Chapter 7: Follow the trail…
"Prepare yourselves, brothers. The dark holds many dangers, but our duty is to stand firm and bring the Emperor's light to the farthest corners."
Captain Lysander (Imperial Fists):
Arriving at Choras den was easier than Shepard had expected, the main worry had been getting transport that would accommodate the 5 of them, however there happened to be enough Elcor specific transport that could accommodate the marines, she swore she heard Maxus complain about not requesting a thunderhawk? The Elcor transport slows to a halt at Choras den, its pilot turning and nodding, "Helpful: there is an asari matron who dances here, she specialises in larger species like Elcor and Krogan."
Shepard snorts holding in the laugh, "no, sorry they don't do this they're very religious, you know like that hanar in the presidium." Williams elbows Kaiden in the ribs to make him stifle his laughter, as Shepard shook her head at the two of them.
The Elcor slowly nodded at her, "Embarrassed: many Apologies, as wide as the plains. Have read on the views of the enkindlers, Protheans were very enigmatic." It turns to Sa'kan trying to engage with him.
Sa'kan stared at the creature, it was a lumbering brute, Shepard had said it, and its ilk could not communicate with other beings normally, having to state the emotional inflection of their statements before saying them. A convenient cover, hundreds of years and a multitude of species encountered and none of them have attempted to learn to read the intent in the language of others, more likely the creatures stated an emotion to cover themselves to throw off the naïve and foolish. "These Protheans sound like parasites, interfering with other species as if they are ordained to do so, had their interference been found in the Imperium, the stain would be burned clean as dictated by the Emperor." Sa'kans red lenses bored into the Elcor driver, "perhaps they interfered with your own."
Shepard started shoving up against Sa'kan, desperate to get him moving, "and with that one we are outta here, thanks so much, please charge any extra bills to ambassador Udina's office, bye." Maxus hopped out first panning his bolter about in an arc, Williams and Alenko following behind, they stuck close with weapons lowered. Sa'kan stepped out his own boltgun maglocked to his thigh, Shepard close on his heels.
She stepped in front of the giant stopping him in his tracks, "what the hell was that Sa'kan?" she stood un-faltering in the face of the giant. The Salamander stopped and considered what to say to her, this woman had a monumental task ahead of her, one that even some Astartes may struggle with. "Shepard, i-I will remain as cordial with the xenos as necessary, but you must understand, these creatures, they may stand firm with you know but the cracks are already showing…they do little to aid you in the face of their agent's treachery. Once long ago we thought the same, but when old night came for us, the 'friends' we had made turned on us, picking at the scraps, enslaving worlds or worse…" he shook his head, the nexus event had awakened a burning hatred in him so many innocents lost, the sister Danica gone and Brutus…"I shall say no more here, aboard the Normandy, we shall speak…now unto fire battle, unto the anvil of war."
The group began walking over to the entrance to the Den, Sa'kan noted the vox call from Maxus and answered, "forgive me kinsmen, I know my interactions with Shepard are not codex compliant-" Sa'kan began to the younger warrior only to be cut-off.
"No, had we been forced to endure more that trolls prattling I would have put my blade between its eyes, when you spoke to Shepard, you said you will speak with her aboard the vessel…what is it you plan on sharing?" the younger warrior wasn't looking at Sa'kan instead keeping focused on his duty as the group's vanguard.
"Hmmm…I had thought of my chapter, of myself to some aspect, perhaps of the creed…why do you ask?" Sa'kans curiosity was now peaked, the younger warrior had showed little of anything bar disdain for the mortals that accompanied them.
"I would learn of your chapter, it is a storied one. A 1st founding chapter, from what records my chapter have, the Lord Avenger while not initially being close to Vulkan would come to consider him one of his most stalwart brothers, the Lord of Drakes is spoken of in high regard in the scriptures and teachings we have." When Maxus finished, he simply awaited Sa'kans reply, unaware he had nearly caused the salamander to fall over from shock, nearly, the nano-second processing that caused the micro-second freeze caused the salamander to recover and chuckle.
"Truly? I am honoured, then I would learn of you Castellans as well, see if you are as tightly wound as your primogenitors in the 13th." The Salamander responded with a good natured pat of the younger warrior's shoulder, they were the closest in age, but the even Maxus could admit this son of Vulkan was beyond his expectation, he'd been told they were too human, to soft and caring around mortals, yet his new brother had been at the front of almost all their combat, he never wavered…it almost shamed Maxus to say but even the fact the mortals listened to him without doubt made him envious…almost envious.
"Back off, Wrex. Fist told us to take you down if you showed up." A nasal, guttural voice came from ahead of them, Maxus saw two large creatures squaring up to each other, one was guarding the door, it had a plated brown crest take up most of its head, a natural armour not unlike a tyranid bio-form. The rest of its face was reptilian, short-snouted and predatory like a kroot-hound, there was a massive hump on its back rearing up over its head. It genuinely surprised him to see the creature on two hind legs standing upright, with the hump making it easily tower over humans. Not him, it stood under a Primaris in height, it would be on par with a firstborn in only that regard with most of the muscle appearing to be in the torso and legs, a swift blade or jab to under the jaw or bolt to the face would be enough. The one closest to him with its back turned had a deep red armour, while it no doubt was intimidating to many here, to Maxus it looked little better than the flak-armour of the guard.
"What are you waiting for? I'm standing right here." Spoke the red Krogan, Wrex the door-guard had called it. "This is Fist's only chance. If he's smart, he'll take it." Bold move, goading the guard and this Fist into attacking when there appeared to be only one target. The guard tilted its head to the right trying to dismiss this Wrex, "He's not coming out, Wrex. End of story." There was a low growl as the red-krogan leaned forward, from the back, the sight of the creature attempting to appear intimidating was comical at best to Maxus.
"This story is just beginning." The red-krogan ended the discussion in low growl again, appearing to Maxus and Sa'kan to be some form of dominance challenge. It turned around leaving the guard behind it, breezing past Shepard and her team, who had stepped ahead of the two marines. "Out of the way, humans. I have no quarrel with you." It waved them away stopping in its tracks upon seeing the Astartes, "well fuck, aren't you 2 some big bad battle bots. Nice." It tapped Maxus on the arm and stalked off.
"What was that all about?" Kaidan looked over at Shepard as the three of them stowed their avengers. Ashely stuck her hands on her hips and leaned to one side slightly, "Who knows? Let's just try not to get caught in the middle." She looked back at the group. The guard krogan parted for them, only attempting to stop the space marines, "combat bots have to wait outside sorry." It rumbled out. Jane held up a hand to stop any hostilities from the marines, hoping they didn't just pick her up and use her to beat the guy to death, "they're not combat bots, they're actually here as part of a first contact party."
The krogans eyes widened in surprise at that, "Really? Huh, well uh they might wanna talk to Orliana, she's our resident Asari matron, she specialises in bigger fellas hur hur hur." It nodded them in, being slightly startled when the marines went from completely still to fluid movement quicker than it had clearly expected. "Why do these xenos want us to visit a matron from these Asari, I do not require medicae assistance?" Maxus turned to his kinsman, voicing the question over the vox, Sa'kan looked at the younger warrior and shook his head, "I do not think this matron is a medicae brother, I will tell you when we are finished here and out of this den of depravity." He said as he eyed one of the Asari atop a dome structure from which humans and xenos were being survived drinks.
Shepard stepped over to a mortal man, currently lounging across two chairs, an Asari dancing for him atop the table as he sat with a smarmy smirk across his face. The wretched fool turned the smile on Shepard, the smirk growing slightly in Sa'kan's eyes. The man arched a brow up continuing to hold the self-serving smirk, "Alliance military. Hmph. I coulda been a marine ya know. Instead, I joined the goddamned Citadel Security. Biggest mistake of my life."
For her part Jane just stared at the prick, he oozed sleazeball, the kind that just pissed everyone around him off eventually. She looked up at the Asari dancer and smiled, "hey honey, think you could leave me, and my buddy alone need to talk shop with him, here on me."
Shepard winked and flicked her 150 credits. The young woman smiled back and hopped down, blew a quick kiss at Shepard and sashayed away from the group. This caused Harkin to frown, he sat up straighter after a sigh and looking over Shepards shoulder at the two giants.
Jane pulled up a seat and plopped herself down throwing her arms over the back, "Harkin, right? I was told you could help me find someone. Turian C-Sec officer named Garrus." The sleazeball let out a short scoff closing his eyes and shaking his head as he said, "Garrus? Ha! You must be one of Captain Anderson's crew. Poor bastard's still trying to bring Saren down, eh?" Jane didn't laugh at anything Harkin said and just stared through him, focusing on the wall behind him to freak him out, it worked because he was struggling to hold her gaze.
"I know where Garrus is. But you gotta tell me something first. Did the captain let you in on his big secret?" a little diversion there, offering up something else to try and entice Jane, Anderson had already said he'd send her the information later…still something was bothering her. "Something I should know about the Captain?" she asked him, earning a sly shit eating grin from the cop.
