Quintessence Effect
ESKK: We now arrive at Firos… let's begin.
(Start Castle of Lions lounge)
The Paladins of Voltron were currently gathered in the lounge sore and tired after a brutal training session with James Vega and Jacob Taylor. James was a Biotic, but he was also here to make sure the Paladins don't shoot their eyes out or worse. Still with the training vast improvements were made but that did not take away the soreness they felt.
"Body sore, spirit broken." Hector said as he laid on the couch in the lounge area.
"He'z effective but very brutal." Sven said sitting on a different seat.
"I can barely move." Leon said as he was sprawled over the seat.
Kalvin was not too far away as he was easing the tension in his shoulder.
"Oi Cabezon." James spoke getting Kalvin's attention.
"Lieutenant Vega." Kalvin said as he figured out how this works. Apparently, James tended to give almost everyone he meets nicknames it's his way of learning about them. "Can I help you?" Kalvin asked as he looked to James.
"Just wanted to talk." James said as Kalvin shrugged.
"Well not much to talk about assuming you're not here to talk about my old man." Kalvin said as he leaned against the wall.
"Commander John Shepard, right?" James said as he looked to Kalvin. "I mean I may not get it but someone like him, Hero of the Blitz and from what I heard your Lions first choice." James said and thus Kalvin glared. "He's casting a pretty big shadow hard to live up to a man like that." James said as he was just saying what he felt Kalvin needed to hear. "Might be tough but sure as hell better than my old man." James said recalling his own issues. "Dad was a drug dealer and tried to drag me down to that life with him, would have if I didn't join the Marines." James said as this got Kalvin to ease up. "Just saying you could have had it worse." James said as Kalvin sighed a bit.
"Trying to put things in perspective huh?" Kalvin asked with a raise brow to the Hispanic Marine.
"Did it work Cabezon?" James asked and in response Kalvin chuckled and walked off. "I didn't hear a no." James quipped as he saw Kalvin walked off.
But before Kalvin could go any further Coran's voice cut in on them. "Paladins, we need you on the bridge ASAP." Coran called and thus Kalvin saw it was time to work.
"Guys let's go." Kalvin called out to Leon, Sven, and Hector. "Time to see if us getting our asses kicked improved us." Kalvin said as they headed to the Command Deck to meet with Coran and Allura.
(Later Castle of Lions Command Deck)
The Paladins arrived on the deck with Jacob already there and James just arriving. Penny had also arrived with Rover as Coran was on the communication link. In the glass screen John was on screen as he got down to the mission briefing.
"We're about to land on Firos." John began as he got down to the mission briefing. "There has been a Geth attack on Zhu's Hope, a young human colony that was establish here to explore the Prothean ruins." John said as they group paid attention. "The colonists are still alive so it's clear they aren't the main objective for Saren." He said as this was the information they got. "He's using the Geth to search for something there." He said and then got to the main bit of it. "I want the entire ground team for this our mission is to find out what Saren is after here and why." John said explaining the mission parameters to the group.
Penny however was already bringing something up. "Zhu's hope is just a pioneer colony, there doesn't seem to be anything there for Saren to nab." Penny said but then Sven cut in.
"So vhy vould he be zere?" Sven asked curious about this.
"Pit stop?" Hector offered but then Penny cut in.
"The Exogen Corporation is the one funding this colony." Penny said as she looked to the group. "It stands to reason ExoGeni was working on something here that Saren wants." Penny said giving the data based on what she pieced together.
"Did you just pull that up?" Leon asked with a raised brow.
"I like to know where we're going." Penny said with a shrug.
"So, Commander, what do you want the Paladins to do during this?" Kalvin asked as he looked up towards his father's image.
John nodded how his son said Commander like he didn't want to say it but had to for the team's sake. "Air cover." Shepard said making it clear what the Paladins would be doing. "The Castle of Lions will hang back up in upper orbit for the time being the Lions will get the Geth out of the skies." John said as they had a job here. "Try to clear the skies of the Geth and while we secure the colony." John said and thus their mission was clear.
"Right." The group said and in turn it was mission time.
"Alright Paladins we move now!" Allura called out as it was time to depart. "Coran has anyone in the crew been trained in using the Altean Pods?" Allura asked looking to Coran.
"No... not yet." Coran said as he had forgotten to do that.
"Ok program the autopilot, Lieutenant Vega Sargeant Taylor can you two assist Shepard's ground team?" Allura asked as she looked to the pair.
"Lo tienes Princesa." James said as Allura tilted her heard in confusion.
"He said you got it." Leon clarified and thus Allura understood.
"Using one of your ships as a Kodiak seems fair." Jacob said as he was ready to roll but first, they needed to suit up.
(Later in Zhu's Hope)
After the Normandy made its landing with the Altean Pod the Lions deployed from the Castle and entered the atmosphere. Flying down they easily got through and tanked the heat from planetary re-entry. They were soon seen flying through the air where they were met with Geth Fighters.
Seeing them Kalvin was the one to give the next order. "Eyes up here they come!" Kalvin called out as they in turn began to open fire upon the Geth Fire. The Lions flew through the air easily fighting the Fighters turning this into a dogfight. Firing off their weapons the Lions went into battle against the Geth Fighters. By the looks of it there was a lot of them, but the Lions faced it all.
Red Lion fired off a heat beam while Blue Lion fired off an ice beam. The Fighters hit by the heat were destroyed by the plasma while those hit by the cold were frozen solid and crashed to the ground. During this Penny had a few moments of pause as she looked to the colony sensing something was amiss about it. Ignoring it she focused on the fight unaware that due to her connection to the Green Lion plants were something that came naturally to her.
