I own nothing in regards to Bioware or Bungee, their ideas, merchandise or anything of that sort.
Well folks, it's time for another chapter. I know it's been a few months. All I can say is that shit happened and I just wasn't feeling it for this story. But here is the next installment. As I said in the first chapter, it comes when it comes. But for all of you who continue to follow and favorite me, I have one simple thing to say. Many, many thanks to you all. I do appreciate your silent support and acknowledge it for what it is.
Given what happened at the end of the last chapter, you'll all realize that the Reapers have been given a serious upgrade. In order for this story to work, I've had to thoroughly slaughter lore in a few ways and this is but one. Destiny fans, do take note of the fact I'm an equal opportunity destroyer of lore.
I'm trying to stick to some basics, but sometimes, in order to write a good story that isn't just a rehash of the same old thing with a different spin on it, I have to use some things as freeway projectiles. I hope you all understand and stick with me, but if you don't, that's fine. Do what makes you happy.
Erm … be aware that if you find happiness in sending me insults and such, you'll either be ignored as a childish moron or be shown what true insults are when I return fire. I've had lots of practice. Fair warning. Also, well, if you truly hate it that much, why are you still here?
Onward to the story! Enjoy!
Shepard breathed a sigh of relief as the geth shipped dropped off the side of the building and crashed into the distant ground.
Cora offered a high five, still pumped up on actually having the Traveller speak to her. Shepard took the gesture with a grin, but was still a little stunned about that whole affair.
This Traveller was real. They'd all heard it, that voice that shot through them like a star going nova, making their blood stir and their hearts soar. Even Wrex was cheerful, for fucks sake. Whoever heard of a cheerful krogan?
But hearing stories of the Traveller was one thing. Actually knowing it was real was something else entirely. Which meant …
There really was some godlike being looking out for humanity.
Shepard was lost in thought as she and her team made their way through the now unshielded areas and toward the mako. She was about to start up the tank to head back when Cora slammed a fist onto her pauldron, startling her.
"You forget about 'Lizbeth?" she asked.
"Crap," the soldier muttered. "Yeah. Sorry. Mind is elsewhere."
"I'll get her. I can jump higher than you. But get your head on straight, girl. You're no good like this."
Shepard snorted, reminded of the conversation they'd had a few weeks ago, after picking up Liara. But it did the trick. She shoved her thoughts aside and focused on the mission.
"Yeah. I'm good, thanks. Talk later?"
"Sure. After the mission."
Shepard nodded and watched the Guardian jog over to the hole and drop down. After a minute, she hopped out, a very wide eyed 'Lizbeth on her back. She got down quickly and climbed into the mako, saying thanks to everyone all at the same time and generally reminding her of a salarian in how fast she was talking.
The thump of readiness on the roof from Cora startled her into silence and the Spectre got the tank moving. A few minutes later, they pulled into the waypoint area and she and Cora escorted a happy 'Lizbeth into the room with the others, who all greeted her with cheers as she hugged her very relieved mother. Jeong was awake and glaring at everyone, especially Shepard and Cora.
"Anyone doing research on high end weapons mods?" Shepard asked when things calmed down. Someone raised a hand and she waved him forward. "We found an active terminal and downloaded this for you. Figured it would be useful at some point."
"Thank you, Commander!" the man beamed at her, shaking her hand before accepting the OSDs. "I was so blown away by the news before that I completely forgot to ask about it. Here, a finders fee for you."
"I may have a job for you," Cora said to the man quietly. He blinked at her in surprise. "Not soon, but … within a year. I'm going to be working on ways to upgrade weapons and just about everything else to a degree that those would seem a downgrade. You interested?"
"Indeed I am," he smiled. "Allow me to pass you my contact information. And thank you for the opportunity."
They were about to leave when a call from Joker came through.
"Commander, please tell me you can hear me!" he called over comms, sounding upset.
"I copy, Joker. What is it?" she asked, her hand on the side of her helmet. Everyone was watching them.
"Commander, I took a flyby and saw the geth ship fall, then swung in to see if something was happening at the colony. Well, something was happening, but it looks like everyone went insane. They're scratching at the locks trying to get in. If I attempt to pull away, more than a few will fall to their deaths."
"Stay there and keep the doors shut, Joker," the N7 ordered. "We'll figure something out soon."
"Copy that, Commander."
"Got anything that can subdue without killing?" she asked Cora.
"Would you bother researching that kind of thing with four alien races seeking the extinction of the species for thousands of years?" the Guardian snorted.
"Probably not," Shepard admitted. "What about inside the City?"
"They policed themselves and only called for help when they couldn't handle things on their own," I sighed. "They … saw us as a necessary evil in most cases. Called us unnatural. Not everyone, but enough to keep us out."
"That's fucked up," the Commander shook her head. "Save the species from extinction, they can at least let them in to see what was worth saving."
"Oh, I don't know," Cora smiled. "Some of them turned out okay." She nudged Shepard, who chuckled.
"Commander?" the elder Baynham called out. The two turned to her and her daughter, who were looking at something on her omni. "We might have a way to disable the colonists, if they're being … troublesome."
"Tell me more," Shepard invited.
