A/N: At long last the final (real) chapter of the first book. Don't worry there will be an epilogue after this chapter to tie things off and and link us into the next act. This chapter is probably best read as the denouement of the story. While there is plenty of action and plot development I found when writing it that it doesn't quite compare to the epic nature of the previous chapter. Anyway, in this chapter you can expect to see Liara show her possessiveness of Shepard, the 'battle' with the Reaper larvae take a different and less violent turn, and more. As an added note I was very pleased with the reviews I got for the last chapter. Keep it up!
Chapter XXXVI: A Victory Here Is Only The First Step ...
Shepard's comatose form may have looked almost serene in its unconsciousness but appearances are always deceiving. With Shepard's surrender of her physical form to Archon her animus had been swept away to Archon's side. While she had recovered enough control to cause Archon to release her body it wasn't ready to let her go. So it was that Shepard was now stuck in the same place where they had met once before. The twisted doppelganger that Archon had used to communicate with her before was standing in front of her with a thoughtful look on its features.
"So Emma, you have finally acknowledged your destiny." Archon stated with a hint of satisfaction.
"I wouldn't go that far." Shepard replied angrily. "You manipulated me into this situation."
"We did nothing of the kind daughter. Reality is not always as clear cut as you would like to believe. Our kindred are perfectly capable of concocting their own schemes and stratagems. We are not their master." Archon explained.
"So you expect me to believe that you tried to save Liara?" Shepard shot back.
"Liara is a weakness because she is bound to you. The same nanites that course through your blood also run through hers yet this was not supposed to happen. You were our chosen and we have no room for any others. We know what will happen to Liara and it will cause you only pain." Archon stated, the doppelganger's expression turning sorrowful.
"I ... We saved her! What do you mean? What do you know?" Shepard asked the worry overtaking her.
"You must leave her behind. Only you can continue!" Archon replied fiercely.
"I'm tired of all your cryptic comments. Tell me what will happen!" Shepard growled as she grabbed hold of Archon.
"I cannot say anymore." Archon replied its projection dissolving out of existence in Shepard's hands and materializing behind her. "You have set events in motion which cannot be stopped. By allowing us to take control of your form you have also allowed us to begin changing you. If you do not reach us in time you will die. We can sustain the changes at this great distance for a short while only. You must come to us so that we can complete our work."
"I don't want to be changed! I've already lost too much as it is." Shepard replied angrily as she turned to face Archon.
"You will lose much more. We have no choice and you have no choice." Archon concluded. "We will return you to your form. Nemesis will show you the way to us. When the moment comes you will have another opportunity to leave Liara behind. Make sure you take it."
"Wait! I still have questions!" Shepard begged.
The illusion began to dissolve around them and Archon only gazed at her regretfully. Archon disappeared last leaving Shepard alone in the void. With nothing to see or touch Shepard began to panic. It was very close to the oblivion she had sensed when she had died. With no sensations to distract her Shepard became aware of a tugging sensation. It gradually grew more and more pronounced until she felt as though she was going to rend in two. With a rush of sensation she was back in her body. The sensory overload hit her a moment later as she tried to understand the myriad senses that she had been deprived of while she had been with Archon. The overload was too much for her and in a moment she was on her feet clutching her head in an effort to try and make the sensations recede. As she reeled uncertainly her senses did finally begin to stop screaming at her. The roar of input became muted and eventually returned to normal.
Blinking her eyes open Shepard realized that she was still on the Shadow Broker's ship. Someone had moved her into what appeared to be a set of guest's quarters. Taking in her surroundings she also noted that there were a set of casual clothes left neatly piled for her. Realizing that she was still in her armour Shepard decided that a change of attire was called for, if only to help her relax. She changed her armour for the clothes quickly and was out the door in the blink of an eye. All she had were a few hazy memories of what had happened during her confrontation with the Shadow Broker. She remembered ramming him into the power coupling along with the nauseating feeling of pleasure she had taken at the creature's demise. After that she remembered nothing except for a vague sense of security.
Shepard was startled by the greeting of the Shadow Broker's data assistant as she entered the Broker's old office. The room's other occupant shocked her to the core. Oriana had only just turned away from the bank of displays that she had been consulting to greet Shepard. She looked nothing like the insecure young woman who had first joined Shepard back on the Voice of Memory. The new Oriana was confident and in control. In short she had become like her sister. She had also changed her attire into a pair of black slacks, a white blouse and a black overcoat making her look every bit her new role.
"Emma! You're awake?" Oriana greeted cheerfully. "I was wondering if you were ever going to recover."
"So did I." Shepard replied noncommittally. "I suppose I have you to thank for the clothes."
"Perks of the job!" Oriana responded glibly.
"And what job would that be?"
"Well I couldn't allow the Shadow Broker's network to fall apart." Oriana answered sheepishly. Her expression turned serious a moment later. "Did I do the right thing? Should I have just left it?"
"When I was your age Oriana I would have said that you should have left it to rot. After having seen what I've seen I can tell you truthfully that you did the right thing." Shepard declared. "We can no longer afford to be afraid of ambition and power. We need both if we are going to survive what is it to come and I need people I can trust to keep the galaxy safe."
"You can count on me." Oriana sighed, the relief evident in her voice. "You make it sound like you're going away."
"That moment is drawing closer and closer." Shepard responded the regret clear in her voice. "All along I knew that I would have to stop the Reapers in dark space before they could arrive here. Once they arrived they would be unstoppable. Now my hand has been forced and I no longer have any choice. I'll be counting on you to mind the fort while I'm gone."
"Why do you have to go?" Oriana asked, perplexed now. "Does it have something to do with Archon?"
"Unfortunately it does." Shepard conceded. "When I go into Dark Space I can't take anyone with me."
"What about the Collectors?" Oriana wondered.
"They are an immediate threat. I can't very well leave them to carry on whatever it is they have planned. I'll be able to manage them before it's time."
"Well that is good news." Oriana responded trying to hide her feelings about Shepard's imminent departure. "I suppose you'll be wanting to see Liara?"
Oriana didn't wait to hear Shepard's response but instead led her down an adjoining hallway towards what Shepard guessed to be an infirmary. Oriana totally missed the pained look on Shepard's face. It was with a reluctant tread that Shepard followed the new Shadow Broker. As she walked she knew that deep down what Archon had said about Liara had been the truth. Shepard wanted to deny it but the truth was that she couldn't. She knew that she couldn't stand to lose Liara again. Her dark thoughts were interrupted as Oriana ushered her into a small darkened infirmary.
"She's well on her way to recovery." Oriana whispered in response to Shepard's unasked question. "The medics said that it would be alright for you to spend some time with her."
Shepard took a hesitant step to the quiet form lying on the bed before her. As Shepard drew closer she was able to perceive Liara's face. It was relaxed and at peace – a stark contrast to the last time that Shepard had seen her. Only the periodic whisper of breath let Shepard know that she was still alive. As quietly as she could Shepard drew a chair over to Liara's beside and settled into it. Oriana had long since departed to leave the two to be together once more.
As Shepard watched Liara she stirred in her sleep. An inaudible murmur indicated that Liara was dreaming. With a careful gesture Shepard took Liara's hand in an effort to sooth her restless sleep. The touch had a soothing effect not just on Liara but also on Shepard. Soon the only sound that could be heard in the infirmary was the sounded of deep breathing.
...
Shepard groggily blinked her eyes open what seemed like mere moments later. Liara was also gradually beginning to wake up as well. With a soft smile Shepard leaned over her lover and gave her a gentle peck on the lips. One of Liara's arms gently wrapped itself around Shepard's back. When Liara decided she had finally had enough Shepard eased back into her seat.
"How are you doing?" Shepard asked automatically.
"Better now." Liara replied with the hint of a smile.
"Maybe I should do that more often."
"Maybe."
"Seriously though, is there anything you need?"
"No. I should be fine for the moment." Liara responded awkwardly. Both women were ill at ease talking about what had happened. "Emma, about what happened."
"I'm sorry Liara." Shepard interrupted. "I shouldn't have put you in danger like that."
"We both know that what happened wasn't your fault Emma." Liara replied seriously. "I want you to know that I don't blame you."
"I can't help but shake the feeling that I was somehow responsible." Shepard continued.
"Look at me Emma." Liara ordered. "I know what you're thinking. I made my choice to be with you and I knew what it meant. I love you and being with you makes it worthwhile. Don't ruin what we have by second guessing yourself."
"Oh Liara," Shepard replied her voice thick with emotion. "You have no idea what it means to hear you say that."
Liara was able to perceive the nuance in Shepard's words that took the comment beyond its simple meaning.
"What is it Emma?" Liara asked in confusion.
"When I found you I did something that changed me. Seeing you like that caused me to give in." Shepard confessed. "I let Archon take control of my actions. I thought you had died."
"Emma." Liara responded brokenly.
"Archon changed me somehow. I can feel it deep down. It also told me that where I have to go I must do it alone."
"It was lying to you." Liara responded angrily.
"I don't think so." Shepard responded with a forlorn shake of her head.
"I don't plan on letting you go that easily Shepard." Liara added hotly.
"What happened showed me something Liara. It showed me that I was willing to do anything, make a deal with anyone to get you back."
"So this is my fault?" Liara responded, shocked.
"No. It never could be." Shepard responded sadly. "To do what I have to do I need to know that you're safe Liara. I want to be with you so much but I don't have a choice."
"So you want me to leave?" Liara asked her voice quiet.
"No." Shepard confessed.
"Listen to me Emma. I believe in you and I believe in what we're doing. I am prepared to fight for what we have." Liara responded fiercely. "I lost you once and I'm not going to lose you without a fight. I'm going with you because you need me and I need you. Let the Reapers cope with that reality."
"How can I argue with that?" Shepard answered her visage loosening slightly from the pinched look of worry at Liara's promise. "You might not look it but you're pretty fierce Liara."
Liara coloured at Shepard's comment. Shepard raised her hands in a placatory gesture.
"It was a compliment."
"Indeed." Liara snorted.
"I love you." Shepard said, quietly as she enfolded Liara in a hug.
"You too." Liara answered as she gave Shepard a tight squeeze.
...
A day later after Liara had convalesced enough Shepard had regrouped her allies on the Voice of Memory's bridge. After Oriana had taken up the mantle of the Shadow Broker she had promptly located Councillor Tevos' cell aboard the ship and released her. The Councillor had escaped her captivity little the worse for wear. A medical check had revealed that her brain had not been altered by Reaper technology. The cultists had evidently been surprised by the Shadow Broker's forces before they could actually start work on the Councillor. In addition to the Councillor both of the Spectres were present on the bridge. Senni was keeping a close eye on her traitorous counterpart. Morinth was also there in her role as Nemesis' agent. Oriana insisted on being present in person despite her new responsibilities. Shepard had agreed that it was best if her guests knew nothing of Oriana's new role. Sira was also in attendance given that she was to play a decisive role in the upcoming battle and what was to follow. The final attendee was Liara. She had recovered well and bore the scars of her captivity without comment. The experience and what Shepard had said afterwards had instilled a sense of commitment to their relationship in Liara that Shepard had not experienced before. All uncertainty about where the two stood in relation to each other had disappeared. Liara had been emphatic that the two would face whatever happened as one. Shepard secretly envied her lover's commitment.
As soon as everyone had gathered Shepard addressed the assembled group.
"The Shadow Broker has been vanquished and his resources are now at our disposal. More importantly Councillor Tevos has been freed. Despite our successes our greatest obstacle remains intact. The Collectors and their mission are still a clear threat to all the sentient species of the galaxy. I intend to eliminate them in a single swift strike and send a clear message to the Reapers." Shepard announced.
Tevos shifted as though she was going to say something but thought better of it.
"We know that the Collectors come out of the Omega 4 relay and that no other ships have been able to transit the relay safely except for the Collector vessel. With the help of Nemesis I believe that this ship will be able to transit the relay safely." Shepard continued. "Once on the other side we will first attempt to ascertain what the Collectors have been doing and then destroy whatever ships and installations are present there."
"What about us Shepard?" Tevos asked. "Surely you don't intend to take us into combat."
"No need to get anxious Councillor. I was planning on leaving you with Aria before I left for the relay. Kindred spirits on different sides of an imaginary line one might say." Shepard joked.
"Your impudence is inappropriate Shepard." Tevos shot back, coldly.
"We will be detouring by a Council controlled world. I will be landing you and your party there." Shepard informed the Councillor.
"I would have thought that you would be returning to the Citadel to regroup with your own forces before undertaking such a perilous mission." Tevos questioned.
"Recent information has come to my attention that makes dealing with the Collectors a matter of urgency. My crew will have to fend for themselves a little while longer." Shepard answered, her emotions carefully masked.
"What information have you received?" Tevos prodded.
"The information I have received is, quite frankly, none of your business Councillor." Shepard reprimanded sharply. "I would thank you to remember that you owe your freedom to me and my crew. Gratitude is in order."
The councillor was somewhat chastened by Shepard's comment. It was also clear that people rarely spoke to her in such a way. Still the Tevos was the consummate diplomat.
"I am grateful for all the work that you have done on my behalf Shepard. My only interest is in protecting the people living in Citadel space." Tevos paused before posing her next question. "Given that you are a rogue element Shepard I feel that I must ask you this question now. What do you intend to do after you stop the Collectors? What of our agreement?"
"Unfortunately for you Councillor, I have done all that I can do for that agreement. The cultists are now your problem and I would suggest that you root them out and deal with them quickly. As for me I have an appointment with Dark Space. The chances of us meeting again are slim."
Tevos did an excellent job of hiding both her relief and her irritation.
"You're going to need some help on this mission." Senni interrupted. "I volunteer."
"You do know that our chances of survival are slim." Shepard cautioned.
"Nevertheless I know what is at stake here. Plus we all owe you Shepard. Someone has to balance the equation." Senni answered her without a shred of doubt.
"Glad to have you with us then Senni."
Tevos looked somewhat putout by her subordinate's decision to switch sides.
"Shepard, we will be accompanying you through the Omega 4 relay." Morinth interjected. "We have already uploaded the appropriate navigational data and a tactical plan to Sira. The sooner we depart the better."
"Very well then. Sira, prepare us for departure. Morinth, show the Councillor and Spectre Vasir back to their quarters." Shepard ordered.
As Morinth escorted the other two asari away Shepard turned back to Oriana.
"Well Oriana you had best be getting back to running your empire." Shepard joked, though the humour was lacking.
"So I'm never going to see you again?" Oriana asked, a hint of emotion creeping into her voice.
"Never is an awfully long time. It might no be for a while but we'll see each other again." Shepard consoled her. "In the meantime keep your face to the fire and do what's right."
Oriana nodded before giving Shepard a quick hug. As she was leaving she seemed to remember something and turned back to Shepard.
"What do I do about Miri?"
"That is a decision that I have to leave up to you Shadow Broker." Shepard replied with a cryptic smile.
Oriana gave her a confused nod and a sigh before heading on her way. As she left Liara voiced her concerns.
"What are you going to do about Miranda? You can't very well leave her to fend for herself."
"While we're gone Miranda will have to keep this galaxy in order." Shepard sighed. "It's a lot to ask from her but she's the only one I can trust with a responsibility that stretches over such a long duration."
"I hope someone remembers to tell her that." Liara remarked.
...
It had taken them only three days to arrive in the Omega system after leaving Hagalaz. Shepard had left the Councillor and her somewhat reformed Spectre with a passing asari frigate before continuing on her way to Omega. Now the only thing between her and her goal was the Omega 4 relay. During the transit Shepard had rigorously planned out the mission from Nemesis' intelligence. Upon leaving the relay both ships would be forced to literally plough through a debris field of wrecked ships. The field was littered with autonomous mines but thanks to Nemesis' IFF the mines wouldn't pose a threat to the two vessels. Unfortunately nobody actually knew what the Collector base was like or what defences it would have. In response to this intelligence deficit Shepard had hit on the simplest strategy possible. With two dreadnaughts at her disposal it would be a simple matter to pepper the facility with slugs at long range. Once the saturation bombardment had been completed it would be possible to sweep in and conduct a detailed scan of the facility or a landing should the situation demand it. Shepard had the sinking feeling that there were still many hidden variables to contend with.
The transit had given everyone time to prepare themselves both mentally and physically for the attack so that by the time they had reached the Omega 4 relay the only thing left to do was to actually travel through it. When the moment arrived the bridge was completely silent. Even Shepard was quiet, attempting to fight down the icy tendrils of fear in her gut. Shepard knew that deep down she wasn't afraid of the Collectors though she knew she should have been. What Shepard was afraid of was what a victory would mean. She knew what came after base was far more terrifying and uncertain than anything that she would face in the coming battle. With a silent command to Sira the two dreadnaughts approached the relay.
A single string of data was exchanged between the each of the two approaching ships and the relay but it was enough to send the two vessels hurtling through the void to their destination. The ride was far from smooth as the relay had only ever been configured for the use of the Reapers. The sudden deceleration of both vessels at the termination of their jump was punctuated by the bone jarring thunder of impacts on their barriers as the two ships rammed through the countless relics of their predecessors. The situation did not phase the Reaper in the slightest as it single-mindedly headed for its destination. For the organics aboard the Voice of Memory it was a white knuckle journey where every impact on the barriers might signal their imminent collapse.
On the bridge of the Voice there was chaos as the tiny crew fought to plot a course through the debris. As Sira announced the imminent failure of her shields the Voice of Memory exited the field only slightly behind Nemesis.
"Damage report!" Shepard shouted over the chaos of several exploding relays.
"Kinetic Barriers at 15%" Sira announced.
"Damage to the power transfer grid! Our movement is impaired." Liara added.
"Weapons are still fully functional." Morinth concluded.
"I'm fine thanks for asking." Senni added dusting herself off after being floored by the impact of a particularly large piece of debris.
"We are detecting an enemy vessel departing from the station. Apparently the Collectors want to fight." Liara interjected.
"Lock the main weapons on the enemy ship. It's time for payback." Shepard growled. "Fire as soon as you have a lock."
While the Collector ship was a fearsome opponent for any cruiser or frigate built by the Citadel races and even a worthy challenger for most dreadnaughts, against the Voice of Memory it was an annoyance. Against both the Voice and a Reaper it was laughable. The opening salvo of slugs from the Voice's main guns blasted towards their target moments after Shepard had given her order. All three shots struck their target ripping through its barriers and shattering the armour and hull of the enemy ship. The single oversized round from Nemesis did its work a moment later as it punched through the holes created by the initial volley and burrowed into the vessel's core eventually colliding with it's mass effect core. The Collector ship disappeared into a nova of white flame moments later.
"Well so much for their ship." Shepard snorted derisively.
"That makes a change in our fortunes." Liara added drawing a scathing look from Shepard. "What?"
"You've jinxed us! You never ever comment on our luck while we're in battle. Afterward maybe." Shepard reprimanded.
"Shepard we have a firing solution on the Collector base." Morinth announced, interrupting Liara's rebuttal. "The central structure around the reactor is heavily armoured. Our weapons might not be able to penetrate it without destroying the entire facility as well."
"As attractive as destroying the facility with our opening volley is we still need to confirm what the Collectors are doing on the station. There might also be survivors."
"We will be sacrificing our best opportunity to destroy this facility in a single strike. Closing in is risky." Morinth chided.
"Load explosive sub-munitions and set them for proximity detonation. We'll crack its hull open and hopefully open a route into the main core." Shepard decided.
Moments later the ship shuddered as another salvo was sent rushing towards the enemy facility. The rounds did their work well as their explosions opened great rents in the station's hull. Chunks of debris went rocketing away from the detonations and fires soon appeared in the damaged areas.
"Well that should keep them busy. Sira, bring us in towards that station and do everything you can to scan it. I want to know what we're dealing with."
"There is something unusual about the station Shepard." Sira interjected. "While the outer hull is unfamiliar some of the internal architecture is familiar. The materials used are also similar to the materials used in my construction."
A half buried memory stirred in Shepard's consciousness. She found herself remembering the echo of the Prothean librarian that Sira had shown them and what he had said about the Ark. Realization dawned on her a moment later.
"The Collectors are Protheans. That station was the Ark that the Protheans built except repurposed by the Reapers." Shepard gasped.
"Goddess." Sira exclaimed softly. "We're destroying what's left of my people."
"Sira? Are you alright?" Shepard asked solicitously.
"No." Sira retorted angrily. "I was created to protect them and now I'm destroying them!"
"Sira, we both know that they're puppets of the Reapers. Killing them is saving them. It's saving them from the abominations that the Reapers have made them into."
"That doesn't make this any easier." Sira shot back.
"It's us or them!" Morinth growled.
Sira paused for a moment as though processing new information.
"I am detecting an energy signature inside the base unlike anything I have seen before. It is likely to be tied to whatever the Collectors have been doing.
"Alright Sira, this is what I propose." Shepard said, adopting her best conciliatory tone. "The crew and I will board the station and track down the energy signature. We'll also see if we can do anything for the Collectors. Maybe they can be saved or something can be salvaged from them to give your people a chance. Should it prove necessary I will destroy the facility and live with the consequences. Fair?"
Sira gave Shepard a quick nod. Shepard quickly turned her attention to the crew.
"Everyone to the airlock. We're latching on to the station and boarding it." Shepard ordered as she headed for the elevator.
Sira had completed the docking manoeuvre by the time that they had reached the airlock. Waiting for them at the airlock was a small arsenal of weapons. Everyone had elected to take everything that they could carry. Shepard had also decided to take a small bit of added insurance with her. A 10 megaton backpack sized weapon was set of to the side by itself. The detonation of such a weapon inside the Collector base was guaranteed to destroy the entire facility. She left the job of carrying the weapon to Morinth. For her part Shepard had selected a compact missile launcher in addition to her sword, pistol and two SMGs. Both Liara and Senni were armed with an assortment of heavy weapons. Senni was casually toting her grenade launcher as though it weighed nothing while Liara looked uncomfortable with the heavy weapon and exchanged it for an assault rifle.
As soon as everyone was ready Shepard touched the controls for the airlock. As they crossed the docking tunnel and opened the hatch to the Collector base they were assaulted by a blast of humid air. The interior of the station was dark, hot and oppressive. Fluid leaked from dozens of ruptures in the organic membranes of the ship. Where there was light it flashed intermittently as the power system of the station struggled to supply the various subsystems of the station. The access ways were all deserted.
"Kind of creepy." Senni remarked as she covered the groups rear. "No welcoming party."
"They're probably all too busy with damage control to worry about us." Liara answered from the middle of the group.
"We're heading for the central shaft of the station. Both the reactor and the energy readings are coming from there." Shepard announced as she took point.
The team made cautious progress through the dark tunnels of the station. The entire time there wasn't a single sign of anyone or anything. They emerged into the central chamber several minutes later. What they saw shocked everyone present.
Hanging before them was what could only be described as a half built creature suspended from a series of pulsing tubules. The construction was distinctly Reaper in nature but the form was obviously human in origin. The creature towered above the tiny figures of the group. To Senni the creature was a fearsome harbinger of things to come. To Shepard it was utterly terrifying for an entirely different reason. Shepard could actually hear the cacophony of voices that made up the souls consumed to fuel the creature's growth. Worse still she could feel the tendrils of nascent creature's consciousness reaching out to embrace her. With a shock she realized that the creature had identified her as a kindred entity.
Shepard stood there trying to figure out what to do when Senni raised her grenade launcher to fire. With a swift movement Shepard batted the barrel of the weapon down.
"Shepard! What are you doing?" Senni sputtered in surprise.
"We can't destroy it." Shepard replied simply.
"What are you talking about?" Senni replied in confusion.
"All of the humans that were consumed by that Reaper are still alive in a way. If we can alter the Reaper's programming maybe we can save them. If we kill it we also kill them."
"How do you know this? All I see is an abomination waiting to kill us." Senni shot back her ire rising.
"Shepard is right," Morinth added. "And wrong at the same time. The Reaper is speaking to all of us now."
"What?" Senni gasped. "I don't hear anything."
"That is because you lack the means to hear. The Reaper wants us to spare it and all the lives that are now part of it." Morinth interrupted harshly. "It is playing on Shepard's doubt and her guilt."
Liara ignored the interplay between the two asari. She quietly moved to Shepard's side. Shepard was lost in staring up at the Reaper before her. Liara took Shepard's hand startling her. Shepard's gaze met Liara's.
"You know what has to happen Emma." Liara whispered. "Let them go."
It took a moment for Shepard to understand. The words seemed to banish her doubts. It was better if both the Reaper and the countless souls never reached full consciousness.
Shepard raised an SMG and pointed it at the Reaper's support structure.
"I'm sorry." Shepard whispered as she depressed the trigger. The burst of gunfire blasted through several of the tubules causing the entire construct to shudder. The rest of the team raised their weapons and proceeded to let loose a hail of destructive fire. Moments later with a rending shriek the Reaper larvae came free and plunged into the abyss of the lower reaches of the station. As it vanished Shepard was left with a whisper of gratitude which swiftly faded into nothingness. She let out a shaky breath. For a brief transitory moment she had seen her own face overlaid on the Reaper's form - a not so subtle reminder of the fate that was confronting her. Shaking herself free of her thoughts Shepard turned back to the team.
"We're done here. Set the bomb." She ordered quietly.
As Morinth set to work Shepard edged towards the abyss and quickly peered over the edge. Only blackness greeted her. Within the blackness something stirred. As she continued to look down she became aware of the buzzing of thousands of wings. In a burst of colour dozens of Collectors came shooting up from the abyss. As the first one blasted by her Shepard was sent flying backwards by the backwash. As she righted herself from her landing Shepard wrenched her SMGs free and opened fire on the swarm of Collectors. Startled by the sudden appearance of enemies the rest of the team opened sporadic fire on the swarm.
"Is that bomb ready?" Shepard yelled over the roar of gunfire.
"The weapon is ready. I have set the timer for ten minutes." Morinth shouted back.
"Everyone fall back to the ship! Steady retreat!" Shepard yelled as she continued to exchange fire with the Collectors.
The group gradually edged its way back the way it had come. While three of the team members laid down suppressing fire the most exposed member would fall back. While the strategy was immensely successful the tide of Collectors showed no sign of abating. The fight was also beginning to take its toll as each team member was injured. First came the superficial wounds as barrier modules failed. Morinth was hit first in the stomach but merely shrugged the wound off. Senni took a shot to the shoulder next as her barriers failed again and dropped her grenade launcher. The group hastily took refuge by ducking into an adjoining access shaft which was temporarily devoid of Collectors.
"Sitrep." Shepard ordered as she scanned her new surroundings.
"I have been injured and require medical attention soon." Morinth stated calmly as though discussing the weather.
"What she said." Senni growled.
"We're running low on ammunition and weapons." Liara summed up.
"We should only be 100 metres from the airlock." Shepard realized. "We can rush it. I'll bring up the rear."
"Emma ..." Liara said.
"No arguing Liara. Someone has to buy us the time to escape." Shepard replied tightly.
"Just promise me you'll make it." Liara responded tightly.
"I promise." Shepard responded tightly before turning to address the rest of the team. "Go! Now!"
The two wounded asari sprinted back into the other access corridor taking the Collectors by surprise. Liara followed moments later pausing occasionally to fire a burst of rifle fire at any Collectors drawing to close to the team. Shepard brought up the rear her twin SMGs bringing fiery death to any Collectors that got too close.
Senni reached the hatch first and took cover in the docking umbilical before snapping off the occasional pistol shot at the approaching Collectors. Morinth followed her moments later. Liara was short distance behind them. As Shepard spun towards the door she watched Liara cross the threshold back into the Voice of Memory. Time seemed to slow down as a dark shape obscured her view of the entrance. Shepard collided with something very solid. She was sent sprawling against the ground the wind knocked out of her. As Shepard looked up she saw the familiar glowing form of a possessed Collector.
"Shepard!" Harbinger hissed malevolently. "I will make you suffer for what you've done here."
The Collector loomed above her but Shepard was past her fear of the creature. With a swift motion she yanked her sword free and in a blinding movement rammed the weapon into the Collector. She quickly yanked the weapon free before rolling out of the way. The collector exploded in a burst of fire leaving only a fine wind of ash.
"You never learn." Shepard muttered as she hauled herself to her feet sprinted to the airlock.
Joining her teammates in the umbilical the weary team stumbled back into the airlock of the Voice of Memory.
"Sira! Get us out of here!" Shepard rasped as she yanked her helmet off. "Time to detonation?"
"One minute." Sira shot back.
Like most military vessels crash webbing came standard in certain areas of the ship. The airlock was one such region. Shepard quickly grabbed Liara and rushed her towards one of the emergency brace points. Yanking the crash webbing around them Shepard braced for the impending detonation.
"Are we going to make it?" Liara asked as she latched on to Shepard.
"To close to call." Shepard responded nervously.
"If we're down to seconds then be with me now." Liara whispered urgently as she grabbed Shepard and kissed her. Shepard could only hold on.
Deep inside the Collector base the timer of the bomb silently reached zero. The base erupted in the white hot fire of a fusion explosion. Silhouetted against the white inferno were two motes of darkness. The vessels were locked in a race against the oncoming shockwave. The first vessel to reach the relay was the black mass of the Reaper. In moments it was hurled out of harm's way. Slightly behind it the Voice of Memory hurtled towards the relay every engine blazing as brightly as the hell behind it. As the first greedy tendrils of the approaching shockwave reached out to envelop the fleeing ship it reached the relay. In an explosion of energy the Voice of Memory leapt away from the flames leaving the Collectors, the relay and the graveyard to be immolated in a fiery pyre.