Krogan DMZ
Dranek System
Dor
Pildea Station
Pildea station was the headquarters for patrol ships from the Council Demilitarization Enforcement Mission (CDEM), situated at the trailing Lagrange point of Dor. The CDEM logs all ships passing through the Krogan Demilitarized Zone, and has the right to board and search them for contraband at any time and for any reason. There are no exceptions; at points over the last two centuries, diplomatic incidents have been caused when the patrol frigates boarded an Asari hospital ship, a Batarian diplomatic courier, and even private-owned Volus "tramp" freighters.
These measures are provided for under the terms of the Krogan armistice. While the Krogan were allowed to retain their government and personal weapons, any attempt to provide starship-mounted weapons to the clans on Tuchanka is punishable by law. Nearly a millennia after the war ended, the official penalty for smuggling weapons of any make is still death by spacing.
The Turian Admiral by the name Lantar Sitosis was looking out the window of Pildea Station. The ships in the DMZ were packing up and leaving under the agreement the Council made with the OSA Senate. Lantar was not happy at all with this, he showed it in the mess when the report came in he slammed his plate of food at a wall angry that the Council gave in to the demands of the OSA.
As he was contemplating on the disaster of letting the Krogan roam free without the DMZ keeping them in check, a Turian in grey armor with the rank of Major walked up to the Admiral's table. "Admiral, we are on schedule; all ships in the Krogan system have begun leaving. Also, the shroud facility has been destroyed as per the request from the Salarian dalatrass, but sir may I ask what do we do about the bomb we placed on Tuchanka?"
The Admiral had an evil grin on his face. He looks at the Major "We leave it where it is."
The Turian was confused. The Admiral then explained. "This whole agreement will only come back to haunt us. The Turian Hierarchy believes that the Krogan will ask the OSA for a cure to the Genophage, which will make them expand again. The Hierarchy wants to make sure we are ready for when that the time comes."
The Major then asked "What if the OSA finds the bomb?"
The Admiral shook his head. "I doubt it. They maybe advanced, but the bomb is shrouded by the radiation from the nuclear holocaust created by the Krogan so I doubt even their most advanced sensors can detect it. And enough of this talk; prepare to destroy this station when we leave, I don't want it falling in the hands of the OSA or the Krogan." The Admiral then left for his ship.
In space, the Turian fleet left, but not before activating the self-destruct on Pildea station.
UNSC Normandy
Comm. Room
EN-Route to Noveria
On Board the Normandy Shepard was looking over the information the Shadow Broker provided them on Saren and his investment at Noveria. As he was reading the Yanme'e engineer on the Normandy walked in the comm. Room as per Shepard's order. Shepard turned around and welcomes him "hello Khezz Hishi, I'm glad you came."
The Yanme'e engineer nods his head "I am honored to be here. What may I help you with?"
Shepard waved his arm signaling for the drone to come over. The Yanme'e walked over to Shepard looking at the holo table as he started pressing buttons and brought up an image of Noveria along with the Yanme'e flotilla. Khezz was surprised to see Yanme'e ships over the planet. He looked to Shepard for answers.
Shepard began to explain. "About an hour ago a flotilla of Yanme'e ships jumped into the Pax system and headed straight to Noveria. They sent a message to the corporations demanding to free the Queen they have captive, if they don't then they will bombard the facilities down there. I need to know why the Yanme'e are acting this way."
Khezz just scratched his head confused. "The Yanme'e wouldn't do this unless ordered to by a Queen."
Shepard had a sad look on his face. "there is a Queen on the dreadnought. She was heading to an OSA colony in the traverse, making a deal with the governor of that colony. Then all of a sudden the Queen orders the ships to head to Noveria, nobody knew why she was acting this way. I have been assigned to calm her down and try to get the flotilla away from Noveria before both sides start killing each other."
Khezz shook his head. "I don't know what to tell you, except that when one of our Queens does something sporadic they won't stop until it's finished."
Shepard nodded his head at that—if something wasn't done, blood would be spilled. "I'm aware of that. I need your help to convince them."
Upon hearing this, Khezz shook his head frantically. "Now hold on Commander, I am just a drone who works on engines!"
Shepard wasn't going to have any of it, so he grabbed the Yanme'e by the shoulders and shook him to serenity. "No you're not. You're a Yanme'e who doesn't want to see his people get killed when this can be resolved peacefully."
But before anyone could say anything else Joker came on the comm. "Shepard we just dropped out of the Pax relay and are heading to Noveria. You should get up here."
Shepard and Khezz headed to the bridge.
Horse Head Nebula
Pax System
UNSC Normandy
Bridge
Shepard and Khezz made it to the bridge; from there Equinox brought up the flotilla, getting their weapons ready. Shepard acted quickly while studying the display. "Joker, get us between them and the corporations."
Joker complied by taking the Normandy in between the flotilla and the planet. When that happened, the Yanme'e immediately fired a warning shot above the Normandy. Shepard wasn't intimidated and ordered a comm. channel to the flotilla. Equinox did as he was told and an image of a Yanme'e came up "Commander Shepard I presume? We have been expecting you."
An unimpressed look had crossed his features as Shepard just crossed his arms together "If you were expecting me, why did you fire a warning shot?"
At that, the Yanme'e made an equivalent of a smile. "Just because we are allies does not mean that you can interfere in the affairs of another species."
Shepard remained the way he was and leaned forward. "If it causes an incident between the OSA and the Citadel, then it's my job to step in and stop it." Shepard took his hand and massaged his forehead; he was getting a headache, so he needed to make this quick. "May I speak to the Queen in charge?"
The Yanme'e hesitated for a second "Please wait a moment, I'll get her on line now." As Shepard and company were waiting, Equinox appeared on the bridge "Commander! Noveria's executive board is demanding to speak with you."
Great! Just what he needed! Shepard had no time with them. "Just patch them through to Garrus. Spectre's are about the only thing they respect around here." Equinox understood and transferred the call to Garrus.
After waiting three minutes for the Yanme'e, there was finally a response. "The Queen will meet with you onboard her ship to begin talks." The Yanme'e disconnected the comm. leaving Shepard and company to think about their next plan.
Joker turns his chair around. "So Shepard, what's your game plan when confronting the Queen?"
He finally felt the vestiges of his migraine starting to dissipate. With that, Shepard relaxed and looked at Joker. "I don't know, I never met a Yanme'e Queen before; I've only heard about them. The only thing I can think of is that I just have to play it smooth on this one and convince the Queen that it would be a bad idea to attack Noveria. Any ideas on how?"
