Mass Effect: Razor 11/? (Saren/Ashley)
anonymous
February 8 2013, 03:19:18 UTC
Liara nodded. “I will attend to Noveria personally. The Queen will require a firm hand to bring her in line.”
“Do what you must. Now leave me.” Shepard instructed her as she turned to Kaidan.
The biotic massaged his forehead with a grimace. Shepard noticed. “Your migraines?”
“Getting worse.” Kaidan admitted. “I prefer spending time down in the drive core...the ambient noise makes things a little more bearable.”
“I understand. I can move down there later.” Shepard turned away. “Are the reports true? Did the marine who accessed the beacon survive?”
“Unfortunately, yes. My contact also informed me that she was seen in the company of Spectre Saren Arterius.” Kaidan moved up behind her, slowly planting a kiss on her neck. “Shall I order a battlegroup to ambush the Normandy?”
Shepard flinched. “That would mean killing Anderson.”
Kaidan paused for a second, almost panicking. Anderson...Joker, his friends...how could he have forgotten about...
“Put out feelers through the Shadow Broker.” Shepard informed him bluntly. “He’ll come in line once he realises what’s about to happen. I want this marine dead...Saren too. And if Liara’s mother gets in the way...”
“I understand.” Kaidan’s hands snaked their way around her hips. “Will there be anything else?”
In a second, her mind flashed through all the necessary tasks yet to be done before the Return. She could not think of any.
THEN YOU MAY TAKE YOUR REST AND PLEASURE. EXCELLENT WORK.
She surrendered into Kaidan’s embrace.
-----------------------------------
“I have it!” Benezia looked pleased with herself as she pulled up the documents on the interface. “My daughter’s first thesis, on the possible reality of Prothean mythology. She surmises that Ilos was indeed a real world, painted as a fairy tale castle in order to disguise it from potential enemies. Now we know that they were these ‘Reapers’.”
“Did your daughter write anything else?” Ashley was hoping for something a little more...like a map to the damn place.
“Much more.” Benezia nodded enthusiastically. “She theorises that the Muu Relay, also known as the ‘Great White Missing’ by some cultures, was the only relay by which Ilos could be reached. As a consequence, when it was lost or hidden, all contact to Ilos could be terminated.”
“So we’re still no closer.” Saren stood up from his chair. “This is a waste of time.”
“You will sit down, and you will listen.” Benezia didn’t even bother to glare at him, her tone was not one that brooked argument. “If my daughter’s research was correct, then only two pieces are needed to lay a road toward Ilos. The exact co-ordinates of the system, and the location of the Muu Relay.”
“And can you get those for us?”
Benezia frowned. “We’ll have to see. Give me a few hours, then we’ll talk.”
Saren wanted to point out that a few hours was a nebulous amount of time...but debating the Matriarch in regards to her timing was a waste of it. The asari just didn’t seem to understand the concept of meeting a deadline. Thousand year lifespans were clearly not good for an individual’s sense of urgency.
Ashley followed him out of the library. “You know, I think I like her more than I like you.”
“I don’t think it’s possible for me to state how little I care.” Saren replied brusquely, hoping she would shut up. “If your species cared more about solving problems than getting along with people, your grandfather might not have shamed your name at Shanxi.”
“Y’know, I think you’re twisting history a bit.” Ash shot back. “He surrendered because you were dropping shells from orbit on anything that moved. An illegal tactic in Citadel space, I’m told.”
“The laws mean nothing if they get in your way.”
“So you get to break them whenever you want...but call humanity reckless and irresponsible if we even bend them?” Williams did that odd human thing with her right eyebrow. “Care to explain that one.”
“Easy. Humanity is weak and unstable, I am not.”
Williams took a step back, as if seeing him for the first time. “Wow...an arrogant prick AND a colossal hypocrite, all in the one bundle. I’m impressed.”
Mass Effect: Razor 12/? (Saren/Ashley)
anonymous
February 8 2013, 03:27:22 UTC
Saren turned to face her. “Well, let me impress you some more. You may think that your little displays of insubordination and toughness make me cower, but I am simply making a list of them. And when this mission is done, I am going to make you answer for it.”
