"Kerber… only you can do it. I can fully trust you!" Shepard announces, everyone else staring at her.
"But Commander! I shou—" Ashley tries to interrupt, only for Shepard to raise her hand.
"You are a fine and talented soldier, Williams. Can you use tech abilities capable of taking down a dozen Geth in just a few seconds?"
Ashley sighs, "No… however, warfare is not only about personal strength!"
"That's right," Kaidan chimes in. "However, if you think about it, the Lieutenant has led a separate team on multiple occasions without any problems. Though his style is rather unique, I don't think anyone can deny the results."
"Exactly. No heroics, Kerber. I order you to rejoin us during the mission if you can!" Shepard continues, a hint of worry showing on her face.
"Don't worry… I'll be fine!" Alex says.
"Good. I will have the ordnance loaded onto the Normandy and brief your crew on its detonation sequencing," Kirrahe says.
Alex adds, "Teach Joker and the rest of the crew as well. You should let the mechs activate the bomb—that carries way less risk. As you said, once the bomb has been activated, it can't be stopped. Using mechs allows us to leave and sacrifice them instead."
"You have mechs? Finally, some good news! Rather unusual, but we have to use every advantage we have if we're going to stand a chance," Kirrahe replies.
"Do you have any questions before we proceed, Commander?" he asks Shepard.
"The Normandy's picking me up. How will your teams escape the blast?" Shepard wonders aloud.
"We will engage the Geth for as long as possible. Once the bomb is in place, we'll fall back and attempt to escape the blast radius. If we move quickly, we should be able to escape with acceptable casualties. If not, then our memories will live on as martyrs to a greater cause."
That plan sucks.
Shepard crosses her arms. "You talk like this is a suicide mission."
Kirrahe looks solemn and says, "I won't lie to you, Commander. There is a chance none of us will survive this assault. Even your team. But we do what is necessary."
"Team Shadow seems clear enough. What will the other teams be called?" Shepard continues.
"Aegohr, Mannovai, and Jaeto. They were the initial settlements on our first three colony worlds. They remain at the heart of Salarian territory to this day," Kirrahe explains. "These names will remind my men what they are fighting for. They must have a personal stake in the fight if we are to have any chance of success."
"Pretty shit names. I can't even pronounce them properly… but I guess if we need it for morale, I'll have to accept it," Alex comments.
"Tell me about the plan again. I still don't get it," Wrex says.
Kirrahe sighs. "You are team 'Shadow.' We will create a distraction while you infiltrate the base. Make your way to the breeding grounds at the heart of the facility. Disable the AA guns so the Normandy can land and deliver the nuke. If we get that far, we'll try to assist with fire support, but don't count on it. Once you have the bomb, place it near the geothermal taps. Then get out before it detonates."
"I want to know more about the bomb. How reliable is it going to be?" Shepard wonders.
"Its reliability depends on the person arming it. But it will do the job," Kirrahe explains. "The drive system is highly impervious to damage from external sources. Once it has been armed, very little can stop it. The key is getting it into place and activated before the Geth can intervene."
"Let's do this then," Shepard says.
"Excellent. Then, if you'll excuse me, I need to brief your staff and prepare my men," Kirrahe replies.
"Shepard… I don't think this is a good idea," Liara says in a slightly shaky voice.
"I agree with her for once. Why should we send Alex to their team?" Tali adds, looking worried.
Alex sighs before speaking. "It's decided. If they fuck up or things look hopeless, I'll flee and rejoin you… with your permission, Commander. I don't want to sacrifice myself because of pride or something."
"Do that, Kerber. If things look hopeless, tell us via comms and either run from the base or join up with us. According to Kirrahe, it is possible to outrun the blast radius," Shepard explains.
"Alright," Alex replies.
The group continues to chat, and Alex discreetly hands Wrex one of the datasticks he received from Tali.
"You know what to do, right?" Alex says.
"I'll try… however, the mission takes precedence," Wrex replies solemnly.
Silly guy. Why is he suddenly acting all responsible now?
Alex opens his Omni-tool and begins writing a quick message to Menchi, informing her about everything that's happened.
If I die, they'll probably be mad as fuck… I'm mad myself. Why did I even volunteer?
He leans back against a crate, rubbing the back of his neck.
I guess I've grown a little more confident.
I'll do this. Afterwards… I'll ask Liara… or Tali… or Shepard? Maybe even Ashley.
His gaze shifts to Ashley, currently seated a few steps away, violently stuffing rations into her mouth like she hasn't eaten in days.
Okay, not Ashley. Forget this shit. I need to get serious now.
Thirty minutes later, Kirrahe returns, his posture straight, expression sharp. His men immediately begin to assemble in the clearing.
Alex does a quick headcount—twenty-two soldiers. Including Kirrahe and himself, that makes twenty-four. With three teams, that means each squad will consist of seven plus the squad commander, with Alex commanding one of them.
The air is thick with tension. Most of the Salarians look nervous, shoulders tight, hands clenching their weapons just a little too firmly.
Alex watches Kirrahe closely. His green skin and brown eyes give him an oddly frog-like appearance, yet the Salarian radiates a quiet intensity that silences the crowd without needing to raise his voice.
Finally, he steps forward, walking along the line of his men, stopping to meet the gaze of each one.
And then, he begins his famous speech, his voice steady and calm—carrying the weight of what's about to come.
"You all know the mission and what is at stake. I have come to trust each of you with my life, but I have also heard murmurs of discontent. I share your concerns.
