"Freeze! Hanshan security! This office is sea-"
All four of us had guns aimed at her before she even finished the sentence. The one turian backing her up didn't even have his gun in hand; he'd get one shot off before one of us put a round between his eyes, if he was skilled.
"Hate to burst your bubble there, but I just unsealed this office." I said, biotics flaring around me.
"You and what army?" The "cop" asked.
I rolled my eyes. You'd think clichés would have changed after this long.
"I know the administrator is paying you under the table. That makes you a criminal- and I can kill criminals. If you leave, you live. You stay, and I'll feed you to the Krogan."
"I'm open to that" Wrex said with a grin.
"Your choice."
By this point, she was wise enough to figure out that she should get out while she still could. "Forget this, he isn't paying me enough to deal with guys like you."
I flicked a knife into my free hand with a dark smirk. "No, he isn't. Tell you what. Leave now, I forget I never saw you."
"Works for me." She said, almost running past us.
"Nicely handled Bourne." Shepard said with a small smirk. "How do you want to do this? Sneak in and-"
"Listen up! I know you're working for Anoleis!" I shouted. "Anybody that wants to make it out of here alive better leave now. For those of you that want to die-"
A bullet suddenly hit me right in the chest, bouncing off my shields. "Do something stupid like that." I finished, sending a warp field at the moron that did it.
*Wow, you're not even trying to be subtle.*
"Not even trying to be subtle today, are you." Raptor said flatly, unknowingly agreeing with her not-quite-clone.
"Less talking, more sniping. You and Liara hang back and give us support. Wrex, you're with me."
"Just point me to a target."
I threw myself to the side, launching a knife midair, as one of them appeared around the corner and fired at me. It caught her in the throat, and she dropped almost instantly. I couldn't hold back a small satisfied smile as I rolled back to my feet.
(I'm shocked. I thought you'd be too much of a gentleman to hit a girl.)
)Two things. First of all, I didn't hit her, I slit her throat from a distance. Speaking of which, I should probably get that back.( I reached out with my Biotics and sent it flying back onto my arm. )Secondly, considering there's an entire race that's all chicks, 'no hitting girls' might not be the best policy.(
*They aren't female, they're mono-gendered.*
(Oh don't you start that too!) )THEY ARE OBVIOUSLY FEMALE!(
One of them tried rushing me, only to get a shotgun to the face. The rest stayed at the top of the stairs, holding the choke point formed by the stairs.
"How many of you idiots are there?"
"You're out in the open and not even trying to find cover!" Raptor hissed in my earpiece "Maybe that has something to do with it!"
Okay, that is the last time I do anything with a hangover. I'm going to get myself killed.
(You say that like it's a bad thing.)
)I thought you didn't want me dead until you got revenge on Saren and the Reapers.(
(…Force of habit.)
*Don't try anything funny. There's two of us, and one of you.*
I put up my strongest barrier and sprinted up the stairs. Wrex swore as he lumbered after me. "Next time give me a little warning you overgrown Pyjak!"
(Okay, how is doing that right now a good idea?)
)It's either stay there and get shot at for the rest of the day, or rush them and actually kill them.(
I suddenly felt myself moving backwards. *Didn't plan on them having Biotics, did you?*
)Man, this is going to suck.(
*Probably*
Imagine hitting a wall at 30 miles per hour. Now imagine doing that with a hangover. Even with my Barrier, it hurt like hell, and left my head ringing. The several shots I suddenly heard didn't help.
"Thanks Bourne, that was just the distraction I needed."
"Don't patronize me." I muttered, getting back to my feet, now even more pissed than before. Wrex did the same next to me, also pissed off.
(You're pissed? Imagine feeling all that pain without actually having any control to avoid it.)
)Then get me in close.(
(How am I supposed do that?)
*He means charge. Use what little sense you have left.*
(Oh. Right.)
I felt that sensation of time slowing down, and I threw myself at them. One went flying from the impact, dead instantly. The other three were just stunned, but being stunned around someone with a shotgun was not a good thing. My gun overheated after I took down the first two, so just settled for slitting the third one's throat.
I waited a few seconds, but I didn't hear anything.
