Descending in the elevator with his friend, the enormous krogan looming over even him, he was surprised by the following statement. "I am sorry about Tali, Shepard."
"Huh? What?"
"I have heard about her return to the Migrant Fleet. It was… unexpected news."
He glanced at Wrex. "Who told you?" A toothy grin was returned. "You're not going to say, are you?"
"It would have been rather easy to figure out considering she's not here right now, at your side, Shepard. And if she was dead, well, I think you would be a very different man to the one you are right now."
The doors opened, the pair striding forward. "Hmmm. I guess you're right there."
"Don't worry, I won't ask questions. I'll leave them to the gossipers, from who I heard the news."
"Gossipers?"
"Well, Liara is notorious for it, considering who she is and all." Shepard knew he stared at the krogan, utterly dumbfounded. Wrex laughed at his reaction. "She told me, Shepard."
"Fair enough."
"I've figured that sexbot you have can't keep a secret either." He laughed at what he called EDI. "Joker is the same as always, from what I've heard."
"Yeah, he can be a grumpy bastard."
"And Garrus still has a stick shoved up his arse."
"Hey, I heard that!" called the turian.
"Don't worry, Garrus, I still love you."
"Damn it, Wrex, I think you've learned sarcasm a little too well," Shepard stated, chuckling away.
"Learn from the best, Shepard. That's always good advice."
He had chosen to take his entire ground team for this excursion, so after a last check of armour, weapons and anything else they needed, the group boarded the shuttle, Cortez piloting as even Jenkins was once again suited and booted. Shepard couldn't fault the young man for throwing himself into the thick of the action. He'd had a taste of it, and wanted more. Hmmm. I was Anderson's protégé. Could he be mine? I should really speak to him in depth, learn what he wants from this.
Feeling the thrusters kick in, he flicked on the screens to either side of the shuttle, everyone watching their progress to Sur'Kesh. Looking around the shuttle, it was almost like old times. There were members who had been there since day one to the newest of recruits. Liara and Wrex, who had been by his side against Saren. Miranda and EDI, who had fought against the Collectors. EDI may have had a new body, but as a ship, she'd served him well. Garrus and Jenkins, who'd been by his side nearly the entire time. Vega was new to his team, but he'd adapted to how he worked already. Finally, there was Javik, who had been invited along, as he was intrigued to see how salarians had developed as a civilisation and had asked to tag along. He hadn't exactly used those words when approaching Shepard but the Commander knew what he meant.
"So, the million credit question, Shepard. How are we doing this?" Wrex asked.
He understood what Wrex meant, if unspoken, the tone alone speaking volumes. If left to his own devices, the krogan would tear a bloody streak through the base to grab the females. "We'll be friendly, Wrex. They should know we're coming, so all we do is land, grab and leave. With any luck, we'll be in and out in a few minutes."
"Do you think they'll be co-operative?"
He looked around the at the firepower at his disposal before looking back at Wrex. "I think they'll see reason if required."
"Any other orders, Shepard?" Garrus asked, toying with his rifle.
"No weapons in hand once the shuttle door opens. We're approaching friendlies, in a manner of speaking. I don't want any of us to do or say anything that will exacerbate the situation. Seeing Wrex is bound to cause alarm enough."
"Do you trust them, Shepard?" Liara asked.
He had to prevent laughing at such a question. "No. I wouldn't trust them as far as I could throw them. But the salarians are meant to be smart. They certainly won't want to be responsible for killing a Council Spectre."
"Commander, we got a problem."
"Shit," he muttered, "What is it, Cortez?"
"Salarians have got a lock on us. They want to know why we're approaching. They're kinda threatening to blow us up."
"Open the comm, Cortez. I'll talk to them."
"Comm is open, Commander."
"This is Commander Shepard of the Normandy. Alliance Navy. And Council Spectre. I am here under the supreme authority of the Citadel Council in regards to the krogan females you have in your possession. In the summit just completed, Dalatrass Linron was made aware and assured her and you co-operation that we would be landing, collecting and then leaving with the krogan females. Any attempts to resist this retrieval will be met with the full force of the Alliance if necessary. Do you understand?"
"You're bluffing, Shepard," Garrus said quietly, covering his mouth to muffle his chuckles.
There was silence for at least a minute. He figured the salarians were no doubt debating what they should do. He figured they could easily blow them out of the sky and claim it was an accident. But the Normandy was also lying in wait in the event the shit truly hit the fan.
"Apologies, Commander Shepard, we were not aware you were the one approaching. Please approach the nearest helipad."
"Thank you. I will report to the Council of your co-operation in this matter. Cortez, bring the shuttle into land. Nice and easy. Don't give them any reason to be nervous."
"Aye-aye."
"The rest of you are to be on your best behaviour." He turned to face the krogan. "That includes you, Wrex. You can ignore me if you want, but remember that I'm also your only way out of here."
"As long as we leave here with the females, I will follow your word, Shepard."
He clapped the krogan on the shoulder. "Good man, Wrex. And you have my word."
