Well folks, here we are. The final chapter of Star of the Normandy. Thank you all so much for sticking out 'till the end. But you all may have noticed the name of this story implies there will be more. The answer is YES! Star of the Normandy will return. Unfortunately, unlike this one that was fully written, vetted and waiting for publishing, the next installment hasn't even been started yet. And it won't be for a while. But rest assured, it's not over yet!
This chapter earns the M rating by expanding the 'fade-to-black' scene. You know the one.
Again, thanks for reading!
(For those who like Silent Hill, I'll be posting a fic under that genre soon!)
- Kry~
Chapter Six – Endgame
Shepard set her datapad down and stared into the fish tank across the room. Her latest conversation with Garrus and their mutual agreement to 'blow off steam' was naturally forming some suggestive thoughts in her mind, as well as some worrying ones. They were two different species, after all. What if their bodies weren't compatible? She'd done some research; read a few Fornax magazines, watched a few vids on turian reproductive behavior, the latter scaring her a bit, but Commander Shepard never backed down from a challenge. Commander Shepard also never walked into a potentially dangerous situation blindly. Unless, of course, she had no choice. Sighing, she arose from her desk and headed for the elevator.
The commander entered the Tech Lab, trying her hardest not to look nervous or embarrassed as she walked up to the busy salarian. As she approached him, Mordin acknowledged her presence as he always did.
"Shepard. How can I help?"
"Have you got a minute to talk?"
The salarian looked up from his console. "Actually, wanted to talk. Medical matters." Shepard raised an eyebrow. Was there something wrong with one of the crew? Mordin continued, his words slower than usual. "Aware that mission is dangerous. Different species react differently to stress. Sexual activity normal stress release for humans and turians, still, recommend caution. Warn of chafing."
Oh. It was about Garrus. How did he know about Garrus?
"I intend to be cautious, Doctor. But Garrus is important to me. You're not going to scare me off."
Mordin returned to his console. "Of course. Hormones. Regardless, come see me later. May need analgesic. Chafing."
"Do you have a recommendation as a doctor?"
"Turians based on dextro-amino acids. Human ingestion of tissue could provoke allergic reactions. Anaphylactic shock possible, so don't-" he cleared his throat, "-ingest. Also, forwarding advice booklet to your quarters. Valuable diagrams, positions comfortable for both species, erogenous zone overviews. Can supply oils or ointments to ease discomfort. Gave EDI electronic relationship aid demonstration vids to use as necessary."
Shepard's eyebrows raised. Mordin certainly thought of everything, possibly even too much. "Wait a minute, Mordin, you're just yanking me around, aren't you?"
A shocked yet playful expression appeared on the doctor's face. "Shocking suggestion! Doctor-patient confidentiality a sacred trust! Would never dream of mockery." He turned back to his console, adding, "Enjoy yourself while possible, Shepard. Will be here studying cell reproduction. Much simpler. Less alcohol and mood music required."
The commander left the doctor to his work and returned to her cabin. 'Let's see what you've cooked up, Mordin.' She thought as she checked the information he had sent to her private terminal.
Well… it was certainly… helpful.
The Tech Lab doors opened again a while after the commander had left, making Mordin wonder how many visitors he was going to have today. He had many tests to run, not just for his own research. The familiar figure propped herself up onto the sick bed closest to his desk and let out a long, heavy sigh. Mordin looked up.
"Something the matter?"
Star shook her head. "No, it's nothing… I just-" she sighed again. "I spoke with Thane a few hours ago."
The salarian cocked his head to the side. "He rejected you?"
"No, no. I didn't tell him. I couldn't tell him. We talked, he told me about his wife, and when I saw how fondly he held her memory, I lost my nerve. I couldn't flirt with a man who'd just told me about his dead wife. Besides, he's a dying man. It wouldn't have worked out."
"Thane's condition a considerable variable, yet, would not rule out the possibility. Would not suggest going into suicide mission with regrets clouding mind. May end up clouding judgement." He said, giving Star a stern look.
"But Mordin, what if he feels the same way? It would be a risk entering a relationship in his condition."
The salarian held up a hand. "In such situations, it is better to use trial-and-error than sit worrying all day about what might happen. As humans say, nothing ventured, nothing gained."
Star sighed. "I guess you're right. Better to shoot my shot and miss." She got up from her perch and was halfway out the lab when Miranda's voice came in over the intercom.
"All squad members, gear up and report to the shuttle bay. You will be briefed once you're there."
Star shot a confused look at Mordin, who shrugged and moved towards the Armory with the human following behind.
Once they'd all congregated at the shuttle bay, Shepard provided the explanation: the Reaper IFF was causing instability in Normandy's systems and needed to be tested before they could hit the Collector base, so Joker suggested they take the shuttle for their next mission and decide who to take once they'd arrived. With that, everyone piled into the Kodiak and departed from the Normandy, leaving Joker and the crew in charge.
"I'm telling you, EDI, your readings are off. It's radiation bleed. Just white noise." Joker swiped the reports off his interface and adjusted himself in his seat.
"I have detected a signal embedded in the static." EDI's synthetic voice retorted. "We are transmitting the Normandy's location."
Joker's eyebrows raised. "Transmitting? To who?"
His question was answered sooner than he'd expected, as the Collector ship entered the system just above the Normandy. The pilot's eyes widened.
"Oh, shit." As the hostile ship drew nearer to dock, Joker frantically accessed the controls. "We're getting out of here!"
"Propulsion systems are disabled. I'm detecting a virus in the ship's computers." EDI responded as the crew took up arms to defend the ship.
"From the IFF? Damn it, why didn't you scrub it?"
"Primary defense systems are offline. We can save the Normandy, Mr. Moreau, but you must help me." She paused. "Give me the ship."
"What? You're crazy." Joker yelled. "You start singing 'Daisy Bell' and I'm done."
"Unlock my sealed databases, and I can initiate countermeasures. The maintenance shaft in the science lab will allow passage to the AI core." She continued as Joker got out of his chair. "Main corridors are no longer safe. The Collectors have boarded. The emergency floor lighting will guide you, Mr. Moreau."
"Ah, damn it." He muttered in defeat. The pilot began making his way as quickly as he could to the science lab, his Vrolik's syndrome preventing him from running.
"Shit, shit, shit."
Halfway to the lab doors, the elevators opened and a Praetorian began crawling out. One of the crew screamed out, "Oh my god! What is that?" as they opened fire, another yelling to Joker, "We'll hold it off as long as we can!" as the pilot hobbled into the Tech Lab. He heard their screams as the doors shut behind him.
"Shit."
As he approached the duct entrance, another Praetorian appeared before him behind the glass.
"Shit, shit, shit, shit, shit." He muttered, climbing down the shaft ladder and making his way to the Crew Deck. He came out in Life Support, and EDI's voice chimed in.
"Multiple hostiles detected on the crew deck."
One of the crew beckoned to him. "Joker! The deck is crawling with those things! Stay close – I'll protect you!" He charged out, pistol in hand, but was thrown across the room as Joker hobbled past the elevator, watching in horror as a screaming Kelly was dragged into the elevator by a Scion.
