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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6104 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or it's characters. They belong to Bioware and EA. No money/profit is made by me from this.

Chapter List
- 16
- 17
- 18
Another chapter that was written within less than two or three day.

Don't want to spoil anything so Ill let you read.

Chapter 17

The Enemy of our Enemy

Alaara had felt it best to simply take it easy until Austin recovered. News that the leader of the resistance was alive and recovering had at least been some good news, especially now.

News had already reached Alaara that Takaal scouts had been spotted during several Reaper invasions. An N7 special forces unit had also run into a squadron. Four of them went in, and only two made it out.

As had been predicated, most Cerberus troops had joined the Takaal and so they were still out fighting in the field. They didn't help much. Compared to Takaal soldiers, they seemed like trainees. The difference was that big.

Currently, Alaara was stood at the galaxy map debating on what to do. The Quarians were next on the list for the resistance, but the Asari dared not try it while Shepard was still recovering. He was a much better negotiator than she was and he was the leader. Last thing she wanted to do was make a choice that he wouldn't. It was better to simply wait. At the same time though, that then left Alaara wondering what should be done until then.

Her contemplation was then interrupted by Traynor.

"Captain, I found something you need to see."

"What have you got?"

"As you predicted, a whole bunch of Cerberus scientists who weren't indoctrinated cut ties with Cerberus and fled. Perhaps the appearance of The Takaal made them realise they were on the wrong side." Traynor explained. "We don't know what they were researching, but they were among the Illusive Man's top scientists. They could be a valuable asset to the resistance."

"If we can trust them." said Alaara.

"This was an isolated, high-level cell. It's unlikely they knew what Cerberus was really doing, or that they were secretly working for the Takaal." said Traynor.

"Have there been any attempts to contact the scientists?" Alaara asked.

"So far, the Helldivers and the Alliance have been unable to find them, but they're searching... as are what's left of Cerberus and the Takaal. Despite the loss of the Illusive Man, they're still using the same comm channels. The Takaal are untraceable altogether, but it's better than nothing." said Traynor. "Anyway, I've charted a signal frequency from various Cerberus cells by location. and cross referenced known ship movements..."

"You found them?" Alaara asked, rather impressed and surprised at the same time. Traynor definitely was good.

"I believe so, yes." the comm specialist replied.

"Nice work. Put it on the map. We can get there and pull them out quickly." Alaara replied.

"Thanks for your time, Captain." Traynor saluted.

"Samantha... Shepard chose well when he picked you." said Alaara supportingly.

"Thank you... Alaara." Samantha couldn't help but smile.

As the Normandy was en route to the scientists, Sarah had a bit of time to herself. Chakwas had promised her that Austin would recover, so there was very little to worry about. Besides, he'd survived much worse than getting stabbed. Hell, he'd come back from the dead.

Traynor of course had also been there to comfort. It was amazing how easily their roles could be reversed under certain circumstances. Mostly Sarah was the more confident one in the relationship, but sometimes it became the opposite.

As Sarah simply lay relaxed on the couch, her omni tool suddenly beeped. She had a message.

Interesting. Mostly Austin got the messages around here. Sarah could only imagine this was important if it had been sent to her. Usually she only got messages regarding her N7 forces out in the field, but from the looks of things it was a social message.

From: James Vega

Hey, Commander.

Just wondering if you've got some time in the near future. Nothing critical, just wanted to chat.

Vega.

Sarah figured it wouldn't hurt to pass the time with a little talk. She had an established a good little friendship with James due to them both being in the Alliance. He seemed to look up to her in the same way he looked up to her brother. Sarah could tell that Vega was watching and learning with the both of them.

"James, I've got some time if you want to talk privately." she said into her omni tool.

"On my way."

James walked in a few minutes later.

"Hey. How's it going?" he asked friendlily.

"Good, James. You?" Sarah replied.

"Good. Good." James replied. "You sure you're okay? I mean, with your brother in the med bay..."

"Trust me, James. He's been through far worse, and I've been assured he'll be fine. There's not much for me to be worried about." Sarah smiled, appreciating James' concern.

"Had a feeling you'd say that." James smiled as he then started to admire Sarah and Samantha's quarters. "Wow, so this is what I can look forward to when I get my own command."

"My brother's is better. But yeah." Sarah shrugged. "So you want your own ship?"

"Yeah, maybe one day, when I'm old and I can't fight worth shit anymore."

"You just come up here to make fun?"

