Hauled before the base commander, they knew what was coming before it happened.
"What are you doing here? And Specialist, you're this close to being shot for desertion! What do you have to say for yourself?"
Shepard stood tall over her pathetic prisoners. They'd shown up at the gate, apparently seeking to use the old engine of the freighter buried here for some ridiculous, silly purpose. Sillier than powering her personal base, anyway.
Maya said nothing, knowing full well she had to keep EDI's secret.
"Answer me, Specialist!" screeched Shepard, dragging Maya to her feet. Holding the Siren's face very close to her own, Shepard's voice dropped very low. "How did you get off my ship?"
Had Shepard been more sane and less self-absorbed, she could have easily spotted the drop-pod from the top of her fortress's highest tower. However, she preferred to have information brought to her, rather than having to actually think beyond "What do I get to butcher next?"
Trapped inside her own mind, what was left of Samantha Shepard the paragon, hero, and seasoned soldier spent most of her time passively observing the horror show her current life had become. Sometimes she tried to fight the demon, only to be slapped down. Other times, she couldn't find the energy—like someone trapped in darkness straining toward a point of light, only to have it extinguish as soon as they reached it as if it had only been an illusion.
Maybe, just maybe, she could break through someday. Do one last thing that mattered. Go out in a blaze of glory.
High in geostationary orbit, Aspirations Toward Infinity maintained watch over the planet Pandora. The alleged Reaper threat there had been dismissed as "some stupid problem with that idiotic A.I." Shepard ordered EDI removed, only to be reminded that without the artificial intelligence, the ship would be mostly crippled, unable to perform rudimentary tasks. The computers aboard Infinity were adapted to accommodate having such an A.I., unlike her sister ships which operated entirely free of any kind of overarching computer intelligence.
"Just make sure that blue bitch wakes me up every morning!" she snapped, after conceding the point. That EDI's avatar reminded Shepard of herself before her descent into madness and subsequent alternations to her appearance offered no help to the situation.
In order to facilitate both Shepard's demanded alarm clock and put EDI to work running the base, a constant-contact, heavily-encrypted tunnel was established between the stationary vessel and the fortress's large communications dish. The high-bandwidth connection permitted smooth transmission of EDI's avatar, in addition to quick upload/download of files when needed. Lilith once taunted Shepard for her wake-up request, before being verbally torn apart.
"Look at you" sneered the Captain. "You've gone from about a nine to a negative ten. You're a wreck, addicted to drugs, and only exist because I demand it. Because I allow it. Your battlefield antics are highly entertaining. That's it. Otherwise, you're a useless eyesore!"
For some reason, this statement of the obvious sent Lilith tearing out of the room trying to hide tears streaking down her scarred, ruined face.
Shepard broke into uproarious laughter. Not wanting to appear to disagree with their insane commander, the two guards by the door to her sanctum joined in, pointing and taunting at Lilith's retreating form.
Bawling her eyes out in her quarters, Lilith saw a box of JumpPaks through bleary eyes.
"Fuck you!" she screamed, kicking the container. "You ruined my life!"
Calming slightly, some sense of rationality returned. Her life had gone off track at a very precise moment—when she'd accepted assignment to that warmonger Xytler's command staff. A little laughter in slaughter wasn't a bad thing, especially not on Pandora. Taking it too far, on the other hand (a la her current situation) led to a miserable existence.
She desperately wanted to talk to someone—anyone, but no one in this godforsaken base would do anything other than mock her.
Despairing and reaching for another JumpPak before stopping herself, she realized a potential solution was right in front of her. As Shepard's second-in-command (on paper), she had access to a holotank that could project EDI, the shipboard A.I.
"I've fallen so far I am going to talk to a computer. Wow, Lilith. Smooth."
EDI shimmered into existence, her bits flowing through the eavesdrop-proof channel between base and ship. "Infinity responding, this is EDI."
Realizing who she was addressing, the A.I.'s personification stood up straighter. She inclined her virtual head in a show of deference and (somewhat forced) respect. "Yes, Lilith?"
"Help me…" Her pitiful cry could barely be picked up by the holotank's audio sensors.
"With what do you require assistance? Please be more specific."
"You lousy, usel—" Lilith realized the visual was set one-way, so EDI had no idea of her current physical state.
EDI prepared herself for another outburst. Both Shepard and Lilith were highly volatile, unstable, prone to explosions of vitriol (immediately forgotten upon distraction), petty, catty, and all-round generally unpleasant. Despite being an A.I. without true emotions, EDI had definitely developed a preference revolving around disliking the behavior of those two.
"I'm sorry" Lilith whispered. "I…I want…"
She wasn't sure what she wanted. She could probably overdose on JumpPaks—be found dead, ridiculed again before being fed to an incinerator, and leave nothing of worth behind.
Her face hardened.
NO. I will not be remembered as a monster.
A second voice popped up in her head.
