Chapter 23

"The STG team has received reinforcements." an asari acolyte told Saren. He looked to her as if wondering why he was being bothered by this news. He was unconcerned about more salarians, so far his krogan and geth had dealt with them quite easily. They were pinned down, unable to go anywhere. Though he would admit the fact that anyone had punched through his defenses was... Bothersome.

He looked to the asari from his console, his mandibles flaring once. "Why should I care about more STG?" Saren asked impatiently. The asari, who had long since been indoctrinated, didn't even seem intimidated. She just looked at him with a blank expression, all emotions stripped from her. She looked at him, never wavering, never looking nervous. All life behind her almost purple eyes.

"They aren't STG." She replied. Even her words were carried in a monotone way. He almost looked surprised by this news. "It's an Alliance ship. The Normandy." She went on. Saren snarled. He felt his temper rise, almost wanting to take it out on the asari before him but when she didn't so much as flinch he knew it was pointless.

Instead he swallowed his anger. "Any information on it? Who's the Captain? What's it doing here?" He questioned, needing answers. She just looked at him blankly. When she never responded he growled as he turned back to his console. He waved one hand at the asari. "Get me some answers." He said angrily. She turned and walked out of the room without another word.

He could not have the Alliance interfere with his work. He had waited too long for this. He had been patient enough. Eighteen years patient. He would not have the Alliance mess this up now.

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Shepard looked around the salarian camp. Things looked rough. A lot of the soldiers here looked weary. Like they hadn't had a good night's sleep for days. The salarian Captain had lead Shepard and her team to what looked like a command tent. It had maps of the area, a giant table covered with data pads and actual hand written papers. There were also lockers and weapon racks as well.

Shepard wandered up to the table, putting her hands on the surface as she took glances at the different papers and data pads, trying to get any information that may have been on any of it. But it was all coded, her translator didn't know how to decipher any of it. She had heard bits and pieces about the STG. She knew they were likely careful with any intel they left out in the open. Perhaps some salarian dialect that was not on any normal translation program.

"What's the situation?" Shepard asked as she took to looking at the maps hanging on the tent walls and boards that almost resembled old fashioned bulletin board. She saw the rest of her team join her and the Captain around the table, all of them looking between her and the salarian.

He sighed as he stood straight, his arms behind his back, hands clasped together. "Not good. I have lost half of my men investigating this place. This base is heavily fortified and there is an army of geth and krogan defending it." Kirrahe said. Shepard's brows furrowed. Shepard had fought several krogan in her time as a merc. She knew what kind of an opponent they made. Tough, strong. In larger numbers, overwhelming.

Shepard looked to Wrex who nodded his head. He seemed to be thinking what she was thinking. This would be one hell of a fight. "What is this base for? Is it a staging ground for an invasion?" Shepard asked.

Kirrahe shook his head. "No. It's a research base. We've intercepted a few transmissions. Saren is likely here, and he seems to be breeding an army of krogan, hence why my men and I are stuck here. And now you are likely stuck here as well." Kirrahe said, though calmly.

That got Wrex's attention, as it did everyone else around the table. Shepard looked to Wrex again, knowing what this meant. It was well known that a sterility plague had been inflicted on the krogan over a thousand years ago by the turians and salarians. This was basic galactic history, something most kids learned in school. The genophage, as it was called, kept the krogan from reproducing in overwhelming numbers. It helped stopped the krogan rebellion.

"Breeding?" Wrex asked, looking Kirrahe dead in the eye. He never looked more serious. Shepard felt a sense of unease as she watched one of her oldest friends. "How the hell is that possible?" He rumbled. Kirrahe looked to the krogan as he shrugged his shoulders, as if unphased by what this may have meant for Wrex, or krogan everywhere.

Kirrahe didn't even seem to flinch or feel nervous about giving his assumption on the matter. "He must have found a cure for the genophage. Saren is a smart man. And a patient one. If he wants to breed an army of krogan it would not be surprising for him to do just that. Even if it takes years to do." Kirrahe said calmly.

Shepard tried to play interference. "Geth are bad... Krogan makes things worse." Shepard said as she never tore her eyes of Wrex. She cared about the old battlemaster. Hell she loved him like a brother. A much older brother, yes, but loved him all the same. He always had her back and she would always have his. But a genophage cure? She felt bad for the krogan people, she felt bad for Wrex... Having to endure such a thing would be unthinkable. But she knew that if Saren could keep control over a krogan army, that cure was not what Wrex would hope it could be.

