Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 49

Milky Way/Serpent Nebula/Widow System/Citadel

Earth year: 2185 CE –-- August

Kaidan was headed for the rapid transit terminal after leaving Hackett's office when his omni-tool pinged. Glancing at it, he changed course and headed for the Citadel Embassies and Anderson's office.

"Commander." Anderson greeted as Kaidan took a seat opposite. "Good to see you unharmed."

"Sir." Kaidan acknowledged, keeping his voice neutral.

"You've met with Admiral Hackett?"

"I have."

"Good. So you know where we stand on the Collector situation."

"Hackett didn't go into much detail, but I understand the Alliance is not committed to the Collector threat."

"That's not entirely accurate." Anderson frowned. "But in a manner of speaking, you're right. Unfortunately the Alliance is in just as much denial about the Collectors as the Council is in regard to the Reapers. Admiral Hackett has just ordered several Alliance ships to investigate the reports we've received regarding the missing colonies."

"Are they aware of what happened on Horizon sir?"

"They are." Anderson confirmed. "In the meantime we want you following up on the leads we do have. There are reports circulating that the Collectors may have been involved in an incident on Omega. We also want you to head to Freedom's Progress. Hackett has already sent an investigative team to the colony, but you've seen the Collectors on Horizon. You know what to look for, maybe you'll spot something we missed."

"What do you hope I'll find?" Kaidan asked, puzzled. "I mean, it's not like we need more proof the Collectors exist."

"True, but both Hackett and I want to know what they were doing on Omega. What were they trying to accomplish? As for Freedom's Progress, I just want to be certain the team we sent there didn't miss anything."

"I understand."

"In any case, you and your team are on leave for the next few days. I'll have all the intel we've gathered so far forwarded to your omni-tool."

"So what's my priority? Freedom's Progress or Omega?"

"Freedom's Progress. You'll have to deal with Aria T'Loak when you get to Omega, but it can't be avoided if we want to find out all we can about what happened there."

"Great." Kaidan remarked, sounding less than enthused.

"There's no point belabouring the issue." Anderson reminded him. "She'll remember you and she'll know who you are before you ever step foot on the station. Just try to stay on her good side, we might need her as an ally in the future."

"Never thought I'd hear you say that Anderson. But I understand and I'll get it done."

"Right. Well, you've got a lot of work ahead of you. Shore leave for the next few days Commander."

"Thank you sir." Kaidan said, rising and heading for the door, Anderson close behind. "I just want to say that I don't have to like it, but I understand why you didn't tell me about Shepard."

"It's not something I'm proud of Commander." Anderson admitted. "I just hope it works out for the best for everyone involved."

Kaidan met Anderson's eyes and a moment of silent understanding passed between them. "So do I." Kaidan agreed, his voice heavy with emotion.

Milky Way/Crescent Nebula/Tasale/Illium

"Shepard." The Illusive Man was again cloaked in darkness. Seated in his chair, he was again back-lit by a cinematic view of a giant star with a cigarette hanging from his right hand. "I have some information that might be of interest to Dr. T'Soni. I hear she waived all your fees on Illium."