AUTHOR'S NOTE: I just started up a youtube channel and one of my first LPs is of Mass Effect. Just search for The Tired Dad Plays.

You can also follow me on twitter here: /ShawnHerndon1

Captain Kirrahe was getting a little impatient with the speed of this op. When he had been assigned to assisting the genetics team with their research, he was a little insulted. He hadn't busted his cloaca for two years just to be a trumped up guard. But when he learned what the team was up to, he changed his tune quickly. Now he just wanted to make the end run as soon as possible. The lead in charge of the science team, Solus, told him that things must be just right. They didn't need to go half-cooked like the humans and muddle things worse than they already were getting.

Solus frustrated Kirrahe, but he tolerated him. They were both after the same goal here: the safety of the salarian people and the rest of the galaxy. Even if they would never understand it, they also wanted the safest possible future for the krogans as well. If the krogan continued on the path they were on, the turians would use that little bomb they think is so secret and kill them all. The genophage is brutal, but it's still the best way to keep as many people as safe as possible. The Captain continued to make his rounds, stepping up to the navigation surveillance to get their latest report.

"Anything new?"

"The Surtesh just made it into the system. Looks like they're heading home."

"Alright. Send out a message to central command. Let them know the attack failed somehow. We may need upgraded equipment in case they brought back anything from the Perseus Veil."

"Yes Captain." Kirrahe was about to move to his next post when the other salarian shouted back at him. "Captain wait, the Surtesh has just changed course. They're heading in this direction." He looked up at his captain nervously.

"Steady soldier. We get ships flying by here all the time. Just put everyone on standby, per usual." The orders were sent out, all stations being put at the ready. The readings showed the Surtesh get closer and closer. Suddenly, it stopped. Kirrahe leaned closer. "What are you doing out there. Do we have any visual monitors that can pick them up?"

"No captain, they're just out of range. Maybe they're looking for mineral deposits inside the asteroid bel-" alarms cut short his theory when it picked up an entire payload of rockets and gun fire heading towards the base. The station the Captain was standing out was deep inside the facility, but it still rocked him off his feet when the gunfire tore through the top layer. He quickly got to his feet, shouting orders into his omni-tool.

"I want every fighter we have scrambled and sent out there. Take down the Surtesh immediately. And send a report out to central that we're under attack."

The solider shouted over his shoulder to his Captain. "We can't send out the message sir. We're being jammed by something."

"You just keep your eye out for anything else, and keep sending me updates. I'm going to get the rest of the troops ready for a siege."

"Jaq let me know when you got the next load ready to go."

"Keep your fucking hum steady Koto, I'm working on it."

Shard looked at the smoking heap that was poking out the top of the asteroid that they now knew contained a listening post inside of it. They wouldn't be able to crack its rocky armor to do any real damage, but it felt good to watch an entire load of missiles tear the top of it apart. "We'll need a way to get inside that."

"Jaq's got some demo with her. She'll get us inside Shard."

Suddenly six fighters came from around the dark side of the rock. "Looks like we made them mad."

"Yeah, time to show them how they made us feel. Take them out Koto." The krogan pilot didn't need any more encouragement. He went forward to meet the other fighters head on. He knew these models. Thin armor, lighting fast and very tricky to pin down. But they didn't pack much of a punch and his baby could take it. He knocked two out in the first pass. The others were soon on his tail. He punched the ship vertical, not bothering with a graceful loop. Soon he smashed down into the tail of another ship, knocking it just enough off course to crash into a nearby asteroid. Shard's eyes lit up for a moment, inspired.
She pulled up the comm-link to Geth. "Geth, I want you to hack the three enemy fighters coming after us. Take away their controls, and crash them into the listening post."

"Acknowledged." The two AIs made quick work of the simple programs running the fighter ships. In quick succession they were sent crashing into the listening post, leaving a gaping hole big enough for the Surtesh to land inside.

"There's your opening Koto."

"You always give the best gifts Shard."

Kirrahe had to hold onto the wall as another explosion was felt in the facility. The Surtesh was reported landed inside the base now, after it had used his own ships to make an impromptu landing pad. He wasn't getting reports from the navigation center anymore. He had done everything he could to get his men ready. They were positioned so the invaders would have to fight tooth and nail for every inch. Barricades were in place and thick doors locked each section off from one another. Now he was taking a small team to protect the research crew. It was just a few scientists, headed by Professor Mordin Solus. Kirrahe entered the lab where he was still working.

"Don't know if you noticed Solus but we're under attack. You need to join the rest of your team."

"Unnecessary. Worked in STG as well. Can take care of myself. Tests at critical stage. Attack problematic. Surtesh likely discovered what we were up to. Efforts could be wasted if data is destroyed."

"We don't have time to argue Solus. You need to come with me if you want any hope of surviving this. You know as well as I do what Maw Company is capable of. We don't have a way out of here and help isn't coming."

