The Dragon, the Villain and the Wardrobe
Born on a Horse - Biffy Clyro
My future… what did he mean? His future? So … he's not of this universe … or even my universe? I was from 2012 … the year is 2183 I think … so what was he from? He looked just like a blood pack Vorcha … maybe he was lying? Are Vorcha even space faring yet? I'm not entirely sure how the blood pack got them as their foot soldiers.
"Erm ... are you alright?" Fai-Dan asks with a worried look. "You blanked on us for a second …"
I decide to try something. "I dunno … I got weird feeling … like someone inside my head … huh, its nothing, I'm fine."
He practically blanches. And I see other colonists all look at me … all of them with confused or worried looks. I think I just kicked the hornet's nest.
"Fai-Dan." He and … the bitch, I forgot her name again, it couldn't be important, turn around and see Shepard, Garrus, Wrex and Tali coming back from the tower. Even a blind man could sense …well tell something was up. Like … everyone was staring at me. Fai-Dan gave Shep his full attention but the ice queen bodyguard just returned her glare at me … but it was less of a glare and more of glazed look. I may have confused the Thorian. Only me.
"We … cleared … the … tower … erm … what did you do …" Shepard is as confused as the Thorian, and she should be, she doesn't know it exists.
"Nothing … I blanked … and everyone started staring at me …" I chuckle nervously. How am I supposed to explain this predicament.
"The Geth may have been slowed … but they'll be back. They always come back." Says Arcelia, I think that's her name … anyway, she says it while turning back to Shepard.
"Tell me what the Geth want. Why are the Geth attacking you?" Shepard says, simply sparing me a glance before turning to Arcelia and Fai, an edge to her voice.
"If you want answers, go ask them yourselves." replies Arcelia, dripping with sarcasm. Ooh, I like you even less.
"We don't know what they're after. They came, they attacked us. That's all we know." Fai-Dan add quickly. No point pissing off your saviours, before they've actually saved you. I notice all the colonists who were staring at me have stopped, and went back to what ever they were doing. The Thorian is definitely clever.
"Their main base is the ExoGeni Headquarters. A good place to start looking if you want answers." continues Fai-Dan, he seems like a genuinely nice guy, wanting to help his people. I'm sad he shoots himself.
I assume Shepard is going to inquire how to get there … can't we help the colony as well?
"How do we get there?" Shepard inquires, right on cue.
"The skyway leads directly to Exogeni Headquarters. You can't miss it." Chips in Arcelia. She can be useful when she wants to be.
"Of course, but there's an army of Geth between here and there." Way to drop the mood Fai.
Shepard, naturally, says with a smile, "We didn't expect this would be easy."
"Then maybe I can get this colony operational again." Fai-Dan adds. He seems … chirpier. As opposed to how he was before. Well, he has hope now. Which is … well I doubt he expected it … from what I remember from the codex, Feros is … a crappy world. Full of prothean ruins with very little room for agriculture. ExoGeni wanted to …help humanity. But it was more for research.
As Shepard asks about the problems of the colony, I still notice side glances from the colonists. Won't Saren need to see the Thorian … isn't that what sets off the zombie controlling … ness? I mean … Saren feeds the Thorian that Asari … then tries to kill it … but the Thorian wins … but then Shep comes in … and shit goes to hell …
"Okay, everyone come round" We all stand in a circle … like what I'd do before a Rugby game back home, the Gameplan, so to speak.
"There's power, food and water problems. There's also come Geth in the tunnels. But we need to go to ExoGeni. So I'm thinking. Mack, go back to the Normandy, and get Liara and Ash, you three can help the colony while the rest of us cross his bridge and find some answers. Everyone understand?" She has an aura. Nothing I could say could explain … the feeling you get when she gives you orders … she makes me … want to impress her. Shit.
A chorus of acceptance goes around us. And I head towards the Normandy, Shep stops me.
"I'm sorry I sent you back … your hesitation could have had affected us …" She says this, and I understand her fears, she thinks I'm a liability. "I don't want you to die Mack … you're my unofficial second in command here …" I am the second highest rank … so I understand this logic too. I still think she's worrying unnecessarily.
