Jumping right into chapter 7, this is picking up immediately where we left off on that rushed abrupt ending of the previous chapter.
Yeah I know, meh, not my best work but everyone has those days where they are not at their best. But now that I'm back with a vengeance, I am kicking it into a hard gear, hoping to produce some of my best work to date.
So this chapter will end the whole Benezia thing and then we'll move on to something I can't wait to write about, When the crew goes to restock on supplies and all, some interesting scenarios will take place, setting in motion multiple future events that will affect the outcome of the story to an extent. The story will stay on course with the main three games plot points but there will be twists and turns and a lot, and I do mean a lot of funny moments. Well I hope that the moments will make you laugh cause in the end it's how you guys respond to it.
Hmmm, what else is there?
Meh, I'll think of something at the end so let's not delay this any further
Also Jared Leto Joker pic? Fucking incredible. I love it. That's a downright psychopath right there
Rate Read and Review and as always Have Nice Day
Along Came a Spider Chapter 7: the hard times we face
The team piled out of the elevator that came from the hot labs.
"Well that was a complete waste of time" Wrex stated bitterly
"Hey, we took out an infestation" Kaidan pointed out "I wouldn't call that a waste"
"Question is, what do we do now" Spider-man said "Should we retrace our steps or something?"
"That does seem like our best course of action" Shepard contemplated "We've got nowhere else to go and Captain Ventralis did lead us here. Maybe he could help us out again"
"And he does owe us for backing him and his team up from when the Rachni came in again" Tali said knowingly
"Alright then, let's head up" Shepard said, with everyone once again entering the elevator that leads up to Ventralis and his men(for every time you see the word elevator, take a drink. Trust me, you'll be seeing a lot of it).
Once they reached the floor where they first encountered the ERCS guards, they were met by…
"Uh, Where is everyone?" Liara asked aloud
"Hmm" Spider-man stepped forward, slightly hunched, prepared to react to anything his spider-sense could detect.
"Anything?" Garrus spoke up, right behind Spider-man.
Since he was a head taller than the web head, the Turian detective stood above spider-man, his sniper rifle hovering above Pete's shoulder.
"Nothing yet"
"Spider-man, proceed cautiously" Shepard instructed "Garrus, you and I will be right behind him. The rest of you, cover the back in case any straggler Rachni survived the purge somehow"
"How can any of those things still be alive after the purge?" Tali asked in disbelief
"Trust us humans, Tali" Spider-man said jokingly "When it comes to longs hallways stationed on a planet that's infested with aliens, there's always a straggler by some miracle of a chance"
"Big time" Kaidan said, fondly thinking of all those ridiculous but memorably awesome alien movies that humanity has made
"You humans are weird" Wrex said eyeing Spider-man specifically "Some more than others"
"Thanks" Spider-man quipped "I am one of a kind after all"
"Still" Liara said "I am curious to know what you all keep talking about"
"Yes, they all seem to be references to your culture" Garrus said
"We'll show you sometime" Spider-man said "We can have a movie night on the Normandy"
"Hey, that doesn't sound like a bad idea" Ashley said a bit excitedly "I used to do that all the time with my family"
"It's settled then" Shepard said in mock seriousness "From here on out, we shall all have a movie night where we'll teach all of you our human customs and references and you can do the same with us"
"That sounds like fun" Wrex said "I could see which one of you wussy Pyjaks can survive against Ryncol the longest"
"Ryncol?" Ash asked
"Krogan drink" Wrex said with an unnerving grin "Only the best can handle it"
"Wrex, there's a friend of mine named Logan. I gotta introduce the two of you. You'd be the best of friends"
The friendly banter between friends ended when the door before them opened to reveal Captain Ventralis and his men all pointing their guns right at them.
"I'm sorry Commander Shepard" Ventralis said with hesitance "Benezia's orders"
"Seriously?" Spider-man moaned "Can we have any breaks here"
He began weaving through the gunfire as the rest of the team took cover and took out the ERCS guards one at a time.
Spider-man fired nets of webbing that pinned those he targeted to either the crates in the area, the walls or the ceiling. The force of them flying towards the walls, crates and ceiling caused most to hit the back of their heads, knocking them out. Only a lucky two managed to remain conscious as the ERCS guards within the room were either killed or knocked out.
"The sad part about this is that we should have seen this coming" Spider-man said, cartwheeling on one hand, his legs in a perfect split as he dodged further gunfire.
"Really?" Garrus scoffed jokingly "And at one point did you believe that?"
"Call it a hunch" Spider-man said, kicking an Asari into a pile of boxes "The guys shooting at us support the theory"
"Whatever you say, bug boy" Wrex grunted, bashing his head down onto an unlucky Turian
"Now that is a common misconception" Spider-man said all teacher-like "Insects are known to have three distinct body parts, each with two legs on either side. Arachnids are…"
"Ok Spider-man we get it, save the science lesson for later" Shepard said, ending the conversation
"Spoilsport" Spider-man said
"JUDO-CHOP" Peter said aloud as he whacked the back of a humans neck, rendering him unconscious.
And with that last attack, all of the guards had been taken care of in the mess hall
"Garrus, Liara, Spider-man move up ahead"
The trio complied, cautiously walking over to the open door on the far left of the cafeteria.
And of course.
"Whoa" Spider-man matrix dodged a biotic throw
Liara responded with her own.
