I'm back! I'm gusseing you're so anxious to read, I'll leave my comments at the bottom. Enjoy!

3 minutes earlier

"He's acting stranger than usual." Lina said quietly, so that Motch wouldn't hear her.

"I'm guessing it has to do with that cough. Do you know anything about it?"

"No! The krogan don't let any alien know about their biology and diseases if they can help it. Why would I know?" Ellen replied. Realizing she got a little too angry, she added "Sorry. It's just getting strangled seems to work on your nerves."

"It's okay. We'll just need to watch out for him."

"Yeah, right. He only cares about himself. I don't care what he says, we need to finish our mission. We just need to convince him to calm down and not go offworld."

"Don't worry." Lina said, looking up at Motch. "We'll convince-" Then she saw him almost walk into a brute.

"Motch, in front of you!"

Looking to her left and right, she saw husks climb down the walls like insects. It was an ambush!

Drawing her pistol, she created a singularity to pull 2 husks off the roof. Jumping to the side, she saw that Ellen was also already on her feet, with her sword and sidearm drawn.

Motch had the brute busy and Ellen just cloaked, so Lina needed to get herself safe. Detonating her singularity with a warp field, she dashed across the street to get inside an open building. It might be tight in there, but she liked to consider close quarters her specialty. Whether it was or not… well, she brought up an extra, self-sustaining barrier just to be sure. She set up a warp field in the doorway. That would slow down the next few things coming through, but she started to feel exhaustion from using too much powerful biotic powers. All asari were born with biotics, but they still had their limits. Not knowing what to do next, she looked around. Maybe… up? A high vantage point might be better, but they had to regroup and get out of this mess. She ran to the next room and found some stairs. Going up, she tried to reach Ellen. No response. Damnit. What about Motch? Also nothing.
Arriving at the second floor, she saw a marauder shooting from the window. Sneaking up the best she could, she put her pistol to its head and performed an excellent point-blank execution. Goddess, what has the galaxy come to, for me to think like that? She then looked out the window to see what cover she could provide as she tried to reach her squad again, this time with a bit more luck.

"Lina! Where are you?" Ellen asked.

"2nd floor of the West building, trying to provide cover fire." She said, as shot at a cannibal down below.

"OK. I've gone around the corner, to the south, and am under some pressure. If you could help…"

"On it!" Lina replied. She turned to the south side of the building. There was a window, but its mechanical shutters were closed. Without power, there was only one other way to open it. She weakened the shutters with a warp, then shattered it with a powerful shockwave.

She checked over the balcony to see what she could do and was met with a flash of light. Jumping back, she realized she was shot at! Thank the goddess for kinetic barriers. Not caring if her shields were back up, she went to go check again, if not a bit more careful. Ellen was in trouble and she had to help any way she could. Sending out a singularity that would end up near the shooter, she looked through the broken shutters again – and disabled her singularity just in time.

"Thanks for the distraction." Ellen radioed. She was standing on the street, with 2 dead cannibals and a dead marauder around her.

"You're welcome." Ellen was lucky that Lina was the distraction. Anyone else would've probably been pissed, but she knew something like that couldn't be planned. She wouldn't blame Ellen for something that wasn't her fault.

"So, are we going to retreat? They seem to have gotten the jump on us, and I don't know how many there are." Lina asked.

"No. We can't afford to get separated. Anyway, I think Motch went into a blood rage; something the reapers weren't expecting. We might get through this. But if we lose track of each other… the reapers will surely get us, one by one. But just stay clear of Motch."

"Are you sure? You're taking a big risk."

"I have no lack of confidence in our skills. And no matter what Motch does, I'm the true leader of our group, OK?"

Lina hesitated for a moment. "OK… wait, where are the rest of the reapers?"

"Motch." Ellen said, just as Lina thought the same thing.

She ran back to the east side of the building. Looking out the window, she saw a bunch of reapers on Motch, and even more surrounding him. Hoping Motch would sustain the impact, she sent out another shockwave to get the husks off him. While it did get them off Motch, her victory was short lived. The shockwave knocked Motch – who clearly wasn't in normal conditions – to the ground, and also gained her the attention of the other reaper troops. Again, she was able to pull back through the window before her shields were decimated.

