Hope everyone is enjoying the story and that things aren't too hard to follow. I know I have a lot of different strings meandering their way through the universe, but they'll all come together at some point. Promise. Feedback is appreciated- I write to improve as much to entertain. Thanks!
"I don't like this," Jondum Bau said laconically as the two Spectres marched casually down an underground corridor. It descended at a gentle angle, carrying them deeper into the depths of Virmire's surface. The walls and floor were a matching, dull gray. The entire façade was nondescript, save for the ceiling which was an amalgam of different rock formations and stalactites. Their footsteps echoed loudly in the confines of the tunnel. There wasn't another soul to be found nearby.
It marked the first time they had been unaccompanied since arriving on the planet. And their purpose now was to meet with Diego Breytenbach in an underground armory in preparation for an operation he had insisted they be a part of. Being 'unleashed' felt oddly liberating to Kaidan, despite the fact that their escorts had merely led them to the tunnel and sent them on their merry way while they waited at the entrance on the surface. There were no branching causeways, or doors to allow for either of the Spectres to slip away and explore. They were told this tunnel would dead end into the armory, where they would be reunited with more escorts. Nevertheless, it felt good to be away from the watchful eyes of their charges and speak freely.
"It's a good opportunity to get a better idea of the layout of this place," Alenko reasoned. "We can sketch out a solid map of the area and maybe do a recce of our own under cover of darkness. All I know is, it's better than sitting in the room or dealing with all the corporate shills they send to take us around on superficial tours of the area."
It had been four days since they arrived on Virmire and for the most part they had been sequestered in a rather lavish suite provided by Mr. Immelman's staff. Any attempts to explore the area were hampered by the obstruction of escorts, who had to be with the two Spectres whenever they left their suite. Certainly the Spectres could have exercised some of their muscle, but to do so based on their claim of being on the planet to investigate refugee treatment would seem unseemly and a bit suspicious. That was something they wanted to avoid.
"Perhaps, but this has nothing to do with refugees nor does it help us with why we're here," Bau argued, uncharacteristically impatient.
"We'll see." Kaidan understood the name of the game well enough; intelligence gathering was a meticulous and sometimes slow-going process. The Council sent them here with a very specific objective, but in order to carry it out they preferred a more delicate touch be applied. The balance of power in the galaxy was askew since the end of the Reaper war. The Council maintained a nominal government and lawlessness had returned to a great deal of sectors that had once been bastions of peace and development. What remained of the Spectres were dispatched to every system that showed signs of needing their services—which left their pool of talented personnel depleted. More than that, they could scarcely count on any backup from Citadel forces wherever it was they tread. Everyone was reeling from the war and fleets had been decimated or scattered. Communications were patchy, unity of command was practically nonexistent, and the logistics and support components necessary to mount expeditionary operations in hostile zones was non-operable. For all intents and purposes the Council races were practically paralyzed. This meant discretion on the part of their operatives. To that end Kaidan would show forbearance and creativity in order to accomplish his mission.
In the armory the two Spectres must have intruded on an argument between Breytenbach and one of his subordinates—a krogan that was furious and extorting his objections over an unknown topic to the corporate security operator. "They killed him! My broodbrother! And we do nothing about it," his booming voice raged.
Kaidan and Jondum stepped inside to see a large and particularly angry krogan standing ominously over Breytenbach, lips peeled back in a nasty snarl. The color of his flesh was reminiscent of burnt wood—like his features were carved from some mighty oak then set alight. He towered over the human mercenary, gazing downward at him with serpentine yellow eyes that belied a ferocity that ran deeper than just the fearsome surface exhibited by all krogan.
Breytenbach did not balk. He confidently met the krogan's gaze and calmly replied. "That is a matter we will handle later. It's out of our hands for the moment."
"Honor demands I seek vengeance upon those responsible," the krogan demanded more calmly. His snarl relaxed into a glower.
"Have I ever given you a reason to doubt my word?"
"No," the krogan grumbled.
"Do you count me amongst your krantt?"
"I do." He was markedly more composed now.
"Then trust me. See to your duties now and believe that I will facilitate your requital at a later date," Breytenbach commanded plainly, eyes still staring up at the krogan—unwavering.
The krogan was silent, contemplating. Finally he spoke. "Fine," he grumbled reluctantly. "But if we do nothing I will remember. And I will be angry."
"Do not resort to veiled threats with me, Rask," Breytenbach said evenly, flashing that familiar smile from before. "You know better. Now, see to your men."
"Sir," the krogan growled. He gave a stiff nod, turned on his heel and stomped off toward the back of the armory where an elevator carried him upward.
Now Breytenbach noticed his newly arrived guests. He turned to face them and flashed another carefree, easygoing smile—seemingly unflustered by what they had witnessed. "Gentleman," he greeted congenially.
