We closed in on the med transport short before we reached our destination. As soon as the med transport hit the ground the doors opened and Aria's barrow was dragged to the waiting medical staff. I landed the stuttering shuttle nearby and rushed out, running to the crowd which now surrounded Aria's barge. I addressed one of the medics standing close by who was not involved directly as several doctors were present already. "I've got another patient in there, I guess some broken ribs ruptured something vital during the fight. He's one of her high lieutenant's, 'guess she would be glad if he survives."
He glanced at me, then his view shifted to the remains of our shuttle. "This things' still flying? Hard to believe anyone in there is still alive. Let's see to your patient, if too many mess up on her it won't do any good." He stated then grabbed his equipment and ran over to the shuttle.
I followed him nearby, relieved that I didn't have to convince him further. As we reached the shuttle I opened the door on the passenger's side and stepped back. He scanned Grizz then activated his com unit. "We need another barge here quickly, prepare for a surgery of a turian male, lungs collapsed, probably ruptured by splinters of broken ribs. Hurry, his time's running out."
He opened his case and prepared a shot, which he injected into Grizz' neck. "Hope that holds off the worst." Then he turned around to me. "We take care of him, you can do nothing more for now."
A few moments later another team of doctors and medics emerged from the hospital's entrance. Grizz was moved onto another barge and carried away as quick as possible. The medic gave me a nod and followed them.
I exhaled the tension and glanced around, unsure what to do now as the pilot of the other shuttle came over. "What's up with Grizz, I saw him dragged away on a barge?"
"The injuries he suffered from the firefight in the Afterlife hit back on him. His broken ribs ruptured his lungs, the medic said nothing about his chances, but he said time's running out." I answered, now giving way to the fatigue and dropped myself on a nearby crate. "What about your companion, can't see him around."
Jason's expression turned grave. "Didn't make it, got a stray bullet in the head that pierced through the armor."
"Sorry to hear that, and by the way, thanks for saving our asses out there, this speeder would have blown us to pieces a moment later if not for you. I – we – owe you one, that's for sure"
"Was my pleasure, and he did blow you to pieces anyway, I'm astonished you came out without a scratch." He answered with a glance to our shuttle.
For the first time since we touched down I had a closer look on the remains of it and was dumbfounded as I recognized the devastating damage. The back was more or less stripped of most of the casing and armor, leaving the engine bare to the air. The frame was diminished to a few stray metal rods, it was hard to believe the shuttle didn't explode or the engine didn't just fell down, stripped of his mounting.
"Couldn't believe you were still flying when I surprised that bastard on your heels. By the looks you're on my page as well."
I swallowed once before returning my gaze to the young man. "You're damn right, now that I see it I can't believe it. And I thought your vehicle will need some polishing back there."
"I doubt polishing will do the job, anyway I'm glad you made it, I wonder if we are the only one's still standing right now."
"Could be by the looks, but I hope there will be a replacement soon, I doubt we'll be able to fend off any further attacks, she's not save here. And I've seen enough explosions for the day, guess' I need a glass of good whisky, or better a bottle."
"Count me in, although I prefer a barrel of beer."
"Believe me, that changes gradually if you discover the first shade of grey in your hair." I returned with a grin.
He chuckled. "Heard that before, but for now I would give a year's salary for a good bottle of beer."
Our attention was turned towards the sky as engine noise announced new arrivals. "If this is not what I hope for, we'll at least give them a show." I said turning to the wreck for taking cover, readying my Mantis sniper rifle.
"Last man standing then, it's time for some damn luck, so this better be our reinforcements."
We crouched behind the wreckage as several shuttles descended and touched the ground, immediately followed by troops disembarking.
Jason stood up, obviously recognizing some of his own comrades. "Seems the cavalry has arrived finally, it's about time I say."
I waited a few seconds longer, finally standing up likewise as several soldiers paced towards us as they witnessed Jason.
An older turian male addressed him when they reached our position, giving me a side glance. "Jason, glad to see you alive. Give me a roundup, is she alive?"
"Yes, we barely made it. Gray here and me are the last men standing currently. Aria and Grizz are treated inside, don't know the details. We arrived here just a few minutes ago. What about the other shuttles, anyone made it?"
"Good to hear she's still breathing. Only two of the other crafts made it, the day has seen many corpses already, even for Omega."
