Adult-FanFiction.org : Games

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
- 6
- 7
- 8
I am terribly sorry that this one got delayed. It took longer than it should have and I got very distracted during the week.

Chapter 7

The Reaper Resistance

The time had now come for the summit to begin. Although the Asari wouldn't be their, the Arkanes would, represented by none other than Councillor Spartan.

"Major, the Salarian dalatrass and Krogan clan chief are ready to come aboard." Said Traynor. "Councillor Spartan is also ready."

"Have them all brought to the conference room." Said Austin, heading to his quarters to get changed into his armour. "And hope this doesn't start another war."

"The Krogan is in no position to make demands!" said the Dalatrass.

The summit had already got underway by the time Austin arrived. Primarch Victus, the Salarian Dalatrass, Councillor Spartan, and representing the Krogan was someone that Austin was glad to see.

"The "Krogan" has a name, Urdnot Wrex. And I'm not just some junkyard Varren that you unleash whenever you're in trouble." Said the Krogan.

As Austin entered the conference room, he stood next to Spartan who was also accompanied by General Zartrack who'd been assigned to see to his security while he was off Arkadia.

"Councillor."

"Major."

Wrex also nodded to Austin in acknowledgement.

"I've got my own problems. Reaper scouts have arrived on Tuchanka. So why should I care if a few Turians go extinct?" said Wrex.

"Trying to draw out negotiations will get you nowhere, Wrex. I have no time for it. Just tell us what you want." Said Victus.

"I'll tell you what I need…" said Wrex. "A cure for the Genophage."

"Absolutely not! The Genophage is non-negotiable!" the Dalatrass refused.

"Why are you so opposed to the idea?" said Austin. Given that he was the leader of the Reaper Resistance, as this alliance of the galaxy had now taken to calling themselves, he'd been assigned to represent humanity at this summit.

"Because my people uplifted the Krogan. We know them best." Said the Dalatrass.

"You mean you used us! To fight a war you couldn't win!" Wrex shouted. "It wasn't the Salarians or the Asari or even the Turians that stopped the Rachni! It was Krogan blood that turned the tide!"

"And after that you ceased to be useful! The Genophage was the only way to keep your… "urges" in check." The Dalatrass retaliated.

"Dalatrass, you may not like him, but Wrex is right. Insulting him won't change that." Said Victus.

"I won't apologise for speaking the truth!" said the Dalatrass defensively. "We uplifted the Krogan to do one thing: wage war. It's all they know because it's all we wanted them to know."

"Your people should have thought the matter through, then! Was it really a surprise the Krogan revolted? You wouldn't say this now if it was your kind under of that pathetic abomination you call "a solution." Said Spartan angrily.

The Arkanes were no fan of the Genophage either. It was the reason why they had forbidden the Salarians from joining the Helldivers.

"That's precisely my point, Spartan. We made a rash decision. We turned to the Krogan in desperation. It's the same mistake your about to make today. No good can come from curing the Genophage." Said the Dalatrass.

"The Krogan have paid enough for their mistakes. The Genophage has gone on long enough." Said Austin.

"One thousand, four hundred, and seventy-six years, if you're keeping track." Said Wrex.

"It was a thousand years of peace, free from these… brutes!"

"ENOUGH! Whether or not they deserve a cure is academic. It would take years to formulate one." Victus interrupted.

"My information says otherwise." Said Wrex. "A Salarian scientist, Maelon, grew a conscience. He was on my planet testing a cure on our females."

"I remember. He meant well, but his methods were barbaric." Said Austin.

"But what you didn't know is that other females survived his experiments." Said Wrex as a holo vid began projecting from out of the projector in the centre of the table. "So the dalatrass here sent a team to clean up the whole mess—and to take them prisoner."

The video showed some kind of base with several Krogan females being kept in containment.

"Where did you get this?!" the Dalatrass demanded. "It could be a fabrication!"

"Don't' insult me! Those are my people! They're immune to the Genophage, and you are going to give them back!" Wrex yelled.

"Dalatrass, is this true?" Victus asked.

"How will curing the Genophage benefit my people?"

"Have you forgotten which race here is in charge of the Helldivers?!" Spartan replied coldly. "You would do well to remember that I and the Arkane Council are the ones who sent reinforcement's to your territory. We can take them away just as easily if the Genophage isn't' cured."

"You can't do that!" the Dalatrass objected.

"We can, and we will!" Spartan replied back. "For too long we have tolerated your barbarianism of the situation. It's your creation and distribution of the Genophage that has kept your race out of the Helldivers all this time! Not a day goes by that we don't think about trying to cure it ourselves, by the one race that sees the truth! But no more! The fact that you are keeping those females against their will is unacceptable. I and the rest of my people are in full support of Wrex."

"I still don't see how…"

"How long do you think you're race will last alone against the Reapers? Because fi you don't' help, that's how it will end up. The Helldivers leave your territory, and you're on your own." said Austin.

"And I'll be the last friendly Turian you'll ever meet." Said Victus.

