Wide open, rolling grassy plains were dotted with the occasional tree. A light rainfall began falling from a thin layer of clouds. Though it was only the start as a large stormcloud was forming over the mountains in the distance. Streaks of sunlight fighting to breach through the thinner layers of the cloud cover, spotting the fields with light. A slow rolling river ran from the mountains, and was now burgeoning onto the bank from the rainfall. On the side of the river stood a four legged animal. Its sleek, mostly black coat shrugged off most of the rainfall. It was a Synon, a small, wild omnivore that wasn't far off of a dog in its appearance. Though it had a much shorter snout that gave its face the look of a hyena. Two small ears pressed down against its head to help avoid the rain. Unlike a dog though, it was rather untamable, and in large packs could come to terrorize small colonies. For now, it was taking advantage of the overflowing river and attempting to snag any fish that were foolish enough to approach the shallower waters.
"Steady your breathing, just like I taught you. Pace it."
"I know, I know. I just don't…" Vaay's sentence fell off as the animal she had in her sights pulled its head up. Its head didn't rise higher than her knee. The sleek black fur of the animal was only interrupted by a small white patch on its forehead. Vaay stared through the scope in silence, swearing for a moment that the animal was staring right at her.
"If we don't keep them away, then they'll come after us. What then?"
In a blink, Vaay was back beneath the tree covering, looking down her scope at a poorly camouflaged man standing in the shadows near the base of one of the mighty trees. He certainly wasn't a Turian as he didn't have the height of one.
Vaay had traveled for several hours, tracking the movements of the Turians through the dirt and over the massive root system. It had been easier than she initially thought the task would be, the heavy footsteps of Turians leaving plenty of markers for her to follow. Not to mention the marks left in the ground from dragging the Commander along in full armor. As time wore on, the light grew to be not but much but shadows. Forcing Vaay to use her flashlight once in a while to double check she had still got the tracks. Partly impressed by the distance they had crossed, and partly worried she'd lose her way if she didn't have the tracks to follow back.
Eventually Vaay found herself kneeled and watching an armored figure who was standing in the shadows. The only thing giving away his position was a faint light coming from a hole in the base of the tree. Casting just enough light for his presence to be obvious.
Vaay had been hoping that he'd stray from his post, but found that he was quite firmly rooted in place; and when a gentle rain had begun to seep past the upper layer of leaves, the guard chose to stand slightly inside the arch made by the root. Only making himself more obvious and nigh impossible to get past him.
A sudden jab of a circular, metal object against her right side made Vaay hold her breath. A sudden sinking feeling hit Vaay as she already knew what had happened, her stomach churning into a thousand knots; she likely would've started hyperventilating if she hadn't already been focusing on her breathing. She held still as a statue, not wanting to turn around to face whoever it was. Vitesia's voice piping up from just behind Vaay. "You are as gullible as ever. Now put the gun down, nice and slow."
Vaay so badly wanted to retaliate, though she knew it would be a waste. Slowly pulling her right hand away from the trigger, pointing the barrel upwards as she lowered the weapon. Vitesa took the rifle rather forcefully, prompting Vaay to finally voice herself. "Easy with that!"
The look Vitesia shot Vaay immediately shut the Asari down. With additional pressure from the handgun in her back, the Asari got moving down the root system she had set herself upon. Vitesia made it clear to keep her hands up as they were heading towards the Batarian, who didn't seem too surprised at the sight of them.
Turning on his heel and heading down a tunnel underneath the tree's roots, picking up a flashlight that had been pointed at the entrance and clicking it off. Vaay realized now that he had served as a distraction to let Vitesia sneak up on the Asari. Letting out a quiet huff with the realization of Iromaks words ringing true.
If he'd gone with me, maybe this wouldn't have happened.
…or maybe we'd both be captured…
Vaay had her shields turned off and omni tool removed before entering through a thick metal door. The inside had two guards entrenched behind thick metal walls on each side, viewports allowing them to see and fire into the room if need be. Vitesia double checked the Asari for anything that could be used as a weapon before shoving her off to two armored figures. Soon being led down identical hallways, keeping her eyes forward to try and avoid provoking her captors. Vaay found her nose quite disagreed with the aged smell of the foul air. Only occasionally getting a breath of fresh air as they passed beneath the occasional vent.
Vaays blood ran cold as she was led into a room with John hanging from the ceiling. He was rather battered looking and seemed half dead. His body and shirt were covered in dried blood and at least half a dozen cuts and gashes, some of which burned closed to keep him from bleeding too much. His head hung with his chin on his chest. His slow, steady breathing made it appear that he was unconscious.
Helyt was pulled over to the table, one of the men restraining the Asari with the metal clamps on the table. The two walked out to leave Vaay with not but the Commander and her terrified thoughts. Feeling her panic growing at the thought occurring to her that she may not be getting out of this place. After a minute of silence, she finally worked up the nerve to make a sound.
"Psst. Psst!"
There was no response from the Spectre. Vaay started to quietly struggle against her restraints. Accidentally pushing her chair back as she did. Just a minute later a Salarian walked through the door, his gloved hands carrying a small glass bottle in his hand. Talking calmly to the helmetless Batarian in near charcoal black armor following him. The Salarian stopped as he saw the Asari, the two making eye contact for just a moment before Vaay dropped her attention to the floor.
The Salarian turned to ask the Batarian something as he gestured to the newly arrived captive. The Batarian responded as the Salarian stepped up to her table. Pulling her helmet off to reveal the frightened Asari below, seeming to pose a string of questions as he looked at her. Vaay uncertain of if he was talking to her or the Batarian. Vitus slammed the door open and started barking orders at the Salarian. The gloved Salarian setting Vaays helmet down on her table before stepping over to the table of tools to grab an empty syringe off the table. Sticking the needle through the top of the glass bottle he brought and filling it a third of the way. Double checking it was void of air bubbles before walking over to the unconscious Commander, finding a vein in his arm and plunging the needle in.
A few seconds later, the Commander kicked to life. His head pulled upright as he took in a large breath of stale air. His head jolted to look around as he blinked several times. Hearing the Salarian speak as he walked towards the door, the Batarian following behind him.
Vitus nodded in agreement to whatever had been said, looking at the hanging Human before following the other two. Shepard was busy trying to slow his heart rate through slow and steady breathing, though it was of little use against what the Salarian had wired him with. Only now noticing Vaay sitting at the table to his right, blinking several times to try and make sure he wasn't hallucinating.
"Vaay?"
"I… yeah. Sorry…"
Shepard blinked several times, looking around to realize the omni tool was sitting on the table once again. His attention snapping to Vaay now, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. "You… You speak English?"
Her water filled eyes widened slightly, her lips pressing together at the quiet realization she never brought up the fact. Nodding quite rapidly, looking up at the Commander as if pleading for him to help her. "Y-Yes."
