Recap: Last time Shepard comforted Liara over her very first kill while we saw that the batarians were planning on getting revenge on him for his crusade.
Now
Shepard and co. were now driving on the frozen planet of Klensal towards the second crime boss' base except this time Kaidan was driving. Shepard decided to let Kaidan drive on the account he was thinking over some things.
'Now that I think about it, I've let myself get injured too easily recently. I mean that Fred guy was acceptable somewhat since he was a trained spy and I had nothing to go on with him, but that crime boss shouldn't have gotten the drop on me so easily!' Shepard thought in frustration. That crime boss was no where near his level. If he didn't no better he would think he was starting to lose his edge.
'Well no more. I'm not gonna let someone like that catch me off guard again. It's insulting!' Shepard thought before Garrus pulled him out of his thoughts.
"See Shepard? This is how you should drive when we are on a ground mission." Garrus said with a turian grin. Shepard gave a glare at his turian friend.
"Very funny Garrus, but with me at the wheel there is one thing that won't happen." Shepard replied grinning back. Garrus looked at him confused.
"Oh yea wh-" Garrus said before Kaidan hit a pothole causing Garrus to slam his head on the wall.
"No surprise bumps." Shepard responded with a cheeky grin. Garrus didn't retort as he was groaning and massaging his head crest.
"Sorry!" Kaidan apologized from the front. Garrus gave a weak glare at the driver in response while Shepard chuckled at the situation. Tali spoke up next.
"So what do we know about this planet?" She asked. Before Liara, who had done some research, could say anything, Shepard beat her to it.
"Klensal has a thin atmosphere of carbon dioxide and ethane. Its first geological surveys were performed by batarians, and suggested areas of great mineral wealth. Human mining concerns spent billions of credits hustling to the distant system and sinking test bores to claim the planet for humanity. But in actuality had only an average level of mining wealth. While valuable, obviously not worth the rush and expense poured into it. Later investigations revealed the batarian crew had deliberately falsified their surveys, hoping it would encourage human rivals to invest in a costly boondoggle. While unethical, this was not technically illegal, and the batarian government disavowed the 'personal actions of a few misguided patriots.' To this day, the planet is still littered with abandoned mining bases, which are probably often used as temporary meeting places for criminals." Shepard said having looked into it through the use of Council archives as well as his contacts in the Terminus. He noticed everyone was looking at him strangely.
"What?" Liara spoke first.
"It's usually you who is asking for information." She responded.
"Yea she's right." Wrex seconded with everyone else nodding.
"Force of habit. Happens when you usually work alone." Shepard responded. Okay that was a lie. Isaac would help from time to time on information like that when they both would work, but no one else knew about him so fair game. Everyone accepted his answer as they made their way to one of the mines near them. After a few minutes of putting their helmets on, they exited the mako and entered into the mine shaft.
Inside the mine Shepard took point with Wrex behind him followed by Garrus and Tali with Kaidan and Liara in the back. After making their way down the shaft, they were attacked by the Crime Boss and his goons. It didn't take them long to kill off the thugs.
Garrus took out the 2 snipers in the back just as easily as he did on Mavigon.
Wrex immediately managed to shotgun blasted one merc while fighting 2 others in close combat. Obviously they lost considering Wrex headbutted one and heavy warped the other.
Liara, Kaidan and Tali took on the final 2 mercs with Liara using a singularity while Kaidan and Tali used their weapons to kill the floating goons.
As for Shepard he made his way to the Crime Boss who ran to the back.
'Just like last time.' Shepard thought with a small smirk. Fools will be fools. He slowly stalked after him as the Boss continued further into the mine. After a minute of walking Shepard found his target waiting for him.
"So who was it that sent you here?" The Boss asked. Shepard raised an eyebrow at the man.
'He's smarter than the other one that's for sure.' Shepard thought.
"Aria and Helena." He responded.
"So that old bitch is finally making her move eh? I was wondering who would go first: Her or me." The Boss said chuckling at the situation.
"Yea they both send their regards." Shepard said stepping into the area. The shaft door closed behind him though he didn't pay much attention it. Shepard stared at him for a moment before his biotic aura flared. Suddenly a beeping sounded out through the cavern they were inside of. Shepard looked and finally noticed some type of explosive device, obviously a makeshift from the amount of wires sticking out of it.
"You kill me it goes off." The Boss said simply, showing the device monitoring his vital signs. Shepard narrowed his eyes at the man. He was obviously smarter than the last one. He looked back at the door noticing it was locked. Shepard looked back at the man and raised his omni-tool at him. The Boss flinched for a moment thinking Shepard was going to kill them both. Instead Shepard used a Neural Shock on him. As the Boss collapsed, Shepard walked over and had Isaac hack the settings on the bomb, synchronizing it to his omni-tool. Shepard then turned to the door and hacked through it easily. He walked out as the Boss watched in confusion before Shepard closed the door and locked it. For a moment he didn't know what was going on. Was he going to be left here to rot? The bomb began beeping again answered his silent question. The Boss' eyes widened realizing what was going to happen.
"Damn you Hele-!" was all he was able to say before the bomb exploded. Shepard continued on to where his team was afterwards.
"You know I actually think these guys are getting more and more crafty." Isaac said through Shepard helmet comm. Knowing that Isaac would only talk when it was safe to come out, and also took the time to create a seperate channel known only to the both of them.
Shepard responded, "Yea I think you're right. Though not by much."
"True, I mean it was crafty with the bomb and all, but it was obvious he didn't think things through." Isaac retorted with a small laugh in his voice.
"Yep." Shepard said as he got to where the rest of the crew was. Isaac cut off from there and switched Shepard back to the crew's channel.
"Shepard what was that explosion?" Kaidan asked.
"Killed the Crime Boss with his own explosive. Come on, we're done here." Shepard said as he continued walking to the entrance. Everyone followed him immediately.
"No getting caught in the blast this time?" Garrus asked cheekily. Wrex laughed at Garrus' jab at Shepard.
"No not this time. Who knows it could be you next, Garrus. I mean you always seem to like rushing in most of the time... oh wait that's Wrex." Shepard said nonchalantly. This time Liara, Tali and Kaidan laughed at the two while they snorted a Shepard's come back.
A few days later in the Normandy's Cargo Bay.
"Are you sure you want to go alone?" Ashley asked with everyone surrounding Shepard as he took his weapons from the workbench. She had gotten the all clear to walk around the ship, but she wasn't cleared for combat for at least a few more days. Shepard had just told everyone that he was going to go down to Amarathine, the planet that Helena Blake wanted to meet on, alone.
