The Wards
Once I got down to the Wards, I could see immediately why the place had it's name.
It wasn't as pristine looking as the Presidium, it wasn't necessarily a shit whole either, though I doubt I was far from the actual area high in crime and filled with the less then savoury types. The Wards appeared to be the all encompassing section of the Citadel that belonged to the mid – lower class and below poverty line population. How that exists in this type of society is beyond me, I'm not an expert.
There were markets of all kinds down here, most likely all of them selling more then they were displaying. For the most part this place reminded me where I was from in Empire. Not as safe as the Presidium, but also not as stuck up and dull either. It wasn't until I drew closer and closer to Chora's Den that I could see people slinking in the shadows and others openly drunk or on something in the middle of the... seriously would these be called streets? Fuck it I'm calling them streets.
Anyway, somewhere by the markets I saw an alien, amphibious, with dark skin and even darker eyes. I vaguely remembered Karin pointing one of them out as a salarian. He was crouched down with his omni-tool out, apparently scanning one of those weird insect looking things that are all over on the Citadel. Keepers I think they were called.
I walked up behind the salarian real quiet, and leaned over his shoulder.
"Anything..."
"BLAZES!"
"...interesting there bud." I chuckled as the salarian almost jumped into into orbit. Which made me realize how dark it was here and I wondered about the day night cycle on the Citadel.
"I'm not doing anything illegal!" He all but shouted that intense clarification.
"Relax bud, I'm not C-Sec. I'm just interested in what those things are and what you're doing." The salarian looked around, as if my mention of C-Sec was going to have them come jumping down from rooftops and through walls. When he decided the coast was clear, he turns back to me.
"I... uh... I'm not so sure I should be talking to you about this." He was still shifting his head while wringing his hands together. The guy was nervous.
"Why so nervous? You haven't done anything wrong have you? Oh wait, maybe you have. I'm new to the Citadel. It's okay though, I find a lot of rules to be stupid anyway." The salarian seemed to take a moment to relax and then focused his attention on me.
"Okay, I guess it won't hurt to tell. Just don't go spreading it around. We aren't supposed to disturb or touch the keepers ever. Which is ridiculous because disturbing them doesn't seem to be possible. I'm using a small scanner to gather readings on the keepers. So far I've had mixed results, I find it difficult to get near the creature." I cock my head to the side and take on step closer to the keeper he was scanning, my leg was basically brushing it.
"Really?" The salarian shook his head with a sigh.
"If C-Sec was around you'd be arrested and fined."
"Seriously?!" I took a few steps away. "Jesus that's ridiculous. Alright, well I'm interested in these things too so I'd be interested in helping you out. If you want anyway."
The salarian now cocked his head to the side.
"I don't even know you?" Smart man... I think he's a man.
"I'm Cole MacGrath. I... am associated with the Alliance military, specifically Commander Shepard and her crew from the SSV Normandy. I'm not worried about it. I will be careful though." The salarian nodded his head as he placed his hand to his... chin?
"Hmm. Well, I suppose I could use the help. I'm Chorban. Here take this, it's the scanner I developed. Every time you see a keeper, activate it, and the data you collect will automatically upload to my data base. I'll send you credits for each unique scan." Dope, I didn't even want money for this, just the data.
"So, why are you doing this anyway?" I took his scanner and placed it in it's appropriate spot in my omni-tool package.
"Trying to learn everything I can about the keepers. We see them working everywhere, yet we know so little about them. I'm a scientist. I want to know what makes them tick." I nodded my understanding and stuck my hand out to the guy.
"Well, Chorban, it was nice to meet you. I'll be sure to run around scanning these critters for ya." He look perturbed by my choice of words but took my hand either way and shook it.
"Before you go Cole, there are areas they seem to frequent more often then not. Want a list?" I nodded my head and he sent it to me before taking off.
I scanned the keeper that was sitting right there and sure enough the data uploaded without any input on my end. A few minutes later credits were sent my way. Easy.
On the way to Chora's Den I saw that I could knock out a few Keepers, so long as they were active in those areas, so I decided to make some pit stops along the way. In fact, I ended up in front of a human clothing store that had a keeper just outside.
