Chapter 46: Book 2, Chapter 27 - Experiments
"Shepard," Kelly breathed.
I smiled to myself as I gently kissed and bit her neck, listening to her breathing. My right hand was down the front of her trousers, finger inside her slick pussy, managing to adjust my hand so I could use my thumb gently on her clit. Looking up, I could see the crew focusing on their tasks. The fact I was busy finger blasting Kelly in the CIC wasn't a surprise to anyone anymore. I did it nearly every day just for fun. Didn't help that she was rubbing her arse against my erection, pressed against her desk as she was.
"Shepard," she breathed again.
I moved my lips from her neck to her ear. "I want you to cum for me, Miss Chambers," I whispered into her ear. She made a whimpering sound, turning and kissing me hard, the look in her eyes suggesting she would happily strip naked and have me fuck her there and then. The idea was tempting.
"I love you," she breathed. I smiled and kissed her again, now looking for that wonderful little spot inside her pussy that would make her cum harder. I found it, of course, making her almost jump as she moaned loudly into my mouth, before she broke apart. "Fuck," she whispered.
She was trying to hold back, of course, so I slid a second finger inside her instead, and that pretty much sealed the deal, her body gyrating against mine as she gave up any semblance of control. "Oh god!" she cried out, not even bothering to cover her mouth. I received a couple of stares, seeing me behind Kelly as she was now resting her head on the desk.
Then I thought, fuck it, why not, and removed my hand, lowered her trousers and underwear, undid my button and fly, whipping out my cock, and slid it inside her, while sticking the fingers that had been inside her pussy in her mouth. I felt her mouth immediately start to suck on those as I buried myself inside her. "Fuck," I groaned.
As close as she was, she lasted all of two minutes before I made her cum, and I think it being so brazen and public made it even better for her, though she did cover her mouth when it really hit. I stopped moving as she squeezed my cock buried inside her, leaning down to gently kissed her rather coloured cheek, a faint brow of sweat on her forehead. "Well, I think it's about time you just stuck your cock in me down here, Shepard," she said with humour.
I looked around, receiving more than one look and a few grins. No-one cared. "Well, we're not naked, but I think it's obvious what I've been doing to you."
"Shepard, your hands are constantly in my trousers. Not that I'm complaining. I spend half my day either approaching or having an orgasm. No wonder I sleep so well at night."
I stepped back, pulling out and allowing her to turn around, where she hopped up onto her desk and pulled me forward, ensuring my cock slid back inside her. "Now, I think you need to cum as well, since you've made me cum in front of everyone."
"You think I care about them? All I wanted was to make you cum and see you smile." The smile that broke out on her face was heart-breaking in its beauty. Moments like that were a slight reminder… "Once we're back from Omega Four, I'm taking you to Illium, where the three women I love the most will be spending a lot of time with me doing various things, surprisingly not all of a sexual nature."
"Just mostly of a sexual nature?"
"Probably."
I started to gently thrust into her, feeling her legs shake, looking down to see her trousers and panties eventually fall down to the floor, so she was now naked from the waist down, wrapping her legs around me. Everyone would have known what we were doing but we didn't care anymore. I loved the woman like crazy and we both loved to fuck, plus there was just something so naughty about doing it in the CIC.
"I love your cock," she breathed as she kissed me.
"I sometimes don't know whether to bury my cock or just lick you up and down all night, Miss Chambers."
"Definitely love both ideas."
We were soon into it, trying to keep the noise down still, but we were only brought to a temporary halt when there was a cleared throat. Normally, I would have cringed, but Kelly and I were so into it, we simply stopped and looked around, noticing Mordin had made his way beside us. "What's up, Mordin?"
"Need to speak, Shepard. Important matter. Will let you finish with Miss Chambers first."
"Give me a few minutes, Mordin, and I'll pop into the lab."
"Thank you, Shepard." He paused. "Is sex so open a common thing?"
"We're past caring, Mordin. And no-one is watching anyway."
"Good to see you enjoy physical aspects. Salarians have different urges. Use of birth control?"
"I have a chip which prevents any concerns, Mordin," Kelly replied.
"I do wonder if I can produce offspring?"
"Can run tests if you wish, Shepard?"
"You can?" Mordin nodded. "I wouldn't mind knowing if I'm shooting blanks or not after coming back from death. Cum in a cup or is there a newer method?"
"No, old method still the best."
"Maybe you can cum in my mouth and deposit it that way, Shepard?" Kelly asked.
I gazed at her for a moment. "Mordin, give me around fifteen minutes, then I'll be by."
