Location: Serpent Nebula, Widow System, SSV Normandy SR-1
"Dr… Dr Chakwas I think he's waking up?" I heard a familiar woman holler. Wait a minute is Gunnery Chief Williams calling Dr Chakwas. I must be back aboard the Normandy, but if I'm back aboard the ship, why is Chief Williams here?
I sat up on the gurney and pressed my fist against my forehead to try and shake this headache. God it feels like someone is boring through my skull with a laser. Dr Chakwas strolled into my line of sight, wearing a pleased smile.
"You had us worried there, Anderson. How are you feeling?"
"Like the morning after shore leave" I groaned. Williams snorted in an effort to restrain the chuckle. "How long was I out?"
"About 15 hours. Something happened there with the beacon, I think."
"It's my fault. I must have triggered some kind of security field when I approached it. You had to push me out of the way."
"I expect better of my people Williams. Your actions damn near endangered the lives of your comrades," I scolded. I turned away from her to wipe the sleep from my eyes. From my peripheral vision I could see a hint of a frown donning her lips.
"Don't be so hard on her Commander. We have no idea what even set it off. Unfortunately, we'll never get the chance to find out."
"The Beacon exploded. A system overload, maybe. The blast knocked you out cold. The Lieutenant and I carried you back here to the ship."
"You are aware that Eden Prime has hospitals right."
"Listen, you're better off here than at some run of the mill hospital any day. Physically you're fine. But I detected some unusual brain activity, abnormal beta waves. I also noticed an increase in rapid eye movement, signs typically associated with intense dreaming."
"I saw... death. That's the best way I can describe it. I saw… it's indescribable, most of the images were unclear," I answered. However, what wasn't unclear was the feeling of fear and anger that I felt experiencing that vision
"Hmm… I had better add this to my report. It may- oh Captain Anderson."
The Captain marched into the room with his usual bravado. This time something was different. His steps were much heavier than normal; they were almost laboured. Something's wrong.
"How's our XO holding up, Doctor?"
"All readings are normal. I'd say the Commander is going to be fine."
"Glad to hear it. Anderson, I need to speak to you- in private."
Williams saluted the CO of the ship "Aye, aye Captain. I'll be in the mess if you need me."
"Sounds like that beacon hit you pretty hard Commander. You sure you're okay?"
"Chief Williams isn't part of the Normandy crew," I stated.
"I figured we could use a soldier like her. She's been reassigned to the Normandy."
"I don't want her on the ship, her actions led to the beacons destruction."
"I'm the Captain of this ship Commander and I want Williams on the crew," he put extra emphasis on our respective ranks to put his point across.
I put my hands over my face and apologised. "Sorry, I'm just really pissed off by the mission," I growled.
"How are you holding up Nate?"
"I'm sick and tired of people dying in my squad."
"What happened to Jenkins wasn't your fault. We all know the risks going into the job."
"Intel dropped the ball sir, we had no idea what we were walking into down there. That's why shit went to hell!" I seethed. My anger began to build and build to the point I had to punch the wall to relieve frustration.
"Geth haven't been outside the veil in two centuries Commander, nobody could have predicted this," He tried to reassure me, but it wasn't working.
"What was it you needed to talk to me about?"
Anderson explained to me about how the Council were probably going to lay the blame at my feet for everything that went down. After that he started to tell me about the SPECTRE who killed Nihlus. Saren was some big shot SPECTRE who was widely respected and has a hatred of humans.
We talked about what he could have possibly wanted from the beacon or what he could have possibly gained considering that it almost fried my brain. I tried to convince him not to tell the Council about my vision since it would undermine our entire argument. However, he was adamant that we should tell them in case I had the blueprints of some super weapon that Saren had designs on making. He also wanted to appease the Council by proving Saren was a traitor.
After the debriefing I was ordered to tell Joker to pull the bird into the Citadel. On my way out of the med-bay I was stopped by an anxious Chief Williams.
"I'm glad you're okay Commander, the crew could really use some good news after what happened to Jenkins."
"When your number comes up, it's over. His Did."
"That's grim commander. I guess I shouldn't be surprised though. Not after Torfan? That must have been hell."
