Chapter 16: Strength and Honour
Next on my list was Samara, an asari justicar who had left asari space to sightsee around the asari world Illium. Yeah, I'm still scratching my head about that one. Anyway, Liara said that justicars were a sort of monastic warrior order that usually stuck closer to home. For whatever reason, Samara had travelled all the way out here, registering with a Tracking Officer named Dara. So I went to find Dara so she could point me in the right direction.
On the way, I chatted with Tana, whose colleague Seryna had led me to Thane. Turned out Seryna left for a new job offworld without saying goodbye to anyone, though she did take the time to leave me a recorded message:
"Hey Shepard. I was on my way to a new life when the news burst arrived. The bitch is dead. I assume that means your friend is alive and he finished his job. Tell him if I ever see him, I'll buy him a drink."
Always good to know your work is appreciated.
We got to Officer Dara's office a minute later. Turned out it was right behind the bench where I'd bumped into Shiala.
"Welcome to Illium," she greeted us politely. "Can I help you with something?"
"I'm looking for an asari warrior named Samara," I started.
A look of concern—and panic—immediately spread over Dara's face. "Wait. What? Why? Do you have a problem or... oh Goddess!" she gasped, springing to her feet. "Did she kill somebody already?"
Already?
"Relax—I just need to speak with her," I said soothingly.
"Good," Dara sighed in relief. "Samara's the first justicar I've seen on Illium. If I'm lucky, things will stay peaceful. She went to the commercial spaceport a few hours ago. If you want to get there, the pedestal on that balcony will summon a cab."
I knew that pedestal. We'd used it to rustle up a few aircars when we were going to recruit Thane. So I didn't bother to look at it, focusing on Dara instead. "Just be polite when you meet her," she was saying. "Justicars embody our highest laws and they usually stay in asari space. She's not used to dealing with aliens."
"Is Samara really that dangerous?" I asked.
Dara shrugged. "If you follow the laws, you've got nothing to fear. And a justicar would diewithout hesitation to protect the innocent. But their code orders them to stop lawbreakers. With lethal force, in most cases. And everyone skirts the law somehow on Illium. If someone tried to bribe her, she'd be obliged to gun them down as a matter of honour. I'm hoping to avoid that."
No chance of that happening with me. I don't have enough credits to spare. (1) "Tell me about the justicars."
"They're a monastic order. They've given up their families and possessions to follow their code. Most of them are on some lifelong mission, but they'll always stop to deal with any injustice they encounter. Which can be a problem."
For anyone dealing out injustice or anyone else stuck with cleaning things up, I surmised.
"In some ways, they're a lot like the Spectres, undertaking personal missions."
"Spectres are authorized by the Council," I pointed out. "Who do justicars represent?"
Dara looked at me blankly. "What? That's like... I don't know a good human metaphor. They represent their code. Our code. It's closer to a religious group than a legal branch. But no law-abiding asari would question a justicar's orders. Nobody becomes a justicar for personal gain. And they'd die before breaking their oaths."
So asari were like followers of a religion that only became devout for an hour or so each week, while justicars were like mad preachers who spent their time telling everybody else to behave. Or smiting the unbelievers. Or both.
"Why are you so worried about other species coming into contact with her?" I wanted to know.
"If a justicar kills an asari, none of us questions it. But if she killed a human... Do you think the Alliance would understand her actions and respect her authority? You can't even figure out your own religions. It's a big diplomatic incident just waiting to happen."
I guess I could see what was going on. The antics of a justicar might fly in an asari-only world where their authority as a representative of their code—albeit a more stringent interpretation of one—was law. Not so much when dealing with other species, who might have a separation between state and religion. Or multiple religions.
We chatted for a bit more, then hailed a couple aircars to take us to the spaceport. As we landed, I spotted a volus waddling by, with a pair of armed turian guards behind him. And an asari who was speed-walking towards him.
"Where do you think you're going?" she demanded as we got out.
"*hiss* I'm taking my goods to Omega, Detective," the volus said, turning around.
"You're not going anywhere, merchant," the asari detective said flatly. "Not until I solve this murder."
The volus protested between huffs from his breather. "*hiss* I had nothing to do with that! *hiss* It was those mercenary thugs you can't seem to get rid of. *hiss*"
"The victim was your business partner and I'm not ruling you out," she scowled. "I'll let you know when you can leave."
"*hiss* What about that justicar that just showed up?" the volus protested. "*hiss* Everyone says she might go crazy and start killing! *hiss* I need to leave."
The detective smiled sweetly. "She'll only kill the unjust—so I'm sure you have nothing to worry about, Pitne For. Find me in the station if you need me."
Pitne For shook his head as the detective walked away, then noticed the rest of us staring his way. I decided to chat with him while he was still rattled by the prospect of impending doom.
"*hiss* What do you want?" he sighed. "*hiss* I've already got mercs wanting to kill me like they did my partner! I don't need any more trouble. *hiss* As if that weren't enough, some asari justicar showed up this week. *hiss* All the natives are scared of her. *hiss* I've got to get off this world."
"Has Samara actually done anything yet?" I asked.
"*hiss* The asari say that justicars are lethal in a fight, *hiss* and if they so much as smell corruption, *hiss* they start shooting. *hiss* The thing is, corruption isn't that hard to find around here."
"Do you know where I could find the justicar?"
"*hiss* She's in the alley where my business partner was murdered." Pitne For pointed behind me to an area that was roped off by lasers. "*hiss* A detective sealed the area, so you'll have to talk with her if you want to go there. *hiss*"
"Why do you think it was mercenaries?" I asked him.
"*hiss* Dakni Kur was cutting through a back alley last night when someone killed him with a shotgun. *hiss* I saw his body this morning—*hiss* they'd used modded rounds. *hiss* That means Eclipse mercs."
Not for the first time, I marvelled at how thoroughly they'd taken over the latest merc industry. "You must know something about these Eclipse mercs," I said.
"*hiss* I occasionally do business with them," he admitted, "*hiss* but only in well-lit places with my guards. *hiss* And only after the creds clear. *hiss* This is a scummy bunch, even by merc standards. *hiss* They sell red sand, *hiss* all kinds of illegal items *hiss* and they are all cold-blooded killers." (2)
"Why would these mercs kill him," I wondered," and why do you think they're coming after you, too?"
"*hiss* I have no idea—we're innocent merchants! *hiss* But they killed him, so they must be after me, too. *hiss* I have to work the angles and get out of here."
Oh yeah. Really feeling the love here. "You don't seem too broken up about your partner's death," I observed.
He shook his head. "*hiss* Dakni Kur knew the risks when he took to spacing. *hiss* Right now, my worry is me. *hiss* It's unhealthy to be a volus in the Nos Astra spaceport right now. *hiss* Especially a volus named Pitne For!"
It didn't look like I'd get any more out of him, so I said my goodbyes and went to find the detective who had sealed off the area where the justicar was last seen. It turned out that her name was Anaya, and she was the same detective who I spotted talking to Pitne For earlier. Up close, I noticed she had a darker complexion—more of an indigo-purple than blue. I didn't know if that meant anything, though—lots of asari had that skin tone.
"Nice guns—try not to use them in my district," she said dryly. "What can I do for you?"
"I'm looking for an asari warrior named Samara," I said, sitting down.
A faint look of exasperation rippled across her face. "If you've got a score to settle with Samara, take it somewhere else—I've got more than enough trouble here already."
"I'm just here to recruit Samara for my mission, then we'll be on our way," I reassured her.
She leaned towards me, a thoughtful look on her face. "Justicars usually work alone, but they are drawn to impossible causes."
"Best kind," Grunt grinned.
"If you're getting her out of my district, I'll get you to her ASAP," she said. "She's at the crime scene of a murder that happened last night."
I raised an eyebrow. "She didn't demand admittance? You just let her waltz into a sealed crime scene?"
"I'm a cop," she said simply. "I'll work with a justicar all I can. Besides, she's been looking at crime scenes longer than our two life spans combined. She knows how to handle herself."
Ah. Justicar might have her downsides, but she's willing to offer her aid and experience for free. Still, that didn't mean she wanted Samara hanging around for long. "You're awfully anxious to get Samara out of your district," I commented, wondering what she might say.
