Omega Space Station.
The Gozu District.
Mordin Solus's Clinic.
After several hours of non-stop skirmishes against the different mercenary factions and preventing a couple of human looters from stealing the possessions of a deceased Turian, the Normandy crew finally arrived at the front entrance to Mordin's Clinic. Two Maag Drones quickly unsealed the door, thus revealing a staircase which lead further into the bowels of Omega. The sole clue they were heading in the correct direction was the holographic sign hanging above the bottom of the stairwell, which said 'Omega General Clinic' in bright crimson letters.
Following the holographic arrows, Shepard's group soon found a small detachment of Loki mechs guarding the passageway leading into Mordin's Clinic's main sections. Overseeing those mechanical guards was a balding human male, an inhabitant of Gozu district if his clothing style was any indication. He stared distrustfully as Shepard calmly walked to his location, an old office separated from the passageway via a low metallic wall.
When the Normandy crew left the stairwell, the Clinic's security Overseer finally began speaking. "No funny business once you're in the clinic," he firmly told Shepard whilst gesturing towards the Loki mechs. "Unless you want to deal with those mechs." The Commander studied the Lokis and immediately noticed they're equipped with low-grade kinetic shields. Mordin must've outfitted the security mechs with military shields to better protect the infected patients and human refugees from the mercenary factions who wanted to kill them.
"Don't worry, I've zero intentions of starting any trouble for those inside the Clinic," Shepard reassured the Overseer. At the same time, Krav Savage and the other Locust Drones assigned to the mission glared hatefully at the Loki mechs. The Locust Drones greatly despised the machine men since they'd been used by Cerberus to imprison them within the Lazarus facility during their Queen's hibernation. The events at Freedom's Progress and the battle at Archangel's stronghold hadn't improved their opinion on Loki mechs.
"Good," The Overseer coldly replied while trying to not show any fear when the Drones growled threateningly at him. "The clinic's got enough problems to deal with, and we certainly can't afford angry visitors added to the list." The balding human activated his Omni-tool, causing the doorway into the Clinic's main sections to open, allowing the Normandy crew access to the medical facility.
Shepard thanked the man for allowing them to enter the Clinic and then proceeded to lead the Normandy crew into an impressively sized waiting room, complete with a receptionist's desk, which was currently occupied by two humans. Infected individuals and human refugees could be seen scattered throughout the waiting area, obviously trying to make the best out of the horrible situation they've found themselves in after the plague spread throughout the Gozu District. The Locust Queen went to the reception desk and politely questioned the female assistant about where she could find Mordin Solus.
"Doctor Mordin is currently in the medical ward," the female human receptionist politely informed Shepard whilst pointing towards a path leading into the back of the Clinic. "He's rather busy with a Turian patient who recently arrived from Blood Pack territory." She further explained how the Turian was close to death's door when some clinic guards found him just a few steps away from the Clinic's back entrance. The receptionist advised Shepard to wait until Doctor Mordin healed his newest patient.
Unfortunately, Shepard knew time was of the essence when it came to preventing more human colonists from being abducted by the Collectors. Without delay, she walked towards the backrooms of the Clinic whilst ignoring the receptionist's attempts to convince the galactic heroine to wait for Professor Solus to finish with the Turian patient. Meanwhile, Krav Savage, dutifully following his Queen to the backrooms, assigned two Maag Drones to guard the hallway so nobody could interrupt the upcoming conversation with Professor Mordin Solus.
Omega Clinic's Backrooms.
As Shepard walked across the hallway, she could faintly hear rapidly-paced conversation revolving around Turian medical treatments. The voices originated from a room with a holographic sign above the doorframe which said 'surgery ward' in bright yellow letters.
Upon entry into the Omega Clinic surgery ward, Shepard was greeted with the sight of a dark orange Salarian, treating an infected Turian resting on top of an operating table, wearing some kind of unique uniform. Its primary colours are red and white, which appeared to be a hybrid of a doctor's outfit, a scientist's lab coat and military-grade armour. The busily working Salarian was also missing a horn upon his skull and possessed multiple thin facial scars, most of which were underneath his bulbous amphibian eyes.