"Spirits, that's all we needed. You and your bloody word! We're in for it now."
"Never figured a turian would offer to come along," Wrex stated.
"I'll always help a friend, Wrex."
"Stop it, Garrus, otherwise you're going to make me tear up."
"Sitting on that throne is bound to have made you slightly soft, Wrex. Figured you'd need help pointing that shotgun the right way."
Shepard cracked up laughing, noticing Liara also giggle to herself, no doubt remembering the banter that once took pace in the Mako. It all seemed so long ago.
"Is it always like this prior to a mission, Commander?" Javik asked.
"You'll get used to it, Javik."
The Prothean groaned. "Ugh, primitives…"
"Commander, the salarian base is just ahead. Looks like they may be organising a welcoming committee."
"Bring it up on screens, Cortez."
He heard a whistle or two as the jungle landscape of Sur'Kesh appeared on the screens, eerily reminiscent of the jungles one could find back on Earth. He had no doubt it was also incredibly humid, feeling himself already starting to sweat despite the air-conditioning in the shuttle. Low mists shrouded the rivers that flowed in all directions, otherwise it was simply a sea of green as far as the eye could see. He'd never been to Sur'Kesh before, didn't think he'd ever visit again, depending on how this visit went, but he certainly thought it had a certain beauty.
The shuttle touched down a few seconds later. The shuttle door opened, Wrex striding forward first, barging past him. That was a mistake, unable to stop the krogan before groaning to himself as half a dozen salarians ran towards him with weapons raised, shouting for the krogan to halt. The krogan responded by taking out his own shotgun.
"Wait!" Shepard yelled.
Half a dozen red dots appeared, three on Wrex, three on him. He looked up to where the dots were coming from. Three teams of two salarians each in perfect sniping position. Considering he was still unarmed, he simply stared at the salarian currently aiming at him. "I fucking dare you," he whispered, figuring the salarian could read his lips. The red dots disappeared, from him at least, though they simply moved across to Wrex, who now had half a dozen red dots on him, three aimed at his head, three aimed at his chest.
"Wrex, weapon down," he ordered quietly.
"Not until they lower theirs, Shepard. I'll not have these… what's the word you use? Ah, that's right, scumbags think they can intimidate me."
"Will it help if I said please?"
There was a low grumble, what he knew was a chuckle, but also a slight shake of the head. "I understand, Shepard, but I will not put up with their shit. They have females. Our females. I should kill them where they stand. Our honour demands it."
It remained a stand-off for at least another thirty seconds before another salarian rushed forward. Shepard wasn't proud to admit that he found it difficult to tell many salarians apart, but it was the voice that stood out regarding this salarian. He hadn't seen him in at least… three years? Maybe even longer? He took a couple of steps forward to greet the salarian approaching him.
"Commander Shepard."
"Captain Kirrahe."
Human and salarian shook hands. "It's been a long time, Shepard. Shame you haven't been promoted yet. Deserved at least one. I'm a Major now myself. Virmire made me, as much as it made you."
"Does that mean I salute you? You salute me? We salute each other?"
Kirrahe smirked. "I think a handshake will suffice." The salarian made an obvious glance towards Wrex. "You think we could get all this done without any bloodshed? I apologise, we simply didn't expect a krogan to come along." Kirrahe turned back to his men. "Weapons down. The krogan will follow your example. Right?"
Shepard turned back to Wrex. "Right?"
The krogan waited a few seconds until weapons were obviously being lowered before he followed suit. "Right."
"I know why you're here, Shepard, but I also have a long memory. Virmire. While I understand why Urdnot Wrex wishes to remain present, he is an unknown and must remain under guard. He may retain his weapons but must keep them holstered. Is that fair?"
"What do you mean by 'under guard'?" he asked cautiously.
"We're not going to throw him a cell if that's what you're thinking. My men will simply keep watch for the time being while we organise the krogan females."
He turned back to Wrex again. "Is that fair?"
The krogan grumbled again before nodding his assent. "Fine. Though if they start playing games…"
"I think we would all like to avoid any sort of diplomatic incident, right?" he asked Kirrahe.
"The last thing any of us want is war, Shepard. At least between each other. The Reapers, on the other hand…"
Kirrahe gestured towards the base, falling in alongside each other as the rest of the group dispersed to have a look around or speak with other scientists or technicians. "Any news of Reaper incursions into salarian space?" he asked, eyes wandering around, taking in whatever he could see.
"None so far. We've been lucky. It can't hold."
"What preparations have you taken?"
"The Reapers are unlike any enemy we have faced before. And, unfortunately, normal tactics simply won't work against them. We realise the turians are learning that to their own cost." Kirrahe sighed. "We're going to need help. But politics is just going to get in the way."
They came to a stop at a lab, salarian scientists and technicians scurrying all over the place. Overhead a pod moved into position before being lowered. "Er, Kirrahe, is that a yahg?"
"It is. Though don't ask me what they're doing with it, though. I'm here for security, not experiments. Talk to one of the eggheads if you're that interested."
