Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 37

Milky Way/Shadow Sea/Iera/Horizon

Earth year: 2185 CE --- July

"Shepard, I think we have them." The Illusive Man said as his image appeared before her. "Horizon, one of our colonies in the Terminus Systems just went silent. If it isn't under attack, it soon will be. Has Mordin delivered the counter measures for the Seeker Swarms?"

"Not yet."

"Let's hope he works well under pressure."

"He'll get it done." Callie assured him, anxious to get moving.

"There's something else you should know." He said as he stubbed out his cigarette. "One of your former crew, Kaidan Alenko is stationed on Horizon."

"Last time I heard Kaidan was still with the Alliance." Callie said, forcing herself to remain calm. "Why's he out in the Terminus?"

"Officially it's part of an Alliance out-reach program designed to improve relations with the colonies, but they're up to something. If they sent Commander Alenko it must be big. I suggest you take it up with him."

"The Collectors just happen to pick a colony with one of my former crew? I don't buy it." Callie said, feeling her heart squeeze with fear for Kaidan. Finally, she knew where he was, but if she didn't move fast it wasn't going to do her any good.

"It shouldn't be a surprise to learn the Collectors are interested in you, especially if they're working for the Reapers. They might be going after him to get to you."

"We should send a message to the Citadel, the Alliance can give us reinforcements." Callie said, crossing her arms.

"Not until you investigate. I don't want the Alliance getting in our way. Once you have the situation under control, I'll send the message personally."

Callie held her anger in check, her mind filled with fear for the danger Kaidan would be in while she followed the Illusive Man's orders. "Send the coordinates. We'll head straight there."

"This is the most warning we've ever had Shepard." He reminded her. "Good luck."

As his image faded, Callie activated her comm. "Joker? Set a course for Horizon, I've gotta go see Mordin."

"Aye, aye Commander."

----xxx----

Less than an hour later, she, Grunt and Jack stepped out of the shuttle and onto the rich green grass on a hill just outside the colony's perimeter.

"Mordin?" Callie called, activating her omni-tool. "Are you sure these counter measures will work against the seeker swarms?"

"Have done what I could Shepard. All possibilities accounted for, impossible to be sure. Only true test will be in the field. Look forward to seeing you survive." Mordin said breaking off.

"Great." Jack muttered, readying her shotgun.

"Let's get moving Shepard." Grunt growled. "Find me something to kill."

Grunt didn't have to wait long. As they rounded a corner among the colony structures, several winged creatures landed in front of them, armed with weapons that shot a steady burst of laser energy at them. Jack swore in frustration when her biotic attacks failed to take down any of her targets. Grunt laughed with glee as his incendiary ammo cut through his targets like melting butter, and he charged through any that remained, making short work of the entire group.

As they moved through the compound, they came across several colonists stuck in what appeared to be a stasis field. Some were crouched, others in mid-run, while others lay prone on their sides on the ground, yet Callie could still see the fear in their eyes.