Collective Rebirth
ESKK: Chapter 2 let's get this started folks.
(Start The Illusive Man Cerberus)
The Illusive Man sat in his chair as he observed the sun his headquarters was located near. Not too long ago he got word from Miranda that Shepard had recruited Archangel and Dr. Mordin Solus onto the Normandy Crew. It was beneficial when Liara had managed to bring Shepard's body to project Lazarus. From her last report they were enroute to the Citadel to meet with Councilor Anderson.
That was good at this time the Quarian fleet should be arriving on New Altea for their semi regular stops there. Ever since the second battle of the Citadel a year prior things had been changing in the galaxy. Thankfully, he knew how to work the system and hopefully the Paladins will enjoy his gifts... all of them.
Just then a holographic image appeared behind him opting The Illusive Man to turn and meet with it. The image was of a man clearly from a military background as he glared at the Illusive Man wearing an Alliance Uniform.
"Wade... what can I do for you during this unannounced call." The Illusive Man greeted as Wade glared at the man.
Welbert Wade was a man of many things power, control, and at time single minded obsession. His tactical prowess and development of weapons have kept him in his position to hold the power. But with Voltron the rules were changed, and Wade did not like it hence why he was here.
"You set my new base up to be discovered." Wade said as he glared at The Illusive Man.
"I did... I needed to give the Paladins something to consider our side." The Illusive Man said not hiding it.
"Giving those brats any ground like that sounds like a surrender." Wade said clearly unhappy with what the Illusive Man did.
"It had to be done I'm afraid." The Illusive Man said as he snuffed out a Cigar. "In case you failed to noticed we are at war, and we need Voltron on our side not against us." The Illusive Man said to Wade who snarled at the leader of Cerberus.
"I have provided Cerberus with as much power and weapons as I can, I take great risks for this, and you give me new weapons for the alliance in exchange." Wade said as he got down to what angered him. "But I do not want any help from Voltron." Wade said upset that The Illusive Man was seeking aid from the Shepard's and by extension Voltron.
"Well sorry to hear your displeasure." The Illusive Man said not even paying Wade any mind. "But if you do try something Cerberus won't be able to help you." The Illusive Man said as Wade began to take his leave. He paused for a moment when The Illusive Man said this but ignored it in the end and left. The Illusive Man smirked as he wondered just what sort of challenge Wade will give the Paladins of Voltron.
(Scene Break the Castle of Lions)
The Castle of Lions was on New Altea as Sven was in soft bed as the group had been running scan after scan on Sven. They were trying to find some explanation of Sven's rise from the grave but were coming up short of an answer. "This makes no logical sense we all saw him get a bullet through the head." Penny said as she looked at Sven from behind a glass window.
"Well, it had to make sense because he's right there." Leon said pointing to where Sven was sleeping.
"Are we sure this is actually Sven and not a Cerberus clone of him?" Hector asked as they tried to make sense of this.
"There's only one way we're going to find out." Kalvin said as he then gestured towards the room. It was clear what Kalvin planned to do and in case this was a trap the Paladins were ready for it as was Kosmo.
(Later inside the room)
Sven began to come too his eyes were blurry, but he felt something was off. He noticed that he was in an unfamiliar place as his mind slowly caught up to his body. What was he doing before the last thing he remembered was the Rachni and Peak 15 and... wait the mission the battle!
Sven shot up but the found himself held down. "Sven! Sven calm down your safe!" Kalvin was heard as Sven heard his younger friend.
"Kal?" Sven asked when he heard Kalvin's voice.
"Easy your safe." Kalvin said as he assured Sven that he was ok.
"Vhat is happening zi Rachni vhere are ve?" Sven asked as he tried to recall what had happened.
"Sven it's a long story but first what is the last thing you remember?" Kalvin asked as he looked to Sven hoping to get a straight answer from him. "Can you do that Sven?" Kalvin asked his friend hoping this was I fact Sven.
"I can try." Sven said as he recalled the incident. "I remember zat ve vere in Peak 15 hunting down Benezia." Sven said recalling his final moments. "Ve found her before zi attacked us and a fight broke out." Sven said going to where everything cut off. "I ran to cover and then nothing." Sven said recalling his final moment.
"So, it matches up." Kalvin mumbled before Sven cut in.
"Vhat happened? Vhat matches up" Sven asked lost, confused, and unsure of what was going on.
Kalvin knew there would be no hiding it so instead he decided on the truth. "Sven... Peak 15 was over 2 years ago." Kalvin revealed which shocked Sven to no end.
"Vhat?" Sven asked shocked when he heard this.
"Sven... I don't know how your here now, but you were shot in the head two years ago." Kalvin said leaving Sven in shock.
"No zhat can't be right." Sven said as he lifted his right arm and when he did, he saw his hand was a prosthetic arm.
"Sven, Sven its OK calm down!" Kalvin said trying to keep Sven calm.
"Vhat happened did ve beat Saren?" Sven asked as that was a major question for him. Kalvin was reminded that Sven was shot before they found out about the Reapers on Virmir.
"Yes, and then some." Kalvin said as there was a lot to catch Sven up. "To make a long story short Saren was just a pawn to a much bigger threat called the Reapers." Kalvin said as this surprised Sven, "We'll get you caught up but there is a lot to do." Kalvin said reminding Sven of a major issue here.
"Alright." Sven said as Kalvin nodded and began to take his leave. "Oh, and Kal." Sven spoke up as he then smiled at Sven. "How vany more times vill you pull me from zi fire?" Sven asked as he looked to Kalvin.
Kalvin smiled at Sven and knew that was his friend. "As many times as, it takes." Kalvin said and thus he left so Sven can get dressed.
(Later)
The Paladins met up in the lounge area and it was clear that there was still a lot of unknowns here for Sven and for the Paladins. Their friend was back from the dead it should be impossible but here he was. Just then the door opened and from it Sven walked out cleaned up and ready to do his part.
"Glad to see zat none of you forgot zi mission." Sven said with a smile on his face ready to face the Galaxy again.
"Glad to see your doing better buddy." Leon said happy to see Sven back on his feet. "How you feeling?" Leon asked and thus Sven chuckled.
"Good, but zis headache I have iz very vexing." Sven said as he scratched his head a bit. "Or zat iz just you Leon." Sven quipped and thus Hector chuckled to this.
"Boy did I missed your goofy accent." Hector said with a smile on his face.
"We all did Hector." Penny said happy to see Sven was on the team again.
"I suppose you will want this back now." Allura said offering the Blue Bayard to Sven.
