Aftermath

Chapter 22

Traynor was elbow deep in the innards of a panel in the wall of the Prothean ship cockpit when Shepard returned, having swept the remainder of the ship to make sure it was in fact empty. Liara was busily tapping on her omni-tool but looked up anxiously when Shepard entered.

"All clear," Shepard reported. "It's definitely old. The interior hull is showing stress fractures. Any news from the Normandy?"

"Ashley says the cruiser has dropped into orbit around Mars. No doubt biding their time," Liara informed her.

"Ok, tell her to sit on them as long as she can. Ideally we'll find out who's behind all of this before we take out the cruiser. I don't want to tip our hand unless we have to."

Liara nodded and went back to her omni-tool.

Shepard dropped down next to Traynor. "Any luck?"

The Specialist was sweating and had streaks of the red dust on her face, but her dark eyes were bright and focused. "I think so yes. I've found a point in the system where the biometric leads transition into more typical connective points. Well, more typical by our standards. I think I've managed to connect EDI so she can monitor both the biometric leads and responsive connective commands."

"And that means...?" Shepard asked, rubbing her scar.

"As you navigate using the biometric panels, EDI will be able to monitor how those affect the ship and be able to build a base or a translation of the biometric controls."

"So after enough inputs are registered EDI will have a basic understanding of the inputs and responses of the system and will be able to take over navigation?" Liara asked.

"Correct."

"Good," Shepard said standing. "How much more time do you need?"

"Not long."

Liara stepped next to Shepard. "Ashley is good to go. Garrus's ship has picked up Cortez and is standing by to follow our lead as backup."

Shepard nodded in approval. "As long as they give us some room. Whoever we find will be spooked enough that the ship is returning rather than having self destructed. I don't want them following too closely."

Liara nodded in understanding.

Traynor popped up from the floor and dusted her knees. "Alright Captain, let's give it a try, shall we?"

Shepard walked to the black liquid panels and flexed her fingers. She felt Liara step close to her. "Does it hurt?" she asked quietly.

Shepard looked at her, her brow wrinkling in thought. "It feels weird. Always has. But it's different than the beacons. It takes a lot out of me but no, it doesn't hurt."

Liara glanced in Traynor's direction and finding her fiddling with wires again with her back to them, she lifted to her toes and planted a gentle kiss on Shepard's lips. "For luck," she whispered.

"System 343, Enhanced Defense Intelligence online," EDI's voice filled the small space.

"Do you think this ship will hold together under the stress of FTL travel?" Liara asked.

"Only one way to find out," Shepard said, her hands hovering over the panels. "Here we go."

She pushed her fingers into the liquid, her body filling with tension, her eyes glowing a cool green. After a moment, her body relaxed slightly as she adjusted and her fingers began moving with purpose.

"EDI I think I've found the navigation system and I'm... retracing the coordinates to the origin point," Shepard said. It was difficult to speak while connected to the Prothean biometric system. It was like holding multiple complex conversations at once in the midst of a loud room while also making sure you don't hit the red button that could vaporize them all. It required complete focus.