Williams was walking the perimeter of the small colony that she had been tasked with guarding. Although she wasn't actually on the night watch, she found herself unable to sleep, so she patrolled all the same. Turning the corner to find Sergeant Donkey sitting at a table just outside the Mess Hall, quietly smoking a cigarette. A small twitch of a smile on the corner of his lips told Williams he had seen her out of the corner of his vision. Turning his head and putting on the crooked smile he always tried to charm her with.
"You alright, Ash?"
She walked past his table. Going to sit across from him to keep a decent spacing between them. "I'm fine, Donkey. Just keeping watch."
Donkey chuckled lightly before taking a slow drag off his cigarette. Rolling his eyes at her comment. "You know there's already people on watch? Hell, no one can get within a hundred meters of the perimeter without us knowing. I'm telling you, this place will be the next big colony. Enough defenses to keep the slavers at bay, and a great jumping point into the Traverse. The Alliance will capitalize on the unused territory that everyone else leaves to the pirates."
Williams just sat and looked at a passing guard who was actually tasked on a patrol. Responding after he was out of earshot to avoid drawing him off his task. "I just can't help but feel like something is going to happen."
In the mornings Shepard woke up early to eat breakfast before his shift came about. On one particularly quiet morning, he snagged his drawing pad from his desk. Poking through the notes Tali had made to figure out just what she had been up to in the Cargo. Translating the Quarian writing with his omni tool.
"This may very well be just what I need for my pilgrimage. Enough intact Geth and a command node, I may be able to find a way to purge a few of the machines on board the Geth."
Below the writing was a small attempt at drawing the Geth ship on top of the building that it had taken over. Just underneath the drawing was a small note, seemingly to herself.
"Get John a new drawing book. Used far too many pages."
John sipped on his coffee in silence this morning, flipping through to try and find some note that made sense of just what Tali was doing in Cargo. Finally finding it in her most recent notes.
"I couldn't figure out a way to purge the Geth from the machine without frying every circuit inside. Some sort of failsafe to make sure they don't get taken over. Already knew of it, was just hoping the command node could bypass it."
Further down the page, past a few loose notes about her work. The writing continued.
"The majority of the on board A.I can be removed without too much difficulty, making room for a much simpler V.I to be introduced. The only problem is that the remaining Geth still control the majority of the machine. Whenever I try to order my V.I to move one of the limbs, everything locks up."
Then, immediately below that, was a rapidly scribbled, slightly more sloppy note.
"Keelah! I nearly got John hurt, or worse. I had to purge the whole system and basically turned the platform into spare parts. I'll have to be more careful. But why did it move?"
While John was spending his time admiring the many little doodles of Geth that Tali had made. The crew quarters door opening got his head to pull up. Turning to find Williams stepping into the mess, immediately heading for the counter where water was left out, though she didn't grab one. Seemingly not even noticing the Commander at the table. His eyes tracking the Gunnery with a curious look. John slowly closed the drawing pad over as he watched her.
She stood at the counter, seemingly contemplating whether or not to get a drink. Before turning and starting to walk to the table which John sat at. Plopping down in a seat a few to the right of him. "You okay?"
He waited a few seconds for a response, his Gunnery sitting with a heavily glazed look over her eyes. Her eyes staring across into the space between herself and the wall. Raising only more questions from the Commander. "Is something wrong, Ash?"
"I'm fine, Donkey. Just keeping watch." She responded in a rather tired, almost dead tone. He probably wouldn't have heard her if she'd been a few more feet away.
His eyebrows perked up at her calling him Donkey, having difficulty telling if it was a joke or an insult. A quiet realization came to him, slowly reaching forward, he waved his hand a few inches away from her face. With no response, he knew quite well that she was still asleep, or remarkably good at faking it.
"You can go to bed, there's no reason to stay on watch." Shepard decided to gently try and persuade the sleepwalking soldier to return to bed. Finding it was a vain attempt as she continued to sit there. The Gunnery spoke up a minute later.
"I just can't help but feel like something is going to happen."
A shiver ran down the length of John's back at her words, staring in silence at the Gunnery who sat in complete silence now. Her eyes only half open, head swaying back and forth lightly, before suddenly dropping towards the table. John's right hand bolted out and caught her by her left shoulder, which promptly jolted the woman awake.
Ashley's head zipped up to attention, pulling her right hand up to salute the air before her. Pausing quietly with a look of pure confusion, soon realizing just where she was sitting. Her gaze darted over to John, like she was asking a question with only a glance. Her hand dropped from the salute position as his hand was removed from her shoulder.
"You were sleepwalking."
Ashley said nothing, turning away from her Commander. The look of confusion holding true, John eventually pushing himself up to grab a bottle of water. Walking back to the table and setting it in front of her. "I'm guessing that's not a regular occurrence?"