"Bourne, you see any more?"
"I think that's all of them." I said, collapsing my gun and retrieving my knife from a corpse's throat.
"Damn. I didn't even get to shoot one of them." Wrex said, annoyed.
"Don't worry Wrex. With our luck, they'll be plenty more to shoot soon enough."
"That doesn't exactly reassure me Bourne." Shepard said, coming up the stairs. She was looking at me oddly, but I couldn't place why.
"If may ask Lt, what was that maneuver you used to get up here?" Liara said, her interest as a fellow Biotic piqued.
"Didn't you use the same thing on me back when-" Wrex gestured to my right arm pointedly.
Coming from him, it seemed less of an insult for some reason. I shrugged. "I call it a Biotic Charge. Not a new maneuver, but an uncommon one. Pretty handy in a fight."
(Yeah, don't even mention the fact that it's from me.)
)Would you rather I say it doesn't exist yet?...especially since I'm not sure if that's true or not?(
(Point taken. You credit stealing bitch)
I shook my head, my headache coming back as the adrenaline rush faded. "Let's just get the files and get out of here before more show up."
"Nice place." Shepard commented as we moved towards the offices.
"Yeah, the corpses really add to the décor." Wrex said.
I glanced at him from the corner of my eye, sliding a knife into hand. He glanced at it, then fixed me with a hard stare.
"You humans have no sense of humor." He muttered.
( I think I should have been born a Krogan.)
)Yeah, not like you'd be any uglier then.(
(…you just compared yourself to a Krogan then since my face is based on yours.)
)…except mine doesn't-(
(Mining was really boring, Okay? And the medbay upgrade seemed like a waste.)
"Bourne, you awake?"
"I'm fine Shepard." I answered, pushing the other two versions of her away. "Let's just get those files and get out."
Shepard slid the OSD into the drive, and it began the transfer. "Looks like this is going to take a few minutes."
"That figures." I muttered in a low voice. "Now I'm stuck here suffering for several minutes, while you have a girlfriend you can make out with."
"What was that?" Shepard asked menacingly.
I looked at Liara. "Have you ever gotten her to laugh? I keep trying, but usually it just ends up with her slapping me."
Wrex laughed softly, which still was pretty loud.
"See? That's how you're supposed to react when someone tells a joke."
"You really want a joke? Here, let me find you a mirror." Shepard retorted.
"Eh, not bad. I'd say a solid C."
"You want a solid hook to the 'I'?"
That one actually got a solid laugh.
(That was the worst pun I've ever heard.)
)No one asked you. Besides, do you want her to slap me again?(
(Point taken. A-hole.)
)I'm sorry, did I hear that right? The murdering psychopathic lunatic is calling me an ass?(
*Looks like it.*
(Hey, I never point out your flaws.)
)First off, you call me an idiot or the like pretty much hourly . Secondly, what flaws?(
(You just killed half a dozen cops.)
)Dirty cops.(
(Ever stop to think about all the families of the people you kill? All the orphans and widows?) My retort died before I even thought of it. (What about all those people you're allowing to die by staying silent?)
*Enough!*
Iron's voice died suddenly, and without warning.
*Bourne, don't listen to him. You know that he's just baiting you.*
)That doesn't make it any less true.(
"Bourne, you alright?"
I shook my head, forcing them away. I didn't need company from them at the moment. "I'm fine Raptor."
She looked at me oddly again, and I realized I'd slipped and used her first name.
She didn't say anything though, so neither did I.
A small ding indicated that the OSD was ready. Shepard grabbed the disk and clipped it to her belt.
"Come on, let's get going."
"Agreed." I said, still distracted by Iron's words.
I had already rationalized it all, but that didn't make it any easier to really think about. A single word could prevent hundreds- if not thousands- of casualties. And there were those that I had already doomed.
Zheong, Nihlus, hundreds of mercs, Kaidan… I couldn't hold back a grimace at the last one. Shepard, and possibly myself-
"I don't think you're supposed to be in here Lt. Bourne."
"That's Agent Bourne!" I snapped without thinking. That's when I saw Stirling and a couple dozen of her thugs. Oh for crying out loud!