Shepard wasn't certain what to make of the Asari currently, shaking his head a bit to try and get himself back on track. Looking around quickly for anything that could be used. "Ok, Vaay, listen. You are going to be alright, I just need you to-" The door sliding open silenced Shepard. The light blue armored Batarian stepped in and shut the door behind him. Rubbing his hands together as if he was trying to warm them.
Stopping his near sadistic gesture as he saw the Asari's chair pushed away from the table. Walking over and pushing it forward rather forcefully, as if signaling she shouldn't even attempt to try against the restraints. Going to grab the omni tool afterwards and approaching the Commander. Shoving the earpiece into the Humans ear before stepping back and crossing his arms.
"Now then, I'm going to ask some questions, and you're going to answer. Understood?"
John did his best to maintain a blank stare at the Batarian, pretending he didn't understand what had been said. A swift and sudden strike to his stomach forced the Human to let out a long winded groan. Letting out a few light coughs before finally speaking. "That's all you got?"
Vaay could hear the Batarian chuckle, flashing a toothy grin as he watched the Commander coughing. Speaking again to the Human in an almost calm tone. Vaay could only understand Shepards response.
"Go fuck yourself."
This got a hearty laugh from the Batarian, who seemed genuinely amused at the cold response. Another sudden strike to the gut got Shepard to cough up the air in his lungs but nothing else. Vaay felt her face suddenly warm up as the Batarian pointed a single finger directly towards her, continuing to speak to the hanging Commander. Her eyes darted to the Spectre to try and get a read on what he had said.
John gave a single word response that Vaay couldn't understand. Which was followed up by John spitting at the Batarian, who had been attentive enough to see it coming and step out of the way. Responding with a heavy strike against Shepards right side. The Commander let out a groan as his body tensed at the pain.
"God damn… kidneys." Shepard sputtered out at the Batarian, his eyes tracking his interrogator walking to the table of tools. Looking at Vaay now, seeing her wide, terrified eyes focusing on him. A quick clearing of his throat got her to make eye contact with him. "This is really more of a… sitting, occasion, isn't it?"
Vaay was hit by a sudden bout of confusion, blinking several times at the question. It was so bizarrely out of place, she wasn't certain if she should even answer. Though the Batarian responded before she did. Vaay turned her head to watch the Batarian returning with a tool in each hand, one simple and sharp knife, the other resembling a meat tenderizer. Holds both in his hands, talking to the hanging Human. It appeared that he was deciding which to use, or just taunting the Commander. Just what he said, Vaay couldn't be sure.
"Flip a coin for all I care, just get on with it."
The Batarian seemed amused at the response, turning back around to return the blade to the table. The Commander clearing his throat caught Vaays attention again. Noticing he was staring at the chair across from her. "I need a seat."
Vaay looked at his dangling feet before her eyes slid to the back of the chair. The pieces suddenly connected on what he wanted. Without a second thought, she kicked the chair as hard as she could.
John barely stopped the chair with the heel of his right foot. Using the forefront of his left foot to jump off the back of the chair. The loud screeching sound of a metal chair scraping along the floor caught the Batarians attention, though he wasn't at all ready for the Human that was already hurtling through the air directly towards him.
John caught the Batarians head in his hands before he made impact, putting as much force as he could onto his captors head. The initial hit sent the left side of the Batarians head directly into the table, the cracking sound hardly audible over the sound of them crashing over the table, sending the tools and them to the ground. Both lay silent and still on the ground for several seconds before the door slid open. The poorly camouflaged figure stepped in and looked around, keeping his rifle raised and ready for whatever he found.
Vaay was still bound to the table, doing her best to shrink herself down as the barrel of the rifle passed in her direction. The man now looking at the two still figures on the ground in the corner to the left of the door. Shepard lay on his right side, the interrogator was flat on his face. Opening his omni tool to speak into it before approaching.
Walking over and cautiously kicking Shepards foot lightly, seeing no response come from the Human. Taking a few steps over to the Batarian to see a steadily growing pool of blood gathering around the interrogator's head. Reaching down to feel if the Batarian had a pulse with his left hand, finding nothing. Now stepping over to the Human and pressing two fingers to his neck.
John spun around faster than the armored man could react, stabbing a knife into the gap between his armor and helmet. As the guard tried to pull away and grab at the blade, Shepard grabbed his right arm and shoulder in both hands and pulled him towards the wall, moving both knees up to trip up the choking man's attempts to step away. Slamming the guard's face into the wall, the force plunged the knife through his spinal column. The man dropping limp against the wall. Leaving only the quiet gurgling of a dying slaver.
Shepard rolled onto his back, letting his arms finally move down to his sides. Groaning quietly as his shoulders begged him to never raise his arms above his head again. Finding his eyes trying to close at the prospect of being able to rest for a moment.
"S-Spectre…?"
"Yep… just…" Shepard pushed himself up, grabbing at the omni tool of the newly dead man. Tapping through the tool for a moment, a blade suddenly emerged from the dead man's device. Using it to cut his cuffs off now, accidentally burning his wrist as he did. Cutting the plastic bindings around his ankles next. "...bracing myself."
"A-Are they…?"
"They aren't bothering us anymore. That's all." Shepard pushed himself up, steadying his own legs for a moment before stepping over to Vaay with his newly appropriated tool. Starting to slowly cut away at her restraints, cautious to avoid her wrists. "Why are you here?"
"I was-" Vaay had been completely ready to tell the truth of abandoning the post Iromak had given her. Though John had realized now was not the time for a debriefing.
"Never mind, we've got to go." He walked over to the two bodies. Pulling the limp figure off the wall with his left hand so he could grab the handle of the knife with his right. Pulling it free and wiping the blood off onto the armor of the figure before sliding the knife into the back of his waistband. Dropping the armored figure down to the ground with a thud, blood slowly pooling around his throat. Picking up the rifle that the guard had brought in. Tossing his omni tool to Vaay so she could get her shields back up.
Vaay missed the catch though, the tool dropping to the ground as her hands clumsily grasped at the air in front of her. Her eyes were focused on the two bodies that had been alive just a minute or two ago. Finding the control of her breathing being lost on her, quickly approaching a hyperventilating point as she stared at the armored corpse and Batarian on the floor. The rapid breaths were suddenly cut off as Vaays hand moved up to cover her mouth. Turning away from the scene as she began to dry heave.
Shepard, witnessing the Asari's reaction to the sight, realized Vaay wasn't accustomed to the life she had found herself in. Finding the Asari looked quite green around the gills. The Commander hadn't seen her deal with anything but Geth up until this point. Walking forward and putting himself between Vaay and the bodies. Placing a hand on her shoulder and gently patting it.
Once it seemed like she had a minor control of her stomach. Vaay pushed herself into an upright position, turning to look at the Spectre with teary eyes. John held his left hand out, palm facing upwards, to Vaay. The Asari blinked several times, shedding the tears to clear her vision so that she could see properly.
"Go on, take my hand."