After scanning the keeper, I shamefully spent probably 20 minutes in that place. I could have taken way less time, but I was looking to replace my clothes. By the time I walked out, I had set up for a couple extra sets of clothes and one spare pair of shoes to be sent to the Normandy, while I walked out of the shop wearing my new outfit.
I was wearing basically space sneakers, that were black with red trim. Slightly loose, black, cargo pants that got a bit tighter around the ankles, perfect for urban exploration purposes. A purple plain tee, and a dark grey bomber jacket. I also purchased a one strap over shoulder backpack, similar to the one I had before, just so I can carry things if necessary while climbing. I totally was going to start climbing soon.
For now though, stay under the radar.
I continued on... well actually I went backwards, seeing as how I was following a trail of new keepers, that weren't out and about before I went into that shop, and ended up in front of the club known as Flux. Some salarian was being thrown out of the bar for cheating supposedly. I had no interest in getting involved with him so I continued up the stairs.
The music got gradually louder until I made it into the establishment, at which point it just reminded me of a night club back on Earth, only the music was quite different from what we used to listen to and there were aliens everywhere. The future was pretty cool. Though I'm probably going to blow my top if I can't get my old music back.
Walking over to the bar, I decide to order a drink as I scan the keeper that was in the corner of the establishment. The volus bartender greeted me and I asked for the most exotic thing they could give a human. He nodded as he turned to make me some kind of mixed drink that was green. I honestly thought I was going to drink acid but decided to just drain the bar lights if I needed to heal.
Surprisingly, it went down almost smooth until the end, where the bite got me and the flavour really kicked in. It was this weird mix of cocktail and straight whisky. I liked it, but decided I wanted a beer instead. I got whatever the cheapest one was and downed the bottle in seconds.
10 minutes later
I drank probably 10 beers and didn't feel fazed at all. I learned after getting my powers that I needed a significant amount of what I used to drink in order to get hammered, but I was kind of wondering if what the future had to offer would be significantly different. It wasn't.
I ordered another drink and just as The volus, who I had come to learn was named Doran, gave me my 11th drink, a woman walked up to the bar asking about her sister.
"I've already told you, it's out of my hands Rita." He said in a slightly exhausted tone. Probably an argument they've had before.
"May I ask what's wrong? Maybe I can help." The girl looked over to me with wide eyes. She looked to be in her early 20's but given what I learned about life expectancy in this era, she could look that age and be 30 for all I knew. Unless Karin was just genetically lucky.
"Really? Um, I don't know if you can do anything but..." She paused a moment. "...I don't know that I should bore you with my problems."
"You probably shouldn't. He's a customer Rita, you don't nee-"
"It's fine. Please, tell me what's happening." The girl gave me a small, hopeful, smile and an appreciative nod as she motioned for me to follow her. I downed my beer in seconds and paid my tab. I figured I might have yet another job I just volunteered for.
When we step outside of Flux, and the music is no longer drowning everything out Rita continues her story.
"You see, my sister Jenna, she used to work here before, but left to go work for Chora's Den. That would be fine and all, even if she was a dancer, only the problem is she's an informant for C-Sec." Of course she is. Why do I get involved.
"Let me guess, the proprietor of said establishment, and most likely patrons, are the 'snitches get stitches type' right?" The girl gave me a weird look and I really wish I had an urban dictionary at this point. Wait, I have an omni-tool and access to the extranet of course I do.
"Uh, yeah, although I don't know anybody that still uses that lingo... it doesn't matter. If they find out they'll kill her."
"Yeah, being an informant is a dangerous job. Brave, but also stupid."
"Sometimes I think she just stays there to spite me." She looks down towards her feet, her hands folded in front of her. She looks a little scared and at a loss. I think of my brother and how I would have hated to be in that situation with him, despite not having much of a relationship with him by the time I got my powers.
I place my hand on her shoulder and she looks up at me with moisture in her eyes. Yeah, scared for her sister for sure. Powerless to do anything about it.
"Cheer up buttercup. I'll go get her out of there. Show her that playing in the lion's den ain't for the elk and zebras." Her eyes go wide and a hopeful grin plasters itself over her face. I feel a genuine joy for lending a hand. But I won't take it easy till the girl gets to her sister.
