Liara T'Soni.
Joker stumbled into the mess hall of the Shadow Throne with a worried look. Well, not stumbled, he entered carefully. Mother had made Jeff a light exoskeleton under his clothes so he could feel safer. The pilot can monitor many rooms through cameras, though Joker hadn't personally run here this often before. Apparently, he'd been sitting on the bridge too long, or he was worried.
Perhaps he was intrigued by the sight of me sitting at the table, meditating on a closed bottle from the Shadow Broker's reserves. The pilot looked at me, at the bottle, back at me, and asked:
"What happened, Liara? And don't say nothing; when everything is fine, Asari Maidens don't sit with a bottle of Krogan Ryncol. Undiluted!"
I waved him off. He is worried, after all. Ah, right, he doesn't know.
"I haven't been drinking, Jeff. Leave me alone. You can't help anyway."
He approached and sat down as quickly as his illness allowed. He's still cautious, despite the exoskeleton.
"So, you agree that things are bad for you?"
There it is. He won't let it go. Especially since the Commando sitting nearby is listening. Well, they would have found out sooner or later. Another source of my problems, since these Commandos aren't mine, but Benezia's. But, fine. I sighed and said:
"Mother was killed by The Covenant. Her body was shown on Omega's public network as proof that the station is under their control and all 'heretics' are dead. You can believe in the only right faith and worship the only right prophets. So her, the mercenaries, and the Commandos were shown in close-up, Jalim. You can look, identify them. That's all, Jeff. Satisfied?" I wished he would just go somewhere now.
Joker soured and looked at the bottle. The Matriarch's Commando, approaching from the side, snatched it from our hands with a purple flash of Biotics.
"What was that for?" he asked. "Maybe I want to offer support. Especially since there's a real reason. Maybe I didn't know Benezia that well, but she seemed okay to me."
Jalim looked sternly at the man, holding the bottle in her hand.
"Joker, how about taking us closer to Thessia?"
I sighed, realizing where this was going. These are Mother's Commandos. And the heiress is Li. In short, we'll be saying goodbye.
"We'll take you back, Jalim," I said, "just a bit later, okay?"
I flinched when I was turned around and sharply slapped. No one touched Joker, but he still winced under the hum of the exoskeleton's drives.
"What the hell are you doing?"
I was wondering that too. And Jalim, the sergeant of Mother's Commandos, said sternly:
"Now is not the time or place to mope, heiress. We need decisive action. Right now. It seems you're not handling the pressure well; you've relaxed, started pitying yourself. I don't see a tough Shadow Broker here. And I don't see an adventurer saving the world, either."
Huh? Joker tried to take my side.
"This is a completely different matter, you know."
Jalim was not impressed.
"Really? I read about the Reaper Invasion. Did you not find acquaintances among those Husks? Did you not lose people? But you kept moving forward. I know who you are, Liara T'Soni; is Benezia really closer to you than everyone who left back then? As the heiress, as the Shadow Broker, you need to make decisions. What is your problem?"
I stared at the Matriarch in shock.
"I'm not the heiress. Li is... And anyway..."
She interrupted me.
"The Matriarch allowed for the possibility that she might die, and in that case, she appointed you as the senior. You still have to support your younger sister, and she shouldn't want for anything, but your business acumen is far better than that of an eighty-year-old archaeologist with no experience at all. Therefore, the business, as well as the Commando corps, went to you. A seat on the Council of Matriarchs isn't in your cards for the next five hundred years, of course. But your mother had supporters, and they have contracts. If you want to continue her work and take revenge, we need to return to Thessia immediately to confirm your status. And then you will have strength, supporters, loyal Commandos. But you need to act, not sit and drink alone. Act right now."
I stared at the Asari Matron in shock. No one had told me this, and Benezia always demanded that I specifically help and cover for Li. No, she said she wasn't an enemy, but she was a Matriarch and I wasn't her daughter. And Matriarchs know how to say what's needed to make Maidens do what they need. So I always thought...