Vaay's attention shot up to him at the words, a look of slight curiosity sparking deep in her sad and scared eyes. Reaching up, almost hesitantly, and taking his hand with her right one. John slowly closed his hand to gently squeeze hers, feeling her erratic heart rate through her palm.
"Slow, deep breaths. Follow my pace."
Slowly, he guided her breathing to a much calmer pace. Which helped ease her nerves, if just by a slight amount. She still felt shaky and high strung, like every nerve was filled with energy that she couldn't disperse. Once it was clear she had some control over herself, John grabbed the omni tool and placed it into her hand he had been holding.
"We need to get moving, alright?"
Vaay gave Shepard a nod, reaching up to dry her eyes before strapping the tool to her right arm. Grabbing her helmet and slipping it on before following after the Commander.
Stepping out of the room and looking up and down the halls. Finding themselves to be alone for now. Suddenly, a deep, rumbling voice came from the other side of Vaays omni tool. Too deep to be a Turian or a Batarian, as the tool closed. Shepard nodded towards the door he had initially been led through. Stopping just as he reached it, feeling quiet, but notably heavy thuds approaching the door.
Grabbing the Asari by her shoulder with his left hand and rushing to the left of the door to get away from the approaching threat. Heading to the far hallway, taking point as he ushered the Asari along behind him. Having her open a door on their left with her omni tool, stepping in to clear it, finding only storage crates filling the room. Closing the door quietly behind them, and backing towards the corner.
"Shh."
Williams was standing idle at the hall between the bridge and the CIC. Finding herself without much of anything to do at the current time. Wishing that she was on the ground in a position to actually aid the Commander. Though she tried to figure that keeping the CIC running was helping in some way. While walking around the CIC, she received a message, which came with an order directed to Pressly.
Rear Admiral Mikhailovich.
Navigator Pressly. Recall all ground teams. Rally at Mass Relay with incoming support.
Williams immediately departed from the CIC with the message on her pad. Wondering why they'd want a pull back now.
Tali sat with her chin on her knees, leaning against the corner of the cage to keep herself upright. Every second that John didn't return, Tali felt the worry grow that she'd never see him again, nor the outside of this place. Her father suddenly rushed into her mind, a cold chill running down her spine at the idea of not seeing him at least once more. Feeling the idea both discouraged her at the prospect, yet it also encouraged her to try and find a way out to fight that fate.
The sound of a door opening pulled her attention, looking for the hope that John was being brought back. Finding the black armored Batarian striding down the row quite confident of his place it seemed. His right hand carried his pistol. Pulling a key from a compartment in his armor with his left hand as he reached Tali's cage. A sickening feeling took over her stomach as he started unlocking her cell. Quickly standing and backing herself against the wall. Behind the Batarian she could see Sean reaching out towards him with his left hand, though the space between the cages provided the Batarian with a space to be free of worry.
The Batarian flicked the barrel towards the direction he'd come from. Tali only shook her head at the request. Grabbing the bars behind her for something to anchor herself onto. The Batarian shook his head, stepping towards the cornered Quarian, stopping for a moment to look at his omni tool as it lit up. A rough voice shouting from the otherside at him.
Tali felt the opportunity open up for a moment, and acted rather than thinking it through. Just as the Batarian responded, Tali reached up and grabbed the upper bars of her cage, pulling her legs off the ground and kicking the Batarian square in the chest with all the force she had. The Quarians' naturally strong legs nearly knocked the Batarian off his feet, stumbling back and just barely catching himself on the cage behind him. Just as the Batarian went to push himself off of it, Seans arms slipped through the bars and grabbed the Batarians right hand, keeping his barrel off Tali. The Asari grabbed at his left arm, but was much too weak from malnutrition to prove effective. The three started to wrestle through the bars over the weapon. Tali charged up, and with a swift kick, the Batarian was knocked unconscious.
The racket had drawn the attention of everyone in the room. The prospect of freedom bringing all to attention. Sean exclaimed out loud quite happily when the Batarian went limp, pointing through the bars to the key still in her cell door. Tali quickly grabbed the key from the lock and opened his cell. Sean immediately armed himself with the Batarians pistol. Pulling the omni tool off the Batarians wrist and using it to cut the slavers throat with the burning blade, next tossing it to the Asari he'd been locked up with, as well as the key to unlock the cells. Telling her to unlock everyone's cell, but to have them hold there for now. The Asari tossed the omni tool off to Tali afterwards. Who quickly found herself scrambling to hook her suit up to it. Finding Sean had already made a plan, immediately launching into it once she had hooked it up to her suit.
"We're popping the generator to dim the lights, finding John, and making a jailbreak. Got it?" Tali found herself tapping quickly at the omni tool to get herself familiarized with the layout. Finding it was severely out of date, but amazingly, functional. Most importantly though, it was in her hands now. Not exactly a shotgun, but it was a tool that could do some damage given the wielder had experience. Giving a short nod to Sean once she had familiarized herself with it.
He nodded to the door that John had been led through. Holding the pistol ready should it open before he reached it. Grabbing a hold of the Batarians corpse to drag it from the room. Gesturing for Tali to follow him, which she did, though she wondered why the others weren't. "What about them?"
The blank look that he gave her made Tali realize that he still couldn't understand her. Gesturing now to all the Asari and a few humans who were now unlocked but sitting still.
"They'll sit put for now. If we charge out with a dozen people they'll flick on the riot control and flood us with tear gas. We get the power off and they'll start flooding out."
Tali nodded, using the omni tool to unlock the doors magnetic lock. Sean leaned out to look up and down the hall, seeing that it was clear for now. "That thing doesn't happen to have a map, does it?"
After a few taps and checks, Tali shook her head. Looking up to see Sean stepping out into the hall and heading to the right, dragging the dead guard along with him. Gesturing to the door ahead of them in a silent request to have it opened. It was a choice he immediately regretted the door sliding open only for an alarm to immediately start blaring. Sudden, heavy thuds telling them something heavy was approaching rapidly towards them. Before either could react, tear gas started being pumped through the ventilation system.
Tali immediately opened her omni tool and shut her intake vents, swapping over to her suits oxygen supply. Sean was not so lucky though, taking a deep breath as he ran forward through the door. Leaving the dead Batarian behind rather than trying to hide him now. Tali about to follow behind, grinding to a halt as she saw the Human fly several feet down the hall to the left. Stepping back as a Krogan in steely armor stepped into her line of sight, his armor had long since been permanently stained with dirt and grime. Tali stumbled back as the Krogans head snapped to look at her with both eyes, giving a toothy grin towards her before he let out a hearty chuckle. It was interrupted by several shots glancing off the Krogans armor. Sean doing what he could to distract the beast while the tear gas choked him. Managing to shout out to the Quarian around the corner between his coughing.
"Tali. Run!"
