(Chapter 4: Synthesis)
Hackett had settled down on top of the projection table in the middle of the operation tent, listening to what Garrus and Vega had gathered from their recent run-in with the reapers. Vega climbing down that ladder had given a bit of new insight on the connection between the reaper corpses and their minions. Even though they couldn't quite understand what was the real cause of this docile like behavior present in some of the reaper forces. They knew the crucible definitely had a hand in making this happen, and this could be the small advantage they needed. Especially when they finally decide to move against them.
Hackett tugged at his beard a little, while he closed his eyes, thinking. "…How sure are you, about this behavior…? How do we know this isn't just temporary or a type of tactic on their part?" he expressed his concerns. "We can't assume anything."
"Sir I was this close to one of those things," Vega used the space between his forefinger and thumb to get his point across.
"They could've tore the lieutenant apart," Garrus added. "But they showed no initial hostile reaction. It was as if they didn't take notice of him until he gotten closer, and even then they did nothing to harm him."
"Interesting…" major Kirrahe mumbled to himself, then began to examine the projection image on the table-top. "I think I may have some idea on what's happening. Take a look at this," he zoomed the image out until the camp's entire parameter was within the projection.
"What do you have?" Hackett stood to get a better look at what Kirrahe was up to.
"These two said they were patrolling along the southern barricade."
"Yeah that's right," Garrus nodded. "Me and the lieutenant filled in for a few off duty marines. Then decided to snipe down a few stragglers while we kept watch. That's when Vega noticed something odd about them." The salarian eyes lit up, as he continued to manipulated the image.
"There have been only a small number of serious reports coming in from our southern watches outside this camp," he scrolled the projection and began to circle a few small areas on the map. "These are areas towards the south that have been reported due to hostile reaper activity. The threat is no doubt there, but in limited number," he scrolled the projection once more. "Now look at our watches out in the west," he circled multiple areas this time. "There hasn't been any dips in reaper activity like the south shows."
"So what could be causing the cease in retaliation…?" Hackett observed closer, a bit unsure of what Kirrahe may have figured out.
"The distance for indoctrination," Kirrahe said. "It must have been severely diminished. It has to be what's causing some of them not to react when provoked, they're not receiving proper information or even direction from the reapers."
"What…?" Hackett's brow quirked in disbelief. diminishing, or even tempering with reaper indoctrination signals is unheard of. Could the crucible have actually done something to alter the effects of indoctrination? The crucible was an unknown when they first started construction, and so far it has proven useful. There was no mistaking this device could've had a hand in this as well.
"That's crazy."
"I'm with scars, that's loco," Vega folded his arms, frowning in a questioning stare. "You tellin' me these things aren't indoctrinated anymore."
Kirrahe shook his head. "No, there's no doubt in my mind that they're still under reaper control," he explained. "I'm just saying there's a possibility that reaper signals have been significantly altered or reduced. Meaning indoctrination might not be as strong as it once was. The crucible must've done something to make this possible." Hackett's eyes stayed fixated upon the projection as he began to stroll around the table. He stopped, leaning over, resting his hands on top of the table's surface. He sat silent for a short moment before glancing back up at the major.
"On what basis did you configure this assumption?" Hackett finally spoke. "How do you know indoctrination's been effected…? It could anything."
"True, I don't know for sure. But I can only look at the evidence," Kirrahe admitted. "Our intelligence confirms a downed reaper corpse a few clicks away from the most hostile area in the west."
"So, the closer the enemy is to one of the reaper corpses-"
"The more hostile they'll become," Garrus finished Hackett's sentence.
Kirrahe nodded. "That's my hypothesis."
"Hmm…so lets put it to the test," Hackett proposed. Kirrahe placed a hand upon his chin, his curiosity had peaked a bit.
"What exactly do you have in mind…?"
"Nothing big, but maybe we could organize a small recon unit to help us dig up more information on this situation. And if in fact this does be the case, it could help us in determining how to distribute our troops further."
"Admiral Hackett, sir," Vega stepped forward, coming to stand right beside his superior. "Could I maybe suggest somethin'."
"Anything soldier."
Vega cleared his throat. "I think we should use this opportunity to gather more things we need around this camp. Medical supplies, food stuffs, munitions…the needs of our civilians should come first."
"We could send a second unit along to collect an inventory of items, and help with reconnaissance," Garrus proposed along with Vegas suggestion.
"Good idea scars."
Hackett pondered on the thought for a moment, looking between both Vega and Garrus. "Yeah…" he agreed. "Major, I would like you to put together a small team of research personnel." The salarian nodded. "As for you two, you're in charge of this second unit. They'll accompany unit one, and in turn gather a list of necessary items I'll put together."
