Chapter 15 - Chapter 15, Secrets of Noveria

Hi there. I'm aiming for the next one to be more horror like since Shepard and his team will be encountering a species they don't know about (The Rachni) and they're all on their own.

So expect there to be some rather gory, violent bits in Chapter 16.

Hope you enjoy this chapter at least.

Chapter 15

Secrets of Noveria

Noveria brought back a lot of old memories to Austin. He had been to Noveria once before when he was around fifteen years old. His father and mother had agreed to take shore leave in order to spend a holiday with their son and daughter. Noveria was a snow planet. It wasn't the absolute best place for a holiday, but that didn't stop a lot of people from trying. Even in this time and age, skiing was still popular among humans. The sudden memory of skiing with his family suddenly made Austin think something.

"I wonder if Liara might be interested in that?" he thought.

After a moment though, he reconsidered. He was a rubbish skier. In fact the last time that he had been skiing he had gone madly out of control and almost lost a leg and an arm.

Austin stood on the bridge behind Joker. As the Normandy entered Noveria's cold atmosphere the radio crackled into life.

"Approach Control, this is the SSV Normandy. Requesting a vector and a berth." Said Joker.

"Normandy, your arrival was not scheduled. Our defence grid is armed and tracking you. State your business." The control voice responded.

"Charming. That's nice warm welcome." Austin thought sarcastically.

"Citadel and Helldiver business. We got a Helldiver Spectre aboard." Said Joker.

There was a brief pause.

"Landing access granted, Normandy." The voice eventually replied.

Joker slowly brought the Normandy into the nearest docking bay.

"Be advised, we will be confirming identification on arrival. If confirmation cannot be established, your vessel will be impounded."

"What a fun bunch. I think I'll take my next leave here." Said Joker, sarcastically.

Austin merely shook his head and went to get his gear.

He decided this time on taking Liara and Wrex for this mission. As they assembled in the cargo bay they could already feel the cold atmosphere.

"I hate the cold." Said Wrex.

"I agree. The sooner we are of this frozen world the better." Said Liara, who had just finished fastening her helmet on.

"It'll be warmer in the main building guys. Don't worry." Said Austin. "Come on. Let's see if these reports on the Geth being here where true."

As soon as they neared the entrance however they were greeted by three guards. A Turian, a blonde female and the leader, a dark haired Japanese female.

"That's fair enough." Said the leader.

The group stopped before the guards.

"Don't worry; we're not here to cause problems. We're just here in important business." Said Austin reassuringly.

"This is an unscheduled arrival. I need your credentials." The leader replied.

"You first." Said Austin.

"We're the law here. Show some respect!" Said the blonde one.

"I wasn't talking to you, Blondie!" Austin retaliated. He turned back to the leader. "Sorry."

"You're apology is unnecessary, that comment from sergeant Stirling was uncalled for. I'm Captain Maeko Matsuo." Said the leader.

"Commander Shepard of the Helldivers." Said Austin.

Technically, Noveria wasn't in Council or Alliance space. He felt it would be better not to identify himself as a Spectre.

"Load of horsecrap, ma'am." Said the blonde one.

"Is this how you greet everyone?" Austin asked annoyingly.

"We will need to confirm that you're a Helldiver. Also I must advise you that firearms are not permitted on Noveria. Sergeant Stirling, secure their weapons." Captain Matsuo ordered.

Sergeant Stirling walked up to the group but both Austin and Wrex drew their guns on her. Liara also flared up her biotics.

"Don't even try it!" Wrex threatened.

"Easy now everyone. Let's not start a fight." Austin urged as he tried to calm the situation.

"Why not?" Wrex asked.

"I'm sorry, Commander. But I'm afraid I cannot allow you to proceed with those weapons unless you are who you claim to be." Said Captain Matsuo.

"Then how about this? You let us keep our weapons, and we simply wait here until our identities are confirmed. Does that sound fair?" Austin asked.

"You expect us to trust you? Fuck that! How do we even know you won't shoot us in the back?" Sergeant Stirling asked.

"At this rate, if you don't shut up with that bitchy attitude of yours, I just might!" Austin retaliated. His gun was now more focused on Stirling than it was on the other two guards.

"That's enough Sergeant! Both of you stand down!" Captain Matsuo ordered. "She turned back to Austin. "That is fair."

Both the guards lowered their weapons. Austin also signalled for Liara and Wrex to do the same. After a few minutes passed, a voice suddenly spoke over the speakers.

"Captain Matsuo, let them pass." It said. "We've confirmed their identity. Helldivers are authorised to carry weapons here. This one's also a Spectre." Came the female voice.

"Great. So much for keeping a low profile." Austin sighed in his head. "See, what did I tell you?" he then said to the guards.

"You may proceed, Spectre. I hope the rest of your visit will be less confrontational. Parasini-san will met you upstairs." Said Captain Matsuo.

"Behave yourself." Said Stirling.

"You behave yourself, you Bitch!" Austin didn't say it out loud, but he was very tempted.

As they proceed through the doors they could feel the warm heat of indoors.

"That's better." Said Wrex.

When they reached the top of stairs however, alarms started to go off. The team looked around, slightly confused.

"Weapon detectors. Don't mind the alarms." Said a woman at the desk. She was dressed in a pink dress.

"Thanks, I guess." Said Austin. "And you are?"

"I am Gianna Parasini, assistant to Administrator Anoleis. We apologize for the incident in the docking bay." The woman answered.

"I hardly blame them. Just doing their job. Though your Sergeant has a serious attitude problem. Someone piss in her coffee today?" Austin asked.

"She takes her job seriously. She is a valuable asset to the company. Though I do agree she should be more polite, sometimes." Parasini replied. "One of my duties is orientation of new arrivals. Do you have any question?"

"We had reports that there'd been Geth sightings here. Has anyone unusual passed through here recently?" Austin asked.

"As far as I am aware we've never seen any Geth here. But since you ask about anyone unusual. An Asari Matriarch passed through a few days ago. Lady Benezia." Parasini answered.

Both Austin and Liara froze.

"Did I just hear that correctly? Did you say Benezia?" Austin asked.

"That is correct." Parasini replied.

"She-? She is here?" Liara tried to say.

"We need to speak with her right away. Do you know where she is?" Austin asked.

"I'm afraid Benezia left for the Peak 15 research complex days ago. To the best of my knowledge, she's still there." said Parasini.

"Then we'll need directions to get there. Who do we talk to about that?" Austin asked.

"You'll need to ask Administrator Anoleis for clearance to leave this port." Parasini answered.

"Where is he then?" Austin asked.

"His office is on the main level. Left at the top of the elevator." Said Parasini.

"Understood. Can we go in now?"

"Of course. If you need any help, you can ask me at the administrator's office." Said Parasini as she walked off.

Austin turned to Liara. She looked worried.

"She is here. I can't believe it. I imagine you want to talk to me, Austin. About my mother." She said.

"No I don't. I trust you with my life, Liara. Hell, I love you. You may not be military, but you're part of my crew." Said Austin as he put his hand reassuringly on her arm.

"Thank you, Austin. That means a great deal to me." Said Liara as she smiled at her boyfriend through her helmet.

After a quick elevator ride, the team found themselves in a large room. It was very well designed though and it was very warm, so it was a welcome sight. From out of the window, it was clear there was a major storm going on.

"Every time I come here, there's always a damn blizzard." Wrex complained.

"Thank the Goddess it's warm in here." Said Liara.

The administrator's office wasn't hard to find. It was just a simple walk down the stairs and threw the doors. Gianna Parasini was waiting for them.

"How can I help you?" she asked.

"I need to speak to Anoleis." Said Austin.

"Of course. One moment, please." She said as she pushed button on her desk. "Mr Anoleis?"

"Yes. What? What!" came a Salarian's voice.

"Commander Shepard is asking to see you, sir." Parasini answered.

"Right, fine. Send him in." Anoleis replied.

The three walked through the doors behind Gianna and found themselves fact face with Anoleis.

"You will excuse me if I don't stand up, Helldiver. I have no time to entertain refugees from that urban blight called Earth." Said Anoleis.

Austin could already tell that Anoleis wasn't pleased to see them. He also had that look about him that suggested he was hiding things. Then again the whole place seemed to feel that way. He also found it amusing that Anoleis had presumed he was from Earth. Despite his temptation to tell the Salarian to watch his mouth, he felt it best to not threaten a person who could make things difficult for him.

"We won't take up much of your time." He said.

"This greeting is a courtesy. I will only cooperate as required by the Executive Board. Businesses come here to avoid the second-guessing of galactic law." Said Anoleis.

"You're saying you have no safety protocols?" Austin asked.

"Don't be ridiculous. Do you think a for-profit company would take no precautions against loss of life and material? Project leads have the final say here. Not meddlesome politicians." Anoleis retaliated.

"We've heard an Asari Matriarch is here. Benezia?" Austin inquired.

"She arrived a few days ago, accompanied by a personal escort and some cargo. She is up at Peak 15." Said Anoleis.

"We need to see here immediately." Said Austin.

"I'm afraid that you cannot. Peak 15 is a private facility in the Skadi Mountains. Regardless, there is a blizzard in the area. Shuttles are grounded, and surfaces access been cut off." Said Anoleis.

"Surface access, you say?" Austin inquired.

"Cut off, I said. The roads are not suitable for travel. Don't make an issue of this, Shepard." Said Anoleis.

Austin glared at Anoleis through his helmet. "It's obvious that he's not gonna help us. He's definitely hiding something." He thought.

"Austin. I am sure there are other people here who could help us." Liara said quietly. Austin nodded to her in agreement.

"I have no more question at this time." He said to Anoleis.

"Good. I receive a dozen urgent messages while you dithered about." Said Anoleis.

"What is it about this place that makes everyone so rude and impolite?" Austin thought.

As they walked out of Anoleis office, Parasini waved them over.

"You've never worked in the corporative world, have you, Commander? You can't bludgeon through bureaucracy." she said.

"Watch me! I can bludgeon pretty hard if I have to!" Said Austin. "Still, it's obvious that Anoleis isn't going to be helpful."

"Talk to Lorik Qui'in. You should be able to find him at the hotel bar. Can't say more. Not within earshot of Mr Anoleis" Said Parasini.

"I do not like this place. Too many dark secrets." Said Liara as they entered the bar.

"I agree with you, love. Everything about this place feels wrong." Said Austin.

They spotted the Turian, Lorik Qui'in, very quickly. As they made their way towards him though, they were stopped by an Asari in a yellow dress.

"Excuse me. I need a moment of your time." She said.

"Fine. But make it quick. I'm on important business." Said Austin.

"The male human at the hotel bar. He is a sales rep for Binary Helix. His name is Rafael Vargas. I need you to speak with him." Said the Asari.

"What? I'm sorry, you must have me confused with someone else. Have we met before?" Austin asked, confused.

"Everyone here knows who you are, dull stone. That makes you ideal for my job. You are a known quantity. Or so Vargas will think. He will assume you are here to investigate his company's dirty laundry. That will distract him form your—my—real intentions." Said the Asari.

"You expect me to trust you? We've only just met. Besides, strange people skulking in corners have presented trouble for me before." Said Austin suspiciously.

"I represent the Armali City Council on Thessia. Our town is known for its biotic amp crafters." Said the Asari.

"What is your city's interest in Binary Helix? They do not manufacture amps." Liara asked, also suspicious of the strange Asari.

"Much of BH's work relates to biotics. There are rumours that the Noveria branch has flown in Asari biotics. Powerful ones. Commando, to be specific." Sais the Asari. She cast a glance at Liara as she said it. "We want to assess any potential risk to Asari copyrights. You will present yourself as a byer. On behalf of the Spectres or the Alliance. Or maybe even the Helldivers, since you are one. Discuss their military enhancement programs. Your real objective will be to distract him. I will give you a device that will crack into his personal wireless network. It will upload a variety of monitoring viruses. They will infiltrate Binary Helix when he logs onto their intranet."

"You think this armour's just for show? My job is to enforce justice, not break the law." Austin refused.

"Do you think that Binary Helix obeys all the laws? That they do not spy on other companies?" the Asari asked.

"What they might be doing somewhere else doesn't justify my acting against them here." Austin refused again.

"Very well, Helldiver. I'll be on my way." Said the Asari coldly as she walked away.

Having dealt with that matter, Austin and his comrades headed over to Lorik Qui'in.

"Afternoon. Sit down, have a drink." The Turian greeted them. Austin politely declined. "What can I do for you?"

"You're Lorik Qui'in I take it? I've heard you might be able to help me." Said Austin.

"You are the Spectre that just arrived, are you not? What could an old Turian like me possibly help you with?" Qui'in asked.

"I'm Commander Shepard of the Helldivers. If you think I'm a Spectre, I'm afraid you're very mistaken." Said Austin. He still felt it would be better to keep a low profile.

"It's too late for cover-ups, Commander." Said Qui'in. "Your picture has been sent to every employee. They have been warned that speaking to you is grounds for termination. I am Lorik Qui'in. For the moment, I am the manager of the Synthetic Insights office."

"For the moment?" Austin asked.

"Mr Anoleis closed my office. He claims to be investigating reports of my corruption. The administrator is an interesting man. He has become quite wealthy since he took direct control of rents." Said Qui'in.

"I sense a connection there." Said Austin as he folded his arms.

"Indeed. I acquired evidence of Anoleis' actions. His hired goons are ransacking my office to find it. I suspect your goal lies outside this port. Mr Anoleis would be disinclined to let you wander. If you recover the evidence from my office, I will give you my garage pass, as well as a sum of credits." Said Qui'in.

Austin nodded. "That sounds like a fair trade."

"Violence against Mr Anoleis' thugs may be necessary. He has members of Hanshan's security team searching my offices. He is paying them under the table. Ms Matsuo is unaware of their outside employment." Qui'in advised.

"If he's paying them under the table, they're mercenaries. I can kill mercenaries." Said Austin as he cracked his knuckles.

"Excellent. Here is my pass into our offices. It will activate the elevator. The evidence is on my office computer. This OSD contains an encryption key to access it. Slide it into the drive and it will auto-execute." Said Qui'in as he handed Austin the OSD he had mentioned earlier. "And do try to keep blood stains off the carpets, would you?"

Austin, Liara and Wrex proceeded to the elevator that would take them to the synthetic insights office. As they entered they were greeted by two guards.

"Freeze! Hanshan security. This office is sealed" said the female guard.

"Lorik Qui'in gave me a pass in." said Austin. He'd rather avoid a fight.

"Qui'in? Are you working for him? He's under investigation." Said the guard.

"Anoleis is paying you to shake this place down. Does Captain Matsuo know you're here?" Austin asked.

"Hey, I'm not the one who wants Qui'in. Anoleis has a Varren up his ass about this guy. How about this? You pretend you didn't see us, we'll pretend we didn't see you." Said the guard. Some of the others that had been with the guard left with her. There where however some that stayed, and they opened fire on the group. Instantly, they all dove for cover. Austin threw a flash bang grenade which then blinded them, giving Liara the opportunity to slam several of them into the wall. Wrex meanwhile just blasted away with his shotgun. Once they'd dealt with the corrupt guards, they found Qui'in's office. After acquiring the evidence, they headed back. However they found their path blocked by a few more Guards and Sergeant Stirling.

"What does that bitch want now?" Austin thought.

"I don't think you're supposed to be in here, Shepard." She said.

"Neither are you Miss…?" said Austin.

"Oh, now you're going to show some respect? I'm Sergeant Kaira Stirling, Elanus Risk Control Services." Said Stirling.

"Oh yes. The one with the attitude problem." Said Austin. He wasn't scared of her. He'd faced far worse than a few corrupt security guards in his time.

"Anoleis would have you thrown off world for what you did here. I won't. You know what we did to cop killers on my world?" Stirling asked.

"Bored them to death with your attitude?" Austin replied sarcastically.

"You're breaking the law for bribe money. You know what we do to dirty cops on my world?" Wrex said as he joined in.

"They brought it on themselves. I didn't want to fight them. They fired first." Said Austin.

"Well, I don't need a gun to rip you to pieces, Helldiver." Said Stirling as she charged up her biotics.

"Neither do I, Kaira." said Austin. With lighting fast movements, he unsheathed his combat knife and threw it at Stirling. The knife moved too fast for her top react in time and it stabbed her right in the heart. "Not so tough now, are you?"

"Kill….them!" Stirling spluttered as she drew her last breath and blood started to trickle from her mouth and chest.

The other guards raised their weapons, but the group was too quick for them. Liara had them caught in her singularity in seconds, Wrex shot five others down with his shotgun and Austin sliced one with his omni blade.

"Come on. Let's get out of here." Said Austin as he removed his knife from Stirling's body, pausing only to give it a clean.

As they exited the elevator though, surprisingly they found Parasini waiting for them.

"What now?" Austin thought.

"Commander. There've been reports from the Synthetic Insights office. Would you know anything about it?" she asked.

"I'm not admitting to that." Austin thought. "Must be Anoleis's thugs ripping the place apart." He said.

"Smartass, hm? That's fine. I can work with that." Said Parasini.

"Excuse me?" Austin asked.

"Meet me at the hotel for a drink, before you talk to Qui'in. I'll be waiting." Gianna responded as she walked off.

"Why do I get the feeling she's hiding something?" Liara asked.

"Let's find out." Said Austin.

With that they headed back to the bar. Being a man of his words, he went for Gianna first.

"Okay, we did what you wanted. But I'm not buying you being Anoleis's assistant anymore. There's something behind that innocent look. I'm not saying anything more to you until I get some answers." He said as his group joined her at her table.

"Allow me to reintroduce myself. Parasini, Noveria Internal Affairs." Said Gianna.

"I knew it! I knew it had to be uncover work. So why is an Internal Affairs agent here?" Austin asked.

"The Executive Board knows about Anoleis' corruption. I've been undercover for six months. I need you to convince Qui'in to testify before the Board. With his evidence, this planet can run profitability again." Said Gianna.

"Okay, listen Gianna. I would gladly help you, but I need Qui'in garage pass to get to Peak 15 to complete my mission." Said Austin. He did his best though to sound polite. Now that he knew what was going on, he did wish he could Gianna. But he doubted that Qui'in would give him his garage pass if the evidence was withheld.

"If you help my investigation, I can provide you with whatever you need. Favour for a favour." Said Gianna.

"In the long run, it is better to remove the source of the problem." Said Liara.

"I know that, Liara. But finding your Mother is our top priority." Said Austin regrettably.

"Look, Shepard. I don't like this either. Spectres play fast and loose with the law. That's bad for business. But you're a Helldiver. They're nowhere near as selfish as Spectres are." Said Gianna.

"All right, all right. I'll talk to Qui'in and see if I can convince him. I make no promises though. It won't be my fault if he refuses." Said Austin.

"I can't see why he wouldn't. He feels as strongly about Anoleis's corruption as I do." Said Gianna. "But thank you. I was worried you'd refuse on the spot. You know where I work. Come talk to me once you know if he'll play ball."

Gianna walked off while Austin headed back to Qui'in's table.

"Always a pleasure, Helldiver. Any news on that matter I asked you to look into?" he asked.

"I finished the job. But an internal Affairs investigator contacted me. She wants you to testify against Anoleis." Said Austin.

"Now that you have my property, you want to dictate how I use it? I have no interest in a public spectacle." Qui'in objected.

"Come on, Austin. Think. Think!" Austin's kept telling himself. Then he thought up a good enough answer. "Everyone on this station is chafing under Anoleis' extortion. You might end up a hero." He said.

"My employers rely on the goodwill of the Executive Board to work here." Said Qui'in.

"If these "executives" don't blame Anoleis for provoking this, they're fool. You should eat them." Said Wrex.

Both Austin and Liara did their best not laugh at this. A giggle escaped from Austin while Liara lost it a bit. But she quickly calmed down.

"All right! It is obvious that I cannot dissuade you. Very well. I will testify. Make whatever arrangements you need with your contact. I will wait here." Said Qui'in.

"You're doing the right thing, Lorik. Trust me." Said Austin.

A quick walk back to the administrator's office brought the group back into Gianna's presence.

"So? What did Qui'in say?" she asked.

"It's your lucky day, Gianna. It took some persuasion, but Qui'in has agreed to testify." Said Austin.

Gianna gave a heavy sigh of relief. "That's a world of stress off my back. I'll take the evidence for safe transport. I didn't think you'd help me. Being a Spectre and all. But then you are also a Helldiver, so I guess I could've had higher hopes. I guess not all Spectres are bad." She said.

"Doesn't this help you? You don't seem particular happy." Said Austin.

"I'm ecstatic. In fact, if you weren't wearing that helmet right now I'd kiss you. But right now, I just feel like a long day of work is ending." Said Gianna.

"I'm glad I was able to help. But don't forget that we had a deal." Austin reminded Gianna.

"Don't worry, Shepard. I haven't forgotten. While you were working on Qui'in, I got a garage pass. Be careful up there." Said Gianna as she handed a garage pass card to Austin. "I have an arrest to make. Wish I had time to change into something easier to move in. I hate skirts."

A minute later Austin could hear commotion. Then the door opened. Gianna had Anoleis' hands pinned behind his back.

"This is an outrage! I'll see that you never work in this sector again!" Anoleis shouted angrily as Gianna hauled him out of his own office.

"Yeah, yeah. Get a move on." Gianna ordered. Austin couldn't help but smile smugly behind his helmet.

"You! Helldiver! I demand you place this bitch under arrest!" Anoleis yelled.

"You have the right to remain silent; I wish to God you'd exercise it." Austin said smugly.

"See you round around the galaxy, Commander. I owe you a beer." Said Gianna as she led Anoleis out of the doors.

"Alright. Now that that's out of way, let's do what we came here to do." Said Austin. "Next stop, the garage."

As the group approached the entrance to the garage they were met by a guard.

"Access to the garage is restricted." She said nervously. She was obviously afraid that the armed group might try something.

"I have authorisation. Excuse me." Said Austin as he presented the garage pass.

"Yes, that's genuine. Drive safely. The weather's supposed to be pretty bad in the Aleuts Valley." Said the guard.

The doors opened and they proceeded in. As they entered though, Austin's suit readings went mad.

"Warning! Geth detected!" said his suit's computer. Right on cue several Geth troopers, hoppers and even a few primes appeared from behind the crates in the garage. They took notice of the group and fired on them.

"Geth! Get to cover!" Austin yelled.

Almost immediately, Wrex and Liara dove for cover. Austin did the same.

"Guess we know now what Benezia had in her cargo crates." Said Wrex as he returned fire at the Geth. Austin and Liara quickly joined in. They had to blind fire a lot since the Geth where all concentrating on their position. This made it difficult for to aim long enough. Eventually though, they managed to gun down the last Geth. Some of the guards, led by Captain Matsuo came into the garage to see what all the commotion had been.

"What the—What are these things? Fan out and secure the area! No one gets in or our!" she ordered to her guards. She then turned to Austin and his comrades. "What did you do here, Commander?"

"Me? We're the victims here! The Geth attacked us!" Austin objected as he stood up from where he'd been crouched behind a crate.

"Geth? You expect us to believe…" Matsuo began to say. She stopped however when she got a much closer look at one of the Geth corpses. "Where did they come from?"

"The Asari bitch had a bunch of cargo with her. They must've been in the shipping containers." Said Wrex.

"I don't believe that. We did thorough scans of those. There were no sources, no element zero masses…" said Matsuo. "If Benezia-sama's containers were packed with these things, there are many more out there."

"This day just keeps getting better and better." Said Wrex.

"Dozens? Hundreds?" Austin asked.

Hundreds at least. They're machines. You can pack them tightly. I must report to the Executive Board. If word gets out about loose Geth, there may be an investor panic." Matsuo replied as she headed out of the garage.

The weather was still far too dangerous for flight. Even for a Hellhound drop ship, flying in conditions like these was a death wish. Fortunately, the Mako was waiting in the garage for them.

"Everyone buckle up tight. It's gonna one hell of a ride." Said Austin as they all climbed in.

Okay, assuming something doesn't come up, I may have Chapter 16 up soon. If not then things have got busy. If so, I do apologise for that.

We're getting closer to Virmie now. I'm actually surprised that I've managed to get this far into the story so quickly. That is good though.