"No." Sven said pushing the Bayard away. "Zi Blue Lion chose you, Princess." Sven said tightening Allura's grip on the Bayard. "My time as Paladins is over, zi team needs you more zen zey need me." Sven said making Allura aware that this was her time to rise as a Paladins.
Gripping the Paladin in her hand she smiled and put it back down. "I won't let you down." Allura said which caused Sven to smile. Just then an alert came on their sensors and Penny saw it.
"Hey guys, Tali and the Quarian fleet are back." Penny said getting the groups attention on her.
"Huh we haven't seen them in a while, heard she had a mission." Allura said as she smiled to this. "Well let's not keep them waiting." Allura said as Sven heard this.
"Sven you might want to stay out of sight for a bit... so we can ease her into you being back from the dead." Kalvin said and Sven agreed.
"It's not every day a dead man comes back from zi grave." Sven said as he knew where Kalvin was coming from. "I vill vait here." Sven said and thus the Paladins nodded and left the Command Deck.
(Later at the Space Port)
The Space Port for the colony was a major part for them due to the need for trade and such. The Quarians had their own area as Allura felt she owed it to Tali and her people. So, when the Quarian Flotilla was orbiting the planet, this meant more activity around the Colony.
The group waited for Tali transport ship to arrive, as one did, the doors open with many Quarians came out and were greeted by their friend and family that was waiting for them it seems with Allura happy to see such site to show her hard work and dedication to New Altea has paid off greatly, welcoming any species that needs a home, and having this space port was also help with the economy that also improve everything else as well.
Soon enough Tali was exiting the transport ship as well as she looks around and soon saw the group as she also seen Hector with a Welcome sign for her which she smile under her mask as she came up to greet then as she came up to Allura and said, "Hello Princess Allura, and Paladins it all good to see you again."
"And it's good to see you as well as it been close to a year sense, we last saw you," Kalvin said as last time anyone seen Tali, other than Penny maybe, was around Lotor's trial before his escape as Tali look to Kalvin and said, "I wish I had come here for pleasantry, but I have news to share with everyone, especially you Kal."
"Did something happen?" Allura said as she and Kalvin seem a bit worry as Tali said, "On my last mission on Freedoms Progress, I was sent with a team to find one of our own named Veetor who was on his Pilgrimage, but he hasn't checked in, so we went to find him."
"Wait, isn't freedoms Progress a human colony? Why was a Quarian there of all places?" Leon question as Tali said, "Quarians can choose wherever they choose to go, and with Veetor like to help small settlements and he was a bit nervous to be in crowds."
"Right, so you and your team went down to find this Veetor guy, but I'm guessing something happen?" Kalvin said as Tali nodded and said, "Security androids, drones, and any other machine was activated and started targeting everyone as it turn out Veetor did it himself as he saw something that almost make him lose his mind as it seem freedoms Progress was attacked, and all humans were taken."
This shocks the group as they been hearing that human colonies were being attacked but no one could connect the dots as most attacks are random as everyone seem to have vanish, no witnesses, no evidence of any sort of what happen, which no one could figure out who it was as Kalvin said, "What did he see?"
"I copy and saved a video file of what he saw before we took him away for treatment, as does this seem familiar to anyone?" Tali said as she play a small clip and show what happened with everyone shock to see a familiar bug swarm and the unknown alien race that was just taking people away for some reason as Kalvin balled his fist tightly and said, "Those guys again."
"Yeah, we ran into those guys a year ago then Lotor showed up to help us, but now we realized he did it to gain our trust and all…" Hector started to say until Penny cut him off saying, "Hey we know, we were all there, at least most of us were."
"They are known as the collectors, as it seem they been going to one human colony to the next attacking any small settlements and taking it people, to where is unknown, but this isn't the only news I have," Tali said as Kalvin soon ask, "What is it?"
"Kalvin… during the mission I ran into someone I thought was dead," Tali said as everyone was in suspenseful as Tali soon said, "Kal, your father, Commander Shepard is alive."
"H-he's what?" Kalvin said totally shock as an overwhelming feeling spread out through his whole body with Hector said, "Wow, first Sven and now Shepard is alive, this is just crazy."
"Wait, what did you say?" Tali said as she thought she heard some mistakenly, but everyone groan in annoyance as Leon said, "Way to go to keep your big mouth shut Hector."
"Sven, he's alive as well, how can this be?" Tali said as Allura sighed to this as they wanted to break the news softly, but it seem the work was out as Allura said, "The Alliance called for us, saying they found a Cerberus base to check out, while we took out a threshermaw, we explore their base which seem was abandon suddenly, but what we found inside was Sven in a cryopod."
"Cerberus, I should have known," Tali said as she was about to say more until Kalvin regain himself as he said, "Where is he Tali? Please tell me!"
"Ah, I do not know where he is at this moment, but I think I know where he will go, sense he been gone for 2 years his status would list him as K.I.A, so he would have to be reinstated and the only place to do that is the citadel," Tali said as she think this maybe a bad idea but she knows that Kalvin would have heard it from someone else sooner or later, as Kalvin turn to Allura and said, "Allura, I know this maybe asking a lot but I need to go to the Citadel, if my dad is there, I… I just need to see for myself."
"I understand Kal, we can head there soon as we can but you know we can't use wormhole the get there directly, due to the new laws the citadel had place after Lotor escaped, if it is an emergency we could, but this won't count as one, so I'm afraid I can only go as far as the nearest mass relays to there, but at most it would take a day or so to get there," Allura said as much she hated it she isn't allow to use wormhole to get to the citadel directly, ever sense the Alteans had join the Citadel, she is force to follow the laws of it despite the paladin status being almost equal to SPECTRE status, there are still rules to follow as well as Kalvin said, "That fine, it give me some time to think of what to say and do."
"Very well, and don't worry Kal, if anything happens, we'll be there every step of the way," Allura said as she held his hands as she was saying she will support him through this as Kalvin could not help but smile at this as he said, "Thanks Allura."
Tali see the scene before her as she look to the other paladins and said, "So, does that mean they are-
Leon: Yep
Hector: Totally
Penny: it was gonna happen anyways
They all said around the same time knowing that Kalvin and Allura would hook up, but still wonder about the whole Royal status and stuff, with Tali said, "Well that is interesting. Congratulations then."
(scene break Citadel)
A few days had pass as Shepard had finally made it to the Citadel after gathering up his team and meeting a few familiar faces, as he meet up with Joker to fly the newly build Normandy ship which came with an A.I, no doubt Penny would go crazy for if she ever found out.
