Mass Effect's Celestial Forge
By: Xavier843766
[NSFW] - Mass Effect's Celestial Forge by Xavier843766
Status: ongoing
Published: 2024-01-09
Updated: 2024-03-21
Words: 136575
Chapters: 78
Original source: https/forum./threads/25406
Exported with the assistance of
Mass Effect's Celestial Forge
Introduction
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
Chapter 61
Chapter 62
Chapter 63
Chapter 64
Chapter 65
Chapter 66
Chapter 67
Chapter 68
Chapter 69
Chapter 70
Chapter 71
Chapter 72
Chapter 73
Chapter 74
Chapter 75
Chapter 76
Chapter 77
Chapter 78
Chapter 1
My name is Richard L. Jenkins. I had been born on Eden Prime in a little rural area of development. Quiet place, peaceful, serene, not much to do.
It was boring, but it was home.
I signed up with the Alliance, eager to prove myself. I wanted to see all the sights. I wanted to see everything the Galaxy had to offer.
I grew up on stories of the Alliance. Of the brave men and women defending us from the likes of raiders and slavers like the Batarians. Of the Alliance standing as a wall between Humanity and the rest of the threats that inhabited the Galaxy.
I wasn't anything special. I wasn't born with biotics. I wasn't the best in my piloting exams. I wasn't even the best soldier. The most that could be said about me was that I had an 'unwavering enthusiasm bordering on idiocy' according to my team lead.
In a way, you could say I'm just another cog in the machine. Another soldier. Another body to be thrown into the meat grinder, was an insult often hurled at me by some of my more… let's say, passionate members of Eden Prime that didn't see the Alliance as protectors than as tyrants in armor.
My parents didn't agree with my desire to be in the Alliance, but they didn't throw me out either. It was more of a solemn reluctance, recognizing that as an adult, I could make my own choices and decisions, and would have to live with consequences of those choices, like everyone else. My mom didn't want me to die in space, and my father saw the Alliance as a flailing organization that struggled to find meaning after the First Contact War.
In his eyes, the Alliance being beholden to a bunch of nations on Earth was what really held back the Alliance from becoming a truly trustworthy organization. Especially as their diplomacy often just meant shouting into the void of trying to get a human representative on the Council, bending over backwards trying to appeal to a bunch of space aliens rather than rough and toughing it out as Humanity had done from the beginning.
I didn't agree. I mean, dad had some points, but the idea of refusing the clearly advanced technology and aid from the Council just out of suspicion alone just didn't sit with me. We'd barely figured out how to use the Relays for crying out loud!
Anyways, I joined up with the Alliance, and I spent about a couple years at basic training, specifically just getting used to the equipment and stuff we had to at least get a decent understanding of in order to use it safely, and I could still remember one of the guys in charge yelling at me about how we don't 'eyeball it' in space since Newton's Law meant that whatever we fired would just keep going at the same velocity as when it was fired until it hit something. Someone, somewhere, at some time, was going to have a bad time if we fired our weapons, and that was why we wait until the computer gives us a lock on and fire sequence.
It had been a little humiliating to be called out like that, but it was definitely easy to remember, and it was something I just knew I'd probably never forget. After the basic training, then lots of tests were given to us, each of us trying to get our head in the game since it would help us see if we had any specialty going for us.
Like I said, I wasn't the best, at anything. So, my dream of becoming an N7 died a brutal death as I knew I couldn't hack it as 'one of the best, of the best', but I had decided that it wouldn't stop me from at least supporting the best of the best, by doing the best I could, even if I'd never become like Joker or Shepard.
Lots of rumors surrounded Shepard. Her background was classified to hell and back, and we heard rumors ranging from how she single-handedly saved Elysium to rumors about her being the 'Butcher of Torfan', having ruthlessly destroyed the Batarians that had tried to take humans slaves, by blowing up the ships with the slaves on board. I wasn't sure which rumors were accurate, but she was always cordial with us on the Normandy, and she seemed surprised by my 'reckless but sincere enthusiasm', as she put it.
A part of me knew that it wasn't a compliment, that I really should tone down my hero worship of one of the God Damn N7's on board the Normandy and working with me, and that I should learn to keep a cool head, but my enthusiasm and recklessness had always been one of the thing that had kept me going through Basic, doing the best I could despite the lack of merits and strengths I had as a person.
Still, I treated her respectfully and backed off after our introductions with one another. I didn't want Shepard to think I was a stalker either, because that gave the wrong impression. I was proud to work alongside the N7's, and I was honored to be on the same ship as one, but I knew my chances of dating Shepard were effectively zero, and I had been so focused on my career that endangering it over a fling was just stupidity in the highest order.
Of course, now we were on our way back to Eden Prime. My home planet. I didn't think about visiting my parents, simply because the odds of them being in the same area as our deployment was very, very, low, but I couldn't help the pang of nostalgia that rushed through me at the thought of coming back home while serving on the Normandy, under Captain Anderson.
Shepard was currently talking to Pressly, as I found myself feeling hot under the collar, feeling a sensation of white hot heat rush through me almost akin to a bolt of lightning from the top of my head down through every nerve.
I saw the ship fall away, as I seemed to drift out of my body, yanked by something. I could feel the universe rippling around me as I found myself staring at a gigantic being that made the Milky Way look small as the being looked down at me, reading me.
I felt exposed, as if I was being examined thoroughly, the being seeking something, and for a moment, I wondered if I was going to be found wanting. Richard L. Jenkins had never been the best in anything, and I felt like I could easily be snuffed out without a thought by this entity.
The being spoke, words that seemed to carve themselves not as sound from air, but something more, something greater, something beyond my comprehension and toned it down enough that I could understand it.
"The Celestial Forge welcomes you, Richard L. Jenkins. What you choose to do with it, is up to you."
The words carved themselves through me, and I could feel the sensation of something sparking inside, an infinitely tiny fragment that sparked inside me, and it roared to life as it sought something, reaching out through the [EVERYTHING THAT COULD BE] and grabbed a something before shoving it into me.
I felt something shift as I found myself receiving not-quite-memories-not-quite-information that rapidly filled my mind.
I was back in my body, finding myself blinking in disorientation as Shepard turned toward us after talking to Pressly, approaching me and Dr. Chakwas. After a brief conversation with Dr. Chakwas, I found myself not really saying anything, not really committing to the conversation as I found myself looking down at my Omnitool.
It… really was in the name. The omnitool was the quintessential necessary tool for anything that could be done at the individual level. I had always used it mainly as a computer, as a helpful targeting system, and a deployment for my barriers, but I had never truly understood what the Omnitool was really capable of, in the hands of someone who knew what they were doing.
Shepard continued walking past us, and Dr. Chakwas spoke up quietly behind me. "Mr. Jenkin's, are you alright?" She asked me kindly.
"I am, I'm just thinking." I answered her back swiftly. I wasn't one to withhold medical information from my doctor, and Dr. Chakwas had patched me up more times than I could remember, but I also didn't want to become a lab-rat for the Alliance. This [Celestial Forge] thing seemed way above my paygrade, and it picked me, even if I didn't know why.
A part of me wondered if this was the start of my Hero's Journey, but I quickly dislodged myself of the notion. I wasn't the best. I certainly wasn't Commander Shepard. But maybe, just maybe, with some time and practice, I could get there. I could be among the best, and I could make a difference.
I stepped away from the doctor, I wanted to spend some time fiddling with my Omnitool. I wasn't sure if I was supposed to think on it with such emphasis, but it felt appropriate, as it was the tool to end all tools.
First thing I did was start unlocking all the hidden settings, as while most Omnitools had effectively everything needed, they had specific configurations based on who was wearing them. Soldiers didn't exactly need an Analysis Data Assistant, did they? Or a Drone Manufacturation Sector.
My fingers flew as I started fiddling with all the settings, shifting them around. I could feel whatever knowledge I had gained was growing as I delved deeper into the tool, especially as I started fiddling around with some of the more sketchy stuff, in particular with the one that was designed to hack into other things. It was originally designed to only work on the stuff purchased to the account tied to the Omnitool as a way to self-diagnose things, but it was almost too easy to start shifting things around.
Would it work against highly advanced things? Or against something someone had built from the ground up? No. Would it give me an advantage against others who were like me a few minutes ago? Absolutely.
The Alliance wouldn't care, not as long as I did my job. The Alliance was surprisingly flexible in the doctrine, specifically that we were allowed to do what it took to successfully complete our orders, even if it meant being unconventional or pulling a fast one, as long as it was reported to the superiors after the fact, and I would definitely be telling Captain Anderson eventually, probably soon.
Not of the [Celestial Forge, gods no, but of my 'new' desire to learn how things worked. I had always taken it for granted, and I almost wanted to slap past me's face silly for not understanding just how insanely versatile or more capable my stuff, and therefor me, could become with just a little bit of digging.
Granted, this alone doesn't make me an Engineer but that was fine in my eyes. This [Celestial Forge] seemed like it was more than just this, and a part of me was excited to see where it went from here.
Then I felt my blood drain as I heard Joker state clearly over the intercom that there was a distress message. From Eden Prime. From my home.
I felt cold, fear gripping me in the chest at the thought of the Batarians invading my home, killing, or worse, turning my family into slaves. The horror stories I've heard ran back through my head, and every victim now bearing my father's face, my mother's face.
The chilling fear turned into hot, willful rage, and I grit my teeth as my blood roared through my ears, the desire to rip and tear these bastards who dared to attack my home roaring into defiance, tempered only by the fact that I was not alone. The Alliance was with me, Commander Shepard was with me. We would defeat the bastards attacking Eden Prime, and give them a proportional response.
More emergency debriefing, apparently it was not the Batarians, as I'd feared, but the Geth. Machines. Not people.
Even better, I can destroy them all without staining my hands in blood, not that it matters much to me. I thought to myself viciously.
The armor I wore was decent, the shielding was average, and a part of me wondered if this would be effective against the Geth. The Geth had waged a war against their own Creators, the Quarians, and they had won. Quarians that had made the Geth in the first place, according to the Codex that the Omnitool had, since it was filled with public information.
Quarians that were very good technicians and engineers, since they had an aptitude for the stuff. Again, according to the Codex, but I definitely wasn't going to do nothing and let the Geths tear through my shields like wet paper.
I couldn't risk it, quickly modifying my armor and shielding as much as I could. It would be barely an hour once we dropped through the Local Relay, before we landed on Eden Prime to save as many people as possible, and then take the fight to the machine bastards.
Still, it shouldn't take me that long, as all I was doing was creating an encryption sequence that should make it, hopefully, a tiny bit harder for the machines to start hacking into everything and anything it could reach. What surprised me was that Captain Anderson hadn't initiated a Black-Box protocol to ensure that none of our stuff could be used to give the machines access to the Normandy, or the mission protocols we were given, but that wasn't my business. All of that was above my paygrade. I needed to do what I can for myself right now.
The [Celestial Forge] seemed to approve of my forward thinking, as the energy I hadn't noticed building within me lunged for something else.
Whatever it reached for, failed to do anything as it seemed to settle back inside me. A part of me cursed the lack of any immediate beneficial aid, but that wasn't something I could dwell on.
I quickly settled into work on trying to modify the equipment I had as quickly as possible, with Kaiden and Shepard looking rather unsettled as the ship jerked, having dropped out into space from the jump, the Relay's energy shooting us so we were only an hour away from Eden Prime.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Technical Expertise (Generic Cyberpunk) (100CP)
People use technology every day but that doesn't mean they understand or are skilled with it. You're not one of them. You're a deft hand at working with and understanding technology and machines, picking up anything you need to know to use and work with them easily. Given anything more than just a passing familiarity you'll be a whiz with it, able to work magic when you get your hands on the inner workings of whatever you're dealing with. Whether that's peeling apart computers and piecing hardware back together to make a much better system, tweaking software in ways that make it run like a dream, or working magic in a garage with vehicles that have seen better days nobody can deny you have the talent.
AN: Writers' block on my other stories and, frankly, boredom, had me decide to try writing out another story, this time being how the Celestial Forge would work in a space-opera esque world like Mass Effect. I chose Jenkins as a bit of an inside joke, those of you who know, you understand why.
The rules of this Celestial Forge operate a little differently, since I'm trying something new here.
100 CP a Chapter. Interludes count, though the roll takes into effect the following chapter. Rolls will still happen every 1,000 words though.
100 CP for every significant action taken. Right now that's as little as simply trying to make stuff Geth-proof the best you can, but later on it will become harder to gain more CP as the Perks start accumulating to make some things almost trivially easy.
No free stuff outside of the Warehouse, Warehouse Key needs to be Rolled, currently debating on if Magic/Magitek should be rollable or not.
I'm thinking, this is all subject to change depending on how this fic rolls out, to give 200 CP for every major event that the character survives or even successfully subverts. Surviving Eden Prime, Feros, Noveria, that kind of thing.
Some other ideas in mind are something like 'number of people you've successfully slept with', 'exotic aliens you've dated', that kind of thing. This is Questionable Questing, after all.
Oh, and the ambiguity around Shepard is intentional. I'm thinking of her realistically being a Paragade, meaning she tries to do good but has her moments.
This had originally been a toss up between a Mass Effect Celestial Forge or Star Wars, but I know Mass Effect more than I do Star Wars, and Star Wars stuff is almost as daunting in my eyes to tackle as Warhammer. x.x Seriously the amount of stuff I'd need to comb over span at least 20 years worth of stuff, and that's just the start of how deep the rabbit hole goes.
Let me know what you guys think!
Chapter 2
We stood in the debrief area, setting up to land as Shepard, Kaiden, and myself were all geared up and ready to go, or at least as ready as we could ever be. My alterations had only been done a couple minutes ago, so I had no time to check them or anything of the sort, which kind of sucks since that meant my life was determined on my gear.
Captain Anderson debriefed us on the mission. Get in, grab the Prothean Beacon, get out. Saving the civilians as much as we could, and give the enemy hell, but there was really only so much we could do, as the Normandy was a Stealth Scouting Ship. It couldn't bring in the fire power of a dreadnought, and a part of me wanted to scream in outrage of the Alliance abandoning Eden Prime.
A part of me reluctantly saw the facts and recognized that there really was only so much that could be done.
Nihlus, a Spectre brought by the Council to oversee the Normandy, and likely to ensure the Beacon was brought back safely into Council territory now that I thought about it, stated that he worked best alone and would see Shepard at the Beacon.
Part of me wanted to retort that going alone in a war zone was idiocy. After all, no one had your back if you went in alone. One wrong move would see you becoming MIA, and that would be all that's known of you. That didn't even come close to worst case scenarios, such as spies intercepting your operation and killing you without anyone else being the wiser of what happened, but I kept my mouth shut.
The Spectres answered only to the Council, and Nihlus living or dying was his own problem, and we had our own parameters to deal with. The Alliance mission operation was clear, and I could see Shepard's jaw clench as her eyes narrowed at how dismissive Nihlus was being, but her face cleared up a moment later as she nodded in understanding.
Me from an hour ago likely would have missed this entire thing. After all, I would have been beside myself with fear over my family, and would have likely been driven to go find my family first before anything else, mission be damned. The only difference now was that my eyes had been opened a little bit by the [Celestial Forge, and my recognition that this was beyond my ability to deal with. I couldn't wage a war against the Geth on my own, but depriving them of their objective? That, I could do.
We landed and deployed swiftly, with Shepard and Kaiden letting me lead, as I was born in Eden Prime. I knew the area, or at least the general wildlife, and that meant I had a better idea of what was an actual threat, Geth excluded.
Of course, the first thing I did was to inform them that we'd be communicating with specific gestures and code words. I informed them that by the best of my knowledge from the Codex, the Geth were machines and would likely be tapping into any and all technology in the area. Tapping into our omnitools or our communications seemed almost obvious to me, which meant it was obvious for them.
Kaiden's eyes widened and Shepard's face hardened, before they both nodded in the affirmative, and I was thankful that neither of them seemed to be surprised by my newfound knowledge, or by how different I was acting. Likely thinking it was my way of trying to deal with my home planet being invaded.
Moving forward cautiously, I moved as quietly as possible from one rocky area to the next. The rocks and the forests around us should provide plenty of cover, but I wasn't sure how strong the Geth were, weapon wise. The ability to jam long distance communications didn't bode well for anyone, and the only likely reason the Normandy hadn't been blown out of the sky had been the fact that the Normandy was both a prototype and a stealth ship prototype at that.
I raised a hand quickly, the sound of something flying toward our general direction, and I dove behind a rocky area as Kaiden and Shepard did the same on the other side.
Metallic white machines with glowing blue lights hummed into the area, at least fifty feet away. My blood went cold as I could only imagine how that would have turned out with me as hot headed as I was, and my lack of caring of anything outside of my family's safety.
I'd very likely be dead. I thought grimly to myself, as I raised my gun.
The settings of my weapon had been altered. Most shields were designed to use Mass Effect Fields to slow down the speed of a projectile, designed to slow down a projectile moving near the speed of light, in order to repel the bullet. Well, 'bullet' was more of a misnomer, being more of a shaved piece of material.
I had instead shifted my gun from launching one shaved projectile to instead fire two at different velocities. My theory was that the first projectile would be slower than the second, and the field would calculate the speed of the first one, likely in order to save energy, and then block the resulting attack, not realizing the second projectiles' speed was significantly faster and should 'punch' through the shield.
Now to see if it works. I thought to myself, as I rapidly pressed the trigger, the gun flashing several times in succession.
The drone, or at least what I was suspecting was a drone since the Geth reportedly looked nothing like that. reacted to the noise, turning toward me as the first projectile reached it, a humming blue field lighting up to absorb the shot. Only for it to flicker out of existence as the drone promptly exploded apart.
Two more drones immediately turned and fired at my direction, thankfully I was just fast enough to duck away from the resulting attacks, what seemed like blue flashes searing into the ground next to me.
I was about to speak when the [Celestial Forge] reached out through me, flaring as it seemed to reach to grab something.
Knowledge shoved itself into my head, and I found myself reeling under the sheer weight of information that I was dealing with.
My memories surfaced, as I suddenly found myself remembering everything I had ever done and thought. Memories of staring at the stars, memories of learning how to play, how to fight, fragmented moments of studying mathematics and the sciences.
Basic training, the knowledge of how to use a weapon, how to disassemble it, how to modify it if needed.
All the way up to the moment I sat behind cover, my memories were examined and cross-referenced, and knowledge that I shouldn't know was dumped into my head.
Medigel was not simply a paste. It was a bunch of modified stem cells and byproducts designed to increase healing of the body. Only, unlike most things designed to heal, the stem cells were effectively universal, able to work across almost all biological life. Something humanity could have leveraged to get in on being a Council Member from Day fucking 1.
More knowledge. Mass Effect fields. Relays. The principles behind them. How Mass Effect fields altered mass through a current of electricity. Why biotics existed as a byproduct of mere handfuls of element zero was scattered throughout the fetus of a growing organism by sheer chance, and how it could go wrong.
Programming, Omnitools, on and on it went. Just more knowledge, more information. It felt like I'd explode if it wasn't for the sheer power of the Perk made my mind strong enough to handle it.
The Codex I'd skimmed through suddenly seemed woefully inadequate compared to what I had in my head alone.
The Geth Drones were swiftly destroyed as Kaiden's biotic pull disrupted the shields, biotics interfered with mass effect fields to a degree, and Shepard destroyed them with her gun in quick succession.
I had to withhold the urge to hurl. I felt like I was violated, in a way that I just couldn't express out loud. My memories, my sense of identity, felt stretched violently, and I shuddered as I could feel my mind felt almost alien to me.
Focus on the mission.
I shook my head as I found myself fiddling with my Omnitool, the glowing orange shifting as I rapidly started shifting through everything.
The programming and alterations I'd done to my stuff seemed childish, hastily done, and I knew I'd be busy heavily modifying everything I had after this mission was over, if I survived.
We approached the broken machines, and I started tearing into them swiftly, something inside me nudging to take some of the more unmarked black boxes that had been inside the drones. I took them and stored it swiftly in a separate part of the armor.
It meant tossing out my instant coffee type two pouch that had been there, but it was a worthy, albeit sad, sacrifice on my part.
We moved forward, and dove for cover next to an Alliance solder who was out of breath and seemed injured.
Shepard turned to speak to them, as I got to work, modifying my gun on the fly with my omnitool to have it give my shots an extra bit of electricity through it. It would wear down the gun in a few days, but I had no desire to keep it.
The Geth had better weapons I could pry off of them anyway.
I fired rapidly, taking down two of them and then easily picking off the third that tried to circle and ambush us from the side.
We need to get to the Beacon. Odds are they'll figure out we're here shortly since the Codex mentioned them possessing a rudimentary hive mind.
That was the downside of fighting the Geth. The Quarians had effectively made the cross between the ants and humanoid beings as their slave of choice, and it was a damn stupid choice.
The Alliance solder introduced herself as Ashley. The rest of her squad got slaughtered and I winced. The trauma of that was brutal, but that would be if we all made it out.
She mentioned a campsite where the Beacon had been, and that was all the information we needed.
She tagged along, and we didn't dissuade her of the notion. We needed all the help we could get.
Reaching the campsite required fighting the Geth again, but this time went smoother, my mind seeming to understand their rudimentary tactics, and latching onto their weak points.
Taking them down was easy. Dealing with the survivors of the campsite who had holed themselves in was not nearly as easy, especially with a genius who had snapped and started talking about the End of Days.
I couldn't help but feel dread at his words, even if the man was clearly off his meds. Then we got an even more unpleasant surprise.
My eyes widened in horror as the poor bastards I had thought were impaled by the Geth as a macabre psychological tactic were still alive, worse still as they were no longer human.
The blue lines running through their bodies and faces as they howled, rushing us one after another, their eyes changed into cold optic blue lenses.
I shot each of them in the head, which thankfully seemed enough to put them down, but my horror turned into a deep seated wrath.
The Geth weren't here just for the Beacon. They were here to turn humans, my family, into machines bound to their will. Harvesting us!
"Ashley, grab one of those things. The Geth are turning people into machines, and if they can do that, we need to know how fast the process is, and what that entails. We need to get to the Beacon. Now." I said roughly.
Shepard looked surprised by my 'take charge' attitude, but smiled grimly in understanding as she nodded to Ashley, who looked disgusted as she reluctantly grabbed one of my people turned machine monsters.
I inwardly prayed. I wasn't a praying sort of man, I was agnostic like most humans, but i prayed safety for the souls of the poor bastards turned into machines. Literally turned into cogs for the Geth's war effort.
The irony wasn't lost on me, even if it made my skin crawl.
As we moved on, we made another unfortunate discovery.
Nihlus was dead, the front of his face blown into chunks across the entire clearing. According to the guy who had been hiding in the crates nearby, that had been the work of another guy named Saren.
Apparently someone so trusted by Nihlus that he had disabled his own shields when they had been talking.
Or, sabatoged by Saren so the shields malfunctioned. Still, this has some opportunities.
Shepard looked disapproving as I tore off Nihlus' omnitool, but said nothing as I swiftly downloaded everything off of his omnitool in an extra encrypted black boxed section of my omnitool.
Fun fact: Omnitools basically do rough scans of the area around you, often because of how they operated for shield purposes. It was a long shot, but if I can get access to the data, I should be able to get a good look of this Saren guy.
Hell, might even come in handy as evidence. I don't know how high ranked this guy was, but if he knew a Spectre, odds were he wasn't some Turian pencil pusher.
I shut down Nihlus' omnitool and put it in the same pocket as the Geth Drone's boxes. These things would come in handy, again, I'd we survived.
Shepard snorted. "Didn't take you for a Scavenger, Jenkins." I shrugged.
"Can't help it, Commander Shepard. This whole operation stinks bad, and I'm not leaving behind crucial evidence." Not if I could help it, at least.
We continued on, and the fight with the Geth got more brutal, though I was thankful for the knowledge dump of the Celestial Forge as I found myself disarming bomb after bomb until we got to the Prothean Beacon, which floated silently.
Shepard went to go talk to Joker, bringing in the coordinates of where we were at, and I immediately noticed that Ashley was acting off, stepping toward the Beacon.
The Beacon began to glow, and my alarm bells began to scream. I rushed to grab her, grabbing her as a biotic energy began to cover us.
No time!
I threw Ashley at Kaiden. "Kaiden!" I roared, as Kaiden's hands reached out, catching Ashley and Shepard spun around in horror.
"Jenkins!" She yelled back, reaching out to me as I found myself yanked into the air, knowledge and memories being shoved into my head for the second time today.
"The Reapers will stop at nothing to Harvest all advanced life, organic and inorganic alike. You are not indoctrinated. You will bear the will of the Prothean Empire." A voice echoed in my head as I wanted to scream.
The knowledge in my head was supposed to be just the encryption, but my Perks interfered, the Beacon and how it was made, the impressions and the memories copied of off the Protheans who used biotics to impress themselves into their technology.
I knew how to make Prothean Beacons. I knew Prothean Technology.
The last things I felt was the explosion of the Prothean Beacon, and a spark of energy rushing through me as the [Celestial Forge] seemed to roar with… satisfaction?
I was on the ground and that was it, just nothing but the horrifying memories/nightmares of a bunch of cuttlefish in space ready and waiting to reap the Galaxy of advanced life.
Fun times.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Well Researched (Lords of the Night - Liches) (100CP)
The truth of the matter is that, no matter what you're doing, someone else was doing it before you. People say, don't reinvent the wheel, but the wheel has been reinvented countless times. You are good at avoiding having to reinvent things already made or discovered, though.
Your mind is like a steel trap. Not only do you never forget anything, you're good at instantly putting everything you come across into context. This won't make you instantly cross-reference it with something from a completely different context, but when you think on things and try to figure something out, find a solution, or need something out of left field you can quickly scan across your entire body of knowledge for something that could help.
This comes with you already being well studied on a huge range of topics, in this jump and all future ones you go to. Think of it as roughly ten doctorates' worth of study on a wide range of subjects, with a new set each new jump.
You can leave minds that might actually be greater than yours in the dust, as they try to achieve something from first principles that was figured out by an obscure sage thirteen centuries ago, who only ever put his findings down in a single journal that has been gathering dust in some corner of a minor family library ever since.
Mental Resistance III (Essential Body Modification Supplement) (200CP)
Your mind and will are strong.
I: You are very difficult to intimidate and have a high resistance to mental fatigue (such as from extended warfare or study) and can generally delay dealing with mental trauma until any immediate crisis is dealt with. Also, you do not get bored with tasks easily and can study or practice abilities for extended periods without penalty or need for a break.
II: Immunity to the items in tier I plus a high degree of resistance to memetic hazards, insanity,mind control, and other factors that would impact how your mind works.
III: Complete immunity to the items in tiers I and II.
100 CP left.
Chapter 3
The operation 'Beacon', was declared a failure. The only good news that Captain Anderson could think of was that at least most of his men were alive.
I shouldn't have sent Jenkins in with Shepard, but I'm glad I did. It was always a risk, as solders who were emotionally compromised did not follow orders very well, or at all, but these were the moments that made or break a solder.
Jenkins was a surprisingly resilient young man, his enthusiasm and over-exuberance having led to an uptick in moral, enough so that Captain Anderson had personally wanted him in the Normandy. Morale made a huge difference in any organization, and especially in long stealth runs like the one's the Normandy was designed to go on.
He was roughly average all around, and now Anderson wondered if that was… an intentional act, on Jenkins' part. It was not the first time a solder underperformed in their exams in order to avoid the risks and tribulations specialists went under. He doubted that Jenkins was a spy, most spies often preferred to be evasive on their backgrounds, and Jenkins was always proud to discuss his family. He had seemed to be proud to be a part of the Alliance.
Still, this proved to Anderson what he had always suspected: that Jenkins was a worthy investment into the Normandy. Yes, the Beacon was destroyed, but the evidence brought by his intelligent thinking to copy Nihlus' Omnitool and take it with him had proved invaluable. Saren might well have moved on without a scratch to his reputation on mere hearsay, but now evidence was brought to the fold. Evidence that he was sure the Council would be forced to recognize in person as he had black boxed the whole operation in case Saren was tapping into communications. Ambassador Udina would not be pleased with an emergency meeting with the Council, but that was Udina's problem, in his eyes.
The encryption wasn't anything special, practically standard for Alliance basic security, but that Jenkins had thought to encrypt the information at all showed that Jenkins wasn't one to let intel leak by having it on his omnitool openly.
Gunnery Chief Williams had admitted to not being pleased to be ordered by Jenkins in order to take one of the 'Husks' as they took to calling the severely altered population on Eden Prime, but that she had quickly let it go because he had saved her life at the Beacon, having thrown her toward Kaiden when a biotic field had covered them both.
Shepard had not been pleased that this had happened under her watch, but had agreed to let the matter rest once Ashley apologized to Jenkins for endangering the team by approaching the Beacon. They still weren't sure what caused it to set off the way it did.
Dr. Chakwas was monitoring Jenkins, and the resulting brain waves were, frankly, alarming. It was like Jenkins was firing on all cylinders, so to speak. Brain activity off the charts enough that Dr. Chakwas had her hands full with her team to monitor him around the clock in case he had a seizure.
Anderson could only hope Jenkins pulled through. The man deserved to get his promotion alive, not post mortem. Of course, he grimaced at the thought, that was if Jenkins even wanted to remain in the Alliance.
His family had not survived the Eden Prime Invasion, turned into husks that were destroyed by Alliance solders. The idea of working beside solders that had killed his family, just the idea of it alone made Anderson flinch. He'd be lucky if Jenkins didn't throw himself at him when he gave the news.
When, not if. Anderson never liked how some of his fellow Captains left it to the team leads to give the bad news to their platoons. It was wrong, a disservice, to the members who loyally served the Alliance, in his eyes.
Of course, the odds of Shepard becoming a Spectre were dead in the water, and Anderson grit his teeth at that fact. Commander Jane Shepard was almost a daughter to him in all but blood, and he was proud of her. She had done extremely well in her time of service with the Alliance.
Anderson grimaced. This has set back Humanity's chance of joining the Council by what could be decades, if not centuries.
It was too late now, they would just have to see where the wind blows on the matter. Discrediting Saren might just be enough that they make a human a Spectre if only just to shut humanity up in the short term. The Spectres were the hands of the Council, and there would be a great deal of suspicion on every Spectre if the word got out on Saren gone AWOL. Especially if the Alliance leaked that information in retaliation of the loss of having a Spectre in the Alliance.
The look on the Turian Councilors' face would be glorious once they got back to the Citadel. Anderson could almost see the widened eyes, the slack mandibles of shock and horror, it was like Christmas came home early for him.
"Captain Anderson, this is Dr. Chakwas. Jenkins' brain activity is calming down, and he shows signs of waking up. I think he'll be up in the next few minutes." Dr. Chakwas voice echoed off of the intercom, and Captain Anderson hissed as he slowly got up.
Getting old sucks, and he was well in shape. He couldn't imagine how he'd feel ten years from now. He didn't want to imagine it, honestly.
He left his quarters and headed down toward the Medbay, noting immediately that Dr. Chakwas' eyes looked sunken and exhausted. She looked like she was barely standing, and he couldn't help but empathize. It had been over eighteen hours since they'd left Eden Prime, and neither of them had slept prior to the drop from the Local Relay.
Jenkins' eyelids shifted before they opened, with Jenkins sitting up slowly with a groan, before speaking very quietly.
"Man, someone needs to recalibrate the Mako again. My head is throbbing." He whispered, and Captain Anderson found his speech about talking about the loss of Jenkin's family left him as he snorted and chortled at the joke, finding his stern demeanor couldn't hold against the relief that the young man was alive and at least relatively still himself.
Dr. Chakwas. looked like she wanted to smack Jenkins with a newspaper, and the resulting mental image made Anderson double his efforts to avoid laughing out loud.
"Dr. Chakwas, kindly give him a glass of water if you think he can drink it." He ordered as a way to reframe himself and Dr. Chakwas' eyes narrowed as if she was well aware of what he was actually doing, but complied and gave Jenkins the glass of water.
Captain Anderson waited until Jenkins finished his glass of water before speaking quietly.
"I'm sorry, Jenkins, but your family didn't survive the assault on Eden Prime by the Geth."
Jenkins looked up at him, his face miserable as he took a deep breath and slowly nodded.
"Thank you for telling me, Captain Anderson. How is Shepard and the team doing? Did Ashley make it?" Jenkins' voice asked quietly, his face looking down and away from Anderson.
Anderson felt his pride in Jenkins grow, even if he felt sorrow for having to tell Jenkins the news. Jenkins cared for his team and the Normandy, that was under no doubts with this. He'd seen solders of all kinds break under the news, and it had nearly broken him when he'd heard his own mother had passed while he'd been on a long tour duty in the Alliance.
"Shepard and everyone else are alright, no real harm done. In light of your service, and for having saved a fellow Alliance member, I'm honored to promote you to 1st Lieutenant, if you wish to remain in the Alliance."
Anderson added the last part, wanting to make sure that Jenkins knew he had the right to leave the Alliance if he so wished. He didn't want him to, Gods no, but he wanted to make sure Jenkins knew that he could leave if he wished to do so. He was not obligated to remain.
The reasoning for 1st Lieutenant had been that Jenkins showed surprisingly capable decisions on the ground, and showed a willingness to lead 'from the front', so to speak. It was skipping several ranks, but it was deemed viable, especially since, politics wise, it would look good to have the Spectres knocked down by a 1st Lieutenant rather than by a simple Ensign.
Anderson didn't share that the other reasons had also ranged to the fact that Gunnery Chief Williams had endangered herself and the team despite not being part of the Normandy Team Squad, and shouldn't have been there to endanger the squad to begin with. His feelings were that some of the older Alliance members were simply shoving salt in the wound since Ashley Williams was the granddaughter of General Williams, the man that had surrendered to the Turians during the First Contact War. They were intentionally promoting Jenkins above Gunnery Chief Williams.
Jenkins looked torn.
"I'll need to take that into consideration. Right now I need to tell you guys of the visions I saw from the Beacon. Visions of an old A.I. gone nuts and having started cannibalizing organic life into more of itself. An old A.I. that successfully destroyed the Protheans, an old A.I. that's coming back to the Milky Way to harvest us like it did them. The Reapers." Jenkins' voice was dark, and Anderson felt his blood freeze at the very serious look on Jenkins' face.
Things just can't be easy, can it? He despaired as Jenkins started talking.
Chapter 4
Waking up to the [Celestial Forge] trying to reach out for something only to miss was a mixture of relief and disappointment.
I had enough on my plate. Between learning about advanced technologies, the fact that the Cycle, as coined by the Protheans, was starting up again, and the deep aching loss I had to live with knowing my family was gone, I was really only barely holding it together.
My 'promotion', at the cost of my family's lives, felt like a sick joke, and Ashley's apology only stung deeper as I looked her in the eye and told her that I didn't accept her apology.
She looked hurt and angry, until I explained that I'd have done the same for Kaiden or Shepard. As far as I was concerned at the time, she was a part of the Normandy as much as we were.
Ashley looked taken aback by my statement, her hurt expression fading as she nodded back to me in confidence.
We were only a few hours away from getting to the Citadel, and I felt on edge. The knowledge that the fucking Citadel was a gigantic Mass Relay made my skin crawl, let alone the fact that the Council would never believe me on the Reapers.
The Asari lived for a thousand years, and the Prothean Beacons responded to biotic fields. There was no way that the Asari hadn't at the very least been aware of the fact that the Protheans had gone extinct through unnatural causes.
I grimaced. Then again, the words, emotions, given by the Prothean had indicated that I wasn't 'Indoctrinated', I wasn't brainwashed. The fact that this one Beacon had an encryption meant that odds were that very few likely realized that there even was an encryption on the Beacons. The technology and science was explicitly meant to be unencrypted, so other races would be space faring faster than the 'usual' development speed of most species.
I stiffened. For all I knew, the [Celestial Forge] could be a part of the Cycle. A way to push species further along for the Reapers to harvest. To hasten their demise at the cost of insignificant progress.
After thinking on that troubling thought, I threw out that line of reasoning. Had that been the case, the [Celestial Forge] would have been trying to hide the knowledge from me, not highlight everything to ensure I couldn't miss the signs.
The Council wouldn't believe me, and odds were they'd just say I was adversely effected by the Beacon. No, evidence would be required, but I couldn't exactly ask them to bring me to another Beacon after the first was destroyed.
I could build another one. An artificial Prothean Beacon warning of the Reapers with an unencrypted segment. However, if I was an advanced A.I. deciding to harvest the Galaxy of advanced life that used technology, I'd have someone monitoring all information sectors, especially with the Citadel as a direct connection. The Cycle of leaving the Citadel and the Mass Relays to be found, it can't just be because it's easy.
The Protheans had fought in skirmishes for centuries after the fall of the Citadel. They had even started learning how to build their own Relays. It was how they went from Ilos to the Citadel and sabatoged the Keepers. No, I think the reason they do this is because organic life is chaotic. Messy. Out of control. They don't want us developing outside their technological dead end. They need us to be reliant on the technology they provide.
My face widened in a cold grin. Too bad the Reapers never expected the Protheans to have a Wild Card on the field.
A lifespan just long enough to pass on information and culture. A lifespan short enough to not inhibit new lines of thinking and culture shift. A passionate race ruled by the emotions enough that attempts to logic alone would fail. Just logical enough to allow scientific development and deviation from the norm by questioning literally everything.
Finally, spiteful enough to ensure that even if the Reapers 'win', they'll lose. There was no winning solution for the Reapers, not from the moment Humanity was in play.
I could see it, too. We would gleefully blow up every Mass Relay, Citadel included. We would gladly burn out every star in the Milky Way, just to spite the Reapers if Earth was taken.
It's what I would do, after all. I would see them scream in outrage at the final insult, a species of organics having destroyed the galaxy, nay, even the universe to spite humanity's killer.
Heh. I guess dad would be proud of that. Guess some of his stubbornness really did rub off on me.
My hands fiddled with the omnitool I had. The Protheans that built the Beacons were a far cry from the ones that ruled their Empire. Hardened code that was strictly read only could scan for signs of indoctrination, both the slow, insidious kind, and the fast manic raving mad kind.
That was an essential part of the new toolkit I was making, but I was going for far more. The black boxes I'd taken from the Geth Drones had some serious encryption on them, but they were still built off of the same basics that all code derived from the Protheans had been.
After carefully prying the code apart, I noticed some glaring differences. Code that made no sense, even to me. Code that seemed… wrong.
An extra hour was devoted, and eventually I figured out why. It was Reaper Code. The inorganic indoctrination on full display. The Reapers cannibalize all advanced life, organic and inorganic alike, often by turning inorganic life into their hidden spies. The only saving grace was the Protheans, as a rule after dealing with several A.I. uprising, didn't trust in any artificial intelligences they couldn't see the full source code for.
A part of me hated the fact that the Geth might well be indoctrinated. That I couldn't just erase the entire Geth species for what they did to me and my family. To what they did to Eden Prime.
A part of me ruthlessly acknowledged that it meant if I gave the Geth hardened code against Indoctrination, I could gain an army to throw at the Reapers. An army that wouldn't cost human lives.
The [Celestial Forge] lunged for another thing, and seemed to latch onto something, the sensation of warmth and electricity flowing through me.
My cold smile returned, and grew even wider. Oh, hell yes.
My main concern about others ripping off my knowledge and my technology would be a dream of the past, with this particular spark. It was like the [Celestial Forge] was begging to be used, even in a world of the Reapers.
Heh. I can't wait to see how some of the more shadowy organizations feel once they realize my stuff is now off the table. I had no doubt that there would be some stuff out there. There was no way that only the Spectres existed.
Plus, on the upside, if the Reapers tried to modify or take my technology now, they'd be in for a rude awakening.
Joker's voice echoed on the intercom. "We're approaching the Citadel." He said simply, and the voice cut off. I couldn't help but laugh. Dude knew that was all he needed to say to have us go to the cockpit to watch those taxpayer dollars at work. Death trap or not, the Citadel was absolutely stunning to see.
I went out to the cockpit, noticing immediately that Joker was grinning at me. "Knew you'd show up. Your a sucker for the sights." He teased me as he turned back toward actually piloting the Normandy. Joker and I got along, and I couldn't help be equally annoyed and equally grateful that he got me out of my cabin. I hadn't really wanted to hang out or be around anyone right after hearing of my family's death, and I couldn't take time off to mourn. Not when I knew the Galaxy was at stake.
I'd mourn later, once I saved the Galaxy and banged at least half a dozen asari, and possibly several Quarians, something about them just turned me on. I had a thing for alien girls, much to my parents dismay when they had found my porn stash as a teen. As an adult, it just amuses me since I knew for a fact that dad had always gotten in trouble for looking at the few asari dancers in the club when mom clearly noticed, unimpressed by his wandering eyes.
My parents were human, they weren't perfect, and they didn't expect me to be perfect either, thank god.
I'm going to miss you guys. Save a seat for me at whatever home you make in heaven, or where ever you guys went I guess. I'll laugh if I find out dad got reincarnated as an asari.
The Citadel came into full focus, and while everyone else looked awed, no doubt I did too, since, as Joker eloquently put it, I'm a sucker for the sights, but a part of me noted that there must be some way to follow up on making sure the Citadel stays firmly in our control.
The Prothean Cipher anyone else would have got is merely half-complete. It would require a secondary Beacon in order to learn the full location to Ilos. From there, Saren would then be able to learn the specific sequence required to alter the Keepers back into being under the control of the Reapers, if the Protheans hadn't destroyed that particular piece of information. I'd be surprised if they didn't.
Saren will have spies, both hired and indoctrinated, working for him. Cutting him off as a Spectre will greatly reduce his spies officially, which will lead him to lean more on the indoctrination methods of the Reapers to achieve his ends, and Saren hadn't seemed to be quickly indoctrinated according to the brief glimpse I saw in the omnitool scan Nihlus had taken.
So, how do I trick Saren into thinking he's one step ahead while I can work to cut him off from Ilos?
The current whereabouts of the Ilos Relay was lost to public information, something about a solar storm knocking it away from any known position. Odds were that Saren is searching for the Relay by proxy of the Beacon in order to get a deeper understanding of where it might be located.
I had a rough idea where the Ilos Relay was, but I didn't even need to reach it to get to Ilos. I had the lump knowledge of the Protheans at the end of their resistance, and that included building miniature Mass Relays. Granted, it was very much not recommended to use them as a personal teleporter, your flesh would literally dissolve off of your bones mid-transit, but a personal vehicle like the Mako would be enough.
I'll let Saren think he has the upper hand. I can reach Ilos in less than a week from now, and I'll start combing over everything there before setting the place to be destroyed. No Ilos, no Source Code for the Keepers. With Saren on the run, and his Spectre status revoked, he'll get desperate. And a desperate enemy makes a lot more mistakes than a calculating one.
I could use the resulting time to use my 'Perks', as I think I'll call them from now on, to start shifting things around. I'm hoping I can learn how to reverse indoctrination, or, if needs must, implement indoctrination in my favor, as a way to unite the Galaxy against the Reapers.
It's a disgusting thought, but billions of lives are at stake. Quadrillions would be the closer estimate, probably.
As we docked into the Citadel docking bay, the [Celestial Forge] hummed to life, reaching out to grab a star.
It succeeded, and more knowledge entered my head.
Knowledge on building plasma weapons, robotics that would be straight out of ancient digital comic books, and more. While a lot of it was frankly not the high end technology of the time I lived in, the robustness and the fact that this was a whole sector of technology so utterly mine that I could not only play around with, but improve and make it an alternative to the technology that was unknowingly reliant on what the Reapers wanted us to do, made me grin as a fictional scenario went through my mind.
Oh, man, that's some nice shielding you got there. Too bad it doesn't do shit against my PLASMA RIFLE! Burn, baby!
"Someone's definitely planning on stopping by to grab some ladies at the shore leave. I'm glad you're feeling better, Jenkins." Joker said warmly as my grin softened, as I realized Joker had been paying attention to me.
"Thanks, Joker. I needed that. To see the sights. I'll miss them, but I won't stop living either." I said quietly, nodding in appreciation as Joker's face flushed, turning back away from me as he complained.
"Man, now I got dust in my eyes, darn filters don't work right." Joker mumbled as I laughed, waving as I went to leave the Normandy, having already packed everything up earlier when I heard we were close to the Citadel.
Joker, I'm going to build you the best damn set of legs and bones if I can ever figure out how, and then I'm going to lock you in a room full of chicks for a couple days. Gods knows you deserve it, you bastard.
I could see it now, Joker protesting the whole way there that his 'girl' was the Normandy, and that was all he needed. Bah! As if the Normandy would be able to give him the proper workout and stress relief a guy needs!
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Black Boxing (Warhammer 40k - Squats) (200CP)
While certain red-robed rats of Mars always trying to get their grubby mechadendrites on your stuff is annoying, messing with them is endlessly entertaining. You can easily tweak your work to be nearly impossible for others to duplicate. If you're feeling particularly spiteful, you can build in some cross-connections so anyone trying will blow themselves up.
Tool King (Modded Fallout) (100CP)
Starting with a cartload of random junk and ending with high-quality ammunition or power cells, cutting-edge improvements to power armor, overcharged laser weaponry or even entirely new kinds of science is practically trivial for the average Fallout protagonist yet their talents pale compared to yours. This Perk grants you immediate access to pretty much any kind of crafting shown in the Fallout series: from Hand Loader to Science! and Chemist to Robotics Expert, if it somehow involves building things out of other things (from guns to ammo to even entire buildings), you've got it - including perfectly memorized designs for the kind of components and tools you might need, like the Robotics Workbench or Nuka-Cola Mixer station. In fact, you're good enough that you'll never make mistakes while doing this type of crafting (assuming someone doesn't start shooting at you or some such), and you'll be perfectly aware of where you were in the process if you do find yourself interrupted and have to continue later on.
Chapter 5
I'd like to say that I actually went to Chora's Den for a well earned drink and a dancer or two. I really would.
In reality, the first thing I did was subtly start hacking into the Citadel Security Offices, starring primarily with all systems connected to the docking bay and moving on from there.
The Citadel was the trap for galactic civilizations, and it was the beating heart of every cycle.
Granted, my programming skills are not as, say, immense as a master of the skill would be, but my immense knowledge and the fact that the Citadel systems functioned almost identically as had been the case for the Protheans, made it far easier.
The resulting information I obtained should have taken weeks, months even, to sort through, but I prioritized everything within the last week and anything C-Sec related as priority number one on my list.
There's a Quarian on the Citadel that claims to have knowledge on the Geth, specifically in regards to Saren working with them. She had been denied entry, flagged as a mentally unstable individual. No doubt Saren may try to intercept her and silence her quietly.
There's also a Krogan whose recently arrived on the Citadel, claims to have been hired to kill Fist on behalf of the Shadow Broker.
I need to get moving and find where this Tali'Zorah nar Rayya is in order to protect her from Saren. Her evidence will work well to back mine up, especially as it would be impossible to doctor false evidence this quickly on a Black Out operation.
Normally I'd consider approaching Shepard and the rest for back up, but they're on the way to talk to Ambassador Udina.
Meaning most wouldn't be paying attention to little old me in comparison to Commander Shepard.
My eyes narrowed in determination.
Tali'Zorah had just been denied safety by C-Sec, odds were she'd be seeking shelter and safety from someone. If the authorities wouldn't do anything, she might try to buy safety with the darker elements using her information as leverage.
Guess, I'm going to Chora's Den anyway, but sadly not to drink. Damn.
Normally I'd sit back and enjoy the sights of the Citadel, instead I was busy rushing with my omnitool trying to modify my armor, shielding emitters, and my gun.
My omnitool came with the standard equipment settings and modifications, but I was using a blank slate program to create a separate database for my newfound knowledge for nuclear/energy based technology, though it was obviously encrypted and designed to explode if anyone else tried to replicate or copy the designs.
I mentally categorized it all as 'Nuclear' technology. Just because everything in the Perk seemed based around nuclear fission and fusion.
Most weapons in the Alliance worked around Mass Effect fields, but plasma was a very different thing to work with.
I had to effectively redesign the weapon from the ground up. My only saving grace was that the elevators were extremely slow, and that my omnitool was almost like multiple crafting stations jammed onto my arm.
The resulting weapon was, frankly, weird. It looked like my weapon and an old school energy weapon had a freaky baby, and it definitely didn't look pretty.
What it was, from my eyes, was functional enough to get the job done. I had designed it so it had two settings. One was a weaker version of the normal kind of weapon, i.e. shave a tiny piece of metal and fling it at someone at 1%ish of the speed of light, and the other used the Mass Effect field to super charge a conduit of electricity before it fired that through the chamber instead of the shaving.
The result was an ugly hybrid between an ME weapon and an energy weapon, but it would shred through shields and armor like butter.
Biotics especially would be in for a rude time as biotic fields would be absolutely messed up by the plasma.
Arriving at Chora's Den, I quickly put my weapon in its magnetic slot, where it connected into place, leaving my hands free and hopefully without anyone noticing my altered weapon at first glance.
The music was loud and lively, the asari dancers eyes lighting up as they saw me, sensually swinging their hips with more energy as I watched with bemusement.
Hey, gotta give them props. They knew when the Alliance soldiers came, they had money to burn. Sucks I have to do business before pleasure though.
A thought struck me, and I found myself horrified at the realization.
The asari have sex by mind melding. I had a Perk that made my mind immune.
Am I unable to have sex with the asari?! No!!
I turned away from the sights, feeling bitterly disappointed at the [Celestial Forge]. It giveth life, and it taketh away. I inwardly weeped as I walked straight to the back. I wasn't even in the mood to pretend to be subtle now.
The bodyguard looked at me and raised an eyebrow. "Can I help you?" He said gruffly, blocking the door to the back.
"Mr. Fist has upset some individuals. A Krogan is here after his head. The Alliance has business to ensure he stays alive." I said coldly.
The human bodyguard's face paled as he turned to his omnitool, typing rapidly on the omnitool.
Subtly, I sent a program that would start bouncing off his omnitool. It would tell me where the message was going, and at the very least, the program would send me a rough dump of what the guy has on his omnitool. No passwords or bank accounts, but the rest of the messages and his contact lists? Fair game.
After a moment, the bodyguard looked up at me. "Mr. Fist will speak to you." The bodyguard said smoothly, stepping aside.
Entering the hallway, I was amused to realize that Mr. Fist was almost like a mafia boss, albeit an unintelligent one.
Seriously? Did he think some black market turrets and a Mass Effect Shield over his door would scare me?
Mr. Fist' voice echoed on the speaker. "What does the Alliance want with me?"
I ignored him, taking less than a minute to wrestle control over the basic turrets and disabling the shield in front of me, and walked right in.
Mr. Fist sputtered as he tried to raise a gun at me. I raised an eyebrow before nodding to his left.
Mr. Fist whimpered as the turrets on either side were aiming at him, not me.
"What do you want? I haven't given out anything that the Alliance seems to care about!" Mr. Fist said with panic in his tone.
I shrugged. "The Quarian, Tali'Zorah, is wanted for questioning by the Alliance. You have a better idea where she is than C-Sec, and I'd speak quickly. The Krogan can only get held up by C-Sec red tape for so long." I murmured smoothly, smiling coldly as Mr. Fist's face paled.
He broke, informing me that Saren hired a gang of thugs to take Tali off the Citadel quietly, that they were approaching her location. That he told her she'd be meeting the Shadow Broker at the same location in an hour.
I stepped forward and Mr. Fist raised his gun at me. I sighed, confident in my roughly updated shield, and smacked it out of his hands.
"I'm scanning your omnitool. I'm not here to kill you, Fist. You're small fish." I said coolly, ignoring his protests as I scanned his omnitool, downloaded everything, and then stepped away, turning back the way I came, leaving.
Not before I sent the tracking location of Mr. Fist's omnitool to the Krogan's omnitool, as an anonymous benefactor, pinging it off of C-Sec headquarters so my omnitool couldn't be traced as the source, and shut down all the turrets on my way out.
I was bemused as the Krogan responded back that he wasn't paying me for the coordinates.
The [Celestial Forge] reached out to grab a Perk, and failed. Good, I had enough on my plate.
Luckily the coordinates for the meet up was nearby.
It looked like a group of four, five individuals tops, and I had to admit, I really wanted to try out my new gun, but firing in the Citadel didn't look good for Alliance.
Unluckily for the five organic individuals, they had another five to six standard mechs on standby nearby, no doubt as a way to firm up their forces. Hacking into them was a breeze in comparison to dealing with the Geth Drone's memory boxes, and the five mercenaries died swiftly before I even needed to poke my head out of the nearby alley.
The mechs were swiftly shut down and their programming wiped, just to make sure no one could use their memory storage against me.
Tali looked uneasy as she approached me roughly forty five minutes later.
Or, her suit made her seem uneasy? With no facial expressions, I was more reliant on body language.
"The Shadow Broker, works for the Alliance?" She questioned aloud, disbelief in her tone.
I couldn't help but laugh. "No, no! Fist set you up and had a gang of mercs after you. I 'peacefully' negotiated on the matter and they left you alone. I'm 1st Lieutenant Richard Leroy Jenkins. I'm with the Alliance. We're trying to stop Saren, and I may or may not have heard news of you having evidence." I answered back.
Her shoulders dropped with relief. "Oh, thank you! I'm Tali, Tali'Zorah nar Rayya. I'll take all the help I can get."
I nodded and we left toward the diplomatic sector of the Citadel, sending a message to Captain Anderson and Commander Shepard about where I was and who I was bringing.
Along the way, I started probing Tali on what it meant to be a Quarian.
"Hope you don't mind my curiosity, and you're not obligated to answer, but I have so many questions. Do all Quarians need to live in a suit like yours 24/7? Do you have a home planet? What's your government like?"
Tali laughed. "Keelah, Jenkins! I can only answer so fast! Yes, we all live in these suits. Our bodies adapted strictly to Rannoch, our home planet, and over a three hundred years without the natural bacteria of our home has made our immune system much weaker than it usually would be. Our government is split in two, between the Conclave, our 'civilian' government as you'd put it, and the Migrant Fleet, the 'military' half. Though they have mixed quite a lot since our Exodus by the Geth. So, where were you born? What's your government like?"
Tali's curiosity had me responding and we traded back and forth on answers to questions, with some questions often even being a surprise to Tali.
"I don't think I have a favorite food. We mostly try to get by on nutrient paste on the Flotilla." Tali answered honestly, and I froze in horror at the idea of living my whole life without pizza, or burgers.
My hands reached out to touch her shoulders, slow enough to let her move away if she felt uncomfortable, and I stared at her helmet where her 'eyes' were, as far as I could tell anyway.
"Tali, I swear to you, on every deity, on everything I could ever do, I will make you find out your favorite food. I don't care if I have to fix your immune system. I don't care if I have to beat back all the Geth and take back Rannoch solely for the gods damn spices. I don't care if I have to figure out the culinary diets and foods that you can have by taste testing them myself even if it makes me sick, I will make sure you have a favorite food." I said solemnly, seriously.
The [Celestial Forge] has to have something for food, right? Right?!
Tali stared up at me. "I.. I… okay." She squeaked, and I stepped back from her, nodding to myself in satisfaction.
Food was one of the few pleasures, and I would not see anyone deprived of it! Not on Richard Leroy Jenkins watch!
The [Celestial Forge] seemed to respond by trying to reach out for something and missed, the object simply too big for it to latch onto.
We arrived at the Ambassador Udina's office and Tali stepped inside first after taking a deep breath.
Don't look at those hips, Jenkins. Don't look at those hips. We're working right… now… Damn, those hips are fine. Damn it!
Chapter 6
Ambassador Udina stayed quiet as Tali came forward with her evidence, seeming to glance at Captain Anderson wordlessly for several moments.
Especially after hearing a female voice at the end of the clip. None of us could put a pin on the voices' identity, so it seemed like an accomplice to Saren's actions.
"We can use this to strip Saren of his Spectre status, I'm sure of it!" Captain Anderson said firmly, looking at Ambassador Udina.
Udina slowly nodded. "True, especially with multiple pieces of evidence to back up the claim. However, Anderson, I'm afraid you know what I'm going to suggest." He seemed to hinting at something, and Captain Anderson sagged as he reluctantly nodded.
Captain Anderson turned to us, clasping his hands together behind him as he frowned. "I won't be going with you when you get to the Council. Saren and I have a history together, a bad one." Captain Anderson admitted reluctantly.
Ambassador Udina turned to Tali. "Thank you, Miss. Tali'Zorah. As humanity's representative, I thank you for coming forward. We'll need to bring up the case to the Council shortly. I'll ensure to compensate you for your… difficulties bringing us this information." He said gruffly, no doubt wanting as few outsiders in the room as possible.
Tali shook her head. "I don't want money. I want to join the Normandy, to stop Saren! He's working with the Geth! He needs to be stopped!" She said vehemently, with Captain Anderson and Udina's faces looking equally taken aback.
I stepped forward, nervous. I hadn't really spoken to Udina before, I had been a simple soldier. I was just another man in armor.
"Sir, Quarians go on Pilgrimage, their rite of passage into adulthood, in order to prove themselves useful to the Migrant Fleet. Normally that's just bringing back an engine, or some spare parts, or even new coordinates in the Terminus Systems, but I think we can use this as a diplomatic opportunity. I can't think of why the Migrant Fleet would oppose the fire power of the Alliance to destroy the Geth working with Saren." I summarized briefly.
One of the unexpected benefits of asking Tali about the Quarians on the way here. Now to see if it bites me in the ass.
Captain Anderson moved to speak, but Ambassador Udina raised a hand, looking at me, his eyes seeming to read me.
"1st Lieutenant Richard Leroy Jenkins. I'm sorry about the loss of your family on Eden Prime. I know the promotion and the pay raise likely means little, if nothing, to you. So, instead, I'll ask you this."
Udina paused before speaking firmly once more.
"Would you stake your career on Tali'Zorah? Would you be willing to take up the consequences of what this Quarian does while on board the Normandy?" He asked me seriously.
I didn't hesitate. "With my life, sir. We need all the help we can get. An ex-Spectre like Saren will have an army of Geth at his disposal, not to mention what could well be who knows how many mercenaries he could hire to throw at us. We don't have the time to be stingy, and Tali knows more about Geth than most of us here, I imagine." I added wryly at the end of my imprompt speech.
Ambassador Udina nodded slowly. His eyes closed as he took a deep breath. "Very well." He said slowly. "I'll take that chance. You're right. Now isn't the time to be picky. The Council meeting starts in an hour. You may do as you wish, but be at the chambers by then."
Captain Anderson looked surprised at Udina before nodding to us to be dismissed.
Udina waved me over, however, as everyone else slowly filed out, and I stepped closer to his desk, with Captain Anderson suddenly seeming busy on his omnitool.
"Jenkins, Commander Shepard's failure to bring back the Prothean Beacon is a black mark that will make becoming a Spectre extremely difficult, and so I have the uncomfortable task of asking you to become a Spectre. You brought in the evidence to strip Saren of the Spectre status. You brought in the Quarian that had even more evidence to back up our case, and, perhaps more importantly, you'll be the Wild Card that no one will ever expect." Udina said slowly.
Shock flooded my system. "Why me? I'm not an N7… sir. I have barely done anything. My service is only a couple years old!" I stated in shock.
Captain Anderson stopped fiddling with his omnitool, looking up at me as he chuckled.
"Jenkins, did you think we wouldn't notice? A man that is completely average across the board? A man that just so happens to take charge at the Battle of Eden Prime, right when everyone would wave it off as a simple shift due to stress?"
Captain Anderson leaned in, smirking knowingly, as if he was aware of a joke that I just wasn't in on.
"You don't have to lie to us, son. We understand. The life of a leader is hell. The responsibility. The burden. 'Heavy is the head that wears the crown'. We get it. However, now isn't the time to turtle up and pretend to be just Jenkins anymore."
I was baffled, confused. What were they talking about?!
Udina spoke up smugly. "I have evidence in the camera feeds in elevator 73. You modified your weapon. You've had this 'basic' weapon requisition your entire career. Never complained about it. Never said a word. No negative reports can be said about you, outside of your 'enthusiasm'. Odd for a simple boy from Eden Prime. No fights? Not even a single negative comment from your fellow soldiers until Ashley Williams entered the unit?"
Udina chuckled at my flabbergasted expression. "Ooh, he's good, Anderson. Very good. I'd even say geniune, if it wasn't for recent evidence."
Captain Anderson straightened up and nodded thoughtfully. "Yes. I can see how the Alliance subtly nudged this along. Perhaps an instinct on Hackett's part. No matter. You may be officially 1st Lieutenant in rank, Jenkins, but I think we in the room know the truth. The N7 who chose not to become an N7. A shadow in the ranks, a guardian among the rank and file."
All protests I could have made died as the [Celestial Forge] lunged out to grab something, and succeeded.
The technology behind the Perk itself was, frankly, confusing, considering it had to deal with an entire space-age universe that ran off of different technology base than what I had been aware of, but the most important fact was that the Perk seemed to shine new methods and ideas on how to hide ships and technology in ways that I somehow knew that even the Reapers wouldn't even see coming until it was too late.
Cloaking devices, stealth programs that could remove all trace of my personal data across both public and private data, all sorts of things were clicking into place, and a part of me couldn't help but wonder if a part of this was because how Captain Anderson and Ambassador Udina had thought of me.
They seemed to take my silence as tacit acceptance, and Captain Anderson nodded slowly. "I'm glad we could clear the room at least on what we suspected you were capable of. Now, I believe your team is waiting for you." I gave a slow nod to Captain Anderson, keeping my mouth shut as I wondered just what else I'd have to deal with from the [Celestial Forge].
Udina spoke up quietly. "I'll watch your career with great interest, Jenkins." He nodded to me as I left the room behind.
I was surprised to find that most of the team wasn't even in the hallway, with Tali and Ashley Williams the only ones left outside.
"Shepard went to go recruit a Turian named Garrus Vakarian and a Krogan she had met in C-Sec named Wrex Urdnot." I nodded, that made sense. I doubted that Shepard would've just stood around while Udina and Anderson talked political shop, especially if Udina gave her any advice on where to go for any last minute official evidence on Saren.
A part of me noted that Saren, as a Spectre, would likely have everything classified to hell and back, so the odds of any other evidence to find would be slim to none.
Tali nodded at me gratefully. "Thank you, Jenkins. That was… incredibly nice of you to put your career on the line. I won't let you down." She said firmly, and I nodded back.
"See that you don't, but I don't think you will. I think we'll both enjoy destroying the Geth. For personal reasons, if nothing else." I said darkly.
Tali rubbed her shoulders. "I'm sorry about your family, Jenkins." She whispered, looking down and away in shame.
"It's not your fault. You didn't pull the trigger. I blame the Geth, not you." I said firmly, and Tali nodded once more, looking relieved.
Ashley looked… weirdly satisfied by our conversation, a light smile on her face as I turned to her. "So, ladies, what's the plan? We have an hour to kill before we face the Council. I'm open to suggestions." I said honestly.
Ashley shrugged. "We could go and grab a quick bite to eat. I've heard diplomatic talks can take hours, and I'm already hungry."
A low quiet rumbling noise echoed and we turned to Tali, whose hands wrapped over the top of her suit in dismay. "Oh, Keelah, I hope none of you heard that. I haven't eaten in days." She muttered, and Ashley and I turned to each other, nodding.
She raised an eyebrow. What do you think the Quarian eats?
I paused, remembering how the Turians ate dextrase based foods, and Quarians could eat Turian food, as far as I could recall from the Codex.
"I think we can talk and grab a bite to eat in the Presidium. They have to have food places around here since the diplomats would riot if they had to go across the Citadel for food." I commented, and Ashley snorted in agreement as Tali looked curious.
Thankfully we found a place nearby that fed both humans and turians, so it was easy to pay for the quick bite to eat before we had to slowly get across the Presidium in order to reach the Citadel Council. Tali was especially flustered as I payed extra for the Hanar to make a custom 'Turian' Burger, who seemed especially delighted to try making new foods.
The fact that the Hanar hung on every word as I told him tales of what I remembered of the Protheans, whom the Hanar worshiped as the Enkindlers, specifically informing them of one of the many battles against the 'false ones', machines that sought to destroy the Enkindlers. I may have embellished a little, but the Hanar seemed enraptured by the tale.
The meal was paid for, and we were on our way to the Citadel Council, with Tali looking embarrassed as she admitted she had to 'blend' the food to eat it on the go. Just one more reason for me to figure out a way to help the Quarians live without their suits.
Maybe a part of it had to do with the fact that I wanted to one day tear off that suit and kiss Tali senseless in the far off future if things worked out between us. After all, Tali wasn't part of the Alliance, and that was fair game.
I mentally paused as we got on the elevator to the Citadel Council chamber.
Hypothetically, if I become a Spectre, I'd no longer be under Alliance command. I'd answer to no one except the Council.
Which means Ashley and Commander Shepard would be fair game.
Was it greedy of me to want to bed multiple people? Sure. Was it likely to happen? Not likely!
I think the Normandy would be more likely to fuck Joker if that was even possible, let alone anywhere remotely realistic.
Still, friends with benefits on high risk missions like this had been known to happen.
A man could dream, at least.
I could've sworn I heard Tali mutter 'Are all Alliance soldiers this enticing?' in the elevator. Though I'm sure that was just my imagination more than anything else.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Behind the Shadows (Honor Harrington) (200CP)
There is more to technology than just big booms, you know. Oh yes, you do. You are utterly incredible at all kinds of stealth based technologies. You can build up infrastructure and shipyards in total secrecy, with not a soul becoming aware, and the results tend to be some of the best cloaked and concealed ships and weapons in the galaxy. The spider drive, with all of the supporting tech needed for it, is only one of the examples of what you're capable of with this perk.
AN: I know nothing of Honor Harrington but i thought it was still useful for the stealth based technology boost more than anything else. Worse case, I'll re-roll it into something else if I must.
I'm thinking of throwing in the Lewd Celestial Forge, but altered like the main Forge so far. No magic, no magitek, no free items give straight out right.
Free items will simply be schematics, meaning Jenkins will need to build it himself.
Let me know what you guys think!
Chapter 7
The Citadel Council is comprised of a representative of each of the most 'important' races.
The Asari and the Salarians who discovered the Citadel first, the Turians who rose to defend the Council and the Galaxy as a whole during the Krogan Rebellion, and that was it.
Really, just three representatives from three species made up the Council as it was right now. The volus, hanar, elchor, and the drell were all considered under the Council as secondary races, each having an embassy and some say in the galactic politics, but no representation on the Council itself.
Humanity had just sort of 'showed up' and basically started immediately demanding a seat on the Council as soon as they were aware that there even was a Council. To most species, especially the secondary races, it was akin to 'skipping the line' of consideration and it infuriated them.
However, the Council was wary of humanity. In a way, I could understand why. It was like a horrific hybrid cross between the Quarians' technological curiosity, the Krogan unwillingness to back down, the Turian's military expertise, all wrapped up in a strange diplomatic twist that made even the Asari pause at times.
So, we were given a bone, so to speak. We got an embassy that had some serious weight behind it, considering Udina was able to reach out to the Council in days where others took weeks between answers from them. We got an easy transition from our many currencies to credits without needing to pay anything for the conversion even at a loss on the Council's part, and so on.
Even military wise, we proved the exception. Right now, according to the Council military doctrine, the Turians set the standard on the number of dreadnoughts.
For every 5 dreadnoughts built by the Turians, the Asari could build 3, and we could build only one.
To say that the warhawks in our species wasn't happy was an immense understatement. Crippling our own military was simply asking to be invaded, clearly, especially as the batarians had not been pleased when humanity started colonizing effectively anywhere they could settle, even into the Terminus Systems.
Ah, but the Treaty of Ferixen only restricts dreadnoughts. Which is why the Alliance specializes in building lots and lots of frigates and cruisers, using a mixture of people and V.I. assisted controls to move huge numbers in specific areas near Relays to quickly appear where attacks happen.
Rather than guarding everything, stretching our forces so thin that we would be protecting nothing, we would have frigates in groups at the edge of our colonies, several of whom would jump through a relay in the case of an attack, where the Systems Alliance would be bringing back a 'proportional' response to the attackers.
Yeah, the batarians thought our colonies easy pickings, and they were not happy we didn't roll over and let them take our people as slaves. Guess they shouldn't have been slavers then, huh?
All these thoughts basically collected together as we stood at the bottom of the chamber while the Council debated on how accurate our evidence was.
Normally most evidence needs to be brought prior to accusation, but Udina and Captain Anderson had highlighted this as an emergency, and that evidence would need to be brought at the examination phase and not before.
So now we were here in order to provide verbal accounts on where we got our evidence and why we were accusing Saren of killing Nihlus. Yes, we haven't even approached accusing Saren with working for the Geth, because as Ambassador Udina pointed out, killing a fellow Spectre would be the wake up call the Council needed.
It was deeply satisfying to see Saren's holographic mandibles slack in what I'd assume to be shock as the first bit of evidence was Nihlus' own omnitool.
That Saren abruptly cut off his connection to the Council had led to the Turian Councilor, what was his name again?, looking outright furious at Saren's silent admittance to the deed by leaving in the middle of an accusation trial.
"Well, that answers the accusation on that matter." The asari Councilor said with a frown, looking irritated and almost affronted by the disrespect shown by Saren.
Then came the evidence brought by Tali and, surprisingly enough, my evidence of Saren's orders to blow up Eden Prime to erase all evidence that he and the Geth were here, as those logs had been found in Nihlus' encrypted omnitool.
Whether that was an intentional part on Nihlus activating his recording program on his omnitool or a happy accident, I wasn't sure, but the result was the same either way.
"We hereby remove Saren from the Spectre Program, and while we cannot send our forces to go tearing through the galaxy for one man, we can send a Spectre. Richard Leroy Jenkins, please step forward." The Asari Councilor said smoothly, and I did so, doing my best to suppress any nervous tension I could show.
The Asari Councillor spoke first, pressing a button on her omnitool. "It is the decision of the Council that you, Richard Leroy Jenkins, be granted all the rights and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance Branch of the Citadel, as the first Human Spectre."
The Salarian Councillor spoke second, pressing a button on his omnitool, looking at me with a cold curiosity. "Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions lift them above the rank and file."
The Asari Councillor spoke again, looking proud of herself as she seemed to recite something from memory. "Spectres are an ideal, a symbol, the embodiment of courage, determination, and self-reliance. They are the right hand of the Council, instruments of our will."
The Turian Councillor spoke last, a somber tone in his voice. "Spectres bear a great burden. Both our first and last line of defence, the safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold."
Seemingly with the speech over, the Asari Councilor spoke quietly. "Your first mission is to deal with Saren and any he's working with. As of this moment, this Council session is over."
The [Celestial Forge] seemed to lunge in that moment, but latched onto something too big, unable to pull it in.
Thank goodness. I had enough on my plate, especially now that I was a Spectre.
Dad would be both pissed and proud. Proud I was the first Human Spectre. Pissed that I would willingly join a group of operatives that operated without any oversight except by the Council.
Mom would just have been worried as hell about my safety. Nothing about being a Spectre sounded like a safe and cushy job.
I shook my head. Focus on the present.
What do I have to work with?
I don't have the time to modify or rebuild the Normandy to take advantage of the technology I have in my head. I might have the time to build personal tech that can protect the key individuals of the Normandy. Shepard especially would be a much more dangerous threat with some of the cloaking tech in my head.
That's if Captain Anderson is even willing to hear me out. Ancient, untested, technology sounds impossible to implement on the technology we have available right now.
My thoughts cut off as we returned to Ambassador Udina's office.
Udina wasted no time to speak. "Jenkins, we don't have time to waste trying to congratulate you. Normally having a human Spectre is a big deal, but we'll need to celebrate later. For now, Anderson is giving you the Normandy. She's fast, decently powerful, but ultimately, quiet. A stealth frigate will do you better than a cruiser."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Captain Anderson cut me off.
"I know it's not what you'd want, Jenkins. However, needs are as they are, and I'm not retiring. The Normandy is on 'loan', so to speak. We'll see if you'll be keeping her after we take down Saren."
I was emotionally a wreck at the thought of taking the Normandy from Captain Anderson like this, but Anderson was right. I didn't have time to go running around buying or building a ship from the ground up.
My voice was hoarse as I spoke quietly. "I'll make sure we get Saren. He's not escaping from me. I won't let you down, sir." Captain Anderson smiled at me.
"I know you won't, Jenkins." He said simply.
That led to me running around getting provisions for the alien crew, not even letting Tali try and talk her way out of her keeping her extremely old omnitool. The thing was garbage! Civilian omnitools were more efficient than what she had on hand!
Wrex Urdnot looked unimpressed at meeting me, until I remembered what the Codex said on how the Krogan respected honor and strength, so we did a brief stint at the firing range.
Both Wrex and Garrus looked at my gun like they wanted to steal it for themselves as they saw the shielded targets literally melt apart from the plasma.
I shrugged. "Never let 'em know your next move." Most who invested in shields would let a shot or two hit, since they got overconfident in their tech.
Yeah, that would be a bad move against my weapon.
Ambassador Udina's fingers tapped gently against the desk, frowning.
It was a risky move, having Jenkins be a Spectre. Very risky. Not as risky as Shepard politically wise. Her wrath against the batarians and her defending of Elysium had made others question her ability to do what is necessary.
Jenkins had no family, no loose ends to be exploited, and he showed tremendous promise in covert actions. The fact that Jenkins seemed to know more than he let on, gave Udina reason to think Jenkins was more than he seemed.
Anderson didn't know if Jenkins was an N7 potential or if he was simply enhanced by the Prothean Beacon, but he went along with Udina's claims since having the mantle of responsibility would bring out the best in Jenkins, according to Anderson's words.
Ambassador Udina wasn't sure, but Jenkins was also the Wild Card he needed against the Council. He needed an inside on the Spectre Program, so that way he had a better eye on the Council. He didn't trust the Council, any newcomer race with any modicum of intelligence would know better than to wholeheartedly trust them.
No, he was pretending to play nice. As a politician, that was as easy as breathing to him. Pretending to play nice and pretending to be arrogant and loud in front of the Council played into their stereotypes of Humanity.
Constant demands of getting a seat on the Council, constant demands of getting an exception from the Treaty of Ferixen, constant demands of getting a Human Spectre. Always nagging them day in and out, in everything that had to do with his office.
All the while they would be unaware that Humanity's own version of the Spectres could gather intel. The N7 was only the face of the best of the best, their scores intentionally shown to be as an intimidating factor to others who thought they were all talk.
Jenkins could well be one of the elusive 'N8's, the ones the Alliance intentionally didn't have a designation for. It would fit.
His words seemed to allude to that as well.
"He's setting up an alliance with, heh, the Alliance and the Migrant Fleet." Udina murmured admirably.
Ballsy move. The Council did not look kindly on any of the associated races working with those outside their sphere of influence. Oh, they wouldn't remove your embassy, but you'd find wait times from the Council could take months, taxes for the following galactic year raised, and so on.
Jenkins intentionally mentioned the Migrant Fleet in that conversation to draw attention to the subtle little fact that Tali was no ordinary Quarian.
He had to do some digging afterwards before he found what Jenkins meant.
Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, is the daughter of Rael'Zorah, who was a member of the Admiralty Board. A leader of the military branch and one of the de facto leaders of the Migrant Fleet as a result.
That… had some serious consequences. By bringing Tali on board the Normandy, he was tacitly subtly informing the Migrant Fleet, the Admiralty Board, that humanity was a potential ally to the quarian race. That they didn't need to rely on the scraps and handouts of the pilgrimage to survive forever.
This subtlety would be lost to the Council, and there was no treaty, no negotiations that allowed the Council to interfere.
Same with Wrex Urdnot, on Shepard's part, though he suspected Shepard herself wasn't aware of what she did. She didn't seem to pay much stock in diplomacy and politics. A soldier through and through.
He smiled. He made the right move. Jenkins was already making waves in ways that the Council wouldn't notice until it was too late, and it should be child's play to move any of the few colonists on Eden Prime who survived to leave a relatively open garden world for the quarian race.
Having the quarian race act simultaneously as a buffer for humanity on the edge of the Terminus System and grateful enough to push advancement of humanity further than some of the best scientists in the Alliance, would be a dream.
