A/N: Sometimes I think I've seen "Star Trek: The Next Generation" too many times. I'm thinking I should quit watching it before I write a chapter, because "TNG" episodes start to show in ideas for the chapter I'm writing. Anyway, this will start off slowly, but I'm getting into "Overlord" this chapter, and moving on next chapter to "Lair of the Shadow Broker."
Reaper Threat v2
Chapter 17
Illium – Dry dock – Normandy SR-2 – Captain's Cabin: Day 3 of repairs.
Alexa J. Shepard sat at her desk, looking over the specs for the suit of Cerberus armor that Naruto had found. From the moment she saw it, she was fascinated by the sleek design, and extraordinary level of protection that the suit offered.
"EDI," she called out, "Can you get the schematics for that armor suit?"
"Of course, Shepard, I already have it on file, in case it needed repairs during the mission."
"Forward it to Councilor Anderson, and Admiral Hackett. Have it sent to Alliance R&D for duplication and use by Alliance Marines. I'm actually surprised that they haven't come up with a similar design yet."
"This design was really an improvement on the standard 'Onyx' suit that N7 graduates receive upon completion of the program," EDI explained, "Cerberus changed a few things, adding in a gel layer to the internal cooling systems, as well as titanium mixed with Silaris technology plating, and the shields are based on Cyclonic barrier tech. It's somewhat heavier than the standard combat hard suit, but it does provide superior protection."
"When we get finished with Cerberus," Shepard remarks, "I want to make some modifications to the suit. I want to get that Cerberus logo off the chest plate and put the N7 symbol on there, for starters. Also, change the coloring. I'm thinking black with red highlighting. That's all I want to do with it."
"Then, once we finish off Cerberus, I'll have Jacob get with you on completing the design, and making the necessary changes."
"Good. Where's Naruto and the others?"
"Currently, Naruto, Garrus, Ashley, Jacob and Jack are playing poker in the starboard observation lounge. Sakura's with Thane and Doctor Chakwas in the med bay. Samara is meditating in the Port observation deck. Everyone else took a shuttle to Nos Astra, to get a few drinks."
"What is Sakura doing in the med bay with Thane?" she wonders out loud.
"Apparently, she's found a way to help Thane with his Kepral's Syndrome," EDI advised, "What Kepral's does is it makes his blood unable to process oxygen. The process is similar to certain blood cancers in humans. She's figured out a way to correct the problem, after reading everything available on Drell physiology from the extranet."
"I see. Is it a cure for Kepral's Syndrome?"
"More like a therapy," came Sakura's voice over intercom, "EDI connected us, since you were curious. It may not be a cure right now, but if I continue treatment for at least maybe..a month, then it could put Kepral's into remission, similar to most cancers in humans, and it could extend his life by several years."
"Ok, thanks, Sakura. Carry on."
"Of course, Commander."
She looked at her credit chit, and gave a grin, "I think I'll have Garrus deal me in."
Starboard Observation Lounge: 10 minutes later.
(Note: Here's the "Star Trek" reference. The crew would play poker in Riker's quarters in "ST: TNG", so here, it's the Starboard Observation Deck.)
"Seriously, Jacob, your poker face sucks," Garrus states as he throws in a few more chips, "I'll call your 100, and raise you 200."
"Garrus must have some damn good cards," Naruto commented, "Either that, or he's bluffing." He had folded earlier in the hand, and was having fun just talking trash with the others. "Call him, Jake. Don't you want to see his hand?"
"Damn right I do. I'll call your 200."
"Cerberus boy's got some moxy, Garrus," Ashley teased the Turian, "Ok, boys. Show your cards."
"2 pair, Aces and 8's. Spades and clubs," Jacob proudly called out.
"Uh, Jacob, you do realize that's called a 'Dead Man's Hand', Right?" Jack inquired.
"Appropriate," Garrus smirked, as he showed his cards, "Full House, Kings over Queens."
"Good thing I folded," Naruto laughed, "Guys, I think we've found the shipboard shark."
"Shark?" Garrus asked, somewhat confused at being referred to as a fish.
"Card shark," Ashley explained, "someone who usually cleans the entire table out at poker."
"If so," came Shepard's voice from the door, "Deal me in. What's the buy in?"
"500 credits buys in with 15,000 in chips," Naruto explained, "That's the rules at the big tournament in Tanzaku Casino back home."
"Will I be surprised how you know that?" Shepard raised an eyebrow at the news.
"Some would say I have a fox's luck," the blonde commented, "and it would be appropriate, seeing how I've got a fox with me all the time. Anyway, I had to do something to earn living money, when I was traveling the 5 great nations, so I entered the tournament. Both for fun, and profit."
"A fox's luck?" this from Garrus.