"Sorry, Shepard. Err... I mean..." James stuttered a bit. "Hell, it's difficult thinking of how to call you differently."

"Just stick to Commander if you want." said Sarah, trying to hold back a snigger.

"Sure. I guess maybe I've got some things on my mind. I wanted to get your opinion on something."

"Shoot."

"What'd you do when they asked you to join the N7 program?" James asked.

"Isn't this a question better suited for my brother?" Sarah replied.

"Maybe. But he's not in the Alliance or the N7 anymore." said James.

This wasn't entirely true of course. Austin was still in the N7 program, it was just unofficial, so therefore James didn't know about it.

"So you decided you'd come to me instead?" Sarah asked.

"Why not? You're just as good an example as your brother. I felt you'd be the better person to ask." said James. "Was it a no-brainer for you, or did you think about it before accepting?"

"The N7 program is a big deal, but it's also a big commitment." said Sarah.

"I hear that."

"You get the best training, best equipment, and best assignments that the Alliance has to offer." said Sarah, almost proudly.

"And they expect the best in return." said James.

"Yes they do. Why you asking?" Sarah inquired curiously.

"Well, even with all the shit that's going on... somebody somewhere managed to track me down and forward an N7 commendation. It's dated the same day the Reapers attacked Earth." James explained.

"You don't sound too thrilled." said Sarah.

"Well, aside from the fact there won't be an N7 program if we don't win this war, I just... Being a soldier's the only thing I've ever been really good at. And not 'came I try. Hell, I'd have kicked my ass out years ago." Said James. "Last time I had a command, I lost almost everyone. And they promoted me for it. I guess I'm just not sure if I'm ready to lead again. I don't know if I want that responsibility." said James.

"You can't blame yourself for being put in a tough situation. And if you were promoted, then something must've gone right." said Sarah supportingly.

"Sure, but..."

"If you'd saved them all, would things have worked out better?" Sarah asked.

"I... I don't know. I don't think so." James replied.

"The right choice is usually not the easy one." as my brother often says." said Sarah.

"Yeah..." said James. "Did you know that before you joined the N7?"

"Yeah. That's why they asked my brother before me, then myself, and now you." Sarah replied. "There's not a single N7 that hasn't sacrificed themselves or their soldiers, at some point."

"So you think I should accept?" James asked.

"That's up to you ultimately." said Sarah. "But if you want my opinion personally, you're a damn good soldier, Vega. Don't waste that opportunity."

"I'll think about it. Seriously." said James. "If you don't mind, maybe don't mention this to anyone else."

"Of course not."

"Gracias. Well, I think I better get back to the hanger. Things here are just a little too soft for me. No offence."

"None taken, Vega."

"Thanks, Sarah."

"Anytime, James."

For this mission, Alaara had decided against brining everyone as she sometimes did whenever she was in command. Didn't want to scare the scientists with a whole squad of Helldivers. For this mission, she's chosen her wife, Sandra, Leena and Kraan. Tech, comms, and heavy weapons would probably be needed in this fight, plus she topped it off with her own biotics.

There was actually a fourth squad mate in the shuttle with them as well, but they didn't know her since she was using a cloak.

Kasumi did have to admit that she was rather impressed that she had managed to go this long without being detected. Not to mention that she had managed sneak onto the most advanced ship in the galaxy without anyone noticing or her accidentally setting of an intruder alert. Either their security was flawed, which she had to admit was very unlikely, are she was better at her job than even she thought.

She had got bored recently of working on the Crucible and so had decided to take a little break and maybe try a little mission with the old gang. She did have to admit that she maybe could've picked a better time to come aboard. Seeing Austin on the medbay with a bandage over his chest with Liara sat next to him and holding his hand while they both slept made her feel a bit disheartened. A slightly awkward memory of her spying on them both while they made love in the show unfortunately found a way to creep back into her mind, but she was able to repress it. Having overheard conversations that Austin would be alright at least did make her a bit happier.

The Thief had been a little cross at the fact that Jacob still wasn't back on board. Miranda was, yet her boyfriend was nowhere to be found. It did make her a bit worried. She'd already lost on lover in her lifetime, she would hate to lose another.

Nevertheless, Kasumi turned her thoughts back to now. What she would do was stay cloaked the entire time and just provide a bit of assistance without being detected. She didn't want Alpha to accidentally think they had a guardian angel watching over them. Might get the wrong message across.

"What's the word? Do we know how long these scientists have been holed up out there?" Alaara asked.