"I'll be fine … Kia" My voice breaks at her name … and I'm not sure why, I mean, my voice is quite deep, so when I'm scared or worried, I tend to raise it a few octaves. But it doesn't normally break mid conversation.
I clear my throat and flash a smile. She still doesn't look convinced.
"Help this colony Mack." She returns my smile but before she turns, "Clear the tunnels first, then ask Fai-Dan about the food and water. Last thing you need is to be jumped by Geth while turning on the water."
I salute, "Aye aye commander."
Let's go and get Ash and Liara then. Yeah boi.
"Huh, plenty of aluminum here, eh?" Ash asks me … or tells me, it's probably rhetorical. But it annoyed me she said aluminium wrong.
"I pronounce it aluminium… 'cause there's an 'I' next to the 'u' and the 'm'" I sing, mimicking Born on a horse, the Biffy Clyro song. I make sure to outfit my singing with as much Scottish accent as possible.
Ash just snorts.
"It's weird … how did humans reach space without a universal language?" Liara says, inquisitively. I like her. She's curious, and not as uptight as Ash. It feels a bit bigoted to say, but I'm yet to see an alien to take my fancy … sure, Liara looks human like, minus the tentacles and … blue skin, but that simply doesn't interest me. And that's surprising. I consider myself sexually curious, and interspecies relationships interested me. Anyway.
"We reached space because of our ideological differences."I say, "Two superpowers made it into a race to see who was better." Thinking of the cold war. "It almost started a third world war. A war like the one that ruined Tuchanka."
I sigh, but Ash snorts again. "We're as strong as the Krogan and as clever as the Salarians. We're a mix of the races specialities really." I'm entirely sure about that sentiment. We're not as naturally strong as the Krogan or Turian, perhaps the same as Asari, without the natural biotics as well. We don't think as fast Salarians either. In my opinion, we're much more like Turians, without the natural body armour. We have had similar military history, minus the universal government. If anything, I personally can compare the Hierarchy is similar to the Third Reich. Or even perhaps the Soviet Republic. More so like the communists, required military service, a feeling of everyone before yourself, I know there were other examples, but those are the few that come to mind.
"Humans have lots of cultures … which impresses the Asari … amazing problem solving abilities, which impresses the Salarians … not to mention a military that equals the Turians, although they'd never admit it." Liara frowns, "humans intimidate the other species because they have potential and know it …" She looks at us … then her eyes widen, "I didn't mean … I don't …"
I smile at her, "We understand Liara, I agree." Ash looks at me pointedly. But I ignore her and continue my opinions, "Humans have been here… well not long enough, while I'm not sure the council is good government, humans are too pushy."
Liara looks at me. Perhaps I'm the only one who thinks this by the stare Ash also gives me.
"Few people look at it so … in so much detail … they just think that they are the best …" She gives Ash a nervous glance, if she notices it, Ash doesn't do anything, she just … glares at me. "Spit it out Ash."
She opens her mouth to say something. But quickly changes her mind. She then frowns … perhaps I changed her whole xenophobia ideals, "I'm calling bullshit sir."
Oh.
"Humanity survived against the Turians in the First Contact, we fucking retook Shanxi. We are on par with Turians." She says it with a fire with I find … in all honesty, sexy. I can feel myself … ogling her as she talks. "We survived the same problems that the Drell had, without the help of the Hanar. We invented things that even the Salarians didn't think of. Movies and music from almost two hundred years ago are topping charts in the Citadel. Fucking Metallica and Black Sabbath have become number one hits on Palaven, Turian tribute bands are popping up all over the known Galaxy. Like the Kogan, we can adapt to any situation and our special forces are the best."
Liara simply contemplates.
Of course, we've turned on the water and cleared out the Geth. We also talked to the crazy man and on our way back we started talking. I remember why I didn't like this mission. If we don't do these side missions then … well the colony fails after we save it …
In the distance, we see a shuttle land where the Normandy is. That I don't remember.
"Ash, did you just see that shuttle?" I ask breaking the silence.
"I did … reinforcements?"
"Doubt it." I snort, who goes into the … Saren.
"Shit, double time." I start running, I get a confused look from Liara, but I think Ash has a similar brainwave.
"You think it's the reason the Geth are attacking?"
"I'd bet my left arm." I say with determination.
