197 Years ago….
The Asari girl shook. Shivered and whimpered as invisible bonds held her in place. She struggled against them in impotent fear and defiance. And somewhere amongst the innumerable shadows cast by the dim light. She saw the silhouette of her captor, her tormentor.
The figure laughed. There was no humor in it. No joy, simply a boundless evil cruelty.
She stirred, struggling in vain against her restraints to get to the figure. Desperate for a chance to lash out at her Jailer. She was greeted with a swift kick to the stomach. And she bent over double in refreshed agony as the breath was driven from her body. She whimpered in misery as the figure strode past her. Her shoes making uncharacteristically dainty clicking noises as they made contact with the solid metal floor. The girl heard the older woman fall to her knees. Her tone reverent as she spoke.
"Master, you have commanded. And I have obeyed. I have brought a suitably powerful biotic."
And something answered.
"Satisfactory, your performance pleases us."
The girl froze, shuddered. Something in that voice, that voice with all the dark empty soullessness of the howling void of deep space. Awakened instincts in her, older than thought itself, that screamed at her to run. To hide. To put as much distance as she possibly could between herself and whatever it was that had that horrid evil voice.
She sobbed, heaving as she struggled against her restraints. Tears streaming down her bruised and lacerated face.
She felt a deceptively delicate hand touch her.
"Now, now. We wouldn't want to overexert ourselves now would we?"
A voice said, false sweetness and sympathy dripping from every poisonous word.
"Please! I don't know what I did just please let me go! I'll never tell a soul I swear!"
She heard laughter.
"My dear girl, whatever are you afraid of? Soon you will experience the perfection of the masters!"
Panels slid apart on the floor. As something rose out. It stood long and tall, composed of the some cold black metal as everything else in this waking nightmare of a place. Scintillating lines of luminous blue ran down its surface. Pulsating in tune with some inescapable horrific rhythm.
"Watch Pawn."
The horrible voice said.
"As malleable and fragile will is bent to the whim of superior beings."
The object's steady beat seemed to intensify, becoming louder and louder as something poured from it. A cloud of writhing whirling shadow that made its way towards her. She wailed in fear and despair as it touched her. Crawling up her skin and into her eyes, Her nose, her open mouth. And she felt as something began to take her mind. Twist it, corrupt it, defile it. She screamed as the foreign and foul presence twisted its way through mind and body. Stripping away the memories and emotions that made up her very being. Leaving nothing but the compulsion to obey and serve. She screamed in Abject despair as the last of her identity and being was finally robbed from her.
And only a slave remained.
Kavira licked her lips in dark satisfaction as the girl rose to stand. Her expression vacant and empty. She strode to approach the newly made tool. Her voice ringing clear across the cavern as she asked:
"Who do you serve?"
The response was immediate, and uttered without the slightest hint of hesitation.
"The masters, and the lady Kavira."
She smiled, with this immaculate gift, The Masters had finally bestowed upon her the instrument of her conquest.
Nothing would oppose her. Nothing could.
She would raise an army. Unquestioning in their loyalty, Unfailing in their obedience. The perfect, disposable tools of her long Awaited and long deserved vengeance.
Omega would be hers. The Terminus would be hers!
The Illusive man stared intently at his view screen. His expression pensive as he took stock of the information presented.
"So, what exactly do we know about him?"
His field agent sighed. Shaking their head as the slideshow moved from picture to blurry picture.
"Not very much, unfortunately. We can say with absolute certainty that the boy is in possession of superhuman abilities. Though to what extent exactly is unknown."
He studied the blurry images. Frowning.
"Any ideas on how he does it?"
Again. The agent shifted uncomfortably.
"Honestly sir? The eggheads have thought of everything. Some sort of unique biotics? Radioactive spiders? Kryptonite?It's all just a roundabout way of saying we have no idea."
He studied the few photos they had of the kids face, focusing intently on one unique feature in particular.
"Hereditary perhaps?"
The agent turned to look directly at him. Their expressions confused.
"Sir?"
He gestured to the picture.
"Take a look at his face. What's the first thing that stands out?"
They looked at the picture, scrutinizing it briefly before turning back to the Illusive Man.
"His eyes sir?"
He nodded to the affirmative
"Yes. Those eyes. Unique even for a spacer wouldn't you agree?"
The Agent shifted as he looked at the boy's ringed amethyst eyes. The picture had been taken in early evening. As dusk had begun to settle over his home colony. Through some odd trick of the light, it looked almost as if they were glowing in the low light.
"Living in space can do strange things to the human body sir. But that…"
The Illusive Man shook his head.
"We've seen people with strange eyes, sometimes we've seen people with the same coloured eyes as him. But only he possesses eyes that strikingly unique. And he, by that same token, seems to be the only person to be in possession of his superhuman abilities. I may be wrong-"
He took a drag from his almost omnipresent cigar.
"But I believe that there is direct correlation, if not outright causation. Between his eyes and his powers."
The agent shifted in their seat and turned to the Illusive man. Their expression made it clear that they had yet to be convinced.
"An interesting theory sir, but it errs close on the side of mysticism doesn't it?"
The Illusive man hummed an affirmative.
"True, I suppose I must admit that it does. However, that leads to the question, do you have a better explanation?"
The Agent, who had puzzled over this dilemma for quite some time. Had to admit that they did not. The Illusive Man swiped his hand in a dismissive fashion. And the image disappeared, the screen went black.
"If it is indeed hereditary. Then we therefore must assume that having his genetic material would allow us to replicate it."
The field agent sat up slightly straighter.
"Genetic material sir?"
"Blood, hair, tissue, semen. I don't care, but we need something that will let us have a crack at his unique genetics. I don't think I can overstate the ways Cerberus, and by extension humanity, could benefit from it."
They stood up.
"Am I to assume this is my next mission?"
The Illusive Man nodded.
"It very well might be."
He said as he briefly typed something into his omnitool.
"Oh, and one more thing."
The agent looked down as their own device chimed.
"Head to that project site and see how things are progressing. Planet's name is Pragia."
The Agent nodded.
"Understood sir."
Ensign Eric Monzon, helmsman of the Alliance cargo freighter SSV Upton Sinclair. Sighed lowly as the ship he piloted ponderously made its way toward the system's local mass relay. They had made a quick stop in the Attican Traverse. On a local colony world called Mindoir. Picking up and dropping off supplies before they made the jump to their next destination. It was boring, repetitive work. But it paid well. And it kept his kids fed.
"Monzon! Why aren't we in transit yet?!"
Of course, every job had one or two downsides… He sighed as he gave his carefully worded response.
"The relay's a minute out sir. We'll be out of the system shortly."
His commanding officer scoffed, and derisively replied.
"If you were better at your job we would have been there a minute ago. Do you think our tight schedule leaves room for your slowness?"
Eric resisted the urge to groan aloud.
"No sir, I'll pick up the pace sir."
