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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6104 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Mass Effect or it's characters. They belong to Bioware and EA. No money/profit is made by me from this.

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Hello all!

Bit of a short chapter, this, but the changes I've made should make up for it.

Chapter 9

Another Act of Kindness

"Any update, Shepard?" Kraan asked.

They were heading to check on the missing Krogan scouts that Wrex had told them about.

"Our backup's waiting for us at the drop point." Austin replied. "Aralakh company, Krogan commandos.

"That is correct, Shepard. They are an accomplished unit." Said EDI. "Their decisive action in liberating a colony from Batarian pirates made them famous."

"Good to hear. Other than that, there's been no word from the team of Krogan scouts since they went through the Rachni relay." Said Austin.

"I don't like the sound of this." Said Liara. "The Krogan would've come prepared to fight."

"We don't know much, but no Rachni activity has been reported." Said Austin.

"It doesn't make sense. You let that last Rachni queen live on the condition she disappear forever. She wouldn't risk everything to start a war." Said Kraan.

"Just be ready for anything."

The dropship gently touched down and everyone jumped out.

Aralakh company was waiting for them. While all of them wore black Krogan armour however, one stood out from the rest.

"Yeah. Dropship just arrived. Better get moving, team 2. See anything, let me know."

"Grunt?"

Sure enough, another of the former Collector team, the tank bred Krogan, pushed past the others.

"Shepard?! Ha! Shepard!" he cheered, shaking Austin's hand happily.

"What are you doing here?" Austin asked, just as pleased to see the Krogan.

"I could ask you the same question." Grunt replied.

"Looks like you did find something to keep you occupied after I recommended you leave the crew." Said Austin.

Grunt had hoped to stay with the Normandy crew when the Collectors had been defeated, but Austin had recommended he find some work elsewhere as he felt it would start tog et pretty quiet and he wouldn't' see as much action s he wanted.

"Yeah. It was a good call. Now I'm out here running Aralakh company. They're tough, think they're invincible." Said Grunt. "Reckless, but effective."

"You've certainly come a long way. How'd you go from being new and unproven to your own command?" Austin asked.

"Wasn't easy. When Wrex put Aralakh company together, he needed a leader who represented the future of our species. Thanks to you, I completed my Rite of Passage on Tuchanka, and became part of Clan Urdnot. I was an equal. And being the strongest, I was chosen to lead this honoured company." Grunt replied.

"I'll bet some didn't like a tank bred Krogan being in charge." Said Kraan.

"I collected a few scars earning my place here. These Krogan respect me." said Grunt.

"You were a pain in the ass, Grunt. But if your Krogan are half the soldier you are, we might make it out of here." Said Austin.

"Ha! Glad you're here to crack some heads, Shepard. Can't believe this might be Rachni. Seems crazy."

At that moment, an Asari suddenly walked out of the nearby building. She was dressed in a set of Janissary armour and had purple skin. Something about her, and her voice were very familiar.

"We don't know if the Rachni had anything to do with this." She said. "Hello, Major Shepard. It has been some time."

"I remember you. You were on Illium two years ago. You gave me a message from the Rachni Queen." Said Austin, slightly surprised to see her here of all places.

"That is correct. My name is Latara K'roosoni. I had hoped we might meet again."

"What are you doing all the way out here?" Austin asked.

"I have been looking for you." Latara replied.

"You delivering another message?" Austin asked jokingly.

"No. I need your help." Latara replied seriously. "The Rachni Queen has been captured."

"Captured?"

"The Reapers eventually found us. We fought them off as best we could, but they overwhelmed us." Latara explained. "Before she was captured, the queen begged me to escape, and she gave me a task. "Find the Great warrior, find Shepard, only he can help us." She said."

"That still doesn't explain why you're here with Aralakh company." Said Austin.

"I searched for you, but I learned that the Reapers were everywhere. I didn't think there would be any chance of me reaching you, so I was forced to take matters into my own hands. I returned her with weapons and armour, intent on rescuing the Queen. It did not go brilliantly. I would've been killed if it hadn't been for the Krogan." Said Latara.

"We crossed paths with her while we were scouting the planet. She was engaging with some husks which nearly overwhelmed her. We saved her." Said Grunt proudly.

"And I owe you my life for that." Said Latara gratefully.

"I'll help if I can, I promise." said Austin.

"Thank you, Shepard." Said Latara.

"We shouldn't forget about the scouts as well." Said Austin. "I didn't see any signs of activity during our approach."