"Every time you kill it gets a little easier," I stated. She had a look in her eye which showed a mixture of fear and admiration
"With all due respect, I'm glad you're on our side."
"That you should. How are you holding up after Eden Prime?" I wondered. I know that watching your entire unit die is jarring.
"I've seen friends die before. Comes with being a marine. But to see my whole unit wiped out—And you never get used to seeing dead civilians. But things would have been a lot worse if you hadn't showed up."
"I failed my primary objective which was to retrieve the beacon intact and a SPECTRE is dead. I'm not entirely sure what good I actually did."
"You saved a lot of lives, Commander. It might be hard to keep that in perspective with what happened to Jenkins."
That stupid kid had to go and get himself killed. I knew I shouldn't have let him take point even for a second, if I'd been a better leader I would be aboard this ship with him, reprimanding him so bad that he'd wish he was dead. No… I have to push past this like everything else, but I mustn't forget it either.
"I'm not looking for a shoulder to cry on Williams. Just stay focused on your job."
She stood straight and saluted me "Understood sir!"
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
Location: Serpent Nebula, Widow System, Citadel, Presidium, Council Chambers
The preliminary meeting with the council didn't leave me optimistic about the future. Udina got handed the you're just a peon card and he didn't like it. Now some C-Sec stooge was going to be investigating my allegations against Saren. C-Sec is mostly Turian so I know exactly how this is going to turn out. I may as well do this by myself just to make sure the job actually gets done. Udina gave us the location of the Council Chambers and transmitted access codes to our respective omni-tools.
Avina had guided us through the Citadel toward the service elevator which led straight to the Council Chambers. This was going to be the first time I'd ever met the Citadel Council and I didn't have high expectations. Aliens have always been against humanity and so long as we didn't have any position of status, we would always be second class citizens.
In spite of my general distrust of aliens, I can understand that from their standpoint the mission was a failure. A SPECTRE was dead, the beacon was destroyed and to top it all off, I was pinning these failures on one of their golden boys, so I doubt they'll be in a good mood.
During the long journey I decided to take in the aesthetics of the Citadel. It was one of the few times I came here, I'd been offered assignments that took me here but I tended to pass them up. Too many aliens around for my liking, even now I'm not comfortable being surrounded by this many of them.
It looked like a paradise. With beautiful lakes stretching large distances as well as trees that helped make the place feel like an island. Even the architecture was a magnificent sight, with gleaming pristine buildings stretching as far as the eyes could see. It smelt pure, there was no scent to it other than the odour of those next to you. The people here were all dressed in suits and armour indicating their status.
And it all was so fucking fake.
Any time that a group of people wearing suits and dresses are gathered in a single area, a lot of bullshitting, backstabbing and double dealing going on. Everything on this part of the station is as real as the "sky" that's above my head right now.
The elevator doors opened after we punched in the access codes, revealing a beautiful picture. It was all artificially lit with fake fauna which I didn't recognise, I couldn't tell if it came from earth or some other planet. Towering fountains which pushed vast volumes of water into the air and a glass ceiling that allowed us to see the stars. I could see why the council spent a lot of time here, but with the stress they're under, I doubt they ever get to enjoy the view.
My train of thought was derailed by two bickering Turians. "Saren's hiding something! Give me more time. Stall them."
"Stall the Council? Don't be ridiculous! Your investigation is over Garrus," the other Turian asserted before stomping away from scene.
The other Turian- Garrus was his name- faced me and tried to suss out who I was. "Commander Anderson?" he inquired to which I nodded "Garrus Vakarian, I was the officer who took charge of the C-Sec investigation into Saren."
"Who were you just talking to?" Alenko asked.
"That was Executor Pallin, head of Citadel Security, my boss. He'll be presenting my findings on Saren to the Council."
"Nice going by the way, screwing up my entire argument," I spat. I knew that the stooge would be a Turian and surprise, surprise he fucked it all up.
"Saren is a SPECTRE. Most of his activities are classified. I couldn't find anything solid. But I know he's up to something. 'I can feel it in my gut' as you humans like to say," Garrus defended himself.
"I think the Council's ready for us Commander," Williams reminded.
"Good luck Anderson, maybe the Council will listen to you," Garrus hoped. I looked back at him with curiosity, I could almost swear he was genuine.
