A/N: Wow, would you look at that. I promised not to go missing after quitting my job, and lo and behold I actually kept my word. Who would have thought? Anyway, this is a second chapter from the "Irill arc", and after that we'll go back to Virox and Shepard, putting it on pause for some time. I would like to use this arc to flesh out the carvins and their society much more than through simply the "CODEX-styled" chapters that will be posted few and far in between. That being said,

Enjoy!

To: General Inspectorate of Armed Forces, High General Council

From: Sergeant Virox Ri'Kaan

Topic: Haestrom assignment and after-action developments

First combat assignment as a liaison to the Cerberus vessel "Normandy Sr-2" had been a success. Mission was to extract a quarian engineer, Tali'Zorah vas Neema nar Rayya from a geth-controlled planet of Haestrom. The dying sun of the planet had created conditions of extreme radiation on the surface, however standard issue shield generators were effective at preventing lasting damage to equipment.

The mission marked the first carvin encounter ever with the geth has been recorded. A race of synthetics, generally hostile towards organic life, the geth operate advanced weaponry, in many cases more sophisticated than organic designs. Nonetheless most geth are very lightly armored and are very susceptible to direct-energy-weapons due to their heavy reliance on eezo shields.

Geth combat units are highly diverse. Aside from standard frontline troopers and sharpshooters, rocket troopers and close ranged "Geth Hunters" were prevalent on the battlefield. The latter in particular were highly prolific and dangerous, armed with powerful close-ranged shotguns and sophisticated active camouflage, capturing a unit for study is recommended. Swarms of light flying support drones are also used by the geth extensively.

Although less frequent than other variants, "Geth Flametroopers" were also observed on the battlefield. Their flamethrowers do not seem to have enough power to be effective against synthetic enemies, and as such are probably a strict anti-organic adaptation by the geth.

Two heavy geth variants were encountered on Haestrom. A "Geth Prime" (name given by Commander Shepard, though probably earlier) is a heavy infantry unit armed with a powerful rapid-fire armament. Their armor is too thick to be penetrated by a standard issue CAR-16 assault rifle, even on the highest power setting, though the Ravager shotgun possesses enough power to damage the Prime at close range (combat footage attached). The second heavy variant is a "Geth Colossus" (name given by Kal'Reegar), a quadrupedal tank equivalent of the geth, armed with a Pulse Mass Accelerator and a low-caliber rapid fire cannon on its head. Impervious to any standard energy-based infantry weapon, it can still be damaged with long sustained fire from eezo-based small arms. The unit encountered on Haestrom was outfitted with a self-repair protocol, but based on the information provided by quarian squad leader Kal'Reegar, it is not a standard configuration.

Tali'Zorah had been discovered to have travelled with a small complement of marines and researchers, studying the rapid decay of Haestrom's sun. Detalis of their research are unavailable. Quarian marines were observed to be very lightly armored and extremely susceptible to even minor wounds. Based on publicly available knowledge as well as testimony from both commander Jane Shepard and a quarian field commander Kal'Reegar, even the slightest suit rupture can cause either a severe infection or death.

As such, coupled with a total numerical superiority enjoyed by geth forces on the planet, quarians have taken heavy losses apparently before I have been deployed alongside Commander Shepard to the surface. A small group of only a dozen soldiers and several scientists, they were virtually wiped out during the mission. Aside from the target, Tali'Zorah, only Kal'Reegar had survived the mission, albeit with a severe suit rupture. It is unknown if he will live.

A link-up with the quarian forces failed, largely due to the geth numerical superiority and an enemy dropship providing close air support against quarian positions. After arriving at the quarian base camp, the remaining allied forces were found to have been massacred by the geth, who stormed it shortly before we arrived. Preliminary scans of several destroyed geth platforms were taken for analysis (scan results attached). Contact was established with the target, who was fortified inside an old observatory.

During the advance towards the observatory, two Geth Primes were encountered. Due to the aforementioned ineffectiveness of the CAR-16 assault rifle against their armor, Ravager shotgun was employed at close range to adequate effect. However the toughness of the Primes resulted in a short melee combat with the geth platform which caused minor internal damage to my right arm. It did not prevent me from participating in combat, though it nonetheless caused discomfort and the need for repairs.

Shortly after our group linked up with the only surviving member of the quarian forces, Kal'Reegar. A Geth Colossus was also discovered to have been guarding the observatory. Commander Shepard refused the help of the quarian and ordered him to remain in cover. While this move did slightly prolong the engagement with the Colossus, it did not seem to have any major impact on the battle as a whole. After its supporting infantry was dealt with, we approached the massive geth platform and destroyed it with little issue.

