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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6229 -:- 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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Hello again, my friends!
Very little I can say about this, so I'll just say, enjoy!
For those who feel I have been neglecting Miranda for a while in this story will hopefully agree that this chapter is the start of her character improvements.

Chapter 24
The Prodigal
Austin proceeded into Miranda's quarters. The Ex-Cerberus operative immediately took notice of him. Austin wasn't sure if he was correct, but something about Miranda seemed different this time.
"Lawson. EDI said you wanted to see me. What's this about?" he asked.
"Shepard, I find myself in the unpleasant position of asking for your help." Said Miranda. Rather surprisingly, he voice had emotion in it. Even a hint of nervousness. This was very unlike her.
"What do you mean? Is something wrong?" Austin asked sympathetically.
"I don't like discussing personal matters… but this is important." Said Miranda.
"It's okay, I'm listening. Just tell me what you need." Said Austin calmly.
"My father was extremely wealthy. He wanted the ideal daughter, and he paid a great deal to genetically tailor me. When I learned that my father was more interested in controlling a dynasty than raising a daughter, I left." Said Miranda.
"How did your father take that?" Austin asked.
"He was less than pleased. Several of his security guards were injured in the process. He knows not to come after me. But this isn't about me…" Miranda replied.
"I'm still not sure I fully understand though. You where genetically created?" Austin implied.
"It's a long story, Shepard. I'll gladly explain everything to you, but right now this has to be dealt with." said Miranda as she stood up from her desk and walked in front of Austin. "I have a sister. A twin. And he's still hunting her. Cerberus has kept her safe, but now that I no longer work for them, that's stopped. She's living a normal life on Illium, safe and hidden from my father." She said.
"So, why are you sharing the family history with me?" Austin asked.
"My father's agents have been searching for my sister for years. I believe they've tracked her to Ilium. I've tried to keep her hidden, without impacting her life, but I'm out of options. Not to mention that my father has most likely convinced Cerberus to hand her over now that I've defected to your side." Said Miranda. She then leant against her desk.
Austin had to do his best not to stare at Miranda's behind that was sticking out, despite her new armour outfit.
"They're too close. I need to relocate my sister and her family before it's too late." She said.
"What do you know about your sister?" Austin asked.
"She's my genetic twin. We're identical. But she deserves a normal life. And she's going to get it, no matter what." Miranda replied sternly.
"Does your sister's family know about this? Are they okay with being relocated?" Austin asked.
"They know nothing. They're completely uninvolved. Normal. Since Cerberus will no longer look after the family, I've told the Arkane Council. I didn't think they'd help me at first, but they've agreed and are coming up with a positive reason to move the family. They've even said that they'll handle her security from now on. I never thought I'd say this, but I think I can actually trust them." Said Miranda.
"You'll find that both the Arkanes and we Helldivers aren't what Cerberus leads you to believe. Anyway, what do you need me to do? If it was that simple, I doubt you'd be telling me." said Austin.
"My father is extremely persistent. I'd like to go to Illium when the Helldivers are moving the family to make sure none of his agents get too close. I would do it alone, but if the worst comes to pass… basically, I want you to come too. I know you may still not like me, and I know you're squad don't trust me either, but you're the only person I can trust now. You spared my life and Jacob's; I guess I owe you my trust." Said Miranda.
"I appreciate you telling me that. If that is what you wish, I won't disappoint. I've been meaning to go back to Ilium anyway." Said Austin.
"Thank you, Shepard. I appreciate you doing this. My contact's name is Lanteia. She'll be waiting for us in the lounge near the Nos Astra docking bay." Said Miranda.

Austin, Sarah, Miranda and Samara disembarked from the Normandy onto Nos Astra's docking bay once again. Austin comlink bleeped and EDI's holographic avatar once again appeared out of his omni tool as she often did when contacting him and the others.
"I have a message for Ms Lawson, Shepard. Lanteia has reserved a room at Eternity and will be waiting." She said.
"Thank you, EDI." Said Miranda.
The group made their way to Eternity. Just before they entered the bar though, an Asari shouted at them.
"Hey, you! Yeah, you! You! Shepard!" she said angrily. She then walked right to Austin and went to punch him in the face.
"Don't…" Austin went to say, but he didn't say it fast enough.
The Asari's fist hit his helmet with a very loud clang. Naturally of course, the punch didn't hurt at all and Austin didn't' feel a thing. All it did was knock his head to the side very slightly. The Asari on the other hand was not so lucky and she clutched her hand in pain.
"OW! FUCK, MY HAND! THINK I BROKE MY HAND!" she yelled.
"I did try to warn you. Now what the hell did you try to do that for?! I don't even know you!" said Austin.
"Like you don't know? Your friend came into my bar, harassed my people, and tried to get the deed to this place! That crap might fly on Omega, but Ilium has laws! I've got security feeds all over my bar!" said the Asari crossly as she slowly tried to mover her fingers again. Her hand wasn't broken, but she was still in extreme pain.
"My people are on my ship! He's obviously just some person trying to show off. Besides, if he's causing trouble just kick him out!" said Austin defiantly.
"I'm about to. And I suppose that's true, but I'm warning you right now. If you or your group bothers my people again, I'll have you arrested so fast you'll red shift on your way to the prison transport!" said the Asari.
"And if you try to hit my brother again, I'll hit you just as hard!" said Sarah defensively.
"Whatever!" said the Asari as she walked off.
"Wow. She was a bitch." Said Sarah.
"Still, if this so called person is causing trouble in your name, we should check out this bar, Shepard." Said Samara.
"I couldn't agree more. I'd hate to have to explain why that Asari broke her hand from trying to hit me again, or why Sarah gave her a black eye." Said Austin.
"What can I say? No one hits my brother and gets away with it." Sarah shrugged.
"We'll take care of your sister as soon as we've dealt with this, Miranda. I promise. Austin said to Miranda.
