A/N: Thanks for the reviews and follows guys, hope you like this chapter. Right now I'm trying to decide if I want to write one long story or break it up into three parts. Anyway; enjoy!

"Ah, Commander, I was hoping you would arrive here first. I'd like to chat." Nihlus said smoothly. "What is there to discuss exactly?" Lakota wonders aloud slightly on edge. The hissing of the doors draws her attention away from the Turian "How about what's really going on." Anderson answers as he joins them. "That would be a good start." Nihlus concedes before turning to face the Commander. "What we, or namely I, are doing here is observing you in action." Lakota raises an ebony eyebrow but does not comment knowing that one of the two men was bound to elaborate on the subject. "What he means Shepard is that he was assigned by the council to evaluate your performance." Anderson supplies, nodding Nihlus continued "The council is very interested in you Commander, if your evaluation meets the requirements you very well may be the first human Spectre." 'Well, didn't see that coming. Maybe I'm hallucinating? No I highly doubt that. Me? A Spectre? I have to admit I can see the appeal.' Lakota considered. "It would be an honor to become a Spectre; that fact that I was considered is an honor all its own." Lakota responded. Captain Anderson seemed to relax at her words but Nihlus still appeared hesitant. "You are aware that being a Spectre is for the good of the galaxy, not just humanity?" Lakota kept herself from rolling her eyes before replying "Galactic peace and justice is what we should all strive for. No matter what race I believe that no one should be treated any different than the next when it comes to the law." Lakota holds her breath and waits for the Turian's retort, hoping she had sounded convincing enough. Nihlus nodded once again, "That is very good to hear." 'Good, for a second I thought I didn't project enough emotion.' Lakota thinks as she slowly releases the breath she held. Anderson looks over to her, "I trust you read the mission briefing?" 'Shit. I knew I forgot something.' Clearing her throat she nods, "I looked over it last night, although with the new circumstances I am curious to see if anything has changed." Lakota lies effortlessly. Anderson shakes his head, "No, as far as I know it will be a simple retrieval mission. The archeologists on Eden Prime found another Prothean Beacon."

Smoke and flames licked at the grass, caressed buildings, and the screams of helpless victims supplied the perfect symphony to the destruction. But what he couldn't understand was why they were trying to delay the inevitable; there was no point in fighting. He growled to himself as he watched the colonists flee in terror. They should be grateful that they will be unable to bear witness to the true terror that was to come. They should be on their knees thanking him for his mercy! Instead they look upon him with the horror that comes with the realization of death. 'Perhaps they fear me because they have not seen me make any attempts at releasing them from their future suffering as the Geth have.' When he thought about it, it made sense they were fleeing because they believed he was the threat the Geth were saving them from. The only way to help them understand that they were mistaken was to participate. Shaking his head at his lack of understanding he pulled out his pistol, and surveyed the area. Locking his sights on what looked to be a fleeing family he got the father in his crosshairs; without a moment's hesitation he opened fire. He was doing the right thing in offering these people a way out, it was really the only option they had. These people would never be strong enough to endure what Harbinger and the others had in store for this galaxy. He fought the shiver that threatened to make its way down his spine, he was their savior; they would soon recognize that and be thankful. Nodding to himself he reloaded his pistol and went to work.

Joker had interrupted their meeting before any of the major details could be discussed, but what he had to show them seemed like something out of a movie. Lakota could see the smoke tendrils rising into the air as the squad leader tried to convey a message. The sound of gunfire buzzing in the background, but what had really caught their attention was the ship that had been captured in the video as well. Anderson and Shepard had a foreboding feeling about the unidentified vessel that seemed to seep into the room. Nihlus turned to them sharply, "Whatever is going on down there must be stopped. If that beacon were to fall into the wrong hands…I shudder to think of the consequences. Last I checked your pilot said that we were about twenty minutes out, we should be there within minutes now. Commander, ready a team this observation's parameters have just changed drastically." Lakota nods, "I'll have a team ready and in the bay in no time, Sir." With that the officers leave the CIC in order to prepare to provide assistance to the colonists. Striding up to the bridge with purpose Shepard sets her sights on the occupants within. "Alenko, you're with me. Joker; make sure we're ready to drop off ASAP; and page Jenkins he'll be coming with us as well. It's show time." It didn't take long for the squad to assemble in the hangar bay and get briefed by Anderson, and while Lakota was unsure of Nihlus going off on his own, the pleasant buzz of Hallex in her system was enough to keep her from voicing her concerns. The drop went off without a hitch and the Commander watched the vessel leave her sight before checking over her weapons. "Doesn't look like the attackers stuck around Commander." the dull voice of Kaidan never failed to grate on her nerves. "That remains to be seen, keep your eyes open. We can't afford to be careless." "Woo! Let's get on with it, I'm ready to go!" Jenkins shouted.

The last drone burst in a shower of sparks as Lakota lowered her weapon. She sighed and cast a glance to the now lifeless body of Corporal Jenkins, she had told them not but three minutes ago to be vigilant and careful and he had done the exact opposite. Anger cut through the haze that she had been in, but as she approached the body it seemed to transform before her eyes. No longer was she looking at the riddled corpse of Richard Jenkins, no the body before her was that of Toren Voric, her lifelong best friend and last casualty on Akuze. Her once vibrant blonde hair now limp and lifeless, hazel eyes wide with horror—Lakota shakes her head to rid herself of the haunting image. She looks up to a distressed Kaidan and attempts to comfort him, "He was a good soldier, we'll double back and retrieve the body so he can have a proper funeral." But the look in her squad mate's eyes tells her that her that her effort had fallen flat. Casting a final glance at the body and relieved to see that its appearance hadn't changed she heads off in the direction of their objective, leaving Kaidan behind to shut the fallen soldier's eyes.

Shock was the only thing he felt at the sight of the familiar figure his eyes were now resting on. He made his approach as loud as possible to gain the person's attention and found himself hoping that he was mistaken. But as the stranger turned he was face to face with one of his closest friends and colleagues. He could tell that his presence on this planet was a shock but Nihlus schooled his features quickly. "Saren, What are you doing here?" his fellow Turian asked. Saren prided himself on being quick on his feet and replied with little hesitation, "The Council though you could use some help, old friend." He laid his hand on Nihlus' shoulder to further prove his sincerity. 'You know what you must do.' The voice of Harbinger boomed in his mind. "Of course," Nihlus conceded turning to look out to the rest of the colony, "things are looking bad. The Geth are here, doing Spirits knows what to the colonists they find." 'Are you sure? There must be another way; can he not be spared as I have?' Saren mentally pleaded as he retrieved his weapon. 'Do you not wish for your friend to be spared from what is to come? If so you will not question us. It is not for you to decide.' Saren nodded and took aim but he hesitated. 'NOW!' Saren flinched at the volume, but pulled the trigger. 'You're welcome old friend.' Looking to the Geth unit he commanded, "Plant the bombs, leave no traces that we were here." He turned and made his way to the beacon, but he couldn't help questioning if Nihlus' death was necessary.