Commander John Shepard
Illium. A garden world. Officially, it's not an Asari world, but colonized and operated by Asari corporations. In that sense, it's like Noveria. But Noveria is still relatively remote, and not immensely populated. But Illium is covered in sprawling cities. Massive ground settlement is only at its peak at the higher latitudes, and equatorial locations have populations in arcology skyscrapers. Nearly eighty-five million people live on this planet. This middle-man between the Asari Republics and the Terminus systems. But no one should be fooled. This planet is just as cutthroat as Omega, it's just hidden under a layer of luxury. The laws of Council space don't apply here. Any drug you want, you can legally get. Paperwork or no. Labor laws are much thinner, as are safety laws. But what really pisses me off about this planet is the fact that slavery is legal on Illium. No, I don't care that they refuse to call it that, or how regulated it is. It's slavery, and that's unacceptable.
Moving on, the Normandy is en-route to a dock at the Capital of Nos Astra. Founded in 1617. Still crazy to think about comparing those dates to human history. Joker had already gone through the relatively simple, but pricey process of getting docking clearance, let alone a dock at Nos Astra. But hey, Cerberus' wallet.
We passed through a small layer of clouds, the city appearing ahead of us, a sunset behind it. Massive, and I mean massive skyscrapers, reaching miles into the sky being the tallest. Below the Normandy, water. Nos Astra was beachfront, and given its location, this was a beach that one can actually go to. It was an almost comical contrast, seeing the massive skyscrapers, then specks of beachfront houses, condos, and high-end hotels. Like Los Angeles, I suppose. But frankly, I can't help but think the best comparison, at least visually, for this city, is Coruscant in Star Wars. The skycar highways, even the architecture almost makes it a splitting image. Joker followed the route that Nos Astra's air traffic control set out for us. High enough to be over the sky-car lanes, but still not over the higher skyscrapers. As a result, the Normandy was going slow. That is, relatively speaking. Anyone in the buildings we're going past would still see us speeding right by. Hm, I remember TIM saying that Liara was here on Illium. We should find her, see if she'll join us. Regardless if TIM thinks she's working for the Broker or not.
There's the dock. A large tower beside what looks like one of the many commercial districts. Like a tourist trap. This will be the Normandy's home for… the next couple of days, give or take. Joker started taking us into one of the docks closer to the top, still technically a civilian dock, but one large enough for ships of our size. The ship slowed even more, the docking clamps and docking tube so we can exit were waiting. Joker took us in, the ship was clamped down, and the tube attached. True, the Normandy might have landing gear, but it's essentially there just in case of necessity. It's too heavy to land on most planets. I've got my armor on me, and my weapons are prepared, but only my Phalanx is on me. Why? To begin, we need to learn where we can find the Assassin and the Justicar. That doesn't need everyone on hand, but I would still rather have a full team, and my full armaments, ready in case we'll need them for the recruitment. So, because I do actually like having them around, Garrus and Tali are going to join me for learning where they are. If I'm going to need a squad, I've ordered Grunt, Miranda, and Jack to remain on standby with the shuttle and my weapons. Thing is, if The Justicar is first, Jack will stay, and if the Assassin, Miranda will stay. I understand to say that Justicars are dedicated to their moral code is a significant understatement. I turned to see Garrus and Tali approaching.
"I hope this visit goes better than the last…" she murmured. Right, I remember her story. She and her fellow pilgrims first arrived here to try and get the Geth data off to the right people. Just as they were turned away, their ship was blown up. Tali and Keenah'Breizh were off the ship when it happened, and were the only survivors. From here they snuck aboard a ship bound for the Citadel. I still wish she never had to go through that. I hope the fact that she's armed will keep the people here from thinking she's a slave. As soon as the ship was secure, we disembarked. At the end of the docking tube was something akin to a small waiting area. A dressed up Asari with two LOKI mechs at her side approached from the hallway that would lead us out to Nos Astra itself. The Asari was smiling and with her hands clasped in front of her. Considering the temperature was in the high seventies, it's not surprising, hell, it wouldn't be if it was below freezing, that the Asari's dress still completely revealed her stomach.
"Welcome to Nos Astra, Commander Shepard." They already know who I am? "My name is Careena. I'm the Concierge for this docking bay. You will be happy to know that we have been instructed to waive all docking and administration fees for your visit. Fees you've already paid are currently being refunded." Wait, why the hell are they doing this? "If you have any questions or suggestions on where to spend your visit, it would be my pleasure to be of assistance."
"You can start by telling me who told you to waive our fees."
"The order came from an influential information Broker in the city, Liara T'Soni. She paid all fees on your behalf, and an extra fee to have you dock near her office."
"Liara knew we were coming?" Tali asked, surprised.
"More likely she had contacts who informed her. If she's an information broker, she absolutely would have seen Khalisah's interview by now," Garrus remarked.
"Yes, your return has been making headlines. She asked that I direct you to speak with her at your convenience. Her personal office overlooks the trading floor, and you can access her company office from the trading floor."
"An office in a prime location?" I whistled. "She's done well for herself. So, how do we get to the trade floor?"
