Ok all. Don't worry, I've not abandoned this or A New Origin due to the new stories. Anyway, enjoy.
"How do we keep getting in these situations!?" Ashely shouted from behind her cover as she and Garrus both flinched when a wave of biotic energy wrapped around the fancy couch they were both crouching behind "we were just getting drinks" quickly standing up she fired her weapon, just a small pistol right at the sceptre that they were fighting against. For all the good it did, as the spectre just raised her hand and used her biotics to place a shield around herself 'that's just cheating' she thought to herself.
"Because Liara is our friend and we're all very dangerous people" Garrus answered as he rolled out from behind his cover, throwing a grenade as he did so. Though he only just made it back to cover before a hail of fire hit the ground around him.
The sound of a shotgun gave them both a moment of rest as Tali was standing next to the Spectre, her weapon being unloaded into the self-made shield. Now Tali shouldn't be getting too close given her Quarian heritage but to give her credit, she was doing a good job "you do know who we work with right?!" she shouted over the sound of her own weapon. Whose blows which started to push Tela back across the fancy hotel's balcony.
"I do know that" Tela said back as she stabled herself on the wooden floor and quickly knocked the weapon out of Tali's hand before quickly, easily and masterfully flipping her onto her back and pinning her to the ground "which is why I'm going to have to kill you quickly" she snarled aiming the weapon she took from Tali's hand and aimed it right at her.
Seeing what was about to happen, Garrus quickly stood up from his cover and placed his hands on in the air "WAIT! WAIT! WAIT!" he shouted getting her attention as while she still held Tali pinned to the ground, she aimed her weapon at him "It's too late for that" he added "I just called him then, he's on his way. What do you think he'll do when he finds out you killed his only link to the Migrant fleet?" he asked hoping that a spectre of her skill and reputation would know that pissing off Clark was just stupid.
Thankfully, it seemed his gamble had payed off based on the way she hasn't shot him yet "You know why we're a crew" he carried on but to be honest, he was just talking out his ass. He had no idea how she would know this, but he was just praying to the spirits that she read the files on the crew. It's not like they were being secretive about why they're all on the Normandy "The Reapers are coming, Superman is working on building an alliance of every species out there. He'll kill you for getting in the way of that and you know you won't be able to escape him"
The Spectre who tried to kill Liara stilled as she focused on his words, for a moment, for one simple moment it looked like she would see the logic in his argument. But it seemed like that moment would be ruined, the sound of a weapon being fired echoed through the entire balcony, bar... pool? The rich really do like to live excessively.
Tela looked down to her stomach and saw blood slowly starting to seep out of a new wound "Gah. Damn it!" she spat as she wobbled back from where she stood above Tali. Everyone turned to the left and saw Liara standing there with his pistol still drawn and pointed at the spectre. A frown of passive anger on her face. The spectre determined to not go down without a fight swung the shotgun around to shoot the information broker. But before she could fire Liara beat her to it Tela staggered as another wound found its way into her shoulder.
The spectre fell backwards, her body landing against the solid railing of the balcony "you... you fucking idiot" she spat, blood spilling from her mouth, not even bothering to cover the wound. Garrus and Ashely both moved forward, their weapons trained on her. He helped Tali up to her feet she gave him a grateful nod.
Liara stepped past them all and without even reacting to bleeding spectre, she reached down and grabbed a data stick from her belt "Sekat's personal datastick. This has what we need to find the Shadow Broker" she said as she scanned the stick with her omni-tool.
And wasn't that the surprise of the night, they went to that bar expecting a few hours of catching up and drinking and before they knew what was going on they were being shot at. It seemed that Liara had a very strong idea as to why she was being targeted. It seems she was hunting down the Shadow Broker and a good friend of hers has been kidnapped by him.
"You're dead." Tela spat "the shadow broker has been in power for decades" she started to laugh "what? You... you think Superman can help you? I've got a feeling he's got better things to do" her eyes found Garrus's and the Turian knew that she somehow figured out what the whole mission was "isn't that right?" she asked with a small, satisfied smirk.
Before he could even think of a response, the sound similar to that of thunder was heard and the ground around them shook. Everyone, including not only the dying spectre but the many civilians that were looking on as well. Apparently shooting up a fancy hotel balcony brought a crowd.
Clark was standing there, his legs slightly bent, a frown on his face and his black coat trailing in the wind. Though something was off with him, when Garrus looked at him now. This might be the first time he looked at Clark and felt really nervous about him, based on the look of anger on his face. He was in the right to feel that way. Straightening his legs Clark slowly started to walk forward towards them and it was hard to ignore the look of anger. When he reached where the downed Spectre was, who Garrus has only just noticed was very still.
Closing his eyes, he let out a sigh before turning to look at the rest of the building the balcony was built on and the many faces that were looking down at them from the high floors "do you have any idea how much harder you just made the mission?" he said looking at Garrus.
"Sir I..." he started but stopped when Clark raised his finger stopping him before he could even begin to explain.
"All of you" he said as his eyes met Garrus's own as well as Ashely and Tali's "get back to the ship, we're leaving" once he was done talking, he starred. Practically daring them to argue with him and despite how much they wanted to stay and help Liara, it was Clark's presence that seemed to remained them all of the mission and how important it is compared to the Shadow Broker. Not very.
When they each gave one last look to Liara who was just starring at the data, all three of them started to move to get a Skycar back to the docking hub. On Clarks estimates, it should take them a half hour to get back to the Normandy. When they left, he quickly turned to face Liara who had only just seemed to notice he was there "I hope for your sake that you have a really good reason as to why you just ruined any good publicity we have" he said with a stern tone as he walked forward.
Liara raised an eyebrow at him rather than be intimated "I wouldn't think that you would care about something so trivial?" she said closing her omni-tool and placing her hands on her hips.
"I don't" he quickly admitted "but I'm not stupid enough to think that pissing off the government is going to be productive" he nodded towards the dead spectre "especially when she is killed after she's ordered to meet with me and deliver a message" when Liara looked at the her body, the realization started to dawn on her face "and if you killed her before she could tell the council my own message about how the Reapers are real and on the way. You've just made my job a hell of a lot harder" stepping forward Liara found herself being pushed back by the sheer presence he had, though unlike last time it wasn't infatuation or lust but rather fear "so I hope for your sake, you have a very good reason as to why you would make this mission so much more difficult"
When her back hit the railing of the balcony she was forced to stop and Clark stopped only an inch away from her "I can find the location of the Shadow Broker" she announced.
