Heretic Base

December 29, 2185

SSV Normandy SR-2 - Normandy Bridge - Commander Alonso - 2300 hours

Jane, Miranda, Joker and I were on the bridge, trying to make the final preparations before leaving the ship in Joker's capable hands as EDI was still in the middle of implementing the IFF into the ship's systems.

"-So that means that you won't be able to fly the ship around. You'll be a sitting duck." Miranda leaned on the starboard wall, giving Joker a threatening look, trying to explain to our pilot that the ground team will be away from the Normandy while EDI tests on our new gadget. The Reaper IFF. "If this ship gets one scratch while we're away..."

"EDI mentioned earlier that stealth systems will be available." Shepard gave Miranda a reassuring look before turning to Joker, easing the pressure on our pilot, as he was undoubtedly pissing his pants. "I'd use it as much as you can."

"I know, it shouldn't take that long to vent the systems." Joker nodded. "Wish you guys luck, and you better hurry. Everything will be just fine. Don't worry."

"I'll hold you to that. Shepard, tell everyone to get ready, We'll leave in fifteen. Miranda, I need to speak with you in my quarters."

Once in my quarters, we both sat on the L-shaped couch. "You alright?" Miranda had been somewhat silent to me since her fight with Ashley.

"Yeah," Miranda sighed, "Sorry I have been giving you the silent treatment. What did you and Williams talk about earlier."

"We discussed a future that she and I can no longer have. She was still feeling somewhat attached to me but we talked it out. We agreed to stayed friends... What?" Miranda gave me a light glare, "Don't give me that. You think I would leave you?" I flared her biotics and pulled her towards me, my hands already at her hips. "Please, my dream girl is right here and I am not letting her go. Ever." I inched closer and gave her a soft kiss. "How's that for smooth."

Miranda rolled her eyes, shoving herself away with a smile on her face. "You're a bloody sap." After regaining her composure, which was almost instant, she started again, "We should probably head down to the shuttle, everyone should be waiting for us."

"Way to spoil the mood." I grumbled, reluctantly getting off of the sofa and accompanying my girlfriend out of my quarters. I couldn't resist staring down and admiring my girlfriend's 'assets' and Miranda began swaying her hips more deliberately.

"Something you like?" Miranda laughed devilishly, "Don't worry. Behave yourself and do your job and all of this is yours."

"Ugh, I can't wait til we're back!" The things I'd do to you... Sometimes I hate saving the world.

December 30, 2185

UT-47 Kodiak - Commander Shepard - 0040 hours

"Engage the stealth systems." Charlie told the brown-haired pilot, who looked skeptical when she heard the orders.

"You sure sir?" Jennifer Hale, the back-up shuttle pilot replied with a small bit of skepticism, "I mean, not to disobey orders but won't the Geth be able to see us through the windows?"

"Windows are structural weaknesses," Legion began, standing on the starboard corner alongside Grunt and Amanda, "Geth do not use them. Approach the hull at these coordinates."

"I still think we shouldn't trust it." Tali whispered to me, her hand ready to pull her sidearm. "Especially when all of us are going onboard the dreadnaught!"

"We'll be fine, Tali. I'm sure we can trust it. It hasn't killed us, yet." I joked.

"Keelah, sometimes I ask myself why I'm even here." Tali shook her head.

"Cause you love us, Tali." Charlie interrupted, standing right beside me, trying his best not to laugh.

"Approaching the drop-point Commander." The pilot called out as she decreased the shuttles speed.

"Alright Shepard, I want you to take point. According to Legion's schematics, we'll be dropped off at a small chamber that splits and makes its way towards the top, where the central network is located. Take Legion, Jack, Mordin, Kasumi, Zaeed, Samara and Ashley. I want Legion to provide support. Everyone else is with me. Let's kick some ass!"

Both teams climbed out of the kodiak and assumed defensive positions. No hostiles so far. I said to myself as I looked at the door up the ramp and on the far side of the room. Seems empty as well, I wonder why. Was Tali right? Was there some ambush up ahead?