As I'd guessed, the answer had everything to do with politics and bureaucracy. "My bosses want me to detain her," she admitted. "They're worried she'll cause some kind of cross-species incident. But her Justicar Code won't let her be taken into custody. If I try it, she'll have to kill me. I have no interest in dying, so if you can lure her away with some big noble cause before I have to carry out my orders, I'd be thrilled to help you."
Smart. Unlike her bosses. "Your superiors are sending you to certain death for no good reason," I told her. "You have a right to disobey."
That sounded better in my head. It was only once the words slipped out of my mouth that I realized that my squad might interpret them differently. Sure enough, they reacted to my comments.
"We can disobey suicidal orders?" Garrus whispered in a tone of mock surprise. "Why wasn't I told?"
"Let's remember that the next time Shepard sets us up against impossible odds," Tali chimed in.
"That's about twice a day," Miranda chimed in with a straight face.
My squad is composed of smart mouths. Every single one of them. (3) "Most of the time, I'm not being stupid about it," I retorted. "I can't say the same for Anaya's superiors."
"I know my duty," she replied. "I've been ordered to detain her and I will—unless I can get her to leave my district first."
Ah, lowly underlings. Finding loopholes and re-interpretations around the stupid orders of REMFs since time began. And there was a damn good reason to look for creative solutions. "Samara would kill a cop?" I asked. "That doesn't sound very just."
"She would die defending an honest cop, but she'd fight an army of dirty cops to the death."
There's that dying part again. I was starting to think that being halfway suicidal was a prerequisite for joining the justicars. Boy was that familiar.
"I admire her dedication, but her presence is still a big problem."
"Then maybe I should go find her and convince her to join me before you have to carry out your orders," I decided. "Can you get me access to the crime scene?"
"I'll send word to let you in," she nodded. "It's outside, around the corner to the left. Be careful—the local Eclipse mercs have been all over those back alleys lately."
Local Eclipse mercs. As opposed to the other kind. "What exactly happened at the crime scene?" I leaned forward.
Anaya got up to stretch her legs or something. "A volus merchant was murdered," she replied. "It was a professional hit, so we're not dealing with junkies looking for a score. I'm thinking the local Eclipse mercenary band. Can't prove it, but if the volus was dirty too, maybe it's just a deal gone bad."
I asked her about Eclipse, but it turned out that I knew most of what she had to say. Just about the only new thing I learned was that they also dabbled in smuggling crooks off-world. "Aren't there any other merc groups on Illium?" I wanted to know. "Blue Suns? Blood Pack?"
"There was a contingent of Blood Pack that tried to set up base here sixty or seventy years ago," she said.
"And?"
"They either got killed or had a nervous breakdown and fled offworld screaming for their lives."
"Charming," I said dryly. "What can you tell me about justicars? I'd never heard of them until a week ago."
"They're a kind of... humans might call them 'warrior monks,'" Anaya replied. "They live by a complex code that compels them to punish the wicked and protect the pure. They've been a part of asari culture for millennia. I read adventure stories about justicars when I was a child. They always seemed so... cool, I guess. Bigger than life, you know? Charging through the bad guys in a blaze of glory, vanquishing the evildoers, that sort of thing."
I tilted my head outside. "People seem nervous about Samara's presence."
"Asari admire justicars," Anaya said. "But we also know that they kill without mercy when they find corruption. And justicars never leave asari space. Why is she here? I doubt it's to investigate the murder of some corrupt volus."
Fair point. I leaned towards the detective. "So what do you think of Samara herself?"
"She's been a justicar longer than three of your life spans," Anaya said. "Whoever she was before she swore that oath, that person is dead."
I kinda felt sorry for Anaya. She was caught between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, if she ignored her superiors, they could raise all sorts of hell, never mind that their orders were stupid at best and suicidal at worst. On the other hand, if she obeyed her superiors, she'd be going up against someone who had likely been consumed by the wacky code she swore ages ago and had more decades of combat experience. No wonder she was so eager to help me.
Speaking of which, it was time to get moving. "I have to go," I said, getting to my feet.
"Good luck," Anaya offered.
"Isn't the Illusive Man just a little worried about having me recruit a justicar?" I asked aloud as we left the station.
Miranda shrugged. "Her knowledge and skills would be a valuable asset to this mission."
"And what happens when she decides to do something about Cerberus's reputation?" I prodded. "Or decides to seek justice for the lives that were affected?"
She didn't have an answer to that. No one did, though I did catch Jacob shake his head.
"You know, this mission takes me back," Zaeed said.
Someone groaned. It seemed like every mission took him back. And he always liked reminiscing about the good old days. Though I had to admit, the man did know how to spin a yarn.
"I knew this girl once," Zaeed began, a wistful look spreading over his face—creepiest thing I'd seen in... aw, hell, in the last day or so. I really needed to get a life. "Asari. Good head on her shoulders. Could rip through solid plate metal with her biotics like they were paper. Always managed to kill her targets without collateral damage—even when using shotguns. And the sex was fantastic."
"Sounds impressive," I said.
"Yeah," Zaeed nodded. "We had this whole thing going—'till she sold me out to the Blood Pack. Put a sour note on the relationship."
"Ooh," I winced. "That sucks."
"Yeah," Zaeed nodded. "On the bright side, I learned how to interrogate krogan. Ya see, the trick is to get a knife into their head-plates. Angle it the right way, and you can pull that plate right off his head. It's the best way to get a krogan to talk, see? The threat of it drives 'em mad."
"Really?" Grunt asked, clearly fascinated. Guess Okeer missed one or two things in his imprinting.
"Sure. Might not work with you, kid, since your plates are still growing. If they were fully developed, I'd—bend down for a sec. Yeah, I'd jam the blade in right here, see, and—"
"Sorry to butt in," I interrupted, "but we're at the crime scene."
Everyone pulled out their weapons as soon as we crossed the police 'tape' of laser beams. All the talk between dangerous backstabbing asari, justicars who killed on a whim and Eclipse mercs who dealt drugs, sold tech, smuggled crooks (and killed on a whim) made us a little jumpy. I even scrounged for loot with a haste that I found unusual.
We were just climbing a small set of stairs when we heard someone.
"Get the rest of Bravo squad prepped," a female voice ordered. "Alpha squad went after that justicar 20 minutes ago and they've gone dark."
It sounded like they were right around the corner and down a corridor. I quickly cloaked and took a step out into the corridor. Sure enough, there were a bunch of mechs and two asari. Miranda dealt a ton of damage to one of the asari's barriers. Following her lead, I lined up a shot, tracking her as she moved, and fired a single round right into her head.
"It's a human!" the surviving asari cried out.
It has a brain.
"Open fire!"
Aw, crap.
Mordin was already firing off some plasma to blast the armour off of one of the mechs. Thane did the same with another using his biotics. Garrus and Kasumi ganged up on one of the vulnerable mechs with twin EMPs. Grunt and Zaeed, on the other hand, chose to finish their foe off with concussive rounds.
We ducked back behind cover and waited until everyone was ready for the next assault (and the mechs were a lot closer). Then we popped out and did various nasty things to their armour. Jack let loose a wave of biotics that knocked all the mechs over, Jacob lifted them up in the air and Miranda detonated the levitation field with her biotics. It occurred to me that Jack and the Cerberus representatives had worked together to take down the mechs. It also occurred to me that I would be wise to keep my big mouth shut.
The only survivor was the asari, who was hiding behind a column. I drew her out by simply stepping out into the open and cloaking when she took the bait. While she gawked at my magical disappearance, the squad unleashed everything they had at her, shredding her to bits.
There was another door just beyond the mercs and mechs, surrounded by more police tape. We opened it just in time to see an asari Eclipse merc flying through the air and crashing into the wall with bone-crunching force. As she slumped to the ground, we traced the merc's flight back to an office above us. One of the windows was broken. Through a window, we could see another merc back up nervously.
"Those were my best troops," someone—presumably the merc—cried out in disbelief.
I guess we just received confirmation of what had happened to 'Alpha squad.' Which meant Samara might be nearby.
"Tell me what I want to know," a second voice replied calmly, "and I will be gone from here. "Where did you send her?"
Okay, make that probably nearby.
"You think I'd betray her?" the merc burst out. "She would hurt me in ways you can't imagine."
"The name of the ship," the second voice said. "Your life hangs on the answer, Lieutenant."
