Mass Dragon Effect I: Shadows of the Past
Chapter 8: Wicked Search
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or Dragon Age, and I am beginning to think someone else should. Based on the direction EA is forcing Bioware to go.
Beta Reader: Albert
Last Update: 03/19/2022
Artemis Tau/Macedon/USS Normandy/Deck 1
Human Date: February 9, 2183
Deep within an unremarkable system of the Artemis Tau cluster held a Mass Relay and little else of interest outside of barren rock planets and gas giants. It was a tranquil system when the USS Normandy dropped out of FTL speeds right next to the cluster's Mass relay.
"We have arrived at the Artemis Tau cluster, specifically the Macedon system. The scope is clear. Nothing but space debris on sensors," Joker reported as he typed away on his console. "Why do people insist on giving these systems weird names?"
"I am sure people think the same thing when they hear your name, Joker," Cortana pointed out. "Besides, the name of this system is not that weird as the system was named after Macedonia, an ancient Greek Empire that played heavily in human development. It is one of many Greek names represented in the Artemis Tau Cluster."
"As fascinating as this is, we have a job to do," Captain John Sheppard stated to bring his pilot and AI back into focus. "According to the files provided by FID and Serrice University on the asari homeworld Thessia, Dr. Liara T'Soni has been a wandering archeologist since she graduated. Which was… um… fifty years ago. Looking for any Prothean and any other precursor artifacts that would prove her controversial theory."
"Controversial theory?" Joker asked with mild interest and humor.
"Something about how the galaxy is in a series of cultural life cycles. With the Protheans being the latest of a long line of cycles. And that each cycle ends with the extinction of all space fairing species of said cycle. The archeologist's files were not very specific, and many do not think much of her theory," Cortana answered Joker for John.
The Commander was glaring at the AI for reading his files without permission before stating, "Regardless of her theories, Doctor T'Soni has an outstanding reputation as an archeologist. As such, she was allowed into the outer territory of the UF to join a small expedition team tasked with determining if the rumor of Prothean artifacts in the cluster were true. The team has their own science ship to explore multiple dig sites and begin excavating the most promising one. Therefore, they could be anywhere in the cluster.
"We will have to search for her by trying to locate her ship's transponder code by checking every major celestial body within each system. Joker, plot a course through the cluster to allow Cortana to scan each planet and moon for the ship Lira might be traveling. If she is not in the system, then set a course to the Sparta system. We'll search there while completing a favor for that Rear Admiral."
"Aye, Captain, Plotting a course right now. ETA thirty-six hours," Joker nodded as he typed away with Cortana, preparing for intensive flyby scans.
John gave a nod of acknowledgment as SPECTRE Jondum Bau looked thoughtful, "Very impressive. The combination of a highly skilled pilot and AI computing power is turning a job that would take any other survey team seventy-two hours to complete into just thirty-six hours. You truly have an excellent team. Despite the dangers of using thinking AIs and having a human pilot with Vrolik Syndrome."
Joker froze as Cortana's holographic body glared at the tall salarian. Commander Jane Sheppard turned to SPECTRE Jondum Bau in defense to ask, "Care to clarify what you mean by that?"
"Nothing really, Commander. Just a comment on how the risks of having personnel with such a health risk even after extensive genetic engineering to negate some of the worst effects and a computer program that could kill everyone if she turns on her creators or malfunction is outweighed by the success and efficiency made possible by their skill and programming." The salarian chuckled in embarrassment before he openly admitted, "I am not making it better for me, am I?"
"Not by a long shot," Jane stated as she directed Jondum out. "Let's take a walk."
Jondum nodded as both Jane and John led him out of the room. Joker glared for a moment before he chuckled out, "Can you say sneaky spy?"
While Cortana giggled in response, "Yes, very sneaky. As sneaky as a ransom virus demanding money from you." Cortana's face then morphed into a more sympathetic one as she asked Joker, "Are you alright? I know you have been sensitive about your… condition. I know what it means to be vulnerable or question if you should be in the Federation Navy due to what you are."
"Says the woman with a starship for a body," Joker joked before he got serious. "It's fine. I have dealt with people being insensitive to me having brittle bones. So it's nothing to be concerned about. Let's just ignore him and get this party started. We can't find a hot blue asari without looking."
"Aye, Lieutenant," Cortana smiled as the two quickly got to work at the cockpit while Jane and John laid out some ground rules in the corridor.
"Please use common courtesy when addressing the ship's crew and away teams. And please refrain from comments about Joker's Vrolik Syndrome. They are some of the best in the UF, and they deserve to be here," Jane added as she glared at Jondum.
"Of course, Commander, I meant no disrespect, and I don't want to cause any problems. I do not plan to go into the field and get involved in your operation," Jondum reassured the young woman as John jumped into the conversation.
"Then why are you here?"
Jondum paused, thinking how to give a delicate answer before delivering the truth. "I am sure your Intelligence Division (FID) has my records, and it indicates I am not the best when it comes to fighting."
"Yeah," Jane admitted. "I was kind of curious of how a SPECTRE with the reputation of being a group of super spies would allow someone that is clearly not a skilled killer join their ranks."
And Jondum used Jane's comment to continue his explanation, "Most of it is true. However, like how a few of your N Special Forces are heavily trained in fieldwork not related to combat such as recon, SPECTREs are very much the same. And I am the best when it comes to investigating and finding things important political powers lost, and in some cases, do not want to admit they're missing. Moreover, I am legally allowed to go to any lengths to retrieve said items, unlike most police forces within the Citadel. From stealing back artifacts that some collector decides that they must own regardless of legality. To discover if a crime lord in the Terminus Systems has intelligence or items that can threaten the security of the Citadel Council or outside political powers. No matter what it is, I will find it and uncover the truth."
"So, you're an investigator? Then what exactly are you investigating, SPECTRE?" John asked the taller-than-average salarian.
"Saren, of course," Jondum answered without hesitation. "Specifically, determining how long Saren was planning to betray the Council and why."
"You don't think Saren is just taking things into his own hands because of the Council's inability to reign in the Union of Federations?" Jane asked with a raised eyebrow of disbelief.
One Jondum understands as he stated, "He has always been a patriot who always followed his orders to the letter, especially if they came from the Turian Hierarchy. Saren cutting off his own arm for the cause is proof of that. He is also pragmatic, never one to act unless he can ensure victory or have no choice but to act. The fact he is now apparently going against orders and making such risky moves is unlike him. I need to find out."
"Could it be possible that his superiors in the Turian Hierarchy ordered him to attack us to weaken the Union of Federations with plausible deniability?" John asked as Jane's eyes widened in shock for even suggesting it. Though it was not as big of a shock compared to the one given by Jondum's honest answer.
"I doubt it, but it is possible," Jondum admitted as he looked far off. "If that is the case, then we will find evidence on this trail and bring them to justice. No one is above the law, especially the man that enforces it."
SPECTRE Jondum then gave a stiff nod before he walked away. Leaving Jane and John in the CIC alone with Lieutenant Commander Charles Pressly and Operations Chief Sarah Sinclair. Pressly's eyes followed Jondum before turning to his superior officers. "Sir, ma'am, do you want us to post security around the SPECTRE to keep him from accessing vital systems to send back to the Council?"