A grave expression crept over Jason's face. "So I guess I have to mourn more than one of my friends."
"We lost many good men today, some of them were my comrades for years. But the time for mourning is yet to come, first we have to make sure they didn't die in vain. We're securing the facility now, I presume the two of you could need some rest, at least by the looks of these wrecks. I'll see to get you a lift to the base as soon as possible."
Jason nodded, fighting to keep back the emotions boiling inside him. "Thanks, if our assistance is needed, just give us directions."
With a curt nod in my direction he went off, already speaking into his com unit. I glanced at Jason who was absently looking on the ground. "I'd like to tell him time will heal, but I know better. Time maybe a healer for some people, for me it's just prolonging the agony." For the second time this day old memories rose to the surface, lurking at the edge of my consciousness, always waiting for a weakness in my defences. "Fuck this, why I'm still fighting? Only to witness the day I'm placing a bullet in my head to get rid of these memories? 'Should get it done an be over with…"
Jason interrupted my thoughts. "Let's get in and find something to drink. And maybe we get some news about Aria and Grizz while we're waiting."
I nodded my approval and followed him, the guards now staying sentry at the doors greeted him as we approached the building. "Tough fight by the looks, got some kicks in the ass, especially that one over there, a miracle you made it."
Jason pointed at me. "He and Grizz had some close friends at their heels as I reached them."
"A second later and I'm sure we've put up some nice fireworks. Jason saved our butts, the last one was a hell of a pilot." I confirmed his words.
The guard glanced at me now. "Grizz was with you? Where's the old dreadnought, didn't see him around.
"He was wounded in the fire fight back in the club, our little trip with that wreckage over there caused his broken ribs to rupture the lungs, he's currently treated. I hope he will make it, kinda got to like him since we first met this morning."
"This morning? So you must be new, you chose the wrong day to hire in, earned your wages today, that's for sure."
I grinned at that comment. "Kind of, and I thought the morning was a nightmare. I certainly could use a barrel of ale to get lost."
"No doubt about that. Get in, the two of you. Would be great you keep us updated, if you happen to hear some news."
Jason answered this time, opening the door. "Sure, we're hoping for some news likewise."
We went through several corridors before reaching a small reception where three guards observed the area and the other entrances. Jason addressed them, obviously recognizing some familiar faces. "Hi guys, you've got any news? You happen to know where we get something to drink?
A human guard answered his questions. "No and no, sorry, but down this corridor is the main hall of this floor, best guess you'll find something to drink there."
Jason nodded. "Thanks for the directions, see ya"
We took the indicated corridor and entered the main hall. As assumed we found an automat for beverages, bought something and sat down on a nearby bench and silently pondered the events of the day.
"Unbelievable, all of this, I arrived merely a day ago running from one shitstorm to the next, catching myself more trouble than I can handle on the long run. And then there's this Asari, don't have a clue what to make of this. Summed up I'm stranded on the worst pisshole of known space, half of the inhabitants are after the bounty for my head, an Asari maiden in the backpack and madness closing in on my heels, waiting for the final breakthrough. Seems I'm playing against all odds, but who cares since I've got nothing to lose beside a head full of grief and pain."
A soft sob made me turn around and take a look at my young companion. He was obviously shaken by the day's events, now that he came to a rest. As he was looking down to the floor, couldn't see his eyes but his wet cheeks told me the truth. "Are you alright? Your co-pilot, was he a close friend to you?"
He nodded and answered with a hoarse voice. "Cut to the roots he was the only true friend I ever had, I grew up in the worst slums of earth, you're lucky if you survive, no time for friends and family there."
"If you want to speak about it, I'm listening, if you prefer to stay calm and get drunk later that day, it's also fine with me. I'm through all of this, and there's plenty of ways to handle it – or not, that can also happen…"
"Guess ya' know somethin' bout that…I never regretted my decision to become a mercenary, at least until now. Even that year with the Blue Suns wasn't too bad after all, I learned a lot, even if its things I don't want."
"Nearly every experience is worth something, well, nearly…" My voice trailed off and again my mind was flooded with emotions bringing a searing pain with them."
Jason looked at me in awe. "Sorry if I brought something up, by the looks this was something you couldn't handle."
My voice was nothing more than a distant whisper. "I'm waking up with it and I'm going to bed with it, during the day it is always there, crouching at the back of my mind, waiting, sneaking, unleashing itself more and more often. I tried to run, to hide, but the faster I run the closer it is on my heels."
