I stepped onto the com area and watched as The Illusive Man finished a drag on his cigarette. "Shepard, I must say that I wasn't expecting Saren to return. The fact that the Reapers brought him back shows that they see you as a threat." I think for a moment, "I'm going to take him down again. But I'm going to need more men." Tim nodded, "I had a list of Recruits compiled for you. Some of the most dangerous individuals in the galaxy." A screen appeared next to me and I saw a number of faces from ME2 Squad. I turned to Tim, "I'm going to stop off at the Citadel and get resupplied. I would like some more containers full of mechs."
He nods already typing on his holo-screen. "I'll make sure you get armor and weapon sets for them. I will forward credits to you as well." He takes a drag on his cigarettes, "I'm going to have scouting parties out looking for a way to get to the collectors home world." I nod, "Keep me posted." The com shuts down and I head to the Galaxy Map. And set a course to the Citadel. I went down to the Cargo Bay and began working on new gear. Thanks to all the dead Collectors, I got a hold of their guns and bodies. I began working on the Collector weapons and Armor.
After an hour of working, Jacob comes up. "Commander? I need a favor." I nodded for him to continue. "I was supposed to get a call from my family. But it's been a few weeks overdue. I was wondering if we can check in on them." This is different, "Sure we'll put it on the agenda." He salutes, "Thank you commander. I appreciate it." I went back to work till I got a bunch of messages asking for help on various things. Miranda wanted help with her sister. Garrus and Javian with Sidonis. Zaeed and Kasumi with their things and so on. It takes only a few hours to get to the Citadel.
When we docked, I had to put my signature on a couple dozen documents. Those large crates of everything I need to arm my army/squad, may be the cause of it. Or it may be the Twin Gunships and Mako. The squad walks out of the ship, As I address them. "Okay everybody, we have a few hours till we are supplied and fueled up. I went out of my way to get a bit extra of everything. So use your allowance to get things you want. Garrus, Javian you're with me. EDI please get the Mechs armed and armored."
I get an affirmative from everyone. As we walked off Garrus and Javian fell in step behind me. "Shepard, Fade is reported to be working in the Warehouse on the Zakara Ward." "Thank you EDI, Please inform the Crew to shop not only for themselves." "Of course, Shepard." We walked down to the Warehouse. And still here is the guy complaining about the toaster. We walked in the Warehouse and the Volus was there with the Krogan. Garrus walks up, Javian leans against a desk. I looked at the Krogan, "I think you fellas should leave." They looked at each other and walked out. The Volus looked between us nervously. "What can I *gasp* for you gentlemen?" Javian was fiddling with his pistol. I see him load an armor piercer mod. Garrus kneels down to 'Fades' level. "We are looking for Fade? You know where he is?"
He looks between us, "I, he… is in the warehouse district. Surrounded by Blue Suns, he uses them to smuggle people and items in and out of the Citadel." I nod to the Javian and he puts the weapon away. Garrus gets up and adjusts his collar. Javian speaks up for the first time in a while. "Whose Fade anyway? It has to be someone who understands C-Sec Protocols." We turn to the Volus, "Uh, *gasp* His name is *gasp* Harkin." Garrus and I looked at each other. He shakes his head, "It can't be the same one, right?" I shrugged, "With our luck?" We begin to leave, Garrus calls back to 'Fade.' "If he's not there we're coming back."
We called a cab, I made a call. "EDI Bring in Tank and Ajax as well as Ghost Squad." "Of course Shepard, May I join as well?" I turned to Garrus who shrugged and Javian rolled his eyes. "Sure but come disguised." "Affirmative." A few minutes later we landed at the Warehouse. Unlike the Game Harkin wasn't out front. But the Blue Suns were. "This Area is off limits, you need to get back in your Car a-" his head explodes from a shot from Javian, I pull out my new Mattock and put on the AP Rounds.
The other merc met a similar fate as the first. We began to move forward mowing down anybody that gets in our way. The mechs we ran into were disabled with a series overloads. I even got to test out some biotics on them. Everything was going pretty well till we heard Harkin on the speakers. "Fall back to the main area, activate all mech to slow them down."
