My apologies for the delay on both this and the B5/ST variant but my life, both personal and professional has been chaotic/troubled for the last few months.

I will continue this story, and it should settle into a schedule of an update at least once a month - hopefully faster - from Sept/Oct on.

...

I sometimes worry that I'll start writing Shepard and her band in a different form/style than what is established for them in the games so if I do, please feel free to pm me about it.

I've planned this right through until the end of ME1, but ideas are flexible and I'm open to suggestions.

Anyway, enjoy.

10: Perfect Timing

SSV Normandy

Cockpit

19:15 October 2nd 2183

"The Vanguard is turning!" Shepard looked at Pressley in shock then the display to confirm the news.

"Barriers?"

Pressley shook his head. "Nothing detected." He paused as more data came in. "What the hell? She's accelerating!"

Shepard looked at the display again as she processed the data. "A suicide run!" Everyone bar Joker turned to look at her in disbelief.

"You can't be serious!" Said Alenko as he turned back to the weapons console and fired another blast from the GARDIAN lasers.

Shepard actually smiled a little as she though back to last time she'd talked with MacLeod in his ready-room. "Watch your habits, for they become your character."

"Commander?"

Shepard turned back to the main window. "MacLeod told me a few war stories. He has a habit of not running from a fight." She shouted down the corridor that led to the cockpit. "Joker, see if you can get us a clear window and prepare to FTL."

"What?" Williams stormed over to where Shepard stood and closed until she was face to face with the commander. "We can't abandon them."

"We're not. He's buying us time to escape." Shepard said softly, knowing that Williams had only just started to get over the loss of her platoon on Eden Prime.

Williams stood there with a pleading – almost begging – look on her face. "Skipper please."

Shepard placed a hand on the Chief's shoulder and started to speak. "Ash…"

"Another ship has just come out of FTL!" Screamed Pressley from the CIC. "They're between the Vanguard and the Geth."

Everyone turned and saw the scans and instantly recognized the profile of the newcomer.

The newcomer opened fire on the Geth ships; destroying two with its first volley.

"More ships incoming." Everyone watched as the rest of the fleet dropped to normal space and rapidly engaged and destroyed the four remaining Geth cruisers that were attacking the Vanguard.

"Well ain't that a surprise." Muttered Williams as all the remaining Geth ships, even the ones currently trying to destroy the Normandy, turned tail and jumped to FTL.

"Incoming signal." Said Pressley and for once Shepard was looking forward to the talk.

USS Vanguard

Bridge

19:15

Everyone present watched their scanners as the massive ship flew between them and the Geth attackers and quickly chased them off.

"We've got an incoming signal." Reported Havaris. "Putting it on speakers."

"This is the Destiny Ascension to the starship Vanguard. Can we be of assistance?"'

MacLeod smiled at the female voice that was talking. "I think you already have been of assistance. Talk about perfect timing."

The female voice laughed softly. "I know. Not every day you get the ride to the rescue with such textbook timing." There was a pause as everyone processed the incredible luck that the Ascension had with its arrival. "We have the Council on board and they are anxious to meet you face to face."

MacLeod looked around the bridge and made sure to check everyone was still OK; though he found it hard to look at the Helm without thinking about Ku. "As am I. We'll prepare the shuttlebay for your arrival in ten minutes. Is that acceptable?"

"Perfectly Commander. I look forward to viewing your ship." The link closed and MacLeod shared a look with D'Mora.

"Well it ain't the Enterprise but I'll take it." He said, drawing from a smile from D'Mora.

"Engineering to Bridge."

MacLeod touched the intercom switch. "Bridge here."

"The diagnostic is complete. We can restart the warp core whenever you like."

D'Mora grunted as MacLeod just shook his head. "A little late Lieutenant, but better late than never. Go ahead with the restart. Bridge out."

Shuttlebay

19:30

MacLeod and D'Mora watched as the Asari shuttle – thank you Shepard for providing them with a codex! – was guided into its assigned landing spot by the bay's tractor beams.

They watched as two well-armed soldiers – one Asari, one Turian – exited first followed by two more Asari, a Turian and a Salarian with a further Salarian bringing up the rear.

MacLeod looked over at Havaris who was discreetly scanning the newcomers and watching the deck sensors to ensure there was no cloaked infiltrator. While he doubted they had the technology or would actually do so the fact remained that Starfleet intelligence believed that the Romulans did have the capability so every shuttle landing was treated the same way, just in case.

MacLeod recognized the three middle aliens and was still shocked to actually be seeing them as they approached.

"Commander MacLeod, so good to finally meet you face to face." Said the Asari Councillor.

