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Chapter 7 – Stench of Toil

"You sure you want to do this, Garrus?"

Harry eyed his newest teammate. It had barely been twenty-four hours since they had recruited the turian, but Harry still wasn't sure that he was in fighting shape. Bizarre alien stuff aside, he held up a siege by three small armies for days on end. Anybody should be out like a light just due to the exhaustion.

Said turian just shrugged, and patted his rifle. "Good as anyone could be. I'll admit that I'm not too keen on this mission of yours…" At that, he shrugged. "You know, walking head first into a quarantined area that has a disease that targets only aliens? That's the kind of thing I'd have done back when I was with Shepard." Turning away from Harry, said, "Tali… told me what they were going to do with him. As much as I hate Cerberus, if they manage to pull this off…" He trailed off. "Well, I don't know. It's a lot to take in."

Harry just nodded to him. "It is… And worst thing is, I've my doubts if that will even work. It's too good to be true."

Garrus barked out a laugh. "More of that wizard stuff, I take it? Tali tried to tell me a few things about it that she knew. While warning that you were also insane and had to be watched closely, in case you decided to do something crazy."

Grinning to himself, Harry shrugged. "That does sound like something she'd say. We did drive her up the wall a fair bit." He paused. "I take that back. We drove her up the wall a lot."

Garrus laughed a bit. "Oh, I don't doubt that. She's used to knowing how everything works in this galaxy, even if she doesn't show it. And here comes someone casually violating the laws of physics, as if they were mere guidelines than anything."

Harry just shook his head. "She didn't seem that shocked by it. For that matter, you're not acting particularly shocked either."

"Well, we were all desensitized to stuff like this two years ago." The turian gave him a meaningful glance. "Sure, to any normal civilian, it would be mind blowing. But when you've talked to a machine that wants to end the galaxy, and can create mechanical horrors out of people, a little thing like magic isn't too bad."

"I suppose you're right." With little more to say, Harry just patted him on the shoulder. "Glad you're agreeing to help with this."

He glanced away from Harry. "Indeed. It's… troubling, working for Cerberus. But I know Shepard will need good men, no matter whether we both work for them, or if I have to help him get away."

Harry laughed at that. "I understand, completely. Just don't say it too loudly. EDI might hear you."

His eyes darted back and forth, before settling back on Harry. "Don't remind me. You get used to the idea that the cameras are watching you everywhere, but for the actual cameras paying attention… Well, it's slightly creepy. Like the ship might be stalking me."

The computer took that opportunity to chime in. "I assure you, Mr. Vakarian, that any and all recordings of you are encoded and stored for purely business purposes. You have no need to fear me releasing them to any clientele that would attempt to use them for ulterior purposes."

Keeping silent for a few moments, he chuckled and shook his head. "Well, I suppose I should be thanking you. At least I don't have to worry about that computer spending cycles watching me for anything beyond platonic reasons."

Waiting a few moments to see if EDI would answer, Harry shook his head. "You know, Garrus, the last thing I would worry about is if the AI was lusting after you."

Garrus laughed loudly at him. "Well, you should know that the ladies have always loved a turian in armor. The only things I'm missing are a few scars. I've heard they really like something like that."

Harry sighed again. "Well, in that case, perhaps I should have let you try and catch that rocket with your mouth. You'd have a real nice one in that case." He shook his head. "Enough chit-chat, we need to get this over with. Go grab your helmet; we're leaving soon."

The turian started to turn around, but then paused. "My… helmet?"

Rolling his eyes, Harry said, "Yes, your helmet." Without waiting for a reply, he continued. "The helmet that goes with your nice suit of fancy space armor, which you took the time to tell me even works in space. Which means that it's a closed system, and that no air gets in or out. Which means that it probably would be a good idea to wear in an area on the station where there's a pandemic going on. Especially a pandemic that targets everything except humans."

He glanced around before chuckling again. "I suppose that would be the smart thing to do. Here I was planning to run out and hope my fierce face would cower all of the foes before me." He shook his head. "I'll get it then. But you're ruining your image of insane human wizard by being logical."

Harry just shrugged. "Maybe. But there's a shotgun I'd rather not face if I let you do something insane, and I do have preservation instincts at times."

"Agreed with that one. She is rather enthusiastic about using it, these days." He began to walk off. "Alright, I'll grab it. Meet you in five, Potter."

Shaking his head, Harry turned and waved his hand over the door panel, letting it open and allowing him into the decontamination chamber. After letting it cycle through, he stepped outside the ship, where he was met by Jacob looking over his guns.

"Harry, see you're ready." The man looked up and at him. "So, where's our newest teammate? Deciding that he's not going to come?"

Harry rolled his eyes again. "Nope, he just went back for his helmet. He thought it would be a good idea to go into the quarantine zone unprotected."

"Ah, I see. Sounds like a typical turian. Thinks he can tough anything out."

"I don't think that anybody we've tried to recruit so far could be called typical, Jacob."

"True, true."

After a few moments in silence, Harry asked Jacob, "So, remind me again who we're going after?"

"Dr. Mordin Solus, a scientist salarian." Jacob scratched his chin. "Cerberus knows that he is a biological weapons expert, and that he's had training with the Salarian STG. There's not confirmation that he actually served with them, but I'd say that considering his record, he likely did."

Harry nodded slowly. "I think I see. This STG thing is some kind of military unit?"

Jacob simply replied, "Yup. Special Task Groups is what you would consider a typical black ops unit. Focus on information gathering, stealth, subterfuge, and everything else you'd expect from a black ops group. They are what the spectres were based on, originally."

