Interloper Rewrite: Chapter 20
Noveria
The Normandy's full conference room overflowed with muttered conversation and murmured asides. I leaned back in my seat and watched the ring of my crewmates with a smile plastered across my face. The room was a comforting scene, a return to normalcy. Whatever the hell normalcy meant after waking up on Eden Prime. I chuckled inwardly at the thought. I looked around the crowded room, taking in the four different alien species sitting together and chatting about our mission to the frozen planet of Noveria. In the center of the room, Commander Shepard, soon to be hero of the galaxy, chatted with her telekinetic second in command. Back to normal, indeed. Something on Shepard's arm pinged and she cleared her throat. At once, the talking cut back from a dull roar to thready whisper.
"Thank you, thank you," Shepard began. "Listen up, people. I know a lot of you would prefer to be finishing the job in the Armstrong Cluster. Believe me, if I had my choice, I'd still be there myself. But orders come from the top, and our mission here on Noveria has implications beyond the encroachment of a couple of geth platforms. We'll just have to trust the boys and the girls of the Fifth Fleet's cruiser detachment to pick up our leftovers. That's right, the Alliance thinks that every one of you is equivalent to one of the Navy's cruisers. Let's just dwell on that for a second."
The room erupted in enthusiastic cheers. I couldn't help but join in. Shepard allowed us a few moments of self-congratulation before winding us back in.
"Now, I know you've all heard bits and pieces about our mission. Don't look at me like that, I was enlisted once too, I know how the scuttlebutt moves. So let me put all the puzzle pieces together here so you can get a look at the big picture. First off, our objective. Noveria is a corporate planet, generally the council treats it as hands off as they can manage. Unfortunately for us, Noveria is also the last known location of Asari Matriarch Benezia. As you know, intelligence previously recovered connects Benezia to Saren, and through him to the Geth. So, our mission here is simple. We go in, find Benezia, stop the Geth. How we accomplish that is going that mission is where things get complicated. If Ihad my way we'd drop in marines, form a search grid, and be out of there in no time. However, Noveria is strictly regulated, they aren't going to take too kindly to Alliance military wandering around."
"They can't exactly say no to a Spectre," Kiadan said, raising his hand.
"Normaly you'd be right," Liara interjected, "However, Noveria has special dispensation from the Citadel Council to pursue a certain... autonomy. It's more than Shepard says, Noveria is not only strictly regulated, it's self-regulated. What the Board Members of the planetary council says, goes. While they most likely wouldn't risk a diplomatic incident by barring a Spectre, landing ground troops is sure to illicit a response."
"I agree with Doctor T'Soni," Shepard continued, "that's why we're going in light. That means Wrex, Ashley, and Kaidan, you are going to stay on the Normandy. I don't want to make anyone nervous with an overt military presence. Garrus, I want you to liaise with Port Hanshan security. You know how to talk to cops and we're going to need local law enforcement on our side."
"I'll try my best, Commander. I hear the local commandant is a real hardcase, though. Plus, these are corporate mercs. ERCS is a good, Turian company, don't get me wrong, but they don't play by the same rules a C-Sec." The Turian puffed his fringe in pride.
"He means that the taking bribes and shaking down Quarians for sitting on public benches is in their contracts instead of a fun side project," Tali leaned in to whisper. Across the room, Liara spoke up again.
"Garrus is correct, Elanus Risk Control Services on Noveria is notoriously inflexible." The blue-faced alien flushed as the room turned to look at her.
"You seem awfully familiar with the goings on of Port Hanshan," Garrus replied.
"Well, yes. I've been here before. Mostly for my research. Noveria has links to a number of Asari universities. It's why I should be on the mission." The flush was gone, replaced with a stubbornly set jaw. I have local contacts and I've dealt with Noveria's researchers before. I know how to maneuver inside their system."
"I was planning on taking Tali and Liddle with me on this one, Doctor," Shepard said softly, "are you sure you're ready to take part in this one. I wouldn't fault you for sitting this one out, no one would. Doctor Chakwas tells me you aren't fully healed yet. And there's the fact that we're likely to run into the Matriarch down there. Is there going to be an issue there?"
"There will not be an issue," Liara said stubbornly. Her jaw set and there was steel behind her words. Shades of the future Shadow Broker were seeping through again.
