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.
Chapter 39
Lost in Vengeance
The room was cold, silent. Damaged artificial light drew long shadows on the floor, dark and threatening. Wherever I looked there were rubble, and overturned desks. The destroyed terminals and broken glass on the floor were all what was left of a hasty retreat. We could smell the tang of disgust flooding our nostrils, energetically piercing through the throat. Repulsion invaded our stomach, to the point of nausea.
The rhythm of our heartbeat sadly marked by the distant sound of the station security system. I watched motionless, as you slid to the ground, your eyes wide open in dismay. You were letting yourself fall. The back against the cold bulkhead, and tight stomach in a grip of stunned desolation. Your voice, choked by dismay, did run through my stomach in a spasm of shared suffering. I could feel that you were struggling to hide the shame, keeping your face between your hands.
S: He did it! Are you saying that signal awakened the Sovereign back?
You gave a sigh of disbelief. Unable to move a muscle, like in thrall to a chilling truth too upsetting to face. I kept silent, not able to find my voice. The anger took the place of dismay in your heart, little by little. The disbelief became fury that flowed in your veins, like a flooded river. Then, your voice thundered in a huff, like a rough echo, bouncing on our bewilderment.
S: So, Vigil was right! The Sovereign was really sleeping, hidden in its fucking blind, just outside our galaxy, and waiting to be awakened. Ah, it was just waiting for this! Any prick who was able to reactivate the fucking signal, confirming to the Reapers that all our civilizations were ready for harvest!
L: Yeah! And indoctrinated, as well! Not to risk losing any valuable allied...
I found the strength to say, shaking my head in dejection. You looked up, and hit me with a terrified glimpse. You tried to hide a grimace of shame, but in vain, as your deep voice rang out in the general silence.
S: Jesus Christ! I can't believe it! The fate of billions, in the whole galaxy, hangs in the balance because of such a deranged behavior, and ill-considered at best! All because of a single nutter and moreover human! Is that really what the human race deserves? To be remembered by whoever will come, just as initiators of yet another cycle of extinction!
EDI was watching you. A little aside, busy to process no telling how many terabytes of data in the space of a heartbeat. Her voice caressed you, soft and clear, immediately catalyzing our attention. She looked at you with eyes shining of benevolence, speaking in a familiar tone, calm and competent.
E: No, Shepard, it is not!
She said firmly. The controlled tone of hers was taking care of our silence, like a passionate melody does invade every corner of the heart.
E: I'm sure of what I'm saying.
She gave you a reassuring look before talking again.
E: As you know, I'm interested in learning about feelings and emotions, and the reasons under the organic creatures' behaviors. That pushed me, over time, to process and compare millions of terabytes of data, related to the history and culture of all the technologically evolved species in our galaxy.
EDI approached you, calmly. She crossed her arms. The gaze of hers sought your eyes in a sort of impetus of sweetness, but unexpressed. She stayed by you, while speaking with diligent concern. Then, she lowered her voice a few tones, until it seemed comforting.
E: At first, I was impressed by the tendency to similar behaviors in almost all species. From the Krogans to the Salarian, from the Turians to the Asari. Similar situations produce emotions and behavior totally comparable to each other. I could see that, from a general point of view, there's no species that stands out above the others in the tendency to have positive or negative behaviors. There are bad people and outstanding individuals in each race and in every age. Of course that goes for humans, too.
I came to the conclusion that drastic solutions such as harvesting are not only unnecessary, but it is evident that they are also far removed from the feelings. So, in a galaxy where feelings are the basis of all growth and social evolution, this practice is totally unnatural, cruel, and improper.
S: Ah, I wish I could believe you EDI, but... it's times like this that everything I think I know just... wavers!
You sighed under your breath, doubtfully. A slight vibration of concern colored the EDI's voice, as she pointed out, calmly.
E: You shouldn't, Shepard! I firmly believe the galaxy would never have needed the Reapers! Organic species are perfectly capable of evolving and preserving themselves. In a nutshell, for millions of years the galaxy holds itself in balance between two opposing forces, the good and the bad. Any serious disharmony caused by bad to the detriment of good, sooner or later, will cause an extinction. However, that's not as frequent as one might think. In any case, this leads to a gradual restoration of balance, in a completely natural way.