"I see." Pausing for a second, he grinned. "So, we're looking for a cross between a doctor and James Bond."

Jacob returned the grin. "I highly doubt it, but that's an amusing idea. Keep it in mind."

Again, the two fell into a silence, breaking only when Garrus returned with helmet affixed. Making sure that he was actually ready, the trio set off through the station, making their way through random inhabitants, busybodies, insane rambling priests, and mercenaries. Only to be stopped at the entrance to the quarantine zone by a turian armed guard, standing bored. As he spotted the three, he snapped to attention, finger caressing the trigger on his gun. "You three need to turn back the way you came. This part of the station is locked down, due to the quarantine. No one is allowed out."

Pausing for a second, Harry glanced at his teammates and then back at the guard. "Sure, we get that. But we're heading inside."

The turian shrugged. "True, but that doesn't change much. The mercenary groups are having enough trouble keeping everyone in line. The vorcha have almost overwhelmed the Blue Suns, so it's hardly the safest place." He gave Harry a steady look. "And you're not even carrying a pistol, much less something that would be useful. Like a grenade launcher. So, why don't hike up your little dress and just wait for everything to settle down?"

Harry rolled his eyes, before turning to Garrus. "Do my robes really look like a dress?"

The friendlier turian just glanced at him. "They do. But turians never wear anything like that. It looks more like something an asari would wear. Just not quite as… snug." He paused, before chuckling nervously. "Just don't get any ideas. I'd rather not see you wearing anything form fitting. No offense."

At this rate, my eyes are going to get stuck in a weird position, from how much I roll them. "None taken. But either way, we're going in. We have a scientist to recruit inside."

The other turian tilted his head, still eying Harry. "Scientist? You must mean Solus." He shrugged. "Good luck with that. Last I heard, the crazy salarian was trying to cure this pandemic. Knowing his type, he won't stop until he succeeds. Or he'll be killed by one of the mercenary groups trying."

"He's the one we're after." Taking a moment to think, Harry continued, "So, if we wanted to get him, we'd have to cure this plague first. Sounds like a win-win for everyone, don't you?"

Issuing only a sigh, the other turian tapped a few buttons on his omnitool and unsealed the door. "Very well. Not like I could stop you from going in if I wanted to. But don't expect us to come helping if you run into trouble!"

Giving only a nod in thanks, Harry walked past the guard. As he did, Garrus decided to pipe up, saying, "Oh, don't worry, he can take care of himself. If he can't blow them up, he'll just talk them to death. Few screws loose, that one."

"Garrus… Just check to make sure we're going the right way."

"Alright, Potter. Shutting up."

The group began moving down the avenue, as the tarnished but otherwise well-kept structures began to become more dilapidated, small fires appearing intermittently. At the same time, the light began to dim as many of the overhead lamps were destroyed. Walking further, the three kept silence in face of the unfolding horror. Dead bodies were piled up along the hallways, as insects of various types flew about the corpses. Some of the bodies were piled in almost tidy stacks, but most seemed to just have slumped over, not having moved an inch since they had died.

As they walked further, the smoke from the fires intensified, thickening in the crowded corridors. As it did, a horrid stench began to fill the air. Muttering to himself, Harry tapped his wand on his head, summoning a bubble around it. A few seconds later, he did the same for Jacob, who was admirably bearing the smell.

"Be glad you're wearing that helmet, Garrus. You wouldn't want to smell this."

The turian gave him a look. "What is it? I know there's smoke here, but from the looks on your faces…"

Nodding grimly, he faced away. "Yeah, it's human flesh they're burning. Makes you wonder why. If I remember correctly, humans are immune. Why would they burn them?"

Jacob glanced at him. "Are you sure? It could be batarians, or maybe asari…" He looked slightly ill at the thought. "Not that it's much better."

Harry simply met his eyes. "Trust me, it's human flesh. I've smelled it enough times."

At that, Jacob seemed to not have an answer. Before the silence grew too long, Harry got them moving through the hallways again, towards the source of the smoke. After a minute of walking, Jacob asked, "What is this thing you cast on me? Besides just another one of your spells?"

"Bubblehead charms. Keeps an endless supply of fresh air with you. Probably should have cast it earlier, but I wasn't concerned about our health." He looked at Jacob and offered a weak grin. "Besides, it makes us look like we're wearing fishbowls on our heads, doesn't it?"

Giving a weak laugh in response, he nodded but stayed silent. As they made their way into another room, they found the impromptu funeral pyre the smoke was wafting from. At the same time, they encountered the first living souls since entering the streets of a veritably deserted hell. A small group of Blue Suns troopers were standing around, checking various terminals nearby. Halting Jacob and Garrus, Harry carefully raised his voice. "Hello there? Do you need any help?"

The group of mercenaries glanced at Harry, and then at each other, before dropping what they were doing and reaching for their guns. Before any of them could have their weapons at the ready, they were impacted by multiple Reductor curses slapping into their chest armor. As they crumpled, Harry cast a few banishing charms at them, tossing them into the far corner of the room. As they gurgled and attempted to make their way back to their feet, shots from Harry's allies put them back onto the ground.

As the proverbial dust settled, Harry just shook his head and lowered his wand. What a waste. Turning to Garrus, who still had his assault rifle at the ready, he shook his head. "Are all of the mercenaries like that? They didn't even think to stop."

