Mass Effect: Shepards Shadows

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro looked out the cockpit of his ship, it was a small cruiser he owned called ‘Dependant’ which he’d gotten for his service as a Spectre, as well as some well positioned friends. The Turian let out a sigh, the planet before him was Kahle, somewhere he honestly didn’t except to ever be. But then again, this wasn’t a typical mission. This time, he was taking things into his own talons. Commander Shepard, the first human spectre, had made a good point. These Reapers wouldn’t relent, and if no one else believed him, Sinestro did. Now he had a ship, and the dossiers of the crew he needed.

 

First had been Tyrande, a relatively young Asari he’d managed to recruit today! He looked at the datapad in his talon, she didn’t have much in the ways of combat experience, but at the end of the day, that simply meant she needed some time to learn. And that was something Sinestro was more than happy to give her. He had admittantly given her not a lot of reason to trust her, since recruiting her, he’d given one of the crew to show her around.

 

The next was on Kahle, a Drell called Saul Thiok, a well known sniper. It would give his team the firepower they needed, in addition to his own expert use of weapons, plus Tyrande’s Biotic cover, should make them able to track down informations on the Reapers. His ship was very close to landing, about a minute or so. Then came the slightly harder part, tracking the Drell down. All he knew was the general location, that was all. Placing the datapad in his pocket, he turned on his comm, asking his assistant to bring the Tyrande to the bridge.

 

He would be the first admit, he had never really worked with the other races, but hopefully it would be an easy transition. He let out an audible sigh, he didn’t like waiting much. He wanted to get going, to get into the action. But first, he needed to speak to his new combat mate. Because if something on the planet wanted to stop them, it would have to get through his firstly, and then through a very powerful biotic.

[Zealot]

Ever since Tyrande had got aboard she had been overjoyed with happiness. A new ship, a new crew, new friends. It would be wonderful right?

 

Tyrande was a purple shaded asari, one who had been recruited into the elite asari commandos. Of course, that was all well and good. The problem was that she'd barely managed to pass basic training, then she had been chosen to train with the commandos. It was an honour, and an honour that Tyrande had stepped up to. Sure, she hadn't excelled, but she had got through it with determination and vigour. That was what mattered right?

 

When the call came that a Spectre wanted her for a mission, well, no-one was more surprised than Tyrande. She was nothing special, other than her unique biotics. She'd never dreamed that she'd actually get the chance to work with a spectre though. Another honour she didn't feel she truly deserved, yet she was going to make the best of it and get through whatever trials lay ahead. With determination and vigour as always. 

 

After her tour she had busied herself with getting settled. The asari couldn't wait to get the mission under way and once she had unpacked her things in her quarters, she gave off a happy smile. It was her first day on the job, and this wasn't basic training any more. The other asari hadn't been too nice to her, so she was happy to get away from that all. Eager as she was to make friends with the turian crew, she thought it best to take a few moments to compose herself in her quarters and take it all in. 

 

That was when the spectre's assistant found her. In her quarters, sitting on her bed. "Spectre Sinestro would like to see you on the bridge Tyrande," they called. To which the asari rose and gave them a smile. Hopefully she would remember her way to the bridge. And hopefully she would impress the Spectre. After all, it was her first day.

 

Tyrande made her way out of her quarters, up the steps, through the deck and to the bridge where she found Sinestro looking out over the glorious view of the planet below. She couldn't help but smile at the spectacle out the viewport. Space was beautiful, and she had rarely seen planets in all their majesty. Still, after a brief moment the asari got back down to business. Turians were a militaristic race, so she felt like she should keep things business if she was to get on his good side. She saluted and addressed her superior officer. "Corporal Tyrande, you summoned me sir?" Her voice was quite fair, not at all what one would expect from a hardened commando. But Tyrande wasn't a hardened commando, this would be her first time out on a mission. She just hoped that she was good enough for the job.

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro knew the Asari was there before she even spoke. He could hear her walking on the pathway to him on the bridge, a small 6th sense old him the Asari was there. And that's when he heard her speak confirming he'd 'summoned her'. Summoned, what an ugly word. While correct, he would much prefer requested. He didn't turn from his view of the planet, instead simply looked out. Space was a beautiful thing, so deadly, yet he couldn't say it wasn't beautiful to stare at planets. Though, there is beauty in anything, from the right perspective.

 

"Tyrande, again, I must thank you for coming with me on such a short notice. I understand you are new among the Asari Commandos, however, I don't see that as a lack of skill. Simply, a lack of time to showcase your skills" he turns a eye briefly to look at her, before pointing at the planet in front of them "Kahle, that's this planets name. Our newest recruit is on the planet, a Drell. I will be taking you to the surface with me to search for him"

 

He turned to face the Asari, taking in her features. The Asari race had interested him for many years, however, he had never worked close to any, even the Asari Spectres as he usually preferred to work alone. Their physical look alone was unique, purple was Tyrande. He knew he couldn't ask her about her culture, her past, half because he barely knew the Asari and half because he already had it down in his database. The shared no battle blood, no loyalty other than his rank of Spectre. That's why he wanted her with him. Loyality was earned on the battlefield with the blood of your enemies locking friends in combat. And there was another reason, his reports said something about her Biotics being unique in a manner of biotic combat. But not being powerful with her abilities, but something that was able to influence her enemies and allies, though he didn't have full details on it, and wanted to find out about it first hand.