(Meanwhile with Allura)
Allura was waiting for the commands from Shepard as the Normandy was on the surface while the Castle of Lions hovered in space. "Princess we're receiving word from the Normandy." Coran suddenly said as he got Allura's attention.
"Put it through." Allura said and in turn Corran nodded.
"Hey Princess Commander Shepard called it in, the Colony is being attacked in intervals can you land the Castle and put the shield up around it?" Joker asked as he appeared on her screen.
"Of course, I'll bring the castle in now." Allura said as she got down to it.
(Later on, the ground)
After taking out the waves of Geth Shepard's team had split up while the Paladins handled the sky battle. As the skies were clearing the Castle of Lions had come down and landed atop the Colony before projecting its barrier around it. This will prevent the Geth from attacking further while providing support fire as well.
James, Jacob, Wrex, and Garrus were left to guard the colony. After fixing some of the life support in the colony and securing their position it was now a waiting game for them. Meanwhile John, Ashley, Liara, and Tali had gone on ahead to the second Tower and the other colonists in the Mako to find out what was going on.
"Something seems fishy around here." Jacob said as he was in full armor had a rifle in hand.
"Good I wasn't the only one to notice." James said as he glared about.
Wrex grunted a nod to what James said. "Yeah. This place makes my plates crawl, and I don't like it." Wrex said gruffly as he felt something was off about this place.
"I agree with Wrex. Something doesn't feel right." Garrus said looking around.
After James and Jacob had met John's team they had waited around for an update. Allura for her part was providing what food she can to the colonists as the group looked to her. "Almost hard to believe she's the last of her kind." Garrus said as they watched over her almost like family.
"I think it's her way to distract herself." Jacob said as he looked to the girl. "Helping others I mean." Jacob said as the girl had been nothing but welcoming to the Alliance crew in her castle.
"Sure, it's a good idea to have her out here like this?" Wrex asked as he had concerns.
"No but if Saren is targeting her at least we can get confirmation." Garrus said knowing Allura had volunteered to be live bait. "Joker, any luck contacting Shepard?" Garrus asked as he took his eyes off of Allura for a moment.
"No, communications are still down." Joker said as this was an issue for them. Comms. had been down for a bit but once they managed to get the Geth ship off of the tower communications should be restored. Of course, with the Lions top side things were settling down for a bit. "Keep trying rather we be ready to get the Princess out then take chances." Garrus said as he wanted to be sure Allura would be ok.
(Meanwhile with Shepard's Team)
"No! I don't want to review protocol!" A lone Krogan screamed at the ExoGeni V.I. The V.I. took the form of human male in front of the platform. A blank face stared back at the frustration and anger were etched onto the Krogans face as the V.I. responded with, "Please contact your supervisor for level four clearance."
Having had enough, the burly Krogan slammed his hands on the console and got right in the V.I.'s 'face.' "Dammit! Tell me what I want before I blast your virtual ass into actual dust!" He screamed with rage in his voice.
The V.I. just stared at him blankly, creating an awkward silence, before responding. "I am unable to comply, if you there are no further inquiries, please step aside." IT began as the Krogan go upset. "A queue is forming behind you for the use of this console." The VI said which left the Krogan confused for a moment. The Krogan then turned around to face the barrel of shotgun, which promptly reduced him to a dead carcass. Shepard returned the shotgun to the small of his back and stepped towards the VI construct.
John ignored the VI's warning about firearms in the ExoGeni workplace and questioned it about what the Geth and the, now dead, Krogan were after. The V.I. explained the details of an ExoGeni experiment known as Species 37. It was a plant-based lifeform called the Thorian, and it had the unusual ability to infect organisms with mind-controlling spores via inhalation. Worse than that, it was located directly under Zhu's Hope.
"Are you telling me that ExoGeni knew its people were getting infected." Shepard said through gritted teeth.
"It was deemed necessary to assess the true potential of Species 37." The VI said as John glared at them.
"That's why they were acting so strange." Tali said as they noted how off the Colony had acted.
"How could you do that to your own people." Ashley said, not bothering to hold in her disgust.
"We should contact Joker and warn the others." Tali said but that was out of the question.
"We can't that field is still blocking all communication." Shepard responded as they needed to get rid of it somehow.
"Then we need to take it out and get back to the outpost." Ashley said but then Liara had an opinion.
"Maybe we can contact the Lions have them hit it?" Liara offered as Kaiden saw it.
"If we were able to contact the Normandy at short distance maybe the same can be said for the Paladins." Kaiden said and thus John sighed.
"Worth a shot." John said before doing so. "Kalvin do you read me?" John asked but only got static. "Black Lion respond." He added but again static.
"Well, it was worth a shot." Kaiden said with a shrug.
"Looks like we're doing this on our own." Ashley said as they had no choice.
"Let's move!" Shepard said as he brought his shotgun out and moved into the room behind the console; Kaiden, Liara, Ashley and Tali were hot on his tail.
The next room was unrecognizable as there was a sizeable hole in the floor that appeared to drop two stories. The broken concrete appeared to provide a safe way through and led in the general direction of the Geth ship, the source of the comm jam, so The Commander slid down the hole with his team right behind him. As they approached the end, Shepard noticed a group of Geth standing below the opening that they were about to land on. Repositioning himself, Shepard leaped off the concrete slab, through the hole and into the room with his shotgun in one and an omni-blade forming in the other. He landed on the back of one Geth with his omni-blade piercing thru its back and out its chest cavity before they hit the ground.
