A/N: Special thanks to Tayg for reading over my chapter! Your likes, favorites, follows and reviews are always welcome. I thought it was about time to introduce the beings that are Leviathan. Please enjoy and thank you for reading!
Chapter 5: Insidious Plans
Since the end of the war, there was only three of the Leviathan that remained and lived at the bottom of the ocean world. They had watched as others of their kind succumbed to the isolation and died off or had been discovered and harvested. Their minds worked as one when needed, but separation and dormancy had caused each to retreat deep into the recesses of their minds and yearn for what they had lost. They maintained a weak connection out of the necessity for community, but over time each had developed independently. Now their connection needed to be strong and unified as they looked to leave the confines of the water and head back into space.
Supremacy over all… Wrath to challengers… Unity of mind… Leviathan… Krixo… Lesaro… Neresa…
Krixo was the oldest and had been the most powerful of them. To command his kind and the thralls they possessed was addicting. In dormancy, he dreamt of the unity of their minds and in the limitless resources before them. Using what they wanted and discarding what they didn't, taking over worlds and casting their power throughout was now his motivating force. He would focus on controlling the thralls and targeting those in power. Ann Bryson-Vega was one of his favorites and also a link to what would be his human form… Shepard.
Hunger… Power… Control… I am the Ruler…
Lesaro had been the warrior and eager to take on anyone and anything that would be deemed a threat. Hiding in the depths of the ocean for eons and watching as species would rise and fall due to the Reapers harvest had caused the wrath within him to build. The thought of invading and wiping out the krogan made him feel alive again. Krixo's thralls would provide an army and his informants and infiltrators would keep them in power. Lesaro would be free to directly manipulate those that he saw as war supplies. Those like the turians, they had been a threat to the krogan and they possessed fleets that he could command. He would rise first and start the invasion, it was exhilarating.
Fear… Challenge… War… I am the Champion…
Neresa would be the mother to her race. She had survived to birth the next generation of her species. Her eggs had sat hidden deep within the shelter of the many crevices that comprised the floor of the ocean world. The darkness, cold and pressure had been similar to that of space, but provided cover to hide from the Reapers. It was time for her to summon her offspring and allow them to take their rightful place as the rulers of the galaxy. They would be strong and they would thrive again.
Grow… Populate… Instill… I am the Salvation…
When as one mind, Leviathan was focused on the unity of their species. The belief in their supremacy had been unquestioned until the Reapers started their harvest and their kind were the first to fall. This would no longer be true and they would take control of the one that stopped their enemy. They would rise and be feared and those that opposed would be eliminated. They would grow and become strong and they would take whatever they needed or yearned for. Their power would no longer be kept at the depths of a forgotten ocean world. Their numbers would grow, their enemies would fall and they would possess the champion of the galaxy… Shepard.
We are the Ruler… We are the Champion… We are the Salvation… We are Leviathan…
Still taking in the thought of possible indoctrination and the unknown power that Leviathan could have, Commander Shepard, James Vega, and Commander Ashley Williams were all a bit unnerved by the task that lay before them. The information about Leviathan and what its power could do to a galaxy that was in the process of healing from the Reaper War was overwhelming and could cause panic throughout. They would need to be careful when talking with the Council and the Alliance about the potential threat.
When Garrus Vakarian and Admiral Tali'Zorah arrived to the meeting, they found their former crew mates sullen and serious. Garrus and Tali knew that something was wrong as soon as they entered the room. They had been expecting enthusiasm and excitement from the group and were instead met with courteous hellos.
Garrus was the first to speak, "Well is someone going to tell us who died or am I going to have to guess?" He looked around the room to see the grim expressions on his friend's faces.
"Yeah Shepard, we thought there would be some kind of reunion party that we should be ready for. What's going on?" It was hard to tell the quarian's expression, but concern could be heard in her voice.
"Sorry, guys… I am very happy to see you both. We've just received some news that's potentially not good and could have some severe repercussions if it turns out to be correct," Shepard said as she approached her friends and allowed herself to feel happiness at their arrival. She eagerly shook their hands and then found herself engulfed in a hug by Tali that she warmly returned.
Wanting to know what was going on and quick with the sarcasm, Garrus asked the question that he and Tali were both curious to learn the answer to. "So what is it Shepard? What's threatening the existence of all life in the galaxy now?" Garrus didn't like the look on Shepard's face or the lack of humor at his question.
"We think that Leviathan might be up to something… There is some evidence that they're obtaining resources like eezo and getting them through what looks like mind control."
"You mean like what we saw during the Reaper War?" Garrus shook his head as he thought about the mission to find Dr. Ann Bryson and then Leviathan itself. The thought hit him the same time as it hit Tali and they both came to the same question…
"Indoctrination?"