"Run all you like Harkin We'll find you!" Of course though the Blue Suns stop holding us back, the Mechs began pouring in to fill the space. Our Mowing stops to a crawl and now we are hunkered down With Loki and Fenris mechs and again unlike the game they have various loadouts. SMGs, Pistols and Rifles. Though only the Starters, nothing fancy yet.
Javian looks over the edge before getting fired at. "Some of the Mechs are coming up with Rockets and Grenade Launchers." They both turn to me, I call EDI. "EDI what's your ETA?" A few moments pass when we notice that the mechs have stopped firing. "We have arrived."
We looked out and saw the Kodiak shuttle on the other end of the Corridor. Javian goes about picking up ammo. I walked up to EDI, She was wearing Miranda's outfit while looking like Tricia Helfer. "Cutting it close EDI. Give you a C for punctuality. Though A for dramatic timing." She smiles, "Sorry Captain, Traffic was busy. I will endeavor to do better." One of the Upgraded Fenris Mechs jumped off the Shuttle. "Hm, Oh Cousland. Come here boy." With a robotic bark, he came running. I turn back to everyone.
"Everybody ready to move forward?" I get a number of affirmatives. "EDI, Send the Remaining Fenris mechs to charge at the BS ahead of us. Deactivate the Loki's for pick up." She nods and the Dog Bots run off while the Loki folded on themselves. We moved up taking out the survivors of the Kamikaze Dogs. Soon we came to the Platforms. And of course He saved the Heavy Mechs and 4 more. We immediately went to cover, as the YMIRs began to pelt our positions.
Tank switches to his heavy weapon. My eyes widen and I turn to cover. "Get down now!" Everybody got behind something as Tank pulls the Trigger of the M-920 Cain. Even with my visor darkening to help with the flash. I still saw it.
But all of them were gone in said flash. Well gone isn't the right word for it, they are completely melted. We made our way to Harkin, who looked at me in surprise. "Shepard? But I thought you died?" I shrugged, "I got better." He sneers at that. "Is there a reason you decimated my crew?" I turn to Garrus and Javian. "Do what you need to, But don't kill him."
They nodded and I walked out. "EDI Gather the Mercs Omni-Tools, clean them out of data. I want Creds and locations." She nods, "I've taken the liberty to call additional help to salvage the broken mechs." I think for a moment, "Sell all the mechs, weapons and Tools." It was 5 minutes before the Vigilante Duo came out. I saw Harkin on the ground, blood coming from his nose. I looked at them and Garrus shook his head. "He'll live, me and Javian will take it from here Shepard."
They called a cab and flew off. Few hours later I was in my cabin reading and writing reports. With Cerberus paying our crew, and Selling those mechs off we have plenty of cash to have some fun. The cabin door opens with Garrus walking in. He placed a datapad on my desk. I picked it up and started reading. I looked at him in surprise. "You're serious?" He nods, "Javian talked me into it. On the way there. I realized that if I was in his position, I would probably do the same thing." I put the pad down.
"If your Report is right, he's underweight, and very depressed. He won't be any good on this ship until he's taken care of." He nods again. "I'll take full responsibility for him." I look at him dead in the eyes. I picked up the pad again and signed it with my approval. "He won't get paid until he can contribute." He saluted me, "Thank you Captain." I salute back, "Now go be with your squad. Dismissed." He leaves and I sit back down. I sighed and stretched. "EDI have Joker set course to Bekenstein, Boltzmann." "Acknowledged"
"ETA?" A moment passes, "Just under 2 hours Shepard. Shall I inform Ms. Goto." I nodded, "Please and thank you." "Logging you out." I got into the shower, and changed into the monkey suit that Kasumi got for me. I checked my omni-tool and loaded up every tech ability it has. I even got a pistol with every stealth mod added. I made sure I was ready, checked the pocket and I pulled something out. A magnetic eyepatch, which I put on my right eye. It comes online with various HUD like tech.
