After setting up my gear in my locker I didn't bother doing anything else besides familiarizing myself with The Normandy. It became quickly apparent that it was a true carbon copy of the one from the game. Everything was the same, down to where the characters were hanging out. Well, except for Shepard.
Last I saw him he was in the med-bay talking to Chakwas. Everyone else was in the same place. So, seeing this I decided not to familiarize myself with the area and instead started looking for possible ambush and choke points. Never knew what could change in the future and if we were boarded those locations would be instrumental in surviving. Already said I was paranoid.
First and foremost the stairs leading to the comm room would be the easiest to defend but it would also be death to defend it; no exits. The sleeping pod room was another good place to defend but it was a bit too open for my tastes. Still, it was right next to the majority of the escape pods which was very important.
Other than those two it really just left the cargo hold as the last true defensible position. You could make your own cover in there and if need be eject through the hold's door. Not exactly ideal, especially if it happened in space, but if we have support it wouldn't be too bad. Plus, there were no stairs; they had to come through the elevator. They could blow the floor of the comm room and get in that way but it was reinforced completely. To do that they'd blow the ship apart. Something to remember.
Making my way to the helm of the ship Joker was fiddling with controls as he waited for Shepard's order on where we would be going. Deciding not to bother him I instead just looked over the controls. It didn't make sense to me in the slightest but oh well.
Would you like me to take a picture Pilot?
"Can you analyze everything and tell me what's what?"
Certainly.
I'm starting to think that this Sam is the younger brother of SAM from Andromeda but oh well. A low-tier AI would help me in the future.
Anywho, Sam began to explain most of the controls and how they worked to me. I would never be able to fly this thing, or any ship, with real skills but knowing how to fly one would help.
Most of the stuff Sam ended up telling me were pretty self explanatory but the harder stuff. Like operating the FTL drive and using the Relays flew a bit over my head. What didn't fall into those two categories were hyper specific stuff that would definitely require some studying on my part. It was a bit of a headache but it would be worth it, even if I didn't understand it all at the moment. Joker, for his part, didn't notice me at all the entire time.
Leaving the pilot alone I made my way to the elevator to go back to the cargo hold. I wanted to check over my weapons and see if anything needed to be attended to. A meaningless thing to do as they had only been used once but a good soldier always keeps his weapons perfect. Volio had drilled that into me.
Getting to the elevator Shepard stepped out and stopped at seeing me. He didn't say anything and instead made a 'follow me' gesture with his head. Seeing no point in not following his order I followed him. He took me to his cabin which was new for me.
Never actually went into Shepard's cabin in the first Mass Effect. Needless to say, it was a bit spartan. Only a bed, closet and desk for his terminal/computer. Stopping my look around at Shepard clearing his throat I looked at him.
"So, you're the Torchbearer."
"Yes sir," he got a little smirk at the formality.
"What's your makeup?"
"What I can do in combat?" I just wanted to make sure and Shepard answered with a simple nod of the head. "I'm extremely efficient with AR's and Heavy Pistols. Also, with tech and am adept at hacking or anything of that manner. Not on Tali's level but certainly right behind her in that arena. I'm geared more towards stealth and blitz tactics but am able to adapt to all situations quite easily.
Able to boost your shields if need be and can keep them from going out but at the cost of my shields. Doing that will also overload my omni-tool so don't expect me to be able to do anything besides shoot for about 10 or so seconds afterwards or during. Also, with my helmet here I can tag hostiles. I'll have to work on getting that info shared to the squad in real time but I'll know if we've got company or if the engagement is over."
Integrating that with your squad members won't be hard. Pilot Frank had a similar request before.
Shepard stood in silence as he contemplated my answer before looking back to me.
"Anything else?"
"I'm good at blending in, even in combat. You need recon or anyone to flank an enemy without being noticed. I'm your guy."
"Weaknesses?"
"CQC. I'm above average but above average won't cut it for this mission," he nodded simply.
"Okay. Ashley will be able to shape you up there. Thanks for the info and not being an ass," I chuckled a bit.
"Of course sir," I made to leave but he stopped me before that could happen.