"Agreed. But this place smells wrong, like a bad wound. Our scans show the tunnels down there lead to a large central point. If we're lucky, it's a nest." Sad Grunt.

"Sounds like fun. Just like old times, Grunt." Said Kraan, electing laugh from Grunt before he then told Aralakh company to move out.

"Grab what you need, Shepard. Meet me at the scout camp ahead." He said.

"Sounds good." Said Austin.

"I will stick with them. They will benefit from my help more." Said Latara.

"Can you fight?" Kraan asked.

"I am no commando, but the Queen taught me things, some of which I could use to protect her." Said Latara.

"Good enough. You're in." said Austin. "Move out."

Austin made sure that they took as much extra ammo as they can. Latara also took some of the extra weapons so that she could armour up. She also added a breather helmet to the mix.

"No surprise Grunt found his way into the action. Baby boy's all grown up." Said Kraan.

"Careful he doesn't' catch you saying that, Kraan." Said Austin.

"Still, glad he's here."

The group went ahead of Aralakh company and proceeded through the nearby building. The whole things suddenly shuddered and lurched violently, causing everyone to lose their balance.

"Look out! The Whole thing's coming down! Get back!" Grunt yelled.

The building lurched again, this time at such and angle that everyone fell out. Fortunately, it wasn't a huge drop.

"Everyone alright?" Austin asked.

No bones broken, I think." Latara replied.

"Shepard! You in one peace?" said Grunt through the comm.

"Looks like we're all okay. Keep in radio contact." Austin replied back.

"On our way."

The group proceeded through the tunnels slowly.

"Something up ahead." Said Latara.

"I see it."

Ahead was what looked like a dead Krogan.

"Grunt, got a body of a scout here. Been dead a few days." Said Austin.

"Yeah? If he has his weapon, grab it. He won't need it anymore." Grunt replied.

Austin noticed a flamethrower lying near the body and picked it up.

"Is that webbing?"

"Looks like it."

Sure enough, there was the unmistakable sight of black webbing blocking certain paths through the tunnels.

The flamethrower of course was perfect for dealing with them.

Just as Austin burned the last one down, a sudden shriek suddenly sounded throughout the caverns.

"And there's the scream…" said Kraan.

As the group jumped down to a lower level, sure enough, what was unmistakably a Rachni crawled out of the shadows. This however definitely looked like the Rachni Version of a husk.

"Grunt, we're got company." Said Austin, sliding into cover to avoid the incoming fire from the Ravager.

"Light 'em up, Shepard." Said Grunt.

Austin found it difficult to come out of cover without the tracking beams from the Ravager's locking on to him and then getting a shot. Worse still, the flamethrower wasn't much good unless he could get closer.

"Guys, I can't kill it from this range." He said. "Distract it so I can get closer."

Both Kraan and Liara focused their attacks on getting the Ravager's attention, along with some of the swarmer's that were accompanying it. Latara meanwhile was focusing more on the swarmers. True to what she'd said, her biotics were surprisingly good for an Asari who wasn't a commando.

A few human husks started to join the fray as well, but Liara quickly deployed a singularity, hauling them up into the air and allowing Kraan to shoot all of them, one by one. Austin was even able to set one on fire from where he was.

"What have the Reapers done to her children?! It's horrible!" said Latara, almost sounding on the point of pain as she killed another swarmer.

After managing to jump over a nearby gorge without getting shot, Austin was finally close enough to the Ravager to use the flamethrower. He instantly let the flames loose.

The Ravager struggled violently as the flames burned it.

Eventually though, these struggles were in vain and the husk finally died, succumbing to the flames.

"Grunt, Rachni presence confirmed. Modified and very dangerous." Said Austin after everyone had managed to get their breath back from the fight.

"Finally, something to kill!" Grunt replied. "Nothing here yet! Lost a Krogan to a sinkhole. Bad way to go."

The group proceeded further into the tunnels.

As they crawled through a narrow gap, the whole place suddenly started to shake.

"Watch out!" Austin yelled, quickly making sure everyone was safe as the ceiling collapsed over where they'd just come from.

"Crap! Exit's cut off." Kraan cursed.

"Looks like we're finding another way out of here. Come on!" said Austin.

"What was that noise, Shepard? Sounded bad." Grunt asked.

"Cave-in. We're all right." Kraan replied.

"Good. Didn't want to dig you out."

"That hurts my feelings, Grunt." Austin chuckled.

