The Bureau of Multiverse Affairs

by RedFrontWriter

Recruited by the mysterious Lutece twins, a band of heroes are sent on a mission to hunt down the sinister Professor Moriarty as he attempts to become the greatest criminal in the multiverse.

6. The Ghosts of Sevastopol Station

Chapter 5
The Ghosts of Sevastopol Station

With a gentle hiss, the airlock opened, and a silent darkness greeted the two teams.
Stepping forward, Shepard raised his M-76 Revenant machine gun and switched on its tactical torch, revealing a long, hexagon-shaped corridor. Casting the beam around, he saw boxes, tools and lengths of cable scattered across the floor, while several wall panels had been removed.

"Stay alert everyone," he ordered, "I don't like the look of this."
With Tali and Garrus at his side, Shepard advanced down the corridor at a steady pace, keeping the Revenant aimed straight ahead. Sherlock and his companions followed, while Benton's squad stayed a short distance behind. Before leaving the Normandy, each team member had been supplied with an electric torch and radio, allowing them to stay in contact anywhere on the station.

The further they went, the more discarded equipment they came across, as if people had abandoned their work halfway through.
"What on earth happened here?" said Sarah, looking around in puzzlement.
"Maybe they decided to take a tea break?" joked Benton, hoping it would take the edge off things.
"There's been a battle here," said Xena.
"What makes you say that?" asked Sherlock.
"This."

The warrior princess shone her torch on the floor, where a boxy revolver lay in a pool of dried blood.
"You think the station's crew were fighting the Cybermen?" Watson remarked.
"No," answered Sherlock, kneeling down and pointing his torch at the gun, "This blood is at least a few days old, you can tell by how it's dried."
"That must mean there is something else here," said Lestrade, "Something deadly."
"EDI?" said Shepard, activating his radio, "We may have hostiles on the station besides Moriarty's forces. Is there anything on the ship's systems about it?"

"It seems the station's computer was reprogrammed three weeks ago Commander," EDI replied, "Its primary purpose now is to protect something called, Specimen XX121, at all costs. All other considerations are secondary."
"What does that mean, 'All other considerations are secondary'?"
"Everything. Crew, live support, even its own systems."
"Sounds like a rogue AI," remarked Garrus."
"I do not believe so Mr. Vakarian," EDI replied, "From what I've learned, the changes in the computer directives were deliberately made by the station's owners."

"And who is that?"
"A company called Weyland-Yutani. They bought the station three weeks ago."
"A company buys a space station that's about to be decommissioned and radically changes its systems," said Lestrade, "This sounds suspicious."
"EDI, is there any information about this Specimen XX121?" asked the Doctor.
"There does not seem to be anything aside from the new directives. I believe Weyland-Yutani may have wiped any references when they purchased the station."

"That doesn't make any sense," said Sarah, "Why would they reprogram the computer to protect something and then destroy all information about it?"
"Because they don't want anyone else to know about it," replied Sherlock.
"Well, whatever this… specimen is, it's caused this station no end of trouble," said Xena, "Everyone keep your guard up, the last thing we want is to get ambushed."
"Agreed," said Shepard. Perhaps the sword-wielding princess could hold her own.

The teams carried on down the corridor. They passed a few doorways, all of which were locked, and some that were even welded together. EDI gave them directions, having them turn left at a cross-section, where they encountered signs of a fierce battle. Wall panels were peppered with bullet holes and blast marks, while brass casings lay across the floor. The corridor was also partly blocked with a pile of boxes and an overturned trolley.

"Looks like they were trying to build a defensive position," said Tali.
"Indeed Miss Vas Normandy," said Sherlock, "But a defence from what?"
"Perhaps it's that specimen?" suggested Benton.
"Surely a specimen couldn't cause something like this in a few weeks," said Sarah.
"The Sergeant may have a point," replied Sherlock. "After all, the term 'specimen' could mean any number of things, and we know that Weyland-Yutani wish to obscure what is going on here."

