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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
- 23
- 24
- 25
Well, that went better than I expected.

I will admit that I couldn't' really be bothered with most of the action scenes in this, but I did do it properly with the final one. Hopefully that wont' be a total disappointment for you.

Would like to thank LegionnaryPrime for his idea suggestion for this.

Chapter 24

The Battle of Omega

An interesting message. That was what Austin thought as he read.

Omega: It's Time

From: Aria T'Loak

Subject: It's Time

Shepard, I'm ready to discuss that pet project I mentioned when we spoke in Purgatory. Come to Dock 42 on the Citadel. A batarian named Bray will be waiting.

Though Aria wasn't one of Austin's most trusted allies, she had given him the opportunity to unite all the three merc bands together under her command. Also to be fair, she'd helped him out before back during his mission against the Collectors.

The Helldiver proceeded to the designated spot. Just to be safe, he'd worn his armour. He found a Batarian waiting for him.

"Are you Bray?" Austin asked.

"The great Major Shepard. Heh, and me without my gun." Bray replied, slightly coldly.

"Just take me to Aria, and I won't get violent." said Austin.

"Follow me."

Bray led him over to the spot where cars could be hailed.

"So where is she?"

A car suddenly rose up from underneath then and opened up. Aria and Elraa were sat inside.

"Shepard."

"Aria. How dramatic." said Austin as he climbed in and sat next to Aria.

"There are too many eyes and ears in Purgatory." said Aria.

The car door then closed and it sped off.

"I assume this is about retaking Omega?" Austin asked.

"This is about your war, Shepard." Aria replied. "The Takaal and what's left of Cerberus fighting your Helldiver forces out in the Terminus systems seriously bolsters their mobility."

"Since Cerberus took Omega, they've spread through the galaxy. Surely your Arkanes have noticed." said Elraa.

"Cut to the chase. What's your plan?" Austin asked.

"Kick them out." Elraa replied.

"I've amasses a fleet of merc ships. We're going to punch through enemy lines and invade. Once we're on Omega, it's a ground war. That's why I want you-I only accept the best." said Aria.

She then handed Austin a data pad. It showed what looked like a Cerberus general. The face looked familiar to Austin.

"The leader of the Cerberus occupation on Omega is General Oleg Pertrovsky. He's the one who… ousted me." Aria explained.

"Thought as much." said Austin.

"You know him?"

"Alpha Squad and I crossed paths with him a few years back. The Illusive Man's top military strategist, and best kept secret. It was only once, but we only just came out of it alive." Austin explained.

"Then you know what the merciless bastard is capable of. With Cerberus now working for the Takaal, he's now in their pocket and is the source of their control over the last remaining remnants. I imagine the Takaal got him to work willingly for them through… persuasion." said Aria.

"What's your intel on the occupation?" Austin asked.

"Pertrovsky's army is massive, and he's got Omega locked tight. The information stops there." Aria replied.

"So you're winging it."

"Not at all. There are secrets on Omega only I know, secrets that will provide us a foothold." said Aria confidently. "I can tell you this: Pertrovsky's invasion was precise and ruthless. He'll stop at nothing to win."

"Well, this time he's about to meet his match." said Austin.

"What makes you so sure this time?" Elraa asked.

"It was a very long time ago. Alpha and I have changed and learned much since then. This time will be different." said Austin.

"That kind of talk goes a long way with me." said Aria. "When Omega is mine again, I'll give you everything. I've got ships, mercs, eezo-all yours for the Resistance."

"What's the catch?" Austin asked.

"I have… objections to some of the company you keep, so you'll have to leave the Normandy and it's crew behind." said Aria.

"My crew and squad are professionals, Aria. It'd be stupid not to use all of us." Austin argued.

"Let's just say… I want you all to myself." said Aria.

"Don't even think of trying that kind of talk with me, Aria. I'm married." said Austin quickly.

"Bray will provide coordinates to my fleet. Oh, and while we're still on the Citadel, please be discreet." said Aria.

The car stopped and Austin stepped out. Bray was waiting for him.

"The fleet is hidden is this system. Signal me when you're on your way. Aria and I will meet you on the command ship." he said. "Can't wait to see what all the fuss is about."

It had certainly been hard explaining to everyone why he would be gone for a while without them. Still, they listened and didn't argue. So that was good enough.

"…we're outnumbered four-to-one, and most of our vessels are transports with limited firepower."

"We're not here to win a space battle, Jarral. We just have to punch through the line." said Aria, addressing one of the Asari captains.

"So you've commandeered a Cerberus cruiser…" said Austin as he stepped onto the bridge.

"The guest of honor has arrived. We can finally start." said Elraa.

"Let me guess: you're planning on infiltrating the enemy fleet." said Austin.

"Exactly. We position ourselves to strike a crippling blow, then my forces join the fun." said Aria.

"Risky, but it works for me." said Austin.

"If you're as accommodating the rest of the way, we'll get along very well." Aria smiled.

"Then let's quit talking and get to it." said Austin.

"Bray, move through the relay. Signal the fleet to wait. They only follow on my command." Aria ordered.

The ship left the relay and slowly began making it's way towards Omega. The familiar shaped asteroid station could be seen through the window. It was strange though seeing Cerberus ships orbiting it.

"Head for the command ship." said Aria.

"Cruiser, I don't have you on the flight plan. Identify yourself." said the Cerberus comm officer.

Aria nodded and Bray started playing a recorded message.

"This is Captain Lentz. Run voice recognition: alpha, tango, zed. We took damage Seeking repairs."

"Identity confirmed, Captain. Hold for approach authorisation." said the comm officer.

"How did you get the captain to say that?" Austin asked curiously.

"The hard way." Aria replied.

The ship slowly made it's way past the others and in to the inner defences.

"That's right, nice and slow…" said Aria.