It was as simple as an instruction he could give. Tali, not even questioning the idea of standing against a Krogan, immediately bolted off down the hallway behind her. Disappearing out of the Krogans' sight as she turned the corner. The Krogan turned to the Human who was crawling away on the ground, gasping for air as he continued to fire down the hall. The Krogan shrugged off each shot as the smaller handgun had difficulty puncturing the thick armor. Walking towards the Human with a slow, confident stride. Letting a deep, throaty chuckle out as he grabbed the barrel of the weapon in Sean's hand and ripped it from his grip and tossed it behind him before grabbing the human by the throat, lifting him up to look at him. The Krogan let an unsatisfied grunt out as he realized that it wasn't Shepard. Speaking into his omni tool as he dragged Sean away.
With three captives unaccounted for, the doors linking each sector were once again locked down, the gas was shut off and the halls getting flooded with guards instead. Checking through every room, nook and cranny to flush out the N7 and his comrades. Shepard was found in the storage room by three guards who attempted to restrain the unarmed Human.
The first Batarian opened the door and stepped in, swinging his barrel up to sweep the room from left to right. He hadn't gotten one step in before his rifle was grabbed by a hand that shot out from the right, his shoulder getting grabbed by the other. The Commander swinging the Batarian with all his force into a bunch of crates. Grabbing at the Batarians rifle to try and wrestle it from the stunned man's hands. Finding the second Batarian rushing in to grab a hold of Shepards arms, he would've just shot him in the back, but a Krogan had ordered otherwise.
With his arms getting pulled back by his elbows, he brought a leg up and kicked off the first Batarian. Sending himself and the second Batarian back onto the ground in front of the door, successfully freeing his arms in the slam. The third moving to help the one on the ground now, jabbing down at the Commander with the electric baton. Shepard was ready for him though, grabbing the rod at the halfway point to avoid the metal points and pulling the Batarian down; grabbing him by his armor with his right and rolling to the left, slamming the Batarians back down onto the ground.
Wrenching the baton from the Batarians hand, he slammed the two metal points against the side of the Batarians head and held the button down for several seconds. The first Batarian had gotten his wits about him again, and saw that the Human was still providing trouble. Shouted into his omni tool for help before charging at the man. The Batarian would've had the drop on Shepard if he hadn't been so loud in his call. Shepard was able to turn and brace for the impact of the charging Batarian, landing on top of the other when they both went to the ground. Immediately starting to beat the downed Batarian with the handle of the now broken electric prod. The sound of others charging down the hall caught the Commander's attention, Shepard knew he couldn't take on all of them, that wasn't going to stop him from trying though. Pushing himself up and charging straight at the first as they stepped through the open door, slamming into the first and carrying him into the hall.
Vaay, sat in the pitch black abyss she had found herself in. Crammed quite tightly into one of the crates that she and John had found in the storage. Between her legs was the rifle John had forced her to take, as well as the knife to ensure she was armed. The last words of the Spectre repeated through her mind again and again.
"I'll make sure you can get out. Keep quiet and don't take risks. Hopefully the calvary pulls us out of this soon... Good luck kid."
Vaay could hear the fight start, squeezing her eyes closed to try and ignore the noise. Finding the sounds continued for much longer than she had expected. Her hands clutching the bottom of her helmet as if terrified it would fly off her head. The sound of blaring alarms made her clutch the helmet even tighter, silently begging for it to stop. Eventually it did, and she found herself in silence, somehow it was all the more worse than what had come before.
She'd spent at least half an hour hiding in the crate, terrified that she wouldn't be alone if she pushed the top off the crate too soon. Going back and forth constantly on what she should do, debating the idea of simply remaining in the crate and hoping to get sent off the planet. All her thoughts were suddenly interrupted by her stomach quietly voicing its complaints. Realizing that she hadn't eaten since the early morning.
Giving herself a small neck cramp as she pulled her helmet off. Slowly unzipping the pocket on her lower thigh and pulling out the protein bar she had been given. With shaky hands, she quietly peeled open the plastic and began to slowly eat. Taking several quiet minutes to recollect herself and get her blood sugar back up.
Halfway through eating, the blaring alarms went off again. The thought that they had possibly figured out she was still in here made the Asari feel sick. It was slightly abated as the alarms shut off almost as quickly as they started. Blinking a few times in wonder as to why they'd been set off for less than a minute. A sudden, and rather notably loud explosion shook the box she was hiding in. Making the Asari wonder if this was the calvary coming to pull them from hell.
Finally, she worked up the courage to push the top off the crate, finding herself alone in the dark room. The dull lights that had lit the room now off, leaving Vaay in the pitch black room. Slipping her helmet back on before lifting herself out of the crate and grabbing the two weapons provided to her by the Spectre. Tucking the knife away as he had, grabbing the rifle as she looked to the door. She found no other solution to her problem of being trapped than freeing the Spectre. She couldn't last on her own in here, and she certainly wasn't getting out without alerting someone. Taking a slow, steadying breath as she approached the door.
Once she found the handle, she grabbed a hold of it and pulled the door open. Having to put a good bit of her body weight to just get it open enough to slip through. Finding herself in complete darkness still, none of the lights through the hall gave any light off. Making it near impossible for her to see. Slowly, she creeped into the hall and started slinking down towards the direction her and John had come from. Keeping her back pressed to the wall the entire time.
Two guards were checking the rooms along the hall that the Quarian had last been sighted running towards. Though there wasn't much to check other than a cluttered room with a few beds for the guards. Once they cleared the room, they gave each other a short confirmation and exited to continue their search.
A minute later, Tali slammed open the vent in a panicked manner, dropping from it as quickly as she could manage. Quietly cursing to herself as she yoinked off the cloth covering her suit, slapping at her back to try and check herself for spiders. Triple checking that none hadn't taken to the inside of her hood. Wiping the cobwebs off her suit and onto a table in the room, doing her best to reason that there weren't any spiders in the vent.
Then why would there be webs there?
Another shiver ran down her spine as she double checked her cloth for any black spots. Once she was absolutely certain it was free of any arachnids or other bugs, she started wrapping it around her body once more. Once done, she looked at the door, not actually certain what to do now. Fighting without a gun wasn't a wise decision, she had shields, but that only went so far in a one way gunfight. Slowly, she'd turn her attention to the open vent above her. Finding herself having little option but to go back up, using one of the beds to jump and grab the edge of the opening, pulling herself up and into the dust filled ducts. A single goal in her mind.
Get the power off. Then I'll figure something out.
Every inch she had to crawl was a test in willpower. Trying each second to convince herself that everything she was going through wasn't even happening. That it was just a nightmare she was too lucid in. Even as she tried to convince herself, the truth was all too much for her to force from her mind. On occasion, she'd use her omni tool to burn the webs out of her way. Though she did it sparingly as she initially didn't want the smell of something burning to flow through the ventilation and start a panic. A sudden epiphany came to mind as she watched the cobwebs burning the closer her omni tools blade approached them.
Shepard was now bound to a chair. His arms tied tight behind him now, the chains looping around the back of the chair to make sure he didn't get up. His legs cuffed separately to two metal legs on the front of his chair. His eyes were covered with a cloth to help prevent him from learning where they'd taken him. Moving the chair wasn't an option as it seemed rather stuck in place.