"And your race will never join the Helldivers, even if you do somehow manage to survive. I can't say that you'll be missed."

"What's it gonna be, Dalatrass?"

Seeing that she was alone in this argument, the Dalatrass finally gave in.

"The females are being kept at one of our STG bases on Sur'Kesh." She sighed. "But I warn you, Major! The consequences of this will…"

"Will be nothing compared to what happens if the Reapers win. You should think about that for the sake of every species, if not your own." Austin interrupted.

"Let's get the females." Said Wrex.

"You're not setting foot on Sur'Kesh! This will take time to-"

"It happens now! As the Helldiver's most respected and trusted soldier, Shepard will oversee the exchange." Said Victus.

"We're going."

"I won't forget this, Major! A bully has few friends when he needs them most!"

"No surprise why you're alone in this argument then!" Austin retorted back. Secretly he was smiling under his helmet at his comeback.

"This is the Salarian homeworld we're heading to. They aren't used to seeing Krogan here, so let's keep it simple. We land, get the females and get out before anyone changes their minds."

"I still don't trust a word they say." Said Wrex.

"Let diplomacy play out, you two. You'll get you want." Said Austin.

"These females are the best, and probably last hope for our people."

"We'll bring them back, Wrex. Don't worry." Said Liara.

"I appreciate that… Mrs Shepard." Wrex smiled. " I wouldn't want anyone else along for the ride."

Garrus, who was also in the party, cleared his throat to get Wrex's attention.

"I suppose I could make room for you too, Garrus." The Krogan chuckled.

"Figured you'd gone soft sitting in your throne. Forgot how to hold a gun." Said Garrus.

"Was gonna say that myself." Said Kraan.

"Major, I have the Salarian base on sensors." Said Cortez.

"Set her down."

The shuttle flew down until it was hovering above the landing pad.

"Major, Salarian ground control says we don't' have clearance to land." Said Cortez.

"Tell them the Dalatrass authorised this herself." Austin sighed.

"I knew they wouldn't' keep their word. Let's see them try to stop a Krogan airdrop." Said Wrex as he and Kraan forced the door open.

"Wrex, don't!" Austin shouted.

But he was already too late. Both Krogan leapt out and hit the floor hard, scaring off a Salarian.

"We have an unauthorised landing!" said one of the guards.

"And who authorised you to hold our race hostage?!" Wrex yelled back as he tossed them side with his biotics. The two Krogan drew their shotguns, only to spot the red laser dots on them. Snipers.

Austin, Liara, Garrus and Xun then jumped out as well, hoping to defuse the situation.

"Hold it!" one of the guards yelled.

"Stand down! Hold your fire!" said another Salarian. "Major Shepard, restrain your college! We only found out about this transaction a few moments ago!"

"Does Salarian hospitality always come with sharp shooters? This is an insult to the Helldivers!" said Austin.

"No matter what's on politician minds, Krogan are still considered a hostile race." Said the Salarian.

"And we'd be more than happy to show you why!" said Kraan.

"However on behalf of the Salarian union, I apologise. This matter can be resolved, but I must insist they remain under guard." Said the Salarian, which elected a growl from both Wrex and Kraan.

"We don't want a diplomatic, you two. I can handle this." Said Austin.

"Anything goes wrong, and all bets are off." Said Wrex as he and Kraan holstered their shotguns.

The Hellhound finally landed and Wrex and Kraan were left to deal with the guards.

"I'm Paddock Wiks and I appreciate your understanding, Major. With war on everyone's minds, our people are on edge." Said the Salarian.

Overhead, a large containment chamber was being slowly moved. It had what was unmistakably a Yahg inside.

"Careful! Watch the containment shield!" said a Salarian as the Yahg tried to samsh it's way out.

"I'd hoped to never see one of those again." Said Liara.

"That makes two of us." Said Xun.

"As you can see, this base contains sensitive information." Said Wiks.

"Seems like a good place to hide things you don't want the galaxy to know about. Like female Krogan." Said Austin.

"I am aware about how this must look, but it was for their own good. They were in poor health when we found them on Tuchanka. We brought them here to stabilize their condition." Said Wiks.

One of the Salarian guards made the mistake of poking Kraan with his rifle.

"Don't ever touch me!" the Krogan yelled as he snatched the gun as a warning and then threw it back to the Salarian. "Ever!"

"I'd like to see them." Said Austin.

"Of course. I'll need to clear you for the lower levels." Said Wiks. "Give me a few moments and meet me at the elevator."

"Shepard, I don't like this. I and Kraan should be the ones going." Said Wrex.

"How about you two stay here and we only fight one war at a time?" said Austin.

"That was just good old-fashioned Krogan hot air. It it'd been real, they'd be dead." Said Wrex.

"Back on the Normandy, you said Reapers were sighted on Tuchunka." Austin inquired.

"Clans Jorgal and Ravanor sighted a few landing parties. The Reapers are up to something. Tuchanka may be a pile of radioactive rubble, but it's our pile, and we'll fight to the last Krogan to keep it that way." Said Wrex.