"Really?! That's great! Just don't tell her I sent you okay?" I nodded as I removed my hand and we said our goodbyes. Both needing to get back to work.
"Okay, I need to stop acting like this is Skyrim and picking up side quests everywhere I fucking go. Jesus." I decide to ignore anything else that could possibly catch my attention and just head straight for Chora's Den.
When I got there, I noticed a few guys standing in the two walkways between the market end of the wards and the entrance to Chora's Den. I eye them up, for when I was coming through the access point they looked like they were about to pull their weapons. When they realized I wasn't their target, they visibly relaxed, sort of, and just kept their eyes on me and the door I came through. I sent out a radar pulse and I got the energy signatures of three thugs... or maybe they were mercs with how well armed they were. They can be both. Either way I didn't like it.
I walked past them, contemplating who and what they were waiting for. I could take them out, put them in the ground, but then I would have murdered people in a place that wasn't lawless and I was unfamiliar with. If I beat them into the ground and restrained them, that would draw way to much attention to me, and leaves them as witnesses as to what I can do. I became irritated and decided to just go inside before whatever fire fight they were waiting for was going to pop off.
Chora's Den was as advertised. A gentleman's club in the wards. Sleazy bar, asari and human dancers, and some back rooms for VIP services. When I walked in I almost immediately spotted Septimus. The guy was swaying in his seat, giving that thousand yard stare, before he'd snap out of it, spew some lies about Sha'ira, or as far as I know they were lies, and then downed whatever drink he was having before ordering another one. I shook my head.
I slowly made my way towards him while keeping my eye out for Rita's sister. I realized I never asked her what she look- wow their twins. Once I looked at the bar and saw 'Rita' standing there I realized Jenna had to be her twin. Either that or they just looked so much a like they could pass as one another.
I ultimately change courses, seeing Septimus slump down in his chair a bit, still moving and breathing so he wasn't dead, and approached Jenna. She was cleaning a glass when I spoke.
"Hi there, I'll be right with you." I nodded as I crossed my arms and leaned into the bar.
"I'll wait." She gave me a discerning look, as if to try and read my intentions before looking back and forth between the other patrons. None of them were paying attention to us. She kept up her 'polishing' as she got a bit closer to me.
"Why do I get the feeling you aren't hear to order drinks?" I now look from one side to another. The music was loud and I could see the other patrons at the bar were in loud convo.
"Because honey! I wanted to surprise you at work with a smooch!" I beckon her to lean in close. She hesitates for a moment, seeing my outward demeanour rapidly change probably made her a little uneasy but she did as she was told, thank Christ.
"I need to talk to you about your work with C-Sec. Also, sorry if this offends you but gotta keep up appearances." I kiss her on the cheek and I could see that she blushes a bit. I still got it.
"Baby!" She exclaims with a laugh before turning to kiss me on the lips. Then saying "I don't know what your talking about, going back to work now, thanks for kisses." She tried to pull away but I made the move to pull her in for a more... passionate kiss. It only lasted a few seconds, but she leaned into it apparently, and we let it linger a bit longer then necessary. After we pulled away and she had a bit of a loopy smile.
"This isn't a game Jenna. People like this are dangerous. Some of them might seem harmless, treat you and your friends with respect and kindness, but if you were found out, your ass will be up in the air and your face in the dirt with a hole in your head." She gave me a bit of a disturbed look for a moment before leaning away from me. Clearly not feeling whatever she had during our impromptu make out.
"Look, I don't get paid to stand around looking pretty, I need to get back to work. Tell my sister I can take care of myself." Damn. She was smart, and tough. I liked her.
She ignored me for the next few minutes and it became very clear that I wasn't going to get her to leave with me. So, I decided to head over to Septimus and hope I could at least get him to stop being a dickhead and get his shit together. As for Jenna, I'd have to find some other way of getting her out of here. I could take down the whole place myself... buuuut that again would draw too much attention.
"Septimus!" When I called his name he almost jumped out of his chair. The man was passing out where he sat, his drink spilling a little on his lap.
"Do... do I know you?" he looked at me, squinting a bit, trying to clear his intoxicated vision.
