It didn't take long for everyone to get caught up on what the two teams had done on their separate ops.
Jane went into detail of their encounter with the survivors from ExoGeni and how some of the higher execs knew about the Thorian and decided to test the spores it released on the colonists. She also spoke about the Geth ship attached to the building that had jammed their comm signals and how they had brought it down.
Kaidan gave a play by play of what they did and encountered in the sewers and how they managed to subdue the colonists and the fight against the Creepers before their encounter with the Thorian itself below Zhu's Hope.
Within the next couple of hours, the ExoGeni employees came to the colony and helped the people there who had all thankfully awoken from their mind control. Most of them suffered severe headaches caused by long exposure to the Thorian's spores, but were otherwise in good health.
The mystery Asari had also awoken, introducing herself as Shiala and how she had served Matriarch Benezia. She had also explained how Saren had given her to the Thorian after she had melded with the sentient plant and acquired the Prothean Cipher for him. An ancestral understanding of the Prothean people the Thorian had gained during and after the former empire had fallen.
As the Commander and Shiala spoke, Flynn had broken away from where everyone was gathered and began walking the perimeter of Zhu's Hope. Being sure that no Creepers had managed to survive his earlier onslaught. But all he found were dead ones, the death of the Thorian more than likely taking them all with it.
Continuing his trek, he saw several of the now awake colonists giving him looks. Though unlike the nervous and hesitant ones that he was used to, these ones were of admiration and thanks. Even though they were under the influence of the Thorian's spores, they still remembered what he and Shepard's team had done for them. And were grateful.
After another rotation of the colony, the slayer returned to where the team was waiting. Shiala having just finished giving Jane the Prothean Cipher via meld.
"I have given you the Cipher, just as it was given to Saren." said Shiala. "The ancestral memories of the Protheans are a part of you now.
"A knowledge bond can be very traumatic. Are you all right, Commander?" asked Liara.
Jane rubbed her forehead as the images finally settled, "I saw...something. It still didn't make much sense." she said, now rubbing her temples..
"You have been given a great gift; the experience of an entire people. It will take time for your mind to process and adjust to this information." explained Shiala. "I am sorry if you have suffered, but there was no other way. You needed the Cipher. In time, it will help you understand the vision from the beacon."
The Commander nodded before turning to address her crew, "With the Geth and the Thorian taken care of, Zhu's Hope shouldn't have much trouble from here on out. Once we're sure that everything's settled we'll be heading out."
As the team dispersed to offer aid where they could, Flynn paused when he heard Shiala call out;
"Slayer!"
He turned and saw the former disciple of Benezia looking up at him. "It is...hard to believe that you are as real as the legends say. Even more so after you saved me from the Thorian. But I need to warn you."
"Saren knows of you. Whether Lady Benezia divulged the information to him or he attained it through other means I do not know. But when I melded with him to give him the Cipher, I saw a brief glimpse into his thoughts. He is putting a great deal of effort in killing you and the Commander, both of you are a great threats to his plans and will stop at nothing to see you out of the way."
Flynn fought the urge to roll his eyes. Another self-righteous asshole wanting him dead? Saren can take a number and get in line, and it was a pretty long damn line.
Shiala seemed to read his stoney expression and gave a small smile, "I know that it more than likely doesn't surprise you, or even worry you in the slightest. But I thought you at least had the right to know."
The slayer nodded before continuing on his way. The former servant of Benezia watching him leave before clasping her hands together in prayer;
"Goddess Athame, I beseech you. Please, help Lady Benezia break free from Saren's machinations. I fear that if she doesn't escape his dark grasp, she will receive no mercy from the Slayer on his journey. If she cannot be freed before they meet...please grant her a swift, painless death, and accept her in your eternal embrace."
X
The crew had spent several more hours on Feros, helping the colonists get back on their feet after everything that had happened. Exogeni admitted to what they had done and was doing everything in their power to fix the mistakes they had made with Shiala assisting in every capacity possible.
At the moment the ship was in the process of leaving the Feros docking bay while the team had gathered in the briefing room.
Jane stood at the front, having paid a visit to Chakwas for some mild painkillers for the headache she had after receiving the Cipher. The transfer of information she had gotten from Shiala had hit her almost as hard as the beacon had, but she was beginning to make a little more sense of what the images she'd been seeing meant.
"You're looking a little pale, Shepard. Everything alright?" asked Garrus when he noticed the Commander looking a little worn out.
"A little shook up, nothing i can't handle." Jane replied.
"If I may Commander." said Liara. "With the Cipher combined with the fragments from the Prothean beacon, I might be able to make better sense of what you are seeing."
"You want to meld with me again." summarized Shepard.