But apparently, the forces of the universe just didn't like her that day. Standing right behind her was a husk, which she was able to dispatch with her biotics just in time. Behind that was a cannibal, which raised its cannon-arm ready to shoot. Before it could, she rolled to the side, taking out her sidearm and shooting it a few times until it fell to the ground. After that, she didn't see anything, but their presence meant her biotic field had failed. That, or they found another way in. Either way, any amount of reaper troops could be coming yet. She had to get out. But then she'd be in the mess on the streets, and she did not want to get overwhelmed by husks again. Once in a lifetime was already one time too many. That left only one option: the window. She could probably make the jump, if she used her biotics. That still left the problem of the troops down below; they would have a clear shot.
Hearing footsteps coming toward her, she didn't have much time left. Fumbling through her pack, she got all explosives she took from the warehouse. She didn't have time to sort them now, so she took the biggest one, primed it, threw all on the ground, took a step back… then ran forward and dove through the window, biotically lowering her mass.
Lucky, Motch and Lina had been busy. The cannibals and marauders down below were too distracted to shoot her as she gently sailed to the other side. Keeping her body in an arrow, she propelled herself biotically through the other window, shattering the glass and getting a rougher landing then she expected.
She took cover under the windowsill and picked out a glass shard form her shoulder. There might've been more, but she couldn't feel them right now. Not that she had the time to deal with them, as reaper troops were swarming the room she was in just moments ago.

"Ellen, Motch, if you can hear me, then watch out. The West building is about to blow."

Giving them 3 seconds to take cover, she detonated the explosives.

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee…

That must've been more explosives than she thought. Her ears were ringing so loudly she was surprised that waterfalls of blood weren't pouring out. Hearing a small thump, she checked outside again.
That was a small thump? The whole building had collapsed!
The good news was that it seemed to take a lot of reaper troops down with it. But the bad news was she had no idea where Ellen or Motch were.

"By the Godess! Ellen, Motch, is anyone on this frequency?" She still couldn't hear her own voice. Shaking, she set her translator to transcribe any incoming messages. That might have been a bit too much. Thankfully, a reply came a few seconds later.

[Ellen]: Was that you? What in the world did you do?

"I might have… biotically primed all my explosives."

[Ellen]: You have to be more careful! Not to mention that's another flare for the reapers!

"I'm really sorry, but I'm so glad you're okay. What about Motch?"

[Ellen]: He's still raging and tearing up the remaining forces. You did put a dent in them.

"Hm, but was it worth it? I just hope we get out alive."

[Ellen]: Don't worry. I think the rest are either retreating or getting demolished by Motch. We'll get together by him. He won't be hard to find.

"Wait. The reapers are retreating?"

[Ellen]: Yeah, I don't get it either. Probably just so they can get us later

"Maybe. I'll see you at Motch."

[Ellen]: OK.

Before Lina set out, she started checking herself for other glass shards. She carefully took out the biggest ones, also applying medigel. She wasn't sure if that was necessary, but you could never be too safe. She thought she was getting a bit of her hearing back, but then she was radioed again and couldn't make out was said. She checked her transcription again.

[Ellen]: Come quick! Motch won't stand down!

As soon as she read half the communication, she sped off, taking multiple steps at a time. She exited the building, but then didn't know what to do. Darn, Ellen, why couldn't you just give coordinates? Where are you?
As if the goddess was listening, the ringing in her ears died down enough to hear krogan shouts coming from a block or two away. She took off in that direction, hoping she wasn't too late. What does Ellen mean, he won't stand down?Against her, surely. Did he find out- no, that can't be. What's happening?