"Not really, though I'm sure Liara may have questions." He gestured to the asari to approach.
"What is it, Shepard?"
"Want to learn a few things while you're here?" he asked.
"Absolutely," she replied enthusiastically.
"Speak to Padok Wiks. He's in the black lab coat over there. He'll have plenty of information about what's going on here," Kirrahe explained.
"Thank you, Shepard. And also you, Major Kirrahe."
"Knock yourself out, Liara. Anything you find out may come in handy for later." Liara was almost giddy with excitement as she walked across the lab to find the other salarian. "Think I just made her day," he added with a chuckle before he turned serious again. "What can you tell me about the krogan females?"
"Female, Shepard," Kirrahe stated, shaking his head, "So sad. So very sad. I've seen many people die over time. But there was something so… hopeless about what we've seen with them."
"There's only one left?"
Kirrahe nodded. "The coats have done everything possible to keep them alive. But they were so ill by the time they arrived here that there was little they could do except keep them comfortable. But, even then, they wanted to be part of the experiments. They wanted to be the one."
"Shit, Wrex is going to be pissed. He was expecting more."
"They can explain it all downstairs."
The sound of shouting caused them both to turn, though it wasn't shouting, more Wrex bellowing at his guards about… something. The krogan saw he was looking and simply winked. "It's all good, Shepard. I'm just, what do you say, winding them up!"
"Is your friend trying to get himself shot?" Kirrahe asked quietly.
"He's bored rigid on Tuchanka so he's just having a little fun. He spent centuries as a bounty hunter but returned to Tuchanka to unite the clans. While he does wage war, he has learned the diplomatic route can be just as effective."
"Serious question, Shepard. Do you think the genophage cure is the right course of action?"
"Wrex may seem like a hot-head, but he's just pissed off at the moment because of the revelation about the females. But he's a thinker. Methodical. Very, very smart. And he wants the best for his people. Unite them as one. More importantly, he wants peace. The most important thing is that we need the krogan. The turians need them to help Palaven. And I need the turian fleets to take back Earth. What about your fleets?"
"Not sure, Shepard. Though I'll tell you one thing right now. I don't care what the politicians eventually decide. STG will be with you, all the way. We're not going to stand by on the side-line as war wages across the galaxy."
"Really?"
"I think we owe you after Virmire. You stopped Saren. And saved my men."
"Thanks."
"Don't mention it." A voice called for Kirrahe from behind. "I've got to go, Shepard. But good to see you again."
"You too, Kirrahe. Hope we see each other soon," he replied, shaking hands once again.
"I'll keep in contact."
As Kirrahe disappeared, Shepard wandered to a nearby railing and simply took in the view. I'm pretty sure there are places on Earth that look like this, but like hell if I've seen one with my own eyes. But the one thing he'd take away would be the heat. It. Was. Hot. In addition to the heat, the humidity was already draining. He dreaded to think of what his white shirt underneath his armour was like. Could probably wring it dry it's so soaked. He glanced around at all the salarians rushing about, wondering how they coped, though figured they were used to it, being amphibious and all. Javik was busy talking with Garrus, no doubt sharing stories of what salarians were like back when Protheans ruled the galaxy. Wrex was still surrounded by a trio of salarians, though he had at least relaxed for now. Jenkins and Vega were shooting shit with Miranda, saying something that caused her to laugh, the sound echoing around. Liara was in deep discussion with Padok Wiks, EDI listening in attentively, no doubt learning as much as possible. On appearances alone, everything seemed peaceful enough.
Shame it wouldn't last. He just didn't realise it would end as quickly as it did.
"Alert! Alert! Unidentified aircraft detected. Threat condition two declared. Scramble readiness teams."
"The hell is going on?" he asked himself as a squad of salarians, armed and ready to fight, rushed by him. His squad walked towards him, confused looks on their faces as well.
"Shit about to hit the fan, Shepard?" Garrus asked.
"Looks like it. Let's just keep cool for the time being. We can still grab the female and get out of here without a problem."
"And what do you think is really going to happen, Shepard?" Miranda asked, humour dripping from her tone.
"We're going to fuck shit up." He paused for a moment. "But who would attack the salarians here?"
Liara came rushing over with Padok. "I think it may be Cerberus, Shepard," she reported.
"Seriously? But why?" he asked, feeling the need to scratch his head, "Far as I know, Tim doesn't give a shit about the krogan."
"But he would want a cure even less than the salarians do," Liara stated.
He and Liara both looked at Miranda. "What do you think?" he asked.
"Cerberus likely has at least an inkling of what you intend, Shepard. And they'll want to throw a spanner in the works."
"You'd better get down to the lower level," Padok suggested.
"Good idea." He looked across his squad, including Wrex. "Weapons out, lock and load. Just in case…"
"Just in case, he says," Garrus muttered.
"Finally!" Javik exclaimed.
The sound of weapons being readied echoed in the otherwise silent elevator as they descended to the next level. There was no sound of battle yet, but there were clear signs the salarians were preparing their defences for an incoming attack. He shared a glance with Garrus and Javik to either side, receiving a nod that they were ready for what was to come. The elevator doors opened to reveal another lab, salarian scientists rushing about. He received a dig in the ribs as Garrus pointed across the room.
"Looks who it is," the turian stated.
His eyes locked with the salarian ahead. He strode forward quickly, feeling a slight grin tug at the side of his mouth. He shouldn't have been surprised he was here, but at the same time, he never expected to see him again. He grabbed the outstretched hand.
"Mordin!"
"Figured you'd be here, Shepard. Good to see your eyesight is still sharp. Look good for a man locked up for at least six months."
"So you took the job offer?"
Mordin nodded. "I did. Working as special consultant. Enough work to keep me busy. Not the same as the Normandy though."
"Why did you come back?"
"Had to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong."
He felt the presence of Wrex alongside. "Mordin."
"Wrex."
"Think you should explain to Shepard what's going on. I can see that brow of his, trying to figure this out."
"Give me a little credit here, Wrex. I don't get quantum entanglement theory, otherwise known as witchcraft, I'll admit that. But if Mordin wants to explain what's gone on in the past six months, he's welcome."
"Taking the job offer gave me a lab. Kept in contact with Clan Urdnot. Once females arrived back here, notified him immediately. Fed him information." He turned and gestured. "Come, will show you." The group followed Mordin through the lab, the rest of the scientists running about in a frenzy, clearly trying to clean up what they were doing as, from the sounds of it, an attack was imminent. "We must get the female up and away right now, Shepard."
"There's only one?"
Mordin nodded. "We did what we could, Shepard, but most of them were incredibly sick. By the end, we could only try to make their last days as comfortable as possible."
"They died for a worthy cause, Mordin," Wrex stated, "But was any of it a help?"
"What about Maelon's data?" Shepard asked.
Mordin didn't respond at first, coming to a stop next to what they all recognised seconds later as a morgue. Eerily reminiscent they had seen on Tuchanka a year before when they had tracked down Maelon. He made a gesture with his hand. "They died with hope in their hearts, Shepard. The data has been crucial to our experiments, but it was incomplete. We still lack crucial details in regards to building a viable cure." The salarian then made an obvious glance towards Wrex. "We will need living tissue."
"I don't like the sound of that," Wrex grumbled.
He looked across the bodies within the morgue. "I'm sure you did everything you could to save them, Mordin."
"It wasn't enough. Maybe if I'd arrived sooner…"
"You can't blame yourself."
"I remember our conversations, Shepard. What's the human term? It's a bitter pill to swallow."
"But you're helping now. That's something."
"That's the only thing. Making right a wrong. That is one thing I learned. The old adage, Shepard. One never stops learning."
"So what about this last female?"
"Immune to genophage. We cannot lose her."
"I'm not planning on it. I'm sure Wrex isn't either."
"We have to leave now, Shepard," Wrex added.
Mordin gestured. "Come. You must meet her first. She will want to meet you too. It will take time for her to trust you. She has been… through a lot."
They weaved through the lab until they reached another enclosure, this one completely separate to the rest of the facility. It was clear Mordin had almost been working in secret to most of the other scientists. The krogan female appeared to be incredibly weak. But while the body was weak, her mind appeared strong.
As was her voice.
"Are you here to kill me?" she asked. The voice was strong, but there was a weary edge to it too. Someone who had seen, heard, and been through too much already.
He shared a glace with his colleagues before returning his attention to the krogan. "My name is Captain Shepard. I'm with the Alliance. And a Spectre. And no, we're certainly not here to kill you. We're here to take you home. Myself and Urdnot Wrex."
"Why do you even care what happens to me?"
"I'm here to help the krogan. And you're the one person who can guarantee their future. I think that's something worth fighting for. Wrex believes it something worth dying for."
"Some people would consider me incredibly dangerous."
"This is exactly why Cerberus is here," Liara stated quietly.
"Precious, not dangerous." He turned to Mordin. "We need a plan to get her out of here."
Mordin scratched his non-existent chin. "Must escort krogan through quarantine procedures."
"Do you want one of my squad to help escort her?"
"No. Barrier should suffice. But we must make haste."
As Mordin prepared the pod to be moved up through the facility towards the waiting shuttle, he turned towards his squad, who were preparing themselves for what was to come. Reports were now filtering through that at least a dozen Cerberus ships were in-bound on their locations, and not just shuttles but gun-ships and talk of at least one cruiser now lying in wait in the outer atmosphere. The faint sound of ships firing at one another was now heard in the distance as the air battle commenced.
Battle on the ground was soon to begin.
"What's the plan, Shepard?" Garrus asked, putting his eye to the scope to check everything was in working order.
"No prisoners. If they wear Cerberus colours, they die. No exceptions."
He noticed one or two glances were shared, which he ignored, but Miranda simply nodded her head in agreement. "Couldn't have put it better myself, Shepard," she added.
"How times change," Garrus stated with a chuckle.
"My eyes were well and truly opened. And everything Cerberus has done since has more than proven that he," she gestured to Shepard, "Was absolutely correct. Any of those bastards wearing something with that symbol deserves a bullet. Or, as he'd say, many, many bullets."
With a slight gesture of his head, the group wandered back to the elevator, one of the scientists mentioning that it was currently stuck near the top as a team of scientists had just ascended. He glanced at his team as the sound of battle continued to increase. There was no doubt STG teams were now coming under fire from Cerberus. And they were all itching to get back up top and fighting.
Finally, the elevator arrived, the doors opening, taking a step forward, before stopping cold in his track.
"Oh, seriously, fuck off!" he yelled before turning and taking at least a couple of steps before feeling a thump in the back. He felt weightless as he was lifted off his feet, smashing him into a nearby wall and turning his world black.
He had a headache. His ears were still ringing. And now he was well and truly pissed off. Miranda was still asking if he was okay, simply dismissing the concern of his XO with a wave of his hand. Liara was sharing her sentiments, dismissing those too, simply stating he was fine. He was standing, he wasn't bleeding much, he could still fire his weapon, and his vision was still good enough. Besides, he was used to working with a headache nowadays. And his body had taken far more punishment than being thrown into a wall by an explosion. Nothing was broken. Or he didn't think anything was broken. There was no pain, at least. That was something. He'd have a couple of bruises, but that was nothing compared to other injuries he'd received since being woken up by Cerberus.
They exited the lab and encountered a scene of destruction. Fires had erupted as far as the eye could see. Gunships battled each other, unlucky pilots being forced to escape and ditch as their ships plummeted to the ground in flames. Far overhead, a trio of Cerberus cruisers were either lying in wait for salarian reinforcements, or were busy disgorging shuttles full of Cerberus troops. Or dead men, as Jack would have stated, had she been present.
No orders were required as he got to work with his team. He had an almost telepathic understanding with Garrus, the two working together in tandem, with Vega and Jenkins doing the same thing. Miranda and Liara linked up their biotic abilities, Javik assisted where required, otherwise he was happy to blast away anyone who came close. EDI made use of all her technical expertise. As for Wrex, it had been a long time since he'd seen his krogan friend wreak havoc against an enemy force. In some ways similar to Grunt, just with centuries more experience. The first of the opposing forces didn't stand a chance, left bloodied and battered on the ground. Quite dead as well. The watching salarians could only sit back in wonderment as Shepard and his team moved forwards.
"Miranda, a question?" he asked during a momentary lull in fighting.
"Yes?"
"Where the hell did Tim get these forces from?"
"No idea, Shepard. I know the Illusive Man had forces at his disposal. But this is something else entirely."
"Liara, it will be your job to find out everything once we're back on the Normandy. I want to know where the fuck he is managing to recruit these numbers from. I remember our first conversation after I was woken back up. Apparently I was worth more than an entire army. It appears Timbo has changed his mind."
"Of course, Shepard. A full report will be sent to you as soon as possible."
"Good. Thanks."
The group passed more containment cells, Shepard raising a hand to halt as he stepped closer. "Those are yahg, right? Like the ex-Shadow Broker?" he asked.
"Yes. But what are the salarians doing with them?" Liara wondered aloud.
"I'll find out." He put a finger to his ear. "Mordin, these yahg. What are you doing with them?"
There was silence for a few seconds before a response. "A decision was taken to secretly uplift the yahg to help expand our influence."
"You're joking, right?"
"I never joke, Shepard."
He glanced at his team. "Idiots," he muttered.
"Salarians never learn it seems, Shepard," Wrex added with wry amusement, "Uplifting us didn't exactly benefit them."
"And the yahg are meaner sons a bitches than you lot ever were," Garrus stated.
Then an idea popped into his head. An idea so devilishly wicked that a smirk appeared on his face. A smirk which his entire team noticed, sharing obvious and concerned glances. "What are you thinking, Shepard?" Garrus finally asked.
"Oh no. No, Shepard. No. No. No. That is not a good idea," Miranda stated, concern in her tone.
The team all shared glances before looking back at him. "Seriously, Shepard?" Liara asked, finally understanding.
"Why not? They could prove to be a… distraction."
"Or they could just turn on us straight away," Garrus stated.
"Oh ye of little faith, Garrus. Have I ever led you wrong?" The turian just gave him a look. "Hey, you're still alive, aren't you?"
"Despite your best efforts to get me killed otherwise, Shepard," the turian replied, before chuckling to himself.
"Can we communicate with them?" he asked the team. He received a bunch of shrugged shoulders. "Right, I'll ask one of them then." He stepped towards one of the containment cells. The yahg was tall, requiring him to look up. Even behind the barrier, it was an intimidating creature. He remembered the fight with the Shadow Broker. It was one of the toughest battles he'd ever experienced. "Can you understand me?"
"What do you want, human?" the yahg growled.
"A temporary alliance. We let you out, you go ahead and kill some Cerberus troops for us."
"We could just kill you instead."
"That kind of attitude isn't going to have you released. And," he gestured behind him, "We're all armed. You're not. If you want a bloodbath, I'd be more than willing to oblige."
"What about these salarians?"
"I'd rather you left them alone. But…" He shrugged, "If some of them get in your way, I won't cry about it."
"How many of us are there?"
"There are three of you here. More than enough to provide a distraction. If you survive, you'll be free to go home."
"What assurances do we have?"
"None whatsoever. But considering I'm actually contemplating letting you free instead of leaving you in your cell, more than likely to die at the hands of Cerberus, I think you should take my word as golden."
The yahg grumbled for a few seconds. "Okay, human. You have a deal."
"Very good." He turned back towards the nearby console. "Liara. Miranda. Put up a barrier, just in case. EDI, if you can do the honours."
A biotic barrier appeared between them and the still contained yahg as EDI got to work. It was fairly easy work for her to do, but he had his rifle up, as did Garrus, Vega, Jenkins and Javik, each rifle pointed at one yahg or the other, waiting for them to go back on the agreement. The barrier that contained them in their cells disappeared, each yahg stepping forward into freedom. They stopped for a moment, staring at Shepard and his team. All he did was gesture which way to go with his rifle. The yahg he had spoken to nodded his ascent, all three then turning and disappearing around the corner.
"Of all your ideas, Shepard, this is one of your craziest," Miranda stated as she and Liara lowered their barrier.
"As long as they prove to be a distraction, I'll be happy."
"We may have to kill them later, Shepard," Liara said.
"Worried about your job as the Shadow Broker?" Garrus asked.
"No, and I now know from experience that we should not take a yahg as a pet. Or a trophy. Or even as a prisoner. What are these salarians thinking?"
"We should ask Mordin once we're done, Shepard. I think he may have more information than just about the krogan females," Wrex replied.
"Good point."
He gave the three yahg a minute to disappear before he gestured for the squad to move on. Whatever Cerberus was up to, and it was now obvious they were targeting the last krogan female, they were throwing ships and men forward with almost reckless abandon at the salarian defences. Constant explosions echoed through the facility as shuttles or gunships exploded in flames. Mordin called over the radio, concern in his tone, worried about the pod containing the female krogan. He did need to give the order for the squad to move faster, Wrex surging forward alone, blasting away any stupid enough to get in range of his shotgun. He followed up close behind, his assault rifle firing incessantly at anything else, almost leaving little else for his team to mop up.
Putting Mordin's mind at ease, and the krogan female stating she was fine, they continued moving forward, and upwards. His team left a trail of blood and bodies in their wake. He was in his element, as were others. It may not have been the Reapers, but Javik was taking joy in the battle, stating this had happened during his own cycle, people eventually turning on each other, the end of days marked by a descent into chaos.
Running upstairs two at a time, he skidded to a halt, noticing Kirrahe was in cover, putting a finger to his lips for silence as he took a peek. Kirrahe then looked back, a smirk on his lips as he rounded the corner, firing his pistol three times. He then leapt into cover as three explosions echoed back.
"The hell was that?" he asked.
"Whatever that was, I've got to get me one of those," Garrus added.
"Interesting weapon design. For primitives, that is," Javik stated.
"Is he always this condescending?" Kirrahe asked.
"You get used to it," Liara replied, a wry grin.
"Need help, Shepard?" Kirrahe asked as more Cerberus troops flooded forward, including engineers who started assembling turrets.
"We can help each other. EDI, start hacking those turrets!"
She didn't respond, simply opening and keying her omni-tool as they once again started moving forward. Turrets that had started firing upon them sparked, swivelled and started massacring the Cerberus troops that had set them up. He didn't even count how many fell at their hands, each turret exploding once the hack program was completed. There were more explosions, these caused by his three biotic colleagues, singularities and warps instantly reminding him of how Miranda and Jack had caused utter destruction during their fights against the Collectors.
"Kirrahe, I have a very simple question," he asked during a brief spell of quiet as they moved forwards.
"Yes, Shepard?"
"How reliable are all the people who work here?"
"I can vouch for most of my team. As for the scientists and lab technicians, they would have passed screenings before being allowed access. Why?"
"This has all the hallmarks of an inside job, Kirrahe," Garrus stated.
"I'm sure I'll find something in the networks once I'm back on the Normandy," Liara added.
Kirrahe was silent for a second before he sighed. "It is not surprising. Most would not want to see any sort of genophage cure. But as for a mole, I would have been on anyone who acted even slightly suspiciously. Can you send me anything you can find?"
"Shepard?" asked Liara.
"You'll immediately have anything we find out, Kirrahe. Anyone who willingly helps Cerberus deserves a bullet." He looked at Miranda. "Present company excluded, of course."
"I'm still making up for that mistake, Shepard."
"I was joking, Miranda."
"I know, but…"
"Miranda, you're here helping now. That's all that matters."
The group continued to move forwards, Shepard taking the lead though Wrex was continuing to rush forward at any opportunity. The enemy was plentiful, though that just meant shooting practice for the squad, not saying shields didn't falter and fail and armour wasn't pock- marked and scarred. But numbers were not everything, and while troops continued to drop from shuttles, or rush forward to meet them, they were more of a nuisance than any serious danger to his squad and their health.
Ahead was the next checkpoint, the last Cerberus troops blasted away before all feel silent once again. The salarian defences appeared to holding their own, gunships flying past in trios, taking out shuttles continuing to descend from the cruisers still above their heads. Reports indicated an entire salarian fleet was now on route to the facility, so whatever Cerberus planned, they now had to do it and do it fast
"How's the pod holding up, Mordin?" he asked.
"Could do without being shot at. Thought I'd left that life behind on the Normandy."
"Just like old times then." He looked at the krogan female. "Are you okay?"
"Why do you even care about me? You don't know me."
"I know you're worth fighting for. That's all that matters." He looked back at Mordin. "Where to next?"
"We'll meet you up top, Shepard. She will need an escort to the shuttle."
Shepard knew they should have been focusing all their attention on the Reapers. The destruction of everything they knew was imminent. Instead, they were having to divert attention and resources into fighting Cerberus. He remembered what Tim said on Mars. Controlling the Reapers?! He truly was mad if he thought that it was possible. Or even a good idea. But, then again, Cerberus had been a thorn in his side ever since he'd taken charge of the Normandy during their chase for Saren. The experiments. The torture. The horrifying discoveries he had made time and again. Having to work with them during their hunt for the Collectors still caused pangs of guilt and regret, looking in the mirror each and every morning, knowing he had to ally with them simply to ensure the survival of humanity. And now they were just getting in the way of what was required. Not just in his personal battle against the Reapers. They were just being a pain in the arse generally.
It could not last. And it would not last. He knew Cerberus had to be completely eliminated. The time of reckoning would soon be at hand. And he would keep his promise to Tim.
A bullet would eventually enter his forehead, blowing his brains out and his body would collapse to the floor, as dead as the dodo. He may or may not then piss on his corpse. Maybe he'd just dance a jig in jubilation. Or maybe just a quiet drink in celebration, another promise kept.
He knew why Tim had sent his troops to Sur'Kesh. He wanted human dominance of the galaxy. A krogan resurgence would put any ambitions he had in check. But it was obvious that Tim did not know Wrex. While his friend was an experienced warrior, he was also a thinker. He knew how the galaxy worked. And he knew the score. The krogan had to rein in their war-like tendencies. Sure, their battle prowess would assist in the war against the Reapers. But once the war was completed, his friend knew that another galactic war would lead to one side or the other being wiped out. This time entirely. He knew that, in the end, Wrex wanted peace. It was the only reason he was currently on Sur'Kesh helping him.
But before any talk of cure, they needed to get Mordin and the female krogan off Sur'Kesh and back onto the Normandy. And Cerberus was doing everything possible to prevent their extraction. His team had smashed the opposing forces into pieces so far, but it was still a slow grind up from the lab below. He never kept count of the number of enemy they killed. It was just a number and didn't really bear thinking about. But he was aware Cerberus had sent almost a small army. Despite that, while he wouldn't say he and his team had done it easily, they were already well-drilled, worked in harmony and left a bloody trail of Cerberus bodies behind them.
"Shepard. Transfer of krogan female needs final authorisation," Mordin stated once the last Cerberus body fell.
"EDI, you're up like usual," he ordered, gesturing to the console. She got to work, keying a series of commands before the pod was retrieved and the krogan female moved towards the loading bay. He turned back to his squad. "Spread out and keep an eye out for reinforcements. They won't let us leave without one final onslaught."
"Shepard, I have something on sensors," EDI reported.
"What is it?"
"Something incoming. From above. And it's coming in fast."
All eyes turned towards the sky. "What is it?" Garrus asked.
"Hang on, since when do they fly?"
"Isn't it called falling in style, Shepard?" Liara asked, adding humour to her tone.
"That was only the Mako! Does an Atlas have thrusters?"
"Are we really discussing this now, Shepard? Shouldn't we be getting into cover?" Miranda asked, verging on exasperation.
"Your XO has a point, Captain," Javik stated.
The group broke ranks into cover as the Atlas slammed into the ground with an almighty crunch before the pilot made the machine stand tall. If he didn't know any better, the Atlas only had eyes for him, both arms – containing a missile launcher and machine gun – aimed directly where he was currently hiding. He hated hiding, but he'd be slaughtered out in the open. His eyes were so focused on the Atlas that he barely took notice of the dozen or more troops who landed behind the giant machine. There was only one order he could give in response.
"Open fire!"
Close enough to half a dozen assault rifles opened up on the Atlas or the troops pouring forward towards their position. EDI immediately got to work on her omni-tool, messing with the Atlas' shields and systems. Liara and Miranda combined their biotic powers time and again. Even more troops were dropped off as Cerberus made one final push against he and his team.