"Yes I'm sure." Shepard said as he finished equipping his guns. Turning around, he could see everyone was more than a little doubtful of his decision.
"Look it's not my first time doing one of these little missions Aria has me do every now and then. I can take care of myself down there, besides something tells me all of you would just unsettle her mercenaries. I'd rather it not come to that." Shepard said as he moved to the mako. After entering it, he waited for everyone to vacate the area while Joker descended to the drop off point. When the doors opened, he hit the throttle and raced out. The drop was uneventfull to him besides the landing when the mako's tires almost skidded on the ice covered ground.
"Seriously! What is with these crime lords and ice covered planets!" Shepard said out loud in frustration. He quickly made his way to the meeting spot. After a minute he kept going until he was sure that coordinates were insight but he couldn't see them.
"What the hell? There's nothing here." Shepard thought as he kept driving forwards until he came towards a crater. Down hidden in the crater was base of sorts.
'Okay that explains things.' Shepard thought before driving towards it. He moved slowly, being cautious since Helena was the one who actually went on the offensive before her partners. Who knows what she could have set up for him?
After a few minutes of making his way slowly towards the base, he realized that there was nothing around. He exited the mako and found the door unlocked. He entered easily enough coming inside the usually hall like rooms bases like those had. He walked toward the next before he decided to use his biotic pulse to see what was going on inside the compound. From what he could tell, there were several mercenaries including 2 krogan as well as what appeared to Blake herself walking to the door.
"Isaac I want you ready to use my tech abilities just in case things go south here." Shepard ordered.
"Right." Isaac responded seriously. Both knew that while Shepard was good at all kinds of attacks, he wasn't as fast when using them. With Isaac focusing on tech abilities Shepard could concentrate more on his weapons and biotics. Combined with Isaac's great analysis and technical speed, the Ghost of the Terminus was a combative force to be reckoned with. Shepard quietly walked up to the door and opened to find Helena Blake right in front of it.
"Ah, hello again Ghost. I owe you a debt of gratitude. Even though it took so long." Helena said with a pleasant smile.
"Yeah sorry about the wait. Some things came up which needed my immediate attention." Shepard apologized. Helena waved it off.
"Oh it's no trouble at all now. In fact it was quite worth it if I do say so myself." Helena said with that smile still showing.
"Oh?"
"Yes. With my former partners dead, this syndicate is now mine. I really could not have done it without you." She continued.
"Those men deserved to die. Now are we going to have a problem?" Shepard asked gesturing to himself and Helena when he said 'we'. Helena's smile turned into a smirk.
"Not if I can help it, Ghost. I hope you can see that I am by far a lesser evil than those men." Helena said in confidence.
"Really?" Shepard asked with skeptiscism. Blake nodded.
"Really. Under my leadership, this organization will restrict itself to gambling and smuggling illegal technologies. There will be no drugs and no slave-taking for the batarians, or anyone for that matter. Those days are over." Blake explained. Shepard found himself nodding at her plan. He really didn't care about the drugs but he was sure the slave part was meant specifically for him considering any slaver of any kind was on his list. That was when he decided to speak up again.
"Good, very good. But I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask you to do two things now. 1 for my employer Aria and 1 for me." Shepard said making eye contact with her. Helena kept her composure and merely raised an eyebrow at his statement.
"Oh? What are they?" She asked subtly signaling her men to prepare themselves. Shepard noticed it too and began to explain.
"Nothing that will be out of bounds for you I'm sure. In fact it may be beneficial in some ways." He said charmingly. Blake looked very interested now. See it as his cue he continued.
"You see when you told Aria about this whole thing, she wanted you to join her in a sense. Merge your operation with hers." Blake looked to be reluctant so Shepard decided to sweeten the pot.
"You would still have control of your organization. It would merely be a satellite of hers in actuality and besides Aria can be very generous. From what I know you may become one of her lieutenants and enjoy certain protections that others don't on Omega. To be honest, Omega would suit you perfectly." Shepard said. Blake was silent for a few moments before answering.
"Very well. I'll merge my organization to hers." She said.
"Excellent." Shepard responded. That went better than he thought.
"Now what is your request?" Blake asked wondering what the Ghost of the Terminus would ask for. Shepard stared for a minute before answering.
"I know that crime rules on Omega. Nothing can change that, I know. But it does not mean there can't be some good on that station either. So I ask you this: Continue your operations but I'd like you to operate a small business on the side." Shepard said.
"What kind?" She asked.
"I'd like you to have a social business." He said seriously.
"Wait a minute. Your asking me to be a social worker part time?" Blake asked confused and somewhat shocked at his request. Shepard nodded.
"While it may seem like a hopeless job over there, believe me, it needs it more than most. Also that kind of job requires someone that truly understands how things work, which make you uniquely qualified." Shepard explained.
"Why don't you do it?" Helena asked.
"I wish I could but sadly I'm busy trying to keep things stable over there in my own way. Taking down those that disrupt the peace over there as well as saving and protecting those who don't have the strength to fight back. I'm a fighter, not someone who can help everyone in their daily lives by talking it out." Shepard finished. Blake mulled the idea over for a few minutes before answering him.
"Hmmm. I'll try it for a little while but don't expect me to keep helping them." Helena said. Shepard nodded at her answer.
"That's all I ask." Shepard responded before turning and walking to the door. On the way out he said, "You're going to have to talk it over with Aria about joining up."
He suddeny turned around before leaving. "And by the way... you wouldn't happen to no where a turian by the name of Tonn Actus is would you?"
"Ummm. Actually yes. He was a customer of mine before he stole something from me. Let's see... He was last seen on Tuntau in the..." Helena said checking her omni-tool before Shepard finished for her.
"Argos Rho Cluster. Thank you." With that he exited the compound, got into the mako and drove to an extraction point away from the base.
3 days later
The Normandy entered the Phoenix system of the Argos Rho Cluster and continued toward Tuntau to finish Wrex's business with Tonn Actus. Within minutes the Normady was already breaking the atmosphere, firing the mako out of it's hanger for the combat drop onto the planet. The mako instantly kept moving as soon as it hit the ground. Inside the mako, Shepard and his team were talking things over and what to do when they arrived.
"Remind me again. Why am I driving?" Tali asked. Shepard had practically put her into the driver's seat. Shepard sighed at the question.
"Because I didn't feel like driving and you could use some driving practice. Besides, how many quarians can say they actually drove a mako before?" Shepard stated.
