Chapter 13
I don't own mass effect
Story start
Inside ithe bathroom on the Normandy
"Why are you naked?" I asked, wondering what the fuck was going on
"I was told to clean up and wash." answered Gamora still completely naked
"So why are you naked?" I repeated
"In order to shower one must first undress." said Gamora like it was most obvious thing in the world "Since the shower was still in use I decided to save time by getting ready.'
"Don't you have any memories from well...anyone? If you're connected to the Thorian, didn't you get any memories from the colonists or any previous melds?" I ask
"I know fleshlings do not like to be seen without their sheddable layers, but I do not know why nor care." responded Gamora
At that I realised something, what Gamora was going through sounded a lot like what Grunt went through, Okeer tried to distil memories into Grunt but failed because Grunt felt no connection it was the same here. I knew that Gamora was a clone of an asari and likely got a lot of memories from her, otherwise she wouldn't have known how to use her biotics. But she didn't identify with them aside from useful information.
"Most fleshing choose to wear clothes, as we call them most of the time unless necessary." I answered
"Why?" asked Gamora
"Most flesh...people feel vulnerable without them as it shows off flaws or injuries." I answered
"I see, so it is to keep your foes guessing about your health and strength." mussed Gamora
"Partially." I said trying to think of ways to get her to wear clothes before someone came in "There are other reasons such as most environments need layers of clothes to feel comfortable, the main reason is that in modern society and it is seen as...rude if they don't wear a certain level of clothes, and as the mouthpiece of the Thorian that could carry onto it."
"I see."
"Clothes can also be used to show what kind of person you have, how rich, smart or tough you are and express your personality." I continued "Also not wearing clothes in front of someone may indicate to them that you wish to have sex with them."
"You do seem to have the characteristics of a good mate, strong, smart and brave." said Gamora eying me up and down "Thanks to modifications by the Old Growth I am far superior to most fleshling females as well, any progeny produced from our joining would likely be impressive once they finish maturing."
"...just have a shower and get dressed." I said despondently, that was not how I expected the last part of the conversation to go
"Very well, we will discuss the idea of reproduction at a later date." said Gamora before she thankfully entered the shower
Elsewhere
"Another addition commander? This one is even more suspect than your last one." said Spartacus, his tone oozing in disapproval...as always
"And just like the last time I've made precautions, the hint of a spore and she gets a bullet to the brain." defended Shepard
"We are not questioning your methods, just that you need to think before making such decisions." added Valarian
"Sounds like the same thing to me, and it was either letting her come along or killing an organism older than 50 thousand years and was alive while the Protheans were still thriving. I would have assumed that's something you would have been happy with?" asked Shepard
"While we are quite happy for the opportunity to speak to something that has that...history, it will be some time before we send any teams down. It's ability to control other organisms is problematic. We are currently planning on talking to the colonists at Zulu's Hope about moving further away from the Thorian if not off the planet entirely." said Tevos diplomatically "First contact with the yahg shows we have to be more careful in future."
"We're hoping that this would show the Thorian that we are willing to be reasoned with and make deals. Of course, this would have been easier if we had known about the Thorian beforehand, not that is your fault." said Valern
'Like duh.' thought Shepard to herself
"Speaking of which do you have any suggestions on how to approach it?" continued Valern
"From what I've seen and heard the Thorian doesn't fall under the usual categories of good or bad. It seems to be only concerned with its survival and what affects it in either a positive or negative way. Saren made a deal, backed out and then tried to kill the Thorian, because of that the Thorian was less than willing to deal with me and if it wasn't for Callum it would still be hostile." answered Shepard only to be interrupted
"Yes about that, do you really believe that." started Spartacus only to be interrupted in turn
"I wasn't finished." frowned Shepard "Anyway my point is if you make a deal be upfront and make sure you keep your side of the deal. The hard part will be finding something that the Thorian wants, as for me I've already contacted the Alliance and there sending a shipment of pijaks over, so maybe something that will either help maintain or increase their number or provide protection to them or the Thorian. The good part is that likely something you see as important, such as information on how the Protheans lived, the Thorian will see as less important. In fact I'm betting that the Thorian would likely care more about the time spent talking giving and explaining the information than the information itself,so I would try to remember that in the future."
"Yes the pijaks, we're not too sure about them being the first things that a council operative sends." argues Valern
"In that case I'll be sure to tell Gamora, the 'mouthpiece of the Old Growth' she likes to be called that we were in the process of fulfilling our deal but you stopped it from happening."
