Loyalties:
Mass Effect Trilogy is a Bioware game. For any reference to the Official Game All rights are owned by Bioware. The Fan Fiction "Mass Effect At Dawn Again" is fruit of my imagination and my work, it is a free tribute, passionate and personal to a great video game. It is not allowed any use partial or total for profit and not.
Chaper 38
The Past Unveiled
London, Alliance N7 Black Site, present day.
It is late night, but Liara cannot fall asleep. And, how could she? She is tossing and turning in bed for hours, tangled in her sheets. Just too excited to sleep, the young Asari cannot help thinking about the love of her life. She knows Shepard until in the most secretive folds of her soul, and perfectly knows how much her amazing girlfriend can be strong, stubborn and determined. They've been through so much together. Liara is absolutely sure Shepard would come back from hell, walking on embers barefoot, rather than make her suffer. -Shepard never makes promises lightly!- She thinks to herself, earnestly.
Truth be told, what the love of her life has promised more than once during the war, was almost impossible to keep. Even, coming from someone like Shepard. However, that is not just a mere question of faith and hope. Liara is well aware how much love her mate feels for her. So, she is positive that Shepard would never have made an enforceable and challenging promise like this. Unless she was absolutely convinced she was going to find a way, whatever way to keep it.
This thought, jealously guarded in Liara's heart, in each of the many difficult moments, gave her the strength to go on. Which is precisely why she used to find the guts to stand up with all of this, no matter how painful or unbearable it might seem. However, she must admit, she has never been so optimistic before, so positive. Liara smiles at the gentle half-light, excitement urges in her sigh. Her mind still lingers in the fresh memories of the afternoon just passed. Every heady second vividly sculpted in her soul.
She cannot stop shaking with joy, yet. She cannot stop thinking what they experienced only a few hours before, when joined and rejoiced for their unborn little baby. Such an intense emotion takes her breath away, over and over again. Some sort of excitement pulsates uninterruptedly inside her, able to make her heart exploding. Liara feels herself floating in that wonderful vibe, like if Emily's soul was still there, tightly encased in her own. As if Shepard's soft fingers and lovely were gently caressing her cheek. As if the breath of hers whispered on Liara's lips, uttering all over again Shepard's unbreakable promise, "I swear, never again!"
A sunny smile stays long on the astonished Asari's lips. It starts dissolving with difficulty, just the moment she grabs her pillow, and squeezes it avidly between her arms. Suddenly, her eyes get closed, as fantasizing to rest herself softly into Shepard's warm embrace. That very afternoon they joined so deep way that she could perceive clearly the love of Shepard throbbing in her soul. The sweet caress of it on her face. That was an unmistakable something, like if Shepard was taking care of her. They were so happy. For a moment, Liara had let her mind run away with the marvelous suggestion the human she loves being no longer a prisoner in that bed. No longer chained to those bedclothes, nor immobilized in that stubborn silence.
During the merge Emily was present, unmistakably. So close that Liara had the feeling to be sinking into her arms, getting lost in the depths of her love. They both just wished they could stop time at that wonderful moment, where they found themselves back, still in a single soul. Liara felt it clearly, like a thought obvious and firm. Not that this was the first time nor she had ever completely doubted of. Ever since Shepard had been recovered, badly wounded but alive, Liara knew she would never give up. However, now she is more certain than ever of one thing. The love of her life, the father of their baby... just wants to come back!
Liara startles in the bed, dropping the pillow. Almost unconsciously, hands runs over her swollen belly, in a fit of deep love and genuine. The little creature she carries inside is motionless, like peacefully asleep. Liara gently looks for her, with her fingertips first. Then, with the whole palm of her hand. At the gentle touch, the baby moves slowly, as resettling in her sleep. Liara's heart gets bigger and bigger.
The young mother indulges in a tender smile filled with beautiful emotions with no description in words. A single tear jumps off along the ridge of her cheek. It quickly reaches the chin, then slips away. Liara's voice is a tender message of love, like a lullaby whispered in the baby's ear. "Sweet dreams, little heart. Fear not, daddy's going to come back!"
