Hello again, everyone, and welcome back to my Warhammer/Mass Effect crossover.
Thank you all once again for your feedback and support. I greatly appreciate it.
Also, I wanted to make an announcement to you. I'm going to be moving very soon, so I might not be able to update any of my stories for some time, as the internet resources in the area I'm moving to won't have the bandwidth necessary for me to do anything aside from reading. Once I get access to faster internet, which should happen in early spring of this year, I'll be able to update my stories regularly once again.
As such, I'm going to post some more chapters for this crossover, and the others that I'm working on, so that you have something to read while I'm unable to do much of anything after I move. Either way, thank you so much for your support, and I hope you continue to provide feedback and support as thing progress.
Also, I have a poll on my profile for any crossovers that you want to see me write in the near-future. If you haven't voted already, I highly recommend that you do so when you have the time. Each vote, of which you can make 8 votes, determines what you want me to write next.
As always, leave a review and enjoy!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Mass Effect or Warhammer franchises. They are the respective properties and trademarks of BioWare, Electronic Arts, Games Workshop, etc. Any material original to the franchises belongs to their respective developers and publishers. Any material not original to the franchises is of my own invention. I do not own any music listed in each chapter. Any music listed belongs to it's original composers and/or artists.
Omega
Afterlife District
053.185.M3
Tyrellus frowned as they stepped back out into the cesspool that was Omega. While he couldn't directly smell the effluvia that permeated the hallway that led to the Normandy, he could imagine the smell quite readily. All the more reason to find ways of cleansing this place of the taint inside of it. The only comfort I have is that none of it is due to the Ruinous Powers.
As they walked along, EDI sent along a report. "Judging by the quarantine reports, the plague has been completely eradicated, Shepard. Dr. Solus' assistant has been helping patients without any complications."
"That's good to hear," Shepard beamed.
"As it should be," Tyrellus nodded. "A plague like that has no right to exist. It pleases me to hear that such an abomination no longer exists."
"You deal with that kind of stuff all the time?"
"More than you would think, Shepard. More than you think."
"Alright. Let's head to Afterlife and talk with the mercs. EDI, any way we can get to them?"
"I have also accessed messages transmitted between mercenary groups regarding plans to deal with Archangel. There's a recruiting station at Afterlife that may have information on him."
"I see. Looks like that's the best way to get to Archangel." Looking at Tyrellus, he asked, "You sure you can handle this?"
"If the Emperor believed I could not, I would not be here."
"Fair enough." With that, they proceeded forwards.
Tyrellus didn't like Omega one bit, now that he was proceeding alongside Shepard. The place reminded him far too much of some of the Hive Worlds that were scattered near the Cicatrix Maledictum, or as most mortals called it, the Great Rift. A wretched hive filled with those that thumb their noses at the Emperor. If you can hear Your servant, Emperor, grant me the strength to withstand the fools that inhabit this place.
It also didn't help that he was, apparently, the talk of the town. Everyone, from hardened criminals, to mercenaries, to those trying to scrape by, were all staring at him, assessing him. Fortunately, it appeared that they all came to the same conclusion: trying to steal from him was to invite the Grim Reaper himself. As such, they all left him alone, for the time being.
Afterlife didn't do much to improve his mood; in fact, it lowered his already low opinion of Omega even more. He paid little heed to the glances that the nightclub's patrons gave him, nor to the Asari strippers that were trying to get his attention. Instead, his attention was on Shepard, and their destination: the recruiting station the mercs had set up inside the nightclub.
Near the ramp that led to the room in question was a Blue Suns mercenary, though from the looks of it, he was very much bored. Walking over, Shepard said, "I hear you're recruiting. This the place to do so?"
"Yep," the merc replied. "Why don't you step inside. Also, mind that mech you've got. I don't want to be thrown out because he scratched the place up."
Tyrellus bristled, though he wisely kept himself from lashing out. As they walked down the ramp, they moved through the door at the bottom just in time to see the merc recruiter say to a freelance mercenary, "You'll get paid when the job's done, same as everyone else. Who's next?"
A moment later, Shepard and the others walked inside. Spotting the team, he said, "You four look like you could do some damage, especially with the big one in the back. Looking for a good fight?"
