Chapter 4: It's A Good Plan
Shepard lay in her bed tossing and turning. She fought with the sheets that insisted on wrapping themselves around her in the most uncomfortable way possible. Her heart was telling her to go find Garrus, to drag his drunken ass back to her bed; the rest would work itself out later. Maybe that was her body talking. Her head told them both to shut up, that it was a stupid idea to try to fix things with him in any shape while he was intoxicated.
She tried to distract herself by prying at the walls that Jane was still so stubbornly holding in place. She wasn't getting anywhere with it besides giving herself another headache. Shepard sighed and flopped over onto her stomach. Shepard growled her frustration out at the room and rolled back over; grabbing a pillow she flung it across the room.
"Commander Shepard, do you require assistance?" EDI's voice asked.
"I envy you, EDI," Shepard said.
"Why is that, Shepard?" EDI asked.
"Because, you don't need to sleep or worry about bad dreams. You don't need to struggle to keep your eyes open after a long, sleepless night leaves you exhausted," Shepard said.
"Dr. Chakwas has medications that can help you sleep, Shepard," EDI said.
Shepard groaned and rubbed her face. "Yeah, but they'll leave me groggy the next day. And it makes it harder to wake up if there is an emergency."
"I see. My databases suggest that there are herbal supplements that can be ingested that help to induce sleep without undesired side effects. I can put in a requisition for you if you like," EDI said.
"Sure, EDI. Why not?" Shepard said.
"Very well, Shepard. Your order has been placed," EDI said.
"Thanks, EDI," said Shepard.
"Is there anything else that I can do for you, Shepard?" EDI asked.
"No. I think I'll just get up and wander the ship for a while. That usually helps," Shepard said.
"Logging you out, Shepard," said EDI.
Shepard got out of bed and retrieved the pillow she threw before rummaging around in her footlocker. She grabbed a plain black tank top, one of the few things she had that didn't have a Cerberus logo on it and a pair of pajama bottoms. She pulled the clothes on before wrapping a robe around herself and leaving the cabin with bare feet. She called for the elevator and leaned against the wall until the doors opened.
She took the elevator down to the CIC and glanced around at the skeleton crew. They were all Cerberus. Men and women she didn't know anything about. She had tried talking to a couple of them before, but none of them seemed interested in idle chit chat with Cerberus' walking Lazarus Project. They were just here to do their jobs. Shepard made her way towards the cockpit and was surprised to see Joker still sitting in the pilot's chair. She started to sit down in the co-pilot's seat next to him when she realized he was asleep. She smiled and took her robe off, draping it over him like a blanket and turned back towards the CIC.
She called the elevator again and took it down another level. Rounding the corner, she spotted Grundan Krul sitting at one of the tables in the mess hall. Shepard wasn't expecting to find anyone up still. She paused and debated turning back the other way but decided it was as good a time as any to get to know the batarian. She grabbed a mug from the kitchen area and carried it back to the table before pointing at the pot of coffee the Grundan Krul had sitting in front of him.
"Care if I steal some of that?" Shepard asked.
The batarian nodded to her and she poured herself a cup. Shepard held the steaming liquid to her mouth to blow across the top of the mug.
"Shepard, my databases indicate that consuming caffeinated beverages is counterproductive to sleep," EDI said.
Shepard chuckled. "Yeah… I know. Thanks, EDI."
EDI stayed quiet, no doubt trying to understand human logic.
"That will take some time getting used to," Grundan Krul said.
Shepard slid into the bench across from Grundan Krul. "I'm willing to bet you're not the only one. So, are you usually up so late?"
"Still used to late guard duty. Don't worry though, I'll adjust in a day or two and I'm ready to go out whenever you need me," Grundan Krul said.
Shepard nodded her head and took a sip from her cup. Grundan Krul knew how to make good coffee at least.
"With coffee like this, I might just keep you on the ship and make that your permanent duty," Shepard said.
The batarian chuckled. So, not much for conversation, she thought.
"He's not supposed to be here. He's supposed to be dead. Why is he alive while Ashley and Liara are dead?" Jane asked.
"It's not his fault they died, Jane," Shepard thought.
"No, it's yours," Jane said.
Shepard winced but didn't respond. She thought it was her fault too, and it wasn't something that she would ever forgive herself for. Ever. Liara's tear streaked face floated up in Shepard's memories and she had to push the image away before it brought tears to her own eyes.
"I didn't think to ask, where'd you decide to settle in at?" Shepard asked.
Grundan Krul shrugged. "I thought it was best if I stayed out of everyone's way. Didn't want to take up the extra space. I've mostly stayed in the main battery with Archangel."
"I wouldn't worry about taking up extra space in a ship this size. Have you looked around the ship at all?" Shepard asked.
"I've seen the uneasy looks people give me. I can't say that I blame them. I know batarians aren't well liked or well understood," Grundan Krul said shaking his head slightly.
Shepard sat her cup down and put her elbows on the table, clasping her hands in front of her face she touched them to her lips.
