Alex sits in front of Tali in the open section of the Crew Quarters.
Privacy is simply not available here on board… Only Shepard has her Captain's cabin… she sure is lucky!
"Everything alright on board? Not like I can change much, but if you're having problems…" Alex says, staring at Tali, her purple suit almost reminding him of a certain spider.
"It's okay. In fact, I am learning a lot on board the Normandy. It is an impressive ship, and Engineer Adams is a kind man. Despite me being Quarian, he's teaching me and trusting me enough to do some work of my own," Tali explains.
So what do you want then?!
"Look… I never got to say thank you. You risked your life to save me," she finally says.
"It was part of the mission, and really no big deal. Call me a misogynist, but when I see a beautiful lady in need, I am still more than willing to help out, if I can."
"So you would have let me die if I were a male?" she asks, confused.
"... probably not. Though I would have treated you a little harsher and would have acted a little more rude and annoyed—and maybe tried to eat a few bullets less," Alex admits.
"ke'sed..." she mumbles.
No you!
"Anyway, we share a goal. Let's help each other out in the future, okay?" Alex asks, trying to get rid of the awkwardness in the room.
"I'll repay you… one way or another," she responds.
Alex blushes, "What… do you mean by that?" he asks, visibly shocked.
"Nothing weird! You are a very … unique human. You're treating me very differently than others…" she finally says, standing up and walking toward the elevator, before turning around once more.
Who is the weird one here?
Time passes, and Alex stands next to Joker alongside Shepard.
"So, Knossos system? Are there Prothean ruins somewhere?" Alex asks.
"Yes, on Therum. We're getting information about weird signs and communications. The whole planet is a lava world, resembling hell itself, so it's quite dangerous," Joker states.
"Wait, I'm pretty sure it's not that bad. It's a human colony after all. Conditions are harsh, but you're exaggerating, Joker." Alex responds, disagreeing with Joker.
"Exactly, Joker, Kerber is right," Shepard chimes in. "Also, who do you think managed to provide us with the information? Therum is an important planet providing rich resources to humanity. Anyway, we don't have the exact location of the ruins, so we're using the Mako to take a closer look. Are you a good driver, Kerber?"
"... I am a very secure and calm driver, who likes to avoid unnecessary risks…." Alex responds, his words chosen very carefully.
"I'm driving then! Get the crew ready, expect us to land in half an hour!" Shepard orders.
"Who is joining us?" Alex asks, not sure who to call.
"The Mako can fit eight people. I think Garrus should operate the weapon systems, so he's with me in the front. The passenger hold can hold up to six people, so even if Wrex takes up two spots, you'll all join me. Though, tell Jenkins he should stay on standby in case of a rescue mission. I honestly think that guy is a little too green. He also lacks any useful skills, and Williams is far more experienced and skilled than he is. If Saren is aiming for T'Soni's life, we can't have him around, depending on us. So it's Alenko, Williams, Tali, Wrex, Garrus, and us."
"Heh, I heard him crying that you refused to buy him anything," Joker says with a grin.
"That greenhorn just got a brand-new suit before Eden Prime—he should be thankful for that!" Shepard says with a grin.
Guess she saved a few credits there… I mean, she almost spent a million on mine.
"I guess I'll quickly gather the team then."
Alex leaves the cockpit and gathers the rest. In the Crew Quarters, they all ready their new and old equipment before descending into the Garage and entering the Mako.
Before Alex enters, he quickly checks his new armor, especially his new shields, which make him smile.
Alex Kerber: Lvl 6
HP: 373/373, MP: 373/373 AURA: 263/263 SHIELDS: 350/350
He also quickly checks his current Credits and spots a total of 28,000.
Sufficiently prepared, Alex grabs as much [Omnigel] and [Medigel] from the Normandy's supplies as he is allowed, the system limiting both to 10, slightly disappointing him.
Quickly, he transfers all his credits to Menchi through his omni-tool, an idea quickly appearing in his mind.
[Alex: I may need those Credits back soon, but if you need a short-term loan, feel free to use them. If you can, try to replicate Medigel and Omnigel. I am limited to carrying 10 of each. If we leave this world, my supplies will run out eventually, as I need both for my armor. If you succeed, that would be a huge help not only for us, but also for others and might earn us a fortune!]
Finally, Shepard enters the Mako, and the Normandy slowly descends towards the planet's surface.
Before reaching it the Normandy opens its ramp and Shepard confidently drives the Mako, across it, dropping onto the ground, which is still a good distance away.
Alex can feel the Mako shake as Shepard activates its micro-thrusters to soften the landing. Despite the Mako shaking, everything goes smoothly.