"Check in with Dr. Chakwas. Gotta get your medicals on the ship in case something happens," I was a bit uncomfortable at that. Didn't want anyone knowing that stuff and he picked up on it. "Don't worry Torchbearer. She's professional and if you wish to cut ties when this is over we'll make sure the files vanish," he said with a sly grin. I could get behind this.
"I doubt I'll be able to sir. From what I know the Reapers are coming for everyone and whatever Saren's up to I doubt he'll be their only plan," Shepards face darkened at that.
"I agree. Any preferences on callsign or will you stay with Torchbearer?"
"Nah, I want to see how long it'll take the rest of the crew to figure it out. Just call me Wynne."
"Wynne?" nodding my head he continues. "Mission Briefing in 5 hours Wynne. Dismissed."
Not bothering to stay any longer and left the room making my way to medical. Doctor Chakwas was looking over her terminal as I entered. She looked up at me and gave a small smile.
"Ah, our resident mystery man. Shepard send you to me," it was a rhetorical question but I answered nonetheless.
"Yes ma'am," she smiled.
"He has manners too, excellent," she then motioned to one of the beds. "Please, sit on the bed and we'll get started."
"Would you mind dimming the windows? If it's even possible ma'am," she hit a button and the windows to the medbay went black.
Nodding to her I got up on the bed, my feet hanging slightly off the floor. Unclasping my helmet and setting it next to me She looked at me for a quick second stalling. Her head tilted to the side minutely in either confusion or surprise. It was hard to tell.
"Something wrong ma'am?" she looked at me quietly, kinda disturbing given the rep she has in Mass Effect.
"You're the kid Frank was talking about," How the fuck does she know Frank.
"You know Frank?" I was incredulous.
"I was his combat medic for a short while before transferring to this," she gestured to the medbay. "We have dinner every time I'm on the Citadel."
"No shit?"
"No shit. I assume it was you that got him and Jino back together?"
"I didn't do it actively but I'm what caused it, his own words."
"Then I thank you for that. She makes him a better man. Now, let's get to it."
It wasn't anything special, the check up. It was a standard physical you would get at any doctor's office. Though she did go through some checks to see if I was up to date on my shots, I am. Plus, she took a little blood to just run some tests and see if there were going to be any problems with the medicine available to her.
That test was done instantly and it came up negative. Nothing they had would affect me in any adverse way. As for the rest of the physical she checked my gene mods. I don't have any, so it led to an interesting conversation.
She was extremely surprised by this revelation. Considering what I had already accomplished, to do all of it without gene mods was apparently super impressive. It wasn't ever something that crossed my mind but getting them should be done. No real adverse effects and they couldn't be hacked or exploited, good deal to me.
"The Commander give you a time for the mission?" she asked as she finished explaining the gene mods.
"Mission brief in 4 and a half hours ma'am."
"Hmm. You'll be out for about a day with another day after that for recovery, so not today. After the mission debrief, find me and we'll do the procedure."
"Yes ma'am."
"Alright, off with you. You have a clean bill of health."
She let me put my helmet back on before returning the glass to its previous clear color. Walking out of the room Kaiden was staring at me from where he usually stood in the game, over by the kiosk. He had a particular stare that was just blank, no anger or curiosity; he betrayed nothing in his face. It was impressive all things considered.
Walking over to him his eyes followed me the whole way, as well as a few of the crew members eating. Again, he betrayed nothing in his eyes or face. Stopping in front of him, neither of us said anything for several seconds.
"Who are you? The Commander wouldn't take anybody with us," were the first words out of his mouth and now he finally had something in his eyes. Distrust and curiosity.
"You're smart Lieutenant Alenko. Figure it out, I'll be disappointed if I have to tell you," and with that I left.
That wasn't very nice Pilot.
"Meh, I literally left my holograph at Fist's place and showed up to help Tali. If they can't connect the dots then this mission will be a lot harder than it already will be."
Agreed. I expected at least a couple of them to figure it out already.
"I bet you Wrex figured it out already."
Vakarian's my bet.
"Let's go find out then. I'll ask Garrus first."
And with that I made my way to the elevator. It took over 2 minutes to get to me from exactly one floor down, then another 2 minutes to go back down. Seriously, how in god's name are the elevators this slow. They didn't even bother putting in any type of stairs! What if the elevator breaks?! That would not be fun at all.
