Author: Sorry this took so long, it takes awhile to think up the dialogue. So as you can see from the title, this chapter is about Shepard officially recruiting Ben. Ben also says goodbye to people he's meet on Omega and deals with some problems. There isn't any action in this one, sorry. This is me making up for the lack of dialogue in previous chapters. I also fixed previous chapters of spelling and other minor mistakes...to the best of my ability. I also changed the time from six months to ten months, because you know, keeping the number ten theme going.
-I also narrowed done the scenario that brought the alternate Ben to this universe, I'll reveal more later.
-No, Paradox was not involved in it. He'll only have one or two appearances, mainly to explain things and answer questions. He doesn't get involve unless someone like Eon gets involved in the conflict.
Thank you all for the reviews, hope you continue to enjoy!
I do not own anything related to Mass Effect or Ben 10. This is just for fun!
Ch 4. Partial Explanation. Goodbye to Omega
Samaritan- Normandy
Feedback stared out from the side window of the shuttle, trying to avoid eye contact with everyone, since all but Garrus are still staring at him. Taking in the fact that he is a shapeshifter and that all those other aliens were just one guy. He could feel Shepard's eyes on him as he knows that she is still trying to figure him out. The only thing saving him from questions is the shuttle ride, but once they land and get Garrus bandaged up, he'll have to talk.
Now, he is prepared with a cover story after revealing himself to Garrus, but now he's wondering if he should do it again or just come clean with everything.
"Yeah, saying I'm from another universe off the bat is a good start to a conversation." Feedback sarcastically thought. He doubted they would believe him, because from what he could tell, traveling to other universes is not a thing here as it is back home.
Eventually the ship came into view, the Normandy, only it was bigger than the one in the vids. Looks like they made some upgrades since the first ship. Feedback couldn't help but be impressed.
"Joker, we're back, open up the hanger doors." Shepard said into her comm.
["Roger that commander."] Came the reply of the man she called Joker.
Eventually the shuttle made its way into the hanger and landed. The cargo hold was filled with crates and other supplies. Shepard got on Garrus's left while Jacob was on his right and helped lift him up and exit the shuttle. Miranda and Zaeed exited next and Feedback stepped out last. Shepard turned her head to address Miranda.
"Take Zaeed and…" Shepard starts and looks at Feedback for a moment "…Samaritan to the comm room, while we take Garrus to the med bay."
"Yes Commander" Miranda replied as the group made their way across the bay. "I'd imagine you'll want Mordin in the comm room as well?" She asked.
"Yeah, this is going to be a long talk." Shepard said glancing back at Feedback who was trying to keep his cool. "Jacob, can you get Mordin after we drop off Garrus?" she asked Jacob.
"Can do Commander." The soldier answered.
Feedback to a glance around the hanger as they entered the elevator "Look a like a good place to set up shop." It was large and it doesn't look an area where most of the crew would socialize and he figured he wouldn't be in the way of any who performed duties down here as long as he takes up a small space in the corner.
"EDI" Shepard said "Deck 3 please."
"Yes Commander" the A.I. replied and the elevator moved. A few seconds went by in awkward silence…
"So…I see the new Normandy's bigger than last one" Garrus commented, probably wanting to break the tension between Feedback and Shepard.
"Cerberus made modifications to the design of the original Normandy layout" Miranda stated "but it still retains its stealth capabilities"
"Something tells me I am going to have take a look at the cannons" Garrus replied, making Shepard smirk.
"I can show you around the weapons area later on if you want to take a look." Jacob offered
"Um…Sure" Garrus responds "Appreciate it." He finished.
Feedback could tell Garrus was just as uncomfortable with being near Cerberus agents as he was. Even if he got past this little hiccup with Shepard and his secret, he would still have to deal with the difficulties of being surrounded by Cerberus crewman. Feedback sighed as thought about
"Hope there's bar on this ship" Zaeed stated "Gotta feeling we're gonna need it."
Shepard-Normandy/Medbay
"Really Garrus" Chakwas scolded as she patched up the turian "Not back for five minutes and I already have to stitch you back up."
"Heh" Garrus chuckled "Nice to see you to doctor."
"Yes" Chakwas said with a smile" Not the ideal reunion, but I am happy to see and old shipmate and friend"
Shepard stood by the door with a smile as she watched Karin patch up Garrus. She'll admit, she was mad at the Samaritan for not telling her his little secret, but so far, he's off to a good start to making up for it by saving Garrus.
"Commander" Came the voice of EDI "Operative Taylor and Doctor Solus have arrived at the comm room. All requested personal are awaiting your arrival"
Shepard sighed "Time to get answers" she thought "Thanks EDI, tell them I'm on my way." She ordered
"Yes Shepard." EDI replied as she logged out.
Shepard was about to leave until…
"While I am happy to be on a ship with some of my favorite humans" Garrus spoke up while Chakwas treated him. "I have to say I am a little worried to find you guys with Cerberus…I've heard some bad things about them these past few years. I mean, worse than the usual bad things I hear. To say I'm worried about you is an understatement." He had a turian look of concern on his bandaged face.
It was a relief to Shepard. He wasn't mad or giving Shepard a hard time about this situation. He just looked at her as a friend that needed help and she welcomed his help, especially now. She gave a wary smile to the turian.
"That's why I'm glad you're here Garrus." Shepard said, "If I'm walking into hell, I want someone I trust at my side."
"You realize this plane has me walking into hell too?" He gives her a questioning look that made it hard for her to tell what he was thinking. He then smirked "Heh…Just like old times"
Shepard smirked "Thanks Garrus" She turns to Chakwas who finished with Garrus "He gonna be okay?" She asked.
"Not to worry dear." The doctor said in a motherly voice." A few days of bedrest and he'll be up and about and finding ways to come back here with more bullet wounds and facial scars."
"Hey, ladies love scars" Garrus humorously said "But seriously how bad is it?"
Shepard lightly laughed "Hell Garrus you were always ugly. Slap some face paint on that and no one will notice."
Garrus laughed but winced "Ow don't make me laugh, (pained laugh), my face still hurts."
"I'll give something for that" Chakwas said as she looked to Shepard "You better get going to your meeting Shepard, our friend here needs his rest."
Right, the elephant in the room that still needs addressing. "Before I do, Garrus?" She asked and the turian turned to her. "How much did our friend tell you about himself."
Garrus pondered in thought for a minute "Its probably better if you hear it from him first, it's hard to believe otherwise" He said "We can compare notes after your talk with him, but I can vouch for him on this, he's a good guy and a good friend. So, try and go easy him. Okay Gwen?"
Hearing him use her first name is a rarity and only says it when he really wants to make a point. While she understands this whole situation was chaotic, it still would have been good to know before we went into a blood bath. But for Garrus, she'll try and take it easy and not turn the meeting into an interrogation.
"(Sigh) Alright Garrus." She responded, "Take care" She said as she walked out the door.
Garrus- Normandy/MedBay
Garrus watched her leave and wondered how well that conversation is going to go. He might have convinced to be a little less tense with her questioning, but he still probably wouldn't want to be the shapeshifter right now. But than his mind wondered to something that's been at the back of his mind. Her scars. What kind scar are they? And why does she look like she was just risen from the dead? She didn't go into any specifics, but there wasn't much time for that earlier. Than it just hit him that he is in a room with the one person he could ask. He's afraid to find out the answer but he doesn't; want to be in the dark abut the crap that Shepard's been forced to go through with Cerberus.
"Excuses me Doctor?" the turian spoke to Chakwas. She turned to look at him from her desk.
"No need to be formal with me Garrus, we are friends" She said with a motherly smile.
"Right doc-I mean Karin heh, I just wanted to ask you something…about Shepard."
Chakwas raised an eyebrow, but than changed to a knowing look with a hint of sadness in her expression "I take it you noticed her scars? I mean you obviously did before, but now that you have a moment to rest and think…"
"Yeah, it's just has me wondering…" Garrus heisted "What happened to her exactly?"
Chakwas signed "It's going to be hard for you to believe."
"I've spent almost a year with a shapeshifting superhero and before that, took part on a mission that involved stopping genocidal machines" Garrus sadly smirked as he continued "I think I'm pass the point of not believing anything."