"Umm none?" She responded with uncertainty.
"Exactly! Your the first quarian to do so. Also keep your eyes on the road!" Shepard said seeing them heading towards a boulder. Tali looked ahead and swerved right as she continued to drive south of the landing sight.
"Now then, here's the plan: Chances are the outpost is fortified. Possibly having snipers, guards and, while unlikely, turrents too. So when Wrex and I jump out, you all will take the mako and take out any turrents and snipers while we kill the ground troops. Simple and easy." Shepard said with everyone nodding. Later on Shepard felt the mako tip and immediately looked out towards the front window. He realized that Tali was driving down a crater and from the sounds of something hitting the roof, it appeared that they were within range of the outpost. After making it to the bottom, both Shepard and Wrex did combat rolls out of the mako. They both charged towards the base where 4 pirates were waiting for them. The 2 snipers that were stationed in the towers immediately set their sights on them.
Shepard noticed them and immediately took out his HMWSR Master, instantly aiming at one of them. With an accuracy that rivaled Garrus', Shepard fired at the farthest one. The round nailed the sniper through the scope perfectly. Shepard quickly aimed at the other one, seeing that the final sniper had taken the shot. Said round instantly caught him in the shoulder causing him to stumble, but he regained his footing without taking his eye off his target. The years of training with Zaeed came to him as the world slowed down. Seeing his chance he pulled the trigger. Scoring the sniper in the chest, the impact from the round caused the sniper to fall out of his tower.
'If the shot didn't kill him, that fall did.' Shepard thought as he kept moving toward the outpost, collapsing his sniper rifle. Wrex had gotten ahead of him in the time it took for him to take those snipers. Thankfully, the pirates guarding the door had focused on the mako instead of them. Shepard kept running until he was behind the fortifications used to guard the door. Upon entering he could see that Wrex had already begun attacking the pirates. One was obviously fighting for his life while the other 3 had just noticed the situatuion. Wrex was a head-butt away from defeating his opponent but the 3 other pirates were about to intervene until Shepard got a hold of them with a singularity. Wrex quickly killed his pirate before joining Shepard who finished things with warping the singularity, creating a biotic explosion which killed the 3 trapped pirates. Shepard watched as the mako had made a complete circle around the base before looking at Wrex with a smirk.
"So how many did you get?" He asked with a laugh in his voice. Wrex didn't answer as he just stared at the entrance to the outpost. Shepard could practically feel the eagerness rolling off of Wrex right now. Looking at the entrance, Shepard decided on what course of action would be taking.
"Wrex."
The krogan just continued staring.
"Wrex?"
*Stare*
"Wrex!" Shepard shouted as the mako stopped next to them.
"Uh? What?" Wrex finally responded annoyed at the shout.
"Good news: You're going to kill Tonn Actus while the rest of us kill whatever goons he has inside." Shepard said as everyone came out.
"So?" Wrex asked confused.
"So while we take care of the main force, you can take care Actus personally instead of one of us taking him out in the confusion." Shepard said. Wrex looked at Shepard before snorting.
"Hmph, fine by me." He said. With that all of them entered the base.
Upon entering Shepard immediately used his pulse to sense how many they were dealing with. As he mapped the area out, he could see that there were around 9 enemies in all, including Actus.
"There are 6 enemies on this floor whil Actus is on the balcony with 2 snipers guarding him. He obviously is thinking that he along with the snipers can pick us off while the 6 below distract us from them. Garrus and I will kill the snipers first while Kaidan, Liara and Tali fight with the 6. That's when you charge in past them and finish Actus, Wrex." Shepard said taking out his sniper again along with Garrus. Everyone nodded along with the plan as they took out their prefered weapon. As soon as they entered the next room Shepard and Garrus spotted and killed the 2 snipers instantly.
'That shouldn't have been possible! How could they have known where we were?!' Tonn Actus thought in shock as 2 of his subordinates were killed easily. Wrex spotted Actus and charged to the stairwell leading to the balcony, not before killing one of the pirates with his shotgun though. Garrus immediately switched to his assault rifle before being attacked by one of the pirates while Kaidan, Liara and Tali each attacked one of the pirates. Shepard didn't have enough time to switch when one of the the pirates came into a close range with omni-blades out.
'Shit! This guy knows how to use omni-blades in close combat.' Shepard thought as he backed away from the guy. The pirate immediately closed the distance and began slashing at Shepard with no reprieve. Shepard threw his sniper into the air and activated his omni-blades. Both blade users enaged in melee combat. Each one of them slashing and dodging the other. Shepard kicked the pirate in the gut with enough force to send him back a couple of feet. The pirate wasn't perturbed in the least as he immediately came back with avengeance, managing to slash Shepard's arm. He didn't let up even though Shepard managed to block the rest of his follow up.
'This guy's relentless! He's attacking me with much more ferocity than the others are with the rest of my team. What got into him?' Shepard thought as he kept blocking. He felt the adrenaline rush in his veins before he went on the offensive and started slashing and stabbing toward the pirate.
'Dammit! I need to get as much data as I can before he kills me. Captain Balak wasn't joking when he said that Ghost was something else. To think that he would last this long against me. I've been trained to infiltrate various pirate groups, assassinate the leaders and have them used as the hands of the Hegemony. Now it all ends here for me, but at the least, I can do this one final service to my people.' The pirate thought remembering that he had activated his live in-suit camera when he found out it was Ghost who was attacking the outpost. He suddenly used the enforcer gauntlet that most batarian forces use and hit Shepard square in the chest sending him back a couple of feet. Shepard spun around and caught his sniper by the barrel before it landed on the ground. The batarian spy came at Shepard trying to stab him with an outstretched omni-blade, but instead was met with the butt of Shepard's sniper rifle after swinging it like a bat. The batarian spat out blood from the blow. He looked toward Shepard who turned over his sniper rifle and aimed it at him. Without hesitation Shepard pulled the trigger and killed his opponent who fell down dead with a massive hole in his chest. Shepard looked at the corpse knowing that his team was finishing what was left of the pirate group.
'He was probably connected to slavers in some way. With the fact that my identity is all over the galaxy now, it was no wonder he attacked me so viciously.' Shepard thought as blood began to pool around the corpse. But there was something off about it. This batarian was using practiced moves usually reserved for black op soldiers. No normal pirate should have that kind of training. Sighing he looked over to his team who had finished up. He could feel that Wrex had finished Actus easily enough.
While Shepard was fighting the batarian...
