A/N: WHATS UP, MUCKACHUNGAS!? It's Travez, and… I'm still on Vacation but I've got something special for you guys today to chew into until I get back! So yearh ,while I can't get away from the story itself, I've learned something extremely cool while I was gone for a bit! Thursday, My Favorites and Follows jumped from 52 and 46 respectfully to 67 and 74! THIS IS AWESOME! THANK YOU SO MUCH YOU GUYS! YOU'RE THE BEST! So as a thanks for the number of Favorites and Follows so far, then next Chapter I post will include a look into Shepard's Past as the Butcher of Torfan, how the operation and his near death and trauma caused Cyberpsychosis had changed him from the cold and calculating monster he used to be to the Hot-Blooded, Sarcastic, Pun-Loving Streetkid you guys know and love him as in this story!
Now aside from that, I've got some things you guys might like to know about… Have any of you guys ever heard of the Spelljammer Setting from Dungeons and Dragons? If you have please leave that in your reviews, because, over the past few days, I have come up with a crazy idea of mixing together Dungeons and Dragons with Mass Effect, a crossover set in my homebrew version of the ME Universe with a Dungeons and Dragons Setting. I developed this setting with a lot of help from a good friend of mine named BlackDomus500, as he and I roleplay Mass Effect quite often, and I managed to get him to fall in love with Dungeons and Dragons! So I'm actually thinking of creating my own version of Team Normandy and giving them their own Spelljammer version of the Normandy! I hope that gets your Blood Pumping cuz here are the members of Spelljammer Normandy's Ground Team, their Races, Classes and Backgrounds:
-Commander Shepard:
Race:Dhampir
Class:Order of the Lycans (Blood Hunter)
Background:Marine (Juggernaut Hardship)
-Tali'Zorah:
Race:Tiefling (Glasya)
Class: Armorer (Artificer)
Background: Urchin
-Garrus Vakarian:
Race: Aarakocra (Osprey)
Class: Gloomstalker (Ranger)
Background: Investigator
-Liara T'Soni:
Race: Drow
Class: Aberrant Mind (Sorcerer)
Background: Archeologist
-Wrex Urdnot:
Race:Chromatic Dragonborn (Red)
Class: Psi Knight (Fighter)
Background: Outlander
-Thane Krios:
Race: Lizardfolk (Monitor Lizard)
Class: Soulknife (Rogue)
Background:Acolyte
-Mordin Solus:
Race: Grung
Class: Grave Domain (Cleric)
Background: Entertainer
-Legion:
Race:Warforged
Class: Way of the Astral Self
Background: Astral Drifter
-Jeff "Joker" Moreau
Race: Mark of the Storm (Half-Elf)
Class: Storm Sorcery (Sorcerer)
Background:Wildspacer
Now Explanations:
Shepard: For Shepard, I kinda want to admit that this one was one I had been wanting to do since Matt Mercer had released the Blood Hunter Class for his show, Critical Role, and the Dhampir Came out. Though to be honest, I was inspired by Michael Corvin from the Underworld Series, as he was a Vaewolf himself. In any case, aside from this, there was a recent rp where Domus and I created a variant of this known as the Wendigo, which combined the Dhampire Lineage with the Lycan Subclass for the Blood Hunter, and I have to say, that rp was extremely fun after what we had done then! As for the specific part of the Background Marine I chose, well Wendigos are essentially unkillabe unless you burn their frozen hearts, otherwise they come back to life, and it was thanks to that, Domus and I managed to create an incredible and memorable rp that I want to get back to when we next get the chance to! Plus it solves the issue with Shepard's Resurrection and keeps him out of Cerberus's Hands, just get his heart first, place it in a cloning tank, and let it do its work from there. (BTW: This Specific Wendigo Build was inspired by the Kobold Press' "Creature Codex" as well as Extra Mythology's Video "Native American Myth - The Wendigo - The Omushkego Tribe - Extra Mythology". Check them out!)
Tali: Tali's race was something that BlackDomus500 and I determined during our Mass Effect x Dungeons and Dragons Roleplays. Early on we had decided that the Quarians should be a race based on the old Outsiders archetype, and the only ones we could figure out that best fit the Quarian's Plight were the Tieflings, though later we added in the Aasimar as the Quarians also share characteristics with the Aasimar as well. However, to try and keep with the lore and history of the Quarians of ME as much as I could, i decided that Tali would be an Artificer, with a specialization in the Armorer subclass so I can create the Quarian's signature Enviro-Suit that hugs her hips and body like a medical glove, and even give her Chatika in the form of a Homunculus. Add to that since the Quarians are considered criminals and vagrants (despite Tali coming from a military background), Urchin fits her entire race as a whole.
Garrus: Garrus's race was a bit tricky, but out of the 3 Birdmen Races of D&D Aarakocra fit him the best, especially since the Turians did evolve from birds. As for his class, that was a tough choice, I wanted to go with Paladin, but Paladins don't allow Divine Smite to be used on ranged weapons, nor do Paladins get any ranged capabilities at all, unless you really finagle with their feats. So Ranger is the next best option available. As for the Investigator background, while I wanted to do City Watch, the Doctor Heart storyline fit the Investigator background better in my opinion.
Liara: For Liara, it was a bit tricky, but after some discussion, Domus and I decided that the best race that would be the D&D equivalent of the Asari would be the Drow, as they are, primarily, a Matriarchy, and follow one of two Goddesses: The Spider Queen Lolth or the Dark Maiden, Eilistraee. As for her class being a Sorcerer, since Liara something of an Adept in ME1, and there only being 3 Psionic Classes that best reflect the Biotic Classes of Mass Effect, this one best fit Liara. Her Archeology Background wasn't too hard of a choice.
Wrex: For Wrex, I would have gone with Lizardman but that would've clashed somewhat with Thane down the line, however, it's shown that Wrex is honorable and true to his word, and only one race in D&D Fits that better than anyone; The Dragonborn. I chose the Red Chromatic Dragonborn for Wrex because it fit him the best out of all the other options. I also went with Psi Warrior because it best fit the Krogan Battlemaster class for Wrex in Mass Effect. As for the Outlander background, one of the parts of the Bonds of the Outlander involves having children, and Wrex's main idea for the Krogan was focusing on reproduction to counter the Genophage in order to provide them more numbers before things went to shit for him, so it fits.
Thane: Thane's was easy to choose since the Drell are a Lizardfolk, similar to the Krogans, but they come from a desert, where Tuchanka was originally, if I remember correctly, a jungle world. So using the process of elimination, I decided that Thane would be a Monitor Lizard. Because Thane was a biotic, Soulknife fit him perfectly, and as for his background. He's spiritualistic, so it kind of makes sense.
Mordin: Mordin's was the simplest of the group to choose for. Since the Salarians are Amphibian by nature, the Grung fits the best, though I am getting rid of their aquatic limitations. For his class, it was also simple based on his past and how he copes with the consequences of his actions, a Grave Domain Cleric, in which seeing the results of the Genophage had caused Mordin to re-examine his life choices and try to make amends before he died. As for his entertainer background… Well I am sure that most of you, by now, know he used to be an actor for a time, and though his musical number was shocking to say the least, it was entertaining.