As soon as she passes through the doorstep, the familiar sound of medical equipment, welcomes Liara, as the only greeting. Since before the sun rose, she dressed and undressed, a first time. Then, in the dark silence of her bedroom, she dressed and undressed, over and over again. Eventually, the morning sun is getting glow in the blue sky of her eyes. She finally enters the only place where she wants to be, filled herself with eagerly awaiting. Less than a heartbeat is all it needs. The blue of her fingers gets mixed in the pallor of her love's hand, whose fingers are greeting her, still motionless.
Liara does not seem to mind much. Instead, she settles herself on the chair as comfortably as possible, considering the now fairly advanced stage of pregnancy. The other hand, unconsciously sliding under her belly, supporting its weight as well as possible. The gaze runs and alights on the Shepard's face, like the touch of a loving caress. Liara closes her eyes, gathering her thoughts for a moment. She sighs, slightly lifting her eyebrows, as reminders come to life. The sound of her soft voice makes them gallop on the wings of emotions.
L: Massive, cold and dying! Beyond the glass of the Normandy observation deck, the photosphere of Anadius was seething before my eyes. The star's outer shell was trembling and rippling in a dance of bright colors. I surprised myself to think that the Universe might have some sort of special flair for the grotesque, sometimes! Sad, isn't it? Yet, I couldn't help but notice the curious similarity. I was looking at a "massive" star, like Illusive Man's ambition. As "cold" as his soul, and now "dying", just like his own creepy organization.
But, other than that, the red giant was indeed a fascinating spectacle! However, the kind of sight roused in my stomach a pang of subtle melancholy. The plasma oceans pulsed, moaned and winced, like the colossal chest of a sicked beast. The star was fusing helium no closer than a couple of million years. The fusion of heavier elements at the core was already begun. It was at the same time the root cause of the incredible color nuances, and the unmistakable sign that its life was coming to an end.
It was nevertheless so beautiful that I could not help but feel an irrational surge of vivid compassion. As for Cerberus, I wanted the Illusive Man wiped out from the history, getting all his sicked organization definitely cleared out. I was surprised by myself, in knowing that I did not feel any kind of remorse for wishing that. After what I had seen on Horizon... I felt no mercy anymore.
EDI's unemotional voice abruptly detracted me from my thoughts. I winced a little in surprise.
{Liara, Miranda's shuttle is approaching to the cargo bay. Docking expected in approximately two minutes and twelve point eight seconds. Shepard's having a briefing with Admiral Hackett at the QEC. In the meantime, she would like you meet Miranda at the Hangar, if you can. The Commander will reach you both, as soon as she can.}
I retorted quickly, as I strode toward the elevator, trying not to look thoughtful.
L: S-Sure! I'm already on my way to the lift, EDI, thanks!
While the elevator went down and down, my impatience was going up and up. Miranda had a score to settle with the Illusive Man herself. So, when she asked to join us, I was not surprised at all. Besides, I was happy to see her again. Even more than I imagined! I owe her a great debt of gratitude. Something this big I can't repay in a lifetime. It doesn't matter much whether the reasons she brought you back to life had nothing to do with fulfilling my heart's desire and prayer. If you are with me again... I owe it all to her!
Of course, I knew Miranda had obeyed some Illusive Man's unclear purpose. Anyway, I always believed that her real motivation was for challenge. The titillating sensation of succeeding at something that just can't be possible for everyone else. Well, I could understand. The Lazarus project had the combined presence of so many sensitive issues. Current scientific limitations seemed insurmountable. Endless variables and unknown factors needed to be considered. All this did nothing but turn to feed her ego, to make invincible her determination.
However, many things had happened since she and I met for the first time on Omega. Who I've been waiting for at the hangar was somebody profoundly different. Just as the opinion I had about her was profoundly changed. I liked Miranda! That day on Omega I would never have believed it possible, yet... I liked her. More, I did get attached, and I could not help but feel grateful every second more, for having brought you back to me.
To be there and to take part in our mission meant a lot to Miranda. Coming back on Cronos with us was the only way she would cut ties with her past once and for all. Miranda needed to close the book on the Illusive Man. But, above all, she needed to write the final page on the old herself. Finally, she had rescued her sister, and put them both out of her troubled relationship with their father. That meant a lot to her. The last thing she needed to do was facing the Illusive Man.