Miranda simply nodded in acknowledgement and the group proceeded into the bar. Things looked fine at first, but then they saw who was causing the trouble.
"I'm Commander Shepard's squad mate! Practically second-in-command! You don't want to mess with me!" he said to the Asari bartender. She didn't look afraid of him, in fact she seemed bored.
"Uh-huh." She said, obviously not caring what this man was saying.
"I'm going to save the galaxy! I don't have time for your crap!" he said again.
"Uh-huh." The bartender repeated.
"Oh no." Austin groaned. "Not him again."
He recognized this man now. Even though he was now wearing a set of N7 armour, he was still recognizable as Austin's old fan.
"That's right! Anybody messing with me will answer to my good friend-" he said, he then turned and saw Austin. "Commander Shepard?"
"Hey, if you know this idiot, can you rein him in before I slap his ass with a singularity?" said the bartender.
"Shepard? Is it really you? It's me, Conrad Verner! We met on the Citadel? I wanted to become a spectre?" said Conrad.
"Yes, I remember you." Said Austin coldly. Conrad had been okay to chat to the first two times, but after the third and now this, it was now getting ridiculous.
"You're alive! Oh, this is the happiest day of my life!" said Conrad happily.
"Is it really, Verner?" said Sarah as she came out from behind her brother.
"You? But…" Conrad stuttered.
"Let me make this perfectly clear." Said Sarah as she grabbed Conrad and then kneed him very hard in the stomach. "This is unacceptable."
Conrad slowly got back up, now clutching his stomach and trying to breathe again.
"Ha! Kick 'em in the quad!" the bartender cheered.
"What?!" said Austin, rather surprised that an Asari would say something like that. In fact, that sort of comment sounded more like the sort of thing a Krogan would say.
"Sorry. My father was a Krogan." She said.
That explained it.
"Man, I should've gotten better armour. That really hurts." Conrad wheezed.
"That's for trying to flirt with me 2 years ago, Conrad! You're just lucky my brother's here or I'd have shot you in the foot!" said Sarah crossly.
Austin was rather lost for words at this. He'd never seen Sarah this angry before.
"Get angry if you want, Sarah. But somebody had to do something. Your brother was dead, I stepped up." Said Conrad defensively.
"You've been insulting his memory!" Sarah nearly shouted.
"Sarah, enough! Let me handle this." Said Austin sternly as he put his hand on the N7 marine's shoulder. Sarah reluctantly stepped back. "You tried to flirt with her?"
"Okay, okay, I had that coming. I'm sorry. But I'm so happy to see you; I don't even mind that she hit me. Carrying on the work you started has been so hard, but I've tried to do what you would've wanted." Said Conrad, his mood brightened now that he was talking to his hero again.
"In Alliance armour? You're such an idiot. Speaking of which, how'd you get that armour? They stopped making that model a year ago." Sarah asked.
"Oh, they make some pretty convincing replicas these days, if you're willing to pay. I did try to get some Helldiver amour made, but it was simply impossible. So I felt instead that N7 armour would be the next closest thing. Getting the whole get up was really expensive, but my wife was really supportive. She even paid for my shuttle fair off world!" said Conrad.
Behind them, the Asari bartender groaned and rolled her eyes.
"Give me strength." Austin mumbled under his breath. Even he could clearly see that Conrad's wife had obviously done that in order to get rid of him. Mind you, he couldn't' say that he blamed her.
"Conrad, any decent security system will detect that you aren't in the military much less part of my squad. Impersonation will only get you killed." Said Austin.
"I just say that I'm deep-cover, don't appear on systems, and don't wear Helldiver armour. I'm doing the best I can, okay? You were a hero. You saved the galaxy and showed everyone what humanity and the Helldivers could do… and then you died! The galaxy needed someone like you, Shepard. We all did. I had to do something." Said Conrad.
"Why were you trying to get the deed to this place?" Austin asked.
"This place is actually a front for a red sand dealer. I need to take it over to crack the ring!" Conrad replied, lowering his voice a bit.
"What? Who the hell told you that?" said the bartender.
"The owner of that weapons store near the carport! She's an undercover cop! She told me about it when I introduced myself." Conrad replied.
"Listen, crap-for-brains: first, we don't sell red sand. Second, red sand is legal on Illium! You just need a license." Said the bartender. It really did sound as though she'd had enough of Conrad now. Last thing Austin wanted was for things to get nasty.
"I'll talk to this undercover cop and figure out what's going on." He said.
"Thank you. If I kill annoying customers, it usually causes property damage. That comes out of my pay." Said the bartender.
"Just let me know if you need any help, Shepard!" said Conrad.
He walked off and sat at a nearby table. Everyone watched him go before the Asari bartender turned back to Austin.
"Thanks for taking care of that crazy guy. Saves me having to beat him to death with his own spine. Takes the other customers nervous." she said. "Anyway, this is Eternity, and I'm Aethyta, Asari Matriarch and bartender. Get you anything?"
"You're an Asari Matriarch? I thought Matriarchs served as honoured advisors." Austin asked with surprise. He'd guessed the Asari was old, but he would never have guessed she was that old.
"Right. Which I do at this bar. I know, not what you'd expect. But nobody on Thessia wanted to listen to my wise counsel, so here I am. My dad was a Krogan who fought in the Rachni Wars. My mother fought in the Krogan Rebellions. I've pretty much seen it all." Said Aethyta.
"Your mother fought in the Krogan Rebellions?" Austin asked.
"I don't know whether she "fought." She scouted, sniped a few people, and blew up a couple of space stations. You know, Commando stuff. She'd put the old commando leathers on for special nights with Dad. Goddess, that was embarrassing." Said Aethyta.
"You said your father fought in the Rachni Wars?" Austin inquired. He didn't know why, but it was interesting to hear this Matriarch's story.
"Yeah, when he was young. Loved showing off his war scars. Krogan think they're sexy. Me, I go for asses. When I was a girl, he'd tell me about landing on this poison-filled world and stomping a Rachni queen into muck. The scientists say all that stuff about us getting genetic material from the father is crap. Seems I got a bit of his mouth, though." Said Aethyta.
"If your mother fought in the Rebellions and your father was a Krogan, didn't that cause tension?" Austin asked.
"They didn't meet until a few hundred years after the Turians put the boot in with the damn Genophage. As far as either one knew, they were both just warriors. Dad boasted, Mom stayed quiet. Mom was a Matriarch herself, and Dad was near-on a thousand, when the truth came out." Said Aethyta.
"What happened when he did find out?" Austin asked.
"I was about a hundred, shaking my ass in some sleazy bar. They got me on the link, told me that they were going to have it out, and made me promise to love whichever one survived. Turned out to be damn easy, since neither on did. Family, huh? What a kick in the quad." Said Aethyta.
"Why is a Matriarch in a bar serving drinks?" Austin asked.
"It's better than what most other Matriarchs are doing. Look at that screw-up with Saren and his Geth a few years back! Their ships were hanging bare-assed in space when Saren started shooting. If not for you Helldivers, we would've bought it right there. And I warned them! Told people on Thessia what was coming, and they didn't want to hear it." Said Aethyta.
"What didn't they want to hear?" Austin asked.
"That art and philosophy and political prowess wasn't going to cut it. We can't go a single Asari lifetime without some big war breaking out. We need to get our daughters working earlier, not spending their wild maiden years stripping or in merc bands. When I started talking about making new Mass Relays ourselves, they laughed the blue off my ass. So now I serve drinks." Said Aethyta.
"Thanks for telling me about that." Said Austin.
"That's what I'm here for, babe. Get you anything else?" said Aethyta.
"No thanks. I'm fine." Said Austin.
"Right. Don't eat the nuts in the red bowls. They're for Turians and Quarians. You'll get cramps." Said Aethyta.

The team made their way to the weapons kiosk that Conrad had mentioned. The merchant was an Asari.
"Can I help you with something?" she asked.
"I talked to an old friend, Conrad Verner. You told him that the Eternity lounge was selling red sand." Said Austin.
"Oh, you're Conrad's friend. Yes, that place is really dangerous. I should know. I'm an undercover cop. Did you get me the deed to the bar? I need the deed to, uh, stop the red sand dealers." Said the merchant.
"That bar doesn't have any red sand dealers! What are you trying to pull!" said Austin. Unlike Conrad, he knew a lie when he saw it. All that Helldiver training he'd used for over 14 years wasn't going to waste now.
"Oh. So you're not as dumb as your friend. Well, it was worth a shot. I'll be going now. And lest you get angry, you should know that this whole place is under video surveillance. Mandatory for weapons sales." Said the merchant.
"You think you can threaten another business and get away with it?" said Austin.
"I didn't threaten anybody. Your human friend did. It's not my fault if he misunderstood me when I talked about red sand dealers. And my surveillance cams had an unfortunate malfunction while I told him about the situation." Said the Asari slyly.
"Now that we all know where we stand, why don't you go take over your new bar? They're ready to hand over the deed." Said Austin.
"You expect me to believe that you're going to help me?" said the merchant suspiciously.
"Why wouldn't I? You get what you want, and I get a nice discount, right? Good business for everyone." Said Austin. He had to admit this was a cleaver plan he'd managed to think up.
"For a human, you're pretty smart. So what do we do now?" the Asari asked.
"Go in, be tough. They'll hand the deed right over." Said Austin.
"Well… great. Here, I'll set you up for a discount. Thanks for the help." Said the merchant as she gave Austin a discount and then left for the bar.
Once she was out of earshot, Sarah spoke up.
"Devious, brother. Very devious." She said.
"I am glad though that you are bringing her to justice." Said Samara.
"Exactly. When she arrives at that bar, she'll be in prison before she can say Goddess." Said Austin.

Sure enough, as soon as they entered the bar again, there was the merchant being interrogated by a security guard and the bar's owner who had tried to punch Austin earlier.
"Damn it! This is just a misunderstanding!" she said.
"Tell it to the judge. My surveillance vid caught your extortion attempt from four different angles." Said the bar's owner.
"I was misled! I was told that you had agreed to sell!" said the Asari, trying to prove she was innocent. Naturally of course, she was unsuccessful.
"Take her away, before I have my bartender throw her out." Said the owner.
The security officer marched the merchant away and the bar's owner left too.
Austin and the others walked up to Conrad.
"What happened? The undercover cop from the weapons kiosk just got arrested. He asked.
"She wasn't a cop. She was using you to try to take over this bar." Said Austin.
"What? No! But she said… But she was pretty! And blue! She wanted to get coffee! And she smiled when she said "coffee!" I'm pretty sure it was euphemism! I screwed this up, didn't I? I screw everything up. Damn it! I'm so stupid! Who was I to think I could do what you do?" said Conrad. Who sounded as though he'd just failed to impress a girlfriend.
"You did fine. Thanks for holding the reins while I was gone. It's good to know that someone cared." Said Austin reassuringly.
"Really?" Conrad asked in surprise.
"Really. You did a good job, Conrad. Now please, go home. Let me take it from here." Said Austin.
"Can do, Shepard. And thanks. It's really good to have you back." Conrad smiled as he left.
Now that they'd taken care of that, they could now do what they'd come here to do. Miranda's Asari contact, Lanteia was in a separate room of the club.
"Ms Lawson, I'm glad you made it. We've had a complication." She said.
"What happened? Is Oriana alright?" Miranda asked in worry.
"She's fine. But… you listed a man named Niket as your trusted source? He contacted me, warning that your father has sent Eclipse mercenaries to make a sweep. He suggested that the mercs might be watching for you personally. He's offered to escort Oriana's family to the terminal instead." Lanteia explained.
"You didn't mention anything about Niket." Said Austin.
"He's a friend. He and I go back a long way…" said Miranda.
"Do you want to bring in any of your other Illium contacts, Ms Lawson?" Lanteia asked.
"No. You and Niket are the only two I trust on this." Said Miranda.
"It's your sister, Miranda. What do you want to do?" Austin asked.
"Lanteia, we'll follow Niket's suggestion. Shepard and I will take the car and draw their attention. Have Niket escort the family to the shuttle. Give him full access to the family's itinerary, just to be safe." Said Miranda.
"Understood, Ms Lawson." Lanteia acknowledged.
"So the plan is for us to get shot down by Eclipse while your sister gets to safety?" Austin asked.
"Eclipse will be under orders to take my sister alive. They won't risk anything that could kill us." Said Miranda.
"I doubt Eclipse will send all their people just to stop you. Do you want to give Niket any backup?" Austin asked.
"Niket can take care of himself. Besides, any armed backup just draws attention to him." Miranda replied.
"I'm ready whenever you are, Miranda." Said Austin.
"Thank you, Shepard. I appreciate this. I hadn't planned on Eclipse… but they never planned on you." Miranda smiled.

They took a hover car to the cargo terminal of the spaceport. Most likely that was where the Eclipse mercenaries would start. Austin had swapped Sarah for Jack for this mission. They'd most likely need her biotics for this.
"Damn it!" said Miranda as she noticed something.
Austin looked out of the window and saw what Miranda had.
"Eclipse mercenary gunships. They'll be dropping troopers in the cargo areas."
Sure enough, two gunships flew down into the cargo areas and started to deploy their troops.
"Put us down in that cover behind them." Said Austin.
"Let's hope they really do want to take us alive." Said Miranda as she steered the car towards them. The Eclipse mercs saw them and opened fire on the car.
As they did however, the merc leader noticed Miranda.
"Hold fire. I said hold fire, damn it!" he ordered.
The mercs stopped firing and the car crashed where Miranda had intended for it to crash. Everyone immediately got out.
"I got this." Said the merc leader as the other Eclipse mercs readied their weapons for a fight.
"Since you're not firing yet, I trust you know who I am." Said Miranda.
"Yeah. They said you'd be in the car. You're the bitch that kidnapped our boss' little girl." Said the leader.
"Kidnapped? This doesn't involve you. I suggest you take your men and go." Said Miranda defiantly.
"Think you've got it all line up, huh? Captain Enyala's already moving in on the kid. She knows about Niket. He won't be helping you." Said leader.
"What do you mean, Niket won't be helping us?" Austin asked.
"Nothing you need to worry about. Nobody's going to get killed unless you do something stupid. You walk away now, the girl goes back to her father, and everybody's happy." Said the leader.
"Everybody but my sister… and me." Said Miranda.
"I'm only gonna say this once Eclipse. Get lost now! You're not getting Miranda's sister. If you push this, it'll go badly for you." Austin ordered.
Of course the merc leader wasn't intimidated by this and simply folded his arms.
"Captain Enyala ordered us to give you one chance to walk away. But this whole time we've been talking, my men have been lining up shots."
Sur enough, Austin could see some more mercs further away. Austin looked at Miranda, she saw it too. A large tank of fuel was being moved overhead. A few well-placed shots could unleash hell on them.
"When I say the word, we unleash hell on your squad. So I suggest you walk away nicely, unless you want…"
But before he could finish, Austin grabbed his neck and twisted it violently. His neck broke instantly.
"Shut up!"
Both Miranda and Jack fired on the other mercs while Austin activated his plasma cannon and he fired at the tank.
It took a few shots, but the tank was quickly dislodged from the crane that was carrying it and it exploded as it hit the ground.
"Come on! We need to get to Niket!" said Miranda.
The team quickly made their way over to a nearby elevator that could take them to the next part of the cargo terminal. As Austin opened the door, he suddenly heard a voice coming from a nearby radio that one of the mercs had dropped.
"Team four, do you read? Team four!" it said.
Miranda walked over to the radio and bent down to pick it up. Once again, Austin had to avert his gaze so that he wasn't staring at Miranda's ass.
"Hang on. I've got one of their radios. I'll patch us in; see if I can get an idea what we're up against. Shepard… I think I owe you an explanation. Oriana is my twin, genetically. But my father… grew her when I was a teenager. She was meant to replace me. I couldn't let my father do to her what he did to me. So I rescued her. She's almost a woman now." She said.
"Why didn't you tell me we were saving a kid?" Austin asked.
"She's not a child; she'll be 19 this year. But… well, it didn't seem relevant at the time, I suppose." Said Miranda. "There are people who'd use her against me. I'm very protective when it comes to Oriana. I'm sorry I didn't trust you sooner. You deserved to know."
"I can understand choosing to go your own way, but you stole a young child from her father." Said Austin.
"If you knew my father like I did, you would understand. I wasn't the first one he made. I was the first one he kept. I was brought up with no friends, pushed to meet impossible demands. I wasn't a daughter to him. I was… I don't know what I was. Oriana has had a normal life. I made the right decision." Said Miranda.
"If Eclipse knows where Oriana is, they'll be moving in or her soon. We need to hurry." Said Austin as they all proceeded into the elevator.
"Agreed. I'm a bit worried by what the merc said. If they've got to Niket somehow, this is going to be harder than I'd planned. According to the specs I reviewed, we'll need to cut through the cargo processing yard to get to Oriana." Said Miranda.
"I hope your friend can be trusted." Said Austin.
"Absolutely. Niket is one of my oldest friends. I guess you could say he was my only real friend. He's the only person I didn't cut ties with when I left my father." Miranda smiled.
"Is there a chance your father could be using Niket to get to you?" Austin asked.
"I'm sure he's tried, but Niket's one of the few people who understands what my father is really like. I trusted him with my life when I ran from my father, Shepard. He won't betray me now." Said Miranda.
"Let's go find Niket and Oriana." Said Austin.
"Right." Said Miranda.
Austin pressed the button and the elevator began its journey.

"They're on the far side of the conveyor line. Time your shots!" said Miranda as she saw the Eclipse merc in the distance.
Austin quickly swapped his M-76 Revenant for his M-13 Raptor as he went into cover. He was further away that the others where since he could now easily land shots on them from a distance.
The Eclipse mercs fired upon the group but the consistency of the cargo line bringing in a new crate every few seconds was making it difficult for them.
"This is Enyala! Keep the bitch back! Niket is nearing the transport terminal!" they heard a female voice over the radio as the mercs bombarded them with gunfire. Jack, Samara and Miranda where quick to put their biotics to use and the mercs quickly lost their own.
Austin meanwhile still remained in cover and managed to snipe to more engineers before they deployed their combat drones.
"Right between the eyes." He smiled as he managed to headshot another trooper.
They were clear for now, but no doubt there would be more later on.
Sure enough, more mercs where present in the cargo areas, but it was nothing they couldn't handle. Miranda in particular wasn't letting up. Her sisters safety was at stake after all.
"Divert everyone expect my guard from Niket. I'll handle him and the kid personally." Said Enyala.
"Damn it! I'm not letting her get Oriana!" Miranda shouted as she ran ahead. "We can cut down through the cargo line!"
The team did so and stuck close as they gunned down Eclipse merc after Eclipse merc. It did give Austin the opportunity that to teach the others to use diamond formation, a technique that he and Alpha Squad had perfected over the years. Basically, it was as it sounded. All team members would band together in the shape of a diamond and slowly make their way through the battlefield and shoot. It was very effective. So effective in fact that none of their side had ever been injured or killed doing it.
Having biotics was also rather helpful since they were able to create biotic fields to serve as shields. After nearly several minutes, they reached the elevator that would take them to the final part of the cargo bay. Niket would most likely be there.
"Eclipse operatives have attempted to delay you by disabling the elevators. I am overriding their lockdown." Said EDI.
More Eclipse mercs appeared out of the elevator and started attacking. As usual though, they didn't put up much of a fight that was too tough for them.
"Niket has reached the terminal. He'll switch the family over to our transport." Said Enyala.
"Niket? But… that can't be right…" said Miranda. "Maybe the Captain knows we're listening in and she's feeding misinformation about Niket making a switch." "Or maybe it means something else. Niket wouldn't' do that."
Miranda's irritation grew when she noticed how slow the elevator was being. "Damn it, why won't this thing go any faster?!"
She smashed the control panel and the hologram of the lift started speeding up.
"What makes you so sure that Niket wouldn't turn on you? Not everyone in this galaxy can be as trustworthy as they seem. I of all people should know." Said Austin.
"He could've turned on me when I ran away. I'm sure my father tried to buy him off. If he didn't do it then, why would he do it now?" said Miranda.
"Did Niket know that you took Oriana from your father?" Austin asked.
"No, he just found out about that recently. It was too personal to involve someone else. I never really thought about it, but maybe… no. He'd have to understand why I did it. He knows what I went through." Said Miranda.
"We won't know anything until we find Niket." Said Austin.
"And then I'll have a word with this Captain Enyala." Said Miranda coldly.

"Listen to me; I've got authorization to change their booking!" said Niket as he argued with the Asari docking administrator.
"I'm sorry, sir. We're under security lockdown. Until the situation in the cargo terminal is resolved, no passengers can be rebooked." Said the Asari.
Sat next to Niket on a crate was Captain Enyala.
"This isn't worth my time, Niket. I get paid regardless of how the girl gets there." She said.
"No! I was told that I could handle this my way. We're not traumatizing the family any more than we -"
But Niket was interrupted when the nearby elevator door opened and Austin, Miranda, Jack and Samara all steeped out.
"Miri."
"This should be fun." Said Enyala as she unholstered her claymore shotgun and pointed it at the group.
The docking administrator ran away in fright, but she didn't get far before she was shot down by Enyala.
"Niket. You sold me out." Said Miranda coldly.
"How do you want to handle this, Miranda?" Austin asked as he and the others unholstered their weapons too.
"Why, Niket? You were my friend. You helped me get away from my father." Said Miranda.
"Yes! Because you wanted to leave. That was your choice! But if I'd known that you'd stolen a baby-" said Niket.
"I didn't steal her! I rescued her!" Miranda interrupted.
"From a life of wealth and happiness? You weren't saving her! You were getting back at your father!" said Niket.
"So, how did Miranda's father turn you? Convince you to stab your own friend in the back?!" Austin asked coldly.
"They told me you'd kidnapped your baby sister all those years ago. They said I could help get her back peacefully. No trauma to the family. I told them you'd never do that. That they could go to hell. Then you finally told me what you'd done. I called them back that night." Said Niket.
"Why didn't you call me, Niket? We've been through a lot. You could've at least let me explain." Said Miranda.
"I deserved to know that you'd stolen your sister, Miri. I deserved to know that you used to be with Cerberus. But I had to hear it from your father first." Niket replied.
"How much did Miranda's father pay you, bastard?" Austin retaliated.
"A great deal." Niket replied.
"Damn it, Niket! You were the only one I trusted from that life." Said Miranda furiously.
"He knew you felt that way. That's why he bought me." Said Niket.
"So you just his money. You're no better than he is." Miranda snarled.
"Don't get holy with me, Miri. You took his money for years." Niket retorted.
"Bastard." Said Austin. "Whether or not you agree with Miranda, Oriana has been with her family for years now."
"Her father can still give her a better life." Said Niket.
"A life she doesn't want. You don't know what my father wants for her." Said Miranda.
"I know I've been poor, Miri. I didn't much care for it."
"He wants to take a girl away from the only family she's ever know! Doesn't that tell you what he really is?"
"It's obvious he's not gonna listen, Miranda." Said Austin.
"I knew Eclipse was willing to get their hands dirty, but kidnapping a kid is below you." Said Samara.
"I'm not stealing her, Justicar. I'm rescuing her. Besides, this doesn't concern you or this Helldiver." Enyala replied. "Come on, Niket. Let's finish this bitch off and get out of here."
"Take your best shot." Miranda taunted.
"I was just waiting for you to finish getting dressed. Or does this Helldiver really let you whore around in that outfit?" Enyala replied back bitterly.
"I like her. Are we still recruiting?" said Jack as she fired a shot at one of the mercs.
"If Niket's working for your father, that means he knows about Oriana. We need to find a new solution." Said Austin.
"Miranda's father has no information about Oriana. I knew you had spy programs in your father's system, Miri, so I kept it private. I'm the only one who knows." Said Niket.
"Which means you're the only loose end. This isn't how I wanted it to end, Niket." Said Miranda as she aimed her gun at Niket. Before she could fire however, Austin grabbed her wrist.
"Miranda, wait! You don't want to do this." He said.
"This has to end here, Shepard. My father will keep trying to find Oriana." Said Miranda.
"Maybe Niket can help… talk to your father. Just say you got here first…" Austin suggested.
"I'll… I'll tell him that you hid her. That I don't know where she is." Said Niket.
"I never want to see you again, Nik-"
But before Miranda could finish, Enyala shot Niket right in the back. At point black range, he died instantly.
"Done. Now if you don't mind, I have a shipment to deliver." She said.
Miranda snapped at that. She activated her biotics and hauled Enyala up into the air.
"You'll die for that, bitch!" she shouted.
She threw a warp at Enyala and the Asari was sent flying. As she landed again however, she got back up, shotgun at the ready.
The whole place became a small war zone of biotics and gunfire as the team battled their way through Enyala's troops.
As the small battle raged, Austin found himself face to face with Enyala. Both opponents aimed at one another and pulled their triggers, but both guns simply clicked. In all the commotion, they'd forgotten to put fresh clips in.
"Shit!" Enyala swore.
"Give it up, Enyala. It's over." Said Austin.
"Nothing's over while I'm still breathing!" Enyala retorted.
"I was hoping you'd say that." Said Austin.
The two opponents charged at one another. Enyala swung at Austin, using the butt of her shotgun as a club. Austin just in time managed to bring his Revenant up in time to block the attack.
This had to be one of Austin's most bizarre fights. Using assault rifles as clubs and clashing with one another. Still, Austin's fencing training and quick reflexes did help in some way. However, the Helldiver didn't count on Enyala using her biotics and her next bioticly charged attack knocked his rifle right out of his hands.
Austin and Enyala wrestled violently with one another before the Asari managed to trip Austin up. Enyala brought the butt of her weapon down but Austin just managed to block it with his wrist.
"I know what you're thinking." Austin groaned as he kept pushing against Enyala. "You're thinking I have to have both my arms to use my weapons.
Enyala's grin of victory was quickly wiped from her face when she saw Austin's shoulder cannon whir into life and it's targeting laser locked onto her forehead.
"Guess again… Captain." Austin smiled sneakily under his helmet.
Enyala only had seconds to realise what was about to happen before the plasma shot right out of the cannon and her whole head completely exploded and an awfully bloody mess. Austin gently pushed the headless body off of him and gently got up. Jack, Miranda and Samara had dealt with the rest of Enyala's troops.
"There could be more Eclipse mercs near the shuttle. I want to make sure Oriana and her family get on safely." Said Miranda.
"I can't believe Niket sold me out. I didn't even see it coming." Said Miranda as they proceeded into another elevator.
"Even with all your upgrades, you're human just like the rest of us." Said Austin reassuringly.
"But I let it get personal… and I screwed up. Why didn't you let me kill him? I could've handled that. But watching him get gunned down by that Asari bitch…" said Miranda.
"You still cared for him, even if he betrayed you." Said Austin.
"You're right. And my father knew it. He used that against me. It's always been like this. My father gave me anything I ever wanted, but there was always a hook, an angle for his long-term plan. I threw away everything he ever gave me when I ran. Except Niket. Weakness on my part." Said Miranda.
"You can't toss aside everything you care about just to be safe." Said Austin.
"It's okay, Shepard. My father hurt me, but he didn't break me. As much as he tried to turn me into exactly what he wanted… I'm my own person." Said Miranda.
"Any other old friends your father might use against you?" Austin asked.
"No. I cut ties with everyone else. And anyone I was close to in Cerberus is the enemy as far as I'm concerned. Only Jacob's left and he now works for you. My father's powerful, but he won't dare cross you and the Arkane Council. He'd be signing his own death sentence." Miranda replied.
"You still have Oriana." Said Austin.
"My father didn't give her to me. I rescued her. But… yes. You're right. I still have something. Thank you." Miranda seemed to smile.

Soon they were now at the docking bay.
"No sign of Eclipse. It looks like we're clear." Said Miranda.
Then she saw her sister. True to what Miranda had said, she and Oriana where indeed identical. A few small differences though were that Oriana had shorter hair than her sister and Miranda most likely had a more matured body. Oriana was also younger than Miranda was. Considering that she was only 19, this wasn't surprising.
Present with her was her family. Her mother and father.
"There she is. She's safe… with her family." Miranda smiled. At the same time though, she sounded sad. Most likely that was because she'd never met her. "Come on. We should go."
"Don't you even want to say hello?" Austin asked.
"It's not about what I want. It's about what's right for her. The less she knows about me, the better. She's got a family. A life. I'll just complicate that for her." Said Miranda sadly.
At first, Austin felt it best to comply with what Miranda wanted, but at the same time he felt as though Miranda should talk to her. He then also came up with a very good way to encourage Miranda.
"She doesn't need any details, but would it really be so bad for her to know she has a sister who loves her?" he asked, smiling under his helmet as he did so.
"I guess not…" Miranda smiled. She looked like she might cry with joy.
Austin simply smiled. This felt very right to him and he could tell that Samara seemed to feel the same way too since she was also smiling. Jack on the other hand didn't care, but that didn't really matter.
"Go on… We'll wait here." Said Austin.
Miranda nodded and slowly went up to Oriana.
"You have a kind heart, Shepard." Samara smiled as she and Austin watched Miranda talk with her sister.
"Thank you, Samara." Austin smiled.
"Don't start getting soft on us, Shepard." Jack teased.

Several minutes passed before Miranda finally came back and they proceeded back into the elevator. Oriana watched her sister go, smiling as she did. Miranda also smiled back and Austin was sure he could see Miranda's eyes watering with joy. The door closed and Samara put her hand on Miranda's shoulder.

Now that Miranda's sister had been taken care of, Austin's till had some business to finish off with Xun. Austin left Miranda, Jack and Samara outside the information broker's office as he walked in. The Chinese Helldiver took notice of her old friend.
"Shepard. Good to see you again." She said as she indicated for Austin to have a seat. Austin did so and sat down.
"Thank you for getting me that system data. Here." Said Xun as she handed Austin a small sum of credits. "I know it's not much, but I'm sure it will help you somehow on your mission. Do you remember the Shadow Broker? With the data you got me, I may be able to find information caches from his agents."
"You're not on the run from the Shadow are you?" Austin asked concernedly.
"Actually, it would be fairer to say that the Shadow Broker is on the run from me. Not long after you died, he started to interfere with a lot of our operations. Eventually, I and the Arkane Council decided we'd had enough. Since then, I've been working to take him down. That whole thing about me improving trade relations is still true, but it mostly serves a cover for my real work. With this data, I'm now one step closer." Xun explained.
"I've never seen you ready to execute someone in cold blood. It sounds like there's more to it than that." Said Austin.
"It's… it concerns Liara as well. She was on a job with a friend a few years ago. The Shadow Broker's people caught them. Her friend unfortunately didn't escape. I don't know if he's dead or being interrogated, but Liara begged em to find him. She owes him her life. And I think even you will agree that the Shadow broker needs to pay for the things he's done. It was he who sold out may of our squads to the Batarians, he was the real one behind the Crime Lords, and now Liara's friend." Said Xun.
"You're right, even if it may sound a bit cold. Are you sure there's nothing I can do to help?" Austin asked.
"Well… perhaps there is. The data you gave me was extremely useful. It's given me a target. The Shadow Broker has several contacts here on Ilium. The most powerful is someone called the Observer." Said Xun.
"Tell me what I can do to help." Said Austin.
"Your data pointed me at logs kept by Shadow Broker agents. The logs were deleted, but it may be possible to reconstruct some of it. The Shadow Broker is cautious. His agents are referred to only by their title and race." Said Xun.
"My inquiries have narrowed the Observer down to one of five operatives: a Turian, a Salarian, a Krogan, a Batarian, and a Vorcha." Said Nyxeris.
"If you can refine the list, I'll know where to strike." Xun finished.
"Do you have any specifics on these agents?" Austin asked.
"I'm afraid not. Nyxeris was lucky to get as much as she did." Xun replied.
"I was happy to help, ma'am." Said Nyxeris as she bowed her head.
"The data is our only hope of determining which one is the Observer. And if we wait too long, they'll all disappear." Said Xun.
"Okay, I'll reconstruct the data and tell you what I find." Said Austin.
"Thank you, Shepard. When you find something, call me on the radio channel we and your squad used in the old days. I can't risk handling this in person." Said Xun.
"I'll talk to you later, Xun." Said Austin as he stood up from his chair.

Several long minutes later, Austin had searched all five terminals in Illium. However, all the messages he had read had left him confused. All the messages made reference to each operative's gender. However, the Observer was female and the suspects where all male. Xun needed to know about this.
Austin activated his omni tool and Xun's hologram appeared out of it in the same way that EDI often di.
"Shepard. Did you get any information on the Observer?" she asked.
"All five of the suspects are male. The observer is female. Something's not right – who gave you this lead?" Austin replied.
"My current assistant, Nyxeris. She got the information… Nyxeris gave me the information." "Nyxeris, could I see you in here for a moment? Shepard, I'll talk to you later."Said Xun.

Austin immediately headed back to Xun's office. Unsurprisingly, Nyxeris was no longer at her desk. Austin found Xun in exactly the same position he'd left her as he entered her office.
"Hello again, old friend. Nyxeris had some interesting data hidden away. Thank you, Shepard. I knew I couldn't trust her when she was brought in as a temporary replacement for Oranna, but I wouldn't have her without you." Said Xun as Austin sat back down. "I'm one step closer to the Shadow Broker, thanks to you. Here. Nyxeris was well compensated. You need it more than I do." She said as she handed him some more credits.
"Did you have any trouble with Nyxeris?" Austin asked.
"It's me, remember? She was very talented, though. I imagine that had she been ordered to assassinate me, I'd never have seen her coming. But she counted on me being a biotic. A mistake I'm afraid she now won't be able to learn from." Xun smiled under her helmet.
"So what's the next step in your hunt?" Austin asked.
"Now I gather information, peel away layers of lies, and shine light into the shadows. And when I find the Shadow Broker, I stick my Katana and my fan so far into his body that what's left will fit into a coffee cup." Said Xun.
Austin thought about his next question for a while before he eventually asked. There was something he needed to know.
"Xun… this anger you seem to have can't just be from what you've told me. What else happened between Liara and the Shadow Broker?" he asked.
Xun was silent for a long time before she finally answered with a sigh.
"I suppose you deserve to know the truth. But if I'm going to tell you, call Liara and tell her to come here." She said.
"Why?" Austin asked.
"It would be better if you heard this story from both of us. Just trust me, Shepard." Xun replied.
"Okay, I'll call her." Said Austin as he got up from his chair and went outside where Samara, Miranda and Jack where waiting for him.
"You three, head back to the Normandy. I have something I need to care of myself." He said.
"Of course, Shepard." Said Samara.
Once the three had left, Austin activated his omni tool again, and this time called Liara.
"Liara, can you come to Xun's office? There's something we need to discuss." He said.
"I'll be right there, Austin." Liara replied.

Liara quickly arrived and walked into the information broker's office. Since this would be a civil talk, everyone retracted their Helldiver helmets.
"Xun." Liara nodded.
"Liara." Xun nodded back.
"Xun's told me about this little skirmish you had with the Shadow Broker not long after I died. About how you lost your friend. She tells me that's why she's hunting the Shadow Broker, but I still feel as though there's more to it. What exactly happened? Is there something you're not telling me?" Austin asked.
Like Xun, Liara sighed and seemed to remain silent for a while before she finally answered.
"I was hoping to avoid this, Austin. I fear you'll not look at me the same way if I tell you." The Asari sighed.
"Liara, I could never hate you. I love you. I promise things will not change between us. Just tell me truth, please. Said Austin reassuringly as he took Liara's chin in his hand.
"Okay." Liara sighed. "Did you ever wonder how Cerberus recovered your frozen body?"
"Your right actually? I have actually been curious. How did they recover it?" Austin asked. Up till now, it hadn't occurred to him how Cerberus had recovered his body while his suit had been in lockdown in order to rebuild him.
"I gave it to them." Liara replied.
"What?" said Austin in surprise.
"I gave you to them, Austin. Because they said they could rebuild you. I knew they could not be trusted, and I was already a Helldiver at the time. But if there was the possibility I'd be able to see you again, I could not bring myself to refuse. And so to find your body, I had to take it from the Shadow Broker, who was going to sell your corpse to the Collectors." Liara explained.
"But… why didn't you tell me about this before now?" Austin asked.
"Because I always hated working for the enemy. And I screwed it up, Austin. I barely escaped with my own life. And when I gave you to Cerberus, I told myself I was doing it for you, for a chance to bring you back. If only id' known that your suit alone was able to bring you back from the dead, I would've instead taken you to the Helldivers, so you could be kept safe. I knew Cerberus would try to use you for their own business. And I let it happen. Because I couldn't let you go, my love. I… I'm… I'm so sorry." Said Liara. She could no longer contain it now and she started crying.
Austin immediately hugged Liara close to him and allowed her to calm down slightly before he finally looked her in the yes and spoke to her.
"Liara, listen to me. You did the right thing. Cerberus is the enemy, yes. But they still kept me safe. They kept me out of the Collector's hands while my suit put me back together. If you ask me, that's definitely better than being in Collector hands. So it's fair to say that you're the real one that brought me back. I wouldn't be here today if you hadn't given me to Cerberus. I don't even care that you worked with them briefly. I would've done the same for you." He said calmly.
"Th… thank you, Austin. I was… afraid you'd hate me." Liara sniffed as she smiled at Austin's soothing, British accented voice.
"When will you ever learn, Liara. I could never hate you. I love you more than anything in this galaxy and I'd do anything for you. And besides, very few would do what you did. That just shows how much you truly loved me. You never gave up, you refused to let me go. So many people would never do that. You want my opinion? You're as much a hero as I am." Austin smiled as he stroked Liara's cheek.
"I love you." Liara smiled.
"I love you too." Austin smiled back.
Both lovers pulled each other into a kiss and failed to let go for several long minutes. Eventually, the two finally separated for air and looked lovingly into each other's eyes.
"So now you know, Shepard. After Liara gave your body to Cerberus, she cut ties with them and just hoped that she'd see you again at some point, even if Cerberus now used you. Sometime later, she came to me and told me everything. She wanted the Shadow Broker to pay. But she couldn't' do it herself since she now had duties as a Helldiver. She still wished to honor you by becoming one of us. And so she pleaded me to find him. I owe you many favours and so I eventually felt that if I refused, I'd be insulting your memory. I agreed and started searching. For a time, I did it in secret. Eventually of course, the Arkane Council and the Helldivers wanted the Shadow Broker taken down too. And so I no longer needed to seraph in secret. So, that's why I must destroy the Shadow Broker. For what he did to Liara's friend, to Liara, and to you, and whatever he's doing with the Collectors." Said Xun.
"Thank you. Thank you both for telling me this. I guess now I understand why you didn't want to tell me. You were afraid of how I'd react." Austin said to both of them.
"Weakness on our part, Austin. I should've told you when we rekindled our love. You deserved to know." Liara sighed.
"What's done is done, Liara. I know now, and that's all that matters. Actually, that's not what matters. What really matters is that I got you back. You gave me everything. A life without you would be worse than death." Said Austin.
"Now you're starting to rub it in, Austin." Liara smiled, her mood now brightening due to Austin's flattery.
"Then stop regretting what you did. You can let it go now." Said Austin.
"You're right. I can now. But I cannot forget what the Shadow Broker dead. He must still pay for what he did." Said Liara.
"That I can understand. In fact I agree with you." Austin smiled as he continued holding Liara in his arms. Both he and Liara however had forgotten that Xun was in the room.
"With all due respect, Shepard. I think it would be better if you two didn't have this conversation in front of me. Go back to the Normandy. Cherish your love for one another." She said.
"Yes, you're right, Xun. Sorry." Said Austin.
"I'll be here if you require any more help from me, my old friend." Xun smiled as she sat back down in her chair.
"Just be careful out there, Xun. Don't turn into the thing you're hunting." Said Austin.
"You know me better than that, Shepard. Don't worry. I'm not the Shadow broker. Everything I'm doing, I'm doing of my own free will… for better or for worse, and for you." Said Xun.
"Goodbye, Xun. I hope you find something eventually." Said Liara as she and Austin turned to leave the office.
"So do I. Good luck on your mission, my friends. Give the Collectors hell!"

In my opinion, this whole chapter has gone very well.
Next up will be Grunt's and Mordin's after that. I've also got plans for Shepard to acquire another new squad mate on Tutchunka, and i'm pretty sure you will be surprised by it. You'll still like it though.
Keep up those reviews, everyone. I welcome any feedback to help me improve.
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War