Jason was silent, and I recognized my own words only now, shaking myself. "I'm sorry, lost my wits. Didn't want to scare you. What happened to me had nothing to do with being a merc, actually I call myself that way only since a short time after."
"Guess you don't delve deeper there, you just scared me with that bitter sadness in your eyes."
"Right, don't dig out the devil, at least not right now. Should we try to get some news?"
"Kinda would be more interested in a shower and a place to rest, but as things are, I'm not gonna see this happening for quite a while. So let's get going."
I realized how tired I was myself as I witnessed the turian officer we met before approaching us without I even noticed he had entered the hallway. "Well guys, as things are we secured the whole floor and I can spare two shuttles for a lift back to the base, two of my men will accompany you in the second shuttle. Your shuttle will stay in the base cause they're a 'little short on vehicles right now and need one. Be ready and keep your coms activated, we may need you sooner as you like it, all right?"
"Understood, and thanks for the ride." I replied, relieved to get out of that armour sooner as expected.
For the second time this day the flight was undisturbed, we both were silent, the day had taken its toll. We arrived at the base and headed for the elevator, Jason had a room on the same floor, not far away from the one my Asari companion and me occupied. Jason addressed me in front of his room. "Guess we have to postpone our little beer and whisky feast for some time, but let's not forget about it."
"Count on it, I hope we can invite Grizz, he said something about a lot of ale before he went out."
"Yeah, kinda like that old warhound, he's a lot of tales to tell once he gets started."
"Can imagine that, for now try to get some rest, I'll do likewise."
I left him heading for our room and opened the door. As I entered the room, two dark blue eyes full of sorrow fixed on me immediately, moving up and down, seemingly searching for injuries. "I'm glad to see you in one piece, there was a lot of turmoil an hour ago, lots of shuttles started, the whole base seemed to be in a flurry."
"There was an attempt to assassinate Aria in her domicile in the Afterlife, they were partially successful as she suffered severe wounds." I was right in the middle of the shitstorm, Grizz and me had a nice little rollercoaster ride to escort her med transport. Compared to that our trip this morning was a weekend jaunt." I recounted the whole story while I got rid of my armour plating.
"Seems you had a terrible day, I guess you are tired and need some rest, so I spare you the story about the thrilling events that came to pass in this room while you were away, unless you need a bedtime story that is."
I couldn't help but smile on that comment. "You're really astonishing, and you know it, right? You just used the kind of humour humans are so fond of as if you never did something else."
She smiled back. "Thanks for the flowers, but you exaggerate. This was unintentionally, it just slipped out."
"Well, if that is true, you just confirmed what I said. Anyway I'd like to have a shower now, guess I'm smelling like wild boar in rutting season."
She raised her left eyebrow inquisitively. "I'm sure I never saw a boar, nor did I smell one, and I guess I won't like it either. So be off with you."
I grabbed some fresh clothes and headed for the shower, eager to get rid of the days remnants. As the warm water streamed down my body I immediately felt refreshed. "Sometimes the simple things are best to get you back on track, anyway I should get some rest, guess the days' not over yet."
I donned my clothes and exited the bathroom. To my surprise the light was dimmed down and Serena was sitting on the bed, her beautiful face wearing a smile. "I thought you cold need a few hours of rest, feel free to turn off the light, I'm tired enough to sleep a little as well. Waiting anxiously not knowing what's going on is taxing enough."
"I'm sorry you've to endure all of this, this was clearly not what I had in mind in the first place."
"Stop apologizing, if not for you I had nothing to bother right now, I would be a dead corpse in the streets of Omega, one more no one's counting. But since you've mentioned it, what did you have in mind?" The questions was accompanied by a mischievous smile.
"I don't have a clue, at that very moment my veins were brimming with adrenaline, time and thought seem to blur, everything's in slow motion except the body."
"Really? I never felt that way, that's maybe what distinguishes a skilled soldier from the common people, I felt only fear and panic."
"Guess you're right, I still feel the fear, but it is not dominating my actions in such situations."
I laid down on the bed and immediately felt the urge to close my eyes and give in to the exhaustion. "Now that I release the tension I feel like being up and running since two days without sleep."
"Then I wish you pleasant dreams, my guardian angel, sleep well."
I wanted to respond something but was carried away to fast as the day took its toll.