Shepard strode into the Normandy's CIC, with Garrus, Grunt and Jack at her heels. Miranda and Mordin were already there, along with the glowing orb that was the ships AI.

Shepard walked straight up to Miranda and jabbed a finger in front of her face, making the woman step back.

"You told me Mercer was dead!" she roared, causing everyone to stop what they were doing and look over at her.

"We thought he was!" Miranda shot back, more apologetically than angry. "We received information from the United States Military back on Earth, which clarifies his death at the hands of James Heller. They had video footage of the whole damn thing!"

"Then how do you explain this?" Shepard spluttered, shoving her Omni tool under Miranda's nose. "Are you trying to tell me that the Shadow Broker - the most efficient person in the galaxy at finding information - is wrong?"

"I don't know how he could think that Mercer is still alive," Miranda said quietly, "But if it's true, then we have to take a whole lot of things into consideration."

"Such as?" Shepard growled.

"Well we'll have to consider Mercer a threat until further notice; he did of course, try and infect an entire city with the Blacklight virus. Therefore we'll have to warn the galactic leaders. The council for starters, Earths Governments, the Alliance military…"

"And how are we supposed to do that?" Interrupted Garrus, stepping forward. "The only evidence we have of Mercers existence is that list, and unless you've failed to notice, Shepard's name is on there as well. If they considered this Mercer a threat, then they'll more than certainly hold the same opinion of her."

Miranda obviously hadn't thought about that in her haste to process the situation, and looked at Garrus with a defeated expression.

"Her powers are probably considered dangerous enough for them to lock her in Cryo if they found out about it." Jack muttered, crossing her arms. "And trust me; it hurts like a bitch when they freeze you."

"I'm not about to stand down as long as the Collectors are at large." Shepard sighed. "If Mercer has remained under the radar for this long, what reason would he have for becoming a threat now?"

"What if he knows about you and wants to find you?" demanded Miranda. "If he sees the Blacklight virus as the next stage of human evolution, his motives may involve finding you and creating a new generation of Meta humans."

"Not if he doesn't know about me." Shepard pointed out. "Most people think I'm dead, and I doubt he was able to find out that I was alive through the few people I've encountered."

"The Shadow Broker knows." Miranda said, matter-of-factly.

"But he's hunting for Mercer as well as me. I doubt he'd be stupid enough to go to the Broker for information. As far as we know, the only people that know that I have the virus are a few Cerberus personnel, the Broker, and the people aboard this ship."

"What about everyone that was ordered to hunt you down by the Shadow Broker?" Asked Miranda. "Surely they've been told what you are."

"Look, if Mercer tries to get to me, if he tries to harm me, if he harms anyone," Shepard looked from one person to the next, her eyes lingering on Garrus. "Not only will I kill him, I'll lock his body in a Cryo-stasis pod, and shoot it into the nearest sun.

"We've got the Collectors, and the Reapers knocking at our door." She announced. "We can't let one man, one terrorist, one… monster, divert our attention from the real threat. Joker, continue course for the Citadel."

"Aye, aye commander."

"Mordin, I want you to continue researching the Collector body. Tell me if you find anything that can counteract their seeker swarms."

"Understood Shepard."

"Everyone else, back to work. We've got a storm on the horizon, and I want everyone ready when it hits."

There were murmurs of 'aye, aye.' And 'yes ma'am" as the crew got back to work. They all seemed rather shocked by the turn of events.

As everyone began to disperse around them, Shepard stepped closer to Miranda.

"Listen, I apologize for yelling before but I need you to be honest with me." She said in a low voice. "Is there anything else I should know about? About Mercer, Heller, the virus, Cerberus or anything that could be a potential danger to ignore?"

Miranda sighed. "I don't blame you for reacting in the way that you did at Mercers reappearance; I would've been the same if I was in your shoes.

"But you have to understand that nobody had any idea that Mercer could still be out there. The footage we had was genuine, and his destruction was very convincing; Heller completely absorbed Mercer once he defeated him, and the clean-up teams later scanned the area for any traces of Blacklight DNA, there was none."