Legion: Legion's race was easy to choose based on what he is, since Warforged and Geth are both Synthetic Beings. His Class and Background, however, were the hardest to choose, as I had to really think on it a bit. For his Background, the best one I could go with, based on his dialogue in ME2, I went with Astral Drifter, as it would not only allow him to awaken his own thoughts and sentience, but it would also allow him to have the will to fight against the Reapers to the Bitter end. As for his Class, that was the hardest one to choose, but given I chose the Astral Drifter as his background, the best one that is spiritually awakened aside from that of the Cleric or Druid, is the Monk, specifically the Astral Self Monk, which would allow him to finally answer the age old question for the Geth: "Does this Unit have a Soul?"
Joker: With Joker, it was pretty easy to decide, especially once I had decided what I'm going to do for the Normandy! So you guys might not know this, but in the rps that BlackDomus500 and I did, I created a unique Hybrid between Lyrandarian Airship and Wildspace Spelljammer, this would combine the nearly unlimited fuel provide by Elementals, as well as the Spaceflight Capabilities of Spelljammer. Plus, if Joker bound an Air Elemental, I homebrew it that the Elemental would not only provide fuel for the Spelljammer, but also would constantly restore the Air Envelopes of the Spelljammer, at least while it is flying! Not only that, the crew doesn't need to land the ship because it can suspend itself in the air!
Now for Joker, in order to ensure this hunk of junk can fly, I need to cover the Lyrandarian Part of the equation, which makes it easy to choose what kind of race Joker is going to be. The Wheel of Wind and Water requires The Mark of the Storm to work, which only exists in House Lyrandar, and said house only has Half-Elves in it as it's mark holders. So that solves that half of the problem, of course the Second Half comes in with the Spelljammer part of the ship, in which Spelljamming Helms require Spellcasters in order to work! So making Joker a Sorcerer works in this way too! Now to properly make Joker, since the ME version of him grew up on Arcturus Station, the best way to create his background was to make him a Wildspacer. This can also work in Joker's favor as I can see that, despite his level, he has mastered his Storm Powers to the point he can actually cast Levitate on himself at will, and it keeps him from being hampered by Zero Gravity situations.
Finally, we come to the Normandy, as I explained above, the Normandy is a Prototype Spelljammer that combines House Lyrandar's Airship Elemental Tech with Spelljammer tech, creating a vessel that not only has an unlimited fuel source, a constantly cleaned Air Envelope, as well as the combined tech of House Lyrandar and Spelljammers to allow for more precise changes in steering and higher speeds! This Normandy is my masterpiece, but if I were to give it some basic stats, Spelljammer Style, it would be:
Armor Class: 19 (Mithril and Adamantine)
Hit Points: 400
Damage Threshold: 15
Speed:70ft Fly (8 MPH) [Can Hover]
Cargo: 50 Tons
Crew: Minimum: 9, Maximum: 25
Keel/Beam: 250ft/50ft
Anyway I think that is enough out of me for now, I'll see you guys another time. Please be sure to Follow, Favorite, Review, and Share this story with anyone and everyone you know who likes Mass Effect and Cyberpunk 2077 Content! Also stay tuned for the D&D x ME Story known as "Jammer Effect". Catch ya on the Flipside! Shepard…
Chapter 4, Part 1: Hail to the Queen
Edolus, Sparta System, Artemis Tau Cluster…
It has been over two weeks since the Normandy visited Therum, and since Shepard had seen the Sparta System was nearby in the Cluster, he remembered that Admiral Kahoku had told him about a group of patrols heading into this area to answer a distress beacon. Seeing that it was nearby, Shepard decides to scout out for that patrol and find which planet they vanished on. It takes them the better part of two days at full FTL to find the signal, and as they approach, Shepard has Joker run a scan on the planet Edolus, wanting to know what kind of planet they are dealing with, because something in his growling gut is telling him to stay away from this world.
Once the information comes in that the planet is a barren desert planet, desolate and harsh, almost hostile. That is when Wrex walks over hearing this. "Sounds like Maw territory…" Wrex says.
"Maw? As in Thresher Maw?" Shepard asks.
"Yeah… Scientist can't figure it out, but the more hostile and desolate the planet is, the bigger and stronger they grow, especially if there is no atmosphere." Wrex says, "Also, Thresher Maw Steaks are actually extremely delicious, so if we somehow bag a maw today, I'll treat you to Krogan Cooking!"
"Wait, that sounds like Threshers are giant plant monsters…" Shepard says, "That reminds me of Biolante from the Godzilla movies…"
"Godzilla, Biolante?" Wrex asks.
"I need to show you them sometime!" Shepard says, smiling, "You'll love the comparison!" He then smirks, "Just a question, what does Thresher Steak taste like?"
"The Closest Comparison I could come up with are those little things you have in the kitchen that have a round bulbous head and a little stalk…" Wrex says. "Tasted some, they have a similar texture to a rare Maw Steak, add some of that stuff you call "Gouda Cheese" you give it the flavor and make it a meat, and you get Thresher Steak.
"Thresher taste like Gouda-Stuffed Mushrooms?" Shepard asks, drooling at the thought. "Now I need to eat that!"
"Yes, and the best part is anyone can eat them, Thresher Maws have both Levo and Dextro Proteins, so they can be eaten by just about anyone." Wrex explains, and Shepard is now salivating so much he has a hard time keeping it in.
"That's perfect!" V says, now getting excited at the thought. He calls the Ground Team to make ready in 15 minutes, and to pack as much as they can. Shepard is already in the Mako and is extremely excited as he thinks about the possibility of Thresher Steaks. Soon the group is down on the ground. Thankfully, Shepard had Joker drop them a good distance away from the signal, so as to give the group time to prepare.
"Yes, this definitely looks like a planet where a Maw would thrive on!" Wrex says.
"Have you ever killed a Maw before?" Shepard asks.
"Of course I did, though granted it was on foot, and I was going through my Rite of Passage." Wrex explained, "I was the first to kill a Maw in a Rite in Generations, and my Clan fed well for months after that!"
"Really?" Shepard asks.
"Yes, and I have hunted a few other maws as well, and I learned that you don't want to waste time attacking their body, it's their mouth that is their weak point, specifically the tongue, which contains the majority of their blood vessels." Wrex explains, "So Garrus, if a maw does show up, aim for the tongue, that will kill it much faster." Garrus nods as he listens closely, "Also, when a Maw retreats underground, it will send feelers above ground, shoot them all to bring the maw back to the surface." Wrex says, "Tali, you need to focus on repairs, Thresher regurgitate acid their stomach acid as a ranged attack. While they are easy enough for Shepard to dodge, if it hits the Mako, then you need to use the Omni-Gel Fast, as it will quickly eat through the shields and metal if you don't." Tali nods. "The only other piece of advice I can give you all is never take up a Maw in Melee Range, no matter if you're on foot or in a tank, those claws will rip you and your vehicles apart easily."
"Thanks for the advice Wrex!" Shepard says, making sure to bust out his best moves.
"We're coming up on the signal now!" Ashley says, in which the group soon finds them driving up to a Distress Beacon that seems to be constantly leading out a signal over comms… But more than that… They find corpses littering the ground, all in partially melted alliance uniforms, as well as a totaled Mako. "My god…!" That is when the ground, and the Mako, begin to shake violently.
