51 – A Broken Shadow (2)

FIRST-PERSON POV

Seeing the ugly side of the galaxy wasn't news to me. I had delved into it, thanks to Cerberus and a few cycles spent at Omega. But, for the first time in a long while, I got enraged.

What I was seeing was something horrible. Slavery, experimentation on people, kidnapping, just like what the old Cerberus was doing, but using even worse methods.

At least Cerberus managed to hide its true color from the public's eye, but those people had no fear. It was almost like they knew they would not get in trouble, so they didn't care if their faces were known.

All of that happened in Council Space, where slavery was not allowed, meaning the Council was aware that it was happening but did nothing.

Again, it was not like those people were hiding like Old Cerberus, no, they were doing all of that in the open, and the Council still didn't act.

Sure, if someone looks at the data of the Council, they probably sent one Spectre to 'deal' with the slavers and evil organizations, if they crossed a line. But, from what I was seeing, it really didn't change much.

And, in the other parts of the galaxy, away from the Council Space, things were even worse, as slavery was permitted 100%. Safe to say, it was a shitshow.

Seeing all that, I only had one thought in mind, ' I was naive. No, I chose to be naive.'

I knew from the beginning things weren't all rainbows and sunshine across the galaxy, as if Cerberus existed, others like it existed too. But, with the excuse to deal with the Reapers and Cerberus first, I choose not to look around me.

I blinded myself to the suffering of others, just like I did in past cycles. Of course, I wasn't a hero who would cry because others died, but this galaxy is my home. The aftertaste wasn't good.

I'm sure Cerberus wasn't the only evil organization that the Alliance tolerated. The Illusive Man had a lot of politicians under his thumb who knew what Cerberus was doing but did nothing to stop it, so other people with the same connections as he could also do the same.

It was unlikely, as I know the ins and outs of bad people on Earth, but … if they were in the Galaxy, things would get complicated.

In other cycles, while I was on the dark side of the galaxy, I never delved deep into it, only working for Cerberus, or when I was indoctrinated, so I don't know the extent of the reach those evil organizations/slavers had. Of course, if I heard the organization's name, it would make me remember them and what they did in other cycles, if they did something to make them known to the galaxy.

But I do know they exist. And, again, it started to bother me.

Again, I wasn't a hero who would cry if innocent people died. Nor was I a good person, as the number of bad things I did sully my soul to an irreparable degree.

But, so what? Even though I wasn't a good person or a hero, I still didn't like what I was seeing. 

Because, if I wanted, I could put an end to it. It would take some time, but I could... No, I should do it!

I don't want my loved ones to live in a galaxy where this is normal, no. I have the means to put a stop to it.

And I will do so.

I will clean the galaxy!

Cerberus and the Shadow Broker were just the start.

--

NORMAL POV

After all that internal monologue, Samael tapped his omni tool a few times and filmed a message to all LD employees, from the company and the Mercenary group.

'' Hello to you all. I'm sure you know I'm your boss, so I will be direct. Recently, I came across something that troubled me. I found out about the huge slaver centers scattered across the galaxy and the existence of an evil organization, that was protected by various governments and with the Council's protection. That irritates me to no end, as they were supposed to protect those who can't protect themselves.''

'' So, I decided LD would live up to its name. We will target the slave centers across the galaxy and those evil organizations. Of course, not right now because we have to prepare, but my goal is that in a few years, the galaxy will be free from those kinds of people.''

'' To not implicate humanity, starting now, all those who live on Earth, prepare for a trip. The LD headquarters will be moving to another planet, and I want all employees and their families to come. Again, as this was something that just happened, it might take some time until all of you can move, half a year to a year, but I want everyone ready to leave when I say so.''

Samael made sure to put an angry face on this last part, '' The Council knew about them but chose to stay quiet. Politicians on Earth knew about Cerberus but stayed quiet. The Slavers had assurance they were untouchable, thanks to being away from the Council Space and having the Council turning blind to their actions. But they made a big mistake. They put themselves into my target.''

