Welcome to the second chapter of the Betrayal.
Thank you to those who Reviewed, as it gives me the motivation to write more, anyway let's get on with it.
~ I don't own mass effect, bioware does ... Dun, dun duunnnn~
15.02.0005 PRW
Earth
Vancouver
0900 hours
1 week after Shepard's escape
Spectre Ashely Williams nodded to the door security before heading into the conference room, once through the door however, she grinned at its current occupant.
James Vega stood in standard Alliance uniform, though the N7 patch on his right arm was new.
"Williams!" Exclaimed Vega. "Dam, it been too long, how's the rest of Normandy doing these days."
Ashley laughed, she had missed Vega, but getting the N7 Certification had been a dream of his, and an opportunity he couldn't miss.
Normally, N - Training took 4 years to complete, but due to Shepard's reports and recommendations, he had been bumped the 'warming up and breaking down' training and had been moved to N4 within weeks to speed up the process.
"Looking good, Commander Vega."
"Don't make me blush, ma'am."
Before they could continue, however, a hidden door opened, and their hosts walked in, both Ashley and James stood straight and saluted, though technically speaking, Ashley was no longer Military as a Spectre, she still did it out of professionalism.
Fleet Master Mikhailovich returned the salute as the other Admirals spread out around him.
"Spectre Williams, thank you for responding so quickly, the faster this is resolved the better." Mikhailovich acknowledged.
As he spoke, Holographic projectors imbedded into the walls around them lighted up, producing a 3D model of a door similar to the one Ash came through.
"Before we show you this recording we need explain some points" stated Admiral Holt.
"As far as the public and lower military officials are concerned Commander Zaire Shepard is MIA."
After a short pause Admiral Silvia stated "This is untrue".
"What!?" Asked both Williams and Vega st the same time.
"You know where the Commander is?" Asked Vega.
"No, not anymore" said Mikhailovich.
"Anymore? Asked Ashely.
Mikhailovich simply gestured to the projection.
The image came to life as a previously frozen office worker walked past, however, a few moment later and Commander Zaire Shepard walked into view, Vega observed that her hair was far longer than during the war, but there was little doubt that she was alive.
As Vega watched Shepard, however, Ashley watched the two guards following her, they were carrying rifles and there was no doubt they were professionals. It was in the way they carried themselves, and the way they kept both an eye on Shepard and their surroundings.
Shepard paused for a second before opening the door and entering, here the recording paused.
"While in the briefing room we discussed classified information, it has now been declassified for you to see and to share at your will" stated Mikhailovich as an explanation.
The projectors kicked in again and medical files started scrolling down, in the center was a skeleton interlaced with cybernetics and implants, all boxy looking.
"These are the cybernetics in Shepard's body when she was held here in Vancouver before the war." Started Admiral Silvia.
The skeleton rotating was overlapped with muscle and skin leaving a picture of Shepard in Alliance Blues, before changing back again and moving to the left.
"And this is the cybernetics in her body as they were 2 weeks ago" finished Admiral Holt.
The new skeleton had slightly thicker bones interlaced with some sort of metal, however, the biggest changes were the implants themselves.
They had changed greatly, the boxy look was gone, and in their places were black organic looking things. Two were attached to both her lungs and stomach and there was one attached directly to her spine, and one just below her brain. From the one under her brain, miniscule tendrils had grown out throughout her body, with a focus on arms, legs and spine. Ashley spotted odd readings in her hands.
While Vega stood, looking pale, Ashley realised what the technology was, and what it meant.
"Its reaper cyber tech" she stated.
"Yes, unfortunately, it is." Confirmed Mikhailovich, looking solemnly at the projection.
With a gesture the medical files dissipated, and the video resumed.
As it did Mikhailovich spoke. "We explained this to her via QEC, as we didn't know how she would react, in retrospect, that was a rather wise decision."
As he finished talking movement on the projection caught everyone's eyes.
The doors HI shorted out for a second before turning green, the two guards turned around and raise their rifles but the male promptly hit the ground from a blindingly fast fist, the second guard, a female attempted to back up and gain some room, but Zaire moved low and swept her foot out, hooking and pulling, sending the poor woman to the ground.
In seconds Zaire was on top of her, pulled off the guards helmet and bashed her unconscious with it. Vega watched in awe, as in seconds Shepard had taken down two fully armed and armoured marines in CQC.
"Her biotics are pure white" he observed, as he watched her body glow a pure white. Zaire pulled a radio out of the guards helmet and grabbed her Omni-Tool, before stuffing her pockets with thermal clips. Picking up the female marines rifle Shepard set off at a jog.
The projectors changed the scene to the roof of the HQ, and a few seconds later Shepard burst out the door, turned towards a surprised marine guarding the shuttle depot and knocks him out with the butt of her rifle.
