Disclaimer: not mine

Chapter 19

John sat at his desk in his cabin, far larger than the one he'd had on the original Normandy. And then he noticed something, bringing it up and signing in…Mom. The message was short, wary, but she'd reached out to see if it was really him. He hesitated but then sent a message in return, not saying much, not wanting to put her in danger.

Now, he had to decide where to head next, the smartest idea would be to find the next two recruits to keep building up the team. The Krogan Warlord and Jack…he didn't think they were a good idea at all. And Riku seemed to share his opinion which was interesting, he was hoping he could keep the younger man safe and get him out of Cerberus. He could see Riku had growing doubts about the organisation between the kind of people they wanted on the team and the blood samples they'd been taking from him without his knowledge.

He wanted his old team back, he trusted them, but he didn't know where most were. And he missed Liara so much…did she still feel the same way for him? Would she still want to be with him after what had been done to bring him back? Chakwas had run him through it all and it was incredible but…it shouldn't have been done. So much could have gone wrong.

Chakwas was sounding Mordin out to see if he would help her run tests to find out why Cerberus was so interested in Yamada's blood. Neither of them liked it but she hadn't found anything in her own testing. He likely wouldn't have much time for it though, not when he was needed to find a way around the Collector's Seeker swarms. At least there hadn't been another Colony attack yet.

Could he risk trying to contact Liara? How much was EDI monitoring his actions and reporting to Cerberus?

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Riku sat on the bed and watched the Salarian doctor bustle about, humming and talking to himself. Strangely…it actually helped him relax as his blood was taken and then he lay down for scans.

"Hmmm…scans will take time, blood too," Mordin told him as Riku sat up again. "Seeker Swarms must come first."

"Of course," Riku agreed. It would take longer too because he'd been told to keep it off the ships' systems which meant doing it all by 'hand'. But they didn't want the Illusive Man to know they were investigating why Riku had been the only one having such frequent tests.

He left the lab and headed down the hall to the armoury, getting to work sorting out the equipment they'd bought on Omega. They definitely had some interesting weapons and armour mods and thankfully they had plenty of funds. And Cerberus didn't skimp on giving them what they needed, not like the Alliance often did.

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Garrus kept to Shepard's left, rifle up. He was not impressed by the voice being broadcast or its message.

"Seriously?" Yamada murmured, and he agreed with the young operative.

Such messages were unlikely to work on anyone, so why broadcast them? To annoy the recruits? Korlus was a very…bleak world, the kind of place one would expect to find mercenaries. So, what did they want with the Krogan Warlord? Training for their troops?

And then they were in a fight with some Blue Suns, Shepard having fun with the sole survivor to get intel, but he gave the poor man some medi-gel at least, letting him run away.

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Sora opened her eyes, staring up at the ceiling of her bedroom. That had to be one of the strangest dreams she'd ever had. But it was already fading as her breathing slowed, an odd ache in her chest. She got up and dressed for the day, hoping there'd be more news of Shepard and his antics. She wasn't sure what she thought of the new team he was building and was glad that Garrus at least was there to back him up.

They may have brought him back, but Sora didn't trust Cerberus as far as a human child could throw them.

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John stared at the tank now in the port cargo area. It wasn't an easy decision, to wake the Krogan within or not. They had no idea what he would be like, especially since he was created by a fanatic like Okeer. He had to make the right choice but how did he know what that was?

All he could do in the end was go with his gut, activating the controls, watching as the tank drained. Being slammed into the wall by the Krogan wasn't really a surprise and his gun was immediately aimed at his torso, this close it'd do damage, even with the regenerative abilities of his species. Thankfully, it wasn't needed and Grunt was even impressed he'd managed to hold it steady while being slammed into the wall. So far, so good.

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Zaaed led them through the jungle and towards the refinery, taking out anyone who got in their way. Seeing Vido again brought it all back and all he wanted was his head on a platter. Shepard insisting on saving the factory workers was a waste of time but he couldn't face that many men alone and no matter how mad he was, he knew it. So, he followed the Spectre through the refinery, putting out literal fires as they went and killing ever merc who crossed their path. Twenty years later…none of them were likely to have been with them back when he ran things so there was not one ounce of regret or hesitation.

They made it to the landing platform as the shuttle was lifting off and they opened fire. The shuttle strained and he saw Lawson and Shepard glowing from their biotics, pulling it back down.