"That won't be necessary Commander." said Tevos before hanging up allowed by the others
"Yeah, t's a good idea until your expected to take the blow of it failing...fucking idiots." swore Shepard
"Hey commander, if you're done Chakwas says she needs to see you asap." said Joker over comms
Wondering what the problem was Shepard made her way down to medical, once there she found Dr Chakwas there by herself and was holding a partial empty bottle and was poring herself a generous...make that a very generous glass of brandy.
"Problem with Gamora's medical?" asked Shepard, after all what else could it be?
"I haven't even started, I have a detailed scan of her which I will go through later. I'm already expecting a number of differences to standard asari physilogy." answered Dr Chakwas
"Then what's the problem?"
"Do you know why she's green or how this 'Thorian' was able to spit her out?" asked Dr Chakwas
"No, not really, I haven't even put much thought into it." answered Shepard "I just assumed that the Thorian made the creepers based on the colonist, they are 'vaguely' human-shaped after all and did the same with Gamora somehow. The first green asari we talked to mentioned something about 'flesh' being willingly given so maybe that has something to do with it."
"It does, when I asked she said that the Cipher was given in return for an asari, that asari was used as a copy to produce Gamora." said Dr Chakwas "I imagine that Gamora also inherited a number of memories from her as well."
"Where is this asari now?" asked Shepard
"She's free, Gamora said that she was released per the deal made with you, my concern is how she said it. She said that the asari was released from not only the Old Growth's control but also Saren's." said Dr Chakwas before having a big gulp
"Hold on, Saren?" asked Shepard
"Yes, according to Gamora, well the asari she's based on Saren has a ship that can control minds. Liara's mother and all her followers just so happen to be some of those minds. I thought it was bad enough that we were chasing a criminal that had a geth army and a legion of asari followers but now he apparently has a ship that can dominate minds Commander? Benezia is a matriarch, an asari that has lived close to a 1000 years or more! If she couldn't notice the changes or fight them what chance do I have?"
"Dr..." started Shepard only to be interrupted
"I swore an oath to help and to heal Commander! The thought that there are things out there that can make me go against that, make me want to go against that scares me. Liara has told me previously that her mother's behaviour is completely different to what she remembered, I'm ashamed to say that I, like many others I'm sure, assumed she didn't know her mother as well as she thought she did. Parents often try to hide the dark side of themselves from their children and children view their parents through rose coloured lenses. Now I know I was wrong and why I was wrong makes it even worse."
She had never seen Dr Chakwas this shaken up before and her file said the same, not that Shepard could blame her. She did some background research on Benezia when Liara came on board. She was completely surprised, Benezia was an extremely accomplished asari, even by matriarchal standards, she was an outspoken advocate for the asari becoming more involved in the galactic community and not just sitting around for things to work themselves out in the long term. She was also a teacher of religion and philosophy, often doing speeches on things such as the Batarian Hegemony, not that she used those words exactly, but if you read in between the lines it was obvious who she was talking about. Such speeches occurred well before both Elysium and Mindoir, it was no wonder Tevos was shocked at her involvement it was a complete 180 from her previous self. That something could do that to a matriarch of all people it was no wonder Chakwas was unsettled, if something could make her throw everything she was and everything she trained for, what she dedicated her whole life for and make her do the exact opposite with a smile on her face, well she'd be reaching for her shotgun. The only reason Shepard spared the Thorian or was willing to talk to it as much as she did was because the Exo-geni reports stated that it was careful that no harm came to the colonists and it wouldn't force them to do duties or tasks that were either too dangerous or outside of their capabilities.
"And where is Gamora?" asked Shepard, this was something that she needed to speak to her about at once, as well as ask her why she say anything before.
"I sent her to the showers, she should still be there." answered Dr Chakwas
Leaving the medbay Shepard walked over to the bathroom, where she found one shower running and Callum looking at her shocked and...guilty?
Ignoring Callum for the moment, Shepard marched over to the occupied shower and banged on the door
"Gamora, you in there? I need you out here now!" ordered Shepard, seconds after she spoke she heard the water shutting off. However, instead of taking a few minutes at most for the shower stall door to open it happened almost instantly and a dripping wet and totally naked Gamora stepped out. Next to her Shepard heard the sound of Callum face palming
"...why are you naked?" asked Shepard, noticing that beside her Callum was making it very obvious he wasn't looking at her tits.