Equinox answered this one. "I recommend you take Toha with you. The Sangheili have had longer experience with the Yanme'e then you humans do; and for good measure, make sure you take Khezz with you to show that you're friendly with the Yanme'e, even the ones on the Normandy."
Shepard nodded his head. Now he was ready. "Thanks Equinox, hopefully showing the Queen that I have a Yanme'e as an engineer on my ship will let her trust me more so we can end this." He then turned his attention to the pilot. "Joker, get the shuttle ready for us." With that, Shepard and Khezz head towards the elevator and from there to the cargo bay.
Horsehead Nebuala
Pax System
Space
Shuttle
The Normandy shuttle glided through space heading to the dreadnought. On board the shuttle Shepard, Liara, and Khezz were sitting on one side, while Wrex and Toha were sitting on the opposite side of them. As the shuttle continued its course Wrex made his irritation known in the form of a question. "Why the hell am I going to see a bug?"
Oh, he was not going to take this. "That 'bug' is my Queen," said Khezz, glaring at Wrex, "show some respect or I will kill you with my bare hands."
Wrex just chuckled at that. "I'd like to see you try, bug!"
But before Khezz could say anything else, Shepard stopped him "Wrex, Khezz that's enough from both of you." Khezz wanted to object but remain quiet. Wrex turned his attention out at the window.
When Shepard noticed that the two had calmed down he relaxed in his chair, he turned his attention to Liara. Upon seeing her discomfort, Shepard decided to try and relax her. "Liara you seem tense."
Liara looks at Shepard startled by what he said. She tried to relax "I'm sorry, it's just that I've never met a Yanme'e Queen in person before…I'm just worried about how I should present myself."
Shepard just chuckled at that. "You don't have to worry about looking good. I on the other hand do, because I have to get the Queen to change her mind about attacking Noveria."
Liara was shocked to hear that. "I'm glad I don't have to do that."
Shepard was about to say something until the pilot came on the intercom. "We are about to dock in the hangar bay of the dreadnought." Frustrated by the interruption, he prepared himself to meet the Queen.
Yanme'e Dreadnought
Queen's Chambers
When Shepard and company got off the shuttle they were immediately surrounded by the Yanme'e, and the captain of the dreadnought told them to remove their weapons. Shepard, Liara, and Toha did as they were told; Wrex was a little hesitant, but Shepard convinced him to do so and they were lead throughout the ship straight to where the Queen was. Along the way, Liara commented on how the Salarian's compared the Yanme'e to the Rachni, but Wrex just laughed at that notion saying how his people could just squash them like they did the Rachni.
After a few minutes they finally reach the Queen's chambers. The room was a huge dome-shaped room, where there were plants and water around the Queen, as well as Yanme'e workers tending to her. Shepard and Khezz were allowed to come closer to the Queen as they did Shepard saw what a Yanme'e Queen looked like she was extremely large, with elongated abdomen, wings, eyes, fangs and spindly limbs. As Shepard stared at the Queen, Khezz began to kneel and bow his head towards her.
Liara had no words to speak of when she saw the Yamne'e Queen; only what came to her mind was how she can leave this ship without getting stuck.
Wrex on the other hand was not impressed on the size of the Queen. But he did think of how awesome it would be to bring back her head to Tuchanka to show off to the other Krogan.
The Queen began to speak. "Commander Shepard! Has the OSA Senate sent you here to stop me?"
Shepard put on his serious face and stepped forward. "Your majesty, I thank you for allowing me to come aboard and yes the Senate did send me to try and dissuade you from attacking Noveria."
The Queen does not change her composure. "I am afraid I cannot do that until the Queen down there is released."
Shepard was confused and he needed answers. "Your majesty I was not aware a Yanme'e Queen was captured."
The Queen shook her head upon hearing this. "This Queen is not Yanme'e."
"Then how do you know there is a Queen down there?" asked Shepard
The Queen thought back. "I can't explain it with words; but when I was at an OSA colony negotiating on payment for Yanme'e workers, something came over me like a sickness—only it wasn't pain but sadness I felt, I took my flotilla and head to where it originated and came to this world to seek out the sad Queen."
Shepard tried to make sense of all this, and found a compromise. "Your majesty, if you will allow it, I will personally go down there and investigate your claims, as long as you move the flotilla away from the planet."
Toha then moved to where Shepard was and bowed before the Queen. "Your majesty, my grandfather was around during the time when the Covenant recruited the Yanme'e. And in that time a Yanme'e saved my grandfather—he owed a personal debit to your people, but never completed it, and so I will personally go down there myself and kill all those who stand in my way to repay his debt."
Khezz then added his own thoughts. "My Queen, you can trust Commander Shepard. When he says he'll do something he will do it and finish it."
The Queen thought about it for two minutes, and finally came to a decision. "I will give you twelve hours to find the Queen, and no further. If we are forced to wait any longer, this world will burn."
Shepard nodded his head in gratitude. "Thank you your majesty, I will leave immediately."
As Shepard and company was about to head back the Queen noticed Liara and stopped them; this caused the guards to pull out their plasma pistols and aim it at that.
Shepard immediately turned to the Queen. "What's the meaning of this?"
The Queen felt agitated. "You did not tell me that you are accompanied by an Asari." she said as she pointed to Liara and everyone looked at her. Shepard stood in front of the Queen, making reassuring gestures. "Liara is here because she wants to be and she is part of my crew no matter what her origins are."
The Queen relaxed a little. "We shall see…come here child."
Liara was very scared, even more scared than when the Geth attacked her back on Therum. She looked to Shepard for advice, who simply took her by the hand and guide her to the Queen. But just as he was about to get close, a Yanme'e soldier stopped him and took Liara the rest of the way. When Liara walked up to the Queen it showed how big the Queen was compared to a regular-sized person. The Queen just dominated Liara in size.
The Queen lowered herself to face Liara. "This will not hurt for a second."
But before Liara could wonder what she meant, everything went dark and Liara appeared in a room face to face with what looked like a female human, but skin color green, with dark green hair, along with wings attached to her back. Liara looked around and one thought dominated her mind:"Who are you and where am I"
Liara's Mind
The female creature did not respond immediately, but walked to a mirror and began touching her face while looking at herself with those black eyes. "You mean you don't know?" asked the female creature while still looking at herself.
Liara thought it over for a few seconds and came to a conclusion: "If I had to guess, we are inside my mind. As of now, the big question is 'how is that possible?'"
