Commander John Shepard
The Normandy, with the stealth systems engaged, would be keeping itself in low-orbit around Haestrom on the planet's current dark side. And our shuttle was closing in on the mission area. There were huge crater-like quarries dotting the landscape from Geth mining operations. Curiously, the remnants of Quarian civilization here appeared to be cities made of marble, carved into and out of the stone. It was no doubt some form of rock that wasn't marble, but from our bird's eye view, that's still what it looked like.
"EDI, send us pictures of Haestrom before the Geth rebellion," I requested. EDI obliged, and my Omni-tool was pinged with several images the AI had selected. Very unusual indeed. With the exception of the larger structures, the Quarians primarily built with the stone already here. Financially smart, of course, as they didn't pay to haul so many of the construction materials here, it's just still unusual for any space-faring people to build with stone rather than metal and alloy. I pulled up a file on Haestrom. Ah, that makes a bit more sense. Even back then, the sun pushed a few extremes on the environment, though that was mostly just temperature, not radiation. Not temperatures to lethal extremes, unless one would stay outside without hydration and shade for extended periods of time. But it led the Quarians to develop this world mostly, subterraneously. Building into cliff sides or sinkholes, whether natural or artificial, using the very stone they're digging out, and putting more of the used space underground. Only building on the planet's surface for off-world travel, colonial security, industry, mining, and research. Smart indeed. Everything so far would make one believe that Haestrom would have been the most secure locations for the Quarians during the war, but, unfortunately, Haestrom was primarily a research colony. First and foremost. Studying the sun. Anything here that wasn't dedicated to research was here to ensure the Colony was still self-sustaining.
The shuttle began to slow and descend, and I checked my weapons once again. All ready to go. Suits sealed and protected. The shuttle touched down, and the doors opened on a landing pad completely in the shade. Once we were all off, the shuttle took off again. Ahead, a ramp down that's mostly in the sunlight before a structure provided more. I glanced back at the others. Miranda reluctantly agreed that it would be wise to cover the Cerberus logo on her armor for this mission. Tali may be aware, but the others aren't. And Jacob, as he only still has his just so he can help ease Miranda away, he hopes, brokered no argument.
"Stay here. I'll see just how bad it gets," I ordered. I readied myself to sprint, and raced across to the next area with shade, then checked my equipment. Hm, my shields were re-cycling, so it does screw with our shields. Everything else, so far at least, is still all green. "It doesn't agree with our shields, but everything else is in the green. Just hurry around. Come on." The others hurried across, following me further down along the ramp to an old security checkpoint. It was fully sealed, but the guard post could still be accessed from our side. A barely recognizable Quarian sign almost completely faded away on the stone by the door. The VI in my helmet that translates written words couldn't even piece together what was left. The door had power, and I interfaced. The program was slow, glitchy. Time had not been kind to the systems, but my guess is that the Quarians did most of the hard work here for us. Not to mention it was all outdated to high hell. Still, I got the door open.
"Damn it," I muttered. Slumped against the wall was the corpse of a Quarian male. Geth fire had torn his suit to shreds, the rounds having burnt through his body. There were a pair of Geth combat platforms also collapsed on the ground, offline. I moved closer to inspect the body and instructed Garrus to get the large door open. The Omni-tool lit up.
"Life signs detected. Playing message:" the built-in VI spoke up. Then the voice of a male, obviously the one now dead on the floor, played through the tool.
"Emergency log of Migrant Fleet Marine Nilo'Vezh vas Ziji. The Geth are here. I've stayed behind to buy the others time. Anyone who gets this, find Tali'Zorah. She and that data are all that matters. Keelah se'lai." Data? Must be what they came here for. But what would it be of? I looked for and found the marine's comm device, but it was too damaged. I wouldn't be able to patch myself into their network unless we found an intact one. I marked the body's location so that any and all surviving marines after this mission can try and retrieve the body. And Garrus just got the larger door open. Everyone had their weapons ready, and we got moving. I took point. It seemed to be an old supply depot.