 

Turning away from her, he watched the planet as it got closer and closer as the ship starts to enter the atmosphere "Oh, also Tyrande? You'll be the rank of Specialist while you work with me ok? While the Turian Military much enjoys its ranks, you're here under my direct order and I won't have someone of your abilities being mistaken for a rank-and-file soldier. Also if you need something, anything, ask. And I mean it, this mission is.. important to me, I want my operatives working with the best equipment they can get. I am a Spectre, there is very little I can't get if I put my mind to it"

[Huscarl]

Khaje...

 

Not withholding the small islands that dotted the planets surface, it was an oceanic planet, similar to the atmosphere of Earth. The homeworld of the aquatic race, the Hanar, and the majority of the remaining Drell in the galaxy, it remained a peaceful planet, as it has for over a million years, untouched by the reaper war.... thus far. 

 

In one of the many domed Drell cities that were scattered atop the ocean, covering the Hanar cities in the depths below. Saul sat patiently within the spaceport, both his hands touching in prayer, his eyelids closed, reaching absolute concentration with himself as his only companion. Removing his person spiritually from the noise of the spaceport, as he searched his memories like as if they were a never eroding database. 

 

"I look. Vorcha snarls in the distance. Decay resides the wind. Index finger moves. Amonkira listens."

 

The Turian should be arriving soon.

[Zealot]

As the Turian turned to examine her, Tyrande couldn't help but shuffle a little uncomfortably on the spot as she stood to attention. There was a sincere hope that she was making a good impression, she didn't want to get off on the wrong foot if she could help it. Unfortunately Turians were quite hard to read. Besides, what was that he'd said. Although she was just out of the recruits she was still skilled. Tyrande hoped he was right, she wondered to herself if she could have used some more time in basic training before going on a mission like this. Still, if she was here then she was determined not to let him down.

 

She couldn't help but turn her focus to the view-port as the ship entered the atmosphere. It was quite a sight, the ship bursting through the planet's outer shell and through the clouds of the ocean world. Tyrande had never been to Kahle though she'd read about it years ago. A Hanar world with the usual population of Drell inhabiting the surface islands after the Hanar had taken them off of their dying home-world. No doubt she would have to remember her aquatic combat training. Wait, had she had aquatic combat training?

 

Still, she smiled as she heard that she'd just been promoted to Specialist. Which was a little surreal, she was going to get the rank of specialist when she was inducted into the commandos proper. Though this assignment had been offered to her before that could happen, and the chance to work with a spectre had been too much of a temptation. "Thank you sir," she replied. "I won't let you down. If I think of anything I need I'll let you know." Still, it sounded like she was going in the field. There was excitement that jolted through Tyrande, but there was also a tinge of fear. She just hoped that she could be of use. Her combat scores hadn't exactly been spectacular, even if her biotics were pretty good. Then there was the matter of her strategic biotics. Could she use them on the ground? In training she'd always hung back to use them.

 

Still, if the spectre wanted her by his side then that's where she'd be. "I'll go and prepare. Not sure if we'll see trouble here but I'll get ready for it just in case, was there anything else sir?"

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro glanced over at Tyrnade as she said she wouldn't 'let him down'. It was something he doubted would happen, yet something many newer recruits seemed to say. They had a fear of failure, a fear to do the wrong thing. But without making certain mistakes, how would you learn? Would you learn to not touch a stove unless you burnt your hand, even if you're told, you'd let your curiously get to you. But perhaps that is more of himself than others, he found the most practical way to learn was through practise. Turning to his promoted Specialist, he smiled at her "That sounds like a good idea, make sure you arm yourself, and make sure your armour is prepared. In a combat situation, I want you to hand back and provide Biotic support. But hopefully that won't happen, after all, we're just picking up another Specialist before we follow down the lead I managed to pick up. You are dismissed Specialist Tyande, I want to see you in the hanger bay ready to go in about 8 minutes" 

 

With that, the Turian himself walked off the bridge, heading into his private room. Once inside, he spied his battle armor. It was heavily customised Turian Assault Armour, painted Red and White, and designed to allow Sinestro to carry all the weapons to his hearts content while still giving him respectable mobility. Attaching the armour took around 5 minutes, then he made his way to the armoury. Grabbing a M-78 Revanant Light-machinegun and an M-7 Paladin heavy pistol, as well as several dozen grenades, just in case. Satisfied that he would be armed enough in case something went wrong, but hopefully that wouldn't occur. Exiting the armoury, he headed straight for the hanger, where several vehicles waited. Standing in the middle of the hanger, he waited for his newest Specialist to arrive as his silver ship lands at the hanger.

 

Despite it being a Turian's ship with a mostly Turian crew, the ship design was oddly human in nature. The ship being the beneficial side of an agreement between Sinestro and a information broker that got Sinestro the lead he has on the rather shadey Collectors, his next target.

[Zealot]

Tyrande listened intently as she was informed of her mission. They were picking up another specialist before heading off on their main mission. That didn't sound so bad, the asari could cope with that. Even if they did end up in a combat situation, she was to hang back and use her biotics. That was fine, she'd done that before. Granted, to use her strategic biotics to their fullest, she would have to hang a lot farther back than he meant. That wouldn't mean she couldn't use her abilities in small doses though. Not to mention her regular biotics would be more than satisfactory for a combat situation. Just like in training. "Yes sir, right away," she replied.

