Chapter 2:

Death and Rebirth

"If a person must do something monstrous. Does that make them a monster?" Atraya asked the two Asari dancers, one of which was actually very calm considering what just happened.

She had to repeat herself to get the frightened one to respond. "Yola! Yola! I asked if a person must do something truly monstrous, does that in turn make them a monster?"

The calmer one slapped Yola. "He saved us! Those thugs would have raped us for sure." Mina screamed as she pointed to the limbless lumps of meat, now staining the alley with their lifeblood.

Her face blushed a darker blue as she screamed at the now cowering Yola "And you have the nerve to call him a monster? I should beat you myself!"

Atraya put her hand on Mina's shoulder to try to calm her. "It is alright Mina, she is just in shock. Why don't you go and find J for me? I would like to know exactly what happened."

Mina gave Yola a disgusted look. Lowering her voice as not to freak out the patrons gathering to watch the scene unfold. "What happened? What happened is John told them to remove their hands from us, or he would do it for them. They cursed him, and ripped her shirt open. So he removed their hands, and then their legs. He must really hate rapists."

From the crowd they heard. "I saw it! It was like the Devil himself showed up to get those 2 assholes."

Mina spun on the voices general direction. "He is not a devil!" Then she left to go find John, as Atraya had asked. Mina just hoped she could find him before he lost his temper again. Atraya led the shocked Yola inside and gave her a drink to try to calm her rattled nerves.

As Mina neared the main gate she heard a biotic detonation. "Goddess!" she sighed as she broke into a run. Hoping to catch him before he did some real damage. Hearing another detonation she cleared the gate before it was open all the way. Running down the road, only to see something unexpected.

J was not destroying property, or people. He was practicing his little jump then detonate trick. Trying to get as high as... Well she didn't know due to him being 12 feet off the ground. Shaking his head as if it wasn't good enough. He tried again, only to get to about 18 feet.

She slowed down, calmly walking over to him as if nothing had happened. "Hey hero, how are you doing?"

He glared at her, a mix of anger and fear in his eyes. She put her hands up defensively and looked hurt. He stopped his 'practice' and turned to face her.

"What do you want Mina?" J's hard edged question making her look down at her feet, suddenly finding them very interesting.

"I just wanted to tell you thank you for saving me... Us, saving us." She stammered out.

If J noticed her blush, he didn't say anything about it. "You're not upset? For what I did to them?" She noticed how he spat out the word 'them'.

Mina put a hand on her hip. "J why in Goddess name would I be mad? For what? Saving me? Oh how dare you save me from being raped and possibly killed, you bastard." Her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Mina saw how he smiled a little at that, so she continued. Hoping the conversation would bring him out of his dark mood. "John, you are a hero. Like it or not, my hero." She kissed his cheek. Wrapping her arms around his neck, pulling him in for a loving hug. "Thank you, honestly thank you. She is an idiot!"

He laughed into her neck at that statement. She pulled away moving her hands to his head and looking directly into his eyes. "We good? All better? Not gonna try to reach escape velocity with a detonation?"

He smiled, "Yeah. Thanks Mina, i didn't want to have to move again. I really like it here."

(Here at the colony? Or here in my arms?) she silently wondered.

They let go of each other when Atraya came stalking up, looking very upset. He turned to her, his head down. "Mom, I..." J's voice meek and sheepish.

He couldn't hide his confusion as Atraya grabbed Mina by the hand. "Mina, we are going to have a talk now!" Atraya's tone that let Mina know she had crossed a line. Mina waved to John as she was drug farther down the path into the trees.

He really did like it here.

Elysium was a fairly prosperous colony, but not for those unfortunate enough to live in the colony service district. Slum as the wealthy called it. Or home as Shepard and Atraya called it. It had been a few years since they escaped the monastery.

Years of always having to run while looking over their shoulders. Watching and praying, always praying. Atraya prayed for guidance for herself, and peace for her son.

J needed all the help he could get. He wasn't a bad kid, but he had a temper. With the power he could wield, it just wasn't wise for him to lose control.

She had found work at a nightclub named 'Dignity' of all things. Working security for the Burlesque show, had started out as many of her other seemingly meaningless jobs. Soon She felt a personal connection to Wratch, the clubs owner.

Gattatog Wratch was Krogan, but far from normal. For one thing, he didn't let his dancers show any nudity. Nor were any of the dances more than just a little provocative. He believed entertainment didn't require sex to be interesting. If he caught them doing any 'private' dances, he fired them on the spot.

This appealed to Atraya in a way she had not felt in a long time. At first the late night conversations were nothing more than reports on security, the latest complaints from the dancers about the state of the dressing rooms etc...