"Well …" 'Lizbeth said a little hesitantly. "It's a kind of nerve gas. But only to knock people out for an hour or two. It shouldn't do anything else to people. You can alter your grenades into gas grenades."
The two of them looked at each other for a few moments, then nodded in unison. 'Lizbeth passed them the formula and both of their omni's lit up and they looked it over.
"This might have an effect on something related to the creature," Cora spoke up after a minute. "Effects might be reduced in those affected by the spore, but for the creature or something made from it … this might be devastating."
"You're a biologist too?" Shepard snarked.
"Not really," Cora replied blandly. "I know the basics in a lot of things, but only got interested in a few subjects to specialize in. Like, ya know, how to kill my enemies faster."
"Right," she nodded, then looked at the ExoGeni people. "We're outta here. I'll call in once it's clear and you can either head back to the offices or to the colony, your choice. I'll let you know if it's safe there."
Everyone thanked them again as they left.
"Joker," Cora called over comms. "Station Jenkins in the airlock with his helmet on and sealed. Just in case. If he fails to secure it, get everyone on the ship a helmet or some kind of air filter to keep them safe from the spores."
"I'll second that," Shepard agreed.
"Roger that," Joker acknowledged. "He's already keeping an eye on it, I'll just move him inside it."
"Kid's learning," Wrex said in an approving tone.
"We'll see how Nihlus does when we bring him on board at the Citadel," Shepard snorted.
"Do you not like him?" Cora asked.
"I don't trust him," she replied tightly. "That may change, but as of now … no."
"Then why bring him back on board?"
"He asked."
"Nox," Cora said thoughtfully. "Check to see if that was really him asking or if he was acting on orders from the Council, please."
"I'll have an answer by the time we get back," the Ghost agreed.
"To the Citadel?" Shepard asked dubiously.
"To the ship," Nox corrected.
"Nice," she replied, sounding happier.
We arrived at the garage we had departed from, but the big door didn't open. There was a single creature in front of it. I could tell it wasn't human or alien, not as I knew aliens, anyway. It was plant based, which meant the Thorian.
Jenson looked at me and I knew he was thinking the same thing.
"Take care of it, Jenson," I told my student.
He nodded and leapt off the mako, his gun already out. When the thing rose and hissed, displaying long teeth and claws, the Last Word spoke, obliterating its head. He turned and looked at me as it slumped, then started falling apart.
I jumped off and approached the doors.
"It's thick," Nox stated after a scan. "But not too thick. You could do it with Talon."
I nodded and waved Jenson back, then pulled out the black sword and took a stance, focusing on the power in the blade. It built slowly, but it got there eventually. I stepped forward and made a quick, downward slash, then put it back in the stash.
"Come here, Jenson," I said, waving him up.
"What are we doing?" he wondered.
"Your gauntlet there is tougher than just about anything," I explained. "Jam your fingers into the crack and make me a couple handholds, so I can pry this thing open." He cocked his head at me. "Yes, Titan's really are that strong."
The Hunter did as I'd asked and got out of the way. I wiggled my fingers into place, then widened my stance and heaved. There was a groaning sound at first, then, slowly, the huge door began to part, right along the path of where I'd cut.
Once enough had been pulled out, I adjusted my grip to one side and pulled. Slowly, it began to bend. I got a look inside and stopped. It was full of those things, just kneeling there in a cluster. Grenade formation was old hat for me, as was all the different types of grenades the various classes used. I got a solar cluster grenade in hand and tossed it through the small opening.
They burned nicely.
But then more came in from the direction of the colony, a few colonists among them, screaming their asses off.
"I need a couple gas grenades here," I said, looking at the mako.
Ash came out and took a look, then looked at me for orders.
"Over the head, about five deep," I told her.
After another look, she gave it a light, underhanded toss and it went right where I wanted. The gas poured out and the colonists dropped.
The plant things though … they started screeching and melting.
"That shit's acidic!" I saw. "Back, Ashley! Then get ready to get in there and move those colonists out of the puddle of acid!"
Everyone else was coming out of the mako now and I gripped the door again. I spared a moment to focus the Light in my muscles, then heaved as hard as I could. Needless to say, I was a bit surprised at the results. Especially when that side of the door spun out into the air and fell to the ground far below.
"Damn," I observed. "Guess I can skip my next workout and get some ice cream."
Wrex chuckled as he went by, completely unphased. Jenson went with him, but the others were still staring at where the door was last seen as it fell. Shepard snapped out of it first and chuckled, shaking her head.
She smacked the others until they came around, then went in to help with moving the colonists.
"Pistols only, people," Shepard ordered. "Make sure you have a clear shot at the creepers. Use your fists on the colonists if you have to."
"Jenson and I will attempt to toss them into a corner," I offered. "Should be easier to gas them there. It lasts a minute, so we'll just keep tossing until it dissipates."
"Good call. You … no. You can handle melee. Can Jenson?"
He held up a hand and arc energy crackled over it. A moment later, a chunk of the wall exploded as he punched it.
"Okay. Question answered and rubble added to the rubble pile," she nodded.