 

The asari had eight minutes to get her things and prepare for the task ahead. She jogged off the bridge and straight to the armoury. Tyrande was already wearing a combat uniform, so she didn't need to change too much. The asari did need to spend a few minutes equipping her light armour however. 

 

It was quite reserved by commando standards. Many commandos preferred medium armour, and some even bulky ablative plating. Though it wasn't unusual to find an asari commando in light armour, it was uncommon. The black protective plating would save the asari from a nasty bash, and it would stop light fire. Anything heavier than an assault rifle would punch right through it though. 

 

Once that was equipped, Tyrande retrieved her pistol from the quarter master as well as three concussion grenades. The m3 predator was likely one of the most common guns in the galaxy, though it still packed a hefty punch. It served it's purpose well and the recruit felt better having something she knew would work. Of course, she hadn't gone out of her way to modify it. As much as she knew about rifles and pistols, she still didn't feel comfortable modifying them. Still, as a biotic she had the ability to produce warp ammo. It might look odd to the crew members as she unloaded the thermal clip and produced a biotic field around the casing. After a few seconds it was charged, and she had what her instructors had called 'warp ammo'. The asari did the same with the rest of the clips then returned them to her utility belt. 

 

After her weapon was holstered the asari moved to the side and focused on the last item on her agenda. Barriers. She spent a good minute producing a biotic field around herself to act as a biotic barrier. Hopefully as long as she had biotic energy, she could resist small arms fire much in the same was as the shields of a soldier worked. She might have seen the spectre come down to retrieve his weapons as well, though she'd been focused on preparing her barriers.

 

She sighed, and took a moment to collect herself. Getting ready only took about seven minutes, most of that had been preparing her biotic fields and making sure they were strong. Tyrande spent the remainder of that time jogging back down the the hanger bay, which was only a short time away. In fact by the time she came to rest next to her commander, it had been more or less eight minutes. "Ready to go sir," she announced enthusiastically as the silver ship floated into the hanger.

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro was looking through another datapad, a grim look on his face with a Turian private when Tyrande arrived in the hanger. Whatever was on the datapad, it didn't take a mindreader to know it frustrated the Turian Spectre. He hadn't noticed his newest Specialist arrive, too engrossed in the information he was reading.

 

"She hit another outpost. They were getting close to locating her position too, then silent. We sent a team to investigate. I know you're a Spectre with your own mission objectives, but High Command could use some help in this matter" says the Private as Sinestro put the datapad on a crate.

 

"Isn't this a human issue? After all, isn't she one of them?" the Spectre asked.

 

"Correct, however, the Allience had shown it disbanned the organization after that incident. Whatever happened after that, didn't happen with their approval. In any regard, keep it in mind Spectre Sinestro" With that, the Private picked up the datapad and walked away, leaving the Spectre along momentarily before be heard Tyrande say she was ready. Turning to the Asari, he nodded his head.

 

"Good, now i'm not expecting any conflict, but just in case, keep an eye open. We're looking for a Drell sniper called Saul Thiok, my information says he should be in the spaceport, but something tells me it won't be so easy" Turning to the exit ramp as it slowly opened, the city beyond them slowly came into view "Stay by my mind. Remember, with my Spectre authority, I can go where I wish. If I lose you, they might not be so kind"

 

Sinestro slowly walked out of the ship, his eyes looking out beyond the checkpoint. Thankfully with the port authorities being informed on his Spectre status, they didn't have to go through customs or border patrol. One of the many perks of being a Spectre.

 

"Do you see him?" Sinestro asks, not looking much himself. The Asari wanted to prove herself, might as well start her as early as possible.

[Zealot]

Tyrande patiently waited as Sinestro finished talking to another turian. He seemed to be lower rank from the insignia on his armour, probably a message for the spectre. Either way, she caught something about the alliance and some sort of incident. She didn't pay the conversation too much mind. After all, she was just a recruit and her spectre probably wouldn't like to be questioned on it. If there was one thing Tyrande had learned in the commandos, that was discipline. Her commander would tell her if she needed to know, so the asari patiently stood at attention until Sinestro turned his attention to her. 

 

The asari relaxed a little as he started to tell her what they were doing here. Picking up a drell by the name of Saul Thiok, a sniper. He admitted that it probably wouldn't be that easy, and Tyrande smiled at that. When was it ever easy? She had trained with the commandos, they didn't do easy. Still, she nodded her head when he told her to stay close to him. Having spectre authority opened doors, and Tyrande didn't like the idea of being shut out those doors. The asari resolved to stick close. Besides, she still thought of herself as a recruit and would rather stay with the turian. He had experience.

 

Once they were out of the ship Tyrande took a good look around, making sure to at least try and take everything in. Even though this was just a spaceport, there was a lot going on. Drell, Hanar and a plethora of other races milled about the spaceport. Security wasn't too tight, though she was surprised to find they were waved through the checkpoint. There was another smile on her lips. Tyrande was starting to like the idea of being assigned to a spectre if it meant they didn't have to deal with the usual border guards. 

 

The wide angled ceilings and clear sloping platforms were all quite a sight, and Tyrande lingered a second to take it all in. Still, once she realised she'd fallen a little behind the spectre she skipped forward back to her place on his left. 