Clark frowned in thought. Of course, he knew of the Shadow Broker and said Broker knew about him. Agents of his/hers have been close to getting him a couple of times, almost as close as the STG. And despite he himself trying to find him in return, he couldn't. Hiding from him was not something easily done, and he would be lying if he said the information hold the Broker may have is something he wouldn't say no to having "How?" he asked.
As quickly as she could Liara filled him in on the details that led her here. How she was hunting to Broker when a friend of his was kidnapped, she was getting closer and closer to the location of their base or ship or whatever. So close in fact that they needed a spectre to hunt her down, now that she had got back the information that Tela had stolen from someone named Sekat "with this data, all of it together. I can piece the location of the Shadow Broker and if you allow it. I can pass the location onto the Normandy and we can go there together" she offered.
She was telling the truth, he can tell that much. And he would be a an idiot to not try and get his hands on that data, if it's as big as he's been told then it may be something he could use to get people to forget about the Spectre his crew just killed "Ok" he said "pass on the data to the ship and we'll see what comes from it. But I want you to understand one thing. I'm not Shepard, I'm not going to be emotionally manipulated by pleading and excuses" his voice was calm but also stern "I know the Reapers are real and what them coming here means, galactic extinction. I'm helping you do this because the data the Shadow Broker has could make it a lot easier to bring the races together. I don't give two shits about your friend or you but I will help you if once all this is done, I get a copy of the data the Broker has, do you understand?" he asked.
Liara frowned as he went on and even though he knew she had a reason to not like him right now, he also knew that she still needed him, a lot "I understand" she said.
He nodded back at her "good, get to the Normandy as soon as you can. Soon we won't be able to leave because my presence on Illium is already confirmed but they don't know what ship I'm using, not for much longer though"
"I'm ready now" she quickly interrupted him "we need to get this done quickly"
Well, he wasn't going to argue with that, without waiting for permission he reached out and picked her up in his arms "what are you... wait wait wait wait!" she tried to stop him but it was too late and he jumped into the air "AAAAHHHHHH! HAHAHAHA" she screamed but then started to laugh as they flew towards the ship.
He was angry with her, he really was. But at the same time, he really couldn't help but smile at the pure joy coming off the Asari as they flew through the city. It was really hard to not take some delight in the childish laughter coming from her. When they neared the Normandy Clark slowed down when he noticed the large crowd of people that the trading arena seemed to have.
'Yeah, we really needed to go' he thought to himself. He lowered down and stopped in front of the Normandy's entrance. Placing Liara down on her admittedly shacky legs, it took a few minutes, but she was able to stand on her own "thank you" she said in a breathless voice with a bright smile on her face.
Like before he couldn't help but place a small smile on his own face, though he was able to push it away when he remembered that he was mad at her "ok, get on the ship. Once everyone gets back we'll head off to find the broker" he instructed.
"right" she nodded at him before turning around and making her way into the ship.
Clark was about to follow her but stopped when he Omni-Tool was contacting him. Raising it up to his mouth he answered the call "Hello" he said.
"Battle Master" Grunts voice filtered through the small speaker "I'm going to need your help" he said calmly with the regular growl he had.
Clark frowned when he turned to the Normandy and he used his eyes to look through the solid walls of the ship. Surely enough the Krogan wasn't there "why? What's happened?" he asked in a genuinely confused voice.
"aahh" Grunt let out a long breath "I've being held captive against my will, I was going to try and escape but I think I should call you first, let you know what's going on"
"Held captive?" he asked with surprised voice "by who? Eclipse? The Blood Pack? What? Wait, if you're a captive how are you calling me?" he walked back and placed a hand on the walkway's balcony railing as he asked.
"hehehe" Grunt started to laugh "the fools said I have a right to call someone, I don't think they expect me to call the one who no-one can stop. When you get here, we'll burn this place in beautiful flames"
Clark clenched his jaw when he realized what was happening "Grunt, where you arrested by the police?" he asked with a deadpan tone.
"aarr... they may have claimed to be a policing force but I'm doubtful, they're very week" he added.
He let out a tired sigh "Grunt, is there someone with you right now while talking to me?" he asked.
"Hehe, yeah. Some Turian, he really likes aiming his gun at me, or maybe it's because I keep growling at him" he spoke and Clark could tell that this situation was going to get worse if he didn't get him out of there.
"Pass the phone over towards them" he ordered with a stern tone.
"...what's a phone?" Grunt asked.
He closed his eyes and let out a sigh "the thing in your hand that you're talking into. Pass it to the guard" he said as he leaned forward and cupped his face in his hand.
"Hello, are you the one in charge" a deep and gruff voice spoke through the Omni-Tool though he could tell immediately tell it was someone else.
"Yeah, that's me, I'll get this all sorted out. What station are you holding him in?" he asked.
"At the moment he's being held at the deluxe plaza containment cells" he was told. Thankfully it was close, the plaza itself was the building they were on right now which included the docking area and the trading centre. If the map he saw before was accurate then the containment cells would be near the ground floor "but I should tell you that he's being held for assault and attempted murder. Not something that can just be …... sorted out"
"WHAT!" he found himself shouting out "I'll be there in a minute" he hung up the call and without another word he just jumped over the railing and started to fall to the ground. This was not the departure he wanted, he just wanted to sneak away quickly but now he has to deal with this. It could take hours to get Grunt out if these where the charges and by then the press would be able to tell what ship he came here on and that he was at the very least an accessory to the murder of a spectre.
When the ground approached, he could see that nobody was directly underneath him so he had no reason to stop. His strong feet hit the ground and proved far stronger as the concrete shattered under him. Though no-one was underneath him, that doesn't mean the street was empty and this was a busy high street.
Dozens up dozens of people turned to face him and people of many different species. All of which were shocked in one way or another, some out right screaming, some immediately taking out their Omni-Tools and recording him. Though he didn't care about that, turning to face the front entrance of the building he jumped off of.
It wasn't much different from the street, the large glass windows gave a view of many different people, all of which were looking at him in shock. That didn't change when he opened the door and entered what was the lobby, a lot of people found themselves stepping back as he approached. Though the woman behind the reception desk didn't have the luxury, thankfully she was an Asari so she wouldn't want to move away from him. When he stopped in front of the desk he looked down to the sitting receptionist "where's the containment cells?" he asked.
"Fourth floor" she said immediately.