*Luck is not your friend, is it?*
)I don't think luck and I are even on speaking terms anymore.(
"Oh, are we having a party? Why wasn't I invited?" I said in perfect deadpan.
"You have a lot of nerve." One of them said, but Stirling held up a hand, and they fell back in line.
"So no party then. Is there a reason you're here that I'm not getting or…?"
Shepard groaned next to me.
"Cause you know, if there isn't, I have things to do, places to be,"
Stirling smiled in a way that Iron would envy. "You think I'm just going to let you walk out? Uh-Uh."
(Oh, it looks like a Biotic Charge would really come in handy right now. Too bad you pissed me off so I'm unwilling to help you.)
)Oh for fucks sake!(
*Now is not the time for you to argue with us!*
(Why not? We all die, which is still better than this wretched existence in his head…I'm insane, remember? Don't tell me you didn't expect something like this.)
*...He's got a point.*
"Anoleis would throw you off world for what you did. I won't. You know what we did to cop killers on my world?"
I snarled, as much at her as at Iron. "You know what we do to dirty cops?...Oh wait, I guess you do. Question is, are you smarter than they were."
Shepard interjected. "We gave them a chance to leave. They opened fire on us."
"Too bad. Crime's a crime, and you're going to pay the price." Stirling flared her Biotics.
I snorted and readied my own powers. "I can tear through you, or you can get out of the way. Your choice. Cause your biotics aren't going to help you against-"
I was suddenly thrown off the upper level onto the harsh lower's harsh unforgiving floor.
"I don't know, seems to me like they help plenty." I heard her say.
Did someone change the difficulty level when I wasn't looking? I thought as I forced myself to my feet, head ringing once again. I normally killed her in like two hits in the game.
I heard several rounds from Shepard's sniper rifle, and I heard Stirling curse in response. I glanced at the stairs, but there was no way I'd get to her past all those guards.
)Iron, would you like to help me tear her a new one?(
(…I don't think you should really say that about a chick. Really only works for guys.)
*So that's a no?*
(You're one your own. I'd wish you good luck, but we all know I'd be lying.)
I growled as I looked for another way. My eyes alighted on a few crates nearby, which I caused to hover and positioned as makeshift stairs to get back up.
None of them even noticed my reappearance over the side of the platform.
*Since Iron's being an idiot, allow me to help.*
My biotics suddenly went from pure blue, to being mixed with a hint of purple.
*Now light the bastards up.*
I got her drift, and threw a pair of singularities into the group, sending them into the air. Liara and Wrex warped them, and blew most of them to hell.
I was then thrown back off the level by Stirling. She came to edge of the level, gloating. "Payback's a bitch, isn't it Bourne?"
There was one loud shot from Shepard, and I raised my hand to block the raining bits of brain matter. "Takes one to know one." Shepard quipped. Stirling's body slowly toppled forward, and I rolled to the side, nearly avoiding the falling corpse. "That's all of them Bourne; we'll meet you down there."
"Sure, don't make sure that I'm alright or anything." I muttered, getting back to my feet. "I really need to invest in better armor."
"I told you to buy something from that Hanar. I ought to have enough for both of us once Qui'in pays us."
"Wait, when did you say that?"
"You were laughing your ass because you suggested Liara and I get matching armor."
"Oh yeah, now I remember that."
"Moron."
I rolled my eyes and waited for her to get down there.
"I think the fact that you spent a full half hour trading so you could get the best sniper rifle and upgrades you could might have something to do with it. I've got a perfect memory, not one that negates boringness."
"Well, it seems to have been time well spent. I took Stirling down easy."
"I know. I wanted to do that."
"Quit whining."
"I'm not whining, I'm complaining. There's a difference."
"Why can't you have been knocked out by the fall?" She said in a low voice.
"Uh, radio's still on Shepard."
There was an awkward silence.
It was broken when a cop that had hid on the lower level started shooting at me. I just sighed and threw him against the far wall.
I never thought I'd say this, but I'm almost eager to get in the Mako and get going.
(What is wrong with you?)
)At least I can sleep on the way there.(
(….Sleep?!….. In the Mako?…With Raptor driving?)
