Ch.6 - Ever Upward

The talk with Shepard was an important one for me as a person. Although I did not know what I could consider the 'right' answer, I began to understand the importance of emotions and how they could affect what a person could believe is the 'right' decision.

I asked around the ground team for various opinions on the matter, with some more predictable than others when it came to their answers.

Wrex said to just kill whoever 'pissed you off', but if it's a Salarian you should eat its liver first.

Garrus was very by-the-book, even if he hated the bureaucracy behind the judicial system, advocating taking who he could in.

Tali believed in saving who you could and turning criminals into productive forces.

Ashley was more in favor of putting a bullet through anyone who experimented on people like Dr. Wayne had done.

Kaiden had near absolute belief in the Alliance Navy, which led him to following protocol in situations such as this.

And Liara was still avoiding me, resulting in being unable to receive her views on such matter. I still do not know why she avoids me however.

Then I supplemented these various views through research into psychology, philosophy and history, my learning abilities permitting to form the best conjectures I could with my lack of life experience. All of it resulting in a bottleneck regarding my original dilemma, but overall growth in mentality. More life experience will be needed to form my personal opinion regarding what is 'right'.

A difficult goal as it would seem most sentient beings are greatly confused regarding this particular issue.

Finishing my personal research, I instead turned my attention back to the two very important pieces of my future arsenal: my Omni-tool and my biotics.

Tali and I agreed to focus on the former before the latter simply because of the complexity and meticulousness required when dealing with the implant. As such we have begun properly debugging my Omni-tool.

I could have simply requested another and destroyed this one instead of going through this time consuming task, but there was a good reason for keeping the Cerberus made tool. Simply put, it is remarkably more powerful and versatile than anything currently predicted to be available for the next decade, even for spectres.

This Omni-tool was specially designed for the ideal result of Project Hybrid, meaning myself. The most basic requirements of it require one to at least have the brainpower and computing abilities of a tech specialized Salarian and to have a body capable adapting to it.

The first requirement can be filled out by many Salarians and the most intelligent members of other species, but the second restricts it to only those races with naturally high adaptability like Krogans or Vorcha, meaning one would basically need to find a member of the two most violent and barbaric space faring species and find one as smart as a gifted Salarian just to be able to be able to use the Omni-tool.

The reason for the needed adaptability is because the tool requires to be implanted into my arm via minor surgery, one Dr. Chakwas has already said she could do aboard the ship, and the fact that the Omni-tool's high performance comes from some radioactive materials which can also poison the blood of most species, killing them in less than a month.

I've concealed that last part from Tali.

I could not think of a way to explain why I was going to still use the Omni-tool without revealing more than I am currently comfortable with.

I feel…guilt. I do not… like…lying to my friend. And I do consider omittance a lie, however indirect it would seem.

Luckily, she has not looked into the materials of the tool, being too engrossed by the high level of coding involved in its software, using any parts deemed useful for upgrading her own systems and programs. It also helped that many failsafes and programs already in the Omni-tool were learning opportunities for the both of us, teaching us how Cerberus liked to work and giving ideas for our own creations.

"I still can't believe how advance Cerberus is compared to what the Alliance has. How come not everyone of your people uses this?" Asked the Quarian in admiration.

"I do believe it has to do with a few key differences between private and public industries.

Unlike your people Tali, humans are very self centered as a species, looking out for their beliefs, their people, their profits, and their goals before the betterment of all. Not that any species can actually agree on what is 'better' for everyone, however it seems to be more pronounced in humans thanks to groups like Cerberus forming a gathering point for rich and influential human supremacists and pouring ressources into projects far more advanced than what a more transparent organization, such as the Alliance Navy, can be approved and founded for.

The biggest problem is that these groups then use these advances for the selfish reasons they envisioned, usually hurting many others in the process." I replied neutrally as I thought of the many times humanity hurt itself due to the greed of the few.

"*sigh* I can see that. No way the Admiralty Board would ever approve of anything remotely close to what Cerberus does.