"Follow the hallway and up the stairs to customs. Liara has already arranged for your passage through customs, so simply pass through. The identification on your Omni-tools will allow you passage as well as clearance for your weapons. Once you pass through, you'll find yourself on the trading floor. Please, accept these maps detailing places of interest in the local area," Careena's omni-tool flashed and the quick transfer began. We accepted, and almost instantly they pinged with finished download. "Please, enjoy your stay." I nodded my thanks and we followed the path directed. It seems the docks on this level and about two lower, and three higher converge to customs here. One staircase diverged into a convergence point of the other related docks, and given the amount of people, one of them was a transport ship. A large mass of people from at least most of the galaxy's people. We got more than a few eyes aimed at us. We were armored after all. I'd assume no one recognized me though. We reached customs and the crowds were dividing. Most people were going to the right towards a large counter sprawling the wall separating its side from ours by thick bulletproof glass. On the other side, clerks, most of whom were Asari, but a few Turians. Each clerk working with anyone trying to get through. On the left, a set of scanners for those returning or already with clearance. Like us. It just scans our Omni-tools for the proper IDs. We passed through without hassle and came out onto the trading floor. This complex seemed to be one of Nos Astra's smaller ones, relatively that is. The trading floor had a rather beautiful view of the sprawling city and of the sunset in the distance, the lights of the city slowly becoming the ones that take charge.
As for the floor itself, the main trade here was in stocks. People gathered around groups of consoles, frantically buying and selling. Around the center of the trading floor, there was a large half-circle with tinted, one-way windows looking over the floor. The sign above reading: "T'Soni Information Brokers." Not the most creative of names, but it works. The way up to her offices were by an adjacent wall. Glass panes with the name of her company. There appeared to be a wing coming off the first Asari letter, no doubt a T. The symbol repeated on the smaller versions of the name in other languages. We made our way to the offices and the door opened for us. An Asari secretary sitting behind a desk, and a few customers waiting and reading from their Omni-tools in the room's seats. The secretary's skin was more of a purple shade, but the face still had lingering blue. She smiled.
"Welcome to T'Soni Information Brokers, Commander Shepard. Ms. T'Soni will be very pleased to see you." That got the attention of the others waiting. "Don't be surprised, once she heard you had returned, she asked that I watch for you. She instructed that I send you to her as soon as you arrived. Please, upstairs and to the office at the end. I shall inform her you have arrived." I gave my thanks, and once again, moved as instructed. Up the stairs was the main workplace. Salarians, Asari, and Humans working in cubicles, talking on phones, or speaking with customers. Liara can't be expected to deal with all her customers after all. The walk to her personal office was short, and the door opened for me, the three of us walking in. Liara was in a green and white dress with her back turned to us and was in a video call, a bald human man in a white suit on the other end. Liara was speaking quietly, but enough to be heard. Coldly.
"Have you ever faced an Asari Commando unit before? Few humans have." The man was nervous. "I'll make it simple. Either you pay me, or I flay you alive. With my mind." This isn't the same woman I knew two years ago. A glance between the others showed the same surprise. The call ended, and Liara turned. Eyes wide, smiling. "Shepard!" her arms went wide and she hurried to us, wrapping her arms around me first in a hug. Surprise kept me from returning it right away, but I did. She held me… ok, maybe not so surprisingly close. She separated, still smiling. It wasn't lost on me that Tali had stepped closer to me. "My sources told me you were alive before the news release, but even after that I never believed…" she sighed. "It's very good to see you." She turned her attention to Garrus and Tali, still smiling. "And both of you."
"Good to see you too, Liara," Tali responded, relaxing now that Liara wasn't clinging to me.
"It is. It's surprising that the Archaeologist we rescued from a bubble so long ago has sources now," I remarked. Liara allowed a brief laugh.
"It is, isn't it? Sources, contacts, employees, and even a little hired muscle. It pays the bills."
"Gotta admit some curiosity as to how you started this," Garrus mused.
"My inheritance from my Mother. She was one of the most influential Matriarchs after all," Liara explained. No signs of sadness, but I do suppose it's been two years, and no doubt often explaining that.
"And why an Info broker?" I asked.
"That's a long story."
"I was told you were working for the Shadow Broker," I remarked. She gave a short laugh.
"That's what Cerberus told you?"
"You know?" Surprising.
"It's one of the reasons I was reluctant to believe. My sources who spotted you on Omega reported you were with two individuals I know to be Cerberus operatives. I put the pieces together. You're going after the Collectors with Cerberus aid."
"Perceptive," I remarked.
"I am a good information broker."
"You know I'd be happy to have you back on the crew." She sighed and looked down.
"I wish I could, Shepard. I really do. My business here would not falter if I temporarily moved myself elsewhere. I have commitments here. Personal… objectives that I can't abandon."
"Like? Anything we could help with?" She didn't meet my eyes.
"I have… debts to repay. If you want to help, I believe I have something I could use your help for. I trust you, and you have hacking expertise."
"I'll help, but this is pretty back alley for you. What's going on?" Liara got quiet.
"I can't say. Not yet. Illium is not a safe planet, Shepard. There are eyes and ears upon me I don't want. I trust you three, I really do. What I don't trust is this room."
"We could always meet on my ship, share a drink, talk," I suggested.
"I'm grateful for the offer, but this isn't information I wish Cerberus to hear either." She took a deep breath. "Now, why don't you tell me why you came to Illium in the first place?"
"We have two more recruits on our list for the mission. An Asari Justicar by the name of Samara, and a Drell Assassin by the name of Thane Krios."
"Justicar? Yes, yes, I'm aware of her. She arrived recently, and registered with Tracking Officer Dara and… recently journeyed to a nearby Commercial spaceport. Last night there was a crime in the area that Samara believes is linked to a culprit she is hunting."
"She needs a tracking officer? I thought Justicars embodied Asari law," Garrus mused.
"They do, in many ways. But their code is poorly suited for intergalactic law and politics. In Asari space, we don't question their judgments. While not everyone agrees with their often harsh punishments, they are accepted, given what one must go through in order to become a Justicar. There are none who abuse their power. Justicars kill criminals without trial or hesitation. They do not actively seek out the smaller crimes, but if they find them, they act. I believe you can see where this causes an issue for the other races."
