Kacey walked over to Mordin, hesitant. She was so determined before, but now that she was here, she couldn't do it. It was understandable; after all she had spent years keeping it under wraps. She also wasn't sure how to approach it either, the genophage cure is the priority after all.
She noticed the intense frown on Mordin's face as he focused on his task. He sighed as he put down his datapad and turned to face Kacey.
"Shepard. Blood work complete. Indicates significant stress on Eve's system." Mordin said, "Maleon's data thorough. Fortunately, detailed as well. Have used notes to improve her condition."
"That's good to hear." Kacey replied, "I'm surprised that you're so keen to cure the genophage. You always defended the genophage before."
"Never changed my mind. Genophage proper decision at time. New circumstances necessitate course correction."
Kacey raised an eyebrow, "Those circumstances being?"
"Reaper invasion. Turians doomed without krogan support. Krogan need unified threat, outlet for aggression. Cooperative symbiosis."
"That's it? No personal stake here?"
Mordin gazed towards Eve, his expression sombre, "Getting old, Shepard. Not many years left. But still best candidate for project. Few salarian scientists interested in genophage. None with my expertise. Had to be me."
"Someone else might have gotten it wrong?" Kacey asked.
"Possibly. Stakes too high for inexperience. But not about them. My work. My job to put it right. To prove I can."
"I think you can." Kacey replied, "So are you busy right this second? I have a…personal request."
Mordin observed Kacey carefully, "Not busy right now. Waiting for data sets to cook. Personal request odd. Something wrong?"
"Kind of." Kacey said, still hesitant, "It's very personal and I would prefer if you keep it to yourself. It's a medical issue."
"Ah, I see." Mordin mused, "About heightened Element Zero, nitroarene pendyrochloride levels? Unnatural in humans. Usually results in death."
"Yeah, I know." Kacey replied, feeling uneasy, "The datapad is behind the files in that cupboard if you want the details."
"Of course. Can't treat patients without full knowledge of circumstances." Mordin replied as he quickly went to collect the datapad. Upon his return, the Professor looked at Kacey, sceptical, "Details incomplete. Missing large pieces of data. Can you explain?"
"The Alliance keeps those records highly classified." Kacey explained, "My mother was exposed to the compound during a mission. An experimental chemical bomb detonated unexpectedly, exposing her to the gas. She was in the very early stages of pregnancy at the time."
"Element Zero can attach itself to nervous system, allowing biotic potential." Mordin mused, "Not the case here."
"Nope." Kacey replied, "It caused a few minor physical changes to my mother. I got the worst of it."
"I see." Mordin said scrolling through the datapad, "Abnormal strength, endurance. Body tougher than most. Rapid healing. Abnormal hair and eye colour."
"Hair cannot be dyed as hair dye does not stick." Kacey replied bluntly.
"Genetic modification listed here. Was necessary?"
"We don't know all the details but the compound was having an…adverse effect on my body. I needed a few minor genetic modifications to keep it stable." Kacey explained, "Aside from that, nobody knows how this happened or why. The Alliance knows little and Cerberus even less."
"Development of medicine; hydroploxin, for serious falls and accidents. Interesting." Mordin mused, "Reason for secrecy not noted. Concerned about safety?"
"In a sense. The Alliance didn't want Cerberus to know about it. And I don't feel like being experimented on." Kacey responded.
"Understandable. Cerberus experimentation unethical. Why request my aid?"
Kacey contemplated her answer, "Closure, I suppose. It's been years and I don't know why this happened to me. Or how. I'd like to know what separates me, physically from everyone else that gives me these abilities. And I believe you can find the answer. I trust you, Mordin, and trust doesn't come easily to me."
"Understand." Mordin nodded, "Will handle with care. Curious to uncover the truth."
"Thank you, Mordin." Kacey replied, "If you need anything, Doctor Chakwas can help. She is also aware of the usual offender."
"Usual offender?"
"It's the nickname for this thing." Kacey explained.
"Ah. I see. Will look into this now." Mordin replied, "See if any new data can be found in old test results."
…
It felt like a small weight had been lifted from her shoulders; she hadn't talked about it so candidly in years. Kacey just had to hope that the Professor could find the answer to the impossible question.
Her mood had shifted upon returning to the CIC; she could see her terminal flashing, indicating that another email was in her inbox. She wondered who it could possibly be, and what they wanted. Upon reading the email, she wasn't too impressed; Aria wanted to meet up to talk about her plan. Kacey contemplated the idea of helping her; on the one hand, Aria was a criminal overlord who was as ruthless as she was powerful (allegedly) but on the other hand, she could easily be a useful ally in this war. Kacey didn't have the luxury of being picky.
She went over to the galaxy map and selected the Citadel, before marching back to the War Room, hoping that Wrex and Victus were ready to talk. She wasn't in the mood for their fighting. She found both the turian and krogan on opposite sides of the room, thoroughly ignoring each other. Kacey approached Victus as he finished up on the terminal in the centre of the room.
"Commander." Victus greeted her.
"You said one of your ships went missing?" Kacey asked.
"Crashed, actually." Victus corrected, "I couldn't speak in front of the krogan. Our ship went down on Tuchanka. Now they are pinned down by an advanced guard of Reapers scouting the planet."
"What are your men even doing out there anyway?"
"I'm sorry, that's classified." Victus said, "But it's vital they be rescued. They must complete their original mission. It's a matter of…galactic peace."
"How many men are there?"
"A platoon."
"And why is this a matter of galactic peace?" Kacey asked, finding Victus' answer suspicious.
"I'm sorry, Commander." Victus replied, "As I said, it's highly classified."
"Look if you want me to put my ass on the line, I need answers." Kacey replied firmly.
"I can't tell you. Please understand." Victus responded with a sigh, "The commander is Lieutenant Tarquin Victus. He'll be your contact."
A sudden realisation hit Kacey like a ton of bricks, "Victus?"
"My son." Victus replied, "I needed someone I could trust completely."
"Alright, I'll do what I can." Kacey replied.
"I appreciate your help…and understanding." Victus replied, ending the conversation there.
Kacey had a sneaky feeling about why the turians were there, but didn't want to assume anything right away; the last thing she needed was to stir up trouble right now. She walked up towards Wrex, who looked happy to see her.
"Hell of a show down there on Sur'Kesh." Wrex said, "Just like the old days, Shepard. Right down to me pulling your ass out of the fire."
Kacey smirked, "Pretty sure I was the one with bullets flying at me."
"And I gave you the moral support to dodge them."
"Fuck off." Kacey joked as Wrex laughed, "Anyway, you said earlier one of your squads went missing?"
"They were scouting out the rachni relay." Wrex said in a hushed tone, "We've heard rumours of trouble in the area."
"Rachni?"
"Thought that might get your attention. I have a favour to ask. It's big." Wrex replied.
Kacey sighed, "Don't tell me they're back."
"All I know for sure is that our scouts went silent as soon as they arrived." Wrex explained, "I've got Aralakh Company, my best unit, on standby. You give the word, and they'll meet you there."
"I'll see what I can do." Kacey replied.
"Get on it, Shepard." Wrex mused.
…
It wasn't long until the Normandy had once again arrived at the Citadel; Kacey dismissed her crew, saying that they were on shore leave until Kacey was finished with her 'important meetings'. Of course, that wasn't entirely true; Kacey did have a meeting, but it wasn't exactly with the diplomats her crew believed. Not that any of them questioned it.
As Kacey prepared to leave the Normandy, she was stopped in her tracks by Garrus; the turian sharpshooter gave her a concerned look as he stood between her and the frigate's airlock.
"Leaving for your meeting?" He said with a sceptical look. Kacey shot him with a disapproving one as she shrugged her shoulders.
"Is that a problem?" Kacey asked.
"It is when you're meeting with Aria T'Loak." Garrus replied, crossing his arms, "I don't think that's a good idea."
"Aria wants to take Omega back from Cerberus." Kacey said, "She's offering all of Omega's resources for the war and right now, that's what we need."
"But is it worth the risk?"
"I think so." Kacey said, "Look, if it helps, I'll keep you in the loop. But right now, Mordin needs time to work on the cure and Aria is offering us a lot. Besides, kicking Cerberus off Omega will deal a massive blow to Cerberus."
"Fine." Garrus said, relenting, "Just be careful."
"Yeah, I will." Kacey said before heading out of the airlock. She understood where he was coming from, but at the same time she couldn't ignore it. The offer seemed fair enough; so far. The details were still up in the air, and Kacey intended to find out exactly what the asari crime boss wanted from her, or why she needed Kacey's involvement.
Once she arrived at Dock 42 as Aria requested, she could see a lone batarian waiting, bored. She marched over as he noticed her arrival.
"Are you Bray?" She asked.
"Ah, the great Commander Shepard." Bray replied, sounding both amused and bored, "Heh, and me without my autograph book."
Kacey scowled, "Save it. Just take me to Aria."
"Follow me." He said as he led through the doors towards the rapid transit terminal.
"So, where is she?" Kacey asked. Bray simply crossed his arms as a skycar arrived and opened up, revealing Aria in the backseat.
"Shepard." Aria said.
"Aria." Kacey replied, her tone sarcastic, as she got into the car, "How dramatic."
"There are too many eyes and ears in Purgatory." Aria replied.
Bray drove the skycar around the Presidium as Kacey turned to face Aria, "I assume this is about retaking Omega."
"This is about your war, Shepard." Aria corrected, "Cerberus controlling the Terminus Systems seriously bolsters their mobility. Since taking Omega, they've spread through the galaxy. Surely the Alliance has noticed."
"They've noticed all the Cerberus corpses on the property." Kacey mused, "Now, cut to the chase. What's your plan?"
"Kick them out." Aria replied to which Kacey scoffed, "I've amassed a fleet of merc ships. We're going to punch through enemy lines and invade. Once we're on Omega, it's a ground war. That's why I want you—I only accept the best."
"I'm flattered." Kacey scoffed.
Aria handed Kacey a datapad; the image of a human male glaring into the camera was displayed across the screen. He looked to be around his mid forties with a deep scowl etched across his face.
"The leader of the Cerberus occupation is General Oleg Petrovsky." Aria continued with contempt in her voice, "He's the one who…ousted me."
"He looks like an asshole." Kacey replied bluntly.
"The Illusive Man's top military strategist and best kept secret." Aria said, "But all you really need to know is that he's a merciless bastard."
"Do you have any intel on the occupation?" Kacey asked.
"Petrovsky's army is massive, and he's got Omega locked down tight. The information stops there."
"So you're winging it."
"Not at all." Aria smirked, "There are secrets on Omega only I know. Secrets that will provide us a foothold. I can tell you this; Petrovsky's invasion was precise and ruthless. He'll stop at nothing to win."
"Sounds familiar." Kacey scoffed.
Aria leaned over, looking directly at Kacey with a sharp glare. Kacey assumed she was trying to unnerve her; unfortunately for Aria, Kacey wasn't easy to intimidate.
"Shepard, I know my reputation." Aria said firmly, "I know I'm hated. I ruled Omega with an iron fist. But the people were free. Their lives were theirs. I preserved that. This man took all that away, and he is going to pay. When Omega is mine again, I'll give you everything. I've got ships, mercs, eezo—all yours for the war."
"I'm sensing a catch." Kacey said.
"I have objections to some of the company you keep, so you'll have to leave the Normandy and its crew behind."
"And there it is." Kacey scoffed, "Why?"
"Let's just say…" Aria smirked, "I want you all to myself."
Kacey let out a sarcastic laugh, "I bet you do."
Bray pulled the skycar over as they returned to Dock 42. Aria took the datapad from Kacey as she addressed the scarlet haired commander once more, "Bray will provide coordinates to my fleet. Oh, and while we're still on the Citadel, please be discreet."
Kacey scoffed as both she and Bray exited the skycar; as Aria drove off, Bray gave Kacey the coordinates.
"The fleet is hidden in this system." Bray said, "Signal me when you're on your way. Aria and I will meet you on the command ship."
Kacey sighed as she started to walk off, putting up her middle finger at the batarian as Bray added, "Heh, can't wait to see what all the fuss is about."