 

Did she see a drell sniper? Well, that was definitely a question. There were quite a few drell in the spaceport, which would have been an oddity anywhere else in the galaxy. This was Kahle though, and the drell had quite a large presence here. "Umm," she replied, casting her glance around to see if she could spot a drell that fit the definition of 'sniper'. Still, she had other resources besides her eyes. "Well I don't see a drell sniper, sir. Kinda hard to pick out usually, as is their reputation." She couldn't help but chuckle at that, but got back to business quickly after. "I guess I might be able to use my biotics to pick him out. You said his name was Saul Thiok, sir?" After all, one of Tyrande's many abilities was the ability to interface with people and search for individuals. It had happened a few times in training, as long as she knew them then she could usually pick them out. Though things got hard when she only knew their name and a description of their personality. If anything she could only use it to find her friends and allies. "If you give me a minute I could search the spaceport with my senses, but I don't think that would work. If I knew him then I could find them, but all I have is a name. Sorry sir, I'll just keep my eyes open," she frowned at that.

 

It was a disappointment to her that she couldn't demonstrate her abilities but something told her that she'd have plenty of other opportunities. The asari kept scanning the crowds for someone who looked like they might fit the description. That was all she could do. 

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro watched the Asari carefully, his curiousity peaked when she began using her Biotics to search for their Drell. While true his knowledge of Biotics wasn't very good, he couldn't recall that being a normal ability that the Asari taught. Perhaps it was linked to her uniqueness, the reason she came up on his radar in the first place was the report he spotted about unique biotic usage from an Asari Commando Recruit. It was something he looked forwards to learning about, and he expected it to be a first-hand basis if anything was to be hoped. Still, while the Asari searched, he looked himself. Unlike his Specialist, he knew what the Drell looked like, making it much easier for his eyes so single out the Drell.

 

The Drell in question was sitting alone, or that's what it looked it. Sinestro knew Drell's could leave their bodies, or something of the sort, though how and to what purpose baffled the Turian. He suspected the Drell in his line of sight was doing just that, and so he placed his talon'd hands on Tyrande's shoulder, and pointed at the Drell "There, the one praying in front of us. He looks like the Drell we came to collect. Come along Specialist" He said. Tyrande was still new, he needed to stay professional with her, even if it wasn't always his style, the Turian military drilled rules and regulations into him like any other, and no matter what you did, you could never get 'rid' of that training.

 

Walking up to the Drell, he cleared his throat and rested one hand on his hip, right next to his M-7 Paladin pistol, just in case. "Excuse me, are you Saul Thiok by any chance?" he said curtly "I am in need of a sniper, and I've heard he is one of the best. Allow me to introduce myself, I am Sinestro, Former Turian Military Assault Specialist, currently working for the Councils Special Tatics and Reconnaissance task force, better known as Spectres. And the beautiful Asari working with me is Specialist Tyrande from the Asari Commando's" Sinestro glanced over at Tyrande, before turning his full view to the Drell before him who he was near certain was Saul Thiok "So, if you are Saul Thiok, would you care to assist myself and the Specialist on our mission?"

[Huscarl]

"I knew you was coming".

 

The Drell responded, confirming that he was the person in question, still retaining his eyes closed and hands touching in prayer. He felt cautious, feeling the presence of a heavily armoured and armed pair looming over him. Why was they so heavily armed? Kahje was a peaceful planet, not a single thing within one of the domed cities presenting a direct threat to them. Saul opened his eyes, looking up at the two, making a quick judgement of their characters.

 

The Asari looked young, less than a hundred, he had to guess. A perky, yet stern look painted upon her pretty looking face as her eyes met his. One would assume she is new to this 'business', unknowing of the horrors of war and the inane brutality of combat. However, Saul suspected from her stance, her walk, that 'Tyrande' seemed excited and raring to go, perhaps even brimming with confidence in it's purest form, what of course, would be definite positive for an asari of her age. Her armour and weapon suggested she assumed a much more supporting role, what was an important one at that. Despite this, her arsenal paled in comparison to the Turian standing beside her.

 

Typical Turian, nothing hard to figure out there. He looked experienced, had sleek, personalised battle armour and a ton of weapons to boot. He'd be a behemoth in a battle, without a doubt. He fitted the council's mould of a Turian spectre perfectly, a tough battle hand and a respected fighter, a good heel to go with the supporting Asari. In fact, he remembered a news report.... 

 

Ah yes! If he claimed to be a spectre and a Turian, it seemed to be aligned with the news report he had heard very recently. The 'Unstoppable Force', as they say. The prominent Turian warrior who was promoted to Spectre for his valour and legend during the battle of the Citadel. Now that's the type of fire-power you'd want when taking on an army (if the legends proved true, of course). He was also rumoured to be quite the leader... interesting.

 

"Why are you two so heavily armed...." Saul asked, after a brief, yet awkward moment of silence between the three of them. "My home is mellow, soft and crime less, what was you expecting? Omega?". Saul's hands lowered slowly, as he modestly awaited an answer from the so called, 'Unstoppable Force', or even his aide. 

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro smiled when the Drell confirmed he was indeed Saul Thiok. It meant he and Tyrande wouldn't have to spend several more hours wandering around trying to find him. Sinestro looked over the Drell now he was a lot closer, taking in his features. He was a darker green than your average Drell, but then again, your average Drell didn't have the record he did behind the scope of a rifle. Not many did, in fact, if the report he had was to be believed, then the whole reason Saul was here was he was shot by the 'Archangel, or was his best assumption. No other reason for him to be on Omega at the time.