"I doubt there is anything on this ship the Council or the Salarian's STG don't know about. And we have no real security measure we could implement to keep Jondum out. It would be pointless to even try," Commander Jane Sheppard mused aloud. "However, best be safe than sorry and have standard security procedures for a guest and restrict access to vital systems."
"Yes, ma'am. Should we apply the same security measure or even sticker ones against the turian?" Pressly asked with a slight snarl near the end.
"For now, standard security procedures for guests like Officer Garrus Vakarian as well. With the possibility to revise later. I also suggest you lose that attitude, Lieutenant Commander Pressly," Captain John Sheppard stated with clear understanding.
"Sorry, sir, but I fail to understand how playing nice with the Council will do us any good. Especially since Saren attacked a Federation colony and it's a Federation ship that is chasing after him. Not a Council ship. I am not sure we need the Council around to muck up another operation," Pressly stated with a firm posture.
"I understand, but we cannot turn down potential allies. We need allies to stand in the galaxy, not more enemies to tear us apart. And the only way to gain allies is through hearts and minds. Which can never be achieved by being belligerent, especially when they are accommodating us," Jane told the old navigator that solemnly nodded back.
"I'll try, ma'am," Pressly stated as Jane put her hand on his shoulder.
"That is all we ask," Jane stated before letting go and approached Sarah as she finished typing on her console.
"Captain, Commander. I have coordinated with FID and various fleets commanders to locate Saren. While also providing an accurate map of the fleet movements, battles, and mission requests tied to the hunt of Saren," Sarah stated as she led them into the war room. Where holographic figures of four humans, a krogan, a quarian, and a geth were highlighted on the map:
Grand Admiral Hackett, Supreme Commander, Currently with the 5th Fleet, USS Orizaba
Fleet Admiral Ines Lindholm, Commander of the 1st Fleet, USS Everest
Fleet Admiral Talyth, Vurbon, Commander of the 2nd Fleet, USS Fang Point
Fleet Admiral Rael'Zorah vas Rayya, Commander of the 3rd Fleet, USS Rayya
Fleet Admiral Nitesh Singh, Commander of the 4th Fleet, USS Vesuvius
Fleet Admiral Hutson Smith, Commander of the 5th Fleet, USS Clingmans Dome
Fleet Admiral Unit Commander 117, Commander of the 6th Fleet, USS Black Ridge
"Impressive Specialist Sarah. I take it we will be receiving the majority of orders from the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Fleets and Grand Admiral Hackett himself?" Captain John Sheppard asked. "Since the First, Second, and Third Fleets are home fleets used for the defense of the human, krogan, and the quarian slash geth's homeworld."
"Yes, sir. This is also why I have been coordinating with other high-ranking Admirals, such as Admiral Han'Gerrel vas Neema, commander of the Seventh Fleet on the USS Neema. Admiral Tabitha Howard, commander of the Eighth Fleet on the USS Fuji. And Admiral Unit Commander 359, commander of the Ninth Fleet on the USS Knife Point. Along with some other powerful Admirals. Including Admiral Khel, Vacnor, commander of the Twelfth Fleet on the USS Denali, and Admiral Chang Zu, commander of the Thirteenth Fleet on the USS Logan," Sarah added with pride of her work.
Work that John acknowledged with approval, "Good work. With their help and the FID, we can hopefully get information on Saren's movement quick enough to allow us to intercept him before he causes any more harm," John added while Jane stared at the name of the Admiral in command of the Third Fleet.
"Fleet Admiral Rael'Zorah. Is he related in any way with Tali?" Jane asked Sarah, who quickly pulled up the young woman's personnel file.
"According to her file, Fleet Admiral Rael'Zorah is her father," Sarah stated in shock while Jane whistled.
"Damn. No wonder she seems so nervous all the time. She has a family legacy to live up to, like us, I guess," Jane stated before she turned to her brother. "Do you feel we should talk to her about it?"
"Not unless it affects the mission," John stated as he turned to his sister. "It will only serve to make her more nervous if we bring up such a topic that could be sensitive to her."
"Right, we will talk to her when she feels ready. In the meantime, I will be doing my walkarounds. See you at dinner in a couple of hours?" Jane asked.
"We'll see. I may be busy with Lieutenant Commander Velanna," John stated.
Jane gave a small knowing smile before the two parted ways.
Artemis Tau/Macedon/USS Normandy/Deck 2
Human Date: February 10, 2183
It was late at night as a large group was gathered, having dinner or collecting food for others. Such as Dr. Chakwas, who was making a second trip with two disposable trays of food. Chief Engineer Adams sitting with Tali, noticed and jokingly asked the doctor, "So that makes four servings of pork barbecue with fries. You must love today's rations, doctor."
Chakwas rolled her eyes in response when she stated, "If you must know, the food I picked up earlier was for my patients in the med bay since they are not allowed to leave. They are currently eating their portions in the medical bay. Sinclair volunteered to sit with them. Though her reason may be why Sten seems pretty happy with the arrangement," Chakways added.
Chakways gave a knowing smile as Adams seemed to perk up by the latest piece of gossip before she switched subjects. "Now, these two plates are for Joker and myself. I plan to join Joker on the bridge since he has difficulty leaving his seat.
"Also, please do not call these meals rations, for they're good compared to real rations. Those MRE (Meal Ready to Eat) packs I had to eat while working as a field doctor on the ground during the Skyllian Blitz were truly bland. Though the frozen and preserved fruit and vegetables are not that much better compared to the MREs," Chakwas added as she glared at the baked apples on her plate.
Adams snorted in agreement, "Yeah, nothing beats fresh fruit grown on hydroponic bays on our dreadnaughts and cruisers during months-long patrols. It sometimes makes me miss being on them." Adams shrugged as Tali was handed a meal meant for quarians. Since her species has a dextro-amino based diet over the levo-amino based diet, most other species were having, including humans.
"Well, you and Joker will have to be disappointed with the food we do have. Have a good day, Adams," Chakwas joked as she left with a tray in each hand while the ship's veteran engineer and young combat engineer picked up their silverware.
Tali was about to follow Adams when she heard someone call for her. She turned around to see Leliana, Varric, along with the surviving soldiers that went to Eden Prime, minus Captain John Sheppard and Lt. Commander Velanna O'Connell, calling for her. Her commanding officer, Commander Jane Sheppard, "Hey Tali, you want to join us. It is a good way to get to know your team outside of live combat."
Tali, unsure, turned to ask Adams if it was all right with quarian body language. To which Adams responded with a smile, "Go ahead, I have some reports to review alone in my office. So, go, join your friends."
Tali gave a million-watt smile before she practically climbed over the table to join her new dining companions, "Thank you."
"Speak nothing of it; you're now part of the team. Whether you like it or not," Jane jokingly added as she directed Tali to sit next to another newcomer, Garrus, that was grumbling as he poked at his food.
Tali looked over, seeing it was similar food to her own, to ask, "Is everything alright?"
Garrus looked up and gave a small smile as he took a bite, "Ah, it's fine, but as my teeth indicated, my species is geared to eating meat rather than silvers… I mean blues," Garrus emphasize with the blue leaf of a healthy salad from Rannoch before looking on Tali. "I hope the next time we stop by the Citadel or an actual spaceport, we pick up some dextro-ammino based meat."
"We'll see. Until then, I suggest you get used to a more quarian base diet of vegetables, fruit, grains, and a small portion of meat," Jane told the young officer as he nodded.