'' Effectively immediately, all LD personnel on a mission have my approval to act if you see a slaver in action. It doesn't matter where you are, Council Space or Terminus, I will deal with the backlash if it exists.''

'' If you don't like how things are progressing within the company, you can leave. I'll send all of you the location of the planet when things get ready. See you all soon.''

Samael stopped filming and asked RR, ''Was that good?''

'' Yes. Do you want me to send it to all employees?''

'' Yes, please do.''

'' Done.'' RR edited the video in a flash and sent it to all LD personnel. It is safe to say that it would cause a lot of murmurs in the company, but Samael didn't care.

His goal didn't change: Stop the Reapers. But he now had a sub-goal: clean the galaxy from bad roots.

It was a far-fetched dream, even more so than stopping the Reapers. But, Samael was never one to back out of a fight.

If it is necessary to achieve his goal, he doesn't mind making the whole galaxy his enemies. He wasn't dumb and knew those Slavers and evil organizations, like Cerberus, had powerful backing. The problem for them was that he didn't care.

Of course, the timing of the attack wasn't good, as it was only a few years from now that the Reapers would arrive. If LD starts a campaign of this magnitude against those people, it might affect future plans.

It was a worrisome thought, but ... Samael was going to go ahead with it. He liked new things and this challenge was something that stirred something deep inside him.

Samael was looking forward to this.

' I already have a lot of regret from my past cycles, some even take my sleep or eat my conscience. I never went after those evil organizations or slavers, and now I will make sure to deal with them.'

With a new mission, besides dealing with the Reapers, Samael smiled.

' Crazy to think I will change the galaxy for good just because I want.'

It showed Samael how much influence LD had, as he was sure if even all Slavers and Evil organizations were to combine and attack his group, he could win. It would require a few sacrifices, no doubt, but he was sure LD would win.

' Now, let's wrap this up.'

At this point, the SSV Phoenix crew is already inside the Shadow Broker ship and waiting for orders. So, Samael would just make a small announcement to the whole ship.

Grabbing a nearby console from the computer, Samael asked RR to connect him to the speakers. After getting an okay from the AI, he started to talk, ''Hello to you all.''

He was sure the soldiers must be making funny faces, but he didn't care about them as he continued speaking, '' I'm sure the smart ones had already noticed, but I killed the Shadow Broker. It's as simple as that, really.''

'' I will not say who I am, but I already took over the place. Those loyal to the old Shadow Broker may come to find me in her room, and I'll deal with you. Others who also wanted to leave but couldn't because of blackmail, can also come to me. For those who are here being tortured, rejoice, because salvation came.''

'' Anyway, that was it. The old Shadow Broker is dead, I took over, and I'll be dealing with those who want to show loyalty to the old one, help those who wanted to leave, and those being tortured. Bye and see you soon.''

Samael ended the small speech, and just in cue, Tali, Liara, and Miranda, both AIs with their android bodies, entered the place. They noticed the two Asari dead but said nothing.

'' How is the place?'' Samael asked.

'' It's a fortress, that is sure. The concealment using the planet's atmosphere is also good, but the most we won from this was -''

'' The Shadow Broker. LD now also has it under control. We just have to find the right person for the position.'' Under no circumstances would Samael allow Liara to be it, as he wanted her to be happy and not be covered in the galaxy's dirtiness.

' I also have the perfect person to take over... It's just that he is complicated, to say the least.'

''... What is this?'' Tali asked as she watched the files Samael forgot to close. It showed the hideous side of the galaxy, and the Quarian also didn't like it.

'' This is the ugly side of the galaxy. Something a lot of people are aware of that is happening, but they choose to turn blind to it.'' Samael was one of them until now.

Samael sighed after saying that. He was fighting to save the people who committed such atrocities. It was a disgusting feeling, really.

'' Does the Council know about this?'' Liara asked in a tone filled with rage.

Samael nodded, '' They do… And now so does LD. I'm sure you didn't have time to check, but I sent a file to all employees regarding the situation.''

Miranda used her omni tool, and surely enough, Samael's video was on it. She watched along with the rest, and by the end of it, she was surprised, '' You know LD probably made enemies of half the galaxy with this, right?''

'' Yes. And honestly? I don't care. We can take them.'' Samael spoke with conviction. If the whole galaxy united and fought back against LD, they had a chance. ONLY IF.

Also, the biggest problem right now was the small numbers LD had, and it was something they would have to deal with sometime soon.

Miranda said nothing more. She knew it was a risky endeavor, but she also saw the merit. '' I'm with you.''

Tali and Liara's respect for Samael only grew.

KNOCK KNOCK

Someone knocked on the door, meaning the small army had arrived.

Samael looked at the girls and asked, ''Do you think they came here to surrender or to fight?''

They rolled their eyes at him.

'' You guys are no funny.'' Opening the door, Samael saw the small army with a small white flag with them. '' Hello there.''

--

After making sure the army had no weapons, Samael made sure to offer those soldiers a choice. It didn't matter to him if they were working for the Shadow Broker through blackmail or for money.

Stay and continue working on the ship, but the pay would be better, or go away from here.

They had a choice, and now the small army was told to stay on standby while Samael would walk around the ship, giving them time to think about what to do.

Anyway, Samael made his way through the torture chambers, making sure those there were treated. Clare had also entered the ship and was providing first aid with the help of RR and EDI.

After walking some more, Samael finally arrived where he wanted to be. In a small room past all that, he saw a Yahg, the Shadow Broker he was accustomed to. Only this one was caged.

He approached the beast with a small smile and said, ''Say, do you fancy becoming the Shadow Broker?''

The Yahg had no idea what was happening, it only continued staring at this person in front of him with its four eyes.

Samael saw the confusion on Yahg's face, so he tried his best to explain, '' Listen, you probably got captured, and I just saved your ass.'' He opened the cage and said, '' I also know your species only respects the strong, seeing them as your leaders. Well, I'm your leader now.''

The Yahg got out of the cage for the first time in a few weeks, and when it heard what the person in front of it said, it almost snorted.

Samael noticed that and said nothing more. He just got into a fighting position and motioned for the beast to come.

FIVE MINUTES LATER

The Yahg was on the ground, thinking about its life choices. It was all good a few weeks back, but then it was kidnapped, and experimented on, and just when it thought it could escape, a puny thing managed to defeat it.

Of course, the Yagh also managed to injure the other part, but it was it who was on the ground.

Samael was looking down at the contemplating Yahg, and then he looked at his now dislocated shoulder. It was a fierce fight, as the creature was more than triple his size, but he won thanks to EDI's help, as she used the drone that went away earlier to distract the best.

Going towards a nearby wall, Samael aimed his shoulder at a precise angle and struck forward with strength.

CRACK 

'' … This fucking hurts!'' Even though he was familiar with pain, no one liked it. Unless you're a masochist. If you are, good for you (?).

Samael's shoulder was put back in place, and he moved it a little. ' A bit stiff, but it's ok.'

EDI-in-drone approached him and asked, '' Are you okay?''

'' Yes, thanks for the help.'' Samael would've won anyway, as while the Yahg was way stronger than him, it did not have the capability of using that strength to its advantage. But thanks to EDI-drone help, things went faster.

'' Don't need to mention it.'' EDI in a drone then stayed floating beside Samael, while he went to talk with the Yahg.

'' You there?'' Samael asked the still on the ground Yagh. '' I know you can understand me. The Shadow Broker would not let its toy not understand her.''

Sure enough, the Yahg looked at Samael with intelligence in its eyes, '' What do you want?'' The Shadow Broker had given the creature an omni tool, so it could understand her.

'' See, why did you not talk first? I know your species isn't prone to talk, but come on!'' Samael sighed then continued talking, '' I'm sure you know by now, but I killed your torturer. And now, I'll give you one in a lifetime opportunity.''

'' What is it?''

Samael said with a strange gaze, '' Again, have you ever thought about becoming the Shadow Broker?''