Next was Jacob who had help out the paladin before, but he wasn't expecting Jacob to join Cerberus, but what happen with Sven before and the time on Eden Prime it seem he was planning on leaving the Alliance anyways believing Cerberus was the better choice, not that he could blame him.
He soon ran into Tali on Freedom Progress while on a mission to find any evident of who was attacking and taking humans, and seen she was doing well for herself even given him an update on how Kalvin was doing after his "Death" which she told him what happen and felt bad that Kalvin had to go through that again, but at least he wasn't alone as he was told Ashley had taken up being Kalvin's guardian until he was of age, another reason of why he love that woman.
He also heard what Kalvin and the other paladins have been doing which he was glad that they were still at it as Heroes of the universe, and was surprise that they found more Alteans, and the mad man who lead who is called Prince Lotor, which he is half Altean and half Galra who also had his own Voltron, which the team was able to beaten with Kalvin was the one who arrested him, as he couldn't be any more proud of Kalvin after hear that, but got upset to hear Lotor had escape custody as well along with that machine of his.
After that he ran into Garrus who went by the alias of Archangel who is a recruit a tactical genius and infiltrator that Cerberus wanted his to recruit into his team, which it seem they didn't know archangel was Garrus and gotten him back on his team after he had recover from getting shot and blasted by an 'attack ship', which wasn't easy to take down,
And along the way he also team up with other people, most noticeable one is another one of Cerberus associate named Miranda Lawson, as he find out she was bio engineered to be a perfect as she was, in looks, smarts, and biotic, and maybe to live twice as long than a normal human being would.
He also found a few other people during his time on Omega before coming to the Citadel which is thankful of how useful they can be for his new mission now which is stopping the collectors but first he had to get reinstated back into the military which was quicker than he expected as the guy who help him gave him a pass, and now he had to get his SPECTRE status reinstated as well which he had to talk with the council to do so, as they did so, but task him to stay out of the Terminus system to help keep a low profile as they didn't want word to get out to fast of Shepard being back to say.
After meeting with the council, he also ran into Udina, or in this case he ran into Shepard talking with Anderson before he dismissed the Ambassador so he and John could have a private chat as Anderson started saying, "Sorry about that. Udina's never gotten over the fact that I got the council position instead of him. Sometimes I need to put him in his place."
"Udina's just doing his job," Shepard said as he wasn't bother by Udina all that much with Anderson said, "True enough He got his uses. And if you want something don on the citadel, he knows who can make it happen."
"How have the last couple of years treated you?" John asked as he looked to Anderson.
"Serving on the Council isn't how I planned to spend my twilight years sometimes it feels like I'm beating my head against the wall." Anderson said as he looked to John giving him a rundown of things. "Knowing the truth about Sovereign is brutal nightmare stuff I can't blame others for not wanting to believe it." Anderson said while looking over the balcony on which he was leaning against. "But I know how important, so I keep trying fighting the good fight right." Anderson said before sighing a bit over recent stresses.
"How's Kal doing?" John asked as Anderson figured John would be asking about that.
"He's a good kid they all are good kids." Anderson said as he looked back over to John. "I'm sure your new friends here have told you what has been going on." Anderson said gesturing to Jacob and Miranda. "The same way I know Garrus told you what's been going on." Anderson said which John chuckled.
"Saving the Citadel again, saving an entire species from extinction, and stopping a mad man from killing everyone to kill the Reapers." John said listing off what Kalvin and the Paladins had been up to.
"We all looked after him when we can." Anderson said recalling that Kalvin was orphaned when the Normandy went down.
"I know Ashley was letting him live with her family, Kaiden, Liara, and Garrus were checking in every chance they got, and his own friends have been helpful as well." John said recalling what had been going on. "Heard he went to N7 School." John said wanting details on that.
"Yeah, the Council had concerns when Lotor and his robot tore things up, wanted some form of control on Voltron." Anderson said and having training under the best of each Council Races best was what he managed to get. "The Alteans are adapting I'm sure you've seen a few of them roaming around here." Anderson said as John had to agree.
"Trust me I was surprised when they were some of the first people I saw here." John said as he was shocked to see other Alteans. At first, he thought they were cosplayers pretending to be Allura but when he saw them shift forms like Allura he knew what they were on the spot.
Just then the door walked in and to John's surprise Coran walked in. "Ah Coran I see you got the good news." Andersons aid as Coran nodded.
"It's a miracle is what it is." Coran said as he looked towards John happy to see the man was alive and well. "Should have known the void can't keep the Shepard's down." Coran said as he then hugged John who hugged him back.
"It's good to see you too Coran." John said as he then let go of Coran. "See you've moved up in life." John said noting Coran's new outfit.
"Oh, this old thing?" Coran began as he looked at his outfit. "With the Alteans back in the Universe Allura asked me to be their ambassador on the Citadel." Coran said as he was more than happy to be the voice for the Altean people out here.
"It suits you." John said with a smile which Coran gladly returned.
"Yes, it also helps Allura split up her own responsibilities." Coran said recalling that Allura was the leader of New Altea and a Paladin of Voltron.
"A lot has changed." John said realizing that the people he knew and cared for have either moved on or grown up.
"Hey not to break it up here." Garrus began as he cut in on the conversation. "But we best make ourselves scarce before your kid shows up, Shepard." Garrus said reminding the group of Kalvin's temper. The minute he realizes your still kicking it won't be long till he comes hounding." Garrus said as he didn't think Kalvin would be that angry... right?
"I agree, Kalvin was hit the worst when you passed." Coran said recalling how Allura had to force feed Kalvin when he refused to eat.
"He's right as much as I enjoy this reunion, we're going to need time to ease Kal into this and." Anderson began but a chime came in.
"Councilman... you have a guest." The front secretary said causing Anderson to cringed. "It's the other Shepard." She added and thus it was too late.
"Oh Quiznack." Coran said realizing what was about to happen.
"Dammit." Anderson cursed and thus John sighed to this.
"Maybe if we act fast, we can sneak John and his team out the window." Coran offered but John had other ideas. He knew that putting this off would only cause more problems and thus he knew what needed to be done for the group.
"Let them in." John began getting the groups attention on him. "We might as well." John said as he figured they might as well sort all this out.
Soon enough the door slid open and from it Kalvin walked in wearing his day-to-day outfit. His fists clenched and a clearly angry look on his face. Behind him was the other Paladins and Kosmo. Kalvin saw his father and made a beeline towards him as John expected a punch to the face. What John got was his son standing in front of him and just glaring at him wanting straight answers.
"I saw the Normandy wearing Cerberus flags." Kalvin said glaring at his father.