With the elevator doors opening I observed the cargo hold. Ashley was over by her desk and I did sneak a peek at her rear, no regrets there. Wrex was off to the side standing against the wall by the lockers. To my exact right was the Requisitions Officer and past him, currently on top of the Mako fiddling with the gun, was Garrus. Deciding not to disturb Garrus right away I went to the Requisitions Officer. He might have some goodies.
"What you got?" I asked walking up to him. He went through the usual spiel of stuff the alliance would have before I held up my hand stopping him from talking any more. "I'm not interested in any of that, where's the special stuff?" His eyes darted around quickly before he talked.
"I haven't been on long enough to get anything special. If you want to request something I can get it for you but not until we land at a port."
"Can you get me Predator X armor. Highest tier possible," I missed that armor from the assault on the medical facility. Definitely not tailored to my fighting style like the Mantis is but would come in useful for a lot of the future missions. Noveria and Virmire come to the top of my mind.
"I got a contact on the Citadel who's been trying to get rid of that armor for a bit over a year. No one's taken it because it's too hot* though."
"How hot are we talking?"
"Torchbearer used it in his attack on ARK Medicinals," Oh fuck yeah I want that armor. It's probably Frank who's been trying to sell it too.
"Get it. What are you looking at for the cost?"
"200k. Guy's just trying to get it off his hands," I nodded and paid him 250k on the spot. He looked at his omni-tool in shock for a second.
"I want it ASAP."
"It probably won't be until we get back to the Citadel though," he said with a quick shake of his head.
"Do better," and with that I sent him an extra 10k. He looked at the transfer on his omni-tool and simply nodded before he started to send some messages on his omni-tool. I don't know how they would get it to me but I want it before Therum and Liara which is probably where we're going now.
Leaving the officer to himself I walked over to the next officer on my visiting list. Garrus was now off the top of the Mako and doing diagnostics on it at its side. Walking up to him I just started talking.
"Settling in well officer?"
"You're the second one to ask me that in that last half hour."
"Shepard?"
"Yep."
"Then I'll leave you to it. Have a good day, officer."
"Just Garrus please. Officer makes it sound like I'm about to arrest you," he chuckled lightly.
"Hmm, might just have to keep it at Officer then," I quipped. He barked out some laughter at that.
Walking away from him Sam gave me a little bit of hell since I didn't ask him if he knew but oh well. It would come up anyways and he'll connect the dots pretty soon anyway. Just a matter of time with him.
Going to Wrex he watched me approach and actually pushed himself off the wall so he wasn't leaning on it.
"Wrex."
"Torchbearer," well that answers that question.
"Good to see someone's got a brain."
"If I couldn't see that boy I'd have never made it this far."
"Did the Broker pay you for Fist?"
"Yes."
"I want the bounty then," he stared at me hard for several seconds before responding.
"Thought you were a righteous killer?" his voice was slightly mocking but I didn't care.
"Righteousness can only get you so far. You need money to get the job done," he gave me a deep rumble from his throat in either agreement or amusement. Couldn't tell.
"Fair point Torchbearer," and with that he sent me the bounty, 100k. With that he ended our talk and went back to his perch on the wall.
Seeing that nothing else was going to come out of him I went to my locker and got my Breaker AR out. Taking it to one of the boxes around and setting it down I began to work on it. Taking it apart and then putting it back together several times in quick succession to see if any parts were below par.
None were fortunately. However, that didn't mean that the gun and the parts couldn't be cleaned. Taking it apart again I began to meticulously clean all of the parts. Started with the barrel and then moved to the trigger and upper receiver before cleaning the rest of the gun. It was therapeutic.
Once that was all done and the gun was back in the locker I went through the same with the Brawler, my pistol. Same process as with the Breaker but a bit quicker. Pistols were always easier to take care of, at least in my mind.
Finishing that up and putting the Brawler away I made my way back to the elevator. Going up to the mess there wasn't anyone there. Opening up one of the cabinets and grabbing an MRE, a taco one, and walking into the Med bay.