"Keep your distance from the others. But don't look like you're trying to keep your distance." said Elraa.

"Huh?"

"I don't know. Just fly casual." Elraa sighed irritably.

"Be patient, get as close as you can." said Austin.

"Fire!" Aria ordered.

The ship fired several shots, taking out the command ship.

"Signal the fleet through the relay!" Aria ordered.

The holo map lit up to show the fleet exiting the relay and beginning their attack.

"We're through. Head straight for the station." said Aria.

"We're being hailed by the general." said Bray.

"Should be interesting. Put him through." said Aria.

The holo map vanished and Pertrovsky's image replaced it.

"Aria. I knew this had to be you. You'll never make it. Call it off now." he said.

"You're barking up the wrong tree, General, but maybe you can convince my partner." said Aria as Austin stepped closer.

"Major Shepard. I was wondering when we'd meet again. Small universe." said Pertrovsky.

"Too small, Petrovsky." said Austin coldly.

"Aria clearly thinks you will unsettle me. Now it's my turn. I see you've gone to the trouble of augmenting that ship with Silaris armouring. An exorbitant waste." said the General. "I've made improvements to Omega's outer defences. My cannons will cut through you like tissue paper."

"He sounds pretty confident." said Austin.

"Yeah. He does." Aria agreed.

"So again, I say turn back." said Pertrovsky.

"Let's see what you've got, Oleg. End transmission." said Aria. "That went well. Set present course-we're ramming the station. Everyone brace for impact."

"What?!"

"Omega's kinetic batter will stop my ships from landing. I equipped this cruiser with disrupters to take it out on impact. Don't worry, we'll probably survive the crash."

The ship sped at full speed towards the station. Already though, the cannon were doing heavy damage. The cruiser shook about violently ands sparks started to fly everywhere.

"Shields gone! All system failing!" said Bray.

"We can make it!" said Aria.

"Aria, don't be stupid! Sound the evac." said Austin.

"Damn it! Program escape pods for the station." said Aria.

"Let's get everyone out! There's no time!" said Austin quickly.

Everyone quickly hurried to their escape pods. Both Austin, Elraa and Aria hurried into the same pod.

"Guess the asshole really did upgrade Omega's defences." said Aria as she secured her harness.

"So it would seem." said Austin.

The escape pod crashed, and everyone jumped out. Almost immediately, Cerberus troopers met their gunfire, or blades in Austin's case.

"Hope the other escape pods made it." said Aria as she and the others went into over to avoid more incoming fire from a far.

"All right, what's our target?" Austin asked.

"Need to hit the Defence System station, shut down Omega's outer defences so my ships can land. If we don't, they'll be blown to bits like we were." Aria replied.

"Got it."

"This what we brought you for: ground assault." said Aria. "In combat, what you say goes. I know where we need to go, and you can get us there."

"Okay, let's move." said Austin.

"Jarral, defences are down. Signal the surviving ships to converge on the rendezvous point." said Aria as the defence cannons deactivated.

"Aye. Approach trajectories plotted. We're already queuing up." Jarral replied.

"Bray, come in. Status?" said Aria.

"Rendezvous site secured. Hangar doors enabled. Will have them open soon." Bray replied.

"Need them open now! My birds are coming in. Prep for reception." said Aria.

"What exactly is this rendezvous point?" Austin asked.

"That's where we're headed. It's a bunker I established on D-deck for my… more sensitive operations. It's utterly impenetrable—with its own secret hangar and dock. Independent power source, life support munitions. You'll see." Aria replied.

At the last moment, Austin suddenly noticed a surveillance camera. His plasma cannon quickly activated and blew it to pieces.

"There's a good chance the general knows where we're going." Elraa sighed.

"Then no time for sightseeing." said Aria.

En route to the bunker, many paths were blocked by several force fields, one of which blocked the path direct to Afterlife. Before the group was about to walk past however, they spotted a lone Vorcha who looked like he was hypnotised by the field.

"What the hell is he doing?" said Aria.

A metallic figure suddenly dropped down behind the Vorcha. He whirled around firing his rifle, but the figure quickly moved to the side, avoiding the rounds completely. The blind fired rounds nearly hit the others, only Austin got hit but his armour protected him and he shrugged the impact off like it was nothing.

It was now visible what the metallic figure really was. A combat mech.

Unlike the usual Loki mechs that had been fought many times before, these were very different. For starters, they were black rather than the traditional white, new more advanced mechanical legs, a new head with four optic eyes rather than the old circle optic, and arms with folded blades attached. Over all, a definitely more intimidating sight.

The Rampart Mech activated it's red omni blade before the Vorcha could react and slashed him. This didn't kill the Vorcha instantly though and he managed tog et ups gain. As he did however, the mech hit him again, knocking him right back in tot he force field.

The Vorcha screamed in agony as he was literally set on fire as he hit the shield. iIt only lasted a few seconds before the shield then dissolved him as he passed through it.

"Mechs! Take them out!" said Aria.

Compared to the original mechs, these Rampart ones fought better too. They very nearly had the team pinned if it hadn't been for a well placed shot from Austin's plasma cannon. It took off the head of one of the mechs, and it fell tot he floor.

Like the originals, a headshot was an instant kill. WIth this new weakness in mind, it didn't take long to deal with the mechs.

"Do you hear that?" Elraa asked.

"Hear what? Aria replied.

"Just listen. Feels like someone's watching us." said Elraa, ever so slightly nervously.

Austin activated his thermal vision and looked around, for a moment he didn't see anything either. Just as he was about to turn the vision off however, he suddenly spotted a tall orange spot hiding behind a crate. Unmistakably body heat.

"Someone is. Who's there? Show yourself!" he demanded.

A tall hooded figure stepped out from behind a crate, but still remained mostly in the dark.

"Spirits, look who's back: Aria T'Loak and her favourite dancer." said a female voice. It sounded almost... Turian.