"The captain used to be a Spectre. Didn't know that did you? It was all very hush-hush. The first human ever given that honor. And then he blew it." Harkin let it hang out in the air for a moment as Shepard just stared at the man, Kaidan and Ashley both looked at each other briefly. "Screwed up his mission so bad they kicked him out. Of course, he blames Saren. Says the turian set him up." As Harkin said that Janes com cackled as Sa'kans voice came over it.
"It would seem this Saren has sabotaged Humanity at every turn he has had the chance and used his standing as the greatest of the Council's warriors to hide behind retribution. Let the flames take this fool for spreading lies and deceit on your captain, he is but a dull drunkard." Sa'kan finished with Jane finally smiling, she turned and looked at the big guy. He was standing directly behind her, his Hesh bolt-gun mag-locked to his thigh, arms crossed over his massive chest.
"why'd they kick him out?" she asked turning back to the dull drunkard. Not giving the man, the rise or satisfaction he wanted. "Have to ask him. I never heard any of the details. Bet it's a good story, though. The hero's fall. Classic tragedy. Ha!" as Harkin finished, Jane just gave him another smile and said, "Instead of stirring the pot with shit, how about you just tell me where Garrus is, and I don't have the big guys pull your arms off." As she said that, the two Astartes stared down the mortal, Sa'kan flexed his bionic arm and Maxus let his hand rest on the pommel of his gladius. Watching the man pale, trying not to desperately shit his pants, Ashely tried not to double over laughing, Kaiden had to elbow her in the ribs.
"Garrus was sniffing around Dr. Michel's office. She runs the med clinic on the other side of the wards. Last I heard, he was going back there." Harkin gulped down what little saliva was in his throat, the big fucking combat bots were terrifying, they didn't move like normal bots, to organic looking and one had a sword bigger than his fucking leg. It didn't help that they didn't seem to be making any fucking noise, except a soft whirring.
"And we are outta here." Jane said as she got off the seat the group trudged out of the den and proceeded back to the terminal to get a ride.
"The Citadel was a nest of Vipers yes, but what sickened me were the carnel pits, the drug-houses and whore-markets, such open secrets are always an early sign of the She-Thirsters degenerate cults…I wouldn't be surprised to find if those damned Asari are some worshippers of it."
Veteran-Brother Shevrim, Assault and Reconnaissance specialist of Watch-fort Deinmnous in his record of deeds
Shepard and her team arrived at the clinic only to find their missing Turian detective hunched behind a counter, pistol drawn. Before Shepard could grab Garrus' attention a voice cried out from room behind the counter.
"I didn't tell anyone. I swear!" it was a woman's voice, looking across the counter Shepard saw a fellow redhead, currently surrounded by 6 human males. One of them sneered at her, "that was smart, Doc."
The man jabbed a fat finger in the doctor's chest, "Now, if that fucking bird, Vakarian comes around, you stay smart. Keep your mouth shut or we'll—" his jaw hung slack as he finally noticed not just Shepard but the two hulking combat bots behind her. Thinking rather quickly and unfortunately for Shepard smartly, the thug grabs Michel's and spins her around to use her as shield.
Maxus raises his bolter prepared to end the scums life, Sa'kan however stays his fury. "I will not see an innocent harmed by our misplaced anger Maxus…" Sa'kan spoke with a flame of hate in his voice as he bore into the younger marine. "If we do nothing, they will use her to escape." Maxus spat, not in anger at Sa'kan, truthfully, he knew an incident such as this was a sure way to turn the usually calm brother into a torrent of flame, he ultimately agreed with the Salamander that usage of an innocent, a medicae no less as shield, was dishonourable. Sa'kan looks back, Maxus follow his line of sight and sees the Turian, Vakarian the one they have been searching for spin round a pillar whilst firing, the shot fired all in a matter of seconds blows the thugs brains out the left side of his head, just as the Doctor screams.
Dr Michels runs for cover as Garrus points his pistol at two remaining goons, its then that Shepard fires off a Biotic push knocking the men over. Faster than the mortals can process, so much so that Ashley accidentally let a shot off, it whistled over the counter and pinged against the power pack on his armour, Maxus is among the 3 remaining men, the killing is short and swift, his Gladius cuts off a head in a swift arc this was the only man standing, He had been closer to Vakarian than the others. Maxus' right fist pulps the head of a man scrambling to his feet directly beside him as he does a 180 turn on the last man, this man is reaching for his weapon, thinking it will save him. It doesn't. A massive, armoured boot falls on his back, crushing his organs and ribcage into a fine paste.
Sa'kan hasn't moved there had been no need, Maxus needed to vent his frustrations on something, being here was a strain on his regimented mind. The Turian was standing near the Doctor it nodded and muttered something, "spirits how are they so quick?". Sa'kan noticed its gaze drift to him, it stood straighter and seemed to be contemplating firing upon him. The alien turns to Shepard seemingly snapped back to reality, "Perfect timing, Shepard. Gave me a clear shot on that bastard." Its tone is jovial, Sa'kan bristles, it had just taken a human life, granted a traitor one but in doing so had endangered an innocent one.
Commander looked at him, her brow furrowed, "by his light, are you stupid? You could have hit the Doctor." Sa'kan and Maxus both snapped onto Shepard, even Kaidan and Ashley caught the slip up, she can practically feel all of them staring into her soul. Luckily Garrus hadn't he been too focused on just realising what he'd done.
"There wasn't time to think! I-I just reacted. I didn't mean to—Dr. Michel? Are you hurt?" it turns to the Doctor, walks over and takes her hand holding it in a talon. Sa'kan looks at Maxus perturbed, the worry in its voice sounds genuine, but then again so does a Tau's until they realise there will be no subservience. What Shepard and Kaidan notice is the light blush on Dr. Michels cheeks at the action.
"No. I'm okay. Thanks to you, all of you. Although these uh-combat robots? Are rather terrifying." The woman is eyeing Sa'kan and Maxus, that is the fourth or fifth mention of combat robots in regard to them. Is this how the mortals here dealt with the innate dread of being in the presence of something so utterly paradoxical as an Astartes. Sa'kan moved first walking over and kneeling in front of the woman, placing his augmetic hand across his knee. "Hello Medicae Michels, we are not machines, now are you sure you are uninjured? I have some training in the medical care of mortals, though it most probably pales against your own." The Salamander chose not to remove his helm, better not, too many prying eyes here. "I-I see, uh no I am fine just some ringing in the ears, the adrenaline rush is wearing off so I'll need a seat." She stumbled over her words, not expecting the hulking mass of armour to be calm or caring in any form.
"Did I hear him right, mortals?" Garrus turned to Shepard pointing at the kneeling warrior, his tone made it clear he was asking if Sa'kan was being serious. Shepard rubbed her forehead, damn was it sore, she'd floated back to her time as a squire under initiate Jurrand…no Durandals time as a squire. They definitely needed to fix this, "the Astartes are a sub species of the main species dominant in their government, they tend to live longer than most of the others, similar to Krogan and Asari-" Shepard is cut off by Sa'kan.
"We may discuss our biology later Commander, Medicae Micheals needs to rest, and we require information." The salamander had guided the woman to a chair, he was currently holding her hand, gently attempting to comfort her. In truth the marine didn't want the xenos knowing more than necessary about Astartes biological functions. Jane nodded in agreement, throwing off her mind-fog she re-focused. "I know those men threatened you. But if you tell us who they work for, we can protect you." As Jane spoke, she walked over and put a hand on Michels shoulder.
"They work for Fist. They wanted to shut me up, keep from telling Garrus about the Quarian." Micheals told them, it left Jane thinking, the Krogan from earlier at Choras Den was looking for a Fist, must be holed up in the place.
"What's this about a Quarian and what's it got to do with the Saren investigation?" Jane looks at the woman, Jane had limited experience with Quarians, she was sympathetic to them…they got screwed over unnecessarily by council, they created AI the rose against them sure, but the council had exterminated the Rachni and neutered the Krogan after two brutal wars that almost resulted in citadel space being pushed to the breaking point.
It was then that Garrus cut in, "Dr. Michel can you tell us what happened." Seemed Garrus might have an idea, this is probably a lead he had been chasing for a hot minute. The doctor stood up, rubbing her hands together nervously as she walked over to a terminal on the counter Garrus had hidden behind. "a few days ago, a quarrian came by my office. She'd been shot, but she wouldn't tell me who did it. I could tell she was scared, probably on the run." She collected something and walked back over to Shepard pointing her finger when finished. "She asked me about the Shadow Broker. She wanted to trade information in exchange for a safe place to hide." Now this was sounding more promising, clearly, she had some info on Saren, how the hell that happened who knows.
"Where is she now?" Shepard asked, this could be the nail they needed to hammer Saren, Michels hit her with some bad news however, "I put her in contact with Fist. He's an agent for the Shadow Broker." That made Shepard confused until Garrus clarified for her, "not anymore. Now he works for Saren, and the Shadow Broker isn't too happy about it." Ah, shit, well that would explain why this Fist guy was trying to off people and why he wanted the Quarian.