"Shit, shit, shit!"
He hurried into the Med Lab as EDI chimed in again. "Main fusion plant offline. Activating emergency H-fuel cells."
"What the shit!" Joker screeched as he entered the AI core and walked up to the console.
"All right, I'm at, uh, you."
EDI's blue holo popped up behind him. "Connect the core to the Normandy's primary control module."
"Great." He grumbled as he followed EDI's instructions. "See, this is where it starts, and when we're all just organic batteries, Guess who'll they'll blame? 'This is all Joker's fault. What a tool he was. I have to spend all day computing pi because he plugged in the Overlord.'"
The lights in the core flashed off and EDI's holo expanded and dissipated. Joker looked around as the lights came back on, as well as EDI's voice.
"Ah. I have access to the defensive systems. Thank you, Mr. Moreau." The holo flashed up again. "Now you must reactivate the primary drive in engineering."
Joker groaned. "Argh! You want me to go crawling through the ducts again."
"I enjoy the sight of humans on their knees."
Joker stared blankly at EDI's words.
"That is a joke." She added.
"Right."
"The shaft behind you connects to the engineering deck. Good luck."
Joker turned and entered the duct. Good thing he'd put on his leg braces. Once he exited the duct in the sub-deck, EDI came in again.
"Hostiles are present in engineering. They are heading towards the cargo bay."
Joker slowly made his way up the first set of stairs, and waited until the passing Collectors had left.
"Engineering is clear of hostiles. Proceed immediately to minimize chances of detection."
Joker hobbled into Engineering and up to Tali's console.
"Activate the drive and I will open the airlocks as we accelerate. All hostiles will be killed."
"What? What about the crew?"
"They are gone, Jeff. The Collectors took them."
"Shit."
The pilot limped up to the drive core console and reactivated it.
"I am sealing the engine room." EDI stated. As the drive core powered up, she added. "I have control." The sudden impact of the ship's speed boost sent Joker flying onto his back as the Normandy powered away from the Collector ship and into FTL. As he came around, EDI's voice came in again.
"Purge is complete. No other life forms on board. Securing airlocks and cargo bay doors."
Joker slowly got up and looked around as he leaned against the drive core console. "Send a message to Shepard's shuttle. Tell her what happened."
"Message away. Are you feeling well, Jeff?"
He held his head and sighed, then begun to make his way back to the bridge. "No. But thanks for asking."
Later, after Shepard and the crew came back, Joker sat on the comm room table after giving his report to Shepard.
"Everyone? You lost everyone - and damn near lost the ship too?" Miranda said angrily as she entered the room.
"I know, all right? I was here!" Joker retorted.
"It's not his fault, Miranda. None of us caught it." Jacob defended.
"Mr. Taylor is correct. The harmful data in the Collector drive was even more sophisticated than the 'black box' Reaper viruses I was given." EDI added.
Shepard walked up to the distraught pilot. "I heard it was a rough ride. How are you holding up?"
Joker glanced solemnly around the room. "There's a lot of empty chairs in here."
EDI's holo popped up behind him. "We did everything we could, Jeff."
"Yeah, thanks, Mom."
"Is the ship clean?" Shepard asked. "We can't risk this happening again."
"EDI and I purged the systems. The Reaper IFF is online. We can go through the Omega 4 relay whenever you want."
"Don't even get me started about unshackling a damned AI." Miranda seethed.
"What could I do against Collectors, break my arm at them?" Joker retorted. "EDI cleared the ship. She's all right."
As Joker got off the table, EDI added, "I assure you, I am still bound by protocols in my programming. Even if I were not, you are my crewmates."
"EDI has had plenty of opportunity to kill us. We need all the help we can get." Shepard reaffirmed.
"Sounds like we have everything we need to rescue the crew." Jacob piped up behind her.
"We've done everything we can. It's time to take the fight to the Collectors." Miranda added.
"Joker, head back up to the bridge. The rest of you, to your stations." The commander said.
Joker saluted. "Aye, aye, Commander. Just punch up the galaxy map when you're ready."
With that, everyone exited the comm room, leaving Shepard behind. The commander headed up to the bridge.
"Commander." Joker started, turning to face her. "Sorry about the crew and… and you know what, no, I'm not sorry. What the hell are you doing leaving us out here where Collectors can work us over?" the pilot snapped. "Because you know what, I should… I should just go. Next port, just get the hell out of here."
"You don't mean that, Jeff." EDI piped up.
"I… no, but it… it felt good. I'm sorry, Commander. Okay, I'm ready, I'm good. I'm ready to save the day." He resigned.
"I know how dangerous it was. If you need some time, let me know."
"Jeez, don't get like that. I know I got lucky. I don't need you getting all touchy feely."
"Shepard is right to be concerned, Jeff. You may have suffered a number of stress fractures." EDI added again.
"That's what pills are for, EDI." He turned back to Shepard. "She's so my mom."
"I notice you're calling EDI 'her' and 'she' now."
"Huh. No, I hadn't really noticed that. EDI, should I have noticed that?"
"No, Jeff, it is not worth noting." The holo said.
"Well, there you go, Shepard. Looks like we haven't noticed anything."
"I think you're taking the human-machine interface a little far."
"I'm just having a little fun with you, Commander. No need to get all 'Unnatural!' on me." Joker chuckled.
"What Jeff and I are exhibiting is more a platonic symbiosis than hormonally-induced courtship behavior."
Jeff turned back to Shepard. "Okay, yeah, that was a little creepy."
"I need everyone at their best. We get no second chance, so no more losing it, understand?"
"Understood, Commander. EDI and I have it under control."
With that, Shepard left the bridge and towards the galaxy map. After reading the transmission from the Illusive Man, Re: the Collector attack, she booted up the map and selected the Omega 4 relay.
EDI's voice came in over the intercom. "Please confirm destination, Shepard. The Reaper IFF is online, but there is a chance that the Normandy may not survive the Omega 4 relay. Once we are en route, we are committed."
"The Collectors are about to find out what happens when you piss me off."
"You got it, Commander." Joker pitched in. "Plotting a course for the Omega 4 relay. ETA about 2 hours. I'll let you know when we arrive."
Shepard had returned to her cabin and was taking a shower, washing off the grime of the last mission. She'd been so worried from EDI's message that she just changed into her Cerberus fatigues, and with the impending suicide mission they were flying into head-first, she needed a nice, hot shower to calm her nerves. She changed into a clean set of clothes and walked out of the bathroom, and was surprised by an unexpected yet welcome visitor in her cabin. Garrus was standing near the fish tank, wearing his civvies (and still wearing his visor) and holding a bottle of liquor. Everything about his posture screamed 'nervous.'
"Hey. I brought wine. Best I could afford on a vigilante's salary." Shepard smiled and crossed her arms. His obvious nervousness was adorable.
The turian all but ran to the music control console and turned on a song. The human watched him, amused, as he tried to play it cool.
Garrus sauntered over to the fish tank as she approached him. "If you were a turian, I'd be complimenting your waist or your fringe. So… your, uh, hair looks good. And your waist is… very supportive." He paused, reassessing his choice of words. Shepard almost chuckled. "Hopefully, that's not offensive in human culture. Crap. I knew I should've watched the vids –"
"Whoa! Consider me seduced, smooth talker." She interrupted, saving the poor turian. "Now shut up and stop worrying." She moved to the music console and turned off the music.