Shepard ripped the blade upwards and through its head before rolling to avoid a plasma shot from the Geth rifle. He rolled towards one of the Geth as she gathered biotic energy to form a barrier. He felt two rounds hit him from the back as the barrier completed just in time to absorb the damage. Simultaneously, his shotgun did away with the Geth in front of him. The Geth behind him were taken out by Ashley and Tali. At the same time Liara and Kaiden used their Biotics to neutralize the last two. Shepard nodded to his team and pushed forward from room to room, tearing the Geth apart as they went. Eventually, they came upon with two Geth snipers on a raised catwalk at the far end of the room below them were at least five Krogan surrounded by Geth troopers.
"Commander there's a Geth PSI valve behind the two snipers." Tali said as she pointed the valves out. "If we can overload the pressure, we should be able to blow the clamps that's holding the Geth ship to this building." She said giving the group the rundown. "That'll break their communication jammers." Tali said and thus the plan was formed.
"Alright, I saw some stairs running along the opposite wall from us." John began as he got down to it. Ash take the snipers out while Tali, Kaiden, Liara, and I push through theses Geth." John said trusting Ashley to have his back.
"On it!" Ashley said as she switched from her assault rifle to a sniper one.
"You sure we can take them Commander? That's a lot of Geth, not to mention the Krogan." Tali said. She couldn't help but to be intimidated by their numbers.
"It's nothing we haven't dealt with in getting here Tali. And you played a large part in getting us here. Don't doubt yourself now." Shepard responded, smiling.
Tali nodded her head and readied a combat drone before reloading her shotgun.
With that Shepard charged forward, tossing two grenades towards a group of Geth as he did so. The Geth were obliterated on the spot, but they alerted the rest of the room to their presence. Ashley took cover behind a fallen pillar, waiting for the two snipers to pop up from their cover. The rest of the Geth tried to flank around Tali and Shepard, who were moving around the edge of the room toward the staircase. This brought the Geth closer to Ashley who took out the one closest to her before they discovered her. This brought one of the sniper's attention to Ashley. In one shot he dropped her shields forcing her back to her cover. The flanking Geth then turn to pounce on her before being gunned down from behind by Tali. The combat drone had the second sniper occupied and unable to get a shot off on the approaching Shepard. However, all five of the Krogan stood in front of him and three of them were charging. Shepard charged his biotics as they got closer.
"Tali, now!" John screamed as he shot forward in a biotic charge just as the first Krogan reached his position. His biotics carried him straight through the charging Krogan, knocking them off their feet. He charged right into the face of the Krogan farthest away from him and fired a round point blank into his face, killing him. Tali had turned around and fired on a collection of sticky grenades Shepard had stuck into the ceiling above his last position, which was where the three Krogan had fallen. Acting fast Liara and Kaiden used their own Biotics to hold down the Krogan giving Tali room to act.
Tali shot the grenades, causing an explosion which caused the already weakened ceiling to collapse on top of three Krogan. The final Krogan was taken out by Shepard's biotic throw which sent him through an opening in the wall and into a free fall to his death. The unoccupied sniper turned to take a shot at Shepard, but was put by a round from Ashley, who immediately turned and finished off the sniper who had just got rid of the combat drone. Shepard and Tali then rushed up to the valve and immediately went to work in overloading the pressure on the clamps. Shepard, Kaiden, Liara, and Ashley took overwatch while Tali worked. A few Geth had come through an adjacent doorway at the far end of the room but met a quick end via Kaiden and Liara's Biotics before they could do real damage. Tali finished a second later and the clamps exploded, disabling the Geth ship and sending it plummeting down into the depths of the Prothean ruins on which ExoGeni was built.
"That should do it Commander." Tali said with a sigh of relief. The fields should be down and now we can deal with this Thorian thing." Tali added as the hard part was over.
"Good work all of you." John said as things were looking up.
"Our works not done let Commander." Liara said as she knew they had to move fast.
"She's right let's take out this plant thing and set those colonists free!" Ashley replied to which Shepard nodded.
"Agreed. Let's get moving the Geth will be crawling all over this place soon." John said knowing they had to get back to the Mako.
Suddenly, Joker's voice came over their comms. "Normandy to Shepard, I repeat Normandy to Shepard! Come on Shepard talk to me!" Joker was heard as he sounded panicked.
"That you Joker? What's going on over there?" Shepard began but then Coran cut in.
"It's a disaster!" Coran cried out surprising Shepard and reminding him this was basically a group chat.
"The colonists are bugging out commander!" Joker began letting him know what was going on. "They're banging on the hull, trying to claw their way into the ship. Some of them have gotten a hold of some weapons and started firing on Allura." Joker began which got the group panicked.
"The Princess is being shot at!?" Kalvin was heard as John recalled he was trying to call his son earlier.
"Don't worry Wrex got Allura to safety." Joker said as Allura owed Wrex for that.
"Patch me through to the others!" John said as he knew they had to hurry as they doubled timed it back to the Mako.
"Shepard?" Garrus asked as he was heard in a fight.
"Garrus what's your status?!" Shepard asked as they ran through the building.
"Shepard, the colonists have us in a bind." Garrus said as he knew they had to hold the line. "We're trying not to kill them, but they're trying to force us out of the colony." He said giving details. "One minute they were fine, and the next they just started shooting." He said as he got down to it. "When the shooting started Wrex moved Allura back to her castle while Jacob, James, and I held the line." Garrus said giving Shepard an update. "We haven't killed anyone yet though but we're holding up in the tower, they don't seem to want to chase us in here." He said as Shepard was regretting having the barrier up.