The creature stopped looking at herself and walked up to Liara. "I brought you here." Upon hearing that, the Asari scientist only had a confused look on her face…who was this woman? "I am the Yanme'e Queen you met a moment ago."
Liara placed her hands over her mouth—she was shocked beyond belief. "By the goddess! I was not aware any species in the OSA had this ability."
The Yanme'e Queen walked over to a statue of an Asari and studied it. "My fellow Queens and I are the only ones in the OSA that can do this, not even our Yanme'e workers or soldiers have this ability."
Liara walks over to where the Queen is and looks at her from top to bottom. "Why are you in this form and not your true form?"
The Yanme'e Queen looked at Liara with an amused smile on her face."When we enter someone's mind or allow them to enter ours, we can take any form we choose. There are some who remain the way they are, most like myself choose a different form when we communicate this way."
Liara stepped away from the Queen. "Does your original form not please you?"
The Queen just chuckled at that. "Please I am more gorgeous then you are, but after a century or two you get tired of the form you were born with and experiment."
Liara had enough talking and got straight to the point. "Why did you bring me here?"
The Queen stopped smiling a frown crossed her face that went straight to business. "I brought you here because I do not trust any of the species who ally with the Citadel and your kind is part of the Council."
Liara was confused. "My kind is not a threat to you or the OSA. We may have come off on the wrong foot, but I can assure you that things are different and I am not a threat—Shepard saved my life, I owe him everything."
The Queen walked right up to Liara face to face. "We shall see." She immediately grabbed a hold of Liara and began skimming through her memories; her thoughts had come to a stop when she saw Benezia. Liara collapsed from the process but was still aware of her surroundings.
The Queen gave Liara time to rest until she spoke. "Your mother Benezia, I have seen her before."
Liara slowly lifted herself up from the ground, looking at the queen inquisitively. "What do you mean by that?"
The Queen recalled her moment. "It is when I heard the song of the other Queen. I saw flashes and images, but I do remember seeing Benezia."
Liara was confused. "Why would my mother be here?"It was then that she had put two and two together."She's probably here on Saren's behalf. You must release me so I may confront her about this."
The Queen was hesitant to trust Liara now that she knew about her other, but she also knew that prolonging this further would not bring any results to their cause.
Queen's Chambers
What felt like hours for Liara was only a few minutes for Shepard and company as she was trying to stand on her feet. Shepard rushed to where Liara was and helped her up. The Queen relaxed a few seconds and looked at the two of them. "Commander Shepard you may leave now."
Shepard didn't question her and began walking towards his comrades. As he was helping Liara he asked her the question that popped into his mind. "What happened back there?"
Liara only had a look of worry on her face as she turned to face him. "We have a problem."
Horsehead Nebula
Pax System
Shuttle
The ride back to the Normandy was a quiet one especially after Liara told about her experience with the Queen and the information she got while in there until Joker came on the comm. "Shepard we have a problem. I am detecting a dreadnought that just came out of the relay and is heading straight here."
Great! Just what he needed! With a huff of irritation, Shepard dared to answer. "Who is it?"
Joker shook his head. "It's Turian."
Shepard sighed and sat back down in his chair…how can the day get any worse?
UNSC Normandy
Bridge
Shepard made it to the bridge and there was Garrus standing next to Joker. "What's going on?"
Garrus looked at Shepard ready to explain the situation. "We have a Turian dreadnought in the system and has taken orbit around Noveria. So far they have done nothing."
Shepard turned his attention to Joker "Where are we with the Yanme'e flotilla?"
Joker looked at Shepard with a smile. "The buggers backed off like you asked and have moved away from the planet…they're still close enough to move on in though."
Shepard nodded his head—at least something went right. He then turned to face Garrus "Why do you suppose a Turian dreadnought would be here?"
Garrus shook his head in confusion. "I don't know, but if I have to guess then the executive board of Noveria's corporations must have contacted the Council requesting assistance."
Shepard was confused "Noveria doesn't follow Citadel law, why would the Council send a dreadnought here to protect Noveria?"
Garrus let out a sigh—he could not believe what he was seeing as of this moment. "I don't know, maybe it's to protect their investments at Synthetic Insights."
This was not good, and Shepard knew it."What about your talk with the executive board?"
Garrus just chuckled. "I would have had a better chance talking a Krogan out of killing someone then dealing with them. They wanted me to force the Yanme'e to leave the system—I told them you had it under control, but they don't trust any species in the OSA."
Shepard nodded his head. "Can we at least go down to the planet."
With his claw on his chin in thought, Garrus began to speak. "They may not like you Shepard, but they have to respect my authority."
Shepard nodded his head and they both headed to the shuttle bay.
Horsehead Nebula
Pax System
Noveria
Port Hanshan
Shepard, Liara, Wrex, and Garrus stepped out of the shuttle and were immediately surrounded by ERCS security. They were mixture of Asari, Turian, and Salarian they all had their guns pointing at Shepard. Garrus immediately stepped in "Put those guns down now."
A Turian came up to the group. "I am in charge of security for Port Hanshan and I demand to know why your here?"
Garrus came close to the Turians face "Spectre business, I am Spectre Garrus Vakarian."
The Turian looked confused "You're not the Spectre we were expecting."
Garrus was really confused but before he could say anything a Shuttle landed right next to the Normandy's shuttle and from there a Turian stepped out in red armor. It was Nihlus, and when he saw the whole group he rushed over to where they are "I am Spectre Nihlus Kyrik and I demand to know what's the meaning of all this?"
The Turian officer turns to face Nihlus. "Spectre Kyrik thank you for responding to our request for Council aid. We were expecting you, but when this Human stepped out of the shuttle we immediately surrounded him."
Nihlus grabbed the officer's armor and pulled his face up to his "I am only going to say this once you will stand down and let him do what he came here to do, am I clear?"
The Turian officer was scared and couldn't speak only nodded his head yes. Nihlus lets him go and heads to Shepard and Garrus "Shepard, Garrus I am going on a guess on why your here, the Yanme'e have threatened to destroy the corporations here on Noveria and the OSA Senate sent you here to try and stop it."
Shepard and Garrus look to each other in confusion before the former broke the silence. "That's one reason why we're here."
Upon receiving silence for an answer, Shepard clapped his hands together. "So who's in charge around here?"
Port Hanshan
Administrator Bel Anoleis
Office
Shepard, Garrus and Nihlus walked into the administer Anoleis's office. There the Administrator had two Turian guards protecting him, and Anoleis doesn't get up to greet them. "You will have to excuse me if I don't stand up. I have no time to entertain two Spectre's and a Human from the UNSC. As you are aware, there is a Yanme'e flotilla threatening to bombard this planet demanding we release a Queen, which my predecessors have stated we don't have a Queen here."