"Seems pretty empty. Flashlight, what gives?" Jack stood, looking somewhat bored by the lack of action.

"There are approximately 6.6 million copies stored in the Geth consensus. There are 2.4 physical platforms on this station. 1 million of them, are stored."

Charlie scratched his head for a moment before he simply shrugged, "Guess we'll do this discreetly."

"You, discreetly?" Miranda, Ashley and I said in unison. Charlie quickly glared at the three of us before he cleared his throat.

"We stick to the plan. I want comms open and want updates every fifteen minutes. Move out!"

"Right," I turned to my team. "We should head out. No use standing around now is there? Legion, lead the way."

"Understood, Shepard-Commander."

"Jack is right," Kasumi spoke behind me, holding her locust at her side. "This is boring. I could be snooping in on all sorts of stuff back on the Normandy! Just last night, Chuck and Miranda were in the crew showers-"

"That enough out of you, Kasumi." I gave the young thief a look. "We don't need that sort of image in our heads thank you very much."

"What Operator Lawson and Commander Alonso do in their spare time is not of our concern." Mordin agreed. "But nice to hear that they are being sexually-"

Oh for crying out loud! "Ugh! Quiet!"

Alonso's Team - Commander Alonso

"Kasumi doesn't know when to keep her mouth shut, does she?" Miranda looked flustered and angry as she walked beside me and I couldn't agree more. "I suggest we, and by we, I mean me, should place a collar that either displays her location or disrupts her cloak while aboard the ship."

"I all by agree to this plan." I nodded. "Make it so."

"So, Dad." I groaned at Grunt's nickname for me. I should probably talk to him about that. "Where's all the Geth? My skin is getting itchy!"

"Like I said before Grunt, this is a discreet mission."

"Do we at least get to blow something up then?"

I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. "Um, we'll see. Tali, any idea what's beyond the next door up ahead?" We had seemed to be getting somewhere as the team and I had come across a large blast door. I was beginning to get a little anxious myself after hearing Jack and Kasumi on the comms and Grunt grunting away just behind me.

"It looks like we are coming up on one of the many storage chambers that house several hundreds of Geth platforms." Tali replied shortly after hacking into the ship's systems.

"Are they aware of our presence?" Amanda replied, immediately holding her shotgun slightly closer to her chest as we found out about what lies in the next room.

"Hard to say really. We haven't come across any Geth yet." Tali shrugged, "We should be extra careful though, just in case."

"Alright take defensive positions. Tali, hack the door. Miranda, you and I are going in first."

"Can I come to?" Grunt hopped in anticipation.

I shared a rolling of the eyes look with Miranda before I turned to the large Krogan. "Alright, you can come too. No shooting unless we are shot at first. Got it?" Grunt nodded and stacked up behind me. Miranda and I exchanged nods before I looked at Tali and gave her the go-ahead to open the blast doors. The three of us rushed in with guns at the ready. Nothing appeared through my reflex sights and my sensors weren't showing any activity. I motioned Grunt and Miranda to fan out to cover more ground. The room, much like all other rooms we have come across had a deep purple hue. I signaled the okay for the rest of my group to join us. Seems pretty clear.

"Dad?"

I stopped to sigh before I responded over the Comm. "Yes Grunt, what is it?"

"The floor is shiny over here. And I see inactive Geth just up ahead. I'm going to engage!"

"Oh, alright..."

"Wait, WHAT?!" Tali, Miranda and I both gasped immediately. "Grunt, DON'T!"

Synthetic chirps surrounded us and that only meant one thing...

"Contact! Get to cover!" I crouched behind a low barricade and I provided cover fire for Garrus who was running and gunning towards me

"He just stepped on a booby trap." Garrus quipped beside me and I turned to glare at him.

"Nice observation, Vakarian. Now shut it and give me some covering fire!"