"So do you have any idea how he could've survived?" Shepard asked calmly.

"I wish I did Shepard, really I do. But I just don't see how it's possible. Once the virus consumes someone, they become more than dead; their genetic material gets completely destroyed to feed the virus."

Shepard shivered at the thought, and it sickened her that Mercer had done that to hundreds of other people.

"Okay. Don't worry about looking into it or anything; the Collectors are our primary concern right now. We need to strengthen our crew and we've got everyone from the dossiers sent to us so far."

Miranda nodded. "I'll see if the Illusive man can dig anyone else up that could be a potential help."

"One more thing." Shepard said. "the AI aboard that frigate said that the only remaining Blacklight samples are locked in Are 51 on Earth. So I cannot help but wonder, how did Cerberus get a hold of one?"

Miranda looked Shepard in the eye. "We have very far reaching contacts." She said simply.

Shepard nodded and patted her shoulder before heading off towards the elevator. She needed to work off some tension.


Shepard hated the punching bag down in the shuttle bay. It was soft and weak from use and it kept coming off the chain that supported it.

She hated it when things failed to co-operate the way that they should, such as the bag and chain.

At least this crew is able to operate well together. She thought smiling.

She knew everyone that worked on this ship were ready to put their lives on the line for the greater good of the galaxy. They all pulled their weight, did their job, and did it well.

She was proud to have them serve alongside her.

They fear you. They fear the power you wield. A pressure surrounded her mind.

"Shut up." Shepard muttered, the smile fading from her face as she continued pounding at the bag.

Fear is a greater motivation than loyalty.

"Shut up!" Shepard hissed through clenched teeth.

Why try and supress what you truly are, if you know embracing it will make you greater? The pressure increased, forcing her to take in the words.

"Because I'm still human."

You're not human. Humans are fragile, weak. They wither and die. You will never die. We will never die.

Shepard refused to believe that she was no longer human. The virus was wrong. She still had her identity, she still had her emotions, she still felt pain and she could still die.

But if you were to embrace what you truly are, all these things will be swept away, and you will be greater.

"I don't care."

Why not? No one cares about you anymore. No one loves you. Most don't even know you're alive.

Shepard gritted her teeth and began punching the bag harder, faster.

You may think those who follow you do so out of respect, and loyalty. But it is only out of fear, that they follow you. Fear, and the knowledge that you are the only being able to shield them from destruction.

"You're wrong." Shepard growled.

Even those who you consider your friends, they no longer feel for you. They no longer see you as human. They see you, as a monster. And when this mission is done, they will all leave you, Just like you left them.

Like you left him.

"SHUT UP!" Shepard roared, punching the bag with all her might.

A blazing orange fist slammed into the bag with enough force to rip it right off its chain. The bag flew backwards and smashed into the weight set behind it.

A loud crash resounded as the weights fell to the floor, rolling across the shuttle bay.

Shepard stood there, panting, arm still outstretched, fist still glowing with powerful biotic energy.

The pressure removed itself from her conscious, much to her relief.

It was wrong.

The virus was wrong; she knew that there were still people who cared for her, that still saw her as Allison Shepard. Garrus for one. She knew he'd never think, nor let her think otherwise.

Miranda and Jacob also kept her convinced that she was still herself.

She was sound. Everything would be fine.

Everything will be fine.


It was night on the human colony, Horizon. Most people had either gone to sleep or were in their houses doing late night work.

So nobody noticed the male human make his way through the middle of the colony, looking around from under the grey hood of his leather jacket.

If they did, by chance notice him, they would just suspect him to be out on a late night stroll, as it did tend to get hot inside the houses on this planet.

Yet they remained blind to who, to what, had entered the settlement.

The stranger knew this was where the Collectors would strike next. He didn't intend to try and stop them. He knew how powerful the Collectors were and even if the whole colony raised their guns to fight them, they still wouldn't stand a chance against the might of an entire ship full of the Reapers most useful servants.

But he knew that Shepard would try. It was what she did.

He had already sent out an anonymous message out to Cerberus that the colony was under attack, just like he had done with Freedoms Progress.