The mission on Haestrom had also highlighted the combat potential of biotics. The immense movement, telekinesis and gravity manipulation abilities of Commander Shepard displayed in battle were a significant factor contributing to the strength of our three-man fire team.

AFTER ACTION DEVELOPMENTS

A quick repair field kit was insufficient to conduct repairs on my damaged right arm. In order to not compromise combat readiness, help in repairing the damaged components was requested from the non-Cerberus crewmembers of the Normandy Sr-2. Salarian professor Mordin Solus and the recently extracted Tali'Zorah vas Neema nar Rayya jointly conducted the procedure and managed to return the arm to working condition with several 3D-printed components. While this is a testament of engineering abilities and production capabilities of the onboard 3D printers of Normandy Sr-2, I nonetheless request a supply of more complex spare parts in case of more severe damage.

Concerns over technological leaks remain, though are not as severe as I had previously thought. While professor Solus and his ties to the salarian STG remains as a dangerous source of leaks, the closed off nature of the quarian society means that Tali'Zorah (who was arguably more important for the repair process than professor Solus) will likely not distribute any knowledge or technological data beyond the Migrant Fleet.

After repairs were completed I have found out that a bug was placed at the usual location of my rest by a Cerberus operative Miranda Lawson. I have moved in to confront her over it, although the encounter almost escalated to outright combat (visor camera footage attached). An incident was avoided by the timely intervention of Commander Shepard.

However, the commander had shortly after demanded an explanation for the hostile confrontation of Miranda Lawson. Stress and pressure from the Cerberus bug encounter had left me in a state of heightened susceptibility to Rage. I have suffered a severe outburst and almost killed Commander Shepard, only restraining myself just in time (visor camera footage attached). It is unclear whether commander bears a significant hostility towards me for this behavior.

I am ready to accept responsibility and any punishment deemed necessary for this misconduct and disobeying directives from superiors.

This concludes the report.

Chimera Nebula (human name), Maarv System

Mantaar, Military Research Facility 45 - Biotic Research Section

1300 Local time, June 10th, 2185 Gregorian Calendar

Seviros Ra'Taan was a busy man, especially now after the Intai'sei Conference truly took off, and after Shadow Broker had betrayed the Empire, slaughtering all but one of the troopers meant to facilitate the most recent exchange. He stared at the long rows of medical pods, each containing a dormant carvin inside, plugged into various sorts of machinery, the function of which he only partially understood. Suffice it to say, the recent developments put the Empire into a weird dichotomy, one that put the High General Council and Seviros in particular (due to his current post at the Carvistorn Sector) in a difficult position.

On one hand, both central and local governments tried to slowly convince the still xeno-skeptical population to approve of the negotiations with the Council races. It was imperative that carvins had a say in the galactic politics, all the while retaining sovereignty over their policies. Diplomacy had to be used at some point, and it was better to do it now when they had the advantage.

On the other hand was the Broker's betrayal and the resulting calls for vengeance on the traitorous aliens that broke their word brought back a new wave of xeno resentment. Fortunately, the public was not as angry about engaging in deals with the Broker in the first place, as it was about the double-crossing by the information dealer. Ravashir were ruthlessly dispatched to hunt down any and all potential contacts and agents of the Shadow Broker, or any alien race for that matter, only fueling the already dangerous xenophobia.

Both retribution and diplomacy had to be pursued in order to maintain the Empire's reputation and legitimacy on the galactic scale, but neither could triumph over the other, lest stability would suffer. And an important piece to one of the solutions to the first issue lay concealed within the walls of the facility Seviros was in right now.

"I was wondering where you went." A familiar voice pulled him out of his thoughts. He turned his head towards the source, only to see his old acquaintance, Tivennia Va'Xuun in her High General uniform standing behind him.

"This sort of peace and quiet is highly relaxing. Had you experienced what I had, you'd appreciate it too." Seviros replied and turned his sight back towards the blue-ish glow of the medical pods.

Tivennia rolled her eyes and walked up next to him. As of this moment commanding the Frontier Sector, she was never the one to be very formal with him. Mostly due to the fact that she and Seviros were promoted to the position of High General at the same time, and the fact that Seviros had supposedly "stolen" CES Relentless from her, leaving her instead with the CES Ruthless, the sister ship. Not a very mature reason for animosity, but at least he appreciated her more direct attitude towards him, as opposed to the overly formal approach of other High Generals who respected him as the old "Grox War veteran".