"I just… I've seen so many things go wrong, Shepard. My work at C-Sec, what happened with Sidonis…" Garrus hung his head. "I want something to go right. Just once. Just…"
Shepard stroked his injured mandible and looked into his eyes reassuringly. Slowly, she pressed her forehead against his.
'No suicide mission, no missing crewmates, right now… it's just you and me, Garrus…'
Garrus hummed, his sub-vocals thrumming. "Hmm, this is a turian custom. How'd you know?"
Shepard grinned. "You're not the only one who did research, Vakarian."
He chuckled, his good mandible fluttering. "Speaking of research, there's one thing in particular I wanted to try out."
"Oh? And what's that?"
"That whole kissing thing." He replied. "You might've noticed, we don't really have those thick, fleshy lips humans do."
Chuckling a little, Shepard led her partner to the couches and pushed him gently on them, taking the wine bottle and setting it down on the table, then taking up position across his lap. "You don't need to have lips like ours to kiss." She said softly, lifting a hand to his scarred, bandaged mandible, gently trailing her fingers across the curves before meeting his gaze.
"Hmmm." He brought his hand up, hesitating a moment before brushing the back of his gloved talon along her jawline, mimicking her gesture. "So… how does this kissing thing work?"
Grinning, she held onto his collar, tugging him down a little. She pressed her lips to his mouth plates, bringing her other hand around behind his head. He hummed, and she brushed her tongue over the curve of his flat lips, coaxing them apart. Her tongue swept over his, savoring the smooth feel of it before retreating a little, pleased when he took up the motion, following after. She made another pass, meeting his tongue again before pulling back.
She glanced up at him, licking her lips, smiling. "So, what do you think?"
His gaze fixed on her mouth. "I'm not sure, I might need you to show me again." The flange of his voice was heavy and raspy. His nerves were calming, good.
Chuckling, she pressed her lips to his mouth in a quick peck. "Yeah?"
"Definitely. Maybe even a few more times, just to be sure." He nudged her mouth with his. She smiled and kissed him again, his mouth opening easily to hers. Shifting herself slowly, she eased him back into the couch, turning to face him, straddling him and kneeling into the cushions on either side of him. He brought his hands up, one pressing gently against her jaw and neck, one pressed into the small of her back. He felt so… right. Her heart pounded against her ribs, heat flooding her body with each caress of their tongues.
She let out a light, approving groan when his hand settled on her hip, sliding gently down to her thigh. Eager to return the favor, she ran her fingers down his neck, sliding them between the segments of plates and against his skin. It was smooth, but thick, like plated leather. It felt so alien under her fingers, but so very, very right. Why did she ever wait so long to kiss him?
Slowly breaking the kiss, she pulled back and put a hand against his chest. "How about you get this shirt off?"
Garrus' sub-vocals trilled softly. "Hmm, and I was just getting the hang of kissing."
Shepard chuckled softly. "I'd like to explore the new species I've discovered while I have him. Now, shirt. Off."
He chuckled. "Yes, Commander." He shifted forward a bit, fumbling with the clothing as he removed it. Soon, it was decorating the floor behind them. He leaned back into the couch as Shepard's fingers traced the lines and ridges of his plating with wonder. She leaned forward, nudging his head up gently with her cheek and planted little kisses along the skin of his neck, as her fingers caressed the hide in between the plates on his chest, reveling in the feel of defined muscles beneath his hide. He kept his hands wandering across her thighs, feeling the contrast of tight muscle with her alien softness.
She spoke softly against the crook of his neck. "It's alright to touch me, Garrus. I won't break."
He hummed, the vibrations of his neck giving her tingles. "Can't be too sure, humans are so soft." She laughed lightly at his remark and pulled away again, this time to remove her own shirt and bra, both of which joined his shirt on the floor. Taking his hands in her own, she guided them along her hips up towards her breasts, stopping just under the mounds. Intrigued, Garrus removed his gloves and copied the movements, savoring the strange yet lovely feeling of her smooth skin under his talons. Shepard's deft fingers went back to exploring as his did, this time making their way up the back of his neck towards his fringe. She found a soft little spot, just under the fringe, and pressed her fingers into it. This elicited a soft gasp from the turian, who flashed her a grin and said, "No fair. You've found one of my weak spots and I haven't found any of yours."
She hummed, smirking at him. "You mean here?" she asked, her voice barely more than a whisper as she gently kneaded the spot again.
"Spirits, yes." He flicked a mandible and added, "Pretty much anywhere my plates don't cover." He smiled at her. "I could use a few pointers too, if you don't mind."
She grinned, taking his hands in hers, she brought them up to press against her breasts, squeezing her hands around his. "Here." She pulled his hands back enough to close his thumb and finger around her nipple, sucking in a ragged breath. "Here." Moving his hands to her rear, she squeezed again. "And here. For starters."
Tugging at his waist, she rolled her hips, pulling him in deeper. She moaned, head pushing back into the pillows. She wasn't sure what to expect, bringing a turian to her bed, but Garrus felt so much better than anything she'd anticipated. He kept most of his weight off her, having realized relatively quick that the roughness of his plates was abrasive against her skin. It was her only regret, in this position at least, she couldn't feel his warmth against her chest.
Reaching out, she caressed his mandible and he opened his eyes, meeting her gaze with a smile. He hummed, his sub-vocals purring, hips working their magic as they rocked in and out of her. Then, he worked a hand under her back, lifting her from the mattress as he rolled off of her, dragging her along. She chuckled, pushing up on her knees as he situated himself in a reclined position.
"Come here." His voice was low and throaty as he put his hands around her hips. Straddling him, she lowered herself down, using her hand to guide him back inside her. His mandibles flared, mouth opening in a gasp as a deep hum resonated in his throat. She leaned into him, resting her chest against his as she brought her mouth to his.
'Well, what do you know? Those advice booklets did come in handy after all.'
Tongues meeting, he let out a low growl as she began rocking her hips. His fingers thread through her hair as he cradled the back of her head, deepening the kiss. He'd taken to the concept like a pro, tongue dancing over hers before retreating. Breaking the kiss, he ducked his head and trailed his tongue down her jaw and throat, making her moan and shiver. She tilted her head back, exposing her throat to him, moving her hand to the back of his head, kneading the soft hide just under his crest. He licked her again, bringing a hand up to capture her breast, trapping a nipple between his thumb and finger. She moved a little faster, feeling her insides starting to tighten as she built to an orgasm. He gently nipped at her skin with his sharp teeth and she moaned, urging him on.
He bit down, a little harder than she anticipated, but the sensation felt glorious, throwing her over the edge. She bucked her hips, rhythm becoming uneven as she erupted, a wave of pleasure cascading over her, a strained mix of a moan and a yell caught in her throat. Moving his hand from her head, he gripped her waist, taking over as he lifted her up and down, thrusting into her. He ran his tongue over the bite mark, her hands clutching him, digging into his hide and his grip tightened. He let out a throaty growl, pressing his forehead into the crook of her neck as he buried himself inside her one last time, holding her there as he found his own release.