"Among my people, foxes are considered to be bringers of good luck, as well as being messengers from some of our most ancient gods. What is Kurama? A fox. Some call him a demon, but he's not really."
"Ok, Shepard," Ashley said, taking Shepard's money and adding it to the current pot for the whole table, "You're the new player, you call the game, and you deal."
"Ok," Alexa smiled as she dealt out the cards for the next hand, "Game is Texas Hold 'Em. Small Blind 50, Large blind 100."
2 hours later
"And here I thought Garrus was a card shark," Jacob remarked as he walked out of the Observation deck, nursing a lighter credit chit.
"Fucking ninja's good," Jack added, "Even cleaned me out. A Fox's luck indeed."
"You enjoyed that way too much," Garrus told Naruto.
"We really should enter him in a quasar tourney on the Citadel," Shepard jokes, "He'd clean them out."
Naruto just laughed, as he handed over 1000 credits to Garrus, "Misdirection and deception are a shinobi's best ally. Here, I owe you anyway."
"Commander," came Miranda's voice, "I've found out something you may want to see." The former Cerberus operative walked over and handed Shepard a datapad. Shepard glanced over the information, and went wide-eyed at what she saw.
"Is this what I think it is?" Alexa queried.
"Project: Overlord," Lawson answered, "A project stated as an attempt to communicate with the Geth. It could be a means of co-opting the Geth's network signals to try to take control."
"If they can do that," Garrus thought out loud, "What is the chance they can do that with the Reapers?"
"Overlord hasn't produced any real results in communicating with the Geth," Miranda explained, "But, given the Illusive Man's interest in the Reapers, it wouldn't be too much of a stretch. I also found something else interesting in the Cerberus networks. A set of schematics."
"Schematics for what?" Shepard wondered.
"EDI?"
"Overlord isn't the only project at that station. Cerberus is in the process of creating another AI similar to my own design, and building a mechanical body for the AI to inhabit," EDI informed them, "The AI itself is incomplete, and will not be complete for some time. The body, though, is in storage at the Overlord facility, as a part of their own AI research."
"We could take that mech for our own," Naruto thinks, but then something comes to his mind.
"EDI, is the mech compatible with your own programming?" Shepard asked, even more curious now.
"I exist within the ship," EDI stated, "How we can use it is still unknown, however if we were to salvage it from the Overlord facility, then I could run some tests on it, and see just how we could put it to better use."
"How soon till repairs are finished?"
"Another 13 hours," Miranda stated, "Then we can be underway and head for the Overlord facility."
"All right," Shepard responds, "As soon as all crew is back on board, and repairs are finished, we'll head out for the Overlord facility. I want all team members out in force for this one, similar to the Collector base. Where is this facility?"
"Phoenix Massing cluster, Typhon System, Planet Aite," answered Miranda. Shepard walked to the lift, followed by Naruto and Garrus.
Once inside the lift and the doors were closed, Shepard asked of the two, "Ok, your thoughts?"
"Having EDI in a body where she could come with us could be useful, especially in the Cerberus base," Garrus commented, "Her technological knowledge, and knowledge of Cerberus encryption and data storage protocols could help us gather a treasure trove of information, as well as get us through the base quickly, and to the Illusive Man himself. My worry is in the larger ramifications of their research into 'communicating' with the Geth, and what it would entail for the Reapers, when they finally arrive."
"I think it best if we bring Tali into this discussion," Naruto added, "And maybe even Legion. Tali is an expert on the Geth, and Legion is a Geth. If anyone could make sense out of this whole thing, it would be them. But, I do agree with Garrus about EDI." Naruto looked to the Commander with a look that said he had more on his mind.
"What's on your mind, Naruto?"
"We'll talk about it later, Alexa," the shinobi responded, still looking like he has some questions.
The lift opened on the command deck and the three walked slowly to the bridge, where Joker sat in his chair, looking over the repair reports. "Looks like we'll be through with repairs soon," the helmsman noted, "Good. I'm tired of sitting here doing nothing."
"You could have joined the game," Naruto joked.
"And get taken to the cleaners like the others? No thanks," Joker laughed, "But it was fun to watch."
"Once we get underway, we need to go to the Typhon system," Shepard told Joker, "How long of a trip are we looking at?"
"3 hours jump time from here to the Phoenix Massing," Joker responded, not looking up from his datapad, "Hey, Shepard, EDI told me about the mech that Cerberus is building at the Aite facility. What do you think?"
"I'm intrigued, but it still leads me to certain questions, mostly having to deal with artificial intelligence in general."
"Yeah, the whole 'measure of a man' question, huh?"
"Yeah."
"Shepard," Garrus interceded, "That's been the question regarding artificial intelligence for centuries, going back to the Quarians and the Geth. I don't know if there really is a solution to the question."