"I'll try, but I make no guarantee. No offense Miss Tali'Zorah, but I don't think I can survive on a mostly plant diet," Garrus pointed out as he slowly ate his food. At the same time, giving a challenge that sounded like he may be flirting(?).
One Tali could not help but reciprocate, "Well, not all of us can evolve on a planet that has very few animals ripe for consumption. Or the stomach for it."
"The evolution of the creators from Rannoch-Homeworld is quite fascinating compared to other organic units," Legion-VII stated with a series of clicks. "As it led to a more efficient omnivore consumption of energy, and a weakened immunity defense mechanism as they evolved to be the homeworld's plant pollination-units. Several evolution scientist-creators such as-" Legion-VII started off, but Ashely Williams interrupted to prevent Legion-VII synthetic mind from prattling on numerous theories.
"Anyway, if you're having a problem eating vegetables, then I suggest you pick a bloody image from your memories. As a turian with their mandated military service and your time as a detective, you must've had some bloody experience like a bloody military operation or a gruesome homicide. I remember during my first live combat mission, some poor fool took a grenade to the head. Chunks of his upper torso were scattered across the ground. I swear I couldn't touch meat for a week after that mission," Ashely stated as she soon found her vegetables and bread far more appealing than her roasted pork.
Garrus, however, still longed-for meat before he reputed Ashely's words. "Trust me, there is little I can imagine that would make me lose my stomach. After all, I did not lose my stomach while investigating a case where an elcor delegate spent his off-hours chopping people up to eat them. And if I couldn't lose my stomach then, then I doubt anything will."
Wrex laughed as he ate a substantial varren steak, "I know that feeling. During my years as a mercenary, I've learned not to be too picky about my food. You couldn't be picky after being marooned on some rock after some idiot who decided she didn't want to pay you. (Heh) Oh, those were the days; I was able to get paid to serve salarians their own liver raw."
Kaidan's stomach could not handle it anymore as he tried to move the conversation away. "Can we switch the subject, please? I would like to actually eat my food, not see it all over this table."
The krogans of the group laughed as Jane turned her head to the two new cadets, "So, how is life among the stars treating you? I know it is radically different from what you've experienced."
"That's putting it mildly," Varric stated. "I went from being a merchant with connections in the Free Marches to living in the greater galaxy with civilizations that make magic look like parlor tricks. I love it. The number of tales that I can tell just makes my head spin," Varric added with a smile.
"I also find it awe-inspiring. It is as though the Maker crafted these stars to be viewed by everyone," Leliana admitted with a smile as she took a nibble of her food before she looked at the entire group. "So, you all are elite soldiers, right? That is what you meant by Special Forces, right?"
"Yes, everyone here is elite troops. That is except Garrus, who belongs to the Council. And Tali as well since she is a raw recruit. Though Tali could apply for the N program after the Eden Prime mission. And everything afterward can count as on-the-job training," Jane stated as Tali looked up in hope as the others nodded their heads.
"But the rest of you are these N-special-forces along with Velanna. And you had earned the right for training followed my membership. So, I am curious, how did you become these N forces?" Leliana asked.
The group was quiet before Legion-VII answered Leliana's question. "According to Union of Federations designated regulations, organic units are required to perform beyond the call of duty during a major operation. A path the Geth Collective follows to an extent. As various high-performing software units are transferred into a newly constructed Legion body that specializes for independence and high capabilities."
"Transferred? Constructed?" Varric asked with a raised eyebrow.
"Geth are machines made up of individual programs working within a set frame," Tali explained as the Geth glowing eye bobbed in agreement. "And for some of the more expensive hardware, especially the Legion models, usually are installed with the highest performing programs."
"Tali-Creator is correct. Geth models such as this unit are made from top-of-the-line hardware with a cumulative cost equal to a light frigate or heavily armed corvette. As a result, only a few models are manufactured for command and specialized units. Therefore, Geth Legion Units are usually built around legacy programs that perform consistently high in the fields of engineering, internal repair, monitoring, inputting, hacking, reconnaissance, surveillance, gun combat, melee combat, dodging, cover, demolition, sabotage, assassination-"
"And many more different programs are combined to allow Legion to act more independently. Well compared to other Geth models that work on a shared intelligence with multiple units," Tali added. Hopping it stop Legion-VII from listing all one-hundred and twelve different sets of programs.
"So, you're basically an army of proven minds all rolled into one shiny metal creature," Varric pointed out, much to Legion-VII's apparent discomfort.
"Crude analogy Varric-cadet. But in context, eighty percent arcuate," Legion-VII stated as fact, which made Varric wonder how he was twenty percent off.
While Leliana got back on topic with her thick accent, "That is fascinating, but what about the rest of you."
"Well, for me, I led the charge to push some pirate off Elysium during the Skyllian Blitz pirate raids. If you want details, you'll have to ask my brother as he led the operation. I was one to rally the people to fight for their lives," Jane stated with a shrug. "As for the N-Seven rank, that is a touchy subject for both me and my brother. So you best leave it be."
Seeing the rest of the Normandy crew nodding in agreement, Leliana turned to the others in the room, "And the rest of you?"
The room was quiet until Ashely Williams decided to tell her story. "Well, for me, I was pushed into the N program due to an unintended rescue operation on the planet Chole, in the Cacus system out in the Hades Gamma cluster. A medical facility owned by the creators of the medi-gel, the Sirta Foundation, was taken over by a crazy cult of mages that believed fussing with demons was the next step of evolution. They planned to open rifts into the Fade and force a variety of demons into twenty scientists they used as meat shields thanks to illusions-based abilities and drugs.
"My unit was on the planet to protect a small mining and production colony when we got the call to scout out the site. We performed reconnaissance and realized what the mages were planning to do. Understanding that the squad sent to free them would not make it in time, I made the call to stop them before it was too late. With the best marksman I had, including myself, we set up to take out the majority of mages in the opening volley. While the rest of my men eliminated the rest. Within five minutes, the facility was cleared, and all twenty scientists were saved. I was given a few medals for my quick thinking, and a few members of my unit were allowed into the N program. I was the only one that went up to N-Six while the rest remain around N-Two if they were in the Special Forces at all."
"That is impressive. I am kind of surprised you weren't assigned to a Special Forces unit instead of a standard marine unit," Jane stated as Ashely looked nervous.
"I did get an offer, but it didn't feel right since I was the only one given the offer in my unit. It felt more like a handout than praising my skills. So, I stuck with the two-twelfth, trying to make them the best unit I could. And they were the best when they died defending Eden Prime," Ashely softly added as she bowed in remembrance.
"A pattern that followed us with the death of Anderson," Varric commented with a bit of sorrow for the mage that died.
"To the fallen," Jane softly saluted as she raised her drink, and the others followed suit.
"To the fallen," before they took a little sip and sat in silence for those that have died. The group took a moment of silence before Kaidan took over the narrative to tell the story of how he got into N Special Forces.
"You know, it is actually kind of ironic that you mentioned the Hades Gamma cluster. For it was there where I got my own recommendation into the N program. I was assigned to a rescue team to save a luxury liner known as the MSV Ontario in the Faritana system. A group of desperate biotics had taken the ship hostage in order to kidnap Chairman Burners, who gave a narrow vote against reparations for L-Twos."
"Reparations for L-Twos?" Leliana asked as many nodded in acknowledgment.