Panting, she felt her heart pounding against her chest as she brought her mouth back to his, his longer tongue twining around hers. She brought a hand to his face, savoring the feel of his scarred mandible and the feel of her mouth against his until the need for air pushed them apart.
She rested her forehead against his, smiling, contented. He hummed, the soft purring of his sub-vocals sending delightful tingles through Shepard's chest. Smiling, he spoke softly,
"I'm definitely into the kissing thing now."
Shepard laughed.
The Illusive Man turned to the message console as it lit up with Commander Shepard's hologram. "Shepard. I wish I had more information for you. I don't like you heading through that relay blind, but we don't have much choice."
"I'm not going alone; I've got some of the best working with me. If we stick together, we'll make it."
"I knew we brought you back for a reason. I've never seen a better leader. Despite the danger, it's a great opportunity. The first human to take a ship through… and survive."
"I've got room on the Normandy if you're that eager to see it."
"It's a tempting offer. But it's not my place. I just wanted you to know I appreciate the risk your taking. Regardless of your opinion of Cerberus. Of me. You are… a valuable asset. To all of humanity. Be careful, Shepard."
"Approaching Omega 4 relay. Everyone stand by."
Shepard had joined Joker on the Normandy's bridge, in full armor, ready for battle. The commander glanced at her pilot.
"Let's make it happen."
Joker grinned as he manned flight controls.
"Reaper IFF activated. Signal acknowledged." EDI chimed in.
Down in Engineering, Jacob spoke to Shepard through her comm. "Commander? The drive core just lit up like a Christmas tree!"
"Drive core electrical charge at critical levels." EDI warned.
"Rerouting!" The pilot worked fervently at his console. The Normandy sped towards the relay, accelerating rapidly as it began the relay jump.
"Brace for deceleration." The AI warned again, prompting Shepard to grip Joker's chair. Just as the ship completed the jump, they were thrown into a mine field of debris.
"Oh, shit!" Joker swerved the ship around and out of the debris, leading to a bumpy ride. Once out of the field, he sat back and sighed. "Too close." Shepard watched out of the ship's windows as they cruised over the debris field towards the Collector base. "These must be all the ships that tried to make it through the Omega 4 relay. Some look… ancient." Jeff commented.
"I have detected an energy signature near the edge of the accretion disk." EDI piped up.
"Has to be the Collector base." Shepard replied, "Take us in for a closer look. Nice and easy."
As they moved in closer to the base, several machines activated and begun to give chase to the Normandy.
"Careful, Jeff. We have company." EDI warned. The Oculi started firing at the ship as Joker swerved it out of the way.
"Taking evasive maneuvers." But the machines kept tight on the Normandy's trail. "Now they're just pissing me off! EDI – take these bastards out!" He yelled, as the ship's guns fired, blasting two of the Oculi, who managed to get a shot at the Normandy. Luckily, Shepard had upgraded the ship's armor with Silaris plating, as a suggestion from Jacob.
"As long as the new plating holds." Miranda commented from just behind the commander.
"They want another round? Come on, girl, let's give it to them." Joker said to himself. Another blast from the machines hit one of the engines, throwing the crew in engineering around. No matter how much fancy flying Joker pulled off, the Oculi wouldn't let up. One of them launched itself into the ship's cargo hold.
"Alert. Hull breach on the engineering deck." EDI stated, bringing up a holo of the ship to show the breach.
"It's in the cargo hold!" Joker said to Shepard.
"I'll take a team and deal with the intruder. You get the rest of them off our trail." She said, starting towards the elevator.
"Aye, aye, Commander."
"Garrus, Grunt, meet me at the cargo hold. We've got a stowaway to evict." She called through her comms. Grunt's laughter echoed as a reply.
Down in the shuttle bay, the fight heated up quickly. Shepard and her squad bolted out the elevator and took over as the Oculus fired at them.
"We have to use heavy weapons on this thing!" Grunt called.
'My thoughts exactly.' Shepard pulled out her Collector Particle Beam and blasted the Oculus' armor as it moved around the bay area. Just as it retreated out of the hull, Joker called over the intercom.
"We're sitting ducks out here. I have to try to lose them in the debris field!"
The ship re-entered the field, the fast-swerving Oculi already being destroyed hitting the debris.
"Our kinetic barriers are not designed to survive impact with debris that size, Jeff." EDI stated.
"Then I guess it's a good thing we upgraded. We're going in." Shepard had also invested in Cyclonic Barrier tech, supplied by Tali. The ship slipped around through the field, making near-misses and taking small hits and throwing the commander's team in the shuttle bay around. Normandy glided through the debris as the Oculi became fewer in numbers, scraping against a rather large piece. "Come on, find some room." Joker gritted his teeth as EDI gave him another warning.
"Kinetic barriers at 40 percent."
"Reroute non-critical power! This is gonna hurt!"
The ship pressed through the mine field, finishing off the last of the pursuing machines, the drive core lighting up and catching Legion's attention. Eventually, the ship found enough room to maneuver.
"Damage report!"
"Kinetic barriers steady at 30 percent. No significant damage." EDI responded.
"Take the helm, EDI. Keep it slow. See if we can avoid any more attention." Unfortunately, the Oculus that Shepard had been dealing with returned, firing at the cargo bay.
"I have detected an enemy heading for the cargo hold."
"That thing again. This one's up to Shepard."
Back in the shuttle bay, the Oculus re-entered the cargo bay and began firing at the squad, who returned fire. After using up all the bullets in her Vindicator and dodging, ducking and rolling away from the Oculus' lasers, the commander finished it off with her heavy weapon and the team took cover as it exploded.
"Heh. Dead for sure this time." Grunt commented.
"Better get back up here, Commander." Joker called to her through the intercom.
"We're about to clear the debris field." Miranda added.
"There it is – the Collector base." Miranda said as Shepard ran up to the bridge.
"See if you can find a place to land without drawing attention." The commander said to her pilot.
"Too late. Looks like they're sending out an old friend to greet us." Joker replied. Outside, a familiar ship emerged from the base and begun towards the Normandy, firing its cannon. The ship swerved out of the way of the enemy's blasts.
"Time to show our new teeth. Fire the main gun." Shepard commanded. Last but not least, she had upgraded the ship's guns to turian-made Thannix Cannons. 'Time to see if all that time Garrus spent calibrating will finally pay off.'
The cannons blasted, directly hitting the Collector ship. "How do you like that, you sons-of-bitches!?" Joker yelled with a shit-eating grin.
"Get in close and finish them off." Shepard wasn't celebrating just yet.
"Everybody hold on – gonna be a wild ride!" The Normandy swerved, flying fancy around the Collector ship's beams and zooming in close. Joker slammed his fist onto the console. "Give 'em hell, girl!" The Thannix cannon cut through the enemy ship like butter, the Normandy zooming past victoriously.
"Look out!" Miranda called as the exploding ship's debris blasted into range. The impact of the explosions threw the ship off course, throwing the crew about as well and Joker out of his chair.