Undoubtedly, Miranda's several skills and in-depth knowledge of Cerberus and the Station were going to be valuable to help us recover the Catalyst. We were glad to get the opportunity to face our delicate mission with our friend, and to give her a helping hand, if possible.
Miranda said hello. The eyes of her shone as she approached. She shook my hand, giving me a smile of greeting.
M: Liara, nice to see you.
I smiled back, as reciprocated the handshake, warmly.
L: Hi, Miranda. Nice to see you too. You're looking real good. How's that wound?
Miranda scrubbed a hand over her hip, then nodded, replying in a positive tone.
M: Oh, I'm much better, thanks. You're looking good too, Liara.
L: Thanks, Miranda. Glad to know you feel better. Oriana and her family, are they OK?
Miranda's eyes lit up the moment she heard her sister's name. She let out a breath, smiling weakly as she nodded with relief. The voice of her sounded low and unusually sweet.
M: Yes, they are. Thanks to heaven, Hackett has found a place for them. There are no safe places in times like these, but... they're in good hands. At least until I'll come back. What about Shepard? I got word that she's still doing the impossible, and more! But, that's nothing new. Well, I could be wrong, but... I'm afraid that ignoring her own limits is getting harder and harder!
Before I had time to reply, your joking voice resounded loudly in the cargo bay, as you strode and reached us. A big smile printed on your lips.
S: Hey, what limits? You know good and well that limits are meant to be overcome, and... someone's gotta do it. That's why you're here! It's good to see you, Miranda! How are you doing, my friend?
The assault began! We needed a distraction. The Fifth Fleet fighters aimed the Station, firing at will. The air on the shuttle was strained. Our stomachs clenched in cramps of tension. Thanks to the Goddess, concentration distracted me from fear. I gathered all the air in my lungs as I could. Muscles tautness to the breaking point, as I tried to channel every fiber of my body, every cell of my mind, to be ready for action.
We found a docking bay, but it was heavily defended by enemy Fighters. We managed not to be noticed, until Cortez had to rush the shuttle through an open hatch at high-speed. The dock was patrolled. Cerberus troops opened fire and there was really nothing much we could do, other than pray not to blow up! I met your eyes just for a moment before the crash.
We looked at each other, fervently. No words needed. If I was to die, your eyes were the very last thing I wanted to look at. I felt you were feeling the same. I held my breath, my heart would roar in my chest, like a drum orchestra.
We landed rather daringly. I found myself thrown against the hatch. I slammed my shoulder. I got a pain down my back, then my head began to buzz like a beehive. I felt your arms tighten around me. I grabbed hold of you, unable to speak, as I tried to find the strength at least to breathe. Only when I finally managed to move, I realized we were still in one piece! Your fingers on my face were trying not to shake. Your voice, however, was very worried.
S: Hey, are you OK? Come on, Baby, breathe! Here, I'm gonna help you. We need to get out of here, right now!
Slowly, the misty darkness around me began to fade away. The blackness took the shape of your alarmed face. Reality came back to hit me, like a fist in the stomach. Between thick smoke, and the twisted plates of the shuttle. Thanks to the Goddess, my strength, at least, was coming back. You smiled faintly, with a slight nod. I gasped a little as I tried to cast away the sour taste that burned my throat, finding barely a faint sigh. I struggled to sound as convincing as possible, as I whispered...
L: I'll be fine, Shepard. Don't worry, I... can do it. Let's go!
I clung to you with all the strength I had. We all were still quite dazed, but with no time to lick our wounds. We left the shuttle quickly, immediately looking for cover. Thanks to our survival instinct, we were ready to engage the enemy. Miranda and EDI along us.
Cerberus knew exactly where we were. More reinforcements arrived even before we had time to throw ourselves behind a cover. If it wasn't for EDI, Cerberus would've completed the hangar venting sequence that day, and... well, he would've thrown our lives into space, along with the very last hopes of the whole galaxy!
We went through a hell of a lot of trouble at the hangar, which made obvious where we were. So, hereafter it was logical to expect enemies in ever increasing numbers. In this respect, EDI's scans were not reassuring at all. Assault troopers were incoming from everywhere, and having just one goal... to pick us off! The AI our friend looked up, reaching nothing but your warrior eyes, your stone face. Her expression as impassive as ever, but her voice was more controlled than usual. Almost a childhood attempt to make it look half as bad as it was.
