Task Force Outlander
1.05 - Brother
{Chosen Ambience}
READ IN CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
JUNE 27TH, 2187 || 10 months since the end of the Reaper War
"Admiral Hackett sent you a dossier through your secure line, Commander Hart."
"What're we doing this time, Nu'li?"
"A research facility on Noveria that was under Alliance protection has gone dark."
"Suspecting these Cerberus would-bes?"
"That's not the concerning part. The last reports sent by the team in-charge of security report hearing voices and seeing things not really there. This... Would line up with reports of Reaper Indoctrination."
Nick's blood ran cold, and he turned to face the little Asari, "W-What?" He audibly stuttered, and forced himself to remain composed as Nu'li bit her lip, releasing it as she spoke, "I-If this is Cerberus, they were known to experiment with Reaper tech. Maybe..."
"Shepard destroyed them." Nicholas reaffirmed, his voice cold, "Shepard destroyed them both."
"R-Regardless, Admiral Hackett has requested we mount an expedition to the Mineral Deposit that went dark. Are you... Alright?"
"Yeah, you could say that. Tell Eden to set a course. Anything else?"
She went through her datapad and nodded, eyes squinting as she read, "Yes! Yes. Uh, there's a medical report here on the Executive Officer from Dr. Liddel. His treatment's progressing well."
"That's good to hear. Nothing more?"
"No, I mean-- That's not the reason I brought it up." She went momentarily quiet, seemingly to collect herself. Nick studied the little Asari briefly before nudging her side, "...Go on, Yeoman." He prompted.
"Well, as you know, I work with Dr. Pratt often to maintain the mental health of the Outlander members... Sometimes it's easier when it's a friendly face," She mustered a smile rubbing her neck, lowering the datapad and continuing, "The Lieutenant has been improving physically, but, well, declining mentally. I... It's in my personal opinion that perhaps you speak with him. Or at the very least, convince him to talk to someone, like one of the medical staff, instead of remaining in his quarters all day."
Nicholas blinked, before nodding casually, "Yeah, uh, sure, I'll head down there right now." He murmured, patting her on the arm before going to the elevator and keying it to the crew deck.
He knew the history behind that. He just didn't know how deep those scars went. And while he was a tough leader, he was a friend, and if Nick could help, he would die trying.
The XO's quarters were across from the Medbay, featuring a small living area, a workspace, and room for whatever else the occupant desired. At first, Nick tried the door. Naturally, it was locked.
"Lieutenant." His voice sounded terribly formal, and he cleared his throat, shaking his head briefly as he mentally kicked himself for sounding as though he was here to dish out a scolding, "Korvan. Uh, mind opening up?"
The door unlocked, but as it opened he saw his Lieutenant sitting down by the bookcase, Omni-tool powering down, his head and mask buried in his arm.
"Hey, man." Nick sighed, stepping inside and letting the door shut behind him. He moved to the couch, settling on the arm and looking down at his friend, comrade in arms, "Talk to me."
"There's nothing to say." Well, he sounded upset.
"Your physical therapy is going well, isn't it? Soon you won't have to wear the mask."
"Months." He sounded muffled, shaking his head, "I can't last months with it."
"And here I was, thinking you liked it..." The Commander managed a quiet chuckle, shaking his head, "I know how you feel about it."
"It's like a prison sometimes."
"I know." Nick sighed, shaking his head, "Think of it, one day you might even be able to get those scars removed. Won't have to hide away."
"No."
"It's extensive damage, man. Once it's gone, you'll feel better. You're carrying all that... Pain with you. On your face."
"We sacrificed. I can't forget that." Nick knew he wasn't referring to him when Korvan said 'we'. He could almost see the shadow of the fallen behind the deteriorating soldier, like a vengeful spirit.
Sitting back, he sighed, "We all did. London was a living nightmare for all of us. We are all still dealing with it. Why do you think even I have sessions with Dr. Pratt sometimes?"
"I..."
"You're not letting people help you. You're just drowning yourself in it. Do you think Ankurn would want you to go like this?"
Korvan didn’t even flinch at the mention of his dead twin’s name. He only sighed, tired and long. It came out static, like usual, and the Lieutenant lifted his head. His single eye almost burned, but it wasn't anger towards Nick; It was towards himself. And that changed to determination pretty damn quickly.
"I'm sure Dr. Pratt would be able to fit you in."
"I... Would rather talk to Alicia."
"That's a good start. Still, Courtlynn's the ship Psychiatrist. She'd be able to help more than Liddel. Right?"
They both nodded. Nick stood, heading over to Korvan and offering a hand. Hauling his XO to his feet, Nick clasped him on the shoulder rather tightly, staring directly at him, "If you don't want to come on the next drop, say the word."
"Of course I'll go. I... I hear Noveria is lovely this time of year."
Nick suppressed a smile; Jokes from Korvan were like seeing a Unicorn. Patting his shoulder, the Commander released him, "You got a dossier too then. Good, look it over. Don't forget what I said either; Dr. Liddel and Pratt. Okay?"
"Yes, sir." Korvan pushed a hand through his hair briefly, and Nick turned to leave. A word from the masked man stopped him before he could, though.
"Hey."
"Yeah?"
"Do you... know any flower shops on the Citadel?"
ಥ_ಥ I'M FINE
oh man i can’t even talk about how stoked i am for noveria. most of TFO so far has been almost anthology style jumps between settings and characters but noveria has a very steady arc that’ll soon sound of the end of our first story branch, and due to my jump in graphics and how expansive it is it’s gonna be hype.
the song for this chapter is Brothers from the first Fullmetal Alchemist anime, god, I adore this cover of it. it’s very haunting, and is technically the toldreyn family theme so enjoy that, i really wanted to fit in a chapter that shows how close these two memelords are, like brothers; hence the title.