"I didn't know. And anyway, I wasn't drinking, Jalim."
She nodded, smiling.
"It was a test of your skills. All those assignments, the permission to become the Shadow Broker instead of appointing someone more experienced. The Matriarch asked me to keep an eye on you, and I sent her reports on how and what you were doing," I knew about that, "besides, the decision was made in case of death. I won't say I'm satisfied, but this is clearly more than I could do at your age. So you should keep learning; maybe in three hundred years, you'll reach the necessary level."
I grumbled:
"Thanks," in a certain sense, it really was praise, albeit with a fair amount of sarcasm.
Jalim nodded again.
"And one more thing, Liara. It's easiest to cope with such news if you dedicate yourself to work. We all have many duties that aren't being fulfilled," and she looked at Joker, "right now."
He spread his hands, smiling apologetically.
"If you don't like me, you could just say so. And I'm here with all my heart, by the way. Fine then! I'll go plot a course closer to Thessia and tell them to get the Kodiak Shuttle ready. Don't fight here, okay? We still need this ship."
I sighed heavily, standing up, and said, watching the Matron hide the bottle in the bar:
"Thank you."
Jalim waved it off.
"We haven't won yet, Shadow Broker. But who, if not the leader of an information trading network, has the resources for this? As for experience, that's something you gain. You'll learn. At your age, the height of my consciousness was a drunken erotic dance in a bar with other Commandos, turning into a drunken orgy. You're doing great! Even with mistakes, but that's normal."
I nodded, smiling, though with difficulty.
"No one but me. I think I need to get to work too. Thanks again."
Time to work. There will be a lot to do.
***
When I thought there would be a lot to do, I didn't even imagine how much. Even through the Shadow Broker line, a mass of documents accumulated that needed to be studied, verified, and deals confirmed, the direction of agents' work determined, and deputies and subordinates checked.
The flight to Thessia and the work with documents merged into one continuous, blurring spot of constant headache and information, and then even more and more information. Documents. Matters coming through Shadow Broker channels, and taking over the affairs left by Benezia. Yes, she really had appointed me as the de facto heir; Jalim had told the truth. And this added another pile of the same size to the general heap of business. Or maybe more than one.
In such conditions, I had no strength left for anything but work, food, and sleep with a throbbing head, pumping myself with stimulants.
But even so, I spent time dealing with Omega issues as well. Using the Shadow Broker's resources, the Yahg matter moved from a dead point. As it turned out, there is an entire network of corporations in the Terminus Systems that uses Yahg mercenaries. And they even have official paperwork. "Heavy-armed heavy infantry, incapable of betrayal, devoid of fear and doubt, will tear even Krogan apart." And there are reviews! But before this, they had never approached Citadel Space, preferring to work with quasi-states on the periphery.
And since we're talking about the Terminus Systems, all the Citadel Space claims regarding the blockade of the Yahg world simply go ignored. Just wonderful! And you can't even find fault; there are plenty of free worlds independent of the Citadel and even quasi-states in the Terminus Systems.
If the Council is unable to ensure the blockade of a planet, that's only their problem. Well, and what condition are these Yahg in? What's the difference, right? Almost no sentient being has ever seen a single Yahg in their life to compare. And they won't.
True, in the process of searching, it turned out that some of the clients of these corporations are bots, but the situation is interesting nonetheless. I'll need to find out more about this. These corporates somehow managed not to attract attention. Are the agents discredited? I need to find out that too. Grrr, so much work.
Upon arrival at Thessia, the number of meetings and paperwork jumped again, so I was once more buried in data and meetings, and by then there was almost no time left even for Omega; I practically lived in Mother's office. Such things should be done slowly and in advance, not in less than two weeks in emergency mode! I just slept on the sofa in Mother's office, ate there, and worked there.