"You can kill me, but one of us will take you down, Justicar," the merc snarled, confirming my suspicions.
There was a pause.
The merc burst out of the window in a cloud of shards. We watched as she plummeted through the air, crashed through a bunch of crates and bounced off the floor. Twice. An asari, dressed in an unusual outfit, levitated down using her biotics and gently landed on the ground. She walked over to the merc in a relaxed manner before raising one foot up and lowering it. I couldn't quite tell, as one of the fallen crates was blocking my view, but it looked like Samara had placed a foot on the merc to hold her down.
"What was the name of the ship she left on?" she repeated.
"Go to hell." The defiant response sounded forced, like it was a struggle to get the words out, and I suddenly realized just where Samara's foot was situated.
Samara considered that for a moment, then bowed her head in acknowledgement. "Find peace in the embrace of the goddess," she told her. Then she swivelled, transferring her body weight onto her right foot and snapping the merc's neck.
We walked over to her, gradually spreading out as we did. Samara noticed our approach and took a few steps towards us. I noticed several things about her. She wore a gold torc around her throat and a set of red semi-circular plates that curved around her eyebrows and eyes. Her hardsuit was black, with several red plates of overlapping sections like scales or some medieval armour. It also had a large slit that extended from her neck halfway down her chest, showing quite a bit of cleavage. Somehow, I had the feeling it wasn't intended to turn someone on. Rather, it probably was an expression of their power and authority. Something like "Hey, I'm so tough, and my Code lets me do so much, I'm above your petty hormones." Still, I made a mental note to be very careful where my eyes wandered. I didn't think Samara would let me off with a simple slap of indignation. If I was lucky, she'd probably just kill me. If I was unlucky, she might do something with her biotics and my... little guys.
"My name is Samara, a servant of the Justicar Code," she greeted us politely. "My quarrel is with these Eclipse sisters, but I see eleven well-armed people before me. (4) Are we friend? Or foe?"
"Depends," I pointed to the dead merc. "That merc was wounded and helpless. Do you just kill anyone who won't help you?"
"If my cause is important enough, yes," she said calmly. "Are you different?"
"I've killed enemies," I replied, "but always with good reason."
"I answer to a code that is clearly defined," she returned. "If my actions are true to that code, I am just. If they are not, I am unjust. I don't pretend it is a simple matter, or that it seems right to everyone. But I sleep well at night, and that is more than most can say."
So she can do whatever she wants as long as some obscure code says it's okay, but she's not about to go all preachy and ram it down our throats any time soon. How comforting.
"How may I be of service to you?" she asked.
Right. Business. "I need you to help me take down the Collectors," I replied.
That caught her attention. "The Collectors are a worthy foe; I would relish testing myself against them," she admitted. "But I seek an incredibly dangerous fugitive. I cornered her here, but the Eclipse sisters smuggled her off-world. I must find the name of the ship she left on before the trail goes cold."
"I wish you were willing to go with the human, Justicar. I've been ordered to take you into custody if you won't leave. "
It was Detective Anaya. Guess her bosses got tired of all the whining from less-than-honest civvies and wanted the problem resolved. Now.
"You risk a great deal by following your orders, Detective," Samara said.
Uh oh.
"Fortunately, I will not have to resist."
Phew.
"My code obligates me to cooperate with you for one day. After that, I must return to my investigation."
Uh oh.
Anaya shook her head unhappily. "I won't be able to release you that soon."
"You won't be able to stop me," Samara returned.
Aw, crap. "So let me get this straight," I started. "You're willing to go along with getting detained for a day."
"But after that time has passed, you'll fight your way out of custody, killing anyone in your way," Miranda finished.
"I am afraid so," Samara nodded.
Oh for crying out loud. "There must be some way we can all get what we need," I mused.
Surprisingly, it was Samara who spoke up. "I see a way. While I am in custody, you can find the name of that ship. Do that and I will join you. Then the Code will be satisfied."
"A moment ago, you refused to give up your investigation," I frowned. "But now you'll swear to follow me?"
Samara bowed her head. "If I stay, I will be compelled to kill many innocents to escape incarceration."
"Like me," Anaya piped up.
"I may be killed—and my quarry would be free to continue murdering. If I come with you and survive your mission, I can resume my investigation. To do that, I need the ship's name to track her to her next hiding place. It is a simple choice."
"Makes sense," Garrus nodded.
True. But it was surprisingly pragmatic and down-to-earth for a zealot. Maybe there was more to this justicar than her initial actions led me to believe.
"This Justicar Code seems quite strict," I said.
"It may seem so to you," Samara replied, "but this is my oath. The expedient path may be fast and simple; that does not make it the right path."
True enough. "What else can you tell me about the justicars?" I asked.
"We are individuals who have forsworn family, children and worldly possessions aside from some weapons and armour," Samara said. "We travel asari space righting wrongs, as defined by the ancient code we have each memorized."
"Illium may be dominated by asari," I pointed out, "but it isn't in asari space."
"My quarry fled to this place," Samara replied. "I am sworn to hunt her down and I will follow anywhere she goes. It is rare for a justicar to leave asari space," she conceded, "but I must follow my oath. If I suffer for it, I will accept that."
"Well let's see about helping you with your quarry," I said. "Do you have any leads?"
Apparently she did. "The volus merchant, Pitne For, is tied to this. Eclipse mercs are preparing to kill him."
Really. How very interesting.
"Get the truth out of him," Samara urged. "He may know a way into the Eclipse base."
Anaya walked over to Samara uneasily. "Well, I've got to get back to my station," she said slowly. "And I guess I've got to take you with me."
Samara nodded to Anaya and followed her out. She walked with a calm, serene confidence—in contrast with Anaya, who walked as if she was standing next to a ticking time bomb. Which, I suppose, she was.
So was I, come to think of it. Just twenty hours to avert certain havoc and destruction.
No pressure.
Before starting my little investigation, I thought I'd pop in and see how Anaya was doing. As it turned out, she was doing quite well, considering there was a justicar sitting on a ledge behind her in a lotus-style meditative pose.
Anaya looked up at me wearily. "Please don't start trouble about my prisoner," she sighed before I could open my mouth. "Trust me; I'd release her right now if I could.
"It's a great honour to have a justicar here," she added dryly, "but I could do without the honour of having her kill me."
"I'd like to avoid killing you, Detective," Samara said sincerely. "Unfortunately, the moment my code dictates I must, I will. There is only the Code."
Anaya shook her head. "She says this kind of thing like she's talking about what to have for dinner."
"You're not gonna lock her up?" I asked.
Samara answered first: "Any attempt to put me in a passive restraint system will be viewed as a hostile action, and I will be forced to attack."
The other cops around tensed up. Anaya just looked at me. "Yeah, that," she nodded.
"And here I thought all your cells were full," Garrus said.
Anaya shot him a look. "Ex-cop?"
"Good eye," Garrus confirmed.
"Next vacation season isn't for a couple weeks," Anaya replied. "Then we'll be busy. You know how it is: tourists drunk off their ass or blitzed out of their mind on red sand."
"Or the locals who are doing the same," Garrus commiserated. "Just looking for an excuse."
"Don't remind me," Anaya groaned. "I still remember this one time, two decades ago. There..." She paused and looked behind her, belatedly remembering the justicar who was not locked up and was well within hearing range.
"I am not compelled to exact retribution," Samara assured her. "You have not provided sufficient information to pull me away from my present hunt. Besides, I was young once, too."
I tried picturing a young Samara painting the town red, stumbling from bar to bar screaming something like "I'm so wasted, I'm so wasted!" Nope. Couldn't see it. "Okay," I said brightly. "Now that we've got that settled, it's time we got going. Merchants to grill, names to find, that sort of thing."
"Yes," Anaya nodded. "Please do that."
With that little side-trip taken care of, we went to hunt down Pitne For. He hadn't gone very far.
"*hiss* Hello again, Earth-clan," he said brightly. "*hiss* Did you have a chance to speak to the detective?"
"Why are the mercs after you?" I asked.
"*hiss* I know nothing about any mercs, Earth-clan. *hiss* I'm merely an innocent merchant trying to make his way in life."
"The Eclipse are out for your blood," I told him. "I need your help to break into their base. Shouldn't we work together?"
"*hiss* Yes! You're right, Earth-clan—I'm desperate. *hiss* I've got angry mercs after me. And now this asari justicar... let's talk."
"Go on," I motioned.
"*hiss*I smuggled a chemical onto Illium that boosts biotic powers in combat. *hiss* It also is toxic. *hiss* I may have, um, *hiss* forgotten to mention that to the Eclipse. *hiss* So they are perturbed and want to kill me."
I could see how they might come to that decision. "Tell me about this chemical you brought in," I prompted.
"*hiss* It's called Minagen X3, and it's very, *hiss* very... *hiss* um, illegal," Pitne For replied. "*hiss* *hiss* Anyone with biotic powers who is exposed to it becomes more powerful. *hiss* The higher your exposure, the more powerful you get. *hiss* But too much of it, you die. *hiss* That's the part that the Eclipse found disagreeable."
Yes. Deaths are ever so bad for business. "You've been in the Eclipse base," I said. "What do you remember?"
"*hiss* It's a series of docking bays where the Eclipse keep their private ships," Pitne For revealed. "*hiss* They're well-armed, and they've got mechs."
Of course they do.
"*hiss* And they're all murderers. *hiss* Every one of them kills someone as part of their initiation."
Of course they did.
"That bad, huh?" I grinned. "It sounds like your actions finally caught up with you."
I'll say this for Pitne For; he was honest to a fault when he knew there was no point or profit in sticking to a lie. "*hiss* True and true," he admitted. "*hiss* But I haven't survived as a merchant this long without being able to tell when there's a deal in the making—*hiss* you want something, don't you?"
"The Eclipse recently smuggled somebody off-world," I told him. "I need the name of the ship she left on."
"I don't know about their people-smuggling operations," Pitne For said. "They must keep records in their base."
"Which you have access to," I guessed.
"*hiss* I do have a pass card they issued me to bring my goods in," he nodded. "*hiss* Well, I had to return that one, *hiss* but I happened to make a copy." He dug it out of a pocket. "*hiss* Take it. *hiss* But remember what I said earlier—*hiss* each Eclipse sister commits a murder to earn her uniform. *hiss* They are all dangerous."
Pitne For's pass card opened up an elevator, which was right next to the police station. That took us to the Eclipse base, which overlooked said police station. Eclipse had a stronger hold over the local area than I'd thought. No wonder none of the cops wanted to talk about it.
As soon as the doors opened, we saw a LOKI mech crouched down. We reduced it to scrap metal while it was still powering up. Then we opened a nearby door…
…and ducked as the asari in the loading bay hurled a container at us. Her aim was off, as it shattered against the wall next to the door. A red cloud started billowing from the container. It didn't look very healthy. As Miranda sent a biotic explosion reverberating against the asari's barriers, I scanned it with my hardsuit sensors and uploaded the data to EDI for analysis. The results came back almost immediately.
"Shepard, my scans confirm that the chemical compound will boost biotics," EDI reported. "However, concentrated exposure will cause severe tissue damage. I recommend limited exposure."
Fine by me. Charging into a room of enemies-now tallying four asari and a couple mechs—wasn't a move conducive to long-term survival. Neither was charging into a room full of toxic chemicals. I'd like to keep my tissues intact, thank you very much.
"You heard EDI," I said, torching the asari who'd first attacked us. "Hold your breath."
"Boring," Grunt snorted, taking a chunk out of an asari's barriers with a concussive round. Thane drained the rest with a biotic attack of his own. Mordin and I tried to set her on fire. Unfortunately, only his plasma attack landed. So I finished her off with a shot from my sniper rifle.
Coincidentally, Garrus and Zaeed had also switched to their sniper rifles. Both of them fired concussive rounds at once, shattering their target's barriers and dealing a significant amount of damage. The asari was smart enough to duck, though.
Jacob, Jack and Tali were dealing with the third asari the old fashioned way: lots of gunfire. Not as flashy, but it was certainly forcing her barriers to soak up a steady amount of damage. It would only be a matter of time.
Speaking of which; the asari that Garrus and Zaeed had tried to deal with stood back up, barriers fully restored. Miranda was waiting for her, though, sending a bolt of biotics exploding against the barriers. My sniper rifle proved sufficient to finish her off. Thane eliminated the last asari a second later with his own sniper rifle.
We started to move to the next room, destroying a pair of LOKI mech along the way. Naturally a trio of Eclipse mercs barrelled in just as we were nearing the door. Asari, all of them. Looked pretty young, too. They squealed in joy when they got the first shot off, hammering shotgun rounds into our shields.
Then they squealed in horror as Miranda, Thane, Grunt, Garrus and Zaeed blasted through their barriers with a barrage of biotics and concussive rounds. They squealed again as Jacob and Jack yanked them up into the air. And they positively shrieked when Mordin and I lit them up.
The next room didn't have much in the way of loot, though Jacob's eyes lit up when he saw a shotgun lying on a table. "X-27c Scimitar Assault Shotgun," he admired, picking it up. "Doesn't quite hold up to the Eviscerator, but it's a nice addition to our arsenal nonethe—"
"Shh," Kasumi hissed. "You hear that?"
We all fell silent and pricked our ears.
"Oh Goddess!" someone was whimpering. "Oh Goddess, don't let them see me. If they do see me, don't let them kill me! What am I doing here?"
The voice was coming from a nearby room about halfway towards a flight of stairs leading up to the next room. I motioned for the squad to follow me into the room. Not much to see. Empty walls with a lot of display panels. A table. A submachine gun lying on the floor. Like I said, not much to see.
So I pretended to leave, keeping one eye on the table and the submachine gun. Sure enough, I saw a flicker of movement. We all whirled back and readied our weapons.
"Wait! Stop!"
A young asari jumped up, clad in an Eclipse hardsuit. "I didn't fire my weapon once!" she burst out. "I pretended to because the other Eclipse sisters were watching, but I didn't really shoot!"
I looked at my squad mates sceptically, but lowered my weapon about halfway.
"I'm not one of them!" she insisted. "I'm new! I thought being Elnora the mercenary would be cool… but I didn't know what they were really like!"
"And your name is?" I prompted.
"Um. Elnora. Sir."
Time to see if Pitne For was telling the truth or just repeating some old anecdote. "You may be new, Elnora, but you're clearly sporting Eclipse colours," I observed.
"Something you couldn't do unless you earned your place in Eclipse," Miranda chimed in.
"Which, in this case, means killing someone," I finished.
Elnora's eyes narrowed.
"You chose your side, Elnora," I told her, raising my weapon to firing position. "And you lost."
I was going to give her the chance to surrender. Honest. But I never got the chance.
"Screw that, bastard!" she cried out. "And screw you!"
The silly twit actually tried to pull a shotgun out from the small of her back, never mind that there were eleven fully armed and shielded enemies pointing weapons at her. To be fair, she did get the first shot off before we riddled her body full of holes.
It turned out there were some spare power cells and schematics for a biotic amp upgrade near the back of the room, so we did accomplish more than wiping out another merc and wasting some bullets. After scooping up the loot, we headed up the stairs and into a docking bay.
By this point, we were pretty much resigned to facing lots of hostile asari—I know I was—so we weren't too surprised to run into a pair of asari mercs. We focused on one of them, blew through her barriers, set her on fire and shot her. Leaving her corpse behind, which was quickly burning down to cinders, we cornered her behind a stack of crates. Slowly but surely, we wore down her defences each time she poked her head out. In the end, I think it was Garrus who got the kill shot.
We tried to move ahead, but were quickly forced to take cover when a half dozen asari—and a LOKI mech, but it was blasted to shrapnel within a matter of seconds—showed up. It wasn't the best cover, as there were several canisters of that Minagen X3 lying around, but beggars can't be choosers.
"Unless they're getting too close, concentrate on the senior mercs first," I called out. "Leave the newbies for later."
Following my lead, the squad started to take down the mercs one by one. Miranda and Thane alternated biotic attacks against their barriers; Garrus, Zaeed and Grunt rotated concussive rounds against barriers or hardsuits; Mordin, Jacob, Jack and I caused all sorts of havoc by setting asari on fire or lifting them helplessly into the air; and everyone else just fired their weapons in short bursts. That worked well at first.