The turian shrugged, lowering his weapon. "A lot of them are. It's every man for himself out here in the Terminus systems." He glanced around, eyes lingering on a dead batarian next to the exit to the room. "And considering the damage in here, they've probably had to shoot everything that moves just to survive. Not to mention where the Vorcha might be…"

"Still, it seems like a waste." Harry looked away from the bodies. "So, we'll be able to assume that all the Blue Suns will be hostile. So, weapons free, I believe the phrase is?" Receiving a nod from his two partners as they cocked their guns, Harry waved his wand above the three. "A few charms, and we're ready. Let's go. Just try not to be noticeable, will you?"

Slinking through the shadows, they made their way down the next corridors, skirting past more bodies. Said bodies included, sadly, what looked like a young couple shot in their backs as they were running. They stopped momentarily so that Garrus could check the map of the place on his omnitool. Seeing that they were making quick progress, they continued along until coming across a barrier manned by an entire squad of Blue Sun troops.

Garrus watched the entrenched troops; eyes flickering back between them and a nearby ledge. "So, any ideas boss? Or we going with the old burn 'em all idea?"

Harry gagged slightly. "Right now, I don't think I'd be quite in the mood for that. If I ever was. Besides, there are no more than twelve of them, so no reason to be so drastic."

The turian laughed softly. "If you say so. So what's the plan?"

"Well, I could just apparate behind them and leave you two here to fend for yourself, since we're so close to the clinic." Grinning at the exasperated look on Jacob's face, he finished, "But that would be wrong. Just go up to that ledge you've been eying, and snipe. We'll hit them with enough firepower that they should barely notice you."

At Garrus' nod and subsequent departure, Harry turned and moved into cover beside Jacob. The other man asked, "So, this doesn't seem your style. Another straight up fight? Hardly seems to be your style."

"Well, like I said, it's only a few. But I'm worried that we haven't seen any vorcha yet. They're supposed to be taking over this sector, but we haven't come across a single group. It sounds like the real fight will be up ahead."

After a few moments of silence, and spotting the rifle poking over the balcony above, Harry, spun his wand around and pointed it at the barricade.

Reducto.

A beam of light shot out and hit the top of the barricade, where one of the soldiers had been sitting. As he tumbled over the side, more flashes of light appeared from Harry's wand, battering the makeshift barrier. After a few moments where the mercenaries didn't have a clue how to respond, they began to return fire, filling the air about the pair with hypersonic particles.

Above the din, the crack of a sniper rifle issued forth, and a body became limp and fell to the ground, no head to control its descent. A second and third shot also rang out, separating two more craniums from their bodies. As their allies fell to the sniper rifle, the squad peered around, trying to find the location. After a lull in fire from Garrus, however, the Blue Suns concentrated their fire back on Harry's position.

Tirelessly casting the same simple spell over and over, Harry hammered through their barricade, causing the top portion to begin to fall. As it did, one of the mercenaries was left in the open, where his head had an unfortunate meeting with Harry's spell. The meeting did not go well, and the head's position was terminated. As the body of yet another soldier fell over, a shout of "Impressive!" issued from the ledge.

The remaining troopers, upon hearing the shout, realized that the ledge might be where the sniper was located, and shifted their fire to pin him down. As the bullets chipped away at the thin sheet metal that made up the balcony, Harry cursed to himself. Ordering Jacob to distract a few of the soldiers with his biotics, Harry switched gears and cast another spell at the barricade.

Bombarda.

The ensuing explosions as three spells met the base of the barricade tossed shrapnel into the air, creating a gabbing hole in the formation. As the mercenaries tried to recover their balance, two found themselves caught in the purple glow of a biotic field. As they were lifted into the air, a flurry of shots from Jacob's pistol slammed into one, causing his body to go limp. As it did, Jacob dropped the pistol and unslung his shotgun. Pausing for a moment to overclock the weapon, he let loose a crimson blast of light that tore apart the second trooper.

While this was occurring, Garrus had gotten back out of cover and continued to snipe those who were still standing. As more bodies feel like puppets with their strings cut, Harry leapt out of cover and towards the destruction. Alongside Jacob, he cast a few more spells at the men on the ground, putting them out of their misery.

Taking a moment to catch his breath, the two waited for Garrus to meet back up with them. As he did so, Harry just looked at him and shook his head. "You know, I don't think we're supposed to shout out in the middle of battle. You kinda gave away your position there."

The turian scratched the back of his helmet. "Maybe a bit, but it's never really caused me much trouble before."

"Well, that's the purpose of the charm. You're not supposed to be noticed." He glanced at the ruined barricade they were now standing in. "People firing at you is normal in battle. But a person taking the moment to shout over the din is decidedly less normal. I should have remembered to bring that bloody radio." Harry shrugged. "Suppose it can't be helped. Just, try to tone it down a wee bit?"

Garrus just shook his head, chuckling to himself. "Alright, I'll keep it down. At least for now. This doesn't mean I'll stop any of the other commentary, though."

Shaking his head yet flashing the turian a thumbs up, Harry took another breath and motioned them forwards. Fortunately, the next few passages yielded no enemies, and appeared to be actually clean. Before too long, the three found themselves reaching the entrance to the clinic.

Holstering their respective weapons and disabling the various charms, Harry led the two through the sick bay, past the beleaguered aliens. A few glances into the rooms, piled high with medical equipment, yielded no salarian.

Checking the last room, they found their target, hovering over a patient while muttering to himself. Meeting Jacob's eyes and only receiving a shrug, Harry stepped forward. "Excuse me, could you perhaps…"

At the sound of his voice, the salarian looked up, blinking his large eyes. "Hrm? Yes yes, what is it?" His eyes darted over to Garrus, and his eyes widened. "Ah, I see, turian? Needs cure? Good, good." Grabbing Garrus' arm, he activated his omnitool and placed it over one of the receptors. A moment later, he retracted his arm and disabled the hologram. "Smart one, you are. Actually decided to wear suit with helmet. Most turians stubborn, think they can tough it out. Hardly best idea."