"Not much in the mission brief." Sandra replied.

"Ma'am, I'm picking up chatter from a Cerberus squad engaging the supply depot." said Cortez.

"Engaging the scientists?" Alaara asked.

"And if I'm reading it right, sounds like more troops are on the way... along with a small platoon of Takaal soldiers." Cortez replied.

"Okay, set us down, then get out of here. We need those scientists alive."

The Hellhound gently settled down and everyone gently jumped out.

"No wonder Cerberus abandoned this place. If it weren't' for these suits, we'd be freezing." said Sandra.

The whole base was being bombarded with Cerberus troops. It was quite surprising that there were still this many with their leader dead. Alaara had thought that most of them would've perished when Cronus station was destroyed.

With the trooper's attention being focused on the scientists, that did at least mean that Alpha had the element of surprise on their side.

Sure enough, the troopers had no idea what hit them, especially since Kraan charged into them like a massive battering ram and Leena deployed a turret that shot the down almost instantly. Any left overs were no problem for Alaara and Sandra to take care of.

"What did these people do to bring this down on their heads?" Kasumi wondered.

She had to admit this all seemed very extreme for a couple of defectors. Was there more to this?

As Alpha secured the area, they found one of the allies was wounded, but at least. As Alaara knelt down to check on him however she found a most surprising face looking back at her.

"Jacob?"

"Alaara?"

Even Kasumi couldn't believe her eyes. There was Jacob, visible as clearly as she saw the others. The Thief felt her heart soar at the realisation that her new lover was okay. It was very hard now to resist the temptation to uncloak and give him a kiss along with a huge hug.

"How bad is it?" Alaara asked as she looked at the wound in Jacob's wound.

"I'll live... I think." Jacob groaned.

"This is Brynn. If you can hear me, come in." Alaara suddenly heard. "Is there anyone there?"

It was coming from a dropped comm. Sandra immediately picked it u and handed it to her wife.

"This is Captain Alaara T'onrak of Helldiver Squad Alpha. The enemy is clear. Open the door." she said.

"Is Jacob there?" Brynn asked.

"I'm here, Brynn." Jacob replied.

The doors opened to reveal another Ex-Cerberus scientist.

"Jacob. Are you alright?" she asked concernedly.

"I'm all right. The others didn't make it." Jacob replied as Alaara helped him inside.

"What are you doing here?" Alaara asked.

"I'm supposed to be protecting these people from Cerberus." said Jacob.

"Are they gone?" the woman asked.

"For now. But they'll be back, and they'll be bringing friends." said Leena.

"Sure you're okay?" Sandra asked, notching that Jacob did look like he was struggling against his injury.

"Yeah. I'll walk it off." said Jacob, trying to hide his pain. "Save my life one more time, and I'll start owing Shepard."

"This one's on the house." said Alaara.

"Where is Shepard anyway? You only lead the squad whenever he's unable to." Jacob asked, his tone now taking on one of concern.

"He's recovering from an injury he sustained when he took down Cerberus. I'm in temporary command until he recovers." Alaara explained. "But don't worry, he's fine. He's never been that easy to kill, we of all people know that."

"No kidding." said Jacob. "Well, at least you're here. Alaara, this is Doctor Brynn Cole. She's in charge here."

"There've been stories going around that you took down Cerberus and killed the Illusive Man. Is that true?" Brynn asked as she and Alaara shook hands.

"It is. The Illusive Man's dead. What's left of Cerberus has either defected like you or joined the Takaal." said Alaara.

"So that's what those insect things are called." said Jacob.

"You've run into some?" Kraan asked. "Damn. Knew we were missing the fun."

"A few scouts were with the Cerberus troopers. They retreated and left them to do all the work. With the troopers dead though, they'll probably be back." said Jacob.

"You made a smart choice running. The Illusive Man may be dead, but his replacement is even worse. If he can't control it, he'll destroy." said Sandra.

"The brain trust here has to be a significant loss for him." said Jacob.

"You had to know they were going to find you. The Takaal are hunters, as well as warriors." said Alaara.

"It's a smart bunch. We covered our bases." said Brynn.

"Time to evacuate." said Leena.

"Agreed. Just need to get the AA guns on the roof back online. They're jamming them somehow." said Jacob. "With those guns down they'll just blow our escape shuttles out of the sky."

"Might be the network link." Brynn suggested.

"I'll check and meet you upstairs." said Jacob, limping towards the stairs.

