running high between Krogan and Turians. Perhaps bringing Garrus along would stir more trouble than help his case. As it were, the Krogan had welcomed the group, when it arrived, with preparations on the supply station already finished and a tomkah awaiting to take the visitors to the compound where Wrex had made his home. The ride itself was long, but uneventful. In spite of the rough terrain of the northern wastes, the Krogan driver knew how to avoid the bumpier patches. To Shepard and the other two who followed him into the vehicle, Cortez opting to stay behind with the shuttle, it didn't seem like the tomkah was touching the ground, rather just consistently floating on air, all the way till it reached its destination.
The Krogan that drove the infantry vehicle pressed down on a few keys on his console repeatedly. Damn cold, he vexed, pressing on his keys even harder. That. Fucking. Cold, he settled, punching the console with each word, as if that would fix whatever was wrong.
What's the matter? the captain wondered.
It's too fucking cold outside. It made my hydraulics freeze and now I can't open the damn side door, the bulky driver spat.
Are we stuck? a weird looking human woman asked, in a rather demanding tone. The Krogan had seen human females before. None that looked like her. Most of them, reminded him of the Asari, only with weirder things on their head, rather than the tentacles he had grown used to.
We can still climb out from the top hatch, the Asari offered, pointing at a valve on the roof, inside a large oval orifice.
Let me get that for you, the Krogan offered, hastily getting off his seat.
No need, the captain offered and motioned him to sit down with a wave of his hand. Shepard pulled on a metal bar, dropping a ladder that reached just below his abdomen. Putting a leg on it, he hoisted himself up, the valve just in his reach. With a heavy grunt, his arms glowing with a blue light, he twisted it, the metallic wheel screeching under the pressure. Eventually, he pushed the lid up, the cold breeze swarming inside the tomkah. He took a glance below, to see a human woman, in a thick crimson coat, the hood pulled up over her head, a furry brown trim lined around it. Give me your hand, he ordered her, as he extended his own, to which she complied. She placed one foot up the metal bar that comprised the stair, her other hand holding the railing and Jack pulled herself up, with Shepard's help. Once up, she could see the endless white that extended forever in the northern wastes. She let herself lean back and rest in her mate's embrace. You alright? he asked worried, rubbing her over her coat, to which she replied with a nod of her head and a loud hum.
At first, the sight had been blinding to her. Inside the tomkah there was hardly enough light and what little there was, mostly came from a red led. Outside, the sun glistened off a fresh coat of snow, reflected and, initially, pierced her eye like a dagger made of ice. As she grew accustomed, however, to the brightness, she realized she was actually rather fond of the sight. Need a help getting down? she heard a voice come from behind her, over her shoulder.
No, I'm fine, she replied, talking a few bold steps out of the tomkah, before jumping off it. With a blue light enveloping her, she steadily floated towards the ground.
Since the first member of his crew had safely made it out, the captain turned his attention to the next one, turning to look back inside. I'll catch up in a moment, Liara replied, before he even had a chance to ask. You go on ahead, she prompted and the spectre agreed with a nod.
He climbed out and jumped off the edge of the tank. His landing was rough. Having to carry the weight of his armor, he fumbled with a loud "umf" as he smacked on the snow. Watch that last step, Jack mocked, turning her head with a smile, as she heard him crash behind her. It's a bit steep, she continued, facing forward once more.
The Captain lifted himself up with a bit of effort and wiped what snow seemed to have gathered under the joints of his armor. Not too long after, a soft patting was heard as well, signifying the Asari's arrival. The three of them stood for a moment, facing forward as the tomkah drove off behind them. There was a small path, hardly wide enough for a full grown Krogan, that seemed to intertwine between to large chunks of rock. The male human started first down the path, followed by the female of his species, as the alien brought up the rear.
The trio followed down the path, all the way to the base of a mountain. There, a big gaping mouth was supposed to be the entrance to a compound that predated the krogan civil wars; a nuclear shelter. Undeterred by it's gnarly appearance, they moved on in. The walls and floor were glazed with ice and what sun was reflected from the snow outside, bounced around the room, lighting it perfectly, yet not too bright. At the end of the cave was a large metal plate that must have once sealed off the compound from the rest of the world. In front of it stood a lone Krogan, dressed in tatters over thick armor. Since the mechanism that once moved the door behind him, had long since broken, the guard had to push it aside. The two humans and the Asari didn't stop their march, they just kept on going, till they reached the now open door.