"Here it comes!" Wrex says as the Thresher pops out of the ground, and thus, Shepard puts the Mako in Top Gear and starts showing off his skills as a street racer, and using his Sandevistan to push the Mako as hard as it can go with his crazy driving skills. Kaiden looks like he is going to hurl, but he forces himself to keep focus as Garrus, taking Wrex's advice, begins to aim for the Thresher's Tongue when it opens it's mouth and when it begins to regurgitate it's stomach acid at the Mako. Shepard's eyes glow as he begins to spam his Sandevistan for all that it is worth, but it quickly becomes apparent that he has never had to push it this hard before, the main clue being that Shepard's nose is bleeding as he continues to push it.
It takes almost an hour, but Shepard and Co manage to kill the Thresher Maw, with enough of it's body exposed that it doesn't slide back into it's hole, Wrex cheering with a smile on his face, taking Ashley's Tomahawk and begins carving up the beast. As this is going on, Shepard decides to jack into the Beacon to see if he can Breach it, and, though it's not his specialty, he manages to get through with a smile on his face, and actually gets some good materials and information out of it with a smile on his face.
A Few Hours Later…
Wrex has taken over the kitchen in the Mess Hall, having loaded up several authentic Thresher Maw Steaks, each of them being carefully cut, whilst the rest were sold on secure channels to nearby buyers who were interested, netting the crew a good haul of credits. Shepard had sent the message to Admiral Kahoku that he has discovered the Fate of his Team, and after he takes care of his next mission, he'll be at the Citadel ASAP to give him the news in person, along with some evidence that was left behind inside the Distress Beacon. Watching Wrex work the Steaks like a master chef, V can honestly say he is impressed with the Krogan, who is using the spices on hand to make the food not only tasty for a Krogan, but palatable for the other crew members as well.
It takes him hours to make enough Thresher Steak for everyone, but all the feedback comes as good, and it quickly becomes apparent that Thresher Steak is actually the most delicious thing they have ever tasted. Everyone, on their own time, quickly send out messages that reveals how a perfectly cook Thresher Maw Steak has a taste that is worth the danger that is put through for fighting them. Little do they know that this would essentially start a market for Thresher Steaks, and in a few short years, Thresher Maws would be the primary food source for a Galaxy so desperate for food that the beasts would be brought to near extinction. But that is a story for another day…
Noveria…
Noveria, a planet known for vicious cold, violent snowstorms, and being the Corpo Center of the Galaxy, a place where experiments from Questionable in Nature to Downright Illegal can be performed with little to no restrictions, save that the Corpos don't get in each other's way. Shepard is just shivering, and not from the cold, he's going straight into Corpo Territory, so he needs to do the one thing he doesn't want to do, bow and kowtow to Corpos… He can only hope that Arasaka has a base here and they are willing to give him a hand. He takes a deep breath as he and the squad, including a freshly trained Liara, are preparing to exit the Normandy, and Shepard has his Amarok and Asena holstered into his armor, but he is really feeling like there is an itch on his scalp right now. "Nervous, Shepard?" Garrus teases with a smile on his face.
"Going into Corpo territory, as a Streetkid, you never go into these areas without the skinny on the area." Shepard says, "Of course I'm nervous!"
"Wow, never knew you could be such a pyjak when it comes to these… "Corpos"?" Wrex asks, poking fun at Shepard. "I thought you were adopted by Captain Anderson?"
"The Captain's wife, my foster mother, Cynthia, made sure I didn't go off with him into Space, and when they divorced, she kept me in Night City, not wanting me to become a soldier." Shepard explains, "As much as I wanted to go with him…"
"So joining the Lose Lobos Rojos was your form of rebellion?" Ashley asks.
"It was, but since I grew up in Heywood, it was also a way for me to give back to the community." Shepard explains, a bit embarrassed "The Valentinos kept the people entertained and protected, but the Los Lobos Rojos made sure the community was safe. At least the hardships I got put through as part of the gang helped me prepare, in some way, for military training."
"Interesting!" Tali says, smiling as she listens. V smiles at that, and soon the deck has it's atmosphere matched with that of Noveria, and soon the group steps out onto the hangar bay, where the group makes their way about 10 meters, only to find a group of guards standing before them.
"Halt! That's far enough, stranger!" A woman says, by which Shepard gets a Japanese vibe from her, but notices the Arasaka Logo on her uniform.
"Wait, we're not here to cause trouble, ma'am!" Shepard says, being respectful, glad to have run into an Arasaka Security Guard.
"Apologies, but this is an unscheduled arrival! I need your credentials before you can continue on!" The Guard says. Shepard looks at the other two guards, one of them is a Turian, who gives Garrus a challenging look and flare of his mandibles, to which Garrus gives back, both giving subtle nods of respect to each other, whilst the other is a woman who just gives him some bad vibes, in which Tali and Ashley both glare at her, and Shepard looks on the woman's armor, and sees no sort of identifying markings about it to identify which Corporation she works for, if she does at all.
"My name is Commander Vincent Shepard, I'm a Spectre for the Citadel Council."
"Ma'am that's a load of horsecrap in my opinion!" Stirling says, "If the Council sent somebody, they should've told us first!"
"This place is outside the Citadel's Jurisdiction, Sergeant Stirling!" The Lead Guard says, looking at her second-in-command. "My name is Guard Captain Matsuo Maeko, and while I am inclined to believe you, we need to confirm that. I should also advise you that though Spectres and their squads are authorized to carry weapons on Noveria, until confirmation is given, we will need you to surrender them until we receive it. Sergeant Stirling, secure their weapons."
"Just try it!" Wrex says, drawing his gun, in which the other guards, and the ground team, draw their weapons in reaction, all except Captain Matsuo, who simply stands there, same with Shepard, the two of them staring each other down. Everyone holds their ground as Shepard and Matsuo look at each other, only for the two of them to disappear.
"He has a Sandevistan!?" Stirling says, shocked, and that is when the two of them appear a moment later, the two of them grabbing each other's fists as Matsuo smiles. "Ma'am!"
"Stand down, Stirling, Caesarian…" Matsuo says.
"All of you as well… This is their house, their rules…"
"Grr… Don't come crying to me when they slice your gut open." Wrex says, agitated.
"Captain Matsuo, stand down! We just confirmed with the Council, their credentials are valid! They have authorization to carry weapons here. It's not just the Council, Arasaka Mamuro has confirmed it as well!"
"I see, my apologies then." Matsuo says, bowing respectfully. "You may proceed, Spectre, I hope the rest of your visit is less confrontational. Parasini-san will meet you upstairs." Shepard returns the bow and the group continues on. "And by the way, I hope you'll be in Night City in a few months time… There is a big race coming up, and I heard the Dreadwolf was one of the best racers in Night City!" Shepard smirks as he nods, and Matsuo nods, stepping aside, in which Stirling clicks her tongue.
"Behave yourself…" Stirling growls as the group continues on, to which Matsuo glares at the Sergeant.
A Short While Later…
"Corpos…" V snarls, once out of earshot of Administrator Anoleis, slamming the side of his fist against the wall, being sure to monitor his strength so that his Gorilla Arms don't do damage he doesn't have the cash to repair. Administrator Anoleis had just done what he had hoped he would do, stop his investigation no matter how hard he had tried to play nice with that Salarian.