"Yeah, yeah."

After going deeper and deeper into the caverns, the group soon had sight of Grunt and Aralakh company who were engaging more Rachni.

"Shepard, we're blocked! And getting overrun!" said Grunt.

"Hang on, Grunt. We're on it!"

"Move it, Shepard!"

Aralakh company was being blocked by a barrier which was being powered by Reaper tech. Destroying the power node of course was easy.

Grunt and the other Krogan quickly made their way in just as the last of the Ravagers were retreating.

"Thanks, Shepard. That wasn't webbing stopping us. That was Reaper tech." he said.

"We ran into it, too." Said Liara.

"The Rachni have backed off for now, but they can smell our wounds." Said Grunt. "Any worthy enemy would regroup and finish us. Soon."

"We're close, Grunt. Those barriers were protecting whatever's down that passage." Said Austin.

"We'll dig in here, kill anything that moves, buy you some time." Said Grunt.

"Good luck."

"I don't need luck. I have ammo." Grunt smiled. "Krogan! Get ready!"

The path towards the central chamber involved having to crawl under a very tight space. Kraan in particular struggled to get under due to his massive build.

Once everyone was finally on the other side, they noticed the massive chamber. It was not what they had expected.

"What… is that?"

"That doesn't look like a nest." Said Kraan.

"The Queen!" said Latara, noticing the massive form of the Rachni Queen herself in the chamber.

The Queen looked even larger than the last time Austin had seen her. The logical conclusion was that she hadn't been fully grown at the time.

She was currently sat on some kind of throne, currently oblivious to the bipeds in the chamber with her.

"Grunt, we've located the central chamber." Austin said into his comm.

"Good! We got your back, Shepard!" Grunt replied.

As everyone hopped down however, several barriers suddenly rose out of the floor.

"Move it!"

They were too late though before a final one blocked their path to the Queen.

"Damn it!" Austin cursed.

"Locate the power node! We have to save her!" said Latara urgently.

Austin quickly spotted the power node up on the ceiling and destroyed it with his plasma cannon. That managed to retract some of the barriers, but not all of them.

"Well, that's one." He said.

"We've got incoming." Said Kraan as more Rachni husks began to show up.

"We're running low on ammo as well." Said Liara.

"Then we do this the hard way."

Austin holstered his weapon and drew Excalibur out. Quite ironic that it was once again being used against Rouge Rachni same as it had on Noveria.

The others decided to follow Austin's example and they sheathed their guns. Liara drew her sword, Kraan drew his battle axe and also armed his omni fist. Only Latara kept her gun, since she didn't have a melee weapon. She activated her biotics though. She could at least use those.

Austin and Liara made good use of their Union as they fought both Ravagers and Swarmers, Kraan also dealt with both while Latara concentrated more on the Swarmers while using her biotics as a defence against incoming fire from other Ravagers.

"Shepard, over here!"

Austin quickly aimed at the power node and fired. The explosion quickly retreated the other carriers, and the husks seemed to retreat.

"Shepard, the Rachni are backing off!"

"Whatever spooked them won't last. Finish the job."

"Copy that."

Latara immediately walked up to the Queen who seemed to make several happy chirps.

"It's okay. I'm here." She said, gently touching the Queen's head as the Rachni responded by singing to the Asari in her head. "Yes. I brought him like you asked. I promised I would help you."

"Is she okay?" Austin asked.

"She's glad you have come." Latara replied. "She wishes to speak to you through me. I gladly welcome it."

"If you're okay with it, that's fine." Austin nodded.

Latara closed her eyes for a moment as she allowed the Queen to assume control of her.

"Shepard. It warms our heart to see you again, great warrior. It has been so long." Said the Asari, her eyes now completely white and her voice now echoing with song and whispers.

"I could say the same of you as well, your majesty." Austin nodded, bowing his head in respect. "But how did this happen? I let you go back on Noveria and you promised not to interfere anymore. The Rachni promised to disappear."

"We have not forgotten. We would never forget the kindness and mercy you showed us." The Queen replied. "We kept our promise, retreated back through the relay. We started a new home. Beautiful children. Harmony. But the machines came. They heard our song. Their shriek of sour notes drowned us out. They took our children! Now they are only silent, hollow. The machines come and take them to war. They die alone, silent, far away."

"They can't hurt you anymore." Said Austin.

"Yes, we… understand." Said the Queen.

"Can you still feel the Reapers? Can they influence you?" Austin asked.