"And that makes a poor mix for Illium. Even if you're not breaking the law here, I'd wager you're breaking their code somehow," Garrus nodded, understanding.
"Exactly. I believe it would be wise for you to secure her cooperation quickly before she causes an incident. As for Thane Krios, his name has crossed my desk before. He arrived here a week ago. I believe he's targeting a corporate executive. You might recognize the name. Nassana Dantius."
"Yeah, that sounds familiar… she was a diplomat when we saw her, right?" I asked.
"Indeed. She tricked us into tying a loose end of hers. Her slaver sister. What I've learned since moving here? She's worse than her sister. Go find Samara, I'll find more information on Krios. If you still wish to help me, we can talk more after you have your recruitments."
"Are you sure?"
"I am. You have less time than I. Now, there's a transport bay on the other side of the building. Feel free to take the employee exit at the back. I'd recommend though preparing for firefights. Samara's code will not allow her to abandon her investigation, and the Eclipse have a strong presence in that area. If you wish for her aid, you will likely need to help conclude her business first," Liara warned.
"Wouldn't be the first time I had to do a favor before securing one of my crew member's help. Thanks, Liara. I promise we'll help you out as soon as we've finished our recruiting.
"Thank you, Shepard."
Commander John Shepard
Our shuttle landed in a landing zone just outside the police precinct. We disembarked to see a Volus walking towards a private cargo ship flanked by two Turian bodyguards, with an Asari in a police uniform, hand hovering over her pistol, clearly demanding that he not leave. We couldn't hear what she was saying, but he was clearly ordered to stay put, and the Asari returned to the precinct. Best place to start. We entered, the secretary clearly suspicious about a fireteam of armed and armored individuals. It was busy, cops on calls, talking business with one another, plenty else. The same Asari we just saw outside saw us, and her eyes narrowed. I suppose she thinks we might have some sort of link. A Justicar investigating a crime, then us. She muttered to herself and approached.
"Alright, do you want to tell me what five heavily armed and armored unknown personnel are doing walking into my Precinct?"
"We're looking for Justicar Samara." Her eyes narrowed further.
"If you have a score to settle, take it somewhere else. I've got enough shit I'm dealing with already."
"Don't worry, we're actually looking for her to join us. We need a Justicar's help." She relaxed.
"As in, help that will take her out of my district?" I nodded.
"Goddess, best news I've heard all day. Follow me," she waved back and led us to her office. Detective Anaya, the name read. She sat in her desk, and, well, there weren't enough chairs for everyone. So, we stood. "Justicars do usually work alone, but they are drawn to impossible causes. Think yours will get her attention?"
"Would you consider a war against the Collectors, ending with a journey through Omega-4 impossible enough?"
"Yeah, I'd say that'll do it. I'll happily get you to her right away. She's at the crime scene. Shows how damn bold it was, almost right next to the Precinct."
"What about this crime got her attention?" Miranda asked.
"You mean beyond their version of law enforcement?" Miranda nodded in reply. "Only that she believes it's linked to her own personal investigation."
"Detective, I used to be C-sec. Detective too, in fact. There's more to your need to get her out than just a political incident, isn't there?"
"The fact that my bosses want me to detain her? A Justicar? I know her code won't allow that. I try it, she'll have to kill me. Honor-bound. You lure her away with your suicide mission, I'm going to celebrate with about fifty bottles of hard booze. It's been that kind of day."
"You have a right to disobey an order to your certain death," I remarked.
"Wait, did you just say we can disobey suicidal orders? Why couldn't you have told me that two years ago?" Garrus joked.
"That's about twice a day. We ignore those, we'd never get anything done," Tali joined in.
"As if either of you needs my orders to walk into hell with me. You'd never forgive me if I left you behind," I retorted.
"Got me there," Garrus responded. "Jokes aside, detective, what was the crime?"
"Murder of a Volus merchant. It was clearly a professional hit, so we know it wasn't junkies looking for a score. Given the Eclipse are giving us trouble in there, I'd bet good credits it's on them. Can't prove it, but if the Volus was also dirty, probably a deal gone bad."
"I'm familiar with the Eclipse cells on Omega, any differences here?" Garrus continued.
"I imagine it's the same as their standard. You get a true uniform for a murder, they sell red sand, trade illegal weapons tech, smuggling, both criminals and illicit goods. Might also just be that the Volus was an Initiate's promotion."
"Might be it's not so much the crime itself that interests the Justicar, but the Eclipse. If they are involved, which seems rather likely, maybe the Eclipse smuggled her target," Garrus mused.
"If you're right, that means she doesn't plan to stay here long anyway. You help her out, or recruit her, she won't be my problem anymore. Head on over to the crime scene. They'll know to let you through."
"Thanks, detective. We'll have this resolved quickly."
"I hope so. Who are you anyway?" I grinned and held out a hand.
"Commander John Shepard, Council Spectre." Her eyes widened.
"I am suddenly no longer doubtful you'll get her out of here. I'd wish you luck, but I don't think you need it." We took our leave of the precinct, making our way to the crime scene. The two officers standing outside stepped aside to let us through. Cautiously, we moved through the crime scene. Even finding a curiously placed data pad detailing some stolen supplies. And Eclipse mercs with a pair of LOKI mechs. They were apparently gearing up as a squad they sent after Samara went dark. Not surprising. After hearing that helpful bit of information, we made ourselves known and put them down before they knew what was going on. We moved through another doorway just as an Asari merc was sent flying in our direction, her head slamming against the wall so hard it left a dent, and when her body hit the floor, her eyes were rolled up into her head and blood was starting to pool around her head. Weapons ready, we quickly looked around to find what threw the merc, and if there are other hostiles around. We appeared to be in a loading bay of sorts, and above, in what might have been a supervisor's office, was another merc with her back to a wall. And taking small steps backward until her back pressed against the said wall.