Doctor Michels was genuinely shocked, the surprise was etched across her face, eyes wide and mouth slightly agape. "Fist betrayed the Shadow Broker? That's stupid, even for him. Saren must have made him quite the offer." Even better this guy wasn't the brightest crime boss about, had just betrayed one of the most dangerous people in the galaxy to work for another and seemed to be in some way connected to Choras Den.
Garrus began pacing, mulling stuff over in his head, "This quarians got something Saren wants. Something he'd risk crossing the Galaxies most dangerous information broker to get…" the Turian trails off just as Shepard comes to same realisation. The two look at each other the recognition flashing in their eyes.
"Evidence of Eden Prime." Garrus and Shepard both spoke at the exact same moment, saying the exact same thing. Shepard turns to Dr Michels, her left brow arche dup in question, "Did the Quarian mention anything about Saren? Or the Geth?" Shepard made sure to throw the last bit in, there was a chance that Saren wasn't directly mentioned, maybe this Quarian keeping the evidence close to her chest but letting other details slip.
"She did! The information she was going to trade. She said it had something to with the geth." The Dr spoke but Shepard could only a growing ringing as it sank in, this Saren, this absolute bastard and traitor…as the ringing turned to thumping in her ears, she faintly heard Garrus talk about this being the link they needed to get Saren, she was going to do more than get him, an entire colony burned, and innocents desecrated. She heard Williams and Alenko ask if she was ok. The thumping turns to a drumbeat as they do so. On for it to be interrupted. Before her is Maxus and Sa'kan.
"Focus Your Fury. Your contempt is an armour." Maxus' voice cut through the drumbeat. He was looming over her bolter gripped tight, she'd slipped earlier but wasn't into Xenos witchery rather she appeared to be under the hypno-indoctrination utilised by Astartes, falling into a wrathful trance. She turned to Sa'kan; he was looking down at her. "You burn bright, there is someone on this station in need of you, an innocent damned with truths beyond her station, and a foolish turncoat who aspires to higher than he deserves. So, what says you commander, what will you do?" the large warrior finished leaving the room in silence.
Shepard turned to Williams and Alenko, she just grinned, it was feral and beautiful, "time we paid Fist a visit…" she strode between the two, who looked at each other and nodded, following their commander. Sa'kan and Maxus said nothing and followed. Before leaving Shepard turned back, "well what are you waiting for Vakarian lets move."
Garrus who had been ready to jump in when he thought the Commander was going to leave to track down either the Quarian or Fist had been silenced when the two big aliens spoke. He had a whole thing planned to try and show his conviction to the commander and it just got thrown out the spirits damned window. What was that human expression, when in Italy or something?
"You got it mam, Sarens a traitor to the council and disgrace to my people, time to bring his ass in."
As Shepard turned and left the room Garrus caught up to the group. "Welcome aboard Garrus." Alenko slapped the Turians arm as he joined the group. Garrus continued walking with them when a thought hit him. "You know, we aren't the only ones after Fist. The Shadow Broker hired a Krogan bounty hunter names Wrex to take him out." Well now wasn't that a nice coincidence, thought Shepard.
Ashley who was power walking along Shepards right hand side chimed in. "Wasn't the big red one we saw at the bar called Wrex by the bouncer." Shepard flashed a smile at the marine, "Sure was Gunny, and a big red Krogan might come in handy." As Shepard and her group discussed the upcoming 'talk' with Fist, a private vox call was occurring between the two Astartes.
"A xenos, shes bringing a xenos and wants another." Maxus couldn't event attempt to hide the distaste in voice. Sa'kan agreed with the younger warrior's sentiment, having to call a xenos breed innocent was a struggle, he would admit and chastise himself for later. "The Emperors will is being done through her, but that does not mean we cannot guard against the treachery and trickery of Xenos, for now we are Deathwatch. And should these creatures lead her astray or betray her they will feel our wrath." Sa'kan didn't even have to get verbal agreement from Maxus, the younger marines grip subtly tightening on his bolter as they entered a transport was all he needed.
"Victory often rests on the correct weaponry being in the right place and at the right time. Even the most destructive weapons of war are worthless if absent from the battle."
Artor Amhrad, Chapter Master of the Astral Knights (Martyred along with the rest of chapter, recognised posthumously as amongst the greatest of the Imperium's heroes).
Arriving at C-Sec academy Shepard was treated a scene, a large Krogan staring down three C-Sec officers. On their way over Garrus had explained that Fist called C-Sec over Wrex threatening to 'Skin him alive and use it to wipe his quads' and that just maybe the officers holding him may have taken a bribe from the little slime ball. So, Jane was very amused to see Wrex about to headbutt a human C-Sec officer as another human and a turian stood behind him armed.
"Witnesses saw you making threats in Fist's bar. Stay away from him." The human officer in front of Wrex was doing his best to seem a figure of authority over the Krogan, it was commendable in Maxus' opinion, the xenos appeared little better than a brute, a less imposing tyrranid warrior. The xenos just gave a surly grunt, its face turning into a sneer.
"I don't take orders from you." It spoke, the old wounds across its maw and red eyes made the officer uncomfortable, looking it made Maxus wish to pulp its brains. To the mortal's credit he leaned forward his own face a thin veneer of imposing, "leave Fist alone Wrex." The officer spoke attempting to end the conversation with a warning. The Xenos leaned forwards as well, Maxus could imagine the stink of its breath on the unfortunate mans face. "You should warn Fist. I will kill him." Its voice was a low growl.
The officer growing clearly more frustrated, tutted, "you want me to arrest you?" he questioned Wrex hoping the threat would cow him. It didn't, the large xenos just smirked and said, "I want you to try." Before they can continue further Wrex notices the group and trudges over brushing past the C-Sec officer who shouts after the large xenos, "Go on. Get out of here."
He stops just in front of Jane, but something is off, the Krogan keeps an eye trained on the Astartes in the group, all Jane can think, or rather hope for was nothing stupid happening. "Do I know you human." Wrex is gruff, clearly old as well maybe not in the older ranges of Korgan life span but definitely getting up there. Jane raises an eyebrow and flashes a grin, "names Shepard, I'm going after Fist. Thought you might want to tag along." She thumbed behind her at the group, Ashely was checking her avenger, Alenko has his omni-tool open and is checking through messages, Garrus is standing to attention surveying the area, he also appeared to be keeping Maxus and Sa'kan in his view constantly. Speaking of her bodyguards they were both rigidly still, Bolters held across their chests. There was no movement, no slight heaving of breaths or slight sway things that people done unconsciously when standing still.
"Shepard? Commander Shepard? I've heard a lot about you." Wrex was muttering to himself more than her, seeming to mull the idea over. He still had the Astartes in sight constantly eyeing them. "we're both warriors, Shepard. Out of respect, I'll give you fair warning. I'm going to kill Fist." He looked right at her, Shepard just held his gaze, she really only needed info out of Fist so letting him get eaten or turned into a smear wasn't a bad idea in all honesty, Emperor-no god, knows the ass hat deserved it. Before she could answer she gets interrupted by Maxus.
"The kill belongs to whoever claims this traitors head, you under-fed Grox. You may join Shepard in breaking the fool's bastion to earn the chance otherwise keep your scaly hide from her endeavours." Maxus stepped forth and stared down the Krogan. Wrex looked at what he initially thought to be a combat robot, up and down. Before he could speak a short bark came from the other one, "well-spoken brother Maxus, this creature does not see that Shepards cause is more worthy. Thus, the glory of the kill belongs to those who stand with her." Wrex took a moment, looking at its metallic arm.
Garrus who was standing next off to the side of the two warriors nodded, "Fist knows you're coming. We'll have a better chance if we all work together." Kaidan and Ashely just offered the small nods and smiles at the turian agreeing with him. Maxus however snorted at the insinuation, "perhaps you need this old creature to hold your hand, I do not. Shepard give me leave and the traitor will be brought before you."
Shepard merely shook her head, "No dice big guy, we go together, Kaidan get on to Captain Anderson and Udina let them know we might be about to cause a shit storm at Choras Den, If Shevrims nearby let him know to stick close in case we need re-enforcement." She was already moving dolling out orders, the Korgan started walking alongside her his face split in a feral grin, "the big ones are a bit mouthy, but so far I'm liking your style Shepard, my people have a saying. Seek the enemy of your enemy, and you will find a friend." He looked her right in the eye, Shepard knew instantly the old frog was going to feed every maverick-renegade decision she might make.
"Glad to have you on the team old timer." Shepard said without breaking stride, this asshat Fist was in for a rude awakening. She and the other non-Asartesian members continued to a pickup for the group, unaware of the kneeling Shevrim standing in a waterfall feature feeding into the wider lake, it was under a bridge near the group, as they passed Sa'kan looked into the water rushing out, he gave small nod none of the mortals present noticed. "The Grox wanders blindly to a fools snare, we are as hounds of light guarding the flock, Castellan make sure to take the hunt-kill from that throne-damned frog." Shevrims message was sent to the voxs of his brothers who wordlessly acknowledged, loading themselves into their newly acquired more spacious transport.