"Understood," both Vega and Garrus complied.
"But keep in mind I'm organizing this little venture first and foremost because of what we may learn. Knowing what's actually happening could give us a significant edge in going about salvaging from these corpses for the Sol relay and the citadel. If this is in fact the result of the reaper signals being altered we must know." The three all agreed with the admiral, as he broaden his stance and gave them a nod. "Dismissed."
Garrus and Vega began out the operation tent, but the major remained. He watched as Hackett leaned back over the table and lowered his head, sharply exhaling. It was obvious that everything was beginning to take it's toll on the aged admiral. Being in control of a multi species military operation wasn't as easy as it first sounded, when everyone came agreed he was best suited. After all it was his planet they were stranded on.
"You holding up there…?" Kirrahe asked, as Hackett rubbed the back of his neck.
"As best as I can," Hackett slowly regained his composure.
A small hint of a thoughtful smile crept along the major's face. "Huh…" he sighed. "If we would've listened to you humans in the beginning…"
"It wasn't all humans preaching the inevitable major. The majority of it came from Shepard and his crew. Believe it or not there were doubts on our side as well."
"Regardless, if we took precautions then, we might not be in this mess now."
"True, but fussing about what we could have done differently won't help us either."
Kirrahe nodded. "Agreed," then decided to change topics. "So how will you proceed with Aria T'loak's advice?"
"You mean about Miranda Lawson, the ex-Cerberus agent…?" Hackett asked.
"Uh-huh."
"I've read up on her, and the deep dealings she had with Cerberus. I also know all the details surrounding her and the collector threat."
"So, you're thinking about bringing her in. Maybe to consult with her a bit…?"
"I didn't say that," Hackett clarified. "Cerberus is a huge anomaly now. The death of the Illusive man could've caused some infighting within their organization. Just because the Illusive man has been put to rest doesn't mean Cerberus has. I think it's best to wait awhile before integrating her within our council plans."
"You don't trust her?" Hackett only let out a tired grumble in response. "Well no matter. I owe much to the alliance…Normandy's commander and crew included. So whatever you need don't hesitate to ask," the major turned and headed out the tent as he left the admiral at peace to reflect upon his thoughts.
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"This should be interesting, we're puttin' together our own unit. It looks like more action is coming our way huh scars?" Vega followed behind Garrus out the operations tent, but realized the turian wasn't quick to answer as usual. There was obviously something wrong, and this sudden change in attitude was a bit worrying. "You okay there Vakarian…?"
"Yeah, it's just…this war. It's exhausting," he said. "A few days ago I was just thinking about retirement after this mess, how nice it would be to rest along a beach. Maybe collecting royalties from a movie based upon my heroics, but it seems things get worst before they get better…I'm tired Vega," A long sigh followed his confession. "And I want to be with my family." Vega sat for a moment thinking what he would say as he scratched the side of his head. Simply telling the turian It would be alright, felt like bullshit. Everyone, including himself had heard that line to many times before. He couldn't help but wonder himself will any of them be alright?
"I-I don't know what to say to that man," Vega openly admitted. "When we head out on our assignment, who knows, maybe one of us might become the next meal for one of those cannibalistic pendejos."
"Well that's…comforting to hear," Garrus' eyes narrowed with little amusement.
Vega smirked and put an arm around Garrus' neck, as he sighed. "Yesterday can't change. Tomorrow we might all be dead. Today is what matters scars."
"You heard that little number from Cortez didn't you…? You're not very good at the whole cheering up, pep talk thing are you?" Vega only grinned.
"Hey, hey you guys." A voice called from behind. Vega peaked over his shoulder and quirked a brow as his eyes laid upon the familiar teenager he met only a few days before.
"Hmm, Prangley right…? One of Jack's students," Garrus acknowledged him as well, as he nudged the lieutenant and slipped his neck from his grasp.
"Yeah I remember you," came Vega. "Garrus here saved you and the one with all the tats."
"Yeah my teacher."
"How is she?" Garrus asked.
"She's a bit bummed about the commander, but manages to still find time to kick our asses in small drills to keep our biotics sharp," he stuffed both his hands and his pockets. You could tell by the rough scuff marks along his face and bare arms that Jack has indeed been working him hard. His school uniform was even a bit torn and dirtied as well. But he still wore a smirk as he laughed. "She says it's just basic drills she's running, but I can see she's frustrated."
"You want us to ask her to lay off a little?" Vega guessed.