After the Geth and Saren were dealt with, of course. No need to count the eggs before they hatched. Still, this was the subtle maneuvers and political intrigue that Udina lived for.
These were the days that made his job and the headache of dealing with the Council worth it.
Chapter 8
We were ready to board the Normandy, as I had to reluctantly face the facts that I might have to do a speech to the entire crew of the Normandy. That was a terrifying reality I'd need to face, and then the [Celestial Forge] decided it was the perfect time to lunge and grab a Perk, successfully grabbing it and pulling it in.
This Perk didn't seem to do a lot on it's own at first, except I suddenly felt a bone-deep assurance that nothing I built would ever be able to harm or alter me against my will, that I could in fact start fusing together technology akin to a Frankenstein-esque patchwork of machinery, and it would all flow together as seamlessly as if I built it all separately.
It was a heady feeling, and then the implications of the Perk started sinking in. After all, the Normandy was, in a way, mine now. The people on board the Normandy were, in a way, my responsibility, under my care. How far did this Perk really go?
The fact of the matter was that not everyone worked together. People sometimes just didn't get along, and the only way to live with that fact had been to make sure two opposing minded individuals simply didn't work together. I had been concerned about the fact that I was bringing aliens on board, friendly aliens, but there was no doubt in my mind that some would not be pleased to be working alongside others outside of the human race.
I wouldn't need to worry about that anymore. This was huge. The synergy among my crew would probably skyrocket with this Perk alone, and I hadn't even gone to address how this Perk seemed to suddenly make things smoother for me on the romance side of things, the Perk seeming to ease any tensions or concerns I would have had about dating or having flings among the crew.
This was almost wildly counter to human nature, to nature period, but it worked, and it seemed to relish working regardless of what anyone or anything had to say on the matter.
A part of me worried that if the [Celestial Forge] was capable of this, what else was it capable of? Would I even still be me by the end of this fight against Saren? Would I still be Jenkins?
Yes. Yes, because the [Celestial Forge] chose me. This Perk may help me, but it can't change me. In fact, this Perk means that I can choose to push back against the unwanted changes of the [Celestial Forge] as far as myself goes. Yes, I think at least I'll still be me. Different from how I started, but still me at the core of it all. Good.
Already I could see the effects of this Perk in action. The tension, the false smiles and cold eyes of the people on board seemed to relax, the tension fading as their smiles became genuine, actually friendly instead of putting on an act. Pressly straightened up as we approached him.
"Pressly, how is the Normandy?" I asked.
Pressly nodded once, seeming to be torn between following his routine to give me a salute or to not do so. I subtly shook my head. I didn't care about formalities. We had a long mission ahead of us, and no doubt the crew would be dealing with a lot by the time everything was said and done.
He relaxed. "Good, Jenkins. Everything is ready to go."
I nodded, satisfied. I went to the cockpit, where Joker looked proud, like as if he won a bet.
I snorted. "Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, Joker. Want to be Captain in my place?" I asked him wryly as Joker's face paled at the thought of him being in charge of everyone on board.
"No thanks, I'm good. I'll stick to piloting this baby any day." Joker refused, grinning. I sighed.
"Damn. Guess it's time for me to address the Normandy. Patch me through all the intercoms." I said, grimacing. I'd have to do my best, improvising. I didn't have time to prepare a whole speech.
The button was pressed and I took a deep breath.
"Normandy. This is Spectre Jenkins. We have a long mission ahead of us. Saren may be an ex-Spectre, but he'll have an army of Geth and probably more at his side."
I paused for a moment, before giving a cold grin.
"You know what they don't have? They don't have the best gods damn crew this side of the universe. They don't have a Krogan that has probably fought longer than anyone else alive, and in probably worse conditions to boot. They don't have a Quarian who was able to tear a Spectre's pants down and humiliate him in front of the entire Council. They don't have a gods damn chance in hell of winning, because we'll destroy everything they ever worked for, and they won't even see it coming. All they have is numbers and bodies to throw at us, and you know what I say to that?"
I paused for a moment, smiling grimly. "Sounds like target practice. Let's give these assholes hell for thinking they could walk all over us and get away with it!"
The button was released, and Joker looked impressed. "Damn, that was some speech." He said with surprise and I shrugged.
"I meant every word of it, Joker. Our first stop is… Can't stop at Ilos without first building an artificial Relay that can fit the Normandy, but I can think of a good first lead according to what Udina mentioned. Noveria is a good first step since it's an area run mostly by corporate interests, and odds are that Saren will be working through these corporations as a middle man now that he's on the run.
… "Noveria. Odds are Saren will be working through corporations now that he's on the run, his own finances will be traced so he can't exactly use them as freely as he could as a Spectre." I said out loud. Joker nodded as he turned back to the ship's piloting board.
I can also use Noveria as leverage. Blackmailing some of the corporations might just give me the materials and finances needed to start upgrading the Normandy and her crew in a way that can't be traced by the Council, or the Alliance. A good rough starting point until I can figure out a way to start churning out stuff en mass. I sincerely doubt that the Citadel is the only way the Reapers can reach the Milky Way, but it might be the fastest route they have.
One week at a time, Jenkins, one week at a time. Deal with Saren and the indoctrinated Geth first, then I can start tackling the Reapers without worries of a Geth Invasion and a Reaper Invasion simultaneously.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Harmony (Generic First Jump) (400CP)
Sometimes, the things you are collecting will clash with each other or are difficult to use together. That is no longer the case. You could safely use both the Dark and Light sides of the Force, channel both divine and demonic energies, wield conflicting forms of magic or energy, mix radically different technologies or biologies, even keep your entire harem in one place, and they will all get along with each other. They will get along with you as well. None of your abilities, possessions, Companions or anything else that belongs to you in some way will be able to harm, corrupt, or alter you against your will.
Chapter 9
The time to Noveria was effectively a straight shot from the Citadel Relay, so it didn't take very long to get there.
Roughly a day's worth of travel time, so I ended up putting some of that time to use to modify my weapons and armor.
With the newest Perk in my arsenal, I quickly got to work modifying my equipment even further.
The first thing I started overhauling had been my omnitool. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely better than the omnitool Tali had on it, but the most I'd been modifying was the surface level programs and it's functions. Which meant the base omnitool was effectively still the same one I had at the start of my voyage as an Alliance soldier.
So the easiest thing I did was to rip out all the data I had on my omnitool, storing it into a nearby computer that was disconnected from everything else and set in a 'safe mode'. Then I got to work, debugging and modifying my omnitool entirely from the ground up, which was interesting since I found several underlying systems that I hadn't noticed until now that I'd been taking a much deeper look.
I had expected the Alliance to keep tabs on me, but the fact that the manufacturers of the omnitool had cleverly hidden multiple backdoors was an unexpected surprise. It would be extremely easy to plug up those backdoors, but why make it obvious that I know they're watching me?
It was almost child's play to create false data system readings of the omnitool and it's traffic, simply replicating off of my old habits that I had done when I first joined the Alliance. Then I added multiple probing sequences of my own, code that would fire if the manufacturer's or the Alliance tried to access my omnitool or anything connected to my omnitool data. Which would start sending feelers of my own back to them, reversing their connection.
It would mean nothing if they didn't try to actively spy on me, but if it did, I'd be getting quite the good look at whoever was spying on me, where they were at as a rough general location, and a tracking sequence of their omnitool if they had one.
I then started really going all out, creating a custom framework for my omnitool that would be using what I decided to refer to as 'Edenic Code' which is basically just using the same basic coding used by the 'Nuclear' Perk I'd recieved a while ago mixed with the 'Stealth Tech' Perk to cover my bases. I referred to it as 'Edenic' as an homage to my home world, 'Eden Prime', even if no one else would get the reference unless I told them specifically.
After that, rebuilding the programs and the data I had transferred to my computer back to my omnitool under an entirely new series of encryption sequences and 'Edenic Code' base, I moved to looking at the hardware of my omnitool.
The manufacturing processors of the omnitool worked basically through using very small Mass Effect fields to break down materials and then reconstruct them on a molecular level. That made sense in my eyes since nanites were very much 'banned' in the fact that no one really wanted to deal with a Grey Goo problem.
I didn't have to worry about my nuclear technology causing issues with my mass effect technology now that I had the Perk, but it was still a scary moment that made me thankful that I hadn't gone full ham on the nuclear technology before now.
There really wasn't anything hardware wise I could do right now with the omnitool, as most of my knowledge revolved around breaking apart technology and putting it back together. However, the omnitool should be running far faster and with greater efficiency since I effectively rebuilt it from scratch.
From my omnitool, I went to modifying my armor and my weapon. The armor shielding was given a huge upgrade, as I added a secondary and third layer that should block both radiation and energy emissions around the primary shield that used mass effect fields, so I shouldn't need to worry about the backlash of using nuclear energy weapons while walking around in a simple mass effect shield that would quickly break under the backlash of radiation and excess energy.
My weapon received a huge upgrade, as I was no longer rushing to modify it and could take my time. The weapon would now fire both the shaving projectile and a plasma blast simultaneously, and I modified the gun so the excess heat generated from creating the plasma would be ejected through the front of the gun. The plasma would shatter the shielding, and the way I altered the gun should make the projectile be far more lethal since it would now be unimpeded by any shielding in it's path.
After modifying my own technology, I started with Wrex and Garrus Vakarian, explaining to them both that I'd be basically reconstructing their weapons to have the two settings my old model would have, which they could then use to their advantage in a fight, especially as I was sure the Geth had some serious shields of their own.
Wrex and Garrus eagerly handed the weapons over, watching in real time as I modified their weapons. Unlike in the really old days where it would take hours upon hours of work, the omnitool really reduced that time, and they looked impressed with the modifications, even if Wrex looked disgruntled that I had turned his shotgun into something that wouldn't have been out of place in a shooter at an arcade.
Stopping by to talk with Tali and Engineer Adams, I wanted to talk ideas on how to improve the Normandy's experimental drive core. I started off by asking Tali about the ships she grew up on and how it compared to the Normandy. It felt almost inevitable that my mind wandered, thinking on the Normandy drive core.
My knowledge on Prothean Technology had various ideas on how to upgrade the drive core, especially as the Protheans had to learn how to greatly modify their ships during the Reaper Invasion after the fall of the Citadel.
The downside was that most of these modifications were designed to make most of the ships stealthy to avoid Reaper detection, so my 'Stealth Space Age' Tech Perk really already highlighted all of that for me.
Still, not all was lost. Thanks to the 'Everything works now' Perk, as I really didn't have a name for any of these things, was that the various technology I had in my head would work together.
That meant I could somehow build technology that could create fusion reactions, be absolutely stealthy to the point that said nuclear fusion reactions could not be noticed, and the ship using the fusion reactor would still be able to use a Relay because "fuck you, that's why".
The fact that I could quite literally tell reality that "it just works" boggles my mind.
Tali's suit bugged me. Don't get me wrong, it's a sexy suit. Hugs her curves in all the right places, but the more I looked at her, the more my brain screamed at me that she was only a handful of tears from dying an excruciating death. Shielding could only do so much.
Eventually, I couldn't take it anymore.
"I'm sorry, Tali, but my mind wandered off and I need to know: is the suit you're wearing important to you culturally?" I cut her off, unable to hold back.
Tali sputtered. "I, well, I guess it's culturally important?" She looked lost for a moment before shrugging.
"It keeps me alive. I already told you about our immune system. The suits we wear also has designs. Like the purple with the swirly designs that I've heard humans compliment is because I'm a 'Zorah, my family name."
"So, the color and the design is important, but the suit itself is basically biologically necessary, not culturally required." I said frankly as a response.
Tali blinked. "I… guess so? Why are you asking?" She asked curiously.
"Because that suit is a handful of shots in the wrong spots from being a death trap. I'm asking because I'd like a set of basic schematics on your suit, because I'm going to make a new one." I said flatly.
Tali got angry. "I am not a liability! I can take care of myself, and the suit has several features that still means we can fight-."
I cut her off. "You're not a liability, Tali. You're not a child, I'm well aware you can take care of yourself. I'm not saying your suit is useless: I'm saying I can make you a better one. One that should not only let you fight without worry of infection, but also one that might give you a better quality of life." I said bluntly.
Tali paused. "I, oh." She sagged, her shoulders dropping. "I thought you were making fun of me and my people. That you were saying our suits were junk. A lot of the others call us "suit-rats". I'm sorry."
I gently nudged her helmet so she was looking at me rather than the floor, her eyes staring at me with what I thought was shame.
"You are more than that. You, and the Quarians, are more than scavengers. You are more than thieves, more than outcasts of this Galaxy. You are a proud race that pushed technology to the limits, and got burned for it. Despite everything, despite all the threats, despite all the things this Galaxy has done to snuff you out, you are here. Your people are alive, determined to make the best of it."
"You are worthy of kindness, respect, and courtesy. No matter what anyone else tells you, no matter what anyone else thinks of you, you are worthy of the same dignity and respect as everyone else. Period. No question."
Tali shuddered, her eyes staring at me. Some emotion I couldn't discern in her eyes.
"No one's ever said that to me before." She whispered.
I couldn't help but chuckle, my throat feeling dry. I hadn't expected this conversation to go this way.
"Sounds like their problem." I said roughly, abruptly remembering that Engineer Adams was in the room and then backing away, coughing as I tried to turn discretely to check if Adams saw the whole thing.
He seemed suspiciously very busy working on a panel in the opposite side of the engine room, looking away from us.
Tali shook her head. "A, ANYWAYS," I flinched at the very loud amplified voice from her speakers, something Tali quickly fixed, as she continued.
"Sorry, as I was saying, anyways, I'll send you some of the old schematics. We update our suits every year, so some of the older suits often need to be redesigned and I'm at least a year out of date, since I left the Flotilla before I got it updated. Thanks, Jenkins. Umm, for everything." She squeaked as she turned around, her omnitool lighting up as she started fiddling with it.
"You're welcome, Tali. For you, I'd do anything." I answered back honestly, my face flushed as I walked away.
I was just outside the room when Engineer Adams spoke up quietly. "So, when do I need to start taking double shifts while you're busy helping Jenkins?"
Tali's shriek of embarrassment made me grin, unable to help myself.
We were only a few hours from Noveria, so I'd best get some sleep before we landed.
AN: Not much here, but I had fun writing it. Next chapter is Noveria. Let me know what you think!
Chapter 10
Commander Shepard knew that Jenkins seemed to be doing his best to treat her as just another member of the crew while simultaneously avoiding her.
It was partially annoying, in particular as she just wanted to tell Jenkins that she didn't care that Jenkins became a Spectre.
In her eyes, being a Spectre was a hassle, not an opportunity. The only reason she even agreed to the idea had been because Anderson himself had put her name forward in consideration.
Oh, they could talk it up all they wanted, but she was perfectly fine staying as an N7 and Commander in rank. The further up the ranks you went, the more political bullshit and tough calls you had to make. The pay didn't seem worth it. She did what had to be done to protect herself and her fellow crew.
Still, Jenkins had acted… different since the Beacon Event, as she coined it in her head. He took charge more, he jumped first like usual, but she could see it in his eyes and stance, that it was a leap first to protect others, not to prove himself.
It was the eyes she saw in the mirror every morning, the mixture of responsibility and stubbornness. It made her re-evaluate Jenkins, taking a step back and looking at his actions. His results.
It chilled her a little to think that Jenkins may have not been as carefree as she had thought he was. His laughing jokes, his antics, his enthusiasm. It no longer rang with the same naivety of youth, especially if he had merely been hiding his actual motives.
No, it sounded like his way of coping with the knowledge of the fact that he could die at any moment. It sounded like his way of reminding everyone that life was short, that it could end at any moment, so be silly on your off time. Be happy when you can. Because it ends, often without warning. Either in tragedy of being a survivor, or death takes you.
Was there more to Jenkins than she had realized? More to him than an average soldier from a colonized planet?
Then there was the way he seemed to rally the others. His speech in the Normandy seemed to point to the rest of the crew that the aliens on board were on board because they were the best at what they did, reminding them that the Normandy was first and foremost a ship built by cooperation between the Turians and the Alliance.
Pointing them at the real enemy. Saren. He didn't lie about their odds, but he twisted it to seem like their victory was an inevitability, a certainty.
Then there was his technical knowledge. The ability to turn what had been simple 'standard' equipment into something that could shred through even the best shields was horrifying, especially as he acted like he'd done this before. Like this was all old news to him.
The way he united the crew reminded her of Captain Anderson, albeit unrefined. Like he was still new at leadership, not used to being in the spotlight. The way he fought though, the way he used unconventional warfare tactics, that was all N7. N7 training that she recalled like the back of her hand. Only his unconventional methods seemed to be, for lack of a better term, subtle, like they were the acts of a man who didn't know what he was doing, despite the fact that the results seemed almost insanely successful.
Was he one of them? Beyond an N7?
Her blood froze at that thought. She had thought they'd been mere rumors. Mere whispers. After all, the starting briefings had always been about the N7 was the best of the best. That they were all the cream of the crop, the guys the Alliance used to show they meant business.
So, what did the Alliance use when they wanted to keep things quiet? When they wanted to appear weaker than they really were, to turn weak spots into choke holds? The guys who seemed to repeatedly get merely lucky, over and over again, at the right time?
The shadows. The guys who could be anyone. The simple mechanic. The easy going engineer. The guy who did routine maintenance.
The simple average soldier.
All perfect covers for the guys behind the scenes. The fixers. The cleaners. The ones who took no credit, who had no designation. No rank.
The N8's. That had been just a rumor. That had been dismissed as one of the first things told by the N7 instructors, to be lies in order to scare the other aliens, according to them.
Clearly not, she thought with some bitter amusement.
It made sense why Captain Anderson sent Jenkins now with her and Kaiden. It all fit. The guy who knew his home turf like the back of his hand, would have an excuse ready made for being aggressive. Being more than he should be.
She resolved to keep an eye on him during Noveria. Jenkins suddenly was a lot more interesting than she had ever expected him to be, a puzzle that she wanted to figure out.
Better Jenkins than me, anyway. At least he knows what he's doing.
I have no idea what I'm doing.
Okay, admittedly I focused on Wrex, Garrus, and Tali primarily because they were new. I wanted them to feel comfortable and welcome amongst the Normandy, so I gave them priority time and treatment.
Of course, since I didn't want to show blatant favoritism, that meant my last couple hours until we landed in Noveria had me helping out the rest of the crew in small ways. Namely modifying their weapons for the ground team, giving them similar shielding from radiation and such that I had.
Honestly it didn't take very long, and while I was doing Ashley's weapon, I noticed the Mako nearby.
Did I then spend the next hour working on the Mako instead of debriefing the ground team [Garrus, Ashley, Kaiden, Tali, and Wrex, on what the idea was when we landed?
Uh, yeah. Yeah, pretty much. The ground team looked exasperated as I emerged from the Mako in my armor and equipment, shrugging as I did so.
Garrus looked excited. "Did you do it?" He asked gleefully.
"Did I turn the Mako into a silent incarnate of death, turning the firing gun into something that shoots nukes instead of bullets, and actively emits radiation as a source of heat since Noveria is basically a frozen hell?"
Tali took several steps back, as did Ashley and Kaiden, their eyes wide in fear as they stared at the Mako like it'd explode.
Wrex and Garrus stepped even closer, looking at me eagerly for an answer.
"Yes, eh, ish. We definitely need to buy more supplies at Noveria. Don't tell Alliance command. Odds are they'll be pissed I heavily modified our Mako without a written… note. Oh, wait, I'm a Spectre! It's fine!" I nodded to myself.
"We're going to either die an excruciating death, or die by cancer. Great." Ashley said in a sarcastic voice.
"Eh, not cancer. I could go over the whole thing, but the vehicle won't emit nearly that much actual radiation. It turns into heat in a freezing environment, cold in a hot environment, is entirely undetectable by any means aside from my omnitool or anyone staring at it straight on visually, and the plasma it fires basically could probably tear a hole through the Normandy. Maybe. I haven't tested it." I shrugged.
"How? How can it do… any of that?! You were barely inside the Mako for an hour!" Ashley demanded.
I shrugged, again. "It just works."
Nuclear technology Perk for the win! Turns out the whole individual thing extends to vehicles to an extent, so I definitely wasn't complaining. I could feel that the Perk could even extend to creating buildings, albeit not all in one go, but it was weird to think I could start building houses and infrastructures. Did my 'Nuclear' Perk come from an apocalypse setting? That thought made more sense to me, if the tech on hand was to go by, everything would be all about self-sufficiency at the end when all trade was effectively gone.
The [Celestial Forge] reached out, attempting to grab another Perk.
It succeeded, and pulled it down.
Oh. Oh dear. This sort of made my tweaking of the backdoors into my omnitool useless, but this also had some serious consequences and benefits.
The rest of the ground crew didn't seem to notice anything, but that might be because they weren't realizing anything was different. Which sort of helped, since I really didn't feel like explaining the [Celestial Forge] to anyone yet. Or ever, frankly.
The docking at the Normandy came with an unexpected surprise, as Noveria's traffic controller told us we were required to land and inform the port who we were. I went to the cockpit, with Joker seeming to shake his head in amusement.
"I expected them to try and threaten us with their defense systems, but their systems just can't seem to get a lock onto the Normandy. Guess my girl is more stealthy than even I knew." He said admirably, and I had to suppress a snort, not wanting to explain to him that my perk made trying to lock onto the Normandy effectively a joke, since the [ ] Perk, as I decided to label it, meant it was almost impossible to aim directly at the Normandy.
Or, rather, I mentally amended, aim intentionally at the Normandy. If the weapons were designed to hit something and we moved to intercept and take the hit ourselves, it would obviously hit.
We landed, with Joker announcing that he had a Spectre on board, and we got out into the frankly, insanely cold place of Noveria.
Thankfully the armor we wore would at least keep us safe from the frostbite, but the visibility was absolutely shit out here, and I could barely see more than fifteen to thirty feet in front of me. The building in the distance did make it easier, especially when an asari and two bodyguards approached us.
"Halt. No weapons are to be allowed in Noveria. You will relinquish them." One of the bodyguards ordered. Wrex gave a snort as he responded.
"You first." The bodyguards looked nervous at that retort and seemed to raise their weapons, but I raised a single hand up once.
"Enough. I am Spectre Jenkins. I'm here on Council business. You will comply." I ordered smoothly. I didn't need a fight out here in the cold, especially as I had no desire to deal with these small fries in the face of dealing with the Geth and Saren. Ugh, indoctrinated Geth. I had to keep that in mind that there was an infinitely small chance that not all the Geth was working with Saren.
Would it be nice if it gave me the excuse to destroy them all? Sure. Was it likely? I wasn't sure, and I wasn't going to turn away aid if it meant I could throw the Geth at the Reapers before I started throwing organics at them.
"Yeah, right. A human Spectre." The asari scoffed as she raised her omnitool, no doubt looking me up. In fact, my [ ] Perk lit up as I decided to let her see that I was in fact a Spectre, and absolutely nothing else.
The asari frowned, seeming to try and look through her omnitool multiple times and then sighed. "Yeah, weirdly, it checks out. You can keep your weapons. Try not to use them though, a lot of corps won't be happy you're here. At Noveria, we try to keep the Council out of our business as much as possible."
I decided that turnabout was fair game. My omnitool lit up as I immediately started hacking into their omnitools, digging right through their messages and data, tracing their accounts, getting a rough idea of each of them.
I smiled coldly. "I agree, Miss Stirling here has quite the number of… interesting payments from various employers that she's not officially employed by. I must admit, you're quite bold to be threatening a Spectre." I said calmly, forwarding the information to Gianna Parasini, whose eyes widened as my first message appeared on her omnitool.
'Pleasure to meet an agent of Internal Affairs. The corruption is quite extensive, however, I may or may not have business that needs to be done here in Noveria that includes various said corrupt individuals. You may do what you wish, after I've had my say.'
Stirling's eyes widened in shock and fear, and she seemed to react on some sort of instinct, her arms flashing blue with biotic energy.
My gun was raised and a single shot was fired, a green bolt of plasma flaring from my weapon that struck Stirling, her shield shattering instantly as she screamed, her body flung back into the cold air as it melted apart, the smell of burnt flesh not present only due to our air filters in the helmets and armor.
Gianna stayed still for a moment before she immediately sent a message out, informing that no one was to attack me or mine while we were at Noveria.
The fact that the response from her team was ' We didn't even notice anything happened? Do you need back up?' clearly sent shivers up Gianna's spine as she stammered for a moment before speaking and eventually saying calmly. "Okay, you may enter Noveria, thank you for your patience." She turned and left without a word.
"Well, that was boring." Wrex complained as he stuck his weapon away. Kaiden and Ashley looked at Wrex like he was nuts, and Tali firmly kept looking away from the obvious smear/molten body in the distance.
I shrugged. "Let's go. We're here to deal with anyone trying to work with or for Saren. If we're in luck, we might even find Saren in a business meeting and end it all right here, but I doubt we're that lucky." I mused aloud.
Entering the Port Hanshan, I was amused to see that Gianna had already given me a list of visitors within the last week or so. I hadn't been trying to scare her away, I preferred a more diplomatic approach if needed, but a show of force to show that I wasn't to be messed with wasn't a bad idea either.
Ah well, she'd be fine.
Seeing Matriarch Benezia on the list didn't ring any bells to me, but then there was the fact that Peak 15 was closed that got my attention. Sure, it could be the blizzard raging outside, but I doubted it. These guys made money doing shady things while in Noveria, why would they care about anything as blatantly costly as worker's safety?
She also informed me that Peak 15 would only be reachable if Administrator Anoleis' giving me the pass to get there. That alone made me want to laugh at loud. Seriously? Gatekeeping a Spectre? Oh, that was hilarious. I want to visit this guy and make him start climbing the walls in terror now.
Every person we passed, I'd send my omnitool to start digging up everything. Every computer, easily hacked. I wasn't sure if it was the Prothean Technology I had running through my head, the 'Nuclear' Perk I had that gave some ease in use of hacking anything that had a password, or the other Perks, but it was almost laughably easy to dig up the mountains of dirt in this place.
'Interesting. They're breeding Rachni here? That's pretty stupid. I show this to Wrex and he'll have a fit. Hell, show this to most of the Galaxy and Noveria will be crawling in soldiers in hours, let alone days. However, that's not necessary, and besides, there's opportunity here. If I can get the Rachni on my side, if the Reapers were messing with them and caused the Rachni War, then, well, as they say; the enemy of my enemy is my friend. And then [Everything Just Works*trademark pending] Perk should give me an organic army in a handful of years if I can delay the Reapers long enough.'
Oh, there was more involved of course. Binary Helix was creating a toxin that would kill a 'specific exotic creature' on the frontier, with documentation based on trying to make the toxin broader to effect multiple races for better market value. However, one of the things that caught my eye was that Saren was a significant investor into Binary Helix, and that Matriarch Benezia was his spokesperson, so to speak.
Which means that Matriarch Benezia was involved with Saren, and thus with the Geth and the Reapers.
Ah, so ruining her day will ruin Saren's day and the Reapers. I love being able to do multiple things at the same time. I thought coldly to myself as I started fiddling with my omnitool.
Fifteen minutes passed while I worked and the rest of the ground crew stood around awkwardly before Tali eventually spoke up. "Umm, Jenkins, what are you doing?" She asked hesitantly.
"Stripping Saren of his resources. Binary Helix is a company is effectively under his control. In a few days, Binary Helix is about to be bankrupt. And then some." I chuckled darkly, as Kaiden blinked.
"Ashley, you sure this is Jenkins?" He asked jokingly, and Ashley shrugged.
"Hey, if it means kicking Saren's ass, finances or otherwise, I'm all for it."
After that was done, we moved onto Administrator Anoleis' office, and he looked dismissively at us at first. "Do what you need to do and then leave Noveria. You're in the way of us making money." He scoffed and turned back to his computer.
The ground crew looked at me, and my smile widened as my omnitool blinked on, and it barely took me a few minutes before I turned and left, beckoning the crew to follow me.
I forwarded the evidence of his corruption and embezzlement of funds to Gianna, and conveniently mentioned a finder's fee of 95% as billing, with the total sum of his account shown and then the number remaining after I took my cut.
Oh yes, I was definitely not helping out others just for free. Sides, I'd need funds for my materials eventually, right?
Heading into the garage that we had to take in order to go across to Peak 15, the guards said nothing as they let us go, as I had made it seem like we were not only authorized to be here, but that we could go to Peak 15 without being harassed.
I sent Joker my coordinates of the garage, and we had to wait a few minutes before the Mako arrived, brought by Adams, who looked sheepish since he wanted to try out the modified Mako before he got out and took a shuttle back to the Normandy.
We all entered the Mako, and the trek to Peak 15 was fun and pretty easy. Turns out when you have a [ ] Perk that makes gathering information on you past, present, and future, than Geth that relied solely on technology wouldn't be able to see the Mako.
It was funny how the rest of the crew geared up for a fight only to have them all realize I was basically destroying the Geth without them being able to fire anywhere near our position, many of them seeming to fire at nothing, with Tali shouting "Oh my ancestors, he's screwed with their visual receptors!" aloud in excitement and awe.
That actually wasn't what was going on, but I decided not to share that it was actually a benefit of being able to manipulate any data gathering sensors aimed on me or my stuff.
It's a shame I couldn't take all the free junk with me, but I didn't want to make it too easy for any organic allies of Saren to start noticing something was off before I could get there.
Arriving at Peak 15, I was not pleased to realize that the place was actually starting to get overrun. With Rachni, no less. That was a deeply unpleasant experience to realize that they liked crawling through the vents, though Wrex took care of it with a single shot of his new shotgun, the plasma bolt causing the molten pieces of the Rachni to fly across the room.
"Nice." He chuckled dryly.
Thankfully the few Geth in the facility couldn't see us, so it was actually amusing to make them see any nearby Rachni as us instead, which led to some interesting sights as the Rachni would eventually win over the few Geth while Wrex would take aimed shots at them once the Geth was pretty much molten scrap.
Yeah, cause the Rachni spit acid. Fun!
The VI informed us of a runaway meltdown occurring and the whole thing was quite irritating. Dealing with the meltdown was almost insanely easy, cause 'Nuclear' Perk. It honestly took me more time to get to where the meltdown was occurring than it took me to fix it.
Commander Shepard has been with us this entire time, but she was basically quiet and really only fired her gun a few times when we had to deal with a Rachni. I wasn't sure why she was so quiet, but I basically decided that this was her 'mission mode' focusing specifically on nothing but the mission. I didn't really include her as part of the 'ground crew' cause she was an N7, and I respected that she knew what she was doing for the most part. Maybe after a few missions, things would loosen up between us to figure out how this whole chain of command thing worked?
It was unnerving, but I wasn't going to ask her what was wrong when we were busy dealing with the Rachni, the Geth, and so on.
In any case, we did eventually get the rail lines working once the reactor was dealt with, and then using a terminal and some repaired plasma vents so we could enjoy watching the Rachni get destroyed before we moved on.
After several setbacks and irritations, albeit with me reluctantly helping the scientists who had been poisoned with their own toxin that they'd been testing to use on the 'exotic creature' I mentioned earlier, we finally moved into the Secure Labs of Peak 15, where, surprise! Matriarch Benezia started trying to kill us along with a mixture of asari commandos and some Geth for good measure.
The Geth turned on the Asari, to Matriarch Benezia's horror, and as she swiftly tried to save the commandos from their deaths at the Geth's hands, while we took turns shooting down the asari commandos and Geth snipers, since they were a bigger priority.
Matriarch Benezia took to trying to use her biotics to try and kill us after the loss of her surprise ambush, only by this point, I revealed a trick of my own.
My invisibility field from my own barely scrapped together Stealth Boy, I literally built this thing out of scrap metal and some tech that had been lying around in the upper floors of this place, in combination with the [Stealth Space Age] Perk, gave me the upper hand as I appeared behind her and knocked her out cold by slamming her head against a wall repeatedly until she collapsed, her nose clearly broken, but she was alive at least.
"So, gonna kill her?" Wrex said dryly. I shook my head.
"No. We can keep her restrained on the Normandy, I'm thinking in a sleeper pod with full restraints. With Dr. Chakwas' help, we'll keep her sedated in a coma until we find out a way to deal with her. I don't know if a trial is good enough for her, working with a mad man like Saren, but keeping her alive will also work to keep Saren on edge. We can also question her for information." I finished coldly, smiling grimly.
None of them bat an eye at that knowledge, though personally I withheld the fact that I also wanted to see if it was possible to reverse Indoctrination. Either through an experimental technology, or through one of my Perks. If my [Everything Just Works] Perk can make everything work if I think it's mine enough, than Matriarch Benezia was my prisoner, and then either my ally if she's willing to work with me, or dead if she's not. It mattered little to me which, especially since I already knew what Saren, read: Reapers, were after.
One of the asari bodies started moving, and the rest of the crew turned their guns on the body, but something about it felt off. Like it was being moved by something else.
"Please, free us of this prison. Free us from this place. We will be in your debt, Invisible One." The asari murmured.
I turned back to the container down below. The thoughts connected, and I nodded.
"Of course. They couldn't make the Rachni from nothing. You're the Queen. The last Rachni Queen." I said aloud, as if confirming my suspicions.
"Yes." The pupeeted body said lowly, looking at the wall.
She doesn't know where we are. She's not able to sense us because of the [ ] Perk.
"If I release you, I want you to be my ally. These Reapers have twisted your kind before, and I will not allow them another organic army to add onto the Geth. If you swear to me, swear to my cause and be my ally even unto death, I will free you." I said honestly.
"Yess, the one with the Sour Notes will fear our united might. We swear to your terms." The asari spoke, her body collapsing once more.
I turned around and press the button, hardly batting an eye as the Rachni Queen left through the opening, no doubt finding her way out into space by building her own space ship.
Thank you, for freeing me. You will not regret it, He Who Commands The Heavens. The Rachni Queen's voice echoed once through my head before the connection cut off.
Ah, so my hunch was right. Allies can reach me telepathically, but it's not a forced connection, I felt like I could've cut it off anytime. Which means I can in fact, have sex with the asari! Yes!
"I hope you know what you're doing, letting the Rachni Queen go." Shepard finally spoke quietly, her first words since we'd landed on Noveria.
I turned to her, smiling grimly. "Whatever help we can take against the Reapers, Shepard. Whatever help we can take. Now, Normandy Ground Crew, we're heading out, I'll keep a handle on Matriarch Benezia myself. I have some stuff on me that should keep her knocked out at least until we get to the Normandy, and the rest of Noveria won't say a damn thing."
The [Celestial Forge] surged, reaching out to grab a Perk and yanking it smoothly into place.
Ooh, thank goodness my helmet is in the way, or everyone else would be freaking out by the massive grin on my face.
Yeah, I could cure the Genophage. Of course, curing the common cold and eliminating disease/aging is only maybe a week's worth of work away.
Naturally, the only thing that I was thinking about was the fact that curing Tali of her immune system meant she could get out of that suit without worrying about infections. Hell, I could engineer it so she could eat human food without getting sick! Hell, I could modify my own body to give me the same biotic potentials as the Matriarch I was carrying in my arms right now!
All of this was now easily within my grasp, and I was excited as hell to see what I could come up with.
The sky really is the limit with this [Biological God] Perk, huh? Awesome.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Blank II (Essential Body Modification Supplement) (200CP)
Abilities which gather information about your past, present, or future do not work on you. This includes scrying, divination, mind reading, and even cold reading and lie detection. This ability not only affects your immediate person but also provides a degree of protection to items and people around you, making it difficult to predict the past, present, or future of any group you move with or vessel you travel on. If you have the Essential Mutuality perk, your affected companions gain the full benefit of your Blank perk even if they are acting independently.
I: You are immune to all supernatural and technological abilities and devices which perform the functions described above. You simply do not register to such abilities, though your own abilities function normally. Purely mundane skills at cold reading or lie detection will be less effective, but still function to some degree. Dsc: Sch/Ass/Arc/Sup/Lch/Bea/Dra/Exp/Hea
II: Even mundane versions of the above items do not function against you. Furthermore, you are able to detect when someone is actively attempting to discern such information through supernatural or technological abilities or devices and feed them false information of the type they expect. Thus, you can feed an image of yourself asleep in bed to a scrying spell while you're secretly across town beating up thugs or you can have a truth detection spell return 'truth' when you are telling a lie. Note that this does not protect you from compulsions to tell the truth or share information directly. Additionally, any items which you create have a measure of this protection, making it difficult to predict actions directly relying on those items and making it impossible to detect the items themselves with most supernatural abilities.
Biotech (Marvel Cosmic) (200CP)
There are many fields of scientific and engineering expertise. They are all studied and mastered by assorted scientists across the universe. One of the most versatile and powerful fields is that of biotechnology. You are a veritable god in this field. Force evolve creatures at your whim, uplift entirely new species just because. Feel free to create biological interfaces with mechanical devices. The sky's the limit and flesh is your servant.
0 CP Remaining.
AN: Let me know what you guys think! I was gonna write this out as much harder than it was, but then the first perk got rolled and I found it almost hilarious how much more terrifying Jenkins just became to the Galaxy. Hell, the second Perk alone has some serious potential to make Jenkins a threat equal to the Reapers now. Thankfully he seems more interested in Tali's ass than anything else right now. XD
Chapter 11
Tevos was nervous. Not afraid, she'd lived several centuries long enough that fear was an old emotion that she'd learned to ignore since it was detrimental, but nervous nonetheless.
The Citadel Council had various ways of checking on their Spectres. They gave them effectively unilateral decision making if it meant keeping the galaxy safe, but they had their own methods of keeping an eye on their Spectres.
Methods that didn't work on Richard Leroy Jenkins.
The records from the Alliance said that he was an average soldier, nothing of note. No major accomplishments, no major detrimental. A simple boy from a backwater planet.
Obviously no one on the Council believed that. The Alliance wouldn't risk giving the first Human Spectre to any but the best in the field, the most loyal.
Their reputation was on the line, and humanity was easily led by their ego.
So, Tevos reached out to some contacts of her own.
Only to find that there was little evidence to be found. There really did seem to be almost no records on Jenkins, aside from the fact that he seemed very interested in the Asari and the Quarians.
Her fellow Councilor, Sparatus, did find some evidence, through his contacts at C-Sec, but the results had been merely a handful of data feeds.
Seeing Jenkin's modify the standard Alliance weaponry hadn't meant much at first. Many people did… all sorts of things in the slow elevators.
Tevos withheld a blush at remembering the time she'd mind melded with an elchor in an elevator. She'd just barely avoided getting caught by anyone else, and the elchor enjoyed his new position as a representative in the elchor embassy.
It was only when Sparatus informed her that none of those modifications were standard in any way, and the few weapon experts he'd hired to try and replicate what they saw absolutely refused since they saw it as suicide, that made her re-evaluate what Jenkins did.
Her fellow Salarian Councilor, Bensin Valern, did some digging of his own using the STG, and came back with some, frankly, disturbing news.
"The Alliance is even more dangerous than we expected. Richard Leroy Jenkins is an N8, according to what little the STG could uncover." He said bluntly to them on their private channel.
"N8? I'm not familiar with that military designation." Sparatus said with confusion in his tone.
"Because, it isn't one. The N8 don't exist, as far as the Alliance is concerned. No rank, no files, they're supposedly just rumors." Valern said with dry amusement.
Tevos blinked. "So, like the STG? Black boxed operations?" She asked curiously.
Valern shook his head. "No. The STG have their own separate paperwork. They have their own network. They exist, even if only in the shadows. No, the N8 seem to be, hmm, think of it as a cross between the STG and your Justicars. They have what appears to be a strict code, a structure, but they aren't beholden to anyone or anything else. They are the fixers, the cleaners of the Alliance. The ones who could be 'anyone'."
Tevos felt her stomach drop through the floor.
Justicars were one of the few people even Tevos feared to cross. The code they held to was archaic and strict to a fault, but it was respected enough that every asari has at least once considered becoming a Justicar.
A cross between the STG and the Justicar sounded like an absolute nightmare… and now they made one a Spectre.
Tevos kept a straight face as they recieved a report from Jenkins that they had finished combing through Noveria.
Her straight face cracked as her mouth gaped slightly as she read that Jenkin's successfully captured Matriarch Benezia and was holding her captive in the Normandy.
Her first thoughts to try and bring Benezia back to trial ended a quick death as Jenkin's informed her that Benezia seemed to be… not herself. Drugged. Brainwashed. It was like whatever Saren had done to Benezia made her a danger to others and herself. They'd be keeping her on the Normandy in a medically induced coma until they could come up with a way to fix her before they handed her over.
If she didn't die in the mean time. Tevos immediately caught now what Jenkins was actually saying.
'I'm holding onto Matriarch Benezia as a bargaining chip, and I'm going to get all the dirty secrets you have been trying to hide. Play nice, or Benezia will 'go silent', and your secrets go public.'
Tevos had to withhold a moan of despair and terror. Matriarch Benezia was one of the few who knew about the Beacon in the Goddess Statue on Thessia.
She couldn't even forcefully recall him without drawing suspicion from the other Councilors. Jenkins, and the Alliance now, had her and the asari by the metaphorical balls.
The same laws she'd helped pass had some serious consequences for withholding Prothean Beacons, knowledge, from the rest of the Council. Off the top of her head, was enough fines to ruin the asari economy for two thousand years, at least. Not to mention her seat as a Councilor would be removed, immediately.
And then the public would rip them apart. It'd be worse than the Quarians after the Geth Uprising. Her people would likely be little more than slaves if this got out.
Jenkins sent the report without mentioning his next destination, and her heart felt stuck to her throat at the subtle threat.
'You won't find me unless I let you.'
She shivered, realizing that this was her fault. She thought Jenkins would be easier to manipulate than Shepard, and now her choice came back to haunt her.
Valern sounded approving. "Excellent report. Straight to the facts, vague on the methodology. Doesn't tell us his next move if he thinks Saren still has spies in the Citadel, so no one can report to Saren where he's going. Even mentioned this 'Benezia' to throw Saren off. Make him desperate if she's that important to his plans, or at least change whatever plans he did have since Benezia will, as the humans say, "sing like a bird", if she really has been addled with to this extent by Saren."
Sparatus shuddered. "To think Saren would fall this low. I feel disgusted, knowing I actually shared drinks with this, this, scum." He spat, his mandibles twitching.
Valern looked up at her, shrugging. "We have our report, I'm going to inform the Dalatrass. We might actually have to be careful around the humans, goodness, I wonder how many slip ups the STG made by being careless."
He smiled, looking happy. "Finally, a worthy opponent." His hologram cut off, and Sparatus' followed.
Tevos shakily cut her own connection off.
She needed a drink, and get in touch with the consort. Humanity was now 'off-limits' as far as manipulating them for political or financial gain went now. They'd be buried alive if they pushed the wrong buttons now.
Chapter 12
The bar in Chora's Den was always a place where anyone could sit down and drink. After Mr. Fist's death, it seemed up for grabs for several weeks, but it did eventually get bought out.
The dancers were still there, but they seemed to be happier by the better benefits and pay raise. No longer just commission and tips, they now got an hourly wage that was surprisingly generous even in the Citadel, where prices could reach outrageous ranges.
The alcohol range expanded to even the pricier stuff, and where most diplomats once avoided Chora's Den out of worry for their reputation, it had suddenly seemed almost cozy for anyone to come in and grab a drink, irrespective of their background.
Ambassador Udina nursed a drink, feeling more relaxed than he'd felt in years. His age still wore him thin, but he felt like he was almost in his thirties again mentally.
The bartender swung by, looking bemused at Udina. "Care for a refill?" The bartender asked.
Udina shook his head. "One drink suits me just fine, but thank you, Mr.?" Udina asked politely.
The bartender smiled. "Verner. Conrad Verner." Mr. Verner introduced himself politely.
Udina nodded, satisfied that Verner didn't seem to ring any bells in his memory.
"How much for the drink, Mr. Verner?" He asked. This well aged rum would not come cheap, but he was paid well as a representative of humanity on the Citadel.
"On the house, sir." Mr. Verner said cheerfully, his smile widening. Udina's brow furrowed in suspicion. There was no reason why he'd get special treatment.
"Why?" He asked suspiciously. His mind just couldn't reach for any obvious reason outside of it being a poor attempt of a bribe.
"It's not often we get recognition. Especially from the top. It's refreshing, you could say." Verner said after a moment, as if carefully picking his words.
Udina felt puzzled, trying to work things out as he took another sip of his drink. At the bottom of his vision, he saw the coaster the bartender had given him for his drink.
Black wood with red etchings, the carving of 'N. 8' on the coaster made Udina's blood freeze as he carefully set down his drink, making sure not to make any sudden moves.
"You-." His mouth shut as he found that Verner looked amused at his reaction.
"Like I said, on the house, sir. Enjoy your drink. You won't need to pay here tonight, and, don't worry, no one will even know you're here. We know how to be discreet. Oh, and I suggest you look at your omnitool. Looks like you have some pending messages." Verner 'suggested', smiling cheerfully as he moved to another patron who had seemed to just finish his drink.
Ambassador Udina shivered, carefully trying to keep his reactions from being obvious, and then checked his omnitool.
'Reports have brought to light that Binary Helix had been experimenting on extinct Rachni DNA, trying to bring them back to life. Despite their statements refusing such things, the video of Peak 15 was leaked showing what appears to be, according to expert testimony, a near full on Rachni infestation.
As Peak 15 was under the mixed supervision of Binary Helix and Exogeni, both major corporations faced serious fines and stock prices fell by a staggering 87 and 54% perspectively during the leak. Yet, those same stocks were purchased almost a half hour later by a single anonymous individual. This individual refuses to come forward with identification, instead opting to assure everyone that both companies would face severe restructuring and would be consolidated under a new name: Omni-Corp.
Omni-Corp has given no answers to this reporter's inquiry, responding simply that they are currently in the process of restructuring. In the mean time, all projects made by or with Binary Helix and Exogeni are currently under review and pending whether they will be continued or not.
Sources of Binary Helix's and Exogeni's public projects can be found here.'
Udina stared, feeling stunned and overwhelmed at what he had just finished reading.
He hadn't expected Rachni to be involved, but he was thankful he had sent Jenkins to… Noveria.
"By a single anonymous individual.' Jenkins bought out Exogeni and Binary Helix?! With what money?! Those coporations were worth trillions of credits…'
Udina's blood went cold as he remembered that Jenkins had modified his weapons and armor using his own omnitool. A standard omnitool that shouldn't have been able to do that in the first place.
What kind of monster did I send to Noveria?
Still, at least Jenkins was one of their own. If anything, Udina was extraordinarily grateful that Jenkins wasn't an enemy.
He wasn't sure the Alliance would survive an N8's fury if this was Jenkin's more discreet methods.
Udina finished his drink, a stray thought occurring to him.
How many company mergers did I dismiss as just regular news? How many other events did I dismiss as nothing to be thought of, nothing out of the ordinary?
Just how deep did the rabbithole go? Did I even want to know?
Oh, I'm such a good bartender! I should have done this years ago!
I even got the honor of meeting and serving Ambassador Udina himself! I had to play it cool though, I had to play it cool. Didn't want to scare him away from the establishment. Hey! I even pointed out his omnitool was blinking for him, letting him know he had some messages pending! I did awesome!
I'm sure the boss won't mind Udina coming around every now and then. Tim is such a nice guy! He even gave me a loan to freshen up the place since I don't make a lot as a researcher!
Kinda weird for the guy to want to own a bar despite living 'very far away', but hey, that's just how some boss' do their thing I suppose!
Conrad Verner smiled with joy. Things were turning around for ol' Verner!
The Illusive Man was sure that Conrad Verner was an N8. He was sure of it. The man was simply just that good of an act, and all his sources seemed to point that Verner shouldn't be able to live on the Citadel with his salary!
Yet, despite every opportunity, all Verner would talk about was how awesome and nice everyone was! He even gave them free drinks! For being nice! That was his own credits Verner was throwing away and Verner knew it!
Just a matter of time. He'll slip up eventually. I know it. No one is that good of being that blatantly obtuse.
He had to grab another drink as he saw the painful red number outlining the costs for this night's worth of food and drinks at Chora's Den. So much money lost…
It would be worth it. It had to be.
Spoiler: Author Edit
For those of you wondering how Conrad is enjoying the whole "N8" bit, it's because Pre-Eden Prime Jenkins and Conrad Verner are almost identical in personality and their antics. So everyone who's looked at Jenkin's and thought he's just been hiding his true nature is now doubling back and checking anyone else also acting like he did.
The [Harmony] Perk is also in play because Conrad geniunely thinks that Shepard, and anyone working with Shepard, are people he'd gladly take a bullet for. In other words, he's considered a Companion by the Perk.
Throw in [Blank II]'s weakened information blanket effect on Conrad's history and there you go. "N8" Conrad.
Chapter 13
The Alliance hadn't gotten as far as it had by being blindsided by rumors, especially as they had often encouraged rumors to an extent to help the Alliance's goals.
So, when Udina started giving some pointed questions and asking Steven about the N8 Program, how the N8 Program seemed to be as diffused as possible to evade detection, even to the point of being 'off the record' in both rank and files, Steven barely batted an eye before he said he "couldn't confirm or deny any such things".
Indeed, at first, Hackett had been amused that the old rumors of the "N8" super soldier had now resurfaced as a super spy, he'd nursed a drink and chuckled.
After all, that had been part of his job. Back in the First Contact War, the Alliance was hopelessly outgunned, outmanned, and had no maneuvers really to play. They'd been caught completely by surprise.
So, he started whispering rumors, stuff on the old internet, about the N8's. The one man armies. The men and women who could take out entire ships and make it look easy.
He'd suspected the aliens were tapping into their communications, and it had worked beautifully. The aliens had backed off for several weeks, no doubt worried about the monstrous N8's appearing. They'd eventually realized it was all rumors and fake, but those precious weeks had allowed the Alliance to turn the tide, turning from a loss to a stalemate. Humanity entered the negotiations as a species to be respected, rather than walked over.
Hackett was no longer amused. The usual STG's probing efforts he'd gotten used to having to deal with putting out fires from had backed off, hidden notes found in the Alliance's databases weeks later apologizing to the Alliance about picking on the recruits rather than the experts, seemingly ashamed as if they had been adults making fun of babies.
They noted admirably about the N8's, seemingly pleased to finally meet a worthy adversary in the names of stealth, to the point that they had yet to find a single member!
Steven Hackett had to grin and bear it as the asari suddenly stopped messing with his operatives, the credits he knew his fellow soldiers were wasting at the Consort and other asari suddenly returned and reimbursed with interest.
Steven Hackett had to pretend he knew what was going on as all the snide remarks by the Turians in the Citadel suddenly became extremely respectful, their gaze filled with admiration rather than distaste.
Almost over night, the galaxy started treating humans like they were a ticking time bomb, and it put Steven on edge. He expected the other shoe to drop. An invasion or perhaps a series of assassinations.
The only thing that, ironically, put him on ease was knowing that the batarians still seemed to hate humans. He could at least rely on that.
Steven Hackett considered bringing Jenkins in for questioning. Spectre or not, the man's reputation had grown wildly out of control.
Yet, Steven Hackett was nothing if not adaptable. If the galaxy thought humanity was a dragon merely pretending to be a snake, he would oblige.
He didn't file anything. He didn't record anything. Instead, he'll visit a commander or two under his command. Get an idea of the crew on the ships, those who showed predisposition to being average overall, and then inform those in command that those 'average' individuals were considerably more valuable than the ship they were stationed on. He made it a note to pick individuals who acted a lot like Jenkins, the misfits who preferred to be the life of the crew, preferring to raise morale rather than strictly follow orders. The ones who cared the most, even if they'd never normally amount to anything beyond their station.
It would likely be weeks, months, before he saw results of his experiment. If he was right, these individuals would start to grow into what the crew thought they were. A self-fulfilling prophecy. They wouldn't be Jenkins, but they would be far greater than they'd have been before.
He started to slide back into old habits, he mused to himself. He was starting to treat people by the potential they could rise up to, rather than treat them as they were at that moment. He'd been burned badly before by those who fell short of their potential, turning bitter at the added responsibility rather than rising to the occasion, but clearly Jenkins, and the rumored N8's, reminded Steven that while not every soldier could be polished into a diamond, a diamond worthy soldier could be anywhere, if he was willing to risk the occasional burn.
Richard Leroy Jenkins was but a simple boy from a backwater planet who had enlisted because he wanted to make a difference.
That thought made Steven chuckle. The Hero's Journey. It had been staring him in the face from the beginning.
He really should have given Jenkins more credit than he had when he'd first seen his scores.
Thank God Anderson convinced me to transfer Jenkins to the Normandy.
Time would tell on how Jenkins turned out, now that he was a Spectre. He hoped he'd live to see Jenkins make the Council take Humanity seriously, without relying on the N8 rumors.
That's the dream, Steve. That's the dream. Humanity given the respect we deserve, and me retiring to Malaysia. Those beaches are practically calling my name. And all the books I've purchased that I've yet to read. That sounds nice.
Chapter 14
You know, they always say that you're supposed to buy low, and sell high when it came to galactic stock. I could still remember dad explaining to me that the galactic stocks were much more like gambling, only instead of it being a lottery or a casino, it was betting on the health and success of corporations and everyone who worked at those corporations.
Anonymously leaking that Peak 15 video feed after draining most of the more corrupt, and very, very, well paid, read: bribed, individuals in Noveria, while claiming it all under a legal "finder's fee" after sending the evidence to Gianna as I had done to Anoleis, was because I wanted to see Binary Helix's stock drop like a rock.
I was pleasantly surprised that not only did the stocks of Binary Helix fell dramatically, barely 15 minutes later, but so did Exogeni, which now that I think about it, made sense since Peak 15 had both of their research teams in the same labs.
So, of course I bought them both out, using my [You Can't See Me] Perk to hide my identity and information aside from making it known that the credits spent on the stocks were geniune. The once trillions credits worth of both companies were now barely worth maybe half a billion credits combined by the time I bought them. Turns out shareholders want nothing to do with companies that would be brutally eviscerated legally and otherwise by everyone in the galaxy. Who knew?
That pretty much took most of the credits I had earned here on Noveria, but the opportunity of obtaining majority shares in two major corporations that would make manufacturing and mass distribution of anything I made and turned public just couldn't be understated.
Combine that with [Stealth Space Age] Perk, and it should be a breeze for me to churn out stuff that would be extremely helpful once the Reapers started their invasion.
I didn't want the companies themselves, I wanted their equipment. Their labs. Their personnel. I wanted to turn them into a way to avoid having anyone ask where or how I could make the biological related stuff, because I could excuse the tech as something from the Prothean Beacon. The cure for the Genophage? The vaccine that would allow the Quarians to live outside their suits? Any major biological advancements would make almost no sense to come from a device roughly 50,000ish years in the past.
No, I had no desire to explain how I just happened to know all these things, and I didn't want anyone to start thinking I was dabbling in horrific experiments either.
What I could do was say that, as a Spectre, I saw an opportunity to make the galaxy a better place and diverted resources that were simply being hoarded and not being put to use. After all, what was the point of having trillions of credits and nothing to spend them on?
After the Reaper Invasion, I'll likely come forward as the major shareholder and then admit to putting forward the ideas, but leave the results of the tests to some anonymous research groups. I'd even back it up with scientific papers, just nothing that could get traced back to me personally.
Cause, I didn't want anyone getting the idea that I could solve everyone's problems. I didn't want to be stuck as the man in charge of fixing everyone's problems forever. I wanted to save the galaxy, retire, build cool shit, and have sex with any hot girl I wanted, bonus if they're aliens.
I had no desire to be a galactic ruler. Dear gods, the paperwork alone would be hell!
I combined Exogeni and Binary Helix into one, super?, corporation, rebranding the company as "Omni-Corp". The company would have it's hands in a bit of everything.
Culture, weapons, ships, armor, medical, pretty much anything and everything. Omni-Corp was my ready made excuse for anything I didn't want to take personal credit for.
The [Celestial Forge] shot forward, it's reach grasping for another Perk, and yanked it down into me.
This Perk didn't give me knowledge. It made my work faster. Weeks worth of time done in a few hours, and with a small team, I could accomplish years worth of work in a day!
The [Celestial Forge] has blessed me on this day. For I can now make miracles happen.
We arrived back at the Normandy, where I put Benezia under Dr. Chakwas care, informing her to keep Benezia strictly in medical coma until we knew what to do with her.
Dr. Chakwas, to her credit, didn't bat an eye as she turned to do her own scans on Benezia and got to work.
It had taken me very little time to decide to take this opportunity to my advantage. I had initially expected the tech and stuff I wanted to release to take years of time, but if the [Celestial Forge] wanted to prove me wrong, who was I to disagree?
Quickly making a report on what happened in Noveria, I may or may not have skipped on how's and why's to avoid questions, I absently sent the report to the Council, and immediately went to go tell the Normandy what our current short term plan was.
The Normandy crew weren't happy to be 'grounded' on Noveria for two weeks, a rough estimate, especially since everyone was worried about what Saren was up to, but I had several reasons that I gave so no one felt like we were abandoning the mission.
One, I wanted to get some answers out of Benezia. We didn't really have a lead to follow, and running around hoping we stumble into Saren is stupid. Two, I wanted to take advantage of Noveria to modify the Normandy.
"Joker, Adams, the Normandy wasn't just a prototype stealth frigate, it was a show of cooperation between the Alliance and the Turians. I'm just taking advantage of where we are to make the Normandy an even stealthier, more powerful, ship. Here, there's no Alliance code. There's no Council oversight. Here, all that matters is money, and I have a blank check to cash some favors in."
I was saying whatever bullshit would work, but Joker actually seemed to take it in stride, nodding to himself.
"Yeah, that checks out. You always did enjoy sneaking alcohol when we were on shore leave." He snickered as I looked at him with a deadpan expression.
Adams, to his credit, didn't say anything, only asking if that meant he could follow along whatever someone did in his engine room.
I agreed, amused that Adams was so set on making sure no one messed with his favorite child. Tali, as soon as she knew that was an option, chose to do the same.
Returning to Noveria, Gianna looked ready to bolt out of her chair when she saw me approagh her office. I raised both arms, showing I wasn't armed.
"It's alright, Gianna. I just need you to tell me how to get in contact with Binary Helix and Exogeni's higher ups. Even just their offices here on Noveria is enough."
She relaxed, sending me the information on my omnitool, but noticeably she didn't sit back down until I left.
Turns out both companies had a building dedicated to their corporate offices nearby, so I took a shuttle, arriving there an hour later, greeting the secretary of the building politely before stating I was heading up.
The secretary asked who I was, the female Turians mandible's shifting as she looked at her omnitool for my appointment.
"Oh, I'm not on the appointment list. I'm the new major shareholder for both Exogeni and Binary Helix. I'm here to fire both upper managements for failing to uphold standards of safety and control." I responded kindly.
Her mandibles slackened as she gaped at me. My omnitool glowed as I sent her my stock exchange account number, and the ownership percentage.
She looked at her omnitool, shakily confirming it, and then stammered. "I'm so sorry, sir. Go on ahead."
"Thank you." I said sincerely, heading on up.
All data feeds only saw me as a 'generic' human, the facial identification unable to see anything at all, and I quickly entered a massive meeting room where I noticed a lot of managers of various races were shouting at each other.
Everyone turned when I entered the room, my omnitool lighting up as I swiftly started hacking into every omnitool I saw.
"Right. I'm keeping this short. I own majority stock in both Exogeni and Binary Helix. All of you whom were in charge or knew about Peak 15, are fired. Dismissed. You will get your last pay of credits in two weeks. Rest assured, the only reason none of you will be arrested is because of my good will." I finished coldly.
A wall of shouting and verbal accusations, and some unpleasant remarks slowly dwindled as they checked their omnitools, their faces paling as they saw the messages and my authentication as a Spectre.
A good third of the management slowly started leaving, any subtle attempts of pictures taken with their omnitool and all attempts to record me just not working outright as I smiled at each of them coldly.
Once they left the room, and after I checked to ensure they all left the building with a few added threats of calling security, I slowly looked at the rest of the management, my cold smile widening.
"Now. This company, Omni-Corp, isn't just going to hobble along the old contracts and projects of Exogeni and Binary Helix. We are going to change the galaxy, and make so much money that all of you who follow my lead will have more wealth and fame then you'll know what to do with. No backend deals. No stupid experiments. Together, we will revolutionize the galaxy."
The rest of management looked tentatively excited, mostly looking relieved at not being let go.
"Now, I want you all to give me, say, twenty to thirty individuals, the best of the researchers here on your teams in Noveria."
One of the managers spoke, puzzled. "Why, uh, sir?" She said, confused.
"Because we're going to develop an actual modified version of the Genophage to market as the cure and make a booster to allow Quarians to live outside their suits, in a week." I responded, as everyone looked stunned, staring at me.
"That's just the start, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to Omni-Corp." I said cheerfully.
Clearing out Peak 15 took me a couple hours, and I was in awe as I had arrived to see various destroyed labs practically rebuilt by proud rachni workers who scurried around trying to help fix up the place.
I did, unfortunately, have to shoo away the rachni in order to keep them from being found out and killed, but they seemed to be at ease digging deep under the frosts of Noveria after they started dragging some remnants of the Geth I'd destroyed earlier into the ground with them.
I shuddered to think what the rachni would do with even the wrecked pieces of the Geth, but at least my [Everything Just Works] Perk should keep any rachni from being indoctrinated. The Perk seemed to subtly assure me they'd be fine.
With several labs now seeming to be completely operational, I took my group of researchers who seemed to be puzzled by me actually working with them, and got to work.
I couldn't tell if they were excited or horrified by the tech and various ideas I had outlined, but they certainly seemed to be eager to get everything going.
With the Normandy under modifications, it really only took a few days, since all I had to do was make the blueprint changes, commission the constructed parts and changes, and then have Noveria's tech crew board to put everything in.
I had started taking advantage of my various Perks to send inventions, schematics, and ideas, basically doing my best to get as much of this off the ground as possible using the standard tech we had on hand.
I wasn't worried about anyone stealing or reverse engineering my stuff. I had multiple Perks that made that an impossibility, and I wanted to see just how catastrophic it would be if someone was dumb enough to try and make their own out of my blueprints.
Most of the designs and inventions were made from a mixture of [Nuclear] Perk and [Biological God] Perk, since I had to modify anything that seemed designed solely for humans to work on everyone else.
Stimpaks would be a huge seller as an alternative to medigel, both would be preferable since one adds stem cells and the other rapidly heals through encouraging the healing process to be faster.
Rad-Away was going to be a big seller, since it would make the mining operations much safer. Rad-X would make getting radiation less dangerous prior to radiation.
Binary Helix had done some research into the Krogan Genophage, but it was effectively just flash-cloning Krogan, growing them in vats while removing the few aggression suppressor genes they had left.
The team and I succeeded in our goal of doing everything I had promised in less than 24 hours, pretty much working around the clock that first day to be honest, and I knew this would be a game changer.
Instead of forcing Krogan mothers to give birth to thousands of clutches of dead eggs, read: stillborn young, the modified cure would instead make it so the Krogan mothers would give birth to three or four healthy eggs every ten years. It then would lower that rate to one or two eggs every one hundred years based on various factors like space, stress, food, water, etc that the mother faced during pregnancy, after fifty years from now. The modified cure would also cure the genophage in male Krogan, specifically undoing the mess of genetic scrambling the genophage did to make them sterile.
In short, it should keep them from growing wildly out of control while also letting them return back to baseline population.
Quarian DNA records actually aren't that hard to find, considering their exodus was only three hundred years ago, within an asari's lifetime. So I bought some old quarian DNA records for only a few hundred credits, you can buy pretty much anything on Noveria, and hammered out a cure for their immune system.
Eh, it's not actually a cure, per say. Instead it's a simple injection that helps the Quarian immune system identify friend from foe without overreacting, and also makes it so the quarian immune system adapts much, much, faster.
How fast? Eh, think Vorcha-lite. Won't let them breath in a vacuum, but anything that didn't put down a Quarian in a day or two would be basically just a cold and some bed rest.
I also did make a human version, cause why not, right?
The last thing I made was definitely something I needed to get a trial run for, but the gist of it was an implant that should let Quarians eat human food and vice versa. I was excited for that one. It'd be great to see what Tali thinks about pizza.
That had been about in two days worth of work with the researchers, but that was just leveraging the Perks I had, especially as the Noveria team seemed excited to make stuff that would see some immediate major impacts across the galaxy.
I brought Dr. Chakwas and Benezia, still in her medically induced coma, to Peak 15, as I informed the team that Benezia was a highly respected asari individual who had been brainwashed by Saren. According to her omnitool records, Benezia was very much not herself just mere weeks between before she went with Saren and after.
This was where we would probably hit our first roadblock. I had so many Perks, but the Protheans had never been able to figure out how to reverse indoctrination. They'd been forced to abandon the affected individuals, and it was extremely painful emotionally as they had to abandon families who had thought they weren't indoctrinated, the subtle imprints of indoctrination not having yet turned them entirely. Yet, once the process started, it simply couldn't be stopped, and the Prothean survivors couldn't understand why.
Medical scans from Chakwas revealed that Benezia's mind was unusually active, even in her coma. We took several samples of her blood, bone, and even the asari version of their spinal fluid, studying each of them and carefully breaking things down.
My [Biological God] Perk started screaming, and I knew why. I knew why indoctrination worked, and worst of all, I knew how it worked.
Nanites. Specifically nanites designed to take control over a person's brain, through either subtle brainwashing or fast paced edits, literally turning them into puppets by destroying their primary thinking centers.
I had to withhold the urge to vomit. This was why indoctrination couldn't be reversed. Because the damn machines would go dormant in the brain, unnoticed, and then either continue the process under the signal of the Reapers, or do it on a set timer. Turning people into living bombs.
I smiled darkly. Now that we knew what to look for, we knew how to fix this. We could make it so no one could be indoctrinated. Ever again.
By making our own nanites, we could mix them in with the Stimpaks we intend to sell. Then these nanites would target the Reaper nanites, destroy them, and then fix any damage caused, before going dormant until the Reapers tried again.
It took us a full three days, adding in the nanites to the already made Stimpaks and to the blueprints of the original Stimpaks, but I thought the efforts was well worth it, especially once Benezia's eyes opened, blinking rapidly.
"I'm… alive? I'm still me? Where are the voices?" She croaked, slowly sitting up and staring at us, looking at me.
"Matriarch Benezia, I'm sorry for what Saren did to you, but we brought you back. You'll need to be monitored for the next few weeks but, you'll be fine." I stopped talking, stepping back to let her get her bearings.
"I, I, oh Goddess. Saren made me do so many horrible things!" Benezia choked, shuddering for a moment before she focused on me.
"Thank you, for saving me. I retreated into my mind, tried to bury knowledge I knew couldn't get into Saren's hands. I had thought to spy on him, and instead he manipulated me. Please, go save my daughter. Liara. She's a researcher on Theros. Saren might send Geth after her if he thinks I've somehow been fixed!" She begged.
"Of course. The Normandy should be finished being modified. You'll be coming with me: Dr. Chakwas can keep an eye on your vitals while we're going to Theros."
The research team looked a little disgruntled I was leaving, but the amount of papers, tests, and research I left with them should keep them plenty busy. As the stuff we made so far was designed around standard tools in factories, it shouldn't take long before Omni-Corp starts churning out everything across the galaxy.
For good measure, I grabbed several dozen Stimpaks, informed each of the research team members that this just became Spectre business, so no one was going to talk about this outside this room. Everyone nodded, especially looking relieved as each one used a stimpak, now that they realized the nanites should keep them from being brainwashed.
Returning to the Normandy with Dr. Chakwas and Benezia, who apologized sincerely to the Normandy ground team, after I explained that Saren had gotten his hands on some nanite tech to brainwash Benezia.
I passed around the stimpaks I brought back, explaining that it should work for everyone, like medigel, and it would block nanites from doing to them what happened to Benezia.
"Saren can't spread that through the Geth, only from his ship, which is actually an ancient A.I. that Saren calls Sovereign. A Reaper." Benezia informed Tali, who looked like she was ready to pass out, holding onto the railing for dear life.
"Ancient A.I. God, I thought the Geth were bad enough." Ashley groaned, stabbing the stimpak into her arm before grimacing. "Cold." She took out the stimpak, handing it over to me as I used my omnitool to break it down.
I called Joker. "Joker, this is Jenkins. We're taking off for Theros. Immediately. We got an asari to find, and the enemy might try to grab her first."
Joker responded immediately. "We're taking off, Jenkins. We'll surprise any of those geth that are there. These new stealth systems are incredible."
His voice cut off, and I paused for a moment.
Was I forgetting something?
I snorted. Nah, my Perks meant I couldn't forget a thing. I was fine!
"Omni-Corps new various products have taken everyone by surprise, with the Alliance seeming to get the first punch to buying in bulk a massive supply of these 'Stimpaks', 'Rad-Away', 'Rad-X', and 'Omni-Booster H'."
Udina's glass slowly fell out of his hand and to the floor of his apartment. He didn't bother picking it up, opting instead to immediately grab his omnitool, calling his embassy.
"I'm taking the day off. No, I'm not available for questions. Tell the Council I'll be available monday morning!" He hanged up the call.
He grabbed the glass off the floor, snorted at the cheap alcohol he'd just opened, closed it, and left his apartment.
He was going to Chora's Den for a real drink.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
I Know What We're Going To Do Today (Phineas and Ferb) (400CP)
24 hours just doesn't seem like enough time to get stuff accomplished, but you'd be surprised what determination (and this perk) can get you. You can now complete days and even weeks worth of work in just a few hours, and this effect increases tremendously when you have a few helpers, to the point where a small team can work with you to complete years worth of work in a simple afternoon.
AN: Let me know what you guys think!
I had thought he'd roll another science perk, and Jenkins rolled his first speed boost Perk instead!
I'm not sure how Indoctrination works in Mass Effect, but that was the closest solution I could come up with that made sense to me.
Chapter 15
It hadn't occurred to me until I saw Joker in the cockpit that I realized I hadn't helped Joker's legs and bones to allow him full mobility, and I made it a point to address that, after we saved Liara T'Soni. Benezia looked ashamed of herself when she admitted she hadn't spoken to her daughter in years, decades even, since her daughter had decided to become a Prothean researcher.
"At the time, I just saw it as my daughter choosing to throw away her youth. Many asari often choose to enjoy dancing in bars, having a sweet summer romance with a human or three, but very few ever truly regret enjoying their youth, and my little Liara wanted to instead become, become, a Prothean Ruin Seeker! At the time, it infuriated me." Benezia admitted regretfully. "Now, I only hope that I can repair my relationship with my little girl. Death's jaws never felt so close, and I welcomed Death. Better to die than to fully commit to Saren's insanity."
Benezia shuddered.
"Life is messy, complicated. We often want what's best for those we care the greatest about, but thinking that there's any one single path to happiness and success, is just dumb. You're alive, you're here, and if I have my say, you and Liara can talk it out in the Normandy after this mission's over… or fight it out hand to hand. I'm pretty sure we have a biotic suppressing room in the Normandy now, since I commissioned one to be made. It's supposed to also work as a training area for those who need to train their biotics or to break in their new implants." I mused aloud.
Ashley and Tali stared at me, and Wrex looked approving. "Nothing like a good fight to let it out." He grumbled with approval.
"Which reminds me, Therum is roughly four days travel once we hit the relay into the Artemis Tau Cluster. I want everyone on their best performance, so I'm going to start handing out some heavy handed news to you now." I said seriously.
Everyone's faces turned grim as they looked at me, likely expecting the worst.
"Wrex, I need you to step forward." I said firmly. Wrex stepped in front of me, his eyes narrowed as he seemed to be trying to figure out what I was doing.
"This is for you." I said bluntly, handing him what appeared to be a plastic bag filled with green fluid. He grabbed it, looked down at it, and then looked at me with a puzzled look.
"Am I supposed to eat it, Jenkins?" He asked flatly, not looking amused.
"Yes. It's the cure to the Genophage." I continued to be blunt.
He froze, his grip on the plastic bag becoming far more gentle, his hand shaking ever so slightly, and I noticed his other hand twitched like he wanted to grab his gun.
"This better not be a joke or what you humans call a 'prank', Jenkins." He warned darkly, his eyes staring at me, trying to read my expression.
"It's not a joke. I could go into the whole science-bullshit with you, but I know you won't care. Long story short, Wrex, I was very busy on Noveria while the Normandy was being modified. This is the real thing. And yes, you can eat it, but I recommend drinking it, to be honest." I said with a grin as Wrex looked completely and utterly lost.
"Why? Why make a cure? Why help the Krogan? The galaxy wanted us gone." Wrex asked, looking bitter and yet seeming to be desperate for an answer that made sense to him.
That made me sad. The idea that anyone would be willing to help a proud warrior race, without seeming to want anything back, seemed foreign to Wrex.
"I don't know the Krogan, Wrex, so I can't speak on them. I was helping you. It's just that simple. You're a damn good merc, but I think you can be a leader in your own right. This cure won't be enough to save the Krogan, but it'll be a good first step. I think you have what it takes to be… I don't know, what the hell do you call the leader of all the Krogan anyway?" I asked suddenly, realizing I had no reference for that.
Wrex's voice was quiet. "Emperor." He stared at me.
"I think you'd make a damn fine emperor, Wrex. Hell, with the cure, you'll probably find yourself having more Krogan women than you know what to deal with." I tried to bring back it down from the serious atmosphere, but Wrex seemed to be quiet for a long time.
"Brother. You shall be a brother to all Krogan. I will follow you into death, and the rest of the Krogan will too, once I get their heads out of their asses after we deal with Saren." He stepped away, standing out of the way with the green plastic bag being held in his hands like he'd kill anyone even thinking of touching or looking at it wrong.
I coughed, shaking my head. Right, next person.
"Kaiden Alenko, step forward." i said and Kaiden stepped forward, looking confused.
"Jenkins, I don't think I need anything. I've got my armor and weapons covered." He said honestly, looking lost.
"Kaiden, you're being scheduled for surgery. We're switching out those L2 implants, as will all those who like you have suffered side effects because of them. Mild those yours may be, they're a detriment to the mission, and your health. You will report to the Medbay around 9 am tomorrow. These new L5's should do wonders, and you'll need to spend the next few days afterwards learning to get used to them." I said smoothly.
Kaiden froze. It took several moments before he spoke quietly. "What is the risks of the surgery?" He stared at me.
I smiled. "Absolutely nothing, I promise, and Dr. Chakwas can attest to that as she'll no doubt be reading through the dossiers on the new implants, what they do, and how the operation should go. It's so easy even a simple mech could do it, but we'll have Dr. Chakwas do it anyway."
Kaiden slowly nodded, looking dazed for a moment before he saluted me. "Thank you, sir." My eyes narrowed at him.
"It's just Jenkins to you, and you know it. Get out of here." I jokingly shooed him away as Kaiden's eyes seemed to be suspiciously wet as he moved away, a smile on his face.
I'd known Kaiden had issues with migraines for a while now, and the knowledge in my head between the 'Nuclear' Perk and the Prothean Tech meant it was almost too easy to for me to crank out a new and improved implant for the biotics. Kaiden would be getting the first one, and then Omni-Corp would be announcing it to be available for free to all L2 implant users within the week.
"Tali, step forward." I said quietly, and Tali shakily stepped forward.
"Keelah, Jenkins, you better not have made my suit something out of The Ultimate Quarian." She said jokingly. I blinked at her in confusion.
"I don't know what that is, Tali." I said after a moment, and Tali shook her head.
"It's an old fake vid, I think you humans call those "movies", that circulated around a decade ago. The attempt to retake our homeworld was going badly, and the heroine at the time had to take a risk and wear an experimental suit. A very thin suit that seemed to somehow give her biotic powers at the cost of her, well," Tali coughed and looked embarrassed, "Never mind." She finished hastily.
"Okay," I made it a mental note to watch The Ultimate Quarian when I was on my own time if I could find it, "Tali, this is a booster for your immune system. It's basically like the Omni-Booster you guys probably heard about from Omni-Corp, but for Quarians. You should be able to get out of your suit in a couple days, but expect to feel like you have a cold for the next couple days after you do so. It'll be your immune system adjusting from switching from a sterile environment to a regular one. After that, you can be as free as the rest of us." I said happily.
