Chapter 4 Is it Cold out Here or is it just me
So sorry for the delay, I got SKYRIM and I have been stuck in it, it is very addictive and I have been stumped with school work. I also edited the other chapters as well
Disclaimer: I don't own Mass Effect, Bioware does
The remaining days past really fast as we approached Noveria, the days weren't wasted though. Jesse spent those two days training with Ashley in hand to hand combat and discussing Ulysses. Joseph and Liara talked a lot about the Protheans and Liara even helped him better control his biotics. I simply hung out with Shepard just helping her with her routine checks and reports.
Soon we were in orbit around Noveria and we all geared up for the mission. Everyone was coming… well except for Liara thanks to my convincing that it might be best to leave her here.
As we docked we all met up in the CIC but Shepard had some words she wanted to express to us…
"Alright everyone we are looking for Matriarch Benezia. So she will most likely have Geth be ready for anything. We will be splitting into two teams I'll lead the first team and Brent will lead the second. I'll be taking; Garrus, Ashley, Wrex, and Kaiden. Brent you'll lead the other with the exception of Liara. Now everyone you have your designated teams so let's move out." Shepard finished as she turned with a small army following her.
When we exited the Normandy you could see a fierce snow storm blowing outside and feel some of the cold that snuck through into the building. The building was a pale grey concrete. As we walked to the entrance of the building we were stopped by the three security guards outside.
"That's far enough" said Maeko Matsuo
"We're not here to cause problems." Shepard said calmly
"This is an unscheduled arrival. I need your credentials." Maeko Matsuo responded
"I'm a Spectre. My name is Shepard"
"Load of horsecrap, ma'am" said Kaira, the only person who could give Udina a run for his money as jackass of the galaxy.
"We will need to confirm that. Also I must advise you that fire arms are not permitted on Noveria. Sergeant Stirling, secure their weapons." said Maeko Matsuo
But Shepard wouldn't have any of that she pulled her gun and everyone followed.
"Well, looks like we have a Mexican standoff." Jesse said
"Stand down their house their rules." Shepard responded while lowering her weapon. Soon everyone followed and stowed away their guns.
Before things could go any further Gianna came over the intercom "Captain Matsuo stand down. We confirmed that she is a Spectre and they are allowed to carry weapons here."
You could see the look of defeat on Kaira as Matsuo said "You may precede Spectre."
"Behave yourselves." Kaira said defeated but not without her bad ass attitude.
"Such a lovely place with such nice people, I just might take my next leave here." I say quoting Joker as I entered the room I saw the drones and sensors on the walls.
Soon as we passed the sensors a loud and annoying alarm went off but it was soon silenced.
Gianna approached us and said that she was sorry for the securities behavior they've been under pressure lately.
"I am the assistant to Administrator Anoleis. We apologize for the docking bay incident." Gianna stated
"I appreciate your help but I need to find an asari matriarch." Shepard said getting to the point
"You're welcome. An asari matriarch did pass through here. You will need to meet Anoleis up a floor if you want to find her."
"Why?" I asked jumping in the conversation
"She went to the Peak 15 complex and with the snow storm no one without a garage pass can go there." Gianna defended
"Fine we'll speak to Anoleis." Shepard stated
After taking shifts in the elevator we all finally made it to the next floor.
"Alright everyone I'll take my team to find a way to get the garage pass. Hopefully Anoleis will give us one."
"What about my team Shepard?" I ask
"Your team will see if they can find another alternative to get a garage pass in case we need to."
"Ok we'll search the hotel area." I say knowing well enough where to find one "I'll radio you if we find anything."
Shepard nodded as I took my team to the elevator that lead to the hotel and bar area.
We walked in and could smell alcohol in the air. I looked over at Lorik Qui'in
"Why hello human, you must be one of Shepards crew members." Lorik says directing towards me
"Yes I am, we are looking for a way to get into Peak 15 and I thought that you looked like a turian with connections."
"You need a pass then. Well then maybe you can help, you see Mr. Anoleis closed my office. He claims reports of my corruption. I acquired evidence that Anoleis was corrupt and now his goons are in my office trying to find it. If you recover the evidence from my office, I will give you my garage pass. You will find my office in the Synthetic Insights and before I forget, Mr. Anoleis has hired people from the Hanshan's security team searching my office. He's paying them under the table. Ms. Matsuo is unaware of their outside employment. So do we have a deal?"
"Deal" I say nodding as he hands me the OSD
"Shepard" I say as I open a channel "I found a way to get ourselves a garage pass. Meet us at the Synthetic Insights elevator."
"Roger that see you there." Shepard said as she was cut off
"Alright team let's move."