"That was interesting," Kaidan observed drily.
"Oh him?" His head glanced at the elevator doors the krogan had disappeared through. "You mustn't judge him too harshly. He is passionate. That is all."
"Passionate?" Kaidan echoed with some doubt.
"Yes. People often say krogan are unreasonable, but I'd argue the contrary. I've certainly got enough experience with them at any rate."
"Who was he?" Jondum Bau queried.
"Jorgal Rask," Breytenbach answered. "One of my troop commanders. Hearty fellow. Very capable. Very aggressive. Usually the assault section leader."
Kaidan nodded knowingly. The armory behind Breytenbach was extensive—a labyrinth of gun racks and weapon cages with every imaginable piece of kit any operator could hope for or desire. There were pistols, shotguns, assault rifles, precision rifles and even heavy weapons. In addition to that there was a station with ample gun-smithing equipment for their armorer to work his trade and keep everything in mint condition. The left wall was an array of different armor pieces, allowing for Breytenbach's personnel to mix and match to their heart's content. The entire underground facility was well-lit by bright white luminescent bars overhead. It was clinical in appearance, tidy and clean.
"Do a lot of assaulting around here?" Kaidan asked after scanning the considerable arsenal that surrounded them.
Breytenbach himself had exchanged his tailored suit from before for a set of impressive medium armor that had an assortment of sustainment pouches affixed to the outside. They were primarily located on a harness around his waist and across his belly. It seemed that whenever the man geared up for war he carried a lot of spare thermal clips and grenades of multiple types. The veneer of the armor was a blend of gunmetal gray and olive drab camouflage- scrapes and old damage was patched over by a talented armorer, perhaps the one they currently employed.
"Major Alenko my job requires a great deal of specificity," Breytenbach explained helpfully. "The application of violence. Specifically—how much."
"Your job is security," Bau pointed out.
Breytenbach smiled. "Ah, the very nature of which threatens the application of violence to would-be trespassers. So on a scale it would rank at the lowest end of the spectrum. But today we will be embarking upon something a little higher on the scale. It is a rare, but important facet of what we do here, gentlemen. If you'll follow me please." He hefted an M-96 Mattock and an instant after he did it broke down into its compact form—at which point he mounted it upon his back. He then proceeded in the footsteps of Jorgal Rask before him and led them to the elevator.
A quick ride up brought them to the surface where the Spectres found themselves on the western edge of an expansive landing platform. A single A-61 Mantis gunship sat nearby. Its engines were spooled up, belching an angry sound that befitted the aircraft. Behind it, arrayed in a wedge formation, were five more ships. Though they had similar fuselages to the Mantis, the underside just behind the cockpit was an enlarged, bulbous compartment built to house perhaps five or six troops in full combat kit. Kaidan recognized the aircraft as a Firefly transport skiff—built for atmospheric troop ferrying—it was a much cheaper option to the Kodiak, as it did not possess an FTL drive and was not capable of exoatmospheric operations.
The second human Spectre could see that four of the five Fireflies were fully loaded with heavily armed troops who sat casually with their legs dangling from sliding hatches on each side of the vehicle. One such heavily armed individual was Rask and he watched them closely as Breytenbach escorted them across the tarmac. Kaidan felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny.
"Pretty impressive little air force you've got here," Kaidan commented, having to raise his voice to be heard over the combined whine of all the ship's engines.
"Indeed," Breytenbach agreed, knowing full well these were not all the assets they possessed. He jogged the last few meters to reach his Firefly, which had an array of antenna jutting out of it as it was outfitted for command and control. The crew chief greeted him and helped him in through the sliding door. The Spectres loaded up a heartbeat later and Kaidan was surprised to see Despina Varo, the turian who had greeted them four days before, sitting insouciantly on the opposite side of the troop cabin. She had also traded in her finely cut apparel for a set of light armor—its design and camouflage similar to that worn by Breytenbach. There was a Krysae anti-materiel rifle resting idly in her lap. If Kaidan had to be honest, the armor and weapon suited her better than the business attire. He held his gaze on her for a few moments, but she only offered a curt nod acknowledging his presence.
Breytenbach snapped a headset on and adjusted the microphone to be nearer to his lips. He spoke a few words into the mic, inaudible to Kaidan, gave a nod and then leaned forward to the pilot. "Let's go." He smiled broadly as the engines roared to life and the Firefly lifted up off the deck. It hovered momentarily then rocketed forward to the south, rapidly climbing as it went. The other Fireflies and the Mantis followed immediately and in short order they were formed up in an impressive formation reminiscent of a flock of geese.
