Chapter 8: Just a little longer
The Normandy was stationed in the Hades Nexus cluster as it finished a request by Cerberus. The retrieval of data and artifacts from a project named Firewalker. Previous days contact with the leading team had been lost and since Shepard was close to the system that was used as a base, Cerberus did not miss an opportunity to contact him, which led the Normandy team to tour various parts of the galaxy. Now that the mission was dealt with, Shepard called it a day and was now relaxing in the quiet and peace of his room, just after a cold bath followed by a new dish Garner came up with. As Shepard sat down on his bead, he observed his surroundings.
It sure is a nice room. When would you imagine having a room like this all to yourself, eh Shepard? He thought. As he continued looking around, he suddenly remembered something.
-.-.-.-
"Your room is similar to an Admiral's office back on the Fleet, only…bigger," said Tali.
"Bigger? They're smaller on the Fleet?" asked Shepard.
"Yes. Since we don't have many resources or space, we make our quarters and offices just big enough for the person to live or work. An Admiral's office would be half of your room. If it was designed for civilians. It could be divided into 3 or 4 rooms. Even families share small rooms. We don't have many luxuries as other species so we need to make the best of what we have."
-.-.-.-
Shepard smiled as he remembered the memories of his conversations with Tali. He turned his head upwards, looking at the small window in the roof, gazing at the many stars roaming the galaxy. Tali... Where are you...
"Commander," called EDI out, interrupting his thoughts.
"What is it EDI?" asked Shepard as he looked towards the holographic image of EDI.
"The Illusive Man wishes to speak with you at the Conference Room. He says it's urgent," she answered.
Everything's urgent to him. "All right, thanks for telling me. Be there in a minute," said Shepard as he quickly changed clothes from his sleeping attire to the casual Cerberus uniform he used during the day. He made his way down to the CIC and into the Conference Room, activating the communication device, and stepping forwards into the holographic scanner-projector. The image of the Illusivan Man appeared a few seconds later, smoking in his usual sitting position.
"Shepard. I think we have them!" said the Illusive Man enthusiastically. "Horizon, one of our colonies in the Terminus Systems, just went silent."
Horizon? That's not far from our current position, said Shepard to himself.
"If it isn't under attack, it soon will be. I've already ordered Mr. Moreau to head towards the colony. Has Mordin delivered the countermeasure for the seeker swarms?" asked the Illusive Man.
Always thinking ahead I see... "Not yet, but he's close," replied Shepard.
"Let's hope he works well under pressure."
Giving his work on the genophage... he's probably going to have the countermeasure in time, thought Shepard.
"There's something else you should know," added the Illusive Man, catching Shepard's interest. "One of your former crew, Ashley Williams... is stationed on Horizon."
"Williams? But she's Alliance. What is she doing there?" asked a surprised Shepard.
"Officially, it's an outreach program to improve Alliance relations with the colonies. But they're up to something. And if they sent Chief Williams, it must be big," explained the Illusive Man.
"So the Collectors just happened to pick a colony with one of my former crew?" Shepard shook his head. "I don't buy it."
"It shouldn't be a surprise the Collectors are interested in you. Especially if they're working for the Reapers," casually explained the Illusive Man.
"Then notify the Alliance. They could send reinforcements," said Shepard.
"Not until you investigate. I don't want the Alliance getting in our way," countered the Illusive Man. Shepard noticed an annoyed tone. "Besides, there's no patrol close to the colony. Even if we notify them, by the time they arrive it would be too late. Once you have the situation under control, I'll send the message personally." Shepard didn't like the idea of waiting until the end, but it would be a waste of time trying to convince the Illusive Man. The only thing to do is to follow his orders and hope for the best.
"Anything else I should know before we reach Horizon?" he asked.
"Yes, there is one more thing. One of my agents will be waiting for you near the Mass Relay once you exit the jump. He will hand over you a gift that our engineers have been working on."
"A gift?" asked Shepard, narrowing his eyes.
"I am sure you will like it and that you will get the most of it during this mission."
"Right. If we're done here, I'll go and prepare the team."
"This is the most warning we've ever had, Shepard. Good luck," finished the Illusive Man, ending the communication between him and Shepard.
The lights return to the Conference Room, and the table returned to its normal position as Shepard stepped out of it. He stood still, without fixing his gaze on anything specific, he just kept thinking about what is to come. For him, it was still a lot of coincidence that Ashley and the Collectors focused on the same colony, it felt planned, unnatural, but the gears were already in motion and Shepard was not going to let another colony get abducted. He distrusted the Illusive Man, but he could not deny the data, facts, and information that he raised, everything was true, there would always be something to back up his words.