"Shepard! Dropship on our left," Garrus called out. The big, metal, limbless bug was flying our way. Jack and Garrus took cover on the sides of the large door, while the rest of us had to run forward, taking cover behind old stacks of what appeared to be concrete or large metal crates. Neither held my confidence, especially not against Geth weapons. We need hard, thick cover to really be safe when our enemies fire can melt right through.
I counted six forms drop from the ship to the ground, unfolding themselves to combat forms. Scouts, I'd say. Not expected to survive, just learn who the intruders are. Our tech attacks began immediately, overloading shields or frying their systems. Finishing them off with a few well-placed shots. Hm, funny. Gunfire seems to be taking them down easier than before. I guess the change to clips really did allow us to make our guns more powerful, but I still hate the fact we're essentially back to limited ammo.
There were two routes ahead for us to take. Straight down the middle, which had more shade, but less cover, or the high ground to our right, which, if crouched, there would be barriers that could still give us cover, had more sunlight. I'm not sure how well anyone up there could fight against other Geth also possibly up there. Still, we need… two people to go up top side. Hm, I peered out a little further along the middle. It seems that at the far side, the Quarians had dug down and made a killing field, holding the Geth off at least for a time. Whether they eventually retreated or fell, we'll find out soon.
"Garrus, Jack, topside. Rest of you, with me down the mid," I ordered. I watched to make sure the Turian and the biotic were secure up top, then Grunt and Zaeed followed me down first to mid. I took cover behind an old cargo transport, Grunt, a bit closer behind a part of the wall sticking out, good cover for him, and Zaeed along the other side of the cargo transport. MY side was closer to the mid, but Zaeed's gave him a good, angled sightline for any taking cover along the left walls. Fortunately, the sunlight was just barely unable to shine on us.
"I don't see anything from up here yet," Garrus informed. So, we moved up a bit further. Zaeed just took my spot, while Miranda and Jacob joined him. Garrus and Jack also moving up. We were just short of a small and open area. The only small pieces with shade had no cover from ahead whatsoever, and the places with that cover were completely open to the sun. "There they are. I count ten, holding position, in cover, just ahead of you. My guess is they'll wait to open fire until you're right in the middle."
"Open fire. Hopefully, any who take shots at you will become visible to us. Jack, watch for any who try and get close," I warned. A shot from a sniper rang out in response. And just like that, seven Geth heads popped up, weapons raised. Some at us, some at Garrus. The remaining two must be Jack's next target practice. This still wasn't the best firefight for us. The Geth had elevation. A shot from Zaeed's sniper was still able to blow the head off one, Miranda used her biotics to lift one up out of cover, leaving them easy pickings, and frying, Jacob did the same with another, and I just fired my Mattock. Three shots. The first weakened the shields, the second broke through, damaging the head, and the third finished it off. In such rapid succession, it might have been a burst or even an automatic. Damn, I love this thing. Glancing up, I saw two Geth frames float up, then get launched far out to the left, over our heads and over the ledge. The remaining Geth fell quickly, and we moved up, through the killing field the Marines left behind. Certainly a good defensive position, one they used well. Looks like a squad held here while others scouted or got a foothold up ahead through the alley on the right. There was only one Quarian body back here, another man, this one had taken a Geth round straight to the head. Nothing the medics could do. The body was just on its back, while the top part of both his head and helmet were gone, the rest, scorched. We pushed forward. There was gunfire. Both Geth and ballistic weaponry. So, we pushed ahead, faster. Three Geth bodies on the ground, but two others still standing as I saw two more Quarians dead on the ground ahead. We took the Geth out. Damn it, again.
"Break-break-break. OP-1 this is squad leader Kal'Reegar, do you copy?" One of the Quarian's faceplates had been shattered, so I could hear their comms. I rushed ahead to his body and linked my Omni-tool to his. Getting into their comms. I could hear gunfire, and his soldiers calling out amongst another firefight.
"Squad leader Kal'Reegar, this is Commander Shepard of the Normandy. We're here to help."
"I read you, Commander. Patch your radio to Channel 617 Theta." I got to the specific frequency right away and laid down the Quarian's arm.
"On the frequency," I answered.
"We were on a stealth mission," Reegar began. "High risk. We found what we were after but the Geth found us. They've got us pinned down. We can't get to our ship, and we can't transmit the data through the solar radiation."