"No, but a man who has a lot on his mind can drink an elephant under the table... or I guess an elcor in this case. Was that racist? I hope that wasn't racist." The turian laughed a bit as I sat down across from him. A waitress came up to me and I ordered two shots of whatever we might be able to have together. There were two drinks that were made with some of the same ingredients that both humans and turians could digest and not die from, so we got that.
"To being through the shit. And out drinking elcor!" He yelled as we clinked glasses.
"And elephants!" I added. I tapped my glass against the table before downing mine. He hesitated, seeing my gesture before doing the same and downing his drink.
"What does that mean?"
"Tapping the glass before drinking? Something I learned from an old army buddy. It honours the fallen." He seemed to like my explanation as he drank the swill he had ordered before.
"You a service man, Mr..." He held the 'R' waiting for me to introduce myself.
"Cole. Cole MacGrath." I extended my hand to shake his. "No, I might enlist, but I've had a few friends that were army."
"Ah, I see. I'm Septimus... but you knew that already. Wait how did you know that already?" He gave me a quizzical look, his previous friendly demeanour wavering slightly. He wasn't as drunk as I thought he was. That or he was capable of pulling it together when something felt off.
"All in due time, my friend. Why don't you unload your problems first? What troubles you so that you need to drink this much?" He made a noise I was unfamiliar with and waved his hand at me as if he didn't want to talk about it. Then immediately started talking about it.
I love drunk people.
"I've seen a lot of horrible things in my days... and there is only one woman in this damn galaxy that helps me forget it." Oh here we go.
"I hear ya General. Dealing with women can be tough. If you feel that way though, why would you spread lies about her?" I was going to ask if he actually thought that would win her over but he slammed his fist on the table and started yelling.
"Because she rejected me! ME! Septimus Oraca! General of The Turian Fleet!" Okay, his drunken state mixed with his ego was not endearing.
"Get a grip!" He looked at me in shock. It looked like he was going to retaliate but I didn't let him cut in. "Seriously! You're down here getting shit-hammered because your upset and you are acting like a petulant child, throwing a tantrum, because he isn't getting what he wants! Over a woman no less! Nobody should respect that. What kind of general are you for that? What kind of example are you setting for your troops?" Part of me wondered if I'd get to clock this idiot in the face, but my better half was reminding me to keep calm and be understanding.
"The troops can kiss my leathery backside. All I wanted was to retire and be with her." That I guess I could understand, but how he's reacting is totally unacceptable. "Look kid, I appreciate what your trying to do, but don't waste your time." Really? Jack ass, you will stop this shit.
"Okay, look, I get it. I lost somebody I loved once. Yeah, it's not the same as being rejected, but she and I had our ups and downs and luckily we were able to reconcile before she died... I miss her every day. So I get it. I know what it's like to love somebody that much. But, Septimus, you can't think that hurting Sha'ira like this is alright. Why would you do that to somebody you cherish? If you can't be with her, if she doesn't want you that way, then it's not worth the trouble. The only ones that are worth it are the ones that choose you. You should show more respect, the amount that a dignified general should have for the fairer sex, be a man about this and grow up. If you manage to pull that off, you'll see that somebody will appreciate you for who you are and not only receive your love graciously, but return it in kind. Does that make sense?" If it wasn't for my relationship with Trish I don't think I would have been able to say anything like this. I probably would have just written him off and told Sha'ira that only violence would silence him.
Septimus digested what I was saying for a few minutes. He lifted his glass to his mouth, but refused to take a sip as he set it back down on the table. He shook his head, putting his face in his hands as he groaned. Yeah, he was coming to his senses.
"Well, it appears my work here is done." I motion to leave but he grabs my arm.
"Wait." I stay in my seat and turn back towards him giving my full attention. "You're right. Of course you are. I'm being a foolish oaf, and I'm being lectured by a kid, a human no less, on how to act. You may as well be military MacGrath. I'll straighten up and start acting like a general again. It's better then this, and Sha'ira is worth it, even if she won't have me back." I smiled.
"Good man. Can I go now?"
"Well, you seem like a bright kid. I was wondering if you wanted to earn a few extra credits." Damn it! How?! Why?! I'm too good at this if people just pick me up off the street or hire me right after lecturing them! Fuck!