He gave her a dull smile "thank you"
It was a very annoyed Clark that walked across the threshold of the Normandy. With Grunt walking in close behind him but with a much more timid attitude then he usually had, no doubt sensing the emotions that were coming off his battle master. As soon as the inner air lock of the Normandy opened, they both moved in and Clark spoke "EDI, is everyone here?" he asked turning left and walking towards the cockpit where Joker was sitting.
"Yes captain, all of the crew are accounted for" the A.I responded automatically.
"Great. JOKER!" he shouted getting the pilots complete attention within but a second "get us out of here, asap!" he turned around without another word and hoped his attitude was enough.
"wha... err... yes sir. Where do you want to us to go?" he asked, as he typed furiously into the console.
"I'll let you know soon" he turned around and made his way into the CIC listening in to the ship and could hear the engines start up, the clamps holding the ship in place releasing their hold and he could feel the ship moving through the air. When he turned forward he found Miranda waiting for him with Garrus, Ashely and Liara. Before they could all walk up to him and start asking questions, he turned and looked at Grunt "go back to your room, I will be down to talk to you soon" there was a certain harshness to his tone, enough that for other species it would make them nervous but for Krogan it was just enough to show that he was serious.
Grunt let out a low growl before lowering his head and nodding "Yes battle master" he sulked off to the elevator and the others waited for the doors to close before they started spoke.
"Why the rush to leave?" Miranda asked as she walked forward and stopped beside him "the little girl found her family by the way, they were very thankful"
Clark gave her a smile "well that's good. And we have to leave because I had to break Grunt out of a small prison because he nearly killed three bouncers of a Night Club" he explained.
"What!" she asked alarmed at the sudden news and the others looked equally shocked "why?" she asked.
All Clark could do was give her a shrug "I don't know, I'm going to talk to him later. This can't be allowed to happen again" turning away from the executive officer, his eyes moved to the only Asari present "have you been able to find the location?" he asked calmly.
She was very quick to nod "Yes, the location is on a planet called Hagalaz. This new A.I, EDI. Claims that it will take a few hours to get there" she informed and after a moment he nodded back.
"Alright, EDI. Tell Joker where we need to go" he ordered.
"Understood Captain" she responded quickly.
"Is there anything else" he asked those in front of him.
"Yes sir" EDI said before anyone else could "Both Thane Krois and Justiciar Samara have settled into their respective rooms, it would be prudent to check up on them. Doctor Solus has asked to speak to you regarding a personal matter. Operative Taylor has also requested the same" the A.I informed.
Quickly committing all that to memory, Clark nodded before turning to the others "Yes?" he asked.
"Cap... Clark" Garrus started "I wanted to apologies, we should have been more aware that it's no secret we're working with you and that fighting a spectre in plain view of everyone while you're planning on approaching the government about the Reapers..." he looked down and sighed "it was foolish and stupid and irrespirable and..."
He was stopped by Ashely who placed a hand on his shoulder "we're sorry and it won't happen again" she didn't say anything else.
It was unexpected but he knew that he couldn't be too mad at them, a friend was in danger. Would he have done anything different? "you had a good reason" is all he said "for now, let's focus on the job. Who knows what the Shadow Broker has. Hell, we might be able to Blackmail the council into working together" he added light heartedly, which seemed to lift the moods of those present.
After a moment the others started to leave until it was only Clark left who stood in front of the terminal next to the galaxy map. Taking a moment to collect himself, he started to make his way into Mordins lab. Though before he could get a couple of steps in, Kelly's voice stopped him "I'll be in your cabin at the same time as last for your appointment" she informed before turning around and looked at him "EDI informed me you had another talk" she whispered "with your wife, I'd like to talk to you about it in are next session" she added with a smile before turning around and returning to her console.
He couldn't even get mad at her. Clark likes to think that he's become a good judge of character in his life and there was nothing to tell him that she had malicious intent. She really did just want to look inside his head, whether or not that was because she wanted to help him or just get a better understanding of his mind, well he liked to think it was the former. Either way he gave her a nod and moved forward out of the CIC.
The doors to the lab opened and as expected Clark could see Solus working on the main lab table, he didn't know what on, he hasn't really been in here since he found the counter for the seeker swarms and he didn't mind if the doctor worked on his own thing, he wasn't getting the way of anything. When he stepped closer, the large eyes of the Salarian turned to look at him "Captain, important news. Know you're busy. Have to deal with the Collectors. Reapers. Shadow Broker now. Planning attack" he started and when Clark didn't say anything as he stopped across the table he continued "Too important to wait. Just received data, still processing, analysing likely scenarios. Now sure how to begin. Too much intel"
He stopped talking and took a breath "haven't spoken much, you and I. Not complaining, understandable, working hard to stop Collectors, find proof on Reapers. All time in lab spent together, no time to learn about me, too busy indulging my curiosity asking about yourself" he reasoned as Clark placed both his hands on the table "brief overview. My work in STG retained to modification of Genophage. Worked with team. Scientists, all different types. Blood pack mercenaries captured former team member. Maelon. Last seen on Tuchanka. Might torture him. Make and example" he looked down closed his eyes and sighed "recovering Maelon would be a personal favour to me"
Clark thought about it for a moment before he responded "we'll head to Tuchanka when we can but I'm sure you can understand that getting the information the Shadow Broker has will have to come first" he said calmly.
"Of course" he nodded quickly "cannot miss the opportunity to such vast store of data. Only hope it doesn't take too long. Appreciate it. My assistant. My student. Want to see him safe. Maelon last seen outside Urdnot territory. Scouts might have seen Blood Pack. Talk to them or clan chief" he stopped and went back to typing.
But Clark didn't leave, instead he walked around the table and leaned against it with his arms crossed, looking out of the window, the atmosphere of Ilium was being left behind and the vastness of space getting more and more prominent in the windows view "what kind of work where your team doing on the Genophage?" he asked. Of course, Clark knew about the Krogan sterilization and he thought it was horrific. While he did understand why it was done and maybe it could be justified but the whole thing just felt wrong to him.
Mordin stopped typing and turned to look at him "Study at first. But during uncovered surprising data. At first, Krigan population was increasing at faster rate than expected. Krogan were adapting to genophage. Overcoming disease" he explained.
Now that was unexpected, something Clark did not know. Sure he knew the Krogan where tough, in every way. But he thought that it would have taken a couple more thousand years for them to adapt to it "wow, they really are biological marvels, aren't they?" he asked.
