Chapter 26: Unexpected Reunion
"This is a nice place you've got here, Liara." Mal remarked appreciatively while surveying the info broker's Ilium office.
"I am glad that you like it. If you happen to visit again while Allie is accompanying you, I can recommend a few places that are known for their romantic atmosphere." Liara replied while giving him a knowing smile.
"I appreciate the consideration Liara, but for now I'd just like a list of the attractions we discussed earlier." Mal said politely. He and his crew had finally taken some time off from their usual jobs in order to visit the planet of Ilium for the purpose of getting some much needed rest and relaxation. Mal knew that Liara was a local information broker and a resident, so he decided to request her help in finding a few hotspots that might interest his crew. He was especially eager to entertain Lira, who was still slightly miffed at him for not being allowed to join in on their Virmire adventure. She'd practically demanded that she be allowed to tag along while he toured the planet. Brix had also volunteered to accompany him along with Taya. Mal couldn't be sure, but a quiet animosity seemed to have developed between the two.
"Very well, I've already forwarded the list of relevant locales to your omni-tool." she replied casually. "Although, I can't imagine Ilium offering anything that would interest a genius such as yourself, Dr. Zoral." she added curiously while diverting her attention to Taya.
"That remains to be seen, Dr. T'Soni." Taya replied curtly.
"Don't worry, if this planet has anything she's desperate enough to learn about, she'll find a way to get her deceitful hands on it." Brix said mockingly while glaring at Taya.
Taya simply scowled at him and Mal found himself once again wondering what the hell had happened between the two. "Mal, let's hurry up and go! I want to visit every place that's on that list she sent you!" Lira squealed excitedly.
"Easy Lira, we've got plenty of time." Mal chuckled before standing. "Thanks again for the help, Liara. I guess I'll see you again at that big ceremony in a few months on the Citadel. I promised Allie I'd be there and I've still got to figure out how I'm going to divide my time between her, Ethan and the others." he added humorously.
"Mal, before you go, there is one other thing that I would like to discuss with you." Liara said in a slightly urgent tone.
"I'm listening." Mal replied courteously.
"It's regarding a possible employment opportunity for you and your crew while you're here." she casually stated.
"I don't know, Liara. We just finished a string of jobs on our way here. I really just want to treat everyone to a good time and have a little bit of fun myself." Mal replied earnestly.
"I understand, Mal. But the potential client has a great deal of influence and her connections will definitely prove useful to you in the future. Especially if you're hoping to gain docking clearance to the Citadel in a few months and access the Presidium where everyone will be gathering." Liara explained.
"Sounds like a serious big shot if they can provide all of that. I'll assume the pay is generous as well?" Mal inquired curiously.
"It is indeed. Shall I give you the details?" Liara asked patiently.
"Let's do it Mal! I still haven't gotten to fight with you yet and everyone else keeps hogging all the fun!" Lira shouted excitedly.
"Could be a good workout, depending on who we end up fighting." Brix added nonchalantly.
"If this mystery client is as well connected as Dr T'Soni says, I think it's worth investigating at least." Taya remarked plainly.
"Well, you heard them Liara. Let's hear the specifics." Mal conceded.
Liara smiled as she observed the rather eccentric individuals who were accompanying her surrogate niece's boyfriend. She had already thoroughly researched all of their backgrounds and likely knew things about them that Mal himself had yet to discover. But it wasn't her place to tell him, his crew would share their stories with him when they were ready, just as she and the others did with Shepard so many years earlier.
"The client is former Councilor Tevos. She is looking to hire additional security to protect her from assassination attempts." Liara explained.
"Someone intends to kill Tevos? But why? She's a consummate diplomat and arbitrator." Taya asked.
"I am unsure. I do know that several attempts on her life have already been made and my information indicates that a very specific group of assassins are targeting her." Liara continued.