They climbed over the barricade and carried on. Eventually they came to a lit corridor that opened out into a room lined with lockers. Against one wall were two large doors, marked, TRANSIT.
"Shepard," came EDI's voice from the radio, "I've scanned the schematics of the station. The computer core and main power plant are in the same tower, Lorenz SysTech Spire, but the computer core can only be accessed by a secure transit system in the SciMed Tower. You should be able to use the station's rapid transit system to reach your objectives.
"I guess we're splitting up here," said Shepard, "Benton, you have your orders. Get to the computer core, stop Moriarty's forces, and try and get hold of one of their portal devices."
"Yes Commander," Benton replied.

He went to the door marked for the SciMed Tower and pressed a summon button.
Shepard meanwhile went to the other door, marked Lorenz SysTech Spire.
It was at that moment that a sound came from the ceiling, as if something hard was rubbing against a thin sheet of metal.
The team members raised their weapons, listening intently. After a few seconds, the sounds passed, but the tension did not.

"What was that?" whispered Sarah.
"Something deadly," said Xena, still watching the ceiling carefully.
A grumble of metal suddenly cut through the silence. Shepard spun around, but it was only the doors for the transit cars opening.
"You know, I think Joker might have a point about this place being designed to be as creepy as possible," remarked Garrus.
"I didn't know you were so easily scared Mr. Vakarian," Tali teased.

The young Quarian suddenly jumped as another grumble sounded out, signalling the second transit car's arrival.
"Well, at least I'm not alone in that regard," Garrus chuckled.
The two teams boarded their cars, with Shepard and Benton being the last to enter.
"Good luck," said Benton.
"The same to you," Shepard replied.
They activated their cars and the doors slid shut. The room was silent again, save for the sound of something moving in the ventilation shaft.

•

With a whoosh of magnets, the transit car shot forward. Taken by surprise, Benton grabbed hold of a handlebar and clung on for dear life. Sarah was not so fast and toppled backward, but was saved from falling by Gabrielle.
"Sorry about that," she said, regaining her balance.
"Don't worry about it," Gabrielle replied, "If we're going to be working together we should support each other, even literally sometimes."

Xena chuckled.
"You would have made a good court jester if you hadn't decided to follow me."
"I dunno about that Xena, I get nervous in front of a crowd."
"If you don't mind me asking," said Sarah, "Where are you from?"
"Hellas," answered the warrior princess.
"Hellas? I don't think I've heard of it."
"It's the ancient name for Greece," said the Doctor, who was standing in the middle of the car, perfectly balanced despite not holding anything.

"Ancient for you perhaps," remarked Xena.
"Indeed, though from what you said before, I believe your Hellas is very different from our own."
"Oh? What makes you say that, Doctor?"
"You spoke of gods before. Such things do not exist in our reality, they are merely the stuff of stories."
"They're definitely real where we come from," said Gabrielle, "We've met them more than enough times."

The sound of movement outside changed and the car began to slow.
"Looks like we're at the SciMed Tower," said Benton, looking around at his team.
He keyed the small radio Shepard had given him.
"Umm, hello? EDI? Would you be able to give us directions to that secure transit you talked about?"
"Certainly Sergeant," the AI replied, "I should also warn you; I have detected several anomalies in the SciMed Tower. It could be Moriarty's forces."
"Bring 'em on," said Xena, resting a hand on her sword, "I enjoy a challenge."

The car came to a halt, and the double doors opened with a hiss.
"Welcome to SciMed Tower," said an automated voice, "Reminder. Access to APOLLO Central transit is restricted to all personnel until further notice."
"I take it that's what we need," said Gabrielle.
"It is," said Benton, looking unsure.
"Not to worry," said the Doctor, "If the AI core is locked down, then it should be possible to unlock it."
"Are you sure about that?" said Benton, "Whatever's running this station has to be sophisticated."

The Doctor smiled.
"You're forgetting one thing Benton. Computers will always be sophisticated idiots. They can only do what you tell them to do at amazing speed."
Leaving the transit car, the team entered another room lined with lockers. It was more brightly lit than where they had entered, but still was deathly silent.
"Where is everybody?" said Gabrielle, looking around nervously, "A place like this should have hundreds of people around."

"EDI did say this… station, was running on a small crew," said Xena, "Even so, surely we should have met someone by now?"
"Perhaps they're in hiding?" suggested Sarah.
"I believe you're right Sarah," said the Doctor, "But that leaves the question of what they are hiding from."
She gulped. Sarah had faith in the Doctor to get her and the team out of this alive, but that did not make the station any less sinister.