MacLeod stared at her, and the other two Councillors, in pure shock. "Um, sure." He mumbled before regaining his composure. "I have to say though; I didn't expect that you would carry out first contact yourself."

The Asari smiled. "We did plan to send a standard contact team, but after reading the initial reports again and going over your first meeting with Commander Shepard we decided to carry out the contact ourselves."

"And disprove your theory of alternate dimensions." Said the Turian Councillor challengingly.

MacLeod stared at the Turian and thought of ten different ways he could probably kill him before his guards could respond. "Look around Councillor. Tell me that this is all a deception. If you can't trust your eyes I'd be happy enough to remove them for you."

The two guards stepped forward at the blatant threat. "I would advise against that." Stated the other Turian.

The Asari Councillor stepped forward with her arms outstretched. "Please, let's not get into a shouting or shooting match. I'm sure the Commander is just tired from the recent events."

D'Mora watched MacLeod carefully knowing well how close he was to the missing Ensign as MacLeod had explained it briefly but honestly in the trip to the shuttlebay.

Thankfully for her, he treated Ku like a younger sister and after the recent hospitalization of Willard, Ku and herself were the closest thing to a family he had left and he was holding on to their presence to keep himself sane so losing the young girl – and failing in his promise to protect her – was enough to push him over the edge for a while.

D'Mora didn't know how she could help except to be there for him as he needed and try to help him find a way to get her back.

"I am." Answered MacLeod; the weight of the world clearly evident in his voice. He looked up and a light blub seemed to click in his mind. "Where are my manners? This is Sub-Commander D'Mora, my acting first officer and Lieutenant Havaris, my chief of security."

The Councillors gave each person a nod of acknowledgement before the Asari spoke. "I am Tevos, this is Valern and Spartacus." She indicated the Salarian and Turian in order. "My fellow Asari is Matriarch Lidanya, the commanding officer of the Destiny Ascension."

MacLeod gave the Councillors brief nods – and Spartacus a death stare – before stepping forward to Lidanya. "I am glad I can thank you in person Matriarch. I hope I can return the favour one day."

Lidanya laughed softly; it was almost a musical sound to the newcomers, before answering. "You're welcome Commander, though I seriously doubt that the Ascension would ever be in that kind of danger. I suppose a tour of your ship would more than suffice."

MacLeod smiled and D'Mora felt her jealousy start to rise. It foolish as they weren't even together but he was hers and she'd decided to fight to get him back – well, once they got back to their dimension that is.

"It would be my pleasure Matriarch but it will have to wait for another day. Right now I want to know where Saren is."

The Councillors all shared a look before Valern spoke; "How do you know of Saren?"

"Shepard." Snarled Spartacus. "She just had to tell you didn't she?"

MacLeod stepped forward as he spoke. "What Shepard didn't or didn't tell me is not why I'm asking." With each word he slowly moved closer to Spartacus. "This ship was boarded by those Geth you saved us from and several members of the crew were taken hostage." He was now right in front of – and towering over – the Turian with his voice almost a growl as he spoke. "And I want them back!"

Everyone watched almost too worried to risk moving and incite the two males to actually come to blows. Slowly Spartacus lowered his head and stepped back.

"An admirable trait Commander, to risk your life for your sub-ordinates." His mandibles twitched into what was a small smile for his race. "But until we can verify your story, I don't feel we need to release such data to you. And neither should Commander Shepard."

As if on cue, the doors to the shuttlebay opened and in walked Shepard, along with Alenko, Williams and Liara. Their escort nodded to MacLeod then stepped back outside.

"So what did I miss?" She asked to try and cut the obvious tension.

"Not now Commander." Snarled Spartacus as he shifted his anger from one Human to another. "Your lack of protocol has you in enough trouble as it is."

"Anyway," Interrupted Valern before the Human Spectre could reply and further inflame the situation. "I think our biggest issue right now is confirming the validity of Commander MacLeod's story."

MacLeod sighed before he spoke. "I've given you the history of the Federation and you are standing on a ship unlike anything in your galaxy so I really don't know what more proof I can give you."

Tevos looked at her companions – who both give subtle nods – before she spoke. "Well, there is one thing." She stepped forward until she was almost touching MacLeod; which forced her to strain her neck to look up at him.

"Asari possess an ability to share thoughts with others. It is very personal but it would help confirm beyond any doubt that your story is true."

MacLeod shared a smile with D'Mora as he spoke. "Romulans and Vulcans have a similar ability. So I'm game to try."

Tevos smiled as she gently pulled his head down until their foreheads were touching. "Very well Commander. Close your eyes. Clear your mind. Embrace Eternity!"