Sure enough, a female Turian dressed in a dark hooded outfit stepped into the light.

"Nyreen. What the hell are you doing here?" Aria asked.

"Playing cat and mouse, mostly. Just trying to stay alive. If it wasn't for these tunnels…" Nyreen replied.

"My tunnels. I'm sure glad I showed them to you." said Aria.

"If you hadn't I'd be dead or locked dup by now." Nyreen agreed.

"Aria doesn't trust easily. I guess you're a good friend." said Austin.

"I don't know. Are we, Aria?" Nyreen asked.

"Shepard, this is Nyreen Kandros. Ex-Turian military. We go way back." said Aria. "I've got a lot of questions, but they'll have to wait."

"Follow us. We'll get you to safety." Said Elraa.

"I'll do my best." said Nyreen.

"Ready to put that gun to good use?" Austin asked.

"You have no idea how ready." said Nyreen.

Fighting tot he bunker was no easy task, Cerberus was practically everywhere. The four of them however put up one hell off a fight and soon managed to carve a path through the troopers to the bunker's entrance.

"Cannons engaging! Head to the blast door!" Aria yelled.

Both sentry cannons activated and tore the rest of the Cerberus troops t pieces. Bodies littered the floor.

"Nice guns."said Nyreen.

"They'll keep the general forces at bay for a while." said Aria.

"Let's get inside." said Austin.

"Bunker team: Retract the bridge and lower the blast door. We're coming in." Aria ordered into her comm.

Everyone retreated inside, bring any wounded that were still alive with them.

"We're in! Lock it down." said Aria.

Two Asari walked up tot he door and deployed biotic barriers around.

"Aria, I know this place is built like a fortress, but is it safe now that general's clued in?" Nyreen asked, a hint of doubt noticeable in her voice.

"Yeah, I feel like a sitting duck here." Austin agreed.

"I have no intention of sitting around, and you both should know I assume nothing. And on that front… Nyreen, you left Omega fairly angry with me. I wasn't aware you'd returned. Explain yourself." said Aria.

"The truth is I never left, a fact I went to great lengths to keep from you." Nyreen replied.

"I'm not easily duped. Well done. But why?" Aria asked.

"I just… couldn't leave. Considering all this, I wish I had." said Nyreen.

"Well you always said I'd be the death of you." said Aria.

"Nyreen has military training. We can put her to good use." said Austin suprotingly.

"You're so quick to trust, huh, Shepard?" said Elraa.

"Nyreen never approved of Omega's—what did you call it? "Moral bankruptcy" Are you willing to help to defend it now?" Aria asked.

"You'll find me very willing to liberate this station." said Nyreen.

"Your combat skills seem a little rusty, but you're still a good shot. See my duty officer." said Aria.

Nyreen nodded and walked off.

"Bray, keep and eye on her." said Aria.

"Will do." Bray nodded as he followed the Turian.

"Alright, Shepard, we need to move fast. I'm itching for revenge." said Aria.

"You'll do what you need to do." said Austin.

"And here I thought you might come here trying to change me." said Aria.

"I hate Cerberus as much as you do. Why would I?" Austin replied.

"Once up and running, this bunker will provide recon and secret access to much of the station. I'd appreciate it if you would quickly eyeball operations, see that things are setting up smoothly." said Aria.

"What will you be doing?" Austin asked.

"Checking in on my forces, I need to know how many survived the assault before I can plan the attack." Aria replied.

"It won't take long. Join us at the command console when you're ready." said Elraa.

"Ahz, how're we looking?" Aria asked.

"All systems operational. Full Omega schematics coming online now." Ahz replied.

The holo lit up with Omega's schematics. Aria scanned them thoroughly with her eyes.

"I see. Shepard, those force fields we saw? The general has them set up everywhere." she said.

"He's controlling access across the station." said Austin.

"What are these dark areas?" Elraa asked.

"Many sections are powered down. I'm betting power is being siphoned to run those force fields." said Aria. "Find the source. Priority one."

"And we'll need a full tactical assessment of all Cerberus positions." said Austin.

"I'll get on it." said Ahz.

"Shepard, we have work to do. Our losses were significant. We can't field an army large enough to face down Cerberus." said Aria.

"Then we need to find allies. Story of my life." Austin sighed.

"We've confirmed, there is a merc gang that's still active. The Talons are resisting the occupation." said Elraa.

"Not my first choice, but they're all we've got." said Aria.

"Then it's time to play diplomat." said Austin.

"And if the current leader won't us, the next one will." said Aria.

"Sorry to interrupt…" said Bray, suddenly joining

"What is it?" Aria asked.

"I turned away for a second to offload supplies. When I looked back…" Bray tried to say.

"You lost her." Aria interrupted crossly.

"Well, I…" Bray stuttered.

"We're locked down. She's got to be here somewhere." said Austin.

"This bunker has secret access points to other parts of the station. Unfortunately, Nyreen knows them." Aria sighed. "Damn it, Bray. If I wasn't already short on manpower…"

"We have to focus on getting the Talons on board." said Elraa. "Shepard, we'll meet you at the armoury exit when you're ready to go, but don't keep us waiting."

"What's your history with this gang?" Austin asked.

"Some mutually beneficial dealings and some occasional violence. The Talons weren't even a blip on our radar until the plague in 2185. Your little war against he other gangs left a vacuum." Aria explained.

"Wasn't my intention." said the Helldiver.

"Their leader, Derius, took advantage of the situation and carved the Talons a bigger piece of the local drug trade." said Aria.

They then had to climb a ladder to continue. Aria went first, shortly accompanied by Elraa and Austin soon followed.

"Stop looking at my ass!" said Elraa crossly.

"I'm not!" Austin argued. It was true after all, he hadn't. It was just the angle of his helmet that gave Elraa that impression.