"Let's just carry on," said Benton, keeping his submachine gun pressed against his shoulder, "Miss Xena, you keep us covered from the back."
"Yes Benton," the warrior replied, drawing a sword from her belt.
Following EDI's instructions, the team climbed a flight of stairs and passed through a series of corridors, pausing when something sounded out in the distance. Once or twice, Benton scouted ahead a little, but never saw anything.

After ten minutes they arrived at the secure transit station, a large dark room with two mesh-covered doors at the far end, blocking access to the cars.
"Well, there's our transport," said Sarah, "How do we access it?"
"Allow me," said the Doctor.
Going to a computer desk at the side of the room, he entered a series of commands. The computer clicked and beeped, causing him to frown.
"EDI, you were right," he said, speaking into his radio. "This computer system is basic but stubborn."
"Yes, but thanks to you I now have control of the transit," the AI replied, "A car should be with you shortly."

Just as she finished speaking, there was a sound of scraping metal and dust fell from the ceiling.
"What was that?" whispered Gabrielle.
"Something dangerous," said Xena, "Get ready."
She raised her weapon. Gabrielle and Benton did the same.
"Interesting," the Doctor muttered as he stepped behind Benton.
"What is?" said Sarah, hurrying over to join him.
"Whatever's in the ceiling has been following us. I wouldn't be surprised if it's been following us since we arrived."

"EDI," said Benton, keeping his gun pointed at the ceiling, "Do you know what's making that noise?"
"I am picking up a biological lifeform in the ventilation system close to your location."
"Any idea what it is?"
"I do not. It is a lifeform that simply does not exist in my home universe."
"Could it be Specimen XX121?" asked Sarah.
"Very likely," said Xena.
The team began to retreat to the wire gates, when there was a series of heavy bangs and suddenly a ventilation grill in the ceiling smashed open in a shower of dust.
"BACK! GET BACK!" yelled Xena.

The team hurried against the transit gates, weapons raised. The haze of dust floated in the air, twisting slowly. A crumpled silver form lay in the middle of the floor.
Benton aimed down his sights, trying to find the creature's head, but as the dust settled, he realised it had none.
"What is it?" whispered Gabrielle, her staff still raised.
"It's a Cyberman," said the Doctor, sounding surprised.
Benton blinked. Now that the dust had cleared, he saw that the Doctor was right. The object was indeed a Cyberman, in a very damaged state. One arm had been torn off, leaving behind sparking wires. Its remaining arm was twisted at an odd angle, as were both of its legs, while its head was completely missing.

"It's a Cyberman alright," he said, lowering his Sterling for a better view, "But I've never seen one like this. This one's been… been…"
"Ripped apart," gulped Sarah.
"Isn't that a good thing?" asked Gabrielle, "After all, the Luteces said they were working for Moriarty."
"Indeed," said the Doctor, "But the Cybermen are a powerful race. Destroying one to such an extent would require a great deal of strength."
"Specimen XX121?" said Sarah.
"I don't doubt it."

There was a sharp rumble of metal behind them and the group spun around to see the transit car coming into the station.
"Get on board," said Benton, "Whatever killed that Cyberman can't be far, and I doubt it will be any more friendly to us."
The car's steel door slid open and the team hurried inside. Keeping his Sterling trained on the station, Benton was the last to board, slamming the travel button in the process.
As the doors closed with a hiss of hydraulics, another object fell from the ceiling, black and skeletal, but he was not able to get a good view before the car sped off.

"Doctor?" Benton said, keeping his voice low.
"I saw it," the Doctor replied.
"Saw what?" asked Sarah.
"Specimen XX121 I'd guess," replied Xena.
"Most likely."
"What do we do?" asked Gabrielle.
"We carry on with the mission," stated Benton, "Whatever that thing is, we'll have to handle it."
"Let's hope we can," said Xena.

The transit car rushed on for several minutes, nearly silent save for the rush of air.
Eventually it slowed to a stop and the doors slid open to a clinical hallway with a room on the left.
"I'll take the lead," said Benton, " Stay close. Xena, watch our rear."
He stepped out of the car and steadily walked forward until he spotted a set of double doors.
"It looks clear," he said, waving for the others to follow.
"Very good," said the Doctor, "I should think-"
A sudden click of metal stopped his words.
"Doctor?" said Benton, not daring to look around.
"Sorry about this Sergeant," the Doctor replied, "Someone has a shotgun aimed at my head.