Then one of the canisters got ruptured as a barbequed asari collapsed to the floor. Red smoke billowed out almost immediately. The canister was a fair ways away from us, so I figured we were fine.
Then I saw some of the squad glowing.
That glow was characteristic of biotics generating mass effect fields. I'd seen it countless times before. Heck, I saw Miranda and Jack glowing during our last battle—the one that started as soon as we popped out of the elevator.
But when non-biotics like Garrus and Kasumi start glowing, you know there's a problem.
"Garrus? Kasumi?" I hollered. "You two are glowing. How're you holding up?"
"Nothing to worry about," Garrus assured me, firing a concussive round at another asari merc.
"Feeling some tingling all over my body, but that's about it," Kasumi added. "Though the bad guys sure are getting bendy."
"What?" I frowned.
"Ooh, look at all the little lights from their pretty little guns," Kasumi said happily, tossing a flashbang grenade at some of the mercs. "Shining like little angels."
Miranda and I exchanged a look. "Shepard, I had a small exposure earlier," she said. "Once you move away from the gas, the effects wear off within a minute."
"Hate to say it, but the cheerleader's right," Jack chimed in. "She'll be fine."
"Okay," I said loudly. "Kasumi, why don't you sit down right over here, yes that's good, and put away your gun. You can start shooting again once the little angels go away."
After making sure Kasumi wasn't going to be a danger to herself—or the rest of us—I turned back to the battlefield. Now that I was paying attention, the biotics in the squad closest to the gas did seem to have a slight boost. Thankfully, none of them were willing to deliberately get high for a power boost. Except for Jack, but it wasn't as if she needed extra power—not to mention that Zaeed conveniently was in her way every time she tried to move forward. I later learned that Miranda and Garrus had arranged this tactic to prevent Jack from getting out of hand, and that Zaeed had been selected because he was sneaky enough to pull it off. At the time, I was simply reassured that no one on my squad was going to croak any time soon.
By the time I returned my attention to the battlefield, there were only two asari left, one of whom barely had any barriers left. I was debating whether someone should launch some biotics or something when a spray of bullets collapsed the barriers. I immediately sent a bolt of plasma fire her way. "Mordin, once the fires die down, finish her off," I ordered as the asari I targeted started slapping madly away. "Everyone else, concentrate fire on the last asari."
Mordin nodded decisively. He waited until she'd slapped the last flames up, then called out towards her. "Question: flammable or inflammable?"
The asari looked at him blankly.
Mordin shrugged. "Forget which," he explained. "Doesn't matter."
Then he set her on fire.
The last asari was barely hanging on by that point, desperately scrambling to get away from us. We all tried taking shots at her, but she would always duck or dodge at the last second. In the end, it was Tali's drone, Chikitta, who took her down with a zap and a cheerful chirp. Then we liberated some more credits from a nearby terminal and headed up another flight of stairs to the next docking bay.
"Hostiles detected."
That was the last thing the LOKI mech got to say before my plasma flames melted its armour off, Miranda's EMP fried its circuits and a couple shots from Kasumi blew it to smithereens. Unfortunately, there were a couple more of them near the back of the docking bay. More importantly, there were also several asari mercs in the area.
A second after we realized that, Thane used his biotics to collapse the barriers of the closest asari, freeing the way for Mordin's plasma to burn its way through her body. Grunt finished her off with a concussive round while Garrus and Zaeed launched concussive rounds of their own at another asari, crippling her barriers. Jacob lifted her up in the air to remove her from the battlefield, which gave Miranda a perfect line of sight to fire a biotic barrage at another asari. I aimed my omni-tool to fire another plasma round, realized she still had enough barriers to block it, and switched targets to torch the levitating asari.
I paused for a moment to see how things were progressing. None of us were seriously injured, unconscious or worse—though several of us had taken quite a bit of damage to our shields. We still had one asari running around with a sliver of barriers protecting her and two LOKI mechs. All in all, we were in pretty good shape.
Meanwhile, the squad's gunfire had eliminated the last of the asari's shields. Jack promptly yanked her up in the air. Mordin patiently waited until the asari was in his sights—which involved her bouncing off the roof—before igniting a ball of plasma in her face. I sent my own plasma to damage one of the mechs while, out of the corner of my eye, Thane used his biotics again to detonate Jack's biotic field and shred the asari to gooey bits. Kasumi was quick to overload the mech I targeted with an EMP, causing it to blow up. By a stroke of luck, the explosion took out the last mech as well.
After the usual amount of looting, we went up yet another flight of stairs to yet another docking bay. This one had a small entrance area leading into a much larger bay, one with stairs at either end leading to and from a platform. Between the platforms lay a wide expanse of space cluttered with crates. The docking bay also offered a nice view of the cityscape, so we could clearly see a gunship flying around. Hopefully the pilot was less attentive than the pair of asari who tried to spoil our day. Unfortunately, they came one at a time, which allowed us to smash through their barriers with biotics and concussive rounds and burn them to a crisp with superheated plasma.
It was possible that we were starting to develop an SOP for dealing with hostile biotics. Sure, some new wrinkle would inevitably come along to spoil my day, but I decided to enjoy these developments while they lasted.
Taking a short detour to swipe some refined platinum, we got back into the swing of things. An Eclipse heavy weapons trooper was guarding the closest platform, no doubt trusting her superior vantage point—and the LOKI mech—to protect her. Unfortunately, neither of them counted on me sending Team Two straight towards them while my team stayed behind to fire off plasma rounds and EMPs. This wasn't entirely cowardice on my part—it's really hard to aim when you're running, after all. At least, that's what I decided to say if anybody asked. Anyway, our barrage quickly wore down the defences of the Eclipse merc and the mech, just in time for Team Two to arrive.
"Sitrep, Garrus," I called out as I led Team One to join the others.
"More mercs entering from the far side of the docking bay," he reported. "Gunship's not making any hostile moves towards us."
"Good," I approved, reaching the top of the platform and taking a peek for myself. A fair number of asari, mixed with several mercs toting rocket launchers. I paused to cloak and snipe one of the latter. "New plan," I announced. "Snipers,stay here with me and take out the heavy weapons, then focus on targets of opportunity. "Miranda, take Team One down the left; Jacob, take Team Two down the right. You guys will tangle with any mercs who try to get close."
Using that strategy, Garrus, Zaeed, Thane and I snipedanyone who even looked like they wanted to let off a rocket. In between headshots, I was able to see how the other teams were doing. They seemed to be doing well: focusing on one merc at a time, stripping her defences then taking her down hard.
"Shepard," Garrus said, "how about some of us turn our sniper rifles to back up the teams? We don't need four rifles to cover the far entrance anymore."
I looked at Garrus, then Zaeed. You should've seen the hopeful looks on their faces. Like a couple kids asking if they could have second helpings of dessert. "You and Zaeed go ahead and have some fun," I sighed. "I can tell you guys want to."
"Damn straight," Zaeed grinned, before raising his sniper rifle to his scope and firing a concussive round right through an asari's barriers—and her head.
"Impressive," Garrus complimented before doing the same to another merc.
Thane and I kept a close eye for any newcomers—heavy weapons or otherwise—but there was only one more merc who trotted in. I let Thane get her. A minute later, we were in the clear.
The docking bay proved to have little in the way of loot, so I was hoping the next room would have better pickings. I was not disappointed. Some power cells, some medi-gel and a very interesting audio file from Elnora, the newbie merc who protested a bit too much:
"Well, it's official—little baby Elnora is finally a full-fledged Eclipse merc! I earned my uniform last night when I killed that ridiculous volus. Up close, exploding rounds. Blew the little bastard's suit wide open! Hah! I can't wait to see some real action! Next time I go home, my friends are going to be so jealous!"
Of all the reasons to go risk your ass—even one with a thousand-year lifespan—and get your hands dirty: to look cool in front of your friends. Idiot.
"So Elnora was the killer," Garrus said. "Good thing we took her out."
"Detective Anaya would be interested in this," Miranda pointed out.
"Already on it," I nodded. A beep indicated that the audio file had been successfully uploaded. "Let's get moving."
We headed down a hallway into another small docking bay, which connected to a catwalk via a bridge. There were three LOKI mechs lurking around, but we blew through them without a hitch.
