Chapter 9: Rip and Tear

We were heading for Zorya to help out with Zaeed. It'll be a week till we get there. With scouting out planets to mined So in that time I'm teaching Garret how to use his weapons and skills. He seems to prefer to use his biotics. Though for guns he went with another favorite of mine. The Revenant.

And as far as armor goes he went with the classic Dead Space 2 armor. He also had a knack for tech. And begin working on his own set up. The whole squad started to teach him everything he'll need to survive the mission.

Grunt was loving the younger brother dynamic they have. Garrus and Jacob were teaching him everything he'll need to know about weapon maintenance. Javian and Tomas were showing him out to use traps and his surroundings.

Mordin and Chakwas teaching him about Medicine while Kasumi taught him about stealth. Jack while under supervision showed him how to cut loose with his powers. But right now, He was trying to get a perfect score on his headshots. The timer went off and his gun fired right after.

He managed to get four out of six headshots within the timeframe too. However, "Damn it!" He slapped his hands against the table. He then takes a deep breath and sighed. "Do you mind if I take a break for a minute?"

I nodded, "I'll give you a half hour. I need to write up reports and make sure nothing has come up while we were down here." He nods and stretches his back. He goes to put his weapons back. I went to my cabin and turned the sound system to a running stream and rain.

First I checked my Email, several from the random people 'I met' before being spaced. Till I got to the Alenko-Williams Family message.

Dear Captain Shepard

What the Hell?! Where have you've been? For 2 years we mourn you, and you suddenly pop up. And with Cerberus! Have you gone batshit! I would've walked into hell with you Skipper. Do you even know about me and Kaidan? We're married and have a little girl Named after you. If you were around we would've made you her God-Father. I'm soo fucking angry I could scr–

Hey Shepard, It's Kaidan. Ash went out to the shooting range. Saying she needed to let off some steam. I'm glad you're back. Please come visit when you have a moment. I need to console my Daughter about the Space Zombie that Mommy is angry at.

There was an image attached of their wedding day and of Jane both when she was born and currently her latest birthday. She was holding up three fingers. I looked at it for a good while. I got a frame and ported the images onto it.

Next was a message from Liara asking to meet up. Gab has managed to give some concrete numbers to make a nano-forge. I responded to Gab to give the numbers once over while I do my reports and that I'll be down in an hour or two.

I wrote up reports for the next 2 hours. I yawned and got up and changed into my casual uniform. I made my way to the Engineer deck. Where Gab was teasing Kenneth about the fact that Jack was just under them.

"You need to stop Gabby, you're giving me whiplash." She laughs as she turns to see me. "Captain, here about the Nano-Forge." I nodded, "Yeah, ready to build it?" He smiles, "Ken helped out on the power situation. I was really stumped on it."

He slaps his hands together like he was getting rid of dust. "All in a day's work, Captain." I nod my head towards the elevator. "Let's get going. I want at least a prototype finished before we get to Zorya."

For the next few hours we worked out where to put it and what we needed to build it. Turns out that the Nano-Forge was as big as a Kodiak. The power to generate it wasn't going to be a star to my disappointment.

But instead of a star it'll be a mass effect generating singularity. So I got every Biotic here to give it the juice to get it spinning. We had to hold it together for a full hour before it could sustain itself. Miranda, Jacob and Garret passed out after 15 minutes.

However Me, Jack and EDI sustain it for the rest of the way. Afterwards EDI had to get repaired while Jack went to sleep. I got a massive headache, so I took a nap. When I woke up, Gab and Kenneth were already testing out the Forge.

They handed me a datapad so I could look over the results. I looked at them, then at the new machine. "So What the most complicated thing you've made so far?" One of the Mech Troopers(Tank) walked over to a box and opened it up to pick up a rod.

It was a glittery gold, and with some numbers on the side. Gab spoked up, "This is a pure rod of Silaris Metal, it weighs 15 tons in this form alone. However-" She pulls out a small bar from her breast pocket. "It can be made into smaller things. This weighs nearly 10 pounds."

I take it and weigh it in my hands, "So I'm guessing armor will be heavier? Along with weapons?" Kenneth shakes his head. "Weapons are no go, Not because it'll be heavy as hell. But because of the needed parts that require certain temperatures and resistances."

Gab picks up the thought, "I'm sure given enough time we can make weapons with it but not now. However Armor is a go, the only problem is the weight. Whoever is going to be wearing it is going to need a huge boost in both physical and mechanical strength."