Ashley leaned close, baring her teeth slightly. “Name the time and the place, split-jaw. I’ll be waiting.”
Amazing. Less than five days, and he already hated her as much as he hated Shepard.
He opened his mouth to order her back to the ship...but the words were never heard.
“Chief Williams? Is that you?” A brown skinned, bearded human was approaching them rapidly. “Ashley?”
The woman’s anger faded instantly. “Samesh? What are you doing here?”
“Ashley...it’s Nirali. They will not give me her body.” The man was almost in tears. “They...they...”
“Samsesh, calm down.” Ashley rested a hand on his shoulder. “Tell me what happened. Who won’t give you her body?”
“Alliance men. Not soldiers, politicians. Bureaucrats.” Samesh took a deep breath. “Clerk Bosker...he’s the man who told me that they’re holding her body. They won’t even tell me why. They say it is classified.”
Ashley’s eyes became very cold. “Where can I find him?”
Saren just rolled his eyes. “Humans.”
-----------------------
“Clerk Bosker?”
The young human turned around to see a human and a turian standing behind him. “Yes? How may I...?”
Ashley’s fist sunk into his stomach. The man doubled over, wheezing in pain and surprise. “What...?”
“Now that I’ve said hello, we need to talk.” Ashley cracked her knuckles. “You’re holding the body of a very good friend of mine, PFC Nirali Bhatia. You’re going to return her to her husband...immediately.”
“You don’t understand...” Bosker retreated a step. “The biotics that killed her were beyond anything we’ve ever...”
Ashley kicked him in the kneecap. “I’m sorry, did I ask what you needed her body for? I said to give it back.”
“You...can’t do this...this is illegal.” Bosker gasped as he fell to the floor. Winding up, Ashley kicked him in the stomach again.
“Tell you what, what concerns you more, that my actions are illegal, or that I’m about to break every bone in your body?”
“Security!” Bosker called weakly.
“Spectre business!” Saren announced as he watched Williams work with detatched amusement. “Go back to your drinks.”
“Alright...alright.” Bosker coughed, squinting in pain. “I’ll see her body is returned immediately. In fact, I’ll have it shipped express.”
“Mighty kind of you.” Ashley bent down. “Oh, and if I ever here of you keeping families away from their honoured dead, I’ll bring an entire platoon of jarheads up here, and you can play word games with them, how’s that?”
Bosker just nodded dumbly.
-------------------------
“Thank you, Ashley.” Samesh enveloped the marine in a bear hug. “Nirali said you were an honourable woman. She always was an excellent judge of character.”
Ashley had no words for him. Nothing she could think of. “What will you do now?”
“I shall go back home, to Earth. I shall bury her body properly.” Samesh bowed his head. “After that...I do not know.”
Ashley nodded. “Samesh...just know that she loved you...more than anything.”
He nodded. “I know. It does not bring me happiness...but it does bring me peace. Be well.”
Saren stared with odd fascination as the grieving man departed. “Human grief processes never cease to amaze me. Such a display would not be tolerated on Palaven.”
Ashley was learning not to get angry at his barbs. “Yeah, that’s because you guys lose so many soldiers, it’s not a shock when another one drops dead.”
“Perhaps, perhaps.” Saren glanced at his omni-tool. “Anyway, we’d better hurry.”
“For what?”
“I will not allow you to continue endangering this mission with second rate equipment.” Saren replied, his tone bored. “If I have to drag you along, you will be properly armed.”
Mass Effect: Razor 13/? (Saren/Ashley)
anonymous
February 11 2013, 07:26:12 UTC
Ashley ran her hand along the sleeve of the Colossus X hardsuit. “Son of a bitch. Some of the guys used to have wet dreams dedicated to this stuff. Bar V shield modulators, triple reinforced armour plates, and that’s not even counting the non-Newtonian fluid backed into the inner layers to guard against...”
Saren shoved a rifle into her arms. “You don’t need to have a breakdown over it. Here. Spectre HMWA X. Pick up any other gear you want. I’m paying.”
His generosity caught Ashley off guard. “Well...thanks.”
“Don’t thank me.” Saren advised her. “This is so I don’t get killed because your Alliance issue gear mucks up on the battlefield and leaves me vulnerable.”
