Chapter 8: Never Better

I stepped onto the com area and watched as The Illusive Man finished a drag on his cigarette. "Shepard, I must say that I wasn't expecting Saren to return. The fact that the Reapers brought him back shows that they see you as a threat." I think for a moment, "I'm going to take him down again. But I'm going to need more men."

Tim nodded, "I had a list of Recruits compiled for you. Some of the most dangerous individuals in the galaxy." A screen appeared next to me and I saw a number of faces from ME2 Squad. I turned to Tim, "I'm going to stop off at the Citadel and get resupplied. I would like some more containers full of mechs."

He nods already typing on his holo-screen. "I'll make sure you get armor and weapon sets for them. I will forward credits to you as well." He takes a drag on his cigarettes, "I'm going to have scouting parties out looking for a way to get to the collectors home world."

I nod, "Keep me posted." The com shuts down and I head to the Galaxy Map. And set a course to the Citadel. I went down to the Cargo Bay and began working on new gear. Thanks to all the dead Collectors, I got a hold of their guns and bodies. I began working on the Collector Rifle and Armor.

After an hour of working, Jacob comes up. "Commander? I need a favor." I nodded for him to continue. "I was supposed to get a call from my family. But it's been a few weeks over due. I was wondering if we can check in on them." This is different, "Sure we'll put it on the agenda."

He salutes, "Thank you commander. I appreciate it." I went back to work till I got a bunch of messages asking for help on various things. Miranda wanted help with her sister. Garrus and Javian with Sidonis. Zaeed and Kasumi with their things and so on. It takes only a few hours to get to the Citadel.

When we docked, I had to put my signature on a couple dozen documents. Those large crates of everything I need to arm my army/squad, may be the cause of it. Or it may be the Twin Gunships and Mako.

The squad walks out of the ship, As I address them. "Okay everybody, we have a few hours till we are supplied and fueled up. I went out of my way to get a bit extra of everything. So use your allowance to get things you want. Garrus, Javian you're with me. EDI please get the Mechs armed and armored."

I get an affirmative from everyone. As we walked off Garrus and Javian fell in step behind me. "Shepard, Fade is reported to be working in the Warehouse on the Zakara Ward." "Thank you EDI, Please inform the Crew to shop not only for themselves." "Of course, Shepard." We walked down to the Warehouse. And still hearing the guy complain about the toaster.

We walked in the Warehouse and the Volus was there with the Krogan. Garrus walks up, Javian leans against a desk. I looked at the Krogan, "I think you fellas should leave." They looked at each other and walked out.

The Volus looked between us nervously. "What can I *gasp* for you gentlemen?" Javian was fiddling with his pistol. I see him load an armor piercer mod. Garrus kneels down to 'Fades' level. "We are looking for Fade? You know where he is?"

He looks between us, "I, he… is in the warehouse district. Surrounded by Blue Suns, he uses them to smuggle people and items in and out of the Citadel." I nod to the Javian and he puts the weapon away. Garrus gets up and adjusts his collar. Javian speaks up for the first time in a while. "Whose Fade anyway? It has to be someone who understands C-Sec Protocols."

We turn to the Volus, "Uh, *gasp* His name is *gasp* Harkin." Garrus and I looked at each other. He shakes his head, "It can't be the same one, right?" I shrugged, "With our luck?" We begin to leave, Garrus calls back to 'Fade.' "If he's not there we're coming back."

We called a cab, I made a call. "EDI Bring in Tank and Ajax as well as Ghost Squad." "Of course Shepard, May I join as well?" I turned to Garrus who shrugged and Javian rolled his eyes. "Sure but come disguised." "Affirmative."

A few minutes later we landed at the Warehouse. Unlike the Game Harkin wasn't out front. But the Blue Suns were. "This Area is off limits, you need to get back in your Car a-" his head explodes, I pull out my new Mattock and put on the AP Rounds.