"Yeah… I would say not."
The two made quiet chit chat for the remainder of the time John was available. The Commander soon cleaned himself up and got ready for his post in the CIC to keep everything running smoothly. Williams checked in with Chakwas to have her bandages replaced once the Doctor was up and about. Heading up to the CIC to try and bug Shepard into teaching her more about running a ship, finding that he was still quite open to teaching her.
John occasionally made a note to himself on her willingness and ability to quickly pick up new things should the need, or opportunity present itself. When there was idle time between tasks, Shepard ran Williams through drills. Testing her ability to assess and respond to rapidly evolving situations. The process was simulated as they didn't have time to stop and practice everything that John would have liked to. Knowing that the S.O.S wasn't something to put on pause for the sake of practice.
Much of the practice lasted a half hour or longer, so there were several extended periods where Shepard had to leave her on her own as he tended to the ship's routines. Which was a relief to not have him peering over her shoulder in silence, but that also meant she had no external aid should she need to consult him. Simply doing her best with the knowledge he had provided so far to work through her problems. Shepard never declared if she had done good or bad on the exercises, keeping the results to himself as they were sent directly to his pad.
It took time, but Ashley finally pushed herself to ask what the results were for the testing. Finding Shepards response lacking in any positive or negative light, as he simply stated. "That's for smarter men than myself to decide. Helps prevent personal interests from interfering with results. Some fellow at the Arcturus station will look over how you did, then give me a full report once he's done."
Williams stood to the side as she considered just what the person may say of her performance. When John noticed that she was remaining in the CIC even after he had told her, he went to reinforce the idea once more. "Ash, it'll probably be a few days at least. These guys are sent a hundred of these tests a day, go rest up."
"What if they happen to… recognize a name or something like that?"
John shook his head quite certainly as he tapped on the pad in his hand. Speaking up once he had finished his task. "They don't even get your name. So, please, stop worrying. I know it's easier said than done, but I know you can manage it."
Shepard finally managed to shoo Williams away from the CIC so he could focus on his job. Ashley headed downstairs to finally have a late breakfast, having forgone it this morning to try and get a jump on learning the motions of the CIC. Finding the resident Asari Doctor sitting at the table. Liara was focusing rather intently on a spinning top, her right hand held with the palm facing upwards with her fingers held together as if she had caught a butterfly. The left hand holding Laelaps still on her lap.
Williams quickly realized that the top was controlled by her biotics. Finding it difficult to pull her eyes off the near hypnotic spinning of the small bits of metal as it glinted in the light with each turn. Finally pulling her attention to Laelaps on her lap, the pup slowly chewed on some jerky given to Vaay by the Commander. Liara turned her eyes up to see who had entered the mess hall, immediately dropping her gaze down to the top.
Though Laelaps was quite the opposite, almost scrambling onto the table as soon as she realized the woman had entered the room. Liara had to quickly snatch up the pup to keep her from running across the table. The top wobbled for a few seconds before stabilizing again through Liara's efforts.
Williams acted as if the small animal hadn't tried to charge at her as she continued to grab herself breakfast. Sitting down a seat away from Liara to avoid breaking her concentration. Though it seemed the Doctor had gotten a good hold of her skills, speaking up as the Gunnery sat down. "Good morning, Ashley."
"Morning Liara. You on dog duty?"
"Just keeping an eye on her till Vaay finishes her shower."
Ashley nodded as she started eating her breakfast. Poking through the extranet on her omni tool to keep her eyes off the top, though it was getting progressively slower as they got further from the comms buoy. Liara continued to spin it round and round, Laelaps inched closer to the metal. Liara occasionally had to pull the Varren back onto her lap to keep her from attacking the top. Just as Williams finished her breakfast, the sound of the elevator opening disturbed both their attentions. The heavy footsteps of a Turian could be heard, but no one came into view.
Vaay hummed quietly as she used a small cloth to dry the back of her neck. Dabbing any remaining moisture away. Once finished, she stood at attention, looking at the armor she wore. Trying to spot anything out of place or that needed adjusting. She had just finished getting her armor in pristine condition the night before, now wearing it though there was no real need for armor on the ship.
It was extremely lightweight, a common choice for biotics to prevent any restriction of movement, or extra strain on biotic abilities. The armor was more cloth than metal, the thin plating protected mainly the vital organs. It could take a decent hit, but a higher powered weapon could put a hole through it without much difficulty. Her legs were only afforded even less, on her thighs were thin, but durable plates of metal; protecting her from a glancing shot at best, it wouldn't exactly be effective against anything else though. Just where her left and right pocket would be, a series of individual elastic loops had been hand sewn into the cloth. Small and black, they were hardly noticeable as they blended in with the cloth fairly well; which was all black except for the white highlight on her collar. Reaching up to straighten out the thin piece of cloth, her eyes moving up to make eye contact with her reflection. Quietly debating her status on the Normandy with herself.