Aaand boom, the asshole was back. “Gee, what a pal.”
----------------------------------
“Our first task,” Saren explained as he set a brisk pace along the Citadel corridors. “Is clearly the pursuit of Shepard. But in the meantime, we have a secondary assignment. Think of it as...a sidequest.”
“A sidequest?” Ashley’s grin was subdued, but noticeable. “Do you keep a journal and an inventory while you’re at it?”
Saren paused to look at her. “I don’t understand...”
“Never mind.” Ashley shook her head. “Bad joke. Carry on.”
“The geth attacked us for a reason, and I want to know what it is.” Saren indicated a sleazy looking bar across the way. “The man who owns that bar, ‘Fist’, is a contact for the Shadow Broker. Anything you want, the Shadow Broker can get...for a price.”
“So we want to know why the geth have come out of the Perseus Veil?”
“Yes and no.” Saren led the way inside. “We want to know where the geth have been spotted. The actual location of their incursions tells us much more than any theoretical goals. From that we should...”
“Be able to deduce what they’re looking for.” Ashley nodded. “OK, makes sense.”
“Exactly.” Saren paused to take a look at the dancers for a second. Ashley snorted.
“Well, at least that much transcends species.”
“What? I’m merely appreciating the...aesthetics.” Saren smirked slightly. “Come on. I already made the appointment.”
Rounding the circle of the bar, they walked into something...unexpected.
“Where’s the quarian, Fist?” A turian in blue and black C-Sec armour towered over a human with close cut hair.
“Look, Garrus, there’s really no need for this.” The human spread his arms wide. “Come on, we’ve done business before, and you know that I deliver. So why don’t you settle back and have some drinks while I look for the quarian?”
“No good, Fist.” The turian snarled. “You promised her to me by today. I can smell the fear on you. Your boss come through with new instructions?”
“Hey, I’ve got to eat as well.” Fist shrugged. “Trust me, the quarian gone solves a whole lot of problems for everyone, you included. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about your 401 K recently. Retirement’s tough on a C-Sec salary.”
“You’re trying to bribe me?” Garrus took a step closer. “I didn’t think you were that stupid, Fist. You’re coming up to headquarters with me, and then you’re going to point out where your thugs took the quarian. Do anything else, and I’ll have an armed response team storm this place and drag you out in shackles.”
Fist just sighed. “Damn. I was hoping you’d be smarter than this. Alright, come into my office and we’ll fix this up right now. Hell, the Broker won’t mind if I let you have some skinny quarian...”
“The Broker minds everything, Fist.” Saren walked across the floor, leaving Ashley standing by the bar. “And while the rookie might not be aware, I know that there are two heavy turrets at the back of your office. Thinking of doing some cop-killing?”
Fist smiled awkwardly. “Saren, old buddy. You look good. Lost some weight?”
“Keep wriggling.” Saren advised. “My grip’s only going to get tighter.”
Mass Effect: Razor 14/? (Saren/Ashley)
anonymous
February 13 2013, 08:46:18 UTC
“I was hoping I could do these jobs separately.” Fist took a step back. “But since Saren Arterius just walked into my bar with a human marine...and you’re both carrying bounties large enough to buy a small planet...”
Out of the corner of his eye, Saren saw the bar’s krogan bouncer reaching for his shotgun. The turian went for his pistol.
A stream of high velocity rounds from a Spectre grade handgun streamed from the bar behind him, hitting the krogan in the face and tearing most of it off. Williams was already moving as she repositioned herself for a second burst of fire.
Saren and the cop both threw themselves out of the way as they drew their own sidearms, Saren suppressing the remaining bodyguards with rapid fire, while the cop steadily fired his slow, powerful Raikou.
If the thugs had learned to shoot better, or had their barriers been higher grade, or had their reflexes been faster, then the fight would not have gone so well. Unfortunately for the thugs, their aim was pathetic, their barriers were the cheapest that money could buy, and their reflexes were sub-standard at best.
Fist looked around in disgust at his dead bodyguards. “Sure, why don’t you go kill a Spectre, he says. It’ll be easy, he says. What a load of crap.”