Chakwas looked at me skeptically as I walked in but didn't care beyond that. Going past her to what would be Liara's room and opening the MRE I dug in. It wasn't bad but it would've been better with some hot sauce. At least this one came with cheesy jalapeno and crackers, something enlisted and officers have fought over in the past.
It wasn't the best meal but it would do and it was quick. Only took me about 5 or so minutes to finish it all up. It seemed it would be just in time too as the PA came to life with Shepard's voice.
"Ground team to the briefing room."
Checking my omni-tool it was almost 3 and a half hours early from what he told me. Wonder what's going on?
Walking into the briefing room I was apparently the last to show up. Everyone was exactly where they would be in-game too. With the open spot that would usually be for Liara taken by me. As soon as my butt hit the chair Shepard started his brief.
"Admiral Hackett has informed me that the MSV Ontario, a ship carrying Chairman Burnes of the Alliance Parliamentary Subcommittee, has been hijacked by biotic terrorists. It's on our way to Therum so we'll be stopping there first to take care of the situation. It'll be myself, Kaiden, Tali and Wynne. Won't need everyone on this."
"Mission Parameters sir?" Kaiden asked, still sitting straight up.
"I want to see if this can be resolved peacefully. If they fire first though, then weapons free. Not gonna risk my team to play peacekeeper."
"Do you have the layout of The Ontario?" I asked. He responded by swiping his omnitool to the projectors, the ones where the council appears in-game, and the layout came up.
"They're likely keeping him in this room," pointing to a slot on the hologram. "It's Burnes' room. As for the rest of the main area there will likely be plenty of crates so expect some close quarters. Tali, Wynn, Kaiden prepare as many dampenings as you can. They won't have shields or armor but barriers and biotic abilities will be everywhere. I don't want a single one to get off an ability because they're all damped to hell and back. Understood?"
"Yes sir," that was Kaiden.
"Of course Shepard," Tali.
"Kay," me.
"We'll be there in just about 45 minutes. Get what you need and meet me by the airlock in 30 minutes. Dismissed."
Filing out of the room I made my way to my locker. Grabbing my Breaker and Brawler they got checked one last time. Seeing nothing wrong with either they were put on the mag strips on my armor. Clicking in place and nodding to myself I moved to the airlock. Only to be the first one there.
Our first official mission together Pilot. Any words?
"Extend the hand of forgiveness first before you raise the sword but never hesitate. Only the sinner will only look towards violence."
Very nice. I like it.
"I hoped you would." just then Tali walked up.
"Hey," she nervously voiced in my direction.
"Nervous?"
"Me!? No!" practically shrieking she caught herself and then sighed. "Yes."
"Don't worry Tali. You'll be fine, trust your training and trust us," digesting my words she contemplated them for a second or two before nodding.
Kaiden was the next to arrive. He, however, said nothing to either of us simply acknowledging us with a nod of his head. As we waited for Shepard we all did our weapons check again just to make sure. Small nervousness seeped into me as this was the first one I'd be with Shepard for. It wasn't overpowering but it was there. Shepard was built up as this almost mythical person in the game but he was more human than expected.
Not bad at all and certainly welcome but I was still getting used to it. Probably just got my expectations too high, can't expect the game to compare to real life. The combat certainly didn't, it was easier than my previous life. With the advent of shields and barriers people felt themselves to be a bit more invincible than they really were.
When the 30 minute mark rolled around Shepard arrived clad in his usual N7 armor with an HMWR Shotgun and AR on his back. He didn't say anything to any of us as he stared us down. Coming a step closer he patted Kaiden then Tali and finally me on the shoulder in a way of comfort. It was comforting, not gonna lie.
"No heroics today. Listen to orders and we'll get out of here quickly."
That was all he said as he stepped in front of us and calmly waited at the front of the airlock staring at it. Looking at Kaiden he didn't bother even turning my way and took his place on the Commander's right. Tali, on the other hand, looked at me and simply shrugged before going to Shepard's left. Leaving me at the back creating a diamond formation. As we stood there waiting a thought jumped into my head.
"Sam?" I whispered so no one could hear me.
Yes Pilot?
"Can you hook us up to their helmets so they can see the enemies you mark?"
Of course Pilot...accessing equipment… connection established… Uploading real time data share.
"Wynne? What am I seeing here?" came Shepard's voice as he turned around.