"Biotics front and center" Shepard called out as he, Kaidan and Wrex went up to join Liara's side, taking out the remaining soldiers with ease.
"Wow, the force is strong with this one" Spider-man commented from his spot on the ceiling.
"What's this reference from?" Garrus asked
"Star Wars" Spider-man said, landing next to his Turian friend "At least tell me you've heard of star wars?"
"I have" Wrex stated, waving his hand "Good film series. Episode V is my favorite"
The entire team glanced back at the Krogan Battle Master to openly gape in disbelief. The aliens were gaping because Wrex was the one who knew something and the humans because this is the first time they ever heard of this…so basically the team is in shock for the exact same reason, just worded differently.
"Whatever, we'll talk about this some other time" Shepard said
"That's the last of the hostiles" Kaidan said
"Keep your guard up" Ash warned "Don't know if there's any survivors"
"Don't worry Ash, if anything happens, my Spider-sense will pick it up" Spider-man said, assuring the marine with a friendly pat on the shoulder
Surprisingly, Ashley actually nodded in consent, not offering any form of a rebuttal.
"Onwards and upwards then" Peter said and the team continued until reaching, would you look at that, another elevator.
Several moments later, the elevator stopped at their next stop, the team oh so cautiously exiting the lift, weapons up.
They slowly walked in a tight formation, making sure nothing gets the jump on them.
Then something peculiar happened, specifically to Spider-man.
As they passed by a door to their left, his spider-sense flared up, nudging him in that direction except with extreme caution.
Puzzled by this, Peter paused, staring intently at the closed door.
Tilting his head in confusion, Spider-man stepped back a bit instantly feeling the Spider-sense still pointing in that direction for some bizarre reason.
Shaking his head, Spider-man resumed his walk along with the others, but stopped when he heard…
'Is that singing?' Peter thought, now completely befuddled
Noticing he was at the back at the group, Spider-man turned and went back to the door, the spider-sense and odd singing getting stronger the closer he got there.
Stopping right before the entrance, Spider-man reached out, ready to open the door and face whatever the hell was bugging out his Spider-sense so much when…
"Peter?"
Spider-man jolted back to reality
"Huh, What?"
Spider-man looked over to his right and saw the entire team looking at him expectantly.
"Where'd you run off to Pete?" Garrus asked
"Yeah, you were with us just a second ago" Kaidan added
"Sorry guys" Peter said, feeling a bit guilty for not saying anything
"What's going on, Peter?" Shepard spoke up "You seem troubled"
"You could say that" Spider-man said enigmatically as he focused on the source of this small little problem
"Well that wasn't weird or creepy or anything" Ash said sarcastically
"Alright Spider-man, no games here. What's wrong?" Shepard's voice was now stern. They have already been delayed enough and he just wanted this mission over and done with. But when the most talkative and outgoing of the team just suddenly turns into a terminator, that does leave room for concern.
Spider-man brought his hand up to his chin, his middle and index finger drumming a bit.
"I don't know how to explain but…" Spider-man now glanced at Shepard and with a confident tone "I think what we are looking for is in here"
Now everyone looked skeptical. Even Garrus, who had seen more than anyone the amazing feats that Spider-man pulls off, was doubtful.
Shepard on the other hand stared at Spider-man intently. Nothing in his stance or words held doubt. It held wariness and caution. Like an animal trusting its instincts whenever detecting danger(Not a pun).
"Lead on then" Shepard said, interrupting any more conversation
"You sure about this Shepard?" Ash asked
"I trust Peter" Shepard said resolutely "We've got your back"
"Thanks commander" Spider-man said appreciatively "Ok kids, single file line behind the camp counselor, don't need any of you getting lost"
"Ugh, why did you have to put him in front Commander" Ash moaned in annoyance
"Now, now Ash" Commander Shepard grinned at his sergeant "How else will you get your participation badge"
"He's right Ashley" Garrus chipped in, cheekily puffing up his chest in pride "The participation badge is an important prestige amongst all armies. I got mine when I was just a boy"
"Can we not do this here" Wrex growled
"Oh, keep your shorts on, crest head" Spider-man mocked, ignoring the glare directed at him from the Krogan
Now Spider-man was completely serious.
"Ok guys" Spider-man said in a very tense voice that even surprised the crew "Let's do this"
Everyone entered, guns and web shooters up.
"You do not know the privilege of being a mother"
Everyone stopped in their tracks.
All eyes moved up the staircase to a raised platform and there stood none other than Matriarch Benezia..
Her back was facing them until she turned round to face them.
"There is power in creation" The Matriarch went on, now looking at the imprisoned Rachni queen while her stance remained regal and strong
"To shape a life. Turn it toward happiness or despair. Her children were to be ours. Raised to hunt and slay Saren's enemies"
"Well you got the whole evil villain monologue down to a tee" Spider-man quipped "No wonder Saren recruited you"
Matriarch Benezia ignored Spider-man at first, her attention now focused on Shepard.
"I won't be moved by sympathy" Benezia stated with no remorse "No matter who you bring into this confrontation"
Shepard already knew who the Asari Matriarch was referring to.
"If you think I forced Liara into this, then you're not as intelligent as you seem" Shepard said, defending his crewmate ""Liara is here because she wants to be, not because I asked her"
"Indeed?" Benezia taunted "What have you told them about me, Liara?"