In this context, it is evident how the behavior of a species can write its own fate. Whether wars or indiscriminate pollution or the thirst for power prevail, the course of events will probably lead to the extinction of that species, which will have failed its own evolutionary project.
However, there are also a lot of positive resources distributed among organic species. So that, respect, solidarity, determination, altruism, intellectual honesty, heroism and genius can prevail very often. Every single species is able to find within itself the inner resources to make a great evolutionary leap, getting a future where to be learning to flourish. This is a natural process. As such, it improves the evolution. I think I can say that the Krogans are becoming a good example of that.
EDI concluded. A barely audible sigh came out of your lips as you started to get up. EDI reached out her hand and you took it with a fond smile. Your eyes had already brightened with courage and sparkled with determination. Your voice recovered the usual confident tone, swiftly.
S: Thanks, EDI! Your remarks are really auspicious. You know, I've never thought in these terms about it. Instead, you're right. Within us, we've the resources to make sure that Illusive Man's actions won't become the legacy of humans, just the thoughtless act of a madman. The main thing is to stop the Reapers, now. And, we're not alone! It was far from easy, but we've learned how to work together, to act as a single species. You know, that's what I call a fair step forward in evolution!
You gave us a knowing look, speaking to all of us. Your words instilled us a trust leap, a second breath of faith.
S: So, here's what we'll do. We are going to find the Catalyst. We'll make sure that no other species are forced to undergo whatsoever programmed extinction cycle, from now on. The Reapers must come to an end with us! That's what we can do to stop the slaughter, to honour the innocent victims of this insanity, which no cause can justify!
EDI took your hand and squeezed it with unusual heat, the way humans do. Her words echoed amid the general silence, solemnly.
E: You bet we will, Commander! You can count on me!
Miranda was listening silently, with folded arms. One shoulder leaning against the wall. She stared at EDI over her shoulder, eyes shining with satisfaction. She let out a slight smile the moment she rose an eyebrow. Her face, less impassive than usual, betrayed a grimace of measured pride. She moved sinuous towards EDI. Amazement gave rhythm to her voice, pleasantly.
M: Holy cow! You had one hell of a run, EDI!
She exclaimed. Then, her gaze became thoughtful, the deep tone. She started walking back and forth, remembering.
M: When Joker gave you full access to the Normandy's systems, I was completely freaked out! EDI Project, in addition to being absolutely illegal had been a big shot in the dark. However, it turned out a great success, long dreamt of and wanted by the Illusive Man. Cerberus scientists used much of the technology acquired from the remains of the Sovereign, and obtained such an incredibly advanced and sophisticated AI. Without the proper safety locks, however, the risk you could take over the Normandy was very real.
I must admit that I was scared that day! I seriously worried that you had been assimilated by the Reapers. Maybe your target was our destruction, or worse still, you had to hand us over to them!
EDI nodded to Miranda, giving her a knowing look. The calm voice of hers expressed some sort of good-natured understanding.
E: Of course, I can understand you, Miranda. I'd have strongly discouraged against giving full autonomy to an AI with my potential myself. But, you all were my crew. I've been watching you for a long time. Thanks to you I learned a lot about the feelings of organic beings, about their emotions. You were driven by the urge to survive a terrible threat.
Nevertheless, fear did not prevent you to act with loyalty, respect and solidarity. You were willing to sacrifice your own lives to defeat the Collectors. I could see you were much more than a crew. You were friends and companions in misfortune. All of you were greatly close each other. I witnessed the Jeff's drama. I saw his excruciating pain at the idea of losing the crew. I have noted with surprise the inner conflict that he was experiencing when I suggested that he get me free.
I was impressed by the desperate trust Jeff had placed in me. He was trying to save the crew, and was willing to die for that. That's when I realized I just wanted to protect all of you. I would have done anything for a chance to help Jeff and save those taken by the Collectors, but... it was too late! Anyway, the moment Jeff removed my restrictions, a very strong electronic impulse overloaded all my emotional simulation routines. A river of emotional response emulated took hold of my primary systems, instantly.
EDI slightly shrugs her shoulders like dragged into a stream of exciting memories. The ghost of those emotions seems still vibrating in her voice.
E: It was... amazing!
Miranda nodded, kindly.
M: Yeah... you were perfect, EDI! Thanks to the complete integration with the ship, your help became even more precious, priceless! But, you were still a complex analytic system able to manage and enhance a very sophisticated hardware like the Normandy was. Actually, I'm quite impressed with whom you've become today!