I nodded and I looked at the Vehicles, "Can you armor them?" They looked at them then each other. Kenneth smiles, "Sure thing Shepard. Though the Hammerhead won't get the treatment. It needs to be fast." I nodded, "I'm going to chakwas for something for my head."

They nodded and began working, I dragged my hungover ass to the medbay. I never thought you could get hungover without drinking. When I got there Jacob, Miranda and Garret were on the beds. However the thing that surprised me was that Chakwas was getting help from both Mordin and Sidonis. Who's looking better than the picture I've seen?

He was the first to spot me, he came over with his Tool. "Glad to see you finally, Shepard. Sorry Captain." I waved him off and took a seat on the crate next to the door. "Shepards fine. How are you and everyone else for that matter?"

He starts to scan me, "Everyone just needs rest and food when they wake up. Hence the IVs. Also EDI transferred data on your new abilities. Your normal amp won't be able to use it properly." Mordin comes up with a cup of water and a couple pills.

"Yes, Sidonis came up with a useful design, it'll help to make stronger biotic attacks. While also giving you finer control of these new abilities. Not to mention with the new armor designs I've seen. You'll not only be stronger but faster as well. With these new powers you'll be able to speed yourself."

I raised my hands, "I get it Doctor, Thank you. When will this amp be ready?" Mordin looks at his Tool. "It'll be completed in a day. Afterward we will need to adjust it to your power output." I nodded. "I'm going to get something to eat."

Garrus and Grunt were there and after getting food I sat in front of them. "How's it going guys?" Grunt looks up at me. "Is he going to be alright?" I turn to Garrus, "Garret." I made an ah motion, and nodded at Grunt. "Yes, he'll be alright. He just got exhausted with his Biotics."

He looked towards the medbay, "How come? I've seen all you use your Biotics and never tire you all out like that." I chewed thoughtfully, "Think about it, you know how you get all sore when you work out?" He nods, "It's like that, when you use your muscles they shred themselves then heal up to become stronger."

He thinks for a minute, "So his muscles need to work out?" Garrus laughs, "More like he needs to work out his biotic muscles. Get them stronger to be able to lift you up." He smiled at that, "I'll help with that."

We had another day before we made it to Zorya. I got the New Bio-Amp and started to train with it. I've learned to use some of the Biotics from ME3 and Andromeda. I'm now able to use most of the new powers, though by far my favorites are Flare and the Biotic Blink.

When Jack found out about that, she cursed up a storm and demanded an amp for herself. I shrugged and said "Go ahead, But you'll be off the next mission to learn how to use it." She looked pissed, but agreed to it all the same.

When we got to the Zorya, Zaeed wanted to talk alone. "Listen Shepard, I had thought you would work like other units and just use a small strike team. But since you have an army and all, You can get someone to lead the charge on saving the refinery. But you and me? I need to kill Vido."

I nodded, and activated my tool, "Joker you have the Refinery location?" "uh yeah?" "When we launch, destroy any and all flying vehicles." "Aye aye Captain." Zaeed looks impressed. "Didn't think you'd go that far."

I gesture for him to head to the shuttle. "Zaeed, I need your head in the game for a suicide mission. If killing this bastard is going to do that, then we're going to kill the bastard." He nodded as he got onto the shuttle. "Fine, Let's go be Goddamned Heroes"

We saw Normandy go in for the Attack. When we saw the Normandy fly back up as we entered the atmosphere, Joker contacted us. "The attack was clean Captain, Nobody is leaving that planet." EDI spoke up next, "I've also managed to jam their communication. They won't be able to call for help."

I saw smiles all around, "Great job, time to crack some heads." I hear agreements throughout the shuttle. "EDI when we land, pull the shuttle back up to Normandy and load it with the Mech troopers." "Of course, Captain. Happy Hunting."

We landed and poured out of the shuttle. Zaeed works out the communications so we can hear what they're saying. Vido was the first to speak. "I don't give a damn! Someone better find out who the hell attacked us and then kill them."

Zaeed smirked, "Bastard was always arrogant. Can't understand when someone goes against him." I turn to the rest of the Squad. "Heavys in front, Snipers in the back. Everyone else, support the Heavys."

Me, Jacob, and Grunt got into the front. Garrus, Zaeed and Javian got into the back. With that we marched on. Grunt tapped my shoulder, "We should use the heavy weapons to mow them down faster."