If I prove that I'm useful. I'm sure I can sway his decision…
I hope…
The door suddenly slid open, Helyt's eyes flicking to the mirror to see a Turian standing in the doorway behind her. Immediately dropping her sight down and turning on the water to wash, even though her hands were clean. It was obvious to both of them that she was trying to avoid the glare she was receiving from Vitesia. Though it didn't seem to matter as she could almost feel the two beady eyes attempting to burn a hole in the back of her head.
"It seems that the Spectre has taken quite a shine to you."
Vaay paused for a moment, continuing to scrub the soap from her hands. Soon reaching over to dry her hands with disposable towels. Deciding not to respond to the Turians comment, and hope that she was left alone. It was the light being blotted out behind her that caused her to turn. Finding the Turian looming over her, suddenly reminding the Asari that the Turian had much greater height and power.
"What have you been telling him?"
The short Asari tried her best to stand tall, it mattered little compared to a Turians towering height. Attempting to pull her face into a blank expression, staying silent in an attempt to simply stand the Turian down. One sudden move of the Vitesia's right hand upwards caused Vaay to flinch back slightly. A light chuckle arising from the Turian as she shook her head.
"You'd do well to remember that you're here because of us. I could-"
The door slid open, causing the Turian to take a sudden step back to put space between the two. Vaay finding the Gunnery standing in the doorway. The human woman glanced at the two before striding forward, cutting a path between them as she went to wash her hands at the same sink Vaay was using a moment ago. Her expression remained neutral as she spoke up.
"Liara is waiting for you in the mess, she has something to ask you."
Williams turned her head up to look at the Asari before nodding towards the door. Vaay taking the silent instruction with a nod before slipping past Ashley. Once the Gunnery had finished scrubbing her hands, she dried them with a few towels. Stopping to stare at the Turian in silence as she dropped the towels in the trash. Walking out afterwards without saying a word to the Turian.
When Williams returned to the mess, she found the two Asari in the mess. Vaay having taken charge of her Varren companion now, taking Laelaps over to the counter to get food that Shepard had set aside for the animal. Which led Ashley to wonder for a moment where Shepard was keeping a horde of jerky hidden from the crew.
Liara was busy looking over a pocket watch that Ashley hadn't seen before. Going to sit next to Liara to see what she was up to, as she took her seat, Asley noted it's simple, yet elegant design. The outside was plain silver without marking or engraving, the inside held a twenty four hour clock, a plain white face with black numbers. Three hands ticking away, the light glinting off the tip of each hand with the slightest movement; the Gunnery realizing after a moment that each hand was tipped with gold. The inside holding an engraving that she couldn't make out.
"Nice watch."
"Thank you. I think the hands have slowed though…"
Liara's eyes were intently tracking the second hand ticking along, her eyes squinted slightly to focus herself. Williams watching it tick along, not quite certain if she was right or not. Vaay set a tray down next to Liara, stopping to admire the item in Liara's hand. Questioning Liara as she sat down, Laelaps promptly jumped into Vaay's lap and sat down.
"Where'd you get that?"
"Shepard gave it to me a while ago. I set it to tick with the Normandy's time, but it's a few minutes behind now."
"Perhaps the Spectre would know how to fix it?"
Liara simply shook her head at the suggestion. Slipping the watch into her pocket, the end of the chain clipped to her vest as the midway pin was attached to one of the buttons on her vest. Speaking up as she folded her hands together. "He's busy, I'll wait till he has time available."
Ashley sat in silence for several seconds before standing up. Starting towards the other side of the elevator with a purposeful stride. Starting up the stairs on the right side leading to the CIC. Liara watched the woman go, wondering momentarily what she had been doing. A minute later the footsteps could be heard descending the stairs. Shepard popped around the corner, his hands slipping onto his hips as he stepped up to the table.
"How can I help?"
Liara tried to insist that it wasn't a serious problem. Pulling the watch out to show it to the Commander before explaining what had happened. John nodded as he listened to her, looking at the watch's face to gauge its speed. Soon requesting the case that he had given her with it. Liara was quick to retrieve it. When she returned to the mess, Shepard sat with Liara. Opening the box and removing the felt lining to reveal a set of tools hidden within.
John began to teach Liara how to disassemble the watch to get at its inner components. Running her through what each pin and gear affected. Neatly setting each piece he'd remove on the felt lining. Vaay eventually sat on the other side of Shepard, watching with an attentiveness that John hadn't expected from her. Eventually teaching the pair of them how to disassemble, clean and reassemble the watch.
Throughout the time cleaning the time keeping device, Kaidan, Garrus and Wrex had all awoken. Each ate their breakfast before the Turian and Krogan went down the elevator. Kaidan heading to speak with Chakwas about the migraine he'd woken up with.
