A/N: I know this chapter is a bit on the smaller side, but I have a surprise for you all come Wednesday to make up for it.
The usual thanks to Wrex and Garrus. Hope you're all enjoying!
"EDI, I need you and Vega in the war room." Her words were casual as they stepped off the elevator, "Please." She added quickly as they stood side by side while the security scanner passed over them. She almost snorted, how ironic that she had to be scanned on her own damn ship, every time she walked to or from the damned war room. The scanner passed once more before they were waved through, issuing stiff backs and steady salutes as Shepard passed by them.
EDI responded shortly after, notifying Shepard that she had understood before linking into Vega's coms. "James, the Commander has requested your presence in the war room." Her tone was perky, as usual, as her slim form wandered past security, and stood just inside the door, watching her Commander with interest as to why they were called to gather without the rest of the crew.
Vega arrived shortly after, following EDI's lead as the two moved to the holo-table. His shoulders rolled casually as the same curiosity wandered into his mind. It was unusual to not have all of the crew in such a gathering, however he simply crossed his muscular arms over his chest and leaned into the table, elbows propped on its edge, prepared to listen to Garrus as the Turian straightened himself.
"I've called you here to relay specific information about new threats. During my years working as a mercenary, I specifically tracked down a job that had Cerberus's scent all over it. However ever time I thought I was getting close, Cerberus was no where to be found. Not a trace left behind. Its like they completely vanished off the map." Garrus, was cut off abruptly.
"Didn't the commander kill the Illusive Man? Why would Cerberus be around after his death, wouldnt they run with their tails between their legs?" James huffed, a look of confusion on his tanned face as Garrus continued on.
"I thought so too, until something changed my mind. Something like running off would usually take years to sort out, they'd still be struggling to fit in and hide themselves. Instead they just vanished in days, without a trace or clue as to what happened. Something like that takes coordination, but Cerberus isn't the only enemy I've found. Something is brewing inside the blood pack. I'm unsure as to what just yet, but we need to keep on our toes, Krogan or not."
Shepard remained silent, listening carefully to the information that was relayed, and watching the two across from them, judging their reactions to the situation. As much as she wanted to jump in and kick some asses and take names, she knew she couldn't, not without putting her child at risk. That really pissed her off.
"I agree that this raises some questions, however this threat is real." A sigh left her as she shook her head and placed her hand on her face. "On top of Cerberus, the Bloodpack as well! Oh this is just getting better and better." She huffed out, clearly unamused.
"Exactly. None of us is close to being ready to face Cerberus or the Bloodpack alone. I think I can speak for everyone in knowing what needs to be done. It's time to buff up, get the team back together. Prepare ourselves for the worst and investigate further. James, prepare arms and wait for departure. EDI you need to stay a moment, I have a special talk I need to speak with you about privately." Garrus rubbed a clawed hand over his face as James nodded and cleanly executed an about face, striding quietly out of the room.
"Of course, Mr. Vakarian." EDI stood by, eagerly awaiting the task she was to be given. If she said she wasn't curious, she'd be lying.
"Okay, now that we're alone, I'm sure both of you want to know what this private task it. EDI is a specially designed AI that is capable of mass crew analysis and reconnaissance specialties. I'm one hundred percent positive that EDI already knows about the child, Shepard." Blue eyes turned to EDI. "Right EDI?"
"That is correct, Mr. Vakarian." Her words bounced around the room. "I calculated by the stress levels Commander Shepard was emitting, that she wished it to be kept a private matter." She mused, placing a single hand on her hip as her weight shifted.
Shepard's face was priceless, how could she have forgotten! "Oh! Right..!" She flushed as she offered a smile in return, picking at her finger nails out of habit.
Garrus let a chuckle rumble his chest at EDI's reaction. "Well then, this is why we need you. I want to ask you to remain close to Shepard when she is grounded. We cannot guarantee that she wont be in danger on or off the Normandy, and I highly doubt her being alive will remain silent forever knowing Cerberus. Your monitor systems on the Normandy can keep her health in check, however off the Normandy, you're the only one that can scan her vitals at all times, and knowing Shepard, she will need to touch to ground on a regular basis. You up for the task, EDI?"
EDI nodded slowly as Garrus spoke, taking into consideration that she would easily be able to accomplish this. "Of course, Mr. Vakarian. Anything to protect Shepard, and the child."
Shepard sighed in relief as EDI agreed to help, grateful that she would be able to step away from the Normandy at times in the safety of EDI's hands. "It's much appreciated EDI."
"Okay, the rest is just getting the crew together. Remember on the collector ship when we had to walk through the swarm of drones? We can use that concept as an ultimate defense for you. We need Biotics. Liara, Jack, Alenko and Samara are all capable of making a shield around you if shit hits the fan. I think our first course should be finding Liara. Not just because she's a biotic, but because she's also the Shadow Broker. She has top of the line information, and with her help we will be able to clarify the threat a lot easier. After we get the biotics, we'll need fire power and offensive specialists. We need Wrex and Grunt! After we have them, we can gather the others."
EDI remained silent for a moment before she turned to them. "Liara was the first to reply when you had me send out the encrypted messages commander. She sent us her coordinates. Encrypted of course, but I've taken the liberty of decrypting them. Would you like to set course, Commander?"
And EDI was at it again, always on top of things. "Yes, please EDI." She graced them with a smile before turning to Garrus. Grunt and Wrex! Oooh this was going to be great. "It'll be interesting to see how the two Krogans are doing." She chuckled softly as she waved them all forward, heading for the command center.
"Garrus sounded like he was born to lead when he was discussing the plan of action. The scars simply added to the manliness." The mysterious voice echoed around them, causing both Shepard and Garrus to freeze, Garrus flinching slightly. Kasumi uncloaked, a giggle leaving her lips as she stood in front of the pair. "You sly girl! Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant!" Her grin was sly, and mischievous.
"Kasumi! You should know better then to listen in on private matters!" Shepard scolded, but couldn't stay true as a grin crept onto her lips. "You can't tell anyone, not yet. I want every one gathered before its announced." She whispered, sending the woman a wink as she punched the coordinates that EDI provided, sending them to Joker so he could begin preparations.
"Okay, okayyy. I promise I will be a good little thief and keep your secret." Kasumi whispered back, vanishing once more just as she smirked, and bounced off to do whatever it is she did.
"Yeah.. Thanks Kasumi." She grinned, turning to Garrus as he spoke.
"I had no idea she was aboard. I guess we can cross her off the list of people to pick up." His tone held humor in it as he leaned against the railing just behind Shepard, keeping true to his word of not letting her out of his sight.
"We will arrive at the destination shortly Commander. ETA one hour."
"Well.. you do now." She chuckled, turning and gently bumping into him as she moved beside him, mimicking his pose professionally. "That's.. lets see, one.. two.." She counted in her head for another moment before speaking again. "Seven of the crew? Hopefully the rest will be gathered soon." She perked a brow, turning her head toward the com as Joker announced his receiving of the coordinates. "Thanks Joker." She replied casually as she leaned back. An hour to kill, huh.