Shepard walks past Garrus and Nihlus and stood right in front of the Administrator's desk. "The Yanme'e wouldn't do this unless they were absolutely sure about it."
Anoleis just brushes off Shepard's claim about the Yanme'e. "They are an insect race like the Rachni it's obvious they would threaten war when they don't get there way, they're just as bad as the Rachni."
Shepard leaned on Anoleis's desk. "You should watch what you say about my allies." But just like that, the Turian guards immediately aimed their weapons at Shepard, the gesture was enough to tell him to back away from the administrator. Shepard stepped back a few feet away.
Anoleis continued. "This greeting is a courtesy. I will only cooperate as required by the Executive Board. As you are aware, businesses come here to avoid the second-guessing of Galactic Law. But it would seem they can't when a species from the OSA comes here and threatens to destroy everything."
Nihlus stepped forward. "Administrator, the Yanme'e have already backed off and are away from the planet."
Anoleis brings up a holo image of the Pax system above everyone's heads. "Yet they have not left the system. I demand that you drive them off and force them to leave."
Garrus then walked up next to Nihlus just when his fellow Turian was about to do something. "Noveria is not under Council Law, and so we can't interfere."
Anoleis closed the holo image and stares at the two defiantly. "So you will allow the Yanme'e to kill innocents?"
Garrus just chuckled. "Noveria is anything but innocent especially with all the experiments you do."
Anoleis defended the corporations. "What our clients do in their labs is their business. Now are you going to help us or not?"
This was going nowhere, and Shepard chose this opportunity to speak. "Look, if you answer my questions then maybe I will help you."
Anoleis just chuckled. "And what can a Human do?"
Shepard just grinned at thought of what he had done so far. "The OSA Senate sent me here to diffuse the situation, but I am conducting an investigation with Garrus Vakarian. It's a matter of Galactic security; if you will just answer my questions then I can stop this." Shepard knew he wouldn't be able to stop this without finding the Queen the Yanme'e have been demanding, but it was a bluff he had to take.
Anoleis thought it over and conceded. "What do you want to know?"
Shepard began. "First off, do you do business with Saren?"
Anoleis was a little confused. "Agent Arterius? The Citadel Council's Spectre compatriots? He is a major investor in Binary Helix corporation, which is one of Noveria's backers."
Garrus followed up on Shepards question. "Is Binary Helix developing weapons for him?"
Anoleis thought it over. "It's possible, given his interest. I fail to see the point in asking these questions."
Shepard quickly made something up. "Just answer are questions and everyone will come out with what they want. Now I've heard an Asari Matriarch is here. Benezia?"
Anoleis was surprised on how Shepard knew that but brushed it off. "She just arrived a few days ago, accompanied by a personal escort and some cargo. She is up at peak 15."
Shepard was curious "What can you tell me about the cargo?"
"Large, heavy, and sealed. It passed weapons screening. Beyond that it is not our concern."
Garrus wanted to ask something else. "What do you mean 'personal escort'?"
Anoleis sighed at that. "The phrase is self-explanatory. Bodyguards attending to the safety of her person. Mainly Asari commandos."
Garrus was surprised by that. "Commandos? You didn't think that was odd?"
"They followed all our regulations." Said Anoleis "I had no reason to stop Lady Benezia from taking them."
"What brought her out here?" asked Shepard
Anoleis replied right away. "Even if I knew, I wouldn't be at liberty to say. She came here at Agent Saren's request. She is here on business for Binary Helix. There were issues at peak 15 that required Saren's attention."
"I would like to see her immediately." asked Shepard while crossing his arms
Anoleis just chuckled at that. "I'm afraid you can't, peak 15 is a private facility in the Skadi Mountains. Regardless, there is a blizzard in the area—all shuttles are grounded, and surface access has been cut off."
Shepard thinks about it and nods his head. "Thank you for your time I will be going now."
Anoleis then called out to Shepard before he left. "And what about the Yanme'e? Will they leave the system now?"
Shepard looked back. "I will see what I can do." Shepard walks out of the room. Nihlus and Garrus had a confused look on their face and both left the office.
Port Hanshan
Lobby area
Shepard, Garrus and Nihlus all huddled up keeping their voice out of people's ears reach. When they knew no one was listening Garrus asked a question "Shepard why did you give up on seeing Benezia? We need to reach her."
Shepard shakes his head. "I can't waste my time with that Salarian, we have ten hours left until the Yanme'e unleash their fury on this world."
Nihlus was concerned about that and was curious about Shepard's plan. "What do you have in mind?"
Shepard just was unsure if it would work. "I need the two of you to distract Anoleis for me while I get Liara, Wrex, and myself over to peak 15 with the teleporter."
Garrus and Nihlus were surprised by that and agreed on doing it. They both left for Anoleis' office, while Shepard heads to where Liara and Wrex are.
Shepard met up with Liara and Wrex they were just waiting off the side of the lobby on Shepard. When he walked up to them Wrex spoke first. "Shepard are you ready to go kill someone or just relax at the bar and get a drink?"
Shepard just looks at the two and looks at Liara "Liara I just confirmed that your mother is here doing something for Saren at peak 15."
Liara just looked sad from hearing that. "Shepard if you want me to go back to the Normandy I will understand."
Shepard shook his head. "I trust you Liara, and maybe you can dissuade your mother from doing anything she might regret."
Liara felt better now that Shepard cheered her up. Shepard contacted Equinox to see if he can teleport them to peak 15. It took Equinox a little more than five minutes to make the necessary calculations, but eventually he was able to take Shepard and squad to peak 15.
Peak 15
Shepard and squad appeared instantly in the garage area of peak 15. Inside the facility there is a siren and red lights going off and an automated voice over the speakers yelling out "user alert. All peak 15 facilities have suffered great deal of damage. Biohazard materials present throughout the facility. Virtual intelligence user interface offline."
Shepard looks at Liara and Wrex. "We'll need to get the reactors back online."
They then headed up to a second floor and made their way to a door. Behind the door there was a pair of turrets facing the other way, and Liara commented on this. "why are the turrets facing the wrong way?"
Wrex replied, "Looks to me like they want to keep their people in as much as they want to keep others out."