"Very well Garrus" Chakwas spoke "After I was reassigned, I received a message from an unknown contact telling me that Gwendolyn Shepard was not dead like we believed she was…"
Samaritan- Normandy/Comm Room
"So, I've been teaming up with one freaky guy instead of seven this entire time" Zaeed asked curiously. Feedback, Zaeed and Miranda are waiting for Shepard and the other to arrive.
"Yeah" Feedback responded "It really throws people off when they think their dealing with more than one person"
"I have to say I'm quite impressed with how you covered your tracks." Miranda stated. Looks like she's got over the surprises part and jumped to curiosity and inquisitive parts of this revelation. "You've managed to avoid being caught transforming on video for almost an entire year and mask your presence to the point where your only considered a myth to most of the galaxy." She said with a slight praise in her tone "I assume your technological form had a hand in covering your digital footprint?"
"I call that form Upgrade" Feedback back answered "I used his abilities with the abilities of another form you haven't seen to hack all the cameras on Omega and delete any evidence of me changing and to monitor the station no matter where I am."
"(Zaeed Chuckles) So you're the literal goddamn eyes and ears of Omega, bet Aria would love like to know that."
Feedback mentally groaned at the thought of the Queen of Omega "You don't know the half of it…" he muttered.
The doors opened and entered Jacob and Mordin, the salarian looked and the Samaritan and gave him a friendly and then spoke
"Ah Feedback. Good to see. Haven't seen you in sometime. Wondered where you were during the plague. Heard you were injured, but you seemed to make a quick recovery" Mordin started to go off with his fast-taking nature. He then gained a questioning look "Curious. I was not aware of you having regeneration capabilities. No. Possible technology that heals you rapidly? No. Would have used it prior to the rescue mission. But than what happened prior that prevented you from…"
"Easy there Mordin" Feedback said as he held up his right hand "I promise I'll answer all your questions as soon as Shepard get here."
"Hope your ready" Zaeed said "I can tell that woman gotta a mean side that she saves for certain occasion's like this"
Feedback audibly groaned to this, remembering how she fought, and how brutal she could be with those that pissed her off. Zaeed laughed and Miranda had a ghost of a smile.
"How's Garrus by the way?" Feedback asked Jacob, hoping to change the topic, and because he was greatly concerned for his friend's wellbeing."
"Doctor Chakwas says it's just a few flesh wound and some burns" Jacob answered "He should be up and about in a few days. Don't worry he's in good hands."
Feedback was relieved to hear this and that the doctor was someone that could be trusted. Garrus told him about Doctor Karin Chakwas, she sounds like the mother of the Normandy, who always checks up on the crew and gives them a piece of her mind when they do something reckless and get injured. "She sounds like someone mom would love to hang- "Feedback shook the thought away. No. Not the time. He can't bear to think abut them now, at least not yet.
Feedback stayed quiet for a time while the others chatted, eventually the door open and all eyes where on Commander Shepard as she walked into the comm room. Jacob saluted and Commander nodded and said, "At ease" and so he did. Feedback was on the end of the table near the entrance, Shepard was on the other end. Mordin and Zaeed were on Feedbacks left while Miranda and Jacob where on his right. Shepard than looked at Mordin "Professor, I assume you're satisfied with the lab?"
"Yes. Well equipped. Numerous samples for me to test. Should have no difficult with finding solution for Seeker swarm paralysis." Mordin answered with an excited tone, he was clearly looking forward to the challenge.
"Good to hear." Shepard said and then turned her attention to Feedback with an look that was hard to decipher, it wasn't angry or emotionless, whatever it was it sent a chill down Feedback spin, eventually everyone turned their attention to the stare down between Feedback and the Commander, the only one who didn't know why was Mordin who hasn't been made aware yet of the fact that Feedback was all the Samaritans. Well, he was about to find out, Feedback had a feeling the salarian will pounce on him with questions of his won once Shepard is done.
"So, Feedback, do you have and actual name beside Samaritan that we can call you?" the Commander asked. Everyone turned to Feedback awaiting his response. Well, here he goes.
"...Tetrax…Tetrax Shard" Feedback lied. He thought about it and decided that the whole truth was just too much too handle, so he'll tell them an edited version…at least for now. And as for his name, well he was sure that given the circumstances, the petrosapien bounty hunter (and his friend) wouldn't mind that Feedback was using his name.
Everyone seemed surprised to hear him give out his 'real' name, he's only ever told Garrus this since he caught on to his secret first. Shepard eyes showed more interest and inquisitiveness.
"What's your true form?" Sheared asked. Everyone's eyes were glued to the conductoid who kept a calm demeanor even though he was nervous deep inside. In response to her question, a green flash engulfed the room and forced everyone to cover their eyes. When they looked back, in the place of Feedback was Diamondhead.
"This is my true form; my species are called petrosapiens." He answered/lied.
He could see that everyone was surprised to see his transformation even though most of them have seen it in action. Except for Mordin who looked at the petrosapien. He was disturbingly quiet, which is something very out of character for the former STG scientist. But his eyes were wide open from surprise. Diamondhead could hear the gears turning from here, he figured Mordin was waiting for Shepard to finish her questions before asking his own. Speaking of Shepard, she was the only one who didn't look as surprised as before, it seems that she's already accepted this. Probably talked to Garrus before hand to mentally prepared herself for this.
"Where are you from? We sure haven't seen anyone like you in the Milky Way" Shepard asked.
"That's because my home planet, Petropia, is located in far corners of what you call the Andromeda Galaxy." Diamondhead answered/lied.
Shepard-Normandy/Comm Room
"You're from the Andromeda Galaxy?" Miranda asked in surprise
That answer surprised Shepard, and she could tell that the others were having the same reaction.
"Well he obviously ain't from around these parts of the universe" Zaeed replied, Shepard could tell he was surprised but didn't have that much of a reaction. After 10 months of working with the Samaritan he probably just used to be surrounded by strangeness at this point.
Shepard looked at Mordin, was disturbingly quiet, she was sure he was waiting for the bigger question to be answered, like how he just went from Feedback to Diamondhead. She could vaguely hear him muttering to himself with words incomprehensible to the spectre.
"So, what are you doing in the Milky Way?" Jacob asked
"How did you get here?" Miranda asked. "Is your technology that advanced?"
The Samaritan kept his cool as he was given more questions.
"I don't know how I found myself in the Milky Way." Tetrax answered "We don't have any transportation capable of making a long journey like that. One minute I'm on my home planet…the next minute I'm on Omega, with no clue what happened"
The he hesitated on the last part, leading Shepard to suspect that he did known how it happened he just wasn't going to tell them. While she would have called him out on that, there was something in his eyes that made her stop. They were pupil-less, but they had the look that told her that whatever happened was not good and he didn't want to talk about almost like…like how she was after Mindoir, when she barely spoke about it when she was younger and would break down whenever someone mentioned it. She shook herself from the thought and focused on the current discussion. She decided to leave him alone on how he got here for now but would ask him about it later.
"Are you a natural shapeshifter or is that part of your technology" Shepard asked to change the topic. Besides, this was the bigger question she knew everyone wanted to know. She heard him say something about a device when he started to rapidly shapeshift.
'Tetrax' Samaritan- Normandy/Comm Room
Well, he knew he this question was coming. Obviously. But he's not sure about revealing this in front of Cerberus personnel, who would know doubt reveal this to the rest of the organization. Diamondhead was use to sleeping with one eye open, but if he revealed this and joined Shepard, he wouldn't have a giant space station to hide in and would have to be on guard more so than usual. The last thing he wanted was to be strapped down to a dissection table somewhere in a Cerberus laboratory. Although they probably would try to regardless of what he said or not. Though Jacob seemed more friendly than what he expected from someone in a Cerberus uniform, and he could tell it wasn't an act. But Miranda, she came off as cold and calculating, if she was ordered by the man in charge of Cerberus to capture him, he had a feeling she would, but there something else about her that seemed off from his initial femme fatal description, he couldn't place is but maybe there was more to her than a devoted follower of Cerberus.