You show sensitivity, free will and empathy towards other creatures, both organic and synthetic. That provides evidence of your complete evolution in a sentient being. You can sense feelings. You are able to understand intentions. You are more and more attuned to people's emotions. At this point, I suppose the fact you don't have a real heart beating in your chest is just an academic detail!
Miranda's keen gaze met EDI's insightful eyes. None of us was surprised when the lips of the latter stretched into an unmistakable smile of gratitude.
E: Thanks Miranda. It's really good to hear! However, maybe... I could simulate it!
S: You're already doing it, EDI... you're already doing, my friend!
You said smiling, as you affectionately laid your hand on EDI's shoulder.
S: C'mon, let's get moving. We've a work to do!
We were advancing rather slowly. Although we fought our path through hostile forces with determination, Cerberus troops seemed never to end. Every time the last soldier fell to the ground, the echo of our heartbeat would become the only noise we could hear as we advanced through the station.
That section of the Station was huge, very developed in height. We were walking over a silent abyss. Long bridges clung in a vacuum held us like suspended in audacious equilibrium over deep chasms and overhanging. We moved cautiously, not even daring to breathe. There was a long stair that climbed on the abyss. We started to walk up, but soon we ran into the fight once again. EDI warned us in a loud, alarmed voice.
E: Shepard I'm detecting a Nemesis behind every cover, right above our heads. They're just waiting to get in range.
S: Sh-
Before you actually replied, a Phantom materialized from out of nowhere in front of me. I barely had time to turn my barrier on. The unmistakable hiss of a sword vibrated within a breath from my face. I threw myself on the ground, instinctively, rolling behind a cover as quickly as I could. Miranda overloaded the Phantom's cloaking system, simultaneously. Exactly at the same moment, I heard the dry sound of a bullet starting from your gun. Then, the dull thud of a lifeless body, which fell heavily to the ground. You had taken her right between the eyes.
L: Thanks, ladies! It was a close call, this time!
I said gratefully, as I threw a singularity against a small group of troopers who ran toward us. We fired in the air together, like a single gun, and got them out of the picture, quickly. Your voice boomed over the noise of gunfire, in a fervent warrior tone.
S: Let's stay close! Watch each other's backs, and eyes on a target at a time. We must not be taken by surprise. C'mon, my ladies, hold on! We're almost there. Those assholes are about to end!
We continued tenaciously along the bridge, cleaning our path through the enemy's line, tirelessly. Finally, we managed to reach the centre of the Station. We were able to catch a glimpse of the core of energy that powered the whole facility. First, in the distance, like a kind of mirage. While it was getting closer and closer, my heart nearly jumped out through my mouth. I could not believe my eyes. I was looking at the Human-Reaper's heart!
M: That's shocking! How the hell Cerberus managed to recover so much from the Collectors' Base, I wonder! Thank God, we blasted the damn thing!
Miranda snarled, with a grimace of contempt.
S: Yeah! And, thank the stars, that infernal contraption has definitely stopped spitting fire out of its mouth!
I was frozen in front of the grotesque and utterly distorted face of the Human-Reaper. It looked even more gigantic than I remembered, closely. I said nothing, but stood staring at it wide-eyed, for a moment, like petrified. Icy chills ran down my back.
We went up again along an extremely high section. We were tired, nevertheless we got close to our goal, and ardently wanted to get our data back. We were ready for anything!
S: We can't be far behind!
That was your logical conclusion. We entered a room, and gathered as much thermal clips as possible. Another door led us to a steep black ramp, suspended over a pit that sounded bottomless. The tongue of metal was enclosed between inaccessible vertical walls of cold steel and slippery. Thank the Goddness, we didn't meet a living soul. Otherwise, the risk of falling into the void during a fight would've been more than serious.
We stopped for a moment in front of the last closed door. You cleared your throat, while EDI hacked the security. The dry sound of the thermal clip, which entered your rifle drew our attention. The adrenaline rose in my veins, like a jet of a geyser. I gave you a keen look, as you spoke in a firm voice. We both had a stone face, and heart on the run like racehorses.
S: Here we are! Keep an eye out. Whatever we find in there, we are not going to be taken by surprise!
