Turian Troop Transport and Chasca Team

[Vynx]

Date: March 31st, 2184 _
Location: Maroon Sea Cluster; _
Citadel Troop Transport en route to the Planet Chasca - 23:23 Hours _

"Reinforcements are on the way." Said the ship captain. "We are 25 minutes out. Have the Geth attacked yet?
...
...
Excellent. Well don't jump the gun. Leave some action for us!"

The ship is packed full of Turians. The transport has three floors, with two rows of back-to-back chairs 100 men long on each floor (The layout looks like this: /\ _ /\ [/\ being back to back chairs, so there are 400 troops on each floor, 1200 altogether on this ship. ) There are also various turrets in the front and back of the ship, most of which are unmanned.

Some of the Turians on board are soldiers, others are bounty hunters and mercenaries looking for their next meal. As the ship captain continues his conversation, the focus shifts to two troops sitting next to each other. Though both are Turians, they seem to have a different air about them than the other troops sitting next to or in front of them. They have seats facing the aisle, and so there are 100 Turians looking right back at them. Seeing as there is still much time left before the transport makes planetfall, there is little else one can do but strike up conversation. Knowing this, a young Turian recruit began to speak to the two sitting in front of him.

"So you two are the Bounty Hunters, correct?"

"...What of it?" Responded the male (Darius).

"Yes," responded the female (Vynx)

"Wow. You guys are real talkative." Replied the soldier. "I guess you are all wondering where we're going, huh?"

"I know we are headed for the Maroon Sea cluster." Answered Vynx.

"That is all we know... other than the fact that Geth are involved." Added Darius.

"I heard the Geth are assembling there. Apparently, they're going to try and take over a planet." Said the soldier.

"Conquer a planet?" Asked Vynx. "But there aren't any colonies out there."

"That's right." Replied the soldier. "I had heard that they were going to colonize the one in the Matano System, but those plans are just being finalized."

"So the Citadel wants us to fight for a colony that doesn't even exist yet?" Asked Darius.

"I guess so." Replied the soldier. "I mean, if they're calling in a force this large, the Geth must mean business. If--"

"Quiet down everyone!" The captain suddenly yelled. "We've picked up a new signal on the radar... and it doesn't look too friendly."

To this, all of the troops on board looked at the captain.

"Captain, its closing in fast." Commented a Turian sitting at the radar. "Its a Geth ship!"

Just as the navigator said that, a Geth dropship quickly pulls along the side of the transport.

"...
Yes... Its Geth.
...
Negative! If we leave them, they'll land on the planet and we'll have to deal with them anyway! If we try to run, they'll just shoot us down.
...
...
Understood. Thank you. Over and out."

To this, the Captain turned on the intercom and addressed everyone on board.

"I'm releasing the restraints. Battle stations! Prepare to board enemy ship!"

***EVENT BATTLE - GETH SHIP***

---

A potent dose of reality never felt so good.

Vyniliexas' mind was wrapped in fiction when intruded upon by the Turian seated opposite of her. A rookie, by the look and sound of him. Although slightly vexed, Vynx stilled the twitch of her mandibles and mustered the lenience to reply indifferently. He was, after all, not the enemy. Better yet, he was a Turian.

Before she could respond, the Turian seated to Vyniliexas' left spoke up. The blunt manner of his reply confirmed what Vynx had earlier imagined. For one, he was a merc. She predicted this possibility mostly on account of the silence that engulfed him for nearly the entire trip. Silence coupled with a rather brittle aura that exuded from him tirelessly. Even though she had been situated beside him for hours, she had only chanced to throw a sideways glance at the unsettling Turian once or twice.

But she did not fear him.

Vyniliexas graced the rookie with civility for a short while longer, soaking in the rarity of the ominous Turian's words. Supposedly, this transport was on it's way-

Comm chatter. The pilot barked for silence; the soldier-crowded hull complied instantly. Geth inbound. Finally, Vynx would be able to relish the feel of cold steel in her hands and the insurmountable atmosphere of battle. The pilot's orders were established: take down the hostiles.

Vyniliexas was the first to rise. She cradled her helmet under one arm as she shifted uncomfortably on her limbs, quickly expelling the rigidness. In one fluid motion she raised her helmet, set it in place, and engaged the seals along the base of her neck. Her HUD appeared a second later, along with the sight of many eager Turians rushing to claim a turret seat.

With her face plate shielding any view from the outside, Vyniliexas turned to finally get a full look at the stoic Turian. She was slightly relieved that she hadn't attempted to converse with him earlier. The Turian had a sandy color to his skin, but black slashes of paint sharply contrasted the neutral tone. His armor - the envied Silverback - was a make worth reckoning. And his eyes - well, suffice it to say the Turian had a gaze that could bore though twelve inches of reinforced steel.

Thankfully, an idea happened across her mind.

"Turian," she addressed him quickly, "You look like you've seen a few battles."

She ran two fingers over the quick-release on the sheath of her Talon, an absent-minded habit she'd developed years ago. Admittedly, this time was due to a slight unnerving. Still, she did not fear the Turian. She only feared that he would slight or underestimate her, neither of which Vynx would respond mildly to.

"There are a few APU's (Aerospace Propulsion Units) over there. By the time the gunners put a hole in those enemy shields, we could be well on our way to host the welcoming party," Vynx offered.

"If you're willing to slaughter multitudes of Geth, that is," she finished pointedly.

---

Darius barely suppressed a grin after hearing his female compatriot

"Now that is a language I can understand, soldier!" He said with unmasked glee, "I will prove a most gracious host for them!"

Darius rose from his seat and began to mentally prepare for combat. Bristling with anticipation, he recited litanies he had learned from his early days in the Turian Military, affixed a faceplate to his helmet, extended his pressure-activated talon, and took his much beloved Sokolove X from its place on his back. Beneath him, he could hear a mounted turret thumping away, and the clamor of the troop transport was around him.

Sauntering over to his position in a fashion much more controlled than the rifle-touting grunts, he took looked over at the sole female on board, the one he had been seated next to. She was definitely a merc, he could tell by her relative calm compared to the soldiers on board. She was smaller than most, but well-muscled and sure-footed enough to compensate.There was also a look of purpose and ferocity in her eyes, and a sense that she would not be merciful to her enemies. However, she was still to prove herself, and for the time being, still unworthy of his respect.

His train of thought was interrupted by officer ordering him into position. The thumping of the turrets grew louder, and the crew stilled, every last man thinking about the battle that was to come.

---

"Ten seconds until I open the airlocks, seal your suits and prepare for combat, soldiers!" the transport's captain said over the intercom.

Darius and his team had already taken boarding positions around their airlock, him and the infantry commander taking cover on opposite sides of the door, and the 5-man assault team in front of the door.

"Alright, opening up, show no mercy!" the captain said once again over the intercom

The airlock slammed open, and right in front of Darius' team was an assault force of 10 Geth troopers. Immediately, the Commander let out a thunderous report from his assault rifle, knocking the shields of one of the troopers off, which was immediately followed by a massed barrage from his team, obliterating two of the Synthetics. Darius followed with a single blast from his shotgun, taking yet another trooper out of the fight. This broke the Geth team, forcing them back into their own ship

"Alright, move in!" The Commander shouted, and immediately, the team advanced to the next cover position, a bend which led into a sort of antechamber.

"Hostiles have retreated further into the craft, advance!" The Commander barked once again "You, merc, hack that door," he said, pointing to a door at the far side of the room

While Darius hacked the door, the team took up the same positions they had at the airlock, the soldiers were now in the fighting mood, and the commander looked solid enough.

"Got it, get ready..." Darius said in a monotone voice

As soon as the door opened, the soldiers opened fire on the nearest target, a Geth Racketeer, killing it almost instantaneously, and moved into what looked like a maintenance room, taking cover by a generator. Darius made a hard sprint for another generator, felling a Geth trooper as he charged. The assault team followed suit, dispatching another two Troopers

"Not bad, not bad at all for raw recruits..." Darius thought

"Team, breach positions! Merc, hack the door!" The Commander shouted, pointing at a door opposite them. Darius hacked the door quickly and efficiently, which led into an empty room full of spare parts

"You'd think Geth wouldn't waste a room like this, no?" One of the soldiers remarked

"Keep the chatter down Tauren!" The Commander said in a harsh voice. Turning to Darius, he said, "Hack the door opposite us, according to Capitan, it's an elevator."

Darius had warmed up to the Geth system, and bypassed the door in a matter of seconds, the team was in the elevator, readying for the next door breach.

"Commander, the plans indicate ship weapons are handled on Deck 3, 2 floors above us," Trooper Tauren said

"Yeah, but what about armaments, Deck 2, who is gonna get those?" another Trooper asked

"Tauren, I know that, shut up. And Cyrus, Commander Travian and his team have that covered"

As the elevator passed Deck 2, the Commander said "Breaching positions, merc, get ready to hack."

Darius cracked the door, and inside, was another repair room, this time occupied by no less than 12 Geth Troopers, all expecting the assault team. This time, fire focused in on the hapless Trooper Tauren, stripping his shields, and burning some holes in his armor before he reached cover. Darius launched 2 consecutive rounds at a Geth poking it's head above cover, leaving a smoking hole. The Commander unleashed automatic death on 2 Geth hiding by a parts bin, and his squad peppered another machine trying to leave cover. Trooper Cyrus attempted to move up, and was immediately cut down by pulse-rifle fire. Darius took advantage of his stupidity, and felled one of the Geth that had left cover, while Tauren stripped the shields off of another. The Commander advanced to where Cyrus fell, his shields barely intact, while Darius pulled to the same spot, squad in tow. One of the Geth charged Darius, and soon found how unwise of a move it was, ending up with a decapitation dealt by Darius' talon. As the remaining 5 Geth tried to flee, the squad cut them down as they went through the doorway in front of the team.

"Damn Geth, Cyrus had a lot left in him" a Trooper said with an overhanging sadness

"Any idiot who tries a maneuver like that when outnumbered has NOTHING, I repeat NOTHING left in their military career, as he just proved" Darius said angrily, staring the soldier down.

"Merc, consider yourself EXTREMELY LUCKY that I decided against shooting you right then and there, all of our dead deserve respect!" The Commander said while checking his rifle.

"Oh, please, neither your jumpy rooks nor you could even take my shields down before death," Darius muttered

"Commander, Weapons systems in the next room," Tauren said excitedly

"Alright, drop some explosives in there Tauren," the Commander said under a sigh of relief, turning his radio on to make a report. "Capitan, Commander Aurian here, weapons systems rigged to blow, just say the word."

Over static, the message came clear: "Aurian, make sure Travian and his team are out before you detonate"

"Got it, Commander Aurian out," the Commander said while turning to his troops. "Good job soldiers, time to evac!"

---

Vyniliexas reached for the Avalanche secured to the small of her back, pulled it out for a quick inspection, and once satisfied she struck the safety to disengage it.

“You, rookie,” Vynx gestured with a sway of her shotgun to the loquacious Turian who still stood by his seat, apparently unsure of his task.

“My name is Jax,” he corrected, “Which is short for-“

“What is your profession?”

The Turian, Jax, looked momentarily taken aback, but answered straightforwardly. “I trained with infiltration units.”

Good. Not only had he realized Vyniliexas was quick to the chase, but he had some tech skills as well.

“Make ready then. You’re with me.”

Jax looked pleased that she had decided his employment. With newfound vigor and sense of purpose, Jax pulled on his helmet and slung a Breaker assault rifle off his shoulder. Not bad for a rookie, Vynx thought. Just hope he has the skills to match it.

Vyniliexas nudged Jax’s armored elbow with hers as she walked past, headed for the crowd of Turians assembled at the airlock. She isolated his armor’s signal and opened a com link.

“Try to stay on your feet,” she said dryly over the com.

“Affirmative,” Jax responded. “What exactly is the plan?”

“We do what we’re paid to do,” she said frankly. “Kill.”

The airlocks hissed open, and a tumult of gunfire seized the hull. The first attack team obliterated the waiting Geth. Peering past a dozen or so Turians, Vyniliexas caught the dull glint of Silverback armor leading the frontlines. She laughed to herself as his words repeated in her mind: I will prove a most gracious host for them! He was true to his word.

The first two teams pushed into the Geth dropship unscathed; the leading team disappeared up the elevator. The second team, lead by Commander Travian, jumped the next ride to the second floor. While waiting for the leisurely elevator, Vyniliexas realized another Turian was accompanying them. He carried a Lancer – certainly not the best, but another gun nonetheless.

“Oh no,” Jax’s mumble came across her com. He snapped his rifle up. “We have Geth imbound!”

Sure enough, several Geth reinforcements rounded the corner. Vyniliexas, Jax, and the third Turian hailed their enemy with a barrage of bullets, the combination of shotgun and rifle firepower dispatching two troopers. Once Vynx’s team took cover, a deafening roar rose in the direction of the airlock. Masses of Turian troops flanked the defenseless Geth division from the transport’s hull, leaving nothing but heaps of sparking twisted metal in the aftermath.

The elevator finally arrived. Vyniliexas and her two allies swiftly moved into the empty lift. Jax touched the holo control and the doors slid shut. Upon reaching the second floor, Vynx, Jax, and the third Turian, who identified himself as Tuhren, readied for another wave. However, the doors parted only to reveal Commander Travian and his small team securing the room littered with fallen Geth. Worthless synthetics. They couldn’t even hold back the Turians in their own armory.

“What are you doing?” The curious Jax asked as he watched Vyniliexas smash a nearby crate with the butt of her shotgun. She paid no heed to him as she grabbed a fistful of small blue-grey discs that had spilled from the wreckage. She was only doing what mercs did for a living: claiming the spoils of battle.

Vynx and Jax returned to the elevator alone. Tuhren identified better with the soldiers. She assumed Jax was too hesitant to leave her solo or defy her earlier order. Suddenly, a thud resounded from atop the lift. Then another, followed by a succession of whirs and clicks.

“Geth are taking a ride on the roof,” Jax announced.

Vyniliexas saw no hatch on the ceiling, but they still had big problems. “If they drop explosives in here, we’re all trapped,” she declared. Her eyes quickly searched their confined setting and came to rest on the holo panel.

“Hurry – override that control panel and take us up, fast and hard.”

Jax activated his omni-tool and initiated the command just as Vyniliexas spied an intense blue glow penetrate the metallic ceiling plates. The elevator jerked, then accelerated much faster than usual. Seconds later the duo was met with a jolt and a satisfying crunch of metal. The glow slicing through the ceiling ceased.

“You mercs have interesting battle tactics,” Jax mused.

“We’re just resourceful,” Vynx replied.

Static over the com. A voice announced, “Charges are set. All units fall back to the transport immediately.”

Vyniliexas punched the control for the third floor. “Let’s pick up our sabotage experts, shall we?”

---

Darius gave a broad smile. 5 kills, one with his talon, and satisfaction from a job well done. Over the intercom came the transport's captain, informing the crew that they would land in around 10 minutes. He contemplated dozing off, but the trooper across from him, Tauren, started twitching with an uneasy look on his face. He turned to Darius and said in a tone barely over a whisper "Did anyone take out the communications system?"

Commander Aurian, seated next to the rookie, and barely awake, jolted upright, mandibles dropping as low as they could. Darius also froze, with a suprised look on his face. "Commander Travian, us, Specialist Jax, Commander Sulik. We all had a target; none of them the comm system..." Darius thought, "Damnit all...," he said aloud.

"And if they managed to divulge our location and trajectory," the trooper seated next to him said, recoiling from shock "They will have set up AA guns!"

"Oh no..." Tauren said weakly before covering his face with his hands

Fear crept into Darius' mind. Reassurances barely kept it back, but for a rare occasion, Darius was afraid. He did not show it like his squadmates, but like the female next to him, kept it in check. He knew she feared also, but did not show outward signs of it.

Commander Aurian rushed into the bridge to alert the capitan, while murmurs ran through the seated troops. All of a sudden, the Capitan said "Troopers, ready yourselves, we're going in hot!"

---

We're going in hot!

Vyniliexas watched as hundreds of Turians immediately became uneasy. The hull of the transport was alive with movement: anxious troops rearranging themselves in their seats, dozens of pairs of shifting eyes, weapons being shrugged off their users' backs for examination. A pair of lucky Turians attempted to wipe the smears of white Geth "blood" from their visors. Among this sudden stir Vynx detected the rank odor of fear, a sensation that compromised the rationality of every victim it seized. Worse yet was its infectious nature. Fear was a corrosive disease, a plague.

Vyniliexas reached to her right hip and pulled off her compact canteen which contained a potent energy drink - an essential for biotics. She removed her face plate, lifted the matte black container to her mouth and downed half its liquid. Vynx reminded herself of why she was out here. If she were to die, she would certainly not die afraid. To do so would desecrate her father's spirit.

She let out a sigh, deep and slow. The constricting grip around her chest began to release its hold and reside. Calm once again, Vyniliexas pulled off her helmet and surveyed her surroundings with an unobscured view. The tinted shield previously restricting her sight was not an illusive veil; the fear still polluted the atmosphere and poisoned the Turians around her. Even the one she thought superior to all these military thralls expressed his doubts.

"Make no mistake," Vyniliexas directed to the anxious Turians seated nearest her, "Fear is not your companion... it is your enemy."

She tipped her canteen to empty the drink of its contents, then swapped it for her Brawler. Once they made planetfall, hell would break loose. She would be ready.

---

Date: March 31st, 2184 _
Location: Planet Chasca, Matano System, Maroon Sea Cluster; _
Undisclosed Location - 23:00 Hours _

The scene is quiet. Everything seems to be in a natural state of serenity. A gentle breeze causes the grass on the mountainious terrain to sway lightly in the mild temperature. While still on the temperate band between the "day" side and the "night" side (more towards the former), the temperature is slightly colder than usual. It is in this area where the silence is suddenly broken by the sounds of light footsteps on the ground.

Making sure to tread lightly, a Turian Scout unit, led by Auoric Narsia, moves swiftly about the terrain. The unit was sent by the Citadel, and consisted of only 6 members, including Auoric himself. In response to a sudden increase of Geth activity in the cluster, United Citadel Forces have been mobilized, dispatching in droves to the planet Chasca. Auoric's unit was one of the first to touch down.

Ever since the fateful siege of the Citadel a few months ago, Geth activity in Citadel Space has become almost common. After the Geth forces were routed at the Citadel, the synthetics did not just retreat back behind the Perseus Veil as many thought they would.

Like many armed conflicts, this all began with a series of small Geth raids on a few Citadel-controlled worlds. Needless to say, the situation escalated very quickly. As the Geth raids began to grow more frequent and more violent, the Citadel Council voted to send more defense forces to protect those colonies near Geth Space that could very well fall victim to attack. Despite the extra manpower, the Geth still came, and so the Citadel forces retaliated. Contrary to initial belief, the defensive measures taken by the Citadel did not deter the synthetic invaders. In fact, the raids continued, with the Geth just sending larger armies to meet the colonial defense forces. The raids persisted, and what had started as simple retaliation and self-defense eventually escalated into open combat, with the open combat eventually escalating into full-scale battles.

Of course, the next step on the ladder is open war.

And so the story comes to the Planet Chasca. While not currently home to any colonies, the "lands between day and night" (as the terrain at the terminator has been called) have been claimed by the Human Systems Alliance for colonization. Though a major colonist recruitment drive has begun on earth, colonist enrollment has recently stalled since reports of the Geth raids began.

Despite the absence of a colony on the planet, Geth forces have been assembling on Chasca for the past day and a half. The force is significantly larger than any seen before. A small force was sent to the planet once reports of Geth activity were received, but the magnitude of the situation quickly became obvious, as atmospheric scanners picked up several fleets of Geth ships entering the system.

Taking the hint, the Citadel Council wasted no time in ordering reinforcements. It was concluded that the Geth were preparing for a major offensive into Citadel space, using Chasca's "day" side as a primary stronghold. In response to the incursion, Citadel forces were sent to meet the Geth head-on, with their objective being to chase the enemy out of the cluster altogether, before any damage could be done. Once the orders were issued from the top, Citadel troops of all races immediately set out for Chasca, with hundreds of thousands of soldiers touching down within the past 12 hours.

In an attempt to learn more about just why exactly the Geth had invaded the cluster, the Citadel camp called in the professionals, deploying several Turian Scouting units to stealthily sneak into the Geth-controlled territory. In addition to learning the enemy numbers, the group also sought to learn why the Geth decided to set up operations on Chasca specifically. The team approached a cliff, and each member hid behind a rock formation near the edge.

"So what are we scouting for exactly?" mumbled one scout.

"The enemy." Said another. "We've been detecting Geth activity in this area for days now. We chose not to act right away, thinking that what we had here already would be enough."

"Which is never smart." Said Auoric. "The Geth have been flying in for the past day and a half. Our garrisons would be outnumbered if they chose to attack now... this is what we get for not calling in reinforcements right away."

Being an elite Turian Scout for as long as he has been, Auoric Narsia knows firsthand how dangerous underestimating the enemy can be. Pulling out a pair of binoculars, he looks down the cliff at the Geth installation down below.

"There are more of those tin cans than we thought..." He said. "And there are even more on the way... We must inform the others."

Auoric looked at one of his accomplices. Nodding, the fellow scout pulled out a small radio.

"This is Scout Unit #2..." He began. "Repeat, this is Scout Unit #2... We are at an estimated distance of 30 miles from the main encampment, 47 degrees northbound. There are Geth here... and lots of them. Over.
...
No. We have reason to believe that this is not the main encampment...
...
Yes. It does seem that they are waiting for more troops...
...
Yes... 47. Requesting rein---
...
What? Do not engage? Turn around? But if we--
...
...Copy that. Returning to base now. Over and out."

The scout then put the radio away, turning to Auoric.

"They want us to go back." He said.

"That would be the smart thing to do." Replied Auoric. "There are probably other encampments nearby. Even with the element of surprise, attacking would be folly. If we did get reinforcements, they would still be coming from about 3 hours walking distance away. We know that this isn't all of them. If another ship were to come down and drop more troops, we would easily get overwhelmed. Returning to base is the best idea."

"Auoric." Asked the radio-soldier. "Can I ask you something?"

"Sure." Replied Auoric. "What is it?"

"Why did they come here?" He asked. "There's nothing on this planet. There is nothing here for the Geth. What do they want?"

To this, Auoric closed his eyes, and gave the best answer he could.

"Look around you." He began. "This planet is everything that an organic being like us would need, and in a few months it will be ready for colonization. If I did not know better, I would say that the Geth are trying to send a message. ...Think about what this planet symbolizes. This place is a symbol of new life, new opportunity, new beginnings... to an organic being, it is everything that is necessary to live one's life. If it will make organic life thrive, it is only natural that the Geth would want to destroy it. I would not doubt that their intent is to render this planet uninhabitable. The Geth want to turn this planet into an example... and they want to do it before we settle it as a warning of what can happen if organics overstep the boundaries set by them."

Auoric then shook his head.

"Of course, I may be wrong." He said. "But after what we have learned about the Geth... especially after these previous few months, that is what seems most obvious to me."

"And you're probably right." Replied the soldier.

"Now that's enough talk." Said Auoric. "We're going back. Mo--"

Just as the unit was about to turn around and begin their journey back, a loud sound is heard. The sound grows louder by the second, and can only be the roar of ship engines.

"Oh no..." Said another soldier.

The group turns around, towards the camp. Following the sound, the group looks up, as a Geth dropship flies overhead.

"No..." Said the radio-soldier. "No! They know we're here... They've found us!"

Suddenly, there are loud thuds on the ground, as dust kicks up underneath the dropship.

When the dust cloud fades, the Scout Unit is facing down a fully-equipped Geth Assault Unit.

*****EVENT BATTLE*****
Geth Armature
Geth Destroyer (x2)
Geth Shock Trooper (x3)
Geth Rocket Trooper (x4)
Geth Trooper (x6)

---

Seeing the geth ship deploying the vast amount of geth troops, Auoric noticed the large armored frame of the geth colossus, knowing that without heavy weaponry his squad would be in serious trouble. Auoric began too think closing his eyes he went through various escape methods, to the bewilderment of his unit. "Sir, Sir what are you doing we have too get out of here", still partially behind cover Auoric brought his rifle up. "Saruin, Garin your with me the rest of you retreat and cover formation go, go!" perfectly aware that what he was doing was risky he knew it was the only way to avoid heavy casualties.

Bringing his crosshairs to rest over the flashlight of a Geth Shock Trooper, he fired the shot ripping through the tin can's shields and crashing into the geth. Immediately after he had fired Saruin and Garin had taken out the remaining two Shock troopers. Getting the jump on them straight after they had been deployed had helped but now the geth where aware. Bringing his Omni-tool up he made a quick gesture a bright red explosion erupted from the Colossus catching the majority of the geth destroyers in the Sabotage blast.

"Saruin, Garin get moving and catch up to the others when you do turn and cover me, I've got your backs now go"

The two nodded to the commander simultaneously replying "yes Sir"

Knowing that he had a short amount of time before the Geths heavy units would be able to act he was able too take out another two Rocket troopers the thud of the round hitting its targets echoed around. He turned around to see his squad on a high perch to the south providing cover, "We've got you covered Sir theres a hill at the back of us where you can reach us its out of their range for now". Spinning around he sprinted towards them, his many years of rigorous training paying off, he reached his squad thankful that he had kept his oath.

