The head of the Salarian STG, like many right now, is extremely dissatisfied. And since the leader is dissatisfied, the subordinates are also dissatisfied, trying to fix it. Who knew the Batarians would screw up THIS badly? The plan was simple: having received information that some of the guests intended to go to Omega, leak the information to the Batarians so they would capture the guests, then intercept their ship on the way to the Hegemony worlds. All evidence would point to the Batarian Hegemony, and the guests, voluntarily or not, would end up on Sur-Kesh.
Except the ship never appeared on the expected route, and at the contact point, a transport was found whose pilots told a fantastic story: the guests simply slaughtered all the Batarians and hijacked their ship, locking the transport ship's systems with a virus. For an attempted escape with the guests' belongings. Never mind that there were forty Batarians there? And how many attackers? Five? HOW???
What is going on there, who are all these soldiers, what kind of beasts are in this crew??? It's unclear!!! No, seriously. What kind of beasts are in the landing party of this ship? According to their own data, they looked like a competent assault group, but nothing more. But this... And it's a good thing the crew from the Salarian patrol fleet also made a mistake. A very stupid one that saved their lives and ensured stealth, but a mistake nonetheless.
What the intercept ship's crew was thinking, connecting to the transport ship's system to verify information, is being investigated by internal affairs. But the virus spread to the Salarian ship, and both had to be rescued by the STG backup ship. During this time, the targets managed to reach Omega and get lost there. Of course, this changes nothing. Omega is a safe and rule-free zone only for very naive individuals. In reality, working on Omega is even easier; storming a building on the Citadel would raise questions, but on Omega, everyone is used to it. Not in just any district, but where would the guests get the money to live in the representative quarter? They would have to rent a spot in the port, their own housing, and ship maintenance. Likely, they must live on the outskirts, where it won't be difficult to get them. And there... disappearances, slave trade, and beggars surprise no one.
The district can be sealed off if Aria is paid enough. And this Matriarch certainly won't miss her chance; she knows how politics works in this galaxy. There's always a bigger beast; that's a rule that always applies. But the fact itself! And then there's the matter of contact.
"The Turians have blocked the outer perimeter but left two routes that will allow, albeit using FTL, to bypass the blockade. This will take about sixty days, according to the maps obtained from the 'Normandy'."
The head of the STG turned to the forwarded file. As is known, primary Mass Relays form pairs, and secondary ones can connect to any Mass Relay, using primary ones as bridges. Albeit with a shorter range. The Hierarchy forces hold primary Relay 314 and the backup leading into explored space and into the future space of Humans. But if you find the right secondary Mass Relays located close enough to bypass the pair... It's long, but feasible. And this is likely how the Turians and Asari will act.
"It will still take them about two standard years to reactivate the bridges bypassing the blockade. If they act completely covertly and lay the bridges past it."
But this means something. It would be naive to expect that Turian specialists "didn't notice" such an obvious bypass route. To assume they didn't notice would be to insult the Hierarchy's fleet and intelligence. So they noticed, but they have reasons to force the situation. What are the options?
Economic? Obviously. Corporations are thrilled and in anticipation; everyone wants to get there before the competitors.
Political. An obvious agreement with the Asari. Yes, the data on the Reapers was passed to all Citadel races, but it's obvious the Asari know more. The Turians have laid down three new shipyards, and it's unknown where; only from logistics records can it be assumed they exist. Negotiations are not being held on the Citadel; Asari and Turians fly to visit each other in person. A direct request from the Councilor showed total denial from the other Councilors of the triumvirate. All important negotiations have been urgently moved to other worlds in Space. They know something.
And this forces them to act covertly, to force contact.
"It should be assumed that the window was left specifically for those who will push for contact. In two years, the noise in the media will disappear, and the fact of premature contact will be accepted more easily."
The commander nodded. But that's not all; it's not enough. Reapers. An unknown variable. What exactly did they learn about the Reapers that made them jump through the marsh, stirring the water? What do Humans have that the Council is pushing active operations, effectively bypassing laws and their own structures?
The Spectres are not involved; on the contrary, they are pushing for compliance with the laws. Both the Turians and Asari have increased army funding and are discussing technological funding. Logically, they have a ship. But not on such a scale. Rearming the fleet with guns based on 'Thanix' will be not just expensive, but prohibitively expensive. But they have clearly set their sights on it. At the same time, information is being filtered even more carefully.
As if. Wait-wait-wait-wait. That's it! An obvious separation of actions on the Citadel and outside of it. Separation even at the level of information traffic, personal visits. Is the Citadel compromised? Но how? More information is needed. What the others know.
"We need to inform the Dalatress and hold several meetings. With representatives of the Hierarchy and the Republics."
"It will be done, commander."
And prepare a backup plan. In case they don't cooperate, the table can be flipped using the Batarians and the Terminus Systems. Officially, the Hegemony, of course, won't get involved. Unofficially, all that's needed is a group of lunatics who will activate the Mass Relays. And then, when pirate fleets rush there to plunder the weak newcomers, the Council will be forced to provide them protection. And the rest will have no choice but to cooperate. The Salarian STG knows how to do more than just act covertly. But that's a last resort. For starters, let's try to obtain information by other methods. Intelligence and diplomacy. The dagger is for the extreme case.
***
Tali didn't even try to hide her irritation. After arriving on Omega, it was as if a target had been painted on them. Seriously, there wasn't this kind of junk with John! No, seriously. Ever since arriving on Omega, problems have been pouring in. Batarians, clearly offended by the loss of their ship. Blood Pack, mercenaries. The ship had to be sold through Aria almost immediately, just to avoid a conflict we couldn't afford to pay for. As Aria noted:
"The ship is yours, and if the Batarians cause damage and then die, I will still demand you pay for the repairs. Decide."
We had to sell. We paid the Krogan off and went our separate ways. Of course, it wasn't all bad; Aria decided to oversee the deal as the ruler of this place. So even though we don't have a ship now, the money will last a very long time. The Frigate was in good condition.
"If only these mercenaries would back off."
We are sitting in a rented apartment in one of the city-station's towers. A necessary measure to secure EDI. Also a gift from Aria, who, upon a request for a room with good power access, charged a steep price, but the offer was worth it. The premises are in a safe district and have a separate room for a server. Not an office, more like a potential headquarters for about twenty mercenaries, and the three of us are renting it. Bunks, an armory, thick walls, and windows with cast shutters. According to the Batarian who brought us here:
"There's a high demand for places like this. Serious mercenaries, companies, Spectres. As long as you're in the building, you're safe; the neighbors will be actively against any stormtroopers."
Well, that makes sense. There truly haven't been any suicides trying to break into the building this week. But going out as an incomplete group is dangerous; the pursuers quickly figured out where we were staying. I and Javik aren't very good at tracking, but according to EDI:
"The Blood Pack is watching from a car below. They are the most careless; Krogan are not that good at tracking, and security has dealt with them twice already this week. The others have taken better positions in the buildings opposite."
I made a wheezing sound under my helmet.
"This is so difficult. We can't look for Quarians properly; we can't even go out normally. It'll be a firefight."
But we can't stay here either; the longer we sit here, the better they'll prepare. Sooner or later, the attackers will figure out how to smoke us out without bothering the other residents. Problems. To complete our part of the task and survive, we need to be able to get out of here. With two techs, me and EDI, hm.
"EDI, what do you think we can do from here? I mean a diversionary maneuver."
Javik, who had been sitting silently in the corner all this time, raised all four eyes to us. EDI thought for a moment.
"Not much, actually. This station is quite old and primitive. There are basic electronic systems, but the ventilation is entirely mechanical; it can't be turned off remotely. The further from the station center, the less there is. I could crash the systems of 'Afterlife,' but Aria would be furious about her headquarters. This building is also quite densely connected to the network. But each block is isolated to complicate cyber warfare. This truly is expensive housing."
I nodded.
"We don't need much. This building, the neighboring ones where the saboteurs are—deprive them of elevator access, at least. If we can lock the armored shutters, that's also good."
"Then what?" Javik asked, "if we escape, they will pursue. If we attack, it will be a conflict for which we will be blamed."
Yes, it's difficult. We need to get rid of everyone somehow. Not to mention the Blood Pack, which simply doesn't bother with particularly complex technology. The core of the gang is Krogan and Vorcha. Vorcha are just half-beasts who shouldn't even theoretically be in Citadel space. A primitive society, naivety. Capable of mastering a flamethrower or small arms, they breed and regenerate quickly. Easily managed, they understand the language of force. And Krogan—as Humans say, "three hundred kilograms of very angry lizard, and that's without armor." Strong, resilient, aggressive. I have an idea.
"EDI, where do you think Vorcha liquid crap needs to be placed to short out the electrical switchboard?"
Javik refused to comment on that; EDI, however, nodded.
"We could modify your drone to deliver biological material to the site. This might work if, as a result of the incident, the 'Pack' stops blocking our entrance. That leaves two groups, one on the second floor, the second in the building opposite on the sixth. We can attack the group in this building when the lights go out. We'll have to act quickly; the emergency system will restore power within a minute. First, life support and sealing systems—this is a space station; I know the order in which power is supplied. A building of this security level must be airtight. Then other systems will connect if there is enough power. Think, Tali, what can be done?"
Damage the backup system? It would be noticeable. But what if...
"I have one idea, and I don't like it."
Javik looked at me for ten seconds and then remarked:
"When my team was indoctrinated, I tracked and killed them all. I doubt your proposal can be worse."
Well, yes, but it's one thing to shoot enemies, another to make them suffocate. On the other hand, in case of capture, nothing good awaits us, yes.
"I think I could sabotage the ventilation system. These buildings, being part of the space station, have protection systems for depressurization. There is a specific order for supplying power to systems; if there is no atmosphere in the room, the automation won't allow the doors to open, to save lives. Of course, they might have helmets and air supplies. Or they might not."
That makes sense. Omega is a giant airtight city; ninety percent of the population doesn't even have oxygen masks and never has. The chances that mercenaries would keep oxygen supplies within walking distance... If they were Quarians, it would make sense. WE live our lives in environmental suits on ships to have a supply of atmosphere just in case. We'll need a drone, but this can be done before breaking the distribution board.
"We still don't know what to do with those in the parallel building. I won't be able to fly the drone to the other side."
EDI thought for a moment.
"One group of mercenaries is not three. Besides, it might be seen as eliminating competitors. Additional cover."
That makes sense. Let's do it.
***
Step one: carefully drag the drone through the ventilation. Technical drones can be very versatile if programmed correctly. Shield damage, access points for hacking, dealing damage. A drone can do everything. The hardest part is guiding it through the building's ventilation system to the right point. It's only in stories that you can crawl through ventilation. In reality, there are partitions, fans, and the ventilation itself is quite narrow. But I have a cheat in the form of EDI. Many characteristics of the holographic drone can be adjusted. Not durability, unfortunately, but making it more compact or temporarily turning off power to a fan is possible. Or shorting it out, but we need them to work. So no.
Now I have a giant complex maze for a little robot in front of me.
"You know, EDI, this reminds me of the suicide mission. That Collector station," and to Javik, "Prothean Husks. I had to personally crawl into the pipes and bypass the security. Now it's a drone instead of me, but I'm controlling it directly; EDI is simulating the corridor. It looks similar."
Javik clicked his jaws. It seems Turians and Protheans share this as a fairly universal gesture.
"I have seen the records," Javik reported, "it was the site of one of the major battles. The Reapers used our brethren against us, like Cerberus. They had infrastructure, a fleet. They pretended to be us and attacked worlds. Help that stabbed us in the back. They were destroyed. Likely, not all of them. I am grateful to the Commander for ending that story."
Indeed. Right, don't get distracted. A long narrow gut with traps and sensors; I need to guide the robot to the right point, connect it to the board, and invert the system. And when the emergency mechanism supplies air, instead of pumping it in, it will be pumping it out. A little more and...
"I'm in the switchboard room."
A small room in the corner of the corridor, locked from the outside with an alarm. Lots of cables and consoles. A fairly inexpensive but reliable project. One room per floor.
"Good, EDI. I'm connecting. Done," data from the console began to flow to the omni-tool.
This is the power of an engineer. Not just a self-destructing drone, but a technical sabotage module in a technical society. And Quarians are the best at this.
"This will take a little time, Tali."
Good, we're in no hurry. Of course, we could be terribly unlucky and a technician might decide to check the console at this exact minute and we'd be exposed. Just kidding, that didn't happen. A small software defect in the life support system; without a deep scan by a specialist, no one will understand anything. There haven't been major depressurizations in Omega's central block for decades, otherwise there would be a pile of corpses. No, maybe in the outer blocks such things happen, but not here. They keep the protection up to standard. Но sentient beings have a habit of relaxing when everything is fine for a long time. And now we can play with the system quite well. A few changed values and it's done.
"Alright, I'm finished here. Withdrawing the drone and destroying it."
Next phase: Vorcha crap. Finding Vorcha crap on Omega is quite easy. These creatures are very resilient, eat whatever they find, and defecate. The Blood Pack left a group of two Krogan and three Vorcha; judging by what EDI saw on the cameras, they play the role of servants. Well, the rest is a matter of technique. Find the right corner, collect the substance. Find the switchboard, install a monument not made by hands, blow up the drone, shorting everything out and flooding it. Actually, the drone has an effect that burns out electronics; the crap is only for distraction. The stench of burnt electronics and fried crap will be such that no one will want to investigate too closely, I hope. The light flickered and went out; silence and darkness fell. Including the quiet hum of the ventilation. Perfect. This is what a Quarian technician at work looks like! I'm good!
"It worked."
EDI nodded.
"In four seconds, the emergency power will turn on. One. It's working."
A quiet hiss and hum were heard; the ventilation system started up. Then the red emergency lighting. And then a mechanical voice announced:
"Attention. Depressurization detected. Activating protection system. Stay safe." From outside came the clang of a hatch shutter. I looked at my companions.
"EDI?"
She gave a creaking chuckle.
"Likely a redundant system. I didn't see it in the network."
In any case, the fact that we're here is even better. We have an alibi. Well, yes. The fact that the overhead light didn't turn on is a good sign. It means the protection system only powers priority mechanisms during an emergency. Javik, meanwhile, went to the window.
"They noticed in the neighboring building; they have a conflict with the Krogan below."
We gathered at the window to watch the "Pack" mercenaries below yelling at Batarians in armor. If these guys wanted to be stealthy, they failed. No, a Krogan can be invisible if he wants to. Wrex won't let me lie; this Battle Master can be quiet and deadly when he doesn't want to be big and scary. I miss him.
"By the way, where do you think Wrex is right now? If we can convince him, he'll help us a lot."
Javik isn't really acquainted with him, but EDI answered:
"He will be hard to convince. Don't forget, he went through years with Shepard; he was with us in many dangerous situations and accepted us as brothers-in-arms. Right now we have none of that—no Mordin Solus to secure his support, and words won't mean anything."
A pity. That big guy could be really good. Meanwhile, below, the conflict almost escalated into a fight when mercenaries intervened. Because of the thick protection, we can't know what they are discussing, but Aria's squads clearly won't allow a showdown in this district. That's why a fight wasn't an option, as Aria herself made clear when we met at her club.
"Do you think they'll be driven away?"
EDI didn't answer immediately.
"Depends on their behavior. The Batarians, possibly not; the Blood Pack..."
At that moment, the battle began. The Krogan drew shotguns and attacked both groups; the Vorcha doused the nearest targets with flamethrowers. Except the forces were clearly unequal. The Vorcha were the first to be killed; regeneration without proper protection and with explosive tanks on their backs is a poor plan. The Krogan lasted longer. They are tough and armored; one even hit with biotics, meaning he's quite strong. They were throwing Batarians and mercenaries around, hitting with shotguns, but there were only two of them, and there were a dozen shooters, even with six corpses. Eventually, the Krogan fell too. First the biotic—he was simply riddled with bullets from all sides—then the fighter, who managed to wound two more during that time.
"According to my calculations, the Batarians will have to pay for five cars, three killed Aria's soldiers, and broken glass and goods in the shop. They will likely be kicked out of the district at least until payment." Our mission is successfully completed; we can carry out the task.
Excellent, it worked.
"Then we wait until we're extracted and head out to look for Quarians before they return. This is dragging on."
***
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