Anyone willing to do it would pretty much be exiled on the spot if they tried." She admitted as she knew that 'wasting' the limited ressources they had would be frowned upon.

"At least these new upgrades for the enviro-suits are progression positively." I said as I moved on from the less pleasant topic of human morality,

"Isn't it great? I can't thank you enough for your help in designing this Neo. You don't know how much this will help my people." The now excited Tali replied as he mood lifted significantly.

"It is the least I could do for your time and patience with me, as well as your welcoming of me. Using what I learnt from my own armor to assist you was nothing." I said to her with a small and soft smile as I felt her happiness.

The upgrades in question were closer to a total overhaul and near weaponization of the Quarian enviro-suits. Using the Cerberus armor's systems and add-ons as a base, Tali and i designed various new versions of the protective suits each Quarian wears. Such models would target specific needs depending on what duties the wearer was required to fulfill, but there were three types so far: Military, engineering, espionage.

The military type suit is rather straightforward, the weapon scan, aim assist, enemy/self scanning and improved Omni-tool connectivity, plus better flexible protective plating and sealing protocols. That last one was something we modified from a program we found in my armor which help cut off the blood flow to grievous injuries temporarily so the wearer doesn't bleed out, but we changed it to control the spread of infections as well. In the end,the suit would make whichever Quarian was wearing it more distinctively a combatant, as the plating makes them seem more muscular, but the performance boosts should more than make up for it.

Our engineering set up was more complicated to make because of the modifications we had to do on the existing software and interface my armor provided. Instead of scanning weapons, it can now scan components via touch and vehicles after connecting the suit's systems, something which took Tali a few sleepless nights to accomplish due to the VI we had to make which handles the information searching. We just didn't have the time to manually catalogue every piece of everything, hence we used a simple search engine based VI, linked it to the suit scanners and boosted its ability to link to comm buoys for information on the extranet. The suit also serves as an expanded program storage for a linked omni-tool, as well as a range and power booster for it as they work in a synergetic manner.

These functions were added to my own suit after a few personal changes. After spending time with Tali and working on these various projects together, I have found that I… enjoy such work and added the functions to assist me in the future.

And finally we have the Stealth suit. Now, personal stealth technology is not a new concept nor is it particularly unknown, evident by various black op groups, infiltration units, high-class assassins or thieves and whatever off-the-book teams using this technology recorded in just the Alliance's database. The main difference is that the existing programs are completely powered by the user's Omni-tool and limit them due to the need to maintain 'invisibility', while ours receives assistance from a modified enviro-suit in order to free up the Omni-tool's processing power and allows the user to employ other programs in parallel to the stealth ones. The end result significantly increases the infiltration and sabotage capabilities of the wearer. As a demerit however, it is the most expensive suit to make, requires careful calibrations and the user skill requirements are quite high.

This last one is currently being tested by Tali herself, giving her a new Avenue to contribute during assignments once she attains a certain level of proficiency and skill in stealth. But it was truly a surprise to find this option hidden within my own armor. We did not have the time to properly test it before my first mission, but I believe this will be a useful tool in the future.

In this time between my personal deployment, I have begun looking into training my biotics to ease myself into the theoretical abilities I know how to use, such as creating singularities. Spending all of my time focusing on these tech projects is interesting, but the mind requires variety to continue yielding the best results, leading me to research biotic training.

Now, one would usually look towards the Asari for such a subject, but Dr. T'soni continues to avoid me and appears to exhibit great discomfort around me, removing her from the equation. I had thought about asking Wrex due to my closer relationship with him than anyone else beside Tali, but then I realized that his most probable approach to the subject of helping me train would be… primal. In the end I chose to discuss things with Lt. Alenko since I believe he would have a more systemic approach due to his own rigid personality.

"You want some tips on how to improve your biotics?" Alenko questioned with a raised eyebrow.

"Yes. Dr. T'soni avoids me, the commander is too busy and Wrex does not seem to be instructor material, hence I wished to ask you what kind of training you have undertaken before receiving your own biotic amp." I clarified.

