OOoooooh wow, sorry for the long wait, people ! University really sucked all of my energy ... Everytime I tried to continue this chapter, I would go in my bed instead and sleep ._. HA ha haaa ...
ANYWAYS ! Wooo, I'm happy to continue this fanfic ! I really have a lot of ideas for this story.
And before anything else, I would like to answer Rocketfist's comment : ''Um, couldn't have they looked into Javik memories?'' (for my second chapter)
Yes, they could have BUT, in my 'headcanon' for Prothean culture, touching others is not really seen as a good thing. Yes, the story would have been shortened by this action, but, as I stated in my seventh chapter : ''Physical contact was considered something very … intimate and intrusive when meeting with strangers. It was only taking one touch to find out secrets about a person.''. So, if Javik would have touched the Senator, he would have been in deeeeep trouble. (As if he was trying to learn some government secrets or anything like that)
Please, pay attention. I always tend to keep some secrecy about some things, but I always explain everything sooner or later. Don't worry ;) !
Still, if anybody has any comments or questions, I'll be glad to answer them via Private Messages or at the top of my next chapter.
Enjoy the chapter :D !
Last night's rain was continuing to surge on the town next morning, but that did not stop the duo from getting into action and deciding to go to the spaceport to see how their application was going.
They went on foot, trying to protect themselves from the rain with a single umbrella. Luna could not help but complaint:
''Why didn't we take the car? If I get sick, it will be your fault!''
''And driving with so little visibility?'' replied the Prothean. ''No thank you.''
''... No visibility? Hey, don't you remember that you have four eyes and me only two? Don't try to use that excuse about 'reduced visibility'.''
''Well, I tried.''
They finally arrived at the port, which was almost empty and mostly decorated by the spaceships that were docked. Arriving at the counter, the duo met the same Zha which they had talked to.
When the representative looked at the Prothean, he already brought digital records before his eyes.
''And here's Commander Kaesh's protégé,'' he began. ''... But I think you're not that much 'protected' by him anymore. There are now restrictions on your file. They arrived this morning.''
''What kind of restrictions?'' Javik asked with a concerned tone.
''Nobody else can enroll in the crew list and no vessel is allowed to this account.''
The Prothean swore, clenching his fists with rage. Luna, however, didn't stop at this simple statement.
''Are there names already registered? Would it be possible to meet them?''
The Zha's ears rose slightly, hearing for the first time the stranger's unusual accent.
''Yes, a few names, four actually. They are blocked, but I think there wouldn't be any harm if you meet them. Should I report a precise location?''
The Human thought for several seconds, then turned quickly to Javik, snapping her fingers as if to recall a name.
''What is the club's name we went to?''
The Prothean looked at Shepard.
''The Mayhem? What do you want us to do there?''
''This is the ideal place for a meeting. Nobody will see us in the crowd. ... Kaesh won't find us.''
''... Excellent point, I agree. To be even more sure he does not find us, I know exactly what name to take to make a reservation for a meeting.''
He looked at the Zha, making himself neutral and serious.
''Prepare a reservation at Club Mayhem on behalf of Prothy the Prothean.''
''Excuse me?'' said the representative, holding a small laugh.
''You understood me, do not ask questions.''
***
Even if they were away in a private booth, the music was growling in their bodies as if they were on the dance floor. Luna had kept her cloak, standing in a dark corner, trying to avoid being noticed. Or maybe did she not fully trust the people they would meet. Javik, for his part, did not hesitate to wear his armor, wanting to show his authority.
Sometimes the Prothean slightly glanced at Shepard, noticing her smile. He could easily guess she thought about what happened last night.
He was no fool, he knew long ago that Shepard had developed feelings for him. It was as if she saw something in him. Something wrong, perhaps. Or did she saw herself in him as a reflection in a mirror.
He also had this impression. She looked like a tough commander, but all she did was for the good of the galaxy. Like him who had so hoped to save the last honor of the Protheans ...
He had respect for Luna. He knew her strength and her courage. He had seen her many times in the heat of action ... and was very lucky to be on her side and even to have met such a brutal force of nature.
He was distracted when Shepard told him that a group was heading toward them. Javik turned his attention to the entrance and saw four characters appear. A female Prothean a Zha, a female Enduromi and an Oravores. His stomach clenched a little at the sight of the latter, having little compassion for these lizardmen.
They entered the booth. Javik made a slight jump as he had a better view of the Zha: his left eye and his left arm were robotics! He feared being in the presence of a Zha'til, but when the Zha asked a question, he relaxed inside as the sound of his voice was quite normal:
''You're Prothy the Prothean?'' he asked, uncertain.
''Yes. Do not bother to ask more questions about this name,'' Javik clarified.