"That's what's on my mind," Naruto joined in, "We know how EDI was created, but she is intelligent. She is self-aware. She's capable of learning. Man, this gives me a migraine just thinking about it. If she gains a body, then wouldn't she be a sen...sen..."
"Sentient being?"came a voice behind them. That voice came from Tali'Zorah, who was coming back from Nos Astra with Samara, Kasumi and Zaeed. "I was thinking the same thing just a few moments ago, in regards to Legion," she continued, "And our continued struggle with the Geth."
"What do you think, Tali? AI is your specialty after all," Shepard inquired.
"Honestly, that's something better left to philosophers," Tali answered, "I'm starting to see the Geth, and Artificial Intelligence in general, in a whole new light, after spending some time around Legion, and EDI. I'm starting to consider Legion a friend, and EDI, too."
"That's what I was thinking," Joker added, "Ever since we launched the SR-2, I've gotten a chance to know EDI better than most, and she's become as close to me as you four, and Ashley. If this body helps EDI to 'evolve' in a sense of the term, I say we go for it."
"Good points, all of you," Shepard stated, "We'll see about getting that body at the Aite facility, and go from there. We'll orbit some backwater world while we try to figure the thing out."
"Thank you, Shepard," EDI chimed in.
"No problem, EDI," the Commander replied, "You're a valued part of our crew, and we're willing to help."
"I already sent a message to the Asari Councilor, yesterday, with the recording of our conversation with Legion after we reactivated him," Tali informed Shepard, "She is as confident as I am in the possibility for peace with the Geth. She will start the process by talking to Admirals Zaal'Korris, and Shala'Raan. Then, once I rejoin the fleet after taking out Cerberus, that will buy peace another vote, as they asked me to join the Board."
"Think you can get it done?" Garrus asks, honestly hopeful.
"I think so. From what Legion said, there could be some real benefits to cooperation with the Geth. If we go to war, the Geth could wipe us out. That much I do know. They process information so much quicker than we do, that it makes them an incredibly tough adversary. Good thing is, we have a common enemy: The Reapers."
"Then let's remain hopeful, and see where it leads us," Naruto advised, only to receive nods from everyone gathered. The group split, with Shepard and Naruto heading to the mess.
12 Hours later
"Normandy, you are cleared to depart," came the voice over the radio.
"Roger, Illium control," Joker replied, "Normandy departing dry dock." The ship's engines flared to life and within a few seconds, the Normandy was moving out of it's berth in the dry dock facility, headed to the nearest Mass Relay. "We're underway, Commander," Joker reported, "ETA to Aite: 3 hours 20 minutes."
"Got it, Joker, keep me posted."
Captain's Cabin
"Interesting," Shepard thinks, "Anderson says that Alliance R&D is already running simulations on the plans using VI assistance. Glad we stole the plans from the Illusive Man." A smile comes to her face as she reads over the initial reports from testing at Arcturus station.
"Something interesting?" Naruto asks, walking up behind her and glancing over her shoulder. Shepard explained about her having EDI send the plans for the armor to the Alliance.
"They're going to keep it under wraps until we finish off Cerberus," Alexa explains, "But they'll have working prototypes in testing soon, and should have them in service in a few months."
"I just got a message from Kakashi-sensei, too," Naruto noted, "He said that the shinobi task force against Cerberus is coming along just great. He had a chance to talk to Anderson, not long ago, who told him of Cerberus best assassin, Kai Leng. To say the least, I think Kakashi's looking forward to facing him. Aria T'Loak is coordinating with Eclipse and the Blue Suns to board a Cerberus frigate. We'll use it, instead of the Normandy, to pick you up from your mission in Batarian space, then scrap the ship when we're picked up by the Normandy."
"How about the others?"
Naruto sat down in a chair by Shepard and ran a hand through his spiky hair."EDI reprogrammed the communications gear in the briefing room to allow us to talk to Arcturus Station," he told her, "Right now, Tsunade's up there with the task force until the mission. She'll return home soon. Sakura is taking the time to get back in touch. Sasuke did the same, talking with Kakashi as well. I think Gaara would like to reach his sister in Sunagakure. She's the new Kazekage."
"We can make a stop by your home world for a few days after taking down Cerberus. What does Gaara plan on doing now that the Collectors are finished?"
"He had planned on joining the council, as a liaison from our people. But, now that we're allied with the Systems Alliance, I don't know."
"And you?"
"Is there any doubt? I'm with you, Alexa. I can't picture me anywhere else." Naruto then leaned toward her and placed a hand on her cheek. "Till the end, Alexa Jane Shepard."
"Till the end, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze." Naruto then stood up, and started to the lift. "Where are you going?" Shepard inquired.