"Knocking it off you two!" Aria shouted.

"Are we enlisting the Talons because they're good or because we need numbers?" Austin asked, quickly dropping the original subject,

"They're cannon fodder. We're using them because they're the only game in town." Aria replied.

"You're gonna let them know that?"

"Relax, Shepard. This how it works on Omega. Just let me do the talking, and-"

"Major! Cerberus forces are scrambling. Looks like an attack on the Talons." Ahz interrupted over the comm. "Judging from comm chatter, their priority target is in the area. Could be the Talon leader."

"Looks like we fight our way through Cerberus forces to get to them." said Aria.

"Let's move."

"Last chance, Talon! Answer or…"

As they caught sight of Austin, they all turned their guns on him.

"What the-"

"Back off, Shepard!" one of them ordered.

"I don't think so." said Austin.

Before anyone coudl fire however, something rather surprising happened. An armored Turian figure suddenly dropped down from above. Within seconds, all of Cerberus was taken out.

When it ended, the team finally saw who the Turian was. It was Nyreen!

This time, she was dressed in Talon armour and had ditched her hooded outfit altogether.

"Take care of the wounded, and scavenge what you can. I want us out of here ASAP." she said.

"You heard the boss. Move it!" said one of the soldiers.

"Looks like we found the Talon leader." said Austin.

"My, my. Nyreen, aren't you full of surprises." said Aria.

"Aria. The deception was necessary. I needed to figure out what your plans were." said Nyreen. "The people on Omega depend on us. I couldn't risk compromising our operation."

"Not exactly standard procedure for a street gang." said Austin.

When Cerberus invaded, the Talons were a mass. I brought… new direction." said Nyreen. "The general's been hunting us ever since. Right now, he's attacking one of our outposts. That's where I need to be."

"We're done here, boss." said the soldier.

"Right. Aria, Major Shepard: whatever you're here for, the answer's no. Kindly escort yourselves off Talon territory." said Nyreen.

"We're here to help. We'll talk about it after we reach your outpost." said Austin, trying to sound persuasive.

"That's a generous offer. Aria, does the Major also speak for you?" Nyreen asked.

"Not the way I would have put it, but that's the idea." said Aria, casting Austin a look.

"All right then. Come with me." said Nyreen.

"We'll be evacuating this location as soon as possible. Try not to interfere with my people's work." she said.

"Intel just reported in. The group of civilians we managed to evac arrived safely at the other outpost." said one of the soldiers. "Also: routine sweeps reporting nothing new on the adjutant presence."

"Adjutants?" Austin asked.

"Creatures created by Cerberus and the Takaal. They eviscerate their victims DNA, converting them into more adjutants." Nyreen explained.

"Some kind of Reaper/Takaal-based weapon. I fought them before. They're a nightmare." said Aria as Nyreen handed Austin a datapad showing full intel on the adjutants.

"It got worse after you left. Cerberus lost control of them. Those things tore apart the gangs, then attacked everyone in sight." said Nyreen. "If Cerberus hadn't found a way to contain them, the entire station would be infected by now."

"Keeping your people alive through that couldn't have been easy." said Austin supportingly.

"I watched friends get turned into monsters, and I had to kill them. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have an outpost to defend." said Nyreen.

"The adjutants really got under her skin." said Aria.

"Cerberus is backing off now. Make sure the scouts keep an eye out for the next attack." Nyreen ordered to her soldiers.

"You've done an excellent job, Nyreen, but I'll be taking over now." said Aria.

"You know what happens to people who argue with her." Said Elraa.

"And if I say no? You'll just have to kill me and take over? My people won't stand for that." said Nyreen defensively.

"Yes, they do seem… nauseatingly loyal. Either way, I'll get what I want." said Aria.

"Not this time." said Nyreen, now more threatenangly.

"The truth is, none of us can do this alone. Our only chance is to join forces." said Austin.

"You might be right, but the people of Omega are my priority." said Nyreen.

"You take over one gang and you think you're ready to decide what's best for Omega? Nyreen, watch and learn." said Aria.

"Ahz!"

"Everything's in place. The entire station's connected."

Aria's image was thens suddenly projected onto every single monitor and screen in the room, and possibly on the station.

"People of Omega: I have returned!" she said. "Cerberus believes they have beaten you. They believe they have you under control. They are gravely mistaken. You are the lawless of the galaxy. You cannot be beaten, and you will never be controlled. Be ready! Your chance to strike against your oppressors is coming. Together, we will take Omega back!"

"That's your plan? Throw civilians at Cerberus?" Nyreen asked, unimpressed.

"Anything is better than being locked up like mindless animals waiting for slaughter." said Elraa.

"I know what you're up to, Aria, and I don't like it." said Nyreen. "I have civilians to evacuate. I'll deal with this later. All right, let's get these people ready to go. Now!"

"What are you trying to do?" Austin asked.

"Trying?" Aria replied. "The people of Omega-my people-love a good street fight. When it breaks loose, they'll be ready. Nyreen's code of ethics won't let her sit by if civilians are exposed. It's what makes her utterly predictable and therefore easy to manipulate."

"Cerberus is launching another offensive!" said one of the soldiers.

"Looks like I'm not the only one who didn't like your little speech, Aria." said Nyreen.

"Glad I got his attention."

Nyreen sighed as she looked over the many dead. It had been a hard battle, but not without it's losses.

"The Talons will join your case. Someone's got to make sure you don't run roughshod over our people." she said.

"You see, Shepard?" said Aria.

"Let me guess. She said I was predictable and therefore easy to manipulate." Nyreen inquired.

"Pretty much word for word. She thinks she's playing you." said Austin.

"Nothing new here." said Nyreen. "One thing, though. I maintain command over my people. This is not up for debate."

Aria was about to say something, but Austin suddenly held her back.