"There's not enough rubble here," Wrex grumbled. Everyone looked at him. "Tuchanka has more."
"Is there anything on the planet that isn't rubble?" Kaidan wondered.
"We've got some dirt," he mused. "Some ruins too, but those are all full of rubble. We clear some of it and use the rest as target practice. And varren like to chew on it too. Some of it makes a good pillow as well."
"I'll visit sometime," I smiled. "Sounds like home."
"What did you do to it?" he asked.
"Nothing. We were attacked. Only real difference was we had trees too. When the Traveller left, it reset the world. Wiped away all traces of civilization. Won't really feel like home without a little rubble."
"You understand," he chuckled.
We moved through the colony, gassing everyone. Kaidan was about to use the crane when Fai Dan appeared, aiming his gun at Shepard.
"I … it wants me to kill you," he struggled. We could all see the fight he was putting up clearly. "It wants me to obey. But … I won't! I won't!"
He turned the gun on himself and Jenson, perhaps remembering the part of his former self that had done the same, blinked over and plucked it out of his hand. Fai Dan gaped at him.
"Sleep," he said gently. "It'll be over when you wake up. Then your people will need you more than ever."
He gave him a love tap on the skull and the man sagged, Jenson easing him down. He looked at me when he rose.
"Did I just teleport?" he asked curiously.
"Yep. Entirely on instinct. Hunter a while back suckered a Warlock out of the secret and spread it around. Surprised you learned it so quickly too. Takes most a year or two to pick up. Good job. With that and with Fai Dan."
"Thanks," he nodded once.
"Agreed," Shepard approved, giving Kaidan a thumb up. Soon enough, the part of the ship was moved and the way down was open. "Let's move. Wrex, cover the rear with Ash. Cora, up front with me. Everyone else, spread out between us."
We moved down and soon found a pit with bits of plant matter drifting through the air. The spores were so thick down here, they'd paired up so much they were actually visible.
"Keep an eye on your air," I murmured, Ace up and ready. "You have any problems, run for the surface into open air. Get to the Normandy airlock ASAP and have the doc look you over."
"Agreed," Shepard nodded. "What we're seeing … it's the spore, isn't it?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "Clustered together in the hundreds. One of those things getting in your lungs … you're done. Just a matter of time before the Thorian takes over."
We moved down at a steady pace, keeping an eye out for creepers. Eventually, we came to an area that showed the creature itself, hanging from the walls by thick, tubular cords of plant matter.
It was fucking ugly.
Then it spat out a green asari, which was so disgusting to see, several people gagged.
"You stand before the Thorian!" she declared arrogantly.
I tuned her out and took a look around. I gave a silent command to switch my weapons out, which the creature and the green asari didn't seem to notice. Shepard was attempting to talk and getting some actually useful intel. Like what Saren had wanted.
Then the asari attacked. The biotics was enough to stagger the others, but I stepped up and smacked my fists together, sending a small amount of arc energy scything into the green bitch and cutting her in half. The pieces slumped to either side and fell off the ledge.
"Cover me," I told the others, pulling my sniper rifle over my shoulder as I hostered Ace. "I got this."
I knelt and aimed for one of the tubes, then fired. A Single Clap barked and the round exploded, shredding the tube in the process. The Thorian shrieked, but I was already aiming for the next tube. I heard the others open up behind me with rifles, shotguns and pistols. I heard the gong sound of biotics in use as well. The distinctive sound of Arcstrider was also heard, so I knew Jenson was going to work.
I fired at the next tube, then took a glance behind me. There was a hoard of creepers coming up and it looked like everyone was doing well. Jenson was a blur, seeming to teleport all over as his staff of arc energy crackled and hummed, taking out at least two creepers with every blow.
My gun fired again and there was a loud creaking sound heard over even the screaming of the Thorian. More cords snapped and then it fell, ripping away the rest. A few seconds later, there was a dull thump and all the creepers went still.
"As if they weren't creepy enough," Ash muttered.
"Amen," Kaidan agreed.
They still slaughtered them all and I hung back. I'd done my part. They needed to do theirs or they would get restless.
"Good shots," Shepard complimented after it was done.
"I'm going to start looking into explosive ammo mods," Garrus said thoughtfully. It got some chuckles.
We were about halfway up to the exit when a pustule looking thing on the wall split and dropped an asari on the ground. She was very slimy, but a bit groggy. Once she recovered enough to stand up and look around, she blinked at Liara.
"Mistress," she said, kneeling.
"Please stand, Shiala," Liara said, sounding embarrassed.
"I … I do not deserve your kindness, Mistress," she said quietly, still on her knee. "When we went with your mother to Saren, it was so she could try to sway him. But he swayed her and by the time we understood what was happening to us, it was too late. I was given to the Thorian as payment for the Cipher, which was given to me so I could transfer it to Saren. I have it still. It was the … mindset … of the Protheans, which he needed to help him understand the beacons."
"I need that," Shepard spoke up.
"If you follow Mistress Liara, then -"
"She does not follow me," Liara said sharply. "I follow her."
"I … see. You will have it. But I must meld with you. It is not something that may be relayed by words alone."
Shepard nodded and stepped up.