And Shepard made it clear that she's not part of Cerberus and that she only here because they were the ones who saved her and gave her the means to travel. Garrus told Diamondhead how she was always at odds with the Council and the Alliance because only a few believed her about the Reapers while the rest written her off as a soldier who suffers from PTSD. But they pretend they weren't terrible to her when she saves their asses from Sovereign and the geth and act grateful like they never said anything bad about her. While he may not trust Cerberus with this information, he did trust Shepard with it, hopefully she can keep them at bay and convince them to keep their dissection tools to themselves.
After a little mental debate Diamondhead sighed and pointed to the dial on the left part of his chest. Everyone's eyes were now focused to the strange symbol they had no clue about.
"This is called the Omnitrix." Diamondhead stated, "This is a device that contains the DNA samples of every sapient species from my galaxy and can transform my appearance and very DNA into that of these beings, giving me access to their natural abilities, as if I was one of them from the start."
Shepard
Shepard was just as stunned as everyone else was now. "So that explains the symbol" She thought to herself. But she still couldn't believe such a small device had the power to alter a person down to their very DNA. She couldn't even begin to understand how that could possibly work. Compared to everyone else in the room, her physical reaction was minor, when a Prothean beacon implants images of slaughter and genocide in your head, you become willing to believe anything. But still, this seems beyond even what's she seen with the Sovereign and Saren.
"Fascinating…" she heard Mordin mutter.
Oh boy
"Alteration to size and shape! Physiology completely overwritten! Natural capability swapped along with appearance. Even alteration to voice…" The Doctor began to go off as he got near Tetrax and began to examine his entire body. Tetrax looked uncomfortable with the close examination. Jacob and Zaeed were struggling to hold a snicker while Miranda tried to hide her smile. It seems the floodgates in Mordin's head finally broke and just couldn't hold all the thoughts and questions that began to overflood his mind after witnessing the transformation. "Initial samples never showed any similarities. All evidence indicated separate entities provided samples. Energy to completely rewrite genetic structure and very fabric of DNA strands must be massive! Power source must be self-sustaining. Unless you have means of powering device? Such technological marvel must have taken centuries to perfect. How were you able to construct such a device…?"
"Alright, easy Mordin" Shepard said and lightly chuckled as Mordin stopped his examination. "Let's give him some room to breath so he can answer most… well some of those questions." She finished.
Tetrax gave an appreciative nod to Shepard as Mordin became calm but was livider than before even as he quieted down. Everyone else eventually calmed down and refocused on the diamond being. Tetrax sighed in relief before he spoke again.
"To answer your last question Professor, I didn't build the Omnitrix" Tetrax Answered
"Then who built the Omnitrix?" Miranda asked, she was clearly more interested in learning about the device now that she knows the source of his power.
"Azmuth the First Thinker, a Galvan from the planet Galvan Prime"
"Galvan?" Jacob asked.
Tetrax responded with another flash of green light, once again blinding everyone in the room. When Shepard looked back, Tetrax was gone.
"Tetrax?" Shepard asked.
"I'm down here!" Came the response from a high-pitched voice. Everyone looked around for a moment until a small being jumped onto the end of table where Tetrax stood. This made everyone look at him stupefied. In place of the crystal humanoid was a five-inch bipedal frog-like humanoid with grey skin and large eyes with rectangular pupils. He wore a white jump suit with a thin vertical black line going down the suit, and a large vertical black line was between his eyes. The omnitrix was now located on his back. When he blinked his eyelids were horizontal.
"This my friends, is a Galvan, I call myself Grey Matter in this form." The creature known as Grey Matter stated with a smile and hands on his hips.
Shepard had to try hard not to laugh to the high-pitch voice, if Tali was here, she'd gush and go "AWW" the moment she saw this form.
"This one doesn't look like much of a fighter" Zaeed said as he already broke from his stupor.
"Yeah I can see him being used for stealth operations." Jason said "But what exactly can this one does…"
"Amazing!" Mordin said as he came over to Tetrax's end of the table and kneeled to get a better look at his new form. "Species appears amphibious like salarian. Based on gills on side of face. Physical structure suggests greater flexibility with bones. Plus, smaller size, making it possible to reach spaces that most species cannot. Sharp teeth show some sort of predatory diet…"
"Actually professor we Galvan are insectivores, although I have never tried eating an insect since I'm never in this form long enough to consume such nutrients and proteins, and I am also capable of digesting other non-meat based food products..." Tetrax began to explain in what could be described as a more intellectual tone and began to have a conversation with the professor that no one but apparently Miranda could follow. Shepard and the rest were just stumped as the two apparent intellectuals continues to discuss Galvan physiology. One thing was clear, this transformation was incredibly smart.
"Ahem" Came from Shepard. Deciding to interrupt before this went on for too long. Tetrax turned his attention to Shepard.
"(lightly chuckles and he scratches the back of his head sheepishly) Apologies Commander, I got a little carried away, it's been a while since I've had a stimulating conversation with someone who's vast intellect can match my own." Tetrax said.
"Thank you" came the appreciative reply from Mordin.
"Jesus Christ, I thought they never shut up." Zaeed muttered.
"He's basically a smaller Mordin" Jacob commented to Miranda, who tried not to look amused with the thought.
"So, who exactly is Azmuth?" Shepard asked. Getting the conversation back on track.
"Azmuth is one the greatest minds of my galaxy, as his title "First Thinker" implies and has been called the most intelligent being of three galaxies." Tetrax explained.
"Three galaxies?" Shepard asked incredulously. The others had similar reaction as to what this implied.
"He likes to mention that some would argue he's the smartest in five galaxies." Tetrax continued "But personally I think he brings that up just to blow his own horn. And people call me arrogant. Honestly, any bigger and his head will just explode…"
"Are you saying there are other confirmed galaxies with intelligent life?" Miranda asked who was trying to hold in her own surprise, but her widen eyes gave her away.
Tetrax broke from his rant and looked up to notice all eyes were on him with disbelief.
"Uh…"
'Tetrax'
"Crap" Grey Matter mentally thought and cursed himself for going off on a tangent and revealing more information than he should have. He began to sweat nervously as his superpowered brain tried to think of a way out of this predicament.
"Uh…well…I mean…that's the rumor that goes around the Andromeda. No one has contacted anyone outside our galaxy, but they say Azmuth has, although he's never confirmed nor denied this. He just lets people guess because he finds it humorous…of course, personally, I think he just likes to feed his own ego. (Nervously laughs)" Grey Matter explained, managing to think of an explanation that would deter more questions on other galaxies.
So far it seemed to have kept them from questioning further, though the looks from Shepard and Miranda told him that they didn't quite believe him, but they let it be for now.
"So how did you acquire the Omnitrix?" Miranda asked.
"It actually was an accident, believe or not." Grey Matter stated
"At this point, I'm ready to believe anything." Zaeed Commented
"Back on Petropia, I was on a trip around the planet with my Grandfather and cousin when it happened." Grey Matter Explained." I was exploring the wilderness of my home planet when I notice a shooting star in the sky, only it wasn't a shooting star. How could I tell? Because it unexpectedly changed its trajectory and aimed for my location, smashed into the ground and came close to hitting me in the process. Upon closer examination of the newly created crater, I discovered a pod of some sorts was driven in the ground. As I got closer it opened to reveal a strange device with and hourglass symbol" Grey Matter said as he pointed to the dial on his back.
"Why did it suddenly aim for you?" Jacob asked.
"Well, the omnitrix was meant to be delivered to my grandfather" Grey Matter continued "And was programmed to only respond to his DNA, but unforeseen events forced it off course and it looked for the closest genetic match it could find, which was me, his grandson. So, when I got too close, it latched itself onto me and fused itself with my DNA and becoming a part of my very being. And no, it doesn't come off" Grey Matter said and turned to face Mordin and Miranda. Grey Matter knew the former wanted to know because the scientist in him compels him to ask, while the latter merely wants information to share with her superior. "Its power utilizes alien DNA, which binds to the hosts own genetic structure. It cannot simply be removed like taking off a hand." Grey Matter quoted the real Tetrax as he explained. "So, this puppy stays with me, and on me, no matter what." He said as he looked at Miranda sternly, who did not show any facial expression that confirmed or denied his suspicions.