"I was a kid when batarian slavers raided Mindoir," Shepard said softly. "Watched them brutally kill my family, kidnap by friends… it was rough. I'm not going to lie and say that it doesn't still haunt my dreams from time to time. Hell, I won't even tell you that batarians don't still make me a little nervous."
"Don't… why would you tell him that?" Jane asked.
Shepard put her hands flat on the table, gauging the lack of expression on Grundan Krul's face.
With conviction, she continued, "But I'm smart enough to know that the actions of a few assholes don't define an entire race. I plan to give you the chance to prove yourself, and I'll damn well make sure no one questions that."
Grundan Krul's four black eyes moved back and forth watching Shepard. She returned his gaze, focusing on the lower, larger eyes. Grundan Krul took a drink from his mug before speaking.
"I appreciate the opportunity," Grundan Krul said.
Shepard lifted her cup to her mouth. "Sure. I figure if Garrus had you on his team, you have to be worth something."
Grundan Krul chuckled. They sat in silence for a few more minutes while Shepard finished her coffee. She didn't really know what else to say to the batarian and he didn't seem to be in the mood to tell her his life story so she left him to his silence. She washed her cup out at the sink and glanced towards the cryogenic sleep pods. She wondered if Garrus was in one of them or if he had passed out in the main battery room. She wasn't going to let herself go look.
Instead, Shepard headed back up to her cabin and stripped her clothes off once more. She turned off the lights and used the glow from the fish tank to find her way to her bed. Her thoughts sobered by the uncomfortable conversation with Grundan Krul, Shepard found it easier to fall asleep.
She dreamt of the horrors of Mindoir.
The next morning Shepard woke early, even after having such a hard time falling asleep the night before. She showered and made her way to the mess hall where Mess Sergeant Gardner dished her up something that looked like oatmeal… sort of. Shepard raised an eyebrow. She hadn't considered breakfast foods when she ordered food from the markets on the Citadel. Shepard sighed before setting the mug of coffee on the tray next to the bowl of maybe-oatmeal and fresh fruit. She carried it over to the table that no one else was sitting at and slid into the bench.
Shepard looked up when a sleeping pod opened and Garrus stepped out. He saw her when he was half way down the hall and hesitated before heading past her and back beyond the elevator. He didn't look quite so angry today, at least not yet. A few minutes later he passed by her again and disappeared into the main battery. Shepard let out a sigh and turned her attention back to her pseudo-food. She really missed her diet of dry rations and protein bars.
Shepard gave up on the oatmeal – yeah, it was oatmeal, and finished off the bowl of mixed fruits. She drained her cup of coffee and was just about to get up to clear her tray when she heard someone clear their throat. Shepard looked up to see Kasumi materialize before her eyes as she dropped her tactical cloak.
"Good morning, Kasumi," Shepard said.
"Are you going to finish that?" Kasumi asked.
Shepard glanced down at the bowl of half-eaten oatmeal and raised her eyebrow. "Seriously? It's all yours."
Kasumi slid into the seat across from Shepard and lifted the bowl from her tray. Shepard watched in fascination as the tiny woman dug into the oatmeal with gusto, not even bothering to get a new spoon.
Kasumi used the spoon to point to the bowl. "This is really good. It's just like my grandma used to make it."
"Really?" Shepard asked.
"Oh yes. I gave Gardner the recipe last night. He's really quite fascinating, have you talked to him much?" Kasumi asked.
"Just enough to learn that he's responsible for cleaning the toilets and making the food," Shepard said.
Kasumi giggled. "Don't be dramatic, Shepard. We all get our hands dirty from time to time. That's what soap is for."
"Fair enough, so what did you learn about Gardner?" Shepard asked.
Kasumi seemed to think about the question before answering, "Mostly that he comes up with the most unique swear words I've ever heard. But also that he had a family. I don't think he likes the idea of Grundan Krul being aboard the Normandy."
"Ah. I'll uh, I'll make a point to talk to him soon. Thanks, Kasumi," Shepard said.
"Sure. So, I saw you and the drunk turian stumble in late last night. Something there, Shepard?" Kasumi asked.
Shepard winced.
"The turian wasn't that drunk," Garrus said walking up to their table with a tray.
"Ha! You were definitely drunk," Kasumi said.
Shepard schooled the smile that was threatening to break free. Garrus ignored Kasumi's retort and looked at Shepard.
"Is it alright if I sit with you?" Garrus asked.
Shepard's jaw dropped. "Yeah. Of course."
Garrus sat down across from Shepard a couple of feet from Kasumi. Kasumi sat the empty bowl back on Shepard's tray, looking back and forth between Shepard and Garrus with a grin.
"I'll be going now!" she said activating her cloak.
A few seconds later Garrus looked at the seemingly empty spot.
"I thought you said you were going away?" Garrus asked.
Shepard heard Kasumi sigh, "Is no one on this ship any fun?"
"Goodbye, Kasumi," Shepard said.
"See you later, Shepard!" Kasumi said.