A figure strode slowly ahead of her, surrounded by the blue aura of biotics. A red and black form-fitting outfit. The torso of the outfit went down like a V-neck all the way to… maybe just above the navel. A golden bracer around her neck, and red… headwear on her forehead. Samara paced around her, asking questions, but we couldn't hear through the glass and walls. Her back was to us now. Clearly, it didn't go well. The Eclipse rose her gun, Samara clenched her fist and reached out with her biotics, flinging her out the window, she screamed as she was sent flying, impacting against a stack of crates and knocking them down. Samara jumped out then pushed downwards with her biotics. It appeared like she was gliding straight towards the merc. Said merc was panicked, struggling to crawl back, facing the Justicar all the while. Samara was just cold, stoic. Striding forward as the merc feebly raised an arm in defense, still struggling to crawl back. Samara's boot, looking like a pair of high heels came down on her neck.
"What was the name of the ship she left on?" she questioned.
"Go to hell," the Eclipse managed a response. Samara made no expression.
"Find peace in the embrace of the goddess." She turned her foot, snapping the merc's neck. Now, we had her attention. I gestured for the others to put away their weapons, and her biotic aura faded. She stepped out from the toppled crates.
"My name is Samara, a servant of the Justicar code. My quarrel is with these Eclipse sisters," she gestured at the corpse. "But I see five well-armed people before me."
"You would be a worthy foe," Grunt remarked. Samara started to glow blue
"Stop! No, no, no. Grunt, fucking really?" I exclaimed. "Please excuse him, Samara, we're not looking to fight you. We, in fact, need your help," I defused the situation. The aura died.
"If you want to spar with someone, Grunt, don't use those words. And wait for her to agree to help us," Garrus added. He just grumbled.
"So we are friend, not foe?"
"We are," I admit I don't approve of killing that merc in cold blood, but this isn't the time to bring up any issues I have with it.
"Then how may I be of service to you?"
"I'm looking for recruits for my mission. Your name was one of one on several dossiers sent my way."
"What is the mission?"
"The Collectors have been abducting entire Human colonies. There's more to it that I'll happily explain another time, but I know they won't stop with just Humanity. And yes, we have proof they are the culprits. We stopped one such abduction in progress on Horizon."
"I sense the truth in what you say, and I am humbled to be chosen for a task that is clearly so worthy. But I seek an incredibly dangerous fugitive."
"Called it. Ace-detective Vakarian is right again," Garrus remarked. Samara continued.
"I cornered her here on Illium, but the Eclipse sisters smuggled her off-world. I must find the name of the ship she left on before the trail goes cold." Samara had returned to the corpse as she spoke. She showed no emotion, not even in her voice, but I figure there was a hint of frustration. Disappointment, maybe. The door opened behind us, footsteps.
"I really hoped you'd be willing to go with them Justicar. I've been… ordered to take you into custody if you won't leave." Uh-oh. I guess Anaya has a strong sense of duty. I can respect that. Samara approached Anaya, the detective was nervous, but holding her ground.
"You risk a great deal by following your orders, Detective. Fortunately, I will not have to resist. My code obligates me to cooperate with you for one day. After, I must return to my investigation."
"I… won't be able to release you that soon."
"You won't be able to stop me." She said that without any emotion. Damn that's a bit creepy.
"I think I've an idea that should leave you both happy. And alive. My squad and I can investigate in your place."
"Yes. Do this, and I will join you. The code shall be satisfied, and the Detective will be able to release me."
"Thank the goddess," Anaya whispered.
"Any leads to start with?"
"The Volus merchant, Pitne For, is tied to this. Eclipse mercs are trying to kill him. He may know a way into the Eclipse Base." Hm, maybe I can still get her help for that. I am a Spectre after all. Maybe I can pull some strings that gets Anaya off the hook. I'll worry about that after I get information out of Pitne.
"Well. I've got to get back to my station. And… I guess I've got to take you with me," Anaya stated, facing Samara.
"Of course." Given that Pitne was still back by the station, the lot of us began returning together. Samara turned to me as we walked. "You did not speak your name."
"Oh, suppose I didn't. Commander John Shepard," I introduced.
"I have heard your name before. You seem noble."
"Thank you, Justicar." She had nothing further to say, and we returned to the Precinct. Plenty of eyes were on Samara, and Anaya pointed out Pitne for us, the Volus she had ordered to remain when we first arrived. The two Asari went inside the Precinct, and we approached Pitne. The Volus was using a data pad by a few supply crates I'd assume to be his. He noticed our approach but didn't suspect our purpose.
"Hello, Earth-Clan," he began, correctly assuming I was the lead. "If you're interested in weapons, I have a fine selection. Unfortunately, I am not open for business currently."
"What about information?" I made him nervous, but he tried to hide it.
"I'm not sure what you mean, Earth-Clan. If you're looking for private information, I don't disclose that to strangers." I squatted down to his height.
"Look Pitne, I know the Eclipse want your ass mounted on their wall. I need your help to break into their base. They won't be concerned about you if they have a fireteam shooting their base up, will they?" He took a series of deep breaths and thought.
"Yes, yes, you're right, Earth-Clan. I'm desperate. First, angry mercs, and now a Justicar is here. I smuggled a chemical onto Illium, not unlike Red-sand. It boosts biotic powers in combat, but it is also more toxic than Red-sand. Minagen X3. Prolonged exposure, even under a minute, can be debilitating if not lethal. I may have… forgotten to mention that to the Eclipse. Now they wish to kill me, and have already killed my partner." Scum, but at least it was mercs he screwed over.