That's not to say she wasn't capable. Her aggressive development incentives and military reform initiatives had already manifested themselves every time she was rotated to a new sector. As the second of the two current female High Generals, her boldness and impetuosity were uncharacteristic of any High General before. She was not a skeptic when it came to diplomacy, but wanted to gain as much from it, while giving up as little as possible. She was a figure that was not exactly popular with her peers, but one that Seviros concluded was greatly needed in the coming times.

"What's the progress?" Tivennia asked, gesturing at the tanks.

"The research department expects at least 300 new adult ones by the end of the year, with additional 150 adolescents and children." Seviros said, when one of the tanks suddenly started beeping with a red warning light.

Two medical staff members approached the tank, examined the problem, before promptly flushing both the liquid and the carvin through a tube connected to the lower part of the machine. Another failure, it seemed. The only thing left now was to recycle the remains into something useful.

"Subject fatality rate is still dangerously high. Brutes are less accepting of the therapy, and from what I was told, we're losing 76% of adult subjects." Seviros continued. "Children and adolescents perform significantly better, at only 44% failure rate, likely because their bodies are still developing."

"Once we refine the process, we could start volunteer programs for civilian children. This will provide us with a reliable source of candidates, and we'll increase the number of biotics significantly." Tivennia suggested, seemingly unfazed by the death of the test subject.

Despite what the official state archives suggested, Military Research Facility 45 was much more than a simple medical R&D complex, researching combat medicine, enhancements, and the sort. Its lower departments actually worked on something that had troubled the carvin race since their discovery of genetics: altering the carvin genome. Because their genes were almost completely uniform, and any attempt of even slightly changing the genetic structure was met with failure, it was widely believed that genetic engineering was a dead end for their species. However recent discoveries disproved that theory.

This particular department aimed to create the first generation of carvin biotics for military purposes. Like in most other areas, prisoners, criminals and specifically bred clones were used for testing. They provided a comfortable base to work on, since nobody actually cared for these sorts of individuals. Their sacrifice recently started to bear fruit, as after over a year of ceaseless experimentation, first carvins with biotic abilities were created in the facility.

But the mortality was immense. Carvin bodies were extremely resistant to element zero injections. Many subjects that did survive the procedure and displayed acceptable levels of biotic strength were either mentally unstable or had to be extensively augmented through cybernetics, more than anything the Empire's official laws deemed legal or safe.

"Let's just hope that we will find a way to reliably detect potential contraindications before announcing the program to the public. Mass children deaths are not exactly what we're trying to accomplish here." Seviros sighed, earning a nod of approval from Tivennia.

Both of them then stepped away from the subjects then headed into another section of the facility. After all, they did not come here just to look at the progress of their biotic research project. Their true aim was to reinstate the Group Null and send it after the Shadow Broker's agents to enact revenge for the betrayal the Empire suffered at his hands. The Group would be reformed under the command of Irill Or'Zall, the only survivor of the ambush. Now they were heading to brief him on his new assignment.

"How's your son?" Tivennia asked somewhat playfully.

Seviros' expression darkened. While he appreciated Tivennia's upfront attitude, this delicate matter was something that she consistently prodded much to his irritation. "I do not have a son. You know that."

"And you know who I'm talking about." She retorted, still retaining that slightly smug expression. "I heard he got himself in trouble on his assignment. It would be quite a shame if he was to be discharged and executed after someone helped him get that post. After all, attacking a superior officer, no matter if alien or not, is a grave offense."

"If you truly believed that I had manipulated the selection of candidates for Virox to get the post, you would have come here not alone, but with a host of Ravashir, intent on arresting me and relieving me of duty." Seviros snarled, now visibly annoyed by his colleague's machinations.

"Oh I would, but I didn't because you did not interfere. I just enjoy teasing you about it. You're always trying to be the 'good High General'. An example for others to follow." She chuckled, keeping up with the rapid pace of his steps. "If you had more spine, you'd care less about what others think and had been a real father figure for him. You may not see this, but very few would oppose such a move from 'The Hero of the Grox War'."

"It is precisely why I avoid it. No High General, aside from you, would directly oppose my actions. The Ravashir would be the same. The only one in trouble would be Virox, and that's the last thing I want." Seviros grunted, remembering all too well the message he received from the kid. They reached a security checkpoint separating various departments of the facility. After a quick check they were both through. "As for his punishment and possible execution... I'm not particularly worried."

