So my birthday is this coming Monday but, I'm celebrating over the weekend. Expect a few days off!
Chapter 42: Cowardice Revealed, Lover's Wrath
Jack and Vetra wandered around the living room while trying to look as normal as possible. The size of the room was truly impressive when an entire art exhibit could be featured along the back wall. Kasumi was adamant that there was someway into the basement, and thus the vault, somewhere in the living room but he wasn't seeing it. For the amount of pre-planning she did coming up with his alter ego, Kasumi didn't have the actual heist planned out at all. He had to wonder how Kasumi got the reputation of being the best thief in the galaxy when this mission was coming down to him winging it. On the plus side, Kal and Zero seemed to be talking again and enjoying sodas at the bar.
Vetra had an annoyed tone, "By the time we actually get to the vault the auction will have already started! What kind of blueprint did you get if it didn't even tell you where all the secret rooms are?"
Kasumi had a sarcastic response, "The kind that doesn't look longingly at the deadly pirate queen across the bar. Hock must've slightly changed designs since the last time I was here."
Vetra's browplates shot up and she spoke a little louder than she should, "I am not looking at anyone longingly! And you were here? When?!"
Since it appeared as though Vetra was talking to no one, Jack awkwardly laughed, "Your such a silly person Mandaria, you don't remember we were here two weeks ago during construction?" In a much lower voice he barked, "Both of you, cut the chatter. We need to focus on getting into that basement."
He had to admit that Aria being here was definitely a distraction for Vetra but, he understood it. She obviously had some regret for siding with Archangel and trying to kill Aria, and it wasn't just because he had ultimately been wrong. As crazy as it sounded in his own head, it was clear from the conversation they had outside, to the way Aria had acted in Afterlife that the two women had been close. He wasn't going to judge Vetra at all but, he was curious how such a relationship started. Especially when the first time they met had to of been in the wreckage on Torfan. Jack just hoped the Asari wouldn't get in their way if she was just here for the entertainment.
They walked around the corner of the art exhibit expecting to find a bathroom but instead, found a bookshelf and a fake fireplace. It was strange because the shelf was on wheels and had been moved from elsewhere. Why would Hock want to move his honestly impressive book collection away from everyone's sight? Jack assumed he was the type of guy to want to drag guests over to it and brag how he had read every book there was to see. The only reason it could be here along with the omni fireplace was that Hock was trying to hide something behind it. How were they going to move a shelf that was this big without attracting some sort of unwanted attention?
Vetra slammed both of her hands against the bookshelf causing several books to fall to the floor, "Spirits, I'm not asking for much and I know I've done the wrong thing consistently. Just, please help me find my sister in one piece."
Jack saw a red button become exposed from one of the books that fell, "Vetra, I think they're listening." He smiled at her and tilted his head towards the button.
Kasumi was visible again right behind them because they were behind the art exhibit, "Or, Donovan is just very lazy about where he keeps his obvious security. Either way, let's crack it open and see what's inside."
Jack's omni tool beeped and he glanced down at it, another update from Zaeed Massani. Normally, Jack would've opened it instantly to see how the hunt for Cora was going, but this mission was definitely more important. What could've possibly changed in the last hour besides the fact that he was still following her and the former N7? He appreciated The Illusive Man giving him a look behind the curtain so he knew the hunt wasn't just another lie but, this was going to get ridiculous fast. Jack told himself he would check it once they saved Sidera and were out of this mess.
Once Vetra pressed the button, the bookshelf lowered itself all the way to the floor revealing another door that was surprisingly unlocked. The three of them glanced around behind them quickly to make sure the other guests weren't looking in their direction before stepping inside. A short flight of stairs later and they had entered what had to be the basement. He was a little stunned by how lax Donovan really was with his security. Directly ahead of them was a large door that was made of palladium. There was an orange glow around it and what looked like a keypad sat to one side. If Kasumi had the code now, he doubted they were going to need their weapons and armor. Hock's security was going to be too slow and dumb to stop them.
Kasimi put a hand on her chin, "Very nice. There's more here than I expected. A voice lock creating a kinetic barrier. Looks like an EX-700 series, everything a vault needs to be impenetrable."
Vetra tapped one foot and sounded frustrated, "Tell me this isn't gonna be a problem?"
Kasumi laughed and gave her a grin, "Please, remember who your talking to. We'll need to get a voice sample for the voice lock. Shep will have to go chat up Hock for that."
Jack nodded and turned back towards the stairs, "I'll be right back, just make sure no one else comes in here while I'm gone."