As we exited the elevator we met up with Shepard…
"Alright we aren't going to take everyone so Brent, Joseph, and Wrex your coming with me." Shepard said in her commanding tone
We followed Shepard up the elevator and as we stepped out we were stopped by a couple of guards.
"Freeze! Hanshan security this office is sealed." the ERCS Guard said
"Lorik Qui'in gave me a pass in." I say stepping forward
"Qui'in? Are you working for him? He is under investigation." Asked the same guard
"Listen, you're here illegally so if you go I won't alert Captain Matsuo." I say trying to work my charm
"How about this you pretend you didn't see us and we will pretend we didn't see you." The guard said as she walked out
"Nice work Brent." Shepard said
"It would have been easier to kill them." Wrex replied
"Killing isn't the answer to everything." I say being serious
"Although it is more fun than talking" Joseph said jumping in
I shake my head and we preceded meeting little resistance from the guards. After a minute of fighting they were all dead.
I approached the room on the top level and retrieve the data from Lorik's computer as my team waited for me at the door.
"Got it" I say we turn to leave only to be stopped by Kaira.
I don't think you're supposed to be in here Shepard. I won't let you get away with killing cops."
"Your men are dirty Sergeant. You're here off duty breaking the law for bribe money." Shepard pointed out. "I killed them because they didn't kill me a choice."
Joseph and I both knew where this was going and we backed up ready to end this before it started.
"Well I don't need a gun to kill you." Kaira said just as she began to glow blue from her biotics.
However before her and her team could even lift their weapons me and Joseph slammed into the ground next to her, thanks to our biotic jumps. When we landed Joseph lifted them all up as I followed up with a slam crushing them all under the force killing them instantly, well the ones at the top floor. But we didn't stop there, Joseph turned to me and I launched him to the elevator door. He landed next to an unsuspecting guard and killed him with a biotic punch to the face. I followed his lead as I leapt off the balcony crushing another guard who was focused on Joseph. The last guard tried to shoot me but I took away his gun just as Joseph slammed the guards' body against a wall.
When it was all over Joseph and I looked at each other and began to laugh just as Shepard and Wrex made their way down.
Wrex glared at us, probably because we killed everyone before he could, while Shepard just looked at us.
"How did you guys do that, you were in perfect sync."
"Well we kind of think the same so when we think of something it is likely the other did too." I say all so knowingly "I tend to learn how people think after spending so much time with them."
After my explanation we moved back down the elevator to find Gianna waiting for us…
"Allow me to reintroduce myself Parasini, Noveria Internal Affairs." Gianna said revealing who she really was.
"Why are you here?" Shepard asked
"The Executive Board knows about Anoleis' corruption and so they sent me undercover. Listen I want you to convince Qui'in to present his evidence before the board."
"Ok, but I need Qui'in's pass." I say stepping forward
"If you do this I will get you anything you need." Gianna said trying to strike a deal
"Ok, I'll help you." I say
"Thank you. You know where I work. Come and get me once you know he will play ball." Gianna responded directing towards Shepard as she turned and left
I motioned Shepard and my team to follow, while the rest remained down here
As we exited the elevator I pointed to Lorik who remained in the same spot I saw him last. He looked up…
"Welcome back did you receive any new on the matter I asked you to look into?" He asked
"An Internal Investigator wants you to testify against Anoleis." I say
"Know that you have my property; you want to dictate how I use it?" Lorik says getting aggravated
"Listen this place is full of corruption. You'd be a hero among these people as someone who goes against that corruption." I say putting on the charm
Lorik sighed as he gave in "Very well, I will testify. I will await here until you make the necessary arrangements with your contact."
We made our way to Anoleis's office to see Gianna waiting for us…
"We talked to Lorik and he has agreed to testify." I say
"Great now if you will excuse me I have an arrest to make." Gianna replies as she leaves
When she walked around the wall you could hear shouting and a struggle breaking out until finally Gianna returned with Anoleis in cuffs…
"This is an outrage. You Shepard! I demand that you place this bitch under arrest!" Anoleis shouted but Shepard just ignored him with a smile on face.
"You have the right to remain silent. I just wish to god you'd exercise it. Also the pass is on my desk. Thanks for the help I owe you a beer." Gianna yelled back as she left with Anoleis
"Well that was fun and all but we need to get going." I say trying to get everyone heads back on the mission.
We all arrived at the garage entrance only to be stopped by a guard. We showed her our pass and she allowed us to enter.