"No," he said simply. "Ms. Jack is her normal self. When she's pissed like this she spends a lot of time with us. Helping us improve. Doing whatever she can to perfect our talents and make us become better biotics, and at the same time she gets to keep her mind off whatever's eating at her. Truthfully, I like when she's fired up like this, her drills are much more tougher. "
"But…" Garrus prompted. "You obviously came to us for some reason." There was a short pause.
"I feel like it's not enough," the boy subtly frowned as he took his right hand and clutched it tightly. A blue hue soon enveloped it. "You both saw how I was when you came. I was scared, frightened…I was just going to sit there and watch as Ms. Jack got crushed by that brute. If it wasn't for you, well…" he exhaled. "I don't want to just standby anymore," his teeth had grinded together as he glanced up at the two of them. "I want to be apart of the squad you're putting together. I want to help."
Vega's eyes widen. "How did you know-?"
"He was ease dropping," said Garrus.
Prangley nodded. "Yeah, I heard everything and I know what you guys are going to do. I wanna be a part of-"
"No," Garrus shook his head. "It's too risky and besides, we're not responsible for you. We have no say in the matter."
"C'mon scars I'm sure-" Vega tried to protest.
"No," the turain said again. "We have no real idea what's still going on, that's why Hackett is sending out this recon. The recon unit is going in there blind and we're following them to provide support. Having him along could put a strain on that and if Jack finds out, the reapers will be the very least of our worries." Garrus turned around. "I'm sorry."
Vega sighed and placed a hand on Prangley's shoulder. "Garrus is right chico, We can't-"
Prangley pulled away. "I'm not a kid, I need to do this. I need to prove myself." He balled up his fist once more. "I'm a great biotic!" his fist glowed. "I've trained for this kind of stuff!"
"Even so, I can't take that chance," Garrus began to walk off as Vega followed him, leaving Prangley behind.
Both the boy's fist clenched hard as his nails dug into his palms, watching the two walk away. He disliked this feel of being uselessness, as if he was worthless in the eye's of others. He wanted to be as good as the one who's been teaching him, and Prangley couldn't let anything get in the way of that. He already knew what he was going to do.
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Shepard's grip around the child's throat tightened, his nails begun to dig their way into the flesh of his neck. He bore his teeth, as his biotics continued to blaze. Looking onto the small face, that conveyed fear, with his piercing green orbs. But the expression went unnoticed as anger filled Shepard's entire being. For months this boy's been running amidst the commander's subconscious, and for months Shepard's been in tow behind him chasing. Now he'd finally caught him. That same face that was up in the citadel with him as he chose his decision. Trying to convince him his way of thinking was wrong. Who was he to determine the fates of billions, to harvest their lives for his deluded beliefs. He was nothing now, Shepard thought, as he began to squeeze even tighter.
"Would you really hurt what you try so hard to protect, commander Shepard…?" Shepard peered over his shoulder at the sound of the voice. His face could only frown in response, as he glared at the ghostly representation of the child he held within his grasp. "He's not the one you want, I am the catalyst…" he placed both hands upon his chest. "This pain you feel…I think I finally understand-"
"Understand," Shepard muttered, as he relinquished his hand from around the throat of the child he held, redirecting his anger. "You wouldn't even begin to know the meaning of that word. You butchered millions!" Shepard cried out, charging the catalyst head on. But found himself only passing through the apparition, bringing himself to a hasty stop, as his feet slid through the foliage along the forest bed.
"Us fighting will do no good now." Shepard's eyes had widened at the surprising changing of the catalyst voice, as he spoke again. This time it didn't take the tone of the child's as it did before, but of his own. Shepard quickly turned to face him, and as he did so he was confronted with his own persona. As if he'd been looking directly into a mirror.
"What the hell are you?" the commander spat.
The catalyst opened his arms. "What does it look like."
"You're-"
"That's right, you and I are one in the same," his arms fell back to his sides. "This is no dream, no illusion."
Shepard's fists tighten. "How is that possible. You should've been destroyed, along with the reapers."
"And so should you…" he counter, "Along with Harbinger as well."
"Harbinger?!" Shepard brow furrowed. "What are you talking about?"
"The last you remember of Harbinger, it was fleeing. I gave it the order. I was going to upload my programming within it's structure and reside back into dark space. But the crucible had emitted some sort of interference, which made things complicated."
"So how are you here, inside of me," Shepard growled.
"You were my final hope for self-preservation," he looked up at Shepard with the same emerald eyes they both possessed. "I told you, you're partly synthetic-"
"You stole my body?"