Wrex reached the top of the stairs to find Actus looking down trying to get a clear shot on one of them down below. The battlemaster raised his shotgun at the pirate.
"Don't even think about it Actus." He snarled out. The turian froze at his name being called out from behind. He quickly turned around trying to fire at the enemy behind him only to be hit by a biotic throw. Wrex looked at the downed turian before raising his shotgun to his face.
"Clan Urdnot sends their regards." Wrex said before firing. Tonn Actus' head exploded in a small shower of blue gore. Wrex looked at the corpse before looking over to his squadmates to see if they need any help. Garrus and the others finished theirs decently enough, but when he saw Shepard he had to do a double take. A batarian pirate was actually keeping up with Shepard in a one on one fight. He took a closer look at the fight and noticed that Shepard wasn't using his biotics to aid him, or any of his tech abilities for that matter. He had to admit though, Shepard could really improvise when he used his sniper as a club on the pirate. Wrex then noticed that Shepard made his way upstairs. After a minute of waiting, Shepard made it to the top.
The spectre looked at Wrex before looking down at Tonn Actus' corpse. "I see you made short work of Actus. Do you know where the armor his?"
"No, not yet, but if this place follows the same layout like most of the other bases then it will most likely be in the back." Wrex responded. Shepard nodded and headed to the back where the office was located Wrex following after him. Both entered to see that there were several crates inside, but Shepard immediately focused on the wall safe right behind the desk. Quickly walking up to it, he hacked it with some small trouble. Apparently Actus was smart enough to get a wall safe with decent security. With a click the wall safe unlocked and opened, causing Shepard to look inside. He reached in and pulled on something heavy. With a grunt he dragged whatever was out into the light. Shepard looked over what appeared to be some very old armor, easily able to cover a krogan. It was old and scratched up with multiple marks, some faded more than others. Obviously this armor had seen some pretty gruesome battles, but it was very outdated in comparison to modern day armor. Shepard turned to Wrex who was looking through the crates inside the room.
"Wrex, I think I've found it." Shepard called out. Wrex turned and saw the armor in Shepard's grasp. He walked over and closely examined it. After a minute he nodded.
"Yes, this is it." He then snorted. "I can't believe my ancestors ever wore this piece of crap, but at least I've got it back." Shepard handed Wrex the armor. It was heavy for him since it was krogan armor after all.
"I'm glad we could get it back." He said. Wrex grinned in response.
"I just might be starting to like you Shepard." Wrex said before looking at his grandfather's armor. Shepard watched his friend's thoughtful expression for a moment. He honestly couldn't tell what was going on in Wrex's head. Krogan were hard to read from time to time. Wrex shook his head in bemusement before grabbing his gun with what appeared to be renewed purpose. Shepard walked toward the door with Wrex following. As soon as both got to the ground floor, Shepard spoke up.
"Great job everyone. We got what we came for, let's go back to the Normandy." Shepard said as he and everyone else moved to the door. It was time to go on.
Within the hour they were already back on the Normandy. Shepard quickly radioed Joker and told him to go to the Citadel to refuel and resupply. As everyone was placing their weapons at the weapon station where Ashley was, a loud noise suddenly echoed out around the cargo hold.
*GROWL*
"What the hell was that?" Ashley asked as she and everyone else looked around to find what had made the noise. The only who wasn't deterred from removing his armor was Shepard. Ashley noticed this and questioned him.
"Shepard you did hear that didn't you?" Ashley asked.
"Yep." Shepard responded as he continued to take off his armor. Everyone looked at him wondering why he was so nonchalant.
"And you're not the least bit interested of what made that sound?" Kaidan asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I already know what it was." Shepard said without looking at everyone as he finished taking off the last piece of armor.
"Really? What was it?" Liara asked. Shepard didn't answer her immediately as he continued to face away from them. He sighed after a minute before saying, "That was my stomach. I'm hungry."
Everyone looked at him in mild shock before they started to chuckle at them. Shepard's cheeks grew red in embarassment as a result.
"Hehehehe I thought there was a wild animal on here for a moment." Garrus said with a smirk. Shepard just glared at everyone before walking toward the elevator, hoping to find something in mess to sate his hunger.
A couple of days later and the Normandy pulled into the Citadel dock as smoothly as she could. As soon as the docking tube connected, a blur shot out of it and into the elevator. One of the dock workers who saw this looked at his co-worker and asked, "What the hell was that?"
The co-worker just shook his head in a I-don't-know fashion before a human female soldier ran out of the ship yelling, "Shepard you can't leave the ship without a weapon and your armor!"
The blur that was identified as Shepard yelled out before the elevator door closed, "I've got my pistol. Besides there is nothing in the mess hall and I'm starving!" With that the elevator closed and descended down to the C-Sec Academy. The soldier looked at the elevator for a minute before sighing at her friend's antics. He could be a real child at times. Unknown to the dock workers, Ashley pouted thinking that maybe she could have joined Shepard for lunch. Just the 2 of them. She turned back to the Normandy and went inside not wanting to be yelled at by Chakwas for leaving the ship since she wasn't fully healed yet, but she was getting better. And also she didn't want to be in Shepard's or Joker's shoes when Chakwas got mad. They'd never let her hear the end of it.
An 2 hours later and Shepard was already in a fight with someone. This time however was different to say the least.
"YOU GO NOW!" Yelled the angry owner of the chinese restaurant Shepard had been eating at.
"Why?!" Shepard yelled back. He was just minding his own business, eating the buffet to fill the black hole that was his stomach. Sadly it wasn't going as well as he'd hoped. He was sure the chefs put something in the food considering he went from full to starving. Nothing in-between. He was literally about to walk out all full going, "Oh my god! I can't believe I ate all that chow-mein" to "Oh hey look! They brought eggrolls!"
Now here he was being yelled at by the angry chinese head chef.
"You been here 2 hour! Why you be here for 2 hour?! You scare my wife!" The chef yelled out, pointing to frightened greeting lady at the front. He wasn't kidding. Shepard could see the woman looking at him as if he was some kind of monster.
"Ok I'm sorry about that but it said all you can eat on the sign out front!" Shepard yelled back. The chef had a vein pop on his head.
"IT SAY ALL YOU CAN EAT BUT NOT FOREVER!" He yelled back. Shepard was about to say something back before someone beat him to it.
"Hahahaha! Mothafucka still causing trouble huh?" Said a very familiar voice. Both Shepard and the chef turned to the voice and said, "Chun?!/Jackie?!"
Both men looked back at each other then to Chun.
"How do you know him?!" They both asked the crimelord while pointing to each other.