"L-Twos are biotic implants started as a Human System Alliance initiative to improve the L1 implants and allow biotics to match mages equipped with the P-Three mage implants. All was accomplished through a new procedure, placement, and focus on giving biotics a power boost to keep up with the mages," Kaidan explained to the young woman. "And speaking from experience, they are definitely more powerful than the current P-Three and L-Three implants, but they had severe side effects. I was one of the lucky ones that suffered only the occasional headaches. Though every now and then, I get migraines that require Doctor Chakwas's treatments.
"Others constantly suffer from debilitating headaches or spasms. Requiring constant medical aid to function. And their problems were only made worst when you considered there is no way to remove L-Two implants. For L-Two, biotic implants were not interchangeable, unlike the later L-Three models and the P models mages use. Thus, they cannot be removed or upgraded. Moreover, unlike the safer models, the Alliance and later the UF required, for a time, all biotics to have L-Two implants. Especially those that came from the Biotic Acclamation program I was in. So, we had thousands given an implant that caused severe neurologic damage and could not be removed thanks to the Human and greater Government."
"So, it was personal for you," Varric asked, and Kaidan nodded in admittance.
"In a way, yes, but my Commander had faith in me, and I did not let him down," Kaidan admitted before we got back to the discussion. "I led the team through a space jumped from USS Somme, one of the ships surrounding the luxury MSV Ontario, and forced our way through one of the unattended space doors. From there, we silently made our way through, knocking out any L-Twos as we made our way to a ballroom, where most of the hostages were held. Upon arrival, the group's leader threatened to kill the hostages when he realized he was outnumbered. So, we kept our distance as we tried to talk them down.
"We were not making any progress in the negotiations until the politician, Burns, tried to plead to them. Not for his life like I thought he would have done. Instead, he was trying to talk them down. Saying he saw now that he was wrong to vote against the reparations, and he promised to change things. I will admit I was skeptical too, but I used his words to talk them down, pointing out that it only made things worse if they actually killed someone."
"They didn't kill anyone?" Varric asked in total surprise.
"They were not evil people or thugs looking for quick credit. They were desperate people driven to desperate means," Kaidan explained before he continued the story. "Anyway, I continued to negotiate with them, pointing out I was an L-Two. That I understood where they come from, and so did Burns now. I argued he would actually make sure other L-Twos would get the reparations, and Burns sold it by promising about how reparations would come. They quickly surrendered, and since no one died, I was pushed into the N program and into the First Battalion. And my first post after becoming N-Six was this very ship."
The other nodded in awe while Varric asked, "And did Burns actually do as he promised, or did he burn them, as you people say?"
Kaidan was surprised by how quickly Varric adapted to spacefaring humans' mannerisms. Before he smiled in response, "Mr. Burns kept his word and made sure the reparations were given to L-Twos. He even moved to have the L-Twos that took the ship hostage to get a reduced sentence of ten years instead of twenty to fifty for hijacking a ship."
The group was in awe that a politician kept his word turned to Trex as he leaned back in his chair. "What… oh, I see it's my turn, right?" Trex noted righting himself, with a hand on his patched-together helmet.
"Well, yes, but I am actually more curious about your helmet. You seem to take it everywhere. So I was wondering why it is so important to you?" Leliana asked, curious why Trex carried his helmet everywhere, even in the shower.
Trex was not offended by the question as he laughed, "Funny you should ask. The reason I carry my lucky helmet everywhere is the same reason I got initiated into the N program. You see on a small forgotten mining colony in the Hades Gamma cluster. Yes, that same fucken mess of a cluster. Why everyone went there to commit galactic-level crimes, I have no idea. Amway, an insane pyromaniac batarian named Berrak, had sent a shipment of four bombs to the colony as a terrorist attack. The bombs need to be disarmed by someone trained in making explosives chemicals inert and safe to move before they blow up the colony or spaceport. And you can guess who went on such a dangerous mission. Me and two other krogans were the only demolition men in the entire cluster.
"We soon arrived on the site and began to disarm the explosives with our trusty bomb disposal kits while wearing armor with the accompanying helmet. At the time, I did not see the point of wearing a helmet. But I was a rookie, so I did not question my superior orders, unlike my "friend" Trask. He refused to wear one and tried to encourage others to follow his lead. Unfortunately, that proved to be a mistake. A bobby trap Berrak set fired off acid to anyone tinkering with the explosives. Trask suffered an agonizing death while I and the other krogan, Crask, were safe, thanks to my helmet."
"Oh my, I am sorry about the loss of your friend," Leliana started as Wrex shrugged in response.
"Don't be. He was an ass," Trex stated as he took a drink. "Anyway, after I disarmed my bomb, I went to go disable Trask's as well in record time while Crask took care of bomb number three. That left the final and largest bomb to disarm, and we hesitated on moving to disarm. We were both aware that our helmets would probably fail if we were hit by acid again, and we were not sure if we had time to disarm the trap we now know was there. Finally, after we looked at each other, I decided to start the process. And if I was somehow killed, then Crask could disarm it for me.
"I moved the panel only to set off Berrak's trap, an inferno grenade stuck to the panel I removed. We both took an explosive to the face, and Crask's face was burned off after his helmet failed him. While the cracks in my helmet allowed enough of the flames to seep through and burn my face. Producing the lovely scars you see on me now," Trex pointed to noticeable burn marks on his face.
"It should have been worst, but thanks to sheer luck, my helmet held up long enough to take the brunt of the explosion. That saved my life as I crawled through the rubble to disarm the last explosive and save the colony. After I was rescued, I collected my helmet and rebuilt it as a sign of my good luck. And it has served me well over the years on various missions as I went into Special Forces and later the First Battalion," Trex stated with a smile. At the same time, he longingly touched his helmet with a smile.
The group looked at Trex with surprise when Ashely asked, "Did you catch the sun of a bitch that burned your face."
Trex stopped petting his helmet as he growled, "No, and he will be a pain in my backside for the years to come."
Seeing that it was a sensitive subject, Tali switched topics, not realizing she was heading into another, "What about Velanna? How did she get into the Special Forces?"
The others, not knowing much of the shy woman, looked at Jane for answers that she struggled to give. "That is a difficult subject. She got her first notice helping persuade some bigwig warlord on Darrius in the Plutus System, located in the Hades Gamma cluster… again. (Sigh) I guess it was a busy cluster. Anyway, she was assigned to go there to convince the warlord to agree to submit to the Federation's rule, one way or another, and succeed on her mission. That pushed her into the spotlight and would have been enough to join the N-forces. However, before the offer was made, her unit was sent with my brother's unit to invade Torfan. The fact she managed to survive the mission and performed with distinction was the official reason she was initiated in the N program."
"Torfan, the headquarters of the pirates and slavers funded by the Batarians to attack our colonies in the twenty-one sixties and seventies," Ashely stated as she practically snarled at batarians.
"Yes," Jane hesitated before she continued soberly, "I don't know what happened exactly, but from the stories I've heard, it was a horrific place. With war crimes so severe that the war would never end if the public ever knew. I think it is why Velanna and my brother are so close. Two souls that just needed someone to get over what happened and what they had to do in the end."
Jane allowed for a moment of silence before she got back into her more cheerful self as she clapped to state, "Well, I think that is enough about that. I had best be going to finish up a report. I'll see you all tomorrow morning."