He said. Through gritted teeth. The officer gave a condescending grunt in response. Oh how he longed to sink his fist into that man's comfortably rounded gut…
Though it wasn't his sole focus any more as he saw the relay grow larger in his view screen. He keyed in the necessary commands, and braced himself for the customary jolt of transit as-
Nothing happened.
He quickly input the commands again. And was again met with no response.
"Monzon!"
And then there was this asshole. He kept his tone as level as possible as he responded.
"Tell me, what am I seeing in that viewscreen?"
Eric kept his tone as level as possible. Repeating the same mantra in his head over and over.
I will not call my commanding officer an asshole. I will not call my commanding officer an asshole….
"A mass relay, sir."
"And why am I seeing that, instead of this ship being in transit ensign?"
Eric continued repeating the mantra as he responded.
"Because the Mass Relay isn't responding sir. It's inactive."
The officer huffed, as if his disbelief of the statement would somehow make it less true.
"Inactive, what the hell do you mean inactive?! You think I have time to listen to your excu-?!"
Suddenly another voice. Female. The comms officer Bekah.
"He's not lying sir. The relay's unresponsive. It's not sending or receiving any signals. Almost as if it's gone totally dark."
The officer was quieted, silenced but far from mollified. He glared at both Eric and the comms officer, as he had been robbed of his favorite pastime of bullying those of lower rank. With a flippant scoff. He walked away.
"I'll be informing the captain then."
He said. As he left the bridge.
Howard looked at the Alliance officer incredulously.
"Inactive? Just what the hell does that mean?!"
They had been surprised when the ship that had left only a few days ago returned again. And even more so when they had delivered the grim news that the relay was inactive. The officer was a pompous self important prick. The kind of person he generally tried to avoid during his N7 days. But being the de facto leader of the entire colony often left him having to deal with people like this on a semi-regular basis.
"Exactly what I just said, citizen. Inactive."
Howard's teeth gritted at the inflection on the word "citizen". There was a time when men like this had licked his boots for even a chance of currying his favor. But he knew it would do no good to beat the pompous idiot senseless. No matter how much he might have liked to. Instead he put on his best diplomatic face. And nodded neutrally.
"I see."
He said.
"Thank you for the information."
The man looked as if he wished to say something. But Howard looked over his shoulder, and was relieved to see Maurice. As unabashedly old style as he ever was. Though the years had seasoned his pepper hair with salt.
"Ah Maurice! Come on in, good to see you!"
The Alliance twit shifted uncomfortably. One thing Howard had learned. Was that it was hard to remain when your replacement was in the room. He silently took his leave. Brushing past Maurice as he did so.
"Hey Man, what was he here for?"
Maurice spotted his frown. And looked at him concernedly.
"Wasn't bearing good news I'm guessing?"
Howard nodded to the affirmative.
"Yeah. Apparently the relay's inactive. Nothings going in or out."
Maurice looked at him in disbelief. His expression dumbstruck.
"Shit…"
He said.
"This couldn't have come at a worse time…"
Howard raised an eyebrow pensively.
"What?"
Maurice exhaled gustily, his eyes grim and downcast.
"That's actually what I'm here to tell you about…. winter came sooner than we thought. Predictions say it's gonna be bad. We're already losin' crops."
Howard rubbed his eyes tiredly. And without the possibility of outside resupply….
"How much do we have left?"
Maurice shifted uncomfortably. Howard had a feeling he wouldn't like the answer.
"Not enough."
He said simply. His expression grim. Howard sighed gustily.
"We'll…. have to make an announcement."
Maurice nodded. He stood up slowly.
"I'll see about getting some rationing started."
He said quietly. His tone grim. As he quietly left the room. Howard put his head in his hands. What he wouldn't give to have Jess here, if only for the comfort she could have given…
There was a long winter ahead of them.
Matthew took the news….
About as well as could be expected. His outward expression wasn't all that telling. But his body language was. He stood with his arms crossed and his eyes narrowed. It was the body language he displayed when he was worried. Another quirk he had inherited from his mother.
"Does the rest of the colony know yet?"
He asked. His expression pensive. Howard sighed.
"Not yet. But we're making an announcement later today."
Matthew nodded.
"I see."
He said. As he turned and left the room. And made his way up the stairs to his room.
This was bad.
Really. Really bad. I hadn't accounted for something like this. How could I? There had never been any mention of something like this happening. And now I couldn't leave the colony. I could do nothing but twiddle my thumbs and wait for something to happen. It felt acutely unnerving to be so powerless.
My holo-tab chimed suddenly. And I smiled slightly. Jane, I could use a little cheering up. I answered the call and smiled as her face filled the viewscreen.
"Hey!"
She said, as her expression fell slightly. I frowned at that. An unhappy expression just didn't belong on a face like hers.
"Did you see the announcement?"
She asked. Her expression telegraphing an attitude of worry.
"Yeah."
I said.
"Dad told me this morning. I'm…"
Jane finished for me.
"Worried?"
She said, Her tone framing it like a question.
"Not the word I'd use."
I responded as I absently ran a few free fingers through my hair. Terrified was more like it.
"You do that when you're worried."
She said suddenly. I stopped what I was doing and looked back at her.
"What?"
"That thing you do with your hair? You only do that when something's really weighing on you."
That was surprising. Even I hadn't noticed that particular quirk. Though I suppose she would be good at reading people wouldn't she?
I nodded to the affirmative.
"Yeah, this stuff's got me on edge. I mean, how did this even happen?"
And how did I not see it coming?
Jane shrugged.
"No use wasting energy worrying about it. Let's focus on the here and now. Ok?"
I smiled. Sometimes her optimism amazed me.
"Yeah. Alright."
I said.
"Cool, you wanna head to Takeda's and grab a bite?"
I grinned at the thought of some nice tasty ramen. And nodded.
"Yeah. I guess we could use something hot huh?"
I said. As I looked outside. The first Flakes of winter were already falling.
"Cool, I'll see you there!"
The call dropped and I sighed. She probably Wouldn't have the money to pay for herself. No that it really mattered. I was probably richer than the rest of the colony put together at This point. Though I was eternally grateful that she never asked where the money came from.
The first few months of winter were…
Brutal. To say the least, snowfall was constant. And It was all we could do to save what crops and livestock we could before the cold and ice claimed them. As time wore on, food grew increasingly scarce. We rationed what we could. But with so many mouths to feed….
Needless to say. We brought in food any way we could. And one of those was hunting. And that was what me and Jane were doing now. As we crouched motionless in the snow. Watching an Enru we'd been trackIng for hours now. We hadn't much time left. The sun would soon be setting. And then catching our dinner would be the least of our worries as the hypothermia and frostbite started setting in. We couldn't be impatient though. Pulling this off would net us enough meat to keep our friends and families fed for the next few weeks.
Jane clutched an old hunting rifle, her gloved hand toying with the sight as she took careful stock of our prey. She was the better shot. But my eyes we're better. So I acted as her spotter.
"Distance?"
I squinted.