"Professor Mordin Solus?" The Locust Queen, flanked at both sides by her allies and Locust soldiers, inquired while approaching the operating table. The Salarian's gaze shifted towards the new arrivals to the Omega Clinic and, within a split second, activated his Omni-tool in order to perform a quick medical scan of the Locust warriors.
After the Omni-tool finished the in-depth medical scan, the Salarian hurriedly analysed the biological data. "Hm, new species possess multiple organs, highly advanced muscle groups, in-depth analysis suggests natural regenerative capabilities similar to Krogan and unusual brain activity." The oddly dressed Salarian's tone was filled with excitement as he continued to study this new specie's biology. However, the Locust weren't pleased with the doctor's antics as it reminded them of the assistants who worked for Dr Wilson during their imprisonment onboard the Lazarus facility.
The orange Salarian breathed deeply before saying in a much more relaxed voice. "Very fascinating should request interviews when not trying to save Omega's slums from plague." The doctor returned his attention to the Turian patient while his assistants gathered the necessary equipment to help save the man's life. "Also answer to earlier inquiry is correct. I am Professor Mordin Solus." The Professor swiftly introduced himself while injecting some pain relievers into the Turian's bloodstream as he'd need surgery for the bullet wounds dotting his chest.
Vurl Rage moved forwards with an unamused expression. "My Queen, this Salarian is clearly not the scientist we need for our goals." The ill-tempered Drone obviously didn't like Mordin since the Salarian scientist was uncomfortably similar to the scientists who sometimes visited their prison cells onboard the former Lazarus facility. "I humbly request to devour this fool so we can search for a more worthy candidate." The nearby assistants paled and rapidly moved to a safe distance upon hearing Vurl Rage's desire to eat the Professor.
However, Professor Mordin's smile grew considerably wider upon listening to the Drone's request to devour him alive. "Hum, medical data suggested carnivores nature," the Salarian scientist muttered theories on what type of environment could produce the Locust Drones while gesturing for his assistants to come to assist with the patient's surgery. "Mentioned goals. Suggests you're here for a purpose, and I'm needed to achieve unknown objectives." After needing a moment to overcome their fear of the Drones, the assistants came rushing to help the Professor.
Once the surgery was underway, Mordin, seeming to vanish from sight for a split second, appeared in front of a startled Maag Drone. "Ah, an unknown symbol," the chief medic within the Omega Clinic gently touched the Locust emblem imprinted within the centre of the Drone's armour. "Possibly a sign of social status? Or perhaps has military significance such as microscopic identification embedded within the emblem?" An expression of wonder and curiosity was etched upon Mordin's amphibian face whilst he studied the unhappy Drone.
Within another split second, Mordin stood before Shepard with Omni-tool stretched outwards. "The one who requested to eat me identified you as their Queen." The Professor's Omni-tool retrieved valuable info on Shepard's biology and current battlefield equipment. "Meaning you've somehow taken a leadership position within new species social structure." Mordin then proceeded to rush back towards the operating table, which allowed Shepard to bluntly inform Vurl Rage that nobody was devouring Mordin, thus causing the ill-tempered Drone to huff with disappointment.
"Professor." Shepard watches as Mordin zipped around the surgery ward for medical supplies. "I'd be happy to answer any questions you have regarding the Locust," a flash of an Omni-tool was the sole evidence that Mordin had written the word Locust on a new document which would store his findings on the new species. "However, I'm on a critical mission, and I could honestly use your help." The Locust Queen then gave her name to the Salarian scientist since she hoped the reputation earned during the Saren hunt would convince Mordin to assist with her ongoing war against the Collectors.
Mordin paused as interest began to shine within his amphibian orbs. "Mission? What mission?" Omega Clinic's chief medic asked with curiosity before negatively shaking his head. "No. Too busy. Clinic understaffed. Plague spreading too fast!" Mordin breathed deeply while ducking underneath the occupied operating to retrieve something. "Who sent you?" He inquired as the Normandy crew was equipped with a far better arsenal than most mercenary organisations would give to their subordinates so that at least ruled them out as hired muscle.