"Yeah sure." I didn't give away any of my inner turmoil to the turian. The extra credits would be nice, since I had spent quite a bit on those clothes and all the drinks I've had so far. I don't have a real job so doing what is basically contract work is my best bet.
"Excellent. There's an elcor diplomat out there that believes Sha'ira gave up his secrets." I couldn't help but feel like I wanted to punch Septimus again.
"If you told him she did, why don't you set the record straight yourself." I honestly didn't think he could say anything else that would make this situation seem worse.
"Well, because the last time he saw me I was disparaging his ancestors and shouting his secrets in public." Why, oh why, did I have to jinx it.
"Dude!" He just scratched the back of his head while looking away from me.
Septimus then handed me a datapad and explained that it would clear the Consorts name, as well as give the eclor diplomat, Xeltan, answers as to how the turian general found out his secrets. We stood up from our seats as we prepared to leave and he addressed me one last time.
"Thank you MacGrath. You know, you'd make a fine serviceman. Hell, maybe a great general some day." I groaned, not wanting to hear any of that.
"Yeah, yeah. Get out of here you love struck soldier." He laughed and patted me on the back as he walked out of the bar. I weighed my options on whether or not I should make another attempt at Jenna, when I turned my head and saw a big read krogan, arguing with what I assumed was a body guard for whoever ran this establishment. Which, funny enough, was a purplish krogan.
Their heated argument had apparently already ran it's course and the red one turned around and started making his way out of the bar. He walked right past me, giving me a glare, stopping in front of me when I didn't back down.
"You got a problem, human." His voice was deep, and it sounded like this guy ate people for breakfast with the deathly tone he had. His look added to his cuddly nature, the massive scar on the right side of his face and... is that a crown? I'll call it a crown. He had a huge hump on his back, and he was definitely about 7 feet tall. I was looking up at him the whole time, though I wasn't flinching in the slightest.
"Nope. Just never seen a krogan up close before. I'm Cole MacGrath by the way. If I offended you, my apologies." He snorted in response.
"Your lucky I've got more patience then most of my kind, human. I have bigger fish to kill, but for future reference, unless your looking to fight a krogan, don't stare." He didn't wait for a response as he turned to leave.
"Well, he seems nice."
I attempted talking to Jenna again for probably a minute or two but she refused to listen to what I had to say. Which couldn't be a lot when there were too many of the people she was informing on around. Not wanting to make things any more obvious and get her killed I opted to find another way to get her out of there later. Maybe think about it while scanning the rest of the Keepers.
On my way out the door a drunk turian came walking in and stumbled into me. It wasn't until he got close that I realized I couldn't smell any alcohol on him at all. He leaned over and started speaking to me in a hushed tone.
"If you want more info on Jenna, meet me at C-Sec academy." I nodded, and waited to see what the likely C-Sec officer would do to keep his cover.
"I didn't do anything to you man! Damn new comers think they can just run the place." He shoved me, keeping up the act as he turned to walk away with a stumble. He was good at the drunk walk, for the most part. I shook my head. I was not looking to get involved with the authorities at all. Then again, maybe I could convince them to pull her out of Chora's Den.
Knowing my luck, I'll end up being the one helping them instead in exchange. I shook my head. Better me then her I guess.
Right as I exited the Den I could see those three mercs from before were still holding their post. Since the door had opened to let that C-Sec officer in, none of them looked to see me come out. Just as I as about to walk away, I got a text on my omni-tool.
It was Chorban. He wanted to inform me that he had enlisted the help of 'my friend' Commander Shepard after her meeting with the council. She is scanning the keepers up in the Presidium. I shrugged, I was basically finished with all the keepers he had listed down in the wards anyway.
I was about to go about my day when a human woman with short blonde hair and a human male with a buzz cut came around the corner form the markets and one of the mercs pulled their weapon and fired without confirming their target.
The woman was hit square in the chest, the force of the round having her crumple to the ground almost immediately. The man yelled in shock and terror at seeing his companion shot down and went to her aid immediately.
"You shot my sister! What the fuck is wrong with you?!" The brother of the injured woman cradled her in his arms, she was dying, I could feel it.
"What the fuck were you THINKING!" One of the turian mercs yelled across the walkway.