*He must have hit his head in the fall or something.*
)…Argh, I hate Mondays. (
"You were just wanting to upgrade your armor five minutes ago Bourne."
"I was mostly joking. This stuff's held on for a while."
"You mean minus when you got stabbed in the side and needed a new liver? Or when you got shot in the arm? Or the fact that your shoulder plate is being held together by a patch job?"
"Those were with modded rounds…or a Krogan."
"Doesn't change my point."
"Look, you want to upgrade your armor, or Liara's or Wrex's, that's fine. But unless you can find a really good set of medium armor without bankrupting one of us, not happening."
"If you don't want to spend money, I'm pretty sure Ashley held on to her old armor."
"Ha ha. Besides, that armor is even lower quality than the current model."
Their argument was broken up by the opening of the elevator doors.
"I knew I should have made Vakarian come instead." Wrex muttered as we exited.
"Oh shut up Wrex." Bourne said. "Or I'll get you pink armor."
"If you keep insulting Pink armor, your mate would be very interested in hearing that."
"It looks good on her."
Shepard didn't even bother turning around. "Then maybe I should get you Phoenix armor so the two of you match."
Bourne stopped in his tracks. "Uh, were you joking that time, or should I be worried?"
"Whichever shuts you up."
Shepard suddenly noticed that they had company, the administrator's secretary.
"Commander, there's been reports of noise in the synthetic insights office. Would you know anything about that?"
Shepard glanced at Bourne. "I wouldn't know anything about that."
"Wow Shepard, you need to work on the lying skills." Bourne said, shaking his head.
"Or you could work on not giving them away."
"Relax Shepard. Internal affairs agents can't exactly arrest Spectres."
Parasini's eyes widened. "How did you know-"
"I didn't know. You just told me. But maybe this isn't the best place to discuss it."
Parasini hesitated, then nodded. "Agreed. Meet me at the hotel bar for a drink. Before you talk to Quien."
"I can hardly wait." Wrex grumbled.
They all looked at Bourne. "How did you know that?"
He shrugged. "Dunno. Lucky guess?"
"Bourne, just pick something."
"You took your own sweet time before you found a set of heavy armor. Then it took about five minutes for you to move the N7 over and color it black and paint that red strip on. You know that it's not a requirement that you have that stuff on your armor now that you're a spectre?"
"Just pick something."
He rolled his eyes, then turned back to the selections. "Screw it. I'll take that one." He said, pointing randomly.
The Hanar floated over to it. " The other has made a very wise choice. This one requires the necessary payment first."
Bourne brought up his Omni-tool and transfer the credits. "Seriously Shepard, I don't know why you were making such a big deal out of it."
Shepard looked at the armor, than glared at Bourne. "That looks like the exact same model."
Bourne looked at it, and his face went blank and unreadable. "It's a newer and better version of this stuff. It looks the exact same, but it offers more protection." His biotics flared, and the red omega floated off his old armor on to his new.
Shepard sighed. "And you picked that at random? Why do I not believe that?"
"I don't believe it either." He said in a low voice, beginning to transfer the pieces over.
Something is off about him. Hangover or not, he's been off his game today. There's no way a weaker Biotic like Stirling should have been able to take him down. And he seems to be distracted now. And what was up with actually calling me Raptor? He's maybe done that…twice before? If that.
"Will the other require anything further?" The Hanar asked.
"I don't think so." Shepard answered.
"Actually, can you send this old armor to our ship?" Bourne said. " For nostalgia's sake."
"Of course."
"Come on, let's go talk to Parasini."
"Any idea what she wants?" Shepard asked.
Bourne seemed to consider the question a moment. "If she's who I think, she probably wants the data to prove Anoleis is corrupt."
A few of the security officers looked at them, and for a moment, Shepard was almost sure there'd be a fight. She had heard people talking about the guards that had been killed, and she and Bourne were the most likely suspects.
"So why are we helping her then?" Wrex said. "Shouldn't we be stopping Saren?"
Shepard couldn't help but smile as the guards suddenly looked everywhere but at them. Sometimes it really helps to have a Krogan along. Good call on Bourne.