Anderson led me up the stairs toward the Council meeting room. I wasn't surprised to see that I wasn't meeting them face to face. I mean it's pretty clear they already look down on everybody; they were on a perch far away, which was likely shielded by the best tech credits can buy.
"The geth attack is a matter of concern. But there is nothing to indicate that Saren was involved in any way," the asari explained.
"The investigation by Citadel Security turned up no evidence to support your charge of treason," The Turian added.
"An eye witness saw him kill Nihlus in cold blood!" Udina yelled
"We've read the Eden Prime report, Ambassador. The testimony of one traumatised dockworker is hardly compelling proof," the Salarian argued.
Their smug arrogance was getting on my nerves, the confidence in which they spoke, knowing fully well that we could do nothing to wipe it off of them really pissed me off.
What happened next damn near sent me into a bloody rage. "I resent these accusations. Nihlus was a fellow SPECTRE, and a friend," Saren announced as his holo appeared in front of us. He's a lot uglier than I first imagined.
"That just let you catch him off guard!" Anderson shouted
"Captain Anderson, you always seem to be involved when humanity makes false charges against me. And this must be your protégé. Or should I say your stray pet Commander Anderson. The one who let the beacon get destroyed."
He's goading me I know he is… I need to maintain my composure otherwise this all goes to hell "You're the one who destroyed the beacon and then tried to cover it up."
"Shift blame to cover your own failures. Like father like son I suppose. You've taught him Captain Anderson."
"But what else can you expect from a human," Saren sneered. The Council didn't bat an eyelash at the blatant racism on display in front of them just because of who it was aimed at.
If he wasn't going to restrain his tongue, then I see no reason why I should bite mine. "You can expect me to kill you the next time we meet," I threatened. Udina face palmed and shook his head dejectedly.
"Your species should learn its place Anderson. You're not ready to join the Council, you're not even ready to join the SPECTRE's," Saren declared.
"He has no right to say that! That's not his decision!" Udina asserted rather loudly.
The asari councillor looked at Udina as though he were a petulant child and rolled her eyes "Anderson's admission into the SPECTRE's is not the purpose of this meeting."
"This meeting has no purpose. The humans are wasting your time, Councillor. And mine."
"He's hiding behind his position as a SPECTRE. You need to open your eyes!" I pleaded
"What we need is evidence and so far you've provided none," the Salarian pointed out.
"There's still one outstanding issue. Commander Anderson's vision. It may have been what triggered the beacon."
Now it was my turn to face palm. Way to go David, now they're going to think I'm a crazy person. That and that's reduced the likelihood that they'll ever take me seriously.
"Are we allowing dreams into evidence now? How can I defend my innocence against this kind of testimony?" Saren smirked.
"I agree. Our judgement must be based on facts and evidence, not wild imaginings and reckless speculation" the Turian councillor agreed.
"Do you have anything to else to add Commander Anderson?"
"You've already decided on what you're going to do. Nothing else I say will change your mind," I capitulated. I knew that this would be impossible to win from the get go. Politics aren't my strong suit, I'm more of a shoot your problem until it goes away kind of guy.
As expected Saren had gotten away with murder, literally. The Council were so far up their own asses that they were blind to what was in front of them and the worst part was that they honestly thought that they were right. The lack of evidence gives the Council a good excuse not to oust their golden boy, and I'm being used as the scapegoat, I fucking hate politics.
Something about Saren made my blood run cold. He didn't strike me as someone who was in full control of his mind, he was almost… programmed to act that way. His general demeanour gave me a shady vibe. I know for a fact that this Eden Prime thing is just the tip of the iceberg with him, there is a lot more to come. And things are only going to get worse.
Udina was busy moaning and whinging about how he got stuck with a lot like us and all that malarkey. We had to guide him back to the human embassy before he lost it completely. When we finally reached his office he decided to let rip.
"It was a mistake bringing you into that meeting Captain. You and Saren have too much history, it made the Council question our motives."
"Captain had every right to be there Ambassador," I interjected.
"And you! You've already done enough to jeopardise you SPECTRE candidacy. And the threat to Saren right in front of the Council just made you look like even more of a thug than they already think you are."