Spinning round 360 degrees, Zaire moves towards one the roofs edges, however, before she can take a few steps a Strike team of 4 marines in full combat armour, charge out of the same door Shepard did and pulled up their weapons. Zaire, not slowing down, turns towards the marines and fired the rifle from her hip, the burst hits the lead marines kinetic barrier and forces them all into cover.
Shepard continues walking backwards, sending bursts of fire at the marines.
Hitting one of the air vents that crisscrossed the roof, Zaire did a backwards roll over it and fell into cover.
Ash watched, both worried at the detached way Shepard faced the marines and impressed with her for out maneuvering, and pinning a four man team with nothing but a rifle.
She also realized what she was planning as Zaire continued to move towards the edge of the building, shaking her head in disbelief she muttered under her breath. "you always said you loved biotic base jumping."
Just as Ashely predicted, Shepard dropped her rifle and dived over the edge, disappearing from sight as the marines ran the edge hopeless to stop her.
The recording finished and was instead replaced with a helmet cam. Ashley noted the time stamp as 10 hours later, even as Mikhailovich explained that he had deployed four man teams in the hopes of tracking Shepard's movements.
Watching the marines spot the woman in a trench coat disappear into an ally, follow her and attempt to gain access to a 2nd story window. Ashley listened carefully to Shepard's taunt.
"Obviously Shepard believes that the Alliance wants to 'dissect her', according to her records Shepard has a fear of bio-labs, scientific equipment and doctors, stemming from when Cerberus resurrected her." Started Admiral Holt.
"We believe that that combined with PTSD and this rather understandable fear, Shepard may be becoming indoctrinated." Finished Mikhailovich.
"In the recording Shepard said that we would need a N7 team or a Spectre to take her down, I'm hoping to have both."
Mikhailovich turned to Vega. "Commander Vega, you and the two N7's you trained with will be going after her, hopefully, under Spectre Williams command."
As Vega stood straight and saluted, Mikhailovich turned to look at Williams in question.
Spectre Ashely Williams saluted before saying "she's obviously a threat to the galactic community and right now, we can't afford to let her run wild."
Nodding once Mikhailovich spoke again. "Then I will have all medical files and security tapes from the incident forwarded to you, Spectre."
That stated, Mikhailovich and his 2 associates turned and left the two soldiers to think.
Once the door shut behind them, Admiral Silvia spoke to Mikhailovich.
"I hope this is worth all the trouble Mikhailovich, Shepard has a uncanny ability to kill those who piss her off."
"You saw the same reports I did Silvia, Shepard holds the key to us living to be as old as the Goddamed Asari."
Holt managed to interrupt them before they could have another argument on ethics.
"What about Project: Orthius?"
Mikhailovich grunted. "I'm getting funds for it ready, but the fucking STG is everywhere right now, so I'm being careful about what I'm moving."
25.02.0005 PRW
Tuchunka
The Pits of Novic Vole
2 weeks after Shepard's escape
Urnot Wrex grinned, The Pits were an excellent idea, he thought. Young males with too much blood in their brains could lose some of it where they wouldn't destroy all of his hard work, they also provided entertainment, as at the end of every month professional fighters fought to the death against various fighters and creatures.
The Betting was earning him good money to use, as people from Tuchunka to Illium placed bets on who would emerge victorious.
As he thought this he watched two angry pups storm in and start fighting each other, instead of Krogan starting fights on the street, they would settle it in the the pits and leave everyone else to their lives in peace.
It was getting popular as a past time to watch too, so much so that he was speeding up the construction of The 2 New stadiums. The Zaire and Solus Gladatoriul Stadiums were 3 years from completion, he wanted them done in 2.
Urnot Grunt stood behind him analysing the fighters and the cliff edges for threats. He didn't, however, spot the figure behind him.
"Wrex, you old bastard, you need to upgrade your security."
Grunt, spinning around in surprise, brought up his Shotgun on instinct, only to be knocked on his ass by a well placed punch to the eye.
Grunt, grunted, looking up at the small human female who had so easily decked him, before his good eye widened.
Urnot Wrex laughed, "Shepard" he said in greeting. Watching in amusement as Grunt was pulled to his feet by the tiny woman, who then affectionately patted his cheek.
"Getting slow Grunt, I didn't even have to bother with my biotics." Shepard grinned.
"Battlemaster!" Exclaimed Grunt, forgetting his pride in excitement, he then pulled her into a one armed Krogan hug.
"You don't look surprised to see me Wrex." Casually stated Shepard, while Grunt attempted to crush her.
"Ha, the last time you fell through orbit you were fine after a 2 year nap, what was different this time." He grinned.
Shepard grinned back. "Didn't die again, thankfully, Alliance hospitality has gotten clingy over the years so I decided to stretch my legs."
Wrex noted the dirty rags Shepard had wrapped around herself, the back looked like it could be pulled up over her head. He grinned, trust Shepard to hide in plain bloody sight. If she decided to run off into the wilds nobody would be able to find her.