Fuck… this feels wrong… it all depends on Shepard now. I have to pray my LUK is enough!
Alex, listening to the comms channel, hears Joker's voice: "Commander, spotting a Geth Dropship! Careful, incoming Geth! I can't get close to help you. I am also detecting numerous turrets nearby—I fear you have to disable them to allow me to get close. You are on your own for now."
"Great… we are doing our best! Why can't things go smoothly for once?" Shepard curses.
Shepard, thanks to her skillful driving, avoids incoming fire and shoots at the Geth dropped by the ship.
Thankfully, the passenger hold of the Mako includes a monitor, so Alex sees Shepard actually skillfully engaging the enemies in combat, not just depending on her luck. There are two Geth Armatures, four-legged anti-vehicle and anti-personnel units with heavy firepower and thick armor, notoriously difficult to destroy in front of them, firing beams in quick succession.
The Mako, however, with its 155mm mass accelerator cannon, quickly dispatches the enemies, while dodging incoming fire by Shepard changing directions or even using its thrusters to just fly above it.
I want to leave and loot them! Though I think they won't drop anything if the Mako gets rid of them… that would be too unfair. The System wouldn't be that generous.
The Mako continues to drive through the rocky, slightly volcanic terrain, moving toward the signal the Normandy picked up earlier.
It takes a painful 15 minutes, during which Shepard takes care of quite a few Geth and numerous turrets, before the Mako finally reaches a refinery. While Shepard is able to drive the Mako inside the refinery, firing like a lunatic—using its weapons to annihilate the nearby Geth—the facility's back-gates are closed, blocking further progress.
"There are Geth hiding in the buildings! Get out and find a way to open the gate!" Shepard commands, opening the back of the Mako, allowing the group to leave.
Alex rushes outside, followed by the rest, with only Shepard and Garrus staying inside.
He hears her voice through the comms: "Kerber, you are in command. If too many enemies are around, lure them outside so I can take them out with the Mako. If something happens, notify me immediately."
Alex rushes into the nearby building, directly next to the gate, Wrex, Kaidan, Ashley, and Tali following him. It's a small metal structure with a sloped floor, rising with a 180-degree turn, leading up to a platform at the same height as the gates blocking their path.
Inside, he immediately comes under fire.
Rolling forward to desperately dodge, Alex notices his new shield taking a few hits.
You have received 45 damage (blocked by shields)
You have received 31 damage (blocked by shields)
Alex sees a few white-colored Geth Shock Troopers—heavily armored infantry units.
Wrex, who quickly surges ahead, draws fire onto himself, his massive frame and armor taking heavy damage, his shields collapsing nearly instantly.
This silly guy! What is he doing?!
He roars and uses Push, forcefully throwing a Geth Shock Trooper against the wall despite its shields—an impressive display of raw biotic power.
Alex rushes forward and sprints toward another Geth.
Activating Thunder Sword to gain more speed, he slashes at the closest Shock Trooper, while Tali and Kaidan use various abilities against the enemies on the upper floor.
You have dealt 141+101=242 damage to Geth Shock-Trooper
You have destroyed Geth Shock-Trooper
Kaidan, Ashley, and Tali start wildly firing, targeting the remaining Geth on the upper level.
Alex, using this chance while his speed bonus from [Nimbus Cloak] is still active, presses forward and destroys the two remaining Geth on the upper level in a single powerful horizontal slash.
You have dealt 121 damage to Geth Shock-Trooper
You have destroyed Geth Shock-Trooper
You have dealt 111 damage to Geth Shock-Trooper
You have destroyed Geth Shock-Trooper
Alex sees something sparkling and picks it up.
He sees an item his system recognizes as [Geth Part].
[Geth Part]
World: Mass Effect
Quality: Green
Type: Part
Note: A Rare Geth part, that hasn't completely shut down. Harmless, but useful.
Note: Can't be taken out of this mission. Can be sold for Credits. Upon returning to the Fantasy Realm, this item will automatically be converted into 5,000 FC.
Not bad!
Adrenaline still rushing through him, he finds the nearby gate controls—but has no clue how to activate them. To his shock, there isn't just a single Green Button he needs to press, instead he sees multiple buttons and control sliders.
Alex just smashes the biggest button he sees, and to his surprise and immense relief, the gate begins to open.
"Gate is open, Kerber. We're under fire from the back of the refinery. We have no time! The Geth Ship has apparently landed. We need to hurry!" Shepard relays through the comms.
Quickly rushing back, his teammates already back inside the Mako, Alex dodges the incoming fire from the rear of the refinery and jumps into the Mako, Shepard immediately gunning it through the now-open gate and speeding out of the base.
"Damn, this is fucking stressful!" Alex curses.
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