Then why did Angel reveal herself to Maya? Maya, the more worthy. Maya, the magnificent. Maya, the superior Siren!
Shut up, you drug-addled, self-doubting, pathetic loser! I'm through with those fucking needles, and I'm through with you! BEGONE!
EDI noticed Lilith's apparent cession of conversation. Given her posture, it was likely she stopped speaking to engage in some kind of internal debate as many organics did (an A.I. could conduct a thousand similar internal discussions in a fraction of a second without breaking dialogue). Sure enough, the misshapen Siren spoke again.
"I'm addicted. I'm sick. And I'm probably dying."
"You will have to enable detailed biological scanners on your end as I only possess a visual connection at present."
Digging through the mess that was her room (throwing aside empty JumpPaks with looks of scorn), Lilith managed to find her JumpLine—an extraordinarily sophisticated medical monitoring device that was required to be worn by all JumpPack users. At least in theory. In reality, no one used them. They existed to prevent overdoses, to monitor vital signs, and to warn users of any impending unpleasant side-effects that might require medical intervention. As a result of this function, the JumpLine could pretty much tell if a wearer had a single cancer cell in their body—or detect the presence of halitosis.
The wrist-mounted device started up. To Lilith's annoyance, a synthesized version of Shepard's voice emanated from it. "Would you like to set your current status as a baseline?"
"The hell I do!" hissed the Siren. "Just get detailed medical readings!"
Pairing the JumpLine with the holotank, data about Lilith's current condition flowed to EDI. The device chirped again. "You have ten severe medical issues that must be addressed immediately before using more JumpPaks or returning to combat duties."
For delivering such bad news, the voice remained annoyingly cheerful—though it was not lost on Lilith that she'd not heard Shepard speak in this tone for…almost a year? Shepard was forever screaming, yelling, tantrum-ing and being a rather surly person. This "Shepard" was much more upbeat.
Like the old Sam. And the old me…
EDI interrupted Lilith's thoughts.
"Your body is in extremely poor condition. Your heart is enlarged, your skin is severely damaged, many bones possess precancerous growths, your muscles are extremely unbalanced, there are several untreated internal injuries, the cartilage in your joints has hardened, you are experiencing multiple chemical imbalances, your digestive tract is no longer absorbing nutrients properly, and the walls of blood vessels in your eyes are extremely fragile."
Laughing weakly, Lilith countered. "That's nine. The JumpLine said ten. Can't you count?"
"The JumpLine is also reporting halitosis as a 'severe medical issue.' I do not agree with that assessment" concluded EDI.
"What's one more way for me to be hideous and ugly?" sighed Lilith. "Is there any way to fix all this?"
In microseconds, EDI analyzed all the knowledge loaded into her databanks about Sirens before responding to the question. Referencing research conducted by Liara T'Soni and cross-checking against additional information from Patricia Tannis, she reached a conclusion. "It appears extensive treatment with Eridium injections would reverse most, if not all, the symptoms you currently possess. However, there is a high risk of becoming chemically dependent on the substance."
Lilith's face twisted into a smile. "Fuck you too universe, fuck you."
"This treatment would enable you to resume living as you did before. I fail to see why you should be angry at this news." EDI's face took on a quizzical look.
"Trading one addiction for another" came the sardonic reply. "Sure, I'm free of JumpPaks, but now I have to keep shooting up Eridium instead."
"I see. So you do not wish merely to rid yourself of your current crop of maladies, but you also wish to be free of dependence on any chemical substance no matter how beneficial its effects."
"Exactly." Even though she hadn't gotten the news she wanted, having the conversation lifted Lilith's sagging spirits. "And what happens if I stop taking Eridium after I'm better? Do I revert back to being a monster? Die? Both?"
More near-instant research. "I am afraid I do not possess enough data to suggest any conclusions in this area. The only known Siren to die of Eridium withdrawal became far more dependent upon it than you would be, and I hesitate to extrapolate from a sample size of one."
"What can you tell me about why Maya is here?"
"She believed she had to return to Pandora. No further details were made available."
"Now, how do I talk to Maya without Shepard noticing?"
The refugees from the Fridge were tossed into dark, damp holding cells. Fed gruel come mealtime, the eight crowded by their cell doors in an attempt to have a conversation. Their lighthearted banter came to a screeching halt upon seeing the deformed shape in the light at the end of the hallway.
"Shhh!" hissed Moxxi. "The bitch is back!"
"I heard that" cooed the twisted Siren. Taking Moxxi's face in her hands, she whispered "You're going to regret that later…"
Pulling away from Moxxi's cell, Lilith spoke more loudly. "But I'm not here for Balloon-Boobs. She's for later. Oh no, she's not going to be nearly as much fun."
Stopping outside Maya's cell, Lilith enabled active restraints, immobilizing Maya. Never mind the system's use was excruciatingly painful. Lilith forced a laugh.
Must play the part. Must play the part!
Snapping energy binders onto the screaming Siren, Lilith marched the blue-haired woman in front of her, the barrel of a massive shotgun buried in her back.