"Do you want a list?" Spider-man suggested, getting a smack across the head from Garrus. The Turians expression said 'Not now'.
"What did you want me to say?" Liara said in disgust "That you're insane?! That you're Evil?! What? What Exactly were you expecting mother?"
"Hmph" Benezia scoffed arrogantly "You've chosen a fool's errand, Daughter"
Benezia eyed the team "And worst, you've picked the most unstable team I have ever seen"
She now faced peter "Especially with a brightly clad imbecile like this one here"
"Hey, don't hate on the suit" Peter said in mock indignation "It took me a month to make this"
"I have heard of you, Spider-man" Benezia sneered "A human with super powers. I have heard the stories and seen the news on the Citadel. A freak vigilante. You could do so much more, yet you choose to fight for a losing battle"
"Said every criminal I've put away" Spider-man shot back "You're no different"
"Stand down, Benezia" Shepard commanded calmly, now holding his rifle "You're under arrest by order of the Citadel for aiding the rogue Spectre Saren"
"You truly have no idea who you are facing right now"
"Oh my god" Spider-man groaned "It's gonna be one of those bad guys"
"Have you ever faced an Asari commando unit before?" Benezia asked "Few humans have"
"So you're willing to kill your own daughter" Shepard said in disgust "How did you ever become a matriarch?"
"You do not have the power to criticize me" Benezia said haughtily "It is a thousand years too early for that. I now realize I should have been stricter with my daughter"
"Well you're not winning the m other of the year award with that kind of attitude" Spider-man joked
"But you will win the getting your ass thrashed medal as compensation for your efforts" Garrus added, fist bumping with Peter
"You learn fast, Garrus"
"You're rubbing off on me Spidey"
"Enough" Benezia shouted, her Biotics flaring all around her
"Uh-oh" Spider-man back flipped away just in time, but the team wasn't so lucky as they were caught in Benezia's Biotics
"Hey no fair" Spider-man shot a web line at the ceiling "Who said you could use the force"
Spider-man swung at the Matriarch with full force.
'Spider-sense" Peter thought as he nimbly dodged the gunfire of the Asari Commandos that now ran in to the room.
"I normally don't hit girls" Spider-man said, firing another web line. He went right in between two commandos performing a split kick. The two commandos fell unconscious.
Spider-man landed in a crouching position, on hand on the ground, the other raised from behind as he faced Benezia and her Commandos. Several of the commandos held stunned expressions at what Spider-man just did.
"But I guess you ladies will be the exception"
"Kill him" Benezia coldly said
The commandos began firing at Spider-man, the web slinger dodging each shot with grace and ease. He jumped back down the steps, now landing in front of his team.
"That was a cheap shot, Asari" Wrex growled, pounding his fists together
"And you just used up your chance to come in quietly" Shepard said, now pointing his rifle directly at her
"You speak as if you have a chance"
Benezia fired off to Biotic throws which scattered the team.
The Commandos moved to engage them, opening fire and utilizing their own Biotics.
"Pair up" Shepard commanded, sniping a commando from his crate cover "Biotic up front with a gunner behind, Liara, Kaidan, you're crowd control"
"Yes sir" Kaidan said as he and Liara together brought up a dome of Biotics, deflecting incoming fire
"Spider-man" Shepard looked over to the web head "You and I get Benezia"
"Boss battle" Spider-man sang, leaping from place to place, occasionally punching or kicking an Asari
"Hey Benezia" Spider-man shouted, gaining the Matriarchs attention "We didn't get to have o ur one-on-one
Benezia merely scowled, using her Biotics to throw nearby objects at the web slinger.
"Seriously?" Spider-man bounced in between crates and railings "You're using the force to just throw stuff at me?"
"Your mouth will be your own downfall" Benezia said, raising her hand.
This in turn, caught Spider-man in mid-air. Benezia smirked
"Well" Spider-man said with a cracked voice "Is this gonna hurt?"
"Very" Benezia said sadistically, clenching her fist
"AURGH" Spider-man felt his entire body clench up, twitching and having spasms.
"Since when can Biotics do that" Spider-man managed out through the pain
"I am a Matriarch" Benezia said snidely with pride. She threw her fist forward, sending Spider-man crashing into Wrex and Garrus.
"Ow" Spider-man moaned weakly
"Get off me" Wrex grunted, shoving Peter off
"Ok" Spider-man got up and rolled his shoulders "Let's try that again"
"Try not to get your ass beat this time" Garrus remarked, blowing off the heads of several Geth troopers
"And what are you doing?" Spider-man said rhetorically as he jumped over a Geth soldier.
Firing a web line at its head, Spider-man pulled the Geth into the air and threw it at several Asari.
"STEEERIKE" Spider-man jovially declared "And the crowd goes wild"
"Why are you so weird?" Tali asked, surprising Spider-man as he did not see her standing right next to him
"Hey, it's part of my charm" Peter said in quick recovery "After all, the ladies love it"
Tali giggled a bit "I do not feel so charmed"
"Hardy har har" Spider-man deadpanned "Aren't you supposed to be a hopeless romantic?"
"HOW DO YOU KNOW THAT?!" Tali shrieked in embarrassment
"You do remember blurting that out back in the engine room when we were talking, Right?"
"I'm not that hopeless" Tali said all panicked now "Am I?"