"Mass effect field generators are offline! EDI – give me something!" he cried out, climbing back into the chair.
"Generators unresponsive. All hands brace for impact." Came the AI's reply.
The ship collided with the station, hitting the left engines and crashing onto the base's exterior, throwing the crew about again and sliding to a halt.
Shepard picked herself up off the floor. "Joker? You okay?"
"Ungh… think I broke a rib. All of them." The pilot groaned.
"Multiple core systems overloaded during the crash. Restoring operations will take time." EDI chimed in.
Miranda sighed. "We all knew this was likely a one-way trip."
"Our primary objective is to destroy the station and stop the Collectors. At any cost." The commander stated.
Joker glanced at her. "Well then, we're off to a good start. What's next?"
"How long until the Collectors find this landing zone?"
"I do not detect an internal security network. It is possible the Collectors did not expect anyone to reach the base." EDI replied.
"If we're lucky, their external sensors were hit like we were. They might not know we're alive." Jeff added.
The crew congregated in the briefing room, checking their gear and their weapons. This was it, the final mission. Shepard walked into the room and stood at the head of the table.
"This isn't how we planned this mission, but this is where we're at. We can't worry about whether the Normandy can get us home. We came to stop the Collectors, and that means coming up with a plan to take out this station. EDI, bring up your scans."
A hologram of the scans of the Collector base appeared over the table as EDI spoke.
"You should be able to overload their critical systems if you get to the main control center here." She said, highlighting the command center.
"That means going through the heart of the station. Right past this massive energy signature." Jacob piped up, highlighting the diagram with his Omni-tool.
"That's the central chamber. If our crew or any of the colonists are still alive, the Collectors are probably holding them in there." The commander responded.
"Looks like there are two main routes. Might be a good idea to split up to keep the Collectors off balance, then regroup in the central chamber." Jacob marked the two paths via Omni-tool.
"No good." Miranda objected. "Both routes are blocked. See these doors? The only way past is to get someone to open them from the other side."
"It's not a fortress; there's got to be something. Here, maybe we can send someone in through this ventilation shaft." Shepard said, highlighting the scans.
"Practically a suicide mission. I volunteer." Jacob said, crossing his arms.
'Well, aren't you eager?'
"I appreciate the thought, Jacob, but you couldn't shut down the security systems in time. We need to send a tech expert." Miranda objected.
"It's your call, Commander. Who do we send into the shaft?"
'What better tech expert is there than a machine?' "Legion – you can hack through anything. I'm sending you into the shaft." Shepard turned to the geth.
It tuned its rifle. "Acknowledged."
"The rest of us will break into two teams and fight down each passage. That should draw the Collectors' attention away from what you're doing."
"I'll lead the second fire team, Shepard. We'll meet up with you on the other side of the doors." Miranda stated.
"Not so fast, Cheerleader. Nobody wants to take orders from you." Jack retorted.
"This isn't a popularity contest! Lives are at stake. Shepard – you need someone who can command loyalty through experience."
'And someone I can trust. Someone who's not Cerberus.' "Garrus – you're in charge of the second team." The turian nodded in acknowledgement.
"Well, at least he knows what he's doing." Miranda muttered.
"Once we're in, they're going to throw everything they have at us. If we're weak, if we're slow, if we hesitate, we'll die. The Collectors attacked our ship. They took our crew, our friends. They think we're helpless. They're wrong! They started a war, but we're not here to finish it. We're here to make them regret – to show them and everyone else what happens when you go too far. No more running, and no more waiting. Let's hit them where they live."
The crew stepped out of the Normandy and entered the base, the fire team led by Garrus headed in one way, Infiltration Specialist Legion moving towards the entrance of the ducts, and Shepard's team, Miranda and Jacob, heading in the main passage. Shepard took a minute to modify her Vindicator and Widow to Inferno Ammo, then pressed ahead into the Collector base.
"We are in position." Legion's voice came in over the comms. "Exterior temperature slightly elevated. No obstructions detected."
"Second team – are you in position?"
"In position." Garrus called back. "Meet you on the other side of those doors."
Shepard and her team advanced down the halls of the station, and found themselves in an opening. They found Collectors waiting for them as well, and ducked into cover as shots rang out. The commander picked off a few of them with her Widow as reinforcements flew onto the battlefield. With the last drone burning into a pile of ash, the team moved ahead, and Garrus' voice came in over the comms.
"Garrus here. We're taking heavy fire, but we're moving forward."
As they progressed, Shepard spotted a large tube ahead, a part of the duct system Legion was moving through. She spotted said geth as it called to her via comm.
"Pathing failure. There is an obstruction in the tunnel."
"There, over by the ventilation shaft." Miranda called, gesturing to the console near the duct. "That valve should open the gate."
Shepard ran up to the valve and opened it, allowing Legion passage through the tunnel.
"Obstruction removed. Proceeding." It said as they continued along their ways. As Shepard turned the corner, a group of drones opened fire on them. They returned fire as they scurried into cover, Shepard firing a Concussive Shot at one of them and spying another valve under the tunnels.
"The path is blocked again. You must locate another valve." The geth called to her as she finished off the last few drones. She opened the valve and continued.
"Another obstacle impeding progress. I am unable to continue without your assistance, Shepard." Legion called again just ahead of the squad.
'Damn, how many valves are there?' The commander thought as she opened the next one.
"Garrus here. We're making good progress. Meet you at the rendezvous." The turian reported in. 'Good, everyone's still alive.'
"Path is clear. Moving on." Legion said as the squad pressed ahead. After coming across yet another valve, Garrus reported in again.
"We're in position. Just waiting for the doors to open."
'They made it before us. I just hope they can hold out.' Shepard thought as they dealt with some more Collectors. In the midst of the fight, Legion requested help again, but the valve was too far for Shepard to reach without being shot at. The squad focused on clearing a path as quickly as possible, Shepard's visor interface warning her of Legion's vital signs.
"Temperature rising to dangerous levels." It called again. The commander blasted the last drone and rushed to open the valve. No sooner had Shepard opened the valve was she being shot at again, Harbinger making things difficult by possessing drones. Legion called again ahead of them as they finished off Harbinger and hurried to assist. They were ambushed by a few drones right around the corner and Shepard and Jacob pelted them with bullets as Miranda slammed one of the drones into the wall with her biotics. Shepard ducked into cover as another Collector drone fired a particle beam at her from behind another valve and the geth infiltrator called for help again. The commander rolled her eyes and shot the drone's head off with her Widow.
'This is getting beyond now. How many valves are there?!' She opened the valve as more drones dropped in.
"Proceeding. Anticipate we are nearing the end." Legion said, unknowingly relieving Shepard as she blasted the Collectors with high velocity sniper rifle rounds. It called for help shortly after again, but again, there were too many enemies for Shepard to assist it at once. They mowed through the drones, Harbinger's constant appearances fueling the commander's fire. They finished off the group and opened the last valve, poor Legion mere seconds from total circuit failure due to Harbinger's persistence as they ran past towards the doors.
"Come in!" the commander called to her squad. On the other side, Legion opened the other doors, allowing the fire team to get into safety.
"Look out. Seeker swarms!" Garrus shouted as the squad filed in, returning fire as Legion tried to close the doors behind them.
"We're in position." Shepard called to Garrus. "We need this door open now!"
The turian grabbed Legion's shoulder. "Go, we'll cover you!" The geth rushed to the other doors.
"The door has malfunctioned. Path blocked." It called as it tinkered with the interface. Shepard ducked a shot and the doors opened shortly after. The squad rushed inside. "Complete."
"Here they come!" Shepard yelled as the geth tried to get the doors shut. "Fall back!"
"Suppressing fire! Don't let anyone through that door!" Garrus ordered as the team rained bullets on the Collectors rushing towards the door.
"Nice work, Legion." Shepard said as the doors finally closed and she could catch her breath. "I knew I could count on you."
"Shepard! You need to see this!" Miranda called from the next room behind them. The team walked into the room and looked around in awe. The central chamber; vast, walls lined with pods the Collectors used to abduct humans. Shepard saw what Miranda meant; a pod close to the door holding a woman inside. "Looks like one of the missing colonists." The XO commented.
Shepard walked up to the pod and examined it, Jacob calling from across the room, "There's more. Over here." The pods Jacob had found were holding the Normandy's crew. The pod before the commander began filling with gas, causing the colonist inside to start panicking as her skin began to melt.
"My God! She's still alive!" Shepard exclaimed, and began searching the pod for a way to open it as the woman pounded on the glass, screaming. To Shepard's horror, the poor colonist began melting away into a puddle before her very eyes! The other pods were starting to fill with gas too. "Get them out of there!" she ordered the others. "Hurry!" The squad began breaking the pods open with their guns, taking them down and forcing them open before they could melt away. Miranda forced open the last pod, Shepard catching the victim inside.
"Doctor Chakwas? Are you okay?" She said, laying the doctor on the ground.
As the others came around, Chakwas looked up. "Shepard? You… you came for us." She said with relief.
"No one gets left behind." The commander responded as she helped the doctor up.
"Thank God you got here in time." Kelly said, limping up to her. "A few more seconds and… I don't even want to think about it."
"The colonists were…processed." Chakwas continued. "Those swarms of little robots, they—melted their bodies into gray liquid and pumped it through these tubes." The doctor gestured to the large tubes above them.
"Whatever the Collectors are doing, it ends here!" Shepard said firmly.
"We've done well so far. Let's hope we can finish the job." Miranda added.
"Joker? Can you get a fix on our position?" The commander said into her comm.
"Roger that, Commander. All those tubes lead into the main control room right above you." The pilot responded. "The route is blocked by a security door, but there's another chamber that runs parallel to the one you're in."
"I cannot recommend that. Thermal emissions suggest the chamber is overrun with seeker swarms. Mordin's countermeasure cannot protect you against so many at once." EDI interjected.
"Conventional weapons are pretty much useless. They'll tear us apart." Shepard added.
Samara spoke up. "Maybe not. I might be able to generate a biotic field to keep them at bay. I won't be able to protect all of us, but I could get a small team through if they stay close."
Miranda added quickly, "I could do it too. In theory, any biotic could handle it. Shepard, who do you want to maintain the field?"
'Theoretically, any biotic could get us through, but I need someone who can deliver practically. Someone who has plenty of biotics to spare. And who better than a natural biotic?' "Samara and I will take a small team through the seeker swarms. The rest of you provide a diversion by going through the main passage. We'll open the security doors from the other side and meet you there."
"Who should lead the diversion team?"
'Who else?' Shepard motioned to Garrus.
He nodded. "I'll keep the defenders busy. You slip around the back."
"What about me and the rest of the crew, Shepard? We're in no shape to fight." Chakwas added.
"Commander? We have enough systems back online to do a pickup, but we'd need to land back from your position." Joker's voice came in.
"We can't afford to go back, Shepard. Not now." Miranda stated.
"You'll never make it without help. I'll send someone with you." Shepard said to the doctor.
'Someone whose absence won't affect our chances by a wide margin, but who can definitely still hold their own.' The commander turned to the salarian scientist.
Mordin nodded and opened the comm channel through his Omni-tool. "Joker, need location of landing zone. Will meet you there."
"We've all got our assignments. Let's move out!"
In a few moments, Shepard and her squadmates, Thane, Grunt and Biotic Specialist Samara had entered the corridor infested with seeker swarms. The little robots bounced on the biotic barrier like raindrops on a puddle, leaving a rippling effect.
"Moving out. Try to stay close, Commander." Samara said, walking ahead. The team moved with her, staying within the field's boundaries.
"Garrus here. Team is in position and-and waiting for your orders, Shepard." The turian's voice came in heavily distorted over the comm.
"Damn. The swarms are interfering with radio contact." Shepard stated. As Samara stopped, awaiting orders, the squad quickly checked over their gear. "You ready for this?"
The asari nodded. "Let's go, Commander." As they moved ahead, a few Collector drones flew past over the corridor. "Incoming!" The squad moved into cover as Garrus was heard over the comms again.
"On my way."
"I can't fight back from this position. Tell me when you're ready to move." Samara called from her cover position as Shepard's team returned fire. The commander focused her Widow on Harbinger as Thane threw a Warp field at him. They finished off the last drone, which had been taken over just as they'd dealt with the first Harbinger, and Shepard ordered Samara to move out. "Ready to move, Commander."
Continuing ahead, Garrus was heard again. "Hostile engaged."
"Hostiles! Dead ahead!" Samara said, as Husks and an Abomination crawled up from below the platforms before them. Shepard and Thane sniped the creatures as Collector Drones flew overhead. They dipped into cover and exchanged fire with the hostiles, firing concussive rounds and warp fields at Harbinger.
'Starting to get real annoying now…'
With the last drone down for the count, Shepard picked up some thermal clips and the team moved on.
"Nice shooting." Garrus came in again.
As they moved up, Samara noticed enemies coming around the corner. "Could be a real fire fight. I'll hold this position until you're ready to move out." She said, running into cover. Shepard noticed the hostiles ahead; Husks, Abominations and a Scion.
'Great.'
The squad opened fire, trying to stop the husks from getting too close, but the cryo blasts from the Scion weren't making it easy. Grunt and Shepard's heavy concussive rounds, however, provided decent crowd control. The Scion got closer to them than Shepard had liked, but they managed to take it out quickly.
"All clear! Let me know when you're ready to move up, Commander." The justicar said after the Scion fell. Shepard handed out Medi-Gel to her squadmates and when they were ready, signaled Samara to move ahead. The commander could see that the prolonged use of her biotics was beginning to take a toll on her.
'Hang in there, Samara. We'll get through this. Just a little longer.'
Ahead, more husks began crawling up at the team. The three of them flanked the creatures before they could attack to give the specialist a clear path.
Garrus' voice came in again. "Perfect."
"I will hold on… as long… as I can." Samara groaned, pushing forward with visible strain. Shepard began to worry, but worry was tossed aside as she looked ahead. The security doors where within sight. "I can see the entrance." The justicar said, and started to rush with renewed determination. "Need to… get there… soon." The team began to run with the specialist, blasting the husks that crawled up after them.