Kaidan leaned in and shouted so he could be heard over the roar of the Firefly's engines. "What are we doing?"
"Our targeting drones have located a pirate enclave some distance away. ISR indicates they are well-armed and organized," Breytenbach replied with his own elevated voice.
"So? You can't take them out with the drones? You have to send in an assault force?" Kaidan inquired.
"Our drones are capable of precision strikes, but this is a larger force. It's more practical to go in and do a hard hit."
"This has absolutely nothing to do with why we are here," Kaidan sternly admonished the mercenary exec as he vigorously stabbed the air with his index finger.
Again Breytenbach smiled. "I don't care. Look, I'm trying to do you a favor and let you see a little of what we do around here. The refugee issue will be addressed soon enough, but that's not my arena. You're a Marine, Major, I thought you'd appreciate a little excursion."
Kaidan frowned. "Fine," he accepted gruffly.
"Then sit back and relax. Have a look at just how well the private sector operates."
Kaidan did just that. He eased back into a fold down jump seat and strapped himself in opposite of Despina Varo. The turian, however, was now assiduously casting her eyes on the surrounding area. He glanced back at Breytenbach who was chattering into his microphone, but the Spectre couldn't tell what he was saying. He was undoubtedly issuing orders to his people and Kaidan wondered just how significant an operation this was going to be. He was disappointed that they were leaving the area; his original plan to scope the layout of the place they were residing and to snoop around in was now fubar. This little outing provided little in the way of expanding his situational awareness and he felt it was just a sad opportunity for Breytenbach to showboat. It was like the old merc had a chip on his shoulder now that he was corporate instead of government. Kaidan resigned himself to the situation and turned his own attention outward, mirroring Varo's industrious scanning.
The surface of the sea was gleaming and emerald colored. There was scarcely any wind and so the waters were calm and almost glass-like. Rock formations jutted from the surface from time to time, breaking up the placid blanket of water that extend almost as far as they eye could see. More distantly there were the familiar volcanic rock foundations and archipelagos that were so common to Virmire's equatorial band. And, more closely, there were flocks of some kind of terrestrial birds that Kaidan could barely make out. He smiled at the sight, never seeing any biotic life on the planet when he previously visited. He remembered the warm waters of that idyllic beach the day Urdnot Wrex had bucked under Commander Shepard's leadership—not wanting to destroy the genophage cure Saren had engineered. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Of course at the time he never had an opportunity to appreciate the tranquil beauty of Virmire as their mission was too important. But he remembered the balmy air, the sound of the waves lapping upon the shore and the fleeting thought of what an excellent place it would be for a resort. And Ashley Williams… what she was prepared to do that day in service of her commanding officer. It wasn't something Kaidan supposed he was capable of. Killing an ally in cold blood; it would not have sat well with him. Fortunately for everyone Shepard convinced Wrex to follow his lead—as he so skillfully did with all those who served under him. But Williams was not so lucky that day…
The mild ocean waters were interrupted by a sandy beach that faded into a thick jungle canopy and Kaidan suddenly realized they were flying over a sizable landmass. After a time the jungle treetops gave way to sand dunes covered with beach grass that swayed gently in the breeze. Further ahead Kaidan could see a prominent mountaintop, perhaps three hundred meters in height. Its slopes curved outward creating a crescent shape and when he strained his eyes he could see an assortment of prefabricated buildings in the shadow of the minor peak, nestled at its base. They sat quiescently in a clearing surrounded by a ring of tropical trees and shrubbery.
"That's our target," Breytenbach called out, having noticed Kaidan's discovery.
The Spectre knew from reports he'd read before his mission that Virmire had once been the target of a survey team sponsored by the Citadel. They had sent geologist, seismologists, volcanologists, botanists, biologists, oceanographers and more to the planet in order to study it for potential colonization. Virmire presented ample potential, but it was far too dangerous to colonize and subsequent raids by pirates forced the survey team to abandon their research. These small research sites were the legacy of their visit.
Before Kaidan could say a word in reply the Mantis gunship rocketed past their Firefly on an attack vector for the enclave. Moments later Kaidan could hear the mechanical whir of its chin mounted auto-cannon as it strafed the buildings. Meanwhile, the other Fireflies split off into pairs, heading in opposite directions of one another. Kaidan's Firefly took up a position orbiting the site from a higher altitude, allowing Breytenbach to coordinate the entire operation. The altitude also gave Kaidan a bird's eye view of things as they unfolded.
The Mantis swooped in low, firing its auto-cannon with deadly accuracy. The huge slugs eviscerated several of the prefabs and suddenly dozens of pirates—some armed and others not—came spilling out of what buildings were undamaged. They fired wildly in the air at the Mantis, but were unsuccessful in making even a scratch as the pilot deftly maneuvered his way through the small arms barrage. He zipped past again this time lobbing rockets into the sandy ground near clusters of pirates. Gouts of sand, mixed with body parts of the dead exploded in all directions as the rockets found their mark. The pilot pulled up hard and banked off to the right. Streaks of gunfire followed in his wake.