The catalyst smiled. "I tried," he admitted, walking closer to the commander. "I was going to try and upload core programming directly into your cybernetics. But you picked your choice before I could finish the process. In turn, both you and I were altered simultaneously, and when I awoke I realized I've found what I've been searching for, every 50,000 years of each harvest." he stretched out an arm and placed a hand in the middle of the commander's chest, feeling the rhythm of his heart beat. "Understanding."
Shepard became a bit alarmed as he moved away from the touch. "You're apart of me…"
"Synthesis," the catalyst said. "The only reason both you and I are alive is because we saved one another. You would have died from the crucible's explosion, bleeding out. But us joining had given your cells a slight regenerating factor, sustaining you," he placed his hand onto his own chest. "Your pain, your memories, your feelings are now mine as well. I finally understand why you fought so hard to try to bring a stop to the calamity I desperately wanted to bring about," he sighed. "Looking at things through your perspective showed me the deep flaws within my logic, within my programming. I-I regret what I've done."
"What does it matter now!" Shepard shouted. "Millions have already died!"
"And more could follow."
"What do you mean, the war is over."
The catalyst shook his head slightly. "As I said, I ordered Harbinger away. It now resides back in dark space with broken fragments of my original core programming. Without proper direction there's no telling what may happen."
"I should just believe you?"
"I can not influence your choices, I can not harm you, because I am you. Both you and I are the same, one entity now. I can only pass on to you my knowledge along with my endeavors, and in return I will finally understand and feel what it means to be organic by living through you. The last leg of your journey for peace we must take together rather you like it or not," he held out his hand, wanting to make amends. "Both you and I strive for the something, let's help each other in acquiring it."
Shepard hesitated for a slight moment, but then took firm grasp of the cataylst hand, and in that instant that famillar reaper siren had blared loudly as before. A bright flash of light had blinded him causing him to shut his eyes, but as he opened them he found himself back within the dark void of space. He glanced at his hands and noticed the bright arua back, sheathing him like once before, along with the high sensations of peace and calmness.
"Understanding…" Shepard's voice echoed thoughout the void, as he smiled softly. "I think I see now…"
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It was starting to get late around camp as the sun begun to go down. Prangley walked through the masses of stationed military vehicles, as he made his way towards the large school building being used to house a number of civilians. He stuffed his hands into his pockets, gazing up at the bright orange and yellows that filled the skies over big Ben in the far off distance. Being denied by Garrus had caused him to become a bit angry as he thought about what transpired. His teeth cringed. I'm not useless, he sighed to himself, I'm one of the best damn biotics here. He continued walking, thinking about that confrontation with the brute and his teacher, how he just stood there. He still couldn't get over it. The way he just froze, his actions were pitiful. His fists balled within his pocket, as he tried to shake the memory from his thoughts.
"Hey, wake up kid. Pay attention!" Prangley snapped from his thoughts, and noticed a large RV come rolling pass with two soldiers outside escorting it. "Watch where you're walking," one of the soldiers said again. "You don't wanna get hit, do you?"
Prangley stopped in his tracks, frowning. "Pfft…Whatever," he mumbled, watching them pass, then began back on his way. He'd made it to the school building, that was a bit rundown from war, and entered from one of the side doors as he nodded to the officer whom guarded the entrance. He started down a hall as he passed others, men, women, children...alians. All huddled, living together. The building was no doubt filled to it's limits. Looking at faces, made him want to do something to at least brighten these people day.
The door he was coming to flung opened unexpectedly, almost hitting him in the face. As an excited Rodriguez came running out. "Hey, watch it," Prangly moaned.
"Oh, sorry," she looked at him.
He held the door opened for her. "Where you goin' so excited like, shouldn't you be getting ready to turn in for the night?"
"No," she grinned pleasantly. "I'm going to assist lieutenant Cortez, help him tune up his shuttle," she placed a hand on her hip.
"Cortez…?" Prangley's brow quirked.
She rolled her eyes. "The Normandy's shuttle pilot, the cute guy who navigated the shuttle that rescued all of us." she expressed her fascination, then moved pass him.
"Wait," he halted her. She glanced back at him. "I need your help with something,"
She shook her head, waving back at him. "Not this time buddy, I've got a date lined up," she winked. "Ask Matthews, I'm sure he has nothing else to do." Prangley huffed taking in Rodriguez's suggestion. Matthews was the most unmotivated students in their class, if it wasn't for Jack's intimidating personality he doubt that Matthews wouldn't do anything biotic related. But he was a guy who could get things done when he wanted to, plus he would never say no to a proposed adventure.