"He is my best friend on Omega and he is my cousin." Chun said while pointing to Shepard and the chef respectively.
"Jackie what's with this guy? I give him enough MSG kill a elephant and he still going!" The chef said. Chun just started laughing at his cousin.
"Shepard don't go down easy cousin. Trust me I know." Chun said with grin. Shepard got up and prepared to leave.
"Chun are you here to see me or your cousin?" He asked seriously.
"Just my cousin. See you around Shepard."
"Likewise Chun." Shepard said before turning towards the chef.
"The food was very good. Thank you for the meal." With that he walked to the exit.
'Meal?! That more like mountain! He ate like Free Wirry!' The chef thought in shock before yelling, "YOU NO COME HERE ANYMORE!"
Shepard just waved saying he got the message before coming to the greeter's desk.
"How much do I need to pay?" He asked. The chef's wife hesistated before answering, "A-A hundred credits." Shepard payed the woman and got out fast. As soon as he got out, his omni-tool beeped. He looked at it and saw that it was a message from Anderson saying to meet him and Udina in the human embassy. He quickly made his way towards the presidium seeing as how he was in the wards. After a quick jog and cab ride he finally got to the embassy. Once inside he was met by Anderson and Udina.
"Shepard good to see you are well." Anderson said good naturedly.
"Same to you Anderson." Shepard said with a smile.
"We've gotten the Feros report. If we had known anything about the Thorian, Exo-Geni would never have gotten the permits to start a colony there. Thank God the colony survived. We can't afford to have too many failures out in the Traverse. It's one of our marjor expansion regions." Udina said thinking off the backlashes that could have come from the incident. Shepard looked at Udina with an annoyed glare. That was all he cared about?
"Be honest Udina. You don't really give a damn about the colonists. It's all just politics with you isn't it?" Shepard said in response. Udina returned the glare back to Shepard.
"We all can't be the hero who charges in to save the day, Ghost. But we each serve humanity in our own way." Udina said before he added on, "Some more so than others. Anderson will give you the details of your next mission."With that he walked out the room. Before exiting however he gave one last look to Shepard who just stared at him.
"You can't escape interstellar politics. It's part of the big picture and sometimes it isn't pretty." Udina said in more subdued tone before exiting.
"Just ignore him Shepard. The ambassador can be a little bitter sometimes. Comes with the job." Anderson said. Shepard looked at him before sighing for what seemed like the billionth time.
"I suppose I can understand. Being the Ghost of the Terminus wasn't just about fighting and muscling in. Sometimes I needed to be the guy who appeared to be more diplomatic." Shepard said. Anderson looked at him strangely.
"What was it like?" He asked. Shepard looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
"What? Being the slaver killer or Aria's spectre equivalent?" Shepard asked.
"Both." Shepard thought it for a moment before answering.
"When I hunted slavers, I felt like I was some vigilante mixed with a bit of detective. I had the skills, no one looking over me and the weaponry needed... most of the time. After Torfan I eventually became Aria's spectre of sorts. I went from vigilante to an agent. While working under Aria I ended learning more things than I used as a vigilante. Manners being part of it, Persuasion and Intimidation, even learning how to manage wide scale operations, including military." Anderson raised an eyebrow at how Shepard seemed to be remembering what he did during those years. That explained a few things like how Shepard seemed to have experiance in leading troops. Granted Elysium and Torfan had shown some small measure of it but it wasn't enough experiance for a lone wolf like Shepard had been.
"So you actually had to play politician and a soldier?" Anderson asked intrigued.
"I know my way around enough to understand that sometimes you can move people with a gun, but you can only move organizations with words." Shepard said with a smirk. Anderson chuckled at him for a minute before turning somewhat serious.
"Okay Shepard listen. We've gotten reports of geth sightings in the Pax System of the Horsehead Nebula." He informed. Shepard narrowed his eyes at the information.
"Are there any planets of any importance what so ever in that system?" He asked. Anderson nodded.
"The only planet fitting that criteria would be Noveria." Shepard looked at him strangely this time.
"Noveria? I've heard of that place before but I don't know what goes on there." Shepard said as he looked to be in thought.
"Noveria is a small, frozen terrestrial world, barely habitable by conventional definitions. It is privately chartered by the Noveria Development Corporation, who lease out labs to perform research too dangerous or controversial to be performed elsewhere. Given Noveria's unique situation, it is the source of many wild conspiracy theories." Anderson said having done a little research on it already.
"So there are several companies doing dangerous research on Noveria then?" Shepard asked as he thought of what could be going on over there.
"Yes. Elanus Risk Control Services, Binary Helix and... Synthetic Insights. To name a few." Anderson said as Shepard's interest got caught on the last 2. ERCS was nothing more than a private security corporation. The geth or Saren wouldn't have any possible interest in it unless they came up with something for guns. Now Binary Helix and Synthetic Insights would definitely catch both Saren and the Geth's attention. Saren might pay more attention to Binary Helix since they are the leading corporation in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Not only that, they do research in biotic implants as well. Saren was obviously in use of both biotech and biotics if their little fight on Eden Prime was any indication. As for the geth, Synthetic Insights was one of only four companies in the galaxy that were allowed to do AI research. He knew that there was a remote, but still plausible, possibility that the research could prove detrimental to the geth. He made it a priority to keep a distance from that company considering Isaac was with him most of the time. And if Isaac was ever discovered by them... he shuddered to think of what would happen to his best friend.
"I see. Thanks Anderson. We'll head there as soon as we leave the Citadel." Shepard said before leaving the room. As he walked out he heard something going on nearby. He quickly followed it to find a distressed elcor talking to another. After listening in on the converation, he found out that the elcor's privacy had been breached by the Consort of all people. Hearing this Shepard decided to investigate. Sadly he didn't know where it was and ended up walking around until he came to 2 people arguing.
"I don't care what you think Michael. It's my decision!" The woman said angrly. Wow this had to be important for both of them with venom he heard in her voice. The man gave a tired sigh before speaking again.
"I know you're hurting Rebekah, but don't let your grief hurt your baby too!" Michael said with urgency. Ok now he was starting to see what was going on. Not all of it but enough to warrant attention. Seeing another heated argument coming up Shepard decided to speak.
"Excuse me. Is there something going on here?" Shepard said neutrally. The couple turned to him not having noticed him until now.
"Perhaps you can talk some sense into her." Michael said crossing his arms. What? They didn't even know him! Was the argument so bad that it they'd actually welcome a third party's opinion?