"Alright then, but I don't want you putting yourself in danger unnecessarily. Liddle, you'll be in charge of keeping the good Doctor out of harm's way," Shepard relented. "With that settled, let's go over what we know about the situation on the ground..."
Shepard stepped back and began going over information on the screen in the back of the room. The words were lost for me, floating over my head on the buoyancy of Liara's shy smile at our joint assignment.
Wind whistled past the airlock door as the hatch rolled up to reveal the grey-white sky. The fierce fingers of the Noverian blizzard plucked at the outer layers of my hardsuit. I was deeply thankful for the thermal layer that Garrus has saved for me. Commander Shepard stepped out first into the gale, almost immediately swallowed up by the swirling storm. I followed carefully, wary of the ice buildup on the metal deck. The wind pushed and tugged at me every which way as if the planet itself was trying to pull me off the narrow walkway.
Wind whistled past the airlock door as the hatch rose. The fierce fingers of the Noverian blizzard plucked at the outer layers of my hardsuit. I was deeply thankful for the thermal layer Garrus had saved for me. Commander Shepard stepped out first into the gale. I followed carefully, wary of ice buildup on the metal deck. The wind pushed and tugged every which way.
"Come on," Shepard's voice rang clearly in my helmet. The grey clad figure ahead of me motioned for us to follow. We pushed on across the dock, heading towards the glass doors into the capital city of the planet. As we approached, three figures came out to meet us.
"You'll have to stop right there," The lead figure said. Her black hair was pulled tightly back behind her head and she watched us carefully as we came to a stop. "I'm sorry, but I can't let you in until your credentials are confirmed."
"I'm a Council Spectre," Shepard said, "I'm on an important mission. I need to meet Matriarch Benezia." She took a step forward. The guards drew weapons on us, taking up firing stances. Around me, the others drew their own handguns. I backed up a step, not wanting to be in the line of fire should things go south.
"That's bull, captain. There are no human Spectres," The blonde to the left said with a sneer, "we should send them packing back to that tramp freighter they showed up in."
"Quiet, sergeant. The most recent reports do speak of a human being inducted into Special Tactics and Recon. And the commander here showed up in an Alliance frigate, hardly a tramp freighter." She turned to Shepard. "Commander, I'm afraid you'll have to relinquish your weapons until we conf…"
"Captain Matsuo, stand down!" A panicked voice yelled over the loudspeaker. "Let the Commander past, she and her party check out."
"Are you sure?" Captain Matsuo replied into her microphone. A second past as she clearly got a reply through her headset. "Alright. Looks like you are who you say you are. Continue through the checkpoint and check in with the front desk."
"And our weapons?" Shepard asked, lowering her own.
"You can keep your weapons, for now. Just know, if you end up having to use them, you'll have me to answer to." The sergeant gave us dirty looks as we filed into the first lobby. We walked past floating combat drones, which hung ominously with guns trained on us. As we stepped into a second lobby, alarms flashed and blared loudly.
"I'm sorry, they're just weapon detectors. You can come right through, Commander." The voice from outside said again. Commander Shepard warily walked through. I cracked my helmet seals as I followed. The air inside was a nice even temperature, which felt good after the confines of the suit. The others joined me in pulling their helmets. At the foot of the stairs into the city, a tall woman with dark skin and a fashionable dress met us.
"I'm Gianna Parasini, administrative assistant to Administrator Anoleis. I want to welcome you to Port Hanshan and apologize for the… overzealousness of our security forces. We run a tight ship down here, you understand."
I scrutinized the woman as Shepard talked to her. Knowing that Parasini was, in fact, a member of Noveria's internal affairs, made the act she put on here all the more impressive. She had the nervous countenance, the slow wringing of hands, I found myself almost convinced that she was genuinely worried about offending Shepard and her group. The conversation wound down and Parasini left, leaving a request that Shepard talk to her later. Shepard drew us aside and gave out our marching orders.
"Looks like things are a little tougher around here than we first thought. Garrus, talk to this Captain Matsuo, I want you to smooth over our first impressions. I'm going to talk to this Gianna Parasini. From the way she spoke, I think we may have just stepped into the middle of something big here. Tali, Liddle, Liara, I want you to look into local news."