"Just why would they think I'm a thug."
"We all know about your gang past Commander, that threat made you seem like the rabid dog they already thought you were."
"With all due respect Ambassador, if the Commander didn't say it then I would have," Williams chimed in.
Udina rubbed the bridge of his nose, and through clenched teeth he snarled "I knew your relation to Anderson would bite us all in the ass. Now it looks like there's a family vendetta against Saren."
"I know Saren's working with the geth to exterminate humanity. Every colony we have is at risk, every world we control is in danger. Even Earth isn't safe," Anderson tried to get the conversation away from our personal lives.
I wanted to ask about his connection to Saren but I figured that would be a conversation better reserved for when we were alone. "We need to deal with Saren ourselves."
"As a SPECTRE, he's virtually untouchable. We need to find some way of exposing him."
"What about Garrus that C-Sec investigator? We saw him arguing with the Executor" Alenko suggested.
"That's right he was asking for more time to finish his report. Seems like he was close to finding something on Saren" Williams added.
"He's a Turian, I don't want him on our side" I declared.
That earned me a glare from the Captain and a questioning look from Alenko. Even Udina was frowning "Not all Turians are like Saren. If he can help we need to find him. I have a contact in C-Sec, who can help us track Garrus down. His name is Harkin."
"Forget it they suspended Harkin last month. Drinking on the job, I won't waste my time with that loser." Anderson contended.
"You won't have to. I don't want the Council using your past history with Saren as an excuse to ignore anything we turn up. The Commander will handle this."
"You can't just cut Captain Anderson out of this investigation," I argued.
"The Ambassador's right I need to step aside."
"I need to take care of some business. Captain, meet me in 5 minutes" Udina informed instructing us to leave the room.
We managed to get down stairs "Now that he's gone there's something I wanted to tell you."
"What is it Captain?" Williams wondered.
"There's someone waiting for you at the Apollo café not too far from here. Here are the coordinates, it's only one level below us."
"Why didn't you want Udina to hear this?" I asked.
"It's the other SPECTRE candidate. Udina doesn't know she's here on the Citadel and I want to keep it that way. I was going to transfer her to the Normandy, but now it's highly unlikely."
"Who is it?" I asked.
"Don't worry, you're going to like this" he assured before returning to Udina's office.
He knows that I hate surprises so this had better not throw me off my guard. I followed Avina's instructions and soon found myself in the Apollo Café. It looked like one of the classier cafés and you could watch the cars fly by as well as the serene artificial sky being in full view.
I scanned the place to see just who was so important that Anderson had to-
"NATE" a voice bellowed from behind me and before I knew it I was being straddled from behind by a woman who always seemed to be at the centre of trouble wherever she went. She also happened to be the only person I'd consider a friend.
"Shepard, get off of my back" I groaned.
She got off of me and smiled. When I turned to face her, the first thing I noticed was that she was wearing civs. That shouldn't surprise me considering that Anderson said she was on shore leave.
"It's been so long!"
"I saw you 2 months ago, back when I left the Kilimanjaro."
"2 months is a really long time you know." She argued "You never called either, my mom was getting really annoyed."
"Tell Hannah that I'm sorry. But I've been busy getting the Normandy retrofitted and going on slaver raids."
"Yeah well the next time you ignore me for 2 months I'm gonna find you and kick your ass," she punched my arm.
"Umm Commander?" Alenko interjected. Rylee gave him and Williams a quick check up, her eyes were mainly fixated on the lieutenant, looks like Shepard's found her new target.
"Who are these people? Your new squad?"
"Yeah, I'm Gunnery Chief Ashley Williams."
"Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko."
"Nice to meet you guys, I'm 1st Lieutenant Rylee Shepard" that earned her a surprised look from Alenko, even Williams was shocked. Rylee was only 22 years old and she had already reached that high a rank which was extremely unusual. What had happened on Elysium played a big part in her reaching her current rank in spite of her age.
"Shepard, what are you doing here? Anderson said you were the other SPECTRE candidate, but he didn't say why he wanted to talk to you," I explained. Her eyes shot wide open; obviously someone hadn't told her that.
Her eyes popped open and her jaw dropped. She put her hand over her face "I was a SPECTRE candidate, is that what he wanted to tell me… wow."