"No prisoners! They all die!" he yelled over the noise.
"Heavy weapon, Shepard?" Garrus yelled.
"Read my fucking mind, my friend!" he replied.
He put his rifle on the ground beside him as he took the launcher from his back. He was glad he'd brought it along, as he didn't always think to bring something like a rocket launcher with him. Shame I no longer have the Cain. That thing was awesome! The Atlas was taking some damage but he needed the shields out completely before he fired.
"EDI. Miranda. Anyone else who knows what the fuck they are doing. Take out those fucking shields!"
The Atlas continued to pour fire down on their positions. The machine gun fire was incessant and deafening. The occasional missile flew harmlessly overhead but he could feel the heat, even through his armour, as they exploded behind their positions. But the fire the Atlas was taking in return even caused it to approach their positions carefully. And he and his team were smart. Well-trained. And better than the opposition. They continued to move, generally backwards, giving themselves space, preventing their positions being flanked, though they couldn't keep it up forever. Space was limited, and it was running out.
The Atlas sparked numerous times as it was hit by a series of tech attacks. Then there was that tell-tale shimmer of its shields completely failing. Now was the time. He had barely seconds before its shields recovered.
"Fire in the hole!"
He got up on one knee, using the lab he was in cover behind to perch the weapon on, taking careful aim at the Atlas. The Atlas responded in kind, aiming both the missile launcher and machine gun at him. His eye was to the scope. He pulled the trigger, moving the scope from his eye, watching, transfixed, as the rocket flew towards the Atlas. As soon as the rocket connect with the Atlas, it exploded. Sheathes of flame enveloped the Atlas immediately, cooking the pilot inside the machine. He couldn't quite see the pilot through the flames or hear his screams, but there was little doubt it was a grisly death.
And that was before the Atlas exploded into pieces.
Victory was at hand.
"Move forward! Kill them all!"
No-one wearing the emblem of Cerberus survived this day, and he knew would not survive any day going forward. There was no quarter given, and would not be given any day going forward, as he knew Cerberus would give no quarter in return. It was harking back to the old days of war, a flag raised over the battlefield, letting the enemy know the outcome when their inevitable defeat was guaranteed. No surrender. No prisoners. Tim had made this entirely too personal. He would respond in kind, letting Tim and his followers know what lay in wait if they chose to get in his way. There was only one guarantee going forward for anyone working for Cerberus who opposed him.
Death.
And he would ensure their blood would flow in great rivers, running red across any battlefield across the galaxy. Javik was vengeance embodied for the Protheans. He would be vengeance embodied for the human race, and any other race or species who had suffered or may suffer going forward. He would cut a bloody swathe through Cerberus, ensuring the entire organisation would soon fall.
That would be his vow going forward.
And it would end with the death of the Illusive Man.
All was silent as the weapons grew quiet. Bodies littered the landing zone. Most were of those wearing Cerberus, though it was clear that salarians had also been massacred during the original Cerberus push. He looked up, noticing the Cerberus cruisers were breaking ranks and retreating, coming under fire as a salarian fleet appeared from the west, opening fire immediately once the enemy came into view.
Cortez brought the shuttle back towards the landing pad as the group approached the krogan. By all appearances she was fine as Mordin stepped forward, offering his hand. Wrex bumped the salarian out of the way, offering his instead. She ignored them both, instead bowing slightly towards him.
"Thank you, Commander," she stated.
"No problem. All in a day's work."
There was a shout from their side, everyone turning to see two Cerberus troops running towards them. He couldn't quite hear what they had said, but it was clear they only had eyes for the krogan female. Before even he could do something, the krogan female grabbed Wrex's shotgun and proceeded to blast both the Cerberus troops in the face. She then handed the shotgun back to Wrex and turned towards the shuttle without another word.
"Ugh, women. I'm not sure this is going to be worth it," the krogan stated.
"She's feisty and clearly doesn't put up with shit. I like her already," he stated.
"You like your women feisty, Shepard," Miranda stated with a chuckle.
"Well, I invited you back onto my ship, didn't I?"
"And you wouldn't have it any other way, Shepard," Garrus said, laughing to himself.
A group of salarians approached, led by Kirrahe. They looked exhausted, many of them carrying wounds, but they had survived. "You are leaving, Shepard?"
"We'd better get out of here, though I don't think Cerberus will be back here at least. We've kicked their arses well and truly, but I have a feeling this isn't their only play. Tim has ambitions. I just wonder where he'll hit next. You need a lift?"
"No, ships are currently on route to get us out of here. But, as I said earlier, keep in touch and let me know what you are doing. I'll ensure STG backs you all the way, Shepard. I'll also work on other organisations. We know the end game here. The Reapers cannot win."
"Thanks, Kirrahe," he replied, sharing another handshake.
"We owe you again, Shepard. And we'll be at your side when you are ready to take back Earth."