He walked through the door, strolling into the small classroom that housed a few of his classmates. He noticed most of them were just sitting around, speaking with each other, or just practicing with their barriers. His eyes wondered around the room until they came across Matthews, lying on top of a desk. Reading a holo book.
"Hey," Prangley walked over, greeting him.
"Hey," Matthews replied, scratching the fuzz on his chin. Not taking his eyes of what he was reading.
"I wanted to talk to you about something?" Prangley said. "Got a minute?"
"Uh-huh,"
He frowned, irritated at the lack of focus his classmate displayed. But tried to ignore it. "I have something I want to do, and I think it could help a lot of people around here. I was wondering if you would lend me a hand with my small idea?"
"You wanna go off playing hero, is that it?" his classmate glanced up from his holo, mimicking their instructor's words. "You're still beating yourself up over that little incident. You think you need to do something to feel like a big man again, huh," he mocked. "Face it Jason, Ms. Jack is the badass biotic now." he taunted him, wanting a rise.
"Ugh…! Forget it man," Prangley said angrily.
"Wait, wait," Matthews stopped him, chuckling a bit. "I'm just teasing," he said, sitting up on the desk. "C'mon, what ya got for me. What's this idea of yours…?"
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"Shhhh…" Prangley hushed his partner as they sat behind a shuttle, watching as a guard on top of the barricade begun to make his rounds.
"Why did I listen to you," Matthews said shaking his head. "Do you know what you're doing. Your going to get us killed out there."
"Look I've planned it in my head," he took out a map of the area. "If we can get passed this guy unnoticed, and make our way a few blocks a head. We can get to the transport tunnels here," he pointed along the route "Traveling underground, undetected."
"There are still those creatures lurking about, have you forgotten about them?"
Prangley smiled, reassuring his classmate. "Don't worry, as long as we don't wonder off course we'll be fine. I over heard some talking earlier today. Those things aren't as aggressive as they once were. Just ten minutes in and out of the city. We'll fill our packs with things people need and be back here before anyone take notice."
Matthews nodded. "I hope you're right."
"Huh…me too," he smirked, then glanced up at the barricade, noting the guard's absence. "C'mon, now's our chance." They both began to move low within the dim shadows, making sure not to be spotted as they headed towards the ladder that would lead them up on top of the barricade. "Go, go," Prangley whispered to Matthews, whom started up the ladder first, following behind him. As soon as he reached the top, Matthews quickly began to unlatch the second ladder that would lead them down from the barricade and out the camp's parameter. It immediately came undone sliding loose as it slapped against the pavement below. Creating more noise than either of them anticipated.
"Damn it," Prangley expressed, Knowing undoubtedly someone must've over heard. A door opened on the far side of the barricade wall, as a marine appeared, coming to investigate. She quickly noticed the two boys beginning to descend down from the wall and ran over as fast as she could, shouting.
"Hey, you're not supposed to be up here!" Before she could close the distance between them, the two boys jumped from the wall, making their getaway. She looked from atop of the wall and saw the two begin to run. "Hey! Get back here!" she screamed a second time, but they paid her no heed. Not even looking back over their shoulders. The marine pressed onto her ear piece, radioing her subordinates within the surrounding buildings. "Get me some lights up now, we got runners leaving out the parameter!" she ordered.
Multiple search lights suddenly blared down at the streets, tailing the two below. But eventually lost them as they disappeared within the darkness of night. "Captain McKinley, we can't see them anymore," a voice said within her earpiece. "Should we send some men after them?"
A scowl rooted itself deep into captain McKinley's expression. She was put on this shit detail because her leadership was being questioned by her superiors. All because of that stunt she pulled. Putting those biotic children and their instructor in harms why, just to try and secure an outpost that was already overran. She disobeyed a direct order to retreat, and in turn got several of her men killed process. Another slip up would cause her a lot.
"Ma'am," the voice said again. "Orders…?"
"Let them go," she planted her hands on her hips, staring out in the direction the two disappeared in. "Whoever they are, they're dead now…" she tighten her jaw. "We're not wasting anymore manpower, because of two idiots. Let the reapers finish them off," she said. "Everyone get back to work."
"Understood…"
A/N: Thanks guys for reading this far into my story, I hope you're actually enjoying it I've been having great fun writing it. I really want to know how you guys felt about this chapter in particular, it touched on Shepard synthesizing with the catalyst and I know both the catalyst and synthesis aren't very popular in the ME community. I would like to really hear what you think about this and about this chapter as a whole. Your criticism and suggestions would really help me with planing and shaping future chapters. But anyway, I hope you guys are enjoying this story as much as I am writing it so thank you.
Moses out!