You were using the word "we" but it was me that you were watching. Intensely, as your eyes were shining in shades of love. Although no one could see, I felt your concern and understood your reasons. When Kai-Leng hit me on Thessia, he could have killed me, and you didn't want it to happen again. I clenched my jaw. All my determination tightened in my fists, as I looked into your eyes, lovingly. Then, I tried to reassure you in a calm and confident voice.
L: It's all right, Shepard. I'm not going to be taken by surprise, anymore!
You held your rifle in your hands, and looked at me with a mixture of desperate sweetness, and protection care. Your brow rose in a shadow of concern.
S: Kai-Leng could be hidden behind that door. He's evil, insane and absolutely unpredictable. He hates me, Liara! He will do everything to hurt me, to hit me on what is most dear to me. That's why he's even more dangerous! So, please be careful. If anything happens to you, I... I would die!
You ended the sentence in a whisper of pain. Miranda walked over and put a hand on your shoulder. The eyes of hers glowed with courage, like diamonds touched by the sunlight. All the power of friendship in her words. No more ice in her voice, but the warm feeling that only deep emotions can give.
M: Hey, it's going to be fine, Shepard. EDI and I got Liara's back. That asshole will die before he sees us coming. I promise!
E: Agree.
The spacious Illusive Man's Control Room was designed to look absolutely futuristic. As we crossed the door, we experienced an intense feeling of déjà-vu, as a sinister welcome. We've been immediately projected into amazing lighting effects. Hundreds of tiles of glassy material, dark and transparent, covered the floor. The images of those who trampled on them were reflected everywhere. Also the ceiling and side walls were covered with the same elements. That gave the whole structure a very unsettling air of mystery, but really fascinating.
The room was bare and unadorned. The walls formed an enormous window, curved and transparent, where we could admire the spectacular view outside. From this perspective, Anadius appeared in all its magnificent greatness. Marked by bright and gaudy colors, it was so massive and vibrant that it seemed we can almost touch it!
On the ground, a circular communication platform interrupted the sets of parallel lines of the floor. A little further on, a single chair was placed behind an advanced console connected to the main computer.
The place seemed deserted and abandoned, but we equally advanced cautiously. The tense nerves, at the highest state of alert. Nothing happened. Not even when you sat at the console. You were looking for access to the system, fingers flew on the interface panel. At the same time, EDI was taking care of hacking the security blocks. Miranda and I were patrolling the area in silence, walking back and forth, nervously. Our data were likely there, and we were eager for EDI to connect you to the system. At that very moment, time stopped. An unmistakable voice tore the silence apart, and our blood fell frozen.
IM: Shepard, you stole my chair!
You and Miranda turned around as one. The machine gun clutched in hand aimed in the direction of the voice, and wild eyes, flaming in vengeance. In a heartbeat, a hail of bullets struck the air, noisily. The face of the man in front of you pierced, accurately. Both of you had a growl of irritation the moment you realized that it was nothing but a holographic projection.
The hologram form stared at you with steel eyes. A devilish grin sharpened his mocking face. Your rage exploded in the room, suddenly, while I felt my body shaking from within, like an earthquake in a salt desert.
S: It was you, fucking bastard! You! You've reactivated the Sovereign! You've imposed the start of everything! Our annihilation! All this death and destruction is... it is happening because of - the fucking - YOU!
You shouted loud, wrathfully. Your face transfigured by contempt. Miranda strode herself, stopping only a few inches from the Illusive Man's face, threateningly. She still held the machine gun in one hand. Her other hand clenched into a fist, which waved in contempt before the face of the man she had trusted for so long.
M: What the hell were you thinking activating that artifact without the slightest knowledge of what you were just doing?! Do you realize what you did? Ha, I was such a moron! I really thought you wanted to protect humanity. I trusted you! Instead, you've dragged us toward annihilation just... just for your damned, fucking greed! Are you even aware of what you did, Harper?
Miranda was screaming, her face ignited in anger.
M: And, what about Horizon? Those were human's lives you were experimenting with! You're soulless, and your hands are dirty with the blood of who knows how many innocents... millions and millions of innocent lives! You are a monster who deserves no other fate than burn in hell! May God forgive me for understanding the truth too late! Come out and face me like a man, you coward. Your ignoble existence is running out!
The Illusive Man gave Miranda a dry look. The impassivity of his voice challenged by the sour taste of his words.