The Asari Maiden nodded, "Yes. However, if you are not up for another melding in such a short time we can wait until you are ready."
"Thank you for the concern, Liara. But I'm good to go. Let's do it." the Commander said stepping into the center of the room, being joined quickly by Liara.
"Relax, Commander. Embrace Eternity!" said Liara as her eyes went black pulling them both in.
The meld went by a lot quicker than it had the first time as both women came back to the conscious world. "The...images are much clearer than before. The Cipher's doing most likely. But the vision is incomplete, the beacon must have been badly damaged when it transferred it to you, Commander." said Liara.
Shepard wiped the sweat from her forehead and sat down in an empty seat. "There wasn't anything we can go on? Some kind of clue or something that could help us on our mission?" she asked.
"I was able to interpret the data in the vision itself, what was there at least. But something was missing." said the young Asari, "Saren might have the missing information. Maybe he found another beacon. If we can find the missing data from your vision, I could piece together the information and find something more concrete for us to…" she trailed off and swayed on her feet, stumbling only to feel a large hand supporting her lower back.
She internally smiled knowing Flynn had reached out to support her.
"You alright, Liara?" asked Jane.
"Yes, just a bit of exhaustion. The vision coupled with your strong mind slightly resisting the meld is taxing." Liara replied, "I should probably head to the med-bay and get some rest."
The Commander nodded, "We're good here. Good work on Feros everyone. Dismissed."
The team began to file out of the room when Joker came on the intercom, "I have the Council on vid-call, Commander." The door to the briefing room closed just as Shepard told the pilot to patch them through.
Liara barely had a moment before she found herself scooped up into a pair of large, familiar arms. "Honestly, Flynn. Must we do this whenever I feel faint?" she asked while trying to get the heat in her face to dissipate.
The slayer looked down at her, his eyes crinkled around the edges telling her that he was smirking at her. The Asari Maiden rolled her eyes and shook her head, hiding a smile while feeling comfortable in the large human's powerful arms.
Entering the med-bay, Flynn sent a nod to Chakwas on his way to Liara's room. Laying the Asari in her bed before turning to leave.
"Flynn?" he stopped and looked back at Liara who looked a little embarrassed. "If...If it's not too much trouble. Could you stay a moment?"
The slayer blinked before stepping back inside, sitting on the floor beside the bed leaning against the bulkhead. Giving the young Asari his full attention.
"Thank you. I...I know it seems strange for me to ask this of you. But after the talks we've had, I feel that you are the only one I can really speak with. Besides the Commander, of course." Liara began, sounding anxious and embarrassed at the same time.
Liara. It's alright. What's on your mind? Flynn signed, easing her thoughts.
"It's about my mother." the Asari Maiden admitted, "She and I haven't spoken in many years. But for her to join Saren, even worse, to abandon one of her followers in such a way. It sounds nothing like the one who raised me. I want to believe that Benezia hasn't fallen, that she has a reason behind what she has done. But it gets harder and harder to hold onto such a belief."
The slayer took in her words and nodded. Understandable. After everything we've learned so far, it can't be easy for you. He signed.
Liara smiled solemnly. "It's strange. I had hoped for the two of us to connect again at some point. I guess that's just foolish thinking with all that has happened. I suppose deep down, I'm still that young girl looking for her mother's approval."
She heard the hiss of pressurized air and saw Flynn removing his helmet, setting it on the floor beside him so he could look her in the eye unobstructed. It's not foolish to still care for your family. No matter what they do or have done, they are still family in the end.
They sat in silence for a time, the young Asari getting comfortable before she decided to ask something. "What was your family like?"
Flynn mulled over the question while Liara wondered if she pressed on a sensitive subject. My father was a Commander for the Earth Marines. My mother was a nurse in the same division who became a stay at home parent after I had been born. They were good people. He finally revealed, smiling at the fond memories of the people who raised him after he was reborn.
"They sound like good people." said Liara before looking worried, "Did...did they…?"
The smile on the slayer's face faded and became emotionless. They were among the casualties when Hell invaded Earth the first time. He signed, recalling the ruins of his home and the burnt husks that had once been his family.
A soft blue hand reached out and touched his face, making him look into the eyes of the young archeologist. "I think they would have been proud of the man you've become. Despite rage and vengeance fueling your actions, you saved countless lives from an unspeakable evil. Any parent would be proud." she said fondly.
Flynn kept his eyes locked onto hers, the world around them fading as he was momentarily lost in the crystal blue that reminded him of the ocean.
Blinking and coming back to his senses, the slayer sent the Asari another smile before standing. Get some rest, Liara. He signed before slipping his helmet back on. I'll be around. If you need me. With that he left the room to allow her to sleep.