"Why was it meant for your grandfather?" Shepard asked, probably wanting to keep Grey Matter from starting something. And it worked. He turned to her.
"My grandfather's profession was intergalactic law enforcement before he retired, similar to your galaxies Spectre's, the best translation of their name into your language is Plumbers." Grey Matter
"Plumbers, seriously?" Jacob questioned.
"Yes, as in they do the jobs no one else wants to do, and they face the threats that could invade and destroy worlds if left unchecked. And my grandfather was the best out there." Grey Matter said proudly as he mentioned his grandfather. "He saved our world from the most infamous warlord in our galaxy and became known as a hero throughout the known worlds." Grey Matter looked at Shepard and smiled "Why you could say he was our galaxy's Shepard."
Shepard
Shepard smiled at hearing Tetrax's enthusiasm as he spoke about his grandfather and found it funny that he called his grandfather their version of her. And she could tell by the quiet chuckle from Zaeed and Jacob that they were amused as well, and she subtly rolled her eyes at them.
"So, seeing how the omnitrix wasn't coming off me anytime soon." Tetrax continued "My grandfather decided to teach me everything he knew about being a Plumber and helped me learn how to use the Omnitirx and the abilities of all my transformations and I eventually became what you would call a superhero on my home planet." Tetrax said as he made a superhero pose.
Now Shepard couldn't help but chuckle a little. No wonder he said being a hero was his job when they first met. Refocusing on the represent, she figured there was more stories and explanation for him to tell but they were on a tight schedule they needed to get back to preparing for the suicide mission, and they needed to get the Normandy moving. Besides she could ask him more during the trip, but now came the important question. Will he come with them? While she was upset at first about him hiding the fact that he was all the Samaritans, but he did make up for it by keeping his promise and keeping Garrus safe, so she'll let it go for now. She can talk to him about that later, provided he decides to tag along.
"Well, we can hear more about your stories later." Shepard stated as everyone looked at her but right now her focus was on the small bipedal frog. "You know about the Collectors. Can I also assume Garrus told you about the other threat we face?" She asked Tetrax.
"The Reapers? Yes", Tetrax answered. "Garrus told me of Sovereign and his plan to bring the rest of his kind to the galaxy to harvest and exterminate all organic life. You think the Collectors are connected to the Reapers?" Tetrax asked.
"Yes, dozens of human colonies have disappeared and no evidence of who was responsible was ever left behind." Shepard explained "Until recently, we found video recordings of the latest colony to go dark and discovered that the Collectors were behind the abductions. Why they do it, we don't know. But we can't ignore what's happen and need to do everything we can to put a stop to these abductions. So, our current mission is to gain resources and recruit the most dangerous individuals in the galaxy in preparation for a launch on the Collector home world beyond the Omega 4 Relay. We're hoping that you'd be willing to help, it's not great odds but with you, they might be better, especially against the reapers" Shepard finished her summary of the situation, she can go into detail later, right now she gave him the highlights and hoped it was enough to convince him.
The frog humanoid made "hm" sound and put his hand to his chin as he took on a look of pondering. He was not doubt weighing his options. Everyone looked at him as they awaited his response. Eventually Tetrax gained a smile and walked across the table to Shepard and stood before her on the other end.
"I would be happy to offer my aid to you Commander Gwendolyn Shepard" Tetrax stated as he held out his right hand.
This brought a smile to Shepard's face. She reached out with her won hand on instinct but than wondered how to shake hands when he was small enough to stand on her palm. As she had her hand out in front of the small frog, Tetrax grabbed her index finger and shook it like he was shaking a hand. Shepard had to hold back a laugh at how comical this probably looked to the others. After a few seconds they ended their hand-or finger shake.
"Welcome aboard the Normandy Tetrax Shard" She said sincerely.
"Glad to be aboard Commander" Tetrax said with his own sincerity, but than his face took on a look of realization as if he forgotten something. "Oh, before we take off, there's something I have to pick up on Omega and there are a few people I need to talk to. I assure you it won't take me very long." Tetrax stated.
"Alright we can spare and hour" Shepard replied, beside there was someone she needed to talk to on Omega as well.
"Perfect!" Tetrax said as another green flash engulfed the room and blinded Shepard and the others yet again.
When she looked back, floating in the center of the room was the cloaked Samaritan Big Chill.
"Be back soon" Tetrax said in his eerie voice as he went transparent and phased through the floor. Leaving Shepard and the team alone in the comm room.
"Well…that happened" Zaeed commented
"So many questions. So many possibilities Must discuss this further upon his return." Mordin muttered, sounding like he was a little kid during Christmas.
"This mission definitely got more interesting" Jacob commented.
"Alright everyone." Shepard spoke up to the group. "I'm heading back to Omega for a few minutes. Be ready to take off within the hour."
"Where are you going" Miranda asked.
"Just need to have a little chat with someone" She vaguely answered.
"You don't want any of us to come with you?" Jacob asked.
"Nah, it wont take very long, beside I'm not going there to look for a fight, just to have a nice civil conversation…or what's close to a civil conversation on Omega." Shepard assured.
"Very well, Commander." Miranda accepted. "We'll have the ship ready to leave by the time you return, but we're available for assistance if you need it."
"Appreciate it Lawson." Shepard acknowledged, then addressed everyone. "Dismissed."
'Tetrax'-Omega
XLR8 speed through the crowds of Omega as he decided which people to see first before he went back to his hideout. His first stop was the home of the elderly human couple he saved the first time he showed up. XLR8 has been checking in on them from time to time to make sure they were safe, and so far, no one has tried to mess with them. He eventually found himself at their address and quickly ducked into an ally way. The familiar green flash engulfed him. In XLR8's place was 'Tetrax's' turian transformation, which he named Fenix (A/N: Shout out to Wanderer3 for the name).
Fenix approached the door and knocked. A few movements later, the elderly woman, Rita answered the door and gave the turian a friendly grandmotherly smile.
"Fenix! It's been so long." She warmly greeted.
"Hello Rita" Fenix greeted "Sorry I haven't visited much lately, work as been non-stop."
"Oh, no need to apologize." She waved off his apology "Jake use to be away for months during his time in the military, I can understand not always being able to come over all the time. Please won't you come in for some tea, I've got that dextro-based tea brand stashed away just for your visits."
Fenix couldn't help but give a turian smile at the woman's kindness. It's one of the few things that made living on Omega bearable, he hated that he was here to say goodbye.
"I'd love too but…"
"Rita, who's at the door?" came the voice of Jake, the elderly Alliance veteran as he approached the door and his face took on a smile "Hey Fenix, its awhile hasn't it? How've you been?"
"I've been good. As good as one can be on Omega." Fenix said but his smile began to falter "Anyway, I was just stopping to say goodbye, I'm leaving for Palaven today." Fenix lied. The couples smile began to falter a little.
"Has something happened?" Rita asked concerned.
"Nothing bad." Fenix said "Just some family matters I need to attend to on Palaven. I started to talk to my father again, and…well it's a start, so I'm going home for a bit to see if I can patch things up." Fenix lied. Fenix has a cover story for most of the aliens forms he acquired in this universe, just in case people asked him about himself.
While the couple seemed sadden by the news, but they managed to keep a sad smile on their faces.
"Well I a sorry to hear that you have to go" Jake said, "But I get how important family is, and you only get one father, so might as well make the most of what you have." Jake said as he patted Fenix on the shoulder "Take care of yourself, alright kid?"
Fenix's smile returned as he nodded in appreciation "Appreciate it Jake. I won't know when I'll be back, but I promise to try and visit again as soon as I can." He said sincerely.
Rita than surprised Fenix with a hug "Take care of yourself, and don't worry, we'll be fine." She said as she released him from the hug "I hope everything goes alright with your family." She said with a smile "I'll save that tea for when you get back."
"Looking forward to it." Fenix replied as he gave Jake a handshake before he began to step away from the door "Take care now and try to stay out of trouble alright old timer" he said that last part to Jake.
The old man chuckles "No promises but I'll do my best" the old man responded.
"I'll make sure he keeps that promise" Rita said as she looked at her husband who gave her a cheeky smile.