Jane quickly took her to leave, putting up her dishes as the rest finished their meals and put their dishes away. Meanwhile, she wondered where the Captain was and what he was planning, unaware that he was in his quarters, enjoying a moment of silence with Velanna. The two lay on the couch, happy the voices of the dead could not stop them from enjoying each other.
Artémis Tau/Sparta/Edolus/USS Normandy
Human Date: February 15, 2183
It had been three days since the USS Normandy had left the Macedon System. Along with another two to enter in high orbit around Edolus in the Sparta System. The Normandy was doing a diligent search as Captain John Sheppard and Commander Jane Sheppard were looking over Joker's shoulder, waiting for a status report. "Any sign of the marines Rear Admiral Kahoku has us looking for?" Jane inquired.
"No, ma'am, but I am detecting a distress beacon, along with a lot of metal fragments close by. They could have crashed on the planet," Joker suggested.
"Scanning the area reveals no life signs. However, the signature is erratic. Getting a clear scan is difficult, to say the least," Cortana stated as she took a scan of the planet with the distress signal highlighted. It soon flashed red, indicating something on the other side of the celestial body. "I am detecting movement that suggests heavy equipment. Possibly a base of some kind within this focal area."
"Are there any military bases in this cluster?" John asked.
"None that are supposed to exist. And I don't think it's a government sanction one. Emission trails correlate with retired military spaceships or heavily armed commercial spaceships. It is likely a pirate base, sir," Cortana stated.
"Could these pirates have shot down the ship the marines were on?" Jane asked, and Cortana paused before giving the two an answer.
"That, I don't know. I cannot get a good reading on the base, but I don't think so. They need a lot of light-weight ships or a heavy warship to take down a Terran class Frigate."
"Okay, sounds like we have a rescue, recovery, investigation, and a search and destroy mission all rolled into one." Jane had stated before turning to her brother to ask, "How do you want to handle this, brother?"
"We will split up and take care of both areas at the same time with our ground vehicles ten clicks (km) from each target. I will handle the pirates and gather any information I can get about their activities. You, Commander, will secure the site with the beacons to gather evidence, and rescue any survivors, assuming there are any."
"Alright then. Since you'll be heading into heavy combat, are you going to take the heavily armed and heavily shielded Mako over the less powerful, paper-thin Hammerhead? Or do you still want speed over sheer firepower?" Jane asked as John groaned in response, as he was a fan of the Hammerhead over the Mako.
"I'll take the faster and more maneuverable Hammerhead over the slower and sluggish Mako," John stated. His sister stuck out her tongue in response as they both departed to prepare themselves and their teams for ground combat.
Artemis Tau/Sparta/Edolus: 3km from the ground
Human Date: February 15, 2183
Edolus was a miserable inhospitable desert world with whirling silicate grit. It had no traces of vegetation and a very high oxygen-nitrogen atmosphere that most species could not breathe. It required a spacesuit to survive on its surface. Therefore, John's team, made up of Velanna, Kaidan, Trex, Wrex, and Leliana, were in full armored vacuum-sealed armor. A new experience for Leliana as she wore the Federation standard-issue light armor painted to match her leather armor of black, brown, and red with a cross on the chest. It was a surprisingly more comfortable experience donning it on compared to plated or leather armor. She just hoped that being airdrop in the M-44B Hammerhead was just as comfortable.
The Hammerhead tank was a unique vehicle, with a body similar to an M-35B Mako with a large turret on top. However, while the Mako was a moderately armored six-wheel vehicle, the Hammerhead was a light hover tank designed for speed over firepower and armor. It had a large hover jet aft of the tank and a smaller version attached to the side of each arm. It also had mini-thrusters built into each mini hover jet, along with its four-point aft wing tails. It gave it an advantage in speed and maneuverability compared to other ground vehicles.
Making it perfect for scouting or hit and run missions with its additional sub-system components and specs that went over Leliana's head. Though memorizing specs were on the back of her mind as she thought about the fact they would be soon airdropped from the USS Normandy. Leliana gripped onto the handle to the point her knuckles turned white as Joker over the intercom stated they were heading to the second drop point. The first drop point was the drop-off of Jane's team in the Mako, and soon it would be their turn.
Leliana could not contain her anxiety as Kaidan asked her, "Nervous?"
"A bit," Leliana admitted.
"Don't worry, the Hammerhead actually makes a softer landing compared to the Mako. And on one secured in their seats has ever been hurt from an airdrop in either vehicle. So, relax. You and your friends will be fine," Kaidan explained with a comforting smile.
"Her friends are better than okay. They get the thrilling ride over this boring version of an airdrop," Wrex laughed as he stretched his neck muscles. "In fact, if it weren't for the promise of live combat, I would be in the Mako instead of this paper-thin craft."
"I'll drink to that if I had a drink to drink," Trex laughed in response.
"Cut it out, you two. We are about to make the drop. Joker, we're ready," John stated as he prepared the Hammerhead engines for the go.
And the go was green when Joker stated over the intercom, "We are over drop point two. Happy hunting," Joker had added as John went full thrust out of the cloaked Normandy out into the open sandy fields of Edolus.
Leliana was screaming bloody murder as her whole body surged with adrenaline as they began free-falling in the air. She felt like she could float out of her chair until she heard the roar of the turbojets going into the red to slow their descent below terminal speeds. Her screams soon turned to laughter as they slowly descended to the ground. They landed a meter off the ground as the tank shot forward towards their target.
She was experiencing a real-life sensation of a roller-coaster ride as she gave a yelp of joy, "By the Maker, that was exhilarating! Can we do it again?"
The ground team either laughed or smirked as Wrex said, "Oh kid. I think you'll work out just fine." Just as the Hammerhead went at full thrust to reach the outskirts of the pirate base with the Normandy overhead, waiting for targets.
It was not long before the tank was over the ridge of one of the few mountains on the planet, with one of the only things interesting about this planet. A small base that was challenging to detect due to being deep within s mountain valley. A perfect place to hide an illegal operation despite the risks of being trapped if discovered. John's optical helmet tied to his omni-tool magnified his camera views. John noted the various men and women in armor moving around a building turned bunker as his omni-tool began to identify them. It was not long before the omni-tool blinked a list of people wanted for piracy, along with their bounties for their various crimes. Ready to be cashed in if killed or captured, thanks to the built-in app maintained by both the Federation and Council.
The app gave various bounty hunters and military personnel a way to identify targets and the ability to get rewarded for taking dangerous criminals down. A reward that is provided upon delivering the criminal to the authorities or after the system confirms the death with digital pictures of the deceased pirate, slaver, or dangerous targets. It is a significant benefit to those routinely fighting criminals and encourages their military personnel and private citizens to do so.
It also helped John confirm that the base was a pirate base while noting its defenses. Starting with the two watchtowers at the mountain valley's entrance and two missiles/gun turrets defending the front of the ground base. Along held another watchtower and a landing field with two corvettes and six fighters behind the main structure. Combined with several pirates equipped with missile launchers and high-power sniper rifles made it one of the more heavily armored groups for such a minor pirate operation.
This made them somewhat of a threat, though not a serious one. Something Kaidan noted for them, "Captain. With the number of spaceships and firepower here, there is no way they could take down a frigate. Especially one designed to screen for fighters and destroy enemy warships on its own."
"Maybe… there are other bases or operations in the system or even in the cluster. They could have heavier firepower elsewhere," Velanna pointed out with her soft voice.