The only thing he knew for certain was that there were two guards who occasionally spoke with each other. They paced around the room he was kept in, the slow, steady thuds of either guard's steps told Shepard they were well armored. Sitting in silence for at least an hour before he heard approaching thuds, the door grinding open as it was forced open before it had time to slide open. The force put into each step told Shepard it was a Krogan fast approaching. A sudden standstill having him brace for anything that might be coming his way.
The sudden shoving of an earpiece into his right ear made him jolt lightly, more expecting a right hook from one of them. Once it was done, he was asked a question by a rather passed off Krogan.
"Where'd the Asari go?"
John took in a short breath before rolling his tongue over his teeth. Clearing his throat to respond after several seconds of waiting. "Oh, you're talking to me?"
For a response, he got the rear end of a rifle across his face from a guard. The previously closed gash on his cheek to partially split back open from the hit, causing blood to once again start trickling down his cheek. The deep, rumbling chuckle told Shepard that the Krogan was quite amused.
"Where is the Asari?"
John rolled his jaw around as he tried his best to act like the strike hadn't hurt like hell. "What Asari?"
Shepards ability to breathe was suddenly interrupted by the Krogan taking the Commander's throat in hand. The Commander doing his best to take even a slight bit of oxygen in. The Krogan spoke in a frustrated tone as he shook Shepard. "The same one you arrived with. Playing dumb will only make this hurt more than it needs to."
With that, he loosened the steel grip on the Commander's throat. The human let a few wheezing coughs out before gasping lightly for breath. Turning to one of the Batarians guarding him. "Get him to cough up where the other went."
The grinding of a metal door opening and closing accompanied by heavy thuds told Shepard that the Krogan was leaving. Two metal points jabbed against his abdomen, electricity running through the Commander's body a second later. Shepards muscles tensing up, his teeth clenching tighter the longer it went on. When it was cut off, he spent the available time trying to control his breathing. Trying to abate his soaring heart rate from the shocks. While focusing heavily on controlling his intake of oxygen, Shepard caught a slight whiff of what smelled like smoke.
While in the brief reprieve, the alarms began to blare again. The two Batarians discussed something between each other. A sudden silence soon overtook the room as the alarm cut short. Seconds later a rather loud blast was heard, rattling the metal walls of the compound. Shepard was only able to guess as to what had happened, though he silently hoped that it was backup arriving. Shepard could hear the sound of the door grinding open much slower than it had earlier, grinding closed a few seconds later. Shepard left in a silence that felt somewhat haunting to him. Starting to struggle against his restraints now, though it was apparent his captors weren't going to risk anything after his breakout.
A sudden smack from a metal panel on the top Shepard head. The Commander ducking his head at the thought of the place starting to fall apart around him. Finding it to be the only piece that fell as it was only silence afterwards. A minute later the sound of something dropping to the ground behind him got Shepard to pull his head back up. Struggling more against his restraints now as he wasn't at all certain of what was happening. The feeling of a three fingered hand landing onto his shoulder got John to relax.
John could feel her hood brushing the side of his head as she whispered into his ear. He hadn't a clue what she said, but just the sound of her voice helped soothe his mind. The warmth of her omni blade could be felt near his arms as she worked to cut him free. Shepard sat as still as he could to avoid tripping her work up. Tali got his right hand free first, the Commander brought his hand over to pull off the cloth wrapped around his eyes. Blinking several times to find himself in the dark, the only light was the faint glowing of Tali's omni tool from behind him.
The sound of chains hitting the ground told Shepard his other arm was free. Now using his free hands to rub his own wrists lightly. Tali stepped around to the otherside, cutting at the restraints keeping Shepards legs held down. John noticed that Tali's helmet light was currently off, wondering if she had done that to minimize her chances of being seen. The omni tools light occasionally glancing off her eyes, giving the appearance they were glowing every so often. His right foot was just freed when they both heard approaching footsteps. Tali's head turned to look at the door at the realization that it was likely the returning guards.
"Tali."
The Quarians head snapped back to look at the Commander she had been trying to free. John nodded down at his bound leg, knowing time was of the essence. "Faster."
John reached down, taking her shaking wrist gently in his right hand. Guiding the blade steadily down the metal restraints on his ankles. Ignoring the burning as he accidentally cut his leg. Kicking his leg past the melted metal and quickly pushing himself up. Pulling Tali along as he ran to the side of the door to avoid being in line of sight when the door opened. If he had more time, he would've taken the omni tool from Tali for a weapon, but the sound of the door sliding open told him it wasn't a choice. Simply flicking her omni tool off so that the two were harder to spot in the dark corner. The door slid open and the beam of a flashlight was brought up to shine on the now empty chair. Shepard held a hand up, signaling for Tali to stay back as he inched forward.
The beam of light dropped to the ground as the guard holding it realized the vent cover was laying on the ground. Bringing the light up to look at the ceiling. Stepping forward, his left hand holding the flashlight while his right held his sidearm. As soon as Shepard saw him, he charged forward. His left hand went to grab the guards right forearm to keep the weapon aimed high. His right hand grabbed the helmet of the guard and slammed it against the metal doorway with all his strength. The second guard, rather startled by the event, pulled down the trigger of his rifle. Letting three shots fly before the unconscious body of his fellow guard slammed into him. Sending him to the ground with his back to the wall. Shepard utilized the moment to grab the pistol from the unconscious guard and give the other one a heavy hit on the side of his helmet to make sure he was unconscious. Immediately grabbing them both by the legs and hauling them back into the room and shutting the door.
Shepard rushed to start disarming the guards. Waving Tali over so he could hand her the rifle. Unstrapping one of the guards omni tools to put on his right wrist. Grabbing the pistol and flashlight before heading towards the door. Shepard tried to get into the local communications to see what was happening, but found himself unable to get anything. Shepard made two quick moves of his wrist and the burning blade emerged from the device. Stepping towards the two unconscious guards, finding himself stopped as Tali grabbed his arm.
Tali was looking at Shepards upper arm, the light of his omni blade had brought attention to the blood flowing down his arm and dripping from his elbow. One of the bullets fired by the Batarian had managed to glance Shepards right arm. Tali pulled his sleeve up to look at the wound before starting to pull off the cloth wrapped around her suit. Every time Shepard was about to continue with what he had been doing, she grabbed his elbow and tugged him back towards her. Undoing several buttons before slipping off the cloth. Immediately Tali began to wrap it around Shepards upper arm to try and slow the flow of blood. John did what he could to help by applying pressure to parts of the cloth as she wrapped it.
"I'll get you a new one when we're out of this."
The look he received from Tali was impossible for Shepard to read. The faint orange glow of John's omni tool illuminated Tali' eyes, showing that she held steady eye contact with John as she tied a knot into the cloth. It was a rather intense, yet calm look. Tali's wide eyes flicking back and forth between Shepards, the Commander suddenly feeling as if he was being closely studied. The Quarian held his arm in her left hand, her thumb resting on the knot that pressed against his wound. John could hear her speak, though she was mumbling the majority of it to herself. Anything she didn't mumble was lost on John as he hadn't yet put in his ear piece.
As confused as John was, he found a level of calmness settled over him. Wondering just what it was Tali was saying. They were abruptly interrupted by a shrill screech from the hallway.
Snapping both of them to attention. Shepard picked up the flashlight on the ground and flicked it off before pushing open the door as quietly as he could manage.
Looking up and down the halls, he saw naught but darkness. Though he could hear the sound of an Asari gasping for breath, and a Turian muttering down the hall to his left. Turning to Tali and holding a hand up, signaling for her to stay back as he stepped into the hall. Starting down towards the left with his pistol in his right hand. Coming to a stop once he was a good distance from the doorway. Raising his left hand and clicking the flash light on.
Vitus was holding Vaay by the throat with his left hand, the helmetless Asari pinned to the wall with the barrel of a pistol inches from her face. The Asari's eyes were squeezed closed, not wanting to face what the Turian was going to do. The Turians talons dug into Vaay's throat, though he hadn't punctured her skin. The bright light suddenly shining onto them got the Turian to turn his head, shouting out at whoever was behind him.
Shepard still hadn't bothered to put his ear piece in, so the Turians words flew over his head. However the Commander knew full well that Vitus would understand him. So he braced his stance and shouted out at the Turian.
"Picking on a kid when a real fight is right here? I knew Turians were cowards, but you really are setting a new low."
Vitus turned his shoulders so he could look behind him, his beady eyes squinting at the light shining in his eyes. Vaays teary eyes pulled open at the sound of Shepard's voice, one of her hands slipping off the Turians wrist as she saw the Spectre. The Turian spoke once more, though it fell on deaf ears. Shepard would've snuck up on the Turian and just shot him dead, but with Vaay at the end of the Turians barrel, he found himself needing to pull Vitus' attention off the Asari. Tossing his pistol behind him and dropping the flashlight, ripping the omni tool off his arm and sending it clattering behind him with the pistol.
"Come on, bastard. Me, you, fisticuffs."
Vitus stared at the human for several long seconds. Pulling his pistol around to aim at Shepard, before he got his sights on the Commander, a knife stabbed into his left arm. The Turian accidentally shot a round that bounced off the wall. Turning his head to look at the Asari as he threw her to the right down the hall. Just about to drop his pistol to grab at the blade in his wrist when he heard the Human rushing in from behind. Pulling the pistol around to aim down the hall
Shepard ran straight into the Turian with all his force, aiming to knock him off balance and to the ground. Getting only half done as Vitus caught himself on the wall behind him. Shepard immediately grabbed at the pistol in the Turians hand to try and wrench it free of Vitus' grasp. The Turian was hurling a slew of what Shepard assumed to be insults.
Finally the Turian put his height advantage to use, putting all the force of his body into slamming Shepard into the wall on the Turians right side. Using his left arm to pin the Commander to the wall, about to use the pistol in his right hand to knock him out. Before he could Shepard grabbed the handle of the knife in the Turians arm and twisted it hard before ripping it out, slashing the blade up towards Vitus' throat. Barely missing as the Turian back peddled out of his range, finding himself backing down the hall. Shepard followed in step, trying to get a stab at Vitus.
It seemed the Turian had decided the situation was getting out of hand, raising the barrel of his pistol to Shepard and letting a round loose. The bullet hitting the flesh of his lower right abdomen, causing a stutter in Shepards step as it hit. Continuing forward with blood now starting to soak the shirt and shorts as it slowed from his side. Chucking the blade at the Turian who had backed out of his reach. Vitus ducked his head to the side, letting out a light chuckle. Finally coming to a stop as the Humans pace slowed to a stop. Shepard kept his right hand against the wound in his side now, blood seeping past his fingers with every passing second.
The entire base shuddered as the two stared each other down. Shepard guessed it was an explosion from the force. Starting to wonder if the place actually was falling apart. It didn't matter, as the one who kept them from leaving was standing before him.
Vitus stood with the barrel aimed towards Shepard, thinking that the threat of death was what kept the Human at bay. The beam of light was only providing minimal sight around the corner. Though it provided plenty of the light for the Turian to keep his sights trained on Shepard. Finding it near eerie that the Human was simply glaring at him. The realization came to the Turian all too late as an Asari leapt onto his back from the shadows behind him. Starting to beat the Turian over the head with her helmet. The Turian stumbled slightly at the sudden weight of the Asari, about to pull his gun up towards her when he was tackled by the Commander.
The Turian fell to the ground from the impact. Vaay had the air knocked from her as the weight of the Turian slammed her against the ground. The human and Turian now wrestled over the pistol in his hand. Shepard struggled just to keep the barrel pointed towards the wall as his strength waned. Though he could see the faint gleam of the knife behind Vaay, knowing it'd be more than enough to finish this. Struggling to spit his words out as he used every ounce of strength to push the pistol away from him.
"Vaay… Knife."
It took the winded Asari a few seconds to realize where it was. Clambering up to try and grab it, only managing to pinch the end of the blade. Pulling it down and holding the handle out towards the Spectre.
Shepard had been hoping she'd have taken a bit more initiative with using it. Though he'd take what help he could. Reaching up with his right hand to grab the handle. Just as Shepard grabbed it, three sharp talons stabbed into his left side, then, just as fast, they were ripped out. Leaving three, wide open gashes in his side.
The Turian used all of his force to throw the Human off of him and against the wall next to him. The Commanders back slammed against a rather rusty pipe, breaking it at the halfway point. Cool, clear water began to flow down from the broken pipe, pooling around Shepard . The Turian pushed himself up into a sitting position, panting heavily as he watched the Commander for any further movement. Finding the Human gave out only shallow breaths, and no other signs of rebellion. Now, slowly turning to the Asari behind him.
Vaay was suddenly aware of her position. Starting to scramble back, deeper into the shadows of the hall. Shouting out at the seemingly unconscious Human. "S-Spectre?"
The Turian pushed himself up to a standing position. Grabbing the knife from in front of the Commander, beginning his slow approach towards Vaay. Letting his footsteps fall heavy, sending light vibrations through the floor with each step.
"Commander!?" Vaay's voice was cracking as she tried to scramble away from the approaching Turian. Her eyes tracking the movements of his blade. Knowing she had only one trick up her sleeve.
Once the Turian was but a few feet away, she raised her left hand up a few inches from her face. Clenching it into a fist as she did her best to focus herself, attempting to steady her nerves with a slow exhale. Throwing her right hand forward with an open palm. Vaay could see the disturbance in the air as she sent a jolt of biotic force towards the Turian. Finding it hit the Turian, with null effect. Vaays chest clenching tight as her only trick went up in a puff of smoke.
Vitus simply shook his head, with two short but swift moves of his hands, the Asari when flying towards him. From the moment she felt the tingling wrap around her body, Vaay felt everything move as if it was slow motion. Her mind was coming to terms with the fact that Vitus had been a biotic. Swearing that she could see a look of smugness on the Turians face as he simply sidestepped the Asari while she flew through the air. Hitting the ground with a heavy smack. Chuckling lightly as he watched Vaay clamber to pick herself up.
"Your powers are truly something to pity. Though, if it's any consolation, I'm sure that would've at least taken a regular person off their feet."
Just as Vaay turned to face the Turian, the flashlight flicked off. Leaving both in the pitch black. Vaay slowly inched herself backwards, squinting at the darkness in a vain attempt to locate the Turian. Bumping up against the wall made her jump slightly, not having expected it to be so close already. Giving one final call out into the darkness.
"Shepard…?" Her shaky voice was soon accompanied by soft footfalls into the pool of water somewhere in front of her. Knowing who it was, yet hoping against the inevitable all the same. "...please..."
Without any warning, four shots rang out. Though none of them seemed to be aimed towards her. A three fingered hand grabbed her wrist, yoinking the Asari away from the wall she'd been pressed against. Less than a second later the Turian could be heard slamming into the wall.
A flashlight suddenly blinking on made Vaay realize what was going on. Tali was standing between her and the Turian, a rifle held in her hands with the flashlight attached to its side. Once the light had flicked on, Tali raised the barrel of her rifle up. Letting several shots ring out, finding each one glancing off his barrier like it was nothing. The Quarian starting to move back away from Vitus. The Turian glared at the two, his beady eyes squinting at the light beaming onto him.
"Put it down, and I won't torture you… too much…"
Tali was just about to let another burst of shots off before Shepard charged in from around the corner. Swinging a rusty metal pipe at the back of the Turians knees, swiftly knocking the Turian down to his own level. A loud screech coming from the Turian as the bones in the back of his knee were shattered. Vitus didn't have the chance to retaliate before the pipe slid under his chin. Shepard grabbed the pipe from both sides and used it to drag the Turian by his neck around the corner and into the shadows.
Tali rushed forward as Vaay stood back, listening to the sounds of the struggle while standing in the dark. Working up the courage to follow after the much bolder Quarian. Finding herself needing to take a moment to breathe and steady the queasy feeling that had overtaken her once more. Finally stepping up and turning the corner to see Tali a few feet behind Shepard, his left fist repeatedly pulling back to hit the downed Turian. The only resistance given from Vitus was his right hand vainly pushing at Shepard's face. Unable to summon the strength to push him off as the Turian quietly gargled on his own blood.
The knife Vitus had been holding moments ago, now stuck into the Turians throat. Shepard still held the blade by the handle with his right hand. Not daring to let go of the weapon should the Turian still have some fight left in him.
Tali slowly approached the Human. Lowering the flashlight so that it wasn't focused on him. Moving onto her knees next to Shepard. Tali's left hand moved onto his shoulder, getting the Commander to pull his head over to look at Tali. Shepards face was pale, his eyes were alight with rage though.
The Quarian used her right hand to unfurl his grip on the knife. John was hesitant at first, looking down to see the Turian was now limp, and slowly let go of the handle. Tali eased Shepard back into sitting against the wall. Both his hands now pressed to his more dire wounds. Looking up to see Tali searching the Turians armor. Wondering just what it was she was trying to find.
Vaay finally stepped up to the pair, kneeling next to the two and pulling a thin, metal tube from a slot in her armor before holding it out for Tali. Shepard quickly realized that it was medi-gel Tali was after. The Quarian took the tube from Vaay in a hurried manner. Turning to Shepard now as she screwed the tube into her omni tool. Leaning down to carefully apply the cool gel to his wounds. Shepard shuddered slightly as it set into the wound. Finding it eased his pain, though not rid him of it completely.
As Tali moved over to his other wound to repeat the process, notably heavy thuds began slowly approaching from the opposite side of the wall. Tali was doing her best to work quickly, though she needed to move at a steady pace to get an even layer of gel on his wounds. Shepard took her shaking wrist into his hands to guide her omni tool as it dispensed the cool gel over the wound.
Once finished, Tali grabbed his left arm, gesturing for Vaay to grab his other as they braced to pull him up. Neither thought it would be easy, but the difficulty they had was surprising. John felt his body beg to be let down to rest, though he knew it wasn't the time nor place for it. Tali slung Shepards left arm over her shoulders. Vaay doing the same with his right. Both nearly collapsed under his weight. The bloody and beaten Human knew that it wouldn't be easy. Groaning quietly as he summoned what willpower he had left to stand. John quickly directed them away from the approaching shaking. Shepard pushed the other two down the hall as he slumped next to the Turian. Starting to rapidly pull off the omni tool that still was bound to Vitus' wrist. Finding his eyes turning towards the blade still jutting from the Turians throat.
The metal door down the hall was suddenly flung open. The Krogan stomped through and looked at the beam of light that turned back to shine at him. Turning his right side of his head towards them to look at them with a singular beady eye. His lips suddenly pulled back into a rather pleased smile. Chuckling aloud as he saw the dead Turian on the ground between himself and the lone human. "Well that saves me some trouble."
Shepard held a rifle in his hands, the barrel aimed directly at the Krogans head. Leaning lightly against the corner of the hall, ready to duck and run should the guard bolt for him. The Turians omni tool strapped to his right wrist with an earpiece finally put in so that he could try to stall the slowly approaching wall. "How about, I just pay you to let me go. That's what this is about, yeah?"
The Krogan shook his head, stopping next to the dead Turian. Kicking his shoulder to make sure he didn't have any life left. "I doubt you could match the price. In any case, I want to see how much fight is in you."
Shepard immediately shot as the Krogan took another step, which quickly turned into a full blown charge. Stomping on the Turians corpse as he went with a sickening crunch. Shepard barely pulled around the corner in time to avoid the charge. The Krogan slamming into the wall was dazed for a moment, turning to the rifle shots digging into his armor as his shield broke.
Shepard was backing up as quickly as he could manage while continuing to fire, though it seemed to be a fruitless labor when the Krogan started stomping towards him.
With one wide back hand, John nearly was knocked out cold, barely ducking under the first swing of the rapidly approaching Krogan. Bringing the side of his rifle up to buffer the other swing coming around to hit him. This one connected and sent Shepard flying several feet down the hall. His rifle, receiving a notable mark from where the Krogan had hit it, clattered far away behind him. The Human quickly worked to scramble away from the Krogan, passing by a half empty door that showed nothing but darkness within. The Krogan, seemingly amused at the Humans attempts, let out a loud laugh.
"So this is it? The famed 'Terror of the Terminus?' A human who barely has the gumption to pull himself from the ground?"
"I'd have you running scared…" Shepard spit onto the ground, turning himself onto his back to face the Krogan rather than continue for the rifle. "...if this was a fair fight."