He went back upstairs and he set the bookshelf back into place hoping it would ensure no one else found the place. Unfortunately, finding Hock was going to be difficult because the dance floor had turned into a rave. Criminals were jumping up and down and rubbing themselves all over each other. He assumed halex had to be involved since they were grabbing each other so boldly in public. Maybe they thought they were going to get caught, there was no other explanation for throwing caution to the wind quite like this. He was relieved to see Kal, Zero, Garrus, and Tali were sitting at the bar staring at the group.
Jack approached them quickly, "I need to know where Hock is. We need his voice to get into the vault."
Kal tilted his head towards the front door, "Greeting the guest of honor apparently. According to him, this party is for another pirate that's 'leaving' soon. Whatever that means."
Jack glanced at each of them individually, "Everybody doing ok?"
Garrus grumbled leaning on the barstool, "Maybe a tiny bit disappointed my date wouldn't go out there to dance with me but, we're fine otherwise."
Tali groaned and rolled her eyes, "For one, this is definitely not a date. Dates usually involve dinner, candles, and a movie. Secondly, that isn't dancing, that is fu..." She looked over at Zero, "I mean, rubbing together with your clothes on."
Zero rolled her eyes, "It's dry humping. Something I suggest the two of you do in a room, without us."
Jack tried not to chuckle amused by how blunt she was, "Just hang tight, with any luck we'll be out of this soon."
He reluctantly left the group and went back outside to where Hock was. At first, he was shocked to see Aria was still hanging around him like they were best friends. It was clear to literally everyone, besides Hock apparently, that the Asari wasn't interested in being his buddy. Then, he paled at seeing who his guest of honor was. Her pale skin gave her a youthful look which contrasted with the white hair that flopped to one side. Cora Harper was here, and had the nerve to smile at him over Donovan's shoulder like they were old friends. She was standing next to a LOKI mech on one side and Lantar Sidonis.
Garrus and Kal had been confident when they told him Sidonis had died on Omega and yet there he was standing there. His presence just brought about a million questions distracting Jack. Had Cora brought the Turian back in a similar way she had done for Saren? Even though he guessed it was potentially possible, it had taken her almost two years to bring Saren back and Lantar had only died a month ago tops. Liara's lead made more sense now at least, Lantar was the other member of Archangel that betrayed them and kidnapped Sidera. Why would he do that? Hadn't Garrus been one of his best friends since their CSEC days?
Donovan was stroking the LOKI mech, "This is absolutely incredible Cassandra! You didn't have to get me something this, it's your party afterall."
Cora playfully laughed and waved a dismissive hand, "I honestly don't need it anymore... Where I'm going, a mech is just extra weight. Now, are you going to tell me who your friend staring at me is?"
Donovan turned around and grinned, "Ah Mr. Gunn, good to see you. Solomon, I'd like you to meet Cassandra de Jongh. You may have heard of her work on Noveria with biotic children. And Cassandra, I have good news! Golo vas Nedas is alive and well! It seems he just ran off with Solomon here."
To her credit, Cora could've won an award for her acting, she smiled and even extended her hand towards him for a shake, "It's wonderful to finally meet you Solomon. I'd love to see Golo again, have a reunion between like minded people."
His instincts were telling him to grab the pistol he had concealed under his jacket and shoot her. She had kidnapped him off the original Normandy, froze him in a cryo pod for two years, tried to get Kal and Garrus killed in an elaborate scheme on Omega, and most importantly she helped the Collectors take entire Human colonies. The right thing to do was shoot her in the head and deal with the consequences after. If this was just for Kasumi he would've, but the real reason he was here was for Vetra and her sister. If he started shooting now, Sidera would likely be moved again and this time, there was no guarantee they would find another omni tool telling them where she went. He couldn't doom a teenagers life to slavery just because he wanted revenge.
He shook her hand doing his best to smile, "Golo told me a lot about your work on Omega."
She gave him a teasing smirk, "Hmm, I doubt that. Maybe you should ask him about the time we tortured another Quarian exile. It was really quite the night, turning a proud veteran of the Skillyian Blitz into a sobbing puddle of depression. I thought he was going to try and throw himself on the sword."
Jack knew she was testing him only for Hock to rub the back of his neck, "Yes well, maybe we should go inside for our speeches. You must have a busy schedule and I get nauseous around talk of violence."
Sidonis started turning around back towards the ship they came on, "I'll go back to the ship to make sure no one followed us."
Cora almost giggled and shook her head, "Lantar don't be silly, we're fine. And besides, from what I understand Archangel works with Solomon Gunn. It would be rude to not say hello to your old friends. Lead the way Hock."