"Hold on. We're almost there." Shepard said as she and the others providing covering fire as Samara made a break for the door.
"We must move quickly, Shepard." Thane called, shooting down a Collector.
"All right, let's move!" The commander ordered. The squadmates ran for the door as Shepard covered them, blasting a Collector that got too close. "They're pushing. Keep it up!"
"Hurry, Shepard." the asari called as Grunt got the doors open. With the squad close by, Samara summoned the rest of her strength to push the hostiles and the swarm away from the doors. With the coast clear, they fell back to safety as the doors closed. Inside, Shepard heard Garrus' voice through the interference.
"…do you copy? Come on, Shepard? Where are you?"
"I copy. What's your position?"
"We're pinned down at the door. Taking heavy fire." Shepard and Thane ran over to the other security doors.
"We're coming; just hold on!" She said, taking up defensive positions as Samara ran to the door console. "Get this door open!"
The doors flew open and the fire team retreated in, Shepard and her squad adding to their suppressing fire. "Come on!" When everyone made it inside, she turned to Samara. "Seal the door!"
The doors slid shut and Garrus stumbled back, holding his side. Shepard went up to him and he nodded, showing her he was alright. She tapped her comm. "Joker? Are you at the rendezvous point?"
"I'm here, Commander. Chakwas and the rest of the crew just showed up."
"Mordin's group just arrived, Shepard. No casualties." EDI added.
"Excellent." Miranda said. "Now let's make it count. EDI, what's our next step?"
"There should be some nearby platforms that will take you to the main control console. From there you can overload the system and destroy the base."
"Commander? You got a problem. Hostiles massing just outside the door. Won't be long until they bust through." Joker stated.
Shepard climbed atop a raised platform and addressed her squad. "A rearguard could defend this position and keep the Collectors from overwhelming us."
"Pick a team to go with you, Shepard. Everyone else can bunker down here and cover your back." The XO suggested. Shepard thought for a second.
'The rearguard needs to have stronger, heavily armored people in it, so Grunt and Garrus are out of the question. The less defensible teammates could turn into a liability in this situation. A chain is as strong as its weakest link, as they say. Which means…'
"Tali, Jack, you two are coming with me."
Said teammates climbed up onto the platform with Shepard.
"I'm ready, Commander." Said the quarian.
"Me, too." Jack added.
"Anything to say before we do this?" Miranda asked.
Shepard started; "The Collectors blindside their targets. Hit and run. As powerful as they are, they're cowards. They've never had to stand and fight the best of us. That's you. I don't know if they can feel fear, but we're damned sure going to give them the opportunity. Hit them hard. One way or another, it ends here!"
"We'll do our best. Good luck, Shepard." The platform that Shepard and her squad were standing on began to move away as the rest of the team took up their positions to guard the door.
'And so it begins… the long walk… the beginning of the end.'
The squad drew their guns as another platform made its way towards theirs. On it, a few Collectors.
"Enemies incoming!" called Tali, opening fire. As soon as that platform was empty, another rode up. Shepard changed position and sniped the Collectors as her shotgun-wielding teammates moved in close. Yet another Collector-infested platform rode up, this one bearing Harbinger. Shepard gritted her teeth and fired off a Concussive Shot, weakening his barriers. She spied Tali's combat drone, Chatikka vas Paus, serving as an ample distraction by drawing the Collectors' fire away from the squad. With them focused on the pink drone, Jack sent a Shockwave their way, sending two of the drones flying off the edge of the platform. Another platform came up, with time carrying two Scions and some Abominations. Shepard focused on the Scions with her Widow, as Tali ran away from the blasts of the Abominations. The Scions went down quickly, and Shepard passed around the Medi-Gel and picked up thermal clips before taking the last platform to the main control console. Something told her the fight wasn't done yet.
"This is it. All the tubes lead to this spot. EDI. What can you tell us? What are they doing?"
"The tubes are feeding into some kind of super-structure. It is emitting both organic and non-organic energy signatures. Given these readings, it must be massive. Shepard. If my calculations are correct, the super-structure… is a Reaper."
Shepard and her crew stared in disbelief at the structure EDI mentioned as it came into view.
"Not just any Reaper – a human Reaper."
"Precisely."
The Reaper was massive, and looked absolutely terrifying. A macabre mix of organic and synthetic, looking like a mangled corpse that had been torn in half at the torso, just below the ribcage. She could make out a skull, teeth, mechanical eyes and hands; it resembled a decaying skeleton being held up by puppet strings.
The platform connected to three others just before the giant monstrosity and Shepard could see the four large tubes holding it up, preparing to inject some sort of fluid into it.
"It appears the Collectors have processed tens of thousands of humans. Significantly more will be required to complete the Reaper." EDI continued.
"It's too big for our guns. EDI, find me a way to blow this thing to hell."
"The large tubes injecting the fluid are a weak structural link. Destroying them should cause the supports to collapse, and the Reaper to fall." Shepard watched as EDI spoke, the tubes injected the fluids into the Proto-Reaper.
"Give us a minute, EDI." The commander said, drawing her gun. "We've got to take care of some old friends first."
The Collectors' platform came in, its passengers firing at the squad even before it landed. Shepard's group returned fire, the commander focusing on Harbinger.
'Damn, these guys don't know when to quit!'
As soon as the final drone fell, the tubes opened up again. "Shoot the damn tubes!" Jack yelled, charming as ever.
Shepard had an idea. She aimed her Widow at one of the tubes and as she pulled the trigger, she gave herself an Adrenaline Rush, giving her time to reload the gun and blow out another tube before the others closed up. She smirked. 'Well, that just cut my wait time in half.'
Another platform approached them, another fire fight. This one, a bit trickier, because Harbinger wouldn't stop showing up every other drone. Shepard was almost furious by the time they'd finished him off, and repeated her 'Two-for-One Special' strategy. The Human-Reaper's supports broke away, and the squad moved to the edge of the platform to watch as the machine plummeted into the abyss below.
'Finally. Now let's finish the job and blow this place to high hell.'
Shepard opened her comms. "Shepard to ground team. Status report."
The reply came quickly. "It's Thane. We are holding, but they keep coming. A quick exit is preferable." The drell screeched as he fired over his cover.
"Head to the Normandy. Joker – prep the engines. I'm about to overload this place and blow it sky high."
"Roger that, Commander." As Shepard interacted with the command console, Joker's voice came in over the comms. "Uh, Commander? I've got an incoming signal from the Illusive Man. EDI's patching it through."
Tali connected her Omni-tool with the Normandy, and the transmission came, along with a holo of the Illusive Man.
"Shepard. You've done the impossible."
"I'm not finished here yet. This base is ten minutes from extinction."
"Wait. I have a better option." Shepard glanced at the holo. "I'm looking at the schematics EDI uploaded. A timed radiation pulse would kill the remaining Collectors, but leave the machinery and technology intact. This is our chance, Shepard. They were building a Reaper. That knowledge – that framework – could save us."
The commander stood to face the holo. "They liquefied people. Turned them into something horrible. We have to destroy the base."