"I can see why you don't like them." Ashley says, "Reminds me of the Alliance Brass's most slimy characters. Especially the ones who Blacklisted my dad…" Shepard sighs as he listens to this, but as this is going on, he doesn't notice the feet of a woman making their way to frommo.
"Your father was Blacklisted?" Shepard asks, turning to her.
"Fuck…" Ashley says, "Yes… He and my family got Blacklisted by the Alliance Brass, and just a few days from retirement too…"
"What happened?" Shepard asks.
"He…" She hesitates… "He developed Cyberpsychosis… It was caused by an allergy he developed to a chemical in his Millitech Berserk and it's attached Beast Mode Mod… My dad had to be put down by the Alliance Brass, as his cyberpsychosis couldn't be treated, and he was fine with it, but he asked he be allowed to die as he lived, an Alliance Soldier." Shepard looks down, knowing what that meant.
"He fought to the death against those he trusted most…" Shepard says.
"Truly a warrior's death, I can respect that!" Wrex says.
"From what I know, Cyberpsychos lose their ability to feel bonds with others, so if they weren't on their A-Game, then they would have been slaughtered." Garrus says. Shepard nods at this.
"Yes… Unfortunately… A number of Brass Members were jealous of my dad due to his accomplishments held grudges against him." Ashley explains, "So the scumbags used my father's cyberpsychosis as the grounds to Blacklist him, which in turn limited my opportunities since, and got me sent from crap assignment to crap assignment, that is until I got assigned to the 212, who served under my father at one point. They still respected his memory, and it was thanks to them I managed to gain some respect back for my family."
"I know what it's like for Cyberpsychosis to screw up your life…" Shepard says, looking down.
"Skipper?" Ashley asks.
"It not only screws up your life, but has lasting effects on your personality as well." Shepard says, he then looks up. Wrex and Garrus remain quiet as they hear Shepard confess this, "As if you were one person before it hit you, then after you recover… It's like something inside you changes… sometimes the changes are indeed terrible, but sometimes they are for the better…"
"V?" Tali asks. Shepard looks at the group, then sighs.
"Have any of you heard of the Butcher of Torfan?" V asks.
"Only that is what most people call you, Skipper, and that during the Battle of Torfan, you slaughtered the Batarian Pirates and Slavers, even as they surrendered, but sacrificed ¾ of your Unit to get the job done." Ashley explains. "Not only that you…" She hesitates, "The Entire battle turned you into a Cyberpsycho, but that is impossible, I've heard it's next to impossible to recover from Cyberpsychosis."
"That's actually how everyone explains it, but the truth is much further from that…" He then notices Gianna Parasini nearby, subtly waving him over, "I'll explain the rest to you guys later, if we manage to survive till dinner." He then walks over to Parasini, who begins talking with him, and what he is told actually manages to lighten his mood, causing him to have a smile that looks a bit… Wicked… "Thanks for the tip… Sorry for taking up so much of your time…"
"Not at all, Commander…!" She says, smiling, "It's my job! Maybe we could share a drink later?"
"Just so you know, I prefer coffee." Shepard says, Parasini nodding as she gets back to work. He gestures for his squad to follow him, but not saying anything. Once the group is out of range, "We got something!"
"Oh?" Garrus asks, "This wouldn't happen to have us going to go grab a drink at the bar and drowning our woes?"
"Something like that, come on!" He leads the way to the hotels, where they find Turian sitting at the bar. "Lorik Qui'in?"
"Ah good, Parasini said you'd be heading my way. Sit down, all of you, this next drink is on me!"
"I like your style!" Garrus says, "Buttering us up with drinks before getting down to business."
"It's how I treat all my guests and partners get them to loosen up a little to make negotiations go a bit more favorably!" Lorik says, giving a Turian smile. "Now, how can I help you?"
"I need to get to Peak 15 to see what is going on up there. I heard Matriarch Benezia was here, and I need to see what she is up to." Shepard says, getting down to business, having ordered a mocha with cream and sweetener. HE notices Liara's tension and tries to choose his words carefully.
"Ah, her! Not often that we get an Asari Matriarch in these parts, especially one with a guard detail of Asari Commandos." Lorik says, "Her appearance really sent the younger males into a frenzy, can't blame them though. That body inside a Pinstriped Outfit she wore, which hugged her so tight it barely contained her assets, damn." He then looks at Liara, "And by the looks of you, you're not far behind."
"Please stop…" Liara quietly begs.
"My apologies, anyway, I can lend you my pass to get to Peak 15, but only if you help me with something."
"And what is that?" Shepard asks.
"I'm currently helping in an investigation into Corruption centered around Anoleis, who has been taking bribes, becoming quite wealthy since he's taken control of Rents. He caught wind of my involvement and turned the case on me to cover his tracks, and is ransacking my office to find the evidence. Unfortunately, he's also "hired" a number of Hanshan's Security Officers to act under his jurisdiction, chief amongst them being Sergeant Stirling." Lorik explains, "Captain Matsuo knows this but can't act on this without Anoleis blowing the whistle on her and getting her in deep shit with Arasaka. However, she is willing to lend a hand in this matter… She can get Arasaka's enforcers to aid you in bringin Stirling and her cronies to justice if you start a fight with them."
"So Arasaka's willing to help?"
"Why wouldn't they? You're already on good terms with Mamoru Arasaka himself, not to mention, word on the grapevine is that he's placed a heavy investment in your "hands"." Lorik says, to which Shepard gingerly touches his Neuroport, something that Garrus notices. "So Arasaka is not only able to help, but willing to make sure their Investment remains unspoiled."
"Alright then…" Shepard says, sighing. "So what happens when we bring you the evidence?"
"The Investigation goes through, I do my part before the board, and you get your pass to enter Peak 15. Plus, I'll even throw in some Credits and put in a good word to a Ripper's Office near here!"
"V, a moment?" Tali asks, pulling Shepard away.
"Hold that thought." Shepard says, stepping aside with Tali, "Is something wrong?"
"Well there is something that has been bothering me a bit lately, Shepard, and I need your advice…" Tali explains, wringing her wrists a bit, nervously. "I was thinking about buying something at a Ripperdoc's office, but I'm not sure if I'm able to actually purchase it myself. If we can get into the doc's office, could you help me see if I can get my hands on it?"
"Sure, what is it you're looking for?" Shepard asks.
"Oh thank you." Tali says, "I was looking to…"
On the Normandy…
Dar'Raan, who had recently fully recovered from his deadly experience, sits at a terminal that he has been given in engineering, smiling as he runs through things on his Omni-Tool, but then is stunned as he gets a message on it, to which he opens:
To you whom I saved,
I know you thought I was a dream, but know that I was genuine when I helped you before. I won't give you too many details, but my name is Miranda Lawson, I am, or was, a Member of the Organization known as Cerberus. Unfortunately, as your Commander will more than likely find out, Cerberus isn't what I signed up to join. However, right now that doesn't matter, just know that I will be feeding you information that I would like to ask you to pass on to your commander, and just let him know this: "Though Cerberus Guards the Gates of Acheron, Orthrus guards the Flocks that it's twin neglects and devours". If you ever need to contact me, I have a Neural Implant that allows me to communicate with people via a link in my head, so use this line to inform me if you need any help.