The cop raised his pistol. “The quarian, now.”
“Sure, sure.” Fist raised his hands. “Alleyway, just off the markets. She’s alone. My men are supposed to be meeting her there in a few minutes.”
“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” The cop returned sarcastically.
“Who’s the quarian?” Saren turned to the cop. “And why is she important? More to the point, who are you?”
“Sir, Detective Garrus Vakarian, Citadel Security.” The cop nodded respectfully. “I’m part of a task force looking into the recent geth incursions. The quarian showed up on the Citadel this morning, looking for a Shadow Broker rep, looking to sell info about it. I’ve been tracking her all day.”
“In that case, we should probably get going.” Saren turned back to Fist and shot him through the head.
Ashley and Garrus blinked in unison, staring in surprise as Fist’s body toppled over. The turian found his voice first. “What did you do that for?”
“Due process is for those whose innocence can be proven.” Saren holstered his pistol. “He was guilty.”
“What lawbook is that written in?” Ashley snarked as the Spectre turned to leave the bar.
“Like many of the best laws, it is unwritten.”
----------------------------------
Tali looked around at the dead bodies of the would be assassins. Only two of them had died by her hand. “That was...thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Ashley lowered her pistol, glaring at Saren. “I only did it because SOMEBODY was wondering whether it wouldn’t be more efficient to let you get killed and then take the info off your body.”
Saren shrugged. “It would have saved conversation. You are the quarian looking for the Shadow Broker? The one with information on the geth?”
Tali nodded. “Yes. Yes I am.”
“How did you get it?” Ashley’s eyebrows narrowed in suspicion. “Sorry, but I’ve been shot at quite a bit more than I’m used to in the past few weeks...”
“Oh, I snuck up on a geth raiding party. Hit one of the stragglers with a jamming programme that prevented him from deleting his memory core.” Tali held up her omni-tool.
“Could you share what you have?” Garrus asked urgently. “This is a matter of galactic security.”
Tali looked unsure. “I was waiting for the Shadow Broker...”
Saren interrupted. “The Shadow Broker ordered you killed, you little fool. We’re your best chance of survival now.”
Still hesitant, but nodding slightly, Tali lifted her omni tool. Immediately, a single, cold voice began to speak.
“All geth units, this is Control. Outlying units are to commence immediate offensive actions around the Shadow Sea, Exodus and Artemis Tau clusters. This will draw Citadel and Alliance forces away from the main force on Feros, and the advanced projects on Noveria and...”
“It cuts out there for a little bit.” Tali explained. “But there’s more.”
“Do what you must. Now leave me.” Shepard instructed her as she turned to Kaidan.
The biotic massaged his forehead with a grimace. Shepard noticed. “Your migraines?”
“Getting worse.” Kaidan admitted. “I prefer spending time down in the drive core...the ambient noise makes things a little more bearable.”
“I understand. I can move down there later.” Shepard turned away. “Are the reports true? Did the marine who accessed the beacon survive?”
“Unfortunately, yes. My contact also informed me that she was seen in the company of Spectre Saren Arterius.” Kaidan moved up behind her, slowly planting a kiss on her neck. “Shall I order a battlegroup to ambush the Normandy?”
Shepard flinched. “That would mean killing Anderson.”
Kaidan paused for a second, almost panicking. Anderson...Joker, his friends...how could he have forgotten about...
“Put out feelers through the Shadow Broker.” Shepard informed him bluntly. “He’ll come in line once he realises what’s about to happen. I want this marine dead...Saren too. And if Liara’s mother gets in the way...”
“I understand.” Kaidan’s hands snaked their way around her hips. “Will there be anything else?”
In a second, her mind flashed through all the necessary tasks yet to be done before the Return. She could not think of any.
THEN YOU MAY TAKE YOUR REST AND PLEASURE. EXCELLENT WORK.
She surrendered into Kaidan’s embrace.
-----------------------------------
“I have it!” Benezia looked pleased with herself as she pulled up the documents on the interface. “My daughter’s first thesis, on the possible reality of Prothean mythology. She surmises that Ilos was indeed a real world, painted as a fairy tale castle in order to disguise it from potential enemies. Now we know that they were these ‘Reapers’.”