"We have to move now! Chakal radio command tell them we've been compromised and need backup, repeat need backup". Quickly surveying his landscape he caught sight of a small canyon, perfect for an ambush, gesturing in its direction he watched his squad make there way towards it, hoping that they would all return. He closed his eyes and nodded holding the bracelet around his wrist, before making his way too the canyon.

---

Having successfully made it to the canyon, Auoric's squad had managed to find a small secluded alcove overlooking the surrounding area.

"Sir, look over there" Chakal gestured above "it seems to be a small ledge, we could use it to survey the area."

"Okay, one at a time now there's no rush anymore" Auroic's reassuring and calm demeanor coupled with a strangely soft voice for his age had calmed his squad, at least for now.

The squad scaled the side of the hill one by one, eventually making their way to the alcove. The Geth assault squad hadn't followed them past the base's perimeter, they had instead set up a protective ring around the ledge the squad had previously been at. Trying another recon mission into the base would be too risky at the time, and Auoric wasn't the type to risk his unit especially his closest friends.

Sitting at the edge of the ledge adjacent to the alcove the brisk breeze blew through the valley seemingly invigorating the small group. Auoric lay with his back against the hillside, letting the wind blow over the crest of his forehead as he thought, his eyes closed a well-known trademark of his. Without the gunfire Auoric found Chasca a serene and lush landscape, similar too the Eden prime he had heard so much about before the fateful incident . He could definitely see himself take his next leave here, that was if it remained in council hands.

His concentration was broken with the idle chatter of his squads newest addition, Chakal.
"Excuse me sir but what exactly do we do now?"

Auoric replied softly, his eyes closed all the time "We wait for now, we radioed command sometime soon they'll relay us the co-ords of the nearest troop drop and well regroup."

"Try and get some rest if you want, the "Twins" are on lookout" Auoric nodded towards the two seemingly oblivious turians Saruin and Garin sat chatting away, unaware that Auoric could here everything they where saying.

"Come on now you two, eyes front we don't want any geth getting the jump on us again"

The sudden reply clearly confirmed that they had been discussing something they shouldn't be "Sir, yes Sir".

Again the valley returned to silence, the wind blowing about once more Auoric thought to himself about his predicament and hoped that his squad would be on the move once again soon. For no matter how tranquil this valley was, the rest of there surroundings where teeming with hostiles and Auoric couldn't let his guard down, not now.

---

It had been a while since Auoric had heard anything from command about those reinforcements. Opening his eyes he raised his rifle using the scope too survey the geth base, it looked more like a radio post than a full-blown base but it was still big.

"Sir" the 'Twins' turned too Auoric scurrying towards him, " take a look at the far exit sir, the geth are organizing some sort of patrol"

"That's no patrol" Auorics mandibles dropped in disbelieve and his voice became serious. "The geth know something we don't, Chakal pass me the radio!"

"Command this is Commander Auoric, Scout Squad #2, confirm location of inbound troop transports"

"Troop transports are on there way in commander, they met some heavy resistance and are now back en-route, Stay in position Sir they will pass overhead soon"

"Negative Command" Auroics voice was no longer soft or calm, it had instead been replaced with serious urgency. "The geth are aware of their presence, be advised that your troops will be coming in hot."

"Requesting permission too move forward to provide support when they land"

"Negative Sir do not engage, I repeat do not engage the hostiles, Stay safe commander"

The Comm line when silent, "This is madness" Chakal had risen too his feet "we can't let them enter a hot zone, they won't stand a chance."

"Relax Chakal, keep one eye on the geth and one above, lets pray that they don't land on top of the geth"

Saruin and Garin had returned too their lookout position resting on the edge of the ledge, rifles watching the base without rest. Both replying at once "where with you Sir, if they land anywhere near that base there in serious trouble"

Auoric knew that without support the troop drops would be in serious trouble, he had never disobeyed command before but he could no longer see there reason for holding his squad back. He watched the skys relentlessly the black smoke deep in the clouds confirmed that their had been fighting. Turning too face his squad his face wracked with thought, he spoke.

"Okay Squad listen in, without our help those drops will be in serious trouble and command won't budge on their decision"

"Keep a close eye on the horizon as soon as anything appears get ready, believe me our brothers will need our help"

"Sir, yes Sir" Auorics squad were like a family they respected every decision he made and trusted him with their lives.

He just hoped that command would not punish them for his decision, but we would be unable to sit by whilst his fellow Turian's where cut down, this time command had got it wrong.

---

There was no longer a cooling breeze blowing throughout the valley, it had instead been penetrated by an unnerving atmosphere. Auoric did everything in his power to mask his doubts in front of his team.

Saruin broke the silence " Sir the geth who where watching our last location are being picked up, looks like their being moved away". The turian did not break his concentration on the base. Followed by another unnerving statement from Garin " Yes, but it would seem that whilst the geth are being picked up those still at the base have activated the AA guns."

Auoric looked at his unit each of them showing a degree of doubt, all he could do was speak and hope to remove any doubt from their mind.

"Okay heres what I want you to do Saruin, Garin, Chakal and Anarn I want you four to stay here, when and if that troop transport drops it pods I want you there to support them if we aren't back, understood?"

The four turians faced their commander simultaneously nodding, signaling their understanding.

"Me and Sorik will try our best to take out those AA guns, its risky but with only two of us it should be doable." Auoric had complete faith in his squad after all he had handpicked them when the citadel asked him to come back into military service. Most of them where recruits he himself had trained and that showed exceptional skill, Sorik however was a veteran just like him, they had both served in the relay 314 incident they where very close friends and Auoric was adamant about having him in his squad.

Auoric rose double checking his armor and rifle before lowering his comm mic and his HUD, Auoric disliked helmets and visors believing they obstructed and impaired his vision to much. Happy that everything was in order he signaled to Sorik before climbing down from the overlook.

"Comm link check, can you hear me up their"

The reply was immediate, signaling a strong connection "Yes Sir"

"Okay I want this line silent except for emergencies, Auoric out."

Many years of training and combat reconnaissance had made himself and Sorik adept at moving across the landscape unseen and unheard. they made their way to the perch they had occupied earlier in the day, seemingly gliding across the terrain.

Sorik chuckled to himself before his rough voice followed "It would seem that the geth no longer see us as a threat, they've gone ahead and left the front virtually unguarded."

Auoric smiled, one of the reasons he got on so well with Sorik was his ability to find anything funny, "Maybe your right but we should still be careful." The pair jumped down from the perch rolling as they landed, they ran towards the rock formation keeping low as they went. Auoric noticed that below them their was a small stack of crates, they would give sufficient cover if the two where too jump from here. Auoric signaled his partner to jump first, he quickly followed suit.

Placing their rifles on their backs the pair opted to use their customized silent pistols for this particular event. Edging his way too the end of the crates Sorik surveyed the base, his HUD didn't pick anything of particular importance up.

"Seems clear Auoric, the rest of the geth must be at the back waiting for our troops"

"It would seem so hopefully the interior of that radio post will be unguarded, if we're lucky we may be able to take out their communications and those guns at once." as he finished Sorik quickly pulled his head back signaling to Auoric that a geth trooped was making his way over here. Auoric gestured to Sorik to get behind him, as the geth was virtually on top of them Auoric rose placing a round into its 'head' grabbing the tin can before it could fall he placed it behind their cover.

"Okay we should get inside and do this" Sorik chuckled at Auorics words "I think you might be enjoying this friend." The pair made their way to the outposts entrance, Auoric hacked into the outposts security network making sure that the door they where about to enter wasn't teeming with geth. Satisfied that everything was clear he unlocked the door, gun up front they made their way down the corridor. Sorik was right the outpost was empty, whilst it was only small their where a few rooms that could house the radio and AA controls. Auoric was using his Omni-tool as a tracker honing in on the transmission signals the two made it to a door at the end of the corridor.

The pair stood either side of the door Sorik looked to his friend and nodded, they entered the room to find a single geth stood at a terminal obviously the base controls. Sorik made his way to the geth placing a close ranged round through the synthetic. "Sorik watch the door I'll need a second too disable this", Auoric got to work and within seconds the radio chatter died down and the AA guns where offline. Thankfully they hadn't started firing yet or the two would be compromised, Auoric wasn't satisfied that his antics would hold, he took his altered grenades more like an explosive charge that he would be able to access with his Omni-tool and placed them in secluded points throughout the room, including the back of the terminals. "Okay I'm done, let's go" Sorik nodded and the pair made their way out of the outpost returning to the stack of crates just in time. The geth where aware that their radios where down and so went to check, Auoric and Sorik were able to scale the small cliff they had previously jumped from.

The pair successfully and silently made their way back to the alcove, the geth completely oblivious to their antics. The two glided across the ground their feet seemingly never touching it. When the two where safely back at the alcove they where greeted with grinning faces, "well done you two" the remaining four of the squad where happy to see their two veterans safe. Sorik chuckled gesturing toward Auoric he spoke "that's nothing yet, show them the surprise Auoric."

The surprise couldn't come sooner as the AA guns had started firing once more he knew he wouldn't have been able to take the comm link and the AA guns out without destroying the terminal and the result would have alerted the geth, fortunately his charges where hidden throughout the room and their was enough fuel in the base to power a whole colony. Looking down at his Omni-tool he detonated the charges, the resulting explosion that erupted from the base brought the gun's song to an abrupt end a huge black cloud extended from the base now and the rest of Auorics squad cheered. Auoric smiled to himself the troop transport would still be coming into a hot zone but they wouldn't have to contend with the AA guns, they could land safely.

---

Date: April 1st, 2184 _
Location: Matano System, Maroon Sea Cluster; _
Citadel Troop Transport nearing the Planet Chasca - 01:00 Hours _

With the enemy threat neutralized, the Turian troops all filed back into the transport, taking their seats and preparing for atmospheric entry into the planet Chasca. Commander Travian and Commander Sulik, the two men who successfully led squads of troops into the heart of the Geth ship, were conversing with the Captain at the front of the ship.

"Charges are set Captain." Said Commander Travian. "We're ready to set them off when we're a safe distance away."

"Good." Said the Captain. "Securing airlock and disengaging boarding tunnels..."

The captain presses a series of buttons, and a few clicks and vaccuming noises are heard. Soon, the transport is moving forward, leaving the remains of the Geth ship in the dust. Once enough distance was between them, a controller was activated, setting off the charges planted by Travian's squad.

"And enemy threat is neutralized." Observed Commander Sulik. "Well, that will make our journey a little easier."

A short silence followed, until the Captain spoke up.

"How did we do in there?" He asked.

"Causalty count is twenty-six." Answered Sulik frankly. "Fourteen of which are injured. Our medics are tending to them right now."

"Twelve dead?" Reacted the ship Captain. "And we haven't even touched down yet..."

"Those Geth were fighting a defensive battle." Said Sulik. "They were ready for us. With that being the case, our troops performed exceedingly well."

"He's right." Agreed Travian. "The Geth on that ship were desperate. True, once we make planetfall that may be the case as well, but when we fight on Chasca, at least it won't be in such a confined area."

"Speaking of Chasca..." Interrupted the Captain. "While everyone was scouring that ship, I received new orders."

"...Go on." Said Sulik.

"A Scout unit was searching for Geth installations on Chasca. They found one."

"And let me guess: they were captured?" Prodded Travian.

"Almost." Said the Captain. "They're still alive. They're just... hiding somewhere. We have reason to believe that they are near the installation. Our orders are to go in, rescue the team, send a message, then get back to base. Like I said earlier, we'll be going in hot."

"What else is new?" Commented Travian. "What's the plan?"

"I'm sending you two. You'll both take the teams that you had on the ship and go together."

"Same team..." thought Sulik aloud. "So that's Martellus, the Tarquins, and..."

Sulik rose from his thoughtful state and looked at the Cpatain.

"Do I need to bring that Merc with me as well?" He asked, referring to Darius.

"He was with you on the ship, wasn't he? " Answered the Captain. "I'd say he's more of an asset to you than a hindrance. Take him with you."

"Understood." Said Sulik. "Give me a map of where we're going."

"So then Jax, Adumas, Hieror, the Titans, and the Prodigy (Vynx) will be with me." Added Travian.

"Twelve troops." Said the Captain. "Twelve is small enough to where you can stay hidden, but big enough to where you can take down a few Geth units with little trouble."

"What about you?" Asked Sulik.

"I received word that the AA guns around the installation have been disabled." Replied the Captain. "Getting in and getting out should be no problem. Just make sure you get that team out of there."

"Just say when." Said Travian.

"Looking forward to it..." Said Sulik.

To this, the Captain pressed a few buttons on a monitor next to him.

"We're going in." He said. "Get to your seats."

At this point in time, the point of view shifts to that of our two mercenaries seated near the center of the transport.

"It looks like we're together again." Said Jax to Vynx. "I have to say, I feel a lot better about rescuing that team now that we've got you with us.

To this, Vynx cracked a smile.

"And even better," Said Jax, looking at Darius. "You're coming with us too."

To this Darius simply looked at the recruit, then looked away.

"Rescuing a Scout Unit from a hotzone..." Began Vesper. "I've never had to do something like that before."

"That scout unit must be pretty valuable if they're sending an entire ship in to rescue them." Added Iolaus, as a beeping noise was heard.

"Attention!" Said the captain over the loudspeaker. "We are preparing for entry. Secure your possessions and be ready to deploy. That is all."

---

Vynx was hunched over in her seat, elbows supported on her knees, eyes on the floor. She kept a sharp ear trained on the exchange issuing from the cockpit. Twelve dead already, she repeated in her mind, slowly shaking her head in disbelief. Now, death was not an infrequent occurrence in her life, and Vynx certainly wouldn't even flinch if it were another species. But a fellow Turian...

A voice brought her back to reality. Jax, her recent sidekick, admitted amiable, "I have to say, I feel a lot better about rescuing that team now that we've got you with us."

Vynx couldn't repress the smile. You haven't seen half of what I can do, she thought, amused by the compliment. Her mercenary peer, however, did not seem flattered.

She weighed the cool steel frame of her Brawler in her left palm, then flipped it to her right. For only the third time of the trip Vyniliexas glanced at her coequal to her left. In the second that her golden eyes flashed in his direction, she suddenly wondered what his story was. He appeared to be very near her age, but his largely stoic disposition perplexed Vynx. Perhaps he was just so far removed from the familiarity of a merc's line of work here amongst these rigid, unintuitive soldiers that he simply didn't wish to afflict himself with their inferiority. She could sympathize. Despite the logic, this Turian had to have something - silent complacency, mental instability, whatever - behind that black paint and those vicious eyes.

ETA was a handful of minutes away, so she defied the odds and gave dialogue a chance.

"It's evident you and I are distinguished here," Vyniliexas finally affirmed quietly, pivoting her head ever so slightly toward him to avoid being overheard yet deter a full engagement if he chose not to respond. "For what purpose did you sign on?"

---

Darius heard the question posed to him by his female compatriot. While such a question from one of the recruits would have angered him considerably, this Turian was worthy of some respect.

"There are a few reasons that made me take this job, one was battle, one was the great payout, and the final one was me wanting another chance with the military."

Seeing the inquisitive look on his partner's face, he continued: "Unlike most others who leave the military, I did not leave of my own accord, some damn bureaucrat decided it was time for me to go. Why? Simply because I was "too cruel" to be Officer material!"

By this time, Darius was practically screaming. Were he a Human, he would be very red in the face. He continued: "Those wastrels have never been in combat, they don't realize you have no time to be friendly! If some Batarian scum surrenders to me, I end his life! How should I know it isn't a trap? They don't realize ruthlessness is they only way to fight, if we had actual soldiers making the decisions, I would still have a regular job!" he concluded.

After finishing his rant, he returned to preparing for the insertion, seemingly oblivious of all the eyes fixed on him. They did not matter; all that mattered to him was venting his pent up fury on some more Geth. Soon after, the intercom spurred his team into action; it was time to drop.

"Now it gets fun," Darius said under his breath.

---

Vyniliexas would certainly not have ever thought her simple question would evoke such a fiery response. Thankfully, aside from a quizzical expression to learn more about his unusual circumstances, she kept her emotions in check as his rage brimmed and boiled over, unlike their neighboring Turians whose faces were alight with surprise and bewilderment.

So this was his story. A cast out seeking redemption. Although, Vynx thought, he does not seem the type to change his ways in order to please another. In fact, he said so himself. He would endure a long process until one were to take notice of his efficiency and suggest he return to the military and, Vynx had to admit, his grim determination was the only kind that would usher him on his way to achieving this goal.

Vyniliexas could empathize in regard to his anger toward the apathetic bureaucrats. She felt a severe animosity toward politicians which she openly doubted would ever be relinquished. The unpredictable methods of cold calculation imposed in that zoo repulsed every scale on her body. Involuntarily, her grip on her pistol became vice-like, and she cast her eyes back to the floor to quell the turbulence which had so easily built up within her.

Just then, the intercom voiced their orders; it was go-time. Vynx snapped back the slide on her pistol and thumbed the safety; lock and load. She mounted a tinted visor to her helmet and watched as the cool blue glow of her HUD burned to life.

"Approaching drop point one," the intercom affirmed. Vynx was beat to her feet by Jax, who had already primed his Breaker and retraced her hardsuit's signal to establish a com-link. They moved to the rear of the ship where the unit deployment airlock waited, followed by a dozen or so other troops. Two vehement-looking giants towered behind her, and a slew of other armor-clad Turians readied for the drop. The silver-sheathed merc stood near the front as well. Vynx hoped he would channel his rage in a productive way, namely against the Geth.

Vynx braced her stance as her stomach lurched in response to the ship's descent. The hatch hissed open loudly, pouring light and gusts of fresh air over the recovery team. Vynx watched the mossy terrain slowly ascend toward them; the wild striped grasses thrashed under the vaporous blasts of the vertical stabilizers on the transport.

"Touchdown," the pilot called over the intercom. "See you on the other side!"

---

As soon as Travian's team piled off the transport, Darius took his position by the exit hatch. Much to his distaste, his team lacked the skill of the other, save the Tarquin brothers.

The Turian recruit across from him, Tauren, was not hiding the fact that this would be his first major mission. His relentless rain of questions annoyed Darius considerably, finally promting him to shut the recruit up. A murderous glare did just the trick, Tauren looked over at him and quickly fell silent.

"Alright, drop point two coming up!" came the pilot's voice over the intercom.

The transport ascended for two minutes, then dropped altitude in one. As the hatch opened, Darius pulled his modified Brawler from it's place on his hip. The hatch finally completed its operation, revealing the team's position on a grassy hill overlooking a large, flat plain with occasional rocky outcroppings.

"Move out!" Commander Sulik yelled while bringing his Thunder Mark VII to a ready position. Eager to prove themselves, the soldiers sprinted out of the dropship. Darius moved in a much more controlled manner, showing little excitement.

As the dropship closed it's hatch, Iolaus made a quick report of the surroundings, "Commander, I see a cluster of unusual "rock formations" about a kilo north of our position, possibly Geth structures, little cover for an approach"

Sulik thought for a moment before motioning to Darius. "Radio that in to Travian, merc," Sulik said in a monotone. Turning to the squad, he said, "We'll approach the target at running speed, stay alert, report any patrols before engaging, and keep an eye out for survivors"

After Sulik gave his orders, he handed Darius his Harpoon Mark VII Sniper Rifle before heading to the front of the team. Darius shouldered the weapon and fell in with the others. Sulik suddenly ordered the squad to a halt, pointing to the nearest rock formation, no more than 20 yards to the North. Darius soon knew why; a Geth Prime followed by 4 troopers and a recon drone was on the move to the drop zone.

Mini Event battle:

Geth Prime (x1)
Geth Trooper (x4)
Geth Recon Drone (x1)

Without waiting for the word, Darius trained his aim on the Recon Drone and discharged the rifle with a distinctive thumping noise emanating from the barrel. He saw a small shower of blue sparks, and gave a grim smile. As the Geth party wheeled around to meet the threat, Iolaus followed His example, blowing a sparking hole in the chest of a trooper. Sulik cursed at the merc before letting out a barrage at the charging Prime, damaging its shield. Vesper dove to the ground to escape flying plasma bolts, and focused his fire with Tauren on the Prime, bringing it down yards away from the Turians. Darius missed his next shot, drawing a few curses. Iolaus, having trained with the sniper his whole career, delivered a perfect shot to the cranium of another trooper, sending bits of wire and synthetic fluids spewing everywhere. After these losses, the Geth patrol turned away and attempted a retreat, only to have another member cut down by Iolaus' rifle, and another crippled by a messy shot from Darius.

"Cease fire! It's down!" Sulik yelled as Darius lined up another shot. Annoyed, he lowered his rifle; he hated to see any adversary escape his wrath.

Darius looked over at the crippled trooper laying on the ground, and a thought passed through his mind. Is it possible that the Geth had neglected to fry its memory core, seeing as it was not dead? Without hesitation, he motioned to Tauren and sprinted over towards the prostrate Geth. When Tauren arrived, panting, Darius kicked the Pulse rifle out of the trooper's hands and pinned it to the ground. "Try and extract its memory core!" Darius yelled, adrenaline rushing through his veins. Tauren pulled out his omni tool, and began to punch code into it when the Geth suddenly gave up its stuggle against Darius, its "flashlight" dimming to a deep purple hue. "DAMN IT ALL!" he screamed in frustration, punching his talon through its chest. He then turned to a frightened Tauren, saying in a low, quivering voice, "Your Commander may tolerate failiure such as this. I, however do not; we need every advantage we can get, and you have just cost us a most valuable one."

"Merc!" Sulik yelled, running towards Darius "Wait for the damned order to fire next time!" Darius simply gave him a blank stare, and turned to Iolaus, saying to him, "Good shooting, I believe we will need more of that in the foreseeable future." Iolaus beamed at the praise from the stoic veteran.

Separate of Sulik's orders, Darius tapped on his communication piece saying in his normal tone, "Geth patrol neutralized, continuing to primary target,"

Over the comm, a melodic voice answered him, "Understood, we are aware of Geth activity in our area." He recognized the voice almost immediately, the female who sat to his right. He longed to fight with her, someone who understood battle more than the rookies he fought with. He still seethed with rage at Tauren's inability to hack into the Geth's memory core. He must not have realized the importance of such a task! Lack of resourcefulness did not sit well with Darius, but he knew this was a side effect of rank-and-file military training, or rather something he would have to get used to.

Turning away from the Geth corpse, he continued on with his team.

[Vynx]

The grassy carpet of the lush, green world Chasca was much more forgiving than the conventional alloy tiles on every ship and station. It put a spring in her step as Vynx and her team moved briskly away from their drop point. The transport sped off to the second drop point just as they reached an overgrown outcropping at one end of the flat grassland. Travian flattened a small patch of waist-high grass and placed a modified OSD in the center. Vynx surveyed the sporadic contures of the land as the other five gathered around the square device projecting an orange holographic map of the surrounding terrain.

"Listen up," Travian advised the team as he dropped to one knee. He placed a finger on a distinct X and explained, "This is drop point one, our current location. This," he moved their attention to the south where another X lie, "Is drop point two, Sulik's team. They'll head north as we push south toward this area," he indicated a circle between the two X's. "The recon team's last transmission came from here."

Vynx kept an ear on their mission brief as she formulated her own plan.

"Sulik's team is closer to the target area. Why?" The dismal agent, Hieror, asked with a trace of irritation in his tone.

"Sulik's team consists only of five. We have seven men and can cover more ground," Travian responded.

"When was the last transmission received?" Daen, the behemoth of the group, inquired.

"Over an hour ago," replied the CO.

"What do you propose we do about that range?"

The six turian men, (as Travian had failed to rectify earlier), turned their heads silently toward Vynx in unison. Perhaps the relevance of her question did not penetrate the thick realm created by their insignificant drawling.

"The valley is narrow, a perfect opportunity for ambush. But the peaks are far too steep to pass over," Vynx analyzed to fill the conversation's gaping void.

Travian took a few seconds to consider their options. Then, having decided their course, he replied, "Not even an adapted ATV could climb those mountains. We have no choice but to navigate through the valley." Travian did not sound content with their situation. "If there are no more questions, let's move out."

The unit of seven grabbed their weapon of choice and fell into a fanned-out inverted V formation with Vynx and Travian taking point while Hieror, sniper rifle at the ready, remained a few meters aft of the group. The squad swiftly and silently pushed through the vast field of overgrowth. Upon nearing the edge of the savanna, Travian held up a fist, signaling his team to sink into concealment. Vynx already knew why - she had spotted them halfway across the meadow.

"Geth recon drones," Travian confirmed over the com.

Three bluish-purple chunks of metal hovered above the center of the darkened abyss on either side.

As if in response to Travian's closed-com report, the familiar, sharp timbre of Vynx's fellow mercenary declared, "Geth patrol neutralized, continuing to primary target."

Without instruction to do so, Vynx keyed her com and replied, "Understood, we are aware of Geth activity in our area."

Travian did not reprimand her for acting along. Instead he ordered quietly, "Snipers at the ready!" Out of the corner of her eye Vynx noticed Jax quickly swap for his Striker then drop to his belly for better stability.