"Oh? And why is that? You have any tricks up your sleeve to save him from the wrath of the military tribunal?" Tivennia asked, now with a hint of genuine curiosity.

"No, I simply believe it won't come to that." He shrugged "I had read up quite a bit about Commander Shepard from the data we purchased from the Broker before he betrayed us. If even half of what was written is true, she will oppose any form of harsh punishment the tribunal would suggest. She gets attached to her crew very easily and will likely try to take some of the flak on herself. And I'm content with it. Virox could use someone who can appreciate him and his skills more directly."

"You old geezer. You're like a stereotypical father after your kid brings a lover home for the first time." Tivennia laughed, and Seviros for once followed suit, as the comparison was quite amusing indeed.

However the conversation also conjured up another thought that he felt he needed to address while they were still together. "While we're on the subject of the tribunal and the Ravashir, they have been getting more bold recently. Far too bold for my comfort."

"Yeah, I noticed too, and so did Indrigan and Raavia. Kraytt and Venn think it's an inconvenience that will pass over time once we start integrating, but I don't want to take any chances." Tivennia interrupted him, which actually reassured Seviros. It was good that they were on the same page, even if other High Generals were not. "Something must be done, or we'll be facing another Varsaai Insurrection, if not worse."

"Agreed, though we must have unanimity in this matter. A schism is the last thing we need at this critical moment." Seviros said. "I'll order some digging by loyalist officers. You do the same, and maybe we'll be able to convince the others of this danger. While I don't agree with your desire to dissolve the Ravashir, they do need to be reformed. Extensively."

What they were referring to was a small, but rapidly growing dissent movement within the ranks of the Ravashir. Recent policies aimed at opening the Carvin Empire to the wider galactic community have been met with mixed reception across the entire carvin space, but the most open opposition came from the Ravashir. Older commissars and officers, especially those who were recruited during or shortly after the Varsaai Insurrection, loudly voiced their criticisms of the initial negotiations with the Council on the Citadel, and now again on Intai'sei, with some even suggesting that such moves were on the verge of treason against the Empire.

The middle-aged officials and constables, those born during the period of relaxing of the harshest ideological restrictions after the Insurrection, were mostly accepting of wider galactic integration, although still in a controlled manner. Something that ALL High Generals and most of the upper echelon officials in the Empire agreed with. The reformists were less so inclined on reducing the influence that the Ravashir had on the public and the military, but unlike the old guard, they could be convinced.

Meanwhile most of the young blooded enforcers were non-aligned, though a small group was furiously divided between supporting the opposing camps. As of now the strict moral standards placed upon each member of the Ravashir managed to keep the organization in order, but it was becoming increasingly clear for those within and outside of their ranks that such a status quo was unsustainable, especially considering how quickly things were moving on the diplomatic and military fronts.

Still, neither Tivennia nor Seviros had time to deliberate on this any longer, because they reached their destination - a training facility for biotics and other experimental soldiers, where lieutenant Irill Or'Zall was recovering from his wounds. At the entrance to where he was held, a single guard blocked their path. Tivennia was the first to approach him.

"Is he awake?" She asked.

"Yes, High General. Lieutenant Or'Zall is conscious and ready to receive you." The first guard, bearing the insignia of a sergeant, replied.

"Has he been informed about the nature of this meeting?" Seviros joined in, and the question visibly confused and scared the guards.

"...As far as I'm concerned no, High General." The guard said, clearly not fully convinced.

That was enough for Seviros. The guards were supposed to know almost everything going on with whomever they guarded. But nobody except himself and Tivennia knew the true nature of this meeting, and had there been no hesitation in the guard's voice, it would have been a cause for suspicion.

"Very good, sergeant. We shall proceed." He declared, receiving a nod of acknowledgement from the guard, who unlocked the door and stepped aside, letting both of them in.

Chimera Nebula (human name), Maarv System

Mantaar, Military Research Facility 45 - Medical Wing

1312 Local time, June 10th, 2185 Gregorian Calendar

"There, that should do it. Try it now, lieutenant." A medical officer ordered after she placed the now calibrated mechanical eyeball inside of Irill's cybernetically adapted eye socket.

Irill blinked a few times, letting his natural fluids moisturize the implant. His left eyelids slowly started to get used to the new eye and it would not be long before they would work smoothly like in his right eye. Not to mention the various abilities that this replacement supposedly granted him. Infrared vision, advanced weapon-to-eye link, on-demand zoom, a built-in HUD, among other smaller and more situational features. But what was important now was that his full sight and depth perception had returned.

"It feels... better than without it." Irill did not really know what to say, as he was still adjusting to the sudden influx of visual stimulus. "There is a slight contrast between the right and left side of my view."

"That is inevitable. I've tried to make it as seamless as possible, but in the end the implant will still have to adjust itself to your brain's work patterns. Over time you should feel less discomfort and a more uniform vision. Should the problem persist, request a medical leave at the earliest convenience and I will take a look at it again." Doctor said, putting down her medical multi-tool, and instead picking up a small mirror, before handing it to him. "In the meantime, you can take a look and see how it presents itself."

Irill obliged and took the mirror from the doctor's hand and inspected his new looks. The eyeball was a bit more gray than its biological counterparts, and also was divided into 4 quarters by visible lines in the outer shell. The lines then converged on the iris, which itself was blue like his other eye. At each of the convergence points there was a very small dot, placed on what looked like a ring around the iris proper. Only when Irill moved the mirror slightly away and instinctively readjusted the sharpness he noticed that the ring and the dots on it spun around accordingly. An interesting little detail. Other than that there was little else that could be said about the implant, aside from the obvious fact that it made his face look sort of asymmetrical.

"If it was up to me I would just let your eye regrow normally, but I understand that the High General Council wants you back in the field as quickly as possible." Doctor remarked after taking the mirror back from him. "Your new implants are also top of the line, with numerous upgrades to strength, speed and resistance, especially to electric shocks and EMPs. Batteries were hardened and the emergency hydrogen power cells expanded. You should not run into problems like the one on Tortuga anymore."

"I would gladly test that theory against the Broker's agents at the earliest possible convenience." Irill coldly replied, as he clenched and relaxed his fist, getting a feeling of the replacement limbs he had received.

"Well, I guess you are going to get your wish pretty soon. Some of the High Generals are coming to visit you to give you another assignment personally." Doctor said before a quiet hiss coming from the entrance to the room caused her head to turn towards the noise source. "Speaking of which, that should be them if I'm correct."

As always she was. Coming through the door to her office, two tall individuals came to view. They did not wear armor, only ceremonial clothes. Various markings and ribbon bars indicating awards, that Irill did not even remember existed, styled their chests and shoulders. He had recognized both of the figures, the first being High General Seviros Ra'Taan. There was no other individual that could replicate the stoic and calm demeanor of the decorated veteran of the Grox War.

The other was Tivennia Va'Xuun, nicknamed "the Beast of the Frontier" by the lower ranks of the Imperial Military for her efforts to aggressively cleanse the Terminus Systems of the criminal plague that festered in the region. Group Null, the formation that Irill used to be a part of, despite being formed by the High General Council, was overseen directly by Tivennia, which is why he quickly recognized her. Both of these individuals were now looking at him with unreadable expressions.

"Lieutenant Or'Zaal. It seems you have recovered." Tivennia spoke first.

"Yes, High General. I am fit for duty and ready to return to service at the earliest possible opportunity." Irill replied after standing up and adjusting his posture to befit the situation.

"With all due respect, I disagree, High Generals. While it is true that lieutenant Or'Zaal had mostly recovered from his wounds, he should still be given time to get used to his new cybernetics before any serious deployment." Doctor interjected, much to his annoyance.

"Do not worry, ma'am. We are not going to deploy the lieutenant into live combat just yet." Seviros said, though he looked at Irill with an understanding visage. "But he will get his chance very soon."

"I will not fail again." Irill nodded.

"Speaking of which, your upcoming deployment is actually the reason for this meeting." Tivennia said, then turned to the doctor. "I assume that lieutenant can still take a walk with us."

"Of course, he should only avoid highly taxing exercises and activities, but a walk may help his implants to calibrate to his body." The doctor answered.

"Then we shall be going." The female High General concluded and gestured at Irill to follow her and Seviros, which he dutifully did without hesitation.

They left the doctor's office, entering into a network of narrow, badly illuminated hallways that he already began getting used to since arriving at this facility. The High Generals were in the front, walking at a fast, but still easy to catch up to pace. At every security checkpoint they passed, the guards let them through very quickly after noticing the high ranking officers. Slowly they were moving to a part of the facility he did not recognize.

"We're here." Seviros declared after passing through the final checkpoint into what Irill read was a Containment Facility. "It's time for you to meet your new team."

"My... team?" Irill asked, not sure if they were referring to a team he was supposed to be a part of, or a team he would lead.

"Yes, your own team. Since you are the only surviving member of Detachment Zarr, the main offensive force of Group Null, the command of the reorganized Group will be passed to you." Seviros explained. "Congratulations on your promotion... Captain Or'Zall."

As if to accentuate his words, he led all three of them into a room with 3 small glass chambers, each containing a carvin soldier inside. At first glance they looked just like any other grunt, maybe with some flashy cybernetics and armor. But as Irill looked at them more closely, there was definitely something off about them. Their eyes felt... wrong... distant... not fully present.

"Who are they?" Irill asked, still observing his brethren from behind the glass.

"Once they were criminals, like most subjects in this facility." Tivennia answered with a cryptic tone. "But thanks to thorough brainwashing, near total personality deconstruction, and several other unpleasant procedures, they are now almost complete blank slates. Their old names, lives and personalities have been erased alongside their memories. They know nothing else other than this facility and following orders. Only their skills applicable to battlefield and special operations were allowed to remain."

"Let us introduce them to you." Seviros invited Irill to join him at his side. All three of them approached the left-most containment cell. "Null Two, your second in command. He was one of the terrorists responsible for the massacre on Varoth 5. Now he will be your explosive expert."

Irill vaguely remembered that attack. A hundred or so years ago, the news made headlines that a bunch of anarchists breached the security of a colonial fusion plant and wanted to trigger a meltdown. But he was almost completely sure that all of the captured criminals were executed. Guess he was wrong, as one of the culprits was apparently standing right in front of him, staring at him incessantly yet distantly.

"Null Three, your sharpshooter. Deserter. Shot up an entire counter-terrorist squad and 7 Ravashir combat enforcers in a single engagement." Tivennia continued, this time pointing at the middle cell. "Calm under fire, impressive marksmanship skills, had received several cybernetic enhancements aimed to enhance his sight and prediction capabilities."

This one was far more augmented than the previous soldier. His visor was more advanced and Irill also noticed that the convict had both eyes replaced by cybernetics. The ocular implants were clearly superior to Irill's own new eye. With every second they stared at each other, he was getting a feeling that BOTH of them were intensely studying each other, a stark contrast to Null Two, who just gazed emptily into Irill's eyes.

"Null Four, your electronics specialist. Used to be an inside data source within Internal Security for various corporations. He was the main reason for the establishment of a dedicated digital branch of the Ravashir." Seviros led him to the final cell, showing the last member of his team. "Dabbled with custom VI creation before. Even in this confinement, after we gave him the opportunity, he started working on a personalized VI that will help both him and you in future missions."

Irill took a good look at each and every one of the containment cells. Not exactly what he imagined his new team would look like. Hell, he did not even know what these guys were capable of, aside from their experiences of their... well, past lives. But if the High General Council trusted them, and trusted his abilities to lead them to success, then he would not fail them. There would be no repeat of Tortuga.

"I'm assuming they will be loyal." He half-asked, knowing that questioning decisions of the High General Council was a privilege only few individuals in the highest ranks of the Empire could afford.

"Do not worry, captain. Each of them would readily kill themselves if you were to give such an order. Just try not to. They, just like you, are a significant investment." Tivennia reassured him in a somewhat laid back tone. "They have no names, and you are not to give them any. Refer to them by their numbers, and all of them will remain obedient to you."

"Speaking of... 'all' of them... There is one more member that you are yet to meet. He's just a hallway or two away." Seviros said before approaching a terminal next to the door leading outside. He pressed a couple buttons and suddenly the containment glass that separated them from Irill's new teammates was lifted, removing the barrier between them and Irill's new squad. "Take your team with you. Let them get used to your command."

Irill nodded in agreement then turned towards the newly liberated soldiers. "We're moving out."

Their reaction was both relieving and a bit unsettling, as all three of them immediately walked up to him before stopping a few steps behind him, seemingly waiting for orders. It reminded Irill more of mechs and drones than actual organics, and he started to feel increasingly uncomfortable. While at first he was understandably disgusted by the prospect of working with ex-criminals, seeing these... unnaturally blank personas following him around felt more uncanny and disconcerting than distasteful. But it was not his job to question his superiors' choices for his reformed team.

High Generals meanwhile led them out of the glassy cell block and through the long tight corridors of the facility once again. Part of Irill's mind was annoyed by this. It would have been better to see everything at once and in one place. He quickly chastised himself mentally for thinking that though. This research complex was probably home to dozens of secret projects, each kept separate for a reason.