"Didn't you go through some training on your own? Why do you need me?" He asked with some suspicion.

Understandable suspicion as I am still an unknown for most, with only one real mission as part of the crew.

"While I do have an understanding of everything related to my biotics on a theoretical level, my practical experience is very lacking and was hoping that, as someone who has received more systematic training, you could offer a new Avenue for improvement while my amp is being cleared." I explained carefully.

Generally one knows from a young age if one is biotic, resulting in almost being forced to be trained by either the Alliance or some of the private industries which managed to obtain licenses to do so. It is very rare to find an adult biotic without some kind of training. But I find myself in a situation where the only time I have truly used my biotics was to kill that scientist who attempted to sick me on the commander, and that was mostly fueled by intense emotions and instincts. I have controlled myself as to not have any sort of outburst, but gaining proper control over my own powers would be far better.

"Well, alright. Wouldn't want you to break something by winging it. But I have to warn you that even I didn't get the best training, simply because we didn't really have any actual way to train properly back then." Lt. Alenko said as he acquiesced.

"Your experience would still be appreciated Lieutenant." I responded respectfully as the man was doing me a favor.

"First off, start by trying to consciously lift some light objects. You gotta build up 'muscle memory' so to speak. Can't start throwing Makos around after all.

After that you have to learn to move it properly for long periods, with the object getting heavier and heavier as it becomes easier.

Once you get to a decent weight, about 20lbs, you can start working on two separate objects at a time.

The ultimate goal is to try to be able to use biotics for pretty much everything as if you are using your own hands. It'll teach you fine control and get you used to multitasking for when you need it." He said as he demonstrated said exercise by moving around some weapon parts he had laying around.

It was an interesting and potentially useful methodology for sure. And knowing the absurdity of my own body, I wondered how far I could push myself before implementing the amplifier, and if I could potentially not require the tool to reach practical biotic levels. An appealing thought which actually drove me to implement a strict schedule of biotic training as I cut some time from my personal programming now that my Omni-tool was nearly ready for field deployment.

"I will try this method." I replied with an appreciative nod towards the Lieutenant. "It seems to hold a great deal of merit."

"For small stuff." Lieutenant Alenko calmly waved off. "But you'll need to get used to applying your biotics on humanoid targets too. Learn how not to accidentally crush someone you're trying to capture and the likes by practicing on some dummies. That'll come later, but I'm sure we can requisition one or maybe even find a practice dummy in a second-hand shop."

"I shall look into it. Thank you for your advice Lieutenant." I replied with a thankful tone.

"No problem. Just make sure to not practice around easily broken things, sensitive systems or anything important on the ship. Wouldn't want to break the ship because a screw you were practicing with cut the wrong wire or anything." Alenko warned in a lighthearted manner, but it is also serious curiously enough.

"Understood. I will take my leave to find a proper area to practice then." I responded before heading off.

Tali had many possibly 'training weights' with varied weight, seize and durability in her room, with the Commander also having a sort of communal hoard anyone could take from due to her… scavenging habits on missions, so I doubt I will run out of things to practice with anytime soon.

As for a training dummy, I simply need to acquire the proper form and the designation for the dummy before handing it to the Requisition Officer.

Both were quickly done as I began my new fine control exercise, adding it to my current training regiment, right after my research on Biotic Amps and working on my own.

The exercise was… more difficult than I admit in the beginning.

I immediately realized that I had little fine control when consciously trying to use my biotics. Not due to it being weak, but too strong, resulting in my crushing a few things before adjusting properly.

Tali was mildly annoyed at me breaking 'perfectly useable parts', something I apologized for by helping her calibrate her combat drone.

Fortunately, I was likely the fastest learner in the universe, hence it took me less than 20 minutes before I began mastering my fine control. The fact that I was not an emotional child and at least had simulated training beforehand had likely been two of the major reasons for my rapid success as well.

So this, on top of finishing the work necessary on my Omni-tool, my studies, 'tinkering', as Tali calls it, and weapons training, my time was rather preoccupied.

I wanted to better myself as best I could to be useful on and off the battlefield.

Hence why I even talked to Jeff, or Joker as he prefers, about piloting advice.

"And why do want to know this stuff?" The pilot questioned with quite the amount of defensiveness.

"I am not entirely certain what I will be doing once this mission with the Commander has been completed, as a result I believe it is wise to improve my skills while so many knowledgeable individuals are available. You, Flight Lieutenant, are considered one of the best pilots in the Alliance, thus why I ask you for advice." I answered honestly. "Piloting is an incredibly useful skill after all."

"You do know you're not going to be flying the Normandy, or anything like her right?" He asked with a raised eyebrow.

"It is indeed extremely unlikely that I pilot such a vessel, but my point remains, you are extremely skilled and I simply ask for guidance to improve my skills for things beyond simulations." I responded with complete understanding.

The Normandy was currently one-of-a-kind.

A Human-Turian hybrid vessel made for deep scout and reconnaissance. Cutting edge stealth technology, experimental drive core and it holds considerable firepower for a ship its size.

This ship was meant to go where others couldn't and truly 'fly'. No other exists like it.

"Yeah yeah. You can kiss my ass all you want later. For now Terminator, you sit your ass down and let me give you a master class." Joker responded with a casual wave of his arm before pointing to an empty seat to his left.

"Much appreciated Flight Lieutenant." I said to the man for his generosity.

"Just call me Joker, Terminator. Flight Lieutenant makes it sound like I'm gonna be disciplined." Jeff commented in a… sarcastic way?

I don't really understand that yet. Something else to study later.

"Understood Joker. But I must ask, why are you calling me 'Terminator'?" I responded with curiosity.

"Oh? You don't know the classics?" A surprised Joker asked in return.

My education did not truly cover cultural histories more than 50 years back for my espionage training. Various Histories were covered in depth for me to learn more about possible weaknesses in various species, but cultural matters were deemed a waste of time beyond why was necessary.

But they were some of my… favorite classes. Even if I could not truly understand much of what was shown to me nor what I…felt, it was nice.

"My apologies." I answered with a shake of my head.

"Oh ho! We are definitely having a movie night with you big man! Gotta show you some real culture!" Jeff said as he suddenly became rather excited.

"I look forward to it then. I have not had much time in my life to enjoy such things, much less with others." I replied with a gracious smile.

"Seriously?! Man, I got to hook you up!" Joker said with some bafflement before turning to his displays. "But first, I have to see what you got. Can't know how much to fix if I don't know how badly you suck."

Our pilot's teaching methods were rather fast paced, judging by the feelings of confusion or shock coming from the two other crew members currently manning the ship's sensors, but this was still far below my own standard pace for learning. The results were that I became familiar with the Normandy's controls and cockpit in 'record time', causing Jeff to be both impressed and mildly envious before shifting to simply prideful.

"Well look at you big guy. Another lesson or two and I might let you grab the wheel for a bit when we have time or when it's my turn for some z's." Joker commented with a smirk as he continued pressing various commands into his console as we cruised along.

He had gone through the standard controls, sensors, armaments, shielding, comms and various other systems, with me instantly memorizing everything from the man.

"Thank you for your positive assessment and for this lesson. I will take my leave then Joker." I replied with an appreciative nod.

"No problem. Got me to do something a bit different and at least you were serious about it." The pilot casually waved away before turning to me with a grin. "You're not getting out of movie night though Terminator."

"I…look forward to it." I responded before taking my leave.

But the most eventful piece of training for me during my relatively short time on the Normandy, was when I began sparring with Wrex.

"Alright, you two know what we agreed on." The Commander loudly said as she stood between an unarmored Wrex and myself. "No Headbutt contests, collateral damage or biotics. The fight stops if I say so. Refuse to and you will be tased so hard you won't feel your tongues even after Chakwas gets a look at you.

Fairly efficient threat.

"Understood Commander." I simply said as I carefully took in the Krogan before me.

The large, red krogan biotic battlemaster was certainly an intimidating foe. Powerful and experienced, but I knew how to fight his kind at least.

Powerful heads and necks make most blows there useless and possibly even harmful to myself depending on the target's efficiency in using it's head plates to defend, dense bodies to protect all the organs which also increases body weight and makes standard blows less effective, protected backs due to natural plating, powerful legs to support, charge and kick, with enhanced regeneration allowing for much endurance and for effective strike effects not lasting as long, all supported by the nutrient storing hump present in Krogans to last longer in battle.

The above are the advantages naturally given to Krogans, many of which I share and then some. But the important parts are also the weaknesses I don't share.

Their bodies are not meant for true martial skills but charging or powering through obstacles. Strong but short arms limit striking capabilities, very limited agility, straightforward movements, lack of flexibility and overall absence of techniques. Removable head plates, but not for a spar. Difficulties getting up from the ground. And the tough head and back plating only help mitigate the dangers of the softer front.

"Yeah yeah. Don't worry about it." Wrex shrugged off with little care.

Off to the side was a most of the ground team and various crew members who were either free or worked in the storage area.

I could hear them.

"So, want to bet on how much of a beating our new friend is going to get from fighting a krogan unarmed?" Garrus said to Lt. Alenko with a chuckle

"Not really. Just be ready to get him to Dr. Chakwas." The tense Lieutenant answered.

"Oh Kellah. Please be ok. Please be Ok. Pleeeeease be OK." A progressively more nervous Tali murmured as she held her own hands in a praying manner.

"Try to last longer than three minutes Neo! I got a bet going with Joker!" Shouted Ashley with a rather interesting tone I could only associate with something i believe should be schadenfreude.

"Alright! Ready? Start!" The Commander declared as she stepped back, just in time because the two of us charged immediately.

Wrex lowered his head to protect his throat and angled himself for an obvious shoulder charge using his left side, which would likely kill any normal human, Salarian, Asari and most Turians should it land.

For now I would forgo my logical and near instinctual response of using his own momentum to throw the krogan and expose his softer underbelly, meeting his charge with a mixed sumo, krogan and Elcor striking methodology to slam Wrex's shoulder as he began taking another step, slamming him into the ground.

He quickly shot out his left arm, managing to smack my right leg, destabilizing my stance and allowing him the necessary moment begin pushing himself up with his other arm.

Not wanting to stay in the path of Wrex's head, or within his reach without doing anything, I shifted my center of gravity and let my weight focus on my left leg as I lifted the right one into the air before bringing it down on a plate link with an axe kick.

Wrex was once again slammed face first into the ground with an audible grunt, but without wasting a moment I jumped of my left leg, landed on the back of his head and then used my powerful legs to further grind him into the floor before perfectly flipping behind him and landing at the ready.

The room was rather silent as the only really sound was of Wrex's grunts, but I could feel shock and disbelief from the audience clearly.

"Ugh. That was pretty nasty kid." Wrex said as he stood up, shook his head and showed a bloody smirk from a quickly healing split lip.

"My apologies. I simply used a more direct set of strikes. I meant no disrespect." I replied.

"Don't apologize in a fight kid. That's what'll get people actually pissed at you." Grunted Wrex. "But don't you worry, I'll get you back.

"Then let us continue." I calmly replied as I stood ready.

"Show me what you got." The Krogan ordered as he gestured for me to approach.

"Very well." I simply agreed as immediately burst forward with speed impossible for what my size and weight would suggest.

Nothing complicated was done. A Tackle, plain and simple.

Wrex was laughing excitedly as we both grunted for the impact and he took my charge, sliding backwards as I pushed through until he slammed both his fists down onto me, causing me to grunt from the heavy blow and halt my charge.

I felt him prepare for another go, but I didn't wait.

With my arms already in position, I planted my feet and lifted the 800+ lbs (363 kilos) krogan and suplexed him hard enough to hear crunching metal and a groan.

"No way!" I heard Ashley loudly exclaim.

Quickly shifting over and away, i watched carefully as Wrex stood up again.

"Well… that was a new one." He commented in slight disbelief.

"Humans have a wide variety of martial arts and fighting techniques, and while many are ineffective against something like a Krogan, some still are and the principals behind them stay the same." I said as I prepared for our next clash.

"Heh. Sure kid." Wrex replied as he shook his body and grinned. "But whatever. You took my charge and now I took yours. Let's fight."

Those words were inexplicably effective to elevate my heart rate. Interesting.

We met each other again and began what would be termed a 'slugfest'.

Punching and striking each other in close quarters without any inch of retreat and no surrender. Two brutes clashing with pure might and grit.

It was… exhilarating.

"HahaHA! There you go kid!" Wrex roared in absolute delight as our fists smashed against each other. "That's a proper look for enjoying a fight!"

I did not understand what he meant until I consciously felt a tightness on my face.

I was smiling. No. Manically grinning as we fought.

Every blow my body improved and adapted. Every strike I improved my damage output and efficiency.

But that didn't matter.

Nothing I had ever felt before had come close to this.

No simulation. No lesson. Not killing one of those monsters who made me. Not my first mission.

This raw, Savage clash. This is what made me experience a feeling of truly being… Alive.

My blood pumping through my body. My mind tuned away for my instincts. The myriad feeling flowing.

Wrex was very durable and his experienced showed as he slightly shifted his large frame to lessen impacts, redirected blows to stronger areas, struck where it would hurt and knew how to fight through damage with ease.

And I learnt all of it.

Every small 'lesson' was internalized immediately as I took everything I could and used it against him.

It was…fun.

But sooner or later we would have to stop.

I have no doubt I would look worst for wear than Wrex.

My skin, while much stronger than humans, is still the easiest thing to damage on my body, resulting in quick wounds which bled a bit before stopping, likely splashing here and there. Internally I had felt a few bones crack, mainly my lower ribs where my dense muscles couldn't fully protect and maybe some rapidly healing hairline fractures, but that was about it.

Wrex didn't have the same issues. His breath labored from the many blows to essential areas I had delivered, many of his organs in shock and his arms were likely suffering from some numbing due to myself hitting some specific points on his body, but not many outward signs of damage beyond the blood around his mouth.

So almost simultaneously, we relaxed our bodies and agreed to let the fight end there.

I was satisfied and Wrex wasn't a 'hot-headed welp'.

"*Inhale* Haaaaaaaaaaa. That was fun kid." Wrex said with a rather relaxed tone.

"I must agree. This was exciting." I say with a content smile as I felt my heart rate slow and my body focus on healing any damage.

"Same thing next week?" He asked with a massive grin.

"Definitely." I directly answered with my own showing subconsciously.

_______________________________________

Extra Author Notes:

Was reading some mass effect stuff and felt like writing a chapter for this one.

No real commitment, just writing for fun and to get ideas out of my head really.

This chapter is essentially Neo getting somewhat closer to some members of the crew while pursuing his objective to improve himself in whatever manner he deems fit.

Tali is basically his first friend. He likes being around her and just wants to help.

The suits are his way of doing so and will allow Tali to build her own custom suit in the future to get most people's favorite girl more badass.

Talking to Kaiden about his biotics felt like a good way to get a bit closer to the man with a stick up his ass. I remember looking through biotics and Alenko's past training, and I believe that this is actually how he did train up his own biotics.

Just to be clear, Neo's biotics aren't weak. They're actually monstrously strong for someone who doesn't have an amp or any true experience with them. He can't exactly do hardcore training on the Normandy either, so he's going to do the logical things of building up his control in a steady manner before trying to do somethings and accidentally ripping someone apart.

Next, I tried to get Jeff 'Joker' Moreau right. He's snappy, sarcastic and prideful even though he has a complex about his brittle bones disease, which is understandable, so that's also why I kind of thought he'd be the guy on board who would know and like the 'old classics' like Terminator. I also think that Neo being honest and diligent regarding learning how to pilot would help them get a bit closer together.

I am not trying to make him an ass or petty, just a bit hard to balance, especially when Neo can generally feel emotions.

Anyway, hope you enjoyed.