I checked what everyone has, the only two who didn't have heavy weapons were Miranda and Kasumi."Those with grenades and rockets fire till empty. The rest are to save till we hit heavier resistance."

I got affirmatives and when we met the first of Vido's troops they dropped like flies. We can hear Vido cursing out the workers. "Which one of you Fuckers manage to call for help? If no one steps up I'll kill you shit for brains one by one." I step up the pace, "Double time it people." Soon we rounded on the loader doors.

The doors open with a squad of Blue Suns walking out. We mowed them down too. We saw our shuttle come in on the other side of the walkway with our troops air jumping to the ground. "Listen up everyone, Secure the Refinery. Protect the workers." I turned back to the squad.

"Mordin, go with them. Make sure they're taken care of." He nods and follows the mechs into the refinery. We head towards the 'Renegade' route. Zaeed was enjoying himself, "Come out you Rat Bastard! I'll gut you for what you did to me!"

I tried out a new idea with my upgraded abilities. I pull a lot of energy into my hand then let go, "DOOM STORM!" Several large warp flew out and struck a dozen BS troops. Creating singularities and biotic explosions.

An entire was cleared out, Garrus looked at me, "Doom Storm? Seriously?" I cough quietly, "Old videogame attack move. It was similar to that." Zaeed moved to the exit I followed. Vido was dragging himself away from the refinery.

Unlike the game, the place wasn't exploding, so he'll most likely just get shot. "Come on Massani, I did you a favor. You're working with a Spectre and you've become the best bounty hunter in the galaxy." Zaeed kicked him onto his back with a foot planted on his chest.

He pulled out his pistol, For an intense moment they stared at each other. "Here's what you're going to do, You're going to transfer the Blue Suns back to me. With Shepard as Co-Commander." Vido nods, He begins to type till we both get a notification.

"See Zaeed I could be a great ally when I want to be. Let's put this behind us, yeah?" He looks at his Tool then at me. I lean against some railing. He looked at Vido again and fired.

Several hours later I found him sitting at the bar in Kasumi's room. Who was either not here or not visible. "I fucking hate my job some times." I walked around the bar and waited for him to continue.

"Did you know that I started the Blue Suns? 20 years ago, I ran the crew and he ran the books. until one day he started to hire Batarians. Cheaper labor, he said. Goddamn terrorists I said. Then one day he had my own men hold me down while he put a bullet in my head."

He takes a deep drink, I begin mixing up my own drink. "Rage is a hell of an anesthetic, huh?" He chuckles darkly, "Goddamn right." We drank in silence. Afterwards I had to help him to his little hiding hole.

I went to bed too, The Purple Sun was there and all, but it was accompanied with a blue moon. It looks like they'll be eclipsed but not quite yet. I woke up with a new craving. "EDI do we have Chocolate milk?"

"I'm afraid not John, However we will be arriving at Illium in several hours. We can order some when we get there." I nodded and went to get dressed. I went down to the command deck to check on everything. Kelly smiled at me, our talks have been sparse but useful.

I went to the cockpit, "Hey Commander, glad that you're still here and all but when were you going to tell me EDI getting a hot new bod?" I rolled my eyes, "Do you know now?" He in turn rolled his own eyes. "Where is she anyway?"

"I am everywhere, Mr. Morue." A blue hologram pops up beside him. "Yeah that's not creepy at all." I chuckled, "How goes the repairs EDI." "They go well, though I have to make some upgrades to better withstand the power output."

I think about something for a minute. "EDI How long do you estimate that we'll be on Illium?" She actually did a loading bar. When she was done she made a ding sound. "I calculate that we will be there for at least two weeks if not a whole month."

I looked at Joker, "Joker go to Chakwas, I want to fix your brittle bones." He stared at me for the longest time. "Joker? Did you hear me?" He nods, "I did, I'm just shocked that you want to do that."

I crossed my arms, "What do you mean by that?" He chuckles nervously, "I mean waste resources on me. I don't need my legs to fly the ship. Even if whatever you do works, I doubt that I'll be able to go on missions with you."

I smiled, "Cause you're the best pilot in the Universe. And I like that one of my best friends is able to walk on his own two feet without crutches." He looked like he's about to tear up. I felt a hand on my shoulder.

I turn to see Chakwas with two of the Mech troopers. They both have a red cross on their chest. "EDI called us, If Jeff is willing?" I turned back and reached out with my hand. He took it with only a moment of hesitation.