"We hear the machines, but they cannot control us. It is why they have imprisoned us here. Remove this last shackle and we are free." The Queen replied. Suddenly, the whole place suddenly shook violently. "What? The children return. They will destroy us all. Release us!"

"We're getting movement here. A lot of movement…"

"Copy that, Grunt." Said Austin. He then turned face the Queen again. "Are you capable of fighting the Reapers?"

"We hate the machines as much as you do. We will fight for our unborn children." Said the Queen through Latara. "We already owe you for releasing us before. Do it again, and we will join your fight, we will help you destroy the machines!"

"She's weak. She needs time to escape." Said Liara.

"Shepard, we're out of time! We stay here, Aralakh Company dies! Is that clear?" said Grunt.

"Listen up! Aralakh Company holds the Rachni off while the Queen escapes." Austin ordered. "We'll buy you some time. Grunt, fall back to our position and lead us out!"

"Damn you, Shepard! I'm leaving my team. On my way!"

"Shepard…" said Kraan.

"That's an order! She's too valuable an asset to lose!" Austin interrupted.

The Helldiver activated his plasma cannon and aimed it at the shackle. He fired, and it exploded.

"Thank you, great warrior. We will never forget your eternal kindness." Said the Queen as the shackle collapsed and she finally fell back onto her feet.

"You're welcome. Before you go, I would like to offer you safe asylum on Arkadia. You and your children will be safe from the Reapers there." Austin offered.

"We gladly accept." Said the Queen. "Our songs shall forever sing of you until the end of time itself."

Latara then blinked several times and her eyes returned to normal as the Queen released control over her.

A huge part of the cavern was then shot away to reveal Grunt.

"Now get us outta here!" said Austin.

The group only got a few seconds into the tunnels before they could hear more Ravagers around the corner.

"The shuttle's down that path! I'll hold them off!" said Grunt.

"Grunt…" Austin tried to say.

"Get outta here, Shepard!" said Grunt.

Forced to accept the inevitable, Austin and the others left. Only Kraan briefly stayed.

"You're a true Krogan, Urdnot Grunt." He said. "I am proud to have called you clan."

He then left to, leaving just Grunt with the Rachni.

"My turn."

"Cortez, we're the last ones out." Said Austin, doing his best to hide the sadness in his voice.

"Copy that, Major. Shuttle is waiting." Cortez replied.

"Joker, bring the Normandy down too. We've got a big package that needs retrieval." Austin continued.

"On it, Major."

Everyone was so focused on the grief however, they didn't notice the large figure walking out of the cave after them.

Austin suddenly heard footsteps and looked.

"Grunt!"

Both he and Kraan hurried over to the tank bred. He was covered in blood and didn't' look too good, but he was alive.

"Anybody got something to eat?" the Krogan asked weakly as the fell into the two Helldiver's arms.

"Ha! Knew they couldn't put you down!" Kraan smiled.

"I'm reviewing your report on the Rachni situation, Shepard. This could've got complicated, fast." Said Hackett. "I hope you know what you're doing, cutting a deal with the Rachni Queen. We got burned last time."

"It wasn't' her fault. The Reapers captured her. I'm taking her to Arkadia where she'll be safe and she'll be able to help us." Said Austin. "She's been able to send a message to her surviving drones that the Reapers haven't' indoctrinated. They, along with the Helldivers will see to her safety."

"We're trusting your instincts, Major." Said Zartrack. "At least we cut the Reaper supply of new Rachni troops and picked up some additional Krogan support. We can definitely call this a victory and an addition to the Resistance."

"We've gotta get back to it. Watch yourself out there, Shepard. Hackett out."

As Austin walked into the war room, he found Wrex waiting for him.

"Shepard, you made it out of there. Sounds like I missed a hell of a fight." He said.

"Better you didn't risk it. We were lucky to get out of there alive." Said Austin.

"Knew you could get it done, Shepard." Said Wrex. "Heard you made some kind of deal with the Rachni Queen. If they get out of hand again, it's your ass on the line."

"Understood."

"I heard Grunt managed to get out of there too, with a few scratches."

"You could say that."

"We'll get him patched up, back in the fight."

"Good to hear."

"I should get back to it. Keep me posted, Shepard."

Austin went down to the cargo hold to check on Latara and the Queen. Sure enough, the Queen was nestled up comfortably in the corner of the cargo bay with Latara gently stroking her as she listened to the Queen's songs.

Austin had to admit he was impressed that the Queen was able to fit in here. It was hardly unexpected though. The SR3 had been designed to be much bigger.

Latara took notice of Austin and turned to face him.

"Major Shepard." She said, bowing her head.

"Am I interrupting anything?" Austin asked politely.

"No. The Queen and I were just… talking." Said Latara.

"How's she doing?" Austin asked.

"She has had time to recover and rest. She'll be fine. She's also expecting to lay more eggs once she reaches Arkadia." Said Latara. "I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but are you sure she will be safe there?"

"The Helldivers will certainly be surprised that their guests are Rachni, but my word will make sure they don't do anything rash." Austin replied. "The Reapers are not attacking Arkadia for some reason and the whole planet is well fortified and guarded by the largest fleet in the galaxy. It's currently the safest place in the galaxy."

"If the Queen trusts you, then so do I." said Latara.

"You must care about her a lot." Austin inquired, sensing there was probably some chemistry between the Asari and the queen.

"As I said when we first met, she gave me new purpose. She showed me a new life greater than I had imagined. Not only do I owe her my life for saving me, but I have come to see her as a friend. Perhaps… maybe even more…" said Latara, but she hesitated after the last bit. "I'm sorry."

"No, it's okay. It's hardly unexpected. You tried to come back for her by yourself. That takes tremendous courage, if not strong will." Said Austin.

"Thank you, Shepard." Said Latara. The Queen then sat up slightly. Latara walked up to the Queen and touched her in order to hear what she had to say. "She would like to give you something. A gift."

"She doesn't need to." Said Austin.

"She insists. She refuses to let you go unrewarded for saving her twice." Said Latara.

The Asari then walked up to Austin and took his face in her hands.

"What are you doing?"

"She has given the git to me so that I can give it to you." Latara explained. "Just be still. This will be quick."

Austin allowed himself to relax. He trusted the Queen, and she trusted Latara.

"Simply relax, Shepard. Embrace Eternity."

Latara's eyes went black for a moment and her hands glowed with biotics.

Surprisingly though, Austin didn't see any visions or knowledge flash before his eyes like he thought would happen. Nothing felt different either.

"What exactly was that?" he asked.

"Even I myself do not know." Latara replied.

Austin turned to the Queen who simply sung to Latara.

"All she says is that you will know when the time is right. "In the darkness, you will see the light. Through the fogs of lies, you will see the truth. Even through the sour note, you will still hear the music." She translated.

"I appreciate your gift, your majesty. Thank you. I will leave you to rest." Said Austin, respectively bowing his head.

The Queen bowed her head back ever so slightly in return before settling back down to sleep.

"What will you do when we reach Arkadia?" Austin to Latara.

"I will go with her. I am not leaving her side again." Latara replied. "I will help raise her children, teach them the music like she does. I will help her so that she can help you."

"Take care of yourself. You should get some rest too."

"I agree."

Deciding to call it a day, Austin headed up to his quarters. TO his delight, he found Liara there going over a few datapads. Being the XO of the ship did at least keep her working.

"Busy?" he asked.

"I always have time for you, Austin. In fact, I could use the distraction." Liara smiled. She put down the datapad and Austin sat down on the sofa opposite her.

"What's on your mind?"

"How long it took the Reapers to eradicate the Protheans, and how long they'll need for us." "It took them centuries to conquer the Protheans. We're not quite so widespread, but it would still take at least 100 years." Said Liara.

"Liara…" said Austin, trying to reassure his wife.

"It's selfish, but I keep thinking if we fail…"

"We won't. I have faith and hope that we can win this." Said Austin.

"I know. It's just… difficult, watching you get shot at out there…" said Liara. "We finally have other leaders on our side, but none will take us as far as you can. Sometimes, I wonder how you do it."

Austin smiled and stood up. He then sat down again next to Liara and took her hand in his.

"Every time the world's about to end, I think about how mad you'd get if I didn't stop it." He said. "I don't know if I could do this without you, my love."

Liara smiled and planted a quick kiss on her husband's lips.

"Flatterer." She smiled.

"I try."

"I love you."

"I love you too."

The two once again drew into another kiss. This time though it was longer, more passionate, and completely full of love.

"Let's go to bed." Austin whispered.

"I thought you'd never ask." Liara smiled.

The next one will be the Primarch's son and we finally use 3 squad members that haven't had a chance to be used yet. See you soon! :)
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, The Last Cycle