Author's Note: Sorry for taking so long but I suffered a hard drive failure which forced me to get my computer fixed. Luckily nothing was lost and I now have a workspace to improve productivity. That will hopefully mean more chapters frequently coming to you guys in the future.
Chapter 12: Preparations
Maius and Gefren stepped through the doorway of the airlock into Omega's docking port and were greeted by a squad of armed Batarians. One stepped forward in front of the others and introduced himself, "I'm Gerish, team leader of security. Aria welcomes you to the station Spectre. Come with us, the Omega queen isn't in the mood for small talk right now."
Maius gave a wry smile, "It's okay, I'm an old friend of hers."
The Batarian cocked his right eyebrows uncertainly, "How does she know you? You haven't even been here before."
"Tell her Maius Gravinius is here." The Turian said confidently.
The Batarian squad leader brought his finger up to his ear, "Yeah, the Spectre is here. Says his name is Maius Gravinius and that he's an acquaintance." The Batarian nodded as he listened to the comm's response. The squad leader looked to the Turian Spectre once more, "Alright so she does know you, but that doesn't mean anything. You and your friend still have to come with us."
To emphasize the point one of the Batarians pumped on his now drawn shotgun. Maius shrugged, "Fine, lets get this over with."
The Batarian leader motioned the pair to follow them. After passing through the entrance to the main plaza in front of the After Life club, the foul smell of Omega made itself known to the Turian. Maius covered his nose in response, he always had hated this place. The odor tended to stick to your clothes and he reminded himself internally to shower thoroughly when he got back to his ship. Several crowds of differing peoples were outside After Life and between them was that same long line of various aliens trying to get into the club along with its Elcor bouncer.
"Listen if you people aren't here to have a good time then you need to move on!" A Turian guard shouted to the crowd.
A human in casual fatigues among the crowd shouted out, "But we have nowhere to go with the Relay down!"
The Turian guard showed no sympathy, "Then move the fuck on and stop squatting on our station!"
Another human, who was next to the previously shouting young man spoke up, "We don't have anywhere to go and we don't even have enough money for passage asshole!"
Gefren looked to his friend while moving through the crowd to the line, "Looks like things are about as tense as we expected."
Maius merely nodded as the small group made its way through the crowd and the line. When they passed into the luminescent tunnel towards the club, Maius could hear someone shouting from the crowd behind them, "Hey! How come they got in!? We need to see Aria about-"
"Shut up! Its none of your business!" yelled one of the guards.
The club After Life itself was bustling full of patrons as usual and with it came the familiar smell that Maius hated about this place. The drugs, alcohol, and body odor of so many people combined together into a scent that always made Maius nauseous. Gefren noticed his friend's discomfort, "You alright Maius?"
"Yeah...I just hate dens of filth like this." Maius said as he went to cover his nose with his talon.
Their Batarian escort was then met by another of their kind coming down from a staircase to what Maius presumed was were Aria was, "I'll take it from here guys, help the others out front. Aria wants those people dispersed."
The Batarian team nodded and went back to the front entrance, the new Batarian looked at Maius and scowled prompting Maius to stop covering his nose, "Nice to see you too Anto."
Anto scowled, "Not long enough Maius...you're lucky Aria decided to even let you in considering what you did the last time you were on the station. You try anything funny and your dead...Cabal."
Maius smiled, "Luckily for you...I'm not technically a Cabal anymore."
"So I've heard Spectre, follow me." Anto replied as he turned to the crowd.
Anto helped push through the patrons and up the steps to where Aria was sitting, overlooking the dance floor. When Maius and Gefren reached her, the duo found themselves surrounded by several more bodyguards and henchmen all looking at them both very warily.
"Well well, it's been a while Maius. About five years right?" Aria continued looking to the dance floor even while speaking to them.
"Something like that, I tend to lose track around places I prefer not to remember." replied Maius still smiling.
"Hmph, well at least you have the courtesy to come through the front door this time." Aria continued.
Maius maintained his wry demeanor, "I don't do as much surreptitious work nowadays, but being a Spectre has its perks."
Aria turned to look at the Turian, giving him a less than enthusiastic expression, "A Cabal turned Spectre isn't much of a difference to me. In fact, I assume you're here because the Hierarchy needs another person to...disappear? Hopefully not one of mine again, finding good help is getting more difficult these days."
"Why yes, we are actually. Though this time we need her help on an important mission." Maius replied.
Aria grumbled and crossed her arms, "You want help? From my people?"
"Just this one time, Gefren suggested it and said that the one in question was one of the best." Maius said nonchalantly.
The Omega queen tilted her head slightly, "Well... who exactly are you here for?"
"Tel'Se Neran." replied the Spectre.
"Tel'Se!? Shes one of After Life's favorite dancers!"
"I knew that you would be loathe to part with her so I have arranged a bit of compensation. I'm sure you will find the amount reasonable." Gefren handed Aria a credit chit.
Maius gave Gefren an annoyed look. A shrug from Gefren was all that was returned while Aria ran the numbers on the chit with a data pad she brought up. The Omega Queen sighed and pocketed both before continuing, "Well, I will say this is generous and would certainly cover the loss...for a month."
"More than enough time to find a replacement I am sure!" Gefren assured.
Aria placed her hands on her hips and continued, "Hope you have enough cash to pay her as well. Tel'Se can run up quite a fee depending on what you want her to do."
Gefren waved his claw hand unconcerned, "Oh we're old friends, I'm sure we'll be fine."
Aria glanced over at Maius and slightly nodded, "Very well, but no strong-arming or threatening her or my staff in anyway Maius. I know how you work and if you start causing me trouble on this station again, you'll leave either on your feet or in a bag."
Maius furrowed his scaly brow, "I've told you already, I'm not a Cabal anymore. We're just going to talk business."
"He speaks the truth Miss Aria! I know I have passed through here only a few times in the past but you know that I've been good to you and the people on this station on each of my visits. Our current mission while classified, is not involved with Omega or its politics, that I can promise you." Gefren assured once again.
"Hmph, You certainly have been good to us in the past Gefren. So for now, I'll allow your Turian Spectre to go on his recruitment drive, but he shouldn't stick around any longer than he has to." Aria said narrowing her eyes.
"Wouldn't dream of overstaying my welcome to this lovely hovel you have here o'queen." quipped Maius.
"Don't push your luck anymore than you have Maius. Just get your business done and get the hell off my station by the end of the day."
Maius gave the Omega queen a mock bow while Gefren merely nodded politely before Anto motioned them to follow him down the steps. When they got back down to the club's main floor, Anto turned to them, "You'll find Tel'Se on the dance floor in the lower club. She should be coming off her shift by now. Remember what Aria said and behave yourself Maius."
With that, the Batarian henchman returned to his old post by Aria and left the pair to their business. Gefren looked to Maius, "Alright! Next step is to gather our new comrades. You'll have to excuse me though, my contact is waiting and I hope he doesn't get cold feet and patter off."
"You don't even have enough time to say hello to your old crush?" Maius joked.
Gefren put his claws on his sides and huffed, "Oh come off it Maius. Just because I can appreciate her beauty and mind doesn't mean I was 'gushing' over the girl. All joking aside however, it should be relatively simple to get her onboard. Just mention my name and this phrase, 'The winds of Irune have been getting blustery as of late.' Say that and she should get the message."
Maius cocked his brow, "Really? That's your code phrase?"
"Yes and Tel'Se thought it quite poetic. I can't help being charming Maius."
Maius shook his head, "I'm pretty sure she was just taking pity on your bad taste in poetry."
"Hmph! Well I better be off then. Good luck my friend and watch yourself out there."
"Always do."
Gefren turned to the main entrance to the club and then plodded off. Maius then looked over to a staircase. His eyepiece displayed a map showing the quickest way to the lower level of the club. As the Turian was going through the crowd of patrons he caught the eyes of several people, a human and Batarian in this case. They were sitting at a table watching him very intently. He suspected that certain groups would want to keep tabs on him, considering his reputation. The Spectre didn't like that, he preferred being incognito and not being so brazenly open with his intentions like Shepard. It was an adjustment he was still working on. Maius reached the stairs and looked back quickly. He saw the same pair of hooligans talking into ear pieces now. The Turian Spectre quickly went down the steps and figured he ought to go at a more brisk pace to get this over with.