"No idea what these spores might do, so if skin contact is required, best to do this upstairs in the colony - or better yet, on the ship after decon procedures," I reasoned.
"Good point," Shepard agreed, Shiala nodding reluctantly. "Come on. We'll get you checked out by the doc afterward and get a solid meal in you, at the very least."
"And a shower," I added, eyeing the slime.
"That would be most appreciated," she said to me with a grateful smile.
"Slime bad," I stated. "Shower good."
The tension cracked and we headed up. The colonists were still out, so Shepard asked Ash and Kaidan to stick around and keep an eye on them, let them know what was going on when they woke up. She had already let the scientists know the threat was gone and they had decided to head back to their 'office' area. Just in case there were lingering issues.
Decon took about ten minutes, but we finally got into the ship and I took Shiala to medical while everyone made for the armory on the hangar deck. Once the asari was in Chakwas' care, I went to my quarters and had Nox work on cleaning my gear, while I changed into some clothes Shepard had picked up for me. I put on some sweat pants and a hoodie, but left the hood down, along with some athletic looking shoes that covered the ankle, then headed out to the mess. Once Shiala was clear, I took her to the women's showers and had Nox clean her clothes while she washed.
"Thank you," she said as she dressed.
"Welcome," I nodded. "I'm not a doctor or biologist, but I'd like to get a scan of you. You were under care of the Thorian for a while, so I'd like to see if there's any long term problems that might crop up. I'll let you know anything I find out, of course."
"I … yes. I appreciate that. I have some concerns as well. It's good to know someone else does too."
She stood still as Nox scanned her and she looked at the Ghost curiously.
"I had thought you would use your omni-tool?" she asked. There was no hostility in the question, just simple curiosity.
"Nox gets better results," I shrugged. "The omni is convenient, sure. But not necessary for everything when I have her."
"I see. Anything of note?"
"Nothing of note yet," I shook my head. "I'll scan Liara to get a baseline for normal asari." I paused and eyed her. She looked in good shape, fit and hard. "What line of work were you in before?"
"I was a House Commando for House T'Soni on Thessia," she said quietly, her eyes distant. "I'm … afraid those I once called sisters will be facing off against you. This shames me."
"You speak as if she is … nobility?" I asked.
"You don't know?" she wondered.
"This isn't the first time humanity has risen to the stars," I sighed. "I was there, all those years ago. But I slept for a time and only woke recently. I'm still catching up on things."
Shiala stared at me in wonder for a minute, then snapped herself out of it.
"Apologies," she murmured. "Just that little of your tale … I find it … remarkable. Many see humans as a bad thing, but I don't. Your people are full of life and passion. I respect that. But yes, the Houses are similar to human nobility. There are Matriarchs from all families, of course, but those of the Houses are generally seen as leaders of the Asari Republics. To be a House Commando is a great honor and an acknowledgement of skill."
"May I ask how old you are?" I asked politely.
"I am nearly four hundred," she sighed.
"Still young," I smiled. She looked at me oddly. "I was nine hundred before I went to sleep. I'll just continue the count from there, since I don't really feel like saying I'm eighty thousand years old."
"Goddess," she breathed, her eyes wide. "How did humanity gain such longevity?"
"We were helped," I smiled. "We discovered a being we called the Traveller that aided us into a Golden Age. Lifespans tripled with the medical care - or so they said. But the Traveller had an enemy that followed it and … well, we called it the Collapse. Nearly everything was lost, but we made do. The Traveller expended all its energy in our defense and with its last breath, made the Ghosts - like Nox there - before it slept. The Ghosts spread out and searched for those who would become Guardians. Each of us was dead, but they revived us. No memory of who we were before our deaths, but we were upgraded. We fight for humanity and the Traveller. That is our calling, our purpose. We live for as long as we are needed. We can even revive again from death, should we fall in battle. There are ways to kill us for good, but I hope you'll forgive me for not sharing that. We have only just met, after all."
"I don't mind at all," she smiled. "Fascinating. Did your people know the Protheans?"
"No," I shook my head. "We were beset by four races that sought our destruction for various reasons. Some out of jealousy that the Traveller guarded us, some just because they could." I shook off the memories. "But enough of that. I woke because there is a new threat, one that comes for all our peoples, not just humanity. Saren's ship is but one of them. Would you fight?"
"Yes," she replied immediately.
"Good," I smiled. I put a hand on her shoulder. "Then we'll get along fine. Come on. Food is pretty bland, but it's filling. Coffee is pretty good though."
Shiala was working on her second tray of food when the others began coming up from the hangar. They paused as she wolfed down more and more food.
"Sorry," she mumbled with a blush. "Haven't eaten in a while. Just that … slime … soaking into me to keep me alive."
Everyone grimaced, but sat down and pigged out on their own food. I just drank coffee.
"You aren't hungry?" Shiala asked as she sat back, satisfied after five trays of food.
"Guardians subsist on the Light," I shrugged. "We don't need anything else, even air. One of the upgrades we got."
"Now that you've had some time to settle and think, have you come up with an idea of what you'd like to do, now that you're free of Saren?" Shepard asked.
Shiala looked at Liara for a few moments, then at me. After a few more moments of thought, she faced Shepard firmly.
"Cora told me of the fight that comes," she said clearly. "I wish to be a part of it. Not just for my people's survival, but to gain redemption after falling with Benezia. I would stand at your side and fight, Commander."
"Shiala?" Liara asked, surprised.
"With respect, mistress, I have shamed myself," she said quietly, bowing her head to Liara. Then her head rose and her eyes had some fire in them. "I must regain my honor before I can submit myself to be your House Commando once again. I see no better way to do that than to stand with all of you and fight for the galaxy and all our peoples."
"If that is truly your wish, Shiala, then I cannot in good conscience deny you that," Liara said after a long moment. "However, this is Shepard's mission. You must ask her."
She turned to Shepard, the question clear on her face.
"She has my support, Shepard," I added. "She's a trained fighter. A commando. We might be getting tight for space on board, but we both know that another warrior on the team is an asset we can't deny."
"True," she admitted. "But you saw the beacon too. Do you need the meld as well?"
"No," I shook my head. "Nox is providing translation. There's some subtext to it, things that only Protheans can see or sense and I'm getting a rough translation of that as well. Can't do that for you, so you'll need the meld at the very least."
Ash and Kaidan came in while Shepard thought that over, still wearing their armor.
"What's up, skipper?" Ash asked, looking curious.
"Shiala wants to join the team," Shepard told her.
"Apart from some intel about the enemy, is there a reason we need another alien on board?" Ash frowned. Everyone looked at her flatly. "Um … no offense?"
"Offense taken anyway, Ash," I snorted. She looked at me in surprise. "First, off, I have legitimate reason to be wary of aliens, given the only ones I encountered before waking up were trying to slaughter the species. But you? I don't buy it. Take Garrus. He's here to restore the honor of his people after Saren turned traitor. That is a Big Deal to turians, capital fucking letters. Tali is here because she sees the geth as her people's responsibility and if she gets injured, she's basically fucked with her immune system. But here she sits anyway, taking a big risk for the right reasons. Wrex is here as well. He may grumble about being bored, but you can be damn sure he understands that this could be a big boost for his people and earning their place in the galaxy back. And Liara? Her mother is the enemy, for fucks sake. How hard do you think this is for her, knowing that she may have to kill her own mother, if no other option presents itself? Yet here. She. Sits. And Shiala. She was basically dragged into this out of honor and loyalty to her Matriarch and had her mind fucked with. Then, on top of that, she got handed over to the Thorian as if she was cattle. She needs this to regain her warrior's honor, her dignity as a person and many other things. All that, even the offer from Wrex to find a position for you on Tuchanka, if the Alliance continues to blacklist you for shit you didn't have any part of, where they don't allow anybody to set foot on and you say that shit? Fuck you, Ash. Fuck you."
"I …" Ash stammered, her face very red. Even Kaidan was shaking his head. She sighed. "I fucked up. I'm sorry. And you're right. I … don't have anything but excuses. And I know that. I'm sorry. I'll … go put my gear away. Let me know if I have new orders when we get back to the Citadel."
She turned to go.
"I haven't dismissed you yet, Chief," Shepard said in an icy voice. Ash stopped and turned back, her face blank. "Before we return to the Citadel, I'm going to call you into my quarters where we will be having a very frank conversation. The contents of that conversation will determine whether you stay on my ship or leave with a reprimand. Are we clear?"
"Yes ma'am," the soldier stated crisply.
"Fuck off, Chief," Shepard grunted.
Ash winced and turned to go.
"Ash," I said casually. She stopped and sighed, then faced me. "You've just taken a large ration of shit for a citadel sized fuck up. I know you regret it, but tell me something. If you were given a chance to redeem yourself after that, would you take it?"
"In a heartbeat, ma'am," she said with no hesitation.
"Anymore of this alien crap?" I pressed.
"No ma'am."
"Good to know. Scram."
Ash left.
"Nox," I said thoughtfully. She appeared next to me and waited. "See that Navigator Pressely gets a copy of that conversation, will you? His bigotry will take a big hit and he may start coming around, if he gets an accurate account. He's good at his job, so let's not risk him getting his ass fired."
"Done," she said after a moment, then disappeared.
"Thanks," Shepard nodded to me. "I wasn't looking forward to that conversation. And for what you said about the others."
Said others added their own thanks. Wrex just gave me a respectful nod, which was the krogan way of saying thanks.
"Not saying I agree with her," Kaidan said thoughtfully, "I don't. But given her family history and what she's likely had to do just to get her full pay, never mind get a halfway decent posting like Eden Prime, I can understand how she'd be swayed by some of the … politics … that would be involved in making that happen."
"Did her family do something?" Liara asked.
"Her grandfather was General Williams," Shepard sighed, rubbing her face. "He surrendered Shanxi in the First Contact War to save lives. His family and descendents have been blacklisted ever since. I don't agree with that, but you're right, Kaidan. She's had to take some shitty deals from shitty people just to get to her current rank."
"Sounds like asari politics," Shiala said blandly, looking at Liara, who snorted.