Once they were both certain Kasumi had actually left, Garrus slowly started to eat. Shepard watched him curiously waiting to see if he was going to talk. She wondered if he was going to say anything about his behavior the night before. She would follow his lead, she was just glad he seemed to be making the effort to not dodge her and look at her like he wanted to spit in her face every time he saw her.
"So, hmmm. Where are we headed?" Garrus asked.
"Turian prison ship called Purgatory," Shepard said picking at the Cerberus logo on her mug.
Garrus stopped with his fork halfway to his mouth and asked, "You're serious?"
"Yeah, the Illusive Man worked out a deal for the release of an inmate into our custody," Shepard said raising an eyebrow in question.
Garrus put his fork down on his plate. "Shepard, that place is full of some of the worst criminals in the galaxy."
Shepard's lip twitched at his chastising tone. She opened her omni-tool and accessed the program Anderson gave her; as soon as it was activated it started beeping. Shepard frowned.
"What's that?" Garrus asked.
Shepard bent her arm so he could see her omni-tool screen. His eyes glanced over the screen and his mandibles snapped closed. She closed the program so it wouldn't beep incessantly and draw attention.
"I know, but the prisoner we're picking up is supposed to be the most powerful human biotic alive. Can't pass up someone like that," Shepard said, Jane's memories of Jack flitting across her consciousness.
"What makes you think we can trust a convict? This person has to be there for a reason," Garrus said.
"Undoubtedly Jack is there for a very good reason. Even still, we need the help," Shepard said.
She knew what Garrus was really asking her; he was asking if this was something she already knew about thanks to Jane. Shepard nodded her head slightly, just enough for the turian to pick up.
"We're not far. I figured I'd take Grundan Krul with me; see what he's like on a mission. Maybe Mordin as well," Shepard said.
"Shepard, maybe I should go with you on this one. You know, since you'll be dealing with turian politics," Garrus said.
Shepard narrowed her eyes. She knew Purgatory was privately owned and operated. She was willing to bet Garrus did, too.
"I doubt there will be any issue with turian politics, Garrus. Besides, after last night, I figured you'd want the day off," Shepard said.
Garrus mandibles fluttered lightly, "Still, if you're taking Grundan Krul with you, it might be best. I don't know yet if he'll adjust to following someone else' command."
Shepard drew her thumb across her jawline and chewed on her lip in thought. She was missing something here. Something he couldn't tell her right now. She scraped her teeth across her lower lip one last time making a sucking sound before she nodded her head.
"Alright, Garrus. If you're sure you're up for it," Shepard said.
"I'm always… hmmm. Yeah, I'm fine," Garrus said.
Shepard smirked at the awkwardness of his almost word choice. Garrus started eating again and Shepard continued to watch him. She let herself take in the features of his face, a face that she wished so desperately she could reach out and touch again. Before she realized what she was doing, she was lost in memories of what it felt like to have her naked body pressed against his. Her body yearned to feel his teeth nip at her skin and his talons dig into her flesh. She remembered the feel of his arms around her the night before, and the excitement she felt when he breathed in her scent. The memory of the hunger in his eyes pulled at her core.
Garrus took a hesitant, shallow sniff of the air around him. His fork paused again halfway to his mouth. Slowly he lowered it back down to his plate and kept his eyes downcast.
"Ah, Shepard?" Garrus said.
Shepard's response came low and throaty, "Hmm?"
"You're ah… You're staring," Garrus said.
Realization hit Shepard like a ton of bricks; knocking her back into the present and the reality of their situation. Her eyes opened wide and her face turned red.
"Oh! Gods! Sorry, I uh… I should go," Shepard stood up and gathered her tray before quickly retreating from the table.
"He doesn't want us anymore," Jane said sorrowfully. "We needed him. Always need him. We can't do any of this without him. What if he leaves us? Oh gods, he's going to leave us, isn't he? He's going to make us finish this fight without him. What have you done?"
She rushed to the elevator, feeling Garrus' eyes on her until she disappeared from sight. Her heart the stage of an emotional battle she was not prepared to fight so early in the morning. She rammed her thumb against the elevator call button five or six times.
"So stupid," Shepard muttered to herself as the sting of rejection and Jane's words dug into her mind.
"Commander Shepard, the elevator only requires the call button to be pushed once," EDI said.
"I know, EDI," Shepard said through grit teeth.
"It seems that many members of the crew are not aware," EDI said.
Shepard thought that she might have detected the faintest hint of sarcasm in that. It drew her out of her moment of self-pity and despair. She looked up at the blue hologram.
"You've been working on inflection, I see," Shepard said with a pained smile.
The lights on EDI's hologram moved back and forth more rapidly, "I have. Having a crew to speak with makes it easier to adjust my mannerisms."
"And, of course, you spend more time talking to Joker than anyone else," Shepard said.
"Flight Lieutenant Moreau is proving to be quite the challenge. He used the mute button on me six times already this morning," EDI said.
Shepard chuckled as the elevator opened and stepped inside. She hit the button for her cabin and leaned against the back wall. She took a deep breath in through her nose and tried to let all the hurt go with the exhale.
"Do you want me to talk to him, EDI?" Shepard asked.