"Have Allura bring down the barrier and." Shepard began but then more issues came in.
"I'm sorry Commander but that might be a problem." Allura said and thus all eyes widened to this.
"Robeast Coffin?" John asked as he knew what this meant.
"Robeast coffin." Allura responded and thus things were going from bad to worse.
They group stopped and looked up to the sky to see the firing coffin entering the atmosphere. "Brace yourselves!" Shepard called out and thus they held on.
(Lion Battle)
The Lions were finishing off the Geth fighters when the alert came in. "We have a Robeast coffin!" Kalvin called out and thus they all moved out of the way of the Coffin. When they did the Coffin crashed about 10 miles away from the Castle and Zhu's hope. The Lions hovered on the scene for a bit as they waited for the Coffin to open up.
"How do these things keep finding us?" Leon asked glaring at the Coffin.
"I don't know but whatever is inside we need to take it out." Kalvin said and thus they had only one thing to do. "Form Voltron!" Akira called out and thus they went straight to forming Voltron.
(Forming Voltron)
Black Lion roared out as it flew forward with its arms folding into the needed sections. First it folded backward before folding into the container units and once secured Black Lion began to take on a more humanoid look. Then Green and Red Lion flew in as they flew upward leaving behind a trail of energy in there colors as when they did their legs began to fold up and secure themselves to form the arms of Voltron as once, they did they flew off to continue the formation.
Next up was Yellow and Blue Lion as they flew in and began to fold up their legs to be secured and become more leg like themselves as once, they were secured they now looked more like legs. They were now ready for the finishing touches as they got ready to form up with their prides leader the Black Lion. Red Lion attached first as once it was in the socket a connecter shot out and not only secured the arm but also made sure it was usable as this caused the Red Lion to extend a bit to be the right arm of Voltron.
Green Lion was the next to connect as its back shield was now the shoulder pad for Voltron as once Green Lion was in the socket the connection was made and secured in turn allowed the arm to extend a bit to better form the arm like with Red Lion. As this was done Green Lion roared out. Once this was done Blue and Yellow Lions began to form the legs as when they did it was shown that once the Black Lions rear legs were inside Blue and Yellow Lions it began to seal up to both connect and secure the connection as once it did and both legs were secured the transformation was almost done.
Now that the body was formed Black Lion's head was now ready as the yellow eyes then flashed as the maw opened up as first the crown formed and in turn the maw opened up to reveal the face of Voltron as soon Voltron formation was done. When the formation was done Voltron then crashed the mass of Red and Yellow Lions before splitting them apart while a current of energy went through them. Voltron then struck a pose with legs and wings spread and the right arm pointed upward before releasing a burst of Quintessence that formed the Galaxy behind it in turn as Voltron was ready for battle.
(End formation)
Voltron landed on the ground ready to fight against whatever was about to emerge from the Coffin. "Ok form Sword!" Kalvin called out and in turn Voltron formed his sword. "And form shield!" He added as soon Voltron's wings flew off and formed his shield.
"Ok the first one we took out was ugly, the second one looked kind of like a Krogan... no telling what this one will be." Leon said as he was worried.
"Maybe its candy." Hector said hoping for candy.
"Why would it be candy?" Penny asked as she looked at Hector annoyed with him.
"Well, what do you think it is then?" Hector asked to counter Penny.
"Ve're about to find out, look!" Sven called out and thus the coffin opened up to reveal a lizard like creature with long flat arms and odd-looking eyes. Voltron was ready but as the creature began to raise its head its eyes landed on Voltron. Its eyes glowed green as it began to target Voltron ready to fight.
The chest eye began to glow as it was charging up before it fired off as once it met Voltron's shield Voltron was pushed back but held its ground as best it could. "It's not candy!" Hector cried out as Voltron tried to hold his ground.
Voltron was pushed back some more before spinning out of the line of fire and began flying torts the Robeast. "Come on we need to draw its fire away from the Colonists!" Kalvin called out as Voltron began flying straight torts the Robeast with sword raised for battle.
The Robeast jumped up high and began firing at Voltron once more as Voltron had its shield up and defended itself as best it could. The Paladins all cried out a groan as they tried their best to hold on from the Robeasts onslaught on them. Voltron once more got a bit of breathing room and began flying around the Robeast as it followed after it with its laser. Voltron got an opening and flew straight for the Robeast and attempted to slash it. But the Robeast dodged with ease before moving one of its eyes and firing at Voltron landing a blow on him.
Voltron stumbled from it a bit but regained himself as he began to fly about to divert the Robeasts fire away from the Balmera. Voltron was soon forced to hold his ground as the laser hit the shield full force as Voltron did his best to hold out as best, he could.
"Green is losing power!" Penny called out as she saw what was going on via her console. "If we lose the shield, we're dead!" Penny added as she knew they had to act fast.
"Ve need a new plan!" Sven called out as he knew they can't hold like this.
"Sven watch your footing!" Leon called out but his warning fell to deaf ears as Voltron was pushed back where the Blue Lion hit a large patch and in turn fell over as the shield deactivated and the two halves of it flew out and landed on the ground as Voltron hit the ground hard.
"Dammit disengaged!" Kalvin called out and in turn Voltron once more split up into the five Lions. "Everyone evasive maneuvers! It can't shoot at all of us if we surround it, just keep out of site from its eyes." Kalvin said as they needed to keep one step ahead of this Robeast.
But alas the plan would not work as Kalvin hoped it would. Seeing the Lions return the Robeast opened up its arm showing all the lasers ports around its arms and soon fire laser at all the lions. "Ok it can do that too!" Kalvin called out as he and his team avoided the laser shots coming their way.