"That's what I always liked about you, Wrex." Liara smiled.

"My smouldering good looks?" Wrex chuckled.

"There is that." said Liara. "But you've never given up, and that determination's about to pay off."

"Yeah. Who would've thought back on Virmire we'd be standing here doing this together?" said Wrex.

"It's been good talking to you again, Wrex." Austin smiled.

"It'll be even better when we have a few Salarians for lunch." Said Wrex, much to the disapproval of the guards.

As the group walked around a bit, they found another familiar face, someone Austin hadn'r seen for 5 years.

"Major Shepard. It's Major Kirrahe. I'd heard you were coming." Said the Salarian.

"Good to see you again. Sounds like you've been promoted." Austin smiled as he and Kirrahe shook hands.

"Yes, due in no small part to our mission on Virmire. "Hold the one." You saved my men that day." Said Kirrahe.

"Good to see a friendly face, Kirrahe." Said Garrus.

"Garrus Vakarian. Always a pleasure." Said Kirrahe as he and Garrus shook hands. "And same to you, Professor T'soni. Or should I say, Mrs Shepard?

"Major." Liara nodded.

"It seems the Reapers have a way of bringing us together."

"How'd you get posted to this base?" Austin asked.

"I led the team on Tuchanka that found the females. Nasty business. Maelon may have meant well, but his operation was crude. Test subjects were unaccounted for. The females easily escaped his lab." Maelon replied.

"Security seems high. Are you expecting trouble?" Austin asked.

"Our motto in STG is to always expect trouble, and failing that, create trouble for someone else. Our enemies have the same idea."

"I guess we both still remember Virmire."

"Yes, ironic. You destroyed the Genophage cure, yet now it's the key to an Alliance. Your standoff with Urdnot Wrex is legend in STG."

"I'm sure you saw Wrex's entrance."

"Our colonies three systems away saw it."

"Yes, and he and Kraan are rather angry about the security arrangements." Said Liara.

"Apologies, but better that than two Krogan with shotguns and one with Helldiver armour wandering the base. Think of all the casualties. Our med bay couldn't handle it." Said Kirrahe.

"Nice seeing you again, Kirrahe." Said Austin.

"Likewise. And Major… Regardless of what the politicians decide, you can count on my support in your Reaper Resistance." Said Kirrahe, lowering his voice slightly.

"You'd do that?" Austin asked in surprise.

"Consider it my way of returning a favour. It would be an honor to fight alongside you again." Said Kirrahe. "Good day."

Austin approached the elevator to the lower levels. It scanned him, but didn't open at first.

Wiks, walked up to the panel near the door and accessed it.

"This is senior Research Director Wiks, authorizing visitor access o lower level." He said. "Now take this elevator down, and someone will-"

"Alert! Threat condition two has been declared. Scramble readiness teams."

"What's happening?" Austin asked.

"Sensors have picked up activity on the perimeter." Wiks replied. "Hurry, Major. Someone will meet you below."

The labs as expected looked busy. Salarian's were rushing all over the place. Amongst the crowd however, there was one in particular that Austin recognised. One that he had not expected to see in an STG base.

"Shepard! Excellent timing! Good to have you here!"

"Mordin!" Austin smiled in surprise.

"Eyesight still sharp. Surprise understandable. Hadn't expected to return to work." Said Mordin as he and Austin shook hands.

"You're back with STG." Said Garrus.

"Special consultant. Had to be me. Someone else might have gotten it wrong." Said Mordin. He then lowered his voice to a whisper. "Helped female Krogan. Fed information to clan Urdnot. Encouraged political pressure to free females."

"You must be Wrex's inside source." Said Austin.

"Yes. Can explain later. Security warnings not normal. Need to get off world for sake of Krogan." Said Mordin. "Females had weakened immune systems. Side effect of Maelon's cure."

The Salarian walked them up to what looked like several dead Krogan bodies through the glass.

"These… didn't' survive."

"I'm sure you did everything you could, Mordin." Said Austin supportingly.

"Arrived too late! Cannot delay now." Said Mordin. "One survivor. Immune to Genophage. Can synthesise cure from her tissue."

"She's still here?" Austin asked.

"Yes. Last hope for Krogan. If she dies, Genophage cure… problematic." Said Mordin as he led the group to another separate container. Inside was what was unmistakably a female Krogan.

"Please be careful. Krogan slow to trust."

"I'm Sir Major Austin Shepard of the Helldivers." Said Austin.

"Are you here to kill me?" the Krogan asked.

"Goddess! What's she'd been through…" said Liar as she analysed the female.

"Urdnot Wrex and Urdnot Kraan and I are here to take you home." Said Austin.

"Why? What am I to you?" the female asked.

"You're the future of the Krogan race. I'm fighting for that." Said Austin confidently.

At that moment, the whole place suddenly shook and a alarm sounded.

"Then I hope you brought an army, Major." Said the female.

Several of the Salarian hurried to their posts.