"No thank you, Shepard. It is important that I learn how to interact with the crew in order to best serve on this ship," EDI said.
"Alright, EDI. If he gives you too much trouble, let me know and I'll go yell at him for you," Shepard said.
"That would be an interesting example of human behavior. I am sure I could learn a significant amount from observing such a display," EDI said.
Shepard's laugh echoed in the elevator. "Anytime, EDI."
The doors opened and Shepard crossed into her cabin. She sat down at her desk and opened her laptop.
"Hey, EDI, can you let me know when we're a half hour from Purgatory?" Shepard asked.
"I am perfectly capable of doing so," EDI said.
"Uh huh, will you do that then, please?" Shepard asked.
"As you wish, Shepard," EDI said before closing her interface in Shepard's cabin.
Shepard chuckled again before clicking on her inbox. She saw she had another message from Tali along with other messages from various sources. Shepard opened the message from Tali first.
Shepard: Actually, maybe there is something you can help me with. If you have time. I could use escort to the area around a planet called Elohi in the Micha system of the Vallhallan Threshold. I need to record some data about the approaching asteroid and I am having trouble securing transport. The area is thought to be heavily patrolled by pirates. No one else is willing to take me.
Shepard snorted before hitting reply.
Tali: I'm not sure if I should be flattered or offended that you thought of me when no one else was willing to take you into pirate territory. Tell me where to pick you up and I'll head there after I grab this new recruit.
Shepard spent twenty minutes sifting through her inbox while Jane showed her memories of Purgatory. She had seen bits and pieces of them it before. Since waking up with Jane so fully present, Shepard had access to all of Jane's memories – to all of their memories – so long as Jane wasn't fighting her. It was like remembering anything else though, she had to have a reason to go looking for the memory or have something trigger it in her mind for her to know it was there. As soon as she read Jack's dossier, the memories had started floating forward.
There were a lot of messages from Cerberus telling her about the different weapons and armors they had available for her use. A couple from the Illusive Man asking her to check into some things for him. Talitha's name caught her eye. Shepard clicked on the message. She read over the message three times, taking in the details of what the woman was saying.
Shepard leaned back in her chair and whispered, "Son-of-a-bitch."
If she understood what Talitha was saying, then there was a Cerberus doctor working with the woman. That wasn't good. That couldn't be good.
"EDI?" Shepard said.
The blue hologram came to life, "Yes, Shepard?"
"Can you track the origin of this message for me, please?" Shepard asked.
"Right away, Shepard," said EDI. "The message originated from a facility on the planet Gellix in the Arrae system of the Minos Wasteland."
"Gellix. Gellix. Gellix. I know that name. Jane, what's on Gellix?" Shepard thought as an image of Jacob briefly filled her mind.
Jane remained stubbornly silent, fighting off Shepard's attempts to access her memories. Shepard sighed.
"EDI, what kind of facility? Is it a school or what?" Shepard asked.
"I have a block that prevents me from answering that question," EDI said.
"Damn it," Shepard whispered. "OK, thanks EDI."
"Jane, come on, Talitha is in trouble. Is that a Cerberus facility? What happens to her?" Shepard demanded silently.
"You don't know that she's in trouble. This is the last we ever remember hearing anything about her. Just leave her alone, Dawn. You're causing enough problems for everyone else. Leave the poor woman alone," Jane said.
"Gods damn it, Jane. Quit being such a stubborn bitch and help me! Talitha could be in serious trouble and she wouldn't even know it! You're willing to just let her become a Cerberus tool because you can't get over the fact that you were hurt? Are you fucking kidding me?" Shepard growled inside her head.
"It's not that simple. Everything you do, it changes something. Not just something for us, this isn't just about saving us anymore, Dawn. You're changing shit in the whole fucking galaxy! People are dying who weren't supposed to die. People aren't where they're supposed to be; Veetor wasn't on Freedom's Progress. And what about Mordin's assistant Daniel? Where was Daniel? Events have shifted – important events – that led us to where we needed to be to save the galaxy. We wanted you to fix things but you're only making them worse. Now we aren't even sure you'll ever find the plans for the Crucible, might never find the one thing – the one thing! – that can stop the reapers!" Jane said.
"I will fix this, Jane. You have to trust me. I will find a way to fix this. Just please, tell me what's on Gellix!" Shepard pleaded.
"No, it's not important right now. Only later," Jane said.
"Fuck!" Shepard roared aloud, slamming her palm against the edge of her desk in frustration.
"Commander Shepard, defacing Cerberus property is against Cerberus policy," EDI said.
Shepard groaned and shook her hand in pain before hiding her face in her hands.
"Yeah," Shepard said.
"We are now thirty galactic standard minutes away from Purgatory," EDI said.
"Alright, notify Garrus and Grundan Krul. Tell them to meet me at the airlock when we dock," Shepard said.
"Right away, Shepard," said EDI.
Shepard strapped on her armor and checked her guns before heading down to the CIC. They were still a few minutes out but Garrus and Grundan Krul were already leaning against the wall next to the galaxy map. Kelly was standing in front of them with her back to the rest of the room when Shepard rounded the corner.