"You said you needed to talk to me at once so I came out immediately." answered Gamora simply
"Commander if it helps...I don't think Gamora has a full understanding of most social cues, including well...anything that can't be taken at face value." answered Callum
"Dr Chakwas told me you're a clone of an asari who was brainwashed by Saren...why didn't you tell me this before?" asked Shepard
"You didn't ask." answered Gamora which had Shepard opening her omni-tool
"...Ground crew this is Shepard, everyone back to the comms room...it seems that we have a lot more to talk about." de-activating her omni-tool Shepard faced Gamora "Get dressed and meet us there, oh and Callum? Its a pair of tits, not a galactic secret worth killing over. Peeping is one thing, a woman not caring if you see them is another." finished Shepard before leaving
"...remember to dry as well." stated Callum before leaving as well
Latter on, back in the Comms Room
"Okay, why are we back here?" asked Ash "It seems to me that we were where here less than 10 minutes ago, what gives?"
"It seems someone forgot to tell us something." answered Shepard, as if on queue Gamora walks in "Right on time, for those not in the know Gamora here was based on an asari given to the Thorian by Saren. She's also apparently got some memories from her as well, Gamora care to tell me about that?"
"The asari along with her leader joined Saren in an attempt to influence his decisions." answered Gamora
"In what way?" asked Shepard
"It seemed that the intent was to make Saren take a...gentler approach." answered Gamora
"Mother, wanted to...change Saren's approach?" asked Liara, obviously shaken by this new information
"Yes, it seemed like they knew the power he would one-day wield and wanted to make sure he used that power a way that would benefit everyone." answered Gamora
"What happened?" asked Garrus "Liara's mother is a matriarch, an asari over 1000 years old. I can't imagine its easy to change their mind at that age."
"Saren has access to a ship...a dreadnought that looks like a...sea creature." answered Gamora
"We've seen it." said Ash shortly
"What you haven't seen is its power, it can influence and control those who are near it." stated Gamora
"Like the Thorian." asked/stated Kaiden only to get a head shake from Gamora
"No, the Old Growth may have controlled the actions of the fleshlings from time to time but for the majority they were allowed to do as they pleased as long as they brought no harm upon it. The ship however, it was like the longer you were near it the more you were changed, their old beliefs and values were being scooped out and replaced with Saren's own. The asari seemed intent on stopping him at first but now they sit happily at his feet." said Gamora before continuing "As per the deal she was released along with the other fleshlings, the Old Growth believes that she is also free from Saren's control."
"I can check that with Fai Dan later, is there any chance you can do a repeat?" asked Shepardf I
"I am unsure...perhaps, I am still connected to the Thorian and can release a limited amount of 'spores' as you call them." said Gamora
"Wait what? And when were you going to tell us?" asked Ash angrily
"I did not think it necessary, I have no intention of using it to take over the crew and even I did, not only do I lack the needed amount of spores to do so but I am sure I would have been stopped shortly after trying." answered Gamora calmly
"She's got that right, second she came aboard I had people monitoring the air for spores and a vi watching for altered behaviour. I'll also talk to Chakwas about doing blood tests." reassured Shepard "If something does happen it wouldn't take long to find her out and deal with her."
"So you would be able to free my mother?" asked Liara hopefully, at once the room goes dead silent as they are given a bitter reminder about just who is being controlled.
"I am still unsure." repeated Gamora "It would depend on how infected they are, their strength of will and how much of them is left. Since I will not be trying to exert control but simply loosen the control of another I should at the very least be able to allow them to fight back but I would recommend bringing whoever we save to the Old Growth to ensure that they are free of control."
"Can't we just go to the Thorian and pick up more spores?" asked Solana only to get a no from Gamora
"The Old Growth used a vast amount of spores to take control over the colonists and maintain it. The Old Growth will also need what it currently has in order to bond with the pijaks that will soon arrive. Even if we had all the spores we needed I still have to make contact for it to work and they have to have enough 'self' left to come back."
"What do you mean 'self'?" asked Shepard
"I said before those who are close to the ship have their personalities and beliefs removed, eventually they would have nothing remaining of themselves and become a mindless drone that cannot do anything unless they are instructed to do so." answered Gamora
"Like the krogan we encountered before?" asked Wrex speaking up for the first time
Taking a moment to think Gamora answers "Yes, the krogan seemed to be divided into two groups, those that act as leaders and those that seem to mindlessly mill about."