Maius finally reached the end of the stairs into the adjacent hallways and found that there were various aliens down here as well. Many looked like vagrants or drug addicts coming down off their highs and into their lows looking down into the floor. The Turian quickly passed by one, a human male in a hooded vest. The man tilted up to look at the Turian and Maius swore he thought he saw the human's eyes shimmer a green color for a second. The Spectre kept moving and thought it curious, wondering what kind of drug or even cybernetics could make eyes do that.
Pushing through the crowd to the lower club entrance, the music of Afterlife was blaringly loud which made Maius wince. On the dance floor patrons of all kinds were getting their groove on. Above the dance floor was an upper platform, looking recently installed above the bar and dance floor. The crowd within the club cheered as several Asari dancers came down poles which connected to the platform from above. They wore revealing outfits, much to the pleasure of the male patrons of the club who whistled and cheered in drunken revelry.
For Maius however, the smell of the place was getting to him. It took away from being able to enjoy anything of the performance. The Turian covered his mouth to choke back a little nausea. When he looked back to the dance platform again, he saw her. There was no mistaking those striking orange eyes. Tel'Se Neran rose to the middle of the platform using her biotics garnering more cheering. She then broke into a seductive dance that the other Asari dancers imitated.
Tel'Se's picture from the profile didn't do the rest of her justice. By human standards she was well endowed and her dance outfit was designed to emphasis it in every way. She was also well toned and displayed her strength. During one of her moves she grabbed the pole behind her and performed a complicated pole dance maneuver without any biotic support. As he watched Tel'Se dance the Spectre pondered internally about something. Maius personally never understood the attraction of other Turians to the Asari. Sure by human and aliens with similar body types they could be attractive, but Maius' people were drastically different in structure. The Spectre continued to watch Tel'Se dance while nearby bar patrons loudly cheered her on. Then one of them began to wretch, suddenly the smell of puke reached Maius' nose. He looked to see a bearded human vomit right on his leg. Maius was taken aback and grossed out while the customers at the nearby table laughed at the display, "Hah hah! Sucks to be you man!"
"Ugh...sorry...heh." the bearded human said before his friends helped him up and took him to a nearby restroom.
Maius shook his head and put a talon on his face. A part of him wanted to yell at the human for what happened. But the music being so loud and the smell so bad it just made him want to puke now too. So he proceeded to the nearby hallway to find an alternative restroom to clean up. When he rounded the corner he looked back to see Tel'Se, now doing a sultry writhing dance along the edge of the platform. She was looking at him specifically. The Asari dancer smiled at him and suddenly Maius felt very odd. Something about her eyes and smile...it spurred confusing feelings in him. Maybe there was something to the theory that Asari can manipulate the emotions of other species, like a kind of telepathy of some sort. Then he felt the vomit at the back of his throat and quickly rushed to the nearby hallway.
After retching and finding another restroom to clean himself off, Maius found the backstage area for the performers behind the club. The Turian leaned by the corner waiting for the performers who would be heading backstage to their dressing rooms by now. The music in the club nearby was now mellowing out and the crowd was not as loud as before. Suddenly the hiss of the door to the club sounded and three Batarian bouncers with the Asari dancers came through into the hall. When the Batarians saw the Turian Spectre in full military gear leaning against the corner they put their hands on their sidearms, "Who are you?"
"Relax boys...he's waiting for me."
Tel'Se looked straight at Maius pushing past the other dancers and the bouncers who parted letting her come up front. She motioned for the rest of them to go on to the changing rooms, leaving Maius and her to talk.
"Heard I was coming?"
The Asari smiled and raised an index finger to her ear, "Aria let me know someone was going to be looking for me when I was done with my shift."
Maius glanced down at his armor, "I guess I did kind of stand out."
Tel'Se smiled, "Not alot of Turians in military grade armor come down here for entertainment other than the guards. That and you seemed more confused looking at me than enjoying the show."
Maius shrugged, "Eh, I simply just got lost in thought. At any rate, I hear you're also a mercenary by trade. I've been told you're one of the best."
The Asari's twinkling eyes blinked while she smiled, "Sometimes, though I've been doing quite well here too in case you haven't noticed."
"I need help on an important assignment. It'll pay well, if you play your cards right." Maius replied.
The Asari leaned up against the wall beside Maius and crossed her arms, "Hmmmm, I dunno...I've kind of been enjoying my time here. Money isn't an issue for me at the moment and I've been needing a break from my day job for quite a while now."
Maius sighed, "...Well, a friend of mine said that the winds of Irune have been getting blustry as of late. I'd take his word on it."
The Asari's eyes widened, "Gefren is here?! Are you a friend of his?"
"Yeah, been assigned with him for the past year. He's the XO on my ship and-"
Tel'Se pushed herself off the wall excitedly, "So you guys are more like work friends. Cool, whatever it is I'll do it."
"...So you don't even want to know why we're-"
The Asari waved Maius off, "It's Gefren, so I know he wouldn't be doing anything shady. Besides if he told you to tell me that, then he's asking for a favor. I do owe him big for something a few years ago. So for him, I'll do it pro bono. Heh, bono...humans and their weird sexual esque sayings."
Maius felt very awkward and scratched the back of his head, "Well uh, great...glad to have you Miss Neran."
"Just Tel'Se is fine. So where is Gefren?"
"Went to see a contact, said to go on ahead. We'll be meeting another potential team member when he gets back." Maius explained.
"Ah, well I guess I better go get changed...unless you like what you see?" Tel'Se teased.
Maius brushed off her advances, "Ugh...that's okay. Go ahead and get your things, my ship is at bay 11."
Tel'Se grinned, "Heh, alright uh...oh yeah didn't get your name."
"Maius, Maius Gravinius."
"Nice to meet you Maius. Hopefully we'll be doing something a bit more exciting than the usual jobs I've done before."
"Well I am a Spectre and this next assignment is going to be a bit more than I can handle alone."
"Oh? Guess I better bring my best to the table then...it'll take me a bit so you can go on ahead. I'll meet you at your ship Mai, catch ya later."
The Asari gave a flirtatious wave as she headed into her dressing room. Maius was surprised that it was that easy, though he expected Gefren had some kind of plan in place with that code phrase. Hopefully, the Drell wouldn't be too difficult to convince as well. The Turian turned to start heading back up and saw a dark figure leaving from around the corner. Someone was getting awfully nosey about his business and the Spectre now had a bad feeling that he may be overstaying his welcome.
He was so tired, but he had to keep moving. If he didn't the whole team would suffer, but now after over twenty-four hours without sleep Zeke was at his limit. The icy winds of Sanctum were blowing in hard. His breathing mask was fogging up and the cold was making it difficult to keep his eyes open. Finally the poor man collapsed. The sound of the load he was carrying hitting rocks and making a loud metallic clang was the only thing that alerted his team to what happened. They were rushing to him in a panic to get him to wake up before 'they' came. Those mechanical beings who had taken their world and who were now forcing them to mine continuously without rest.
One of the miners attempted to shake his fallen comrade awake, "Come on Zeke! This is NOT a good time to go down man!"
"Harris just leave him he's screwed!"
"I'm not abandoning Zeke! You guys go ahead if you want!"
The fourth member of their team pointed to the distant horizon, "Oh shit! Here they come! You're on your own man!"
"Grab what you can of Zeke's load and move!" The team leader of the miners directed.
Harris kept trying to shake Zeke awake while the other two members of the team grabbed what capsules they could and scrambled in the direction of their transport. The miner looked to the horizon that his crew member pointed to and saw the silhouettes. They had the shapes of skeletal figures and the glow of their weapons could be seen even at this distance. Harris grew more desperate to wake Zeke, even attempting to hit him in order to bring him back to consciousness.
"Come on dammit! If you don't wake we're both fucked!"
"...just..leave me." Zeke weakly replied.
"No! I told your sister I'd make sure you get through today now come on!"
Harris looked again to the horizon and saw the robots were moving their way. It was a small group of those skeletal bipeds and the...black one. Ever since that one came, it had been throwing its weight around. Pushing everyone on the colony to their absolute limit. Continuously working the miners, constantly putting unreasonable material demands on the administration. It was all getting to be too much. But Harris didn't want to give up on Zeke, not yet. He picked up his friend and slung Zeke's arm around his shoulder. The weight combined with his own material load was brutal on his legs but Harris grit his teeth and attempted to move towards the transport. Then he heard a raspy mechanical voice calling out to him from behind.