She would come, that much he knew.

He knew, also, what she was. He knew the Blacklight virus had been introduced to her system, and he knew that she would be very… useful, if she were to join forces with himself.

He also knew of her crew; the Quarian back on Freedoms Progress, the Turian on Omega, the Krogan on Tuchanka and the Asari on Ilium. They would also prove useful, even if they weren't as… adept as Shepard.

And now there was the Human Alliance solider here. He made sure to note his whereabouts in the message he'd sent. Surely the Illusive man would bring it up as motivation for Shepard to come here.

He wouldn't show himself though. No, he needed to wait until Shepard had mastered her abilities further, and when her crew, her friends, understood what she was. Then he would put forth his offer; an offer of power, an offer of a higher existence.

Alex Mercer looked over at the point where land met sky, and was greeted by the sight of dark, rolling thunderheads that blocked everything else from view.

A storm was coming, and soon every being of every world would be trapped by its fury.


The crew rejoiced as the Normandy docked at the Citadel, for they would finally get a well-earned break.

Shepard had issued a twenty-four hour shore leave for all personnel, telling them that they had performed above expectations in the past few weeks, and that they deserved a rest, especially after the recent encounter with the Blue Suns.

Shepard stood at the entrance of the cockpit with Garrus and Jack, Joker sitting in his chair behind them.

Shepard watched as the remaining crew dispersed, making their way onto the station.

"So, anyone up for some drinks?" Jack asked, grinning. "It's been ages since I had a decent whiskey."

"Later on tonight: defiantly." Shepard agreed smiling. "But I have to take care of some business first, and get the Ship restocked with supplies."

"No need to worry about those supplies Commander." Joker said turning around. "I already sent an order in and some workers will load them aboard later."

"Lifesaver." Shepard smiled, putting a hand on his shoulder and looking at Garrus.

"Garrus, meet me outside customs at 1300. We've got a little… errand to run."

"What sort of errand?" He asked, raising his brow plate slightly.

Shepard just winked as she breezed past him and onto the Citadel.


"Shepard!" Anderson exclaimed as she entered his office. "It appears the rumours of you still being alive are true then."

Shepard chuckled. "It's good to see you again Anderson."

"Likewise. Come, have a seat." He gestured at one of the chairs by the window. Shepard took her seat, as Anderson did his.

"So, mind telling me how you managed to evade death? I saw the reports on the Normandy's destruction. It's hard to see how anyone could've survived that."

"I didn't survive." Shepard explained, surprising Anderson. "What remained of my body was found by Cerberus, and they rebuilt me."

"How… Why would Cerberus rebuild you?" Anderson asked, astonished.

"I don't know the full details of how they did it, but it took them two years and billions of credits to do so. As for why," Shepard shrugged. "The Collectors are abducting entire human colonies, and Cerberus suspects the Reapers are behind it. They think that because I faced Sovereign, I'll be able to face the Collectors also, and take them down."

"Shepard, you do realise that if word gets out that you're working for Cerberus…"

"I'm not working for them." Shepard interrupted sharply. "I'm working with them because they have the information and resources I need to strike down the Collectors."

"And I assume Cerberus intends to send you through the Omega 4 relay?" Anderson asked. "No ship has ever returned from that."

"I faced impossible odds before didn't I? Besides, Cerberus wouldn't have spent so much effort on bringing me back just to have me get killed again. They'll make sure I get though there."

"Just be on your guard. Cerberus has a shady reputation and I don't trust them, even if they did bring you back."

"Don't worry; I've got my guard up." She smiled. "And I'm not alone. I've got people I can trust at my side; some who aren't particularly fond of Cerberus themselves." She thought of Jack.

"That's good to hear. I wish I could help you with your mission, but helping a human extremist group won't look good on council reports. I know I'd usually put the galaxy's best interests before politics, but you seem to have a pretty firm grasp on the situation so far. I know you won't let any of us down."

"I understand Anderson, and thank you." Shepard said, in a gentle voice. "So, what's changed in the last two years?"