"How many of you are there?"
"A dozen marines plus science team. The scientists can fight but aren't as well trained as we marines. If you called through OP-1s radio, best as I can tell, seven marines, including myself, are left. Science team took two casualties before they locked themselves down in a safe place. Not sure how many were wounded, or the extent of their wounds. We've made the synth bastards pay for all of it."
"Is Tali safe?" I questioned.
"Safe and sound, led the other scientists to bunker down. Guess you're those reinforcements she hinted at." She's safe, good. Good.
"I might be. How long have you been fighting the Geth off?"
"About an hour. Any bodies you found were from us falling back from initial surprise."
"What's your status and location?"
"Holding position. Sending a copy of our map of the area." I looked at my Omni-tool as the map lit up. Quarian numbers marking the grid. "My guess is you're here, at OP-1s position. Not far ahead is a storehouse we used as base camp defended by OP-2. OP-1 was just pulling back to them after they took a casualty. Find them, help them secure the area, and you'll just be a short way out from OP-3 and I here." both locations were marked on the map. "We're separated from Tali'Zorah and the scientists by this clearing here. The Geth dropped down and have us pinned with a Colossus. They're trying to cut through to them. Not sure why, Tali is the only one who's a threat out of the Scientists there," Kal explained. Damn, they must be after her because of her connection to me. "Fortunately, the door is thick and the walls thicker. Getting her out is our top priority. If you can extract her, we'll keep them off you."
"We're all getting out of here alive, Reegar. Just keep your heads down. We're on the move now."
"Under-wait! OP-2! Watch your ass! Dropship coming through!"
"Falling back inside," a female marine answered. The rest of the squad and I began rushing ahead, turning a pair of corners just in time to see the bunker door OP-2 was at close, and the dropship fire just where the squad likely placed themselves. A pillar to the side of it had its base melting from the bombardment, and it toppled over, blocking the entire entry-way.
"Shit," the female lead of OP-2 spoke into comms. "The entry-way is blocked. Commander Shepard, there are demo charges in the buildings nearby." Fortunately, a team equipped as we carry explosives of that capability. But what might be faster…
"No need, OP-2. We have charges ourselves, and biotics. We'll clear the area outside, move the blockage, and put it back in place to cover our backs."
"Understood, we'll hold and be ready to cover your entrance. And be careful, we saw the shimmer of a Geth hunter's cloaking just before the dropship came in."
"Solid copy. Thanks for the heads up." I got off the comms "Hear that? Got a Geth with cloaking. Look for a shimmer in the air. It's easy to spot, but easy to miss if you're not looking for it. Slow and steady here."
"I didn't think machines would be cowards," Grunt growled. We began moving forward. The regular troops were easy to spot and were taken down quickly before any of our shields broke.
"There's the hunter," Miranda called out, firing a burst right into a shimmering mass that had just begun to step out from cover. Its shields collapsed, and some shots hit its body, but it was still standing. Fortunately, its cloak died as it either diverted power, or we damaged it. Revealing the Geth to our team, and we took it down immediately. We rushed towards the bunker, which, looking around at the area, I believe it was closer to a storehouse than a bunker. Anyways, the non-biotics all took defensive positions around the pillar, covering the biotics as they got to work. I noticed Jacob was showing some strain, even Miranda. But Jack was simply focused. They all glowed blue as the stone was lifted just slightly above the ground and pulled towards them. I moved to the side of the entryway to watch for when it would be out far enough. When I was certain Grunt would be able to get through, I called out for them to stop. The stone was released and landed with a heavy thud.
"OP-2, we're coming through." The door opened, and the Three Quarians took positions to cover us as we got inside. The biotics were last, and we switched positions with the Marines so the biotics could close it back off. Secure, we ventured into the storehouse proper. Through an airlock, interestingly. This storehouse bore all the signs one would expect of a base camp. Cots, a make-shift med-bay, a table with chairs, tubes of nutrient paste and sterilized bottles of water on the table. A workbench with some Geth weapons or even parts of a Geth unit. The Marines holstered their weapons, so I did mine.
