This is my attempt to explain why the Horizon was so strange and also such minor things as origin of Reapers and how to stop them. Take note that I'm not a fan of "And then they looked at each other and understood that everything they thought before was wrong and now they will live together happily" (I don't pretend that my way is better - this is just my way), but a big fan of conspiracy theories.
Also if you want to kill me for my English - anytime. Ticket to Russia, big knife and problem solved.
And yes - BioWare owns this world.
He said
Beep! Beep! Beep!
"What do you need?"
Beep!
There isn't real night on Citadel. In lower levels lights are getting dim when the so-called nights happen, but Presidium is too busy to worry about such things. Every time you look out of window you see same polished metal of offices, polished glass, polished asari business...asari - all the shine of this place permanently blinds. After being here for a while, people can't be called "person" anymore - they can't separate black from white, the only thing that can draw their attention is sparkling matters. Usually it's money, but it can be power or prestige as well.
There's a way to avoid becoming blind - dig your head into work, what I was successfully doing for two and a half years. Or I thought I was doing it. Too busy to keep our eyes shut, we haven't noticed how small bubbles - local conflicts, local disappear of colonies, local strange specist organisation turned into massive boiling. Liquid was overheated, and one small crystal which falling started total mess was...
I finally remembered about beeping terminal. Councilor Anderson requested a video feed. Well, if he really wants to know what weary hungry biotic looks like at 3.00 a.m. - he's welcome.
"Commander," - he nodded, not showing any sign we both worked with data about Collectors till two hours ago and he was totally exhausted. In fact, Anderson looked like he was just thrown cold water. Say mild, it wasn't typical for him, -"Council's meeting was appointed on 0330. You should be in it. Anderson's out".
Confusing. Why couldn't Councilor just send me a message - if he was afraid I would be too tired to read it immediately? Maybe it was the truth - for three weeks we were putting pieces of the puzzle in correct places and still failed - there wasn't any connection between disappearing of colonies, appearance of... Normandy SR-2 and eliminating of terrorists groups. First we thought that "clone" eliminates the leading mercenary band in area which leaves nearby colonies absolutely unprotected - while pirates frequently work with slavers, they never let colonies close completely. Really, is any sane person will kill cow which milks? - then "clone" leaves and Collectors arrives, so Cerberus kills two birds with one stone - not, even three - becoming the most powerful organisation in Terminus, receiving test subjects and keep "clone" totally unaware and being able to pass any lie detection. But what to do when Collectors kidnapping colonies with entire fleet at next system (it was an awful, awful scandal), or colony Destiny Ascension arrived two hours later (it's hard to believe but this scandal was even more awful. I even hoped Council and Alliance will really make something to protect colonies after that... naive boy), or two mercs' bases demolished at the same time on distance which takes several hours to cross even for Normandy-class ship? I even asked once what is it all about and what should we do about this - Anderson looked at me sadly and answered: "We should understand Shepard's role in all of this. I know it will be the key".
I wish I would be so sure.
Shepard, or "so-called Shepard", or "clone", or "project Minerva" - what I won't give to know for sure who - or what - she is. There were tons of versions, and no one had something in common with person saved galaxy two and a half years ago.
Version first - she told us the truth, all truth. She died in vacuum, holding her last air with biotic barrier, and when became incapable of holding it any longer, died in ninety seconds. The body was free-falling on Alchera, turning into meteor in atmosphere and then crashing onto glacier.
It was I who modeled such plot mathematically, considering possible start velocities of body, ability to hold biotic barrier in such situations, density of atmosphere, gravity force and Young's module for ice in such conditions. Results were expected - chances on resurrecting body after such falling is equal to chances shattered OSD will be put together in a way information may be read. So assuming there weren't any phoenix through Shepard's ancestors, this version is dismissed.
