A journey to the unknown shores needs a port, a ship, a wind; but more important than all of them: Courage; courage to leave the known for the unknown! — Mehmet Murat ildan

AOR – Area of Responsibility
Ferret – domesticated form of the European polecat, a mammal belonging to the same genus as the weasel. In the context of this story, it refers to Quinton Yang, a low—level Blue Suns member caught nosing around areas frequented by Zaeed Massani.
XO – Executive Officer – second in command of the vessel; answers to the ship's captain.

• SSV NORMANDY, DECK FIVE •

Zaeed Massani left the elevator as soon as the massive door segments retracted into the bulkheads; he strolled past the small arms modification bench and turned towards the port side, moving in the direction of the small area most recently occupied by Lieutenant Vega. He could see Sandra Patton's back, where she stood at a small workbench. Saying, "Looks like we'll 'ave ter leave our business ashore unresolved until we return, eh?" as he came to a standstill on her right side.

Patton looked at him briefly, before returning her attention to the N7 Crusader she was modifying. "It is unfortunate, but duty calls. Scuttlebutt has it we're going to hitch a ride inside one of the big Reapers, along with the Hong Kong. Don't know the reason yet … Cap'n just said to make ready for departure."

Zaeed sighed wistfully. "Kinda wish I 'ad accommodashuns ashore, Gunny … we almost 'ad a line on Solem Dal'Serah. Bet the Suns'll slice dat miserable little ferret's neck afore we get back."

Patton snapped the last piece into the receiver, set the heavy gun down on the bench and gave her full attention to Massani. "Listen to me, Zaeed. We will pick up the trail when we return, whether Quinton Yang is still breathing or not. As for accommodations ashore for you? Not feasible … I can't watch your back from this ship, and I cannot get off the ship unless it's docked."

Massani started to protest, saying, "Never needed anyone ter watch me back afore … don't need …"

" … enough, Zaeed!" Sandra eyes narrowed as she turned and took a step to stand right in front of the surprised merc. "You'd be lying dead in the fuckin' dirt in the middle of Delta ward if I hadn't been bird-doggin' your ass yesterday." Zaeed opened his mouth to protest, but the words died in his throat as Patton continued, "No! Let me finish. I told you after lunch the other day that I like you. Well, I like you a lot, and I'm not done finding out what it means to be good friends with you, Zaeed Massani … I'll be damned if I'll stand by and let you get killed by the Suns, or anybody else … you're important to me, dammit!"

Zaeed was taken aback by the apparent depth of Sandra's passion regarding him. "Never 'ad someone willin' ter risk their ass on my behalf. Don't know what ter say."

"You don't need to say anything, Zaeed. And as far as Dal'Serah is concerned, we'll find him, okay? He can't hide forever. Just get used to the idea you are going to have top cover anytime you're out and about, and remember … it was your request to Cody that got me transferred to this ship."

Zaeed grinned in spite of himself. "Damned if yew ain't an in'erestin' woman, Master Guns!" Looking past her at the workbench, he asked, "Anythin' I can do ter 'elp yew 'ere? Ain't got nothin' else ter keep me busy."

Patton's frown gradually turned to a small grin as he spoke. "Sure. Need to modify a few more guns to better kill synthetics … I'll finish with the shotguns. You can use the other weapons bench, modify a number of the assault rifles. I don't want any of our ground teams being injured by the metal bastards."

Zaeed was standing so close to Patton he could smell her … the fragrance of her hair, mixed with that of oiled leather, gunsmithing lubricants and cleaner. He spent several moments after she finished speaking just … enjoying … the scent of the woman, before turning abruptly to stalk over to the other weapons bench, where he picked up a Striker assault rifle and began adding mods to enhance its operation. As he worked, he continued to think about the Master Gunnery Sergeant.