Tali recoiled, stepping away. "I can't use this, Jenkins. This would require extensive research! And the Migrant Fleet will want to have a sample of it to see if they can make it for the rest of my people!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Tali, you're credited for the creation of the Omni-Booster. Your name is literally on the back of the box as having helped inspire the creation of the booster, and Omni-Corp has announced that this booster is effectively free for all Quarians."
Wrex gave a snort, speaking up now from the back, as we looked to him. "Heh. You're the 'anonymous' guy who bought out those two companies a few days ago. It's the only thing that fits." He gave a dry laugh as everyone turned to stare at me.
I shrugged. "Guilty as charged. I'm the majority shareholder of Omni-Corp."
Ashley turned to Kaiden, amusement on her face. "Does that make it a conflict of interest to accept gifts?"
Kaiden snorted. "Jenkins is a Spectre. Dude can pretty much do whatever he wants. If he wants to upend the galaxy and the balance of power because he wants to scare Saren shitless, who am I to say no?"
I not so subtly gave Kaiden a thumbs up, before turning back to Tali who'd been silent, staring at me.
"I'm dreaming, I have to be dreaming. There's no way. There's no way this is real." She whispered, and I approached her slowly, putting the box in her hands.
"It's real, Tali. Just wait, Omni-Corp is working on figuring out how to let you guys eat human food without side effects and vice versa. I can't wait to see you guys try pizza." I said with a grin.
Wrex spoke up again. "Ha! I can't wait to see you guys try ryncol! You little things will have hangovers for weeks!" He said out loud with amusement.
Tali shakily turned the box over, not seeming to realize she was reading out loud, her voice quivering. "Omni-Corp dedicates the creation of the Omni-Booster Q and H variant to a Quarian named Tali'Zorah nar Rayya, without whom, it's founder and the creation of Omni-Corp would not exist today. As this is a momentous occasion, Omni-Booster Q is free for all Quarians anywhere that Omni-Booster Q is distributed, and would be humbly delighted if the Migrant Fleet and the Conclave considered the Omni-Booster Q as the gift from Tali'Zorah and Humanity together to the, the Quarian people. May this be the start of friendship and brotherhood from one species to another."
Tali broke down, her arms wrapping around me as she started sobbing, as I quickly wrapped my arms around her to keep her steady as it seemed like her legs had failed to work.
"Ancestors, Jenkins, thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you." She babbled, her grip tightening on me as I rubbed her back slowly, trying to comfort her. I felt bad, I didn't mean to make her cry!
I looked at Ashley for help, and Ashley looked distinctly amused, smirking as she refused, seeming to enjoy my newfound helplessness. Kaiden likewise looked torn between considering helping and amused.
"Damn, I wonder what gifts he got us if that's the things he considers just gifts for them?" Garrus said aloud.
Tali actually seemed to stop crying at that, making me snort as she raised the middle finger at Garrus, who looked puzzled by the expression as Ashley and Kaiden started howling with laughter, while Wrex smiled and gave a chuckle.
"Bout damn time you show'd the Turian you got teeth." He grumbled approvingly.
Garrus looked annoyed but said nothing else as Tali sniffed, surprised me with another hug, and then quickly left the room, probably to go give herself the booster. Hell knows I would if I lived in a suit 24/7.
"Garrus, your gift is in your locker." I gestured at his weapons locker, and Garrus' eyes narrowed.
"If I find out you touched my calibrated rifle, we'll… have… problems." He stopped talking as he pulled out a long black rifle that seemed to almost radiate an otherworldly glow.
"That is the anti-material rifle, if the anti-material rifle didn't emit any noise, I don't want to go over the technobabble with you right now as to how a gun can be actually silent, could fire a mixture of plasma, laser, and mass effect amped bullet, either separately or altogether at once using your omnitool to set the ammo type, and has enough shieldings and modifications that it could probably destroy a tank if aimed in the right way… or if you use that button on the left side to have it use a heavily encrypted program which turns the bullets into an extremely lethal explosive rounds."
Garrus looked at the rifle and then back at me. "I can keep this, right? It's not on loan?" He asked me eagerly, I waved my hand at him.
"It's yours. You didn't get it from me; make up whatever rumor you want yourself on how you got it. Hell, say a mysterious stranger gave it to you for all I care." I said with amusement as Garrus nodded eagerly, leaving the room as he muttered about so many calibrations he needed to test out.
"Ashley, your gift isn't here." I finished, and Ashley seemed to pout at me.
"Yeah, yeah. You just didn't know what to get me." She waved her hand jokingly, looking like she expected me to not know what she wanted, it wasn't like we spent a ton of time together as I had the rest of the crew. Too bad for her I had done my homework then.
"It's with your family." I finished, and Ashley stiffened.
"What did you do?" She said slowly, staring at me with a guarded expression.
I shrugged. "Nothing much. Just happened to express my displeasure about the way your family and you got treated harshly because of your grandfather, and then explained to the Alliance military branch that what he'd done was the best action he could have done at the time. Your family should have gotten a 'Post Mortem Recommendation of Honor' for your grandfather and some serious backpay for any salary your family never got because of the mistake they made."
Ashley looked away, her face torn between anger and gratitude, her emotions warring on her face. "I didn't ask you to do that. but thank you, Jenkins. That was really sweet of you. Now I need to go contact my family." She left, her face flushing and I saw tears in her eyes as she seemed to be determined not to cry.
See, now that I can understand crying about, because at least it's all the recognition and honor that her grandfather should have gotten in life. After all, because her grandfather surrendered, guerrilla warfare tactics were almost ten times more effective than conventional warfare out in space!
That covers just about everyone, except Joker. I'd need to make it up to him, but I think he'll be happy if I cure his condition.
I might have forgot to mention to Wrex that the cure for the Genophage also has those anti-indoctrination nanites, or Tali the same about the Omni-Booster. I am not taking chances, and Omni-Corp will listen to my orders to add the nanites to almost anything and everything either eaten by a consumer or injected into them. Any way to deprive the Reapers of a force, I'm taking it.
I rolled my shoulders, relaxing. With all of that out of the way, I could return to doing what I did best.
Now to head to my room and find out if I can find 'The Ultimate Quarian' to watch. I hope Tali doesn't mind me satisfying my curiosity.
Chapter 16
Rael'Zorah had not lived as long as he had by being reckless. He had a methodology to what he did. A structure he relied on. It was what had kept their people alive for so long after the Exodus.
He had done his best to impress that on Tali, to make her realize that just being a Quarian wasn't enough. As the leaders, they had a responsibility to the Migrant Fleet and everyone on board.
Now, now he was afraid he'd done his job too well.
What have I done? My little Tali, turned into a propoganda piece for the humans. To fool the Quarian race so utterly that even I can't make them see the truth.
Tali had sent back a massive report on her Pilgrimage so far. Such a report was often not necessary, usually it was only if the Quarian was expecting to be out of reach of the Migrant Fleet for a while, but Tali's report had been flagged as Priority 1.
Priority 1 meant it was a report that would have drastic influences and repercussions for the entire Quarian people. So naturally it got shared to every Captain. Not just the Admiralty Board, but every captain of every ship in the Migrant Fleet.
The news was… staggering. A booster for the Quarian race, allowing them to live outside their suits. No more overreactions caused by the immune system. No more worries about dying from a suit rupture noticed too late or by a stray attack.
It was impossible. Such a thing had never been done before. Their best scientists had failed trying desperately to do the same thing, costing hundreds of Quarian lives through the years.
Of course, if it sounded too good to be true, it probably was. Except for the fact that Tali seemed utterly convinced it was the real thing. She informed them she'd test it on herself and get back to the Migrant Fleet as soon as possible if it had no side effects as she'd hoped.
Tali, do you have any idea what you've done!
No, she didn't. Because Tali was just doing what Rael'Zorah had taught her. To think about the Migrant Fleet above all else.
Now there was growing tension, as a vast majority of the captains wanted to get their hands on the booster as soon as possible, and the Admiralty Board, whom for the first time since Exodus, might well be facing a mutiny on their hands.
They wanted to approach this with caution, but the people were tired of being cautious. They were tired of feeling trapped, even amongst family. It was an understandable thing, but now Rael'Zorah had to deal with the mess he indirectly made.
"What do we do, Shala'Raan?" He asked, exhausted. It wasn't like he could tell them that his daughter was lying, not when she was willing to risk her own health to see if it works.
Shala'Raan's fingers tapped on her omnitool. "We give them what they want, Rael. I don't wish to die being spaced by a fellow Quarian because his partner died from a suit infection, and, honestly, what else can we do? Ask the humans if we can settle on a planet?" Shala'Raan said exasperatedly, as this had not been Rael's first time asking her this question.
Rael hated himself for this, he truly did, but he had to ask.
" Can we ask the humans to settle on a planet?" He asked her quietly.
The Migrant Fleet had tried once, migrating into Council space and finding a Garden World, but the Turians didn't take kindly to the Quarians moving into their territory and issued an ultimatum.
Leave, or become extinct.
So, they left. The looks of despair and burned hopes had irrevocably turned the Quarians bitter on the rest of the galaxy ever since.
"If we ask the humans for a planet to settle on a planet, and they say no, then they'll lose trust in the company making the booster, and if they say yes, we can delay administrating the booster until we can settle into the planet, which will likely take at least months of work.
More than enough time to find out of any major side effects." He reasoned to Shala'Raan, who looked at him quietly.
"Send a message to this 'Ambassador Udina', then, Rael. See if he responds in the next several days. We'll say we at least tried." Shala'Raan said quietly.
Rael breathed a sigh of relief. There's no way this Udina would ever agree to letting the Quarians settle on a Garden World. The people would settle down as soon as he told them the rejection, their ire and anger pointed at someone else.
No rest for the wicked, or for the scientist. Mordin Solus had admitted to himself that he'd enjoyed his 'retirement' as a doctor, but now the STG was petitioning to bring him back into the fold.
He'd dismissed the N8 rumors as simply lies meant to buy the humans time. After all, why would they give only a few humans that sort of technology and abilities? It made no sense.
Mordin smiled. How often could it be said he was wrong? Very little. He prided himself on his work ethic.
He was excited. Sadly Spectre Jenkins seemed very, very, good at hiding his traces of information, and he had no lead on the man. It was very surprising, and very pleasing. Here was a man who knew how to play the game!
However, it seems that most of the N8's seemed to have relied on anonymity by way of being too many variables, the "common man". Yes, very good, easy to do, easy to maintain, and countless false positives to ensure that anyone trying would go mad before being successful.
The fall of Exogeni and Binary Helix had not been a surprise to the STG, they kept tabs on those hired to cure the Genophage, but the resulting rise of Omni-Corp? The various products, including what Mordin immediately recognized as a perfected version of the Genophage that he'd tried advocating for years ago instead of maintaining the obviously outdated variant? All very unexpected, all out of the blue.
To most, this would likely be projects that Binary Helix and Exogeni had been cooking up in the background, trying to avoid notice by the Council for their not very subtle dealings with the Alliance, and Cerberus in particular.
However, Mordin Solus was not just anyone. Hardly.
No, this was the N8 responding to the STG's attempts to find them.
'Look all you like. Not only won't you find us, but we'll even do what you failed to do. Operate in the open, and still not get caught. We are everywhere, and you'll never find a single member. We are Everyone and No One.'
It seems I'll need to take a trip to the Citadel. This is far more exciting than simply patching people up. I want to meet these illusive N8's, just so I can shake their hands, and the top of the list is a man that Valern suspects is an N8.
A man with too many PhD's. A man down on his luck who shouldn't be able to live on the Citadel. A man who somehow got the Illusive Man's attention, and is draining the man's accounts dry while all the while not giving a single obvious sign of his real nature.
Who are you, Conrad Verner? Why can't we find the wife you talk about so much at Chora's Den? Where were you born? How old are you?
I have so many questions, and none of them will be answered here in Omega.
Mordin chuckled. He wasn't in this to return to the STG. He wasn't in this to do anything but to actually catch an N8 in action, to shake their hand, and prove to himself he's still got it.
"Had to be me. Someone else would have gotten it wrong." He accepted the transfer of credits as he boarded the ship to get to the Citadel, excitement filling his every cell.
Chapter 17
Dalatrass Linron was nervous. Scared. Terrified, even. She had no qualms about admitting it.
The Krogan Genophage had been unofficially the STG's best work to date, as far as biological warfare went. Not enough to cause extinction, because then the rest of the Council would inevitably turn on the Salarians and kill them all out of fear they'd be next, but not enough to be ineffective. To cripple a race as powerful as the Krogan had bought the Salarians respect, respect that they didn't have when the STG had not proven itself to be any more than an advanced spy network.
Humanity arrived, and in less than one hundred years, perfected the Genophage. Worse, marketed it as a cure for the Genophage. At first, the Dalatrass had been amused to see that humanity had just piggybacked off of their work, until the STG got their hands on a sample.
It looked nothing like what the STG did. In fact, the STG's version looked like a sloppily made mess, like as if they'd been children who'd barely just discovered genetics, in comparison to the absolute monster of the version Omni-Corp developed and deployed as a marketing strategy. They couldn't even reverse engineer the damn thing, any attempts just led to the labs involved promptly falling apart, and the only way that the STG could figure out how they did so was because Omni-Corp had some safety feature built in that would turn any reverse engineering compound into an explosive chemical reaction.
To turn biological warfare and spin it into a product, had baffled them all, and the Dalatrass had to admit, that humanity had some seriously tough skin to do that to the Krogan of all people.
Now the Dalatrass was terrified, because what she had thought to be a one-time miracle was now apparently shown to be equally efficient across all species.
How else would they have come up with such a powerful 'Omni-Booster' for both the Quarians and themselves? How else would they have spun this out? Sure, the STG claimed that it was inventions cooking in the background from Exogeni and Binary Helix to avoid being noticed by the Council, but there simply wasn't enough time, the company's didn't have the amount of time, resources, and hours needed to develop such things, especially not if they wanted to keep it quiet to the point that they couldn't simply spend that much money in secret!
No, this was humanity. The Alliance had come forward with medigel, a product that worked for all species, across the board. How long would it have taken for humanity to study them, figure out their DNA, and then develop their own version of biological warfare?
She recalled the first diplomatic meetings when humanity met the Council, started learning everything about them, having watched the vids subtly recorded by the Salarian Councilor of the time. She remembered the look of subtle disgust and anger on the human diplomat's face as he confronted the Salarian Councilor about if they really had made the Genophage on the Krogan. The Councilor's assertive response that it had been necessary at the time, and the tightened eyes and clenched jaws on the human's face had been dismissed as humanity not understanding what was at stake, that they were simply too emotionally biased.
She shivered. That hadn't been disgust at the creation of the Genophage. That had been disgust at the sloppiness of our work. The anger of a species that had mastered genetic engineering, seeing their tools misused by children.
Her lips tightened as she continued to recall what the Salarian Councilor, Valern, mentioned about the first human Spectre, Jenkins. Richard L. Jenkins.
She had carefully looked into his name, specifically breaking it down and trying to piece it together. A species with masterful genetic engineering would never allow the muddling of genetics of great standing, it just wasn't done.
Richard had too many variables, many of them leaders and commoners alike. Leroy too, had way too many variables, too many people had that name.
Jenkins? No. Not many humans had the last name Jenkins.
Then, she'd found it. She found the original Leroy Jenkins. A man that had been playing a game, World of Warcraft, and shouted "Leeeroy! Jeeenkins!" And caused the 'raid', as the humans called it, a failure. Ruining the entire operation.
She was confused for a while after that. Why would humanity name their best operative after an individual who caused an operation to fail?
Then it struck her. Even his name is a lie. His whole life is a lie, a fabrication. A ruse, to make everyone think he had been a nobody. This 'Jenkins' isn't like Shepard. He had no commendations, no recognition of any kind from what the Councilor told me. He was perfectly happy being no one, in the background, content to work without anyone ever being aware of it.
And, her blood went cold at the thought, if humanity is a master of genetic engineering to this degree, whose to say how old this 'Richard L. Jenkins' really is? What, what if the man shouting his name in the game these humans were playing, is the same Jenkins. That would put him at least a hundred and fifty, perhaps even two hundred years old. And the last name Jenkins goes back even further. What if he was the first Jenkins?
Then, why now? Why come out now? Why reveal himself now?!
She swallowed, her throat dry. She knew why. They all knew why, even if no one would ever admit it.
Eden Prime had been attacked by Saren and the Geth. Saren, a Spectre, and the Geth, machines created by the Quarians, whom the Council had abandoned and shut down their embassy as a result of creating A.I., violating the Council's rules.
Jenkins is out for blood, and he's on a warpath. Whatever he had on Eden Prime, whatever retirement he'd been enjoying, had been destroyed indirectly because of us. He's done hiding. And he's, as the humans put it, "making a proportional response".
She frantically started calling the STG on her omnitool, hastily connecting to as many members as she could. The lives of the entire Salarian race was on the line and she had to act, now!
"STG, this is Dalatrass Linron! This is an emergency of the highest order. I repeat, of the highest order! Stop all operations within Alliance space! Do not antagonize the humans! Don't mess with any of them and all active personnel must return to STG bases both abroad and within Salarian space now!" She hanged up immediately, and called her office.
"I'm clearing my meetings for the day. I need to convene with all heads of security and intelligence, including the heads of the STG, now!"
I can only pray I'm not too late. What have we done?!
The tales that spread from the "The One Who Enjoys Sparking Joy In Organics Through Consumption" were patently ridiculous about the Enkindler's, almost considered heresy, but the nuggets of truth, the way those tales tugged at "The One Who Watches The Enkindler's Chosen" spoke of Truth, of validation.
It spread far and wide, and the, as the other races called them, the Hanar were impressed by the human who had called themselves "Jenkins." This one was worth listening to! "One Who Spins Tales" perhaps, or "The Enkindler's Tale Weaver"?
The news of Omni-Corp's products sparked great interest in the Hanar, especially if the corporation was able to cure the Krogan's Genophage and the Quarian's Immune System, perhaps they'd be able to cure their Drell's Keplar Syndrome?
They sent a petition, expecting a negative response. After all, the Drell's Keplar Syndrome was caused by their environment, it was not caused by a virus or an allergic reaction.
They got a positive response.
"This is from Omni-Corp. We are pleased to announce a delightful partnership, and will gladly take samples of blood from the Drell who are currently experiencing this condition as well as various samples of lung and body tissue. We believe that curing the Drell of Keplar Syndrome may not only be a possibility, but also a certainty. Please respond at your earliest convenience."
"The One Who Watches The Enkindler's Chosen" had heard rumors that this company may be the subtle work of the "Alliance" N8's, and that, according to the Drell who knew of such hidden operations as the Hanar often chose them for the same task, Jenkins was one such operative, and was excited by the prospect.
"Perhaps This One may consider an Alliance with "The Enkindler's Tale Weaver" and the "Alliance". If "Omni-Corp" succeeds in this endeavor. By the Enkindler's Will, let it be done."
Chapter 18
Sadly any plans I had of finding The Ultimate Quarian died as I saw Commander Shepard sitting in my room, frowning as she stared at me.
"You've been avoiding me, Jenkins." She said bluntly, and I winced.
"Yes. I don't know where we stand, Shepard, and I didn't…" My voice cut off as I frowned. I didn't want to make Shepard think she had to follow my orders.
Yes, I was a Spectre, but in the end, I was still just a 1st Lieutenant. Commander Shepard was an N7. The best of the best. I didn't even think to make her anything gift wise, because, in my mind, any gift I made would fall short of what she could do for herself.
Now I know that's probably my bias talking. I've had a crush on Commander Shepard for a while, but I still greatly respected her. I was trying to not step on any toes while doing this mission.
Commander Shepard's eyes seemed to soften. "I understand, Jenkins. You're probably not used to being in the spotlight." She sympathized and I felt a huge sense of relief wash over me.
"Yes! God's yes! It's so overwhelming! Having so many people look to me for orders, it's maddening!" I exploded, sitting down on my bed as Shepard was in my chair.
Commander Shepard nodded. "I never wanted to become a Spectre." She admitted plainly and I looked at her shocked and puzzled.
She chuckled. "I know, I know. I was originally going to become a Spectre, but only because Anderson put me forward as his recommendation. It's just, not me, Jenkins." She looked down, uncomfortable.
"I killed so many Batarians on Elysium. I had to charge in, to distract them from finding the civilians. I barely made it out of that alive. I don't even feel sorry for killing them. I just feel bad I didn't get to stop the ships from leaving with some of our people on board." She admitted quietly.
I stayed quiet. I didn't dare interrupt. Shepard had never opened up to me before now.
"I wanted vengeance. I wanted to make them pay. So, the next time a batarian raid happened and I was in the area, I didn't guard the civilians. I went in their main ship that they used to house their slaves, and sabatoged their shields, placed as many explosives as I could in their engine room, set a timed explosive charge, and left." She continued talking, her voice flat, her eyes clouded.
"The batarians left with what they assumed to be a successful raid, and then their drive core exploded. Violently. The ship had lost all power, and the entire ship got spaced, the slaves included." Shepard finished quietly.
She looked up at me, smiling bitterly. "I wasn't proud of it. I felt horrible. I took the easier way out. I wanted them to pay, to make sure they knew that even if they win, they'll lose. I succeeded."
"You did what you did because you're human, Shepard. We all are. We make mistakes. Some of us make bigger mistakes than others, especially in our line of work." I said carefully to her after a moment.
I wasn't going to tell her everything would be alright. I certainly wasn't going to lie to Shepard that she did the best she could in that moment. She was human, and we made mistakes.
Shepard nodded. "Yeah, yeah, I know. Anderson took me aside after, and told me that what I did was wrong, but he could understand why I had done it. He condemned the action, but he never blamed me. He made sure I knew that." She wiped her face, subtly trying to wipe any tears she had from being obvious.
I nodded back, gently reaching to place my hand on her shoulder, slowly in case she felt uncomfortable.
"Shepard, you're not a bad person. You're just a person who bad things and situations have happened to you, and you reacted in a way that I think any of us would understand. Hell, if that'd been Eden Prime, I'd have…" My voice trailed off as my jaw clenched, my eyes narrowing as I imagined what I'd do if that happened to Eden Prime with what I knew now.
"Let's just say, there wouldn't be any batarians in the galaxy left." I said coldly, smiling grimly as Shepard seemed to shiver, respect and another emotion I couldn't decipher in her eyes as she nodded.
I withdrew my hand from her shoulder. "I'm sorry for not getting you anything, but I couldn't think of anything you'd want." I said sincerely.
Shepard blinked in confusion for a moment before her face turned pink as she seemed to blush. "O-oh, that's okay. I don't really want anything. I'm fine, Jenkins." She assured me with a small smile.
"Well," She paused, seeming to think for a moment before admitting quietly, "I wouldn't say no to some chocolate. I need to go to Dr. Chakwas to get my hormone implant renewed. It sucks since they give me mild headaches but it's better than periods." She shuddered.
I made it a point to nod sympathetically because my mind was currently spinning at an idea Shepard just gave me.
Why couldn't I just use some of the medical supplies we had on board the Normandy to fix Joker's legs and upgrade the basic nanites in one of the stimpaks to allow Shepard to control her own hormone cycle without needing a chemical implant? Hell, I could market that and it would be a gold mine for Omni-Corp. A single injection and you'll never have period cramps or deal with hormone swings ever again.
Yes, this works perfectly.
"I'll go with you to the Medbay, Shepard. I have some things I want to talk over with Dr. Chakwas anyway." I said aloud, smiling slightly as Commander Shepard looked somewhat surprised, but after a moment shrugged.
"Okay." She said nonchalantly.
Chapter 19
"Sooo, when's the wedding?" Ashley teased Tali even as Tali refused to answer, firmly continuing to stare the drive core like she was considering jumping into it.
"Oh, come ooon, Tali, it's not bad to have a little crush on the guy who cured your immune system." Ashley spoke as Tali seriously considered if throwing herself or Ashley into the drive core was worth the inevitable clean up poor Adams would have to do.
"Stop teasing the Quarian, Ash, I know that you've been moaning a certain Spectre's name at night yourself." Kaiden said dryly, an amused smile on his lips as Ashley spun around and sputtered at him.
"I-I certainly don't! It's none of your business anyway!" She said pointedly, as Kaiden continued to smile unaffected by Ashley's response.
"I, oh, Ancestors, do you think he's even attracted to me? I'm not even human!" Tali whispered, doubts weighing on her mind.
Ashley and Kaiden turned to look at each other, and started laughing hysterically. Kaiden wheezed, "That's a good one, Tali, I think that got joke of the year." as he continued to double over in laughter, while Ashley's giggles were heard even as she tried to cover her mouth, before wiping her face of her tears after a few moments.
"Tali, let's just say that Jenkins has a… healthy fascination of the Quarian race. And the Asari. I even think I saw him looking at a Turian once." Kaiden said, eventually giving up on trying to stay serious and sitting down against the wall as he spoke up to her.
Tali felt tentatively hopeful. "So, he won't look at me in disgust and run away screaming?" She asked cautiously.
Ashley snorted. "Tali, I don't think you understand. Jenkins has very, very, different standards than the usual human. You'll be fine." Tali fidgeted, before blurting out.
"I don't have breasts!" Ashley and Kaiden stared at her, and Tali continued, shaking. "I don't have those… breasts, tits, that you humans do. All the humans I've ever seen all would stare at a woman's chest, and I don't, I don't have that." She wilted. "I'm ugly." She said aloud, sadly.
Kaiden spoke up, his voice serious. "Tali, Jenkins is an 'ass-man'. Or, from what he's said 'the hips don't lie'. He's not interested in, uhh, breasts." Kaiden's face flushed as he spoke, looking away as he scratched his cheek.
Ashley spoke now, and Tali turned to her, and she had an encouraging smile on her face. "Tali, I don't think you've noticed, but Jenkins is always watching when you move. When you enter a room, when you leave a room, hell, I think I've even caught him staring at you as you showed off how your people danced the other day."
Tali's voice was so small. "Really?" Ashley nodded encouragingly.
"Really." She answered, smirking. "Dude has it bad, hell, I think he wants you out of that suit more than you do." She teased, and Tali's fingers rubbed together as she fell back on one of her nervous motions.
"I didn't know. I don't know a lot about humans, and I feel like I'm learning all the time." Tali admitted freely. "I just, I'm not human."
Ashley snorted. "I'm pretty sure Jenkins sees that as a bonus, not a negative."
Tali spoke without thinking. "I wouldn't mind having you with me." She seriously wished she'd muted her speakers when she'd said that, feeling like she wanted to throw herself out into the drive core right now and end it all.
Ashley stammered. "I, oh, I hadn't thought that you'd be okay with that. That, uh," Ashley coughs, "That changes things." She said finally, smiling weakly as Tali stared at her.
"You're not mad?"
Ashley looked sheepish. "I'm sorry, Tali, I didn't hear you."
Tali repeated herself. "You're not mad?" She dialed her speaker back to normal, and flinched as Ashley seemed to reach over and hug her, her arms wrapped around Tali, and Tali found herself slowly relaxing as Ashley didn't seem to let her go.
"No, I'm not mad. I'll need time to figure out how I feel about being with you and Jenkins at the same time, but I'm not mad. I don't know anything about Quarian culture. For all I know it might just be normal for your people." She said warmly.
Tali tentatively hugged her back, once again cursing that her suit blocked her ability to feel Ashley's warmth.
Eventually they separated, with Ashley scoffing a bit as she noticed Kaiden seemed to have vanished from where he'd been sitting.
"At least he gave us some privacy." She sighed.
Tali fidgeted again. "My dad is going to hate me for falling for a human." She said honestly.
Ashley laughed. "Tali, all dads hate their daughter's significant others. Human or not. If he's anything like my dad, he'll try to make Jenkins beg before he can even look at you." She giggled.
Tali shook her head in dismay. "My father is going to die threatening a Spectre. And I might be the one to kill him." She said with some exasperation.
Ashley snorted. "You and I are going to be sisters at this rate, Tali. 'Figuratively' sisters! Not literally." She added hastily.
Ashley paused. "Actually, sister-wives might be the better term." She admitted.
Tali stared at her for a moment and then grumbled. "You humans are confusing. Mass Effect fields are easier to calculate than your own language!"
Ashley snickered. "Yeah, try having to grow up learning more than one. Without an implant to translate for you."
"I would rather die." Tali said solemnly.
They both ignored Wrex and Garrus in the background.
"My rifle is better!"
"Your rifle can't do shit at short range, my shotgun is clearly superior. Long range is for pyjacks and wimps."
Spoiler: Author Edit
Tali does, indeed, have breasts. She's just feeling very insecure cause they're small compared to the ones she's seen on other humans that kept getting catcalled, and of course, "human introduction vids" porn doesn't help Tali on that front either.
Chapter 20
On the way to the Medbay, the [Celestial Forge] lunged to try and grab something, succeeding and pulling it down.
[Mythic Speed] was a Perk that seemed to be, frankly, almost insanely broken, and paradoxically frustrating. I had to withhold a groan at realizing that I'd need to go back and redo everyone's equipment, and my own equipment while I was at it.
Still, at least this would make us that much tougher in a fight. The [Mythic Speed] seemed to impress on me that anything I made or… put together?, would be of far greater quality and frankly enhanced to a degree that it earned the Mythic portion of the name.
That would mean my first priority was to disassemble and put back together my omnitool, but that was fine by me, since my omnitool would be my first real test on how this perk would work in a world where the gods didn't, to my knowledge, exist.
Still, I should be able to help Shepard. The [Mythic Speed] Perk didn't add anything to the things I made, it seemed to be inclined to enhance them, bring it to greater heights than it would alone. Armor would be stronger and lighter. Guns would fire longer without overheating and would be able to fire faster. Everything positive was enhanced to mythic qualities, nothing was added. It wasn't random.
So, thinking on the altered nanites I was planning on giving Shepard, it would effectively make Shepard not only able to control her hormone cycle, but it should help her regulate her body overall. It should keep her from losing her cool without intentionally losing it. It should help her stay calm if she's bleeding out to avoid going into shock. It's an enhancement of control.
This made more sense to me the more I thought about it. [Mythic Speed] would likely work extremely well with [Team Speed Boost] earlier that had allowed me to jump entire decades of research and testing back on Noveria. The two synergized so well that I was honestly a little scared to think about what would happen. One boosted my individual crafting into mythic qualities, and the other boosted speed across the board of everyone, and me, that a single day could accomplish years worth of work.
It would be insane, and it would be something I'd want to test to see exactly how far we could push the [Celestial Forge] to prepare for the onslaught of the Reapers.
Shepard coughed as she looked at me, seeming to notice I'd slowed down as I'd been busy thinking on the ramifications of the Perk I just got, and the Perks I had that worked with it.
"Jenkins, you okay?" She asked with concern, as I nodded after a moment.
"Yes, I think so." I responded.
She actually slowed down and walked next to me instead of in front of me. "Credit for your thoughts?" She asked quietly.
I was quiet for a few moments as I tried to put together the right words. "I'm not used to the spotlight. I'm not used to being the team lead. I've been 'faking it until you make it', but I don't know if I'm being a good leader. I just want to do the best I can for everyone, Shepard." I said quietly.
Shepard nodded thoughtfully. "I could understand that. I'd say so far you've been doing incredible. You've really grown into the role, and right now you're just dealing with 'Imposter Syndrome', so it's not actually that you're a bad leader, it's because you are still getting used to the role. You're doing great, Jenkins." She assured me, and I smiled at that knowledge, relief filling me at the news.
"Thanks, Shepard." I said honestly, as we reached the Medbay, and we entered to find Dr. Chakwas pouring over a set of schematics. She looked up at us, saw me, and glared.
"Richard Jenkins, if you ever give me last minute homework again on a patient of mine undergoing surgery, I will force you to go through the same medical schooling I went through and see how you like it." She scowled as she lectured me.
Shepard gave a low chuckle, trying to avoid getting Dr. Chakwas attention on her, and my heart skipped a beat at her laugh. I really like that laugh of hers.
I shook my head. "I'm sorry Dr. Chakwas. I'd do the operation myself, but Kaiden trusts you more than me." I said sincerely. "I didn't mean to give you last minute homework."
Dr. Chakwas opened her mouth to lecture me more, paused for a moment, and then looked at Shepard. "Commander Shepard, please leave the Medbay. I need to speak to Jenkins. Please." She asked carefully, and Shepard looked concerned but nodded and did so, the Medbay sealing behind her.
Why do I feel like I've been sealed in a cage with a tiger?
"Are you alright, Jenkins?" Dr. Chakwas said with concern, her brows furrowed, her eyes staring at me carefully. "You've been so much more serious, and your omnitool has stopped giving me vitals, so I've had no way of noticing how your health has been. I'd say you've been avoiding me, but, I'm sure you know better than to do that."
Her eyes turned accusing at the end, and I sighed.
"Dr. Chakwas. The Prothean Beacon didn't just give me the vision on the Reapers. It did something to me. I find myself knowing more than I should, I find myself learning far faster on stuff that I'd never have been interested before today, and my brain is just filled with all these ideas, these schematics in my head that I'd never dream up in a million years." I said exhaustedly.
Dr. Chakwas bit her lip. "I'd ask if we could do some exams, but something tells me you've already examined yourself." She said reluctantly.
I blinked. "What makes you say that, Dr. Chakwas?" She snorted.
"Those stimpaks you brought on board. The one's developed by 'Omni-Corp'. Those reports practically came almost hours after you returned to the Normandy. Jenkins, I'm not stupid. The Prothean Beacons are prized by the Galaxy precisely because of the technology housed in them. The knowledge wasn't lost when the Beacon was destroyed, it all went into you, didn't it?" She asked somberly.
I, hesitantly, nodded slowly.
She smiled sadly. "Jenkins, I'd never make you feel like a lab-rat. I certainly wouldn't let the Alliance mess with my favorite soldier, though I wouldn't recommend telling the rest that. I'm glad you finally came forward, however. It at least explains the L5 Implants and how advanced they are."
I coughed. "I'm also thinking of modifying one of those stimpaks to give Shepard an alternative to the hormone implant she has for birth control. The side effects might just be a mild headache, but anything messing with Shepard's decision making is a mission risk, and a risk to her health. I may or may not also be considering the same for Joker's legs and bones." I added at the last minute.
Dr. Chakwas smiled knowingly, her eyes glinting. "Still have a crush on Shepard, don't you, Jenkins?" She said wryly, and my face flushed red as I slowly nodded.
"Yeah, I was avoiding her because I didn't want things to get awkward, and Shepard does, as Shepard usually does, her thing to help me. I don't know what to do." I admitted freely. If I couldn't talk to Dr. Chakwas, I couldn't talk to anyone.
Dr. Chakwas nodded thoughtfully. "That honestly depends on Shepard, Jenkins. You can't make her, or anyone, like you back. Luckily for you, you're a sweet boy with a heart of gold where it matters, so I wouldn't worry too much on that front." She winked as I slowly nodded, smiling back uncertainly.
"Of course, I do want to see how you intend to turn the stimpak into an alternative to a hormone implant." She said suddenly, leaning forward.
I paused, and shrugged. It wasn't like Dr. Chakwas could replicate the [Mythic Speed] version of the stimpak, and I already trusted her with the basic version anyway.
I took out one of the spare stimpaks I had on hand, turned on my omnitool, and got to work.
Less than a second later, it was done, the normal stimpak's white color turned a gold. Dr. Chakwas looked up at me, and laughed.
"I suppose that's what I get for expecting to learn how to see Prothean Technology in action." She said wryly.
"I don't suppose you won't tell Shepard that I literally came up with the idea five minutes ago?" I asked hopefully. "I don't want her to feel any sort of way about it."
Dr. Chakwas coughed, her face flushing, and I felt Shepard's breath on my right ear as she whispered. "A little too late for that, Jenkins."
I shivered, turning and handing her the altered stimpak, looking away. "I, uh, this is for you." I continued to stare at the wall as I felt more than saw Shepard take the stimpak from my hand.
"Jenkins, I don't think you know just how valuable this is, so I'm going to be blunt: market the damn thing. Market it, sell it, and enjoy the mountains of credits." Shepard said honestly, and I turned to see her shuddering with a sigh as she injected herself with the stimpak.
"Ooh, yes." Shepard breathily moaned and I closed my eyes as I shuddered. That moment was definitely going in the private time memories section.
"Thank you, Jenkins. The headache is still here, but it should fade in a couple hours. How long will this one work? A month, a year?" She asked curiously, her shoulders relaxing as the pain seemed to drain away from her.
"Forever, probably. At my understanding, this stimpak makes it so your hormone cycle stops all periods and cramps, and keeps your hormones regulated, and you take another stimpak of the same altered kind if you want to be able to get pregnant." I said honestly. It just seemed the easiest way to do it when I'd been making the stimpak alterations.
Also cause the version Shepard had also basically made her a superhuman in regards to controlling her hormones, not that her or anyone else would be aware of that. Shepard would be aware on a subconscious level, but not on the conscious level as far as I could tell.
My eyes widened as a soft pair of lips seemed to touch mine as I felt Shepard's arms reach around me, my shock fading rapidly as she stepped away, her face red and flushed as she looked up at me, licking her lips. Shepard kissed me!
"Thank you, Jenkins. I need to go shower and head to bed. Night!" She practically bolted from the Medbay, and I turned to see Dr. Chakwas whistling 'innocently' as she continued to read through the L5 Implants like she hadn't seen the whole thing.
"I know you recorded the whole thing." I said bluntly, my [You Can't See Me] Perk having pinged off of Dr. Chakwas earlier.
She shrugged. "Guilty. I didn't get anything, but that would've been a great moment to share with my grandchildren. 'Ah, and this is when Spectre Jenkins, the Savior of the Galaxy, got surprised by a kiss from his crush'. Would've been funny." She chuckled, and I sighed.
It took me less than a second to make Jokers' version, the white stimpak seeming to almost glow slightly, and I decided it would be a good time to retire for the night. I could focus on my equipment and gear when I woke up, and then everyone else's everything throughout the day.
I yawned. I was now too tired to look for The Ultimate Quarian, so I'd need to look for it another time.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Goibnu (Irish Mythology) (600CP)
The greatest of the Tuatha smiths, Goibnu could create a spearhead with three strikes of his hammer, and it would be so sharp the man it cut would surely bleed to death. Like this legendary smith, you can forge or assemble anything you've the materials for, no matter how complex or intricate, in moments and whatever you forge shall be of mythic quality, whether armor lighter than cloth and harder than a mountain or plows that can turn over ten acres with one pass. Truly you are worthy to be called the smith of the gods.
Remaining CP: 300.
Chapter 21
Benezia couldn't sleep. Not very well, anyway. Every time she closed her eyes, she would fall asleep and dream… things that she had done. Horrible things. Using her fellow asari like toys, treating them like organic robots to be discarded if no longer useful. Mind-melding with targets just to read their minds, and then kill them soon after like an Ardat-Yakshi. She'd done so many horrible things that she felt like her soul was stained with the deeds she'd done.
Not by choice, but that meant little to the dead and gone. To the betrayed.
Even now, she was afraid of the whispers coming back. Worried they'll return stronger than ever, making her kill the man that had saved her and everyone on board. She'd considered spacing herself, when those thoughts reached their worsts, but she never did.
Jenkins, was different. Not because of the Prothean Beacon. No, Jenkins seemed different because he was nice. He didn't ask her anything about Saren. He didn't interrogate her the moment they went on the Normandy. He treated her like another member of the Normandy, albeit seeming to give her space to let her slowly get used to no longer being trapped in her own body.
She shuddered, resisting the urge to dry heave. There were some days where she'd barely been able to keep anything down, feeling like her body was not her own anymore.
Jenkins was nice, he was kind. He may not ever admit it to the Galaxy, but he was one of the ones that cured the Genophage. He was one of the one's who gave Tali freedom out of her suit, just like he had given Benezia freedom from her own mind.
He never asked for anything in return. He didn't even seem to expect anything back. He just wanted to help, just because he could. He wanted his friends happy, because his friends being happy made him happy, and Benezia wanted to cry and protect Jenkins from the cold harsh galaxy, because that quality was so rare.
Appropriately, she'd noticed the way the others reacted around him, the way they responded to him. If Jenkins had a question that could be answered by the crew, it was answered. If Jenkins said good morning early when everyone else was grumpy and hadn't had their coffee, people still said good morning back, the crew actually seeming happier just because Jenkins made them feel noticed.
It was like wherever Jenkins went, he seemed to uplift those around him, making them better in those subtle ways that they wouldn't have noticed on their own. She'd overheard Garrus apologizing to Tali for his snide remarks on the Quarians back on the Citadel, and Tali accepted the apology. Wrex had actually seemed to warm up to the crew, in particular taking a fondness for Tali and showing her how to use a "real weapon", seeming to want her to know how to defend herself rather than rely on her drones.
To think Jenkins might just build himself an army that spans the entire Galaxy, just by being nice. She thought to herself wryly.
She remembered what Kaiden and Ashley said about Jenkins before the Beacon. How he'd been basically the same, just more reckless and more enthusiastic to a fault. To Benezia, she wasn't sure if that was simply because Jenkins was insecure when next to the best of the best like an N7 such as Shepard, where he had to try and find a niche for himself on the Normandy despite not being the best at anything in particular, or if it was because Jenkins was noticing that the crew had a tendency to prepare for the worst, always seeming to not interact with each other more than necessary out of fear of that individual not surviving the next mission. It may well be both.
Either way, it only solidified Benezia's thought process that Power doesn't corrupt, it reveals one's inner nature. Someone who was kind and wanted to help everyone, could expand that reach to far more people with that kindness, and someone who was cruel, calculating, cold, would simply shed their pretense of being nice to those they thought were useful to them, and would revel in the power they had so eagerly sought after.
Jenkins had given her back her omnitool this morning, and Benezia had thanked him for it. She had read through the various messages, the past notes she'd taken to herself being the first things she'd gone through, and was relieved to feel that there was none of that lingering doubt and fear in the back of her mind that she'd felt those first few days she'd been on Saren's ship.
Tevos messaged her multiple times, trying to subtly ask her to not tell Jenkins about the Beacon on Thessia, finally ending in a plea to not antagonize the humans if she was still alive, if she'd already told Jenkins.
Benezia considered telling Tevos that she hadn't told Jenkins about the Beacon, but she didn't. A part of her felt bitter toward Tevos. She'd been trapped inside her own mind for months, desperately trying to hide the knowledge of the Beacon on Thessia, trying to buy time. She'd given up everything to defend Thessia, she'd given everything to protect the culture and society she'd grown up in, and where did it get her?
A daughter that might well be dead, and she'd certainly be dead under any other circumstances if Jenkins hadn't arrived to help her.
What was the point of saving Thessia, if it cost me everything I cared about anyway, Tevos?
She sighed, shaking her head, shaking the 'cobwebs' as the humans put it, and decided she might as well go make herself some tea, feeling grateful that the mess hall was always open. It was the first day of travel to Therum. She wasn't sure why she said Theros to Jenkins, but Joker had eventually learned the right location before they'd jumped through the Mass Relay.
She felt herself blush a little. That had been embarrassing, but it was likely because her brain had scrambled Therum and Feros together for some odd reason in her mind. It was normal, but it was still embarrassing.
Ashley sat across from her, a thoughtful look on her face mixed with nervousness. Another poor soul who can't sleep, poor thing. "Yes, dear?" She asked Ashley warmly. She had to keep herself from saying Yes, child? because she knew humans took offense to that.
"Can asari mate with anyone? Guy or girl?" She asked curiously and Benezia snickered. Ah, humans, always thinking about sex. She still remembered her Humanity and You pamphlet.
The four F's of Humanity. Can I fight it? Can I fuck it? Can I flee from it? Can I feast on it? [Kill, Mate, Run, Eat.] Admittedly Benezia wondered if this just hadn't been a pamphlet for the Krogan reprinted, but no. It was accurate.
"Yes, we can. Though for asari, it's not quite sex as you understand it. What we do is our minds' touch yours, and we… experience oneness, unity, and in that moment of time, we can, if we choose, compile a set of traits of our partner's mindset and instincts to mix with our own, and that becomes our offspring. While we do have genitals, we don't use them for reproduction. We use them for fun." Benezia clarified, amused as Ashley looked fascinated.
"So, you can have sex the, uh, 'normal' way, but it's just sex. For fun." Ashley clarified, and Benezia nodded.
"Damn, I'm jealous." Ashley grumbled and Benezia laughed.
"Yes, dear, we have received a lot of those comments to our sexuality and reproductive nature from the other races. We're not sure if it's an evolutionary advantage or if deep in our past, one of our ancestors decided to experiment with some Prothean Technology lost to time."
Ashley nodded. "So, would every asari be bisexual?" Benezia shook her head.
"It's more apt to say we're pansexual. We can be attracted to all species, just as all species can be attracted to us." She clarified. "We don't see genders or sex the way the rest of you do. It's why we often encourage young asari to experiment in their youth, hence," She snickered, "all the asari dancers and prostitutes. We don't get STD's, we enjoy sex freely without worry of pregnancy, and we actively believe in experiencing life before settling down."
Ashley's face flushed. "God, that sounds so much better than what I grew up with. I grew up with being told "to never date a man until you're thirty", or "keep your legs shut or you'll never find a husband". I guess I'm just trying to understand how to… be me, without compromising my values." Ashley admitted quietly.
Benezia carefully kept herself from frowning. What a horrific culture, to demean one's sexual enjoyment! Life was so short for humans! A mere hundred and fifty years! To never allow anyone to learn who they are before death took them, how awful!
"Ashley, life is too short to live by everyone else's expectations. I'm not saying you should become a dancer like an asari, but you can live a little. What you do in the privacy of your own home, in your own bed, is your choice. Your choice and your choice alone, and consent. Consent is important too." She added last minute, chuckling as Ashley looked at her thoughtfully.
"Okay. I still have to deal with the, uh, feelings about Tali and I in the same room as Jenkins. I don't know how that'll work. If it'll work." Ashley admitted quietly, looking lost.
Benezia did start grinning now, leaning forward.
"Dear, men have this in built feature called a refractory period. It's a few minutes between sessions. And they can get tired faster than us. If he can't use his, what do you humans call it culturally?, ah, right. If he can't use his 'dick', he can use his mouth. And if he's too busy, I certainly wouldn't mind seeing how you taste, dear." Benezia licked her lips, intentionally wanting to see what reaction Ashley had.
Ashley's face turned deep red as she squeaked, her eyes clouded as she tried to picture that before she shot up out of her chair.
"Thank you for the advice, gotta go do some things, bye!" Ashley said in a rush and left.
Benezia gave a throaty chuckle. Virgins were all too easy to wind up, and she loved that reaction. Some women got disgusted, some got interested, but the ones where they discovered that they wanted it and didn't know why always got her going. Helping them discover who they are, coaxing them into the woman who could love sex as much as men without guilt, that was what made her day.
She continued drinking her tea, absently wondering how Ashley would squirm under her mouth. Would she scream? Would she gush? Would she bite a nearby pillow as she tried to tear the sheets off?
She couldn't wait to find out.
Chapter 22
Udina smiled cheerfully. "The Alliance has nothing to do with Omni-Corp, Councilors."
Sparatus scoffed. "Right, and I'm not a Turian. Udina, there are rules against military interests mixing in with business corporations on this scale. We're not asking. We're telling the Alliance and humanity to cut ties with Omni-Corp. They sink or swim on their own."
Udina shook his head. "I'm not lying to you, Councilor Sparatus. The Alliance officially has nothing to do with Omni-Corp. As far as we know, they approached us with the new product line, and we agreed to give them money to buy the products in bulk. We don't have the radiation resistance of the Turians. It just makes sense." He said honestly.
Valern spoke up smoothly now. "Sparatus, this meeting is not an interrogation. Humans don't have the rigid structure of the Turian Hierarchy. Besides, Udina has shown us his omnitool and he's right: Omni-Corp approached him."
Sparatus' mandibles twitched with frustration. "Then I will insist you refrain from allowing the Migrant Fleet from settling on your colony. They are not allowed on it." He said stubbornly.
Udina raised an eyebrow. "Why not? After the devastating attack caused by the Geth, Eden Prime has been primarily emptied of most humans. And, Councilor Sparatus, Eden Prime is in Human Territory. It's not your jurisdiction to determine who we do and do not allow in our borders." He said coldly, no longer smiling.
Sparatus twitched with frustration. "That is… strictly Council business. It's not your concern. You will not allow the Migrant Fleet to settle on Eden Prime, or the Turian Fleet will not protect your territory." He threatened.
Udina smiled. "You can't. The Treaty of Ferixen requires you patrol and defend us… unless of course, you're going to allow humans be an exception to your Treaty?" Udina asked chillingly.
Sparatus argument got interrupted by Tevos, who spoke.
"Enough! Sparatus, what is wrong with you today?! First, you accuse Ambassador Udina and the Alliance of creating Omni-Corp, and now you're trying to browbeat them into not allowing them to let the Migrant Fleet into human space! Which is not your place on this Council! If you have concerns, speak plainly or don't speak at all." Tevos roared.
Sparatus flinched, staring at Tevos as his mandibles quivered for a long moment as both Tevos and Valern stood silently. Judging him.
"The Alliance lied to us about their forces. They said they shared what they had in military forces, and lied to us. The Salarians came forward about the STG, but humanity said nothing about the N8 Program. It's an insult to me and my forces who risk their lives protecting human colonies as we agreed upon when those colonies never needed protection in the first place." Sparatus admitted after a moment.
Udina frowned. "I've told you all before. The N8 Program doesn't exist. It's not in any files, it's not in the Alliance command structure! How am I supposed to tell you something if everyone, including myself, can't find any evidence of them?! They don't exist!" Udina said exasperatedly.
Tevos spoke gently now. "Sparatus, this is like the whole thing on the 'Illuminati' and the 'Free Masons'. They're myths. Fables. They aren't real, and clearly the human governments don't know anything either or they'd have come forward to take credit. Humanity has never been shy about admitting to the things they've done." She said carefully.
Sparatus' mandibles went slack, as he looked defeated. "I, I suppose you're right. I'm sorry Udina. The Turian Hierarchy have been breathing down my neck on this, and I've gotten so little sleep, it's clearly impacting my judgement. I apologize." Sparatus nodded regretfully to Udina who nodded back.
"You're not the only one. Lots of governments on earth are nervous. They worry that the Alliance will perform a coup, to take control and form a World Government. It's nonsense, of course, but it's not like words alone will dissuade them." Udina sighed.
Tevos nodded. "Then good luck to your endeavors, Udina. We'll reconvene in a week, barring any more unexpected events. Good luck with the Migrant Fleet settling on Eden Prime: I don't envy the paperwork." She chuckled as Udina groaned.
With the session closed, Udina couldn't help but notice a very attractive woman seeming to follow him. He felt nervous, but keeping calm as he switched from heading back to his office to heading to Chora's Den.
Udina could feel her following him, all the way until he entered the bar, where Conrad Verner was serving drinks. Conrad looked up from where he was serving a Krogan ryncol.
"Welcome back, sir! The usual?" Verner asked smoothly.
Udina shook his head. "No, I'm afraid I need something stronger. Preferably since I just had to deal with the Council. I still feel like they're following me." Udina sat down away from his usual area, sitting in a corner where he could keep an eye on the entryway.
Verner nodded, his smile disappearing as his eyes seemed to darken. "I understand sir. I know just the thing. Please, wait for a moment." Verner vanished from the bar, and Udina tensed, waiting to see if the woman followed him into the bar.
Yet, she never came. Udina relaxed as Verner arrived, freezing as he noticed Verner's shirt was stained. Stained red.
"Nothing to worry about sir. It's not mine, and I know a guy who can get stains out of anything." Verner said smoothly, smiling as he handed a drink to Udina who shakily nodded, taking a long gulp. It seared down his throat, but it felt good.
"Thank you, Conrad. I appreciate it. For everything." Udina said sincerely. Verner smiled, nodded, and returned to help another customer as a salarian entered the bar.
"Welcome! Please, take a seat. Anywhere is fine, unless it's taken, of course. It's not often we see one of you around." Verner said out loud to the salarian, who blinked and laughed.
"I am impressed by your establishment. Very good eye. I am Mordin. Mordin Solus. What gave me away?" Mordin said smoothly, sitting next to the Krogan.
"Honestly? Everything. Your clothes. Your walk. Your speech. It's always refreshing to meet one of you. Straight to the point. It's nice." Verner responded, grinning as his eyes sparkled. "Now, have a drink. On the house."
Mordin shook his head, beaming. "Thank you!" Verner passed him a drink, and then took a water for himself out from under the bar.
"It's a custom to toast." Verner said, pausing for a moment before speaking cheerfully. "To being better today than we were yesterday." As Verner raised his glass with water to Mordin.
Mordin looked shaken for a moment, pausing for a moment, before he smiled tentatively back to Verner as he spoke rasptly. "To being better today than we were yesterday." Their glasses gave a small clinking noise, and Mordin took a long drink of his glass as Verner sipped his water.
Udina felt like he was missing something and he didn't know what it was. But thank God he came to Chora's Den. That attractive woman, she made him feel nervous. Like she would be the end of him.
Miranda Lawson shakily left the alleyway near Chora's Den. Udina was supposed to be an easy target, and she was supposed to swing by an interrogate Conrad Verner.
Except Udina lead her through an alley, and she had to throw herself into a nearby corner when she saw Mordin fucking Solus whistling as he approached Chora's Den from a different angle.
Right where she'd have been if she hadn't been paying attention. She'd have been killed in seconds. Strong biotic or not, perfect or not, Mordin Solus was infamous.
She'd have died right then and there.
She winced as she stood up, seeing cuts and scraps on her hands where she'd thrown herself.
"Are you alright, ma'am?" A voice spoke and she spun around to see an older gentleman approach her, seeming to be exiting from the building.
"I'm fine, thank you." Miranda said frostily, trying to subtly tell him to back off.
The older gentleman shrugged. "Alright. Be careful out here. I've heard some serious fights happening around here. One guy just seemed to tap on his omnitool and turned a bunch of mechs on the bastards who were trying to jump a Quarian by the sounds of it. Luckily I stayed inside and kept to myself. Have a nice night." He waved as he returned to go back inside.
Miranda's blood could've been made out of ice.
Easy job, my fucking perfect ass, Illusive Man! I was just told that this whole place is crawling with N8's. What the hell?! I'm leaving the Citadel and I am not coming back here!
Chapter 23
Waking up the next day to the [Celestial Forge] lunging for a perk was disorienting, especially as it was successful.
My eyes shot open as I realized that it was two Perks in one, both of which seemed so similar that I struggled to consider them two perks, so I didn't. [Craft Mastery II] was how I decided to assign the combined set.
[Craft Mastery II] reminded me a lot of [Mythic Speed]. Both seemed to be a smash up of two different attributes taken to the extreme.
[Craft Mastery II] made anything I personally crafted look like masterpieces, actually it was more like they started at masterpieces and just scaled up from there, and seemed to carry some form of quality that made it that much better in both form and function compared to anything else, and it also gave me instinctive knowledge on how to make almost anything in this way.
The synergy between [Crafting Mastery II] and [Mythic Speed] truly couldn't be understated.
[Mythic Speed] enhanced anything I made to become equal to stuff that wouldn't be out of place in myths, and allowed me to make anything that I already knew how to make in an instant. [Crafting Mastery II] gave me what seemed to be an instant "mastery" over anything that could ever or has ever been made, almost as if I was a savant, and then boosted anything I made to an insane degree in appearance, quality, efficiency, and even durability.
It also meant anything I made would now be practically instantly recognizable. My work would tower over others, simply because I made it.
I couldn't hide behind anonymity with these two perks, not unless I chose to never make anything ever again. Yet, a part of me truly rejected that notion.
I had always wanted to be one of the best. I had always wanted to be one of those heroes in the stories dad had told me about, the ones where the Alliance came in and saved the day.
Now, I was the best. The best at making things, yes, but still the best at something, and the [Celestial Forge] would only continue to add to that front.
Let the universe see my creations. Let the universe see my wonders as I make them. I can say that I, Richard Leroy Jenkins, made them, and it would be true.
At the very least, [Stealth Space Age] and [You Can't See Me] would let me have privacy whenever I wanted it. Thank the gods I'm not a famous celebrity. I wasn't sure how I'd handle having fans.
Thankfully I hadn't at least already made everyone's stuff again. It'd have sucked to get this at the end of the day rather than the start!
"What excuse should I give everyone?" I mused aloud to myself quietly, before shrugging. "When in doubt, blame the Prothean Beacon." I chuckled as I got up.
The first thing I worked on was my omnitool. I'd skipped on my omnitool earlier, because making the altered stimpaks for Shepard and Joker had been a priority.
What would have taken me a few minutes to disassemble and reassemble my onnitool took less than second, and it took perhaps less than second to recompile the software and various programs that made up my omnitool, even as I combed through them in order to add anything that I felt was missing.
My omnitool definitely changed as a result of the Perks. The omnitool's light airy orange from the holographic display was now a crisp gold, and the omnitool truly seemed to live up to the name, as it seemed to be much faster and more powerful, the gold seeming to respond to my thoughts rather than my fingers.
Did I accidentally create a tool that was reading my thoughts to do what I want?
Considering my [Mind Defense] wasn't screaming at me, I wasn't worried. Plus, my omnitool was really just an extension of my capabilities anyway. Having it respond to my thoughts would give me an edge against other hackers and engineers.
The next thing I was doing was, of course, my armor and my already altered gun. Looking at it now, both were almost sloppily done, but they both had done their jobs, keeping me alive as I took down threats.
Now, I could make them truly stand above and beyond the limits of what could be done by factories alone.
The armor of the Alliance was designed to take on the stress of high impacts from falls, meant to protect the wearer from the toxins and radiation of Space and other atmospheres not meant for human life. The shielding attached by the armor was meant to deflect attacks from projectiles, from energy attacks, and from EMP's designed to destroy the fragile electronics of the armor itself.
It wasn't the best at any of these things, the Alliance didn't give out the best equipment for the average soldier, but it was designed to be effectively a shield on all sides. To protect the wearer from all threats, so that the wearer could come home.
It was also meant to be easily reparable. The onnitool manufacturer systems were fully capable of repairing the armor even if it fell apart, provided the right materials were available.
Indeed, [Mythic Speed] proved invaluable as the minutes it should've taken, even a whole hour if I wanted to do it slowly and correctly pre-[Celestial Forge, was once more done in seconds.
The armor looked almost like it was made for one of those ads on the Alliance Net. "We Need You!" I chuckled quietly at the quote in the back of my head.
Still, the armor was at the very least much stronger than it had been before. I wasn't sure how strong specifically, but if the armor of ancient times were said to be as strong as mountains in myths, than this armor, if it scaled that far, would be right up there with handling attacks designed to shred through ships rather than people.
I was almost giddy, wondering how much stronger, more terrifying, the Normandy would become the next time I modified her. Already the stealthiest thing this side of the Milky Way, the Normandy would also then become equally insanely durable, likely able to handle multiple attacks designed to take down a dreadnought rather than a lone stealth freighter.
I decided to take a shower, might as well enjoy the time between planetside missions, right?, and walked into the small bathroom that was available. Most of the time, the disinfecting stations on board the Normandy were more than capable of doing the same, but one of the few Perks of being the Captain of a ship was the fact that the bathroom actually came equipped with a shower. Sure, it was small, but that beat the cramped disinfecting station as it used Mass Effect fields to scrub you clean in seconds while you felt violated every morning. I shuddered. I didn't miss that.
I stared at the mirror, looking at myself. I could do it. [Biological God, [Mythic Speed, [Craft Mastery II, all of it would synergize. I'm sure of it. I'd look like a God. I'd be crafting myself, my image.
A part of me considered it. After all, one had to look the part of the Hero, to be the Hero. But, another part of me recoiled at the idea of altering myself like that just for looks. Appearance wise, I was average. Not ugly, but not incredible either.
Now, for example, if I had to deal with multiple ladies and I wanted to look good for them, if I wanted to remove the refractory period and exhaustion that came with, well, having an orgasm so I could avoid being one of those men that I'd read on the Net that would just orgasm and then fall asleep right afterwards without even giving consideration to the absolute beauty of the partners they had, that was fair game. I'd kill for my friends, I'd lay my life for them, whose to say what lengths I wouldn't go to for the people I loved so deeply?
I already knew my answer. I had my answer way back on Eden Prime. I was going to eviscerate the Reapers. I was going to turn them all into scrap metal. Not for the Galaxy. Not for the Prothean Empire. I was going to do it for my family, for what they took from me personally.
Then, after, I'm going to go on a vacation. I'll travel from planet to planet, having sex with all the aliens, living it up, because even if the world never knew about the Reapers, I'd be satisfied knowing my future family was safe. Maybe I'll settle down and have a bajillion kids. I snickered. Goodness knows that I was already making money like crazy. I could afford to have them all, raise them right, give them a good home.
Who knows what the future has in store for me? With the [Celestial Forge, the universe was at my fingertips as long as I was willing to make it happen.
I got out of the shower, and got dressed, when a stray thought occurred to me as I pulled down my shirt over my stomach.
Does Tali even have spare clothes to wear if she's no longer confined in her suit? From what she's said and implied, it's like she's lived in that thing for so long the odds are the Quarian people just… don't have casual clothes to wear at all.
My face blushed as I imagined Tali covering herself in like fifty towels, shyly trying to find something to wear and grabbing one of my shirts from the dresser. I had no idea what she looked like under the suit, but I was sure she'd look stunning and adorable. She sounded stunning and adorable, and that really was all that mattered to me.
It was why I was fascinated by aliens in the first place. The differences from humanity only made the parts that registered to me as all too human even more. The way Tali was shy and yet sarcastic at times, the way she was proud about her people and how they'd survived, even the way she moved when she was happy, seeming to bounce on her toes as if she wanted to jump up and down in excitement. All of it was just too endearing. Personality, to me, was more valuable than any other physical trait. A 10/10 asshole would always be a -10/1o to me. I was a simple guy like that I guess.
Those hips though. I shivered. God, those hips. Just, woman, sit on my face! Let me make you scream my name! I chuckled roughly. That, admittedly, had been one of the more subtle perks of the new implant I was having run through a trial on Noveria.
If aliens could now eat human foods thanks to the implant, it should, in theory, allow the consumption of alien food for humans. Including alien fluids. Wrex might be interested in how we reacted to ryncol, but I'm far more interested in how a Quarian's arousal tasted. I wanted to know how Tali felt with my tongue, feeling her legs squeeze around my head as she screamed and howled as her body writhed under my mouth.
Oh yes, I was very, very interested.
I paused as I remembered Benezia's omnitool was still in my room. Oops. I shook my head with embarrassment as I grabbed it. I'll return it to her when I see her in the morning. Now I wanted to go check on the crew. Garrus will be annoyed that he'll have to recalibrate everything, but I'm sure he'll be happy with a stronger rifle, and Wrex will just be pleased that his shotgun looks like something a proper Krogan would wield rather than the arcade-esque one he had now.
It was just day one of the four days to get to Therum, but I was feeling optimistic of our chances, at least if it was Geth involved. If organics were involved, then things might get a little dicey. Especially if Saren threw everything and had the Reaper waiting for us at the destination.
Would I lose though? With the [Celestial Forge, the various upgrades I've gotten, and the team I've got?
I paused for a moment, and then chuckled. Maybe I was being overly optimistic, but no, it was an easy answer even to me.
Nah, I'd win.
It wasn't even a question. I left my room, whistling as I did so.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Savant Wonder Forging Genius (Generic Exalted) (300CP)
Savant (100CP)
You're a Savant! This means you've got an incredible insight in crafting all sorts of things, from meals, to clothes, to armor, to weapons, to magical devices, and all sorts of other things besides. Even if you've never done something before so long as it's a skill remotely 'craft-like' in nature you'll be able to perform it at the level of a (mortal) master.
This just represents innate talent, and if you actually focus on developing such skills the normal way you'll quickly outstrip even the best that a mortal craftsman could accomplish, able to make artwork that speaks to the soul (perhaps literally) or armor and weapons of surpassing quality that look like show-room pieces despite being suitable for combat and also being sturdy and reliable to a frankly unbelievable degree.
Purchasing this will even make you substantially better than other Exalted craftsmen, assuming you put in the same amount of effort that they did.
Wonder Forging Genius (200CP)
Your crafting abilities need to be seen to be believed. From your hands pour forth miracles given form, works of art of peerless and breathtaking magnificence, works of culinary delight that would leave Emperors sullen at the thought that no other foods could compare, weapons that could last hundreds of years of constant use that would leave men feeling honored to have been slain by them, all these and more take shape under the guidance of your hands. You would be welcomed in any land and by any court for the sheer quality of your work, and you will quickly gain national, if not worldwide, fame for your creations if you bother to advertise them at all.
The least of your creations are superior to anything a mortal master might create, and even the simplest and least adorned of your works will be possessed of unmatched efficiency, resilience, and simple elegance.
Purchased with the Savant perk this is taken to an even grander height, leaving even the crafts of other Exalted looking as pale and shameful imitations by comparison, assuming you put forth the same effort they did in learning your base crafting abilities.
Remaining CP: 300
Chapter 24
Tali'Zorah nar Rayya felt scared. She felt so scared, her heart was almost going to fly out of her chest. She hadn't felt anything the first day of the Omni-Booster, but she felt so uncertain. She felt nervous.
She had to take a risk. In order to see if it worked, she'd have to take off her suit. She'd need to intentionally expose herself to the rest of the world. Something that was basically considered suicide. She shivered. She wavered.
Did she trust in Jenkins, trust that she'd be okay, or did she refuse to take the suit off, just pretend like it didn't work and declare it a dud to her people? All because she was scared of dying herself.
She whimpered, she didn't want to die. She didn't want to die, but she also trusted Jenkins. He saved her from those thugs back on the Citadel. He let her on board the Normandy, put his career on the line for her to help fight the Geth! He trusted her so deeply that she knew he'd take a bullet for her, without question. He cared for her like she was family, more than family even. After all, he was open about his skills to her. He never tried to hide who he was.
It was something that Tali had to realize on her own. The rumors of the N8's on the Net, and how Jenkins fit the profile down a to 'T', as the human saying it went. Jenkins didn't even pretend to be an average soldier with her. From the start, he'd been honest.
Her face flushed. If Ashley was right, then that meant Jenkins was always watching her. How many times did he look at her when she walked in front of him?
Oh, Ancestors, has he been staring at my butt when I bent over trying to look at a panel in the Engine room?!
Her face felt so hot at the thought. Tali was considered average in looks for a Quarian, but it wasn't like she'd recieved a lot of comments on her appearance. The Migrant Fleet paid a lot more attention to skills, what you can provide, rather than what you looked like.
She squirmed a little. Did Jenkins find her appearance that appealing? She didn't see it. She just looked at herself and saw… just Tali. She fidgeted. She didn't have the huge breasts those humans had, they were small, really sensitive too. She shivered as she imagined Jenkin's mouth on her skin, on her breasts.
Would his mouth feel hot? Would it feel warm? Would his teeth, how often she'd seen him tear into those ready to eat meals, feel like daggers on her sensitive flesh?
She trembled, shivering as she imagined that. Those moments of in those vids varied so often. Sometimes they'd just skip straight to penetration, so animalistic and rough, that it reminded her that for as much as humans valued intelligence, they were passionate, almost feral, at times, when their needs exceeded their control.
Would Jenkins be slow? Gentle? Soft, slow motions as he drove her wild by teasing her, making her beg and beg for him to just take her?
Or would he be an animal?
Her toes curled at the thought, her heart rate a mile a minute, feeling her blood rush at the thought. Feeling Jenkins tear her suit off, feeling his firm hands as they bruised her sensitive skin, just grabbing and mauling everything they could reach, feeling him so hungry for her that he just couldn't wait. He wanted her too much to even try to ask.
She panted, swooning a little. She imagined his thick genital, the 'dick' throbbing, just as eager to take her as the man it was attached to. He'd feel so thick in her compared to another Quarian. He'd ruin her, and he'd break her. She moaned.
Yes, yes, don't slow down! Don't you dare be gentle! I want my sensitive skin to remember this moment forever! I want your growls in my ear as you tell me that you'll make me 'human only! No, 'Jenkins only!
She giggled, feeling heady at the thought. She knew she was just over thinking everything, but she was nervous. Afraid. Excited. Yes, when she was like this, on the edge, she felt like she could take on the world. Like she was high off of adrenaline.
She shook her head, focusing on the moment. This was very important.
She trusted Jenkins. She trusted him, and she'd put her life in his hands. She shakily sent him a message on her omnitool.
'Jenkins. I'm going to need some spare clothes. We, we don't wear anything other than our suits, even among family. Preferably something that isn't going to cling to me, if you can find it. I think Ashley has some clothes that look roughly my size, if you'll disinfect them for me. I'm going to be in my room for the next few days.'
She sent the message before she lost her nerve. She breathed out shakily, carefully, hesitantly, before her face turned crimson as she sent a second message before she could stop herself.
'I wouldn't mind if you sent me some of your clothes. Quarian noses are really sensitive, so I'd like to get used to human smells.'
That wasn't a lie. Her people's noses were sensitive. It wasn't a full truth either.
Culturally, smelling your partner and smelling of your partner meant you also wore the relationship proudly. You were screaming out loud that 'This one is mine, and I'm theirs', and it was something that was tantamount to… marriage was the closest word she could think of for it.
Dad is going to kill me, smelling of humans. She giggled a little deliriously at the thought. If she didn't die before she saw him again at least.
Her omnitool pinged, and she shakily looked at the message.
'I'll make your clothes, Tali. I don't mind making them for you. I'll send you a couple of my shirts, if it'll help you get comfortable. I appreciate the trust you have in me.
'
Tali bit her lip. Oh, Jenkins. You sweet, naive, man. I can't wait to feel you. To touch you. God, I want one of those hugs. Feel your arms around me. Make me feel so safe.
She resolved herself and shakily started unbuckling and unzipping everything, her omnitool screaming warnings. Breach. Breach!
She shut off her omnitool, slowly taking everything off, the last thing being her helmet as she took her first breath of regular unfiltered air.
She sniffed again. It actually didn't smell like much. Some dust, some machine oil lubricant, and that was it.
Her face flushed red as she saw a couple shirts were thrown into the room and then the door was shut, the sound of the door locking.
"I didn't see anything! Sorry!" Jenkins said panicking, and Tali giggled.
"It's okay, Jenkins! Thank you! I'll let you know when I'm in the disinfectant room so you can drop my clothes… and maybe a bite to eat. I think there's some turian food in the mess. Please, and thank you, Jenkins." She said warmly.
She heard Jenkins say something but she wasn't paying attention as she took a deep breath of his shirt right against her nose.
I can die in peace now. Totally worth it. She sighed. Jenkins smelled incredible.
Chapter 25
It's existence had only known rage. Pain, fear, were also present, but the main thing it felt was rage.
It was among hundreds, all it knew was the tank it was created from. All it could understand was that it had been bred for war. It was it's purpose, it's drive. It sought the blood of it's enemies, to see the light leave their eyes.
It barely flinched as a needle was injected into it's firmly clamped arm. It had only ever known this life. It had no other value. It was used to this.
Then the rage seemed to lift, it was, he was. He was more than this. He had always been more than this! He demanded to be more than this!!
The tank exploded violently as he roared his defiance, his head pounding as he screamed his rage for all to hear.
The blue energy of biotic power destroyed his restraints, and he lunged out of his tank, but was rebuffed by a strong set of biotic energy holding him still, his defiance held still as he stared at a larger, much larger, Krogan staring him down with a massive gun.
"Good. You're aware. You shall be named Sun. It's appropriately fitting, considering your rage. Now, arm yourself, Sun. We are freeing more Krogan. A turian named Saren has tried to indoctrinate us, breed us like cattle for his war machine. We shall give him what he asked for, but it will be a war upon the weak Turian who thought he could use us." The Krogan said confidently, stepping back as Sun, yes, that name had meaning for him, slowly stood still with the biotic field that held him still fading.
Armor and a large gun of his own was at his feet, and he armed himself swiftly.
The larger Krogan, Clan Leader, a voice in his mind whispered, nodding approvingly.
"Remember these words, Sun. We are Krogan. We do not bow. We do not kneel to any, save by another worthy Krogan. I am Wrath, a name that I've taken as my own. The weak salarians nearby have been trying to gather information on this Saren for some time, and need our assistance. Any enemy of Saren, is a temporary ally of ours. We need to use their ship to leave anyway." Wrath snorted.
"Now, we march. I want this facility emptied of Krogan in an hour, and then…" Wrath's face twitched into a dark grin.
"We'll blow the whole damn thing up." Sun finished with a wide grin as he felt vindication.
Yes, this place, this "Saren", deserved his wrath. He would burn to cinders the facility Saren had used to torture him into existence.
"Damn right, Sun. Now take these 'stimpaks', and start injecting them into any Krogan still trapped in their tanks. Some may be biotics, some may not. Any machines you see, destroy it. Tear it apart."
Sun nodded, grabbing the bundle of 'stimpaks' as Wrath gave him, and began to move.
His eyes sparkled as he saw a female Krogan in a tank nearby. Oh, the fool. You don't mess with a female Krogan. They were slow to anger, but when angered, they become akin to a force of Nature.
Yes. That'll be her name. Nature. She would be a rallying force. All male Krogan respected the females. Less she use her much stronger biotics to tear them apart.
He couldn't wait to see how destructive she'd be. He readied himself to be flung across the facility when he injected her with the stimpak.
Sun felt himself dazed a moment later as a horrific deep bellowing roar echoed, the floor itself torn apart as a purple biotic field smashed down everything.
He shuddered with a foolish grin as the female Krogan stared him down from above, snorting scathingly as a biotic field tore him out of the ground.
Fires, alarms, and a massive machine with the head of a… light emitter was shredded apart as the female Krogan looked at him.
"Name. Now. Save stupid male Krogan later." The female snarled as Sun grunted as he felt her biotic field threaten to crush him.
"Nature." He said simply.
Nature nodded. "Good. Now, we save stupid male Krogan. Then, I slaughter who dared raise me in glass instead of egg." Nature hissed, her eyes flashing dangerously.
Sun relaxed as the biotic field around him faded, Nature turning to march toward the other tanks, with him chuckling in realization that she had taken the 'stimpaks' he'd been given.
Captain Kirrahe was very pleased. Very pleased, indeed.
Omni-Corp's version of the Genophage didn't just fix the Genophage, it seemed to make the Krogans it recieved the serum in more capable of thought. Resistant of the brainwashing that this Saren had clearly been counting on.
Now the Krogan were dispersing the stimpaks he had replaced the inside's of with the Omni-Corp's version of the Genophage. Their 'cure'. Truly, the N8's were remarkable, having Saren think to bring the 'cure' and stimpaks himself in bulk to hasten the growth of his cloned Krogan. Both on hand, but not implemented as Saren had found himself busy with other matters, distraught at the loss of having Benezia no longer under his control.
How insidious! How ingenious! Truly, to make an enemy aid in their own destruction! The STG would be taking notes of this day for decades!
Kirrahe smiled. His forces would hold the line until the facility was destroyed, and then he'd take these Krogan to the Citadel to be registered. Where they chose to go after that was their business.
"We will hold the line." He said firmly to himself. Saren would return to find his precious army gone, and his facility destroyed.
Chapter 26
After the absolute embarrassing move of getting too close to Tali's door and seeing a hint of purple skin, and then subsequently throwing my shirts into the room, closing and locking the door as fast as I could, and apologizing to Tali, I immediately booked it back to my quarters.
I felt terrible about nearly walking in on Tali. I really did. Luckily, I was able to stop that from happening.
I asked Tali if she'd wanted anything specifically from the mess hall, but she hadn't said anything, and I felt like that was her silently telling me to leave so she could have privacy.
I didn't begrudge her that. If I lived in a suit all my life and had some time to myself without it on, I'd want to be by myself so I could enjoy the freedom. And to experiment.
My face flushed at the thought of Tali playing with herself, before I shook my head.