There was also the famous gift he had prepared for him. What kind of gift could someone like the Illusive Man give? Something that will help you on this mission, Shepard repeated. Whatever it is, it will be known in a few hours. He sighed. Well, there is no other choice but to tell others.
"EDI."
"Yes, Commander?"
"Let the team know I need to see them here right now. I also need you to find and display in the center of the table all the information we have on the colony of Horizon," ordered Shepard.
"As you wish, Commander."
"Another thing, EDI," Shepard added. "You can put Commander aside. Shepard is fine." There was a small delay in the AI's reply.
"Very good, Shepard. The team has been notified."
"Thank you." Shepard walked to the table header, awaiting the team's arrival. This is going to be a long night...
A Kodiak shuttle was making its way towards the Shadow Sea cluster, where the colony of Horizon lies. Its occupants, all Cerberus operatives with one goal in mind. Take over a Batarian base with crucial information for Cerberus. Although Horizon was not their destination, the colony was on the established route and there was another reason why they would pass through it. The operatives brought with them a gift for Commander Shepard, although not everyone knew about it.
"So what's inside this thing?" asked one of the operatives. "Who are we giving it to?"
"Didn't you heard, Murrel?" asked another. "We're going to meet Commander Shepard!" said the operative, excited.
"Commander Shepard? The! Commander Shepard?" asked a woman.
"Yes, Mimi. The! Commander Shepard."
"Well, no wonder you were excited about this, Faxon. To think we'll meet him, man!" said Murrel.
"Oh-ho, look who's excited now," said Mimi.
"C'mon girl, don't try to hide it. You're just excited as well," said Faxon, laughing slightly.
"I'd be a fool if I told you no," she replied.
"My first question still stands, though. What's inside? What are we giving him?" asked Murrel.
"Some sort of experimental weapon according to the engineers. Top of the line and very hard-hitting," answered Faxon.
"Must be awesome being someone like him. Just imagine... an awesome background, badass young life, first human Spectre, having your own ship, I mean he's-"
"You're making an awful lot of noise for a dead legend," said a grim and serious voice. Its origin came from the pilot's cabin as the fourth operator from the shuttle walked out. His face, no, his entire being gave a cold and uncaring aura. From all the operatives it was clear he was the most experienced one. And if one didn't know him, they would soon enough. The man was fitted with enough armor to protect himself from most dangers but it was also enough to allow mobility, given his role inside Cerberus. He was also carrying a short sword, similar to a ninjatō.
"What do you mean dead legend? Shepard is alive and kicking ass!" exclaimed Murrel.
"If he was good as a legend as you say then he wouldn't have died two years ago. And he also wouldn't be asking some good-for-nothing aliens for help," expressed the man. It was clear he was not a fan of Shepard.
"How can you be so cold?" asked Mimi.
"I prefer the term... pragmatic. Shepard is just another man to me. I don't see him as a hero or as an icon idolized by people like you."
"So what, you're better than him?" asked Faxon.
"In many ways, yes. He's past his prime."
"I see what's going on," said Murrel in a mocking tone. "You're jealous of him. You know he's better than you but won't accept it. You give this cold vibe but deep down you fear not being the Illusive Mans favorite, am I right?" In a blinding speed, the man lunged towards Murrel, while unsheathing his blade with one of his hands as he closed the gap, brushing it's tip millimeters above Murrel's throat, who's eyes were almost blank. The rest of the operatives were dead silent. They didn't have a chance to react.
"Keep pushing where it's none of your business and you won't live long enough to meet your idol." Murrel gulped as he heard the words and nodded lightly.
"Y-y-yes Leng. You won't hear from me anymore," he said.
"Good," said Leng, holding Murrel a few more seconds before releasing him. Leng gave a quick grim glance to the others before returning to the pilot's cabin. From there and forward, the trip turned into hours of pure silence.
Horizon, a temperate world that has hit the sweet spot for carbon-based life, with its nitrogen-oxygen atmosphere maintained by abundant plants and bacteria. Its soil being compatible with Earth vegetation, caused a thrive in human occupation. The colony possessed minimal tourist value but promises substantial economic opportunity, especially in providing new products for humans and supplying the Turian Hierarchy. The planet is also blessed with verdant forests and abundant freshwater. Horizon maintains a colonial culture that thrives as a refuge from the increasing restrictions of Citadel-governed society, attracting numerous dissidents, marginal people, and fringe-dwellers from across Alliance space. In other words, an alternative place to live just like Omega, but better, as no violence, crimes, or gangs are part of it.
