Chapter 42 – Drastic Times Call For Drastic Measures
Alone in the shuttle bay, Shepard unleashed everything she had into her swings, her braced fists pounding into the punch-bag, causing it to bash violently into the crates behind it that also worked to send it right back at her for further pummelling.
Her arms and shoulders ached, her chest heaved with the sustained effort, but still she went on punishing herself, trying desperately to bring on some kind of pain that would help her not to think. But it was no use. Kaidan's angry words reverberated through her mind, bringing with it the image of his furious face to torment her, which promptly stabbed her in the heart. It was like Horizon all over again, except this time she was completely to blame.
Then Liara's call had brought the worst news: Javik was dead. Regret swamped her. Instead of rushing off she should have stayed to make sure they were okay, then she would have known his condition, and could have been there for him. He'd saved Kaidan and she would never be able to extend her gratitude.
She choked back a sob, letting the punch-bag swing past her unchallenged.
Kaidan. She needed him to chase it all away. Instead, though it was never her intention, her actions had ensured she'd pushed him away. That thought pained her further.
"That look's the reason I don't get involved with anyone for more than a night."
Shutting away every emotion, Terra exhaled in irritation at being caught with her heart on show to a man like Massani. "Leave me alone." She steadied the bag and resumed her attack.
"Ah, come on. I did deal with those yahg for you back on Parnack."
"No, you didn't. Or have you conveniently forgotten the bit where I threw in the grenades to collapse the tunnels?"
"Before that. Held them off you while you did your mind shit. Remember? When you still held on to some rose-tinted hope that by not taking them out sooner you could kill the shiny inanimate object and be left with smiley, understanding yahg instead of murderous ones that want to rip you to shreds."
"Fuck you."
"Ready and waiting for you, darling."
"Rendezvousing with the Alliance ship in twenty," advised Joker.
"Thank you, Joker." She sent Massani a withering look. "What a shame. You haven't got time."
"I work fast."
"Figures. Leave faster."
Massani laughed at that, but stood in place, and she had to work hard at controlling her urge to dislocate his jaw again. Instead, she gave one last angled punch that had Massani jerking backwards to evade the swing of the bag, and walked away.
"I'm not going anywhere," he stated, following her. "You see, I told your father I'd watch your back."
"You did that already."
"Except you're not done trying to be a goddamn martyr yet."
Once at the elevator, she spun. "Why do you even care?"
"Because Steve does. And because you gave me closure with Vido," he added begrudgingly.
"You mean by doing you a favour I shot myself in the foot by earning your unwanted loyalty?"
"Yeah, something like that. Sod's law, eh?" smirked Massani, unrepentant at being the cause of her annoyance.
"And what if I said you could well be heading for another suicide mission?" she challenged.
He faltered, then shrugged. "I'll haunt Steve as revenge. But I think you're cleverer than that. You've got something up your sleeve. If it doesn't pan out, then hey, I had a damned good run considering my line of work. Death by Leviathans sounds far more impressive than carking it in my fucking sleep like some old woman."
Shepard stared back at him. She'd be more than happy to go out like that, just because it meant she'd have gotten every available second of life with her family. "You're an idiot," she decided, before entering the elevator, hoping he'd stay where he was. He didn't.
"But a damned fine-looking one," commented Massani, the doors closing them in. "This is cosy. We could-."
"Say it and you'll lose something vital."
That had him chuckling.
"You remind me of a feisty asari I once knew…."
Groaning, Shepard let her head fall back against the wall as he continued his tale of conquest. Maybe this was her penance. Nevertheless, she really hoped he wasn't going further than the Engineering deck.
oOo
"Are you alright, Liara?"
Feron's voice pulled Liara out of her trance, and back to her surroundings: her ship, the Avastus. Aethyta had retreated to the Orisoni after Liara had convinced her father she was fine and just needed some time to herself. Except Liara had found herself dwelling over Javik's loss and ended up losing herself in her work, only to discover the reports that had collated during her absence, regarding Normandy's departure from the system.