"Agreed." he said quickly, making sure that Aria got the message. The Asari reluctantly stood down.

"Just have them ready." she said.

"Oh, they'll be ready." said Nyreen.

"We're almost there, Shepard." said Aria. "The Talons will be the frontline fodder. Now we just need to bring down the force fields to clear the way to Afterlife."

"Which will release Omega's civilians…" said Austin.

"Cerberus will have a million fires to put out. In one fell swoop, we'll have the people and the Talons working for us." said Aria.

"You might not want to compromise your alliance before it even takes shape." said Austin.

"I've learned to not put much stock in truth and goodwill." said Aria.

"It might be time to start again." said Austin.

"Tell you what: I'll take it under advisement." said Aria. "Now… we'll be at the command console plotting our next move."

"I've located the source powering the Cerberus force fields." said Ahz.

"Yes, I see. Shepard, take a look at this." said Aria. "The general is siphoning power from one of my main reactors deep in the bowels of Omega's mines."

"Unfortunately, access is cut off by the force fields themselves…" said Ahz.

"Not completely. There's an open route through that dark area, then up." said Austin, indicating to the point not he schematics.

"Hmm. The processing plant for one of the mines. It's been powered down. No force field blocking it." said Elraa.

"We infiltrate there, find our way through the mine, then take that elevator to the reactor's back door." said Austin.

"Good eyes, Shepard. Let's go." said Aria.

"Not without me." said Nyreen, suddenly joining them.

"Aria, my patrol caught her in the perimeter." said Bray.

"Please. You didn't catch me. We're allies now. Didn't Aria tell you?" said Nyreen.

"Nyreen was expected, Bray. Return to your station." said Aria.

"The Talons are ready, but if I'm sending my people into the breach… I want to make sure those force fields come down for good. So like it or not, you're stuck with me." said Nyreen.

"It's almost as if you don't trust me." said Aria innocently.

"It's exactly as if I don't trust you." said Nyreen seriously.

"We're going to war together. I'll make sure we can rely on each other." said Austin.

"Agreed, Major. Glad one of you isn't on a power trip." said Nyreen.

"Go wait by the med bay, Nyreen. We'll join you shortly." said Aria. "Shepard, I have last minute orders to dole out. I'll meet you there, too."

Austin left Aria to it and went over to the med bay. He'd hoped perhaps to talk with Nyreen if possible.

"Shepard, got a second?" she asked.

"Sure."

"I know time is short, but I was hoping we could talk. Alone." said the Turian.

"Aria will be joining us soon. Now may be our only chance." said Austin.

"I'm not trying to undermine, Aria. I know why she has to be ruthless." said Nyreen. "Let her have revenge. I'm not doing this for me, and I'm bot doing it for Aria or what we once had."

"It's for the people of Omega. I get it." Austin nodded.

"Someone has to be their voice in all this. Incredibly powerful forces are about to do battle with them caught in the middle. I just hope, as we bring down those force fields and go to war, that you can keep the people in mind." said Nyreen.

"Between you and me, I will." said Austin, keeping his voice down. "I appreciate the talk, Nyreen. We're heading out soon."

"I'll be ready." Nyreen nodded.

"We're arriving at one of the eezo processing plants. It's been powered down, so we'll have to pry open the door." said Elraa.

"I'll get it." said Austin.

The Helldiver groaned ever so slightly as he used his suit's strength o force the door open enough for everyone to get through.

"Access to the mine should be on the far side." said Aria.

"And the reactor is beyond that?" Nyreen asked.

"According to the schematics. I ran Omega, Nyreen. I didn't work the mine myself." said Aria as she went through first.

"No, you had indentured servants for that." said Nyreen as she followed.

Elraa was the last. She couldn't help but try and take advantage of Austin currently stuck in this position.

"Don't even think about it." the Helldiver threatened, quickly noticing her expression which told him everything. He let the door slide just a tiny bit, but very abruptly. Just enough so that Elraa got the message that he was being serious.

Elraa simply sighed and slid through. Austin then moved himself loose from the door and let it close behind them. He and the others then activated their flash lights. They revealed a slightly unpleasant sight.

"Spirits…" said Nyreen.

"Relax, they're all Cerberus." said Aria as she examined the bodies.

"They've been ripped to shreds." said Austin.

"I don't like this." said Nyreen.

"When this is over, there'll be a lot of repairs to make." said Aria.

"I hope you'll focus on the civilian areas first." said Nyreen.

"You are relentless." said Aria.

"That's one thing we have in common."

Something suddenly burst through the glass. It was massive. At first it looked like a Husk, but as Austin saw it more clearly he now saw that it was an adjutant, exactly like what that data pad had shown him.

"Spirits!" Nyreen gasped, temporarily freezing.

"Unload on it!" said Austin, quickly upholstering his Revenant and emptying the clip.

"Nyreen, wake up!" said Ari.

That made Nyreen snap out of it, and she fired too.

Several more Adjutants joined the single one just as it fell. Everyone quickly reloaded and took cover from the rest.

One thing Austin could at least look on the bright side of was that it was a nice change of paste to be fighting husk liek creatures again compared to Geth and Cerberus. True the Adjutants were tough, but still...

The reactors were just ahead. Just as the team was getting close however, a force field suddenly appear around them, sealing them in. A tiny drone suddenly hovered over to them and projected Pertrovsky's image.

"I commend you. Your plan of attack was impeccable." he said.

"Looks like we were expected." said Austin.

"More like "lured." said Nyreen.

"I knew the reactor would be the hard target. I gave you no choice but this route." said Pertrovsky.

"Why don't you do this in person, Pertrovsky? Get your own hands dirty?" said Austin tauntingly.

"I take no pleasure in any of this, Major. You're the ones trying to start a war-for the glory of Aria. But now it's over." said the general.

"This isn't over until your next of kin can't identify you." said Aria bitterly.