At the finish, Shepard refitted the crystal cover to protect the face. A small smile slipping onto his lips as he closed it over, rolling it over in his hands a couple times. Vaay began to play with Laelaps as the Varren had gotten tired of sitting still. Liara watched him with a slight confusion, eventually posing a question to John.
"You didn't say anything was wrong with it, so why did it lose time?"
Shepard let the watch slip from his left hand. Reaching up with the right to twist the crown, winding the watch up. "I really should have told you when I gave it to you, but these do need to be winded up. Generally everyday." John turned to hand the watch back to Liara. Excusing himself to return to the CIC and see how Williams was holding down the job.
"We'll reach the drop point within the hour, no sign of a ship or a wreck. Still receiving the S.O.S broadcast from planetside. Visibility on drop will be pretty bad, heavy cloud cover. Might want to bring an umbrella."
"Thank you Joker. Get us in position to drop in close to the beacon."
Shepard was in the Cargo, standing in front of his locker with the CIC pad holding his attention. He'd gotten halfway through putting his armor on before it needed his attention once more. Ashley sat on the bench next to the lockers, watching the Commander tap away at the pad.
"If you just let me take over, you can finish getting ready."
"You'll take over once I'm leaving."
After a minute he set the pad down on the table next to Williams and continued on the upper half of his body armor. Kaidan and Garrus were getting their armor and arms ready, Chakwas talking with the biotic human. The Doctor held a small paper cup in one hand, a bottle in the other as she waited for Kaidan to finish with his armor. Iromak was sitting on a crate, ready to go. His attention was held by something he was reading on his omni tool.
Vitus and Vitesia keeping distance from the rest of the group. Vitesia sitting inside the open side hatch of the Mako, Vitus leaning against the Mako next to her. Both of them talking quietly to each other, obviously waiting to get planetside. Initially Shepard wasn't going to have them along, but after constant insistence from the Turian woman, Wrex's spot was given to the two Turians waiting at the Mako. She tried to force their into the venture, but Shepard became a roadblock to the idea.
Just after Shepard finished getting ready, he started heading back up the elevator. Williams followed him, patiently waiting for the Commander to hand off the controls. The upper door slid open to show Tali who had just gotten to the elevator in a rush, exclaiming as she saw the two. "Sorry, I slept in late!" She shouted as she slipped past them into the elevator. Shepard about to tell her not to worry before the doors slid closed, simply shrugging before heading up to the CIC.
With everything taken care of, John was ready to put the Command of the Normandy in Ashley's hands. Which had the Gunnery quite nervous, she was near ecstatic at the fact she was trusted with the role, even if it was for a short period; she was just worried about making a mistake. Shepard reassured Williams that she'd do fine, and should she truly need help, Pressly was still available for consultation.
"You'll do fine Williams." The Commander handed the pad off to his Gunnery. Shepard holding it with a firm grip when Williams tried to take it from him, causing Ashley to give him a questioning look. "Do what is needed, nothing more, nothing less."
The rather out of place statement got Ashley to pause. Holding the pad with a light grip should he try to take it back. "How do I tell what is needed?"
A small, seemingly pleased smile found its way onto his lips. Letting go of the pad before responding. "By using what I taught you and your own judgment. Nothing more, nothing less." With that he turned and left, leaving Williams with a faintly confused demeanor. Shaking off the feeling as she started on her current task.
The doors of the elevator opened to show Shepard had one more crew member present than expected, Vaay stood next to Kaidan at the bench. Seemingly packing question after question onto the Lieutenant's plate as he went over his weapons condition one last time. Alenko had no problem answering her barrage though, her questions simple to answer as they revolved around Alliance life; both as a citizen and a soldier.
Chakwas was now talking with Garrus. The Turian sat on the ramp that the Mako regularly dropped from so the Doctor could be on even ground. A thin glass rod sticking out of Garrus' mouth. John walked up with his arms crossed, looking between the two before speaking up. "Trying to get out of work, Garrus?"
"Not trying." Chakwas spoke up before Garrus could get his remark off. "He's not leaving with you, it's certainly not the pox, but he's certainly not well."
"Another crew member sick? Already?"
Chakwas simply shrugged at his comment, gesturing to Garrus to start for the elevator. "No one gets to choose when they get sick." Chakwas excused herself as she went with Garrus. The Turian moved notably slower than his usual, confident stride.
Shepard turned around to find Vaay standing less than a foot away from him. The Asari spun her helmet round to make sure everything was in peak condition, not realizing she had John's attention till he cleared his throat; her head shooting upright, immediately standing at attention. "I was hoping to join your crew dropping planetside… Sir."
Shepards left eyebrow twitched slightly, wondering why she'd be volunteering for a S.O.S. Looking around the room for a moment before returning his attention down to Vaay. "Why should I let you?"