The look on Shepard's face conveyed the seriousness of it all, "It's a possibility. They were the ones that created the Reapers and their mind control sure looks an awful lot like what the Reaper's were capable of."
"Keelah Shepard… What's the plan?" Tali asked.
"Yeah, nothing like taking on a giant squid that can control your mind… Count me in," Garrus added.
Feeling a sense of pride in her friend's immediate reaction to want to help, Shepard laid out the plan to inform the Council and the Alliance and then to take the Normandy to 2181 Desponia to see what actually was going on. I am lucky, she thought. I couldn't ask for better friends or a more loyal team.
Dr. Ann Bryson-Vega had become the Director of the R&D labs that were housed in the Shepard Memorial Center. The main objective of the labs was to study the remains of the now dead Reapers and see what could be learned from them. The hope was that if a threat arose that was anywhere near the scale of the Reapers, that the knowledge learned here could be used to defeat it. Scientists, engineers and specialist from all across the galaxy were stationed to work in the labs and would have access to all sorts of artifacts that were now housed in the vaults of the Memorial Center.
Ann started looking over the various dossiers of her colleges to become familiar with the many teams she would be responsible for. Three in particular caught her eye: Dr. Gavin Archer, Admiral Daro'Xen vas Moreh, and Miranda Lawson. All had been tied to Shepard in some way and all were now part of her team. Why is it important that they were connected to Shepard? What do they know? How can they be exploited? The cold feeling started sinking into her bones again and Ann tried to shake it and her thoughts away. She looked at the time, got up from her desk and then headed to a staff meeting that she had scheduled.
Ann had tried to get a feel for all of the different personalities and specialists that now worked for her, but found herself focusing on Archer, Xen and Lawson. She now found herself sitting at her desk gathering all the information she could find on the krogan. The krogan's history, their planet, the genophage and most importantly, how they had fared since the end of the war and the end of the genophage. She had no idea why she was doing it, only that she was compelled to and that it seemed urgent.
The current krogan government was headed by a very powerful and influential couple, Urdnot Wrex, Chief of the United Clans of Tuchanka and his wife, Urdont Bakara, who was also the krogan's representative in the galactic council. She had briefly met both at the ceremony and knew that they were friends with Commander Shepard. Power hungry beasts… always taking more… expanding past their world… they must be stopped… they must be destroyed…
A knock on her office door brought her attention away from her dark thoughts and to a perfectly groomed and striking woman standing in the doorway. To her surprise and relief, the woman at her door was Miranda Lawson.
The scene that Miranda entered into was one that she was not expecting. Ann's office was comprised of multiple computer terminals that all seemed to be on and being used simultaneously. The woman herself seemed to be preoccupied with some very disturbing thoughts. Her facial expressions were twisted and pained and she had a single trickle of blood flowing out of her nose. Miranda was worried, "Director, are you okay?"
Ann's attention was drawn to Miranda's words and she realized that her nose was bleeding slightly and she had what could only be described as a migraine. She grabbed a tissue to soak up the blood and looked around her office hoping for a clue as to what she had been doing. It appeared that she had been busy at her computer terminals, but she had no memory of working. "Yes, it's just a headache… thank you. What can I help you with Ms. Lawson?"
"Miranda, please," she hesitated and could tell that the director seemed very out of sorts and not quite the same person that she had met only a few hours ago.
Trying to focus and make sense of her blackout, Ann decided to change the questioning to Miranda and her dossier. "You were the lead on the team that brought Commander Shepard back from the dead. If I remember, you used Reaper based technology to create her implants." Yes, ask about the implants… Ann closed her eyes tightly and brought her hands to her temples in an attempt to focus, "Didn't you also take part in Shepard's recovery after the war?"
"Yes, to both questions. I was just checking in. Some people are a little nervous with me around and I thought I would…"
Ann cut her off, "Because you were once an operative for the Illusive Man and a high ranking officer in Cerberus? Yes well, Commander Shepard speaks very highly of you and your credentials are impeccable. If I remember the stories that James tells, you stood up to the Illusive Man and left Cerberus."
"You could say that we had a falling out, yes," Miranda offered.
"Well Miranda, that all is in the past and I think that you will have a lot to add with all of your knowledge and I look forward to working with you," Ann got up from her seat and offered Miranda her hand which Miranda gladly accepted.
She seems sincere, but I wonder what I walked in on? Miranda offered a small smile to Ann. She couldn't put her finger on it, but there was something that she both liked and found disconcerting about the woman.
"Welcome to the team, Miranda… and by the way, it's Ann." For whatever reason, Ann immediately took a liking to Miranda.
"Thank you… Ann," Miranda said as she left Ann's office.
Ann looked at the time and realized that she needed to be heading to the restaurant to meet her husband and Shepard and Liara for dinner. When she thought of Shepard, she felt as if she needed to tell her something and just could not put her finger on what it was.