"Jacob, you should get that wound looked at." said Alaara.

"I'm good. I mean, I will." said Jacob.

"Captain, I should see to my people. Join me upstairs when you can." said Brynn.

"You haven't changed, Jacob. Always the tough man I grew to love." Kasumi thought to herself.

As the group proceeded through the base, they found another familiar face among the Ex Cerberus scientists. This one however was not a welcome one.

"I recognise you." he said. "You're part of Major Shepard's squad. Dr Gavin Archer, we met..."

"We remember." Alaara interrupted bitterly.

No one on the Normandy could ever forget about Project Overlord. It had been something that always followed the mind and never stopped following.

"Yes, well, at least after Shepard took my brother to Grissom Academy, I tried putting that behind me." said Archer. "I don't suppose you have news from there? I've heard rumours the Academy is in trouble."

"We were at Grissom Academy. Cerberus tried abducting the students, but they're okay. Your brother was among them. He's okay." said Alaara. Despite what he had done, she felt he did at least deserve to know David was safe.

"Oh, thank god. Captain... you have no idea what that means." said Archer with relief.

"It's a little late to start worrying about his safety now." said Sandra as she folded her arms.

"I never stopped." said Archer. "I know you think I'm a monster. And you're right. Not a day goes by where my dreams aren't haunted by what I did to David. All I can do now is hope that one day he forgives me."

"What are you doing here?" Leena asked.

"I strayed too far from the path. This was my only refuge. As a boy, I wanted to be a scientist remembered for doing right by the world-curing a disease, or discovering a new element. Not a monster who tortured his own brother." said Archer.

"What did you say to the Illusive Man? Before he was killed, I mean." Alaara asked.

"I told him if his intention was to work with the devil, he only had to look in the mirror. I wanted out of his nightmare." Archer replied.

"He just let you go?" Sandra asked in surprise.

"If it had been that easy, I wouldn't be hiding here." said Archer. "Every Cerberus soldier in the galaxy, or at least what's left of them, has orders to shoot me on sight."

"What happened to Project Overlord?" Leena asked.

"After Alpha's intervention, the Illusive Man insisted I find another test subject. Someone which shared my brother David's "abilities." I couldn't bear the thought of reliving the nightmare. So I destroyed all of my research-Overlord is no more." said Archer.

"We have to go, and we're not even going to pretend it was good to see you again." said Alaara.

"I understand. But tell Shepard... Thank you for saving David. Both times." said Archer.

"...And make sure those samples from Project Mia get out on the second shuttle." said Brynn as they made their way in to the main control centre.

"I've already dropped one box, my hands were shaking so hard." said the scientist Brynn was speaking to.

"We're going to make it." she said supportingly.

"What's the status of the guns?" Alaara asked.

"Still waiting. I have my best people on it." Brynn replied.

"How many scientists are here?" Sandra asked.

"Forty-three, plus research assistants." said Brynn.

"You ran with over forty people? Big target." said Kraan.

"When you fear for your life, there's a lot you can do." said Brynn.

"Brynn, I can't possibly dismantle the genetic amplification components in time." said another scientist.

"I'm sorry, Dr Baynar. It's important work, but right now you need to tend to your family." said Brynn.

"Wait. There are families here? Children?" Alaara asked in surprise.

"That just upped the ante." said Leena. "This escape will have to be carefully executed."

"I'd hoped...we tried so hard to make sure it wouldn't come to this." say Brynn.

At that moment, Jacob then limped in.

"What's the news?" Alaara asked.

"Can't tell- I only know I can't fix it from here. I'm going to the roof." Jacob replied. "Cerberus landed a shuttle there couple of minutes ago and a Takaal soldier's with 'em You in?"

"Jacob, you're injured. We'll fix the guns." said Leena.

"No way. These are my people, I'm going." said Jacob.

"Just because you survive one suicide mission, doesn't mean you get two." said Alaara.

"Fine. But I'm going to talk you through it from here. Cerberus is probably jamming the satellite link." said Jacob. "Radio me when you've found the controls., and I'll give you the override code."

"Will do."

Before they went for the roof, there was at least time to talk with Jacob. They found him the stations' medbay. A doctor was looking at him and he was having omni gel applied to the wound in his side.

"You okay? How've you been?" Alaara asked.

"Give us a minute?" Jacob asked as the doctor left. "This is crazy. Was beginning to think I'd never see any of you guys again."