She rounded the last corner to find the situation was pretty bad. The only reapers that she saw were on the ground, probably beaten to death by Motch. But he and Ellen were locked in battle, with Motch in his blood rage. It didn't look good for Ellen, but Lina didn't know what to do, other than watch. She could hardly attack a squad mate. Besides, getting in between them might be dangerous for one or all of them. All she could do was wait till the right moment, or until Ellen told her exactly how to help.
They were locked in a fierce battle. Motch was really going full out, or so it seemed. Why is he doing this? He swung at Ellen time after time, using thankfully only his body and none of the heavy weapons strapped to his back. Ellen was able to deflect each blow with her sword, if just barely. Lina was surprised such a thin sword could block a krogan, but Ellen seemed to be diverting the force of each blow Motch brought. It was almost as if they were doing some sort of weird dance. Well, maybe only Ellen, Motch was swinging his arms like crazy. Suddenly, somehow, Motch disarmed Ellen and almost crunched her sword. He pushed her back further, separating her from her sword.
Maybe Lina could pick it up for her? Did Ellen even know Lina was there? Quietly, but still focused on Ellen and Motch, she moved towards the sword. Now Ellen was doing all she could to dodge every attack Motch tried. She was just able to keep it up, when she made a surprised gesture in Lina's direction. No! That was too close. Motch had nearly taken Ellen's head off. Now she probably knew Lina was here. She grabbed the sword and threw it to Ellen, who still seemed surprised Lina was there. But, as it turned out, Lina would be the surprised one.
A husk jumped on her back, pinning her to the ground. Lina had been so focused on the fight, she didn't notice the leftover reaper forces. She fought back, squirming and trying to turn around. Somehow, she got turned on her back, and for the second time that long day, she was holding a husks head back so that it wouldn't bite her or whatever they do. It tried to get at her, but she held its neck firmly with one hand, and charged a biotic buildup in the other. Then she slammed her fist into its gut sending its pieces flying in a huge arc. She got up to see Ellen on the ground, with Motch hanging over her. He would've probably been closer, but Ellen was just able to hold him back with her sword. But that wasn't the worst part. A whole wave of reaper troops was coming up behind them. Ellen couldn't move, and Motch didn't see them, so it was up to Lina. She didn't see any better idea than her biotics. Building up all the energy she had, she prepared herself. Something like this would take all her strength and concentration. She felt it building to past a natural point, and started rushing forward. It was almost reaching a breaking point, but she couldn't release it yet; the reapers were still too far apart.
Not yet… not yet…almost… NOW!
Just at the last moment, she realized Motch and Ellen would be destroyed by her powers. Just in time, she was able to alter the beginning of her field, hopefully enough to let them survive, albeit with a few bruises.
A completely transparent-blue tinted 'wall' left her and swept forward. It reached Ellen and Motch, and she heard a violent crack as the two flew in the air. No! Please don't be bone! The 'wall' went forward, gathering intensity and then annihilating the reaper forces. Lina dropped to her knees and almost blacked out.
She just stayed on the ground, not wanting to get up. She didn't care if there were more reapers, she'd had enough. She just wanted to sleep, and for it all to be over. What am I even doing here? Why do I always get pulled toward such situations? Maybe it's in no small part due to Tarn- She stopped the thought, for it was too painful to continue. She still couldn't believe he sacrificed himself for them and more importantly, they didn't go back for him. Why didn't they go back? Oh, goddess, just take me now, while I'm at peace. But instead, it was someone else.

"Lina?" Ellen was standing above her. "Lina, get up. You did a pretty good job with those reapers… c'mon Lina." She said, as she pulled Lina up.

"Anyway, nice work! What was tha- nevermind, I probably wouldn't understand it. But seriously, that was awesome! And you didn't really hurt us. Well, not permanently, at least. Although, I don't know what's up with Motch. Maybe you hit him some special way. He'll probably be up in no time though. And hopefully without the craziness."

"You're… okay?"

"Yeah, of course."

They walked over to Motch, who was lying face-down on the ground. He seemed pretty peaceful for a krogan who had been in blood rage a few moments before.

"Oh, and Lina, if you find my katana, tell me. I lost it when that blast hit me."

So that's what the sword's name was. She could never remember it. Looking at Motch again, she noticed he was a bit to peaceful…and he seemed to be on something yet.

"Ellen, is… is Motch still breathing? I don't think… please tell me krogan can survive not breathing!" She said, starting to panic.

"Wait, wait, wait, calm down! Okay, let's carefully turn him over, see what we can do." Ellen was calmer, but Lina still sensed unease in her voice.

They both got down, and pushed his body over. Lina took one glance and had to look away to not loose whatever was left in her from her last meal.

Ellen's sword had been broken in two, with each piece sticking in Motch, one just under the skull plate, one opening a huge flesh wound across his throat. Lina had to do everything not to throw up, or go into an emotional breakdown.