"Apologies, Commander, we just need a moment. Saato took some fire," the female lead began, gesturing at one of her troops. I noticed then that the one in question was clutching his shoulder and being sat down by the other, as he looked at his comrades wound. "Musi'Lumos vas Tema. I don't know what the hell you're doing out here, but I'm not about to complain about having the help of the man who stopped the Geth."
"Pleasure to meet you." The woman's suit was dark in color, and the cloth was a light brown. "We'll move when you're ready." I noticed looking at the others, their suit colors varied, Saato's being bluer in color, and Lef, whiter, but both had the same color cloak if different patterns.
"Thank you. In the meantime, this might be of use to you," the woman began, then moved towards the workbench. She picked up a strange looking Geth weapon, inspecting it, then picked up some power cells and handed it to me. "Geth Plasma shotgun. We don't have any charges for it, but I promise its better than whatever shotgun you're carrying. Consider it thanks for kicking their metal asses two years ago." I opened my mouth to argue. "I insist, Commander. We have plenty of samples of Geth weapons already."
"Tali'Zorah to base camp, come in base camp," a familiar voice cropped up over the camp's comm systems. From an old console here, no less. Displaying a fuzzy hologram of her upper body. Couldn't help but smile. Musi was already approaching the console, and I was right behind her, taking my helmet off.
"Tali'Zorah this is Musi'Lumos. Saato is wounded but Lef is tending to him. And, we have reinforcements." I poked my head around, and Musi stepped aside.
"Hey Tali," I smiled. I figure she could see my hologram now.
"Shepard, thank the Ancestors you're here."
"Hey, you know me. When I make a promise…"
"You keep it."
"Besides, I'm always happy to help out a damsel in distress," I remarked. Garrus barked a short laugh. Tali awkwardly chuckled.
"It's good to have you here too, Garrus."
"Good to be here. Unless, that is, not only are these Geth hunting you, but you're trapped in some sort of stasis bubble underground like Liara was. I've already had enough of Shepard's special little brand of… excavation for one lifetime." I just gave the Turian the finger. Musi seemed a little surprised by the banter.
"Seriously though. What's your situation? Last I heard from Kal, he and, by my count, three others were on the opposite side of a clearing from you, with Geth and a Colossus in the middle."
"Then nothing's changed. We're locked down, but we can hear the Geth trying to get in. They're trying to start breaking through, but Kal and his men are harassing them."
"Then we'll keep moving. I won't let them get their hands on you."
"I can take care of myself, Shepard," Tali chuckled. "I know. We'll be waiting. Just hurry, I'm not sure how much longer Kal and his men can hold." I nodded in response. The Quarian I assume to be named Lef, who was tending to Saato approached, speaking to Musi.
"I've done all I can for Saato here. The suit's patched and I've given him a healthy dose of antibiotics. He can fight, but not effectively. I recommend he stay by the rear."
"So long as he can move," Musi responded. "We're ready to move. Base-camp, out." The hologram of Tali faded. I put my helmet back on and I heard Zaeed on our squad's comms. Not the ones we share with the Quarians.
"Is the sun getting to me, or was that goddamn flirting?"
"You have no idea," Garrus laughed. I noticed Miranda was quiet as Jacob. Grunt and Jack? Well, I don't think they were even listening. I just didn't respond. We got moving through base camp's other exit, skirting the edge of the subterranean complexes beneath. Coming out again into a kind of cave. Maybe it was an old hangar. Our attention was quickly taken as two smaller shapes shot by through the air. Geth drones. Musi fired a pair of rounds and both drones went crashing to the ground.
"No doubt the others are cloaked now. Careful," she warned. As I got a better look at the room, hangar seemed like less of a likely purpose. I still wasn't sure what, however. There were three by three rows of large support pillars reaching to the ceiling. The sides easily a dozen feet in length at the least. We moved slowly. Using the pillars as cover, dashing across when it appeared to be clear. As I got to the final pillar in the first row, that was when I saw our hostiles. Two large Geth platforms, both of them bipedal.
"Primes!" I called out.
