Chapter 6: Asteroid X57 Distress Call
The Normandy was in the Asgard system on a quick stop to refule after it went through the mass relay of the Knosis System. The plan to head right to the Citadel was put on hold when Joker called Nihlus and Shepard to the cockpit. The two entered the cockpit and Shepard asked Joker. "What's happening Joker?"
"I am receiving an urgent message from Terra Nova." Joker stated.
"Bring it up." Shepard ordered.
"Alert, alert asteroid approaching the planet of Terra Nova too fast." The message played.
"Any information on the asteroid?" Shepard inquired the computer.
"The asteroid is designated X57, metallic, originally orbiting Borr, and designed to be a new port for Terra Nova and was determined to be mined out for resources." The computer stated.
"Joker alert the closest fleet." Shepard commanded of the pilot.
"Alright but the closet fleet won't make it on time." Joker pointed out.
"I figured as much." Shepard sighed. "Okay take us to the asteroid."
"Heading their now commander."
"Nihlus I know that getting Liara to the Citadel is the priority but if the asteroid hits the planet it could end all life on the planet." Shepard explained to Nihlus.
"I'm in agreement." Nihlus stated. "This is a time for specters to intervene and see how we can help."
"Joker, alert the closest Alliance fleet we may need to evacuate the planet." She gave the final order before her and the ground team suited up. When the four entered the only to find Liara T'soni in the mako in armor.
"T'soni!" Nihlus exclaimed.
"I figured I could be of help in what is going on with the asteroid." Liara explained herself.
"We could use an extra biotic incase things get messy." Shepard stated. "Well have her stay behind us."
Nihlus looked unsure. Williams looked a bit put off about working with another alien while Alenko gave a small smile. Shepard went to the driver seat. "Alright Joker ready for the drop." Shepard told the pilot.
"Alright commencing drop 10 minutes." Joker announced to the ground team.
After 10 minutes, the Normandy starts to descend on the asteroid and the hanger door opens. The mako exits the hanger and drops down on to the asteroid. The mako moves forward. "Anyone on this line listen I am hiding they have taken over the asteroid and activated the fusion torches and they need to be shut down immediately." She told them.
As they head to the first fusion torch control they pass an engineer shack and the ground team approached the control of one of the torches and three domes opened open to reveal turrets aimed at the mako. The mako weaves and swerves avoiding the missles and firing at the turrets with a mixture of missiles and bullets from its own turret gun. After 10 minutes of fighting and the turrets destroyed, they pull up to the entrance to the torch control. They enter the control building and go to the first door. The door opens to reveal three batarians and two varen. "Batarians!" Shepard exclaimed.
The varen were released on the five beings that just opened the door and the varen were easily disposed of. The five then went on to defeat the rest of the batarians. The five then see another wave of five batarians and the firing starts again. Shepard notices that three of them are surrounding a fuel tank and directs her fire at it. After a few seconds it explodes killing their snipers and two troops surrounding it. They then enter and find one more batarian waiting behind cover on left side of the room. He pop his head out only for Williams to shoot him in the head killing him instantly. They then make their way up to the torch control. They bypass the computer and deactivate the first torch.
Suddenly a quite voice come from their comms. "I'm reading that the fusion torch is offline." The voice states.
"Was that you? Can you hear me?" The voice asked.
"Who are you? What's going on?" Shepard inquired.
"My name is Kate Bowman; I am an engineer. I was part of the team assigned to bring this asteroid to Terra Nova." Kate introduced herself to Shepard before continuing. "We were attacked yesterday by Batarian extremists and I've been hiding since they arrived."
She takes a breath. "I think they know that the torch went out."
"Why are they doing this?"
"I don't know, but if this asteroid isn't slowed millions of people on Terra Nova are going to die."
There is a small noise coming from the other end of the com. "If I find out anything I'll – I've got to go Good luck."
The comm went down. The five quickly went down the stairs and headed towards the exit. Once they get to the door they see a human male in basic combat armor and a pistol. "Hey." Shepard greets getting his attention.
The male instinctively fires a round at Shepard.
