Planet: Illium
Adam shifted nervously on the bench, feeling the cold sweat trickle down his neck. He hadn't slept in almost a month. Being on Illium, the planet where the most powerful intergalactic deals were made, he knew the stakes were too high. If you wanted to save your life, Illium was the place to make that deal. Or die in the wrong hands.
Adam hated dealing with brokers. He always considered himself an honorable man, trying to do what was right. But the last few weeks had changed him. He was willing to do anything to end this nightmare.
He used to be proud of being hired by Cerberus. The thought of helping humanity strengthen its position in the galaxy gave him the strength to work on the Shepard resurrection project day and night. Then everything fell apart. The Quarians kidnapped him and forced him to develop a weapon for them against the geth. At first he refused, but a few hard blows to the face and the threat of torture did the trick. Soon he began drawing up schematics for an anti— synthetic virus.
And then, when he almost resigned himself to it, Cerberus people suddenly appeared on the ship and committed a bloodbath. They killed everyone on board, saved him, took him out and returned him to Shepard's project again.
After completing his part of the work, he went to Earth, hoping to find peace. But there he was overtaken by a nightmare again. He saw a figure he hoped to never meet again. A mysterious creature in a wide black cloak, covering his face and body, but one bright green glass eye looked at Adam from under the hood.
In a panic, he left Earth. He headed for Omega, but the figure found him again. He rushed from one planet to another, but the figure always appeared. Each time, it seemed, it was getting closer and closer.
— Mistress Liara T'Soni is ready to see you, Master Adam. Sorry for the delay, the melodic voice of the asari secretary rang out, interrupting his dark thoughts.
Adam waved her hand in annoyance.
— Finally, he muttered, heading for the office door.
Liara's office was spacious and stylishly furnished. Large windows on the balcony offered a magnificent view of the glittering city, drowning in neon lights. Liara sat at a desk in the middle of the room, typing something on the keyboard.
— Sit down, Master Adam, she said, not looking up from the screen.
Adam exhaled loudly, feeling the tension growing, and sat down opposite her. His fingers were shaking, and everything inside him was clenching into a painful knot. He knew that Liara was his last chance. But could she really help?
Adam took a deep breath, preparing to speak, but Liara cut him off.
— Before we get down to business, — her voice was even, but there was a cold hardness to it, — I want to know one thing. Is Shepard alive?
Adam froze, his eyes widening in surprise.
— What? Where are you from…
— Yes or no? — Liara cut him off, her gaze focused and heavy. — I need a clear answer.
— Uh, yeah — Adam muttered, a chill running down his spine. He had no idea where this conversation was going.
Liara stared at him for a few seconds. Adam felt like she'd studied him in those short moments. Then her expression softened, and she smiled faintly.
— Fine — she said, her voice soft again — So you've done me a huge favor, Adam. And I'll help you in any way I can. For free.
Adam blinked in surprise.
— I... don't understand...
— There's nothing to understand, — Liara folded her hands on the table and leaned forward slightly. — Let's just say I know a little about what Cerberus has been up to for the last two years, and I've had a little... interest in it myself. So we can consider this matter closed and move on to your problem. So, how can I help?
— Help me disappear, — Adam blurted out, his voice shaking. He suddenly felt all those months of fear, flight, and despair come crashing down on him with renewed vigor.
— Disappear? — Liara raised an eyebrow, her face becoming serious again. — Are you being followed?
— Yes, and... and I just want to disappear! — he almost begged, feeling like the words were bursting out of him. — You can do anything, even change my face with plastic surgery, just... please, I don't want to look back anymore!
— Who is following you? — Liara's voice became firm.
Adam froze. His hands began to tremble, and he looked away for a moment, as if he was looking for shelter even here, in the office.
— I can't say for sure who it is... — he began nervously, licking his dry lips. — But, let's say my... old teacher. He found me. And now he wants to kill me.
— Your teacher? — Liara frowned. — Why?
Adam sighed, it seemed like he had to squeeze out every word.
— I gave him my word many years ago. An oath that the knowledge he taught me would never be used. But I... — Adam lowered his head, his voice trembling, — I couldn't resist. This knowledge helped resurrect Shepard. I thought I could use it just once and remain unnoticed. But I was wrong... He found me.
— Say his name, — Liara spoke calmly to calm Adam. — Who is he?