"I don't need anyone to talk sense into me Michael. I'm not going undergoing the treatments." Rebekah said with finality.
"My sister-in-law is pregnant and she's refused to let the baby undergo gene therapy in utero." Michael explained exhasperated.
"Wait I thought that gene therapy was common?" Shepard asked confused. Things were getting clearer now but there was obviously more going on.
"My husband Jacob died from a rare heart condition several months ago." Rebekah said sadly.
"There's a chance that the baby could develop the same heart condition, but routine gene therapy can eliminate it." Michael continued with a little more fire in his voice now. Ok things were clear now.
"A very small chance Michael and extranet reports say the therapy can harm the child!" Rebekah countered. It was obvious she was thinking about her child but she was focusing on the negative side of things.
"It's less dangerous than the genetic enhancements that every soldier in the Alliance receives!" Michael shouted out. Jesus you're both in the middle of the presidium you know? People can hear it from the embassies probably.
"Hey man take it easy on her." Shepard said. Michael rounded on him now.
"I'm trying to make her see reason!" He said with his voice raised.
"And raising your voice at her could possibly stress her out enough that could actually harm the baby." Shepard reasoned out calmly. Michael's temper simmered down fast at that. He looked to Rebekah who appeared to be silently grateful. Shepard sighed knowing what he was going to say next would undoubtedly piss her off.
"For what it's worth, I believe you should consider undergoing gene therapy." Shepard said as he waited for it.
"What? I don't care what you think! Who are you anyway? It's my child, it's my decision!" Rebekah said heatedly. There it was.
"My name isn't that important. But I am a more gentically modified human. More than most." The couple were listening with rapted attention now. "My enhancements are on a very deep level and whats more, I got them while I was still in the womb. I know that it's scary, but you've already lost your husband. Are you willing to let your grief endanger your baby too?" Shepard said coldly. Rebekah's face contorted in anger and tears were coming out of her eyes as she responded back.
"I had to watch Jacob die! I can't risk the death of my child as well." She said with her voice cracking. It was finally starting to ware on her.
"Your husband's death wasn't your fault. But if you refuse the therapy, your child's death could very well be." Shepard said in a much softer tone. That was when the damn broke.
"Don't understand?! I can't lose this baby! This all I have left of him!" Rebekah cried out, sobbing. Shepard closed his eyes as he could feel the pain and grief rolling off her. It was heart wrenching for him.
"And you and that baby are all I have left of Jacob. I can't lose you, either of you. Not after this." Michael said with tears in his own eyes. He wasn't sobbing like Rebekah was but Shepard could tell it had been hard on both of them.
"Then why didn't you say that instead of yelling at me?" Rebekah asked with a more controlled tone now as her sobs lessened.
"Because I was scared. I'm sorry." Michael said in tired tone. There was silence for a moment as Shepard watched what would happen.
"If it means that much to you, if you trust that it's the right thing, I'll do the therapy." Rebekah said finally. She then looked at Shepard.
"Thank you so much. I guess we needed an outside person to talk some sense into both of us." Rebekah said with a smile.
"She's right, thank you." Michael added.
"No problem. Just take care of yourselves... all three of you." Shepard said as he parted ways with them. He continued walking on until he came to an area that seemed to smell with a lot of different perfumes. He followed into some kind of lounge where he was greeted by an asari in elegant clothing.
"Um hi?" He said not sure of where he was.
"Welcome. I am Nelyna. I don't recognize you as one of our expected clients today." Nelyna said as he walked toward her. He could see couches inside the area as well as various people talking with women dressed the same as Nelyna.
"Yeah I don't what this place is." Shepard said in confusion. Nelyna smiled at Shepard's lost expression.
"You are actually inside the Consort's Chambers." She said pleasently.
"Oh perfect! I was actually looking for this place actually." Shepard said with a smile.
"Would like me to see when the Consort would be able to meet with you?" Nelyna offered. Shepard looked confused again.
"I can't just go in?" He asked. Nelyna giggled before answering, "Mmmm I'm afraid not. You must understand that there are many who seek the consort's services. If you wish to leave your name, she'll make every effort to meet with you."
"Ah I see. Well Nelyna I'm afraid I'm not here for that kind of thing." Shepard said as leaned toward her a little.
"Oh then why are you here?" She asked as if she expected him to weasle is way in.
"Because I actually heard someone complaining about the services of this place." Shepard leaned in to whisper it. "About the consort herself in particular." IT was obvious Nelyna hadn't been expecting that one. Shepard leaned back and said, "But obviously since she's to busy I will leave but before that could ask about any other services you have here?"
Nelyna looked at him wondering why he had given up so easily on meeting with the consort while everyone else had tried using a great many number of ways including threats. His final question finally clicked in her mind before answering him.
"Um we offer conversation, singing and touch." She said. Shepard raised a brow at touch.
"Touch?" He asked.
"Yes that is actually my speciality. My finger tips can find every tension point in your body to relieve your stress." She explained.
"Hmmm. You know I could actually use some of that. Is it possible to open an appointment for that one for me?" He asked. Nelyna entered his name on her console and said, "We should have an opening for you in the next few months. Shepard's eyes widened at that.
"A few months. Jeez I'm afraid we'll have to cancel that then. I won't be in Citadel Space around that time." Shepard said. Nelyna looked at him in confusion before saying, "Oh I see. Sorry about that then."
"Yeah. Well I should go. Goodbye." Shepard said as he turned around and walked out the door. As he neared it he vaguely heard Nelyna ask, "Yes Sha'ira?" before walking out.
'Well that was disappointing. Oh well better head to the Normandy.' He thought as he walked to a nearby rapid transit console. Before he could call a cab however he was stopped by, "Umm excuse me sir?"
He turned to see it was Nelyna. "Oh hey. Is there something you wanted to ask me?" Nelyna nodded and asked, "Are you Ghost by any chance?"
Shepard's eyes narrowed at the question slightly.
"Yes?" Nelyna then grabbed his arm and started to pull him back to the chambers.
"It would appear that the consort has taken notice of you and wishes to speak with you in her chambers." She said as they both entered the chambers again.
"What? Why?" He asked confused. Nelyna just shook her head no.
"I'm afraid I don't know. Maybe because of your reputation perhaps." She replied as they passed the greeter's desk. She then let go of him and pointed to the stairs on the other side of the room.
"Just head upstairs, she'll be waiting for you." With that she left him alone. Not knowing what to do, Shepard walked toward the stairs ignore the jealous glares he was getting from the other patrons. He could have sworn he heard someone go, "Lucky bastard. What makes him so special?"