"Don't be short-sighted. Our best chance against the Reapers is to turn their own resources against them. They were working directly with the Collectors. Who knows what information is buried there? This base is a gift. We can't just destroy it."
"You're completely ruthless. The next thing I know, you'll be wanting to grow your own Reaper."
"My goal is to save humanity from the Reapers. At any cost. I've never hidden that from you. Imagine how many lives could be saved if we keep this base intact and use its knowledge to thwart the Reapers. Imagine the lives that will be lost if we don't."
"No matter what kind of technology we might find, it's not worth it."
"Shepard. You died fighting for what you believed. I brought you back so you could keep fighting. Some would say what we did to you was going too far. But look what you've accomplished. I didn't discard you because I knew your value. Don't be so quick to discard this facility. Think of the potential."
"We'll fight and win without it." Shepard turned back to the console. "I won't let fear compromise who I am."
"Shepard, think about what's at stake. About everything Cerberus has done for you. You-" his rant was cut off by Tali turning her Omni-tool off, Jack handing Shepard the explosive. The commander planted the bomb and set the timer.
"Let's move. We've got ten minutes before the reactor overloads and blows this whole station apart." She informed them, closing the console. Just then, a mechanical noise was heard, and the platform began to shake. Up from the depths, two mangled mechanical arms appeared, pulling up the Proto-Reaper along for the ride.
'Oh you've gotta be kidding me.'
Shepard ran for cover as she examined the Reaper for a weak spot. She noticed that its big glowing eyes seemed rather unshielded, so she pulled up her Particle Beam and aimed for the optics, burning through the armor. The Reaper didn't make it easy, moving its head about and making it hard for Shepard to aim as it prepared to fire at them. Shepard took the opportunity while it was charging its beam to blast its eyes, then ducked as the beam tore across the platforms. She was low on ammo and Medi-Gel, so every shot counted and she couldn't afford to waste a shot. The Reaper would occasionally dip its head under the platforms, allowing Collector drones from god-knows-where to attack the crew. Shepard cursed internally and externally as she fired at the Reaper while ducking bullets. Luckily, the blasts from the Reaper didn't do the Collectors much good either, so Shepard waited until the blast took out some of the Collectors then she picked off the rest. The Reaper came up again, but this time, destroying the left-most platform with its spine. Shepard took the moment the Reaper held still and, with the help of an Adrenaline Rush, was able to do good damage on it.
Eventually, the heavy weapon ran out of ammo and Shepard had to resort to guns. A well-timed shot from the Widow put the damned thing down for good. Unfortunately, it decided to bring everyone else down with it. In the most dramatic death the commander had ever seen, the collapsing Human-Reaper larvae hit the platforms, knocking the squad on their asses and sending Tali sliding towards the edge as the machine fell. Shepard stumbled to her feet and leapt after the quarian, who was trying desperately to grab the Commander's outstretched arm as they both tumbled towards the sheer drop. Shepard managed to grab hold of Tali just before she followed the Reaper, and she pulled her up as the machine went boom. The impact of the explosion shook the platforms off balance again, sending Shepard and Tali rolling away. The commander looked up just in time to see Jack regaining her balance and in the distance, another platform flying directly into theirs.
Everything went black.
When Shepard regained consciousness, she was pinned under a heavy piece of metal, part of one of the platforms. She rose to her feet, lifting the offending thing off her back and looked around, spotting her squadmates across from her, also unconscious. She rolled Jack over, who opened her eyes and allowed Shepard to help her up, and then ran over to poor Tali, who was pinned under a piece of platform similar to the one the commander was under. She threw the metal off and as she helped the quarian to her feet, Joker's worried voice came through her earpiece.
"Do you copy? Commander? Come on, Shepard, don't leave me hanging. Do you copy?"
"I'm here, Joker. Did the ground team make it?"
"All survivors on board. We're just waiting on you." The pilot sounded relieved.
Shepard noticed the forming clouds of seeker swarms before her and the squad began their sprint to the Normandy, Shepard firing her pistol into the bugs as Harbinger's voice echoed through the walls.
"Human, you've changed nothing. Your species has the attention of those infinitely your greater. That which you know as Reapers are your salvation through destruction." The squad continued their sprint, encountering Collectors and being pursued as well as shot at. The base began collapsing and exploding around them as they approached an exit; the Normandy ascending and turning to align the portside airlock with the edge. Joker appeared in the airlock, firing his assault rifle at the Collectors following Shepard's squad as Tali and Jack leapt in beside him. Just then, falling debris knocked away the platforms connecting the ship to the ground and Shepard saw what she had to do. She gritted her teeth and pushed herself harder, taking a running leap towards the airlock. The world seemed to slow down mid-air, the commander barely catching the edge of the airlock as Tali pulled her up out of the gunfire. Joker fired off a few more shots as the door shut and as the ship pulled away, Joker tossed his gun aside and staggered into the cockpit with Shepard following behind as EDI started a countdown.
"Detonation in ten, nine, eight-"
"Yeah, got the gist of it, EDI! Hold on!" Joker interrupted as he jumped into his chair and piloted the ship out of the base. The ship shot out of the station, zooming across it and towards the relay as the construct exploded behind it. Normandy sped away from the impact of the blast, carrying crew and captain all aboard, accounted for and safe, and hit FTL towards the mass relay.
Mission Accomplished.
Shepard walked into the Briefing Room, almost in ruins from the attack and impact on the ship earlier on, ducking loose wires and shifting debris as she approached the message terminal.
In the Illusive Man's room, the terminal lit up with the glitching hologram of Commander Shepard. He ashed his cigarette.
"Shepard. You're making a habit of costing me more than time and money."
"I'm sorry, I'm having trouble hearing you. I'm getting a lot of bullshit on this line."
"Don't try my patience." He said grimly. "The technology from that base could have secured human dominance in the galaxy. Against the Reapers and beyond."
"Human dominance, or just Cerberus?"
The Cerberus leader rose from his seat and walked towards the terminal. "Strength for Cerberus is strength for every human. Cerberus is humanity. I should have known you'd choke on the hard decisions. Too idealistic from the start."
"I know what you are, and the price of dealing with you. We do things my way from now on. Harbinger is coming. And he won't be alone. I'm going to make sure we're ready when they get here. You can fall in line or step aside, but don't get in my way."
The Illusive Man matched her glare, with threat in his tone. "You sure that's what you want? You're taking a hell of a risk, Shepard."
The commander looked away. "Joker. Lose this channel." She turned from the message terminal and walked smugly out of the room, leaving the Illusive Man boiling in his defeat.
The Normandy coasted along, its crew aboard scurrying about repairing the damages to the ship. Shepard walked out of the elevator, glancing to her crew, her teammates, who'd helped her through this mission; Legion, Jack, Grunt, Garrus, etc. They'd all made it out safely, no casualties. Joker, who was nearby, walked up to the Commander and handed her a datapad with information on Harbinger. She knew the Reapers were coming. She'd do everything in her power to stop them, and she'd have a strong, loyal team behind her. As she stared off into deep space, Joker spoke into her earpiece.
"Commander? You have an encrypted transmission at your private terminal. It's from Alliance HQ."
Speaking of Reapers…
TO BE CONTINUED…