"Helmet is linked up. Once we enter, every hostile marked will be highlighted on all of your helmets HUD's."
"Good," with that he turned back around.
It would be another minute or so until the door opened and we moved into the airlock proper. Waiting another 30 seconds the airlock opened and we entered the room. It was empty except for several bullet markings on the wall but no blood. Looking around we slowly moved towards the door at the end of the hallway. Getting there Sam pinged me.
Hostiles detected: 12 total in the room adjacent… Data transfer successful and operating at peak condition.
"Hostiles marked," I said over the radio. All three of my squadmates nodded.
"Tali, Wynne, once we enter go left, Kaiden and I will go right. Pinch them in the middle."
"Yes Shepard." Tali
"Acknowledged," Me. Kaiden said nothing.
As soon as the door opened Shepard was first in with his shotgun drawn heading right. I went next going left with Kaiden behind me following Shepard and Tali behind him following me. Time for work.
Stalking forward silently Shepard and Kaiden had already engaged the biotics, if the gunfire was anything to go by. It was perfect as the first biotic we found wasn't even looking in our direction. Taking my knife out and putting my gun on its mag strip I walked up to the biotic before clamping my hand over his mouth and jamming the blade into his lightswitch*. He died silently as I set the body down.
Pilot. 8 hostiles remain. All are unaware of your and operative Tali's presence.
Not bothering to respond Tali and I slowly made our way around to the back of the biotics formation. Killing another along the way using the same process it was uneventful getting there with only 6 hostiles now remaining. Unfortunately for them, they were now pinched between us.
Looking to Tali and making a D with my hands she understood and I motioned to the three bunched up on the right. She got the meaning and hit them with a Dampening and we both opened fire on them. They never even got the opportunity to do anything but die as we splattered their blood on the crates they were using.
Transfering my sights to one of the last three biotics I held down the trigger and with the help of a shotgun blast from Tali he died quickly. The last two, residing on the far left, got hit from a dampening from me and Tali popped the head of one of them with her pistol and I was about to kill last one but Shepard came out of nowhere and took it. Got him dead center in the chest with his shotgun at point blank range, it wasn't a pretty sight.
Pilot total kill count: 7
"Clear," I barked over the radio.
"Good job. Let's move," came Shepard's voice as he walked past us to the door on the far side of the room.
Walking through the door we walked to the one on the right and checked it. The crew members were there and alive. Some sporting bruises and bullet wounds but all were alive. Leaving them alone for now we went back out and checked the pilot's room, empty. Stepping out it only left Burns' room. Opening it Burnes was on his knees with one of the Terrorists holding a pistol to the back of his head.
"Not a step closer or I paint the floor with his brain," the man shouted and we all stopped. Didn't mean we lowered our weapons. However, Shepard forced us too as he lowered our weapons individually with his hands.
"This doesn't have to end in any more bloodshed," Shepard said slowly stepping forward with his hands placating them.
"You don't know what you're talking about! The headaches, the pain! We can barely function at times and we're the lucky ones. The rest are vegetables! And this piece of shit denied us reparations."
"You need him. If you want reparations you need Burnes and his political connections. You kill him now and you'll never get it."
"I've changed my mind. I've seen the problem, I was wrong. You deserve reparations," Burnes shouted.
"I'm an L2 too. You can trust the commander." Kaiden added at the end of Shepard's talk.
"We've been told the lies over and over again! And the result never changes. They don't care about us, we're only tools to be discarded when no longer useful. Treated like freaks and then not even granted the decency for a life after they FUCK US OVER! How can I trust you?"
There was a tense silence at this and I could see Shepard itching towards his gun. Fuck, I had seen this before when I played my first playthrough of Mass Effect. You need a certain charisma score to convince them and I guess Shepard didn't have that yet. Well, here goes nothing, gotta try.
"I'm not Alliance," I stated walking to the front.
"Then who the fuck are you?" the man asked and doing the same with him as I had with Shepard I sent a message with a Torch to his omni-tool.
"Let him go. If he's lying and doesn't change his mind he won't have time to regret it," the leader looked at me then his omni-tool again for several seconds before finally sighing.