"Sure, if this is the place to go after Archangel," Shepard nodded.
"This is the place. Standard fee is 500 credits each. You get paid when the job's done; if you die, your friends don't collect your share. You'll need your own weapons and armor, but you've got that covered already. And no, this does not make you a member of the Blue Suns, Eclipse or Blood Pack. You are a freelancer. Period. Any questions?"
"Why are the mercs working to take down Archangel?"
"Haven't been on Omega long, huh? He does everything he can to screw with us. Shipments go missing, operations are compromised… every month it gets worse. Tarak and the other bosses are tired of loosing credits… and men."
"Is he a heavy hitter. How many other bosses are involved?"
"Yeah, Tarak runs the Blue Suns, but all three bosses are overseeing the operation. Jaroth's leading the Eclipse and Garm's leading the Blood Pack. Tarak's in charge, but the others wouldn't say that. I'm surprised they're in this at all, but I guess getting rid of Archangel is worth it."
"What do we do once we get there? How do we get to Archangel?"
"The mercs will tell you when you get there. Last I heard, they were putting freelancers into scouting groups; they attack in waves to distract Archangel while we try to get pass his defenses."
"So we're just fodder for his bullets?"
"If you don't like it, don't sign up. But if you do your job right, it's easy credits. Besides… what are the odds he can kill all of you?"
"Seems like a lot of trouble for just one guy."
"He had a whole team, but we've dealt with them, as far as I know. Now he's just one guy, but he's got the advantage. It's his base of operations and he knows we're coming. He's planned for an attack like this. We've lost a lot of men trying to get to him already."
"It's going to be tough to get to him."
"Like chasing a Vorcha out of the sewer pipes, but that's why we're recruiting. If we just keep throwing fighters at him, we'll get him eventually."
Tyrellus frowned at that. They are so incompetent that they have to resort to throwing bodies at this 'Archangel' in order to defeat him. These mercenaries are complete, and utter, fools. He kept this to himself, though he glared at the recruiter.
Shepard, unaware of this, asked, "Where do we go?"
"Just head on over to the transport hub outside of the club. One of our boys will get you there." Done with Shepard and the others, he said, "Send in the next one."
As they turned to leave, Tyrellus watched as a young man in street clothes walked in. It was clear, even from the way he walked, that he had no idea as to what he was doing. "This where I sign up?" he asked.
Shepard would've acted, but Tyrellus did so first. "You are far too young to be fighting," he said to the young man.
"I'm old enough," the younger man protested. "I grew up on Omega. I know how to use a gun."
"Yeah," Zaeed added. "Enough to get yourself killed."
"I can handle myself." Pulling out a handgun, the youth said, "I just got this for fifty creds and I plan to -"
He was interrupted when Tyrellus said, "Get your currency back," before grabbing the weapon. Ignoring the young man's protests, he took the weapon into his hand and squeezed… hard.
The loud squeal of bending metal and breaking electronics filled the air as Tyrellus crushed the handgun in his armored hand. When he finished, the handgun was nothing more than a crushed pretzel of it's former self when it hit the floor. "Go home," he told the young man. "Rethink your life. You will be thankful that I halted you from making a grievous error." With that, he walked away and rejoined the others.
"Damn," Shepard remarked. "I didn't know that you were capable of something like that, no offense intended."
"None taken, Shepard, though I did it not out of the purity of my soul. Too many young people go to war without knowing the consequences of their actions," Tyrellus replied. "Besides, even if he was in the Imperium, he would be far too young, and inexperienced, to fight. Any opponent he faced would have killed him without hesitation, or to make an example of him. Now, let us move on. I grow tired with our tarrying here."
"You don't have to tell me twice."
. . .
Getting to Archangel's hideout was quite interesting, to say the least. It turned out, Tyrellus was far too large to fit in the air car, forcing him to hold on to the exterior of the vehicle in order to tag along with the team. Fortunately, he was more than strong enough to hold on, and Shepard swore that the Space Marine didn't even break a sweat doing so.
