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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
- 4
- 5
- 6
I'm back again!
Hopefully, the title will say everything about this chapter. This chapter will also introduce three new characters that i have made specially for Helldiver saga.
Enjoy and leave reviews!

Chapter 5
Alpha & Omega
Austin and Liara slowly woke up from their peaceful sleep. Austin had never seen Liara happier as she smiled at the sight of his face. Despite all the scars he had, she didn't mind at all.
"Morning, love." He said as he stroked Liara's crest affectionately.
"It feels like you never left." Said Liara as she stroked her lover's cheek.
"Liara, I've got something I'd like to ask you." Said Austin.
"I'm listening." Said Liara.
"Remember the old days when you moved into my quarters after we had our first Union?" Austin asked.
"I can see where this is going. You want to me move back in with you don't you?" Liara asked happily.
"Technically I can also order it, but I'm not that sort of lover." Said Austin.
"You don't even need to offer, Austin. The Arkanes already knew of my relationship with you and when they built the Normandy they kind of assumed that we were still in love. So to be honest, my quarters are the same as yours." Liara smiled.
"Good. I wouldn't have it any other way." Said Austin.
"But Austin, we can't let this get in the way of the mission. I love you very much, but we have to make sure we're both focused." Said Liara.
"Don't worry. I was thinking the same thing too. The only thing that was distracting me to begin with was where our relationship stood. Now that I've got you back, I have no doubts. No matter what, I'll be prepared for whatever's thrown at us. All I need is you by my side, and I'll lead us through hell and back." Said Austin.
"I believe in you my love. I am with you forever until the end." Said Liara.
"I love you." Said Austin.
"I love you too." Said Liara.
They shared one final long kiss before they finally decided that they needed to get up. They had a team to put together.

Austin headed into the CIC and selected Omega from the galaxy map. The Arkanes had clearly upgraded that as well since it twice as easy to use, and way more interactive than the one on the original Normandy. Just as he picked the location Kelly then arrived at her post.
"Morning, Major." She said as she saluted to him.
"Morning, Kelly. Sleep well?" he asked.
"Very well, thank you. Oh, while you were with Commander T'soni last night we made a small stop at a nearby port. We received something from the Arkane Council for you. It's down in the cargo hold." Said Kelly.

Austin took the elevator down and entered the cargo hold. It was very dark and there hardly any lights on. It didn't look as though there was anyone down here.
"Hello? Who turned out the lights?" Austin shouted. Nothing replied.
Suddenly he felt something behind his back. Without even thinking he grabbed the thing standing behind him and threw it to the ground. When he saw its face clearly though he was frozen with surprise.
"Still a bit jumpy, aren't you, Shepard?" said Dash as he rubbed his head.
The rest of the lights then came on and Austin found himself facing his old team, Alpha Squad.
"Major, good to see you again." Said Alaara.
"Guys? What… how… what are you doing here?" Austin asked in surprise.
"Returning back to our rightful place, under your command." Said Kraan as he helped Austin up and he and the rest of Alpha Squad shook hands.
"But the Arkane Council told me you were on a mission." Said Austin.
"We were, but we managed to finish it way ahead of schedule. When the Normandy just happened to stop at the same spaceport we were currently at waiting for transport back to Arkadia, we contacted the Council and told them we'd join your crew. They didn't object at all." Said Leena.
"Well when you say that the Normandy landing there was coincidence, I did find out that the Normandy would be docking there for fuel." Said an unknown Helldiver.
"Who's this?" Austin asked in surprise. This Helldiver was new.
The Helldiver was covered from head to toe in heavy plate armour and he seemed massive. From the size of his armour alone, Austin guessed he was very muscular. He also had a massive mini gun holstered on his back. In addition to this, had hundreds of ammo canisters strapped to his arms, torso and his legs. There was what looked like explosives. Austin guessed he was a demo expert as well as a heavy. His armour was mostly dark grey with a few exceptions. The Helldiver had the symbol of a Griffin on his massive left shoulder plate, a skull painted on his helmet and a gauntlet on his left hand that was clearly twice the size of his other hand.