“Did your daughter write anything else?” Ashley was hoping for something a little more...like a map to the damn place.
“Much more.” Benezia nodded enthusiastically. “She theorises that the Muu Relay, also known as the ‘Great White Missing’ by some cultures, was the only relay by which Ilos could be reached. As a consequence, when it was lost or hidden, all contact to Ilos could be terminated.”
“So we’re still no closer.” Saren stood up from his chair. “This is a waste of time.”
“You will sit down, and you will listen.” Benezia didn’t even bother to glare at him, her tone was not one that brooked argument. “If my daughter’s research was correct, then only two pieces are needed to lay a road toward Ilos. The exact co-ordinates of the system, and the location of the Muu Relay.”
“And can you get those for us?”
Benezia frowned. “We’ll have to see. Give me a few hours, then we’ll talk.”
Saren wanted to point out that a few hours was a nebulous amount of time...but debating the Matriarch in regards to her timing was a waste of it. The asari just didn’t seem to understand the concept of meeting a deadline. Thousand year lifespans were clearly not good for an individual’s sense of urgency.
Ashley followed him out of the library. “You know, I think I like her more than I like you.”
“I don’t think it’s possible for me to state how little I care.” Saren replied brusquely, hoping she would shut up. “If your species cared more about solving problems than getting along with people, your grandfather might not have shamed your name at Shanxi.”
“Y’know, I think you’re twisting history a bit.” Ash shot back. “He surrendered because you were dropping shells from orbit on anything that moved. An illegal tactic in Citadel space, I’m told.”
“The laws mean nothing if they get in your way.”
“So you get to break them whenever you want...but call humanity reckless and irresponsible if we even bend them?” Williams did that odd human thing with her right eyebrow. “Care to explain that one.”
“Easy. Humanity is weak and unstable, I am not.”
Williams took a step back, as if seeing him for the first time. “Wow...an arrogant prick AND a colossal hypocrite, all in the one bundle. I’m impressed.”
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Ashley leaned close, baring her teeth slightly. “Name the time and the place, split-jaw. I’ll be waiting.”
Amazing. Less than five days, and he already hated her as much as he hated Shepard.
He opened his mouth to order her back to the ship...but the words were never heard.
“Chief Williams? Is that you?” A brown skinned, bearded human was approaching them rapidly. “Ashley?”
The woman’s anger faded instantly. “Samesh? What are you doing here?”
“Ashley...it’s Nirali. They will not give me her body.” The man was almost in tears. “They...they...”
“Samsesh, calm down.” Ashley rested a hand on his shoulder. “Tell me what happened. Who won’t give you her body?”
“Alliance men. Not soldiers, politicians. Bureaucrats.” Samesh took a deep breath. “Clerk Bosker...he’s the man who told me that they’re holding her body. They won’t even tell me why. They say it is classified.”
Ashley’s eyes became very cold. “Where can I find him?”
Saren just rolled his eyes. “Humans.”
-----------------------
“Clerk Bosker?”
The young human turned around to see a human and a turian standing behind him. “Yes? How may I...?”
Ashley’s fist sunk into his stomach. The man doubled over, wheezing in pain and surprise. “What...?”
“Now that I’ve said hello, we need to talk.” Ashley cracked her knuckles. “You’re holding the body of a very good friend of mine, PFC Nirali Bhatia. You’re going to return her to her husband...immediately.”
“You don’t understand...” Bosker retreated a step. “The biotics that killed her were beyond anything we’ve ever...”
Ashley kicked him in the kneecap. “I’m sorry, did I ask what you needed her body for? I said to give it back.”
“You...can’t do this...this is illegal.” Bosker gasped as he fell to the floor. Winding up, Ashley kicked him in the stomach again.
“Tell you what, what concerns you more, that my actions are illegal, or that I’m about to break every bone in your body?”
“Security!” Bosker called weakly.
“Spectre business!” Saren announced as he watched Williams work with detatched amusement. “Go back to your drinks.”
“Alright...alright.” Bosker coughed, squinting in pain. “I’ll see her body is returned immediately. In fact, I’ll have it shipped express.”