They continued through until they reached an elevator that took them up. Once the elevator stopped they departed and went through the door, but on the other side of that door were Geth. When the Geth spotted Shepard and his squad, they immediately started shooting. Shepard and squad takes cover and Shepard thought to himself, 'Well at least we're on the right track' he then pulled out of cover and sent a biotic push at the Geth which knocked them down. Liara and Wrex took advantage and shoots the Geth. When all the Geth were finished off, they heard a noise.
Liara was shaking up from the cold or the noise she heard. "What was that noise."
Wrex then tried to calm her down. "Probably just the wind calm down I'll protect you."
As the three formed a triangle watching each other's backs, a creature dropped down from the ventilation shaft and growled at them. Shepard, Liara, and Wrex took aim and fired, they killed the creature but little green ones come out of nowhere and headed straight at them. The squad took care of those along with two other creatures. After it was over, Wrex wondered what they were. "What the hell was that thing?"
"Xenobiology is not my field. Maybe someone in the labs knows." said Liara
Shepard nodded his head. "Maybe, but I have never seen anything like it…I just hope someone can tell us what these things are."
Shepard lead the group to another elevator and it took them up. Once the elevator ride was done and the squad stepped out they were immediately greeted by another group of those aliens they encountered. Once again they took care of them and headed to what they believe is the computer that houses the VI of peak 15. Shepard was planning on fixing the VI, but instead connected Equinox to the systems.
Equinox appeared where the VI was going to appear, signifying he had complete control. "Commander how may I help you?"
Shepard got straight to business. "Well you can tell me what the hell is going on around here?"
Equinox closed his eyes and searched through Binary Helix database. "It would seem that Binary Helix has done the impossible. They have brought back a species that was extinct."
Shepard was confused. "You mean those creatures out there?"
Equinox nods his head. "Those creatures Commander, are Rachni."
Shepard and company were shocked to hear the word. "Rachni? How is that possible? I thought the Krogan wiped them out."
Equinox begins searching through files. "It would seem that Binary Helix has found a derelict ship. It was of Rachni make, and on board they found an egg." Equinox then went wide-eyed when he looked at what kind of egg it was. "Shepard it was a Queen's egg."
Shepard then put the pieces together. "So that's what the Yanme'e Queen felt when she heard a song, but how is that possible?"
Equinox came up with a theory. "Well since the Rachni and Yanme'e are both an insect race, and we know some insects on earth can communicate with each other even if they are of a different species, so it is possible."
Wrex just snarled at that. "They should have squashed it! Many of my kind died trying to put those things down!"
Shepard looked at Wrex with an apologetic look. "Wrex, I'm sorry about what happened to your people, but the Yanme'e Queen is threatening to destroy this world unless we get the Rachni Queen out of here."
Wrex just snarled and walked away. Shepard turned to Equinox for more answers. "Anything else we need to know?"
Equinox began his search and looked at the Commander. "It would seem the staff here sent out a Code Omega back at Port Hanshan."
Shepard just looked confused, but he had a very bad feeling about it. "What's a Code Omega?"
Equinox explained, "A Code Omega is when they shut down everything in this facility hoping that whatever got loose, the cold will kill it. Then the executive board then votes whether or not to destroy this facility from orbit, with an antimatter warhead from one of the orbiting battle stations."
Shepard was shocked to hear that, but understood the necessary precautions. "We'd better hurry before they blow this place to hell. Equinox, where is Benezia and the Rachni Queen?"
Equinox checks again and looked up. "They're at Rift station; that station is the main scientific area. You can take the train to get there I will download the schematics of this facility to your Omni-tool."
Shepard nods his and took his squad and headed for the train station. Along the way, they killed a few Rachni and the green baby Rachni. Once they reached the train, they took a ride to rift station.
Rift Station
Once the train stopped, Shepard and squad walked out of the train and headed straight to where there were two doors. Equinox told the squad to go left and take the right elevator. Shepard and squad made it to the elevator it took them up and once it was done they stepped off the elevator and saw a group of Asari aiming their weapons at Shepard and his squad. For a minute Shepard thought he had to shoot them, but to his surprised the Asari in charge ordered her people to put their weapons down.
Shepard walked up to the Asari, the Asari spoke first. "I am Saphyria and sorry. We couldn't be sure what was on the tram."
Shepard played dumb and didn't reveal that he knew about the Rachni. "I take it you've encountered those things?"
Saphyria just sighed. "Encountered, fought, and seen Asari ripped apart by. We're all working on stims. Look, if we weren't in this situation I would have gunned you down just for being Human. But I'd like to know who you are."
"Call me Shepard. I was sent to find an Asari Matriarch."
Saphyria tried to play smart "Benezia? Yeah. She came through here. The Aliens overran the hot labs last week. Only Han Olar got out, and he's not all there anymore. The first we knew, the bastards were clawing into my command post. We had a lot more staff then. She went into the hot labs yesterday. We haven't heard from her since."
Shepard needed to know more. "What can you tell me about the hot labs?"
"The facilities are off the network. The only way to find out would be to send scouts down the elevator. I won't send my people to their death."
Shepard nods his head "Alright I will be leaving to the hot labs."
"There's an emergency elevator out by the trams," said Saphyria "this card will let you activate it. It can take you down to the hot labs."
Shepard was a little suspicious "You're certain the Matriarch hasn't come back from the hot labs?"
Saphyria had little grin on her face. "She hasn't come back here. You came from central station so she isn't there either, which only points to the hot labs."
Shepard appreciated it and took the card. "I've got work to do."
Saphryia knew all too well what he was here to do. "Yeah I hear th-." All of a sudden the group in the room heard screeching sounds and Saphyria got into action. "Oh hell, man the perimeter!"
All of a sudden two Rachni popped up from the vents on the floor and attacked. Shepard and his squad easily took it down without a scratch. Shepard turned to Saphyria "You alright?"
Saphyria wiped the sweat from her forehead. "Yeah, but that's the fifth time they tried to come in here. You would think they know better."
Shepard looked around at his impromptu allies. "Will you guys be alright?"
Saphyrai just chuckled. "we maybe Asari, but we know how to take care of ourselves."
Shepard nodded and headed straight to the hot labs.
Hot Labs
When Shepard and squad came out of the elevator they walked down narrow hall way and came out in a large room with glass on each side. He looked around and immediately saw a Salarian just sitting in a chair; he simply walked up to the Salarian.
The Salarian noticed the Commander and said. "Are you here to secure the situation?"
Shepard was a little surprised that the Salarian was so calm that he was there. "You don't want to know why a Human is here?"
The Salarian shakes his head. "I could care less if you were a Krogan wanting to kill me. Look we need to stop the Rachni."
