Liara T'Soni.
Luan positively irritates me. I understand that she doesn't do it out of malice; the Raloi is just interested in everything. A resident of an early industrial world found herself on a spaceship for the first time and managed to annoy Jalim and Joker. Yes, we are flying on the "Shadow Throne," simply because it is fast enough and relatively well-armed.
Against cruiser-class peers, the ship won't hold up, as Cerberus ships clearly demonstrated. But the "SSV Normandy" itself, if detected in time, could certainly have been driven off.
I expect to encounter long-range scouts at the location of the ship, at worst. And against such an opponent, the "Shadow Throne," a secret long-range scout cruiser, will manage. It's a risk, I know, but the goal cannot be missed.
Tela Vasir, having received her payment, sent the full information. Mercenary teams exploring the space around the Orion Arm of the galaxy found a strange response. And this response comes from a ship drifting through space at a distance of fifty light-years, beyond the reach of the ships that found it. For a ship to cover such a distance even one way, special mechanisms are needed, which makes such ships expensive and unprofitable. Which means the prize is unreachable.
The mercenaries turned out not to be idiots and tried to sell the information to everyone at once. And everyone, in response, decided to radically solve the issue with the overly clever individuals. That's how the data reached Tela Vasir, and she headed to the site to investigate. And that's where the problems came to light.
First: the ship is located quite far away, so not every Citadel scout can fly to it without roasting the crew in the process. Even among specialized ships, those with the appropriate range are a rare commodity. So Tela herself couldn't reach the ship.
The second problem: those who have such ships. At the very least, the Salarians. At the most, the Covenant. As soon as they arrive, access will be closed to everyone else. Which means we need to be in the front ranks. And that means it was the "Shadow Throne" that went on the flight, in case of Salarians. I hope they don't have super-dreadnoughts on combined technology yet.
And here I sit, reading the intelligence data forwarded by Tela Vasir, and I'm being bothered! Because she's curious and needs to ask!
"Luan, what else? I'm working."
The Raloi, walking around the compartment and loudly clicking her claws on the floor, asked:
"I wanted to clarify. We are flying in your flying house, speaker, to who knows where. Only because you were told there is something valuable there. And you even paid for it, like for shiny Serilium metal. Don't you think that's stupid?"
I sighed. Sometimes this bird is frankly rude. Jalim already wiped the training hall with her once to remind her that power isn't everything. It didn't last long. I looked sternly at the bird.
"I don't think so. And I wasn't just told; I was sent proof that there is something interesting there. And it's your own fault for flying with me. If you didn't want to, you could have gone to Thessia, to my home, I offered."
The Raloi ignored my comment, stepped closer, and stared at the "UNSC Spirit of Fire." She clicked her beak.
"A strange flying house. Why is it so valuable that you'd rush through the sky for it, losing feathers?"
Remind me, why did I take her with me? Ah yes, when I politely asked if Luan wanted to come with me, her parents practically kicked their daughter out and asked her not to return for as long as possible. In other words, but that was the essence. Because of the girl's ambitions, a political crisis was brewing for them, as the younger daughter is laying claim to the elder's place. And by tradition, this issue is resolved in a duel to the death, and the elder doesn't want to kill her sister; she's a kind and progressive young Raloi. And to avoid conflict, I had to help. She annoys me.
Luan knows perfectly well about this deal and is angry at her parents, her sister, and everyone in general. She even voluntarily agreed to a memory check so I could confirm: she is not an agent, she's flying with me only out of natural arrogance. No, it's pure ambition here. I'll have to explain.
"This 'flying house,' as you called it, belongs to the race of Humans and is called the 'UNSC Spirit of Fire.' Humans live in one part of the galaxy, the Orion Arm, where there is usually no access. The locals are definitely not happy to see guests."
Luan looked at the ship again, seemingly with interest.