Her answer definitely seems to anger Wrex
"W-which one does moth..I mean which one does Benezia fall under?" asked Liara shakily
"The former, Benezia is the leader of the asari portion. If she was an empty shell she would have been useless to the role." answered Gamora, not that that was much comfort to Liara
"Is there anything else you can tell us about Saren, his plans, goals or even any planets he could be on?" asked Shepard
"No, all of Saren's followers are kept in the dark about everything for the most part, something didn't bother them in the least. If Saren thought for a moment that the asari he gave to Old Growth knew anything that could be used against him he would have chosen another." answered Gamora
"So we only have a couple of shots at most...hhhhhr alright that's enough for now." said Shepard "But I think our best bet is either trying to bring in either Benezia or her second in command, assuming we can get them away from Saren that is. Hopefully, they'll have more information for us about what he's up too."
With that the meeting once again ended and the comms room slowly emptied
A few hours later
It had been a couple of hours since the meeting in the comms room and Shepard had decided that it would be a good idea to check up on Liara. She had been going around talking to everyone already, but considering the circumstances, it would be better to see Liara sooner rather than later.
Knocking on the storage room door Liara was using as quarters Shepard waited until she head and answer before entering, when she did it was obvious that Liara had been crying. Seeing who she had for company, Liara quickly wipes her face before standing up.
"Commander what brings you here?" asked Liara
"I wanted to talk to you...how are you feeling?" asked Shepard concerned
"I've been better, much better." answered Liara "I thought it was bad enough when I thought my mother must have gone insane to do the things she was accused of, or I never really knew her in the first place. Now I find out that the entire time she's been controlled, undoubtfully trying to break free while I've been thinking ill of her." stated Liara
"You heard Gamora, we have a way to break Saren's control, I can't promise that we can save everyone...but I can promise we'll at least free Benezia." said Shepard
"Please don't give me platitudes." said Liara with a weak smile "My mother is a matriarch, her mind and biotics and experiences are second to none. An asari improves with age and my mother has had a 1000 years to do so, she will not go quietly and I know just how hard it will be to take her alive...if at all "
"We'll find a way." promised Shepard "It might be difficult and it might not succeed but I promise we'll try."
"Thank you Commander." said Liara sincerely
"In the meantime I suggest getting some rest or getting yourself ready. Perhaps some pistol practice? I will you a distraction and help you in the long run, or Callum has been teaching Kaiden some biotic skill, perhaps you could join him?" suggested Shepard
"T-that is a good idea, can you tell me who trained him?" asked Liara
"As far as I know he's self-trained. Did it while he was working as a farmer on Eden Prime." answered Shepard
"Oh, okay." said Liara confused
"Also if you need someone to talk to feel free to come to me." offered Shepard
"Thank you commander, but you don't have to worry. I've already gotten an offer to 'hang' with Ashley, Solana and Tali later on." replied Liara
"Really?" asked Shepard in surprise. She made it a point to go over everyone's file, not with a fine tooth comb but enough to know if there would be any problems. Ashely was the granddaughter of General Williams, the first human to surrender to an alien army. Such a fact didn't bother her, the way she saw it not doing so would have resulted in far to many deaths. What bothered her was a note that Ash could be a bit of a racist at times. It wasn't to a massive degree, or to a point where it would cause problems but something that needed to be considered for future orders. For her to willingly hang out with three of the aliens in her downtime which made her wonder if the racism was an exaggeration, a comment heard at the wrong moment or if Ash's behaviour had changed for some reason.
As Shepard turned to leave something occured to her "Liara, why did you think Callum was trained?"
"Oh, the attack he used on Feros, the one with a sword. It's a biotic attack called Slash taught to huntresses, though I have heard rumours about multiple governments requesting it to be taught to their biotic specialists. If what your saying is true then he must have reversed engineered it somehow, which is an impressive feat on its own." answered Liara
"Yes...it is impressive." remarked Shepard
"Perhaps it would be better if I ask Callum in person?" asked Liara "Do you where he could be?"
"You know that there is only a few levels to this ship right? I didn't see him on the first or second level so he's probably in the cargo bay."
With Callum in the Cargo bay
When the meeting broke up I headed down to the Cargo bay to teach Kaiden some more techniques. Off to the side I could see Gamora watching.
"Higher." I said as Kaiden starts to create a biotic shield, his arm across his stomach "The strongest point is around your wrist, it should either be over your heart and lungs or be diagonally upward over your throat. Placing the shield over your stomach may cover more area but it will expose your vital areas more and the weak point will be right around your head."
I continued to instruct him for the next couple of hours, eventually, when I felt he had it down, I left him to his own devices and walked over to where Solana and Garrus were bickering.
"Hey Solana."
"Callum, need something?" asked Solana
"Nah, just wanted to talk." I answered
"Oh, okay." answered Solana, her mandibles showing...confusion or a blush, not sure which one.
"I was wondering if you'd like to watch a movie? I was thinking of having another movie night but after what's just happened I think it would be best to wait." I said
"Sure, I'll just ask Tali if she's interested. She said she was interested in watching some more 'earth' vids." said Solana before walking off.
As she left I couldn't help but admire her walk...there was just something about her hips.
"Hmph." coughed a voice behind me
Turning around I saw that Garrus was now...polishing a sniper rifle.
"Did, did you say something?" I ask
"No, did you?" asked Garrus, still polishing the sniper rifle, seriously where did it come from?
"No."
"Good, let's keep it that way." replied Garrus
'Great, the sniper is an overprotective brother...who would have guessed.' I thought sarcastically
Thankfully I was saved by the timely arrival of the elevator carrying Liara and Shepard
"Hey Callum!" called out Shepard
"Yes?" I ask
"You up for teaching Liara some tricks?" asked Shepard
"Sure, which one? I've already taught Kaiden Slam and while he still needs practice it would be easy to teach Liara while he does that." I said
"No, she's interested in Slash. She said it was a huntress move?" asked Shepard
"That makes sense, asari huntresses are famous for their use of a sword. I just saw an video of it on the extranet and decided to recreate it." I said telling a half-lie
"So you recreated a technique the alliance has been trying to get for what...five years? Ten? While you've been working on a farm?" asked Shepard skepitcally
"Well to be honest Commander, it really needs to a sword to use properly. Can you think of anyone that would pick a sword over, say a shotgun?" I ask "I say it's less that the Alliance was unable to get it or recreate it and more that there are numerous other things that were more important to focus. Say charge for example, if you were to focus on learning or gaining a biotic attack from the asari which would you chose between charge and slash?" I ask
"Charge obviously." replied Shepard
"Exactly, because it's more useful and again you kind of need a sword to use slash properly, or a large knife at least. I suppose a omni-blade would also work but those are usually activated with a stabbing motion, for slash you need...well a slash. Charge is simply less limited in its usage that's all." I said
"Yeah, I get where you're coming from. Slash you need to be medium distance with an antique weapon, charge you can get in close with a shotgun or omni-blade or maintaining distance with warps or singularities and assault rifle. Listen can you teach her or not?" asked Shepard
"I can, but I'll need to teach her to use an actual sword. Otherwise, it just isn't practical or at worse, she'll fumble if the enemy gets too close. There is also a reason why there is a quote saying 'the sword must be an extension of your arm'. Fighting with a sword is more about swinging a sharp metal rod around and I'm betting that sort of knowledge is needed." I stated
"So are you going to teach me?" asked Liara
"I would also be interested in learning the sword. It seemed most useful before." said Gamora coming over after hearing what we were talking about.
"Callum?" asked Shepard
"Honestly teaching two people would be easier than one, I could have them practise against each other and the question isn't if I'm going to teach you, but what sword would suit you the most. I use a claymore but the style I use is German/Italian longsword." I said
"Hold on." interrupted Shepard frowning "Why are they different?"