Seemingly not expecting the question, Vaay froze for a second. Able to pull a decent reason out of her head while under the intense stare of the Spectre before her. "With Garrus out, you're down a man. I can take on his role."
The human developed a rather skeptical look, crossing his arms over his chest as he watched her. "Can you really?"
"I'm a good enough shot to compete with him." Vaay's sudden, near competitive attitude shift caught Shepards attention. Starting over towards his locker to grab his rifle, his sidearm already sitting on his hip. Vaay followed on his heels, patiently waiting for his decision.
"Garrus is a crack shot, you really think you could compete?"
Vaay stepped to John's left side to stay in his peripheral vision, standing with a rather proud smile. "I can shoot in high winds without all the tech he's got on his rifle to assist."
"So, just a regular rifle and a scope? High winds with good accuracy?" John closed his locker over, turning to face her with
"Excellent, accuracy." Her cheeks started turning a dark purple as a realization came to her. "But I-I don't exactly use a… regular rifle. It is… kinda loud." She tried to maintain the now faltering look of pride, bolstering it as best she could with her smile. Though the Commander could see the nervousness clear in her eyes.
"And, just what type of rifle do you work with? The Alliance doesn't generally carry specialized weapons on the chance someone may prefer working with it."
"I have one, I've kept it in my duffle bag since arrival. Since you had Garrus, I figured a second marksman wouldn't-"
"Vaay." Shepard finally decided to take a hold of the conversation as she was getting off track, and they had to get ready to drop soon.
"Hmm?"
"Go get it already."
Vaay immediately shot off towards the elevator. The young Asari brimming with excitement at the idea of having gotten approval to join them on an actual drop. Even if it was just a small stint to pick up some stray S.O.S. Ever since she got on the Normandy, she wanted to drop planetside in the Mako.
Kaidan got the Mako into position before taking the gunner's seat behind the driver's position. Tali took the seat next to the drivers, giving her control of the eezo core for the drop; as well as the sensors. Iromak sitting behind her, next to the right side exit hatch. The two Turians sitting in the very back, both on the right side of the Mako. John stood waiting at the back of the Mako, his right foot quietly tapping against the ground as his patience started wearing down.
Just as the Commander was about to get ready to go for the Mako, the doors to the elevator slid open. Vaay standing with her helmet on, in her arms sat the last thing John had expected to see. A bolt action rifle, its black barrel pointed down towards the floor. The dark wood, wide grain stock pressed against her shoulder, her right hand resting on the grip, the left holding the rifle from just below the scope; her left hand also holding the black sling that hung from the bottom of the rifle. Her index finger just an inch from the trigger, resting across the wood of the gun. Six individual bullets slipped through the loops on both her left and right legs, by the look of it they were all .370's. Three loaded magazines, carrying six rounds each, were packed onto the thin metal plating that covered her thighs.
Shepard watched as she stepped forwards, finding his eyes quite stuck to the uniquely human design of her rifle and ammunition. Reaching up to scratch his chin lightly as he pondered just why she had it. Stopping before him, Vaay brought her right hand up for a sharp, and near perfect salute. Almost surprising the Commander with the enthusiasm she radiated. Shepard brought his own hand up to return the salute mostly from instinct alone. Nodding to the Mako before turning and heading for the driver's seat.
After a quick series of double checks to make sure the Mako would make it safely to the ground without any mechanical surprise. The Mako was dropped into the atmosphere of a planet that was nearly engulfed by trees. The only spot they could safely drop the Mako with the room to land were large, rocky plateaus that dotted the land. The majority of them were near even with the treetops, giving the illusion that most of the planet was a sea made of leaves and branches.
The initial drop was to get a sense of the situation at the S.O.S, which was about a mile away from the nearest clear spot of land. The team he'd brought were to secure a small area so that the Mako could safely make trips back and forth, either to bring the Doctor down to patients, or bring the patients to the doctor; which one was largely dependent on if any injured persons were in to critical of a condition for the jump to the Normandy.
Once down, the Turians were quick to exit without instruction. Climbing out and looking about the flat rock they had landed on. Vaay remaining in the back, seemingly hesitant to follow the pair that had exited. After scanning the radio waves for anyone who might be trying to contact them, the rest exited on Shepards word. Kaidan and Iromak were to keep an eye on the Mako; a task he would've put the Turians to, except they had managed to make it to the nearest edge of their landing area. Now looking out over the vast vegetation.
Interestingly enough, no plant life could be spotted growing anywhere atop the rocks. Vaay looked around rather keenly for any sprout or root, only to find nothing. Tali was sitting in the driver's hatch of the Mako, her legs hanging out as she looked at her omni tool. The Quarian largely tried to keep her mind off the fact she hadn't eaten in her rush to join the group. John was talking with Iromak and Kaidan, pointing out areas that they may set up a medical tent should it be needed for whoever sent out the S.O.S.