Doing his best to make sense of the soft stirring in his chest coupled with the emotions he hadn't felt for far too long.
Liara settled down in her bed after the door closed. A soft blush maring her cheeks after the moment they had just shared. Succumbing to her exhaustion and allowing sleep to take her in moments.
Visions of a powerful human in armor filling her dreams.
X
In the following days, the ground team of the Normandy took care of various assignments that had been passed to them either from Alliance Command, or a few other parties that needed a helping hand Shepard was willing to give.
In between assignments, Flynn had focused on a couple of projects he decided to undertake in his free time. Working with his omni-tool and fully integrating it into his Praetor suit's systems to allow him an array of new combat abilities both physical and cyber for the near future.
He and Tali had also been working on upgrading his chainsaw with the modern tech of this universe. So far things had been going well, but it would be a little more time before one of his signature weapons was ready for combat again.
This was where the slayer and Quarian currently were. Both leaning over a workbench with the former's chainsaw disassembled on the surface, many of the parts looking newer than before with the new tech and materials installed into them.
"All we need to do is assemble a mass accelerator to work the blades and connect it to the minor eezo core." Tali said with her omni-tool active. "After that it's just a matter of putting it back together again.
Flynn nodded, screwdriver in hand as he finished putting the chain back on the new blade. A little impressed with how the new parts shined under the lights of the cargo hold. The new material wouldn't just change its classic look, but would also make it lighter and stronger, and with the new mass accelerator engine that would replace the old motor, and with the reinforced teeth and blade, it would prove to be even more deadly than before.
The slayer was pretty sure that with the new upgrades, he'd be able to cut through a Tyrant's cybernetic leg like it was cheap aluminum.
"Looks like you two are keeping busy." The duo looked up to see the Commander approaching them from the elevator. "Upgrading your arsenal?"
Something like that. Flynn signed.
"I gave him the idea of how to upgrade his old chainsaw with some tech from this age." added Tali. "Though it's taking a bit of time considering the delicate nature of changing a fossil fuel motor to a mass accelerator."
Jane looked over the upgraded parts with a careful eye, "After seeing what this thing can do with a gas motor, I shudder to think of what it can do when it's upgraded." she turned to the young engineer, "You mind giving us a couple of minutes, Tali?"
The Quarian nodded, "Sure. I need to report to Adams before heading up to the mess hall. Same time tomorrow, Flynn?" she asked the slayer, getting a thumbs up in response.
Once Tali had left, Shepard turned her full attention to the larger human. "Got word of our next heading. Planet Noveria. Heard of it?" she asked.
Ice planet filled with backstabbing bureaucrats and shady businesses that are just as likely to sell you as kill you. The slayer signed without looking up from his project. I take it you want me to put a muzzle on my rage again?
Jane sighed, "If it's not too much trouble. Though it's good to know you did your research."
Flynn stood up and addressed her fully, I'll keep things under wraps like before. But in the end it all depends on the people we deal with, Shepard.
"Understandable. But the people there know how to work around the system. I may be a Spectre, but they could slow us down a great deal and we can't afford that." the Commander explained. "Especially since Saren is a shareholder of one of the big companies operating there."
Then we give them an offer they can't refuse. Signed the slayer as he cracked his knuckles loudly.
Jane sighed, "Believe me, I wish it was that simple. But I'm pretty sure we can't punch our way through this one."
Flynn shrugged, Fine. But my method is open if you need it. He signed before going back to his work.
The Commander nodded and turned to leave when she thought of something. Mulling it over in her thoughts a moment before speaking; "Mind if I ask a personal question?"
The slayer paused and gave her attention again. "What are you going to do when all this is over? Do you have any plans for when Saren is dealt with?"
I still have a mission. Flynn signed bluntly. Hell will always be a threat to every world and every universe until it is either sealed completely, or every demon is dead. When Saren is dead, I'll try to find a way back to my Earth and finish my fight.
"And after that?" asked Shepard, genuinely curious. "When Hell is finally dealt with, and there aren't any more demons for you to kill. What then?"
That question actually caused the slayer to pause. He never thought about what he would do when his eternal war against Hell was finally done, it never seemed important enough to even consider given how long he'd been fighting.
If and when that day comes. He began after several long seconds of thought. I'll find a quiet place to call my own. And enjoy the peace it brings.
"Alone?" wondered Jane.
I've been alone for eons, Shepard. Signed Flynn. Either by my own choice, or because those around me keep their distance out of fear. Either way, I've known solitude longer than anyone could ever understand.
The Commander shook her head, "It doesn't have to be that way. There are people out there that would see you as a friend and ally. Me and the others chief among them."