"Secrets of alien nesting grounds, then. This could be interesting, useful, engaging. Unless, of course, our feathers are plucked. Undesirable."
I nodded, returning to the text again. These dimensions, is this true? The ship, judging by the photos and approximate measurements, turns out to be larger than the "Destiny Ascension." At the same time, there is no serious damage, but the ship is drifting. Why? A trap? Or a threat on the level of The Flood?
"It looks intact but abandoned, why?" I muttered in thought.
No one answered me. Luan had already left the compartment. Glancing at the cameras, I saw the Raloi heading toward the bridge. And wait! Who's that?
A Drell with a dagger slipped out of the shadows behind Luan. How did he get here? I immediately hit the alarm button and the intercom:
"Luan! Behind you! Corridor seven-C, compartment twelve! Intruder! Battle stations!"
The Raloi and the Drell lunged at each other simultaneously. After which... ahem. The Drell was thrown against the wall in a torn heap of meat, splattering the corridor with guts. Moreover, the attacker looked as if he had been ground up by buckshot; his face was torn, as were his hands. But on his chest was clearly a bulletproof vest, from which dozens of long, thin needles protruded... it's clear what happened. Princess Luan clearly has a surprise. As I suspected, there's much more than one needle. The Raloi inspected the dying Drell, the splattered walls, and her own clothes and feathers. From an Asari's point of view, the spots are almost invisible, but the Raloi irritably flapped her wings, sending even more spray in all directions.
The princess, looking at the creation of her wings, spoke in a clicking tone:
"You! You! You lizard! Is this even normal??? You ruined my dress! This flying house is completely insane! No security! No respect for a princess! All sorts of people sneaking up! Outrageous!" and she lowered her foot, clawing into the Drell's thigh. But he was already dead and did not react.
I rolled my eyes. This princess never changes.
"This one isn't one of ours," Joker noted over the intercom.
But this only angered the princess more.
"Even better, lead-far! An assassin is running around your house, and you don't know it!" and seeing the commandos run in, she added, "you're late, nest guardians! You are not my subjects, and I cannot punish you yet, but this is still extremely unprofessional! I'm going to my quarters. I hope at least it will be quiet there! I need to clean myself!"
With that, Luan headed down the corridor, loudly clicking her claws and expressing her attitude toward what was happening. A good question, how a Drell ended up here. I immediately contacted Jalim. She replied:
"We are searching the ship, trying to understand how he got on board. I'll let you know as soon as we find something."
One of the commandos replied about forty minutes later.
"Found it. One of the food containers is underweight, just the right mass."
We learned something.
Excellent, that's a hint.
"Check the other containers; we need to know if he was alone. And bring his Omni-tool. I don't think there will be anything at all, but it's worth a try. We'll study it."
The investigation showed two conclusions: the Drell was alone, and there was no information on his Omni-tool. If Luan hadn't killed him... However, voicing complaints to the Raloi would only invite an argument. The princess doesn't particularly like being told what to do. And here she would simply point to self-defense.
In short, we'll think. The Raloi herself proved herself quite well; she showed no visible mental consequences from the killing, gathered her needles, and stayed in her cabin. Not forgetting to tell everyone what she thought of the assassination attempt. Well, fine, I need to get busy searching for information while the ship is in flight. It will be quieter.
***
The results of the investigation are as follows: the Drell was looking for a specific transport ship. He got on board along with the food on a supply ship, sitting in a crate of produce. After arrival, he unloaded on board the "Shadow Throne" and, using a cloaking device, hid in the shadows for five days. Interesting drugs were found in his blood that reduced his activity and body temperature, which is why the thermal sensors didn't react to him. He masterfully hacked or bypassed the security system panels. In general, I learned a lot of new things about the holes in the ship's defense. Only by indirect traces post-factum were the technicians able to reconstruct the intruder's route; he was clearly a professional.