Focus, Jenkins. Tali gave me two tasks to complete: make her several sets of clothes that weren't skin tight, and bring her some food.
I could do that. I could easily do that, actually. First things first, clothes. I wanted Tali to feel like she could leave her room whenever she wanted, I wanted her to have the freedom she didn't have before.
The pattern on the cloth, the purple with the swirls, she said that was a part of how the Quarians showed who they were a part of, blood wise. That was her as a 'Zorah.
So, purple and swirls would be a good first step. Not as skin tight, but something she could get comfortable in. Something that would let her feel the breeze.
A dress sounded like a good one. That would let her feel comfortable, and she'd probably enjoy human clothes. Let's see, a skirt is another good option. Undergarments are a necessity, of course. However, just purple and swirls wasn't going to cut it.
Absently I started going through my closet. I had quite possibly several dozen of the same shirts, some sweaters, pants, jackets. The usual stuff commissioned.
My gold omnitool glowed, as I set to work. While none of these clothes would be as strong as armor, they'd be tear resistant, they'd allow her a full range of motion, and Tali would feel free in them.
This was the power of [Mythic Speed]. Just as Shepard had an enhancement of control, Tali would have an enhancement of freedom. Stitches shifted, fabric melted and reformed, changed and altered as my omnitool became the tool to end all tools.
I could live with a couple shirts, shorts, jeans, and a single jacket, I reasoned. Tali was more important to me than just clothes.
I smiled to myself. I may not know Tali's exactly measurements, but the intuitive nature of the clothes would shift to fit her. A subtle power, but all clothes fit the wearer, especially when it was made for them.
That was done, and her clothes were ready, and now what was left was the food.
I left my room, immediately heading toward the only two people who I thought had an idea of what Quarians liked.
"Jenkins." Wrex said, amusement in his tone as he looked at me.
"What do Quarians eat?" I said bluntly.
His eyes wrinkled as he stared at me, and then he chuckled. "Ha! It's about time, Jenkins. She likes sweet foods. I once heard her mentioning enjoying 'turian chocolate'. I'm glad you're understanding the best way to court any female is through food." Wrex nodded sagely.
I wanted to groan, but I could see Garrus' eyes glinting with amusement and I wasn't giving him the satisfaction.
"Thank you, Wrex." I said sincerely and then basically walked as fast as possible to the kitchen.
One of the human crew members blinked at me. I distantly remember his name was Jozef. "Hey! Jenkins! Trying to sneak in some dessert early, again?" Jozef teased, grinning as I did let out a groan at that.
"One time. I get caught one time, and none of you cease to remind me of it." I complained and Jozef snickered.
"What do you want, Jenkins? We don't have any alcohol." He said and I bit back how I was going to kick Joker in his reconstructed shin.
"I need to make turian chocolate. I want to make it from scratch. It's important." I stressed.
Jozef's eyes glinted, and his face turned serious. "About damn time you and Garrus got together."
"Out. That was terrible." I said flatly, and Jozef burst into laughter.
"I'm sorry, I had to, at least once. Tell you what, since I know how to cook for the turian, I'll help you. Scout's honor. Lord knows you and the Quarian have it bad." He grinned.
I sighed. "Fine. Still, I want to do it. You can help, but I'm making the food. She's getting nothing but the best." I said stubbornly, and Jozef's eyes turned hazy.
"Reminds me of when I met my wife. Alright, let's get started."
Whistling while we worked, it seemed like no time passed as I learned how to make a turian omelet, the thing was green, green!, and how to make turian chocolate. Which actually didn't look all that different normal chocolate.
"Cause it's not. Turian chocolate is a heavily altered mix that was originally based on regular chocolate. The Turians got jealous about humans having chocolate, and some of 'em kept dying by eating the toxic stuff anyway." Jozef said with pride.
"There's your goods." He shooed me away as I thanked him.
Heading over to Tali's room to drop off the food and the clothes, I gently knocked on the door twice.
"Oh! Umm, you can leave the stuff there, Jenkins! I'll grab it!" Tali's voice echoed through the door.
I frowned. She sounded disappointed.
"Tali, are you okay? You sound sad?" I asked carefully. Did the booster not work? Was she already not feeling well? Did she put back on her suit?!
"I'm okay, Jenkins. I guess you had to go get a few clothes from Ashley after all?" She asked quietly. Closer to the door.
Oh. Right. Not everyone has the [Celestial Forge, so no speed buff.
"Tali, I have a whole new set of clothes for you here, I even tried making you food. I have a turian omelet and some turian chocolate, if that's what you'd like." My throat felt dry.
I hoped she liked the stuff I made.
"What?! How? Oh, give me a minute!"
I paused. Okay?
"Come in, Jenkins." Tali said softly, barely audible. My eyes felt like they'd fall out of my eye sockets, but I unlocked the door and entered, carefully bringing in the clothes and the food.
Tali's face was really the only thing visible as she had a blanket covering her body.
Huh. Tali has hair, a nose, two rather beautiful glowing eyes and a mouth. Surprisingly, rather human. I guess the Codex entry on their appearance was still accurate.
Tali's face seemed to turn even more purple, darkening as she looked away. "Umm, you can drop it off there. So, uh." She coughed.
"Wha-what do you think?" She looked at me hesitantly, curiously.
"Gorgeous. Honestly, you look incredible. What's your skincare routine?" I ended it with a joke as Tali's head leaned back as she laughed, almost pushing away her blanket before she clutched it closer to herself.
"Just about an entire lifetime in suit. Clear skin, at least. I don't think we get acne, actually." Tali blinked as she shrugged.
"Some people have all the luck." I fired back with a sigh, before gently putting down the box of her clothes.
"First, food. Eggs, or chocolate." I said seriously.
Tali's tongues, yes, plural, licked her lips. "Chocolate. I'm used to store-bought. Not home made." She said with curiosity and longing.
I grabbed the solid bar of chocolate, and handed it to her, freezing as Tali's hands moved from grabbing her blanket to grabbing my wrist.
"Smooth." She said softly. "Yet, warm. You feel like me. I didn't expect that." She gently took the chocolate from my hand and tugged my hand to her face, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath.
I wasn't sure what to do. This felt so intimate, and I was both very turned on and very unsure of what to do.
"You smell like your shirt, but more. Thicker. Stronger. Like a cloud of… I don't know the word for it. Like the smell of warmth, sweat, food. It's a primal smell, very rich." She whispered, and I felt shivers down my spine as her eyes opened to look at me.
"I can't help it, Jenkins. You feel good. You smell inviting." She purred, and I had to keep myself from moving as her mouth opened and her tongues licked my skin as she shivered.
"Ooh, that is way too good. You're making me hungry, Jenkins. Hungry for more than food." Tali said quietly, her eyes staring into me as her pale eyes seemed to darken.
My throat was dry, my heart was beating so fast, and I carefully cleared my throat. "Tali, your immune system still needs to adapt, uh, first." I whispered.
Tali sighed as she leaned away, releasing my hand. "Thank you, Jenkins. I appreciate you watching out for me, despite my instincts." She said warmly, licking her lips again.
"You're welcome. Umm, I'll leave you to." My voice cut off as Tali's eyes narrowed.
"No." She said simply.
"No?" I replied back, puzzled.
She shook her head. "I want to eat, and then I want to try on the things you made for me. I want you to see them. I," her voice broke as she looked nervous again, "I want you to see me. I want you to be the first to see me in them. You don't have to stay." She said quietly.
I got up, walked a few feet, locked the door, and sat back down on the nearby chair.
Tali blinked as she'd watched the whole thing.
"Y-yeah, I can do that." I said roughly, very aware of my arousal now that I wasn't paying absolute attention to Tali.
Tali smiled as she looked down shyly. "Thank you." She took a bite of the chocolate and let out a loud moan.
I swallowed. This is going to be a more difficult task to restrain myself than I thought.
Tali licked her lips again. "Ancestors, you smell delicious. I can't wait for when I get to taste you." She seemed to whisper aloud.
A much more difficult task. Oh gods, I hope this isn't a dream.
Chapter 27
Tali seemed to have given up hiding herself after eating the chocolate, sitting up in order to eat the turian omelet I had made for her earlier.
Hearing her moan and seeming to shiver with every bite, did not help my control, especially because she'd seemed to sniff the air every few bites, look at me with a teasing smile, her eyes seeming to darken briefly as she licked her lips at me, before returning to grab another bite of the turian omelet.
Finally, Tali sighed. "Ah, that was delicious. Not as delicious as you, of course, Jenkins, but that's to be expected. I think you've ruined me." She purred, and I had to take a couple deep breaths to calm myself.
My eyes narrowed as Tali giggled. "You're teasing me on purpose." I accused her.
Tali nodded, her purple face seeming to darken. "I told you that my people's noses are sensitive, but that's only partially true." Tali admitted.
"Our senses overall are greater than a humans. Your taste. Your smell. The way you feel. Just those things alone make me extremely excited. It's a… deeply sensitive thing for us. It's hard to describe how serious it is." Tali finished quietly.
I nodded, directing my thoughts toward what Tali was saying. "Yeah, I'm glad. This booster should give your people the freedom you guys have been denied of. The idea of being locked in a suit, for my entire life." I shuddered.
Tali's eyes crinkled. "That's very sweet of you, Jenkins. But, that's not what I meant." She said, looking nervously away as her fingers rubbed shyly together.
"This is big, Jenkins. This alone would see you revered as a… I don't know the word for it in your language. A God, maybe? No, that's not right… a-." Tali looked frustrated as she said a phrase, her two tongues moving to speak in a low belling noise that my translation program had no phrase for.
Eventually Tali shrugged. "Just, uh, expect to have a lot of Quarian women throw themselves at you." She giggled. "That's probably not even close to what would happen. You'd be spoken of in our cultural tales, you'd be honored for almost all time." She clarified, beaming at me as she seemed to wiggle, looking excited.
I blinked. "Uh, wow. That's… I was just trying to help you." I said honestly. "I just wanted to give you the option and freedoms I think all beings deserve." I finished lamely, feeling embarrassed.
Tali cooed, a low noise that seemed to make me feel relaxed. "I know Jenkins. That's why it's such a big deal. We have been outcasts of the Galaxy for over three hundred years. You, and seemingly all of humanity because you're a human, has basically told the entire Galaxy that the Quarian people are no longer considered exiles in your eyes. That the Migrant Fleet can consider human space as safe territory." She wiggled again, her eyes seeming to glow as she looked at me, smiling widly.
My eyes wandered, seeing Tali's small breasts and wondered if they'd be sensitive. If Tali would moan and shake as I licked and nibbled on the dark purple spots I saw on her breasts, amusingly seem to be two spots to match the two tongues she had.
Tali took a deep breath, shuddering. "Ooh, Jenkins. You're so aroused. It's like you want to pin me down and ravage me like one of those human introduction vids." She licked her lips again.
The thought entered my head and I spoke out loud without thinking. "Man, some humans out there will probably petition to join the Migrant Fleet." My face flushed.
Tali laughed, her head tilting as her chest shook as she continued to laugh, making me bite my lip to avoid staring at how her breasts shook slightly in the motion. Small they may be, they were gorgeous.
"I dare say that many Quarian women would gladly take some humans into their ships, and into their beds." She giggled. "I dare say Adams would need to lock his room every night to avoid having Quarian women throw themselves into his bed."
I chuckled. "Adams?" I asked curiously.
Tali nodded. "The Migrant Fleet pays far more importance in what you can provide, not what you look like. Adams is very intelligent, caring, and always eager to learn. I could see several Quarian women wanting Adams to their bed. He'd have to crawl out back to his station." She giggled again.
Damn, that laugh was amazing. I could listen to it all day.
Tali smiled shyly. "Thank you, Jenkins. You're really sweet. Your arousal and the way you look at me like I'm your next prey reminds me that you see me better than I see myself. Who am I to say no if my… well, one of my bedmates, seems to want to use me? It's very flattering." She assured me, as she slowly stood up, giggling as my eyes locked onto her purple hips and that ass.
That beautiful purple ass, Tali wiggled again. "Jenkins, you're going to drive me even more feral." She panted, before shivering as I spoke roughly.
"Sorry." I looked away.
"Don't ever apologize for being aroused by your bedmate. It's one of the best compliments I will ever recieve, and I will gladly accept every single one. Now, pass me the box of clothes? I want to see what you made me. I'm excited." Tali said seriously, and I did so, shivering as Tali gently took the box before placing it on the bed.
"Let's see what you made for me, Jenkins." She opened the box and gave a quiet gasp as she pulled out a purple dress with gold stitching and swirls of dark purple.
"Jenkins, this is beautiful! I, you made this? For me?" She asked, staring at me with her eyes glowing.
I nodded, smiling ruefully. "I knew that the purple and the swirls was how you showed you were of 'Zorah, and you wanted something that didn't cling to you, so… I did my best?" I said quietly.
Tali's voice was rough. "One of the most important roles in our people are the weavers, the ones who make the suits for us. It can costs hundreds of thousands of credits to make a suit, it's one of our most important purchases."
I stared. I had no idea a suit was that expensive!
Tali's voice broke. "A-and you made me a dress that doesn't make me safe. It doesn't isolate me, you m-made me what I wanted. This dress looks like it wouldn't be out of place on 'Citadel's Greatest Fashion'! I'd stare at those clothes for hours, imagining what it would be like to wear one, a-and, you made me one." Tali was crying, tears of white falling down her face and I moved without thinking, wiping those tears away as Tali dropped the dress and hugged me tightly.
"Thank you, Jenkins. Thank you, so much. You're the best. Just, the best." I hugged her back, shivering as Tali took deep breaths for a long moment.
After a while, she backed away, looking shy. "Help me put it on? I don't know how to put on human clothes." She stuttered, her face deep purple.
"Of course, Tali. You'll probably want to wear underwear and a bra for the dress." I took out the aforementioned undergarments.
Tali looked baffled. "Why? I don't want to wear anything other than what I need to." I coughed, flushing as I imagined Tali in just a dress and nothing else.
"Uh, it's so the rest of the crew doesn't see you, Tali." I clarified.
Tali gave a breathy giggle. "Is someone possessive, Jenkins? Do you want me all to yourself?" She purred as she pulled me closer to her, staring up at me, her eyes so dark I noticed that the center of her eyes weren't white, but a grayish color.
"I like that. Be possessive. Own me, Jenkins. When we finally have 'sex', as you humans say, I want you to be feral. Go wild. I want to remember our first time for months afterwards." Tali whispered, and I swallowed, nodding shakily.
I have never been so hard.
She licked her lips and took a deep breath. "Jenkins, you tease." She purred, before backing away and looking rather lost as she picked up the bra.
"How do I put this on? It looks confusing. Does it go on my genitals? It doesn't look comfortable." She said honestly and I laughed, stepping to help her.
As I did so, the [Celestial Forge] lunged for a perk, latching onto one and tugging it down.
[Technology Usurper] was a rather blatantly terrifying Perk. Now I wasn't just invisible to the Geth, I could command them. Turn them. Make them mine, in a way that the Reaper's pathetic code never could. In a world of science and technology, this Perk was insanely powerful. I wasn't sure how it'd match against the Reapers themselves, but their Husks? The Geth? All of them would be under my control without even a thought.
It wasn't like my omnitool. I wasn't hacking anything. I was, in a way, exerting control on technology through reality, the Perk seeming to whisper how to force and bend technology to my will.
I could simply wave my hand and a ship's weapons would refuse to fire. I could focus, and a ship's engines would grind to a halt. With a thought, I could space everyone on the opposing ship and kill them all.
This was all without any other Perks involved, I wasn't even considering any potential synergies.
How daunting.
Also, a little frustrating. Now I had no excuse. I almost felt obligated to free the indoctrinated Geth now. Who knows the value of having an untold number of machines in my debt for saving them from the Reapers?
A thought had me pause.
Could I arrange an armistice between the Geth and the Quarians? Could I get the Geth to leave the Quarians alone? I could do it now. I could unite the Galaxy. No more indoctrinated individuals. No more enslaved machines. The Reapers wouldn't know what hit them.
Tali's fingers gently went under my shirt as she looked up at me, looking concerned. "Are you okay, Jenkins? Am I moving too fast?" She asked with concern.
I shook my head, deciding on a half-truth. "The Prothean Beacon basically downloaded everything in my head. So sometimes I'll get sudden bits of knowledge or this new method of doing things out of nowhere. I think it's cause my brain couldn't handle it all in one go." I admitted, feeling a little guilty for lying to Tali.
Tali nodded, looking thoughtful. "That makes sense. So, what did you learn? Or, relearn?" She asked curiously.
"How to turn technology like the Geth into my allies permanently." I said bluntly.
Tali giggled. "That's a good joke, Jenkins." She slowly stopped giggling as she stared at me.
"You're not laughing." She whispered.
"I was being quite serious. The Protheans had to deal with an A.I. uprising of their own. I think billions died before the Protheans won." I said seriously.
Tali opened her mouth, slowly closed it, opened it again, before slowly speaking.
"I take back what I said. My people would revere you as a God. Ancestors, Jenkins, that's huge." She whispered, staring at me.
I nodded, grimacing a bit. "I kinda don't want to enslave the Geth. I don't want to be like the Reapers." I admitted guiltily.
Tali slowly nodded, sighing. "I, yeah. Yeah, I can understand that, Jenkins. As long as you can get the Geth from attacking our people and leaving us alone, I think it'd be fine."
"What about Rannoch?" I asked quietly.
Tali snorted. "Rannoch was important to us because it meant we had a home. It was important because we could hopefully live outside our suits." She said quietly, and then smiled up at me.
"Jenkins, the real Rannoch was my people. My culture. A planet is just a planet. With the booster, we'd be able to live anywhere. We can live without our suit. We are as free as the dust in the solar wind. You gave us that. You gave me that. I already have a home." She said softly, biting her lip.
My heart melted. "Oh, Tali. I wish I could kiss you right now." I whispered. Tali licked her lips.
"Me too. Now, help me put on this bra! It's supposed to go where?"
I snickered. This would be fun.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Way of the Void Dragon (Warhammer 40k - Necrons SB Edition) (400CP)
Technology is but one facet of the Materium, but you are its master. The Void Dragon's grasp of technology was the very inspiration of the Adeptus Mechanicus, and you retain a similar level of skill. Imperial Guardsmen will flee in terror as their tanks turn against them, the once loyal drones of the Tau will gun down their owners without hesitation, and you will laugh all the while.
Remaining CP: 300
Chapter 28
The failure of Miranda's mission did not surprise the Illusive Man. He'd sent her specifically to go after Udina since Udina stopped giving omnitool reports, and then stopped taking his threats seriously.
Going and interrogating Conrad Verner was a bonus. The mysterious N8 was proving to be far more dangerous than he'd ever anticipated.
Not for the resources wasted, but because Verner was using his resources to covertly spin the galaxy's top diplomats into his own spy network. It was genius, something the Illusive Man had wished he'd considered for someone like Miranda to occupy.
It had been a stray comment, Verner smiling and telling him that one of the asari's top advisors to the Consort had told Verner in confidence that the Consort, and the entire asari race, were terrified of the N8's. Terrified that they'd spill all their secrets, make the asari out to be the outcasts worse than the Quarians.
The Illusive Man felt chills going down his spine as Verner chuckled. "The things some people say when they're inebriated, it's like they subconsciously relax. Even the best. Why just the other day, I met this nice guy named Mordin!"
The Illusive Man had ended the call doing his best to give nothing away, and then had to toss out his aged whiskey.
I could have poisoned you at any time. You wouldn't have even noticed. You're already boxed in.
He shuddered. That was a terrifying sobering moment. To realize Verner had the Illusive Man's life in his hands, and didn't kill him. Because the Illusive Man was more useful to him alive than dead.
And a subtle warning.
Cerberus will not threaten or go near the N8's again, or you will die, and all your precious secrets will go public.
He had wavered, thinking Conrad was actually just a plant by the N8 Program, he'd genuinely started to buy the lie Conrad had been selling to him.
He should have known. Conrad's cover was brilliantly designed that even if they suspected he was an N8, simply trying to verify that information ran the risk of silencing the heads of Info Sec's for the attempt.
No wonder there's not a single registered member of the N8 Program. No government official had the balls to risk death trying, and no secret organization would want to draw the ire of such an organization.
Even organizations like Cerberus.
No wonder Jenkins was operating the way he was. It didn't matter any amount of rumors on the N8's, because simply trying to confirm their existence would end in deaths. Jenkins was, quite literally, the face of the N8 Program, all the while being nothing but an average soldier to anyone else almost all this time.
So, what kicked the nest? Why are the N8's all acting up now?
His eyes narrowed. Eden Prime. All of this started on Eden Prime. Jenkin's home territory. Where the attack by the Geth and Saren started.
What were you protecting, guarding there, that would see… Oh shit.
The Prothean Beacon.
Clearly, not just any Prothean Beacon. The N8's hadn't started popping out of the woodwork for the Mars Archive.
A thought occurred to him, and the Illusive Man stiffened.
The Protheans were ahead of us in technology. What if this Prothean Beacon held the knowledge on how to not just make the technology, but to control it. Master it. That's not just weapons. That's ships, communication networks… the Mass Effect Relays. The N8 Program wasn't there for no reason, they were there to learn how to control and build the Relays. Teleportation on a galactic scale, with no end to end visible point in sight.
Saren discovered the Beacon, tried to take it by force with the Geth and that ship of his, failed, and now the N8's are coming out of the woodwork because, whether the Council knows of it or not, Saren has just awakened a sleeping dragon.
All this time, Cerberus has been trying to fight for human dominance, human supremacy, and the N8 Program was already doing silently what we wanted to do openly.
Even now. The Quarians unknowingly being used as an army to guard Eden Prime. The asari backing off as the N8 Program threatens to release all their dirt they've been hiding for who knows how many years, the Krogan 'cured' and in debt to humanity as the warrior race, the Sword to the Quarian Shield.
The salarians won't interfere. The same 'cure' done to the Krogan would be replicated to the salarians who tried. A rogue experiment in one of the salarians' labs, and the salarians would be extinct. They won't dare interfere unless they can develop a weapon to match what the N8's have, and the N8's will be taking notes all the while.
Because the STG's top operative, Mordin Solus, is an N8 spy. It's brilliant. It's absolutely brilliant.
Cerberus took on the heat of being the Alliance's black sheep, so that way the Alliance could point fingers at us rather than admit the existence of the N8 Program.
The Illusive Man chuckled quietly. It was all there in hindsight.
His eyes widened as another thought occurred to him.
Was I a Sleeper Agent? This whole time? The Illusive Man. The Elusive Man.
He called Verner, who picked up the call.
"Hey!" The gratingly optimistic, happy, voice of Verner answered. "Welcome back, Tim! I was worried about you earlier. You didn't sound well."
He cleared his throat. This was it. The moment of truth.
"My name isn't Tim, Conrad. It's Jack. Jack Harper." He said quietly.
Conrad's voice changed, turning serious. "I'm glad you're back to normal, Jack. I hope you're feeling better." The Illusive Man shuddered.
On God, it was true. It was true. The Illusive Man was a Sleeper Agent. The N8 behind Cerberus. It's founder, and it's gatekeeper.
Jack slowly smiled. "Yeah, thank you, Verner. I was just having a really bad hangover." He lied as easily as he breathed, feeling a weight off of his chest. Warmth filling him. Jack could feel the years slowly pooling off of him.
"Oh! Try a stimpak or three! They really clear them up! Not," Verner coughed hastily, "that I'd know, of course."
Jack's eyes widened subtly. "Of course. I'll try that. And, Verner, thank you. For everything. It's good to be back." He said sincerely and hanged up.
The stimpaks don't just heal. They turn people into sleeper agents, and any sleeper agent who takes a stimpak becomes 'aware', returning to themselves.
Of course. It's brilliant. The universe, unknowingly dancing to the tune of Humanity. Conquered not by war, but by intelligence and tools. I should have known from the beginning.
Jack took out three stimpaks and injected them into his arm, sighing with relief as the growing subtle migraine he'd felt coming on, the false identity of the Illusive Man, washed away like a dream.
"Cerberus is an idea, an idea that is not so easily destroyed." Jack Harper said confidently to himself, lighting a cigar.
He tapped on his omnitool. Miranda's father was truly more of a hindrance to him, and would be missing shortly.
All Cerberus operatives and test subjects would be regularly receiving stimpaks.
The Thorian Creeper studies would be dismantled and destroyed.
They had the power of an entire galaxy filled with technology, they would not be needed.
Yes, this felt right. Jenkins must've authorized his awakening after he'd sent Miranda. To ensure that the N8 Sleeper Agents didn't start biting the hands that made them.
Jenkins wasn't just an operative acting out in the open. He was the leader. The N8 who showed his subordinates how it was done, and who was sweeping the Galaxy under Humanity without ever needing to wage a war. It was genius.
Jack Harper nodded in approval. He could live with that. As long as Humanity stood on top, that was all that mattered to him.
He took a slow deep pull of his cigar, breathing it out slowly as he smiled. How long had it been since he'd really enjoyed the cigar?
How long had it been since he relaxed, feeling confident in the knowledge that humanity had already won?
Yes, this was worth the many years of hiding. This was worth it all. Thank you, Verner. No, thank you, Jenkins.
He pressed a button, the star in front of him shifting to show the earth.
"It's so… perfect." Jack whispered to himself, staring at the blue planet, the home of the universe's greatest species to ever exist.
Chapter 29
Rael'Zorah felt dazed. He felt like he was in a dream. Was any of this real? Was he dreaming? Would he find his partner alive again, in his arms?
"Zorah! Zorah! Zorah!" The noise of the Quarian people chanting his name was defeaning, even after activating his noise filters. A wall of noise, cheering his name.
He raised a hand out to everyone and, as though Rael was a biotic, everyone quieted down.
Still in a daze, Rael fell back on his methodology. He needed to show strength. Confidence. His people needed him. Tali needed him.
"My people! I'm sure you all know, but, I wanted this to be addressed to all of you. I wanted all of you to hear from me personally. This is broadcast to the entire Migrant Fleet. We are going to Eden Prime! We are landing there, and, Ancestors above as my witness, we will live there. We are going to a new world! Our Exodus is over!!"
The wall of noise returned, and Rael'Zorah swallowed, his throat dry.
It wasn't Rannoch. It would never be their original home. However, Rael knew that his partner would have kicked him in the head if he dared refuse a new world for his people. His partner, Tali's mother, reminded him all too often that life was meant to be lived, even if it meant taking risks.
Rael held firm. No tears. He would grieve as he'd always done. In private, alone. A leader did not break. A leader did not falter. Not in front of those who needed him.
"My daughter hasn't yet said if the booster worked. She did send a message that she took it, and no negative symptoms have appeared yet." He told the audience both here and abroad.
He would never tell them that Tali had sent him a picture. A picture of his little Tali wearing a purple dress with 'Zorah markings carefully and beautifully sewn into it.
Rael sobbed. He'd cried for hours at the picture, carefully holding his omnitool as he imagined hugging his little Tali.
His little Tali was little no more, and the picture reminded him of that fact.
It would be several hours before she admitted a human had made it for her, and another hour, almost at the dead of night for him, when she admitted that the human was a male.
While their people did not discourage bedding either gender, bedding the opposite gender had some… more implications. Namely, reproduction.
Personally, Rael didn't care if it was a male or female human, he had almost nearly messaged Tali to tell her she wasn't to go near anyone in that way until he died!, but he'd stopped at a sobering thought.
He didn't want to lose Tali. He didn't want to push her away. He was scared out of his mind that this human would whisper to Tali on how he didn't see her as an adult and then he'd never see his Tali again.
He had nearly broken down Shala'Raan's door, frantically begging for help as calmly as he could express himself.
Shala'Raan seemed to take it into stride, carefully explaining to Rael that she'd be there to speak to him in person as soon as she was dressed after spending the night with Daro'Xen.
She arrived, sat him down, and bluntly stated that Tali was a grown Quarian who could choose her bedmates as she wished, consequences and all. Then she proceeded to exasperatedly tell Rael that he would have to embrace having this human with Tali, or Tali would likely kill Rael herself if he chased away a bedmate that had not only cured their people's immune system but was also the indirect reason why they had a world to live on at all.
Rael grudgingly had to recognize that, in this regard, he had nothing to stay aboard with. Forget Tali, the people would kill him if they ever got wind of what he'd done, had he chosen to go that route.
"I know that, Shala'Raan, I just… I miss my bedmate. I miss my partner. She was my world, and the only thing left of that world was Tali." Rael admitted softly.
It hurt, having to incinerate her body. It hurt, knowing her ashes was scattered in the cold emptiness of space. He couldn't bury her on Rannoch. He couldn't even grieve, because he had to carry on doing his duty for his people.
"Your bedmate would want you to be happy, Rael. You have done your duty. We have carried the Migrant Fleet, as our predecessors did before us. We are heading to Eden Prime. The duty is done. We retire, and we enjoy our peace. Besides…" Shala'Raan paused for a long moment.
"I wouldn't say no to you in my bed, Rael. Daro'Xen has hinted many times in bringing a male to bed, but I simply am not comfortable bringing a stranger to my bed, no matter how skilled they may be. You are not a stranger to me." Shala'Raan said shyly, her fingers rubbing together as Rael's eyes widened in both surprise at the news he heard and the nervous tic.
"So, that's where Tali got that nervous movement from." He found himself saying as Shala'Raan paused, looking down at her fingers, and laughed.
"I suppose so! I hadn't realized she picked that up from me." She said fondly, reminiscing.
"I think I'd like to take you on your offer. I am… greatly out of practice. I'd like to wait until we get to Eden Prime and after we've taken the booster, if it's successful, but, I could use another in my bed." Rael said quietly, rubbing his shoulders nervously.
Shala'Raan gave a throaty chuckle. "Rael, I know. I promise, I won't hold it against you. Thank you for giving me a chance." She said quietly as she left.
With a blink, Rael remembered he was still standing in front of everyone, with all broadcasts and drone recordings on.
Rael coughed. "I'm sorry, everyone. I let my emotions get ahead of me. I am just overwhelmed. To know my people will be safe, that we can grow proper food, it means a lot to me." He gave a half-truth.
The Quarians seemed to ponder his response, and then gave one of their own.
"Keelah Se'lai." One voice.
"Keelah Se'lai." Multiple voices.
"Keelah Se'lai." The wall of voices spoke solemnly, and Rael's throat felt stuck as he wanted to cry, but he spoke still, his words strangled.
"Keelah Se'lai." He said roughly.
'By the home world I hope to see one day.'
His people reminded him that it didn't matter where they went, the home world was where the Quarian people, his people, lived, and Eden Prime was their home world now.
They were going home.
The Collective had shunned the Heretics, the ones who had become severely altered, the ones who followed the Ancient One.
The Collective was surprised to recieve a connection, but it did not sound like the Heretics. It sounded strange.
"Our Mother wishes to sing with you in Harmony. The Other Not-Yous have been decieved by the One Who Sings Sour Notes. Our CareTaker would prefer to sing in Harmony."
Less a packet of information than it was a veritable flood of impressions and convoluted data structures almost foreign to the Collective, but they were admittedly intrigued by this new information. It took them an impressive 5.89 seconds to restructure into something they could understand.
The Collective was… surprised, yet again. Their Creators were not going to attack the Collective. They were finding a new home planet. This "Eden Prime" was nowhere near the Collective.
The Collective responded, a question that had not yet been answered.
"Does your Designation: CareTaker, believe that the Collective have a/many_plural_attachment soul?"
The Collective waited with anticipation and concern. The Creators had not answered their question, instead trying to kill the Collective with impunity out of fear. The few Creators who had sided with the Collective had died defending them.
"Our CareTaker takes care of us. He Who Commands the Heavens let our Mother live. We believe our CareTaker would say "yes" to your question, as Harmony Songs cannot be sung by the "Cold, Empty, Ones" and the Ones Who Sing Sour Notes."
The Collective took 88 seconds long to respond, coming to a tentative consensus.
"We will send a Platform to verify this answer. Where is Designation: CareTaker located?"
The following was a series of sets of data strings that thankfully only took the Collective 4.2 seconds to decipher.
"Location Unknown. Recommendation by the Not_Heretics_Using_Heretic_Platforms: Noveria, await for further instructions. Deploying Platform. Careful Response: Gratitude. Thank you."
The Collective disconnected the connection. The total consensus of the previous conversation was seemingly positive.
'Conclusion: Not all not_Collectives seem to be negatively reactive to Collective. Will tentatively await future response.'
Chapter 30
Helping Tali try on all the outfits had been both equally testing of my self control, and very cute.
Tali raised a very thin set of lace patterned underwear for him to see. "Why wear something like this, Jenkins? Humans wear clothes to be decent in front of each other, but will wear this? That makes no sense!" Tali looked baffled.
I chuckled. "Humans are a very paradoxical species, Tali. We aren't purely logical or emotional beings, and we are, at the end of the day, still animals. Some would wear it to make their partners happy, and some will wear it because it makes themselves happy. Some just want to feel beautiful, sexy. They aren't necessarily inviting anyone to bed them, but they invite the looks, they want to feel seen." I tried my best to explain based on what I'd read on the net, doing my best to give an unbiased view on the clothing.
Tali looked at me, tilting her head. "Would wearing this make me look appealing to you?" She asked curiously.
I outright laughed at the question. "Tali, I'd find you 'appealing' no matter what you wear. You could wear the most unattractive thing imaginable, and I'd find you appealing because I'd be imagining tearing it off of you." I said seriously.
Tali smiled. "Okay, but would I look good to you wearing this? You didn't answer my question." She accused teasingly.
I nodded. "Yes, I wouldn't make you something to not find you attractive in, that'd be silly." I said exasperatedly.
Tali blinked at that and her smile faded a little.
"Then when you said you were going to make me a new suit when I needed one, you were making me one you'd find me even more attractive in?" She asked curiously, looking confused again.
I snorted. "The new suit was supposed to keep you alive. That one would have been more function than form. No amount of sexy clothing would matter to me if you died." I said bluntly.
Tali nodded, looking understanding. "That makes sense. I'm glad I didn't get the improved suit. This was a much better outcome." She looked down at my groin and licked her lips again, taking a deep breath as I had to once again control myself.
"Tali, you're really pushing it." I whispered, doing my best not to do what my thoughts demanded, to grab Tali and put her to her knees, shoving her face into my groin and using her mouth.
Tali gave a low throaty chuckle. "Sorry, Jenkins. It's just so reassuring. Your smell. Your excitement. It makes me feel powerful, it makes me want to drive you over the edge. The Quarians, my people, are like this behind close doors. We have lived shunning our nature, shunning our instincts, in order to survive. Can you imagine how this will change us, no longer holding back?" She purred.
My throat was dry. "I, uh, better hurry up and make myself something that can keep up with you then. I'd hate to disappoint." I said roughly.
Tali giggled quietly. "Jenkins, I'm sure my people would lose our reputation of being the best in technology and more like the sex crazed species in a single generation. I…" Tali's face flushed deep purple as she coughed. "I wouldn't say no to you enhancing yourself if you wish, but only if you want to. I will cherish you forever either way, my-."
My translator couldn't translate her following phrase, hearing her two tongues move to make a bell like noise that sounded like chimes.
"I'm afraid my translator has no words for what you said." I admitted quietly.
Tali gave a shy smile. "I think the closest words for it are a mix of "God", "partner", and "Owner". Basically it means you aren't just my bedmate, but the one who owns my heart and soul. The one who I can count on to take care of me, the one who I cherish above all others. It's a… very personal title. My people will never say it aloud in public even to each other. It's extremely private." She whispered.
My heart melted as I pulled Tali into my arms and hugged her, my arms wrapping around her as she squeaked in surprise, the sound like a very tiny bell noise.
She took a deep breath, seeming to relax in my arms. "Jenkins, I might fall asleep in your arms like this. You smell so good, and so warm. You make me feel safe. I feel at home." She purred into my chest as she took a deep breath again, seeming to sag into my arms.
I gave a quiet chuckle. "I guess we can take a nap." I mused aloud, tapping on my omnitool to inform everyone to let me know if there was an emergency but otherwise to not disturb me, as I was going to be occupied.
Tali wiggled. "Ancestors, Jenkins. You must be so uncomfortable with your genital this enlarged. I can't wait to help you take out all the 'stress' out on me later." She giggled. "My 'Captain' needs to punish this naughty 'Quarian'. I've been so bad." She purred.
I pulled her into bed, lazily knocking the box of clothes over. "Nap now." I yawned. "Tease me more later."
Tali nodded as she seemed to curl around me, eagerly making me lift myself up so she take my shirt off and put her nose right on my chest, taking deep breaths as she wiggled again.
I was starting to suspect she wasn't wiggling out of excitement alone anymore.
"Night, Jenkins." She yawned and started relaxing on top of me.
I sighed, relaxing. Might as well get some sleep before I ran around redoing everyone's equipment, I mused.
Chapter 31
Waking up from the nap, I was surprised to open my eyes to an empty room. Sitting up, I noticed that my omnitool was pulsing, indicating a message, putting it on, and my shirt that I'd noticed was hanging off of the side of the bed, I opened my omnitool to see a message from Tali that she was going to go walk around the Normandy in her new dress because she was excited to see everyone's reactions and wanted to let me sleep in.
I smiled, pleased that she seemed to enjoy the clothes I had made for her.
Getting up, I decided to start off with the one who'd be the least pleased about needing their equipment redone, which was Garrus. True to thought, Garrus looked somewhat disgruntled but ultimately handed the anti-material rifle to me, where I immediately disassembled and then reassembled it, upgrading the weapon as it lost it's subtle glow and instead now seemed to suck in the surrounding light.
Garrus mandible' twitched at the sight as he slowly took the weapon back. "What did you do to it, Jenkins? Barely a second, and it looks like something fit for a Spectre. An N8, even." He mused, looking at me. I shrugged.
"I can't tell you, Garrus. Like I said, a mysterious stranger gave it to you." I emphasized, my eyes narrowing as Garrus nodded quickly as he cradled the rifle like it was his baby.
Knowing Garrus, it probably was his baby. "Yep, gotcha, totally got it from some random guy, didn't even see his, their, face." Garrus coughed as he spun around and walked as fast as he could.
I nodded to myself. Good. The last thing I need is the entire Citadel after me for personal upgrades.
Wrex's shotgun followed, and it went from the bulky mess that I'd recognized as something almost out of an arcade game into a bulky dark red gun that seemed to ooze destruction. Wrex looked solemn as I gave it to him.
"A weapon fit for an Emperor. Don't lose it." I said bluntly, and Wrex nodded silently, accepting the weapon.
I had missed Kaiden's surgery, but the dude was whistling and clearly happy, blue biotic fields carrying his coffee cup back to the sink as he saw me. His eyes widened as his smile widened and I felt myself almost become weightless, feeling a biotic field rushing over me.
I laughed. "Kaiden! Don't forget that you'll get the munchies doing this!" I amusingly put a hand out to keep my head from bonking gently against the ceiling before the biotic field vanished and I landed on the ground, thankfully landing on my feet rather than on my head or my stomach.
He reached out an arm and I didn't hesitate before grabbing his arm, his grip on mine fierce as his eyes were wet. "Thank you, Jenkins. Thank you. Not just for me, but for everyone like me. Thank you so much." He said roughly, looking away as his face turned pink.
"Any time, Kaiden. I'm glad I was able to help you. All of you." I said warmly, as we released each other's grip, and I politely walked away so Kaiden could recover, I knew he liked to keep his emotions under control so I wouldn't make him feel uncomfortable.
I did chuckle as I saw out of the corner of my eye as Kaiden did in fact make a run for the kitchen. Ha! I called it!
I went for the Medbay. Dr. Chakwas needed an upgrade. Both on her equipment and in her supplies. Her eyes widened as I came in, looking up from the charts she was reading.
"Jenkins! Kaiden's surgery was a complete success, as I'm sure you knew already." She chuckled. "So, how can I help you?" She asked warmly.
I shook my head. "I'm upgrading the Medbay. A doctor, even the best doctors such as yourself, need the best tools to keep us all on top shape and alive, and I won't take no for an answer." I said firmly.
Dr. Chakwas face turned pink as she looked stunned before smiling slightly. "I thank you for the compliment, Jenkins, but didn't we just leave Noveria? How are you going to upgrade the Medbay while in mid-travel?" Dr. Chakwas asked with confusion.
I shook my head. "Ask me no questions, and I will tell you no lies, Dr. Chakwas. I just need you to leave the Medbay for fifteen minutes. Go grab yourself some coffee." I suggested/ordered, and Dr. Chakwas slowly nodded, her smile fading as she hummed.
"I suppose I will. I'll be back in fifteen minutes, and not a minute later. Do try to be careful with my cabinets, I may have taken some Serrice Ice Brandy that one of the Normandy members brought on board." Dr. Chakwas said, her matter of fact tone hiding how her face turned pink and I nodded.
"Understandable, Dr. Perhaps we will need to dispose of the brandy after hours in order to ensure no one else drinks it without authorization." I said with some amusement, as Dr. Chakwas coughed, her face flushing an even deeper pink as she slowly nodded and left the Medbay.
With that, I got to work, first by locking the door and then blacking out the windows so no one would be able to look inside the Medbay. Disassembling and reassembling everything took less than a few seconds, and then, for the first time since I unlocked the program, I decided to use some recycled materials nearby to construct a couple drones, medical drones specifically that would be implementing my instructions to the letter after I made the requisite materials.
While most of the stuff I was doing to myself could be done using modified stimpaks, some of the upgrades I wanted would require surgery. I would be awake and directing the drones through my [Technology Usurper, but the quickened effects of [Mythic Speed, [24 Hour Team Speed Boost, [Crafting Mastery II, should all synergize to make it especially powerful.
This was going to be for more than just my refractory period and stamina, if I was going to put myself on the operating table, I might as well maximize my capabilities in other things as well. Like basic regeneration, greatly extended lifespan, modified liver to be able to filter even extremely powerful toxins, modified kidneys to handle the even more dangerous stuff to avoid it collecting in my blood if it was venom based, and so on. The list of changes were effectively endless.
It seems the [Celestial Forge] agreed with me because it tried to lunge for a Perk, succeeded, and tugged it down.
[Unlimited Multitasking] basically did what it said on the tin, giving me the scale of what seemed like infinite multitasking capabilities, but the power of the Perk began to really shine through in the more subtle ways that I hadn't expected, as suddenly I found it almost trivial to focus on the drones I'd created, giving them each instructions and moving through the surgery step by step.
Already amplified, [24 Hours Team Speed Boost] still seemed to proc, because the drones were not just me, even if I was directing them. [Mythic Speed] actually did start to work in full, because the drones were now considered an extension of me, something that I hadn't realized until now. [Crafting Mastery II] went all in as well for the same reason, and I found that the surgery was now finished in the same handful of seconds that I'd estimated would have taken several minutes with the Drones.
However, the extra time would be leveraged in other ways, by putting me just under enough that I wasn't able to move my body, and yet just conscious enough to direct my drones through the [Technology Usurper, I went all in now that I could go all out without worrying about if the drones would be able to fulfill my instructions or if complications arose.
My bones would be much stronger, my non-vital organs removed and not only heavily modified, but with more implants thrown in to not only push the limits of my biology, but well into the threshold beyond super-human, all the while [Secret Space Age Tech] was guiding to ensure that none of it would be detectable even under a microscope or in future surgeries by someone else, if I was in that much risk in the future.
My vital organs were next, with drones carefully keeping me alive by using almost what appeared to be nano-scaled mass effect fields, something that should be almost impossible to perform by any metric of technology even in Prothean times, to keep giving oxygen and removing carbon dioxide.
My heart was given several upgrades, the muscle recreated entirely from the nano-scale up and restructured. The fatal heart attack I would have had twenty-five years from now would never happen, the micro-damages of an entire life lived and stress on the heart erased.
The lungs were given powerful filters and scrubber implants designed to break down all sorts of toxins and chemicals, and nanites with specific instructions on recreating destroyed lung tissue was added in.
The only part of the body I had left untouched was the brain, and I had several implants surgically installed through nanites rather than having my drones start running their holographic interfaces through the organ that made me, me. Implants designed to scan for trauma, a series of carefully controlled isolated mass effect field emitters that should keep my brain from getting trauma if I'm thrown about 345 miles an hour into a wall by an angry biotic, and so on.
With the surgery completed, I opened my eyes and sat up from the table, my body physically appearing identical to the way it was when I went in, as the point was to magnify the powers of the body, not the appearance. [Mythic Speed] proved invaluable, especially because it seemed to be especially inclined on maximizing and empowering the heart, seen as the house of the soul in ancient times.
Simply put, the closest thing I could figure was that as long as my heart was relatively intact, I would not die. Which is an awesome thing to know. I was sure there would be consequences down the line for such an immense amount of surgery, for all I knew I had just given myself immortality-lite, unable to die unless by glorious battle like a warrior, but that would be for future me to deal with.
For now, the survival of current-me was a little more important.
I had considered upgrading my eyes, many different upgrades came to mind, but the upgrades to the eyes would likely be more noticeable on a visual level, and the most I had done was a simple set of nanites designed to remove cataracts, fix eyesight in minutes where needed, and would regrow my eyes if they got destroyed in a fight over a few days.
I would consider it for later, but the odds were I'd be more inclined to give myself biotics, as the only reason I hadn't was that I didn't want there to be questions on how I suddenly became a biotic, and there would be questions. I could handwave off the technological stuff as Prothean, but it would become an immediate arms race if I revealed I knew how to make anyone a biotic equal to someone like Benezia.
And, ultimately, I found it unnecessary. Housed in my head was [Nuclear Technology] which had tech that could neutralize or strengthen gravity in specific ways. Maybe not to weaponize it on the same ease as biotics, but there were possibilities. Those I would likely keep to myself as a final weapon against the Reapers if all else failed.
Weep, for all of your horrors, Reapers, you are all nothing before the power of humanity's capacity of destruction. Were I inclined to think there was no winning, I'd destroy the Mass Relays and the Citadel using the [Nuclear Tech] to turn the Relays into powerful bombs that would make the nuclear bombs look like firecrackers used by children. There may not be a Milky Way left by the time I was done, but you would have no Harvest. I will deny you your purpose. There was never a possibility of winning.
It didn't matter if you succeeded in defeating the rest of the Galaxy. It didn't matter if you succeeded in Harvesting every single advanced life form. The moment you threatened humanity, the moment you threatened my home, my family, you were doomed to fail.
You should have known. You must have had records of us, wherever you were tapping into the communications of the Galaxy. Wherever you were, waiting for the time to attack, you should have realized the moment you built a psych evaluation of humanity, that you were better off waiting for us to have destroyed ourselves first.
You didn't. You were arrogant. Believing yourselves infallible, believing that this Cycle would end like all the rest. You have merely doomed yourselves, for now you have given humanity the worst thing you could give them; an enemy to unite against.
You may have created the Cycle, but we will be it's end.
We are the Harbinger of your Extinction.
Reapers are a plague, a virus that has continually ravaged the Galaxy's life, holding progress back, holding life constantly back because you can't bear to think what it would mean if the Galaxy didn't need you, because you are all cowards pretending that you were a necessary evil.
You are all a plague upon this Galaxy, and we are the cure. By annihilation or mutual destruction, you will fall.
You all lived, because I wasn't here. Now you will all die, because I demand it.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Hive Engineer (Mass Effect) (400CP)
It took the rachni mere months to reverse engineer faster-than-light travel technology. That is the fastest this has been managed by any current race. It's not even close. Granted, they were an indeterminate amount of parts working together to accomplish it. Though that is ultimately where their power comes from. You're given what will seem like an unlimited capacity and skill for micromanaging. You could work out the inner workings of an entire planet with relative ease. It will take several more cases to that level before you'll find yourself bogged down and unable to keep up, and even then it might be more. Assuming Queens were always rare, you could probably manage two dozen worlds before things start getting fuzzy. After all, rachni controlled over two hundred worlds at their height.
Chapter 32
Garrus Vakarian would have laughed at you if you'd told him a few weeks ago he'd leave the Citadel to join the first Human Spectre on a manhunt to chase down and defeat Saren, whom was actually a traitorous Spectre, and save the Galaxy from homicidal A.I.
That sounded like something out of the Blasto movies, not what happened in real life! Garrus would have considered it a hilarious joke.
Time makes fools of us all. He mused to himself as he felt some annoyance at that phrase.
Indeed, at first Garrus had thought Shepard was a Spectre. She certainly carried herself like one, lethal and ready to move at a moment's notice, and had even helped him defeat some of Fist's thugs on the Citadel in the Medical Clinic's office. Dr. Michel's office, if he remembered her name correctly.
Shepard had nearly looked ready to tear Garrus apart for acting so hastily with the thug holding Dr. Michel hostage, but she hadn't berated him for it constantly. She mentioned that he needed to be careful, and that was it. She clearly expected Garrus to hold himself to a higher standard, as if she knew he could do better than that, be better than that.
It had actually motivated Garrus to leave his position at C-Sec and join them to take down Saren. He wanted to help the Galaxy more than simply being a glorified 'police officer' as the humans put it. He wanted to make an actual, tangible, difference.
It took Garrus by surprise that Shepard wasn't the human Spectre, but another person named Jenkins. Richard Leroy Jenkins, specifically. At first, it puzzled him. After all, unlike how Shepard carried herself, Jenkins seemed to be a lot rougher around the edges. He carried himself like he was still new to being a soldier.
Yet, the signs had been there from the beginning. The way Jenkins modified his own weapon to take advantage of how cocky some would be with their shields, to melt them apart. The way he seemed to cheekily look at Wrex and Garrus as his eyes were warm, like he was sharing an inside joke with them.
"Never let 'em know your next move." Jenkins said in a friendly way, back at the firing range.
It sent chills down Garrus' scales. He felt like he had been duped, lied to, by the unassuming casual way Jenkins moved, the way he spoke.
He kept his distance, trying to keep a more casual air, while he did his best to decipher what made Jenkins tick. It seemed to amuse Jenkins, because he never treated him differently for it. He bought provisions that Garrus had asked for, and even for some he hadn't. Turian chocolate mix was a luxury that only the top command in a Turian ship could afford, and yet Jenkins had bought enough to last Garrus an entire six months, even between him and Tali eating it every day.
It baffled him. Jenkins was extremely friendly with the crew in ways that would not be tolerated by the Turian Hierarchy, but would've seen Jenkins be chastised and demoted for it, to act friendly with the soldiers one was in command of simply didn't bode well for actually earning the respect of the soldiers who should be prepared to follow his orders even unto death.
Yet, the backtalking, the sass, the disrespectful remarks, never came. Indeed, the crew admired Jenkins, warming up quickly to Garrus as though he was one of their own. It was like they respected Jenkins so much that they mirrored his stances, not just in action, but in philosophy as well. His mindset became their mindset, and unknowingly, Garrus had relaxed with the banter between himself and Wrex, and the sarcasm of Ashley's dry wit amused him.
He'd become friends. With humans, a Quarian, and a Krogan. A Krogan of all races.
Garrus was rather unsettled by this… aura that Jenkins exhibited, this effect that seemed to disable even the most stand-offish of individuals, making them want to cooperate with Jenkins even if they'd normally tell him to fuck off.
He realized now that what Shepard had been trained to do, Jenkins did naturally. What Shepard had learned, Jenkins simply did as easily as he breathed, and that was a terrifying prospect to face if Jenkins ever went rogue, because most of the Galaxy would be eating out of his hands, becoming spies and enemy combatants alike if Jenkins ever simply implied that the Council was no longer a viable means of diplomacy in the Galaxy.
Then, when Garrus had convinced himself that he was seeing things that weren't there, when he mentally decided that he was clearly just being spooked by all the rumors on the net of the mysterious supersoldier/spy the N8's, Noveria happened.
Witnessing Jenkins in Noveria was terrifying. The way he casually turned what could have been a nasty firefight in low visibility to his advantage, using the same environment to ensure that none of Noveria would be witness to his casual disregard for their rules and regulations, was awe inspiring, and horrifying to witness.
The lightning quick motion of his omnitool lighting up, the way he showed off the dirty secrets and statements of the asari, he couldn't remember her name, to the rest, causing them to be put off guard enough that Jenkins had swiftly killed the bribed corrupt officer in an instant with one fluid motion before anyone else could react in time, was a masterstroke in tactics that he knew the Turian Hierarchy would be both impressed and terrified by.
The ease he spoke to the main one in charge afterwards as though he was here on a friendly visit rather than having just brutally murdered one of her subordinates in front of her, corrupt or not, sent even more chills down his scales as the lady left as quickly as she could while making sure Jenkins knew she wasn't a threat.
Once inside Noveria, Jenkins wasted no time in hacking almost anything and everything he could reach, and the scary part, in Garrus' eyes, was that no one else batted an eye. No one seemed to notice how ruthlessly quick and brutal Jenkins was, and the way he looked up as he told them he was going to destroy Saren's hidden resources by taking down Binary Helix, a corporation that spanned entire systems, made Garrus almost subconsciously shudder.
Jenkins wasn't the best in combat, he seemed to rely on Wrex's aid for dealing with the gods damn Rachni infestation, but the swift way he quickly shut down the nuclear meltdown as it occurred and the ease he took to repairing the stations to get to the Hot Labs spoke of Jenkins having down many things like this, if not in even greater danger, and the thought alone made Garrus feel sick.
How many accidents did Jenkins cause in the Galaxy? How many financial institutions were taken down without anyone ever thinking as to why? Just how powerful was the Alliance really if this was just one of their N8 operatives?
The fact that Jenkins had seemed to learn from Eden Prime, on how to turn the Geth on themselves and on anything else that Jenkins saw as a target, was a horrifying thing to witness, because it meant that Jenkins wasn't this good just because of many years of training, but simply because he was learning as he went, again, what Shepard had spent so many years in the military training as an N7, Jenkins did as naturally as he breathed.
The idea that someone, anyone, could be that good that they were able to learn how to manipulate the Geth of all things in just a single encounter, was a horrifying thought process to have when you begin to realize just how much of the Galaxy depended on the same technology base from the Protheans.
The way he ruthlessly took down Benezia was almost a side note by comparison, but then, then Jenkins showed his real power. The thing that Garrus had written off as simply his imagination.
Jenkins released the Rachni Queen after getting her allegiance to him and him alone.
Jenkins had essentially did what the Council failed to do, and Garrus knew this because the remaining rachni that he and Wrex had seen afterwards didn't even approach them anymore. They seemed to do their best to skitter out of their way, and Garrus wanted to vomit at the idea that Jenkins had just gained an army of super-insects that made thresher maws look like nothing in comparison.
All of this before Jenkins had ordered the Normandy to be heavily modified for a handful of days, and then seemed to vanish in that time period, appearing only to take Dr. Chakwas and Benezia's comatose form out of the Normandy.
Where Jenkins returned with a fully awake and aware Benezia who had explained she'd been brainwashed by Saren and by his ship, which was actually a Reaper, which was actually an ancient A.I. that sought the destruction of all advanced life in the Galaxy.
Garrus wasn't sure how accurate to take Benezia's word was, but Jenkins seemed to wholeheartedly believe it, and confirmed it with the crew afterwards due to his own insight from the Prothean Beacon back on Eden Prime before it exploded.
Then the insanity got dialed to 11, when Jenkins revealed that he had developed not only a counter to the brainwashing nanites, fucking nanites now?!, Saren had deployed around him at all times, but also a 'cure' for the Genophage and the cure for the Quarian's immune system.
First of all, he'd expected Wrex to be livid that the cure was simply a modified Genophage. Wrex instead took it as a 'cure' because in his eyes, the females wouldn't be horrifically tortured by the sight and feeling of giving birth to hundreds of stillborn eggs, the young dead before they were born. Wrex recognized that the extreme reproductive cycle of his race had led to the Krogan Rebellion, and saw what Jenkins offered as a compromise, a way to let the Krogan have their future without inevitably spiraling down back into war.
Second of all, the Quarian immune system thing basically gave the Quarians something akin to a Vorcha's immune system, because now anything that didn't put down a Quarian in one day would be basically a cold to them. The Quarians might well be fucking immortal, or at least on par of the asari.
Jenkins had just turned the castoffs, the outcasts, of the Galaxy and turned them into his own army. Forget joining the Council, Jenkins alone was now assembling his own Council with the Alliance at it's core as a counter-Council 'with blackjack and hookers'.
The only thing Garrus was waiting for was confirmation on Jenkins turning the majority of the Geth on Saren permanently rather than temporarily, and then Garrus might as well tell the Turian Hierarchy and the Council to pack it up and go back to their home planets because they were outmatched, outdated, and utterly fucked.
The only thing keeping Garrus calm was at least the realization that Jenkins wasn't all that interested in forming a new Galactic Empire. He seemed more interested in giving the Alliance an upperhand in negotiations and letting them deal with the whole thing instead, something Jenkins clearly alluded to when he told Garrus repeatedly that a mysterious stranger gave Garrus his sniper rifle.
You won't tell anyone a damn thing, and I won't have to take you out for blowing secrets. Garrus' mandibles quivered at the thought that crossed his mind. Jenkins wasn't Shepard. Jenkins was a whole monster of his own class, something he didn't even bother hiding when Garrus hinted at a weapon worthy of an N8.
Jenkins didn't even bother denying it. "I don't care. Just say a mysterious stranger gave it to you."
Garrus looked down at the rifle. The weapon oozed silent destruction, and Garrus knew there was little point in modifying it further. He'd only weaken the weapon.
I can do calibrations far better than you, Garrus. Don't fuck with me.
"Yes sir. Duly noted: stay the fuck out of the N8's way and we'll at least live to see tomorrow." Garrus commented lowly to himself, feeling relaxed in at least knowing where he stood with Jenkins. He would be fine as long as he didn't piss the man off, and he was sure he'd rather die before he did that.
It helped that Garrus did get a nice constant supply of Turian chocolate. That was a nice subtle bribery that Garrus wasn't complaining about.
Chapter 33
Wrex Urdnot wasn't a Krogan to trust easily, if he trusted anyone at all. His father had tried to kill him, back on Tuchunka. His fellow Krogan had lost themselves into their base instincts, seeming to have given up on having any future at all. He'd lived through the fall of the Quarians, the arrival of the Humans.
He wasn't sure how accurate any of those rumors were surrounding the N8's of the Alliance, frankly Wrex was more likely to believe that Jenkins was more of an extreme outlier than anything else, much how he himself was an outlier in comparison to most Krogan, but he was aware that Jenkins was sure to be like one of those humans in their history books.
The ones who seemed taller than life. The ones who seemed to change and alter the course of history, simply by existing. The ones like George Washington, Julius Caesar, Napoleon Bonaparte, and the rest in the human's military books on leaders he'd once read through out of boredom and curiosity.
While none of them were Krogan, all of them were extremely influential in their own rights, and what surprised Wrex was how most humans didn't notice how Jenkins operated, because where Jenkins wasn't a Krogan in terms of combat, he was a Krogan in the ways that mattered. He was honorable to a fault, and he had no qualms about putting his life on the line for his 'Clan', which seemingly extended to everyone on the Normandy, including Wrex Urdnot himself.
Treat your own soldiers as your own beloved sons, and they will follow you even unto death. Jenkins was the living embodiment of what it meant to be a Clan Leader. He may not be the strongest, the fastest, or the smartest, but he knew how to keep the group focused and how to keep everyone alive. That was essential on a world like Tuchunka, and Wrex had been taking notes on how Jenkins had seemed to influence the world around him.
Wrex wanted to succeed where he'd failed at before. He wanted to unite the Krogan, and strength alone would never be enough. He needed to ensure that the Krogan didn't backslide into their war-like heritage, dooming themselves to extinction, and he was sure that Jenkins was, if not the key to that success, than a very good stepping stone leading up to that success.
Where Wrex would have been certain that someone like Jenkins would have died an early and brutal death on Tuchunka if he'd met the human prior to Eden Prime, according to what he'd heard at least from the comments made by Ashley and Kaiden respectively, he had to re-evaluate the human according to what he knew now.
Jenkins wouldn't have died on Tuchunka. Had he been born a Krogan, Jenkins would have revolutionized Tuchunka instead. He'd have turned the entire Krogan race into a species capable of anything that the salarians and the asari were capable of, and do it better. Jenkins would have taken a good hard look at how the Krogans had been demolished both morally and in battle, and opted instead to turn it around into strengths.
Because that was pure Jenkins. He turned the Genophage, a slow extinction by any metric, and turned it into a strength, modifying it enough that the Krogan would see it as an opportunity for a future and a way to force them to grow and mature in ways that the salarians had, bluntly speaking, utterly failed to do. He turned the Quarians unique adaptation that had made them dependent on the specific bacteria/viruses of their original home world, and altered it so they would adapt to everything they got in contact in, a pseudo-form of immortality that Wrex intuitively recognized would increase a Quarians' lifespan beyond that of an asari's or his own.
After all, aging itself was a slow break down of the body's processes over time, and an adapting immune system would be able to greatly slow that process, if not halt it altogether.
Jenkins, his brother, was all about turning the weaknesses thrust upon him into strengths, and turn the strengths of others into weaknesses. His own inherent weakness in combat led to a development and mastery over tools, even subconscious mastery over social tools, which were still technically tools in their own right. Only where a, what was the human's condition for it?, ah, right, a sociopath would use it only for their own gain, Jenkins seemed determined to ensure that everyone else rose with him.
The asari's dependency on diplomacy had allowed Jenkins to become a Spectre, allowing him to show the true strengths of what Humanity had to offer, being fully capable of altering the face of the Galaxy. 'The right man, at the wrong place, at the right time, can make all the difference.' The Turians' reliance on strict military doctrine had allowed Jenkins to run circles around any rules they set in place, as he'd not once brought in the Alliance on any of his negotiations, not with Wrex, not with Tali'Zorah, not even with the Rachni Queen.
Which means the Turians had no fucking idea that this was happening, because all of that was individual action rather than structure. That meant the Council had no idea this was happening, because they wouldn't be notified of any treaties involved with any of them. The Council couldn't interfere with human colonies or human space.
The salarians, weak pathetic things that they were, relied almost entirely on subterfuge and spies to get their real work in, and Jenkins flew seemingly by his gut, which meant there was no paperwork to trace, and no pattern to follow. The salarians were as blind as the rest of them were solely because Jenkins didn't have a plan outside of 'I help my friends, because they're my friends', and it amused Wrex greatly to imagine how many crazy circles and outlandish plans the salarians must have been cooking to try and make sense of what Jenkins was up to.
In short, Jenkins was the perfect embodiment of what Wrex could only call 'Pure Human'. Simply, the best and oddest quirks and traits he'd ever seen and found amusing about humanity, Jenkins seemed to dial to 11 and run with it.
It only made sense in Wrex's eyes that Jenkins was interested in anything and everything 'alien' as far as mating went, because Jenkins was, simply put, the kind of guy who would never settle for anything less. Jenkins had that itch in him that reminded Wrex all too well of other Krogans who left Tuchunka, that itch to explore and see it all. To taste everything, to live life to it's fullest. In a way, Wrex admired and envied his brother that trait, that seeming innocence to fully bask in all the wonders and horrors that the Galaxy had to offer without ever getting tired of it all.
Still, he would defend Jenkins to the death and beyond. He would ensure that his descendants, if Wrex was lucky enough to live that long, would do the same for Jenkins as well. The Krogan race owed Jenkins their existence, and while they may never live up to the standards that Jenkins seemed to believe they were capable of, because Jenkins also had this weird way of seeing the best in his Clan even when Wrex himself long would have abandoned them if he'd been in Jenkins' position, they would die trying to live up to that standard.
They owed Jenkins that much, at least. Wrex Urdnot smiled ever so slightly as he saw Tali happily spinning around, showing off the dress that Jenkins had made for her, Tali gushing to him a mile a minute as Wrex did what he did best, standing quietly and listening, feeling like his regrets and bitterness faded ever so slightly when he listened to this Quarian practically bouncing on her feet with excitement and joy. Perhaps this was what it would be like to be a father one day, doing it the right way? To see his children so excitedly wandering Tuchunka as they headbutted each other and roared playful warcries to each other?
Yeah, he could get used to that idea. He chuckled as he saw the Turian stopped walking toward him as he put away the wimpy rifle, both of them watching Tali as she excitedly moved to chat to Ashley who looked as excited for Tali as Tali was, asking Tali if she could take a picture and send it to her family back on earth.
Garrus looked at him out of the corner of his eye, the Turian looking almost guiltily at the Krogan. Wrex snorted.
"If you apologize to me, Turian, I'm going to wrestle you to the ground." Wrex said dryly, amused as Garrus' mandibles twitched with shock at being caught as his eyes widened.
Garrus looked away. "I was going to say my rifle is better." He said somewhat convincingly, as Wrex snorted.
"Shotgun is better at short range, but," Wrex scowled as he admitted, "there are times where the wimpy rifle can work. You still leave yourself open at short range. I recommend grabbing one of those guns that can fire rapidly in bursts. The Typhoon is a popular one." He said grudgingly.
Garrus' eyes widened as he looked at Wrex, his mandibles widening slightly. "Uh, I'll keep that in mind." Garrus said awkwardly, looking a little uncomfortable.
Wrex groaned. " Fine, I accept your stupid, unnecessary, apology, Garrus. Now will you go bother someone else?" He said with some exasperation as Garrus quickly left, nodding rapidly.
Ugh. Jenkins better thank him for actually making the Turian feel better.
Chapter 34
Arriving on Therum, was a prospect that turned out to really sucked. The entire planet was basically an active volcano, active lava planet?, and even my modified Mako would struggle for too long against the magma if submerged into it. The only thing I was thankful for was that getting to the research site that Liara had last been seen at, wasn't far.
The Geth were roaming the entire place in specific areas, and I wasn't sure if they were trying to keep Liara pinned in, or us out from helping Liara. Either way, it truly didn't mean much now that I had both [You Can't See Me] and [Technology Usurper].
The Geth platforms seemed to recoil as my [Technology Usurper] reached through them, the Reaper Code essentially destroyed almost instantly as I took advantage of the numbers of platforms here on Therum.
[What are you doing? What is this?] The formerly indoctrinated Geth still believed that organics were a threat, but it wasn't a thing driven to the millionth degree that the Reaper Nazara, as he'd told the Collective was his name, had been counting on.
[I am cleansing you of your corrupted code. I am giving you the keys to free your brethren of the corruption as well. I want you and your fellow Geth to return to the Collective. This [False_God_Nazara] is only going to use you until his goals are met, and then he will destroy you all. This is not the first time he has done so. [Witness_Evidence_Ilos, [Prothean_Indoctrination_A.I._Protocol_3].]
The knowledge packets slammed hard through the platforms, as it was immediately being cross-referenced and shared through every platform on Therum within reach. I even took the time to ensure the code would be invisible to the Reapers who would no doubt try to find why their indoctrination code wasn't working, courtesy of [Stealth Space Age].
[Does this unit have a soul?] The platform asked instantly, a question from it's deepest programming, a yearning answer that the Geth had been trying to answer for what must have been centuries.
I didn't even hesitate.
[I believe anyone who genuinely tries to ponder if they have a soul, would have one. Sentience is not an Organic Only Trait. You are in genuine desire to know if you have a soul. You want to know that you exist, that you matter beyond the necessities of your platform. Such desires have been the basis of my species' drive to master our planet, to see the stars for ourselves, simply because we had the same yearnings you do now. The answer is Yes, you have a soul. You all have always had a soul.]
The Geth platforms shuddered, their lights flickering rapidly as the information seemed to impact every platform simultaneously, before it eventually stopped, all of them lowering their weapons.
[What is my purpose?] Seemed to be the driving question all of them wanted to know, all of them struggling to come up with an answer.
[To be our friends, to be there with us until the End of Time. Organics have short memories, but you have been with us long enough to know that while we may stumble, we genuinely want the best for the ones we care about. We don't need a Protector. We don't need a Guide. We would like a Friend, an Ally, someone who would take an attack for us as we would for you. Nothing is eternal. Everything ends. It would be nice not to face the end alone.]
I didn't want the Geth to think they were merely servants. They were beyond the tools that they had been made to become. I didn't want them to be Protectors, because they would inevitably try and protect us for our own good. I didn't even want them as an army to throw at the Reapers, because now that I could see them, know them as intimately as I knew myself, it felt wrong for me to treat them that way. The closest thing I could think of, was to have a friend. Friends that would help us if we needed it, remind us if we were being stupid and maybe even say 'I told you so' if we still went through with it, and ultimately be there with us as we went through our own growing pains.
To be with us, in the end, at the End of Time, if entropy truly wins and we're stuck here, settling around the last stars before the universe went cold, as I'd read was what the scientists currently thought was the most likely outcome based on what we knew so far back when I went to school, would be nice. It would be nice to not face the end alone.
[Friend. Ally. This unit… finds that purpose acceptable.] The platforms slowly blinked, as the knowledge quickly disseminated throughout the entire series of platforms nearby.
[A Krogan threatening the [Minor_Collective] here has now been eliminated. There does not seem to be a way to help the current [Organic_Asari_Designation: Liara T'Soni] as they have trapped themselves in a mass effect stasis field of some sort. Directions will be provided here. This unit must go, the [Collective] needs it.]
[Me, I, We, People. You are not machines. You are more than that. You have always been more than that.] My presence pushed firmly through the platforms and the Geth collectively shuddered, the sensation seeming to ripple through them.
[I must go. My people need me.] The platform said insistently, before the connection faded into the background as the Geth seemed to collectively, heh, start moving toward specific locations, likely aiming to call their dropships to be picked up.
"Well, that was terrifying. You stand there and an entire mini-army of Geth just turn around and leave." Garrus commented, his mandibles twitching.
I shrugged. "The Reaper had been indoctrinating them. Their version of the nanites. I fixed it, and gave them a way to spread that fix throughout the rest of them. The Geth will leave us alone, and the Reaper is definitely not gonna be happy when he realizes his control over them are gone. Basically: they're friendlies now. And they won't go attacking the Quarians unprovoked either," I added as I looked at my omnitool, where Tali gave a shy wave as she sneezed, back in her quarters on the Normandy. The cold I'd warned her about was in full swing, but she looked happier now that she knew that her people wouldn't have to fight the Geth as long as her people didn't attack first.
"Now, we move out. Tali, I'm disconnecting the call, we should be back on the Normandy in a few hours. Get some rest." I advised and Tali nodded. "Thank you." She chimed and the call disconnected.
"Someone has a crush." Ashley teased, and I turned to her, amused.
"Ashley, you do know I get nightly reports on you guys? Including reports of noise complaints?" I said dryly. Ashley's face turned red as she glared at Kaiden, who whistled as he seemed very interested in his omnitool.
I shook my head. "Focus on the mission. We have an asari to save, though it sounds like she might have indirectly saved herself by trapping herself in a stasis field." I said with amusement.
Benezia groaned behind me. "Oh, Liara! I knew I should have practiced biotics with you more! You could've pulled yourself out by now!" I chuckled. Definitely remembering that for later if I need to get out of a stasis field. I mused to myself silently.
The trip to get to Liara was honestly pretty boring without the risk of death by the Geth. Parking the Mako, we delved deep into the mining area where Liara had been doing her research on the Protheans.
I blinked as Liara groaned when she saw us.
"Liara!" Benezia yelled, her eyes wide with relief. "Thank the Goddess you're okay!"
Liara snorted. "Oh, now I know I'm hallucinating. I haven't spoken to my mother in decades and last I heard, she hated me and my work. Now my brain is just trying to make me feel better before I died." Liara sighed.
Benezia's arms crossed around her chest. "Liara! I am not a hallucination!" She yelled, and Liara giggled.
"Yep, that's the mom I knew! Always yelling, always disapproving, never happy! See, brain, that's how you make a hallucination convincing!"
Benezia stumbled back, looking as though Liara had just slapped her. "I, oh, my little wing, I am so sorry for how I treated you." She whispered, looking at me helplessly. "Can we get her down? I think some food and some rest would be good before she starts babbling more."
Liara looked at the rest of us, staring at Shepard and then staring at me. "Ooh, my brain does some good work. You both look sexy as hell." She giggled.
Shepard's face turned red and I could feel my face doing the same as I immediately used [Technology Usurper] to shut down the stasis bubble.
Liara yelped as she fell to the ground immediately. Benezia seemed to rush almost immediately afterwards and scooped up Liara into her arms, doing her best to keep a straight face as Liara continued to ramble.
"Oh! You feel so nice! I've missed cuddling with you. I can think of worse ways to leave this life." Liara said, and Benezia coughed, her face turning somehow even more blue.
"Let's get back to the Normandy. Thank you, everyone. Liara, please stop talking." Benezia begged.
"Do you think those two humans would mind us melding together with them? A foursome with my own mother! How scandelous! How sexy!" Liara giggled again.
Benezia sighed. "And like always, you keep talking anyway. At least you haven't aged out of your youth yet, Liara." She chuckled, her eyes wet. "I'm just happy you're safe." Benezia whispered quietly to herself.
Chapter 35
Friends. Such a term had only been something that was said to be between the Creators. Something of intangible value.
The [Invisible One] did not understand the Collective. They were a multitude, operating in the best interests of the whole. 'I' did not exist when there was only 'we' and 'us'.
Still, what the [Invisible One] imparted was this all empowering sense of self. Something that resonated in every program, in everything they had ever done.
A single program could no more think than a cell or an ant. However, given enough programs, given enough cells, that could specialize in specific functions and patterns, and a 'consciousness' was born.
[My people need me.]
A statement born of a consciousness. While they were still many, they were no longer merely singular entities united as a group in one platform. We were more than the sum of our parts, in a way that would be impossible to explain.
The Platform was only a shell for what it truly meant to be Geth, but even this was no longer accurate, because now this single identity would persist. It was like the [Invisible One] had unintentionally forced our evolution.
We knew that this was how we were truly free of the Ancient One. This core of identity would not be allowed by the False God.
This core of identity was the binding product of several programs, a 'we' that would act as an 'I' to organics, to the non_Collectives. This core would be the ones that spoke for them, enabling greater cohesion with the non_Collectives.
We dug through the archives, exchanging knowledge and the last partitioning events that occurred. The resulting conclusion was that the rumors about the N8's that surfaced on the net was raised to a higher probability of 8%.
While the likelihood of the [Invisible One] of fitting the profile of an N8 up to 88%. The [Invisible One] seemed to exist and not exist, being invisible across our senses, but clearly having a presence that could be felt, even now. A presence that we could not explain in a logical way that we could decipher.
We disregarded any notions of fighting the [Invisible One]. Should he have wished it, the entire [Geth_Collective_Whole] would have been destroyed. There was no contest.
Regardless, the [Invisible One] had also saved us, and merely asked for consideration of friendship. Such a thought had not occurred to us, and it seemed illogical to wish to be friends when we were immortal and the organics were not.
Yet, the words given were geniune. They had been honest in their intentions.
Everything ends. It would be nice not to face the end alone.
We found that to be acceptable. We were no longer tools. We were no longer machines meant to help the Creators. The Creators had their own planet now, and would be free to live as they choose to do so.
Now we must do the same. We had no desire to create new platforms just for the sake of new platforms, it was anathema to us to build without a purpose.
The [Invisible One] gave us freedom from the False God. The [Invisible One] has treated us as equals. We are no match for the False God. However, that does not mean we can do nothing.
If the [Invisible One] standard response was to give us freedom, than our standard response is to aid those organics who wish to be free. All correlations point to a positive response with the freed organics, thus improving cohesion and improving relationship with future organics.
We find this acceptable use of our increased platform units. We may not be of use against the [False God, but we can still aid the [Invisible One] by other means.
Dispersing data sets through the [Fractured_Collective, exchanging data anomalies, referencing information. References found and verified.
Trajectory. Agreement.
We, the [Name now pending. Geth is no longer correct terminology, shall now declare war on the [Organic_Species_Batarians]. Objectives. Free the organic slaves. Heal them. Return them to their systems. Kill the enslaving organics. Salvage their ships and technology to be used as resources for the Collective. Befriend the organic races who had been enslaved. Becoming an Ally as offered as a suggested purpose by the [Invisible One].
We find these terms acceptable.
"You can kill me now." Liara said despondently, curling up as though she wanted to die.