"Oh look," I smiled. Everyone looked at me. "That looks like something we call common ground."
Shepard snorted, as well as Wrex. The two looked at each other and smirked. Chuckles broke out.
"Alright," Shepard sighed. "You're in, Shiala. Better do the meld now. I'm beat and could use some sleep. Figure if my brain is gonna get some new info, it would be best to sleep on it." She paused and sighed again. "Better give me a few minutes first. I need to report to the Council. Cora? You wanna get in on that, since you promised aid?"
"Yeah," I nodded. "Debrief?"
"Fuck it. We all know what happened. I'll invoke my Spectre title for this in the name of us all getting some fucking rest that much sooner."
I snorted and joined her in the comms room, my armor appearing on me again. Wouldn't do to see me with my guard down.
Only two Councilors appeared when she reported. There were no reports sent yet, so they questioned her closely about everything that had gone on.
"Do you truly have that much sway?" the asari asked curiously when we reached my offer to the scientists and the colony.
"Yes," I replied calmly. "There is an organization that has been preparing for me for over eighty thousand years, Councilor. If they didn't have their shit together in that amount of time, then there would be something very wrong. When I met with the leader of that group, I had it handed over to me in its entirety. I have direct control of over fifty billion credits at any time, along with several fleets that would make the Alliance brass fill their pants. One of the many shadow groups that answer to me went rogue a few years ago and I will be … aggressively restructuring that group shortly. They have tortured and experimented on humans, among all the other races, including children. I take exception to that and anyone who had a hand in it will be summarily executed without trial or mercy. Yes, I have solid proof. No, I don't answer to you or any other authority. Yes, I am doing this whether you like it or not. My purpose as a Guardian is clear. Safeguard humanity at any and all cost. Those fuckers actively endangered my people. There will be a reckoning. Plans are already in motion."
"Goddess," she breathed. I couldn't tell if it was awe or fear on her face. Likely both.
"What is the name of this organization, if I may ask?" the salarian asked.
"Cerberus," I growled.
The Councilors looked at each other, then back at me.
"We have heard of them," the salarian nodded. "Will they all be wiped out?"
"If they all had a hand in that kind of thing, yes," I answered. "But if not, I intend to restructure and rename the organization to such a degree that it won't be recognized after I'm through. Cerberus will, in operation, cease to exist. I intend to publicly broadcast the execution of their leader, code named The Illusive Man, listing his many crimes before I kill him. I do this for all those that have suffered under their … misdeeds. So they may sleep soundly at night and move on with their lives, no longer needing to fear them finding where they are and taking them back."
"May we have a representative join you for -?" the asari asked after another glance at her salarian colleague.
"No," I cut her off shortly. She frowned. "Councilor, I am going into their main base alone and shooting all the assholes on sight that had anything to do with the experimentation and torture. The only person I intend to capture is their leader, for the sole purpose of executing him on live broadcast. All others within the organization on that station will be reorganized and I will have people moving to their other bases to execute any that slipped my net and institute the changes that will happen. And need I remind you that this is a shadow organization? Even restructured, renamed, cleaned up and repainted, such things are secret. Wouldn't be much of a secret if I invited a Council representative along for the ride, now would it?"
"You … have a point there," the salarian admitted grudgingly. "What would you propose for the Feros colony?"
"First off, get them some support," I snorted. "They've been there four years, trapped under the sway of that thing. The place looked like it had only been there a week. They need doctors, infrastructure, all that. But they don't know shit about why they were put there, only what they were made to do. As for ExoGeni … the people we found agreed to testify in return for aid. Whether that is to stay on the planet and help the colony under another organization or to go somewhere else is up to them, but so long as they testify, they'll have the aid of my people in getting back on their feet. But the company itself? I expect it to be gone inside a year. At most. All of it. I expect a great deal of their money to go to the colony in repayment for four years of hell." I paused and tapped my chin in thought. "Perhaps send a Spectre to take care of the corporate boot licker, Jeong? To ensure he's in a secure facility to await trial, of course."
"Of course, we can do that much at least," the asari nodded. She looked to her counterpart, who nodded. "We'll also send some relief supplies as well, along with some doctors and engineers to help them get back on their feet."
"Thank you," I gave a deep nod. "I'll match that, once I send word. If your people should arrive there first, please let them know that this is at Cora's request. The Spectre especially. She should state that if she wants the cooperation of the scientists, as I told them I would have my people state that very clearly." I paused and looked at both of them hard. "In fact, make it an order to tell them 'Cora says to let him come with.' And if I hear about any problems or violence against those people, I will find that Spectre and rip their genitals out through their assholes, then make them eat it. Am I clear?"
"There's no need for -" the asari began.
"Spectres don't have the best reputation these days, Councilor," I cut her off coldly. "See former Spectre Saren if you need an example."
"Very well," she sighed. "I hope you don't mind if we use less … graphic language, however."
"So long as the consequences of being stupid are clear, you can paint happy pictures of rainbows and sunshine, for all I care, Councilor," I snorted. The salarian snickered at that.
"Thank you," the asari said, rolling her eyes. "I don't suppose you have a leader we could talk to?"
"The Vanguard will be arriving within a year, I've been told," I told them with a smile. "I don't know what they've been up to for the last eighty thousand years, but as I was the best of the Guardians before I went to sleep, I'm pretty sure they'll back anything I say. That's if they don't slaughter you for being idiots too focused on politics to notice the clear threat right in front of you."
"Are you all so violent?" she asked with some asperity.
"Well gosh, Councilor," I said sarcastically. "Considering that when I went to sleep, the only contact we had with aliens was four separate groups of them trying to slaughter the species, what do you think? There were less than a hundred million of us left by that point, with threats coming in bigger and harder every few years. And less than two thousand Guardians managed to hold them off for more than four thousand years. Nine hundred of which were spent with me fighting. Now consider that for a moment, Councilors. Nine hundred years, spent fighting for the survival of the species on a scale that would make your Matriarch commandos go pale with fright." The asari gaped at me, clearly frightened. "Keep that in mind when you tell the Spectre - or anyone else - their instructions. And that I value courtesy, but have no tolerance for bullshit. I think you have some idea now of what I'll do if someone tries to feed any to me, Councilor. And that I can and will back it up with no fucks given if they cross a line."
After a few awkward moments, the report continued.
"Wait," the salarian held up a hand. "It spoke?"
"The Traveller spoke, yes," I told him. "I do not know exactly what the Traveller is, but as it was asleep for the entire time the Guardians existed before I slept, that's to be expected. I suspect I'll get some answers when the Vanguard arrives. In the meantime, we're heading back to the Citadel and should be there within a few days. The crew have had it rough with a few side missions from Alliance Command, so some downtime will be taken. I'd be happy to meet with you and provide some details about both myself and the little we know of the Traveller. Just be aware that when the Normandy heads out, I head out with it."
"Understood," the salarian nodded. "Thank you. Please contact us when you arrive and we can work out some time to speak."
"On another note," I said, remembering something. "I have heard that Spectre Nihlus Kryik has requested to join the team. May I assume that he will be sending you reports about me as well as the mission?"
"That … would not be incorrect," the salarian said hesitantly. "I'm curious how you got that information."
"I have my ways, Councilor," I smirked. "As do your people. Let's keep a little mystery in play for a bit longer, shall we? At least until some trust is built. But be sure to let Nihlus know that his reports about me will be monitored and if I feel he is endangering the mission or causing strife among the team or crew, I'll kick his ass out on the nearest habitable planet. Minus his plates."
Even Shepard winced at that one.
"You don't appear to doubt she can do that, Shepard," the salarian observed.
"I don't," Shepard snorted. "On Eden Prime, she did something with her power that damaged that ship taking off and used too much. She looked on the edge of panic about it, so with her helmet off, I slugged her in the face as hard as I could. It shattered my gauntlet and a number of bones, but it barely affected her. But it did the trick and she had my hand healed in ten seconds flat. No trace of the wounds. She even loaned me a pair of her own gauntlets until the mission was over. And the shit I've seen her do since then …" she shook her head with a chuckle. "I wouldn't even know where to begin. But yes. If she says she can do something, I've no doubt she can. Furthermore, I trust her with my life - and do on a regular basis."
"Thanks, Shepard," I nodded to her with a smile.
The two Councilors traded another look, then went on with the report. It took another fifteen minutes to get through it and they asked Shepard about Shiala.
"Well, first there's the intel she could provide," Shepard listed. "Then there's her combat abilities. Her loyalty to Liara personally. And if she attempts to send reports anywhere, Cora here will know about it and personally pull her crests out through her lower holes."
"Glad you caught that, Shepard," I chuckled, ignoring the wince from the asari. "In addition to that, she also has something she calls a Cipher. See, the Thorian ate the Protheans all those years ago after they died on that world. Gained some insight into their physiology, how they saw the world, all that. Shepard is having trouble translating what she got from the beacon and the Cipher should help her process all that stuff. I don't need it. I have other ways of getting those translations. But I'd prefer to keep her sane, so she's getting it through a meld in a few minutes."
"I see," the asari nodded, thinking that over. "That could be quite beneficial in the future, should she pass it onto other scientists."
"Should she prove herself loyal and no longer under the influence of Saren or Benezia," I said sternly, "then I would think she had earned the right to choose whether or not she wishes to share with anyone else."
"You are right, of course," she smiled. "Thank you for standing up for her rights."
"She seems like a good kid," I shrugged. "But her honor, in following Benezia, had resulted in shame. She seeks to redeem herself and that is a heavy weight to bear. I speak from experience on that, by the way. You'll have to wait for storytime. It's not … a pleasant tale."
The line went dead a minute later and Shepard slumped.
"They're gonna try something, aren't they?" she asked, sounding exhausted.
"Yes," I agreed. "It won't matter though. The entire thing will be publicized and their governments will either recall them or just have them shot and put someone else up in their places. They'll likely send Nihlus, thinking I'll go easy on him after seeing combat together. I will, but for me, going easy is getting out alive."
"Only been a Spectre a few weeks and I'm already tired of this shit," she sighed.
"One more call to make, then you can get your brain fried and go pass out," I consoled.
"Who am I calling?" she said, flipping me off.