"Tell me about their base."
"It's a series of docking bays where the Eclipse keep their private ships. They're well-armed and they have mechs. I even saw a Gunship when I was there. And all fully fledged members are murderers. It's part of their initiation. You want in, don't you?"
"Perceptive."
"I happen to have a pass card they issued me to bring my goods in. Well, I had to return that one. But…" he pulled a card out of his pocket. "I happened to make a copy." He paused. Bastard's really going to try and make some creds out of this? I just raised an eyebrow. "Take it," he muttered.
"Pleasure doing business with you. But just how do I access their base?"
"The same loading bay my partner was murdered in. There is an elevator that requires a key card such as this." We took our leave of the merchant. But we weren't going to the base yet.
"You record that?" I asked Garrus. My helmet had been off while we were still in the civilian area. It can't record when it's not on.
"Visor passively saves everything in the past hour. And now…" he typed at his Omni-tool. "Permanently saved."
"Send it to me, and wait here. I'm going to see Anaya."
"Surely giving her evidence on the Volus can wait," Miranda questioned.
"It can, but that's not what I'm going there for," I answered, saying nothing else while I entered the Precinct, making my way to Anaya's office. Samara was sitting cross-legged on the floor.
"Shepard? What are you doing here so soon?" Anaya asked, surprised.
"Two things. First, a gift," I sent her Garrus' video file and she watched over it. As soon as it finished, she made a call.
"Send someone to go take Pitne For into custody. Just got a confession from him." The call ended just as quickly, and she turned her attention back to me. "Thanks, but what's the second thing? I can't release Samara just because you did me a favor."
"I know. Which is why I'm going to suggest something else. Something backed by my Spectre status. Release her into my custody, like I'm a parole officer. A careless one letting her have a gun, and bringing her on a tour of a nearby Eclipse base. Go ahead, argue it," I encouraged with a wink. All part of a show for her superiors. She caught on and grinned.
"Oh, Spectre, sir, I have my orders. She must stay-" she exaggerated her tone.
"Now, now, Detective. I am ordering you to comply. If your superiors have a problem, they can complain to the Council." I might be crazy, but I swear I saw the ghost of a smirk on Samara's face as if she was enjoying the display.
"Very well. Justicar, I am placing you under Shepard's custody."
"Thank you for your cooperation. Samara?" the Justicar stood. "Any sort of ground rules I should expect while we're working together here?"
"I have not sworn myself to your service and thus will not follow your orders. However, as we are working together, I will remain near the group and am not opposed to synergy with your own biotics. If your actions are unjust, I will be forced to turn against you." That's a bit uncomfortable. Especially for the future.
"What's likely to happen here that could break your code?"
"Murder of innocents, theft, even of the contraband, torture and rape, bribery, and knowingly allowing criminals safe passage."
"Oh. It seems we won't have any issues then. Come on, let's get you situated with the others."
"Good luck, Shepard. Justicar," Anaya stated as we left, I thanked her, Samara nodded.
"Shepard, I am curious. Why did you come and claim custody?" she questioned.
"You heard Pitne For's description of the base. My team and I may be able to handle it, sure, but I think your help here could be valuable. Besides, if you will be joining my team, I want to know precisely what I'm working with," I explained.
"That is wise of you." We exited the Precinct, Tali and Miranda were both surprised to see Samara. Garrus I think suspected this, and Grunt didn't care.
"Everyone, Samara has been placed in my custody. Go ahead, introduce yourselves."
"Garrus Vakarian, ex-C-Sec detective, and old friend of Shepard."
"Miranda Lawson, XO of the Normandy, and the only effective biotic present, aside from yourself."
"Effective?" Samara asked.
"She means me," I answered. "I've got an experimental implant that's making me biotic, but I'm not ready to use them in combat yet."
"I see. Perhaps I shall pass on some of my experience to you- if I deem you worthy."
"I'd never turn down the help." The introductions continued.
"Tali'Zorah vas Neema. I also was with Shepard against Saren."
"A descendant of Clan Zorah? Yours was a strong, yet wise and graceful clan."
"I am Grunt. I would be eager to test myself against you in battle one day. To… spar, as the Turian said."
"It has been some time since I trained against Krogan. Yet I sense a youthful ignorance in you. My victory is assured, but you will learn."
"We'll see," Grunt muttered.
"Now, how about we go fight some mercs before thinking about fighting each other, hm?" I suggested. "Samara, I understand you might prefer your biotics, but I'd rather have my allies remain armed. Just to be safe. Here," I offered her my pistol. "Borrow this?"
"I will have no need of it, but very well," Samara accepted the pistol, and we made our way to the elevator Pitne told us about. It was locked down but with a slot to slide a keycard. I find it funny that a group as tech savvy as the eclipse went back to using physical key cards as part of their security. Nonetheless, the elevator opened, and we stepped inside. There were no buttons to select a destination, but it still had one and started making its way up. We readied our weapons, but Samara glowed blue, the weapon, and her hands, remaining by her thighs. The elevator came to a stop and its door opened for a singular LOKI mech standing guard. A single shot from my Mattock put it down, but no doubt it's already alerted the system to our presence. We walked in formation by the door out, while Samara just stood in the doorway, forming a barrier in front of her. I see. I opened the door and the barrier took the door's place. An Asari and three LOKI mechs were already firing at the barrier from the moment the door began opening. There were strange, brown canisters littering the docking bay, among other more standard crates. With her other hand, Samara picked up one of the mechs behind the Asari, and slammed it forward into her back, then lifting it up again to knock down the other two. The barrier dissipated, and we moved forward, finishing them off.