 

He must have been trying to test himself, but against Archangel, or who Sinestro was now is Garrus Vak, the infamous sniper who worked for Shepard before, and once again. Still, he survived, not a lot of them didn't. Not after Commander Shepard went and cleaned house on the mercenaries.

 

Hearing the Drell ask, what he felt, was an obvious question. Why were they heavily armed? Well, while he was true his planet was famous for a lack of crime. He took a deep breath, and glanced over at his Asari Specialist. She didn't seem changed, she seemed as eager as always, which was good. After all, she needed to stay like this until the battle.

 

"One can never be too prepared" He said, not gently as Saul did, but not as a commander would his troops "Better to have, and not need, than need, and not have" He removed his hand from his Paladin pistol, somehow, he doubted weapons would be needed, after all, Saul Thiok was a crackshot, if he honestly wanted them dead, he'd of shot at them by now "But speaking of Omega, surely you know what the place is like. The Blue Suns, unless i'm mistaken, I hear the siege on Archangel was taking too long, they pulled in a Drell, unusual for the the Blue Suns. Now I can't say for certain what happened, but you returned home without getting paid. Why would that be, what happened on Omega that changed you?"

[Huscarl]

Saul blinked as the Turian captain, 'Sinestro' finished his question. He listened attentively to the captain, his eyes attempting to pierce the very soul of the commander until reached the end. He posed a very curious question indeed, it seemed as if only a person who had direct access to his memories and thoughts would know to pose such a question.

 

But he was a spectre. This is what he does.

 

"My soul was inches away from leaving my body" Saul replied, after a moment of reflection. "I was wounded badly, I surely would have died if it wasn't for the blessed intervention of Arashu, lord of protection" He continued, remaining sincere and serious throughout, his tone now matching the commander's. "My influence in the Galaxy is not over yet, I was notified I still have work to complete".

 

The drell stood up, battle scars visible throughout his ageing body, one would have guessed he looked in his early 50's. "But tell me, commander" He began to ask a question of his own to the captain. "I'm more interested in your story, please... Why are you recruiting us? For the rumour of invasion?" Saul had spoken uncharacteristic longer than he would usually have. Normally, he would have spoken few words and tried to remain as silent as possible, but he wad fascinated at decisions of the spectre standing before him.

 

"A bold choice..." He placed his hand on his chin, his eyes locked on 'The Unstoppable Force'. "But to go to so far as to believe in what some brand as 'scaremongering fairy tales?' Well, that's just idiocy, wouldn't you agree?".

[Zealot]

Tyrande was quite occupied with looking around for the Drell, trying to spot one who would fit the description of 'sniper' in the crowd. She jumped a little as her commander's steady hand rested on her shoulder, and he pointed over to a Drell who looked like they were praying. Tyrande had studied quite a bit of Drell culture over the years, as she had done with a lot of alien species. They had the fascinating eidetic memory brought about by the barren nature of their home-world, and their skin was infused with a hallucinogenic venom. Tyrande found them quite fascinating just for that, though their deeply religious nature was also intriguing. After all the Drell belief was similar to Tyrande's own religious customs, that of siari. 

 

The asari fell behind her commander, following him over to talk to the Drell, though she noted that while it was likely the Drell was friendly her commander's hand rested near his pistol. The specialist did the same, thinking that it would be best just in case he proved to be less of a friend to them. Still, she thought it was unlikely and kept her appearance as friendly as always as she studied him. He seemed slender, quick, about average for a Drell really. Darker green skin than usual, and he spoke in a very collected manner. Tyrande's tactical side told her that he would be a very useful asset.

 

At any rate, she let her commander do the talking. Tyrande wouldn't want to interrupt. Still, she did blush at being called beautiful. While she was well aware she was quite pretty, being called it broke her otherwise professional visage. Of course, most other races thought of the asari as beautiful, but she could never quite see it herself. Still, she appreciated the compliment and focused on the conversation. What were they talking about? Rumours of invasion? She'd heard of nothing of the sort. The Batarians were quiet, the Krogan were still on Tuchanka, and the Terminus Systems were hardly organised enough for an invasion. Could they be talking about the Geth? Was the attack on the Citadel just a start? Tyrande shuffled uncomfortably, but otherwise kept on smiling.

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro took several moment to think about what the Drell had said, Soul leaving the body. Then he recalled some of the things he had learnt about the Drell, heavily religious. That was all he knew about their religious beliefs, if he was perfectly honest with himself, he didn't care much about it. But if it worked for the Drell, who was he tell to him it was wrong? Everyone had something they believe in, something that drives them. It would be nothing short of cruel to tell the Drell he didn't believe what he was saying. Still, the Drell survived a shot from Archangel, not many could say the same thing. Perhaps he was protected, though Sinestro believes more in the protection of armour than a goddess.

 

"My recruitment efforts are, well, controversial for members of the council" Sinestro finally says after the Drell paused, the Turian could tell a weapon is now useless. This wasn't a war of might with the Drell, he would not be impressed through acts of combat, but through wit. Sinestro realized his best weapon with this Drell would be his wit, his honesty, and he hoped he could use them properly. Though he raised an eyebrow when the Drell called the Reapers, the threat of an invasion, a fairy tale.

 

"All things are true, till disproven Saul" he says calmly "There is nothing proving me wrong, in fact, i'm certain you've heard of the missing Colonies? Surely they warrant some suspect. At the end, it is like I said. Better to have and not need, then need, and not have. You know as well I do, the Citadel was just the start. I'd rather search, find nothing and be called a fool, then not search, and suffer the consequences of inaction" At this, he looked over at Tyrande. He knew she was in the part, admittantly, this Drell knew more about his mission than she did, and in that, it didn't seem fair on her. However, as much as he knew he should inform her, he needed to see where this Drell would stand. Would he stand beside him in this mission, or would he watch from the sidelines and hope Sinestro was wrong? He returned his eyes to the Drell, his gaze unwavering "Will you act, Saul Thiok? This rumor of invasion I fear, may be true. And as a Spectre, it is a sworn duty to protect to the council. But I cannot do it alone, I need a team I can trust, who I can rely on and who will rely on me. I may be a Spectre, but i live in this galaxy and wish to see it's continued survival. Do you?"

[Huscarl]

Saul took his eyes away from the commander, and stared blankly into the distance. He saw Drell and Hanar, happily working peacefully in the space port, going about their daily lives innocent of the litany of excess and violence that was growing in the stars above.  Sinestro was a spectre, a shining paragon, a beacon, if you will, of hope, order in times of chaos and dissension. Saul honestly had no doubts about the fervour and belief of the confident commander about the situations regarding missing human colonies, but it simply seemed infeasible. 

 

The 'reaper' threat. Some calling it a magnificent lie conjured by the hero, Commander Shepard. By why would such a brilliant commander make such things up? Why would he continue to push something that so many people would denounce as a fallacy? Sinestro brought many good points the to the table, why shouldn't this beat up, run down, skilled sharpshooter give it one more go? One last time into the breach.  What did he have to lose?

 

Perhaps this is what Kalahira told him. This is what he needed to do. 

 

He needed to assist these two righteous champions. A Turian, an Asari and a Drell, fighting for the stability of life. 

 

Saul looked back at the commander, a renewed vigour consuming his gaze. He held out his hand out in greeting, for the Turian to shake.  "This shall be my final battle, but I shall fight. It's a pleasure to be included within your party, Commander Sinestro".

 

He smiled for the first time in months. This will be the fight this old, beat up veteran he shall be remembered for.

[Zealot]

Tyrande listened to the pair as the conversed, remaining content to stay on the sidelines. She had faith that her commander would be able to recruit the Drell, if not then she was sure there was another sniper they could find. Still, she liked the Drell. There was a good feeling about him, even if he seemed to be a man of few words. After all, Tyrande preferred people who would talk to her about things. After all, she liked to make friends. Sure, they were in the military and they were comrades, that didn't stop them forming friendships did it? Or would it? Time would tell.

 

Still, it seemed the Drell was willing to come along and the asari smiled as he confirmed that he'd be joining them. "Cool, err, welcome to the team I guess," she blurted out, ignoring protocol for the moment. Discipline was important, but sometimes it got in the way of things, and she just wanted to make him feel welcome quickly. Right after she returned to her usual smile and was silent once more. 

 

But what had the commander just said? The attack on the citadel was just the start? Were they going to be going after the Geth on this mission? Still, what was that about missing colonies? She'd not heard of anything like that. A whole colony didn't just 'go missing' right? That was the stuff of horror stories rather than real life. She shuffled again on her feet. One thing was sure, she was going to be asking about it. Although she appreciated that maybe some things she didn't need to know, this sounded like something she did need to know.

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro was pleased with the result. Saul Thiok was in. Now his team was ready, maybe they'd pick someone else up on the way, who knows. But for now, he was set. He saluted Saul, though one part of what he said concerned the Turian. It was to be his last battle? Was he dying, or expecting to die on the mission? Or perhaps he was going to give up the life of a gun-slinger after this. Sinestro hoped it to be the last one, if only so Sauls' death wouldn't be an end result.

 

"A pleasure to have you aboard Saul, or as my Specialist has said, welcome to the team. Get your gear, whatever you have with you, and bring it aboard the Dependant. Of course, if you need anything, ask. My rank of Spectre makes things had to not get, and I refuse to have my team in need of something I can provide for them" He smiled as he took a half-glance at Tyrande. Part of her reminded him when he started, if she was less relaxed about rules. Then again, Turian military didn't give a lot of bending. He gave the Drell his com-link information, as well as the location of his ship, in case he needed to go back to his place before returning "We will depart whenever you are ready Saul, please don't take too long, we are against the clock"

 

With that, he turned around and started walking back to the Dependant, and without looking, assumed, and hoped, Tyrande was following him. She was going to need information, and in some form, an apology, though that could come later.

"And that is that. I suspect a lot of what I said you might not understand, Saul was as well informed about the current situation as I excepted him to be, you however, I fear are less informed. If you want to ask me anything, i'd suggest you do it now. There won't be a lot of time to ask questions on a battlefield unless it's what's the best way to take someones' head off"

[Zealot]

Uh oh, there was that look. He'd just given her a look right? Tyrande could tell if that was an indication she'd just stepped out of line or some sort of warning. Or maybe he was just glancing at her to make sure she hadn't wandered off. Still, he smiled afterwards. That was encouraging, maybe it was just a glance. She didn't know. Either way, she was glad that Saul was on board with them and she shuffled on the spot, eager to get off. More than anything she wanted to ask questions. If this mission was important then she'd want to know about it. She guessed she'd be informed when he wanted her to be informed. 

 

Once Sinestro had given Saul his contact information she turned around with him and started to walk back to their ship. She slowed her pace a little to let the Turian lead the way as he started to talk. Indeed, there wasn't much of that she'd understood and while Saul was well informed, Tyrande was not. How could she be? She was a recruit, nothing more. The only reason she was on the mission was that she was unique. There was a lot she wanted to ask.

 

The asari chuckled slightly and began, "Well, umm. Yeah I'd like to ask a few questions. Sir. What was that talk of invasion about? And missing colonies? Colonies don't just go missing. At least not asari colonies, though I think I would have heard about that. But I don't think a whole colony can just go missing, right? That's crazy isn't it?" There was a lot of questions, but there was one that was more important above all. "If this mission is as dangerous and important as that sounded. Well, why me? I mean, don't get me wrong I want to help. I know I'm unique, there's no other biotic that can do what I do. But I'm still just a recruit. We were going to have our graduation in a month or two, true. But I just don't get it..." She trailed off, a little wistful. Granted she'd jumped at the chance to work with a spectre, but she did have her doubts that she could perform to his standard. Even if her graduation was only a formal thing, she still felt that it was an important milestone. Tyrande still felt like she was, just a recruit, as she'd said.

[Shadowbolt0]

Sinestro smiled, on the Brightside, she didn't bend and didn't question. He liked that. Troops were usless if they didn't have their own brains, they needed to think, to ask questions, otherwise they were as useless as drones on the battlefield. Still, her questions were valid, for someone not knowing what he knew. He took a moment to think how to answer the colonies and invasion question, after all, if she believed Commander Shepards accusations, it shouldn't come as a shock, if she didn't, well, time for her to wake up.

 

"The invasion and missing colonies are one and the same i'm afraid. And you are very right, Asari colonies are untouched, it's human colonies that are being targeted. No other race has suffered from them except humans, and I have a very good theory in way. Commander Shepard was instrumental in defeating Saran, his Geth and more importantly, the Reaper. Do you remember it? The giant flagship of Saran that attached itself to the Citadel? If not for Shepard, we'd of died that day. It makes sense that in revenge, they target human colonies. How the colonies are being taken, I have no idea. But the colony just goes dark, no warning, no nothing. Once Saul gets aboard, we're going to go to one of the colonies, I have reports from an, old friend, there may be something worth a look"

 

He tried to give her time to let that sink in, it wasn't the easier thing to accept he suspected, telling a 'young' girl that, she might refuse to believe him. After all, at first, he'd refused to believe that Reapers were real, until he'd spoken to Shepard directly. He'd seen the fire in that Humans eyes, the determination, and the fear. He was not lying, reapers were real, and it was down to the spectres to stop them if the council didn't believe him.

 

"Huh? Why you...?" He repeated what Tyrande had said. While she was true, dangerous mission, so why her? Logic might say get someone experienced, get an veteran Asari Commando or a team of them, grab help from the Turian Military, or even the human Alliance.

 

"Tyrande, sometimes, things happen that are out of our control. Sometimes to understand is to put yourself at a disadvantage. Sometimes you've just got to, go with it. But, as for why I picked you out of everyone else in the galaxy, it's quite simple. You remind me, of, well, me. Before I became a Spectre, I was like you, just some nobody in the Turian Military. Sure, i'd gotten a promotion here and transphere there, I was nothing too special. Until the attack on the Citadel. I help the line with a group of C-sec officers, got civilians to safety, single-talonly took the fight to the Geth to let those men escape. And at the time, I was a nobody. Now i'm a Spectre for the Council. Sometimes, you've got to look at the little guy the new guy, untested, unlimited potential, willing to do whatever they need to, willing to test themselves. You're the new recruit, as I was. And for you, this is the Citadel all over again. After this mission, who knows where you'd go. You might become a leader of a Asari Commando Unit, if you're very impressive, i'll write up a recommendation for becoming a Spectre. The world is full of possibilities, never let your so called 'lack' of experience stop you"

 

Sinestro stopped walking, they'd arrived at the Dependant. It wasn't a long walk, and now, it was time to get Saul to arrive. When the Drell arrived, he'd be shown his living quarters then they'd have a meeting, it was nearly time to investigate a missing Human Colony, and start his chase of the Reapers.

[Zealot]

Tyrande followed suit and listened intently as the turian answered her questions. She was grateful that he didn't seem to be holding anything back, or at least didn't seem to at any rate. She appreciated the answers, but some of what he said didn't make sense to her. She'd heard Commander Shepard's allegations, that Saren had been working with the Geth to take over the citadel, though this talk of machines, far older than the Geth. She didn't buy that. Reapers were a myth to her, concocted by Saren to mess with Shepard, and he was still buying the lie. Tyrande didn't get it, the council had said that Sovereign had been a Geth battleship, nothing more. Why would the council lie about that. Surely if there was an ancient race of machines they would want the people to know of it. Right?