We are trained for espionage. We would be legends, but the records are sealed. Glory in battle is not our way.
Think of our heroes: the Silent Step, who defeated a nation with a single shot. Or the Ever Alert, who kept armies at bay with hidden facts.
These giants do not seem to give us solace here, but they are not all that we are. Before the network, there was the fleet. Before diplomacy, there were soldiers.
Our influence stopped the rachni, but before that, we held the line. Our influence stopped the Krogan, but before that, we held the line!
Our influence will stop Saren! In the battle today, we will hold the line!"
Okay, hearing this live in front of me, I have to admit this guy is a great Commander!
Before Alex can join the Salarians, Shepard pulls Alex into a nearby tent.
Without giving Alex a chance to speak, she warns him, "I know that you like to act silly, but you tend to overdo things. Stick to the plan! I order you not to risk your life. I still need you! Understood?"
She stares into his eyes, making him feel a little self-conscious. Finally, he says, "Okay!"
Shepard grabs his face and says, "What did you say, 'okay?' That is not an acceptable answer to your superior officer."
"Yes, Commander," Alex says, slightly annoyed.
"Good!" Shepard says before smiling, her hand still on his cheeks. She then grabs his head and pulls him towards her, passionately kissing him.
What the?!
Not expecting this, Alex blushes as she continues to kiss him. He feels her tongue in his mouth and can't help but return her kiss. Finally, after around 10 seconds, she pulls away and walks out of the tent. "If you want more, you better make it back!" She says before heading towards the rest of the crew.
Fuck that was hot… but how should I focus on the damn mission now?
Alex joins the Salarians, taking his place beside Captain Kirrahe and Commander Rentola, who will each be leading one of the three squads.
As Shepard and the others leave, Alex watches them disappear into the distance, Shepard's smell still lingering around him, making him feel slightly melancholic. Liara, Tali, and even Wrex turn to look back at him, each nodding once before vanishing beyond the horizon.
"Lieutenant… Kerber, right?" Kirrahe asks, glancing at him.
"Yes, Captain. Don't worry—I'll do my part," Alex replies confidently.
"Good. You're with Team Aegohr. I'm leading Jaeto, and Rentola will command Mannovai."
Alex moves over to join his squad. The Salarians look at him with thinly veiled surprise—and more than a hint of disapproval.
Not really in the mood to imitate Kirrahe's rousing speech, Alex gives his own short version:
"Hehe, I can see you disapprove of me! I am Alex Kerber. Lieutenant Alex Kerber—also known as the Butcher! I've killed countless Krogans, Geth, even Benezia, and dozens of thugs, assassins, and corporate scum. Once we're off this planet, you can look me up on the extranet and admire my brilliance! I might even give you an autograph if you survive; that should be motivation enough! However, what I want to say is… just follow my orders for this mission and you'll notice I'm no fucking pushover."
Without warning, he draws his sword and unleashes a Flying Thunder Sword—the blade beam slicing through the air just inches above their heads.
The Salarians duck instinctively. A few even scream in shock.
"Hehe, that was nothing, a little warm up. I can unleash even stronger attacks! The only thing I ask of you is: do your best, don't throw your lives away, and trust me! If you decide I'm not worthy of leading you, fine. Focus on the mission, however you can. However, I think if you give me a chance… you'll see I'm more than capable of leading you."
There's a moment of stunned silence. Then, one after another, the Salarians snap into a salute.
"Yes, Lieutenant!"
Perfect.
Without hesitation, Alex falls into formation behind Kirrahe and his unit as they move toward the front entrance of Saren's cloning facility. They walk through beaches, climb the cliffs, walk through a little patch of forest, and finally descend onto another beach, Saren's facility visible in the distance.
The moment they descend onto the beach, Alex gets a full view of the enemy's stronghold—and the sight nearly stops him in his tracks.
In front of him stands a massive fortress, reinforced with dozens of guard towers, Geth shields, and patrols. At least fifty Geth stalk the outer perimeter, weapons at the ready.
Even as they approach, sniper fire cracks through the air. One of the Salarians closest to Alex staggers slightly as a bullet grazes his barriers, causing it to flicker violently.
Kirrahe opens his omni-tool mid-run and broadcasts over the comms:
"Shadow is on the ground. Repeat: Shadow is on the ground. Time to get some attention! Teams, split up!"
Alex quickly scans the terrain ahead. The path toward Saren's facility offers three choices: a narrow, rocky route that provides great cover on the left of the beach, a long stretch across open beach—completely exposed, and a mixed path combining segments of both on the right.
Without hesitation, Alex heads right, heading toward the balanced terrain. His team immediately follows.
"Good decision, Kerber. We need to split up to redirect their attention. I'm taking the left side. Rentola, you join me… Rentola? What are you doing!"
"No, Captain. We need to split up. I'm taking the direct road!" Rentola replies, rushing forward with his team.
Fucking idiot! Now I remember why his team sometimes gets decimated early on!
Alex opens his comms immediately.
"This is Kerber speaking. Mannovai is under coordinated crossfire. Check for long-range turrets supporting the Geth! Focus fire on enemy snipers! Any help from Team Shadow would be appreciated!"
Alex and his team also rush towards their own route, the enemies thankfully focusing on Mannovai and not his own team.
Shepard's voice comes through a minute later.
"This is Shepard. We've just managed to make it to the back entrance. We also disabled some of their communications—hopefully that helps!"
Good! It's time for the Assault!
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