"I may have just screwed up, I'm not even sure if I was meant to say that but it's too late for that now. What are you doing here?"
She snapped out of her trance and smiled, she then playfully smacked my arm and laughed "I'm on shore leave silly, just enjoying what the Citadel has to offer, before it's back to the Kilimanjaro. An hour ago Captain Anderson asked to meet me saying it was urgent, so what's so important."
We took a seat at one of the tables, where I explained to her what had happened on Eden Prime, with the geth, Nihlus, Saren and the Council. I told her that I needed to prove Saren was a traitor before he attacked any other human colonies.
"Sounds like this Saren is an arrogant piece of crap," She scoffed. "Whatever he got from that beacon must be really important if he was willing to destroy Eden Prime to achieve it."
"Personally, I'm more concerned about how the hell he's controlling the geth; I mean he's an organic" Ashley wondered.
"What is he planning to do with this new information? We don't even know where he is for Christ's sake" Kaidan added.
"These are all very good questions but we aren't going to find the answers here. We need to look for evidence and I know just who to talk to. There's a Volus called Barla Von, he works in the financial district on the other side of the Presidium," Rylee announced.
"How's a banker going to help us expose Saren?" I asked.
"This banker is connected to the Shadow Broker. If there's anything going on, on the Citadel then Barla Von knows about it."
Great just the person I don't want to fuck with, an entity with enough power and influence to make me disappear without a trace. I've dealt with the Broker a few times, the information has always been accurate and it has never led me astray but I don't trust anyone I don't meet face to face.
"Alright, we are going to split up. Rylee send Alenko the Navpoint for the Barla Von's bank. I want you and Williams to ask him about Saren, his associates and anything that I can use to discredit him. I'm going to Chora's Den to investigate this Harkin."
"I'm coming too Nate and don't even think about saying no, because you know I'm not taking no for an answer."
"You're on shore leave, enjoy it while you can."
"I think stopping Saren is more important than sightseeing on the Citadel anyway. Besides, I'm headed to Chora's Den with or without you to speak to this Harkin." She stood up and strolled towards the exit of the café "Are you coming or not."
I rubbed the bridge of my nose and despite myself, I found myself smiling at the situation. Of course Rylee would help, what else was I expecting. "Williams, Alenko keep me posted."
~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~o~
Location: Serpent Nebula, Widow System, Citadel, Wards, Chora's Den
We paid at the rapid transit terminal by the human embassy to take us to Chora's Den. I didn't even know the Citadel had these, why did I even bother walking to the Council Chambers to the embassy anyway?
Outside of Chora's Den, you could already hear the stereotypical club music, fast paced, catchy and infectious. I always wondered what the appeal was to places like this, back on earth my friends would always try to get into places like these even though we were under age. Personally, I thought it was a waste of time. Upon entering the… 'establishment' I immediately saw what drew the clientele here. It was a strip club. Everywhere you turned there was someone shaking their ass in someone else's face and a couple of people at the bar.
Rylee asked the bartender where Harkin was and she pointed to the obviously drunk human, who was slumped against his chair. But what really drew my attention was the two Krogan fighting in front of Harkin.
"Back off Wrex. Fist told us to take you down if you showed up."
"What are you waiting for? I'm standing right here. This is Fists only chance. If he's smart he'll take it."
"He's not coming out, Wrex. End of story."
"This story is just beginning," Wrex warned. He started walking towards us and pushed us aside. "Out of my way human, I have no quarrel with you."
"What was that all about?" Rylee asked
"Doesn't matter, it doesn't concern us and personally I wouldn't want to get in that Wrex's way. Besides, we have a mission remember."
"Hey there sweetheart, looking for some fun? 'Cause I gotta say you have an amazing body," Harkin beckoned. I put a protective arm in front of Rylee "Why don't you sit your sweet, little ass beside old Harkin? Have a drink and see where this goes," the C-Sec officer leered.
Rylee cringed at the man who, more likely than not, was at least 20 years older than her "I think I'll pass."
"Suit yourself, I doubt your military boyfriend would've been too keen. A little advice lover boy, if you're going to wear an alliance get up, it had better be armour. Wearing a t-shirt and bottoms isn't gonna cut it when batarians decide to try and shoot you up."