The vehicle, though, certainly had trouble, as the added mass had taxed it's ezzo core to the limit. Once they reached the destination, the vehicle seemed to be more than happy to get rid of the added mass hanging onto it. Even the merc was relieved, as he had difficulty maneuvering the thing with Tyrellus hanging on.
As soon as they landed, another Blue Suns mercenary came over to them. "It's about time they sent me somebody that looks like they can actually fight," he sighed, clearly tired with what was going on. "They tell you what you're up against?"
"The recruiter was a little vague," Shepard frowned.
"We wouldn't get many recruits if everyone knew the truth. Archangel's holed up in a building at the end of the boulevard over there. He's got superior position and the only way over is via a very exposed bridge. It's a killing ground, but he's getting tired, making mistakes. We'll have him soon enough."
"You guys have a plan?"
"A small team is waiting to infiltrate his hideout, but we need to draw Archangel's fire so that they can move in."
"And that's where we come in?"
"Exactly. You'll be on a distraction team. Head straight over the bridge and keep Archangel busy so that the infiltration team can sneak in behind him."
"That's fucking suicide!" Zaeed frowned.
"Pretty much," the merc agreed, "but you look like you can handle it. Head up to the boulevard and get to the third barricade. Talk to Sergeant Cathka. He'll tell you when to go in."
"So the bridge is the only way into his hide out?" Shepard asked.
"Exactly," the merc nodded. "Archangel collapsed all the underground passageways and sealed all the doors to the lower levels. We've got teams digging, but they're taking far too long; if they can get the gunship flying again, that'll help. I just hope that the infiltration team will finish the job and we can all go home."
That was when Tyrellus entered the conversation. "You were using one gunship to take out a mere mortal?"
"This guy with you?" the merc asked. "Looked like he was hitchhiking a ride with you all. I'm surprised the vehicle could handle him."
"Yes," Shepard replied. "He's with me."
"I see… As for your question, yes, they were… and Archangel shot it down. He didn't destroy it, but he knew just where to hit it to disable it. It wasn't even a fair fight, at least not for us."
"Pathetic," Tyrellus growled. In actuality, he was somewhat impressed by Archangel already. Taking down a gunship with but a single shot? Impressive for a mortal, though it is an easy feat for an Astartes such as I.
Before the merc could retort, Shepard asked, "So where's the infiltration team now?"
"On the far side of the bridge near his hideout, but they can't get any closer without being seen."
"How'd they get that close without being seen? More distractions?"
"Exactly. Tarak used the gunship to keep Archangel busy. We were able to sneak a few men into his hideout before he took it down, but they're stuck there. We need to keep Archangel focused on the bridge so that he doesn't find them and wipe them out."
"What do you know about Archangel?"
"I'm the wrong guy to ask. I just do logistics. Tarak and the other merc bosses have been dealing with him for a while now, but don't be too surprised if they're not thrilled about talking to a freelancer."
"We'd better find Sergeant Cathka."
"Good idea. Watch yourself out there. Archangel's killed dozens out there already." With that, the merc left.
"In's gonna be easy," Zaeed observed. "Out's gonna be a bitch."
"Let's find him first, then we'll figure out how to get out," Shepard decided.
With that, they proceeded forwards. As they did so, EDI came over the comm. "Shepard, I've scanned the area, but I am unable to plot any other paths to Archangel."
"That means we're going with the mercs then," Shepard decided.
"The heavy mechs and gunship possess considerable firepower. Weakening them will greatly increase your chances of success."
Tyrellus smiled when he heard that. If there was one thing that some Space Marines enjoyed, it was tearing up the enemy's equipment with ease. I have a few surprises in store for these fools, he thought as he fingered a pouch on his armor.
Moving forwards, the team advanced through a door, which led them into a room large enough to be a recreation room. "You go on ahead," Shepard informed Tyrellus. "We'll talk with the bosses to get an idea of what's going on."
"As you command," Tyrellus nodded. Ignoring the looks tossed his way, he proceeded through the door to his right. Moving along, he spotted another door and looked inside. Inside, he found a number of what appeared to be biped mechs, as well as a large on in the back of the room. Shepard will want to know this, he thought. To mark the spot, he pulled out his knife and, with speed, cut in the Aquila on the door.