One call to Shepard had answered her questions, raised her fears, and ended with her having to break the news that Javik was gone. It all left her raw, and the burdened image of Shepard lingered in her mind long past the call's termination. No attempt at burying herself in information had succeeded in distracting her from the anxiety that grew. To wait, as Shepard had asked, was torture.
She turned to Feron, trying to pull on a reassuring smile. "I have a lot on my mind," she admitted. Feron's presence was comforting in that moment; someone to talk to. She didn't converse with him enough, she realised. How had she continued to share this space with him yet remain so insular?
"I understand," Feron said. "Javik was important to you."
There was a sadness there, and Liara knew it was not for the man he had so often verbally combatted with. It had taken her awhile to notice the snide comments that were bandied to and fro were down to jealousy. "His passing truly marks the end of a race that impacted greatly on my own. I discovered the true extent of that on Thessia. I didn't appreciate it at the time, but they have been guardians over my people. Javik watched over me, too. He was my friend."
"Is that…. Is that all?" Feron's eyes were deep pools, absorbing every word she said; the answer to that question mattered greatly to him.
"Yes," she said, sincerely. "I held only a deep respect for him – for what he went through. I had only a glimpse of what it was like to witness the destruction of everything you love, and it struck hard." Her hand went to her heart at the memory of Thessia. "But we were fortunate to be pulled back from the brink of our extinction. Javik was not so lucky. Waking after so long to discover it was absolute…. Yet still he continued, fighting with, and for strangers."
"Because he was 'vengeance'," countered Feron. "Anger drove him."
"Yes," Liara agreed. "But the ability to function at all after such a brutal event…. He lost everything, Feron. To battle through all that and carry on…. His resolve was incredible."
Feron finally conceded to that with a short nod.
"That is why I chose to meld his DNA with my own."
Feron's mouth had fallen open. "You mean you...? You're pregnant?"
"It was a union of the mind, not the body. A means to keep some part of the race and the man alive. It deserves to be preserved, for a little longer at least." It was with disappointment that she saw Feron back away.
"I see…."
"You do not."
"I- I do. It's just…it's a lot to comprehend."
"Of course. Take what time you need." Watching him turn and leave, Liara felt a hint of panic. Had she lost him? For the first time, she realised how much she needed him, not as a colleague, but a companion. Yet as her hand rested over where she imagined that tiny seed of life to be growing, she couldn't regret the decision she'd made. She would never be alone.
oOo
Joker had encouraged Altair to take the helm one last time. With the Alliance ship growing larger as Altair flew the Normandy closer, she manoeuvred so they were facing each other, then brought them slightly side by side before stopping. The soft thunk signalled that the extending passage had connected their airlocks, and Joker resented it. It was like it was there to suck the life out of his ship.
A soft sigh sounded from Altair.
"I guess this is it." She stood, and Joker did the same. "Thank you for everything you've done for me, Joker." Her eyes were watery.
It surprised Joker just how sad he was that she was going. He'd gotten used to her being there, even being in his seat. "Don't mention it," he said with forced casualness. "And don't tell Shepard, but it's actually been kinda nice."
"Oh God," she sobbed, her head falling into her hands. "I wasn't expecting this to be so hard!"
Joker got it. "Hey, you'll be back to usurping my seat in no time," he tried, but his heart wasn't in it. Though he was the only one to know what Shepard was doing, it was a general feeling amongst the crew that something big was about to go down, and they were anxious and sad over what they felt was a final voyage for them, unprepared as they were for the sudden change to their lives. The Normandy was home to all of them. Joker just wished he knew how it would end. He doubted it would be good. You couldn't expect to face the creators of the most destructive force in the galaxy – the longest survivors of that same force - and hope to come out of it without casualties. It was why Shepard was ousting them all.
His heart twisting for Altair, Joker was caught in that awkward and uncomfortable place between wanting to offer her comfort but unsure about taking that step.