Tashia was feeling it, the beats in Choras were pumping, a thrum in her chest from the subsonic bass notes for Turians always hit her just right, throw in a quick line of red sands and some of that Vodka humans made she was hitting it, she was on her way back to that slime Kelly, the human had the best sand in the den and must have been cutting Fist in on the profits because the bouncers left him alone, and like all humans he had a thing for Asari maidens. She could see him eyeing her up like a hungry varren, she looked to her friend Aliyania who rolled her eyes, "we'll go together, easier to get away from him." She had to yell over the deep sub-sonic trance song blasting in the background. Tashia giggled and began swaying her hips as she moved through the crowd towards him when the music cut out and the lights changed to a harsh white. She stopped and looked back at Aliyania who was busy forcing her way to her through the press of bodies on the floor, suddenly she heard a series of loud rapid thumping noises coming from the door.
She heard the worble of biotics and watched as Trok, the Krogan-Bouncer was thrown into the room following him came a red headed human woman, behind her an even bigger Krogan with a really hot young Turian followed by two more humans a-and, "Holy Shit are tho-".
Shepard just stare at the crowd, these people were really just that drunk or off it on something, she looked at Wrex who just shrugged. As she was about to tell them all to leave a shot rang out it pinged off Wrex's barriers, Wrex turned and looked at the unfortunate Human who had shot him, he roared and threw himself at the guards, but what caught perhaps the whole room off guard was Maxus following all the while drawing his blade. As Maxus crashed into a group of men the sword swung out taking the top half of a torso before Shepard could even register, Maxus turned the blade into a thrust which skewered a turian guard and showered two Asari girls behind in his innards. "Shepard, turrets this crowd is going to get shredded!" Garrus yelled taking cover he pointed at some inactive ceiling mounted guns, Kaidan looked over as he knelt behind a table taking pot shots at some guards, "I can hack them if get close enough." She grinned and turned behind her were Sa'kan was looming, "I have heard it all, come lieutenant, come Vakarian I am your shield…FIGHT WITH HONOUR!" Sa'kan all but roared as he entered the fray, from across the room Maxus responded, "AND DIE IN GLORY!" He held a fist aloft as he roared, unceremoniously bringing it down on the head of a Salarian guard like a hammer. Wrex saw it and let out a loud howl of laughter, "Pop goes the Salarian hurhurhur."
Shepard looked at the scene and nodded at Williams, "I'm going loud, pick off any stragglers for me." Shepard turned and leapt, focusing her biotics downward she used them to push herself into the air, she landed on top of the Krogan Bouncer who was pushed back down just as he started to come round, his thick head plate cracking like an egg as the small, localised shockwave knocked other guards back for Ashely to pick off. Shepard looked up to see the turrets come online and spool up their rounds, on pure instinct she threw herself forward and raised a biotic barrier. "Williams get these people outta here now!" she yelled as she struggled to maintain a barrier wide enough. "On it skipper, you idiots heard the lady move." Ashley grabbed the nearest club goer by the scruff of his neck and threw him towards the door. A loud fizzing and popping (along with the lack of rounds hitting her barrier) indicated Kaidan and Garrus did their job, Sa'kan was at the entrance to Fists office, two men running away from him. Maxus marched over to Shepard with Wrex not far behind, Williams came up behind her just as she wobbled slightly, Williams grabbed her arm steadying her, "Careful Skip, that was quite the dance." Shepard just flashed a grin, "don't worry chief, just haven't had to do a light show like that in a while…. now let's go meet this asshat."
Entering Fists office Shepard was greeted with the man gun raised…and two more goddamn turrets the bastard dove for cover as soon as Shepard turned the corner, "why do I have to do everything myself? Time to die, little soldiers!" she heard the yell and felt the rounds from the turrets impacting her barriers, just when it seemed like they might break she was grabbed behind cover by Maxus. Williams had dived and rolled to them along with Garrus, Sa'kan alongside Wrex and Kaidan stood at the entrance.
Maxus looked at Sa'kan blade still in hand he roared over the deluge of rounds hitting the wall, "Salamander show this feckless heretic the meaning of fury, the kill is mine, for Shepard, for Guilliman and the Emperor!" Maxus turned the corner as Sa'kan crossed the threshold before the team could register what was happening, "I have you Son of Guilliman, the glory is yours." Suppressive counter fire swept from Sa'kans bolter, first a wide arc cast over Maxus' head as he charged in, then two controlled bursts to each turret, shots to pop the barriers, the mixture of highly explosive fuel alongside the armour piercing adamantine tips shred the turrets just as Maxus is on top of Fist his sword has split the mans gun in two and Shepard can't believe it but he punches Maxus clearly damaging his own hand if the cry she hears is anything to go by.
Shepard pokes her round, Maxus has Fist dangling by his arm in the air, and judging from the wailing, it's the one he punched Maxus with. Shepard nods for her team to advance Sa'kan is standing nearby he takes up behind the group. Fist is in tears, snot running down his face he looks at Shepard, "W-w-wait! Don't kill me! I surrendeaughhh!" Fist stumbles out the words before there is a wet crunching, Maxus is tightening his grip, "do not beg filth, you are undeserving of mercy." He snarled at the mortal, truly this vermin was the epitome of pathetic, Shepard raise a hand to stay the marine, "where's the Quarian?" her question is short and curt, she just stares at him, the man stops blubbering long enough to answer.
"She's not here. I don't know where she is. That's the truth!" Shepard doesn't respond she just continues to look through him, her eyes almost seeming devoid of anything. Wrex speaks up first, "He's no use to you now. Let me kill him." Suddenly a sword is pointed at Wrex. Maxus glares at the Korgan who returns the glare, they stand and simply stare at one another, Fist however begins to break. "Wait! Wait! I don't know where the quarrian is, but I know where you can find her, she's not here. Said she only wanted to with the Shadow Broker himself." Wrex snaps back from his stare down with the marine, "Face to face? Impossible! Even I was hired through an agent." He looks between Shepard and Fist, Maxus once more slightly tightens his grip Fist wails yet again, "NobodymeetstheBroker. Ha huh, Ever, I don't know his true identity, she-she didn't know that. Told her id set up a meeting, when she shows up Sarens men will be waiting." Before anyone else can cut in Shepard grabs his other arm and tugs Fist towards her, "Location, now." The man looks at her gulping back bile that had been rising in his throat.
"Here on the wards. The back alley by the markets. She's meeting them right now; you can make it if you hurry." Shepard is already turning to leave moving as quickly as she can, when she notices the distinct lack of heavy power armoured feet behind her. She stops looking back to see, Garrus, Kaidan and Williams but Wrex is pointing his gun at Fist, Maxus has his sword at the Korgans neck and Sa'kan is merely standing at ease. "Really a dick measuring contest right now!" her voice draws the attention of the swordsman and the Korgan, Maxus simply stares at her before asking, "is this cretin's life necessary?"
Shepard just looked dumbfounded, "I mean I guess not but we need to –" just as she is about to finish the blade flashes back from the Krogan, taking the head of Fist as well as the arm he was holding, "You may claim the body Xenos, the glory of the kill is mine." He rounds on Wrex, he looks down at the body then back up at Maxus, "hurrrrr, guess that'll do kinda wanted to do it myself he was a runt." Wrex grumbles as he stows his shotgun.
"I'm so glad you two managed to work it out like big boys now can we leave?" she points at the door, trying to get the two demigods and her angry lizard to move. She hears a deep mirthful chuckle, Sa'kan walks forward and maglocks his bolter. "Brother Shevrim, A lost soul wanders unto the dark, foes surround her…she requires the salvation of a Raven-son." His voice resounds over their comms, when they hear the beep for a reply.
"I shall be as shadow, my hate cold and my wrath as the night. The lost lamb shall be herded into the light and the hounds put to the slaughter." Hearing Shevrims voice still unnerved Shepard and looking at Garrus it was clearly not just her, Wrex looked at the two marines, "been meaning to ask thought I saw five of you in the news vids, this one of them?" before Sa'kan can respond a voice over the com draws their attention.
"He shall not fight alone, with haste I move to bring my crozius to bare on the Emperor's foes, Grullor invokes the omnimessiah's will to our armours machine spirits to grant us speed." It was Durandal his voice was that of authority, Shepard however just wasn't going to stand by. "we'll meet you at Udinas office, we need this Quarian woman alive." Making sure to emphasise the last part, she just hoped Durandal wasn't as brash as Maxus.
Shevrim had arrived and was kneeling on a ledge overlooking the event below, Durandal and Grullor were not but a few short minutes from arrival, a turian was speaking to the quarian. The quarian xenos was quite skittish, looking not unlike a Quin-Lo Deer that he had seen near the fortress monestary of the Mantis Warriors, what was being said was just audible from his vantage, she had asked for the Shadow Broker and the turian ran a clawed hand down her, she pushed it off and said the deal was off. The second Shevrim heard that he knew that whatever was happening was going to go bad, and his objective was to secure the Quarian meaning all the other xenos down there were just meat.