As the lion keep dodging, from the Castle of Lions blue beam of light came forth and shot the robeast, throwing off its aim to give the lion a rest, as now the robeast was targeting the castle now as it fired a beam at them with the particle barrier came up and took the hit, but the beam was powerful that the barrier was taking major punishment for it.
(Castle of Lions Command deck)
The Castle crew was trying to withstand the power of the beam that was hitting them as the alarm rang out. "Where does Saren get these creatures?" Allura asked as Coran had his own two cents.
"Assuming this Saren fellow is the source." Coran said while they tried to hold out.
"Princess, the particle barrier won't sustain much longer!" Coran said as he look back at Allura and said, "We need to fall back or else the barrier will fail." Coran said but Allura turned her head.
"Negative the civilians bellow us we can't let harm come to them." Allura said as she held on refusing to abandon the victims of whatever was affecting the people bellow.
(Meanwhile with the ground team)
The Mako was driving down the path as it headed towards the Zhu's Hope Colony. As he watched the battle with his team, they saw the Lions were struggling to keep the Robeast at bay.
"We need to hurry." Ashley said as she was worried for the kids.
"Agreed." John said and kicked the pedal to the metal heading towards their intended target.
(Back to the battle)
"Leon draw its attention!" Kalvin called out and Leon moved in.
"Got it Kal!" Leon called out and in turn the Red Lion fired a heat blast at the Robeast. However, the thing didn't melt as he hoped but instead it seemed to have withstand the high temperature. To make matters worse, its attention was now on Leon and the Red Lion. The Robeast aimed all of its lasers at the lion and opened fire. In response Leon and his lion dodge them all with the red lion's speeds.
As the Black Lion flew in from above it saw that the Robeast was now busy. In turn seeing the chance the black lion opens its mouth, about to fire an energy beam at it. IT was about to fire until the Robeast eye seem to have shifted around behind its head looking toward the black lion and fire a beam fast. Kalvin and the black lion barely gotten out of the way in time as everyone try to fly out of the Robeast range for a bit.
"Does zis thing have any blind spots ve can attack?" Sven asked as he saw they were in a jam.
"I don't think there is blind spot on it." Pennys said seeing the situation they were in. "It has eyes all around its body." Penny responded as they needed a new plan of attack fast.
But then the Lions dodged more laser attacks from the Robeast causing Hector to panic. "Laser eyes! Laser eyes!" Hector cried out as the lions dodge out of the way as one of the beams hit a nearby building.
"We need to reform Voltron give it a single target to focus on." Kalvin called as they could not risk civilian casualties.
"You sure it will just make us a bigger target!?" Leon asked as he knew that would be an issue.
"I'm sure, no form Voltron!" Kalvin called out and with a roar the Lions flew upward, and, in a flash, Voltron was back in the game. Landing on the ground Voltron summoned his shield as they needed to keep the Robeast centered on them. Seeing its target had become a singular target the Robeast aimed its lasers at Voltron and thus continued its onslaught.
(Back at Zhu's Hope)
Shepard and his team had arrived at the colony and after making a slight detour they picked up some Grenades made to expel the Thorian's spores from a human body. Making quick work of them the group managed to find its lair when Allura rejoined them much to their shock.
"Princess what are you doing back out here?" John asked as he noted Allura was wearing a mask.
"The situation is getting dire we may need to evacuate the colonists." Allura said showing she was here to help.
"Won't do much if the Thorian is not dealt with." Shepard said and thus Allura nodded taking out a pistol.
"Then let's find it and deal with it." Allura but something else was noted. Before Shepard could stop her, she ran on ahead causing Jacob to cringe.
"She's going to get herself killed." Jacob said and gave chase with the others after they had regrouped. Moving through the colony John caught up quickly to Allura. As they ran towards the lair, they began to note several roots in the hall. Allura had her helmet on which was a good idea if the creature had spores so this meant they can filter out its spores.
"Allura don't run off we have no idea what this Thorian... even... is." John said as they soon got to the Thorian's lair.
Water fell freely across jagged rock and small rays of sunlight peppered the area. It would have been serene were it not for the huge plant-like creature that hung in the middle of it. Its vines were woven throughout the ruins of old buildings that outlined the walls of the cavern. The face, if one could call it that, was made up of a series of indentations on a flat surface of flesh. A mouth sat under the 'face' and a collection of tentacles were protruding from it. It positioned itself to hangover a jagged platform in from of Shepard and his crew.
"What the hell is that?!" Ashley asked as she saw the Thorian.
"Dios mio." James gasped as he saw the Thorian for the first time. Everyone else was grossed out by the Thorian no doubt wanting to burn it with fire.
Allura however had a different reaction from the creature's presence one of delightful recognition. "That's the Thorian!?" Allura asked in practical recognition of the creature. "I thought it was something else for a bit." Allura admitted shocking the group.
"You know about this thing?" Garrus asked surprised by Allura's revelation.
"They were actually quite common on Altea." Allura said as she looked to the crew. "Their spores kept local invaders from harming our crops and in exchange we share a small percentage of our harvest." Allura said recognizing the Thorian for a green method of securing their harvest. "How did one survive and make it all the way here?" Allura asked as she was grateful to find something of her home world had survived.
"How do we take it down?" Kaiden asked but Allura had other ideas.
"No let's see if it can be reasoned with." Allura said and in turn they began to approach the creature. As Allura began to approach the creature the plant seemed to bloat for a second before contracting. As it did a green figure fell through the tentacles in its mouth. The figure was an Asari, only, its skin and eyes were green.