“Mighty kind of you.” Ashley bent down. “Oh, and if I ever here of you keeping families away from their honoured dead, I’ll bring an entire platoon of jarheads up here, and you can play word games with them, how’s that?”
Bosker just nodded dumbly.
-------------------------
“Thank you, Ashley.” Samesh enveloped the marine in a bear hug. “Nirali said you were an honourable woman. She always was an excellent judge of character.”
Ashley had no words for him. Nothing she could think of. “What will you do now?”
“I shall go back home, to Earth. I shall bury her body properly.” Samesh bowed his head. “After that...I do not know.”
Ashley nodded. “Samesh...just know that she loved you...more than anything.”
He nodded. “I know. It does not bring me happiness...but it does bring me peace. Be well.”
Saren stared with odd fascination as the grieving man departed. “Human grief processes never cease to amaze me. Such a display would not be tolerated on Palaven.”
Ashley was learning not to get angry at his barbs. “Yeah, that’s because you guys lose so many soldiers, it’s not a shock when another one drops dead.”
“Perhaps, perhaps.” Saren glanced at his omni-tool. “Anyway, we’d better hurry.”
“For what?”
“I will not allow you to continue endangering this mission with second rate equipment.” Saren replied, his tone bored. “If I have to drag you along, you will be properly armed.”
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So Jenkins will be on Feros, Liara on Noveria. I'm curious what Ash will do if she gets her paws on either Jenkins or Kaidan.
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Saren shoved a rifle into her arms. “You don’t need to have a breakdown over it. Here. Spectre HMWA X. Pick up any other gear you want. I’m paying.”
His generosity caught Ashley off guard. “Well...thanks.”
“Don’t thank me.” Saren advised her. “This is so I don’t get killed because your Alliance issue gear mucks up on the battlefield and leaves me vulnerable.”
Aaand boom, the asshole was back. “Gee, what a pal.”
----------------------------------
“Our first task,” Saren explained as he set a brisk pace along the Citadel corridors. “Is clearly the pursuit of Shepard. But in the meantime, we have a secondary assignment. Think of it as...a sidequest.”
“A sidequest?” Ashley’s grin was subdued, but noticeable. “Do you keep a journal and an inventory while you’re at it?”
Saren paused to look at her. “I don’t understand...”
“Never mind.” Ashley shook her head. “Bad joke. Carry on.”
“The geth attacked us for a reason, and I want to know what it is.” Saren indicated a sleazy looking bar across the way. “The man who owns that bar, ‘Fist’, is a contact for the Shadow Broker. Anything you want, the Shadow Broker can get...for a price.”
“So we want to know why the geth have come out of the Perseus Veil?”
“Yes and no.” Saren led the way inside. “We want to know where the geth have been spotted. The actual location of their incursions tells us much more than any theoretical goals. From that we should...”
“Be able to deduce what they’re looking for.” Ashley nodded. “OK, makes sense.”
“Exactly.” Saren paused to take a look at the dancers for a second. Ashley snorted.
“Well, at least that much transcends species.”
“What? I’m merely appreciating the...aesthetics.” Saren smirked slightly. “Come on. I already made the appointment.”
Rounding the circle of the bar, they walked into something...unexpected.
“Where’s the quarian, Fist?” A turian in blue and black C-Sec armour towered over a human with close cut hair.
“Look, Garrus, there’s really no need for this.” The human spread his arms wide. “Come on, we’ve done business before, and you know that I deliver. So why don’t you settle back and have some drinks while I look for the quarian?”
“No good, Fist.” The turian snarled. “You promised her to me by today. I can smell the fear on you. Your boss come through with new instructions?”
“Hey, I’ve got to eat as well.” Fist shrugged. “Trust me, the quarian gone solves a whole lot of problems for everyone, you included. Don’t tell me you haven’t thought about your 401 K recently. Retirement’s tough on a C-Sec salary.”
“You’re trying to bribe me?” Garrus took a step closer. “I didn’t think you were that stupid, Fist. You’re coming up to headquarters with me, and then you’re going to point out where your thugs took the quarian. Do anything else, and I’ll have an armed response team storm this place and drag you out in shackles.”