"Ah, this, Major, is Alpha Squad's newest recruit." Said Alaara.
"Alex Wilson reporting for duty, sir!" said the Helldiver as he saluted.
"We call him Griffin for short." Said Sandra.
"What's your specialty?" Austin asked.
"Well as you can probably tell, I'm qualified to handle heavy weapons." Said Griffin as he unholstered his mini gun. It had a long chain of bullets coming out of side of the gun and onto a small canister on his back. Austin also noticed that he appeared to have two shoulder cannons rather than one.
The Squad's heavy expert, Kraan, examined his own gun which was actually tiny compared to Griffin's.
"Yours is bigger than mine?"
"Let's not go there." Said Griffin cautiously.
All of Alpha Squad, even Austin laughed at that.
"Easy there, big boy!" Alaara teased.
"Anyway, I'm really the demolition expert. You want something blown up, I'm the man for the job, sir!" said Griffin proudly.
"Just don't keep calling me sir. We're all friends here." Said Austin.
"Thanks." Said Griffin. "I must say, Major. It's an honor to finally meet the original leader. The others have talked about you all the time. They were overjoyed when they found out you'd returned."
"Yeah, about that…" Austin said nervously. He would have a long time explaining everything to them, but before he could, Ventra interrupted him.
"You don't need to explain, Shepard. The Arkane Council told us everything." He said.
"I told you as well!" came a familiar voice.
Dell was currently at a large workbench working on all sorts of contraptions.
"Dell? You too?" Austin asked.
"Yep! The Arkanes felt you could use some help from a top engineer." Dell replied. As he said the last bit though he accidently knocked over one of his inventions. Alaara giggled slightly but stopped when Sandra slapped her.
"Will you stop slapping me all the time?" Alaara complained. "I'm meant to be in charge remember."
"Well not anymore you're not. The Major's in charge now, so you can step down, Captain." Sandra joked. She hadn't hit her bond mate hard. It was really just a playful slap. It was the best way to shut the sex crazed Asari up.
"Captain?" Austin asked.
"Well with you gone, Alpha Squad needed a new leader and I was next in Chafe Command. The Arkanes eventually promoted me." Said Alaara.
At that moment a large spanned suddenly dropped down from the ceiling. It hit Griffin on the head but the Helldiver had been wearing his helmet so it only made a large clang.
"Sill!" Dell shouted, clearly annoyed.
"Sorry!" came a female voice from above.
A female Arkane suddenly seemed to jump down to crawl on the walls to the ground. She seemed to jump all over the place like an acrobat. She finally landed in a crouched position next to Dell after doing a back flip. She was slightly shorter than Dell and much darker green skin than he did. One similarity she did have though was that she was wearing a similar outfit to him.
"Sorry about that. I dropped it by accident." She said. She had a very high pitched voice.
"I do apologise, Major."
"It was an accident, Dell. I don't believe we've been properly introduced." Said Austin.
"Oh, yes. Major Shepard, this is my daughter, Sill Arturus. Sill, I think you know who this is." Said Dell warmly.
"Of course. It is a real honor to meet you, Austin Shepard." Said Sill as she gave slight bow before shaking Austin's hand.
"His daughter?" Austin asked.
"I'm nearly 250 years old, Shepard. What made you think I didn't have a family?" said Dell as he put his arm around his daughter.
"Sorry, I meant no offense by that. Just didn't realise you'd bring family along." Said Austin.
"Wherever my dad goes, I go. We're nigh inseparable. He taught me everything he knew since I was born. I've been his little sidekick ever since." Said Sill.
"Tell me truth though, Dell. Was it your choice to come on this mission? Or did the Arkanes want you to come? This mission isn't like fighting Batarians." Said Austin.
"A bit of both I think. Plus I built that armour you where after all. I care a hell of a lot about that armour, I'm not gonna let you mess it up now." Dell joked. All the Helldivers chuckled slightly.
"But it was mostly because they wanted me to keep an eye on another old friend of yours. I believe you've met him before." Said Dell as he indicated to a stationary figure near from his work bench. All of Alpha Squad where speechless with shock.
"The Council sent X-5 with us?" Leena asked in surprise.
Sure enough, right in front of them was a massive 2 metre tall robot. It was currently stationary and offline, but it was definitely him alright.

X-5 was a prototype battle robot who was constructed many years ago by a group of scientist who were trying to make the perfect soldier. The scientists despised the Arkanes for not allowing non Helldivers to use their technology and wanted to create an army that would rival the Helldivers. X-5 was the first official working prototype who was deemed a success. During his final training phases in a jungle exercise however, X-5 was struck by a bolt of lightning which caused his systems to malfunction slightly. After he was rebooted however, things changed.
The lightning made X-5 self-aware and had somehow given him an actual human personality. He developed human emotions and even evolved so far to grow a conscience. The robot began to feel that he was being made to do and what he had been made for was not right. He felt remorse for the humans he was forced to perform combat tests on to test his functions and finally could no longer bring himself to do it when he was instructed to wipe out a colony full of humans.
X-5 turned on his creators and destroyed their laboratory and research. After this, X-5 wondered the galaxy alone. Confused and angry at himself, he began to see himself as an abomination and slowly came to calling himself a violation of life and nothing but an accident. As the years passed however, the robot slowly began to understand life better. He even made a vow to himself that he would protect others. He went to the colonies in the Terminus systems where he encountered a Helldiver squad for the first time. The robot was brought before the Arkanes who became fascinated by the robot. At first they refused to believe that X-5 was truly alive and dismissed it as sever malfunction. Over time however their views changed and further examination of the robot showed that in his state he shouldn't even be able to function.
X-5 eventually requested to serve the Arkanes as he saw their cause as a noble one. The Arkanes accepted and the robot became a special soldier who would accompany Helldiver squad on only the most dangerous and difficult missions. It was this that eventually led X-5 to meet Alpha Squad. Throughout the many times they worked together, Alpha Squad bonded with X-5 and gladly welcomed him with open arms every time he was assigned to assist them. For the first time in his life, X-5 was at peace. He had found beings who like him for who he was, beings who encouraged him to develop his talents. X-5 soon learned the true value of friendship and saw Alpha Squad as the only family he had ever had.

"The Arkanes felt you'd need the very best for taking on the Collectors. He's under your command, but we've been instructed to keep an eye on him. You know how crazy and hyperactive he is sometimes." Said Dell.
If anyone didn't know that X-5 was robot, they would probably just assume that he was another Helldiver due to his modified combat appearance bearing similarities to an Exo Suit. X-5 had a long robot drone head with several small guns attached to it. They were all on rotating platforms so that he could fire in all directions. He also had ammo packs strapped to his chest, loads of assault rifles, shotguns and grenade launchers bolted to his arms and a large rail gun mounted on a separate mechanical arm on his right shoulder with an ammo chain perturbing out of it.
"Why isn't he moving?" Austin asked as he noticed that the robot hadn't moved at all.
"He's offline at the moment. He asked me to perform some maintenance on him so that I could make a few repairs. Hang on, I'll turn him back on for you." Said Dell as he walked up to X-5 and pressed a few buttons on a small control panel that folded out of X-5's armoured back. There was a basso whine as X-5's power core hummed into life.
"All systems online!" X-5's deep robotic voice boomed as the robot stood up. The whole room was filled with the sound of clicking whirring as X-5 ran diagnostics of his systems and all his moveable parts swivelled. The rotating guns on his head and his rail gun rotated 360 degrees (Apart from the rail gun which could only do half because of the ammo chain.)
X-5 then took a few steps forward to make sure he could walk alright. There was then a small fizzing sound as X-5's human personality awakened.
The robot had an odd start up procedure. First he would be all robot like when he first woke and then his human personality would suddenly take over. While it was odd, X-5 didn't seem to mind; to him it was just a wakeup call.
X-5 looked around for a moment when he saw where he was. He then looked back at Dell. It seemed he hadn't noticed Alpha Squad.
"Dell, I thought I told you to fix my stabilizers? My targeting's still off!" said the robot in frustration.
"I haven't had a chance yet, X-5. Besides, you have some old friends to see you." Said Dell as he indicated to Alpha Squad.
X-5 turned around and flinched slightly in surprise as he saw Alpha Squad. The robot was even more shocked when he saw Austin.
"Commander Shepard! Good to finally see you again." Said X-5 as he immediately saluted.
"It's Major now. Remember that I've been dead for two years. It's good to see you too, old friend." Said Austin. He walked up to X-5 and the two warmly shook hands.
"You look different, X-5. Upgrades?" Austin asked.
"Indeed. The recent technology advances have proved… adequate." Said X-5 in a joking manner.
Dell sighed in a sarcastic manner.
"He's so unappreciative some times. He's like a child sometimes." Said the Arkane.
"It's not like you've got inexperience with that, dad." Said Sill. "You raised me."
"Yes, but you actually grew up." Said Dell.
"That's enough, you two!" said Austin forcefully.
"Sorry, Major." Said X-5. "Anyway, you were asking about upgrades?"
"Well mostly because I noticed that you've removed your laser weapon." Said Austin.
"I had too after that unfortunate incident with that dancer who I… er… I don't wanna talk about it!" said X-5. "But I have also made several other modifications that I am eager to show."
"Save them for the Collectors." Came a voice. Austin turned to see Garrus and Liara walking up to them.
"Professor T'soni, Lieutenant Vakarian." Said X-5.
"Liara! Good to see you!" said Alaara as she and Sandra hugged Liara. "Okay, first think we're all going to ask. Are you and Shepard still together?"
Liara smiled. "Yes, we are."
All of Alpha Squad cheered and patted Austin on the back as they congratulated the couple. At that moment, Joker's voice echoed over the speakers.
"Major, we're approaching Omega. You might want to get suited up or whatever it is Helldivers do."
"You heard him. Liara and Garrus, I'm taking you with me on this one." Said Austin.
"Before you go, Major. I have few things for you." Said Dell. "I understand you need some new weapons."
"You have something in mind?" Austin asked.
"That I do. My daughter and I have fashioned some brand new weapons. Top of the line and I've been saving them for only the very best soldiers." Said Dell. The Arkane pressed a few buttons on his table. A hatch attempted to open but it got stuck.
"Not again!" Dell groaned. "It's always doing this."
Sill tried to wedge it open, but it was very stiff.
"Piece of crap!" Dell yelled as he kicked it hard.
"Does that help?" Austin asked.
"Yes."
"Did it hurt?"
"Yes. Ow!" Dell clutched his knee and rubbed it.
"I'll get it." Said X-5. The robot walked up to the lid and grabbed it.
"Don't break it!" Dell yelled, but he left it too late. The whole thing was yanked off its hinges in X-5's hands.
"Damn it!" Dell groaned. "Sill, would you mind?" he asked as he indicated to what looked like a set of weapons.
"My pleasure, Dad." Said Sill.
First, Sill took out a white sniper rifle with a yellow stripe on it.
"M-13 Raptor. Shots per clip, 15 rounds. Maximum ammo capacity, 105. Fire mode, semi-automatic." Said Sill. She demonstrated the Sniper's reload cycle and showed herself aiming with it. She then handed it to Austin.
"Range pretty much depends on the upgrades you use." Said Sill as Austin aimed with it and tested its weight.
"It's good. Not too heavy, easy to aim with. It's a good rifle." Said Austin. "Next?"
Sill then took out an SMG. It had N7 markings on it.
"An N7 Hurricane?" Austin asked.
"I've modified it myself. Better accuracy and a slightly larger ammo capacity. Now holds 607 rounds rather than the usual 40. Full ammo capacity, 280 rounds." Said Sill. She handed the SMG who Austin who once again aimed with it.
Sill then took out a pistol. The design was certainly something Austin hadn't seen before.
"M-5 Phalanx. Semi-automatic, 6 shots per clip, 24 maximum." She said as she handed it to Austin. "These are brand new actually. We just got them in. It's quite a good gun."
As Austin aimed, a blue laser came to life from the under barrel.