"Yeah, but I'm not with them." John said and thus Kalvin glared at his father.
"Prove it." Kalvin said not wanting to get his hopes up that a miracle had taken place. "Five years ago, you had shore leave it was my birthday what did you do?" Kalvin asked as he glared at his father.
"A year prior you got kicked out of Grissom Academy... so that year I had shore leave and I took you out to the shooting range and we shot a few targets." John said as he looked to his father. "We argued that day until a Batarian Bounty Hunter recognized you for your mom and I had to put him down." John said recalling that day. Batarains still held Jane in such contempt and fear that one jumped at the chance to send the Butchers son to hell with her.
"Ok... how are you here?" Kalvin asked glaring at John.
"Cerberus got my body and revived me it took two whole years to make it happen." John said which Kalvin scowled a bit.
"So, you owe them?" Kalvin growled but John defended.
"No, I don't trust them but right now I need their help to stop the Collectors, the guys who shot down the original Normandy." John said making it clear that Cerberus was a means to an end.
"And I guess with everyone busy you needed to build a new team." Kalvin said as it made sense. "I see Garrus is here, and Jacob." Kalvin said with the last one getting a look that promised to rip the answers out from him later. "Anyone else we know?" Kalvin asked and thus John sighed.
"Just three others, Joker, Chakwas, and your old shrink Kelly Chambers." John listed off the people they all knew.
"So, what's where they've been." Penny said as she had been trying to find those three for a while.
"Son... I know that your upset... and that you can't risk it, but I do wish you can." John began but then Kalvin cut him off.
"So where do we start in hunting down the bastards who shot down the Normandy?" Kalvin asked as he looked to John.
"Wait what?" John asked as he was caught off guard by this.
"Yes, the Normandy was like a home for us... of course we still want a bit of payback against those bugs." Leon said with a smirk on his face.
"As long as Voltron can't be connected to Cerberus... then you can count on us." Allura said as she said Cerberus with as much venom as possible. Coran let out a sigh of relief glad to see that blows were not shared. His worries was that violence would be on the table during the Shepard father and sons reunion. The Ambassador for the Alteans was grateful that he had been wrong here.
"Well, this certainly makes thing easier for us." Miranda said as she approached the group. After all The Illusive Man has been trying to get Voltron and now, he had a way via John Shepard and his link to Kalvin.
"Sorry I don't think we've met, and you are?" Leon asked while flirting causing Miranda to give Leon a bored look.
"Miranda Lawson at the moment Shepard's Second-in-Command." Miranda said as this was good. It seems The Illusive Man was right now they can get both Shepard's and Voltron.
"Cerberus." Allura said glaring at Miranda reminding her that Allura was the current Paladin to the Blue Lion.
"Yes." Miranda said as Kalvin glared at her.
"I'm not sure what to think about you yet... considering what Cerberus had done with Sven." Kalvin said and thus John and Anderson heard this.
"Wait Sven? What do you mean Sven?" John asked shocked and thus a long explanation was in order.
"Its... complicated." Kalvin said as he figured Anderson should be made aware of this. "You might want to sit down for this." Kalvin added and thus began the long explanation.
(Meanwhile Haggar's lab Galra Base)
Haggar was monitoring the progress of some of her newest creations. In several glowing tanks a scorpion, rhino, beetle, and armadillo all of which were in these tanks. It took a lot of effort to acquire these creatures and seeing as they need to operate under a tighter budget of sorts Haggar was not one to be idle. The year they had been on the run they had acquired two new recruits to their cause that would help them.
At the moment Haggar's attention was on the creation of the new Robeasts. Just then she saw data show up causing her to smirk. Some improvement was seen on her creations the longer incubation period was providing results, but she needed to be careful with how she approached it. Of course, the alert came and thus she sighed knowing who it was.
Soon the room dimmed and from it the image of a Reaper appeared. "Haggar." Harbinger spoke as he got Haggar's attention.
"Harbinger... what do I owe the pleasure?" Haggar asked as she kept her work going.
"I require your Robeasts." Harbinger said as he glared at Haggar.
"Oh? Is the great Harbinger unable to assist his own Collectors?" Haggar taunted as Harbinger was unaffected.
"Allowing your base through the Omega Relay was a boon do not make me rescind it." Harbinger said before he ended the call.
"He is as infuriating as ever." Lotor was heard as the lights returned and Lotor was leaning against the wall glaring where Harbinger once was.
"He is a necessary evil and seeing as your forced to hide acquiring allies is a requirement." Haggar said as she then pushed a few files over to Lotor. "Speaking of allies, I've found one that might suit our needs." Haggar said as Lotor began to look over the file.
"Ardac-Yakshi?" Lotor asked as he raised a brow to this.
"Yes, this particular one is on the run even now." Haggar said as she showed the data. "Seeing as your Generals have all but turned on you, new allies are needed." Haggar said as she made it clear that just the two of them against the Universe will not suffice. "More so with the Sincline still being repaired." Haggar trailed off as the Sincline's repairs were taking time with their limited resources. "I'm still tracking her down but while I do that... I suggest you go on your own recruitment run." Haggar said as she had given Lotor access to the Extranet to track down possible allies to aid in their cause.
(Scene Break SR2 Normandy Citadel)
The Paladins entered the new Normandy after a long explanation about Sven's situation. Upon hearing about it, Anderson after getting proof that Sven was who he said he was started getting to work to help Sven out. Sven wanted to be the one to contact his loved ones first to tell them he was alive and well. But right now, they needed time for that mainly having another doctor look him over. The Normandy had two Doctors onboard, and both were giving Sven a full look over.
"Wow the new ship is a lot bigger than the old one." Leon said as he looked around the vessel after entering. Already he saw that it was larger than the old SR1 Normandy.
"Is that my favorite hotshot?" Came a familiar voice and thus Leon looked and saw him.
"Joker!" Leon greeted as Joker spun around to talk to Leon. "Still the king of quips?" Leon asked as he gave Joker a knuckle bump.
"As long as you're still the red king of bad cringe worthy pick-up lines." Joker retorted as Hector was happy to see Joker again. "And here is my favorite chef." Joker added when he saw Hector.
"Hey Joker." Hector said as he greeted the pilot. "Hey, did Sven come by here?" Hector asked as he was worried for him.
"Sven had gone on ahead to speak with Dr. Solus and Dr. Chakwas in Mordins lab." Came a new voice that appeared from a nearby stand via a holographic image. "From my earlier scans it would seem they are studying Sven's Cerberus grade prosthetic." The voice said as she got Penny's attention.
"Wait is this a VI?" Penny asked as she looked at the program.