Luna, always in the shadows, show a small smile, amused by the situation. Then she noticed that some eyes were planted on her, especially the female Prothean and the Oravores. She sat up, her face reverting to neutral. Javik spoke again:
''I am Commander Javik, avatar of vengeance. If you are here it is because I want a crew and you responded to my request. Speak and introduce yourself. Why have you proposed to this demand?''
The female Prothean was the first to come forward. Standing straight and making an army salute. Her body, though cut by sport and effort, was thinner and elegant, opposed to Javik's. Her crest was also less wide, accentuating her figure. Despite her appearance, she seemed as hard as stone, ready for any fight. Her skin, of shades of purple and light blue, was well harmonized with her wild golden eyes.
''I'm Osra Ikde, Major of the 24th division of the Empire. I was evacuated from my division on forced shore leave. I registered on most lists possible in hope that one of them would answer me. I refuse to remain useless to the Empire''
''What is the reason for this 'forced shore leave'?'' inquired Javik.
''It's confidential,'' Osra replied in a brief and dry tone.
The Zha, seeing that she had finished speaking, took his turn:
''Well ... I'm Siid, at your service! I just got out of flight school and I wrote my name on the first list I saw! And I can tell you that you cannot do this ... whatever mission without me. I'm the best! I'm fast and I can perform several tasks and-''
''I think we all understood, Siid,'' began the Enduromi.
Javik threw a hard look at her, not understanding why she had cut the other. She blushed.
''Sorry, Siid and I have known eachothers for a few years. He always speak highly of him ... he's a good guy, but adds too much sometimes.''
She stood straight, wanting to present herself.
Her skin, of a pale orange hue, had blue and green lines on her face, the back of her head and arms (and probably all over her body). She had that childlike smile which reminded Shepard of Liara. The only menacing trait of hers, however, was the color of her irises, blood red, which seemed unusual for the Human.
At her side, the Zha was hardly taller than her shoulders (counting the tip of his ears). His brown fur, accentuated by black stripes, brought out more his shiny green eye and his other robotic eye with a light yellow-orange glow. He seemed to sparkle with energy and ideas ... and an attitude too.
''I'm Zashih,'' began the Endorumi. ''I am passionated about medicine and engineering. I decided to follow Siid so that he does not do anything stupid.''
''Jeez, you never told me that one,'' commented the Zha.
''Whatever,'' Javik cutted, ''you know how to fight?''
''Well, yes!'' Zashih replied with a slight surprise. ''Knowing how to fightt is a basic thing in Enduromi education since the Prothean Empire extended over our race ...''
''Excellent. The Enduromis are strong and smart, that's all I need.''
Then Javik turned to the Oravores with a hard stare. He was much bigger than anyone in the group, his imposing reptilian stature making him look stronger. His scales, of an emerald green, seemed thick, like a natural protection. His eyes, of a pale blue color, almost white, were surrounded by thorns, same for the bottom of his jaw. And at the top of his head were horns, thin and curved backwards, like some sort of fringe.
It was with indifference that the lizardman watched the Prothean back, as if he was testing him in a certain way.
Even before Javik could ask a question, the Oravores spoke:
''And you, what is the reason of your request?''
Sensing a threat emanating from this being, Javik took a step forward, wanting to impose his authority.
''... What is your name? Who sent you here?''
''If I tell you my name, I expect answers, Prothean. I am Thairel Fos, bounty hunter. I was hired by a certain Kaesh, but it is not him who's in front of me.''
Anger crossed Javik's body as he came closer to the lizard, despite their difference in size.
''No person employed by Kaesh will be accepted in this crew.''
''With all due respect, Commander,'' began Osra, ''the applicant's name on the list was Kaesh, not yours.''
Javik's assurance fell, understanding his error.
''... Yes, it was indeed his name on the application, I am not in the archives and without his help we would not all be here right now. But if anyone in this room has personally dealt with him in the last few days, I will be glad to expel him, no matter how.''
''Why, you got something to hide?'' Thairel questioned.
''Can I ask you the same question, Oravores?'' Javik threatened.
Feeling the animosity between the two, Luna walked toward them, putting a hand on the Prothean's shoulder.
''Javik, I think we can trust him.''
''An assumption will lead us nowhere if he is a spy employed by Kaesh.''
Even before Shepard could add anything, she felt her hood fall down, revealing her face to the group. The guitly, Thairel, darted his tongue several times in the air, a confused look on his face. Some surprised noises came from the others, intrigued by this creature.
''I've never seen and heard of someone like you,'' started the lizardman. ''Who are you?''
Javik pushed him away.
''Keep your hands off her, dirty lizard.''
''Are you an Enduromi?'' Zashih questioned. ''Why is your skin so pale? What is that fur on your head?''
''No, please, I am not an Enduromi, nor a Zha, or anything that exists in this cycle,'' said Luna. ''Javik and I have a mission of great importance to inform you about. If you don't feel up for such a quest, we won't retain you.''