"Figured as much. Still, work needs doing, in case we survive. You should go. Help protect others. Make sure we stay safe." Kirrahe didn't have time to argue with the professor and ran off to join his men on the front line. Solus looked down at his omni-tool, opening up the self-destruct protocol he had installed. "Only in worse possible scenario. Death of friends unfortunate but they'd understand. Comes with the job." He closed the program and returned to his tests.

The Geth's rocket tore through a cluster of salarian troops guarding the first door Maw Company; nothing left but a dark smear on the ground and wall. "The way is clear allies." Wilson chimed in from Shard's omni-tool.

"You need to upgrade your reference databanks Geth. Organics usually don't enjoy being referred to by their titles. Sometimes. Frankly it's a bit confusing. Should probably just call them the Maws."

"Excuse me fellas, but why don't we debate semantics later? We're trying to conduct a raid here." Tali was curt with the AIs as she hacked through the door's security." Shard and Jaq moved in behind her.

"Remember the plan Jaq. You cover yourself and Tali with double barriers. Me and Koto should be able to get in close before the enemy does too much damage. Same with Geth and it's thick armor. They'll be less prepared with close quarter combat."

"Cozy and nasty. Just the way I like it Red. Let's fucking do this. For Tuchanka."

"For Tuchanka."

"For Tuchanka," Koto finished for the other women. The three huddled together quickly, a silent prayer traveling between them. The door was soon open and they were rushing head first into a wall of gunfire.
Like Shard had planned for, they were able to get through the onslaught quickly. Jaq's barriers were able to absorb anything the armor couldn't. Salarians were sent scrambling when Jaq rushed through the first barricade. The blue energy tore apart the metal and sent several troops crashing further into the room. Jaq laughed as she punched through several enemies, her hands dripping with gore. The fighting was too close for the salarians to push Maw Company back and were soon falling back themselves. Tali shocked a troop with her omni-tool, before bashing his skull in with her shotgun - swinging it upside down. Koto lifted two salarians, one in each hand, before smashing them back down into the ground. The Geth killed troops with as little movement as necessary. He was economical in his death dealing, snapping necks one after another. Soon the room was cleared, every member of the crew covered in blood and bile. They moved to the next locked door.

"Probably going to be this hard each step of the way. They won't go down without a fight." Shard wiped the blood off her rifle.

"Hey Red, let me take this next one. Got a surprise for these silly fucks."

Kirrahe was sweating near the back of his line. The men had heard the shouting and fighting get closer with each passing minute. Kirrahe had to steady them from time to time, remind them what they were fighting for: the safety of their people and possibly the galaxy. It was quiet now on the other side of the steel door. But the quiet was soon destroyed when an explosion tore through the door, sending shrapnel and flames into the room. The troops closest to the door were burned down immediately, not even time to scream. Kirrahe ducked in time but felt the heated air pass over him. He also heard the screams of the one who hadn't gotten down in time. The flesh was melted from their faces, and their body was pierced by the flying metal.

Then the bullets started flying. Kirrahe shouted orders to shoot back as the terrifying figures pushed through the opening, but nothing stood in their way. The large female shrugged off wounds like she were a naturally born krogan. He had to force himself to keep looking at her, her face a road map of pain with crisscrossed scars. He knew they were the final line between the Maws and the science team. He rallied his men and began to actually pin down the enemy.

The Captain sent out two troops to try and circle around into a flanking position, but the biotic woman destroyed his plan when she laid down a singularity and rushed behind the line. His men were either sent scattering or picked up into the air. The Maws took them out one by one until Kirrahe was the only one left. The quarian tackled him to the ground and pulled a blade from her boot. He had to try and keep the point away from his throat, but it slowly lowered when she put all of her weight into it. Kirrahe recognized the quarian and could see the angry through her facemask. The captain shifted to the right, letting the blade stab him in the shoulder. But now she was close enough for him to shove the syringe he had pulled from his belt. Her eyes went wide and he could hear an alarm begin to go off inside her helmet.

"Courtesy of the Professor you bitch!" He shoved the quarian off of him as her body began to convulse and her eyes rolled into the back of her head. The others shouted the girls name and he heard screams in his direction. By the grace of luck he was able to dodge the bullets shot his way. He opened the door remotely with his omni-tool just enough to slide through it, before slamming it shut again.

"Dirty fucker!" Jaq slammed her shoulder into the door, seconds too late to capture the salarian who had been shouting orders. And who had stabbed Tali with something.

"Hold on Tali, hold on." Shard was holding her friend in her arms, her muscles convulsing uncontrollably. "Come on babe, you're going to be alright. Wilson! Get your ass out here and take care of her."

The program jumped into the Prime Unit just as The Geth left the platform. Wilson turned his head about as if searching for something. "Geth? Where did you go."