"I would love to hear more about your work on Omega sometime," Kelly said.
The flirtatious, honey-sweet tone of her voice wasn't lost on Shepard's ears. She glanced over to see Grundan Krul watching the woman silently. Shepard didn't think she had seen any sign of any expression on that man's face since she met him. Batarians weren't the most expressive people but he was a master at it. She'd hate to play poker with him. Garrus grinned and crossed his arms in front of him.
"Well, I'm sure we could arrange a sit down sometime," Garrus said.
The low flanging of his voice in response to Kelly was just a little too much for Shepard to deal with in that moment. Shepard crossed the few feet between the small group and herself before drawing her pistol. Garrus raised a brow ridge at Shepard; he looked almost amused. Shepard didn't try to hide the glare plastered to her face. She wasn't going to try to stand in his way if he wanted to take Kelly to bed but damn it she was not going to stand there and watch the fucking courtship. She made a show of checking the thermal clip before holstering the weapon.
"Maybe he'll stay for her. At least he'd still be here," Jane said.
"You two ready?" Shepard asked.
"Sure," Garrus drawled.
Grundan Krul nodded at Shepard and turned to follow her as she headed towards the airlock. Garrus lagged behind to tell Kelly goodbye. Shepard felt the Normandy line up with Purgatory and the bridge connect the ships. She waited impatiently at the airlock until it opened. They crossed over onto Purgatory and waited for Purgatory's doors to seal behind them.
Shepard opened her omni-tool, glancing down the way towards the turian guard wearing standard Blue Suns armor waiting for them. Shepard tapped a few buttons on her omni-tool before running a hand in front of Garrus. Grundan Krul watched her passively as she did the same to him and then to herself. When nothing beeped, she closed the app.
"Want to tell me why you wanted in on this one so bad?" Shepard asked Garrus.
"Not particularly," Garrus responded.
Shepard frowned and crossed her arms before asking, "Will it interfere with the mission?"
"Not unless you plan on freeing all of the prisoners," Garrus said with a scoff.
Shepard pursed her lips. Garrus opened his omni-tool and tapped a few buttons. Shepard heard a soft humming sound coming from his omni-tool.
"Seriously, Shepard?" Garrus asked.
Shepard glanced over at the guard who suddenly looked extremely agitated.
"What's that?" Shepard asked.
"Noise cancellation. He can't hear us now. It's actually incredibly uncomfortable to listen to so let's make this quick," Garrus said.
"There could be… complications. I have a plan to try to circumvent them but… better tell me what we're dealing with, Garrus," Shepard said.
"Complications. Right, of course. I forgot for five seconds who I was dealing with," Garrus said. "Spirits. Nothing is ever easy with you."
"No fun in that. Now spill," Shepard said.
"There are a few individuals currently imprisoned here that would be particularly unhappy to see my face," Garrus said.
Shepard bit the corner of her lip before asking, "A few?"
Garrus sighed and glanced over at Grundan Krul. The batarian stepped a little closer.
"Twenty-three," Grundan Krul said.
"Well fuck. Damn it, why the hell did you ask to come with me?" Shepard asked.
She glanced up to see the guard had grown tired of waiting and was now walking towards them.
Garrus shifted his weight and glared at Shepard before closing the app on his omni-tool. The humming stopped.
"It doesn't matter. We're here now, let's get this Jack and get out of here," Garrus said as he turned to face the guard.
Shepard started walking towards the guard and he stopped his approach, waiting for them to close the distance. The door behind the guard opened and a turian – Warden Kuril, according to Jane – walked out to stand at the top of the stairs behind the guard. When the guard insisted that they hand over their weapons, Shepard glanced over to see what Grundan Krul would do. She was pleased to see that the batarian was looking to her, waiting to follow her lead. She didn't expect him to be stupid enough to just offer up his weapon when the guard said so, but she was afraid she'd find him looking to Garrus for the answers.
"Rule number one: We do not relinquish our weapons. Period," Shepard said with her eyes on Grundan Krul.
The batarian nodded at Shepard and turned his eyes forward to watch the two turians and the batarian at the top of the stairs. She caught the hint of a grin from Garrus as she turned her head back to watch the warden with a raised brow. The warden stared her down, expecting her to change her mind but that wasn't happening.
"Three armed guests are inconsequential. Jack is being taken out of cryo now. I'll show you to out-processing," Kuril said.
The guards stepped out of the way and Shepard climbed to the top of the stairs. The warden led them through a door and into a hall where Shepard could see cryo pods being shuffled around through a window. The warden talked about the security of the facility as he walked. Two men and the floor below were forcefully separated from a fight by stasis generators. Shepard wondered if it was meant to intimidate her with the information. She had seen the memories; she knew the warden was leading Shepard into a trap. He had hopes of capturing and selling her like he sold his prisoners. That wasn't going to happen. That would never happen.