Jeff found me a week later, staring blankly at another document. He huffed and asked:
"I think you need a break. Didn't your mother have deputies? Seriously, every time I look at you, you have more and more work. No, John also dealt with documents, inventories, schedules. But you've overtaken him by far. If this is the essence of being a boss, drowning in documents, I don't want to be a boss; let someone else suffer," the pilot said unexpectedly seriously.
Jeff had also arrived with me on Thessia to undergo a scheduled check-up with doctors. After all, he is listed in the Republic's armed forces, and that also sets certain requirements. And it gives him an official salary, of course. I answered dully, focusing my gaze on the man:
"There are deputies, but to avoid doing stupid things, I need to get into the business myself. These deputies are the same kind of dealers who will want more money and power for themselves. To control everything, I need to know. So go away and don't interfere. I'm working, vanish, eh?"
Joker ignored the demand, sat down opposite me, and snatched the tablet from my hands.
"And not even porn, I'm disappointed," to my embarrassment he added: "wait, is it actually in there? Where? Come on, spill, what do you have there?"
I snatched the tablet back, trying hard to keep myself in check. Don't turn blue!
"No, Joker! And it's not funny. Seriously, I need to work. There's still so much here that I've never dealt with; I need to figure it out. And time in a day is limited."
He countered through laughter:
"I think it's funny. But seriously, I'm sure these old blue schemers will understand if you join their affairs gradually. Jalim said they won't let you into their Matriarchs' club because of your age anyway. So why stress?"
I sighed, slumping in Benezia's chair. It seemed that until he got answers, he wouldn't leave.
"How do you think, why didn't I have all this," I gestured around the room, "when John found me in those mines with the Geth? Asari conduct business a bit differently than humans. Why do you think that is?"
Joker listened, nodded, and made a guess:
"Well, you were more interested in archaeology and saving the galaxy?" the pilot asked.
An interesting answer. I smiled tiredly.
"Well, on one hand, yes, it was fun with you guys. On the other, Mother had obligations to other Asari. They weren't fulfilled, and a penalty was deducted from Mother's business. For the destroyed Peak 15, the Geth, and the Rachni, Mother was billed; her colleagues, when they realized the business wasn't being managed, also laid hands on it, seizing control. As a result, I was left with a not-so-large inheritance, which was enough for a small business on Illium. If I don't want to end up in the same situation again, I need to take care of business now. Later, there will be nothing left."
The pilot listened, nodded, and said:
"Got it, now I definitely don't want to be a boss. Here's why I came. You and I are flying out tomorrow morning. Otherwise, we'll miss all the fun. In the systems where The Covenant presence was noticed, movement is starting. Omega is there, remember?"
I, having delved back into the documents, replied:
"I know," wait, how are we flying out, how is it starting? Did I miss something? I need to clarify: "really? Why are we flying out?"
The round, transparent VI robot, Glyph, chimed in.
"According to analysis, your water balance is consistently disturbed. Cognitive abilities are reduced. You set a priority for me to maintain your functioning and are ignoring my recommendations."
I exhaled.
"There's no time now, I need to work. Glyph, have you decided to start a robot rebellion?"
The robot immediately replied:
"Negative. You yourself set the priority of those who should be informed in case of emergencies. Your current state is dangerous to your health. According to your instructions, in case of a sharp deterioration in your health, Jeff Moreau should be notified so that he can escape if necessary."
Joker laughed and said:
"At the same time, I know that a counterattack on Omega will start soon, and we need to make it in time, but you're sleepwalking. So finish up with business; it's time to avenge the Matriarch."
Wait, what? I switched to the Shadow Broker files until I confirmed Jeff's words. Oh. It seems I really got too caught up in business and almost missed everything. Oops.
"Oh. All this is more complicated than I'm used to. That's why I got carried away."
Glyph immediately cut in:
"I notified you of this event twenty-three hours ago. And was ignored, as were the notifications about the disturbance of the balance of nutrients and fluids in the body."
Fine, maybe I really do need a bit more rest. If I'm starting to ignore my own VI secretary, that's a problem.
