Before the Normandy lands at Noveria, Alex decides to take a quick nap, ensuring he is in top condition for the upcoming mission. He also makes sure to conjure fresh Annihilation Grenades, like always.
Finally, he prepares his equipment, stocking up on [Omnigel] and [Medigel].
A few hours later, Alex is back in the cockpit with Kaidan, Joker, and Shepard—who looks much more rested now.
"We're almost at Port Hanshan, the port in question and the suspected location of Geth activity. Commander, please be careful. These corporations can't be trusted. This isn't Council space—nobody aside from the corporations has any say down there. Even as a Spectre, you're merely tolerated. Despite your status and position, they'll try to block and hinder you at every turn. I've heard rumors about this port… none of them are good," Joker warns.
"Thanks, Joker. We'll be fine, though," Shepard replies, sounding confident.
Joker then opens a comms channel, contacting the port.
"Approach Control, this is the SSV Normandy. Requesting a vector and a berth immediately," he says.
A hostile voice barks back, "Normandy, your arrival was not scheduled. Our defense grid is armed and tracking you. State your business."
"Citadel business. We've got a Council Spectre aboard," Joker replies confidently, unable to hide a small grin.
"Landing access granted, Normandy," the voice returns, now sounding almost polite. "Be advised: we will be confirming identification on arrival. If confirmation cannot be established, your vessel will be impounded."
"I pound your mom…" Alex mutters under his breath.
Shepard snickers, clapping him on the shoulder.
Joker groans. "What a fun bunch. I think I'll take my next leave here. This is even more extreme than the rumors say."
Shepard then activates the Normandy's internal comms. "Crew, get ready—we'll be leaving in five minutes!"
She turns to Alex and Kaidan. "Let's go, boys. I'll assume you'll behave, right?"
"Yes, ma'am," Kaidan replies, saluting.
"As always," Alex responds.
A few minutes later, they disembark from the Normandy. Despite his suit—probably because he isn't wearing his helmet—Alex immediately feels a wave of cold air hit his face, nearly freezing it.
"I don't get it. This is a cold planet, sure, but is there a reason the spaceport has to be this cold too? Aren't these corporations rich?"
Garrus laughs as he hears Alex complain. "This port isn't heated. The average temperature on Noveria is only -1°C. That's still tolerable, so the corporations don't see a point in wasting money heating the spaceport. It's not like they work here. Only underpaid doc workers and security officers have to endure the cold."
"You know your way around here, Garrus?" Alex asks him.
"A lot of my cases involved corporations. The name Port Hanshan came up again and again. I did a little research," he replies.
"This spaceport is as cold as the corporations," Liara notes in a quiet voice.
"You'll be fine, princess," Tali says.
The group walks forward—but just as they reach the entrance to the port, they're stopped. Two armed women, accompanied by one Turian, block their path.
The woman in the centre, a middle-aged woman with a distinct asian appearance, replies, "That's far enough!"
Shepard merely laughs, "Stand aside! I am on important business!"
"This is an unscheduled arrival. I need your credentials," the woman replies, slightly aggrieved.
"You first," Shepard says, crossing her arms.
The other woman rudely barks back, "We're the law here. Show some respect."
"Calm down, I'm Captain Maeko Matsuo, Elanus Risk Control Services."
"All you need to know is that I outrank you; now step aside," Shepard says.
"First of all, you'll hand over your weapons—they are not permitted on Noveria," Maeko replies, suddenly looking at Alex, noticing his sword.
"No… the butcher! You are… Commander Shepard with your butcher in toe… Hand over your weapons now!" she says, drawing her gun.
"Look at your haircut and call me a butcher again," Alex retorts, drawing his sword, while Shepard and the rest also draw their guns.
Suddenly, a voice rings through the port, "Captain Matsuo! Stand down immediately!"
She lowers her weapons, Shepard and her crew following suit.
"We confirmed their identity. Spectres and their companions are authorized to carry weapons here, Captain." The voice announces.
A few seconds later, Matsuo reluctantly announces, "You may proceed … Spectre! I hope the rest of your visit will be less confrontational."
Look who's talking….
"Parasini-san will meet you upstairs." She adds before walking away.
Shepard confidently walks after them, entering the main entrance.
As the group walks through the secured entrance, multiple sensors activate, and a loud robotic message: "Weapons detected!" echoes through the hall.
"Don't mind the alarms, they are cleared!" A woman announces loudly.
She then approaches Shepard with a smile, "I'm Gianna Parasini, assistant to Administrator Anoleis. We apologize for the incident in the docking bay."
"Someone's piss in your security chief's coffee today?" Shepard asks.
Parasini replies, "She takes her job very seriously. She is a valuable asset to the company. In any case, one of my duties is orientation of new arrivals. Do you have any questions?"
"Why such heavy security for such a small port?" Shepard asks.
"The executive Board does everything in its power to protect the privacy of our client corporations. Security is simply a requirement," Parasini replies, still smiling.
"Is this privacy intended to hide illegal research?" Shepard asks, with a hint of amusement.
"Commander, this planet is beyond the jurisdiction of the Citadel. The law is what the Executive Board says it is. Do you know how valuable this planet is? How many advances in genetics and artificial Intelligence got their start here?" Parasini explains, showing genuine passion.
Shepard sighs, "Let's move on. Anyone unusual who visited the port? Maybe resembling the Geth…" Shepard asks with a smirk.
"Geth? Of course not! Unusual however… I think an Asari Matreiarch is unusual enough. Lady Benezia. She passed through just a few days ago." Parasini says.
"Benezia… Mother! She is here?!" Liara exclaims.
"We'll find out soon enough, she's a threat," Shepard says.
Parasini chimes in, "No offense, Commander, but your… subordinate here is much more of a threat. I hope you keep him under control. No corporation's employee will be happy seeing the Butcher walk past them, especially if he so blatantly displays his tool of murder."
"Offense taken," Alex mumbles, Wrex smiling at him, unable to suppress a joke, "rare for a human to elicit more fear than me. I could get used to this. Let's team up for some jobs once this is over, human!"
"Fuck off!" Alex says.
"Where is Benezia right now?" Shepard asks Parasini, ignoring her Crew's comments.
"She left for the Peak 15 research complex days ago. To the best of my knowledge, she's still there!" Parasini answers, a bit intimidated by Shepard's direct questioning.
Satisfied with her response, Shepard says, "Good. Give us direction, and we'll be on our way. We'll use our Mako to get there!"
Parasini shakes her head, "You'll need to ask Administrator Anoleis for clearance to leave this port. His office is on the main level. Left at the top of the elevator."
Shepard then turns around, "Understood, we're going in now!"
"She's here…" Liara mumbles, "I can't believe it. I… imagine you want to talk to me, Shepard. About my mother…?
"I don't think we have time for this. I trust you; you are part of my crew. Benezia is a traitor to the Galaxy, the council, and to her own people. I fully trust you, Liara."
Liara smiles, her face growing more determined. "That means a lot to me. Thank you!"
"You sure… You can fight her?" Alex asks.
Liara stares into Alex's eyes and responds, "Yes!"
The group uses an elevator to get to the main level. They look at the huge, empty hall. Alex stops for a second, appreciating the view before Shepard snaps him out of his daydream.
"Good, we made it inside, Liara, Alenko, Garrus, you're with me! It's not a good idea if we enter the Administrator's office with too many people. He might get scared."
"Kerber, you, along with Tali, Williams, and Wrex, will take a look around. Gather some intel for me, will you? I'll contact you once I know more!" Shepard orders.
"Understood," Alex says.
Alex, Wrex, Tali, and Ashley then walk around the main level. There are huge windows, allowing them to view the stunning snowstorm outside.
"I have to say… this atmosphere… cold, serene, a snowstorm just outside, everything feeling slightly cold and lifeless. I like it. This calms me down. I guess working here has its benefits after all. I'd love to retire to a place like this one day," Alex says.
Wrex, Tali, and Ashley all stare at Alex in confusion, but are unable to come up with a proper response.
Despite this being the main level, it's cool. I guess just 10 degrees… this is nostalgic. I rather like it here. Wait a minute. This is about obtaining permission to use the garage so we can get to Peak 15 with the Mako, right? The easiest and fastest way is Opold's assignment. I wonder if he would offer it to me?
Alex, followed by the rest, continues his walk through the port until he finally finds a red, floating slime on the upper levels.
He approaches him with a smile.
"This one offers greetings, you are one of the crew members of the Spectre that visits Port Hanshan?"
"Yes, Lieutenant Kerber, at your service, my Hanar friend. News travels fast! Currently a little bored, waiting for the Commander. Just browsing some wares." Alex responds.
"Alex, what are we doing here?" Tali asks, while Wrex and Williams just follow along.
"Let me cook," Alex whispers to Tali.
"Many people are quite scared of you, Lieutenant Kerber. This one is called Opold. This one also has a burden that you could ease. If an arrangement could be made, it would compensate you. This one has procured a special item for a customer. The item is not permitted within the station. But you could simply bring it through customs. It is stationed just outside the entrance. On this one's command, it will be delivered within a few minutes. The item in question will be inside a small box."
"Hmmm, interesting, so what is it? Weapons?`Also, who's the buyer?" Alex says with a grin.
"This one's customer prefers to remain anonymous. As for the contents, they are no danger to anyone in this port."
Alex draws his sword, swinging it around a little, "You know what's the best thing about accompanying a Spectre. I can simply kill whoever I dislike, and nothing bad happens to me. Surely you remember the last time I went wild. I feel bored, I'm in the mood for a little fun involving red jelly. Tell me the fuck now!" Alex orders, unleashing his Ren.
"This one… this one… The customer is the Krogan called Inamorda. That one is a bounty hunter of some repute and quick to anger. Please be careful. I hope you understand this one's urgency? That other one grows restless from the delay."
"Okay, so what's in it for me?" Alex asks.
"250 credits!"
"Hahaha, good joke. Okay, now, get serious."
"... 500 credits!"
"1000 credits, upfront!" Alex demands.
"... This one is not amused but will reluctantly agree. Here is the payment."
You received 1000 credits.
"I'll see you later!" Alex says with a grin.
Or never…
Walking away, Alex talks to the others with a big smile, "Not bad, huh? I got 1000 Credits, and I'll get to keep whatever is in that box. We can also rat him out to the administrator to get into his good graces."
"... Human, you scare me a little. You are the most dishonest actor I've seen in a long time! There are scoundrels everywhere, but you are the worst of them," Wrex says.
"I have to agree, I almost feel bad for the Hanar." Tali agrees.
"Kerber, you are picking up bad habits from the Commander. I am not sure I like it. However, your strategy sounds solid enough. Let's pick up the thing so we have proof." Ashley says.
The group then walks outside, aiming for the Hanar's smuggled ware.
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