"65 meters. Give or take."
"Wind speed?"
"Negligible."
She carefully adjusted the scope. watching our mark intently. It raised its broad nosed head, sniffing the air. I stiffened. Had it smelled us? It turned away from us. And went back to munching on the sparse grass that remained beneath the snow. And I relaxed
"Any weak spots?"
She asked. as she squinted through the scope.
"Through the side. Just behind the foreleg. You can take out the lungs and heart In one go If you place the shot right."
I said. Jane nodded and took a deep breath. Steadying her aim briefly. And adjusting her scope a final time. Before she squeezed the trigger.
The rifle went off with a resounding bang. The stock jerked against her shoulder, and the round flew. Hitting the enru a heartbeat past the trigger pull. It jerked as it was struck. And fell heavily upon its side. Convulsing and gasping to fill its punctured lungs with air. Jane and I grimaced as we watched the creature take its last ragged breaths.
"Sorry big guy…"
She whispered.
We butchered and skinned the beast as quickly as we could. Placing the wrapped meat into our packs before hurriedly making our way back to the buggy we were using as transport. We threw the meat into the bed of the buggy. Along with a few other things we had managed to catch. I frowned at what we had. So far the Enru had been the biggest catch of the trip. Almost everything else had been smaller, less filling game. Small furry squirrel-like creatures. And a few small species of native avian.
We huddled close together sharing heat and comfort as the buggy's tiny little heater slowly warmed us both.
"Good shot."
I said. As I absently rubbed my hands together. Warming up the chilled flesh.
Jane smiled as she did much the same. Rubbing her numb face to get the blood flowing again.
"Couldn't have made it without a good spotter."
She said, as I keyed the ignition and the buggy roared to life. I grinned.
"Oh now you're just buttering me up."
I said. As I switched the headlights on and carefully drove through the woods and back onto the main road. She groaned.
"Oh god, don't even mention butter!"
She said as we sped along. I looked at her in confusion.
"Huh?"
I said intelligently. She sighed.
"Ever since we started running short on supplies there's been almost no butter! I tried to get some from old man Joulsen, but that bastard might as well have asked for one of my legs with what he was charging!"
I grunted in agreement.
"And cheese, there's almost no cheese left."
I said. As the colony came into sight. Jane nodded sagely.
"Or cream, or milk."
She said, As I waved to the gatekeeper, who quickly pulled the switch to let the gate slide open. Jane leaned back in her seat tiredly.
"God I can't wait 'til that damn relay's fixed."
I sighed.
"You and me both."
I said, as we pulled away from main street and into the residential areas. As we approached home. I tapped a button on the dashboard. And watched as the garage door slid open. Carefully pulling into the garage. Before pressing the button, letting the door slide shut behind us.
Howard looked up from his place by the fire as Jane and Matthew stepped in from the garage. Their cheeks red, and their expressions haggard.
"Hey Dad."
Matt said as he stomped his boots out on the rug by the front door. Getting rid of whatever snow still clung to them. Howard gave a nod of acknowledgement. Taking a short sip of coffee before answering.
"Hey, how'd the trip go?"
Their expressions told him everything he needed to know.
"That bad huh?"
Matt's expression was apologetic.
"Sorry dad."
He said.
"But we end up having to go further out each time we go ranging. And there's less each time. Sooner or later hunting is going to be more trouble than it's worth."
Howard nodded. And took another sip of coffee.
"Don't beat yourself up over it."
He said. As he heard someone coming down the stairs.
"Heard you talking to someone babe."
Melanie said. As she stepped into the room. Jane smiled as she ran to tackle-hug Her big sister. Wrapping her in an enthusiastic embrace.
"Hey Mel!"
She said as Melanie happily returned the hug. Grinning as she held her little sister to her. Before they slowly released each-other.
"So how did it go? Catch anything big?"
Melanie asked. Jane rubbed the back of her head uncomfortably.
"Not….really."
She said slowly as her jovial expression Fell.
"There isn't a lot left out there."
She said lowly. Howard stepped forward and placed a comforting hand on both their shoulders.
"Like I said, don't beat yourself up over it too much. Just do what you can."
He said. And they nodded in understanding.
"Good, now how about we get it all inside?"
We're celebrating Jane's Seventeenth birthday today. Not that she knows it yet.
It had been the culmination of several weeks of careful stockpiling. Planning, bribing, and occasionally blackmailing and threatening. But the preparations were finally complete. Operation:Surprise party was a go.
I slipped out of my final class for the day. And took note of Shepard's shoulder length red hair. I smirked as I tapped a brief message into my communicator.
Target was in sight. I moved to intercept.
I raised a friendly hand to catch her attention. Calling her name as I did.
"Jane!"
She turned suddenly. Her inquisitive expression turning into a smile as she laid eyes on me.
"Matt!"
She yelled in delight as she tackle-hugged me. Giving my midsection (for she was quite a bit shorter than me by now.) a tight squeeze. Before releasing me.
"So what's up?"
She asked brightly as she fell into step beside me. Matching my pace as we stepped outside into the wintry chill. Unconsciously Stepping closer to one another in an attempt to ward it off. I took a moment to slip on my gloves before answering.
"Was wondering if you wanted to head over to takeda's? Grab a little something special for the birthday girl."
She nodded in acquiescence as we turned down into main street and toward the ramen shop. I surreptitiously typed out a quick message.
"Get ready."
As we approached I noted with approval that the lights of the shop had been dimmed. I saw the distinct shape of the waiting partygoers. Though that could be attributed to my eyesight. Jane probably couldn't see a blessed thing. I smiled, so much for the better.
I opened the door for Jane. Letting her step through the doorway and into the darkened room. She turned to me.
"Damn, looks like the place is clo-"
The lights suddenly came to life as various friends and family members emerged from their hiding places.
"SURPRISE!"
They yelled in one voice. Smiling as Jane whipped back around in astonishment.
She turned back to me.
"You planned this?"
She asked as I stepped through the doorway. And closed the jingling door behind.
"Well, more or less."
I said as she ran at me. And made her most mighty and concerted effort to squeeze the life out of me with hugs. After a few moments of crushingly forceful affection. She released me and turned to regard the assorted confections.
"Ohmigod is that-is that Dr Pepper? Is that Cake?!"
I smiled as I rubbed the back of my head.
"Yeah."
I said.
"Had to do a lot of haggling (threatening) for the eggs."
She positively beamed. Before
tackle-hugging me again. Positively crushing my midsection.
"Oh my god thankyouthankyouthankyo-!"
I tapped her shoulder. She suddenly looked up. And saw that I was rapidly turning blue.
"-can't breath…"
I croaked out. She smiled sheepishly as she released me.
"Oh, sorry."
She said as I laughed it off.
"Eh, don't worry about it!"
I said, as I led her further into the shop. And to the waiting party.
"Now come on! Cake isn't gonna eat itself!"
The party was In full swing now. And I watched happily as Jane was pulled this way and that by various well wishers.