Then Shepard was there, her face one of dismay as she saw Altair, and she went and hugged the young woman without hesitation.
"This is just the end of a chapter for you, Altair. There's so much more waiting for you. Don't be scared of turning that page," hushed Shepard.
"You've all been so wonderful," Altair sniffed into Shepard's shoulder.
"And you've fitted right in," smiled Shepard.
That made Joker smile too, though it was mixed with sadness. Then he noticed the crew assembling in the CIC, gradually making their way towards the airlock. "The crew's ready, Shepard," he said softly.
Letting Altair go, Shepard looked just as sad as she moved to stand near the airlock to say a personal goodbye to each and every one of them.
As Altair wiped away her tears, Joker stepped closer. "Remember not to take any flak from that mother of yours. There's nothing she says that has any truth to it. … I think you're amazing," he added, sincerely.
"Joker…" She was blinking back tears again. "I'm really going to miss you." Then she hugged him briefly, kissing his cheek as she let him go.
There were a few teasing cheers and whistles from the crew that had seen, and Shepard was smiling at them over her shoulder. Joker felt his cheeks flush. "Yeah, yeah, go on, get off my ship," he quipped, quickly sitting back down and giving them the back of his seat. He fidgeted with his cap... the one that Altair had given him. Shit, he really was going to miss her, too.
.
Shepard put her hand on Altair's shoulder as she passed by, pleased to know that being here had been a positive thing not only for the young pilot, but also Joker.
So many of her crew had filed out already, all of them telling her they were prepared to stay. She'd stayed firm, and they did as ordered, but it was getting harder, knowing that goodbye left the ship that bit emptier. But it was necessary.
Clay stepped forward, his mask in his hand. "Thank you, Admiral. This has been an unforgettable experience."
"Call me Shepard. And it's not over yet. I do believe you're turning 18 tomorrow."
He nodded, looking a little surprised that she knew. "Yes. I become a responsible adult, in quarian society anyway. Like one day suddenly changes me," he said wryly.
"Any plans to celebrate?"
"No," he shrugged, like he hadn't even thought about the prospect.
"Then we'll have to remedy that."
"Party's at Shepard's place," announced Joker, ear-wigging as always. "Pass it on."
Smiling at Clay's pleased face, Shepard felt a little better to have an event planned. It would be Rorie's fourth soon…. Yep, she had too much to do to check out any time soon. "Looks like it's set, if you're happy with that."
"Yeah!" grinned Clay. "That would be great." He faltered. "So… everything's going to be okay?"
"I'm hoping so, but I suppose I can't make any guarantees," she admitted.
"I understand." He gave her his unpracticed version of a salute, making her smile. "Good luck, Shepard."
Filling the space Clay left was Steve with a forgiving hug, and Terra held on to it.
"Shepard, I don't want to leave. You might need me. I could stand-by with the shuttle, just in case."
"You can't fly."
"I managed one-handed before."
"Chakwas would never allow it."
"She won't be here."
Shepard laughed. "You're a brave man risking the doc's wrath, but it's safer if you go."
"I didn't sign up to the Alliance to stay safe. I feel in my gut I should be here."
Remembering his anxious words at the thought of not being there for her, Shepard pulled back, only to see it all on his face, and she caved. "Okay." Fear reared its head. The more she let stay, the more she could lose. "But you might want to stick around for a quick de-briefing. There's something you need to know."
"I'll say," butted in Joker. "Come take a seat, Cortez. You'll need to be sitting down for this."
With Cortez being updated by Joker, Traynor was next to say goodbye, barely able to speak, knowing from experience that whatever was happening was dangerous. With an embrace, Traynor quickly walked out, not prolonging it. Then it was Chakwas and Adams.
"Oh, Shepard." Chakwas held her tight, and Terra welcomed the maternal comfort she missed from her own mother. "You make it back," she ordered. "And preferably without requiring my services."
"Yes, Ma'am," was all Shepard could say.