At the conclusion of the meeting and hoping to lighten the mood a bit, Ashley provided a tour of the newly improved Normandy. The tour had been a welcomed distraction to all. The ship had been remodeled to include more than just stealth and upgraded weapons, but it had also been designed to be more comfortable for the crew and visiting guests. There were more areas for the crew to congregate, relax and train. The quarters were also bigger and to the crew's cheers, they even had access to showers. There were also suites for special, usually high ranking guests that looked out onto space.
Shepard realized that the Normandy that she had commanded no longer existed, although there were still areas that were familiar and untouched by the upgrades. The ship as a whole had become more showy and formal then when it was her home. This is Ashley's ship now.
"Those cannons look in desperate need of calibration," Garrus couldn't help noting. "You know Commander Williams… I would be happy to work my magic on them."
Ashley and Shepard both laughed. The comment was so… Garrus. "It would be my pleasure to have you calibrate away Garrus," Ashley said while still laughing.
Eager to add her own talent to the conversation, Tali offered, "I bet I could increase the efficiency of the drive core too. Those engines could use some fine tuning."
Listening to the comments of her friends, Shepard couldn't help but smile. They face the mission the same way they always do… with humor and seriousness all rolled together. It seemed that no matter what they faced, they were always focused on their specialties and looked for ways to contribute and improve whatever situation they were thrown in.
They were now all back at the exit of the Normandy. Each had a goal and purpose and knew that they would soon be together again for another potentially dangerous mission, that is all but James.
Commander Shepard and James Vega both departed the Normandy to meet up with their spouses for dinner, while Garrus and Tali headed off together. All had agreed to prepare and meet back at the Normandy as soon as the Council and the Alliance had been briefed and given the go ahead.
Shepard couldn't help but to notice how quiet James had been since the talk of Leviathan and possible indoctrination started. "How are you holding up?"
"I want to talk to Ann… find out what is going on with her." James paused and looked fiercely at Shepard, "The thought that something might be using or controlling her is making crazy Commander. I feel helpless enough already with the pregnancy, but now this too."
"I know James… and you can count on us to find out what's going on. Ann will be okay." I hope she will be okay, Shepard thought to herself.
Shepard had left thinking about the possible threat that Leviathan could be and also of how to break it to Liara that she was going to fly off on the Normandy without her. She's not going to be happy me and neither is Aethyta. They will understand, I hope.
When Shepard and James arrived at the restaurant, they found their spouses seated and engaged in a conversation that was making them both breakout in laughter. James looked over at Shepard with a funny expression on his face, "Commander, do you think they're laughing about us?"
"Probably James," Shepard said as they approached the table and seated themselves.
Both Liara and Ann were wearing guilty expressions as they greeted their partners with a kiss. Shepard added a quick hug and took her place next to Liara, "Do I even want to know what you two are laughing about?"
Liara shot Ann a quick glance and then answered, "No, dearest… you probably do not." This caused another few chuckles from both Ann and Liara.
Shepard shook her head and smiled warmly at Liara, she would let her have her fun. She instead addressed Ann, "It's good to see you again and congratulations on the baby."
Blushing slightly, Ann beamed at the mention of her pregnancy, "Thank you. We are both very excited. Has James told you? We're having a boy!"
Shepard gave a nod to James, knowing that he must be very excited to be having a son. Secretly though, Shepard thought it would be even funnier to see him holding a little girl all dressed up and in pink.
The dinner was relaxing and the couples got along well. Ann and James appeared to be happy and eagerly anticipating the arrival of their son. Shepard had tried to identify signs of indoctrination, but was not successful at it. To Shepard, Ann just seemed to be the woman that she remembered but now pregnant and content. Her position at the R&D lab was obviously something that she took almost as much pride in as her family. Ann had seemed interested in both Liara and Shepard and had asked many questions of them, but nothing that made Shepard concerned. Maybe James is just worrying for no reason.
They were finishing up and getting ready to say their goodbyes when Ann brought out a delicate looking necklace. It appeared to be made from silver with a chain holding a pendant. The pendant was housed in silver and reminded Shepard of an ocean, it was beautiful and almost mesmerizing. Cold, darkness… Shepard shook off the thoughts.
Ann offered the piece to Liara, "Your knowledge of Prothean artifacts and interest in their history is well known. I found this necklace in some of the stores in the vaults and thought that it would be something that you might appreciate."
Not quite knowing what to say, but very interested in the necklace, Liara took the offering. "Thank you Ann, it is very beautiful." She looked over the gift and realized that the metal it was created from wasn't silver, but that of Prothean design. Liara had seen similar constructed artifacts in her own collection, but nothing like the pendant. Liara went to wear it, but was stopped by Shepard.