E: I suggest proceeding with caution, Shepard. Cerberus has blocked the most obvious accesses to the inner Laboratory. Nemesis could be hidden behind strategical covers. Many areas are fortified by turrets and engineers. Heavy troops are directed towards us. I'm detecting several units in rapid approach, with the clear purpose of slowing us down. Sounds interesting!
EDI spoke in one breath. There was a lot of smoke in there. The smell acrid was filling the aisle. It was dark. Security lights painted their own red glows on the walls ripped open by the explosion. The alarm system noise was deafening. The water by the fire system was forming large puddles on the floor. In that whole mess, the sound of your determination was all we wanted to hear.
S: We're in the snake's den. We knew we were going to get a damn welcome party, but we're not here to give up, nor to be stopped. I want that Catalyst! A damn army won't stop us to get it. Miranda, any idea where it could be?
Miranda gave you a knowing look. She lit her omni-tool, and showed us a map of the Station, speaking in her efficient tone...
M: No doubt, if the catalyst is still on the Station, it can be only in its inner sanctum. Right here, Shepard, in the heart of the station, and several levels down. Seems EDI's right. We're going to fight our way through Cerberus troopers if we want to reach it.
The flames of the open chasm on the wall reflected in your eyes, and made your gaze like a hellish threat. A thermal clip snapped suddenly into your rifle, as you strode with a spring in your step, talking over your shoulder in a commanding tone.
S: That coward is taking his time. My gut is saying he's up to something. EDI, you'll have to deal with the turrets. Liara and Miranda use your biotics to prevent the engineers from repairing them. But please, do it sparingly. I guess our path will be long and winding. I'll take care of the troopers. God knows how many desperate refugees have been indoctrinated and turned into cannon fodder. That cursed butcher have to pay! Let's move, we won't let him get away!
The Miranda's voice sounded sad, guilty and angry. She strode behind us, the machine gun in one hand, the other in a tight fist of contempt. Her tone was warm and hissed across the flames of torn metal, like a bitter wind...
M: Shit! What a fuckin' questionable manner to "protect Humanity!"
The rest of us answered in unison, with the same sad bitterness, "Yeah!"
We found a terminal, but the data were corrupted. EDI stiffened, unable to hide her disappointment for not being able to recover the files. The regret betrayed from the hint of a scowl in her voice...
E: I'm sorry, Shepard. I'm afraid the disk recovery process would take a couple of hours, or more. Without starting any further procedures, I can only confirm the matter is concerning a project called "Black Wind".
The moment Miranda heard those two words, she rubbed her neck with a hand, leaning against the console almost to avoid falling. She looked down and let out a sigh. She spoke in a low voice as if by fatalistic resignation.
M: I can tell you what the deal was, Shepard. One of those things that I'm not proud of. Actually, I began to curse myself for taking part, before it even started!
Putting some pressure on Miranda was the last thing you wanted to do. You knew it was hard for her to look at what Cerberus had become, and to know she'd been a part of it for so long. I myself knew her enough to suppose what she was looking for was nothing but redemption. Miranda was relieved to see she could count on you for anything. The face of her showed a reprieve, as you nodded in reassuring.
S: You don't have to say anything if you don't want, Miranda. Unless, of vitally important things in our current mission.
Miranda nodded back, solemnly.
M: I know, Shepard, but I want to!
She grimaced in discomfort, carrying on, resolutely.
M: "Black Wind" is an old Cerberus' project in which I attended five or six years ago.
She said, with a sigh of disgust. The former Cerberus operative paused for a moment, before meeting your eyes eager for details. Miranda began to speak slowly, as for removing a weight from her heart, and tear herself away her long-dormant guilt. She did it in great detail, in a low voice, but sincere.