"You mean the ones that got loose? How do I stop them?"
"You stop them with the neutron purge. It will eradicate all Rachni that have escaped in here."
Shepard looks around and asks the obvious question on everyone's mind. "Wait, is there an Asari Matriarch here?"
The Salarian looked confused upon hearing that. "Asari Matriarch? I have not seen one."
Liara was relieved. "She is safe then, at Rift station?"
The Salarian then got frustrated "This is not important. We must destroy the Rachni with the neutron purge."
Shepard was really angry, that not only did he fall for that Asari's lies, but now he's in the hot labs with a crazy Salarian. "Can you hold on for a second?"
The Salarian nodded his head. "Yes, but please hurry."
Shepard walks away and contacted Equinox "Equinox do you know what the Neutron Purge is?"
Equinox came on the comm. "The Neutron purge creates neutron radiation that kills everything within the station. This should kill the Rachni, but just to be on the safe side I'll fine-tune it to be specific so that I can turn it on by myself…no cause for alarm."
Shepard disconnected and looked at the Salarian, but before he could tell the good news a Rachni pounced and killed the Salarian from behind, throwing him across the room. Shepard and squad killed the Rachni and head to the elevator. When the elevator started going up, Shepard could hear exploding sounds from below.
Rift Station
Shepard and company made it back to where they met Saphyria, but she along with her Asari friends weren't there. Shepard went in the back area of the building and found Saphyria along with her Asari companions pointing their guns at Shepard and his squad. She had an evil smile on her face "Your mission ends here, Shepard."
Wrex growl upon hearing that. "We'll see about that bitch."
Shepard just looked at them. "If you want a fight, I'll give you one."
And just like that the fighting began with Liara throwing up a singularity catching Saphyria and her comrades off guard. Shepard and Wrex used there biotics to push the ones who got caught in the singularity across the room. Saphyria and what was left of her forces used their own biotics to blast Shepard, Wrex and Liara back on the ground. Liara and Wrex were the ones to fall back, Shepard was able to create a biotic field to protect him, but at the cost of tiring him out. Saphyria saw this and tried to finish Shepard off, but what nobody new in the room was the invisible Sangheili behind the Asari that pulled out a plasma grenade and stuck Saphyria in the back which caused her along with the Asari to get caught in the explosion.
After the smoke cleared, Toha de-cloaked and walked up to Shepard "Shepard, are you injured?"
Shepard was breathing a little heavily, but was damn glad to see Toha. "I've never felt better, but what are you doing here?"
Toha just looked around. "I gave my word I would come here to investigate for the Yanme'e Queen and we Sangheili always keep our word."
Shepard thanked Toha and walked over to his squad. "You guys alright?"
Liara was the one to speak first. "Yes I am fine. I am glad Toha was able to come to our rescue before Saphyria finished us off."
Wrex just stretched and chuckles "Ha! That Asari had it coming, I'm glad I saw her explode."
Shepard was glad no one was injured, but he now had to finish what he started; he looked around and found something interesting: a door that lead to the quarantine labs. Shepard thought Benezia may be there, so he took his squad and headed for the quarantine labs.
Quarantine labs
When Shepard and his squad walked into the labs they immediately notice Benezia and the huge creature which Shepard believed was the Rachni Queen. Shepard walked towards the stairs looking up at Benezia. The Asari Matriarch noticed the Commander walking in, but doesn't acknowledges him. "You do not know the privilege of being a mother. There is power in creation. To shape a life, to turn it towards happiness or despair. Her children were to be ours. Raised to hunt and slay Saren's enemies." She turns walks a few steps "I won't be moved by sympathy. No matter who you bring into this confrontation."
Shepard looked to Liara. "Liara's here because she wants to be, not because I made her."
Benezia doesn't show any emotion. "Indeed? What have you told him about me, Liara?"
Liara just blurted out what she has been feeling "What could I say Mother? That you're insane? Evil? Should I explain how to kill you? What could I say?"
Benezia ignored Liara and walked closer and looked at Commander Shepard. "have you faced an Asari commando unit before? Twenty-seven years ago during the Citadel Council and the OSA Senate's short war on Bostra you Humans had some difficulty fighting our commandos. It took a squad of your Spartans to strike them down with impunity. To be frank, when I first heard of their appearance on the battlefield and cutting down our commandos like mere blades of grass, I was horrified—and then I realized that it was not horror I felt when I heard of them; it was fascination. And so it should come as no surprise that I am disappointed that you don't have a Spartan with you."
Shepard just grinned. "Maybe the Spartans are finally tired of doing our dirty work, and so other humans like me are trying to pull our own weight. And like what we did in the Bostra conflict, I'm going to wipe that arrogant smirk off your face as I put a round between your eyes!"
Benezia did not like Shepard's defiance; it reminded her too much of Liara. "Your insolence is a poor mask for your fear." Benezia then put the group in a stasis field freezing them in place. Benezia then walked off and called for her commandos—a bit overkill in her opinion, but maybe that was what she needed to show this arrogant human his place.
On the other side, Asari commandos poured in through the door, but just as they got close to open fire on Shepard, Toha while in active camo de-cloaked and jumped on one of the commandos and pierced her with his plasma sword. Benezia saw this, and lifted Toha up before throwing him across the room where Shepard was.
When the stasis field effects were worn off, Shepard saw Toha lying on the floor. Shepard looked up and saw commandos heading his way. Shepard pulled out his assault rifle and gave the others time to take cover by firing a few shots at the Asari. When Toha shook off the attack, he got up and drew his plasma rifle to provide covering fire.
When the last commando fell, Benezia called in reinforcements specifically Geth. Wrex saw the group of Geth, and charged them—some of them were sent flying into the wall, others were crushed under his feet. Liara used her biotics to lift the Geth from the ground giving Toha a chance to throw another plasma grenade. The grenade stuck on one of the Geth and blew it up along with the ones near it.
When the fighting was done Benezia was on her knees tired and exhausted. She noticed Shepard and his team walking up behind her she chuckles and made it clear she was not alone "This is not over; Saren is unstoppable. My mind is filled with his light, everything is clear."
Shepard thought she was crazy especially after what he did to her commandos, so he decided to add salt to her wound. "I actually expected better from Asari commandos."
Benezia gets up and turns to face the Commander. "I will not betray him. You will- you…" She then became a little dizzy and wobbly she then spoke clearly "you must listen, Saren still whispers in my mind. I can fight his compulsions briefly. But the indoctrination is strong."
Shepard was confused at first, but remembered what Shiala said on Feros. "We met Shiala on Feros. She told us about Sovereign's indoctrination."