"Nope that is EDI our ships AI." Joker said as Penny was wide eyed by this.
"I was told by Monrue that you have a very unique love for AI Units." EDI said and the next thing that happened as Penny launching herself at the console.
"AN AI! CERBERUS HAS A FUCKING AI! HOW COME THE BAD GUYS GET ALL THE GOOD STUFF!?" Penny yelled as she was looking at EDI. "How were you made! What sort of programs you run with!" Penny went off as Hector saw this.
"Someone better get a crowbar, so Penny doesn't physically merge with the ship." Leon said as Allura saw the state Penny was in.
"She looks like she's in erotic euphoria." Allura said as she found this concerning as Penny was all but drooling as she bombarded EDI with so many questions.
"Penny! Penny!" Kalvin called out as he tried to force Penny away from EDI. "Penny, we need you with Mordin to check out Sven's arm!" Kalvin called as he soon got Penny to release her death grip.
"Well looks like you have a fan." Joker said looking towards EDI.
"I'll come back for you!" Penny cried as she was then being dragged away by Kalvin and Allura.
John rolled his eyes playfully and walked over. "Sorry about that EDI." John said as he knew Penny's love for machines can get out of hand.
"I am not bothered in fact I am quite flattered." EDI said as she was not used to be met with admiration like that.
When he saw EDI was ok John then nodded to the AI. "I should go." John said before he went to catch up with the others.
(Later Mordin's Lab)
Mordin was happily humming a little tune to himself while studying the various Collector samples that the team had gathered when the Paladins and John walked in. "Mordin sorry to bother you, was hoping you had some information on Sven." John said as he approached the Salarian.
"Small side look yielded results, possible Cerberus method use for Sven similar to yours." Mordin said as he spoke fast. "Cybernetic arm holds encrypted files. Possible reasoning for revival." Mordin before Penny cut in.
"Yeah, I found those files too, I had trouble extracting them though." Penny said as Mordin then looked to her.
"Attached to neural link to brain one wrong action could result in seizure." Mordin said which Penny had more.
"Yeah, I was thinking of removing the arm to get those files but doing so would make the files impossible to retrieve." Penny said as she knew something was in those files.
"Crafty Cerberus has secrets." Mordin said as he had taken time to study the arm. "Did you try an atypical energy loop?" Mordin suggested as Penny heard it.
"I was thinking about it, put the system in a loop of being on and off should provide an opening to get those files." Penny said as Mordin heard this. "The Problem is how it will affect Sven it could either give him a brain tumor, cancer, or outright kill him again." Penny said which Mordin saw this.
"Challenging. Challenge accepted." Mordin said as the Paladins all just stood there confused. Even Hector was lost over what they were talking about. "Time to spare perhaps combine notes resolution may be found." Mordin offered which got Penny smiling.
"Then by all means doctor." Pennys aid and thus they were already working.
"Did anyone catch any of that?" Leon asked as he was lost now. "Good neither did I." Leon said as John cleared his throat.
"Alright I'll get back to showing you guys around." John said but then EDI spoke up.
"Pardon my intrusion Commander, but The Illusive Man wishes to speak with you and Commander Shepard." EDI said as this meant the Illusive Man wanted both John and Kalvin.
"How does he already know I'm here?" Kalvin asked as he glared a bit.
"Doesn't matter right now, let's go deal with whatever he wants." John said and thus they got moving to the meeting room to speak with the leader of Cerberus. "The rest of you can keep exploring if you want." John said as he trusted them to behave.
"Of course." Allura said and thus she, Leon, and Hector took their leave to explore while Kalvin and John went to meet with The Illusive Man.
(Later the Normandy Meeting Room)
Upon entering the meeting room, the table, and chairs inside began to lower as the room itself shifted with a scanner running over the two of them. When they entered the entire room shifted in a way that Kalvin had seen once over 2 years ago. Soon they were in the office of The Illusive Man as he saw the two Shepard's before him.
"Well, this is a lovely sight father and son reunited." The Illusive Man said as Kalvin glared at the man. "I'm sure you've both had time to catch up and if not, it might have to wait." The Illusive Man said as Kalvin growled this.
"Cut the crap I'm only helping my old man not you or your organization." Kalvin said pointing an accusing finger at The Illusive Man.
"Easy Kal." John said as he put a hand against his son's chest to keep him from lashing out like he normally did.
"No I'm not going to take it easy," Kalvin said as he push his father's hand off of him, as he knew the man wasn't there for real but he not going to take this from a man who hiding behind a hologram as he said while pointing at the Illusive Man, "These guys dug Sven out of the grave and hook him up with new arm and who know what else, so I want to know what did you people do to Sven?"
The illusive man took a puff of his cigar and said, "I'm sorry to say that I had nothing to do with Sven, as unlike your father, the former blue paladin was supposed to be left alone, but as I said before to you and your team 2 years ago, as there are some people within Cerberus that went go rouge and do things on their own. I had no idea until very recently and by a man who want to control Voltron for himself by seeing if he can control it with a paladin of his own, so he stolen Sven's body, taken the research notes on how to revive a person, bring them back to life but it seem his notes were incomplete as he could not save all of Sven so he resorted to Cybernetic to salvage what he could."
"Wait, you already meet him, When was this and why wasn't I told of this?" John question as this is the first time he was hearing this as Kalvin said, "It was during our mission together dealing with Cerberus, when the Alliance wanted to see how the paladins are able to perform in combat, as of why I didn't say because I don't know what me and the team saw could trust what he says, as he told us that people within the alliance and the citadel were trying to recreate their own Voltron, which is impossible without special help, and try to offer the team a place within Cerberus, but of course we refuse to work with a terrorist organization."
"And the offer is still open, but then again I may have to redo it sense the change of the guards to say, I'm sure Princess Allura might find what we offer acceptable," The Illusive man said as Kalvin shouted, "Don't you dare come near Allura! After what happen with Sven, do you think me or any other of the paladin will trust you."
"My apologies if I step over the line a bit, but make no mistake of what happen with Sven was not my choice," The Illusive man stood up and walk a little closer to the Shepard's as he said, "When I did found out about Sven, I had to give the order to remove everyone who was involved with his resurrection, take back what was stolen, but I left you a present, a peace offering to say, an olive branch in the form of Sven now alive and awake."
"So, you activated the beacon that would lead us to Sven, and that supposed to make it better?" Kalvin said as the Illusive man was patient as he knew Kalvin was the emotional of the two Shepard as he said, "Maybe not, but I am willingly to give away an important resource that Cerberus "could" have use to control Voltron, but because of what happen with Sven was done without my knowledge or orders, I have him back to you, to show you we are on the same side, as what I am doing is try to help of all humanity, but I did not want us to be enemies."
"Funny way of showing it thought," Kalvin said as people had died because of the beacon as the Illusive man said, "What happen in the past is now Irrelevant, as there nothing else I can do. People are dying every day, human are being taken from settlements all over the universe by the collectors as you can stand here all day telling what Cerberus did was wrong, but it won't get us nowhere."
"And what, the paladin should work for Cerberus, is that what you're saying?" Kalvin question as he pretty much taken over this talk with the Illusive man as took a puff again before he said, "Let me be clear, you don't have to work for Cerberus, you don't have to work with Cerberus, but with the threat of the collectors on the rise your options has become limited as the citadel will not lift a finger in helping as they may have reinstated your father as a SPECTRE again, but that's it, and the Alliance won't help as much either, while we at Cerberus have all the tools needed, all the information needed, and as much resources than anyone else and we are willingly to give freely, so you have to ask yourself this. Will you work alongside other who wants to help, or will your pride get in the way and destroy everything because you refuse to help."
Kalvin was silent as the Illusive man went back to his chair and said, "I'll give you some time to think on it, but don't take too long as time is of the essence."
With that the call ended as Kalvin just got pissed off at this as he wanted to hit something, but instead he did some breathing as John was letting him take his time to calm down as it seem N7 had also help his son learn how to control his anger a bit as after he calmed down, he soon ask, "Kal… why didn't you say anything about meeting the Illusive man?"
"Because like I said, I didn't know to trust his words or not, and he let us go without another word, we weren't in any danger during that time after we talked, and I figure the less people knew the better because we didn't know who to trust back then, as let face it, they were hoping one of us may get killed in action so they could put someone in to take control of a lion and Voltron as well," Kalvin said as John understood as he knew there was something odd about some of the thing that the alliance had told him to do as he said, "I understand, I'm sorry Kalvin if I have known… maybe I could have try harder to protect all of you back then."
"Its fine we made out alive mostly, Sven back, which I don't know if that's a good thing or not, but I am glad he is back, so there no need to get upset, is just I still don't trust that man, as I don't know what going through the guy's head and the way he spoken, more and more it just reminding me of Lotor, as because of what he did, Allura had to suffer by fighting against her own people we had no other choice until we could find a way to stop him, and that man is just giving me that same feeling like Lotor, I'm almost afraid of what his end goal is," Kalvin said as John nodded in agreement as he said, "I get what you mean, but this time you and paladins won't be facing this alone, I'll be here help you anyway I can as if he try something not only he has to deal with Voltron, he had to deal with me too."
"Thank… dad," Kalvin said as John put a hand on his shoulder and said, "No problem. Let get back and figure out our next stop."
Soon enough both father and son rejoin the crew as Kalvin was seen Allura talking with Garrus and Jacob, as no doubt she was asking Garrus what had happen to him and seeing how Jacob been after he departed the castle of lions before he join back with her and join in on the conversation.
(in the medical bay)
Both Penny and Mordin was giving Sven a scan, x-raying his body to see what else had happen to him as they saw the cybernetic didn't just end at the shoulder but goes deep within Sven, even figure out that one of his eyes was cybernetic as Penny was making sure no one was watching from it as she give it a look over it with Mordin was looking over everything to see what they can do to retrieve the data that within Sven new arm and so far Penny and him didn't make much progress other than shooting theories at one another.
"This is some complex stuff Dr. Solus a lot of variables to work with here." Penny said as she looked at the circuitry in the arm.
"Yes, the power loop suggestion shows promise. Missing variables missing bigger picture." Mordin said as they're power loop strategy had been attempted but had failed on their end. "Will need some time to device a better strategy. Keep eye on Sven more data required." Mordin said as it seems only Penny could understand what the Salarian was saying.
"Sorry doc did you catch anything they were saying this whole time?" Leon asked looking towards Chakwas.
"Probably every third word." Chakwas said as she was just as lost watching the two brainiacs at work.
Just then the door opened and from it the Shepard's walked in. "Hey how goes everything?" Kalvin asked as Sven spoke up.
"Zi arm von't cause us trouble." Sven said flexing the new hand.
"But... there are encrypted files on the arm, can't pull them out without causing Sven harm." Penny said as Kalvin growled to this.
"Of course, old TIM decided to dangle the truth on us like that." Kalvin said as Leon raised a brow.
"TIM?" Leon asked but then it clicked. "Oh; an acronym, The Illusive Man!" Leon said realizing what Kalvin meant.
"Shepard did you need anything?" Mordin cut in as he got back on subject.
"Which Shepard?" Penny joked from where she was working.
"John Shepard." Mordin clarified as he then looked to John.
If he were being honest with himself, John had suspected it would take a little time to get used to how Mordin worked and spoke, but he figured it would likely be not that different from how Penny worked and socialized, just a little faster in speech, so he did not mind how Mordin did not seem to really pay much attention to him. "Just checking in on how you're doing, Professor Solus. How is the lab working out for you." John said as he wanted to make sure his crew was working well.
"Quite satisfactory. Found a few surveillance bugs. Destroyed most of them, returned expensive one to Miranda. Nothing unexpected. Just need more samples, more Collector data, tissue samples, anything you can get, I can use. Find new tech," Mordin reported as he did need to return to the lab soon anyway.
John nodded in acceptance, as he was not surprised that some of his crew would want to remove some of the surveillance technology that Cerberus had throughout the ship. In fact, he was not ashamed to admit that he had asked Garrus to help him remove as much Cerberus surveillance technology from his cabin just a short while before they had left Omega. John was fairly certain that any area of the ship that had someone from his ground team working or living in it was free of such bugs. Steve then remembered that Mordin was also a medical professional, so he figured that the professor had more than likely taken a look at the crew's medical records much more thoroughly after he came aboard. It was not that he did not trust Doctor Chakwas to have done her job to the best of her abilities, but there was no harm in getting a second opinion, so that was why he asked, "Is there any medical concerns that you've noted that I should be aware of, at least amongst the team?"
"Cerberus personnel in excellent condition, no squad concerns to report. Always some matters, but nothing affecting immediate mission," Mordin replied as Penny put her tools away.
"That's good to hear, but I was also wondering if you had a minute to talk for a bit," Steve revealed. "I would like to get to know the scientist that's going to be cooking up a countermeasure to the Collector tech for my team."
"Of course. Plenty of time to analyze Collector intelligence," Mordin nodded after he finally paused in his work. "Impressive laboratory setup. Missed working for operations with a budget, AI in particular very helpful. Penny also surprisingly helpful. Did not expect scientist to be amongst Voltron. Best work I've seen since work with Special Tasks Group." Mordin said as Penny smiled to this.
"Well duh I may have been drafted to train under the Asari Commando's, but science is where I'm supreme." Penny boasted with a smile on her face.
"Yeah, until you see a new AI then your all-bubbly girl wanting to make friends with a robot." Leon quipped causing Penny to glare at him.
"Don't you have to be stupid somewhere else?" Penny asked glaring over at Leon.
"Come on Leon let's go somewhere else." Kalvin said and thus he and Leon left the room.
"Vait for me." Sven said once he was unhooked from the monitoring devices. This left Penny, Mordin, and John alone.
John saw Mordin and knowing some of his background with the Salarian STG had a question he wanted to ask. "You know, I've actually heard a few things about the Salarian Special Tasks Group, but nothing really more than just passing mentions and the things I've read from the extranet." John said as he recalled working with the STG back on Virmire. :Mind telling me about it based on your experiences with them," John inquired curious as to what they were like.
"Would be happy to," Mordin nodded enthusiastically. "Respected organization, clandestine, handles difficult assignments with limited oversight. Recon, analysis, occasional wet work, identify problems, have neutralization options ready should need arise. Model for Council SPECTRES based on Special Tasks Group. Very similar." Mordin said as John kept up with it.
"I was not aware of that," John commented as this caught him by surprise despite being a SPECTRE as well. "How are the two groups similar?" John asked as Penny took notes.
"Salarians lack numbers, brute strength, military prowess; have to rely on stealth, intelligence. Agents trusted given wide operative freedom. SPECTREs similar. Given goal, told to accomplish. Better funded of course. Didn't have to buy our own weapons," Mordin revealed, though he had to chuckle a little at the last comment.
John had to smile a little in response to that same comment before he continued. "It must have been rather frustrating working on Omega with such a limited facility, or are you one of those scientists who would've considered that to make it more challenging?" John asked as he knew how Penny was with challengers as well.
"Yes, did enjoy challenge. Loved work on Omega. Limited facility did indeed present challenge, save greatest number of people using limited resources," Mordin smiled in confirmation. "Security threats, gangs, mercenary groups add additional difficulty. Quite enjoyable. Plague stretched abilities to limit, couldn't have asked for more. Also enjoyed saving people, of course. Helping the helpless, greater good, all that too. Nice retirement after STG work complete. Don't seem surprised by such thing." Mordin said and thus Penny cut in.
"Hey for a scientist you tell us something is impossible then we'll put all our effort to prove you wrong!" Penny called out meaning that anything that can be proven or disproven was a challenge. "Honestly, it's nice to have another big brain in the group." Penny said as she considered Hector a close friend, but he was not at her level for brains.
"Certainly, easy to use sword or gun, difficult to wield scalpels and microscopes." Mordin said agreeing with Penny that having more smart people was a welcome change of paste. "Also found Penny's schematics for battle gear for Voltron and the Altean Defense Mechs." Mordin said as Penny blushed about that.
"Oh, you saw this well they might not work out." Penny admitted as she looked towards Mordin. "The main issue I've had with them was power output and deployment method." Penny said as she looked to Mordin. "I got the idea during Voltrons battle against the Sincline it can handle the excess of Quintessence and use it to better help Voltron expel it." Penny said as Mordin heard this.
"Ideas on how to improve the design, deployment method difficult, solution may be simple and cost effective." Mordin said as he and Penny got to talking. "Back to the lab more talk there." Mordin said and thus he and Penny left leaving John there.
"Well good talk." John said as he saw the two had hit it off well.
(Meanwhile with Leon and Garrus)
"Yo, Garrus!" Leon greeted as he entered the forward cannons area.
"Leon can't say the surprise is unwelcomed." Garrus greeted as he smiled over at Leon.
"Yeah, well things happened." Leon said as he joined Garrus. "So, mind me asking about the new scar?" Leon asked as he gestured to the right side of Garrus' face.
"Not at all." Garrus responded as he took a pause from what he was doing. "To make a long story short I took a rocket to the face from a drop ship in Omega." Garrus said as Leon heard this.
"What were you doing on Omega to begin with?" Leon asked wondering what Garrus was doing in a place like that.
"Trying to better clean up the galaxy when SPECTRE training didn't work out." Garrus said as he leaned against the console. "To many bureaucratic red tape for my taste." Garrus said as Leon chuckled a bit to that.
"Trust me bureaucracy is just as much a blessing as it's a curse." Leon said being on the receiving end of the curse part.
"Yeah, I know it's good to keep civil order but bad for when you need things done fast." Garrus said recalling his time on C-Sect.
"So, what can you tell me about the ship's armaments?" Leon asked as he was curious as to how the new Normandy ran in comparison to the old one.
"Well Cerberus seems to have upgraded what the ship carried before," Garrus explained admitting that it should give them an edge against Robeasts. "Should have a bit more kick, but I still don't like our chances against a Collector ship though." Garrus said as he knew that it might not be enough. "Not unless we upgrade the guns, anyway." Garrus said as Leon chuckled a bit to that.
"Yeap, we need them upgrades." Leon said knowing full well why. "In fact, the Castle of Lions might need them too." Leon said recalling how Lotor's attack on the Citadel forced limitations on the Paladins work.
"Yeah, I heard you aren't allowed to use Wormholes like you used to." Garrus said recalling how useful those wormholes had been back in the day.
"Well, we learned to make do." Leon said with a shrug of his shoulders. "Still do you think you can do that with less resources then you had last time you guys were on the hunt?" Leon asked as he was worried for the new Normandy.
"We'll make do." Garrus said with a smirk towards the Paladin. "We always do." Garrus added and thus Leon laughed a bit glad to see Garrus' sense of humor had not been debilitated since they parted ways over a year ago.
(Meanwhile with Allura and Jacob)
Back on the main deck Allura was speaking with Jacob and needless to say she was not too happy with the soldiers. "Jacob how can you side with Cerberus?" Allura asked as she was not happy about seeing Jacob work with a group like Cerberus.
"Look Princess I get that your upset but after both Citadel battles it seems nothing was getting down to prepare for the Reapers." Jacob said as he was there after all. "The Citadel Council wasn't doing anything, and the alliance wasn't doing anything and when the Collectors started harvesting human colonies, they still weren't doing anything to solve this problem." Jacob said defending why he had joined up with Cerberus.
"You could have joined with Voltron we could have helped you." Allura argued as she was still upset about this.
"I know but we needed to make a big move and that meant going on the offensive not staying as the defense." Jacob said sadly as he did consider joining up with Voltron when he had resigned from the Alliance. "After that crap with Lotor… maybe I should have taken that offer." Jacob added as he wanted to find Lotor and ring his neck for cruelly playing with Allura's feelings. "Look Princess I get your upset but trust me when I say I don't trust Cerberus as much as Shepard does." Jacob said as this meant he did not trust Cerberus at all.
"I've read what Cerberus has done; I've seen what they've done." Allura argued back as she knew that whatever Cerberus was doing was clearly not humane. "Jacob, I know you're a good man, so I'll trust you… but please just try to be careful." Allura said not wanting to see Jacob become like the other Cerberus groups.
"I won't I promise." Jacob said assuring Allura that he would not become a monster. God knows that there are enough monsters in the galaxy.
"Good." Allura said as she was happy to hear that. But by her tone it was clear that she still had doubts about Jacob and him being a Cerberus Operative. Though Jacob will admit that it was nice to see Allura again after 2 years.
(Later over with Kalvin)
Kalvin was leaning on the railing for the sleep pods Leon had gone with Garrus to do some calibrations while Hector was still talking to Jacob. Kalvin was upset over that since he trusted Jacob, they all did after all. It hurt but Kalvin wanted to believe that Jacob had his reasons for joining Cerberus.
"Got a moment Kal?" John asked as he approached his son.
"Sure, Hector is talking with your ships cook right now. Penny is still with Mordin. Leon is talking with Garrus. And Allura is giving Jacob an earful." Kalvin said to his father who nodded to this and thus they got down to it. "So, what did you need?" Kalvin asked as he wanted to get this talk over with.
"Its been two years… for you its been two years for me the Normandy crashed days ago." John said as Kalvin was reminded that for his father he just woke up and found out two years had passed. "Just wanted to see how my son is doing." John said wanting to hear Kalvin's story.
"Well doubt you have the time and seeing as you have my shrink, I can't do much talking." Kalvin said joking a bit. "But I got a coping method." Kalvin said as he walked pass his father and leaned against the railing away from the path.
"A coping method?" John asked as Kalvin began to whistle a strange tune. When he did John was suddenly jumped by, Kosmo as the space wolf teleported in and caused John to fall over.
"That is Kosmo my K9 from space and pet." Kalvin said as John was surprised that his son had a wolf. "The doctors still think he's growing and honestly I agree." Kalvin said worried a bit over how big Kosmo might get. Outside of Kalvin's view John was struggling with Kosmo for an item the Wolf had snagged.
"I saved him back in the Quantum Abyss and has been with me ever since." Kalvin said as John then threw the item which Kosmo teleported to retrieve. "He's really smart and intuitive. It's a big help during battle." Kalvin said as Kosmo returned via teleporting and gave the item back to John to throw again. John made movement to throw and thus Kosmo ran to find it. But John never threw it and thus Kosmo came back upset for John's trick here. "Though I do have the occasional argument with some scientists wanting to study him, but I got his back, and he has mine." Kalvin said and then Kosmo teleported himself and John to the ceiling as John fell and hi the ground hard.
As John got up Kalvin was turning around unaware of the commotion. "What?" Kalvin asked when he saw his father on the ground and Kosmo sitting like he did nothing wrong.
"Well, you always did want a dog growing up." John said as he got back up as Kosmo was almost smiling smugly at John now.
The father and son were just relaxing for a bit when all of a sudden Kalvin's communicator went off. "Commander Shepard." Came Shaila which got Kalvin's attention. "We may have an issue." Shiala said as Kalvin heard this. "We have an uninvited guest on the Castle of Lions." Shiala said and thus Kalvin knew this was bad. "It's someone you all know." Kalvin said and in turn Kalvin had to call the others in.
"Dad something's come up so." Kalvin began but John waved it off.
"Go we can talk more later." John said and thus with a nod Kalvin left and started to call up the other Paladins for this. "Guys drop what you're doing we need to get back to the Castle of Lions... we got an intruder!" Kalvin ordered and thus they got moving to return to the Castle of Lions. Penny didn't like it, but she knew they had to secure their own ship from whoever had boarded it.
(Scene Break Castle of Lions)
The group arrived at the command deck with weapons drawn ready for whatever idiot decided to try and hijack or stowaway on the ship. But when they got there the group was left wide eyed as to who was there.
"NOT YOU AGAIN!" The Paladins all called out when they saw the intruder.
Sitting on Allura's spot on the Teleduv was none other than Kasumi Goto who smiled at the group not at all bothered with the fact that she basically broke into the Castle of Lions and was seemingly caught.
"Hey there Paladins guess who." Kasumi greeted as Kalvin reached for his knife to deal with her only for Allura to gently force said arm back down.
"What do you want?" Kalvin asked as he glared at Kasumi.
"Ok here is the truth." Kasumi said as she got up with Shaila nearby ready to act. "The Illusive Man contacted me saying he needed my skills for what appears to be a Suicide Mission into the Omega Relay." Kasumi said as she look to the Paladins. "Of course, I was going to join but when I heard that it would be the Normandy, I knew only one person would be in command of it." Kasumi said and it did not take long for Kalvin to figure out what Kasumi was getting at.
"And if John was in command Kalvin was not far behind." Penny said being the first to voice it.
"Yeah, so if you guys are planning to join in, I'll stick around on the Castle of Lions." Kasumi said showing she was going to stay around with the group.
"And why should we agree to this?" Allura asked as she glared at Kasumi.
"Yeah, you stole my Lion and caused mischief when you stowed away." Leon accused but Kalvin knew why.
"Because no one has made it through the Omega Relay and lived to tell the tale." Kalvin said as he glared at Kasumi. "As much as it pains me to admit it... we need her." Kalvin said seeing that they needed every help they can get to get to the Collector home world.
"Glad you guys see it my way." Kasumi said as she began to walk on through. "I'll go lay claim to a room and don't worry I won't steal anything nailed down." Kasumi teased as she walked off leaving the Paladins there.
"I hate her." Leon said as he glared at where Kasumi walked off to.
"You do realize when she said stuff that she won't steal anything nailed down she didn't mention anything not nailed down right?" Penny said which Kalvin growled to this.
"Yeah, I know." Kalvin said and thus it was clear there was going to be a lot of work to do involving the Collectors and Cerberus.
(TBC)
ESKK: Another chapter is done I hope you had all enjoyed it and will join us again for Chapter 3. Now then be sure to leave a review before leaving and as always folks, ja-ne.