"So" he said conventionally, as he and Shepard sat down. "What does a unkillable Spectre need from little old me?"
Shepard snorted "Wrex, while you aren't little, old is easily accurate."
They shared a chuckle at that, while Grunt, realising that privacy was wanted, moved off to yell at the guards for getting lazy.
Getting serious Shepard turned to look at Wrex.
"Has The Alliance been doing anything odd since I've been gone?"
Wrex shifted in his seat to look her in the eye.
"Been getting a bit anti-alien for everyone's tastes", pausing to think he added, "your admirality board has been a bit off, ever since Hackett met the void."
Shepard nodded in agreement, they were up to something, since Mikhailovich could only be Fleet Master for 5 years before being forced by legislation to step down and retire, it meant that it was more likely he was using his position as a means to an end.
Finally she asked "what happened to most of the Crew?"
"Most Alliance kept working on Normandy under Williams" he grunted. "Though some left, I think the council volunteered some people to fill the gaps and keep it things 'multicultural'".
"Most times it serves as infiltration and exfiltration for Spectre's and STG." He added after a second.
After a small pause to think he continued, "Vakarian went back to Palaven with his father and sister, Tali is working with the Geth on Rannoch, Javik is with the Hannar believe it or not and Vega was in N7 training." He finished.
"Liara?" Zaire asked quietly.
"Disappeared back to Thessia, however, I hear that the Shadow Broker network has been gaining power and influence since the war."
Wrex was one of the few who were ever let in on that particular secret.
"Think you could get a message sent?" She asked.
The big Krogan nodded once, before they settled back in their seats to watch the young Krogan fight.
It only lasted a minute before a booming, familiar voice broke the quiet mood that had settled between them.
"Wrex!"
Said Krogan sighed in annoyance, before standing up and facing his void be dammed brother.
"What is it Wreave, I was enjoying a myself?"
"You're moving the Rite Maw Hammers!?"
"They have been standing over us for thousands of years!" Piped up the Krogan beside Wreave.
"And are now far too close to the City limits" Finnished Wrex.
"Then build your dam stadiums somewhere else" retorted Wreave.
"My 'dam stadiums' are nowhere near the Maw Hammers, it's the houses being built for when the new borns grow up!" Replied Wrex, growing aggravated.
A bark of laughter caught everyone's attention, Zaire had pulled her hood up, which hid her hair and shadowed her face.
"What are you laughing at human" spat Wreave, clearly looking for a fight.
Wrex laughed as Zaire cracked her knuckles together, he realised that she was baiting his brother, and was interested in how she would reply.
"A Krogan who talks too much about things that matter too little." She replied.
Wreave snarled at the insult before charging her, not bothering to move out of the way, Zaire let Wreave charge into her, before rolling with the hit onto her back, and using her legs to send the Krogan over the balcony, and into the pit, head first.
Continuing the roll Zaire ended up on her feet, the hood had fallen down and her long hair was barely staying in its pony tail. Her eyes glowed slightly, and she had an excited expression on her face.
The Krogan who had backed up the now missing brother snarled at her, but turned and left, probably going to get Wreave from the pit.
A few seconds passed before Wrex commented, "That fall was pretty steep".
"Don't worry, Wreave acts like someone who sacrificed brain space to have a thicker skull." Replied Grunt, coming back out of the entrance.
All three of them shared a laugh at that.
"It's like you once said Wrex, being Krogan isn't biological, it's a state of mind." Added Zaire.
Chucking, Wrex repiled affectionately "it's good to have you back Shepard".
26.02.0005 PRW
Unknown Location
An Asari was seated at a desk, HI's projecting data that was scrolling past faster than the common eye could follow.
A human female walked up next to her, paused, before stating, "you should take a break, the galaxy won't end while me or Feron take over."
Her Asari friend sighed but said "the Alliance is hiding something, Miranda, they won't day who the IR was that escaped is, and all data on the subject has been Black Boxed."
Miranda Lawson grimised, Black Boxing was a theory created by humans that dating back over 100 years, but still worked as a secure way to hold data.
Basically, Black Boxing was a site guarded heavily, sealed from access to all but Admirals, Directors and specific AIS Agents.
To get in you had to know where the site was, to get there you had to pass through major allied territory, once there you go through finger, palm and eye scans to get through the front door.
Enter three different combinations of numbers and letters, and finally have the way you walk computer analysed, before you can access data cut off from all wireless networks, it was all hardlined.
Currently the base was hidden inside of Saturn's rings, and the previous Shadow Broker had failed to gain permanent access, as any outgoing signals were heavily scrutinised.
"Then we wait until a chance presents itself, until then, Rest is needed." She prompted.
The Asari sighed again before getting up and leaving, heading for her private quarters.
Silently, Miranda worried, the Asari hadn't been the same since Shepard had died.
And that is it for this chapter, thank you for reading, please leave a review if you would like more of this, I literally live off of reviews.
What?
They're tasty!
~ JunkMail