"Well we've mostly recovered from Sovereigns attack. Most of the damage done to the Citadel has been repaired and the debris cleared."

"I heard that the council are denying claims of the Reapers existence." Shepard said, scowling.

"You heard right. I tried to talk some sense into them but you know how they can be. Unwilling to accept anything as fact unless the see solid proof."

Shepard rolled her eyes. "I swear, sometimes I wonder how they manage to stay in office for so long. I guess most people just like being told that they're safe and that everything's fine?"

"Probably." Anderson admitted, looking out the window. "I don't mean to bother you, but I'm sure the council will want to speak to you themselves, you being a Spectre and all."

"Oh yay, I can't wait to hear Sparatus' accusations of me working with Cerberus." Shepard said sarcastically, standing up.

Anderson led Shepard over to the holographic projector and set up a connection with the council.

Three figures materialized in front of Shepard, one Asari, one Turian and one Salarian.

"Councillors." Shepard bowed her head respectfully, as was expected of her.

"Shepard." Tevos, the Asari councillor responded, bowing her head in return. "I must admit I'm surprised to see you."

Shepard shrugged. "I got better."

"With Cerberus' help as I understand it?" Sparatus said, in his usual chastising tone.

"You knew?" exclaimed Anderson.

"Word travels quickly in the Terminus Systems." Sparatus said. "We have our ears out there, as well as in council space."

"Well I assume you're going to criticize me, as usual?" Shepard said, her voice flat.

"What would you expect us to do Shepard?" Tevos asked.

"A 'welcome back' and a hug would be nice." Shepard replied sarcastically, smirking at the irritation on the councillors' faces.

"Look, I know Cerberus' background isn't exactly golden, far from it, but they brought me back and we need each other's help. Human colonies are disappearing and the Collectors are behind it. We also think the Reapers may be involved."

"Ah yes, 'Reapers'…" Sparatus began, but Shepard overrode him, her voice calm as ever, yet with an added patronizing tone.

"Don't interrupt; it's rude. Now, as I was saying," She continued, ignoring Sparatus' outraged expression. "If the Reapers are in fact involved, everyone is going to have to work together to stop them, including us, with Cerberus."

"We cannot simply offer aid to a terrorist organization!' exclaimed Valern.

"Don't you get it?" Shepard snapped, growing irritated. "If we don't stop the Collectors soon, we'll all be weakened and the Reapers will crush us like a Thresha Maw could a Varren!"

"You still haven't presented any genuine proof that the Reapers exist." Pointed out Tevos.

"As I was about to say." Sparatus added, glaring at Shepard.

"Didn't you even look at the remains of Sovereign?" Shepard demanded angrily. "There's no way in hell a Geth could create that kind of technology."

"They may have simply found it; an ancient relic of an older civilization." Valern pointed out.

"And where's your 'proof' of that?" Shepard shot back, "You try and deny my claims with unproven ones of your own! Well I've seen the Reapers for what they are, I've fought one, and I've spoken to one! And I know that they exist, and that they're coming, and that they will destroy us all unless we do something!"

"I'm sorry Shepard." Tevos said quietly. "But we cannot help you, or Cerberus, based on theories. However, we are willing to reinstate your Spectre status, so long as you operate solely within the Terminus systems."

"Oh so you're giving me something that I already had? Well that's a big help then isn't it?"

"With your arrogance, you should consider yourself lucky that we're allowing you even that." Sparatus sniffed.

"My arrogance?!" Shepard repeated, furiously, clenching her fists. "Just look at yourselves; acting so high and mighty while all the while, ignoring the real threat. Well here's some news for you; I'm going to stop the Collectors, with or without your help. I have a crew and a damn good one at that, they'll also be helping me. Cerberus is the ones who convinced me to deal with them, so I have their support as well. I don't need your Spectre status, so you can take it, and shove it right up your asses!"

And with that she activated her Omni tool and severed the connection.

Shepard let out a sigh and walked back to her chair, collapsing into it.

Fuck the council, if they won't help me, that's fine. I'll handle the Collectors without their help.

Anderson slowly sank into his own chair, looking at Shepard warily. "Are you all right Shepard?"

"Yeah, I'm fine." Shepard replied, sighing again. "I probably shouldn't have yelled at them should I?" She cast an apologetic look at Anderson.

Anderson chuckled, "What I would've given to have said half of what you did myself. I know how stubborn the council can be and I've had to put up with their nonsense for over two years."

"You should come with me." Shepard offered. "We could use a soldier like you aboard the Normandy."

Anderson looked out the window, longing in his eyes. "You have no idea how much I want to Shepard, but my place is here. Someone has to represent humanity, and as you said; the council has enough politicians."

"True." Shepard said, looking down. "So aside from the council making your days almost unbearable, how've the last two years been for you?"

"Not very exciting." Anderson admitted. "Most of my days consist of arguing with the council and Udina, trying to keep him in line."

"Ah, Udina. How is the cranky bastard anyway?" Shepard smirked.

"The same; always trying to argue every point, ranting on about how humanity still doesn't have enough rights, putting politics before common sense. Not even the council can stand him, and that's saying something."

Shepard let out a hearty laugh, "It sure is." She agreed.

It was at that moment that the door to Anderson's office opened and Udina himself walked in.

"Speak of the devil." Shepard smirked, turning to face to aged man.

"Shepard? What are you doing here?" he demanded.

"Aw, don't sound so disappointed. Seriously I come back after being dead for two years and these are the 'hellos' I get?"

"Shepard and I have just being talking with the council." Anderson explained. "They were… ahem, eager to speak with her."

"You should've contacted me," Udina said, irritated. "I should've been there when the council was conferencing the Commander."

"No thanks," Shepard muttered. "It would have been 'legion of assholes' all over again, and frankly, I had enough of the four of you teaming up on me during the hunt for Saren."

Udina looked outraged but before he could respond, Anderson intervened. "That will be enough Udina. I want that paperwork sorted and in my office by 1500, and there's still much more to do."

Udina glared at Anderson, before nodding and leaving the room at a brisk stride.

"Sorry; couldn't resist." Shepard said, hiding a smile.

Anderson shook his head and rolled his eyes. "Well at least Cerberus did a good job at preserving your personality."

Shepard smiled at that; it made her feel better about herself, knowing that the virus wasn't taking her away completely.

"I should probably get going soon." Shepard said, checking the time. She was due to meet Garrus soon.

"I understand." Anderson said. "No doubt you've been busy since you came back?"

"Yeah, it'll be good to rest for a while." She confirmed.

Anderson nodded, beginning to stand.

"Before I go," Shepard said quickly, halting Anderson and making his reseat himself. "I want to know something."

"Of course."

Shepard hesitated before continuing. "When I died… My crew were all in here when they heard the news, as were you."

"We were." Anderson said gravely, looking Shepard in the eye.

"When my death was announced… how did Garrus Vakarian react to it?"

"The Turian? Well he, uh… he just seemed to sit there in silence while everyone else was grieving and trying to deny the news. As far as I know he didn't say anything, and eventually left in silence."

Shepard looked at the floor between her legs, turning the thought over in her head. Eventually she snapped out of her daze and stood.

"Thank you Anderson." She said quietly. "I'll uh, I'll be in touch?"

"Of course Commander." Anderson nodded.

Shepard nodded back and went to the door opening it.

"Oh Shepard!" Anderson said suddenly as if he had remembered something. Shepard turned her head to face him as she stood in the doorframe.

"When Garrus left, I remember him saying something about not being there for you when you needed him. He was talking to himself but I overheard."

Shepard didn't move as Anderson spoke, she merely looked at him and listened.

"Also he um… well…" Anderson sighed. "I never thought Turians could cry until that day."

Shepard felt her heart wrench at his words, as shock and hurt overwhelmed every other feeling in her body. "What?"

"All I remember was watching him walking out that very door, tears running down his face. You don't forget a sight like that easily." Anderson approached Shepard and put a hand on her shoulder.

"He cared about you greatly." He said softly.

Shepard nodded, no trusting herself to speak. Garrus… crying? Over her death?