The Krogan stepped up to stand just a foot away from the bruised and bloodied Human. Shaking his head before reaching down and grabbing the Commander by the throat. Hoisting him into the air with ease and pulling him in to double check it was his target. "I find that doubtful."
Shepard sputtered as his left hand grabbed at the Krogans leathery hand. Struggling to get his words out "Is that right?
The Commander's right hand pulled the knife from his waistband and stabbed it into the Krogans left eye. Getting thrown down the hall as the Krogan let out a roar of pain and anger. Shepard hitting the wall and falling limp to the ground, his rifle just a few feet in front of him. The Krogan pulled the blade out of his eye with a pained grunt, dropping the blade to the ground before starting to stomp towards the Human.
Just a few feet before he reached the still human, several shots glanced off of his back armor, one striking the thinner armor on his right elbow and managing to break and pierce the skin. The Krogan turned the right side of his head so his right eye could see Tali in the doorway he had passed. Giving her a toothy grin as he shook his head. "Should've slinked off when you had the chance. I doubt you're much of a match for me."
Tali gave no indication that she heard him. Letting another burst of shots loose towards the Krogan, hitting several shots on his head. With the realization that she was trying to finish blinding him, he brought a hand up to protect his good eye. Starting to stomp towards the Quarian, gaining speed each step of the way.
Tali stepped back into the shadows of the doorway and the door slammed closed just as the Krogan reached it. Slamming into the metal and leaving a rather notable dent in it, which managed to jam the door when he attempted to force it open. Leading to the Krogan to start slamming the door with a growing rage. A light was suddenly brought up onto his left side before a dozen rifle shots rang out, riddling the left side of the Krogan. Some hit their mark for thinner parts of armor near the back of the knee, elbow and head.
Shepard was standing as tall as he could manage, his back leaning lightly against the wall to keep himself upright. Holding the rifle with his left arm draped over the top of it, clearly favoring the limb, dropping his accuracy to sub par. While Shepard waited for the weapon to cycle out the heat, the Krogan began his slow approach. Pulling his hand up to make sure Shepard didn't get a shot at his remaining eye.
"More fight in you than I thought."
Shepard didn't respond, pulling the trigger again. The dented gun whirred for several seconds without a shot leaving the barrel. The end of his rifle suddenly exploded, the shock and several pieces of shrapnel jolted the human back into a stumble. The only thing stopping two pieces of shrapnel from outright killing the Commander was his left arm catching them in lieu of his head and neck.
Shepards back hit the wall after a few steps, slowly sliding down the wall as his vision started getting patchy. His eyes desperately tracked around to try and spot the Krogan. Using his right arm to try and drag himself down the hall to the right. Though he could feel the slow approach of the Krogan with each approaching footsteps sending subtle vibrations through the metal floor.
The Krogan grabbed Shepard by the front of his shirt. Pulling the Human up and pinning him against the wall with one large hand. The other formed into a fist and delivered one hefty blow to the Commander's abdomen. Forcing every bit of air from Shepards lungs in the swift blow. "You've given me a bit of trouble, so I'll be taking a pound of flesh in repayment."
The Commander was too busy pulling air back into his lungs to listen to the Krogan. Blinking several times as his vision cleared, to see the Krogans right eye glaring at him. With two quick moves of his right hand, a blade emerged from the omni tool on his wrist, stabbing the blade in the Krogans direction. The Krogan had learned from his previous mistakes though, catching the Humans forearm before the blade reached his remaining eye. Slowly twisting the Humans wrist away from him with ease. Baring his teeth in a toothy grin as he looked at the Human.
"Nice try."
With one swift motion he swung the Commander around and slammed the Human into the wall on his right. Letting Shepard now collapse to the ground, laying still as he struggled just to keep himself conscious. Attempting to pull his head up as he saw several bright lights glare at the end of the hall he'd been fighting down. Hearing a voice shouting out as gunshots rang out near instantly.
"Get that bastard!"
Shepard couldn't manage to keep his head up, letting it slowly slip back to the ground as he stared at the ceiling. Shepard felt a near stampede approaching from down the hall. Seeing a blur of movement pass by him, not quite certain just how many people charged past him as his eyes finally slipped closed to catch a moment of rest.
"You can't lay around all day John."
Shepards eyes pulled open as he felt someone gently shaking him. Finding Mino sitting next to him in the grass. The warm smile and gentle gaze was a welcoming sight for John. The sunlight breaking through the branches and leaves of the tree they sat beneath.
John's gaze pulled over to look up at a leaf that had fallen off the tree, starting its slow, drifting trip down towards them. "Says who?"
"Says our plans for tonight. My mother will arrive on the planet in just a few hours, and you haven't even shaved yet." Mino gently ran her thumb along John's jawline to disturb the short hairs that had formed a bit of a stubble. John's lips finally split into a smile as his eyes pulled back over to her.
"I suppose you're right."
Despite his agreement, John's eyes slowly slipped close. Feeling himself being shaken again, though this time with a rather higher level of insistence. Raising his right hand in an attempt to wave away Mino's worry.
"Just a bit longer, then I'll get ready Mino."
A sudden smack across his face shocked Shepard awake. His eyes flew open to see Sean kneeling in front of him, who looked rather pleased to see John still conscious. Tali was next to him, wrapping a cloth around his left forearm to try and stanch the bleeding. Vaay turned away from the sight, not certain if she'd rather her helmet be on to help avoid it or off in case she hurled.
"Ha! You had me worrying there ya bastard!"
Without waiting for any indication that Shepard was ready, Sean grabbed his right arm and started trying to force him up. Struggling quite a lot at first till Tali aided him, though she was only able to help in a limited manner, only able to hold him by his shoulder due to his arms state. John was not much use at this point, the Human struggling just to keep his legs moving forward at this point.
"Bloody- Why are ya so damnned heavy!?"
Tali's only saving grace was that her legs were strong enough to support the extra weight. Though even then she had to heavily rely on Sean's aid. Not being able to help but turn her gaze to the Human as they took him down the hall. Finding Shepards eyes were half open with a glazed look over them. A few Asari passed by the four to rush forward down the hall towards the exit, many of which carrying bloodied blunt weapons and flashlights. A lucky one of them carrying a rifle.
Tali's stomach began to knot up as the group ahead of them started freezing at the corner. Each one that peeked around the corner clearly not wanting to go on any further. When the one with a firearm arrived, she turned to Sean to shake her head.
"There's another Krogan. With backup of his own, this isn't going to end well."
Before anyone else responded to her. The Krogan down the hall shouted out at the group around the corner, and Tali found herself relieved at the familiar, gruff voice.
"Tali! Shepard!? You there?"
Tali found herself nearly wanting to cry in relief. Pulling John forward with her as she went to the corner. Sean initially hesitant at the prospect of approaching the corner till he heard Tali speak up. "We're here! We need medi gel!"
Sorry this took so long. It didn't feel right splitting these two chapters up.
Happy New Years. I hope you all enjoyed your festivus