"Nice work," Garrus remarked.
"Shepard, I believe those canisters are the Minagen X3. I believe we could use them as a form of crowd control. Our own filters will keep us safe, after all."
"Samara? Would you have a problem with that?"
"These Eclipse sisters are murderers. I am to show them no mercy," she answered calmly. Just at that moment, a small fireteam of Mercs came through a door at the far end of the loading bay, clearly still not quite sure what was going on, just knowing that there were intruders. Samara took one of the canisters in her biotics and hurled it at the mercs, it broke on impact, spreading the chemical amongst them. Not all of them wore helmets. Those who didn't scream as the chemicals caused them pain, killing them. I… was not thinking about using it so directly, but rather to trap them in the open. Chemical weapons never sat right with me. Maybe that still makes me a hypocrite for suggesting its use in combat, but… shit.
"Got the survivors on thermals," Garrus stated before a shot rang out killing one, and another followed, killing the second. I just shook my head, shoving that conflict to the back of my mind, and we pushed on. Samara used her biotics to enclose the toxins in a small bubble, then moved it into a corner away from us, and released it, allowing her own passage. Gotta say, her use of biotics makes me wonder if she's actually using the Force or some shit. Justicar or Jedi? The bodies on the ground had distinct differences. For some, the armor was clean, and while it may have had marks and scars, it was professional. While the pair without helmets had cheap armor with the Eclipse logo crudely painted on it. That's the difference between the Initiates and the Fully-Fledged. We passed through where that fireteam originally came from just in time to see a door close. I think someone just ran inside. And a runner is that much more amenable to questioning.
"Got a runner in here," I called out. "Samara? I know your code isn't much for mercy, but let us handle this? I think Anaya would be happy to have a survivor for questioning."
"Very well, Shepard. The code permits criminals to live in exchange for information. Though they shall die after they have given the information. If the Detective is the one who has questions, it seems I will have business that will excuse me from this punishment."
The more I hear about how… adherent she is to the code, the less I like the code. The other five of us took positions at the door.
"Grunt, when I give the signal, charge in, knock the merc to the ground, pin them, but don't kill them. Understand?"
"What's the signal?"
"Either me shooting a gun out of someone's hand or I just tell you through squad comms." Grunt huffed, his signal of understanding. I opened the door and we stormed in, checking our corners. Grunt towering behind me, ready to charge at a moment's notice. The room was in two parts, a wall almost down the middle with a gap in the wall closer to the far side to the other half of the room. There was a gun on the floor, a Tempest SMG on the ground beside the console. My helmet was allowing me to hear what normally would be much harder to hear. The nervous breathing of a woman and it sounded like it was coming from right by the gun. The others heard it too, but Grunt didn't need his helmet for that.
"Don't even think about it," I called out, shooting the tempest, both destroying it and scattering its pieces across the room. "Not yet, Grunt," I stopped the Krogan.
"Wait! Stop!" the Asari merc stood with her hands in the air. And wearing the uniform of a true Eclipse sister. "I didn't fire my weapon once! I ran the moment that canister was flying towards us!"
"They didn't shoot either," I remarked.
"Goddess," she murmured. "I'm not one of them! I'm new! I thought being Elnora the mercenary would be cool… but I didn't know what they were really like!" Pity. Another Asari maiden who gets in with the wrong crowd with romanticized views of filthy occupations, and becomes not only a murderer but a liar. And it's about to ruin her life. Her hand started to drift to her waist. I see that shotgun on your back. Thanks for pointing it out for me. I pretended like I didn't until she started to bring it up. I aimed and fired in a flash, the round impacting her shotgun, knocking it out of her hands, and Grunt charging on cue. He knocked her to the ground and pinned her under his boot.
"Free tip for you, Elnora. Never pull your gun out when you're outnumbered. Especially when they all have shields. Another tip for you? Don't lie about being an initiate when your armor is clearly that of a true member. You'll have plenty to think about it all behind a cell."
"Screw that bastard, and screw you," she snarled, feebly trying to push Grunt's foot off of her chest.
"Miranda, cuff her, bring her to the crime scene back down, regroup with us," I ordered. Miranda nodded and Garrus gave her a pair of Omni-cuffs. She tries to struggle, it'll both shock her, and burn her wrists. Miranda took a firm hold of Elnora's hands, and Grunt kicked her over onto her stomach. Miranda closed the loops around the Asari's wrists and activated the cuffs. I handed Miranda the keycard, and with her own pistol out, dragged Elnora to her feet and started shoving her along.
"Shall we?" Samara asked as Miranda went on her way, baggage in tow. I nodded, and we made our way up the staircase beside the room Elnora hid in. Another door waiting at the top. A little antechamber before the loading bay around the corner. "I shall provide another barrier. Prepare yourselves."
"Just don't overexert yourself. No idea how long we'll be fighting, I warned."
"I have made active combat use of my biotics for over five hundred years, Commander. Your concern is appreciated but not necessary." I nodded, and we readied our weapons. Except for Tali, who instead threw out a small disk which formed into a ball of the same rapid and miniature fabrication of our Omni-tools. A combat drone. And this one was pink in color.