We also managed to find six points where this Drell appeared on other worlds, even before my appearance on the "Shadow Throne." He was likely investigating and looking for the Shadow Broker or someone who flies on this ship. Now it's impossible to find out, unfortunately. So, when we gathered during lunch, Jalim decided to speak about it. Especially since the Raloi wasn't bothered by the prospect of eating with everyone at one table; she came to us herself.
"If you hadn't killed him, everything would have been much simpler," Jalim expressed my point of view to the princess.
She clicked her beak.
"Just don't act like it's my fault. He broke into your house. And almost stabbed me. I did what you couldn't. You are to blame."
The Matron nodded.
"The point isn't that you killed him. It's that we could have read in his memory who sent him and why."
The princess opened her beak in complete shock and slightly spread her wings.
"What, even if you don't want to, you can still climb into someone else's memory, nest guardian?" and then to me: "I thought the speaker among nests asked because there was no other way."
I sighed.
"During a Melding, I see what the other is thinking. If you inject drugs into the blood, you can convince the subject to think about what I need. You didn't object, and I easily managed to see what was necessary. But this is a Drell, a professional; he surely wouldn't have given in so easily."
Luan made a whistling sound of interest.
"But with the right substances... I understand, speaker. This is interesting. This journey has already paid for itself."
I decided to inquire:
"And how so?"
She replied easily.
"My sister thinks she can achieve everything because power is promised to her. But there are many around who can tip the scales. Threats and opportunities. Power that my parents never dreamed of. I will get what none of them ever dreamed of."
I laughed.
"It's a bit early to think about power over the galaxy, princess."
She looked at me, at her shimmering blue feathers, and nodded.
"Early. First, I need to learn as much as possible. To be taught. And then I will get what is mine by right."
Fine. We've eaten, now we can think. I stood up and announced, looking the Raloi in the eye:
"I'm going to my room. Don't disturb me without a serious reason; I need to work," and I went to my office.
This time the Raloi didn't appear to get on my nerves, for which I am grateful. I was actually able to work and think.
The "Shadow Throne" arrived in an empty star system, close enough to the one we needed, but not directly there. It's not worth attracting extra attention, so Joker immediately took the ship to the far side of one of the system's planets.
"So, we're here. Orbit is stable, ship is fine, no more unaccounted-for Drell among the cucumbers," the pilot said.
I was surprised.
"Cucumbers?" what was he talking about?
Joker chuckled.
"Earth vegetables, green ones."
Ah, I see. Never heard of them. Apparently, it's a joke.
"I understand, although we don't have any cucumbers. Jeff, I'll need you for this."
Joker fell silent in surprise. Then, tilting his head, he clarified:
"Excuse me, of course. But are you sure? I don't know that much about these specific humans. I won't argue, I possess unstoppable charisma and sex appeal, but even that might not be enough here. And I'm not the best fighter."
Joker as usual. I tried to smile my most encouraging smile.
"Jeff, I'm almost certain these humans are like Cerberus. And if races that don't look like humans go there, they'll just attack us. Therefore, Asari will go—me—and you, a pure-blooded human. To make them feel more at ease. If they listen to us, I can do more. If they're alive there, of course."
Joker thought and agreed. Well, good. A scout ship with four commandos was the first to go through the Mass Relay. I spent this time selling our current supply ship and ordering a new one. This one is discredited, and in general, they need to be changed more often. My mistake.
And I sat on the comms, studying the data and guessing what might await us on the other side. I really have no idea what kind of ship this is or what it's for. In shape, the bow section vaguely resembles Alliance dreadnoughts, but first, it's much larger—two and a half times larger than the usual human dreadnoughts. Second, the stern doesn't match. All we have are guesses.
Upon arrival, Jalim reported:
"We're on-site, boss. So here... there are more ships in the system. Scanning."
Well, expected.
"How many, whose are they?"
The commando fell silent, then forwarded an image.
"A Turian carrier. Likely delivered a scout and is providing supplies."