"Shepard, I'm not comfortable leaving Engineering unmanned," frowned Adams, just behind Karin. "I don't know exactly what you're heading into, but I'm pretty sure it'll put this girl through her paces. You need someone in there ready to help keep her going."
"You know he's right, Shepard," called out Joker.
Shepard gave him an exasperated look. "Do I have to close this hatch in order to have a private conversation?"
"Probably. But what I mean is, with what Edi's done to the shields, it's gonna put an extra strain on the engines as it is."
"Shields?" queried Adams, with interest.
"They now have the potential to extend a lot further from the hull than normal."
"Shepard-," started Adams.
"All right," she headed him off. "I won't second-guess your opinion. Join Cortez and we'll bring you up to speed." She watched him say a sweet goodbye to Karin, who was trembling by the time she turned and exited.
That left Edi - now back within her working body thanks to Adams – and Knox who was hanging back, looking restless.
"All backed up?" she asked Edi. "Again."
"Yes, Shepard."
"Good. You know you still have a choice. With Joker at the helm you don't need to come with us."
"The ship will be at optimal capacity with me here. As argued by Engineer Adams, my presence means that I can assist in prolonging the ship's integrity - keeping the shields at full strength by re-routing systems."
"I can do that," said Joker.
"But I can accomplish it in milliseconds, Jeff." Edi looked back at Shepard. "I will stay."
"As you wish."
Edi went into the cockpit with the others.
Knox stopped in front of her, one hand holding the strap of the bag he'd flung over his shoulder, and the other fisted. "Admiral, permission to remain aboard."
She wasn't expecting that. "Knox…. There's nothing you can do to help. You'll be just another for me to worry about."
His gaze fell to the floor as he nodded, and she sensed that he was worried about himself.
"Knox, you're a fine soldier. Never doubt that. Just don't forget to use this." She patted her hand over his heart.
"His chest?" Joker said, deliberately.
With a sigh, Shepard closed the hatch before continuing. "Remember who you're fighting for – not strangers, but people just like those you lost; people with families who love and rely on them. No death passes by without impacting another's life. And don't forget to get out there and have some fun," she added with a smile that transferred to Knox's serious visage.
"Actually, I arranged to catch up with Miss Lawson next shore leave." His face then turned to one of barely disguised horror as he realised what he'd said out loud. "Not that I'm expecting that sort of fun! I just- I…. I like her."
"Relax, Knox," laughed Shepard. "I have every confidence that you'll treat her with courtesy and the kindness she needs. It's good to know you're not alone."
Knox looked towards the airlock, but he wasn't really seeing it, emotions playing out across his face as he struggled to contain them. "Thanks for not giving up on me."
"Never," Shepard responded with a certainty she hoped he believed in. When he met her eyes, she saw he did. Then he straightened into full military stance and saluted her, demonstrating his respect before leaving the ship.
She stood in place, listening to the passage release and the engines of the other ship firing up and accelerating away, taking her crew with it.
The hatch slid open behind her.
"And then there were five," Joker murmured.
"Six," corrected Edi. "Zaeed Massani refused to leave and is currently in the lounge."
"You okay, Shepard?" asked Cortez.
"I don't know," she said honestly. She felt a little strange. "Now we wait for our guests to arrive."
"Best make the most of the space while you can, guys," advised Joker. "It's going to be mighty cramped in here soon."
"I better see about making some more space down in the shuttle bay," said Cortez.
"You'll need help," stated Shepard, reaching across Joker to bring up the cameras in the lounge. She waited until the room's inhabitant was about to take a sip from the glass in his hand, then hit the comm, barking out, "Massani."
They all chuckled as the man on the screen jerked, spilling the liquid down his front which brought on a torrent of cursing.
"This isn't the time for chilling out. Get your backside down to the shuttle bay. You want to stay, you'll make yourself useful."
"What the fuck, Shepard!? Coming between a man and his whisky!? Do you have any idea what this stuff cost me!?"
