Lazarus Project: Mass Effect 2 (Shenko)

Chapter 86

Milky Way/Viper Nebula/Bahak System/Project Rho

Earth year: 2186 CE --- January

As Callie stepped out of the shuttle, her attention was drawn to a digital countdown clock posted above the door to the research base.

"What is that?" She asked.

"It's a countdown to the Reaper's arrival. When it reaches zero, the Reapers will be here."

Fear washed through Callie as her heart thudded in her chest. "Are you telling me the Reapers could be here in less than three days?"

"Yes."

"Then we haven't got time to waste." Callie said, squaring her shoulders.

"Agreed. Let's show you that proof Commander." Kenson said, leading her into the facility.

A few short hallways and an elevator ride later, Kenson stopped in front of a locked door. Unlocking it, she stepped inside the high-ceiling room and spread her arms wide.

"Commander Shepard." She said, her voice filled with pride. "I give you Object Rho."

Fora moment Callie couldn't breathe as she stared in fear at the site before her. Taking up most of the central area of the room was a twenty foot tall, ten foot wide piece of Reaper tech. It was black, streaked with glowing blue light and pulsing with energy as she stepped into the room. Most disturbing of all, it was completely unshielded.

"Kenson." Callie began, even knowing it was too late to say so. "This is not good. You've got this thing out it the open? Just sitting here?"

Ignoring her, Kenson smiled. "Give it a moment Shepard, it will give you the proof you need."

"What...?" Callie began, as a massive pressure began building behind her eyes. Her vision swam and the pain of the assault brought her to her knees. In her mind, she saw a vision of hundreds of Reapers approaching a mass relay.

Breathing hard, Callie gasped when the vision ended and Kenson pulled a gun on her. "I can't let you start the project Shepard." She said while Callie struggled to get her feet under her. "I can't let you stop the Arrival."

Her vision clearing, she slapped Kenson's gun out of her hand and lunged for her, but Kenson was faster. Turning, Kenson ran for the door, barking orders to the rest of her team which had gathered on the far side of the room while Callie had been incapacitated. "Take her down!" She barked, locking the door behind her.

Still disoriented, Callie remained crouched and ran for the nearest sheltered position she could see.

Highly trained and well-shielded security forces began to converge on her as she shook her head to clear the vision from her mind. Staying in cover, she focused on keeping her attackers from flanking her position. Despite her efforts, her shields were taking a beating and her weapon continued to overheat.

Cursing a blue streak, she kicked herself for coming to the base without backup. Stupid, stupid, stupid. She thought, catching three guards in a Singularity. She'd known halfway to the base that something was wrong, but had assumed a bunch of scientists would be no match for her.

A bullet caught her in the shoulder, knocking her off-balance and she fought to stay upright. Shit! Bloody arrogant Shepard! Callie admonished herself, returning fire to the one who'd shot her. Shut up! She told herself, I can kick my ass later. After I get out of here.

Taking down three more guards, she scowled when one of them trained a flamethrower on her. What the hell is wrong with these people? She wondered, slamming a Reave into the offender. They're indoctrinated, her brain answered helpfully. No shit, she retorted as more guards flooded the room.