"No, no, no, no!" She heard Ellen behind her. That was followed by some kind of 'charging' sounds, which Lina recognized as the military grade, omni-tool defibrillator. Then again. And again. Then nothing, until…

"Damnit! Lina, did you… why would you… do you know how much trouble you're in?" Ellen shouted at Lina.

"I didn't mean to!" She said, almost breaking out in tears. "I just… had to… to save you guys!" sobs now starting to pop up between words. "I …had no …idea!"

"Okay, Lina. Calm down. I'm just getting a little stressed out here. I didn't mean to snap. You would never do this. But seriously, how did this happen?"

"I… don't know… I just… sent that wave…out and…." She said, trying to take control of herself.

"Lina, listen to me. This wasn't your fault. You couldn't have done this. And we will get out of here alive, and our mission completed."

Lina had no idea how Ellen was able to say that so calmly, and it seemed to have an effect on Lina too. She calmed down a bit, and was able to stop sobbing. Usually Lina was one to comfort others, but these last few hours had been a bit too much for her.

"Thank you, Ellen. I really needed that." She said, composing herself again. "So…."

"Well, my guess is that my katana got him in a freak accident. It might be hard for the mission report, but then again, all of this will be. Sound good?"

"Yes. But, what will we do now."

"Well, you look like you need rest. I don't think the reapers would attack again right away, so maybe you could get an hour or two in. I'll keep watch. I also need to find a replacement for my katana. I do believe I could… program something." She said, looking at her omni-tool. "Then we'll get to the first device and shut it down."

Oh right, the devices! Lina had almost forgotten their primary objective. Or the fact they had been steering Motch in the direction of the first one. It shouldn't be too far, but as Ellen said, she was beginning to feel very tired.

"Well, if I'm going to sleep, I'd like to find a good bed." She said, pointing at one of the buildings. She wasn't over what just happened, but right now she was too tired to do anything.

"Mhm." Ellen replied, now completely engrossed with her omni-tool. She even had a second holo-keyboard and was tapping at her keys like a maniac.

Lina and Ellen went to a nearby building, easily finding a comfortable bed. Well maybe not really, but relative to what Lina had been sleeping on the last few weeks, it was paradise. The last thing she remembered before falling asleep was Ellen trying out her first omni-sword, which seemed way to short in Lina's opinion.

"Hey. Hey, Lina. Time to get up. We should get going." Ellen said gently.

"Muuuhh." Was it time to go already? She had just closed her eyes!

"C'mon, seriously. We don't have time for this."

Ellen was right, they were still behind enemy lines. Using one of her biotical focusing techniques, she built enough energy to jolt herself awake.

"Okay, okay. I'm up." She said, jumping out her bed, ready for whatever lay ahead. "So… what do we do?"

"I was able to give it some thought while you were sleeping. We're about a kilometer away from our target. Normally, the captain had specialized software to hack and disable the reaper device. But with our low numbers, and the fact that reapers are infamous for their indoctrination, I'm opting for another plan. We just blow the thing to hell and back. I'm guessing that's what Tarnik had in mind when we had to loot the warehouse."

"If you say so. Let's not waste any time." Lina followed Ellen out of the building, surprised at how dark it was. It must've been about middle of the night in Benning. She probably slept more than she thought, which was surprising considering all her…troubles.

Ellen led the way, with Lina beside her.

"So… do you have a good omni-sword?" Lina asked. Ellen sighed.

"How many times? It's a katana. And it's nothing like the original. But, I got something up and running that just might work. Check it out." She stretched her arm out and a katana holographically appeared in her hand. She swung it a few times and did a few tricks, all while still walking and seeing where she was going.

"Pretty neat, huh? I do have to say, this is one of the coolest things I have ever made. It won't last though. It takes an enormous amount of energy to power. Speaking of which, you don't have any extra external power cells, do you?"

"It's your lucky day. I found this at the warehouse." Lina said, bringing out her last remaining item from there.

"Thanks. I might need this if we get into longer fights again."

"So, do you have enough explosives? I used all mine, remember." Lina asked.

"Yeah, I think I have enough. But seriously, everything? You couldn't keep it down some?"