"You! Stop!"
Harris froze in place and turned around slowly, his eyes widened in horror. Behind him stood an entourage of metal bodies and the larger black skeletal figure. How had they gotten to him so quickly?
"What do you think you are doing?"
"Just returning the load...sir."
"I am no 'sir' human...you will address me properly."
Harris turned to face the dark figure while still holding onto his friend, "My lord...forgive me. I simply wanted to help my friend."
The dark robot's green eyes shifted to Zeke, "Is this companion a part of the 'load' the dynasty requires?"
"Please...he's just tired sir-"
"He is weak...and a burden. Dragging you all along with him to oblivion."
"Just let me take him back my lord...all he needs is rest and-"
"Is your organic memory that terrible human?"
"...No...no my lord I remember your decree...I-"
"Your attachment to him is your weakness. In my realm...there is no room for such things."
"But-"
The dark lord quickly strode to Harris and grabbed Zeke off of his shoulder by the neck. Harris weakly reached out as his friend was taken, "Wait! Please!"
With nary a word, the dark skinned lord of the machines took the unconscious Zeke and in one quick motion snapped his neck. Zeke's lifeless body was dropped to the ground while Harris fell to his knees.
"Get back to work laborer. I expect all of your quotas to be on schedule by this planet's evening cycle." The machine lord coldly commanded.
Leaving Harris behind, the black skeletal figure and its bodyguards continued on past the miner who quietly sobbed before scooping up his remaining capsules.
Xamutet was growing weary of continuously disciplining his labor force. At the dynasty's height there would have been no need for slaves to perform such duties and they could simply use them for projects that celebrate the royal court. But with the dynasty's current forces spread across several systems and planets, concessions had to be made. Organic laborers were ill suited for the demands of the Necron war machine, but for now they would have to supplement with what Scarabs and Spyders could be supplied here.
The conditions here on the planet Sanctum were harsh, though the Necrons' necrodermis was resilient against the chilling elements, the humans were of course struggling. It was a hard enough existence before the occupation on Sanctum due to the ice storms and carbon dioxide atmosphere. Under Xamutet's rule it had gotten even more harsh. For the Necron Lord declared that only the strong would survive here and that any who fell behind would be cast aside.
A signal reached out to Xamutet's internal comm link, the source was Kor'Pharas. No doubt the Praetorian wanted an update on their progress.
"The Phaeron requires an update on your progress, Gravatar."
Xamutet gruffed, "Barely adequate, I need more laborers to make the resource quota by the end of the weekly cycle."
"You would not need more laborers had you not exhausted them so extensively." Kor'Pharas replied.
"If I did not than we would not succeed in our resource acquisition. The Great One requires them for the next stage in his plan does he not? Perhaps he should send more of our reliable Necrontyr constructs or provide a conversion center on this planet. Then we may acquire laborers worth our time."
"The Phaeron intends it but he wanted to be certain that the current centers and auxiliaries would be sufficient on Watson first. Your request is forthcoming...be patient Gravatar Xamutet."
"Seems I always must be before I am given my due these days..." grumbled the Necron Lord internally.
Xamutet and his entourage continued through the snow storm, heading towards a Ghost Ark waiting for his arrival. After integrating themselves into the craft, it sped off into the cold grey horizon. After ten minutes of travel through the ice storm with zero visibility, the clouds broke and a range of snow covered mountains lay ahead of them. Standing out amongst the crags, along a plateau overlooking a sprawling colony landscape was a black pyramid. The Necron craft flew through the colony's skyline, Necron warriors and immortals were watching the Ghost Ark's return from the rooftops before resuming their usual duties.
The black hanger doors of the pyramid opened and the Ghost ark carrying Xamutet coasted in, slowing to a stop in the hanger before hovering just a few feet off the ground. The ebony skinned Necron Lord detached and disembarked from the Ghost Ark along with his escorts and proceeded into the main facility proper. Like on Veridine, the Necron pyramid was built on top of the main administrative structure overlooking the colony site. Formerly a corporate building, its offices were now replaced with Necron objects and guards who stood over what human workers still remained. An older man in a more elaborate attire, walked up to the Gravatar's entourage and bowed, "Welcome back my lord."
"Report administrator."
"Mining quotas have been doing well with the added...'impressed' personnel from Watson, along with the assistance from your constructs. However, mining teams have been suffering a steadily increasing attrition rate that has now reached twenty percent."
"I am aware." said Xamutet plainly, continuing on into the facility while the administrator followed close behind.
"I understand that this is temporary, however it could cause unrest in our labor force." the elderly human stammered.
"Then let those 'bleeding hearts' make themselves known, then they will be dealt with as protocol demands." Xamutet spat.
"I am aware of your policy regarding such things my lord, it just seems rather...unnecessary. Wouldn't-"
"I've heard enough mewling from those who bawl over such things. There is no place for those who can't fulfill the dynasty's requirements. Either they will perform or they will be culled. In either case the dynasty is stronger for it. Now leave me."
The administrator said nothing more and bowed before letting Xamutet proceed to a dark elevator at the back of the main facility. His entourage silently took their leave and dispersed into the facility behind them, letting the dark Necron lord take the lift up to his personal space within the pyramid. Xamutet's own command throne was waiting for him in a room similar to Veronakh's. By contrast however, Xamutet had his throne room littered with displays showing weapons and trophies from great victories in the past. A witch blade of an Aeldari Farseer and an ancient looking warhammer were set up on either side of his throne as the Necron lord took his seat and closed his ocular lenses.
He sat there and let the information from the facility process into his matrix. He began to parse through the noise of numbers and data. Indeed, what the administrator said was accurate though in the grand scheme of things it was a moot point to Xamutet. What mattered were the results and he was not pleased with only a mere five percent increase in output of resources. The Phaeron had impressed the importance of the next phase of their operations to develop orbital infrastructure. Sanctum was a key part, already being an established mining colony and more personnel were being transferred from Watson and other colonies to help bolster the miner's ranks. The quality of the people coming in however varied. According to the data most of them were impressed dissidents and other problematic individuals that the Phaeron had sentenced to hard labor. In essence Sanctum was slowly going from a professional mining operation, to a prison colony.
Xamutet was not entirely against the idea, it seemed fitting that those who would not conform should be used for productive means until rendered inert. The ebony lord would rather be involved in more combat operations though. He reminisced and opened images and memories from more glorious times from his matrix. Such as being alongside his father Kazarakh, who led from the front against the dynasty's enemies. One notable battle was the one on Ducati-609 as the Imperium of Man's Mechanicum scholars had cataloged it. They dynasty had managed to track down one member of the Aeldari cabal who had murdered Kotorin. The fiend had fled to this Aeldari Maiden world hoping to evade the wrath of Solvatakh. When the Necrons made themselves known in the sector, one of the Aeldari craftworlds summoned a war host in response. Veronakh had utilized his battle group to raid and pillage nearby Aeldari strong points in the system in order to lure the enemy fleet to battle. When the foolish hot blooded Aeldari chased Veronakh, Kazarakh's main fleet phase shifted around them from all directions and proceeded to decimate the knife eared aliens. With their fleet destroyed, the maiden world fell quickly before the dynasty's wrath and the Farseer that led the ground forces was brought to Kazarakh and Xamutet personally. Revealed to be their target, Kazarakh declared that for the crime of murdering the previous Phaeron, the sorcerous fiend would be flayed slowly starting from the feet up. Since Aeldari felt sensation much stronger than any other race, the pain and agony of the slow death turned the execution into a cacophony of suffering. Pleasurable sensations pulsed into Xamutet's matrix at the memory of watching the Farseer slowly rendered down into ashes inch by inch from Gauss Flayers. A fitting end to such abominable creatures, though it was only one from the cabal of sorcerers responsible for the raid that murdered Kotorin. A shame that the rest of them would not meet justice, something which Xamutet was sure still pained Veronakh.
Another pulse of data came, informing Xamutet that the Phaeron required his attention. Internally sighing with his nostalgia now interrupted, the Gravatar opened his internal comm link, "What do you require Great One?"