The door chimes and in comes Kelly, Chakwas and Gabby. "Uh ladies what's the occasion?" Chakwas pulls out a small box label cosmetics. I rolled my eyes. "Let's get this over with." By the time they were finished, we were 13 minutes out. I'm pretty sure that's an omen. I went to the meeting room. "EDI have Ms. Goto come to the meeting room. Also bring up a blueprint of Hocks Estate." "Acknowledged." A few minutes laters Kasumi comes in. "Looking good Mr. Gunn." I smirk, "Thank you Miss Goto. I see several places where if we're in danger the squad can come in help."
She shakes her head, "Shepard I don't want anybody else to get involved with this." I nodded, "It's only just in case shit the fan. Which it often does." The door opens again and EDI walks in wearing a dress. Kasumi looks at me, "This isn't my idea." EDI metallic body shimmers till she looks like Tricia again. "Forgive me but I believe I can be of assistance." I waved her to continue, "It's most likely that Hock is aware of Kasumi. Even if he isn't, your outfit will. I recommend you enter in stealth while Shepard and I work in the open."
Kasumi sighed, "Fine but if anything goes wrong, you both will be paying at least 3% of your checks to me." I rolled my eyes, "1.5% cause you keep Jinxing it." She shakes her head but smiles, "You do realize you jinxed too?" I shrugged, "Yeah hence the .5" It only takes a few minutes to land at the estate, The eclipse mercs began to scan the statue of Saren. As walked up Donovan Hock came out, "What's the problem here?" The merc looks a bit scared. "Sorry sir, something about the statue is messing with our scans."
"I'm sure that Mr. Gunn didn't come all the way from Illium to cause." He gave me a pointed stare. I arched my eyebrow. "I came to relax, not to be hassled by the help." He nods, "Please transport the statue into the vault." The merc nods, "Yes sir."
He looks back at me, "Enjoy your stay Mr. Gunn." My earpiece came on. "Great performance Shep. Now we need to find the Vault door." EDI spoke next though not in person. "I recommend the stairs in the back." I turned to EDI, "Let's mingle Edita." We began talking to various criminal heads.
After a few minutes, Kasumi returns to us. "We need a voice print, password, and DNA for the Scanner. Not to mention to shut off the power to the shield." We move to an isolated part of the party. "Goto, get the DNA from Hock's room. Edita gets the password from the guards station. I'll get the voice print."
Edita nods, "And the power?" Kasumi spoke up. "Shut it off at the station or find the generator and cut the power." We nodded and headed off to our task. I walked up on Hock, he turned and smiled patiently. "Ah Soloman, I hope the unfortunate encounter on the door hasn't sour your mood."
I waved it off, "Good help is hard to find these days. Though I'm surprised that you're having a party at all. Quite a play to the galaxy." He chuckles, "This party isn't for me, It's for the Killers, the Cleaners. So those in power get sleep soundly with clean hands and sound mind. We are the grease that keeps the gears turning. So while I'm the host here it is for those around us this party is for. So I say to you Mr. Gunn, Enjoy your time here." He turns to the rest of the party guests.
"We've earned it." Everyone begins clapping, He raises a glass and smiles at me. "Thank you for the Insight Mr. Hock." He nods and returns to his conversation. I hear my coms turn on, to hear Kasumi chuckle, "Have you considered politics? I think you'd be a good counselor." EDI walked up beside me and we walked off to a secluded spot.
"I have disabled both the coms and the power to the shield. I've also gotten the password." I nod, "Lets convene then." We made our way to the vault door. I see everything is already disabled. Kasumi decloaks, "You two get dressed, we don't want to stay here." I had to take off my suit jacket and pants but I managed to get into my new Defender Armor. With extra ammo and power packs. After we got dressed we stepped into the elevator and rode down to the Vault.
When the doors opened we saw statues and tablets of older times. Kasumi gasped at Lady Liberty's head. "How the hell did he get ahold of Lady liberty? Damn you, Hock!" I turned to EDI, "Prepare to call on the authorities. Because the artifacts here don't deserve to be held by Grease." We walked down the room and saw the gray box. "It's here, and what's this? A Kassa Locust?" She scans it, "No The Kassa Locust? And Blueprints for copies." I grabbed it and handed it to EDI. We heard the alarms go off, and instead a giant hologram face.