And just like that, we were unleashed on the city. Tali, Liara and I wandered through the austere concrete and glass vaults of Port Hanshan. Tali and Liara chattered casually, while I watched the grey armored ERCS troopers make their rounds. While the helmeted faces were indistinguishable from one another, it didn't take long to get the feeling that we were being followed, the same guards looping back to ensure that we were always in view. Tali stopped short, pointing to something off the main path. A public terminal, the first we'd seen since leaving the Normandy. Tali's eyes brightened as she sat down at the terminal.
"This connection, so fast," she gushed, "or at least it would be if it wasn't behind this ridiculous paywall. This might take a second... there we go." She tapped away at the terminal keys. "Oh, wow, this is a lot. Port Hanshan pulls in and collates news feeds from pretty much every network out there. Local, Alliance, Galactic, it's all here. I've got an algorithm that should be able to sift for relevant news stories, but with this much raw data to chew on, it's going to take a while. You two feel free to take in the sights while I start pulling things down."
"You sure?" I asked, "I wouldn't want you to run into trouble out here by yourself." I watched the ERCS make another circle, the black accented grey hardsuits giving them the attitude of hungry reef sharks.
"Thanks, but I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself," Tali replied with sharpened eyes, but her voice was playful, "besides, this is a big open concourse. Now go have fun. Keelah, somebody should." Her tone took on an edge of bitterness. It also carried a warning, as clearly as yellow caution paint. Do not dig.
"Well, if you insist," Liara said, "Come on, let's see if we can't find something to eat that didn't come prepackaged and heated in a pouch. Would you like us to pick anything up for you, Tali?"
"Oh yeah, if you find something Quarian safe. I'd come with you, but you know..." She motioned towards her fully sealed environment suit.
"Oh, yes, of course," Liara replied, "Just call us if you need us before we get back. Let's go this way, Michael. I think I remember there being a café this way."
I followed the Asari through the terraced rock gardens and deeper into the port city. We took a set of steps off the large courtyard up and onto a street which hadn't been accessible in the game. Thinking about it, it made sense that the capital city of a major colony world wouldn't be limited to a handful of hallways and an atrium. This new avenue was broad, with a high peaked glass roof scattered with white snow fall. But not buried, I noted, despite the severity of the storm that blew outside.
"There's a low powered kinetic barrier up there," Liara said, following my gaze, "keeps back the snow. There's some sonic baffling too, do you notice how quiet it is?"
"Now that you mention it," I responded. I pulled my eyes from the ceiling and surveyed the shopfronts. They were elegant structures, though minimalist in construction. They shared the same cold, austere beauty of the rock gardens and the glass frontage of the Port. They looked every bit the haunts of high-pressure corporate executives. People flitted to and fro in suits and dresses that looked somehow both bland and very expensive. I felt very much out of place in my dark green armor plate with its thick thermal padding.
"I remember this place being nice," Liara said at my ear. My eyes were drawn to an 'outdoor' café, with chairs and tables set out on a tiled patio. "Although I think they have redecorated since I last came here."
"Seems as nice a place as any," I said, dubiously. The food being eaten by the patrons already seated was strange and alien, and in small portions. "You sure we can get in? Looks kind of exclusive."
"I have my ways." Liara laughed. She walked up to the hostess and struck up a conversation. Apparently one of Liara's old professors was a regular, which was enough to get a seat. The menu was full of dishes I had never heard of and some very high numbers.
"Um, Liara, I don't think I can afford anything here, I'm not exactly being paid to save the galaxy," I said, "also, I'm not sure what any of these things are."
"Don't worry, I have some grant money left. Enough to cover a lunch at least. As for what to order, I hear the soup is nice. A delicacy on Kahje in fact." She shuffled through her own menu. A waiter stopped by and took our orders and we settled into silence. I tried unsuccessfully to gain access to the local extranet. The available ports all seemed to either be locked or pay-per-gigabyte. I silently kicked myself for not asking Tali for her work-around. The food arrived and we started eating. The soup turned out to be some sort of algal bloom in brine, which I should have seen coming when I ordered a dish favored by an aquatic species. I sat chewing on algae and trying to get an angle on the newscast playing across the way for what seemed like an age. I was just about to get up and try to get a better view when the voice of Commander Shepard came through the radio.
"All teams, meet in the atrium. We've got some leads on Benezia."
Liara and I were the last to arrive in the atrium. The rest of the squad had found a secluded corner to talk in.
"Here's the situation," Shepard began as we arrived, "I met with Parasini, and it turns out the local administrator, Anoleis, is dirty. Also, it turns out Matriarch Benezia did come through here not too long ago. She's actually been making fairly regular stops, each time bringing in heavy crates. On this last trip she disappeared into Binary Helix's Peak 15 research facility."
"So, we want to get to this 'Peak 15' then," Tali said, "Why don't we just fly over there in the Normandy, or take a shuttle?"
"Anoleis is blocking us, and the storm outside is too rough for a shuttle, we'll have to drive over. But before we do that, we're going to have to deal with the administrator. Garrus, did you get a good read on the captain of security? If we dig up some evidence on Anoleis, will she move to take him down?"
"The captain's clean, I'm sure of it. She won't tolerate corruption once she has irrefutable proof. I'm not sure about her sergeant, she really doesn't like you, but she doesn't sound like someone on the take."
"Good, we have a lead on a turian who might have information on Anoleis, but I want more options. Anyone?"
Liara spoke up uncertainly. "I used to know someone, he helped me out when I was delivering a dissertation here." She paused as everyone turned to look at her. "He collected… I guess you' call it blackmail material. He might have something."
"You follow up on that," Shepard ordered, "take Liddle with you. Tali and Garrus you come with me. We meet up in 30 if nothing shows up."
We broke off and headed for our objectives. I followed Liara as she slipped through the crowds of executives. We passed the brightly lit storefronts and restaurants, ending up in a slightly darker area of Hanshan.
"So how do you know this guy? You don't strike me as a girl who goes around blackmailing people," I said as we turned off into an alley.
"I'm not," Liara said, slightly flustered, "He was actually contracted to blackmail me. Some of the Matriarchs didn't like my theories on the Protheans. They got this broker to stop me from giving my presentation. I was much younger then; he felt sorry for me and ended up backing off."
"That was nice of him."
"Not really, he ended up getting the event I was speaking at cancelled."
"Oh. Is this the place?" We had stopped in front of a club.
"Yes, this is it. Let me do the talking." I followed as she stepped up to the bouncer. She was able to bluff our way in. the club was relatively well lit, and the music had been turned down for daytime operation. Liara scanned the room. "He's not here. Most likely he's in the VIP room." She motioned towards a door in the back, flanked by two gruff looking turians.
"Can you get us in?" I asked. Liara shook her head. "Sounds like you'll need a distraction then."
"What are you thinking?" Liara said carefully.
"Just be ready to move,"I said. I strode up to the bar and found a particularly surly looking human. I tapped him on the shoulder. "My friend doesn't like you," I said, pointing to a large krogan sitting in the corner.
"Piss off, kid," The guy growled.
"I don't like you either," I continued, trying not to laugh. The man turned to face me.
"What's your problem, kid. You want to end up dead?"
"You think you can take me?" I chided, playing up the bombast. The man only laughed.
"Looks like someone needs to teach you a lesson." The man stood, knocking over his chair. I was ready for him. Behind my back, I activated my Omni-tool. I readied one of my close combat programs. The program was designed to wrap my fist in hard light, making my punches hit harder. As the tool began to glow, I felt something wrong. The kinetic barriers fired out of sequence, twisting my hand into a painful shape. The distraction proved dangerous, as the guy threw a punch. It connected with my face and rocked me back. My encased hand struck the bar counter awkwardly on the way to the floor, knocking a drink to the floor. The owner of the drink turned to see my original target bearing down on me. He took a swing at the angry human, knocking him back into another patron in the process. The fight spread throughout the club, drawing the attention of the guards. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Liar slip into the back room. I looked up to see one of the patrons grab me roughly by the front of my hardsuit. I swung my gauntleted hand at his head and managed to push myself back to my feet. By now the melee was in full swing. I took another shot at my attacker, receiving some hard knocks in return.
"Elanus Risk Control Services! Everyone on the ground, now!"
Author's Note:
An here we see the story return to the canon path. This is the point in the original where I'm starting to feel a lot happier with the quality of my writing. That doesn't mean there isn't work to be done, material to expand, and tweaks to be made, of course.
-Liddle Out