Grunt laughed and lunged forward, ripping it open to toss Vigo down in front of him. "This is the one you wanted, right?"

"Right," Zaaed smirked at his old partner who scrambled to get up only for Zaaed to kick him hard in the ribs, hearing some snap. "Time's up…old friend," he snarled and then pulled the trigger. He holstered his gun and looked to Shepard. "We're done here, Cerberus has kept their end of the bargain, I'll keep mine."

"Let's get out of here."

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Kaidan was surprised as a message came through…Sora. How delayed was it? And it was obvious she was being cagey, worried it would be intercepted. But she seemed to be saying there was more going on than there seemed and…to trust Shepard. Had she seen him? It made sense, if it really was Shepard then surely, he would have tracked Liara down ASAP. Those two were very obvious and her grief after the attack had been heartbreaking to see.

He missed the sisters; they'd become friends during the mission and he would always be grateful to them for helping him get his new implant. The lack of migraines was literally life changing.

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Miranda opened fire on the guards, when they'd been allowed to keep their weapons she'd suspected a double cross, so had Shepard and Garrus by the look of it. So, the open, empty cell hadn't been a big surprise. Still, they had a mission to complete. She just didn't think it was needed but obviously the Illusive Man disagreed. Maybe the idea was to placate Jack with something as payment, like Zaaed had accepted? Even a place like this likely wouldn't hold her forever after all.

Still, this was going to blow up in all of their faces. They finally made it to the correct office and Shepard worked to bring Jack out of cryo, the three of them watching as she took out the mechs in the room. Okay, her biotics were very powerful.

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Kaidan stared in horror at the massive ship breaking through the atmosphere. "Get to the bunker!" he yelled, checking his thermal clip and then aiming at the massive swarm of something heading right for them.

He opened fire but he wasn't sure it was doing anything. If the damn gun was up and running…they might be able to take out the ship instead of him having to try and deal with on the ground attacks. He felt a sharp sting, slapping at the bug like thing and then he froze, unable to move anything but his eyes. Thankfully he had no issues breathing but that was it, even his biotics wouldn't work. Some kind of stasis field? He could hear the colonists screaming but the sounds were getting fainter. He hoped they made it to the bunker and locked it down.

So, this was how they were taking colonies with no word, but who were they and what did they want with them?

He didn't know how long he stood frozen in place and then he saw a shuttle coming in low and fast, rescue?

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John stepped into the holographic imager, seeing the Illusive Man.

"Shepherd, we just received word. Horizon, one of our colonies in the terminus systems just went silent. If it isn't under attack yet, it soon will be. Has Mordin delivered the countermeasures for the seeker swarms?"

"Not yet," he admitted.

"Let's hope he works well under pressure. There's something else you should know. One of your former crew, Kaidan Alenko is stationed on horizon."

John stiffened slightly. "Last I heard, Kaidan was alliance. Why is he in the terminus systems?"

"Officially, it's an outreach programme to improve Alliance relation with the colonies, but if they sent Commander Alenko, it must be bad. I suggest you take it up with him."

"The Collectors just happened to pick a colony with one of my former crew. I don't buy it," he stared at the image of the man. Was it possible he'd somehow arranged it?

"It shouldn't be a surprise that the Collectors are interested in you, especially if they're working for the Reapers. They might be going after him to get to you."

"We should send a message to the Citadel. The Alliance can give us reinforcements," he argued, they'd need the numbers.

"Not until you investigate. I don't want the Alliance getting in our way. Once you have the situation under control, I'll send the message personally. I'm sending you the coordinates. This is the most warning we've ever had, Shepherd. Good luck." And with that the image faded.

"Joker set a course for Horizon. I've gotta go see the professor." He ordered and then headed for the lab.

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Riku stood still, letting Garrus check his armour seals before returning the favour. Everyone was quiet, knowing what was at stake. They might have the chance to save the Colony. He thought they should take the whole team but Shepard wanted to infiltrate so they were taking only part of the team. Shepard, Garrus, Grunt, Miranda, and him. A good mix of heavy hitting, biotics, and a sniper.

They headed to the hanger and got into the shuttle, Riku nodding at Harris who was in the pilot seat. The shuttle lifted off and then they were flying at top speed, trying to limit the time the Collector ship could fire at them. They came to a stop just outside the colony, allowing them to jump to the ground and then the shuttle flew back to the Normandy, Harris not sticking around and Riku didn't blame him.

They cautiously made their way into the colony, weapons up and then they found their first Collectors. And…Husks…he shuddered, remembering the attack on the Citadel.

"Sort of looks human, are these the colonists?" Grunt asked once the fight was done and they were checking the bodies.

"No, the Geth used Spikes to convert people into Husks. There's none of that here," Miranda shook her head.

"So, the collectors had the husks and took the colonists alive for something else," Shepard murmured. "The Collectors must be experimenting on the colonists. What are they up to?"

"Nothing anyone deserves," Riku answered, feeling sick at the idea going through his head.

"Guess we'll find out where we stop them," Garrus pointed out.

"These aren't the same as the ones I fought on Eden Prime, more advanced," Shepard was crouching to look closer, not something Riku was willing to do.

"They still die when you shoot," Grunt declared.

"The Collectors aren't getting away with more victims. Move out."

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Kaidan felt the field seeming to flicker and then he staggered as he regained the ability to move. He leant against the wall and then brought his gun up, checking for any more enemies. He saw a few people staggering to their feet but the area was almost empty. He'd seen the gun fire so he headed for the towers, figuring someone had gotten the system to work.

And then he stared in shock at the sight of Captain Shepard. He took a deep breath and stepped forward, hearing the argument. "Captain Shepard, Captain of the Normandy, first human Spectre, saviour of the Citadel. You're in the presence of a legend."

"Kaiden," Shepard looked relieved to see him. Had he known he was there?

He ignored the angry colonists storming away.

"I thought you were dead, Captain. We all did." He hesitantly offered his hand, was this really him? he could see the strange scars, cybernetics.

"It's been far too long."

"Is that all you have to say? You show up after two years and just act like nothing happened. I would've followed you anywhere, Commander." It felt weird calling him Captain. "Why don't you try to contact me? Why didn't you let me know you were alive?" he demanded.

"Not my choice," Shepard shook his head. "I spent the last two years in some kind of coma while Cerberus rebuilt me."

Rebuilt him? That…that didn't sound good. But with the injuries he would have had, it added up. But the stories had started months ago. But Sora had said things weren't how they seemed. His eyes moved over the group, getting a nod from Garrus but he didn't recognise…no…Yamada? That was the kid Pressly had been mentoring.

"You're with Cerberus now. I can't believe reports were right."

"Reports?"

Glances were shot at the dark-haired woman who was frowning.

"So much for security," Yamada grimaced.

Was he under cover with the group? Was Shepard? Was that what Sora's message had meant? But how would she know? Then again, Anderson had seemed to like the sisters so they might be keeping in contact unofficially.

"There are rumours that you weren't dead. But you were working for the enemy," Kaiden stepped back from Shepard.

"The alliance sent you here to investigate me, didn't they?"

"I was here for Cerberus; you were just a rumour. I wanted to believe you were alive, but I never expected anything like this. You turned your back on everything we stood for," he shook his head. He didn't know what to think or believe at the moment, but if there was even a chance that he was undercover then he couldn't risk outing him.

"Kaidan, you know me. You know I'd only do this for the right reason. You saw it yourself, the Collectors are targeting human colonies, and they're working with the Reapers."

"I want to believe you Shepherd, but I don't trust Cerberus. They could be using the threat of the Reapers to manipulate you. What if they're behind it? What if they're working with the Collectors?" he demanded.

"You're letting how you feel about Cerberus get in the way."

"Maybe you feel like you owe Cerberus because they saved you. Maybe you're the one who's not thinking straight," he shot back. "You've changed, but I still know where my loyalties lie. I'm an Alliance soldier and always will be," he turned to walk away no matter how much it hurt to turn his back on Shepard. He glanced back one last time. "I gotta report back to the Citadel, they can decide if they believe your story or not."

"I could use you in my crew, it'll be just like old times," Shepard tried, and Kaidan felt so tempted, seeing the Commander he would have followed anywhere staring at him.

But he shook his head. "I'll never work for Cerberus. Be careful Captain."

"Joker send the shuttle to pick us up. I'm done with this colony," Shepard's call was the last thing he heard as he headed deeper into the colony to help those who were left.

Joker…who else was involved and why hadn't he been asked? Unless they figured he couldn't fake it well enough?

TBC…