Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect
Mass Fiction
Episode 13: The Dirty Dozen
"Let's go finish this," Miranda said turning to Shepard, who nodded as Tali began to activate the platform.
The rest of the ground team had begun to check their weapons after Shepard's speech, preparing for whatever was about to come through that door. All but one who had been debating with herself if she should say something to the two people she could even call friend before they headed into the squints. It was stupid and weak, but eventually reason was abandoned for madness.
"Hey," Jack shouted getting not only the attention of the two on the platform but everyone.
Jack realized quickly the situation she was now in. It didn't seem like such a big deal before, but with all eyes on her, she baulked at the idea of saying what she had intended. She had wanted to tell them what they meant to her. What they had done for her whether they knew it or not. That they had saved her from herself, that they had given her hope. She wanted to tell them so much, but not today.
"You two…watch your asses out there," Jack said awkwardly garnishing either curious looks or a few nods of agreement. "You are such a chicken shit fucking coward," Jack thought scolding herself, "now they're looking at me, need to salvage this."
"Oh and cheerleader…"
"Yes," Miranda asked quirking an eyebrow.
"Fuck you," Jack said smirking.
"Charming," Miranda snorted rolling her eyes as the platform pulled away.
Jack headed towards the barricades leaving those who had been watching puzzeled as to what had gotten into the convict.
"What the hell was that about," Garrus asked Zaeed as he watched Jack stomp off.
"Fuck if I know," Zaeed said shaking his head, "probably how the crazy bitch says good luck."
"Bah, human females are frustrating to comprehend," Grunt said lumbering over, "I don't know how your kind understands them."
"We don't," Zaeed said laughing, "but the second we do I'll let you know pup."
"Something you wanted Grunt," Garrus asked as the Krogan paced back and forth in agitation.
"Orders," he said turning to face the Turian.
"Orders huh? Didn't know that Shepard had left me in charge," Garrus said smirking.
"You lead our team down into this pit, it's only right that you lead our defense of it," Grunt said with a nod.
"Taking orders from a Turian three times in a day? That doesn't seem very Krogan," Garrus teased.
"You're part of Shepard's krantt, my krantt. My battle master has deemed you worthy of command. I do not dare challenge his judgment," Grunt said seriously.
"Well I…thanks Grunt," Garrus said surprised.
"Don't read too much into it Garrus. If not for Shepard, you would be no different to me than any Turian," Grunt snorted.
"And what is that?"
"Dead," Grunt said grinning.
"I guess I can live with that," Garrus said sighing, "although I'll have to let the other Turian's know at the next meeting."
"Yeah I guess you…wait…you guys have meetings," Grunt asked confused.
"It's a joke Grunt," Garrus said trying not to grin.
"The tank doesn't mention Turian's joking," Grunt said in all seriousness.
"Yeah, we're only allowed to if you get a special permit. But don't worry about that, I'll give out assignments in a minute, just get ready to shoot."
"Oh…okay," Grunt said heading off mumbling about joke permits.
"Don't fuck with him like that," Zaeed said slapping Garrus's arm, "you know how he is."
"What? I can't have a little fun before we face insurmountable odds," Garrus said shrugging.
Looking around, he began to think of line formations in his head, where to place people and how best to use their strengths. For now though, he would give them a few more minutes to prepare and in some cases say their peace.
"Arashu, Goddess of Protection, grant that my mind be focused, my body protected and my spirit cleansed. And should the worst come to pass, grant me the peace of Kalahira's oceans."
It was the mantra that Thane had begun to say since Shepard had departed. Normally he would have prayed to Amonkira, but he was aware of the severity of the situation they were in. Shepard had seemingly accomplished the impossible by leading them here, but there was still much to be done and no guarantee yet that they would leave unscathed. Thoughts of Shepard interrupted his prayers as he considered the man who in a short time had become someone who he could trust with his life. Up until now that list had included but one and she had passed on for some time.
Looking around, it might have seemed strange to find so many different individuals joined together by a common goal, or more accurately, a single man. It spoke volumes to the kind of charisma Shepard possessed where bitter enemies and rivals could stand side by side for him. Through him they had become more than a collection of warriors, rogues and soldiers, they had become a team, a band of brothers.
Thane's musings were interrupted by a hand on his shoulder, shaking his head as he turned to find Jacob behind him.
"Sorry if I'm interrupting," Jacob said with a small smile on his face, "but if it isn't too much trouble…do you think you could put in a good word for me?"
"Of course," Thane said with a nod, a ghost of smile on his own lips.
Kasumi who had been watching from across the way couldn't help but smile as she checked her Locust one last time.
"I'm glad those two finally buried the hatchet," Kasumi said as she slid her gun onto her back.
"Yes," Samara said taking a few deep breaths, "working with Shepard has a way of shattering preconceived notions."
"Will you be okay," Kasumi asked concerned, "that trip through the seeker swarms seems to have taken a lot out of you."
"I will be fine," Samara assured her, "though I exerted quite a bit of energy, I am more than ready for what lies ahead."
"That's good, I didn't want to have to carry you out of here when we leave," the thief said grinning.
"You're optimism is refreshing, it is one of the many things I find fascinating about your species."
"We have Shepard and each other; how can I not be optimistic?"
"While your faith in Shepard is well founded, I know that our odds of survival are still small. With Mordin extracting the crew and Shepard and his team gone, that leaves only nine of us. We may find ourselves vastly outnumber with no hope of escape."
"You don't seem very worried about that."
"I had come to grips with my own mortality a lifetime ago. My greatest concern since then was living by the code and trying to do what was right. At times it seemed that those goals were opposed to one another as I have had to do terrible things in the name of the code. For four hundred years I have fought for justice and to protect the innocent. If I were to fall here, then I will have died with honor."
"My people have an old saying. 'The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour'. I never really gave it much thought when my grandmother used to lecture me with it, but I think I understand it better now."
"It never ceases to amaze me the wisdom such a young species as yours possesses."
"You're not too bad yourself," Kasumi said grinning, "I'm glad we became friends."
"I am grateful as well," Samara said with a small smile, "if this is the end, I'm glad I am not alone."
"Hey none of that. We'll be…"
"Warning! Vakarian-Officer, we have detected three dozen life signs gathered outside the doors. Our firewalls on the control panels will be bypassed shortly. Estimated time of breach…three minutes," Legion blared.
"Alright people this is it," Garrus shouted, "I want Jack, Jacob and Samara spread across our formation. Jacob take the left, Samara the center and Jack the right. Anything walks through that door, you hit them with biotics. The rest of us will pair up and back up one of them. Grunt and Kasumi, you're with Jack. Thane and Zaeed are with Jacob, Legion you're with me and Samara."
The orders were acknowledge through nods, a roar and one affirmative as everyone got into position. Garrus unfolded his sniper rifle, taking a moment to look over the names carved into it.
"No more names…not today," Garrus told himself as the doors lurched open.
No time for pleasantries, got to get the last chapter written, read and review people.