Tali turns brushing off the handsy Bosh'tet to see two Salarians draw pistols on her, she dives hoping nothing hits her and scrambles for cover, as she does so, she hears something crash down on the Salarians, who start yelling which turns to screaming and a loud roaring whir kicks in. She peaks out to see the turian trying to shoot something, his avenger overheating, as he hits the gun trying to get it to work a squad appear of turians and salarians, must be ten or fifteen at least. As she's watching she sees something swing out from the dark whatever it is, it's making the roaring whir noise, it comes down onto the turian trying to fix his gun and starts chewing through him, Tali watches in horror as the mans cut in half in 3 seconds, his armour and barriers doing nothing to stop the strange sword. Then a shot hits the back of a Salarian near her hiding spot and his torso explodes suddenly this squad is caught in a pincer and shots start firing out that sound like the engine of a shuttle sputtering. With the squad dropping like flies.
Tali watches as the last of the men try to run into the dark where the shots had come from, he tries to pass something but hears him grunting and struggling meaning he's been caught. Breathing in and out calming herself, she pulls out her own pistol and preps a flashbang, she steps out shaking slightly still able to hear the turian struggling, she points her pistol at the dark alley way the noises are coming from aware that she's surrounded. "Alright, you must be Shadow Brokers agents I'm willing to continue the deal but its now triple my original price." She tried to make it sound confident, but the continued struggling of the turian was unnerving her. Finally, she hears a soft thumping of footfalls, she re grips and re focuses pointing her pistol at the oncoming footfalls her left hand on the flashbang in back hip holder. Quietly she speaking to herself, she tells herself she'll be fine, just throw the flash and run. All of the built-up confidence leaves when the thing holding the turian arrives.
It stands as tall as a Krogan, with thicker armour plating than most military vehicles, the arm holding the turian has it raised up by the throat, this arm is silver unlike the black of the rest of its armour. What really threw her was its face plate, she had seen human skulls in medical texts etc on the net reading up about a load of stuff on different biologies when leaving for her pilgrimage and here and now she was looking at one, the optics embedded under a black helmeted brow. It stares at her while the turian struggles, the turian starts beating on its helmet cursing, it turns its head to look at the turian as if indicating that what it just done was truly stupid and pathetic before brutally slamming its head into turians, shattering the man's skull and leaving bits of his head over its face.
That's the moment when Tali lost her nerve and got ready to throw the flashbang when she felt a grip on her arm, it was like a steel claw around her forearm. She quickly looks behind her to see a black mass she can't turn her head properly, how in the fleet did it sneak up on her. As the skull faced one stares at her another appears beside it, it turns its head wiping off the remains of the turians skull, the newcomer has massive supports jutting out of it. They look like they're talking to each other, then they start walking over. Stopping just in front of her, she struggles but its futile the one behind her has held, she's more likely to break her arm before getting free.
The skull faced machine just stares down at her, she wasn't being held like this it'd be comical, she just about comes up to its chest. Swallowing the dryness in her throat she speaks, "H-h-h-hello…." It comes out as a squeak and trails off. The machine just continues to stare but now that its this close her suits olfactory sensors begin to pick up the scent of oils, machine lubricants, and a strong smokey-crips odour, along with that there is cloth in its armour, like attached to parts of the plating that are fitted not to hinder movement, there are symbols everywhere on a its knee armour is a single diagonal white line on the left knee and a black stylised plus symbol with white around it similar to the on its right shoulder. The skull faceplate from this distance looks like actual bone, then the worst part happens it speaks.
"You are the Quarian with information on Saren, you are coming with us, there was no deal with the Shadow Broker, that was a ruse from the traitor Fist, I suggest you comply willingly." the machine had a modulator on its vocals, Tali couldn't even begin to accurately describe it, it was terrible it almost hurt her to hear it. "Who are you?" her question was tinged with sorrow whatever these things where they made her afraid, on some primal level, it felt like she had been caught by a group of apex predators. But what came out of it next pretty much crushed her resistance.
"I am an Angel of Death…"
"The unknown lies before us, shrouded in malice and deceit. But we are Ultramarines, and no threat shall stand against our duty."
Sergeant Telion (Ultramarines)
Shepard arrived in Udinas office to find the man himself not there, one of his aides pointed Shepard to the room containing their Quarian, as the doors lside open Shepard was greeted by the sight of Durandal standing across from a Quarian girl, she seemed almost comically small and frail when compared to the Marines. Shepard crossed into the room as she looked to her left, she saw Shevrim standing right at the door, the Shark didn't even move, she couldn't see any kind of seen of acknowledgement to her presence. She could see Grullor across the room tinkering on something, his mechandrites unfurled and moving high precision and speed. The rest of her team filed in behind her Garrus and Wrex taking in the other three giants before Sa'kan walked in, he nodded at Durandal before walking over to Grullor. Maxus took up guarding the door with Shevrim.
Just as the room was getting quiet and Shepard felt like beginning the questioning, Udina stormed in followed by Anderson. "Really Shepard? Firefights in the wards? And all-out assault on Chora's Den spearheaded by a sword wielding maniac and Krogan mercenary? Do you have any idea how many-" He had been pacing around the room, getting up in Shepards face at one point before he realised the gathering in his office, alongside the Quarian 'guest' looking at the girl he turned on Shepard again.
"Who's this? A Quarian? What's going on Shepard." He pointed a finger the Quarian currently sitting in the chair, the poor girl had turned around when the commotion of Udinas arrival happened to watch, and now recoiled from the finger nearly jabbing her in the face plate. Shepard stood at ease before replying, "This young lady is going to be our new best friend, she's the Quarian Fist sold out to Saren because she has data that can concretely link him to Eden Prime, outside of our testimonies and evidence." Shepard now focused on her flashing the girl a smile, "and I've not even had a chance to get her name."
Tali suddenly felt even smaller as the entire room which consisted of no less than five of the hyper-killer robots, one very large and red Krogan, A very handsome young turian and five humans, four of which were in Alliance gear. When she was brought here, she saw it was the office for the human Ambassador to the Citadel, and she got what the red-headed human said about her being everybody's new friend, from the way she said it, it sounded like a joke or something, snapping back realising she hadn't spoken when the woman prompted her. "My name is Tali. Tali' Zorah nar Rayya." She was unsure if she should continue, she threw a quick look over her shoulder at the skull-faced bot which just continued to stare at the room almost like it was silently judging the room.
Shepard saw her look back at Durandal, clearly the big guy had scared the absolute shit out of her, understandable he seemed to have that effect on people who weren't Astartes. "You don't need to worry about Durandal, he's just old and grumpy, probably hasn't had a chance for his morning hypno-indoctrinations and prayers." She said as a half joke, everyone who wasn't a Space Marine rising the figurative eyebrow at the hypno-indoctrination part. Durandal did not shift or move, but his voice cut in, "I have not submitted for either no, once aboard the Vaunted I will partake in the scriptures of penitence and liturgies of Hate as shall my brothers, you are welcome to join us, Sa'kan shall speak on the Promethean Creed of the Salamanders, Maxus will no doubt meditate on Aspects on the Codex Astartes, and Grullor will take time to bless and care for our war-gear as per Mechanicus rites."
Tali winced again, its voice was just so harsh, kee'lah, her translator picked up the Ceremony of Hate and Mechanical-order rites, was that religious connotations? these things were robots, just smart VI's and not…no they couldn't be. "These are robots right they aren't AI." As she said that a loud clang came from the table, the one who had taken her pistol and other gear when they rescued her (felt more like a polite kidnapping) turned around and spoke it was her first time hearing it. "Why is that every throne-damned mortal and xenos thinks us Abominable intelligences, by the Gorgon, once more and the next to say such heresy I will personally convert into a servo-skull for my next mechandrite like Old Enoch here." It tapped the human skull shaped appendage on the end of its robotic arm attached to its back. It then handed her back her pistol, Tali looked at how small it seemed small in his hand. She took it and checked its systems, and it was perfect, in fact it was better than perfect, reduced cool down and improved recoil.
Shepard coughed interrupting the moment, "so we need to see what you've got Tali, and why you have it?" Tali nodded, she stood up and walked over to Shepard, "I was on my Pilgrimage, my rite of passage into adulthood." Tali started as she began fiddling with her omni-tool which had been handed back with her gun. Shepard nodded for her to continue as she looked at Durandal who had just went back to silently staring out the room. Tali just rubbed her hands together before continuing, "During my travels I began hearing reports of Geth. Since they drove my people into exile, the Geth have never ventured beyond the Veil. I was curious." That changed something as Grullor looked at Durandal and the rest of the marines seem to tense or stand to attention.
"You have suffered the treachery of the men of iron, this we learned millennia ago when our own creations rose against us, such creatures were declared affronts to the omnissiah, tech-heresy of the highest order….part of the Great Crusade, the event that saw the creation of we of the Astartes was to re-unite our peoples lost tribes under the banner of Omnissiah after the Dark Age of Technology." Grullor spoke drawing the rooms attention, Shepard looked at Durandal who was still gazing at the room. All that came from the Chaplain was a simple, "Continue pilgrim Nar Rayya."