Shepard urged the warden along. She had a plan that would hopefully avoid releasing every damn prisoner on this ship, but she wanted to get as far into the ship as she could before she put it into action. When the warden led them through another door Shepard drew her pistol. The second it left her holster, Garrus and Grundan Krul drew theirs. Shepard raised her gun to point at the back of the warden's head. He was still talking, telling her where out-processing was located when he turned around and saw her gun inches from his face.
The warden started to reach for his rifle but Shepard shook her head and he hesitated. Slowly he lifted his empty hands up into the air. There were two guards in the immediate area but they hadn't looked over yet. She only had a few seconds to make this work.
"Garrus, disarm him," Shepard said. "Here's how this is going to work, Warden. You're going to tell your men to stand down. You're going to take me to Jack. You're going to release Jack and then you're going to let us back off of this ship without any problems. Are we clear?"
Garrus took the warden's weapons and handed them to Grundan Krul. The batarian secured them to the empty slots on his armor while Garrus brought his rifle back up to bear on the warden.
"This is your plan?" Garrus hissed.
Shepard grinned. "It's a good plan."
"It's a stupid plan," Jane retorted.
"Shepard, I assure you this isn't necessary. I –," Kuril started to say.
Shepard made tutting sounds at the warden interrupting him before speaking, "Come on now, you and I both know it is quite necessary. So tell me, how much exactly where you hoping to sell me for, Warden?"
"What?" Garrus snarled.
Shepard saw Garrus' finger twitch on his trigger out of her peripheral vision. She heard the growl start low and quiet in his chest, slowly growing louder. The warden was just about to open his mouth to respond, probably with another lie when one of his guards happened to glance up. Shepard kept her eyes glued to the warden while Garrus shifted his focus to the guards that were now running towards them with their weapons raised.
"Call them off, Warden. No one has to die here today. Think about it, you get to keep your shitty prison ship and all of your inmates except Jack. You fight this, you die and so does everyone who stands between me and Jack," Shepard said.
"Stand down!" Kuril yelled loud enough for his men to hear.
The guards stopped in their tracks and but kept their guns aimed at Shepard's team.
"Tell them again, Warden and make sure they believe you," Shepard said.
"It's alright, put your guns down," Kuril said.
Hesitantly the men laid their guns down on the floor in front of their feet.
"Good, now turn around slowly and take us to Jack," Shepard said.
The warden did as he was told; leading Shepard past the two stunned guards. Garrus turned to walk backwards as they passed them to ensure they didn't try to charge after them. The warden turned right and took them down a curved hallway. Another guard stood at that door and he raised his gun to point at Shepard as soon as he saw the warden at gunpoint.
"Gun on the ground. Now," Grundan Krul said.
"This isn't going to work. You're changing things for no reason, now. You know he never would have gotten us. There's no point to this," Jane said.
"There is if it keeps these psychos locked up. Especially if some of them will be gunning for Garrus," Shepard thought.
The turian hesitated looking to the warden and then back at Grundan Krul. He bent and placed his rifle on the floor before backing away from the door with his hands raised. When the door opened, there were turian and batarian guards waiting inside with their weapons already raised. They didn't wait for orders before firing. Shepard ducked behind the door frame pulling the warden with her. Grundan Krul took up the spot opposite from her. Garrus flattened himself against the wall sandwiching the warden between himself and Shepard. The turian that was outside the door scooped his rifle back up and was met with the butt of Garrus' rifle to his face. It knocked him out cold.
"Keep the warden alive, we need him to let Jack out," Shepard said. "Tell your men to stand down, Warden!"
"Stand down! Stand down!" Kuril yelled.
His guards didn't listen.
"Damn it! Incapacitate where possible," Shepard ordered before ducking in to take out a batarian's knee.
Grundan Krul used a Neural Shock on an advancing turian, dropping him to the ground. Garrus warned her that guards were moving down the hall towards them.
"Damn it. Kill the ones inside and get the warden in there, quick!" Shepard ordered.
Shepard used a biotic charge to slam into the nearest batarian, knocking him back before firing a bullet into his head. She spun around in time to see Grundan Krul take down a turian that was advancing on her. Another turian was picking himself up off the floor when Garrus stepped in dragging the warden with him. Garrus shot down the turian before he could reclaim his gun and turned on the two remaining guards in the room. As soon as the warden was clear of the door, Grundan Krul stepped in behind him and closed the door.
"Lock it," Shepard said helping Garrus finish off the guards.
Grundan Krul opened his omni-tool just as Shepard heard the guards arrive outside the door. He had the door locked and was scrambling the signal before the guards were able to get it open from the other side. Shepard pointed to the console and Garrus half escorted half drug the warden over.
"Turn off the mechs and get Jack out of there, now!" Shepard barked at Kuril.
The warden ran his hands over the console, issuing operation commands and typing in passcodes. Shepard waited until she saw the machinery downstairs activate and start to pull Jack's cryo pod up from the docking station before moving to the other door. When everyone was out, she had Grundan Krul lock that one behind them as well. Shepard moved down to ramp to the next door and into the room in time to see Jack open her eyes and rip her hands free from the wrist restraints.
