Seeing the sudden and unexpected threat before them, the crew instantly draws their weapons, ready to defend themselves.
The man at the front—a bald human male—quickly lowers his weapon and shouts, “Stand down!”
His subordinates, a mix of Turians and Humans, follow suit, visibly relaxing as they put away their guns.
Shepard also raises her hand, signaling the crew to lower their weapons.
“Sorry about that. We couldn’t be sure what was on the tram,” the man says with an apologetic expression.
Ever heard of cameras? Fucking idiot.
Shepard, slightly surprised, can’t help but ask, “Can those things work a train’s controls?”
“Hell if I know,” the man says, shaking his head. “I’m not assuming any-goddamn-thing. Look—you’re human, and that’s enough reason for me not to shoot. But I’d still like to know who you are.”
“My name is Shepard. I’m a Spectre,” Shepard replies confidently.
Surprised, the man responds, “Huh. Well, I won’t look a heavily-armed horse in the mouth. I’m Captain Ventralis. I guess I’m the one in charge of security now. The aliens overran the hot labs last week. Only Han Olar, a Volus, got out, and he ain’t all there anymore. Before we knew it, the bastards were clawing their way into my command post. We had a lot more staff back then.”
“I’m packing fire and steel. If they want to fight with claws and teeth, it’s their funeral,” Shepard says coldly.
Ventralis seems pleased by Shepard’s attitude and says, “You’ve got my support. The board sent an Asari to clean up the mess. She went down to the hot labs yesterday, and we haven’t heard from her since.”
“I won’t promise anything, but if possible, I won’t let any of your people die,” Shepard states in a neutral tone.
The captain sighs, shaking his head. “All I can do is hold out here and protect the civilians. There’s an emergency elevator out by the trams. This card will let you activate it. It can take you straight down to the hot labs. If you need medical help, Dr. Cohen’s downstairs in the med bay.”
Shepard continues talking to Ventralis, asking further questions about security details and their current situation.
Alex, visibly bored, starts looking around the room, observing his surroundings with interest.
He snaps back to reality when Shepard asks, “I need to know more about the situation in the hot labs!”
“The facility’s completely off the network. I don’t know a damn thing. The only way to find out would be to send scouts down the elevator, and I won’t send my people to their deaths.”
“But you’re perfectly willing to send us instead?” Alex remarks sarcastically.
Wrex laughs heartily, clearly amused. “I won’t shy away from a battle—but even for me, this sounds like a death sentence.”
“It’s your decision!” Ventralis shrugs. “Either way, it’s the only route to Benezia and the only way to find out what’s really going on. I’ve blocked the door at the back and advise you to keep it locked if you want to stay alive. We can’t risk opening it for obvious reasons… we could all die! There is a bio—I better stop talking. That’s classified.”
Shepard raises her hand, signaling Wrex to calm down. “Fine. Did the aliens come from inside the facility, or did they attack from outside?”
“You want my personal opinion?” Ventralis asks. “Labs like this exist to do stupid crap that gets people killed. They probably came from inside.”
“At least he’s honest,” Garrus says with a smirk.
Suddenly, one of the guards screams, “MORE OF THE ALIENS!”
Shepard and the crew whirl around to see a pair of Rachni Soldiers bursting into the room through vents on the floor and ceiling.
Before the creatures can react, the entire group fills them with bullets, immediately shredding both Rachni.
Ventralis sighs in relief, shaking his head. “Thanks for the help. Every few hours, another group tries to come up the tram tunnel. Things have actually improved since we locked down the elevator. I don’t understand why they keep throwing themselves against our defenses—any normal animal should have learned by now not to stick their noses where it hurts.”
Shepard and the crew move forward toward the Rift Station, where Ventralis claims the survivors are gathered.
Alex slows his pace, quietly moving to walk beside Shepard. He leans in and whispers softly, “Commander, I don’t trust that guy at all. I promise you, he isn’t on our side. He might act like a typical mercenary, but I’m certain he’s completely loyal to the company and willing to do anything they demand.”
Shepard thinks carefully for a moment before smiling slightly. “I share your opinion. Let’s talk with the other survivors first. I’ll carefully think about a suitable strategy, don’t worry. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.”
Okay… I think I did my part.
As they enter the station, they see a large central area surrounded by several smaller rooms. One room contains beds, another a canteen area, storage rooms, and a laboratory.
Numerous scientists appear visibly sick, cursing and complaining bitterly.
“My contract was up—I was going home! This is the absolute worst!”
“They’re coming for me! I know it! The Matriarch’s probably dead! Everyone’s dead!” another scientist shouts hysterically, clearly on the verge of a breakdown.
Clowns… best to ignore them.
“Okay… I’m going to talk with this Dr. Cohen, Ventralis mentioned,” Shepard announces. “Follow me or sniff around. We'll regroup in 10 minutes. Consider this your final break—if anyone needs a quick breather, this is your last chance.”
“I’m coming with you, Commander,” Liara says quickly, falling into step behind Shepard. Kaidan and Ashley silently follow suit.
Wrex, Garrus, and Tali shrug, turning to stare at Alex.
“Why are you looking at me?” Alex asks, puzzled.
“Let’s look around a little,” Garrus suggests casually, turning to leave with Wrex trailing behind, leaving Alex alone with Tali.
“So that leaves just us, huh? Wanna sneak off somewhere and make out a little?” Alex jokes lightly, earning himself a swift smack on the head from Tali.
“Bosh’tet! Move your ass—we’ll also snoop around,” she says sternly, clearly irritated but also slightly embarrassed. After a brief pause, she quietly adds, “Just for your information, I already told you, I can’t remove my suit whenever I want to! I’d need a sterile environment or special immune boosters first.”
I was kidding! I know!
“I know, it was a joke! Calm down, I’m sorry,” Alex replies, quickly recomposing himself. “Alright, let’s get moving then!”
I was hoping to work alone, but fine. Let’s see who should I talk to?
Alex approaches the largest person, the enormous Elcor merchant hunched over nearby, standing heavily on all fours.
This guy was a merchant… Let’s see if he has anything useful!
“Yo, Elcor friend!” Alex greets him casually.
“Uncertain. I welcome you. Cautiously, I am curious about what you are doing here,” the Elcor replies slowly.
“I’m not paid to ask questions—I just kill things. What about you, friend?” Alex inquires.
“Confused. I am simply trying to survive. I can offer you a limited selection of wares if you’re interested.”
“Selling? We’re all fighting for survival here,” Alex remarks incredulously. “How about this—you lend me some items, and if we get out alive, I’ll pay you or return everything.”
“Ashamed. I cannot afford to do that. However, please take a look; my prices are more than reasonable,” the Elcor replies.
Alex scans through the merchant’s limited inventory, mostly low-level weapons—even some Green-quality items—but suddenly something catches his attention: the first Biotic Amp he’s seen so far. Biotic Amplifiers significantly boost biotic abilities, though only one can be equipped at a time. [Unity Amp]
“Unity Amp, huh? Made by a human non-profit organization. How the fuck did that end up in your hands, and how dare you sell it?” Alex demands, his voice rising angrily.
“Offended. I purchased this amplifier legally, and you are not in a position to question me, human.”
[Unity Amp]
World: Mass Effect
Effect: Increases Biotic-power duration by 15%
Effect: Increases Biotic-power cooldown and effect by 5%
Note: Though specialised in Genetic research, Sirta Foundation has made significant progress in the development of Biotic-amps.
Note: Manufactured by Sirta Foundation
I don’t have much time… but I should have enough credits. Well let me lie my way through this.
“I want that amp—I might need it soon. I’ll give you every credit I have,” Alex says firmly, activating his omni-tool to initiate the transaction.
“That amount is insufficient. Angry. Please do not attempt to take advantage of the situation,” the Elcor replies firmly.
“You know… I haven’t told you my name, and frankly, I don’t need to. However, you should at least know my nickname. They call me the Butcher… there are some very interesting videos of me on the extranet,” Alex states calmly, deliberately drawing his [Executioner’s Blade R2].
He forcefully drives the massive blade into the ground, the loud metallic clang echoing through the room ominously.
“Give me the amp now, or I’ll fucking cook you alive, you greedy Elcor bastard!”
“Scared. Fine—take it and go away, greedy human. Angry. Frustrated.”
Handing over every last credit he owns, Alex accepts the [Unity Amp] with a satisfied smile.
“Impressive negotiating,” Tali remarks sarcastically. “I think you paid about half the market price for it. You also broke the law and clearly committed crimes, but I won’t comment about that.”
“Hey, there are no laws on Noveria, remember? I am just playing the corporation's own games,” Alex notes.
Alex and Tali wander around a bit more, chatting briefly with guards and scientists but uncovering nothing significant. Eventually, they approach a heavily secured door.
“That one’s blocked,” Tali observes carefully. “See the cameras and turrets? If we try forcing our way through, Ventralis and his men will turn hostile immediately. Remember, he warned us!”
“Yeah, definitely not a great idea,” Alex agrees.
A few minutes later, the crew regroups. Alex quickly explains about the heavily locked and secured door, suspecting it leads directly toward Benezia, as it’s probably the way she went a day ago.
Shepard nods thoughtfully. “I see… I don’t want to risk an open shootout. I’ve learned something disturbing—a bioweapon this facility’s been developing called Thoros-B. Highly infectious and dangerous, but fortunately, it can’t spread between people, so it won’t cause a pandemic. Dr. Cohen asked us to help find a cure. He promised the weapon itself is no longer viable, and there’s no danger in the lab anymore. Still, I need more information. There’s a volus named Han Olar; Ventralis mentioned him earlier. I know it’s risky, but if Saren’s involved with a bioweapon, we have to investigate. I don’t trust anyone here, but we’ll have to risk it. After we investigate this, we’ll confront Benezia.”
Shepard heads back to Ventralis and arranges access to the previously locked-down lab.
“I got us clearance. However, only we’re allowed inside. They’ll scan us—if scans detect contamination, we won’t be allowed to return,” Shepard explains grimly.
The crew grows visibly serious, though no one voices any objections. Quietly but steadily, they proceed toward the quarantine lab, arriving in front of an elevator.