Each waxing nostalgic about how they remembered when she was younger and oh how the time flew, and didn't she look so much like Hannah? And oh wouldn't Hannah be so proud of her? She thanked each of them in turn. Before politely, but firmly extricating herself from the conversation.
She didn't look happy.
I walked over to her as she sat at one of the many tables. Her expression one of discontent.
"What's on your mind?"
I asked as I seated myself next to her. She shook her head.
"It's nothing, don't worry about it."
I rolled my eyes exasperatedly.
"Bull."
I said simply, my expression showing I was having none of it.
"I'm fine, really! You don't need to worry."
My eyes narrowed.
"I'm not going to drop this Jane. What's eating you?"
She shifted uncomfortably as she looked over at the group of party goers she had just removed herself from.
"It's just…. hard to listen to other people talk about mom."
I nodded in understanding. I had heard no shortage of stories about my mother. And how much I looked like her. Jane continued.
"I mean I don't really remember much of her. Mel's told me plenty of stories. But….
I mean it's always such a damn hassle. Everyone puts mom on a pedestal."
I tried to interject, but by this point Jane was picking up steam.
"I mean how the hell am I supposed to measure up to that?! The great Hannah Shepard, the hero! Everyone's always talking about how much I look like her. Everyone see's Hannah Shepard's daughter. But no one sees me. No one see's Jane."
We sat in silence as I digested what she had said. Jane and Mel had been the daughters of the famous Hannah Shepard. An alliance war hero who had helped to establish humanity's foothold in the Attican Traverse. Even now, years after her death. She had an almost legendary status among the people of the colonies. Stories were traded in hushed reverent whispers about her exploits. She was a modern day Hercules. Like something straight out of a storybook.
And Jane had grown up beneath that enormous shadow for her entire life.
She had been born the spitting image of her mother. Unlike Mel. Who had been lucky enough to inherit their father's black hair and facial features. And no matter what she did. Found herself a constant object of comparison. None of her accomplishments or victories lasted very long before they were compared to her mother's gargantuan achievements.
I had known for quite some time that it bothered her. Just not to this extent.
"I can't say I fully understand."
I said as I gave her what I hoped was a reassuring smile.
"Your mom was an incredible woman. I think you being compared to her is kind of inevitable."
She appeared to look even more disheartened before I continued.
"But, once you start making your mark. And really come into your own. I think it won't be long at all until the entire galaxy see's the same amazing person I see."
I felt my spirits lift somewhat as I saw my sap-fest had drawn a smile from her. And found myself somewhat surprised as she leaned against me. Her face scant inches from mine. Her body pressed against me, as I became acutely aware of her closeness. And the scent of her perfume. (When had she started wearing perfume?)
And then she did something that surprised me even more.
She kissed me.
It was a small chaste kiss. Not much more than a simple peck on the lips. But for all that it still sent my heart plummeting into my stomach. As I was filled with a sense of giddy happiness and confusion. She came in experimentally for another. And this time I kissed her back. Subtly taking the lead as I moved my mouth against hers. She seemed tentative at first. But took to it quickly as we began to maneuver one against the other in an intimate dance of tongues and lips. Each eagerly sampling the taste and feel of the other before we both finally came up for air. Gasping.
"Er, where did this come from?"
I asked as she leaned against me. Her head resting comfortably against my chest. And I took a brief moment to check if we had been seen. To my relief we hadn't. We were in a fairly dark and dimly lit corner of the restaurant. And among the dim lights and moving bodies. We were hard to distinguish from the rest.
"Don't know. I guess it just felt right."
She said, As she looked up at me.
"Did you not like it?"
She asked. Her tone and expression taking on one of worry. I raised my hands in a placating gesture.
"No, no I did. I guess I just… never expected you to-."
I trailed off aimlessly. Not entirely sure what to say.
"Like you?"
She provided. And I nodded, it fit I supposed.
"Why?"
I shrugged.
"You always just seem so…. larger than life. Everything about you Is just so amazing in comparison to me that it's kinda hard to believe you'd think of me that way."
I shifted.
"I guess it just feels like….like I don't deserve you. Like, how could someone as amazing as you feel that way about someone like me?"
She giggled, I looked down at her confused.
"What's so funny?"
I asked, as her giggle turned into a laugh. She soon calmed down enough to speak. Her voice still interspersed with random bouts of laughter.
"It's just…. the guy who can snap his fingers and make a clone of himself. Thinks I'm too good for him."
She nestled against me. Making herself comfortable.
"How about we don't worry too much about the why, and focus on enjoying the here and now?"
I smiled as I drew her closer. Reveling in the closeness and the sense of contentment as we shared this quiet moment together.
"Yeah."
I said.
"I like the sound of that."
Sedibus Balerek had fallen on bad luck. As the Captains of pirate raiding groups often did.
He had been on business in the Attican Traverse. A job paid for by an unknown benefactor in the terminus systems. It hadn't been a particularly complex job. Attack a small. Unassuming Asari maiden colony. And bring back as many biotics as he could contrive to lay his hands on.
Normally, he would have said no to any job that would lead to him attacking a colony under the jurisdiction of one of the Citadels ruling races. And thus provoking their ire. But for the amount of credits he'd been offered. It was well worth the risk in his eyes. Even if he would have to lay low a little longer than usual after this particular raid. But as he had prepared to jump to the designated drop off point and collect his pay. Something unexpected occurred.
The Relay refused to activate itself. At first they had assumed it was some sort of instrumental failure. And after Sedibus had screamed what he felt was the appropriate amount of Insults and expletives at his helmsman. He had ordered them through again.
And had again. Been met with nothing.
After this, he had been forced to admit that something was wrong with the relay. And so now they waited. For how long. None of them were certain. And the crew. After months on end. Seeing no signs of the relay re-activating. Began to grow restless. Sedibus had hired a crew of tough as nails mercenaries and ruthless hard bitten pirates and criminals. He counted some of the most dangerous and infamous Batarians in known space as part of his crew. They did their jobs well.
That being said.
They were used to action. And a lot of it. long periods of inactivity certainly did such restless spirits no good. They had begun to grow antsy. Sedibus had allowed his men to take certain liberties with some of their "cargo". And It had certainly won him some approval among them.
But he acknowledged that something would have to give soon.
He was broken from his internal reverie as his navigations officer. A skinny shifty eyed batarian named Varlan. Called his attention and waved him over.
"What is it?"
Sedibus asked shortly, his expression and tone signaling that this had better be good.
Varlan quickly typed out a sequence of commands. Taking a short step back as the Display flickered to show what appeared to be….
Oh.
Well wasn't that a pleasant surprise.
"Varlan, Is that what I think It is?"
Varlan looked at him and smirked.
"Yeah boss, a whole colony. Ripe for the plundering. And with the relay knocked out-"
Sedibus smiled. It was not a particularly pleasant looking smile.
"No one is coming to help them."
I stood in front of my Dad's desk, as he gave me the lowdown of what My next trip into the countryside would entail.