"Perhaps we should see what she actually wants before we begin arguing about it?" Liara said as they stepped into the hotel elevator.
"Works for me." Shepard said.
Bourne smiled, but he didn't say anything. Which was good, because Shepard was about ready to knock him out.
"That's her over there. Let's get this over with so we can get going. The sooner we're off this ice ball the better." Wrex said as the doors opened.
"Agreed." Bourne and Shepard said at once.
"Allow me to reintroduce myself." She said as they walked up. "Gianna Parasini, Noveria internal affairs."
"I love being right." Bourne said with a slight grin.
"Yes, yes, very impressive." She said, waving a hand.
"I'm guessing the Administrator doesn't know you have a second job?" Shepard said.
"I've been undercover for 6 months. The executive board knows that he's corrupt-"
"How's bout we just skip to the part where you tell us what you want and what you'll give us for it." Bourne interrupted. "Let me guess, you want the records we got from synthetic insights?"
"I need to you to convince Qui'in to testify. That evidence is what we need to get this planet running smoothly again."
"I'll be right back." Bourne said, walking towards him.
Parasini sighed. "He's not much for staying subtle, is he?"
"No. But he gets the job done. But what I don't get is why you can't just take the records from your "Boss's" office."
"He's a crook, not a moron. He doesn't exactly keep records saying "This month I stole a million credits."
"Point taken. Though I think Bourne would disagree on the moron part. He was more than able to kill the administrator, but he called his bluff. If Bourne hadn't decided against it…"
"I guess the guy's corrupt and insane. Good thing we're catching him now."
"Okay, job's done." Bourne said from behind Shepard.
She didn't give him the satisfaction by acting surprised.
"I got him to agree to testify against Anoleis. Now for our part of the deal. We need a garage pass."
Parasini shook her head. "I wish I'd thought to get one before. That would take a while to get."
"Don't worry. We can take it off the thief when we arrest him."
"We?" Shepard asked.
"Wouldn't hurt for her to have back up. Besides, I want to see the look on that smug prick's face."
"I just wish I had time to change into something easier to move in." Parasini said. "I hate skirts."
She seemed to be considering them. "You know, I'm actually sort of surprised you're helping me. Being Spectres and all. I guess some of you are all right."
"Thanks?"
Bourne chuckled. "I think this is going to be fun."
It only took a few minutes to get to his office.
(I still say you should kill him.)
)I'm not going to kill him…Even though I sort of want to.(
(There must be some way to make it look like an accident.)
)Maybe I would have if you'd helped me with Stirling. But since you went and pissed me off, you're SOL(
(I hate you.)
)Believe me, the feeling is mutual. And if there was a way to get you out of my head, I'd do it in a heartbeat.(
He suddenly went silent, but I wasn't going to complain.
I glanced at Parasini. "Hypothetical question. How expensive is his door?"
"Bourne, you cannot kick it in."
"Seriously Shepard, I'd like to see you go one day without being a total buzzkill."
"I'd like to see you go a day without getting on my nerves."
"Touché. Let's arrest this guy." I said, stepping through the door.
He looked up at me in irritation. "What is it now? I am in the middle of nine things, all of them annoying."
I smiled. "Don't worry, you're about to take a long vacation."
Shepard and Parasini flanked me.
"You're under arrest." Parasini said, pulling out a small hidden gun. I brought my own Assassin into my hands as well.
"Is that so?" The administrator said.
"Do the math. There's five of us, and one of you- and two of us are biotics and/or Krogan, so it's more like ten on one."
*You should've just stopped at the five of us and one of you thing. Tagging on the other bit ruined it.*
)Whatever.(
I stepped closer, smiling. "You really should have given us that garage pass. Now, your career is over."
Pain suddenly shot through my skull, and I froze in my tracks, paralyzed.
"Bourne, look out!" Shepard shouted.
In slow motion, I saw Annolies pulling out his own hidden gun and aiming it right at my chest. I saw his finger twitch, and I felt something slam into my chest, sending me flying back. After that, all I saw was blackness.
And all I heard was Iron's laughter.
Yeah, I know. I'm a terrible person.