The slayer sighed. Do you remember when I revealed my past to all of you? And the Seraphim empowering me with divine energy? Jane nodded, wondering where he was going with this. I'm immortal, Shepard. Primeval. Meaning there is nothing, save for the Creator or the Dark Lord himself, that can kill me. I will outlive everyone on this ship, and the generations that follow. Forming such attachments and bonds only to watch each and everyone of them fade away to the sands of time would be a different kind of torture.
This revelation had stunned Shepard where she stood. She knew Flynn was powerful, feared throughout creation for his strength and rage. But immortal? To discover this was beyond what she first understood about him.
She now knew how he had been fighting so long. How he looked as young as he did. It would also explain one of the reasons why he kept his distance from most people. To see those around you getting older and passing on while you kept going on and on was not something anyone would be able to deal with after so long.
"That sounds harsh. No one should have to deal with that." Jane said finally.
Flynn shrugged, That's the life I chose. Becoming the Doomslayer has given me a lot and taken a lot away. But I had nothing left after Hell's first invasion of my Earth. So I walk the path of perpetual torment, until the day comes where I am no longer needed. Only then can I try to live in peace.
Shepard didn't know what to say after that. What could she say? She'd never encountered someone with a background like Flynn's and had no way of trying to help.
Don't worry about me, Shepard. Jane blinked when she caught what the slayer had signed. I can read your expression like an open book. You're a leader who deeply cares for those under her command. Willing to go above and beyond for them no matter the odds. It's an admirable trait. But you should save your paragon skills for those you can actually help. I don't need to be saved.
The Commander wanted to argue, to tell him that he was just as worth her attention as anyone else. But the slayer had gone back to his project. She stood, searching for something to say but came up empty each time.
Sighing, she turned to leave. "If you ever do need to talk, you know I'll be there." she said honestly before going back to her rounds.
Flynn set down the part he'd been examining, thinking over the conversation he had with Shepard. Shaking his head, he started putting his disassembled chainsaw away in a small crate before making his way to the elevator.
As much as he wanted to believe his own words, he was finding it increasingly difficult with each passing day in this universe. And part of him wondered if it was a good thing, or a bad thing.
X
Noveria seemed like the last place in any star system to have such a powerful financial infrastructure such as Port Hanshan. Yet a large number of companies and businesses operate out of the ice covered planet.
With the owners and shareholders being as cold and unfeeling as the weather.
It took a few minutes for the Normandy to dock in the port, traffic control giving Joker trouble since they were classified as an 'unscheduled arrival' even though the Council had sent word of them coming in advance.
Once docked, Jane disembarked with Liara, Wrex, Garrus and Flynn. The others were on standby while they checked out Hanshan. They barely took a few steps off the ship when they were approached by a group of security personnel.
"Halt! State your names and reason for being here." demanded the blonde woman leading the group.
"We're here on Council business. Our credentials should have been sent prior to our arrival." said Jane.
"There were no credentials sent to us. Therefore this is an unscheduled arrival. I'm going to have to ask you to surrender your weapons and come with us." said the woman snarky as her men went to approach them.
Just before anything could be done, an asian woman in armor fast walked toward them. "Sergeant Sterling stand down! Their credentials arrived yesterday, the Commander is a Council Spectre, she and her team are granted passage."
The guards lowered the weapons and the woman turned to them. "Commander Shepard,
Captain Matsuo, I am head of security detail here on Noveria. I apologize for the inconvenience. As you can see there are regulations set up for all kinds of arrivals." said the Captain.
"It would only have gotten bad if they tried to apprehend us for no reason." said Jane, putting her pistol away. The others doing the same, save for Flynn who had stood motionless with his arms crossed throughout the whole incident.
"Parasini-san will meet you and your team at the security checkpoint ahead. I hope the rest of your visit will be less confrontational." said Matsuo, giving them a slight bow.
"Better watch yourselves." said Sterling snidely as they walked past.
The slayer paused and sent her a deadly leer, causing the gungho security officer to freeze in place. In the next moment, he snatched the shotgun from her limp hands...and crushed it like it was cheap plastic. His damning gaze never left hers as he dropped the remains of the weapon at her feet.
Silent threat delivered. Flynn rejoined the others who waited. "Well, at least he didn't punch anyone." Garrus commented.
"Yet." Wrex added with a chuckle.
Jane shook her head, unable to hide her own smirk as she led her team to the port's checkpoint.
A/N: Welcome to the New Year everybody! And lets hope 2021 doesn't suck as much as 2020 did. A lot of my stories will be getting updates soon, but since this one was the quickest to complete I went with the the most recent. More to come in the near future, so don't go far folks!