"It looks very delicate and rare, love. Maybe you should add it to your Prothean display that will be on Thessia instead of keeping it for yourself." Shepard got a very uneasy feeling about having Liara wear the object, but didn't want Ann or James to know of her concerns. Shepard watched Ann's expression as she stopped Liara from placing it on her neck and was worried when she saw something almost evil overtake her features momentarily.
"Of course you are right Shepard, this would make an amazing piece to display and I would hate for anything to happen to it." Liara was not really convinced of her wife's motives, but also trusted her instincts. She instead carefully wrapped up the necklace and placed it in her purse.
The couples said their goodbyes and then made their way to their respective homes.
Liara and Shepard walked quietly together, hand-in-hand. They both were content to just be with each other and enjoyed taking in the scenery of the recently rebuilt section of London. Once they got to their apartment, they headed for the changing area and started getting ready for bed. That was when Liara took out the necklace and started looking at it again.
Seeing the necklace reminded Liara of Shepard's strange reaction to it, "Why did you actually stop me from putting this on at the restaurant?"
Shepard turned away from Liara so she could not see her face, "There's something not right about it and I'm a little worried that it came from Ann."
Liara looked at her partner quizzically. She knew that Shepard was not jealous, but still didn't understand her reasoning."What exactly do you mean by that, love?"
Not knowing where to start and afraid of where the conversation would take her, Shepard remained silent for a few minutes trying to gather her thoughts. She turned back to Liara, this time tough the worry on her face was something she couldn't hide, "Do you remember when Aria was talking about her missing shipment and the condition of her mine on Watson?"
Liara nodded but remained silent so that Shepard would continue with her explanation.
"I think that Leviathan might be behind it and from what James was telling us today, it sounds like she could be under its influence again. You remember that it used orbs to take control of people, well I'm concerned about the actual history of that pendant… do you think it is actually Prothean?"
Liara looked at the pendant and felt compelled to keep looking at it. She forced her eyes closed and then looked at Shepard, "No, I don't think it is Prothean. Why would she give me this?"
"Think about it Liara, Leviathan was interested in me when we first encountered it. What better way to get to me then through you?"
A panicky feeling swept through Liara. Without a second thought, she reached for her omni-tool and quickly erected a force field around the object, "EDI used this in Dr. Bryson's lab to house the orb and keep Leviathan from exercising its influence over people."
"Don't you think we should destroy it?" Shepard hated the idea of having the thing in her home.
"No, we might need it. It should be contained within the field and not able to be used by Leviathan, if indeed it is from Leviathan," Liara didn't want to think about the consequences of the creatures return.
Shepard approached her wife and pulled her into an embrace. She kissed her forehead and gently stroked her cheeks, hoping to soften the blow as she revealed her plans. "I love you Liara." She looked into her wife's blue eyes and continued, "I have to go back to 2181 Desponia and see what Leviathan is up to."
There it was the panic and the icy feeling of loss. Liara stepped back from Shepard, "What do you mean you are going to see what Leviathan is up to? We are going to be heading back to Thessia for the opening of the Prothean wing of the Serrice Museum… that is going to be what we are going to be up to."
Shepard could see the fear and anger in Liara's expression. She hated hurting her and disappointing her, but she needed to do this and she absolutely did not want to put her into any potential harm. She thought quickly and tried to lighten the mood of her wife. "Yes, well about that… I was thinking that it might be nice for you to go with Aethyta. I know that she is planning to attend along with some of the councilors and it would give you some time together."
Liara wore a very pained expression on her face, "What are you thinking… that I would just happily go off to Thessia while you go put yourself in danger? I remember the last time you were exposed to Leviathan. It wanted to make you a thrall and wait out this cycle's harvesting. Do you really think that I would be okay with that?"
"No, but I don't want you and our daughter to be at risk. Liara, you mean everything to me… you know that. I don't really want to jump back into action either, but if there is any chance that Leviathan is indoctrinating people, I need to know."
The word indoctrinating did not sit well with Liara, "And why does it have to be you?"
"Because…" Shepard paused, thinking exactly what to say to her wife. Why does it have to be me damn it? Because it has to be… I've seen what they can do and I know that I am a threat to them and they know it. She looked at the expression on Liara's face and saw the dread and heartache. She knew that Liara's greatest fear was being left behind and having to deal with her loss, again. "I can stop them Liara."
Feeling like she could equally cry and use a singularity to knockout her wife, Liara stormed out of the changing area. Her heart hurt and the thought of Shepard leaving now was something she didn't want to have to deal with. We going to be parents in just a few months and Shepard is supposed to be there for the birth of our daughter. She collapsed on the bed and let herself cry.
Not knowing what to do, Shepard quietly followed her wife to their bed. I am a disappointment, but I have to go… "I'm so sorry Liara," was all she could say.