Fist just sighed. “Damn. I was hoping you’d be smarter than this. Alright, come into my office and we’ll fix this up right now. Hell, the Broker won’t mind if I let you have some skinny quarian...”
“The Broker minds everything, Fist.” Saren walked across the floor, leaving Ashley standing by the bar. “And while the rookie might not be aware, I know that there are two heavy turrets at the back of your office. Thinking of doing some cop-killing?”
Fist smiled awkwardly. “Saren, old buddy. You look good. Lost some weight?”
“Keep wriggling.” Saren advised. “My grip’s only going to get tighter.”
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Out of the corner of his eye, Saren saw the bar’s krogan bouncer reaching for his shotgun. The turian went for his pistol.
A stream of high velocity rounds from a Spectre grade handgun streamed from the bar behind him, hitting the krogan in the face and tearing most of it off. Williams was already moving as she repositioned herself for a second burst of fire.
Saren and the cop both threw themselves out of the way as they drew their own sidearms, Saren suppressing the remaining bodyguards with rapid fire, while the cop steadily fired his slow, powerful Raikou.
If the thugs had learned to shoot better, or had their barriers been higher grade, or had their reflexes been faster, then the fight would not have gone so well. Unfortunately for the thugs, their aim was pathetic, their barriers were the cheapest that money could buy, and their reflexes were sub-standard at best.
Fist looked around in disgust at his dead bodyguards. “Sure, why don’t you go kill a Spectre, he says. It’ll be easy, he says. What a load of crap.”
The cop raised his pistol. “The quarian, now.”
“Sure, sure.” Fist raised his hands. “Alleyway, just off the markets. She’s alone. My men are supposed to be meeting her there in a few minutes.”
“Now, that wasn’t so hard, was it?” The cop returned sarcastically.
“Who’s the quarian?” Saren turned to the cop. “And why is she important? More to the point, who are you?”
“Sir, Detective Garrus Vakarian, Citadel Security.” The cop nodded respectfully. “I’m part of a task force looking into the recent geth incursions. The quarian showed up on the Citadel this morning, looking for a Shadow Broker rep, looking to sell info about it. I’ve been tracking her all day.”
“In that case, we should probably get going.” Saren turned back to Fist and shot him through the head.
Ashley and Garrus blinked in unison, staring in surprise as Fist’s body toppled over. The turian found his voice first. “What did you do that for?”
“Due process is for those whose innocence can be proven.” Saren holstered his pistol. “He was guilty.”
“What lawbook is that written in?” Ashley snarked as the Spectre turned to leave the bar.
“Like many of the best laws, it is unwritten.”
----------------------------------
Tali looked around at the dead bodies of the would be assassins. Only two of them had died by her hand. “That was...thank you.”
“Don’t mention it.” Ashley lowered her pistol, glaring at Saren. “I only did it because SOMEBODY was wondering whether it wouldn’t be more efficient to let you get killed and then take the info off your body.”
Saren shrugged. “It would have saved conversation. You are the quarian looking for the Shadow Broker? The one with information on the geth?”
Tali nodded. “Yes. Yes I am.”
“How did you get it?” Ashley’s eyebrows narrowed in suspicion. “Sorry, but I’ve been shot at quite a bit more than I’m used to in the past few weeks...”
“Oh, I snuck up on a geth raiding party. Hit one of the stragglers with a jamming programme that prevented him from deleting his memory core.” Tali held up her omni-tool.
“Could you share what you have?” Garrus asked urgently. “This is a matter of galactic security.”
Tali looked unsure. “I was waiting for the Shadow Broker...”
Saren interrupted. “The Shadow Broker ordered you killed, you little fool. We’re your best chance of survival now.”
Still hesitant, but nodding slightly, Tali lifted her omni tool. Immediately, a single, cold voice began to speak.
“All geth units, this is Control. Outlying units are to commence immediate offensive actions around the Shadow Sea, Exodus and Artemis Tau clusters. This will draw Citadel and Alliance forces away from the main force on Feros, and the advanced projects on Noveria and...”
“It cuts out there for a little bit.” Tali explained. “But there’s more.”
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Seriously, I cannot wait for more!!!
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