As far as Shepard knew, Garrus, nor any other Turian she had known had ever shed tears over anything. She didn't even know they were capable of doing it.

"Well," she finally said. "I should probably get going then. Things to do, you know?"

Anderson nodded, stepping back.

"Thank you for telling me." She murmured.

"Of course Shepard, I'll be in touch."

Shepard nodded before heading off.

She couldn't think about this now, not when she was about to meet up with Garrus. She tried to regain her composure as she made her way down the hall.

She needed to do one more thing before meeting up with Garrus, something important needed to be done.

She checked the time on her Omni tool.

Still fifteen minutes. She thought, though I should probably hurry.


Thirty minutes later Shepard walked towards customs, making sure that the blue package was well hidden at the bottom of the bag at her side.

It had taken longer than expected to find what she was looking for, as well as a few new clothes for her wardrobe. She didn't want to be walking around in Cerberus marked uniforms all the time, so she had gone to the closest human clothing store and picked out a black hoodie with blue patterns on the arms, and a pair of dark grey jeans to go with it.

She had put on her new casuals and put her standard Cerberus ones in the bag, over top of the blue package.

She arrived at customs and scanned the crowd for Garrus. This proved challenging as C-Sec Turians overpopulated the customs area, and the crowd was rather dense.

She eventually found him leaning against a pillar, looking on as people passes through scanning.

Shepard walked over, smiling as he noticed her approach. Garrus pushed himself off the pillar and turned to face her.

"Your late." He grinned teasingly.

"I got held up; Line in the store was massive." She half lied. The line had been big, but had moved quickly. What had really held her up was trying to find the item which now rested in a blue wrapped box at the bottom of her bag.

"Of course it was." He smirked. "So, what's the plan for today?"

"Well," Shepard said smiling, "I thought that since I can eat dextro food now, maybe you'd like to show me a good place where I can… experiment."

Garrus laughed. "Sounds like fun. I was actually hoping to get some food anyway, so we might as well go find a place to eat."

"Awesome."

"Also the whole crews gonna get together later in the Darkstar lounge. It'll be a good time to finally kick back and get to know everyone properly."

Shepard's smile grew. "Great. It'll be good for everyone to learn more about each other and who they've got watching their back. This mission's gonna rely on teamwork more than anything."

Garrus nodded. "So, how about that food? I haven't eaten since that crap you watched me eat."

Shepard laughed. "I hope real dextro food tastes better."


Garrus led Shepard to a small food-place where they took their seats and received the menu's. It was a simple Café style place, yet it was packed full of people, specifically Turians.

Shepard received many strange looks as she took her seat opposite Garrus. She didn't know if it was because she was a human in a dextro Café, or because they looked like a couple.

Shepard distracted herself my looking over the menu, changing its digital display to English so that she could read it. Not that it helped; she didn't know what a single thing was.

"Need help?" Garrus smirked, noticing Shepard confused expression.

Shepard grinned guiltily. "Yeah, probably best if you chose something for me."

Garrus chuckled and waved over the waitress. He ordered two dishes, the names of which getting scrambled as Shepard's translator failed to process his words. The Turian woman nodded and walked off, leaving them to admire the view of the citadel out a nearby window.

"It's been a while since I've been here." Garrus sighed, watching as ships and shuttles whizzed past outside.

"Longer still for me." Shepard remarked. "Place hasn't seemed to have changed too much."

Garrus hummed in acknowledgment.

Shepard looked at the table between her arms. She didn't want to bring back the topic they had discussed earlier in the Normandy's lounge. She didn't want to ruin the day with heavy thoughts. She'd bring it up eventually… but not now.

The food arrived quickly, much to Garrus' obvious delight. He eagerly dug into the dish, which consisted of a series of strange looking fruits, a pile of steaming mash (which looked suspiciously like the glop Garrus had eaten earlier) and two strips of bright red meat.

Shepard looked at her own dish, which was the same as what Garrus had ordered. She prodded the meat with her fork, wondering if it was even cooked. It was steaming but it looked raw.

Garrus looked up from his meal at Shepard, and chuckled slightly. "That goes in your mouth Shepard." He said in a mocking tone.