"Alert! Unidentified vessels have breached the perimeter!"

"Give me an update!"

"Outbound communications have been severed! We're cut off."

"Secure all data to offsite location."

"What's going on?" Austin asked.

"We have multiple ships inbound."

Austin's omni tool suddenly beeped. A holo of Wrex projected out of it.

"Shepard, it's Wrex. Cerberus troops are attacking the base. Get the females out of there now!" he said.

"Only one survived, Wrex. She might be safer down here." Said Austin.

"What?! So the Salarians can kill her like the others?! No deal! If you still want this alliance, get her out of there!" Wrex ordered.

"Release the female! We're leaving!" Austin demanded.

"I can't! Protocol states during lockdown that no specimens are to leave…"

To Austin's surprise, Mordin suddenly shocked the Salarian with an overload.

"Objection noted. Now please release Krogan." He said.

Mordin then hurried into the pod with the Krogan.

"Need to monitor pod if there's quarantine procedures." He said. "Meet us at next checkpoint, Shepard. Likely Cerberus opposes Genophage cure."

"You'll see Tuchanka again. I promise." Said Austin, trying to give the female some reassurance.

"Get to elevator, Shepard."

Knowing that they'd no doubt be crossing paths with Cerberus pretty soon, everyone drew their preferred weapons and headed for the elevator.

As soon as the elevator opened however, they found a bomb that was just about ready to go off.

"Oh crap!" said Garrus.

"Get back!" Austin yelled.

The bomb exploded, sending them all flying. It was most fortunate that they were all wearing Helldiver armour.

"Major Shepard, are you alright?" one of the Salarians asked as they got back up.

"We're fine. Is there another way out of here?" Austin asked.

"Other side of the lab. An emergency exit." The Salarian replied.

"Shepard, it's Wrex. Kraan and I took the shuttle. Do whatever it takes to get the female up to the landing pad. We'll try to make life miserable for Cerberus."

As the group climbed out of the labs, they could already see that the base was under fire. The normally peaceful landscape of Sur'Kesh had been spoiled.

Cerberus troops began dropping down from the lower levels. Everyone quickly went into cover and began returning fire.

Garrus switched to his sniper and took out some fo the more further away ones while Austin, Liar and Xun dealt with the closer ones.

Xun would take care of any troopers that got too close. Her kung fu and martial arts skills were being put to good use.

Liara meanwhile deployed a singularity, causing about three other troopers to float helplessly in the air, allowing Austin and Garrus clear shots at them.

With the first level clear, the group continued on to the next checkpoint.

"Warning! Yahg specimen has broken containment!"

Sure enough, two more troopers were taken by surprise when the Yahg from earlier suddenly burst threw the wall. Cerberus never even knew what hit them.

The Yahg roared and then fled.

"Careful. There goes the next Shadow Broker." Said Austin.

"Not funny." Said Xun.

"Could've sworn he was muttering T'soni the whole time." Garrus joked, much to Liara's disapproval..

"Not funny either." She said.

"Quickly, Shepard! Technician dead. Clear us through the checkpoint." Said Mordin.

"Are you alright?" Austin asked as he worked on getting the pod cleared.

"Containment shield is holding. Will try to repair if necessary. Can't speak for Krogan's health however." Mordin replied.

"I'm fine, Major." Said the female.

"Females kept secret. Possibly a mole in STG. Could be indoctrinated. If no Krogan alliance with Turians, Reapers left unchallenged." Said Mordin.

"We're gonna get this alliance if I have cure the Genophage myself." Said Austin. "Trust me, Mordin. We'll do more than challenge the Reapers."

The pod once again began moving to the next level.

"Shepard, meet us at next checkpoint. Cerberus likely to target…" but Mordin was suddenly interrupted when an explosion blew away a bit of the pod's back. "Hurry next checkpoint!"

"Shepard, get cracking! We'll try to draw some of their fire!" said Wrex as the Hellhound flew past chased by a Cerberus gunship.

"Shepard, last attack compromised security systems. Attempting to compensate."

"Just hang on! We're trying to get to you, Mordin." Said Austin as he gunned down the two Cerberus troopers in the shuttle.

Proceeding to the next level, the group soon found none other than Kirrahe engaging some more troopers.

"Shepard, stay back. Hostiles just down the hall!" he said.

"Is there an easier way around?" Austin asked.

"You could say that." Said Kirrahe.

The Salarian popped out of cover and fired several rounds from an odd looking gun. To everyone's surprise, it fired several small rounds that exploded after a few seconds. One Cerberus trooper was even unlucky enough to get one stuck to his armour before it exploded.

"Where was that five minutes ago?" said Liara.

"How do I not have one of those?" said Garrus.

The area was clear, but not for long. More troopers arrived a long with an engineer.

"Go, Shepard! I'll cover you!" said Kirrahe.

"Orion Squad, your orders are to hold position and lock access to next checkpoint." Said the engineer as it deployed the turret.

"Mordin was right. Cerberus must have been tipped off. They got here too fast." Said Garrus.

"Every war has its traitors." Said Liara bitterly.

"This deal is getting worse all the time." Said Xun.

"How are you holding up?"

"Containment shield strong. But not designed for direct fire." Mordin replied.

"This truce must be important to you." Said the female.

"The galaxy's very survival depends on all races rallying together, including yours." Said Austin. "How many more checkpoints?"

"Just the landing are. Hope Urdnot Wrex and Kraan still waiting." Said Mordin.

"Wrex can't keep his hands off a fertile female. He'll be there." Said the female.

"We'll see you up top."

"Shepard, get your ass up here! We can't fly around forever!" said Kraan through the radio.

"The females on the way up to the landing area." Said Austin

"You pull this off, and I'm gonna give an honorary Krogan." Said Wrex.

The group headed up top and found the pod already there. It seemed as though all the Cerberus troops had been dealt with now, so the cost was clear.

"Shepard, you must authorise release. Pod then transfers to loading area." Said Mordin.

The pod was once again raised and then clamped as it began it's final journey to the loading area.

"Let's get you out of there." Said Austin.

"Shepard, head up! You've got incoming!" said Wrex.

Sure enough, another Atlas Mech suddenly dropped down and hit the ground hard.

"Not one of those things again!" Austin cursed as he ran into cover to avoid the mech's fire.

"Shepard, I can't' land until you deal with that thing. It's too dangerous." Said Wrex.

"Krogan has been acquired!" said the pilot.

Mordin tried to force the door open, but it was stuck.

"Door is damaged! Can't get out!"

"Stay clear. We've got this." Said Austin, upholstering his weapon.

"Protect the Krogan, Shepard! She's vulnerable!"

Despite everyone's best efforts however, it was hard to get a clear shot since cover wasn't very good and there wasn't much of it.

We can't get a clear shot! There isn't' enough cover." Said Austin into his comm.

"Wrex, fly us in close enough. I've got an idea." He heard Kraan say.

"I hope you know what you're doing." Said Wrex.

To everyone's surprise the shuttle flew overhead and Kraan jumped out.

The Atlas mech only had a few seconds to look up before Kraan landed on it, the sheer weight of both his natural Krogan weight and his Helldiver armour causing to topple over and smash into the ground.

Before the pilot had time to react, Kraan brought his fist right down. He punched straight through the glass and practically smashed the Cerberus trooper's head in.

"Now that's what I call living up to the name." said the Krogan smugly, quite proud of what he'd just done.

"I think you did it, Kraan. Looks clear form here. I'm coming in now." Said Wrex.

The dropship touched down and Wrex hopped out.

"You had me worried there for a minute." He said as he and Austin shook hands. "Good job, Kraan."

"Let's make this quick." Said Austin.

Mordin presented the female to Wrex, but the Krogan simply pushed him out of the way.

"Let's get you out of there."

The female gently stepped out, ignoring Wrex's outstretched hand. Two more troopers suddenly dropped down.

What happened next however took everyone by surprise, including Kraan and Wrex. The female snatched Wrex's shotgun right out of his hands and unloaded it right into the two troopers. She then handed it back to its owner.

"I can handle myself, Wrex." She said.

"Women."

"Shepard, we're hearing chatter you're brokering a treaty between the Krogan and the Turians?" Hackett asked.

"If the Krogan aid Palaven, both sides promise to join the Reaper Resistance." Said Austin.

"Reaper Resistance?"

"That's what we've decided to call our little unity. With luck, the name may encourage more to join us." Zartrack explained.

"I actually agree. Good name." said Hackett.

"More pressing issue though. How did Cerberus get involved?" Zartrack asked.

"I don't know. The Illusive Man is up to something." Said Austin.

"Then keep them at bay. We can't overstate what a victory this treaty would be for us. We'll need all the help we can get." Said Hackett.

"I know." Said Austin. "How's the Crucible coming?"

"All our allies are sending their best technicians and scientists. Construction is well underway and progress so far is good." Said Zartrack.

"This is going to be the most ambitious undertaking in history." Said Hackett.

"If it ends this war, it'll be worth everything, Admiral." Said Zartrack.

"Here here." Austin agreed.

"Then let's not waste any time. Hackett out." Said Hackett, just before his hologram vanished.

"Keep me posted on your progress, Shepard. Your father and I will keep coordinating the resistance from this end." Said Zartrack.

"I will, General. Good luck." Austin saluted.

"You as well, my student." Said Zartrack, returning the salute. "We can do this, never doubt that."

"Wouldn't dream of it, sir."

"Zartrack out."

"You have the female, Wrex. A cure for the rest of your people can come later." Said Victus.

"That wasn't the deal!" Wrex argued as Austin walked into the conference room.

"But Palaven needs your reinforcements now. We can't delay. The Helldivers forces can't help us on their own." Said Victus.

"Unless every Krogan gets the cure, there's no alliance." Said Wrex.

"Mordin, how long will it take to finish a cure?" Austin asked.

"Need to synthesise base antigen from female. Also requires healthy male Krogan tissue. Will need a sample." Mordin replied.

"You're looking at it." Said Wrex.

"Acceptable. Will need you to remain aboard Normandy for procedure." Said Mordin.

"Let's hope the food's gotten better." Said Wrex.

"Then get started, Mordin, and make it quick."

"Always do. Will be in med bay if you'd like to speak more. Eve requires tests."

"Eve?"

"Female's real name unkown. Normandy a Helldiver vessel. Human mythology appropriate under circumstances." Mordin explained. "Suggest speaking with her. New perspective. Surprising in Krogan."

"Now, is there anything else?" Austin asked, hoping that was the end of the argument.

"There's a small matter concerning a ship we've lost contact with." Victus replied.

"What happened?"

"I'd rather discuss it… in private." Victus replied.

"Turian problems can't even come close to what I've got." Said Wrex.

"What is it?"

"Some of my men went missing. The rest of it we can discuss… somewhere else."

"I'll find you both in the War Room. Just be ready to talk." Said Austin.

Given that Wrex was a very old friend, Austin felt it best to talk to him first.

"Hell of a show down there on Sur'Kesh. Just like the old days, Shepard. Right down to me pulling your ass out of the fire." The old Krogan smiled.

"I was the one with bullets flying at me." Austin smiled.

"And I gave you the moral support to dodge them." Said Wrex.

"Uh-huh." Austin nodded. "Anyway, you said one of your squads is missing?"

"They were scouting out the Rachni relay. We've heard rumours of trouble in the area." Said Wrex, lowering his voice so as not to be heard by Victus.

"Rachni?"

"Thought that might get your attention. I have a favour to ask. It's big."

"What happened exactly? I thought the Rachni made a promise to stay hidden."

"All I know for sure is our scouts went silent as soon as they arrived. I've got Aralakh Company, my best unit, on standby. You give the word, and they'll meet you there."

"I'll see what I can do."

"Get on it, Shepard."

"Let's get back to work then." Said Austin.

"Anytime." Said Wrex. "And Shepard—I like what you've done with the Normandy. Got tired of always hanging around in the cargo bay before. I still don't' have a window like you and Liara do… but maybe that's because I don't kiss as well."

"No comment." Austin chuckled.

"Yeah… I missed this place." Wrex smiled. "Wish I could knock some heads around with you, but duty calls. If the Salarian says my DNA's important, who am I to argue?"

"Major." Said Victus.

"You said one of your ships had gone missing?" Austin asked/

"Crashed, actually. I couldn't speak in front of the Krogan. Our ship went down on Tuchanka. Now they're pinned by an advanced guard of Reapers scouting the planet." Victus explained.

"What are your men doing there?" Austin asked.

"I'm sorry. That's classified." Victus replied. "But it's vital they be rescued. They must complete their original mission. It's a matter of… galactic peace."

"I'll do what I can." Austin nodded.

"I appreciate your help… and understanding."

"That's all."

"Of course, Major."

Austin headed down to the Normandy's med bay. Mordin of course was there while Eve was sat on one of the beds.

"Aware Krogan females find scars attractive. Garrus loyal, reasonably intelligent. Bit aggressive. Almost like Krogan." Said the Salarian.

"For the third time, Doctor. I'm not interested." Said Eve.

"Ah, Sheaprd. We were just-"

But before Mordin could continue, Austin found himself staring at a third face. Someone he had most certainly not expected to see again.

"You?"

"Hello, Shepard. It's been a while." Said Rana Thanoptis.

"Rana Thanoptis? What are you doing here? And how the hell did you even get on-board?" Austin asked in disbelief.

5 years ago when Austin had raided Saren's cloning facility on Virmire, he'd let an Asari go. That Asari was stood in front of him. He'd then encountered her again 2 years ago on a Blue Suns base.

"I brought her." Said Mordin. "Shepard, meet my new assistant."

"Mordin and I crossed paths not too long after you defeated the Collectors and he left. Having already met in that Blue Suns base, he knew how I was. Surprisingly, he seemed quick to trust me. He then eventually told me about the females and that the Genophage could possibly be cured from them." Rana explained. "So, I became involved, and here I am now."

"No offense, Rana, but what help can you give?" Austin asked. "If I recall, you were studying the effects of indoctrination on Virmire, you weren't' part of the Saren's cure project."

"That is true, but I had access to the files on Saren's cure, and I kept them. I knew they couldn't help make a copy of the cure since it didn't' have full details, plus I was scared of what might happen. So I simply held onto them. When Mordin confided knowledge of the new cure in me, I showed him the files." Said Rana.

"Proved extremely helpful. Allowed discovery of a fatal flaw in Maelon's unfinished cure. Would've caused genetic defects in new-borns. Dangerously easy to miss. Would never have spotted it if not for Rana's help. Owe her a lot." Said Mordin proudly.

"Thank you, Professor." Rana smiled. "I know you probably still don't trust me, Shepard. But I still have not forgotten the mercy you showed me. I'm still making sure I don't' waste the chance you gave me. I…"

"It's okay. There's no need to try and convince me. You helping Mordin and allowing him to correct those flaws is more than enough. Plus, some of your knowledge on Indoctrination could be of help to us." Said Austin.

"I had a feeling you might say that." Said Rana.

The conversation was then interrupted as Wrex walked in.

"Are you okay?" he asked.

"I'm fine, Wrex. You can relax." Eve replied.

"Can't be too careful… or put any faith in Salarian doctors." Said Wrex coldly.

"This one is different." Said Eve.

"Is he?" Wrex asked. "What's that?"

"Simple blood test." Mordin replied.

"What kind?"

"The kind that ends Genophage." Said Rana.

"Why're you here? I remember you from Virmire." Wrex asked, also rather surprised to see the Asari.

"Long story, short. She's Mordin's new assistant. She's provided some knowledge that's helped perfect the cure and make sure it doesn't worsen your people." Said Austin.

"Hmm, good enough." Said Wrex.

"Shepard, please. Distractions counterproductive. Also affecting comfort of patient." Said Mordin.

"He was your inside source, Wrex. You can trust him." Said Austin supportingly.

"Salarians have minds like a maze. You never know when they're leading you into a trap." Said Wrex.

"Trap? Eve's release my doing. Would never have known about her if not for me." Said Mordin defensively.

"That was then, but she's out now. And if she gets hurt, I'll feel it." Said Wrex.

"Understand. But my patient. My responsibility. Her welfare a priority. Will not allowed her to be compromised by anyone." Said Mordin.

"Heh. You've got a quad, Doctor. Keep her safe. Our females have endured enough." Wrex chuckled, now convinced that Mordin was worthy of trust.

"Don't forget. Still need your tissue sample." Mordin reminded him.

"I'll be back." Wrex groaned.

Common phobia. Fear of needles." Mordin explained.

"Our Salarian doctors."

"A word when you have a moment, Shepard."

Austin felt it best to talk to Eve first before Mordin. He wanted to gain her trust since she'd be here for a while.

"Thank you for saving my life, Major. I didn't think the Krogan had any allies left in the galaxy." She said, gently hopping off of the bed.

"We owe a lot to you. Even if most people have forgotten that." Said Austin.

"They can be forgiven. Our actions have hardly inspired friendship." Said Eve.

"Part of being friends is knowing each other's name. I feel bad that I don't know yours."

"I surrendered it the day the I became a shaman of the female clan. I belong to my sisters now. But perhaps one day, when this is over, you can know it."

"How did you get involved in Maelon's experiments?"

"The other females and I volunteered. We heard Maelon was trying to cure the Genophage for Clan Weyrloc."

"Aren't they a rival clan?"

"Rivalries are the invention of the males. Under their rule, Tuchanka has laid in ruins for over a thousand years. It's time females took back our place in society and resurrected our future. Maelon was our best hope."

"Would you got to Maelon again?"

"Absolutely. It only takes one candle to light a fire, and then the darkness is no more."

"I'm sorry none of the other females survived."

"I know. The youngest one, Kurn, was the last to go. But she knew she would enter the void free of this curse. And then smile when she looked down on the children of Tuchanka." "Her spirit will be the midwife to my firstborn."

"I found Maelon's lab. It looked like a dungeon. His experiments were brutal."

"We learned that too late." Eve sighed. "He meant well, but his methods grew more barbaric as he went. We finally escaped into rubble. Eventually, a Salarian team found us. They saved our lives. We were so sick."

"I didn't realise the Krogan had female Shamans."

"Wisdom comes from pain, and the Genophage has made us very wise. Rather than surrender to despair, a few of use chose to preserve the ancient ways. We safeguard our culture, our knowledge, our secrets. So when out children live again, the Krogan will flourish."

"How were you initiated?"

"You're locked in a cave for seven days with just enough food to last. One the eighth, you'll starve."

"What does that prove?"

"Your resolve."

"Every Acolyte is given a chance. You either claw your way out through the rock with your bare hands, or you die."

"How did you make it out alive?"

"I started digging the wrong way. I was in complete darkness, nothing than y own heartbeat to sustain me."

"What happened?"

"I found this." Said Eve, showing what looked like a crystal of some kind. "A simple crystal, but it became my chisel. Take it as a reminder, Major. In the darkest hour, there is always a way out."

Austin took the crystal without hesitation as a sign of respect. Plus, maybe there was a possibility that it would remind him of that when they faced their darkest hour in this war, which he had a feeling that even if they did win, they wouldn't escape it.

"Thank you." He said gratefully. "Still, that is a brutal initiation."

"But an illuminating one. You learn to appreciate the light by living in the dark."

"What do you think of Wrex?"

"When he's not trying to sire half of Tuchanka, he's the best thing that's happened to the Krogan. But I won't' tell him that. His head's big enough already, literally." Eve laughed.

"He's turned into a strong leader."

