Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 83

Milky Way/Viper Nebula/Bahak System/Aratoht

Earth year: 2186 CE --- January

"Commander, I hear you made it safely back through the Omega-4 relay and destroyed the Collector base. Well done." Hackett said by way of greeting.

"Thank you sir." Callie replied. She was back on board the Normandy inside her cabin, speaking to him through her vid-comm. "Liara mentioned you were trying to reach me?"

"Yes. Unfortunately it's not good news. A Doctor Amanda Kenson has been kidnapped by batarians and is being held hostage in the Bahak system on Aratoht."

"What's a doctor doing in batarian space sir?" She asked, a frown creasing her brow.

"She was working on a highly classified research project. She and her team recovered a Reaper artifact in the systems' asteroid field."

"A Reaper artifact?" Callie repeated, feeling the hair on her arms rise. "Where is it now?"

"They have it secured on a base they constructed around it. In my last briefing with Dr. Kenson, she said she'd uncovered proof of the Reapers' existence. I need you to go in and recover her from the batarians."

"A solo mission?" Callie echoed, running through the long list of capable squad mates she had on board.

"I don't need to remind you how the batarians would react to having the Alliance in their system. Right now, you're my only option and you're not with the Alliance."

"Maybe not sir." Callie agreed, not liking the implication. "But if anyone sees me, that technicality won't wash."

"I know that Commander, and I'm sorry to put you on the spot like this."

"But you're going to do it anyway." Callie muttered.

"I'm not happy about it, but you're all I've got. You're a capable soldier and the Normandy is the only ship that can get in there undetected. I need you to do this Shepard, as a favour to me."

Sighing heavily, Callie nodded. "Understood sir. We'll head there now."

"Thank you Commander and be careful. Hackett out."

"Joker? Set a course for the Bahak system and Aratoht." She called over her comm. "Make it quiet."

"Aye, aye Commander."

Milky Way/Omega Nebula/Sahrabarik/Omega

"Well look what the cat dragged in." Aria purred as Kaidan joined her in her private booth. "Seems you just can't stay away.

"I thought I'd take you up on that drink." He replied, his voice casual as he seated himself.

"Interesting. Gril, get Alenko a drink. Peruvian whiskey."

"Yes ma'am." The batarian, Gril replied.

Unsurprised by her knowledge of his taste in liquor, Kaidan betrayed nothing of what he was thinking. Aria also remained silent, content to smile knowingly at him while they waited for Gril to return. Minutes later, Kaidan took a healthy swallow of the generous glass of whiskey Gril handed him before returning to his post at the top of the stairs to Aria's booth. While she sipped from her swirling blue and purple cocktail, she watched him with amused interest.

"So do what do I owe the pleasure Commander?" She asked, her eyes intent. "I'm sure you didn't come all the way back here just for the entertainment. Or a drink."

"Yes and no." He hedged. "A contact of mine wanted me to come talk to you."

"About what?" She demanded, instantly suspicious. "I don't share information withjust anyone. Get to your point."