Wings of the Defender

[KamiFaby]

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Coronado, Glendalough Orbitals, Shuttle Bay Delta

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The engines of the single shuttle designated to this bay lit up. Inside were only a handful people, Garrus and his two most trusted engineers were on board as well. The shuttle's destination was the heart of Liberty, the system New York. Garrus was relaxed as he sat in the chair, looking at a message on his Datapad.

"Garrus, a few moments ago my secretary got the approval of our Surplus request. All financial requests have been processed already, therefor I will just give you the number: 25 Million Credits. A fine price for a surplus product. Anyway, the Guardian will be ready for you to be fetched at Norfolk Shipyard by the time you will arrive there. After you brought it back, we will talk again. And do bring it back in one piece, that's a lot of money for spare parts. The shuttle will be leaving the bay Delta in an hour."

Garrus placed the Datapad next to him on the seat. After a few seconds it turned off, hiding the message that was displayed. "Oi Garrus, 'ave you got an idea on the quality of the guardian? Is it a new one?" "No Idea, surplus product, can't tell about the quality. But we are going to cannibalize it either way. Ripping out the good stuff, switching the chassis number on them and work on power cell." "Aight, you're the boss. Also, are we getting the IRG cell I suggested?" "Most likely, I yet have to acquire one though." Garrus started to look outside the window, waiting for the shuttle to depart.
"Welcome to the shuttle Delta 46 on the flight to New York. Please stay on your seats during the takeoff, landing and during jumps. In the name of the Forlorn Hope we wish you a good flight." The voice was prerecorded, with a synthetic tone. Slowly the shuttle took off, the doors opened and a force pushed the passengers in their seats.

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New York, Norfolk Shipyard, Hangar Administration
A few hours later

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Garrus entered the busy room of the hangar administration to meet with the representative of the requisition center. "Garrus Hendrix, Knight Captain and Division head of the Forlorn Hope." Garrus extended his arm to greet the man in front of him. Reaching after Garrus' hand, the man started to smile. "And now proud owner of a BDR-804 'Guardian'. Well, soon. We first have to deal with some paperwork, nothing major, just some signatures." "Thought so." Pausing for a moment Garrus started to smile. "Well then, let's get down to business." The representative nodded and walked towards the door. Outside the two mechanics started to follow Garrus again. After a short trip through some corridors they arrived in a special hangar. Several Guardians and other models of the shipline stood here, waiting to get a new owner. "Let's see, the guardian should haven been moved to the launchpad. Ah, there it is." The group approached the Guardian. Both of the mechanics walked closer to the guardian while Garrus stood next to the representative.

"The paperwork, where do I have to sign?" The man opened the folder he had carried with him the whole time, revealing a small pencil and some sheets of paper. "First of all, here. With signing this document, you agree to not use the guardian against Liberty forces or it's allies. Then you need to sign here and agree to not use it against any Libertonian cooperations. And last but not least here as a proof that you got the ship." Waiting for Garrus to finish writing, the man pulled some 'keys'
out of his pocket. "Judging by the fact that we mostly work in Liberty and Bretonia, we can't hazard the consequences in acting hostile towards either house." "Looks fine, here are the 'keys'." The man nodded as he gave Garrus the 'keys'. "Well then, since it is all done now, I'll be attending some other business, we got some people collecting weapons that arrive any time. Just let the Hangar control know when you are leaving." "Will do. Farewell." And thus both of them walked away, Garrus towards the Guardian, the representative towards the door.

Taking a closer look at the Guardian, Garrus noticed no difference to the old one he got from Reeves. "How does the Guardian look." "Typical surplus, probably used by rookies that are going to loose a lot of ships. It seems like the ship got weaker plating and well, parts that aren't made for long term use. A 'throwaway' product. We might still be able to make use of it though." "That's what I expected. You guys are the best mechanics I've seen around these parts, I'm sure you can work with it. Get some internal readings and then we're on our way again." "Already a step ahead of ya Garrus. Again not the values we expected but still better than the broken power core. I say we get the thing to Glenn and try to have a closer look at it." Garrus nodded as he moved for the cockpit. "We'll meet at Glenn, Hangar Bay P. The shuttle should wait for you in the hangar."

The engines started to hum as the hangar opened. "Forlorn pilot, you got green lights. Ready to proceed." "Acknowledged, continuing with takeoff." The Guardian took of and flew out of the hangar, leaving it next to Battleship Missouri. A small Navy patrol moved through the sector otherwise it was quiet. Garrus took a quick look at the scanners and proceeded towards the lanes.

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