She switched off the link, not caring one iota. People were what mattered, not credits or material things. Only the wonderful souls that inhabited the universe. The ache renewed inside her for Kaidan and for Rorie.
Leaving the cockpit, Cortez, Edi and Adams fell in behind her. She wasn't alone. Some of those souls were still right there at her back, and while it warmed her, it also reminded her to stay focused. She refused to lose a single one.
oOo
Stood in the shuttle bay aboard Hackett's vessel, Kaidan waited for the yahg to process everything he'd said. Leviathans, artifacts, mind control – he'd tried to explain it all. They'd replayed footage of Parnack from various vantage points, including that which showed the rachni turning on their allies, then later turning on the yahg. He'd even gone so far as to clarify how it had started for the yahg leader itself, back on Sur'Kesh, with its hidden artifact.
Now, like the others around him, Kaidan waited, his head pounding and every inch of him feeling each drawn-out second that passed which placed Terra further from him.
The last conversation he had with her came back to haunt him with all the things she'd said but he'd not heard. Her whole demeanour had been apologetic. She'd been trying to keep him that little bit safer on the ground when she couldn't be there to stand beside him. He could understand that. Had he known what she was doing… hell yes, he'd have been distracted. But it was no different from their fight back on Earth against the Reapers. He'd fought through it to be with her when it counted, though she had been the only thing on his mind the whole time….
He sighed. Hackett was right on every count. They'd invited this difficulty into their lives – two soldiers in love. Was it a recipe for heartache? Hackett had been forced to watch Terra's mother give up her life in the name of duty…. Shame ate at him for practically accusing the man of not caring for his daughter. This had to be eating at Hackett just as much as it was him. Kaidan honestly didn't know how the man did it without breaking down. He was a man worthy of respect. Kaidan had to step up.
He really needed to talk with Terra. What he'd done was shut her off.
His fingers fidgeted with his omnitool, wanting to be alone so he could call her, then noticed two messages. Glancing up at the yahg who was still pacing in thought, Kaidan turned his back and checked them.
The first was from Aethyta, and it had been waiting for his attention for quite a while.
Sorry babe. Your prothean didn't make it. A.
Though he'd been expecting that, Kaidan winced. He hadn't warned Terra, forgotten as Javik had become in his discovery of her activities. Though the prothean was aloof at the best of times, Terra treated him just the same as the rest of them, accepting him as a product of his upbringing much like Jack, and somehow finding something to endear him to her. She'd be devastated.
The second was from Terra.
Forgive me. You deserved better. I love you. Terra x
He forgave her. Christ, he'd forgive her anything. He just wanted her with him. Spinning back to the yahg with a renewed impatience, Kaidan could see it still pacing. He didn't have time for this. Waving Garrus away from the others, he kept his voice low. "Call Aethyta. I know you'll have no trouble getting her help."
"I'd say that's a given. It'll appeal to the rebel in her," agreed Garrus.
"If she can convince Liara…" Kaidan frowned, suddenly uncomfortable. "But express that I'm not expecting anything. She's probably grieving."
"Kaidan, she'll be there," said Garrus, assuredly. "Want me to update Wrex and Grunt?"
He shook his head. "It's ships we need. The Orisoni and Avastus will have to do."
"Can't you just use that Spectre-status to commandeer a few more?" Garrus joked.
Kaidan lowered his gaze.
"Spirits! You actually considered it!? I'm glad you saw sense! Hell, if it were that easy, Shepard would have done it during the Reaper wars. That would be one big diplomatic shit-storm. Sure to be followed by getting your status revoked."
"And court-martialled," Kaidan said wryly. "No. I'll do this without them if I have to. Terra wanted time, and I've given her that now, as well as doing my duty here, but it's been long enough, and should this not go the way we want it to with the yahg, I'm not prepared to wait any longer."
"I'm with you, however you want to play it," assured Garrus.
Clapping the turian on the shoulder, Kaidan walked back to the containment cell, Hackett watching him with a look that made Kaidan feel like the man could read his mind and knew precisely what was going on. But when Kaidan arrived at his side, Hackett merely faced the yahg again.
"We freed you," said Hackett, prompting the yahg. It told Kaidan that the admiral was as anxious to leave as he was. "Yes, it was bloody, but it was necessary because the Leviathans forced it to be. Now your people have their minds again, and you are their leader. You can stop more bloodshed. Will you explain to your people?" he asked. "We don't want war."
The yahg was silent and it took all of Kaidan's willpower to stand there and wait it out. Then it moved forward just a single large step, towering over them in a display of superiority.
"No."
There it was. One word, and it turned its back on them. The atmosphere in the shuttle bay reeked of disappointment.
Kaidan peered over at Garrus who gave a discreet nod. Aethyta and Liara were ready.
"I urge you to reconsider," Hackett was saying to the yahg, but got no response.
Kaidan wasn't waiting. He'd tried. He started to turn for the nearest shuttle with Garrus.
"Kaidan," called out Hackett, making him pause. "I know you're intending to go. With the matriarch and Dr T'Soni, I'd guess. Know I'm authorising my fleets to support you. They're ready to follow when you give the word. I'll be bringing up the rear just as soon as I've tried again here."
Kaidan saw Hackett glance at the yahg with a flash of resentment. That was the father who wanted desperately to go after his daughter.
"Go guard her back, Kaidan. Make sure she comes home."
"Yes, Sir." Finally, they were on their way with plenty of back-up. Even Hackett had decided they'd given Terra enough distance.
Hackett returned to his watch over the yahg and Kaidan was jumping into the shuttle, the engines already fired up and ready to go, Garrus at the helm. He sat in the co-pilot's seat, feeling the gentle thrust kick in to move them toward the opening exit. Looking out the window as they passed the imprisoned yahg, Kaidan couldn't help but think Hackett would get nowhere with it. Why would this yahg do them any favours? They were a harsh people, whose leaders were those who had proved themselves…. That thought clung, delivering an epiphany.
"Stop the engines."
Garrus did a double-take. "What?"
Kaidan sighed heavily at himself. Be the soldier…. He understood now how easily Terra had gotten her decision wrong. He was doing the same damned thing. He was thinking of her as his wife; found it hard to separate the woman from the soldier. In failing, he was selling her short - and this task. He couldn't leave yet. He had to see this through, and he had the answer to getting it done. "I have to finish this first."
"Kaidan…" Garrus frowned.
"Garrus, we have to trust her. I have to have faith that Terra knows what she's doing. If I hadn't been so pissed I'd have taken notice when she said she wouldn't be alone. She's got some other plan that I didn't let her explain."
"Makes sense," accepted Garrus. "It was kind of hard to believe Hackett would let her go into this otherwise."
That was a gentle admonishment from Garrus for the way Kaidan had spoken to Hackett, and Kaidan took it as deserved. "I'll get this done as quickly as I can."
"Don't doubt it."
Jumping out as Garrus lowered the shuttle back down, Kaidan strode right up to the containment field surrounding the yahg. "HEY!"
"Kaidan…," warned Hackett under his breath.
"I know what I'm doing," he murmured back as he joined him. At least he hoped so, as the yahg slowly turned his murderous gaze upon him. "Your name," he demanded.
The yahg was a statue for what seemed the longest time. "Chu'Tak."
The words spat from the yahg's mouth with all the disrespect possible.
"That a name or a sneeze?" commented Wrex, eliciting a rumble of amusement from Grunt, and another growl from the yahg.
"You believe us, don't you?" pressed Kaidan. "You're too intelligent to come to any other conclusion with everything we've told you."
"May be lies," Chu'Tak sneered.
"Except you can read deceit. Those eyes…. They give you a way to process every micro-expression on our faces in a second."
It said nothing.
"So will you end this?" tried Hackett.