With an endless army of geth and krogan... Saren would become unstoppable. "Yes, I thought similarly." Kirrahe said. He then looked much more serious, looking back to Shepard. "We must destroy that cure, and this research facility. We cannot let Saren have the edge." He said. He sounded calm, collected, he didn't even flinch when Wrex slammed his massive hand on the table. Data pads and papers alike jumped up on the table from the impact.

He looked angry. Wrex was usually a collected individual, especially for a krogan. But Shepard knew he could have a temper when the time called for it. "Destroyed?" He almost barked out. Shepard looked at Wrex, and her team could see the concern on her face clear as day. She knew he didn't like this idea. She knew how much a cure meant to him. To his people. She knew how much he cared about them, even if he didn't want to admit it. "This could save my people. I will not let it be destroyed." He almost growled before he turned and stomped out of of tent. Everyone could feel the tension in his wake.

Kirrahe watched as Wrex left. "Is he going to be an issue?" Kirrahe asked. Shepard looked back to the salarian, her own temper flaring. She would not let them hurt Wrex. She would make Wrex realize this cure was not a good thing. Not under these circumstances. He would listen to her. She hoped. She did not want to come to arms with her oldest friend.

"I will talk to him, just let him cool off." She said, her tone hinting that she was not about to let anyone do anything that could potentially end in bloodshed on either side. Kirrahe simply nodded. Tali and Liara only looked to each other, both concerned over this brewing situation.

Shepard sighed trying to recollect herself. "If you can come up with a plan I'm sure the Alliance will back you. For now I need to go handle this." She said, the edge on her voice still present before she too turned and began to briskly walk out of the tent. Liara was hot on her heels, knowing Shepard was now upset herself.

"Nicole, wait." Liara called out as Shepard stepped back out into the open. Shepard stopped as she tried to take a steadying breath before she turned to Liara. Shepard had too much on her mind. She needed to talk to Wrex... Show him how dangerous this was, and how this cure would not be what he hoped it was. She also worried that this mission was too dangerous, even for herself. She didn't want Liara out here... Not with how inexperienced in combat Liara was.

Despite the stresses she currently felt, Shepard's shoulders slumped, her worry clear in her green eyes. "Will he be ok?" Liara asked in her own concern, before looking off in Wrex's direction. He stood at the bank of the water, looking at nothing in particular. Shepard sighed as she also looked over to Wrex. Even from such a distance she could see the anger on his face.

"I hope so." Shepard said honestly. She then looked back to Liara, frowning. "I want you to go back to the Normandy until this is over." Shepard said as gently as she could. Liara instantly frowned herself as she looked back at Shepard. Shepard knew Liara wouldn't like that idea, but... Shepard felt like she couldn't do this while constantly worrying if Liara would be safe enough out here in the danger.

"No." Liara said. But her tone was not as angry as Shepard expected it. It was still rather firm however. Shepard's brows furrowed in confusion though. Why would Liara want to be neck deep in this?

"Liara, I-." but the mercenary was cut off. Liara placed a finger over Shepard's lips, putting an end to any protest Nicole wanted to give. Liara then shook her head, her features softening up again. She knew this was stemming from Shepard's fears.

Liara sighed softly as she removed her finger from Shepard's lips. "If we are to do this. If we are to work out, I will not be hidden away every time you fear losing me, Nicole. I understand you are afraid. But I do not want to be coddled or handled as though I am frail." Liara began. Shepard began to think on what was just said. "I can handle myself. I appreciate you wish to keep me safe, but this is my fight now, too." Liara then said as she tried to give Shepard an assuring smile. She did not want the human to think she was angry.

Liara was unable to be angry in all honesty. She knew Shepard had insecurities, the roots of which coming from what happened to her family on Mindoir. Liara would not chastise Shepard for it. This was a genuine fear for the human. But she would stand her ground and insist that she would not be handled as though she was made of glass and would easily break as well.

Shepard was silent for a moment as she thought about what Liara had said. The mercenary sighed as she nodded her head. She may not have liked the idea of Liara putting herself in danger, but Shepard knew the asari was also an adult. Shepard had no right to stop her. She would have to learn how to swallow her fears and let Liara do what she felt she had to in this. "You're right." Shepard conceded.