"Go for the optics, Chatika," she stated, petting the top of the drone. It chirped, and sparks flew out of the orb of its "face." "Good girl." I've got a few questions for her later. Samara glowed blue, Tali and her drone held back, and we stepped forward as the barrier formed. The drone dashing past and through our legs. Four LOKI mechs, no Eclipse sisters just yet, were blasting away at the barrier. And as the drone zipped by, the LOKI's still viewed us as priority targets. The drone aimed and fired a bolt of electricity right at, who would have guessed? One of the mechs' optics, frying the circuits in the drone's head, causing it to collapse, 'dead.' The drone repeated the process for the remaining three. It returned to Tali, the drone's body dissipating as the small disk that housed the actual core of the drone returned to Tali's hand, chirping again. "Good girl, Chatika! Such a good girl," she cooed. Garrus snorted.
"What?" she questioned.
"Nothing, let's just keep moving," I responded in his place. Damn it, Garrus was about to make me laugh if he broke first. We exited the antechamber, continuing to make our way through. No Eclipse mercs just yet, I think they just sacrificed those mechs to slow us down. Up another staircase. Samara gave us a barrier again. It was a long catwalk about… ten meters wide. Crates were distributed to make decent cover all the way through, but currently, two LOKI mechs kept us pinned in the doorway, unable to push and spread out into the cover they were by. Instead of waiting for Tali to get her drone again, Samara used her biotics to lift one and smash it into the other. She kept the barrier up while Grunt and I pushed up, finishing off the drones in the process. Two of the Eclipse in the backfired rockets our way. Samara stepped forward and to the side, then used her biotics to redirect the rockets. Not stopping them, but changing their paths in an upwards curve, sending them right back to the Eclipse. The heavies cried out before they got caught in the explosions. With the barrier gone, Garrus was able to line up a shot with his rifle, taking down another Eclipse by the back. Tali sent her drone out again, targeting an Initiate first. That shock sent her convulsing, falling rigid out of cover. It was simple to put her out of her misery. I counted three remaining. Garrus fired again. Make that two. I saw another chem canister by us.
"Samara! Can you give us a smokescreen?" She saw the merit, and provided, breaking the canister open in front of us, allowing Grunt and I to move up, while Garrus used his rifle's thermals to take out another. One left. Grunt snarled, and turned to his left, guess that's where the last is. I followed him out of the cloud to find he tackled a merc to the ground, then placed his shotgun just under their chin, pulling the trigger. Splattering the floor in chunks and purple Asari blood. Area clear. Samara moved the cloud of toxins aside, and we pushed forward again, up another flight of stairs. The fact they used people for that defense makes me believe they thought it might work. Maybe they'll be short-handed later. We came to a larger loading bay, and this time, we were able to begin spreading out into cover much easier. And I found out why. A gunship had just been released from a dock and flew off. A handful of LOKI mechs waiting.
"Think that had the leader?" I asked.
"Knowing the Eclipse? That's just going to be used in an ambush soon. They're stubborn with their territory," Garrus explained.
"Hope you're not just getting nervous about it buddy," I remarked.
"I'm not against getting more battle scars but I really hope the universe can wait until it's fully healed before giving me another one." We kept moving, passing by an Eclipse terminal.
"That might be linked to their database. I'll see if I can get any intel," Tali stated, halting us.
"Get a perimeter," I ordered and waited for the results. Tali was at it for five minutes, getting into their systems had only taken one.
"I'm not getting anything on their trafficking, but I searched both Pitne For and Elnora in the database. The Volus sold… two-thousand units of Minagen X3 to the Eclipse, and six-hundred units of Red Sand. As for Elnora, she recently made an audio file. Here." Tali played it.
"Well, it's official," a cheery Asari voice perked up. "Little baby Elnora is finally a full-fledged Eclipse merc! I earned my uniform last night when I killed that ridiculous Volus. Up close, exploding rounds. Blew the little bastard's suit wide open! Hah!" she laughed. Fucking really, she laughed. "I can't wait to see some real action! Next time I go home, my friends are going to be so jealous!" Would they be so jealous if they learned she was a murderer, I wonder?
"Part of me wishes I let you at her, Samara," I muttered. She had no response. I commed Miranda.
"Status?" I asked.
"Just released her into police Custody. She got rowdy, or I'd have been done sooner," she answered.
"Good, we've been making progress. Sending you some data files, transfer them to the police."
"Right away, Shepard. I'll regroup shortly." We kept moving forward through a few hallways until we were at a bridge connecting this tower of the complex and the next tower of the same.
"If there's any time for that ambush…" Garrus trailed off. I got my rocket launcher ready, and Samara glowed bright blue.
"Be at ease. I shall handle this. Enter cover," she stated. Garrus, Tali, and I shared glances, but we did as suggested. I had to order Grunt to do the same, then he did. Samara stood stoically in the center, glowing blue with a barrier to protect her. I saw a speck in the distance. Getting closer, and fast. Samara readied her right hand, and as soon as the gunship was between the towers of the complex, she reached out with her biotics and pulled it to our left. Samara was smart with how she did it. She didn't fight its momentum, just like with the rockets, she redirected it. Instead of speeding along in a strafing run straight forward, it was now a strafing run at a diagonal, and that sent it crashing into the building. Grunt broke the following silence by bellowing with laughter.
"I want to do that!" he exclaimed, still laughing.
"Why couldn't she have been there to rescue my ass?" Garrus joked, recomposing himself.
"Is it… is it possible for a man to orgasm by witnessing an act of destruction? Because I'm pretty sure I just did."
"Keelah, Shepard!" I snapped Tali out of that surprise.
"I'm a simple man with simple tastes," I shrugged.
"Let's just… keep going. Can we? Please?" she pleaded. So we did. In the next corridor on the other side of the bridge, at the far end was a Volus standing at… a snack machine. He nearly tripped over himself turning to see what was making all those footsteps and wobbled forward as if to get a better look, but just bumped right into my leg, where he recoiled, cried out, and fell on his ass with his back to the snack machine. He got to his feet. His suit was white at the plates and black at the softer, flexible joints.