"Ever heard of an organisation named Cerberus?" Shepard questioned while internally comparing Professor Mordin to a hamster who consumed a thousand cups of coffee and then left to run on its wheel for months on end. Besides, being truthful from the beginning would help build trust between the Salarian scientist and the inhabitants onboard the Normandy. Plus, it wasn't like the Commander could hide the fact Cerberus was funding the investigations into missing human colonists a secret from Mordin since he'd be assisting with creating suitable countermeasures against the Seeker Swarms.
Mordin raised from underneath the table. "Crossed paths on occasion," the Salarian doctor freely admitted with a tone which suggested none of those encounters wasn't under friendly terms. "Thought Cerberus only worked with humans. Why request Salarian aid?" Passed experience with the extremist group had shown Mordin how xenophobic most of Cerberus's operatives were to other civilisations, thus leading him to suspect whatever situation Cerberus was involved with must be rather alarming for them to willingly search for outside assistance.
"I'm on a mission to shut down the Collectors," Shepard revealed while most of the infected Turian's bullet wounds were slowly sealing shut after some Omni-gel was applied to them. "And as I've mentioned earlier, I could use your assistance." A few seconds later, the Turian was considered healthy enough to survive for another day and was carefully wheeled out of the surgery room, leaving the Salarian scientist alone with the Normandy crew.
Mordin hummed at the new info while positioning his arms into a thinking pose. "Collectors? Interesting. Plague hitting these slums is engineered. Collectors one of few groups with technology to design it." He breathed deeply after rapidly speaking about how the Collectors were possibly related to Omega's plague. "Our goals may be similar." The Salarian doctor concluded while walking to a nearby terminal to study the recent results from the prototype plague cure he'd tested on injected tissue samples, and the data was quite promising.
"However, must stop plague first." Mordin's tone was non-negotiable, as the inhabitants of the slums wouldn't last much longer without the cure. "Already have a cure. Need to distribute it at environmental control center." Doctor Solus's expression turned grim whilst downloading a copy of the plague research into his Omni-tool. "Vorcha guarding it. Need to kill them." Mordin knew the Blood Pack weren't going to surrender the district's environmental control center without a fight, and for the sake of Gozu District, they'd have to be terminated.
Shepard nodded in agreement as the Vorcha needed to be dealt with before she could deliver the cure to the environmental controls. "Don't worry, Professor; we'll get inside and deal with the Vorcha." She promised while the Locust Drones eagerly smiled at the opportunity to wage war against the Blood Pack. However, before Mordin could thank the Locust queen for the assistance, the air vents suddenly decided to shut down, and the district's illumination systems transformed the Clinic's lights to an ominous blinking crimson.
Jacob glanced upwards at the non-functioning vents. "What the hell was that?" The male Cerberus operative asked with a worried tone since vents suddenly shutting off couldn't mean anything good for them.
Mordin hurriedly analysed the Clinic's connection with the district's environmental systems. "Vorcha have shut down environmental systems. Trying to kill everyone." The Professor's tone was grim as he continued to analyse the incoming data. "Need to get power back online before district suffocates." According to Mordin's calculations would happen within the next twelve hours; when those hours are entirely spent, Gozu District shall transform from a highly populated section of Omega into a mass graveyard.
The Salarian Doctor, fully understanding time was of the essence, gave Shepard a vial containing the plague cure. "Here, take plague cure. Also, a bonus in good faith. Weapon from dead Blue Suns mercs. May come in handy against Vorcha." Shepard's emerald orbs widened in surprise when Mordin pulled out an M-6 Carnifex. The heavy pistol had a deadly reputation for being highly accurate and lethal against armoured opponents; the Blood Pack guarding Gozu's environment would be much easier to remove with such a pistol in the crew's arsenal.