Wrex was absolutely repulsed. No other expression could be deciphered from reading his face.
"This…was not covered in my training manuals." Garrus stated as he wanted to burn this thing quickly.
"What the hell?" Kaidan said in shock as he saw what had happened.
"That does not look like any plant I've ever seen." John said as the Asari stepped forward.
"Invaders! Your every step is a transgression. A thousand feelers appraise you as meat, good only to dig or decompose." The Asari said in a warped voice. "I speak for the Old Growth as I did for Saren. You are within and before the Thorian. It commands that you be in awe." She said and thus Allura was the first to respond.
"Be at ease you're amongst friends." Allura said offering a friendly gesture to the creature. "I'm Allura of Altea." Allura said as she kept a friendly gesture to the Thorian who glared at her. "You gave something to Saren a trade can be offered like days of old." Allura said as she approached the Thorian carefully. "Your kind helped my people secure our crops in harvest we shared what we grew so you may continue to survive." Allura said as she hoped the Thorian was of Altea.
"The Old Growth listened to flesh for the first time in the Long Cycle." It responded to Allura. "Trades were made. Then cold ones began killing the flesh that would tend the next cycle." IT said in tone showing fury. "Flesh fairly given but you claim to know of the Old Growth." IT said showing it did not believe Allura's words. "The Old Growth sees the air you push as lies! It will listen no more!" It snapped causing Shepard to cut in.
"Saren is a threat to all those that respect life. We can put a stop to him if you help us!" Shepard pleaded hoping to stop the creature before it did something hasty.
"No more will the Thorian listen to those that scurry." It said showing that no deal will be made here. "Your lives are short, but they have gone on too long! Your blood will feed the ground and the new growth!" It said and thus Acting fast John pulled Allura behind him.
The Asari then reached for a shotgun on the small of her back, but before she could, Shepard opened fire and pulled Allura back. "I thought you could reason wit hit." Shepard said as he kept Allura protected.
"I fear that its feral." Allura said as she tried to peaceful method first and it did not work.
"Then we're doing this the hard way." Jacob said and thus the group were ready for a fight. "How do we stop it, Princess?" Jacob asked and thus Allura explained.
"Its being held together by the roots around us take those out and it will fall, otherwise my people have a special chemical that can neutralize it." She explained and thus they had the plan.
"Ok split up and take out those roots." John said and in turn the battle began.
(Back with Voltron and the Robeast)
Voltron was moving to cover as the Robeast continued its assault on it. Needless to say, the struggle was clear for them, but they intended to persevere. "Ve need a vay to take out ze Robeasts eyes." Sven called out as they flew around the creature.
"Well, I'm open to suggestions!" Kalvin said and thus Hector was panicking.
Hector tried to find a way to win or get out but nothing he found would work. Just then a growl echoed across his mind and following it up his Bayard Port popped open. "Uh guys I think we got something." Hector said as he looked to the port. "My Bayard port showed up." Hector said surprising the group.
"A new weapon?" Penny asked as Kalvin heard this.
"Only one way to find it, Hector do it." Kalvin said and thus Hector nodded.
"Well here goes nothing FORM SOMETHING!" Hector called out and in turn slammed the Bayard into the port. When he did so Voltron was atop a building and on his shoulder a massive cannon took form. "Hello big bazooka!" Hector called out as Voltron had the Shoulder Cannon active. It didn't end there as soon a targeting computer activated as the cannon began to target every eye the Robeast had. "Oh, now we're talking." Hector said waiting for what's next.
In turn Voltron fired off the Shoulder Cannon with a spread shot. The laser shots hit the eyes dead on as the Robeast was bombarded by Voltron's newest weapon. The shots hit fast and true causing much damage to the Robeast. It kept getting hit and was being torn apart by Voltron's newest weapon. That did not end as soon Voltron fired a singular charge shot at the Robeast sending it flying back into the Exogen building.
Once that was finished it was time to end this before it could get back up. "Alright Form Sword!" Kalvin called out and thus after calling off the shoulder cannon Voltron formed his sword once more. Activating his booster Voltron charged at the Robeast who was already getting back up. IT roared at Voltron in time to find a sword rammed into his head by the Legendary Defender. Voltron then sliced downward and to the side before it grabbed the Robeast and threw it toward a less populated area. The Robeast detonated and thus took out the area its blast was in. With this battle done all that was left was for the Normandy Team to finish on their end.
(Back with John's group)
It was a struggle but in the end the team managed to pull it off. The Thorian fell its roots dealt with and its fall assured. The creature let out a final death gasp as it then fell over and died. The Asari it had sent their way seemed to have been cloned as man like her had appeared to try and stop the crew. Thankfully with numbers they managed to hit more targets in a shorter amount of time.
By the end of it the crew dealt with the Thorian. Once more the team gathered in front of the Thorian now dead as Allura gave it a look of pity. "Poor thing." Allura said as she looked to it.
"It tried to kill us you know." Ashley said but Allura turned her head.
"It was only doing what it felt was best for its survival." Allura said as she gave the creature her sympathy. These creatures while not pretty to look at had once played a vital role in Altea agriculture and now it too had perished like Altea had.
John approached Allura hoping to ease her when a pop on an adjacent wall burst and an identical Asari to the one the Thorian had deployed fell from it. The main difference was that her skin was the purple color common in some Asari. Her eyes were still green, though.
"I'm free." She said in shock as she looked at herself seeing she had control of her body again. The Asari approached the group slowly as if she were getting her bearings.
