I Do Not Own Mass Effect or its Characters.
Chapter Twenty one: Dissolution
Gunfire and explosions were off in the distance. C-Sec officers had ordered that all civilians remain indoors. Lara was slumped over her desk. With raddled nerves and a bad heart she could barely breathe. In her rough hands Lara cradled the gold crucifix that hung tight to the nape of her neck silently giving prayer for Wayne.
Wherever he was Lara knew that he was in danger. She could feel it in her bones. Regardless she remained strong. Lara helped in raising Wayne Nathanial Shepard and if there was one thing she knew about her boy: He was a survivor. There had been many dark times in his life. There was darkness in his heart. After what had happened to him how couldn't there be? She had seen it for herself. Yet through it all and with the little bit of guidance she offered Wayne was able survive. That was what he had always done. That was his gift and his strength the ability to endure.
With a low breath Lara steadily made it to her feet. Her nerves were still shaken but she steeled herself to them. Her steps were light as she made her way to the back of her store. Here the noise was muffled and quiet. Lara reclined back against the wall. This will all be over soon. Lara continually thought. Taking another heavy breath Lara reached into her pocket for her inhaler. She groggily used it twice before calming down. After several more minutes everything seemed to become still and calm. The bullet fire was far and in shorter bursts. Maybe now it was all finally over. At least that was how it seemed until another explosion went off directly in front of the store. Shortly after the power was cut and darkness blanketed Lara.
Tarak's men prepared the breaching charge and fell into position. The secondary team led by Gru was on the roof and cracking open the air ducts. Looking to his left and right Tarak gave the silent nod to engage. Once the charge lit off and a clearing to the front was made, Gru's unit had breached the duct. As Tarak and his team entered the darkened building their low light optics engaged painting everything with a grainy black and white. Their footsteps were loud and fast in the near silent building. Right as their target was spotted something went wrong. The comm line turned to static then a single burst of gunfire echoed.
As Gru's optics kicked on he motioned for his team to drop. Once his team assembled they poured out into the middle of the antique store. Gru motioned for his men to begin a sweep as the breaching charge went off. Right as he was going to check in with the Boss the comm went dark followed after was a light thud from the duct they had just entered from. Turning with his rifle readied Gru's eyes narrowed. All of his team had been incapacitated with the assailant nowhere in sight.
Thane had ghosted the group of mercs until they again branched out at Lara's antiques and oddities store. The first planting explosives while the second scaled the building. Calculating his odds Thane opted for the rooftop. It was an ease of access to the building and the best for striking the team. Once the men had cut through Thane moved fast, hopping from ledge to ledge until reaching the breach point. Clapping on his gloved hand Thane activated a low level signal jammer and latched it onto the side of the metal duct. Dropping into the darkness Thane let out a cold breath, his first target in sight. It was the last in the line of soldiers that had entered. Thane quickly and quietly snapped his neck. Moving down the line he repeated the process until only the commander was left. As he made his move on him there was a light thud. His jammer hadn't latched properly, his cover blown. The panicked Batarian darted from side to side trying to get visual. Thane avoided his line of sight, ducking and rolling…looking for a piece of cover.
As he rolled a final time there was a stinging sensation in Thane's lungs. Losing his footing Thane stumbled and briefly exposed his position. The Batarian was sharp and fired a burst of rounds in the general vicinity. One shot just barely skimming Thane. Moving deeper into the darkness Thane looked to the first team. They had entered during the commotion and were actively hunting for him. Again there was the sting. This time a low muffled cough escaping him. Taking away his hand from his mouth, blood clearly stained his palm. The attacks had been getting worse. The final stages of Keplar's Syndrome had started setting in. Shrugging it off Thane took the offensive. Unsheathing four daggers Thane expertly planted them in four targets without any of the remaining mercs realizing what had happened.
Circling around the group Thane listened for any sign of movement. Closing his eyes Thane could hear every heartbeat, every click of boot upon floor. Nothing was hidden from him. One of the mercs, the leader was calling in for reinforcements. Thane had to act quickly to protect Lara. Opening his eyes the Drell assassin readied his combat knife. The remaining men had gathered into a circle in a desperate attempt to protect themselves. Thane threw a book to the opposite side of the room. The soldiers turned to open fire. Thane licked his lips his strike would have to be now. Before he could begin his charge there was another sound. A low, constant whirring that was growing louder. A blinding light shone behind him. It was a transport. It wasn't one of the Normandy's, the high caliber rounds being fired in his general direction was answer enough.
Nearly nine men had died in a matter of moments because of the man standing in front of Tarak's team. The reinforcements that had been standing by had arrived just as the Drell had started his final move. High intensity flood lights from the transport outlined his frame. The woman they were sent to retrieve in Gru's rough hands. His M-77 Paladin's barrel dug into the side of her forehead. The remaining men readied their rifles. Before they could fire however Tarak stepped forward and kicked a data pad toward Thane.
"For our mutual friend, Shepard." That was all Tarak said before taking the woman aboard the transport, leaving Thane alone to his regret his failure.
SUPPPP PEOPPLLEESSS! it's been so long since i wrote this it feels ancient! Anywho, yall know the deal. Constructive Criticism is both welcome and appreciated! (Sorry for not posting in months. I swear to try and do this more regularly!)