"Jack?" Shepard said and the heavily tattooed, barely dressed, bald woman's eyes snapped to Shepard. "Jack, I'm here to help. I'm getting you out of here, OK?"
Jack's hands went to her throat to pull apart the metal restraint around her neck. Shepard wasn't sure if she was coherent enough to hear what she was saying to her or not. She really, really hoped Jack didn't attack them. Garrus moved into the room behind Shepard, his gun still pointed at the warden. Grundan Krul was right behind him sealing the doors. Jack's eyes snapped to the warden and she ripped the restraints free. She stumbled forward out of the cryo pod and grabbed a hold of the railing while she regained her equilibrium. Shepard moved cautiously towards the woman, her pistol still out but pointed at the ground. Grundan Krul trained his on the warden to provide support to Garrus.
Jack's head whipped up and her eyes settled on Shepard. Shepard stopped in her tracks.
"Move out of my way," Jack said.
Shepard stepped aside and saw Jack's eyes lock on the warden again. Jack started to pull up biotic energy around her.
"Get away from the warden. Now!" Shepard yelled at her team.
"Jack… come on you –," Kuril started to say.
Jack was already running straight at the turian. Garrus and Grundan Krul stepped out of the crazed biotic's way. Jack punched the turian dead in his face backed with all her biotic strength. Warden Kuril flew back and slammed into the metal door, leaving a dent. Jack was on him in seconds, straddling his torso while she pummeled his face again and again and again.
"Jack, we've got to go! We're going to have to fight our way out," Shepard said.
Jack wasn't listening to Shepard though; she was too busy beating the warden to death. When the warden stopped moving, Jack stood and turned to look at Shepard and her team. Her chest was heaving and her fists were clenched tightly at her sides, her arms arced away from her body in threat. The guards had gotten through the first door above.
"Who the fuck are you?" Jack asked.
"My name is Co – Shepard. I need you to hear me out. You're not going to like what I have to say, but please just let me finish?" Shepard said.
Jack glanced up towards the observation window and saw the guards trying to force their way through the next door. Her eyes went back to Shepard, floating between her and her teammates.
"Talk fast," Jack said.
"There is a ship docked ready to get you out of here. It's the only way out of this place. It's a Cerberus vessel," Shepard began.
Jack's biotic energy flared up around her again and Shepard held up a hand.
"Wait, listen! I know what they did to you, Jack. OK? I know. And I swear as soon as we're on that ship I will give you whatever files you want. You can look through every damn database I have access too. Names? Dates? Places? You got it. I'll even help you blow the damn place up," Shepard said.
Jack licked her lips and flicked her eyes back and forth between Shepard's crew and the armed guards that were now piling through the second door.
"You're Cerberus. Why should I believe you?" Jack asked.
"She's going to kill you, idiot," Jane said.
"I'm not – gods damn it – I'm not Cerberus! Why does everyone always jump right to that? I fucking hate Cerberus," Shepard started to rant.
"Hmmm. Shepard, maybe now is not the best time," Garrus said watching Jack like a hawk.
"I'm working with Cerberus temporarily," Shepard shrugged. "Well mostly just taking their resources and looking for ways to fuck them over while I figure out how to take down the collectors."
"What the hell are you talking about?" Jack snapped.
"The collectors have been abducting human colonies. The Council won't do anything because it's happening in the Terminus Systems. Same with the Alliance. Cerberus has no such political restrictions. I'm putting together a team to put an end to it, and I need your help," Shepard said.
She could hear the guards working to unlock the door behind Jack and the dead warden now. Jack glanced back over her shoulder towards the door and licked her lips.
"Why me?" Jack asked. "What do you want with me?"
Shepard laughed, "Come on, Jack. We both know you're the baddest biotic bitch around."
Jack looked back and Shepard and a slow smile started to pull at her lips.
"You're fucking crazy. I like that. Alright, let's get the fuck off of this ship," Jack said.
The door opened up behind Jack and she spun around, releasing the biotic energy she had pulled up around her in a Shockwave. The guards at the door were all knocked backwards into each other and the wall behind them. Shepard and her team open fired while Jack moved back from the door.
"Jack, get a gun," Shepard said nodding towards the pile of corpses.
"Hell yeah," Jack said digging around until she had a pistol and a shotgun.
"Joker?" Shepard activated the mic in her helmet. "Get ready, we're coming out hot."
"Aye, aye, Commander," Joker replied. "Just like old times."
Shepard was glad that Jane didn't choose that moment to fight her. She relied on Jane's memories and followed the path of destruction normally left by Jack to get them back to the Normandy. Without the prisoners free and rioting throughout the ship and the warden's commanding influence, the guards were more scattered and easier to subdue. Jack was wild as she tore through everyone who got in her way. She wasn't discriminating and wasn't listening to command. Shepard understood her desperation to get off the ship and knew that it would take time for Jack to learn to respect Shepard's authority in battle.
She'd worry about that later. Right then she was only worried about getting them all off the ship alive. Shepard insisted that they leave as many alive as possible so that there was someone left to keep the prisoners in check. At least Garrus and Grundan Krul were listening to her. Shepard groaned when she realized someone was smart enough to get the mechs back online.