Intercoms went off and women spoke. "We have intruders in the vault take them out." I pull out the Cain and charge it up. The doors opened up with a cluster of soldiers. I fired and in a flash they were gone. Luckily the Artifacts were better protected. Shielding and what have you. "Let's go! EDI, call for backup, Kasumi, stay stealthy, and steal any and all credits. With the help of disabling mechs." They nod, and we march out. We ran into merc groups and slayed them in turn. EDI spoked up, "Shepard, Both the authorities and Normandy are inbound."
I nodded while popping heads, "ETA?" "Cops within the hour. Normandy in a few minutes." I threw a singularity into a group. It looked like the game version but with a sparkling pinkish purple hue to it. I then threw a warp into it. It explodes and pulls everyone it caught into it.
There was nothing left but a bloody pulp. I hear Kasumi cough, "God Shepard, that smells bad." I rubbed the back of my neck. "Sorry Kas, I didn't know I could do that." We moved on, and I started to learn about my new skill set. I thought about my old life and how this looks like psionics from Xcom.
I thought of the Mind Fray ability and caused a soldier to go mad and open fire not only on us but his buddies too. Next was the Psi Panic, This caused a whole group to run in fear. Tripping on their own feet and getting shot by us.
Soon we got a large area with both mercs and mechs, Who all began to open fire on us. I created a shield around us. When they were out of ammo, I tried out the next skill, The Psi-Rift. It rips through everything. Shields popped, armor was torn and flesh shredded. Mechs got torn to pieces like toys.
EDI pulls out her Tool and begins scanning. "Shepard, You seem to have developed new abilities. Also Normandy shuttles have just landed, The Mech troopers are storming the front while the Main squad is securing the landing site at the top." I shake my head, "Yeah it's definitely a different feeling to Biotics. Let's move out." We found that the rest of the mercs are dealt with when a virtual army comes out of nowhere. Donovan was handcuffed to a pole.
He looked up at me, "You've made a big mistake Gunn! When I get out, I'll find you and gut you in front of your little whores. Or maybe I'll have fun with them before then." I take off my helmet. "My name isn't Soloman Gunn. It's Captain John Shepard, Hero of the Citadel and Spectre of the Council. And you've given me plenty of reasons to put a hole in your head."
He looked like he was about to piss himself. "Do I need to put a hole in your head?" He shakes his head, "Good boy." I walk over to Miranda and the apparent Commander of the Police on this planet. A turian with orange face paint on black plates. "Captain Shepard, I'm both surprised that you caught the largest group of Crime lords and Kingpins from across the galaxy. But also that you're even alive. But the latter isn't any of my business. Your account will see a pile drop into it in an hour."
I shook his hand, "Thank you Commander." He walks away, and I lean towards Miranda. "How much?" She smirks, "15 Billion, for both bounty and finder fees." I whistled. After we escorted the criminals to the jailhouse. We went back to Normandy. I showered again and went to my workshop. When the door opened I saw myself standing there.
Rena was standing next to him/me. "Oh John, Meet your brother Garret." We stared at each other for a few seconds. I raised my hand, "I hope she told you what you're in for." He smirks and grabs my hand. "It's better than being made for spare parts." We laughed at that. While Rena looked mortified at said joke.
We were heading for Zorya to help out with Zaeed. It'll be a week till we get there. With scouting out planets to mined So in that time I'm teaching Garret how to use his weapons and skills. He seems to prefer to use his biotics. Though for guns he went with another favorite of mine. The Revenant. And as far as armor goes he went with the classic Dead Space 2 armor. He also had a knack for tech. And begin working on his own set up. The whole squad started to teach him everything he'll need to survive the mission.
Grunt was loving the younger brother dynamic they have. Garrus and Jacob were teaching him everything he'll need to know about weapon maintenance. Javian and Tomas were showing him out to use traps and his surroundings. Mordin and Chakwas teaching him about Medicine while Kasumi taught him about stealth. Jack while under supervision showed him how to cut loose with his powers. But right now, He was trying to get a perfect score on his headshots. The timer went off and his gun fired right after.
He managed to get four out of six headshots within the timeframe too. However, "Damn it!" He slapped his hands against the table. He then takes a deep breath and sighed. "Do you mind if I take a break for a minute?" I nodded, "I'll give you a half hour. I need to write up reports and make sure nothing has come up while we were down here." He nods and stretches his back. He goes to put his weapons back. I went to my cabin and turned the sound system to a running stream and rain.