Benezia then recalls her fear of being trapped in her own mind. "It is a terror to be trapped in your mind to beat upon the glass as her hands torture and murder. I was powerless; nothing but a tool for Saren. He sent me here to find the location to the Mu Relay…its position was lost thousands of years ago."
Shepard was surprised by that. "How does something that big go missing?"
Benezia explained herself. "Four thousand years ago, a star nearby went supernova the shockwave propelled the relay out of its system, but did not damage it. Its precise vector and speed are impossible to determine as millennia passed. The nebula created by the Nova enveloped the relay, making it difficult to find any cold object in interstellar space particularly swathed in hot dust and radiation."
"Someone on Noveria found it?" asked Shepard
Benezia continued her explanation. "Two thousand years ago, the Rachni inhabited that region of our galaxy, they discovered the relay. The Rachni can share memories across generations; Queens inherit the knowledge of their mothers. I took the location of the relay from the Queen's mind…I was not gentle."
Shepard was really curious about Saren's plan so he asked. "Why does Saren need the Mu Relay?
"He believes it will lead him to the conduit. I would tell you more if I could, but Saren did not share his counsel with me. I was merely a servant to his cause."
Shepard heard enough and tried to give Benezia a chance at redemption. "You can still make it right; just give me the information."
Benezia was ashamed of her actions "I was not myself, but I should have been stronger." She walked up to the Commander. "I transcribed the data to an OST take it please."
Shepard took the OST. Benezia continued her explanation. "There isn't much time; I transmitted the coordinates to Saren before you arrived. You have to stop... me I... I can't his teeth are at my ear fingers on my spine you sho... you should ah... you should."
Liara steps up and yells "Mother I... don't leave! Fight him!"
Benezia looked at Liara with a smile. "You have always made me proud Liara."
After a few seconds Benezia turned around, glowing with a purple aura. "DIE." She began to attack Shepard and his squad, and on top of that another wave of Asari commandos and Geth came through the door. Shepard ordered everyone to take cover, Toha on the other hand charged at the Geth with his plasma sword. Wrex and Liara fought off the Asari commandos which left Shepard facing Benezia alone.
Benezia laughed at the thought of a Human besting her and she immediately showed Shepard why his kind would never be master of biotic potential. She lifted Shepard in the air and slammed him to the ground. Shepard got up using his biotics and sent a wave at Benezia, but Benezia just shrugged off the wave and flipped the Commander on the rail.
Shepard started getting tired again, he looked at Benezia with defiant eyes and let out a Biotic charge that caught Benezia off guard at this sudden tactic and knocked Benezia against the wall which she collapsed against.
After the fighting was over, the group surrounded Benezia. She began to shake her head "I cannot go on. You will have to stop him, Shepard."
Shepard knelt down to face her. "Sorry Benezia, but today you're going to live."
Benezia just looks at the Commander with wide eyes. "But the indoctrination has me completely under Saren's control."
Shepard grinned, giving her a sense of hope. "Let me worry about that." Shepard stood up and contacted the Normandy. "Joker, I have the area secured, I need you to send some Yanme'e from the Queens personal attendants along with Khezz."
Joker comes on the comm. "Okay Shepard, but why?"
Shepard looked at the Rachni Queen. "We need someone who can translate insect for us."
UNSC Normandy
Med-Bay
30 minutes later
In the Med-bay, Benezia was strapped to one of the beds and sedated. Shepard and Liara were watching over Benezia while Doctor Chakwas was getting ready a syringe with the green vial given to Shepard at Feros. Chakwas finished getting the syringe ready and walked up to the Commander. "Shepard."
Shepard looked at Chakwas, with a look of hope in his eyes. "Is it ready Doctor?"
Chakwas nodded her head for 'yes'. "It is, but as you know I have no guarantee it will work. I have done my own research while looking at the notes from Feros, and even now I am unsure about this."
Liara then walks up to Chakwas with tears in her eyes. "Please! You must!"
Chakwas nodded and walked up to Benezia, injecting the green liquid in her. It took awhile before Benezia showed any signs of recovering and woke up in front of Liara. "Liara what happened? I no longer hear Saren in my mind."
Liara hugged her Mother with joy, Shepard and Chakwas smiled at the happy moment.
UNSC Normandy
CIC
Shepard was talking to the Yanme'e Queen about the Rachni Queen and where it goes from here "How is the Rachni Queen doing your majesty?"
The Yanme'e Queen smiled "She is recuperating alongside me; it will take time for her to get over the ordeal that had happened to her. She wishes to pass along a message to you Commander. She appreciates everything you have done for her."
Shepard nods his head. "Tell her she should be thanking you; if it wasn't for you I would never have known about her. Will the Rachni Queen join the OSA?"
The Yanme'e Queen shook her head. "I am afraid not, for now at least. She sees the OSA as no different from the Citadel who tried to wipe out her kind. Granted, it was a mistake on their part, but they could not control their ways."
Shepard was confused. "What do you mean by that?"
"She says that her people were forced to wage war against the Citadel races and that they had no control over their actions."
"Do you believe her?" asked Shepard a little suspicious of the Rachni Queen's claims.
The Yanme'e Queen nodded her head. "Trust me Commander, she is telling the truth. We communicate telepathically, so there is nothing she can hide from me."
Shepard nods his head and said good bye to the Yanme'e Queen. Shepard then called everyone to the comm. room.
UNSC Normandy
Comm. Room
Shepard and his entire away team along with Nihlus were around the table contemplating there next move. Ashley started off. "What's our next move, Commander? Head for the Mu Relay?"
Shepard shook his head. "the Mu Relay could link to dozens of systems. Unless we know exactly where Saren's going, we'd just be wasting our time."
Liara only agreed. "The Commander is right. We cannot rush off blindly; we still need to learn more about Saren."
Ash didn't like how Liara was acting. "Who put you in charge? Did the Commander resign when I wasn't looking?"
Shepard tried to keep peace. "Williams, she's only trying to help."
Ash felt a little embarrassed at the outburst. "Sorry, Commander."
Shepard looks at Liara. "Does Benezia know anything else about Saren or where any of his bases are?"
Liara shook her head. "I'm afraid not. Like my mother said, Saren never shared his counsel with her so she doesn't know anything else."
Nihlus then stepped forward "Commander, I may have something."
Everyone turn their attention to Nihlus. Shepard walked over to him "What do you have?"
Nihlus was hesitant, but made a statement. "If I give you this, you have to let me come with you."