M: For what it's worth, I was very set against this operation, Shepard! I did my best to dissuade the Illusive Man, but in vain. Oh, he didn't listen to reason, like in a craving out of control. I realized almost immediately, he was planning something vital for himself, and nothing would stop him. He could see every possible outcome about. I had told the risks myself, over and over again. However, he considered each unfortunate side-effect like a "necessary evil". That's why he didn't want anyone's opinion. He put me in charge of a damned recovery mission! Our assignment was to get someone to escape from the Fremont Alliance High Security Facility.
Miranda paused again. Your eyes grew larger, gradually your astonishment turned into dismay. You folded your arms, standing against the wall, staring at Miranda, and struggling with yourself not to interrupt her story. After a short moment, she went on, cautiously.
M: Well, he was a deeply disturbed young man. I made a thorough study of him and obtained a complete psych profile. In short, the guy was suffering from incurable mental disorders in progressive escalation. He was a sadist and paranoid assassin. Of course, I reported to the Illusive Man all my doubts, but he reacted carelessly. He said we were going to give him a purpose, or we would have put a chip in his brain and would keep him under control. Then, he put me in front of a choice: to get the mission accomplished, or dismissing myself, putting Rasa in charge.
I almost did, Shepard! But, that fellow was an N7 soldier. An assassin with a remarkable military training! I was sure Rasa couldn't handle that extraction by herself. I didn't wanna risk she let that crazy-ass slip away. I wasn't gonna let a deranged killer on the loose with no control. So, in the end, I took the blasted mission!
Miranda looked at you with regretful eyes. She had to make a hard choice and tried to act for the best. Although she felt the burden of her decision every day, she was telling the truth. Your friendship meant a lot to her, and she didn't want to betray your confidence. On the other hand, you could understand Miranda's state of mind very well. You just wanted to give her a hand of help and the best you could do was to be just as honest. You spoke bitterly, but sympathetically.
S: I know that feeling, Miranda. Choosing the lesser of two evils is necessary, sometimes. However, it doesn't mean it's enough for ourselves as an excuse. Don't be too hard on yourself. You're such a smart and skilled woman, and you're a good person. If you weren't you would not be here by my side today, but aiming a gun to my head. And right now... that's all that really matters!
Miranda nodded her gratitude, stiffened a little as she replied, honestly.
M: Thanks, Shepard! Nothing can change my past, but you make me feel positive for my future... if we ever have any! Anyway, there's something else you should know. The name of the Chinese guy we broke out of jail that night was "Feng Hey Te". It means "Black Wind," but... well, Cerberus put really a chip in his brain and gave him a new face and identity. Since then, he calls himself... Kai Leng! Not a day goes past that I don't regret getting him out of the damned jail!
You blinked in astonishment.
S: What? Leng is... Feng! That same Feng? Ah, so this is it! The guy in Shanghai was... Leng!? What a motherf...
Your eyes widened as you stared at Miranda, gaped like a fish out of water. I was surprised, realizing you met Leng, when he was still Feng. And sadden because I had a feeling that whatever happened between you two it hadn't been pleasant. My investigation hadn't revealed much of Leng's past, and certainly not a hidden identity. I felt guilty for this, and barely resisted the urge to hug you, as I moved instinctively towards you. Instead, I smiled faintly, caressing your arm with a gentle squeeze and comforting.
L: Hey, whatever his name or his past, we're not going to let him harm people anymore, Shepard!
I said quietly, but convincingly. Your hand touched lovingly my own still resting on your shoulder, as a shiver ignited in my heart. Your eyes glowed softly as you nodded gratefully. I could feel your strength, but also the uneasiness which was growing inside you, while the memories just came flooding back to your mind. I was there, to be near you.
S: Of course we will! I'm fine, don't worry. Just kind of unexpected!
You said confidently, sighing faintly at the same time. A trace of emotion made your voice vibrating, while you were reliving your first met with Leng, vividly...
S: I met him when he was still a boy. To be honest, he didn't look like Kai Leng at all! Me too, I was really young, just 18. I was in Shanghai for an Action Training Program Exchange for Academy cadets.
I took part in a joined drill, and they put me in charge of my first recon squad. Oh, I was so nervous! It was only a test, but I was convinced that my heart was about to explode like a bomb that day. Fortunately, things went well in the end. Drill Sergeant Jefferson gave us a 36-hours leave as a prize. I was so happy and thrilled at the thought.
My comrades took the opportunity to meet with their families, but I stayed there. I'd never been to Shanghai, and I couldn't wait to be out and about in the city most populated on Earth. I walked into a diner near the port late afternoon, driven by my stomach, and the affordable prices. The decor was modest, but the place looked very clean and tidy, the food cooked with love. The smell of pork, sesame and ginger that filled the air was mouth-watering.
I heard crying out, while I washed my hands. Then, a lot of noise of crockery and broken dishes. I rushed out of the toilet. Three young roughs scared the customers away, and took possession of the bar. Two of them were throwing on the floor anything they could lay their hands on. They poured out the salt, overturned the tables, and got the tablecloths ripped apart. The younger one had a knife and threatened the owner who was crying and looked terrified.
Before I even had a conscious thought, I pulled out my gun. I fired off a couple shots on the ground, between the feet of the two misfits. I was hoping to get them scared enough to make running them off. "Hey, you assholes! My squad is out there. We all are armed and dangerous, and we're going to be very pissed off!" I snarled from behind the muzzle of my gun, menacingly. "You got three seconds to walk away, before I call my guys." I added dryly, as I began to count. "One..."
I was damn lucky! The two guys completely fell for it, and they took to their heels through the door. However, my gut was telling me the real problem was the third one. He was staring at me, eyes bloodshot, the malignant face. He was just over a kiddo, but cold as ice. He didn't seem like he had any scruple or inhibition. If I had not bluffed, he'd have forced me to put the gun down. Probably, I would've lost control of the whole thing, compromising the safety of that poor terrorized girl. So, I had to make him believe I was stronger than him and just as ruthless.
"Do you understand me?" I asked, sharply. He nodded, glower face, so I barked in reply, menacingly. "I have a gun, you a knife. You can let her go and nobody will get hurt. You have my word. Or you can kill her, but I'll put a bullet in your head, the moment you do it. Well, you know, that's an easy shot so close. I cannot fail, believe me. So think hard before you hurt her because, you're not getting out of here alive if she dies. Choose... right now!" The boy was holding the knife, angrily. The blade pressed against the young woman's throat vibrating and reflecting a wild glow in his young eyes and evil.
We stood still while he was just weighing his options. I wished wholeheartedly he was believing my determination as strong as his own, and worried enough that I would pull the trigger, to take any risk. "Two..." I shouted loud, trying to avoid him from thinking. "OK, but... this isn't over!" The misfit hissed, menacingly. "I'm going to head for that door. Don't shoot." He grimaced, with a grim growl, before walking a few steps back, dragging his hostage with him. With his back against the door, he looked for the unlock plate with the free hand, and pushed with brutality the poor woman towards me, as he fled away.
The young diner owner was safe, unharmed, but terrified. She kept thanking me, as she gasped in panic. After she lost her husband, they coerced her to give them some money every single week, but she couldn't pay anymore. Those young criminals would've burned the diner down, if I wasn't able to stop them. I came to know the poor woman could no longer afford to pay because, her child was seriously ill, and treatment cost more than she could earn.
I tried to reassure her. I thought that, if she had soldiers for lunch and dinner every day, those criminals would stop threatening her. So, I promised her a lot of soldiers and Academy cadets as clients, in exchange for a little price reduction on the menu. She seemed very relieved. Before I left, she insisted that, I should not underestimate the threats I had received. "Take care of yourself!" She told me, sincerely grateful. "That fellow is heartless. He calls himself Feng Hey Te. In your language, it means... Black Wind!" She added, as I saw the terror in her eyes growing, like if she was talking about a curse.
Academy's sleeping quarters were not far. It was late and I had to cross a dark alley and narrow, which seemed to be made for an ambush. So, when those three fellows jumped out from around the corner, blocking my way, I wasn't surprised at all. Feng's knife was still shining in his hand. The cruel grin of his did not bode well. Nothing to do with the desperate look of malnourished and scared street people that I knew so well myself. He used to like to terrify defenseless people. He felt some perverse pleasure in causing pain, and it was clear that he couldn't help it.