"Take him. We'll wait for the Alliance to pick us up," he grabbed Burnes and pushed him towards me. Grabbing him I turned him around and pushed him towards Shepard.
Combat Assessment Score: B+
Shepard nodded and we all left with Burnes in the middle of our Diamond formation. It was a quick exit with no complications. Getting to the airlock we stepped inside and went through the regular decontamination process. Took about 5 minutes which was 5 minutes longer than I expected.
Once it was done we went inside and Shepard took Burnes away, probably to either the brig or his own quarters. Kaiden said nothing and just walked away, presumably to get out of his armor. Knowing we were about to go through another briefing soon I opted to just keep mine on for now. Tali, didn't get a choice either way with her enviro suit anyways.
Speaking of Tali she hadn't said anything since the mission began and was now staring at me. Looking around the area we were still at the airlock in full view of everyone so I looked back at her and shook my head. She nodded and then motioned for me to follow her. She figured it out, good girl.
Following her we went to the elevator and went down to the cargo hold. It was silent between us the entire time, it was a comforting silence as if there was absolutely no tension. Guess she trusted me after finding out who I was. Never meant to harm her anyways so that was that.
Going into the cargo hold we didn't stay long before going to engineering. Adams and the other engineers were all gone, probably eating at the moment. As we entered she turned to look at me and stared in silence. Probably thinking of something to say but it took her almost a full minute to get there.
"You're Torchbearer," she breathed out finally.
"Yes," what happened next I did not expect at all. She surged forward and hugged me. Quarians were just as quick and agile as advertised I see.
"Thank you," she said into my ear as she hugged me. Feeling awkward, I hugged her back.
"You're welcome. Anyone would've done it," I said assuming that she was talking about the assault on ARK Medicinals.
"No they wouldn't have," She stated as she pushed back from me releasing the hug. "The fact that the drug was even made proves that. Thank you."
"No problem Tali. I'm a friend of the Quarians. I've always made that obvious."
"Why though? So many despise us and treat us like dirt?"
"Because you're people too. No matter your history or what you have to do to survive, you're just people," she digested my words for a second before releasing a shuddering breath.
"Thank you. Anything you ever need. We'll answer."
"That means a lot Tali. Thanks."
Smiling at that I bid my farewells and walked out of the engine room to the elevator. Wrex, Ashley and Garrus said some quick greetings towards me as I past, returning them in kind as I made my way to the elevator. Going in and up to the main level I went over to the food section and grabbed another MRE out of the cabinets. Of the soldiers in there they gave me curious and skeptical looks.
With my helmet they didn't see my face at all so they couldn't see my curiosity be returned in kind. The background characters were never really built upon so most were faces that were going to take some getting used to.
Leaving them to their devices I went back to what would soon become Liara's room. Walking past Burnes on the way there he wasn't worth the time at the moment.
Sitting down at the desk I unclasped my helmet and then dug into the MRE. It was a pancake one and frankly, disgusting. Still, it gave me calories and with Therum coming up calories were going to be needed in abundance. Took some serious willpower to finish it though, that's how fucking bad it was and I'm not a picky eater at all. If it's put in front of me it'll go down.
Finishing it I put my helmet back on before heading out of the room. Chakwas was doing some tests on Burnes but when he saw me he held up a hand to her. She stopped and stepped away. Burnes stood up from the table and looked at me holding out his hand.
"Thank you. I would've died there if not for you."
"And for the mercy of the biotics," I refused to call them terrorists because all things considered, they were justified in their actions; read the lore.
"Yes. I'll make sure that they get their reparations," He nodded rubbing the back of his neck.
"Good. Don't make the same mistake again," and with that I walked away.
Audio filters increased
I was about to ask Sam why she did that but then I heard Burnes talking.
"Cheery one isn't he?" Chakwas was silent for a second before responding.
"I've seen his face sir. He has those rare eyes you hope to never face."
"What do you mean?"
"The eyes of someone who could kill you without a second thought and all it would be to them, is a chore to do."
Audio filters back to normal.
Hmm. Cool.
Leaving the area I made my way back down to the cargo hold. There was nothing for me to do up here besides the suspicious gaze of Kaiden. He wasn't all bad, just a bit paranoid; respectable.