"I… am a biotic god!" he began, a faint biotic aura flaring. What? "For I think things, and they happen! Fear me lesser creatures, for I am biotics made flesh!" Well. I've seen this before. Red Sand.
"Come on, little guy. You need help."
"You need help! You stand before the mightiest biotic ever! Yes, the Asari injecting so many drugs into me was terrifying. But then I began to smell my greatness. They may laugh when I fall over, but they don't know what I know in my head. That I know I am amazingly powerful." He lifted a fist to Tali, biotics flaring. "Fear me!" Tali just glanced at us and began laughing, keeping it on our comms. "Yes, tremble in your silence," he continued. Causing her to laugh louder.
"Look, where did you come from?" I didn't let her laughter infect me. Not yet.
"When I was mortal, I worked for Pitne For. Poor soul is probably terrified that I have not returned."
"Pitne For's just been trying to leave the planet," Garrus remarked.
"Like a coward," Grunt added.
"A coward indeed. I will wreak a just revenge upon his people! But first… the leader of these mercenaries is in the next room. I shall toss Wasea about like a rag doll!" he began to walk to the next room he meant. Nope, not having him waddle around a firefight. So, I lifted my foot, and gently kicked his back. He fell over flat on his face. Slowly, rolled over. Dazed. "But… great wind! Biotic God! I'm… I…" he took an unusually deep breath. "What was I saying? I'm tired…"
"You were saying how you were going to take a nap."
"Oh. That sounds nice. I'll nap…" he smacked his lips, and the sound went through his vocalizer. "I'll nap. Destroy the universe… later…" His head lolled to the side, and there was snoring.
"So much for godhood," Garrus remarked.
"Miranda, status?"
"Running past the bodies you've left behind."
"Good, we're almost at their leader. When you get to a bridge with a crashed gunship you're almost at us. Try not to trip over the drugged Volus."
"The what? Never mind, I'll be there in a minute."
"Samara? Wait?"
"Yes, a minute is acceptable." Miranda was right on time. She readied her weapon with us, and we approached the door. Samara gave us another barrier. Wasea, I'd assume, was standing at a desk in the back of the room. Crates were strewn about, and the support pillars would make good cover. There was also about two fireteams worth of Eclipse in there. But not firing yet. We began to spread towards cover, Samara remaining in the center with her barrier now just around herself. Wasea had a drink in one hand, and a data pad in the other. She looked mighty pissed to see us. She took a swig of her drink, then tossed it aside, setting the data pad down.
"Everything's gone to hell since we smuggled that filthy creature off-world," she grimaced at the description. "First, this Justicar. Then, you. Whoever the fuck you are. You come into my base of operations, and wreak hello my people, my mechs, my fucking gunship? I'm going to take pleasure in turning your head into a pulpy mass," she growled, and flared with biotics, launching a container of Minagen at Samara, who with her other hand, flicked it back towards the mercs on the right side. Half of them were stupid enough to not have helmets. Miranda used her own biotics to fling another at the other group. This alone makes the gunfight that much easier.
"Do you even know what you're getting into, helping this Justicar? You're up to your neck in terrors straight out of your nightmares!" Wasea screamed. Lady, if you only knew about the nightmares That Prothean Beacon still gives me. Samara strode forward, ignoring all the mercs aside from Wasea. We took care of them. With her biotics, Samara virtually slapped the weapon out of her hands, then slammed her upwards into the ceiling, releasing her.
"Fuck you for making that monster. Fuck you for everything," Wasea snarled. Whatever that means, I think that stung the Justicar a little. She hesitated.
"Find peace in the embrace of the Goddess."
She snapped her neck beneath her boot. Tali got a hold of Wasea's data pad, but apparently, Wasea had left it unlocked.
"It doesn't give a name, but it's obvious from the text here that your target, Samara, left on the AML Demeter. I'll bring this aboard and try to find its destination," Tali stated.
"Thank you, Tali'Zorah. Shepard, let us return to the Detective and inform her that my business here is concluded. While I may be in your custody, it will put her and her superiors at ease."
"Sure. Our shuttle is back there anyway." Samara nodded in reply. We made our way back through the carnage, back to the elevator. Back through the crime scene, to the Precinct. The cops inside were surprised to see us again and Anaya was already outside her office.
"You get what you needed, Justicar?"
"I did, Detective."
"Then I wish you luck on your investigation, Justicar," Anaya allowed a grin. "It's been an honor having you in here. And it's nice you didn't kill me, too."
"It is."
"Do you have any preparations before coming aboard, Samara?" I asked.
"Only one. I must be sworn to your service so that I am never forced to choose between your orders and the Code." Samara closed her eyes, and when they opened, they glowed. Not the black eyes I saw when Liara melded with my mind, but, like a white light. She closed her eyes again and got onto a knee, both fists on the floor. Anaya, and almost every other Asari in the Precinct watched, eyes wide. "By the Code, I will serve you, Shepard. Your choices are my choices, your morals are my morals. Your wishes are my code." She biotics flared and died, and she stood.
"Well, I'll be damned…" Anaya whispered. Samara turned to me.
"If you make me do anything extremely dishonorable, I may need to kill you when I am released from my oath. But if you command me to show mercy when my code would not, that will remain acceptable."
"Samara, this is… clearly a very personal and important decision. I'm honored."
"Truly, the life of a Justicar can get lonely. I admit I am looking forward to serving with a company of honorable heroes." Hm, put it like that, this sounds like a medieval adventure novel. "Shall we return?"
"Let's go. Good to have you on the team, Justicar."