"Indeed. No denying that" he was quick to agree "based on data, had to act quickly. Needed to modify genophage in order to prevent them becoming immune. No genophage, population increase unavoidable, second Krogan rebellion inevitable. No other possibility, had to act" he said and it almost sounded like he was trying to explain himself.
"Did you consider any other option?"
"Hundreds" he started as he also made to pace in front of Clark "thousands. Personally, led a science team. Geneticists, chemists, sociologists, mathematicians. Checked every possibility modified genophage offered best outcome. Created new version of genophage. Released it on Tuchanka, other Krogan-centric area. Restabilized Krogan population. Averted potential genocide or devastating war. Best solution for whole galaxy, Krogan included" he ranted, waving his hands around and Clark had to lean back to not be slapped by the hands.
"If you were in charge" he started because he really did want to know "if you had the freedom, what would you have done differently?" he asked and when Mordin stopped walking to look at him, he continued "say you had unlimited funding, the best scientists and a few years of time. What would you do?" he asked.
He was silent, no doubt thinking about the hypothetical "would have found another way. Not sure what but with all the funding, best of minds, time. Liked to hope another option would have been found"
'It was nice to know' Clark couldn't help but think. Clark always did think that Mordin was a nice guy, sure he's done some bad things but he's just pragmatic about problems and a little ruthless. Nothing really wrong with that. He nodded at the scientist "I'll leave you to it" he turned around and made to leave but that was when he noticed what was on the table. There were dozens and dozens of different data pads, all of which held screens showing reports "the STG are giving you the info from the collector ship?" he asked.
"hhhmm?" Mordin asked as he moved forward "yes, know I am on your ship, asking many questions. Not telling them much of course, respect privacy, just enough to bribe information. Mainly Collector ship" he explained.
"TIM hasn't gotten back to me on that yet" Clark commented as he looked over one of the pads.
"TIM?... ah, The Illusive Man. Fun. Degrading. I approve. Not unsurprising, Cerberus still relatively young, no time to get proper spies everywhere yet. STG on other have been in business for much longer. Also invited, being allowed to be there helps" he started to type on the tables main console again.
"I might come back to look through some of these later" he suggested "assuming that's ok with you?" he asked.
Mordin happily "of course, happy to have a second pair of eyes"
Clark gave him a final nod "I'll see you soon" he said goodbye
"Looking forward to it"
Clark walked out of the lab and moved across the small corridor that separated the lab from the meeting room and the armoury. Knowing that Taylor also wanted to talk to him as well and god only knows about what. He knew that it wouldn't be some logistical because if that was the case he would have spoken to either EDI or Miranda, so he was only left to guess.
Upon entering the armoury, he could see the man in question who was looking over some weapons on a table. Though when the sound of the door opening was heard he turned around to see him "Sir" he saluted.
"EDI said you wanted to talk about something" Clark said stepping forward.
Jacob lowered his arm and looked uneasy for a moment "yeah... I know that we're doing something important, hell this is probably the most important mission I'll ever be a part of"
"But?" Clark asked.
He looked down to the ground, unsure if he wanted to continue but he continued "Have you ever had something major happen in your life but never gotten any closure for it?" he asked.
It seemed quite random to Clark but he humoured Jacob and did think about it. Sure, a lot of important things have happened in his life. But not getting any closure for them? No, he doesn't think so. He shook his head "No" he answered.
"Really?" he asked surprised and when Clark nodded he collected himself. Leaning back against the table he crossed his arms "It's a personal matter and I definitely didn't want it to get in the way. But it's been biting at the back of my head for the last three days" he tried to explain as best he could "I got pinged by a ghost. Family"
Family. That word always did make things more complicated immediately and it did so in every which way, for better or worse "go ahead" he said as a small frown on his face.
"Three days ago, my private log got an update about the Hugo Gernsback, the ship my father served on. It sent an SOS last week, reporting a crash and requesting a rescue" he explained before pausing "Clark, that ship went missing ten years ago. I hadn't talked to my father for three years before that. I've buried everything but a body. I'm not convinced it isn't some automated distress signal ticking over. It's been too long"
"Ok" he nodded as he walked forward and stopped in front of the window before turning around and leaning against the window "do you know who sent this to you?" he inquired.
"I wish I knew" he shook his head "whoever this was, they knew what they were doing. This was sent to my personal log and managed to get through Cerebrus filters, they're covering their tracks. Someone could be fishing for favours. Or thought it would get under my skin. Who knows?" the rhetorical question was easy to see and understand.
He wanted to help him, really he did but at the same time, there was no way he could spare the time right now, especially when he considered the talk he just had with Mordin "I'm sure we can help" he started "but you can understand why we won't be able to move on the SOS right now"
Jacob nodded "yes sir, thanks for making the time at all and don't worry, I won't let it get in the way of my work" he gave Clark a final salute and the captain turned to leave the armoury.
As Clark entered the elevator, he could feel the familiar feeling of the ship going through a Mass Relay. When he walked out onto the grew bay a familiar feeling of unease came over him, there were two options at the moment. To his left was an observation lounge which Samara was currently sitting in a meditative pose. Down the corridor on the right was a door to the life support system, the room Thane looked to make his home while he was here. Knowing that he needed to talk to both anyway, he figured he may as well start with the one he wanted to get out of the way the fastest.
Turning to the left he made his way towards Samara, the door opened for him and he stepped inside the quite room. She didn't turn to look at him, she didn't show any reaction to him being there, none that the others could see at least but he could tell. He didn't interrupt her, he just moved forward as she sat calmly on the ground in front of the window.
Moving to one of the benches that faced the window, he simply moved to sit in them and wait. She knew from experience that he wasn't one to get board and walk away "is there a reason you are here?" she asked him.
"I was wondering if we could talk?" he asked calmly as he leaned forward and placed his arms on his knees.
"We have nothing to discuss" she quickly dismissed.
"Really?" he asked dryly "you can't think of anything we could talk about?" the sarcasm was very obvious.
"I would prefer not to speak with you unless I have too. You have convinced me of the Reaper threat, that is reason to cease my hunt of you. That does not mean I have to converse with you" she explained and even though she still held the pose of meditation, he could quickly tell she was doing anything put.
Most people would take the hint and leave but Clark was most defiantly not most people "have you spoken to Falere or Rila recently?"