"Damn," Musi muttered under her breath. "Commander, quickly, the shotgun." I pulled both the shotgun and a charge pack. She opened a hatch on the side and quickly showed me how to insert the charge. Geth fire already pelting the side of the pillar to pin us, no doubt as the Primes are closing in. "When ready, hold the trigger to charge. Release to fire. Your men and mine will distract the primes. You sneak around, take one out from inside the shields with a charged shot. As the other prime turns to engage, your Krogan will charge in and take it down."
"Good plan." I began to move back to the second pillar, planning to go to the far side of the middle of the second row. Just in case one wants to flank.
"This'll be fun," Grunt likely grinned under his helmet. I had time, at least. Primes are big and tanky, absolutely, but they're slow. Carefully, I moved to the second row, around, and then to pillar now behind the primes. I peeked ahead. The primes were separating, one moving to the other side of the pillar to cut off escape.
"Grunt, take the one coming around your left," I ordered and began slowly creeping ahead. It was close, but I got inside the range of its shields and held my finger on the trigger of the shotgun. It hummed, the barrels starting to glow and burn with the superheated energy. The Geth prime began to turn, hearing the noise, so I shoved the barrel of the gun into its side and the exposed wires within, angling the weapon up and fired. The prime released a kind of shrieking noise and the lights began to burn out as I pulled the shotgun away. I moved to engage the other just in case, seeing it was just turning the corner parallel to where its friend was going. But it seems a Krogan was already waiting. Grunt grabbed the primes weapon and angled it to the floor before trying to wrestle it away. The Prime chittered, being able to hold its grip. Grunt growled, and launched his forehead into the Geth, denting it, but not disorienting it. Grunt's growls turned into snarls and he lifted his foot, placing it against the Geth, and pushed, that extra force being enough to tear its weapon away. The Krogan tossed it aside, then tackled the Prime, sending both to the floor. He dug his claws into the vulnerable wires in the gaps of armor at the lower torso, and just began tearing, the prime trying to force him off. While the primes could match Krogan for strength, it was still being straddled by one as it tore out core systems. The prime gave up, and its lights died. Grunt stood, and roared, turning it into a bellowing laugh.
"I. AM. KROGAN!" He then looked back down at everyone else. The Quarians a bit unsettled. "Where's the next fight?"
"Er, just ahead," Musi answered. We got to the far side of the room and through a door. It had three plated up windows and a door on the left. "Security lockdown is still engaged. Disabling it so we can join Reegar." She approached a set of consoles by the windows. The door opened, as did the windows. Revealing the Colossus charging a heavy shot. A subtle tilt of its head showed it was changing to new targets.
"Just like old times," Garrus muttered.
"Get down!" I cried out, jumping out of the way and to the floor, everyone did the same, scattering. I heard Saato grunt out in pain, his wound not agreeing with him. The pulse went through the window, and out through the door, we came.
"Stay down and move up," Musi ordered her men. Crouching, moving along through the door. There was plenty of gunfire. The Quarians still putting up a fight. We moved around and down. There was the body of a female Quarian, dead. What was left of her anyway, looks like she took a heavy shot head-on. Not sure I want to think about what forced her into whatever position left her vulnerable. All that was left was a male in a brighter red suit, and two other soldiers.
"Over here! Get to cover!" the man in the red suit called out and waved. I recognized the voice, Reegar. "Musi, Saato looks wounded. Can he fight?"
"Yes, but not at full capabilities."
"Understood. Commander Shepard, Squad leader Kal'Reegar, Migrant Fleet Marines." He began. The Geth were still firing, but we were keeping our heads down in cover, behind stone and metal and concrete. "You're looking at all that's left of my squad, Geth are still trying to get to Tali. Best I can do is draw their attention." Another heavy pulse rocked against our cover. Wonder how much more it can take before that all melts away too…
"Have they been able to make progress?"
"Negative. The observatory is reinforced. Even they'll need time to get through. Hard to hack or blow a door when someone's firing rockets at you," Kal remarked, and I think I caught the ghost of a smirk through the visor, barely able to see the silhouette of the man's face tug at the mouth. He hefted his launcher up, making a show of it, before standing to fire another one out. "Geth are near platoon strength, but the Colossus is the real problem. It's got a repair protocol. Huddles up and fixes itself. Armors too thick to do any real damage from this range before it starts. Damn thing is completely covered when it does anyway. We tried to move in closer, but one of the bastards punched a hole clean through my suit."