"Hey, Spectre." The sound of a rather bored Turian interrupted the conversation. Causing the three standing to look towards Vitus, who gestured to where Vitesia was standing. "Got some arrows, and a whole staircase chiseled down into the forest."
"Well isn't that just nice and convenient. I don't have to float you all up and down." Kaidan remarked, mostly to the Commander in front of him rather than the Turian who spoke out of turn. The two continued their short reaffirmation of their plans.
"If Chakwas has to come planetside, keep Wrex as her guard while you two hold a perimeter on the area."
"Got it." Kaidan nodded, turning and stepping off to watch the opposite side of the Mako so nothing snuck up on them. Iromak and Shepard stopped only momentarily, giving each other short nods before Shepard started to the Mako.
As John stopped in front of Tali, she hopped out of the seat. Her omni tool closed as she turned to grab her shotgun. Spinning back around with it held close at hand. "We're going now?" She wasn't trying to rush him, but was feeling like she should have forgone the first drop for food. Until the idea of becoming sick on the drop crossed her mind.
"In just a moment." Shepard reached behind him, pulling out a tube of the purified food she had skipped over. Handing it to Tali with a small smirk on his lips. "You do remember what I told you, right?"
"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day."
John nodded, looking towards the Turians that were still at the first spot they'd gone to. His eyebrows furrowed together slightly for just a moment before shaking the thought from his head. Vaay popped up next to Shepard as quiet as a mouse, her rifle held tight in her hands as if she were scared to drop it. The Commander was almost surprised to see her when he turned around. The Asari immediately spoke when she had his attention. "This whole thing is made of salt!"
"Wh… What?" The comment had caught Shepard quite off guard. His attention shot to the near completely flat area around them. "Don't tell me you're licking rocks…"
Helyt let a small giggle escape from her helmet, immediately straightening up when she realized he was being serious. "N-No, Sir. I was just trying to figure out why nothing grows up here. That's my conclusion. Salt, and a lot of other minerals as well, but salt is the main one."
John nodded slowly, his eyes moving back and forth between Vaay and Tali. Tali watching him with a genuine curiosity on how he'd respond, as she wasn't certain at all what to make of it. Neither was he, pausing as he tried to think of just why she told him that. "I… will put that in my report."
Shepard turned now, walking away as he pulled his rifle off his back. Still running the thought through his mind with great wonder, mainly wondering how the hell so much salt managed to be concentrated here. Once Tali had finished eating, she tossed the small vial into the Mako and followed after John. Vaay brought up the rear, looking back to the Mako as they walked on. Once Shepard reached the edge, the two Turians dropped down to a ledge before starting down a path that had indeed been carved all the way down the mountain. Hidden amidst the thick upper layer of leaves.
The upper layer of the leaves were a dark green, all near perfectly round, each laying over the other like a messily layered cloth; growing as if in a bid to layer over the other for the available sunlight, which was sparse itself as heavy looking clouds were currently blanketing the sky. Thin branches, the ends of which were bright green were shooting up out of the leaves. Some of the branches holding a few leaves of their own, however small some were.
The branches and leaves would've made the path impossible to find if not for the large arrow carved deep into the rock, pointing directly at the steps. They were just wide enough for a single person to comfortably head up and down, but passing one another would be a tight operation.
"We thought you were gonna wait all day Spectre" Vitesia commented, but received no reply as the two Turians started their way down the steps. Pushing past the surface, they found a supportive layer of similar leaves. These ones were all much paler though, the edges all curled inwards to create a cushion for the upper layer to rest upon with ease. The way down was slow, no one wanted to slip, as the distance to the bottom became apparent to all while they made it below the thicket of leaves. Vaay stopped to steady her knees, finding her eyes moving to the sight away from the stairs.
There were an uncountable number of trees that rose as tall as some skyscrapers. A thin mist blanketing the land below, which seemed to rise like a wall the further away it got. Each tree sported dozens of massive, upright shooting branches that supported the blanketing surface. With a closer look, Vaay could see that branches had grown out of higher up in the trunk, downwards to merge into the lower branches. Essentially acting as a support for the larger, overweight branches. It was not a singular phenomenon either, she could spot dozens upon dozens of spots where the process had been replicated in different trees and branches.
Taking a slow, steadying breath, she inched towards the edge and peeked over the side. Vaays grip tightening on her rifle as she saw the steep fall below. There was an entire overlapping root system on display right above the dirt. Some of the roots matching even the thickest parts of the trunk. The sight gave Helyt a stark realization.
It's all one tree…
Vaay knew a tree was alive, much like any plant is alive. It grows, flourishes, and sooner or later, passes into nothing. Though, when she looked at this tree's growth and singular domination over nearly the entire planet, she got the distinct feeling it was alive.
"Vaay?"
The Commander's voice made her snap to attention. Looking down the stairs to see Tali and Shepard a ways down the path. Both patiently waiting for her to catch up to the group. "Sorry!" She immediately started down again, making sure to be cautious with each step.
It was a long, and somewhat tedious journey to the bottom. Shepard deciding to keep a few steps between himself and the Turians, meaning Tali and Vaay behind him would do the same as neither would dare try and pass him on the high cliff. Without any comment, about halfway down the steps, which took near forty minutes, John pulled a small tube from the compartment on his right legs thigh armor, and a small protein bar with bold blue text on it. Handing both back to Tali without saying anything.
Tali quickly realized that it was purified water for her and the same type of protein bar he had provided for Vaay on Feros. Passing the bar back to Helyt, the three continued downwards. Tali was quite relieved that John had the forethought she did not this morning. After drinking the water, Tali slipped the glass tube into one of her pockets.
The next half of the walk was just as exciting as the first half. Vaay finding it difficult to not stop to occasionally check the ground below, and the branches above. Yet another realization coming to the Asari, there had yet to be a single sound or notable movement. No animals that could be seen on the ground below, no birds above making any sounds. Even the wind seemed absent from the planet, yet the leaves of the trees still drifted back and forth.
"It's seems quite calm…"
If it wasn't so… utterly silent, it'd be relaxing.
In time, the group finally made it to the bottom. The two Turians leading immediately found a sloppily drawn arrow on one of the trunks pointing into the forest. Just above the arrow, on top of the trunk was a rock propped up so anyone who came down the stairs could see it. Three letters scrawled onto it with more chalk.
S O S
Without a word, the two Turians started following along the long root system in the direction the arrow pointed. John continued to let the distance between his group and the Turians grow.
Stopping for a moment to try and contact Kaidan, only to find silence over his omni tool. Letting a slow groan out as he looked back to the stairs they'd just descended. Tali and Vaay both stopping with him, and Vaay already knew what he was going to say. Speaking up before he gave an order.
"I can go."
Both Tali and John looked to Helyt, John somewhat surprised at her sudden volunteering. He gave a short nod to the stairs after accepting the idea. "Go tell them we'll be out of contact for a bit. Then help them hold the area till we get back, got it?"
Vaay gave an affirmative nod, turning on her heel and starting right back towards the wall. Shepard watching with a faint sense of surprise still evident on his face. Shrugging as he turned to continue forward, only to realize the two Turians were out if sight now.
Dammit, turn around one minute…
"Did you see where they went off to?" He turned his head to the right so Tali was just in his view. She shook her head, but started following along the root they'd been following.
"They were going this way though."
John and Tali spent a minute doing their best to track just which direction the Turians had gone. Finding themselves getting turned around just as fast as they started searching. The pair starting to think they were somewhat lost till they found the imprints of a Turians boot in the dirt. John starting to lead Tali along the tracks they found. Both coming to a stop as they came upon Vitus, who was sitting rather casually upon a large boulder. His left side turned to the pair, though his head was turned to them so he saw their approach. His rifle laying across his with his right hand resting on the grip.
"About time…" Was all that was heard from Vitus, who turned his head away as they came up behind him. John stopping a few feet behind the Turians seat.
"Where'd the other get to?"
The sensation was hardly notable at first, like a gentle breeze had managed to slip it's way into his armor. Quickly realizing just what the tingling feeling was, John swung his barrel up, stopping just an inch from aiming at Vitus' head. Shepard desperately trying to push the gun just a bit further, finding that the biotic who was holding him in place was too much to fight against. Before Tali realized what was going on, Vitus had the barrel of his own rifle held just inches from John's face.
"Please, no sudden movements or loud noises. Unless you want me to kill your dear Captain." Tali froze still, having just barely stopped herself from pulling her shotgun up. Here eyes flicking back and forth between the barrel in John's face, and the Turian who was aiming it.
Vitesias footsteps could be heard approaching from behind. Forcefully taking the shotgun from Tali's hands, snagging the pistol from her holster as well. "Where the hell is the Asari?" Vitesia stepped past Tali to stop in front of Shepard. His eyes were still fixed on Vitus with a clear intent to kill should he get the opportunity. Though it was clear his opportunity was gone. Vitesia tossed Tali's weapons quite carelessly onto the ground before disarming the frozen human.
When neither spoke up, Vitesia simply shrugged, looking to Vitus before nodding towards the two now unarmed people. Tali was put into cuffs, her omni tool removed, and as it contained her translation protocols, she lost all ability to know just what they were saying. John, got a much rougher treatment, Vitus using the butt of his gun to knock the human unconscious, removing Shepards omni tool for good measure. Binding the Commanders arms and legs before dragging him along as Tali was forced to walk with them.
Vaay was crouched on the steps leading up to the plateau they landed on. Her right knee pressed to the ground while her left kept her steady. She hadn't been heading up for more than a couple minutes before the instinct to check the view had her looking out at the forest. Pulling her rifle up to look at the group below her on the forest floor.
Looking through the scope of her rifle only provided panic rather than relief, seeing Vitus knocking the Spectre out before hauling him away with Tali forced to follow at gunpoint. Helyt could feel her chest tighten as they went out of sight. Pushing herself up and slinging the rifle onto her back so she could bolt up the stairs as fast as she could manage.
Iromak and Kaidan were quietly pacing around the Mako. Occasionally taking a seat for a few minutes before continuing the small patrol. Kaidan attempting to get into contact with the group that had gone below after an hour of radio silence. Occasionally Alenko scanned the frequencies with the Mako's radio in hopes of picking up some sort of radio S.O.S.
"Lieutenant! L-LIEUTENANT!" The sound of a distant Asari shouting at the top of her lungs caught both Kaidan's and Iromaks attention. The pair dropping their patrol to rush over to the top of the staircase. Iromak had been closer, arriving at the top before Kaidan had. The Batarian holding his rifle at the ready should it be needed.
After a lot of branches rustling, Vaay pulled herself up out of the sea of green and pushed up onto the last steps. Her breathing erratic as she tried to get a hold of herself, the long run she just went through having done nothing to help ease her rapidly beating heart. Kaidan arrived just as she pushed herself up to stand straight, Iromak watching the tree top for any serious movement.
"Lieutenant! I-I just… The Turians they-" She was cut off by a sudden bought of coughing, doubling over for a second as she tried to pull more air into her lungs. Kaidan kneeled down in front of her, his right hand gently patting her shoulder.
"It's ok, calm down. Just take a moment to breathe." Vaay followed the instruction, stopping the attempt to simultaneously gulp down air and spew out her sentence and simply focusing on the air. Once she seemed at least slightly able to talk without gasping for air.
"Now then, what happened?"
Williams was quietly tapping through the pad, finding herself walking in a circle around the CIC. Occasionally heading up to the bridge so she could check on Joker. The pilot stating on near every occasion she visited that they could 'take the ship for a spin' while Shepard wasn't on board. She politely declined each time.
When she had lulls in her assignment, Williams familiarize herself with the many different tabs available from the small pad she held. Amazed at the level of control available to her through a few taps. While checking just how many backup ventilation units there were, a communications was sent directly to the pad she held.
S team one.
Tapping on the screen lightly to see what it said. Her blood suddenly ran cold at the sight.
Staff Lieutenant Kaidan Alenko Priority one: Arrest Cavius Dexidus Charges: Suspect in the abduction of Lieutenant Commander John Shepard and one politically protected persons Tali'Zorah Nar Rayya.
Williams lips were just slightly parted, staring at the message for several seconds before something in her mind suddenly started shouting at her to get moving. Her head lifted up, pointing to two of the several guards around the CIC and gesturing for them to follow her. She knew where he was, or at least she knew where the Turians omni tool was, in the cargo hold. Each omni tool was tracked in the event anyone requested aid from it.
While heading down the stairs, Williams made a pit stop in the mess, asking Wrex if he'd like to help with arresting a Turian. Which Wrex seemed all too ready to do, standing up from a chair that looked near ready to buckle from the weight of a Krogan and his armor.
"Finally! We'll get that Turian bastard for counting cards!"
Ashley had to intercept Wrex before he made it to the infirmary. Grabbing a hold of his arm, not realizing what she got herself into as she was yoinked along like a paper caught in a harsh wind. Her right shoulder immediately regretting her decision as the sudden strain was put onto her nearly healed wound. Wrex finally stopping at her finally shouting the direct order just a foot from Doctor Chakwas' door.
"Not. Garrus." Williams pushed herself to her feet, quickly straightening out her uniform. "Down the elevator, with me and the other two." She simply beckoned him to follow her. Wrex seemingly torn between following her or bursting through Chakwas' door to give Garrus a good scare. Eventually deciding to attend to the more serious matter at hand.
Williams stepped into cargo, finding the Turian laying in his cot. Tapping at his omni tool. Blissfully unaware of the approaching Krogan until the shaking became noticeable enough to warrant looking up. By then it was to late, Wrex's fist came down with a fury unmatched and knocked the Turian out cold. Collapsing the cot Cavius had been laying in. The Krogan seemed to be particularly upset after learning what had happened from Ashley. The two soldiers she brought restrained the Turians arms and legs, Williams left him guarded by the now set of four guards in cargo. As well as a furious Krogan that planned to ask Cavius a few questions, whenever the Turian awoke that is.
Hey all. Me again, getting things back on track finally. I hope anyone reading enjoys.
Had to repost this one, sorry about that.