We encountered a few Geth in there but dispatched them quickly thanks to our fire power (Jesse, and Ashley). After the fight the guards came charging in her with Matsuo leading them…
"What happened in here." She angrily asked
"The Geth attacked us we were just defending ourselves." I kick back
"Geth but that is…" Matsuo began to say as I cut her off
"Listen we don't have time for epiphanies ok. We need to get to Peak 15 as soon as possible"
"Right just follow the road it will get you to where you need to be." Matsuo replies
"Thank you now you should secure this area incase more are here." I finish as Shepard takes command
"Alright listen the Mako doesn't have much room so Brent, Joseph, and Garrus you're with me. Let's move." Shepard states as she motions us to the Mako leaving everyone else behind.
After what felt like an eternity of riding in a small space and fighting Geth we finally arrived at Peak 15. We entered and encountered Geth and a couple of Krogan but they too were killed quickly.
As we made our way through the facility we encountered the crazed Rachni. We finally approached Mira's terminal that was offline. Shepard went down the platform that led to her we waited for ten minutes before she returned.
Mira instructed us to repair the facility in order to activate the tram.
As we finished with the last task we were able to restore and enter the tram. When we exited the tram we ran into the remaining faculty that were held up and being protected by the last of Peak 15's security.
After creating a cure for the injured scientist and assisting the Security with the Rachni we began to head for the Hot Labs to face Matriarch Benezia.
We entered the Hot Labs to see Benezia standing at a console with a Rachni Queen located just in front of her. Benezia noticed us and turned revealing herself. I looked at her ready to defeat her *smack* I turn to see Shepard glaring at me…
"What was that for?" I say rubbing the back of my head
"Her eyes are up more from where you were staring."
I didn't even realize that I was staring but my attention soon turned towards the Rachni Queen who was trapped in that container. As I focused on the Queen I failed to see a biotic push flying towards me but I didn't move and was thrown into the nearby wall.
"Brent you ok?" Joseph ask
"Yea, I didn't even realize the conversation was over."
"You were still staring out into space when Benezia put Shepard in a stasis." Joseph said as he took cover from the Asari gun fire and biotics.
We were pinned down when Geth and more Asari commandoes arrived. Unlike the game Benezia seemed to send everyone at us at once. Our protection was fading and Shepard, Garrus, and Joseph were in danger as their cover was dwindling away the fastest. I figured I would have to do something. So I was going to try something that would probably bite me in the ass but it was worth a shot. I stood up and took in a few deep breathes, I looked over at Joseph…
"I need you to erect a biotic barrier, the strongest one you can maintain to protect Garrus and Shepard."
"What are you planning?" Joseph shouted over the gun fire
I smiled at him which made it clear that it was going to be something crazy enough for him not to ask questions, so he signaled everyone to stand near him as he created the barrier.
I looked over at him to ensure that it was safe to try this and I relaxed, closed my eyes, and took deep breathes and I allowed my biotic power to flow through me like a clear and smooth river I could feel the energy pulse through me. I opened my eyes revealing a bright pitch blue eyes and a light blue aura forming around me. I lifted my hands and the air itself began to turn blue, I could feel all the things in the room begin to lift at my single hand movement. I gave a smile and slammed my hands onto the floor as everything in the room was crushed all except Joseph, Garrus, Shepard, the Rachni Queen and somehow Benezia. Benezia however was holding onto a railing supporting herself.
I stopped and relaxed all of my muscles and collapsed onto the ground breathing heavily. Joseph released his barrier allowing Garrus and Shepard to move freely. Garrus ran to Benezia while Joseph and Shepard ducked under my arms and lifted me off the ground…
"Can you move?" Joseph asked
"Nope can't move my arms and legs they feel like jelly. It might take me a few minutes to get feeling back into them though. So just lay me on the ground and do your thing with Benezia and that thing in the tank." I say smiling while they set me down near the stairs that lead up to Benezia.
I sat back and listened to Benezia's heartwarming speech about how she was going to put Saren back on the right path but failed because of Sovereign's indoctrination before she died. After that one of the dead asari commandos stood up, I knew it was being controlled by the Rachni Queen but I couldn't let her know that so I shouted to her and she drew her weapon. Shepard watched the asari drag towards the Queen before it told her the Rachni's history and why they were executed. It was after the story that the Queen told Shepard that the fate of their race depended on her. I could tell from here that Shepard felt the pressure of either releasing or condemning an entire race. She looked at me as if asking "what should I do". I looked at her and simply nodded my head hoping she would understand the message. Shepard turned and opened the chamber that stored the Queen and she left but not without a thank you. With the release of the Rachni Queen made our way back to finish the last thing we had to do, kill the surviving crazed Rachni.
They finished setting the charges as they raced back to the elevator while I waited in it watching the Rachni swarm them. They finally made it back into the elevator and we made our ascension as the sound of explosives went off.