"It doesn't really surprise me that much." Mal replied casually. "Wasn't she part of the original Council that tried to discredit Shepard when he was warning everyone about the reapers? The fact that he ended up being right and the reapers tearing up half the galaxy probably put her and her dumbass colleagues on a few hit lists." he added bitterly.
"At least she no longer holds an office, after the war all of the Councilors quietly resigned and who could blame them?" Taya stated tersely.
"They all deserved worse if you ask me." Brix added coldly.
"The Admiralty Board never doubted the existence of the reapers as far I know. But some of them were completely fixated on dealing with the geth to the exclusion of everything else, so I can't honestly say they were much better." Lira remarked quietly.
"Regardless of her previous mistakes, she is still a respected figure in many circles and as I mentioned before, she also retains a great deal of influence." Liara said seriously.
"Okay, so who's trying to kill her?" Mal asked.
"A band of assassins calling themselves The Cerulean Snipers. They are recent arrivals to Ilium and up until now they have mainly operated within the Terminus Systems. I suspect that they are former asari commandos, possibly from the Armali Sniper Unit based on the precision of their attacks but I haven't been able to confirm my suspicions, yet." Liara explained.
"Well, this should be fun. To be honest, I got my fill of snipers back on Virmire. Snipers who can use biotics too just sound...exhausting." Mal said wearily.
"This time you've got me to back you up, so don't worry. I won't let any of your blood get spilled for the sake of some sick obsession-"
"HOW DARE YOU!" Taya shrieked. She quickly advanced on Brix and glared at him ominously. Mal had never seen her so angry and for once it wasn't cute. "When Mal was wounded on Virmire, it scared all of us including me! It was the first time in my life when I found myself terrified of losing someone and I don't ever wish to see him in that condition again! So don't you dare question my feelings, krogan!" she shouted as her biotics flared.
"HEY! That's enough, both of you!" Mal yelled before rushing between the pair. "What the hell has gotten into you two?!" he asked in utter disbelief. After eyeing each other for several moments with contemptuous glares, they both finally relented.
"Perhaps you should consider rearranging your current team." Liara quietly suggested after observing the situation.
"Maybe I will." Mal replied angrily. He was quite irate, not to mention embarrassed by his friends' outbursts. They were supposed to be professionals.
Sometime later, Mal found himself lecturing both Brix and Taya while driving a sky car to their destination. "I mean it! If either of you so much as sneers at the other, I'll dump you both back onto the Apex and bring two of the others instead." he announced angrily. "I would've actually had less trouble if I'd brought Tess and Mason." he added incredulously before quickly scowling in the direction of the passenger's side of the vehicle where Taya was seated. Brix was in the backseat with Lira per Mal's orders.
"I'm so sorry, Mal. For everything..." Taya replied sorrowfully. "You have been so kind since our very first meeting and you've never mocked or belittled me. You're always so genuine, even when no one else is around. I hope that you can forgive me, even if I don't deserve it." she added quietly as several tears fell from her eyes.
Mal was caught off guard by her apology and confused by her sudden anguish. Brix and Lira, however, understood perfectly. "Listen, it's fine Taya. We all butt heads occasionally but we can't let it affect our job. I don't know what happened to make you and Brix so pissed at each other, but I do know it won't last. Brix only holds grudges that are worth carrying and you're too sweet to stay that angry for long." Mal said consolingly. Afterwards, he pulled out a small handkerchief and gently dried her eyes.
"Mal...will you still say that once-"
"You heard him. I already forgot what this garbage was even about. So quit crying." Brix cut in gruffly from the backseat.
Upon hearing his words, Taya smiled a little while Lira playfully elbowed Brix. "Well, I'm glad we sorted through whatever the hell this was because it looks like we're here." Mal said cheerfully before landing the sky car outside of a massive estate. After departing their vehicle and proceeding towards the entrance, they were met by several asari commandos.
"You have exactly two seconds to explain what you're doing here." their leader coldly declared.