I heard him chuckle as he turned to walk away as I immediately started to pound Miss Kelly Chambers on her desk. Within five minutes, the entire CIC was definitely aware we were fucking, and it was some of the best sex we'd probably had. Kelly simply held on for dear life as I felt my orgasm approaching. "Fuck," I groaned.
"Keep going," she whispered into my ear.
"I'll try."
The day I tire of fucking Kelly Chambers will be the day I am clinically dead. The woman was sex on legs, constantly up for it, but it wasn't just the physical aspects, we connected on numerous other levels. But the great sex was certainly a bonus. I tried to last for as long as possible, but even Shepard had his limits, and I eventually had to give in and release, groaning loudly as I felt the sweet release once again, buried inside the tight, wet pussy of my yeoman. She hugged me tightly with arms and legs as I felt a little weak in the knees after such an orgasm, eventually pulling back to see she was rather pleased with events as well.
"So, now we've both cum in the CIC, Shepard."
"Well, mission is nearly over. Wait until afterwards. I'm getting you completely naked and just pounding you by the galaxy map. Bent over as I give your arse a good slap or two."
"Now you're just making promises I want you to keep, Shepard."
We made out for a couple of minutes before I finally pulled out, watching her sit there happily in just her shirt, a little cum leaking out of her. For a laugh, I picked up her trousers and panties, hiding them behind my back. She simply slipped down off the desk and turned around, getting back to work with her bare arse on display. I packed myself away, stood behind her and gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, then walked away while still holding her clothes.
Mordin looked up and grinned as he saw what I was carrying. "Your yeoman is now semi-nude?"
"Yep."
"And the crew?"
"Know what we're like, Mordin. It'll create some chatter, but everyone knows I adore the woman, and we like to have fun. What did you need me for?"
"Received message from old contacts. STG. Work on genophage. Ex-colleague apparently working on Tuchanka. Name of Maelon. Somewhat protégé of mine."
"Okay. What's the problem with that?"
"Maelon investigating cure for genophage. But have received word his methods are… unexpected. And a cure cannot be found. Not yet. The krogan are not ready."
"So you want to stop him?"
"I would like to speak to him first. Investigate how he found a strain of the genophage to work on. State secrets. Not even STG have access."
"Does anyone on Tuchanka know about his research? You're obviously aware of my friendship with Urdnot Wrex."
"Possible he has krogan protection. Do not believe Urdnot Wrex is involved. But krogan desire for genophage could lead to methods I would find distasteful."
"Give me a moment, Mordin. I'll check our position." He nodded as I headed back out to the galaxy map, walking by the bare arse of Kelly, who simply hadn't moved, as I stepped to the galaxy map. Checking our position compared to that of Tuchanka, I immediately ordered Joker to have the Normandy head there.
"Awww. But I was looking forward to Illium, Commander. I had plans."
"We're still going there, Joker. But we need to make a detour."
I heard the sigh over the comm. "Fine. I guess I'll take us to Tuchanka then. Nothing redeeming there. Not a lot of pretty asari to look at."
"I'll find you a krogan wife if you're not careful, Joker."
I heard his cry of alarm. "What the…? You ever seen one before?"
"Nope, but I can't imagine they'll be much different to the males. So, get us to Tuchanka quick smart, then you can do what you want on Illium. Unless you want Omega and some asari titties in your face?"
"What do you think I'm doing on Illium, Commander? Just a better class of asari. More expensive though. Anyway, you're looking at just under two days back to Tuchanka from where we are."
"No problem, Joker. We do this then we hit Illium for a last hurrah."
Walking back to the laboratory, I did stop by Kelly, standing behind her as I gave her a soft kiss on the cheek, earning an immediate smile, before I ran my hand around her front, feeling the short hair above her sex. "Can't get enough of you," I whispered into her ear, "Two days to Tuchanka. I think a whole day and night in our cabin is on the cards."
"With your cock inside me the entire time?"
"I'll feel light headed after a couple of hours, but the thought is rather arousing."
She turned around and kissed me. "I'm game if you are, Shepard. But just a day together will be enough for me." I caressed her face, watching her eyes close for a moment, though the smile remained before her eyes opened. "You see her sometimes, don't you?"
"No, I only see you, Kelly. Only you."
"I sometimes wonder what I've done to deserve you."
"Just being you. That's all I ever want. Be yourself. Helps that you're a redheaded bombshell, a dynamite in the sack, intelligent, caring and…" She shut me up by kissing me hard, and it was such a good kiss, I didn't want to gently push her back. "Need to speak with Mordin, but we'll definitely carry on where we left off."
"Want me to work naked?"