He quickly made it to the stairs and walked up them. He quickly came to a hallway leading to a single door. Before he walked to it Isaac began talking again.
"What the hell did you do to get that woman to notice you?" He asked.
"I don't have a damn clue. Maybe she knows someone who knows me?" Shepard said as he approached the door.
"Why do I doubt that?" Isaac asked rhetorically.
"Yea same here." Shepard said before the door opened. He cautiously walked inside as he looked over the place for any enemy or camera or anything else that could possibly harm him. The room was porcelain white with some furniture and a bed with a purple glass cover on it. Strange. In the middle of the room was one lone asari who was waiting for him. He approached her before she said, "That's close enough Ghost." Shepard stopped and looked her over as she turned around to face him.
Beautiful like most asari he'd seen and ample just like most in their matron stage, but what got his attention was how she held herself. It was elegant just like how the Asari Councilor Tevos but it was also intuitive like Aria only not as... predatory.
"I've heard a great many things about you since your first visit to our Citadel." She said as she walked up to him.
"Well what do you want from me? You obviously know a little about me so it isn't a coincindence that would call me here when I walked in." Shepard said as he watched her. He had a feeling that this was connected to the reason he came here in the first place. Sha'ira smiled at him in response.
"To the point I see. Aria chose well. I have a certain problem that could use your expertise." She said as she looked at him.
"Then maybe I can help." Shepard replied. Sha'ira continued to smile before telling him what she wanted.
"I have a... friend, Septimus. A retired turian general. I won't discuss the details but he wanted me to be more than I could be. We had a falling out, now he spends his days at Chora's Den. Drinking and spreading lies about me." She explained.
"Ouch." Shepard said making Sha'ira pause for minute. He actually thought that she would giggle for a second before she raised her hand and stroke his cheek with her fingers. The softness caused Shepard to close his eyes at the feeling remembering the times with Liselle, almost forgetting where he was. Almost.
"If you could speak to him as a fellow soldier, I believe he would listen to you let the matter be." Shepard gently grabbed her and led it away from his face before leting go. His opened before answering her.
"Fine. What exactly do you want me to say?" He asked.
"Appeal to his sense of honor. Remind him of his position as a general." Sha'ira smiled again before putting her face right beside his. "If you can convince him to stop spreading lies about me, I would be very grateful." She said in suggestive tone before pulling away. He could smell the perfume on her. A lilac scent, not to strong, not to weak. She knows her stuff. He honestly couldn't tell if she was manipulating him or not, but right now he knew what needed to be done. He turned and made his way to Chora's Den. Sha'ira looked after him wondering how his aura was so chaotic yet so calm at the same time.
A few minutes later.
Shepard was back in the wards and heading to Chora's Den. Before he got there thought 2 batarian thugs stood in his way.
"Well look who we have here. The Ghost of the Terminus lightly armed and unarmored. Must be our lucky day." One of them said. Shepard looked at them for a moment before they pulled out there weapons on him. He didn't even blink as he used overload on them then following up with a singularity.
"That shouldn't have happened! Not that fast anyway!" The other shouted in outrage. Shepard then used warp which caused a biotic explosion, instantly killing them. Shepard just kept walking until he heard some click from behind. He turned around to see that a third batarian thug had hidden himself with a tactical cloak and now how had their rifle trained on him.
"Today is the day you die." The batarian said. Before Shepard could do anything Chun fell from the rafters above them and landed silently behind the batarian. He kicked the assault rifle out of the batarian's hands and knocked down onto the ground before taking out his personal twin pistols and shot the thug to death.
"These mothafuckas get dumber and dumber every time." Chun said as he put his pistols away.
"Yea they do. Nice one Chun." Shepard said before Chun walked toward him.
"No problem Shepard. It was funny at how fast you took those 2 fools out. But I decided on wanting to kill one of them too so that's why I jumped in to save your ass." Chun said as both he and Shepard walked to Chora's Den.
"Very funny Chun. I totally had that just for the record." Shepard said.
"Oh sure, sure. No one get the jump on the Ghost after all." Chun said, nodding tauntedly.
"So why you going to Chora's Den?" Chun asked.
"Gotta give a pep talk to a retired turian general. You?" Shepard said as they both came to the door.
"Bitches and Booze. Besides it's my club now." Chun said as they walked in. Alarm bells were ringing the second Chun said it was his club and from the look of it, the dancers had changed to strippers. This time it wasn't just asari but humans, turians and he was pretty sure he saw a drell in the mix a second ago.
"Well Shepard I got to go do some red sand in my office. Have a good time." Chun said before walking back to where Fist's old office was. Shepard just shook his head at the madness that was Jackie Chun before spotting Septimus. It was easy considering the old turian was drinking like a fish and actually not staring at any of the woman. Shepard walked up to the man and sat in the seat next to him. The turian took a couple seconds to process who he was before speaking.
"Ghost. What do you want?"
"What's bothering you general?" Shepard asked as he crossed his arms.
"I've seen a lot of horrible things in my day and there is only one woman in this damn galaxy that helps me forget it." Septimus said looking down at his glass of brandy. Shepard could understand that position all to well. In a sense Liselle was Shepard's Sha'ira of sorts.
"I can understand that part. More than you know, but why spread lies about this woman?" Shepard asked as a waitress gave him a bottel of turian brandy. He looked up her inquisitvely and she answered, "Courtesy of the boss handsome. Said it should help smooth things over." With that the waitress left to go to the bar. Shepard then noticed Chun leaning out the door with a thumbs up. Shepard nodded, signaling he got the message. Chun then disappeared back behind the door.
"Because she rejected me. Me! Septimus Oraka! General of the Turian Fleet." The old man said with fire. Shepard smirked at him. Good to see he still had some fire left in those old bones. He silently offered to pour the old general a drink. Septimus nodded causing Shepard to pour the brandy into the glass.
"I can see where you're coming from. But spreading lies about her won't make things better." Shepard said as he finished pouring. Oraka downed the glass in one gulp.
"Look kid, I know appreciate your trying to do but don't waste your time." Oraka said. Shepard thought about what he should say next as Oraka took the bottle from him. He then remembered what Sha'ira told him.
'Appeal to his sense of honor. Remind him of his position as a general.' Shepard smirked upon remebering.
"General, did you ever win a battle by moping at a bar?" Shepard asked making Oraka stop drinking. The turian looked at him before saying, "Ha! War. That's what this feels like alright. How did I let it come to this? So you think it's that easy? Just straighten up and act like general?"