They waved off the turian as he eventually turned into another section and was out of sight. The green flash than replaced Fenix with XLR8, who began to speed off back to his hideout.
After a few seconds, XLR8 found himself in the Doru District, the location where most of Omega's vital utility systems reside. He decided to set up shop here since he could always go Upgrade and Grey Matter here in case something every happens to vital systems like life support. Plus, there is rarely anyone here so XLR8 took it upon himself to be the caretaker of all the systems, anyone who came here to check on the systems always found themselves surprised to see all systems functioning. He eventually found the entrance into the ventilation system that was big enough for him crawl to inside. After a few moments he found himself in the dark corridor of the vent that contained his base of operations. To others is looked like a black box covered in green circuitry that lite up the dark vent system (was the size of a Companion Cube from Portal). XLR8 was debating on the next person he planned to talk to.
"She's probably busy on a job, or she is near her mother, who I like to avoid as much as possible. (sigh) It's not ideal, but I guess calling her is the best option." The Kineceleran said to himself.
Narrator
A green flash lite up the dark vent but faded, and only the light of the cubes green circuity partially illuminated the area. The only other thing visible was a cloaked and hooded unknown form curled up in darkness and leaning against the cube.
The begin activated their omni-tool
"Hope this is a good time" said a feminine voice (A/N: Ashley Johnson. Ex: Voice of Ellie from Last of Us, and Gwen from Alien Force/Ultimate Alien/Omniverse). And sent out a call. After a few seconds someone picked up.
["Hello?"] Came the voice of another feminine voice.
"Hey Liselle, its Cleo" the cloaked being now known as Cleo responded.
'Tetrax'-Omega/Samaritan Hideout
["Cleo!"] Liselle greeted Cleo with a relieved tone ["Where have you been? I haven't heard from you for days! I was starting to worry that you wore kidnapped by slavers."] she said with a worried tone.
"I'm fine" Cleo assured her friend "Sorry that I haven't been around lately, I've been a little busy with some personal stuff and I kind of lost track of time." She said sheepishly.
["At least leave a message before you go off and disappear"] she said in a slight scolding tone ["Are you okay? Where are you? Do you need me to pick you up?"] she asked concerned.
"No, no, I'm fine" Cleo assured her friend "I made it back to my place, I'm with…my other friends" Cleo finished with slight and unintentional bitter tone at the end. The last part seemed to have struck something in Liselle, as she sadly sighed.
[(sigh) Look I'm sorry about my mom. I didn't know about the bug until afterwards. I swear, I would never do anything hurt you and your friends…at least not on purpose."] Liselle said sincerely.
Cleo sighed under her hood. She knew that she shouldn't take her frustration out on Liselle, it's not her fault. Her mother has eyes and ears everywhere, and sometime even they aren't aware that they're her eyes and hears.
"I know, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to blame you." Cleo stated "It's not your fault. No offense, but your mom can be a real bitch."
[(chuckle) Yeah, she's not the easiest to be around sometimes, but she never treats me like shit, so I must be grateful for that. Though that doesn't mean I approve of everything she does. Like blackmailing your friends with whatever she has on them, speaking of, I know you can't tell me because 'it's not my secret to tell' and all but she won't tell me and it would help if I knew what she had on you guys."] Liselle finished.
"Sorry Liselle" Cleo said "Maybe some other time, but that's not why I called…I called to say goodbye"
["What do you mean?] Liselle asked confused.
"I'm going on a…trip with the others" Cleo explained "I don't know when I'll be back, but I promise I'll message you a lot. I'm sorry I'm saying goodbye like this, but I figure your moms got you and Paul on another job."
["Yeah, she's got us on Red Sand duty again. But don't worry about that. Should I be worried about you kiddo? I know that your friends are planning to go along with Shepard, so I assume this is the trip your talking about"] Liselle asked concerningly.
Crap. So much for keeping low key on what she was doing.
"No, it's nothing too dangerous…I mean it's no more dangerous than usual" Cleo chuckled, then continued "Look it's not going to be any different than what I do for them on Omega. Only now I'll be listening for information on other planets." Cleo explained
There was silence for a movement as the cloaked asari waited in the dark vent for Liselle's response. It's not like she could stop Cleo from going, but ever since they've meet, she's acted like a big sister whenever they hang out, guess being related to Aria doesn't mean she'll be exactly like her.
["Cleo…" Liselle started "…I can't stop you from going…but I want you to promise me that you'll be careful…okay kiddo."]
"Yes mom" Cleo sarcastically/jokingly said "I promise not to talk to strangers, or pick fights with krogan" The cloaked asari jokingly said with a cheeky tone.
["(chuckle) Good girl"] Liselle said in an amused tone. There was background chatter on Liselle's end of the call ["That was Paul, he says we got to back to it…he says hi by the way!"]
"Hi Paul!" Cleo said over the call.
[(light chuckle) Well…guess this is goodbye…be safe okay kiddo?"]
"…I will" Cleo said, "I promise."
["Okay…goodbye Cleo."]
"Bye Liselle" Cleo said as she hung up. Sometimes she can't believe that she's friends with Aria's daughter, considering the headache her mother is starting to become. Speaking of Aria.
"I need to have a little chat with the Bitch Queen of Omega" Cleo thought, that another struck her "I should probably visit Patriarch one last time too" Cleo said to herself as she remembered that she was the elder krogan's krantt, but with Omega's Blood Pack gone, there wasn't anyone threatening his life anymore.
"But first…I need to visit her one last time" The cloaked asari could feel a blush on her face as she thought about the next person she intended to visit.
Another green flash engulfed the area and Cleo was replaced by the techno-organic being known as Upgrade as his green circuitry lit up his body. He touched the cube and the front side of it opened. Inside the cube was the workstation and living quarters that he uses as Grey Matter (A/N: it looks like the inside of the futurist Rusk Bucket from the Ben 10,000 episode, but with an Upgrade theme to it), in the center was a small red box with a blue ribbon on it. He picked it up and closed the Cube. Then he used his hand to absorb the cube into his being to store it away until he could set it up on the Normandy.
"Okay" (A/N: voice of David Sobolov. Voice of Shockwave in Transformers Prime. He is also the voice of Upgrade in the reboot series. While I'm not a big fan of the reboot, I did like the fact that Shockwave was Upgrade's voice. So, in this story Upgrade can switch between his regular voice and his Shockwave voice with a voice changer he absorbed) "You can do this" he said to himself "You've fought killer aliens, robots, mutants, cyborgs, crazy humans and every other kind of monster out there. This is a walk in the park for you" He said to himself.
After his pep talk, he climbed out of the vent, and was engulfed in a green flash. The black and blue blur that was XLR8 began to speed off once again.
'Tetrax'-Omega/Near the entrance to the Gozu District
XLR8 speed into a nearby ally and was engulfed in the green flash. Standing in his place was the poncho-wearing Quarrian helper. This form was named Fixit.
Fixit held the box in his hands as he entered the nearby apartment next to the entrance to the Gozu district/former quarantine zone. Looking at the entrance to the once quarantine zone reminded him of something, he needed check on Daniel to see if he's okay. But right now, "You can do this. You can do this. You can do this." Fixit thought to himself as he approached the front door. He hesitatingly brought his hand forward and began to knock on the door. "Maybe this is the bad idea?" Fixit thought "I can't even bring myself to use my human form for this. She only knows Fixit, she doesn't know me as…" Fixit mentally debated until someone finally answered the door. Standing before Fixit was a middle-aged woman with light skin, reddish-brown hair tied up into a bun, and grey/blue eyes.
"Fixit!" the woman greeted warmly "So good to see you again, where have you been? We started to worry about you." She asked
"Hey Diana" Fixit greeted as he hid the box behind his back. "Sorry I haven't been around much, being a repairman can get busy, especially when people fill up your schedule"
"Oh, no need to apologize" Diana assures "I know as well as anyone that Omega can be a tough place to survive in."
"So…uh…" Fixit stumbled with his words "Come on, you can't back out now" he mentally said to himself. "…is Nef home?" he asked nervously. He was glad he was wearing a helmet. Otherwise Diana would see the blush he feels spreading across his cheeks.