Unfortunately, what appeared to be a place of peace was turned into chaos when the Collectors made their appearance. First by cutting off its communications with the outside galaxy, followed by a paralyzing ambush and finally, the kidnapping of its inhabitants. When Shepard landed in the colony, he arrived just as the Collectors were loading the colonists onto their ship. Immediately, he gave the green light to attack and the battle for Horizon began.
It was Shepard's first battle against the Collectors, and they made sure not to make it easy. Their movements and tactics were efficient, more than any other group Shepard has ever faced. In addition, the Collectors wielded the full range of skills and arsenal that someone could have. From basic and heavy weapons to tech skills and biotics. And as a surprise, husk creatures like the ones from Eden Prime among other variants. The only advantage was that they could die just as fast as anyone else.
The confrontations were tough but Shepard and his team were able to fight them, pushing the Collectors back, thanks to anti-aircraft turrets that were installed by the Alliance, although they had a problem before being able to use them. Unfortunately, even though the team made the Collectors flee, half of the settlers left with them. When one of the survivors claimed to Shepard that this was all his and the Alliance's fault, Ash came out to defend him, silencing the settler.
"Commander Shepard. Captain of the Normandy. The first human Specter. Savior of the Citadel. You're in the presence of a god Dilan. Back from the dead," she said as she walked towards Shepard.
"All the good people we lost, and you get left behind. Figures," said the surviving man.
"Dilan you..."
"Screw this!" exclaimed Dilan, cutting Ashley off. "I'm done with you Alliance types," he said, walking away from the group." Ashley shook her head, returning her gaze to Shepard.
"I thought you were dead, Commander. We all did," she said as she extended her arm. Shepard smiled, reaching into Ashley's hand.
"It's good to see you again Ash. Technically I was dead but Cerberus brought me back to stop attacks like this." Ashley took a step back, her face expressed disappointment.
"You're with Cerberus now?" she asked. Seeing Garrus was also a surprise for her. "You too Garrus?"
"It's not how it looks Chief," answered Garrus.
"I can't believe the reports were right," she admitted.
"Wait, what reports?" asked Garrus.
"Alliance intel said Cerberus could be behind our missing colonies. We got a tip that this one could be the next to get hit," started explaining Ash. "I went to Anderson, but he wouldn't talk. But there were rumors that you weren't dead. Worse... That you were working for the enemy."
"So that explains why you're here. You needed to confirm my presence with Cerberus," said Shepard.
"And now I see you really are working with them."
"Cerberus and I want the same thing, Ash. To save our colonies, but that doesn't mean I answer to them."
"Do you really believe that? Or is that just what Cerberus wants you to think?" she questioned. "I wanted to believe that you were alive... I just never expected anything like this. You've turned your back on everything we stood for!"
"I'm not a traitor Ash," said Shepard in a serious tone. "You know I'd only do this for the right reasons." Ash looked away. "You saw it yourself. The Collectors are targeting human colonies. And they're working with the Reapers!"
"I'd like to believe you, Shepard. But I don't trust Cerberus. And it worries me that you do. What did they do to you? What if they're behind it? WHat they're the ones working with the Collectors?"
"Dammit, Williams. You're so focused on Cerberus you're ignoring the real threat!" exclaimed Garrus.
"Don't patronize me, Vakarian. I expected better from you. How did you go from a C-Sec officer to joining an extremist group like Cerberus?"
"Try to see the big picture, Ash! shouted Shepard. "You're letting how you feel about their history get in the way of facts!"
"Or maybe you feel like you owe Cerberus because they saved you. Maybe it's you," she countered.
"Ash..."
"Doesn't matter... I still know where my loyalties lie. I'm an Alliance soldier. It's in my blood. I'm reporting back to the Citadel. I'll let them decide if they believe in your story."
"We both know how that's going to turn out. The Alliance will blame Cerberus, just like you did."
"With good reason. Cerberus can't be trusted. So long, Commander. Good luck," were the last word from Ashley as she left Shepard with his team, disappearing behind a building.
Dammit Ash... why do you have to be so stubborn... thought Shepard. He suddenly felt a hand over his shoulder. Looking behind he found Garrus with a disappointed expression as well.
"Yeah... I know," sigh... "Tell Joker to send the shuttle. I think we had enough of this colony." Garrus nodded and followed his friend's order.
"Sir, approaching Haestrom in five," said the quarian pilot through the ship's comms.
"All right men, you heard Zan. We're out in five so get yourselves ready," ordered Kal'Reegar. Yes sir! responded the marine squad. Reegar walked away from the group, heading to one of the two small rooms the ship had. As he stood in front of the door, he knocked, calling the person inside. "Ma'am, we're about to-"
"You'll be busy for who knows how long with this data! You told me to create my own path!" was suddenly heard behind the door.