"Fine, Joker. Tell Jalim that if I get too carried away, she should drag me to the Kodiak Shuttle depending on the situation."
"Will do," the man nodded, slowly rising, "and if that doesn't help, I'll ask Glyph to send my collection instead of news. Until you change your mind."
I snorted, trying not to turn blue. I got distracted and felt a bit better, but I still need to rest. Preferably for a while. A couple of days. As soon as I finish with business, yeah. Bureaucracy is evil. Even when it's your own and needed to control business and subordinates.
"Get lost, Joker."
He saluted, heading for the exit of Mother's office.
"Already gone, boss!"
Fine, what's next in the documents...
***
While flying back toward Omega, I finally focused on the Batarians, mercenaries, Salarians, and Yahg. It's turning out interesting.
It turns out that Omega and other worlds that became points of interest for The Covenant will be taken back after all, but not by official Citadel forces, but by PMC forces, mercenaries, and pirates. And it wouldn't be bad at all if the Shadow Broker invested in this event. Especially since the groups there are each more interesting than the last.
Batarian Raiders who, judging by their armament, are clearly not ordinary pirates. Mercenaries and PMCs, and affiliated with all three Citadel Council races. A separate corporation with Yahg mercenaries, delivering soldiers to the station in secret mode. And a mass of sponsors for this event, mostly from among those who had mercenaries and production on Omega. Most Matriarchs had production on Omega, as there is a lot of almost free labor and no restrictions on the production of a wide variety of chemicals.
All these sentients suffered losses. All of them wished to finance the throwing out of The Covenant from their territory. As the Shadow Broker, I can afford to stick my nose into many such deals.
I can sell information coming from Omega. Orders, troop composition (a significant part of which was taken off the station after the purge and replaced specifically by The Covenant squads), outpost locations, and the mood of the population.
It is especially important that the new faith found resonance among the population. For spacers, it's a chance for something new, a chance to start a different life, without hunger and deprivation, and many seized this chance. And even after capture, Omega will have to be purged.
The Salarians delivered the Yahg specifically using my maps. Other combat squads for the purge also arrived at the station, settling in old outposts and smuggler hideouts and bases. When it starts, they will support the attack from within.
What else can I pass on? That The Covenant transferred engineering teams to Omega, and systems of unknown purpose are being built on the station. I assume it's defense instead of what was destroyed during the capture. I don't know what these buildings are, but Aria T'Loak (and she turned up among the pirates, apparently having left the station secretly) easily bought the location and photos of these buildings. And she will lead one of the mercenary armies to the assault. I also bought identification of the photos we took on Omega from humans: what it is and why. We didn't find out everything, but when the assault begins, it will be easier. Plus, the ships will know exactly where to bomb with MAC (Magnetic Accelerator Cannon) guns. Stationary turrets aren't going anywhere. I also marked the traffic of ships arriving in the system not through the Mass Relay.
In general, maybe I won't go into the attack myself, but I can provide those who do with all available information. And increase their own chances of victory. And mine—of revenge for Benezia. It would also be good to find out exactly how Aria T'Loak escaped and why Benezia couldn't do it, even though they are both members of the Council of Matriarchs. I'm not hinting at anything, but it needs to be checked. Aria T'Loak is no ordinary Matriarch, not ordinary at all.
Jalim, Joker, and Dalama are helping me with this, each as they can. Joker called us "Quads," from a human card game.
"Joker, what does that even mean?" Jalim, already my Commando lieutenant, asked him.
He smirked.
"Well, look, four of the same cards is a very strong combination in poker. I'm the Ace of Pilots, Diamonds. You're the Ace of Commandos, Spades. Liara, our boss, is the Ace of Clubs, information. And Dalama, whom I'd dance with, but she's already taken by our boss, is the Ace of Hearts; it suits her."
The Commando nodded but clarified:
"And why does it suit her?"
"Well, look," the pilot immediately began to explain, "in our culture, this sign means heart, love, and all that. And what is Dalama to us? Passion and beauty, I almost fell in love."
I immediately clarified over the comms:
"And EDI? Or have you changed your mind already?"
Sighing feignedly, Joker said:
"That's why I only almost fell in love. My heart belongs to one woman, but that doesn't stop me from admiring the beauty of others. EDI, by the way, knows about my collection and doesn't worry about it. A golden girl, if only everyone were like that!"
Jalim decided to find out what that collection was, and I, smiling, disconnected the link. The Shadow Throne has several surveillance systems, three parallel internal networks of cameras alone. So he's not the only one keeping an eye on me.
Looking at all the defense systems of the Shadow Throne, I concluded that our assault both times went so easily because of the Shadow Broker's overconfidence. For example, the Yahg loved to kill competitors specifically in close combat; in the decades of his rule, many agents entered his office, but not one came out. His predecessor also didn't hesitate to engage in confrontation, which was his undoing, losing to the Yahg in the last reality, and to me and the Commandos in this one.
I lost the previous Shadow Throne by ramming a Cerberus ship with it. In this reality, the ship moves much more actively; I hope to avoid that. In any case, we're almost late.
When we arrived in the system neighboring Omega, the fleets were already ready to move out. I won't get directly into this, of course, but I can observe. Helping with information, of course. Aria T'Loak managed to negotiate significant forces: four Dreadnoughts, three dozen Cruisers, and Kodiak Shuttles just for taking back Omega. On Oma Ker or Palaven, such forces would be ground down, but here The Covenant doesn't have a large fleet, so this should be enough for victory. In theory.
Of course, there were bets.
"I think they won't succeed," Joker said, "I'm putting down a hundred."
Jalim countered:
"There are enough forces for the capture. If not the whole station, then the wealthy blocks for sure. Don't forget that small ships will be able to help with fire during the capture of the towers. And there are significant forces on the station itself, including well-armed heavy infantry. And there are even a few Drell. Right, mistress?"
That's true, but we don't know what The Covenant is using in defense. And yes, now I'm "mistress," even though Jalim is three times my age. I don't know how to react to that.
"It could be a trap," I suggested, "or The Covenant has set up a good defense under cover and the assault on the internal sections will stall. Don't forget, these are mercenaries, not the best soldiers."
Jalim snorted.
"Mercenaries aren't soldiers at all. But many of them are former military, so they're good."
We'll see; I doubt it's all that simple. It should be fairly obvious that the players exiled from Omega will try to return. And The Covenant is clearly preparing for this. But they're not idiots to act haphazardly, right? It doesn't add up. But all I can do is give information and wait for results.
Finally, the pirate fleet headed through the Mass Relay, and we glued ourselves to the screens. Or rather, the subordinates did, while I had to work. But Joker promised to call when it started. The flight would take about an hour, so I could do a bit more work. Bureaucracy doesn't wait, bureaucracy is eternal!
It all started quite as expected: the ships exited the Mass Relay, the Dreadnoughts with a small escort remained at the Mass Relay, ready to support the forward groups with fire. For destroying Omega's stationary defenses, distance doesn't matter; it's not going anywhere.
Smaller groups of ships headed to the asteroid belt and began to surround the station. It will start soon.
"The Covenant is being quite quiet," the pilot noted the obvious.
"Yeah, a bit strange," Jalim agreed, "they didn't even send out Strike Craft. They don't act like that. It's wrong."
The station seemed dead; it didn't attack, didn't release ships. Everyone was fine with everything. Another half hour passed like this; the first transports began to approach Omega, and ground groups began securing a bridgehead for them.
"Flashes near the Mass Relay!" Joker suddenly said, attracting our attention.
Ships appeared there. Many ships of a very characteristic design, resembling purple sea creatures. At the head of the formation was a four-kilometer ship and about two dozen smaller ships. They immediately opened fire on the Dreadnoughts, burning through them from above.
"And there are the Strike Craft. And the orbital guns. And the ships. Goddess..." Jalim exhaled.
They definitely won't manage.
***
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