EDI took control of the ship to bring us in. Joker will be staying in medbay till he is done with his surgeries. However we have three Medically trained professionals, to help him out. No one is allowed in either. The windows are tinted and everyone in the room has been sterilized.

However, again, we have cameras to watch. But Chakwas ordered EDI to allow 10 minutes of watching per hour. When we docked I gave everyone R&R, with the rule being to not sign anything. I went out with Garrus and Garret. My GGs, Ha!

An asari walks up with two LOKIs. "Greeting Captain Shepard, I'm here to tell you that your docking fees have been waived. By Miss Tsoni, with a message to visit her in the market." I nodded at that, and we headed off.

As we were walking another asari stopped me. "We have a message for you Shepard." I turned to her. "What kind of message? From who?" She smiles softly, "From shared friends from Noveria."

I crossed my arms, "I've made plenty of friends there." She nodded and closed her eyes, when she opened them again they were pure white. "Shepard, we hide, we burrow, we wait for the oily yellow note to return. We hope to see you again. To hear your song again."

She closed her eyes when she opened them, they were normal again. "They are amazing people, Shepard. The galaxy owes you a debt for preserving them." I smiled, "Tell her that I would be honored to see her again. Maybe when I'm done with this mission I can visit."

She bows, "I'm sure she will love that." I bid her farewell, As we moved on another friend from Noveria stopped me. "Shepard? I thought you were dead? I don't know if you remember me, I'm Gianna Parasini? I helped you get that garage pass to fight swarms of bug monsters."

I sat down across from her, "I got better, you working a case here too." She chuckles, "How'd you know? It has to do with stolen mods. Fakes of course, but we need to catch her in the act of selling them." She arches an eyebrow, I rolled my eyes.

"Where is she?" She leans in, "Just behind you, I'll pay you of course." I shrugged, "Credits do make the Galaxy turn." I got up and walked over to the station. "Hello, you must be heading out to the Terminus Systems. You should browse our wares."

I looked at the equipment when I turned to her, "I'm willing to lay down some credits. But this stuff isn't good enough for the firefights that I'm heading into." She nodded, "Well I can authorize a discount and maybe some experimental mods." I nodded

I checked the prices again and they were cheaper. "So those mods?" She looked around, "These mods aren't even on the market yet. Won't be for another 2 years." Gianna walks up, "That's because they're fakes. Thanks Shepard." The Asari looked between us.

"You trick me? Who the hell do you think you are?" I put a hand on my chest and acted shocked. "You don't know who I am. I'm Captain John Shepard, Lion of Elysium, Hero of Eden Prime, Terra Nova and the Citadel. To top it off I'm a goddamn Spectre. How are your odds?"

She looks like she is about to pass out in fear. "I need t-to call my l-lawyer." With that she ran to the hills. Or the steps? "Holy shit Shepard I never seen an asari run for her life like that. How about that beer I promise you?"

I shook my head, "Sorry, I need to get to a meeting. I'll take a raincheck. Good luck with whatever you get up too." She nods, "You too Shepard." I head towards Liara's office. Before I went up I turned to My GGs, Ha! "You guys go do what you want. I can handle it from here."

Garrus nods, Garret was already heading off to the docks to buy things. I walked up the stairs with the traitor waiting. She stood and bow, Shepard Ms. Tsoni is in a meeting at the moment. Please remain quiet when entering."

I walked in leaning against the wall, "Have you ever faced Asari Commandos before? Few have, now please pay the allotted amount or I'll flay you with my mind." The hologram dispersed, she turned then gasped in shock.

"Shepard? You're here?" I walked up and she hugged me. "I'm so glad you're back. I thought that you'd be lost forever." She lets me go and looks to her assistant. "Nissia, please hold my calls." I sat down while she went to her chair.

"'I'll flay you with my mind?' Where the hell do you get that from?" I chuckle, while she blushes, "You know that biotics can't do that. But he didn't know that." She sighed, "Oh Shepard I'm happy to see you alive. I thought that you wouldn't.." She looked away.

"That I wouldn't make it when you hand me over to Cerberus?" She looked shocked, "I've learned quite some time ago. If I was around to object I probably would. But as I stand here now. Thank you." She let a couple of tears fall down.

She wiped them away. "Thank you Shepard, I didn't know I needed that. What can I do for you now?" I smiled, "Several things actually, I need to know where Samara, Thane Krios, and how to trademark and patent a new device that I made that'll probably help a new start up company."

She stared for a minute then chuckled, "Let's start with easier ones first."