"Kor'Pharas has informed me of your progress. I wish to inform you that while I am satisfied that the quotas are being met, I am afraid we will need more output from your operation to meet expectations."
"The failure is not mine Great One. The laborers you send me are weak and menial, many of them are being culled by the planet if not by my hand. I cannot see why you even bother sending such feeble fleshlings to me if they can't even perform general labor properly."
"I am sure you already understand to an extent."
"Yes, you're sending me dissidents and criminals who in my opinion would be better off destroyed."
"Yet ash cannot build an empire cousin. Construction at this stage is more pressing then simply destroying our enemies. I know this isn't how you wish to command, but there are few suited to the task."
"It is a task I seldom enjoy. I would prefer to take the fight to our enemy Great One, not sit here and administer."
"In a way you are. You are chiseling away the weak and enfeebled amongst our subjects Xamutet. A conversion center will be established upon Sanctum soon. With more hardened laborers I anticipate your woes shall soon be alleviated. After all I know you prefer to lead only the strongest of our warriors, as it was in the ancient days."
"Yes...I was just now partaking in some nostalgia regarding a member of that Aeldari cabal we captured."
"Ah...one of the few who didn't escape Kazarakh's wrath. A pity the rest won't share that one's fate but I will have to settle for it. I did appreciate what you and your father attempted to do."
"My father and yours didn't always see eye to eye on things, but all of the court respected Kotorin. He had that rare assimilation of vision and ambition that made great leaders. Even I, a simple blade of the dynasty could recognize that."
"That already places you higher than most in many other courts Xamutet! Maintain your current progress, but be mindful not to be too wasteful of our workers. Within the next few days I anticipate your increased productivity will improve the situation."
"Yes Great One, I will try to be more...patient."
With that the communication ceased returning Xamutet to his internal silence. A moment passed while the Necron Lord went back and forth attempting to decide between either partaking in more nostalgia to help with the mundane or performing another patrol. A wireless ping of data from one of the colony's sensor towers drew his attention. An object had just appeared coming into the planet's orbit, approximately over nineteen hundred meters long. "Interesting.", Xamutet mused. He sent a directive to his escort ship which was still in orbit to send off a sensor ping from a safe distance. While a wireless connection introduced a lag time it was still possible to wirelessly guide the vessel from the planet's surface.
The composition and profile of the object almost looked like an asteroid but the obvious integration of a drive system and a powerful focusing lens with an enormous power distributor in its midsection was evidence to the contrary. A large ship for this galaxy, but Xamutet had seen far greater vessels in his time. What bothered him in this situation however, was no record of a ship of this type had been categorized in any codex he queried.
He didn't have long to ponder as the craft of rock and metal turned in his ship's direction. Impossible...none of these primitive races could detect Necron sensor frequencies. A sudden blast of yellow light came from the middle of the ship's forward focusing lens. The Serap was nicked in the wing creating a slight gash. Xamutet's escort ship quickly phase shifted to get out of the line of fire as the beam of yellow energy corrected its trajectory. The Necron Lord grumbled at having to be on the defensive and instead decided to strike back for his craft's wound. The Serap reappeared several kilometers from the enemy's starboard and unleashed a barrage of lightning from its Arc batteries. The lightning tore into the rocky hide of the hybrid craft and the Serap dove forward at full speed towards the foe, getting underneath its quarry firing more lightning as it went. Return fire from batteries along the hull of the larger ship retaliated but couldn't hit the swifter, smaller Serap. It continued to fire into the belly of the rocky beast tearing more rents and gashes into its underside. When the Serap continued to the enemy's port side however, multiple shots of red beams sliced into the Necron vessel. Xamutet pinged the beams origin points and found they had come from multiple dart like craft disgorging from the larger ship. Dozens of these drones spread out from their entry points but several were caught by the Serap's returning salvo. Exploding in green and yellow bursts of light, the Serap plowed through the drone remains and continued past the port side of the giant craft. The drones pursued and danced behind the Necron escort ship, lancing it with beams of energy in an attempt to slow it down. Eventually, one of the beams cut into a critical portion of the Serap's drive system causing an explosion. The resulting damage slowed the Serap down by fifteen percent according to the data sent to Xamutet. A burst of lightning from the Arc batteries destroyed several more of the drones, but the rest dodged the assault. In a few more seconds the Phase Shifter would recharge and the Necron Lord would initiate a withdrawal. While Xamutet was loathe to give up the battle in space, it was becoming clear the Serap was not enough on it's own. He would need Veronakh's help to repel this new threat and he was already processing strategies for a possible ground defense.
The Serap fired a final salvo of lightning, disintegrating several more drones before it was engulfed in light and disappeared. Reappearing fifteen kilometers from it's previous position the Necron escort sped toward the edge of the planet's gravity well, preparing it's drive for departure from the system. Suddenly multiple impacts crashed into the side of the Serap and Xamutet was caught off guard. Another sensor ping revealed a swarm of drones, while they were still many kilometers away they were firing some kind of kinetic energy weapons from long range. Somehow they had predicted where he would reappear, firing their rounds ahead of time. This precision and calculation was not something organics could do this quickly, that much was clear to Xamutet. Could it be these 'Reapers' that Shepard's data had warned about? He hadn't paid too much mind to the races of the galaxy, especially afer Watson showed how pathetic their armaments were. But it seemed the only logical explanation, as AI in the civilised galaxy was still primitive. The salvos of enemy fire, despite the distance, were still inflicting damage to the drive system. Another loss of five percent was incurred as the ship moved closer to the edge of Sanctum's gravity well. Xamutet directed the ship to proceed at full power and jump as soon as it could do so. A look through the rear aft cameras showed the targeting lens of the enemy ship charging for another assault. Damage estimates based on the potential of the power distributor showed this next shot could cause critical damage. Xamutet ordered the Serap to perform evasive maneuvers immediately in an attempt to shake the enemy's targetting system. In response the larger enemy ship instead fired pulses of beams at the Serap. Even at the distance of over one hundred kilometers the beams were able to inflict more damage. Some of them hitting the wings of the crescent ship, with others either missing or worse hitting the drive system causing another loss of ten percent power.
With his ship slowing, Xamutet checked the Phase Shifter. Once it charged again he could get out of the gravity well and escape, it was now at eighty percent charge. More rounds from those damnable drones were causing more damage though thankfully nothing critical. Ninety percent charge, the Necron Lord looked to the cameras again. Another round of beams were incoming! Ninety-five percent, Xamutet began the last of the evasions he hoped would be necessary before his ship's escape. Ninety-eight percent, the enemy ships final round of pulse beams lashed out. Most missed the mark, but then two others didn't. They hit the drive system again, causing a catastrophic feedback cascade resulting in an explosion which destroyed the system entirely. Finally the last of the energy within the enemy vessel poured forth into the last beam which lashed out towards the Serap. The Phase Shifter had reached full power however, and within a microsecond Xamutet's queued commands initiated. First an initial Phase Shift which dodged the assault, then once out of the gravity well, the Serap initiated FTL protocols and disappeared in a surge of light that bent towards the stars in the distance.
The Necron Lord sighed relief from his audio processors as his ship escaped the enemy's clutches. But now the sensor towers from the colony informed him that the drones and its mother ship were approaching orbit again. More than likely to establish air superiority over their landing zone and the subsequent invasion corridor.
Xamutet opened a channel into the colony's communications and loud speakers, "Servants of Solvatakh, though you have served adequately I must demand more of you still. A foe has appeared before us! Even now their ship is entering orbit of our world with intention of invasion! Some of you may be hesitant to fight in our Phaeron's name. Let me remind all of you...that I will tolerate no cowardice. Should I or any of my warriors see desertion or surrender among your organic ranks, the punishment will be swift and severe. Whatever our enemies intend of us, you WILL give them death, either with their bodies or yours! Take up arms servants of Solvatakh! Assume your positions as directed! Those who perform well shall see favor and reward from me personally. The dynasty rewards notable service, remember this. Now...my warriors, ready yourselves and destroy our foes! Let none survive!"
Xamutet felt the pulse of satisfaction and anticipation permeate through his matrix. The speech that he had hastily made reminded him of the ancient days again. The dark skinned Necron Lord rose from his throne and made his way to a nearby chamber next to his throne room. Within laid his wargear mounted on various displays and ready for use. Once more he would take the fight to the enemies of his dynasty and once more shall all know that only the Necrontyr would rule over all.