Tali nodded; she had stopped rubbing her hands. "I tracked a patrol of Geth to an uncharted world. I waited for one to become separated from its unit. Then I disabled it and removed its memory core." Anderson raised a brow and threw in a useful tidbit that the Geth usually fried their memory cores if they died as a defence mechanism, so Shepards jaw opened slightly before quickly closing, so her new Quarian bff wasn't frail or delicate, girl knew how to get shit done and that's something Shepard could appreciate. However a noise that could only be described as the bark of a dog mixed with the sounds of an electronic cough cause Tali to jump slightly, it was coming from Grullor it took Shepard a few seconds but as she looked at him, she could see his shoulders rising and falling slightly meaning he was laughing? Or hacking up a lung.
"The little pilgrim fancies itself a Magos." Maxus said, Shepard noticed the tone and mockery in his voice, she shot him a dark look, to his credit he noticed it and held his tongue. He wasn't cowed, noticing Maxus wasn't looking at her, she followed his line of sight to see Durandal staring at him. Shepard looked away and back to Tali, "So how did you manage to get the core?" Shepard asked refocusing on the topic and glossing over Maxus' crude joke.
Tali stopped looking at the big thing near the door that said something about her being a Mag-Oss before Shepard asked her about the core, Tali rubbed her head slightly, she parsed through what the most robotic looking member had said, seems like their people also suffered from an AI rebellion, Tali turned to look at Shepard and continued, "My people created the Geth. If you're quick, careful and luck small caches of data can sometimes be saved. Most of the core was wiped clean. But I salvaged something from its audio banks." As she finished, her omni tool flared up as she searched for the correct audio file.
When she found it, a voice played through the tool's micro speakers. "Eden Prime was a major victory! The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit." The voice had a metallic tinge, one that was all too familiar from council meeting. Udina had a hand up to his chin, cupping it as he thought about an avenue of attack on the council and how this recording can be used. Shepard had a slight cold pit forming, the bastard had gloated to his Geth about Eden Prime then blatantly lie to the Council…Shepard looked at Anderson as he said something Sarens voice, a thought suddenly flashed in her brain. "He said Eden Prime brought him one step closer to finding the Conduit. Any idea what that means?" She looked at Anderson then Durandal who had turned and was leaning on Udinas desk, she was surprised it took his weight, but the supports bolted into the floor seemed to be doing the work. Anderson looks over at Durnadal as well seemingly trying to gauge something before responding to her question. "The Conduit must have something to do with the beacon. Maybe its some kind of Prothean technology….like a weapon?" before further speculation Tali interrupted, "Hold on t-there's m-more." She stuttered out as she selected a new audio and hitting play.
As Tali hit the play button a smooth voice rung out to Shepards it ears it was like butter, "And one step closer to the return of the Reapers." It was definitely female, mature with a tinge of an accent Shepard couldn't really place it almost sounded European but so did Tali's with just enough difference to be alien. Udina looked at Shepard with a furrowed brow, clearly annoyed at a conspirator now being added to the shit list. "I don't recognise that other voice. The one talking about Reapers." He couldn't even cover up the annoyance in his voice. Shepard swore she heard something crack over near Durandal.
"So, what even are the Reapers?" Shepard asked half rhetorically and half out to the room hoping someone had a clue, luckily Tali had an answer, "According to the memory core, the Reapers were a hyper-advanced machine race that existed 50,000 years ago, the Geth revere them, they believe the Reapers are the pinnacle of non-organic life. They-the Geth believe Saren knows how to bring the Reapers back." Before anyone else could even form a coherent response Shepard hears a loud groaning, before grabbing Tali closer, then a roar, "Rrrraaargh!" Durandal had punched a hole clean through Udina's desk. "FECKLESS XENOS CUR, I WILL GUT HIM LIKE THE WORTHLESS DOG HE IS, FIRST HE BURNS A WORLD OF INNOCENTS THEN HE CONSORTS WITH NECRONTYR." The massive warrior crosses the room faster than most of the occupants can blink standing almost on top of Udina. "Call this Councill now! I demand they face me for such blundering…this vaunted agent of theirs has admitted to the crime of heresy and treachery, now siding with a hated enemy of the Imperium." The Tranhumans outburst had left the room in silence, Garrus and Kaidan had weapons drawn, Shepard had Tali behind her back when she heard another sound of electronics crunching. Sa'kan turned around dropping the device he'd been investigating.
"Brother Chaplain we must restrain our fury," Sa'kans voice brought calm to the room. The Chaplain rounded on his brother ready to chastise him but stopped, Sa'kan and himself had the most experience with Necrons amongst their kill-team, Sa'kan upon seeing his Chaplain quell some rage continued, "I know of the defeat of your High-Marshal, that he suffered a great dis-honour at the hands of the Necron Stormlord, he and I are alike in that regard." The giant looked down at his own bionic appendage, flexing the hand, "if these Reapers are one of the Necrontyr dynasty's re-awakening then they will unleash horrors not seen by any who live in this age, we could see the creation of a Pariah Nexus or worse we all know what happens to those unfortunate enough to captured by the soulless." Anderson lets go of the pistol he'd been ready to draw. Looking at Shepard, she nods and raises a hand to Kaidan and Garrus signalling for them to lower their weapons.
"Alright you seem to think you know what the Reapers are, care to enlighten us mere mortals." Shepard quipped as she planted herself in the middle of the two giants. Durandal brings up his aquilia sigil and mutters a short prayer, his outburst was unworthy and childish, unbecoming of a crusader. "We have fought creatures that fit the description of the information recovered by Pilgram Nar Rayya, they are known to us as Necrons, they are hated foes, Imotekh the Stormlord…one of their leaders, faced the master of my Chapter, my brotherhood in battle, taking his hand, killing the veteran brothers of his command squad and capturing his battle standard." Durandal had heard Helbrecht had achieved vengeance, but the transgressions still lingered, Sa'kan had a more personal experience.
"My company was sent to aid the Ultramarine chapter in the Pariah Nexus, a void of space where our vessels cannot travel well due to the awakening of the Nihilakh Dynasty…the Necrons sleep deep under the crust of planets, calling them tomb worlds. Entire species may build and destroy civilisations in the time they sleep. The lore is scant but records we have indicated they controlled large swathes of the galaxy millions of years ago, but something pushed them into slumber." He spoke, he made sure to speak slowly enough that Durandal could interject if he overstepped his bounds, while he disagreed, he was aware that some truths were too much for mortals to handle. "they do however take to infighting, which was used to great effect by Imperial forces in the Nexus, elements of my Company, the Ultramarines, Durandals chapter the Black Templars, the Deathwatch and other chapters struck into the Nexus in different battle groups, backed by elements of the Mechanicus, titan legion Castigatum, Knight-houses, Astra militarum and Soritas, all covered by the Navy." Shepard let out a whistle, that sounded like a lot of bodies.
"Sounds like a lotta shit hit the proverbial fan." She spoke looking at the marines hand, she'd watched the Salamander and Durandal literally pulp robots and rip alien dinosaurs in half meaning she did not want to meet whatever could get this kind of reaction out of them.
"6 chapters, the 100 brothers of my company, and the Deathwatch forces accounted for over 6000 marines alone, never mind the millions of Guardsman or the deployment of a titan legion, my first engagement saw my squad killed and the ultramarine forces we had been sent to contact destroyed." Sa'kan spoke and he watched as his words hit Jane like thunder, until now she had assumed like all mortals that Astartes were unkillable, but they needed to know. If these Reapers truly were Necrons theses people needed to be aware of deadly they were.
"If Saren seeks to awaken a Necron dynasty he is a fool, he will gain nothing except damming himself and others to slavery and subjugation at best." Maxus voice cut through, the Castellans had limited engagements with Necrons, as such he was relying on his information from the Watch as to the threat.
"He may believe, like other fools have in the past, that he can control them, that because they are machines they can be re-written." Shevrim joined in his voice making Tali flinch. A snort of derision sounded from Grullor.
"Many a foolish Adept or Magos of the Mechanicus have tried, as have foolhardy Inquisitors, as brothers Sa'kan and Durandal have said, there are leaders, Phaerons, Crypteks and Overlords of dynasties reign as figures that while lacking emotion do not lack in intelligence. In fact, the presence of Necrons could explain the 'Husks' Commander Shepard and her team encountered, Necrons do have control technology capable of affecting the mind of non-Asartes however..." Grullor added, he of the group was the most familiar with systems of Necrons but not day to day of the creatures however the more he thought the more he wasn't entirely sure the Geth knew about Necrons.
"I am not so sure these Reapers are the Necrons, the technology is not similar in appearance…perhaps in baser function yes, we did not encounter any Guass or atomic weaponry which are commonly utilised. Nor any kind of advanced or scout units." Grullor finished musing, he looked to Sa'kan who nodded in agreement.