Liara gave the human a small grin. "I am always right." Liara actually joked. That threw Shepard off for a moment. Liara was learning quickly about how to use humor. It didn't surprise Nicole really. Liara was extremely intelligent. Shepard began to laugh as she pulled Liara against herself by the waist, smirking at the prothean expert.

"Oh, are we already at that stage? Where you're always right and I'm always wrong?" Shepard asked, the humor and teasing obvious in her tone. Liara smiled, but simply leaned in for a quick chaste kiss. She then hummed her response before pulling away from the human. Shepard was left wanting more, but knew that there were other things to tend to.

Liara then looked to Wrex. "You had better go speak with him." Liara said. Shepard looked back at Wrex as he suddenly fired his shotgun into the water, probably trying to release some of his anger. Shepard nodded. She needed to address this now before it really did turn violent.

Shepard sighed as she turned away from the asari. "Yeah... Go back to the ship, get the rest of the squad and have them set up a camp for the team... I'll be back in a bit." Shepard said.

Liara nodded herself as she still looked to Wrex, who fired another shot, starting to attract the attention of the salarians. "Please be careful." Liara said as Shepard began to walk towards Wrex. Shepard gave a half smile over her shoulder as a response before looking forward, walking towards Wrex, though cautiously as she grew closer.

Wrex looked in her direction when she was just five feet away. She halted, not wanting to get too close for fear of upsetting the krogan any further than he already was. "You of all people should know what this means to me." He said, the anger obvious in his voice. Shepard gave him a sad frown, her brows furrowing with worry and concern. "How could you want to destroy the cure to the genophage?" He then demanded.

She took a steadying breath, knowing he wanted... No needed answers. "Wrex, you have to understand I would want the best for you and your people..." She started but he turned his whole body to face her. She could see the tension in his rigid stance. His grip on his shotgun tight as Shepard looked around seeing more salarians standing around. They gave him a wide birth, but they all had their own weapons just to be safe. A rampaging krogan, even a single one, could cause a lot of damage.

"After everything I've done for you, kid!" He now barked. It was obvious just how deeply he felt about this. "I've had your back, I even got onto that damned Alliance ship for you, and this is what I get?" If Shepard didn't know better he sounded hurt. She could briefly see the hurt flash through his red eyes, but his face twisted up with anger. "Where the hell is my payoff, Shepard?" He went on as Shepard opened her mouth but stopped. She felt her own emotions starting to boil over.

She was upset, and hurt now too. She didn't want Wrex to think she did not care. The fact was she cared more for this krogan than she ever thought she could care for a krogan. He was the friend she needed when she was young, the friend that took her under his wing. He had looked out for her more times than she cared to count. "Wrex, believe me, if I could get you this cure I would." She said, her voice breaking slightly. "I would give my life to give you this cure, but it's not what you hope it is!" She hollered back. She was feeling frustrated now. She would hate to lose him after all these years.

He readjusted his grip on his shotgun, marching forwards, invading Shepard's personal space. She gave him an upset glare, but stood her ground. She did not flinch, did not give him quarter. She stood tall and defiant against the giant beast before her. He would have given her credit if he were not so angry. "Then you better tell me what this is, Shepard, because the line between friend and foe is growing blurry from where I stand." He said, his voice low and dangerous. "I respect you, Shepard. Hell I care about you as if you were of my clan. I will not be stabbed in the back. I want explanations." he went on.

Suddenly Kirrahe and a few armed Salarians approached them. All but Kirrahe had a weapon raised, trained on the krogan. "I will not have violence in my camp." The salarian said firmly. Shepard felt her anxiety rising as she suddenly stepped around Wrex, holding her arms up as though to shield him.

"Kirrahe, I have this. I will not have you threatening my crew." Shepard said, her voice still carried an upset tone, but she sounded angry now as well.

She then heard Liara. "Back away!" Liara hollered out, her voice carrying a hint of fear, but when Shepard looked at her she could see a flare of biotics. This whole situation was growing out of hand and fast. Even Wrex had turned around, and she could hear him growl, holding his shotgun up. He had a right to defend himself but she would not let this erupt with violence. Not while she was still breathing.

Shepard looked to Liara, her expression firm. "Liara, I can handle this, go set up camp." She said just as firmly. Liara looked like she was about to protest, but nodded instead. Shepard looked to Kirrahe. "I need you and your men to step down, let me talk to him." She said, her anger bristling. She knew she's had to defuse intense situations before, but this was crazy.

Kirrahe gave her a look of thought. He nodded his head as he motioned for his men to back away. Shepard gave a relieved sigh before she turned to look at Wrex. "I get it, you're upset, you're angry, you're hurt. But this isn't a cure, it's a goddamn weapon, Wrex." She said at him, the firmness in her tone still present.

He looked down at the human. "If Saren is allowed to keep it, to use it, your whole species will be slaves. Is that worth the cost of a cure?" She asked him. He could see her green eyes grow fiery, almost daring him to say it was. He felt taken aback. Just mere seconds ago she looked like she was about to crumple before him, but now? There were moments she seemed more krogan than human.

His upper lip twitched as he thought about it. "If this were any other circumstance I would fight tooth and nail for you to have a cure, and you damn well know it, Wrex. But this isn't hope, this is doom for you and the krogan." She went on.

He grumbled as he lowered his shotgun. She was right. He knew she was. "We were used once, and where did that get us?" He rumbled. He let out a pent up breath. "Damn near killed us all with the genophage. Saren would finish the job if he could." Wrex conceded.

Shepard let out a sigh of relief, closing her eyes. She did not realize how tense she had felt until just now. "Alright, kid. I see your point. We destroy the base, and the cure." He finished. Shepard tried to give him a smile, but it looked tired. She reached up and slapped his arm firmly. She was glad and relieved he saw reason.

"Thank you, Wrex. For what it's worth, I'm sorry... I wish this was what you had wanted..." She said as he nodded. He turned as he walked away though, probably needing time to himself. Shepard looked over, seeing her crew setting up their own base camp, but Liara was not there. She looked around a little, confused, before she saw Liara where she had been during that whole... mess.

Liara quickly walked over to Shepard, looking her over once. "Goddess, are you alright?" Liara asked sounding more than concerned. Shepard was actually shaking slightly, thinking she was about to end up in a fight with either the salarians or Wrex. She wanted neither of those outcomes. Especially the one that ended in Wrex's death.

Shepard gave Liara a tired expression as she reached out, resting her hands on Liara's shoulders. "I'm fine, Li... Nothing to it, right?" She tried to joke, but Liara did not seem amused. Instead Liara wrapped her arms around Shepard's waist and leaned into Shepard, resting her head on the human's shoulder. With the armor it was far from comfortable, but Liara thought this would have ended badly for a moment. She was fearful they were all about to end up shooting at each other.

Shepard wrapped her arms around Liara's shoulders, kissing at her forehead. "Hey, it's alright." Shepard said. Perhaps she was more trying to convince herself. This day could have ended a lot worse.

"Anderson would like to see you." Liara said, never moving. Shepard nodded her head as she didn't move to release Liara either. Anderson probably wanted to know what the situation was, and Shepard would have to give him the information she had received about this place. She sighed her nerves feeling wrecked. But this all had to be done.

She lifted Liara's chin giving her a chaste kiss before giving her a lopsided smile. "Alright, keep an eye on things out here, call me if something goes sideways. I gotta go talk to Anderson." Shepard said as Liara nodded, both pulling away from each other. "I'll be back soon." Shepard said with a wink before she turned towards the Normandy, trotting away.

Once she was on board she made her way to the Captain's cabin, knocking on the door. The door opened as she stepped in, seeing the older man sitting as his table, though looking uncomfortable. He was messing with a data pad when she stepped in. "What's the situation?" He asked as the door slid shut behind the mercenary.

She sighed as she shrugged her shoulders. "It's rough, Saren's here and there's an army of krogan and geth between us and him." She replied. Anderson regarded her with a look of thought. He nodded his head, setting his data pad down.

He sighed as he rubbed at his temple. "I think it's time I told you about my history with Saren. Give you an understanding of what we're up against." He said as he motioned for her to sit down.

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Yaaay I managed to actually pump a chapter out! We'll see how I'm feeling later, I may start the next one tonight to get a head start. Stay tuned =3