85 – Priority: Race Against Time (5)

When the Reaper and the numerous Geth ships entered Illos, Samael and everyone else were ready to meet them, armed to the teeth.

Samael, Shepard, Wrex, Javik, and RR stood side by side, ready to command the ground fight, that consisted of 50 or so Prothean, half of LD, and a bunch of Krogan. Veronica, Joker, and EDI were already in the air, commanding the ships.

Tali, Liara, and all the crew members were positioned where they would be most effective.

BUZZZZ

RR paused briefly and said, "They tried jamming the communications again but failed. It seems your gadget worked."

Samael didn't look surprised, as he was the one who made the gadget that blocked the jammer. However, others were taken aback by how effective it was, especially Javik.

Having faced the Reapers before, Javik knew how dangerous and powerful their jamming gadget was. He could confidently say that it was one of the main strengths of the Reapers. To see it be dealt with so easily was a shock.

"You are full of surprises." Javik said with admiration in his voice.

Samael was in battle mode, but he gave a small smile, '' I still have a lot in my sleeves.''

No one said anything anymore, and they waited for the fight to start. The air battle had already been in full course, with things being in a stalemate as of now. Half of LD was enough to give the Geth a good fight, if not a beating.

The personnel on the ground were waiting. Samael, in particular, had a peculiar face. It was a mix of confusion, worry, and confidence. 

Shepard noticed that,'' Are you okay?''

'' I'm fine. It's just a few personal things that are bothering me. I'll deal with them later, for now, let's focus on the battle.'' Samael looked at Shepard and said, ''Give them hell and maintain your crew safe.''

Shepard looed over at her crewmembr, who were in the middle of the army that was ready to face the ground forces, then nodded at Samael and waited.

Wrex was clearly impatient, as the fight had already started on the air and he still wasn't involved.

Samael ignored that and looked at the battlefield in the air, his mind filled with countless thoughts.

--

Where do you think the main strength of a person trapped in a time loop/ a regressor lies?

 Is it the fact that they know things others don't? Is it because they grow stronger each time they return? Is it because they can fix their mistakes?

If you answered yes to all of the above, you would be right, and there would still be a lot more strength not mentioned. The point is, if you are a regressor or a time looper, you are guaranteed a good life.

...Only if you weren't in a universe where there was danger at every corner and that had a time limit. Still, Samael persevered and won his fair share of fights, but he still lost sometimes.

So, after every time loop, he got better, lived his life freely, and waited until his time loop ended. He was confident that he would be able to save everyone—hell, he had done so previously—in this last cycle of his.

But, fate had other plans. In this cycle, he became aware that something was wrong with his mind, and that made him doubt himself quite a bit. A lot of his past actions - or inactions—now bothered him to no end.

Before he had the time to process that, the Reapers attacked, not giving him the chance to go deep into this problem, and he had to put that in the back of his mind.

Then, right after the battle in Thessia, he had this one, not giving him time to think. Still, he acted to protect his loved ones with the knowledge he acquired in past cycles.

The gadget that stopped the jamming device came from past cycles.

FLASHBACK

ILLOS

A day has passed since the first sparring match took place, and everyone who was supposed to arrive on the planet has done so. Things then have settled into a basic routine.

Various activities are happening here and there, but sparring matches are the main attraction. Everyone participated, including Liara, Shepard, Tali, Kasumi, and others.

The Krogans and the Protheans were surprised when they kept losing to the humans as if they were nothing, sparking a rivalry they didn't know existed.

Furthermore, only a few individuals knew about the other Prothean, so many of them were taken aback when they saw more individuals like Javik.

Wrex even joked with the Prothean, "Javik, since when can you clone yourself? HAHAHA."

Javik grunted at that and focused his being on commanding his people. They had interacted with LD personnel before and he 'taught' them how to behave in this cycle. 

The Protheans learned it well and even made friends with LD personnel here and there, even the Krogans.

All in all, everyone was friendly.

'' So, you're saying she is the Spearhead of this cycle?'' Javik, Samael, and Wrex were talking alone in a tent, drinking strong alcohol. Samael now could accompany both in drinking the hard stuff, as his body could handle it.

The trio had talked until they were aware of everything that had happened to them in those past few months, and the topic of the Spearhead of this cycle came up. Samael had revealed it was Shepard, and while Javik could see potential, he was sure Samael was the better choice.

Wrex didn't understand the topic, so he nodded and drunk when a subject he didn't know about came up.

'' She's the best we have. LD has kept an eye on her from the beginning and then started to train her not long ago. She's the one.'' While Samael was having this conversation, he was thinking of ways to diminish the fighting power of the Geth and the Reaper. He had a few things in mind already, and now he just needs to act.

He would do so after a drink ... or two.

'' I still think you are the best option.''

'' I also think that.'' Wrex said after he felt he was left out for too long.

Javik looked at him and said, '' Do you even know what we are talking about?''

'' No, but I felt what you said sounded good, so I followed.''

'' ... Smart.''

Wrex looked proud, '' Smart, handsome, and strong!''

''...''

'' Wrex, do you know where Grunt is? I haven't seen him since yesterday.'' Samael asked after some time.

'' Oh, that kid. He was excited to be among peers, so he's spending all his time with them... I hope you don't mind.''

'' Not a bit. He should spend the time with his people anyway.'' While Samael was Grunt's father figure, there's still a lot to learn from others.

'' I think you should tell him to slow down a bit.'' Javik said, '' Not every Krogan is smart, handsome, and strong.''

Wrex laughed and ignored the obvious sarcasm, '' That's right! Only I am like that.''

''...'' Javik ignored Wrex and said to Samael, '' Regarding that Geth... Legion, if I remember correctly.''

Samael nodded, and Javik continued, '' We have found nothing wrong with him, so he's free to go.''

Javik and the Protheans that arrived at Illos have asked Samael if they could take a look at Legion, to see if he was indoctrinated or something along those lines.

Samael knew nothing was wrong with the Geth, but he still allowed them to research it, with its permission, of course.

They have found nothing wrong with it, so they relaxed. While not everyone was ok with the Geth being their ally, they knew how to respect Samael's opinion.

'' We took the opportunity to better his body.'' Javik casually added.

' Ohhh, lucky Legion.' 

Others might not remember, but the Protheans had more advanced tech than the current cycle, and while Samael could've bettered Legion, just like he did with EDI and RR, their upgrades were also amazing.

Safe to say, Legion went up another tier in the fighting list of LD.

After that, the conversation hit a wall, and Wrex and Javik started to bicker.

Samael got up after seeing those two like that. They had already talked for some time, and now it was his turn to act, '' Gentlemen, if you excuse me, I have a few things to do. See you later.''

'' Bye.''

'' See you.''

Samael then left the area where they were and went around looking for someone specific. He could ask RR or EDI for help with the person's location, but sometimes he liked being alone. After a few minutes, he found the person he was looking for, '' Jaret! Long time no see!''

Jaret turned around and faced Samael. He was surprised to see the young man he had known since he was a toddler, grow up to be such a figure, '' Samael! You look good!''

The duo hugged each other, as they had not seen each other for quite some time.

'' How are you?'' Samael broke the hug and asked the man. At first, he was quite involved in LD - the mercenary group- but he stopped because he had things to do regarding the other LD, so even though he was the owner, he left command to Jaret.

And the man had done an amazing job leading LD, as they grew famous over time.

'' Good, good. I know you are aware of how well LD is doing, so I don't need to say much about it. And I still have a few years on me, so don't worry too much about me retiring.''

'' You still have a few decades on you!'' 

After a few pleasantries, Samael went to business, '' I need help regarding a few things.''

'' Just say what you need.''

'' I will build a few things today, and I need the guys help to put them in a few very specific places. Can you do that for me?''

Samael had a few countermeasures against ALL Reaper tactics, including the jamming device. He just needed to build it, and it just happened that he had ordered LD to bring the materials.

It had occurred to him that this was exactly a problem. Samael had the tools, the ingredients, and everything to build things, but he only did so since the problem had already happened. It was honestly weird, but he could not figure out why he was like this.

Another problem for later.

'' No problem.''

'' Thanks. I'll go do my things now, don't be a stranger later.''

The duo parted and Samael went to build the anti-jamming device.

When he arrived at his tent, Shepard, Tali, and Liara were there, talking and laughing away. This was something he saw various times in other cycles- the first one in this one- so he didn't mind that much, '' Ladies.''

He kissed Tali and Liara, gave a nod to Shepard, and went to work.

'' ... It's really weird seeing this happen so naturally like that.'' Shepard was still young, and while she was still more experienced than most, polygamy was a surprise to her. '' How do you both deal with jealousy and things like that?''

Surprised and intrigued.

Liara and Tali looked at each other, and almost like they planned it, they started to pouch Shepard to their 'team'. '' I was honestly afraid at first. Of not being loved enough, not being given attention enough. Whenever I asked about the topic, that was the main precaution. But, Samael proved that those doubts were unfounded.''

'' That man loves us very much, equally, with not a single aspect that would give us doubt of that.''

Shepard was still not convinced, '' Yeah, but like, he has sex with both... Isn't that weird?''

''At first, it was, but after some time, we grew to love each other too.'' Liara and Tali held hands and showed them to Shepard.

'' Oh... OH!'' Shepard connected the dots and coughed the embarrassment away, '' I see.''

Liara noticed the 'iron' could still be hit more, '' Shepard, you must also have had your adventures. With what we have, you could have more and still be loved.''

'' Of course, we are not saying you should join us specifically, just for you to keep your mind open.''

They were doing exactly what they said they weren't.

Shepard was far from pure and had a few adventures herself... She was getting more and more intrigued by their dynamics. '' Say... do you guys do a test drive?''

Tali and Liara smiled, ' Gottem!'

They had accepted their relationship with Samael some time ago, but they also knew the man held Shepard in a place in his heart. They also did, after all, they had fought and been together for some time now.

So, while this was some sort of a 'gift' to Samael, they also wanted this. It was a win-win-win situation all around.

The trio chatted away, planning the day of the 'test drive' into the near future.

Samael was very aware of the conversation and the stares, but he did his best to wipe the cold sweat off his forehead and continued to work, ' What have I created...?'

Still, anyone could see he was happy. Only he knew how difficult it was to have three loved ones willing to be in a relationship like that. 

A few hours later, the anti-jamming device was made. 

' With this, we don't have to worry about communications being stopped...I should've made this sooner.'

He made some more and left the tent. Samael then gave them to Jaret and instructed the man to put them into places he had marked beforehand.

Samael then returned to his tent and made another gadget, one that was a failsafe, in case they lost and the Reaper managed to use the Relay. He really didn't want to use this, but he will if he is forced.

Now, all he had to do was wait. In the meantime, he would enjoy his free time, free of worries, with his family.

---

END OF FLASHBACK

The gadget worked, and the Reaper had lost one of their main strengths. Samael would, in the future, pass the gadget to others, but for now, he would focus on the battle.

The air battle was in full swing, but not on the ground yet. The main forces of the Reapers on the ground were, after all, the husks, and now there was no civilian on the planet, only trained soldiers. It would be a lot more difficult to make a husk.

They had the Geth, but for them to be deployed, they needed to break the cycle LD formed in the air, and that was proving to be difficult.

' All is going well.' Samael was eyeing Sovereign, and in any single strange movement coming from the Reaper, he would act.

Just as they were waiting, his omni tool rang, and Samael looked at it. The caller was Garrus.

' Perhaps?' A bad feeling surged up in Samael and he picked up the call, '' Garrus, what's wrong?''

'' SAMAEL, THE COLLECTORS WERE ATTACKING THE CITADEL ALONGSIDE THE GETH. WE ARE HOLDING UP, BUT THEY ARE RELENTLESS.'' Garrus sounded anxious.

Samael's pupil constricted. This was a new development, as the Collectors doesn't appear at this point in time, never.

They are one of the hidden weapons of the Reapers. The galaxy thought they were a legend, almost like the Reaper, but they do make an appearance here and there every hundred or so years. 

For those unaware, the Collectors were once Prothean. The Reapers used a process similar to what created the Husks, but more potent, to create the Collectors. 

They are stronger and smarter than a normal husk. They are a formidable opponent not only because of that, but also because of their 'hidden' device.

This device was something that created a stasis field around people, forcing them to be trapped, without the ability to move.

They were so formidable they were the main enemy of Mass Effect 2.

' If they use their 'device' in the Citadel, things will be over.'

Samael knew how to counter this device, but he hadn't built the thing that counters it yet. Once more.

'' The plan continues the same. Don't let them enter the Citadel, and if they do, destroy them!''

'' ... Ok.'' Garrus took a breath and recovered his mental state. It seems he called just to alert Samael about the new variable, '' Do you have any advice on how to handle them?''

'' They die like anyone else, but be careful of their hidden card.''

Samael spent a few minutes explaining how to deal with them, all while hoping they would not use their device.

'' Don't hesitate!''

 ''See you later.'' Garrus sounded a lot calmer now.

'' Good luck.'' Samael wished them good luck and turned the call off.

As he eyed the Reaper, it seemed he was laughing at him. The main battle didn't even start and they lost the advantage already.

' Fuck!'

Just then, Sovereign started to move, and the Geth ships trapped in the air, after noticing they would not be able to break out of this battle in a short period of time, started to deploy the Geth soldiers anyway.

BOOOMMM

LD ships tried to intercept but a lot still passed. Granted, they were injured, some even destroyed, but the Geth finally arrived at the ground.

'' They are the distraction! The Reaper will go to the Relay, our job is to not let him use it.'' Samael used his omni tool and said to Veronica and Joker,'' You two, focus on the Reaper from now on. Use heavy artillery!''

'' ROGER!''

'' OK!''

With that, everything was in place. Wrex was commanding the Krogan, Javik was already in battle too, and only Samael, Shepard, and RR were left.

The trio said nothing and started to go to the location of the Relay. As mentioned before, Samael had made a failsafe in case they lost, but he hoped he didn't need to use it today.

'' Today is going to be a long day.''