"How's the damage?"
"Sealed and I'm swimming in antibiotics. Geth might get me, but like hell am I dying from an infection in the middle of battle. Just the thought is insulting," he grumbled.
"And the field? What kind of approach angles do we have?"
"Three. Right sides got a catwalk with a sniper perch. I'd love to have someone up there, but we haven't had the chance to move there in the first place. Middle has the best cover, but it's right in the line of fire from the Colossus. Plus, Geth from both sides and in front of you. Left side, covered from the colossus, but your ass is hanging out for the Geth to target. That's how I got shot. Nela got hit covering me," Kal gestured to the corpse." Alright, near platoon strength, not at it. So, fourteen Geth, more or less. Plus the Colossus.
"I've killed Colossi before, but we always had a Mako on hand for those. What's the Fleet's on foot strategy?"
"Standard protocol with armature-class units is to sabotage the shields and whittle it down. Think you humans say, 'kill it with bug bites.' Repair protocol fucks that plan right up. Try to wear it down, huddles up and fixes itself. Best I can tell, we need to get close and put more fire on it than it can fix."
"Got it. Definitely sounds like a three-pronged attack is our best bet. Garrus and Zaeed are both snipers, I say we get them up there, with Jack, one of our biotics, to cover them both. My squad can go down the middle to draw the Colossus' fire, and the fire from the Geth. You'll be covered from hostiles on the left, we'll take down the mid. Garrus and Zaeed can cover you. We get close, tear it apart from its underbelly."
"Solid plan, Commander. Just one thing to add. I see you've got a launcher too. Fire a volley to force it into repairs first?"
"Good thinking. Ready," I answered, taking out the launcher. We waited for the impact of the next pulse and stood. The others in the squad standing to cover us from the Geth. Kal and I both fired a rocket, and their tracking angled them down to ensure they impacted the Colossus. It folded down out of sight. Garrus, Zaeed, and Jack began sprinting for and up the ramp, Kal and his men already around to the left, and the rest of us, right up the middle. Already I counted four dead Geth from our run as we got into cover. The Colossus coming back up.
"In position," Garrus called out. Sniper shots started to ring out.
"Seeing Geth drop on our side. Thanks," Kal answered. The Colossus was focused on my squad. We couldn't move yet. Still, there was gunfire. "Pushing forward." I saw them crossing the bridge on one side, their shields flaring from the sun. Saato, covering his shoulder, took fire, and fell. Damn.
"Bastards!" Musi shouted. The Colossus tried to get eyes on the Quarians, but didn't have an angle. It gave us the chance to make our sprint across the bridge.
"The Geth fell back to reinforce the Colossus, careful," Garrus warned.
"Get an angle if you can. Grunt and I are heading your way. Miranda and Jacob will go to Reegar's squad." Miranda and Jacob immediately went left, while Grunt and I went right, up the ramp, while not going all the way up to the catwalk. We were just below where Zaeed and Garrus were set up. "Jack, you can join us down here."
"Hell yeah," she answered, jumping down as Geth began shooting at her. She just lifted one up and slammed it into another. Only two remained, and as the Quarians came around the corner, they fell.
"Get those shields down!" I shouted. The Colossus began turning towards my half of the remaining battlefield. But with the Quarians all launching tech attacks, as well as my own squad, and the general gunfire, the shields did not last too long. It was simply overwhelmed. Grunt loaded a new clip from his Claymore, and Reegar and I both got rockets ready. We ran closer, just close enough to get an angle on the underbelly of the Colossus and fired straight into its center.
The Colossus collapsed. The Quarians collectively cried out, both in vengeance and victory.
"Team, secure the area," I ordered my men. "Garrus, you can come with me."
"Musi, take the others to help Shepard's team secure," Kal ordered his own. "Tali, area's clear."