Unfortunately, Diana could read the quarrian like a book due to the stutter in his voice and his nervous movements and formed a knowing smile. "Yes, she's in her room like always, working on her sculptures" she than formed a teasing smile "You know, she mentions you a lot"
This made Fixit's eyes widen behind his helmet "R-Really?!" Fixit blurts out but than regains his composure while Diana chuckles, then speaks in a more layback tone "I mean relay, does she say anything in par…" he's interrupted by a door behind Diana opening. Coming out of the back room was a girl possibly around 18-19, with hair and eye color like Diana's, only her hair was not in a bun, and was shorter. This was Nef.
"Mom, do you know where one of my chisels are…" Nef stoped in the middle of her sentence as her eyes widen upon recognition of the quarrian talking with her mother. "Fixit!" she said joyfully, but than realized she said it a little to loud and blushed and quickly tried to recompose herself. "I mean…um…Fixit how are you…where you've been" she said rather shyly. Her right hand grabbing her left forearm in a nervous manner, a bit blush still on her face.
"H-Hey Nef! I …um…I've been busy" Fixit could feel the blush on his cheeks coming back and was grateful for the helmet "So uh…how are you?" he asked "Smooth. Real Smooth" he mentally said to himself.
"Oh I'm…good (light chuckle) yeah…um just working on my sculpture" Nef said nervously.
"Oh, that's good…um…" Now Fixit was struggling with the conversation. Especially since he knows that this will be their last conversation for quite a while. After a few moments of awkward silence.
"Oh, you know what, I think I did see you chisel in the other room. I'll just go get it." Diana made an excuse for herself to leave the room (Fixit used the distraction to put the box on the couch without Nef seeing it) giving the quarrian helper and the shy artist a moment alone. Although, they both knew that she was more than likely eavesdropping on the conversation like any other mother who's cautious about leaving their daughter alone with a boy.
"So how are the sculpture coming along?" Fixit manages to say without any nervousness in his voice. This encourages Nef to speak up as well as she dawns a small smile on her face.
"They are coming along better than I hoped" Nef said confidently and cheerfully "Actually, I've been given a couple offers from some galleries who say my work is 'fresh'" She said with pride and hope in her tone.
"Really? That's awesome!" Fixit said "See, I told you it could happen. Just needed to believe in yourself more." He stated.
"(chuckle) Okay, you were right, don't let is go to your head, its big enough as it is." Nef said humorously.
"Hey, just saying." Fixit amusingly said "When they ask what inspired you to share your work, you could give a shout out to certain awkward yet ruggedly handsome quarrian, who gave the confidence boaster you needed to take that leap of faith." He chuckled at the end.
"(Laugh) God, and that head of yours just keeps growing." Nef said through her laughter.
"It's all part of my charm" Fixit said though his own laughter. They both just laughed heartily for a few moments before calming down. Eventually though Fixit body language showed a sad posture and he sighed. He knew the happiness couldn't' last, especially now. As much as he didn't want to leave, he told himself that if was so she could do what she love without the threat of the end of the galaxy lurking around the corner. It sucks but he knew he couldn't stay.
"(sigh) Listen Nef, I have some news." Fixit started. Nef picked up on his tone and sadden body language and started to look concerned.
"What is it?" she asked worryingly. Fixit wanted to tell her. He wanted to tell her the truth, the whole truth. But the truth about him and what he does is too much, and she didn't need that insanity in her life. So, for now, the lie would have to do.
"Well, you know, I grew up on Omega and never actually been on the Flotilla before." Fixit stared.
"Yeah, you said your parents settle here and raised you on Omega, right?" Nef asked.
'Yes" Fixit started "And after they…passed away…" Even mentioning his parent in a cover story was hard for the quarrian " I figured I had no other family, so I had no reason to go, back since I was never really part of the fleet…" Fixit sighed "But than Kenn messaged me a while back. You remember Kenn?" He asked.
"Yeah, you helped him settle his debt with that sleazebag and he went back on his pilgrimage." Nef remembered.
"Yeah, well, he messaged me. He said eventually went back to the flotilla…and for whatever reason he started to ask around to see if anyone knew my parents" Fixit sighed "Well he found out I have a do have family there…a grandfather, an uncle… and a cousin" He looked up and saw Nef's eyes were widened in surprise, he knew it would change as he said this next part. "Kenn said they want to meet me, but my grandfather can't move around very much due to his old age, and the others can't leave him since they don't want to burden anyone else with caring for him, so I…I'm…" Fixit looked down for a moment but eventually faced Nef again, who tried to look him in the eye through his helmet, her sadden expression told him that she knew what he was going to say "I'm going to go to the Flotilla to meet them." He finally said but then he started to get more nervous and began to stutter "But…it's not forever…I mean... they want to stay for a while…but, I mean…I'll still come back, I just…I just" Fixit began to mentally curse himself. He doesn't know why, but he was always twitchy and full of nervous ticks in this form, maybe he's claustrophobic and the isolation of being in the suit is driving him mad? He doesn't know. All he knows is that this is harder than he…
"Hey, hey, hey" Nef said as she approached him and out her right hand on the side of his face and her left hand on his shoulder in an attempted to soothe him. It calmed him down, but now he felt the blush on his face spreading.
"Keelah, if it wasn't for the helmet, I would actually feel her touch right now" He thought to himself "If only I could tell her the truth, then I could show her my real face…
"It's alright I get it" Nef assured him "I mean it will suck when you leave, your like…like my best friend…and..." She stopped herself and a bigger blush showed on her face and weakly chuckled "But hey, I get needing to see your family. And you said you would come back right?" she asked.
"Right" Fixit said without stutter, whatever happens, he was defiantly going to come back to see her, no matter what this universe throws at him.
"Then stop talking like this is goodbye for good" She said with a sad smile "It's just goodbye for now." She than hugged him. He stood there stupefied for a moment as he processed the fact that a girl's arms were wrapped around his neck. He really wished he met her in a form that didn't need a full body suit. He eventually broke his stupor and returned the hug.
"I promise I'll come back as soon as I can." He said as they were still hugging "And you know maybe get a free VIP pass to your art gallery when it becomes famous" He heard her chuckle "I mean it wouldn't be a party without the devilishly charming quarrian there by your side, telling all kinds of embarrassing stories about…" She than broke the hug while laughing and playfully punching him in the shoulder while he laughed as well.
"Smartass" She said while she continued the playful assault.
"I try" Fixit responded. He's been hanging with Garrus for too long, his humor is starting to rub off on the quarrian. "Besides, they're not that embarrassing. It was those moments that made me lo-Like! They made me LIKE hanging out with you!" He quickly said as Nef stopped as well. Keelah, he wanted to crawl into a hole and die right now, he was glad he has a helmet on right now. It was quiet for a moment but then Nef started to lightly laugh again.
"Well I lo-like hanging out with you too" She teased him with his slip up. If Fixit could see his face right now, it would probably be cherry red. She than quickly hugged him again. "Promise you'll keep in touch" she said quietly.
Fixit returned the hug "I promise" he quietly assured. Eventually they broke the hug and she walked him to the door.
"Take care Fixit" Nef said sincerely
"Thanks, you too Nef." Fixit responded but then turned to the direction Diana disappeared "Tell your mom I said bye and that I THANK her for the moment of privacy!" he said loudly. They could hear something being knocked over in the other room and both Fixit and Nef laughed.
"(laugh) I'll be sure to tell her that." Nef said.
She than surprised Fixit by moving closer and kissing the front of his helmet, leaving a lip mark on the glass. He went wide eyed for a minute while Nef looked away shyly with a very cherry red face. Fixit was in a stupor until he heard the door behind him open and got started and yelped a little, getting a laugh from Nef. He regained his composer and weakly laughed as he exited the apartment, he then turned around and his body language must have showed how sad he was because Nef's face became sadden as well. He slowly brought up a hand and waved goodbye.
"Bye" he weakly said
"Bye" she said with a wave of her own hand and a sad smile. The doors closed and now Fixit was outside alone. He than ducked into an ally and was engulfed in the green flash. Leaving XLR8 in his place who quickly speed off and headed toward Mordin's clinic.