"I know the feeling. So how'd you end up out here? With the war on, I would've thought the Arkanes would've had you doing something else." Alaara asked.

"Long story. It was an opportunity I couldn't resist for people I came to care about." said Jacob.

"You seem good. You look good."

"These are great people. Defending their ideals. I like it. I think I found what I'm meant to do."

"Anything you had on Cerberus we should know about?"

"Nothing you don't already know. Besides, doubt it would help now. All that's left of them is the few remnants now working for the Reaper's servants." Jacob replied. "You ever wonder how it all went wrong? I mean... was I blind? I remember him being an idealist. How come I couldn't see the evil?"

"Don't beat yourself up. And if you ever get that crystal ball working, give us a heads-up, 'cause we'd love to know how this all plays out." said Alaara.

"Right."

"How long have you known Brynn?" Sandra asked.

"We met through a mutual friend in the Mumbai cell. Guess I've known her a year. We had a lot in common... Then she came to me about her missing colleagues. Asked for my protection, my help finding a place to run to. How could I say no?"

"Who is she to you?"

"Just a friend. You remember Kasumi and I became an item during our mission against the Collectors?"

"You two are still together?"

"We have been trying to stay in contact. And I would like to think that she's out there somewhere waiting for me to come back."

Kasumi nearly fainted from hearing that. After all this, Jacob still wanted to be with her as much as she wanted to be with him.

"We should focus on getting these people out of here." said Alaara.

"You bet. Let's get to it."

Sure enough, there were several Cerberus soldiers surrounding the access terminal for the dish. As expected of course, Alpha tour through them like tissue paper.

"Leena, do you're thing." said Alaara.

"I'm on it. Keep me covered." said Leena as she started working on the terminal. "Surprisingly old system. No wonder Cerberus jammed it so easily."

"Can you fix it?" Alaara asked.

"Please. Remember who you're talking to." Leena replied.

"That's my line." Kasumi thought.

"Jacob? Dish should be back online now." said Leena as she finished working.

"Affirmative. But the guns are still down. You'll need to manually activate them. Head back to the front of the facility." said Jacob.

At that moment, more Cerberus troops arrived.

"Call for reinforcements!" one of them said.

Several large meteorite objects suddenly crashed down on the base near where the troopers were.

"Reinforcements arriving!"

Several large figures rose out of crash site of each one. At first Alpha simply though they were just a bunch of husks, but they were wrong.

The smoke cleared to reveal several Takaal soldiers.

They had the exact same Takaal look as Skarlack did. Unlike their leader though they had no second set of arms, and nor did they were robes. They also carried guns that did somehow resemble the weapons used by the Collectors. And it seemed these weapons fired dark green lasers.

"That's not good." said Sandra quickly going into cover.

"Tell us something we don't know." said Kraan.

True to the reports, the Takaal soldiers were immensely superior to the Cerberus troops. They fought better, they were way more vicious, aggressive and much harder to kill. They'd been trained well also as they seemed to fight with coordination that rivalled a Helldiver's all too well. Kraan only just managed to avoid a well-aimed laser bolt aimed at his head.

"Oh no, you did not shoot that green shit at me!" he yelled back, emptying an entire clip into a Takaal soldier.

"Your flesh is inferior to us." one of the soldiers taunted.

"You talk too much." said Leena as she snuck up behind that soldier and cut its head of with her tomahawk.

The good thing at least about the soldier was that they didn't seem to have the ability to teleport like Skarlack did. The synthesis of course made them almost impossible to kill. Alaara sound found however that taking off the head was a much quicker way of killing them without wasting ammunition.

This was very new to Kasumi. She'd heard the occasional story or two about the Takaal, but seeing them in person and seeing them fight so viciously that they were giving Alpha a run for their money was a bit scary.

The Thief was eventually able to regain her senses when a laser bolt hit near to where she was. A lone Takaal soldier then suddenly looked in her directions and opened fire. She only just managed to get out of the way.

Still though the Takaal fired at her. How could it see her?! Her cloak was on! Then again, maybe the synthesis gave them the ability to see cloaked enemies as well.

A thought then hit Kasumi. If these things were part synthetic, maybe some tech attacks could affect them in some way.

Success! An overload managed to momentarily stun the soldier and Kasumi quickly emptied her gun into its head.

She then suddenly spotted another soldier that had Sandra pinned. Forgetting that she was meant to be keeping a low profile, she fired several shots at the Takaal which hit it in the back, causing its attention to shift to her, much to Sandra's confusion since she couldn't see the shooter who'd just saved her.

