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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, Alpha Origins	By : Veyron722skyhook Category: +M through R > Mass Effect Views: 6171 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: 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
- 8
- 9
- 10
Finally got this done at long last. I should've finished it many months ago.

Apologies you all had to wait so long. Hope at least it confirms to you I'm not dead or anything or might have stopped writing. Let me make it perfectly clear that the only way I'll stop writing this story is when I finish it, whatever it takes.

Anyway, hope you enjoy the chapter. Hope it was worth the wait. Admittedly, there a few good highlights in this chapter I'm quite proud of.

My motivation's also back big time, so hopefully progress will improve greatly.

YEAR 3, The Criminal Element

2175: 27 months after the battle of Elysium

12 Years before the Battle of Arkadia

"The next crime lord was definitely the sort we were very used to. Hell, we had to deal with his kind nearly all the time. On the plus side however, we did meet someone who proved to be of great... enlightenment to all of us..."

Chapter 9

Two Codes Collide

A Batarian slaver. Why was that not a big surprise?

Lot of money was unfortunately made in slavery, particularly of humans.

Alpha almost felt a bit more relaxed this time since they'd be dealing with a crime lord they at least knew how to fight. Of course, their main priority was freeing the slaves first. The Helldiver code taught them to value and protect innocent and always put them before the mission. It was as follows:

Rule 1: Never hurt an innocent or allow an innocent to die, even if it means aborting the mission at hand.

A common mistake often made when the rule was heard was that you could not hurt a civilian at all, even if they attacked you and got hostile. But the Arkanes had that covered as well.

Rule 2: A Helldiver can defend itself from an unprovoked or random attack from an innocent as long as they do not kill them. Physical injury to the civilian will only be permitted to a certain extent.

"How many of these rules are there, exactly?" Xun asked.

"Don't you know?"

"I'm an information broker Helldiver, Dash. Not a soldier."

"Well since you asked, there are

Rule 3: Always obey orders given by a superior. This applies to officers in the Alliance as well. Disobeying an order without good reason is punishable by either form of discharge."

Rule 4: Never remove your helmet unless absolutely necessary or you are ordered to remove it. (This rule is not compulsory and is simply a guideline.)

Rule 5: Be discreet where possible. Lethal force should only be used if absolutely necessary.

Rule 6: All Helldivers, regardless of species are to be treated fairly and as equals. Racism of any kind will not be tolerated under any circumstances.

Rule 7: Mission reports are to be filed correctly. Lying on an official report is a court martial offense.

Rule 8: A civilian's betrayal of a Helldiver must be handled correctly. If the civilian betrayed you only to save another or because they did not have any other choice at all, was unwilling to do it, or is suffering from guilt because of it, then they are permitted to live. This does not apply however if the betrayal was committed under selfish reasons, such as money, personal issues or any other reason that is not good enough. The same applies also if the traitor does not regret at all what they have done. If it has been for any wrong reason, then the punishment is death. Incorrect sentencing is a court martial offence.

Rule 9: No one gets left behind, or forgotten. Not unless it is their choice, or the mission demands it.

"Hmm. Strict, but very fair." said Xun.

"Indeed."

Finally, the dropship touched down and everyone stepped out.

"What'll I do in the meantime?" Alex asked from the cockpit.

"Might be best if you just remain here. We might be a while." Austin recommended.

"Roger that, Commander. Good hunting."

Since there weren't any leads at all, Alpha decided to head to the nearest bar and see if they could learn anything. All they had to hope was that they didn't attract too much attention.

Since the appearance of a squad of Helldivers would raise way too much suspicion, it had been decided that Alaara would go in without her armour and try and find out what she could while the others stay cloaked, ready to back her up if necessary.

"An Asari bartender. Must admit I'm a little surprised." said Dash.

"Just leave this to me." said Alaara confidently.

"Hmm. Pull off your charms on her and then bed her." Sandra joked.

"I'm not going to do that... this time." said Alaara.

"Riiiiiiiight." Austin teased.

"Shut up."

"What'll it be then?" the bartender asked.

"Just something not too strong." Alaara relied casually.

"Fair enough."

The bartender quickly poured out a drink for Alaara, which the Asari drank.

"So, what brings a stranger like you out here?" the bartender asked.

"I'm looking for an old acquaintance of mine. A Batarian. Goes by the name of Malek. Heard of him?" Alaara asked.