The other merc met a similar fate as the first. We began to move forward mowing down anybody that gets in our way. The mechs we ran into were disabled with a series overloads. I even get to test out some biotics on them Everything was going pretty well till we heard Harkin on their Com Channels. "Fall back to the main area, activate all mech to slow them down."

"Run all you like Harkin We'll find you!" Of course though the Blue Suns stop holding us back, the Mechs began pouring in to fill the space. Our Mowing stops to a crawl and now we are hunkered down With Loki and Fenris mechs and again unlike the game they have various loadouts. SMGs, Pistols and Rifles. Though only the Starters, nothing fancy yet.

Javian looks over the edge before getting fired at. "Some of the Mechs are coming up with Rockets and Grenade Launchers." They both turn to me, I call EDI. "EDI what's your ETA?" A few moments pass when we notice that the mechs have stopped firing. "We have arrived."

We looked out and saw the Kodiak shuttle on the other end of the Corridor. Javian goes about picking up ammo. I walked up to EDI, She was wearing Miranda's outfit while looking like Tricia Helfer. "Cutting it close EDI. Give you a C for punctuality. Though A for dramatic timing."

She smiles, "Sorry Captain, Traffic was busy. I will endeavor to do better." One of the Upgraded Fenris Mechs jumped off the Shuttle. "Hm, Oh Cousland. Come here boy." With a robotic bark, he came running. I turn back to everyone.

"Everybody ready to move forward?" I get a number of affirmatives. "EDI, Send the Remaining Fenris mechs to charge at the BS ahead of us. Deactivate the Loki's for pick up." She nods and the Dog Bots run off while the Loki folded on themselves.

We moved up taking out the survivors of the Kamikaze Dogs. Soon we came to the Platforms. And of course He saved the Heavy Mechs and 4 more. We immediately went to cover, as the YMIRs began to pelt our positions.

Tank switches to his heavy weapon. My eyes widen and I turn to cover. "Get down now!" Everybody got behind something as Tank pulls the Trigger of the M-920 Cain. Even with my visor darkening to help with the flash. I still saw it.

But all of them were gone in said flash. Well gone isn't the right word for it, they are completely melted. We made our way to Harkin, who looked at me in surprise. "Shepard? But I thought you died?" I shrugged, "I got better." He sneers at that. "Is there a reason you decimated my crew?" I turn to Garrus and Javian. "Do what you need to, But don't kill him."

They nodded and I walked out. "EDI Gather the Mercs Omni-Tools, clean them out of data. I want Creds and locations." She nods, "I've taken the liberty to call additional help to salvage the broken mechs." I think for a moment, "Sell all the mechs, weapons and Tools."

It was 5 minutes before Vigilante Duo came out. I saw Harkin on the ground, blood coming from his nose. I looked at them and Garrus shook his head. "He'll live, me and Javian will take it from here Shepard."

They called a cab and flew off. Few hours later I was in my cabin reading and writing reports. With Cerberus paying our crew, and Selling those mechs off we have plenty of cash to have some fun. The cabin door opens with Garrus walking in.

He placed a datapad on my desk. I picked it up and started reading. I looked at him in surprise. "You're serious?" He nods, "Javian talked me into it. On the way there. I realized that if I was in his position, I would probably do the same thing." I put the pad down.

"If your Report is right, he's underweight, and very depressed. He won't be any good on this ship until he's taken care of." He nods again. "I'll take full responsibility for him." I look at him dead in the eyes. I picked up the pad again and signed it with my approval.

"He won't get paid until he can contribute." He saluted me, "Thank you Captain." I salute back, "Now go be with your squad. Dismissed." He leaves and I sit back down. I sighed and stretched. "EDI have Joker set course to Bekenstein, Boltzmann." "Acknowledged"

"ETA?" A moment passes, "Just under 2 hours Shepard. Shall I inform Ms. Goto." I nodded, "Please and thank you." "Logging you out." I got into the shower, and changed into the monkey suit that Kasumi got for me. I checked my omni-tool and loaded up every tech ability it has.