"Who are you?" Shepard said defensively in case the Asari was a threat.
"My name is Shiala. I serve—I served Benezia." Shiala said introducing herself. "When lady Benezia allied herself with Saren so did I she foresaw the influence Saren would have so she tried to guide him down a gentler path." Shiala said explaining her story. "But Saren is compelling, and lady Benezia lost her way." The Asari said as she looked bitter about what happened to Benezia and herself.
"Are you saying Saren can control minds?!" John asked as this may be cause for concern.
"Benezia underestimated Saren as I did." Shiala said admitting to her short coming. "We came to believe in his cause and his goals. The strength of the influence is troubling." She said as Allura found this concerning as well.
"She tried to manipulate Saren, but in the end her plan backfired." Garrus said matter-of-factly as this was becoming an issue now.
"But I thought Asari had some of the most powerful minds in the galaxy. How did one fall under Saren's control?" Kaidan asked as he knew that something was up.
"My thoughts exactly." John said as he then looked to Shiala. "Benezia is a matriarch, the most seasoned and powerful of the Asari in every aspect, especially mental fortitude." John said before directing his attention to the recently freed Asari. "Care to explain Shiala?" Shepard said as he wanted answers.
"Saren has a vessel." Shiala began as she explained what had happened. It's an enormous ship unlike anything I've ever seen." She described as this sounded like the ship that attacked Eden Prime. "He calls it Sovereign. It can dominate the minds of its followers." Shiala said and thus it was clear that Saren was becoming a major threat.
"They become indoctrinated to Saren's will. The process is subtle. It can take days, weeks, but, in the end, it is absolute." Shiala explained to the group. "I was a willing slave when Saren brought me to this world." She admitted before explaining what had happened. "He needed my biotics to communicate with the Thorian; to learn its secrets. Saren offered me in trade. I was sacrificed to secure an alliance between Saren and the Thorian." Shiara said as this caused Allura to scowl.
"This Saren fellow is starting to sound more and more like Zarkon." Allura said as she glared clearly upset over what had happened. "Quick to betray his allies when it suits him." Allura added and thus it was clear that the group had their issues.
Shiala nodded as she knew Allura was on the marker there. "He was quick to betray the Thorian too. After he had what he wanted, he ordered the Geth to destroy all evidence of its existence. He knows you are after the Conduit and are following his steps. He wanted to get rid of the Thorian so that you could not gain the Cipher.
"The Cipher?" Shepard asked.
"The beacon on Eden Prime gave you visions. But they are unclear, confusing. They were meant for a Prothean mind." Shiala explained to the group. "To truly comprehend them, you must think like a Prothean. You must understand their culture, history, their very existence." She said and thus got to the next bit. "The Thorian was here long before the Protheans built this city. It watched and studied them. And when they died, it consumed them. They became a part of it." She explained and thus it was clear.
"So, this Thorian was here most likely left behind by accident." Allura said as the Thorian's from Altea were benevolent for the most part.
"So, the Cipher helped Saren think like a Prothean. Is there a way I can gain that knowledge? I need it to stop Saren." Shepard said seriously as they needed this to stop Saren as soon as possible.
"There may be a way, while inside the Thorian I melded with his mind, our thoughts intertwined, became one." She explained to the group. "I came to know the knowledge of the Cipher; understand it. I can transfer the knowledge from my mind to yours, as I did with Saren." Shiala said and thus this was good for them.
"Could you do it now?" John replied immediately to the woman.
Shiala nodded as she then approached John. "Relax your mind, Commander, deep breaths, let go of your physical shell, reach out and grasp the threads that bind us together." Shepard recalled a similar…interaction with Liara when she joined the Normandy crew. He subconsciously wondered if all Asari melded like this.
"Embrace Eternity." Shiala said and in turn it began. Suddenly, the visions implanted in his mind came together. Yet he still couldn't make it out. However, he could feel every emotion. The tiredness of muscles from the long battle the heartbreak of losing brothers, and sisters, mothers and husbands, wives and children all slaughtered by heartless machines. He felt their despair, their rage, their hopelessness; all in a matter of moments. When Shepard turned to reality he was dazed, but otherwise fine.
'That's…going to take time to process.' John thought as his head was spinning from the ordeal.
"I have given you the Cipher. Just as I did with Saren. The ancestral memories of the Protheans are a part of you now." Shiala said as John's team went to check on him.
"Shepard, are you alright? What happened?!" Kaidan asked worriedly to John.
"I saw…something. It still doesn't make any sense. But I felt their emotions. The emotions of a dying people." Shepard said sadly as this brought down Allura's mood as well.
"I'm sorry if you have suffered. There was truly no other way." Shiala said sadly but then got to the good news. "You have been given a great gift. The memories of an entire people." She said and then continued. "Now that you have the Cipher it will take time for your mind to acclimate to it and for you to understand the vision." Shiala said and int urn Shepard shook his head free of the lingering mental fatigue and nodded.
"We should have Chakwas take a look at you Commander. Just in case." Ashley said wanting to make sure her XO is healthy.
"Wait... I have one question to ask." Allura said as she approached Shiala. "We've been facing giants of machine and flesh for some time... did Saren send them?" Allura asked as she needed this information, they all did.
"Saren sent them yes but he did not make them." Shiala said and this got their attention.
"Make them you mean someone made those things?" Tali asked concern in her voice.
"Yes, Saren had acquired a new ally a woman with markings much like your own." Shiala revealed as this got the group worried rightfully so.
"Saren has an Altean?" Jacob asked finding this concerning. He read the files for all intents and purposes Allura, and Coran were the last of the Alteans.