Within just a few seconds however, Alaara suddenly felt the barrel of a gun touch the back of her crest.

"One word too many, sister." said the bartender, obviously aware of this. "No one who knows Malek asks about him. Who are you with?"

"She's with us." Austin said as he and the others quickly uncloaked and pointed their guns at both the bartender and the merc holding Alaara at gunpoint. "And I suggest you let her go."

That however didn't have the desired reaction. Almost immediately, everyone in the entire bar whipped out a gun and pointed it at them.

"Well... shit!" Dash swore.

"Now, now. We don't want any trouble." said Austin, trying to diffuse the situation.

"Then you came to the wrong place, my friend." one of the mercs said. "First that Justicar shows up asking questions, now you."

"What?"

The bartender then suddenly pulled out a gun from behind her bar and fired right at Alaara, at point blank range even. To everyone surprise however, a biotic field suddenly blocked the round and it remained frozen only inches from Alaara's head.

"Alaara?" Austin asked in surprise.

"I'm not doing that! Those aren't my biotics." said Alaara, sounding just as surprised as Austin was.

A sudden thud got everyone's attention. Out of the shadows fell the unconscious body of a merc... and an Asari dressed in blue armour and wearing some type of blue decoration on her forehead gently stepped over him. One of her hands was clearly maintaining the biotic barrier protecting Alaara.

"Pardon my interruption, but it looks like you could use some help." she said.

"Get 'em!"

The entire bar erupted into a large fight. For the Helldivers and the Asari however, it wasn't what they would call violent. In fact, it only took a few seconds to deal with everyone.

"We appreciate your help back there, Justicar." said Austin, once the fight was finally over.

The Asari looked at him with a hint of surprise.

"You know who I am?" she asked.

"We know what you are, but we don't know who you are." Austin clarified.

"I am Saphira. A servant of the Justicar code." said the Asari as she bowed her head. "And of course I know who you are. You are Helldivers, yes?"

"I'm Commander Austin Shepard of Alpha Squad." Austin introduced. "This is Kraan, Alaara, Sandra, Leena, Ventra, Xun and that's Dash."

"Hey, how you doing?" Dash asked suggestively. He was definitely winking under his helmet as well.

The moment he got within range of the Justicar though, she suddenly punched him so hard with a biotic fist in the helmet that he fell to the floor.

"Ooh! I like her!" Kraan smiled as he clapped.

"About time someone punched him. I'm just sorry it wasn't Me." said Alaara.

"Ow! That really hurt." Dash groaned as he got back up.

"Well then maybe you'll think twice next time before you speak to me like that. Hmm?" said Saphira.

"Point taken." Dash immediately replied back, slowly but swiftly making his way back to the group and out of range of Saphira's fists.

"I suppose you didn't deserve that one either?" Sandra joked, causing a light chuckle from everyone but Kraan who ended up actually bursting out laughing.

"No. That one I deserve." Dash sighed with regret, still groaning due to his soar cheek. Even with his helmet, that was definitely going to leave a bruise. Not to mention that was the 3rd humiliating time a woman had hit him in front of his squad.

"I apologise, Justicar." Said Alaara. "He's… young."

"And foolish." Kraan added.

"That's enough!" said Austin sternly.

"I've been offended by worse. May I ask why you are all here? Helldivers aren't usually seen here very often." Saphira asked.

"We're here looking for a Crime Lord who's also a Batarian slave. We have reason to believe he's hiding here somewhere." Austin explained.

"I see." said Saphira. "Hmm, then perhaps our goals may be similar."

"What do you mean?"

"I am here investigating recent disappearances that have been happening here. They all seem to be humans that are of little consequence. It sounds like the sort of thing an alien slaver would do. There's a good chance we may be hunting the same criminal."

"What were the chances of that happening?" said Ventra rhetorically.

"Have you managed to find out anything?" Alaara asked.

"That is all I know at the moment. I have been careful to not try and attract too much attention by not asking too many questions. Sadly, that may no longer be an option after this." said Saphira, her tone obviously indicating that she was pointing fingers.

"Ah. Well in that case, I apologise on everyone's behalf." said Austin.

"There's no need. You didn't know." said Saphira calmly. "Besides, your arrival here may end up being an advantage."