His buddies, on the other hand, seemed two wretches, looking to shake somebody down for some cash. Anyway, they pounced on me, trying to hit me. I abruptly sidestepped, rolling on the ground. I dragged the nearest one with me, while I hit the other with a kick. We fought. Feng jumped on me, like a rabid varren, wielding his blade. I saw him just in time to quickly duck sideways. The force of its own momentum caused him to slam against the glass pane of an old window behind me, which shattered. He was hit in the face by a large fragment of glass, getting a nasty cut.
I didn't want that guy getting hurt like that. I told him how much I felt sorry, and tried to help him get up, but he reacted furiously. He was shivering with rage and frustration. His face filled with blood, while screaming at me hatred in a venomous rancor gasp. "You sucker bitch! You dishonored me. I'll clean the offence with the blood of your entrails. Wherever you go, you'll feel my breathing in the shadows behind you. You can't get away from my vengeance, nor acquit yourself, except with your death. I'm not gonna rest, until I have taken your life in a fight to the death, one piece at a time. I swear!" He grinned, before riding away.
We went down again. We fought our path through the hell. Then, another door, a new terminal, other particles of memory. Miranda's fingertips ran over a filled with data console. They stopped abruptly as she was reading, like petrified. She blanched, as she put both her hands on the terminal. Her shoulders succumbed under the weight of bewilderment. Although our friend was struggling to tame the feeling of warmth she felt pressing into her eyes, she could not hold back a little moan.
M: Oh, Jesus Christ!
While Miranda tried to choke a grim sigh of consternation in a faint voice, you and I were already moving in unison and we reached together the terminal. Our stomach crumpled in gasps of apprehension.
S: What?
The anxious voice of yours was the only thing that filled the room, as Miranda's distraught gaze chilled us to the bone. She had disquieting wide eyes that not bode well. The proverbial icy calm of her was gone, dissolved somewhere, like snow in the sun. Nothing but disgust vibrated in the tone of her voice...
M: The true face of Cerberus! Holy fuck! ... How could I? ... How the hell could I've been so foolish, so... fuckin' blind not to see?!
S: Miranda, what did you find?
You asked again, your jaw clenched in expectation. We began to be seriously worried. For a few moments, the waiting seemed to dilate in anguish, become heavy as a boulder. Miranda frowned in response, avoiding your gaze. Finally, she shook her head in disbelief. Her emotions scarcely disguised under the professional sound of her voice.
M: It's the... report of a mission on Kahje, accomplished by the Illusive Man himself, about four years ago. It seems to concern an... ancient artifact, and...
Miranda couldn't carry on. Slowly, she slid down to the floor. Her back resting on the console, the shocked face. She sat on the ground, eyes lost somewhere, for a few moments. Finally, she looked at her fingers, disbelieving eyes. Face obscured by her hands.
Miranda's not really the kind who loses control easily. She's a strong, brave woman who faced her father and his men, to save her sister, when she was still a young girl. She was not afraid to face a suicide mission through the Omega 4 relay. She was willing to die by your side, on the Collectors' Base to stop them. For all these reasons, the present reaction of Miranda made me feel very sorry and deeply concerned. I was positive whatever was on that computer must have been something awful!
S: Hey, come on, my friend!
Your voice, soft and reassuring, distracted me from my thoughts. You grimaced in apprehension, as you sat next to Miranda, and put your arm around her shoulders, in a sign of encouragement as you said, confidently.
S: Sure as hell, whatever it is, that's not your fault! Take a break for a minute, OK? We're going to deal with it, Miranda. You won't have to face it alone, I promise.
Then you gave me a worried look, but your voice did not betray your thoughts.
S: Liara, EDI and you do get everything you can extract from the PC. Please, see if you can figure out if this is a Prothean artifact and what it's for. It could be a new kind of threat, or have to do with the Catalyst. We can't afford to leave anything out.
My professional habit helped me stay focused. I carefully analyzed all the information I could see. Although the data were fragmented, EDI managed to make them clear enough so that I could reconstruct what happened with a good approximation. I focused on the answers we were looking for. The more I understood, and the more my heartbeat quickened.