She was crouched down behind a metal barricade taking shots at the YMIR that was firing rockets at her location. Grundan Krul was standing behind another just ahead of her using his tech to keep the YMIR off balance. Jack was using her biotics to pull FENRIS mechs into the air while Garrus shot at them. The YMIR exploded and the last FENRIS crashed back to the ground. Shepard peered around the room before giving the all clear.
Shepard jogged to the next door and waited until everyone was close before moving ahead. The short hall turned before ending at another door. Garrus slapped the release and Shepard moved forward.
"I know where I've seen you before now," Jack said.
Shepard glanced over her shoulder at Jack.
"You're that Alliance chick, the Spectre who released that video about the reapers," Jack said.
"Yeah," Shepard said putting her back against a crate and peering around the corner.
"Don't like the Alliance, either. Heard you died," Jack said.
"I did. Cerberus put me back together again. Good as new," Shepard said.
"No shit?" Jack asked.
Shepard signaled for everyone to move forward to the next area of cover. When they were ducked down behind more crates Shepard answered.
"Yeah. Guess they thought the rest of the galaxy would care. Seeing my face again would make them give a damn; enough to take some action," Shepard said.
Guards entered on the walkways across from them and Shepard started firing. Jack pulled one into the air while finding interesting ways to insult their mother. Grundan Krul fired on the floater while Shepard lit another on fire with her incendiary ammo. When the last one lay bleeding out on the floor in front of Shepard, she applied medi-gel to his wound before slapping his face to get him to look at her. The turian opened his eyes and groaned.
"The warden's dead. You need to make sure no one else escapes their pods. I don't have time to clean up your mess, got it?" Shepard asked.
The turian nodded his head and started dragging himself to his feet as Shepard and her team moved through the last door and back to the Normandy. As soon as they were all on the ship, she yelled towards the cockpit to tell Joker to get them the hell out of there. Joker used the emergency protocols to force the bridge off of the Normandy and the ship took off. Miranda and Jacob were in the CIC waiting for Shepard.
"What exactly was the problem, Shepard? Cerberus paid for Jack's release," Miranda said taking in the blood soaked armor Shepard was wearing.
"You fucking bought me?!" Jack demanded.
"Well, technically I demanded your release at gunpoint. Cerberus was stupid enough to actually pay for you," Shepard said.
Jack glared at Shepard and leaned against the wall.
Miranda frowned, "Commander Shepard, what happened?"
"Uhhh… the warden thought he could make more money by keeping Jack and capturing me, too? What, was I supposed to let that happen?" Shepard asked.
"You can't be serious? He was going to try to double-cross Cerberus? The Illusive Man will not be pleased with this," Miranda said.
Shepard shrugged, "Well, he's dead now so I'd call it a win."
Miranda scoffed. Jacob stepped forward and extended a hand towards Jack.
"So, you must be Jack. I'm Jacob Taylor," Jacob said.
Jack looked at the hand like it was diseased until Jacob dropped it back to his side.
"Don't touch me; you or the cheerleader. Just give me the files and show me where I can set up. Some place dark and quiet at the bottom," Jack said.
"Files?" Miranda asked.
"Yeah. I told Jack she can have access to Cerberus files," Shepard said.
"Commander, you can't be –," Miranda started.
"I can and I am. Give her whatever she needs. If the Illusive Man doesn't like it, it's on me," Shepard said.
Miranda shook her head in dismay, "Very well, Commander Shepard."
Jack gloated as she followed Miranda to her office. Shepard couldn't help but to smirk as she turned back to Garrus and Grundan Krul who were still standing with her.
"Good work, gentlemen. Thanks," Shepard said.
Grundan Krul nodded and walked off towards the elevator. Garrus stayed put, his eyes searching for something in her face.
"Something wrong?" Shepard asked.
"He was going to sell you. Did he have a buyer lined up?" Garrus asked.
Shepard shrugged, "He was going to try, and I don't know. I don't think so."
"Shepard, this could be serious. If he had a buyer lined up, they might try another way to get their hands on you," Garrus said crossing his arms.
"Never happened before," Jane offered.
Shepard frowned, "What do you want me to do, Garrus? You want me to tell Joker to take us back so we can kill everyone on Purgatory and search through their records?"
Garrus didn't respond but she could see the seriousness in his eyes.
"Oh, gods. You do, don't you?" Shepard said slowly.
"I'll be in the main battery if you need me, Shepard," Garrus said walking away.
"Garrus, wait!" Shepard said.
He stopped but didn't turn around. Shepard closed the distance so she could see his face. The cold mask of anger was firmly back in place, making her heart sink.
"I'll see if maybe EDI can search their records or something, OK?" Shepard said.
"And if you find that he had a buyer lined up?" Garrus asked.
"I don't know. If it's something worth dealing with, we will," Shepard said, her forehead creasing. "I don't… I don't understand why –."
Garrus started walking again and went straight for the elevator.
"Damn it," Shepard grumbled under her breath.