Naturally, that gunship we'd spotted earlier loomed into view as we were halfway across the bridge. This time, it was definitely hostile. At least, if the bullets it was spitting out were any indication.
"Get down!" Garrus and I yelled in unison. Well, not really: Garrus beat me by a nanosecond. Made sense, I suppose: he probably had some bad associations with gunships.
Cloaking to buy myself a few extra seconds, I pulled out the Collector particle beam gun from my back. I stood there and watched as yellow energy streamed out from the weapon and lanced towards the gunship. Slowly but steadily, it chewed away at the gunship's armour. A bit too slow, given the circumstances. Especially since I had to expose myself to maintain a target lock.
The back of my neck suddenly tingled. Hard.
I ducked back, but not before the gunship's machine guns tore right through my shields and hit my hardsuit. Even though none of the bullets actually penetrated, the impacts really hurt.
It didn't help that several of the crates we were hiding behind couldn't stand up to the gunship's fire. Crate after crate splintered or collapsed, forcing squad mates to run to the docking bay's entrance. Looking around, I saw that Miranda, Thane and Mordin were the only ones left.
Perfect.
"Before you guys run and join the others, hit that gunship with your best shot," I yelled over the roar of the gunship's weapons. "Biotics, plasma, foul language—whatever. Well, not the foul language, but you get the idea."
They nodded their understanding. One by one, they popped up, launched their attack and ran like hell. Naturally I was the last one to retreat—for my rep, you understand.
As I sprinted back into the safety of the hallway, I had to sidestep around Miranda, who had returned just long enough to hurl some biotics at the gunship. She retreated a second later, just as Mordin was darting out. Clearly, someone had given orders to stagger our attacks so we could lay on a sustained barrage without tripping over each other. (5)
After a couple minutes, the gunship introduced a new wrinkle. Without warning, it swooped into the docking bay and came to a stop. It hovered near the entrance, but behind a set of crates so we couldn't get a clear shot. Curious to see what it was up to, I cloaked and took a few steps out to get a good look.
Aw, crap.
"The gunship's dropping FENRIS mechs!" I warned, running back to join the others.
Sure enough, three FENRIS mechs came trotting towards us. Thanks to my alert, though, we had biotics, plasma and EMPs charged up and waiting for them.
"All right," Garrus panted once the last mech was destroyed—that bad boy had given him a good jolt before it went boom. "Clearly we'll have to speed things up."
"Agreed," I groaned. "We'll stick with the same plan, but I want you, Zaeed and Grunt to join us."
Garrus figured out what I was talking about. "Extra firepower."
"Against that gunship, every little bit helps," I confirmed.
"Oh good," Grunt grinned.
We had to go through a little song-and-dance—well, more like a you-go, are-you-sure, just-go-for-crying-out-loud—but we eventually settled into a new rhythm. Miranda and Grunt went first, followed by Garrus and Mordin, then Thane and Zaeed. My plasma rounds seemed to recharge a bit faster, so I wound up popping out whenever it was ready, regardless of which pair was up to flirt with who-knows-how-many-tonnes of flying death.
The gunship managed to drop off another trio of FENRIS mechs, but they met the same fate as their cousins. Same with the gunship—only with a larger explosion.
After that, we scrounged for power cells, medi-gel and thermal clips. Then we went to the docking bay exit. It was sealed, but I managed to bypass the locking mechanism.
We found ourselves in a small room full of terminals. One of them had an open extranet browser to an online banking site. Guess someone was completing some transactions or something. I did a transaction of my own.
There was also a datapad lying on a table. I picked it up and skimmed through it.
"Well?" Jacob prompted.
"It's a shipping manifest," I told the squad. "Looks like Pitne For sold 2000 units of Minagen X3 to the Eclipse... as well as 600 units of red sand."
We all agreed that Detective Anaya would also be interested in Pitne For's less-than-legal activities, so I pocketed the datapad before looking for the exit. Which was right behind me, of course.
The door led us down a short corridor, with an automated food kiosk, a volus and a door at the far end. I was curious as to what the volus was doing in the middle of an Eclipse base, so, with a firm grip on my weapon, I went to investigate.
He must have heard me, because he turned around—swaying from side to side like he'd taken a few too many drinks—took a few steps forward...
...and stumbled right into me.
He staggered back, waving his stubby arms to regain his balance before he flopped over. I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow at him, deciding to let him have the first word. Generous of me, I know.
"*hiss* I am a biotic god!" he proclaimed. To my surprise, biotic energy briefly flared around his arms.
What the hell?
"I think things—*hiss* and they happen!"
Uh huh.
"Fear me, lesser creatures, for I am biotics made flesh!"
Oookaaaaay...
While this volus was doing a bit of drunken—or drugged up—grandstanding, we all took a step back, lest the biotic god trip over our feet or something.
"Right..." I finally said. "Listen, I think you might need a little help."
"*hiss* You need help!" the volus retorted. "*hiss* You stand before the mightiest biotic ever."
The universe was laughing at me. Again.
"Did someone give you... pharmaceuticals?" Garrus cautiously asked.
"*hiss* Yes, the asari injecting so many drugs into me was terrifying," the volus replied. "*hiss* But then I, Niftu Cal, began to smell my greatness!"
Too. Much. Information. I rubbed my forehead to head off the migraine that was threatening to bubble to the surface.
"*hiss* They may laugh when I fall over," Niftu Cal continued, "*hiss* but they don't know what I know in my head—*hiss* that I know that I am amazingly powerful. Fear me!"
That last part was delivered as a challenge. To Grunt. He looked down at the volus blankly, then turned to me and shook his head in confusion.
"Are you part of Pitne For's trade group?" I asked.
"*hiss* When I was mortal, I worked for Pitne For," Niftu Cal nodded. "*hiss* Poor fool is probably terrified that I have not returned."
"He didn't say anything about you going missing," Jack corrected. "Didn't want to get stuck here."
"His kind likes money more than clan," Grunt agreed.
"Bah! *hiss* I will wreak a just revenge upon his people," Niftu Cal ranted. "*hiss* But first... *hiss* the leader of these mercenaries is in the next room."
Good to know.
"*hiss* I shall toss Wasea about like a rag doll!"
Oh boy.
"Shepard," Garrus groaned, "this guy couldn't tie his bootlaces in his current condition, much less fight."
"Lessened awareness and cognitive abilities," Mordin nodded. "Odds of survival low."
"Not to mention that having this incapacitated volus running around our battlefield could compromise us," Miranda frowned.
Niftu Cal was undaunted by my squad's observations. "*hiss* I will tear her apart! *hiss* My biotics are unstoppable!"
"Or Wasea will tear you apart," I replied. "Take a nap—you'll feel better."
"*hiss* Are you mad?" Niftu Cal laughed. "*hiss* I'm unstoppable! *hiss* Feasting on her biotic-rich blood will be the last step of my ascension to godhood!"
To my horror, he took a step towards the room where Wasea, the merc leader, was supposedly in. I reached out to grab him before he could do something stupid. Unfortunately, I didn't get a good grip. Instead of grabbing him, I, um, kind of upset his balance. As I watched, he flopped face-first on the ground with a thud.
He managed to pick himself up, though. I braced myself for some divine outrage.
"*hiss* But... *hiss* great wind!" Niftu Cal babbled. "*hiss* Biotic god! *hiss* I'm... I... what was I saying?" *hiss* I'm... tired," he continued, before I could reply. "*hiss* You... *hiss* may be right."
Oh thank you!
He started to stumble in a serpentine fashion towards the entrance we had just come from. "*hiss* Yes, I'm tired... *hiss* I'll nap. *hiss* Destroy the universe later..."
"Sleep well, you deluded jackass," Zaeed snorted.
"And dream of bulbous women," Thane solemnly added.
...
"Nicely done, Shepard," Tali hastily said.
The door that the would-be biotic god was trying to go through led down a corridor—which had some more medi-gel, thank you very much—to a large cargo bay arranged in two split levels. Support columns were arranged at regular intervals, with stacks of crates—and more canisters of Minagen X3, I noted uneasily—scattered around them. We saw an asari on the upper level standing behind a desk, sipping from a glass while reading a datapad. She wasn't wearing the usual Eclipse uniform, but it was safe to assume that this was the infamous Captain Wasea.