"Noted. Now tell me where the C-Sec officer Garrus is."
"Garrus? Ha! You must be one of Captain Anderson's crew. Poor bastard is still trying to bring Saren down eh? I know where Garrus is. But I'm going to need two things. Firstly, did the Captain let you in on his big secret?"
"Just tell me where Garrus is before this gets ugly"
"But it's all related don't you see? The captain used to be a SPECTRE. Didn't know that, did you? It's all very hush, hush. The first human ever given that honor. And then he blew it. Screwed up his mission so bad they kicked him out. Of course he blames Saren. Says the Turian set him up."
Rylee asked Harkin about Garrus. Apparently the Turian was a hot-headed idealist, trying to save the world and didn't get along with authority. She asked about his life in C-Sec and he bitched about how he got in trouble over drinking on the job, embezzlement and mistreating suspects. He literally had no redeeming qualities and he refused to change. And then she asked about Captain Anderson. He started taking shots at him and tried to say he didn't deserve his accolades, he even poked fun at his SPECTRE status.
He wore this arrogant smirk on his face that was driving me insane. It was the same smirk which Saren had during the meeting with the Council. It was then I decided to let out a little frustration.
I lifted Harkin and threw him up against the wall, and with a hard punch I hit him in the stomach. "Actually he did tell me. Before you tell the story get the fucking facts straight." I picked him up and threw him up against the wall again "One, he was never a SPECTRE, he was a candidate" and again I threw him against the wall "Two, you don't get kicked out of the SPECTRE's, the council has you killed and thirdly" this time let him rest
"You were right, he never told me about Saren's involvement, but that just makes me want to kill the bastard even more" I smirked. I wasn't using any real force against Harkin, well except for the punch.
"Now Harkin, when you get your breath back you're going to tell us where Garrus is. Otherwise my friend here will shoot you" Rylee explained to Harkin. The fear in his eyes was clear when I had my gun aimed at his head.
"He went to speak to Dr Michel over at the med clinic on the other side of the wards" he wheezed.
I holstered my pistol "Change your ways Harkin, you represent humanity in C-Sec. Keep this shit up, our reputation will continue to plummet, and if it does. You're dead."
We headed to the exit and through my peripheral vision I noticed a group of people start to leave. In fact, they had been eyeing us up ever since we'd entered Chora's Den. "Rylee I think we have a tail."
"Try 5 tails."
"Most probably Saren's men. That equipment looks like it's high quality."
"This is bad Nate these are armoured mercs and we're both in our civs." She panicked. At least she was wearing trousers she could move in.
"Stay close to me. When we get out we run to the nearest cover and I erect a barrier. Ready."
"Ready!"
I let Rylee exit first and she made a beeline for the corner, with me closely behind her. I threw up a barrier in case the bullets began to fly. Luckily for me they didn't have enough time to take their guns out.
"You got a sidearm?" I asked. Rylee nodded and took it out.
I provided covering fire, allowing Rylee to scan the field. "They're flanking us!" she shouted.
"Split up!" we shouted simultaneously.
I launched a shockwave two of the mercenaries, sending them into the wall, however one of them had their barriers up and started firing. I ran towards Rylee hoping to avoid him. I hid behind one of the pillars near the entrance. Bullets whizzed past my ears, causing me to flinch. Shit if this guy starts advancing in on me I'm dead.
I shot the pressurised can next to him and it blew up releasing smoke. I would have tried running toward the door but he was still firing his assault rifle. I have to wait for it to overheat before I can get out of here.
Fortunately for me, Rylee was doing well. I turned to hear the screams of one of the mercenaries being thrown off the ledge into the parking lot below. The resulting crash of his body on the car made the alarm go off. That still left four to go.
When I heard the alarm signalling the gun had overheated, I began firing at the armoured mercenary and quickly found that my weapons were just tickling him. Then the smoke cleared and he had a clear line of sight. He threw a sticky grenade at the pillar. At this distance I'll be killed even if I erect a barrier.
I need to get out of here, if I don't then I'm going to die. I don't have a choice I'm going to have to run out of here… no I don't have to run.