"Oh for the love of god, are you seriously doing this right now?!" Ashley said incredulously
"You're right" Spider-man admitted "Sorry"
With that Spider-man web zipped right into the chest of a Geth. Spider-man's impact caused the Geth's torso to be utterly obliterated. All that was left was its arms, legs and head.
The limbs and head fell into a heap.
"Yeesh" Kaidan said "That was a bit brutal"
"I know right" Spider-man than said in a deep voice "Fatality"
"HA" Kaidan chuckled "I was just thinking the same thing"
"You think you have won?!" Benezia's voice echoed throughout the room
Kaidan and Spider-man glanced at one another with the former gesturing his head towards Benezia. Spider-man nodded and the two jogged over to join the rest of the team as they now surrounded the fallen matriarch
"This is not over" Benezia said, somewhat deranged
"Uh, does she not realize that she's alone?" Peter asked rhetorically
"Saren is unstoppable" Benezia rambled on "My mind is filled with his light. Everything is clear"
"Talk about your case of brainwashed" Spiderman muttered beside Kaidan who nodded in agreement
"In case you didn't notice earlier, the Rachni didn't help you at all" Shepard cynically stated "What can you possibly tell us that prevents us from fighting you any further"
Benezia whirled round, only this time, she visibly paled and looked as if she was struggling.
"Mother?" Liara said cautiously
"I will not" Benezia forced out the words "Betray…him….I…Will"
Benezia clutched her head, dropping to her knees.
"Whoa" Spider-man blurted out "Ok, that's different"
"I could still hear him" Benezia said in a pained voice.
Her shuddering stopped as she finally regained some control. Her expression was different now. It didn't hold one of devoid, blind anger. No it held a sense of fear, but at the same time, clarity.
"You must listen to me" Benezia desperately pleaded, all sense of arrogant superiority gone. Hell, Peter's Spider-sense wasn't even going off at the moment.
"Saren's hold over me is still strong" Benezia strained out "I have been able to hold back the Indoctrination only briefly"
"Wait, a minute, Whoa, whoa, whoa" Spider-man said aloud, waving his hands "You're telling us that you've been controlled by Saren from the start"
"How exactly can we trust you?" Shepard said with obvious skepticism
"You have every right not to" Benezia admitted, her voice seemingly cracking in pain "But you must listen, for I can lash out at you at any second"
Shepard paused for a brief moment.
"Spider-man" Shepard said "Does your… 'Spider-sense' detect anything"
"Never really tried manually accessing my spider-sense before" Spider-man said truthfully "But hey, now would be a good time for a test run"
Peter focused intently, attempting to call upon his sixth sense. Pete was surprised at the difficulty, grunting slightly with a head vein throbbing out.
The wall crawler was about to give up when at last he felt access to his omnipresent super power. Concentrating it towards Benezia, Spider-man felt some ill intent being directed right towards them yet it was being repressed by Benezia's will with all its might.
"She's telling the truth" Spider-man groaned out before collapsing onto his knees.
"You alright" Garrus asked as he and Tali bent down to help Peter back up to his feet
"Yeah" Peter breathed out, taking off his mask to only reveal his mouth and nose. His nose was currently bleeding.
"Damn, don't know if I want to do that again" Peter croaked, wiping the blood off, before speaking to Shepard "You have a limited amount of time. Ask away Now"
"So you can attack me at any moment" Shepard said to Benezia, saying the obvious
"Yes and it will not be my own" Benezia said, the pain in her voice never wavering "People are not themselves when they are around Saren. You come to idolize him. Worship him. You would do anything for him"
"So basically another megalomaniac with a god complex" Spider-man wisecracked, leaning on Garrus for support "How wonderful"
"The key to all this is Sovereign, his flagship" Benezia went on, ignoring "It is a dreadnought of incredible size and extraordinary power"
"This ship?" Ashley spoke up "By any chance did it attack Eden Prime"
"Yes" Benezia nodded
"Sovereigns not like other ships" Shepard noted "Where did he get it?"
"I cannot say" Benezia answered "The Geth did not build it. The technology is far more advanced than that of any known species. The longer you stay aboard, the more Saren's will seems correct. You smile and sit at his feet as his words pour into you"
"That's not creepy in the slightest" Garrus whispered sarcastically to Peter who nodded in agreement
"It is subtle at first" Benezia, recalling her time on the ship "I thought I was strong enough to resist. Instead, I became a willing tool, eager to serve. Saren sent me here to discover the location of the Mu Relay. Its position was lost thousands of years ago"
"How does someone lose a relay?" Ash asked in disbelief
"Two thousand years ago, the Rachni came from that Relay" Benezia said, answering Ash's question "They were the ones that discovered that relay. The Rachni queen behind me revealed this through memories she inherited from previous Rachni queens. I was not gentle in extracting the knowledge of the relay"
Several members of the team visibly shuddered at the thought of having your thoughts forcefully extracted from your head.
"You have your chance right now to make it right" Shepard said with hope
"I was not myself, but-I should have been stronger" Benezia said ashamedly
"We all make choices and actions that we regret" Spider-man said, getting everyone's attention "We learn that we can't do anything to change the past, but what you can do is start by making thing right, right here right now. That speaks for itself on who you truly are"
Everyone was stunned by Peter's words of wisdom and did nothing to hide it.
"What?" Spiderman said, aware of all the stares he was receiving "What'd I do?"
"Nothing" Ash said "It's just…"
"We didn't expect you to say something so intelligent" Garrus dryly remarked
"Oh thanks asshole, ruin my moment" Spider-man said in mock-irate at his Turian friend "Remind me again why we're friends?"
"Cause, you're lonely and don't have anyone else"
"And you're any better?"
"Touché"
Benezia smiled a bit at the banter the two comrades exchanged before pulling out a device from behind. She walked right up to Shepard and presented the item to him.
"I transcribed all the data I have to an OSD. Take it. Please" Benezia said, now handing off the OSD to the human Spectre
"Knowing the relay's coordinates is not enough" Liara said a bit timidly "Do you know where Saren planned to go from there?"
"Saren wouldn't tell me his destination" Benezia sadly stated "But you must find out quickly. I transmitted the coordinates to him before you arrived"
"You must" Benezia twitched abruptly, causing some to tense up "You have to"
"UGH" Benezia began stumbling away clutching her head
Liara moved to support her mother but was held back by Shepard "No Liara!"
"Mother please" Liara pleaded, Shepard holding her arms "Fight him"
Benezia calmly looked back at Liara, holding true motherly love.
"You've always made me proud Liara" Benezia said warmly "And you keep on doing so my little bird"
A lone tear escaped from Liara as Benezia turned back to face the Rachni queen when she screamed out in immeasurable pain attempting to hold back Saren.
"Uh guys" Spider-man said warily "Spider-sense is back on"
"DIE" Benezia roared, her Biotics exploding, sending the entire team flying down onto the floor
Spider-man instantly kicked up, leaping right at the now brain controlled matriarch.
"Sorry miss T'soni" Spider-man said, successfully punching her in the face
Spider-man's reflexes kicked in as he jumped up into a corkscrew in midair to avoid gunfire.
"Oh come on" Spider-man said, firing a line that grabbed a gun out of a Geth's hand "Where did these one eyed willie wannabes come from?"
Spider-mans sixth sense didn't warn him in time as Benezia recovered and now held Spider-man in place.
Thankfully, Shepard and Garrus began firing at the Matriarch. Distracted she released her grip on Peter to deflect the gunfire.
"Peter" Shepard shouted "Take out her kinetic shields"
"Don't Hold back?"
"Don't hold back" Shepard said in confirmation
Peter held some hesitance, but knew what he had to do.
"I'm sorry Benezia" Spider-man said, flipping onto a pipe
"Sorry Liara" Spider-man said to himself as he web swung right at Benezia.
She saw him coming and threw up a biotic shield which did nothing to defend as Spider-man's strength and speed shattered the barrier.
Spider-man expertly used his power and agility, destroying her kinetic shields but not enough to send her flying into the wall. He flipped over her as Shepard fired off the final shot.
Benezia's eyes widened in shock, falling onto her knees, clutching her bleeding stomach.
"I can't go on any further" Benezia said finality "Shepard, it's up to you. You must stop him"
"Hey, we still have a chance" Shepard said, pulling out medi-gel "We have medi-gel, we can still…"
"No" Benezia interrupted "It's too late for me. Saren's control over me is to strong"
"Mother" Liara said, tearing up as she fell to her knees besides her dying mother.
Benezia mustered up her remaining strength to reach out and hold Liara's hand
"Good night, Little wing" Benezia said serenely "I will see you again at the dawn"
Benezia leaned her head back, her eyes glazed at the ceiling.
"No light" Benezia said, disappointed "They always said there's a….."
The matriarch slouched, unmoving.
Liara began to sob, Shepard dropping down to the Asari, pulling her into a hug.
Liara cried, clutching Shepard as tightly as possible for any comfort. The rest of the team glanced down, their heads bowed in respect and sympathy.
Spider-man removed his mask, his eyes not leaving the dead form of Benezia. A few tears escaped as once again, this was a reminder of all the failures Peter had to endure in his life.
'Dammit' Peter thought, rubbing his eyes dry 'Again, I couldn't save someone right in front of me'
Dejected, Spider-man decided to walk away to be alone in his thoughts. Sure he wanted to comfort Liara, but Shepard was doing a damn good job at enduring the super hug she was giving him.
Spider-man stood apart from the others, head down in depression.
'We came here to apprehend a criminal' Peter bitterly thought 'Instead we saw a daughter witness her mother die before her'
As Spider-man finished that thought, a sensation he felt not too long ago entered his mind once more.
Jerking his head up, Spider-man spun round trying to find the source of this….song.
"Spider-man?"
Spider-man 'eeped' at the abrupt entrance of Garrus which caused the Turian to chuckle at getting the jump on Peter.
"You know, for a guy who has a warning sense, it does a terrible job on friends" Garrus said smirking
"Yeah, well that's exactly it" Spider-man said shrugging his shoulders "My spider-sense only registers threats, not friends"
"So I'm not a threat" Garrus said in false indignation
"Garrus, you'd melt if a child gave you a flower of appreciation" Spider-man jibbed
"PFFt, like that would ever happen"
"Heh, I'll be there to that when it DOES happen"
"Guys?"
"Hey Shepard"
"Commander"
"What are you two up to?"
"Just chatting" Spider-man said "How's Liara?"
"Still crying" Shepard informed "Ash and Tali are with her right now, keeping her company. I've got Kaidan and Wrex making sure the perimeters clear. Don't want any leftovers trying to get the jump on us"
"So what's our next course of action, Commander?" Garrus asked
"Well, we sort of accomplished what we came for originally" Shepard said, crossing his arms "But, there is one major situation that we have to address"
"Which is?" Garrus asked
Shepard remained silent, instead turning his head to where Benezia originally stood when they confronted her. Following his line of sight, Garrus and Peter's eyes fell upon the prison that contained the Rachni Queen.
Wordlessly, the trio cautiously approached the containment cell.
The three of them now stood before the glass case separating them from the once believed to be extinct species, completely unaware of the reanimated Asari that stood up behind them.
With eyes not of its own and a walk like that of a zombie, the Asari stumbled its way to the Rachni queen.
Suddenly the Rachni Queen hissed right at them, making them jump back and bump right into the undead Asari. They all brought their guns and web shooters up in defense
"How did she sneak up on us?" Shepard whispered furiously at Spider-man who was equally confused
"I don't know, my spider-sense didn't go off" Peter said in turn
The Asari went right up to the glass of the Rachni Queen before turning towards the befuddled Normandy crew members.
"This one" The Asari spoke with the sound of several overlapping voices at once "Serves as our voice. We cannot sing. Not in these low spaces. Your music's are colorless"
"Music's?" Shepard said in clear confusion "What?"
"Did we just run into the Rachni Doctor Seuss?" Spider-man murmured
By this point Wrex and Kaidan now joined them, guns trailed at the Asari
"Your ways of communicating, strange. Flat" The Asari/Rachni said in a more melodious tone "It does not color the air. When we speak, one moves all"
"This sounds like it's going to be a fun conversation" Wrex said sarcastically
"We are the mother" The Asari droned on "We sing for those left behind. Those you thought silenced"
Shepard abruptly walked right past her and went up to the glass case.
"We are Rachni"
"How are you speaking through her?" Shepard inquired, not taking his eyes off the queen
"Our kind sing through touching's of thought" The Asari avatar replied "We pluck the strings, and the other understands. She is week to urging. She has colors we have no names for. But she is ending. Her music is bittersweet. It is beautiful"
"Beautiful?" Peter arched an eyebrow
"None of you are in harmony with those who wished to control us"
The Asari then looked directly at Spider-man.
"You however, hold a great anomaly amongst all those we have sung to"
"Singing" Peter said to himself, when his face dawned with realization "It was you. You were the one I heard in my head. You guided me hear"
"Indeed" The Asari said "You managed to communicate with us directly"
"What is she talking about, Peter?" Shepard demanded
Peter rubbed his chin in thought "Before we confronted Benezia, on our way up here, I began hearing odd tunes in my mind. At first I thought it was nothing more than stray thoughts, but then we passed by the door that lead to hear, and then I heard a completely different language"
"You have patterns unlike anything we have ever seen" The Asari said "It was exhilarating"
"You gave a Rachni queen an acid trip" Garrus snorted "I don't know whether to count that as an accomplishment or something else"
"I'll take 'Accomplishment'" Peter said, posing with his head held high
"Um, guys" Ashley said a little impatiently "You do realize we still have this Rachni Queen to deal with"
"Yeah" Wrex growled, glaring daggers directly at the Rachni Queen "Let's Deal with it"
"Seriously" Peter said to Wrex "I have to introduce you to Logan"
"What will you sing?" The queen addressed Shepard "Will you release us? Are we to fade away once more?"
"There are acid tanks rigged up on that thing" Wrex vehemently said "Set them off. Millions of my ancestors dies to put these things down. Don't let them come back"
"Hang on" Kaidan said "She didn't really do anything to us. In case you guys haven't noticed, she may as well be the last of her kind"
"I agree with Kaidan" Tali said "And I don't think it would be fair that a Quarian was partly responsible for the extinction of an entire species when my own kind is barely hanging on"
"This can be a chance for the galaxy to atone for its sins" Liara chipped in
"I don't know" Garrus said, unsure of the situation right now "I'm honestly split on this"
"Well I'm not gonna let that happen" Spider-man said with surprising fierceness "Sorry but the thought of being present for the extinction of species? Not gonna let that rest on my consciousness"
"Your companions hear the truth" The Asari said, her voice beginning to waver "You have the power to free us, or return our people to the silence of memory"
"Shepard" Spider-man said, intently focusing on the human Spectre "I'm not gonna let this happen"
This surprised Shepard greatly, but he hid it well. Shepard stood there, his eyes glazed in contemplation. Everything his crewmates said had perfect and logical sense. However, Spider-man's argument left the most profound statement. He instantly stated that he wasn't going to allow anyone to harm the Rachni queen. And he damn well had the power to do so.
It was at this moment did Shepard recall something Spider-man said in their first meeting. The words echoed in his head
"With Great power, Come Great Responsibility"
"I'm not gonna kill you" Shepard said with finality "We're going to let you go free. I have to agree with Spider-man on this one. The thought of singe handedly wiping out an entire species is not something I want to live with for the rest of my life"
"ARE YOU STUPID" Wrex shouted in outrage "Your people didn't fight these bastards, so maybe you don't get it"
"I'm sorry, isn't your race dying?" Shepard coldly shot back, stunning the Battle master "Killing off a dying race, would that make us any better?"
Wrex shook his head and huffed
"Do what you want" He sneered "My people will clean up this mess later. Just like we did for the Salarians"
"You will give us a chance compose anew?" The Rachni controlled Asari said with disbelief and gratitude "We will remember. We will sing songs of your forgiveness to our children"
"There's some serious irony here about bugs singing about a Spider's forgiveness" Ashley dryly stated
"Bit of a stretch, but you can have it" Spider-man said patting the marine on the shoulder
"Great" Wrex said mockingly "Bugs are writing songs about you. Mark my words. You will regret this"
"Oh lighten up Barney" Spider-man stated "It may have been your people, but you weren't there when the war occurred"
"He has a point there" Garrus said
"You"
"GAH" Peter leaped back in fright as the Asari now stood directly in front of him
"You displayed willing violence to protect us from the silence" The Asari said "Your songs will sung for generations to come"
"UH thanks" Spider-man scratched the back of his head
Shepard chose this moment to approach the control panels of the cell that imprisoned the Rachni Queen. He typed in a few controls before his finger hovered above the button that held the queen.
For a moment, it looked as if Shepard hesitated. But in the end he held true to his promise and pressed the button, releasing the queen.
The Rachni regarded Shepard for a moment before doing the same to Spider-man.
The cell doors opened and out went the Rachni.
"Missions over" Shepard said over his shoulder "Time to go home"
Scene cut
Spider-man was currently hanging upside down in the center of the meeting room of the Normandy. Around him sat the rest of his team.
'This kind of like an avengers meeting' Peter thought, glancing around at his "new Team" 'Correction, this is an avengers meeting. Man oh man if only I could take a picture of this…..wait a minute'
"Alright, this meeting is now in order" Shepard said jokingly as he sat down
"Lovely" Garrus quipped "So where should we start? The next mission? Or interior decorating? I'm partialled to a lightish red"
"How bout more blue" Spider-man said cheekily "The color scheme here is so dreary and blue really brings out the life in us"
"Really not the time for this" Ashley gritted out
'Yeah definitely the avengers' Spider-man thought in amusement 'Or is it like that team from space Tony told me about. What were they called again?'
"So what's our next move Commander?" Ashley asked "Head for the Mu Relay?"
"The Mu Relay could link to dozens of systems" Shepard pointed out "Unless we know exactly where Saren is going, we'd simply be wasting our time"
"The commander is right" Liara said "We cannot rush off blind. We still need to learn more about Saren"
"I'm sorry, who put you in charge?" Ashley challenged "Did the commander resign when I wasn't looking?"
"Williams" Shepard said sternly "She's just trying to help. We're all the same team here"
"Sorry Commander" Ashley said
'Should I start calling him Captain America?' Spider-man thought to himself and couldn't help but laugh out loud
"Something funny, Peter?" Shepard asked
"I'm sorry, this meeting reminded me of something" Peter apologized
"You seem loose" Garrus deadpanned
"Hey, I deal with these situations on a daily basis" Spider-man shrugged
"Hmph, I'm really starting to get annoyed by that" Wrex rumbled out "That's all you seem to say"
"Didn't you say you were 700 years old?" Spider-man asked "Haven't you dealt with anything similar to this in your lifetime?"
Wrex was actually surprised at that jab and pouted, turning his head away.
"We're all on edge" Shepard said "Right now, let's just rest up. We need to head back to the Citadel, restock on supplies before we continue the mission. Team, dismissed"
"Noveria report is away Commander' Joker spoke through the intercom "Want me to patch you through to the council?"
The rest of the team had departed while Shepard remained to speak with the council.
The commander endured the grueling bullshit of the council, until an important topic of interest came up.
"Shepard" Tevos said, before the link cut off "There is one thing we have left to discuss"
"Oh?" Shepard crossed his arm, his patience beginning to wear thin "And what would that be?"
"Is it true that you have the vigilante known as Spider-man aboard your ship?" Sparatus demanded more than asked
"If I said yes, what of it?" Shepard said, narrowing his eyes
"We are just curious, Commander Shepard" Valern said calmly "This Spider-man has been making headways across the Citadel. It's even beginning to spread word throughout the galaxy. And now, he's on your ship"
"He volunteered to help" Shepard stated "And I'm glad that he did. Spider-man has made this mission a lot easier and he's saved our ass's more times than I can count already"
"Do you know who he is?" Tevos questioned
"I am the only one who knows of his identity and intend to keep it that way" Shepard said "That's all he asked for in return for coming along on this mission"
"That's surprisingly humble of him" Valern said
"If this is some kind of an attempt to get me to talk about who Spider-man is, then you're not getting out of me" Shepard said with stout determination "His secrets and abilities are his to tell and keep. If you're so interested in him, why don't you speak to him yourself on your own time. If you'll excuse me"
Meanwhile, Peter had made his way down to his own personal little space where he kept all of his belongings. Removing his gloves and rolling up his sleeves, Peter slid off his web shooters, setting them down before him.
Taking off his mask, Peter pulled up his stool and sat down with a sigh.
"Hmm, busy day" Spider-man said to himself, setting up a mini work station.
Peter began detaching the empty web cartridges, while slotting in new ones from his belt.
"Four empty ones?" Pete murmured "Guess I've been busy"
Our favorite web slinger reached for his bag on the floor, placing it on the table.
After several minutes of unpacking all of his vials and tools, Peter was staring into a magnifying glass. With steady hands, Spider-man fiddled with his web shooters, taking them apart before putting them back together, reinforced and stronger than before.
"You seem busy" Shepard walked in "Never knew you could get so quiet"
"This young grasshopper has endured years of wax on and wax off" Peter, putting up his best Mr. Miyagi impression "Great Patience"
Shepard 'hmphed' at Pete's wit.
"What can I do for you commander?" Peter asked, mixing together chemicals
"Nothing serious" Shepard said honestly, sliding up another stool, placing it on the other side of the table "I guess I just needed a friend to talk to"
"Ah we're friends now?" Spider-man teased
"Is that so wrong?"
"Nah, it pays to have friends"
"Pays?"
"Hey, I've been supplied with free food, shelter and supplies" Spider-man remarked "What's not to love about having a friend in high places"
"I have half a mind to kick you off this ship right now" Shepard shot back
Both men shared a laugh
"But seriously Shepard, What can I do you for?"
"Your thoughts really" Shepard said
"Meaning?"
"I've already asked the council multiple times for aid in helping us take Saren down" Shepard said "But all they've really done for us is supply us with tidbits of information and just regular supplies"
"Well that's typical politics for ya, Shepard" Spider-man said, sighing, holding up a vial. He spun in his hand, the liquid inside going with the motion "It's usually filled with nothing but baloney and mishaps. I'm not that surprised really"
"You seem to deal with this on a daily basis" Shepard said
Peter paused from his work at those words, before addressing the commander very enigmatically.
"There's a lot of things you don't know about me Commander" Spider-man said in complete honesty "Now when it comes to certain scenarios like war, secrets don't matter. All you need to know is if the guy right next to can keep your ass safe. But when it comes to missions like this. It's best you know your crew above all else"
"Are you suggesting this, or telling me this?"
"Bit of both, really" Spider-man said, pouring the contents of the vial in hand into a bowl "But only cause you're a good guy"
"How would you know that?"
"Well my dear Commander, like you, I have been blessed with the ability to be a good judge of character" Peter said whimsically "I mean why else and really how else would you be able to assemble such an odd band of misfits onto this ship for the greater good?"
"You're a lot smarter than you let on" Shepard complimented "You're just full of surprises, aren't you"
"Oh, you ain't seen nothing yet" Spider-man had a glint in his eye that matched his friendly grin
The two relaxed into simple banter with one another, talking idly about subjects ranging from their pasts(Peter didn't reveal much, if anything really), interests and so on.
"And then they shoved me into a locker" Peter said "Again"
"I still can't believe you were bullied in high school"
"I'll let you in on a little secret" Spider-man "I've actually had these powers since I was fifteen"
"Fifteen?!" Shepard said in astonishment "How old are you?"
"26" Peter answered
"You've been Spider-man for eleven years?!"
"Very perceptive of you commander"
"Alright, now you've really peaked my interest"
"All in due time commander"
"You're just gonna keep on playing that card, aren't you?" Shepard deadpanned
"If it leads to fun conversations like this one, hell I'll do it forever" Peter chuckled at Shepards expression
"Meh, I'm done here" Shepard said in mock frustration
"Oh, Shepard" Peter called out to the Spectre "Before you go, I think you should stop by and talk to Liara"
"About her mother?" Shepard said knowingly
"Not necessarily" Peter said "Just to be sure she's ok"
"And why aren't you doing it?"
"You're the Commander" Spider-man said, smirking "You get first dibs on this ship for practically everything. Besides, she's taken a liking to ya, I could see it in her eyes. I'll talk to her later"
"Whatever you say Parker" Shepard was about to leave when he turned back to Spider-man "Oh, and Peter. Don't forget, you still need that armor for combat"
"I could dodge anything"
"Benezia"
"…."
"Low blow dude"
Shepard only laughed.
Scene cut
Spider-man, Garrus, Kaidan and Tali all sat around a table, laughing away at Kaidan's tale from Biotics training.
"And then the guy gets stunned in the ass" Kaidan exclaims gaining more laughter from his rapt audience "The best part is, he doesn't fall to the ground and cries like a bitch. No, he took it one step further. He gets hit and that man goes flying across field, clutching his ass before landing in god knows what. The entire camp fell apart, laughing their asses off at the poor guy"
The trio also roared with laughter, Garrus banging his fist on the table, Tali clutching her sides. Spider-man fell over, adding to the laughter.
The laughter died down in time for the intercom to come on
"Citadel inbound team" Joker announced
"You heard him, Normandy" Shepard said aloud from the other end of the room "Get our supplies, restock, get what you need. Take a break afterwards. We're here for several days, so make the most of it"
"Come on Pete, I know the best place where we can get you some armor" Garrus said to his arachnid themed friend
"Much appreciated Garrus"
FINALLY, OH MY GOD THIS TOOK FUCKING FOREVER.
HOLY SHIT, I WANTED TO UPDATE THIS TWO FUCKING MONTHS AGO.
Damn, the things College and work does to ya.
Well any who, glad I can finally update. College semester is ending and I've got a f our month gap of only a part time job meaning I have more time than ever now to update this and I'm gonna make the most of it.
I'm gonna update my Halo/Young Justice crossover in several days followed by my Halo/Marvel crossover several days after as well.
Since summer is upon us, I thought I'd give you all a tease on my next BIG project, and I mean it is enormous
The League Of Avengers
Overused title, but it works.
That's right, I'm finally making the Marvel/DC crossover I've been planning for two years now. I hope to make it my biggest project yet
Rate Read and As always my good comrades Have Nice Day