Shepard was suprisingly calm as he entered Zakera Ward. Usually he would have had the Normandy dock, but given the circumstances he needed to use the Kodiak to slip in unnoticed. He wore a helm and armor normally reserved for elite mercenaries to further conceal his identity. The human Commander brought up the datapad again. On it was a dossier that Cerberus had provided previously but he had not yet followed up on, Kasumi Goto. One of the best thief's in the galaxy if what was said about her were true. Given that she hadn't been caught yet there must be something to it.
A familiar voice soon got his attention from behind however, "She's close."
Shepard sighed, "I know, do you really need to look over my shoulder for this?"
Veronakh chuckled within Shepard's mind, "I am an efficient multi-tasker Commander. That and this dossier will be a critical component of your operation. So yes, I need to make sure that this first meeting goes smoothly."
The Spectre relented, "I get it, just...please keep the back-talking to a minimum."
"I'm afraid I can't make any guarantees on that Shepard. Your reactions can be awfully amusing to me. However in this rare instance I will humor your request." Veronakh gave another chuckle that echoed in the human's ears.
Shrugging off Veronakh's irritating smugness, the Commander proceeded to one of the displays that continuously kept spouting off random ads. This one though was a bit off as it had some glitchy visuals. When Shepard approached it Veronakh alerted him, "We've just been scanned."
"By what?" Shepard asked looking at the random displays of ads glitching out.
"The display itself, someone has hacked it and is using it to scan your biometrics. Likely our cunning thief."
When Veronakh finished, a hooded figure appeared on the display and asked, "Please enter your password."
Shepard quickly recalled the password from Cerberus, "Silence is golden."
Then the same hooded woman from the display then stepped into the light, revealing her real face on the screen, "Good to finally meet you Commander Shepard."
"Likewise, Cerberus brief you on the mission?" asked the Commander.
"Frankly I'm surprised they didn't call me sooner. Then again I can be difficult to find and a Relay did go down recently. So I'm sure they had other things on their minds."
"I know, we suspect it has something to do with the Collectors. We're going to put an end to whatever it is they're up to."
Kasumi gave a slight smile, "A noble cause, though I am sure Cerberus told you there was a fee for my help?"
"No...so what would that be?"
"Not really in the form of credits. I need a favor on a job I'm planning. Have you ever heard of a man named Donovan Hock?"
Shepard shrugged, "Can't say I have."
"He has something that's mine, I intend to get it back. You help me with this job and I'm all yours to pinch any alien provocateurs."
"Sounds good, I'll make sure to put your assignment up on my priority list."
The display suddenly shut off, and Kasumi revealed herself above him on one of the beams connected near the ceiling lights, "Great! If all goes well during the party, you won't even need to use your gun."
The Spectre cocked his brow, "We're going to a party?"
The thief placed a hand on her hip, "I'll elaborate more on your ship, care to give me some directions?"
"I have a shuttle near the docking port, you can use the vent system to reach it." Shepard pointed back in the direction he had just come from.
Kasumi looked at Shepard inquisitively, "Well...a bit unorthodox for someone like you. Any reason you're here under the radar?"
"Let's just say I've had a few bad run ins around the Terminus. With the Relay going down and potential bad guys on my tail, I'm being more cautious this time around."
"Huh...alright. I mean I certainly wouldn't want other people getting caught up in my problems. I'll catch up with you later Shepard."
The hooded woman disappeared via her cloak and her silhouette quickly vanished from sight as she walked along the rafters. Shepard heard the metallic voice of his handler once again, "Well done so far Commander. Though Miss Goto might have a slight suspicion I do not believe she suspects the truth."
"What's next?" Shepard grumbled.
"Return to the Normandy, we need to ensure Miss Goto's cooperation." Shepard nodded in response, proceeding back the way he came into the ward before going down a back alley and entering into the duct system.
Shepard thought out loud to his mechanical master internally, "What about the Normandy crew, won't she suspect something about their behavior being off?"
"I'll handle that portion Shepard. Simply show her to her room and follow what I say precisely."
After maneuvering through the duct system using the navigational display in his helmet, Shepard carefully removed the vent cover that opened out to the Nebula that surrounded the Citadel. The Kodiak appeared from above him and its doors swung out to welcome him back. After stepping into the craft, Shepard suddenly felt something like air flow past him. He turned and saw nothing, then the sound of a cloaking field deactivating behind made him look again.
Kasumi kicked back in her seat in the shuttle with a smile, "You're pretty good, not many can notice something off when I slip into a cozy spot I like."
Shepard crossed his arms, "I'm guessing you 'let me' notice you right?"
"Well It would have been rude, given that you're my chauffeur for the day." Kasumi joked.
Shepard gave a slight laugh at that, "Well let's get going. Pilot, take us home."
The shuttle closed its doors and proceeded towards the Normandy's position, currently out of the direct line of sight of prying eyes. It was currently hiding in one of the tight spaces on the outside of the Citadel's wards. Kasumi gazed at the Normandy outside, "Oooh! Fancy looking ship you got there Shep."
"The Normandy SR-2, it was a...gift from our mutual benefactor." Shepard explained.
Kasumi bit her lip lightly, "Well it looks nice, I don't usually steal things that size but this one tempts me a little."
Shepard gave her a questioning look after he took his helmet off. Kasumi just shrugged, "I'm kidding of course. Stealing ships is a bit much for me unless I need them for a getaway."
The Kodiak shuttle proceeded to dock in the Normandy's hangar bay. After dropping out of the craft Shepard showed Kasumi to her quarters on the port side of the ship. Shepard looked at the crew and noted they were a bit more lively than usual. Some were having lunch and arguing over trivial things, like vid-dramas or something to that effect. Others were having small talk about odd things such as immortality and cyberization.
Kasumi looked a little weirded out from hearing some of it, "Huh, didn't know the ship was full of transhumanists."
Shepard quickly explained, "It's Cerberus, human supremacy is still their thing even if it means changing what it is to be human. I don't agree with alot of their methods or ideas, but for now the Collectors are the common threat."
Kasumi didn't look entirely convinced but shrugged, "Well as long as they don't expect me to join their little machine lovers club we'll be fine. Though I certainly don't mind diving into the virtual realm every now and again myself."
Shepard and Kasumi arrived on the elevator and proceeded to the crew deck. Stepping out of the lift and looking to the galley, the Commander noted Gardner was working on a meal. But even at this distance the Spectre noticed that it was a bit odd. The food looked like a mish mash of different dishes and ideas squashed together.
Kasumi's face scrunched up in disgust at the sight, "Uh...what is he making?"
"Oh, we have a Krogan on board, needless to say he has a very odd appetite."
"Ah, well they do drink that Ryncol stuff which kills everyone else. Not surprised to see their taste in food is equally as gross."
They continued on and finally arrived at the port side quarters. Kasumi entered first to look around the room, "Hmmmm, I see possibilities in this place."
A crew member came up from behind Shepard and handed him a stack of books while others carried in more luggage. Kasumi beamed, "Well look at that! My luggage came in just on time! I must admit I do enjoy the service on this ship."
Shepard gave a slight smile at the compliment, "For the best, you get the best service credits can buy. I make sure my crew is well taken care of here."
Kasumi perked up at that, taking a seat on the corner of the couch in the room when Shepard asked, "Uhm where do you want these books?"
The hooded woman shrugged and pointed past the Commander, "Oh you can put them on that counter for now."
Shepard set the books down on top of the counter, while the voice of Veronakh whispered in his ears, "Take the top book Commander and give it to her."
The Commander took the book off the top of the pile and opened it up. It was titled, The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler. The Spectre flipped through the pages, before handing it to the hooded thief on the couch. She smiled and said, "Ah the classics from the early twentieth century. This one is but a few of the old publications left after everyone went digital."
She licked her thumb and turned the page before reading a passage from the book, "She lowered her lashes until they almost cuddled her cheeks and slowly raised them again, like a theater curtain. I was to get to know that trick. That was supposed to make me roll over on my back with all four paws in the air."
Kasumi licked her thumb again and turned the page, Veronakh whispered once more to Shepard, "And just like that, it is done. Take your leave Shepard we have much to do for the next phase."
Kasumi continued, "One of the more racy and sexy passages from an otherwise morbid book. Its always fun to find something in these, the feel of the paper in your hand, the smell." The hooded woman got close to her book and drew in a quick smell of the vintage paper. She looked to Shepard and saw him distant and distracted.
"Are you alright?" she asked.
"Oh...yeah I just remembered I need to get prepared for an upcoming mission, which involves you of course. Feel free to get adjusted and sort out the rest of your things I have preparations to make. Welcome to the team Kasumi."
"Thanks! I'll enjoy this book a bit longer while my things come in. Feel free to drop by anytime Shep!"
Shepard stepped out as more crew members with Kasumi's luggage came into the room, some even carrying what looked like art pieces. The Commander went down the hall and stepped onto the lift. He hit the holographic button for his quarters and when the door closed a satisfied mechanical chuckle sounded in his ears, "I'm guessing you contaminated those books with those mindshackle nanites." the Commander chaffed.
"Indeed, when your crew's eyes revealed to me Miss Goto's belongings it didn't take long."
"How much time?"
"Several hours will be enough time for them to form a network in her nervous system. Then she will feel the need for a nap and when she awakes...she will be mine."
Shepard sighed, clenching his fist for a second before relaxing. It didn't go unnoticed by his handler, "Aw...still sour over what we must do for success Commander?"
"I have been sour since this whole thing with you began Veronakh. I only do this for the sake of my crew." Shepard growled.
Veronakh chuckled again, "Still clinging to hope to one day be free of me? Highly unlikely my dear Spectre..."
"We'll see...until then I'll play your game."
"Good, then we-..." Veronakh suddenly went quiet for a few seconds though even Shepard began wondering what made the Phaeron pause.
The Necron Overlord quickly continued, "It would seem there is a matter I must attend to Shepard, for now I will send you details of the upcoming assignment for you to go over and plan."
"Yeah...sure."
When the elevator reached the Commander's room he stepped into his living space and fell to his knees in front of his bed before pounding on the end of it with his fists in frustration. "I hate this...Olivia...my crew and friends...all of them...puppets...of that son of a bitch. Is this...really what I have to do?"
Shepard sadly didn't get any answer, only the ambient noise of the room.
Veronakh received reports of the Serap appearing at the edge of Watson, its drive system ruined and unable to move. Through the cameras of nearby ships the Serap appeared over the Phaeron's vision, its momentum from its previous trajectory still carrying it forward through the system. The lord of Solvatakh attempted to establish communications with the planet Sanctum but was surprised to find it difficult. He surmised it was because either the FTL comm satellites had been disrupted or they were destroyed. However, the fact that even the direct link of his internal comms were being impeded made the Necron Overlord uncomfortable. A connection was finally confirmed and Xamutet was quick to respond, "Great One! At last I have reached you!"
"What is happening Xamutet? Your ship appeared at the edge of Watson and its drive system is destroyed!"
"Forgive me Great One. We are under siege and I have underestimated the capability of the enemy vessel. I will send you the combat data and information of the battle in orbit but the foe is preparing for invasion. Even now our communications off planet have been disrupted and the ship that assails us is bombarding our positions!"
"How have your defense systems not repulsed the invading ship?"
Seconds of awkward silence passed before Veronakh pressed again, "Xamutet..."
"...I may have...erred in shifting resources from construction to the mining operation. We are left with only the human defences that are now being destroyed. Our people's Annihilators would have been operational within several hours if not for-"
"-If not for the cruiser-like vessel in orbit that even now burns MY world left in YOUR care!"
"The resources at the time were more necessary, were they not Great One!? I was merely following YOUR directives!"
"You are blaming ME for your failure!? You bring shame to yourself with such behavior Xamutet!"
Xamutet grumbled over the comm link, Veronakh continued, "You have made a terrible error at the worst possible moment Gravatar. The Teqyt is many systems away, working towards my goals on another matter. It will take time for me to shift course to assist you."
"How much time if I may ask?"
"Nearly several hours."
Xamutet grumbled once again in frustration, but he knew he had no one to blame but himself for this. Veronakh continued to lambast him, "Pray you are able to hold them at bay till I arrive Xamutet, lest I think that even your combat skills have dulled along with your mind."
"I will not fail you in this!"
"See that you do not cousin...do not disgrace your Phaeron again!"
Veronakh closed the connection with a huff of irritation escaping his audio emitters. The Phaeron opened a line to Solvatas, "Sister...it would seem our enemy has made their move."
Veronakh shared the information wirelessly over their internal comm network, Solvatas' responded, "Well, that didn't take too long."
"Xamutet didn't get our anti-ship batteries on the planet's surface online in time and now faces invasion. Based upon the data and visual accounts thus far it is likely the Collectors have come to test our strength. A bit earlier than I would have liked but not too unexpected."
"Our power is unmatched brother, make no doubts about that. But these numbers you reveal tell me that the enemy are no fools. Xamutet's laxity may have cost us a planet and its laborers. This may set us back months."
"Which is why we may need to accelerate your part in the plan. I calculate that I have enough 'assets' to assist you in your mission as long as you do not use them wastefully like our wayward cousin."
"Rest assured Great One. Omega will be yours within a day or so."
"I trust you to be on time as usual and to complete the task within the parameters. Do this and you can have back what was yours."
"I will honour your trust with victory, Great One."
Gefren slinked into the deepest recesses of Omega. He had gone off the beaten path and was now deep within the bowels of the station where his contact had designated the meeting point. The Volus was relieved he had set his olfactory filters to max because the filth in this section of the station was horrendous. Grime, fecal matter, and other indescribable material littered the area. More than likely due to Vorcha or other creatures passing through here. The sewage system was also nearby, likely adding to the pungent odor of the location.
Gefren detected movement from the motion tracker on his hud and activated a cloaking field. He hid behind a large pipe and looked over. Swapping through his ocular lens filters to thermals he attempted to see what it was. A bright silhouette was illuminated, Salarian based on the outline. It was the contact he spoke of, a partner of the information broker he had worked with for some time. He activated his omni-tool and sent a local text, 'I'm here friend.' it said. When he saw the Salarian receive it from the thermal image he uncloaked and revealed himself.
The two met in the dark red ambient light, the Salarian was blue in pigmentation clothed in a grey hooded outfit and had a rebreather on, "Gefren, I expect you maintained your usual discretion."
"Of course, do you have what I asked?"
"Yeah, we tracked the Krogan's ship, data regarding contract and destination are on this OSD."
The Salarian handed Gefren the said OSD which the Volus pocketed quickly, however Gefren had more questions, "Heard anything else around lately?"
"The only thing I can say openly is that we've been getting unusual reports around the Terminus."
"Define unusual."
"Its very common for power struggles to erupt around here especially among the various merc groups and pirates. But there has been a sudden surge of pirate leaders and merc captains being killed, spaced, or otherwise unceremoniously being forced to abdicate."
"I still fail to see an issue, perhaps its just an atypical seasonal pattern of criminals deciding that they wanted a change in direction."
"The data after the power struggle does not concur. We've lost track of all of the recent groups that have had leadership positions replaced in the past few weeks, all around the same time. Not only that, they do share a commonality. All the various groups have either attempted to intercept shipments or trade with the now lost Veridine colony for raw materials."
"The same colony whose Relay went down..."
"Precisely, things around Omega are also getting more tenous. I've already spotted several people from said criminal groups we had been monitoring. If I were you I would get off this station as soon as possible. Likelyhood of a power struggle here is imminent."
"Thank you friend." Gefren said reaching into his pocket and holding out a credit chit which the Salarian promptly took. "I threw in a bit of extra since I know you're taking a bit of a risk here."
"Yes...will need to get out of here fast. Possibility of prying eyes everywhere. Odd...unusual eyes that have become more frequent as of late. Will give colleague regards Gefren, be safe."
The Volus nodded as the Salarian informant disappeared into the shadows. Gefren reactivated his cloak and proceeded back through the pipes and maintenance tunnels that led to this area of the station. When he reached the vent that lead him to this place he noticed a green shimmer in the corner of his vision. Gefren quickly turned and activated his thermals, he noticed a blue shadow that quickly ran into the cold darkness. A terrible feeling scratched at the back of his neck and he moved into the tunnel, sealing the entrance behind him.
Maius waited at the door to the markets, tapping his foot waiting for his Volus comrade. A beep on his Omni-tool alerted him to a new text. Seeing it was from Gefren, he read it and proceeded inside. Past the door, Gefren waved to him from one of the stands and then motioned him to an alley. When the Turian Spectre came around the corner Gefren looked to either end of the alley like he was watching for something.
"Good..." Gefren said, sounding a bit nervous.
"What's up? We got trouble?" Maius asked.
"Possibly, and I've learned a few things that have made me quite uneasy."
"Should we abort and take what we got?"
"No! We can do this quickly together and then hopefully get back to our ship before what I fear happens, comes to pass."
"What's going to happen?"
"The possibility that Aria was afraid of. An alliance of pirates and mercenaries, plotting to overthrow her." Gefren explained.
"What's our time table?"
"Unknown...they could strike at anytime and wreak havoc across the station. We could lose our new teammates in the chaos that occurs if we don't finish this now."
Maius brought a fist into his oppposing talon, "Alright then, enough talking let's get to it."
The pair stepped out of the alley and continued into the markets. The Volus pointed toward Harrot's Emporium up the steps ahead of them. Beside the store a hooded Drell was stacking and unpacking boxes worth of merchandise and setting them up on the displays. Maius looked to his friend, "That him?"
Gefren nodded and the two went up to the Drell who was still meticulously unpacking the store wares. Maius coughed to get the worker's attention before asking, "Are you Kusko Shiat?"
The Drell laborer stopped and set down the mechanical parts in his possession, "Depends on who is asking."
"Maius Gravinius, Spectre. I was hoping to have a word with you about a job."
"I'm not exactly looking for new work. However, since Gefren is with you, I'll hear you out at least." The Drell turned and dropped his hood revealing his clay colored scaled face that apparently now bore a scar across his nose.
Gefren waved, "Good to see you again Kusko! Though...I must say where did you get that?"
Kusko felt the scar with his finger, "A disgruntled employee of a rival business a couple of days ago. We had a disagreement and a knife was drawn. Thankfully Aria's enforcers handled it before it got too serious and all I got for my trouble was this. It should heal completely within another day."
Maius shifted uncertainly, "Right... At any rate we should discuss my offer quickly. I don't have a lot of time."
"Of course." Kusko turned and then asked the smoking Elcor store owner, "Harrot! I'm nearly finished here, can I take my break when I've finished with this merchandise?"
The larger alien waved him off, puffing on his cigar, "Indifferent. Sure, just don't be gone too long."
The Drell nodded at his Elcor boss and went back to finishing his work. When Kusko finished, the three of them went down the steps together and entered into another alley down in the markets to talk.
"I assume you need my...other business skills again Gefren?" Kusko asked.
Gefren shook his head, "No not this time, we need your eyes and mind for this one."
The Drell cocked a brow in response, slightly confused, "What do you mean?"
"I need help tracking down someone who I think is on the run," Maius explained. "According to Gefren you're also not a bad shot either."
Kusko's mood seemed to sour a little at that, "...I don't do that kind of work."
Maius frowned, "Look, I'm not asking you to take the shot pal. I just need help finding the guy that's all."
Gefren nodded in concurrence, "Yes Kusko, I remember your stipulation from our previous endeavors. We're not here to permanently harm anyone, we merely want to bring in the man for questioning nothing more."
The Drell's eyes looked sharply at both the Turian and the Volus. Maius was perturbed by it, but he knew the reptillian was merely looking for possible tells of lying. The Spectre found it disconcerting that he was doing it even to Gefren, but Maius held back showing any signs of discomfort. Kusko then looked off to the side and put a hand on his chin.
After a moment of thinking Kusko responded, "If that is what you truly want, then I can help you. Provided you can pay my fee of course."
Gefren withdrew a credit chit, "As always my friend!"
The Drell graciously received the chit and nodded in response checking the contents with his Omni-tool, "This seems much more than I expected for a simple tracking assignment."
"The target is a high value one and won't go down without a fight. I'll give you more details on my ship." Maius explained.
Kusko pocketed the chit warily, "I understand, alot of eyes and ears are more attentive these days..."
The reptilian alien's eyes looked around them for a quick moment before finally noticing something. The Drell's expression turned into an intense focus, looking past the Turian and Volus. He reached for something in a pouch that he had on him so fast that Maius and Gefren didn't have time to ask what was wrong. Suddenly Kusko threw down a small canister that exploded on impact and covered the area they were standing in in smoke. Maius and Gefren hit the deck and shots rang out over their heads. Screaming and shouting sounded from nearby patrons as more shots rang out. The three scrambled through the smoke to any available cover they could find.
"Where's the shooter!?" shouted Maius crouching from behind a store counter.
"Somewhere in the rafters above the markets as best I can tell!" Gefren responded across the way, using an overturned hard metal table for cover.
More shots rang out to pin them behind their cover. Maius withdrew his Phaeston and began firing in the direction of the rafters above, but more sniper rounds responded and hit his shields nearly draining them. He took cover and activated his tech armor, sheathing himself in bright red holographic plates. Gefren in turn, activated his heavy shielding and drew his sidearm. People began fleeing the marketplace and getting in the way preventing Maius from returning fire. Sniper rounds poured down on them again and some innocents were hit in the confusion. It was at this point that Maius realized something, "Hey! Where did Kusko go?!"
"I don-", before Gefren could finish he saw a squad of shady looking humanoids approaching. Batarians and humans in civilian clothing drew pistols and began firing on them from their flank. In response Maius threw a wide biotic throw field which only disoriented the enemy squad due to their shields. Before he could bring his Phaeston to bear on them, a piece of small equipment was hurled at the man furthest on the left of the group. It came from a darkened alcove striking said human in the head, causing the man to hunch over groaning. From the shadowed corner, the swift form of Kusko came out armed with a long pipe. He brought the pipe down on the shoulder of the Batarian next to the injured man followed by kicking the hunched over human into the rest of his fellows. Suddenly wreathed in biotic energy, Kusko slammed into another Batarian furthest down the line. Though the last remaining goon's shields only just then broke from the strike, Kusko followed up with a flurry of blows from his pipe to the Batarian's mid-section and back before tripping him up with a strike to the back of the legs. Before the rest of the enemy team could recover from their fall, Kusko was on them. Striking each of them either in the face with his pipe or swiftly dropping them and punching them in the face with his fists knocking them unconscious.
Maius was agape at the display, impressed at how fast the Drell was. Shots hit the Turian's tech armor snapping him out of it. Another group of enemies wearing civilian clothes entered the market from the entrance, this time composed of more Batarians and Turians. They assailed them with Avenger assault rifles coming down the steps. When the shooting began near his store, Harrot the Elcor store manager brought down a protective metal screen to protect himself and his merchandise, grumbling, "Annoyed, damn...here we go again."
Maius took cover behind a counter to the side and saw Kusko cartwheel biotically, dodging a sniper shot. Now Maius had an idea where the sniper was but he needed to get out of his current position, which was now being suppressed. Gefren was across from him in a similar situation with rifle fire constantly striking the Volus' own cover.
"Gefren on my go, hit the one in the middle!" Yelled Maius who also indicated with his hands that he wanted him to use Sabotage.
The Volus nodded and got his Omni-tool ready. Maius charged his biotics and threw another wide throw field from his cover. The enemy squad braced as the energy washed over them halting their fire. Maius then hit his next target in the center with a warp field, while his smaller compatriot hit the same with Sabotage. The enemy Turian realized what was about to happen and could only yell in panic before the Sabotage attack spiked his weapon. This in turn reacted with the biotic field causing a tech explosion, blasting bits of Turian and weapon parts all around as the poor bastard fell to the ground as a charred corpse. Another Turian and Batarian next to the blast lost their shields and were showered in shrapnel. They fell to the ground crying out in pain. Maius rushed from his cover at the goons in front of him, firing a burst of rounds into the wounded members of the opposing squad before ducking and rolling under another sniper shot. Rising from the roll he fired a burst at the direction of the sniper which caused the enemy marksman's cloak to disengage revealing him. It was another Batarian in some kind of black ops gear with green goggles covering each eye. Before the sniper could leave his position he found his shields stripped courtesy of Gefren who then fired his Predator pistol into the sniping Batarian's hip. This caused the four-eyed marksman to shout out as he slipped and fell from his position face first into the market below. While the sniper was being dealt with Maius shifted focus on the last remaining enemy Turian, who was about to unload into his head at close range. A blur of biotic force slammed into the Turian goon before he got a chance. A hit from Kusko's pipe to the hands disarmed the foe which was followed by a hit to the leg. Kusko then dropped the pipe and unleashed more rapid punches to the avian alien's face and body. A final right hook ended the exchange in a knockout blow. The Turian henchman fell backwards landing in front of Harrot's store.
"Nice follow up." Maius smiled.
Kusko dusted some soot off his shoulder, "You make for a good diversion Mr. Gravinius. I apologize for not warning you earlier but I wasn't certain until the shooter had made his move."
Maius shrugged, "No worries, you got the job done and your speed is unreal. I would ask you where you learned to fight like that but I assume you like to keep that close to your chest."
The Drell nodded and Gefren appeared soon after running up the stairs after them, "Gentlemen I am afraid it is not over yet!"
The Volus looked and pointed back where they had come from and four squads of human Blue Suns mercenaries were now taking up positions. Caught in the open they ducked down back to the entrance to the markets where they found the door had been sealed. The nearby console for the doorway had been fused with a torch from an Omni-Tool beforehand.
Maius punched the console when it refused to open, "Damn! Gefren can you get it open?"
"I'll try! You and Kusko will need to hold them back while I figure this out!"
While Gefren worked his Omni-Tool on the door, Maius and Kusko returned back to the top of the stairs where they were met with suppressing fire from the mercenaries who moved from cover to cover slowly advancing on them. Maius pressed at a corner by the top of the steps with Kusko beside him. The Spectre peeked into the main storefront and was given volleys of fire that went past his head.
The Turian Spectre looked to Kusko shouting over all the gunfire, "You need a real weapon Drell! I don't think your pipe is going to do you much good this time!"
"I'll find a way without one." Kusko replied simply.
Maius looked to the reptile alien annoyed, "Are you kidding me?! They got our position suppressed and we don't have much in the way of getting around them! We're trapped and they know it!"
A grenade was tossed towards the top of the stairs from one of the mercs amidst the volume of fire hitting the corner. Maius swiftly grabbed and threw the grenade back, his tech armor tanking the enemy fire as it detonated in mid-air ahead of him. Pressing back into cover the Turian Spectre grimaced, "If we don't do something now we're fucked!"
The crack of a sniper rifle sounded and the enemy fire shifted direction. Maius and Kusko peeked the corner again and saw that the mercenaries were being flanked from behind. An Asari armed with a customized M-92 Mantis was hitting them from a position in the back of the markets with a squad of Aria's security forces.
Maius gripped his weapon with a grin, "Finally! Alright let's pince them from both sides."
The Drell reached into his pouch and withdrew what looked like a Turian stun grenade, "I can disrupt the enemy to our right."
Maius nodded, "Got it, on my go!"
The Turian Spectre reloaded his thermal clip in his Phaeston and took a breath, "NOW!"
Maius rushed from his cover and tanked fire from one merc on the left who had maintained watch. While Maius pushed, Kusko threw a stun grenade into the ranks of mercenaries on the right and the resulting blast of light and sound staggered the enemy squad. Kusko grabbed the pipe he dropped earlier and biotically charged the mercenaries on the right of the steps while Maius shoulder checked the mercenary firing on him on the left. The force of Maius' blow stripped the merc's shields and the Turian hip fired his Phaeston at point blank shredding the human mercenary's midsection. As the other merc next to Maius swung his weapon over to unload at the Spectre's head the Blue Sun found his own head ventilated by a sniper round courtesy of Aria's security team.
Kusko was pummeling his two mercenary foes with strikes from his pipe. The Drell knocked away the closest human's gun though the man held onto it tight to not lose it. He paid for it with a strike up his chin which knocked him on his back. The second merc shook off the stun grenade at last and attempted to bring up his own weapon only to receive a strike to the chest. Kusko kicked away the standing human's rifle from his now weakened grip and struck the Blue Sun's back knocking him down face first. The mercenary clutched his chest on the ground and gasped for air. Kusko finished the first merc on the ground by kicking away his gun and striking the human's stomach with his pipe. As the human groaned and clutched his gut the Drell charged his fist with just enough biotic force to knock out the mercenary and brought it to bear on the human's helmeted face.
With the stairs now taken Maius fired his Phaeston on the enemy squad down in the lower markets. Several enemies had their backs ventilated by the Spectre before the rest returned fire on him. A barrage of rounds from Omega's security on the mercenaries ended the counter play which Maius was thankful for. Another stun grenade, courtesy of Kusko, landed amidst another squad of Blue Suns and the security team took advantage. Between Maius and their own numbers the security force scored several kills among the staggered mercs, with Maius taking another two for himself with bursts to their heads. The last squad of Blue Suns dropped their weapons and surrended without further resistance.
Aria's security team moved in and secured the area with the sniper among them walking up to Maius at the foot of the stairs. She was in an Asari commado uniform with her M-92 Mantis leaned back on her shoulder.
Maius grinned, "I figured that Aria could have had other commandos in her ranks but I had a feeling it was you."
The sniper took off her helmet revealing Tel'Se Neran cracking a smile, "Oh? What gave me away?"
Maius replied wrly, "Maybe it was the way you saved my ass several times during that hot mess. Thanks by the way, not being in my usual element and packing my heavy equipment tends to make me do risky stuff."
"Not a problem, though I must say with the way you fight I'm surprised you didn't have a crew already. Would help with those problem children nipping at your sides."
"Like I said, I try not to get into this situation to begin with. But ambushes are seldom kind enough to accommodate you. Good thing I did bring my heavy gear otherwise I would be in the pile right now."
Tel'Se nodded returning her rifle to the receptacle on her armour's back, "Yeah would have been here sooner but I imagine you saw why. When the shooting started security tried to get in but the doors were sealed off. I got here not long ago to find you and instead I see Aria's guys trying to bust in here. Offered to give em a hand with whatever was happening, figured it would be a nice warm up."
Maius smiled, "Well, again thanks."
Tel'Se beamed a smile back and then saw a familiar smaller figure coming down the stairs, "Gefren! Great to see you again!"
Gefren waved back to her matching her enthusiasm, "Ah! You as well my dear! From my humble heart I appreciate the assistance to my good friend here."
"What about the door?" Maius asked.
Gefren waved a claw, "Bah! Couldn't do anything with it, I suppose that's why security took the roundabout way. I think its safe to say we've overstayed our welcome."
"Alright, Kusko come here, I'd like you to meet our other team member." Maius said motioning the Drell over.
The hooded reptilian approached Maius' group while additional security teams rounded up the rest of the mercenaries.
"Tel'Se, allow me to introduce Kusko Shiat. Kusko, Tel'Se Neran." Maius said.
The Drell bowed slightly, "I know her, I've seen her dances from time to time."
The Asari crossed her arms and smiled, "Oh, well I hope I helped break up the usual mundane part of your day Kusko."
Kusko appeared a little bashful, "I...yes, I appreciated it. Though I was not aware you were also a mercenary."
Tel'Se shrugged, "Well my life has certainly not been a boring one. Being a mercenary is just one of several careers I've had. Though I think we should probably get out of here and let Aria's boys clean up right?"
Maius nodded, "Yeah, let's get to my ship and then I'll explain everything."
The Asari held out a hand towards their destination back from where she had come from, "Alright! Lead the way."
As the four of them headed towards the docking area, several sets of eyes watched them from afar. A gaunt Asari Matriarch in a blue dress wore a face of contemplation as she brought up a hand to her chin. She had a Batarian in dark fatigues by her side and he looked to her and asked, "Do we continue to pursue him mistress?"
The Matriarch shook her head, "No, I've seen enough. He isn't worth the trouble at the moment and we have more pressing matters."
"As you wish, though what will happen to our comrades that will be imprisoned?"
"This station will be ours soon enough. It will be a moot point once ownership switches to our hands."
The Batarian nodded and the elder Asari's irises shimmered bright green for but a second while looking at the Turian Spectre leave, "My lord will make certain that this one will be indisposed for the foreseeable future. Come, we have much to get ready for." She withdrew back into the shadows of the markets with her henchman in tow.