"I think I can guess where this is going. You're going to propose we work together, aren't you?" Xun asked.

"Indeed. We would both benefit from each other's help." said Saphira. She noticed though that Alpha seemed to giving each other concerned looks, as if they were worried. "Is something wrong?"

"Well... er... We don't have a lot of experience with Justicars. The Arkanes only know a small bit about you, and as a result so do we. I just worry we may end up accidently interfering with your code or doing something that might require you to kill us."

"You do not need to be so afraid of me. I am in exactly the same boat as you. I know very little about Helldivers myself. I am only 600 years old and I have only been a Justicar for 200 years."

"It always sounds so weird when Asari say things like that." Dash whispered as a joke.

"The feeling's mutual for us too, Torres. Believe me." said Alaara unapprovingly.

"I can understand your concern about us working together. But if you are patient and willing to learn, then so am I. We might wear different armour, but I have the feeling our codes are not all that different from each other." said Saphira.

"That's a very good point, and well made." said Leena.

"And her biotics will help us really kick ass in a fight." Kraan added.

"It's like you often say, Shepard. "The enemy of my enemy, is my bro." said Dash.

"Maybe not exactly like, Dash..." said Austin. "But you aren't wrong."

He then turned to the rest of Alpha.

"What do the rest of you think?" he asked.

"I suppose it vould be the smarter option. It's not like ve had any leads of our own anyway." said Sandra.

Everyone else seemed to nod and murmur in agreement. That seemed to settle it then.

Austin turned back to Saphira, walked up to her, and they shook hands warmly.

"Very well then, Justicar. You've got yourself some allies."

"I have nothing to say to you, Justicar." the Batarian spat.

First thing Alpha and Saphira had agreed on was that they needed to learn more about their target before they went after him. The first lead they'd been able to chase up on was a Batarian who was reported to work for Malek.

"Speak to us, or speak to the Goddess. It's your choice." Saphira threatened.

"You won't stop the work he does. Cannot stop it."

"Stop what? What work?"

"He prepares them for the journey."

"Journey? That what you call slavery now?!" said Austin, almost losing his temper.

"They are held in his warehouse, and when the time comes, they are sent to camps." said the Batarian, still no regret in his voice.

"Where is this warehouse?!" Saphira demanded.

"He tells me only what I need to know. Nothing more. It is safer that way."

"For him perhaps, but not I fear for you."

With that, Saphira snapped his neck.

"You didn't need to do that." said Austin.

"My code required that I do. Is yours so different?" Saphira replied.

"We would've knocked him out had it been our choice." said Austin. "But it was your call. No use dwelling on the past."

"So what now?" Ventra asked.

"Might be best if we split up into 2 teams. Alaara, you lead the second.

Alaara nodded and the squad went their separate ways.

Alaara's group soon came across two more individuals, one of which they were able to identify as associates of Malek. Both Batarians. Rather than interrogate them though, Alaara suggested instead they simply listen.

"Please. You must help me. I'll pay you anything you ask. Anything." The first said worryingly.

"It's not so simple, my friend." said the other.

"But it is. I know all his tricks. He is a coward, not a fighter. Especially with that squad of Helldivers hunting him. He'll run at the first sign of trouble." said the Batarian. "Take this map. It will show you where he likes to hide."

"You don't understand."

"Oh, I understand. You are afraid. You call yourself a warrior, but a single slave trader fills you with fear."

"Fear? Nothing of the sort."

"Then what?"

"It would be bad business on my part, seeing as I already work for him."

"You?"

"So now you understand? Go. Leave now and I'll forget we had this conversation."

Having felt they'd listened enough, Alaara opened a comm channel.

"Shepard, you catch that?" she asked.

"Yeah. Might come in handy if Malek flees. Keep your ears open for anything else." Austin replied.

"So what else? We still need a bit more information than that." Saphira asked.

"Hmm. Xun, do you have any contacts and agents stationed here?" Austin asked.

"I do actually." Xun replied. "Yes, they're bound to have learned something."

Sure enough, the contact agreed to a meeting. The team found him waiting for them.

"Mistress Xun. Good to see you in person." he said, bowing his head in respect

"You as well." said Xun, returning the bow. "I trust you know who we're here for?"

"Indeed. I have been eavesdropping and I've learned much. They say Malek has many loyal bodyguards, all of whom will readily give their lives for the Batarian. If they're boss is in danger, they are sure to intervene, giving him time to escape. That is all I know about Malek."

"We appreciate you telling us." Said Saphira.

"I hope it helps you."

"He's a coward! If it wasn't for the money, I'd be long gone!"

Alaara's group had once again come across another pair of Malek's associates to eavesdrop on.

"You're either stupid or blind! Maybe it's both."

"How can you say that?!"

"You didn't see what happened."

"I saw well enough! Our transport was attacked, and the first thing he did was flee!"

"No. He didn't run."

"What are you talking about?"

"Do you forget what became of the men that attacked us?"

"Felled by our snipers."

"No. Not our snipers, him… alone."

"So you're saying… he saved us?"

"Yes. He headed for higher ground. Used his sniper to kill them."

"I… I had no idea."

"He's a dead eye with that weapon. You'd do well to remember that."

With that, the two parted ways and left.

"Now that is definitely handy." Said Alaara. "That information will probably save our lives now."

"Okay. We do this right, and we won't even have to fire a shot." Austin said, checking his gear for tomorrow.

"I hope your right. If Malek escapes, there could be collateral damage." Said Saphira.

"Not on our watch, sweetheart." said Dash cockily.

"Don't call me that."

"Sorry." Dash quickly apologised, making sure he got as far away as possible. "Please don't hit me again."

Alaara meanwhile appeared to be practicing with her biotics. It looked like she was trying to make a biotic shield around something other than herself. Saphira was a little surprised that the younger Asari still didn't know how to do that.

"Having trouble?"

"A little."

"I find it a little strange you don't know how to do this already, especially at your age."

"I used to be an Eclipse merc. They always taught me to protect myself rather than others. As a result, I never fully learned how to put a shield around someone other than myself." Said Alaara.

"They train their soldiers that way?" Saphira asked, somewhat surprised.

"Yeah, I'm not proud of that. That's why I left them for this." Said Alaara. "That's… not a problem with you is it? That I used to be a merc?"

"My code does compel me to kill the wicked, but it also permits forgiveness." Said Saphira.

"The past is the past. Besides, Alaara's trying to move on and redeem herself." Said Sandra.

"Took the words right out of my mouth." Alaara smiled.

"If you like, I could try and teach you how to do that, young one." Saphira offered.

"Young? I'm only 300 years younger than you." Alaara chuckled, causing Saphira to smile.

"I hope Sandra looks that good when she's your age." said Dash.

"SHUT UP, DASH!" Alaara and Sandra yelled together.

For the next hour or so, Saphira began teaching Alaara how to make a barrier around something other than herself. The Justicar seemed surprisingly good at it, and she was also very good at being patient. Alaara also listened well and seemed to be doing okay.

"Try to relax more. Think of something peaceful." said Saphira calmly as Alaara tried to concentrate on maintain the field she'd done around a simple datapad lying on the table.

For a moment, Alaara struggled to think of something peaceful. She couldn't think of sex because that would just make her aroused and unfocused.

When the barrier started to weaken slightly, Saphira worried Alaara wasn't focusing enough.

"Don't lose your focus, Alaara. Concentrate." Said Sandra.

For some reason, the sound of Sandra's voice seemed to make Alaara relax a bit more.

An image then popped into the Asari's head. A memory of the time she and Sandra kissed in order to avoid detection. Something about that made Alaara feel all warm and calm inside.

Within just a few seconds, Alaara's barrier started to stabilize. It even seemed to expand a bit more and grow stronger.

"That's good. Keep doing whatever you're doing." Said Saphira encouragingly.

For the last few minutes, Alaara managed to keep the barrier perfectly stable and sustained until she finally used up her energy. Finally, she let it drop.

"Very well done, young one. Keep practicing like that and you'll learn it no time." said Saphira proudly.

"Vhat did you expect from an Asari Helldiver?" Sandra asked rhetorically, also sounding proud of Alaara's accomplishment.

Alaara couldn't help but feel rather flattered at this compliment and she smiled back.

Deciding that now was as good a time as any to ask the Justicar some questions, Austin cleared his throat.

"If you don't mind me saying, Saphira... You seem very different to what we've been told about Justicars." He said.

"Oh?"

"Well for one, you look different to them. They usually wear some kind of uniform, whereas you're wearing armour."

"You're not wrong. That outfit is what Justicars wear, but it's more worn by the older ones who are in the Matriarch stages of their lives. Whereas younger Justicars, like me, wear more armour to protect ourselves since our biotics aren't as powerful yet, and we don't have the luxury of being able to block every single attack." said Saphira.

"It's also mostly blue. I thought all Justicars wore red."

"That's a common misconception actually. There's no single colour for Justicars, people just often assume red is the custom because it's most the common one." Saphira explained. "Some of us wear black, some of us wear blue, as long as the outfit is a Justicar outfit, it doesn't matter what colour. Some Matriarchs even choose to have their cleavage on display for some odd reason. I personally never see much point in letting people see my tits."

"So you're able to customize these outfits?"

"To a certain degree."

"Seems our two orders are indeed very similar."

"So I've noticed. You all have the same basic armour look, but you come in different colours, styles, accessories and sizes."

"In more ways than one." said Dash suggestively.

"Is he always this annoying?" Saphira sighed.

"You've no idea." Austin smiled, shaking his head.

"May I ask you something, Shepard?"

"Of course. Ask away."

"Your Helldiver code. What does it say about romantic involvements?"

"Why do you ask?"

"I am merely curious."

"It does not forbid any kind of romance. Not even between ranks. Personal attachment is encouraged in fact, helps in a way to strengthen our bonds with each other. Long as it doesn't interfere with our mission our duties, we're free to pursue romantic involvements with whoever we choose, be they Helldiver or otherwise."

"That must be nice."

"I think it is." said Austin. "What about your code?"

"Mine does not forbid romance either, but most Justicars choose not to pursue romances."

"Why's that?"

"Often, they become too used to the life of a Justicar that the thought of retirement seems so... alien to them." said Saphira. "Add to the fact that many of them first became Justicars because of some deeply personal matter."

"Why did you become one?"

"My mother was a Justicar." Saphira replied, her tone of voice starting to turn somewhat sad. "She... she was killed many years ago... and died in my arms."

"I... I don't' know what to say. I'm so sorry."

"Before she died, I swore to her that I would follow in her footsteps. That I would finish what she started. It was never a life that she intended for me... but I told her that it was my decision. She told me that she was proud of me for being so willing to make the sacrifices to become a Justicar."

"I made a promise to her, and I intend to keep until the day I die."

"Based on what I've seen, I'd say your mother would be enormously proud of you."

"I'm glad you think so. If she could see me now... wearing her armour like it was my own..."

"This was your mother's?"

"It was her will that I take it and use it. I didn't even have to modify it since it fits me perfectly."

"Well, sounds like we'll both be making people proud tomorrow." said Austin confidently. "In this life, and the next."

Saphira simply smiled and nodded in agreement.

The next morning, everyone was up bright and early and well rested for what was to come today. No doubt it would be easy.

"Are we ready for this?" Austin asked as he finished checking his gear.

"Ve're vith you, Commander. Just give the vord." said Sandra.

"Alright. Let's do this."

Making sure to be as discreet as they possibly could, the Helldivers and Justicar made their way inside, taking care not to be seen. As soon as the last of one made it through the door however, it suddenly shut behind them.

"That's not good." said Ventra.

"I think he knows we're here." said Leena.

"No games, Slaver! Show yourself." Saphira demanded.

No reply.

"Hmm. Nice guns." said Kraan.

"Dude! Don't talk about Saphira's tits!" said Dash.

"I meant these, you idiot!" said Kraan, indicating to the many weapons all stored in gun racks around them.

"Oh."

"You are an odd one, Dashiell Torres." Saphira sighed.

Suddenly a voice spoke through the dark.

"So, you want to see who called you here?" it said, undeniably Batarian.

"You did not call us here!" Saphira yelled. "We came on our own."

"Did you now?" Malek's voice asked. "Who unlocked the door? Cleared the path? Did you once raise your weapons against a single man of mine? No. All this, I did for you."

A small slot on the ceiling suddenly opened, letting a large beam of light spill into the area.

"Step into the light then, and I will grant you one final favour."

Cautiously and reluctantly, Alpha complied. As soon as they did, the undeniable figure of Malek slowly stepped out of the shadows.

"Now I stand before you." he said.

"Come down here! Let us settle this with honour." said Austin, drawing his sword.

"Why must it always come to violence with your kind?" Malek sighed. "I will not allow my work to be threatened. You leave me no choice. You must all die."

Almost immediately, Malek's bodyguards attacked out of the darkness, very nearly catching everyone off guard. They were just narrowly able to unsheathe their melee weapons in time. Kraan simply resorted to using his fists and strength while Saphira used her biotics.

"Come on! You want a piece of me?! I'll tear you apart!" Kraan roared as he threw a lone bodyguard at several more, toppling them over like bowling pins.

A sudden hit caused Dash to stumble and he fell on a crate, the weight of his armour cracking it open. As he regained his senses from the earlier blow, the Scout suddenly noticed the contents of the crate, and incredibly large and heavy looking min gun.

Large, clearly designed to be used only by a Krogan, and extensively modified for maximum firepower, it looked like the sort of thing that Kraan would love to get his hands on.

True Kraan already had a gun, but this... this looked like something that would really do some damage in the wrong hands, or in this case... the right hands.

"Kraan, catch!" he yelled.

The Krogan turned to face Dash as he grabbed the massive gun and threw it. Kraan caught it in his hands and gave a quick observation. He could already tell that this was a gun unlike any he'd wielded before and that it would pack one hell of a punch.

"Oh... yeah."

Within an instant, he opened fire. The minigun practically tore down anyone who was unfortunate enough to get in the path of its bullets. Explosions went off all over the place as Kraan pretty much hit anything. What's more, the Krogan was having the time of his life. He was yelling and laughing madly as he gunned down any in his path.

"What am I paying you for?! Kill them!" Malek yelled.

Austin meanwhile was fighting with a very skilled bodyguard who was using his Omni tool to duel the Helldiver. Kartalrium mixed with black carbon fibre clashed with orange hologram as the two blades hit each other.

The Batarian then parried one of Austin's attacks, causing the Helldiver to stagger slightly and lose his balance. Austin was only just able to bring Excalibur back up as the Batarian swung down, his blade only just being blocked by Excalibur.

Despite the advanced strength his suit gave him however, Austin couldn't overpower the Batarian. To make things worse, he suddenly noticed another bodyguard coming up behind him, ready to stab him in the back. Acting almost on instinct, Austin quickly drew his pistol using his left hand and fired.

To the Helldiver's surprise, the shots hit their target and the Batarian fell. With guard pinning him down somewhat surprised by the sudden move, Austin seized his chance. He shot one of the Batarian's feet, causing the alien to cry in pain, clutching his foot. Austin then finished him with a slice to the neck.

Two more suddenly charged him. Once again, as if it was a reflex, Austin brought up the pistol in his left arm and fired two shots. Both hit the bodyguards in the knees, causing one to fall completely, and the other to trip slightly but still head at him, only to then be swiftly cut down by the his sword.

Austin looked at the pistol with surprise. He was not surprised at the weapon, he was surprised at himself. In all his time as a Helldiver, he'd never done something like that before, ever. He'd never dual wielded his sword and a gun at the same time.

"Didn't know you could do that, boss." said Dash, sounding just as surprised as Austin was.

"I'll be honest, neither did I." said Austin in amazement.

Normally, Helldivers didn't use their melee weapons and guns together. Using both wasn't unheard of however. A few Helldivers in the past had found ways of using the two together almost seamlessly. Some even had their melee weapon and gun as one weapon.

Far as Austin was aware however, what he'd just done was normally fairly straightforward to do, but very hard to master. In fact, it was only due to him using a pistol that he'd managed to be on target. Any other weapon like a shotgun, submachine gun or assault rifle was possible, but it took an incredible amount of practice to properly master. Also, the bigger the weapon, the more strength you needed, as well as precise aiming. Randomly blind-firing rarely worked in that sort of way when firing with just one hand while also concentrating on using the other hand to fight enemies that were right up close.

Right now though, that was something to think more on later. Right now, Alpha still had a fight to win.

Kraan was continuing to enjoy himself as the massive gun just kept on firing. Body after body was almost piling up on top of each. A few explosive crates were also taking care of reinforcements as they exploded from the minigun's stray rounds.

Up above, Malek could finally see that his guards weren't doing any good and that pretty soon he'd be captured if he didn't run. He could shoot them with his sniper, but he wasn't on high enough ground. Plus, at this range, he doubted his sniper would do much damage against a squad of fully armoured and fully trained Helldivers.

With the exit nearby, he made a break for it up the ladder and outside onto the roof.

"He's getting away!" Saphira yelled as she took off after Malek, using her biotics to jump up to the high level

"Dash, go after him and help Saphira! We'll take care of these guys!" Austin yelled, cutting down another bodyguard with his sword.

"I'm on it!"

The Scout immediately took off after the two and soon disappeared outside as well.

The fight meanwhile continued as Alpha worked on finishing the last of Malek's bodyguards. Kraan continued gunning them down and causing explosions, Austin for some reason had decided to stick with dual wielding his sword and pistol having discovered he was surprisingly good at it.

Finally, Austin killed the last two bodyguards with his sword and pistol, leaving the entire room in silence at last.

"Well that went well." Austin panted.

"It went better than that, Shepard." Said Leena.

Austin turned to find everyone gazing in surprise at the devastation Kraan had caused. It turned out that the minigun was so powerful it had torn not just through the bodyguards, but through explosives barrels, building supports… and the entire wall which had just finished crumbling.

"That... did all of this?" Xun asked.

"Zhest'." Sandra said in surprise.

Kraan looked at the weapon for a moment, looking almost as amazed himself.

"I am definitely keeping this." he smiled.

Saphira was finding it almost impossible to keep up with Dash. He was almost running at Cheetah speeds. Even Malek seemed to actually be running for his life.

Despite his best efforts, including blind firing with a pistol, causing some of the surrounding crowd to panic and flee, Dash still remained hot on his tail.

In a desperate attempt to shake them, Malek toppled over a nearby merchant stall. Although Dash did see this, since he was already running very fast he failed to slow down in time so that he could jump over it. The fallen stall tripped him up causing him to land face first in a pile of hot sauce.

Knowing that a small thing like that wouldn't kill Dash (and the fact that she was still a little cross with him after his initial attempt to flirt with her yesterday) Saphira jumped over him and the stall and continued after Malek.

When she rounded the corner into a dead end however, she found Malek facing her... with a human woman in his arms.

"Back off, Justicar! One more step and I'll blow her brain out!" he yelled, pressing gun to the woman's head.

Saphira immediately froze. If she dared try anything she risked him hurting the woman, and her code wouldn't allow that.

For a moment, it looked like Malek had won. However Saphira suddenly noticed something behind Malek. She could just make out a cloaked figure behind Malek, with what looked like hot sauce on its head.

Malek turned too late and the figure quickly disarmed him, allowing the hostage to flee. At the same time, the rest of Alpha finally caught up. For a moment, they looked confused as to why Dash had something on his helmet.

"Is that blood?!" said Leena.

"Hot sauce. Don't' ask." Dash panted as he handcuffed Malek. "Well... that went as well as could be expected."

"I'm surprised you knocked him out. I would've killed him." said Saphira.

"We need him alive. He may have information that may help us not only take down the last two crime lords, but also the Kingpin himself." said Austin.

"Understandable." said Saphira, her voice almost sounding a bit hesitant.

"Don't worry. He will definitely be facing justice for his crimes." said Alaara.

"So what happens now?" Kraan asked.

"I see no objection to him remaining in your custody. Especially knowing that he will be punished. I have done what I came here to do." Saphira replied.

"So I guess this is vhere ve part ways?" Sandra asked.

"Aw! Already? We were beginning to like you." said Dash.

"If I may be so bold, you will be hunting down the rest of them, won't you?" Saphira asked.

"Yes?"

"You are without a doubt one of the most interesting parties I have ever worked with and fought alongside, and I would hate for us to part ways so soon." said Saphira. "I am proposing that I remain at your side and I help you take down the rest of these crime lords. My code compels me to do it anyway, so we would both have a better chance if we continued to work together."

Alpha simply looked at each other for a moment, and then nodded before turning back to the Justicar. Austin then held his hand out for Saphira to shake.

"We'd be honoured, Saphira." he said, smiling under his helmet.

Overall, despite the numerous delays, I'm actually quite pleased with how this turned out.

Only two more crime lord chapters left now before we move on to another different segment of Origins.

So until next time! :)

Keep up your support. It's what really helps keep me going after all.
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Mass Effect: The Helldiver Saga, Alpha Origins