"And... fire!"

The retort of five rifles pulsed through the air. One drone was immediately engulfed in a blue-orange ball of fire as it was torn asunder by the concentration of three projectiles. The second drone immediately next to it began to spin helplessly in place, one of its stabilizers damaged either by the blast or a glancing shot. Tytenus, the second largest in their group, dispatched the malfunctioning machine with another well-placed shot. The third, however, remained untouched and began evasive maneuvers while spraying the threshold of the field with molten blasts. Vynx's shields would sustain any stray damage, but she lowered herself to the ground anyway. Just as she aimed her pistol at the distant drone, a barely audible hum came across her com-link. A second later the muffled thump! of Jax's rifle shot through the air, and the final drone sparked, listed to the side, then careened into the jagged veneer of the mountain, destroyed.

“Yes!” Jax hissed jubilantly. Vynx looked over her shoulder and gave a curt nod to the rookie. He responded with a small, quick gesture of his trigger hand, a Turian sign for victory.

“Well done, team,” Travian concluded as he regained his feet. “Stay alert. Beyond this chasm are a few klicks of rolling hills, at the end of which is our target. Let’s get there intact.”

The team narrowed into two staggered lines, Vynx and Travian still in the lead as they descended into the shadowed vale.

---

"I can't believe the Geth are here," Jax said somberly. "The Citadel was one thing, but Chasca? An uninhabited world? It doesn't make sense."

"They've been increasingly persistent ever since they came past the Veil," Vynx said in reply.

The team was on hold while Travian scouted further along the narrow fissure leading into the valley. Vynx and Jax paired up and claimed a covert position behind a large slab of rock, as did the four others in a trailing formation.

"What are they like? The Geth, I mean."

Vynx turned her head from where she had last seen Travian to look at Jax. "You saw for yourself not an hour ago."

"There wasn't much to see. We only saw two of the four we killed."

"Hm." Vynx droned her vocals as she thought. "They're collective; the more there are, the smarter they are. Likewise, the bigger they are, the harder they are to take down."

Vynx glanced around the corner of their cover to see Travian returning from his recon, hunkered down and running in a low crouch. Remembering the most important, she wheeled around to Jax and finished, "And they're not merciful. They never take prisoners. Never fight them with anything less than everything you've got."

Travian rounded their colossal slab of fallen mountain with information on their next move. Tytenus, Daen, Hieror, and Adumas quickly moved up from their holding positions to get the brief.

"I've scouted the layout of the valley up ahead," Travian reported. "Luckily, this narrow crevasse opens up into a broader area, about 50 yards wide. We'll have to cover about 150 yards of boulder-riddled terrain before we reach the other side which branches in a steep V."

Travian began to shake his head back and forth until Vynx realized he was searching for something. Vynx saw her reflection in his polished visor as his hunt ended in her direction.

"Merc, can I borrow your knife?"

Vynx visibly stiffened at this request, anger from such a simple question bristling her scales. "No," she managed to deny flatly. This was no ordinary knife; it was her father's only legacy, given specially to her. It would be an abomination to treat it like an ordinary tool or lend it away.

"Very well," Travian acknowledged casually, instead accepting the hilt of the blade Adumas laid over his shoulder.
Travian etched a layout of the valley into the damp earth. It looked like this:

._\ \./ /_.
|. . . . . .|
|. . . . . .|
|. . . . . .|
|_.. ..__|

"I received word from our ground team. They are approaching along the right wing of the V and will meet us on the other side."
Travian stood, handed the borrowed knife back to Adumas, and signaled for the group to move out. The squad proceeded through the crevasse and slid down a steep embankment of rock and shale to find themselves on one end of the long valley. Travian's recon allowed them to cover ground rapidly. As they reached the halfway mark, Vynx spotted two Turians progressing down the path that branched to the right.

Travian tapped his com. "Commander Auoric, Commander Travian of the First Recovery Team. We see you up ahead. En route to ... damnit!"

Travian bolted for cover, his team immediately following suit. They had all seen it, plain as day with it's alien sheen and white armor. A Geth Armature slowly made it's way down the left path ahead, it's steps complicated as it carefully negotiated the slippery rock surface and sharp degree of the slope.

"Commander Auoric," Travian said hastily, "Hold position. I repeat, stay where you are! There are Geth just beyond the divide to your right. I'm counting... nine so far, following an Armature."

"We can't run," Tytenus evaluated, "And we can't escape without compromising Auoric's position."

Adumas added, "We have to fight, and quickly, before they cut off our only escape route."

The Geth patrol - nine white elite troopers and an Armature - were about one third of the way down the perilous passage.

"We fight then," Travian decided. He keyed his com to Auoric. "The Armature needs to go first, but we'd appreciate if you could kill anything you can. We'll open fire to distract them."

This was it. Travian raised his Kovalyov assault rifle, lowered it slightly, waved for Hieror to take up a sniping position, then brought up his rifle again. Jax's hands were visibly shaking; Vynx assumed it was due to the Armature's presence. For some inexplicable reason, Vynx placed a hand on his shoulder. His head snapped in her direction, startled, but he seemed to exhale and loosen the rigidity of his fear-ridden stance.

With the crack of Hieror's sniper rifle, the battle began. The team launched their preemptive strike on the lumbering Armature, their stray and deflected bullets sparking the faint blue radiance of the troopers' kinetic shields. The Geth invasion recovered from momentary shock and returned fire. Vynx unleashed a staccato of Brawler slugs on the bulk of the Geth tank, her shots aimed perfectly but lacking any telltale signs of success. Just as her pistol borderlined the point of overheating, another loud crack was emitted from Hieror's rifle. The shot breached one trooper's kinetic barriers and easily pierced a large, sparking hole in it's thigh. The trooper lost its footing, slammed into the unstable stones of the slope, and a consequential slide of rocks roughly tumbled the Geth down the path and into the depths of the valley.

Vynx's inspiration was found. She fired four more rounds into the tenacious Armature, overheated her weapon, then pulled back behind cover. She quickly keyed her com. "Auoric, do you have any explosives? If you could catalyze a rockslide, the odds just may tip in our favor."

---

The pair made there way along the confined path navigating jagged and loose obstacles with ease. Eventually the path opened into a wide valley, surveying the far end he found himself staring at a group of seven turians. Immediately the group seemed too brace themselves against the rock, instinctively the pair rolled down the shale covered slope placing their backs against what little cover they could find. At that moment Auorics comm link came alive and a composed voice blarred into his ear.

"Commander Auoric,Hold position. I repeat, stay where you are! There are Geth just beyond the divide to your right. I'm counting... nine so far, following an Armature."

Knowing that replying would alert the geth too his position he brought his rifle, Sorik doing the same Hoping that Travians bigger group would engage first. With that Auoric spotted the hulking form of the armature Travian had mentioned, with its apperance a hail of thuds resounded from Travians position making an early mark on the geth.

"Auoric, do you have any explosives?If you could catalyze a rockslide, the odds just may tip in our favor."

At this moment Auoric froze, his body little more than a lifeless shell slumping behind the rocks, that voice was far too familiar, all sound blocked out he was broken unable too do anything noticing that something was'nt right Sorik rolled too his friends side pulling him out of his trance.

"Auoric!, are you ok?"

Looking into Soriks eyes everything came rushing back at once regaining my abilities i nodded accepting the help of Soriks hand i was back up. bringing my Omni-tool up the Armature erupted in a blue explosion engulfing a few of the surrounding geth their sheilds dissipating, the explosion like the female voice had predicted caused a small movement in the rocks, And a small group of geth where knocked too the floor.

Seezing the opportunity i raised my rifle steadying my breath and hence my aim i brought the crosshairs to rest over the armatures now exposed lower frame. With a large resounding crack i fired, the round ripping through the hulks front leg and sending it down in a slump. Seeing this as a signal Soriks round found the armatures other front leg, sending its only weapons down and facing the floor.

Leaving the helpless synthetic too Travians team I quickly repositioned, moving forward i set my focus on the geth who where pulling themselves from the rubble. A Composed shot tore through a synthetics sheilds burying itself into the geths 'head', the crumpled mass fell too the floor followed milli-seconds later by the geth Sorik had unfortunately picked out.

---

Hearing the distinctive gunfire sounds of mass effect weapons in the distance from his rut in the grass, Darius jumped to his feet and began to sprint in the direction the Armature had gone. A split-second later, his squad sprung into action. Casting Sulik's Harpoon VII aside as if it were broken, Darius pulled his cherished Sokolove VIII from it's case on his back, and held it at the hip. After what seemed like an hour, he came over the ridge, seeing the Geth Shock Troops oblivious to him and his squad.

"This is Darius and Second Squad!" He yelled into his comm set, "This fight will not end without us!" As he finished his proclamation, a Geth no more than 10 feet away reeled around to face him. Darius raised his shotgun and delivered two devestating shots to the machine before receiving any fire, blowing it's flashlight from its cranium. A synthetic to his right aimed at him, but a damping field placed by Tauren froze it in place, a perfect shot for the nearby Iolaus.

A Geth in cover before Darius let off a fusilade of plasma rounds at him, severely weakening his shields. Instead of risking taking more fire, Darius charged the Trooper, who stepped to the side to avoid him. He quickly caught himself, dodged the stock of the pulse rifle, and slammed the Geth against its own cover. As he activated his talon, the Trooper kicked him away, sending him to the ground with a soft thud. As it leapt to deliver a killing blow, Darius extended his legs to catch the Trooper, returned to his feet, and ran it through, sending synthetic blood splashing all over his helmet. "It put up a valiant fight!" He thought to himself as he occupied the former trooper's cover,"But it should have known better than to leap."

---

This "Auoric" was a skilled fighter. He and his sole partner managed to send their biggest threat face-first into the gravel and knock out two more troopers. But the battle was far from won.

Vynx's shields had taken some hits and now lingered at 20% as she and Adumas kept their backs against a protective boulder. Suddenly a voice yelled, "I need help up here!" As Vynx peered out from cover to see Travian pinned behind a small slab of rock several yards ahead, Adumas nimbly dove from their cover and successfully reached a safe spot across from the CO. Her com came to life, but the voice was drown out by the piercing gunfire. Vynx exhaled slowly, and upon inhale made an outward sweeping gesture with her free hand. A durable biotic barrier crept along her torso and limbs, cloaking Vynx in a wavering blue radiance. With renewed protection, Vynx dove into the open and reached cover with Adumas.

"My shields are at 40," Adumas told her, "And my boost is on cooldown."
"Then stay out of the way!" Vynx snapped as she grabbed the collar of his armor and roughly exchanged places to be near the edge.

Travian was about three yards away taking cover from the ruthless Geth assault. He met Vynx's gaze then held up two fingers. She nodded. When Travian's countdown ended, he rounded his cover, Vynx mirroring him a split second later - just in time to step into the Armature's plasma bolt. The hellish blue missile struck the ground only a few feet ahead of them. The massive force caused by the ensuing shock wave hurled Vynx and Travian nearly ten yards back. She slammed down heavily, flat on her back; a sickening pain encircled her chest and head so much that blackness consumed her vision, her body involuntarily shutting down all non-essential functions to assess and treat the damage. Yet her ears rang, and the racket of gunfire sounded distant and distorted. She knew she was still alive, but her body refused to respond.

An undisclosed amount of time elapsed until she was aware of hands seizing her under the arms and dragging her along the stony ground. Her eyes opened enough to glimpse Daen, the mighty Turian, as he eased her upper body to the ground away from the battle. She was slowly crawling back to consciousness, her limbs sluggish and her brain not fully piecing together all the images it received. After a few tries she regained her feet, but her Brawler was nowhere to be found.

Vynx crept behind cover as she made her way back to the battlefront, taking care to place her feet deliberately with each step. She was definitely conscious now; pain seared through her ribcage and skull. On her way she came across Travian. He was lying behind a large boulder in a ragdoll fashion and bleeding profusely from deep wounds on his thigh and lower abdomen.

"Medic!" Vynx yelled hoarsely, her chest denouncing the strain. Her HUD showed many complications: Travian's name glowed red, indicating poor health and armor breaches; Hieror and Adumas's shields were depleted, but none suffered any injuries. Jax had minor injuries, but his barrier was back online; Tytenus and Daen were shielded and unscathed. Somehow Vynx had sustained no breaches, and her shields were slowly regenerating. That didn't explain the blood on the inside of her visor.

Although unconsciousness had instilled in Vynx a peaceful, somewhat sedated state of mind, she was pissed. She reached Daen's position and drew her shotgun. He glanced at her once, probably surprised she had already come around, then kept torching the Geth with his Thunder Mark VIII assault rifle.

"That damned Armature is down," Daen said in his deep voice. "For good. As well as two more troops. There's only four left."

Vynx shot a quick glance out from cover to spy the remaining force. They were trapped: Auoric pressed them from the right, she and her team from the front, and a hopeless escape route at their backs.

"Draw their fire," Vynx ordered Daen and Tytenus.

"What are you doing?" Tytenus roared as she stepped from behind cover.

Vynx planted her feet and drew in a short breath, ignoring the protest of her ribs. Her corona flared to life as she executed a powerful gesture, thrusting an open-palmed hand toward the Geth forces. Three of the synthetics were forcefully launched backward and into the rocky gradient from whence they came (Throw). The remaining Geth directed his fire toward her, splashing her weak shields. In one quick sweep she traced an uppercut motion with a supinated palm, the remaining Geth hoisted helplessly into the air in an unforgiving mass effect field (Lift). Finally, having nearly reached her body's limit, she extended her arm and opened her fist to flex her fingers toward the Geth still lying on the ground in a heap. Dark energy appeared from the surrounding air and seemed to penetrate one of the Geth struggling to untangle itself from it's allies; it's motions slowed and eventually ceased as the "life" literally drained from the synthetic (Warp).

Vynx collapsed to one knee, lucky that the awe-struck Daen was at her back to catch her as she fell. She tasted blood as he again pulled her behind cover, this time doing her the favor of propping her up. He flipped the seals on her helmet and removed it to examine her face. She was an attractive sight by now: her breathing was ragged and labored, her eyelids drooped and flickered, semi-transparent blue blood trickled from all six nares, her brow, and her mouth, smeared along her mandibles and the inside of her visor, and dripped from her narrow chin.

And yet, the magniloquent female smiled and laughed, "Worthless synthetics."

---

Lowering his rifle slightly Auoric could see the helpless geth lift up off the ground, despite taking a unsavoury hit from a plasma blast Travians squad fought on, they where indeed resolute and stubborn warriors.

Regaining his composure Auoric took aim at the geth helplessly suspended in the air its synthetic frame floating up. The resulting force behind Auorics shot was enough too cleave through the sky-bound geth sending its torso and legs in two separate directions. Only two troopers remained, the graceful pair darted from cover too cover paying no heed too the treacherous terrain as their forms shimmered in the shadows. Working in unison the pair caught sight of the remaining two geth that where hurtled into the rocks their longrifles made quick work of the lifeless synthetics sending them rearing over the mound of dead that lay before them.

lowering their rifles the pair cautiously strode into the larger valley detaching themselves from the clustered shadows they had become fond off. Bringing himself too speak for the first time since the encounter Auoric thanked Travian.

"For honor and glory, travian we are greatful for your help, do you have any casualties?"

The resulting voice was not as composed as it was not long ago instead it was replaced by splutters replaying too Auoric's question Travian managed too speak.

"A few minor injuries.....*Cough*.....We should be alright though, we'll make our way too you."

Worried about the extent of Travians injuries Auoric denied him "Negative Travian where coming too you, hold your position."

With that the pair strode swiftly too the sqauds position coldly contemptuous too the threat of remaining geth.

---

Even behind his boulder, Darius could tell the battle had passed. He threw himself out of cover to scout the surrounding terrain. One of the members of Travian's squad on the ridge to his left must have spotted him moving in his usual cautious shuffle. Over his intercom came an unusual voice, "Hey, merc, the battle ended a while ago, loosen up!". Annoyed by the lack of vigilance on the part of the soldier, he turned his comm on and quickly retorted, "I would doubt that, explain to me how you know that a Geth Sniper isn't looking at you down the barrel of its weapon!". A static silence filled his comm channel, indicating that the trooper had left his comm on. Hmph. Guess I still know how to shut people up, Darius thought to himself. He signalled to the rest of his team, who quickly broke cover.

Cresting the ridge to his right, he quickly assessed the situation: Two squaddies down, both retaining cognitive function and able to speak, while the rest tended to them. Darius sauntered over to the first injured that he saw, Commander Travian. Pulling his medical tools out of a pouch on his left hip, he knelt by the fallen Commander, who was in no good shape. Blood had been pouring out of his forehead, chest and right thigh by the appearance of the clotting. Clearing away the clots with his scalpel and sealing the wounds with medi-gel was the best solution he had to offer, but no matter how crude it was, it was effective. Damn stuff fixes everything, He thought while moving on to the next victim, who was leaning against a rocky ledge.

As he got within a few meters of the un-helmeted trooper, he could see it was the female who occupied the seat to his left on the transport. Hell and fire... he thought to himself, turns out she is just any other idiot grunt who likes getting shot. moving to her side and motioning the gargantuan soldier at her side, he began to archive her state in his mind. Bruised, resulting from blunt trauma. Exhausted, likely overexertion. Bleeding from multiple places on her face, uhm.... brain damage?

"So, tell me how you got bloodied in this fashion, you don't seem the one to take a beating from a standard trooper," Darius asked in a slightly dissapointed tone.

"Main cannon from that Armature *cough*, hit the ground in front of me, threw me against the ledge," The female said, pointing over to the place she had impacted the ledge. "Forgive my lack of energy *cough*, I strained my biotics to deal with a couple of troops."

The realization that she was a biotic took Darius off guard. A natrual Turian distrust of biotics snuck through his mental conditioning. He recoiled briefly, but shook himself and returned to his work. "How come I could not discern that you were a biotic?" He asked rather awkwardly.

"For the same reason that you recoiled," she said after a fit of coughing, "Many Turians do not trust my kind." Darius had finished sealing her wounds by now, he checked for any broken bones or brain damage, and satisfied there was none, helped the female biotic up.

"I trust you can handle yourself from her on in," Darius concluded. He turned away from his patients to see that his squad had just crested the ledge, and had begun conversing with the other soldiers.

From behind him came the voice of Commander Travian, still shaken from his recent beating, "And now, to the Geth base, not something an intelligent mind expects to say...". Turning to his right, the officer continued, "Of course, when those two scouts get over here, that is."

---

Arriving at the far end of the vale that Travians team had occupied for cover, Auoric and Sorik lowered the hoods on their cloaks assessing the situation as they strode deeper into the squad. The pair noticed that another squad had descended from the ridge to conform with Travians squad. Now revealing their rugged and aged complexion from beneath the cover of their hoods, the squads eyes followed the pair hardly beleiving that two turians of that age where able too move with a scout squad let alone command one.

As the pair arrived at Travians side Sorik placed his hand on Auorics shoulder, knowing this signal Auoric turnt and nodded too his partner who scaled the side of the small ridge adopting a vigilant position overlooking the route the geth and descended into the vale from. Kneeling by Travians battered and bloodied body he smiled and saluted the commander, noticing that he had all ready been tended too Auoric helped him too his feet.

"For honor and glory Travian, i regret that we could'nt have disabled that Armature quickly enough."

Spluttering and cringing from the pain as he was helped too his feet Travians reply was quiet and a feint smile was noticble as it grew across his face.

"It's no problem friend, at least where all regrouped now *Cough*"

Observing the Commanders wounds Auoric was sceptical of letting him continue at least unrested.

"Travian it would be wise too have a small rest with your injuries and hers."

Auoric gestured toward the female propped up against a rock her giant guard standing over
her, and the turian tending to her wounds. He had noticed her before he had dropped his hood but she remained unmentioned and Auoric was positive he knew her or her voice from somewhere.

Travian now on his feet but using Auoric as support his left shoulder was drooping as he brought it up and placed his weak hand on Auorics shoulder.

"....*Cough*......*Cough*.....That would be up too the squads"

Nodding in recognition Auoric carefully lowered his friend down letting him rest on one of the many moss covered rocks. Turning his gaze towards Soriks postion, Auoric started too stride over too his friend speaking as he went.

"Of course, speak amongst yourselves me and Sorik will be on watch."

---

Vynx had caught her breath and refrained from passing out, the sharp pains in her side subsiding into dull aches by the time a familiar face came to kneel before her. "So, tell me how you got bloodied in this fashion; you don't seem the one to take a beating from a standard trooper."

Vynx scowled at this statement. She foresaw this coming from the first time she spoke to the Turian on the transport - he was belittling her. Anger rose within her not only because her pride was hurt, but because this merc drew from the obvious. But had he been in her place, in the heart of Hell, outnumbered two to one with a giant tank seriously endangering his life? No, she reassured herself, He had not.

She allowed him to finish his procedure and help her to her feet. "I trust you can handle yourself from here on in," the conceited mercenary said. Vynx could not discern whether this was a general question or a taunt. Her keen eyes followed him as he turned his back on her. Some particularly violent imaginings instinctively ran through her mind; refined reflexes from her work as a mercenary, like an animal waiting for their prey to turn blindside to pounce. He did deliberately insult her, but he had shown some degree of benevolence. Not to mention he was not her enemy; in fact, he was the one she identified most closely with on this entire damned planet.

"Don't worry," she said to her medic as she stepped up beside him, "I've got it under control."

By this time Auoric, Auoric's partner, and the mercenary's backup had arrived. They congregated and discussed their next move. Vynx did not bother to listen again; she knew all she needed: the coordinates of the Geth installation, the squad that would go there, and that they now had numbers and guns sufficient to effectively storm the hell out of that base.

Adumas was looking over Travian. Satisfied that his wounds had already been treated well, he turned to the group of 15 Turians and said, "I regret to pass this judgement, but I do not think it wise for Commander Travian to participate in any more battles." He looked back at Travian with a frown on his face, but Travian nodded solemnly. They must have already discussed this. "I volunteer to stay behind and wait for the transport with him. But we will need to get out of this valley before we're left behind," Adumas said decidedly, no doubt thinking about the battle that had just transpired in this hellhole.

"If that is the order," Daen replied, the rumble of his deep voice like distant thunder.

"Negative," Tytenus, Daen's younger sibling, denied. "What if we were to fall into a confrontation like this again? We need all the men we can get." Tytenus seemed rather edgy. He had emerged from the recent battle completely unharmed, save for a percentage of his kinetic barriers. Why should he react like this? The answer came soon enough. "We cannot trust this mission to the hands of their like!" Tytenus gestured to the two mercenaries standing side by side.

"Did you not see the tides turn, Tytenus? She fought with all her might, maybe even saved us a casualty or two. Do not be so quick to underestimate."

"They are not one of us, Daen! Their motives and methods differ from ours! You would be a fool to entrust such a task..."

Vynx turned on her heel and paced away from the nonsensical bickering. Leave it to the military thralls to find fault in another. She watched as the CO of the ground team, Auoric, left the group to rejoin his companion. Smart guy, she thought. Operates on his own, or at least for the most part. Perhaps she should grab her mercenary acquaintance and do the same; it was what the colossal Turian Tytenus wanted.

She reached for her canteen but, remembering it was empty, instead drew three acid green capsules from a small compartment in her armor's forearm. They were an emergency measure for biotics, recently developed. They perked the user up within minutes, but proved for one nasty headache 6 to 12 hours later. She swallowed them dry, and waited for the effects to kick in.

She returned to where her counterpart was, figuring the worst of the argument had passed. She pressed her back to a cool, grey slab and crossed her arms. "That is the blessing of being a merc," she said freely, not intending for anyone in particular to hear. "There are no regulations to bind you."

At that moment Jax walked up to her. He flipped his wrist, drawing Vynx's attention. He held the muzzle of her Brawler in his hand and extended his arm to offer her the gun. She had assumed it was lost for good, but eagerly took it from him. She was delighted to have her favorite weapon back in her arsenal. "Thanks," she said with a trace of fervor. Vynx could not recall the last time she had thanked anyone. The majority of her activities were business, dealing with agents and doing the minimum to earn pay. Killing and accepting her wages - both went hand in hand, with no one to thank but herself for having done a job well.

The argument had finally ceased with Daen prevailing in the end. Travian and Adumas would stay behind once they exited the valley. That would confirm 12 men in their unit now.

"Phase One: regroup. Phase Two: annihilate the geth installation. The best part has yet to come," Vynx remarked to her mercenary acquaintance. "I'm almost sold on the idea of going there by myself. How about you?"

---

Tytenus' distrust of the mercs did not go down well with Darius. If he wasn't protected by his status as a soldier, I would have sent him into a coma for such distrespect!, he fumed. Pushing those thoughts to the back of his mind, he looked at his counterpart moving about, and then his "Commander" lying immobilized on the ground. Hah! The young female can take more punishment than the veteran! He thought with a grin on his face.

"I'm almost sold on the idea of going there myself, how about you?" Were the first words the other merc said to him.

"I would have proposed a plan like that," Darius said, sparing an angry glance at Tytenus, "However, that brick *points at Tytenus* proposed we be cannon fodder for him. I still feel compelled to beat him into a coma."

Chuckling, the female said, "I do believe you would have a hard time with that, he nearly doubles you in size!" To this, Darius merely frowned. "Anyway," she continued, "You since we will be working together, calling each other "merc" won't do. My name is Vynx for now, and I will properly introduce myself later." Following her example, Darius said, "And I am Darius, my last name comes if you make it out alive."

Vynx gave him a cold stare after he finished his last sentence. Does she think herself worthy of my familiarity? He wondered, perhaps later, but now is not the time. His train of thought was interrupted by the Scout Commander ushering the 12 man team into action. He glided to his spot next to Vynx and began the trek to the Geth stronghold.

---

The group had finally come too a decision, Travian was too stay behind with Adumas and together they would wait for an evac whilst the rest moved on too the objective. Rising from his crouched position Auoric left Soriks vigilant side moving into the center of the group he spoke.

"Commander Travian will wait behind accompanied by you, Adumas, the rest of you i can see have no serious injuries and will accompany me and Sorik too the geth installation."

All eyes where now fixed on the tall rugged veteran, his slender battlesuit covered by a wavering cloak that stayed motionless as all wind had seemingly been sucked from the vale. Some of the soldiers where sceptical at the thought,all but the female soldier and a male Auoric had failed too notice before. After the talking had died down Auoric continued

"All of you will be accompanying us including the two 'Mercs' their fighting prowess will be needed. Myself and Sorik will move ahead of the rest of you when we are in a suitable position i will explain the plan."

The two mercs in the corner had now moved closer too the others, watching them move with his peripheral vision he spoke too them.

"Mercs may i ask your names?"

The male raised his head and faced Auoric, Auoric noticed his cold stare realising he could probably stare down a Krogan. The merc spoke "Darius", this was followed by the female announcing hers "They call me Vynx". Upon learning there names Auoric furthered his speech.

"Okay Darius, Vynx i want you at point, Jax and Heiror was it? i want you two watching the rear, you move as a group and keep as a group."

Auoric was pleased that the squad where competant he helped Adumas move Travian behind cover and told him too seek out the remainder of his squad when he arrived at the forward base. Moving back through the group he returned too sorik who was now on his feet rifle grasped firmly and his face now protected by his hoods shadow. Turning too the group he spoke for one last time as he himself moved his face back into concealment.

"Check your selves grab a partner and stay spread where moving out, Myself and Sorik will communicate through the comm lines, stay safe."

The pair of scouts turned jumping from the small cover they had occupied and moved with speed through what shadow they could find. Watching them move the combined squads began too move forward the two mercs at their front Darius spoke, "Scouts huh."

---

"...If you make it out alive."

Vynx glared at Darius, long and cold. She felt the faint burn of aggression flicker again, but rationality doused the rekindled embers. Neither of us has seen the other in action, she deliberated. It would be best to reserve that judgement.

And now was the perfect time.

Auoric and his comrade departed to scout the region ahead while Vynx and Darius' teams merged, partnering themselves according to their specialties. Hieror, Vynx's most recent ally and crack shot sniper, assumed the position of rear guard with Jax. She and Darius were the vanguards of the unit as appointed by Auoric. She had seen very little of the man, and could not help but wonder if he had placed the two non-military troops on point as disposable barriers of flesh. Regardless, she believed no others could compete with the two responsible for leading this operation now.

"Let's get moving," she said as Darius approached her. The two set out with the team of eight trailing in their wake. When they had scaled to the peak of the path Auoric had previously taken, the unit sped up to a brisk pace that would allow them to quickly cover ground yet foresee any enemy resistance. Vynx had not made visual on Auoric, and so assumed he had half a klick of a head on them.

The unit cantered across an expanse of rolling hills, encountering no opposition. Daen and Tytenus, the pair immediately behind she and Darius, had taken to their jovial nature, lightly joking and conversing. Vynx thought she saw Darius' knuckles stand out as his grip tightened on his weapon.

"At least the elements are tolerable here," Vynx remarked idly, thinking of the harsher climates her career had landed her in hitherto. She had left her helmet off for their stroll and could feel the delicate caress of the planet's wind. It was rather refreshing.

After another few minutes of this jaunt, Auoric made contact via their coms. "You're now approaching the Geth base. Moderate your pace; we'll see you on the nearest ridge overlooking the structure."

Vynx scanned the surrounding terrain and horizon, but could not gain visual of the furtive Turian. He's good, she thought. The entourage slowed their pace and crept quietly over the next 50 yards. Not long after, the party came upon a ridge that jutted out over a 30 foot depression. This land formation continued to their right and curved around, creating the impression of a basin. Located on the lower tier of this land and about 100 yards out was the Geth installation, gleaming it's eerie purplish hue under the mild Chascan sun.

Two cloaked figures appeared as they climbed over the ledge and to the elevation Vynx, Darius, and the team stood on. They shed the hoods of their robes to speak to the assembly. "Glad to see you've made it undisturbed," Auoric greeted them. "Sorik and I have scouted the perimeter of this place. Quite honestly, it doesn't look good. Their external defenses are fortified with turrets and drones, and the occasional foot patrol. Security looks to be tight - blast doors, advanced surveillance systems and encryption. And a dropship deposited a shipment of standard Geth troopers only a few moments ago. We're going to need a plan."

Vynx studied the structure: The main base had a bulbous architecture and was rather large. She surmised it held quite a few regiments of Geth inside, and who knows what else. Immediately surrounding the main base were sniper towers - four of them. Further out and encircling the aforementioned two structures were large barricades, limiting the angles from which they could attack. Vynx also observed two strikingly familiar globular skeletons on opposite sides of the base - without a doubt, they were looking at the compact, dormant forms of two more Armatures. Beside each inactive Armature was a holo panel of sorts.

"Damnit," Vynx breathed, knowing those would cause enough problems without drones, turrets, and snipers to add to the chaos. Darius simply looked on, not a trace of anxiety present in his face. Auoric stood patiently, waiting for any suggestions on how they should begin their advance.

"There are twelve of us all together. If we converged from all sides, we'd have the best chance," Vynx began. "I propose we assign smaller units or teams, three men in each: A sniper, a heavy gunner, and your choice of a third. The snipers can take out each tower if we disperse and press from the north, east, south, and west. The gunner can work on the turrets, and the third can provide backup for both."

She proposed a lineup like this:

North: Hieror (Sniper); Vesper (Gunner); Martellus (Backup)

East: Auoric (Sniper); Sorik (Gunner); Sulik (Backup)

South: Iolaus (Sniper); Darius (Gunner); Vynx (Backup)

West: Jax (Sniper); Daen (Gunner); Tytenus (Backup)

"But," Vynx said, her tone changing from tactical to apathetical, "I'm no commander. The plan for once we get inside is beyond me."

Darius and Auoric looked thoughtful. Vynx crossed her arms and waited for their evaluations.

---

Auoric silently reviewed Vynx's plan his gaze reached out across the geth base, Auoric had gathered from their tough exteriors that the 'Mercs' where valuable and battle-hardened. Vynx inparticular showed capable commanding qualities and had devised a sound plan. Pulling his vigilant gaze away from the base it fell upon Vynx's face, her plum hued carapace contrasted the same golden eyes Auoric himself possessed. Arms folded he aimed his words at the 'Merc'

"A sound plan indeed Vynx, with the tower snipers eliminated the most immediate threat will be gone."

With these words Vynx turned too face him and nodded, that had been her intention. Adding words of her own too his

"Hopefully, and those drones will find it hard too do anything under the gunners heavy bursts."

Auoric returned too silently marking out pivotal locations strewn throughout the base, He must of seemed disturbed as he comtenplated what too do about the heavy Armatures that possed their biggest and most arduous threat. Roused from his observations by the voice of one of the younger soldiers 'Jax'.

"Erm, what seems too be the problem sir?" he must of seen the look of contentment in his face. He continued with a further question "What are you looking at?."

Turning too the young turian he answered his questions "Look toward the rear end of the base, the armatures too be precise." He realised the look of anxiety appear on his face. "No need too worry, friend, their dormant at least for now and i have a plan." His reassuring and peaceful demeanour as he spoke calmed Jax and the mask he wore seconds ago evaporated.

Darius who had been silent up until now elected too speak "What if we found their control node, it would remove the problem and provide some........fun." Auoric nodded at these words glancing a look over too Sorik who smirked as they met his ears. "That was what i had in mind the rear team would have too involve some one capable of hacking the node and even then it would be risky." The group reverted too silence as they contemplated who would bear the burden of this task.

---

Though having this place bombed to an irradiated hole would be good to watch, her plans promise the only thing better: A large-scale battle, Darius thought. He turned to Vynx and gave her a quick nod before saying, "This plan must be run by Sulik, but I doubt he could come up with a better one." He finished his sentence with a bit of contempt. He could tell that no matter how senior Sulik was, he simply did not have the field experience of the other two commanders.

Running to the back of the line of soldiers, he caught Travian and Sulik discussing battle plans. Interrupting their current discussion, he told the pair of Vynx's plan. After he finished, both the commanders looked at each other, and dismissed him with a wave before returning to their discussion. I do not believe they care much for that plan, Darius thought while jogging back to his place, Normally, I would not care, but this involves my life as well.

As he prepared to tell Vynx of her plan's failiure, his comm piece chimed, and a message from Commander Travian came over the radio, "All units, here are your orders: you are to take positions as follows:..." He recited the positions the units were taking, and the teams exactly the way Vynx had. Darius looked at her, and saw a smile growing on her face. As Iolaus came running to the group, Darius cleared his mind and prepared for combat, reciting ancient litanies and chants in his mind. Vynx motioned to the two males, and led them down the ridge. Pointing to a cluster of rocks 75 yards ahead of them, the said in a solemn tone, "There, that's our spot." Darius nodded, motioned Iolaus to him, and the squad began their move towards the installation.

---

After thinking long and hard Auoric finally elected too broke the silence that had descended amongst the squad. "I'm sure were all aware that those Armatures are priority, the only problem is that their on opposite sides of the base." The squad listened in on every word Auoric spoke watching him keenly as he continued "The teams that Vynx suggested are a solid foundation however i have a few changes."

Listing the names Vynx had previously linked togather for suitable groups he continued

North: Hieror (Sniper); Vesper (Gunner); Martellus (Backup)

East: Auoric (Sniper); Sorik (Sniper); Sulik (Backup)

South: Iolaus (Sniper); Darius (Gunner); Vynx (Backup)

West: Jax (Sniper); Daen (Gunner); Tytenus (Backup)

"The idea too eliminate the four towers first is a sound plan however myself and Sorik always work together and with two snipers in one group we can safely eliminate two towers between us." The rest of the squad nodded in realisation of the fact a look of anxiety was present amongst some, obviously linked too the idea of dealing with more armatures.

"After myself and Sorik have eliminated the Eastern and southern towers we will move too the first armature node and see what we can do." Looking around for any objections before he continued, happy that there where none he folded his arms and proceded.

"At the same time a similar approach will be used on the opposite side too eliminate the Northern and Western towers, and too proceed too the node situated there." Crouching down Auoric drew his cloak back away from his suit revealing a combat knife residing at his thigh. The Turian began drawing the outline of the base marking the four towers clearly aswell as the locations of the two armatures and their respective teams. Noticing that everyone had moved in towards him he moved n too the next stage of the plan.

"With the four tower snipers eliminated and the Armatures hopefully disabled and hardwired the only remaining threat is the Geth and the drones residing in base and its complex. However with two teams still left the remaining two snipers should be able too provide supportive fire whilst the other four move forward and draw the geth out of the base. With accurate shooting and providing your stay hidden you will appear too be a much larger force at which time if we are able too commandeer the armatures we will catch the rear of the geth, if not we will proceed into the geth complex and disable it."

Some of the Turians stood around the crouched figure began too talk no other words where said but it soon died down when Sorik looked their way. The plan seemed too look strong and should work especially if the front strike teams stay under cover refusing too give way their numbers. Auoric proceeded too revealing the new teams each delegated with a name and a purpose:

Frontal Assault: Hieror(Sniper); Vesper (Gunner); Martellus (Backup) -Alpha

South-east : Auoric (Sniper); Sorik (Sniper); Vynx (Backup) -Phantom

North-west: Iolaus (Sniper); Darius (Gunner); Sulik (Backup) -Shadow

Frontal Assault: Jax (Sniper); Daen (Gunner); Tytenus (Backup) -Sheild

Revealing the new teams Auoric elected too explain why he had changed the

"Darius im assuming you carrying thet sniper means that you can use it, it is only for the tower snipers after that you may discard it. You will also be in charge of Shadow team"
No longer crouched Auoric moved over too the 'Merc' removing something from his suit he handed him two grenades, these where no ordinary grenades they where slightly larger and where more complex. Seeing his puzzled look Auoric explained "Explosive charges, they can be a timed detonation or a remote detonation from an Omni-tool, if you are unable too hardwire the Armature you are too destroy it."

Turning too face the rest of the group he spoke again "Get into your designated teams, have a weapons check and a quick break we move out in 10." With this words Auoric descended down the slope perching on a large rock at the bottom, unaware that his movement had attracted the eyes of the two 'Mercs' who unknown too him where conversing as he proceeded with his act.

Auoric's armor was different too most Phantom editions the gauntlets where not red but the natural grey that the remainder of the suit composed of, and on his right side the armor had been cut away from the elbow. Auoric himself had a martial wrap extended from the cut of point too his hand, this was too allow him better grip and mobility whilst using his rifle but it also had an unseen purpose. Removing the wrap revealed a dozen of lined scars present on his arm, these where not battle scars their origin was a mystery too the 'Mercs'. As the last of the wrap was removed something remarkable appeared on the turians arm, a silver band adorned with charms seemed too dance as it glinted ans sparkled unde chascas sun, Auoric proceeded too run his fingers over the bracelt muliple times, at this point Vynx and Darius pulled their heads away leaving him too his privacy as Sorik sat down beside him.

---

So it was decided. The assault groups, composed of Hieror, Vesper, Martellus, Jax, Daen, and Tytenus, would lead the frontal assault and work to keep their numbers unknown to the Geth. She, Auoric, and Auoric's partner Sorik would press from the southeast and unman the southern and eastern sniper towers while Iolaus, Darius, and Sulik dealt with the northern and western forces. Damn! Vynx cursed her luck, So much for getting to see this mighty Darius in action.

Auoric departed by descending the wall beyond the ledge she and Darius now stood on alone; her gaze followed him before he disappeared below. Vynx returned her sight to Darius.

"He's not that bad for a military man," she admitted. "I sense he has an understanding similar to those you and I possess, a natural peace and acceptance with any circumstance. And what I've seen of his skills... they're unlike most officers."

Darius simply shrugged, saying, "I have seen nothing of him yet. Worthless at the present standing."

"I may say the same about you. Not the worthless part," she corrected herself as quickly as Darius had obviously taken offense, nearly flattening her with his loathing glare. She reconciled, "I suppose the expedience of the transport 'mission' was due to your hacking expertise." She fell into silence for a moment, the translucent memory of the transport battle overlapping the one that was soon to commence. "Do you believe you can hotwire one of those things?"

He looked out over the Geth installation, scrutinizing it. "Believe? Consider it done."

Vynx nodded though Darius wasn't looking at her. She stepped to the edge and held her Brawler at arm's length for inspection, cocking her head to line up the sights. A glint caught her eye, throwing tracers into her scope. Her eyes quickly darted around, searching for the source. Surprisingly, it issued from below her. Auoric's armor was far from having luster, but upon closer inspection she realized the light had been cast by a silver band adorning his exposed wrist.

Vynx was intrigued by this. Why would a man wear jewelry? She herself had never owned any, despite the trend for many Turian women to display precious metals with piercings and bangles. She only ever recalled one other man wearing an ornament, a human mercenary she once worked with. He tied a frayed cord of sorts - "hemp" - around his neck, but soon learned not to do so when aggravating a Turian.

She followed in Auoric's wake and reached his position on the lower tier of the land, leaving the remainder of the Turian ensemble above. Auoric was examining his rifle, a make Vynx did not recognize. She adopted the notion that this Turian had many secrets that would go unnoticed unless a keen eye was bestowed.

Again the silver bangle encircling his wrist caught her attention, perhaps the subconscious allure instinctive in women. "I've never witnessed a Turian male bare such a delicate accessory," she remarked. Auoric's head snapped in her direction, surprise and another shrouded emotion evident in his gentle golden eyes.

---

"I've never witnessed a Turian male bare such a delicate accessory" These where the words that brought Auoric from his stupor, turning his head too face its origin he found that Vynx had been the one too utter these words. Replying in a tone that was far from his own Auoric sounded out of place his voice quiet and heavy, "it is more than an accessory it was a........gift". Auoric's tone weakened as he tried too speak the last few words, seeing the distress he was under and the weight gather in his eyes she quickly changed subjects, observing the mysterious scars lined across his arms.

"Those scars, their unusual" Noticing that Vynx had purposely changed the topic he could'nt help but smile This 'Merc' is different to the others Auoric thought too himself before he answered her question his reply much more like his normal tone his rough and powerful voice returning too him. "They are a reminder" "Of what may i ask?", Rising too his feet he composed himself hopeful that Vynx was the only one too see him at the rock. "Those that have fallen under my command, i keep it so that i remember them and hope that i never have too add more too it, it has thankfully reamined untouched for many years." Vynx looked at the figure stood before her and thought It must be strange too lose a friend from such a small group, almost like a brotherhood scout squads are much smaller than the standard, and above all she was glad too see that his arm was not covered in scars only the occasional line.

Striding past Vynx he smiled as he placed his hand on her shoulder and moved too the preparing squad. "Okay soldiers listen up, Shadow squad when you've eliminated your respective towers and the armature your will proceed too the cargo hold and sabotage their dropship and supplies, Whilst Phantom will proceed too disable their communications understood?". The reply was immediate and a favourable response, Feeling the wind blow across him Auoric continued "Alpha and Sheild teams stay safe, stay down and everyone as soon as the towers are eliminated keep radio silence untill my team take out their radios, Okay this is it get into position where moving out, for honor and glory soldiers"
The resounding response was music too his ears "For Honor and Glory, Sir."

[Vynx]

Hrn... Why am I never allowed to see this Prodigy in action? Darius thought as he crept to his cover position where Sulik was waiting for him, All in due time I suppose...

After he and Iolaus had moved into position, they waited for the ready signals from the other four teams. Iolaus took aim at the oblivious sniper in the tower mere yards away. He could hear the nervous Sulik whispering to himself, andhe merely steeled himself for the hellstorm that was bound to come. Over his racing heartbeat, he barely heard the hushed voice on his comm piece say, "Now!"

Darius poked his head above the low rock cluster to see a patrol of 4 Troopers and an Assault Drone turning to his direction. As Iolaus dropped the sniper, he drew his Omni-Tool and began hacking the drone. In only a few seconds, the drone was firing on its former masters, who turned and dove for cover. The drone dropped one of the Troopers before it got cover, and Darius blew multiple synthetic bits out of the head of another. Capitalizing on the Geth's inability to fire, Darius mounted the outcropping, drew his shotgun, and waited for the pair of soldiers to break cover. When they did, his weapon found it's mark, bowling over one of the troopers, while Iolaus decapitated another.

Seeing the battle had ended before his entrance,Sulik simply cursed his lack of involvement. He ended the hacked drone with a blast from his shotgun as Darius turned to his "Commander" and gave a mocking smile. Over the uproar in the background, Darius yelled into his comm, "This is Darius, we're past the first patrol, moving on!"

---

The brash winds had died down too a faint blow, bringing with them a silence that descended onto chascas surface to be scattered throughout by the winds. Auoric was crouched in position his cloak covering the majority of his body making him seemingly join with the rock he used as cover. Everyone was in postion and waiting his confirmation, he felt a certain degree of uncertainty swell up inside but reassured himself that the plan would work. Turning on his feet he remained crouched looking on at the two other turians that his team was composed of. He regarded himself as having one of the more expeirienced teams, no nerves or apprehensive twitches where present as he opted too speak.

"Okay this is it, Sorik you take the southern tower ill take the eastern point, Vynx be ready too move as soon as i give the command." They remained silent but their understanding was evident by the nod from both. "Okay lets do this", Spinning back too face his target he readied his com-mic and brought his rifle too bare in one fluid motion. "Soldiers listen up, on my signal Shadow and Phantom teams will disable the towers, immediately after the shots are fired Alpha and Sheild you must draw the fire away from us, remember hold radio silence until i give the word good luck men."

Auoric steadied his breath bringing his rifle too rest on an unseen bipod as it stabalized and ceased too move, bringing his cross-hairs too fall on the oblivious synthetic he gave the order "Fire!". The sounds that followed where compiled into a cacophony of resounding thuds and shattering metal as four rounds crashed into their marks sending them reeling from their prospective towers. At that moment the plan sprang too life, the geth where dumbfounded, uncertain where too look first, but as the first 'Titanic' Turain emerged from the bases entrance and proceeded too pepper them with a hail of precise and deadly fire. the geth moved into cover too save themselfs. Happy that his path was clear and in no way compromised Auoric lept from cover, giving his team the order as he went. Staying low and moving with consumptuous ease for someone of his age, his team and some trouble keeping up.

Arriving at the very outskirts of the geth base the only available cover was the crude boxes and crates strewn around the backend of the complex, opting too dive behind the first too enter his peripherel vision. Quickly adjusting himself he looked on as Sorik and Vynx followed his lead, Holding a fist in their direction he quickly raised one finger and gestured forward, the order was for Vynx too take point. The two scouts fell in behind her snipers raised and scoping every recess and cover for a sign of any immediate threat, but it would seem what geth had been here had quickly moved too defend aginst what they thought was the only threat.

Arriving at the terminal that was the Armature control panel Auoric propped his rifle up against it and accessed his Omni-tool. "Sorik, Vynx i need you too watch my back i dont know what too expect from this terminal" the voice that followed could only belong too the female Vynx it was much more melodic than any of the male soldiers "Got you covered", She moved too occupy cover overlooking the entrance too the base she could see the firefight below. Sorik on the otherhand like normal had said nothing, he almost never spoke unless he was alone with Auoric, normally he was a silent statue. He had occupied cover at the only other noticeable entrance.

---

"Understood, Shadow team," Vynx's affirmation purred over the com-link. "We've reached an Armature terminal undetected. Phantom team is attempting to breach the defense systems."

Vynx and Sorik stood on guard, she cradling her shotgun and he sweeping the barrel of his custom sniper rifle back and forth. Auoric tapped commands into his omni-tool and battled streams of Geth codes with his own. The enigmatic Turian seemed so determined to hack the sytem, so fixed on his work. For a brief moment Vynx's memory flashed back to the distant past; the ghost of her father stood in Auoric's stead, working diligently over the faint orange glow of his omni-tool...

Auoric's rich yellow eyes gazed inquisitively into Vynx's. She realized she had been staring back for some time, so she shook herself as if startled then quickly glanced away in embarrassment. Vynx was shaken. Why had she seen this vision? She tried to analyze the subliminal message, but the evolution and multiplication of possibilities only worsened the ache she felt in her heart. Short of breath and emotionally burdened, Vynx sensed her composure weaken and, trying to hold it in, subconsciously crossed her arm over her chest.

A hand gently wrapped around her shoulder, instantly flooding her numbed body with ice-cold reality. She opened her eyes and glanced over her shoulder to see Sorik poised behind her as if ready to run; she noticed his sniper rifle, though held unstably in one hand, was still pointed vaguely in her direction. Caught off guard in her agonized reverie, Vynx lifted here eyes past the man beside her and looked to Auoric. He had taken his attention off his omni-tool and seemed to be waiting, eyes sharp on her. Within that moment Vynx realized her biotic corona was not consciously withheld; a result of her traumatic hallucination.

A quiet "oh" escaped her lips as she regained control of her nervous system and all traces of her spectral light vanished. Again she looked to the one she considered the commander and glimpsed a smile spread across his face. In that instant Vynx knew he had sensed something wrong, and sent Sorik to quell her inner struggle.

For the first time in a very long time, Vynx smiled. She admitted to herself that she was impressed with the intuitive man. He returned his focus to his task, leaving her revived and primed.

"How much longer, Auoric?" Vynx asked, eager to get her blood pumping again.

"I'm almost through," Auoric replied calmly.

Vynx turned to Sorik who had retreated a few paces. He still looked suspicious of her.

"Do not withdraw from me," she implored him, having found a new tenderness from her recent experience. "I am no different from you, and I will not harm you. Unless you point that firearm at me again."

Auoric's omni-tool made a faint chirping sound and drew Vynx and Sorik's attention. Their comrade looked up at them and smiled jubilantly. "We're online!"

The white-armored tank-of-a-machine began to expand, disengaging the locks that held it suppressed. It's head rose from the bloom first, then it's four appendages. It hoisted itself to its feet and posed at the ready.

"I've switched it's recognition," Auoric explained to the two. "It will now fire on it's former allies and aid our forces."

"That's terribly unfortunate for the Geth," Sorik chuckled. Auoric, who appreciated his friend's sense of humor, laughed along.

The Armature began to amble past them and around the base, seeking enemy targets along the east side.

"All teams, this is Phantom team. Armature one is online, weapons hot. Do not engage on the east side," Vynx reported over her com. Auoric came over to Sorik and her, looking pleased and ready to fight.

"Do you have controls for that thing synced up with your omni-tool?" Vynx asked. "If so, we can either lead it into battle to aid the frontal assault or have it stand watch while we infiltrate this structure."

Vynx was itching to find some combat; she could hear it coming from the opposite side of the base. She pumped her Avalanche once to bluntly express her anticipation, ready for the next move.

---

Auoric watched as the giant skeletal frame descended down the ramp into the battle ensueing below, its white sheen creating an eerie glow that embraced it. Looking back down at his Omni-tool he instructed it too eliminate any geth and it happly complied. Turning back too Vynx too answer her question he tried too ignore the intense stare she had previously set on him. It was'nt violent or aggressive it held with it a certain astonishment as well as other feelings, she had been surrounded by an unmistakable field of dark energy she was obviously a Biotic and Auorics mind had trailed off, hiding his feelings he composed himself and answered "Of course, but it wont matter too much it has a remarkable amount of intelligence and will press into the geths rear without much direction." Recieving the nod and listening too Soriks chuckle as he thought of the chaos brewing below.

Vynx detached herself from the cover she had occupied gripping her shotgun tightly and psyching herself up. "We should move onto the radio station inside." acknowledging the shake of Auorics head she listened intently. "We should take out the antenna that provides them the means of communication, their could be multiple nodes situated throughout the base." Auorics head trailed up too the large mast reaching upto the sky from its perch above them, it was no mean feat reaching it the group proceeded too move through the complexs strewn cover. Reaching the slope that ascended too the antennas platform Vynx took point edging herself into view at the ramps climax. Her response was immediate "It's all clear" Although they beleived her neither Turian at her back lowered their vigilant scopes for a second content that their ould be some sort of threat.

The Antenna itself was at least 20 feet off the ground on top of an already large complex, the wind whistled throughout the various holes and cracks it was almost peacefully and it was possible for one too loos themself in its sound untill again the wind deid down and with it the sound ceased too exist. "You know the drill you two" Auoric propped his rifle at the base of a crate too his right as the Turians started their vigilant watch again. Standing at the base of the tower Auoric proceeded too climb the metallic tower, and he did it remarkably quickly. Perched at the very top he was a hands reach from the broadcasting antenna, removing the grenade charges from their compartment he had securly fitted the first charge when it happened.

Out of nowhere a small group of recon drones ascended the side of the geth complex where Vynx stood, she reacted immediately disintegrating on in a deafening roar from her shotgun but it was unfortunate. The remaing Drones proceeded too move toward Auoric firing a hail of bullets as they charged, As soon as the first shot had sounded he had began his descent and then the charge was hit. The drones inaccurate fire had penetrated the exterior of the one charge Auoric had placed and it detonated engulfing the towers pinnicle in an intense inferno. The blast sent Auoric carrering backwards slamming sickingly into the floor at the towers base. Seeing his freind thrown from the tower Sorik sprang too his side as Vynx sent a roiling blast of crippling energy from her shotgun obliterating the remaining drones.

Auoric had felt his body slam against the floor it did'nt hurt as one would think, his body was numb and although pain was present it was distant as if it was'nt quite his own. His breath was steady but was deep in his ears the only noise he was able too hear as his ears pounded with a revebrating siren that filled his head as looked on. Auoric looked down at his side although his sheilds had taken the brunt of the blast, they could'nt hold and subseqeuntly had tore through. The towers frame had rained shrapnel down on Auoric as he descended tearing through his armor with sickening ease and burying into his side, above his waist. Auoric was blissfully unaware of the damage and watched as Sorik was able too remove the majority of the metal debris, placing a substantial amount of medi-gel on the wound and placing a small bandage that explanded compressing the wound and filling out the holes in his armor. Helping his freind stand Sorik staggered under the dead weight as Auoric was still in a daze, the giant of a turian adjusted himself nearly lifting Auoric off the ground.

A deep breath was all it took as Auorics world came rushing back in a symphony of dazed sound, numbing pain and a large and razed gasp. Managing too straighten himself taking pressure off his right side and steadying under Soriks hold, he looked toward Vynx who was now at his side administering a shot of steroids or adrenaline by the looks of it just trying too help him compse himself, All Auoric managed too do too thank them was smile as he traied too stand limping forward. He was alive and within resonable good health, the balst had shaken him but he waould recover he took another deep breath as he could finally dully hear the sounds surrounding him. "Auoric! are you okay?" The concerned voice of Sorik was unmistakable Auoric simply turned and smiled barely able too hold his laughter in "Hey, at least their communications are down."

---

In position near the dormant armature, Darius heard a faint crash to his right. What the hell was that? He thought while turning his comm to Vynx's channel. "I can assume you did that," He said with a hint of curiosity, "What's the damage?"

"Communications array," Vynx's garbled voice responded, "Hurry up with that Armature, we could use your help here."

"Got it," Darius said while shutting off his comm. He then turned to his squadmates and nodded, signaling them into position behind him. "Keep your eyes out for more synthetics, they're bound to send reinforcement," Darius said while massaging his omni-tool to life. He sent a steady line of code into the terminal, awakening the hulk to his right. Like those humans say: "Easy as pie!", he thought with jubilation. He sent another line of code into the tank, sending it towards the unsuspecting Geth engaged with the other 2 teams.

Darius opened his comm channel, saying with excitement, "Armature 2 is away, combat teams, expect some reinforcement!" Sulik then tapped him on the shoulder, saying in an awed tone, "Outstanding!" Iolaus, meanwhile, pumped his fist and switched his Harpoon rifle for the Thunder VIII assault rifle on his back. The team skirted up to what seemed like an entrance into the monolithic Geth installation. Entering the daunting structure, Darius radioed to Vynx.

"We are inside, transferring coordinates now," He said quickly, "I will give you a constant feed on our location, but it is ultimately your choice if you want to link up with us. I would prefer if you said yes, there is strength in numbers."

---

Vynx crouched just outside of a large blast door opposite Sorik as he quickly tapped commands into his omni-tool to override the controls. Beside Vynx stood Auoric, back to the wall and eyes closed. She wondered in that moment if his tactical finesse came from frequent periods of meditation, as he seemed to be doing now. Then again, he may just be resting. Vynx shuddered to think what may have happened if his shields had not been at full capacity earlier; she had never actually seen someone ripped apart by an explosion before. Luckily he was still alive to tell the tale, and in adequate health to press on. She had done everything in her power to cleanse, mend, and patch up the damage, but it would still be wise for both of them to see a professional medic after this mission was over.

Darius' voice come over Vynx's internal speakers. They had made it in and chosen a rendezvous point; the coordinates briefly flashed in her HUD. She hissed quietly as she raised her right arm to key her com, for a sharp pain stabbed at her ribs again. "Agreed. We are now breaching the - we have breached - the facility. " Vynx corrected herself as the large doors finally slid open. "We'll head north to your position."

Auoric was no longer reclining against the alien structure. His weapon was drawn, and the omni-tool along his forearm was still lit. Sorik knelt behind cover, then peered out down the barrel of his rifle to scout the room beyond. Vynx glanced at it quickly - it was a simple corridor lined with locked and encrypted doors, no enemies in sight. She glanced over her shoulder at Auoric for the signal to proceed; the respectable commander tapped her shoulder once to give the go-ahead.

Vynx stood and brought her Avalanche to bear, then slowly proceeded down the empty passage with Auoric and Sorik closely flanking. When they had reached the door at the northern end, Vynx turned to see her two comrades hard at work over their omni-tools. Perplexed and slightly annoyed at the all-importance of the glowing toys, she asked with a hint of vexation, "What are you possibly doing with those?"

"I'm pulling up the schematics of this base," Sorik answered plainly. Auoric followed suit. "We'll need to bypass this door in order to rendezvous with Shadow team."

Frustrated that she was of no worth at the current moment, Vynx impatiently tapped her mandibles as the men occupied themselves. Thirty seconds passed until she idly asked Auoric, "What are the readings on that Armature?"

Auoric played with the holographics hovering above his tool and said, "It's shields are down to 36%. Alpha and Shield must be struggling. We should hurry."

Vynx thought about this for a moment. Applying her very minimal knowledge of technology, she retraced Jax's signal and brought up his status in her HUD. It was not what she had hoped to see: armor breaches, injuries, and blood loss. He must have retreated from battle, because his shields were slowly replenishing from 12%. She opened a link anyway.

"Jax, give me a status report," Vynx requested.

The com link crackled for a few seconds, then Jax's voice came over the connection. "Not good. Those tanks held off the initial resistance for a bit, but reinforcements stormed out of the front door. Tons of them. The Geth tried to reclaim their heavy defenses, but decided it was better to knock them off." The young Turian sounded short of breath, and his receiver picked up the sounds of a heated battle: gunfire, the whooshing of nearby projectiles rushing past, Turians yelling orders over the turmoil.

Vynx turned to Auoric, who was listening in on Jax's account. His eyes faded into the distance as he tuned in his ears to catch the report. "How are the others?" The Turian asked calmly.

"Uh... Daen has taken some hits, as well as Martellus, Hieror, and myself. We're still functioning, but we need backup soon. If those tanks go offline, we're severely outnumbered and outgunned."

"Don't worry," Auoric reassured him like a good leader would, "We're on our way. Hold that line!" Auoric cut his com-link, executed another command into him omni-tool, and the door at their backs opened.

"Auoric," Sorik addressed him as the party quickly ventured into the next room, "The schematics show one level above us and several below. The co-ords that the mercenary sent us are on this level, just beyond this depot."

"Wait," Auoric whispered, ducking below a crate that only stood as high as his waist.

Safely tucked away behind a wall of crates, the three Turians snuck a glance into the open area of the warehouse beyond. An assortment of Geth lingered about. Five wore the standard bluish-purple, but a particular duo towered threateningly above the rest in heavy black and yellow armor. Even more menacing, if that were possible, was a distinguished Geth fighter that stood about twelve feet off the ground and bore a deep crimson color.

"Juggernaut," Sorik testified to the goliath.

Vynx quietly hummed into her com, "We've made visual on a large Geth unit. They're right on top of us. Care to join the fun?" A smile crept across her lips. She knew the other Turians would think her mad to say such a thing, but this 'Darius' seemed to understand her humor.

An amiable reply came over her com. "How could I reject such an invitation?"

Auoric nodded to she and Sorik. He counted down into his com, "Engaging in three... two... one...".

The Turian trio jumped from their shelter - Vynx lashed out with her biotics, her furious blue corona in full flare; Auoric pointed his omni-tool at the nearest Geth cluster and skillfully managed to ready his sniper rifle in the opposite hand for the main strike; Sorik retracted his arm to gain leverage for a mid-range grenade toss.

War had erupted.

---

The Explosion of Sorik's grenade was a signal for Shadow to enter the fray. Sulik and Darius focused on the 5 shieldless Geth opposite them, shotgun blasts sloughing away armor and spilling fluids all over the ground. Iolaus prioritized, and began hammering away at the Juggernaut with his assault rifle. At first, the Geth were caught by surprise, unable to react in any way. However, the Juggernaut ignored the fire it was receiving and charged the exposed Iolaus. He caught his mistake far too late, and when he turned to get back into cover, the hulk slammed into him. The force was so great, that Iolaus flew for ten feet before impacting a wall with a sickening crunch. His vitals went red in Darius' HUD with the notice above his prostrate form: MULTIPLE FRACTURES DETECTED, USER REQUIRES MEDICAL AID!

Darius, acting on impulse, yelled into his comm set, "Ignore him, I'll fix him up after we take things down!" Sulik and Darius turned their attention to the Juggernaut standing a mere five feet away. Its kinetic barriers were crackling, signifying a loss of shields. As the monsrtous machine turned to deal with the other two, shotgun rounds bouncing off its armor. Before it could even move, a red streak tore through the side of its head. The thing stumbled around for a brief second before locking up and falling to the ground. Darius tore a huge sigh of relief from himself, thanking the one who had taken the shot profusely under his breath. He peeked over his cover and saw a group of Geth go flying like bowling pins, blue aura emanating from them. Sulik finished them off personally, taking down the 3 Geth that had survived the impact.

The last group was out of Darius' line of sight. He saw orange and blue glows light up the room, and saw trails from snipers and shotguns slam into the wall to his left. All of a sudden, a gruff voice burst from behind a stack of boxes, "We're clear on this end, how about you?"

KILLS:

Darius: 3 Geth Troopers

Sulik: 5 Geth Troopers

Vynx: 3 Geth Troopers, possibly more

Auoric: 2 Geth Troopers, Juggernaut

Sorik: 2 Geth Troopers

Sulik responded immediately in a calm voice, "Good on this end, but we have a man down." Darius began to move over towards the wounded sniper, prepping his Omni-Tool for medical use. Ioulaus let out a few agonized grunts before falling silent. He must have passed out from the pain, Darius thought to himself, Makes my job easier. However, as he knelt down next to the Turian, he could see that he was still fully conscious and breathing in a relatively normal way. Before he could move or speak, Darius put a hand on his chest, and a finger to his helmet. He drew his Omni-Tool, and scanned for fractures. Surely enough, they were present: small fractures all over the right arm, a single, large fracture in the right thigh, and a rib that luckily had not disrupted any blood vessels or lungs.

"Am I... going to... be able to fight?" Iolaus asked during Darius' examination.

Vynx replied before Darius could open his mouth. In a chiding tone, she said, "You were practically screaming in pain a few seconds ago, and you never stirred during the confrontation. Think about it."

Hearing this, Iolaus gave a sigh and said, "I don't... want... to be a burden..."

Aouric spoke, reassuring the young Turian, "You aren't, these things happen, what is more important is that you live and fight again." This statement made Darius roll his eyes and think, Wrong, we are going to have to keep someone back with him. Four soldiers just isn't enough to raid a place like this.

---

Auoric looked down on the groaning turian, he felt a degree of guilt fill his system but this was quickly drowned out by his own sharp pains as he tried too crouch down too quickly. Seeing him wobble Sorik lunged too his side but was quickly waved away, "I'm fine Sorik, really i am" Looking back at Lolaus he continued "I know how much you want too fight but your injuries are too extensive, i myself am barely in fighting shape." As he finished the turian grunted as he stood showing Lolaus where the explosion had impacted.

"You aren't, these things happen, what is more important is that you live and fight again." The turians words repeated in Darius head as he elected too speak " Sir i don't think its wise for him too continue somebody will have too stay here with him untill we have cleared the complex. "Darius is right" Sulik was trying too calm the exstatic Lolaus down, "he's in no shape too fight, ill stay behind you four should try and take their transport out". Auoric stepped back propping himself up against the crates, he did'nt like leaving people behind even if it was neccessary, shaking his head in dissapointment he spoke "Okay but you have too be careful, don't let him fall a sleep and keep him comfortable." Sulik nodded in reply, and with Darius help was able too move him further into cover.

By this stage Sorik and Vynx had returned from a quick patrol about the warehouse, "Auoric the schematics i pulled up earlier show the docking bay too be on this level further along-" jumping in before the giant could finish Vynx's subtle melody in here voice was a refreshing sound amongst the men "But their are several corridors between here and their they could be teeming with Geth". Again Auoric hung his head and sighed, he thought in silence for the next 30 seconds before replying, "it's a risk we'll have too take, if we move in two-by-two cover formation down the halls even if they provide no cover, the supporting team will be able too provide covering fire." removing himself from his reclined position he checked his rifle and began too slowly make his way toward the warehouses far end a small limp evident in his step. "Sulik, Lolaus take care we Will be back, For honor and glory"

Sorik fell in stride next too his partner once again pestering his friend about his condition, laughing too themselves as they went. Must be a way too deal with situations like this Vynx thought too herself before shouting after Auoric "Remember we need too hurry for Sheild and Alpha" Striding into check just behind the Scouts she noticed Darius fall in beside her a smug smirk on his face "Now the real fun begins, i hope the two seniors are ready."

---

As the four man (and woman) team moved down the corridor branching off the depot they had just annihilated, Vynx placed her Avalanche on the small of her back and pulled out her Brawler. She flipped the fastener on her left breast and pulled the military issue Talon from it's sheath, fitting the hilt of the blade into a self-made recess on the pistol's grip. She liked the sense of security the knife instilled in her, especially in close quarters. Their setting was rather confined, so much that when she and Darius stepped in time their kinetic barriers overlapped and sent a nip of ozone into the air.

Before reaching the end of the corridor, Auoric raised a fist to halt the team. Sorik turned to the nearest door and lit his omni-tool while Auoric pointed his at a sleek protrusion on the wall just ahead. The camera was enveloped in orange light, then exploded in a shower of sparks. He turned back to Vynx and Darius; Darius had his omni-tool lit, performing one task or another. Vynx eyes darted about the hall, trying to memorize significant features for their flight back.

"Gaining access," Sorik reported as the light on the door panel turned white.

"Wait," Darius demanded in his harsh voice. "I've detected dozens of hostile signatures ahead."

"Can we bypass them?" Sorik asked.

"Bypassing isn't an option," Vynx cut in. "We'll have to get the hell out of here once we set the charges. There won't be time for confrontations."

Auoric bowed his head and closed his eyes, rubbing his red-striped chin as he mulled the situation over. "Stealth would save us time and the risk of injury, but we must make haste after our primary objective is complete. She's right. We must eliminate any opposition before the clock starts."

"Where are those signatures coming from?" Sorik asked Darius.

"Above, below, and level with us. Multiple signatures emanating from our destination."

"That should be the core of this installation, correct? We must have fallen under their surveillance system further back." Vynx cursed under her breath. Their numbers were dwindling, and if they had been detected shortly after entering the facility (or after the most recent massacre they were responsible for), company would be waiting to greet them at their target.

"We have no time to waste; we must proceed. If we cross a security node, I'll deal with it," Darius concluded. Auoric nodded his head in agreement.

The group leveled their weapons and moved through the unlocked door systematically, sweeping the new room as they passed the threshold. This corridor was not lined with doors and sloped downward. A single, large, seamed door awaited their arrival at the opposite end. Conveniently, a security node stood beside the door. Darius pushed past Auoric and Sorik, descended the ramp, and examined the console. He then set to work, attempting to hack into the enemy's grid and shut down their surveillance and security systems.

The Turian was skilled - in less than half a minute he turned to them with good news. "Security systems are offline. I've implanted a code that will allow the locked doors to recognize my armor's signal and heed our coming. Our progress will not be hindered henceforth."

"Perfect. Good work, Darius," Auoric briefly congratulated him, but Darius, who actually meet his elder's eyes, did not seem to like the personal address.

The large mercenary raised his weapon of choice and stepped up to the large door. This one emitted a white light around it's edges, then slid open horizontally with a faint hiss.

A large, open docking bay lay beyond. Judging by the domed ceiling, resting dropship, and large, glowing reactor, Vynx guessed they had reached their destination. However, the eerie purplish sheen of the transport was not the only disturbing aura in the room. It was completely barren - not a single sign of life, natural or synthetic, was perceivable. The silence and emptiness seemed to swallow the stale atmosphere.

"This isn't right," Vynx hummed softly, a strong tension churning in her gut. She glanced to her left where the mighty Darius stood, leering into the vacant space ahead. On her right, Auoric scanned the borders of the hangar quickly with his eyes. Vynx tightened her grip on her Brawler/Talon weapon combination as the overwhelming feeling that something was terribly amiss seeped into her consciousness.

---

"Indeed Vynx something isn't right." Auoric continued too scan the scene in front of them, their was no activity it was eerily quiet. Raising his rifle he motioned for the group too follow they moved forward a couple of paces before taking cover behind a cluster of chest high cargo crates. "Okay you three stay here" before anyone could object he was gone darting behind the covers and blending with every shadow. "Where is he going" Darius seem confused at his seniors bizare activity, Sorik sensed his confusion and chuckled "Relax, he moves faster and quiter of his own let him do a brief scan, trust me he knows what he's doing." "I certainly hope so" darius reply seemed too visibly shake Sorik and he continued too carefully monitor the 'Merc' for the next minute until Auoric returned from nowhere. Crouching behind cover too meet the groups eyeline he explained his findings.

"Okay this would seem the perfect place for an ambush, their are two entrances including our exit, the second is a large blast door probably connected too the bases central hub" He paused momntarily before snapping back "Thats it, Darius if i try and pull the door codes could you scramble them?" the request seemed too excite darius as he replied "its what i do best" "good i have feeling that ship isn't empty if we can lockdown that door it will give us a slight advantage". "Thats not all though it would seem luck is on our side, whislt i was scouting the eastern wall i noticed several heavy turrets" he paused for effect realising that darius and Sorik would be glad too hear that. "Darius i can take care of the turrets if you take the door, Sorik you go with him, Vynx that means your with me".

"You can always trust the geth too leave some fun offline" Soriks humor was particularly effective here, and the whole group chuckled too themselves before grouping up. Auoric and vynx scirted the cover under the walls shadows making their way toward the turrets. "I don't like this, its far too quiet" Vynxs hesitation was acceptable Auoric himself felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him as the reached the first turret "Indeed something is not right." bringing his Omni-tool up he began too bring up codes and streams of data linked too the first turret, his Comm-link began static and he knew a message was coming in "The doors secure for now anyway, hope that ships empty" with that the first turret sparked and twisted as it activated and then it happened.

Scattered bullets darted around the cover that was aprtially obscuring Auoric rolling too his side he elected too take a look, the turret above was firing on the ships cargo. it had unloaded a large group of geth mostly shock troopers about 12 in total, the initial blast from the turrets had engulfed 2 but it was still 10 on 4. Bringing his rifle too bear he fired tearing through the armored skull of the nearest trooper "i knew it was too quiet."

---

Just after Darius finished cracking the door codes, Geth Shock troops began pouring out of a recently landed dropship. Both he and Sorik dove for cover, a Geth terminal to be precise. Darius drew his Brawler, and loosed a round of gunfire, denting the shields of 3 Troopers. Sorik took aim at one of them, and sent a sniper bolt directly through its cranium. Auoric followed suit; a phantasmal streak came from behind a wall of supply crates, decapitating another machine. Despite how well the battle was going so far, Darius had some concerns about his cover; if the Geth fired en masse at the terminal, it might become a bit of a hindrance. Much to his dismay, the 10 remainder Geth did just that, ignoring Vynx, who directed a powerful throw at the clump, sending 2 Shock Troopers careening head over heels across the room.

"Darius!" Sorik yelled in dismay, "I have doubts about the security of our cover!". Darius wheeled around to address the sniper, but before he could, a white flash obscured his vision, and he felt himself hurled against an unmoving object. Damn Rockets, he thought over a tide of pain. When he regained his vision, he saw Sorik struggling to his feet, and the squad of Geth floating and unable to fire their weapons.

"Quit staring at them and haul your ass over here!" he heard Vynx yell from her spot in cover. Only now had he realized how long he had been staring at the spectacle; Sorik had already taken position with his comrades. Darius made no gestures or curses, he merely sprinted over to his allies. When he dove into cover, he saw a furious Vynx and a dissapointed Auoric. Grinning, he poked his pistol out of cover and broke the shields of a grounded Shock Trooper, which Vynx promptly dispatched with a report from her weapon. The group marksmen dispatched another one of the Troopers, bringing the number of hostiles down to seven.

Not willing to stay locked in a losing ranged battle, the Geth squad charged the four Turians. By the time they had reached the group, Auoric and Sorik had felled another Geth. As the synthetics prepared to engage, Darius let out an ear-splitting roar, wrist blade activated. Vynx drew her blade and prepared to take the charge of a Shock Trooper closing on her. As it leapt in an attempt to floor her, she danced around it with all the grace of a Human dancer, spitting it with her blade before it could correct itself. Darius, however, was far less reliant on grace and technique. He tackled one of the Synthetics, and began tearing and slicing it with his talon, laughing maniacally. When he saw the flashlight darken, he jumped off his prey, and engaged another, this time tripping it and spearing it through the back of the head. The two scouts made light work of another, beating it with the ends of their sniper rifles. The three remaining Geth turned tail and retreated through the door Darius had hacked minutes earlier. Seeing the last of them dissapear around the corner, he deactivated his talon and pumped his fist in victory.

---

The Geth ambush had been decimated. White synthetic bodies lay strewn about the room, their bleached vital fluids splattered on everything nearby. Luckily the squad was able to escape the majority of the battle unscathed - all except for Darius and Sorik, that was.

The blast that sent the massive Turian sailing had knocked Vynx off balance from where she took cover several meters away. He recovered fast enough - no sooner regaining his feet when he threw himself upon an approaching Geth trooper. Though not as agile as she was, Darius certainly compensated with brute strength. And what a complete display - not only was he a sight to behold when utterly annihilating an enemy, he did not repress the audio.

Auoric was another story, though really quite similar. The man stuck to cover, but still managed to land perfect shots. Even more valuable was his target discernment - it seemed he was especially skilled at the one-shot, one-kill strategy, wisely picking off vulnerable enemies. Vynx had a reassuring feeling that if anything went awry, Auoric would be able to quickly negotiate and safely remove them all from danger.

Now was not the time to reflect on the chaos that had transpired only seconds ago. She turned to Darius quickly, knowing that it was only a matter of time until the absconder Geth returned with reinforcements. "You make it all look too easy - taking a beating and returning it tenfold," she complimented him, rather pleased that he was more than able to hold his own, and not to mention that she had visual proof of his abilities to satisfy her curiosity now. "Are you hurt?"

Darius seemed to take inventory of himself. "I'll be fine," he assured her. He stepped past Vynx to address Auoric. "Let's set the charges and destroy this place."

"A sound plan. We should plant them around that reactor for maximum power," Auoric surmised. "Sorik and Vynx, take cover positions while we begin the sequence."

Auoric and Darius departed for the opposite side of the bay where the large reactor occupied half the wall. Vynx and Sorik also split up, though that was not the original intent; Sorik followed the demolition team and situated himself nearby, aiming his sniper rifle at the ramp leading into the dropship. Vynx, however, traced the path of the cowardly Geth and put her back against the wall beside the door they retreated through.

Having a few brief moments to herself, Vynx caught her breath and assessed the situation. She was rather worried about the explosives Darius and Auoric currently worked to arm. She only knew of three ways to detonate a bomb: remotely, on a timer, and manually. She had little hope in the first option, for she did not know if there would be any interference once they exited the facility. The latter was hardly an option to her; she particularly detested seeing her own kind die without a fight. The timed setting seemed the most likely option, though it did run the risk of the Geth finding and disarming the charges.

Ninety seconds had passed before she grew anxious. Almost as if in response to the shift in her confidence, Sorik spoke up. "Auoric, I'm detecting multiple hostiles en route to our position. How are those charges?"

"We're almost done," Auoric replied. He and Darius fumbled over their explosive apparatus hastily. According to his word, they did seem to be putting on the final touches. Auoric lit his omni-tool and ran it over the black masses that served as the sabotage units.

"They're nearly here!" Sorik reported loudly, deactivating his omni-tool to hoist his Talon into combat position. His weapon pointed just past Vynx, to the door on her left. She swiftly traded her Brawler and Talon for her shotgun, holding the gun close to her chest.

"Time's up!"

"Done!" Auoric barked victoriously just as the doors beside Vynx slid apart to reveal another wave of Geth. Sorik's rifle erupted into fire, the sound of projectiles ripping into Geth "flesh" prominent from where Vynx stood concealed from the enemy. When his weapon overheated, Vynx launched into action.

The second she glimpsed a light emerge from the door, she charged toward it, swinging her left elbow with great force. The blunt attack struck a white Geth right in the "face", temporarily stunning it and knocking the machine off balance. In a split second she followed through with a devastating right hook, lunging into the attack in a perfected stance for paramount performance. The elite trooper was flung to the ground, and in the seconds that followed, Vynx lowered her shotgun past the synthetic's kinetic barriers and fired point blank, ripping a disk-sized hole right through it's neck.

Naturally the dead Geth's entourage unleashed their arsenal on Vynx, draining her kinetic shields almost instantly. Realizing she had no escape, Vynx quickly traced a mnemonic form and sent the converged Geth flying back the way they came, bowling one into another in a domino effect. The Geth were temporarily incapacitated, but in her desperate attempt to inflict as much damage as possible on the reinforcements, pulse rifle bullets shredded through the armor on her right thigh and left shoulder.

Vynx fell to the ground, an agonized snarl ripping from her throat. She managed to land out of the doorway, but her mobility was impaired. She understood they had only seconds to flee the docking bay before the Geth forces recovered, and would have no time to cross the distance and retrieve her. Vynx did not foresee dying in this place, but had no objection other than not having achieved vengeance for her father's death.

"Go!" She pleaded them, struggling to reclaim the function of her injured substratum.

---

It took only seconds after the charges had been set for the geth reinforcements too storm through the door, Vynx had done a brilliant job in destroying what little co-ordination they had. But now she was down a screming heap on the floor and they had little time too spare. Spinning too face the door Auoric sprinted too Vynx side bringing his rifle into position as the first geth stood, the resulting close-range round all but decimated the synthetics metal skull, with enough force too continue through. The round continued into a geth rising too his feet, sheering through his shoulder and leaving nothing but a sparking abyss. "What are you waiting for!" roaring toward Darius and Sorik they sprang into action, Darius doing his best too send a stream of bullets toward the door way too discourage any geth.

As they to reached Vynx side Darius fire become more concentrated and fatal ripping through the first geth too meet him without a second thought. Sorik had lowered his rifle and brought a small disc "Get down!" he launched the disk into the far end of the corridor engulfing the more able bodied geth in a shattering explosion. Still firing down the narrow walkway it was evident they needed too leave now "Darius get that door closed now!, even if they get through we will have time"
reaching down too grab the cuff of Vynx neck Auoric pulled her behind cover "Just go, leave me" "Don't be stupid, you watch those alliance vids don't you, No soldier left behind " smiling too her, his face quickly returned too the battle-hardened veteran he was thinking. "Darius how long on that door!" Sorik sounded desperate, at close range his sniper was making short work of at least two geth at a time but he needed time between shots or it would overheat. "About fifteen seconds almost got it."

Looking toward the door they had entered through Auoric placed a series of Tech mines close by, hoping that should they follow the mines would slow their advance. "Got it" and with that the door hissed shut, they were'nt save yet they had too move, "Sorik, Darius move, move!" They did'nt hesitate as Auoric reached down and pulled Vynx up into a firemans lift, his rifle still readied in his other hand. He sprinted too catch up too the other two who where clearing the areas ahead, as they passed into the warehouse which had been the stage for their last battle the sound of explosions confirmed that the geth where still on their heals. "just leave me, your not fast enough"
Auoric blocked out her complaints, adamant that no more soldiers would be added too his arm.

Reaching the cover that Sulik and Lolaus had been residing he found it empty, he continued too gingerly move toward the facilities exit, Sorik and Darius covering his retreat. "Vynx get Suliks comm channel now" hearing the urgency in his voice Vynx retraced her previous signals bringing up Suliks she spoke "Sulik come in, come in Sulik". The channel was nothing but static for a few seconds and then he replied "this is Sulik, we heard gunfire so i dragged Lolaus back where just out the back the way Phantom team entered" "Hold position where almost their". And with that the team burst through the final corridor as they reached the final blast door the trailing geth reached there backs firing a torrent of fire at Auorics back, his sheilds took the impacts as he dived through the blast door but a ricochet entered the back of his hip. "Darius the door!, everyone else get away from the facility" with Vynx still on top Auoric retreated a safe distance readying his comm-link "Alpha, Sheild hold steady, charges are set, pull back a short distance."

Darius had closed the door but not before the first geth had managed too burst through, it turned too charge him, but it qas quickly dismembered by Soriks close-range shot. Nodding in appreciation the two retreated too the others, now able too inspect her wounds Darius began too do just that, "you should of left me" Shaking his head his reply sounded like he was dissapointed "But then we would'nt see who was better". Auoric started fiddling with his Omni-tool "The readings say i have a clear signal, they have two minutes left on the timer, brace yourself i'm going too detonate them" and with that the center of the complex erupted, the roof burst open with a small blast and then a large explosion followed ripping through the rest of the complex with consumptuous ease tearing it apart from the inside without remorse along with its residents.

---

Vynx was rather morose that her allies had defied her plea and come to her aid, yet as Auoric hoisted her onto his shoulders she felt a warmness swell in her chest that could only be her subconscious sighing in relief. She had openly accepted the death she thought imminent only moments ago, but if this was her fate, that she should be delivered from her untimely end, then she was happy that fortune was on her side.

Despite having an additional 145 pounds on his back, Auoric managed to move briskly and steadily, although a few rough steps racked Vynx's bruised ribs with pain. She clenched her teeth so she would not cry out; instead, she scolded the man for having risked his life to ensure the safety of hers.

Shortly after contacting Sulik they reached and pushed through the exit of the installation, finding themselves reunited with the Commander and Iolaus. Upon reaching a safe distance from the facility, Auoric knelt and gingerly lay Vynx on the ground. Darius approached and crouched beside her with what appeared to be a mocking expression on his face. Ashamed at her encumbrance of polluted luck, she merely persisted, "You should have left me."

Though his eyes were difficult to look straight into, she thought she saw a spark of amusement in them. "But then we wouldn't see who was better," Darius replied.

Auoric established a link with the assault teams and warned them to retreat. Seconds later, a thunderous clap tore the roof from the installation. The subsequent explosion manifested it's sheering power with a deafening roar and engulfed the entire base, rendering it naught but charred ruins.

After she watched the spectacle Vynx rolled onto her back, lying prostrate while Darius examined her leg. She closed her eyes and enjoyed their victory as the sun basked them all in it's bright rays and the breeze danced across their leathery flesh. The massive black cloud that fumed from the Geth base was a beacon of their triumph that extended high into the atmosphere and rained embered ashes down upon them.

Vynx opened her eyes and propped herself up on her right elbow, deciding that she had come to terms with their circumstances. "This was a major victory for our kind," Vynx relished the though aloud, though she doubted she and Darius' names would ever emerge from the milestone. "And as for you and I," she admitted in defeat, "I daresay you win."

"I always do," Darius accepted the acknowledgement with a smirk of nonchalance.

Auoric joined them from where he had been checking on Iolaus and Sulik. As he hunkered down beside Vynx and Darius, he commed their transport with good news. "Commander Auoric with Recovery Teams One and Two, come in."

His com link crackled momentarily, then a voice came over his external speakers. "Commander Auoric, this is the pilot of Transport 031. Glad to hear your voice."

"Copy that. Mission was a success. Requesting pick up at your earliest convenience. We have some casualties among us."

"Affirmative, Auoric. I'm sending you the coordinates where you can meet us. Our ETA is eight minutes."

Auoric affirmed, cut off the com-link, and checked his omni-tool. "Hm," he murmured, "These are the coordinates where we left Travian. We had better find Alpha and Shield and get moving."

Vynx hissed as Darius poured some stinging liquid onto her shoulder; a disinfectant, if she were to guess. She was not losing much blood from the wound, as it was only a minor burn. He covered the wound and sealed the mesh of her armor, then lifted her to her feet as if she were light as a feather. She tested her injured leg by pressing some weight onto it and was pleased that it held quite well. An even distribution caused her to limp slightly, but she would be able to continue without much trouble.

Alpha and Shield emerged from a shimmering wave of heat around the side of the structure, their numbers intact. Daen and Jax seemed to have taken the worst of the damage: their armor melted away in places, light blue blood streaming from cuts and gashes about their bodies, and that all-too-familiar white liquid splashed across their battered armor.

"Commanders Auoric and Sulik," Martellus called across the distance as they approached, "We intercepted that last transmission. Looks like we're going home."

"Are you able to carry on?" Auoric asked sincerely, taking notice of the bloodied Turians.

"Fine," Jax replied, evidently winded. Daen followed, saying, "Of course, Commander. All praises to you and your infiltration teams."

"It would not have been possible if not for your bravery," Auoric replied, clapping a hand on the Turian's large shoulder as he came to stand before him.

Tytenus followed in his brother's wake, then realized whom he was standing by. Darius and Vynx were positioned just aft of Auoric. Each leered at the prejudiced titan, knowing full well that they chaffed his enmity of anti-military personnel with their involvement in the mission's success. He glanced away, the deep creases of resentment furrowing his brow and nose perfectly visible. Vynx lowered her mandibles and curled her lip, baring her pearly teeth in a sneer at the Turian. As she turned on her heel to disengage from the encounter she caught Darius' eye. The brief connection implied that he was aware they had triumphed over Tytenus, but suggested there was something left to be desired; he probably would have rather settled the tension by means of a physical altercation.

Vynx gestured for Jax to follow her. She would use the remaining time to treat his wounds while the men decided their next move.

---

The heat extending from the charred husk of the geth complex was met with swift winds as the black plume rose and drifted toward the flak riddled sky. "Auoric, we should get your wounds looked at properly" once again Sorik was more concerned for Auoric than anything after all 32 years is a long time. "I suppose that would be a good thing" gingerly sitting down he propped himself up whilst Sorik checked the ricochets entry point, nothing too serious it would heal nicely. However the shrapnel that riddled Auorics hip was'nt, it was bruised and bloodied, Sorik could only watch as his friend gritted his teeth as he was finally able too remove the final peices of debris. "Umm, sir your bleeding" Jax quickly corrected himself after his daft comment "i mean your mouth". Wiping the blood from his mouth Auoric felt a little faint, the conncoction Vynx had given him prior too entering the facility must be wearing off.

"*Cough* *Cough* when everyones ready we need too get back too Travian and get back too base"
the buzz of convesation died down before Sulik elected too speak "we should'nt move too quickly or just yet we need too see too the wounded." "Of course i dont think Lolaus and Vynx are in walking condition and Auorics lost a lot of blood" Soriks voice sounded worried about the extent of the woundeds injuries but he was aware that it turned out better than it could of. Glancing over too wear Vynx lay conversing with Jax and Darius he was glad he had been able too get her out "See i told you, just like in the alliance vids" He chuckled too himself before coughing up some more blood "Feeling better Vynx?" her melodic voice sounded weaker and more coarse than usual "Better than i would have been, thank you" "Don't mention it, fantastic work soldiers, and it would'nt have been possible without Darius and Vynxs help" finishing this remark he glared over too tytenus who was showing a lot of distaste toward the 'Mercs'.

the general buzz of conversation once again filled the air, talk between the younger recruits over who scored the most kills, or who had the best would be scar. conversation between Darius and Vynx over who had been victorius in their little battle. It was nice too know that everyone who had put their faith and lives in the hand of an old veteran had made it in one piece. Closing his eyes he rested his weary body on the floor gazing into the sky, it was lush, a light blue that seemed too be infinate with no disturbances. Sorik decided too lay down beside his friend, Sorik was'nt the sentimental type but after all Auoric had been through, he could make an exception. "Somewhere shes looking at the same sky Sorik, somewhere" "that she is friend and where gonna find her and when we do where gonna make them pay" no one had heard the two converse their conversations drowning out the scouts words, "I hope we do Sorik, i really do" and with that he closed his eyes letting the the crisp breeze blow over his aching body and with a sigh he spoke again "i really do."

[Vynx]

Darius could barely contain the laughter welling up inside of him. He had won two major victories: Vynx accepted him to be the better soldier, and Tytenus was now fuming over the merc's success. To pile insult upon insult, Darius glided over to the smoldering soldier and put on the most outrageous grin possible.

"Why so serious?" Darius said, a chuckle escaping his mouth, "I thought it was customary to congratulate compatriots after descicive victories!"

Tytenus flashed him a murderous look before saying, "Do not think there is any comparison or comradeship to be found between you and me. I fight for the Hierarchy; you simply fight for credits." Darius, ignoring the hint of anger in Tytenus' voice, simply put on an even more outrageous grin and continued to goad the hulk.

"Well, if you are so devoted to the Hierarchy, then I would assume that you have a fantastic killcount from all the wrath and fury you rained down upon those Geth. Ahhh, but wait! You had no place in any of the engagements; I bet even the recruit Tauren has performed more admirably then you have! But that is beside the point, how many did you kill?" Darius said, finishing his challenge before replenishing his lungs.

Tytenus turned his head from Tauren, who had picked up on the conversation and felt necessary to blurt his killcount out. "I got eight of them sir, I counted sir!" He said in an honest tone.

Tytenus clenched his fist even tighter before sighing and saying in a low voice, "Two, I got two..." Darius simply exploded into hysteric laughter before yelling, "How pathetic! Vynx, or that other merc, took down that many down with a pistol while unable to move! You disgrace the Heirarchy!"

Before he could mock the soldier further, the normally silent Daen stepped in between the duo. "You, merc, back off. Tytenus, your lack of self control is a disgrace to the Hierarchy, ignore him." He said in his unusually deep voice. Tytenus shot a furious glance at Darius before moving away. Bastard should have never opened his mouth, Darius thought, feeling a tide of satisfaction sweep his body.

As the feeling wore off, Darius set to scanning the horizon for the transport bound for his unit. Surely enough, he heard the engines of the craft. As it roared over the mountaintops behind them, the ground team let out an uproarous cheer. The craft circled back around before landing. The main hatch opened to accommodate the weary ground team, who were greeted by cheers from the fifty or so soldiers on board. Immediately after boarding, Iolaus succumbed to injuries and war fatigue; he fell unconscious, his armor producing a dull thud as it hit the metal deck of the transport. Darius ignored him and moved to the same seat he had on the way to Chasca. Vynx dropped into her chair, let out a sigh of relief, and fell asleep. He soon followed suit, a sigh of relaxation emmiting from his mouth as he let darkness overtake him.

---

"Copy that, Forward Base. ETA in 15. 031 out."

Vynx was roused from her sleep by the pilot's transmission. The dim lights, low conversation, and gentle hum of the drive in the holding bay lured her back to sleep, but she reluctantly willed herself awake. Shifting quietly as to not disturb the slumbering Turian beside her, Vynx pushed herself from her seat and headed for the ship's facilities.

A few minutes later she returned with water droplets glistening on her face and armor. She had attempted to wipe the many races of blood off, from the transparent blue that was her own to the putrid white fluid of the Geth. Vynx looked refreshed now; the plum hue of her skin once again boldly contrasted the brilliant white of her tribal markings and her eyes shone strongly. She had not been as successful in cleaning her armor, but that was a job left for after the mission, not to mention in proper facilities.

Striding back to her seat (and almost without a limp, as a medic had administered a potent regeneration drug to her leg), Vynx took note that half the soldiers on their level were missing - most likely still out on their mission. The remaining two hundred or so were resting or talking in hushed voices, mindful of their sleeping peers.

Just as Vynx sat down Jax appeared. He was returning from a trip to the ship's med bay, located one floor up. There was a weariness apparent on the young Turian's face, but a luminous spirit thrived just below the surface. He smiled as he carefully situated himself across from her, the excited bearer of good news. "I'm surprised it's so quiet down here. The third level is lively as ever - a major frontier victory, they claim."

Vynx let a small smirk curl her lip. "Then I am glad I sit among the humble," she truthfully admitted, enjoying the serenity while it lasted.

Auoric sauntered over to the group, obviously fatigued. He had barely had rest since pickup - a trip to the med-bay, and immediately after a debriefing with the ship's superior. He sighed as he slouched into a chair next to Jax, Sorik dutifully at his side.

"Commander Auoric," Jax recognized the authority that sat beside him. "It was an honor to serve under you, sir."

"It was an honor to fight with you all," Auoric replied, exhaustion lingering on his voice.

Vynx turned her head in response to a stirring on her left. Darius sat awake now, probably having been riled by their conversation.

"Who would have guessed that two mercs helped save the day?" Jax pondered, then, realizing Darius was awake (and having seen his reaction to Tytenus only a short time ago), quickly added, "No offense."

"Not many," Vynx answered. "I predict our names will be omitted from the records, though this does not surprise me."

"What? But... simply because you are not military doesn't mean they can erase your from history."

"It is due to coarse fools such as that inutile giant," Darius spoke up, referring to Tytenus.

Jax looked displeased by the notion that his government would conceive such a thing.

"Not all are like that. What Tytenus did and said to you was inappropriate," Auoric amended. "Luckily he does not represent everyone."

Vynx looked thoughtful. "You say his distaste is inappropriate, yet you seem to be an honor-bound Turian just the same." Vynx was bordering an argument, but resisted the urge to breach the threshold. It was mainly curiosity that persuaded her into conversation. "Why do you defend us? We are a symbol of rebellion, audacity, greed. We are a deviation from the norm, an abomination to the honor-bound Turian. I do not understand why you tolerate us."

---

"Why do you defend us? We are a symbol of rebellion, audacity, greed. We are a deviation from the norm, an abomination to the honor-bound Turian. I do not understand why you tolerate us."

"That is an unfair look upon yourself, throughout lives their are many things that can make us deviate from the path we originally chose." Straightening his posture Auoric was keen too get his message across too everyone

"you are a symbol of rebellion, yet rebellions can be fought for an honorable cause, greed is the minds desire a need such as lust that can be repressed within." Hanging his head as he proceeded too his final point his voice still weak from the fatigue and blood loss he had suffered.

"And revenge, when we are wronged it is only instinct too want too make them pay too make them suffer and wish they could take it all back. Revenge can drive you forward and make you stronger." there was an uncomfortable amount of anger and sadness present in Auorics voice, a clear sign he had been wronged."Just because you fight for different cause makes you no less honorable than me Vynx, you saved my live today and for that i am humbly grateful." Bowing his head low as a sign of respect he could establish the astonishment in Vynxs eyes.

"Too say that their names will be omitted from the records is folley, i will personally see too it that they are'nt, and we all owe them a great degree of thanks" staring coldly at Tytenus everyone was aware of the reason but they let their elder Turian continue. "But remember that the records are'nt everything me and Sorik will not be entered in anything but the SRU classified files, in the vids the credit will be given too Commander Travian and Sulik, alongside all of you."

Everyone had listened carefully too Auorics small speech, agreeing in what he spoke and thinking too themselves the reason they fought, and the reason they risked what little they had. "For what reasons do you all fight, you must fight for something, should you tell me i shall share with you something only Sorik knows, a fitting reward for todays victory." Smiling as he let the folds of his seat embrace his battered body "So who wants too go first".

---

Talking as if Auoric had said nothing before, he said, "No, once an officer hears that Darius Archos was involved any way in a military victory, it won't take much convincing to make higher-ups probably destroy all records of the incident. Most had a certain distaste for my brutality, and even less of a taste for the way I treated my captives."

Tauren, sitting across from him felt the need to ask in his inquisitive voice, "How so, sir?"

"Rook, if you feel like sleeping tonight, just let it go," Darius said, a grin edging his face. He knew Tauren would get him to tell all, that pleased him intensely. He did not regret his actions from the past. In fact, he reviled in them.

"Please sir, I'm intrigued," Tauren pestered. The rest of the deck seemed intrigued too, as many soldiers farther away from him were moving in closer.

"Alright, you win Martellus," Darius said in mock dissapointment, "Story time.". He continued, "Remember that minor rebellion in Volus Territory about seven years ago?" The Turians around him nodded. "Well, I was posted on the world it occured on," Darius said, complete with thoughtful expression, "When we received orders to contain riots in the planetary capital, orders came from top brass not to kill anyone. I was a Junior Commander at the time, still eager to please. However, I detested my squad; they were all lazy and undermotivated, no zeal of any sort in their thoughts. There was one recruit, however, by the name of Bressk, who had all the qualities I admired at the time: Honor, zeal, initiative and intelligence. I had taken to him somewhat, and developed a sort of mentor-student relationship with him. I chose him as my aide for the mission, much to the detriment of the more "experienced" soldiers. Our squad had set out to clear the local spaceport, the HQ of the rebels. Many of the anarchists simply surrendered when they saw us Soldiers, and those that did were rounded up and placed under guard by five of my men. It was I, Bressk and another trooper who's name is lost to me that entered the spaceport. Our demands were reasonable, but the leader of the rebels, a large former governor by the name of Bane Corvus refused, propelled by his own ego. Even as his men laid down their arms around him, he refused to go. Finally, I ordered Bressk to confront him in the room he was holed up in, the Security Office. He let Bressk through, and seconds later, I heard a thud and pistol shots. Concerned, I hacked the door, and saw Bressk lying on the ground, kinetic barriers disabled, pleading for his life. He talked of his family, his three sisters, mother, father, and the woman he planned on wedding as soon as he returned. I did not blame him for this cowardice, he was only twenty years of age, with plenty of life left in him. But as that bastard Corvus saw me, he simply muttered, "That's nice," and shot him through the back of the neck, killing the soldier instantly. As soon as I saw him take the shot, my thoughts became void, my vision became red, and my mind became a whirling channel of fury. I howled in rage, and drew the talon waiting at my hip. Corvus moved to block me, but I would not be denied vengance; the speed at which I was moving and the speed at which I swung my weapon was sufficient to cut the man in half."

Darius paused briefly to show the area at which he struck; the bottom of the spine. He continued, "Entrails and blood spilled over my armor, and Corvus let out the most chilling scream I have ever heard. I, on the other hand, was little more than a madman, laughing wildly as he drew his last breath. When I regained my thoughts after some five minutes of tearing at the corpse, I could think of only vengance upon Corvus' henchmen. I contacted the one who I had placed in charge of prisoners. I ordered him to kill every last rebel, and burn their bodies. I exited the room far more twisted than I had entered it, with a mad lust for blood. My other companion fell in behind me, and together we exited the facility. As soon as we left the facility, I became aware of a horrible stench; that of burning corpses. When I saw the macabre pyre and the horrified soldiers around it, I tore off my helmet and began to laugh and dance as if I had lost my mind. Horror did not describe the look on the faces of my men. I visited them each personally, yelling incomprehensible phrases, finally passing out. When I woke up, I was sure I would be executed, my madness having passed. However, it was my men that suffered, each one sentenced to death on the firing line. I did not even lose my rank of Commander. That came five years later, but that isn't what made the brass hate me. That attrocity happening under my command did. I still do not regret any of it." Darius concluded, savoring the looks of utter disgust and disbelief among his fellows. Tauren threw his helmet off, bluish vommit gushing out of his mouth, before running off. "And now," Darius concluded, utterly shamelss, "I have dispelled all doubt. I am a monster, feel free to treat me as such. Still want to back that statement, Auoric?" Afterwards, he drifted away in sleep once more, a dark void replacing the scene of the mortified soldiers that had graced his eyes a moment before.

---

Vynx sat in silence as Darius told of his rise and demise... his mental demise, anyway. Yet as she listened to his account, she found herself twirling her father's Talon.

It had dawned on her.

"Perhaps you think these men," she gestured to the Turians around her, "Believe you are a heinous creature. I doubt that would be an inaccurate assertation.

"But I, on the other hand... I understand."

Many an eye turned upon this statement of madness. Even Darius opened a curious eye.

"I am not free of the guilt of killing another. I am not free of the guilt of killing for pleasure. And I am not free of the guilt of intending to do it again."

Vynx cast here eyes to the floor, her grief-stricken heart a dead weight in her chest. Her life had once been something worthwhile, something pure. But something dark had crept into it, something that consumed with relentless devastation. And now her sole objective was to take the life that had taken hers.

"There is only one left. One life to take that truly makes a difference. Only then will I be satisfied."

Vynx bowed her head, relieved that she had finally clarified her existence. However, on the heels of that vindication was a startling realization: she had come dangerously close to sharing too much information. She did not know these Turians and, despite their significance in safeguarding her purpose, she owed them nothing. She would never see of them after this day, anyway.

Vynx returned her gaze to the crowd before her, Auoric in particular.

"What of you, Auoric? Why do you persist? What is your purpose?"

---

Auoric looked on at Darius as his story came too a close, there was no look of judgement or disgust, it would seem he understood. Vynx had quickly followed suit by sharing but a fragment of her past before questioning Auoric on his. The Turian leaned forward out of the shadows that embraced his seat, Sorik moved in close too him and whispered something too him, someting kept from the rest of the group when he had finsihed Auoric nodded in recognition and began. "Yes Sorik i am sure"

"There are many reasons i fight, they are not dissimilar too yours. But i will start from the beginning in brief" Adjusting his posture so his bruised ribs would not rub, he stared on at the group of Turians that where listening intently.

"I joined the military when i was fifteen, and before that i remember nothing except that i was born on Palaven in 2137 and my name. One reason therefore that i fight is i hope i will come across somebody or somewhere that possess information on me and my family" The surrounding Turians where a little shocked at what they heared and a few elected too ask, Jax in particular who had taken a warming too his superior. "So Sir, you don't remember anything before training?"

Auoric shook his head in dissapointment "No not a thing", Auoric turned too Sorik passing him his rifle so he could begin removing the bandage from his forearm. Maybe he will divulge into that bracelets origin Vynx thought too herself as she watched him carfeully unravel the seemingly ceremonial rag. As he finished there was a awkward moment where everyone stared at his scars and his bracelet. "What are they sir" Tauren gestured toward the many lines on his arm, "A reminder of the fallen, a symbol of their honor" the words seemed too rumble the ship as they escaped the resolute giant Sorik by Auorics side.

"Yes they are a reminder of everyone who has fallen under my command, their holotag numbers are cut into my arm so i may remember them." now understanding the origin of the jagged lines running the course of Auorics arm, attention turnt too the shined bangle around his wrist.

The melodic voice that originated from his left could only belong too Vynx, he voice ws softer and weaker than normal but their was still a natural hum too it. "Maybe you would care too divulge about that bangle"

Auoric nodded in recognition, taking a deep breath before he continued. "After the Relay 314 incident i married a women called Aariealith a Turian specializing in Turian biotics, a few years later we had a child a beautiful little girl we named Tayloriath or 'Tay' who in time showed incredible biotic potential, and her and my wife went too a biotic boot camp that specialized in bringing together Human and Turian biotics in an attempt too increase our bonds." it had seemed Auoric had been able too explain the easy part, but now his voice became heavy a lump had appeared in his throat, his heart felt like a hollow empty rock, but he shook it off and continued.

"However not everyone felt it was a good idea and a group assaulted the facility brutalliy killing the staff and taking all of the children that presented incredible biotic potential. I have reason too beleive it is the black op group known as 'Cerberus' but i am unsure. My wife was executed for trying too protect my daughter and my daughter was taken away too be tested on."

Grief had stricken the small group, some could only hope that nothing like this would happen too them, whislt for some the memories where too vivid and distressing too forget.

"That is why i fight Vynx, each day brings me one step closer too leanring about my past, the group he took my family, and a reuniting with my daughter.And the bracelt you ask, that was the last thing my family gave too me for my birthday" Auoric had done well too get that out, his golden eyes began too shine a little bit more, but he refused too cry he let the folds of his seet embrace him again and felt a surge of reassurance as Sorik patted his shoulder "Well done Auoric."

---

[Auoric] The buzz of conversation had died down over the past few minutes, the odd murmur evident from above.

"ETA 5 minutes" ten minutes had passed since the squad had divulged further into their pasts, and the reasons they fought. Jax elected too break the silence with a question aimed at Vynx, who like Auoric he had taken a warming too. "Umm, so Vynx being a Merc and all you must have some preaty wild storys, how about one" Too this Darius could only just contain his sarcastic laugh inside. "Yeah we'd love too hear some stories, i mean Auoric and Sorik what was the contact war like?" Taurens question had ignited some debate between the soldiers, for many soldiers the 'Relay 314' incident as it was known as too turians brought up bitter memories of family members or a strange resentment toward the humans. But for Auoric and Sorik it was'nt that at all, they both had a large amount of respect for the humans, which unfortunately not everyone shared. "Hmm, damn humans" Tytenus remark again roused some controversy many turians where unwilling too let the incident escape their mind and had a bitter and violent resentment for humans, and this was evident in the cold manner which Tytenus and others spoke the word, like an insult Human

---

"Damned humans is right," Vynx looked up from her knife to Tytenus, who had proclaimed such a valid truth. She then returned her gaze to the floor, trying to push her associations with the war into the back of her mind.

A story did materialize in her mind. To satisfy the ever-curious Jax, she began.

"I recall this once in the not-so-distant past. I had hired myself to a Krogan bounty hunter. His vessel, the Vulcan, a 'repossessed' human frigate, was traveling in the Erebus system. We happened upon a freighter that had a small Asari frigate docked with it, and after more inspection, found that the freighter actually had some cargo of worth.

"Our assault team, my Krogan employer, two Turians - myself included - and three humans, boarded the vessel. There were humans in white lab coats piled near the disposal hatch, killed by one thing or another. We found an Asari commando dead not far beyond, too."

Vynx's brow furrowed as she tried to think of a way to describe what happened next in her experience.

"But none of us expected what came after that. Once we reached the cargo bay to stake our claim, a typical self-proclaimed omniscient and infallible human pressed on past the bay, insistent that there may be items of greater value further on. Not thirty seconds after he went from sight did the gunfire resound. The fool ran back to us, gushing blood and leading the enemy straight to our position.

"We readied to engage those blue biotic bastards on his tail, but what we saw was... green," Vynx's nose wrinkled as she recalled the alien form. "They had the physique of a human, but their flesh was... rotten. Deteriorating. They showed little intelligence - yes, quite like a human - and were openly hostile.

"The Krogan was the first to fire. His assault rifle ripped an arm and half the creature's torso off, but it just kept coming. Realizing these things were an untamed and imminent threat, we opened fire en masse. Those fiends did not fall until they were literally shredded apart.

"We had their numbers cut in half when the Asari finally showed up. Three of them, all rogue commandos, just waiting for us to finish the job so they could wipe us out and claim the prize. It was utter chaos - the Asari using their biotics against us on one end, we returning the favor on the opposite end, and the green monstrosities turning on both forces while being slaughtered in the middle of the blaze.

"We were close to claiming the victory shortly after. Only two Asari remained and a small cluster of the foul-smelling entities. I managed to knock over an Asari with my biotics, and the unfortunate woman landed beside a monster. It... the thing... it spewed a torrent of venomous slime all over her. We easily dispatched all remaining hostiles, and when I went to check her for valuable weapons and equipment, I found a faceless body. That creature had some kind of highly acidic vomit, I guess. That Asari's corpse was a morbid one - the skin and muscle of her face melted and eaten away to the bone in minutes, lying in a pool of stinking filth, her own blood, and liquid flesh."

Vynx reached behind her and pulled her shotgun from it's resting place on her back. "Delightful, isn't it? At least her weapons escaped the corrosive compound," Vynx said cheerfully, waving the Asari's Avalanche in front of her.

She hunched over to rest her elbows on her knees, letting the shotgun hang between her legs as she held it loosely in one hand. "Anyone else feel social?"

---

"Actually, I disagree with your views on humans, Vynx and Tytenus. I find them to the only race besides ours that I don't hate with endless rage. There's a story with that, and before anyone decides to neural shock me or hit me with a stunner, it does not include burning corpses or intestines. So, may I continue?" Darius began with a smirk. The majority of the soldiers nodded, only Tytenus and Tauren shook their heads. Disregarding those two, he continued:

"As you know, our people are divided on where to stand with Humans. Some hate them for their ruthless quest for power, and others see them as a race full of potential. You could consider me one of the latter, but until a certain day about three years ago, I did not have any strong opinions on the matter. On that special day, I was sent to take down a group of pirates operating on Tuntau, a world in the Argos Rho cluster. Our team of 20 would be the backbone of a multispiecies assault that included Alliance Marines, Salarian STG teams and Asari Commandos, as well as our very own. According to early recon, our task force of 40 was outnumbered by a 4:1 ratio; no amount of discipline or training could overcome those kinds of odds. We would need an infailiable strategy. Thankfully, the Humans had a rare gem of a commander, Marie Durand. She realized that frontal assault would result in a crushing and embarrassing defeat, and to the detriment of my force, put all units to use in lightning strikes and raids. At first, I protested these tactics; raids would net five kills at the most, and only small amounts of supplies would be taken. However, about a month into the operation, I began to understand her reasoning. We had sustained no casualties, but the pirates had lost 21, as well as around 450lbs of supplies. Raids continued like this for the better part of four months, with the pirates losing over two tons of supplies, and around 90 soldiers. Our only casualty was a careless Human who had killed himself with a detonation charge. Suffice it to say, I was impressed. We did not even need a full out assault on their operation, because on the fifth month, the leader (A Batarian, of course), and his army of 70 surrendered to us. Captives would often ask if there were only 40 of us, much to our amusement. When the Alliance frigates arrived a few days after the surrender, and the factions made parting gestures, I made sure to give Durand a suitable parting gift: My very own Thunder X AR. That thing was the best weapon anyone could ask for; I hope she has has put it to good use." Darius surveyed the crowd for reactions before the intercom cut him short.

"ATTENTION: ETA 1 minute, ready your gear and prepare to exit," the speaker behind him blared, "Keep your weapons down, this is NOT a combat zone!"

Neglecting to speak further, Darius made sure his weapons were locked before positioning himself by the hatch. He felt awkward preparing for a non-combat drop, but he found a comfortable position, and waited patiently for the hatch to open.

---

Auoric had proceeded too the dropships hatch, listening intently too Darius story and agreeing wholeheartedly with what he said. Making sure his rifle was in working order he lowered it, one hand above on the support rail he turned too the soldiers forming up behind. "Okay soldiers you heard the pilot, this is a none combat zone, so relax and go get some rest, you've earned it."

There was a large resounding cheer from behind and it had been a well deserved applause. The dropship rocked faintly as it approached the large Citadel forward camp, the central hub for the operations on Chasca and the main base for the Turians special divisions. The ship ground too a halt the soldiers applauding the pilot on a comfortable landing, these ships had a tendency of going down.... Rough .

The hatch opened with a sharp hiss as it shot upwards, allowing the sun too project a fierce glare throughout the dropship, its warmth a much needed ally after the cold dark hull of the ship. Taking a deep breath too steady himself Auoric was the first too dismount from the hatch, his feet making no sound as they touched down. He continued too stride forward taking in his surroundings as he always did, he felt safer knowing if anything had changed so that he would have the advantage.

He had walked no more than twenty metres before a large teal coloured Turian stepped in front of him, a large solid grin forming across his face. "Auoric you old dog" The gargantuan swept Auoric up in a crunching hug, a feeling of delight swelling inside him. "It's been a long time Tanars" Wheezing as he struggled under the feirce grip. Realising he was do more hurt than good Tanars dropped his old friend and gave him a comforting pat on the shoulder.

"Wish there was more time for formalities but the Council would like a meeting, the breifing room has been set up for it" Grabbing Auoric by the shoulder he led him too where he would once again meet the council for a chat, an exchange that Auoric had begun too despise, for some reason he just hated politics. Being led away from the Dropship he could only helplessly look back at Sorik, Vynx, Darius and the rest of the soldiers disembarking releaved too finally be able too stretch. Watching their commander being swept away Sorik sensed the confusion and elected too explain in a short sentence, as was his way "Thats Tanars, another of Auorics protogees and the Turian Council members brother" he made no effort too hide his laughter as he watched as his friend was dragged too another Council 'Interrogation'

---

Vynx shook her head as she listened to Darius' and Auoric's testimonies. Wrong, so terribly wrong, she thought. It distressed her to learn that they actually saw potential in the reckless creatures. Their willingness to succumb to such a species was lamentable.

Their transport touched down and unloaded hundreds of Turians. Vynx hopped from the hatch and onto the springy, mossy carpet of Chasca. She fell in near the back of the mass of soldiers eager to get some downtime. Not much later did Sorik speak up, addressing the encounter between Auoric and an enormous Turian. Councilman's brother, Vynx thought. Auoric did not seem the kind to associate with those drowning in politics. Then again, he did have an affinity for people in general.

Vynx moved her eyes skyward to examine the structure they approached. The central base was fairly large, enough to accommodate a communications HQ, an advanced medical bay, a private chamber for Council meetings, dormitories for soldiers and staff, a mess hall, and even a hangar for repairs to transports and other small starships. She also noted several armed guards posted around the perimeter. The majority of these quarters were located within the steel central hub of the base, but others were located outdoors under metallic canopies.

As they reached the base, Vynx was greeted by the delicious aroma of food. She had not realized until now that her stomach felt like a hollow, gaping pit. Redirecting her path away from the group she strolled across the rolling lawn and toward the open dining hall, but only to find it quite occupied. She sighed and sunk down a nearby metal support beam. Her battered armor, not to mention the fact that she was the only female (as far as she knew) in the vicinity, would certainly attract unwanted attention.

The setting was peaceful enough. Vynx leaned her head back onto the cool metal of the beam against which she reclined and closed her eyes. The delicate warmth of the sun splashing across her body and face was like a lullaby: relaxing, tranquil, harmonious. A tap on her shoulder jerked her back to reality. It was Jax. He moved in front of her and offered her a small package.

"Huh," Vynx laughed, realizing he was offering her a ration. "What's that?"

"A ration," Jax said, puzzled that she would ask such an ignorant question. "I figured you might be used to them, maybe even developed a taste for them."

"No," Vynx corrected, "That's not what I meant. Why only one?"

Again, Jax looked perplexed.

"My metabolism towers over yours. I need at least double that."

Jax extended his other arm, one which held another ration - his own. Vynx gave him an incredulous eye.

"Take it," Jax said. "There's enough here to last a year."

Vynx reluctantly took the package, but was disappointed when he left empty-handed. It was not long before he returned with his stash replenished and seated himself in the grass opposite her.

"Why do you have to eat so much?" He asked, surprised to find that she had already consumed an entire meal.

"I'm a biotic, remember? Our metabolism is staggeringly high. We must eat twice as much, nearly twice as often as normal Turians."

Jax looked down at his meal, a thirsty-for-knowledge look apparent on his face. "What's it like?" He asked, returning his eyes to her.

"Being a biotic? It's no easy task. The training is extensive and unforgiving. Only a handful understand your potential, while everyone else fears or despises you." Vynx took a swig of her drink before continuing. "That's why I am here today. Constant suspicions and complaints, coupled with their betrayal, lead me away from the military."

Jax's mandibles clicked before he said sincerely, "I'm sorry."

"There's no need," Vynx replied, her eyes gazing off into the distance. "Things will rectify themselves sooner or later."

The sooner, the better, Vynx thought bitterly. But patience is a virtue.

---

Being dragged behind the hulking Tanars was an incrdibly uncomfortable predicament, finally able too pull away he weezhed slighty as he tried too breath despite his injured ribs. Tanars turned too face his teacher, easily towering over him he provided a much needed respite from chascas ferocious sun, the shape of his lumbering form creating a lulling shadow for Auoric.

"You look hurt Auoric, we should probably finish this meeting quickly, so we can get you checked out"

Auoric looked up at Tanars confident that he would be able too eat and rest up comfortably afte having too put up with speaking too Tanars brother that was. "That would be nice, but we should'nt keep your brother waiting."

"That we should'nt hes never really been fond of you" Tanars showed no signs of trying too hide his laughter, and Auoric even threw his own form of a chuckle, even though it was dorwned under Tanars.

"Don't know why, despite being a council member hes not really a people person" the laughter continued, Tanars pat on the back was more like a thump too Auoric uncomfortably winding him. Despite being half his age Tanars was easily one of the largest, toughest and strongest Turian loyal too the heirachy, that coupled with him being a biotic made people uncomfortable around him, except Auoric.

The pair continued too chatter as they strode toward the western side of the complex, the suns eyes where indeed upon Auoric and his brow began too sweat profusely, however the lush wind soon picked up enveloping the enter base and bringing wth it a sense of calm and tranquility. Coming too the door that lead too the meeting chamber Auoric and Tanars saluted the guard before proceeding into the room.

The room was a small oval shape coupled with dome shaped ceiling, there was three small pedestals at the end of a metallic walkway that seemed as if it hanged over the edge of something. composing himself and trying too hide his weakened demenour before adressing the council. Tanars stayed at the back of the room,keen not too have a chat with his brother, he watched as Auoric made his way toward the center of the room, the three pedestals portrayed the images of the the council.

"Commander its good too see your well" The asari councilor always addressed Auoric politely, and it was the council member that bothered him least. "As always" The snide remark had come from none other than Tanars brother and was quickly shot down by the council members.

"It's called expeireince" Auorics voice had been restored too his proud, calm and commanding self, and as always he had an air of confidence around him that could throw off the most senior of politicians. "Yes, we are indeed glad that you and Sorik elected too help us here" The salarian had answered, a game the council liked too play, one asks a question the next answers it an uncomfortable tactic.

"It is the least we could do, but i assume you did'nt ask for a meeting too thank me"

"No we did not" the asari had jumped in next "We would like you too allow a spectre protegee too accompany you on your next assignment"

"Which is?" Auoric and his squad had only just come in from the feild and they deserved a rest.

"There is another geth installment further a field than the one you just took out, it serves more of a supply base than anything." the salarian spoke faster than a normal person would comprehend, but years of dealing wit the council had honed what small politic skills he had.

"That would make sense, taking out there supplies would mean they would have less weaponry and weaker troops" Auoric nodded in recognition, hoping that this exchange would soon end.

"Yes it does, we hope that you and Sorik will lead the same group you just had." Tanars brother was nothing really like the giant, he was smaller and of a completely contrasting carapace colour.

"It would be an honor, should i expect a formal mission file, and a file on the spectre?"

"Yes, we will have them delevered too your accomodation shortly, good luck Commander" and with that teh asari ended the meeting, Auoric was uncomfortable in having too go out so soon, but he would at least be able too get some rest. we turned and began too walk toward Tanars who was hidden in the back of the room.

"Guess you did'nt feel like saying hi" Auoric loved too joke with Tanars about him and his brother, being complete opposites. "No thanks, hes too arrogant and i've figured out why he does'nt like you"

"Whys that?" "Well you had all the sepctre training but in the end you decided too go back too the SRU, that coupled with us being closer than me and him."

Auoric contemplated the idea, and it really was true "Ye, your right but im not spectre material, i don't like working alone"

Auoric and Tanars exited the hollow dome, thinking too himself what it would have been like if had become a Spectre, he did'nt like the idea but it would have made hunting the group that took his daughter down a whole lot easier.

---

The first thing Darius thought of was food. He righted himself after taking a few steps out of the dropship, and headed towards the open dining hall. Seeing Vynx and the younger Specialist, Jax, inhaling rations within the reach of a decent meal made him chuckle a little. Why anyone would go for rations when hots are about 20 yards away is beyond me, He thought while pawing at the ration compartment on his right thigh, Those things are for desperate situations, nevermind that they taste worse than sewage. The crowds did nothing to put him off; rookies would more than willingly give him a good spot in line if "persuaded" well enough. He pushed his way through the blobs of famished infantry outside of the hall, which drew more than a few curses and yells from the soldiers.

After finally elbowing his way inside, he found a suitable recruit to push around: A short Turian with a tan carapace stood about ten places from the counter that food was being passed over. None too subtly kicking the recruit out of the way and assuming his place drew a few complaints from the soldiers in front and behind him, and vehement stream of insults from the dethroned newbie. He dignified neither of these with a response, and soon, was choosing from a list of poorly made foods. Grabbing as much as he could stuff on a single plate, he made a silent exit out of the same port he came through.

His next destination was the command center; despite his overwhelming desire to sleep, it was necessary that he receive his next assignment. He tossed away his plate before entering the HQ, and strode through the door in a confident manner. He was nervous, yes, but he showed no outward signs of it as he marched down the claustrophobic gray corridors leading to the communications center. When he reached his destination after what seemed like hours navigating corridor after corridor, he took a deep breath and prepared for a long, boring meeting with policy-driven bureaucrats; his favorite kind of people.

---

[Anarchus] "Would you like me to try and get you reassigned to a different unit?" Asked the messenger, still standing in the doorway.

"No." I stated bluntly, "They won't listen to you anyway, and besides... I won't let it happen."

"As you wish." Said the messenger. "Your evaluator will be here shortly. Good luck, Anarchus Kryik."

I nodded silently, and after giving a slight bow of recognition, the messenger left.

Shortly after the messenger's departure, I finished cleaning my weapons. As I began to examine them for performance and functionality, I heard my door open again.

"Anarchus." Came a voice after a pause.

"...Balmus." I said back. "So, you're assigned to me again?"

"You were expecting someone else?" Replied Balmus. "Your brother and I were close friends Anarchus - it is only natural that I personally requested to mentor you. I would think that you would use this to your advantage."

"Thank you." I said, aiming my pistol at the wall. "But I'm not looking for an easy way out."

"Anarchus," Said Balmus calmly. "You should know that I am not very easily impressed."

"...I am aware of that." I said, now checking my Sniper Rifle. "I am... prepared."

Balmus Kun (Pronounced Koon) is the Spectre that the council assigned to evaluate Anarchus's performance on Chasca. Balmus and Nihlus always shared a close friendship, and they were both asked to join the Spectres at around the same time. Once Spectres, Nihlus and Balmus became even closer, but unfortunately, such a bond between workmates caused bonds between brothers to weaken. Anarchus always did know however, that Balmus was very open-minded, and while his brother was very rigid and tense, Balmus tended to keep a very casual and sensitive demeanor.

Personal relationships aside, if one were to rate Nihlus on a scale of combat strength, Balmus would rank just bellow him. Balmus respected Nihlus for his military skills, and after witnessing Anarchus's unprecedented resolve, he developed the same respect for his friend's brother. Balmus was never really what one would call a frontliner, as he always prefers to stay back and pick enemies off with his Sniper Rifle (Being the Turian equivalent of a Human Infiltrator). In addition, Balmus is also very mechanically inclined; taking advantage of any nearby equipment that could be turned against his enemies. While he prefers his Sniper Rifle in combat, Balmus is also no slouch with his pistol, and he is able to use it effectively when the situation calls for it.

Once the greetings were done with, Balmus moved further into the shed. I turned around to face him; noticing that his Predator M armor, special Spectre Sniper Rifle and Pistol were already equipped and ready to go. He turned on his Savant Omni-Tool, examining my data file, and what still needed to be done.

"So," Balmus began, "We still haven't seen how you work when you don't have a team to use as a crutch."

"You misunderstand Balmus," I responded nonchalantly, "I am their crutch"

To this, Balmus simply chuckled, and said, "That's what Nihlus would have said."

"I'll take that as a compliment." I said, now examining my Shotgun.

Balmus chuckled again, and after he turned off his Omni-tool, I turned around to see him strapping a type of video device to his left shoulder.

"What's that?" I asked after a two-second pause.

"Oh this?" Asked Balmus in response, "This is a video camera that will tape you action, so the Council can see your performance for themselves."

"Another one of your toys?"

"It is, and I find it rather entertaining."

Balmus smiles and lets out a laugh before continuing.

"Sometimes I talk to it when no one's around." He said. "It's like making a documentary."

There's that Balmus sense of humor I know... I thought to myself.

After a pause, Balmus spoke up again as I began to check my Assault Rifle.

"Finish getting your weapons equipped," he said. "You never know when the enemy might be advancing."

"Will do." I said.

I grab the topside handle of my Assault Rifle, and activate my Beam Bayonet. I swing the beam a few times to see how it handles before stowing the weapon on my back with the others.

"Ready." I said.

"Excellent." Said Balmus, now turning on the camera. "Ok... testing... one... two... three... say, 'Hello' to the camera Nihl-"

Right before he finishes the name "Nihlus," he abruptly stops speaking. I swiftly turn my head towards him, initiating an awkward moment of silence.

"I...I'm sorry Anarchus." He said. "You... just remind me so much of your brother... It's--"

"It's fine." I replied, cutting him off as I turned back around.

I try to ignore Balmus' slip of the tongue, putting my hands on the desk where my equipment used to be. I was able to hear Balmus sobbing silently for a second, but the sound immediately stopped when I raised my head. I was not angered by the fact that he tried to hide it from me, as I could tell that he was inadvertently teaching me an unspoken lesson: "To think of a loved one lost is not bad, but dwelling in the past for too long may obscure your vision of the present."

At last, Balmus said, "We should meet up with the others. Auoric is probably waiting for us."

I turned around and looked Balmus in the eyes. He knew that I had heard him, and he also knew that I had just picked up on his hint. He put his hand on my shoulder, and with a nod, I walked outside.

---

Date: April 1st, 2184 _
Location: Planet Chasca, Matano System, Maroon Sea Cluster; _
Citadel Army Main Encampment - Mess Hall - 04:30 Hours _

"So you are... Anarchus Kryik?" Asked Auoric, looking at the young candidate's file on his omni-tool.

"You would be right." Said Anarchus.

The two were sitting by themselves at a table in the Mess Hall. It turned out that Anarchus's performance was to be evaluated not just by Balmus, but by Auoric as well. The former was away for a second, deciding that it was a good idea for Anarchus and Auoric to get acquainted before the battle began. Auoric tried to break the ice with his new protegee, but found it to be somewhat difficult.

"...I never knew your brother." Said Auoric. "I only saw him in the vids... but I do have to say that you look a lot like him."

"...I get that a lot." Replied Anarchus. "Thanks."

"So, how long have you been pursuing this goal?"

"Since he died."

"I see." Replied Auoric. "For vengance?"

"No."

"Really?"

"Yes."

"If I may ask, why not for vengance?" Asked Auoric.

"...I know who killed my brother; but there's no way of getting back at him now."

"You're right." Said Auoric. "You have already moved past the prospect of revenge - that's good."

"Thank you." Said Anarchus. "I made it a point to not focus on revenge... It's not what Nihlus would want for me."

"I see... So you're doing this for Nihlus's sake?"

To this, Anarchus paused, obviously thinking of the right way to word what he was about to say.

"You--"

Before Anarchus could say another word however, the entire mess hall was filled with the sound of an alarm.

"Attention, all units!" Came a male human voice over the intercom. "Attention all units! This is a call to arms for all United Citadel Forces in the Area! This is not a drill, repeat, this is NOT a drill!"

"Showtime." Said Auoric. "We'll pick up where we left off later!"

"Repeat, this is a call to arms!" Said the voice again. "Geth forces have been spotted over the northern mountain range! The Geth are advancing upon our position - repeat: the Geth are advancing!"

Auoric rose to his feet as he noticed Tanars approaching.

"Auoric!" He said. "Get outside. You need to see this!"

"Where's Balmus?" Asked Anarchus as he came up alongside Auoric.

"He'll be here." Said Auoric. "Just follow me!"

He then turned towards his friend.

"Lead the way Tanars." He said.

---

[Narration] "Repeat, this is a call to arms!" Said the voice again. "Geth forces have been spotted over the northern mountain range! The Geth are advancing upon our position - repeat: the Geth are advancing!"

"Hm?" Said Darius to himself as he was finishing his meal. "That was quick."

Darius rose to his feet. His calm stance was a stark contrast to everyone else around him. They were all running about, scrambling for deployment. Darius already had his weapons on him, and went about as he had before: pushing recruits out of the way in order to get where he wanted to get.

Upon his arrival outside of the base, Darius immediately found himself bumping into Vynx.

"...I was hoping I'd find you." She said. "The ones who were with us last time will be with us again, Jax, Tauren, Tytenus, as well as Auoric's unit. They figured that we would be comfortable with people we've worked with before."

"I see." Said Darius in response.

"But there is one thing!" Said Jax, who was with Vynx. "Auoric - that guy we rescued - he's helping to evaluate a Spectre Candidate! And rumor has it that the candidate is Nihlus Kryik's brother!"

"So he will be travelling with us as well?" Asked Darius.

"Yup." Said Jax. "I--"

"Whoa!" Came the voice of a Turian recruit. "Look up there! Look at all of those Geth!"

Everyone looked. Hordes upon hordes of Geth stood on top of a slightly distant mountain range to the North. There was no doubt that within minutes, there would be Geth as far as the eye could see. All troops were scrambling to their positions, ready to mobilize. It seemed that only Vynx, Darius, and Jax were standing still.

"They'll be upon us in half-an-hour's time." Said another Turian in the crowd. "Battle stations, everyone!"

---

[Auoric] Upon arriving outside both Auoric and Anarchus could'nt hide their shock, the sight in front of them was a horrible prospect, row upon row of all manner of geth where assembled on the far ridge no more than a few kilometres away. Tanars had been right Auoric neede too see this, and the camp was in a state of panic it needed controlling.

"Anarchus stay with me, Tanars get back inside and radio Liain and Hairn bases, see if they can lend support we will need it". With that the large turian set off in at a remarkably brisk base ducking back in side, where the panic was no less evident.

Moving through the massing crowds Auoric gave orders as he went, his calming and commanding presence gave the soldiers a new found sense of courage, and his bellowing voice could be heard above all other noises.

"Man the turrets, get spotters on those towers, mark a perimeter, no geth get in here without wishing they had'nt!"

the half of the base that Auoric and Anarchus had occupied was a lot calmer now preparing for assault at any moment, Anarchus despite being young showed remarkable potential as a leader, it was a shame that Nihlus was one of the only spectres Auoric had'nt met.

"Auoric what about your squad where are they?" Auoric himself was unsure he had only really seen Sorik since they had landed.

"their not here, we need too make our way too the far side of the base, i have a feeling command will be getting hit first, and those dropships wont make our life easier."

The pair made their way toward the command center that served as the bases central hub, it had thankfully already been fortified and the large AA turret at its roof was already manned. upon closer inspection Auoric could make out the forms of both Darius and Vynx, and motioned Anarchus too follow.

"Sir its good too see your safe" Jax saluted as he spoke before being pushed aside abruptly by Tytenus. "What should we do now Auoric?, there is too much of the base for us too cover"

before anybody else could speak Anarchus spoke up "We should hold up here, the center is a perfect vantage point, and it allows us too see the entire base."

"That is a vaild point, and i agree with Anarchus, we shall hold this position until the attack hits" too this there was an aggreement, the center was the most important part of the forward base and without it the base would be lost. looking back too gaze at the assembling geth, Auoric took a deep breath too compose himself before noticing that they had began too advance and the dropships where at the front of the assault.

"Everybody, prepare for battle, they're coming in!"

---

[Darius] Amid the flood of soldiers making for their posts, Darius and his group of accomplices, as well as the spectre hopeful, Anarchus, set up in the courtyard of the command center. He made to take position next to Vynx before a voice he was all too familiar with interrupted him.

"Hey! Sir! I'm with you guys!" Tauren Martellus shouted in between heavy breathing

Darius felt himself let out a sigh of frustration, before turning to the recruit and shouting: "Then get your ass over here and quit presenting a target to the Geth you idiot!" The recruit was not hesitant in obeying, and had soon settled next to the two mercenaries, scanning the horizon for trouble.

Honestly, Darius wasn't looking forward to the coming engagement. The Geth would be attacking in waves, and the AA tower to his right could only engage so many targets at once. It would come down to heavy close-quarters combat inside the command center, something he felt his partners were not ready for. Remembering the injuries Vynx and Auoric had sustained during the last engagement, he felt a quick check was necessary. He turned to Vynx and surveyed her figure. When she turned to meet his gaze, he uttered, "Feeling alright?"

She gave him an odd stare before returning his comment, "I am not as frail as you seem to think I am, worry about your own condition for now."

Yeah, she's fine, Darius assured himself before nodding and turning his comm piece on. He quickly said, "Commander Auoric, need any medical attention?" His question was returned with a solemn, "I'm fine," coming from Auoric. Assured that his companions would be able to endure the coming battle, he returned to scanning the horizon and waiting for the cloud of Geth Dropships bound to appear.

---

Vynx felt a nervous flutter in her stomach as the seconds ticked by. She stood atop the command center with a regiment of Turians, but could not quell the feeling of utter uselessness to the inevitable coming. Perhaps the only relief she felt was Darius' explanation as to why his eyes were roaming over her body, but even then, she felt out of place.

"We shall hold this position until the attack hits."

The Turians around Vynx murmured their consent, but this did not suit her. She left Darius' side and pressed through the crowds until she met Auoric's back.

"Negative, Auoric," she said, redirecting his attention from the assembling units onto her. "I am not one to sit and wait for the inevitable. I was trained in the heat of battle; when the bullets start flying, I'll be there."

Auoric began to say something - protest, maybe - but Vynx cut him off. "I can manage on my own."

Formalities were a thing of her 'former' life, but something stirred within her and kicked up the dregs.

"I suppose this is where we part ways," Vynx said as she shifted uneasily, feeling awkward.

"Let us hope this shall not be our final farewell," Auoric replied, sparing a smile even in these ominous times.

A grin tugged at the corners of her mouth, but Vynx only allowed it to flash across her features momentarily. "Live to fight another day." She turned and strode away, but came up short only a dozen meters from where she began. She paused to assess herself, wondering where the sentiment suddenly came rushing from. She turned back.

"Auoric?"

The Turian looked up as his name was called again.

"Good luck finding her."

Vynx turned and regained the pace she had left off, quickly donning her fully-enclosed helmet and pulling her Avalanche from the small of her back. Darius gave a silent, inquisitive look as she approached to pass him.

Telling only the truth, she said, "My word is on the line; you will severely disappoint me if you show those synthetics anything but your highest degree of hostility."

She knew very well he would get the job done, but encouragement never hurt. A light of some kind of amusement flashed behind his piercing eyes and a twisted grin crossed his lips. Vynx could only hypothesize what he was thinking.

She descended a short ramp and felt the bounce return to her step as she crossed onto the endless plains of Chasca. The Geth looked like a swarm of purplish-black insects on the horizon, drawing ever closer. Damn machines don't even know they approach the doorstep of oblivion, she thought.

Yes, the virago was back and ready to extinguish the hive.

Bring on the queen.

[Vynx]

The horizon had become little more than a blur, the sheer number of geth eclipsing the sun with an eerie silence. Having had Vynx go her seperate way Auoric felt a small degree of dissappointment, she was a solid fighter and could easily account for two or three of some of the men under his command, same for Darius yet his sarcastic demeanour could be frustrating. Navigating through his Omni-tool he discarded any useless comm links, before finding the IP that resembled Vynxs.

"Vynx, this is Auoric, keep yourself safe, where only a call away", her harmonic voice was not hampered by her brisk pace as she replied

"Count on it" and with that Auoric said one last word before turning too his most pressing task "For Honor and Glory Vynx".

The first of the geth dropships where only moments away, their slender carapace humming as it glided through the air. He could sense the nervousness throughout the entire camp, and there was little he could do, his fatherly air could only compose those he fought by, knowing that if something horrible where too happen Auoric would be at your back.

"Sir, what will we do if they break our lines, there aren't enough of us" Jaxs voice was full of doubt, Auoric understood that many others where thinking the same, except Darius who excelled at the brutallity of close quarters.

"Well we do all we can, they may out number us but remember we are Turians, we do not retreat, we do not give quarter and we do not give mercy!" his words where met by a resounding roar as the battle cry spread throughout the soldiers many filled with adrenaline, relishing the chance too prove their worth.

The first shots fired where launched from the AA turret just above them its projectiles peircing the first transport too pass into our territory, its sheilds caved under the immense pressure before erupting from within engulfing its cargo in a swirling mass of sheer heat. No matter how devstating the turret was, there was too many tranports and within moments the first wave had dispatched its cargo into the courtyard at the foot of the hill Auoric and his team held fast.

"This is it, hold this line!" with that Auoric had only fired his first shot, it sent the unfortunate target reeling backwards in a spasm a large gaping hole sparked profusely from where its 'flashlight' once resided, followed by the rest of his squad, large bursts of fire peppered the synthetics from above, but it was only a matter of time before they reached the command center, and Auoric would not let that happen.

Peering through his scope, he found a young Turian valiantly battling off two geth that had mounted his cover, lining them up he fired, the high impact slug, tore through the first geth dismembering its shoulder, before lodging into the geth behind, at this point the young turian turned too face the bullets origin and nodded too his unseen protector before dispatching of the crippled geth. Few would die under Auorics watch.

---

Vynx weaved through the masses of Turian troops standing prepared at the forefront of the guard. Hundreds upon hundreds fixed their eyes on the horizon. She passed remarkably armored COs, shouting orders and boasting speeches of encouragement to the rows of men. If half of them would fight smart, they just may refrain from becoming a casualty.

A familiar figure caught her eye. Standing a head above every other Turian was Daen, rigid on the frontline. Oddly enough, Tytenus was nowhere to be seen. She moved beside the goliath, but her presence went unknown as an incoming Geth carrier burst into flaming particles, compliments of the AA guns. Despite the dozen other dropships still intact in it's wake, a few Turians cheered; the first note was victory.

So it began. Four Geth dropships touched down only a short distance from the Turian frontline and spilled a great assortment of Geth from their hulls. They quickly formed ranks - expendable troops in the front, the greater threats near the back - and closed the distance. Snipers and infantry unloaded their weapons into the enemy, falling the purple and white-armored Geth that served as synthetic shields. Blue projectiles beamed from Geth weaponry and sparked the kinetic barriers of the Turian force, but none fell yet.

Vynx aimed her Brawler at a rocket troop, distinguished by it's red armor, and expended her weapon until it overheated. Daen, still unaware of his former ally at his back, took aim through his Punisher sniper rifle and reduced the shieldless synthetic to a sparking junkpile.

Vynx noticed him reach to swap his sniper rifle for his AR. She lunged forward and seized his bicep, halting his exchange. He snapped his head in the direction of his arrester and jerked his arm free. He hesitated for a moment when he recognized Vynx.

"Wait - there's still use for that," Vynx said hurriedly, stepping up and turning her attention on a not-so-distant group of Geth. It was difficult to focus with the deafening roar of gunfire and the general turmoil all about, but she managed to narrow her concentration on a trio of Geth - two whites and a large black and yellow beast. She swept her right arm into the air, and like puppets the Geth slowly followed the path of her gesture, useless and defenseless in the altered gravity.

The next moments were brilliant. Daen rhythmically fired his Punisher into the floating targets, as did other AR and sniper wielders while nearby tech-savvy Turians launched overloads and sabotage codes into the suspended spectacle. The Geth were wrapped in blue as their shields were abused, then electric blue and orange explosions rippled where they had once been. When the dust cleared, the enemy still lingered - in fragments, that is. The remains eventually rained to the ground.

"Haaaagh!" Daen roared triumphantly. He finally switched his sniper rifle for his Thunder AR and bellowed over the pandemonium, "Biotic or not, you're a tactical advantage. Do that again!"

"It's not that simple!" Vynx shouted back, but truthfully she teemed with energy and expected a quick recovery.

"Do what you can," Daen thundered back, shredding the arm off another Geth. "I have your back!"

Vynx glanced away from a purple-armored Geth whom she had just crippled and to her HUD. Auoric and Jax's names burned a vivid blue. So far so good, she thought. She had failed to trace Darius' signal before, and so his status remained unknown.

Fear spiked through Vynx's chest as she looked back to the battlefield. An enormous white Geth loomed just a handful of meters away. Before she could raise her hand to trace a mnemonic form, the Prime charged at her.

---

[Auoric] The battle was becoming a much heated spectacle, the command center still stood firm but the front lines where getting thined quite rapidly. Auoric lent his aim where he could picking off vulnerable targets and aiding those in danger, however he was worried as not all his squad was present and no doubt Sorik was off on some high perch having his 'Fun'.

"Jax, Heiror watch the right side, Darius, Anarchus, Tytenus stay left!, ill be back" and with that Auoric mounted the rocky pinnacle that stood beside the command center navigating the treacherous terrain with amazing ease, he managed to nestle himself into a a high point, the battle below now fully in his view, so where his squad who fought valiantly too push the synthetic line back.

Surveying the battle below he knew that it was only a matter of time before the geth had wasted their 'Sheilds' and at that time the line would be hit with all manner of geth shock troops. Taking aim at the conflict below he found his target, over the shoulder of a fellow Turian a trooper stood poised and ready too cut the Turian down in swathe of deadly shards, but it wasn'nt too be, the geth recoiled from the exquisite shot, collapsing in a crumpled heap.

continuing too survey the conflict, he noticed a familiar spectacle, geth lay suspended in the air, all manner of destructive force aimed there way, tracing its source he was glad to see that Vynx was living up too her word of being able too handle herself. a sickenly large white flash darted across his peripheral vision, nothing more than a Prime could be that large or fast, and it was heading straight for Vynx.

Steadying the butt of his rifle and charging his shot, he fired the first time, the shot dented the sheilds the pressure bending them inwards, but it still moved forward. Taking aim a second time Auoric had too be more precise, it was urgent, opting too shot a highly damaging round normally used in assassinating targets he fired once more. The round tore through the primes upper half, almost sheering its right shoulder from its metal frame, the force behind the shot forced it too stagger and trip flying forward in a careering mass of steel.

"I think you can handle the rest Vynx"

---

[Auoric] The fighting below was becoming more and more intensive with each wave the geth sent forward, and no matter how many of the metal husks Auoric shot down two more would rise too take its place. Although the assault had started when the sun was at its highest, it had now started too set a sickening red colour followed as it settled on the horizon, a sure sign that much blood had been lost this day.

No matter how intense the fighting had gotten, Anarchus had managed to hold his position at the command center, such had been Auorics intention of observing from afar, and letting the young Turian make his own mistakes and expert decisions, Auoric had completed faith.

Mere moments ago the first of the citadel reinforcements had landed under heavy fire, dispersing its human cargo much too his surprise They much really be stretched he couldn't help but think as he noticed the many geth that stood between them and relative safety at the command center where the reachable wounded where holed up along with non comabt personnel.

Jumping down from his high perch and expertly rolling too soften the impact Auoric began too move around the outskirts of the base where he would be able too cover the humans as the geth advanced. navigating the steep and rocky terrain that the outskirts was composed of came naturally too Auoric and it took him no time too become situated just ahead of the humans.

They where solid fighters, taking out the incoming geth with precise and deadly fire, but the geth seemed endless and Auoric would need help getting them back. Bringing his Omni-tool up his sniper held steadily aloft in his other hand he caused two of the advancing geth too be hit with an intense orange blast, the fire swept upwards before seemingly crashing back on top of the two unfortunate husks. Though it did not kill them outright the chemicals began too eat away at their weapons and the geths armoured surface, before they slumped too the floor. in one fluid motion Auoric continued bringing his sniper too bare he quickly aimed ahead of the furthest geth decapitating it before electing too continue toward the humans, who where still doing a sublime job of holding their ground.

Running with an eerie speed Auoric cleared the jagged rocks her had used moments earlier and mounted the cover the humans where using, the look on their face was mixed. They where either surprised at his ragged sight, or thankful too meet their unseen aid. Popping up too dismantle another geth, he ducked behind cover once more too speak.

"I'm Auoric Narsia, i'm Assuming you are the medics?"

The male of the group who seemed slightly unsettled by the fighting but also strangly at home in it spoke. "Yes my name is Ros, this is Erin and Terra"

Too this Auoric simply nodded before talking into his comm-link "Hey Vynx, reckon you could help cut me a path too the command post i'm with the medics" waiting for the reply he turned back too Ros "lets hope she says yes".

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Taking some time to check vitals, Ros looked up in time to see a turian run up to their position and join them. The turian looked as though he had already seen his share of combat. He introduced himself as Auric Narsia and from how he carried himself you could tell he was experienced.

Formalities out of the way, Auric spoke into his comm-link to “Vynx”. He didn’t catch all that he said, but he knew he was asking for assistance to get to the command post. Finished over the com, Auric turned back to Ros. “Let’s hope she says yes.”

Settling back in as they waited for a response, Ros prepped an overload and targeted a shock trooper, dropping most of its shields. Pulling his rifle back up to his shoulder, he unloaded on the weakened shock trooper. Most of it went to the torso of the geth. His aim was still a little sloppy, but it was coming back to him as military combat training was working its way from the back to the forefront of his mind. The troopers shields died as Ros’ rifle punched holes through its remaining armor, bringing it to the ground.

Sounds like they’ve been at it for awhile. With all these geth, I’m not surprised. Ros spoke into his com “Briggs we’re going to help at the command post. They’ve got a lot of wounded.”

Briggs agreed. “Go for it. We’ll stay behind and lay it down here unless your turian over there thinks we need to come along.”They were busy pounding away at the advancing geth. Briggs pulled his attention away only long enough to give them a thumbs up and pull Hansen back into cover as a grenade detonated in front of them.

Turning back to the turian, Ros asked, “You need the squad? Or keep them here?”

---

Shot after shot shook Terra's hands as she fired, but the battle just grew more as more Geth filled the battle field. Changing tactics, she decided to focus on target's that could do the most damage, namely the rocket troopers and Geth Juggernauts. Peeking out of cover, she fired one shot at one of the Geth rocket troopers but not till it decided to fire on of it's own rockets right at them.

"Rockets! Brace yourselves!"

With everyone positioning themselves against the wall, the rocket flew right into it and exploded. Terra felt the impact as chunks of rock went flying from the explosion but thankfuly, the wall still held up...mostly.

"Ugh....if this keeps up we will need to fall back..." She then looked to the Turian, "How many are wounded at the command center?"

---

The overwhelming Geth assault had fully met the Turian line of defense, eliminating the preemptive advantage. Vynx and Daen were preoccupied in the center of the havoc when Auoric's message came over her internal speakers. Daen easily slammed the nearest Geth to the ground with a brutal melee and Vynx lowered the barrel of her shotgun to fire point blank into the trooper's chest. Daen raised a leg and brought his heel down on the synthetic's head, shattering it's 'skull' underfoot.

Vynx keyed Auoric. "Alright, I'm on my way."

With a simple execution, Vynx followed a similar sequence to the one that traced com signals and isolated Auoric's. A white arrow glowed to life in her HUD, pointing the way to his position. As Vynx turned to Daen, the arrow swung around to realign with her destination. "We've got reinforcements at the command center. Medics. I'm going to back them up."

"Go, then," Daen replied over the bark of his Thunder mark VIII assault rifle. "We'll get the wounded closer to you."

Vynx backpedaled while spraying the distant Geth with covering fire until she ran the risk of hitting friendlies, at which point she turned and ran along the path her navigation system pointed out. In short time she came upon a debris-riddled courtyard. Against her hopes, Geth occupied one front while Turian forces holed up in another - the farther of the two.

Pressing her back against the nearest cover, Vynx closed her eyes and concentrated on conjuring a biotic barrier. Once the blue waves enveloped her body, she turn from cover and aimed at the nearest Geth with it's back to her. She would have to be careful, for a stray shot would send bullets flying toward Auoric and his men. Her first shot was true; a Geth elite's kinetic barriers suffered the attack but withheld the mid-range blast. She retreated back into her cover as the assaulted Geth and a standard troop beside it focused their weapons on her.

"Auoric, I'm taking fire behind the Geth. We have them surrounded, but I can't hold out long." Vynx brought her Brawler into action, firing five to six shots each time she appeared from behind cover. The shields of one troop collapsed and she had the other decently weakened when Vynx decided to take off the gloves.

"Let's end this," Vynx spoke into her com.

She lunged from cover, performing a jump-duck-and-roll that delivered her near the next structure that would serve as cover. As quickly as her mental conditioning would allow it, she swung one hand toward a Geth. The synthetic's actions slowed as if its joints rusted almost instantly, but it fought on. Damn, Vynx cursed silently. Some of her biotics simply weren't as powerful as she would like.

Turning to an option she knew would succeed, she thrust a palm toward a cluster. Four Geth were knocked from their feet and sent flying several yards, nearly right at the feet of Auoric's men. Vynx laughed, relieved, and rolled to cover as her barrier faded away.

"They're all yours, Auoric."

---

[Terra] The four geth that flew past her scope caught her by surprise. She didn’t expect for Auoric’s help to be a biotic. Re-adjusting, she aimed at one of the geth sprawled on the ground and blew its head off. She watched as Ros, Auoric and Erin took out the other three on the ground quite efficiently.

“Looks like your comrade has arrived.” She commented.

---

[Ros] Terra took out the first of the four geth thrown their way. The report from Erin’s rifle soon followed, finishing off another. Ros hammered away at his selected target in short, controlled bursts. Walking his fire up the body of the geth, he finished with a burst to the head. It twitched and sparked as white fluid ran from its body. Ros took a few deep breaths, exhaling through pursed lips. His mind was adjusting to the combat, but his body was already beginning to ache. The ducking, standing, leaning and bracing, was working muscles he hadn’t had to use for the past year. At least, he hadn’t had to use them like this.

Erin caught the hint of pain through on Ros’ focused look. “You alright?”

“I… am aching all over. I haven’t done this crap for a while, I’m fine.” He responded as he stood and hammered more rounds into the oncoming geth, throwing a grenade before taking cover again. “I’ll get over it. We should try to hook up with the other turian.”


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---Continued in Chapter 2: Allies---

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