Shepard thanked the Salarian for the heavy pistol and replaced her current one with it. "One more thing." Mordin quickly mentions as the ominous lights continue to blink. "Daniel. One of my assistants. Went into Vorcha territory. Looking for victims. Hasn't come back." Mordin's expression and tone were filled with worry for Daniel as the young man showed great promise in the field of medicine.
"If I see him, I'll do what I can to help," Shepard promised while the Locust Drones stared with disinterest since, in their eyes, Daniel deserved whatever fate befell him. The fool naively went into Vrocha territory seeking out plague victims who wouldn't hesitate to shoot him simply because of his species. Krav Savage would've shot the man without a second thought if Daniel had attempted such a stunt whilst onboard the Normandy, as any actions which might endanger the Queen wasn't tolerated by the Locust Horde.
Meanwhile, Mordin, unaware of the disdainful thoughts the Locust had towards his favoured assistant, nodded his amphibian skull in gratitude. "Thank you. Told him not to go. But he's smart," Vurl Rage snorted in the background since the ill-tempered Drone highly doubted the boy was intelligent. "Bright future. I hope." Omega's chief medical expert indeed held out hope on Daniel still being alive within Vorcha territory as the Clinic couldn't afford to lose such a promising young doctor to the bloodthirstiness of the Blood Pack.
A minute later, Shepard informed Mordin about the Batarian plague victim waiting for assistance at the primary entrance to the slums. The Salarian muttered how the mercenaries were still fighting on the streets and how it wasn't particularly safe for anyone to travel outside the Clinic. However, Mordin promised to attempt to send help for the sick Batarian when an opportunity presented itself. The Locust Queen thanked Mordin for even considering sending someone to check on the plague victim and then proceeded to ask some questions before leaving for the environmental controls.
What Shepard learned was the plague's advanced design, how it targeted respiratory systems within the body, why Mordin first suspected Collector involvement before Shepard arrived to confirm it, and the reason behind the plague's creators leaving humans alone to act as a control group. The next thing to be learned was how the Collectors were using the Vorcha to spread the plague and collect research data on its effects on Omega's populace. Mordin also mentioned Daniel went into Vorcha territory for Batarian plague victims and couldn't search for Daniel because the Salarian needed to look after the infected patients.
The last exciting detail the Locust Queen discovered was Mordin's former involvement with the Salarians Special Task Group, or STG for short. Apparently, the Salarian scientist performed fieldwork with the spy organisation over the years before retiring to the Terminus Systems to open Omega's first official Clinic. The Professor even gave a humorous smile while saying how none of the mercenaries ever saw him oncoming when they attempted to force the Clinic to pay for protection against other merc gangs.
Fully satisfied, Shepard exited the surgery ward and headed for the backdoor to the Clinic. The female Clinic Guard, who was protecting the backdoor from any merc intruders, wished them luck with the Blood Pack before activating the release mechanisms on the door. When the doorway was fully opened, the Maag Drones raced up the staircase leading towards the general direction of Gozu's environmental control center; within mere moments, gunfire thundered from the top of the stairs causing Shepard to run towards the source while the others dutifully followed.
It was time to kick the Vorcha out of the Gozu District.
The Terminus System.
Saonerth System.
Outer Orbit Of Saonerth Primus.
A Frigate Marked With The Symbol Of The Crimson Knights.
"Prepare the Crimson Night for Mass Relay jump!" the hulking form of Kidark Qrazka, a centuries-old Krogan wearing enough armour to equal any known civilisations tanks, commanded while walking onto the bridge with a nasty smile. "We've gotten a new contract, and it's going to pay a lot of credits!" Kidark went towards the holo-display, which captured an image of Saonerth Primus. The old Krogon was honestly glad to finally be leaving this swamp-infected hellhole as nothing of real value was present within the system.
The bridge crew, mostly comprised of Vorcha and a couple of the more tech-inclined Krogan, excitedly cheered at the prospect of earning more credits for themselves and the offshoot of the Blood Pack, which they loyally served. As the crew began preparations to jump through the Saonerth systems minor Mass Relay, another Krogan entered the bridge. However, unlike Battlemaster Kidark, this particular Krogan's armour design went more towards speed and flexibility rather than overwhelming defensive capabilities.