"It wasn't my fault! I just had-"

"It's alright! Just try to be careful and take your time next time."

"You don't always have time."

"True. Good thing I've got a detonator then. C'mon, down this way."

Ellen led her down some stairs. The signs hanging around told her they were headed to some square. Getting down the flight of stairs, she got a clear sight of the square.

"Where… is the device?" Lina asked.

"Intel says at the square, so do readouts. It should be… yeah, I think I see it."

"That small thing? But it's tiny!"

"C'mon Lina, I would think you read the reports and briefings. It's clearly mentioned that those things vary in size."

"I can't recall seeing anything about reaper devices… but this is ridiculous! I could carry it under my arm!"

"Yeah, but it would probably indoctrinate you first." They walked up to the device, which was very alien to Lina. Still, it looked really small.

"Help me set up the charges." Ellen said, already getting explosives out. Lina took two, and placed them near the device. That's when she heard the humming.

"Uhh, Ellen? I think that thing is on."

"All the more reason to hurry."

"But, what if it indoc-"

"It won't."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Truth be told, it might be trying now. But I think indoctrination takes days, if not weeks. And like you said, it's just a small device."

"And what about protection? You think it has shields?"

"I don't know, but there's one way to find out." Ellen reached out to touch the object.

"No!" Lina shouted. "Sorry." She added, realizing how loud she was. "I just think it might be best to… you know, not touch it. Maybe shoot at it or something. Anyway, it might have a barrier that only protects against high-velocity objects."

"Okay, then." Ellen said, getting out her gun. "Let's hope there are no reapers around."

Ellen shot the object once, and nothing stopped the bullet. It just dinged off the object, which now seemed to be humming louder.

"Are the charges set?" Lina asked, starting to worry.

"Almost, I just need to set up this last one." Ellen replied, bending down to finish her work.

"Okay. Let's get to a safe range and then blow this thing." Ellen said, getting up and pointing in the intended direction. They started off at a jog, but Lina felt really uncomfortable, even with the device behind her. She started speeding up, until she was sprinting. Ellen kept up with her, not saying anything. Maybe she's feeling as uneasy as I am.

They hurried into a side street, and kept going forward. Ellen took the lead, while Lina watched their backs. After a few turns through different streets, Lina began to feel easier. They were probably far enough now, and able to detonate the charges. Lina looked behind one more time and almost stopped dead. A few stories down and a few streets across, she saw some movement. It was reapers, but they didn't seem to know that Ellen and Lina were there.

"Ellen!" Lina quietly shouted, which seemed the wrong thing to do. Ellen took this as her cue, and pressed the detonator. Lina didn't have time to cringe as she heard the explosion in the distance. She grabbed Ellen and pulled her around a corner.

"What the hell is-"

"SSSHHH! Reapers." Lina explained.

"What do you mean?" Ellen asked, now more serious and quiet.

"I saw a group of them, a few stories down."

"Crap! Do they know our position?"

"I don't know. I don't even know if they know we're here."

"Well then, I intend to find out."

Lina wanted to stop Ellen, but before she could say a word, Ellen cloaked and presumably went to check the reapers. "No…" was all she could say. She waited there, each second stretching out into a sea of time. Then Ellen de-cloaked in front of her.

"Not good." She started, "I don't know how, but I think they saw me."

"What? How?!"

"I don't know! There was a banshee, and it seemed to look straight in my direction! We can only hope that was just pure-"

She was cut off by that horrible screech. Worse than anything she ever heard, it shook Lina to the bone. One of her own people, turned into that!

"We have to go. Now!" Ellen commanded.

They took off as fast as they could, in the direction of their next objectives. But after crossing their first street, Lina could already hear the telltale sound of the banshee's biotic charge. It was getting closer! Picking up speed, she looked over at Ellen. She had put on her mask, and now Lina couldn't see her face. Maybe she didn't want to; Ellen's own possible fear might lower Lina's morale. She kept on going, almost reaching another junction. But then the banshee caught up. It 'jumped' right into the middle of the crossroads, forcing Ellen and Lina to split.