"It would be a step up then sitting here drinking about it." Shepard said. Oraka thought things over before standing up. Shepard followed suit.
"Huh, maybe you're right Ghost. Sha'ira's worth the effort even if she won't have me back." Oraka said with a little more soberness.
"This place doesn't fit someone of your stature general." Shepard said.
"Alright, I'll go to her." Oraka said before pausing and adding, "After I had a cold shower... or two." Both men chuckled. Oraka looked at Shepard and remebered something he had done earlier that was very bad for Sha'ira.
"Say your a bright kid. Would you be interested in earning a few extra credits?" Oraka asked. Shepard instantly felt like he was kid that was being asked by an old man to make a delivery.
"Sure. What do you need me to do?" He asked.
"There is an elcor diplomat out there who believes Sha'ira gave up his secrets." Oraka said.
"Let me guess you told him that." Shepard said.
"Yes. Look I just need you to convince him of the truth." Oraka said.
"How do I get him to believe me?" Shepard asked.
"You'll bring him proof." Oraka then gave Shepard a datapad.
"Take this. It shows where I got my info. It will exonerate Sha'ira and convince the elcor." Oraka explained. Shepard nodded.
"Okay. I got a good idea of where this elcor is too. Take care... General Oraka." Shepard said as he walked out to find a cab.
A few minutes later.
Shepard walked to where he had seen the elcor and found that the diplomat had not moved. Shepard approached the elcor who noticed him.
"Hello there human. Sincere apology: but I am here on business and cannot be distracted right now." The elcor said. Shepard wasn't fazed by the strange speach pattern at all having shopped at Harrot's Emporium before.
"That's actually what I've come to talk to you about. Your... little problem." Shepard said which got the elcor's attention.
"Curious: What do you know about the consort and her relationship to me?"
"I know who revealed your secret. It was a turian named Septimus." Shepard said not wanting to get the old turian in too much trouble.
"Unbelieving: I know this Septimus and he could not learn my secrets. The only way he could learn them was from the asari consort." The elcor said. Shepard shook his head no.
"Not true. Take a look at this." Shepard said as he showed the datapad to the elcor.
"Confused: This is difficult to fathom. If the turian could learn this on his own... Dismayed: Anyone could discover my secret." Elcor said with his head down.
"Don't worry." The elcor looked up at him. "Septimus is a powerful man and it wasn't easy for him to find."
"Relieved: I suppose you are correct human. Thank you for this information. Startled Realization: I must speak with the consort. She will be most displeased with my actions. Anxious Request: Please human, if you will excuse me I must go now."
"I'm sure she'll forgive you. It was an honest mistake." Shepard said comfortingly.
"Doubtful: Perhaps you are right human. I could only hope so." The elcor said as he lumbered away. Shepard was about to exit the room when another voice said, "Thankful: That was a great thing you did Ghost. Approving: You see Din? Not all humans are as you say." Shepard nodded to both of them as he left the room. Walking away he heard the volus go, "I'm sure the earth-clan stands to profit from this in some way"
Shepard quickly made it back to the chambers where Nelyna greeted him.
"Hello Ghost. She's waiting for you upstairs."
"Thanks Nelyna." Shepard said as he walked past the disgruntled patrons. They were all more envious of him now. Seeing the Consort twice in one day was absurd! He ignored them all and just kept walking until he got to Sha'ira's door. He kncoked first before he heard the 'come in'
As soon as he entered the room he was met with a smiling Sha'ira.
"Ghost I recently received a lovely note from Septimus. Thank you for speaking with him. Even the elcor diplomat has withdrawn his campaign against me." Sha'ira said.
"It was no trouble." Shepard replied back with a smile.
"You're too kind Ghost, but I would not expect you to help me out of the kindness of your heart. I also have one more thing to give you, if you're interested." Sha'ira said before she looked at him seriously.
"Go ahead." Shepard stood waiting for what she would say to him. She smiled at him.
"I offer a gift of words: An affirmation of who you are and what you will become." She then took a close look at him and outstretched her hand. as if trying to feel for something.
"I see you. Your stance fits as though you were born with it. You are a fighter through and through. Proud, solitary... alone. I see your skin, tough as the scales of any turian. Unyielding. A wall between you and everyone else. And... I can see the sadness behind you eyes. It tells a story that makes me weep. Pain and loss, but it drives you. All of these give you strength. It is that strength that people are drawn to. It is why you lead and others follow without question. That strength is what what kept you alive when everyone around you was dying. You alone survived and will continue to survive. You never hide your strength, either. It serves you well. Terrifies your foes. Few will dare to stand against you. You will need that leadership, that strength, in the battles to come. This may be who you are, but it is not who you will become. It only forms the basis for your future greatness. Remember these words when doubt decends, Ghost." Sha'ira told a wide-eyed Shepard.
Everything she had just said had been dead on the mark. From his training with Zaeed, going planet to planet, ship to ship, fighting in all kinds of terrains. From living alone on Omega with only Isaac around. From... Mindoir, when he lost everything. Then she hit Elysium, Akuze and Torfan in that order. He quickly regained himself and made a smile.
"You have quite a gift, Sha'ira." Shepard said respectively. The Consort smiled at him.
"Thank you. Not everyone appreciates it as you do." She said.
"Well, when you hit right on the mark, I can't help but appreciate it." Shepard said. The Consort giggled at him this time.
"Never underestimate the power of words." She said.
"I rarely do." Shepard replied. Sha'ira took the necklace she had been wearing off and handed it to him.
"Here Ghost. In light of your efforts with the elcor diplomat, I'd like you to have this small trinket." Shepard studied and found that while the chain was ordinary, what it held was not. It appeared to be a small metallice square, sleek and polished with some type of green light emnating from the sigil inscribed on it.
"What is it?" Shepard said as he continued to look at it. It appeared oddly familiar to him for some reason.
"A small mystery. I have never learned of its use or purpose but I sense that it is time for me to pass it on. And now I must ask you to leave. I've done everything I can for you." Sha'ira said.
"Well goodbye Sha'ira." Shepard said as he pocketed the necklace and exited. He quickly radioed Joker and told him of where they were going to next, Noveria. Also to order a new set of female Colossus heavy armor and have the cargo in the private dock brought onto the ship. Couldn't leave his favorite mech here could he?
Whew. 11,287 words. That's awesome. I can't believe that Naruto is actually going to end in 5 weeks. Seems just like yesterday Shippuden started. I'm sad about that. Oh well.
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