Bored while flipping through the many video feeds that showed her everything throughout her base, Shepard paused on the one in the dungeons.
Snorting to herself, she chuckled watching Lilith threaten Moxxi and frog-march Maya from her cell. She'd grinned when the application for prisoner release came in from Lilith. The repulsive Siren wanted some "personal time" with one of the detainees. Shepard immediately approved it—Lilith's spine must have grown back. The only condition? Whatever Lilith did to (or with) Maya had to be recorded so she could watch it later.
Seeing Lilith head back through the door, she turned to other tasks. Someone had left gum in the water fountain again, and she was going to find out who did it. Then feed them to giant skags.
"You monster" hissed Maya. "You disgusting, perverted, drug-addicted bitch!"
In response, the shotgun nudged harder into the base of Maya's spine.
"Why don't you just kill me now, and spare me whatever twisted tortures you have in mind?"
They'd arrived at Lilith's quarters.
Leaning forward, Lilith whispered silkily into Maya's ear: "Because, darling, that would be no fun."
She pushed the prisoner into her room.
This is where I die.
Expecting to see medieval torture machines, electric spikes, or a slag pool at the very least, her eyes landed on…a couch. With a coffee table, and holoprojector playing some trashy show. Two places were set at the table near the kitchen.
Well, if she's going to wine and dine me before breaking me, I guess it's not all bad.
The door slammed shut.
"Let's get this over with" sighed Maya.
EDI appeared in the holotank near the couch.
"Lilith, the room is secure. You will not be disturbed or recorded."
Maya had no way of expecting what happened next.
Clank. Her restraints dropped to the floor.
"Catch." She barely caught the massive shotgun that had been bruising her for the past five minutes.
"There. You're armed, I'm not. We're locked in. You could kill me and walk away. Will you hear me out?"
"What could there possibly be to discuss?" wondered Maya aloud. "Let's see, you're a gigantic bitch, Shepard's little pet skag, and you're ugly!" She took particular relish in the last part.
EDI interrupted before Lilith could defend herself. "I believe the phrase often used among organics is 'Ugly on the outside, beautiful on the inside.'"
"Awww" simpered Maya. "You've gotten the little computer to say nice things about you!"
"For once in your life" spat Lilith through clenched teeth, "don't be like me and listen to someone for a change!"
EDI played back her entire conversation with Lilith. Maya's triumphant grin faded, changing to confusion, recognition, and finally shame.
Placing a hand on Lilith's ruined cheek, Maya's eyes dropped. "I'm the bitch… I gave Krieg a chance. I should've given you one."
She found herself hugging the hideous Siren, who cried into her shoulder.
When they pulled apart, Maya realized she'd dropped her gun. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Lilith move—she had the gun! Looking down, Maya realized the grip end still hovered in front of her, as the other Siren was holding the weapon. And all four barrels of the yellow-and-black death-dealer were pointed square into Lilith's chest.
Barely above a whisper, Maya heard the other woman's words. "If you pulled that trigger right now, I'd happily accept my end, knowing I deserve every last pellet."
Yanking the gun away, Maya backhanded Lilith for all she was worth. Lilith cowered, expecting a well-earned stream of verbal abuse like she was used to getting from Shepard.
"Get ahold of yourself, woman! You're a Siren! A Vault Hunter! Not some petty schoolyard bully or jerk jockette! Maybe Shepard's a lost cause, but you're not! Who killed all those people because they were 'following orders?' Shepard! Who turned this whole mess into a sad, psychotic little circus? Shepard and Xytler! Not! You!"
"I followed them" she replied meekly. "I didn't have the courage to say no. I was too obsessed with the thrill of the fight."
"You did go along, but you're different now." Maya radiated a subtle intensity—one that gave her words spoken at a low volume more power than shouting would have. "You've changed. You woke up, and you want to escape the nightmare. That's what makes a person worthy of redemption. They realize they've done horrible things, but they want to make it right. They want to undo some of their evil."
Lilith perked up. Hesitantly, she asked the question she'd created this whole setup for. "What were you hoping to do with Sanctuary's engine?"
Returning to a businesslike demeanor, Maya's responses were quick and concise. "We need to get to a big Vault at the north pole. We were investigating whether we could use the engine to fly there."
A smile crossed the other Siren's face. "Yeah, Shepard might have a problem with that. The reactor that would power the engine runs this base."
Maya quickly explained Patricia Tannis' theory combined with the words of the Psycho Rakkman.
"That…that won't work" stuttered Lilith. "You're missing something."
"Damn! Did we forget to carry the one?"
For the first time in a long while, Lilith had a genuine, non-schadenfreude laugh.
"No! You just need a large power source to kick start the reaction that would open the Vault."
"Oh." Maya's face showed relief that the theory wasn't completely wrong. "Where do we get a power source that big?"
EDI rejoined the conversation. "I think I may have an answer."