First I checked my Email, several from the random people 'I met' before being spaced. Till I got to the Alenko-Williams Family message.
Dear Captain Shepard
What the Hell?! Where have you've been? For 2 years we mourn you, and you suddenly pop up. And with Cerberus! Have you gone batshit! I would've walked into hell with you Skipper. Do you even know about me and Kaidan? We're married and have a little girl Named after you. If you were around we would've made you her God-Father. I'm soo fucking angry I could scr–
Hey Shepard, It's Kaidan. Ash went out to the shooting range. Saying she needed to let off some steam. I'm glad you're back. Please come visit when you have a moment. I need to console my Daughter about the Space Zombie that Mommy is angry at.
There was an image attached of their wedding day and of Jane both when she was born and currently her latest birthday. She was holding up three fingers. I looked at it for a good while. I got a frame and ported the images onto it. Next was a message from Liara asking to meet up. Gab has managed to give some concrete numbers to make a nano-forge. I responded to Gab to give the numbers once over while I do my reports and that I'll be down in an hour or two.
I wrote up reports for the next 2 hours. I yawned and got up and changed into my casual uniform. I made my way to the Engineer deck. Where Gab was teasing Kenneth about the fact that Jack was just under them. "You need to stop Gabby, you're giving me whiplash." She laughs as she turns to see me. "Captain, here about the Nano-Forge." I nodded, "Yeah, ready to build it?" He smiles, "Ken helped out on the power situation. I was really stumped on it."
He slaps his hands together like he was getting rid of dust. "All in a day's work, Captain." I nod my head towards the elevator. "Let's get going. I want at least a prototype finished before we get to Zorya." For the next few hours we worked out where to put it and what we needed to build it. Turns out that the Nano-Forge was as big as a Kodiak. The power to generate it wasn't going to be a star to my disappointment.
But instead of a star it'll be a mass effect generating singularity. So I got every Biotic here to give it the juice to get it spinning. We had to hold it together for a full hour before it could sustain itself. Miranda, Jacob and Garret passed out after 15 minutes. However Me, Jack and EDI sustain it for the rest of the way. Afterwards EDI had to get repaired while Jack went to sleep. I got a massive headache, so I took a nap. When I woke up, Gab and Kenneth were already testing out the Forge.
They handed me a datapad so I could look over the results. I looked at them, then at the new machine. "So What the most complicated thing you've made so far?" One of the Mech Troopers(Tank) walked over to a box and opened it up to pick up a rod. It was a glittery gold, and with some numbers on the side. Gab spoked up, "This is a pure rod of Silaris Metal, it weighs 15 tons in this form alone. However-" She pulls out a small bar from her breast pocket. "It can be made into smaller things. This weighs nearly 10 pounds."
I take it and weigh it in my hands, "So I'm guessing armor will be heavier? Along with weapons?" Kenneth shakes his head. "Weapons are no go, Not because it'll be heavy as hell. But because of the needed parts that require certain temperatures and resistances." Gab picks up the thought, "I'm sure given enough time we can make weapons with it but not now. However Armor is a go, the only problem is the weight. Whoever is going to be wearing it is going to need a huge boost in both physical and mechanical strength."
I nodded and I looked at the Vehicles, "Can you armor them?" They looked at them then each other. Kenneth smiles, "Sure thing Shepard. Though the Hammerhead won't get the treatment. It needs to be fast." I nodded, "I'm going to chakwas for something for my head." They nodded and began working, I dragged my hungover ass to the medbay. I never thought you could get hungover without drinking. When I got there Jacob, Miranda and Garret were on the beds. However the thing that surprised me was that Chakwas was getting help from both Mordin and Sidonis. Who's looking better than the picture I've seen?
He was the first to spot me, he came over with his Tool. "Glad to see you finally, Shepard. Sorry Captain." I waved him off and took a seat on the crate next to the door. "Shepards fine. How are you and everyone else for that matter?" He starts to scan me, "Everyone just needs rest and food when they wake up. Hence the IVs. Also EDI transferred data on your new abilities. Your normal amp won't be able to use it properly." Mordin comes up with a cup of water and a couple pills.