The newly arrived Krogan respectfully nodded his dark orange plated head to the Crimson Knights leader. "So what's the contract this time?" The newcomer curiously inquired as the Crimson Night left standard orbit around Saonerth Primus and pushed its engines towards the Mass Relay. By the holographic displays in front of the duo, the frigate would make Mass Effect jump within nine hours, assuming nothing unexpected happenings while making the journey between the system's planets and the minor relay, which given the Terminus's constant chaotic state, wasn't outside the realms of possibility.
"Hello, Wondok." the Crimson Knights leader sarcastically welcomed his second-in-command before getting down to business. "The contract's cargo protection and delivery," the Battlemaster calmly watched as Saonerth's white star reflected light off the surrounding planets. "Apparently, we're meeting with a Salarian cargo carrier waiting at the edge of the Terminus and escorting them to the desert planet Hakor within the Zrulak system." Kidark also revealed the cargo vessel won't respond to any other ship without the proper identification codes, which their latest employer transmitted to the Crimson Night's computer systems.
"Sounds easy enough," Wondok said after going over the possible dangers they might encounter during the escort of the Salarian cargo vessel. Pirates were the most apparent threat to the mission, followed shortly after Turian patrol fleets since Hakor was a few mass relays away from their designated borders. If the worst came to pass, Wondok would advise abandoning the contract as the Crimson Night was their sole void capable vessel and losing it would significantly damage their ability to perform mercenary work.
Kidark grunted as a Vorcha walked past the duo to perform maintenance on an inactive power coil. "Actually, it's far more complex than that, Wondok." The ancient Battlemaster removed a data pad from a hidden compartment within his dark crimson armourer. Kidark handed over the data pad to his second, which revealed extra orders from their newest employer and a written promise saying that if the Crimson Knights succeed, they'll be given enough credits to buy two used frigates from traders who deal with starships.
"Our employer wants the Salarians dealt with once their cargo is safely delivered onto the planet," apparently, the guy paying for the contract wanted zero loose ends regarding where the cargo came from. "After the Salarian crew is dealt with, we're supposed to set beacons on a specific radio frequency to lure somebody our employer wants to die to the planet." The instructions mentioned unlocking the cargo containers and then waiting behind Hakor's third moon to ensure whoever was lured to the planet would visit the surface.
"That's a lot of credits," Wondok replied with a frown while returning the data pad. "However, I don't like how our employer isn't forthcoming with our target's identity." This was important since pissing off the wrong organisation within the Terminus could easily lead to the Crimson Knights' destruction. Plus, Wondok hadn't spent the last two hundred plus years strengthening their merc group just to watch it burn simply cause a client didn't want to share info on the target they wanted the Crimson Knights to eliminate.
Kidark nodded in agreement. "I also don't like wandering into the unknown, Wondok." The old Krogan's tone was of the utmost seriousness as their frigate travelled deeper into the void of space. "But, it's just too good an opportunity to ignore." If the employer was genuine about how many credits were at stake, Kidark could finally build a small fleet of warships. The Crimson Knights might even be able to raid Batarain slaver bases in order to gather enough resources to assist with the Blood Pack's research into a genophage cure.
Wondok sighed with resignation. "So we're heading into the unknown?" Kidark grimly nodded as the Mass Relay came into view of the vessel's holographic systems. "We at least know the name of the guy paying for this mystery delivery and ambush job?" The Krogan Battlemaster grunted before saying their employer actually gave him a name. However, Kidark was highly doubtful it was the guy's actual name, more likely a false identity to prevent any potential survivors from tracking them down and enacting vengeance for the attempt on their lives.
As the Crimson Night drew ever close, Kidark whispered their employer's name, and Wondok felt a sense of unease fill his hearts' as it faintly echoed across the bridge.
"Our employer calls himself Doctor Locust."