I checked everything in my apartment before leaving - there weren't many to check. Being bachelor, chief tech expert for Biotic Implant subdivision and person empowered to act for human Councilor helps keep rooms clean - most of time I arrive at apartments at 1.00 a.m. and leave at 5.00 a.m., so rooms usually are very clean - except data pads. Some more projects simultaneously and I'll be able to make all furniture from data pads. They say "keep everything on data pads instead on downloading through Extranet - it's safer". O.k., I'll say, but Alliance confidential protocols were developed by Steven O'Bryan (that guy is just genius. Naive curly blonde who obviously lacks daisy in his mouth, but grasps the way tech should be done even faster than quarians. Many quarians), Mona Arnold (my tech teacher. Resembles average algebra lecturer and very loyal to Alliance. Enjoys fishing and phishing) and Magnus Ulrichsson (he gets very, very upset when someone refers to him as "captain Shepard". People are strange - not understanding that part "Ingrid Magnusdottir" in commander Shepard's name refers to Iceland background and her father (seriously, if her father's name Magnus, will you expect only her mother is from Iceland?) may not have surname at all - only patronymic. On the other hand, I show only token annoyance when am called "Kaiden" - or my neurons would end up long before today), so if anything ever coded by Alliance was reliable, secure protocol was the first candidate to this. Then I locked door - very carefully, mounted salarian lock instead of human one - to give more fun to Cerberus' agent who will be desperate enough to try to hack into, - and went to Rapid Transport station.
My biotics started to hum instantly - agreeing more than year ago on complicated operation to change L2 implant on brand new L5, decision which was mostly forced by Biotic Wing team - survived part, of course, Jamila bint Zayd, Hadija bint Khaldun and Carla Neno, - and failed. L5 proved to be the most capable, most stable and simultaneously its affect on psychical state could only be compared with infamous L2. Ironically, "L2 supporting" was marked on sleeves of implant techs and gold boxes with green ribbon while L5 - with sea green one. I proved to be born with silver spoon in mouth once more and side effects were restricted to beloved migraines.
Rapid transport finally arrived and provided so comfortable darkness. So, version two - Shepard was caught soon after explosion and kept somewhere injected by drugs until agreed to work with Cerberus or while they created efficient enough controlling ship. And this meant that while there was a chance to save Shepard we did nothing. Oh, how mad I was - mad on Alliance brass resigned me soon after the catastrophe, mad on myself not tossing everything into airlock and going to Alchera to look for remains of person I loved. Mad on myself again for that only thought which kept me alive after Shepard's death was carrying the colours she rose - fighting the Reapers, protecting the galaxy. I saw others did what they could, but I couldn't do anything in spite of all my power and wishes were directed to this. First I was silenced as "suffering from post-traumatic shock", later reported as "person whose tendency to worship Shepard made unable acceptance of right decisions" (and Councilor and Brass still sent me in hell - I got my LtC then), and then ladies from Biotic Wing warned me Brass gathering materials for forced treatment as unstable L2 and saved my head with implanting more stable L5 - it was a fork, one side of which forced Alliance to testify that fancy new implants not at all so brilliant as it was believed while another made them to claim my stability and sanity. Several months Jamila personally checked and tweaked my implant, justifying this with "Alyson would wish it", and when my words started to mean something again, colonies started to disappear. Our group caught gang of slavers on one of colonies and extracted data clearly belonged to Cerberus - and then we first heard about "Project Minerva". Project dedicated to creating new Shepard, without any difference from dead one - it was all what we could decrypt from information so far, and this operation will be enough to make me an staff commander - and make my dead heart stolen by terroristic organisation for unclear reasons.
I exited rapid transport right before elevator to Citadel Tower, passed numerous ID, voice, retina and DNA scanners, let alone yawning turians, to finally summon cabin. Of course thought that Cerberus created "clone" identical to Shepard, third possible version was killing my heart, but it was the most sensible idea so far - two years was required to process all necessary procedures and make sure no one would notice slight differences between Shepard and "clone" - but they put too many hope in it, her strange behavior on Horizon wouldn't be noticed only by semi-blind semi-deaf person. So even if I feel very sorry to clone probably not understanding she's only a puppet, how many I was ready to tell her to inspire her helping colonists, I will never let her make evil things using that name. Name of woman I gladly die to save.
I entered Tower and proceed to Council Seat. Don't fool yourself, Kaidan. It's also fourth version. Poisoning thoughts that Shepard never was forced to work with Cerberus - she was their agent from the beginning. Watching results of brutal experiments she only cared to cover this organisation. Persuading Toombs to let the court punish scientist and discover truth about terrorists which made it just to let agents calm situation down - and somehow this story started to spinning again just recently. Telling me... well, I don't know why in this case she did that. Maybe she needed in a toy. And then Shepard's gone to return clearly working with terrorists and representing everything like Cerberus does everything while Alliance does nothing. Well, I can understand the reason for this.
And in this case, I'll kill her.
"Commander, you're just in time," - started Anderson, his hands gathered in a lock behind his back.
"We've just accepted some data about..." - turian Councilor played with his mandibles, - "SpeCTRe Shepard".
"However, she still hard to work with, even to contact with. We think only human, especially worked with her human, won't face desperate resistance during negotiations".
"Commander Alenko, we suggested you as a second human SpeCTRe, which primary task would be clarification of situation existing around Alyson Shepard.
She said
Pain. World slowly came back to me. Pain. Bright light, blurry med equipment, far noises. Pain. Metal clicking on another metal, sound of fastening gold case, smell of ethanol. Pain. Scent of perfume of tall gray haired woman next to me, senior officer of med service and most sensible person on ship, former Alliance, kind doctor Chakwas.
Pain weakened, now not waving entire body, but rested only in right hand. Yesterday morning I decided to attach that monstrous construction consist of parts of destructed YMIRs, cybernetic neural weave and complicated tissue regeneration system - apparatus looked monstrous, resembling Saren's implants, but a way bigger size. Main feature of this temporary artificial limb was rapid growth and specialisation of cells in terms of acting neural wave - or it was what Miranda told me. She also told acting neural system while tissue around it is still not permanent and new neuromuscular contacts are appearing constantly hurts. I have no idea that it hurts so hard.
I lost my consciousness three times so far, and Miranda, still feeling guilty for my burnt hand, suggested using morphine. I think Council would find this all very ironic - commander Shepard, badass biotic bitch, first human SpeCTRe lays in med bay, crying and begging for something that could lessen pain. Luckily, we already knew what can perform this.
Horizon was a hell - rush against time to not let Collectors stole person I love, Harbinger with his plasma attacks, desperate defending main computer, Praetorian with his laser and melee attacks, shock and pain while watching Collectors' ship leaving with man I willingly gave my life to save, nausea and vertigo from over limited usage of biotics, overwhelming feel of safety and tears of happiness when I found out Kaidan is safe and then... I can't remember the end of our meeting at all - hearing "I think I loved you" "you betrayed us all" was too much for me. Jack later told me I started to accuse him in being blind and following Alliance and Council who close their eyes on missing colonists, shouted that I'll do everything to save humans lives - even working with Cerberus, and accented that I work with Cerberus, not for them. Maybe. Anyway I'm going to sign under every word.
Oh, here I go again. The point of that short and furious story is that it was a challenge for me to even reach shuttle after this - anger filled my world, making it spin around and flash in the shades of red. I wanted to talk to Illusive man so much and I got it - and fell unconscious right after conversation ended. Miranda even wasn't able to plug biotic checking and adjusting device into headjack because of current. Then medics started to inject drugs to lover core temperature and hence core voltage - it didn't any good, except one combination - BH-5 encephalin and morphine. Finally testing my confused brain, Miranda find out thing that made her hair rose and caused immediate wish to kill me, Alenko and Anderson - normally biotics have one set of nodules, chambers, channels and wiring at their brain. I was exposed in eezo twice, that nearly destroyed my brain and biotic system inside at all, but somehow ("somehow", yes - my dad contacted people led Teltin facility - I hope you didn't knew they made brutal experiments on biotics, daddy? - and they made two not fully functioning systems in my brain) it ended well - I still was one of the weakest human biotics ever - three times weaker than Alenko or Lawson and nearly four times weaker than Jack. Miranda made two fully functional systems instead of two not fully developed, which positively worked at my biotics - twice weaker than Jack now. And after that little heartwarming missions I haven't got two systems anymore - I had 1.5 - several chambers were united. If I wasn't too drained for biotic power, I'd die immediately - but luckily Mordin and Miranda made it stable but warned my old tricks may have unexpected effect now.
And they were very right! At the first fight instead of throwing enemy I turned into glowing beam of light, stroke him and turned into myself again. Poor XO nearly got heart attack on this. Then I did it again and again, hitting enemies ang shotgunning them into head. It was very useful - until Shadow Broker.
I still can't understand if I brave or just stupid, and charging into giant Yahg obviously proved last (but I was defending Liara! I'm not stupid, I'm... protective stupid) - on the last hit, my burnt during trip through O4 relay and back arm shattered on pieces. Miranda, still feeling she owes me her life after Collectors' base (not at all correct - it was Legion who carried her, I was holding biotic barrier) just suggested me to stay calm into med bay for a week and wait until tissue synthesis and slow tissue attachment will do the job, but I refused - I should be fully functional ASAP, Reapers won't wait. I wasn't so determined now, it was long time since I cried from pain - but torturous artificial arm will finish rebuilding my own arm in 12 hours - it was the last injection of morphine before operation which will result in my neural system completely connected with nerves of arm and artificial limи will be detached.
Pain lessen to bearable, I smiled to old friend and close my eyes.
I looked in a bathroom mirror - how beautiful I was. All males should fall to feet of woman whose right eyebrow and part of right cheek still weren't rebuilt from burning and exposing in acid during so-called suicide mission, so they were covered with scraps of skin, immersed in medi-gel and glowed red from cybernetics. Eyes looked haunted, and deep shadows under them definitely were the most stunning feature of my face. Hair covered with sweat from pain, and it looked like someone washed the floor with my head. Body not long ago new, white and scarless now was covered with fresh bruises and wounds, patched with medi- and even omni-gel sometimes. Should I mention bitten nails to add to view of wonderful swan?
Shower was pleasant, and my minds returned to data from Collectors' base and Shadow Broker again. Several locations all over the galaxy that evidenced race existed so long ago that I positively can't even evaluate, and names of that places made me nervous.
Eden Prime. According to information, this place was the most densely populated - and human scientists definitely still haven't found any evidence of existence of ancient and technologically developed race. I suppose massive digging is required - on our biggest colony which after discovering of beacon was armed to teeth. Leading any activities there without permission could be tricky - and after all massive support Anderson gave me when I was only person who worried about disappearance of human colonies I haven't got any intention to reinstate in Alliance military. All they can do is setting regs restricting my activity - I do remember Citadel lockdown, I'm not that stupid to be caught at same hook again. Funding by most powerful galactic informational network and Miranda's own resources is far more than I need to not worry about money - but I still worry about necessity of archaeological investigation there. The only contact left which is almost independent from Alliance is my father - of course, mother overranked him and has more points to push, but she is too honest to lead such grey deals without informing Anderson and Hackett.
Citadel was easier - at least digging is not supposed. With Kasumi's and Thane's special talents I can get scans of all vents and restricted areas, but my biggest hopes was connected with Shorban and his project researching keepers. What did he found? If we hadn't picked up Liara's distress signal right after returning through Omega-4 relay I would set a course to Citadel immediately. Looking back, I understand that going to Illium first was right decision - while I helped Liara, Normandy was fully repaired and all injured during Suicide Mission were totally cured for now, including some people left ship to cope with psychological prauma, so we can fight, or run away from, everything that galaxy can throw into us - unexpected ideas of Council included.
The next location caused most discussion among crew - and Tali even needed in a sedative. Rannoch - homeworld of creators. In all senses - once it was a home for quarians called by geth as "Creators" and homeworld of race created Reapers which was called "Creators" by my witty pilot: "Haven't you noticed, Al, that race which reap galaxy is called Reapers while race which collect specimen for them is called Collectors? So guys which built this amusement park should be called Creators!". Moreover, Zaal'Koris vas Qwib Qwib volunteered to be negotiator with geth, and Legion suggested me to bring Admiral at homeworld of his people to show geth don't use it and letting quarians took it back peacefully was accepted by geth as a step to build their future without interferention of organics. So when Qwib Qwib and his people will be ready, Normandy will be the first for centuries ship of organics which will pass Perseus' Veil and will survive to tell about this. I hope it will let quarians leave their civilians on planet and use Flotilla to fight against Reapers.
"Commander? Krios is asking permission to set a comm link" - Joker's voice cracked, interrupting my leisure thoughts. Why the hell Krios won't just come to my cabin which is always opened to everyone? Does he feel so bad that simply can't perform this? Nervously I pulled my normal arm to towels. Wait - Jeff always addressed to assassin as "Thane", so why now it's changed?
"Tell Kolyat I'll be ready in a minute," - I responded, grabbing a towel. Using only one hand while dressing is confusing - especially when your artificial hand definitely don't fit sleeve of new uniform. So I ran through re-planned room to my casual outfits locker and stared inside. Sending all Cerberus uniform from anyone who wished to get rid of it to poor district of Omega was Garrus' idea and it succeed, but sending Miranda and Joker to buy new uniform and some casual clothes was mine and it epic failed - I definitely couldn't understand the purpose of the most things they bought. After moment of hesitation I chose something that looked like wool sheep binding around the waist - one of clothes that hadn't got sleeves at all. Then i went to terminal - yes, now I have a normal functioning one. In fact, entire room has changed - annoying glowing fish tank was removed (I keen to see person which decided to include fish tank in a room of person grown up on space vessels and dedicated life to military. This fish tank and secretary really made my first day on Normandy), as well as couch, low table and glass wall. Now room was separated on very small living area with hint of light in it and two lockers - for armour and casual clothes (locker for casual clothes. Oh mother) and working area with big table, chair, terminal, display on one wall and information boards, one for crew and one for galactic news and tasks, on side walls. Table now was swamped with data pads with information I haven't sorted and even uploaded on terminal yet, with lonely photo frame on it. I checked myself and opened terminal, and several seconds later worried drell appeared. He blinked with side eyelid twice, adjusting to my dimly lit apartment, and seemed to be even more indecisive than Thane when asked me for help.
"Mr. Krios?" - I started, feeling worry about his intentions. Did Thane told only him that feels worse and now boy will ask me if I could let them to spend last days together?
"SpeCTRe Shepard. I know C-Sec won't approve this, but I should tell you - after all you've done..." - Kolyat obviously swallowed hard and was forcing himself to continue. C-Sec won't approve exactly what? Is Garrus involved? Last thing I want to do right now is dealing with turian and his father. Kolyat finally continued: "Have you known Shorban?"
Past tense - oh no. "Yes, I do know him. He promised me he will scan Keepers in lawful way. Is salarian o.k.?"
Facing drell's dark eyes is always uneasy - and now that eyes tried not to miss a thing: "I'm afraid not. Someone infiltrated in his apartments, killed owner and, possibly, took some data. Are you sure your connection was all legal?"
I gave kid one of my best looks - Kaidan called it "staring in sniper rifle".
"I know it sounds offensive, but I didn't call you if C-Sec wouldn't already suspect you into working with Shadow Broker, getting intel from Shorban and his scanning device and killing him threatened by risk of exposure".
I froze. Now I was cut short from obviously important data and was going to be blamed in assassination I haven't committed. Guess whose idea it was?
"Thanks for heads-up, Krios. I appreciate that - and if it has any importance to you, I haven't done this"
"I know. Just... be careful. And watch my father, if it's possible. Krios' out" - I'm not sure if drell can smile, but keeping in mind biology I could guess it was a shy smile.
I can't say I haven't expected something like that. Attempts to darken my reputation was predictable, and I seriously didn't care about any rumours Cerberus can "slip".