"I love your bravado, but have the sense to know when you're beaten. You've been neutralized and I can leave you there to rot. You might as well give up." said Pertrovsky.

"Never!" Aria yelled.

The Asari turned her back and looked the shield.

"What are you thinking?" Austin asked cautiously.

"I'm not going out like this?!" Aria yelled.

"Aria, don't!"

Aria activated her bitoics and thrust both her hands forward.

"What the hell is she trying to do?!" said Pertrovsky.

As AAria kept concentrating, it was now clear she was using her biotics to tear open a hole in the shield.

"Damn it, Aria, you're forcing my hand. We'll do it..."

But before Austin could finish, Austin shot the drone.

"And you can shut up. Always did hate those holo drones." he said.

A door on the far side suddenly opened and several mechs walked through the shield.

"Nyreen, Elraa, mechs!"

All 3 kept Aria covered while she continued to try and tear open a hole large enough for one person to fit through. Despite that they were holding their ground though, more and more kept coming, and soon the mechs began to get a little to close to Aria.

"No!"

Both Elraa and Aria threw up their own biotic barriers around Aria. Nyreen even fired her pistol at several mechs.

"Shepard, I can't hold this much longer! Go!" Aria groaned.

Austin didn't' waste and time and leapt throughout he opening, just before Aria finally gave in and let it close again.

"Spirits, Aria. How did you know you could do that?" Nyreen asked as she helped Aria up.

"I didn't." Aria replied.

Austin quickly made his way over to the controls for the reactor. As he started work however, another drone hovered up to him.

"Not again." he sighed.

Right now though, he was too busy to shoot it. He'd just have to mute the volume on his helmet's audio receptors if he got bored of the General's taunts.

"You can't do this, Major. There's more at stake than you know. That reactor powers life support systems for dozens of wards across the station. Shut it down and thousands of people perish." said Pertrovsky.

Austin temporarily froze. There was no way he would end up killing hundreds of innocent lives.

"You hearing this, Aria?" he asked.

"Yes, and I don't care. Shut it down!" Aria ordered.

"Shepard, don't! Try rerouting the power away from the force fields!" said Nyreen quickly.

"Computer, access the systems and reroute the power." Austin ordered to his suit.

"Acknowledged!" the suit replied.

From inside his helmet, thousands of lines of data and code scrolled up in front of his eyes as his suit's systems worked on gaining the necessary access.

"Rerouting the power to maintain the other systems…" said Pertrovsky. "It's commendable… but it might take a while."

"Maybe if I was a stupid grunt. Too bad for you I'm a Helldiver." said Austin, unable to resist being smug about it.

"Access acquired. Rerouting power." said his suit.

Sure enough, the power was sooner rerouted, maintaing the life support systems, and deactivating the force fields. Before Pertrovsky could ay anything, Austin once again shot the drone.

"And don't come back." said Austin coldly.

"You okay?" Austin asked.

"Never better." Aria replied.

"That makes two of us. You brought all your skill to bear and accomplished the task without sacrificing lives. I applaud you." said Nyreen, a small smile noticeable on her face.

Austin simply nodded to Nyreen, but admittedly he was rather pleased with this himself.

"Shepard remains cool under pressure. Mind clear, shit together." said Aria. "Took a good hard look-that's what fearlessness looks like."

"What are you driving at, Aria?" Nyreen asked.

"You fought bravely against those mechs in there, Nyreen. Very impressive." said Aria.

"But?"

"Why can't you bring the same grit when adjutants attack?" Aria asked. "It's pathetic. You tense up at the mere mention of those abominations…"

"Lay off. She just saved you." Austin interrupted.

"I'm trying to help her, Shepard. Call it tough love. The war's starting. I don't mean to miss it." said Aria.

"She's never been big on thank you's." said Nyreen.

"Getting reports: All force fields down. Civilians taking to the streets in droves. Cerberus pulling back." said Aria.

"That won't last." said Austin.

"The people don't have the training to go up against Cerberus front lines. They'll be wiped out." said Nyreen.

"Civilian causalities can't be avoided. You'll have to accept this." said Aria.

"Say what you will, Aria. I won't allow senseless deaths." said Nyreen.

"Do what you can to protect them." said Austin.

"Of course, Major." Nyreen nodded.

Aria sighed and rolled her eyes.

"Aria? Bray here."

"Report." said Aria.

"My team is scouting the maintenance tunnels. We've encountered Cerberus forces escorting engineers. They're moving gear. Look to be setting explosives to the stations' central support columns…" said Bray.

"Bray, engage! Delay them as long as you can. We're coming." said Aria urgently.

"Got it! Roll out, people!"

"If they detonate the main column, they'll cut off the way to Afterlife! The Talon offensive will be stopped cold." said Aria.

"So we split up." said Austin.

"Yes. Nyreen, lead the frontal assault. Shepard and Elraa and I will meet you in the markets after we've taken care of those bombs." said Aria.

"Of course, but don't count on me building memorials if you get yourselves killed." said Nyreen.

"I like it when you're feisty." Aria smiled. Elraa couldn't help but feel a little jealous of this.

"Got it." said Nyreen.

As Austin accessed the control panel, things suddenly went from bad to worse.

"Those bombs just went live! The console is locked. We'll have to manually disable them!" said Aria.

"And here I am without my demolition expert. I told you it would be stupid not to use all of my squad." said Austin.

"Whatever." Elraa sighed.

Several more Cerberus troops dropped and began firing. Both Aria and Elraa coverd Austin while he disabled the bombs. Though he was no expert on bombs, he was the quickest of the three in disabling them thanks to his armour.

He cut it very close though. he only just managed to disable the last one within the five minute window.

"We're clear." he said

"Good." said Aria as she gunned down the last trooper. "Nyreen, things are under control here. What's your situation?"

"We're advancing through the ghozer district." Nyreen replied. "We're holding our own, but Cerberus has started targeting the civillians. Reports of casualties are coming in from all sectors."

"Save those you can, and head for the rendezvous point. We'll meet you there." said Aria.

"We'll do what we can. Nyreen out."

"So how exactly do we get to Afterlife from here?" Austin asked.

"I'm thinking the straightforward approach… for a change."

"Where's Nyreen?" Aria asked.

"Scouting ahead. We've got our hands full, holding this area." Bray replied.

"She's going on to Afterlife!"

The team quickly hurried ontot he streets. Sure enough, Nyreen was there at Afterlife's entrance, fighting off Cerberus.

A door suddenly opened behind her, and several Adjutants began to advance. Both Cerberus and Omega's citizen's opened fire on them. Because of how petrified with fear they were however, they didn't try to retreat. That made it easy for the Adjutants to pounce on them.

Nyreen managed to flank them at fired from behind. As she took two down however, more soon came. The Turian knew that she was outnumbered.

Acting quickly, Nyreen unfastened a grande belt from a dead civilian and threw it into the centre of the Adjutants and threw up a biotic barrier around herself, with both the Adjutants and the grenades inside.

Aria noticed only too late what Nyreen was doing and broke into a sprint. But she was too late. The grenades detonated and the inside of Nyreen's barrier was engulfed in explosion. When it disappeared, all that was left was a small firey crater.

Aria simply looked at the crater for a while, then her ahnd clenched into a fist and her biotics started to flare massively. The Asari literally went into rage with her biotics and charged into Afterlife, throwing aside any Cerberus troops in her way.

"Aria, wait!" Elraa yelled as the doors sealed behind Aria.

'She's gonna get herself killed." said Austin as he and Elraa took off after her.

"Not if I have anything to say about it!' said Elraa.

The door opened just as Aria unleashed a massive biotic wave which took out every single Cerberus trooper surrounding her. Any of Cerberus who remained now was engaging the civllians. Only Oleg was left in Afterlife now.

"Nyreen Kandros was a good soldier. It's shame she had to die for your petty ambitions." He said.

"You're a dead man!" Aria growled, her body glowing with biotics. Elraa too was pretty much ready to make the Cerberus general suffer.

"I wouldn't be so sure about that."

Something large suddenly rose out of the ground behind. Only too late as Petrovsky stepped into it did Austin realise that it was a suit. It was very much like what the Cerberus Dragoons used, but bigger, taller and stronger.

"Oh, this ain't gonna be good." He said.

The General leapt from the balcony and dropped down to their level. From both of his hands, the familiar electrified whips of a Dragoon extended.

Elraa couldn't help but take a small step back at this. She looked at Aria though and saw that her Queen wasn't fazed at all, and Austin of course was unreadable due to his helmet, but his body language suggested he wasn't worried either. He the stepped forward slightly.

"Stand aside ladies. I got just the thing."

A small little compartment on his left arm folded open, showing what looked like a very small rocket. It charged up very slowly, it's thruster kicked into life, and it fired.

Pertrovsky braced for the imminent explosion, but nothing came. The rocket simply hit his armour very lightly with a small clang and fell harmlessly to the floor. It then seemed to have a micro explosion and simply fell apart.

"I'm still waiting to be impressed." Aria sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Dammit, Dell!" Austin cursed under his breath. He regained his cool though and turned back to the two Asari. "Guess we're gonna do this the old fashioned way after all. We got this."

Both Aria and Elraa activated their biotics as Austin drew his Revenant out, this tiem ready for a proper fight.

Austin fried a few shots as Pertrovsky started to advance, but they simply impacted on his armour.

Pertrovsky started to flex the whips, the ends sparking as they hit the ground several times. He then lashed at them, but the group separated and rolled to either side. Austin this time activated his plasma cannon and fired several shots. They didn't do much damage to Pertrovsky's armour though and the general quickly slashed at him. The Helldiver was only just able to lean back enough that the whip missed him, but unfortunately it ended up severing his cannon off completely. Austin temporarily looked at the sparking arm.

"Not again. Dell's gonna kill me." He sighed to himself.

Aria meanwhile used her biotics to perform a high jump in an attempt to land on top of Pertrovsky, but the general noticed her and quickly swung. One of his whips rapped around her and he pulled her tot he floor, causing to smash into one of the walls rather hard. The Asari though shrugged the pain off, letting her anger, hatred and vengeance fuel her.

Elraa attempt to flank Petrtrovsky, firing at him as she went. The General's armour however blocked all her rounds, though he did use his arm to block some of shots. A simple precaution.

Aria activated a biotic charge and shot forward, only for Pertrovsky to counter her knock her aside, once again causing her to smash into another wall. He then swung at Elraa, his whip wrapping around her neck. The Asari attempted to free herself, but found the whip too tight. Pertrovsky then retracted the whip into his arm, pulling Elraa with him and right into his punch.

Austin suddenly jumped from behind and punched Pertrovsky in the back of the head, temporarily disorienting him. Using this to his advantage, Austin followed this with several more punches. This only worked for bit though before the general headbutted him, causing him to stumble backwards slightly. Pertrovsky then slashed Austin with his whips several times, causing several damage tears to his armour plating. The final strike then wrapped around his neck

Elraa meanwhile, who was still down after the punch fired a few times at Pertrovsky. The General however stood on her with hsi foot, she was lucky not to be crushed by his armour. Just as Pertrovsky started push down harder, Austin quickly pulled hard on the whip around his neck, allowing Elraa enough time to roll back onto her feet.

Seeing that Austin was clearly the stronger of the three, Pertrovsky concentrated on him and increased the voltage on the whip. Austin began to feel the sparking and hot electricity sparking around his neck. His armour still held though.