"We have to take it down!" Ellen shouted, taking out her sidearm and readying her now holographic blade. Lina took out her own gun and tried to topple the banshee with a heavy throw. It didn't look so stable, but it just brought up a biotic shield. Her throw had no effect whatsoever. Realizing her biotics were seemingly useless, she started shooting. But the bullets, like her throw, were just sucked up in the banshee's barriers. It took a step to her, but that's when Ellen tried something suicidal. She ran up behind it, omni-sword in hand.

"Come get some, you bitch!" She shouted, raising her sword for the attack.

With lightning speed, the banshee turned around to block Ellen's initial attack with its claws. But that didn't stop her. She struck at it again and again, each time getting blocked. As with the fight with Motch, Lina was amazed at Ellen's grace and ferocity. But she didn't just stand there. Trying to help Ellen in any way she could, she shot the banshee again and again, emptying her thermal clip. It didn't seem to have much effect, it just kept blocking Ellen's strikes, but the banshee's biotic shield seemed to be dropping. Not giving up on her biotics, Lina tried another heavy throw. This time it stumbled, opening itself for one of Ellen' attacks. She took the chance and stabbed the banshee right through her middle. There was a moment of rest as Lina, Ellen and the banshee stood there, the former glad that the banshee was defeated. But it didn't fall. It just looked at Ellen, now open herself to an attack. The banshee picked her up and held her in the air for a moment. All Lina could do was watch in horror. Then the banshee returned Ellen's favour, and thrusted her claws – right through Ellen's chest!
Her body went limp and was dropped on the floor.

"You damn BITCH!" Lina shouted, now enraged. Adrenaline pumping through her veins, she sent a wave of different biotics at the monster. Warps, throws, shockwaves,… anything Lina could think of, she threw at the horrible creature, resulting in multiple biotic explosions. And it seemed to work. It was pushed back, step by step, until it was backed up against the wall of a building. Even then, the pummeling didn't stop.
After a particularly big explosion, the monster crumpled. It gave out one last pathetic scream, before it disintegrated. You're just lucky you didn't survive to feel more of my wrath… Ellen!
Lina turned to rush to Ellen, but found reapers surrounding her body.

"No!" she shouted, getting ready for another fight. But before she could do anything at all, two husks dropped down and pinned her to the ground. She tried to get them off, but a third one joined them. The pinned her to the wall, where the banshee was not one minute ago. Why are they not killing me? What are they going to… no. Please don't make me into a banshee. Please….
But there was nothing she could do. She was couldn't move. A marauder and two cannibals came up in front of her. This was it. The end.
But just as she thought that, she was saved by an unknown force. An electrical pulse incapacitated the reapers in front of her, while three well placed shots took at the husks pinning her to the wall. Finally free, she lifted the remaining troops surrounding Ellen with a singularity, then destroyed them with a nice biotic explosion. Relieved she was fine, she looked around. Who had helped her?

Hiiissssssssss!

The sound of mini jets was accompanied by the sudden appearance of an unexpected figure out of nowhere.

"Having a bad day?" Tarnik asked.

OK, I've got some stuff to say.

1) ERMAHGAWD! who would've thought, Tarnik is still alive!

2) Yes, I stole that last line from Citadel DLC. So what?

3) I'm SO sorry that I didn't upload any sooner. Please understand, I have a LOT of work (but probably not that much compared to some people), and although writing fanfic is fun, there are other ways I like to spend my time *cough* masseffect *cough* citadelDLC *cough* reckoningDLC *cough*.
No, but I do try to write each day, if I don't have to write for school projects. And I can tell you this: I will never give up on any of my stories, no matter how long it takes to upload. So don't worry if I don't update, it just means I'll take a bit longer, due to stupid work [face of Timmy's dad saying Dinkleburg]
Actually, I'll post that on my profile. Go check. It's on there right now.

4) I don't know if you're ready for it, but next chapter will probably be my last. Just sayin'. Don't know how long it'll be yet, but I hope as long as this one, or longer.

5) I really like killing off my characters, don't I? But don't start panicking, I can assure you that not EVERYONE will die. Only most. Actually, just don't jump to conclusions at all. Just wait til my next update.

6) Shoutout to A fan (guest) and Mattihew (guest) for reviewing. Sort of stupid to shoutout to guests, but who cares?
And I hope I didn't loose any readers due to it taking so long. Again I'm sorry!

7) That's about it. Until next time!