"He wasn't! How stupid can you be!" the other turian shouted in response. The one they were berating was the human in their group.
"I thought it was her! Her hair threw me off!" The human merc shouted defensively. He was trying to mask his worry with frustration towards his companions.
"You shot a BLONDE dipshit! Our target has White hair!" That perked my ears up.
"She's not even wearing armour or holding any weapons, how the fuck did you get that mixed! Fucking humans!" I was just about ready to wipe the floor with these guys, and before I even got started, the human gave away their target.
"Hey, fuck you! That could have been Shepar... boys behi-!" I didn't give them any more time. I heard all I needed to. Even better, I had started recording after they shot the girl and started shouting. Evidence will be useful in case anybody wonders why I beat down a bunch of mercs.
The Turian closest to me didn't even have time to turn around before I grabbed him by the head with one hand, and used the other to grab his left arm. I swept his legs out from under him, slamming him into the ground with a loud thud coming from his armour hitting... this isn't concrete or pavement. Whatever this floor is. He was out cold. I wasted no time in stomping on his chest and using my arc restraints to take him out of the fight.
The human spotted me first, but the other turian was the first to start shooting at me after I got his buddy on the ground. He was using what I believed to be some assault rifle. Idiot was pressing the trigger too long, instead of controlling his bursts he was going fully automatic. Probably startled by the human producing electricity.
"What the fuck!" The two conscious mercs shouted in unison. I took a few bullets to the back and shoulder from the turian.
He was down the way from me, while the human was closer to the top of the ramp on the other side. I dived behind cover to avoid the turians fire but I was still in the open with the other merc. So, when I was somersaulting out of the way of the turians fire and trying to avoid the human's, I threw out two arc bolts straight into his chest. Strangely enough, the shields of his armour actually protected him from being shocked. That was less then ideal.
I didn't have time to think about what Karin had told me about shields before so I just opted to get in close, since that seemed to work already. I took a few more rounds to the chest at point blank range as I got in close with the human merc. The turian halted his fire, worrying about hitting his companion probably, and I ripped the apparent assault rifle out of my current opponents hands, tossing it behind me. The guy managed to raise his hands, his omni-tool now present on his arm as a blade was flash forged at he tip. I could see that it was searing hot and looked almost like hard light. I could tell that it wasn't, since it wasn't producing enough energy to be light and I engaged in hand to hand combat as he tried to stab me with it.
He jabbed his left arm forward, but I caught his arm with one hand, used the other to place an arc grenade on his chest, and then swung that same arm under his captured arm, popping my hips into him and tossing him over my shoulder, slamming him into the ground. Shortly after he made contact with the floor, knocking the wind out of him, I could see that the grenade wasn't physically touching his body, yet it still went off and I could see his shields short out as the restraints spread across his person, pinning him to the floor.
The minute he saw his companion go down and I stood back up the turian was firing again. He hit me two more times. I couldn't waste anymore time. I could feel that woman's energy signature weakening and I couldn't risk running down that end of the ramp, in fear that a stray round will finish her off or kill the man she was with.
So I took a running jump across the gap between both ramps. While I was airborne the merc and I exchanged fire. He hit me at least 4 more times before he had to pop off the heat clip on his weapon and change it. I hit him enough times that his shield dispersed, and I was about to be on him. With no time to reload and his impending doom on its way down, the turian produced two omni-tools and both flash forged blades at the end. Great.
He raised his arms, ready to drive them into my abdomen when I reached him. I could use my static thrusters to alter my path and then engage, giving me the advantage and not taking any more damage from this guy, but if I do that, the woman would likely die. Luckily for me there was a Chora's Den neon sign right above us.
I opted to take the hit, hoping to the universe that I could still use my gigawatt blades to finish this quickly. I concentrated on forging the electrical blades around my flat hands and fortunately it worked. With one blade each hand, I was ready to take him down.
The turian drove one of his blades into my midsection, and the other just under my neck. I may be resilient, but I was still capable of feeling pain, and this pain was excruciating. The searing hot bite of each blade felt like it was slicing through me like butter, making the wounds open more easily while simultaneously cauterizing them. My anger spiked when his blades hit me and I slammed one into his chest and the other into his head. Luckily, I prevented either one from cutting through him but they hit him with such force that his blades ripped out of me and he was thrown over the edge of the walkway. I was certain he was dead before I lost sight of him.