"What is it?" Shepard asked.

"The red stuff is Skag meat, raw but heated. Don't worry, it tastes good; cooking it just ruins the flavour and kills all the nutrients. The fruit is grown on Palaven, and are very soft, and very juicy. The green stuff is nectar from one of the flowers on Palaven's tropical islands. You dip the Skag in it to enhance the flavour."

Shepard cut a piece of Skag off the strip and dragged it thorugh the Nectar. The green seemed to instantly soak into the red meat, making it more of a brownish colour.

Shepard hesitated before putting the morsel into her mouth, chewing slowly, testing its flavour and texture.

The meat was rather rough, but its flavour made it easy to devour, as it was as if it had been marinated in honey and spice. It was also very juicy, and left a pleasant feel on Shepard's tongue once she had swallowed.

Garrus watched her for a reaction. Shepard grinned and cut off another piece of meat.

"This kind of makes me wish I had the virus sooner." She said, half serious; the food was almost as delicious as top class restaurant grade food back on earth.

Garrus chuckled, "I'm glad you like it. If we find Tali, we should defiantly go out, the three of us, to a finer restaurant."

"I'd like that." Shepard said, unable to stop smiling.

Garrus went back to his own food, humming quietly to himself as he ate.

When they had both finished, the leaned back, allowing th food settle.

"That was delicious." Shepard exclaimed.

"I'm glad you think so." Garrus replied. "Too bad I can't eat human food though. That would be an interesting experience."

"Yeah, too bad." Shepard agreed.

"Well, as a thank you for showing me how great dextro food is," Shaprd said, reaching into her bag, "I didn't know if you wanted a new one, but I have to admit, its strange seeing you without one." She handed over the blue package.

Garrus' eyes lit up as he took it. "Shepard, you didn't have to…" He began, but Shepard overrode his quickly.

"Open the damn package!"

Garrus laughed, and slit open the wrappings with his talon, exposing the plain carboard box. He opened it and gasped.

Inside, resting in a Styrofoam mound, lay a very expensvde looking visor. The frame was a shiny black, almost sliver built or reinforced steel, the underside was padded so it would fit comfortably on Garrus face. Thin, glowing blue lines rimmed the edges of the frame, giving it an sparking appearance. This glowing blue was element zero, covered in a very thin layer of plastic to protect it, and to prevent Garrus from suffering any radiation damage. The screen was white, and the heads up display was currently turned off. It was slightly curvier than Garrus' old visor, making it look more exotic.

"You can change the colour of the HUD to suit your preferences." Shepard explained as Garrus removed the visor from the box, delicately, and turned it on. "I have a built in setting that lets you choose any colour from the light spectrum, default is white. It can do everything your old one could, and more."

"Shepard, I… you do realize that this is one of the most advance models currently in existence." He said in an awed voice.

"Yeah, tell me about; it cost a bomb to buy. I hope you like it."

"Like it?" Garrus repeated, changing the display to his trademark blue and smiling. He got up and puled Shepard out of her chair, into a tight embrace. "This is the… thank you Allison." He whispered.

Shepard smiled and pulled back, then noticing that many people were staring.

"Well? Are you gonna put it on? Or are you just gonna hold it?"

Garrus laughed and reached up to place the visor on his face.

And now, it's never coming off. Shepard joked to herself.


Afterwards, Shepard and Garrus met up with Joker who was waiting for them outside the Darkstar lounge.

"What the hell took you so long?" He complained as the joined him. "I've been waiting out here for you while Jacob gets a head start, chatting up the women in there."

"We had trouble finding the place. Neither of us have visited this club before." Garrus explained. Even he, who used to work for C-Sec didn't come into this section of the wards very often.

"Well next time you could, you know, ping me using that thing on your wrist? Its called an Omni tool, perhaps you've heard the name before?"

"Sorry." Shepard said, "It seems kinda obvious now that you say it."

"Ya think?" Joker rolled his eyes, leading them into the club.

"Nice visor Garrus." He said.

Garrus smiled.