Jack was the first one back in the door and gave Kal a serious expression. He could only pray it communicated his hope that Kal wouldn't act immediately when he saw Cora and Lantar. They were here for Vetra and Sidera, if this turned into a bloodbath now Sidera would probably be gone forever. Whatever happened to Sidera in slavery would be their fault if they couldn't just hold back until she was safe. Hock's speech was certainly going to have enough voice lines to unlock the vault. He watched as Kal gripped Zero's arm tightly as Cora appeared only to seemingly droop when Lantar stood next to her. Garrus broke the glass in his hand and started to move back to the Normandy only for Tali to stop him.
Donovan Hock motioned to stop the music and tapped his cup, "Attention everyone, I just wanted to say a few words... In our line of work, we tend to attract a certain element. Few understand the pains we, as a group, take to keep the barbarians at bay. People these days want comfort, entertainment, love. They don't see that the galaxy is fragile. They only have to worry about simple luxuries. Why? Because people like me, and you, and everyone here tonight are doing the terrible things that keep the galaxy spinning. This party is for us! The cleaners. The support structure for the galaxy's gleeful delusions of peace. And most importantly, it is for my next guest that recognizes all of this. The one, the only, Cassandra de Jongh!"
Kasumi's voice came through his ear over the applause, "I said get him talking, and you got him talking. We've got a good enough of a voice sample. Get back down here and let's get out of here."
Jack gave Kal a sympathetic look and started moving as subtly as he could, "That's good because we need to get out of here yesterday."
_o0o_
Kal heard the applause but, it was a blur of white noise as he stared at Lantar. Erash's betrayal had hurt him but, it had made sense. He had just been trying to keep Kal safe and ultimately atone for his actions during the Blitz by getting him and Jack back together. Lantar on the other hand had no reason to work with Cora. He and Garrus had kept Lantar as safe as possible for as long as they could. He had even gotten captured and tortured just so Lantar could sneak away back to the base, and this is what he did with that chance? It was like a stab to the heart for him, they had bonded while keeping Garrus from killing himself and showing him there was a point to living. Kal couldn't even imagine what Garrus was feeling knowing they had been friends longer.
Zero got in his face and glared at him, "Let go of my arm right now so I can go kill that bitch!"
He used all of his strength to keep her right where she was, "Listen to me, we are in a room with about a hundred armed mercenaries. We aren't armored and only have pistols, that's suicide. So, before you do this I want you to ask yourself if you can watch me die."
She stared at him furiously but, at the same time she was relaxing just a little, "I...don't think this means anything, I don't want to die myself."
Cora waved her hands repeatedly to stop the applause, "Please everyone, please stop. You all are far too kind for my relatively minor contributions to this group of real, pure visionaries."
One of the criminals shouted from the back of the room, "You rock!"
She laughed and gave a seemingly genuine smile, "So do you Vido, so do you. Now, when Donovan approached me with a vision of his future, a future where the Alliance didn't control everything. A future where we would be free to live in the Terminus Systems, I laughed. I mean why on Earth would Aria let so many Humans like us live out here?"
Kal's attention was once again pulled away from the speech when a Human male sat on the stool beside him, "How's it going love bird?"
He didn't even have to look in that direction to know that was Arnold Vega talking to him. Could this evening honestly get any worse? The Alliance must've read Kasumi's submission to BadAss Weekly and sent a team to arrest him. Kal wasn't going to let that happen, he knew what Alliance prisons were like. Arnold would rather let Jack rot in a spice mine for something he wasn't responsible for. Was Arnold jealous of him deep down? Did he think Jack chose Cerberus for Kal rather than the Alliance for him?
Kal stared at Cora and was gently letting go of Zero's hand, "I've had a really osiky day if you must know."
Arnold pulled cuffs from his pocket, "I hate to tell ya, but it's about to get a lot worse. Tell me where he is right now and I won't arrest you too."
Kal decided to listen to Cora so he looked like he was weighing his options, "...and yet, here we are in the Terminus Systems. It took the blood, sweat, and tears of every single person in this room but, we made it happen. Which makes my announcement that I am leaving this club all the worse. Yes the rumors are true, I am leaving public life for a quiet life and greener pastures."
Arnold started playing with the cuffs, "I need an answer now buddy."
Cora continued and he noticed she was tearing up, "But, I want to leave you all with a few words of wisdom. 'Those who we keep closest to us can and tend to hurt us the worst.' My father who was a miner told me that and he was right. So, before I go forever, always remember those words. And if your afraid someone close to you will hurt you, move past them for a greener, brighter, more vibrant future!"
Kal made a fist behind his back and moved away from Zero, "Jack, I want you to forget everything I told you earlier and do your thing."
He could see her starting to glow blue and he threw a surprise punch at Vega's face.