We've been expecting you, he said. Which one of you is Shepard? the Krogan asked. The three alien visitors looked at each other, then pointed at the man in the armor. Oh, the guard exclaimed. I was expecting him to be the angry little guy, he explained, pointing at Jack.
Angry little guy? the small stature biotic snapped, raising fists of blue at the Krogan.
Meant no offense, he raised his hands apologetically. Never seen a human before.
She's the female of my species, Shepard explained.
Hmph, snarled the guard. They look fragile.
This one in particular broke a moon and crashed a space station, Liara interjected.
She's more capable than she looks, then, the Krogan settled, putting an end to their conversation. Go on in, he prompted them. Wrex is on the lower level. Bakara is waiting for you by the elevator.
Silent once more, they walked past the guard, who began to close the door from the outside and made their way to a shaft. Suspended and a short distance from the floor, was a cage, its front side open for anyone wanting to get inside. There, a Krogan dressed in a ceremonial robe waited. Shepard, she called out, once she caught sight of the armored human.
Eve, replied the man, in a rather contained fashion. He took a wide step from the edge of the floor towards the cage and found himself inside. It is good to see you again, alive and well, he commented, stretching out a hand to her. The female alien took his hand in hers. How is Wrex? he asked.
Being a patronizing buffoon, as always, she spat. Only this time he is spiteful enough to condemn every living Krogan along with him. As the other two visitors made their way into the cage, it slowly started to descend, making its way to the bowels of the shelter. He's acting like a child and nothing I tell him seems to get through to him.
At least his personality hasn't suffered from it, Liara mused.
For the rest of the ride on the elevator, the group was silent. If not for Jack pacing about and the soft whirring of the machine that lowered the cage, all would have been quiet. As they descended, Shepard could see the many floors, from the gaping maw of the cage. What was once the proud clan Urdnot had now been reduced to scrappers, trying to make do with whatever was available. There was no future here. No stockpiles of foods, no fresh water supply, except what was filtered out from the snow above, air stale from the compound being closed for hundreds of years and filters that were hardly serviceable, lights that fizzled on and off, sparks flying off the shot wiring and clothes that came from ancient tatters. This was more depressing to watch than the condition of the Quarians in some of the lesser ships on the flotilla.
Eventually, the elevator screeched to a halt. Across them, was the last floor that the elevator was built to service. However, there was a small ledge a little ways lower, but still above the mechanism that operated the cage. The female Krogan jumped down to it and motioned the others to follow her. Shepard helped the other two women along, before settling himself down as well, more a cautious thing than a courteous one. Eve led them down a series of tunnels. They were rough and obviously makeshift. It became apparent that the initial occupants of the shelter had faced problems with space and had needed to expand, but lacked the expertise or the materials to make the new levels as refined as the old ones. The air was stuffy, the light was scarce, coming mostly from old oil lamps that hang on the crude walls and the place itself was scarcely populated, in comparison to the upper levels. The visitors could hear a few Krogans coughing from the distance. Breathing this air for long couldn't be good for them, Shepard realized.
When Eve stopped next to an opening and motioned them inside, the captain and his crew saw a single Krogan, crumpled up on the floor, silent, still. He wore a brown raggedy cloak over him, covering what it could of his large size. The once gleaming crimson armor of his, now dulled and dirty, had a more brown hue to it. Mostly because of the dirt he had been sitting and, no doubt, sleeping on. You made a long way for nothing, Shepard, the big male informed him.
You couldn't expect me to sit it out, could you? the spectre replied, somewhat resigned. He walked closer to the alien, then squatted down next to him.
Whatever it is you want to say, just say it and go, he warned the human. You'll just be wasting your time and nothing you say can change my mind.
The Turians are bombarding your planet. They threaten your species with extinction. Is that what you fought for? All those years? the captain demanded, raising his voice.