I didn't have time to lose, as I could feel the life of that woman basically disappear. I ran over to her, still injured, the man looking horrified at my state of being.
"M-m-ov..." I could barely get out the words. My trachea had been damaged and I hadn't taken the time to heal. He seemed too dumb struck by it all or I was just that unintelligible that he didn't respond. I pushed him hard out of the way and laid the woman flat. Given the fact that I didn't have the polarity wall on the Normandy, but I had the arc grenade and gigawatt blades still in my arsenal, I was praying that I could still use my pulse heal.
Channelling the energy in my hands, thinking about how my healing works as I do so, I could feel that sensation I'd get when I was basically lending my healing powers to somebody else. I wasn't sure if that was even an accurate depiction of what I did with the pulse heal, but using what was essentially a living defibrillator to heal a gunshot wound, or any wound really, shouldn't work, but it does for me.
Keeping my hands close together to form an arc between them, I lower my hands onto the body of the woman and release the pulse into her. She jolts, as if somebody was trying to jump start her heart, and you could see a small static wave go over her entire form before dissipating, her muscles tensing and form going rigid, before it relaxes again. Immediately, you could see the piece of metal being pushed out of her body, and her wound began to stitch itself together. Seeing this, I knew she'd be up and moving in seconds so I opted to heal myself by getting up and going over to that neon sign.
I getting light headed due the lack of oxygen, used my right hand to hold my organs in my body as I extended my left hand above my head. Drawing upon the energy in the sign, multiple golden-yellow arcs crackled out of the sign, connecting to my fingers and running up the entirety of my hand and arm, coursing through my body. My organs went back into their rightful place, my trachea reconnected itself and all lacerations began stitching themselves shut as the energy pulled my body back together again.
"Holy shit!" I could hear the man who was behind me yell in surprise at what I had just done. Probably too in shock to process it as the fight was happening. Now that everything was calm, and his friend was awake, he was able to express how he felt about the situation.
"What happened?" The woman spoke. I turned to see her looking between me and the man that was cradling her. "Bro, what are you gawking at him for? Do you want to make out with him?" He didn't even register what she was saying. He just looked at her, and back to me, and back to her again as he wrapped her in a hug.
"No, I'm just... I'm glad your okay. I'm grateful he was here." She looked confused but returned her brothers hug as I walked over to the mercs. "Thank you."
I ignored him. Looking down at the turian who I had flattened on the ground, he was unconscious and didn't see anything. Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same about the human who was cussing me out.
"What the fuck are you freak?! Do you know who you're messing with! We'll kill you mothe-!" I knocked him out with a firm kick to the head. He was going to be a problem.
I collected their weapons, even their side arms, and converted them into omni-gel. Using that, along with a few components I had picked up from a market earlier, I created the equivalent of zap straps. Two sets for each merc. One for their hands, the other for their legs. I removed the arc restraints and replaced them with the zap straps, piling both mercs next to each other. Shaking my head at the mess this was, I made my way down the ramp.
I approached the siblings as they stood up and addressed me. The woman now looking at me in wonder.
"Is my brother telling the truth? Did... you really save me?" I ignored her question.
"Look, I'm a private person. I'd rather you didn't mention what you saw here, or tell anybody about me. Call C-Sec. Tell them about the attack. Say that they missed you when they fired, and that a biotic had come out of the bar just as they attacked you. They were wearing a head to toe get up though so you couldn't make out features. Tell them the only thing you could gather from their body type is that they were female, but couldn't see any skin. That leaves it up for debate if it's an asari or a human woman. Can you do that for me?" The two of them just looked at each other and nodded their agreement.
"Of course, we owe you one."
"No you don't. I won't hold it against you if you ratted me out. Just rather you didn't. For future reference, this place is run by lowlifes. Don't come here anymore. Have a good night." I didn't wait for a response as I turned on my heel and made my way towards C-Sec academy. I could hear the man make the call behind me.
"Hi. Yes, I would like to report an assault just outside Chora's Den."