"As we've learned. Foods getting scarce in the outskirts. So you'll have to search farther out if you want to find larger game. You'll have a partner naturally-."
I interjected briefly.
"Jane, right?"
My father, to my surprise. Shook his head.
"Actually no. Melanie says she hasn't seen nearly enough of Jane in the last few weeks. And frankly, I'm inclined to agree. I'm assigning you a different partner. I know you and Jane work well together. But I think she and Mel should have some time to themselves."
I nodded.
"Fair enough, who're pairing me with?"
My father took a moment before replying. Briefly checking over something on his holo-top.
"Guy by the name of Alan, he knows the land pretty well. Decent tracker too."
I supposed that was agreeable enough.
"When are we heading out?"
My father stood up, switching off his holo-top as he did.
"Tomorrow morning. Weather allowing."
He walked out from behind his desk and walked to where his coat was hung. Grabbing it and throwing it on.
"Now come on, you should head home and have something to eat. You've got a big day tomorrow."
We enjoyed a meal of thin soup. With rice. Carrots. Other various vegetables. And meat of an origin I didn't wish to question. Me, Dad, Mel and Jane. All huddled close to the fire. Sharing whatever body heat we could as we all hunched beneath several layers of blankets.
Jane leaned against me. Us sharing a quiet moment as the fire crackled. I looked over to Dad and Mel to see them in much the same arrangement. As I continued to stare at Dads face. I took note of how pallid and haggard he looked. And how disturbingly contrasted it seemed to be to the man I was used to seeing. So lively and full of vitality and Vigor. Even at 47 years old.
But this winter had not been kind to him. The lines that even I had once struggled to see. Stood out in sharp relief on his pale face. His hair seemed far more unkempt than usual.
I nestled closer to Jane, as I reflected on my Dad's condition. My mood darkening as I stared into the flickering tongues of flame.
This damn winter had better end soon.
The next morning began with a bustle of frantic activity as I packed essentials. Food, water, sealing supplies. And a few choice weapons. Hidden away in a secret pocket of my bag.
I was stuffing a change of clothes into my bag as Dad knocked on my bedroom door.
"Yeah, come in."
I called out as I quickly zipped up. Throwing the strap over my shoulder.
"You sleep well?"
He asked as we made our way down the stairs and to the front door. Hunching against the wintry chill as we quickly shut the door behind us.
"As well as I could."
I said, as we rushed to the waiting truck. Wasting no time in pulling the doors open and all but jumping inside. Rubbing our hands together and momentarily basking in the wonderful feel of the truck's solitary small heater as it quickly warmed the small space. Dad quickly pressed the button to get the machine running. And we were soon underway. Moving through the colony as its residents rose to meet the day.
"So where's the meet up spot?"
I asked as we pulled away from main street and onto the road that would take us toward the forest.
"A little ways out of town. We're coordinating a few other pairs to cover as much ground as possible. And cast the widest possible net."
I nodded as we pulled away from the town and into the barren farmlands. The fields long since picked clean of anything edible. We eventually swung into the driveway of a middling sized homestead, already I could see several people congregating outside near small fires. Nursing steaming mugs of what I hoped was Coffee. Dad parked the truck. And as I was pulling my bag from the bed. I turned to see an unexpected, but not at all unwelcome sight. Melanie and Jane, walking to greet us.
Jane greeted me with a tackle hug and a smile. Holding on for a few moments before letting go.
"What're you guys doing here?"
I asked, as we made our way toward the gathering. Mel was the one to respond.
"We thought we'd come and see you off. You'll probably be gone for a few weeks. So we wanted to come and say goodbye."
I smiled.
"Thanks, I know neither of you had to do this. Especially with how bad the weather's been."
I said as we came closer to the crowd. Dad gave Mel a tight hug, her responding with a quick and affectionate peck on the cheek. Before he waded through the crowd. Quickly making his way to the front. He cupped his hands in front of his mouth and bellowed.
"Hello everyone! And welcome, it's good to see how many of you decided to come!"
The crowd as one person turned to face him. My father could certainly command attention when he wanted to. He had strong lungs, and a loud booming voice.
"As you are all no doubt aware, food is becoming increasingly scarce. And it won't be long until we start to face a serious problem. It's for this reason that two man teams will be sent ranging into the far wilderness. Where hopefully there's still an abundance of food and prey."
The crowd shifted as my father continued.
"You'll be tasked with finding anything edible. Roots, plants, berries. And whatever game you can trap and kill. All of you will no doubt be in the wilderness for several weeks. So we'll need to give you all a few things to get you better prepared. Hunting equipment, keys to the trucks and buggies you'll all be using, and a small catalog on what's edible and what isn't."
My father pointed to the farm house.
"Now, with that out of the way. Head inside to warm up, get the stuff you'll need. And find out who you're paired with!"
As I nursed a cup of coffee after receiving the catalog and the keys to a beat up old buggy. Dad introduced me to the guy I'd be partnered with.
Alan was a pretty chill guy. He stood at about five feet eleven inches. With a heart shaped face. Wide nose, and tousled mousy brown hair. Wearing a thick coat that seemed about two or three sizes too big for him.
"Hey, Matthew right? I've heard a lot about you."
"Hopefully only the good bits."
I said, smiling as I reached my hand out to meet his. Despite his slight frame. His grip was surprisingly firm. We spent some time getting acquainted. Apparently, this would be his first outing into the wilds with a partner, as opposed to a supervisor. He had been training in tracking and trapping, and he seemed quite excited to finally prove his worth.
I only hoped he wouldn't be a hindrance to me.
The time soon came to leave, as we all took our last sips of coffee. Dad walked over to me.
"You ready? For this I mean. New partner and all."
I laughed and shook my head.
"Don't worry, I'll get us both back safe."
I said, as I took my last sip of coffee. I placed the empty paper cup down. Before I suddenly felt myself being pulled into a strong embrace. My father's arms coiling around me. I reciprocated, holding onto him like a lifeline as I immersed myself in the familiarity of his embrace and his scent.
"I'm proud of you. And your mother would have been too."
He said.
"I hope you know that."
I gave him an assuring smile as we parted. And I carefully picked up my pack. Slinging it over my Shoulder.
"Always."
I said.
He shifted.
"There are….things I haven't told you."
He said suddenly.
"Things About our family. Things that you ought to know before you go out into the world. You've been kept from it, this far out in the frontier but-."
He suddenly stopped himself.
"Well, it can wait a bit longer. I'll tell you everything when you get back."
And then we were heading towards our designated vehicles. As the morning sun rose luminous above. I quickly popped the trunk of our moderately sized buggy. Throwing my bag and Alan's into the space before shutting it again. As I walked to the driver's seat. I heard Jane call out to me.
"Hey, wait up!"
I turned to look at her, exasperated.
"Look."
I said.
"If this is about you coming with. Then forget about it. Mel would skin me alive."
Jane smiled. Then shook her head, before stepping closer.
"No, nothing like that."
She said,
"I'm just here to give you something."
I looked at her. Tilting my head in confusion.
"Er' what?"
I asked. Ineloquently. She responded by pulling my face to hers. It was a brief kiss. But it was still enough to make my cheeks redden and my head buzz with delirious pleasure. She pulled away, smiling.
"That."
She said simply. She began to walk away, and part of me almost seemed to cry out as she did. Before she turned around.
"You come back to me."
She said, Her expression earnest. I gave her an optimistic smile, and a thumbs up.
"Count on it."
I said.
"No matter what."
2 Weeks later
The tundra howled. Dead leafless branches shook and swayed to and fro. The creaking and groaning acting as ominous accompaniment for the low susurrations of frost and snow as the frigid wind carried them from one drift of piled glittering snow to the next.
And I was fucking miserable.
I lay motionless in the snow. Camouflaged from sight as a herd of enru passed by. Their low and groaning calls reaching through the shrieking of the wind and snow. Alan sat beside me, his close proximity giving me some warmth and comfort as we sized up our prize. A lone enru. Struggling behind the rest, its leg had obviously been broken quite badly. And It hadn't healed well at all. I lay some twenty feets distance away. Normally we would hunt from a much safer distance. But with this damnable blizzard we couldn't take any chances of the round being blown off course.
I could see it ponderously dragging itself through the tundra. Every solitary step drawing obvious pain from it as it gasped and panted.
Killing it was probably a mercy.
"Have you got it?"
I asked. Making the mightiest of efforts to keep my teeth from chattering as Alan sighted his target.
"Yeah."
He said.
"Right through the lungs. Just like you taught me."
I nodded my approval.
"Good man."
I said.
"Now take the shot. I'm freezing."
He nodded his ascent. Before sighting our mark and carefully taking stock of his target. He took a breath, and then he squeezed the trigger.
Several things suddenly happened at once.
The old hunting rifle sounded off with a resounding bang. The sound of the shot ringing in my ears even as the blizzard screamed overhead.
The round indeed flew straight and true, penetrating the lame beast's hide with brutal ease. The creature had not even the time to gasp as it fell. Thrashing to and fro for the briefest of moments. Before it stilled. The last breath escaping its punctured lungs. And the last light leaving its glassy eyes.
And the herd exploded.
My eyes widened. As I suddenly realized my fatal error. The herd was massive, its true size obscured from my vision by the blinding sheets of snow and frost thrown about. And our shot had riled the entire herd into a massive stampede.
One that we were in the direct path of.
"Get up! Get up now! We need to move!"
Alan looked at me in confusion.
"But what about-!?"
I cut him off furiously.
"Forget the damn thing! We can get it when we aren't in danger of being trampled underfo-!"
Too late.
One bull. Faster than the others barreled toward us. Bellowing and snorting as it beared down on us. Before I had time to do anything other than scream. It slammed into Alan.
Alan gave a shriek of surprise and alarm as he was impaled by one of the Enru's many horns. The massive beast shook its head to and fro. Before throwing Alan's limp and unmoving body to the snow.
And then it turned on me.
It roared. Before it charged at me, speeding toward me like a giant shaggy predator missile.
I scooped up the rifle. And jumped fifteen feet straight up. And over the creature's head. Time seemed to slow down as I took aim. And with a boom. The rifle went off again. The round tearing through the back of its head and out the front end. Exiting with a spray of grey matter and viscera as the beast tumbled. Head over heels. Its charge suddenly arrested as it plowed a trench fifteen feet long through the icy tundra. Coming to a stop behind me as I landed.
One down, about five hundred to go.
To hell with this. I stood up, my rinnegan flaring with arcane power as the tide of furious alien ruminants bore down on me and my wounded charge.
"UNRELENTING FORCE!"
I roared. As I called upon the power of the Deva path. There was a wave of echoing force that exploded out before me. Blasting back the herd as it charged. Flinging many of the beasts bodily through the air as it went. It plowed through the entirety of the herd before dissipating, its rumbling echoes reverberating across the valley.
It had decimated them.
Many were hurt. Others had been knocked stone dead by the blunt force trauma. But It had its desired effect. The herd turned as one beast away from us. I gave an explosive exhalation of relief. As they thundered away. I heard a moan behind me.
Shit.
I ran over to where Alan was curled. His shaking hands, clasped tight around a grievous wound.
There was so much blood….
"Matt….I….I hurt Matt."
I looked down grimly.
"I know buddy."
I said as I kneeled down next to him, rolling him over as gently as I could as I assessed the damage.
Shit.
Fucking hell, this was bad. His stomach had been all but torn open. Gouges and puncture wounds criss crossed his torso.
I focused my eyes onto his.
"W-what- what was that, M-Matt?"
I shook my head.
"It's not important. Listen, I'm gonna put you to sleep for a little while. I guarantee you'll feel better when you wake up next. Alright?"
His eyes widened.
"B-but-!"
I cut him off.
"Just trust me, alright? I'll make sure nothing happens to you, I promise. Now. Sleep."
His eyes mercifully rolled into the back of his head as it slumped into the snow. I stood up. Placing my hands together in a brief handsign. As twenty shadow clones poofed into existence around me. I pointed them in the direction of the enru corpses.
"No point in letting good meat go to waste."
I said.
"Get those skinned and butchered."
They nodded as one and rushed off towards the quickly freezing meat. As I turned and carefully lifted Alan with the Deva path. He was still breathing, however shallowly. Thank whatever gods there were. I carefully began to move him
Back to where we had set up camp.
I had a long night ahead of me.
Despite the weather and the famine. The market bustled. After all, food was not the only precious commodity. Tools. fuel, firewood. The things that kept them all alive. Less and less money changed hands these days. Nowadays, you got what you needed through trade. It was an archaic way of doing things. But they had little choice.
Jane and Mel walked amongst the hustle and bustle. Wading through the press of bodies. Looking over different items as they traded small greetings with those they knew. And occasionally haggling for one thing or another before leaving.
As they left one stall Mel turned to ask her younger sibling something.
"Sooo…"
She said, smirking.
"...you and Matt huh?"
Jane gave an undignified yelp as she rounded on her older sister. Her expression equal measures embarrassed and angry.
"Shit, you noticed!?"
Mel laughed.
How could she not? How could anyone? After her birthday, Jane positively glowed. As did Matthew. She had seemed to regain some of the fire that the winter had seemed to have all but snuffed out. And she carried that warmth and happiness with her wherever she went. Brightening the day of anyone she came across. Her happiness was infectious, and almost the whole colony seemed to catch her perpetually good mood. And considering Matthews equally cheery demeanor after months of dour sullenness….
Well. It was quite easy to put two and two together.
In any case it did Mel's heart an enormous amount of good to see them both so happy. And to see that they had found that happiness in one another.
"Yes, I noticed."
She said, As they walked through the market square.
Jane looked somewhat uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry, I would've told you sooner but-."
Mel waved her off, smiling.
"Don't worry about it, I understand."
Mel looked at her sister as they began to direct their feet toward home. She could scarcely remember the shy little girl that she'd brought with her when mom died. Every day she looked more and more like a young woman. And less like that little girl.
God, it all happened so fast.
"Sooo…"
She said, Her smirk even wider than before.
"Is he a good kisser?"
Jane blushed up to her roots. And looked at her, exasperated.
"Mellll!"
She said, Her expression thoroughly embarrassed.
In the middle of her laughter, suddenly, Mel heard something. Something eerily familiar. She had hoped to never hear it again.
Jane suddenly stopped, noticing that Mel had frozen in place.
"Uh, Mel? Is something wrong?"
Mel had only enough time to scream something at Jane. And push her with all the strength she could muster. Before the entire world seemed to explode in an assault of noise and force.
They just, wouldn't, heal!
I grit my teeth as I held my glowing green hands over Alan's wounds. Desperately trying to keep the wounds closed. But no matter what I did. They refused to do so, staying open and bleeding away what little time Alan had left. I'd made some headway. But not nearly enough to save him. Despite my best efforts, he was still dying. It put my head in my hands as I watched the boy's skin turn paler and paler. And I noticed suddenly as his eyes fluttered open. Half lidded and weak as he semi-lucidly looked around the room.
"M-matt?"
He croaked out. His voice barely above a whisper.
"H-hurts."
He said. As I tried desperately to staunch the bleeding.
"I know buddy. Just hang in there alright?"
I said, trying to keep the panic out of my voice as his breaths began to grow more and more shallow.
Damn it all! Why, wouldn't, they, close?!
As I desperately tried to stitch his stomach closed. I felt something fall against my hand.
He was crying.
His eyes were reddened as the solitary crystal clear drops fell down his face. His face agonized and afraid.
"D-dont want to die…."
He croaked out. As his eyes began to close.
"You're not going to-. Hey! No! Stay with me!"
Too late, far too late. His eyes closed for the final time. And his last breath left him with a gasp as his tear filled eyes turned empty and glassy.
He had only been sixteen.
I choked back a sob as the full weight of the situation finally fell on my shoulders. Someone had just all but died in my arms. As the tears began to fall in earnest, I suddenly felt something behind me. I whirled around-.
Ah.
It was him.
Death looked at me and Alan dispassionately.
"AH. MR PRICE."
He said. His voice so much like the tolling of a funeral bell. Or the script upon a tombstone.
"A SHAME WE COULD NOT MEET AGAIN UNDER MORE PLEASANT CIRCUMSTANCES."
He gestured, toward Alan, whose features had slackened. And his agonized look of pain and sadness had thankfully gone away. If not for the horrid wounds. He might have been sleeping.
"A FRIEND OF YOURS I TAKE IT?"
I nodded. Too affected to say anything at first. When I finally found the strength to speak. My voice was subdued, solemn and quiet.
"I should've been able to stop this."
I said. As Death hefted his scythe, and with one ruthlessly efficient slice. Severed soul from lifeless body.
"He was too young for this."
Death turned to me.
"AS WERE YOU."
He said.
"BUT RARELY DOES DESTINY CALL UPON US AT A TIME OF OUR CHOOSING. OR AT A TIME WE ARE READY."
He gestured again to Alan.
"HE WAS NOT PREPARED IN THE LEAST. NEVERTHELESS, HERE I AM."
He looked back at me. And for a moment I detected what almost seemed like a chord of sympathy in his voice.
"YOUR INTENTIONS ARE GOOD. BUT YOU MUST ONE DAY LEARN-"
And at this he began to walk away. His feet moving soundlessly over the snow.
"-THAT NO MATTER HOW POWERFUL YOU ARE. THERE ARE SOME THINGS THAT EVEN YOU CANNOT STOP."
I turned to look away from him as I heard his parting words.
"UNTIL WE MEET AGAIN."
Jane was jerked into sudden wakefulness, her ears still ringing as she stumbled to her feet.
She noticed the screaming first.
She looked wildly about. And saw a scene of chaos. There was a smoking crater where she'd been standing scant moments before. There was smoke and fire, and many market stalls had been upended and destroyed. As if thrown by the hand of a capricious giant child. And then she saw-
No. please no.
She ran in a mad rush to Mel's side. Desperately shaking her.
"Mel, Mel! Wake up please! MEL!"
Nothing, no response. Jane shook, tears falling as she sobbed into her dead sister's chest. Wishing to be anywhere but where she was right now. And wishing naively for all the world that any moment her older sister would wake up to tell her it was all some sick joke.
It couldn't be true.
As she held Mel's limp form, sobbing. She suddenly heard something.
Gunfire.
Oh god, someone was attacking. She rounded and saw them. Batarians, a squad of them. Shooting Indiscriminately into the crowd, some of them laughing as those that were hit screamed and died. Jane looked on transfixed. Before she felt a strong pair of arms grab a hold of her.
She screamed and struggled, desperate to return to her sister's side as she was dragged away from the slavers.
"I can't leave her!"
She screamed. The one pulling her away responded. It was Mr Takeda.
"No girl! You want to join her?!"
Jane tried to protest. But they were already out of sight of the market square.
Burying Alan didn't take long.
I could hardly give a proper burial. There was little more than a hastily carved granite marker. And I had done him the favor of burying him deep so local scavengers wouldn't try to eat his body. But nothing other than that. I knew nothing even resembling funeral rites or prayers. So I simply gave a nod of respect to the rudimentary gravestone. And then packed up camp. There was no point in me staying out here any longer. Especially now that I was alone. These parts were dangerous to be in alone. Especially at this time of year. When the weather was merciless and the local wildlife even more so.
Besides, we had gathered more than enough food. Despite what had happened. This had been a bountiful trip, I only wished it hadn't come at such a dear cost. I grimaced, I did not look forward to telling Alan's parents. Or dad for that matter.
I slammed the buggy's trunk closed and climbed into the driver's seat. Numbly taking the controls as I carefully drove out onto the bumpy dirt path. I looked down at the buggies dash to see if there were any incoming messages. I frowned, still out of range. Not that it mattered, with any luck, I would be home before tomorrow.
Sedibus smirked.
The attack was off to an excellent start. The traditional tactics of explosive intimidation were doing their magic. Reports were coming in, already his men were pushing into the residential areas. Herding the humans into neat tightly packed little groups. To be taken or slaughtered at his whim. And already they were bringing plenty of plunder in, food, water, ammunition, and no small amount of credits. This raid would be profitable indeed. And would go a long way toward reaffirming his place among his men as their undisputed leader. His eyes flicked down as he regarded an incoming contact. One of his lieutenants. A window opened on his monitor. And the face of one of his lieutenants filled the viewscreen.
"What?"
He asked as the sounds of gunfire and screaming sounded across the call. His lieutenant smiled.
"We've got a whole bunch of them cornered in the residential district. Just say the word and we'll get 'em collared."