No. I fought for a future. A future they decided they didn't want, the moment we cured the genophage and wiped out the Reapers, the Krogan leader replied. They're warmongering fools. It's how they were raised and how they always will be. They're not going to accept the new ways, because they don't care for the new ways. His voice sounded deep and mournful. I know what Alliance command wants. It could be easy to waltz back into Urdnot and resume my rein, when the fools are looking for their salvation. But that won't be permanent. There's going to be a new threat to rise up and then, they'll want to use it, to forward their place in the galaxy as a dominant military force. And you don't want the Krogan empire on your doorstep, Shepard. Trust me.
You would condemn everyone to death, because the Krogan failed you? Liara interjected.
They didn't fail just me, Liara, Wrex retorted. They failed you. And Shepard. And the Salarian who gave his life to cure the genophage. And everyone else that believed that the Krogan could be trusted, that they have a place in this galactic community. He hung his head in shame. And I'm not interesting in fighting them anymore.
Shepard and Liara exchanged a meaningful glance, to which the human also nodded afterward. Alright, he said, raising on his two feet with a groan. I'm too tired to listen to you talk bullshit, Wrex. We traveled too far and too long for that. So we're going to get some sleep and you better start acting up when I'm back.
You expect me to change my mind, just because you took a nap? the Krogan looked up at the spectre.
No, the captain dismissed. But I do expect you to use that time to think just how stupid you sound. And that the real Wrex will be here when I get back.
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The team of visitors had been escorted to a large room. It wasn't the comfiest room, but the Krogan lacked the necessary resources to afford luxury. All they had to offer were a few cots, for whoever wanted to stay in this dump. Liara had been too anxious to rest. Instead, she just paced about, hoping it would help her figure out a way to get Wrex back to his old self. Meanwhile, the human female had fallen asleep in the arms of her mate. The Asari took a glance at Shepard, still cradling Jack in his arms with a smile on his face. How could he be this calm? How could he be enjoying himself when so much was at stake? Still, her train of thought was suddenly stopped when another Krogan walked in. She recognized him immediately, from the distinct gray headplate.
Grunt, she exclaimed surprised.
Liara, he replied with a contained voice, nodding towards her. Shepard, he said, as he shifted his gaze towards his "krant".
Liara's cry of surprise was loud enough to wake up Jack, who jumped up, but didn't make a noise, instead opted to look around frightful. Shepard seemed to whisper something in her ear, which, in turn, put her at ease, relaxing and easing herself back down. The spectre, on the other hand, got up and walked towards his old companion. It's been a while, he stated, shaking the Krogan's hand. How have you been?
I've been, he started and grimaced, as he seemed to ponder it, good, he settled. I was looking after my contribution to the Krogan race, he noted with a smile.
The unusual comment made Shepard and Liara exchange a quizzical glance at each other. Contribution? the human wondered. What sort of contribution?
The Krogan gave them a wry smirk, then huffed from his huge nostrils, as if this was a secret little inside joke of his. Come on, he beckoned, I need to show you something.
The asari was the first one to follow Grunt out, then came Shepard who had gently laid his mate back down on the cot . He means you too, Jack, he informed the small female that had curled up her cot.
Aw, come on, Shepard, can't I just, she started cocking her head up, only to be met with the marine's stern look. Jack sighed and got herself up. Fine, she conceded grudgingly, tagging along with the rest and dragging her feet.
The four of them reached Grunt's room. It was just as plain and shoddy as the rest of them. There was a large cot to accommodate his bulk, but what really seemed out of place, was a small wooden pen. The boards around it were placed horizontally, with small gaps that allowed visibility to anyone looking from the outside, which for the time being was dark, as well as a hint of strewn hay that flowed out. On top of it, there was a long blanket that covered the width and breadth of the pen. There was noise coming from inside. Like soft wheezing and snoring. It sounded out of synch, giving off the impression of multiple sources. The Krogan hunched over, gently lifting the blanket and revealing the contents beneath. They were Krogan as well. Sleeping baby krogans, most lying on their backs, others resting their heads on the others bellies, or backs, while some were cuddling alone, off to the sides of the pen. Admittedly, it was a cramped space to hold all of them together and even a little unsanitary, but in this forsaken exile, it was all they were going to get.
What the fuck, Grunt, Jack exclaimed excited, rushing past the other two and kneeling down by the pen. She giggled at the site of one of the little Krogan cubs twitching its legs in its sleep. They're adorable! She carefully picked one of them up and held it in her arms. It was small enough to fit in her two open palms. They couldn't have been hatched too long ago, she realized.
The marine looked down on the little aliens, his mouth open wide is amazement and disbelief. Liara found herself scratching the tentacles at the back of her head, not really knowing what to think, as Grunt folded his arms over his chest and smirked proudly. I'm sure they will grow to be great warriors, the marine noted, rather unsure what to make of the spectacle, or what was an appropriate thing to say.
No, snapped the Krogan, pushing him back, which surprised the spectre once more. Grunt knelt next to Jack, looking at his little ones, a few of them waking up from the sound of their father's cry. Some of them will be warriors, yes, he conceded. But others will be workers or artists, scientists and doctors. They will not be slaves to their blood.
What of their mother? I do not see her, Liara noted, looking around the room.
Grunt got up from his spot and walked over to where the Asari stood. The northern wastes, he started with a tone more somber, they are harsh and unwelcoming. The trip itself is long and arduous, from Urdnot to here. Not every Krogan that started with us, made it here. But she did, he exclaimed, a bit of pride in his voice. She was worn and malnourished by the time we got here. She gave birth not soon after we settled in. They were her first cubs to survive, to be born alive. His eyes became misty at reliving the memory, as if his mate's face lingered before him. She was weak, dying. She wouldn't survive the birth. She knew it, but pretended not to. I knew it, Bakara knew and everyone else that was with us. We could have stopped the procedure. It would have spared her, but it would have killed the cubs. She made the call. It was her punishment, she had told me. For all the stillborn she had delivered. And that she would bare it. The proud warrior lowered his head, eyes closed. She died shortly after. He felt the soft, warm hand on his cheek. It made him look up, to see the sympathetic face of Liara, equally murky as he was. It was probably more than the young Krogan ever expected to see.
You never told me anything about her, the captain objected. Like how did you meet, how did you get involved, were you in love?
I'm not going to pretend that our union was the stuff that Miranda usually looks to, Grunt replied, unabashed, which managed to raise the human's brow as to how or why the Krogan would know that. It also made Jack put down the little cub she had been holding and turn to the bulky alien. We met once and asked to mate. The point was to ensure a race of Krogan, should the men die in the Reaper war. The women would make sure our race survived. Are you going to ask me if there was a real connection? I don't know. I put no thought to it, during the war. Only after I came back. It was a chance to settle down, but I was conflicted. It went against everything the Voice had taught me, the tankmother. Fists clenched, as the tankborn seemed to experience some discomfort, evident from the gritting of his teeth as well. None of that helped alleviate the pain, when she died, though. He turned to face Shepard, calm and collected. Her loss was like a shotgun to the face, he admitted. Losing the cubs, would mean she gave her life for nothing. I don't know if I am entitled to ask for your help, Shepard, but I'm asking. Help me save my children, his voice trembled.
The somber mood was disrupted by a growl. The human captain, the Krogan warrior and the Asari information broker all turned to look at the small biotic. This is bullshit, she cried and stormed out, in spite of Shepard's attempt to hold her.
Perhaps it would be best, if she was left alone? Liara offered, a little unsure.
I don't like leaving her alone, when she's like this, the captain replied. As if the fates were in agreement, his comment was perfectly timed to the sound of a loud thud and the ground shaking. And that is why, he noted, without the slightest hint of surprise. Let's go, before she brings the entire mountain down on us, he prompted and run out, Liara and Grunt following suit. The sound seemed to be coming from the room they had last seen Wrex in. Inside, Jack was hunched and tensed, blue lightning dancing over her clothes, fists clenched. She was battle ready. On the other side of the room, Wrex was trying to dig himself out. Jack, what are you doing? Shepard snapped at her.
Stay out of this, Shepard, she shouted. This is between me and Big Red.
The Krogan leader, finally out of the hole in the wall crumpled to his knees and spat blood. So eager to spill blood, all of you, war mongering fools. But if it's a fight you want, then a fight you'll get, he threatened, panting, getting up on his two feet. Wrex charged forward straight at Jack.
Suits me fine, the biotic mused with a smile and ran for the Krogan.
Wrex was old, even for a Krogan, but that didn't mean he was any less capable in a fight than he was thirteen hundred years ago. It certainly wasn't with waning strength that he managed to reach such an age. Anyone thinking that fighting against him would be easy, was up for a surprise. When Jack through a shockwave at him and he powered through it, it was impressive, but not a real surprise. When she tried to hit him with a singularity, he dodged it without any real effort and when she tried to land a punch on him, to her surprise, his fist had already connected with her abdomen, sending the biotic reeling behind. Shepard could hardly stay out of this. Enveloped in a barrier of his own, he dove in, stepping between the two combatants. He wasn't expecting, however, for the small woman to grab him by the waist and throw him away, just as the Krogan slammed into her, pinning her against the wall. As Jack groaned, there was a bright flash, that sent the Wrex flying across the room. The captain tried to catch him, but all that accomplished, was getting buried under the warlord's massive weight. A little disoriented, he staggered to get up, only to see a bright blue fist coming down on his face. Then the biotic seemed to fly up and away, drawn by the spectre's pull.
Turning around, Wrex saw Shepard interfering in his fight, then tried to punch him in the face. The spectre swooped under his arm and slammed a fist at the side of the hulking Krogan, who took a few steps back, jolted from the pain. Don't interfere, Shepard he warned him.
That's my girlfriend you're trying to kill, he objected and took up a defensive stance.
Outta my way, boyscout, he heard a cry from behind him, as Jack blew past him, sending the Krogan tumbling backwards.
Once more the spectre stepped in between, this time, facing his lover. She sneered and tried to shove him out of the way, but he fended her off. She tried to punch him out, but he managed to evade her, with a slap of his hand on her arm, sending the fist away from his face. This isn't right, he tried to sense with her.
Neither what's happening to Grunt, she snapped at him.
There's got to be a, he started, as he got a headbutt to the back of his head. The world had nearly blacked out, but he was still on his feet. Barely. Jack retorted with a slam of her fist on the Krogan's chest. This seemed to knock the wind out of him as he collapsed to one knee. Fueled by his anger, however, the Krogan launched himself at the woman, knocking her off her feet, then slamming her on the ground. While the human was still recovering, Wrex got himself up, then slammed his boot repeatedly on the woman's stomach. Her body still protected by a barrier, Jack was still safe, but unable to get away. Stop, Shepard's shout resounded in the room.
Your woman knew what she was into when she started the fight, the enraged Krogan replied, but was interrupted by the woman's laughter. Wrex switched his attention to her, resting his foot on her stomach. What's so funny? You find this amusing?
You're so full of shit, Wrex, she said, apparently amused. You want to fucking die? Give in? Too old and tired? Bullshit, she spat. You just want another excuse to fight, just like every other Krogan.
Shut your woman up, Shepard, or I swear I will shut her up myself, Wrex mumbled.
Don't fucking pretend you're any better, she screamed at him, her head raising from the ground, even as he pushed her down.
Shut up, the warlord cried and slammed his fist right next to her face. He took a few steps back, looked at the people around him and then walked out.
Jack, the concerned human cried and scampered towards her. Are you alright?
Fuck me, the laughing woman replied, not bothering to get up. That was fun. Big Red puts up quite the fight.
Shepard squatted down next to her with a sigh, rubbing the back of his head, still recovering from the earlier concussion. That's a dangerous stunt you pulled, he berated her.
Bite me, Shepard, she whined. It got him off his ass and doing things. Doing what he loves the most; fighting. At least he's not wallowing in his own piss anymore.
The captain hated to admit it, but as unorthodox as her approach was, it had worked.
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The cold did little to keep him away. The snow was merely a nuisance and the light that was reflected of it, aimed straight at his eyes, should have penetrated his iris, painfully like a dagger. If it did, he didn't show it. The white extended forever in front of him. As unwelcome as the northern wastes were, so were they beautiful, in their fierce white majesty. Nobody had come after them here. Nobody sane enough. And the ones that did, probably perished in their quest. Very few knew of these bunkers that predated the rebellions. Mostly because most other Krogan had long since died.
Are you feeling alright? he heard Liara's voice from behind him.
The venerable Krogan grunted. There's two things that make you this angry, he started. When the people who know you don't understand you, or when the people who don't know you, understand you better than you do. It was a weird statement, coming from Wrex, that the Asari didn't know how to reply to. So she just blinked a few times, too confused to speak. Wrex picked up a handful of snow and made it into a ball, then threw it away at nobody in particular. I thought I was different. That I didn't feel the bloodlust anymore, that I could defy it and be, he fumbled for the word, lifting his hand, as if he would catch it, floating in the air, civilized, he settled. I guess it doesn't work that way.
The final remark made Liara smile. If it was easy, then anyone would be able to do it. But you united the Krogan, got the cure for the Genophage, gave your people a future, you and no one else, she pointed out. It takes a special, grumpy old Krogan to do something like that. One who has matured, even if only little, with age.
Wrex chortled at the thought. Old and grumpy, huh? I should get a stick. So I can wave it around when the younger ones do something wrong. Tell them to "get off my Tomkah", he shouted out the last part, which made Liara laugh out loud.
Neither one spoke for a while. So what do we do now? the Asari wondered.
Wrex turned around to face her. I think it's about time we went back inside. Tell everyone to get ready. I'm going back to Urdnot. For good this time.
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The white orb pulsed. It seemed to move, like it had a life of its own. In front of it, a Turian stood, his head resting on it, arms spread out to the side, supporting his weight. His eyes were closed, as if he was meditating, basking in the brilliance of the globe. It seemed to gift him with knowledge, ability, cunning. Things that he possessed himself, but not heightened to the extent they were now. It was with the orb's help that he had managed to convince the fleet to obey him, that others had flocked to him, to follow him in his cause; a purge. A righteous purge of all that was unholy and different to Turians, so that one day, their race could ascend mere flesh and embrace a new existence. So had the orb told him, informed him of a higher purpose, a higher state of being. He had embraced the plan, trusted the orb and it had led him true so far. It was, however, still a long away to the realization of Turian supremacy and careful steps needed to be made, in order to advance.
Behind him, the door opened and another of his kind entered the room. Kabalim, he said, his voice reverent, I have urgent news.
If it was urgent, then you should have used the comm, the one referred to as Kabalim retorted, his patience growing thin.
I thought it should remain confidential, the turian clarified.
Everyone here is committed to our cause, lieutenant. I'm pretty sure there are no traitors on board, the Kabalim explained, showing a rather admirable form of self-restraint. He respected the lieutenant's dedication, as well as his slight paranoia. So, what news do you have for me?
Urdnot Wrex has started preparations to return to the capital, the lieutenant explained.
I see, the Kabalim started. I suppose Shepard is with him, as well?
The Turian nodded in agreement, even though his superior couldn't see him. We detected a shuttle entering the planet's atmosphere not a day cycle before. We assume he is involved.
Why was the shuttle not taken down, prior to landing? the captain inquired.
It stayed out of range of our instruments till it tried to penetrate the atmosphere, then we lost it because of re-entry , the lieutenant elaborated. He gave his commanding officer a moment to think. What are your orders, sir? he asked finally.
Level Urdnot. Spare no resources. After you've made a crater out of it, send down troops to make sure it is no longer inhabited. I want Shepard found and I want him dead. We will leave no crevice untouched, he ordered.
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I liked writing this chapter. I like how it turned out and I am admittedly very happy with it. Especially how it plays out up until the point where they meet up with Wrex and of course, meeting with daddy Grunt. I admit, it's a little forced, I kinda pulled it by the hair, that one, but it helps move the plot forward and I'm sure that you will agree, Grunt would be an awesome dad, I just wanted to do it.
Feel free to leave a good word. Or not. I mean, it can be a bad word as well. Any pointers you could share are always welcome.