With that done, he proceeded forwards through another door, only to bump into another Vorcha. "Filthy Human," it snarled. In response, Tyrellus shoved it backwards with a push from his left hand, sending it tumbling ass over teakettle into more of it's friends.
They would've attacked, were it not for a deeper voice that spoke up. "Not many Humans have a quad like that." Looking forwards, Tyrellus spotted a Krogan that was about as tall as he was. It's armor had a number of cylinders attached to it, while the alien gazed at him. Green eyes observed his armor with boredom, though now they were filled with interest.
"Few mortals are foolish enough to insult a Space Marine," Tyrellus frowned. "You are the leader of the Blood Pack, from what I can tell."
"Name's Garm." the Krogan replied. "That's all you need to know. I'm stuck here until you freelancers are done playing war. Ask your questions and go."
"So, when do you attack?"
"Damn Tarak wants us to wait. I hate waiting, but he says the Suns have a plan, and they don't want us getting in their way. Hah! We're supposed to wait until the Eclipse send in their mechs… we'll see about that."
"So, if you are so important, xeno, why are you here?"
"We're the muscle on this bloody station. You need protection, or you want someone removed, talk to us. The Blood Pack are everywhere on Omega. Everyone loves us, and everyone hates us."
"Archangel only hates you."
"He's just an uptight asshole. I don't really care what he thinks, but he's costing me men, and making me work for my money. I'll be the one to take him out today… you watch. I'm the only one who's fought him one on one."
"Really? Tell me more about him."
"He's a pain in the ass. He's a Turian, which makes him slightly worse to look at than you, and he's brave… 'till he realizes your more than he's bargained for. He tried to take me down once, waited till I was alone. Longest damn fight of my life, but I held him off until my men showed up. He wasn't so tough after that. Chased him over half of Omega, almost had him, but the slippery bastard snuck away before we could pin him down."
"Hmph, I see." Looking at another door, he said, "I grow tired of talking to a xenos like you. Enjoy your plans."
"Good. Get going."
With that, Tyrellus left. Entering the hallway he'd left earlier, he spotted Shepard and the others coming out. "I take it that mark was your doing?" Shepard asked.
"Yes," Tyrellus nodded.
"Good call on that one. We were able to rewire the YMIR's IFF systems. Now, it'll be hostile to the mercs when it turns on."
"I knew it was within your capabilities."
"Thanks for the vote of confidence. Time to find the others." With that, they proceeded forwards through the hallways.
Eventually, they came into a large boulevard that had a partial overhang where they were at. Mercs on barricades were taking potshots at a house that was on the end of a long bridge. To the left were mercs that were going through doors, likely to take care of business, while on the right, Shepard spotted what looked like a makeshift hangar bay. He thought he could see a glimpse of the gunship that was in there as well.
Looking around, Shepard said, "Tyrellus, you talk with Cathka and find out more about what's going on. We'll talk to Tarak. Try not to kill anyone before the attack begins, please?"
"Maybe." Already, his patience was being tested by working with species that would, otherwise, be killed in the Imperium. Still, like a good soldier, he knew he had to do his duty. With that, Tyrellus advanced over to the mercs by the makeshift hangar. "Where is Sergeant Cathka?"
In response, the freelancers, who were intimidated by the armor he wore, pointed towards the gunship. Looking in that direction, he spotted a Batarian that was getting up, a tool of some kind in his hand. "I'm Sergeant Cathka," he remarked before looking at Tyrellus. "Damn, wish the gunship had armor like yours, then I wouldn't be fixing it. You're likely with the group that Salkie mentioned."
"Salkie?"
"You met him when you arrived. He radioed to say you and a few others were coming. You and your friends kinda stand out from the rest of the freelancers. Anyways… the infiltration team is about to give us the signal. Archangel won't know what hit him. Got any questions? This may be your last chance." As he said this, he set his tool down, before lighting a cigarette and taking a few puffs.
"Is this piece of scrap what you will be providing us cover with?"
"Hah!" Cathka chuckled. "Tarak's the only one that flies her. Besides, she's not quite ready. That bastard Archangel gave her a beating the last time she was out there. A few more tweaks, and she'll be as good as new."