"Yes, Sidonis came up with a useful design, it'll help to make stronger biotic attacks. While also giving you finer control of these new abilities. Not to mention with the new armor designs I've seen. You'll not only be stronger but faster as well. With these new powers you'll be able to speed yourself up and-." I raised my hands, "I get it Doctor, Thank you. When will this amp be ready?" Mordin looks at his Tool. "It'll be completed in a day. Afterward we will need to adjust it to your power output." I nodded. "I'm going to get something to eat."
Garrus and Grunt were there and after getting food I sat in front of them. "How's it going guys?" Grunt looks up at me. "Is he going to be alright?" I turn to Garrus, "Garret." I made an ah motion, and nodded at Grunt. "Yes, he'll be alright. He just got exhausted with his Biotics." He looked towards the medbay, "How come? I've seen all you use your Biotics and never tire you all out like that." I chewed thoughtfully, "Think about it, you know how you get all sore when you work out?" He nods, "It's like that, when you use your muscles they shred themselves then heal up to become stronger."
He thinks for a minute, "So his muscles need to work out?" Garrus laughs, "More like he needs to work out his biotic muscles. Get them stronger to be able to lift you up." He smiled at that, "I'll help with that." We had another day before we made it to Zorya. I got the New Bio-Amp and started to train with it. I've learned to use some of the Biotics from ME3 and Andromeda. I'm now able to use most of the new powers, though by far my favorites are Flare and the Biotic Blink.
When Jack found out about that, she cursed up a storm and demanded an amp for herself. I shrugged and said "Go ahead, But you'll be off the next mission to learn how to use it." She looked pissed, but agreed to it all the same. When we got to the Zorya, Zaeed wanted to talk alone. "Listen Shepard, I had thought you would work like other units and just use a small strike team. But since you have an army and all, You can get someone to lead the charge on saving the refinery. But you and me? I need to kill Vido."
I nodded, and activated my tool, "Joker you have the Refinery location?" "Uh yeah?" "When we launch, destroy any and all flying vehicles." "Aye aye Captain." Zaeed looks impressed. "Didn't think you'd go that far." I gesture for him to head to the shuttle. "Zaeed, I need your head in the game for a suicide mission. If killing this bastard is going to do that, then we're going to kill the bastard." He nodded as he got onto the shuttle. "Fine, Let's go be Goddamned Heroes"
We saw Normandy go in for the Attack. When we saw the Normandy fly back up as we entered the atmosphere, Joker contacted us. "The attack was clean Captain, Nobody is leaving that planet." EDI spoke up next, "I've also managed to jam their communication. They won't be able to call for help." I saw smiles all around, "Great job, time to crack some heads." I hear agreements throughout the shuttle. "EDI when we land, pull the shuttle back up to Normandy and load it with the Mech troopers." "Of course, Captain. Happy Hunting."
We landed and poured out of the shuttle. Zaeed works out the communications so we can hear what they're saying. Vido was the first to speak. "I don't give a damn! Someone better find out who the hell attacked us and then kill them." Zaeed smirked, "Bastard was always arrogant. Can't understand when someone goes against him." I turn to the rest of the Squad. "Heavys in front, Snipers in the back. Everyone else, support the Heavys."
Me, Jacob, and Grunt got into the front. Garrus, Zaeed and Javian got into the back. With that we marched on. Grunt tapped my shoulder, "Can we use the heavy weapons to mow them down faster." I checked what everyone has, the only two who didn't have heavy weapons were Miranda and Kasumi."Those with grenades and rockets fire till empty. The rest are to save till we hit heavier resistance."
I got affirmatives and when we met the first of Vido's troops they dropped like flies. We can hear Vido cursing out the workers. "Which one of you Fuckers manage to call for help? If no one steps up I'll kill you shit for brains one by one." I step up the pace, "Double time it people." Soon we rounded on the loader doors. The doors open with a squad of Blue Suns walking out. We mowed them down too. We saw our shuttle come in on the other side of the walkway with our troops air jumping to the ground. "Listen up everyone, Secure the Refinery. Protect the workers." I turned back to the squad.