As Zaeed moved towards the main weapons configuration workbench, he walked right past Lieutenant James Vega as Vega, having entered the ship through the open hanger bay ramp, headed towards his former exercise location. Intent on clearing the last of his gear from the ship before it—and he—departed the Citadel, he walked up behind the master gunnery sergeant standing at the weapons bench where he had spent a lot of hours during the Reaper War. He cleared his throat to get her attention, hoping as he did so he wouldn't startle her while she was working on the shotgun; she set the gun down and turned, half expecting Massani to be standing behind her once again. Upon seeing Vega—whom she hadn't previously met—she straightened and said, "Lieutenant? …"

"It's Vega, Master Guns … James Vega." He held out a hand, which she took as he continued, "I'm just here to say my goodbyes to a few people, get the rest of my gear … Alliance is shipping me off to 'N' school couple of days from now; I heard Normandy is about to leave for parts unknown, so figured today would be my last chance."

Glad to get her hand back uninjured after having it enveloped in Vega's huge paw, she replied, "Good to meet you, Lieutenant. Congratulations on making 'N' school."

"¡Gracias! While I'm here, I really need to thank Commander Shepard … she encouraged me to take the opportunity."

Patton smiled as she activated her omnitool. After keying in a short sequence, she waved her arm towards the weapons bench where Zaeed was working and said, "There she is, Lieutenant. And, good luck to you. I hope you do well."

Thanking her again, James turned and walked towards the weapons bench; saying hello to Massani as he walked past, he came up to Shepard's projected image. "Commander? Seems my future in the Alliance truly began when I was assigned to be your guard for six months while the defense committee sat on their hands and did nothing to prepare for what was coming. I'll be leaving for Earth in a couple of days … just wanted to thank you again for the dance when we first came on board." James looked down for a moment before returning his gaze to Shepard. "I'm just glad you didn't mop the deck with me the way Traynor did."

"She's still on deck two running deep-space comms and analyses, James. Be sure to stop by on your way out … I think she'd love to offer a 'good luck' to you."

James grinned as he replied, "Thanks, Lola … I'll be sure to do that. And good luck to you. Scuttlebutt has it there's some strange shit going on in the Attican Traverse." After all this time, it was still hard for James to accept that Rachaél's image was only that … he'd give anything to have her available for another dance. "Here's hoping I can actually give you a real hug next time I see you, Ma'am."

Shepard grinned as she replied, "Much as it pains me to admit it, I'd like that, James … I'd like that a lot. You take care of yourself on Earth … do me and your crewmates proud down there."

"I'll do my best, Commander." James watched as the image disappeared in a mini-tornado-like swirl of blue and red pixels before leaving to find his containers.

• SSV HONG KONG II, CAPTAIN YUÁN'S QUARTERS •

While Vega was clearing the rest of his gear from the Normandy, Major Alenko had come aboard the Hong Kong to say his farewells to Miranda Lawson. His first stop on board had been to see Captain Yuán in her quarters on the port side of Deck Two.

Xiùlán had sent a note to Miranda's terminal on Deck One, requesting the specialist's presence in her office. As Alenko had entered the ship through the hanger deck, Lawson wasn't aware he was the reason she had been summoned to the captain's office; her shock at seeing him was obvious as soon as the segmented hatch retracted into the bulkheads. "Major … ah, hello." Turning her attention to her captain, she said, "You asked to see me, Ma'am?"

Xiùlán smiled, saying, "Come in, Specialist." As Miranda walked into the office area, Yuán stood and came around her desk. "The major here has some information for you. I'm going to get a cup of tea, take a break for … oh, fifteen minutes or so."

So saying, she walked past a stunned Miranda, leaving her alone with Alenko; Miri turned to face him as he walked up to her and placed his arms around her in a gentle embrace. She quickly reciprocated, pulling him in a lot tighter as she said, "I won't break, Kaidan." Pulling back just a bit, she looked deeply into his whiskey colored eyes for a moment before tilting her head to tentatively place her lips on his; he responded by tightening his arms around her torso as he deepened the kiss, giving in to the passion she was sharing with her mouth on his.

Breaking the kiss to take a breath, Miranda whispered, "I didn't think we'd have another chance to talk before you left." She placed a little kiss on his mouth and continued, "We're shipping out, Kaidan … probably in the morning." Another little kiss. "I don't know how long we'll be out there, and you're going to leave for Grissom Academy. It'll be a while …" another kiss, " … before we see each other again."