"All the more reason to hit the base to find out if this is a bigger operation or not," John stated before he gave out orders in person and over the comm. "Everyone, prepare for battle. Normandy targeted the two corvettes, fighters, and the remaining defense and watchtowers turrets in that order. We're going to initiate combat operations soon."
"Roger, Captain. We are beginning attack runs. All hands, red alert, and get to battle stations," Pressly ordered as the group ready the tank.
The engine of the Hammerhead soon hummed as they slowly approached the ridge's edge when a tremendous roar was heard. The pirates looked up when the Normandy decloaked and opened fire with torpedoes onto the airfield. Explosions spread across the field as the spacecraft, with deactivated shields, could not handle the onslaught from the heavy frigate. The pirates were panicking when the Hammerhead made its appearance. The Hammerhead crossed over the hill and rushed down as its main gun fired onto one of the gun turrets with machinegun fire. The turret's shield began to fail when the Hammerhead's computer locked on and fired its homing missiles, perfect for hit and run attacks. Two missiles soared from the tank's gun turret and hit the unshielded turret for an instant kill as the Hammerhead passed its burning wreckage.
The surviving turret tried to get a missile lock on the fast-moving tank when it was destroyed by the Normandy's laser turrets located on the ship's side. The spaceship performed a close flyby as it also destroyed one of the three watchtowers with a torpedo. At the same time, the Hammerhead made a pass on the second one. Bullets cleared the area and toppled the second tower with two missiles made a direct hit to a support beam. The final tower was destroyed by a cloaking Normandy as the tank eliminated the survivors with its machinegun turrets. The pirates did not even have time to weaken the tank's shields before they were all mowed down by the Hammerhead.
Once the field was cleared, the Normandy flew back into high orbit as the Hammerhead halted at the pirate base. The ground crew soon got out, with Leliana being the last to get out. Her untrained body was shaking and wobbling due to the g-forces she was subjected to during the high-speed fight. She was lucky that she did not need to throw up as she regained her strength on solid ground.
"That was not as fun as the airdrop," Leliana stammered as she returned to a stable equilibrium as Trex laughed.
"Look at the bright side. You didn't throw up. Not bad for a first-time rookie. I bet you'll be a pro when you get to drive the Hammerhead yourself," Trex stated as he helped Leliana straighten up.
"And that will only happen if you transfer to another squad. Or alternatively, if either Captain or Commander Sheppard is in the hospital," Velanna mumbled before she blushed as she realized she said that aloud.
John pretended to ignore Velanna's blush as he held up his omni-tool wirelessly connected to the tank's sensors. He looked over the data before ordering everyone to be quiet, "The tank's life sensors have picked up two dozen life signs in that building. It looks like a portion is coming to greet us. Prepare for battle."
"Goodwill gets some old fashion action soon," Wrex smiled as he pulled out his trusty shotgun as the doors into the base opened and a dozen pirates rushed out. They did not stand a chance as John's team began to open fire as they rushed into the ground base.
Artemis Tau/Sparta/Edolus: Near the Distress Beacon
Human Date: February 15, 2183
Meanwhile, as John's team fought into the pirate's base, Jane's team in the Mako had finally arrived where the beacon was transmitting. It was an extended trip timewise as the Mako's turbo top speed was slower than the Hammerhead. Jane was cruising to the site rather than racing to her destination. She wanted to approach the site coordinates with caution as her team was on the lookout for traps. Along with odd knickknacks marked on the map for a closer inspection. If not used to make a quick cash grab like the mineral site bounties for locating unique mining resources for members and mining companies of the Federation to claim.
After a few stops and a relatively easy trip, they soon reached what appeared to be the wreckage of the Federate frigate torn to pieces. Ashely gave a soft whistle as she asked, "What could have done this?"
"I don't know, but we need to find out," Jane stated as she prepared the tank to move in before she looked at two of her passengers. "Are you alright, Varric? Tali?"
Varric, wearing a golden brown, Federation standard issued medium armor, finished putting his helmet back on after throwing a barf bag into the waste disposal. His first trip down on the Mako was a lot rougher than Leliana's since the thrusters that slow Mako's descent were not as powerful as the Hammerhead's. Making its landing more like crashing into the ground than hovering to the ground. Varric felt lucky to get his helmet off just before he barfed into a bag provided for newbies like him. Meanwhile, Tali was also a little green but kept it together in the ends thanks to her G-force simulation training offered at boot camp. Something her father insisted she had to take.
Tali thanked her ancestors for that as Varric answered, "I've seen better. Never have been what you call an airdropped before. I hope I never have to do it again."
"Don't worry, it will get easier with practice. Just be thankful it will be smoother from now on. The ride is a lot less bumpy than the Hammerhead with its numerous shock absorbers and heavier body. Especially in combat," Jane stated as her hands gripped the steering wheel before she barked out orders. "Garrus manned the main guns. Ashely the side lasers. Legion-VII the sensors. The rest of you sit tight as we approach the beacon to look for survivors. Let us just hope there are survivors."
The group acknowledged as the Mako eased up in sight, passing wreckage torn asunder. Finding almost no sign of the Federation's marines until they got closer to the distress beacon. From then on, they saw bodies all around the burning wreckage. One of which appeared to be another Mako torn in half along with two ND-1A Nomads. The latter being a smaller scout version similar to the Mako's design that was only equipped with a gun turret instead of a cannon gun turret hybrid. They were now part of a graveyard of broken and torn apart bodies that Jane found all too familiar. It made her shiver though she could not recall where she had seen it before. It was only two remarks that made Jane realize what had happened. Ashely noted the wreckage looked like an animal had bitten off a large chunk, and Legion-VII reports sensors detected a large concentration of acidic chemicals.
Everything clicked as Jane yelled, "Ah, crap! Thresher maw!" Before she pushed the pedal to the metal.
The crew almost screamed as an armored thirty-meter long worm burst from the ground in front of the Mako. Its giant maw opened wide as Jane turned hard right and activated the Mako's thrusters to side jump away from the thresher maw's enormous mouth. The wheels skirted as the Mako swerved as fast as possible while Jane yelled at Garrus and Ashely to open fire. The two quickly responded with Garrus firing the Mako's machinegun nonstop and the occasional heavy cannon shell at the thresher maw's head. At the same time, Ashely aimed along its undersection between its centipede-like legs with the tank's side cutting laser.
Both weapons caused the beast extreme pain as they fired off acidic globes Jane avoided as the Mako ran away. Not letting its prey escape, the giant worm closed its mouth and burrowed into the ground to chase after the Mako in full retreat. Jane kept ahead of the beast that Legion tracked through seismic readings feed through the vehicle's sensors. It was not long before Jane performed a sharp U-turn when she saw the creature wavered in its chase to retreat back to its nest.
"Hold on, we're going to try to force it back up so Ash and Garrus can keep on hammering it," Jane growled as the Mako went full speed towards the thresher maw's nest.
The worm regained interest as it moved towards the Mako and jumped up like a shark in water in an attempt to grab the craft before Jane swerved out of the way. Garrus and Ashely kept on firing on the thresher maw's spiky body as the worm submerged itself back underground. Blue blood splattered along the sands from the multiple open wounds across the thresher maw's body. Sadly, it was not enough to deter it as it remerged to spit acid at the Mako. The Mako avoided the acid as Jane began to run in circles around the thresher maw. At the same time, Ashely Williams and Garrus kept firing into its body.
Blood began to pour out as the thresher maw kept lunging at the Mako with its large mouth and extended tongue before it tried something clever. It unfolded its long pointing legs on the side to try to cut into the Mako like a praying mantis lunging at its target with its sharp claws. Its arms were long enough and fast enough to succeed in catching its prey. If it had not bounced off the Mako's durable shields at a considerable drain.
Most would call it quits at that point, but the thresher maw, being constantly hungry, refused to be deterred. The thresher maw lunged at the Mako again, only for Ashely to fire on the legs with the Mako's laser, cutting it off. The thresher maw reared back in pain as Garrus kept peppering its body. Causing it to bleed out profusely until one final cannon blast proved to be enough. The thresher maw waved back and forth until it came crashing down to the ground, exhausted from severe blood loss. The thresher maw gave one last shuttering roar before it lay motionless on the ground, dead from its extensive wounds.
Jane breathed out a sigh of relief before she turned back to the wreckage, ordering everyone out to examine the site for clues. Only when the team was out of the Mako that Varric asked aloud, "What in the Stones was that?"
"That was organic-threat known as a thresher maw-unit," Legion-VII answered as it scanned the terrain. "A subterranean, carnivore organic unit species that are native to several worlds, including Tuchanka, the krogan-units homeworld. The species are distributed across the galaxy through spores that can survive the vacuum of space and planetary re-entry. Once on a planet, the units live underground and remain underground for centuries. Using the nutrients found in the soil and rocks around the unit. That is until the unit grows into the threats observed in the battle these units just participated in."
"That is why vehicles are generally inspected and cleaned thoroughly before entering any spaceport, to prevent a thresher maw from being born on a populated planet," Tali added.
One Ashely nodded before her curiosity peaked as she turned to Jane to ask, "Ma'am, how did you know a thresher maw was here?"
Jane sighed before stating, "I knew because I once killed a thresher maw on foot, which is what pushed me in the N7 program."
Ashely Williams and the others' eyes widened in shock as she stammered, "You killed a thresher maw on foot? Amazing. I heard a lot of krogans die in their Right of Passage when trying to survive against a thresher maw for ten minutes in a test to reach adulthood during their puberty. And you killed one."
"With the help of my surviving squad members, yes, I killed the fucker that ambushed us," Jane scolded as she remembered the screaming of her mem and the sound of gunfire. She waved it off before stating, "Which brings me to a new inquiry about the crash site. How does a recon squad trained to avoid thresher maws wind up in the nest of one?"
"Maybe it has to do with how the distress beacon was set," Garrus stated as he pointed to a perfectly intact beacon with a dish on top. "Or am I the only one that finds it strange that the thresher maw did not even touch it."
The rest of the squad turned and saw the beacon still giving out a signal as the group slowly approached it. Omni-tools out as they scanned the immediate area. They got extraordinary results as Legion-VII reported, "Sheppard-Commander. Spectral analysis detects unique chemical makeup that could possibly be a repellent for the thresher maw units. In addition, this unit is also picking up radio signals that may also serve as a repellent as well."
"I see. What about the distress beacon itself?" Jane asked as Tali analyzed it.
"Its internal components are advanced, to Union of Federation Navy's standards. But, its frame, I think, is an older Human System Alliance model before the Union of Federation's foundation. You can tell by the marking if you look," Tali stated as she pointed to markings.
The symbol on the fame did not resemble the current Federation Navy that used a rounded delta with a circular orbit around it. The delta on the distress beacon was more angular, with stars shooting from its end. Not a symbol they see on their ships, but one many humans recognized as the Human System Alliance's symbol. A symbol is often seen on Alliance worlds under the Union of Federations' flag since it was common for a planet to have the following. The flag of the Union of Federations, followed by its sponsored galactic government member, then the flag of a planet followed by any other local governments.
That meant it was probably salvaged from a retired Alliance warship, which did not help identify who did this. Sure, it should be noted that not everyone can get their hands on Alliance's spaceships. However, it still left a considerable suspect list since they were still used somewhat by System Alliance independent planetary defense forces. Though that list was brought down to a few when they found the beacon. More specifically, when Ashely Williams and Garrus found a small transceiver and jammer in a box lying on the beacon. A box branded with an odd symbol on it. An extended, thin black hexagon with a curved golden line is found on its left and right sides.
"What is that? Some kind of pirate or gang symbol?" Garrus asked as his training took over. Ever the detective, he took pictures of the box and the symbol on it.
"I don't know. But I am going to get John and the Normandy on the comms to relay everything we've found. Then we'll look for the flight recorder and the marine's crew logs to get the full picture." Jane had stated before doing what she said she would do. She reported everything that happened and the evidence they had already gathered. Including the odd symbol that they had discovered. It would be later they find out that Admiral Kahokou's fears were well-founded.
Artemis Tau/Sparta/Edolus: Pirate Base
Human Date: February 15, 2183
Meanwhile, John and his team had just cleared out the base floor at the pirate base and were moving up to the higher levels. They were ready to face the potential boss when John received a call from his sister. Getting on his comms, he was informed about everything from the site. Including the fact it was a trap to lure the marines into a thresher maw nest and that they had been able to kill it.
"Were now retrieving the flight recorder and crew logs for confirmation of foul play. However, we have no evidence of who exactly did it outside of the weird symbol I forwarded to you and the Normandy. Cortana is looking through her databanks for a match," Jane stated as John watched his team stand watch over the dead pirates. "Could it be the pirates you're attacking?"
"No, as their symbol is just a generic pirate symbol without a hexagon symbol on it. Not to mention from what we've seen so far. These pirates barely have the technical knowledge to keep their own equipment in working order. Let alone set up a beacon as a trap for a Federation Navy frigate using a thresher maw," John stated as he looked down the hallway. "They must have some powerful friends. We'll find out who when we break into their databanks."
"Not going to take any prisoners, bro?" Jane asked.
"They are not only pirates, but we found evidence they are also slavers. I am not in the mood to take prisoners, Commander," John stated as he looked across towards the hallway. "I should go. The pirate boss is not going to die on his own."
"Take care," Jane stated before she turned her comms off, ending the conversation between the two.
It was in that silence that Wrex laughed, "So the girl fought another thresher maw. Damn, and I thought her mission was going to be boring."
"Regret coming with us?" John asked, and Wrex just chuckled again.
"Depends on if the scum in charge of these pirates puts up a good fight or not," Wrex grumbled as he prepared his shotgun.
"We'll find out," John stated as they approached a door lined with explosives set by Trex. "Ready to move in?"
The group nodded as Velanna stated with conviction, "Ready to end these slavers."
"Then light it up," John ordered as Trex pressed a command on his omni-tool, and the explosives on the door detonated.
The group then rushed in to find a biotic bubble held up by a blue-faced Asari in high quality, black and red asari commando armor. Her steely grey eyes stared at the newcomers as her hand twitched while handling the purple pistol of an asari SMG pistol model called a Bishop. Her dark tips on her scalp flared when she snarled at the men and women that had killed her men.
"So, my sister sent you to kill me," the asari criminal with no name outside of aliases stated with anger. "I knew that bitch would try to fucking kill me instead of paying me. I don't know how she got them to do her dirty work for her, but I am going to make you work for it."
That was all she said before she dropped her biotic barrier to launch a biotic flare at close quarters. Creating a massive biotic explosion that would knock them off their feet. The power took out Wrex and Trex's weak shields while taking a good chunk of the other's kinetic barriers as well. The asari, just barely outside of the blast, decided it was the best time to rush them with her SMG on Velanna as she sent a biotic warp into Trex. Trex grunted as he slammed into the wall as his armor took the brunt of the damage. While Velanna's shield whittled down to the red due to the aggressive asari.
However, she would not fall as she used her mage's ability to regenerate her shield while attacking the asari's kinetic barriers with a vine whip. The pirate grunted and began to move back as the others recovered from the surprise grenade strike and opened fire on her with their own weapons, mage attacks, or biotics. The asari avoided the three warp fields and jumped to a lower level. However, she did not notice a hex put on her by Velanna. Followed by her dark summons that resembled leeches attached to her armor, draining her shields to the red before she had time to act.
Pissed, the asari turned to attack the Federation mage when Kaidan jumped down to confront her. First, he hit the asari with an overloaded program to fire an electrical discharge from his omni-tool to finish off the asari's shields. He then followed up his tech attack with a powerful biotic push. He threw his biotic push, and the pirate responded with her own biotic push. Soon the high-power human biotic sentinels were locked in a power struggle with the asari biotic defender class. Crates floated around the room as the two refused to give up when Leliana helped Kaidan with an arrow into the pirate's arm.
The pirate screamed and flinched long enough to break her concentration. Allowing Kaidan's overpowered biotic push to hit her at maximum power. The force sent her flying into the wall behind her with enough energy to break her neck, back, and ribs. It did not take an expert to confirm she was dead, and the battle was over. There were no injuries except for Kaidan, who suffered from a severe migraine. Until Velanna jumped over and used her vitakensis to help relieve his pain.
John seeing everyone was okay, or going to be okay, ordered everyone to look around, "I want what that woman meant by her sister sending someone after her."
"I think I have something," Wrex grumbled as he looked over a computer. While Trex gleefully tore the place apart for hours, he will have to spend to repair his armor. "Looks like our little pirate, Dahlia Dantius, had been blackmailing her sister, Nassana Dantius, an upcoming diplomate on the Citadel. She could find her career pushed back a few decades, if not a century, if it became knowledge her sister was a pirate and slaver. So, she was forced to push through Dahlia's application for Armali Council and Serrice Council licenses to purchase the best when it comes to asari equipment."
"Explain her Disciple SMG, biotic commando armor, and her Savant amp. It was fortunate she was only an above-average biotic. Otherwise, we would have been in trouble," Kaidan stated as he took Dahila's amp implant and her pistol. He then held up the Serrice Council amp, asking without words if John wanted the best biotic and tech amp available on the market. An amp that is only matched by the mage's Industrial Light Inc. Angle and Demon amp in power and recharge speed.
John silently waved Kaidan to state it belonged to him as he moved the conversation forward. "Well, that may be interesting to use the next time we are on the Citadel. But it does not answer this question. Were they, in any way, responsible for the death of Rear Admiral's recon team?"
"Hm… nope," Wrex mentioned as he stretched his neck. "The blue bitch did go on about a Federation frigate that showed up a few weeks ago and had her men go into hiding. She only left her hiding hole when she discovered they landed in a thresher maw nest. Luck would have it; she decided to move to try to salvage the spaceship the day we came and blew them up for their troubles."
"Okay, Jane is getting the records together. So, let's gather everything we can before I make the call to the Rear Admiral."
Artémis Tau/Sparta/Edolus: USS Normandy
Human Date: February 16, 2183
It had been a long day for both ground crews before they made it back to the ship and with Jane and John Shepard in the war room. Both brother and sister were standing in front of the ship's Quantum Entanglement Communicators (QEC) as they put a call through to Rear Admiral Akamai Kahoku. The Admiral appeared on the QEC instantaneous holographic communication to face Captain John Sheppard in dress uniform. Along with the Captain's less formal CO, Commander Jane Shepard, in an open uniform with a vest underneath.
"Captain, Commander, your message stated are in the Sparta system. Did you find my marines?"
"We did and were sorry to state that they're all dead. It looks like they landed in a thresher maw nest and were all killed," John stated with only a small amount of tack.
"A thresher maw! Are you sure! My men are too well trained to allow themselves to be complacent enough to land in a thresher maw's nest," the Admiral growled in anger. Enough to cause John to backtrack when his sister came up to calm the Admiral down.
"They were lured there with a distress beacon that some kind of repellent that kept the thresher maw at bay. Someone set it up so the thresher maw would attack anyone that would come to investigate it," Jane explained to the shocked Rear Admiral.
"I see. Do you have any idea who did this to my men, and was it a certain organization I know?" the Rear Admiral asked with a cold, calculating face. He looked ready to make those responsible pay no matter the cost, and both soldiers were prepared to give him a target.
John silently ordered Cortana to forward all their information before asking, "Do you recognize the symbol?"
The Admiral looked at it briefly before his eyes widened in shock, "That symbol, I recognized it. It belongs to Cerberus. Where did you find it?"
"On a beacon used to lure the marines to a trap," John answered while Jane took over the conversation.
"The beacon seemed to be part of an older System Alliance ship no longer in service in the Union of Federations. While the symbol does not prove to be Cerberus nor the spaceship since anyone could get a mothball spaceship. The two combined means it's likely that Cerberus killed the marines sent to investigate what could have been one of their operations."
Rear Admiral Kahoku barely acknowledged the confirmation of what he suspected as he read the evidence. His anger was buried within as he had the evidence filed away when he turned to the tower officers. "If what you say is true, then we can truly say Cerberus has gone completely rogue. I will need to investigate this further and see if I can get more concrete evidence on Cerberus's dealing to get a formal inquiry. If not a community to dismantle the organization. I may call for your services later if I need them. Can I count on you two to help me when required?"
"Of course, sir. Will do whatever you require us to do," Jane stated as John nodded in agreement.
"Then I leave you to your mission and contact you when I have more information. Stay safe out there, and remain vigilant," Rear Admiral Akamai Kahoku saluted before he ended the call.
The brother and sister looked at each other before they left the room. They had a ship to command as the crew prepped the spaceship to hit the next set of systems, the Athens and Knossos systems. Part of their continued search for Dr. Liara T'Soni. Jane could not put the finger on it, but she felt they needed to hurry as the Normandy broke orbit, and they headed to the Athenian system.
Artemis Tau/Knossos/ Therum: Prothean Ruins Underground
Human Date: February 18, 2183
Deep within a ruin were monsters crawling around as a young asari in a science outfit and suspended in a containment field. She could not move as she trembled in fear. Tears were falling as she called out, "Please, someone. Anyone. Help me!" It would be some time before her pleas would be answered as a hero was coming to save her.
Happy 2022 and glad I was able to get this out. I hope you all enjoy it. Also, I wonder if anyone remembers which Mass Effect missions are used for Ashely, Kaidan, and Velanna's past missions and the final two missions. Despite some changes made here and there. If you know, leave a review, and I will tell you if you are right or not. In addition, do not forget to send your love when you post a review and tell me if you like the game mechanics in MEI and were given an actual in-universe explanation.
Author Notes
A) Updated some of the codexes, including changing the Federation Flag to the following: A circle with four flashing stars in a starry night background, with an olive branch wrapped around the four flashing stars that symbolize a member.