The soldiers didn't seem to care at all for the Cerberus troopers either as they either walked right over them if they were dead, struck them down if they were wounded, and even threw them in to the lien of fire. Hardly surprising though. Most likely they only kept them because they were good tools. A bit like Sovereign and the Geth.

"Enemy on the mounted gun." said Leena as a Cerberus trooper managed to man a turret above them.

"I've got this." said Kraan.

The Krogan charged right at the wall below the turret. He crashed into it so hard that he made the whole thing shake, causing the trooper to fall off and hit the ground so hard he broke his neck.

"And they size doesn't matter. I beg to differ." said Kraan as he finally managed to fall himself out of the massive crater he'd practically made in the wall.

With the enemy dealt with for now, the group quickly made their way up to the guns.

"Failure at junction. Repair and reset." said the controls.

"Cover me. This may take a little longer." said Leena as she began work on fixing the controls.

"Here they come. Get ready." said Alaara as more Takaal and Cerberus troops dropped down from the sky.

"Kill them all!" one of the soldiers yelled.

This time Alpha used their skills to their advantage. Kraan layer down as much heavy fire as he could while Alaara used her biotic shields to protect him from Takaal fire. Leena, who was very good at multitasking deployed two sentry turrets, while she was still fixing the controls, which made short work of the Cerberus troopers and Sandra was even to man the mounted gun they'd been hiding from earlier.

The battle was fierce, but nothing that a bunch of Helldivers couldn't handle. Leena managed to finish the controls just as Kraan squashed the last Takaal soldier's head with his foot.

"Repairs done. Just gotta go power up the guns." said the Quarian.

"Right. Leena, you go ahead with yours, we'll take the other." said Alaara.

Both sides activated the guns simultaneously.

"Power restored. Circuit reset. Guns operational."

"Alaara! AA guns are back online." said Jacob.

"Copy that. Let's get these people out of here."

"Okay. The guns are already picking Cerberus ships out of the sky." said Alaara. "Where are we at?"

"On track. The first shuttle is already loaded with everyone under sixteen." said Jacob.

"Captain, when should we leave? What's our best chance for survival?" Brynn asked.

"Jacob, what do you think? Are we ready?" said Alaara.

"Almost. We could go now. But there's no do overs here." said Jacob.

"Agreed. We've got one shot." said Sandra.

"And we don't want to leave anything behind that could strengthen the Takaal's cause." said Brynn. "Your call."

"All right, let's get these shuttles in the air." said Alaara.

"Evacuation is a go. Evacuation is a go. Stand by for shuttle launch."

"Have the guns punch a hole in the perimeter, then launch shuttle one." said Alaara.

The hanger bay doors opened and the first shuttle flew out. The AA guns immediately fired taking down several Cerberus fighters.

"The first transport is away."

"All right! Everyone here head to the shuttle bay and-" said Alaara, but she was interrupted by a sudden shake and the sound of an explosion.

"A suicide fighter took out one of the guns! Takaal troops are-"

The place shook again and several Takaal soldiers swarmed into the base.

"Get these people out of here!" said Alaara.

Alpha quickly took cover and provided cover fire for the scientists as the Takaal opened fire.

Kraan managed to take cover near a pillar and a lone soldier afield to notice him. The Krogan grabbed the soldier by the legs and smashed him several times on the ground before hoisting it up and bringing it down heard on his knee. The unmistakable sound of spine snapping in two was heard.

"Hmph! They look like bugs, and they break and squish just the same." said the Krogan as he quickly joined the others, managing to gun down two more soldiers.

"Shuttle bay doors have been breached. Attention. Shuttle bay doors have been breached." said the computer.

"Bosh'tets!" Leena cursed as she finished the final Takaal soldier with a shotgun to the face.

"Alaara! Shuttles are loaded. We need you at the landing area to make sure they get away!" said Jacob through the radio.

"We'll meet you down there!" said Alaara. "Clear the shuttle bay first so we can bring the door up. Then get out of the landing pad."

As the group head out of the main room they closed the door behind them. Alaara even tried to barricade it with a crate, but Sandra knew that wouldn't really help.

"Honey, what are you doing?! These guys don't use doors!" she said as she dragged her wife away.

The group ran down to the hanger where bother shuttle was hovering, ready to take off. They quickly gunned down the few Cerberus troopers that were there as they entered.

"Jacob, bring up the main door!" said Alaara.