"Say Captain... do you know who Ravin Le'Kraan was?" Tivennia asked almost playfully.

"Of course, High General. There is no proper carvin in the Empire who doesn't know about that traitor. The man behind Varsaai Insurrection." Irill immediately replied.

The surname Le'Kraan was almost synonymous with 'liar' or 'traitor' within the Empire. The stigma associated with it remained so strong that it still persisted within some youth circles as an insult to throw at someone one deeply despised. It got to the point that even the name Ravin was much less common after the Insurrection than before it.

"And do you know how he died?" Tivennia pressed on to his surprise and suspicion.

"He was executed. Publicly. I think even now some schools play the official footage from the execution when discussing this period during history lessons." He said, not really sure what the High General was getting at.

"It seems our predecessors have done a great job then... the double had convinced everyone." Seviros interjected, and Irill had noticed something very rare on the old High General's face. A wicked smile.

They stopped at another checkpoint, and Irill noticed that this one was reinforced much harder than the other ones. Scanner, laser grid, multiple guards, armored glass and reinforced walls, all of these precautions were usually not placed lightly.

High General Seviros approached the guards, who did not react, but did not stand aside either. "We are here to pick up Null Five."

Guards nodded and stepped aside, letting them through.

As soon as Irill walked through though, a loud and ear-piercing shriek echoed through the halls of the facility. It was followed immediately by several powerful tremors, so strong that even some of the guards turned around to check for the source for the noise. Nothing came into view, and High General Seviros gestured at Irill and his team to follow. It did not take them long to reach a more open area, what he recognized to be an observation deck for a training arena. The noises and tremors were definitely coming from there.

Both High Generals finally stopped at the window overseeing the arena, looking at something behind the glass. Irill did not know if he should wait to be invited. After all, the culture of discipline extensively implanted into his psyche was not so easily overcome. But High Generals summoned him here. It did not make any sense to not join them if they truly valued his skills and abilities. Thus after a moment of deliberation he joined them.

*SLAM*

"What the-" He almost stumbled back, as seemingly out of nowhere a carvin body slammed into the glass, leaving several cracks before falling down.

"Careful, captain." Tivennia said, not even bothering to turn away. "Wraith is in a bad mood today."

"Wraith...?" Irill asked, not really sure what she was referring to, but as he approached the window, the answer was obvious.

Meanwhile in the Arena...

They attacked again with all the remaining strength they had, continuously shooting their rifles at the monster that was tearing them apart. But that beast of a man seemed to just shrug off any damage they did to him. No matter what they used, whether lasers, slugs from Ravager shotguns, grenades, other explosives, or their own combat knives and fists. Nothing made a dent.

The monster, standing well over 8 feet tall was an abomination, a complete freak of nature. No carvin, not even the most ferocious of brutes was so tall. His cybernetics were also way more advanced than anything legal or widely available in the Imperial Military. Just moments ago he crushed the skull of one of their comrades with a single hand, even without his biotics.

And the biotics... they made him truly untouchable. He could block their slugs with barriers, trap their explosives in stasis fields and break spines with as little as a single thought. There were 25 of them at the start of the fight. In no small part due to his absurd powers, that number was now at 7.

"Don't let up! We kill that thing and we're free!" One of the soldiers tried to rally them for another push when suddenly the monstrous brute turned into a purple ball of biotic energy and slammed into the poor bastard, knocking him off his legs.

The convict tried to reach for his weapon, but his enemy had other plans. Using his biotics the brute pulled the weapon to himself, aimed it at the fallen carvin and unleashed a horrifying barrage of laser bolts, seemingly oblivious to the fire he was taking from other angles. After a few seconds, the body was smoking from all the impacts of the laser rifle.

Satisfied with the death of his prey, the monster glared towards the rest of the terrified soldiers. Sparks of electricity erupted from his arms and purple spheres of biotic energy formed in his palms.

He roared viciously and lunged forward with a renewed fury.

Chimera Nebula (human name), Maarv System

Mantaar, Military Research Facility 45 - Training Grounds Section

1330 Local time, June 10th, 2185 Gregorian Calendar

"This... is Wraith. Null Five. The first successful biotic project of this facility." Tivennia proclaimed with a clear hint of pride in her voice. "And what remains of the traitorous Ravin Le'Kraan."