They eventually evolved into more lengthy discussions, taking on a more personal nature. The club gradually took on a family atmosphere. Atraya was their mother, Wratch the father. His seamstress Shi-Drassa the Aunt. Her husband Loony the Uncle, and everyone else so closely related that they often ate their meals together as if it was a family reunion. Sharing food, stories, and laughs. Which is why Wratch noticed immediately when Atraya seemed unhappy.

On the anniversary of her finding John in that Cerberus lab. Her son, her life. She would always get solemn, and this year was no different. Well, except this boss didn't just look at her like a piece of meat. This boss liked her, respected her. Hell he actually valued her opinion, on everything.

Wratch had been watching Atraya most of the night. His worries were confirmed with every downcast look. Every twitch of the muscles under the smooth blue skin, where her smile normally was . She was definitely bothered by something.

He stayed to help lockup as usual. When they were nearly done, he finally asked "Pardon my prying, but are you OK? What's bothering you Atraya? Did I do something wrong?" She looked at Wratch, then down at the floor. "I didn't mean to upset you." He added, mistaking her somberness for annoyance.

"It's alright, it is nothing you did." she tried to reassure him.

Locking the door, she sniffed back a tear. "I found my son in a Cerberus lab years ago tonight. I had no way to know what kind of sick things they had planned for him. But I was not going to let it happen. Of course, that was before he lost his temper for the first time. When I realized that they already had done something to him."

Wratch waited silently for her to continue at her own pace.

"When J loses his temper, he loses control of his Biotics. But that's not all. He becomes something more. More brutal, colder, ruthless, and cunning than anything I've ever seen." She sniffled, her tears refusing to cooperate.

Wratch smiled. "One of the patrons told me about that. Said he was like a... What was that word they used? Oh yes, the devil. 'Devil' I had to look that up on the extranet. I find this Human mythology interesting. These demons, angels, god, and that devil. Good stories of perseverance in that."

Her eyes glistened as she smiled. "Yes, I guess if you didn't know what a sweet boy he is, you might see him as some sort of 'monster'. But if he is protecting you when he loses his temper? If you're not the one who triggered his episode. Then it is a completely different story." she said with a huff, but grinning.

Wratch smiled wider. " Ah! Speaking from personal experience are we?" His tone playful and teasing.

She smiled back "Yes, he destroyed a Matriarch for hitting me. Also... ...well you saw what he did to those would-be mugger's or rapists. Whatever they were, that went after Yola and Mina. That's not the first time he's done something like that."

He paused. "If I may ask? Why would someone with the skills you have, as young as you are. Shackle Herself down into surrogate Motherhood with the Devil no less?" His voice dripping in sarcasm.

Atraya looked at him a long while before answering. "He needed to be saved from whatever they had planned for him. I'm not a surrogate anything. He is my son, I his mother. I feel it is the will of the Goddess, I found him when I did. Now every time I see the sunset, I feel blessed that we managed to survive one more day together. Besides, J once told me. You're never safer from the demons, than when you live with the Devil." She laughed, then looked out toward the rising sun, smiling as the warmth of it slowly lit upon her face.

Wratch stood quietly for a moment then as he admired her beauty glowing in the dawning sunlight. He turned fully toward her, and taking her hand in his he waved his other arm out at the sunrise. In an overly grand gesture he beamed. "Well then I give you this! From now on you may look upon all of your sunrises. And be blessed that you have had another night pass with Your son at your side. As Goddess will demands, from now until she see's fit to turn the Devil loose upon the Galaxy."

Then he turned and bowed to her. "Lady Atraya. Mother of John. May I walk you home?" She smiled as she took his hand and they walked on toward her home. Discussing what J had done to the Matriarch.

Shepard watched from the newly formed and ever-changing shadows, smiling to himself. (Mom finally found someone, I hope she's happy, I'll kill him if he hurts her.) Then he ran to get home and in bed before she got there. She didn't know he watched her to make sure she was always safe.

This became the norm, long discussions after work, even longer on the her day's off. After many months of this courtship and full disclosure of her condition. How she could never, would never take another lover, and that was how it Had to be, she gave him the choice of staying in her and John's life or finding someone else, someone with whom he could be intimate.

He looked hurt, Wratch looked down at the floor as he shuffled his feet. "I didn't know you wanted to get rid of me that fast."

He took her by the hand, looking into her eyes. " I am more than satisfied with just holding your hand love. All I have ever needed was to be by your side, and have you by mine. If I can hold you, and be close to you. If I can be in your life, all of it. Think of John as my own. Of you as my Bondmate. Well, then I could die happy. I simply need nothing more than your love my dear. As always, it's your decision. As you and the Goddess will it. It will be so." He stood there patiently holding her hand.

She let go of his hand and his face fell. Before he could turn to go, she jumped into him wrapping her arms around him. "What did I ever do, to deserve such a noble Bondmate as you?" She managed through her tears.

He wrapped his huge arms around her. Hugging her, he softly whispered. "My Love. You and our son deserve so much more than I could ever give you."

She sniffled, then with a hint of sarcasm. "You have already given me every sunrise! What more could a Lady ask for?"

He kissed her gently on the forehead. "Come love, let's go for a walk."

So it was to be. As apparently the Goddess had willed it. John now had a father, one approaching his 681'st birthday. Which meant that not only was his Mother happy. He was happy, even though he could no longer run wild.

Between the two of them, Wratch with his 681, and Atraya with her 325 years. They had heard, hell probably invented most of the stunts he usually pulled. But it was worth it just to see her have a life that didn't revolve around him.

He also loved the training, specially Wratch's knife training. J was good under his mother's tutelage, but under his father's guidance he became a prodigy. So they enjoyed the grace of the Goddess for just a little over two years.

Then the attack came.

The colony was safe from everything, short of orbital bombardment, due to its defense shields. Thus the only way to take it intact would be to make their way down the long narrow subterranean corridor, that ran under the service district.

Almost at the foundation of the Colony wall, was the generator for those shields. If an enemy made it to that point. It wouldn't take long for them to shut down the power to the shield emitters, and half of the Colony.

J was at home meditating, causing his Biotics to heat up and cool down, trying to find his limit. "You should know your limit. A person should always know their limit." His Father had told him. He tended to listen to what his parents said. Took it to heart, so to speak.

Atraya and Wratch were out on their walk, which is why he was home. The walk was theirs, and so he let them have it.

He felt more than heard the building shudder, then the boom followed by the breaking glass. (Fuck! That's not good!). He grabbed his knives and bolted out the door to find Mom and Dad.

Atraya and Wratch were near the main gate, when an unmarked ship flew in. Hitting the defense turrets at the gate before they could even track it. It landed and started offloading Merc troops and the vehicles. The aggressors quickly put down the gate guards. But they weren't ready for the combined tactics and power of Wratch and Atraya.

The first wave of enemy troops were quickly dispatched by Atraya and Wratch. Just as John caught up with them the first of the vehicles arrived, a Parker type U.C. a small lightly armored tank. Designed for urban pacification and crowd control in narrow streets. Light enough to not fall through any bridges or sewer systems.

It had two medium caliber machine guns. Usually loaded with rubber bullets, designed to stop not kill. It was obvious that they were both replaced by two heavy caliber auto turrets, and the water cannon had been replaced by a Very large-bore Mass Accelerator weapon.

John had just made it to his mothers side, and was trying to convince her to let him help. (which was not working) The remaining gate security turned and ran, only to get shot in the back.

Wratch noticed the turret turning to target John and Atraya. His mind reeled, "NO!" he charged between them and the tank. Taking the full blast of the main guns scattered shot. With no armor on it made quick work of shredding him, but he wasn't worried. His redundant organs would keep him fighting fit, and wounded Krogan got 'blood rage' while the healing took. But then he turned and saw Atraya. She was badly wounded, some of the shot had either missed him or gone through all together.

She had her back to him but he saw. She had pushed John against the wall and used her body and all of her Biotic power to put a barrier around him. Even still, he had caught some shot. One in his neck in the muscle just above his right collarbone, one just below the collarbone at the top of his pectoral, and one just below his ribs on his right flank that was just a flesh wound. But Atraya was not so lucky, the wound in her neck was bleeding badly and she was fading fast. She didn't have long.

Some help came from the surrounding buildings. Small arms fire erupting from some of the windows distracted the tank. Wratch looked at her. His Bondmate, his everything. He went to her but she could not speak. The shot had pierced her throat, left lung, and her lower abdomen. Her Barrier over John faltered, then faded out as she dropped.

Wratch dove and cradled his loves head gently to the ground. He was now resigned, he could not live without his love. He would not leave her side, should the Goddess herself come to claim her. She looked at John and her mouth moved but no sound came out, her eyes were glazing over. she was afraid for John and Wratch but she knew her love would be ok, he was already healing. She looked from John to Wratch and at once it was decided.

Wratch looked to her. "DO IT!" He took her hand and then John's "DO IT LOVE! Do it NOW!"

Her eyes went black.

She melded with her Son through her loving Bondmate, their memories flooding into John. His father's, then hers. At first there was too much to comprehend. Places, things, people, tactics, and skills. The fastest and slowest ways to kill every living thing the both of them had ever encountered. Things quickly became clear, it was as if his very soul was being overwritten by that meld.

As she started to slip away, she sent all the memories she had. The loss of her first love, her happiness and sense of completion at finding John. Contentment just talking to her Bondmate, then love, overwhelming love. Wratch cried out in agony, but he held on for them. "This MUST be done!" Mustering his remaining strength, he sent J a message as he drew his last breath.

She tried to tell him that he must not give up, he must stay and protect their son. But she was too weak from the blood loss. The last thing that was written on John Shepard's being was. "You must protect! You must protect!" Then she passed taking Wratch with her, as the last thoughts invaded his mind. The Biotic overload was too much for the far outdated damper John had.

By now he was floating a good 2 feet off the ground wreathed in Biotic Fire. The damper fizzled. After a faint beep that was not heard, he started rising. His Father's limp hand slipped from his grasp, he was now over 4 feet above the road. The small gravel lifting around him in the miasma of Biotic energy he put off.

His mind was racing, Wratch's message was clear to him. [Get to the club and get your birthday present. You're going to need it to survive this. I know its early but it looks like we won't be having that party. Happy early Birthday Son.] (Son... Son... That was my Father!)

"You took them!" The rocks began to glow white-hot, as the turret traversed back toward him. Apparently glowing like an eclipse and hovering 5 feet off the ground can get someone's attention, making them think you're a threat.

If they only knew.

John shot up to almost 9 feet, rage clear on his face. "YOU TOOK THEM!". He slammed his fists into the roadbed, dropping it almost 3 feet below ground-level. The Biotic force he released caused every building within 20 meters to show signs of stress cracks in the outer walls.

All windows were destroyed within a block and a half, the invading forces that were within the blast radius were utterly decimated. Flesh torn from bone, bones pulverized, those unfortunate enough to be within 30 or so yards simply disintegrated, leaving behind just ash to be blown away with the wave.

The tank fared no better. The blast shoved it sideways into the gatehouse hopelessly wedging it. Then the heat, by the Goddess the heat! The inside of the crater was turned into glass, and it fused the metal of the tank's armor to the reinforced walls of the gatehouse, effectively blocking the only vehicle entrance to the slum.

Now the only way in was either climb over the fused and melted tank, since none of the other vehicles possessed the firepower necessary to remove it, or go through the gatehouse security checkpoint. Both of which could be blocked by two or three armed and vigilant defenders.

Shepard only glanced around briefly, then started off toward the club to fulfill his father's last wish. Go claim his birthday present. He barely felt the wounds he received, they weren't but flesh-wounds and had already stopped bleeding. His mind still reeling from the meld, Shepard stalked down the narrow alley to the back door of the club. 'Dignity' he now looked at the sign and it only brought him anger.

They took his family.

So now he would take from them everything they have, and everything they were ever going to have.

He carefully opened the door and crept inside, what he saw sent him into a rage. His aunt Shi-Drassa the clubs manager, choreographer, seamstress, and airbrush artist was backed against the stage by three Humans. One of which was pointing a pistol at her.

The Humans were all dressed in standard issue battle-dress uniforms of The Systems Alliance Military, (Obviously fresh out of boot) Shepard thought. He didn't recognize them, and the slums were small enough to know almost everyone. With his 'new' memories, he knew more than neighbors. He knew patrons, friends, even old enemies.

The 'lead' marine interrogated her. "Tell us Batarian. What are you doing here? Are you here with the invaders? Why are you in this colony?" He waved the gun in her face, then leveled it at her throat waiting for her answer. The other two were not so patient, they had cornered the frightened Asari dancers and were trying to tear the dress from Yola.

"Of course its Yola, It's always Yola" Shepard sighed.

The would-be rapists told their leader. "Hey! Just kill him already so we can move on to the fun!".

Shepard's Biotic Damper made a sizzling sound as it tried to inject the last of its mood altering drug into his system, but the time for that had long since passed. He snapped. "Actually HER name is Shi-Drassa, and she has been my seamstress, choreographer, and make-up artist in my club for the past 13 years Human! Now move away from her!" He spit the word 'Human' out with as much venom as he could muster.

The man pointed the pistol at Shi-Drassa and fired. The projectile froze mid-air along with the soldiers. A gasp was heard from the back doorway as Loony, Shi's Bondmate came rushing into the room, witnessing what he thought was his worst fear.

Shepard calmly walked over and held his hand out to her. "Are you alright?".

"Yes", she said faintly, still in shock from what she just saw. She took J's hand, allowing herself to be led over to Loony.

J went and found a robe for Yola. Covering her bare chest, he then led the girls over behind the bar with Loony and Shi in tow.

Once all were safe, he flicked his fingers and the field surrounding the soldiers dissipated. The round struck the wall behind the stage, confusing them.

"What the Hell? What gives? Why would you care what happens to a fucking Batarian?! ALIEN LOVER!" He moved to point the weapon at Shi again. When all three of them were suddenly lifted to the ceiling then slammed to the floor with bone shattering, organ liquefying force.

"No one hurts my family." Shepard glared at the three puddles now forming by the stage. He turned to Astrona, the eldest of the three dancers "Take care of Yola, she may still need some help." His tone brokered no argument.

Mina, the only one clearly not surprised by the display of biotic prowess was the first to speak. "John, what are you doing here? Where is your Mother? Where's Wratch? Why did you say your club?" His silence said more than words, or at least any words he could think of.

He looked down and finally the realization hit her. Her eyes went wide. "No! John I am so sorry."

It was no secret to those at the club that Mina had been interested in John for some time. One stern discussion with Atraya had let her know just what would befall her should she attempt to take the boy's innocence before his due time.

John sighed heavily. "Before the end. Before the Goddess took them, my Father bade me to come here and get my birthday present. He made it very clear that I would need it, should I hope to survive this." His voice dropped to a whisper. Loony, Shi, and Mina all looked around the room. Loony and Shi stopped to look at the now very large puddles forming by the stage.

Mina looked around behind the bar and came up with a very dark wooden box. It had a simple red ribbon, and a tag that said 'Son'. "Is this it?" Mina beamed.

"I think that would be a yes." Shepard said pointing at the tag with a grin. (Guess I got some of Dad's sense of humor.) He took the box, and laid it gently on the bar. "Is she alright?" Not taking his eyes from the box.

"She is shaken, but I believe she will be ok in time. Thank you, for coming when you did." Astrona spoke over the sobbing Yola.

"Good" He replied running his hands over the wood. "Mahogany, this has been extinct for centuries! This box is a gift fit for the Goddess herself!" He removed the ribbon and stuffed it into his pocket "Asari silken weave." He breath hitched, as he opened the box. He saw a dark blue almost black velvet liner, that matched his biotic glow. In it lay a Stinger pistol with its charging station, a manual, and something else.

Mina picked it up. "Wow! This is a Savant 7! Here let me put it... " Before he could react, she had removed his Damper. With the last click it came free, the world seemed to finally lift off his shoulders. He stood straighter, looked less fatigued. Even his eyes looked brighter.

"What the hell kind of amp is this anyway? I don't recognize its design." Mina huffed, she was secretly a techie, and did not like being 'out of the loop' so to speak.

"Its Cerberus design, and it's not an amp. It's a damper. Keeps me from using my Biotics to their fullest. Especially when I'm Upset." He told her with a downcast look.

She smiled. "Well hero, it's officially fried! So it's not going to be holding you back anymore. And if that is what you can do when you're on a leash. It's a good thing you meditate regularly." Mina gestured to the puddles.

There was a faint soft tone as his skin lit with Biotic energy "Wow!" a large predatory smile taking over his face. Mina walked back around to face him, and flushed darker blue for a moment.

He may have worn a smile. His eyes shone with some emotion that only prey would see, and that is the last thing they ever see. Longing? Lust? Glee? No it was pure desire, for what she did not know. She did know whomever saw that look that was not family, was sure to not see much else, for much longer.

The sound of not so distant gunfire broke them from their reverie, he grabbed his pistol making sure it was loaded and charged. Yes to both, Inferno round mod already installed "Thanks Dad. You thought of everything."

He turned to Loony, a steel hard look slamming down over his features as if a switch was flipped. "Search these fucker's for whatever you can use, then get everyone safe. The basement should do, I doubt anyone else knows about it."

Loony nodded, then went about his task. Shepard turned toward the door but Mina grabbed his arm, with a pleading look in her eyes. "Wait! let me change and I can go with you and help!"

He smiled, then put his hand on her shoulder and nodded yes. She ran to the back to change, only sparing a passing glance at Astrona and Yola. The first clothes she came across that she felt would work for combat, were the jeans and dress shirt she found in the pile of dirties. But now is not the time to complain about some drink stained clothes if they would allow her the mobility she needed to help John defend their home and friends. Besides she may find some armor once they get out of here.

The two made fast work of getting near the front gate to ascertain how the invasion was going. They knew they had to make sure the distress call went out before they bunkered down to guard the power station. After the second group of incoming shock groups was dealt with, they decided that to move quickly, quietly, and efficiently they couldn't afford to put on any bulky armor. Not to mention the damage it had taken, and the disgusting fact of taking half destroyed bloody armor off a dead man. They did however take any equipment they found useful, including the enemies radio equipment.

Listening in on the Merc's troop movements proved very useful, and kept them fairly safe. Safe enough to make it to the nearest security outpost (that wasn't blown up by John's Biotics) and send the distress call. Then they set about making the power station as defensible and comfortable as was possible given the situation. Food and water supplies were first, then they set about booby trapping the corridor.

Once they felt it was good enough for short trips away they brought bedding and some other amenities, like all the medigel they could scrounge and the music files John had gotten on his last birthday, he set his omnitool to broadcast into their earpieces in order to keep the music from drawing attention as well as letting them keep their voices low and still hear each other. From his new memories he knew that boredom could get the better of even the most hardened soldiers.

Then all they had to do was wait. He listened as she talked about her Commando training. The years she had spent on earth studying ballet. She learned how he had spent his childhood running from shit-hole to shit-hole, praying, training, and trying to stay one step ahead of Cerberus and the Matriarchs. "You actually hit a Matriarch? That's Priceless!" she gushed. "I was always so afraid of them."

He smiled at her. "Broke her nose and collarbone actually, but only after she hit Mom." They protected that little slice of hell for over thirty six hours, going out on hit and run's keeping the Merc's guessing about just how many defenders there were, but they eventually caught on.

Once there were enough of them stationed inside the slums they started rooting out the hiding civilians from their basement shelters.

John swore he heard static on the security terminal and a female voice pleading. "Don't watch, please just don't watch." This got their attention as they were trading shifts, causing them to flip through the available feeds to do just what the static laden message asked them not to.

So they looked, and when they found what they thought the warning had been about, it was impossible to look away.

On the monitor was a human male who had lined up all the school kids they could find, he directed two other mercs as the oldest was shot "Walk away or turn off the generators yourself, or I start killing hostages!" Mina watched over John's shoulder as the youngest were shot.

The image starting to show static as John began to dimly glow. "no" He forced himself to calm down. Acting out of anger would be just what the enemy needed to get the upper hand. He managed to shut down his biotics as the 'correct' age children had control chips implanted in their heads.

John leaned forward, head down he breathed "I swear, I SWEAR by the Goddess. One day I will find you. And I will burn you alive."

Mina put a hand on his shoulder. "John, turn it off please."

He turned the monitor off, and turned around to her. His eyes red, tears streaming down his face."I didn't protect them, I..."

She wrapped him in a loving hug, trying to take away the pain she saw in him. but Mina didn't know what would even come close to erasing this evil. So she held him and rocked him, singing the song her mother had on the nights when the darkness was too much to bear.

Neither of them realized that there was a camera focused on them. With one very upset soldier watching them. Wishing she had not tried to warn them. Thinking that maybe if she hadn't, then they never would have looked for the cause of the warning.

Katherine was determined to help them in any way she could, and right now all she could do was make sure that no one could ever forget the young naive human and the obviously infatuated Asari holding him, were the only reason the colony didn't fall within the first hours of the assault. So she sat about piecing together some footage of the couples actions.

She tried to warn them when the mercs had managed to work their way around the traps while they were dancing, but the monitor was still off and all she could do was watch the inevitable. As powerful as the boy may be, he wouldn't get out of this in one piece.

She had to look away when the rocket hit. Until one of the store owners she had been sent to protect from looters yelled. "Holy mother! Did you see that? How did he survive that?"

She snapped back to the monitor just in time to see the innocent boy gone, killed by the blast that took his friend. Now replaced with something different, something dangerous. Katherine swallowed. "I don't know how he survived. But they won't."

She pointed to the feed from a different camera showing the mercs outside, and the end of their existence. She watched in horror as he paced back and forth like a caged animal. "No please don't." She begged to no avail.

"Don't what?" Came from behind her. She spun on the voice, not realizing or even caring that it happened to belong to an officer.

"If he goes on a rampage, it will take him to a dark place. One that he may never come back from." She got a slack jawed stare.

"So what? If he keeps the enemy busy for another few hours till help arrives who cares?" the Sgt. said casually.

She got up and punched the Sgt. in the mouth, looming over him as he tried to get his bearings. She screamed at him. "I will care! Because he is the only reason This place is still standing!" She typed something into her omnitool, releasing the vid files she had pieced together so far. Then set her VI to gather any footage that this young boy showed up in.

She broadcast the files labeling them. "The Lion of Elysium" Referring to the way the boy stalked his prey during the hit and runs he and his Asari friend had performed with the skill of battle hardened troops, then she left to see if she could help before he got himself killed so close to relief. She only made it a few blocks before she was arrested and then thrown into the nearest cell for hitting the pompous Sgt.

But her mission had partly been a success.

Standing on the bridge of the SSV Arizona, Admiral Steven Hackett watched the vid files that just came in a burst transmission from the planet below. "The Lion of Elysium. Damn, I'll say" he told no one in particular, then after thinking on it. "Make sure this file hits the net before we are ground-side, I want everyone to see this before we are done mopping up here. Let them see what one of ours can do."

On the ground it was a surreal experience for some of the unit's headed for the colony. "Sir! This is the third encampment we've come across that was empty. What the hell did we miss?"

The large N7 Lt. in charge of this particular group stepped out of the vehicle and took stock of the situation. (Damn, eviscerated, looks like close range and a sharp knife.) "Well I wouldn't say that this was exactly empty. But it definitely looks like we missed the party. Judging by the sight of that last one with a hole punched through him, I would say we may just be lucky in that regard."

They got back in the vehicle and headed on toward the main gate where they found the destroyed tank fused in place. "Damn whoever did this, knew what they were doing." They set about the task of cutting the fused metal free, silently wondering just what had happened here.

Over at the main colony spaceport Admiral Hackett stepped off his shuttle. To see a smug looking Sgt with a fat lip, and bloody nose. "Sgt glad you could hold out long enough for us to arrive."

The Sgt looked at him smiling, as if he was posing for a photo. "Wasn't too difficult Sir." Hackett wished someone else had to deal with this Dipshit.

As they passed through security he noticed the screaming and banging. "What's that all about Sgt.?"

He noticed that the Sgt. subconsciously put his hand to his nose."It's nothing sir just insubordination."

Hackett made a hard turn and walked down the steps to the cells, as he neared the only occupied cell he heard "The Lion needs me! You stupid fuck! He saved us! So you put me in here for trying to help him? When I get out you are dead!"

She stopped yelling as Hackett came into view. Standing in the cell perfectly still, the glare coming from her tear-stained eyes enough to convey her thoughts. "Did he live?" Her voice was hoarse from screaming.

Hackett leaned in close to the cell. "I don't know kid, but I will find him regardless. He will be honored either way. That's a promise." As he started to leave he noticed the sad look on her face, and knew that whatever she had witnessed had broken her, now it was just a matter of finding out how bad and in what way.

He looked at one of his guard detail "Get her back to my ship, have her checked out by the doc."

With a nod the soldier went to release the cell. "Admiral said to get you back to the ship ma'am."

She didn't try to fight, she just looked down at the floor as she was released and escorted to the waiting shuttle. The guard tried to comfort her on the ride back "You're not under arrest specialist, You don't have to worry the Admiral is a good man, he makes good on his word. He will find him, by the way, you know him?"

She looked up, studying his eyes. "No, but I would like to. What he did, what he went through, what he became for us. All of us. If it weren't for him... Just... I... to meet a man like that. To know an actual hero."

He saw the sadness in her eyes and understood. All the N7's knew that feeling. Being part of something greater than themselves, something that deserves your every sacrifice. Not just requires it.

She stepped silently off the shuttle on to the SSV Arizona. She was standing there unmoving, when an elderly looking woman with a pleasant voice came running in, a medical bag clutched tightly in one hand.

One look at the hollow eyes of the young woman standing before her told her that the Admiral was right, she was broken and no shot or pill would fix her. She walked up and put her arm around the Specialist. "Come dear, let's get your wounds looked at." As she gently led her toward the med-bay.

She sat her down on one of the beds and started a scan of her vitals when the Specialist finally spoke. "Did he live?"

Dr. Karin Chakwas looked at the young woman "Excuse me dear? Did who live? Is your husband down on the colony?"

What came next would change Dr. Chakwas forever. "No not my husband, my angel. My poor, sweet, oblivious, naive, beautiful avenging angel. He's all alone now, and I don't even know his name. Or if he lived through it. I mean, is it still him? Or is he something else now? If he IS something else now. Is that better or worse? What do I do Mom? I mean Ma'am. What do I do?" Was spoken in a hushed whisper but Dr Chakwas heard it all, and although she didn't know what had caused it, she knew what it meant. She had seen it before.

Dr Chakwas sat on her stool and scooted over to Ochoa. Not ignoring that she had called her Mom, That could be useful in helping her cope with the shock. "Now Dear, It's alright to call me Mom if it makes you more comfortable, but I don't know if he lived, we will just have to wait for news together. Why don't you tell me about him?"

Ochoa looked at her for a moment studying her features as if looking for the answer to life itself etched in the Dr.'s face. She jumped up and took an aggressive stance when her omnitool pinged, telling her it had collated all the available footage she had asked for. She looked at the doctor, Kat's tears falling freely as she typed in the code to start playing the vid files.

Chakwas sat and watched with her arm around Katherine, trying to keep the young woman grounded to reality. But watching the footage of him in action, made it harder and harder to tell just what reality really meant. Karen had seen lots of soldiers in her career, but none had been like the young man in the vid files. None had sacrificed so much for people who didn't know, or even care about him. This man was unique to say the least. Even though they both found it hard to watch, they didn't stop the playback until it was over. "Well dear, I can see why you would be interested in this young man. He is one of a kind to say the least."

Kat looked at her with a relieved look. "And he's still alive." she sighed. "Can we get something to eat? I haven't eaten in over a day and a half."

Karen looked at her questioningly. "Why is that young lady?" she barked in a motherly tone.

Kat seemed to respond to that. "Well, I didn't think it was fair for me to eat, when he was out there fighting for me. US! Fighting for us."

Karen glared at her, "Katherine Melody Ochoa! Do you think you will ever get to meet this Lion if you're locked in my medbay until you get your strength back? I will! I will lock you down to that bed, and keep you here until retirement if I have to!"

Kat swallowed. "Ok mom." She followed Karen out toward the mess, with the doctor not leaving her side like an overprotective mother. After two and part of a third large meals, Karen led her to the showers and helped her out of her uniform.

Taking care to note every little quirk and facial expression the specialist made. "Let's get you cleaned up Kat. You can't go meeting the man of your dreams while smelling like a Varren nest."

As Kat let the hot water try to wash away the feeling of failure. Karen asked her, "So tell me about him. I know we've watched the vid's but what are your thoughts on him dear? Any feelings there? Or just a healthy respect?"

Kat let the water run over her a long while before answering. "Can't it be both? A healthy feeling of respect? No? I don't know Mom. I saw this man waging a war for our survival, and winning. But he lost so much. No one else wanted to risk going out to help. I was ordered... Ordered! To stand watch at the shopping center to make sure there was no looting... LOOTING! So I used my time and skills to hack together the feeds and see if there was any way I could help him. But I failed. Then the only help he had was killed, she was his friend. Maybe even girlfriend Mom. And because of stupid officers I couldn't help. Got arrested when I tried. I watched her die. I watched it kill him, that sweet boy who was the good dancer, how he would crack jokes to keep her smiling. The one who stayed up telling her stories to keep her company when it was his turn to sleep. He was the single most amazing man i have never even met. Now I don't know if he's even there anymore. After what he had to do to win without help. What he had to become. I failed someone who should never be failed mom. He deserved better."

She finished as she turned off the water. Karen handed her a towel and as she dried off the Dr. could swear she heard her whisper. "I won't fail him again." With such conviction it made Karen's eyes moist again.

She got Kat dressed in a clean set of sweatpants and a shirt and lead her back to the med-bay. She was about to give Kat a sedative and set her to sleep on the bed, when she noticed Hackett's message waiting for her on her terminal. "Karen, I think the Specialist is needed ground side, IF she's fit to do so. I made her a promise, and I believe it would be in both of their best interests if she is there when I meet him."

The Dr. tried unsuccessfully to hide her smile as she turned back around to Kat. "Well Child. I believe we need to find you a clean uniform. You have an appointment to keep. If you're up to it?"

Kat gave her an enthusiastic hug then ran out the door to head to requisitions. Once she had acquired the new uniform and the data pads Hackett had said were needed, she practically drug Dr. Chakwas to the waiting shuttle. The shuttle landed near the now surrounded tattoo shop, Kat paled when she saw the snipers.

Karen put a steadying hand on her. "Just wait dear, Steven will try to end this without violence if possible."

Kat looked at her, the tears starting to return. "Mom you saw him. Do you really think it will end without violence?"

She pulled Kat into a hug. "We can hope so dear, we can hope so." In the softest motherly tone she had, as she rubbed her back. They waited for what seemed like an eternity before the snipers were called off and the signal came for her to enter.

Dr. Chakwas leaned forward as soon as Kat hesitated. "I'll be right here dear, go on he's waiting right in there."

Kat took tentative steps toward the unknown of the tattoo shop. As she walked in the door, one of the guards procured the doctor a chair from a nearby furniture store. "I think we may be here a while Ma'am."

She smiled at him then thought back to the vid footage she had watched with Kat. "Considering the alternative, I would sit here all week if need be Major."

He looked back toward the street that led to the main gate, pondering how many would have been lost had that vehicle not blocked the entrance so effectively. "Agreed Ma'am. It could have been so much worse."

She answered without turning to him. "You have no idea major." As the night came and seemed to drag on endlessly she told him about the footage she saw. About just who had saved the colony, and what that man had to endure to do it. When the dinner was ordered he volunteered to go get it, and brought back some for himself and the Dr. They ate in companionable silence for a while, only talking occasionally about the attack, who was behind it and what it meant for the colony, and the Alliance.

Late into the night Hackett, Lt. Anderson and Loony came walking out of the tattoo shop. Hackett gathered his men and the Dr. and invited them all to a drink, on Shepard.