THE "BASTION"

SHADOW BROKER RESIDENCE

ILMNOS, IALESSA SYSTEM

EARLY MORNING, NOVEMBER 14th, 2188

ADMIRI ALERTED THE BASTION as the Phoenix came under attack and a rudely-awakened Liara immediately dispatched several ships to their aid. Her experience with her predecessor as the Shadow Broker had taught her that simply hiding was not enough. Repurposed Cerberus autonomous attack fighter drone ships would help even out any reasonable odds. Her second command had been to order a thorough recheck and extensive scan of all her system drones and sensor relays, as this attacker had appeared from nowhere. Neither Admiri nor her security had a satisfactory explanation. There was too much Liara didn't know and as she watched her fighters depart, she vowed not to repeat past mistakes.

IVANOSTRO ASTEROID FIELD

ILMNOS, IALESSA SYSTEM

NOVEMBER 14th, 2188

"SCARWEAVER ONE reports determined resistance. Two pods destroyed inbound. One severely damaged." The SIC reported. "Five vessels of unknown origin are vectoring on intercept courses." She paused as new numbers rolled across her HUD. "Scarweaver engaging. Contact vessel destroyed. One pod destroyed in the engagement. Two pods disengaging to lead attackers away."

"I give you direct interface command, of course." The Lord Commander told her unexpectedly, unperturbed by the report. "You are to direct this retrieval."

The SIC seemed taken aback but recovered with admirable alacrity.

"Understood, Lord." Another first. What is the meaning of this? "Destroy those ships and then proceed to the retrieval." She told the tech beside her.

The Lord Commander nodded once and turned to walk away.

"I shall be meditating in my quarters." Upon her acknowledgement he halted and turned back to her. "Is it not said that the Echo speaks thus? 'I have sent you clearly to my waiting place only for victory. Should you fail what awaits but the Speaking Silences? What awaits you but what you yourself sow?'" So saying, he left the bridge. He felt the need to get out of his armor and relax, recharge and adjust it. It was a luxury few in the realm of the Lord Remnant could boast. He was sometimes curious as to what she might do were she ever privy to that particular secret.

As she directed the crew the SIC knew, though she could never swear to it, that the Commander had been smiling when he'd quoted the Word. She could almost smell the smug on the man.

"All other pods proceeding to primary objective. Enemy ships destroyed or driven off, battlefield secured. All penetrative procedures underway." A subordinate reported.

The idea of that smile suddenly made her hate him.