Not if I have a say in the matter. "So, you are also the Tech-Priest that maintains this thing?"
"Is that a word for mechanic? If so, then yes. I'm also in the infiltration group. Our team coordinates with the gunship. I'm staying back to organize the freelancers and make sure the gunship's ready to go when we need her."
"So, your plan is to scale that flimsy barricade and assault Archangel's base?"
"And try not to get killed too fast. You're only a distraction as long as you're alive. You don't have to make it all the way across, just keep Archangel watching the bridge. The infiltration team will do the rest."
"How will your team get to him?"
"They've got two options: they can trap the bastard in close quarters and finish him off that way, or if that doesn't work, they can set up explosives. They'll just need time to set up."
"So the bridge is the only way in? A poor choice of entry."
"Until the gunship's working again, or the blasters finish the tunnels. Look, we didn't choose this entrance, but we've got a plan. We don't need you adding any ideas."
"So, are we going to attack soon, or what?"
"Hah! Tarak doesn't pay me to fight. I just plan the attacks and fix the damn gunship. You freelancers get the privilege of -" Just as he said this, the comm station nearby chimed.
"Target is in sight," a voice reported. "We're a go!"
"Check," Cathka shouted. "Bravo team! Go, go, go!" With that, the freelancers left the hangar, more than ready for war. "Archangel's got quite a surprise waiting for him, but that means no more waiting for me. Gotta get this -" He never got further than that.
Tyrellus, moving faster than his size suggested, grabbed Cathka by the head and roughly twisted it. A quiet CRACK filled the air as Cahtka's neck, and spinal cord, were shattered by the force of the attack. Cathka didn't even know what had happened when he died. Looking around, Tyrellus looked to see if anyone had noticed.
When no one appeared to have noticed his act of violence, he dumped the body into a nearby cargo crate, before walking up to the gunship. With a delicate precision that belied the bulk of his gloves, he opened up the maintenance hatch and, reaching into an armored pouch on his belt, pulled out a Melta Bomb roughly as large as a pair of grenades put together. Placing the bomb inside, He set the timer before closing the hatch shut. With his plan in action already, he headed to the barricade.
Shepard, spotting him arriving, asked, "You find out what's going on?"
"Yes," Tyrellus replied. Speaking more quietly, he said, "I have also ensured the success of our plan. Now, we have to do our part."
"Then let's go," Miranda nodded.
At that, they scaled the barricade and advanced forwards. Looking forwards, Shepard spotted a house that had a large living room on the bottom, and an upper level that had a window overlooking the bridge. Inside of said window, he watched as a Turian moved out of cover and fired his rifle, nailing one of the mercs in the chest.
"Tyrellus?" Shepard asked.
Instead of replying, Tyrellus took aim with his Auto Bolter Rifle and unleashed hell on the mercs. One merc's eyes went wide as a bolter round tore through his back and exploded in his chest, liquefying his organs in the process. Another had his head blasted into dozens of pieces.
"What the hell?!" one of the freelancers shouted. "They're with – AAAAGGGGHHHHH!"
"COURAGE AND HONOR!" Tyrellus roared as he began doing what Space Marines did best: tearing down any enemy that dared challenge them. Mercs who heard that roar quickly realized that their time to die had come, and there wasn't a thing they could do about it.
Shepard and the others promptly let loose, cutting down mercenaries as they advanced inside the house. Moving up the steps, Shepard took point, gunning down some of the mercs that had made it over a few hours earlier. Miranda yanked a merc out of cover with her biotics, with that merc jerking as Zaeed blasted him apart.
With all the mercs down, they advanced into the room where the Turian was at. Weapons raised, Shepard asked, "Archangel?"
Instead of replying, the Turian held up a finger, asking them to wait a minute. There was a brief moment of silence, then he fired, killing a merc that was hiding behind cover. With that done, he got up and, walking over to a few crates, sat down and took off his helmet. The moment Shepard saw the Turian's face, his eyes widened with shock, and joy.
"Shepard?" Garrus asked as he sat down, eyes widened with surprise and relief. "I thought you were dead."