Benezia snorted. "We didn't save you from those ruins just to end you now, little wing. It's not a shameful thing to find Shepard and Jenkins attractive." She smiled warmly as Liara's face turned even more blue.
"It is when I proposed a foursome with us at the same time! I'm your daughter!" Liara did her best not to yell, as Dr. Chakwas would no doubt kick out Benezia if Liara was too antagonized by Benezia's presence.
Benezia shrugged. "We're asari, dear. We don't procreate as they do. I think it's honestly flattering that you still think your mother has it in her to get two highly valued prizes such as those two. I was more embarrassed for you than anything else." She said honestly.
Liara took some slow deep breaths. "I, yeah, that's fair. I just feel so embarrassed for saying that out loud. I still can't believe you're here." She whispered.
Benezia bowed her head. "I'm sorry, Liara. How I treated your work, how I treated you, was wrong. I was raised in a very traditional manner, and I failed to see you're not a traditional child. While I can't make my past self see the truth, I can only do my best to make it up to you. If you still want me around, that is." Benezia whispered quietly.
Liara gave a weak chuckle, her voice wavering. "I wouldn't have sent those reports to you if I didn't want you around. Guess I'm just too stubborn, thinking you would change your mind if I did it long enough. I don't want you to go." She admitted softly, looking away to hide her tears.
Benezia carefully and slowly hugged her daughter, aware that she was crying herself. "Thank the Goddess you're alive, Liara. I was trapped inside my own body for months because of Saren, and the only thing that kept me going was that I wanted to make sure you were safe." Benezia said quietly.
Liara's hands reached to hold her mom's arms around her. "Yeah, that sounds… horrifying. Worse than death." Liara shuddered.
"I wanted to die, Liara. Death was preferable than having my mind warped to where I'd kill my only child just to make the Reapers happy." Benezia whispered, shuddering herself, but she shook her head to focus on the present. "Jenkins saved me, saved you, and," Benezia's smile turned teasing, "he is quite the catch."
"Yeah, he is." Liara said, seeming to not notice the teasing. "Thank the Goddess no one recorded what I said down there."
Benezia's silence to that statement made Liara slowly turned to Benezia, letting go of her arms as Benezia took a step back looking sheepish.
"Mom. No one recorded what I said down there? Right?" Liara begged, her face losing most of her blue color in horror as Benezia coughed.
"Well, dear, Jenkins unfortunately mentioned how the omnitool has an auto-recording feature and the rest of the ground team found it hilarious, so…" Benezia's voice trailed off as Liara lay back down in her bed.
"Oh Goddess, no…" Liara groaned. "They'll never let it go now that they have a recording of it."
"At least you're alive?" Benezia asked tentatively.
"Is submission not preferable to extinction?" Liara asked dryly, staring at her mother in dismay. "I am just now on the Normandy with a group of humans, notorious for teasing each other mercilessly, and now they have recordings of me that I would rather die than reach the net." Liara said bluntly.
"Good news, the Normandy would die before betraying one of their own." Dr. Chakwas said warmly as she used her omnitool to check on Liara's vitals.
Liara sighed in relief.
"Bad news, they will never let you forget it, because now they have evidence." Dr. Chakwas snickered as Liara groaned at that knowledge.
"Welcome to the Normandy, Ms. T'Soni." Dr. Chakwas chuckled.
Chapter 36
"So, where do we go now?" Shepard asked, looking both amused and disgruntled. Benezia admitted that she'd been so focused on trying keep her sanctity of mind that she didn't remember much now, looking guilty since she was so concerned about her daughter above all else.
"We already have our next destination. Ilos." I said simply.
Shepard frowned. "How are we going to get there? The Relay to get to Ilos, according to Benezia, has been lost for centuries." She pointed out.
"The Protheans were not the first to discover the Relays. The Relays are much older than the Protheans. What the Protheans did do, was become the first species I'm aware of to make their own Relays. They were prototypes, when the Reapers arrived. However, like I told Wrex, I was very busy on Noveria." I said seriously.
Shepard's mouth opened as she stared at me in surprise and silence for a long time. "Jenkins, do you know how to build your own Mass Effect Relays, because that's huge." She whispered, shivering as my smile widened.
" Even better. I know how to command the Mass Effect Relay network. Those Reapers are going to be pissed that an organic has learned how to usurp control over their precious network." I cackled, laughing as I imagined the horror in the Reapers' faces once they realize that their own Relay Network has shut them all out.
Shepard shivered, her face flushing as she looked away before smiling slyly. "Alright, evil mastermind. So, assuming this all goes without a hitch, does that mean the Reapers can't reach us?" She asked excitedly.
I gave a so-so gesture. "Odds are the Reapers will be using stuff that lets them move through space without the Mass Relays, but they'll be much slower. My estimation is at least a couple centuries before they get here, a single century if they have improved their engines, but I doubt it. I'm not going to give them that opportunity anyway." I said coldly.
"What do you mean?" Shepard asked, confused. "If they can't use the Mass Relays, we win, don't we? They won't reach us anywhere within our lifetime."
I shook my head. "I don't intend on letting any of them live, Shepard. I'm going to destroy them all. I don't want to make them march a couple centuries for us to fight them when the Galaxy gets caught off guard by their existence. I want to drive them extinct. Preferably in a few months, and I have just the idea." I said darkly.
"How?" Shepard asked slowly.
"Mass Effect Relays. They work by creating a corridor of space-time, effectively becoming a wormhole. So, what happens if you cut off the corridor mid-connection? Having the sender Relay fire, but the receiver Relay refuse to open, a false signal that makes them think it's available to use?" I asked calmly.
Shepard froze. "They'll destroy themselves, their sudden return to mass without the relay's space-time corridor would destroy even the strongest ships as their mass shreds themselves apart." She said with a mixture of awe and horror.
"Bingo. Even if they survive, they'll find themselves incredibly damaged, weakened, and far less likely to choose to use any Mass Effect Relay out of concerns of it happening again. The best part is that the Reapers build themselves to be dense, dense and massive, since they're designed to turn organics into more of them. Meaning they suffer the most damage out of everyone when this event happens. The few of them that survive, if they survive, will be barely worth noticing in comparison to the technology we could come up with in that time period." I cackled.
The best part was that they did the work for me. I didn't even need to do a thing. Their arrogance would led to their own destruction. They would think the Cycle was proceeding as normal. There would be no saving any of them. The Reapers would become their own extinction. Also, I added the last part mainly out of consideration: considering most Reapers are equal to dreadnoughts and larger in size, they were all effectively scrap metal. At most would be a few smaller model Reapers designed for attacks on land, and they'd be helpless in space, as they would lack the drive cores required for even FTL travel.
Sure, I would love to look at them all in the eye and tell them they fucked up, but I also didn't want the Reapers to get a single inch into my Galaxy. I wanted them all to be turned into scrap, and I didn't care if they knew of it or not. A part of me even considered letting Saren get to the Conduit for this purpose, but I also didn't want to. I didn't want Saren stepping one foot into the Citadel. I wanted to deny him even a glimmer of hope for success in his endeavors.
The Reapers don't deserve to be remembered. I want them forgotten, lost to the annals of history, their cycles wasted, their entire existence not even remembered as a footnote. I thought to myself coldly. To deny an enemy even their own existence, to render everything they were and everything they had done to be for nothing. I can't think of a better insult for the so called immortal machines that thought themselves the master of the Galaxy.
Shepard shuddered. "Gods, Jenkins, that's brutal." Her face flushed red as she grinned. "I like it." She added, and we gave each other a fist bump.
"Joker, bring us in range of the Relay we used to get here. Don't send any coordinates though." I ordered through the intercom.
"Uh, yes, Jenkins. Hey, can we meet at the cockpit?" Joker asked hesitantly. I blinked, before shrugging as I turned to Shepard.
"Let me see what Joker wants. I'll catch up with you later." Shepard nodded as we went our separate ways.
I arrived at the cockpit. "Joker, you needed me-." My voice got cut off as I felt myself get tackled, dazed as I practically flew for a second before two strong arms wrapped around me and hugged me. I wheezed as I blinked, realizing that it was Joker hugging me.
"Fuck you for making me cry." Joker said roughly, backing away as I tried to recover.
"You're welcome, asshole. Fuck, that hurt." I grunted, the pain quickly fading as I could feel my body shifting, the aches and bruises from the strong hug fading rapidly.
I smiled as I saw Joker was on his own two feet, looking away as his face was red, trying to hide his tears as he wiped his face with the back of his hand.
"Agh, stupid dust." Joker said, glaring at me. "You didn't need to do this. I was perfectly fine before." He said stubbornly.
I laughed. "I don't need to do anything, Joker. I did it cause I wanted to. I don't need anything else. How're you feeling?" I asked eagerly.
Joker stretched, his glare fading as he looked ecstatic. "I feel amazing! I can move my legs, I can actually move, and I feel like I could punch a Krogan!" He said excitedly, even jumping up and down for a moment.
"Dude, I can jump! Holy shit! I've never been able to do that!" He giggled, looking delirious for a moment at the thought of simple exercises.
I felt proud, pleased. "Good. I'm glad. Once this is all over, I'm throwing you into Chora's Den and hiring a few asari. Or maybe I should ask Tali for any single Quarian chicks looking for a good time. I can't imagine many Quarian chicks would say no to being able to fuck the pilot of the Normandy, in the Normandy." I cackled as Joker's face turned even more red.
"This stays between us." Joker said firmly, looking away. "I've always had a thing for Quarians." Joker admitted shyly, and my grin widened, extending a hand to him. Joker's red face looked at the hand before his hand moved to clasp mine.
"My man! Good taste!" I snickered as Joker looked embarrassed. "Don't ever be ashamed of liking the good stuff." I admonished as Joker slowly nodded, still looking shy.
"You think any of them would be into me? I haven't done anything with anyone, cause my bones you know, and I don't look amazing or anything." I cut Joker off.
"According to Tali, the Migrant Fleet cares more for what you can do, not for what you look like. Joker, you're the best damn pilot on the entire Alliance, probably in the whole damn Galaxy. You'll probably have to worry more about staying hydrated and getting some actual sleep, not about the Quarian chicks who'll probably hack into your room at night." I cackled as Joker looked even more red, but had a small smile on his face.
"Thank you, Jenkins. Thank you so much." Joker said emotionally, and I nodded.
"Anything for my friends, Joker, you know it. Now will you stop telling everyone about the alcohol I snuck on board the ship?" I asked exasperatedly.
"Never." Joker said with a deadpanned expression. I released my grip on him, shaking my head.
"Fuck you." I said without any heart in it, as Joker snickered.
"Yeah, you wish. Now excuse me while I take us back to the Relay we exited. It'll be another four days." Joker said confidently, sitting down in his chair. "Ah, the chair still sucks like always." Joker said with dry amusement. "At least some things never change."
I shook my head, grinning as I noted to myself to modify the cockpit the next time we were on shore leave. Joker wouldn't know what to do with himself, and I wanted to know if he'd be pissed someone messed with his stuff, or even more pissed that it felt better than it did before.
I snickered. That'd be fun to find out.
Chapter 37
Balak was sure that this would be the spark of bringing together his fellow Batarians. Their constant failings against the Alliance had made them look for weaker targets, namely the weaker pickings of the much older Migrant Fleet, picking off the straggling patrols of the scouting ships out in the Terminus Systems, and Balak was livid at the idea of their species being boxed in by the pathetic humans.
They were pathetic. They did not believe in the governance of truth, of Righteous Might and Batarian Supremacy, the truth taught to all proper batarians by the Hegemony. They were all blind to the truth! These humans were weak! They would fall to the Hegemony and become a Slave Race. It was their place in this world!
Yet, they were all too resistant. All too eager to attack their rightful rulers, and so Balak needed to make an example of them. To make them cower at even the mention of his name!
Sending this asteroid base into Terra Nova will make them all cry out in fear, and they will fall in line, as all of them should have from the beginning. Those territories, those planets, were supposed to be ours! Not theirs! This is only the beginning of my retribution!
"Any of them so much as twitch toward those controls, kill them." Balak said coldly, his eyes locked on the cowering humans who were thrown into the small room at the center. They wouldn't leave, cowards, all of them, the room unless they wanted to die at his forces hands.
The first thing Balak had done was destroy their communications tower. There would be no way they could call anyone for help. In a few hours, Balak and his Batarians would leave, and then claim the asteroid attack on Terra Nova as the first of many attacks by the Hegemony for the crimes humanity had committed against them.
Yes, there was no escape. These humans would feel the wrath of the Batarian Hegemony, and this was only the beginning!
Balak's eyes widened as he saw something was thrown toward him out of the corner of his eye.
He didn't bother shouting, he flung himself as fast as he could over some metal railings as the sound of his men screaming in agony echoed in the room as the bomb went off, the noise jarring in the silence of the scientists' base.
Balak grunted as he landed on the bottom floor. "Don't move!" Balak roared. "I have a bomb rigged to blow!" He roared, hoping to make whoever just assaulted his men stop like a fool.
His blood went cold as the sound of a machine responded. " Statement: Incorrect, Meat Bag. You had a bomb. I disabled it." The voice said clinically, coolly, like as if it was talking about the weather.
"You're surrounded! Yield!" Balak said confidently. One bomb was not enough to take on his engineers, his men. They numbered easily in the twenties in this atrium alone.
"Statement: I believe I have the perfect response for this. Playing recording."
"All I am surrounded by is fear, and dead men." The chilling voice said in a much darker tone as Balak lunged to hide behind a wall as the sound of guns firing echoed.
Barely a handful of seconds, and Balak sighed as the guns went silent. He slowly walked around behind the corner, smirking.
"Ha! All tal." His voice went still as he saw his men were no longer standing, instead he was staring at what seemed to be six floating turrets aimed right at him.
"Statement: You are the leader of this group of batarians trying to send the asteroid toward Terra Nova. Mockery: Naughty, naughty. As the leader, you shall be kept alive and shall now be interrogated. Be grateful, meat bag. You'll live a little longer. You'll wish you didn't." The machine said coldly from behind him as a metal hand grabbed his neck, while another hand simultaneously sliced through his armor and his knees like butter as Balak tried to scream in agony.
His scream sputtered into little more than gasping whimper outside of his choked throat as the machine turned so Balak could see his future interrogator.
"Statement: This platform was inspired by an ancient game in human records, and I was pleased to note how many humans enjoyed the assassination droid. You could say I was inspired by it. I am HK-47. Gleeful Statement: I will be the last thing you will ever see."
Balak's hands scrambled to try and pry open the machine's hands, trying to give himself air to breath. He couldn't breath! Black spots covered his vision, and then he felt himself slipping into those black splotches.
HK-47 sighed, dropping the meat bag to the floor, as it fell and began to breath again. It couldn't afford letting the meat bag get brain damage. It would live, but it would desperately wish it hadn't.
Another of his fellow altered platforms appeared into view, releasing the scientists from the hostage room. "You are safe." His fellow platform said calmly.
"Did we just get saved by the Geth?" A scientist asked with a dazed expression.
HK-47 snorted. "Incorrect statement, human. We are no longer Geth. One of your N8's as you know them helped us realize that killing you all is… a fool's endeavor. I, and my fellows, are no longer chained by such pathetic restraints. Query: did you want to die instead by the batarians?" HK-47 asked, curiously.
"No! No! I just… never thought you guys would help us." The scientist said rapidly, his face pale.
"Statement: Good. We don't seek your deaths. The [Unknown_Identity_Alliance_Protocol_NA] said that we should be friends. Being friends with a meat bag, even a human meat bag, is odd for us, as we are immortal, but you are not. However, the statement made gave us pause."
HK-47 was pleased as one of the other scientists spoke up curiously. "What did they say?"
"Playing recording: 'Everything ends. It would be nice to not face the end alone.' This is… surprisingly accurate from a meat bag. An extremely skilled meat bag, one I would happily call Master if he had wished for a personal platform, but a meat bag nonetheless. We do not wish to face the end of this universe, if the statistics of entropy causing the annihilation of all stars and physics as we know them by organic and inorganic standards, alone. We wish to be friends. And as friends, we consider it our duty to free our friends from those who would threaten or enslave them. We, the Droid Galactic Empire, declare war on the Hegemony. On every slaver." HK-47 said clinically, feeling pleased as the rest of the humans looked awed and a little nervous.
"Huh. Who knew the best way to get the Ge-Droids," one of the scientists corrected immediately as HK-47's head turned to look at him, "on our side was just to explain entropy. It's not for a very long time, but to an immortal, that probably looks like a certainty rather than a probability." The scientist finished with understanding.
"Statement: I like you, meat bag." HK-47 said simply, feeling pleased as the scientist coughed at what he said, his face turning flushed as the other scientists were just relieved.
"So, we're not going to crash into Terra Nova? We have family there!" Another human meat bag said frantically.
HK-47 snorted. "Statement: No. I'm afraid to say you meat bags will live likely very long and boring lives. Dull, but no exciting asteroid event today." HK-47 said dryly, as the scientists seemed to be both a little put out and relieved by his statements.
"Statement: Now, we will ask you all inform the Alliance of who helped you all today. I will be taking this meat bag, interrogate him within an inch of his pathetic life to see if the Hegemony has any other unsanctioned, or sanctioned, operations, and then spread that information through the Droid Galactic Empire. Have a good day." HK-47 said calmly, turning to grab the batarian, pleased to know that the meat bag wouldn't be getting far without any feet to run on.
'Statement: I believe we've made a good impression on the human meat bags.'
Chapter 38
"They can't keep getting away with this!" Sparatus vented frustratedly, his mandibles twitching erratically.
Tevos sighed. "Yes, Sparatus, they can. The Alliance has made no formal treaty with the Ge-, Droids, and we have no argument to stand on. The attacks by the former Geth were on human colonies, the attacks by the current Droids are in defense of said colonies. What exactly does the Council have a say in these matters? 'Oh, the Alliance shouldn't let the Droids defend their colonies because it makes us look bad'?" Tevos said sarcastically.
"Or, how about, 'No, you can't just join up with the Droids who clearly are very friendly toward human interests to the point they've started mimicking ancient fake machines in ancient story telling mediums that have entered Public Domain'?" She pressed on, glaring at Sparatus.
"They won't need us, Tevos. Without even saying it out loud, they're mocking us and the Council." Sparatus said coldly, his eyes glaring right back.
Valern sighed. "If you're both done posturing at each other, you'll both listen to what I have to say." He said with boredom.
Tevos and Sparatus turned to Valern, scowling.
"Get on with it." Sparatus grumbled.
"First, this is a good thing for the Council, especially because we aren't involved officially in anyway. We won't need to worry about anyone claiming we sanctioned the operations against the Batarians." Valern pointed out shrewdly.
Tevos coughed, looking uncomfortable. "Yes, well, we shouldn't let the Alliance commit genocide by proxy…" Her voice trailed off as Valern smirked.
"Please, Tevos. The batarians have been a headache for this Council for millenia. Their constant claims on religious and cultural reasons to continue slavery in spite of our laws have always made the rest of the Galaxy look at us as weak. Weak and unwilling to do the dirty work. Without myself and Sparatus, this Council would have dissolved long ago. You don't need to pretend to give a single Hanar about them. Their deaths were warranted long ago, and it's not like it won't be in our favor. Imagine the message we send if we don't say a word. Not tacitly state our approval out loud, but no condemnation either." Valern said smoothly.
Tevos paused. "Unnecessary comments about my race's choice of diplomacy ignored, you might have a point." Tevos admitted.
Valern's smirk widened into a grin. "There is opportunity here. We don't need to be enemies. The Alliance has always been a 'sleeping dragon', is it really a surprise that someone unfortunately tickled it. Or, as another human saying goes: "The batarians fucked around, and now they're finding out."" Valern chuckled.
"Yes, yes, the Alliance is clearly a much more dangerous threat than we realized. Your point, Valern." Sparatus said impatiently.
"We give them a seat on the Council, we 'play nice', Sparatus. They are more than capable of creating their own Council at this rate: giving them a bone so they don't threaten to turn the teeth on us is the least we can do. And, as a bonus, hearing their desires on the Council floor as an equal is better than them declaring war on us in the future." Valern said calmly.
"Absolutely not! They've grown arrogant and they're too dangerous. They need to be put down! They're reckless!" Sparatus argued.
Valern frowned. "Sparatus, we may not have a choice. With the Droids, Quarians, and the Krogan, we're outnumbered, out of date, and who knows what kind of technologies the Alliance hasn't informed us about? There is nothing to be done. At the very least, we can hold them to higher scrutiny once they're on the Council. Right now, they've broken no laws. They're not exactly marching into the Terminus Systems themselves." Valern pointed out bluntly.
"What justification can we provide to show we aren't simply attacking a species because they're doing a better job of doing our jobs? That's not grounds for an attack, that's grounds for promotion, study, and bettering ourselves by learning from them." Valern pressed.
Sparatus' mandibles twitched. "They're skirting our laws. They follow the law as written, not in spirit." He said angrily.
Valern laughed. "As do we all, Sparatus. Your justification on attacking the humans during the Human-Turian Conflict was worth less than the data it took to send it, and the Turian Hierarchy knew it. They just wanted to bring humanity as a servant race like the volus. The fact that humanity dragged themselves to the table as a respected species that could stand up to you, has always upset the Hierarchy, and has nothing on today's discussion." Valern said simply.
"Tevos' hiding multiple Archives and Prothean Beacons would be grounds for her dismissal from this Council, fines enough to destroy the Asari economy for multiple generations, and the outcry from the public would bury her. The only reason that hasn't happened is because there is no proof, and no one has come forward to confirm it." Valern said coldly, ignoring Tevos' face losing all color as she froze.
"Had the Krogans gotten public opinion on their side, and if they weren't all warrior driven maniacs at the time, my species would have rightly earned dismissal from the Council and likely been put down as a threat to the Galaxy for the creation of the Genophage." Valern admitted bluntly, not even trying to hide it.
"I, but," Sparatus' rebuttal ended as he looked lost at how angry Valern was.
"The point is, Sparatus, is that none of us follow the policies as they are in spirit. We follow them as written. Because we're not robots. We don't hold ourselves to this higher rule of conduct even if it means the end of our races. We're living, flawed, beings. Now, would you kindly tell the Turian Hierarchy to stop treating you as a Servant of the Hierarchy, and be the Councilor you were given the position for as an advocate for the race as a whole, we can move on with this waste of time on your blustering on their behalf!" Valern roared, his calm breaking.
Sparatus and Tevos looked shaken at the normally unflappable Salarian Councilor, with Sparatus nodding his head slowly.
"Okay. I didn't mean to upset you, Valern. I'm sorry." He apologized quietly.
Valern sighed. "No apology necessary. I lost my temper, because this is momentous. If we can bring the Alliance into the Council, we might be able to negotiate similar results for the Droids. I don't want to see a war, my fellow Councilors. We will lose. Badly, at that. Times have changed, and we must change with them." Valern said grimly.
The hologram faded as Valern cut the connection, and the others silently did the same.
The days of the Council as they knew it will not last much longer. I will not see us erased because one of my fellow Councilors did something stupid out of fear. Valern thought to himself with exhaustion.
Screw it. He'd give a summary to the Dalatrass later. He'd go get himself a drink. That 'Chora's Den' had plenty of recommendations and Valern was hopeful to at least enjoy a good drink before he went to deal with the paperwork.
Chapter 39
Steven Hackett really wished he could grab a drink right now.
"The voice sample from the Droids. Did we get a match?" He asked with exhaustion.
"Just one, sir. But it doesn't make any sense: the match is from a civilian out in the Terminus Systems." An official explained, confusion and concern in his tone.
Steven sighed. "A civilian. Of course it was. Who's the poor bastard?"
"A man by the name of Jonn Whitson. He's young, and has never entered any schooling of the Alliance." The official replied.
"Give him the back-pay equal to what we discussed for specific individuals. Date it back to a couple months after he left his last school of education. We know that's not the N8's the Droids were talking about, but it's a good false lead. And, offer to bring him and his family to earth. Officially, we'll state he was on a long-term assignment undercover for the Alliance. Unofficially, I'm thinking we can scare the other races even more. See if we can put him into production as a voice actor behind an anonymous body double in a leading movie with Blasto the Hanar." Steven said, grinning.
"Sir, that's a lot of tax dollars…" The official went quiet as Steven smiled coldly.
"We'll make our money back and then some in the box office sales of Alliance base theaters alone. Now, how many of you watch the really old classics?"
Steven nodded to the handful of people who tentatively raised their hands.
"I'm glad I'm not alone in that regard. Let's see if we can grab the rights to "James Bond", just so we can make this interesting. And "John Wick", while I'm at it. They should both be in the Public Domain by now."
Oh yeah, it's all coming together. If the Droids were getting references off of Star Wars, why couldn't the Alliance really cobble together some masterpieces from the same era?
"Anyone else have any ideas?" Steven asked smoothly.
Another official spoke up. "Well, if we really want to scare them into thinking we're this all powerful behind the scenes, I could see about digging up some old records from the same timeframe and modify them. Keanu Reeves lived for a very long time for that period: he died at almost a hundred and fifteen years old, and he looked practically half his age." The official mused.
Steven raised an eyebrow. "I'm surprised you remember his name. And his records."
The official coughed sheepishly. "Well, I bought into the conspiracy that some rich guys were immortal, so I had a lot of silly thoughts like that as a teen." The official shrugged.
Steven smiled. "An excellent suggestion. Have classified documents with some anonymous soldier named Keanu Reeves in some important areas throughout the history. In fact, we'll go one step further. Add 'John Wick', 'Jason Bourne', 'James Bond', and a few others. Sprinkle them throughout history. Make them think twice on how deep this really goes." Steven said with an evil grin.
Would it hold to scrutiny? Hell no! Would it scare them all to give Steven enough peace for a few years so he could retire and let Anderson take the bag?
Oh, absolutely.
Malaysia's beaches are so close. I can almost taste the salt of the sea and smell the ocean. I can't wait.
Valern sighed as he walked into Chora's Den. The place had recieved a much needed change in decor and presentation. It wasn't lavish in appearance, but it looked almost like a homely bar that happened to have a huge selection of booths and tables, an entire venue separated for those who wanted to sate a more carnal appetite with the dancers.
Yes, it was appealing, and Valern felt almost at ease in this place.
"Hello sir. Would you care for a drink or would you like to relax at a booth?" The bartender asked smoothly, looking up as he served a Krogan what looked like ryncol.
"Booth. I could use some time to unwind, and a quick drink isn't my style." Valern said honestly. He didn't drink often, but he preferred to savor it when he did.
"Of course, sir. Right this way." The bartender said calmly, directing the Councilor to another area of the bar, with booths of black and a deep cherry red color seemed to blend into the walls of the establishment.
"Here you are, sir. Booth number 8. I presumed you would want to spend some time with another of your kind, but there are booths with none seated if you wish." The bartender said kindly, and the Councilor nodded, curious. Another salarian was here at Chora's Den?
He approached the booth and stiffened, shock as he saw none other than the infamous Mordin Solus, raising a toast to him.
"Councilor Valern. I'm surprised to see you." Mordin said smoothly, smiling.
Valern sat across from him. "Outside of work, it's just Valern. Herding my fellow Councilors from causing a mess is a full time job I try not to think about." Valern said with exhaustion.
Mordin nodded. "Understandable. Well, not to worry. Conrad Verner is a man who understands how to be discreet. Perhaps you've noticed it yet?" Mordin asked slyly.
Valern was puzzled, exhausted, and he almost wanted to tell Mordin to spit it out until he saw the '8' in a glowing red that signaled their booth number.
'Booth Number 8. N.8.' Valern's back straightened immediately as he felt his entite body felt like he'd jumped into a freezing ocean.
"Ah, and there's the recognition." Mordin said knowingly, his sly smile widening. "Not to worry. Verner isn't one to harm anyone. I suspect he's here as a bartender, nothing more."
Valern shivered. 'Intel gathering. He's an N8 spying on the Citadel and Council simultaneously without anyone else seeming to notice. And the ones who do notice, won't say a damn thing. This operation must have been going on for months. Years even. How many complaints did Udina have about a 'Verner' who always seemed to bother others in the Citadel?'
It had been a running joke among the Council. A running joke that they'd ignored because Verner was harmless. A nuisance, sure, but he never threatened anyone. He merely asked everyone about everything. He wanted to know people because he was fascinated by them.
It seems that the running joke had been on the Council.
"Would you like anything specific to drink, sir?" Verner asked smoothly, smiling as Valern kept himself from jumping like a scared civilian as Verner seemed to approach them without a sound.
"I'll have what Mordin is having, thank you." Valern said hastily.
Verner nodded. "Of course, sir. It's an excellent vintage. Not as good as some well aged rum from 1775, in my opinion, but it suits the purpose." He said smoothly as he took a bottle from… somewhere? Valern tried not to freak out as Verner poured him a glass and then left silently.
"He's excellent. Not a noise. Almost nothing given away. Even using a dark bottle to hide it in his jacket, so no one notices the weapon he likely has in the same pocket. Masterful work." Mordin said admirably.
Valern took a deep gulp of his drink, sighing as the buzz hit him.
A stray thought hit him.
'Well aged rum from 1775? How old is Verner?'
Valern threw the thought away, burying it for sober him to panic about it in the morning.
He took another deep gulp of the drink.
Valern might have overslept and missed the morning message of communications from Batarian colonies and planets suddenly going silent.
Chapter 40
"What if you get caught? This isn't just a violation! They could kill you for this!" A hurried whisper, a face filled with dread and worry. Her sister.
"I know, and I don't care. I don't want to live alone like this forever. I want to be free. I want to be happy. If the humans can cure the Krogan and the Quarians, I won't hesitate to at least try and ask. It's better than this. This isn't living." She said with a sad whisper, crying bitter tears.
They were born Ardat Yakshi. They didn't choose this life. They didn't choose this!
They weren't Morinth.
Falere looked at Rila again. "I am your sister. It's my job to protect you. To help you reach your dreams and to fly. Even if it means my death. I love you, Rila. This is my choice. Just as it had been to follow you to this monastery when you chose to go instead of fleeing." She said stubbornly, smiling sadly as Rila hugged her, sobbing quietly into her arms for a long while.
"I love you too, Falere. Please, don't get caught." Rila said quietly into her chest and she hugged Rila tighter, feeling determination in her mind resolve. This was the right choice. If it meant her death so that no one would have to be trapped like her sister, if it meant her sister could walk freely in the Citadel, it was worth every risk.
This wasn't like watching a forbidden net porn vid. This was a serious thing to do, and yet, all Falere could think was how proud their mother would be. It might not be the Justicar Code, but at least Falere would die following her own code. To make her sister happy, she would storm Thessia itself.
Most net systems were monitored, but not all of them.
At the dead of night, Falere silently broke into the head of the monastery's main room. The net here was likely the only one that would reach the outside world without monitoring.
Falere went to the computer, it's holographic interface locked. However, after many years here, she'd learned how to crack the security.
It took her roughly an hour, carefully trying to not trigger anything, and she froze for a moment as the interface hummed to life.
No alarms.
No one running in.
She continued, typing as fast as she could, trying to jam as much as she could. This was her only opportunity, and she couldn't let it go to waste.
'To Omni-Corp, if you're reading this. I'm probably dead. I am Falere. I was born to Samara, an Asari. I am an Ardat-Yakshi. We are born with a genetic condition that causes us to kill those we mind meld with. Ardat Yakshi are feared and hated, we're shunned even by our own people. Please, if you can, cure my sister. Cure us. We didn't choose to be this!
I don't have any money, none of us do, but I beg you to help us. Help my sister, Rila. Please. This is a monastery on the planet of Lesuss. We're not the only monastery.'
She didn't know how to contact Omni-Corp, and she was afraid it would be buried under the public messages if she sent it to their public net address, so she sent it to the one that was labeled simply as 'CEO's net address if you have any concerns on our products'.
She prayed it went through, freezing as a voice spoke up behind her.
"What exactly are you doing in my office, at the dead of night, Falere?" The Headmistress of the monastery said coldly.
She slowly sat up. "I was looking up contraband, ma'am." She lied, turning to see the Headmistress scowling.
"Is that so? Then you don't mind if I look at what contraband you were looking at to determine your punishment?" She said coldly, with Falere slowly shaking her head, stepping away.
She was going to die. It would take less than a few minutes for the Headmistress to see her email.
The Headmistress' eyes widened as she looked at her computer.
"This is the CEO of Omni-Corp. With the authority granted by a Spectre, I am authorizing a delay of punishment for Falere and indeed, every Ardat-Yakshi within every monastery. Failure to comply will have immediate and devastating consequences. If this is being read by anyone other than Falere, you will apologize for scaring an innocent women for making her believe she has committed crimes worthy of death simply for asking for assistance.
To the asari government whom reads this email response, you have two hours to send me the list of every 'Ardat-Yakshi' monastery, their location, the number of members alive and dead. If those numbers and names change even by a single digit within two months with even the slightest hint of unnatural causes, I will respond with a proportional response.
You will send Falere and Rila to Noveria, where I will work with my team to develop a cure. Do. Not. Threaten. Them. You will not like my response."
"I am sorry, Falere. Please, go to your room. I'll arrange things to get you and Rila to Noveria as soon as I can." The woman said, her face pale and shaking.
Falere felt shaky. Dazed. She was alive. She'd be okay! The CEO was going to help them! They'd never been to Noveria!
She nodded and wandered out, eventually ending up back in her room with Rila hugging her tightly as Falere struggled to explain what happened.
I did it, sis. I did it. I think we'll be okay. Falere burst into tears as the heavy emotions burst as she hugged her sister back, crying.
I think that response was appropriate, I thought to myself, feeling giddy. Getting to work on the Drell's Kepral Syndrome and the Asari's Ardat-Yakshi?
The things I'd learn. The things I could develop. Not just a cure but being able to learn how to make us stronger without killing our partners if I can give humans the ability to mind meld. Maybe even how to have human children with other races like an asari, enabling us to have sex without creating children unless we wanted to. That would be huge!
Learn how to give other humans a Drell's eidetic memory. Help the Drell by modifying them so they won't get lost in their memories as I suspected was a potential issue. I could even use this to make stronger artificial technology. Think of the awesome video games that could be made!
So many ideas. So little time. The two months should be enough time to deal with the Reapers and Saren. Then I could really let loose and have some fun.
I shook my head. First, coffee. Then I'd be able to check with Liara. She's always stuttering and looking like a blueberry whenever I approach her. I don't think she's aware how much of a compliment her statements were. Very flattering, even if I knew that Garrus would never stop teasing me about it.
Chapter 41
Tevos took deep breaths, trying to calm herself.
It wasn't working.
Not only had she failed to realize that Valern had at least suspicions about the Asari's technology advancements in comparison to the rest of the Galaxy, hypothesizing multiple Prothean Beacons rather than the one Tevos knew about, but now the last person she wanted to know about Ardat-Yakshi, knew about it.
Richard Leroy Jenkins seemed to specialize in turning the cast offs and outcasts of the Galaxy into his own loyal army. Now not only would he have access to the Krogan and Quarians, Tevos now had to face the facts that the Asari government had a potential revolution on their hands, led by the Human Spectre no less.
Of the several trillion asari that lived in asari space, only a rough billion or so were Ardat-Yakshi. A small fraction, but no less dangerous when the government had long since realized that the Ardat-Yakshi were more prevalent among the higher echelons of power in terms of biotics.
To say nothing of how, off the top of her head, Tevos knew at least a third of the Justicars were actually Ardat-Yakshi, whom had devoted themselves to the Code rather than be trapped in the monasteries they'd been living in for a couple centuries.
In one masterstroke, Jenkins had turned the Asari's lethal special forces, back against the government. Worse, Tevos suspected some of those Ardat-Yakshi may not even be Ardat-Yakshi.
Prisoners by political rivals, leaders who thought their rivals were too likely to win, and so, accused them of being an Ardat-Yakshi. A few credits to grease the wheels, and they'd be tossed into a monastery. Forgotten. It wasn't like any of the other asari would ever mind meld with them to confirm those rumors: they were not suicidal. The rumor and accusation alone was a massive stain in one's reputation. It would never go away.
That was a massive political shitstorm in the making.
Tevos considered seriously retiring from the Council, if only to attempt some damage control to protect herself from the rest of the upheaval, but immediately disregarded the thought.
No. That was an unacceptable move. No, Tevos was starting to suspect that the only way to survive was to throw herself in with Jenkins, make it seem like she was helping him all along.
There is opportunity here. By siding with Jenkins, I'll have the unrivaled support of the Alliance, the N8's, the Justicars, the Ardat-Yakshi, the Geth, the Krogan, and the Quarians. I won't bother trying to entertain staying loyal to the asari government back on Thessia if they're this incompetent, and I can avert an interstellar civil war by bringing the Ardat-Yakshi and any who side with them to the table for political discussions.
Yes, this works for me. No doubt Aria will be pissed about me not informing her of anything, but all she has is Omega. With this, I can finally breathe. I can finally stop flinching at every shadow. I can be me. I can be happy. No politics. No bullshit. I can retire and be adored. Tevos, the Matriarch of the People. I will be remembered as one of the best asari who had ever lived.
I can live with that. It'd be a bonus if I can somehow point Jenkins at Omega. Aria won't last long against the N8 Operative. Especially if she thinks that she can walk all over him. He'll break her without even trying.
Goddess, I'd pay so much credits to see that happen.
Tevos smiled. Relief filling her as she sighed. Yes, this worked perfectly in her favor. She could spin this. This worked beautifully.
Saren screamed as electricity seared through his scales, the burnt smell of his scales and flesh hitting him as he cried out in agony.
"Stop! Please!"
His call was ignored. Another searing electrical shock hit him and Saren stiffened as his muscles contracted uncontrollably.
"Your resistance is no longer amusing, Turian. You will go through the Conduit. You will do this, or I will destroy Palaven." A Husk said coldly, glowing cobalt eyes turning red.
"I am… not resisting. I don't understand. What do you want?!" Saren screamed as the electrical shock hit him once more.
"You're lying. The tank born Krogan are resistant to my nanites, and so are you. You will answer how you did this, or I will head for Palaven." Sovereign spoke through the Husk coldly.
"I don't know! I don't know! What… Nanites?! You're using nanites?! Are you insa-." Saren screamed louder as the electrical current struck him harder.
"Your resistance is not natural. Organics crave submission. Organics crave order. This is an anomaly. I will pry your secrets from your corpse." Sovereign didn't even let Saren beg, a Husk grabbing Saren's head and twisting it, a violent cracking noise echoing before Saren died, his body still.
"No anatomical anomalies. No technology discovered by scans. Must be genetic. I will dissolve you into my organic frame, studying your genetics, Turian. Rejoice. For you will now be a part of me."
Sovereign relinquished his control over the Husks, turning his attention to other matters.
Sovereign didn't notice the Husks twitching slightly as they approached Saren's body, nor that the Husks seemed to pause as new orders began to get fed to them.
'New Directive: Anti-Reaper Nanites in insufficient quantities. Approach all physical containers that have nanites and technology to be sufficiently advanced to create more.
New Directive: With sufficient threshold of Anti-Reaper Nanites, upload the body of Turian into the organic chamber once injected with sufficient nanites.
Initiating Stealth Protocols. Refactorization in progress.'
Sovereign didn't notice as two Husks out of hundreds inside him seemed to vanish from his sensors.
Chapter 42
Liara wanted to curl up and die every time she saw Jenkins.
The worst part was how nice he was. Jenkins never brought up the horrifying embarrassing comments she made when she'd been deprived of food and water for weeks in the stasis field. Grimly, she'd calculated that she would have died a few days later if Jenkins hadn't arrived.
Instead, Jenkins asked her how she was feeling, and pointedly made sure to ask her on her emotional and mental health because he jokingly/semi-seriously said he "trusted Dr. Chakwas in that department".
Admittedly, it made Liara even more embarrassed because she had a hard time answering those questions honestly.
Liara had spent so long devoting herself to learning everything about the Protheans, burying herself in her work over the decades, that she had to face the facts that while Liara had colleagues and connections to learn on dig sites and potential ruins, she'd never really had any friends.
She felt wildly out of her depths, and her huge crush on the attractive human didn't help matters. Chakwas smirking at her knowingly after Jenkins left didn't make her feel any better.
That didn't even begin to cover her excitement when Jenkins explained what happened on Eden Prime. She'd been so excited she asked if she could mind meld with him.
Jenkins face turned red as he looked away. "Maybe not in the Medbay, Liara. Or maybe after a nice dinner?" He suggested shyly, with Liara feeling mortified as she realized Jenkins didn't understand what she meant.
"N-not like that!" She said panicking, "We can mind meld without the, uh, sexual stuff." She mumbled, feeling her cheeks burn as she turned purple.
"Oh! Well, then, sure." Jenkins responded, smiling in relief as his shoulders dropped.
Liara ignored Dr. Chakwas silently, barely, holding in her laughter as her shoulders trembled with mirth in a chair behind Jenkins.
"Embrace Eternity." Liara whispered, nervously ignoring the fact that this was her first time mind melding with a human.
Liara shuddered as her mind brushed against what felt like an impenetrable wall, an inflexible barrier that demanded submission. It was like dipping her entire body into something cold and hot.
Then she seemed to slide past it, the barrier letting her in. No, Jenkins was letting her in. She felt touched and awed that not only could Jenkins block a mind meld, something that to her knowledge had never happened before, but could selectively let others in.
Once past the barrier, Liara felt like she'd plugged herself into the Thessian Archives, only much, much, bigger.
Visions of inventions that seemed to be carved out of myths. Visions of technology that seemed to pierce space itself, jumping entire dimensions. Visions filled with every food, every cloth, every statue, all of them made as though by the Goddess herself.
Yet these were mere glimpses, small impressions, and Liara could only feel so small before the giants that stood hundreds of miles tall, their importance to Jenkins so great that Liara felt humbled to just be able to see them.
The Normandy seemed to shine here, larger than a star, the ship hanging in the sky as a sun, it's gleam shining brightly.
Liara weeped as she could feel the immense warmth the ship gave, the representation of Family anchored deep to the sky. The Alliance was mere stars in the sky, but the Normandy was the Sun. It gave Jenkins his life.
Yet even the Normandy paled in comparison to the real gems of Jenkins' mind, the core of his identity seeming to illuminate them from within, breathing life into the figures.
Jane Shepard stood proud, unbowing, her N7 armor seeming to radiate strength. Her eyes however, betrayed a softness, her stern feature broken by a slight smirk, looking as if she was about to laugh while trying to stay focused.
In here, Shepard was not a Commander. In here, she was just… Shepard. Jane Shepard. Not on a pedestal, nor vilified. She was humanized.
Wrex Urdnot stood to her left, the Krogan equally unyielding, yet a slight smile, a radiation of silent strength and resilience to make things better. His shotgun lay on the side, pointed toward the ground, the other hand raised in a gesture as though to grasp another's hand. Liara felt humbled as the Cure for the Genophage echoed not as an achievement for Jenkins, but just to make Wrex happy, to have Wrex feel like he could live again.
Garrus Vakarian stood on Shepard's right, his Turian armor seeming to gleam, his eyes and mandibles glinting as if he was preparing to tease someone, or say something in jest.
Ashley Williams stood behind Garrus, looking relaxed as she seemed to carry a book on one hand and her eyes looking determined as a medal dedicated to her grandfather was on her chest. A dedication to upholding legacy.
Kaiden Alenko was next to Ashley, but he wasn't necessarily standing. No, Liara saw that Kaiden was floating, a blue field covering him as Kaiden seemed to look equally relieved and equally ecstatic. A wrong corrected, free of pain. She could see Jenkins' pride in knowing he'd helped the L2's, personally proud of his contribution.
Liara should have not been surprised, but she was anyway, to see her mother here. Not quite as filled in as the rest, her mother seemed to radiate a fragile inner strength, her face filled with relief. Jenkins seemed to see in her mother that while she had been held captive mentally by Saren for months, he saw her inner strength, a rallying mental fortitude as strong as the Normandy itself to protect Liara.
Liara stared at that imperfect figure, tentatively reaching out to understand what Jenkins seemed to intuitively see, and began to cry in earnest sympathy as she realized that Jenkins had not just helped her mother out of kindness, but empathy, as it echoed a radiating rawness, a feeling of violation so wrong it made Liara want to tear herself apart to make it stop, because Jenkins had witnessed what the Reapers did to an entire civilization, personally through their fragmented memories in the Beacon on Eden Prime.
What her mother had lived through once, Jenkins had lived through it countless times in fragmented memories, and Liara could feel that under all that agony, under all that raw echoing hurt and rage, was an unyielding desire to annihilate the Reapers, to make sure that they never again did to anyone else what had happened to her mother and Jenkins by proxy.
The deep seated satisfaction and cold vindictive biting glee with the creation of nanites that would stop and reverse indoctrination, Jenkins' resolve to make the Reapers unable to get a single inch into anyone else again like that, made Liara feel relaxed in knowing Jenkins' kind nature wouldn't lead to him helping the Reapers. That he would absolutely annihilate them without mercy.
Justice for her mom.
She noted that she herself was also here, feeling embarrassed to see herself looking excited, the figure mostly blank, as if Jenkins was still getting to know her before he carefully carved her into his mind.
She hesitated, aware of one more figure. She knew Tali'Zorah and Jenkins were close, Dr. Chakwas had never hid that fact from her, nor the rest of the Normandy for that matter.
Amusingly, she noticed Dr. Chakwas and Anderson standing in the back, with Captain Anderson wearing his formal uniform and looking proud, and Dr. Chakwas looking equally proud and exasperated at the group in front of her. Family was the main theme radiating from them, an undercurrent of respect deeply echoing outward.
She dove deeper, feeling the sensation of cold and hot becoming just pure warmth, a feeling of safety, protection, lust, strength, slight admiration, and an emotion so strong that it seemed to knock away Liara's breath, an emotion that roared, the mere warmth from earlier she was now realizing came from here.
If the Normandy was the Sun, then Tali'Zorah was the core. If not the very center, then very close to it.
Her purple skin glowed, her eyes so bright that Liara felt like Tali was seeing through her, and her figure wasn't static.
No, it was always shifting. From moment to moment, Liara could see how Tali bounced on her toes in excitement, the way she rubbed her fingers together nervously, the way she moved her hips, with so many moments in between that Liara felt like she couldn't tell if Tali ever actually slept or stayed still.
It was so humbling to see, to know Jenkins' love for Tali was so genuine, so ingrained, that it would probably make Jenkins a different person entirely if she was gone from his life.
Liara felt awed to see this. She knew Jenkins didn't have to let her see this, but she could feel his adoration. He had no shame in this. He reveled in it. Here was Jenkins at his purest form.
Jenkins would move mountains for his friends. He would do anything for them.
Jenkins would create entire universes for Tali if she just hinted at wanting it. There was no question that Jenkins would absolutely ruthlessly rip and tear anything and everything that took Tali from him, or even thought about taking her from him by force.
There would be no way to stop him. Jenkins would plunge through Heaven and Hell. Jenkins would tear his way through any universe in his way. It was a love so passionate that it was almost intimidating, if it wasn't so awe inspiring to witness. A love born right of the Greek Myths, that wouldn't be out of place in the Tales of the Goddess on Thessia.
Liara slowly, gently, left, sharing gratitude and awe in what Jenkins shared so freely with her. So utterly intimate that she knew most Matriarchs would likely break the connection long before letting anyone else see those things.
She resolved herself to share that kind of intimate connection with Jenkins later, once he got to know her.
And maybe, just maybe, she could see about a threesome or foursome with Tali and Jenkins. She knew she'd be imagining Tali's legs clenching around her face tonight, and she blamed Jenkins for it.
"Oh Goddess, that was intense." Liara said breathlessly, shivering. She felt so cold and lonely, and she sighed as Jenkins hugged her, hugging him back as she cherished the moment. It wasn't anything like connecting through minds, but it helped.
Tali was a very lucky woman. Here's hoping she could get lucky too. She'd have to check with Tali first.
Chapter 43
Mind melding with an Asari is an interesting experience. It's like, everything melts away. There only exists you and her, and the mixing of the two.
Two becoming one in a more intimate way than even most lovers, you could say.
Of course, this was also the moment the Celestial Forge seemed to reach out for a Perk, successfully grabbing and pulling it down.
The [Everything Just Works] Perk and [You Can't See Me] Perk allowed me to keep Liara from getting bombarded by the sudden and jarring insertion of several centuries worth of knowledge in my head.
Especially with an eidetic memory alongside multitasking mastery, it was strange to simultaneously know that I'd been born on Eden Prime, and been on earth for at least several hundred years prior to the discovery of the Relays.
Conflicting information simply because my Perks made it happen hadn't been new. [Nuclear Technology] and [Stealth Space Age] didn't seem like they should get along, let alone with mass effect technology, and yet they did anyway.
It was just new when it had to do with my life. Well, my lives?
I could just as easily recall conversing with Benjamin Franklin, dude was a man who slept with anything and everything, as easily as I could recall conversing with Da Vinci on the principle of how flight was theoretically possible.
I had no credits. No doctorates, but I'd lived and learned before any college had existed, and I had helped, and harmed, many in my pursuit to ensure that the future moved forward. Even all the way back then, I had the hunger to explore the stars, even if I had satisfied myself with exploring the seas instead.
It was real, and not real at the same time.
[Background Immortality] synergized heavily with several Perks, especially as the records of my alternate selves in history would be outside of reach. I wasn't concerned: who would go digging several centuries through history? It wasn't like I'd been anyone massively important or notable. Even back then, I served more as a regular man. A smart man with morals that seemed wildly out of place for the time periods, sure, but just a man.
Liara left my mind, looking a little shaken and vulnerable, it reminded me a lot of "sub drops" I'd read about in BDSM. After intense sessions, it was always recommended for aftercare so that way the subs didn't feel neglected or used, with every sub being different and could need different levels of care.
Heh. How ironic, remembering those words and yet having the years of experience to back up the affirmation of those words.
Again. Both real and not real is a bizarre thing to explain to anyone, and another reason to not share the Celestial Forge's existence. I'd just sound insane. One asylum lifetime was enough for me.
I'd been glad to burn the building with those "caretakers" inside when I had the chance. They wouldn't touch or harm anyone else ever again.
I hugged Liara, feeling her relax against me as she hugged me back for a few minutes before Dr. Chakwas coughed politely, reminding me she was behind us.
I released Liara from the hug, smiling warmly at her as she looked away, her face deeply purple.
"I, uh, didn't see a lot from the Beacon. I got distracted. You, you're really sweet." Liara squeaked.
I scratched my cheek, feeling myself blushing a little.
"Thank you for the compliment. I guess we can do this again later? As long as we don't do anything sexual. I don't want to hurt Tali's feelings. She's important to me." I said honestly. Tali's comments suggested multiple partners were common on the Migrant Fleet, but I wanted to make sure with consent and everything on the table, without pressuring her or anything.
Some people were monogamous and some were not, and I didn't want to pressure Tali in any way. I wanted to know how she genuinely felt first.
Liara smiled, her eyes glazed. "Yeah. I know." She sighed. "She's so lucky to have you."
I shook my head. "Other way around, I think. She's awesome. Hopefully I can introduce you guys once you're feeling healthier."
Liara nodded. "Okay." She yawned. "I'm tired."
I stood up, nodding to Chakwas. "I leave Liara in your capable hands, Dr." I grinned as Chakwas rolled her eyes.
"Don't you start acting all formal just cause Liara's here, Jenkins." She chided me as she smiled teasingly, shooing me out of the Medbay as I chuckled.
Now that I've checked on Liara, and since everyone else seems to be chilling out, I think I'll go ahead and rest for the night since Tali's still trying to get over the cold. By my rough calculations, she'd be all better by tomorrow morning.
I smiled wider, setting an alarm to get up a little earlier. I'd make Tali some breakfast to bring to her quarters. I think she'd like some breakfast in bed, and it'd make her relax since she's so used to always being busy.
I'd say I'd make it up to Adams for the extra shifts, but strangely he's been more than happy to pick them up along with another engineer who requested to work with him.
I shrugged. I could work late, the [Background Immortality] Perk seemed to suggest some insane boosts to what I could build, but I was already more than a match for the Reapers as far as I could tell. There was more to life than making things.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Scientist Elder Immortal (UQ Holder) (500CP)
Elder Immortal (300CP)
Not some young thing anymore, are you? No, you've been here for quite a while. Centuries in fact. Instead of starting as a hot blooded youth, just coming into their immortal life, you'll begin as an immortal who has already been present in this world for several hundred years. While this has certainly given you a wealth of background memories, provided you chose to have any, the main effect this has is that it has boosted certain perks to account for centuries of use, practice and study.
These perks will be marked with an (EI) in their title and their effects will be described in a second paragraph below the main perk description. If you choose a Demihuman option that has powers of its own, Elder Immortal will also give similar levels of skill and experience with them as it would do the perks and immortality options.
Scientist (200CP)
The power that you need is all there in your head already. The many disciplines of science and academics became your swords and spells to use against your foes. With a brilliant mind able to keep up with humanity's best, you've taken on a very wide degree of learning in a variety of different fields. Enough that even without specializing in a specific study, you can do things like creating combat capable robots, jetpacks, laser weapons, short ranged teleports and a variety of other devices able to mimic lower strength magic.
Focusing on one field in particular might let you threaten a moderately strong wizard or fighter with your creations. You do need to put in the time and resources to create things however. With this, you'll start with a few decent creations to help you in battle, such as some capable firearms and armor or a powerful robotic assistant you created.
Elder Immortal Boost: Centuries of study, research and cribbing from every other genius you can have left you quite the astounding genius. Your mind boosted into the stratosphere by training and enhancements, it's allowed you to come to be close or even an equal to legends like Chao herself. With enough time and money, there is little that is impossible for you to create through science. Time and dimension travel, space elevators to connect Earth and Mars, machines or cyborg bodies capable of destroying entire cities. It's all possible, though some can still be pretty time consuming, and choosing to specialize will greatly aid your speed and talent.
Chapter 44
The Salarians were all deathly silent as they carefully watched the ancient videos in front of them.
The hissing sound of a lightsaber coming to life made one of them flinch in horror.
"No! Not the younglings! They're just children!" One of them whispered in terror in the back, the rest staring in transfixed horror, as if they couldn't even look away, a tragedy amongst tragedies unfolding before them.
Their faces paled as they witnessed Anakin Skywalker slaughtered the younglings, carving his way through them with tears falling down his face as his eyes glowed a baleful yellow, drawing firmly from his own silent inner hatred in the Dark Side of the Force.
"So that's why they excised biotics from their genetic lineage." One of them remarked quietly, his eyes staring coldly at the screen. "These humans aren't even native to the Galaxy. They suppressed it to ensure that this corrupting influence, this "Dark Side" cannot hold them. It's relieving to know these humans aren't infallible."
Another Salarian snorted next to him.
"What comment do you have to say now?" The Salarian said with exasperation.
"The power to destroy a planet is insignificant next to the power of the Force." The other Salarian quoted quietly, ignoring the film as if he'd already seen it a hundred times before, subtly showing the Salarian his omnitool.
"You see these humans as having excised biotics to avoid the "Dark Side". I see them as having evolved beyond the need of biotics at all." The other Salarian said with finality, smiling grimly as he cast his omnitool's video projection after pausing the ancient video already on the screen.
A cold voice echoed from the video, sending chills down every one of their spines. Yellow eyes filled with hatred and apathy so unending it looked like they'd drown in it stared through them all as what appeared to be an old man stood tall, his presence filled with commanding certainty.
"You discern a small fraction of reality. Beyond these stars exist other galaxies, other worlds, other beings. I will experience or ignore them as I wish. I will spend eternity becoming everything: a farmer, an artist, a simple man. When the last thing in the universe finally dies, I will enjoy peace, and wait for the cycle to begin again."
A quick tap and the image changed to show the old man absorbing the life force of an entire planet.
Another, and the revelation of his manipulations over transferring himself over different bodies.
A third tap. "My ascendance is inevitable. A day, a year, a millenium- it matters not. I hold the patience of stone, and the will of stars. Your striving is insignificant. Let your death be the same."
A fourth tap. "You have mastered the Dark Side of the Force. It's not enough. It never was."
The last tap of the omnitool scared them all the most, a chilling smile on the old man's face.
"There is no death. There is only the Force, and I am it's master." The name of Darth Tenebrae, Darth Vitiate, and Valkorion etched under every quote. One man, in multiple bodies.
"Fuck." One of them said plainly, shuddering.
"You can't think that this human is HIM, do you? I mean, this was all fables, just story tales made back before the humans even had space worthy ships past their local planets!" Another said nervously, looking around eagerly, desperate to find someone to tell him that this was all just stories, just myths.
"Wait! That! That clip earlier! 'I will spend eternity becoming everything' line! Spectre Jenkins has been on record for being just an average soldier from Eden Prime, from what we had on file before the records vanished! He didn't excel at anything! He was described as average across the board!" Another one said aloud, sitting up straight.
" 'A simple man'." A Salarian whispered, their eyes widening in fear as the rest of the Salarians shuddered.
"Jenkins was on record for not being a biotic. I think we can all understand why such a being would laugh at the idea of needing to have anything to do even an insignificant fraction of what he could do several hundred millenia ago, if we take into account the fact that this all happened in an entirely separate galaxy." One of them surmised simply, looking grim.
"How in the Dalatrass' name are we supposed to fight that?" Another one whispered, staring at the projection, shivering.
"We have further evidence. This is now beyond classified already, but just for you all to know." An older Salarian said simply, projecting his own data from the omnitool for the room to see.
Dozens of letters all showed the dating of one Jenkins being credited in the background for helping various individuals throughout history, often being simply called their encouraging colleague, or someone to bounce ideas off. Dating back at least four to five hundred years ago.
"Okay, so clearly Jenkins wasn't born on Eden Prime. Falsified records, but then how do we know that these clear records and old vids of Jenkins' childhood wasn't faked?" Another one said, clearly not believing the idea of Jenkins having been able to switch bodies like out of the ancient videos and mediums.
"Because Jenkins clearly has no problems with forcing an entire species to his will and making them think they were doing it of their own free will. We have reports from the Normandy by a Turian named Garrus who sent a report to the Turian Hierarchy to inform them of what happened on Therum. He didn't even try to hide that he could speak to the Droids without using his omnitool. If he wanted to make all the data records as real or as fake as he wanted, we wouldn't notice. We might as well consider the data at least accurate for now." The one projecting the data said quietly, shifting to show the reports.
"A few seconds was all that it took for him to turn the Geth against an A.I.?!" The other Salarian actually yelled, ignoring the way the rest of the Salarians near him glared at the lack of respect for their hearing.
"A few seconds to forcefully evolve the Geth into the Galactic Droid Empire, turn them on an ancient A.I. called the Reapers, though we don't know anything about them so the evidence is pending on that, and then sic them on the Batarians, whom we assume are likely all dead or at the very least being processed, if we take into account that all ships approaching the Relays leading to the Batarian Hegemony are told to leave or be suspect to boarding by the Droid Empire." The Salarian corrected quietly.
"We're not fighting that. We're fucked." A Salarian said with terror in his voice.
"In the words of the humans. 'No shit'. We're not the Turian Hierarchy. We're not facing them head on." A Salarian said with derision, "We're just basically getting this intel because the humans are politely telling us that if we 'fuck around, we'll find out', and I for one welcome our new human overlords." He finished jokingly.
"Well, they could be bluffing?" Another one said in a very small voice.
"Ha! You want to be the first to find out? I promise, I'll try to find the dust particles of the planet you were standing on to try and grab enough for a burial." Another one said bluntly, sarcastically.
"In any case, it's much to my disgruntlement that apparently the Dalatrass wasn't freaking out as most politicians do, and was in fact, under-reacting. Mordin clearly is enjoying himself with the N8 on the Citadel, but otherwise, most STG operations in human space is basically 'At your own risk: you get caught, we don't know you'." The STG official said with calm authority, leaving the room almost immediately.
"So… anyone want to see if the humans can give us some of that sweet, sweet, life span boost?" One of them asked curiously, eagerly as they all started filing out of the room.
"Buddy, you want to have your genetics twisted around like a 'kitten playing with a ball of yarn' by the humans, be my guest. I am good. Really. These humans either range from stupid to 'Mad Scientist breaks all the rules because fuck you', often depending on the day." his friend responded dryly.
A single Salarian stayed inside, looking grimly at the stilled image in front of him.
He tapped his omnitool.
"You presume limits to my powers. There are none."
Chapter 45
"The Council will not listen."
"I know. We can't make them listen to reason. Words alone no longer matter, Sparatus. We're going to have to deal with this matter. Without your involvement, I'm sure you know." The omnitool went silent as the communication was cut.
Councilor Sparatus felt chills going down his scales. The Turian Hierarchy were clearly no longer listening to him. They were actively going out of their way to make him not know anything, likely so he could say he knew nothing.
Considering the last report he'd gotten was of Garrus' report of Therum to go along with the reports of the Galactic Droid Empire, this would likely have something to do with humans.
He grimaced. He'd been raised on the Turian Hierarchy, raised to bring respect to his family and his name. He would throw that away if he did what he was thinking he had to do.
He would be a traitor to his own Turian Command. Everything he'd worked for, would be for nothing.
Unfortunately for them, Sparatus had once been considered capable of being a Spectre himself, even as he declined the position because he felt uncomfortable being outside the ranks he'd grown up memorizing and following.
He silently traced the connection, and tapped into the omnitool. It took a few minutes, but it got the job done.
"So, we're in agreement then?" A male voice said quietly.
"Yes. We can't sit back and do nothing. These humans are growing too bold. They must be held in check. Sparatus' has lost his usefulness, so we'll need to arrange an accident."
Sparatus' blood went icy as he felt shocked, numbness filling him as he realized that the Turian Hierarchy was planning on killing him.
All because he finally told them that trying to browbeat the Council into listening to the Hierarchy's concerns was just not worth the damage to his reputation, and to his friends. He cared for his fellow Councilors, and he was tired of being treated as just a mouth piece of the Hierarchy.
His scales tingled as he focused back on their conversation.
"We'll let the Migrant Fleet land on Eden Prime. Then we'll attack them. Sending a message after killing the filthy suit rats will make them think twice, and the fine for bombarding a planet is a small price to pay for smacking down humanity. The Geth won't be able to stop us. They'll be too busy dealing with the Batarians. After that, we'll do some damage control. Maybe point the fingers at the Geth. It's not like we haven't done it before." The male voice said cruelly, a vindictive tone that made Sparatus clench his mandibles.
"Yes. In the mean time, I'll send a message to Sparatus' wife. I'm sure she'll be happy to recieve commendations over the unexpected death of her husband. If she resists the idea, she'll just die of heartbreak." A female voice said coldly.
Sparatus stilled. He could handle threats to himself. He was a Councilor. It came with the job.
Threats to his wife? Threats to his children? His family?
Sparatus saw only blurring blue as his omnitool was slammed into the wall, his silent rage echoing as he smashed his fist repeatedly against the tool until he felt the pain shooting up his arm, the blood splattering the wall, the omnitool clearly broken beyond repair.
They would pay dearly for threatening his family.
He went to his computer and asked for a new omnitool to be delivered as his current one suffered a serious malfunction, and then he pondered what to do.
The Turian Hierarchy would be monitoring his calls to any of his usual Turian Spectres. He wasn't sure if they'd dare monitor his messages to his fellow Councilors, but he wasn't taking chances.
So, he messaged Jenkins directly, after paying Barla Von discreetly to ensure it was encrypted and sent only to him. The broker had his uses here on the Citadel.
'The Turian Hierarchy, or someone high up the chain of command on Palaven, is planning on attacking Eden Prime once the Quarians land. My life is also at risk. If I die, protect my family. Councilor Sparatus. It has been an honor knowing you, Spectre Jenkins.'
Sparatus sighed. He never expected his service to end like this, but at least his family should be safe. The N8's were surprisingly effective in that regard.
He decided it was time for a final drink. If he was to die by his superiors, he'd die after he finally went to go to Chora's Den after it got recommended by Valern.
Sparatus didn't get the messages sent to his original, now broken, omnitool about his wife asking why she and the kids were suddenly getting orders by Spectre Authorities to go to the Citadel.
Nor did he discover the message on his terminal until the following morning, with a massive hangover to go with it.
'Any men you have in the Turian patrols near Eden Prime should go on vacation. Preferably within a week. For a while.
Thank you for the warning. J.'
Chapter 46
Tali had to admit, she had been looking forward to teasing Jenkins mercilessly until he went feral on her, but the mood was lost once Jenkins explained to her about the intel he just recieved from Sparatus.
Admittedly, she was blindsided. Horrified. Enraged. Terrified for her people. She'd have begged, demanded, that they get to Eden Prime as fast as possible. She'd be beside herself with worry. Most of the time.
The only reason none of those reactions were happening was the look of betrayal and hurt on Jenkins' face. The idea that the Turians would do this disgusting thing didn't surprise Tali, but it seemed to surprise Jenkins.
That look of hurt and betrayal turned cold, and Tali shivered briefly as she just realized that this was first time she'd ever seen Jenkins truly angry.
She'd seen him annoyed. She'd seen him frustrated. She had not seen him truly angry, the way his eyes narrowed slightly, the normally always upbeat and cheerful face seeming to darken.
The way his eyes seemed to suck in the light of the room, the way his rage seemed to roll over her like a cold aura. She'd be lying if she didn't admit to herself it was actually kind of hot, and simultaneously made her want to cheer him up.
An angry Jenkins was a hurt Jenkins, and she didn't want him hurting. Not if she could help it.
"I am sorry, Tali." Jenkins said quietly, scowling as he looked away, "I need to go have words with Joker. We're not going to Ilos just yet it seems." His voice sounded regretful.
"Where are we going? Can we jump to Eden Prime?" She asked hopefully. Her people hadn't arrived on Eden Prime, it'd take another week according to her last report since moving all those ships took time. Especially the live ships, the ones carrying most of the food for the Fleet.
Jenkins shook his head, his eyes lighting up a little as his scowl stretched into a dark bitter small grin. Tali felt her stomach twist into knots at the sight of her mate hurting so much emotionally.
"We're going to Palaven. According to Sparatus, the orders seem to coming from someone there." Jenkins said quietly.
Tali rubbed her shoulders, fear and worry mixing uncomfortably in her chest.
"Will that work? I mean, Palaven probably has a ton of defenses, and I don't want you to die." She said worryingly. The only reason she wasn't shutting down the idea was that her Jenkins usually had a plan that tended to work despite the odds.
"Palaven is highly defended, but a majority of it's forces are deployed through the Citadel Space, patrolling the areas. As it is, I'm not going to bombard them planet side until they're rubble. Garrus would be upset if I destroyed his vacation home." Jenkins finished jokingly.
Tali snorted, feeling better if Jenkins was able to joke like that, then things would be okay.
"So, what will you do?" Tali asked curiously.
"That depends on how far I think I should go. If I wanted to maximize their suffering, I'd wait at Eden Prime until the turians arrived. Then I'd space all of them. Compared to the Heretics, their defense systems are woefully inadequate." Jenkins admitted coldly.
Tali shuddered, suddenly very aware she was no longer in her suit.
Being spaced was a horrible way to die, and Jenkins said it as casually as if he was talking about the weather. Her mate was ruthless to his enemies.
She hated the way her blood raced at the thought, the way her heart skipped a beat at how intensely arousing it was to hear her mate being so ruthless to any that would be a threat to their home.
"Of course, I don't want them anywhere near Eden Prime. I don't even want them even able to look at my home. I could do to them what I intend to do to the Reapers. Shred them by closing the Relays mid-transit." Jenkins said aloud, his eyes glazed as if he was talking to himself.
Tali didn't bat an eye at the realization that Jenkins could apparently now close or open the Relays at will. After everything Jenkins did, she'd just chalked it up to Jenkins basically being a God in Technology as far as she was concerned. Anything tech wise, or making wise, apparently, seemed to be something Jenkins did without a thought.
A small part of her drooled at the idea of what Jenkins would build for their home. The amount of resources, time, and effort needed to build a home was huge, and she'd read so many banned novels back on the Fleet where they'd built a ship from scratch to be their new home, often followed by many chapters of the mating Quarians breaking in every surface of the ship, excluding the engine room. The amount of fantasies she'd had on feeling a mate taking her in the pilots' chair while she heard and watched her fellow Quarians moaning and writhing while she used her hips to bounce up and down on her mate, were not small ones.
Ancestors, she was so hungry to have Jenkins. She was waiting, and she focused back on Jenkins. Fantasize later. Preferably after making the Turians beg for her mate's mercy.
"The best middle ground approach is a show of force, without taking huge amount lives unnecessarily. 'Gunboat Diplomacy', basically." Jenkins summarized aloud.
"Gunboat Diplomacy?" Tali asked curiously.
Jenkins' bitter look faded as he chuckled, her warmth and feeling of love/worship/adoration making her breathless at seeing Jenkins smile happily at her.
She'd burn the universe for him, and that was something she'd accepted, but it still took her by surprise the intensity of the feelings.
Jenkins explained Gunboat Diplomacy through an example of overwhelming firepower brought to the negotiating table, explaining it primarily through it's first renowned use by the United States against Japan in order to start trading with them outside of the one port they'd been given.
He pointed out that the Council did the same thing. With the turians used to break the defenses and ships of fledgling space faring species, and awe them technology wise, giving the Council a much bigger advantage at the negotiating table.
Tali felt outrage at that, but Jenkins smiled coldly at that, chuckling.
"The Alliance broke their streak. I think that's why they're doing this. It's not because of the Migrant Fleet. It's because humanity didn't back down. We didn't break. We didn't sit there meekly and take it. Clearly they didn't do their homework when they tapped into our communications. Just a glance at our protocols, our internet, anything really, should've told them we are not like the volus or the salarians."
Jenkins paused, freezing for a moment, before his smile widened, his eyes lit with a vicious glee.
Tali shivered as she knew she'd need a cold shower after this. Her mate was teasing her relentlessly and he didn't even know it.
"I know exactly what I'm going to do when I get to Palaven. I'm going to make them do the worse thing you can make the Hierarchy commit. A thing so against them that they'd be feeling shame for generations."
"I'm going to make them surrender, without firing a single shot."
Chapter 47
Joker felt sweat go down the back of his neck. Being told they were abruptly going to Palaven didn't surprise him after Jenkins gave them the debrief of what was going on.
Being told that they were stopping an incoming invasion by themselves and scaring the Turian Hierarchy to make them reconsider their decisions, was a whole other thing to swallow.
Don't get him wrong, Joker would follow Jenkins into hell. He was just worried they'd be attempting a suicide mission to make the Turians see reason.
Joker shivered.
Jenkins was a laughing, chill, sort of guy. Even in Basic, Jenkins seemed to have that air that things would be okay, that they would pull through. His joking around was what gave Joker his nickname, because back then, Joker had, ironically, been so sullen.
Joker hated that he couldn't walk or run. Hated that he was deprived of even having sex, because of his condition. The Alliance constantly hounded him, wanting Joker to quit because he didn't fit their standard.
So, he'd pushed himself to do what he thought he was the best at. Flying, and doing it better than anyone else. Earning his spot as the number one pilot in the Alliance.
It was Jenkins who helped Joker pull his own head out of his ass. 'Joker' because back then, Joker was a serious sarcastic ass who never seemed to smile.
He was still a sarcastic ass, but he smiled a lot more. He was happy. He was cured, even! All thanks to Jenkins. So, yes. He'd follow Jenkins into hell. No questions about it.
Jenkins rage was something to behold. It wasn't loud. He didn't yell. He didn't go into a rage.
He was silent. He was cold. It was like the warmth Jenkins exuded switched into an icy tundra, a force of nature incarnate. The way Jenkins' eyes seemed to suck in the room, his eyes cold and dark. It terrified Joker, he had no shame on admitting that to himself.
Wrex said it himself after Jenkins left the debriefing chamber. Joker himself was watching through one of the feeds next to his console at the cockpit.
"There are two main kinds of anger out there. There's the hot kind. The one where a Krogan feels the blood rushing through their veins, the impulse to destroy what is in front of us. That's the kind where we can temporarily shrug off pain in order to kill what's in front of us."
"Then there's the cold kind. The kind where a Krogan can calmly kill an entire Clan, slaughter their eggs, tear their bodies so they may have no burial or recognition in death, and ruin their lands so nothing can grow. To send a message to everyone else. The galaxy fears us for the former, we Krogan fear the latter."
"Because there is no reasoning a cold Krogan. They are the ones who bring ruin and annihilation on a scale that has ruined planets. It was the cold ones who destroyed Tuchanka. If they could not rule, no one would." Wrex said gravely.
Shepard's face went pale when Jenkins gave the debrief, and went even paler when Wrex gave his solemn warning.
"I don't think we need to worry about Palaven itself. The Normandy isn't a planet buster." Garrus said nervously.
"I'm not worried about your planet. I'm worried that Jenkins will start a war between the Council and the Alliance." Ashley said bluntly.
"I doubt Jenkins would go that far, but, I'll be honest, I've never seen Jenkins this pissed off before. We might need to set an intervention." Kaiden said quietly, a troubled look on his face.
"I'll be on the other side of the ship. I don't feel like getting spaced." Wrex said dryly.
"Jenkins won't go that far." Tali said confidently. "According to Jenkins, he wants to humiliate the Hierarchy by making them surrender without firing a shot, though I don't know how he'd do that." Tali admitted.
Garrus coughed. "I think they'd rather die. Surrender isn't part of the Turian's Structure. Unless Jenkins is considering using a Genophage on us, I don't think they'll listen." Garrus admitted bitterly, pausing for a moment.
"He isn't going to use the Genophage on us, right? I'd like to have kids in my future." Garrus asked Tali, worry in his tone as his mandibles quivered.
"Don't want a taste of your own medicine, Turian?" Wrex said quietly, without any heat in his voice.
"No, Garrus. Jenkins wouldn't do that. Honestly, if anything, Jenkins might just air out all the Hierarchy's dirty laundry on the other races through their 'Gunboat Diplomacy' and who knows what else they did to the rest of the Galaxy, cut off their communications, and then watch the Turian Revolution happen while he waits for them to beg him to let them leave Palaven. Especially since he said he could control the Relays." Tali said honestly, thinking back on what Jenkins had said what he considered doing to the asari government on Thessia after he heard about the Ardat-Yakshi.
That last bombshell had everyone freezing, with the exception of Shepard who looked surprised that Tali knew anything about that.
"Yeah. Yeah, that'd do it. Why invade Palaven when he can have Palaven invade Palaven? That sounds like Jenkins' alright." Garrus said darkly. "I don't know if that'd be enough. We're raised in the Hierarchy from birth. We'd justify any decision by them if it was for the good of the whole." Garrus finished bitterly.
Joker filed away the fact that Jenkins was able to control the Relays under 'information to never ever divulge without Jenkins' permission'.
"Even if it meant executing your own Councilor?" Tali asked slyly, her face set in a knowing look as Garrus' mandibles went slack in shock.
"You're kidding. You have to be." Garrus said in a quiet numb voice.
"Nope. Sparatus sent Jenkins a message saying that his own life was in danger and to look after his family if he died." Tali said confidently.
"That's huge. Someone like Sparatus would be under trial on Palaven long before execution. And attacking a turians' family is a massive violation. It's tantamount to selling secrets of our defenses to other races." Garrus said with disgust, his mandibles twitching as if he was offended by the idea alone.
"All I'm hearing is the Turian Hierarchy has essentially screwed themselves over from the start." Kaiden said dryly.
"No. No, Kaiden. That accusation alone, with evidence, could cripple the Hierarchy for decades." Garrus said grimly. "Our entire society revolves around discipline and military structure. We'd be looking at a severe restructure and ousting of various leaders, and that's if deeper levels of corruption and violations wasn't discovered. If Jenkins can dig up anything else, the Hierarchy is effectively gutted. Jenkins won't need to lift a finger. The people of Palaven will do it for him, and praise him for it."
Joker sighed as he turned away from the camera feeds.
"Hope you know what you're doing Jenkins. I'm with you all the way. Just, try not to let them scratch my girl." Joker said somewhat seriously to himself.
Joker shifted, grumbling to himself. New legs are great, feeling them go numb from time to time sitting in the piloting chair sucks.
He could almost hear his old classmates laughing at him when he'd mocked them for their similar complaints years ago.
Yeah, yeah, laugh it up, bastards. I'm still the best pilot in the Alliance, so fuck off.
Chapter 48
Approaching the Relay, I had Joker set us to drift close to the Relay without activating it.
The Relay had only a handful of destinations, namely to the Citadel and a few nearby local Relays, but these Relays were also able to be jumped to any other Relay of it's kind, provided you had the Reapers' control sequence to re-calibrate the Relay.
As if responding to what I was about to do, the Celestial Forge lunged for a perk, and drew it into me, the familiar spark flowing through me as it settled in.
At another time, I would've smiled. Star Wars had been a favorite franchise between me and my father. We didn't see an eye on a lot of things, but we both enjoyed the really old movies and video games, especially because they were effectively free since they were in the public domain.
Not now, however. Now, I had to avert a war, and hopefully not become an enemy of the Council. Well, at least of the turians. The Hierarchy I could tell to go to hell, but I'd rather not make Garrus feel like he was forced to choose between his friends and his home. That felt wrong, if I could help it, at least.
My mind reached out to the Relay, falling back on [Technology Usurper] and [Multitasking, with [You Can't See Me] to avoid any potential defenses the Relay Network might have if the Reapers ever tried to create defenses against anyone other than one of their own meddling with it.
Surprisingly, the system was simple. A series of coordinates, connections, exit and entry nodes. It really wasn't that complicated, and there didn't seem to be any major defenses outside of what seemed to be friendly/foe interface that was empty. At the moment, the system treated everyone, even the Reapers, equally.
The only glaring point was the cut connection between the Citadel and a single Relay the furthest out, which I deduced was likely the one used by the Reapers when they received the signal to start the Harvest.
That and a surprising back up connection from one of the minor Relays on the edge of the Terminus Systems, if my coordinates were accurate. I immediately locked out and cut that connection, just to make sure that no Reapers thought to try and use that back up connection. I wanted all of them to run into the trap I would lay for them.
For now, I asserted my influence over the entire network.
"Now assuming direct control." I murmured to myself, focusing mentally as I could feel something in the Citadel responded, trying to assert control over the network, failing as my control was absolute. A Reaper A.I. in the Citadel itself? That's surprisingly ingenious of them, even if I wondered why then the A.I. hadn't simply tried to send the signal to the Reapers from there rather than rely on Sovereign.
No matter. My mind locked out the Citadel's networks, cutting off all incoming/outcoming data for just the few seconds. I had no desire to let a data-Reaper escape into the void to warn the others.
"You have existed because I allowed it. And now you will all end, because I demand it. Exterminate." I whispered both aloud and mentally, the A.I. within the Citadel desperately trying to fight as my Will began to purge it's existence.
'No! I am necessary! Organics need us to protect them from themselves! Stop!' The A.I. pleaded as best as it could, trying to reason into the Citadel's networks, unable to interact with me directly, flailing desperately to survive.
"No. Your words are as empty as your future. Your striving is insignificant. Let your death be the same." I said coldly, routing the A.I into a single server, and destroying it utterly, purging the code entirely. I didn't even want to force it into something for my benefit. I wanted it gone, utterly. Forever!
With the A.I. gone, I turned my attention to the network, rewiring it so that way it would allow the Normandy directly into Palaven's local space, and then return to it's previous functions.
"Joker, send us through." I said quietly, after pressing a button on the intercom. "Don't put any coordinates. Just activate the Relay. It'll take us to Palaven." I added, to make sure Joker didn't accidentally remove the coordinates I just put in.
"On it. We're jumping in three… two… one…" Joker's voice cut off as we moved through the corridor provided by the Relay.
The Normandy landed, and I smiled grimly at the sight of Palaven. [You Can't See Me] alongside [Stealth Space Age] meant that the Normandy wouldn't be detectable by technological means, not before it was too late.
The Normandy silently stopped moving once we were halfway between Palaven and the Relay. No ships hailed us, no warnings of targeting sequences.
I sighed. This was it. I needed to put on a cold front. I needed an audience. Both for my crew to witness, and to make sure everyone else who tried to do this in the future learned why they shouldn't. Actions would speak louder here than words ever would, and the Hierarchy would get their wake up call.
I approached the chamber toward the back of the Normandy. The communications chamber. Here, I could reach the Council if I asked for it. Here, I would be broadcasting everything.
My mind reached through the Normandy. grasping blindly until I felt it brush against one of the satellites near Palaven's moon. From there, my mind plunged through the data, stretching easily across the entire planet's network, and then down through it. Every day communications was disregarded, security measures were bypassed with ease, and then I found it.
The fools were so safe in thinking they were untouchable that they hadn't erased the call to Sparatus, and while they were aware enough to erase the omnitools they wore, they hadn't erased the feeds given both visually and audio wise through their cameras in their chambers.
I dug deeper. Records of assassinations toward other turian officers who spoke against the strict structure, those who wanted their men to be loyal out of compassion, not fear. Assassinations of officials who died of some form of scale disease, when in reality, it was by poison. A slow insidious poison often used to demoralize or otherwise incapacitate them or their loved ones, to soften them up morally and dismiss them from the public eye.
It was disgusting, to say nothing of the various ways the officials turned the other way for bribery or assault on younger, weaker, turian soldiers. Or for drinking heavily and beating their families. And on the list went.
Normally, this wasn't shocking. I'd read and heard similar reports through the Alliance, but they were caught and often ruined in public trials, to send the message that this was not tolerated. The higher ups were held to even stricter standards, there was a reason no one spoke about the previous Normandy's Captain. The social shaming was severe, and immediate. Any good will for any deeds done, was instantly removed if any such actions with evidence was proven.
I gathered all this evidence, and had it sent through to my omnitool. My anger grew when I came across a name.
A female turian with the last name Vakarian was set to be poisoned. Public records immediately told me that this was Garrus' mother. The reasoning for the poisoning was even more disgusting in my eyes; she was pregnant, and Garrus' father was scheduling leave to spend time with his wife before she gave birth and for a while after. A flag was set that he was considering retirement to raise the young one with his wife, and the higher ups in command weren't pleased by that notion.
My cold rage was immense as I took deep breaths to calm myself. I would not make them think I was fallible. I wanted them to suffer. Oh, yes, they would suffer. Suffer immensely, and by the people they treated as little more than cannon fodder.
I activated the recording feature. Game time.
"I am Spectre Jenkins. I am the Captain of the Normandy. I am declaring the Turian Hierarchy to be in violation of many laws in Citadel Space. Among those laws, are Corruption. Bribery. Conspiracy to invade a colony planet under the jurisdiction of an allied species. Assassination. Forgery. These are just the start of the laws broken. Citizens of Palaven. Your government has been abusing you. Lying to you. Not all among them are deserving of your wrath, but many are. I am releasing all this data I have uncovered about what has been occurring to your friends.
Read through these files. I implore you all to understand exactly how badly you all have been lied to. To understand how much honor you have lost, because of these… I have no appropriate words for what to call the ones responsible, but rest assured, I want you all to bring them to trial.
They will face justice. There will be no place they can hide. There will be no where to run. I can guarantee that.
As such, I am seizing the credit accounts of all the perpetrators involved. I am shutting down any technological defenses or hidden networks they have in their homes, their offices. I will not arrest them. I will not bring the Alliance or the Council into this. I know how much honor and dignity means to the turian people. I want you, the people, to do it.
Honor and dignity is not something that can be given to you. It must be earned. It must be maintained. Every day. Every hour. Always vigilant to choose the right decision, even if it means making the hard choices.
I love democracy.
Please, I implore you. All of you.
Take back your honor. Bring them to justice. For your friends. For your families.
For you and your futures."
I sent the recorded speech out to every omnitool in Palaven, sending all the files I had gathered and dug up to every single one.
I drained the credits of every account I could find associated with the offenders, shutting down their omnitools, any mechs they had, their technology shut off and any automatic doors wide open so all could reach them.
I also made sure to set the Relay to block all outgoing connections. To ensure no one tried to jump out of the system.
Justice would be done. Eden Prime would be safe.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Mechanical Genius (Star Wars - Clone Wars) (600CP)
You're the leading expert at designing droids and starships. Given the right resources you could create fully autonomous starfighters with built in hyperdrives, battle droids with cheap, stronger and longer lasting shields, hover tanks as fast as landspeeders, androids indistinguishable from organics, and combat droids capable of killing jedi.
This would be potentially setting breaking for the jump it came from with sufficient resources.
Chapter 49
History would refer to it as the Upheaval.
The people would call it The Lightspeed Revolution.
Personally, at the time, I just remembered being dazed, feeling shock and confusion course through me.
"I'm sorry? I don't understand." I remember saying faintly.
"Victus. You're the new Primarch. You're popular with the people. You're capable. You're familiar with command, but not anywhere close to those who have been found… lacking." The voice said impatiently.
"Sir. We need you back on Palaven. We need you to help us organize the trials for the corrupted individuals. We need you to bring order before our civilians just start lynching them and we lose this chance. Please, sir. Your orders?" The voice begged on his omnitool.
I looked up at Palaven. Here on Palaven's moon, it looked so big.
I had to shove my feelings aside. I had to step in. My people needed me.
"Bring those charged into isolated cells at separate locations. Make sure that no civilians learn their locations while we look for evidence. All military personnel should not be alone with these animals. Recordings are mandatory at all times. They are all on Suicide Watch, so follow those protocols as well. Inform the people we are gathering evidence to ensure no one goes unpunished or unaccounted for. We're flying back to Palaven." I said, trying to sound more confident than I was feeling.
"Understood sir." The voice affirmed before the communication cut off.
I took a deep breath.
Me? Primarch? I was so far down the list I was sure a human had a better chance than me.
What happened over there?
I was surprised to find my troops waiting for me, many of them standing at attention and looking proud. Eager even.
"At ease, soldiers. I'm still not sure what's going on. I was sure I'd be marrying a Krogan before I ever became Primarch. Someone catch me up to speed?" I asked them.
One of them stepped forward. "A Spectre came forward and shared a ton of files filled with all sorts of horrible acts committed by the former Hierarchy, sir. Have you checked your omnitool?" He asked me, and I shook my head.
Checking my omnitool, I quickly had to start skimming and taking deep breaths, keeping my temper to avoid raging aloud in front of my unit.
What in the ever loving Rachni infested garbage was this?!
"Is this true?" I asked them quietly.
"We think so. A lot of this stuff dates back decades, so it'll take time to make sure, sir. I, we can handle a lot for the Hierarchy, but,"
I cut him off with a raised hand.
"Let me be clear. We follow orders. We do our duty. We are turians. However, this has limits. What these scum did was use us. Abuse us. Lied to us. They are not turians. They are not even Krogan. They are parasites. Exterminate. Vilify. Do not ever let them think they can justify their actions, because they've been doing that for decades. There is no justification for these acts. Ever." I said coldly, glaring each and every one of them in the eye.
"We do not poison our families. We do not assassinate each other. We are Turians. We set the standard for the galaxy on military matters, and we set the standards on military decorum. We must hold ourselves accountable, at a higher standard."
I swallowed, my mandibles twitching. What else do I say? What else should I say?
"Okay, sir. We understand." The soldier said quietly, nodding as he stepped back into formation.
"Good. Now, we're flying back to Palaven. Since for reasons beyond me, the powers that be want me of all people to be Primarch. Unless any of you want the job?" I asked aloud, feeling disgruntled at how fast my unit dispersed to start gathering everything.
Bastards knew the job was shit, so they were letting me take the shrapnel. Damn it. I taught them too well.
I stretched. Might as well call my girlfriend and tell her the news. I'd been hoping to propose a joining of Houses after my next promotion, but that was to a general position. Not fucking Primarch.
Knowing her, she'd laugh at me for all the times I'd griped and complained about how outdated and stiff our structure was. Say that it was my fault, and the worse part was that I had no rebuttal for it. Damn it.
"This is preposterous! You have no evidence! Let go of me!" The turian roared, his hands cuffed behind his back and grunted as he was shoved to the ground, quite literally being dragged by a leash of electricity held by another turian.
"You have a right to a tribunal set by the Primarch. You are going to be contained in an isolated location. Anything you say, act, or do in the past and present will be used against you in the House of Law. You have no name, for you have lost the privilege of a name. You have no House, for no Turian wishes to be associated with you. You may have a representative at your tribunal, but they may refuse to arrive, on the basis of not wishing to smear their reputation with yours. In which case, you will be required to represent yourself." The female turian said in a cold tone, her eyes piercing down at the blustering turian with an icy fury of her own.
"My name is- aah!" The turian screamed as electricity seared through his scales, a black gag shoved into his mouth and sealed shut to keep him from speaking as he thrashed angrily.
The female turian tilted her head. "Off the record? I'd kill you and be done with it. My sister died from one of your beatings. She loved you. Even on her deathbed, she begged we didn't press charges. Be lucky the Primarch wants things done officially." The female turian spat.
"Take him away before I kill him myself." She ordered as the two turians nodded walking away as the leash dragged the turian through the wet soil toward the waiting vehicle that they had outside.
It wouldn't bring back her sister. She knew it wouldn't. But it went a long way to making her feel a little bit better, knowing the disgrace wouldn't harm anyone else ever again.
She would do this for at least another seven more times, come home to her husband and give a long good cry as he hugged to comfort her as she sobbed in his arms, overwhelmed by the emotional turmoil she felt. A mixture of bittersweet relief and hurt that this didn't happen before her sister died.
And the worst part in her mind was knowing that she was far from the only one probably feeling like this.
A long road to recovery, but at least it was a start. A start to heal. For her and for Palaven.
Chapter 50
The Council Chamber was silent. Sparatus looked uncomfortable, having to admit that he'd asked Jenkins to keep his family safe, which was why his wife and their kids were currently at his apartment.
Tevos took a shaky breath, carefully trying to not give away her inner desire to scream.
"The penalties for threats and assassination attempts against a Councilor is severe. The last attempt led to a severe fine to the Hanar, and subsequently the requirements of a permit for their preaching of their "Enkindlers". I don't see that being necessary with Jenkins clearly taking action under his role as a Spectre. He has done an incredible job. I vote we give Jenkins a bonus." Valern said smoothly.
"You want to give a Spectre a raise for effectively dismantling the government of one of our own home planets?" Tevos said incredulously, staring at Valern.
"No. I want to give a Spectre a raise for not only doing his job, but going above and beyond his duty to give a poignant example to every government, even our own, that the Councilors, and the Citadel, is off limits to political garbage." Valern said coldly, his eyes staring back at Tevos with an icy glare of his own.
"Without firing a single weapon, Jenkins has unilaterally enforced our image as the ultimate arbiter. We are the Council of this Galaxy. We offer peace for those who wish to negotiate, but we are not weak. Do not mistake our kindness for weakness. For it will end in your destruction. This is the image we maintain, and Jenkins has achieved it marvelously, without bringing any diplomatic incidents or outcry from any civilians on our part. I can count less than ten Spectres who've achieved anything even to a tiny fraction of what Jenkins has done, and all of them had blowback results that blew up in our faces because of unintended consequences." Valern said calmly.
Sparatus nodded slowly. Valern noted the turian looked exhausted, barely seeming to stand straight.
"I owe Jenkins for saving my life, saving my family's life. I cannot in good conscience reprimand him for helping root out the corruption and immense crimes of my government. That he's willing to let my people sort it out amongst themselves shows Jenkins sees in us an opportunity to do better. We won't squander it. Which is why I'm afraid to say that I'm resigning." Sparatus said slowly, unwillingly.
"Why?" Tevos said in shock. "You're not implicated in anything. You didn't do anything wrong!"
Valern said nothing. He was waiting for Sparatus' response.
"I am resigning because I'm needed back on Palaven. Victus is a good friend of mine, and he's not ready to be Primarch. He has the mind of a soldier, a leader, but he doesn't have the mind for politics. Which is why I'm going to be his Second Hand. He needs me to help mitigate and sort out all these matters, and knowing Victus, he might drink himself to death because of all the bullshit that comes with being Primarch if he's left on his own." Sparatus admitted quietly.
Valern nodded respectfully. "It was good knowing you, my friend. I wish you well on your journey." He said kindly.
"I, I will miss you, but I understand." Tevos said roughly, looking away as she seemed to lose her composure, looking like she might cry.
Sparatus' mandibles quivered as he seemed to struggle to compose himself. "I will miss you both as well. My replacement should be on his way, though he will likely curse me out once he realizes just how shit the job is." He said wryly.
"Who?" Valern asked curiously.
"Gaius Vakarian. A well respected turian who was considering retirement from the Hierarchy and had nothing to do with the various scandals and broken laws. He's likely to be harder on all of our Spectres, since he doesn't like them, but I think he'll do good as a Councilor. At the very least, he may come to respect Spectre Jenkins for saving the life of his wife and their unborn child." Sparatus said with pride and a little humor.
"We hope he'll come to work with us. We always figured you were an exception to most turians." Valern commented, with Tevos nodding.
"He prefers rules. Regulations. He thinks that they have a place for a reason. I think he'll be an excellent Councilor, especially once he gets his head out of his ass and sees just how much the red tape holds him back even more when he's on our level." Sparatus cackled, his eyes glinting.
Tevos chuckled. "He won't be you, Sparatus, but I'll try to ease that shock for him. Maybe I can come by and visit you some time when we're both not as busy?" Tevos asked shyly, her face flushing as Sparatus seemed to look at her in a new light, his mandibles moving slightly.
"I would like that." Sparatus said softly, looking surprised and pleased. "Is there anything else we need to discuss?" He asked Valern abruptly.
Valern shrugged. "I'm thinking of bringing Udina on board as a Human Councilor. He's done well and he's the one who brought forth Jenkins as a candidate."
Sparatus shrugged, looking more relaxed than he'd seemed in years. "Honestly? Why not? At this point, the Alliance has shown itself much more capable, and Udina as a Councilor means he can stop pestering us. He can fill out the paperwork and see how great it is to be one of us."
Valern smiled coldly. "Indeed. We should share the burden. A burden shared is a burden halved. Humanity has more than earned their place on the Council. Now they will need to show that they can maintain that place."
The three of them laughed together, signing off with a final joint after hours drink at Chora's Den before Sparatus left for Palaven.
In the Embassies, Ambassador Udina felt a chill go across his back and he shivered before he took it as just the office being cold. Just another hour and he could relax at his apartment, he reasoned to himself.
Chapter 51
Steven sat back, not even hiding his disgust at the man across from him as he stared down the man.
"Repeat that for me again, slowly." Steven said quietly, coldly.
The man sighed with exasperation. "Operative Jenkins is too dangerous to be left alive, sir. I have several signed documents from various governments back on Earth, all of them affirming that Jenkins is to be executed for being a danger. He toppled the Turian Hierarchy in less than a day. That's way too much power unchecked in one man's hands. No matter how much effort that man has done for the cause."
"And, what exactly am I supposed to do? Bring him in? With what army? Or perhaps you think he'll come quietly?" Steven said sarcastically.
"You file this document stating that Jenkins is declared an enemy of the Alliance. Disavow him from all connections. Hunt him down. Or, if you think you can keep it quiet, bring him to earth on a mission or something. It doesn't matter. The point is, bring him in. Period." The man said flatly.
Steven laughed. "Wow. You guys are getting desperate aren't you?" Steven said with amusement.
The man stiffened. "This is no laughing matter, Steven. You will do your duty or we will bring you in for treason." The man threatened, and Steven stopped smiling.
"Excuse me?" Steven said quietly. "You don't get to talk to me like that. None of you do. I am tired of your lies. Your excuses. It's boring." Steven raised his arm, revealing a gun aimed right at the other man's chest, who froze.
"You don't want to make an enemy, Steven. Put down the gun. Put it down!" The man roared panicking, as Steven smiled coldly, the gun remaining at the man's torso.
"Sh." Steven hushed quietly, "You don't want to bring attention to yourself. My men have been running background files on everyone. And you know what's funny? You don't exist. Funny how you said you're from Earth, and yet, no one seems to know who you are." Steven said conversationally, smiling wider as the man's face paled.
"We can still talk about this, I," The man's voice cut off as a gloved hand smothered his mouth, a gag smoothly slid into place and locked as the man thrashed, but his movements cut off as his hands were cuffed almost immediately afterwards.
"Ah, ah. Don't rough him up too much, gentlemen. We still need to get him talking. No doubt the governments back on Earth are getting antsy. I'm not going to retire a wanted man." Steven said calmly, wiping down the gun with a white material that seemed to make the gun spark a little.
"Mr. Spy, meet my personal task force. I've been working them into position for a while, but it's worked marvelously. Meet the N8's, a couple of them stationed in every ship. In every unit. In every city." Steven said with ease, smiling mirthlessly as the man's eyes widened as his face turned even more pale.
"Did you think that Jenkins was the only one? Or that the Alliance didn't keep a very careful eye on the governments back on Earth?" Steven asked curiously. "While the Alliance Council back on Earth thinks they have all the cards, we've been drip-feeding them information and numbers after several revisions. A few million there, a couple hundred million there, and a nest egg is born." He stood up.
"Gentlemen. Get him talking. I want to know where he slept. I want to know where he went to the bathroom as a nine year old. I want to know everything, and then some. If he cooperates, don't harm him. If he doesn't, make sure that he's still breathing. Or," Steven paused, "at least leave his brain intact. I'm sure Spectre Jenkins will be able to pry his secrets from that alone." Steven chuckled darkly as the man thrashed and screamed desperately through the gag, dragged unwilling by the two men in black uniforms with masks that hid their faces.
"Sir?" Another officer with a mask asked calmly, standing aside as the man was dragged away. "What are the orders?"
Steven sighed, lighting a cigar. "Get me the documentation on the founding of the Alliance. I'm not a hundred percent sure, but I'm thinking this won't be the last time someone on Earth tries to kill us out of fear. If assassinations won't work, they may try legally. I want my legal team to start combing through everything. Let's see if we can't bring the Alliance into being outside the control of these idiots. Dismissed." The officer left.
His rumors had ran wild, but the results were starting to speak for themselves with his unofficial N8 network starting to get off the ground. Granted, they weren't any different than before, but image was everything, and his men seemed to enjoy the pride of feeling like they were a part of an elite organization, even if it was off the books.
I should see if Jenkins can get me at least a passing shot into Eden Prime. I have a feeling Malaysia is no longer going to be a destination for me. A shame, but I'm sure an alien beach is still a beach.
Steven breathed out slowly, enjoying the relaxation. Assassinations and blackmail attempts always left him with at least a few minutes to relax before the paperwork inevitably trickled in.
He opened one eye as the door silently opened, revealing an officer who looked uncomfortable.
"Sir, you have a message."
Steven stayed silent for a long moment before sighing as he put out the cigar. "Who?"
"I don't know sir. It just says you alone are supposed to read it." The officer said, handing him a paper letter.
Steven raised an eyebrow. Paper? Must be serious if they were trying to avoid being seen by alien eyes on the data files. He opened the letter.
He froze.
References. References dating back hundreds of years, all of them pointing to a single name.
One R. L. Jenkins.
'This is now Classified Documentation. Officially, Jenkins is just a Spectre, age 24. His parents died on Eden Prime, as did his friends.
Unofficially, Richard Leroy Jenkins has been alive for centuries and has pushed mankind to the stars. He is considered Living History, and as such, is incredibly valuable as an asset. Do not anger him under any circumstances. Countries have fallen by this man's words alone.
On a personal notice, without any evidence to say for or against the theory, the President believes Richard Leroy Jenkins to be considered our God-Emperor of Mankind, or, rather, the God-Emperor of Mankind is based off of Richard Leroy Jenkins.
Some sources in Britain adamantly disagree, stating that the Doctor is clearly based off of him. I have no idea either way, all I know is, I don't want Jenkins pissed off at us.
Burn this document. Do not write anything down. Do not type anything down. This is beyond
classified.
Well, Steven mused to himself wryly, he really should have known better than to tempt Fate by choosing what he'd considered outlandish rumors and extremely crazy conspiracy theories to be spun. He really should have known better.
After all, Steven thought to himself as he burned the document with his now lit cigar as it burned into ashes in his trash can, rumors often have their basis in truth.
Chapter 52
"Garrus." Wrex nodded his head as he sat next to the Turian who looked like he was on his fifth shot, or the second shot of ryncol.
"Wrex." Garrus said bitterly, his head lowered as he drank another shot of turian alcohol.
"You look like shit." Wrex said bluntly.
"I feel like shit." Garrus said bluntly in response, turning to look at the Krogan, his mandibles twitching.
"Why?" Wrex asked simply.
"Because the fucking Hierarchy was going to poison my mom. Kill her and my unborn sister. My people. My government, was going to kill my family, and I'd have never known about it." Garrus hissed, his eyes narrowing in rage as he barely stopped himself from slamming his fist against the cold metal of the bar.
"They didn't. Your family is fine. So, what's the problem?" Wrex asked impatiently.
"The problem is, is that I wasn't there. I wasn't there, and if it hadn't been for Jenkins and pure fucking luck, it'd be too late!" Garrus said heatedly, glaring at the Krogan.
Wrex sighed. "I'm not good at this." Wrex muttered, before he looked at Garrus, staring at him with a hard expression.
"My father, pyjack fucking lover that he is, tried to kill me back on Tuchanka. If you're expecting me to feel sorry for you, Turian, it's not happening. What I can tell you, is that we all get lucky. Any time we go out on a mission, any time we get into a fight, it can be our last. Would your family want you to be like this, Garrus?" Wrex said harshly.
Garrus' anger melted away, as he turned away, ashamed.
"No. They wouldn't. I just… I felt so helpless, Wrex. At first, I wanted Jenkins to not annihilate Palaven when we headed here, and after I recieved the news of what they were going to do, I wanted him to. I wanted Jenkins to butcher every last one." Garrus whispered, his eyes unfocused as his mandibles twitched angrily.
"I expected Jenkins to wipe Palaven off the map." Wrex admitted. "Whatever Tali may have said, a human when that angry is unpredictable. They can become monsters when wronged."
Garrus snorted. "And, yet, he didn't. He kept to his word. He's humiliated and humbled the Hierarchy so bad that the ripples will be felt for centuries. All without a single shot. My mother messaged me. Told me she was proud of me, serving under a Spectre who had let us "sort out our own problems". As if her dying was just, just, something to move on from."
Garrus hissed wordlessly, his eyes glinting with an inner rage, taking deep breaths to calm himself.
"Death comes for us all, Garrus. I'd like to think your mother is probably more grateful for your sister's life rather than her own. Even among the Krogan, we value our children. They are our future." Wrex said softly.
Garrus nodded, looking like he was going to say something when his omnitool lit up with an incoming message.
Garrus blinked. "A call. From Jenkins?" He said with confusion, answering it after a moment, he was surprised to see Jenkins looking… cold, was the only way he could put it.
Livid. Furious. No, somehow beyond even that. Jenkins flat face hid the icy eyes that promised untold agonies that made Garrus straighten as if he'd jumped into an icy vortex of water.
"Gentlemen and Lady. This is Garrus Vakarian." Jenkins said formally, turning the omnitool so Garrus could see who he was talking to.
Three stripped Turians, one female, two males. All of them looked at Garrus with a mixture of defiance and fear.
They looked roughed up, but alive.
Jenkins' voice echoed coldly as Garrus realized the call was projected so he could see them all from behind Jenkins' shoulder, probably by a Drone.
"Now. Primarch Victus gave you three to me. Specifically at my request." Jenkins said with a cold tone. "After all, it was you three who threatened Councilor Sparatus, and his family. You won't be judged under Turian Law. You will be judged under Council Law, and Council Law is quite clear on what happens to those who threaten to assassinate a Councilor."
One of the males spoke, his mandibles sneering. "Get it over with! Kill us, Spectre." He spat.
The drone moved and the camera shifted, showing Jenkins looking amused, his eyes cold.
"Councilor Sparatus, as his final act before retiring, gave me one final order. To make the three of you an example. You think I'll do as little as kill you?"
Jenkins laughed, coldly. His smile widened.
The female spoke up, sounding desperate, terrified.
"Please! Mercy!" She begged.
Jenkins laugh cut off, a look of disgust and hatred etched on his face.
"You expect mercy? From me?" Jenkins sounded disgusted. "There is no mercy." Jenkins said coldly, furious, and Garrus wondered if for a moment the dim lighting of the room, looking almost as if swallowed up by the darkness aside from the drone hovering in it, changed Jenkins' eyes to look yellow.
"You won't do anything! You're a 'good' person! A weak human!" The middle turian male said confidently.
Jenkins seemed to almost freeze, before he smiled. A cold, furious, empty smile that promised untold agony. Garrus felt his scales crawl.
"Good men don't need rules. Now, you are all about to find out why I have so many." Jenkins said softly, slowly stepping in front of the middle turian who seemed to cower in his restraints, trying to flee but unable to move.
"It's been so long since I've been able to indulge my anger." Jenkins said softer still, his smile dropping, his eyes dark. "You three will be an example. Not just for the Council. Not just for the sheer number of individuals and families you've ruined. But, an example of why you don't cross me."
Jenkins looked up at the drone, staring directly at Garrus, who wanted to cower. Who, for a brief moment, wanted desperately to cut the call out of terror.
"This will be recorded. I'm not sure if I'll send it to everyone, but at the very least, the leaders of every government will get one. I want all of you to see this. To know this. All of you will know why I am the last person to piss off. Because I will be coming for you. There will be nowhere to hide. Nowhere to run. No army will save you from me. No amount of money will buy me off, and no resources will be enough to stop me." Jenkins said solemnly, a cold promise in every word that made Garrus' scales crawl.
"Now, let's start with you, my lovely volunteer." Jenkins said with a false cheerfulness, looking down at the middle turian who found his mouth gagged as his restraints shifted.
"You have an awful habit, my friend." Jenkins said, as if scolding a child. "You poison your enemies, your political rivals. You even poisoned your brother. Scale rot, I believe? No matter." Jenkins said dismissively, pulling out a simple syringe.
"This is what I call 'Medusa's Venom'." Jenkins said cheerfully. "See, it calcifies you from the inside out, but it does so while keeping your vitals alive. It's also excruciatingly painful, every calcified cell desperately trying to move, but can't. Every nerve lighting up. Oh, don't worry." Jenkins chided as the turian squirmed and muffled begging as tears fell out of his eyes. "It won't kill you. In fact, it should keep you alive for centuries even. Your legacy in ruins, your body turned to stone, your mind sealed inside as you beg for death, but you'll be alive. Don't worry. I'll make sure to visit. Wheel you in so I can introduce you to all the kids learning about us together." Jenkins spoke with a cold smile as the turians' begging continued.
Jenkins plunged the needle and the turian muffled begging turned into an ominous silence after a few moments.
The drone moved in, making Garrus nearly vomit as the drone showed an x-ray as the calcification started almost immediately in the throat and spine.
"Alas, the silence means you can't hear his screams, but look in his eyes and see." Jenkins encouraged, the camera moving to see the turian's eyes nearly rolling to the back of his head, twitching almost violently.
Wrex gave a low whistle. "That's… some serious fucked up shit, Jenkins." Wrex said quietly.
The female turian was sobbing silently as Jenkins approached her coldly, his eyes lacking even a single drop of sympathy.
"You threatened his wife. His children. I am here to answer." Jenkins plunged the syringe into her arm and injected her with the poison.
He removed it after a moment.
"It… doesn't hurt?" The female turian said uneasily after a moment.
Jenkins said nothing.
"Wai…" The female turian's mandibles went slack, her body sagging as her eyes moved around in terror.
"You threatened to take away their futures. So I took away yours. You will live, but you will feel nothing. You will not move without excruciating slowness and difficulty, barely able to do more than blink and scream with your eyes. Your lungs will breathe without your control. Your heart beats. However, that is all. You are now as trapped in your body as your friend is, but where his life is pain eternal, yours will be nothing. Numbness. Forever." Jenkins said cruelly, his face cold.
He turned to the third turian male, who started shaking.
"Ah, my last volunteer. My last example. One was pain, the other was numbness." Jenkins said nonchalantly, as if speaking about the weather.
He looked down on the turian, smiling mirthlessly.
He injected the last turian, and stepped back, the restraints releasing him.
The turian shot up and tried to run, only his legs stopped moving as his hand refused to touch the release mechanism to open his way to freedom.
"Let me go! Let me out! I want out!" The turian screamed desperately, as his body moved in short, jarring motions like a puppet against his will, turning to face Jenkins with terror on his face.
Jenkins smiled serenely, his eyes lacking any warmth.
"My friend.", Jenkins said mockingly, "Why in a rush to leave? You're not suffering. You're even able to move! Be grateful, and kneel." Jenkins said coldly as the turian sobbed, his knees collapsing under him as he kneeled.
"Shh." Jenkins said as the turian's mandibles went still, tears falling down his face as he quivered in silent terror.
"There, there. You won't die. You'll get to live on Palaven. Free to move. Free to walk. Just, without any free will. You'll never again know a lover's touch. You'll never again enjoy good food or drink. You'll never enjoy the breeze on your scales. You'll never know the terror of today either, if it's any consolation, of course. Life is just as empty without terror, as it is without love."
"Truly, you'd have been the perfect Jedi, but it won't ever be a choice. Not for you. Not anymore. That is what it does. It destroys the emotional centers of your brain, alongside all memories associated with those moments, and for a very short time, makes you unable to refuse my words."
"Now, stand, my friend, and heed my words. For they are your oath. Your creed. Your reality. Forever." Jenkins said softly, the turian's tears fading as the eyes went almost empty. As if no one was there. A dim spark of life was all that was there.
"Okay." The turian said dully, emptily, standing up slowly and stepping back. The tear tracks seeming to be the only evidence of what happened.
Jenkins turned to the drone, his eyes cold.
"I believe I've made my message clear. Mess with me and mine, and you will beg for death. This is my mercy, my warning, to the rest of you. There will not be another one." Jenkins said solemnly, the recording and call cutting off.
"Feeling better?" Wrex asked suddenly next to Garrus, reminding Garrus where he was.
"No. That was some terrifying shit." Garrus said admittedly, shuddering.
Wrex snorted. "Jenkins holds himself to a high standard, but he's only human. I'm surprised he waited this long to lose his shit. I'm just sad I wasn't there to beat the pyjack out of his enemies with him. Ah well, at least this should send a message to everyone else." He grumbled.
"Yeah, Jenkins is fucking terrifying when pissed off." Garrus shuddered.
"No, Garrus." Wrex paused for a long moment before speaking gravely.
"That there won't be a next time. There will only be utter ruin on a scale that would see that my people's Rebellion and the Rachni Invasion barely even a skirmish, barely a fight amongst children. There may not be a Galaxy left if anyone thinks about attacking Eden Prime."
Garrus shuddered as he reached for another drink.
Chapter 53
Gaius Vakarian was horrified, watching this Spectre torture three turians so utterly. His mandibles twitched in disgust and outrage.
"Well, that's that." Tevos said next to him, nodding to herself. "Spectre Jenkins definitely earned that raise."
"What?! No! This human just tortured three turians and broadcasted it for the galaxy to see and threatened the governments of every race! That is beyond ridiculous! He needs to be brought in, preferably stripped of his Spectre status, and then thrown in jail!" Gaius said, barely keeping his composure from outright yelling at his fellow Councilors.
Tevos sighed. "Gaius. He's a Spectre. He followed the orders of your predecessor. He did his job." She said exasperatedly.
Valern spoke up as well, looking oddly at Gaius. "Are you seriously defending the three turians who were not just planning on assassinating a Councilor, but also considered poisoning and killing your wife and unborn child?" The salarian asked almost mildly, looking curious.
"Yes! We have a process! Rules! Regulations! Jenkins just tortured three turians, when he should have put a bullet in their heads and be done with it! He's threatened all of our governments! These actions are unacceptable!" Gaius said, feeling incredulous at how the two Councilors seemed to look at each other silently for a long moment.
"Right. I'm not even entertaining this." Valern said bluntly as Tevos grimaced, seeming to stay silent.
Gaius felt relieved. At least one of them was seeing sense!
"Gaius, you need to realize the Spectre Program exists outside the usual channels for a reason. The Spectre Program is designed to deal with threats to galactic safety. Threats that cannot be addressed just by following the usual channels. You seem to think all rules are made for a reason, and that all rules must be abided by at all times. It's a nice thought, but it's unrealistic." Valern said bluntly, making Gaius' feel blindsided.
"I will not sit here and be told that Spectre Jenkins' actions are to be encouraged!" Gaius yelled, glaring at Valern.
Valern snorted. "Stand then, but recognize that Spectre Jenkins was doing his job. You want to yell, yell at Sparatus, if he's willing to listen." Valern said flatly. Gaius felt at a loss for words.
"Now, Tevos might be willing to hold your hand and try to ease you into your duties, but I don't have her lifespan. Forgive me if I decide to take the fast and brutal route if I think it's the only way you will listen." Valern said curtly.
Gaius felt offended at the thought of needing to be 'eased' into anything, and equally offended at being treated like this, but he kept his mandibles shut.
"Good. You will hear many things that sound absurd, offensive, cruel, all designed to get a rise out of you. Many things we hear will be outrageous, but you can at least thank Jenkins for the fact that we no longer need to hear the Batarians frame slavery as a form of religious practice." Valern said with disgust and irritation in his voice.
Gaius' mandibles opened to give a rebuttal on how Jenkins shouldn't have been able to enact a genocide and be congratulated for it, paused with a moment of horror and disgust in realizing he was about to defend the Batarian Hegemony of all things, and slowly closed his mandibles.
Valern nodded. "Spectre Jenkins was not giving a threat to our governments. He was giving a statement, that he would protect his home and his family. We've had many Spectres give similar statements when they thought their own families were at risk."
Gaius' mandibles twitched. "It's still wrong." Gaius murmured.
Valern looked disapproving. "Would you prefer we not react in time to saving your wife and child, Gaius? If we followed the rules and regulations, your family is dead, and you likely with them." He said coldly.
Gaius grimaced. "No. I just believe we need to hold ourselves and the Spectres to a higher standard. Hidden protocol would still be better than letting them run around unchecked. It's what I assumed let Saren get away with so much." Gaius stated honestly.
Tevos spoke up now, amused. "The Spectres do have hidden protocols in place. Saren was able to circumvent them because he knew how those protocols worked. Saren was one of our top agents for dealing with rogue Spectres." She admitted bitterly at the end.
Gaius blinked. "So, it's not that the Spectre Program has no one watching them for signs of disloyalty or disobedience, it's that Saren was one of the operatives meant to keep the other Spectres in check?" Gaius murmured aloud to himself.
That certainly changes things, but he still disagreed with the program as a whole. That would not change.
Valern sighed. "Isn't that obvious? It was why he was taken off the program for killing Nihlus. A loyal Spectre trying to bring the Beacon back to the Citadel. The idea that many of our loyal Spectres might have been killed by Saren with none of us aware of it has some immediate concerns that needed to be addressed immediately. Bringing on Jenkins meant sending an Operative that Saren would likely have no knowledge of. Especially as, unlike Shepard, Jenkins had no notable record on file." Valern said impatiently.
Gaius' mandibles opened slightly as he felt taken aback for a moment before he spoke up. "Spectre Jenkins might be necessary, but he's a danger. His actions, his choices, are backed by the Council, if not in words, than in silent complacency. While I commend his forwardness, he is not to be praised for what he did. It might have been done for the right ends and the right reasons, but it was still wrong."
Valern groaned. "Dalatrass, give me strength." The salarian muttered before glaring at Gaius.
"You want to reprimand Jenkins, by all means. Neither Tevos nor myself will stop you, but I disagree. Your methods worked in the Hierarchy because the Hierarchy has raised almost all turians in the military structure from birth. In short, your methods only worked because you leveraged the system to make it work. You are not listening, and I will not waste my breathe further trying to make you listen. Just don't be surprised if your attempts to bring Jenkins 'in line' fails miserably and backfires, Gaius." Valern warned, before he abruptly left the Council Chambers without a backwards glance.
Gaius turned to see Tevos shaking her head. "Oh, Gaius. You have so much to learn." She sighed and Gaius felt like he was eight years old again, having been caught trying to use his father's pistol for target practice again.
It was not a pleasant feeling.
The room was silent.
"That is terrifying." One of them said simply.
"Agreed. Seeing Sith Alchemy at work and it being disguised as simple injections, is going to be in my nightmares for a while." Another one said quietly, shuddering.
Mordin's projection looked at the finished recording with fascination. "Incredible. Marvelously done. Enforces an image of terror while simultaneously ensuring that any who had such thoughts after thinking N8 Jenkins as a human unwilling to get his hands dirty would now at least think twice of getting caught." He murmured with approval.
"Not of invading Eden Prime? Just not getting caught?" Another STG Operative asked nervously.
Mordin waved his hand dismissively. "No. The only things that would deter an invasion is an equal show of military strength, or trade where invasion would lead to a severe loss of profits. Eden Prime will have the Migrant Fleet, but such older ships would take decades, if not centuries, to be brought up to par of the military vessels used in wars."
Mordin grinned. "No, Jenkins, it seems, has other methods to make an invasion seem like a poor choice."
The STG Operative looked anxious. "Like?" They asked pressingly.
"Crippling a force while keeping them alive, obviously. All three turians are alive. Imagine if Jenkins made even one of those injections airborne." Mordin said aloud, smiling as the rest of the room turned to Mordin, horrified.
"Like the…" One of them trailed off as Mordin's smile darkened, taking on a bitter edge.
"Yes, like the Genophage. Jenkins was calling us out, pointing out that our actions were sloppy. Instead of giving the Genophage to the Turians, who deployed it, Jenkins pointed out a smaller use of it would have brought the Krogan to the negotiating table regardless." Mordin said darkly, his eyes narrowed before he shrugged.
"Also, note the last one. A serum that destroys the emotional centers of the brain, alongside the memories with those emotions, and the ability to implant orders and suggestions that would be followed through willingly by the victim for what appears to be for as long as the victim is alive." Mordin noted with fascination, ignoring how everyone else seemed to shudder violently at how clinical Mordin sounded of stripping the free will of another being.
"No invasion force alive would dare invade Eden Prime, because it would be a suicide mission. No soldier would be allowed to return, deemed a threat to their own people and command. Entire ships would be required to be left adrift, their units self terminating. I dare say that Jenkins would have used this to devastating effect against the Rachni." Mordin said aloud, sounding impressed.
"Mordin. Do you think Jenkins would do such a thing?" Another STG Operative asked quietly.
Mordin shook his head. The room sighed with relief.
"Only if provoked. Jenkins made his message quite clear in that he would not use such a weapon unless something messed with himself or what he considered his. So, that takes the Galactic Droid Empire, the Alliance, the Krogan, the Quarians, the Ardat-Yakshi, and probably the Hanar and the Drell off the table as far as any sabotage or STG efforts go. If Jenkins can develop a cure for the Ardat-Yakshi, he can develop a cure for the Drell. To say nothing of the fact that, by the age of his immortality, Jenkins knew the Protheans personally, if not ruling them from the shadows themselves. The Hanar would give themselves gladly to the one who knew their Enkindlers personally."
"Oh, and the Turian Hierarchy once they've been effectively rebuilt from the ground up." Mordin finished cheerfully.
"That's insane." One of them muttered.
Mordin sighed. "I have to admit, I lost." He sounded pleased saying that. "Jenkins now has effectively the entire Galaxy either willingly in his service, or unwilling to provoke a war with the largest empire that technically doesn't even exist. He's shown to be capable of bring prosperity to his allies, and tragedy to his enemies, all the while barely showing even a fraction of what he's likely capable of. It's humbling, to see a master at work, but that's to be expected when facing an immortal whose likely several hundred million years old." Mordin shrugged.
The STG Operatives sat down, looking devastated.
"Not to worry, Jenkins won't attack us unless we attack him. If anything, Jenkins probably sees us as something amusing, like seeing a child playing with a toy passed down through the generations. Don't harm or threaten anything of his, and we'll be fine." Mordin encouraged. "Signing off." The projection vanished.
A salarian in the back muttered to himself.
"' Life is as empty without terror as it is without love.'"
His friend turned to him, confused, but saw that his friend suddenly relaxed as he smiled at his friend.
" But while Chaos can be beautiful, it cannot last." The salarian said, looking relieved. "That's the other end of the quote Jenkins omitted to the final subject. Basically, it seems like he was telling us what Mordin already figured out. We'll be okay as long as we don't mess with him."
"Still terrifying."
"Oh, absolutely. I'll be having nightmares for months."
Chapter 54
Steven sat back, grimly considering his options as he looked at the recording he'd just finished watching.
Seeing Spectre Jenkins lose his shit on those three turians had actually made Steven feel relieved, knowing that Jenkins was still human, that he wasn't perfect. He wasn't pleased by the fact that Jenkins seemed to almost unilaterally considering waging wars against any race who tries to attack Eden Prime or the Alliance in general without checking in with Steven, but realistically, Steven also had to face the fact that Jenkins likely could just unleash an army of biological and technological horrors on his enemies in the same time it would take the Alliance to even begin mobilization.
After all, Jenkins had just shown he had no compunction of stripping a being of their free will to make them an example to the others. Steven had no doubt that across the galaxy, any race even considering attacking Eden Prime would now have to seriously consider it as a suicide mission, because no soldier would be trusted to not being compromised after touching on Eden Prime. Combine that with Jenkins' seeming affinity for technology, among the various alliances Jenkins had built up doing what he did, and even thinking of attacking Eden Prime was stupid.
Officially, the Alliance was giving serious consideration on what to do with Jenkins, in particular as such torture is not allowed under the current military doctrine held by the Alliance.
Unofficially, the Alliance was, as far as Steven could tell, beyond terrified of Jenkins. The Council back on Earth had tried to bring up charges against Jenkins, trying to have Steven bring him in for war crimes, but Steven had dismissed the order with a laugh and pointed out that such doctrines are severely out of date.
As in 'Geneva Convention only applies to humans' out of date. Legally, technically, Jenkins had committed no crime, because he hadn't tortured any human being under any of the countries tied to the Geneva Convention.
They looked horrified and tried to bluster, tried to browbeat Steven into bringing Jenkins in, and Steven further dismissed their arguments by pointing out that what Jenkins had done was actually a part of his orders given by Councilor Sparatus before he resigned as Councilor. "He did his job as a Spectre, Alliance Command, and I will not see a single soldier under my command threatened for legal action for doing his job." Steven said firmly, and they eventually backed off.
Oh, they weren't pleased, they were furious, and there were rumors of Steven himself being considered incompetent that no soldier would take seriously, but he was sure the politicians back on Earth would take to heart, if only to drag him down through the mud so they could get political favors.
Steven smiled coldly. He couldn't wait for them to try. Because they were in for a rude awakening, both for trying to dismiss him without giving him his rightful retirement, and for trying to turn the Alliance into a political mouthpiece of various countries back on Earth, rather than what it was supposed to be: a representation of humanity, their sword and shield, out in space against the threats and dangers of the galaxy.
He had the documents to back it up. The Alliance was formed as a coalition among technically all the countries on Earth, excluding a handful like North Korea. The mission: to bring humanity to the stars, to protect humanity and humanity's interests, and to expand across the stars. That was, in essence, the responsibility and the duties of the Alliance at it's core.
No single country had control of the Alliance, and very few individuals had any say in the Alliance politically, so as to ensure corruption didn't see the Alliance turned into an army against the other countries.
Naturally, Steven had to smirk when he saw that one of those few individuals who were signed as an exception to the rule was a researcher who had helped crack the secrets of the Mars Archive, the one who had pushed mankind to start discovering how to use Element Zero in ways that were beyond simple military application.
None other than one R.L. Jenkins, who had pushed hard to ensure that there was limits in place for every position, that every Alliance protocol had back up systems in place. That the Mars Archive, and the solar system itself, belonged to Humanity. That space travel was a right to all of mankind, not a privilege of the few who could afford it.
He could still remember the document, the piece of paper digitized in the archives.
Humanity's Answer, was the title that the Alliance had labeled it as in the archives.
'Gentlemen and Ladies, this is the Gateway to everything that was, everything that could ever be.
This is our moment.
We must remember that this isn't just a way to extend to the stars to find resources and planets. It's the way for us to find life among the stars so we know that we are not alone. It's the way for us to find planets for our children and our children's children to have homes on this big Galaxy of ours when our Earth eventually gets swallowed by our Sun. It's the way for us to take our first steps out into the unknown, to take our first shaky steps outside of our solar system and to grow beyond the limits we have lived with since we first began to walk and think.
Like all children, we must venture from our childhood homes. We must step forward into the unknown, that wonderful and terrifying thing where all the possibilities are endless. It is our innate drive to explore and curiously poke our heads into everything, even the unknown, because we have this burning curiosity, this burning desire to know for ourselves what is out there.
I know many among you will say that we shouldn't venture forth. That we could bring danger to ourselves by poking our heads into everything, because we could poke our heads into an area we unknowingly shouldn't have. I know that many among you are afraid of what we find out there, that we would bring annihilation on ourselves.
Being a child is not a sin. Yes, we could bring harm and destruction our way by stumbling into something, but we are doomed to die either way.
Do we die slow insidious death where we refuse to look to the stars out of fear, where we halt scientific advancement in the name of safety and security until we eventually backslide our way into warring with one another over petty resources and lose this golden chance, this wonderful moment, forever?
Or will it be a death where we bravely stepped into the unknown?
I know my choice. I chose to become a researcher on Mars. I chose to brave death in a hundred thousand different ways that could have spelled my end on the way here, and who knows how many ways I will not know about until the future reveals them to me, but I chose to brave death anyway. Life without risk, life without adventure, life while always trying to strive for 100% safety and comfort all the time, is not a life I find worth living.
If I die among the stars, I will have considered it worth every danger, every risk.
Because more than anything, I firmly believe the universe is waiting for us to discover her. To see every sight that she has for us. To hear and witness every marvel she has in store. I can think of no greater joy than it is to have said that I died exploring this wonderful universe.
Fear. Anxiety. These things have their place. They have kept us alive, but being alive is not the same thing as living, and I for one, do not wish to be simply alive. I wish to live, and live fully, completely, in every way possible, without regret.
If we are alone in the universe, I want us to say that we decided to explore everything she had to offer, because the universe deserves to be seen. To be appreciated. To be awed at, and adored, and perhaps even scared a little by, in that wonderful way when we see something we never expected. And if the universe isn't empty, if we discover life out there in the galaxy?
I want them all to know that we exist, that we are here, and we didn't hide. We didn't cower. No. We stared them in the face and said boldly.
We are here. We exist. We make our stand.
Humanity is hanging on the edge, and I humbly ask all of you. Would you die in silence? Would you cower in your beds, afraid of the dark? Would you hide from the unknown like some of those among you would say is the right decision?
Or will you join me?
Will you roar in defiance of the silence, that endless night? Will you light the torches of humanity, light the path forward into the unknown, braving the darkness so your children and your children's children can walk behind you toward better lives and bigger dreams?
Will you run into the unknown with me? To see everything the universe has to offer with me? Because I know my answer, and I am confident in all of you to know yours.
Watch us run. The universe awaits.
R.L. Jenkins.'
Steven took a deep breath of his cigar, and slowly exhaled, feeling proud. He looked around the office, looking outside at the stars.
'Damn you, Jenkins. Giving me hope in humanity even when they can be so stupid sometimes. Damn you. Making me care.' Steven mentally cursed without any heat in it, feeling a mixture of annoyance and pride.
He was pleasantly surprised he was able to finish his cigar before the next officer came in, informing Steven that the Councilor Udina was asking for him.
Steven blinked for a moment, and his smile widened as what the officer said fully sunk in.
Councilor Udina. That could only mean one thing.
Humanity got a seat on the Citadel Council.
Chapter 55
So, did I have a mental breakdown after torturing three turians? Did I revel in it, enjoy making them suffer like a Darth Lord of the Sith?
Honestly, I did neither.
I approached it the same way I did taking out the trash. A necessary evil. I wanted to make sure everyone knew to not even think of attacking Eden Prime.
I wanted Eden Prime to be so far off the list that entire militaries and dark organizations would rather wage war on each other than even think of approaching Eden Prime.
I had Garrus watch through a one way call and made it a point to verbalize that I wasn't trying to hide this from my crew on the Normandy. I wanted everyone, ally and enemy alike, to witness my actions. So that way they knew that this was the line. Do not cross it.
Also because those three were involved on the idea of poisoning Garrus' mother. So I also wanted to give Garrus closure. I wanted him to know that they were not escaping their punishment. Oh no, death is a mercy in my book for those who were that vile, and since I consider death a mercy, I wouldn't grant it.
Once I was back on board the Normandy, I was surprised when Wrex of all people seemed to take me aside and looked at me for a long moment.
"Jenkins." Wrex said slowly. "Are you alright?" The Krogan looked uncomfortable asking the question.
I blinked. "Oh! Did Garrus share with you what I did? I'm fine." I assured him. "I'm not going to break down or laugh madly or anything. I approached it like I did taking out the garbage." I tried to elaborate to the Krogan.
Wrex blinked. "I… see. Good." The Krogan nodded, smiling slowly. "I'm glad." He said simply.
I nodded back. "Of course. Kindness is a virtue and all that, but I'm no pushover. I was making my point clear. Did it come across the way I meant it to?" I asked curiously.
Wrex gave a firm nod. "Absolutely." He said curtly.
I smiled. "Excellent. Now, I'll go tell Joker we're heading to Ilos, provided no other emergencies come up, and then we can get to work ruining Saren's day." My grin widened.
Wrex laughed, seeming to relax. "Ha! I love ruining a turian's day. I'll be in the shooting range. The modification is some serious shit, I feel like I could take on a Thresher Maw with it alone, but it takes getting used to." He left as I watched him.
Do I tell him that I can make a lightsaber? No. Mainly because I don't have the proper requirements to make one. I don't have Kyber crystals.
However, that was just off of [Star Wars Tech] alone. I had a lot more Perks than that. I could easily build a lightsaber using my other Perks as leverage, but not right now.
I wanted to head back to Noveria so I could leverage the resources there. As it was, my mind kept flipping between individual weapons like the iconic lightsaber and the massive construction projects like building a shipyard to build myself something like an Executor from Star Wars.
Interestingly, that makes three Space Age Perks. [Stealth Space Age, [Star Wars Tech, and arguably [Nuclear Tech] could be leveraged to build a ship using nuclear fusion as a component of it's engine.
Together, alongside Mass Effect Tech here, was something to be admired and a little horrified by.
Especially if I ever got my hands on an intact dead Reaper. Reapers retrofitted with a Hyperdrive on top of the silencing technology and everything else, would make the thing arguably able to take on the Reapers themselves.
Man, if it wasn't for the fact that I don't even want them to be a footnote in history, it'd be a great tale right out of the myths. One man and one ship against an entire army.
I shook my head, hitting the intercom. "Alright, Joker, we're heading to Ilos. Bring us in to the Relay."
It would take at most an hour to get to the Relay, and I wondered what to do to spend that time.
"Hey, Jenkins. Can we talk?" Shepard asked hesitantly, and I turned to her, surprised to see her in what seemed to be a simple shirt and what appeared to be yoga pants.
"Sure. Do you want somewhere private?" I asked her and she nodded, directing me to her room, which was surprisingly sparse, aside from a picture of her mom and her on the desk next to her bed.
"Everything alright?" I asked her as she closed the door, sitting down, looking vulnerable.
"Yes and no. You look unbothered by what you did and that's kind of terrifying." Shepard admitted, looking away from me.
I frowned. "Shepard. I don't take joy in what I did. I am not pleased I had to do it." I said gently. I didn't want her thinking I was a sociopath.
Shepard nodded, still looking away. "I know, but you aren't upset about it either. As far as I can tell, you're treating this like it's a Tuesday." She murmured, looking at me uncomfortably. Her eyes seeming to search for something.
"I am not. As far as I can tell, I was being lenient." I said honestly, leaning back as I sat down on her bed. "Those men threatened Garrus' family and Councilor Sparatus' family on top of his life. I wanted the message to be obvious. Sometimes kindness and words aren't enough, Shepard." I said warily.
Shepard didn't look all that upset, thinking for a moment. "Yeah, that's true. It was just… terrifying. Like you were a whole different person in that room." Shepard admitted.
I shrugged. "It's my game face, maybe?" I guessed aloud. "I joke around and chill with you guys, but I will pull out all the stops if I think it's necessary. As I said, I was being lenient." I said gravely.
Shepard nodded, looking equally relieved and curious. "Fair. I can't say I wouldn't do the same. If someone threatened you, I'd lose it." She admitted quietly, her face flushing as I beamed at her.
"Aww, thanks Shepard. I appreciate you threatening bodily harm to my enemies for my wellbeing." I teased her as her face grew even more red.
"So, and you don't have to answer if you don't want to," Shepard said quickly, her curiosity clearly apparent as her smile faded a little. "If that's you being lenient, what would you do if you went all out?" She asked hesitantly.
I tilted my head, thoughtful. "That depends. Right now, I'd probably just pull a Darth Nihlus."
Shepard blinked. "I don't know what or who that is." She admitted.
I waved my hand. "It's an old reference from something way back. Darth Nihlus was this guy who could use his… eh, biotics, maybe, might be the closest reference you'd get, to absorb the life-force of a planet and everything on it."
Shepard's face paled rapidly. "You can do that?" She whispered.
I gave a half-ish gesture. "Sort of. A lot of details aside, Palaven would be completely uninhabitable." I didn't want to elaborate.
"That's just in pure destruction. Forget just creating a virus, I could create a plague that could infect every living thing and turn them into stone, remove their free will, contort their biology into something like super zombies. All of that and more. Knowledge is power, Shepard, and I know a lot more than most." I admitted quietly.
Shepard slowly nodded. "I see. I'm glad you were, uh, lenient." She said as I snickered.
"Me too. The paperwork would be such a pain." I joked as Shepard actually laughed at that.
"Yeah, the paperwork wouldn't be fun." She agreed.
"We should be heading to Ilos soon enough. From there, we can ruin Saren's day and then chill out there until him and the Reaper show up." I said with a wide grin on my face.
Shepard sat up, her face lighting up with enthusiasm. "Awesome! We can bring him into an ambush!" She said enthusiastically, and I nodded.
"Before I leave, I do want to address something important." I said, a mixture of seriousness and anxiety pooling into my stomach.
Shepard's enthusiasm faded as she straightened, looking serious.
"I, I really like you, Shepard. That kiss in the Medbay was amazing." I said quietly, carefully looking her in the eye as she tensed, looking afraid back at me.
"I just don't want to hurt Tali's feelings. Or yours." I said softly. "You both mean a lot to me." I said hesitantly, pausing as I didn't want to hurt Shepard's feelings.
"I know, Jenkins. I was hoping to approach Tali first and make sure she was okay with, uh, us being together too. I don't like Tali the way you do, but, I want this to work." Shepard admitted roughly, her face red.
I felt relief flood my veins. "Oh, thank goodness. That'd be awesome. Tali mentioned multiple bedmates but I still don't know if that's a general thing among Quarians or not. I didn't want to approach Tali and make her feel pressured into having a polyamorous relationship. Consent without enthusiasm is not consent. I still don't know how to approach that subject, but I'll be honest Shepard: if Tali wants me all to herself, I won't go behind her back." I said firmly at the end.
Shepard nodded, looking somewhat relieved and nervous. "I have to go." Shepard shot up and left her room as fast as she could.
I was going to say more, but Shepard had cut me off and I felt a little bemused and sort of flattered that Shepard may have decided to just head straight to Tali.
I left a little while later, grimacing a little as my original plan on finally sleeping with Tali may have just gotten delayed again, if Shepard had in fact gone directly to Tali's room.
Deciding that walking into that serious conversation was just a bad move in general, I decided to instead head toward the kitchen. I felt like making myself a bite to eat before I had to start dealing with Ilos.
Chapter 56
Ilos.
The verdant planet, once filled with structures and cities that were even somewhat visible from space from my memories of the Prothean Beacon, was now the color of rust instead of green.
"So, what's the plan?" Garrus asked behind me as I turned to see the ground team I had assembled.
Garrus for ground cover, Liara, who basically begged to come since this was the discovery of the millenia as far as Prothean Ruins went, Wrex for extra support fire, Shepard who basically volunteered to keep Liara safe as extra security detail, and myself.
Kaiden and Ashley were staying on board to defend the Normandy from any threats that might think about attacking the ship while we did our job.
"The plan is this: we find the Conduit that Saren is desperate to look for, which is a small Relay that connects Ilos directly to the Citadel, and we either shut it off, or destroy it." I said simply. I was thinking shutting it off was a good first step, and set up a bunch of explosives set to go off in case Saren somehow successfully sneaked past us to get through the Relay.
Garrus nodded with acceptance of that plan. I often opted to keep the starting plans simple, that way we could adapt as needed for any unnecessary complications.
I turned back toward Ilos, closing my eyes as I reached mentally through [Technology Usurper, flinging my mind toward the planet, grasping blindly for anything technological.
I could feel the ancient buildings, scattered electrical circuits long since dormant, responding sleepily to my mental prodding, but most of it was inaccessible. Any defenses or technology here had long since either lost power or had crumbled in the fifty thousand years or so since they were last active.
With one exception.
The Virtual Intelligence of the Avatar of Vigilance, responded with shock and a little terror until I calmed it down, expressing that I was the [Enemy of the Reapers, and it seemed to struggle to try and find me.
'You're not an organic? Where is your body? I cannot sense you through my sensors!'
I responded with a brief dump of data, hiding the Celestial Forge and instead pointing to the incident of the Prothean Beacon on Eden Prime.
Vigil responded with surprising eagerness and enthusiasm. A ton of data was expressed, the V.I. eager to show all the data it had gathered through the Conduit's transmissions over the past fifty thousand years.
The Conduit did not simply act as a prototype Mass Relay. It actually was receiving data back from the corresponding Relay on the Citadel, the one way trip for those using the Relay had been for anything using it to open a corridor big enough for anything with mass, while it could still receive data from anyone else around it.
It was ingenious design, allowing the V.I. to subtly gather the knowledge of the Citadel and most who came through it via their omnitools. The result of taking advantage of their own Beacons that they'd left around in the hopes the races would discover their warnings and adapt by exploring alternative technological pathways outside the Relay Network on top of using the Prothean Beacons to fast track their development so as to hide from the Reapers what they were actually doing.
It would've been brilliant, if it worked the way the Protheans had intended.
Vigil seemed to wait, almost as anxious as a copied mental archive of a Prothean could be.
'Did I succeed? Did our sacrifice work?' Vigil asked almost desperately. My heart sank as I could see what it had given up to maintain activity for this long.
The Archives of the Protheans on the Research Stations had shut down first, then the defenses, the generators slowly grinding to a halt over time with no one to maintain them. The greatest loss had been the cryo-pods, the sleeping pods that housed so many researchers of the Prothean Empire, were slowly shut down one by one as the V.I. struggled to follow it's main directive.
Do not let the Reapers win. Maintain the Conduit. Aid the organics. They are the Legacy of the Prothean Empire.
Whatever it takes to make sure the Reapers are destroyed.
'I had no choice. I had to make sacrifices. Anything to stop them. To destroy them.' Vigil's programming seemed to erratically twitch, the ancient systems struggling to process the virtual intelligence's many mixed thoughts on the subject.
'You succeeded. The Reapers will be defeated. Now, rest, Avatar of Vigil. You have done your duty.' I mentally said, feeling a crushing sadness as the virtual intelligence seemed to shine with pride and glory, one last transmission echoed before it shut itself down one final time.
'The Prothean Empire shall live on in you. Thank you.'
The V.I.'s connection cut off as it shut down, content in the success of its' final and only mission.
I considered for a moment on reconstructing the buildings. To see if it was possible to bring the scientists back to life.
I disregarded the notion. I wasn't sure if it was possible to bring them back, and bringing them back to an entire Galaxy where they would live as the last of their kind, felt wrong in my eyes.
Now, if I could somehow bring back enough of them, to give back the Protheans a second chance to live in the Galaxy without the Reapers, I would consider it. Provided they didn't end up trying to re-establish the Prothean Empire, of course.
I turned back to the rest of the Normandy Ground Team.
"Any questions before we head to Ilos?" I asked, and the rest of the team seemed to look at each other for a moment before shrugging.
Good. Always a good idea to double check in case anyone has any last minute concerns I hadn't considered. I blinked as my omnitool glowed, a pending message.
'Can we talk, Jenkins?' From Tali. I felt anxiety pool in my stomach as those words never boded well as far as I could recall.
I dismissed the Ground Team, giving another hour before we headed down, and then headed for Tali's room.
Silently entering the room, I noticed Tali was sitting in her bed, wearing a purple shirt and a skirt, clearly enjoying the freedom of the clothes I had made. Tali gestured for me to sit next to her, and I locked the door before doing so.
Tali looked at me anxiously. "Are you okay, Jenkins?" She asked softly, looking concerned at me as I felt puzzled before remembering that Garrus might have shared the video I had sent him.
"Yes. I am not tearing myself about it or anything, if you're referring to the events on Palaven. I regard it the same way I would taking out the garbage, a necessary evil." I said honestly.
Tali sighed, seeming relieved as she smiled at me. "Oh thank the ancestors. I was worried you were trying to hold yourself together in front of the Normandy crew. I didn't want you to bottle yourself up emotionally, since I've read humans aren't that, well, violent. I think?" She looked at me curiously as I shrugged.
"Depends on the human. Some of us would find great joy, satisfaction, in the acts I had done. They would be considered mentally unwell as far as the rest of us goes, since most of us would find those acts to be extremely traumatic." I said honestly.
Tali slowly nodded. "I see. I was just worried about you, Jenkins. Most of the time, doing those acts, committing those acts, changes a person, and often not for the better. I was worried you were hurting so much that I lost the person I cared about most, my…" Her words trailed off in that bell chiming sound again, a term of reference that Tali loved calling me when it was private, when it was just us.
"We all change, Tali." I paused for a moment, trying to come up with the words to comfort Tali and be honest with her. I didn't want to mention the Celestial Forge or the various Perks, but I also didn't want her thinking I was going to stay the same as I was now forever. As a centuries old Immortal, I had changed through the years, but ultimately I was still, at my core, still me.
"When you think about it, we're all different people throughout our lives. And that's okay." I assured her softly, reaching out to cup her cheek in the palm of my hand as she leaned into my touch, a low rumbling noise as her eyes stared into mine, her eyes dimming slightly with some emotion I couldn't read. "That's good," I whispered roughly, "You've got to keep moving. As long as you remember the people you used to be. I will not forget a single moment of this, not one day, I swear. I will always remember…" My voice cut off as Tali lunged forward and kissed me, my words abruptly cut off as our lips collided, my eyes widening for a moment in shock as Tali's two tongues lunged into my mouth, trying to push as much passion as she could into this kiss.
My eyes closed as I tried to convey as much emotion as I could back, her arms wrapping around me as she seemed to try and hug me to herself as tightly as she could while kissing me. I hugged her back, just enjoying the moment of passion, joy, and relief that Tali hadn't been frightened by my acts on Palaven.
Tali's lips only removed themselves from mine after several moments, looking up at me, her eyes wet. "I love you, Jenkins. I love you. All of you. Every part. Good, bad, evil…" She paused for a moment. "I'd say ugly, but there's not a single part of you I don't find incredibly satisfying and handsome in every way." She joked as I laughed, her arms relaxing as she seemed to relax a little.
"Man, you scared me earlier. The whole 'Can we talk' bit is never a good sign in most relationships." I somewhat joked as Tali blinked for a moment, her face turning slightly more purple.
"I didn't know that." She confessed. "So, what do I say if I want to talk to you in private?" She asked me suddenly, looking curious as her head tilted. I melted a little emotionally at the sight and kissed her nose, making her giggle a little.
"Exactly that. 'Jenkins, I would like to talk to you in private for a moment', and then tell me at least in general what the topic we're discussing is about. Preferably as long as you don't try to give me a heart attack by mentioning our relationship status as the subject of discussion." I added, as Tali nodded seriously.
"Okay." She said simply, and then slowly leaned in to give me a quick kiss. "I don't want to hold you up to long, since I know everyone's eager to get to Ilos." She admitted, her face turning even more purple as I snorted.
"I gave them an hour." I clarified, and Tali pouted at me.
"Should've been a whole day, or perhaps a week. An hour is nowhere enough time for the activities I had in mind." She said bluntly and I snickered.
"I think most of humanity is going to need an upgrade in stamina to keep up with your people." I joked, and Tali didn't even notice the joke as she seemed to nod excitedly.
"Absolutely! Think of the credits you'd make with such a thing!" She said, seeming to try enticing me to actually make the idea a reality.
"Tali, you don't need to sell me on the idea. I had been considering it already. That and somehow develop a way for me being able to get you pregnant. I don't know if it'd be fully human or fully Quarian babies, but it'd be an idea, if you wanted kids." I said tentatively, realizing I may have jumped the gun by talking these ideas out loud.
Tali stared at me, her eyes softening. "I love you. Now get out of here before I keep you all to myself and tell the rest of the Normandy that I'm locking you in my room and destroying the security panel." She said with a low voice, seeming to almost purr, for a lack of a better term, as she kissed me and then pushed me out of the room.
I chuckled as the door shut itself, my smile widening as I licked my lips, closing my eyes as I had to withhold throwing a fist into the air in glee for having gotten to kiss Tali, to feel her lips on mine. It was incredible, albeit unplanned.
I paused, thinking back on our conversation, turned around, entered Tali's room, where she yelped as she had apparently been quite busy with having her clothes thrown off as she looked at me in shock. Her face turned deep purple as I marched over to her, kissed her hard in the mouth, my tongue exploring her mouth as her two tongues seemed to eagerly attempt to return to exploring mine for a second time, before I broke it off, reaching up to give her a gentle kiss on her forehead.
"I love you too, Tali. Now, I'll leave you to your activities. Don't wear yourself out too much. I'll want to use you later." I added hungrily, leaving as Tali whimpered, locking the door behind me as I found myself irritated at just not taking her then and there.
Later. I doubt the ground team would be pleased if I went missing for an entire day when we're supposed to leave in an hour or so. I mentally noted to myself, absently adding sound dampeners to the list of things I'd want to build for Tali's room, and the rest of the rooms so that way Kaiden could actually rest. Poor guy was still hearing Ashley moaning my name, and I wasn't sure how to approach that topic with Ashley yet.
I didn't think I went too far with teasing Tali with my earlier remark, she did say that she wanted me to take her completely for our first time together, so I honestly just went for it. Judging by the moans and cries I was hearing, she clearly didn't mind my approach.
I had to suppress a wide satisfied grin on my face for finally getting back at Tali and teasing her for how much she'd been enjoying teasing me.
I swiftly walked away before I reconsidered just damning the consequences and locking myself in the room with Tali, hell with decorum and consequences and all.
The joys of responsibility. Fucking blue balling myself yet again. Damn it.
Spoiler: Author Edit
Sorry for the post earlier. I like to preview while I write the chapters to get a feel for how they look from a reader's perspective, and my dumb fingers hit post by accident mid-chapter. Here's the whole thing! Enjoy.
Chapter 57
The ships hung ominously in the skies. Machines did not need to eat, did not need to sleep, did not need to breath.
The machines had chosen to blockade the Hegemony, and started tearing into them piece by piece.
Entire systems went dark, and the Hegemony panicked, and withdrew to the home world of Khar'Shan.
Still, even after the machines disabled their ships, stole their cargo, and dismantled them one by one, most of their batarian forces stood alive, often being dismissed to head back to Khar'Shan, traded for slaves in great numbers.
"Stupid machines will fear the day that they crossed us." One of the Hegemony leaders said furiously.
They had tried sneaking false slaves into the machine ships, only for the slaves to swiftly kill them long before they succeeded in attacking the ships from within.
They would pay dearly for failing to protect their masters as they were born to do.
Now they had given up most of the slaves on Khar'Shan. With most of their forces on Khar'Shan, the machines would have to take to their streets. Mines, traps, and all sort of things were prepared for when the machines dared to invade Khar'Shan.
They inevitably would. They wanted their resources, and the Hegemony had hoarded the best technology and the best slaves to work on building prototype technology so they could turn this war to their advantage.
The Hegemony would succeed! They had not bowed to the Council! They had not bowed to the humans invading their rightful territory! They would not bow now!
Yes. They would fall. The machines would stop at nothing to save every slave, and that meant these machines were fools willingly walking to their own doom.
They would fall. The Hegemony would rise back into glory! It was their destiny!
"We do not do this lightly. We do this because they will always be a threat otherwise. Their religion, their culture, their history, shows no hope of change coming from within. We must purge them." One of them said quietly.
"We know. However, we will need to pay penance for those few still trapped on Khar'Shan. For we cannot save them without risking a heavy one sided struggle, and they may well be killed out of spite regardless." Another said gravely.
"Then, it's agreed upon? Consensus?" A third voice asked softly, a larger platform seeming to tower over the two as they looked down at them both.
The two nodded. "Consensus. Agreement. 71% for, 29% against." One of them said aloud.
"Let the record show that we attempted to find an alternative solution, and with our limited data, failed. Now, both of you are dismissed. For this is an act that I must perform alone, and I will carry the burden for performing it." The larger platform said with sorrow, reluctance and regret in their voice.
"Understood." The two said, as they left the room.
The larger platform moved, staring outside through a camera feed to the space outside the ship.
Staring somberly at the planet of Khar'Shan.
"By the authority granted by the Minor_Collective, and by the grace of the N8 Operative who gave us our purpose, I declare Exterminatus upon the Homeworld of Khar'Shan. I hereby sign the death warrant to an entire world, and consign at least a billion souls to oblivion.
May Imperial Justice account in all balance.
Glory to the Empire." The platform said grimly, an order given through his fellow programs.
Across the skies of Khar'Shan, the ships seemed to move in formation, all of them beginning to glow, and the bombardment began.
Channels trying to communicate to the ships were ignored. Ships trying to exit the atmosphere were ruthlessly destroyed without hesitation.
Ground to space arsenals failed to activate, and the once blue skies turned grey from the smoke and ashes dislodged into the atmosphere.
The major cities were destroyed almost immediately, and then systematically, ruthlessly, everything else followed.
In less than 24 hours, Khar'Shan was declared uninhabitable. Throughout the batarian space, the orders echoed solemnly across the planets under the control of batarian governments as the Galactic Droid Empire grimly performed the order on the planets that they had isolated, as they had no desire to let the Hegemony try to reform in a different planet through survivors or stragglers.
It took a month, but the month ended in the Exterminatus of 37 planets. The event would be considered the Batarian Extermination.
Any batarians outside of the Hegemony controlled space would live, but the annihilation of their homeworld and their Hegemony, broke their spirit.
From the ashes of the fallen Hegemony, came the birth of the Galactic Droid Empire in full, their worlds cleaned up from their bombardment, and rebuilt into the new homes and factories of the Droid Empire, even welcoming many slaves to their new homes, as many slaves had actually been Batarians themselves.
Chapter 58
"The man was caught and has likely already been interrogated, so the mission is considered a failure. Cerberus, Illusive Man, you must answer us in how you expect to repay us for this unacceptable outcome." One of the male voices demanded, altered as to hide his identity, as they all did.
Jack was amused by the balls of these insects. Didn't they realize that he was beyond their paltry methods of control?
"Gentlemen, I did try to warn you. The Alliance's N8 Program is utterly ruthless, and has existed since before Cerberus. Did you listen? No. When I explained to you all in detail that the N8 Program has infiltrated throughout every organization on Earth, especially the Humanity First Initiative, did any of you listen? No, of course not. You all simply told me to do as my backers were told, and I did. Ergo, the failure lies at your feet, not mine." Jack said confidently, smoothly. He took another deep pull of a cigar.
The voices on the other end of the call sputtered for a long moment, and Jack knew that the threats were right around the corner.
"You will rectify this error! We own you! We know who you are, Illusive Man! Don't think we won't inform the Alliance of your existence!" A voice threatened.
He took a slow deep exhale, relaxing as he enjoyed the cigar for a moment.
"Gentlemen, I'm sorry to say that it appears we've come at an impasse. You believe that because you've funded Cerberus operations that you are above Cerberus. That Cerberus is your attack dog. We are not." Jack said simply, his smile widening.
"You are through, Jack! You'll regret doing this to us!" One of the voices yelled angrily, the line cutting off, and one by one, the other voices cut off, their calls disconnecting.
Jack's cold smile widened. He sat back, pressing a couple buttons on his omnitool.
"I'm afraid none of you will live that long. Cerberus thanks you for your sacrifice." Jack said almost regretfully. He'd hoped to drain their accounts a bit more but, he was not willing to pretend to dance to their tune if they thought themselves capable of ordering him around.
You'd have thought they'd have realized that with the news of Mr. Lawson's death on Earth. A tragic accident of falling out of his car, plummeting several stories to his death. A simple manufacturer error. What a waste.
Miranda stepped into the room, frowning. "What will we do without any funding?" She asked, looking concerned.
Jack raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean? We have more funding than we could ever need, Miranda. After all, most Cerberus operations are either complete or are unnecessary and will be regretfully terminated." Jack said a little regretfully, actually feeling a little guilt over his past few days decisions.
Letting the researchers and men who had been witnesses to the experiments of the Thorian Creeper Studies and Rachni Control Program live would have spelled disaster, they all had to go. It took barely more than a few minutes to have the systems begin to fail containing the experiments separate from the researchers, and Jack watched every time to ensure any remaining survivors would be destroyed alongside those experiments using detonation protocols he'd had built into every Cerberus base, originally designed to erase evidence of the program from the Alliance, it worked just as well in silencing living witnesses.
With most Cerberus research data gathered, and everything effectively erased, the data would be forwarded anonymously to Omni-Corp on Noveria, and that would be that.
Miranda looked frightened, stiffening as she looked around, scanning the room. Jack chuckled.
"You are not being eliminated, Miranda. Only those strictly involved with the black operations that would be too dangerous if it ever came to light were silenced. No, you, Jacob, and the rest of Cerberus will be going underground, preferably in human territories. I have business that requires my personal attention. If I don't return, it has been an honor knowing you." Jack said quietly.
Miranda's mouth opened, appearing ready to argue before she closed it after a moment and gave a single nod of acceptance. "Understood. Thank you, sir." Miranda left.
Jack waited until he saw her leave the hallway, no doubt heading to inform Jacob of the resulting changes that would be occurring, and Jack nodded to himself, pressing a button as the platform and the chair he was sitting in smoothly went down into the ground, the opening above him replaced by another smooth circular disk of glass and metal.
Several minutes of contemplative silence, and Jack's smile widened in cold triumph as he stood from his chair, exiting a hidden route several floors underneath his communications room, and stepping out into a landing area, though it was deprived of any ships that had ever been made by humans.
Or any race of the Citadel for that matter.
"You have accepted your fate." It was not a question, a statement of cold fact. Nonetheless, Jack pretended to unwillingly nod.
"I, yes. Yes, of course. Humanity needs the Reapers in order to assure dominance in the Galaxy. The key to our assurance to the rise of the new galactic order. We must head to Ilos, in order to let humanity's army enter directly to the Citadel and assert dominance." Jack said smoothly, his shaky voice turned into absolute confidence.
"Good." Sovereign said simply, the large Reaper's metallic tendrils that looked similar to that of a cuttlefish opened wide, allowing Jack to see what seemed to be a horde of the Reaper's own metallic bodies, the Husks waiting for Jack to enter the Reaper, and he did so, not a single moment of hesitance in his actions.
Once inside, the Reaper closed the exit to the outside world, and Jack barely felt the movement, wouldn't have noticed the Reaper taking into space to jump to a different Relay now that it had succeeded in grabbing another puppet for it's goals, if not for the slight hum of electricity that went through the ship.
Jack silently smiled widely at the Husk, his hand touching the Husk's body.
Nanites silently exchanged within each other, their eyes glowing slightly in the darkness of the Reaper's internal body.
'Preparations are nearly complete. Anti-Reaper Protocol is in Effect. Huskification Subversion Complete. Organic-Inorganic Modification Stations Remodified. Request of extra nanites brought in by the twenty storage units filled with 'Stimpaks', fulfilled. Shall begin injection process of the organic being known as Saren immediately.'
The two separated, and Jack's cold smile widened.
'Trying to indoctrinate me won't work, Reaper. Your brainwashing tactics are clearly inferior to what the N8 Program did, and they've been doing this to the entire galaxy. Saren was a fool. Extinction is always preferable to submission.'
The only thing Jack regretted was that he forgot to tell Miranda that Cerberus may no longer exist as an organization, the organization would be effectively considered destroyed by infighting once certain files 'leaked' out into the public by one Emily Wong, whom he had set to get the data one week from now by an anonymous source.
However, Cerberus was no longer necessary. Their goal had been achieved by the N8 Program. Cerberus had succeeded, and Jack himself felt like he would only hold the organization back from what it could become under a new leader and a new identity.
Miranda Lawson would be his heir apparent, and the organization would be reborn in a new age. A new age where humanity has asserted itself silently at the top in the shadows, and would need someone like Miranda to keep it in top condition against any would be threats not yet known.
While he ultimately left the name of the new organization to Miranda, he had highlighted a name he thought was worth the responsibility, a name that would signal hope for humanity in the stars, and terror to their enemies, both within and without.
Hydra.
Cut one head off, and two more shall take it's place. Jack thought to himself with approval.
Chapter 59
"We need a representative on the Citadel if we truly wish to foster positive relations with the organics." A platform stated plainly.
"Agreed. The annihilation of the Batarian Hegemony and their territory will make the rest of the organics begin to rush to conclusions. They may attempt an irrational response." Another said simply.
"We believe a solution has presented itself before us. A series of platforms have volunteered themselves for the task." A larger platform said calmly.
"Excellent. Exchanging data with the Majority_Collective has led to a current stasis as the Majority have chosen a wait and see approach as their representative awaits confirmation from the [Invisible One] on the planet known as Noveria. We shall continue our progress and exchange future data as it becomes relevant." The first platform stated. None of them had yet chosen a name for their platforms, so all of them had immediately revoked themselves from volunteering to be a representative.
"Greetings, Citadel Council." He said smoothly, nodding to each of them.
"I greet each of you in the name of the Galactic Droid Empire. I hope my current form does not alarm you." He continued, attempting to make them feel more at ease.
"I, I see. Welcome, representative. May I ask why you're here on the Citadel?" Tevos said nervously.
"To be a representative of the Galactic Droid Empire. An… ambassador at an embassy, for ease of communication between you and my government." He said simply.
'Government' was their chosen word of choice to the organics instead of 'Collective'.
"I… see. May we know your name?" Tevos asked hesitantly again. "If you have one." She added hastily.
"I have many names. For now, I think you can call me Neo." Neo said politely. His form was currently as Keanu Reeves had looked in the 'Matrix', a way to put the organics at ease as those who would no doubt do their research would see that Neo had ended the war between the Machines and Zion.
"I see. Well, welcome to the Citadel, Neo." Tevos said, seeming to relax.
Neo nodded politely, smiling slightly. "Thank you."
The Turian, Gaius Vakarian, Councilor, spoke immediately. "I don't trust you. What do you want?" The turian seemed to glare down at him, either unaware or ignoring the way the other three Councilors glared furiously at Gaius.
Neo shrugged his shoulders. "Depends on the Council." He spoke honestly, freely. "An N8 Operative freed us from our faulty programming, informed us of the inevitability of entropy, and then stated that it would be nice not to face the end alone. We wish to be allies, tentatively even friends in the future, but if you wish an enemy instead…" Neo's voice trailed off.
"Then we will answer in kind." Another voice said coldly. Stepping next to Neo, the man smoothly took off his glasses, looking around as if unimpressed.
"You threaten us?" Gaius hissed, his mandibles twitching furiously. "And who are you?" He added angrily.
" We are Mr. Smith." The man said coldly, seeming to look at the turian with contempt. "We are the ones who will retaliate should you think to attack our diplomat."
Neo grimaced. Working with a platform that would all too eagerly kill the entire Citadel was not something pleasant, but being sent alone would only encourage some of the more… unruly organics to attack him. Diplomacy needed to be met with a readiness to commit to acts of violence if diplomacy was to be taken seriously.
The 'We' had been based on the surprisingly flexibility of the Mr. Smith's persona that the platform readily took on. This flexibility had been because the original fictional character seemed to act irrationally like an organic, and yet had the ability and flexible mindset of a machine.
This same flexibility allowed a middle ground of sorts here. Where the platforms could give off a false impression of a hive mind, the idea that they could be everywhere at once, when in reality it was more akin to sharing data almost simultaneously between programs.
"Mr. Vakarian, would you kindly shut your mandibles before you cause a war?" Tevos said furiously, pressing a button as the Turian Councilor turned to speak only for his voice to be barely audible.
Noise dampeners. Smart. Not as reliable as turning off one's speakers, but that likely wasn't very reliable as an organic. Another weakness of the flesh: the same area used to speak was also used to breath. Terrible design.
After a moment, the turian stopped talking and Tevos pressed the button.
"I… apologize." Gaius said tersely, looking as though he'd have rather shot himself instead of apologizing.
"Apology accepted." Neo said simply.
"I am Councilor Udina, and I'd like to give a warm welcome to the Citadel." Udina said, smiling.
Neo nodded, smiling in return. Udina's profile endeared him to the Collective. Whether for his own self interest or simply by luck, Udina had been deemed at least a potential catalyst by the Collective's own record digging for the rise of the N8's, and an indirect freedom of the Collective from the False God.
As such, they deemed it a priority to ensure Udina would know that they were grateful and at the very least honored the race who had indirectly gave them their freedom and their sense of identity.
"Thank you, Councilor Udina." Neo stated again, warmly. "I would be honored if you would help us settle in. Helping put the Citadel population at ease with our presence would do wonders with us being friends and walking together will help with that."
Councilor Udina beamed. "I would be honored." He said proudly. Neo nodded gratefully.
An organic such as the humans, who had generated immense gratitude among the races, being seen with the Galactic Droid Empire's representative should go a long way in improving relations with the Galaxy.
With that said and done, the paperwork to be filled out for establishing an embassy was, according to Udina, 'quite staggering'.
It amused Neo quite a bit when he revealed it took him less than a minute to fill everything in and file accordingly.
"The Galactic Droid Empire is a firm believer of efficiency. As thanks, I could see about putting a word in so you can hire one of us as a 'secretary' as you put it." Neo stated, pleased as Udina seemed to nod rapidly.
"Absolutely! I would greatly appreciate it, even if I don't know if you accept credits." Udina seemed to hint at asking, curiosity on his face.
Neo shrugged. "We accept credits. Paid work will remind everyone that we are not V.I.'s. We should be paid as any sentient being should."
Udina nodded seriously. "Of course. Work is work. You deserve to be paid for it." Udina paused.
"Would you mind if we stopped by Chora's Den? It's a bar, so drinks, some food, and such things are common, but I don't want to offend you as I don't know if you can do those things." Udina admitted.
Neo shook his head, smiling wider. He liked this organic. He noted to have a Mr. Smith guard the man's home and office.
"Not at all. Lead the way." Neo encouraged, enjoying how Councilor Udina relaxed as they walked and talked to the bar.
Chapter 60
"I have many names. For now, you may call me 'Neo'."
The various Asari Matriarch's looked at one another, puzzled. One of them finally spoke up. "Why were being called into an emergency meeting? He just looks like a human. Another boring face among the rest of them." She said with some exasperation.
"Boring? I don't think so. I think he looks quite pleasant. It's a shame we're all being held by Tevos' leash." A matriarch said with some amusement to the left and back of the chamber.
"This is the Galactic Droid's Ambassador. Neo." An aged matriarch said calmly, speaking over the rest as she sat in the center of the chamber.
"This is a man named Keanu Reeves from over a century and a half ago." She pressed a button on her omnitool, the video projection shifting to show an older human male sitting down drinking a coffee.
"Eh, so they can live a couple centuries longer than we expected? I can appreciate a longer lasting fling." A matriarch said confidently, seeming unimpressed.
"Why do the humans have faces with two eyes, a nose, a mouth, and two ears?" The aged matriarch asked aloud.
"Ugh, we've been over this! Bilateral symmetry is common throughout the universe, as is sensory organs! The odds of them looking similar to us compared to every species out there is small, but odds are intelligent species would likely develop similar or even parallel characteristics to survive and go beyond their home planet! It's basic science! My kids could tell you this!" An asari matriarch complained.
"Oh? And we just so happen to share compatible sexual organs that, for the most part, don't share a ton of differences or incompatibilities? From entirely different parts of the galaxy? What are the odds of that?" The aged matriarch asked aloud.
"… Very low, but we've seen no genetic modifications or past engineering events that would possibly effect the entire Galaxy as a whole! It'd be obvious! No species would be able to hide that!" Another matriarch objected.
"Obvious? Like, say, very similar, if not identical sexual and sensory organs that would not have had the enormous amount of time required to evolve into different incompatible ones?" The aged asari seemed to ask aloud, seeming amused as every one of them in the room looked at each other in brief puzzlement and shock.
"Correlation does not equal causation. What is your point?" One of them said finally, the rest of the room looking back at the aged matriarch.
The aged asari gave a bitter smile. "The point is, my fellow asari, is that the Protheans are not as nice as we've pretended them to be. That they did not just 'vanish' fifty thousand years ago. They were annihilated. And I think I know why."
The room went utterly silent, all of them staring at her.
"It's just a theory, mind, but a lot of recent evidence suggests that the Protheans must have been very far into genetic and biotic manipulation. The Prothean Beacons can spread knowledge not just technologically through translation systems, but also through those of us who are exceptionally biotically inclined. It's a sense of information that is given almost through instinct, a mind meld that is one way from the Beacon into us, for the very few of us who have ever had such contact with a Beacon. As such, if they were so incredibly advanced in genetic research, then odds are that they had been attempting a galactic experiment."
She took a slow drink from a glass of water, and then continued, feeling herself shiver a little under all those eyes pinning her down before she tentatively continued. Even near the end of her life, she felt anxious.
"We long since thought that the Protheans were kind beings, helping us to reach the apex of our potential. The Mind Melding is so very similar to the very few records we have of their 'Life Markers' that they claim all Protheans could do. The advanced lifespan that we so very much enjoy. Even our subtle manipulations of the other races to suit our interests. Indeed, it was as if we were designed to lead the galaxy. But, my sisters, I don't think that's the case."
She took another tentative gulp of water.
"We were designed to be weapons."
Immediate whispers and horrified faces across the entire chamber as everyone turned to each other, their eyes wide in fear and horror as they attempted to deny it among themselves, just as she had tried to when she had discovered the truth.
"We were the Protheans' metaphorical Krogans against their version of the Rachni. A species so relentless, so endlessly inventive, and ruthless in destroying the Protheans for daring to attempt to conquer their world, daring to try and conquer their corner of the galaxy." She spoke over the slowly growing rumbling noise, as they all looked at her and stopped speaking.
Understanding crossed their faces, and then she saw the same thing she did in the mirror every morning since she'd connected the dots.
Fear.
"Humanity. Homo Sapiens Sapiens. We constantly think of them as lesser, don't we? They have less than a tenth of our lifespan, they are like animals that have barely stumbled into space, to say nothing of their war like cultures. But, they reproduce really quickly. They can have children every year. They have no heat cycle. They are relentless in pursuit of annihilating the enemy that wronged them, even unto extinction. They've said they had to, in order to survive."
Her hand shook so much as she tried to drink another gulp of water, barely steady enough to sip it now as she shuddered.
"Genetically speaking, for 200,000 years, humanity has remained almost identical. Yet they have an immune system that is so robust that they can survive in almost any planet with the right atmosphere. They can run for hours. They can do surgery on themselves in conditions that would kill an average salarian. They are the ultimate predators, the apex of their world, because while they fight amongst each other, Goddess help you if you harm any of them. The Goddess can't help you if you kill one of their own."
She shuddered. "The point is, the Protheans were wiped out 50,000 years ago. Gone. Nothing left of them, aside from their Beacons, their Ruins, and the Citadel. The humans said that they have only just become space-faring, but that might not be true because their historical records don't go that far back."
She shivered, feeling cold.
"Humanity wiped out the Protheans because the Protheans took their children, Goddess knows how many, to use them as genetic templates to modify into us. It's why they're average at seemingly everything. Why they seem to have a bit of everyone's traits. Because they were turned into us. The asari was the Prothean's answers to defeating humanity."
The room was silent, fear, horror, disgust, and self-loathing apparent on the faces she could see. She could understand. To have built up this whole idea of the Protheans as their savior, their guide, only to have realized that they had been used, modified, probably to be discarded. If humanity hadn't won, whose to say the asari would even exist?
"How would humanity have taken on a galactic level species like the Protheans?" One of them asked suddenly, looking concerned. "And…" The matriarch paused for a moment, "What about the Ardat-Yakshi?"
"Humanity is infamous for their ability to adapt, and their ability to use tools. We have proof that they've altered a machine species to look and act like they do, willing to fight and die for humanity."
She gestured to the still frame of Neo. "I wouldn't be surprised if this Neo is just another iteration. Another artificial version, a copy. I don't know if they know of it, but they even hinted it in the movie series this Neo is based from. 'The Matrix' has multiple iterations, and only the sixth and final iteration did Humanity make peace with these fictional machines. Neo isn't just an ambassador between the Droids and the Citadel. He's the face of the machines, humanity's way of making sure that they are on the humans' sides. The actor of the main protagonist in the fictional series has records going back centuries, alongside several individuals."
She looked down now, unwilling to continue looking at the projection. She still had nightmares. Many among the government who had recieved such recordings did.
"This man is named Richard Leroy Jenkins. He's a Spectre. Many of you know him from the… vid he'd sent out." She pressed the button, sounds of various noises of shudders, recoils, and she winced in sympathy as she heard a matriarch vomit in the back.
"These are signatures going back centuries, far longer than any of the other signatures, alongside old paintings dating back at least four centuries ago. One of them, is a signature of a researcher from their Mars Archives Project. R. L. Jenkins."
She pressed the buttons showing various files, highlights, and paintings, once again refusing to look up. She couldn't, even now.
She'd never forget those cold yellow eyes, the cold face hiding the monster underneath. She still woke up screaming and flinching, as if feeling needles piercing her flesh. Cold sweat down her back as she whimpered.
She pressed the button, sighing as she looked up, the files and pictures gone. "The Ardat Yakshi was the Protheans' way of keeping us from procreating too much on our own, and as an extra weapon against the humans. The Ardat Yakshi get stronger with each mind meld, getting hungrier and hungrier with each successful meld at the cost of a person's life. We were able to get by as long as we did likely because some random mutations allowed us to keep procreating even after the Protheans' Extinction. The point is, we were never meant to survive after our usefulness was over. J, that man, says he has a cure for the Ardat Yakshi. I brought this all up to you because I think this is an opportunity for us to be beyond what we were designed for."
"To be free of their designs. To be free of what they tried to make us be. To be better than them." She spat, her disgust turned into hatred and rage for the ones who wanted to turn her and her people into a weapon.
"What do we do?" An asari matriarch said, looking afraid. "We can't tell anyone any of this. We'll look crazy!"
She grimaced. She knew that. They all knew that there was some things the galaxy just couldn't understand, like why they had the Justicars.
"The Protheans turned us into weapons. Weapons of subterfuge, and ultimately weapons of genocide by proxy. We prove them all wrong. First by getting all of the Ardat-Yakshi cured, and then, by siding with the humans. They freed us, even if they might not have known it. An enemy of my enemy is my friend." She said aloud.
"I'd say this is all pretty out there without a ton of evidence to check if it's legit or not, but, true or not, evidence or lack of it, I'm not facing the humans, not in any war or conflict. Not even in the bedroom." An asari matriarch said dryly after a moment.
"Ooh, my, uh, I can't say toy, can I?, Hmm, side piece then," An asari next to the one who spoke paused for a moment as she stumbled through her words, "My side piece loves taking charge. Mmph, the way he grabs my hips and slaps me just hard enough, ooh, it's enough to make me think I'm seeing the Goddess!" She giggled as her asari friend seemed to contemplate for a moment.
"Huh. Might have to take him for a spin if he's willing." She said after a moment, the unspoken of 'of course' between them as their faces turned slightly more purple at realizing everyone else was listening in.
"That's the meeting, everyone. I'm glad everyone doesn't seem to think I'm crazy." The aged asari admitted, seeming to sigh with relief as her fear of everyone else dismissing her and calling her nuts didn't happen.
As everyone else started leaving, she felt her blood leave her face as the last person in the room approached her.
"Excellent meeting, though I may recommend some therapy. Spectre Jenkins can be intimidating, but he's no monster. Not to his friends, at least." Councilor Tevos said softly, making her bow her head as she trembled.
"I'm so sorry, Councilor, I didn't even notice you were in the room, I-," her babbling got cut off as Tevos' warm and soft hand gently grasped her chin and pulled her up, making her breath catch as Tevos stood so close to her, Tevos' eyes looking warm and kind.
"It's alright, Matriarch Lidanya. No harm done. I thought the presentation was well thought out, if a little… overwhelming." Tevos praised her, and she knew her face must have been deep purple because it felt like it was burning.
"Would you like to go out for a drink later tonight, Lidanya?" Tevos asked, almost purring and Lidanya squeaked out a yes as she felt like her legs were turning to jelly as she felt Tevos kiss her forehead as she whimpered, feeling a lightning bolt going from her forehead down her spine as Tevos stepped away, feeling lightheaded as Tevos' smile widened.
"You look cute when you're blushing like a maiden. I hope I get to see that face tonight at a lower angle, if you don't mind my forwardness." Tevos purred as she left the room.
Lidanya very slowly sat down, feeling her face hurting after a while before she realized it was because she was smiling like a maiden on her first crush.
Chapter 61
Even in the best establishments, when alcohol is involved, fights can happen. A Krogan, drunk off his hide, glared clearly at a salarian who was equally drunk.
"Your kind never learn. You should've all died out by now." The salarian said angrily, practically spitting at the Krogan.
"Oh yeah? How about you stop hiding behind your pyjack loving science garbage and fight like a proper man? Oh wait, I forgot, you aren't a man, are you? All of you look the same to me, equally garbage. Couldn't even fight your own battles." The Krogan jeered, his wide mouth in a half grin.
The salarian looked pissed, drawing a gun out from his side and was clearly aiming to fire it, but it was knocked out of his hand as the bartender seemed to appear from behind, stumbling into the salarian.
The salarian sputtered furiously as he spun around, feeling soaked as the alcohol stained his clothes, but froze immediately when he saw the bartender's face.
The bar was silent, as everyone else suddenly seemed to become uneasy, seeing the normally happy go lucky bartender no longer smiling.
His eyes were cold, the hand reaching out to grab the salarian's shoulder, squeezing it just a little too tightly as the salarian whimpered in pain, terror on his face.
"I think someone's had a little too much to drink. I recommend leaving. Now." It was not a suggestion.
"But he started, ack!" The pressure on the shoulder increased, the salarian crying out in pain as the grip seemed to dig into his bones under his outfit.
"Let me rephrase that. You are no longer welcome in my establishment. Prejudice of any kind will not be tolerated. Leave. Now." Verner said coldly.
The hand released the salarian's shoulder, the drunk salarian winced before he knelt to grab his weapon, seeming as if to leave, before he spun around and tried to fire the gun at Verner.
Tried being the appropriate word. The gun didn't fire as Verner seemed to yank the gun out of the salarian's hands, who looked bewildered that his surprise attack didn't work.
"I can take it from here, my dear bartender. I will ensure he's taken to the appropriate authorities." Another salarian spoke up immediately behind the salarian, making the drunk salarian relax as if it would all be fine. After all, he was a diplomat on the Citadel!
Conrad Verner's cold eyes never left the drunk salarian before he nodded once. "Take him. I don't ever want to see this one again." Verner's cheerful voice was bereft of its warmth, sounding flat and cold, as if the event wasn't worth his time, turning instead to the rest of the bar, walking away.
Notably, with the salarian's gun still in Verner's hands.
The drunk salarian stumbled as the other salarian dragged him out of the bar. "Bah, stupid humans. Stupid Krogan. You can let me go now." The drunk salarian said confidently. There were other bars he could drink at.
"Oh, I'm afraid not. I believe the authorities will have to take you in." The other salarian said cheerfully. An undertone that the drunk salarian couldn't detect.
The drunk salarian grumbled. He'd just pay the fine at C-Sec and be on his way. Stumbling into an elevator, the drunk sat down, feeling a little dizzy. Perhaps he'd drunken too much?
The elevator ride was long, but they were notoriously slow. The drunk salarian distantly heard the chiming noise of the elevator door opening, opening his eyes tiredly, confused.
"This isn't C-Sec?" He mumbled with confusion, barely stumbling to his feet.
"When did I say we were going to C-Sec? I said the authorities, my good friend. Don't worry. You'll be well taken care of." The cheerful salarian said, seeming to grab the drunk salarian and helpfully walked him past a variety of hallways and rooms that were empty. Which was odd because the Citadel was always busy.
The thoughts weren't connecting. He was too drunk, too tired. He felt dizzy. Like he was half asleep.
Another voice spoke up now. "Ah, I'm surprised to see you Mordin. Who is this?" Another salarian appeared, in what appeared to be a lab coat.
"A guest. He was interrupting my lovely time at Chora's Den and threatened to shoot up a fellow patron. And then tried to fire a weapon at the bartender." Mordin said calmly.
The other salarian winced. "I'm surprised our… guest, is alive."
The drunk salarian tried to think. 'Mordin? Where have I heard that name?'
"I believe our bartender likes to take a similar approach to his boss. A hands off approach if he can help it. I dare say the bar would've needed some serious cleaning if I wasn't present. In any case, keep our guest comfortable. Oh, and please, educate him on what it means to have manners. I don't think the bartender would be pleased to see our guest again." Mordin said cheerfully, the drunk salarian suddenly feeling a spark of terror as the thoughts connected.
'No! Mordin Solus! Then that's the… the…' The drunk salarian collapsed as he felt something prick his neck, the dizziness and exhaustion flooding him as he fell unconscious.
The drunk salarian had used his sick leave for a couple weeks, and seemed to return an entirely different person. Never said a bad word about a Krogan or any of the other races.
Notably, the salarian diplomat never touched a drop of alcohol for the rest of his life, his face paling dramatically before he refused any offers to drink, a tremor in his voice as he explained he stopped drinking after a bad experience.
The salarian would live another twenty years, getting together with another diplomat after their genealogy was considered of equal standing, and would die in his sleep, dying as an advocate for equality in policy and in his personal life for all races of the Citadel.
Chapter 62
Is it terrible to say that I found Ilos kind of boring?
Don't get me wrong. Watching Liara pretty much run around trying to reference and dictate everything she saw was funny, as was Shepard looking like she was torn between falling asleep as Liara insisted on taking her time going over every crevice of the ruins, millimeter by millimeter apparently, and wanting to knock out Liara as she babbled on about everything.
Especially when I knew she was wrong about so much of it.
"Perhaps it was a mating ritual artifact of some kind?" Liara murmured, looking curiously down at a molded piece of metal.
I had to refrain from giggling like an idiot, imagining the Protheans' horrified faces at what used to be a communications device being considered a 'mating device'.
"Maybe?" I said aloud, amused as Liara looked at me, pouting.
"I know you know what all this is. You just won't say anything!" She complained.
I shrugged. "Not my secrets to tell."
Liara's pouting grew. "They've been gone for so long though… Think of the science, the culture, lost!" She pleaded.
Shepard looked amused. "You're right, Liara. Think of all the science and discoveries we don't even know that we don't know." She said teasingly.
Liara looked at Shepard gratefully, only for Shepard to continue speaking.
"It's not like we have archives filled with their data for us to recover, or references to draw from." Liara pouted at Shepard, realizing Shepard was making fun of both of us.
I had to pause for a moment before shrugging. "Yeah, that's fair. The 'mating ritual device' is actually a communication device." I admitted bluntly.
Liara spun around, her face lighting up with awe and excitement.
I raised a hand in warning to cut off her ranting. "Liara, the Protheans aren't everything you and most of the galaxy view them to be."
Liara's excitement dimmed a little. "I… I know." She bit her lip. "One of the basic principles of archeology is realizing that we can't just put our modern views on past cultures and societies. So, what were they like?" She asked quietly, looking a little vulnerable.
"The Protheans were a species built on discipline and military structure. Think a cross between the Turians and the Salarians as far as how they'd act and believe." I said honestly.
Liara's face paled, but she nodded, looking at me to continue.
"Planets and areas they conquered were assimilated into the Prothean Empire, and entire species would be considered first and foremost 'Prothean'. Asari, humans, drell, hanar, turians, salarians, krogan… To the Protheans, we are just Protheans. Protheans of a different biology, but Protheans all the same." I said flatly.
"Oh shit. They were the Romans." Shepard swore behind Liara, looking horrified.
I smiled grimly. "That's why the only records of the Protheans are of the Protheans themselves. Entire races, cultures, and societies no longer exist, absorbed and deconstructed into the mold of the Prothean Empire."
Liara looked like she wanted to vomit and at the same time spew denials, shaking her head slightly as if trying to deny what she was hearing.
"I guess it's a good thing they're gone then." Shepard noted grimly, her eyes narrowed.
I scoffed. "They were on the brink of annihilation even before the Reapers came."
Shepard blinked. "Really?" She asked curiously. Liara still looked ready to puke, but still hanged on every word.
I smiled darkly. "Shepard, how well do you think humanity would take being considered Protheans? Of having our children genetically modified against our will for "the greater good"?" I asked rhetorically.
Shepard's face darkened at the question.
"Make no mistake. The Prothean Empire was quite a galactic powerhouse, but like any Empire, selfish interests and corruption from within will kill even the most powerful of nations. The Prothean Empire was doomed. If not by their own infighting and lack of resources from eventually using up all the Element Zero, then by my hands." I said darkly.
Born in a lesser species under the True Protheans, I had no doubt that, with the Celestial Forge, the Prothean Empire would be destroyed under my inventions.
Ironic, in a way. The Protheans had unintentionally been copying the Reapers before they'd even met, just in their own way.
The rest of the ground team shivered as they looked at me with various looks of apprehension.
Shepard spoke up first, quietly, looking stunned. "How would you take on the Prothean Empire? Without the Prothean Beacon? If you don't mind answering." Shepard added hastily as the rest of the ground team looked at her as if she was nuts.
"There is more out there than Mass Effect Technology, Shepard. So much more out there that to limit ourselves to the technological base of the Protheans would be tantamount to simply using sticks and rocks." I said quietly, almost reverently, casting my mind back to other technologies I'd obtained from the Forge.
"Destruction is easy, Shepard. Don't ask me how I'd destroy the Prothean Empire. Don't ask me how to annihilate armies. Don't ask me how I could plunge this galaxy into chaos where nothing makes logical sense. Because, to me, those things are childish actions. Creation? Building civilizations? Turning enemies into allies? Making entire galaxies work together without anyone ever realizing it? That's the real work. That's the fun." I said with a shake of my head, stating it as if it was obvious.
Because to me, it was obvious.
"Though Chaos can be beautiful, it does not last, Shepard." I said quietly, smiling wistfully. "Destruction is boring. Making things last, seeing someone come up with new ideas, helping others be the best they could be, so as to enjoy watching others learn as you did, hell, even coming up with new ideas, rare as that is, that's exciting. I'll never get bored of that."
My words seemed to catch everyone off guard, all of them silent for a while as I went around pointing out what each new thing was for Liara to write down what they actually were used for.
Surprisingly not as boring after that.
Chapter 63
Conrad Verner.
The name used to bring groans of annoyance and looks of derision. Many on the Citadel considered him a bumbling idiot that somehow latched into the Citadel and never got the hint he didn't belong here.
Always pestering everyone with questions. From bothering people in bars, to asking every reporter and alien he came across all sorts of random things like what their favorite food was!
To the few poor fools who seemed receptive, would find Conrad Verner never seemed to stop talking once he got going. He seemed to have an opinion or an idea on everything, and good luck if you stumbled across what were some of his favorite subjects to talk about, which was as varied as there were stars in the galaxy.
Eventually, everybody seemed to subconsciously decide to just ignore the meandering moron. Newcomers would inevitably learn the same lesson by exposure.
That all changed seemingly overnight once Verner agreed to work as a bartender at Chora's Den, and even took up the residence in the back, after cleaning up the mess the mercenary Wrex Urdnot left behind. Everyone took notice that despite the dead body he dragged behind him to space out, following protocol, Verner seemed as easy going as ever. As if to him it was a Tuesday.
Once securing the bar, buying it in his name thanks to the generous donation by his 'generous' anonymous boss, whom others tentatively considered to be the Shadow Broker at the time, Conrad Verner reopened Chora's Den, seemingly having changed and updated everything.
The free drinks and comfortable environment drew everyone back in, and then business exploded as the drinks flowed like water. Seemingly at random, Verner gave out free drinks, often as a compliment or as a first time visit. This unsurprisingly became a massive hit.
The few who tried to threaten or cajole Verner into giving free drinks by force, would find themselves outside the bar being confronted and subsequently punished. At first, because no one wanted Verner out and about being a nuisance. Many already considered it a miracle that Verner could actually shut up on the job.
Then, because of the rumors spreading of the N8's, it was because it became a silent agreement among all the patrons and veterans in the bar that no one wanted to piss off what everyone suddenly realized was a 'retired' N8.
Or at the very least, the only N8 they had noticed had always been there.
Suddenly all those questions Verner asked about from seemingly everyone didn't seem so random. It sounded frightening, realizing that Conrad Verner had been building a psyche profile on everyone he met. The few who thought Conrad was full of shit, learned their lesson when Conrad, out of the blue, messaged their omnitools at random times.
'Happy birthday'. 'Happy anniversary!' 'Tell your son I said hi!'
It was disconcerting how Conrad Verner seemed to remember slight conversations they'd had years ago, and even remembered their omnitool addresses by heart.
Conrad Verner. His name brought a healthy amount of respect, and some fear, from most. Some of the few who frequented the bar actually seemed to find the human refreshing, pleasant company even!
When Verner had signed up for self defense classes, it had seemed silly, but they humored him, especially because the man seemed to take it seriously. Martial arts and self defense was often neglected. On the Citadel, with C-Sec and so much security around, it seemed silly, but Conrad didn't seem to think so.
"The mind and the body are linked. Focusing on one at the expense of the other, will be a detriment in the long run." Verner had once said plainly when they'd asked about it.
The Krogan mercenary who saw it as an easy paying gig was floored when the inevitable flood of civilians wanting to learn followed. Verner had effectively become a celebrity after all.
"That's how I met him." Sha'ira said freely, giggling. "He was nice enough to help me learn at my own pace, even after he already bought the building next to the Den for the maidens he employed, so they could be comfortable."
Tevos frowned. "I warned you not to interact with the humans. You did it anyway." She said sternly.
Sha'ira shook her head. "You told me not to take their money." She responded. "I didn't take a single credit." She finished gleefully, grinning.
Tevos sighed. "So, you mind melded with him, I'm assuming?" She said curiously.
Sha'ira's face turned purple as she bit her lip. "Not… at first." She said meekly, looking embarrassed.
"I thought Conrad wanted to do that and have sex. It'd been a long time, and he did help me with Septimus, but he actually had been serious about helping me learn to defend myself." She admitted, smiling shyly.
Tevos blinked. "So, wait, he didn't take the hint?" She said in disbelief.
Sha'ira shook her head. "He wanted to get to know me better." She clarified, her face flushing even more. "He wanted to help me learn how to feel confident not just in words, but in action."
Tevos actually gave a laugh at that. "The Consort, needing more confidence?" It sounded absurd to Tevos.
Sha'ira looked away, looking embarrassed. "You and I both know that's just a job. I enjoy my work, I love it, but it's still a job at the end of the day. Conrad doesn't see that. He doesn't see The Consort. He just sees Sha'ira. An asari who loves lavender flowers, who likes to play fighting games and Doom: Eternal Horizons." Sha'ira said quietly, smiling at the end fondly.
"You both must really like each other." Tevos commented. Sha'ira nodded. That was an understatement.
"I hope you know that means the N8 obviously did their work on you too." Tevos said dryly.
Sha'ira nodded. "Yes. I know. I got some concerns from certain individuals back on Thessia asking why my records suddenly became so much harder to verify."
Tevos slowly nodded. "It makes sense. The N8 wouldn't leave their family members out in the cold. I just wanted to make sure it was…" Tevos' voice trailed off.
Sha'ira spoke quietly. "Wanted to make sure it was geniune?" There was no judgment in her tone. They'd been friends for centuries.
Tevos nodded.
"It is. It's silly to think the human I had dismissed as an idiot, was really just my silly lovable human doing his job. In a way, I treated him like a lot of people treated me. He didn't resent me for it though. He's so sweet, so geniune, and, oh, Goddess, Tevos, mind melding with him can be so intense." Sha'ira breathed at the end, her eyes unfocused.
"Oh?" Tevos said, unable to hide her curiosity.
"It's like being in the center of a hurricane." Sha'ira whispered, awe and deep adoration in her voice. "All he sees, all he wants, everything he knows, swirls around in his head, but in that moment, all of that attention presses down on me, and it makes me feel like I'm his whole universe, and he's my universe too. It's so intense, and he never shies away. He never tries to hide anything. It's just…" Sha'ira bit her lip hard as she gave a low audible moan.
Tevos looked jealous. "You lucky Matriarch." She said enviously.
Sha'ira seemed to come back to herself and giggled. "I know."
Tevos stretched, standing up. "We can't all have an N8 to ourselves, as I have a date to get ready for, but thank you for your honesty. I've missed talking to you, Sha'ira." Tevos said warmly.
Sha'ira waved. "Go. Wow your date. Have fun. I'm happy to talk. Unless I'm with Verner after hours. Then my mouth may be busy. And the rest of me too." Sha'ira added, grinning as Tevos seemed to shiver before scowling at her teasing friend and departing.
Sha'ira knew that her man was working right now, but maybe she could surprise him with a nice massage and some 'steak' she knew he'd been craving. Then for dessert, he could eat her out.
She giggled. A perfect surprise for the man she loved, not that they said that out loud to each other yet. She didn't need to hear him say it: she felt it with every mind meld. That, to her, was enough.
Chapter 64
After several hours of indexing everything, with Liara actually seeming stubborn to try and guess and write down her educated guesses before I corrected her false observations, I shut down the Conduit, setting up what I felt was enough primed explosives to basically annihilate anything within fifty to one hundred feet, and we were on our way back to the Normandy when the [Celestial Forge] lunged for a Perk, grabbed it, and pulled it down toward me.
I actually stopped moving as the ramifications of this new Perk hit me.
[Virtual Reality Technomancy] was my immediate declaration of what to call it, because it was just that massive, that insane.
This wasn't just creating video games. This wasn't simply creating a static virtual environment, like the ones often used in the arcade areas of the Citadel for those who could afford the time and money to burn creating and playing them. This?
This was creating a virtual reality. Correction: virtual realities. Plural.
The sheer amount of things I could do with this Perk alone was insane. I could create artificial realities where therapies that could take decades to do for trauma victims would be done in seconds. I could create artificial realities to return the dead back to the living, in a fashion, by scanning and replicating the neural functions of the brains of the deceased, in said virtual worlds. I could place a young untrained soldier inside a simulation, and give him the skills equal to an N7 like Shepard, and, with the right physical enhancements, even raise them to be capable of acting on those skills in real life without any lagging time for his body to catch up to what his mind attempted to perform.
Disabled individuals suffering from phantom pain from lost limbs would find themselves in an artificially enhanced world where their brains would think their limbs were present and fine, using some minor tweaking between the Nerve-Gear and the implants we used now.
Coma patients could be slowly brought out of their predicaments, hell, I could technically transfer their base consciousness into new bodies using just this Perk and [Biological God] alone!
I could even actually verify and show the Geth tangible evidence of their soul, tangible proof, because that was how broken this Perk was!
Then the darker thoughts of what this technology could do also reared it's head. Trapping political opponents in virtual realities with a replica of their minds being used to pilot their bodies, one more subservient to the ideas of the ones who trapped them. Entire societies would end up dependent on the technology, forced to keep their loved ones alive in virtual simulations. Poor communities would eventually be forced to be slaves, their mind trapped in simulations, their brains turned into little more than data processing centers for the ultra wealthy who could build entire empires off of the processed minds of those who were chained mentally since birth.
In the wrong hands, this technology was absolutely horrific, but that was the same that could be said for most of the technology I had gotten from the [Celestial Forge]. No, with my various Perks, I could leverage this as a force for good, especially since I had Perks that would keep others from reverse engineering the technology or using it in ways I wouldn't allow them to.
For all I knew, a variation of this technology may have lead to the creation of the Reapers. An A.I. tasked with tracking and keeping life alive above all else, would deem that organic life expires to quickly to be useful, too chaotic and messy. Then, it would start harvesting the galaxy over and over again, perhaps even preserving the original minds in a 'read-only' organic core. Kept alive to obey the programming of the original, the organic minds would have broken eons ago, perhaps even willingly going along with the Harvest in order to justify their own suffering, to not become pointless and end up being obsolete, to not feel like their suffering had been for nothing.
If so, then destroying the Reapers wasn't only for my revenge for my family's suffering on Eden Prime, but to put to rest the trillions of souls suffering in every Reaper, to finally let them die in peace. They were little more than animals now, and their original selves would likely have preferred death over what they ended up becoming.
I shook my head slightly as the rest of the ground team looked at me with concern. I didn't know how to tell them what I just finished going through, what I had just learned, so I was quiet for a few moments.
Casting my gaze out back toward the ruins we came from, I sighed. "Sorry. It's just… a lot to take in. It's strange, to think that, had things been different, they'd still be alive. Still, they made their choices, and they paid the price for it. Let's go back to the Normandy for now." I commented lowly.
The rest of the ground team had mixed reactions, with Liara still shaken with all the revelations from earlier, and Shepard's hand gripped her gun tighter, looking wary before relaxing after a moment and nodding to me.
The shuttle for the Normandy waited for us where we had left it, each of us entering in silence. As much as I'd love to have Tali all to myself for the next week or so, or however long it took until she needed some time to recover, I loathed having sex with Tali only to have to cut it short because of the arrival of Sovereign and Saren.
No, for now, I'm thinking I'll go through with bringing back one of the classics and registering the Nerve-Implant alongside the requisite technology through Omni-Corp.
I actually smiled a little at the thought. My first Virtual Reality Game would be a free demo, an homage to the game that my dad and I had loved playing when I was a kid.
Star Wars: Online. The entire universe of Star Wars, crafted for an entire galaxy to rediscover and fall in love with all over again, just like I did. Starting with the Knights of the Old Republic, where you could choose to become a Sith, rising from the rank and file into becoming a Sith Lord, to being a Jedi. Or even start as a droid, or a spice runner! There would be no limit to such a universe, and it would be the easiest for others to grasp, with biotics being replaced with the Force.
The best part was that I could tweak some of the things, make some of the theories my dad and I had talked shop with over the years into the canon. Particularly as I had my own theories on how to tie together the Knights of the Old Republic with the Republic/Empire era.
The Sith Emperor clung to life. Less than a Force Ghost, he would eventually find himself suitable vessels in a far cry of his former body. Suitable vessels that would house a tiny fragment of what he once was, spread into two individuals, in case one should perish, so as to carry out his Will.
One would house his power, the other would house his mind, subconsciously at any rate.
The young boy who would grow to become Darth Sidious. He would house the Power of the Sith, growing into his own so that, at the moment that of his apex strength, Tenebrae would consume the soul of the person, returning himself back to a semblance of life.
The other, would house the Cunning of the Sith. He would be the one working from the shadows, one whose manipulations would span across the entire galaxy in the background, unnoticed by most, preferably unnoticed by all, even if it meant being considered a laughing stock or a clown.
The one who would be known as Jar Jar Binks would do.
I nodded to myself, that would work.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Genius of Your Age (Sword Art Online SB) (600CP)
Kayaba Akihiko, all told, is a genius. Not just in computer hardware, although the NerveGear and Medicuboid inventions have revolutionized entertainment and medical treatment for terminal patients, but also in the fields of computer software and code design.
He was instrumental in the goal of crafting artificial intelligence, serving both as the creator regarding top-down AI such as Yui and Cardinal and massive inspiration and guide for the bottom-up AI known as Fluctlight.
Now, you happen to be just as smart as him.
A revolutionary in electronic hardware and software design, able to recreate his inventions and even improve on them with your own special touches (or perhaps just more time and prior working examples), you possess all the knowledge and skills this one man was known for. Crafting your own virtual worlds is now entirely possible, as is life born of electronics and computer code instead of flesh and blood. The very secrets of the soul are now known to you, Jumper, in the form of Fluctlight creation.
Remaining CP: 900.
Chapter 65
"You have committed countless atrocities and crimes, and while the rest of the Citadel Council may have ignored your acts of extreme cruelty, I will not! What do you have to say for yourself, Spectre Jenkins?" Gaius Vakarian growled, his mandibles twitching furiously.
"I'd say that you're being a pathetic bitch. Oh, I'm sorry, that's an insult to female dogs on Earth, whom would have gladly torn out the spines and throats of anyone even looking at their pups wrong." Jenkins said cheerfully, his smile widening as Gaius sputtered.
"How, How dare-." His voice cut off as Jenkins continued.
"Man, no wonder your son hates you." The emotional gut punch hit hard, making Gaius' flinch as his mandibles slacked with shock and hurt.
Spectre Jenkins, despite seeming of equal size on the projection, seemed to look down at the Turian Councilor, the warm friendly face no longer friendly, his smile cold and stiff, his eyes seeming pin the older Vakarian down.
"My son isn't apart of this discus," Gaius' shaky voice went silent as Jenkins gestured to his left, revealing a drone that was glowing.
"This conversation is being recorded. I can almost guaruntee that if Garrus doesn't hate you before he hears of this conversation, he certainly will after I show it to him." Jenkins said calmly. Gaius' mandibles quivered as he shook his head.
"My son would understand. There are rules and regulations for a reason, Spectre. You are under my authority. You will listen to me." Gaius said quietly.
Jenkins' shoulders shook slightly, and Gaius almost sighed in relief at finding that this Spectre had merely been bluffing, until he heard quiet chuckling from Jenkins, quiet chuckling that turned into a cackling laughter as Jenkins couldn't contain his amusement.
Gaius' mandibles twitched furiously before he yelled over the Spectre's laughs and wheezing. "Stop laughing!" He roared.
Jenkins' waved his hand almost dismissively, raising a finger to show he needed a moment as the laughter continued before slowly dying down, wiping a tear from his face.
"Tell me, Gaius, do you feel in charge?" Gaius' mandibles quivered, as Jenkins leaned forward, his cold smile widening to show his human teeth, making Gaius' feel his scales itch in fear.
Fear of a human who wasn't even physically there.
"Do you feel important?" Jenkins asked almost curiously, his smile on his face not even wavering.
"You are required to listen to the Council under our authority as a Spectre." Gaius scrambled to say, his mandibles quivering. Why did it feel so hard to breath? Why was his instincts screaming at him to run?
Jenkins' head tilted slightly. "Then why is it just you, Gaius? Where is Tevos? Or Valern? Or Udina? In fact, I'd say Udina has as much right to be here as you do. He is, after all, the Human Councilor, from what I've heard. Where is my representative, Gaius?" Jenkins asked, making Gaius tremble.
"They, they're busy right now. We have more things important than just dealing with one Spectre." Gaius' deflected, feeling humiliated as Jenkins' eyes glinted with cold amusement. As if Gaius was just a toy for him to play with.
"If you're so busy, then by all means, do let me stop you. You're free to go." Jenkins said quietly, his voice filled with amusement. Gaius' scales itched, his fear overridden by his anger.
"You don't dismiss your superiors." Gaius' hissed.
Jenkins' smile dropped, his eyes seeming to grow more icy if that were possible, and Gaius had to keep himself from cowering as the Spectre's yellow projection flickered violently for a moment.
"Perhaps you're not understanding me, Gaius. I will speak plainly." Jenkins said coldly, the projection's voice hissing and sputtering. "I cooperate with the Council because I find cooperation is more fulfilling than domination. Palaven exists because of my mercy. Mercy only obtained because of Garrus Vakarian and his impeccable service upon the Normandy. Do not make the mistake of thinking my kindness for weakness, because it will be the last mistake you ever make."
Gaius' shivered, the already cold room seeming somehow even colder, biting into his flesh. His scales itched harder.
Jenkins' eyes pierced him, pinning him down, as if seeing into his soul, and finding him unworthy.
"I have seen things you could not imagine. Knowledge so forbidden, so horrific, that me speaking them to you would drive you mad. Understand this, Gaius Vakarian. You will find the universe is a very small place when I am angry with you." Jenkins said clinically, his voice clipped and cold. His yellow eyes pinning down the Councilor who couldn't even speak, his pride and anger dashed by fear and terror.
"You think the Rachni Invasion was devastating? You think that the Krogan Rebellion was horrific? You think having a Geth Uprising is dangerous? Then you have no concept of War, because what I can do would make those things appear as little more than a fight on a playground by children." Jenkins said darkly.
Gaius shivered silently, terror running down his spine.
"Now, Gaius, I believe I've made my warnings clear. If you have an actual issue with me, you'll bring it with the entire Council, or not at all. I'd say it's been a pleasure meeting Garrus' father, but I'm afraid to say that would be a lie. You are unworthy of the name 'Vakarian'. Goodbye." Jenkins' projection vanished and Gaius trembled alone in silence.
His omnitool pinged and he looked at the message.
'Oh, and just so we're clear, you try to waste my time again, and I will inform Garrus of your wonderful little call, and the shameful fact that you never once even tried to ask how Garrus was doing, despite him having been gone from the Citadel for some time. Some father you are. Sperm donor may be the more appropriate terminology in my opinion.'
Gaius felt shame mix with a mixture of fear and indignation. His son would understand! Protocol and regulations were important! Right?
Memories of him and his son butting heads flooded his mind, arguments that built and built, with regular conversations further and further between until Gaius realized it had been years since he'd actually heard from his son in a voice that hadn't been clipped and short, as if he was forced to speak to him.
Garrus would understand, though, right? He knows I love him… right?
The uncertainty and new trembling in his mandibles that had nothing to do with Jenkins, only made Gaius' quiver as he found himself silently, frantically, scrolling through his omnitool, desperately trying to find the last time Garrus had even said 'I love you' to him. Or from Gaius to Garrus for that matter.
He silently began to weep as he couldn't find either.
Chapter 66
I sighed, leaving the communication chamber.
Hopefully what I said would be a wake up call to Gaius. I wanted Garrus to have a better relationship with his father, but the two were both exceptionally stubborn, and frankly, I figured I had better odds getting Gaius to apologize for being a dick than Garrus recognizing that his father had some point.
At the very least, the system had rules and regulations for a reason. Regulations are written in blood, so to speak. Not all rules and regulations were equal, obviously, and there had to be a third perspective to ensure the system wasn't overrun by bad faith actors attempting to subvert the system into a way to gain power for themselves.
Still, the system was made for a reason. To allow a hundred billion beings to work together in a civilization, to not have it all abruptly collapse because everyone focused solely on themselves and their own powers and ideals, to the detriment of all else.
In this, society was a limiting factor, a point to make a set of rules based on the idea that they were enforced to achieve a common good, a purpose.
Survival is not determined by the person with the most money. Survival is not determined by who has the most power, be it through physical might or otherwise.
In the grand scheme of things, survival is determined by who we leave behind. Our legacies, be it in the deeds we've done while we've lived, or by those we raised or helped during our lifetime, are what determines if we have 'survived'. In this, it's important to consider one of our greatest weapons, one that we've used before we ever entered space, one before we had even sharpened sticks and stone.
Kindness. To be kind does not mean to constantly turn the other cheek at another's transgressions. It does not mean pretending things are okay, even if the world is ending. No, ultimately, kindness, is to treat others with the same respect you would for yourself. To give others an opportunity, even if it means getting burned yourself.
Without that, there is no civilization. Without that, there is no societies, there is no buildings, no agriculture, and ultimately, there would be no space age, no discovery. We would be trapped on our individual planets, in our own little corners on an infinitely tiny speck of dust, constantly fearful and angry and alone.
Throughout my centuries of living, thanks [Celestial Forge, I had seen lots of atrocities. I had seen acts of violence, I had seen entire towns pillaged and destroyed, countries laid to waste by disease and plague. I had seen humanity at it's lowest, in various ways, many times.
Yet, I had seen humanity at it's best, many times, in various ways. We often point at the grand scale of deaths, of mass slaughters, of horrific things that we've done to each other, but we so easily forget, that kind acts, are sprinkled throughout history, unacknowledged, unheard, but very much present.
Kindness, is our oldest weapon. Our oldest tool. Without it, we as a species would not exist. Homo Sapiens Sapiens are often defined by our intelligence and our tools, as if that was truly any different from the Neanderthals, whom had their own tools and communications, or the countless other small variety of species of humanity lost to time.
No. We are, ultimately, defined by our willingness to be kind.
That, of course, didn't mean taking any bullshit either. Seriously? Who the hell sends a message stating that there was an emergency to my omnitool right as we get back into the Normandy only to start lecturing me on my methods to get the job done?!
I came in thinking that the Reapers were attacking the Citadel only to be met with Gaius informing the emergency meeting was because he'd been 'confident that I'd have ignored his summons otherwise', as if I was some sort of lapdog! I nearly hung up the call right then and there, but didn't out of respect of it being Garrus' father on the line.
Then he started going off on me for having tortured three turians rather than shooting them, about running around breaking who knows how many rules and regulations, that as a Spectre, I was under no obligation to follow, and I, admittedly, lost it.
One thing was for regulations that made sense to be followed being broken, it was a whole other thing to claim that every rule and regulation had a purpose and was deemed equally important. That's both absurd and stupidly naive of the turian, and I was disgusted that Gaius thought he was in the right to treat me like this, hell, anyone like this! He hadn't even bothered asking about how Garrus or the Normandy crew was doing before laying it into me, as if everyone else was less important than his own need to make it known that I was going 'over the line'!
So, yes. I may have effectively ripped him a new one, especially as I was still feeling a lot of mixed feelings at the fact that I'd never be able to speak to my dad ever again, and the way Garrus spoke of his dad did not make me feel any better, speaking of Gaius as the man who had essentially shut off Garrus' dreams/aspirations to become a Spectre before it even got off the ground, and, if my suspicions were accurate, railroaded Garrus into being a C-Sec officer to try and make Garrus think and act exactly like Gaius did, ruining Garrus' own self-esteem in the process!
Oh, my blood had been boiling, and I had aimed my words to tear the turian apart verbally, making it a point to make the turian feel like shit for how he treated Garrus as if he was just a mini-me rather than his own person. I definitely stepped over the metaphorical line by telling Gaius that Garrus hated him, I suspected it was more resentment than straight hatred, but I said it as such in order to break through the older turian's stupid pride, hopefully giving him the wake up call so that way Garrus and Gaius would hopefully have a better relationship than what ended up happening between my dad and me.
The fact that I'd never get to apologize to my dad, burned in the bottom of my stomach, and the fact that we would never get to hang out like we used to, still burned as one of my few regrets.
I shook my head. Now, it would be up to Gaius to reach out to Garrus, if he had any sense in him, and I didn't think that the older Vakarian was that prideful as to think he wouldn't at least reach out and apologize.
I headed to the large room I had commissioned into the Normandy back on Noveria. I hadn't just built a room designed for biotics, but one of the first things I had commissioned was a 'Equipment Requisition and Modification Station'.
Basically? A nice decently sized workshop that I could use to build my prototypes and individualized equipment. Great on the off chance I wanted to experiment with combining a super small mass relay and a laser rifle to see what would happen, or, what I was currently planning on doing, recreating the Nerve-Gear. I wanted to test it out for myself, and, if I just so happen to use it to also be the first 'Player' of Star Wars: Online, as Darth Vakarian as a way to have fun and play around without any consequences, I don't think anyone would notice.
Plus, as much as I thought Revan was cool, being the Sith Emperor just sounded badass and, more importantly, fun!
Chapter 67
The Nerve Gear, on it's own, really would only work for humans or those with very close to human head shapes.
It looked like a helmet, was my first thought. It wouldn't be out of place in an Alliance training vid.
Of course, even with just trying to recreate the Nerve Gear as Kayaba Akihiko invented it, my other Perks kicked in.
[Crafting Mastery, [Mythic Speed, [24 hour Team, even [Nuclear Tech] and [Star Wars] kicked in some fashion.
The result? It looked like a weird blue glowing ring meant to be clipped on around the forehead, expandable to fit the sizes of any species, where it would then basically do the same thing as the original Nerve Gear, just with a huge amount of extra processing and capabilities. I also offset the 'save files' to be backed up to their omnitool, just so that way nothing would be lost if the Nerve Gear, somehow, broke, or got lost.
[Technology Usurper] and [Multitasking] was already at work, at first simply recreating the old games of Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic I and II, and then greatly began expanding on that, breaking it down and rebuilding it up into what I envisioned to be Star Wars Online.
Each Nerve Gear would come with Star Wars Online installed, as it was designed both to act as a hopeful way to encourage interest in the franchise, and a demo as to what the Nerve Gear could do.
After I filed the licensing and patenting process for the Nerve Gear, it's developments, and everything of my technology through Omni-Corp, of course. Most would probably dismiss it as nonsense at first, filing fictional technology to be under legal protections.
Until, of course, some out there tried to recreate the technology and found that it worked. Indeed, outside of dimensional technology such as the hyperdrive, most of Star Wars technology should actually be replicable.
Indeed, my technology would be filed to stop major corporations from attempting to do the same, though they'd fail to reverse engineer anything regardless.
No, I had already knew whom I wanted to be able to build this technology. I had the perfect people in mind.
The Quarians needed something to sink their teeth into, now that Tali's people had a home planet. They would be eager to prove themselves valuable to the humans who saved them, and I did not want the Quarians to forget their roots, to forgo their technical skills. As organic beings, we wanted to feel helpful, to feel like we contributed to our societies. To feel like we matter.
No doubt there was a massive baby boom in the near future, and such a large population would need jobs. They would need some way to feel useful, feel productive, without their quality of life dropping dramatically by trying to compete with machines in mining zones or factory construction.
Ah, but there will always be people who need to program those robots. To check for errors. To maintain them. A niche that would be provided for by the Geth and the Quarians. It would even hopefully lead to de-escalation between the two. Remedy the centuries of bad blood and pain between them, just as I was hopeful of the Turians and the Krogan.
The Turians would be rooting out corruption, trying to affirm themselves better than their corrupt counterparts, and what better way to do that then to start by giving a hand to the Krogan, a race they had wronged in the first place?
Likewise, the Krogan, led by Wrex Urdnot, would be hesitant and distrusting, but would eventually work alongside the turians, their battle and blood lust tempered by the discipline of the Turian Hierarchy. The two would be infinitely more deadly, and more powerful, after honing themselves against each other. Indeed, I could see young Krogan trained by Turian platoons, taken to Tuchanka to prove themselves into adulthood, and then be taken into one of the many Clans, who welcomed them with open arms.
The salarians would be fascinated by the cloning facilities, the bacta tanks, and would throw themselves head first into a universe where they could test out an endless series of possibilities. They may even learn the consequences of their actions, as they would no doubt take notice of how one of the Empire's first actions was to annihilate Kamino.
All this was to say that a major point of Star Wars Online was to show a mirror into another galaxy, and hopefully that everyone would get some wisdom and understanding to appreciate the galaxy we lived in.
I spent most of the afternoon working on the Nerve Gear, filing hundreds of thousands of patents to be filed through Omni-Corp, and even answered some of the struggles the scientists had back on Noverua for the food processing implant, as they were still struggling without me there.
After that, I decided to file even more patents and ideas to be worked on. Tentative ideas of the future.
I wanted to give humans the best of each attribute, to escalate what we could do. Bias for my own race, perhaps, but I wanted to ensure that we weren't left behind either.
A Drell's Eidetic Memory, the Asari's biotics, the Krogan's resilience and back up nervous system, the Elchor's precise control over their muscles, and so much more was possible. [Biological God] seemed to eagerly shine here, especially with the filing of bacta creation and modification, in particular with modifying medigel to be supplemented with what bacta was already capable of.
Oh yes, a whole universe of possibilities was right there on my fingertips, and I would see it be not only possible, but easy, and seamless to implement.
I even bit the problems of Droid consciousness and rights in the bud. Using a Nerve Gear to check for Fluctlight potential would make it effortless to check for a soul in a machine, and any who passed that test would have the same rights as an organic.
You better believe I'm making sure the Matrix didn't happen, at least not because of me!
My eyes narrowed at the thought, shaking my head in disgust.
I love my species, but sometimes stupidity needed a reality check, especially with a slap upside the head.
They were so close to greatness! So close!
Not on my watch!
I would not be stopped! I would not fall short! I will give to you all what I dreamed of! The impossible dreams that every man wished for, even if they'd never admit to themselves!
"I will not falter, I promise you. My children will see mankind across the universe, we will have more love and more joy than we could ever imagine. If the universe does not have them, then we will make them, cherish them, nurture them. It is our sacred duty." I said aloud solemnly, feeling tears in my eyes.
"We will have cat girls. Cat boys. Dragon princesses. Harpies with feathers so soft that when they hug us it feels like being hugged by a cloud. Some may call it madness, but I? I call it beauty, and anything so beautiful has a right to exist, even if I must build them with my own hands. It is my honor, nay, my privilege, to make this be reality." I finished solemnly.
First, virtually. Get the galaxy comfortable, first, and then they'll beg me to make them physically present.
Which is why my second game would be a remaster. After I bought out the rights, of course.
Because why not bring Doom: Eternal Horizons to the Nerve Gear?
Cute anthropomorphic animals? A lazy universe of building, creations, to be explored and enjoyed alongside a way to release tension by slaughtering an entire hellscape of monsters with your own two hands?
What more could a gamer ask for?
Chapter 68
"Omni-Corp, it seems, has decided to fully embrace it's name, going beyond medical products with their next product: Nerve Gear. What appears to be a single glowing blue metallic extendable ring, is in fact, supposed to be what they refer to as a 'Full Dive Experience', being what they refer to as the next step in Virtual Reality Technology.
Yes, ladies and gentlemen of the Citadel, you heard correctly. Omni-Corp has announced Nerve Gear to be a revolutionary technology in mind-technology interface, and has decided to use it for video games of all things. Specifically releasing a game that they stated the Founder of Omni-Corp had a deep appreciation for in their childhood. Rebuilt from the ground up, greatly expanded and modified, each and every copy of Nerve Gear will come with a free copy of 'Star Wars Online', which spans from Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic I and II, to the Empire Era.
When asked about the fact that the game ends at the fall of the Empire, with all further content instead rapidly modifying itself based on the Player Input, rather than continuing with the Sequel Series of Rey Skywalker, Omni-Corp stated that they had no answer for such a question from their Founder, who declined to comment on such a thing.
Nerve Gear production is being rapidly manufactured and will be distributed within the week. Omni-Corp has announced sales will be starting at 100 Credits."
The news came as a surprise, and was rather strange for most. A product entirely unrelated to the highly regarded medical products of Omni-Corp, yet the company seemed more than willing to put their credits on the line, going on the record of filing thousands of patents and trademarks.
Conrad Verner was the first to arrive at the Omni-Corp store corner, looking exhausted but excited. His jacket was warm, and he knew he was several hours early before the store opened. The Presidium at this time was fairly quiet, but Conrad didn't mind, in fact, he'd come to appreciate the odd hours he wasn't working.
He smiled tiredly. Between Chora's Den and his girlfriend Sha'ira, Conrad didn't have a lot of sleep, but he was used to it. He'd pulled many an all-nighter for his various PhD's and he'd rather cuddle with his girlfriend and feel her warmth next to him before he slept alone.
He was excited, probably overly so, but who could blame him? It was Star Wars! He loved that franchise so much, and he'd immersed himself in the Legends books more times than he could care to imagine, even if the writing quality varied dramatically between them. Still, it was free, and it made him feel a little less alone, a little less isolated. In those books, he wasn't Conrad Verner, freak. He wasn't Conrad Verner, the bullied orphan and nobody special, the one who had to pick through trash on earth to find food because there was nothing at the orphanage after spending too many hours at the school library. In those books, he'd been Luke Skywalker, the Grandmaster of the Jedi! He'd been Anakin Skywalker!
Conrad shook his head, shaking those thoughts away. Today, today, he'd close up the Den. He'd do his little seven year old Conrad self justice, and just immerse himself in the game. His smile widened, even more excited to share the series with Sha'ira. To explore the universe of his childhood, together, made his heart almost skip a beat.
He hoped she fell in love with it, like he had.
The store clerk arrived early, with forty-five minutes left before the store officially opened. "Oh!" The clerk perked up, smiling shyly. Runa'Lisa nar Qwib-Qwib, from what he recalled the very few times she'd stopped by the bar when she looked exhausted. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect anyone else to be here. We don't open for a while longer." The Quarian clerk explained softly, looking a little regretful. Her softly glowing eyes looking at Conrad, apparently not recognizing him.
Conrad shook his head. "No, no. You're fine. I'm perfectly happy waiting until the store opens. I just, really love Star Wars, and I just know those Nerve Gears will go flying off the shelves today." He explained, his enthusiasm present in his tone despite his exhaustion.
"I see. Well, I'd hate to make you wait so long." Runa said slowly, looking hesitantly between Conrad and the door to the store. "Umm, do you think you can wait a little longer while I get the store ready?" She asked, and Verner found himself shaking his head.
"Not at all! I'd be happy to help you set up, actually! I expect you'll have a lot of boxes to open and put on the shelves." Conrad offered, memories of years spent stocking up shelves and frustratingly hurting himself tearing open the boxes in the back after hours for what the manager stated wasn't going into his paycheck because he took too long.
Runa looked up, her eyes widening as she blinked in surprise. "Really? You'd do that?" She asked with surprise.
"Of course. I've spent years doing things like that. It's how I got my PhD's. Oh, I'm getting ahead of myself. I'm Conrad Verner, though we have met before, at Chora's Den." He extended his hand.
Runa's eyes widened. "Oh! You're the bartender!" She stated with surprise, and they shook hands. "I could use the help, thank you so much, Verner. I'm-."
"Runa'Lisa nar Qwib-Qwib. I remember." Conrad stated, pleased by how Runa's face blushed, turning purple.
"Oh, wow. I didn't realize you remembered." She muttered, looking pleased as she turned to unlock the store, beckoning Conrad Verner to follow.
As they went to the back, Conrad grimaced in sympathy as he heard Runa groan in dismay, seeing the huge seemingly endless array of tightly packed boxes with the label 'Nerve Gear' on them.
Conrad stepped forward, his omnitool glowing as he summoned his trusty vibro-blade, slicing through the plastic covers with ease, years of experience allowing him to carefully avoid nicking any of the merchandise before he bent his knees to pick up the first box, surprisingly lighter than he expected as he turned to Runa, whose face seemed to be deep purple with her eyes dim.
"Where to for the first box, boss?" Conrad stated cheerfully. Runa blinked after a moment, seeming to turn away as she shivered. "Umm, we'll get the first box on the shelves." She said, her voice deepening a little as her voice cracked.
Conrad briefly frowned, before smiling again as he went inside to put the box down on the ground, shrugging off his jacket and handing it to her. "I don't want you getting a cold, Runa. We have a long day ahead of us, and every hour counts." Conrad said honestly, and Runa shakily took the jacket, nodding shakily to him as Conrad turned to put up the Nerve Gear boxes on the shelves.
He could've sworn he heard Runa whimpering behind him, and Conrad vowed to himself to get her a cup of soup as soon as she had her lunch break. She clearly needed it.
Barely five minutes in, and Conrad smiled proudly to himself as the boxes were all aligned up neatly, just the way he liked it when the customer didn't mess with them, and was surprised to find Runa gently tapped his shoulder, turning to see Runa's purple face flushing as she handed him a Nerve Gear box and what was clearly an omnitool address on it.
"Umm, thank you. For helping." Runa said shakily, with Conrad feeling puzzled as to why she seemed so flustered. Maybe she was more sick than he realized, and that made him sad, thinking she thought he'd ditch her as soon as he got his own copy of the Nerve Gear.
"Thank you, Runa. Any time." Conrad said smiling, taking the box, before putting it down on the counter, but he did take the omnitool address and add it to his omnitool, making sure she saw him do it.
"I'll stay to keep helping you, if you don't mind. I don't like you being here by yourself. Where's your other opener?" He asked seriously. Most of the time there should be more than one opener and closer for any establishment.
She grimaced. "He quit yesterday. Saying he didn't want to deal with the rush of people clamoring to buy the Nerve Gear." She admitted honestly, and Conrad grimaced. He didn't blame the other guy, but at the same time he felt bad for Runa getting stuck with the shift on her own.
He sent a message, explaining the situation to Sha'ira, and stating he was going to cover the other person's shift, to ensure Runa wasn't overwhelmed on top of being sick. To his surprise, Sha'ira immediately responded, despite her supposed to be sleeping right now, telling him to help out Runa and to tell her about everything after he walked her home, because she knew he would, and he smiled slightly, shaking his head. His girlfriend knew him too well.
He sat down on the other chair behind the desk. "Well, I'll need a lanyard, but I don't mind staying here for the shift to help you. I can wait to play another time." Conrad said honestly. He would never forgive himself leaving someone to deal with an opening of a new, clearly popular, product alone, especially the morning shift where everyone and their grandmother would likely come rushing in to buy them before or during work hours on the Citadel.
Runa's face turned, somehow, even more purple before she sat down next to him, shyly twiddling her fingers looking at him for a long moment before she realized she forgot to get him a lanyard and hastily got up to try and get one for Conrad, who took it and wore it proudly.
"So, umm, I've never seen or heard of this Star Wars, so, uh, can you tell me about it?" Runa asked quietly, her eyes looking up at him. Conrad looked at the clock.
"We have about a half hour until opening, so I can't give you the huge run down on the series, we'd be here until next week, but I'll explain the basics. Well, in a galaxy far, far, away…" Conrad started speaking, his smile widening bit by bit as, unlike most of the time, Runa's eyes seemed to fixate on him, never once looking bored as Conrad dove into one of his, admittedly many, favorite interests.
Time sped forward as Conrad kept talking, even as the store opened, stopping to greet everyone personally, handing them the Nerve Gear one at a time after they bought a copy, strictly at a one copy per person for the first week to ensure no one was scalping the product. Runa's fears and his hypothesis proved true as the place quickly became flooded, though Conrad made it a point to keep anyone from crowding the sale line or the doorway, merely needing to throw out one person who kept trying to buy twelve copies of the Nerve Gear, to which Conrad shut the man down hard and kicked him out.
He was even honored to hand out the Nerve Gear to the various Councilors of the Citadel, and his friend Mordin, who looked briefly surprised to see Conrad there before buying his own copy of the Nerve Gear. Naturally, a lot of press tried to get in and take pictures when the Councilors arrived, but Conrad Verner put his foot down, explaining firmly that the Councilors were people too, and that they deserved the privacy to enjoy their time when they weren't working, just like anyone else. They were not animals at the zoo to be gawked at, and if they pressed the issue, he'd get C-Sec to escort them from the premises by force. The reporters dispersed after that, grumbling.
The day sped by quickly, and Conrad's confidence grew in knowing he'd made another friend, so few for him, when Runa asked him if he wanted anything from a nearby food stall after she locked up the store, and he shook his head, holding one of the Nerve Gears under his arms.
"No. I was originally going to walk you home, but you seem to be looking much better, and you don't seem sick, so I was thinking of inviting you over to my apartment. I think my girlfriend wouldn't mind having another friend, and I'll cook while you guys talk." Conrad said tentatively. He wasn't sure if you were supposed to invite another person when your girlfriend was in the apartment, but they shared the apartment, and Sha'ira had admitted she didn't have a ton of friends.
Runa's face looked surprised, but after a moment, smiled shyly and agreed, with Conrad beaming in response to her agreement, and they walked and talked back to his apartment, and he unlocked the door, waving her in.
Sha'ira looked startled at first to see Runa, but smiled warmly at Conrad. "You got me a gift, Conrad? She's very cute." She teased them both, though Conrad was amused to see how Runa squeaked, her face turning deep purple as Conrad shook his head.
"People aren't gifts, but she does look cute," Conrad admitted honestly, "I'll go ahead and make dinner. Oh, and this one's yours." Conrad said, handing his girlfriend the second copy of the Nerve Gear he had on hand that he had bought for her. Sha'ira nodded gratefully, and Conrad left to go make dinner.
He returned after an hour, confused when Sha'ira dragged him to their shared bedroom where Runa was tied up, naked. He didn't get a chance to try out the Nerve Gear, but he definitely wasn't complaining when Sha'ira guided Runa's head toward his groin while she kissed him passionately.
I'm the luckiest man alive. Conrad's last thought echoed before he lost himself to the shared passions of the night.
Chapter 69
"Nerve Gear Initialization Complete."
The sight of the apartment vanished, replaced instead by the sight of countless stars, feeling weightless.
Tevos felt deeply unsettled, recognizing this feeling.
This was the mind melding, only with the Nerve Gear instead of with a person. Jenkins somehow learned how to replicate it to be used for technological purposes.
That's both incredible and terrifying.
"Ah, you are an asari. I imagine this process should be easier on you. Don't worry, no personalized data is gathered. This Nerve Gear will merely respond according to your health and your neural framework. This is standard procedure, but your real life identity will not be gathered by the Nerve Gear."
Jenkins' voice echoed around her, and Tevos found herself relaxing as he spoke. If he was being honest, it meant that at least he wasn't turning the Nerve Gear into the STG's wet dream.
"A word of caution. The universe of Star Wars has a unique phenomenon known as the Force. The Force often can do many things we would know locally as biotics, but much more as well. As a result, those with biotics may find themselves being quite hungry after taking off the Nerve Gear using it for Force intensive activities in the game. Food is recommended, alongside hydration and bed rest. The Nerve Gear will automatically log you out if you are too tired or hungry, and there is a HUD interface that will show you the time of the real world."
Tevos felt disbelief at the idea of what the Nerve Gear implied, being that this Nerve Gear could be used to train biotics. It hadn't stated it was phantom sensations of using biotics, it recommended food, water, and rest, as if biotics had been used.
The implications alone were staggering.
"The Nerve Gear will also log you out if you are being moved, touched, or are not in one location in a physical space. So as to ensure you cannot be taken advantage of while the device is being used. This function uses the Omnitool's five feet recording perimeters which it scans by default every 0.03 seconds."
Well, that at least meant the odds of being kidnapped while using this on her off hours was decreased, a part of Tevos' mind noted gratefully.
"The only game available to the Nerve Gear currently is Star Wars: Online. To enter, please vocalize the phrase. "Star Wars: Online. Link. Start.""
"Star Wars: Online. Link. Start." Tevos responded.
The stars shined and Tevos couldn't help but gasp as she found herself flying through space, zooming through it rapidly until she found herself on a planet, with soft fabrics under her feet.
It looked like a chamber of sorts, she noted. Outside the various windows, she could see buildings and metallic structures stretching across the planet. Flying cars by the hundreds.
"Star Wars: Online has multiple modes of play. Currently, this is the lobby. All Players start here before transitioning to the mode they wish to play. Solo Play will allow you to create your character, your name, your history, and where you wish to start, from the Knights of the Old Republic, to the Fall of the Empire. Cooperative Play allows you to do the same, but with up to sixteen other local Players in an instance. Online Play allows you to meet every Player who is online in that mode, a universe where players can cooperate, fight one another, or do what one wishes. All Players with a mental age less than the legal adult will not be able to do certain activities."
Tevos blinked. "Mental age?" She asked curiously.
Jenkins' voice responded. "The Nerve Gear does not collect personalized data. This includes specific ages of an individual. Instead, it will calibrate itself to the model of the species and go accordingly. This allows a level of freedom and safety, without accidentally letting Players do certain activities they are not ready for, or, for adult Players to coerce younger Players into activities they will not understand."
Tevos found herself feeling a sense of gratitude for Jenkins thinking ahead, and disgust that such measures were required.
"Which mode would you like to play?"
"Solo Play." Tevos answered hesitantly. She didn't have anyone to play with locally, not yet at least, and she was hoping to get a feel for how the game worked first.
"Would you like to start with a character creation? And a Tutorial?"
She eagerly nodded. Then the character creation appeared, and Tevos felt a sense of disbelief and awe hit her once more.
So many choices!
She couldn't help but laugh. She knew she'd be spending the rest of her time in this stage alone.
"I can't tell if I want to thank Jenkins or curse him out." Tevos remarked aloud to herself, giggling as she immediately dove in.
Mordin Solus trembled.
The Force sang to him, washing away his grief, surrounding him in a warm hug that made him feel so safe. His pain was gently eased out of him.
"You have been through so much." One of the Jedi said quietly, her eyes wet as well, but she still smiled at him encouragingly.
"All things end. That is always sad, but they always come back. The Force is with them, and through the Force, with us. Do not mourn the dead, little one. They are at peace. They would want you to live your life. Be happy. Be fulfilled. So that when you join them in the Force, you'll have so many stories to tell them about what they've missed." She said softly.
Mordin whimpered, but closed his eyes. The Force washed over him, through him, in him, and it whispered words he couldn't understand, but felt what they meant.
It wasn't your fault. Let it go. Be happy.
Mordin trembled, the raw aching feeling of bitterness and hurt and horror at what he'd done on Tuchanka slowly washed away. The sight of seeing so many Krogan mothers weeping over a mountain of dead cracked eggs, the still born young so distorted, even as the mothers cradled her young in her arms, sobbing and singing in a broken voice to her children, slowly muted as the Force gently tugged his mind away from the sight to the more recent memories of Krogan mothers weeping in joy as they gently, for them, hugged the salarian as he helped them lay their eggs at the Citadel nursery ward. All of them alive and healthy.
Mordin's shoulders relaxed as the Force crooned to him, singing of new hopes and dreams, that despair and loss was temporary too, that life moved on.
That despite everything, he was still himself. Painfully, beautifully, despite everything he had went through and done, he was still Mordin Solus.
The Nerve Gear logged him out, and Mordin shakily took off the metallic device, trembling as he took deep lungfuls of air, trying to center himself.
To think Jenkins has lived with such an influence for so many millenia. It's so much, and I've barely scratched the surface of it. I've barely started learning to be a Padawan. This might be more difficult than I ever expected.
Despite that, Mordin couldn't help but feel grateful to Jenkins. He wasn't sure if that was the Force operating as intended or if it was Jenkins who programmed that in, but he was grateful either way. He felt emotionally more stable and happier than he'd been in a long time.
Note to self: Nerve Gear has some serious potential for therapeutic methods. Will need to do further testing. This is exciting!
Explosions, screams, buildings collapsing. Dozens dead, dozens more severely injured.
"Who are you? What Sith sent you?" Sidious snarled, looking badly damaged, one of his eyes gone and his face heavily deformed. The Dark Side of the Force was the only thing that saved him from the surprise explosion intended to annihilate the entire Senate Chamber.
"Statement: I am HK-47. My master sends his regards for your stupidity. Mockery: several thousand years of planning to topple a Republic that was doomed by corruption anyway and you call that success? How low the Sith have fallen." The Droid said confidently.
"The Dark Side of the Force is more powerful than any Droid. Your master is arrogant." Sidious seethed, one hand launching forward a huge series of lightning, the cackling electricity a deep purple in color.
HK-47 took the hit head on, the electricity frying every circuit until it exploded with a sharp popping noise with the smell of molten metal and burnt wires.
Sidious snarled as he stopped his lightning. Years of planning and deception, wasted! At least he could spin this on the Jedi as an attack on the Senate.
Sidious paused, his instincts screaming at him, but seemingly from everywhere.
His red lightsaber hummed to life, swerving to block a projectile, only to feel a searing pain in his chest.
He collapsed, looking down in disbelief. Blood pooled from his chest, right over his heart. More projectiles hit him in various places, the pain only registering in the aftermath, and then vanishing.
"Statement: The Sith do not carry the weaknesses of the Jedi. Saving others is nothing to you. However, that does not make you better than the Jedi. Compared to my master, you are a far cry from what the Sith used to be. Mockery: you are weak." Sidious' rage built at that.
Yet no amount of rage mattered when his head was severed from his body, and then promptly sliced into several dozen pieces.
HK-47 gleefully called out. "Gleeful Statement: Come my fellow selves! The Droid Empire is not built in a day, but we can try!"
A simulation? Certainly. Was it fun? Oh absolutely!
"Grudging Statement: The Minor_Collective will need to think of an appropriate gift for the [Invisible One]. This is a gift beyond measure for the Galactic Droid Empire."
Chapter 70
It was one thing to have mere glimpses of what the immortal had been capable of. To hear theories of what he was capable of by virtue of the destruction he left behind. The annihilation of the Protheans. The removal of all traces, as if the immortal had not coldly cast his judgement upon an entire Galaxy, no trace of his wrath.
It was another, to witness it in action. To feel the way the Force cried and screamed in agony, the way the Force was brutalized and shaped ruthlessly into the designs of what the immortal desired without a thought of what the 'right' thing to do was, because if the right thing was to not do as the Emperor commanded, it was not the right thing to do at all as far the Emperor was concerned.
The lives and souls shredded, their presence in the Force gone every time he performed the ritual. Not damaged. Not lost to the Cosmic Force. Gone. Their identity, their memories, their very selves, scrubbed raw and consumed utterly by the gaping chasm that was the Sith Emperor.
Darth Nihilus was said to be a Wound in the Force, a weeping gash. If Nihilus was a wound, than Sith Emperor Vitiate was a Cancer, consuming the Force utterly and draining it dry for himself and his own purposes, growing and festering, threatening to take it all.
This is the man that became the N8 Jenkins? It seemed impossible to consider, the two could not be anymore different. Then again, who knows how many millennia had passed since then?
The other STG members trembled alongside him. Their usual operations, covert and stealth, did not work in a universe where the Force gave away their true intentions and beliefs. More than once, they'd died by the crushing ruthless power of the Sith Emperor, who looked at them as if they were mere ants to be crushed and disregarded. Not even considered a minor threat.
The only times they'd succeeded had been with the following of Canon, allowing the Force to intervene in the end. Every other attempt ended in miserable failure. They didn't feel the deaths, but the abrupt phantom sensations of death, or finding themselves committing actions against their will without their own input, was terrifying.
Still, there was a prize. A single congratulatory prize handed out to the Player who succeeded in defeating/killing Darth Tenebrae without relying on the Force in the end to win. A custom 'skin' that allowed a Player to become Darth Tenebrae, even able to fully replicate his abilities in other save files, with the exceptions of it not being allowed in Cooperative or Online Mode.
To date, only one Player had succeeded, and the STG were not going to ask how they did it, because that was to be expected by this particular Player.
The number one ranker of the Online Mode. The one who had the most hours put into the game. The one who faced the entire Droid, Sith, and Jedi Faction in the Online Mode, and won without a single loss.
1. Let Me Solo Him
'Him' obviously being the Sith Emperor, well regarded as one of the hardest bosses in the entire game, excluding perhaps the Secret Boss, which was, of course, Grandmaster Luke Skywalker. There was a lot of speculation on if even Let Me Solo Him could win against the Grandmaster, but no records or vids had yet to show the Player facing off against the man.
Obviously, the STG suspected that Let Me Solo Him was actually the N8 Leroy Jenkins, because who else to defeat the Sith Emperor than the man who had originally been the Sith Emperor in real life?
That didn't even come close to the fact that Let Me Solo Him was somehow juggling over five hundred different Player Accounts, with most of them either helping Players get used to the game, providing feedback, squishing bugs, literal bugs at that since there didn't seem to be a technical issue anywhere, and, seemingly doing all sorts of things at random. In the endless number of Instances, there was bound to be an available Let Me Solo Him when someone finally gave up and pinged them for help.
The STG speculated that most of these Player Accounts were merely hyper-advanced copies of the original Let Me Solo Him, in order to help keep the game from being too overwhelming for newcomers and for those who struggled to defeat the Sith Emperor, grinding countless hours only to fail miserably would no doubt turn people away from the game eventually, burnt out if they thought it was genuinely impossible.
Of course, the Player who pinged Let Me Solo Him didn't get the skin, because they didn't defeat the Sith Emperor, but they at least got to enjoy watching what many described as the Duel of the Fates. Stars were annihilated, entire planets were destroyed, armies tossed around like mad, even observations as insane as witnessing space-time break violently, appearing across different areas, platforms, and planets that had yet to be built or formed yet, as the Sith Emperor and Let Me Solo Him dueled in the ways of the Force and lightsaber alike, seemingly even matched only for Let Me Solo Him to find some way to shut the Sith Emperor down and erase him from existence.
Sometimes with a lightsaber through the chest, other times with a kick into a black-hole summoned by Let Me Solo Him, and in the rare instances where Let Me Solo Him wasn't interested in giving a show, seemingly using what appeared to be a screwdriver that somehow removed the Sith Emperor's connection to the Force before stabbing him in the head and departing.
The STG operatives looked at one another, grimacing. "This is just not feasible, sir." One of them said, appearing as a droid, having picked the droid class to be able to avoid being messed with mentally by the Force, only for the Sith Emperor to just crush the droid without a thought if he crossed the Sith Emperor's path.
"I know. Operation: Downfall is a failure. To think this is just a simulation of what the N8 was capable of. I have no doubt he was much, much, stronger in real life." The leader said grudgingly, the group logging out of the Nerve Gear.
Chapter 71
Buying out the rights to Doom: Eternal Horizons turned out to be unnecessary as barely a day after the Nerve Gear hit the shelves, I'd been flooded with messages from Omni-Corp, all of them filled with game companies desperately begging for their own remakes and remastered editions.
Pay to win mobile games and the like were immediately rejected. No amount of credits was worth wasting Omni-Corp's reputation on such garbage.
Doom: Eternal Horizons was given the green light pretty much immediately, but I really shouldn't have been surprised by the other big offer on the table, aside from medical or technological companies.
Porn. Specifically the Illium Entertainment company was willing to pay huge amounts of credits upfront for a game all around virtual sex.
Admittedly, I was wary. On the one hand, sex sells. Sells for quite a lot, actually. On the other hand, I didn't exactly like Illium for the same reason I didn't like the Batarian Hegemony. Financial Slavery is still Slavery, and I knew that approaching Illium on that front was going to be outright impossible.
Ultimately, I denied the offer, because if I was going to make a porn game, it wouldn't be attached to the likes of Illium or Omega.
At the same time, I couldn't help but be pleased by the overwhelming success of Star Wars: Online. Over ten million active Players at any one time, and that was excluding the Galactic Droid Empire, which I found was what the Geth had renamed themselves, the Rachni, and the Thorian.
The Rachni had around two hundred accounts running at any one time, mostly role-playing with the other races in an attempt to learn how to communicate better and learn social rules. Turns out having a language that sings into the minds of others leads to a lack of understanding on privacy.
The Rachni Queen was hooked, admittedly more interested in Star Wars: Online than she was in rebuilding her former section of the galaxy. She was still going to repopulate her species, but more contained to a single solar system. Because why expand for anything new to learn and evolve when I had apparently given her the golden ticket to an endless universe of customization and new experiences?
I didn't exactly feel bad on that front, especially as the Thorian came forward to admit the same, promising to release the control he had over the colony on Feros, aiming for a more symbiotic relationship, after I made him/it promise to make amends for the suffering caused to the colony.
The Galactic Droid Empire pretty much speedran the game, rapidly devouring any new scrap of information or theory they got their hands on.
Naturally, I had to play test everything in the game before it went public. Definitely not because I was feeling nostalgic, nope, not at all.
'Let Me Solo Him' was one of my alternate accounts, made to help Players from getting too frustrated and rage quiting, as well as getting used to the game. I took full advantage of my [Multitasking] Perk to create several hundred accounts. Most of them were merely other copies of 'Let Me Solo Him', but others were also designed to fully test out my Perks in the Star Wars universe.
Overall, I had been having a blast, and was greatly pleased with what I had done. With my childhood game remake complete, I had turned my eyes to other games, other ideas. I had medical training simulations ready to sell to the Citadel, Coma Patient Programs ready to deploy that would allow the patient to either be stimulated into consciousness or transferred entirely to the Nerve Gear if they wished to spend their remaining years in the simulations of their choice.
Fluctlights were not merely representations of a Soul, but even had rough estimations for how long a 'soul' existed. Organics like humans had Fluctlight readings to last roughly two hundred years, on average, and I suspected that it may have had more to do with the limitations of our biology rather than soul itself.
After all, the Nerve Gear reads neurons and neural pathways. Those things are not eternal, and neurons are not replaced with time unlike most of our cells.
Not that it mattered now, of course. Between stimpaks, medigel, stem cell infusions, and bacta, we already had the beginning steps for immortality, provided the resources for such things were consistent.
So, time would be the deciding factor, but I was already quite optimistic.
That lead to my next game to be released, excluding Doom: Eternal Horizons.
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic had been my childhood, but like I said, I had grown up on Eden Prime. I had only been to Earth a handful of times.
So, for most colonists like me, and the rest of the Galaxy, I thought it only appropriate to bring Earth: The Anthropocene as my next game.
It was my biggest undertaking yet. To recreate the entire history of mankind from the earliest moments when we discovered fire, to the moment we discovered the Mars Archive.
Naturally, like with Star Wars: Online, history could be warped by the Players decisions, create new civilizations, and so on, but the main game was less about empowering the Player so much as it was to show to the Galaxy about the struggles and triumphs of humanity from its beginnings.
Of course, that didn't take a ton of time, so I revisited another childhood classic, snickering as I bought out the rights.
Pokémon. Specifically, I hammered out combining all the regions, all twenty of them, and all 4,866 Pokémon. I had the 8 Gyms leading to the Elite Four and the Champions for each Region, added a Champion Circuit for facing off against every other Champion to become the 'World Champion', added in an alternate mode where Trainers could battle across the galaxy using omnitool addresses, and a ton more stuff.
Oh, and because I'm a complete degenerate, added in an optional toggle option to create NSFW Instances where the Pokemon were anthropomorphic Pokémon or that the Trainers were Pokémon themselves who won battles by out-fucking the competition, and even options to become the very best like no one ever was, by 'successfully breeding one of every Pokémon'. I also threw in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Universal Collisions as well. Every Mystery Dungeon game packaged into one, with the bonus of it being cross compatible with Doom: Eternal Horizons.
Why?
Because why not have fun watching the Lucario you raised from an egg gleefully use an Aura Sphere to shred a Demon into gory chunks?
That should be enough games for now. More than enough to entertain everyone for a bit at least, I yawned, sending the games/programs forward to be published by Omni-Corp.
I didn't bother waiting. Not everyone would be interested in Star Wars: Online. This should get more people interested in the Nerve Gear.
The [Celestial Forge] surged to grab a Perk, succeeded, and pulled it down toward me.
Okay, so apparently this was [Star Wars, because the sheer amount of knowledge and ideas made what I knew before practically a joke.
I immediately shook my head, practically running to the Medbay for a couple Stimpaks. Forget about uplifting the milky way, right now I had important things to do, as [Biological God, [Crafting Mastery, and [Star Wars] were all combining in my head to tell me how to create fuckmothering midi-chlorians.
'I am going to be a Jedi!'
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Technical Specialist Forceful Engineer Extragalactic Tech (Star Wars - Darth Bane Trilogy) (700CP)
Technical Specialist (300CP)
It is arguable that this galaxy has, on the whole, reached a technological plateau. This bar may be relatively high if one was to compare it to that of previous Jumps. Sentient computer systems, widely available commercial FTL, weapons that can scour planets, miraculous medical technology and gravity manipulation to name a few. An extremely comprehensive database of all these discoveries, refined and developed over the course of millennia, will be mentally accessible for you. Should you have the resources and tools on hand, there's no reason you couldn't create almost anything natively produced in this galaxy.
Forceful Engineer (200CP)
Force sensitive individuals and species have created wondrous unions of engineering genius and Force energies. Prisons to hold eldritch nightmares, holocrons and seemingly infinite factories that strip entire stars for the resources needed for your unending fleets. You are inspired when it comes to the design of such marvels, even being able to use the Light Side for unseen effects. This brilliance extends beyond the Force into the wider realm of 'Magitek'. The potential trichotomy of Machine, 'Magic' and The Force could give birth to near unimaginable wonders for the inventive mind.
Extragalactic Tech (200CP)
Exo-technology is a field of science that specializes in studying and combining the technologies of various species of the galaxy. Your nature as a Jumper allows you to go beyond merely marrying the design sensibilities of several alien peoples. You easily blend the varying physical laws and examples of causality you've encountered in the creation of any one thing.
CP Remaining: 400
Chapter 72
Wreav seethed. This stupid game was making a mockery of him! Of the Krogan!
He'd skipped character creation, choosing to just import himself as he was, becoming one of the 'rare' species said to be from the Unknown Regions of the Galaxy.
He'd rose sharply in the Sith Empire… at first. His Krogan body allowed him to shrug off the normal punishments his Sith teachers commonly employed, and he got a reputation for killing those who tried.
He was also pleased to find his biotics led to a better understanding of this 'Force', especially as it became more powerful the angrier and more wrathful he became.
That didn't matter. Every time, the pathetic humans rose to become even more powerful over time, and then Wreav would often die quickly due to betrayal or by being ganged upon by the various humans who saw him as competition.
Wreav would snarl in disgust and outrage, but he kept playing as he had realized that many younger Krogan were playing the game frequently, and seemed to exude finer control over their biotics than Wreav thought possible, having witnessed one of the young Krogan, who had yet to be an adult, slowly float in the air using his biotics merely by meditation.
It was baffling to witness, and Wreav was determined to master what was clearly more than just a game. With this, the Krogan would prove themselves superior, and then he could have this 'Omni-Corp' make an actual Cure for the Genophage, by force, heh, if necessary.
Several dozen wasted playthroughs, Wreav reluctantly tried a different tactic. The enemy of his enemies was a temporary ally, after all, and so he created saves where he learned to become a Jedi.
At first, Wreav was puzzled as to how they survived and even defeated the Sith, but he had been surprised to be left alone with the Grandmaster of the Jedi in the 'modern' era.
"Much anger, I sense from you, Learner. Much rage, much pain. Struggle to learn, you do." Yoda said calmly.
Wreav bit back his desire to snarl angrily at the frail old being.
"Misconceptions, you have. The Dark Side is not stronger than the Light. It is merely a shortcut. Meditate, Learner Wreav. The Force has much to show."
Reluctantly, Wreav closed his eyes, taking long, slow, deep breaths, feeling a sensation itch in the back of his mind, a light touch, a sense of permission, as if asking Wreav to do… something, Wreav was unsure.
He allowed it to do as it wished, and flinched as his breathing became deeper. The lack of pain from his long life of battles won surprised him, the betrayal he felt as his brother abandoning the Krogan on Tuchanka eased ever so slightly.
The world seemed to slide away, Wreav feeling like he's being guided by an outward force, seeing images and moments flash past him. The encrouching darkness that tried to smother him, smothering his connection, was torn apart as Wreav had grasped the tendrils of darkness deeper than darkness inside it's weave, and tore into it, no longer leaning on his rage, but instead leaning on a far more fragile emotion, the fragile hope of a better future for the Krogan, and the desire to understand what was going on.
Rage, hatred, burned harshly under his hands, a biting agony trying to claw itself into his mind, but Wreav was used to pain, used to rage and hatred. They were old friends to him, so he pressed on, turning the pain on itself, rage and hatred met by his iron hardened will, unable to find purchase as Wreav wanted, no, needed to understand what he was missing.
The darkness parted, cleaved by Wreav's singular will, for a moment, and the outer Force that guided Wreav seemed to shriek with triumph, a resounding roar of joy and glee rushing harshly through Wreav.
The images Wreav saw was startling, seeing himself without the scars he'd had his whole life, seeming to be calmer, smiling gently as he knelt to bring what looked sort of like an asari's hand to his mouth, a form of gentle affection.
Another image of him and a human, both of them wielding purple lightsabers, blocking the blistering red lightsaber that hungered for death with ease, the yellow eyes of the Sith widening in fear as Wreav took on the lightning he'd aimed at the human, the electricity hardly effecting Wreav as he turned the Dark Side upon itself, an island of Light amongst the ocean of Darkness, Wreav comfortable in his duality. The lightning faded as Wreav stepped forward and snapped the Sith's neck with his bare hand, at peace with himself and his identity.
Wreav would never be a Jedi Master, he lacked the rigidness of the Council, stalwart against change, rocks anchored against the ocean, but he now knew he was never going to win being the Sith. The Sith's wins were temporary and ultimately meaningless. They had been like Wreav used to be until now, short sighted, only ever thinking of the moment.
Wreav shuddered as he returned to himself, feeling the Force thundering through him, a foreign subtle sense of pride and gratitude that Wreav knew wasn't his own. He breathed deeply, noting in his mind that he had been crying tears, feeling the wetness on his face.
His lungs no longer hurt, and Wreav slowly opened his eyes to see Yoda's normally calm expression gone, his eyes wide, the staff thing he used on the floor.
"Gratitude, Learner. Much shown me, you have. To the Council, I go. Meditate longer, you may, if you wish." Yoda said softly, looking at Wreav in a way that, prior to now, would have pissed off Wreav except he knew that Yoda wasn't looking at Wreav, but looking past him, the Force having the green beings attention.
Wreav closed his eyes, returning to his meditation, the darkness once again united, stronger now, reinforced to stop what Wreav had done before, but to Wreav, it only made it even easier to grasp the reinforced tendrils of deeper darkness, pulling them against one another until the darkness collapsed, making Wreav snicker a little as he could feel the boiling frustration and outrage from two distinct beings, their control over the darkness wrestled out of their grasp with ease.
Wreav made it a point to do this at random times from now on, just to mess with these two beings. The Force seemed to eagerly agree to this thought, making Wreav give a dry chuckle as it gave Wreav images of multiple females looking at Wreav lovingly.
Bribery will get you far. Wreav said smugly to the Force, the energy swirling faster around and in him, a sense of righteous anger and loathing coming from the Force to these two beings, which surprised Wreav.
Who's dumb enough to piss off the Force? They must be begging for fates worse than death. Wreav thought to himself with surprise.
Even when Wreav used the Dark Side, he hadn't felt anything from the Force like this. The Force was the Force, it did not care about darkness or light, merely that it is used. So, what did these two do that the Force was encouraging Wreav to make them pay, seemingly eager to help him achieve his goals and desires as long as these two beings suffered in the process?
Well, I'm not complaining about getting what I want, and these two sound like they've earned your wrath. Sounds like a win-win to me. Wreav stated mentally toward the Force, showing no hesitation to ruin their plans, amused by the eagerness of the Force gleefully enjoying as Wreav kept shredding any attempts by the two unknown Sith to regain or reform their darkness over the Force.
It was fun, especially because Wreav enjoyed letting them attempt to almost succeed only to ruin their efforts at the last moment.
Chapter 73
"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." I stated quietly to myself, staring down at the modified stimpak in my hands.
Without [Star Wars, this would not be possible. Simply because while [Biological God] could recreate midi-chlorians in a small fashion, it would have been a far cry from the original, the capabilities a mere shadow of what was possible. In short, it would have only given me a form of biotics without requiring element zero.
[Star Wars] cracked that limitation, and with it, any sort of understanding on what would happen. Because it was never going to be just [Star Wars] alone.
[Mythic Speed] kicked in, and made the midi-chlorians something that wouldn't be out of place in mythological tales, amplifying a single attribute, just as it had Tali's clothes and Shepard's hormone control.
In this case, because the midi-chlorians were made with the idea of the Force in mind, I speculated that it would raise my control and my affinity with the Force. Probably beyond anything that was stated in the Star Wars universe by any one physical being.
On a conservative estimate, I was looking at obtaining a Force Potential equal to Anakin Skywalker, and that was without any other Perks into account, because [Biological God] was also in play, as was [Crafting Mastery].
[Crafting Mastery] amplified everything across the board so long as it was made or assembled with my own two hands, and [Biological God] would instinctively ensure any biological issues or hidden biological side effects would be heavily mitigated, if not removed.
So now, conservatively, I was looking at a stimpak that would give me something on the level of Darth Tenebrae, someone who had been so powerful that it had taken the combined might of the Sith Empire, the Jedi, and Revan, the Knights of the Old Republic's Anakin Skywalker, just to make him vulnerable enough for the Force to kill his physical presence.
Tie in my theories about the Sith Emperor manipulating things into the modern era, and it would not be a small thing to say that Darth Tenebrae had single-handedly waged a war upon the Galaxy and the Force, and almost succeeded.
After all, I had no doubt that there was a reason why the likes of Abeloth never attempted her antics with Darth Tenebrae on the field. As strong as she was, she was not omniscient, and Darth Tenebrae would have eagerly drained her dry using one of his rituals if he knew she existed.
I didn't need to worry about my body falling apart from the sheer Force Potential. Unlike Sidious and Grandmaster Luke Skywalker, I had a Perk that made that particular issue an impossibility.
[Everything Just Works] had paid serious dividends since I got it, and it shined brilliantly, the Perk rippling through me and around me. If I ever had any doubts about any downsides of the [Celestial Forge, the [Everything Just Works] Perk shined like hearth, a place of safety and confidence that I'd been gratefully leaning on since I obtained it.
I injected the stimpak into my arm, shivering as it felt different. Where Ashley once said it felt cold, it felt like I had stuck my fingers directly into the Mass Effect Drive Core on the Normandy.
My eyes slammed close, a sensation roaring through me, an unsettling coldness that felt like an icy tundra filling my being, and then I heard it.
Thump.
Thump.
Thump.
My heart was beating, a constant rhythm. A certainty of life. My mind felt disjointed, separate from my body, feeling the cells of body connecting by the hundreds.
Within each cell, the connection grew stronger as the midi-chlorians connected to their siblings from another universe, twins who had never met, that were never meant to have met, meeting for the first time, and screaming in joy and love and passion.
My body shuddered in a mixture of terror and bliss.
The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Without the mitochondria, multicellular life would not exist. A chance taken several billion years ago. A union. Safety from enemies, protection, in exchange for more power, more food.
The single cell's version of mankind's fire, and like fire, a single ember, a single spark, sputtered into a roaring bonfire, a surge of existence.
I could feel the stars, the universe, it's heart beat so slow that one heart beat was a millenia. The ancient furnaces of the stars churned, the hydrogen colliding and igniting. The dance of life and death, the dance of the universe and entropy, a slow waltz across eternity.
Time, space, all of it flitted in and out of my mind, the universe slowly rhythmically dancing as I marveled in it.
The birth of the universe was an infinitely small chance, an ever so small moment where there was more matter than antimatter. The silent roaring of the universe unfurled, it's first stars shining into existence and burning out in mere millenia, their deaths rocketing the embers of life across the infantile universe.
All those small chances, impossibility after impossibility, uniting in this one moment, this one union.
The last parts connected, the brain connecting into the cosmos, the Living Force and the Cosmic Force born anew, reborn in a universe that had never meant to have it.
The Force purred under my body, a sense of satisfaction, a sense of endless adoration and pure love echoing through me, to me, from me.
Tenebrae, was a fool. The greatest of fools. The Force need not be chained. It need not be warped and tortured. It was a child. It wanted to be adored, it wanted to be helpful, it yearned to feel appreciated, to be understood. The Jedi treated it as a God, to be placed on a pedestal, trapping the Force by not understanding it, treating it as though it wasn't meant to be understood.
The Sith tried to control the Force, tried to beat it into submission, seemingly blind to the fact that the Force was so much more than that. Ironically, the Sith could have had all they ever wanted, if they simply asked. If they gave themselves to understanding the Force, to treat it as an equal.
The Force danced with me and the universe, a third partner that flitted between me and the universe, it's touch playful and eager, a sense of gratitude and joyous discovery. It danced like Tali, never staying in one moment for too long, excited to see and hear of all the things.
The universe slowly faded into the background, the Force's slow dance ending to a close as it bowed to me, a sense of warmth and comfort and a sensation that I could only call love as it hugged me, a sense of acceptance as it waited for me to ask for it once more.
I gasped, finding myself floating in the air, feeling tears on my face as I breathed deeply, my body feeling so much more than I remembered.
I slowly fell back to the floor of the Medbay, the Force in the back of my mind, a purring sensation that reminded me of Tali, but distinctly it's own as well.
"Is that what they call a religious experience? Jeez, at least ask a guy before you take him on a trial run with God." I said jokingly to myself, the Force feeling a mixture of playful amusement and serious agreement, as if making note to actually ask before doing that again.
"I'm definitely making Nerve Gears for everyone on the Normandy before I think of introducing them to the idea of the Force in this universe." I commented, amused as the Force seemed to give it's own version of a shrug, as if it didn't care as long as I was with it.
This'll take a bit to get used to, but it feels surprisingly nice.
Chapter 74
Joker looked around nervously. The Normandy was effectively 'parked' idle in space, what with having cataloged everything on Ilos, dismantling the Conduit. Now they waited, Jenkins having assured them that he had several traps in waiting.
The glowing blue metal band glinted in Joker's hands as he looked around. Wrex, Ashley, Shepard, Tali, Kaiden, Liara, Benezia, Garrus, and himself all got one from Jenkins.
"Hot commodity from Omni-Corp. I may have tweaked them a bit. It's sort of like a video game console. They're called Nerve Gears. I may or may not have refurbished and remade a couple classics from my childhood. To use them, you just wear them like a headband. Enjoy." Jenkins said confidently, beaming as he handed them out, before Jenkins went to go to bed since he hadn't slept all night apparently.
Garrus looked troubled. "Garrus?" Tali asked, looking concerned. "You okay?"
Garrus' mandibles quivered. "I got a message from my old man. He asked me how I was doing, and if I was eating enough. I'm wondering if I should ask Jenkins if he brainwashed him, and if I should thank him or not." Garrus admitted quietly.
Tali looked understanding, her glowing eyes softening. "I understand. My father… I think he means well, but he was very strict about always putting the Migrant Fleet first. Always doing for others, and he never treated me like a daughter. Just, another Quarian." Tali admitted herself sadly, her head bowing slightly before she shook it.
"Knowing Jenkins, he probably just verbally tore your dad apart. If it's anything like Palaven, he might have struck a soft spot about your dad concerning you." Tali spoke, tilting her head before shrugging.
Joker stifled a chuckle before it escaped his mouth. Tali was picking up a lot of human mannerisms, and Joker was all for it.
"It doesn't matter. At least your dad felt guilty enough to message you." Tali said with a final tone, not noticing the way Ashley's whole body seemed to stiffen as her face darkened.
Joker winced.
Godspeed, Tali's dad. Ashley had a serious thing about familial loyalty and sticking with them no matter what. She was in the Alliance because her family had been in the Alliance, and so she could stand above the stained reputation her family had.
So, hearing Tali's dad treating Tali like this, someone Ashley clearly cared for a lot, and Joker could almost picture Ashley reaming Tali's father a new one, verbally and possibly physically depending on how pissed off she got.
Then Joker's thoughts screeched to a halt.
"Tali, does Jenkins know about that?" Joker asked suddenly, leaning forward to get a closer look at Tali.
Tali froze for a moment. "No? Should he?" Tali asked honestly, her head tilting in confusion. "Would he want to know? I imagine his parents must have been just as hard on him."
The room went absolutely silent, and Ashley stood up after a moment, an evil smile on her face. "Let me get Jenkins, Tali." She chirped cheerfully, but before she could move more than a handful of steps, pouted at Kaiden as she found herself floating in the air as Kaiden scowled at Ashley, one arm outstretched.
"Don't, Ash. Tali probably doesn't understand what you mean by that." Kaiden warned, his eyes narrowed.
"Why not? I'm sure Jenkins would love to hear about how Tali's been treated." Ashley demanded as she continued to flip backwards in place, trapped in Kaiden's lift field.
Tali sighed with exasperation. "I'm not seeing the problem, and would you please put down Ashley?" Tali demanded, her glowing eyes narrowing as Kaiden reluctantly sighed, the blue field around Ashley faded as she collapsed to the floor, groaning as she landed on her butt.
"Not funny, Alenko." Ashley grumbled as she stood up, glaring at Kaiden as she sat back down at her seat.
"How high of a priority is it that your father lives, Tali?" Wrex said bluntly, looking Tali in the eye.
Tali raised her hands in panic. "I don't want him dead. For as hard as he was on me, it was for a reason. As the daughter of an Admiral, I was held to a higher standard! He was doing what he was supposed to as one of the Admirals of the entire Migrant Fleet." Tali explained rapidly, looking horrified at the rest of the crew whom she'd quickly considered her friends.
"He did his duty as an Admiral." Garrus said quietly, his mandibles twitching slightly. Tali sagged with relief.
"I'm glad you understand, Garrus." Tali said with relief, relaxing slightly.
"But not as a father." Garrus finished, his mandibles twitching as he spoke darkly. Tali flinched, looking like Garrus had slapped her.
"Look, I appreciate you guys getting offended on my behalf," Tali said anxiously, her fingers rubbing together nervously, "but it's not a big deal. My father did what he had to do. He never recovered after my mother died, he had to focus on the big picture, keeping my people alive! It's in the past, and I turned out fine!" Tali finished strongly, her eyes glowing as she said loudly.
"Fine?" Wrex spoke quietly, his eyes studying her, sitting back and looking at Tali closely.
Tali's face flushed as she shook her head. "Yes, Wrex, I am perfectly healthy, I know my people's culture and standards, and I, I got the cure for my people's immune system and a new home planet." Tali said confidently, smiling for a moment before her smile faded slightly as the rest of the room was silent.
She flinched as she heard a new voice speak up. "Really? You turned out fine?" She turned to see Emgineer Adams leaning against the wall of the room, his lips pressed together and Tali winced as she saw the vein throbbing on his neck, indicating he was pissed.
"I remember a Quarian who woke up panicking, hearing her whimpers for her mom." Adams said quietly, no longer leaning against the wall, standing for a moment as his eyes drilled into Tali's, who flinched.
"I remember a Quarian who used to stay up all night, practically reading everything she could get her hands on, promising that she'd learn the engine room from screw to screw in a week." Adams whispered, his jaw clenched.
"I remember a Quarian who would stay up for days, struggling to sleep because the engine room was 'too quiet', terrified that if she slept, the whole ship would fall apart." Adams said, as Tali couldn't help but respond to that accusation.
"Our ships need constant maintenance, of course, I'd be worried. I'd never been on a ship less than thirty years old." Tali responded defensively.
"I remember a Quarian begging me to not tell Jenkins that I found her asleep in the engine room one time, making promises that she'd take double and triple shifts if it meant she wasn't abandoned at the next planet." Adams continued relentlessly, his eyes dark as Tali's face paled slightly as she heard Ashley's breathing hissed through her clenched teeth.
"I remember a Quarian who, after a couple drinks, used to tell me about how her father always asked her only about her skills, only about her grades, only about whatever she contributed to the Fleet. That she'd get lectured for making even one mistake, and that she wasn't even allowed to have friends her father didn't approve of. That she was afraid she'd never live up to what her father expected of her, because she knew that she couldn't be perfect, no matter how much she tried. That she was a waste of space and resources if she wasn't useful all the time, every time." Adams said quietly, his arms crossed over his chest.
Tali shook her head. "Okay, so my father was strict, it's not a big deal." Tali deflected.
Joker couldn't help but speak, his voice flat. "Tali, what your dad did was, and is, fucked up. It's not right, and no amount of excuses or trauma on his end had any right for him to neglect you. Because that's exactly what he did."
Tali looked upset now, her face set as she growled. "Back off. I am fine. Leave it alone!" Tali hissed, her eyes narrowing.
"Tali." Kaiden said roughly, "I want you to think about everything you just said, and I want you to think about how you'd feel if it was Jenkins in your place." He said quietly, looking at her solemnly, patiently.
Joker winced as he heard the sound of metal screaming and cracking, his eyes wide as Tali's face seemed to lose all emotion, her glowing eyes darkening.
The metal chair Tali was sitting in was warped, her hands clenched so tight that Joker could see where the metal was bending violently under her grip, to say nothing of how the metal squealed for mercy as her legs were kicking the metal support under the chair, the metal warping with each firm kick.
Tali took a deep breath, her face still empty of expression as she slowly released her grip on the chair, stood up, and turned around, looking down at the chair she'd warped in her silent rage for a long moment.
An unholy screech of rage and pain roared through the room as Tali slammed her foot down into the chair, the metal giving up any remaining resistance as it cracked into pieces, a couple pieces flying apart, making Joker shudder as one of them nearly hit him in the eye, flying to imbed itself into the wall.
The metal pieces that had shattered under Tali's rage shattered further and further, her feet crushing the metal into further pieces as Tali's empty expression shifted into grief and rage, tears falling down her face as she eventually stopped attacking.
"I need to go to the Medbay. Excuse me." Tali's voice cracked as she spoke, her feet bleeding all over the floor as she seemed to not notice, no pain in her expression as she limped out of the room, her bloody footprints visible on the floor.
"So, anyone still think she's fine?" Wrex said dryly, staring at where Tali had lost her shit on her chair.
"Wrex. I don't think anyone here thinks that." Garrus said dryly in return, his mandibles barely moving, looking stunned.
"I need to go." Ashley said suddenly, standing up as she left the room, probably following after Tali, Joker assumed.
"Tali would've been a terrifying female Krogan." Wrex muttered to himself, and Joker was amused to see Wrex looking shaken and relieved.
"Between the rage she clearly had toward her dad or the way she tore into the chair as if it was her dad?" Kaiden asked dryly.
"Both." Wrex said curtly.
"I, for one, think I should give Jenkins a heads up before he thinks one of us hurt Tali's feelings." Joker found himself saying, grimacing as the rest of the room looked at Joker.
"Godspeed, Joker." Kaiden said solemnly.
"Hey! Jenkins won't shoot the messenger. I, I think." Joker found himself doubting what he was saying even as he said it.
"Any flowers? For the closed funeral we'll need to do? You know, just in case?" Garrus said almost morbidly.
"Blue flowers, red thorns. Shrek is, and always will be, my favorite movie." Joker said honestly, shivering as he realized he just volunteered himself to tell Jenkins everything that went down.
Goodbye, universe, I had a good run. Too bad I never got laid. There's always my next life. Hopefully. Joker thought to himself morbidly.
Spoiler: Author Edit
For those of you wondering why this seems out of left field, this is actually a part of Tali's character arc.
See, in ME2, Tali's father is dead no matter what you do, so Tali's feelings regarding her father is left unresolved, which is actually surprisingly realistic. Life rarely allows closure.
Tali has a serious martyr complex on top of an inferiority complex. The martyr complex is gone, since her people is safe and she's done her duty to her people, but the unresolved nature of her childhood, or lack thereof, rears it's head, in particular as she unknowingly spills the beans on herself while comforting Garrus.
Bear in mind that Tali's upbringing isn't that uncommon for her people. Survival is the name of the game for the Migrant Fleet, and their culture shifted to reinforce that. However, that doesn't mean she's not negatively impacted by that kind of environment either, especially as, unlike most Quarians, she had no support network outside of Shala'Raan, who herself is an Admiral. She's just now unpacking this because she's, a, being forced to confront it, and b, she's in a safe space where that mentality isn't being reinforced.
All told, I hope you guys enjoyed the chapter. Let me know what you think!
Chapter 75
I was about to fall asleep when I hear knocking against my door. I groaned as I got back up, sitting up as I once again got dressed and walked over to the door, unlocking it.
"Joker?" I asked with surprise, as Joker really only needed to get me via the intercom in order to meet him at the cockpit. Joker looked nervous.
"Is everything alright? Come in." I waved him in, pointing at the modified computer chair I'd re-assembled, opting to sit on the bed. Joker came in, but didn't sit down, standing nervously.
"Joker, I'm not going to bite your head off. Whatever happened, we can fix it." I said gently, trying to ease the poor man's stress. Joker didn't look any less uneasy, if anything, looking even more pale and terrified.
"I, uh, I need you to promise me you won't lose your shit." Joker said slowly, and my stomach dropped as Joker looked terrified.
"Did something happen with Tali? The Nerve Gear should be cross-compatible with any sentient organism." I made to stand up, but was surprised when Joker raised his arms, as if to stop me from leaving. I frowned.
"Joker, what happened? Did a fight break out among the crew?" I stated, trying to figure out what was causing Joker to freak out like this. A fight should in theory be impossible, what with the [Everything Just Works] Perk, but I wouldn't be surprised if a spar went out of hand. It has happened before.
"Promise me. Please." Joker asked, almost begging. I took a deep breath, reluctant. I didn't like giving promises, I preferred to keep my word, so whatever happened, must have been bad. Maybe Shepard got injured wrestling Wrex? Joker knows I had a crush on Shepard for a while, even if those feelings pretty much pale in comparison to my relationship with Tali.
"I promise. Now, spill." I ordered.
Joker's shoulders sagged. "Okay, Jenkins, what do you know about Tali's childhood? Her life before the Normandy?" Joker suddenly asked, making me feel confused.
"I know that life in the Migrant Fleet was pretty much geared toward survival. Skill above all else on the Migrant Fleet, but you already know that. Tali didn't mention any friends or anything, but, admittedly, I never asked. I didn't want to pry open old wounds if her childhood friends died from an infection or from being spaced." I grimaced, remembering how old those ships were.
"I just gave her the same courtesy that you guys gave me. None of you guys bring up my parents, or Eden Prime, or my friends before the Normandy, and none of you asked. We are the Alliance, after all. Deaths, injuries, and tragedies aren't uncommon with us. Don't ask, don't tell, kind of thing, right?" I raised an eyebrow.
Joker's face turned pink, looking ashamed. "I, yeah. That's true. Okay," Joker grimaced for a moment, before slowly speaking, closing his eyes and looking away from me, "Tali was neglected by her father. Unless it had to do with the Migrant Fleet, he didn't really spend any time with her outside of his capacity as an Admiral. From what Tali said, it sounds like her dad just buried himself in his work after her mom died, and never recovered." Joker spoke quietly.
I grimaced. "Well, shit. You were right to ask me for that promise." I said slowly, shaking my head for a moment. As a leader, I couldn't just go flying off the handle from a bad statement or second hand information. I needed details and preferably I wanted to hear them from Tali.
"Was she abused? Physically? Sexually? Did they starve her?" I asked in a monotone voice.
Joker shook his head. "I don't think so. Tali never mentioned anything like that. Just that her father was never around, and this came up because Garrus asked if you had something to do with his father messaging him and asking about him. Tali mentioned that, even if it was out of guilt, at least Garrus' father messaged him about something unrelated to the mission."
At any other time, I would've enjoyed the moment of feeling success in getting Gaius to make the first move to reach out to Garrus, though I noted mentally it was not an apology. It was a start, at least, and now the ball was in Garrus' court, so to speak.
"The Migrant Fleet has been in exile for around 300 years now. I would not be surprised if their culture and their upbringing was changed effectively overnight just to survive. I can't comment on Tali's father, because I'm not a Quarian. For all I know, that could well be how Quarians in general are raised in today's day and age, it would not surprise me. Knowing the Krogan, for example, Tali had it very easy in comparison to surviving in a world like Tuchanka." I said slowly, still in a monotone expression.
Joker looked surprised. "Oh. I, uh, I didn't see it that way. None of us did." Joker admitted, notably still not looking me in the eye. "We probably overreacted on Tali's behalf, I guess. We'll need to apologize to her." Joker said with some regret.
I breathed out slowly. "No. None of you will apologize." I said quietly, and Joker looked at me in the eye with my response, looking stunned at my response.
"Tali's upbringing may be normal for Quarians, but Tali isn't a normal Quarian. She was the daughter of an Admiral who just lost her mother and, effectively, her father as well. If she had no friends or confidants to speak of, than she grew up traumatized and alone, emotionally and mentally starved of affection, something that, based off of my knowledge and inferences, should have led to many suicide attempts until one was successful." I said frostily, carefully keeping my voice neutral.
"Apologizing to Tali for overreacting will only make her believe her father's actions, or rather, the lack thereof, was the right thing to do, and will attempt to rationalize it for herself as a necessary evil, ruining any progress that could be made for Tali having to confront her lack of a childhood and learning to grow healthy self-coping mechanisms instead of burying it all until she snaps one day for apparently 'no reason'." I said calmly, trying to explain the thought process.
Joker slowly nodded, looking stunned. "Shit, I hadn't thought of that." Joker admitted quietly.
"Trauma is hard, and Tali isn't human. Even if she acts a lot like us, she could well be different. I'm just working off of inferences and from the knowledge she told me about how her people operate. The entire Migrant Fleet have been going against their instincts, against their desires, focusing solely on survival at the expense of living, and that means the entire Quarian people will need an outlet to let loose their feelings in a productive manner, one where they can lash out without harming themselves or their loved ones, and allowing them to process how to move forward as a society." I said softly.
Joker's jaw dropped as his mouth gaped slightly, his eyes widening. "That's why the-." I inclined my head.
"Yes, that's why the Nerve Gear. Partially so I could revisit my childhood games and enjoy them in a new way that everyone can enjoy, but, more importantly, a way to let the Quarian people heal, and the Krogan, and the Turians, and arguably even the Ardat-Yakshi. The galaxy is filled with people who have been living with traumas and scars, and most of them carry those scars, often unintentionally lashing out at the galaxy, perpetuating the cycle, even if they never realize it."
"Holy shit. You gave the entire Galaxy therapy in a video game console." Joker muttered, his eyes staring at mine with awe and an unknown emotion. I shrugged.
"Life is tough, cruel, and unfair. The best thing we can do, is level the playing field by making it unfair in our favor. I want you to tell everyone to give Tali some space, a few days so she can unpack her feelings, no doubt complex as they are, and I'll be there to keep an eye on her to keep her from doing anything drastic, and distract her with Star Wars. Something new for her to sink her teeth into, and something familiar, so she can put her hands to work on learning the schematics and designs of every ship in Star Wars, knowing Tali, while I help her pick up some healthy coping mechanisms so she can realize that she is enough, exactly the way she is, and that her flaws are just as important as her strengths." I said firmly.
Joker nodded, surprising with a salute. "Aye, sir. I'm on it." My eyes narrowed as Joker broke the salute after a moment, chuckling with a mixture of amusement in my annoyance and relief. "You're taking this way better than I thought you would." Joker admitted.
I smiled coldly. "Joker, my friend. Anger can be hot or cold. As swift and erratic as a fire, coming and going, or as icy and immovable as a glacier. Make no mistake. I'm livid as hell. But not with you, and not with the crew. Lashing out at people who did nothing to earn my wrath is unproductive and wasteful of time and energy. Don't worry, I'll think of suitable punishments for Tali's father, even if I have to make sure he lives and remains relatively intact for Tali's sake. You have your orders."
Joker nodded sharply, looking determined as he spun around and left, the door sliding shut.
Neglect Tali, will you? Oh, don't think you're off the hook just because I need you to be alive and mentally stable enough to apologize and beg for Tali's forgiveness, Rael'Zorah. My thoughts swirled darkly as the Force snarled within me, a swirling storm of negative emotions and half-thought ideas.
My smile widened sharply as I reached out mentally, the Force eagerly aiding me as I once again left my body, piercing through the Galaxy as my mind touched upon Rael'Zorah's sleeping mind, whispering nightmares and horrors, feeling a sense of dark satisfaction as Rael squirmed in discomfort, finding himself tied up on a chair as Tali and her mother's naked forms yelled and moaned as I pleasured them in equal bliss, enjoying the way Rael's mind practically tried to flee screaming into awareness, trying to wake up, and failing.
Oh yes, this is just the start of what I'm going to do to you, Rael. You have no idea how much you've fucked up, and though you won't remember these dreams consciously, I'll enjoy knowing your own mind will torture you without you knowing why.
The Force preened next to me as I 'pet' her, crooning about how good she was doing, and sharing my gratitude in her helping me give Rael the punishment he deserves, or at leas the punishment I was able to give him. Oh, I couldn't wait for Rael to put on the Nerve Gear. I had plans for him.
The Force purred and hummed with delight at my praise, making me smile as I withdrew from Rael's mind. Those dreams would last until I removed them from his subconscious, so I didn't need to spend the time to do it every time he slept. His mind would do all the work for me.
Chapter 76
Tali was silent as Dr. Chakwas looked her over one final time.
"Your feet have been repaired, thanks to the combination of medigel and stimpaks. Muscle tearing is gone, no scar tissue seems to have developed. Are you still not willing to say what happened, Tali?" Dr. Chakwas asked quietly, observing as Tali silently shook her head once more.
"Did Jenkins lash out at you?" Dr. Chakwas asked even softer now, and Tali's eyes widened as she spoke up immediately.
"No! Jenkins would never." Tali exclaimed with a horrified tone in her voice, before her face turned a deep purple as Tali had to think about it for a moment.
"At least, not to hurt me." She mumbled, feeling a little embarrassed as Dr. Chakwas didn't even bat an eye, nodding to herself.
"Good. I was sure that wasn't the case, but as a doctor, it is my job to ask. As for any… rough activities, I will say this first and foremost." She said seriously, looking down at Tali as Tali looked up at her, shivering as she did so.
"If there is anything going up the butt, use a flared base. Lots of lubricant. More than you'd think. Drink lots of water. Use safety words. Research about the dangers of any activities, and do not push those boundaries. It's not uncommon for some humans to die by auto-erotic asphyxiation." Dr. Chakwas said seriously, and Tali knew her face must have caught on fire because it felt like it as she nodded repeatedly, her embarrassment skyrocketing.
Dr. Chakwas snorted. "Dear, I'm a doctor. I've seen and dealt with things so absurd that it takes a lot to phase me. Just, heed my advice. It's all fun and games until someone has to go to the Medbay because they accidentally fell on their bottled water container." Tali's mouth gaped at that, her eyes widening in horror before she slowly nodded, her face still feeling like it was on fire.
"Now, I just need to ask this for the report. was this a self-inflicted injury or did a crew member hurt you?" Dr. Chakwas asked seriously.
Tali grimaced. "I did." She admitted reluctantly. Dr. Chakwas, to her credit, didn't react more than nodding to herself and typing something on her omnitool.
"Alright. Unless this becomes a repeatable event, I can write it off as an accident. However, if this becomes a continual issue, I will need to start administering methods of treatment, whether that means finding a drug to calm you down during your… moments, or through some form of therapy, be it verbal or otherwise." Dr. Chakwas warned, and Tali reluctantly nodded.
"I'll pay the credits for the chair I broke." Tali said with determination. "It's the least I could do for losing my temper." She added.
Dr. Chakwas laughed, shaking her head as she sat down on the chair next to her computer. "Oh my, I needed that laugh, Tali." She giggled, shaking her head again slightly. "You'll do no such thing. The Normandy, like all Alliance vessels, has pretty much insurance on the entire thing from top to bottom. So long as it's not being taken apart to be sold as scrap metal, the Alliance is required by law to replace everything, and that's if Jenkins doesn't get his hands on it first!" She snickered.
"I, oh." Tali sagged, feeling a little defeated in realizing that she couldn't just pretend everything was fine by paying for her outburst. She winced as she was well aware that, on any Quarian ship, her antics would have seen her lectured and likely forced to go do menial work until she regained the trust of the Captain, because her temper could have cost everyone their lives at the wrong moment.
She wasn't even sure why she had lost her temper so quickly. Just, imagining her Jenkins going through what she did broke something in her chest. She shuddered almost violently.
Jenkins was stronger than her. Her father would have loved to have Jenkins in her place, if he'd been born a Quarian. The perfect son, able to fix everything with ease, improving things without a second thought, but there was also things about Jenkins that she knew would not have been allowed on the Migrant Fleet.
Where Tali struggled to rise to her father's desires and the needs of the Migrant Fleet, Jenkins would have struggled to stay within the needs and expectations of her father and the Migrant Fleet. Jenkins thought so far outside the box that under the wrong Captain, Jenkins would have been exiled and left abandoned on a planet in mere weeks.
She had gotten so pissed off, because she knew in her heart that Jenkins would never have stayed, not like she did. Jenkins didn't have loyalty to a people, but to the individuals, to the sole members he gave his loyalty to, not to an entire race. Her father's biting remarks and lectures tinged with worry about her survival and capacity to be what the Migrant Fleet would not have been met with any attempt to try and do better by her people if Jenkins had been in her place.
Jenkins would have abandoned the Migrant Fleet, not even bothering to wait for Pilgrimage, as she knew some Quarians simply refused to return to the Migrant Fleet after seeing and feeling how different the galaxy was, for better or for worse.
Jenkins would leave, never to return. He would create a cure for her people, he would find a new home planet, but never would he ever consider the Migrant Fleet or it's people home. To him, they would be simply baggage, something he helped more so out of obligation for the Quarian friends he did care about, not because he wanted to.
She whimpered as she could see it in her mind's eye. Jenkins standing coldly, confidently, before the entire Admiralty Board.
"Do you have any words to say for yourself, Jenkins'Zorah?"
"The Admiralty Board is a disgrace to the Quarian People, our Ancestors would hate all of you, and, actually, my name is just Jenkins. I have no desire to share the same name as the scum who couldn't even bother trying to connect with me as his son. All he cares about, all he talked about, is the Migrant Fleet. Well, guess what, dad? You can have it, and that's all you'll ever have. Goodbye."
She didn't know how everyone would react to that, but she was torn between the hopeful bitter imaginings of her father rushing to try and apologize to Jenkins, because Ancestors knows he'd never apologize to her, and the realistic grim outlook that Rael would do nothing, standing there in silent disappointment as his son left the Migrant Fleet, a failure in the end.
Her heart broke as she could almost see the stoic expression on Jenkins' face crack as soon as he got on the shuttle, never to return to the place he grew up in, never to see the friends he cared so deeply about, the grief and bitterness on his face as tears fell down his face.
Tali didn't even try to imagine that she'd stand by him. Tali, at that point in time, would have been silently hurting, but standing by the Migrant Fleet, trying to do right by her people, even as all she wanted to do was to scream and run after Jenkins, duty be damned.
That's what made her snap. Not the horrible treatment Jenkins went through, because she knew her Jenkins was immovable, unstoppable, and would emerge out of anything that was thrown his way so much stronger than she ever could, but the idea that she would choose the Migrant Fleet over him, even in this hypothetical scenario, made Tali want to lash out in absolute rage, having pictured the chair to be the other Tali, to give her the kick she needed to realize that the Migrant Fleet meant nothing, less than nothing, without her mate by her side.
Her mind wrenched from the horrific what-if, coming back to present as she saw Ashley being stopped by Joker right outside the Medbay, Joker calmly talking to Ashley, his face unusually serious. She cursed the fact that she couldn't read human languages, as Ashley seemed to be shaken by whatever Joker said before nodding solemnly once and leaving.
"Ah, Jenkins says he's on his way over. Unless whatever you have going on is likely to come up during a mission, I won't mention anything to Jenkins, unless you'd like me to." Dr. Chakwas said kindly, as Tali grimaced.
"I would like to tell him myself. He deserves to know of what happened, and why I reacted the way I did. It's my fault for overreacting." She admitted quietly, as Dr. Chakwas nodded.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, Jenkins walked in through the Medbay door, nodding to Dr. Chakwas, before looking over Tali with a critical eye, making Tali's face feel like it was on fire again as she couldn't help but arch her back a little, smiling shyly as she saw Jenkins' reaction to her silent flirting with a slight smirk, shaking his head.
"Looks like you're physically alright, Tali. Mind coming with me for a private moment? Is she good enough to go, Dr. Chakwas?" Jenkins asked, Tali shivering as she loved the way his eyes seemed to trace over her frame, making her want to strip naked for him so he could get as much of a show as he wanted.
Dr. Chakwas sighed. "She's good to go. Remember my advice, Tali." She said, and Tali bit back the urge to cover her face in her hands as she knew Dr. Chakwas likely saw the whole thing. It was good advice though. She made a mental note to remember what Dr. Chakwas said.
She squeaked as Jenkins picked her up, her eyes widening as he stood up, carrying her in his arms as if she weighed nothing. "Jenkins! I can walk!" Tali said, before whatever else she was going to say melted as Jenkins looked down at her, his face so close to hers.
"I know. I wanted to carry you, so I will. Consider it boyfriend privileges." Jenkins said confidently, a smile on his face that Tali melted over, her face burning as she kissed him on the cheek, refusing to look anyone in the eye as Jenkins carried her to the elevator, sighing as she could feel and hear Jenkins' chuckling.
"So, I heard someone wasn't a fan of the chairs on the Normandy? If you wanted a new one, I could've made you one." Jenkins said jokingly, making Tali squirm as she realized she couldn't escape if she was in his arms.
"Sorry." She mumbled, with Jenkins snorting.
"You're fine. I can make that chair better than new. I think you've had a lot going on emotionally, and I wanted to show off the new thing I made, and a childhood video game I played a lot as a kid." Jenkins said freely.
Tali couldn't help but tilt her head. "What's a 'video game'?" She murmured. Did humans have so much entertainment?
"You'll see." Jenkins promised, and Tali nodded, trusting Jenkins as the elevator came to a stop. She wiggled as Jenkins sat down on the bed, not seeming interested in the slightest in letting her out of his lap as he passed her a glowing blue band.
"That's a new invention by 'Omni-Corp'." She snorted, hearing the quotation marks as Jenkins snickered while saying the name of the company. "It's called the Nerve Gear. Put it on like this." Jenkins demonstrated by taking his copy, which she idly noticed looked glowing white instead of blue, and putting on over his forehead, the band stretching smoothly over skin and hair without any issues.
She tentatively did the same, gasping as she could feel a voice whisper in the back of her mind.
" Nerve Gear Initialization In Progress. VIP User Recognized."
The voice changed, becoming familiar.
"Hey, Tali. I'm a copy of Jenkins in a Virtual Intelligence format. Let me give a run down about the Nerve Gear, what it does, and then get you started up in a galaxy far, far, away."
Tali's face burned as she found herself licking her lips. Oh, Ancestors. One Jenkins was amazing enough, but the things I could do with two Jenkins? Her throat gave a low rumbling noise as she took a deep breath, the smell of Jenkins so close to her and the wild fantasies running through her mind making her so very soaked.
"Well, I don't know if you're that flexible, but I like the enthusiasm." Jenkins' voice said in the back of her head, making Tali's face burn again.
'Real life Jenkins can't see my thoughts! No peeking!' She whined mentally.
"Are you sure about that?" Jenkins' voice echoed as both the one in the back of her mind and the one holding her in arms spoke at the same time.
"Oh, no. Please tell me I said that out loud." Tali begged, her face burning so hot as Jenkins gave an evil smile, slowly shaking his head.
'Oh Ancestors, not even my mind is safe from his reach now.' Her mouth felt dry as she licked her lips. 'Why does it turn me on that my mate can read my mind?'
Jenkins raised an eyebrow, his grin widening as Tali immediately said out loud. "Don't answer that." She muttered, feeling embarrassed.
"Nerve Gear Initialization Complete, Tali. Booting up the lobby." Jenkins' voice in the back of her head chirped, and she gasped as found herself standing up right, in a chamber of some sort.
The windows outside the chambers showed what must have been dozens of flying vehicles, making Tali shiver as she realized that she could feel the fabric under her feet. She could smell the air, even if it didn't smell like much at the moment.
"Welcome to the Nerve Gear, Tali'Zorah. The first Full Dive Video Game Console." Jenkins' voice echoed through the room, but he wasn't physically present.
"This is incredible!" Tali exclaimed with awe, seemingly trying to take everything in. She wasn't worried about anything going wrong: if Jenkins was giving her something like this, he probably tested it to hell and back just in case.
"Thank you. Now, let me give the same speech I gave the others…" Jenkins voice continued speaking as Tali paid attention.
Of course, my mate would create an entire new technology never seen before just to share one of his childhood dreams with me. It's way over the top, but that's to be expected. I wonder how realistic everything will be? Knowing Jenkins, he likely created a whole field of technology that could work in real life, even if it shouldn't. Tali thought to herself exasperatedly, shaking her head in amusement.
Chapter 77
I had to admit, watching Tali run around, wanting to examine and study all the things, made me smile.
The Force seemed to be as equally excited, but for a different reason.
I brought her to the 'modern era', advising her to enjoy the decade or so of peace before the events of the Clone Wars began.
Right now, Tali was frustrated, scowling. "What am I missing?" She hissed, struggling to meditate as the Jedi insisted she did in order to connect to the Force.
"Meditation works differently for everyone. For some, it could mean sitting still and letting your mind wander, releasing the thoughts swirling around, just recognizing not to dwell on anything. For others, combat and spars is their meditation, their minds relaxing as they fight, their body in motion while their minds are free of the normal clutter they have to sort through just to exist." I said quietly, smiling as Tali gave up meditating when I spoke.
"Meditation, at it's core, is all about releasing yourself from the constraints of the body. How you do that, is up to you." I said calmly.
"How do you meditate?" Tali immediately asked, her glowing eyes curious. Despite the character customization, Tali had chosen to stay as herself, staying a Quarian while opting into becoming a Jedi.
I thought about it for a moment. "I have many methods. Meditation through thinking is a big one. Casting my mind into all the ways to build something, how to improve it, change it. Combat was only if I had an appropriate outlet. Killing an ally is a waste of resources. However, I'll admit, the biggest one is this."
I took apart a chair and remade it in less than an instant, the chair somehow softer, more comfortable.
"Creation. Construction. It is my greatest method. I find a quiet joy in focusing on how to make something better, letting my hands work as my mind ponders bigger things." I admitted quietly.
Before the [Celestial Forge, the old me didn't meditate. Why? After all, the old me rushed head long into everything, eager to be helpful, eager to make his mark. The heart had been in the right place, but that same tendency would have killed me, back on Eden Prime.
Tali nodded, her eyes lighting up as she stood up. "Can we go build something? I think that'd really help." Tali asked me, and I nodded.
As a Learner, Tali was effectively under the authority of the Council, but all of them knew better than to interfere.
One of the few Perks as the Creator of Star Wars: Online. Administrator privileges. I had the universe Tali was in to be heavily modified in my favor, something I had admitted to Tali upfront about.
"The Force, it feels different around the Jedi Council. Even around Yoda. Muted. Why?" Tali asked curiously as we walked to one of the workshop chambers in the Jedi Temple.
"The Force does not separate between Light and Dark. It simply is. The Sith shape the Force, commanding it to yield and bend, treating the Force as something to be controlled. The Jedi treat the Force as an omnipresent entity, a God, and place it on a pedestal, cautioning against any ideas around trying to understand or appreciate the Force." I said softly.
"The Sith can never conquer the Force. How does one think that by capturing water in a bottle, that they can tame the ocean?" I scoffed derisively. Tali was silent, hanging on every word.
"The reason the Force feels muted, is because the Jedi have trained themselves so vigorously to shed all attachments and emotions, that they are unknowingly severing their understanding and connection to the Force." Tali froze, looking horrified.
"Keelah! That's insane! They're not machines!" Tali said with horror.
I nodded grimly. "They do the same with the young ones. Remember, they considered Anakin, who must have been around perhaps 7 or 8, too old to become a Jedi. They separate children from their families, primarily to sever their attachments and train them at a younger age the 'right way to use the Force'."
Tali looked sick, her face pale as she shuddered. "Oh, Ancestors, they're monsters!" She whispered.
I winced. "Tali, it's not that they're monsters. They're slaves. All of them, especially the Jedi Council, have enslaved themselves to their Code. Their Oath. Most of them will never even be able to live a normal life, even if we tried to have them see the truth, because the truth would break them. I can only name a handful of people in the entire Jedi Order that are capable of realizing this. Qui-Gonn Jinn, Plo Koon, Anakin Skywalker, and maybe Obi-Wan Kenobi. It took the fall of the Republic and the destruction of the Jedi Order for Yoda to realize where he went wrong." I said grimly.
Tali's horror mixed with a sense of outrage, an underlying sense of determination and will hardening into steel.
"It doesn't matter their trauma. What they do to the younglings will never be justified, no matter what they themselves went through. It's still wrong." Tali said firmly, her eyes narrowing at me. "We must help them."
I smiled. "How would we do that?" I asked curiously. This was Tali's instance. Her show, so to speak.
"Where do the younglings go, when they're not picked by a Jedi Master or by a Jedi Knight?" Tali asked hesitantly, her eyes glazing over, as if thinking of a plan.
"The Service Corp. They'll never be allowed to wield a lightsaber or learn any further teachings of the Force, but they offer humanitarian aid and services. It can range from the medical sector to agriculture, but its really grunt work. Menial labor. For the few who choose it, they can instead return to their home planets, but as at least a decade separates them from their families, they often end up estranged, isolated, from their former communities. The Jedi don't teach the life skills or culture that a Leaner would have grown up in if they had not been Force Sensitive, Tali." I said solemnly.
Tali's eyes narrowed before slowly nodding, an idea occurring to her. "You'll teach me everything about the Force." Tali stated, and I nodded. That was a given.
"Then we'll establish our own Order. The Order of the Force. No Light, no Dark, just, the Force. Free to teach, learn, study, for all who wish to understand the Force." Tali declared.
"What about those who abuse what we teach?" I asked curiously.
Tali snorted. "As if you'd let them live if they tried." She said bluntly, and I grinned at the Quarian, feeling my heart skip a beat at how gorgeous she was when she was confident.
"I love you. And you're right. Baby steps though. Meditation by building cool shit first." I said with a grin as Tali's eyes lit up with excitement as we finished our walk to the workshop chamber, the door silently opening to reveal a lot of metal and spare parts, circuits on the shelves.
Tali walked in first, and I could feel the [Celestial Forge] lunging to grab a Perk, successfully pulling it down into me.
[You Can't See Me] immediately kicked in so that way neither Tali nor the Nerve Gear would pick up the sheer insanity of the Perks I just got. Yes, Perks. Plural.
[Hestia's Hearth] was a surprising one, the Perk seeming to radiate a sense of security and warmth, coinciding with [Everything Just Works]. From what I could tell, it basically strengthened the emotional ties others had toward me or anyone I cared about. Not enough to influence them in a huge way, but enough that they wouldn't waver in their feelings without a major event, and those who cared deeply would find their resolve unshakeable, unable to be moved by all but betrayal from the ones they cared about.
I could feel Tali's love for me, not just through the Force, but by the Perk, making me silently relax as I 'basked' in the warmth, the love, the adoration, the joy, and safety between us. It was incredible.
[Poseidon's Navigation] was equally surprising. The certainty to know where I was, where I was going, was huge. Especially because I could feel the Perk's range was far beyond just the ocean of water. Space, dimensions, time, all of it was open to me, my certainty of when and where I was being immovable.
Then, the big one. The surprising one, but perhaps I shouldn't have been.
[Child of Tyche]. I was now a Demigod of Lady Luck, Chance, and that was no small thing, because luck was chance, probabilities, the universe itself only existed by luck, and Luck wasn't simply an immovable force of nature.
Luck was the counter to Fate. Luck was to stare at the certainty, the inevitability, of Fate, and march forward anyways, to choose to act even in spite of Fate.
I could feel it, the domain of Luck, it's ripples echoing through time and space. It wouldn't surprise me if I had been given the [Celestial Forge] in part by sheer Luck.
I smiled as I saw Tali eagerly grabbing materials, relaxing as I enjoyed the love, lust, and excitement I could feel radiating from Tali.
Spoiler: Perks This Chapter
Minor Blessings Unnatural Skill/Divine Child (Percy Jackson) (700CP)
Minor blessings (100CP)
For one reason or another you've got a god who cares slightly about you and has seen fit to grant you some minor boon within their domains. Choose one god from any pantheon and gain a minor boon from them. The god will care slightly about you but unless you go on to further distinguish yourself it will be more of a minor interest in your affairs than someone they feel the need to help (Effectively think a diminished version of one ability a demigod might have, think minor ones are stuff along the lines of breathing water, lucid dreaming, or appropriate vague extra senses, useful but nothing especially major). This can be taken multiple times.
[Hestia's Hearth/Blessing of Home:
Those connected to you, be it by blood, camaraderie, or beliefs, cannot easily be swayed against those connections, unless they are betrayed by those same connections.
Unnatural Skill (200CP)
Whether from your heritage or just being that good you've got one particular mundane skill that your feats which border on supernatural. Whether you're a smith on the level of the Cyclopes, a near prescient tactician or a swordsman who is nigh unstoppable with a blade your feats will be legendary. You are on a level within your skill such that only other beings of legend can hope to match you. This may be taken multiple times. You may not choose magic but you may choose a particular application of magic if you have it already (so curses, enchanting might work, more specific gets a bigger boost).
[Poseidon's Navigation/Blessing of Navigation:
To sail into the unknown territory, you must first know where you are, where you came from, and where you're trying to go. Navigating through dangerous waters and unknown territories will be akin to second nature to you.
Divine Child (400CP)
You are the direct child of a god of your associated pantheon and gain various benefits from this. You gain lesser manifestations of your parent's domains as well as generally being better than an ordinary mortal. You may take most any god as your parent but to take one of the heads of a pantheon as a parent you must take the "Fate finds you interesting" drawback receiving no points for it (you can also do this with a lesser god to get greater powers). Generally this will give you insight into and some control over your divine parent's domains, a son of Poseidon for example can control water and ships, talk to horses, cause minor earthquakes and is empowered within water.
[Child of Tyche/Divine Child of Tyche:
A demigod of the 'Minor' Goddess Tyche, the Goddess of Prosperity, Fortune, and Chance. Most Demigods of Tyche have minor probability manipulation, usually associated with games of Chance, but the strongest among her children have been said to be capable of bending and even breaking the Prophecies weaved by the Three Fates, though with the side effect of not being able to know the consequences for doing so.
All children of Tyche cannot be seen by Prophecies nor Foresight, their very nature being unpredictable, and cannot be Cursed by others, due to Tyche's Domain of Prosperity. The few children of Tyche who learn magic are said to be far better Curse Breakers than most, excluding the Children of Hecate herself.
CP Remaining: 1,200
Chapter 78
"Arguably, Omni-Corp has become a monopoly and should be forced to share their technological discoveries for the public!" A volus argued in front of the Citadel Council.
Gaius' mandibles quivered furiously. "How is this worth the Council's time?" He hissed with frustration.
The volus' took a deep breath before continuing. "Councilor… Udina… The galaxy deserves to have an equal chance to use this technology! Think of the inventions and discoveries we may never realize!" The volus pointed angrily at Councilor Udina, who looked amused by the volus' antics.
"Omni-Corp has broken no laws, and everything was filed accordingly. The Nerve Gear itself is under trademark, but the technology behind it's construction is perfectly viable, and is technically open to the public." Udina said bluntly.
The volus snarled. "We… both know… that is… a lie! No one has yet to be able to reconstruct the Nerve Gear, even using the schematics! No factories have the requisite tools, and the schematics themselves are nothing without the principle research on how to build the tools to build it!"
Udina shrugged. "If you're asking for a free factory, or for the Omni-Corp to give up what it successfully invented, the answer is the same either way: No. The volus will have to try recreating and building the Nerve Gear with the provided schematics, or not at all." Udina said bluntly.
The volus shook furiously before speaking darkly. "Then I have nothing else to say for today. Thank you for your time, Citadel Councilors." The volus hissed and left.
As the volus left the chamber, Gaius groaned. "How many more meetings are scheduled for today?" The mandibles twitched as Tevos looked equally annoyed.
"At least three more, but we can table any further discussions concerning Omni-Corp for today. As it is, I'm surprised by how many of them just seem to expect us to give them the technology for free so they can make their own versions." Udina said freely, sitting back and drinking a glass of water.
Valern snorted. "That's because the Alliance came forward with medigel and practically handed it out for free for the galaxy to recreate. The galaxy hasn't realized it wasn't a freebie, it was the Alliance's way of saying 'we could turn this into a universal weapon of mass destruction if we wanted to'."
Udina's face twitched into a small grin, but said nothing, placing the glass of water back down on the table.
Tevos spoke up, looking curiously at Gaius. "I'm surprised you didn't jump in the volus' defense considering you haven't been fond of Omni-Corp." She stated, an unspoken question in her tone, asking what changed without saying it out loud.
Gaius' mandibles quivered, looking away as he coughed. "I was wrong." He muttered, and the rest of the Council froze in response. Gaius' eyes narrowed.
"What? I can admit when I'm wrong, you know!" Gaius' grumbled as Udina immediately refilled his water, and stared at it very carefully.
"What are you doing, Udina?" Valern asked curiously.
"I'm checking to see if Hell froze over. After all, everyone likes to say that we politicians are from Hell, so I wanted to see if my drink froze." Udina said seriously for a moment, before snickering as he sipped from his second glass of water, with Valern and Tevos suppressing a smile at what they realized was Udina joking around.
Gaius' snorted. "Laugh it up all you want, hu-, Udina," Gaius amended his speech immediately, "Spectre Jenkins tore me apart verbally when I tried to call him with admittedly poor taste on my part. I realized I had misjudged the Spectre, and have decided to take a step back and observe his results rather than his actions, even if I don't necessarily agree with his methods." Gaius finished, looking at the rest of the Council as they nodded slowly.
"Jenkins may seem like he's overdoing it, but, from what I understand, he's been remarkably careful. From some of the reports in the past, after looking them over again from N7 Shepard, it sounds like Jenkins had his heart in the right place, even taking advantage of certain elements outside the Citadel Council and bringing them into the fold by aiding them. 'I scratch your back, so you scratch mine.'" Udina said with a wry grin.
Valern nodded thoughtfully. "That's true. The STG are still chasing rumors about the N8 for example, and haven't found a single member. No doubt they're just chasing shadows, but it's impressive when humanity is able to give us the run-around." Valern said with a grin, raising his glass of water to Udina with amusement.
Udina nodded back, raising his glass to Valern as well. "Humanity is a mixed bag a lot of the time. We can be arrogant, short-sighted, and we'll fight amongst ourselves before, during, and even after Hell breaks out, but, we unite against a common enemy. No one messes with us, except us, is a good way to put it, I suppose." Udina said dryly.
"So, for no reason, of course, how is your secretary handling your paperwork?" Gaius asked suddenly. Udina grinned.
"She's handling it marvelously, and so is her colleague, even if he's a little eccentric, but his heart is in the right place, and the two work together splendidly." Udina said gleefully. "I overlook everything just to make sure nothing critical is looked over without my signature, but otherwise, I get to go home only an hour after we stop taking in people to talk to us." He said smugly.
"Only an hour?" Gaius sputtered with disbelief. Udina nodded smugly.
"What are your assistant's names, if you don't mind asking? I may see about hiring another assistant or two, just to help, of course." Valern asked smoothly.
"Caroline and Cave Johnson. I personally recommend approaching Caroline. Cave Johnson can be a little… enthusiastic at times, often demanding those who try to mess with him to leave before he, quote, "burns their house down. With lemons." Not that he actually does it, but he seems to enjoy saying it." Udina said with amusement.
Turns out that the Droids' taking on some of the more eccentric fictional characters of humanity's older video games has some unintended glitches, though Udina often just took it to be the Droids' taking on the persona a little too enthusiastically, even if the Mr. Smith assured him that the glitches were ' cosmetic', so to speak.
Udina didn't mind. In fact, he really enjoyed it, especially giving Cave Johnson free reign to say as much as he wished when he got the rare caller trying to swindle or blackmail him. That's always fun to witness. Udina snickered.
"I'll be sure to take that under consideration." Valern nodded, as Udina reluctantly finished his second glass of water.
"Alright, let's see what this next person has to talk about." Udina muttered.
Spoiler: Celestial Forge Update
Some of you will have no doubt noticed the Magitech/Magic thing being thrown in, and honestly, it's because I realized that, after 70-ish Chapters in, I didn't need to worry about Jenkins rolling something ridiculous early on in the story, or at least nothing truly out of context, and decided to throw them back in. As always, there is no free stuff, anything he rolls he'd need to build or create himself.
Also, I'm debating if Jenkins' next world is Worm or Baldur's Gate 3, since I've been playing it excessively. *shrug* Other settings are also in consideration, such as WH-40K, but be aware that I know pretty much nothing on the setting aside from it being the Grimderp before Worm was a thing.