"I know in his heart, Wrex wants what's best for us. Though not all the other clans see it that way."

"Why would they give him trouble? You think they'd want a better future."

"It's not in the nature of our males to cooperate. They've evolved to be selfish. Their only concern is survival. Wrex is different. He's a mutant, and that you can tell him."

"Do you think Wrex will want revenge for the Genophage?"

"Some clans will expect it, but I hope Wrex resists. He understands the cycle of violence must end if Krogan are ever to have a voice in galactic politics. Still, he's just one Krogan. If enough clans demand it, he may not be able to stop them.

"If you don't mind me asking, what's it been like living with the Genophage?"

"I knew sisters who couldn't bare the shame of being infertile. They would wander off into the wastelands hoping a Thresher Maw would kill them and end their torment."

"Did the thought ever cross your mind?"

"Yes. After my first stillborn."

"What kept you from doing it?"

"When my child didn't draw breath, that's when my life truly began. The Genophage forces us to live on hope alone. There is nothing else. There is no reason to exist other than the hope that the next day will bring change, and if it doesn't, there is always the next.

"How do you think things will change after the Genophage is cured?"

"Our species will find its balance again. Females will help shape the future, like in the ancient days before we were just pawns of power hungry males."

"Most seem hell bent on shooting anything that looks at them wrong."

"What else is there for them to do? Because of the Genophage, they become wondering killers seeking targets to justify their existence. Excuses to earn them honor."

"How has Mordin been treating you?"

"Better than Krogan males do. He's not like a typical Salarian."

"No, no, no—organ redundancy results in new period before metaphase. Can't alter that. Damage to telomeres, premature aging…" Mordin muttered out loud to himself.

"He does that." Said Austin.

"But I sense pain in him, too. He told me about his work on the Genophage. I should consider him an enemy. Yet I think seeing my sister and I changed something in him." Said Eve.

"Asari-Vorcha offspring have an allergy to dairy, and… da-di-di-dee-di-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-doo-di-di-di…" Mordin sang.

"Well, it wasn't his ear." Austin chuckled. "Thanks for talking with me."

"It's my pleasure, Major." Said Eve, shaking hands with Austin before sitting back on the bed. "I've heard of many stories about Helldivers. I'm glad to say they hardly do you justice."

"I'm flattered." Austin smiled.

"Shepard. Blood work complete. Indicate significant stress on Eve's system." He said. "Maelon's data, thorough. Fortunately detailed as well. Have used notes to improve her condition." Said Mordin.

"How's she doing?" Austin asked.

"No fever currently. Heart rate elevated, likely stress. Eating appropriately. Could use another blanket. Something soft. Prefer to let her recover fully before synthesizing cure. My medical recommendation." Mordin replied.

"My people don't have time for that." Said Eve.

"Her opinion somewhat different."

"You care about her."

"My patient. My responsibility. Found her at STG base. Three doctors injured trying to restrain her. Undid arm restraints. Didn't resist when she grabbed me. Promised to help her. She said. "Please."

"Have you determined why she's immune?"

"Genophage targeted hormone production during pregnancy. Modification project used same modality. Her "immunity" totally different. Targeted glands now obsolete. Human appendix, other glands mutated to produce proper hormones. Enabled viable birth. Also explains her weakness. Gland substitution imperfect. Health trouble."

"You think you can make this work for all Krogan?"

"Yes. Will use Eve's tissue to produce mutagen. Alter gland function across an entire species. Must improve mutagen as well, tune hormone production. Long-term illness for all Krogan otherwise."

"So we did the right thing by saving the data?"

"Indeed. Would be much harder to treat Eve without it. Maybe impossible."

"And all those experiments we saw back on Tuchanka?"

"Monstrous. Repulsive. But now with purpose. Victims didn't die for nothing."

"Any word on Maelon himself?"

"No. Ordered teams to search for him when trying to help Eve. Nothing so far. Large galaxy. Lots of places to hide. Could already be dead for all we know. Would kill him now if possible. Unless he could help.

"So the end justifies the means?"

"Not my means."

"But you're using the data, encouraging more experiments like Maelon's."

"Encouragement irrelevant. Will always be scientists willing to perform unethical tests. Can't change that. But can help Eve. Can cure Genophage. Won't ignore data vital to her survival because of unethical origins."

"Nice talking with you, Mordin."

"Thank you, Shepard. Glad to be back."

"You planning to stick around when this is over?"

"Until Reapers dealt with, at least. Then… not sure. Have made impact on galaxy. Genophage modification, Genophage cure, work against Collectors… Decisions, mistakes… Might go somewhere sunny. Sit on beach, look at ocean, collect seashells."

"You'd go crazy inside an hour."

"Might run tests on the seashells."

Could've done better I admit.

Anyway, I promise to put more effort into the next one, which will be mostly Citadel assignments such as Kasumi, Zaeed, Thane and so on. (Some people have constantly asked. Hopefully that answers your questions)
- 6
- 7
- 8
You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.You need to be logged in to leave a review for this story.
Report Story

Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle