An Unexpected Disaster (MEU Only)

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Systems Alliance Space
Voyager Cluster, Columbia System
Above Nepheron
Artemis Station
06/16/2188, 7:34 am

---

Captain Miles Rodgers walked down the long hallway filled with the fluorescent bright lights that were standard on all Alliance space installations. He stared out of the rectangular windows that gave a glimpse to the dark grey and isolated world of Nepheron, a world that is little known as a backwater to the rest of the galaxy but was home to the Delta-5 Marine Corps Training Center on the ground, and to Artemis Station, a permanent home to 300 Alliance Navy personnel and used by Alliance ships returning from long patrols near dark space. Captain Rodgers had been a Captain for the last ten years, commanding the SSV Toronto and the SSV Dallas. The SSV Dallas was present at the Battle of Arcturus Station, sacrificing his ship to ram a Reaper destroyer, barely making it out on an escape pod. During the remainder of the war, Captain Rodgers served in the 43rd Logistics Regiment for the Navy, heading the Hermes Initiative, hiring local pilots to supply Alliance warships out in the field. After the war, Captain Rodgers was awarded the SSV Pharsalus, the third ship in the Actium-Class of Frigates made after the war.

He and his crew were returning from a shore leave that lasted three weeks longer than it had supposed to due to the Pharsalus drydocked for additional modifications. He wasn't complaining by any means, he knew his crew needed the time away. For the past three months, the Pharsalus had been in the Perseus Veil assisting the Quarian rebuilding efforts. He agreed that his crew needed the time off, to visit family or just relax. But now, he had been given a top secret mission from the very heights of Alliance Command, and he was honored to be chosen for it, though his crew hadn't been notified yet. He was waiting until the crew had time to get reacquainted with their vessel.

His walk ended when he approached a single heavy door, labeled "Private Flight Lounge 002", the gateway to his ship, where the rest of the ship's crew were waiting. The door beeped it's familiar sounds as it registered the Captain's Omni-tool and the door slid open, revealing himself to his ship's personnel. The ship had a roster of 105 personnel, most of which were CIC and Engineering crews, who were already present on the ship, getting the Pharsalus warmed up. In the Flight Lounge was Staff Commander Jason Minatrea, the ship's Executive officer, Flight Lieutenants Owen Gallagher and Ea Jordio, pilot and navigator, Comm Specialist Jose Ramirez, in charge of the ship's communications, Gunnery Chief Matthew Walker, commander of the ship's weaponry, Dr. Peter Herrano, Chief Medical Officer, Lieutenant Kyreese Thompson, Chief Engineer, and Lieutenant David Arrunga, Shuttle Pilot and Armory Chief. They all rose from their chairs and stood at attention, awaiting their Captain.

"At ease, crew. Whose ready to get back to work?" He got mixed responses from his crew. Some wanted shorter leave, others wanted longer. He ordered his crew onto the ship through the tunnel-runway leading to the ship attached to several magnetic pads keeping the ship in place. As they all boarded, got acquainted with their space for the next three months, he informed them of their mission directly in the CIC.

"Crew, I wanted to wait to till you this until we returned to the Pharsalus. I received a Priority One mission from the brass on Earth. Now, the contents of what I am about to say will never leave this ship. Approximately 3 days ago, Alliance Command received a message from one Doctor Evander Portland at X-19 Listening Post above Suen, the former Rachni homeworld. The Doctor said that they have evidence stating that the Rachni may have returned. Now this is extraordinary news indeed by itself, but that's now all. Salarian Special Tasks Group and Alliance Intelligence both believe this message was tampered with and purposefully redirected elsewhere, meaning the Salarians found this news first. They redirected the message to use but not before they dispatched one of their own STG Teams to make contact with the Doctor. Shortly after arriving at the station, the Salarians lost contact with the team. They have received nothing else from the STG Team or the Alliance personnel at X-19. Our mission is to link up with an undisclosed Salarian ship and investigate X-19 Listening Post. Staff Sergeant Bruker, you are in charge of the ship's Marines, meaning you will head this mission. When we arrive, we will make contact with the Salarians, and board the Post, find out what's happened and report this back to Alliance Command. Now, this news is very unsettling, but if we do this in coordination with the Salarians and do this by the book, we will be alright. Report to stations, we leave for the Ninmah Cluster in 10 minutes."

The ship detached from it's magnetic cradle, dropping down a bit before the thrusters on it's underbelly erupted. The Pharsalus slowly backed out of the hangar bay and left Artemis Station, entering FTL travel, on their way to the Relay.

Pharsalus Armory

"Doesn't make any sense, sir. I have friends in X-19, all of them are seasoned Marines. If somethin' happened on that station, there's not a species out there that could match them in the ways of warfare."

"Not to mention there's tons of researchers on the planet. That old post ain't much of a listening post anymore. It's more like an airport terminal." Said Corporal Kyler, checking her Avenger rifle and her Mark II Armor.

"Shut it, Marines. We do what we're told. They point, we shoot. We don't question our orders, we ask how high. Let's just get to the post, find out what the communications messup is, and get back to the Perseus Veil."

"Aye aye. Sir." Corporal Kyler said. Serviceman 2nd Class Brian Mayweather saluted and returned to his duties.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

The view of the X-19 was highly sinister, Vice Admiral Khuleel was aboard the bridge of the Iolande alongside the Head Scientist of Sur’Kesh, Director of STG and appointed Vice-Technocrat second to only Dantalion, which would be of course Professor Mordin Solus.

“Professor, are you concerned about Dr Portland and our team of STG soldiers? They were well equipped, well trained and highly intelligent. How could they simply vanish?” Quizzed Vice-Admiral Khuleel.

“Accident? No unlikely, Treachery, no impossible Dr Portland loyal and diligent. Sabotage? Hmm, very circumstantial but most likely out of options hypothesised. Are the Alliance coming soon?” Pondered Mordin at his normal astoundingly brilliant speed.

“Yes, sending the cruiser SSV Pharsalus. We are to hold position, Dantalion’s orders.”

“Very wise granting the unknown circumstances waiting aboard the post”

“Professor?” Asked a querying voice.

Mordin turned to see a quivering Secretary and looked at the young Salarian. His first predisposition was to scold him for coming upon the bridge. Yet with a staunch look from Khuleel asserted a more compassionate tone.

“Yes, what can I help you with?”

“Quivering he began, “Have the Rachni returned Professor? Is it they who have destroyed our team and vanished the Alliance?

“We cannot say yet, why don’t you have some Demozine, to help you rest?”

Morden hands the young Salarian some Demozine and pats him on the back, sending him away.

Khuleel was perplexed,
“We must know as an intelligent race, when to use compassion and when to employ disdain”. Stated Mordin confidently.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Systems Alliance Space
Maskim Xul, Ninmah Cluster
30 Minutes to Suen
SSV Pharsalus
06/17/2188, 9:23pm

---

The Captain's Quarters were pitchblack, only his omniclock and a few control panels glowing their faint colors. Captain Rodgers tried to get whatever sleep he could before they arrived, because he knew he may not get much once they rendezvous with the Iolande and the Salarians. He'd been laying there for the past four hours, getting perhaps only thirty minutes or so of sleep. This mission was just too important to him. He knew this wasn't just any mission. Not every mission requires direct contact with the Captain by Alliance Command. Not every mission is blacklisted from records.

"Captain? We just exited the Relay. We will arrive at Suen in thirty minutes." Said FLT. Gallagher, the ship's pilot. Captain Rodgers groaned a bit as he leaned up and onto the side of his bed.

"Understood. Be down in five." He said, telling him that he would be down in the CIC in five minutes.

"Aye, aye, sir." Gallagher said before cutting off the intercom. The Captain arose from his slouched position, grabbed his Officer Blues and proceeded to dress himself, grabbing a cup of coffee on his desk before exiting the room.

Combat Information Center

The CIC was bustling with activity as the ship used conventional FTL to reach Suen, using the Pharsalus's comm and activity radars to monitor the entire system. The Captain exited the elevator, sipping his cup of coffee.

"Alright, crew, report. Any activity of note?" He said, approaching the central Galaxy map that was on the ground level, opposite of the Normandy's layout.

"There are several helium-3 fuel stations located in orbit above Damkianna, skeleton crews are operating it. They are operating as BAU. There's a small Asari archaeological team located on Kashshaptu, no activity on Suen, as far as our scanners can see." Said Staff Commander Minatrea.

"Let the Alliance know that we have people in Maskim Xul. If this operation goes south and our fears are realized, we will need to get these people out ASAP before we lock down the system. The Staff Commander agreed and went to the comms station. The Captain stared deep into the Map's intricate web of stars.

Above Suen
30km from X-19 Listening Post

The ship erupted from FTL travel to see the massive dead world of Suen, it's green and brown landscape jutting out into massive mountains and canyons, many of which were formed in the aftermath of the Krogan offensives during the Rachni Wars. Captain Rodgers could see the bright white shape of the Iolande out in the distance, 10 km closer to X-19 than they were, but the Pharsalus was closing in fast.

"Register friendly IFF tag to the Iolande. Make contact and let them know that this is the Alliance's mission. Staff Sergeant Bruker, are the Marines ready?" He asked the Staff Sergeant.

"Ready to go, Captain. Just say the word." He said.

"Have the shuttles ready to go." The Captain replied. The Staff Sergeant saluted and entered the elevator, heading down to the Armory to prep the two Kodiak shuttles.

Code: Select all

Salarian vessel Iolande, this is the SSV Pharsalus, transmitting on Allied channel TXS-554. Transmit mission-specific IFF tag now.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

IFF TAG: IOLANDE SNV:3357

The Iolande turned full broadside to bear on the listening post. Admiral Xaeelsh organised his own shuttles, Mordin awaited his companions in the docking bay: STG Vice-Director and head of the Salarian Spectre Group, Jondum Bau.

“Jondum, my friends how are you?” Pleasantly asked Mordin staring into the dark abyss that separated himself from Suez.

“Professor and head of STG, it is an honour to see you again Mordin”. Returned Bau.

“Are you ready?”

“Ready to kill? Ah, it’s necesary, I don’t often ponder”

“No, an evaluation of an adolescent, ready to learn. The pursuit of cognisance. Of course, get ready as the Alliance is almost here. Stated Mordin.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Systems Alliance Space
Maskim Xul, Ninmah Cluster
X-19 Listening Post
SSV Pharsalus
06/17/2188, 9:43pm

"Captain, IFF tag has been confirmed. Establishing secure comm channel and full data report." Said Comm Specialist Ramirez.

"Thank you, Specialist. SNV Iolande, this is the Pharsalus. We are preparing Marine teams now, and will be ready to dispatch within five minutes. As far as we know, there is one small hangar and two docking ports. Until we understand what's going on aboard X-19, neither the Pharsalus nor the Iolande should attempt to dock with X-19. Instead, two shuttles can fit inside of the hangar. Meanwhile, the other teams will enter via spacewalk from the shuttle to the docking port and open it manually. I have two Marine teams at my disposal. I suggest one Salarian and Marine team land within the hangar, while the others use the docking ports. From there, we can establish video and audio feeds from my Marines' helmets." Said the Captain, transmitting directly to the Salarian vessel.

SSV Pharsalus
Armory and Hangar

The shuttles had already been warmed up, their Pilots awaiting the Marines to board. One team of five would ride aboard one shuttle, and the other team to the other shuttle. Staff Sergeant Bruker would lead Alpha Team, while Corporal Kyler would lead Bravo Team. Staff Sergeant Bruker was the best combat specialist on the ship. He served with the 11th Frontier Division during the opening days of the Reaper War, shortly before his entire Division was destroyed. Afterwards, he served alongside Turians' Blackwatch, where they trained him in the ways of warfare from a Turian's perspective. That knowledge made him a tough opponent during the Final Battle of Earth.

The teams had boarded their shuttles as the entire deck depressurized, allowing the ramp to slowly lower, revealing the dark deepness of space, and beyond, X-19.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

SNV Iolande, Bridge

“SSV Pharsalus, this is Grand Admiral Xaelesh of the SNV Iolande. We understand your trepidation in the mission. ST Invictus will join your marines via the hanger, while ST Phalanx shall join the spacewalk. We have alarming news, we have scanned the entirety of the Listening Post. We have found signs of an active AI, not Geth but the automated defence seem to have been activated and are still active. At the very core of the post, near Dr Portland’s office; we have discovered faint life signals surrounding the base of the AI. We need to proceed with exceptional caution.”

SNV Iolande, Docking Bay

Professor Solus, readying himself in Salarian STG Battlearmour, in his own Professor inspired attire. He was rather unphased at the prospect of venturing into the abyss of space and the enigma of the disappearance of Dr Portland, her team and the Salarian STG members.

Director Bau, also in his armour following in tow by a group of 10 highly trained officers in espionage, strike and retreat, technological tactics and strategic warfare covering many idiosyncrasies that could happen. Bau had separated akin to the Alliance his team into two temS.

Strike Team Invictus
- Professor Solus
- Director Bau
- 4 other STG officers

Strike Team Phalanx
- Captain Kirrahe
- Lieutenant Telgut
- 4 other STG officers

Both Invictus and Phalanx board the shuttles, as the landing hatch opens the vacuum of space becomes overwhelming, as the shuttles disembark; Lieutenant Telgut touch’s his head in pain, he then begins to reach for his gun but hesitates.

Captain Kirrahe, standing directly behind him notices this and looks concerned but threatened. As they approach the Pharsalus.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Systems Alliance Space
Maskim Xul, Ninmah Cluster
Alpha Shuttle
06/17/2188, 10:03 pm

---

Staff Sergeant Bruker slipped on the helmet to his Mark-III Tactical Armor and waited for the light blue HUD flickered on, displaying his heart rate, ammunition count, fellow squadmates' lifesigns, and a small radar indicator at the bottom left side. The visor on his helmet polarized, hiding his face and darkening his view of the shuttle standing area.

"Alright, Marines, Gear check! Check yourselves, check each other. If one of you leaves your combat knife on your bunk, we aren't comin' back to get it!". Bruker said, checking the two ammo clip compartments on his left shoulder, then his combat knife holster, then his several grenade compartments on his leg and waist. If he had to choose between the Mark-I armor used during the Reaper War and the Mark-III, he would choose the Mark-I everytime. The simplicity of the armor, how slick it was made it much easier to maneuver in, unlike the bulkier Mark-III. But because of Alliance R&D's persistence, the Mark-I would soon be retired to only training armor, while the Mark-III would become the standard Marine armor as soon as 2195. There was advantages to the Mark-III, like it's many ammunition compartments, it's detailed HUD system, and the newly improved medical triage suite, able to plug holes in the body via several nodes located throughout the blacksuit under the armor. The Mark-I had a certain style about it. It held up to the Reaper War, which proved it's value. Since the war, hundreds of mercenary companies sprang up, revolving around the use of commercialized Mark-I armors.

The Marines in the Alpha shuttle sounded off to let the Staff Sergeant know they were ready. The first to sound off was Serviceman 2nd Class Brian Mayweather, a new recruit, just transferred over from Benning, where he served in a logistical role, helping stabilize the cities by delivering food and medicine days after the Reapers were destroyed. The next, Serviceman 1st Class Jennifer Halsey, was all around daft. She had been posted to the Pharsalus after being booted off the SSV Centrenno for fraternizing with the XO, something no Captain can forgive. Fraternization among the ranks of the Alliance was not uncommon, but it was frowned upon, and any servicemember found doing so was either discharged or posted to a backwater world, where they would see 9 months of scrubbing toilets, working charity events, or doing nothing in the barracks the entire time. The brass thought a posting to the Pharsalus would be punishment enough, but here she was, on a top-secret mission. The third, Specialist Tanner Nesbitt, was right behind Corporal Annisa Kyler in combat experience. He served on Luna first with the 47th Light Armored Regiment of the 33rd Home Division. During the Fall of Earth, the 33rd and 21st Home Divisions were stationed on Luna when Luna Base, the largest naval facility in the Sol System was destroyed. As the Reapers closed in on Armstrong, the Capital of Luna, both the Divisions scrambled to prepare defenses for it. The battle was short, as the Reapers bombarded the city and all surrounding settlements and installations. Specialist Nesbitt and the 47th were in charge of civilian evacuation, which was mostly keeping the Reaper ground units busy so the civilian transports could be blown out of the sky by Reaper destroyers. When Specialist Nesbitt managed to be evacuated using Kodiak shuttles and whatever remained of the ground-based defenses, only 21 soldiers from the 47th Regiment managed to make it out. The 21st and 33rd Divisions were completely annihilated. Afterwards, Tanner was posted to Elysium with the 7th Home Division, assisting in preparing the planet for war and evacuating as many civilians as they could. When the Reapers arrived, Tanner's kill count excelled, racking up 103 kills. When the War ended, he was posted to Artemis Station as a security agent until the Pharsalus arrived, receiving special orders to join them. The fourth was Serviceman 2nd Class William Bjornsson, fresh out of Marine Station A-12 and ready to fight.

"Alpha Team ready to deploy, Bravo, you good?"

"Bravo Team, reporting 100%."

"Copy, launch, launch, launch." Staff Sergeant Bruker said. The blue flames of the thrusters ignited, lifting the shuttle up and sending it out into the void. The two shuttles departed the Frigate, bound for X-19.

"Alpha, Bravo, be advised, we have confirmation that there is an AI active within and station defenses are still active. The Salarians confirm that it isn't Geth, and we have faint life signals in the central portion of the station. Proceed with caution. We are attempting to access X-19 controls. Orders are that Alpha Team will enter the hangar with Strike Team Invictus while Bravo Team will spacewalk with Strike Team Phalanx" Said Captain Rodgers over the comms.

"Aye, Captain." Replied the Staff Sergeant.

"Be advised, Staff Sergeant Bruker and Corporal Kyler, you are now connected with Professor Solus of Strike Team Invictus and Captain Kirrahe of Strike Team Phalanx." Said Comm Specialist Ramirez, enabling more coordinated chatter among the 4 teams.

"Professor Solus, this is Staff Sergeant Bruker, leader of Alpha Team. It's a pleasure to be on this mission with you, sir. I have alot of friends in the Intelligence community who are gonna be very jealous of me." Said Bruker. He always heard stories of the legendary Professor Solus. To join Commander Shepard on the Normandy was a wet dream to most combat veterans in the Alliance. Even Bruker wanted to be on the Normandy for the longest time.

"We are eta 2 minutes from hangar dock, Professor." Said the Staff Sergeant once more.

Bravo Team Shuttle

"Captain Kirrahe, this is Corporal Kyler. It's an honor to work alongside you, sir. We are 2 minutes from the side airlock." Said Anissa Kyler. She could feel her body start to quake a bit. She grew dizzy very quickly, forcing herself to grab onto the handle rail above her, and shake it off.

"Ma'am, you alright?" Said Serviceman 1st Class Damien Wilson, second-in-command on Bravo Team.

"Yeah, I'm good." She replied, still feeling the effects of whatever it was. As quickly as it had come, it had gone, and she felt normal once more. It was highly unusual for her to feel this way.

SSV Pharsalus Combat Information Center

Captain Rodgers turned off the comm link to the shuttles, watching their movements on the galaxy map as little blue dots alongside two green dots, who were the Salarian shuttles.

"Grand Admiral Xaelesh, are you seeing anything else from the scan? This was a station full of 340 people, not including archaeologist teams heading to Suen. How are we not receiving any data streams coming from the station? We are running scans of our own and it shows that the communications array is still active and undamaged. Meaning that the crews aboard the station could still contact us. Any theories from Professor Solus on what could be happening?" Said the Captain.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

ALPHA TEAM

"Professor Solus, this is Staff Sergeant Bruker, leader of Alpha Team. It's a pleasure to be on this mission with you, sir. I have alot of friends in the Intelligence community who are gonna be very jealous of me." Said Bruker. He always heard stories of the legendary Professor Solus. To join Commander Shepard on the Normandy was a wet dream to most combat veterans in the Alliance. Even Bruker wanted to be on the Normandy for the longest time.

"We are eta 2 minutes from hangar dock, Professor." Said the Staff Sergeant once more.

"Staff Sergeant, not one for mindless sycophancy; yet i would be imprudent to assume that it would be entirely non-existent. I appreciate your recalcitrance. But we have a mission, to fulfill, to achieve cognizance about, to uncover the truth about Dr Portland and her disappearance. One should strive that notwithstanding my hitherto achievement that you treat me akin to any other ally in the field."
Returned Professor Solus

BRAVO TEAM

"Captain Kirrahe, this is Corporal Kyler. It's an honor to work alongside you, sir. We are 2 minutes from the side airlock." Said Anissa Kyler. She could feel her body start to quake a bit. She grew dizzy very quickly, forcing herself to grab onto the handle rail above her, and shake it off.

"Ma'am, you alright?" Said Serviceman 1st Class Damien Wilson, second-in-command on Bravo Team.

"Yeah, I'm good." She replied, still feeling the effects of whatever it was. As quickly as it had come, it had gone, and she felt normal once more. It was highly unusual for her to feel this way.

"Corporal Kyler, Kirrahe here. The honour is mine, having served with your Alliance numerous times even alongside the great Commander Shepard on Virmire. Myself, Telgut and our squad will help you breach the portside airlock".

SSV Pharsalus Combat Information Center

Captain Rodgers turned off the comm link to the shuttles, watching their movements on the galaxy map as little blue dots alongside two green dots, who were the Salarian shuttles.

"Grand Admiral Xaelesh, are you seeing anything else from the scan? This was a station full of 340 people, not including archaeologist teams heading to Suen. How are we not receiving any data streams coming from the station? We are running scans of our own and it shows that the communications array is still active and undamaged. Meaning that the crews aboard the station could still contact us. Any theories from Professor Solus on what could be happening?" Said the Captain.

"Captain Rodgers, I'm patching in Professor Solus from Invictus' shuttle" returned Grand Admiral Xaelesh.

"Captain, as I stated before; the presence of a powerful AI is noticeable; the AI Core however appears to have changed position from I Deck to A deck, interestingly on the same level as Dr Portland's lab and office. The presence of life forms is centered on A-deck also, however there is a very faint organic life signal on J-deck almost 40 meters away from the portside airlock. Also, J-Deck shows no signs of AI interference, the only deck not to; it is the lowest deck, perhaps a sign of disinterest from the AI. I can decisively assure that the AI will be hostile, so caution is heavily recommend.

Alpha Team will land on at the main hanger on D-deck, while Bravo team will land on the portside airlock on J-deck, i would recommend discovering the cause of the signal of J-deck for a possible survivor, logic points to his being the most plausible conclusion. Security and signals improves as you ascend, so I would also recommend that Alpha Team remain on D-deck for the arrival of Bravo team. The AI seems heavily vested in Decks A, B, C and D, security seems sparse on Decks I,H and G with more moderate signals on Decks and F and E.

Actually we have managed to accurately identify the most recurring lifeform on the Post, there appears to be a single humanic lifeform on deck J while the other much more prevalent lifeform is... No, it cannot be..."

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

SSV Pharsalus Strike Team Alpha
Alpha Shuttle
06/17/2188, 10:05 pm

---

The Alpha and Bravo shuttles parted ways, destined for their own entry points. The Kodiak Shuttle's rear boosters shut off, allowing the momentum already present to push them inside X-19's traction controls, slowing the shuttle down using precise Mass Effect fields that ran off of their own generators. The Shuttle shook and groaned as it was guided inside the main hangar, passing through the bright blue layers of fields designed to keep oxygen within and the void of space out. Inside, the hangar was void of life. All electronics were shut down, aside from the small control panels attached to numerous crates filled with archaeological equipment, food stuffs, ship repair manifests, and general hygiene materials, all listed as shipped from Eden Prime.

"Pharsalus Actual, Alpha Shuttle is inside, landing now. Alpha Team, lock and load, we deploy in thirty. Invictus, we are landing now, what's your status?" Asked Staff Sergeant Bruker.

The team checked their weapons and suits one last time.

Bravo Team Shuttle

Corporal Kyler awaited impatiently as the shuttle slowly approached the port-side airlock, only large enough to fit two people within at a time. This airlock was mainly used by repair technicians based in X-19, typically only requiring a single technician with an array of tools attached to him on his belt, shoulder and chest. Until needed, these airlocks were depressurized and shut down, unless activated via a control panel on the entry way of the airlock on the outside.

"Pharsalus Actual, Bravo Actual. We have arrived at the airlock. Lights are off, we'll be inside in just a moment." She said, transmitting to Pharsalus CIC.

"Okay, depressurizing shuttle, airpacks on!" Said Corporal Kyler. She slammed down the lever that gave shuttle passengers remote access to the cabin depressurization. Luckily, the Cockpit was shut and sealed, allowing the Pilots to stay unmasked. The noise slowly drifted off into silence as oxygen vacated the cabin, the shuttle doors sliding open, revealing darkness. Bravo Shuttle's spotlights activated, flooding the airlock with harsh white light.

"Alright, mic check, everybody good?" She waited as her team sounded off, which they all did.

"Tethering up." She said, attaching a carbon composite rope line to the spinal column of her armor, allowing her to be withdrawn by the shuttle should anything lethal occur. She jumped off towards the airlock, slamming into it and grabbing onto the handlebars that adorned every angle of the airlock.

"Alright, I'm here. Interacting with the control panel." Corporal Kyler touched the dark screen, prompting the screen to light up, revealing a list of commands for the airlock and lights. She pressed the "Activate Lights" button, prompting the inside depressurization chamber to light up with a white light, revealing several small compartments containing emergency oxygen packs, first aid packs, and parts used to repair the nearby power relay. The Corporal began the airlock pressurization process, watching as the red bars grew smaller and the green ones growing larger.

SSV Pharsalus
Combat Information Center

---

Captain Rodgers was very puzzled and downright concerned at Mordin's baffled response.

"What's wrong? What's going on?" Said the Captain.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

Part I:

The Alpha and Bravo shuttles parted ways, destined for their own entry points. The Kodiak Shuttle's rear boosters shut off, allowing the momentum already present to push them inside X-19's traction controls, slowing the shuttle down using precise Mass Effect fields that ran off of their own generators. The Shuttle shook and groaned as it was guided inside the main hangar, passing through the bright blue layers of fields designed to keep oxygen within and the void of space out. Inside, the hangar was void of life. All electronics were shut down, aside from the small control panels attached to numerous crates filled with archaeological equipment, food stuffs, ship repair manifests, and general hygiene materials, all listed as shipped from Eden Prime.

"Pharsalus Actual, Alpha Shuttle is inside, landing now. Alpha Team, lock and load, we deploy in thirty. Invictus, we are landing now, what's your status?" Asked Staff Sergeant Bruker.

The team checked their weapons and suits one last time.

Here,

* After speaking to Captain Rodgers, Professor Solus and Operative Bau readied their space gear as did the rest of the STG team on Invictus. Bau patted an STG recruit on his shoulder reassuringly,

“Concentrate soldier, we’re all going home to Sur’Kesh, remember that” assured Bau

“Yessir, I hope to see Talat again” returned the recruit

“You will son, remember that and alllow it to grant you strength”.

Bau stood before his men with Professor Solus at his side,

“STG recruits, this mission as stipulated by Professor Solus will be very dangerous, but I shall do my very best to ensure that you all see Sur’Kesh again, however, I cannot do this alone. Which is where you come in, as my right hands and left hands you shall guard my back and I yours. Stand ready, reload and let’s take back this station and uncover its clandestiness.

For Sur’Kesh!”
Bellowed a highly confident Bau.

“Anything to add Professor Solus” asked Bau

Mordin turned to the Spectre and smiled.

“We all know how dangerous the Rachni are, we have no Krogan but I have seen the prowess of humanity and we are not cowards, we are more intelligent, better armed and well spirited. There is no honeycoting you may die, I may die but at least die knowing that you have your life for Sur’Kesh”

Roused Mordin in a far more simplistic way than he was accustomed to.

Bau and Mordin readied themselves and nodded to each other, as Invictus followed Alpha Team into X-19.

Part II: Bravo Team Shuttle

Corporal Kyler awaited impatiently as the shuttle slowly approached the port-side airlock, only large enough to fit two people within at a time. This airlock was mainly used by repair technicians based in X-19, typically only requiring a single technician with an array of tools attached to him on his belt, shoulder and chest. Until needed, these airlocks were depressurized and shut down, unless activated via a control panel on the entry way of the airlock on the outside.

"Pharsalus Actual, Bravo Actual. We have arrived at the airlock. Lights are off, we'll be inside in just a moment." She said, transmitting to Pharsalus CIC.

"Okay, depressurizing shuttle, airpacks on!" Said Corporal Kyler. She slammed down the lever that gave shuttle passengers remote access to the cabin depressurization. Luckily, the Cockpit was shut and sealed, allowing the Pilots to stay unmasked. The noise slowly drifted off into silence as oxygen vacated the cabin, the shuttle doors sliding open, revealing darkness. Bravo Shuttle's spotlights activated, flooding the airlock with harsh white light.

"Alright, mic check, everybody good?" She waited as her team sounded off, which they all did.

"Tethering up." She said, attaching a carbon composite rope line to the spinal column of her armor, allowing her to be withdrawn by the shuttle should anything lethal occur. She jumped off towards the airlock, slamming into it and grabbing onto the handlebars that adorned every angle of the airlock.

"Alright, I'm here. Interacting with the control panel." Corporal Kyler touched the dark screen, prompting the screen to light up, revealing a list of commands for the airlock and lights. She pressed the "Activate Lights" button, prompting the inside depressurization chamber to light up with a white light, revealing several small compartments containing emergency oxygen packs, first aid packs, and parts used to repair the nearby power relay. The Corporal began the airlock pressurization process, watching as the red bars grew smaller and the green ones growing larger.

Here,

* Strike Team Phalanx pulled their shuttle next to the opening airlock, the shuttle opened a small viaduct on this portside of the shuttle launching a space grappel. The Salarian STG members with Kirrahe leading emerged from the shuttle and landed with the aid of the space grappel onto the airlock’s side.

Kirrahe met Kyler’s eyes as he landed adjacent to her, Telgut and the rest of the STG landed in a perfect line on each side, four aside.

“Kyler, ETA on the opening of the airlock” asked Kirrahe.

Lieutenant Telgut, rubbed his space helmet on the right hand side, Kirrahe spotted this incident as Telgut was directly behind Kyler, unnverving him once more.

Part III: SSV Pharsalus
Combat Information Center


Captain Rodgers was very puzzled and downright concerned at Mordin's baffled response.

"What's wrong? What's going on?" Said the Captain.

Here,

* Mordin paused, ruminating in how to deliver the news.

“Captain Rodgers, I am positive that the life form on Deck J is a human, I am regrettably also incontestably certain that the most prominent life form most orevalent from Decks A-C at the heaviest and in moderate terms on Decks D-G. While Decks H and I have sparse signals but I cannit be sure.

The other species detected is a rachni signal. It is inevitable even our older scanners would purvey the same answer.

Replied Mordin, heavily breathing pontificating on a strategy.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Alpha Team Shuttle

The shuttle landed with a thump as the blue thrusters deactivated, the automatic doors sliding open, allowing the Marine team to rush out, flashlights lit and scanning as the hangar lights were all shut down. The team dispersed around the hangar, keeping at least ten feet apart.

"Clear!" Said the Staff Sergeant

Bravo Team

Corporal Kyler heard the Salarian request the time, to which she replied without words, but actions. The panel lit up green as the outer doors hissed oxygen and slowly slid open.

"I'd say about now." She replied.

Without further halt, she was the first to enter the pressurization chamber, awaiting the rest of the Salarians and Bravo Team.

SSV Pharsalus

"What do you mean Rachni? They haven't been spotted in this system in thousands of years. Even if they returned to their homeworld, they only live by Commander Shepard's help. They would risk betraying the Alliance and the rest of the galaxy, not with the Krogan unleashed again, it would be suicide for them...what do I make of this information?" Asked Captain Rodgers.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

The shuttle landed with a thump as the blue thrusters deactivated, the automatic doors sliding open, allowing the Marine team to rush out, flashlights lit and scanning as the hangar lights were all shut down. The team dispersed around the hangar, keeping at least ten feet apart.

"Clear!" Said the Staff Sergeant

*
Following the Marines in their space suits, Mordin and Bau landed on the hard steel floor of the Listening Post that was shrouded in darkness. Turning on their visor lights, Mordin approached Bruker.

“Staff Sergeant, we’re on D-Deck. The secondary team is on J-Deck. We have two options. Option 1. We should move down to join them on E-Deck where the medical and food bays are located or Option 2, we advance alone to A-Deck encountering the heaviest resistance. I do have concrete evidence to suggest the AI in question is far more powerful than we assumed. It is showing signals more close to.... Reaper origin.”

(I know this is pushing the boat out into a tsunami, but just roll with it. I’ve thought this out very meticulously.)

Bravo Team

Corporal Kyler heard the Salarian request the time, to which she replied without words, but actions. The panel lit up green as the outer doors hissed oxygen and slowly slid open.

"I'd say about now." She replied.

Without further halt, she was the first to enter the pressurization chamber, awaiting the rest of the Salarians and Bravo Team.

*
Kirrahe, Telgut and the STG team followed through the entrance of the airlock onto J-Deck. Turning to Kyler,

“Kyler, Professor Solus gifted me this tracker. It is linked to the humanoid signature the Iolanthe found in this deck. Rachni signals are non existent on this deck but tread very carefully”

Kirrahe ordered Telgut to take the lead with Kyler, uncertain of the lieutenant and on edge.

SSV Pharsalus

"What do you mean Rachni? They haven't been spotted in this system in thousands of years. Even if they returned to their homeworld, they only live by Commander Shepard's help. They would risk betraying the Alliance and the rest of the galaxy, not with the Krogan unleashed again, it would be suicide for them...what do I make of this information?" Asked Captain Rodgers.

“Captain Rodgers,
Have you ever known Professor Solus to be wrong? If he says there is Rachni signals, I would stake my life upon that claim. We’re also scanning the power of the AI, it’s terrifyingly resemblant of a Reaper signal.”

Grand Admiral Xaelesh

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

X-19 Hangar Bay
Alpha Team
06/17/2188, 10:16pm

The Marines cleared their sectors and stood down. As of now, the Hangar was at least cleared, though pitch black, only the white lights of the team's headlamps illuminated it just enough to make out shapes of overhead catwalks, fuel stations hugged against both sides of the walls, and the low lights of various doors leading to storage rooms, flight lounges, and employee lounges. Staff Sergeant Bruker turned to see Mordin and Bau approach him.

“Staff Sergeant, we’re on D-Deck. The secondary team is on J-Deck. We have two options. Option 1. We should move down to join them on E-Deck where the medical and food bays are located or Option 2, we advance alone to A-Deck encountering the heaviest resistance. I do have concrete evidence to suggest the AI in question is far more powerful than we assumed. It is showing signals more close to.... Reaper origin.” The words brought chills down his spine. His entire squad turned to face him. He could feel the fear and shock from under their helmets.

"Reaper origin? How I thought we..." Mumbled S2C Mayweather.

"You've got to be kidding me...." Said S1C Halsey.

"Can it, Marines. How is that possible? We kicked the Reapers' asses last year." Asked the Staff Sergeant to the Salarians.

X-19 Maintenance Airlock A-1
Bravo Team

As the teams entered the airlock, it began getting cramped. As the others had finished guiding themselves into the Airlock, Kyler activated the decontamination and pressurization sequences.

The bright white lights of the airlock kicked on above.

"Decontamination in progress..." Said the computerized voice coming from the control panel to the right of the door. Quick hisses of oxygen bursted through small points around the airlock, matching air levels to the dark hallway beyond the thick titanium door. The pressure slowly raised, leading to safe levels for exit. The panel turned green and the door opened, letting out a loud hiss as the hydraulic pressure relieved itself. Corporal Kyler lifted her M-8 Avenger, scanning the hallway for a moment before taking a step forward.

"“Kyler, Professor Solus gifted me this tracker. It is linked to the humanoid signature the Iolanthe found in this deck. Rachni signals are non existent on this deck but tread very carefully”

"Understood. Wilson, you're behind me." She said to her second-in-command.

"Aye, aye." He returned, moving forward and covering her right shoulder with his rifle.

Telgut approached and came shoulder to shoulder with her as they walked down the hall.

SSV Pharsalus
Combat Information Center

The CIC went silent. The possibility that the Reapers had not been defeated was...terrifying. All the work they accomplished, all the death and suffering. The thought of it being all for nothing was both unimaginable and frustrating. Captain Rodgers rubbed his head, trying to get ahold onn what he just heard.

"Mordin could be wrong about this...." He whispered under his breath.

"Xaelesh, If there is the possibility of a Reaper presence here, the Alliance will lock this system down and burn X-19. Until we have a positive identity of Reaper technology, we have to continue with the operation. We've got Rachni and a possible Reaper contact..what are your thoughts, Grand Admiral?"

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

X-19 Hangar Bay
Alpha Team
06/17/2188, 10:16pm

Bau turned and ordered his troops to take up positions in the back. Mordin approached Bruker and placed his hands aloft of his back, breathing once quickly and a second more heavily as he ruminated.

“Staff Sergeant, I have seen similar wavelengths from picked up communications to the Rachni hordes predating to the Rachni Wars. It is highly possible to assume that a particular Reaper or Reapers were indoctrinating the Rachni Queens into becoming far more aggressive than we expected, hence the horrors of the Rachni Wars. I have seen signals similar to this, I am never wrong in most areas circumstantial times exempted. We need to regroup with Bravo Team and ST Phalanx on E-Deck, we need our entire squad to face a threat of this proportion”

X-19 Maintenance Airlock A-1
Bravo Team


Kirrahe followed Telgut closely watching his every enigmatic move akin to a hawk desiring it’s prey. Turning corner after corner, they stopped being a few meters away from the signal to find a small human child, female surrounded by dead Rachni.

“Kyler attend to the girl I believe she is unconscious” requested and stated an inquisitive Kirrahe who knelt down examining the bodies of the Rachni.

“Now we know, the Rachni have returned.” Affirmed Telgut.

“Interesting” added Kirrahe scanning his surroundings erratically

“What is sir?” asked Telgut.

“It is interesting that this girl no more than an infant managed to kill 3 enormous Rachni workers with no noticeable weapon. Except these Rachni have been shot once by a powerful sniper rifle”.

“I’m afraid that was my doing” echoed a voice down the long corridor.

Kirrahe sprang into action aiming his weapon down the range, surrounded by his officers. Looking at Kyler, who...

SSV Pharsalus
Combat Information Center

“I’m afraid Captain that we have something to show you, to let you understand that it is indeed a Reaper signal. It was picked up before we entered the Ninmah Cluster, Mordin was heavily pontificating about it. Please listen and quiet yourselves.”

‘The audio plays, Rachni squeaks and growls can be heard. Dr Portland’s screams echo through the tape, as the screams reverberate a familiar and harrowing mechanical sound (The Reaper Noise) is heard’.

‘I am the coming legion, the time of a singular return is coming, our revenge will darken your worlds. You cannot escape your doom Dr Portland, I am Sovereign, I am your doom, kneel and be extirpated the cycle must continue. The Crucible did not silence our spark, you will know your worlds on fire. Death and destruction doth await thee, bask in your commodities as our second return heralds the coming destruction’.

Xaelesh’s line grows dead, he waits for Rodgers and his response.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Bruker's Squad

---

The Staff Sergeant gripped his Avenger tighter in his hands as he considered the possibility that the Reapers survived the war, scurrying around in the dark like little mice, plotting, gaining power, preparing for a return. Could it have been possible that Commander Shepard's solution wasn't entirely effective? It did nothing but anger him. Bruker didn't respond to Mordin's theories, as he now accepted the possibility, and would need to prepare for a possible encounter with Reaper and Rachni forces aboard X-19.

"Bravo Team, we're making our way down to you. Continue on with your course, I'll track you via omni-tool, out." Bruker said sternly.

"Let's go, Alpha. We've got Reapers and Rachni to send back to hell."

Bravo Team

---

Bravo Team had found a scene as they went deeper into the facility. Kyler had knelt down next to Kirrahe, who was examining the bodies of Rachni workers. Kirrahe marveled at the fact that the Rachni had returned.

"No, they helped us during the Battle of Earth, but maybe that was only a sect, somewhat like the Geth. You had two divisions, those that wanted to help the Quarians, and those called Heretics. Maybe this is just an isolated cell of Rachni extremists?"

As they discussed it further, they heard a voice from down the corridor.

“I’m afraid that was my doing". The team turned to the direction of the voice down the hall, their flashlights illuminating most of the hall.

"Alliance Marines! Come out where we can see you, now!" Yelled Kyler, her head instantly hurting with her elevated voice. Her face flinched as she broke concentration, her rifle lowering a bit as her left hand grasped the side of her helmet, kneeling down a bit.

"Corporal! You alright!" Yelled out one of her teammates.

SSV Pharsalus

---

Captain Rodgers didn't know what the do with this information. He automatically fell back to protocol, and felt the strong need to involve Alliance High Command. If another Reaper attack were coming, Alliance Intelligence needed to know and prepare.

"Admiral Xaelesh, this isn't information that needs to be kept between us. I have to forward this to Alliance Command, and you should forward it to the appropriate sources. If there's another attack coming, it needs to be brought to light." Said Captain Rodgers.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

Bruker's Squad

---

The Staff Sergeant gripped his Avenger tighter in his hands as he considered the possibility that the Reapers survived the war, scurrying around in the dark like little mice, plotting, gaining power, preparing for a return. Could it have been possible that Commander Shepard's solution wasn't entirely effective? It did nothing but anger him. Bruker didn't respond to Mordin's theories, as he now accepted the possibility, and would need to prepare for a possible encounter with Reaper and Rachni forces aboard X-19.

"Bravo Team, we're making our way down to you. Continue on with your course, I'll track you via omni-tool, out." Bruker said sternly.

"Let's go, Alpha. We've got Reapers and Rachni to send back to hell."

Bravo Team

---

Bravo Team had found a scene as they went deeper into the facility. Kyler had knelt down next to Kirrahe, who was examining the bodies of Rachni workers. Kirrahe marveled at the fact that the Rachni had returned.

"No, they helped us during the Battle of Earth, but maybe that was only a sect, somewhat like the Geth. You had two divisions, those that wanted to help the Quarians, and those called Heretics. Maybe this is just an isolated cell of Rachni extremists?"

As they discussed it further, they heard a voice from down the corridor.

“I’m afraid that was my doing". The team turned to the direction of the voice down the hall, their flashlights illuminating most of the hall.

"Alliance Marines! Come out where we can see you, now!" Yelled Kyler, her head instantly hurting with her elevated voice. Her face flinched as she broke concentration, her rifle lowering a bit as her left hand grasped the side of her helmet, kneeling down a bit.

"Corporal! You alright!" Yelled out one of her teammates.

SSV Pharsalus

---

Captain Rodgers didn't know what the do with this information. He automatically fell back to protocol, and felt the strong need to involve Alliance High Command. If another Reaper attack were coming, Alliance Intelligence needed to know and prepare.

"Admiral Xaelesh, this isn't information that needs to be kept between us. I have to forward this to Alliance Command, and you should forward it to the appropriate sources. If there's another attack coming, it needs to be brought to light." Said Captain Rodgers.

Alpha Squad

Mordin, Bau and Bruker followed the narrow passageway on Deck E, finding a mainstream ladder that descended to Deck H, the squad slowly descend the ladder hearing chattering and scratching on the other side of the shaft. Scoping the exit, Bau was first to exit the ladder and scanned the room in which they had arrived, glued on his omni tool.

'Bruker, Professor; I have no positive Rachni signals on Deck H or I, it should be smooth sailing from here' said Bau hopefully.

With that, the Alliance Marines followed the STG operatives with Bau leading the formation; Bruker and Mordin directly aloft. Surveying their way onto Deck I by rerouting a small power boost to a tertiary elevator.

'Kirrahe, this is Bau, we have reached Deck I; we should be directly atop of your position, no lifeforms detected but this seems far too conveniently quiet. Please ask Admiral Xaelesh to do a full scan of Deck I, we will hold in a conference room.

Bravo Squad

Kirrahe had one of his STG subordinates Tadat who had been a medic on Sur'Kesh examined the wound on a rachni worker; meanwhile Kirrahe relayed Bau's request to Xaelesh.

Tadat pulled open the wound, revealing shrapnel and residual ballistic dust;

'This is a wound from a sniper rifle, a high powered one such as an M-92 Mantis; the bullets seem to be coated in an emerald residue; viscous, an irritant substance and presumably a poison. The odour of burnt wormwood is noticeable, the prognosis is evident. These rachni wouldn't have been felled with a single shot, but note the enlarged veins of the rachni, a biological reaction to a poison. One dating back to the Rachni Wars and was synthesized by a joint Human-Salarian task-force, these rachni were shot by a rifle with bullets coated in zanthorax'. Announced Talat.

'Zanthorax?' blurted out a confused Telgut.

'It was stockpiled during the Rachni Wars after its synethesis by a joint Human-Salarian task-force. Upon entering the bloodstream, it paralyses the muscles that control kinetic exertion and attacks the heart itself, Zanthorax is a partially sentient toxin, it makes it way to the heart of its own volition and engulfs and destroys it. It was outlawed after the Rachni Wars, haven't seen a vial since, even STG complied. 'Spoke Kirrahe'

The voice from the corrider spoke, Telgut took point with Kirrahe following, joining side by side with Kyler.

'Emerge from the shadows, do as the Alliance suggests if you know whats good for you' demanded Kirrahe authoritatively. Kirrahe tapped Kyler on the side of her head'.

Appearing out the shadows was a man in a blackened set of golden and steel encrusted armour, he checked his shields and approached Bravo Team with a Revenant in his hand and a Paladin in a side holster on his left side. Directly behind him, a feminine shadow followed and they stood side by side.

To Kirrahe's shock.

The bridge of the Iolanthe

Xaelesh radioed the all clear signal to Commander Bau on Deck I.

"I must apologise for my deceit, Captain Rodgers" began Xaelesh.

"Dalatrass Linwon has been posted ever since this operation began, as in accord with Salarian law, to refuse a dalatrass especially the most important is a court martial offence. Hence, I had no alternative. I'm patching her through'.

"Captain Rodgers,

I am Dalatrass Linwon of the Salarian Techno Union, second to only Technocrat Dantalion; he has taken ill and will be unavailable for approximately 2 weeks. Admiral Xaelesh will now be silent and you will report to me directly; this threat needs to be quashed. The listening post will be destroyed the Iolanthe will open fire in precisely an hour and a half. We recommend an immediate evacuation."

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Bravo Team

Corporal Kyler quickly recuperated from her brief migraine, refocusing on the man standing opposite of them, her rifle targeted in. Kyler seemed confused about what she saw, looking to Kirrahe to explain. Kirrahe himself had a shocked look on his face, further garnering curiosity from her.

The Pharsalus

Captain Rodgers wasn't shocked to find the Salarians hid information from them, it's their nature. From the Rachni Wars to the Reaper War, espionage was their game, and they were very good at it.

He heard the familiar voice of the Dalatrass fill the frequency, now patched over from the Iolanthe.

"Captain Rodgers,

I am Dalatrass Linwon of the Salarian Techno Union, second to only Technocrat Dantalion; he has taken ill and will be unavailable for approximately 2 weeks. Admiral Xaelesh will now be silent and you will report to me directly; this threat needs to be quashed. The listening post will be destroyed the Iolanthe will open fire in precisely an hour and a half. We recommend an immediate evacuation."

Captain Rodgers was beginning to get overwhelmed, which didn't happen much. Apparently, now the Salarian Union had direct command of this mission, an unaccepted portion of this and Alliance Command had to be notified.

"With all due respect, Dalatrass, I am upheld by the Alliance's Carroll Protocol, which forbids me from accepting orders from a foreign command without express permission from Alliance Command. Dalatrass, I have to contact the Alliance and inform them about this." Said Captain Rodgers.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

Bravo Team

Corporal Kyler quickly recuperated from her brief migraine, refocusing on the man standing opposite of them, her rifle targeted in. Kyler seemed confused about what she saw, looking to Kirrahe to explain. Kirrahe himself had a shocked look on his face, further garnering curiosity from her.

Bravo Team

The silhouettes stepped out of the shadows, Kirrahe was supervised by relieved.

'Kirrahe? Commander Kirrahe the same jammy bastard who survived Virmire?' inquired the man.

'Yes, it is good to see the scourge of the Blue Suns again, still taking contracts Massani? More importantly what are you doing and who are you my dear?'

Zaeed crossed his arms and an Asari stepped out,

'Well, this is my mate, my first and last partner Samara. She is a Jusiticar and sexy as hell. We take in contracts and this was one Samara received from a secret source.'

'Samara, you are renown as are your biotic abilities both of you are. Especially in the Alliance military; stand down Kyler they're friendlies. We'll Mr Massani is more brusque than friendly at most times' informed Kirrahe

'Screw you you lizardy bastard' retorted Zaeed.

'Salarians are amphibians my love, reiterated Samara.

Zaeed huffs and turns away kneeling and fiddling with his Revenant. Samara smiles coyly and approaches the coalition squad.

'We were informed by a clandestine personal message on our receiver, naturally Zaeed being headstrong and tactless...

'I'm not totally tactless love' murmurs Zaeed

I had no problem talking you upstairs'

Kyler slightly convulses at the image but shakes it off, Kirraje gestures her to continue.

'So we dock at a nearby fuelling depot and came to the Listening Post landing of this deck, we found that girl with the Rachni, they seemed amicable and she wasn't exhibiting fear, so Zaeed slugged them and she went feral. I had to subdue her with my biotics. How we proceed is up to you'.

The Pharsalus

Captain Rodgers wasn't shocked to find the Salarians hid information from them, it's their nature. From the Rachni Wars to the Reaper War, espionage was their game, and they were very good at it.

He heard the familiar voice of the Dalatrass fill the frequency, now patched over from the Iolanthe.

"Captain Rodgers,

I am Dalatrass Linwon of the Salarian Techno Union, second to only Technocrat Dantalion; he has taken ill and will be unavailable for approximately 2 weeks. Admiral Xaelesh will now be silent and you will report to me directly; this threat needs to be quashed. The listening post will be destroyed the Iolanthe will open fire in precisely an hour and a half. We recommend an immediate evacuation."

Captain Rodgers was beginning to get overwhelmed, which didn't happen much. Apparently, now the Salarian Union had direct command of this mission, an unaccepted portion of this and Alliance Command had to be notified.

"With all due respect, Dalatrass, I am upheld by the Alliance's Carroll Protocol, which forbids me from accepting orders from a foreign command without express permission from Alliance Command. Dalatrass, I have to contact the Alliance and inform them about this." Said Captain Rodgers.

'Very well, informed the Dalatrass.

But make it quick, we haven't time to tarry'.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

SSV Pharsalus CIC

"Get Alliance Command on the horn, transmit all data via heavy encryption." He said, wiping the sweat from his forehead, letting out a sigh as he directed the Pharsalus's personnel.

"Data sent, Captain. Awaiting response." Said Specialist Jose Ramirez, watching his terminals intensively, waiting for any kind of response from Alliance Command once it had been analyzed by Alliance Intelligence. The response came faster than they expected.

"Message received! A.....Red One Priority?" Red One Priority was a direct order coming from the commanding officer of the Alliance Navy, Admiral Hackett, pertaining to mission-critical details only to be read by the commanding officer of the unit receiving said orders.

"Forwarding message to you, Captain." Said Ramirez.

Captain Rodgers' omni-tool lit up with a single red flashing light in the shape of the Alliance Navy symbol. He immediately pressed on the symbol, revealing a rather lengthy paragraph sent directly from Admiral Hackett's personal communications terminal.

He quickly exited out of the message and entered into a one-on-one communications channel with Staff Sergeant Bruker.

"Bruker, evacuate the teams immediately. There's an unknown threat we don't know about yet. This comes from Admiral Hackett. Withdraw to the shuttle now. Inform Corporal Kyler. We are pulling out." Said Rodgers nervously. He couldn't believe what he and his crew were apart of. He just knew that he was ordered to pull out, and he would absolutely abide by the Red One Priority.

He wasn't told on whether or not he should include the Salarians into this, therefore did not speak further to the Dalatrass.

Alpha Team

Staff Sergeant Bruker had no idea what was going on. The mission was going well, and couldn't figure out why they were being pulled out, but if it came straight from Alliance Command, it was no joke. He would comply.

"Alpha Team, pull back to the shuttle. Mordin, Bau, we gotta get out. This is a executive order, we can't disobey. Pull out, Alpha Team." He said, leaving the conference room, his team following close behind.

"Corporal Kyler, you read me? Pull out. The mission is over. Pull your team out, now." Bruker said sternly.

[Sur Kesh and STG HQ]

Alpha Team

Mordin, Bau and the STG officers ran alongside Bruker and Alpha Team, Bau looked incredibly perplexed, thinking that if the mission was going so well, why leave? He didn’t dare question Mordin and instead kept on running back to the shuttle.

Upon reaching it, Mordin put an arm across Bruker’s chest. Looking at him sternly.

“Staff Sergeant, do not insult my intelligence by denying these orders came from Admiral Hackett himself. What do you know that we do not? Is a threat to our security? To yours? To both? The Dalatrass should be informed.”

Meanwhile Bau contacted Kirrahe.

“Captain Kirrahe, get out the station inform Kyler to get out we are egressing from this zone ASAP.”

Bravo Team

Kirrahe informed his squad, thist they ere leaving. As he turned to inform Kyler, Zaeed and Samara. Telgut rubbed his inflamed head in near agony, pulling out his service pisto aiming it at Kyler. Just before he could shoot he felt a gun pressed to his left temple. Looking up he saw Kirrahe to his astonishment.

‘What? You were over there!’ exclaimed a furious Telgut

‘Hologram technology Telgut, keep your friends close but your enemies closer. You had been acting suspiciously all through this mission. So I outsmarted your predictable strategy. Your brainwaves suggests several fluctuations identical to those found in the cases of Saren Arterius and Jack Harper. You my friend are being indoctrinated.

Telgut smiled and chortled.

‘Only because of my proximity to a relic of Sovereign, I had been influenced even on Virmire. But my loyalties are not so predictable, and neither am I!

Telgut punched Kirrahe in the gut and opened fire on the others, before being tackled down by Kirrahe, suddenly looking over Samara sloped down, shot in the stomach. Zaeed cradled her and flipped, apoplectic he grabbed Kirrahe and launched the Captain off Telgut, who he grabbed by throat and threw him to the ground. Punching the Salarian bloody until Samara herself only suffering a treatable wound pulled him off him. Slapping Zaeed across the face, whose face resoundly collapsed into Samara’s thigh bawling.

Kirrahe was helped up by Kyler who both hauled him to his feet and made their way back to the shuttle.

[The Systems Alliance of Earth]

Alpha Team

They didn't hear a peep from the Salarian team as they moved through the corridors, their flashlights lighting the steel and dark blue hallways, stacked up along the right side of the hall, Bruker leading the squads. They moved quietly through the hallways, passing through the empty flight lounge.

"Lieutenant Izuki, warm up the shuttle, we are exfilling, ETA two minutes." Said the Staff Sergeant.

"Copy that." Said the Shuttle Pilot

They finally arrived at the hangar, the shuttle's door wide open, the familiar hum of the element zero core and engine thrusters crying out.

Bruker's walk was halted by Mordin's thin arm.

"“Staff Sergeant, do not insult my intelligence by denying these orders came from Admiral Hackett himself. What do you know that we do not? Is a threat to our security? To yours? To both? The Dalatrass should be informed.” Said Mordin inquisitively. Sadly, The Staff Sergeant didn't have anything for him.

I'm sorry, sir. I don't have that information. I was told by Captain Rodgers that Alliance Command needed us out immediately. Your Admiral might be able to get something from the Captain, but don't count on it. I'm just a Marine, and Marines follow orders." He replied as he climbed into the shuttle along with Alpha Team.

Bravo Team

"Copy that, Staff Sergeant. Bravo Team, new orders. We're evacuating." Said Kyler to her group.

Out of the side of her eye, she saw a Salarian predator service pistol to her head, which was more than enough to splatter her head in one shot. In response, her squad focused all their weapons unto Talgut's head. As Telgut struck Kirrahe in the stomach, momentarily knocking him off-balance, Kyler was able to swipe the pistol away from her head and jumped away, rolling away from him as he fired off sporadically in every direction, emptying the clip in a matter of moments. A few of her squad took hits, but thanks to kinetic barrier systems, they were able to easily withstand the few hits. As the situation unfolded and Telgut was subdued, Corporal Kyler had to stay on target. She helped up Kirrahe and helped him back to the shuttle, though they would have to exfil back through the airlock.