Garrus' mandibles turned to a grin and threw a grenade towards a small group of troopers. I took the advantage and made my way towards the opposite wall, crouching next to Miranda, who had just taken a hit in the arm. "Hey babe, what's cooking?"

"Not now, damn it!" Miranda hit me in the arm with her bad arm. "Ugh! If you didnt have your armor on-"

"You'd strip me of my clothes and pounce on me." I winked before reaching for a pack of medigel on my utilities pouch. "Hold still, you baby." Oh, that glare means business. "Just trying to lighten the mood. No need to be mad at me."

"You're impossible." Miranda's icy glare didn't falter.

"Tell me something I don't know. Anyway, that should do it. Ready to kick some ass?"

"CHARLIE WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU DO?!"

"I'm in the middle of a firefight right now Shepard, why don't you yell a little louder?" Miranda gave me an, 'are you mad?' look.

"Don't even start! The Geth just suddenly came into life!"

I chuckled and shrugged at Miranda's authoritative look. "Can't resist babe." I winked. "Alive?" I mock-gasped, "They are VI robots Shepard, They don't just come to life. That would make them A.I.s. You do know what the definition of an AI is...right?"

"Charlie!" I could see her face boiling red in my mind. "I swear to God that I will punch your smirking ass in the face when I see you! SHEPARD OUT!"

"So what was the point of that conversation?" I shrugged, not even worried about Shepard's ill attempt at a threat. I focused on a rocket trooper that was taking aim at Grunt, who was using a Geth torso's as a club on another platform. Three bursts from my Mattock and the enemy was down. From the corner of my eye, I saw a figure thizzle beside me. I rolled to the side once I saw the Geth Hunter charging his shotgun. I unsheathed my dagger and planted it on the synthetic's face, splashing blue 'blood' on my face.

"Clear!" Tali reported as she recalled her combat drone that had finished zapping a trooper to death. "We should take extra precaution as to where we step on." She looked at Grunt momentarily, "Or touch. I managed to hack into their firewalls and stopped the alarm from spreading to other areas of the ship."

"Perhaps its wise to keep moving," Miranda reloaded her smg, "There could be some platforms active still active."

I nodded at her suggestion. "Yes, let's move out! Grunt, don't touch anything."

Meanwhile, on the Zakera Ward...

"Are you Mister Bauer?"

I breathed a deep sigh after taking a sip of coffee while reading my news feed on my omni-tool. "I'm a little busy as if you can't tell." I turned to look up and saw a very attractive redhead standing in her Alliance blues. Perhaps she just wants to fuck? I am the most desired man in the whole galaxy. "You Alliance types are quick to find me." I close my omni-tool and gesture the redhead a seat. "Who might you be?"

The redhead cleared her throat as I gave her a seducing look with my light brown eyes. "I'm Corporal Alana Pierce. I'm from the alliance-"

"Yes, I can see that. And you're an Aussie. Even better." I interrupted with a smile. "You are here for two things. Someone is interested for my unique services, or you want a piece of my cock. What are you here for?"

"Mister Bauer please!" The redhead pleaded, swallowing her nervousness, her cheeks flushed and lips pursed. "I have direct orders from Rear Admiral Mikhailovic to come to you to seek your professional services."

"Does your Rear Admiral know what I do for a living?" I asked, finishing my cup of joe and setting it down on the table.

"He knows you're a bounty hunter Mister Bauer."

"Not just any bounty hunter my love, the best bounty hunter in the galaxy. I have seen my share of impossible missions. I have taken down all sorts of people. From petty thieves to political leaders. There's no job I can't handle. You better remember that, sweetness."

The woman fidgeted in her seat, reaching for her portfolio in her briefcase. "Your target is an ex-Spectre-"

"An ex-spectre is still a spectre, my love. Training just doesnt go away with the title. In any event, that'll cost your rear admiral extra." I snagged the datapad from the Corporal's petite hands and inspected the content. ex-Spectre Charles Alonso huh? N7, Spectre. He's got an impressive record...for a dead man. I looked at a report stating a funeral held on Earth, where the coffin was buried in Madrid Spain, along with his parents who were also Alliance marines. Received full honors for his performance during the Battle of the Citadel from both the Alliance and the Galactic Council. A hero, if you're being dramatic. "He's still alive?"

"He was last seen on Illium, with Commander Shepard, who is also a Spectre. He is currently working for Cerberus and Real Admiral Mikhailovic wants him back in Alliance space. Alive."

"And why should I help?" I tossed the datapad back, sliding across the table. In which she activated my omni-tool and sent me something. "Five hundred million credits, to start. Plus another Nine hundred billion when you bring Alonso in. You may use any acts of violence but he must be brought in alive. Your reward for anything less will be nothing."

Nine hundred billion? What the hell did this Alonso guy do to piss some Rear Admiral off. Meh, no matter, credits are credits. I'm going to be so rich! "Illium huh? Well it's just a half a day away... and I am running out of time. Maybe when this is over, you and I could...celebrate." I smiled once more and the Corporal stood nervously and packed her things and began to leave.

"Good hunting, Mister Bauer."

"It's just Jack, to you."

Heretic Base

Shepard's Team - Commander Shepard

As soon as the door opened and I saw Charlie and his team waiting for us, I went berserk. I holstered my sniper and stomped my way towards Charlie, who had his back turned to me. I clenched a fist and briefly heard Miranda say something before I turned him around, brought my fist back and punched him right in the jaw.

"Shepard!" Tali came over and pulled me aside as Mordin and Miranda quickly checked on Charlie, whom was lights out on the ground.

Miranda shouted my name. "What in the bloody hell is wrong with you?" She glared but I paid no real attention. Justice is served. I told myself. "This is no time for pity fights!"

I rolled my eyes and huffed, "He deserved it."

Miranda was about to retort but she stopped and sighed. "He did. Mordin, help me would you?" Miranda ordered as Charlie was coming to. The two medics on the field helped Charlie up and had him sit up. "You alright?"

"What the hell happened?" I chuckled internally at Charlie's mumble but almost instantly felt guilty. I walked over and offered him my hand which he took.

"I punched you...in the face...Sorry."

"Oh." Was all he could say. Geez, I really punched him that hard? Now I REALLY feel bad. "Umm, so what's next?"

"Well we are now in the central chamber," Tali consulted her omni-tool nervously observing Charlie, "The override terminal is up there." She points up a balcony that can be accessed by two ramps on the flanks. "We should be able to terminate all of the Geth from there. Then we can make our way out."

"Right," Charlie seemed to have already recovered, ordered, "Let's destroy the Geth and get the hell out of here. It's getting a little too claustrophobic for my taste." Charlie glared at me during the last sentence.

"Alonso-Commander" Legion caught everyone's attention as he stood behind the large group. "We concluded that destruction of this station was the only resolution to the heretic question. There is now a second option. There virus can be repurposed. If released into the station's network, the heretics will be rewritten to accept our truth."

Charlie's biotics flared, but the flames disappeared as quickly as they appeared. "Why didn't you say anything sooner?"

Legion's 'head' flapped, "We did not know the virus was complete. It is. It can be used against the Heretics."

"If what Legion says is true," Tali spoke next, "These Geth won't be a problem anymore. Think about it Commander, if we rewrite these Geth, they'll join the others and Legion's Geth will be stronger. Of course..." Tali wringed her hands nervously, showing her cautiousness in her gestures. "Can we trust them in the future?"

"Suggest destroying Heretics. If somehow, Reapers take control, scenarios could be problematic." Mordin, piped in, gaining agreements from Jack, Zaeed, Tali, Grunt and Ashley.