"Understood. Just a moment while the door is unlocked," she responded. "There. Just let me finish this download." We opened the door to the observatory, and inside, were huddled a few small groups of scientists in dark blue cloaks. They were scared, that much was obvious. Hiding amongst old equipment, a few with wounds being tended to. And a rather still body slumped along a wall. Only two stood out. An armed woman standing close to the back of the room, one I recognized from Freedom's progress. And one with her back turned, standing at a console.
Tali'Zorah vas Neema
"We have guests," Lana remarked behind me. I took a deep breath, breathing easy. I turned, seeing him. I couldn't help but smile, and he returned it. Helmet pressed between his arm and his side. I heard my Omni-tool ring from the completed download, and strode forward, hugging him, pressing my head up against his chest, the top of mine under his chin. Good, he still has to lift his head up slightly for that to work.
"Thanks for coming, Shepard."
"You know you don't have to."
"But I will. This mission became a disaster so quickly. If you hadn't arrived as quickly as you did…" I trailed off. "I wish I joined you back on Freedom's Progress, but, I couldn't let anyone take my place on something this risky."
"I understand. But, just what did you come here for in the first place?" I sighed.
"Haestrom's sun is destabilizing far faster than a normal star should. The Admiralty board wanted to know why." Shepard was surprised, clearly not agreeing. But I suppose he didn't want to ask here.
Garrus began coughing. Trying to get both of our attention. Shepard turned, and I leaned to the side, peering at the Turian with a brow raised under my mask.
"Sorry, just, I think we'd all like to get moving before the Geth decide to come back," he remarked.
"You're right," I relented. "Lana, work with Kal to get everyone back to the ship. And here," I typed at my Omni-tool. Transferring the data to her.
"Are you not coming back first to request transfer?" she asked.
"I promised to see this mission through, and I did. I can leave with you and send the data to the fleet. If the Admirals have a problem with it, they can go to hell. I watched too many good people die for this." Keelah, that might just be the most rebellious thing I've ever said. It feels good. Shepard was surprised, and I saw several of the scientists glance amongst themselves.
"I can't imagine the Tali of two years ago even considering saying something like that," Reegar limped forward.
"Kal! Are you alright?" I exclaimed, jogging forward to look at his wound. In the side, suit's patched.
"I'm fine, just letting up on it now that we're not in combat. He glanced back at Shepard, and I turned. He was a little uncomfortable. Oh, I guess I see how he might see my reaction. I started blushing, thankful he can't see through the visor. "Your old captain's as good as you said. Damn Colossus never stood a chance."
"We'd be happy to offer all of you a ride out of here," Shepard offered. Kal shrugged.
"Geth didn't damage our ship. So long as we get out before reinforcements show, we'll be fine."
"Offer stands. So long as you're sure."
"Yeah, we can make it. Thanks," Kal answered. "She's all yours now, Shepard. Keep her safe."
"Count on it," Shepard snuck a grin my way. "EDI, can you get the shuttle here?" Eeedee? Who's that? I couldn't hear the response. "Sounds good. We'll be waiting. Everyone move out." I followed Shepard and Garrus out of the observatory to the others. I recognized the two Humans he was with at Freedom's Progress. In our messages, he named them. Miranda and Jacob, I think. Hm, that Krogan is… massive. The human in the yellow armor must be Zaeed Massani. And another human female. This one I don't recognize. I think we had to stop communicating before he picked her up. Her helmet was still on, but she was clearly sizing me up. As were the Krogan and Zaeed. Outside, out of view of the Quarians, I felt an arm draped around my shoulders. I grinned, but, for the moment, resisted the urge to lean into it. It was… very good, to have him back. We were waiting outside for just a few minutes more before a white shuttle flew over and down to land by us, its doors opening. Shepard led me inside and we sat beside one another. Garrus looked particularly smug as he sat beside the door, just staring at Shepard and I. Zaeed and the other human female took their helmets off. Zaeed was giving little more than a curious glance, and the human female was surprisingly bald and had some tattoo markings along her neck and head. She looked like she was trying to figure something out. The Krogan didn't care, the Jacob, Human, had a smirk, and Miranda seemed confused. I felt a surge of confidence from, somewhere.
I leaned into Shepard's shoulder. Garrus nodded, his smug grin growing wider.
Right, we still need to have that talk.