L: Yes, ma'am. Hmm, it seems the Illusive Man has consulted some archaeologists and secretly funded their research for years. Dr. Anika V'Rani is very prominent in her field as an archaeologist. She's the best Asari expert on very ancient alien civilizations. I always have been a great admirer of her, and I've read everything she has written about the very ancient pre-Prothean cultures. Seems she carried out extensive research on Illusive Man's behalf. All analyzes confirmed the artifact was forged from a metal not known, by an equally unknown and mysterious alien race.
Goddess! A new race! We're talking about an exceptional discovery, Shepard. V'Rani repeated the dating over and over again. The object turned out dating back several millions of years before the Prothean civilisation.
The images of the artifact were amazing. Exceptional enough to get my professional interest inflamed. I was excited by the discovery, at least as much as I was worried about Cerberus' reasons. I kept putting things together, until something terrible emerged. I rubbed my face before reaching your eyes. Astonished eyes and concerned, as I whispered under my breath...
L: Goddess! There was an inscription on the back. Ideographs. Certainly not Prothean language. That writing is by far more ancient, and completely unknown, Shepard! I myself cannot translate it, and from what I see, they took years trying, but in vain. In the end, not even V'Rani succeeded in. However, the artifact had been stolen from the Archives of Mars, among the Prothean artifacts. She came to the conclusion that perhaps the Protheans had managed to get also a translation, and she was right! It was galactic coordinates! It looks like the coordinates have led them to an underwater cave on Kahje. Seems also that... the Illusive Man has gone to that cave in person!
Despite your expression of stone, I could see the glimmer of irritation in your eyes turned into fear, the fear into concern, and the concern into anger. You walked back and forth with brooding steps, before you give voice in your thoughts, in an absorbed tone...
S: Hmm, if the Illusive Man went in person, it probably means he believed to come with something so precious that he couldn't have anybody he can trust but himself. I bet he was looking for alien technology. He had supposed he was sitting on something big. Huge enough to push his organization light-years forward than anyone else in the galaxy. Perhaps, he has not only taken advantage of the Reapers' technology. But, he may have found something even more dangerous and lethal. And, whatever it is, may still be here!
Miranda was restless. She paced uneasily, hands on her hips, listening. Until she stopped suddenly, by snapping her fingers, nervously...
M: Uh, or maybe not! Must be four years ago! I remember the Illusive Man "mysteriously" vanished for more than a week. This was unusual and extremely strange. He wouldn't give me any clarification when I asked. He only said it was unnecessary for me to know details. However, he seemed... disappointed.
When I was able to widen the issue a little more, I moved closer, to share my thoughts.
L: Well, it is likely both of you are right. He certainly thought he was finding alien technology, Prothean maybe. However, the artifact was a key. He reached the cave under the sea with the help of a hanar named Zymandis.
You let out a breath of surprise, frowned, as you expressed your frustration, loudly.
S: Zymandis, eh? Of course, he did! I should've figured he'd have asked another unbalanced crazy-ass, and out of his mind like him, for help!
L: Anyway, it seems they used the "key" to get access a room, and found nothing but a strange pyramidal obelisk, which contained another slot for that artifact.
You blinked, arms folded, leaned in dismay on the terminal. Anger spread aloud in the air, getting all the peace of mind taken away. Your words echoed in my stomach, and fueled the anguish. The harsh reality underlined something I would never want to confirm.
S: Wait! You're not saying our nutcase has put a potential activation key in the belly of an unknown and potentially lethal alien pyramid, are you? Something hidden into a damned cave for millions of years, under billions of tons of water, who knows by whom, and for what fuckin' damned reason?!
I gave you a sad nod, as my stomach crumpled in dismay. Instinctively, my eyes get closed a moment, as I struggled to find a way not to feel the weight of your gaze, before I keep talking. A sigh came out of my lips, and I found the courage to replay. In the silence around me, my low voice sounded almost like a scream.
L: He did it, Shepard! The... "key" activated some form of transmission. Something powerful and impossible to stop. As soon as the obelisk began to throb, a signal bounced from one relay to the next, across the galaxy! From what I can see, the Illusive Man was able to track the signal for days. Until it went out the Milky Way, a couple of weeks later. Regular scans to the Far Rim relay detected a large ship's emission frequency, which was crossing the relay, afterwards. Goddess! I'd recognize that resonant frequency in a million, Shepard. It was the... Sovereign!
To be Continued...