"Ma'am?" called Reegar.
"In a minute. Sorry Raan but I think we'll arrive any second now. I made a promise and I intend to full fill it. I don't care what my father says."
"Tali, child, I've supported you on all of your decisions but this... you can't just leave things behind for this one-"
"And I appreciated that you have always supported me, so I ask you to continue to do so with this new decision. We'll talk when I'm back."
"Tali wai-" Raan's words were cut off as Tali ended the call. She let out a deep breath and headed towards the room's door, opening it.
"Sorry, Reegar. I was just discussing something with Admiral Raan," apologized Tali.
"I take it things weren't smooth?"
"Could you hear me behind the door?"
"Only if you stick your head to it. But only the last was heard, so there is no context to know what your talk was about. But those issues do not involve me," explained Reegar.
"Thanks," said Tali, as she did not want to explain what the discussion was about to someone else. "Are we about to land?"
"We should be at any moment. Just wanted to make sure you were ready, Ma'am."
"Well, thank you for letting me know. And I told you Tali is fine. You don't have to be so formal on me, Kal. I'm not my father or someone from the Admiralty board."
"Sorry, Tali but that's just the way I am. That aside, it would now be a good time to explain why we're here. Our only orders were to accompany and protect you. No more no less."
"As expected from the Admiralty. Then let's not waste time," said Tali in a confident tone leaving the room with Reegar following behind. Just a little longer, Tali. You'll see this mission through and you'll soon be with Shepard. And once we're together... the thoughts that came to her mind filled her with joy.
"Horizon was something crazy, don't you think?" asked Garrus followed by a sip of his drink. He and Shepard were both relaxing in the Lounge Room. After the events from the colony, they needed a way to clear their mind.
"It was. And now we know that the Collectors work with the Reapers," replied Shepard.
"Those husks made it pretty clear. And that thing... that, what do we call it?"
"The one the had husk's inside of it?"
"Yeah, that one. It was clearly Reaper tech."
"And to think the husk was horrific enough. Makes you wonder what other creatures the Reapers can create."
"Well, I wouldn't like to see a turian version of a husk or worse, a krogan husk. Just imagine the shier and raw power it would have."
"Let's hope that day never comes," said Shepard as he grabbed his drink.
"And if it comes, at least you'll have the Cain to deal with it," said Garrus, referring to the heavy weapon that Cerberus gifted to Shepard. "So small and yet it packs quite the punch. Pretty sure their inspiration was your explosive ideas." Shepard chuckled.
"Wrex would love to have a field day with it," he assured, causing Garrus to laugh.
"That he would," agreed Garrus. Both friends were silent, enjoying the quiet of the room. The hum of the Normandy's engines made staying in the Lounge quite pleasant. "You think the Collectors will attack another colony?"
"I would like to say that with this mission the Collectors will think twice before attacking another one but... who am I kidding. With the Reapers, they are capable of anything."
"Don't be so hard on yourself, Shepard. We did everything we could to help. Maybe we could have done more but we can say that for almost everything we do on a daily basis," said Garrus, trying to cheer his friend up.
"Trying to pat yourself?"
"I'm not sure. It's a completely different situation but... let's forget about that. What's the plan now then? With Ashley being there the Alliance would have to do something. And If you ask me, speaking with Anderson now would be ideal," suggested Garrus.
What will Ashley report back? If she stays with that attitude... "You're probably right, Garrus."
"When we recruited Kasumi I genuinely thought you would also speak to Anderson but I guess you were fixed with what you told me before."
"It did pass through my mind, I mean, we were already there but... it didn't felt right. It wasn't the correct moment. Now..." Swoosh! the doors from the lounge opened, revealing Jacob as the newcomer in the room.
"Jacob, care to join us?" asked Garrus, raising a glass.
"Sure, but I need to tell Shepard something first," he replied.
"What is it?" curiously asked Shepard.
"Remember that favor you asked a while ago?" Shepard's eyes widened as he heard those words, quickly standing from his seat. Garrus was confused by Shepard's action. Jacob took it as a yes and continued. "It took some digging and time but, we got it. We know where she's heading."
Author's Note:
Hey there! A new chapter, woo!
So as you read, I decided to do a small resume...? of the events from Horizon, before heading into Haestrom, just like my first idea.
I also wanted to introduce Kai Leng in the story to have a better transition when ME3 comes. I'll probably mention him another time later in the story. And of course, it was soon to be added, The Cain. Can't leave my Shepard's explosive methods aside.
And that's it for this chapter. Hope you enjoyed it. I know romance's been missing in the past chapter's but I promise next one you'll be getting some. Cheers!