That's a problem. If the mercenaries really sold the information to everyone, and the Turian Hierarchy sent troops for reconnaissance... We'll have to act boldly. The good news is that the Turians can't deploy large forces either. The operation of a Mass Effect Core accumulates a charge on the hull directly proportional to the ship's size, and the charge can only be quickly discharged against a planet's atmosphere.
Which means only very small ships, with a maximum of ten crew members and a very specific design, can reach the human ship, which is fifty light-years away... We need to intervene as quickly as possible before the Turians ruin everything.
Why not just give the ship to the Citadel? I'm almost certain these humans will clash with the Turians if they're there. Especially if the Hierarchy soldiers, in old Turian tradition, start demanding the ship's surrender. No, we need to act differently.
If I can negotiate mutual aid with the humans, we can get a lot of data for resources. Of course, if the ship is inhabited. If not, then it can be given to the Citadel. I'm still sure that humans can, if not be reconciled with the others, then have their relations reduced to neutrality. And for this, we need points where cooperation will occur. Without ultimatums, just cooperation.
Of course, it's not just about handing the ship over to the humans. I intend to squeeze as much resource and knowledge out of it (and if they're there, the crew as well) as possible. Maybe I can even buy information about the weapon used against the super-dreadnought. Unlikely, of course; I'm currently dividing the head of a Thresher Maw that hasn't even been found yet, let alone killed. But maybe! If the Turians simply capture the ship, we won't even get that. Or they'll kill themselves trying to capture it.
I connected to the shuttle's comms.
"What forces are being used for reconnaissance?"
An important question. It's good we didn't bring the "Shadow Throne" directly into the system; that would definitely have attracted attention. But I'm not naive enough not to think of such a possibility.
"They're watching the Mass Relay. Not attacking, but we were clearly noticed by interceptors. The system is being patrolled; if it weren't for the Quantum Beacon, I'd say we were being listened to."
Which means we'll have to fly in shuttles or act more boldly. We have two scout ships on board. If we fly to the ship, it means we won't be allowed to return; we'll be intercepted on the way back. Fine, we'll have to risk it.
"Proceed to the human ship. We need to understand what we're dealing with and whether we need to escalate the conflict."
If the commandos—and there are four of them on board—were unhappy, no one said anything. Their sergeant replied:
"The flight will take several days. When we arrive, we'll contact you."
I allowed myself a smile:
"Good, I'll be waiting."
***
Three days of quiet work later, the transmitter came to life.
"Commander, we're on-site. It... it's just huge! Colossal! Larger than the 'Destiny Ascension,' just a massive ship! And so unlike anything we've seen. This is a success, commander!"
I smiled; those three days of silence had been somewhat unnerving. And I'm glad they're alive and made it.
"What can you tell me about the ship?"
Jalim replied with a slight delay.
"It looks intact, though very old," the Asari replied, "the ship is drifting; it doesn't look like it's functioning at all. A Hierarchy shuttle is docked to the side; no activity noticed. Bio-scanner... the shuttle is empty, it's not penetrating the ship, I think. But we don't see any damage, nor any activity. The ship is just very old, even if it's intact. I think we can dock far enough away not to meet the Turians and take a look. I see an airlock on the opposite side."
Sounds good, though risky.
"If you're sure, try it. But stay in touch; we need more information. Don't take risks, okay? If you're killed, or if you kill someone, this flight will be pointless."
The Asari's hologram nodded.
"Understood. I'll tell our girls not to attack if they see humans. We're going in."
The wait dragged on long and slow. No, I understand that docking, breaching doors—all that takes time. But still, knowing but not seeing, this waiting and sense of the unknown, it gnaws at you. How I wish I were there... And I can't work normally; I'm worried and distracted. Goddess, I'm just jealous! I want to be there! I want to breach those doors, I want to penetrate the darkness of the corridors! I! Want! To be! There!
My heavy breathing was interrupted by the communication system turning back on.