"Agreed we should have perhaps encountered a Deathmark, such Assassin units are often sent forward before the rest of a tomb world awakens, and those controlled by Necrons are shackled to their will by Mind-scarabs, I have never seen them transform those they enslave into these Husk creatures." The Salamander added in counter evidence, it was important to think of all aspects when facing an unknown foe.
"Maybe not, but as Grullor put it, they seem to function similarly to these Necrons you've faced." Shepard added, when she got hit with a flash, it showed a marching armour of dead metal, silver and green then came a different march of sleek black and bright blue, it was so quick she shook it off and rubbed her temple. "Could it be someone who has found Necron tech, say a species that stumbled on one of these tomb worlds." She said through gritted teeth as she continued to rub her temples.
The Astartes all looked to each other, Grullor answered for them, "That has some merit, it is theorised that many of the blackstone technologies such as the pillars on vaunted Cadia, were Necron creations, perhaps this conduit is a cache, the technology although similar in function is more primitive and crude, if a species did find a tomb world then they have re-created the technology in a form that replicates the effect but in a worse manner."
"it's possible after all much of our technology is based on the designs and findings from Prothean Beacons…" Tali started but slowly trailed off when she saw all the Astartes as they called themselves look at her. Before she looks at Shepard who's still rubbing her temples, she notices a small trickle of blood run down her noise. "Keelah, are you ok?" Tali asks causing the room to look at Shepard.
Shepard continues to get flashes of her vision of the screaming throes of a people in fear as they are descended on, as it draws closer a small warmth rises, a chant in brain something instilled in her, no instilled in Durandal, in all Astartes rises. She breathes in and out, inhale and exhale, focus. "That vision I got hit with by the beacon, I think I know what the other part is, I didn't just get hit with Durandals memories, I got hit with Protheans…I think the Reapers are why they disappeared." She said as she wiped the blood form her nose, Kaidan offers some medi gel, while Williams puts a hand on her back.
Durandal pointed at Udina and spoke, "I have told you Ambassador call this council I will not entertain this farce as their so-called greatest agent consorts with forces beyond him. His actions endanger the very galaxy and our Imperium." Udina for his part sighed heavily and activated his omni-tool.
"Hello? Yes, please inform the Council we have our evidence."
The elevator ride up to the Council was quiet, Shepard rode with Garrus, Tali, Grullor and Kaidan. Anderson and Udina had went ahead to get the Council off their asses, Durandal had taken Maxus and followed. Stepping off the elevator saw them greeted by the remaining marines, Williams and Wrex. Sa'kan and Shevrim forming up in escort pattern Huror…fuck, she was really going to need to get this shit looked at, prioritise, Council, finish up on Citadel then start Saren hunt.
Anderson was waiting for them, he nodded behind as Shepard walked up beside him, "Come on, Udina is presenting the evidence Miss Nar Rayya brought." The two of them hurried up the steps walking in lock step with Grullor following hot on their heels and the rest of the group trailing behind. The entourage arrived to hear the Saren recording playing, Udina turned to look at them a shit eating smirk plastered across his face, Durandal is facing the Council with his back to the group, but Shepard can still the arms folded across his chest, Maxus is standing to the side hand resting on his sword with his bolter maglocked to his thigh.
As the recording ends there's the briefest pause before anyone says anything, before anyone on the Council can say anything Udina yells out, "There, you wanted your proof? Well there it is." The chamber is stunned as all eyes turn on the Council. The Turian looks at the other two before responding, "This evidence is irrefutable, Ambassador. Saren will be stripped of his Spectre status and all efforts will be made to bring him in to answer for his crimes." The Salarian Councillor continues to look at the Asari councillor, waiting for her response. The Asari tilts her head up as she speaks, "I recognise the other voice, the speaking one with Saren. Its Matriarch Benezia." Shes side eyeing the turian councillor, but Shepard quickly looks at Durandal who has stepped forward, she steps forward and grabs his arm, the act causes the large marine to look at her now words are spoken but she can feel the argument ready to explode out of him.
"She must also be working with the Geth." Udina states, clearly fishing for the Asari Councillor to do something, concede a point or provide a platitude etc. The Councillor offers information, she looks at Durandal and Shepard.
"Matriarch Benezia is a powerful Biotic and she has many followers. She will make a formidable ally to Saren." the Asari councillor finishes and looks at the group, Durandal is growing frustrated, first this turian betrays its people now an Asari. As his frustrations swirl about him, the Salarian Councillor interjects, "I'm more interested in the Reapers. What do you know about them?" it asks.
Udina and Anderson look at one another, Anderson shakes his head at him not wanting him to do something. "We have only have a few theories at the moment, our friends in the Imperium believe them to be enemies of theirs." Udinas voice is like a snake, even Shepard can tell hes trying to get Durandal to speak, he wants an outburst like in his office, Durandal had a way of inspiring anger when he spoke, it's what made him such a damn effective Chaplain.
"Intriguing, enemies that are 50,000 years old? I understand you said your empire has existed for millennia but even still." The Salarian councillor spoke, clearly and eagerly awaiting information, again an obvious fish for more information on the Imperium.
Durandal rises staring at each councillor, "these Reapers from all that has been said, appear similar to the Necrons…A most hated foe of the Imperium, Grullor show them sanctioned visual material from our battle at the Pariah Nexus." As bid Grullor stepped forth and began a chant to transfer the necessary censured data to the council displays, the sudden burst of Binaric canting caused many of the xenos to shrink or shift. Good, was all Grullor could think.
Once transferred a display began show casing Durandal, Shevrim, and three other unknown brothers, the point of view was obviously Grullors. Shevrim and a warrior identified as Apothecary Aeolin of the Pheonix blades chapter are mid grapple with a large mechanical monstrosity, the creature has a humanoid torso and two sets of arms with a massive spider thorax and legs. Durandal can be seen smashing his crozius against something identified via the runes as a Lychguard, two 'Immortals' attempt to take him by surprise as he lands a killing blow against the Lychguard via his Melta gun, a warrior appears at his side, bringing an Axe to bear cleaving one immortal apart, the other fires its weapon, the lighting crackles across the warriors plate charring and cracking part his vambrace, he knocks it aside with his axe causing the beam to go wide, Grullor sees it and throws his own opponent ,another immortal, into the oncoming death as it screeches melting and popping.
The warrior is identified only as the Black Lion of the Ultramarines, it helps that he also has the head of something vaguely resembling a lion draped across his pauldron, if lions were grotesquely savage appearing more like some mega-faunal predator from earths pre-history. The final warrior is screaming, identified as Korok of the Marines Malevolent, some floating monstrosity identified as a Canoptek Wraith has him impaled. What Shepard notices that despite being impaled the marine isn't dead, which is even more unnerving, she notices Anderson, Alenko, Wrex, Garrus, Williams and more, the Turian councillor others who seem to have more combative backgrounds take extreme note of the impaling and how the marine just will not die quietly. The warrior slaps something on the nightmare as it finally tears him in half throwing his torso to the side as it explodes. As the battle dies down, Durandal and the Black Lion attend the fallen brother, and Shepard really can't believe this but the fuckers alive, he's fucked beyond belief, not even a Krogan could take being impaled in the chest then torn in half. The apothecary turns to face his leaders and speaks, "it is either a Dreadnought Chasis or the Emperors grace for the good brother." Durandal looks at the Black Lion as the rest of the Kill-team form up, "It would appear brother Korok has the honour of being interred, however we cannot await a retrieval team, we must go forth and trust he will survive." A massive horn can be heard in the distance, Shepard almost thought it was a ship crashing, until Grullor turned, and she saw what could only honestly be described as a walking mega-church advances under energy weapons discharges and fire.
The recording ends, there's an uneasy quiet as Durandal speaks, "if these Reapers truly are the Necrons, none of you are ready…and your most vaunted agent is intruding on truths about this galaxy you are not ready for. The Necron when awakened are the potential death of not just a world but a system, they can sleep for millions of years and arise as if no time has passed, they are kept in check by the might of the Imperium, their own foolish in-fighting, and other Xenos threats." He lets his statement hang as the Council shift, the Turian councillor starts speaking, "Spirits why would he want bring these things here?" he looked at the other Councillors then the group.
That's when Shepard stepped up, "The Geth believe the Reapers are gods. And Saren is the prophet of their return, if the Reapers are the Necrons, it looks like Saren is trying to find or bring them here." Anderson looked at her before he added in, "the Geth seem to think the Reapers are directly responsible for the end of the Protheans and the Conduit is the key to bringing them back, Sarens searching for it. That 's why he attacked Eden Prime."
The Salarian councillor making sure that STG has heard everything via his audio bug scratches his chin, he hums slightly before asking the question he just knows STG are dying for answer to, "do we know what this Conduit is? Do our new friends in the Imperium?" Shepard answer in their stead, "Saren thinks it can bring back these Reapers. That's bad enough." She looks at them, Durandal is behind her, watching every evaluating her.
"Listen to what your saying, Saren wants to either being back these Necrons, Reapers or whatever they are because they wiped out the Protheans 50,000 years ago? Impossible. It has to be." The turain councillor sounds exasperated, Shepard can sympathise, they had just barged in and claimed Saren devastated a garden world because he thinks he can find ancient space robots. But they can't bury their heads in the sand again, they can't ignore this. "I tried to warn you about Saren, you refused to face the truth. Don't make the same mistake again." She has sympathy in her voice but its firm, defiant, and the defiance makes Durandal proud, these fools have already ignored credible evidence, to continue their ignorance would bring soulless flame upon innocents.
"Listen to what your saying Commander, these Reapers wiped out the Prothean empire, where did they go, why did they vanish, if they are these Necrons how come we've found no trace of their existence like the Imperium. If they were real or here we'd have found something." The Turian Councillor was grating, these Turians were supposed to be the most militaristic of the Council species, yet it was whining more than the Asari or Salarian.
"No, you wouldn't." Durandals harsh vocals silenced the squawking avian. "You have not listened to anything said here, truly. You have been told theses Reapers existed and likely still exist for over 50,000 years, you have been told the Imperium is 10,000 years old, the Necrons are Millions of years old, you are confined to small spaces in this galaxy, protected, safe. You do not even know about the Immaterium, by the throne you have not even faced Orkoid tides or Tyranid swarms the most common and numerous xenos in the galaxy. I would weep at the foolishness, but I do not shed tears for the ignorant and the damned." He stopped speaking folding his massive arms about his chest.
"While the Chaplains comments are rather condemning, we must be practical, Shepard has proved Saren betray the Council. We all agree he's using the geth to search for the Conduit, but we don't really know why." The Asari councillor was doing her best diplomat voice, Shepard noticed, clearly trying to avoid letting the clear annoyance she was feeling slip in. Durandal just seemed to piss them off, probably because he was an official representative of his people and all he'd done since he arrived was shit on them for their continual blunders.
"Agreed, it would appear the Reapers are obviously a myth, Commander. A convenient lie to cover Sarens true purpose. A legend he is using to bend the geth to his will, even if the Reapers are these Necrons, they would seem to be more preoccupied with the Imperium...perhaps we could send relief to this Pariah Nexus maybe diplomatic teams…." He trailed off when he saw the Chaplain shake his head.
"Saren will use the Conduit, it has something to do with the Reapers, if he uses it, it could endanger all life in the galaxy." Shepards voice rang out trying to make them see some sense, but the Turian Councillor dismissed it with a wave.
"Saren is a traitor, one who has been stripped of all his Spectre resources and is in hiding we already have a warrant out his arrest, made during the course of this discussion." He cut over Shepard trying to drown her down. She watched him throw a quick glance at the baying groups reporters lining the balcony's overlooking the session. The crowd were eating up the theatrics, the humans and surprisingly Turians and Asari seemed to be roused whenever Durandal spoke. Many constantly looking at him to see if he would interject again.
"That is not good enough! You know he's hiding somewhere in the Traverse send your fleet in!" Udina shouted stepping up to speaker interjecting, his getting Durandal involved was doing exactly what he wanted, the Council were fumbling despite all the pleasantries, every offer of aid and friendship to the Imperium over Humanity was making them seem hungry, and haughty. Seemingly talking down to a species who have capabilities to traverse the galaxy without eezo as if they needed assistance, needed led and hand-held. Ignoring the warnings the Astartes were giving them. It helped that Durandal wasn't to slow on his oratory skills, his insults were whittling them down specifically the Turian.
"A fleet can't track down one man!" the Salarian councillor shouted back, the poor man could practically hear the Vids the next morning already, first the loss of a garden world then the constant running to catch up and now the humans calling for what amounted to all our war in the traverse.
"A Citadel fleet could secure the entire region. Keep the geth from attacking any more of our colonies." Udina was playing the victim card as much as dared right now anymore and even the media vultures would call him out. But he could see more than a few humans rising brows and speaking to one another in hushed tones.
"Or it could trigger a war with the Terminus Systems! We won't be dragged into a galactic confrontation over a few dozen human colonies!" Finally, the Turian Councillor snapped, the man immediately regretting it. As he heard a few soft and muted gasps and conversation from the balcony's he looked at the other two, the Asari doing remain composed neutral, but he could feel the seething annoyance in her eyes as she looked at him.
"Every time humanity asks for help you ignore us!" Shepard yelled back, she could see Durandal nodding approvingly, Udina was looking at her a thing smile on his face. "Shepards right. I for one am sick of this Council and its anti-human bull—". Before he could continue the tirade, the Asari Councillor interjected.
"Ambassador! There is another solution. A way to stop Saren that does not require fleets or armies." She began as the room went silent. As she looked at the Turian who immediately began to protest stating humanity was not ready for the responsibilities of being inducted into the Spectres. So that's what was going on, Shepard looked at Udina who was looked back at her with a strange look on her face.
"it's the best choice, you don't have to send a fleet into the traverse and the Ambassador gets his human spectre." She said not exactly amused this whole thing was being done to help push an agenda for Udina. Fuck's sake, an entire colony is in ruins, the politicians couldn't even pull their head out of the own asses for more than 5 minutes to organise a manhunt. She watched as the Asari councillor looked at her Turian colleague who grumbled before finally acquiescing and all three typed something on the consoles in front of them.
"Commander Shepard – step forward." It was spoken by the Asari councillor, her voice reverberated across the room, Shepard turned and looked back at her team and new alien bff's, before looking at Anderson giving him a slight nod before she stepped up. The crowd perked up instantly many leaning on the barriers and railings on the Balcony's overlooking the event. Shepard just looked ahead with a neutral expression on her face. Trying to not let all the eyes and faces around her get to her.
"It is the decision of the Council that you be granted all the powers and privileges of the Special Tactics and Reconnaissance branch of the Citadel." The Asari councillor speaks out, the Salarian councillor joins in, "Spectres are not trained, but chosen. Individuals forged in the fire of service and battle; those whose actions elevate them above the rank and file." He has his arms crossed as he speaks, when he finishes the Asari Councillor takes over, "Spectres are an ideal, a symbol. The embodiment of courage, determination and self-reliance. They are the right hand of council, instruments of our will." That caused an uncomfortable shift in Durandal, Shepard here and now was being moulded into something by the Emperor she was his instrument. "Spectres bear a great burden. They are protectors of galactic peace, both our first and last line of defence. The safety of the galaxy is theirs to uphold." The Turian Councillor added in his own bit.
"You are the first human Spectre, Commander. This is a great accomplishment for you and your entire species." The Asari Councillor finished, Shepard nodded, nothing fancy came to mind right now except, "I'm honoured, Councillor." She dipped her head at the Council slightly.
"We're sending you into the Traverse after Saren. He's a fugitive from justice, so you are authorised to use any means necessary to apprehend or eliminate him." The Salarian Councillor made sure to emphasise the last part. Shepard simply stated two words, "I'm ready." She spoke to them with conviction and clarity, she knew her purpose.
"then this meeting of the Council is adjourn-" The Asari councillor had been ready to end this, until she was interrupted by Durandal. "No." his word echoed out across the room Shepard looked at him like she was ready to fight, she had the spirit but she had not completed the most important step, "You have not sworn an oath of moment, only once you have did this and committed your very soul to action then you will be ready to hunt Saren." The massive marine unbound the book from his belt, raising his aquila sigil out above her head, she heard clanking and turned to see the other marines kneeling.
"Commander Shepard, do you swear to be a Paragon of Justice, to seek vengeance for the innocents slain on Eden Prime?" Durandal asked and awaited an answer, Shepard looked at the Anderson who shrugged, Williams had her head bowed, everyone else including the council were looking with interest except Kaidan who just held a look of mild annoyance and confusion. "I do." She spoke.
"Do you swear to bare hatred as your weapon and contempt as your armour, to take the traitor Saren's head in the name of the God-Emperor?" Venom dripped from his voice at the mention of Saren, the Aquila gently swinging from his hand, Jane could faintly hear the whispers from the crowd around them. She was kind of mentally agreeing with Kaidan, just wondering why Durandal is bothering to do this, "I do."
Durandals gaze drifted to the council, Jane noticed, and it finally clicked why he was doing this, he was dick measuring against them, granted it was better than the councils, he was making everyone heard Saren was a traitor and that this was about payback for Eden Prime and rubbing the councils face in their failures.
"Then Jane Shepard I say this, the battle-brothers of this kill team are your sworn blades in this hunt, we shall know no fear, and should you fail, may your soul be condemned to damnation, Ave Imperator Dominius Rex. You shall fight with honour…" on queue (Jane really needed to know how the marines managed to do things in complete unison or sync without effort) the kill team rose and made the symbol of the aquila, "and may she die in glory!" the barked in sync. Durandal turned to leave the kill team following close behind, "Finish your tasks here Commander, we have a heretic to hunt." He left, Anderson making calls on his omni tool to C-Sec, but it was Garrus who broke the quiet, "what the spirits just happened?" he looked at the humans around and Kaidan could only really sigh.