"Everything's gone to hell since we smuggled that filthy creature off-world," she sighed in an affected tone. "First a justicar shows up, now you."
She casually dropped the datapad on the desk and strolled around it. "At least I can take pleasure in turning your head into a pulpy mass!"
The last part was shouted at us as she summoned her biotics and hurled one of the Minagen X3 canisters at us. We all jumped out of the way, wincing as it shattered and released its contents.
It was probably a testament to Wasea's power that our first sally of biotics and concussive rounds only reduced her barriers to about 50%—if my sensor readings were accurate, that is. With such delightful news, they probably were. We all scattered trying to find some shelter to share.
"If you're helping the justicar, you're deep into something terrifying," Wasea yelled out, flinging another canister. Her aim fell a bit short, though. All that accomplished was sending up another red cloud, just as Eclipse reinforcements started to show up. They were probably counting on all the Minagen X3 clouds to block our lines of sight so we couldn't shoot them.
There were two little problems with that plan. One: our sensors were working fine. Two: biotics, plasma fire and concussive rounds don't necessarily need pinpoint accuracy to unleash a world of hurt.
One of the mercs shrieked in pain and horror as her barriers were shredded by Miranda's biotic volley, just before my fireball roasted her. Garrus finished her off, as the red haze had lifted just long enough for him to get a clear shot, before swivelling on the spot and blasting through another merc's barriers with a concussive round. Mordin and Zaeed immediately attacked her.
"I'll enjoy killing you, the volus, the detective—anyone who's gotten in my way!" Wasea laughed, lifting more Minagen X3 canisters and throwing them around. It definitely obscured the battlefield, but so far we were managing to cope.
Then I noticed the little alert in my HUD. The one marked "Toxicity Warning."
It was maxed out. Which might explain why I was feeling tingly.
I decided to back up before I started seeing shiny angels. As I retreated, I noticed that the mercs were gone. They had retreated to the upper level. As I watched, more canisters were sent flying through the air to explode, creating a wall of smoke between us and the mercs.
Ah. So that was the plan. If we wanted to chase after the mercs, we would have to fight our way through the Minagen X3. If the red clouds didn't make us stumble blindly into a killing zone, it would seep into our pores and poison us.
Fortunately, we—or I—had one more trick up our sleeves.
"Guys," I warned. "Let's advance a bit closer. Cut off their escape from this door. But not too close."
Everyone followed my orders. "Now what?" Miranda asked.
"Now we need somebody to sneak up and act as a spotter for everyone else," I replied. "Any volunteers?"
Everyone looked at me. Figures.
"Sync your sensor feeds with my HUD," I sighed. "I expect a lot of gratitude when this is all over."
"Thanks for sticking your neck out," Kasumi promptly said.
"Cheeky," I scowled, wishing I could pass that comment off as a residual effect from her earlier Minagen X3 exposure. Sadly, it was all her, as proven by the innocent smile she sent my way.
Giving her one last glare, I cloaked and ran forward through the smoke. I managed to take a good look before my cloak gave out. Thankfully, there was a nearby crate to hide behind, so I didn't suffer too much. An asari with a heavy weapons trooper on the left. Another asari hanging around Wasea on the right. Wasea's barriers had been worn down, but she hadn't bothered to raise them again. Maybe she was afraid that her barriers might not react well with all the Minagen X3 floating around—though she sure wasn't afraid to fling biotic energy at me.
I quickly selected targets for the squad and gave the signal. Garrus and Zaeed immediately responded with an EMP and concussive round, respectively. This suddenly made the asari and heavy weapons team vulnerable to Mordin, who managed to set both of them on fire with the same well-aimed plasma round. I quickly followed that up with some fire of my own, which swiftly finished them off.
Miranda detonated the barriers of the asari covering Wasea's back, clearing the way for Jack to lift her up in the air. Grunt pegged her with a concussive round a second later, which sent her flying into the far wall with the force of a rocket.
Wasea, seeing how things were progressing and quickly deducing who was to blame, threw another canister of Minagen X3 at me. I tried to wait until my squad had recharged their batteries—proverbial or otherwise—but was ultimately forced to retreat.
"I see Wasea is the only one left," Miranda observed when I got back. She must have been monitoring my sensor feeds for more than just targeting data. "Maybe Team One should join you on the next attack."
"Press them and put her on the defensive," I nodded.
"Precisely."
Seemed like a good plan. And it was—especially since a couple asari had joined her while we were debating our next move. We quickly dropped them with a one-two punch of biotics and plasma fire. Unfortunately, another pair of asari showed up a second later. With another merc toting a rocket launcher.
"Team Two," I called out over the comm, "keep the newcomers busy. Team One; if Wasea thinks we're gonna be distracted by her pals, she's about to be seriously disappointed."
Miranda and I immediately started blasting away at her armour. I found myself wondering what it was like to have red flames and blue biotics sizzling out of a thick opaque fog to hammer away at you. It wasn't quite the same to have shotgun blasts firing back in return, mostly because she kept missing. I fed continuous updates and targeting data to Team Two in between plasma blasts, so they could keep the other mercs busy.
And then it happened. Wasea stood up to hurl another Minagen X3 canister our way. The toxicity readings immediately spiked into the red zone. But Wasea waited a bit too long before ducking for cover, allowing Miranda's biotics to crack her armour wide open.
This was it. Yeah, the smart thing would have been to retreat. But we couldn't let this opportunity slide. Using the new red cloud for cover, I fired off some plasma. While she was slapping it off, Grunt shot her with a concussive round, knocking her somewhere onto the floor. My HUD indicated that the other mercs tried to move towards her, only to be driven back by Team Two. By then, my omni-tool had generated some more plasma, so I fired it off towards her. The clouds were starting to dissipate, revealing the merc leader rolling around, trying to smother the flames. Miranda created a miniature warp in the gravity fields in Wasea's vicinity, crushing her with every move she made. She had time to give one short cry of pain, just before I fired a shot from my sniper rifle into her skull.
Now that that was over, I could concentrate on the other mercs. One of the asari had been taken down while Team One was occupied, leaving only two more to go. The heavy weapons trooper took two concussive rounds to the head, dropping her like a rock. Engaging my cloak, I tracked the asari's movements, extrapolating her movements, and fired my sniper rifle again.
With that out of the way, we were free to search for loot, thermal clips and the information Samara was looking for—all while giving the dissipating toxic clouds a wide berth. It turned out the data we needed was on the datapad Wasea dropped on the desk earlier:
There's a justicar here! Probably looking for the one we sent off on the AML Demeter. I was happy to see her go; she chilled me to the bone. I just hope this justicar doesn't mess up my operation.
Sometimes the answers are right in front of you.
Niftu Cal had recovered from his psychedelic trip by the time we returned to the police station. He intercepted us—this time without mowing anyone over—and expressed his gratitude for our help. Pitne For was also in the neighbourhood, waiting outside the police station. He thanked us as well, claiming it would take Eclipse months to rebuild. I was in a bit of a rush to present my findings before Samara's Code told her to go ballistic, so I kept my chat with each of them short and hurried inside.
"I've got the name of the ship," I told Samara, who was still perched in a meditative position behind Anaya. "Your fugitive left here two days ago on the AML Demeter."
"Shepard, you impress me," Samara said. (6) "You fulfilled your part of the bargain and I will fulfill mine."
She uncrossed her legs and gracefully lowered herself to the floor. "I am ready to leave immediately, if that will satisfy your superiors, Detective," she quietly announced.
"You're free to go, Justicar," Anaya nodded. "It has been an honour having you in my station."
Samara gave her a brief bow in return.
Of course, Anaya couldn't resist adding: "And it's nice you didn't kill me, too."
"The Normandy is docked near the main trading floor," I informed Samara. "I'll see you aboard."
Samara raised a hand. "I must be sworn to your service, so that I am never forced to choose between your orders and the Code."
I wasn't expecting that, but neither was I complaining. It would make my life a whole lot easier.
Her eyes flared with glowing energy for a moment before she kneeled before me and lowered her head.
Judging by the way Anaya immediately stood up, I figured I shouldn't say anything like "Kneel before Shepard." Heck, I probably shouldn't say anything at all.
"By the code, I will serve you, Shepard," Samara recited. "Your choices are my choices, your morals are my morals. Your wishes are my code."