"While I would certainly find that pleasing," I lowered my hand to between her legs, feeling her spread them just enough for me to feel her wetness, "I think having you without trousers is enough." I watched her face as I slid them inside her again for a moment before raising them to her mouth. She opened her eyes, meeting mine as she sucked on them again. "You are very naughty, Miss Chambers."
She just smiled before turning around to continue her work, or at least feigning to do it, as I walked back into see Mordin, letting him know I'd asked Joker to take us to Tuchanka immediately. "Thank you, Shepard. Interested to see progress. Maelon always smart. But troubled by reports."
"You don't want to see a genophage?"
I was surprised the question made him pause. "Difficult to answer, Shepard. Cause of genophage invoked just response. But… effects of genophage, have seen stagnation of species. No hope for krogan under current circumstances. But galaxy cannot afford another war. End result of renewed conflict could be destruction of species entirely. Genophage allowed krogan to at least exist. But the effects on krogan psyche and longevity of genophage could be considered cruel."
"So you don't agree with it?"
"Some aspects, honestly, no, not entirely. You are aware of what happens?" I shook my head. Wrex had explained the basics. "Krogan females can give birth to enormous numbers. It was why the krogan were so difficult to defeat during Rebellions. So genophage limits reproductions values. Out of one thousand births, only one will survive."
"You're fucking kidding me?!"
"About such things I would not joke, Shepard."
"No wonder they fucking hate you and everyone else."
He nodded in understanding. "Have returned to Tuchanka a number of times to inspect genophage. There was a time krogan were adapting, so strain was configured to ensure krogan viability but no chance of adaptation by krogan physiology."
"It's gone on for, what, over a thousand years now. Any chance of it ending soon?"
"Unlikely, Shepard. An angry krogan without the genophage would likely only lead to renewed conflict. Only hope is of new strain, allowing more births per one thousand. What krogan need is a rebuilt homeworld. Unlikely offer of help accepted without genophage cure, or at least reduction. But species has stagnated while others have flourished."
"Mordin, a thousand years ago, humans were still fighting on horseback with swords and shields, and the Industrial Revolution was still at least five hundred years ago. That's how far we were behind the rest of the galaxy. Finding the Prothean cache on Mars allowed us to spring forward a couple of hundred years in the blink of an eye."
"Yes, forget that humans are still so new on the galactic scene."
"Yet look at us now! Travelling the galaxy, fighting monsters, having sex with aliens… Captain Kirk fantasies!"
"Who?"
"Never mind. Anyway, we're on our way to Tuchanka. I'll let Urdnot Wrex we're on our way and he should be able to assist us."
"Thank you, Shepard."
Heading back outside to the CIC, I stopped and looked Kelly up and down, enjoying the sight of her bare arse on display. She obviously sensed me and turned around, lifting herself up on the desk. My eyes went straight to her pussy, the little tuft of hair but otherwise smooth. She ran a hand down her body and spread her lips, spreading her legs even further. I walked forward immediately, wrapped her legs around me, then picked her up and carried her to the elevator, hearing her giggle before I kissed her.
"You have plans, Shepard?"
"My yeoman is about to get seriously fucked." Pushing the button for my cabin, I added, "Then I'll cuddle her afterwards."
"So it's going to be all hot and sweaty but then sickly sweet afterwards?" She kissed my cheek, leaning up to my ear, "Long as we shower together afterwards."
"Always."
Breakfast the next morning was humorous as usual as Kelly couldn't wipe the grin off her face, while everyone was now aware that we'd fucked in the CIC. Garrus thought it was hilarious, of course, while there were a few jokes in our direction but nothing that pissed me off. The team was now getting along well. Even Jack and Miranda managed to sit in the same room together and not trade verbal barbs.
After spending a day chatting with my team, the next morning was about preparations in regards to our arrival on Tuchanka. Grunt would head groundside, of course, as would Mordin. Figuring we would simply be searching for a salarian scientist, I didn't have any preference as to the rest of the team, so left it open to anyone who wished to volunteer. Surprisingly, I had quite a few offer their services, leaving me to believe most simply wished to get off the ship. So I was left having to warn them about the realities of Tuchanka.
Approaching Tuchankan orbit, Mordin stood alongside me near the cockpit as the planet came into view. We'd head downstairs to board the shuttle, but I was waiting for any news from the surface, or if anyone had noticed our approach. "We are all clear, Commander," Joker reported.
"Patrols haven't noticed our presence?"
"If they have, they know it's you on this ship. Guess your friends in high places have bought you a little understanding."