"Just touch the trigger, the beam comes on and you put the red dot where you want the round to go. Can't possibly miss." Said Sill.
"I like it! Always wanted one of these!" said Austin enthusiastically as he twirled the pistol in his hand a few times before holstering it.
"And what about that one?" Austin asked as he indicated to what looked like a red assault rifle, but it was unlike any he'd ever seen or heard of.
"Ah, now this is my dad's latest invention." Said Sill as she picked up the assault rifle. It unfolded into a rather large rifle.
"No that's what I'm talking about!" said Austin. He was very impressed.
"M-76 Revenant. I sometimes call it Revan for short. 80 shots per clip, 480 maximum rounds and capable of over 700 rounds per minute. Just pull the trigger, and hold on." Said Sill. She handed the Revenant to Austin who did the same thing that he'd done with the other guns.
"Now I've heard the stories coming out of the Terminus Systems about the Collectors. Trust me, you'll need this." Said Sill.
Then Austin noticed the two switches on the side and what was written above them.
"Oh yes! Lock and load!" he said.
Dell then stood up and limped slightly towards his bench.
"Seeing a female with guns is…interesting." Said X-5.
"Oh, grow up!" said Dell. He then turned to Austin. "Now do try and bring these things back in one peace. I get a lot of Helldivers who aren't very appreciative of how much effort I put into inventing these and the ones I've given you are the first and only ones. Don't touch that!" he said as he snatched an odd silver object out of Austin's hand.
"What is that anyway?" he asked.
"That's my lunch." Dell replied.

Built in the mined-out husk of a metallic asteroid, Omega has been a haven for criminals, terrorists, and malcontents for thousands of years. At times the station has lain idle and abandoned for centuries, only to be reactivated by a new group of outlaws seeking a fresh start. The space station's original elegant design has given way to haphazard expansion by scrabbling factions of every species. There is no central government or unifying authority on Omega, and nobody can recall a time there ever was one. The only one that was known to truly be in charge of Omega was the Asari, Aria T'loak.
Austin had a few vague memories of when he had first been here. He had come here once when he had trained under General Zartrack.
"Omega. I never thought I'd return here." Said Garrus.
Since the Normandy had docked they didn't need any of the Hellhound drop ships so they would just disembark through the airlock.
"Is something wrong, Garrus?" Austin asked, concerned.
"I've just had some bad experiences when I've been here." Said Garrus. "It's nothing to worry about."
As the airlock opened they walked out and where greeted by a Salarian.
"Ah! Welcome to Omega! You're new here, aren't you? I can always tell. Allow me to-" but he was interrupted by a Batarian. "Oh… Hello, Moklan! I was just-"
"Leave, Fargut. Now!" Moklan ordered.
"Of course, Moklan! Whatever she wants!" said Fargut as he nervously saluted.
The Batarian, Moklan shooed Fargut away before turning to Austin.
"Blasted scavengers. Welcome to Omega… Shepard." He said, rather coldly.
"You know who I am?" Austin asked.
"Of course. Your ship was tagged the moment you entered the Terminus Systems. You Helldivers aren't as subtle as you think. Plus, what Batarian wouldn't know a soldier who butchers their people." Said Moklan. As he said the last bit he glared at Austin. He looked as though he was ready to start a fight.
"Watch it, Batarian! If I was here to kill you I'd have done it all ready. For now, just be thankful that I'm not." Said Austin.
"We'll see. Anyway, Aria wants to know what brings a dead Helldiver to Omega. I suggest you got to Afterlife now and present yourself." Said Moklan. That sounded like an order.
"Cut the attitude. I'm not here to cause problems for Omega." Said Austin.
"Things explode around you, Shepard. You can't blame Aria for keeping an eye on you." Said Moklan. "Afterlife. Now! And try not to shoot any more Batarian's while you're at it."
Moklan quickly left. Austin's wrist communicator then beeped. It was EDI.
"Yes EDI?" Austin asked as he activated it. EDI's holographic avatar appeared out of the hologram.
I'm receiving quarantine warnings about the slums where Dr. Mordin Solus runs the clinic. Anticipate resistance at the transport station." EDI advised.
"Thanks for the heads up, EDI. We'll be careful." Said Austin.
"Good luck, Shepard." Said EDI as her avatar disappeared.
As Austin and Liara prepared to head for Afterlife they saw an armoured man beating up a Batarian. At first, Austin was prepared to just keep walking and let the merc have his fun but then he remembered about one of the messages he had read from the Arkanes. Was this the Bounty hunter they had hired?
The merc kicked the Batarian in the chest and he fell to the ground as Austin approached them.
"Please… you have to help me." Said the Batarian.
"No one said you could talk, jackass." Said the merc as he kicked the Batarian again.
"You Zaeed Massani?" Austin asked.
The merc turned around to face Austin. He was almost as scarred as Austin was and he had one massive one over his right eye that appeared to be blind. He also had what looked like a Blue Suns logo tattooed on his neck.
"Yeah. That's me. You must be Major Shepard. I hear we have a galaxy to save." He said.
"I assume you've been briefed?" Austin asked.
"I've done my homework. The Arkanes sent me everything I needed to know." Said Zaeed. It looked like he was one of those people who was short and to the point. A bit like a few Helldivers.
"My contacts told me we're picking up one man. Not two." Said Austin as he looked at the Batarian.
"Batarian delinquent. Pissed off someone rich enough to hire me to go after him. And for my "bring 'em in alive" rates, even." Said Zaeed.
"Please… I didn't do it…." Said the Batarian.
Zaeed however kicked the Batarian again. This time I the face. The prisoner spat out blood and a few teeth.
"I said shut it." Said Zaeed. The Bounty hunter then turned back to Austin. "Tried to lead me on a chase all over the systems/ He should have known better. These people always run to Omega."
"What's going to happen to him?" Austin asked.
"I'm gonna turn him in for the bounty. Don't much care what happens after that." Said Zaeed. The Batarian prisoner shivered in fear slightly at this.
"So what's your relationship with my kin?" Austin inquired.
"Easy. The Helldivers are paying me a lot of money to help you on your mission. That's the long and short." Said Zaeed.
"Not many mercs would take a suicide mission for the pay." Said Austin.
"Most mercs don't get an offer like the one I was sent. This mission doesn't sound like good business. But… your Arkane Council can move a lot of credits. Quite surprising for Batarian fighters." Said Zaeed.
"Good to have you, Zaeed. We have a lot to do." Said Austin as he and Zaeed shook hands.
"That's what they tell me." Said Zaeed. The Bounty hunter then drew his pistol and signalled for the Batarian to get up. The prisoner did so without hesitating.
"I assume you've been told about our arrangement?" he asked.
"What kind of arrangement?" Austin asked.
"Good thing I asked. Picked up a mission a little while back, just before I signed on with you. Thought you might be interested. You heard the name Vido Santiago?" Zaeed asked.
"A few times, yeah. He's the head of the Blue Suns, right?" Austin asked.
"Yeah. Runs the whole organization. Seems he recently captured an Eldfell-Ashland refinery on Zorya and is using their workers for slave labour. The company wants it dealt with." Said Zaeed.
Austin didn't need to be told twice. The word "Slavery" always meant trouble for him and the Helldivers. It was the very thing they were fighting against.
"Good that you told me about this. I'll make sure we get that done." He said.
"Good. Get it out of the way so we can concentrate on being big goddamn heroes." Said Zaeed.
"Sounds like you and I are going to get along very well." Said Austin.
At that moment, the Batarian made a break for it. Zaeed aimed at him but Austin was faster. With inhuman speed, Austin whipped out his new Phalanx and fired. The shot hit the Batarian in leg and he toppled to the ground.
"Nice shot, Shepard. Not even can draw that fast." Said Zaeed.
"I have my moments." Said Austin as he holstered the pistol.
"I better turn this thing in before it starts to stink." Said Zaeed as he walked up the body. "I'll be locked and loading next time you're ready to get some killing done."

Afterlife actually reminded Austin of Chora's Den, only Afterlife had a much darker, dirtier feel to it. There were a few Asari dancers performing on a large ring suspended from the ceiling and surrounding a large purple holographic cylinder that extends all the way to the ceiling. Around the outer edge of this floor was an elevated section with holographic images along the wall and booths in which most patrons of the club spent their time. At the back was a private and well-guarded lounge from which Aria T'Loak, the asari ruler of Omega, appeared to be observing.
The purple Asari had her back to the Helldivers as they proceeded up the stairs towards her.
"That's close enough." She said.
All of her Batarian and Turian guards drew their weapons and Austin and Liara and Garrus did the same for the guards. Aria however simply moved her head to the side and the guards stood down. A Batarian then began to scan Austin.
"Stand still." He ordered.
"Try it, and you'll be scanning the inside of your colon!" Austin threated as he grabbed the Batarian's colour. The guard seemed to look to Aria in desperation, expecting her to do something.
"I'd almost pay to see that." Aria laughed. Her tone however went back to normal afterwards. "But it's not an option. You wanna talk, you get scanned."
Austin reluctantly let the Batarian go and returned to normal. "All you had to do was ask." He said.
"I don't ask." Said Aria coldly.
"What's the scan for anyway? Because if you're looking for weapons, you're not doing a very good job." Said Austin as he held up his pistol. The Batarian backed away slightly. He was clearly nervous around this Helldiver. The soldier was after all trained to fight and kill him.
"Can't be too careful with dead Helldivers. That could be anyone wearing your face." Said Aria.
"I was told you're the person to talk to if I have questions." Said Austin.
Finally the Batarian's scan finished.
"They're clean." He said. He got out of Austin's way and Aria finally turned to face the Helldiver.
Aria was a bit different from the last time Austin had seen her. He doubted that she'd actually remember him now though. That had been before Elysium and he had had a different set of Helldiver armour back then. Also, Zartrack had done all the talking. He had just stood with his arms crossed. He was the strong and silent type.
"Depends on the questions." Said Aria.
"You run Omega?" Austin asked.
Aria laughed and turned to face the whole room. "I am Omega!" the purple Asari then turned back to Austin. "But you need more. Everyone needs more something. And they all come to me. I'm the boss, CEO, queen if you're feeling dramatic. It doesn't matter. Omega has no titled ruler and only one rule."
Aria then sat down before speaking again. "Don't fuck with Aria." She said. She then smiled slightly evilly.
"Easy to remember." Said Austin.
"If you forget, someone will remind you." Said Aria as she indicated to the Batarian who had scanned him earlier.
"And then I toss your sorry ass out the nearest airlock." He said.
"I'd like to see you try." Austin laughed as he crossed his arms smugly. These guards didn't scare him at all.
"Maybe I should!" the Batarian threatened.
What happened next though surprised everyone, including Aria. The Batarian had got a bit too close to Austin and the Helldiver instantly brought his knee into the Batarian's groin and then punched him to the floor.
"I wouldn't do that if I were you." Said Austin. "Anyone else?" he asked as he looked at the other guards. They didn't try anything. Wise decision.
Aria smiled and clapped.
"You're very brave to stand up to my guards, Shepard. I like you." She said. The Asari then offered Austin a seat and the Helldiver sat down. "So, what can I do for you?"
"One scan and we're straight to business? People are usually more concerned about who I am." Austin inquired. Did seem odd that she'd willingly cooperate with him after one scan.
"You're death was downplayed, but hardly what I call a secret. I had to make sure it was really you. You could have been anyone. Anything. Whatever you need will come out on its own. I'm curious, but Omega doesn't really care about you." Said Aria.
"Very well. I'm looking for Mordin Solus. Do you know where I can find him?" Austin asked.
"The Salarian doctor? Last I heard he was trying to help plague victims in the quarantine zone. I always like Mordin. He's as likely to heal you as he is to shoot you." Said Aria admirably.
"What can you tell me about him?" Austin inquired.
"Used to be part of the Salarian Special Tasks Group. He's brilliant and dangerous. Just don't get him talking. He never shuts up. If you really need to find him, take a shuttle to the quarantine zone. No guarantee they'll let you in, of course." Said Aria.
"Thanks for the information." Said Austin as he got up from his seat.
"Yes. Just try not to bring the plague back with you." Said Aria.
Austin and the others left Aria to her business. As they neared the exit however, they were stopped by some Batarians.
"What are you looking at, Helldiver?" asked the leader.
"Don't you have something better to do than pick fights with people you don't know?" Austin asked.
"No. Just the ones who get in my face and butcher my own kind." Said the Batarian.
At that moment however, Liara drew her SMG and glowed with biotics and Austin and Garrus activated their shoulder cannons.
"We've got twice as much firepower than you. You really sure you want to do this?" Austin asked.
"I… Fine. You're off the hook. For now. See you around." Said the Batarian as he and his companions left.

The Helldivers quickly made their way down to where the quarantine zone was. Outside was a Turian guard who was arguing with a human refugee.
"Complaining is pointless, human. There's a plague. Nobody gets in or out." Said the Guard.
"You can't keep me out! I live in there!" the Refugee argued.
"I'm doing you a favour, lady. If you go in, the guards will cut you down." Said the Guard.
"You can't do this! Everything I won is in that apartment!" said the Refugee.
"I told you to get lost, lady! The plague has the whole zone quarantined! Nobody gets in!" said the Guard.
"I'm human, you ass! Humans can't get the plague! Now let me get my stuff out before looters get it!" the Refugee argued again.
"This thing affects every other race out there! We're not taking chances. Nobody gets in until the plague has run its course." Said the Guard forcefully.
"So you're saying the slums are completely sealed off?" Austin asked.
"Finally, a human who can hear! Yes, that's exactly what I'm saying." Said the Guard.
"You can't keep me out! I'm gonna lose all my stuff!" said the Refugee again.
"I'm doing you a favour, human. Anybody in the quarantine zone will be dead from the plague or the gangs in a few weeks." The Guard repeated.
"I didn't think Omega had any kind of law enforcement. Who gave the order to quarantine the slums?" Austin asked.
"Fresh off the transport, huh? Aria T'Loak calls the shots around here. She's got her little purple hands on every business in this district… and a plague is bad for business. She hired us to keep anyone from entering or leaving the quarantine zone." The Guard explained.
"There's a Salarian named Mordin Solus in the slums. I've got to get in there to find him." Said Austin.
"The doctor? Crazy bastard opened a clinic in the district a few months ago. The Blue Suns weren't too happy when he moved in. I hear Mordin's trying to deal with the plague. I wish him luck, but the area is still locked down. Our orders are to wait until either the plague or the Blue Suns kill everyone, then go in to clean up." Said the Guard.
"Listen, you're stuck here until this quarantine is over. That could take weeks. What you really need is to get this problem solved right now. That's what I do—solve problems. Let me in, and I'll get this district straightened out." Said Austin.
"You think you can fix this, why not? The quarantine is more to keep infected in, anyway. I'll radio ahead, tell them you're coming in." said the Guard.
"Wait, you're stopping me but not them? You son of a bitch!" said the refugee angrily.
"You're not a Helldiver, lady. Get lost." Said the Guard.
"A quarantine zone for a plague that kills Turians. Why don't we ever go anywhere nice?" Garrus sighed.
"Even with our Helldiver armour, I am not sure if it will be safe for us. The risk of infection is very high." Said Liara.
"Don't worry, you two. It would better to take squad who's immune to the plague." Said Austin.
"It's your call, Shepard. If you need me, I'm not going to let a cough keep me back." Said Garrus.
"Neither will I, my love." Said Liara.

One or two things to clear up:
Griffin is based off of another STheo Helldiver that is actually called Griffin. The design is exactly the same.
X-5 is based of the art Mechanized Infantry. I've made a few changes such as more weapons, but everything else is the same. His voice is also based off of the voice from the Robot in Lost in Space.
Keep up those reviews and please do let me know what you thinks so far. Rest assured that the characters will be developed further over the course of the ME2 and ME3
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Collector War