"One, two." Mal whispered while grinning as his companions drew their weapons.
The commandos did the same and within seconds both groups were preparing to fight. "Wait, stop!" another asari shouted as she sprinted towards the troublesome scene. "Lieutenant, these are the 'guests' that we were expecting." she quickly explained.
The commando leader continued to glare at Mal who returned the favor. After several tense moments, she ordered her people to lower their weapons. "I still say this is a mistake. Mercenaries can't be trusted." she said coldly before once more facing Mal.
"Tell me lieutenant, are you stupid, paranoid or both?" Mal asked as the woman's eyes narrowed onto him. "The former councilor is being targeted by a group of asari snipers. I seriously doubt they'd just land on your doorstep, not to mention the fact that none of us are asari other than Taya here, who's actually a well known scientist and genius. So, unless you're implying that she's moonlighting as an assassin when she isn't researching scientific concepts so advanced that they'd likely reduce your already limited cognitive functions to mush, I'd say you just wasted our time by trying look to like a badass in front of your troops." he added derisively.
The commandos were completely stunned, not only by Mal's brazen lack of respect, but also by his intimate knowledge of the situation. "You worthless-"
"While you struggle to finish up that sentence, my friends and I are going to head inside to meet Tevos. Good luck with the whole brain dead situation you've got going." Mal cut in tersely before leading his companions inside of the estate while being closely followed by the asari who'd interrupted the earlier skirmish.
After strolling into the entrance hall of the expansive dwelling, Mal paused to allow his guide to catch up. "Malcolm Hunter, or should I refer to you as The Terminus Hunter? At any rate, you appear to be every bit as fearless as I've heard." the woman remarked in a mild state of awe. "Very few sentient beings would go out of their way to anger a squad of asari commandos. I certainly hope that your confidence is justified." she added.
"You won't be disappointed, Miss-"
"You may call me Zelene." she politely interjected.
"Well, Zelene. Would you care to show us to the former Councilor?" Mal asked cordially.
After taking a few moments to examine Mal, the woman gave him a rather alluring smile. "Of course, follow me." she replied before leading the way further into the interior of the enormous residence. Mal quickly took notice of the seductive way her hips were swaying as she sauntered ahead of the group.
"What is it with you and asari?" Brix whispered, as he too observed the woman's enticing stroll.
"I have no idea, buddy." Mal replied honestly.
Zelene eventually led the group to an expansive living room that was decorated with the most exotic and luxurious furnishings that Mal had ever seen. She then quietly departed and after taking in the sights, Mal quickly took notice of a stately looking asari who was seated in a magnificent and comfortable looking chair.
"Tevos, I presume? I have to say, this a pretty impressive place for a former politician to be occupying. I guess denying reaper invasions is pretty profitable." Mal said mockingly.
Tevos didn't appear to be unnerved by Mal's comment and continued sitting in her chair while pouring herself a cup of tea. "This is actually the residence of a friend who felt that my initial security arrangements were lacking. She's also the one who will be handling your fee." Tevos calmly explained.
"Whatever. My people and I need to set up, is that okay with you?" Mal asked casually.
"By all means, though I should inform you of the 'special' feature of this particular room. It happens to be surrounded by a reinforced kinetic barrier. An effective deterrent for snipers, but I suspect they'll find other means of dealing with me." she replied.
"Alright, it looks like we're all going to be stuck in here babysitting this lady." Mal announced irritably. Afterwards he had Lira cloak and take up a defensive position by the door. He also had Taya cover the other side of the entrance to the room while he and Brix took positions on each side of Tevos.
"You really think they'll show?" Brix asked skeptically as he turned towards Mal.
"I trust our friend's info. Tonight is the last chance that they'll get to take a shot at her before a small army of commandos arrives in the morning to take her back to Thessia." Mal explained. "I am curious as to why a former councilor would bother coming to Ilium in the first place. This planet has a pretty unsavory reputation when it comes to obeying Citadel laws. I've been here less than a day myself and I've been pretty shocked to see some of the crap that's actually legal." he pondered.