"Got it, Alaara. Will do." Jacob replied.

"Okay, let's get these people out of here."

The doors opened and the shuttle inside sped away. Ahead lay a small army of both Cerberus and Takaal forces.

"Here we go!"

Alpha grouped together into the diamond formation and stayed close to one another. Alaara also threw up a biotic field around all of them to even their chances. First they needed to amok it to the high ground on the landing area, then they would clear it out and get the hell out of there.

Kraan unloaded thermal clip after thermal clip into any Cerberus or Takaal he caught a glimpse off and Leena was doing the same by using all sort of electrical and tech skills to at least disable or slow them down. Sandra held not her wife's hand and used her telepathic link to the Asari to help. Maintaining the barrier with this much fire hitting it was hard for her. Her wife at least gave her strength.

Kasumi continued to remain cloaked, but she stayed close as well. The constant gunfire made it easy for her to fire as well without the others accidentally noticing her. She made a mental note to herself to not do this again. Clearly Alpha was getting best assignments, but in this war that term often meant worst, most challenging and most dangerous. Still, seeing Jacob again at least had made it worth. If she was lucky, she might even be able to get him alone on the Normandy and they could make up for lost time.

The group finally made it to the high ground.

"Time to go out with a bang." said Leena as she detached the well-known nuke launcher from her back. The same weapon that had been used to kill a Geth Colossus and the human Reaper on the Collector base.

"I like the way you think." Kraan smiled from behind his helmet as Leena handed the weapon to him. Everyone else provided cover fire while Kraan charged the weapon up. After a few seconds, he popped out of cover and aimed the nuke. The army before them only noticed too late what he was carrying.

"Ants, meet boot." said the Krogan.

Kraan fired and the nuke sped at full speed towards the army. It exploded upon impact and vaporised every single one of them.

"Jacob! Landing area cleared!" said Alaara.

"This place is crawling! Bringing the dropship to you!" Jacob replied.

"Roger that!"

A Cerberus shuttle gently touched down and opened up to reveal Jacob and Brynn inside. At the same time, more Takaal and Cerberus troops arrived from out of the hanger having obviously infiltrated from the other entrance. Alaara covered everyone else.

"Take out Alpha!" one of the Takaal yelled as the troops fired on the retreating Helldivers. A shot from an Atlas mech caused Alaara to stumble as she was the final one in.

"Alaara!"

Jacob provided covering fire while helping Alaara back up. He managed to land a straight shot on a Cerberus trooper, who screamed in pain and clutched the wound. Not caring at all however, a Takaal soldier walked right past him, smashing him aside with its arms and causing his head to come off before concentrating fire on them.

A well-aimed shot from Jacob's assault rifle managed to hit a flammable canister, causing the atlas to tumble.

"Okay, let's get out of here." said Sandra.

The shuttle's door closed and it sped off into orbit.

"Out by the skin of our teeth again, hey Alaara?" said Jacob.

"Nice to see you back in action." Alaara panted.

"Yeah, feels good."

"I was afraid we wouldn't get anyone out alive, but because of you, we got almost everyone. Thank you." said Brynn.

"Dr Cole, the leader of the Resistance has a request-one that you can't afford to turn down. We need your help against the Reapers." said Alaara.

"Without a doubt... we're at your service." said Brynn.

"You too, Jacob. We need you too. I think Shepard will even offer you the chance to join the crew again." said Sandra.

"Of course. And if Shepard does will it, I wouldn't mind coming back. These folks will be in safe hands now so they don't really need me anymore." said Jacob.

"We'll be sad to see you go, Jacob. You've been a good friend." said Brynn understandably.

"Same to you, Brynn." Jacob smiled.

"You're in for a hell of a surprise, Jacob." Kasumi smiled, still remaining cloaked.

"Zartrack here."

"We're sending you a large team of scientists." said Alaara.

"I have the dossier." said Zartrack

They're all Cerberus defectors. Keep them safe." said Alaara.

"Will do, and we'll put them straight to work on the Crucible." Zartrack nodded.

"Jacob Taylor was with them. I have a feeling Shepard may ask him to re-join the team." said Alaara.

"Good. I'll let the Arkane Council know of this. Snagging Dr Cole from the Takaal is a coup. Having her on our side could be a huge win for us." said Zartrack.

"The sooner we can get the Crucible finished, the better." said Alaara.

"Agreed. How's Shepard doing?" Zartrack asked.