— I... can't... — Adam's voice trembled, but suddenly broke off. His eyes widened in horror when he saw a burning flying machine approaching them with incredible speed.
— What is it? — he only managed to croak, and his body shrank in fear.
Liara, noticing his sudden anxiety, instantly turned towards the balcony. But there was not enough time — before she could react, the flying machine crashed into her office with a roar. A powerful blast threw Liara back like a limp doll. A shock wave swept through the room, knocking Adam off his feet.
Fire flew everywhere, pieces of destroyed walls and furniture were scattered around the room. Liara, crushed by the rubble, tried to catch her breath, her head was buzzing, and everything was swimming before her eyes.
Planet: Illium
5 minutes ago before Liara's office exploded.
On the roof of the tallest skyscraper, a small rectangular green portal suddenly opened. A mysterious figure wrapped in a long cloak stepped out of the portal. As soon as his feet touched the ground, the portal instantly closed, leaving only a slight glow in the air. Everything around him froze, and it seemed that even the wind stopped blowing.
When he took off his hood, he began to study the area. His face was a metal skull, reminiscent of an ancient artifact, covered in polished black metal. The smooth surface of the skull was devoid of human features, with the exception of one large eye in the center of the forehead, from which a bright green light emanated. This light looked as if the very soul of the creature was imbued with ancient energy, filling his gaze with an impassive force that concealed incomprehensible ancient wisdom or destructive power.
In his metal hands was a large, long rifle, with a bright green glow in the center, as if personifying the same destructive energy that fueled it. The Necron walked to the edge of the skyscraper and slowly raised the weapon, aiming the sight at the distant buildings. His movements were precise and cold.
After a couple of minutes, he found his target.
— There you are — the Necron said in his heavy, metallic voice, aiming the sight at Adam, who was talking to the asari at that moment.
His finger froze on the trigger, waiting for the perfect moment to shoot.
He immediately switched the sight to the approaching flying machine and fired. The green beam, fired with incredible speed, hit the target, causing the burning machine to plummet onto the balcony, right where Adam was sitting.
A moment later, the balcony exploded. The Necron, without hesitation, aimed again. Through the smoke and debris, he found Adam's body, but noticed that the asari, though in grave condition, was still alive.
The Necron lowered his rifle, extended his hand, and activated the link with his master. A small green hologram of the Necron appeared from his palm.
— The target has been eliminated, my Lord. However, the asari he spoke to before he died survived. Should I kill her? — he asked in a flat, mechanical voice.
— No, his death will suffice — the master replied his voice radiating unquestionable authority. — Your next target is the bearer of our technology. Adam broke the treaty and revived a human. Find this human and eliminate him. Make sure no one notices you. The galaxy must not know of our existence.
— As you command, my Lord — the sniper replied, and the link was immediately cut off.
The portal opened behind the Necron again, and without looking back, he stepped through it, disappearing in a glow of green energy.
Planet: Tuchanka
Urdnot Wrex stood at the entrance to the massive arena, listening to the crowds of krogan chanting his name. Today was the day of the duel, and Wrex was ready to show everyone that challenging him was a sure way to die. To him, this fight was just a formality, a way to show the younger krogan that his experience and strength exceeded all their ambitions.
— Are you ready, Wrex? asked the loyal shaman, coming closer.
— Ready to kill him and end this farce, Wrex replied confidently, looking at his old friend with a smirk.
— You always had a confidence that amazed me — the shaman noted. — The arena is full of krogan from all over the planet, and they are all screaming your name. That is a good sign.
— What about my opponent? Still as brave as ever?
— I did not see him. He is currently preparing on the other side of the arena, just like you.
— Let him prepare. It won't change the fact that he's going to die.
— He didn't come alone. His clan is here too.
— How many of them?
— Many. I didn't think he could gather so many krogan under his banner in one day.
— Traitors, — Wrex said through clenched teeth, at the moment when the great bell began to hum.
— The time has come. I will pray for you, Wrex, — the shaman said, watching Wrex confidently walk towards the arena.
A huge crowd of krogan surrounded the arena, their screams and cries merging into one endless echo. Wrex looked back and saw his opponent, who had also entered the arena, heading straight for him.
— You have come, as expected of the great leader of the krogan, — his opponent said sarcastically, stopping in front of him.
— I'll wipe that smile off your face forever, little brat, — Wrex growled, bracing himself for battle.