The biotic meditative ball that she created in front of her faded out of creation and her head turned to look at him "get out" she said and even though it was in a calm voice like everything else, there was a heat behind it.
He knew he struck a nerve but at the same time he couldn't help but think why. He knew about her daughters; she knew that he knew. Why the reaction? Then he found out "you haven't spoken to them since I was last with you, have you?" he asked with a small disbelieving tone.
The calm exterior Samara held broke just a fraction "I... I've been busy" she tried to explain.
"Samara" he said with a small frown of his own "they're your children" he said.
She frowned back at him as she stood up "I do not need you to remind me of that"
He stood up himself and the two faced each other "you said you would try and create a relationship with them" he reminded her, and that was true. Before their breakup, he did his best to convince her that she should at least try and be with her kids.
"I know what I said. I also know that I cannot trust my own thoughts or feelings when I was around you" she reached up and jabbed him in the chest with her finger. Normally Samara would never get physical unless she had to and would always try and be calm.
Being honest Clark got a little prideful when he realized it was just him that could get this reaction "what is that supposed to mean?" he asked.
"It means that your very presence interferes with my kinds feelings, thoughts, ambitions" she listed "I cannot trust any of the thoughts I had when I was around you for too long" she explained.
"So what?" he asked with a shrug "you don't want a relationship with your children?"
The anger on her face faded for but a moment as the question reached her "...no. They're better off without me" her eyes looked to the ground for a moment.
His own eyes softened for a moment "Don't you think that's their choice?" he asked gently.
She took a deep breath and turned away from him. Once again facing the window, getting back down onto her knees "please leave Clark" she said.
Knowing that he already pushed her enough for the moment, he turned around and made his way out of the room and into the corridor. While he couldn't help but feel a little disappointed in Samara for not maintaining contact with her draughters, the other part of his mind thought about what else she said. He knew that his presence effected the Asari, there was nothing he could do about that, but it never occurred to him that when he's around one for too long they'll start to change themselves to accommodate him.
Samara's the only Asari he's spent a substantial amount of time with so he couldn't use anyone else to judge but it did sound like something that could happen. He would need to look into this later.
When he made it to the door which led to the life support he politely knocked on the door. Well, knocked isn't the right word. The door is technically its own air lock so it's thick metal, not something you can just knock on. More accurately, he just banged on them really hard and then opened them.
It was darker than the rest of the ship, not many lights in the room. The only real source of light came from the yellow lights that rested on the main unit of the life support system. The man he was looking for was sitting with his back turned to the door was sitting at a table with his hands clasped together. In front of him was a window that gave view to the ships mass effect core.
Clark walked forward and stopped when he stood beside him "do you need something?" Thane asked calmly, still looking forward.
"No" he said honestly "but you've only just arrived, I thought I should check in, see how you are doing"
"I see. I am content, you need not concern yourself" he dismissed him, though Clark did note that he did it politely.
"When I asked you to join the crew" he started as he took another step forward and sat down on a small chair next to him on the other side of the table "You said that you were dying"
The assassin turned his head to look at him and nodded "Yes. You wish to know more?" he asked calmly. Clark's only seen that type of attitude when he talks to someone who knows that they've been dying and known for a while "you don't have to worry about the rest of the crew. My illness is not communicable, even to other Drell. It's called Kepral's Syndrome" he stated.
The name sounded familiar to Clark and after a moment he thought about. It came to him "right, your lungs are having difficulty taking in oxygen"
"you're familiar with it?" he asked with an almost surprised voice.
Clark nodded calmly at him "yes, I spent some time with a Drell elder. He was teaching me a meditative technique that would help me sort out my memories" and that was true, when Clark learnt that the Drell have a completely photographic memory like him, he felt like he should most definitely meet them at the very least, he might learn something. And learn something he most defiantly did "are you aware how much time you have?" he asked.
"I should be fine for another eight to twelve months. The more time I spend in humid environments, the faster it progresses. I believe it's safe to say that by the time my body is unable to complete the work. I will have already delivered your evidence to the Hanar and Drell" he gave a small shrug "either way, I won't be a burden to you"
Clark nodded at him "if there is anything else you need?" he started but Thane nodded at him.
"I am grateful for the opportunity and the care you give but, But I do not" Thane said back. Without anything left to say, Clark stood up and made his way out of the life support room. Knowing that he couldn't leave Grunt for too long and besides, he needed to get this sorted out quickly before it becomes a bigger problem.
Upon entered Grunts... room. Which being honest was just an overlook of the cargo hold. Clark found the large Krogan space back and forth shaking his head and waving a hand in front of him. Like he was hearing voices "Grunt" he said firmly, walking forward. His voice was harsh, but he still needed to hold that strong position that the Krogan respected "what is it?" he asked.
Grunt stopped walking and starred at him "something... something is wrong, battle master. I feel wrong. Tense. I just want to kill something. With my hands" he walked over to the window and looked down to the cargo hold. It was clear that he was tense, Clark could easily see that "more so than usual, like it's not my choice. Like I just want to, I don't know..." without any warning Grunt slammed his head onto the window, cracking it. He quickly turned around and walked towards him "see? Why do that? What's wrong?" he asked.
"It could be anything" Clark shrugged "I'm not an expert in Krogan to begin with, for all we know it could be completely normal" he said calmly, the firmness of his voice fading.
"Doesn't matter if it's normal. I'm not. I'm not used to this... noise" he turned away and looked at the pod he came from "I want control. When we're moving. Fighting. I focus. But here, my blood screams, my plates itch and even you are just noise!" he turned around to face him "I'm tank born. What is this?" he asked again.
Clark crossed his arms and placed one hand on his chin "we won't be able to help you hear and I doubt anyone else knows something. If Mordin did he would already be in here trying to help. I think we're going to need one of your own kind to look into this" he said.
That seemed to calm him down, somewhat "Nearly all the Krogan off the home world are worriers. The doctors don't leave Tuchanka" he looked down and humbled himself "I won't ask you to go there. I will control this" he said as if he were making a promise.
"We can't go now" he said quickly "but, I already said I'd help Mordin with his own business on Tuchanka. Once we deal with the Shadow Broker, we'll head there and get this sorted out" he spoke in that firm tone again, so Grunt could tell he was being serious.
He looked up to him "I... thank you Battle master. You are a true leader. Fury is a weapon, not a sickness" with that he turned back to the window. Clark turned and left the room.