I snorted. "I wouldn't go that far but we've been here before. And the Illusive Man may have used his contacts or whatever else he had at his disposal. Never mind, at least we're clear." I glanced at the salarian next to me. "Ready for this, Mordin?"
"Ready, Shepard."
*****
Mordin sat quietly as always as the shuttle descended to Tuchanka. He looked around to see everyone go through their rituals. Shepard never sat down, always standing, holding one of the straps that descended from the roof. Garrus stood alongside him, the two cracking bad jokes, but it was the final calm before the inevitable storm for both. Across from him sat Thane, eyes closed, almost meditating. Next to Thane was Zaeed, who was the polar opposite of the relaxed drell next to him. And next to Mordin was, of all people, Jack. She simply wanted off the ship for a little while and Shepard didn't say no.
Everyone stood at the shuttle set down. Shepard had warned to step off without a weapon. Urdnot Wrex was aware of their arrival but the krogan didn't an excuse to shoot first and ask questions later. In addition to that, the presence of Garrus would be barely be tolerated. Shepard had wondered how the presence of Mordin would be tolerated.
They found out as soon as the shuttle door opened and Shepard stepped off, Mordin the fourth. Within seconds, every krogan around them was armed with itchy trigger fingers ready to start blasting. Shepard simply glanced at Garrus. "Friendly krogan welcome as always, eh, Garrus?"
"Well, considering who I am and then there's Mordin, no surprise I guess…"
"Many armed krogan. Problematic, Shepard."
Shepard glanced at him and grinned. "Bah, this is nothing, Mordin." He turned away, looking at the krogan he assumed was in charge. "Right, so obviously we have a stand-off and I don't particularly want to be short, nor do my team, I'm sure. Urdnot Wrex knows we are arriving. Why don't you toddle off and let him know we're here?"
All weapons were then pointed at Mordin. "No salarians."
"Look, chump cheeks. Wrex knows Mordin is coming too. So his presence is being tolerated, at the very least."
The krogan snorted, not convinced. "Wait here, human. I will radio and request clarification." As he turned to communicate, the rest of the krogan watched the small team carefully. Shepard appeared relaxed as always, chatting away with Garrus. Thane stood, arms loose at his sides, though Mordin could read that he would leap into action without hesitation. Jack leaned back against the shuttle, cleaning her fingernails with the tip of a knife. Mordin tried not to look around too much but he felt most of the hateful glares being sent in his direction.
"You speak the truth, human. You and your team may pass. I would suggest the salarian not walk too far away," the krogan stated upon his return.
Mordin had been to Tuchanka before though this was before Urdnot Wrex has started his conquest of the planet. Though sizable, his influence still depended on the co-operation of smaller clans, but it was clear he already had the respect of many krogan. Otherwise, the planet was nothing but a wasteland. Any progress the krogan had made a species and civilisation was now a millennia and more in the past. Nothing but crumbling ruins now surrounded them. He knew how long the genophage had lasted, of course. As did most krogan.
Shepard seemed relatively unperturbed by the welcome, though no doubt noticed the hostility at seeing both a turian and a salarian in his ground team. "Is this sort of welcome usual?" Thane did ask.
"Salarians? We will generally not inform the krogan of our presence when working."
"But you have visited before?"
"More than once. Working on genophage."
"Ah, I see." Thane paused a moment. "Well, good that you are armed, Mordin. I have a feeling weaponry might come in handy eventually."
"We're with Shepard. Of course someone is going to shoot at us eventually," Jack joked behind them.
The centre of Clan Urdnot was dominated by the krogan on his stone throne, flanked by numerous warriors, his inner-circle and most trusted advisors. Wrex appeared pleased to see his human friend, Mordin watching as the two shook hands, and the depth of warmth as he greeted Garrus was a surprise, though he was aware the three had worked together previously.
"This the salarian?" Wrex asked Shepard.
"Aye. Urdnot Wrex, meet Professor Mordin Solus. He's here in regards to the message I sent you earlier."
Mordin dipped his head in respect. Wrex looked him up and down a couple of times before sitting and relaxing in his throne. "Doing you a hell of a favour here, Shepard. My warriors won't be happy a salarian is currently standing before me. At least Garrus proved to have a quad while we took on Saren." Wrex then looked at him again, and while appearing relaxed, he knew the krogan could kill him within three seconds if riled to anger. "You worked on the genophage?"
"Yes."
Mordin figured honesty the best policy, but no point divulging more information than necessary. "And you're here because?"
"A partner I worked with has been kidnapped. Believed to be Clan Weyrloc."
"And I'm helping you now because?"
"It's possible my colleague, Maelon, might be working on a cure."
That definitely grabbed the attention of the krogan leader. "Hmmm. Interesting news. On one hand, a cure for the genophage is what all of us are fighting for in Clan Urdnot. But Clan Weyrloc discovering the cure? That I will not stand for."
"Why not?" Mordin asked, unable to hold back his curiosity.
"The leader of Clan Weyrloc is also the leader of the Blood Pack. I will not have a scumbag like that being responsible for the possible cure of the genophage. But... Do you honestly believe he's looking for a cure?"
"Unsure. Our work on the genophage was not regarding a cure. Though possible to rework current strain for viable cure. But work would take more than one man. Many experiments. Plenty of credits. A complete laboratory. And… Also many female test subjects."
"We need to find him, Wrex," Shepard added, "If he has research into a cure, it's certainly something we, being you and I, would like to get our hands on. Personally, I don't think it's possible they'd have one completed so quickly. And I certainly wouldn't trust any other clan except your own that the genophage would be cured in the pursuit of peace."
Wrex stood up and gestured for everyone to follow him. Once again, Mordin felt glares in his direction as they ended up in an area where there were more krogan soldiers than he could count. The weaponry on display would have been awe inspiring to some, and a fleet of tomkahs suggested that Clan Urdnot as least had manoeuvrability when it came to heading into war.
Wrex introduced his chief scout, who was able to explain the location of Clan Weyrloc. The centre was closer than he expected, only fifty or so kilometres away. "How are they so close?" Shepard wondered.
"I tolerate their presence. And it helps having the leader of the Blood Pack as a somewhat ally. While I am forced to remain on Tuchanka to oversee progress, I can keep myself abreast of the galactic situation thanks to Blood Pack mercenaries. Many have given their allegiance to myself before joining the Blood Pack."
Shepard smirked. "Hoping to take it over one day?"
Wrex returned a keen eye. "Maybe sooner than later, Shepard." The group gathered around a map of the area. "Okay, Shepard. Weyrloc will be dug in. If this Maelon is attached to them, they won't want him falling into our hands, so he's going to be right in the middle. Weyrloc have numbers but lack our firepower. So I'm willing to assist."
"How?"
"Your small team can easily infiltrate. We'll draw most of their forces away. We'll bomb them with artillery and then flank them, hopefully leaving a way open for you to do what you need to do."
"So you're declaring war?"
That made Wrex bellow with laughter. "We're always at war with each other, Shepard. As I said, Weyrloc was merely tolerated. Now I have the perfect excuse to wipe out their leadership and amalgamate the remains of the clan into mine."
"Works for me," Shepard stated, "Mordin?"
"All that matters is finding Maelon. Want to know what he's been up to. Working on genophage cure without oversight… troubling."
Shepard and Wrex spent time hammering out the details, long enough that it was suggested they move out the next day. That meant returning to the Normandy for the evening. The first thing nearly all of them did when returning was take a shower, though even Mordin was amused when getting off at the CIC that Shepard picked up Kelly, flung her over his shoulder, and carried her back to the elevator. "I don't shower alone," he said, looking at Mordin with a grin.
"Am I getting fucked in or after the shower?" Kelly asked in between her giggles.
"If you're lucky, Miss Chambers, it'll be both." Shepard winked at him. "Have fun, Mordin."
The salarian could only chuckle as the doors shut. He'd been witness to the growing relationship between the pair. It was obvious they had a lot of fun together, that Kelly was head over heels in love with him, while Shepard definitely loved her in return… though he still felt the need to enjoy sex with others. Mordin didn't quite understand, thinking that most humans believed in monogamy. But having died, perhaps Shepard wanted to enjoy all that life had to bring.
Heading downstairs for the evening meal, there was little surprise that Shepard and Kelly didn't join them, no doubt enjoying dinner upstairs or not bothering to eat at all. While he was an intensely private person, and happy in his own company, Mordin always attended the breakfast and dinner service, as he enjoyed listening into other conversations. The relationships that formed were interesting. It was obvious that Miranda and Jacob were intimate at times. Zaeed and Jack seemed to be close, though not in a physical sense. Thane and Garrus had struck up a friendship of sorts. Tali and Kasumi were thick as thieves, rather appropriate considering the latter. Mordin wasn't particularly close to anyone. Considering the short life of a salarian, how their society functioned, and what he'd done during his life, he found most friendships fleeting at best.
Due to how his mind worked, he found surviving on minimal sleep easily, so was always the first up in the morning, working away in his laboratory. He never tried to explain what he was doing to anyone else. Most of the science would have been incomprehensible even to the sharpest minds in other species. The one thing salarians had always excelled in was the sciences. It was what generally gave them an edge over any erstwhile enemies. It was their science that started the genophage, after all.
If Mordin was honest, he did wonder if it had gone on long enough. The krogan species had stagnated, had next to no hope. Yet his work on Tuchanka had been to ensure it was still working properly. Only Shepard knew the truth of why he'd visited previously. But he'd seen the effects of the genophage with his own eyes. All these years later, it was still something he did find himself thinking about often. And that left him thinking about Maelon. Had he been effected so much that he was now looking for a cure? It seemed a misguided venture, and he doubted his protégé would have the capability of formulating a cure.
After breakfast, he joined the same team as before, heading toward the planet. Their arrival was smoother than the day before and there was no delay heading towards the fleet of tomkahs waiting to leave. Wrex and Shepard shared a final conference to agree on what happened before he ordered everyone to load up.
The drive to the Weyrloc base was bumpy as all hell, or that's what Shepard vocalised on the way. Mordin strapped himself in as the driver didn't seem to know what a brake pedal was, seeming to just floor the accelerator, come what may. Even Shepard, who rarely if ever sat down in the shuttle, was strapped in across from him. "Would like to at least get there alive," he muttered through gritted teeth.
The small team made it in one piece, Shepard immediately contacting Wrex in regards to the bombardment and attack. Mordin didn't listen into the conversation, focusing on his weapon and keying commands into his omni-tool in preparation for their own attack. He rarely saw action on the ground with Shepard and his team, knowing he was better suited to work in the laboratory.
Once the bombardment started, the noise was tremendous, and in the near distance, they could see the buildings and bunkers that made up the outskirts of the base of Clan Weyrloc being pummelled. That was the signal for Shepard to gesture for his small team to move.
It had been a good plan but they still met fierce resistance, particularly from those dressed in the red of the Blood Pack. Which meant the unusual idea of fighting vorcha on the homeworld of the krogan. Grunt muttered it simply showed the weakness of Clan Weyrloc, the fact they needed outsiders, or as Grunt called them, the vermin that were vorcha to bolster their numbers.
Infiltrating the heart of the base wasn't particularly difficult due to the numbers being drawn off thanks to Wrex and his troops really hammering them. Mordin was amused to see Shepard and Grunt trade off on who was more insane. Grunt was what he considered a typical krogan, charging forward recklessly. But with his biotic strengths, Shepard lit up the battlefield, shotgun blasting as he flashed from point to point.
The number of vorcha seemed almost endless at times, but they died easily. They had few tactics except rushing forward, relying on overwhelming numbers. But with Grunt and Shepard working almost in tandem, they wilted rather easily. He was under the impression the vorcha were being sent out first to weaken their squad before they met the remains of the krogan forces in the base.
What none of them expected to find were bodies. Or, at least, bodies other than krogan. Mordin was still assessing what had brought Maelon to Tuchanka and figured he'd either come of his own volition or been kidnapped, but at the heat was the genophage. But finding a human body? Unexpected.
He walked forward, dropping to one knee, gently moving the body onto its back before he opened his omni-tool, using one of many medical programs he had available to assess the body and any injuries the human may have suffered. "Since when are humans found on Tuchanka?" he heard Zaeed ask rhetorically.
"So, what do you think?" Shepard asked, taking a knee beside him.
Mordin closed the omni-tool program and decided it would be best to just show him. He grabbed an arm of the human, rolling up the long sleeve on the right arm, making a gesture to the wrist. "Bruising. Restraint marks. He was held down while…" He gestured up the forearm. "Track marks. Repeated injections."
"Yeah, but why, Mordin?"
"Simple. This human was experimented on. Within body, signs of tumours on glands. Change to hormone levels. No doubt regarding effectiveness of genophage."
"Okay, same question again, Mordin. Why? Why use a human?"
"Oh. Humans are most genetically diverse group in galaxy. Make best test subjects. More variables, peaks and valleys. Not just in appearances. Best example would be intelligence."
"You ever test on us, Mordin?" Grunt asked. He hadn't miss the krogan's presence nearby. He didn't think anything would happen. He wasn't unnerved by it. But still…
"Tests on krogan unnecessary. Use of cloning and simple simulations. Any real-live testing was completed using varren."
"Varren?" Mordin just nodded a reply, figuring the krogan wouldn't really understand any reason why, strange enough as it was that some krogan kept them as pets.
"You think Maelon did this, Mordin?" Shepard asked, still focused on the body.
"In all probability, yes."
"He'd better not have done this willingly," Shepard muttered darkly as the pair stood up. "You never used humans, right Mordin?"
"Of course not! Using humans sloppy. Lack of thought. Anyway, would never test on any race capable of calculus."
"Calculus?" Garrus asked, surprised.
"Of course."
Mordin would never admit to being slightly unnerved at finding human subjects. What didn't help was the fact he was on a Cerberus vessel, but no-one on the ground was a loyalist, so he figured Shepard and the rest would keep the fact to themselves. But it was a moment of discomfort he could have done without.
Infiltration continued, wiping out more vorcha, though their numbers had now thinned, and it was obvious they were approaching or had even entered the ruins of a hospital. There were enough ruins around to suggest it had once been a large, intimidating building. No wonder even krogan hospitals had been a sign of strength and power.
A showdown of sorts was always expected regarding these sort of missions, though when passing through a door and being confronted by half a dozen armed, angry krogan, he did wonder if this was when they'd bite the dust. The krogan bellowed about speaking on behalf of Clan Weyrloc and Weyrloc Guld. He spoke about plans to first take over Tuchanka and then set the krogan on a path of destruction. Mordin simply shook his head while the sound of laughter echoed around, glancing to see Shepard almost slapping his knee.
"Something funny, human?" the krogan asked, pissed off at the reaction.
"Yes. Everything you just said."
Shepard then fired, missing the krogan. Mordin could see exactly what he'd done, as did the others. The krogan taunted Shepard, who simply smirked before there was an explosion, the speak of Clan Weyrloc and most of his underlings being enveloped in fire.
As they moved deeper into the building, the sound of the bombardment ending, left thinking that Wrex would now be attacking in force, Shepard led his squad through the maze of ruins. As they moved, there was no missing the bodies they found on gurneys. Mordin would stop every so often and check. This was when his work on the genophage hit the hardest. Before arriving on Tuchanka, it had only ever been about numbers and data. It was… impersonal. He never saw the effects.
Arriving on Tuchanka, that's when he did see it with his own eyes for the first time. The lack of hope. The krogan mothers giving birth to dead children. One in a thousand… There was a reason why. The Rebellions had brought the galaxy to its knees. The rate of krogan reproduction meant another war was inevitable. The Council agreed it must not happen again. The krogan had to be stopped.
But seeing the cost with his own eyes… He would admit part of him changed. How could it not, seeing the real cost of what was done. For more than a thousand years, the krogan had kept relatively stable numbers, but all one had to do was look around Tuchanka to see they were alone and without hope. He thought the work he had done was for a good cause. Now? In those quiet moments, he couldn't help think…
Grunt grumbled to himself as they passed through each room, more bodies. All were female. All had signs of experimentation. All had died, no doubt hoping for a cure. And he had to see.
Pulling back a white sheet, he opened his omni-tool and scanned. "Female. No more than two hundred years old. Genophage indicators. Not cured. Numerous tumours, results of experimentation." He gestured towards one of the arms. "No restraint marks." He took another breath. "Volunteer," he added quietly.
"Mordin?"
He took a deep breath. "I'm responsible. My data. My work."
"How did she die?" Grunt asked.
"Tumours caused by experiments. Multi-system failure. Never had a chance. Hope of a cure pointless."
"Pointless? Her people are dying, Mordin," Shepard stated. He glanced at the human. He wasn't sure if the man wanted a cure, but the friendship between he and Wrex was obvious. Maybe that explained his desire for a possible cure.
"Didn't think dead krogan would bother you at all, Mordin," Grunt added. He met the stare, hearing the menace in the tone.
"Never wanted this," he replied, gesturing to the gurney, "Never experimented on live krogan."
"The krogan are obviously desperate enough for a cure to put themselves through this," Shepard stated.
He took another breath before he covered the body with the sheet. "Never wanted this, Shepard. Goal of genophage was to stabilise population. Prevent another galactic war. This," he gestured to the now covered body, "Is simply a pointless waste." A sigh. "Hate to see it. Used to just numbers. Data."
"But you don't appear shocked. You've been to Tuchanka to see the results?"
"I have, Shepard. Once a year. My work. My responsibility. Had to see. Always saw big picture. No, need to see the little picture."
Shepard was silent before stating, "That explains Omega."
Mordin simply nodded. Raising a hand, he took a deep breath and closed his eyes. "Rest, young mother. Find your gods. Find someplace better.
From untruth lead us to truth.
From darkness lead us to light.
From death lead us to immortality."
He turned to exit the room, noticing Shepard was waiting for him alone. Shepard remained silent, but raised an eyebrow, obviously curious at his words. "Wheel of life, Shepard. Short lifespan for salarian leaves much for contemplation. There has to be something more than this." He gestured around the room. "And more than that."
They made short work of the rest of the krogan, Shepard and Grunt continuing their double act. Vorcha, krogan and varren would have been intimidating to others, but the small team had dealt with all that before. In the end, they did find Weyrloc Guld, surrounded by his most loyal soldiers. There was no talk of standing down nor surrender. Weyrloc bellowed about making the krogan great again and revenge on the rest of the galaxy. That just hardened their resolve to kill the bastard. Despite their greater number, his soldiers died first before Weyrloc was put to death by Grunt.
Then they found Maelon, and it was clear from the moment they walked into the laboratory that he was no prisoner. He had come willingly to Tuchanka. He was responsible for the experiments. And he had willingly joined with Weyrloc Guld to help end the genophage.
Mordin certainly had plenty of questions for his protégé. Each one was answered with more bitterness and anger in his tone than that last. He was left believing Maelon despised Mordin and maybe even hated his own people for what had been done. They had both been witness to the same things on Tuchanka.
Mordin would normally have found what they had found unforgivable, an instant death sentence, but seeing the agitation and desperation in his young protégé, he could find himself even understanding why Maelon had taken the decisions he had, left with no doubt that each krogan female had willingly submitted to whatever he'd done with hope in their hearts that they would finally be free of the genophage.
He eventually took a seat and lowered his head. "Mordin?" Shepard asked.
"His methods are barbaric, Shepard. Nothing but barbaric. Rudimentary experimentation. Live subjects. But… I understand to a point."
"Good, because while I'm putting a stop to this, I will be taking whatever data he had for now and keeping it safe. It won't be going to Wrex. It won't be going to Cerberus. It won't be going to the Council. I'm giving it to someone I trust for safekeeping, and it's best if no-one else here knows who." He looked up as Shepard turned to Maelon. "As for you, I'm shutting you down. You came here with the best of intentions, but I can't accept some of what you've done here. The fact I've found humans? You should be glad I don't put a bullet in you right now. Pack your shit, Maelon. You're done."
"What am I to do?"
"You're a doctor, correct?" Maelon nodded. "Then if you intend to help the krogan, treat them. No doubt they suffer all sorts of medical problems due to living on this planet. Seems everything is out to kill you. I'll put in a good word for you with Urdnot Wrex. He is someone who also wants a cure, but he's also someone I trust to hold back his people from wanting revenge should there ever be a cure." Shepard then looked at Mordin. "Is that acceptable?" Mordin nodded. "Maelon?"
"I simply wish to help," the young salarian stated.
Shepard called in Wrex, showing up with a small number of troops. Shepard sat the enormous krogan down and explained everything. Weyrloc was now dead, as were most of his troops. Wrex would take the remaining females for breeding, while anyone still aligned to Weyrloc would be given a choice; submit to Clan Urdnot or die. Maelon also offered to help. Considering he was a salarian on Tuchanka, Wrex did warn him that his presence wouldn't exactly be tolerated, but he'd take help whenever it was offered.
Calling in a shuttle, Wrex walked with the team towards it a few minutes later, wishing everyone luck in regards to the upcoming journey through the Omega Four. The last thing Shepard stated was that the data was secure and would be given to a friend. Wrex knew who he meant and simply grinned.
Back on the Normandy, everyone needed a wash as they were covered in a thin layer of dust and grime, even after wearing armour. He was in his laboratory a couple of hours later when Shepard walked in, handing over an OSD without a word. Mordin picked it up and looked at the Commander. "What is it?"
"The data."
"Why give it to me?"
"Run your eye over it. See if Maelon was headed down the right path."
"And then?"
"Whatever you wish, Mordin. Destroy it if you wish. Keep it if you think it's worthwhile. I made a copy and sent that off to my friend for safekeeping. But you're a smart cookie, so I'm figuring you'll figure it out eventually."
He nodded and Shepard turned to walk away. "I'm responsible," he stated, causing Shepard to stop and turn around, "I led the STG team onto Tuchanka each time. The krogan were starting to almost cure themselves naturally. I helped build the new strain to prevent that. What Maelon said, about blood on our hands… Is he right?"
"What do you think?"
He took a deep breath. "For once, Shepard, I don't know. Seeing the cost, it is increasingly hard to justify. Actions at the time were necessary. But one thousand years later? It makes me ponder."
"Well, at least we put an end to those experiments, Mordin. What about Maelon?"
"He's a good kid. Misguided. But has heart. Should have realised he'd gone willingly."
"Well, at least it's sorted. Ready for the Omega Four?"
"Ready, Shepard. Should be quite the adventure."
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