Shepard thought about it and looked at Garrus for advice. Garrus nodded his head and Shepard looks back at Nihlus. "Alright, so what do you have?"
Nihlus pulls out an OST and gave it to Shepard. After taking the OST, he walked over to the holo table and inserted it in the socket, causing a planet to pop up on the table and information on the side is seen.
Shepard looks at Nihlus. "What's this?"
Nihlus walks up to the side of the table. "The Council received information about Saren."
Everyone in the room was listening. Nihlus continued. "They received a coded message from one of their infiltration units in the Traverse."
Shepard was surprised. "What the hell were they doing in the Traverse?"
Garrus was the one to answer. "Shepard, it's not what you think. Those infiltration teams are sent in the Traverse to listen in on the TC."
Nihlus then took over. "There are currently several infiltration units scattered throughout the border regions of Citadel space. This particular unit was gathering Intel on Saren."
Shepard relaxed a little. "What did they find?"
Nihlus shook his head in depression. "Unfortunately the message they received was little more than static. The infiltration team must be in a situation where they can't set up proper interstellar communications. But the message was sent on a channel reserved for critical communications. Whatever they were trying to tell us, we know it was important."
Shepard was suspicious about this information. "Why didn't the Council pass this along to the OSA embassy?"
Nihlus had a guilty look on his face "Because they want me to go and not for anyone in the OSA to know about it."
Shepard would have been angry, but remained calm. "I can understand why they would keep their information a secret, they don't want us to know about their teams in the traverse listening in on the TC, but to keep this from Garrus who is also a Spectre. Well that seems unfair…not to mention counterproductive at this stage of the game."
Garrus shook his head. "The Council probably thinks I would betray them."
Nihlus looked at Garrus. "Would you?"
Garrus doesn't say anything for a minute and looks at Shepard. "To stop Saren for the greater good, you're damn right I would."
Shepard smiled at what Garrus said. "Alright, now that we know where we're going let's go check this out. Everyone dismissed."
As the group leaves Liara stays behind to talk to Shepard. "Commander, there is something I need to ask."
Shepard turns around to face Liara. "What is it?"
"It about my Mother," said Liara, "what will happen to her?"
Shepard saw that Liara is worried about her Mother and tried to comfort her. "I will try to help as best as I can, but make no mistake; your Mother will be taken to Asgard station where she will be interrogated. After that, I can't guarantee anything."
Liara looks at Shepard with a smile. "Thank-you."
Shepard was really confused. "I thought you would disagree."
Liara shakes her head "No; if she were to be handed over to the Asari Republic, she would be executed on the spot for her crimes. So I am thankful Shepard, you have done much for me and that is why I have to be honest. Shepard do you have any feelings for me?"
Shepard was trained to expect the unexpected, but what Liara asked caught him off guard "Liara I'm sorry, but I'm interested in Ash."
Liara looks said for a moment, but relaxed. "Forgive me, I just assumed you had feelings for me, but maybe it's best this way she is part of your species after all." Liara then walked away.
Shepard was in the comm. room for a few seconds until Joker came on the intercom "Commander, mission reports have been sent to the ambassadors: do you want me to open a comm.?"
Shepard gathered himself, straightened up, and walked over to the table which had already been lowered. "Put them on Joker."
Citadel
OSA Embassy
Shepard appeared as a hologram to the ambassadors. Udina stepped forward. "Commander we read the mission reports, and we are confused as to why you did not let the OSA take the Rachni Queen."
Shepard crossed his arms. "The Yanme'e Queen made it clear she was taking the Rachni Queen to Yanme'e Space and that she was going to let the Rachni flourish on a planet they can call home."
Alia then spoke. "Yes we heard about that from the Queen and we agreed, but the history about the Rachni should not be ignored. Like you humans say, 'those who forget the past are doomed to repeat it' so we must take precautions."
Shepard nodded his head. "Is that all you called me about or is there something else?"
Udina didn't like Shepard's attitude. "When you address us Shepard, show some respect. Now what are your plans and what about Benezia?"
Shepard sighs. "I am handing Benezia to the UNION where she will be safe I assume." The ambassadors nodded their heads. "And as for my next plans, I received Intel that Saren has something on the planet Virmire."
The ambassadors all looked at each other confused. Tranquility then asked, "How did you come to this information?"
Shepard had to think about this one, if he tells about the Council own infiltration teams in the traverse then it could only bring mire disaster to this uneasy alliance they have. "Benezia told me she is helping us and is willing to work with UNION intelligence to bring Saren down."
The ambassadors looked to one another and nod their heads and gave Shepard approval of the mission. Once their holograms had dissipated, he turned on the intercom. "Joker, head for Asgard Station to make a quick drop off of Benezia and head straight for Virmire."
"Aye, aye Commander." Joker complied over the intercom and piloted the Normandy straight to Asgard Station.
UNSC Space
Freelancer HQ
ONI Infinity-class Battle Cruiser "Susanoo"
The Director alongside Alpha watched as the Commander finished his conversation with the ambassadors. Leonard Church was not happy about Shepard handing over Benezia to the UNION—in order to calm his frazzled nerves he got up, poured some brandy in his glass, and took a sip before turning to Alpha as he allowed the bitter flavor of the alcoholic drink to settle on his tongue. "What's the status of our other agents?"
Alpha turned his head and looks at the Director. "Most are on assignments, also we have found something disturbing."
The director looked at him "What is it?"
"It's the Shadow Broker: it would seem that he is buying a lot of cargo ships and mercenaries. I don't think I need to tell you that it's very likely he's up to something."
Now that was disturbing…usually cargo ships and mercenaries are combined together meant kidnaps were possible in the future. Who were his targets? "Send what you have found out to the Illusive Man. The Mass Relays and any organization around them are his responsibilities."
Alpha nodded his head and sent it to the Illusive Man.
Unknown Location
Chronos Station
In a dark room overlooking a dying sun, a man sat in his chair smoking on a cigarette reading over mission reports when all of a sudden his AI appeared in front of him. "Illusive Man, you have a message from the Director."
Well, finally he gets something interesting to do…he could only wonder as to what the Director wanted. The Illusive Man took a long drag from his cigar before answering. "Open it."
The AI complied and the information appeared in a hologram. Ah, the lost art of speed-reading; nobody thought it'd be useful in this day and age, and yet here it was—being used by someone just as powerful as the late John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It only took five minutes for the Illusive Man to absorb all that information, ten to come to a decision, and just a second to press a button. "Get me Kai Leng…I have a mission that requires his particular skill set."