'Tetrax'- Omega/Mordin's clinic
XLR8 made it to the entrance, before he walked out into the open, the green flashed engulfed him and replaced him with Frankenstrike. The Transylian approached the clinic and was allowed in by the guards the moment they saw him. He's eventually made his way into the room where he found Mordin. Now Daniel was there assisting the batarian the Samaritan and Shepard helped. The former assistant now heads of the clinic heard the Transylian's heavy footsteps and turned to see the Samaritan approaching.
"Frank!" Daniel said, "Good to see you again." He greeted.
Frankenstrike groaned at the shortening of his name "Do you have to call me that?" he asked.
"It's shorter and easier to call out, I'm use to shortening words around Mordin so I can keep up with him during procedures" Daniel explained. "So, how are you?" he asked.
"Fine, and I see you made it back safe" Frankenstrike said.
"Thanks for the save by the way" Daniel said
"No problem." Frankenstrike.
"Its you again" the batarian spoke up as he looked at the Transylian in recognition. "I can't thank you enough for what you and the human woman did for me."
"No need to thank us. We were just doing what we could to help out" Frankenstrike responded.
"Even so, tell her that you both have my gratitude. And after being treated by the humans in this clinic, I now know that not all humans are what I thought they were." The batarian finished as a nurse helped him into another room. Leaving the two friends a chance to talk some more.
"So, you, Mordin, and the other Samaritans are going on a mission?" Daniel asked, and explained to the Samaritan the conversation he heard between Mordin and Shepard.
"Yeah, I don't know when we'll be back, but we will come back, that I promise." Frankenstrike assured.
"I know you guys will." Daniel responded "I also know this will be the first your time of the Station since arriving, and you'll see the rest of the Milky Way during the mission…Just promise you won't judge the rest of the galaxy based on what you've seen on Omega. Its not all like that. I mean yeah there are dangerous people out there, but there's actual law and order on those other worlds. And we both know you guys can knock people unconscious no problem. (sigh) what I'm saying is…you don't need to kill everyone you fight." He pleaded with the Samaritan.
Even after being threatened by a batarian gang, he still holds on to the notion that killing isn't the answer to everything, even on Omega. Frankenstrike still couldn't believe this…but he could understand…everyone needed some form of hope to hold onto…even him. Frankenstrike sighed.
"I can't promise I won't wind up killing people." Frankenstrike started as he looked at his friend "But I'll try to look for other solutions if I can…" he said as Daniel looked at him hopefully "…but only if they don't force me hand. I'll talk with the others, and they'll probably say the same thing."
"All I ask is that you try" Daniel said with a happier tone. A nurse bought in a salarian patient. "I got to get back to work…take care buddy."
"Same to you pal" Frankenstein said as they both nodded goodbye and Daniel returned to work, and the Samaritan left the room.
'Tetrax'- Omega/Afterlife
XLR8 arrived near afterlife and quickly ducked behind an ally. The green flash engulfed him and replaced him with Berserk. He then approached the front entrance and was allowed in immediately. At this point, the elcor bouncer knew that he was Patriarch's krantt. Once he entered, he walked near the bar on his way to Patriarch and noticed a familiar yellow sleeveless jacket on someone passed on a nearby table.
"Looks like the pyjak stayed out of trouble for once" Berserk muttered to himself as he approached the very drunk Jonn, surrounded by dozens of empty beer bottles. While he was upset that the idiot was so eager to throw himself in a fire fight, the krogan helper was glad to see him alive. He figured he would have to take his drunken friend home after this so he wouldn't get robbed while passed out, that is if he wasn't robbed already. Guess he'll have to leave a message instead of saying goodbye to Jonn. He just hopes that he won't get into anymore trouble while he's gone, maybe he could ask Liselle and Paul to check in on him when they aren't too busy.
He left his friend be for now and the krogan helper made his way to the lower level of the club and came upon the room where Patriarch resided. Telling stories of his former glory on Omega and providing his insights and wisdom to all who came to listen and ask the former Omega boss for advice. At first Berserk wasn't happy about being forced by Aria to watch out for the elder krogan, but eventually he started to enjoy his conversations with he old warlord, guess old age had a way of making a former crime boss pleasant to talk to, despite what he's done in the past. Guess Berserk's not as harsh with all of Omega's criminals. Plus, he wasn't what Berserk expected from a krogan crime boss, he was broken and beaten by Aria and left alive only to be forgotten, Berserk couldn't help but sympathize…after all…he knew what it was like to be…broken. But now that the stories of Patriarch's krantt began to spread, the korgan became more relevant and his tells of glory were reignited along with the warlord's spirit.
"No" Patriarch said as he spoke with a crowd that gathered around him while he paced "You said he had close family. They'll just want revenge. Kill the family first. Then he'll get angry and come at you stupid…and then you kill him." He said as he eventually spotted Berserk approaching him and laughed loudly "My krantt returns!" he bellowed as his krantt stopped in front of him. "I heard the news of you slaughtering the entire Omega Blood Pack, rumor has that you even killed Garm, not that's a feat I never expected!" the elder krogan stated gleefully.
"I'm surprised there are rumors, I didn't leave anyone alive" Berserk noted
"Heh, I have my sources" Patriarch replied "And they say they saw a certain krogan enter the one-man war between Archangel and the mercenaries. Now all the mercenaries are dead and here you are, standing before me! Ha Ha!" he joyfully bellowed again as he slapped Berserk on the arm.
"Now, everyone will fear the name Patriarch and know not to cross you." Berserk said with a smirk.
"Ha! You done more that young one!" Patriarch exclaimed then calmed down "Thanks to you, Aria may think of me as more than a trophy." His smile grew "A real adviser, maybe…Or even a threat. Patriarch…for the first time, I like that name"
Now, that Patriarch was no longer a target, its time to part ways with the krogan, at least for now. He just hopes he won't start and issue with it. "Patriarch" Berserk got the krogan attentions and the elder noticed a change in Berserks demeanor "I am honored to fight in your name as your krantt…But I have to inform you that…"
"You have a journey ahead of you yes?" the elder said and the helper was surprised by this "I already know young one." He finished.
"How?" Berserk couldn't help but ask.
"I may not hold the power I originally possessed before, but I still have enough influence to hear things" Patriarch explained "I know you are an associate of the Samaritans, (Berserk eyes widened) and I also know that Aria is blackmailing you and your associates, but has given you permission to leave Omega with the thought-to-be-dead Commander Shepard."
"I don't need Aria's permission to do anyth-"Berserk stated angry but was interrupted.
"Sadly, you do I'm afraid" Patriarch said knowingly "Aria had you under her finger tips the moment she discovered your secret, what it is I don't know. She's kept this information more secure than any other secret she's kept." He looks at Berserk with a rare display of sympathy "But I won't press you for any further, that's your business and it's the least I can do after you restored my honor. Like it or not however, you belong to Aria, just as I do. You, the Samaritans, and the other helpers…are her secret trophies…her secret weapons" He finished sadly.
Berserk was mad, he hated to acknowledge Patriarch's words. He wanted to refuse. To deny the truth in his words…but he couldn't. Like he said. Like it or not…Aria owns him.
"So, what do you suggest I do?" Berserk asked while trying to hold in his rage, hoping the elder krogan had any advice for this situation.
"For now, play along." Patriarch advised "Use this time away from Omega to find a solution to this, otherwise you'll either have to decide if this secret is worth being ordered by Aria." With that Patriarch placed a hand on Berserks shoulder "I wish you luck on your journey, after wards you'll have to come back and when you do, you'll have to make a decision about whether or not this secret is worth it." Berserk looked in the old warrior's eye's and nodded in appreciation of his words "Fight well my krantt…and bring back a story or two to tell." He said with a smile. Berserk smiled.
"I will Patriarch." Berserk assured, before he could leave Patriarch came closer and whispered to into his ear, as if he was concerned that someone was listening.
"Be careful with Aria" the elder warned "She will approve of what you've done, I think, but not of you altering the balance of Omega…I think it reminds her too much of herself." He warden.
Berserk nodded in appreciation and began to make his way back up to the main bar. Has approached the bar, he glanced up at the second floor and noticed Aria was talking to some. Someone with red hair.