"Mordin, go with them. Make sure they're taken care of." He nods and follows the mechs into the refinery. We head towards the 'Renegade' route. Zaeed was enjoying himself, "Come out you Rat Bastard! I'll gut you for what you did to me!" I tried out a new idea with my upgraded abilities. I pull a lot of energy into my hand then let go, "DOOM STORM!" Several large warp flew out and struck a dozen BS troops. Creating singularities and biotic explosions.
An entire was cleared out, Garrus looked at me, "Doom Storm? Seriously?" I cough quietly, "Old videogame attack move. It was similar to that." Zaeed moved to the exit I followed. Vido was dragging himself away from the refinery. Unlike the game, the place wasn't exploding, so he'll most likely just get shot. "Come on Massani, I did you a favor. You're working with a Spectre and you've become the best bounty hunter in the galaxy." Zaeed kicked him onto his back with a foot planted on his chest.
He pulled out his pistol, For an intense moment they stared at each other. "Here's what you're going to do, You're going to transfer the Blue Suns back to me. With Shepard as Co-Commander." Vido nods, He begins to type till we both get a notification. "See Zaeed I could be a great ally when I want to be. Let's put this behind us, yeah?" He looks at his Tool then at me. I lean against some railing. He looked at Vido again and fired into Vido's head.
Several hours later I found him sitting at the bar in Kasumi's room. Who was either not here or not visible. "I fucking hate my job some times." I walked around the bar and waited for him to continue. "Did you know that I started the Blue Suns? 20 years ago, I ran the crew and he ran the books. Until one day he started to hire Batarians. Cheaper labor, he said. Goddamn terrorists I said. Then one day he had my own men hold me down while he put a bullet in my head."
He takes a deep drink, I begin mixing up my own drink. "Rage is a hell of an anesthetic, huh?" He chuckles darkly, "Goddamn right." We drank in silence. Afterwards I had to help him to his little hiding hole. I went to bed too, The Purple Sun was there and all, but it was accompanied with a blue moon. It looks like they'll be eclipsed but not quite yet. I woke up with a new craving. "EDI do we have Chocolate milk?"
"I'm afraid not John, However we will be arriving at Illium in several hours. We can order some when we get there." I nodded and went to get dressed. I went down to the command deck to check on everything. Kelly smiled at me, our talks have been sparse but useful. I went to the cockpit, "Hey Commander, glad that you're still here and all but when were you going to tell me EDI getting a hot new bod?" I rolled my eyes, "Do you know now?" He in turn rolled his own eyes. "Where is she anyway?"
"I am everywhere, Mr. Morue." A blue hologram pops up beside him. "Yeah that's not creepy at all." I chuckled, "How goes the repairs EDI." "They go well, though I have to make some upgrades to better withstand the power output." I think about something for a minute. "EDI How long do you estimate that we'll be on Illium?" She actually did a loading bar. When she was done she made a ding sound. "I calculate that we will be there for at least two weeks if not a whole month."
I looked at Joker, "Joker go to Chakwas, I want to fix your brittle bones." He stared at me for the longest time. "Joker? Did you hear me?" He nods, "I did, I'm just shocked that you want to do that." I crossed my arms, "What do you mean by that?" He chuckles nervously, "I mean waste resources on me. I don't need my legs to fly the ship. Even if whatever you do works, I doubt that I'll be able to go on missions with you."
I smiled, "Cause you're the best pilot in the Universe. And I like that one of my best friends is able to walk on his own two feet without crutches." He looked like he's about to tear up. I felt a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Chakwas with two of the Mech troopers. They both have a red cross on their chest. "EDI called us, If Jeff is willing?" I turned back and reached out with my hand. He took it with only a moment of hesitation.
EDI took control of the ship to bring us in. Joker will be staying in medbay till he is done with his surgeries. However we have three Medically trained professionals, to help him out. No one is allowed in either. The windows are tinted and everyone in the room has been sterilized. However, again, we have cameras to watch. But Chakwas ordered EDI to allow 10 minutes of watching per hour. When we docked I gave everyone R&R, with the rule being to not sign anything. I went out with Garrus and Garret. My GGs, Ha!
An asari walks up with two LOKIs. "Greeting Captain Shepard, I'm here to tell you that your docking fees have been waived. By Miss Tsoni, with a message to visit her in the market." I nodded at that, and we headed off. As we were walking another asari stopped me. "We have a message for you Shepard." I turned to her. "What kind of message? From who?" She smiles softly, "From shared friends from Noveria."
I crossed my arms, "I've made plenty of friends there." She nodded and closed her eyes, when she opened them again they were pure white. "Shepard, we hide, we burrow, we wait for the oily yellow note to return. We hope to see you again. To hear your song again." She closed her eyes when she opened them, they were normal again. "They are amazing people, Shepard. The galaxy owes you a debt for preserving them." I smiled, "Tell her that I would be honored to see her again. Maybe when I'm done with this mission I can visit."
She bows, "I'm sure she will love that." I bid her farewell, As we moved on another friend from Noveria stopped me. "Shepard? I thought you were dead? I don't know if you remember me, I'm Gianna Parasini? I helped you get that garage pass to fight swarms of bug monsters." I sat down across from her, "I got better, you working a case here too." She chuckles, "How'd you know? It has to do with stolen mods. Fakes of course, but we need to catch her in the act of selling them." She arches an eyebrow, I rolled my eyes.
"Where is she?" She leans in, "Just behind you, I'll pay you of course." I shrugged, "Credits do make the Galaxy turn." I got up and walked over to the station. "Hello, you must be heading out to the Terminus Systems. You should browse our wares." I looked at the equipment when I turned to her, "I'm willing to lay down some credits. But this stuff isn't good enough for the firefights that I'm heading into." She nodded, "Well I can authorize a discount and maybe some experimental mods." I nodded
I checked the prices again and they were cheaper. "So those mods?" She looked around, "These mods aren't even on the market yet. Won't be for another 2 years." Gianna walks up, "That's because they're fakes. Thanks Shepard." The Asari looked between us. "You trick me? Who the hell do you think you are?" I put a hand on my chest and acted shocked. "You don't know who I am. I'm Captain John Shepard, Lion of Elysium, Hero of Eden Prime, Terra Nova and the Citadel. To top it off I'm a goddamn Spectre. How are your odds?"
She looks like she is about to pass out in fear. "I need t-to call my l-lawyer." With that she ran to the hills. Or the steps? "Holy shit Shepard I never seen an asari run for her life like that. How about that beer I promise you?" I shook my head, "Sorry, I need to get to a meeting. I'll take a raincheck. Good luck with whatever you get up too." She nods, "You too Shepard." I head towards Liara's office. Before I went up I turned to My GGs, Ha! "You guys go do what you want. I can handle it from here."
Garrus nods, Garret was already heading off to the docks to buy things. I walked up the stairs with the traitor waiting. She stood and bowed, "Greetings Captain, Miss T'soni is currently in a meeting at the moment. Please remain quiet when entering." I walked in leaning against the wall, "Have you ever faced Asari Commandos before? Few have, now please pay the allotted amount or I'll flay you with my mind." The hologram dispersed, she turned then gasped in shock.
"Shepard? You're here?" I walked up and she hugged me. "I'm so glad you're back. I thought that you'd be lost forever." She lets me go and looks to her assistant. "Nissia, please hold my calls." I sat down while she went to her chair. "'I'll flay you with my mind?' Where the hell do you get that from?" I chuckle, while she blushes, "You know that biotics can't do that. But he didn't know that." She sighed, "Oh Shepard I'm happy to see you alive. I thought that you wouldn't.." She looked away.
"That I wouldn't make it when you hand me over to Cerberus?" She looked shocked, "I've learned quite a lot since waking up some time ago. If I was around to object I probably would. But as I stand here now. Thank you." She let a couple of tears fall down.
She wiped them away. "Thank you Shepard, I didn't know I needed that. What can I do for you now?" I smiled, "Several things actually, I need to know where Samara, Thane Krios, and how to trademark and patent a new device that I made that'll probably help a new start up company." She stared for a minute then chuckled, "Let's start with easier ones first."