I extended my biotic tether towards a pillar on the far side of the room. Come on this has to work!
I was flung at a high speed in that direction. Fortunately for me, one of the mercenaries was just getting out of cover, and I managed to use him to cushion my landing. Cushion is a very strong word. More like not kill me, but still leave me fairly banged up. I saw the floor slowly becoming red, shit I'm bleeding. My ribs hurt like crazy, so breathing was a bitch. My abdomen has been cut up and so has my right thigh, making movement a real bitch. In short LIFE IS A BITCH!
I crawled to cover to prevent someone from picking me off. That guy I just took out was one of Rylee's targets, which still left the three I was meant to deal with. The two I had knocked out with my shockwave earlier were starting to come to, and the fucking Terminator was on the lookout for me. I need to get out of this alive.
Rylee ran up to me and her face showed concern. But, just as she was about to lift me to my feet, they began to fire on her, forcing her to roll into cover. She dragged me along the ground into another hiding spot.
"We need to get out of here."
"NO SHIT!" I cursed. It was hurting me to even snarl right now. Note to self, now I'm dealing with SPECTRE's, only carry top of the line shit. Saren's men are going to be very well armed and alliance crap just isn't cutting it.
"Not only the only exit is being guarded by one of the mercs, but our weapons are useless. Who are these guys?"
I sat up with a grunt, "Probably Sarens men. He knows what we're trying to do… urgh… and he needs us out of the way," I panted. "On the bright side, this confirms that Garrus is on to something."
"So what's our next move because I'm certain they're coming for us right now."
"It's almost impossible to think with that damned alarm going…" alarm… it's because that merc was thrown onto the car… that's it. "We need a distraction,"
She responded by throwing a nearby fire extinguisher at the mercenaries and shooting it. The foam flew everywhere and it would probably by us about ten seconds.
Adrenaline started running through my veins and the pain was becoming numb. I grabbed Rylee and we jumped off of the ledge into the parking lot. I used my biotics to slow our descent down. When we landed we had to get out of the firing line.
"Follow them!" one of the mercs bellowed.
"Alright, now what. This stairway is one way. And we couldn't make it out before they arrive, even if you could move properly."
"Find a car made before 2174," I ordered.
"What!"
"JUST DO WHAT I SAID!"
She lifted me up and helped me limp my way around the parking lot. "What's the plan?"
"I'm going to hotwire one of the cars. You're going to drive out, simple. Over there," I instructed after finding the ideal car.
"Why does it have to be pre-74?"
"Because that was the last time I did this. I didn't feel like trying this with a later model only for it not to work." Just before I shot the window, Rylee stopped me.
"Hold on," Rylee said before taking both our guns and standing on top of the car. She began firing at every car in the car park and almost all of their alarms rang loud through the car park. Then she stood back and shot the cars window.
"That should buy us some time," she stated. She reached inside and unlocked the car before shoving me inside.
Whilst I did my thing, Rylee sifted through the back of the car hoping to find some sort of weapon or something to fashion a grenade out of. What was that combination again? Wheel, turn signal, head lights…. Umm fuck!
"There's a strapon back here," she cringed.
"I really don't care right now. We have other things to worry about."
"Yeah like the mercs who've just entered the parking lot,"
"Shit!" I cursed. Looks like I have to hurry even more than I already was.
Think Nate think! It was you, Isaiah(Zay), Aldis and Jaden. Kay was distracting the police and we had to wire the car and pick him up. Zay did something it… turn signal left-right… window screen wipers…. I remember.
I worked the combination and the car sprang to life. "Alright there we go. Get us out of here."
Rylee managed to lift the car and fly it towards one of the windows opposite to the stair case. The Mercs started sprinting towards us. I grabbed the two guns and overloaded the heatsink so they could act as grenades. I launched them out of the car and the explosion shattered the glass completely.
We made it.
AN- Nate is going to be an asshole renagon. So he's probably 80% Renegade. Warning for you now. You'll probably dislike him a lot at the start of the story but I want him to grow into a more likeable character as the story progresses. If anyone has any suggestions or advice about how I can improve his character please tell me.
The next chapter is going to wrap up the whole disgrace Saren missions and moves on to the rest of the story.