Shepard-Omega/Afterlife-Second Floor
Shepard got a second audience with the Pirate Queen of Omega. She needed to know something, while she had a feeling, she already knew the answer she needed to confirm it from the source.
"Thanks for that info about the mercs by the way" Aria said "You and the Samaritans decimated their leadership but there are a few stragglers still out there, and now they'll be easier to keep them line. Maybe give me some room to make new arrangements with the main branches" She said. "And I heard what you did with the plague, keeps me from having to deal wit it later. Also, I heard you gave Berserk a little help with keeping hitmen off Patriarch, the krogan still has his uses, as does his kratt, so thanks for pitching. I didn't even have to ask or bribe" Aria's lightly chuckled.
"So, you knew?" Shepard asked, deciding to just ask and get it over with.
"Know what?" Aria said with a faux innocent tone.
"About the Samaritan" Shepard asked more sternly trying not to sound irritated and start a fight.
"Which one" Aria said while acting ignorant "There's a few to choose from" Than she made a fake realization expression "Oh! You must mean if I knew that those Samaritans were just the Samaritan." She said with a wicked smile. "I didn't know at first, but everyone slips up, even our friendly neighborhood shapeshifter." She explains to Shepard who's face had a mix of irritation and curiosity "I had someone contact him in one his helper forms and had him followed from a distance, guess he was off his game not to notice. (light chuckle) To say I was surprised at first was an understatement, but then I thought of the uses of having a shapeshifter with such powerful forms. So, we made a deal." She looked Shepard in the eyes. "I keep his little secret safe with me, and he stays away from my operations." Her smile grew while Shepard was tempted to knock that smile off her face. "Everything was pretty much the same as before afterwards, he still killed all my enemies, who unfortunately made the mistake of creating collateral damage, and I occasionally provide him info on them." She explained.
"And you didn't tell me straight up before because…?" Shepard asked.
"Would you have believed it if I told you?" Aria asked "You've claimed to have seen some wild things Shepard, but you have to admit, he's something you had to see to believe" Aria said. Shepard wanted to argue, but she couldn't because she probably wouldn't have believed it, finding out aliens like that existed was unbelievable, finding out about the Omnitirx was an entirely different story.
"Speaking of, does she know about the Omnitrix too?" Shepard mentally asked herself.
"Actually" Aria started "He's one of the reasons I started to believe more of those wild things you claimed to have seen. So, it would be in my best interest to make sure the galaxy doesn't come close to being exterminated again." Aria smiled "And what better way to help then to loan my little shapeshifter to you and keep the monsters at bay"
"Loan?" Shepard couldn't help but say out loud. Shepard didn't like the sound of that. Aria's smile got wicked again.
"I mean, I'm known to share my toys every now and then…" Aria then placed her hand her head and made fake sad gesture and spoke in a fake sorrow "But I couldn't bear the thought of departing with my favorite pet permanently" Shepard was straight to get more and more pissed off as Aria continued "Beside he keeps the lower riff raff in line, since I have no time to deal with them when I have to deal with mercs and other big gangs regularly to maintain control." She looks at Shepard in the eye "So I expect you to return my darling shapeshifter back in one peace so he can maintain that order…because if word got out that the Samaritans of Omega were just one Samaritan…well let's just say the mercs weren't his only major enemies. The rest are hiding in the shadows waiting for weakness and they would take the opportunity to come back out, once they found out he can't be everywhere at once."
"OKAY, THAT'S IT!" Shepard was ready to mouth off and cause a shootout but they were interrupted by the sound of heavy footsteps climbing up the stairs, both women turned to see Berserk standing on the edge of the stares and giving the guards near him a death glare and they quickly backed off and Aria made no objection to him approaching closer. Aria directed her smirk to the helper. While Shepard looked at him worriedly, hoping this doesn't turn uglier than it already is.
"Berserk" Aria greeted with an amused tone "We were just talking about you." Berserk just gave her the death glare.
"(angry grunt) I'll bet you were" He said, then he turned his attention to the ex-spectre "Shepard" he greeted politely.
"Hey big guy" She said with a small smile and had a look of sympathy on her face. She could only imagine how frustrated he was wit this situation, it almost like how her situation with Cerberus, TIM says she has a choice, but he says it in a way that makes it seem like she never really had a choice to begin with.
"Me and the commander were just making things clear" Aria said has her devious smile never left her face. "She understands your commitments on Omega, and she was assuring me that she would have you back as soon as possible. Isn't that right Commander?" Aria directed the question toward Shepard.
She wanted to tell the bitch to fuck off and put a bullet in her head so the secret can just die with her. But then she looked at Berserk who gave her the look that she gave him at the merc base every time he came close to losing his cool. The subtle look that said, "Stand down". Shepard sighed and nodded "Crystal" She said angrily but calmly through her teeth.
"Good" Aria said, satisfied with the answer than turned her attention back to the helper "Don't be gone too long, the streets would fall apart without their favorite Samaritans watching them. Understand kiddo?"
Shepard could see Berserk tightening his fists, something told Shepard that there was more than one secret at stake for the shapeshifter.
"I got it" Berserk growled.
"Good boy" Arai said in sickeningly sweet tone. Then she waved her hand in a 'shoo' motion "Now run along and play you too, but not for too long" She said.
Shepard signed in anger and stood up and followed Berserk downstairs. She saw him head for a table near the bar and noticed him picking someone up and throwing them over his shoulders, the kid form earlier, Jonn. Looks like he listened and stayed away from the fight. Berserk rejoined her as they walked outside the bar.
"Tetrax about…" Shepard started to say
"Not here" he warned as he looked around, and Shepard did the same. Yeah, she decided that this probably wasn't the best place for that talk. They walked to an ally, and out of sight from the streets. She was then blinded by a green flash and as it died down, the velociraptor alien was before her with the drunk kid over his shoulder.
"Be back in a flash" he said before zooming off.
"Wait!" she said with a hand reached out but then two seconds later, found herself being scooped up by Tetrax as he held her bridal style and gasped in surprise as she looked at his visor covered face "Hey what are you-"
"Hang on" He said, "Pedal to the medal" and they began to speed of
"GAHH!" was all Shepard managed to say as they sped off.
Author: Okay, Next Chapter will have one part on the Normandy. The other part will be the Citadel with Ben doing some hero work.
Mass effect Aliens so far:
Berserk
Fenix- Turian biotic (Thank you for the name suggestion Wanderer3, the name really fits)
Fixit (The name just fits to me)
Cleo- Asari biotic (I looked up Asari and it said that its another word for Osiris, Egyptian god, so I called her Cleo (Cleopatra). I thought it was more subtle than naming her after a goddess)
Batarian biotic form
Salarian form
Also, no this is not the official romance for Ben, this is just something to start with. Now, am I cruel for making them that close even though I know what will happen soon...maybe. But you'll have to wait and see what happens.
Ben won't keep up the lies for very long. Somewhere in the next six chapeters, he'll be discovered by the Normandy crew. Trust me, it won't be even close to halfway through the story by the time they find out.
Also Liselle and Paul are characters from the Mass effect book: Retribution.
I'm going to be honest, I wasn't thinking of romance when I started this story, and a I probably shouldn't have started this story with so much secrecy. Now I'm kind of afraid to reveal what I've been holding back from you guys.
Also this story is part of a bigger project of mine. This Ben is one of five alternate Ben's I've planned. I've picked a random point in the Ben 10 timeline and created five alternate scenarios where a villain with the ability to conquer the world arrives and turns earth into a war zone. NO, its not the kind where all his family and friends are just killed off, but that doesn't mean than one of the Ben's didn't lose one or two people in their reality. Eventually all the Ben's will meet up for a crossover specials and each will vary in age when they reach that point. One is a teen, one is in his twenties, one will be mid-thirties, one late-forties, the other one will be 60 (why? Becasue on Youtube I saw a fanmade Ben 10 trailer with a Logan theme and it just gave me the idea of Old Man Ben with Steve Blum's Wolverine voice). So if your disappointed with what happens with the Ben romance in this one, there will be four others to choose from. Fair warning I suck with romance (in writing and real life) so don't have too much high expectations, but I'll try my best.
TILL NEXT TIME GUYS!