Sedibus considered as he quickly looked over their inventory space. They certainly had enough space in the brig for that many new arrivals. And many in the hegemony paid top cred for good reliable human laborers. But….
They hardly had enough to feed what they had now. He'd be lucky if half the new arrivals didn't die before he found willing buyers. No, better not to waste the resources.
"Boss?"
The lieutenant's voice came again through the connection. His voice prompting a response. Sedibus turned to address him.
"No prisoners."
He finally said, smiling.
"Only trophies."
Jane shook as Mr Takeda finally released her. She slumped against one partially collapsed wall, a hand covering her mouth.
"What was that?"
She asked shakily as He looked to and fro. Making sure they hadn't been followed. The old man shook his head.
"Slavers."
He said simply. Before turning back to face her. His expression grim and stone faced.
"There's a shelter close by. No doubt there are others heading that way now. We can't be slow if we want to get there in ti-!"
He suddenly quieted. As the sounds of heavy footsteps came toward them. The old man wasted no time in herding Jane behind him. Putting himself between her and whatever was coming. His body language telling a tale of tension and fearfulness as he watched and waited.
Jane sighed in relief as militia men. And not slavers, rounded the corner. Rifles raised. Their weapons fell to their sides as they caught sight of them. One of them spoke.
"Thank god, we thought the four-eyes cleaned this part of town out. Are you guys looking for the shelter?"
Takeda's stance loosened.
"Yes, we are. I assume that you boys are part of the local militia?"
The leader nodded.
"Yeah, m'names Blayne. We usually work as farm hands but-."
He looked about, the smoldering ruins of their homes and businesses doing most of the talking for him.
"Anyway, we've got a few others. We're escorting them to the shelter. Your best bet is to come with us."
Mr Takeda nodded before turning over to Jane. Who was still slumped against a wall.
"Ms Shepard. Are you coming?"
Her head snapped up. Looking around as if she had only just taken notice of them.
"Huh? Oh, yeah."
She said absently. As she lifted herself up to her feet. Her expression was vacant. And her voice low. One of the militiamen stepped forward suddenly.
"Shepard huh? Hey you wouldn't happen to be Mel Shepard's sister would you? Where is she anyway? I don't see her with you…?"
He trailed off suddenly at the look on Jane's face. Realization dawning as his facial expression went from one of curiosity to mortification.
"Oh, oh fuck. I am so sor-!"
Blayne waved him off.
"Hey Ron, try not to swallow your fucking foot."
The run from where they had been to where the militiamen had hidden away the others was a tense but mercifully short one. Jane saw a few faces she recognized. Including, to her surprise. Nurse Gloria, who was busy comforting and spinning yarns for a group of younger children. She looked up to see Jane, and her smile became just that little bit wider.
"Jane? That you girl?"
Jane mustered an unconvincing smile. And stepped towards Gloria and the group of children. Who looked up at her curiously.
"Yeah. It's me."
She said before gesturing towards the group of children. Her expression one of questioning.
"These ones are from the school right? Where are the others?"
Gloria's expression suddenly fell. And for a fleeting moment she seemed far older than her 49 years.
"They hit the school district first."
She said, her voice shaking.
"Blew half the school apart before we even knew what was happenin'."
She seemed to draw in on herself. Her eyes shining as her normally strong voice was broken by heaving sobs.
"All those little ones Jane, not movin'. Layin' there like they were just daydreamin'. I'm supposed to help em' mi hija. Make 'em better when they're hurt. But I couldn't do a thing for 'em. 'Cept hold em' while they-."
And at this she broke off. Her hand over her mouth as her body was shaken by the force of her sobs. Jane placed a supporting hand on Gloria's shoulder. That was all she could do. For what could she say that would make a hurt like this better? One of the militiamen stepped towards them.
"We're moving soon. The shelter isn't too much farther."
Gloria shuddered as she took a fortifying breath. Her face tear streaked. And Jane offered a hand to help her rise.
The next few hours were fraught with tension and peril as they duck and wove through the ruined city streets. And each corner they turned brought forth old memories. To their left, her favorite Ice parlor. Now buried beneath smoking rubble. As they turned a new corner. Her eyes fell on the body of an old classmate. His body riddled with bullet wounds. And his face slackened and glassy eyed. An old friend here. A child she had babysat there. It didn't seem to end. She could only thank god that she hadn't seen Matthew or Howard among the dead.
Her attention was drawn back to the here and now as one of the Militia men raised a hand.
"We're here."
He said. As he raised an arm to activate an omni-tool. Quickly inputting a code, and watching as a heavy and incredibly thick door swung open on oiled hinges.
"Everyone in, mo-!"
His last word was suddenly silenced by the sharp report of a rifle. The others exploded into motion. Taking up positions around the party. Herding them into the shelter. The leader of the party feverishly pushed Jane inside.
"Stay here, and don't come out no matter what any of you hear!"
And with that. He flashed his Omni-tool to slam the door shut behind them.
The sounds of gunfire continued outside unabated. Heavy impacts and explosions shaking dust from the ceiling as Jane huddled down. Several young children clinging to her sides as a battle was fought just outside. And as they continued to listen in impotent silence, they heard the sounds of gunfire peter out. Jane's breathing suddenly seemed to be much more difficult.
"Oh christ."
She thought.
"We're losing."
It didn't take long for the last muffled shots to cease. To soon be replaced by the horrid grating noise of Batarians speaking in their native tongue. So much like croaking. The children seemed to almost plaster themselves to her. Holding on as tightly as their little arms allowed. And Jane suddenly felt her heart skip a beat.
They were cutting through the locks.
She herded the children behind her as the torch burned through the first lock. There was nowhere they could run. Nothing they could do. And as she reminded herself of this fact. Jane realized with a sudden and terrible finality that she was about to die.
Suddenly there came a loud noise on the other side of the door. And it took Jane a small moment to recognize the sharp high report of a pistol. The batarians sounded almost panicked as they opened fire on whatever was outside. But the sounds of automatic fire seemed to fade. As the sounds of pistol fire came closer and closer. Each solitary shot silencing the chatter of an automatic rifle. Until eventually. For a few brief moments silence reigned. To suddenly be broken by the sound of the locks sliding across their bolts. Jane shuddered, screwing her eyes shut as she waited for the inevitable shot-.
"Jane?!"
Her eyes flew open and she stared in disbelief at the figure standing in the entrance way. A pistol in one hand, a notably bloodied combat knife in the other.
"Howard?!"
She almost screamed. As she threw herself into his arms. Clutching herself to him as they shared a feverish embrace.
"Thank god I found you. They took out communications so I haven't been able to get in touch with anyone. Have you seen Matthew? Or Melanie?"
Jane's heart skipped a beat at the sound of her sister's name. Her face expressing what words couldn't.
He saw.
And in that moment Howard seemed to break, his stoicism coming down and his eyes shining as he held Jane to him. Shaking as he wept.