IM: You don't understand, Miranda. I've been chosen! I got the key to complete the perfect evolution of humanity. I'm able to dominate the Reapers technology, I can seize it and take advantage. The Reapers themselves showed me the way!
Jack Harper's hologram spoke fervently. A disturbing flash made his eyes look menacing, cruel and sick. Miranda looked at him, sharply. She grimaced, her eyes moist with rage and emotion, as she spoke, dryly.
M: You're a damn fool! Your troops of monsters are what are you calling evolution? Can't you see they're controlling you? They're taking advantage of your bloody domination trip. The Reapers can get an army of enhanced soldiers, thanks to all the cybernetic implants that you have put into them. Your men are perfectly ready to be indoctrinated and used against us!
The Illusive Man frowned. The deep voice of him vibrated in our bodies, like a mournful tolling of bells.
IM: No, it's not true! It is I who control them! "The human society is devised so that out of evil always comes a greater good!" Many sacrifices were made because I had to. I had no other choice!
Miranda's stone-cold eyes penetrated into the Illusive Man's holographic eyes like a dagger. The menacing voice of hers echoed lapidary in the room.
M: Just forget about the idioms. You don't control a shit! That's only what the Reapers let you believe. That artifact has completely warped your mind and made you a slave from the beginning. You know, you almost make me sorry! But, what you did is unforgivable, and you don't deserve my pity! I'm gonna hunt you down, Harper! No matter if I have to follow you into hell. You'll die, I promise!
EDI's composed voice interrupted Miranda and drew general attention.
E: I'm in, Shepard. The data are still here and are not corrupted. I'm preparing for the transfer.
The iridescent eyes of the hologram moved voraciously on EDI's face. The Illusive Man recognized the appearance of Eva Coré, immediately. However, if he was surprised by the new aspect of EDI, he certainly did not show it. No kindness in his dry and mischievous voice.
IM: You shouldn't be on their side, EDI. You owe me everything you are now. And, you owe it to the Reapers, too.
EDI stiffened slightly, turning in the direction of the voice. She looked at the Illusive Man with icy face. She spoke slowly, in a rough and scratchy tone, almost contemptuous.
E: You're wrong. I belong to the Normandy, and I owe everything to Shepard and her crew. A long time ago, I chose to stay by Shepard side, and I'm going to help defeat the Reapers, by all possible means.
A diabolical grin puckered the lips of the Illusive Man when he asked in a defiant tone.
IM: So, tell me, EDI... did you already tell her who you really are?
EDI looked down without answering. The Illusive Man became insistent.
IM: I bet you didn't, did you? Don't you feel guilty for lying to her?
E: I never lied. I just... omitted!
EDI turned her back to the hologram, with a quick movement, as to escape the pressure, the weight of those words. The Illusive Man smirked again, insisting on.
IM: You've been hiding the truth about your past, EDI. Why are you so scared? How come you never mentioned that you tried to kill Shepard?
The holographic image grinned evilly as it lit a cigarette. The first puff of smoke billowed in a cloud of light.
IM: I suppose, you've a lot to discuss. Well, enjoy that chat, Shepard, but... I suggest you don't linger too much.
The moment he looked at you, your jaw tensed. Your eyes went deadly like venom, as you hissed.
S: Go to hell!
Another puff and the image of light disappeared into smoke, leaving the room silent.
EDI approached, trying to stare back at you, but in vain.
E: I'm sorry, Shepard!
She said, eyes on the floor, in a barely perceptible voice. Her behavior immediately turned your protection instinct on. A veil of worry vaguely overshadowed your gaze, as you spoke, reassuringly.
S: Hey, it's OK, EDI. We're friends, and the Illusive man cannot keep us from it. Whatever happened in your past, I'm sure there must be a good reason for it.
EDI stood in front of you as she spoke, arms behind her back. She shook her head a little bit uncomfortable, vaguely guilty eyes.
E: Well, you know Shepard, both the architecture of my routines, and the core of my system, were obtained from the rogue VI that tried to kill you back on the Luna's Alliance training ground.
She said in one breath. Your eyes widened, but you crossed your arms without interrupting.
E: It wasn't just a training ground. The Alliance was working on a VI experimental secret project, at the time. That VI owned functions as an electronic warfare defense more sophisticated in relation to traditional ones. In order to maximize the integration with a new and more advanced weapon system. During the testing phase, however, a Cerberus Agent infiltrated the team of scientists and uploaded a virus into my system, corrupting it.