"I do not know for certain, I never got a good look at her, but I do know she has the one to create those creatures those Robeasts." Shiala explained and in turn Allura nodded as this proves that Saren is in fact the one sending these Robeasts.
"Why is Saren targeting me? Why is he targeting Voltron?" Allura asked and thus Shiara sighed.
"I do not know but I fear for the worse." She admitted and thus Allura knew this was all they could get for now.
"Now that you're free of the Thorian what will you do?" Allura asked as she wanted to make sure Shiala would be ok.
"With your permission Princess I wish to accompany you." Shiara said much to the groups surprise. "If not, I shall remain here to aid in the damages I had helped to cause." Shiara said as she had two methods to aid them.
"Might I ask why you wished to join us?" Allura asked as she looked to Shiara.
"My actions in aiding Saren had directly affected you negatively, and since you are a target of Saren and his new ally, I felt it was best that to make right by acting as your shield." Shiara said offering her services as an Asari Commando to Princess Allura.
"Very well I would be honored to have you aboard." Allura said welcoming to Shiara joining the Castle crew.
"Thank you, Princess Allura." Shiara said and thus all was well that ended well.
(Scene Break Castle of Lions)
"I hope your accommodations are acceptable." Allura said as she gestured to the room Shiara would be sleeping in.
"They are adequate." Shiara said as the Asari Commando looked to Allura. "I shall proceed to unpack and once I do so will be available to perform any tasks needed." She said but then Allura had to ask.
"Wait would you by chance be available to assist Penny with her Biotics?" Allura asked as she looked to Penny. "She's exceptionally gifted but she doesn't try to practice with them valuing machines more than her own Biotics." Allura said as she hoped Shiara would be able to aid with that.
"I shall do what I can I suspect training from an Asari Commando will be more fruitful then from others." Shiara said and thus Allura nodded to this.
"Thank you." Allura said grateful for the assist in this regard. Taking her leave Allura began to make her way to her own room. Shepard had no doubt made his report to the Council and she knew that the Paladins would be doing their own thing around the Castle. But as she walked down the halls Kalvin was heard nearby.
"Allura." Kalvin greeted and thus Allura looked to Kalvin.
"Kal was there something you needed?" Allura asked as she looked to Kal.
"Just wanted to check in on you." Kalvin said as he looked to Allura.
"Performing your rounds?" Allura joked as she heard Shepard does similar.
"Yeah, I guess me, and my old man have that in common." Kalvin said as he did care for his friends and his team. "Just don't go calling me Commander Shepard." Kalvin said but Allura smirked.
"Well, you technically already are as the Head of Voltron." Allura said causing Kalvin to glare at her for a bit while Allura just playfully smiled at him. Then with a sigh Kalvin got to the main reason he was here.
"So, I heard about the Thorian... are you ok?" He asked with concern for Allura.
"Yes, I just feel terrible that it had to die." Allura said as she wanted a peaceful resolution for it knowing the Thorian's of her home planet of Altea.
"It was probably for the best as you said it was Feral." Kalvin said as it was better to put it down then risk it causing harm.
"Perhaps." Allura said as she saw that they had no choice at the time. "It's just another reminder of what I had lost." Allura said bitterly as she was reminded that she was the last of her kind.
"At least we now know that Seran is targeting us." Kalvin said but Allura had other thoughts.
"And the woman working with him... if she's an Altean then maybe... maybe there are others." Allura said with hope that she wasn't alone in the universe.
Kalvin saw where this was going and knew that if by chance its wrong then he did not want to see the Princess despair. "Allura, I want you to find your people truly I do but... please don't get your hopes up too high." Kalvin said as he was being realistic.
"I know... I just..." Allura began but then let it go. "No, your right whoever she is we need to apprehend her and maybe break whatever hold Saren's ship has on her." Allura said as that was a more reasonable desire.
"Alright." Kalvin said and thus he stood up from the wall. "I should go." Kalvin said and Allura smiled.
"So should I, I have my own rounds to run." Allura said and in turn the two parted ways from each other. As they parted ways Allura smiled as her eyes drifted to the side while facing away from Kalvin. Her cheeks gained a pink shade as she kept walking back to perform her rounds.
(Meanwhile with Saren)
Saren sat in his throne as he saw the Extra Net and saw what Voltron had been up to. First the Citadel and now Firos Voltron was making a name for itself. Not long after Haggar entered the room with a cold look as normal.
"It seems that Shepard now has the Cipher." Haggar said as Saren scoffed to this.
"Won't help him if he doesn't know where we are going." Saren said as they were still in the lead for this race.
"But with Princess Allura amongst them it's only a matter of time before they catch up." Haggar said coldly as she glared at the man.
"Let them try... they cannot stop the Reapers not even Voltron is that powerful." Saren said but Haggar let it be.
'That's what you think.' Haggar thought but then changed subjects. "Our base in Virmir will need extra protection a Salarian STG unit is approaching our base." Haggar said as she then got down to it. "I need to provide added insurance that they will not escape... I need an Asari Commando for a new Robeast." Haggar said as she made her intentions clear.
"And you shall have it, now go." Saren said and thus Haggar turned around and left the room. Once Saren was left alone Saren glared for a moment as he knew there was more work with Haggar. IT knew the woman was up to something but somehow IT could not see. Saren knew Haggar was a valuable asset, but the question remained... who was, Haggar truly?
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter is done took me making one chapter too long to make it to this point. Well then until next time I ask that you leave a review before leaving and as I always say on here, ja-ne.