"No," Chu'Tak spat.
"Why not?"
The yahg leaned in closer, ignoring Hackett to focus on Kaidan. "Earn it."
Aware of Hackett looking at him questioningly, Kaidan didn't look away from Chu'Tak. He knew what the yahg meant – this was what he'd been expecting. He'd spent enough time with his head buried in that data on the yahg to know a little about what made them tick. "Clear the bay."
There was surprised shuffling around him.
"General. A word," muttered Hackett.
They ended up near where James and Bau stood, Jack sat impatiently on a crate beside them. Wrex had followed them over, interested in where this was going, as had Garrus. Grunt kept his vigil over the yahg.
"What are you doing?" Hackett asked Kaidan, cautiously.
"I'm going to earn his co-operation the only way the yahg respect."
It didn't take long for Hackett to deduce it. "Dominance."
Kaidan nodded. "We took him down with tranquilisers. It wasn't worthy of him and he's pissed off. We didn't earn anything that way."
"It's the krogan way, too," Wrex said, appraising the yahg.
"The strongest demand respect," said Jack. "You've got to show him who's boss."
James was shaking his head. "Taking on something like that, one on one…. Man, you really are loco."
"I don't like the idea of you fighting this thing," worried Hackett.
"Winning a battle's about strategy as much as strength," reasoned Kaidan. "I just need to be smart - stay out of his reach and prevent him using that bulk against me." He looked around at the numerous piles of supply containers that were interspersed around the bay. "I might make a mess, though," he added apologetically.
"If it gets this done and on our way to Terra, then I'll get over it." One brow arched. "Just try not to tear through the hull."
"Yes, Sir."
Hackett started giving orders. The shuttles were lifted to the ceiling by machinery that held them aloft to provide more space; the flooring that was usually lowered down to create wells beneath the shuttles for maintenance, was returned to level the ground.
The bay was almost empty now. A doctor appeared, giving Kaidan a dose to help stave off his headache. Hackett must have noticed it earlier, and Kaidan sent his appreciation. Though all of Hackett's crew had deserted the area as ordered, there were six people that lingered.
Bau spoke first, hand extending to shake Kaidan's hand. "Have to say I don't envy you this altercation. Necessary, but risky. Good luck, General."
With the salarian's exit, the other five gathered around him.
"Shouldn't you be leaving this fight to a krogan?" rumbled Wrex.
"The perfect krogan," added Grunt, getting an unimpressed grunt from the warlord.
"An experienced krogan," countered Wrex. "You need might against a yahg."
"Biotics thrash brawn every time," stated Jack, folding her arms and cocking her hip.
"Not if that brawn gets to you first," commented James, and Jack automatically reached for her cheek where Kryek had bashed her unconscious, while James squeezed her hand.
"You don't need either when you can make a well-placed shot from afar," noted Garrus.
"Except I need him alive," said Kaidan. "Get yourselves out of here. I've got to do this alone."
The group trailed out reluctantly, leaving Hackett to take Kaidan by the shoulders. "Unlike you, this Chu'Tak will be out for the kill. If you feel you're unable to win this, just shout. We'll be watching, ready to assist should you need it. I'd rather have you in one piece and have to deal with the yahg threat the hard way, than have to explain to Terra you died while we stood by."
Kaidan huffed at that. "Understood. …Steven, I need to apologise-."
"No, you don't. I'd have reacted the same in your position. In fact, I'd probably have decked me. Now get this crazy stunt done."
With one last approving nod, Hackett left, and Kaidan turned to the yahg, who was standing flush against the field, staring intently at Kaidan, waiting.
…
Hackett joined the others at the windows that lined the shuttle bay, the tension immense among those who had once been part of Terra's crew.
"We should be in there with him," Vakarian said, clearly bothered by it.
"Alenko's a Spectre for a reason," murmured Vega. "He can do this."
That statement seemed to bolster them all, and Hackett gave the order.
"Lower the containment fields."
oOo