Stepping into the infernally slow elevator it was almost a 2 minute wait to go less than 10 feet, annoying. Getting out Ashely was staring at me immediately but wasn't a bad stare, just a curious one if anything. Wrex didn't give a shit and Garrus took one look at me before waving me over. Nodding to him I made my way there but not before checking with the requisitions officer.
"You get anywhere?"
"In 2 hours?" I didn't say a word and just continued to stare. He flinched under the gaze before continuing. "The skipper told me we're going to Therum first. I got a shuttle with the armor hauling ass there. It won't get there on time for touchdown but it should be here by missions end all things go well."
I didn't bother responding and turned around and went to Garrus. He didn't look at me for a couple seconds as he typed on his datapad. As he finished he sighed and put it down before looking at me in silence.
"Torchbearer."
"Took you long enough," dryly chuckling he shook his head.
"So… Were you a former slave?"
"No. Just don't like slevery, or Batarians in general."
"Fair. Looks like I lost the betting pool though."
"What did you bet?"
"Thought you were a former slave. Would've explained the Batarian hate."
"Doesn't mean you can't lie about it. Not like your buddies at C-Sec will know."
"Hmm, yes. That does seem prudent, don't you think?"
"Of course," and with that I walked away. Only for the intercom to go off.
"Ground team to the briefing room. Ground team to the briefing room."
"No rest for the wicked huh?" I said aloud looking at Garrus.
"Rest is for the dead."
*POV: John Shepard*
*Immediately after boarding the Normandy after the Biotic Hostage Mission*
Leaving Tali, Kaiden and Wynne where they were I left for my room. Once inside I stripped my armor off and then put on some sweats and sweatshirt.
Examining myself in the mirror the scars were well hidden beneath the clothes but I could still feel them. They never leave, especially the acid ones. A constant reminder of Akuze, fucking set up; no way it wasn't.
Pushing those thoughts deep down and away from my mind I left my room and headed for the conference room. Getting there I tapped a few buttons on the holographic display and in a matter of seconds Anderson popped up.
"Shepard."
"Anderson."
"Quick report on the Torchbearer?"
"Aye sire," making a motion for me to get on with it I started. "He's deadly. Knows what he's doing and does it effectively. Not the most gifted out there but he's good, really good. Smart too. I wager he could give some N7's a run for their money."
"Any idea on his trainers?"
"None. Chakwas apparently knows something but won't share it. Said it was personal and 'none of my business'."
"Hmm. Don't push her, you'll regret that."
"Oh, I know sir," smiling at my statement he began again.
"Anything else you got on him?"
"Humble but knows he's better than most. Every person he looks at he analyzes, probably in a way to kill and the cams caught him familiarizing himself with the ship. Looking for kill points and studying it in general. Certainly lives up to being paranoid as he stated himself being. That's about it besides the fact that he's religious."
"Fanatical?"
"No. Not that I can tell anyways."
"Well, keep an eye on him for now. Same with the rest you picked up. Are any of them trustworthy?"
"All of them sir. Garrus wants Saren's head on a spike, Tali's on her pilgrimage and has already been a boon to Adams in engineering. She'll certainly help with the teething issues we'll no doubt have on the Normandy."
"And the Krogan?"
"Wrex. And he's just looking for a good fight and with the Geth coming out of the Veil he'll be the first Krogan to fight them. He can't pass it up. By the way I'm sure that both him and Torchbearer will ask for compensation at the end of this."
"Makes sense. They're both mercs according to our intel. Happy hunting Commander."
With that he saluted me which I returned and he disappeared. Checking my watch it seemed that it was time to call the meeting for Therum. Let's see if Benezia's daughter is on our side or not.
"Ground team to the Briefing room. Ground team to the Briefing room," I said into my omni-tool and then began to wait.
Lightswitch*: connection of the brain stem and the spinal cord at the base of your skull. It's the sniper term used for it and it's named for its effectiveness. If it's cut there is literally nothing anyone can do, they are dead.
This is fun boi's. I hope y'all are liking it, This chapter felt to me it could've been better but that's mostly because of all the dialogue I put in. Either way if y'all have some criticism that could actually help the writing please let me know. I want to give y'all the best possible story.