As the ship arrives in the Theseus System of the Attican Beta Cluster, it slowly approaches Feros. Joker, aided by Tali, is using a special set of access codes provided by ExoGeni to scan the surroundings of the colony, hoping to find out more about the current situation of Zhu's Hope.
Shepard enters the cockpit, asking, "Joker, status now!"
"We're arriving in a few minutes, Commander. We're picking up Geth activity! Just a few moments ago, I detected movement. It looks like they have noticed us as well—the Geth are without a doubt aware of our arrival! They're attacking the colony as we speak. If we want to save it, we have to act now."
"Understood," Shepard says, activating the comms and speaking to the entire crew. "This is Commander Shepard. Everyone able to use a gun, get ready. Geth are attacking Zhu's Hope, but their number shouldn't be too high! We need every man and woman able to fight as backup. You have five minutes to prepare!"
Shepard then turns to joker, "Joker, get ready to drop the Mako at a suitable place on the Skyway, near the colony. Wait until there is no ship around, and don't approach the ExoGeni HQ or the Geth may target the Normandy!"
"Roger that, Commander, I won't risk our baby. I'll get it done if I see an opportunity," Joker replies.
Alex quickly leaves the cockpit and prepares himself—mostly just equipping his armor and stocking up on [Omnigel] and [Medigel].
As soon as the Normandy lands, Alex—along with the crew and aided by numerous other Normandy members—hears shooting. He sees a man desperately running toward the Normandy.
I've learned that I need to do my best if I want the mission to succeed, meaning I have to contribute to every battle. I need to find the right balance and help out just enough not to endanger my own life.
Alex activates Sealion's Icewing Embrace and rushes forward, protecting the man from incoming fire with his shield and armor.
You have received 44 damage (blocked by shields)
You have received 45 damage (blocked by shields)
…
As Alex rushes forward, slaying two Geth with two heavy Thunder Sword strikes, his shields break down, as he's still under fire.
You have dealt 111 + 72 = 183 damage to Geth Trooper
You have destroyed Geth Trooper
You have dealt 112 + 71 = 183 damage to Geth Trooper
You have destroyed Geth Trooper
You have received 23
Icewing Embrace Durability -2
Alex Kerber: Lvl 6
HP: 350/373, MP: 354/373, AURA: 261/263, SHIELDS: 0/350
Alex notices a system message informing him that he has received more World Particles.
I guess I saved another character and got a small reward… wonder what these Particles are for?
You have obtained 2 Units of World Particles.
As soon as his shields are down, Alex jumps between two abandoned cargo containers and patiently waits until his shields begin to restore.
That's the most I'm willing to do. That should be plenty.
As his shields recover, Alex sees around 20 Normandy crew members rush out and fire at the Geth, overwhelming them with sheer firepower.
The Geth quickly falter under the heavy gunfire from the Normandy crew.
Alex stands back up as Shepard rushes forward, gesturing for him to follow. "That colonist told us the colony is in trouble! We're looking for a 'Fai Dan,' who appears to be the leader. This matches the account we were given! Follow me! The colony is just ahead, we have to run through a few tunnels!"
They quickly rush through a bunch of old tunnels, dispatching a few more Geth and reaching Zhu's Hope in just a few minutes.
They see numerous colonists running around in panic. A few containers are on fire, and debris is scattered everywhere. The colony is barely hanging on.
"Haha, this reminds me of good old Tuchanka!" Wrex yells as he rushes forward.
"This is where you invited me to go? You can guess my answer, then," Alex says, following him.
"Shut up and concentrate!" Shepard snaps, following closely behind.
They finally make it to the end of the colony, where they see a few colonists engaged in battle with Geth, who are rushing through an entrance leading to a tower, acting as a hub to connect various tunnels. Obviously, the Geth are trying to invade and destroy the colony.
Approaching the end of the colony, Shepard rushes toward a few armed colonists who aim their rifles at them—but quickly lower them as they recognize she isn't a Geth.
"I can't believe it!! Finally, reinforcements! I thought the company had abandoned us! Thank you!" says a man in rough condition with short black hair.
A woman carrying an Assault Rifle chimes in, "A bit late, aren't you?" glaring at Shepard, who crosses her arms.
"Arcelia! Stop it! Sorry, we're all on edge. I'm Fai Dan, and this is Arcelia. Who are you?"
"Commander Shepard, from the Alliance. Also, a Spectre. I'm here to save your asses, so you better obey my commands. I have the backing of your corporate overlords, so answer my questions."
"Of course, Co—"
At that moment, they see another huge Geth dropship land nearby, over a tunnel.
"Not good…" Alex comments.
"Looks like we're getting a few visitors, Commander," Garrus says.
"More action! Good, I was getting bored." Wrex screams, causing Tali to curse at him, "Bosh'tet!"
Shepard closes her eyes for a second, deep in thought, then gives orders in a loud and clear voice:
"Okay, we need to get that dropship to leave! Fai Dan, your people hold position! I'll leave some of my men here to clean up any remaining Geth that we may have missed on our way here! Alenko, Williams, Jenkins—you three are in charge of that! Take some of the reserves just helping out from the Normandy with you. They are not ready to deal with the Dropship. Afterwards, tell them to get back to the Normandy. Garrus, Wrex, Tali, Liara, and Kerber—you follow me. We're getting rid of that dropship. We're taking a few Marines as backup with us!"
As soon as Shepard gives her orders, Alex sees Geth appear from the nearby tower, which serves as an entry point to the local ruins and tunnels.
"Careful! Geth approaching!" he screams.
Alex draws his trusty [Enchanted Runeblade], ready to use it for its most important effect, which increases the damage of his spells by 20%.
Effect: Can be used as a medium to cast spells, enhancing effectiveness of most spells by 20%.
In his other hand, he holds his [Brawler-Pistol]. He then takes cover behind a large piece of debris and begins to fire his gun toward the entrance, aiming at the Geth.
No way I'm rushing in there! I've got to play this smart.
You have dealt 55 damage to Geth Shock Trooper
More and more Geth leave the tower entrance and try to enter the colony. Alex decides to cast his Thunder spell to stop their momentum.
You have dealt 49 x 2 = 98 damage to Geth Shock Trooper
You have stunned Geth Shock Trooper
With the Geth Shock Trooper stunned, Alex carefully aims and lands one more shot, destroying the Geth.
You have dealt 45 damage to Geth Shock Trooper
You have destroyed Geth Shock Trooper
More and more Geth rush out of the tower, but the combined firepower of the armed colonists, the crew, and the extra support from the Normandy quickly dispatches them.
"Now is our chance! Follow me inside, we have to get rid of that dropship!" Shepard yells, rushing into the tower.
Is she crazy? Damn!
Alex and Wrex look at each other and quickly follow after her, followed by the rest of the squad and the backup from the Normandy.
They make their way through the Geth-filled tunnels and buildings, quickly arriving at a large, destroyed part of the old structures.
The Geth dropship lifts off, but not before releasing five more giant Geth units.
"Heh, they're fleeing. This is over already!" Wrex laughs.
"Careful! These are Geth Destroyers and even a Geth Juggernaut! They're heavily armed and have lots of shields!"
Fuck… I better do my part!
Alex rushes toward one of the Geth Destroyers on the side, casting Thundara.
You have dealt 86 x 2 = 172 damage to Geth Destroyer
Despite Alex's effective spell, the shields of the Destroyer are still barely holding up.
Alex fires desperately, hitting the Destroyer twice, its shields finally breaking and staggering it just a little.
You have dealt 33 damage to Geth Destroyer
You have dealt 31 damage to Geth Destroyer
Not holding back, Alex draws his [Executioner's Blade R2], activates Thundara Sword, and charges forward, using Ko to launch a devastating attack against the Destroyer.
You have dealt 184 + 101 damage to Geth Destroyer
You have destroyed Geth Destroyer
Alex then switches back to his [Enchanted Runeblade] and [Brawler-Pistol], attacking the Geth Juggernaut currently in battle with Garrus and Tali. Its shields are already down. Attacking from the flank, Alex casts another Thunder spell and fires his gun until it nearly overheats, destroying the Juggernaut.
You have dealt 43 x 2 = 86 damage to Geth Juggernaut
You have dealt 24 damage to Geth Juggernaut
You have dealt 36 damage to Geth Juggernaut
You have dealt 32 damage to Geth Juggernaut
You have dealt 29 damage to Geth Juggernaut
You have destroyed Geth Juggernaut
The rest of the Geth are also quickly falling due to the superior firepower of the combined Normandy forces.
When the last Geth falls, Alex quickly surveys the battlefield.
He spots another [Geth Part] lying on top of the destroyed Geth Juggernaut, wondering if he can still sell it for a sky-high price again. He greedily loots it, satisfied with his find.
"Clear!" Shepard relays through the comms. "Everyone, head back. For now, we're making sure the colony is safe!"
The group slowly makes its way back to the colony.
Alex can't help but shake his head. The colony is exactly how he remembers it from the game. It reminds him of a weird cross between a garbage dump and a junkyard.
Finally, the crew returns to Zhu's Hope, Fai Dan approaching them, looking apologetic. "Thank you so much, Commander! The tower and the nearby tunnels are clean, and the dropship disappeared."
"I need instructions on how to get to the skyway leading directly to the ExoGeni headquarters. As far as I know, we can reach it directly via the skyway. I've instructed our pilot to drop a Mako if he has the chance. Now that the dropship is gone, there should be a window of opportunity to prepare it for us," she says.
"Well… could you maybe first support us? We have a few issues here. Some of the colonists could use some help," Fai Dan says with a cautious smile.
"Are you crazy? I don't have time for this with Geth around! Solve your problems yourself. Once the Geth are gone, that shouldn't be an issue," Shepard responds, making Fai Dan rub his head in embarrassment.
So, no fetch quests? Always hated those.
Kaidan and Ashley approach, and Kaidan steps up. "Commander, the colony and the tunnels through the spaceport are secured, at least for now. The crew is back on the Normandy, reporting to the Captain."
"Good job!" Shepard says.
"We're regrouping, we meet in 30 minutes in front of the tower!"
Shepard then meaningfully nods at the crew.
So she wants to investigate the Colony before leaving—she wants to know the influence the Thorian holds over the villagers.
I guess… time for a walk!
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