"Easy, not many books have been written about using claymores. Longswords on the other hand have a lot and their contents have been tried and tested more, there's also the fact that they are similar enough, infact the claymore is basically the Scottish long or great sword. Thing is it's quite large, not sure if Liara is suitable for it. I can still teach her but she might prefer another." I said
"What other swords are there?" asked Liara
"First that comes to mind is a katana, it's a Japanese blade and is legendary for a number of reasons. Unfortunately its also one of the weapons harder to master." I informed
"Surely all swords are basically the same?" asked Shepard
"Sort of, as long has they have a similar shape. What makes the katana unique is how it cuts, with my sword I use a singular section of the blade, a katana cuts as it's pulled across the blade, aka you use a lot more of the blade. As someone once told me, if you know how to use a katana you can cut off a mans head, if you don't you won't be able to cut a pool noodle." I answered
"A what?" asked Liara confused
"A cheap flotation device for kids." answered Shepard
"Yeah, also by memory when a katana was made it was tested by cutting off a criminal's arm, leg and head. If it could do all that it passed, later on they used rolled-up bamboo mats instead. A single-bladed sword would also be a good choice, say a Chinese sword or rapier. Another idea would be a sabre or cutlass though it's a bit piraty they come with a hand guard that someone can use to punch someone...though I can't really see Liara doing that." I said
"Can you tell me a bit more about the swords and how their different?" asked Liara
"Longsword, long and powerful strikes if a bit slow. Katana, shorter blade and curved just like a huntress, both use two hands. I watched a vid of someone using a katana to cut through a piece of bamboo the size of my neck like bambambambam, no way could cut through it as fast as that guy did. If I did light blows I could have matched him but they wouldn't have gone through. The others are one-handed, a rapier is a much lighter weapon than either one but is also excellent for thrusts, sabre and cutlass are both more heavy curved blades. There are also lots of other swords such as the bastard sword which is a cross between a one handed sword and a two handed sword."
"If you had to pick one?" asked Liara
"I know the longsword the best, katana would be the best long run if you could master it. However, a rapier would suit you as it's light and your unlikely to use it for a lot of melee, its also single handed which would free up a hand...actually if we could make omni-sword in the form of a rapier you could get the cutting ability and ease of the katana without actually using it, and each time you turned it on you would have a new blade. Hmmm, I think the best bet is trying is having a few practice swings of each. Thankfully we should be able to fabricate a rough copy with an omni-tool, it won't be good enough to use in battle but should give you an idea of what feels right. The right feeling blade will make all the difference in training."
"I see." said Liara
"Use the ships onboard fabricator, it will be a lot easier." suggested Shepard
After quickly searching for and buying a 3-D training rapier I sent it to the fabricator with orders to print two, it looked like a large workbench with an overhead. It was manly used to craft spare parts, not complicated tools like guns. Well you could make guns with it you just craft each individual piece before assembling it by hand and they'd usually be subpar. With that done I went to retrieve my sword, grabbing the attention of Ash and as I headed back to the others she followed me.
"Okay...what's going on here?" asked Ash
"Callum is going to teach Liara and Gamora how to use a sword." answered Shepard
"Really? Huh, would have thought they'd learn something smaller." said Ash
"They are, I'm fabricating a couple of rapiers and seeing if they take to it." I responded
"Do you know how to use a rapier?" asked Ash "Have you trained with one yourself?"
"Not really no. Though I did to some stick fighting in high school." I answered
"Well rapiers are completely different to your sword. How are you going to account for that?" asked Ash
"Honestly, I was just going to make some adjustments in stances, guards and cuts. I use a two handed sword which means I have to stand and carry myself a certain way, a one handed sword will allow me to take a different one. They won't be wining any tournaments any time soon but I'm hoping I'll have them at least ready to carry a sword on missions in about two weeks." I answered truthfully
"Hold on, its that bad? If you don't think they could win a tournament why would think they could do it in a battlefield?" asked Shepard confused
"Easy because the two are very different, I could beat you in a tournament." I said getting a snort from Ash and a raised eyebrow from Shepard
"You think you can beat the commander?" laughed Ash
"In a tournament with a set of rules and regulations? Yes, in foil fencing for example any strike that is not made while you are in the correct posture is discounted, no matter how many you make. If I faced Shepard in a tournament in steril conditions and we both had a longsword then I would win. However, if it was battlefield and I had my sword and Shepard was using...an omni-blade for example, she would get close, lock my blade with her omni-blade, kick me in the balls before stabbing me in the face as I went down."
"Shit, that didn't take you long to think up." remarked Ash
"My point is Gamora as the memories of an asari commando, Liara has experience fighting off pirates and looters. Both of them have battle experience so all I need to do is teach them enough about wielding and using a sword to allow to apply that battle experience. They wouldn't be a match for another combatant who also weilds a melee weapon who has more experience but they should be able to handle any husks that get too close. Also the fact that they'd have one hand free should allow them to freely use biotics or a pistol." I said
"Hey guys what are we talking about?" asked a voice.