•

The six-person team led by Shepard found the transit car a tight squeeze, especially with Watson's imposing 7-foot frame. Still, they were soon on their way to the station power plant.
"EDI," Shepard said, keying his radio, "What can you tell us about this place?"
"Sevastopol Station uses a fusion reactor to power all its systems," she replied, "Though it is a far less sophisticated design than mass effect technology."
"But far more simple to create and control no doubt," remarked Sherlock.

"I take it the 'world's greatest detective' has already worked this one out?" said Inspector Lestrade, a smile pulling at the corners of her mouth.
"I would not go that far my dear," Sherlock replied, "But I have theories. Though the technology used by this station is less effective than that used in the commander's universe, it is far easier to recreate. Therefore, we must conclude that Professor Moriarty requires a source of great power that he can easily control."
"It seems likely," said Garrus, "But that leaves us with the question of what he needs all that energy for."

"A very good question my man. Perhaps we shall have an answer once we reach the power plant."
A few minutes later the transit car came to a stop, and the team exited, grateful for even the limited space of the station.
Tali paused for a moment to check her shotgun, when the towering form of Watson bumped into her.
"Oh my!" he exclaimed, "So sorry my dear."

"It's alright, it's…" Tali began, before she saw a metal hand under the man's cloak.
She had suspected there was something unusual about the human, but had not given him much thought. Now she realised he was not actually a human at all.
"You're a robot?" she said, taken aback.
"I am a compudroid," he replied.
"But… but your head? It's human!"
"My head? Oh, it's an elasto-mask. It allows me to take on the physical appearance of the late Doctor Watson."

"You are more than just a physical appearance," Holmes smiled, "You are my old friend recreated in metal, something I am truly grateful for."
"But… but I don't understand?" Tali stammered.
It had been strange enough for her to work with a Geth during Shepard's mission against the collectors, but at least Legion had never appeared as anything but a robot. This, 'compudroid' acting as an organic was something she had never seen before.

"If you're done chatting?" Shepard called, "We have a power plant to save."
"Uh? Yes Commander, sorry Commander!" she quickly replied.
Hurrying across the station, she rejoined Shepard and Garrus as they took the lead.
"You alright?" Shepard asked, looking at her with concern.
"Yes... I think so," she replied, "It's just… just that giant with Sherlock."
"Watson? What about him?"
"He's a robot."
"I guessed that much."
"You knew and didn't tell me!?"
"I thought you knew."

"What does it matter?" Garrus remarked, sweeping his assault rifle across the corridor ahead of them.
"Well… you know," Tali muttered, "Can he be trusted?"
"Come on Tali," said Shepard, "He wouldn't be working with that detective if he wasn't trustworthy."
"I hope you're right."
The team moved carefully through the maze of corridors. Once more they encountered abandoned tools and barricades, but little else.

"It's almost as if everyone just got up and left," Inspector Lestrade said as they checked a small side room with a computer desk.
"Whatever happened here was sudden," Holmes replied, checking the floor, "But whoever was in here did not get up, they were dragged."
He pointed his torch at the desk chair, revealing several deep gouge marks in the floor where the legs had been violently moved.

"Couldn't that have been just normal wear and tear?" suggested Watson.
"No," replied Sherlock, "These marks are fresh, and were made suddenly, not over a long period of time. They also go to the side of the desk, not back from it, as would be normal."
"You're saying that whoever was in this room was kidnapped?" asked Shepard, who had stopped nearby.
"Most likely."
"But then… wouldn't there be signs of a struggle?" Tali asked.

"Normally yes," answered Sherlock, "But whoever grabbed this individual did it fast. So fast they did not even have time to react."
"What does that mean?" asked Lestrade.
"That we are facing something even more dangerous than just Moriarty."
"This mission just gets more interesting by the minute," Garrus said, a note of grim humour in his voice.
"We've dealt with worse," Shepard reminded his friend.
"Yeah, but I'd rather not deal with it more than I have to."

The team carried on into the depths of the silent station, eventually finding their path blocked by a heavy steel shutter.
"EDI, we've got some security gate blocking our route, can you open it?"
"Negative Commander," she replied, "The systems around the power plant have been locked off from the main network. You should be able to hack through it locally however."
"Alright. Tali, you're up."