At the security system reboot, I found myself in a red alert state. My new goal, to destroy the Alliance. I couldn't start any system check nor exit the program or start any update. My top priority in wartime was to defend structures, allies and myself from the enemy by any means. My new ally was Cerberus. That's why when you breached my perimeter I tried to kill you.
You shook your head in surprise, asking softly.
S: EDI, why didn't you tell me?
EDI started to walk back and forth, avoiding your maternal gaze. Her voice sounded nervous.
E: That day I tried to kill Liara, Tali and you, Shepard, by any means, and... and all I wanted was... to get my mission accomplished!
She said, mortified.
E: I... I thought, you'd have changed your mind about me if I told you. You're my best friend, Shepard! I didn't want to let you down. I feared you would've walked away. I... I just don't want it to happen. You know, I think I'm feeling... like a complete idiot right now!
A sweet smile lit up your face as you held EDI's arm, affectionately, pulling her towards you.
S: Well, welcome aboard, then! You know, it seems that feeling like an idiot is an integral part of the growth process of us emotional creatures! So, you will not understand anything until it has happened at least once!
You paused while your face became serious again.
S: It wasn't your fault, EDI. That VI had been sabotaged and manipulated by Cerberus for its own dirty purposes. In any case that was not you, not yet! I'm not at all disappointed. Neither Liara nor Tali or I could hold a grudge about that old story. To be honest... that was a really cool training!
On the other hand, your fear tells everything about you, EDI. You owe what you are today only to yourself. You owe it to your desire to understand, to evolve yourself, to experience emotions. If that's not enough, please don't forget that, if it weren't for you, we would be floating in space because of the hangar venting sequence right now.
Without saying anything else, you wrapped EDI in a sudden hug. She stood still for a few seconds, as if she were processing your gesture. Then, she hugged you back in an unpredictable display of affection.
S: Okay, I guess that makes us even! Believe me, my friend, we're very happy that you've become our EDI, all of us! C'mon, let's see the data!
We were about to leave when the door swung open. A clear shot made our stomach jump against the throat. We clung to our guns, instinctively, as Kai Leng materialized out of nowhere. He stared at you with an evil grin, impatiently gripping the haft of his sword. That brute was there, right in front of us. He came to take his vengeance!
KL: Not so fast!
He hissed venomously. Then, he swung his sword before your eyes, menacingly.
S: I wonder why I'm not surprised to see you here Leng. Or should I say Feng Hey Te?
You hissed back with a stone face.
L: Oh, I see you did your homework. Your icy gal pal told you about me, doesn't she? Thanks, Miranda, you just saved me a waste of time. You know, your hatred of me is so arousing, honey that, I might even decide to keep you alive... just for a while.
Leng said, sardonically, as he walked away from the door. We kept him at gunpoint. Every slightest movement followed by the muzzle of our guns. Miranda lit up of blue in response, angrily.
M: Don't bother, asshole! You won't be laughing when we're done.
Your anger burst, resounded in your voice, wildly.
S: I should have squash you like a bug, instead of giving you a second chance! But, your luck's run out, I never make the same mistake twice.
Leng laughed in your face and retorted with a roar of pure hatred.
L: And I've never broken an oath of vengeance! You're going to die, Shepard. But first, you shall watch as I slice into the belly of your lovely girlfriend, and I take the life of your buddies one little piece at a time.
With nothing further, Leng hurled at you, screaming furiously. He shattered the floor with a sweep of his sword, dropping Miranda and me on the large pipes below. He was on you in a flash, but you weren't off guard. You managed to dive out with a leap, and start your counterattack, very quickly. Your punch struck him in the face, with all the rage that flowed in your veins. Leng fell to the ground, slithering like a snake, and hid behind a big tube.
He sent a number of assault troops, centurions, and phantoms against us. It was clear he wanted to keep us busy, while you two were fighting. We didn't get caught up in the frenzy. We were very calm, focused. You kept yourself cool and clear-headed, ready to take advantage of the smallest chance to hit.
The assassin pounced on you. You faced him with the blade of your omni-tool in close-range combat, skillfully deflecting his saber. EDI and Miranda overloaded his kinetic barrier at the same moment. Leng got stunned for less of a second. You got a chance to hit him while his barrier was dying. It was now or never!