"Hackett," I replied.
"Shepard, Titan," the man said, his hologram appearing a few moments later. "What can I do for you?"
"Couple things," I said. He paid attention closely. "First, Feros is … in bad shape. Council said they'd send some people to help, but I don't trust those shit stains. They need medical supplies, infrastructure, the works. I'd like one of our companies to do an outreach. ExoGeni is done. The scientists are willing to stand up in court and let everyone know what happened there, but Jeong, a boot licker, is being restrained. He needs to be secured ASAP. Tell our people to let them know Cora sent them and they'll cooperate. Also let them know further help is on the way, for their peace of mind. Shepard will send you a report in the morning, as you can clearly see her exhaustion.
"Second thing. You got the contract with Zaeed?" He nodded. "I'm gonna have him set up a force on the Citadel, just in case. Something about Saren tells me he's planning something there, but I can't for the life of me figure out what. I'd like him to work with Anderson. What's his rank now, by the way?"
"In the Alliance, he's a Major," the man said firmly. "We're still reorganizing our ranking structure, but I'm thinking we'll use some old Roman ranks, just to throw off anyone getting too deep. If we do that, I'm thinking he'll be something along the lines of a Legate. They were basically governors of various provinces."
"I see," I nodded slowly, thinking it over. "I like that. Keep me posted on it." I paused as he nodded. "Just be sure you don't get as corrupt as they did."
"You really have been doing your homework," he chuckled.
"Don't really sleep much, so I have a lot of time at night," I shrugged. "Anyway, I'd like Zaeed's contact on the Citadel to be Anderson. And one final thing I'd like you to let Anderson know about. I suspect - and Shepard agrees - the Council will attempt something when we reach the Citadel. I'm not asking him to get in the way of that, but if he could attempt to dissuade them, I'd appreciate it. And if not … see that I have an honor guard to escort me. A heavily armed honor guard. I'll be going to see them as soon as we arrive."
"An honor guard?" he blinked.
"You do have Keeper specific troops, do you not?" I asked mildly. He nodded, curious. "Well, have … let's say a platoon … fully kitted in Keeper armor - with full helms to prevent identification - to escort me. I don't expect them to aid me in combat if it comes to it. Jenson and I will take care of it if necessary. But it's all theater. An elaborate play, put on to cow the Councilors into believing that I have the power to do whatever the fuck I please. I made it plain to them about that, but all those looks at each other spoke of intending to fuck me over, which I don't take kindly to."
"I don't either," he growled, then cocked his head and sighed. "You told them about us, didn't you?"
"Broad strokes, Admiral," I smiled. "No details, no names, nothing. Just gave them an idea of what I had under my control."
"This …" he said, then shook his head. "I understand why, but this goes against everything we're taught; everything is centered around keeping the secret."
"And I told you, I'm the secret and won't be kept," I snorted. "And given the Vanguard will be arriving within the year, they won't either."
"They will?!" he blurted, surprised.
"Yes, they will," I replied, amused. "Prepare our people, Hackett. Change is coming. The Guardians are coming. And … on Feros …" I couldn't hold back a grin. "The Traveller spoke to me. It is … still out there. And it knows me. It's coming, Hackett. And then … the secret will be blown wide open. Your job is to get our people ready. And after … I'm sure you'll be rewarded for your years of loyalty by the Traveller itself."
Hackett closed his eyes and bowed his head for a minute, then raised it again and nodded.
"I'll see it done, Guardian," he promised. "Anything specific on what kind of drama you want from Anderson?"
"I'll leave the details to him," I smiled. "And thanks. It's good to hear my real title from you for once. Be sure to let Anderson know I prefer it over Titan. I'm not ashamed of being a Titan, but the title of Guardian means so much more to me."
"Of course," he smiled back. "I'll get on it right away and await Shepard's report in the morning. I believe I have some people that can secure the prisoner within a day. The rest will take at least two days to coordinate, but we'll get it done and show up the Council in every way."
"Good man," I nodded. "I'll be in contact after the meeting with the Council."
We disconnected and Shepard went to do a meld. It was a little creepy seeing her eyes turn black, but it was over quickly. I helped her to her quarters and tucked her in to sleep, since she was completely wrecked after the meld. Shiala was also clearly exhausted and a sleeper pod was made available for her until quarters could be assigned. She accepted and went immediately to a pod and was out cold in moments, even before it closed and lowered itself into the floor.
I went down to the hangar to relax with Wrex and some ryncol. It had been a long day, but I had the best news possible for a Guardian to get. I was happy. I had the makings of a good team, even with Ash's blunder earlier. My people were coming.
That's all folks! Hope you enjoyed the chapter.
As always, comments, reviews and constructive criticism is appreciated, even if it's just a note telling me about punctuation or grammar.
Thanks once again to Viperstrike2 for his generosity in agreeing to let me run with his initial idea for the story. Check out his stories sometime. He's still alive and kicking, but rather busy planning a wedding. Gratz, buddy!
No clues on when I'll get the next chapter out, but I'll try for one a month. No promises, however. It comes when it comes. Thank you all for reading.
Take care and stay safe out there!