I even got a pistol with every stealth mod added. I made sure I was ready, checked the pocket and I pulled something out. A magnetic eyepatch, which I put on my right eye. It comes online with various HUD like tech.

The door chimes and in comes Kelly, Chakwas and Gabby. "Uh ladies what's the occasion?" Chakwas pulls out a small box label cosmetics. I rolled my eyes. "Let's get this over with." By the time they were finished, we were 13 minutes out. I'm pretty sure that's an omen.

I went to the meeting room. "EDI have Ms. Goto come to the meeting room. Also bring up a blueprint of Hocks Estate." "Acknowledged." A few minutes laters Kasumi comes in. "Looking good Mr. Gunn." I smirk, "Thank you Miss Goto. I see several places where if we're in danger the squad can come in help."

She shakes her head, "Shepard I don't want anybody else to get involved with this." I nodded, "It's only just in case shit the fan. Which it often does." The door opens again and EDI walks in wearing a dress.

Kasumi looks at me, "This isn't my idea." EDI metallic body shimmers till she looks like Tricia again. "Forgive me but I believe I can be of assistance." I waved her to continue, "It's most likely that Hock is aware of Kasumi. Even if he isn't, your outfit will. I recommend you enter in stealth while Shepard and I work in the open."

Kasumi sighed, "Fine but if anything goes wrong, you both will be paying at least 3% of your checks to me." I rolled my eyes, "1.5% cause you keep Jinxing it." She shakes her head but smiles, "You do realize you jinxed too?" I shrugged, "Yeah hence the .5"

It only takes a few minutes to land at the estate, The eclipse mercs began to scan the statue of Saren. As walked up Donovan Hock came out, "What's the problem here?" The merc looks a bit scared. "Sorry sir, something about the statue is messing with our scans."

"I'm sure that Mr. Gunn didn't come all the way from Illium to cause." He gave me a pointed stare. I arched my eyebrow. "I came to relax, not to be hassled by the help." He nods, "Please transport the statue into the vault." The merc nods, "Yes sir."

He looks back at me, "Enjoy your stay Mr. Gunn." My earpiece came on. "Great performance Shep. Now we need to find the Vault door." EDI spoke next though not in person. "I recommend the stairs in the back." I turned to EDI, "Let's mingle Edita." We began talking to various criminal heads.

After a few minutes, Kasumi returns to us. "We need a voice print, password, and DNA for the Scanner. Not to mention to shut off the power to the shield." We move to an isolated part of the party. "Goto, get the DNA from Hock's room. Edita gets the password from the guards station. I'll get the voice print."

Edita nods, "And the power?" Kasumi spoke up. "Shut it off at the station or find the generator and cut the power." We nodded and headed off to our task. I walked up on Hock, he turned and smiled patiently. "Ah Soloman, I hope the unfortunate encounter on the door hasn't sour your mood."

I waved it off, "Good help is hard to find these days. Though I'm surprised that you're having a party at all. Quite a play to the galaxy." He chuckles, "This party is for me, It's for the Killers, the Cleaners. So those in power get sleep soundly with clean hands and sound mind. We are the grease that keeps the gears turning. So while I'm the host here it is for those around us this party is for. So I say to you Mr. Gunn, Enjoy your time here." He turns to the rest of the party guests.

"We've earned it." Everyone begins clapping, He raises a glass and smiles at me. "Thank you for the Insight Mr. Hock." He nods and returns to his conversation. I hear my coms turn on, to hear Kasumi chuckle, "Have you considered politics? I think you'd be a good counselor." EDI walks up beside me.

"I have disabled both the coms and the power to the shield. I've also gotten the password." I nod, "Lets convene then." We made our way to the vault door. I see everything is already disabled. Kasumi decloaks, "You two get dressed, we don't want to stay here."