He paused. "Interesting though. Why are you here? Team here sent to clean up? No, no. Definitely not. Obviously heavy armor. Rated for combat, not environmental cleanup. Still, could have just expected trouble. And am sure you met it."

His eyes glanced over to Jacob. "Interesting though. Companion is Cerberus, as you are aware?" Barely waiting for the nod from Garrus, he continued, stroking his chin. "Interesting. Cerberus known for dislike of aliens. Displeasure often mutual. Yet, here you are working with one. Hired gun? No, no. Armor is too professional. Too clean for a mercenary. Former soldier? Bah, all turians are former soldiers. But still, out here on Omega, professional armor, skilled. Former officer? Turned vigilante, perhaps; hunting justice. Archangel then."

Barely waiting for the surprised glance from Garrus, he continued. "Still, Archangel working with Cerberus. Most interesting. Especially as Cerberus employee is using light armor in comparison. Not frontline equipment." His eyes darted around, before nodding. "Yes, yes, must be biotic. Shield generator too small. Well, could be simply suicidal, but prefer to assume the best when I must." His eyes narrowed. "Still, human biotic. Rare enough. More common than ten years ago, but not an everyday sight."

At that, he finally turned to Harry. "And yet, leader is bigger anomaly. Skin pallor is not too unusual, but for one leading troops it is. Short too, below human average. Interesting pigmentation in the eyes, unusually pure color. Would suggest deliberate genetic tampering. However, rest of data inconclusive. If were genetic tampering, would be taller, possibly darker skinned." He breathed in through his nose. "Of course, humans more genetically diverse even with tampering, so easily explained away."

"Still, rest is interesting. Part of equipment is current, while majority is ancient. By the look of it, organic fibers. Inefficient, prone to decay. Dress is also unusual. Similar to religious wear? No, perhaps female human or asari attire? Crossdresser?" He shook his head. "No, no, too obvious. And if it were, would not be here, of all places. No omnitool detected, very unusual. Almost unheard of, someone not equipping one." At that point, the salarian began to prowl back and forth, staring down Harry. "Also, no weapons. Odd, very odd. Not even a knife strapped to the boot, or derringer slipped into pocked. Still, acting professionally, even though dressed in such an anachronistic manner."

He finally stopped ranting and took a deep breath, before grinning. "I find myself intrigued. Could be human from the lost expedition recently found, but seems unlikely. Too much at peace with another species. Could be from farming colony, but leaves question as to why Cerberus would go out of the way to recruit. Also, too young to have simply retired." He looked around for a moment, glancing at patients. "I have a moment. What is it you need, mysterious stranger?"

Taking a moment to realize the salarian had stopped talking, Harry said, "You're Dr. Mordin Solus, correct? We're here because of the human colony attacks. You are aware of the situation?"

The salarian nodded shortly. "That I am, on both counts. Horrible thing, but thought there had been no leads?"

"We've discovered who it was. The Collectors." At the look of recognition from the doctor, Harry grimaced. "I see you know of them. But they're the ones kidnapping the colony, for whatever reason."

At that, Jacob chimed in. "And to fight them on even footing, we need someone who can develop a countermeasure to their methods."

Raising a brow, Mordin replied, "Of course, of course. And you sought me out. Even the Illusive Man realizes the need for the best, even if it goes against his own policies." Glancing again at the patients, he sighed. "Still, must stay here. Responsibility is to patients. Have cure, just need it delivered to ventilation system. Odd that ventilation would have system to disseminate chemicals, but… best not to think about it."

"So you need us to go down and put the chemical in the air."

"Indeed." He paused for a moment, and then reached for the vial. "Already have it ready. Would take it myself, but want to be here for my patients. Probably would succeed, but there is a chance would not work." Again, he breathed in through his nose. "Too large a chance. Will not play those odds." Blinking again, he grinned. "Besides, time it takes for you to disseminate cure will give me time to ponder what you are."

Harry raised an eyebrow as he took the vial. "Sure you don't want me to tell? It's no trouble."

"No, no. Is wonderful puzzle. Need to keep mind sharp. Just, one favor?" At his nod, Mordin continued. "Look out for my assistant. Human, name of Daniel Abrams. Bright boy. Idealistic though. Went looking for plague victims, too help. Hasn't returned." He sniffed. "Fear the worst. Vorcha not kind to humans."

Harry just grimaced. "Alright, we'll keep an eye out. This shouldn't take too long at all." Leaving the doctor to his work, Harry walked out with the others. Turning to Garrus, who had remained silent the whole time, he grinned. "So, what do you think of the good doctor?"

After a few more moments of silence, he shrugged. "Damn smart, and hyped up on way too much caffeine. And too observant for his own good." He shook his head. "Still don't know how easily he figured out I was Archangel. He puts eyes on me for a minute, and suddenly…"

Jacob replied, "STG, Garrus. You know how they are. Two steps ahead of everyone else."

"I know, I know. Just hope this one isn't in the organ business, on top of everything else."

Harry patted him on the shoulder. "Don't worry, let's just keep on going. Is the ventilation much farther ahead?"

Tapping a few buttons on the omnitool, Garrus observed it and shook his head. "Not too far. Through a few rooms, an oddly shaped corridor or two, and some other locations." He chuckled. "Sometimes I have to wonder who designed these places. Maybe you wizards helped them?"

"Nah, couldn't have. If we did, the staircases would move. And one of the steps would be fake."

Garrus turned to Jacob, who could only shrug. "Move? As an escalator would?"

Harry grinned "Nope! They would swing side to side. Or they might even flip upside down."

"Right. Let's just go before you decide it's a good time to break my brain."

-oo-

As it turned out, the next few battles turned out to be cakewalks. As Jacob had mentioned the previous day, the vorcha were no strangers to violence. This in turn made them easy pickings for the trio, whose Notice-Me-Not charms made them virtually invisible to the trigger-happy aliens. As they progressed, they could hardly even be called battles, more like slaughters. Only one vorcha had to go down to get them riled up. Yet, when they couldn't find where the shot had come from, they assumed that one of the others had killed a comrade. The ensuing fights that erupted, helped along by accurate fire from Garrus and Jacob, prevented them from being any threat.

Ten minutes after leaving the clinic, the three finally found themselves in front of the ventilation. Handing over the bottle to Garrus, who slotted it in to the system and began typing instructions, they waited for the fans to start. As green lights lit across the board, Harry shared a tired smile with the others. While he didn't necessarily enjoy killing the vorcha, their actions gave him no sympathy. Especially where he found the vorcha eating the bodies of those fallen. He could easily see why they were viewed as vermin.

Walking back the way they came, taking out a few of the ones they missed on the initial run, they came across an interesting sight. A batarian was kicking the corpse of one of the dead vorcha, having apparently come out of a locked door they had bypassed on the way to the vents. Noting the plain clothes he was wearing, and the awkward way he held the pistol, it was obvious that he wasn't one of the mercenaries.

Figuring that since this was the only living soul they had found, he might be the best one to ask. Besides, all the other rooms have been locked, and I haven't seen a body that looks like a doctor. Let's just hope nothing worse has happened. Canceling the charm on the three, he took the moment to speak up. "Excuse me, I don't suppose you could help us find someone?"

The batarian whirled around, raising his pistol. After a few moments, he lowered it slightly, barrel shaking. "Who.. who are you, human? What are you doing here? Waiting to distribute more of that damned virus?"

Ignoring the scoff that came from Garrus, Harry pressed on. "Hardly. We just delivered the cure to the ventilation, as per Dr. Solus. We're searching for his assistant at the moment, since he was sent out two days ago. You know where he might be?"

At that, the batarian's eyes widened, but he clinched his fists and answered, "Why should we know where another of you humans are? We can barely tell you alike as it is. And I'm pretty sure that it's just another lie; you probably went and put more of the virus in!"

Harry sighed. "We certainly didn't. But believe us or not, it is done. But we are looking for a human. Do you know where one is, or not?"

He started to raise the gun again. "Don't think you can tell me what to do human! I won't stand for it!"

Behind Harry, he heard the sounds of expanding weapons. Still, he just stared down the batarian, as the thoughts ran across his mind. "You found a human yesterday. He said he was distributing the cure. You instead thought he was distributing the virus. So, you decided to beat him nearly to death, at which you debated whether to shoot him or prolong his suffering."

All of the batarians eyes widened as he stepped back. "How… how did you know?"

"I have my ways. Now take us to him."

Seemingly acting without thinking, the batarian walked over to the door he had come out of and punched in a code. As it opened, it revealed a few more batarians standing around, along with a covered lump on the floor surrounded by a dark stain. Eyes glancing over to Jacob and Garrus, he waved them towards the batarians. As they nodded and began corralling them, Harry strode over and removed the shroud.

The doctor was a mess. Almost all of his exposed skin had been bruised, and his hair had been ripped out in chunks in a few places. While his clothes had been left on him, you could tell by the blood on his shirt that part of his stomach was bleeding. His left arm was bent at an odd angle, along with his left leg. A myriad of scrapes and cuts also adorned his skin, and one of his eyes was nearly swollen shut. All in all, he was in bad shape.

Still, you were able to spot the slow rising of his chest. He was still alive. Only just, but he was alive. Glaring at the batarians for a moment, Harry waved Jacob over. "How much of that medigel stuff do you have on you? Enough to help him?"

Jacob just glanced down. "I don't know… medigel's real good for wounds, but for anything deep, I wouldn't be sure. The bones would need to be broke and reset if we used it on him now. It'd be best to move him down to the clinic."

"Alright. I can heal him enough to be safe for travel." Drawing his wand and muttering the incantation under his breath, he let the white magic pour onto the man. Directing it to worst of his wounds, the man's ragged breathing slowly improved. Checking to make sure he wasn't any worse off, Harry cast another spell in his mind.

Levicorpus.

As the man slowly floated into the air, the batarians gawked at the display. Ignoring them, Harry directed the man out into the hallway. Waving Jacob and Garrus onward, he turned around, tempted to say something to the batarians. When nothing came out of his mouth, he just shook his head and turned away. "Be glad that he's still alive." At that, he left them sitting there, staring at his back.

In the hallway, Garrus turned to him when the door shut. "You sure that was the right thing to do? Let them live?"

Harry paused, before nodding. "As much as I'd have liked to, it was. Nothing to be gained by killing them, especially since Daniel is still breathing. Either way, we need to take care of him first." Suddenly, he laid his hands on the floating body. "Which is why we're going to take the quick way. Grab onto my arms."

Immediately complying with the order, Garrus still couldn't help but to toss out, "Sorry boss, but I'm afraid I don't swing that way."

Harry couldn't help but chuckle. "Good thing then, I don't either. But still, you'll be the first turian to experience this."

Seeing an evil grin form on Harry's face, he asked, "And what might that be?"

"Simply put…" Harry closed his eyes, stepped forward, and turned. Opening his yes again to see the familiar visage of the clinic, he finished, "Apparition."

Moving forward, Harry pushed the floating body back to Mordin's room, leaving the two standing there dazed.

Leaving the two behind for a moment, Harry found Mordin still fretting over a few bodies. Spying him and the floating body, the salarian took all of a half second to dismiss the fact that his assistant was floating towards him, instead immediately moving clear off a bed for him. "Impressive, stranger. Distributed cure, and found him quickly. What happened?"

Harry just shrugged as he cancelled the spell, letting the man settle onto the hospital bed. "A couple of batarians found him. Thought he was distributing the virus instead of the cure. They decided to take revenge on him."

"Ah, I see. Interesting. Is a pity. Was my other fear. Like I said, Daniel is idealistic. See's the best in people. Maybe this will help him understand…" He sniffed. "Shouldn't say that." After a few moments of waving his omnitool over the body, he scratched his chin. "Odd. Not as bad as I originally expected. Was he treated before you returned?" At Harry's nod, he continued. "Interesting. Detecting new tissue growth, but no medigel residue. All new tissue also correlates with most severe injuries. Intriguing. Your doing?"

Harry grinned, a touch sheepishly. "Yeah, it was. I have a little trick that helps me, in that regard…"

"Yes, very intriguing. Might have to show it to me in due time. Now, need to set bones, have Daniel treated. Might discuss in a bit?"

While phrased as a question, Harry recognized an order when he heard one. Quickly bowing out, left the room. Spotting his two teammates sitting and rubbing their heads, he quickly made his way over to them. "So, you two holding up after your first apparition?"

Garrus just stared at him. "Lovely. Like I've been stuck in a tube and squeezed until I can't breathe. Can say I've been better."

Taking a seat across from them, Harry just grinned. "Oh, look on the bright side. Did you throw up?

"No, but I feel like I might have to. Be a good excuse to get this bucket off my head…"

Harry laughed. "Might as well. We should be done with the fighting here. And the cure's in the air, so you should be fine." He reached over and patted his shoulder. "Besides, you didn't do any worse than I did my first time."

Garrus just shook his head. "If you say so. How can you deal with that all the time? I'm surprised it wouldn't drive you insane." At that, Harry raised an eyebrow. "Assuming you weren't already."

He shrugged. "You get used to it. If I do it too many times in a row, it will start affecting you. It's why I just don't apparate behind the enemy every single time. It's better to pace yourself. I'd really hate to splinch myself, especially since I don't know where any other wizards are."

Afraid to ask, but even more afraid to not know, Garrus asked, "Splinch?"

"Yup, splinch. It's when you leave a body part behind when you apparate."

At that, both Jacob and Garrus grimaced. "That sounds rather painful."

Harry just nodded. "So I've heard." Grinning again, he had to add, "So, if you do lose any pieces, just tell me. I'll be able to fix it. Even if it is embarrassing." Deciding that the two definitely didn't want to continue that line of conversation, he just shrugged and leaned back. "Anyway, the good doctor is just fixing up his assistant, and then will talk to us. He didn't say whether he'd be coming, though."

"So we'll just have to wait until he's done. Roger that." Having nothing else to say, the three descended into quiet. At least in Harry's case. Jacob and Garrus still are looking a bit queasy. Probably don't want to open their mouths any more.

After waiting for a good thirty minutes, the door to the medical room slid open once again. Rustling his two partners from their daze, he quietly got them up. Making sure that they were still not feeling any adverse affects, he led them to the back room. The salarian was there waiting for them, typing away on a console while humming a tune to himself.

Hearing him walk in, Mordin looked up, "Hello again. Daniel is healing quite nicely. Medigel working well, should be good in a few hours. Gives us time to talk now." He paused, thinking, "Especially if I come with you. Need to fill him in on a lot of stuff. Not too much, good kid. Just, want to make sure. Still, would like to know, if found anything on where plague had come from? Any information on datapads, or in any of the terminals?"

Instead of letting Harry answer, Jacob spoke up. "No, there wasn't anything physical. And all the vorcha died too quickly for us to interrogate them."

"Hrm, pity. Still, very few could have engineered a virus such as this. Collectors, would have been among those few. Concrete proof would have been preferred, but is only logical conclusion." The salarian shook his head. "But enough. Did say I would come if you helped me, so I am ready. First though," he began, pointing at Harry, "Would like to know what you are. True mystery. Closest guess would be extremely advanced biotic, potentially prototype. Held Daniel aloft without any visible effort. Implies either highly powerful, or much control. Perhaps both." He breathed in sharply. "Still, anomalous. All known biotic amplifier prototypes nowhere near level of sophistication required to produce such results. Also, earlier statements stand. Extreme lack of any tech stands out, along with archaic clothing."

Wanting to interrupt the doctor before he got further into his rant, Harry waved him down. "Mordin, you can calm down, I'll tell you. You're not close." Racking his brain, he tried to find something appropriate. Maybe how Hermione would put it. She'd have had a field day with this guy. "You might say that I'm a temporally displaced human wizard."

At that, the salarian actually stopped speaking, staring at Harry. After a few seconds though, he blinked and began speaking even more quickly. "Temporally displaced? Implied that you are not from your original time. Extreme. Cerberus resorting to time travel." He paused. "Wait, Cerberus has access to time travel? Not good, not good at all. Ramifications could be significant."

Harry shook his head. "It isn't that bad, Dr. Solus. It's not possible to go back into the past and affect stuff." He paused, and slapped himself in the face. "I take that back. It is possible, but whatever happens stays the same. You cannot change the timeline, even if it's something as simple as going back to tell what the results for a game you're betting on will be. It just isn't possible."

"Ah, so you are suggesting that time travel would be a stable time loop? Conceivable. How do you know that this is the case, though?"

"I've had experiences with time travel before. I ended up saving myself from death, but only because I was saved by myself in the first place." Harry grimaced. "Temporal mechanics are not real fun to think about though. At least, if you think too hard."

The salarian shook his head. "Can understand. Considered it at one point. But xenoscience studies are much more satisfying. And am not fond of headaches, either." He stroked his chin. "So, am I to assume that you are from future, then? Wizard is unusual terminology, but eventual future advances in technology could eventually make biotics indistinguishable from the supernatural."

Harry grinned. "Sorry, doc, but you're thinking the wrong way. I'm from two hundred years in the other direction."

"Implausible. Humans at that point had barely touched space, much less discovered element zero. How could…" Mordin shook his head. "Suppose further speculation is unnecessary. You do not appear to be lying. Still, am skeptical. What is it then that you are able to do, that is separate from biotics?"

"Magic. I did say I was a wizard, didn't I?"

At that, Mordin snorted. "Just because you term yourself a 'wizard' does not make the phrase accurate." After a few seconds of thinking, he reluctantly said, "However, I could see some merit to the story. Asari mythology often has Ardat-Yakshi taking the place of gods or demons, due to their unique powers. Possible that a similar correlation exists between human tales and reality. Although, would have to see powers to know for sure."

Chiming in with a snark, Garrus said, "Oh, he's got plenty. Just be careful. You don't want to be burned to death with a wave of a hand."

"Alright, you volunteered." Harry looked at the turian and smirked. "Would it be enough for me to turn him into a newt?"

All three of the team members blinked at that. "A newt?"

"Yes, a newt." As the proverbial crickets began to chirp, Harry offered, "He'll get better. Eventually." After a few more seconds of silence, he just shook his head. "Ok, nobody got that one. Future. Dammit."

Deciding to take mercy on the turian, Harry drew his wand and waved it at a random pair of forceps laying nearby, muttering the incantation in his mind. It quickly shifted into the aforementioned newt, blinking at the three beings observing it. "There you go. That work for you?"

The salarian walked over, and picked up the amphibian. Holding it up to the light to get a better look, he poked and prodded it a few times. Apparently satisfied, Mordin nodded, a bit of a gleam appearing in his eye. "Absolutely. Enough to convince me for now. Am curious though. Any particular reason for that Earth amphibian?"

"A few. It's a traditional ingredient in potions. Plus a bit of a joke. And I know that you could rationalize away the creation of fire or ice, or something levitating. An inanimate object suddenly turning inorganic, though, is beyond what anything can do."

The salarian nodded, setting the newt down. "Indeed. Still, would like to observe more spells. Curious as to exactly how you perform. Perhaps your homeward has element zero alternative?" He shrugged. "Still, priorities. Give me a few hours. Need to make sure Daniel recovers, and need to fill him in. Much to do, much to do." He grinned once again. "Will be looking forward to studies." At that, he turned back around and walked over to check on his still sleeping assistant.

Left to his own devices, Harry shook his head and canceled the spell on the newt. As the forceps clattered onto the floor, he turned to the two as they walked out. "Alright, ready to head back?"

The turian shook his head. "Definitely. No point staying here, since we're done." He tapped the side of his helmet, still not having taken it off. "Didn't really get a explore the new girl, besides to pick a berth. Maybe I can find something in the gunnery room to calibrate…"

"Well, I'm going to head off onto shore leave." Harry turned to face Jacob. "I'm assuming we do, since we're still ashore for a few more hours?"

Harry shrugged, before nodding. "I suppose. You'll have to actually remember that I'm Acting Captain in name only. You're the one that's taken care of most of the stuff."

Grinning at him, Jacob laughed. "I suppose so. You just point where you want the ship to go, and we make sure it gets there." Waving off the concerned look on his face, he answered the implied question. "It's fine, don't worry. I thought Miranda would be doing most of this work, but since she's working on Shepard still, I'll be stuck with it for a while. Besides, I finished most of what was needed to be done in the downtime after last mission, so you don't have to worry about anything."

"Alright then, I don't have a problem with it." Outside the clinic, he stopped the two. "Either way, I'd rather not walk through that entire mess again, so let's take another shortcut."

Before he could be interrupted by either of his squadmates, Harry had grabbed their shoulders, stepped, and turned once more.

-oo-

A few hours later, after finally receiving the good doctor on board and showing him to the lab, Harry found himself walking towards the cockpit again. Spotting the capped head of the pilot bobbing slightly, he grinned ruefully and stepped forward, tapping him on the shoulder. The pilot flayed about for a second, eventually finding the mute button on his earpiece, before spinning his chair towards him. "Hey, Merlin! Good to see you again! Should we be telling the Doctor to be counting his toes when he wakes up? I heard there might be some potions brewing up stairs."

Harry rolled his eyes, replying, "Of course not. If anything, you should be looking out. Might cut your tongue out. I suppose you're close enough to a dog, that it should work, correct?"

Joker initially laughed in reply, but said laughter quickly faded as Harry met him only with a serious look. "Uhm, just kidding. I'm no dog, not at all. See, don't even bark."

"Of course you don't." Finally letting his grin slip out, he continued. "Besides, just wanted to tell you to cast off and head towards Korlus. I've already checked and made sure everyone was on board. We need to get this mission underway."

Waving his hand mockingly, Joker just answered, "Yeah, I gotcha, Captain Merlin. But why did you come all the way up here to mention it? That's what the Command Console is for back in the rear of the room."

"Mr. Moreau is correct." The blue sphere of EDI popped up beside Jeff, instantly making the pilot adopt a faint scowl on his face. "The Command and Control Console was installed just so that the Commander of the vessel would be able to issue orders from a central location."

Harry shrugged in response to the computer's statement. "That I understand. But remember, I have no idea how to work the thing. And I don't even have my gloves on me at the moment, so I don't believe I could access it."

The sphere pulsed once before the AI answered. "Understandable. Perhaps in a period of downtime, Mr. Moreau and I could walk you through some of the more basic functions of the ship. However, until then, the current arrangement is acceptable. Perhaps you could even discover why Mr. Moreau is muttering about applying engine grease over my various cameras in the meantime. It is a rather unusual obsession that he has."

"Hey now!" Joker scowled at the AI. "I haven't even done anything. Just because I would like some privacy… And besides, it wouldn't be permanent."

"Oh, I see. Still, vandalism of the ship, of which I am a part, is still against protocol. At least the reasoning is understandable. I thought that it was some due to some other pent up urge, caused by your excessive viewing of reproductive materials in your downtime." At Joker's flat glance, she amended after a few seconds, "That was a joke."

"Riiight. Not very funny. Alright, well, Merlin, this doesn't go past us, understand?" Joker mimed zipping his lips, giving Harry a meaningful look.

Chuckling to himself, Harry just nodded. "Alright Joker, I don't know what you're talking about. Just detach us and set off to that wild black yonder." Waiting a second, he sighed. "Just doesn't have the same ring, does it?"

He shook his head, spinning his seat about. "It sounds good to me. But there's that whole time travel thing." Grinning to himself, he began punching buttons on his console. "Alright, mass reactor is holding steady, drive systems are online. Detaching airlock, a whole lot of other stuff that will boggle your wizard mind… And we're off. Next stop Korlus."

As the red rocks and metal spires of the Omega station gave way to the void beyond them, Harry asked, "Does this ever get old?"

"Hrm, what do you mean?" Joker didn't bother to look up, as he scanned a few of the readouts. "Trim's a little off…"

Harry waved his hand. "Space. You ever get tired of it? Does it get old?"

Taking a few moments to think, he shook his head. "I couldn't really say so. But then again, flying is my life, so it's different to me." He grinned back at Harry. "Why? Already sick of the stars? Who knew that you folk from way back when were so fickle."

"No, not that." Harry shook his head. "Just wondering, I suppose. The Earth seemed so big back then, and with all this…" He waved his arm at the expanse. "I can't even really say."

Joker just nodded to him, the grin slipping of his face. "I think I understand. Don't worry. Earth may have been big, but we knew a lot about it. But this, it goes on for forever. And we know virtually nothing about most of it." He shook his head. "Bah, you're getting me sentimental. Go! Shoo! I'll make sure nothing goes wrong up here. It isn't like we've got anybody following us." He paused. "I just jinxed us, didn't I?"

"No, you didn't. The pricking in my thumbs is just a ghost pain. Pay it no heed."

"Yeah, yeah. I know that one well enough. Something wicked this way comes." Waving him away again, he said, "Go and get busy with something. Maybe a shower. My bridge is starting to smell a little funky. We'll tell you when we get near enough."

Harry just shook his head. "Alright Joker, we'll do it your way. See you in a few hours." Turning to walk away, he stopped momentarily and smelled himself. Yeah, not that bad, but enough to be known. Alright, shower, nap, showtime. Again.

-oo-

Watching the sleek shape of the Normandy become a pinprick of light in the distance, a woman turned and walked into the corner of the dilapidated hallway. Raising an omnitool to her mouth, she spoke quietly, "Boss? Yeah, it's me. I think we have something."

Waiting a few moments for a reply, she just nodded, short black hair flopping from the motion. "I really do think so. Had a lot of his style. I barely even noticed him on the station. Except when he decided to use Fiendfyre. That was hard to miss."

Suddenly taking her earpiece out and waiting for the shouting to die down, she continued talking. "Yes. That's right. Didn't go out of control, so we're not dealing with a rogue."

A few moments later, she continued. "I can try, but I don't think so. He wasn't very talkative with anyone on the station. Hardly think that being inquisitive will help."

She sighed. "Alright, Boss, will do. Oh, the ship you'll be looking for is the Normandy. New one, apparently." She waited a second. "Yes, like the one from a few years ago. I know you know what it means." Another few seconds passed. "I'll forward you the rest of the information I can. Mentha out."

Disabling the omnitool and composing herself, she walked out of the hallway. Finding herself quickly surrounded by others, she blended into the crowded, never slowing her pace. By the time the crowd dispersed, there was no trace of her to be found.

A/N Well, I'm back. Not much to say in this one, except the obvious that we're finally moving off of Omega. I had a few more events I was thinking of adding in here, but they would have broken up the flow a bit. Either way, we'll be back to everyone's favorite asteroid space station soon enough.

Sorry the wait had been a bit long. I've had other things on my mind, and when I had free time, I found myself succumbing to an archive binge. And now for the friendly warning. Stay away from TVTropes if you value your sanity. And don't click on the links, even if you don't. That way lies madness.

As for anything else, that's all I can think of off the top of my head. Aside from what I'm planning next, naturally. Next stop, Korlus! As always, though, please read and review. Every one is much appreciated!