We jog back towards the camp. I know I can't kill him. It would … twist cannon … well … destroy it really … but … I can't think of a reason I shouldn't. Perhaps I could save more colonists? Or even Fai-Dan if … but Saren needs to get the cipher. Or he won't find … is it the Mu Relay? Ilos? And the mini mass relay? Its imperative Saren beats us … which is actually hard to believe. We're supposed to save the universe … but if the Geth attack doesn't happen … no one will be ready for the ME3 events and Humanity might not get it's councillor … the coup won't happen … Anderson might not even be on Earth during the attack … which means the resistance is all but nonexistent.
As we re-enter the camp, Fai-Dan runs over to us. As he gets closer … I notice … the Thorian has more control. That much is obvious … Fai is fighting it … but it doesn't look like he's winning.
"Another Spectre arrived! One of the best as Arceilia tells me. They're going to rescue us …" He says. He's trying to enthusiastic but … he wouldn't convince a three year old.
"But that's what the Commander is doing!" She sounds a little mad. As you would, thinking someone is going to try and take the glory. She then realises that they aren't here … coming the only way to Exogeni. "Where are they anyway?"
Fai then looks at me. "They are going to talk to …" He grabs his head, seemingly in pain. The Thorian …
"Are you alright?" Liara. Ever the doctor. Even if she's not a medical one. A soothing voice too, I wish my doctor had her voice. Well … he would have sounded silly, but I wish he could speak … softly.
"No. Get to the Freighter … under the crane..." He looks in serious pain. I can tell Liara wants to help … but if Saren attacks the Thorian, the colonists attack everyone.
"Come on Liara … I have a funny feeling that this spectre is Saren." Her response is a simple shocked expression. But she isn't stupid. Why on Earth would another Spectre be here? Shepard is the only human one, and I doubt any other species would come to the aid of small colony.
"We'll back Fai-Dan." She promises. I feel sorry for her … I really do. She wants to help everyone … I understand what that's like … but even I know that that isn't always possible. He nods, and points towards the freighter.
As we jog towards our destination, most of the colonists are having similar symptoms. The others are already mindless zombies … just standing … swaying … like being drunk … it's extremely disconcerting.
We turn the corner and see a Krogan at the controls of the crane, flanked by two Asari. Asari Commandoes. Fuck.
I pull out my assault rifle from its magnetic … holster … I suppose that's what you'd call it, and drop to one knee. I aim down my sights, noticing Ash doing the same thing. Liara is bit slower, but gets the message. Ash fires first, giving one of the Commandoes a bad day. The three shot burst hits home every time, two in the chest and one in the throat. They don't have their shields up, which is good for us, so I copy Ash and hit the other Commando with my burst, hitting her stomach twice, and her arm with the Third. The Krogan looks at us in surprise, but his instincts don't fail him, and he draws his shotgun. Before he can use it however, Liara has lifted him with her biotics, and then slams him into the ground. A crackling comes from one of the Asari, it's faint.
"…Wha… ever..ng good? … Is an… there?..." I then see a flicker in the eye lid of the Asari I took down. I have a funny feeling she isn't dead. So crouch near her head, and lift her uninjured hand. I then hold it over her face … and let go. Just before it hits her face… her arm moves. Gotcha.
"I know you're alive." I say, adding as much venom into my voice as possible.
She opens her eyes … fear. Fear is what I see. And confusion.
"What are you doing here?" I say, trying not to soften my voice. Lives are at stake, there's no time for sentiments.
"The … Thorian…" She coughs … blood comes out … and I can't take it. I don't see myself able to torture someone … and this is torture, while it may not be … typical water boarding torture, this comes under my perception of it.
"Make peace with your gods, and enjoy your heaven" I say softly, expertly drawing my bowie knife from my ankle, and sliding it into her heart. Her face flickers for a second … acceptance and forgiveness. The one thing I hate about this universe … the people I kill are … people. People with feelings. How many orphans and widows have I made? Memories of my prior … they show him … me … as bitter … cold … heartless … memories showing … looking into their eyes and killing them … one of the main emotions I feel … pleasure …
I throw up. I manage to throw myself to one side and hit the side of the … freighter I suppose.
Liara rubs my back …
Shit … that's my first kill … not including Geth …
I throw up again …
Fucking fuck fuck. Think of the forgiveness. She forgave me. She was indoctrinated by Sovereign. When I killed her, she was released. I saved her.
"Mack …" Liara starts … probably something sentimental.
"I'm fine. Do you two reckon we follow them? Or wait for Shep?" I say … I feel shaky still … but I'll make it.
"If Saren's down there, I want to gut him myself." Ash says, quite cold heartedly too.
"And I want to find out what happened to my mother …" Liara says, with more conviction than usual.
"Then it's settled. Let's go." I say with a smile. It's forced …
Ash approaches the cavern first. Liara has a shotgun out, as does Ash at a second glance. I have my assault rifle and sniper, I didn't expect close quarters … although I knew we would have went down here at some point anyway … I thought the other five of us would have made up for the fact I lack an appropriate weapon. We had Wrex.
I choose my assault rifle … because I'd be a moron to use my sniper down there.
I take the rear, while Ash takes point, Liara in the middle. Been a man … a rather … hormonal man, takes the …rear position seriously. And Ash's is much better. Liara is too … small for my liking, while Ash has the muscle aspect which simply makes me … "Hold up." Ash!
But we hear Saren. He has an awesome voice. It's perfect for the Villain of epic precautions. He'd give Darth Vader a run for his money easily. Let's just hope Saren isn't my father.
"Give me the cipher and I will give you the Asari. I will even help with the Geth attack." There's the Villain. I see Ash tense, she wants his head on a plate. But she can't have it. Not yet. We edge closer, and I peek around the corner. Three Krogan, two Asari and Saren, oh and the Thorian controlled Asari too. I think it's the real one too, not the … phlegm covered clones. And I have to say … Saren looks more like a villain than in my scope. Its simply not the same as using your eyes. Like Shepard, he has an aura around him, but … well of pure evil. Contempt. He's … awesome.
"Meld with this Asari and you will get your cipher, Turian." says the Asari. It's weird hearing this Asari refer to herself in third person. Mack was making a sandwich. Mack was running out of juice. See? Silly.
"As you wish" Saren replies. His voice … sends me shivers. It's … terrifying.
He steps out and the Asari places her hands on Saren's chest. Her eyes go … funky while Saren simply closes his.
While I wait for Saren to get the cipher, I examine the Thorian. I have no idea why I thought it looked like the face of boe. Why on earth would I have thought that? Mixing memories perhaps? I have no idea … it's more like a giant bug … with weird vein like tentacles everywhere. Like almost everything in this game, it's much more intimidating in person. I'm not sure how it works … but it uses spores to control people right … but if you are strong willed enough you can resist … like that guy in the tunnels … and I assume us … Shepard's team … perhaps it's like radiation? It has to add up to have an effect.
I look back at the girls, Ash is still watching intently, gripping her tight enough that the Krogan equivalent would crush it, while Liara watches with … morbid curiosity. I want to ask them questions … but I don't want to alert Saren. I look back at him, admiring his features. His plates … I shiver … I would not want to get into a fist fight with him.
He opens his eyes, without staggering like Shepard does, which suggests he's melded before … go on Saren you playa. He grunts, and I realise what is about to happen. The Thorian … sucks up the Asari and … squeals in … delight I suppose …
"Kill it."
At this simple command, the Krogan fire at the Thorian, while the Asari use biotics on it. To their dismay, this does nothing. The Thorian realises he's been betrayed, and then the … Thorian creepers, I think they're called, swarm Saren's troops. One Asari literally gets eaten alive. They bite and claw, and shields don't appear to have an effect. The Krogan fair better than the Asari, beating them back with brute efficiently.
Saren realises he's out numbered and turns to leave. I see my chance. I step out of cover and call him.
"Saren!" I shout.
He looks at me. His mandibles twitching.
"Lieutenant Commander ********.You were a target on Eden Prime. I got the message you had been shot. Nice mask." He replies. I'm shocked he knows who I was. I need to find out more about my prior.
As we talk, there's a lull in the fighting. The Thorian realises we're not with Saren, but is scared. The creepers all get confused without leadership. The remaining Krogan take advantage and shotgun down the confused zombies. Ash steps out in front of me, Saren takes advantage of this and charges forward. Ash gets tackled back into me and we tumble backwards, and I feel my head hit a step. My sight goes woozy. Ash was hit with some force. I should have expected that in all fairness, Saren was one of the top spectres. I see him punch Liara in the face, whipping her head back in a horrible angle. She hits the floor with a thud.
I feel Ash's weight get off me, and I feel the weight get off my … feels like a broken rib. But to my avail, it wasn't Ash that moved. It was Saren that moved her. Grabbing my face, and holding it close to his. He whispers.
"You humans are a blight on the galaxy. The Reapers will make quick work of your species." His words are dripping with contempt. He hates humans. I'm not sure how his brother died, I never read the story, but was something to do with reaper tech I think … then humans did something … I don't know.
"Sovereign will die. Shepard will stop them. The Reapers will fear the species – Human." I say. I say it with strength. I know we will stop the Reapers. And I know I have to help. I wouldn't be here if it was that easy.
He snarls at my response. And he turns to face the Thorian.
"All humans will betray you Thorian." He snarls. I glance at Ash and Liara and see that they are both unconscious. I'm kinda of glad, knowing I slipped about Sovereign. It's only time until Saren figures out that I shouldn't have known.
He doesn't realise right now. He sprints back to shuttle, presumably to sovereign somewhere near. I look back at the Krogan, and realise there's only one left and he's roaring. I also notice that two creepers are coming for me. Shit.
I struggle to my feet, and pull out my pistol. I shoot both of them with ease. What they lack in strength, they make up for in numbers. Considering Ash and Liara are unconscious, this is going to be hard.
Taking down two more creepers, I put my pistol away, and prop Liara against the wall, while putting Ash on one shoulder. I bend over and put Liara on the other. I'm not going to lie, it's not easy to carry two unconscious women. I climb the stairs, and I'm noticing the fact I'm moving at a snail's pace, so I try and push myself.
As we reach the top, the roaring of the last of Saren's Krogan stop and I know I have to hurry. I see five dead colonists, I assume that's where Saren escaped. I'll have to make a dash for the Normandy. But I don't … I won't make it … fucking fuck.
"Ugh" is the noise Liara makes are she stirs. Okay, this is good.
"Liara, I need you to run to the Normandy." She looks dazed, and I'm not surprised, Asari aren't made for physical strength, not like Turians.
"Uh … yeah …" She looks better … she starts to run towards where the Normandy is … that's a start.
I'm right behind her, dragging Ash with me. A bullet hits the wall next to me. Shit. I pick up the pace, and I see the shuttle fly off as we reach the dock.
Crackle – chshh
"I repeat, Normandy to Shore party. Are you reading? Anyone there? Normandy to Shore party? Come on, Commander, talk to me!" Joker. About fucking time.
"Is that you, Joker? What's going on over there?" Shepard's alive. I'm definitely glad. I doubt Geth would give her any problems.
"We're in lockdown here Commander. Something happened to the Colonists. They're banging on the hull, trying to claw their way inside the ship. They're freaking out." That's going to be a problem, we might have to shoot out way past …
"They can't do any real damage. We're on our way back. Just hold your position." She's calm. Good, I need to radio in but … Liara is over by the wall opposite to me, and we can see the colonists now. They are literally clawing at the airlock door.
"Uh… yeah. Okay. Well, we'll just wait right here for you, commander." Replies Joker. Is no one even going to ask about us?
"I assume Mack, Ash and Liara made it back?" Thank you Kia, nice to know someone cares. But I can't reply because of the colonist so close to us … they'll swarm us if I make a noise …
"No Ma'am … I thought they were with you …" Joker sounds concerned. Thank you too Joker.
"Shit, I'm coming ASAP." She sounded … worried. I've never heard her … worried before. About me perhaps? Yeah. That makes me smile.
I loosen my hold on Ash, and wait for an opportunity to take down this colonist. I'll knock him out, I assume Shep doesn't want us to kill them …
It feels like hours, but it's only been a couple of minutes. But he turns long enough for me to be comfortable enough to grab his head and slam it into the wall. It's a sickening thud but I simply don't have enough time to check if he's okay, so I lean over to Liara.
"I'll distract them, when they've gone, take Ash and get into the Normandy." I say, making sure I smile.
She nods … but looks worried … but I need to save them.
So I stroll over behind the large-ish group and get on my radio, "Shepard, we got attacked by Saren. The Thorian is under the Freighter. If the freighter isn't in the air, use the Crane."
The group hear me. Shit. There's about … two dozen colonists … all of them turn and sprint at me. Fuck.
So I run back towards the freighter.
"Mack!" I hear Shepard shout.
"Holy shit. Commander he lead away the group at the airlock away!" Joker cries in response. I smile. I'm awesome.
Glancing back, I see the colonists still on my tail. I'm nervous about getting further into the camp, but I need to.
"Shepard, it's Liara, Mack saved Ash and I by distracting the group. He's going to run back into the camp." Good, they made it. This wasn't for nothing.
Shepard replies but I crash into a creeper. Shit, as I scramble to my meet I hear the group behind me moaning. There were only 16 in game! The creeper as looks as surprised as I do. He moans and tries to throw up his poison toxic sludge stuff at me. I dodge it and it hits another creeper who, true to his title, crept up behind me.
I sprint into the Freighter. Into the room, where I think, in game, there was a guy in medical situation of some kind. I drag a table and block the door's panel. I then put a lock with a basic firewall on it. Thank god to my prior's skills. Wait a minute … shouldn't I have a tactical cloak … It's important right now.
"Shepard. It's Mack. I'm in the freighter. Take out the Thorian. Saren wanted a cipher of some kind, I'd bet my arse it's to do with the vision. But the Thorian isn't happy." I inform. Shepard needs as much help as possible.
All I get is crackling in response. I guess I don't have a signal. As I someone tried to contact me, they heard me. The Banging on the door subsided after a couple minutes … giving me a sense … let's have a look. I'm no fan of Zombies, the scariest mythical creature. Dracula got nothing on them. I open the door and see the Salarian merchant … he groans then hits me. I didn't no they could use weapons. The second hit knocks me to the floor. Shit head. Seems he got a pipe from somewhere. The third hit makes me questions reality, and the fourth takes me into … flashbacks I suppose. My family back home … Ash … Shepard …
Gunfire brings me back … the Salarian is still standing above me … he never sees it coming. Tali swings with her shotgun to knock him out. I smile at her … then the darkness takes over.
A jolt wakes me.
Unfortunately I open my eyes too quick, and I'm blinded.
"Sh Mack" The voice is soft, kind.
"Okay voice … hmmm … more drugs …" The angelic voice laughs. A beautiful chuckle.
"More drugs, okay ****" My first name? It sounds cute from her …
"I should say … you sound like an angel … am I dead?" I slur my words, fucking drugs. I hope this isn't going to happen after every mission.
Another beautiful chuckle.
"You're back on the Normandy. Tali saved your life." I feel myself dozing, but I want to put a face to the voice. I should recognise the voice … but I'm too drugged up.
"Tell her … I'll buy drinks … or nutri… nutri … that paste she eats …" I hate drugs.
Another beautiful laugh sends me off to dream world.
I'm out for a few hours while I recover. In that time, Ash thanks me for saving her and I simply tell her it wasn't a problem. I'm also not in the mood for talking so I send her on her way. Shepard also comes and tells me about the cipher. I nod my agreement. I think about asking her about my drugged adventure but I go against it. I want to alone for now. I'm exhausted. She leaves and says Noveria is next. I smile. Fucking Rachni.
When I'm up and ready I need to ask about Ash about my Prior … how am I supposed to disguise that? Too tired to think. Tomorrow … so warm and cozy … mmm
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Welcome back :3
My first note, a bit of research, and it turns out Saren goes to Feros before the Geth attack! And the Thorian doesn't attack Shep because it thinks Shep can defeat the Geth, but it has feelers all over the ground! So when he realises Shepard knows, it thinks Shep will betray it like Saren. Of course, in my version of events, the Thorian isn't as over powered, more realistic IMO.
And my longest chapter ... I'm not gonna lie, I advance events quicker than most of SI writers, and Im extremely conscious of that :3
Keep in mind this is the first thing I've written ... and well posted it for reviews :3
So review god dammit! :3
Rock on Folks
MacDii
\m/ (-_-) \m/
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