"The squad is inside. Empty so far."
"Well! What's there!" I interrupted her, and immediately apologized to the commando, "sorry, Jalim, I just wanted to be in your place and I'm a little worried."
Her hologram smiled.
"I understand perfectly, Liara," and she immediately turned serious, "the ship seems empty at first glance. Power is at a minimum. We've only explored a couple of corridors; they're quite clean but empty. There are traces of battle; perhaps this section simply isn't used. But so far there's no proof. Searching further."
So, we'll leave the Hierarchy ship. I won't be able to tow it away anyway.
"Are you sure it's empty?"
Jalim chuckled.
"Well, how should I put it? It's huge, lots of decks, the compartments in this part of the ship are sealed off, there's no power. We've covered a very small part, so I could easily be wrong. I think it will take hours, if not days or weeks, to study it. Given that the Turians are also here somewhere. Gray corridors, doors, and inscriptions in Human. We're filming everything, but so far it's empty here."
I sighed. And I had hoped we'd find something more than a ghost ship. Although this isn't bad either.
"Where did you land, by the way?"
"At the side, closer to the stern, it seems to me. It's not particularly clear where the bridge is on this ship. And it doesn't look like a warship, to be honest. Lots of windows, lots of open decks. Maybe scientific or research. But well-armed, yes. Vilas says the weapons look newer than the rest of the ship. They probably underwent modernization," seeing my reaction, Jalim added, "relax. We'll bring all the recordings. I know it's not the same, but you need to relax."
Hm, now I want to be there again! I stood up and started pacing back and forth, trying to calm my own body. Until I was stopped by Jalim's sharp comment:
"We found traces of the crew!"
"What's there?" a second later I was by the projector, nearly knocking it over.
"Cryopods. There's a compartment here with dozens of cells, empty and clearly active; they were used recently. And we think there might be other such halls. And there might be people inside. Or outside them; we just need to look."
Excellent! But...
"Jalim, I remind you, do not engage in combat. If there is a crew there, they will contact you soon. We need to reach an agreement."
"I remember the briefing, Shadow Broker," Jalim immediately switched to my title, "don't be nervous. I've already given all the orders."
Wait, wait, wait, wait. Think, Liara, think. If there's a living crew on the ship, we can work with that. But if they're sleeping in freeze, if it's just a shift of technicians, the Hierarchy will capture the ship. We need to think, perhaps wake them up. The Matriarchs won't go into conflict with the Hierarchy fleet; that's obvious. But I have no idea what the Turians will do with this ship. The Matriarchs clearly stated their position: negotiate. And the Turians have Oma Ker; they might start making demands. No, we need to work with forces "unrelated to the government." I need to send a few messages and finally bring the Shadow Throne to the ship.
"Jalim, check how many survivors are there. Engage in reconnaissance; if possible, enter into contact with the crew. Talk them into it somehow, that we are not their enemies. Better yet, return to the shuttle and wait for us. Three days and the 'Shadow Throne' will be on-site. Then, with support, we will act. If anything, surrender; I'll get you out."
"Are you sure?" the Matron asked seriously.
No. But I don't have a better plan. Something is happening on the ship; I want to know what. I'll have to risk it.
"You are mercenaries of the Shadow Broker. No identifying marks. This crew is our chance to get as much information as possible from the humans for your commander. And for that, I need to create a window and drag the Shadow Throne into the system. I need time, and I don't need Turians."
"Understood. We'll win as much time as needed," Jalim reported.
"Thank you, and take care of yourselves."
I disconnected and immediately started a call to another address, setting the Shadow Broker filters. I'm at work.
"Matriarch," the Shadow Broker greeted, looking at one of my mother's supporters who had the necessary contact.
"Shadow Broker. To what do I owe the honor?"
"I have information that will undoubtedly interest you. And the opportunity to get more, much more. One only needs to wish..."
***
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