"He's spent most of today sleeping to let his body recover. Lara's been at his side the whole time." Alaara replied.

"Good to know. His return will be a good sign for all our allies." said Zartrack.

"No argument there. Being in command of all this should ultimately be his job, I prefer to follow." said Alaara. "T'onrak out."

As Alaara made her way down to the med bay, she found a surprising sight visible through the windows. Austin was up!

The Asari quickly walked in to be sure she wasn't seeing things. Sure enough, Austin was sitting on the edge of the medbay as Dr Chakwas examined his wound which now definitely looked slightly more healed. She guessed he needed maybe one more day to fully heal, but overall it was nice to see him awake.

He looked good as well. His skin was a good healthy colour and Liara looked happy too. Being a bond mate herself, Alaara knew that meant that Austin was indeed feeling much better for Liara to be smiling like that.

"Hmm, that's healing very well." said Chakwas as she finished scanning the wound. "I can definitely clear you to leave the med bay now, but I must insist you give it one more day to heal properly before you head back into the fight."

"I suppose that's fair." Austin shrugged.

The Helldiver gently slid himself off the bed until his feet touched the floor. Liara put her arms around him and hugged him tightly before the two kissed.

"Nice to see some things never change." said Jacob as he suddenly entered.

"Jacob! Been too long." said Austin as he noticed the Ex-Cerberus soldier.

"It's nice to be back, Shepard. Your looking good."

"I feel good. Plenty of rest does wonders." said Austin as he pulled on a shirt.

"We've rescued several Ex-Cerberus scientists. They've been sent to asset with the Crucible." said Alaara.

"Good. Very good." said Austin. "Had a feeling I could count on you to continue things until I recovered, Alaara."

"Nothing more than my duty, Shepard." Alaara smiled.

"So, Alaara tells me that she thinks you'll offer me a spot back on the Normandy." said Jacob.

"It's up to you, Jacob." said Austin. "You don't have to, but you're more than welcome back on board if you do."

"Well, I don't' see why not." said Jacob.

"Welcome back to the Normandy then, Mr Taylor." Austin smiled as he and Jacob shook hands.

"Shepard, when this mess is over, drinks are on me." Jacob smiled.

"I'll hold you too it."

"Sir, since you're now back up on your feet, I am happy to recent command of Alpha back to you." said Alaara.

"Good job out there, T'onrak." said Austin proudly.

When Austin had walked back onto the CIC in his uniform there had been a massive cheer from everyone. Since Austin still needed tomorrow to recover, he had simply said that they would get a bit of peace tomorrow, so everyone had plenty of downtime if they wanted before they headed back into the fight. The Quarians were next on the list so it did seem best to be prepared for that.

Jacob's old quarters not he SR3 had of course been kept just as he left them. As the door looked, he took a deep great and simply relaxed as he sat down on the edge of the bed. All that was missing was...

Suddenly and invisible force pushed Jacob down onto the bed and he found his wait pinned by something.

At first his first incentive was to fight back, but then he remembered something.

"Kasumi? Is that you?" he asked hopefully.

"Aw. I'm getting too predictable these days." said Kasumi as she deactivated her cloak and materialised out of nowhere. She looked very happy though to finally be alone with her love.

"How long have been on board?" Jacob asked as he reached up and touched what was visible of Kasumi's cheek under her hood.

"Quite a while actually. I was even down there with you." Kasumi replied.

"And you've been cloaked all this time? You certainly can be strange from time to time." said Jacob.

"And that's why you love me." said Kasumi as she gently moved down and kissed Jacob on the lips.

"You're right." Jacob smiled. "Are you gonna be staying, or is this just a one-time thing?"

"I've done all I can with the Crucible now. Things are rather boring around there. Plus, with you now here, why shouldn't I re-join?" Kasumi replied.

"Risky me fraternising with a stowaway like this, but the prize..." Jacob smiled as he gently pulled down the zipper on Kasumi's outfit.

"Love it when you say that." Kasumi smiled as she lowered her head and began trying to find a way of taking Jacob's shirt off.

There you have it. Kasumi's back to stay. :)

One more chapter before we head to Rannoch. I know a lot of you have anticipation for that since it feature the return of an old enemy that a lot of you have grown to love.

I'll warn everyone right now though that the next chapter will contain sex. Yep. You heard right, after such a long gap there's another sex scene coming up, and I think you will like it. It is partly based of the Kelly one in ME2, and we all know how that one happened.

See you soon! :)
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle