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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6240 -:- 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
- 24
- 25
- 26
Another one done quite quickly. Good pace i've managed to get into.
As I said last time, this one will be Grunt's loyalty mission and we even meet Shepard's new squad mate.
Hope you enjoy.

Chapter 25
The Rite of Passage
Austin headed down to check on Miranda. She'd been quiet since coming back from Ilium, but Kelly had reported that she'd been smiling a lot. Miranda was found at her usual spot. She smiled though when she saw Austin enter.
"Thanks again, Shepard. Taking the time to help me with my sister… I couldn't have reached Oriana in time without your help." she said as she got up and sat in a different chair that faced the window. She simply watched the stars go by. "And you proved yourself trustworthy…
"Are you happy about your sister's relocation?" Austin asked.
"She has what I wanted her to have - a normal life, and the freedom to choose her own path. And she knows she has an older sister. A friend." Miranda smiled.
"Are you going to talk to her again?" Austin asked.
"I honestly don't know. For once, I haven't planned that far ahead. I'll deal with it after our mission. I have to stay focused, and she needs time to adjust to her new home on an Arkadian colony." said Miranda.
"You never told me what you talked about." Austin inquired.
"I introduced myself. Her family was shocked. She adjusted quickly, of course. She's as smart as I am. She plays the violin. Loves the adagio movement of Nielsen's Fifth, just like I do. She wants to work in colony development. So her new home will give her some opportunity for that. Told a joke about it. She's really funny. Something we don't share." said Miranda.
"It's funny; I used to think of you as all business. Good to see there's a person under there." Austin smiled.
Miranda smiled back and stood up to face Austin.
"Thanks. I'm beginning to think that maybe serving with you isn't such a bad thing. Thank you, Major. My sister is safe again, thanks in large part to you. I won't forget that." she said.

Austin headed back up to the CIC to think about where to go next.
"Anything new, Kelly?" he asked.
"Grunt seems very agitated. He keeps pacing back and forth down in the cargo hold. You might want to speak with him." said Kelly.
Austin sighed. He hoped that Grunt wasn't starting to have any problems that would hinder his progress.

Austin quickly went down to the cargo bay where Grunt was residing with his tank still. Kraan was also there, most likely to keep Grunt contained if he got out of hand. True to what Kelly said, Grunt did look as though something was really bothering him.
"Shepard." said Kraan as he acknowledged Austin's presence.
"What's the problem?" Austin asked.
"I don't know. He hasn't spoken to me." said Kraan.
Austin walked a bit closer to Grunt.
"Grunt? Kelly said you're tearing up the place. Something wrong?" he asked.
"Something… is wrong, Shepard. I feel wrong, tense! I just wanna kill something. With my hands. More so than usual, like it's not my choice. Like I just want to, I don't know..." said Grunt. To everyone's surprise, he then head-butted one of the windows so hard that the glass cracked. "See? Why do that? What's wrong?"
"Okeer didn't imprint anything to help you figure this out?" Kraan asked, just as confused as Austin was.
"I see pictures of old battles, voices of warlords. But this is… a blood haze in my head. I want control. When we're moving, fighting, I focus. But here, my blood screams, my plates itch, and even you are just noise! I'm tank-born. What is this?" said Grunt.
"Don't know if I can help, Grunt. Sounds like we need one of your kind to look into this."
"Don't look at me, Shepard. I don't know what this problem is either. I've never known one of my kind to have a problem like this, even a tank-bred. Could be a medical condition. If so, we should probably have a Krogan doctor look at him." said Kraan.
"Most offworld Krogan are warriors. Doctor's don't' leave the homeworld. Tuchanka." said Grunt. "I won't ask you to go there. I will control this."
"Joker can get us to the Krogan homeworld. I need everyone at their best." said Austin reassuringly.
"Yeah! We're going back to Tuchanka!" Kraan cheered.
"Thank you, Shepard. I don't like this. Fury is my choice, not a sickness." said Grunt gratefully.

Scarred by bombardment craters, radioactive rubble, chocking ash, salt flats, and alkaline seas, Tuchanka, the Krogan homeworld, was barely capable of supporting life. Thousands of years ago, life grew in fierce abundance under the F-class satar Aralakh (a Raik clan word meaning "Eye of Wrath"). Tree analogs grew in thick jungles, their roots growing out of shallow salty seas. Life fed upon life in an evolutionary crucible. This world died in nuclear firestorms after the Krogan split the atom. A "little ice age" of nuclear winter killed off the remaining plant life. In recent centuries, many Krogan had returned to their homeworld. The reduced albedo had also caused global temperatures to rise. In order to maintain liveable temperatures, a vast shroud was assembled at the L1 Lagrange point.
The Hellhound dropship touched down and Austin, Grunt and Kraan stepped out. Austin had only chosen on taking the two Krogan with him for this one since he was aware that other Krogan didn't take kindly to aliens visiting their home. Helldivers made an exception since their people where part of them, but that didn't mean they'd have what people would call warm welcomes.
Sure enough, the guards to the entrance didn't seem very enthusiastic to see Austin or Grunt. They did seem respectful of Kraan though. After all, he was an Urdnot.
"The clan leader wants to speak with you." the lead guard said to Austin. He then noticed Grunt. "Keep your rutting pet on a short leash. Get him the rite soon, or put him down."
"You know what's wrong with him? What he needs?" Austin asked.
"There's nothing wrong with him. Just go speak with the clan leader." the guard repeated.
Tuchanka really was a ruin. In fact, Austin felt as though he was walking through the remnants of a war zone camp. Although, to be fair, that was probably what it was. There were a lot of Krogan here though. Whoever the clan leader was had obviously done well. From what Austin had heard his old crew member, Urdnot Wrex, was here and trying to unite the clans. Maybe there was a chance they'd see him.
Nearby, Austin found a shop stool. It was being run by a Krogan. Sat next to the Krogan was a rather large, battle scarred Varren.
"Greetings, Helldiver. My name is Ratch. Have a look at what I've got." said the Krogan.
"Everyone I talk to hates that aliens are in Urdnot. Except you." said Austin.
"I don't have the luxury of turning away paying customers. I do enough business off-world to know that aliens have more credits than people here do." said Ratch.
"What do you have in stock?" Austin asked.
"Most of its food and drink that toxic to humans. Ryncol's a local favourite. Don't try to act tough. Even if you're a Helldiver, it'll tear your insides apart. I knew a human Helldiver who did try it once; he woke up with two Asari in his bed. On the downside, he had stomach cramps for a week." said Ratch.
"He's not joking. Ryncol hits aliens like ground glass." said Grunt.
"Otherwise, I've got weapons, scrap... and whatever those Pyjaks don't steal... which isn't much." Said Ratch.
"I'm a good shot. Maybe I can help out with the Pyjaks." Austin suggested.
"Feel free. You can use the console out there to control the guns. Make a dent in the Pyjak population and you get a discount." Said Ratch.
The Varren then walked up to Austin and nudged him slightly. Austin noticed that this Varren had a unique skin colour compared to many others. He was mostly light brown with blue stripes on his back.
"Good Varren." said Austin as he petted the creature.
The Varren purred at Austin's touch.
"Huh, he seems to like you. He's never warmed up to strangers before." said Ratch.
"Is he yours?" Austin asked as he continued petting the Varren.
"No. I'm just trusted to look after him. He's a retired pit fighting champion." Ratch replied.
"That explains the scars." said Kraan. Then he realized something. "This isn't Urz, is it?"
Ratch nodded.
"Impressive." said Kraan.
"Stay." he said sternly to Urz.
Urz immediately obeyed and sat down.

Austin headed over to where Ratch had indicated earlier. There were a set of turrets that could be controlled. While Austin did regret having to shoot the Pyjaks since they were kind of cute, it still was a bit fun a good way of target practice. Austin fired shot after shot until finally, the Pyjaks stopped. Austin was certain he'd done enough now and reported back to Ratch. The Krogan was more than pleased to be rid of those Pyjaks now and had even started selling some of their meat.
"Seeing those vermin roasting in the heat from an explosive shell... I swear it was glorious." he said.
"It was kind of fun, I'll admit." said Austin.
"Then help yourself to more. There's no shortage of Pyjaks out there if you get a craving for violence. I'll give you a discount at my store. Anything you want, you buy at cost." said Ratch.
Austin looked at Urz for a moment and noticed that the Varren looked a bit hungry. What was wrong with feeding him? The Helldiver bought some of the meat and once again stepped up to Urz.
"Here. Try this." said Austin as he put the meat down in front of Urz.
The Varren instantly took it into its mouth and started eating.
"Wow. He was certainly hungry." Austin thought.
Urz finished eating and gulped the Pyjak meat down. He'd really enjoyed that. To Austin's surprise, Urz then went and sat right next to where he was standing. There was a different look in his eyes. He seemed... eager. In fact he now had that look that a dog had whenever they were waiting excitedly for their master to throw a ball.
"Ha! Looks like Urz finally found someone to follow around!" said Ratch. There was a brief moment of pause as the Krogan noticed the new look in Urz's eyes. "Say, human. He really likes you, and I can't keep looking after him. It's not healthy for him to be sitting here all the time. You wanna take him?"
Austin was very surprised by this. Ratch was offering him a former pit fighting Champion? He was being offered a pet?
"Are you sure? I'm on a rather dangerous mission. I can't guarantee I can bring him back." said Austin.
"I'm not letting you borrow him; I'm giving him to you completely. He's yours if you want him. Besides, you Helldivers see a lot of action. Urz might prove useful to you." said Ratch.
Austin looked at Urz for a long moment. He had to admit that the idea of having a Varren as a pet. Plus, Ratch was right. Urz was a former pit champion and he was still very far from old. He could definitely prove useful. True they faced well-armed enemies, but that wouldn't be a problem. Just give Urz some armour and he'd be even more lethal.
"Alright. I'll take him." Austin smiled.
"Good, then he's all yours. Look after him." Ratch smiled.
Urz seemed to understand that he had a new owner now and he briefly walked up to Ratch who gave him a goodbye pat on the head.
"Are you sure about this, Shepard? Looking after a Varren isn't the same as looking after an earthen dog." said Kraan.
"We'll manage. Anyway, I'm his owner now so he's my responsibility." said Austin.
"If you say so. Just want you to be sure you know what you're doing." said Kraan. "Although I do admit that having a Varren as a pet does sound exciting. Anyone who tries to get in our way with him around is gonna wish they'd never been born."
Having done enough sightseeing, Austin headed to where the clan leader was.
"Halt! You must wait till the clan leader summons you. He is... in talks." said one of the guards.
Austin looked past the guards. He couldn't see the clan leader clearly, but he could see the Krogan who was talking to the clan leader. This Krogan had a green head crest, a very uncommon sight. He was also wearing Krogan Battlemaster armour with blue glows.
"You know what tradition demands - Clan Urdnot must respond. Your reforms will not go unopposed. You risk appearing weak at a critical time..." he said.
"Shepard." said a familiar voice.
Everyone immediately looked to the sound of the voice. The clan leader stood up from his throne and they now had a proper view of him. There in front of them, was Wrex, his scarred face smiling at the sight of them.
"Good enough?" Austin asked as Wrex pushed the other Krogan out of the way. "Excuse me." said Austin as he walked past the guards.
Wrex and Austin both shook hands warmly, Wrex was even laughing with delight.
"Shepard! My friend!" he said warmly.
"Damn good to see you too, Wrex! It's been too long." said Austin happily.
"That it has. You look well for dead, Shepard. Should've known the void couldn't hold you." Wrex smiled.
Kraan them came into view too. He and Wrex banged fists with one another.
"Kraan, welcome home." said Wrex.
"It's good to be back, old friend." Kraan smiled. "You're chief? Nice!"
"Looks like helping destroy Saren and the Geth has worked out for you. Glad we didn't have to kill each other on Virmire." said Austin.
"Ha! You made the rise of Urdnot possible. Virmire was a turning point for the Krogan. Although, not everyone was happy about it." said Wrex. He looked bitterly at the other Krogan as he said the last bit. "Destroying Saren's Genophage cure freed us from his manipulation. I used that to spur the clans to unify under Urdnot.
"You abandoned many traditions to get your way. Dangerous." said the other Krogan.
Wrex then suddenly head-butted
"Speak when spoken to, Uvenk! I'll drag your clan to glory whether it likes it or not." He said as Uvenk rubbed his head.
Wrex made his way back to his throne and sat back down on it.
"Now, Shepard. What brings you here? How's the Normandy?" he asked.
"Destroyed in a Collector surprise attack. I ended up spaced." Austin replied.
"Well, you look good. Ah, the benefits of a redundant nervous system." Wrex smiled.
"Yeah... humans don't have that." Said Austin admittedly.
"Oh, it must've been painful then. But you're standing here, and you've got a strong new ship. Takes me back to the old days. Us against the unknown, killing it with big guns. Good times." Said Wrex.
"I have a new Krogan as part of my team. His name's Grunt. He has some kind of sickness and needs treatment. We were hoping you might know what's wrong with him." Said Austin as he indicated to Grunt.
Grunt stepped forward and Wrex looked at him.
"Where are you from, whelp?" he asked. "Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what is expected of you?"
"I have no clan. I was tank bred by warlord Okeer, my line is distilled from Kredak, Moro, Shiagur-" said Grunt.
There was something different in Grunt's voice. The Krogan was usually unafraid and confident of anything he said. This time however, Grunt sounded as though he was nervous. Austin could only guess it was because of Wrex. Grunt knew that he was not only in the presence of a very old Battlemaster, but a clan chief and an old Krogan veteran who had served with Austin. Grunt clearly knew to show respect.
"You recite warlords, but you are the offspring of a syringe!" said Uvenk.
"Watch it, Gatatog. That may be true, but he's still my comrade." said Kraan challengingly. Even Urz seemed to growl slightly at Uvenk.
"I am pure Krogan. You should be in awe." said Grunt. Once again, he didn't say it as confidently or boastful as he normally would have. Austin hadn't realised that Grunt would be nervous around his friend.
"Okeer is a very old name. A very hated name." said Wrex coldly.
"He is dead." said Grunt as he swallowed hard. Perhaps that was also why he was nervous. Grunt knew about Okeer's history and perhaps feared of what Wrex would do.
"Of course. You're with Shepard. How could he be alive?" said Wrex.
"Does that name mean anything to you, Wrex?" Austin asked.
"A vicious warlord responsible for many deaths. Who apparently toyed with genetics. A clone undertaking the Rite…?" said Wrex.
"You are considering it? Tan-bred allowed status as an adult? This is too far!" Uvenk objected.
"I'd watch it if I were you, Uvenk. One more wrong word and I'll tear you apart right here." said Kraan defensively.
Austin really didn't understand how Krogan minds worked sometimes. For a long time he'd thought that Kraan didn't have any respect for Grunt or resented him. Yet here he was defending Grunt like he was a friend.
"You don't have the plates to try." said Uvenk.
"You won't have any plates when I'm done with you! Back down." said Kraan.
"I'd listen to him if I were you, Uvenk. I'm perfectly willing to let him kill you." said Wrex.
That was enough for Uvenk to back down, but the hate was still in his eyes.
"There's nothing wrong with him. He's becoming a full adult." Wrex explained to Austin.
"Wait, he's coming of age?" Austin asked.
"I don't care what aliens call it. Krogan undergo the Rite of Passage." said Wrex.
"Too far, Wrex! Your clan may rule, but this thing is not Krogan!" said Uvenk angrily as he stormed off.
"Idiot." Wrex muttered.
"My thoughts exactly." said Kraan.
"So, Grunt. Do you wish to stand with Urdnot?" Wrex asked.
"You'll let a tank bred Krogan join clan Urdnot?" Austin asked.
"Only because he's with you. After all, you and I killed thousands like him. Not quite as big, but many. Clan Urdnot is strong and the others will do as I say. They see the benefit of my vision." said Wrex.
"What happened if he doesn't do this Rite of Passage?" Austin asked.
"If he was left here, he would be killed. The clanless are not respected. A tank-bred, probably more so. His disposition is what it is, Rite or no. That's just him being a Krogan." said Kraan.
"Okeer didn't tell you that in the tank, did he, boy?" said Wrex.
Grunt simply remained silent.
"What does this Rite of Passage involve exactly?" Austin asked.
"Not for us to say, Shepard? The Shaman will discuss that." Wrex replied.
"This is his choice." said Austin.
Grunt spent a long moment to think about this. The Krogan looked at the whole place for a long moment before he turned back to the others.
"It is in my blood. It's what I am for." he said.
"Good boy. Speak with the shaman – he's over on the second level. Give him a good show, and he'll set you on the path." said Wrex. As he headed back his throne, he turned to Austin again. "You too, Shepard. How many times have you stepped in a mess for your crew, hmm?"
"Good to see you again, Wrex. You sure you can't come with us?" said Austin.
"Wish I could, but I need to keep these short sighted fools in line. Hunt well, Shepard." said Wrex.
The Shaman was right where Wrex had said he'd be. Unfortunately, Uvenk and his krantt where there too.
"You go beyond yourself, Gatatog Uvenk! The rites of Urdnot are dominant!" said the shaman.
"How do we know it will challenge him? He's unnatural! The beasts of the rite could ignore him like lump of plastic." Uvenk objected.
"They know blood, no matter the womb. Your barking does not help your case." said the Shaman.
"I'll speak for myself!" said Grunt,
"This is the tank-bred? It is very life like." said the Shaman. The Krogan sniffed Grunt. "Smells correct as well. Your protests ring hollow, Uvenk."
Normally, Austin would try to diffuse this peacefully, but his Helldiver teachings about other species taught him otherwise. Krogan favoured violent and forceful action and they also admired courage.
"I don't care what this idiot says. Grunt has the right to be here." he said.
"There's some fire – and from an alien! Oh, the shame this heaps on those who whine like pups." said the Shaman.
That was good. Austin had made a good first impression on Grunt's behalf.
"If this must stand on ritual, then I invoke a denial! My krantt stands against him! He has no one!" Uvenk objected again.
"Who says we need you, weakling?!" Kraan growled.
"My patience is tested, but Uvenk invokes correctly. Grunt, who is your krantt? Your allies willing to kill and die on your behalf?" the Shaman asked.
"How is a candidate tested if he brings back up on his Rite of Passage?" Austin inquired.
"Not every Krogan can be the strongest warrior. But each must inspire his peers to battle at his side. If the ones who know you best can find nothing worthy in you, you should wander the wastes and die alone before you weaken my clan. said the Shaman.
"You needn't worry about that. Grunt will strengthen clan Urdnot. Name a target and it will a death that will be spoken of for many years." said Austin.
"Well spoken, Helldiver. Most aliens, and some Krogan, do not understand our ways. I believe this human does." said the Shaman. He seemed very impressed now. Very good.
Despite this though, Uvenk still seemed to want to defy him.
"Aliens don't know strength. My followers are true Krogan. Everything about Grunt is a lie." he said.
To everyone's surprise, Austin then head-butted Uvenk right in the face. Normally, that sort of move from a human would simply make him stagger back. But a Helldiver was a different matter. The enhanced strength of Austin's suit enabled his attack to strike with such force that it was easily equal to a normal Krogan head-butt. Sure enough, Austin hit Uvenk with enough strength that it made him fall to the floor. Just as Wrex had done earlier.
Despite this though, it did hurt Austin a bit. Although his suit kept him safe, it still hurt his neck a bit. If he hadn't been wearing his suit, he could've risked doing dome more serious damage.
"Don't know how you guys mange it. That hurt my neck a lot." said Austin to Kraan as he rubbed his neck.
Uvenk quickly got back up on his feet. He looked just about ready to kill them all for that.
'You... you dare?" he said.
"Ba ha ha ha ha! I like this human! He understands!" the Shaman laughed.
"I will..." said Uvenk, but he was interrupted as Urz, Kraan and Grunt all growled at him. He didn't scare them. Urz especially looked ready to fight.
"Try it. I dare you." said Austin challengingly as he held Urz just to be sure he didn't start an unnecessary fight.
"You think that just because Wrex favours him that you can order me around?" said Uvenk.
"What the hell is your issue? What have you got against Grunt?" Kraan retorted.
"It's doesn't matter if one of our own made him – he is a manipulation! He may as well be the Genophage in the flesh." said Uvenk.
"The Genophage defines the weak. My bloodline will make us stronger." said Grunt.
"You sound like Wrex, bringing radical change that threatens our core. We have gone too far already." said Uvenk.
"This is about politics. You maneuver like the Citadel Council. Does your krantt also fight with words?" said Austin.
"You dare slander me in such a way?" said Uvenk.
"Impressive. You challenged with words – their natural weapon. And your krantt sees how your position weakens, Uvenk." the Shaman chuckled as he nudged Uvenk very hard.
"Shaman, you cannot decide in his favour! What about Krogan traditions if you pollute the Rite?" said Uvenk.
That however was the wrong thing to say, as that simply seemed to anger the Shaman.
"You… you dare! I was a warrior before your mother was born! I speak with the authority of centuries. I decide who is worthy. That is the end of it!" he said.
"I withdraw my denial. This will be decided elsewhere!" said Uvenk as he pushed Austin out of the way. He quickly withdrew however when Urz tried to lunge at him. Austin just managed to keep the Varren back.
"Easy, boy." Said Austin calmly as he held Urz back. If it where up to him he'd let the Varren chow down on Uvenk, but he didn't want to risk starting a clan war. Wrex would never forgive him for that.
"You have provoked them. Reason enough for me to like you. They're your problem now." said Shaman.
"Is that Krogan gonna be a problem?" Austin asked.
"He is forbidden to interfere. Will he? During the Rite of Passage, you must be ready for anything, Shepard. From what you've shown me, you will not disappoint." said the Shaman.
"Do we need any special equipment?" Austin asked.
"To begin the Rite, only the candidate and his krantt are required. You love battle, don't you Shepard? The last gasp of a dying opponent? Bring your love of the fight to Grunt's trial, and he will succeed." the Shaman replied.
"We're ready. Let's do this." said Austin.
At the same time, Grunt banged both his fists together.
"Excellent. But before we begin, I will have to ask that Urdnot Kraan does not take part in this. He has already completed his rite." said the Shaman.
"Kraan's..." Austin went to say, but Kraan stopped him.
"Don't try to argue, Shepard. He's right. Besides, Grunt won't truly be tested if he has a Krogan with him that has already passed the rite. It'll look like weakness to the others." he said.
"Exactly." said the Shaman.
"Well, when you put it that way..." said Austin. "Kraan, head back to the Normandy and tell X-5 to come join us."
"Have fun." said Kraan as he walked off.
"Am I allowed to bring, Urz?" Austin asked.
Urz simply remained clam as the Shaman looked at him.
"I must say, I am impressed that you now are now his new master. He was a fine fighter in his time. He will serve you well." "He may participate in the rite. It will allow his old skills to come back to him. I would recommend though that you outfit him with something to distinguish him. Give him some armour too. Now that he's not in the pits, he'll benefit from it." said the Krogan.
"Well then, what are we waiting for?" said Austin.

Urz simply sat quietly as the rover made its way across Tuchanka's wastelands. The Varren it seemed was a lot tamer than Austin had expected. This had also been a relief for Dell who had also been brought down to fit Urz's new battle armour.
Although it had been on extremely short notice, Dell and Sill had quickly managed to make a set of battle armour that was designed specially to be worn by a Varren. It was adjustable, so they hadn't needed to worry about measuring Urz. The armour that Urz was wearing wasn't permanent. Now that Dell and Sill knew about this, they had said that they would get to work and making a much better version. This one had been done in a rush. For now, it would do though.
The armour covered Urz's body, his tail, he had gauntlets around his legs and metallic claws strapped to his feet and he even had a helmet around his head. In fact the armour looked a lot like Gladiator armour. The helmet covered the Varren's face obviously, but it left big gaps for his eyes and mouth. Urz also had a collar fitted. It was a perfectly normal collar and was merely just so that Austin could hold Urz back properly if he needed to keep the Varren under control or be prepared to release him. It occurred to Austin now that Urz would also be handy at interrogations.
"No disrespect, Shepard. But are you sure taking this Varren is a good idea?" Grunt asked.
"It'll be fine, Grunt. Besides, I'd like to see what Urz can do. He's a former pit fighting champion after all, I imagine he'll do well, especially with his new battle armour." said Austin as he patted Urz on the head. The Varren nuzzled him affectionately.
Eventually, the rover stopped and everyone hopped out. A few Krogan guards accompanied the shaman as they walked through the tunnels.
"This is Tuchanka's most recent scar, the last surface city to fall in the rebellions. The key stone was at the heart. It has survived wars and the passage of centuries. It endures - like the Krogan." he said.
They exited the tunnel to find themselves out in an open arena of some kind. In front of them was a massive pillar of some kind. Grunt gazed around the area in amazement.
"If you wish to join Clan Urdnot, you must contemplate the keystone and it's trials." said the Shaman.
"What will happen?" Grunt asked.
"Who knows? You must adapt. You must thrive, no matter the situation. Any true Krogan will." the Shaman replied.
With that, he and the other Krogan went back into the tunnels and the entrance sealed itself.
Now they were alone.
"Let's get started, Shepard. Hit the keystone." said Grunt as he took out his Claymore.
Austin did the same and unholstered his Revenant while X-5 powered up his shoulder mounted rail gun and wrist cannons. Urz simply growled with excitement, clearly enjoying the feel of Tuchanka's air on his skin.
Austin pressed the keystone and a large block inside the pillar was slowly raised up.
"First the Krogan conquered Tuchanka... and mastered a natural world only we are fit to hold" a Krogan voice boomed.
The raised slab then fell fast and hit the ground. The arena shook for a moment and then settled. Everything was silent for a moment before Urz then started growling. Everyone looked in the direction the Varren was facing. Sure enough, several other normal Varren were heading towards them. This was clearly the first wave of the rite.
"Here they come! I'm ready!" said Grunt.
"Me too!" said X-5.
Urz also seemed to respond with an exciting bark.
The enemy Varren ran at them. Urz roared and charged at them. Almost immediately, he pounced on one and they wrestled while the others continued their charge.
Grunt, Austin and X-5 opened fire. Varren after Varren fell from the constant gunfire.
"Spread out!" Austin ordered.
Austin resorted to using his Revenant in his left hand, Excalibur in the other in case some of the Varren got to close and also his plasma cannon.
All the while he observed how Urz was doing. He was rather surprised.
Urz seemed to fight like made. He also definitely was putting his pit fighting skills to good use. The normal Varren would attempt to bite, but he'd then simply dodge and leap onto them. Urz's teeth where already stained with a lot blood. Plus, he was completely uninjured.
Austin was beginning to look forward to having Urz as a pet. Besides, how different was it really from looking after an Earthen dog.
More and more Varren came, but they simply fell from gunfire. Grunt and X-5 in particular where having the time of their lives. Finally, the last one fell and they all regrouped. Both Grunt and x-5 where stained with a bit of blood, Urz seemed relatively clean apart from his teeth claws, and mouth from where he'd bitten the other Varren. Austin meanwhile had quite a bit on him due to the fact that he'd used his sword. He may have made a bit of a gory mess.
"Let's signal the keystone to continue the right." said Grunt.
Austin did so and the slab was once again raised.
"Then the Krogan where lifted to the stars to destroy the fears of a galaxy, an enemy only we could chase to their lair."
The slab fell again and slammed on the ground.
This time, a large winged beast flew in.
"Crawlers, come to your death!" Grunt yelled.
Austin now recognised the creature as what was called a Harvester. It had a worm like neck and 4 insect like legs. It roared as it landed and then deposited several crab like creatures which were called Klixens.
"Careful. These one's spit fire." Austin warned.
"Then let's give 'em a taste of their own medicine and turn up the heat!" said X-5 as he switched to incendiary rounds. Austin did the same and activated the red holographic incendiary ammo on his gun. He also began charging up a shot on his plasma cannon. Charged shots would most likely do the right amount of damage.
The Harvester roared and took off, leaving the Klixens to fight the 4 of them themselves.
"Urz, stay back." Austin advised.
The Varren obeyed and stayed at Austin side while Grunt and X-5 moved closer. Austin decided that sniping would be a wiser decision from this range and switched to his Raptor, once again turning the incendiary ammo on.
"I AM KROGAN!" Grunt yelled as he charged one of the Klixens.
"Eat my lead, crawlers!" X-5 yelled as he unleaded his guns into the creatures.
Austin simply crouched and sniped Klixen after Klixen. So far it was going well and they were managing to keep them back. That however changed when the Harvester swooped down again and deposited more of them.
Austin fired more and more shots at them, but there were too many this time, and eventually they got too close.
"Get 'em, Urz!" Austin yelled as he drew Excalibur again.
Urz immediately charged and bit hard into one of the Klixen's legs, causing it to screech in pain and to try and desperately shake the Varren off. At the same time, it tried breathing some of its fire onto Urz but it constantly missed and caught some of the other Klixen's and killing them.
Austin chopped, slashed and stabbed as the other Klixen's attempted to breathe some of their fire on him. Naturally of course, it didn't work. If a Helldiver suit could survive being in a vacuum, it could definitely survive fire.
One Klixen attempted to jump Austin but Urz saved him by jumping on the Klixen and biting both its eyes out. The Varren then went for another one and tackled it to the ground.
The fight was long and gory as Klixen after Klixen swarmed them. Eventually though, the Harvester just didn't come again. It was over.
"I hope this next wave is the last one." Austin panted as he pressed the keystone again.
"Now, all Krogan bear the Genophage, our reward, our curse. It is a fight where the only goal is survival!"
"Feel that? Everything is shaking." said Grunt.
True enough, the ground was shaking violently, and this time it wasn't from the keystone.
No! It couldn't be. Not now.
Unfortunately, Austin's worst fears where confirmed. A giant mass burst out of the ground and reared its head in their direction.
"Thresher Maw! Find cover!" Austin yelled.
The Thresher Maw roared and spat acid at them.
Urz also just managed to get into cover as well before the acid hit.
"Smart Varren." said Grunt.
"What's the plan, Shepard?" said X-5 as his shoulder gun fired few shots at the Maw.
"I'm thinking, I'm thinking." said Austin as he tried to think how they could kill the Thresher Maw. At least it was better than that Thresher maw husk they'd had to fight on Ilos. They'd simply been lucky to have some assistance with that.
Nevertheless, even a normal Thresher Maw was bad news.
"Any thoughts, Grunt? This is your Rite of Passage." said Austin as he avoided another bit of acid.
"I've got something, but it'll get messy. Keep it distracted, I need to get closer!" said Grunt.
"Hope you know what you're doing. I need you on this mission." said Austin.
Both Austin and X-5 fired at the Maw to draw it's attention. All the while, Grunt got a bit closer. He then started shooting too.
"Over here!" he yelled.
The Thresher Maw looked directly at the tank-bred Krogan and roared. Grunt simply growled and started charging up his Claymore.
"He's crazy!" said X-5 once they both realised what Grunt was going to do.
"He's right. This is going to get messy. I'd get down if I were you." said Austin as he and X-5 ducked. "Stay close to me, Urz"
Urz huddled close to Austin.
Grunt started to run as the Maw roared at him. It lunged as it watched its prey flee. As its mouth engulfed Grunt, his Claymore finished charging and he fired.
The Thresher Maw's head exploded just as it engulfed Grunt completely. Loads of skin and gore where splattered all over the place and it's body fell.
Austin, X-5 and Urz slowly looked over cover to see the Thresher Maw's headless body bleeding heavily on the ground. But there was no sign of Grunt.
"Now that's the way to do it!" said a voice.
They looked to see Grunt walking away from the body. He was covered in Thresher Maw skin and gore, but he had a very smug smile on his face.
"Remind me never to piss you off." said X-5.
"That was fun." Grunt smiled as Urz licked some of the gore off of him.
A ship suddenly flew overhead.
"We have company. Good. I want more." said Grunt.
The occupants of the ship stepped out. It was Uvenk. Accompanying him where a few other Krogan from his krantt.
"You live, and you brought down the Thresher Maw. No one has done that in generations. Urdnot Wrex was the last." he said.
"My krantt gave strength beyond my genes. Which are damned good." said Grunt.
"This will cause discussion. I wonder… you say you are pure? No alien meddling in your construction? Just the warlord Okeer?" said Uvenk.
"The best Krogan traits are distilled into Grunt. He's designed to be perfect." said Austin.
"Being designed is the problem. But not made by aliens. And he is truly powerful. This is a tolerable loophole." said Uvenk.
"A what?" Grunt asked, confused.
"A reason to accept you. You are a mistake, but your potential could tip the current balance of clans." said Uvenk.
"You spit on my father's name! On Shepard's name! But now you stop ranting because I'm strong?" said Grunt.
"With restrictions. You could not breed, of course. Or serve on an alien ship. But you'd be clan in name." said Uvenk.
"You talk like he's a thing. You're after his power. You don't really want him in your clan." said Austin.
"Of course not! I didn't really want to cooperate with clan Urdnot, but I had to. Clan Gatatog is on the verge – either of greatness or of joining the dust. I get traditionalist support if I fight you, and reformer support if I back you. Your Rite of Passage tipped that balance, too." said Uvenk.
"If I know Grunt, your answer's coming at muzzle velocity." said Austin.
"You do know Grunt. This Varren is dead." Grunt smiled.
The tank-bred Krogan then charged at Uvenk and knocked him right down.
The rest of the Krogan unholstered their weapons and one even fired a concussive shot at them. The team immediately ducked behind cover, Urz also followed to avoid the shot.
"I think I've just about had enough of this guy." said Austin.
The Krogan where slightly tougher to take down. Uvenk in particular was a real pain due to his biotic barriers. For Austin however this wasn't difficult. A vicious fight followed around the sight as X-5, Grunt and Urz battled Uvenk's krantt while Austin fought the Krogan himself.
Pretty soon, Austin managed to fire just the right shot. Not only did it disable Uvenk's barriers, but it also shot his Claymore right out of his hands.
Uvenk's barriers where down and he was now disarmed.
"Go on then. Finish it." the Krogan growled.
"Oh, I intend to." said Austin as Urz came up behind him, growling at Uvenk and licking his lips hungrily.
"Urz, sic him!" Austin ordered.
Urz immediately obeyed and jumped at Uvenk. The Krogan tried desperately to shake the Varren off, but Urz sank his teeth into his arm. Uvenk screamed as Urz's sharp teeth carved right into his flesh and Urz pulled so hard he ripped the arm off completely.
"Do you want the honours, Grunt?" Austin offered.
"My pleasure!" said Grunt as he aimed his shotgun at Uvenk and blew the Krogan's face apart.
"Uvenk is meat. Let's signal the keystone to get out of her and leave him to rot." said Grunt.
Urz refused to drop Uvenk's arm and continued eating at the meat still on it. Austin guessed that would keep him happy for a while and now Urz also had some bone to chew on. He hoped however that they wouldn't start to smell. Because if they did, he'd have to take them away. The Normandy's cleaners would kill him if the decomposition left a smell all over the place. But Urz's was a fast and very efficient eater. Perhaps he'd eat all the flesh before it got the chance to stink.
They headed back to where the keystone was. Some of the Krogan guards from earlier had now returned. They nodded to Grunt that the Rite was finished.

"You have passed the Rite of Passage, earning the honor of clan and name." said the Shaman.
Grunt then kneeled before the Shaman.
"Many survive, but it has been years since a Thresher Maw fell! Your names shall live in glory. Grunt, you are Urdnot. You may now own property, join the army, and apply to serve under a Battlemaster."
"Shepard is my Battlemaster. He has no match." said Grunt.
"Understood." said the Shaman as he motioned for Grunt to stand again. "Congratulations, Urdnot Grunt. Accept this token from Fortack. His weapons are the finest we have."
"We should go." said Austin.
"May your foes be strong enough to keep you sharp." said the Shaman.
Before they left, Austin went back to Wrex.
"You just can't help making trouble. No one has killed a maw since my turn in the Rite. Next you'll tell me he's a quint and craps dark matter. Guess that's what it takes to replace me." said the old Krogan. "You are Urdnot Grunt. Welcome."

Grunt had been silent after coming back from Tuchanka, but Kelly had noticed an improvement in his mood, and it certainly showed when Austin came down to check on him.
"Urdnot Grunt. I like it. I have a clan. That makes me… it makes me want to fight – not just able to! And Uvenk! I wanted to disembowel him! To tear out his spine like a trophy!" said Grunt.
"Save it for the Collectors, Grunt. I don't want you starting fights on my ship." said Austin sternly. Besides, we did this because you were losing control. Now you just seem as hell bent as ever."
"Wrex said I was normal. I just had all this built up stuff from being grown in the tank. Now that I know it's not an outside thing, and I have a place as a Krogan, I like it. Our enemies are in trouble, Shepard. And we better not run out of targets." said Grunt.
"There's no danger of that. They're practically lining up." Austin smiled.
"Everyone gets a turn. Ha! Wouldn't want it any other way." said Grunt as he banged his fists together.

Austin was glad at least that Grunt was in control now, even if he did still seem eager for nothing but violence. Austin guessed it would only be a matter of time before another member of the team came to him with another personal mission. Sure enough, speak of the devil, Kelly notified him as soon as he re-entered the CIC.
"Major, Mordin would like to speak to you. He seems to have something distracting him from his work." she said.
Austin was beginning to see that everyone was starting to find something they wanted to wrap up. Not that he could blame them. They were preparing for a suicide mission and would need to be focused if they were to make it out alive. Austin also had to keep reminding himself that Uthenra would be coming aboard in a few days. He still needed to make preparations for it.
Mordin was once again in his lab and was typing away at his console, most likely working on a new project or something. A bit Like Dell sometimes did.
"Shepard. Important news. Know you're busy. Have to deal with Collectors. Planning attack. Too important to wait. Just received data, still processing, analysing likely scenarios. Not sure how to begin. Too much intel. You remember our talk? My work on Genophage modification?" the Salarian asked.
"Hmm, yes. You stopped the Krogan adaptation to the Genophage." said Austin coldly.
He didn't care if Mordin disapproved of him saying it like that. He was still appalled at Mordin for modifying a lethal weapon like that that shouldn't have existed in the first place. In fact it was that event that had prevented the Salarians from joining the Helldivers. The Council had attempted many times to negotiate something with the Arkanes, but they always distrusted the Salarians due to the Genophage and some even thought that they might try the same for them simply to clear up their own mess if it all went to hell.
"Part of a team. Scientists, all different types. Blood Pack mercenaries captured former team member. Maelon. Last seen on Tuchanka. Might torture him. Make an example. Recovering Maelon would be personal favour to me." Mordin explained.
"Do you think they found out your team updated the Genophage?" Austin asked.
"Unclear. No way to determine until we get Tuchanka." said Mordin.
"If only you'd told me earlier. I was just on Tuchanka. Still, we can go back if need be. We'll find your team member." said Austin.
"Appreciate it. My assistant. My student. Want to see him safe. Maelon last seen outside Urdnot territory. Scouts might have seen Blood Pack. Talk to them or clan chief." said Mordin. "In the meantime, will be here trying to determine how scale itch got onto Normandy. Sexually transmitted disease. Only carried by Varren Implications unpleasant."
Austin simply cleared his throat at that. He honestly hoped that this scale itch thing had not been caused by Urz, especially if it was an STD. That was very unpleasant to think of.

Austin decided to have another quick chat with Thane before heading back to Tuchanka.
"Do you need something?" Thane asked.
"Have a few minutes to talk?" Austin asked.
"Certainly." Thane replied.
"If you don't mind me saying, you're what expected. You don't seem like a typical assassin." said Austin.
"In my experience, those who are truly dangerous don't act like they are." said Thane.
"Hmm, that's comforting for me to know." said Austin hesitantly.
"Don't worry, Shepard. I don't think it'll be possible for me to assassinate you without you at least noticing in some way. Helldivers are too smart and self-aware for that." said Thane.
"Thanks... I guess." said Austin. "If you don't mind me asking, how long have you been doing this?"
"The Hanar trained my body for this role since I was six years old." Thane replied.
"You've been killing since you were six?" Austin asked in surprise.
"Of course not. I didn't make my first kill until I was 12. They were training me. I was not to be used and thrown away. I was an investment." said Thane.
"You were a child not an investment!" said Austin sternly.
"I've given you the wrong idea. They valued me. Yes, as a resource. But also as a person. They... regretted their need for me." said Thane.
"Why did your parents agree to this?" Austin asked. He was rather surprised that a family would allow this sort of thing for their child at such a young age.
"The agreement was made under the Compact. It was an honour of our family." said Thane.
'The Compact?" Austin inquired.
"We live on the Hanar homeworld because they rescued us - some of us - from extinction. We owe them our lives. That is the Compact." said Thane.
"This can't be legal. They made your whole race into slaves!" said Austin.
"I understand how you must feel given that you and other Helldiver are trained to fight and end slavery. But I assure you, it is nothing like that. Besides, anyone can choose to serve. Few do. We owe our existence to the Hanar. We are proud to repay the debt." said Thane.
"But you don't kill for the Hanar anymore. You're a freelance. What changed?" Austin asked.
"I was asleep for a long time, yes. I paid no attention to what my body was asked to do. But then-" said Thane. Then something strange seemed to happen. Thane spoke as if he was suddenly remembering something and describing it in great detail. "Laser dot trembles on his skull. One finger-twitch, he dies. Then the smell of spice on the spring wind. Sunset coloured eyes defiant in the scope. The laser dances away."
Then it seemed to stop. Thane hesitated for a while before he spoke again.
"My apologies. Drell slip into memories so easily." he said.
"Was that one of your assassinations?" Austin asked.
"Ah. Yes. Perhaps we can discuss it later. I've wasted too much of your time." said Thane.
Austin felt it best to try and press the issue and simply left. It did get him wondering about Thane though. What was his story? The Major should try and talk to Thane again when possible and ask about what had just happened.

I'm looking forward to doing some more missions with Urz. obviously there are some restrictions to where he can go. I really doubt Varren are allowed on Illium or the Citadel for example. I've also made up that Varren can live for 800 years since their true lifespan is never revealed. Besides, Krogan live just as long as Asari, why shouldn't Varren since they live on the same homeworld?
Until next time. Do let me know what your opinions are on this one.
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War