"I came to investigate a rumor that I heard regarding something that was far more dubious than the usual 'relaxed' practices of Ilium's corporate interests." Tevos explained.
"Do tell." Mal replied in a blasé manner.
"I was investigating possible evidence of illegal AI research. I can't honestly say that I discovered much, but it was obviously enough to get someone's attention, hence the assassins." Tevos continued.
"AI research? After everything the galaxy just endured with the reapers, there's actually someone out there who's dabbling in scientific fields that they can't possibly comprehend?" Taya remarked indignantly.
"It seems that way. I never discovered the precise location of the research facility or even who was responsible, just a few scattered leads that pointed me towards a warehouse district near the spaceport." Tevos quietly lamented.
"I guess you really wanted to make up for that whole reaper debacle, huh Councilor?" Mal asked mockingly.
"You seem to be quite focused on my prior mistakes. I can't help but wonder why? You're obviously too young to have been alive during the war, so tell me, why is it that you seem so determined to make me the victim of your ire? Are you one of Captain Shepard's devotees, he has many these days." Tevos calmly inquired.
"I wouldn't say that, the truth is I annoy the guy whenever we meet and he spends every moment when we're alone giving me a hard time. But despite that, I respect him and I respect the fact that he was willing to face the battles that he did without flinching. But more than anything, I'm grateful to him. Not for saving the galaxy or slaying the reapers, but for planting something amazingly beautiful in the aftermath and trusting me to take care of it even though I aggravate him. So you'll have to excuse me if I decide to ridicule you for your past stupidity. Shepard suffered worst when you and your colleagues made a mockery of him, so consider it payback." Mal explained bitterly.
"Just who are yo-"
Tevos was instantly cut off as the lights in the room went out. "Showtime!" Mal exclaimed.
Moments later, the lights were brought back online at which point Mal and the others were startled to discover several lightly armored, mystery assailants inside of the room. They appeared to be female and their armor was almost completely black and emblazoned with a strange symbol of a sun bearing a shadow on its surface. Before anyone could gather further details about the mystery intruders, they promptly initiated an all out attack against Mal and the others. They instantly erected biotic barriers and began closing in on their targets of choice. Mal found himself surrounded by a trio of the mystery ladies, who all unleashed a flurry of martial attacks against him. Mal reacted instinctively, blocking and counterattacking every blow culminating in a three hit combo that sent the trio staggering.
The ladies quickly recovered and after showcasing an impressive bit of acrobatics, they once again launched an assault against him. Two of them began firing projectiles from their strange gauntlets while the third drew a sword and prepared to strike. Mal was quick to counter by erecting his own biotic barrier which quickly absorbed the shots from the gauntlets. Afterwards, he dodged a string of sword strikes from his third opponent before finally disarming her with an incredibly powerful backhanded biotic punch. As her sword went flying across the room eventually piercing a wall, Mal went on the offensive by detonating his barrier, sending the trio of assassins reeling. He quickly followed up with a barrage of punches and strikes that promptly killed his opposition. After surveying the dead hitwomen, Mal found himself surprised and somewhat annoyed by their unconventional fighting styles and tactics.
"That bitch actually pulled a sword on me!" he shouted indignantly.
"Join the club!" Brix growled angrily while dealing with his own trio of aggressors. They had already managed to inflict several serious wounds with their swords, fortunately Brix had managed to fortify his armor with Foucault Currents to aid in his defense against the lethal females. His blood rage was also kicking in and Mal knew for a fact that the fight was already over.
After releasing a roar that shook the entire room, Brix immediately purged the currents in his armor, sending the charges to his gauntlets before releasing a massive two-handed sweep that sent all three of his assailants flying across the room and crashing into a rather elegant statue that was promptly reduced to rubble from the impact.
There were only two remaining hostiles at that point and both were engaging Taya who was having a great deal of difficulty in dealing with them. Close range combat wasn't her specialty and her attempts at keeping her opponents at bay with her biotics and tech attacks were proving to be only moderately successful. Every time she brought one of their barriers down, her enemy would quickly cloak only to reappear once she'd engaged the other, with a new barrier in place. At the moment, both assassins were closing in on her with their swords.
Mal responded by sending a shockwave at the pair that destroyed their barriers and knocked them off balance. Taya quickly took advantage of the opening and finished them both off with a reave. Afterwards, Mal drew his Wraith and immediately modified his ammo to fire warp rounds while Brix drew his Evicerator and loaded up on inferno rounds. Taya drew her Locust and quickly took cover beside the door to the room.
Tevos appeared to be confused by their preparations and vigilant demeanors. "Is it not over?" she asked after taking a moment to glance from behind her chair where she'd taken cover.
"No, now it's round two." Mal replied ominously.
Moments later several salarian infiltrators began decloaking as they prepared to execute everyone in the room. However they all found themselves bombarded by a flurry of sticky grenades that appeared out of nowhere. The explosives had been carefully aimed and were attached to the intruders' blind spots. As they struggled to reach the volatile hazards, a string of explosions followed their futile efforts, clearing the room once more. Afterwards, Lira decloaked and gave Mal and the others a thumbs up.
"Nice one." Mal said while smiling.
"It was okay." Brix reluctantly added.
After making a crude gesture towards Brix, Lira drew her Arc Pistol and positioned herself on the other side of the entrance to the room, opposite Taya.
"Goddess, there are more?!" Tevos asked desperately after once more sneaking a peek from behind her cover.
"Looks like it, you really pissed somebody off, lady." Mal replied casually before once more erecting a biotic barrier around himself and preparing his Wraith.
"Those commandos who were outside are definitely dead." Brix added while readying his Evicerator.
"We were expecting asari snipers, not human biotic ninjas and salarian infiltrators. This is really weird." Lira remarked in confusion.
"I agree. Who are these people? And why are there salarians accompanying them?" Taya asked anxiously.
"It disturbs me to admit it, but they appear to be-"
Tevos was promptly cut off by an explosion from the entrance of the room that sent both Taya and Lira flying in opposite directions. Moments later, a pair of heavily armored and fairly large humans began advancing into the room followed by a small army of mystery soldiers in black. All were bearing the same insignia as the defeated biotic assassins. The armed giants quickly bolted towards Tevos with astonishing speed while sweeping through everything in their paths with what appeared to be whips made of biotic energy.
"Have guns gone out of style or something?" Mal said sarcastically while intercepting the would be killers. They reacted instantly by driving their whips into the ground, creating a devastating tremor that utterly destroyed Mal's barrier and knocked him off balance. The duo were eager to finish Mal off and immediately drew their whips back in preparation for another strike. As they swung their lashes forward in an attempt to kill him, Mal halted one of them by grabbing his arm while simultaneously blowing the head off another with his Wraith. Afterwards he dropped the remaining nuisance with a massive biotic punch that shattered his assailant's skull and broke his neck. With the most dangerous threats neutralized, Mal took the opportunity to clear most of the remaining intruders with a biotic flare that completely obliterated the enemy ranks.
Brix quickly slaughtered the stragglers with a combination of inferno rounds and swipes with his Evicerator's blade attachment. Within minutes, the room was once again secure. The damage to the area and the amount of bodies that were strewn everywhere were both impressive to say the least. After finally rising to her feet and surveying the carnage, Tevos appeared to be slightly faint.
"You...You certainly live up to your reputation it seems." Tevos remarked feebly as she struggled to steady herself.
"We aim to please, Tevos." Mal replied mildly.
"And you always manage to deliver." a familiar voice whispered provocatively.
Seconds later, a solitary shot echoed through the room. Afterwards, a single body hit the floor as a headless salarian fell over dead, only inches away from Tevos. After being splattered by her attempted killer's blood, she quickly collapsed into a chair and began hyperventilating.
"I told you we'd meet again." the soft, feminine voice added afterwards.
"Oh no, not her. Please, don't let it be her." Mal quietly pleaded while his companions gave him a series of perplexed looks.
Seconds later, a strikingly beautiful asari that Mal knew all too well, entered the room. She was accompanied by several well armed associates and surprisingly, Zelene.
"Zelia," Mal sighed. "What the hell are you doing here? Aren't you still working for Aria?" he asked in a completely exhausted tone.
"You obviously haven't been visiting the Afterlife Club or been keeping track of me. Mal, I'm hurt." Zelia replied in a falsely distressed tone while pouting. "Not long after you left, I decided to set out on my own as well. I do still handle the occasional job for Aria though." she added brightly.
After scanning her colleagues and taking note of the various high powered sniper rifles that they were all equipped with, Mal quickly put two and two together. "Of course, you're the leader of the Cerulean Snipers." he sighed yet again. "Even if that's the case, I have no intention of letting you kill Tevos." he added firmly.
"Once again, you've hurt my feelings. But I'm used to it at this point." Zelia replied while strolling towards Mal. "We were hired for the same purpose as you, to deal with these assassins." she added while stepping over one of the dead biotics.
"Really? Then explain to me why I was informed that you and your friends here were the potential killers." Mal inquired as he and Zelia began to fall into their familiar back and forth.
"Because I arranged it. I even made a few false attempts on the former Councilor's life for good measure." Zelia explained slyly while circling Mal.
"Why?" Mal asked irritably.
"To make it easier to kill our true targets. I knew those mindless commandos would move her somewhere 'secure' and escalate her departure time. That would of course compel the assassins to make a move against her utilizing every resource at their command which would have provided me and my associates with the perfect opportunity to wipe them out." Zelia continued pleasantly. "Everything went according to plan, until you showed up." she added while playfully stroking Mal's chest. "When Zelene contacted me and revealed that the Terminus Hunter and his crew had been hired on as additional security, I was thrilled. Unlike most of the galaxy, I knew you back when you were simply Malcolm Hunter, mercenary-in-training. I'm more than familiar with your talents and I knew that you'd practically annihilate the enemy's entire incursion." she further explained before coming to a stop in front of Mal. "We get paid either way you see, as long as the assassins are dead." she added cheerfully.
"You used me to do your dirty work, typical." Mal replied bitterly.
"Now, now. There's no need to get upset. Considering the job you did here tonight, I imagine that our mutual employer will have a generous bonus ready for you." Zelia remarked in an upbeat tone. "And after we've spent so long apart, I'd hate for you to walk away being angry with me." she added while playfully pouting. She was the same old Zelia, the same damned mischievous enigma she'd always been and just as sexy.
"Mal, who is this woman?" Taya asked curiously.
"I'm curious about that myself." Brix said gruffly.
"Me too!" Lira exclaimed.
"Mal, this simply won't do. I can't believe you never mentioned your first love to your crewmates. How we were young, passionate lovers under the employ of the Queen of Omega or of our stolen moments of rapture in the dark recesses of the station's corridors." Zelia said in a falsely dramatic fashion.
Mal simply buried his head into his hands while shaking it. "Just ignore her, please. Otherwise she'll just keep going and I'm already getting a headache." he said in exasperation. "And you may be young by asari standards, but I'm pretty sure you're a hundred and two by now." he added.
"So you remembered! Did you get me a gift?" Zelia asked whimsically.
While Mal shook his head in utter frustration, his friends were left wondering just who exactly the mysterious 'Zelia' was and why she seemed to be capable of pushing all of their leader's buttons at a moment's notice.
"Back to the matters at hand, Zelene works for you and I'm guessing that you've had eyes on Tevos since this mess first started. Do you happen to know anything about these guys or why salarians were helping them?" Mal inquired impatiently.
"Maybe." Zelia teased.
"Would you care to tell me?" Mal asked through gritted teeth.
"No." Zelia replied impishly. "You hurt my feelings. I told you the last time we kissed and went our separate ways that you should give me the benefit of the doubt when we met again. But instead, you suspected me. You also went and got a girlfriend behind my back." she added. Mal couldn't help but notice that her tone had gotten slightly more serious at the mention of his girlfriend.
"Damn it Zelia, I don't have time for these games. I'm pretty sure I've fought these guys before or at least someone related to them. If you know something, then just-"
Zelia didn't give Mal time to finish his inquiry before gracefully leaping into the air and pouncing on him. After locking her legs around his waist, she wrapped her arms around him and once again kissed him. It was even more passionate then her goodbye kiss several years earlier. Afterwards, she quietly whispered in his ear. "Things won't last with her, you know. And I'll be waiting when it all falls apart because you belong to me, Mal. You always have and you always will." Following her rather bold and disturbing declaration, Zelia hopped back onto the floor and addressed Mal's friends. "It was nice meeting all of you, do try and keep Mal safe." she said courteously before turning to leave. "Oh, and one more thing. Dr. Zoral, be sure to keep your distance. Mal can play with as many humans as he wants, but I'm the only asari he's allowed to join with, understand?" she added dangerously. Her sudden shift in demeanor caught everyone but Mal off guard and sent a chill up their spines. "And when we do join, the experience will transcend euphoria itself, so rest up Mal." she remarked seductively while gazing in his direction. Afterwards, she led her entourage including Zelene outside of the room where they quietly disappeared into the shadows.
After several minutes of stunned silence, Mal finally broke it. "You were right, pop. Women like that do have a habit of showing up when you least expect them."
"That woman was...interesting." Brix added before scratching his head in confusion.
"Mal, I find myself questioning your choice in romantic partners." Taya commented in shock.
"She scares me." Lira said quietly.
"It would seem that you and that child have a great deal of history together. Your paths will undoubtedly cross again." Tevos added wisely. She seemed to have finally collected herself since her near death experience.
"Enough about Zelia. I'll tell you guys about her later, right now I'm more concerned with these dead assholes." Mal said in an annoyed tone. He was still quite angry with himself for allowing her to kiss him again. "Tevos, earlier you sounded like you knew who they might be. Would you mind enlightening us?" he asked seriously.
"I can't be certain, by they appear to be Cerberus operatives." she replied darkly.
"That cannot be!" Taya exclaimed.
"I figured those bastards were finished off after the war. With the deaths of The Illusive Man, Petrovsky and the bloodbath after Aria's big purge, I don't see how they could still be around." Brix speculated.
"I've heard stories about them from my parents, they sound horrible." Lira whispered.
Mal could barely hear them, he was already consumed by his own thoughts. He had always assumed that he was free of Cerberus and the awful shadow that they cast upon him. The mere possibility that they still existed made him feel dirty and tainted. He was after all, arguably their greatest achievement. He had to know whether or not they really were behind the assassination attempt and who else was involved.
"Mal, you okay?" Brix asked with a note of concern. He knew about Mal's ties to the nefarious organization and how jarring their possible survival would be for his friend.
"I'm fine, Brix. Or at least I will be. Tevos give me all of the info you have on that illegal AI research. Zade should be able to piece everything together from his lab and once he does, we're going to do some digging." Mal replied fiercely. If there were any traces of Cerberus left, Mal would make it his mission in life to destroy them. They may have been the ones who gave him life, but it had been his parents and friends who made that life worth living. Cerberus' survival threatened everything that he cared about and he'd be damned if they'd get to continue their plots while he was still breathing. "For your sakes, you'd better stay dead." Mal quietly muttered while clenching his fists. The hunt had officially begun.