 

Still, if colonies were dissapearing then that was worth investigating. She didn't buy the Reaper myth, if there was an ancient race of machines why would they show themselves now. Would there not be signs of them? Traces, like with the Protheans? No, she didn't believe it. But if it was true that colonies were disappearing, human colonies. Well, that sounded like some sort of Geth attack. It was true what Sinestro had said, Shepard would no doubt have earned the ire of the Geth by foiling their attack on the citadel. Though there was also the possibility that by settling on the edge of the Terminus, the humans had angered some other third party. Reapers or no, it was probably worth investigating.

 

With that settled in her head she turned her attention to him once more as he answered her second question. It was true, she was untested, the new girl. Though it was also true that she did have potential. She could do it, this mission was important and he was depending on her. She could get it done. His encouragement meant a lot, and she was glad he didn't think of her just as a transfer. After this, she wouldn't need a graduation. No, she'd already have proven herself. This was just a different way of going about it. "Thank you, sir," she said, a little flustered. "I'll try and follow in your example." She smiled at that, feeling a little happier about her place on the mission.

 

With that out of the way she stopped with him at the Dependant and continued, "I'm not sure if I buy the whole Reaper thing, sir. Commander Shepard was no fool, but he was up against Saren. He was a manipulator, and... well I don't know, it just doesn't make sense to me. I think it's probably just a fabrication, a feint. Still, if these colonies are going missing then we need to find out what's going on. Those systems border the Terminus and the Attican Traverse. There's a lot of mercenaries and slavers in those systems, maybe they've found some new way of getting past the alliance defences?" She shrugged at that, "I don't know. I guess that's what we're going to find out."

[Shadowbolt0]

Follow his example? Sinestro held back a small laugh when the Asari said that, what was there to follow? What did he have she didn't? A title, some experience, that's all. She'd soon learn that she needed to lead herself, than be lead by him, but she would learn that in time. All in time, as that was training. This for her, would be the ultimate training drill, the exercise to end all other ones. And she would pass, she'd have to pass. If Sinestro was right, which he was certain he was, the whole galaxy was depending on this Asari.

 

He heard her, disagree with him? She didn't believe in the Reaper threat, but at least she admitted it, and didn't just instantly believe it. It was a common mentality, after all, the council said the warship was just an average Geth one. But Sinestro had his doubts, why would the ship attach itself to the Citadel? That made the least sense to him, you couldn't access the systems that way, so why? Why was always the question of the game.

 

"I see...Well, regardless of if you believe in the Reapers, the facts are the same. Human colonies are going missing, and I have a feeling it is retribution for what Commander Shepard did 2 years ago, so we will investiga...." Sinestro paused as his comm pad started buzzing. He pulled it out, and pressed a button on the pad. The face of a Turian popped up.

 

"Spectre, it happened"

 

The look on Sinestro's face changed, from unreadable, to shocked "What? When, where?" he demanded.

 

"Not far from your current location. A human colony called 'Reach', a small refuse location, nothing notable other than all communications from it just shut down several minutes ago. We noticed it because they were meant to be streaming data to the Alliances forces nearby, but suddenly they stopped"

 

"It's them...." He said, before putting the pad away and turning to the Asari. It was too soon, but sometimes, you've got to fire a rocket launcher before you know how to reload it.

 

"Tyrande, we've got battle. That human colony just went silent, and it's identical to how all the other colonies went missing. If these things are anything, it's predictable and efficient. That colony has about 10 minutes before they're all gone, and we're about 10 minutes away. Now Specialist, lets get rolling!" 

 

He sprinted into the ship, ordering his captain to get the ship moving! They didn't have long, and he refused to let more civilians die! Civilians didn't deserve this fate, they didn't deserve such a cruel fate as they've done nothing wrong! He swore he would punish the Reapers for bringing innocents into this!

[Zealot]

Tyrande shrugged at that. No, she didn't believe in the Reapers. The official council line on the existence of the Reapers was that they were a fabrication by Saren. If that was what the council said they were, then that was what Tyrande believed. After all, why would they lie? If they were lying, then there was a reason. Right? After all, if you couldn't trust the people at the top then what was the point? No, the council was at the very foundation of the asari psyche, she couldn't just not believe what they said. If these missing colonies were an act of aggression because of the battle of the citadel, then it was the Geth that were likely responsible. Though hadn't Commander Shepard gone missing in the traverse when he was going after the Geth? Had they not already had their revenge on him?

 

Still, there would be time for questions later. They needed to get moving, a colony was under attack. If the colony only had minutes Tyrande paled at what they were going up against. She only hoped Sinestro knew what he was doing. After all, something that could take out a colony in ten minutes definitely wasn't meant to be trifled with. Maybe they could at least slow it down for reinforcements to arrive. That was how she would do it.

 

The asari's face turned to a frown, and she dashed into the ship along with him. Surely there was something she could do to help to aid their investigation? Her biotics could come in handy here right? "I'm on your six, sir," she declared, right on his tail. "Sir, if we could get there fast enough. I don't know..." she trailed off, thinking. Her unique gifts let her do many things. Sense presences, even influence them. Perhaps if she got there quickly, she might be able to give some clue as to what did it. "It's hard to explain, I might be able to give us some idea of who has done this. They may have left some sort of imprint, signature if you will, on the place. If I can get there fast enough before it fades, I might be able to tell what we're up against. Even if we don't get there in time." Still, she would rather get there in time to save the colony. Lives were on the line, and while being able to tell who was doing this after they had been and gone was good, she would prefer to stop whatever was going on before they had time to do what they were there to do.