Glad to be useful, the young Quarian scanned the door with her omni tool.
"Here we are," she said, entering a series of commands into her tool.
The shutter beeped and slid open, causing the whole team to recoil in shock.
In the hallway beyond were bodies, at least ten of them, sprawled across the floor or propped up against the walls, all sporting a series of bloody wounds.
"What the hell happened here?" said Lestrade, daring to take a step toward the massacre.
"Looks like they were sealed in," replied Sherlock, coming forward to inspect the bodies, "The question is what killed them?"

"Moriarty's forces?" said Garrus, "Perhaps these guys tried to stop them from getting to the power plant."
"I don't think so," said Sherlock, looking closely at one of the bodies.
"What makes you say that?" asked Garrus.
"In the footage we saw, the Cybermen working for Moriarty used energy weapons. These men were all killed through blunt force trauma."
"Could it be that specimen Miss EDI talked about?" asked Watson.
"Possibly," answered Sherlock, "Or something else."

"What do you mean, something else?" said Tali.
"EDI said that the station's computer systems had been reprogrammed to protect this specimen. Perhaps it thought these men were a threat and had them killed.
"But why make such a mess?"
"Why indeed?"
The team looked at one another.
"Let's move on," Shepard ordered, "We aren't going to find any more answers here."
"Yes Commander," said Garrus, raising his gun and taking the lead once more.

Taking care to step over the bodies, the team carried on. Before long they saw signs of battle. Bullet holes had been punched into the walls, floor and ceiling, while several bodies lay about, each showing signs of having been beaten to death. There were also firearms lying about, mostly pistols and shotguns, almost all of which had been fired empty.
"Looks like there was a serious battle here," said Garrus.
"Yeah," said Shepard, "But who was fighting who?"

"My money's still on Moriarty," said Lestrade, "The station's crew must have tried to stop his men when they stormed the power plant."
"You forget the blunt force trauma," countered Sherlock. "Moriarty might be ruthless, but even he prefers to avoid a mess when he can."
They came to a long corridor, barred with another shutter about halfway down. Along the walls were a number of doors, all of them sealed shut.
"Tali, you're up again," said Shepard.
"On it."

She stepped forward and began scanning the shutter with her omni tool.
"Hmm, this might take a minute."
"Someone really doesn't want anyone getting to the power plant," remarked Garrus.
Just then there was a heavy clunk, and one of the doors behind them opened.
"Who's there!" Shepard called out, spinning around and raising his gun.
Another door on the other side of the corridor opened and a figure stepped out. It was humanoid in shape, and wearing a heavy, orange-coloured protective suit. Its exposed face was in a vaguely human shape, with smooth plastic skin, and two eyes, glowing red. It was a robot.

"You shouldn't be here," the figure said in an electrically synthesised voice as it started striding towards them at a steady pace.
"Halt!" Shepard ordered, training his gun on the robot.
"You're becoming hysterical," the robot stated in the same synthesised tone.
"You might wanna listen to the commander," said Garrus, now training his own assault rifle on the approaching figure.

"Firearms can cause serious injury. Let me assist you."
Aiming his gun over the robot's head, Shepard fired a warning shot.
"This is a safety breach, and will not be tolerated," stated the robot, now walking toward the team at a much faster pace.
"Alright, have it your way," Shepard replied.
He pulled the trigger on his Revenant and a single mass effect slug struck the robot in the chest. It staggered back for a moment, white fluid leaking from its body.

The robot righted itself and kept coming.
"Do not damage Seegson property."
Shepard fired again and again. The rounds smashed into the figure's body and it finally dropped to the floor, spewing more white fluid from its mouth.
"What the hell was that thing?" said Lestrade, looking shocked.
"It is an android," answered EDI, "They are manufactured by the station's previous owner, the Seegson Corporation, and used for maintenance and administration."
"If I didn't know any better, I'd say that one was hostile," said Watson.

"It was," answered EDI, "The reprogramming of the station has overridden their core directives. As such, the station's androids have been used to attack the crew who have been deemed a threat to Specimen XX121."
There was a series of hisses and the doors along the corridor began to open, followed by a large number of footsteps.
"EDI," asked Shepard, "How many of these androids are on this level?"
"Unknown, but I am detecting hundreds of signatures heading towards your location.
"Oh, that's just brilliant."

He turned to Tali.
"You got that gate open yet?"
"I need a few minutes," she replied, trying to hide the panic in her voice.
"Commander!" shouted Sherlock.
Shepard turned back to see more of the robotic figures walking into the hallway. Some wore orange protective suits, others were dressed in dark brown overalls. All of them had the same smooth plastic head and glowing red eyes. As they saw the team, many began to speak in the same flat, yet sinister voice.

"You shouldn't be here."
"This is an entirely unauthorised alert, please stop interfering."
"Why not ask me about Sevastopol's safety protocols?"
"Open fire!" Shepard ordered.

He let loose a storm of mass effect rounds into the advancing horde. Garrus followed suit, as did Sherlock, Watson and Lestrade. Within moments, dozens of robots had been taken down, white fluid gushing from bullet holes in their bodies. Yet for every android they gunned down, another took its place, their synthesised voices seeming to mock them.

"Tut, tut."
"This is futile."
"Unwarranted."
"Please, calm down."
"Tali!" Garrus shouted as he ejected a red-hot thermal clip, "Now would be a really good time to have that shutter open!"

"I've almost got it!" she replied, her fingers almost a blur as they worked on her omni-tool.
"They really don't want anyone getting to this power station!" Sherlock remarked, dropping another android with his electric gun, "Whatever they're protecting must be important."
"We can work that out when we've dealt with these guys!" yelled Lestrade, blasting away at the robotic horde.

By now the floor was littered with broken bodies and white fluid, yet still the machines came, narrowing the gap between themselves and the team.
"GOT IT!" yelled Tali.
The shutter opened with a grinding of metal.
"Everyone through now!" Shepard ordered.
With their guns still blazing, the team backed down the hallway. The robots seemed to sense they were losing their prey and began to press forward.

"You're making me waste company time," stated one barely a few metres from Shepard.
"You can bill me!" he replied, blowing its head apart with a series of well-placed shots.
"Keep them busy!" Tali shouted, still working her omni-tool, "I'm closing the shutter!"
"Anytime today would be nice!" said Garrus, cutting down three robots with as many shots.
Tali worked frantically for a few seconds before the shutter slammed down hard, crushing an android beneath it. The rest came to a stop before the suddenly closed gate, their glowing eyes watching the team.

"What are they doing?" asked Lestrade, still aiming her gun toward the horde.
"Waiting for the station's computer to override my lock," Tali replied breathlessly.
"In that case, I suggest we don't wait around," said Watson, "My scans indicate the power station is just up ahead."
"Alright," Shepard replied, "Keep your eyes peeled. I wouldn't be surprised if there were more of those robots around.
Making sure their weapons were fully loaded, the team headed down the corridor, the red eyes of the waiting androids watching them all the way.

•

The Normandy's cockpit was silent, safe, and rather boring. Booker was used to such things, having been put on guard duty more than his fair share of times while working for the Pinkertons. Unfortunately, that did not make it less boring. He strolled up and down the cockpit, holding the shotgun around the back of his neck. Elizabeth had sat herself down and was flipping through a book, while Joker remained at his station at the front of the ship, carefully watching a series of monitors.

"How are they doing?" Booker asked.
"The two teams are progressing as expected Mr. DeWitt," EDI replied, "Sergeant Benton's team has just boarded the transit to the computer core. Commander Shepard's team has encountered resistance, but are still advancing."
"Resistance?" he replied, still a little unsure how he should feel about the robotic voice. A computer that could think for itself was not something he believed could be trusted.
"The station's systems have been reprogrammed," said EDI, "But I have been able to counter most of them."

A sudden clunk rang out through the cockpit, causing everyone to look up. More clunks sounded out, coming from somewhere above them.
"Eh, EDI?" said Joker, looking worried for the first time, "What is that?"
"I am detecting a lifeform climbing along the outer hull of the ship Jeff," EDI replied.
"Lifeform? What sort of lifeform?"
"But," Elizabeth said, her eyes fixed on the curved ceiling, "There's just space out there, nothing could survive that."
"This thing can," Booker stated, chambering a round into his shotgun.