"Having additional Geth troops on our side could have some positive outcomes." Miranda began, "The Alliance is spread thin and Cerberus doesnt have the man power to take on the Reapers, sadly. The Asari and Salarians have an emphasis on reconnaissance. The Turians, Batarians and the Krogans are our only hope in terms of brute strength in fighting the Reapers. Commander," She looked at our CO, "I suggest you rewrite them, give us another edge in the future."

"I agree with Miranda," I spoke next. "I hadn't considered what she just said. I don't think that the Turians and the Krogans will be working together in our lifetime...if ever."

Garrus chuckled, checking his Vindicator riffle. "Yeah I don't see that happening. The Turian Hierarchy aren't stupid enough to fall for that." Garrus shook his head.

"I agree with the Turian." Grunt looked at Garrus menacingly, "They know that they would sign a death warrant. The Krogan will crush them! We will shove the sticks even deeper into their ass..."

"ENOUGH!" Charlie roared, sighing right after shaking his head. "Legion, rewrite the Geth and do it quickly, cause we're about to take some heavy fire. Or, actually, don't sweat it. I got this." Charlie flared his biotics and teleported to the opposite side of the room, taking out three Trooper platforms with his charge. A Geth Prime's head and spine lifted in the air as Charlie connected with an uppercut.

"Psh, he's a fucking idiot if I'm going to let him have all the fun!" Jack flared her biotics and joined the explosive chaos on the other side of the room.

"Heh, I like the bald human. She has a quad!" Grunt roared after her.

"Shepard, what do you think Charlie's kill count is?" Garrus asked worryingly. I simply chuckled. "Right...I better follow them." The rest of the team, except for Legion, Miranda and I, followed.

I rolled my eyes and sighed at Charlie's more...creative expletives being shouted. I tuned him out and it had appeared that Miranda had as well as she was tapping on her foot and checking her omni-tool.

I wonder what Liara is doing? More and more, I missed her. It wasn't fair that Charlie had someone to help release stress. I gagged and cringed at the thought. Focus Jane! I turned to Legion and asked, "How much longer?"

"Virus upload is at 80 percent completion, Shepard-Commander."

"We should make it back to the Normandy, Shepard. If the upload is successful, every platform on this ship should stop attacking." At this point the fighting has stopped and the team returned. She groaned and placed a hand on her face. "You have got to be bloody kidding me!"

I looked at the direction and Charlie was covered in synthetic blue blood with a large gash starting from one inch above her right eye brow traveling down her jawline. I can see bone! "Charlie what the hell!" I rushed over and looked and inspected the cut.

"What happened?" He asked plainly, oblivious to his injury.

"Upload is complete, Alonso-Commander." Legion reported. "We suggest returning to your ship."

"Bloody hell!" Miranda cursed.

"What is it?" I asked, seeing Miranda grow extremely worried.

"I received a notification from the Normandy." Miranda grew even paler. "Code Black."

"Miranda, you have to be more specific. I don't know what that means!"

"Take a look." I stepped beside Miranda and made me look at her omni-tool. It showed a video feed or the mess hall. Looks quite normal, to be honest. Mess Sergeant Gardner was mopping the floor as two crewmates were having a cup of tea together. I was about to speak when the lights started flashing red. The next thing I saw were other officers running for the lives. Husks tackled men and women to the ground, immobilizing them. Killing them. The Collectors then came into view and started to shoot at some of the officers that were defending the ship with all costs. Sadly, they were unsuccessful. The last image before the seeker swarms blurred the image, was Harbinger taking the form of a Collector.

"Assuming direct control. Take them all!"

"My god." I shared a worried look with Miranda as the team started coming back to where we were.

"Why the long faces?" Charlie asked.

Miranda and I looked at each other and gulped. We turned to Charlie and spoke at the same time.

"The Normandy is under attack..."

Crap!

Sorry everyone for the long delay. I am still alive!

I have been kinda stuck with life. I can't really talk much about it.

Anyways I'm back and I hope to update with new chapters more frequently.

Until next time!

3 you all