She paused, waiting for responses, but all kept their eyes on her, silently accepting her request.
Javik straightened, taking the same stance as Shepard.
''The Empire is in the shadow of a great threat,'' he began. ''Soon, machines, larger than our imperial cruisers, will destroy our cities, our planets, our worlds! ... I am from a future where all life is doomed to failure. I come from a time when war is no longer a synonym for survival, but also for lifestyle.''
''Wait,'' cut Siid. ''... You say you're from the future? Are you crazy? As far as I know, everything seems peaceful, apart from some small wars and skirmishes. And machines are machines. Nothing can beat a Prothean cruiser, its firepower is too strong-''
He did not continue after Javik had casually put his hand on the Zha's shoulder, then showing him images of war. The pilot's body had stiffened suddenly, his eyes wide open.
He saw a Prothean city in flames, soldiers scattered everywhere, and hovering over them, like shadows, were gigantic machines that triggered powerful rays. He felt fear, anger, he wanted to kill. Grotesque creatures arose from all sides. Their bodies, strangely similar to Protheans, were transformed and of a skeletal appearance. Their eyes, bright spots like the fires of hell, seemed to pierce him entirely. He heard explosions and then a horrifying noise; the cry of a Reaper.
After a few seconds, the Prothean released him and that was when Siid's body was brought back to life as he was shaking. He kept staring at the Commander, knowing that he had seen the truth.
''Shit, the dude's right,'' he let out in a frightened voice.
''No, impossible,'' Osra intervened, ''the Empire can not be threatened.''
She stood before Javik, hesitating a few seconds before taking the other's hands. Her gaze was stern as she released them.
''Either you are terribly crazy, or you tell the truth ...''
''He told the truth,'' said Luna. ''I also am from a more distant future than yours. I saw these machines, the Reapers as we call them. In my cycle, they would have annihilated all of you. They were at war against my people, the Humans, and all the other races of my time. We found an artifact that has led us several years back to you. ... We have an opportunity to save your future and mine.''
It was after a brief silence that Siid announced:
''... I am ready to follow you.''
''Come on, Siid!'' exclaimed Zashih. ''Their story makes no sense.''
The Zha's robotic eye seemed to shine more strongly, really decided to accept this mission.
''You haven't seen what I've seen, Zashih. I believe them, I want to accompany them. If you really want to follow me, you have to trust me.''
''I will also follow, Commander.'' added Osra, stiffening her body as if she was receiving an order from the army. ''If I can help the Empire, that's all I want.''
The Enduromi and the Oravores, the only two not yet decided, stared at themselves a few moments, both uncertain.
Zashih accepted, only to watch Siid, she said. But for Thairel the choice was difficult. He couldn't see Javik's images as the Oravores were naturally protected against mental intrusion. However ... a thought pushed him to accept, not by a desire to save this cursed Empire, but by curiosity about the Prothean and his sidekick, the 'Human' (reason he did not enunciated).
''When shall we depart?'' asked the Zha.
Javik seemed to stiffen, as this dilemma just struck him.
''I do not have a ship. ... My application was banned for any ships proposal.''
Everyone's expressions seemed to fall at this statement.
''That's not very clever ...'' Zashih muttered, rolling her eyes.
Comments began to rise but Siid soon lifted his hands up, asking for attention.
''I have a ship! I ... I built it with my father and my siblings. It is ready, just not listed.''
''I will not fly aboard a vessel that is not listed!'' exclaimed Osra. ''The Empire would punish you to hide such a vehicle.''
''Oh, calm down, we finished it a few weeks ago!''
''Anyways, we will take this ship,'' Javik added. ''We must fly to the Citadel and warn the Empire. I do not know how much time we have left, but I will not waste a single second of it.''
The meeting ended quickly, Javik warning the others not to tell anyone what had been spoken. He would visit Siid's ship the next day to see its shape and strength, then he would contact all the others to begin the journey.
It was when the booth emptied that Luna saw Javik relax a bit, his shoulders getting free of some tension. He sighed when Shepard put her hands on his shoulders and stood before him.
''Did you find that difficult?''
''No,'' he replied. ''I am simply eager at the idea to escape this damn planet and warn my people. And ... I'm surprised to see so few Protheans in the team.''
Luna showed a small smile.
''Is it not you who once said that all races conquered by the Empire were soon calling themselves Prothean? ... I saw different people, of course, but for me they were not more different than you, and even Osra.''
Javik let out a dark laugh.
''I think you will never understand the Cosmic Imperative idea.''
Shepard gave him a hard look.
''And I think you'll never understand equality between different people.''
The Prothean wanted to reply, but he resigned himself, not wanting to frustrate the Human even more.
He proposed instead to go for a drink, internally admitting his defeat to this woman.