Tali's vocalizer began to speak with Geth's voice. "I have uploaded myself directly into Creator Zorah's suit so I can interact with her cybernetics and issue direct repairs."

Koto took a moment to sit down and rest on his haunches. "She might get pretty pissed off at you when she finds out. Then again, you'll have my thanks if you give her the chance to get pissed again."

"Acknowledged. I have discovered that the salarian injected her with an unknown virus. Her already weak immune system is not able to fight it off. Her heart is on the verge of stopping."

Wilson knelt down, pulling a medical kid from a magnetic lock behind his back. "Good thing I brought this. I should be able to keep her body from quitting on her, but if I don't know I'm dealing with here, I won't be able to deal with the virus."

Shard looked around and found the discarded syringe. It was labeled with a series of numbers, likely experimental. "Oh this is going to suck." Before anyone could stop her she injected herself with the rest of the liquid. Soon she was screaming and holding the side of her head. One of her hearts stopped instantly and she could feel the other one working hard to keep going. It was like her inside were on fire. Jaq put her arms around her back.

"Fuckin' maniac!" Jaq held her close until the shaking slowly stopped. Koto was standing again, eyes looking on in confusion.

"What the hell? Never pegged her as suicidal."

"Don't be an idiot Koto. You forget what was done to her? Cerberus was thorough to make sure he couldn't get sick again. Problem is, first her body has to go through all the fun times of the disease before it can take care of it."

Wilson looked over at Shard. "You mean antibodies? That's just what I'll need." As if to answer him, Shard moved her head, exposing her neck. Wilson quickly took the sample he needed. "It'll take a moment for me to cultivate something. We won't be able to go on with you. We'll having our hand full taking care of Tali."

Koto got up and moved to the door. "Don't worry about us. You just make sure that female makes it out of this alive. She's too good to go down in this shit hole."

Jaq helped Shard up and they joined Koto at the door. "Got something for this door Ripper?"

"Just stand the hell back guys." Shard and Koto stepped back as Jaq began to radiate blue power in her hands. She moved them as if she was trying to pull something apart. A dent soon formed in the middle of the steel door, and the tear grew as Jaq forced the two halves away from each other, the metal screeching in protest. When she was done, Jaq had to catch her breath, but she had enough energy to smile back at her two compatriots.

The three each pulled out their shotguns as the moved into a hallway. They passed several rooms with glass windows, experiments abandoned within each. Shard felt a little sick in her stomach at the familiar lab setting. "Well, I've certainly seen worse."

"You're tellin' me Red. Give the salarian's this. When they're trying to fuck with nature and release unholy shit on everyone, at least they run a clean ship." They moved past another room, but inside this one they saw two salarians. And they were arguing. One of them looked grizzled, and covered in scars. He was wearing some kind of cross between a lab coat and body armor. The other one, was the bastard that stabbed Tali. Shard stopped her friends just as the other ones saw them and raised their weapons in their direction.

Shard sent out a push strong enough to crack the glass and send the shards flying through the room. The salarians jumped into cover as the krogans began to fire at them. They spread through the room, laying down fire until their guns grew too replaced the heat sinks and were about to fire again when the salarian from earlier stood, throwing a glass beaker directly at Shard's face.

It hit her with enough force to knock her into a counter top, the glass biting into her skin. But then the contents began to quickly burn away at her skin and eyes, blinding her. She dropped her gun and clutched at her face in agony, thrashing in pain. Jaq yelled for her, taking her eyes off her opponents for a moment. It was all the opening the Professor needed. He stepped forward quickly, knocking Jaq's shotgun to the side. She turned back to him, already beginning to glow with power when he reached into a pouch in his belt and threw a powder into her face.

Against her will, her body reacted harshly to the chemical. Her biotics were flaring wildly, wreaking havoc on her body and the furniture around the lab. Mordin pointed his pistol at her head but Jaq was able to get out a lucky hit, a blue tendril snapping the gun from his hand. The Captain looked back and turned his own gun from Shard to Jaq. The bullet struck her in the back, close to her spine, and she fell to the ground in a heap. He hoped the strike killed her when he saw her biotics fade out. He turned to the other salarian.

"Hurry Mordin. We must stop them before they go any further and find the rest of the team." Kirrahe might have said more, if he knew it was the last sentence he'd ever say. As he turned to finish off the other woman, he found himself starring down the barrel of a shotgun wielded by a very angry looking krogan.

Koto pulled the trigger, the blast powerful enough to rip the male's head from his shoulders, sending it sailing across the room. He couldn't waste any time worrying about his teammates and could only hope they were still alive. Shard had stopped screaming, and had crawled over to Jaq. She covered her body with her own but neither were moving now. Maybe they were breathing, maybe not. He could find out when he killed this Mordin person.

The professor had collected his weapon on the floor and was already aiming at Koto. The salarian proved faster, as well as accurate. The first bullet went straight through Koto's cheek, leaving his jaw hanging on one side. Thankfully his helmet was keeping everything in place. When Koto ignored it and raised his gun at Mordin, the next shots went into the krogan's hands. He was unable to keep his grip on the gun, but leaped towards the salarian faster than he had ever mustered before. They both crashed into the floor.

Mordin was able to roll through and back on his feet. Koto cursed up at him. "Spry little shit ain't you. Let's see how spry you are once I rip your legs from you."

"Typical. Exactly why the genophage is an unfortunate necessity. You can't be trusted to yourselves. My work must continue." Mordin stretched out his omni-tool, super heated plasma splashing onto Koto's helmet. He quickly got it off, but not before some of it splashed onto his already damaged cheek. It burnt away part of his face, until his sharp teeth could be seen from the outside. He didn't have time to worry about the pain and filed it away for later. He threw his helmet at Mordin, smacking him in the head.

Koto pressed the attack, shoving him into a small table with a chemistry set up on it, still cooking. Koto's strong hands found Mordin's throat and he started to squeeze as hard as he could. He wanted to make it last longer than this but didn't have the luxury of time in this battle. Mordin's eyes were almost bursting when he reached back and smashed another beaker into Koto's eye. The krogan ignored the blow until he tasted the dirty chemicals burning on his tongue. He felt his strength wane, his grip go lax. He knew right away something was wrong. He felt something warm and wet crawl down his eyes. It was as if every sickness he had ever felt hit him all at once.

Mordin was coughing for air, straightening back up, holding his throat. "Rejected redesign for the genophage. Still, can come in handy in certain scenarios. Please understand," Mordin pulled out a knife from his belt, "it hurts me to have to do any of this." He brought down the knife, aiming for Koto's neck. But Koto was able to muster enough strength to rise enough so the blade bounced off his armor. He fell forward so all his weight forced the small salarian down to the ground. Koto bashed Mordin's face with a giant headbutt, but couldn't follow up as the disease inside him continued to ravage his body.

To his side, he saw Shard beginning to stir again, her eyes now grown back surrounded by fresh scar tissue. Jaq was also pushing back towards consciousnesses. He knew he didn't have a chance of getting out of here now, made his peace with it. But it was enough to know his friends would leave victorious. But as usual, salarians made for poor losers.

Mordin saw the krogan looking at the others and he quickly calculated he would not be making it out of here alive. Neither would they. They couldn't get access to the information housed here. It could prove to be problematic. Only one choice now. He thought of his team hiding further in the facility. They'd understand. As usual, the Professor had no other choice.

Koto heard the soft tapping of an omni-tool below him and when he looked back he recognized the self-destruct protocol Mordin was activating. And he knew he had no other choice. There was only one thing he could think of to make sure his teammates got out of here alive. He opened his wide jaw, still hanging slightly on one side, and bite down with enough force to rip Mordin's forearm from his body. Including his omni-tool. For a split second he took great delight in watching the color drain from Mordin's face as he bleed out beneath him. He had not been able to complete the sequence. He spat the arm out as the omni-tool faded from life and gave one last mighty roar. He screamed until he finally felt his stomachs burst and the pain he had been keeping at bay finally overwhelmed him. Urdnot Koto was gone.

Shard got back up on shaky feet, Jaq crawling on the ground next to her. They pulled Koto's body from the salarian corpse beneath him. Lifeless eyes looked up, no sign of their friend left in them. Jaq bowed her head.

"Mother Tuchanka. Accept your son back to you. He proved himself mighty and true to his clan and people. We will carry his memory with us for the rest of days and sing of his glory throughout history. This We Promise." Only silence answered Jaq and she turned to look up confused at Shard. She had not answered the prayer. Tears were streaking down her face and she turned away without saying anything. But Jaq recognized the pain on her face, filled with hate and sorrow. She slowly pulled herself up and tried to reach for her friend but Shard was already quickly moving out of the room. She had retrieved her weapon and didn't even stop when The Prime Unit opened the door, holding Tali. Shard just pushed her way past them both.

"Shard..." was all Tali could whisper out. Wilson turned the platform's head to scan the room. He noticed the three dead bodies and Jaq's hurt form.

"Jaq, we must treat you."

"I'll be fine, we gotta get to Shard. Siva warned me about this. Said sometimes warriors lose themselves after a hard fight. Where you lose friends. We gotta stop her before she does something she regrets." Jaq tried to move out of the room but her legs still had not recovered enough and she crashed onto the floor, her head in the hallway.

Down the hallway, she saw Shard's back as the woman faced an open room. Inside were four huddled scientists. They were unarmed and scared looking. Some were begging. And Jaq could see Shard's shotgun lift to point at the nearest one, her finger twitching on the trigger.