When the door closed behind him, he stopped and took a breath. Knowing that he didn't have anything to do for a moment, he thought about his options. He could go back up to his cabin and think about how to solve the problems with his ship and he really did need to get that fixed. Or he could catch up on the information they have on the Shadow Broker. Either way he'd be going up there, so he made his way to the elevator.
When he stepped out and walked to the door to his cabin and gave a small nod to the large statue of Michelangelo's David. Opening the door, he walked forward and didn't even notice the body sitting on his couch "Clark, can I have a word" Miranda said as she looked up from the data pad she was holding.
"Sure" he nodded as he sat down next to her "what's up?" he asked.
From what he could tell, she seemed to look uneasy. Like she was a kid about to tell a parent bad news that she knew she would get in trouble for "Now that we're going after the Shadow Broker, I feel like there is something you should know" she announced.
"So, I don't find out from the data stores that the broker has?" he guessed.
Not looking surprised that he knew her reasoning, she nodded "I like to think that we've grown quite close since this mission started and I don't want that to be ruined" she explained as she placed the data pad on the table in front of her.
"Alright" he nodded, not disputing her claim that they've grown close. Being honest he would say that he's closer to her then anyone else on the ship, it would be safe to say that the door with Samara is very closed and tightly locked.
She took a quick breath and straitened her back "I think it's safe to say you only really want to go after the Shadow Broker is because you want to get the data they have. Understandable, who wouldn't want that. But when you go through it, you'll find out something about me that I would rather I just tell you now. My family" she started, and Clark made it clear that she held his complete attention "they started to accumulate their fortune which started with my great grandfather. Who was an executive at Lex Corp" she announced.
Clark tilted his head at her, almost as if he didn't hear her correctly but that was definitely what she said. Slowly he nodded "so, the Lawson family slowly overtook Lex's company" he spoke calmly and after a tense moment she just nodded. He couldn't help but let out a chuckle "it's weird I didn't know that" he stated "I guess really didn't care about the company after... you know"
She didn't replay for a moment, most likely she was expecting him to have a more violent reaction to the news "You're not angry?" she asked.
He shook his head "no, I knew the company wouldn't just dissolve itself. But I assumed that with Lex gone it wouldn't be a real problem anymore, which was mostly true" he considered "I'm sure they've done some bad things here and there" he accurately suggested.
"Well, I'm happy you're not to mad" she leaned back on the couch and let out a breath, seeming much more relaxed.
It amused him a little bit when he saw it "did you think I would blame you for it?"
"no" she shook her head "but I didn't want you to think I was keeping secrets from you, in truth I've been more honest with you anyone" she admitted as she raised her arm on the back on the couch and turned her body to face him.
"Likewise" he said calmly.
"What do you mean?" she asked with an amused frown "your honest with everyone"
And that was true, lying wasn't really something he did these days "yeah, but that doesn't mean I tell everyone about how my love life works" he informed.
She hummed "I suppose that's true, and I do appreciate the trust" she admitted "and... well, everything. Getting Shepard on this mission was the first choice but now I don't think he would have been able to do all this" she nodded down to the data pad on the table "frankly based on what I've seen I'm surprised we haven't been trying to recruit you all this time"
"It wouldn't have worked out" he was very quick to say "don't forget, I was only here to see if the Reapers where real and I'm still here because it's proven they are"
She didn't seem bothered by the rejection but that doesn't mean she didn't have a small argument to make "but you could have been the driving force we needed. To many people join us out of simple xenophobia. We need more people who are here for the right reasons"
"I hate to be the one to tell you this but with this type of organization, you're never gonna have more good than bad" he told her with a soft tone, though it was clear she knew that based on the way she sighed "though I guess if I knew I would be working with someone like you it would have been easier to convince me" he gave her.
She let out something similar to a chuff and a sigh at hearing that "You'd have been fine without me. I'm not going to pretend that I could have done any of things you did. You could have had any Executive Officer and not much would have changed" she stopped talking for a moment as she stood up and slowly walked over towards the fish tank, looking into the empty water 'I really do need to get fish for that' he thought to himself "I was given every advantage I could have possibly got, education, money, even my bloody genes. I guess that wasn't enough to make a real difference" she said placing a hand on her hip.
Looking at her Clark couldn't help but feel a little bad for her, spending her whole life trying to be perfect was never going to end well for anyone but when you're a kid and it's all your told, what else could you do? "Your genetic tailoring really bothers you, doesn't it" he said standing up and slowly walking over towards her.
She let out a sigh "this is what I am Clark. I can't hide it. The intelligence, the looks, even the biotics... he just paid for all of it" she looked over her shoulder and glanced at him "I used to think that was something we had in common, that we were both born great but the more time I spend with you the more I realize that if are positions where reversed I could have never been you. People would look up to the sky and seen hope, justice and I know you don't like it but they also saw reverence. I never could have done that" she admitted.
"I'm not so sure" he walked forward and stopped next to her "if there's one thing I've learned during my... career. It was that being a hero, it's not always about stopping the bad guys" he looked forward into the water "sometimes it's something as simple listening to someone when they're standing on a ledge" he turned back to her and gave her a smile "or helping a scared little girl find her way home" She let out a small chuckle and looked down to the ground "from what I've learned of you. You have a good heart, that's the most important thing"
She looked up to him and gave him a playful smile, then she took a step back and placed both hands on her hips "A good everything really" she started.
He smiled back and nodded "I noticed"
She raised her eyebrows at him "oh you have, have you?" she asked.
Taking a step forward, Clark simply smiled at her "like you haven't been doing the same to me?" he asked rhetorically.
She smirked and then purposefully gave his whole body a once over "well, you can't blame me" she dropped her arms and took a step closer towards him "even though you're an alien, you're the prefect male specimen" she said.
Clark didn't say anything else, not when they were this close together. Acting on his instincts he moved the last inch, his arm reaching around her back and pulling her closer. She quickly reached out with both her arms and wrapped them around his neck, their eyes closed and the lips touched.
They touched for two seconds before they pulled away from each other, their eyes still closed. Each taking a couple of breaths. Clark moved first and dipped his head, she didn't fight him, if anything she pushed herself up against him even more. Their lips met again and this time it was more eager from both parties. Miranda wrapped her leg around his hip and probed her lips with his tongue and after a moment she opened her mouth and allowed him entrance.