"To catch up with Gaara. We've not had a real chance to talk lately, and I think it's time."
Phoenix Massing Cluster – Typhon System – Normandy SR-2 in orbit over Aite.
"Commander," Joker called, "You need to get down here. We've got a distress call coming in from the Cerberus base."
"On my way, Joker," Shepard replied
Port Observation deck.
"So that's it," Gaara informed his friend, "I spoke with Anderson, and even though we have an alliance with Earth, we're not officially a part of the Systems Alliance. I can still open an embassy for our people on the Citadel, and possibly join the council."
"Good to see you still have a plan," Naruto mused, "Any idea on the Teme and Sakura?"
"I think Sakura mentioned the hospitals on the Citadel," the redhead stated, looking out into space, "Sasuke, there's no telling. I just cannot read him very well, and he plays his cards very close to the vest."
"That he does," Naruto agreed, "That he does." He looked out at the vastness of the great open space in front of him. "Ever think we'd wind up all the way out here?" he inquired of his long-time friend.
"I used to look out at the stars when I was a child and wonder what was out here," Gaara answered, "Funny, I never imagined it would be anything like this."
"I don't think any of us did," said a voice coming up behind the two. They looked back to see Sasuke walk in on their conversation. "And I don't think there's any going back home after all we've done here, either," he finished his thought.
"What do you plan on doing, then?"
"Joining the Alliance, most likely, or the Spectres. There's a lot of good we could do out here, Naruto, and there's a lot I have to atone for, after everything I did. I figure I can start doing that out here."
"Never thought you thought that deep, Sasuke," Gaara mentioned, "But yes, I can see how you can do some good out here."
"And I know you want to stay out here with Shepard, Naruto," Sasuke addressed his former teammate, "I can see why, too. You two have something that seems special to you."
"It is, Sasuke," Naruto replied, looking back out at the emptiness of space, "For the first time in my life, I know where I really want to be, and it's where ever she is. She'll obviously need all the help she can get, with the Reapers coming, and no one but the Alliance and us believing that they even exist. But I'm happier around her than I've been...well...ever."
"That's what really matter, Dobe." Sasuke sat down with his two fellow shinobi and watched the space outside pass.
Normandy Bridge.
"This is Dr. Gavin Archer," comes the distress call, "calling any craft in the area. The VI that runs this base has gone berserk. We are requesting assistance. Please answer."
"Commander, if he knows we're coming, he can hide what he doesn't want us to find," Garrus advised, standing behind Shepard, "I think it best if we just land and start taking out everything we find."
"To a certain point," Shepard corrects her Turian associate, "I want to find out what this Dr. Archer knows."
"Well, now we get to break in that new piece of equipment we picked up at Illium," Joker commented, "You gonna let Shepard drive, Garrus?"
"After how she handled the Mako? I think it's best if someone else drives," Garrus laughed.
"Oh ha ha," Shepard elbowed Garrus in the ribs and headed down to the Cargo hold, "Tell everyone to meet us at the Hammerhead."
"Even Legion?" Joker questioned, "If this is a rogue VI that runs a project aimed at controlling the Geth, then it may be a good idea to keep him back here."
"With over 1000 geth programs in his platform," Shepard noted, "I doubt the VI will be able to hack him easily. We'll bring him along."
"The message has gone out, Shepard," EDI informed the Commander, "The team will meet you at the Hammerhead."
M-44 Hammerhead on the Surface of Aite.
"We'll split into teams," Shepard told her crew, "Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura and Gaara are one team. Zaeed, you take Jack, Kasumi, Grunt and Legion. Miranda, you've got Jacob, Samara, and Mordin. I've got Ash, Tali and Garrus. We split up, purge the facility of any hostiles and deal with this rogue VI. Make sure to destroy anything that could broadcast a signal off world. Once we question this Dr. Archer, we'll take out the VI. Kasumi, once inside, I want you Grunt and Legion to find a specific piece of Cerberus property; a complete mech that I'm sending the design schematics to your Omni-tool now. Once we deal with the VI, we'll take the mech, and get the hell out of Dodge."
"What's the deal with this mech, Shep?" Kasumi inquired.
"It could serve as a body for EDI, but we don't know till we get our hands on it," Tali explained, "Cerberus is finished anyway, they just don't know it yet."
"We're here, people. Let's do this." Shepard was the first out of the Hammerhead, and the team all filed out, separating into their separate units.
End Chapter 17
Next time: The Overlord mission continues as Shepard and team take on not only a rogue vi, but also the secrecy of Cerberus. Will Kasumi, Grunt and Legion find EDI a body? What will happen with the V.I.?
Find out next time in Chater 18 of Reaper Threat v2.