Simultaneously the other Fireflies were depositing their charges on the deck. Mercenaries spilled out of the gaping doors on either side of their skiffs and immediately rushed into positions of cover in the nearby underbrush. It only took a few moments for all of them to unload and a few heartbeats later they disappeared from sight into the jungle, doubtlessly marching toward the enclave and using the concealment provided by the tree line to get closer. The Fireflies that had deposited them heaved themselves back into the sky and out of harm's way until the completion of the mission. Kaidan understood immediately the tactic being employed. Vertical envelopment was as old as man's ability to deploy troops via aerial platforms and Breytenbach's people proved to be adept in its execution. They would spread out into a half circle of troops then slowly advance on the target site. Like a noose slowly tightening around the throat they would close in on the enclave, and thanks to the mountain backdrop on the opposite side, cut off all retreat for the pirates.
Kaidan watched the operation closely as the Mantis was careful not to be too wild with its attacks. Instead it came in along coordinated vectors and struck at targets of opportunity that were called out by on-the-ground commanders. Knots of pirates were shattered, anyone that appeared to be a leader was devastated before they could rally the dozens of panicked outlaws, and heavy weapons were obliterated before they could be brought to bear. It was a marvel of combined arms and it was carried out just as well as any professional military force Kaidan had ever seen.
As the mercenaries closed in Kaidan began to see muzzle flashes from the tree lines. Bright spikes of flame stabbed the air from barrels trained on fleeing pirates. The raiders were cut to pieces as they attempted to escape the aerial bombardment brought on by the Mantis as it raced overhead once more, this time not firing, as the ground contingent had closed in. From his place high above it looked like a massacre. The pirates offered no resistance. They were scattered and disoriented and attempting to escape, but the mercenaries offered no quarter. Instead they gunned them down as they scrambled for the perceived safety the tree line offered. Despite being outlaws and murderers it all seemed cruel and unfair to Kaidan, but perhaps it was because of his lofty position far removed from the viscera down below. He knew full well that were he on the deck he'd be just as ruthless in reducing the threat they posed. Yet now he almost felt sorry for them.
The mercenaries easily dispatched the pirates outside then began clearing some of the remaining prefabs. They entered professionally, stacking up in lines of troops outside then moving inside quickly and aggressively. Smoke rose in stacks from small fires that had been started by the Mantis' heavy duty slugs and rocket shots. The dead and wounded were scattered everywhere and Kaidan couldn't see a single merc among them.
Only a few moments later Breytenbach was talking away in his headset, surveying the carnage like Zeus sitting regally upon Mount Olympus, untouchable to the mortals far below. Kaidan regarded him gravely then, seeing him for the dangerous military man he was for the first time. That easygoing corporate façade was just a shell—something that obscured a fierce warrior capable of exceedingly admirable tactical proficiency. He was a leader, he was a warrior and in a way, he was scary. He noticed Kaidan looking at him and flashed that same smile. "Jobs done," he shouted, covering the microphone with a gloved hand. "We can go back now. Rask will settle things here."
Kaidan silently nodded and felt the command and control Firefly lurch to the left as it began its journey back to his lavish suite and suffocating escorts. Before they left, however, Kaidan looked down at the aftermath. To his shock he saw some of the mercenaries corralling unarmed pirates into a line outside some of the prefabs. That, in and of itself, was nothing. But what followed was enough to drop the Spectre's jaw. Once the survivors were lined up, they were forced to their knees and executed by a handful of mercenaries. Kaidan was sure he saw Rask among the shooters, but the distance between his aircraft and the enclave was steadily increasing.
"What's the matter, Major?" Breytenbach asked with convincing sincerity. He must have noticed the expression on the Spectre's face. He was apparently oblivious to what was taking place on the ground below.
"Huh?" Kaidan stammered. He closed his mouth and licked his lips. "Nothing. Nothing at all. Well executed." He decided to keep what he had seen to himself. He wasn't sure if it was something Breytenbach was aware of, encouraged or otherwise. But he didn't want the mercenary commander to know he'd seen it.
"Coming from a Spectre—I'll take that as a compliment," Breytenbach responded with a hearty laugh easily audible over the Firefly's engines. He leaned out the side door with his eyes closed. He basked in the sunlight and let the wind buffet his hair like he was on a pleasant drive to the beach on a warm, sunny day.
On the trip back Kaidan was wondering just what it was he had seen and why Breytenbach had insisted on him seeing it.