I had to take off my suit jacket and pants but I managed to get into my new Defender Armor. With extra ammo and power packs. After we got dressed we stepped into the elevator and rode down to the Vault.

When the doors opened we saw statues and tablets of older times. Kasumi gasped at Lady Liberty's head. "How the hell did he get ahold of Lady liberty? Damn you, Hock!" I turned to EDI, "Prepare to call on the authorities. Because the artifacts here don't deserve to be held by Grease."

We walked down the room and saw the gray box. "It's here, and what's this? The Kassa Locust?" She scans it, "No The Kassa Locust? And Blueprints for copies." I grabbed it and handed it to EDI. We heard the alarms go off, and instead a giant hologram face.

Intercoms went off and women spoke. "We have intruders in the vault take them out." I pull out the Cain and charge it up. The doors opened up with a cluster of soldiers. I fired and in a flash they were gone. Luckily the Artifacts were better protected. Shielding and what have you.

"Let's go! EDI, call for backup, Kasumi, stay stealthy, and steal any and all credits. With the help of disabling mechs." They nod, and march out. We ran into merc groups and slayed them in turn. EDI spoked up, "Shepard, Both the authorities and Normandy are inbound."

I nodded while popping heads, "ETA?" "Cops within the hour. Normandy in a few minutes." I threw a singularity into a group. It looked like the game version but with a sparkling pinkish purple hue to it. I then threw a warp into it. It explodes and pulls everyone it caught into it.

There was nothing left but a bloody pulp. I hear Kasumi cough, "God Shepard, that smells bad." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Sorry Kas, I didn't know I could do that." We moved on, and I started to learn about my new skill set. I thought about my old life and how this looks like psionics from Xcom.

I thought of the Mind Fray ability and caused a soldier to go mad and open fire not only on us but his buddies too. Next was the Psi Panic, This caused a whole group to run in fear. Tripping on their own feet and getting shot by us.

Soon we got a large area with both mercs and mechs, Who all began to open fire on us. I created a shield around us. When they were out of ammo, I tried out the next skill, The Psi-Rift. It rips through everything. Shields popped, armor was torn and flesh shredded. Mechs got torn to pieces like toys.

EDI pulls out her Tool and begins scanning. "Shepard, You seem to have developed new abilities. Also Normandy shuttles have just landed, The Mech troopers are storming the front while the Main squad is securing the landing site at the top."

I shake my head, "Yeah it's definitely a different feeling to Biotics. Let's move out." We found that the rest of the mercs are dealt with when a virtual army comes out of nowhere. Donovan was handcuffed to a pole.

He looked up at me, "You've made a big mistake Gunn! When I get out, I'll find you and gut you in front of your little whores. Or maybe I'll have fun with them before then." I take off my helmet. "My name isn't Soloman Gunn. It's Captain John Shepard, Hero of the Citadel and Spectre of the Council. And you've given me plenty of reasons to put a hole in your head."

He looked like he was about to piss himself. "Do I need to put a hole in your head?" He shakes his head, "Good boy." I walk over to Miranda and the apparent Commander of the Police on this planet. A turian with orange face paint on black plates.

"Captain Shepard, I'm both surprised that you caught the largest group of Crime lords and Kingpins from across the galaxy. But also that you're even alive. But the latter isn't any of my business. Your account will see a pile drop into it in an hour."

I shook his hand, "Thank you Commander." He walks away, and I lean towards Miranda. "How much?" She smirks, "15 Billion, for both bounty and finder fees." I whistled. After we escorted the criminals to the jailhouse. We went back to Normandy. I showered again and went to my workshop. When the door opened I saw myself standing there.

Rena was standing next to him/me. "Oh John, Me your brother Garret." We stared at each other for a few seconds. I raised my hand, "I hope she told you what you're in for." He smirks and grabs my hand. "It's better than being made for spare parts." We laughed at that. While Rena looked mortified at said joke.