Keelah Se'lai
Miranda Lawson,
Founder of Orthrus
DAr looks at this message with a look of shock on his face, but finds the image of the woman attached, along with a symbol that appears to be shaped like an equilateral triangle with a line flowing down the center of it's top corner, then branching off in the middle of the shape an into the center of the other two corners. However, he now remembers the face of the woman who saved him and is actually quite giddy about the thought, and actually begins to consider calling, only to see there is a set time where she can actually get a call, and it appears it's about now.
Once he does, Miranda's image shows up on his tool, "Ah so you got my message?" Miranda asks.
"Uhm… Hello Miss Lawson, I never got a chance to thank you for helping me back on the Citadel!" Dar says.
"It's no trouble, in fact, I heard you got added to the Normandy's Crew!"
"I did, and it was thanks to Shepard actually following close behind you!" Dar says, smiling under his mask.
"That is good to hear!" Miranda says, smiling at him. "Now, Dar, I need you to know this now, but right now, Orthrus isn't in a good spot to rebel against Cerberus, many of it's member are currently working against Cerberus on the sly. So right now, we're still a part of Cerberus, but we haven't been able to find a way to break off from them just yet."
"So you need help to do that?" Dar asks.
"Yes, if you could provide some help we can ensure that Orthrus is actually able to do the job that Cerberus was supposed to do. Benefit Humanity and protect it from threats, and not just Humanity, but the Quarians as well!" Miranda says, "Do you think you can help us?"
"I'm still on my pilgrimage right now, but I'll do what I can if what you ask for isn't beyond my abilities!" Dar says.
"That's all I can ask for." Miranda says, breathing a sigh of relief. "I'll be sure to send you some money if you manage to pull off these jobs for me, Dar. So until then, consider me a Fixer you contact every time the Normandy goes Planetside."
"Well we're on Noveria right now, do you have anything for me to do?" Dar asks, eager and willing.
"Let me see… Ah yes! Detes are being sent your way!" Miranda says, "Thank you, Dar'Raan nar Rayya." The message cuts out and Dar reads the details on the attachment sent his way, and he is shocked to see what Miranda actually needs, but then tells him to meet with an Asari named Mallene Calis. Exiting onto Noveria, Dar leaves any weapons behind and makes his way to the clubs, where any humans who look at him give him either a sneer or a respectful nod, depending on how they see Quarians. Once he reaches the hotels and bars, he does his best to hide from Shepard, and actually notices the Asari and further reads the details of the message sent to him.
Mallene Calis:
A Spy for the Aramali City Council on Thessia, she has been sent to get information on the details of Asari Copyright Infringements on Binary Helix's Noveria Branch, specifically in that of Rafael Vargas, who works with Binary Helix. However, what few realizes is that Rafael is also working with Cerberus, acting as an agent that is steering Binary Helix's researchers into Biotics Research, and thus he provides Cerberus with malleable young minds for Cerberus's Biotics Research Programs as well as get his hands on Asari Commando Level Biotic Amplifiers. Orthrus has extended an Olive Branch to Aramali City to help them not only take care of their copyright problems, but in exchange, provide them with answers into why many of Aramali's Commandos have been disappearing recently. Your job is to follow as Mallene says and get the information that she needs.
Dar looks at this and knows what he is going to be doing is Illegal, but he takes a deep breath… He doesn't know what Cerberus is about, but if they are doing something even worse than what he is about to do, then it could be worth getting caught at this rate. Walking up to Mallene she looks at him, and speaks a password, "Who guards the Flock of the Galaxy…"
"We do, sister, with fang and claw…" Dar says, speaking the password that Miranda left for him in the message. Mallene nods and then explains what she needs him to do, in which Dar takes a breath and approaches Rafael. "Sir, would you happen to be Rafael Vargas?"
"Of course, I am… What do I owe the displeasure, Quarian?"
"Careful there, I'm working with Commander Shepard, Council Spectre… I understand you work with Binary Helix?"
"Commander Shepard, huh?" Rafael asks, now interested. "Alright, what can I do to help?"
"I'm actually trying to work on a gift for my Pilgrimage, and I'm actually hoping I can offer Binary Helix a deal." Dar says, looking at him, though he wrings his hands nervously.
"Nervous?"
"Of course I am, this is Corpo territory, so I'm trying to keep cool here…" Dar explains, "Besides, this could do so much for my people, especially the small number of biotics we have."
"Your people have biotics? I thought that was impossible, given the suits you have." Rafael asks, interested.
"Well it's rare, but some of the women who decide to stick with the Migrant Fleet do deal with Element Zero, and it's rare, but while pregnant, they can obtain biotics from their mothers en utero." Dar explains, "However, despite this, I heard that Binary Helix is doing genetic research modifications, which could prove useful for Quarian Mothers, especially increasing their chances of surviving birth, and their children surviving long enough to discover their gifts."
"I see, but in anycase, the boilerplate agreement…" Rafael says, interested, to which he goes through quickly.
"Seriously? I hear that MarsGene's Clotting Enhancement improves speed by 16%!" Dar says, tilting his head, confused.
"I see you've done your research, or you just have a keen ear!" Rafael says, impressed, "Actually that is their official claim, but we know they cherry-picked their samples to show the best results. We actually provide results based on strict mathematical averages!" Rafael puffs out his chest with a smile. He then begins to rub his neck, "I think I can get you those improvements for 30K Credits a head!"
'Bingo…' Dar thinks, remembering what he was told about the Neck Rubbing for his tell.
"If you go with a Bulk Order, I will throw in a Sensory Enhancement Package for free!" Rafael explains, explaining the package.
"That's pretty high… Are you sure that's the best price you can offer?"
"Absolutely! That's the Standard Rate!" Rafael says, getting annoyed. "Of course, if the government moves forward with this on an official level, there might be some additional discounts… Honestly, it surprises me that you and Commander Shepard are here for business…" He calms down after that, "There are many development projects, some of which aren't legal in the wider galaxy." He rubs his neck again.
'Okay… Let's push that angle a bit…' Dar thinks, seeing how nervous the guy is, 'Maybe some sympathy might help.'
"Whats wrong? Is Binary Helix doing something that isn't above-board?" Dar asks, empathy in his voice, and a desire to help in it. "If you need to talk about something, you won't hear anything leave my lips."
"Certainly not, our corporate reputation is sterling." Rafael says, getting irritated again. "I can assure you that everything Binary Helix does on Noveria is strictly on-the-level!" That is when a beep is heard, and then he places a hand where his ear is.
"Commander? Yes, sorry, I was just looking for a Pilgrimage Gift… I understand, I'll get back to the Normandy immediately!" Dar says, "Sorry, Mr. Vargas, but the Commander is calling me back to the ship, apparently Engineer Adams is looking for me!"
"I see… We'll continue this another time?"
"If I am allowed off the ship again, then yes!" Dar says, "Goodbye!" He then rushes off, and waiting outside the bar area, Dar delivers the goods to Mallene.
"Well done, perhaps Orthrus is looking out for the other races as they claim. Please take these credits and pass this on to the Alpha. Good Day…" She walks away with a smile and begins to leave and Dar, for his part, begins to high-tail it back to the Normandy as fast as he can. When he returns to the Normandy, there is a message for him.
Well done,
Now the Asari will not only get the evidence for the prosecution of Binary Helix and the confirmation of the deaths of those Commandos, but we will also shut down one of the Illusive Man's lackeys.
Talk to you soon,
M.
Dar looks at the message, and sighs as he feels like somebody just used his good will to take care of something they couldn't, but then notices that he suddenly got an increase to his funds, in which there is also something that is attached as well… It appears to be something interesting… And he closes his omni-tool and walks away, a smile under his visor.
Peak 15…
It is not a Good Day… After dealing with corrupt Security Guards, bringing a corrupt Corpo down, and getting access to the Garage, and Shepard and Co getting jumped by a group of Geth that were in hiding, all these factors have put Shepard in an extremely bad mood, but the worst part, at least for Vincent, is that he is a Native of Night City, California… He's adapted for the extreme heat of the desert, not the cold of "THE FUCKING TUNDRA AND MOUNTAINS!" Shepard shouts as he makes a tight turn and pulls up to Peak 15…
"Wow, Shepard, didn't know you could get so angry…"
"Sorry, after all the bullshit we've been put through today, I think I've got a right to be angry, plus, this place is deathly cold for me! I may be used to the cold of space and to the Desert Heat of California, but this is ridiculous!" Shepard says, snarling, trying to rein in his temper. "Sorry, I'm just in a really foul mood right now and I need to shoot something right now…" He scratches his head as he puts his helmet back on before exiting the Mako. Once they get inside the main station, Shepard feels the warmth and rips off his helmet with a smile once the doors close and he sighs in relief. "Thank god…" Everyone just sighs once Shepard begins to relax, however, as Shepard pulls out the Amarok, he begins to take things nice and easy. Despite the Geth Presence in this place, there is something off, and especially when an automated voice says something about Biohazards… "Oh Great…"
"Biohazards, so we're dealing with biological weapons…"
"So either diseases, fungi, or animals…"
"If I were Benezia and I was coming to a Bioweapons Lab… And I were working for Saren to find the Conduit… What kind of Bioweapon would I want to keep in this lab?" Shepard asks, thinking to himself.
"I would think an intelligent, sentient creature that at least has some idea about what the Conduit is and where to find it…" Garrus says, "But what creature would be intelligent enough to know that?"
"I can think of one…" Wrex says, "And you're not going to like the answer…" Everyone shuts up after that, quickly fighting their way through the Geth and terrifying creatures that look like some twisted hybrids of, what he can best describe to be, Crabs, Lobsters, and Spiders. Whatever these creatures are, Shepard begins to put the pieces together before they find a scientist driven mad to explain that these creatures were Rachni, and how they managed to be brought back. A Queen, eggs containing her brothers and sisters located all located on a ship in space, and the eggs brought back to Noveria in an attempt to create an army of bioweapons, only for it to horribly backfire. Once the majority of Rachni are cleared out, the group manages to fight their way towards the lab where the Queen is Located, along with someone Shepard and Liara were dreading fighting…
"You don't know the privilege of being a mother… There is Power in Creation…" Matriarch Benezia says, "To shape a life, and turn it either toward Happiness or Despair." She looks towards the giant Rachni Queen, "Her children were to be ours. Raised to hunt and slay Saren's Enemies." She glare at Shepard, but as the squad enters the room, Tali's HUD Picks up something off about Benezia, there is actually something mechanical inside of Benezia, and it's flowing throughout her entire body. "I won't be moved by Sympathy, no matter who you bring into this fight."
"Liara's your daughter, you should be willing to talk things out first when I brought her here, give you a chance to surrender peacefully!" Shepard says. "Besides, she's here because she wants to be, not because I asked her to."
"Indeed? What did you tell him about me, Liara?" Benezia asks.
"What could I say, Mother? That you're insane, explain how to kill you? Mother this isn't like you!" Liara says, "You're a peace-keeper, somebody everyone loved! You valued life and most of all, you and Father defied the status quo to have me because you two loved each other deeply, and whatever happened to her had nearly broken you."
"What happened to…?" Benezia asks, memories returning to her, "Aethyta… Please… Don't leave me…" Tears flow down her cheeks, sorrow in her face.
"Mother?" Liara asks, to which Benezia then snarls as she glares at her daughter and those with her, in which Tali had notice that the signal had weakened for that instant, only for the signal to grow stronger.
"Have you ever faced an Asari Commando Unit before?" Benezia says, her voice now much colder, and more venomous than before. "Few humans have…" That is when the doors open nearby and Shepard glares at her.
"I can't believe you would kill your own daughter…" Shepard says, glaring at her, his voice growing as cold as the ice and snow he heats so much, and becoming somewhat robotic in it's patterns.
"I realize now I should have been stricter with her, Butcher of Torfan…" Benezia says, utilizing her biotics to paralyze the team. However, that is when Shepard shouts and manages to break out as his hands spark with electricity, his Gorilla Arms sparking. "Oh? You have electrified knuckles."
"I may be a biotic and trained as one, but I rarely use them in an offensive or defensive fashion, instead I focus on countering biotics, and by creating a counter-charge to a biotic field cancels them out, that's simple enough when you have an outlet for the electricity." Shepard explains. In which the Commandos charge in with Geth Troopers, and Shepard smirks. "Clock Up!" His Sandevistan activates and as he takes out the first wave of Commandos and Troopers on his own, all the while dodging Benezia's Biotics. When he does this, it seems the team manages to break out with Liara's help and the group joins the helping out with the second and third waves. However, just as the last Trooper falls, Benezia launches a Singularity at Shepard, who decides to go against his own limitations on his biotices, and charges his right Gorilla Arm with his biotics and ramping up the electricity, and clashes his fist with the Singularity. Everyone, including Benezia are shocked to see Shepard's biotic and electrical aura taking the shape of a wolf's head around him, baring it's fangs, only to bite down on the singularity as Shepard clashes his fist with it. The Singularity shatters as Shepard is launched forward, unexpectedly and the fist hits Benezia in the stomach, sending her flying a few feet before she rolls along the floor and lands in front of the control panel.
"What the?" Shepard asks. "Holy Shit, Chooms! That was awesome! What was that?"
"Commander, I think you just performed a Vanguard technique known as a Charge!" Kaiden says, shocked.
"How?" Shepard asks, "My training said nothing about that!"
"I'm not sure Commander, maybe Doctor Chakwas should take a look at you later!" Kaiden says, raising his gun at Benezia as she stands up.
"Impressive, Butcher… But this isn't over! Saren is unstoppable, and my mind is filled with his light! Everything is clear to me!" Benezia says, with an almost religious zeal.
"The Rachni don't agree with you, then why should I, Choom?" Shepard asks, to which she turns to him in anger.
"I will not betray Saren! You will-" That is when she becomes paralyzed by something as her voice catches and she starts groaning loudly in pain as she begins to back away, holding her head. "You…!"
"Mother!" Liara says, to which Benezia holds out her hand, stopping Liara from getting any closer. Tali, all the while, is monitoring Benezia's readings and the mechanical readings suddenly disappear, almost as if it is shutting down.
"You… Must… Listen!" Benezia says, her voice changing from cold and venomous to something that Liara recognizes. "Saren, he still whispers in my mind, and while I can fight the compulsions he forces on me, but only briefly. The Indoctrination he induced on me is strong."
"Hold on a minute, Saren's not even here! How can he compel you to do anything?"
"People come to idolize Saren when they are around Saren, they come to idolize and worship him, willing to do whatever it is he wants them to." Benezia says, "However, the key to his charisma is Sovereign, his flagship, a dreadnought of incredible size and extraordinary power."
"I knew there was something off about that ship that left Eden Prime!" Shepard says, snarling, "That means Sovereign is not like other ships, where did Saren get it!?"
"I'm not sure, but it's clear the Geth did not build it. It's technology is far greater than any of the known species alive today." Benezia says, keeping her calm. However, the Longer you stay aboard it, the Saren's will seems correct. You then become more willing to sit at his feet and smile as his words pour into your mind. However, once you are fully indoctrinated, he gives you what appears to be a medical shot of a glowing blue and red liquid into your veins, this is what allows him to be able to enforce his will at a distance."
"That's what I saw inside your body!" Tali speaks up, "When we were fighting you, I saw that there are Nanomachines flowing through your body! You managed to overpower and shut them down briefly, but they are still there!"
"Then you know how Indoctrination works, to an extent…" Benezia says, "Sovereign's influence softens the mind against manipulation, it is subtle at first, but once your mental fortitude has been eaten away enough, he introduces the Nanomachines to maintain and amplify the signal, as well as modify your body if need be." Benezia explains, "I thought I would be strong enough to resist it, but I ended up becoming his willing tool… Eager to serve…"
"Then why did Saren send you here? If you lost control of the Rachni, what more do they have to offer you?"
"The Queen's Genetic memory was Saren's only chance of finding the Mu Relay, in which it's position was lost thousands of years ago when it's star went supernova and changed it's original position, and caused the Relay to go "cold". This Queen's ancestor discovered where it was and thus the genetic memory was passed on to her." Benezia looks down with regret, "The Indoctrination forced me to take the location from the Rachni Queen, without care and as violently as I needed to be."
"And why does Saren need the Relay? Does he believe it will lead him to the Conduit?" Shepard asks.
"Correct, but beyond that, I don't know. He never shared his council with me, and I was just his willing tool…"
"Then you still have a chance to make this right, Matriarch. May I please have the information."
"Of course. However, I already transmitted the coordinates to Saren just before you got here." She clenches her fist after she hands over the information, "I was not myself… I should have been stronger… You must find out what Saren is doing as soon as you can." Her face then goes pale and pained. "You have to stop… ME! I can't…! His teeth are at my ears and fingers on my spine! You need to-" She starts groaning in pain, however that is when electricity erupts all over Benezia's body, as Tali is rapidly typing on her omni-tool, and Benezia screams in agony before the electricity stops and the Matriarch falls to her knees.
"Nanomachines destroyed!" Tali explains.
"Mother!" Liara says, rushing to her, Benezia is breathing hard as she is kneeing on the ground. "Mother, are you okay?"
"The voices… They're still there but… It's fainter…" Benezia says, turning to Tali, who smiles under her visor. "How?"
"As I said, Nanomachines… They generally harden in response to physical trauma, and are immune to fluctuations in body heat, and modern Nanomachines utilize insulators to protect them from the body's natural Bio-Electrical Impulses." Tali explains, "However, they aren't immune to being hacked, and it seems these Nanomachines don't have any ICE built into them. So I was able to ICE-Pick them rather easily. Once that was done, I overloaded them, and now your body's natural defenses will flush them out over the next few days as you use the bathroom."
"I'm… Free…?" Benezia asks, shocked, but then begins to cry as she hugs Liara.
"I am and always have been proud of you, Liara!" Shepard smiles, but then walks over to the Rachni Queen, who moves closer to the glass, looking at Shepard.
"Amazing… I always dreamed of seeing the Rachni up close…!" Shepard says, smiling as he looks at it, only for everyone to hear footsteps and turn to see one of the Dying Asari Commandos stand and walk towards the tank. She then positions herself before the tank and looks at Shepard…
"This one… Serves as our Voice… We cannot sing here… Not in these Low Spaces… Your Musics are… Colorless…" The Asari says, but Shepard can hear something else in it, a whisper that has a hint of fear, but also a touch of sorrow and courage.
"Music…?" Shepard asks, "Do you communicate using different tones?"
"Yes… Your way of communication is flat… Colorless… As if it doesn't paint the air lest you put emotions into it to indicate how you feel… Yours especially…" The Asari points to Shepard… "Your voice was colorless, but then, when you spoke again in anger, I couldn't even hear your flat song anymore…"
"Must be my autism showing…" Shepard muses.
"When we speak, one moves all…" The voice says.
"Oh this is going to be a fun conversation…" Wrex says, irritated.
"We are the Mother… We sing for those who were left behind… Those you had thought long since Silenced…" The Rachni Queen speaks through the Asari. "We are Rachni."
"Okay…" Shepard says, dropping his guard for a bit as his studious side takes over. "So how are you controlling the Asari?"
"When we wish to speak to others, we sing, touching the thoughts of others, we gently pluck the strings, and the others understand… This one is weak and dying… She has colors we have no names for, but her music is bittersweet and beautiful…" The Rachni Queen says, turning to Shepard, "Your music has become colorless again, but I can hear faint traces of Metallic Tones, and a song of a desire for knowledge and understanding… It is a sweet and calming melody."
"Then what happened to the other Rachni here? Did you cause them to rebel?" Shepard asks.
"No… They were taken from us before they could learn to sing… They were lost and terrified, separated from our song for too long, and thus lashed out with hymns of conflict and fear to protect themselves." The Rachni Queen explains, "You showed them the Mercy of the Great Silence, and I thank you, they were away from us too long, and could not be calmed even if they heard us sing."
"Then your race works on a hive mind? Like bees?" Shepard asks.
"After a changing of the notes, yes… Our Children would act as one mind, but they would have their own individuality… They would sing in harmony together, but would have their own variations to the notes, melodies, and rhythms… Daughters who become Queens and Sons who would be their mates would have the strongest and most beautiful of songs, and once their song is loud enough to match our own, they would find their own nest and sing their own songs…" The Rachni Queen explains, "Those old enough to remember our song are comfortable with silence, and can sing to comfort themselves… Those too young to learn how to sing are terrified with the Silence, and thus it shatters their minds."
"If I may ask, do you know why your ancestors attacked the Galaxy?"
"We are not old enough to remember, but we do know that we were not always as what you describe… Aggressive though we are, we wish to sing songs of peace before singing boleros of war… However, what my memory thus far tells me is what our mother directly gave to us as an egg… There were entities who presented themselves as Peace Makers who presented gifts to our ancestors… These gifts gave off Yellow Sour Notes, force our ancestors to dream of Oily Black Nocturnes, and coerce their minds with Violent Red Boleros, causing our ancestors to become far more aggressive and violent than what should have been… I think the Lyric the Elderly Azure Mother sang of them was "Reapers"... For it is the only Lyric she spoke of that reminds me of these three Lyrics."
"So then Saren wasn't the only agent of the Reapers…!" Garrus says, "They had already done this once before with your Ancestors! They caused the Rachni Wars and all that was done to the Galaxy, and thus forced the Salarians to uplift the Krogans…"
"And Force the Genophage on us once we got too big for our armor." Wrex says, now outraged. "Okay then, if you don't get the kill shot in on Saren, Shepard, I want it!"
"Done deal, choom!" Shepard says, clenching his fist, but calms down. "And what about you, your grace? What do you intend to do?"
"You have two choices before you… You can either return us to the Great Silence, which would ensure our songs are lost forever, but would deny the Reapers our Children, though I suspect they may have a way around this… Or you could sing of mercy, freeing us so that we may find an isolated planet to rebuild, where we would sing of your Mercy, and thus, if the Reapers return, the Rachni stand with the Galaxy, seeking justice for what was done to our ancestors, and to atone for all the crimes they had committed whilst the Yellow Sour Note controlled them… We are fine with either of your choices…"
"Before Shepard makes his decision, there is one thing I want to know…" Wrex says, walking forward. "When and to whom you were born? My Father's Father claimed to have killed the Last Rachni Queen, passing Judgment on her with the aid of the Council in 300CE when he just completed his Rite of Passage…"
"We do not know if our mother was the Rachni Queen, but if she was, her name would have been "The Mother-Who-Sings-Of-The-Damned"..." The Rachni Queen explains. Wrex nods, and looks to Shepard.
"Normally I would ask that you kill her Shepard, as millions of my ancestors died to put them down, but the Last Rachni Queen submitted herself for execution, and my Father's Father made me promise to spare her on his deathbed, proclaiming that Children are innocent of the Crimes of their Parents, lest they repeat them themselves…"
"I was thinking the same thing, Wrex…" Shepard looks at the Queen, "If I let you go, will you swear to me and the Council that you will find a remote and isolated world in which you will remain in hiding?"
"We swear in the names of Our Mother and to those long dead, both of our own and of the victims whom our ancestors had claimed, that on our honor… Until the Yellow Sour Note known as the Reapers return once more, the Galaxy no longer has need to fear us, for we shall sing in silence and isolation. When the Galaxy has need of us, we shall return to atone for the crimes of our ancestors, and show this Galaxy that the Rachni can be protectors of it, just like the Great Slayers known as the Krogan." Shepard nods as he records this and sets the Queen free, but before she goes, her asari voice looks to Shepard.
"I am the Mother-Who-Harmonizes-with-Redemption… I hope to see you again someday, Song-Of-Freedom-and-Redemption…" She then leaves with her version of a smile. Shepard smirks as he turns to the group.
"Let's get back to the ship…" Shepard says, sighing… "We need to get back to the Citadel…" Once the group make their way out, they activate a Neutron Purge to cleanse all the remaining Mindless Rachni and give them a merciful death, every civilian is brought back to Hashan Station, and once Shepard gets onto the Normandy… He sighs as he has to radio the Council and send not only his report, but also the video evidence from his hard suit recorders…
The Normandy
"Is this report and recording correct Commander? You found Rachni on Noveria?"
"Yes we did, turns out the Last Rachni Queen, who willing submitted to the Council's Judgement and her own execution actually sent her last daughter, an innocent, off into Space in Cryogenic Stasis. She was found and revived by Binary Helix who tried to use them as soldiers." Shepard explains.
"And Released the Queen!" Councilor Sparatus shouts angrily, "Do you have any idea what you've done, or how long it will take them to overrun the Galaxy?"
"Councilor, as you saw on those recordings, the Queen swore that she would go into isolation in order to prepare for the Reaper's arrival, plus she is living proof that the Reapers exist. Once she is able to fully connect to her genetic memory, she will explain how the Reapers took control of her race and forced them to attack the Galaxy, starting the Rachni Wars." Shepard explains. "Besides, she understands why they had to be wiped out last time around, and has chosen to go into exile as a chance to redeem herself, for if I fail, and the reapers return, she has declared her allegiance to the Galaxy."
"I hope you're right Shepard…" Sparatus says, "Otherwise our Children's Children will pay the price if you're wrong."
"You also said you managed to "save" Matriarch Benezia from Saren's Control…" Councilor Valern says, "And her confession about Saren's Ship, Sovereign, is a bit troubling, if the Reapers do exist, then the technology of this ship might be an example of how they defeated the Protheans last time around!"
"If it is indeed a Reaper Ship…" Sparatus says, annoyed.
"We should keep our mind's open to the possibilities, however, it is indeed a relief to know that Matriarch Benezia was being controlled both by an unknown means of weakening her mind and the use of Nanomachines to keep her obedient. Thessia will be notified of what happened, and we shall extend our thanks to Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya for saving one of our more influential Matriarchs. Until then, she is in your custody, Shepard!"
"She should be brought to the Citadel for Questioning!" Sparatus says.
"Sparatus, Relax… Lady Benezia has been through something extremely traumatic for an Asari, trying to get information out of her now might end up making things worse. However, Sparatus has a point, once Lady Benezia has recovered enough, please bring her to the Citadel."
"I'm actually on my way back now, if the Council agrees with it, I can have one of their own personal doctors check the Matriarch's condition, to see when would the best possible time for questioning."
"I would agree to that…" Matriarch Benezia says, walking over. "If this is indeed the will of the Council, they I shall submit."
"It is good to see you again, Matriarch Benezia…" Tevos says, looking to Shepard, and the Council votes in favor of this. "Lady Benezia, until you are well enough to be interrogated and stand trial, it is the will of the council that you are to remain in Commander Shepard's custody. Once your mental health has been determined to be well enough, you will return to the Citadel as soon as possible to stand trial and explain yourself to the Galaxy. Is that clear?"
"Transparently, and thank you for giving me this chance to redeem myself."
"Then I believe this meeting is over. We will be waiting your next report, Commander." The Connection then cuts, in which Shepard breathes a sigh of relief.
"Thank you for that, Matriarch."
"You saved my life, it's only right I help you deal with the council on a few issues." Benezia says, only to smirk, "You know, if you didn't already have feelings for that Gunnery Chief and that Quarian of yours, I'd probably ask you to marry my daughter." Shepard was taking a drink of water when she says that, only for V to spit it out in a fine spray, his face turning red.
"WH-WHAT!?" Shepard says, shocked.
"I'm only joking… Though it would be nice to have you as a Son-in-law!" She says, smiling, "Also, don't leave Ms. Williams and Ms. Zorah hanging on the matter, they need to know sooner rather than later."
"Is it that obvious?" Shepard asks.
"It actually is, and trust me, when you live as long as I have, you come to know when boys show interest. I mean when-"
"I get it!" Shepard says, turning redder and activates his Sandevistan to get away, causing Benezia to chuckle.
"Such a poor innocent boy, despite all the blood on his hands." Benezia says, walking off. Shepard finds himself in the Mess Hall, and sees the group sitting around a table, talking… To this he sits down and looks at the group.
"So… Where were we in the Story about the Butcher of Torfan?" Shepard asks…
To be Continued…