The battle was to be fought in the old krogan tradition: a fistfight to the last man standing. The one left standing would be declared the winner.
As soon as the bell rang, Wrex immediately took off, swinging his right arm powerfully, and his fist crashed into the young krogan's face with a thud. The blow was devastating, sending his opponent crashing to the ground, blood gushing from his nose. The crowd froze for a moment, watching this sudden display of strength.
— Get up, fool! Or is this all you can do? — Wrex growled loudly, clenching his fists and looking down at his fallen opponent.
It didn't take long for his opponent to respond. With a wild cry, he leapt to his feet and rushed at Wrex, striking furiously. His fists flew through the air with each attempt, wild and forceful. Wrex fought them off with calm, his powerful arms blocking most of the blows, but some connecting, smashing into his ribs and jaw.
— Good! — Wrex growled, feeling a blow to his side that made him stagger slightly. But instead of retreating, he stepped forward and drove his knee into his opponent's gut. The young krogan staggered, but did not give in, continuing to attack with renewed fury.
The opponent suddenly slid to the left, hoping to catch Wrex off guard, and sent a heavy punch straight for his liver. Wrex gritted his teeth, feeling the sharp pain, but showed no weakness. He countered with incredible speed for his massive frame, his left fist slamming into his opponent's jaw, causing him to spit out blood.
They traded blows, each one stronger and more precise than the last. The young krogan, enraged, launched a series of quick, chaotic attacks, clearly seeking to overwhelm Wrex with force. But Wrex, relying on his experience, moved confidently, deftly dodging and blocking the most dangerous blows.
It seemed that both were at the limit of their strength, but neither was going to give up. The battle continued, the crowd's screams increasing with each passing moment, filling the arena with animalistic excitement.
The series of furious blows continued, each of the krogan putting all their strength into the fight. The young krogan, desperate to seize the initiative, lunged at Wrex with a low lunge, trying to knock him off his feet and seize the advantage. But Wrex, possessing extraordinary experience, recognized this maneuver instantly. He abruptly stepped to the side, grabbing the young krogan by the wrist, and with a predatory grin on his face, he used all his strength.
— You thought you could surprise me? — Wrex growled, and with a powerful jerk twisted his opponent's arm behind his back.
The young krogan roared in pain, trying to break free, but Wrex continued to twist the arm, giving him no chance to escape. His gaze was full of malice and superiority, and the next second there was a terrible crunch — the young krogan's bone could not withstand the pressure and broke.
Screams of pain filled the arena as the opponent fell to one knee, clutching his broken arm. The crowd of krogan began to roar even louder, watching this merciless display of strength from their leader.
— Now you will feel what real pain is! — Wrex growled, continuing to press on his opponent with his presence.
Despite the excruciating pain, the young krogan did not give up. He tried to rise, limping and shaking in pain, his eyes blazing with rage. With one good arm, he launched a final desperate blow at Wrex, but Wrex easily dodged it, countering with a cold, powerful attack. His fist slammed into his opponent's jaw again with such force that there was a crack, and the young krogan fell to the ground, breathing heavily.
Wrex was about to deliver the final blow, when he noticed steam rising from his opponent's broken arm. The crack in his armor flared, and the krogan's arm burst into flames, illuminating the arena.
— For Khorne! — A powerful cry echoed as the young krogan lunged to his feet, preparing to attack.
Wrex barely managed to raise his hands to block, but the blow was incredible. The flaming fist of his opponent crashed into his defense with such force that his skin began to burn even through his armor. Fire tore into his flesh, ripping through his nerve endings, and pain engulfed his body like lava.
The impact threw Wrex back several meters. His massive body fell heavily onto the arena, raising a cloud of dust.
As the cloud of dust cleared, the arena froze. All eyes of the krogan were fixed on one sight: their great leader Urdnot Wrex lay on the ground, bleeding, motionless.
The young krogan raised his fiery fist to the sky and shouted triumphantly:
— I have won! I am your leader now!
However, his cries only caused confusion and anger among the crowd. Many krogan began to exchange glances, their gazes filled with disbelief.
— It was an unfair fight! You cheated! — someone shouted from the crowd.
— Yes! You are a coward! — another echoed.
— My master Khorne has given me this power! — the krogan continued, ignoring the accusations. — He can give you power too, if you join me!
But his words fell on deaf ears.
— To hell with you and your master! You are an outsider to us! — one of the krogan responded harshly, his voice filled with contempt.
Many began to turn, intending to leave the arena. Their obvious disgust and refusal to obey clearly angered the self— proclaimed — leader— .
— Fools! — the krogan roared, rage filling him. — If you will not serve the Blood God, then you will know his wrath! Kill them all!
The Scarlet Spears clan immediately drew their weapons and opened fire on the assembled crowd. The arena instantly turned into a battlefield, where a brutal meat grinder began. The krogan who tried to escape were caught off guard and fell one by one to the traitors.
The young krogan looked back to deal Wrex the final blow, but his enemy was gone.
— Ran away... —he grinned evilly, looking up at the chaos in the arena. — Run, Wrex! This isn't your planet anymore!
Planet: Tuchanka
— Damn it! — Shaman Draknor Tar'Shak screamed furiously as he pushed his way through the chaos of the krogan in the arena.
Tahr'Shak seized the unconscious body of Wrex in the confusion, quickly retreating away from the deadly carnage. Wrex was unconscious, his powerful body bleeding. However, the slightest breath still heaved his chest — it was the only thing that kept the shaman's hope alive.
— Don't you dare die, Wrex! — Draknor whispered, trying not to slow down for a second, even though the wounded leader was heavy. — Just a little bit more, hold on! We're not done yet!
He knew Wrex could hear him.
Location: Omega
Shepard walked ahead, lost in his thoughts, and Miranda and Jacob followed him. His silence and frown made the crew uneasy.
— Do you know what's wrong with the captain? — Jacob asked quietly, glancing at Miranda.
— What are you talking about? — she asked, slightly surprised by his question.
— Well, after talking to the Illusive Man, he became somehow... different. Like something was gnawing at him.
Miranda glanced quickly at Shepard, but her face remained impassive.
— Just don't think about it, Jacob, — she replied coldly. — The main thing now is to find specialists. And then leave this hole as soon as possible — she added, looking around the streets of Omega with disgust. — This is a disgusting place.
— If that's what you think, then fine, — Jacob said, deciding to drop the subject.
When the team arrived at the Afterlife Club, the security there checked them out thoroughly and informed them that their boss was waiting inside.
The Illusive Man had arranged a meeting with the Omega leader, hoping for a promising partnership.
Shepard saw an asari in a white suit sitting in a chair with an unperturbed expression. As soon as she noticed their approach, she pointed to the empty seats next to her.
— Commander Shepard, when the Illusive Man said that you would be coming, I didn't believe him. But as you can see, life is full of surprises, — the asari said, watching Shepard sit down across from her.
— Who do I have the honor of speaking with? — Shepard asked, his gaze wary.
— Aria T'Loak, — she replied with a slight smirk. — Let's not mince words, Shepard. You need my help, and I need yours. I think we can help each other.
— If this help does not violate the law, I am ready to consider your offer, — Shepard said, remaining cautious.
Aria grinned.
— How noble we are... Do not worry, this matter concerns a traitor who must be removed. This bastard killed my best men. Now he is hiding in the lower levels of Omega.
— What did he do? — Shepard asked.
— He killed my loyal subordinates, declaring that his god requires sacrifices. It seems that he has lost his mind. Only pleasure and suffering are in his head, — Aria said with irritation. — I sent Archangel, the best mercenary, after him, but even he did not return.
— Archangel? — Miranda was surprised. — Captain, he is on our list of potential allies.
— Excellent, — Aria nodded. — First help him, if you need him, and then take care of my traitor. And only after his death can we talk about further cooperation. Good luck to you.
Shepard stood up, looking at Aria with a cold expression, then headed for the exit. Miranda and Jacob followed him, sensing the tension in the air.
— Let's go kill this traitor, —Shepard said, sighing softly. He knew he had another difficult mission ahead of him, and his fatigue was starting to show.
Miranda glanced at Shepard, noticing his frown.
— This may be harder than it looks, — she said carefully as they walked through the dim corridors of Omega.
— It's always harder on Omega, — Shepard replied. — But we don't have a choice.
Thank you so much for reading my story. I thought that my thoughts, which I had been doing for years, would not be interesting to anyone. So I am truly grateful to you! Now I'm trying to fix the characters' dialogues, as they start and end incorrectly. I will try to fix this as quickly as possible