Acting on instinct, the helldiver pulled on the whip and started himself around, using it to get close to Pertrovsky. It didn't go quite according to plan though as Pertrvosky suddenly punched him to the floor and crushed him under his foot as he had done Elraa, this time much harder though.

At the same time, both Elraa and Aria got back up either side of the general. Pertrovsky lashed both his whips forward and they wrapped around the necks of both Asari.

"You should've given up when you had the chance, Aria." he said.

"Aria, I got an idea. Put your hand up." said Elraa, struggling against the whip's grip.

"This is your idea?!" said Aria.

"Yep!"

Without any better alternative, Aria put her hand up just as Elraa had done.

"All right. Warp, now!"

Pertrovsky was confused by this as both Asari charged up their biotic attacks. Austin on the other hand had a pretty good idea of where this was going and he quickly activated his armour's lockdown.

Both warps fired from either side and smashed into each other. There was a massive explosion as the two clashed, with Pertrovsky caught right in the middle.

Austin waited until the soudns of the blast had cleared before he finally deactivated the lockdown. He no longer felt the weight of Pertrovsky's armour on his back and he gently got up. He saw the general lying ont he ground, his armour completely turned to scrap.

"Major Shepard, I surrender myself into your custody." he coughed.

This was met however with Austin grabbing him by the neck and pulling him up so hard, he literally yanked him right out of the armour.

"Not this time, Pertrovsky." the Helldiver growled. For a long time however, he simply didn't do anything.

"What's the matter, Shepard? Too cowardly to take my life?" Pertrovsky managed to say, struggling against the helldiver's gripa round his neck.

"It's not mine to take." said Austin.

He threw Pertovsky to the ground and stood back, allowing Aria to do what she needed.

"Shepard, I'm unarmed… and I can give the Helldivers intel on what's left of Cerberus." said the General worriedly.

"You'll say anything to save your skin." said Aria. She then seized Pertrovsky byt he neck and pinned him the wall, starting to choke him.

"But… I let you… escape Omega. I deserve... mercy." the general managed to say.

"Is this true, Aria?" Austin asked.

"Inexplicably. I think he'd agree now that it was the biggest mistake of his life." Aria replied.

"But… this is… murder." Pertrovsky choked.

"That's right. Cold-blooded murder. No less than you deserve." said Aria. "Oh no-not yet. You don't get a quick easy death."

Austin simply turned his back. He had no regrets in letting Aria kill Pertrovsky. The general's intel on Cerberus wouldn't really be useful anyway, especially since they were dying out. When this war was over, they would definitely be gone. Their days were numbered. Right now, the Takaal were the real threat.

Also, Austin was heeding Nyreen's advice. The civilians of Omega deserved justice for what Pertrovsky had put them through. Even omega's lawless crime ridden streets were preferable to enduring another waking minute under the general's tyrannical rule.

When he finally turned back, Pertrovsky lay on the floor, dead. Aria turned back to her men.

"Clean up this mess." she ordered. "I've been waiting to kill that man for months."

"Aria…"

Before Aria coudl reply, Elraa suddenly pulled the Queen of Omega into a kiss. Rather surprisingly, Aria didn't seem to object or push her favourite dancer off, she simply let it happen. When Elraa finally ceased the kiss, she looked a tiny bit embarrassed.

"Sorry. I've been wanting to do that for so many years. I never told you before, but… I love you." she said. "I… understand if you don't feel the same way. I just wanted you to know. Now that all this is over."

Surprisingly however, Aria was actually smiling proudly at this.

"Don't be so quick to think you know me completely." she winked. "We'll discuss it properly in private."

Elraa simply nodded understandingly, but she looked unbelievably happy.

"Thank you for not… interfering, Shepard. Killing that man was deeply satisfying." said Aria.

"And thanks to you, we have Omega back." said Elraa.

"So, what's your plan?" Austin asked.

"There's a lot to rebuild. Starting with this… command centre." said Aria. "It may take some time to remove the general stink from my throne. Wonder if I'll ever enjoy the dancing in here again, that isn't' Elraa's that is."

Elraa couldn't help but blush a bit.

"The citizens of Omega have been through a lot, Aria. Try to remember that." said Austin.

"How can I forget? There are reminders everywhere I look." said Aria. "And don't worry. I'll honour our arrangement: troops, ships, and a mountain of eezo. You earned it."

"Then I'll be going. You two clearly have some… business to attend to." said Austin.

"You could join us, you know." Elraa suggested seductively.

"I wasn't lying when I said I was married. So thanks, but no thanks." Austin declined politely.

"Then Bray will take you back. I have a station to whip into shape." said Aria. She then activated the controls and once again dressed the whole station. "Citizens of Omega, hear me. I, Aria T'Loak, have given you back your lives. My rule is reignited. My hand is on the controls once more, and I will not let go again. Each of you owes a debt. Gain my favour by rounding up the remaining Cerberus invaders, and… we'll take our revenge! It's their turn to tremble, their turn to bleed. Going forward, your lives will be hard. But the price you pay is for your freedom. Only I can protect that. And hear this: I will make Omega impenetrable. No one will ever threaten my domain gain. From this day on, the galaxy will know one hard truth: Don't fuck with Omega!"

"You always get these crap details, Bray?" Austin asked from outside.

"Not this time-you got a galaxy to save. Let's get you off this rock." Bray replied.

Glad that one's out of the way.

Right, few important things to know quickly.

This sunday, it'll be my birthday. Unlike last year however, it will not affect my writing. I may be getting some new gaming hardware for my pc, but still...

Also, next week isn't the Asari Monastary yet, that'll come after (and before Thessia) next week's will be an original chapter that will reintroduce another character that I know a few of you have been asking me if IT will reappear.

I've actually had this idea planned for a while, so it's had plenty of time to evolve and improve since it was first conceived last year.

Anyway, see you soon.
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle