Somewhere in the far reaches of the Galaxy.
Shepard.
Cameron groaned as he felt once more the stirrings of his old foe. Harbinger. Who wasn't too keen that the Catalyst had given him the keys to controlling the Reapers once and for all.
Yeah, they've obeyed me alright…what you didn't tell me was that it would take all my mental effort and nearly every waking thought.
He thought this as his functions activated and his 'Reaper Shell' began to come alive around him. Sensors, thought processes, environmental considerations.
Harbinger he mustered a reply.
Having problems Shepard? The Reaper consciousness sneered.
No not really just enjoying a few minutes of rest while you are supposed to be working on the relays.
Shepard knew the Reapers now and now that the Catalyst and Crucible had eliminated the Relays he was working on rebuilding and repairing them, making sure that Galactic civilization could function again.
Sure on one level he could understand the philosophical reasons about destroying the relays so civilization could advance on its own path, but that's not what he chose to do, he just couldn't leave the people stranded around Earth.
And though it may've taken years to rebuild the entire Relay network that was his first order of business.
As long as I can get the Reapers to behave. Shepard thought.
Oh we will Shepard, as long as you have control, we'll behave. Harbinger thought and then a booming chuckle filled his mind.
Are you aware of my plans Harbinger? Of my secret project?
Of course Harbinger probably was he was no fool. Harbinger was truly an old and intelligent being who had eaten more cultures and absorbed them then he even remembered himself.
In the process becoming masters of genetic manipulation and engineering. Masters of growing and creating creatures of all sorts. Masters of twisting alien beings to their fullest extent creating horrid monsters to torment the various cycles with.
Shepard wondered at the impropriety of it all. He would've thought if the Catalyst really was doing this to try and preserve all organic life if he couldn't have been nicer about it. But he supposed there was some secret reason to that to.
He had risked a great deal in going back to Miranda. In telling her his plan, in going to her, his concentration had nearly slipped. But she had to know that he was alright. Even if that meant that he would restart the cycle.
But it hadn't and he had gotten away with one last act of love and wondered if he could get away with it still further. But he had to wait, the galaxy had to be rebuilt and the technology of the relays was vital absolutely vital to that end.
There were ships out there, and colonies, and home worlds that needed to talk to each other for the continuance of Galactic civilization.
And besides the masters of genetic engineering weren't going to be ready overnight. It would take time for all of his plans to come to full fruition, and that time he could've used anyways.
He knew he was thinking of her again. The woman whom he loved with all of his soul and the woman he missed.
He knew it was a distraction and that was the last thing that he needed given that the Reapers could come alive any second now a strike him down. But he couldn't help it.
I love you Miranda Lawson.
I love you too Shepard. Harbinger sneered nastily.
Groan Shepard thought.
Harbinger just chuckled.
It was an odd state of affairs like living with some roommate that hated your guts and chose every moment to torment you yet he depended on you for his existence and you depended on him for some odd reason.
Shepard knew he could just order Harbinger into the sun if he wanted and the Reaper would dutifully obey…but it wasn't quite time for that yet.
So instead he continued to plan his activities, make sure the Reapers stayed on point, and then snuck thoughts of Miranda to renew him.
I'll be coming home soon Miri. He promised her, and himself.