I was able to move some by the time we made it back to the survivor hold out. Me and Joseph began joking about how crazy this day was. As we entered the garage, and went down the stairs, the sound of rockets filled the air. It was an ambush, the rockets struck near us sending all of us flying into the air. Joseph was flung over the railings while Garrus, Shepard and me were blasted back. I tried to stand but was struck in the chest and sent flying into the nearby wall. I had no idea where Joseph was and Garrus and Shepard were lying still mere feet away. I stood up again to feel a bullet hit my shoulder, the one that was just repaired. I fell to the ground holding my shoulder and looked up to see a Krogan and some Primes standing in front of me…
"Stay down whelp." The krogan commanded "Grab the woman and turian they are the ones Saren are interested in." he said again looking at the Geth Primes
I looked over to see them grab Garrus by his collar and Shepard by her hair. I don't know what happened but something deep within me snapped and the world seemed to fade away as I lost complete control of my body.
It was like looking in someone body in first person but unable to control them.
Joseph's POV
I felt pain shoot through my body as I tried to stand. I regained enough balance to stand. I stood up using a wall as support when I saw Brent holding his shoulder while some Geth dragged away Shepard and Garrus. That wasn't had my attention though it was Brent he was laughing and not a good laugh but more of something that resembled the Jokers laugh. It took me awhile to figure it out but I knew what had happened and it really was not good.
Brent's body started to be cover in an extremely dark blue, almost black, aura as he began to stand laughter still filling his voice. I was beginning to feel fear flow through my body for what was about to happen. I have heard Brent laugh like that once and it ended badly and with his biotic strength it is going to be a lot worse. I watched as Brent's laughter increased and the air around us changed again but not a bright blue like before no this was a far darker. I knew what was to come so while everyone was distracted I lifted Shepard and Garrus up to me with what energy I had left. With everyone secured I could only watch as Brent's anger and rage was about to be unleashed.
I sat behind a pillar while I watched the Geth begin to spill into the room when I heard him speak but it wasn't words I could recognize that was one of the things that made that state weird was the language he spoke sometimes. As I watched the Geth surround him Shepard and Garrus began to regain consciousness…
"What happened?" Garrus said rubbing his head
Shepard looked up and saw Brent and tried to stand but I pulled her back down.
"What are you doing we have to help him." Shepard said
"No, trust me Shepard you don't want to be near him right now. Please just wait until it's over." I said looking around the pillar that shielded me.
I sat there and watched as Brent suddenly launched forward digging his hands into the eye socket of the Geth Prime his maniacal laughter ensuing. The Geth opened fire but their weapons had no effect since they couldn't breach the dark barrier surrounding him. Brent turned and lifted all the surrounding Geth and tore them apart letting their silver fluid to pour onto the floor.
The Krogan began to run out of fear but Brent wouldn't be so merciful in this state. As the Krogan ran Brent spoke and it seemed to chill the air itself.
"Where you going, the fun isn't over yet!" Brent shouted as he pulled the Krogan back to him. As the Krogan reached Brent he raised him off the ground "I thought Krogan weren't suppose to run the are supposed to have guts, so let's see if you do." Brent said with a smile crossing his face. Slowly the Krogan was torn in half as if to make him suffer. Just as the Krogan's screams ceased, and blood and insides poured out of him numerous Krogan came running into the room. I looked at Brent who dropped the body and shouted to the other Krogan "Well what do you know he was gutless! Get it gutless because I tore him in half." Brent finished with a even more maniacal laugh. I couldn't watch anymore as I looked away and heard the sounds of Krogan screaming and Brent's laughter, the sound of bodies hitting the ground and blood flowing on the metal floor like a river. I looked at Shepard who remained speechless. I decided to look around when I heard Brent again but this time I felt something churn in my stomach…
"Where are you going?" Brent said as he placed a barrier to block the Krogan and remaining Geth from retreating. "Look at the time; I've been playing for so long I failed to notice it is time for me to depart. So I'll you alone but first I'm going to go out with a bang." Brent finished as his laughter increased and the whole garage dimmed and a massive biotic aura filled around Brent.
I realized what was about to happen to stood up, grabbed Garrus and Shepard, jumped over the railing behind the thickest concrete and raised a biotic barrier with what I had left.
"Get down and cover you heads I don't know if my barrier will do much good for what is about to happen!" I shouted to Shepard and Garrus when suddenly there was a massive explosion as biotic energy shot in all directions and then everything went dark.
AN: First cliffhanger... thanks for reading; I'll try to get chapter 5 up as soon as I can. Sorry for jumping through the majority of Noveria I just don't like that mission.