IT wasn't as lively as Afterlife on Omega, but the drinks were good and the staff friendly.

Shepard had a great time chatting amongst the crew, trying to get to know them better. She talked too Donnelly and Daniels, both of whom looked after the Normandy's engine systems down in engineering. Shepard like the way they always argued like an old married couple, and they constantly made her laugh.

Jack and Grunt sat over with Mordin and Kelly Chambers, the former two being loud and drunk, while the latter sat quietly, discussing various subjects between themselves.

Joker, Garrus and Jacob were having a contest to see who could drink the most, and so far, both humans looked set to pass out, while Garrus maintained his cocky and relaxed composure.

Miranda and Chakwas were talking over to the side, both laughing every now and then.

Shepard felt as though, for the first real time since she had come back, everything was as it should be.

As the night progressed, Shepard, Garrus, Chakwas and Joker got together and started having conversations about the good old days back on the original Normandy.

"And that's why I'm glad that I never got in the Mako with you." Joker announced, his words slurred.

"What is it with everyone and my driving?" Shepard asked to no one in particular. "I mean, come on, just because I took shortcuts…"

"I don't think shortcuts include driving over and off the edges of mountains, Shepard." Garrus said.

They all laughed.

"Hey, remember when we sent that alien porn to Ashley's Omni-tool that one time?" Joker said.

"'We'? If I recall correctly, it was your idea… and your porn." Shepard said after some thought.

"I only had I left my console on and Wrex got into it after I'd gone to sleep." He defended.

"Well that would explain the Krogan, Ahem, 'backrub'." Garrus said, sending everyone into another round of laughter.

"I remember when Wrex broke is gauntlet, and one of the pieces had driven its way into his wrist." Chakwas said, smirking. "I said, 'this is what you get when you try and smash a Geth's head in when your shields are down.' And Wrex replied, 'it's not as bad as the Geth's head is now.'"

Shepard laughed, "Oh that's Wrex talking alright. Always brushing off wounds like they're nothing, and taking pride in it."

"I miss old Wrex." Garrus said, "and Tali, and Liara… and Kaiden believe it or not."

"He'd never believe you said that unless he heard it himself." Joker smirked. "You two were always trying to prove yourselves the better solider."

"No we didn't." Garrus paused. "Well he did. I didn't need too."

They all laughed again.

"We should probably get back to the Normandy." Shepard said, looking at the time. "We're all gonna have hangovers tomorrow and I want us ready to go by 1900."

Joker groaned. "Can't we stay just one more day?" he pleaded. "I still haven't finished my contest with Jacob."

"What about me?" Garrus smirked.

"Bah, being Turian is cheating; you could drink five humans under the table, one at a time."

"Sorry Joker, but the Illusive man will probably have some more dossiers for us by the time we get back, and the sooner we can recruit more team-members the better."

"Fine, but don't expect me to get up early." Joker warned. "And make sure you turn EDI off before you go to bed. I don't want to wake up every fifteen minute to, 'The airlock is ajar'."

Shepard laughed at got up. Some of the crew had already retired; Grunt had to carry an unconscious Jack back to the ship over his shoulder.

Shepard left with Garrus at her side. The hallways were mostly empty at this hour as they made their way back to the ship.

Shepard slung an arm Around Garrus' back, her hand resting on his other shoulder.

"Have a good time?" She asked, smiling at him.

Garrus chuckled, looking back at her, his new visor flashing as the few lights reflected off its surface.

"You know I did." He replied warmly, and the two of them made their way through the darkened halls of the Citadel, both savouring the peace before the storm.


A/N: it took me so long to get this chapter just the way I wanted it, which is why it's a day late. I was writing, deleting, rewriting and so of, for hours on end, and now I'm FINALLY satisfied with the result. IF any of you noticed, Skag (the meat the Shepard eats at the dextro café) is a reference to Borderlands. Skags are Pandoras common wildlife-dog-lizard-things. I hope you enjoyed Chapter 8, and 9 is gonna be one hell of a ride. I'll try to get it up within a week. Please leave faves, flowing and reviews to motivate me… ;)