This went on for moment. But when Clark's hand lowered and cupped her rear as she rubbed against his waist. That was when Miranda pulled back, quickly separated herself from him and looked calm but he could tell she was shocked "what the hell was that?" she asked but it seemed more to herself then to him "oh god I need to think... I need... I'll talk to you later" she quickly turned to leave, though she was still looking at Clark who was smirking "and stop smiling damn it" with that she turned to leave.
Clark had his arms crossed as he stood beside Joker, the pilot was very focused on his work as the Normandy neared the target planet. Which in itself was a nightmare. The readings for the planet showed that it was very inhospitable, he couldn't think of any alien life that could live there "stealth systems are engaged" Joker said as the ship started to slow down.
"EDI, start a planetary scan. See if you can find any power signatures" Clark said calmly.
"Yes sir, commencing scan now" the A.I said.
As she scanned the ship stalled to a complete halt over the planet, looking over his shoulder when he heard the footsteps. He saw Liara, Garrus and Tali walking towards him "Hagalaz" the Asari started "The oceans boil during the day, then snap freeze ten minutes after sundown" she informed the others.
"Well, doesn't that sound lovely" Garrus mused with a sarcastic sigh.
"Scan complete, I have detected multiple power signatures though I should say the planets storm is creating a large amount interference" EDI informed the group.
Before Clark could offer an alternative, Liara beat him to it "EDI, take the schematics and recorded output of the brokers ship" she raised her arm and activated her Omni-Tool "from what I've been able to find, his ship follows the sun set. Completely undetectable, unless you know what to look for" she crossed her arms and gave Clark a confident smirk.
"One moment" the bridge of the ship was silent as they all waited for the news and after an almost awkward thirty seconds, she spoke again "Mass Effect fields located" she said. In front of Joker, his holographic controls changed and the orange outline of a ship became visible "it is as Miss T'soni said. I have found a powerful mass effect field that seems to be protecting a ship six hundred meters in length" she informed.
Clark looked at the ship with an inquisitive eye, the ship itself didn't seem too impressive but it was pretty nice. The best part was clearly the large dish at the front while behind that was a much smaller and longer base "the dish must protect the rest of it from the sun" he mused to himself.
"That is the most likely assumption" the A.I agreed.
"So how are we going to go about this?" Garrus asked as he stepped forward until he stood next to Clark.
Looking over to the Turian, Clark didn't replay for a moment. He turned around and started to stroke his chin in thought "we can't lose the data the ship has but we also have a hostage to deal with" he glanced at Liara. As the information made its way through his head, the plan started to form together "ok" he nodded "Garrus, I want you take Liara, Tali, Ashely and Mordin. Get yourselves ready for a boarding" looking over his shoulder, his eyes found the holographic image of EDI "EDI, Tell Miranda to get Grunt, Jacob, Samara and Thane to do the same"
"Understood sir" she said.
"We'll see you down there" Garrus said as he turned around and made his way to what he assumed would be the armoury.
Clark didn't replay. It would be better if he just showed them his plan. Walking away from the bridge Clark stopped in front of the air lock and pressing the green holographic button, the inner door opened and he walked inside "EDI, don't let anyone leave until I give the order" he said.
"Yes sir" she said as Clark opened the outer airlock.
He took a moment to look at the planet that rested bellow him, standing right on the edge. One step away from the endless stretch of space, he looked down he could make the statement that if he just fell he would eventually pass millions of different worlds and stars and things even he did not know of. This. This was why he was building his ship, so he could see it all.
Looking to his Omni-Tool, he checked to see the coordinates that EDI had sent him and after figuring out where they led. Clark looked to the planet and looked at the exact spot the numbers would lead him, he used his eyes and he zoomed in on the spot the ship should be. After a couple of minutes of looking, he spotted it. A large ship on the planets Horizen following the sun.
Stepping off the ships edge, he let the planets gravity pull him down towards it. He changed his course a little so he would head in the right direction and after a moment he stopped, if he fell at the speed gravity wanted him too then he would lose all of his clothes on entry to the planet. So, whenever he moved too fast he would slow himself down, took longer than he would like but he would prefer that he not be completely naked while he raided a very sort after ship.
It was around ten minutes later that the ship then could have been seen my regular eyes. When he was close enough he gave the ship a look over, he could see the layout, how many people where in there. It didn't take long but he found what he needed. He found the hostage, the central data node and the man himself 'a Yahg, didn't see that coming' he thought to himself. Clark knew of the strong brute like species but not very much, only that first contact with them led to the deaths of all sent. All three times.
Not that it really mattered, he was going to talk with the man anyway. This just made it a longer conversation, or maybe a smaller one. It really just depends on how much the broker will want to talk to him, sure it would be surprising if he didn't want to but at the same time with what he was about to do. The broker might just be too angry to talk.
Flying in towards the ship, Clark slammed his body into the bottom of the ship. The metal bending around him but rather then poke through it, he placed his hands flat, forcing the energy of his strength to be spread out instead of concentrated in one place. After a moment, the ship was being forcibly pushed up into the planets sky.
Its weight was nothing to him but that doesn't mean it was easy. The ship itself was hardly structural sound. If you said this ship was a big dish with a stick hanging off and you would be right. He knew that too much pressure in one place and it would be ripped in two, so he went slower then he could have. As the sound of the lightening, thunder and wind got quieter, the alarms, yelling and running boots got louder.
It was understandable that all the guards onto of the ship started to freak out and the ones who had access to terminals and could see the ship course even more so. But there was nothing they could do to stop him and soon the ship found itself leaving the planet's atmosphere, while he didn't technically check to see if the ship could handle the vacuum of space, but it was a reasonable assumption that it would be, it must have been to handle the planet's atmosphere.
A few minutes later, when Clark was sure that the ship couldn't attempt a re-entry. He stopped moving, the ship itself didn't. It couldn't. He stayed there for a moment, watching as the ship floated away but soon stopped, well slowed down at the very least. When he looked closer, he could see that the ships thrusters where over heating as the they tried to come to a stop. Either way it wouldn't matter.
Flying forward in order to catch up. Clark soon hovered alongside the ship and he found the spot he wanted to use. Large red beams of pure solar energy shot out from his eyes and when it made contact, the metal walls and kinetic shields might as well have not been there. He didn't just blow a random whole in the side, that would be crazy, especially when you consider the stupidly important cargo onboard.
No, he targeted the ships hanger. After the chaos how having the main entrance to the ship blown open, he raised his arm and sent a ping with his Omni-Tool. Hoping that the teams would be able to tell what he was getting at. Thankfully they did and he could feel the Normandy's vibrations from behind him. Glancing upwards the nose of the ship came into view as it flew over him, not the whole way of course but it was enough to place him in front of the cargo hold.
Turning around just in time to see the doors opened and he could see the Kodiak shuttle make its way out and the two would be flying side by side towards the larger ship. When they neared it was easier to see the thin blue shield that covered the hole that Clark just made, they flew in side by side and after a moment both made it onto the ship.
Clark landed in the middle of the hanger with the shuttle soon landed next to him. When the door opened, Garrus came out first with Ashely by his side. The two had their weapons raised and were scanning the room for threats, almost immediately all others joined them and left the smaller ship who hadn't even touched the ground yet. When everyone was off, the door closed and it turned around before leaving the open hanger.
Rasing his hand, he opened his Omni-Tool "Ok EDI, someone will connect you to the system in a moment" turning around his faced the others "Garrus, take your team through that door and connect EDI to the system" he pointed to one of the many doors which lead to the hangers exit "she should lead you to the hostage" he ordered.
"His name is Feron" Liara interrupted hotly with a frown.
"I don't care" he shrugged back "now do you want to save him or not?" he asked.
She didn't say anything else and Garrus didn't waste time, moving off in the direction he pointed.
"Miranda" he turned to look at her who was standing with her weapons out, due wielding sub-machine guns "your team through that door there" he pointed to another, which would lead them away from the dish at the front of the ship "you'll have to deal with more mercs but you need to make your way down there. There's going to be a central server node that EDI should be able to guide you too. Find it, keep it safe. Don't let anyone destroy anything"
They were about to leave but as the others started to head in that direction, Miranda stayed behind for a moment before asking "what about you?" she asked.
"I'm going to go see the man himself" he smirked before turning and heading for the final entrance to the hanger, which he knew led to the Shadow Broker.
Walking down the corridors, Clark didn't face any oppression. Oh sure, there was a lot of mercs in front of him, but these proved to be a lot smarter than the average mercenary as upon seeing him, they simply dropped their weapons on the ground and raised their hands. They did everything they could to move further away from him, pushing themselves up against the walls as if trying to sink into them.
He eyed them all, wanting to make sure that they wouldn't try something. Not that it mattered but it was habit, he learnt a long time ago that you shouldn't trust these types of people to stop being cowards when your back his turned. Thankfully, it seemed by now that people had got the message. He was back and he was real.
Or maybe it was just the Shadow Brokers guys? It made sense that they would have more sense than the average merc, right? No, they would just be better than average one, they must have been. No way the mercs on this ship would be average. After a few minutes of walking down the corridors of the ship, not facing any opposition along the way. He arrived at a set of doors and when they opened he found himself in the main office.
The imposing figure of the Yhag sat behind a desk with several screens in front of him but when Clark walked in, they all shut off. The broker straightened his back and clasped both his hands together "well, this is most unexpected" he commented and Clark couldn't be surprised by how gravely the voice sounded "I have to admit, I didn't think you would concern yourself with me Kryptonian"
"Normally you'd be right" he responded as he stopped in front of him not at all intimidated by the larger figure "but miss T'Soni made a good argument. Not to mention you made my a job a lot harder when you sent a spectre after my team" a frown came onto his face.
"regrettable" he said back calmly "I did not want you as an enemy" Clark did think he was honest but he wasn't sure, he could tell when the other species were lying but he's only heard of the Yhag and this would be the first-time meeting one in person. He can't tell if he was lying for certain just yet.
"And yet you ordered an attack on my crew" he said back as he started to pace back and forth, looking around the room as he did "you had to know they were with me. What we're hoping to get from this?" he asked.
The broker didn't replay for a moment and Clark noted that he lowered his hand underneath his desk, he couldn't help but mentally roll his eyes. Really? With a sideways glance he looked through the desk, or he tried too at least. It seemed it was leaned with lead 'not bad' he thought to himself "that I would eliminate a threat to my safety" he answered "T'Soni has proven to be the biggest one and now here you are, she brought the most powerful being in the galaxy to my doorstep. I'm sure you can understand why I would want to eliminate her. Still do" he corrected "which is why I'm sure you can forgive me for send extra security to take care of those teams you brought"
"I can" he nodded "but it won't make a difference, Liara gets her friend back and I get your data" he added at the end a little smugly.
Based on the growl that came from the broker, he really didn't like that and when he stood up, completely towering over Clark not that it mattered to him "that data, is mine and mine alone" he snarled, his hand still under his desk.
Clark stopped walking and turned to look at him fully "it was, but then you had to get in the way of my business. This mission is not something that needs to be made harder. You need to be taken down" he shrugged "hell, the data I get from you will make up for the disruption I'll have when the council learns my crew killed one of their best agents"
The two aliens starred at each other for a moment, Clark having a small frown on his face but the other was not even trying to hide his snarl and after but a moment, the Broker moved first "AAAAAHHHHHH" he screamed in reach as he raised the hand that was hidden under the desk.
Clark raised his eyebrows as he saw the outline of a large hammer that seemed to be encased in a black shell, it was large by his standers but the Broker could hold it in one hand quite comfortably. Swinging it down he smashed the desk in two and slammed through it getting closer to Clark. Who didn't even seem fazed by the temper tantrum, he just stood there.
Which would prove to be a mistake, the Broker pulled his arm back and swung against Clark with full force. When it was halfway to Clark however, the black casing around the hammer fell away and Clark only had time to widen his eyes before the almost forgotten feeling of brunt force trauma against his face.
The body of Superman flew through the air of the office and smashed into the far wall, cracking the concreate when he hit and falling to the ground in a heap. Taking a couple of seconds to collect himself, the shock of what just happened appearing on his face as he turned and saw the Broker roaring at him from the centre of the large room.
In his right hand a large crystal hammer that glowed with a green hue Clark knew all too well. In his left hand was a hard light shield that held the same green colouring "I wasn't expecting your arrival" the Broker said "but that doesn't mean I wouldn't be prepared for it" he slammed the hammer into a ground as a primal show of strength.
Taking a deep breath, Clark moved to his feet and after a moment he was able to balance himself "it won't make a difference" he countered before the two started to run towards each other.
Ok all, sorry for the long wait but I hope the length makes the difference. I know I said I'd do the Shadow Broker DLC but this is already long and felt a good time to end it here. Anyway, let me know what you all think. Next story is 'A New Origin' and I'll see you in the next chapter.