Looking up I see Solana and Tali heading our way "Oh and Tali said she would be interested in another movie." added Solana
"Sweet, another movie count me in. Oh and we were talking about Callum teaching Liara and Gamora how to use a rapier." said Ash
"Interesting, we still up for the movie right?" asked Solana
"We are, though I'll have to change the movie if many more people want to join though." I said
"Oh and why is that?" asked Garrus suspiciously, obviously remembering me checking out his sister
"I was thinking of showing them Crocodile Dundee or Red Dog, their good films but not exactly crowd favourites." I answered
"You human's made a movie about a dog?" asked Wrex incredulously getting surprised looks from everyone "What? Krogan have better hearing than most people think, oh and I'm in for a movie too."
"Remind me to put on John Wick some time. Anyway, can we do it after I teach Gamora and Liara about rapiers...actually, Ash how did you know what a rapier was?" I asked
"Oh, I've got a sister who's also big on swords Abby, rapiers in particular she also wears old clothes than you need to be tied into." said Ash
"Wait, tied into? You mean like a corset? Hope she's careful those can be dangerous." I remarked, at once every human focused on me
"Why and how do you know what a corset is?" asked Ash supisouly
"What's a corset?" asked Liara
"It's an article of clothing used by women in olden times." I answered "And the reason I know about it is because, as I've said before I know a lot of random facts, such as originally the best ones were made from whalebone and if you overtightened them you risked either passing out or breaking a rib. Now can I start teaching these two about swords?"
After not getting a response I started
"Okay, a sword is made up of multiple parts, the most obvious is the blade, which should continue into the hilt, abet thicker and not as wide." I said gesturing "Now the blade itself is made of multiple parts and sections, first we have the edge of the blade, the side of the blade and either another edge or the back of the blade. The whole blade can be divided into three sections, the strong, medium and weak. The strong is near the base of the blade where you can exert the most strength or resistance with the least effort, the medium is the middle while the weakest is near the tip where it is the hardest to exert force. For the most part you block with the edge somewhere between the strong and medium section, though you could use the weak to test if the opponent is going to suddenly exert more force."
"Hold on, I thought you were supposed to use the flat to block blows?" asked Ash
"Common misconception. If you're the one dealing the blow you want it to land on the side or flat of the blade to avoid damaging your blade as it spread the force over a larger area. However for the blockee, well the sword is thicker where the edge is while the side or flat is much thinner and if you block with it your likely to end up with a broken blade. You then have your hilt which comes in multiple shapes and sizes, for mine it comes int the shape of prongs, for you it will com in a cross and light hand guard, then we have the handle and pommel can be used to bash and hold the last part of the blade." I said
"Hey before I forget my sister, who by the way is getting a kick out of you using a sword wanted to ask what part do you think swords play in modern warfare?" asked Ash
"I believe modern technology has actually allowed older technology to once again become useful. In the early 21st century it would have been stupid to bring a sword to a gunfight, an assault rifle would have torn you to pieces long before you got close enough to use it. You would have had to resort to sneak tactics to get close or take them out one by one, which a knife would have been equily suitable for. Also, when taking out one opponent another could easily kill you, even if you were the best sword user around, even if you had amazing reflexes it would be extremely risky, all it would take was a single bullet to take you out. However, thanks to kinetic barriers that risk is reduced, the likelihood of a single bullet taking you out is reduced, in fact you could say you get multiple chances instead of just one. You could take one person out, and wait for your shields to recharge before going for another. Another thing is that kinetic barriers will stop bullets, but it won't stop a sword. Despite that swords are still a niche weapon, if I relied totally on a sword than chances are that my kinetic barriers would have long been depleted before I got close. But in order to be apart of modern combat I think the swords must be aurgmented by modern technology and abilities to truly be effective, for example longsword and claymores are known for their heavy blows, I use my biotics to make those blows even heavier or just to increase the speed I can recover. For the rapier I'm think an omni-blade version would be perfect, rapiers are fast, sharp and deadly. An omni-blade version would not only match that but could definetly surpase it, a regular metal rapier might not be able to deal damage easily enough against say husks and geth but an omni version should definitely be able to." I answered "Now I think I should get started in teaching Gamora and Liara, though could you get your sister to recommend some books on the rapier Ash?"
Hey guys hoped you enjoyed the chapter, want to hear something interesting though? I only remembered Ash having a sister who liked sword after I wrote the part about teaching Liara and Gamora the rapier. Doing some googling I found some pages that suggested that she either learned Japanese sword fighting or Italian. I chose Italian, in particular the rapier as that seemed to go with the dresses that she apparently liked.