A burst of biotic energy exploded around her, enveloping her in a blaze of sizzling blue light. She stood up before me; eyes glowing and biotic energy dancing over her skin. I had to admit—that ritual might have been brief, but it had one heck of an impact.
"I never thought I'd see a justicar swear an oath like that," Anaya muttered in awe. (7)
"If you make me do anything extremely dishonourable, I may need to kill you when I am released from my oath," Samara informed me, promptly killing the mood.
"I can see that this is a very important act, Samara," I replied diplomatically. "Thank you."
"Truly, the life of a justicar can get lonely," Samara returned. "I am looking forward to serving with a company of honourable heroes."
I clamped down on my smart mouth before it could ask her who she was talking about. Hard.
"Shall we return to your ship?" Samara asked.
I shook my head. "In a moment. I need to speak to the detective." Walking over to Anaya, I handed her the first datapad I had found. "I have proof that Eclipse killed the volus merchant."
"Let's see what you've got there."
I tossed the datapad on her desk, giving it a spin so it would stop right in front of her. She read its contents, then shook her head. "Interesting," she said with regret, "but I can't verify it. It would be inadmissible."
Before I could even think of cursing, Samara cleared her throat. "I vouch for Shepard and any evidence he brings forward," she said.
Maybe having Samara tag along wouldn't be so bad after all. She could use her justicar credentials to bypass the usual red tape just like my Spectre status could. Anaya must have been thinking the same thing, judging by the hungry light that flashed in her eyes. Her face and voice, though, were utterly calm and professional. "I accept the judgement of the justicar," she declared with a straight face.
I nodded my thanks to Samara.
"Thanks, Shepard," Anaya said. "I wasn't sure about trusting a stranger—and a human, at that. But you came through. Never heard of this Elnora," she added, tapping the datapad. "Sounds like she was just starting her career. Good thing you cut it short."
"I do what I can," I replied modestly.
"Okay, enough with all the congratulations," Anaya said briskly. "I've still got a spiralling crime rate."
"And Pitne For's helping it along," I told her, handing her the second datapad. "I have proof that he smuggled in illegal drugs and weapons tech." (8)
Anaya quickly read the datapad. "I'll send in some officers to arrest him and his cohorts," she promised. "This is a big help, Shepard. I can't do much to thank you, but we do have a small discretionary bounty fund. Take this."
I took the creds with a nod of thanks, then gestured for the squad to depart. Anaya caught my eye before I took a step, though, so I stayed behind.
"Thanks for getting Samara out of my district," she said. "I can tell my granddaughters about meeting a justicar. And you've just upped my chances of living long enough to have grandkids. Be well. Value the justicar—I've never heard of one working with a human before."
Who says being a suicidal goody-two-shoes doesn't pay?
"Welcome to the Normandy, Samara," Jacob formally greeted the justicar after we got back. "We've studied your profile extensively. With your skills, I think you'll be an excellent addition to our team."
"Thank you," Samara said politely. "From an organization such as yours, that is high praise indeed."
"The truth, nothing more," Miranda replied. "We've seen your biotics at work."
"They are quite substantial," I agreed.
"We'll need every edge we can get," Garrus frowned. "We still don't know what we're going to find when we hit the Collectors."
"I will be prepared for whatever we encounter," Samara said calmly.
Jacob moved on to the next item on the agenda: "Where shall we put you?"
"A room that looks out on the great empty void would be most comforting," Samara replied.
"Put her in the observation room on Deck Three," I decided.
"Thank you," Samara nodded. "I must meditate on the day's events."
Miranda and Garrus escorted her out. Jacob saluted me before returning to the Armoury. I went to check my e-mail. There was one new message waiting for me:
From: Detective Anaya
Greetings, Commander-
I'm not completely sure this will get to you, but thanks again for helping me deal with Samara. The Eclipse mercs have gotten real quiet around here, and my superiors have backed off, too. No idea if the two are related, but hopefully the next time I meet a justicar, I can give her the respect she deserves.
I still can't believe I worked a case with one of them. You're a lucky human. If I find any more data on her target, I'll pass it along.
Thanks,
Detective Anaya
Illium Law Enforcement
Later on, I dropped by to see how Samara was doing. She'd definitely made herself at home. That is, she ignored the big comfy couch, the snacks and the books. Instead, she was sitting cross-legged on the floor, facing the window. Between the palms of her hands, particles of biotic energy swirled and danced around each other, forming a sphere of light.
"Shepard," Samara greeted me.
"How are you?"
"I've spent much of the past 400 years on my own," she replied. "It is nice to have a colleague to chat with, though I may be rusty at it. Still, if you are willing to be patient, I would love to talk."
"I'm a sniper," I said. "Patience is part of the job description."
A flare of energy briefly coursed over her body before she craned her neck to look at me and tilted her head to a spot on the floor beside her. I walked over and sat down.
"Our conversations may not have brought you up to speed," I started, "and I don't know what the others have told you. How much do you know about our mission?"
"I know that I've sworn an oath to follow you and that you seek to destroy the Collectors. That is enough for me."
"You don't want to know why the Collectors need to be fought?" I asked sceptically.
"When you live by a code that compels you to harsh action, you learn the dangers of curiosity," she replied. "If I must kill a man because he has done wrong, do I really need to know he is a devoted father?"
Yeah, it's a bit hard to be all black-and-white when you're reminded that the real world isn't like that. Mind you, at least she knew that sticking your nose everywhere wasn't a good idea—unlike me. But she had just sworn to follow me. So who was the bigger fool here?
"What do you think of Cerberus?" I quickly asked, before I could get too bogged down.
"I have heard rumours," Samara admitted, "but learned long ago to form my own impressions. There is too much room for interpretation in the opinions of others."
So she wasn't gonna unleash some justicar whoop-ass or jump head-first just on someone else's say-so. Good to know, though that brought up another question: "Why were you willing to work for Cerberus if you didn't have first-hand knowledge?"
"I work for you, Shepard," she clarified. "Our methods may be different, but our goals are not."
"Speaking of goals, I'd like to hear more about your investigation on Nos Astra," I said.
She looked away and paused for a moment before responding. "I hope you will understand if I wish to avoid this topic. It is deeply tied to my code and beliefs. You might say it is... personal."
"I won't pry if you don't want me to," I replied carefully, "but I need to know if this will impact the mission." There were plenty of people whose personal demons had dragged me into one near-death after another. Since avoiding those situations was pretty much a hopeless cause at this point, I'd have to settle for a little more advance notice.
"It will not."
"I should get back to work," I said, getting to my feet. "Nice talking with you."
"It has been my pleasure, Commander."
Illium was a nice place, I decided as I got out of the elevator. But I wasn't sure if I wanted to live there. Too many mercs. And guns. And life-threatening situations. Time to go someplace new.
I was almost at the galaxy map when Kelly saw me. "Commander?"
"It's Shepard," I reminded her.
"Right," she grinned.
"What's up?" I asked.
"The Illusive Man wishes to speak with you. Joker has patched his signal through to the comm room."
Goddamnit.
Stifling a sigh, I turned around and headed for the comm room. No doubt he had some big important thing for me to do. So I'd have to drop everything I was doing and go forth. And he'd probably forget to mention something during the briefing.
Naturally I was correct on all counts.
(1): At the time, Shepard had just over 45 000 credits in his (primary) account. A hefty sum in most cases. Not so much when one considered the purchases Shepard made, which were usually in the tens of thousands.
(2): Unlike most worlds, red sand was not illegal on Illium, despite its addictive qualities. However, one did require a license—thus fuelling a demand for the drug through alternate illegal means.
(3) One wonders whether they learned from the best.
(4): There is no indication that the term 'sister' enjoyed common usage amongst Eclipse mercenaries in general. Rather, it was probably used to foster a sense of unity and belonging amongst asari in this particular Eclipse band.
(5): Ms. Lawson, according to the after-action reports.
(6): Possibly because only ten hours had passed since Detective Anaya first took Samara into custody.
(7): The Third Oath of Subsumation, a pledge that is rarely sworn as it overrides even the commandments of the Justicar Code. It is usually invoked when justicars are forced to concede that justice cannot be served within the stark, black-or-white thinking of their world.
(8): Shepard conveniently neglects to add that Pitne For tried to bribe Shepard into giving him the shipping manifest.