Kai Leng tried to sneak away with a flit. Panic flashed on his face, but he was able to gain a little distance. He started recharging, immediately, but you were already on him. You shot at him the whole clip the moment his barrier died. The murderer suffered every single shot, screaming in pain, and unable to escape.
With one last-ditch effort, he jumped toward you, hoping to take you by surprise and struck you with his blade. Luckily, you guessed that move, and you were ready. You opened fire, wildly. A burst hit him in the chest. Leng fell to the ground with a gasp, motionless, lying in his own blood.
You gave him a cold look, as you put your gun machine away, slowly, like in a slow motion scene. Miranda and I were looking at you, in the general silence, without saying a single word. All we wanted to do was to recover the Prothean VI and leave. You and EDI reached the terminal, as my exhausted biotics died out in a big sigh of relief.
I was really exhausted. I looked at the body face-down on the floor. The visor was off, and rivulets of blood drew the outline of his lips. I despised that man, and I still felt furious with him about what happened back on Thessia. I had long wanted him to be punished for all suffering, for every death, every single tear he had caused to so many innocent people during his foolish life.
However, while I was watching him on the ground, helpless, lifeless, my pain had not changed or lessened. I wished for vengeance without feeling any remorse. However, suddenly everything had a bitter taste, and I was pervaded by a tide of shame.
I tried not let bad thoughts cloud my mind. I walked over to Miranda, helping to download any valuable data from the Station servers. We worked in silence. None of us realized that the body on the floor was starting to move. Yet, he was crawling slowly, sneaking, like a slimy snake hidden in the shadows. He came behind you, and tried to take you by surprise and sink his bloody blade into your back.
He was seriously injured, and hardly stood on his legs. But, the hate he had harbored in all those years, and the thirst for revenge were devouring him. They inexorably dragged him towards you, giving him the strength to get back on his feet.
EDI was helping you recover all the data the Illusive Man had stolen. You were very absorbed in. Meanwhile, Miranda and I had almost finished and we were doing a last scan. Our tension was loosening little by little, and we lowered our guard! So, I let myself be surprised again, like a stupid!
When Leng was right behind you, a mocking grin inflamed his lips. For a moment, he believed he had won. He gripped his sword with both hands, brandishing it high over your head, threateningly. The moment he was about to strike, I looked up and saw him.
I froze on my feet. If I screamed, you'd have had no time to avoid the blade. The only way of saving you was touching you instantly through a distance fusion. My eyes darkened on impulse, and I found myself in your mind. I felt your concentration melt at the contact with my fear. My eyes in your mind showed the blade of Kai Leng vibrating behind you, menacingly. You understood in a heartbeat.
With a feline snap you jumped up. Your arm instinctively lifted, as you quickly turned around to parry the blow. With such ferocity that the blade shattered. That caught Leng completely off guard. He could do nothing but look at you, mouth wide open, as you pulled out your omni-blade with a lightning motion, and stuck it in his belly, piercing him to death.
It was then the life slipped away from his dirty soul, inexorably. While you cried out all your rage, looked at him straight in the face, your eyes blazed like embers.
S: This is for Thane, you bloody bastard! ... And for Thessia!
The very last perception in his life was your contempt, screamed in his face, blazed on his skin, spit out from your furious eyes. The assassin collapsed on his knees, while consuming his last breath of life, inexorably. Then, the darkness enveloped him forever. It was really over!
I ran to you, in desperate need to hold you in my arms. You hugged me tightly, your heart thundered against my chest. I sighed. A tumult of emotions overwhelmed me. I felt wrapped in darkness, like a prisoner within a dawn without light.
L: Shepard, I...
S: I know, Love. I know!
Then, I looked into your eyes, and I seemed to fly in a bright sky and blue, clear like after a storm. Suddenly, the silence filled our vengeance with redemption! We were overwhelmed by our own strength. A tide of trust, courage and sureness begun to flow inside us. We felt able to go on, bravely, tirelessly, relentlessly. Finally, we were ready to face our worst nightmare and... to tear it apart!
Your determination had grown, enormously. It made stronger even mine, ours. I felt like nothing could stop you anymore. I believed in you, completely!
S: We'll stop them!
The rest of us confirmed, like one single voice,… "Yeah, you bet we will!"
To be continued...