Irill watched in awe as the enormous carvin biotic tore through all opposition, leaving nothing but lifeless corpses in his path. Seeing real living carvins, not just mechs and drones being ripped apart with such ease disturbed him greatly, but the raw power that Wraith was displaying pushed these thoughts away.

"Do not concern yourself with the dead, captain. These individuals belonged to Section 4 of penal battalions. They were told that if they defeated Wraith, their records would be erased. A motivating factor, that nonetheless did not change anything in the long term." Seviros reassured him, seemingly reading his mind.

All of Irill's compassion for the victims evaporated in an instant. Section 4 was home to the most notorious and despicable criminals and soldiers ever discharged from duty. Sociopaths, killers, drill sergeants that went a few steps too far, the kinds of people that the Ravashir would just shoot on sight without a due process. The only reason these individuals were not executed immediately was because their combat skills were still valuable. Seeing them here... well, it was one way to put these skills to use.

"Come, captain. Let's get you acquainted." Seviros ordered and led them to the stairs heading to the lower level.

Irill's thoughts raced with questions, doubts and uncertainties. If what High General Tivennia was correct, if Wraith truly was a remnant of the disgraced leader of the Varsaai Insurrection... well, there were several moral implications that he did not really want to get into, but that bothered him greatly.

"I'm assuming that he is loyal like the rest..." He asked, more out of a selfish desire for security than anything else.

"Of course. Ravin was not a brute, much less a biotic by birth. Both of these traits were artificially induced into his body and genome. The side effects and the subsequent thorough brainwashing had the most severe psychological effects on him of all of your new companions." Seviros reassured him. "High Generals of the past have frozen him cryogenically to make use of him at a later date. Now we have found a perfect way to utilize his body, and he is and will remain a barely sane extension of our will."

So it's a form of punishment. Irill thought, once again being reminded that there was a reason why no one, not even the Ravashir crossed the High Generals lightly.

Much like most of experienced soldiers, he did not fear death, but never looked forward to it. He viewed those who craved it, regardless of reason, as weaklings unable to bear the pressure of the universe. And yet when he summoned the image of Wraith into his mind... A broken shell of a man, with a body brutally twisted into something unrecognizable, jacked up on biotics, a past mind and personality ground to dust, with only a desire to kill remaining... if it was him in this position and he had a choice to avoid it through death, Irill would have probably taken the grave over living like that.

They reached the lower levels, where 'Wraith' was already waiting. Guarded by what looked like two brutes, he dwarfed them both with his size. Blood still stained his metal hands, and his eyes were staring emptily into the distance, as if devoid of any life. When he noticed them approaching, his body jolted slightly, as he stood at attention and stared intensely into the eyes of both High Generals in front of him.

"What... is... my... directive...?" He uttered, speaking almost like a broken VI program.

"Null Five, as of this moment you are assigned to captain Irill Or'Zall here." Seviros stated and pointed at Irill, causing the massive monster to shift his eyes accordingly. "You are to follow his orders and assist him with all means he deems necessary in missions and tasks he will receive from the High General Council."

"Acknowledged." Wraith replied, and, much to Irill's discomfort, joined the rest of his team behind him.

"Now with all the formalities behind us, it is time for your own assignment, captain." Tivennia said, then turned towards High General Seviros. "Seviros, if you please?"

"Captain Or'Zall. As of this moment, you are formally put in command of the newly reorganized Group Null. You will be given your own ship, a crew loyal to you and regular tasks that will represent the will of the High General Council." Her partner spoke, his voice carrying weight that Irill could almost physically feel. "Your first assignment - Find the Shadow Broker and make him pay for betraying the Empire."

The last words shook Irill to the core. Images of his team being slaughtered by the Broker's agents, the sensation of pain in his left eye, the smell of smoke and burned flesh coming from the wreckage of their shuttle, all flashed through his mind. His mind longed for vengeance. A bloody, destructive and painful vengeance.

"Within 20 to 30 days you will be deployed alongside the 3rd Assault Division back to Tortuga. They will assist you in finding any potential clues as to the whereabouts of the Shadow Broker or his major agents." Seviros continued. "I would recommend checking again in Sector 17. Civilian casualties are not a concern."

"Yes, High Generals. I won't let you down." Irill's jaws trembled with excitement. He was going to pay a visit to the bartender that led them into the trap. And he planned to make it very, very painful.

A/N: There we go. Next chapter we're paying a visit to the Collector Ship, which means another fight-heavy chapter. Hope you enjoyed. Carry on!

Bonker out!