Miri's kisses were working their magic on Kaidan … unlike the night of their dinner date, he made no attempt to hide his arousal by lessening the tightness of his embrace; rather, he slowly slid one hand from the middle of her back to the middle of her butt and pressed hard, forcing her hips harder against his own.

"My God, Kaidan … really?" She responded by grinding her hips against him for a few moments before reluctantly backing away. She couldn't move far with his hand massaging her ass, but knew if she didn't stop herself … and Kaidan, they'd wind up using Xiùlán's bed to satisfy their mutual lust. There just wasn't enough time.

"Captain's issued a crew recall, Kaidan … I can't get off the ship now, not even for a few hours."

Kaidan finally found his voice, croaking out, "Damn! Just my luck … find a gorgeous woman that seems willing to make love to me, and she has to leave with neither of us satisfied. Too bad there isn't someplace on the ship …"

Miranda smirked and replied, "Just have to wait for a while longer, Luv … that is, if you think I'm worth waiting for."

Kaidan reached in and kissed her again. "Are you kidding me? I don't want to wait, but I definitely think you're worth it, no matter how long it takes." Taking one last, lingering kiss, he reluctantly released her and stepped back, just as a signal from the entrance hatch sounded, indicating Yuán's return to her office was imminent.

Miranda placed both hands on Kaidan's cheeks and lightly kissed him as the hatch sections parted and retracted into the bulkheads to admit the ship's captain. Pretending not to notice Miranda's goodbye kiss, she walked around her desk, sat down with her cup of tea and said, "Major? Looks like you two are saying your goodbyes."

"I'm afraid so, Captain. I'll be leaving for Grissom Academy in a couple of days … Don't know when I'll be back," Kaidan responded. "And I'm told the Hong Kong's leaving for a different part of the galaxy … no telling when we'll see each other again."

After taking a sip of tea, Xiùlán smiled up at Miranda as she said, "You may return to your duties, Ms Lawson … that is, if the major is done talking with you …" She looked from one to the other, waiting for confirmation.

Miranda's 'Aye, Ma'am' was spoken with less enthusiasm than Xiùlán had come to expect, not that she really faulted the specialist for feeling that way. Miranda turned for a moment at the door to look longingly at the major before continuing on, heading for the semi-circular staircase to Deck One.

Xiùlán looked at Major Alenko as she sipped from her mug. "Major, I'm sensing a growing attraction between you and my comms specialist … and it's obvious she's quite taken with you." Kaidan started to protest, only to be waved off. "Personally, I think it's probably the best medicine for her … make her realize her misadventures at the hands of the Blue Suns didn't make her undesirable. It would seem she's grown to trust you, Alenko. For her to again place trust in a man is … remarkable, and I just wanted to thank you for understanding."

"I only wish things had worked out differently. If she hadn't joined the Navy, she'd be free to join me at Grissom." Alenko thought for a few moments before concluding, "I am grateful that you took such an interest in her after rescuing her from those bastards in Vancouver, Captain … I think you have done more to heal her psyche than an entire squad of shrinks could have ever accomplished."

Xiùlán finished her tea before responding. "That's high praise, Major … but I can't take all the credit … Miranda has more mental fortitude than you know; she's still healing, and you've played a part in that. She's going to be just fine."

Alenko grinned. "I'm glad you're so optimistic, Captain." Taking a peek at the chrono on the wall beside her desk, he said, "Looks like it's time for me to leave you … let you get back to business. I have to pay a quick visit to the Normandy, say my farewells to a few people on board." Offering his right hand, he finished with, "Safe flight, Captain Yuán. As they used to say, 'May you encounter only fair winds and following seas'."

Xiùlán stood and reached across her desk to take his hand. "Thank you, Major. I hope your assignment at Grissom Academy proves to be a positive experience, although I cannot imagine cleaning up after an assault by Cerberus will be easy."

Alenko chuckled. "I expect I'll have my work cut out for me, Captain, but it'll be good to be working again. Until next time." With that, Kaidan turned and left Xiùlán's office.

• SSV NORMANDY · DECK TWO, CIC •

Samantha Traynor was busy collating the data sent by Liara T'Soni regarding the various Cerberus created deep-space stations she and Garrus Vakarian had encountered in the Horse Head Nebula; she had also been tasked with plotting the routes Normandy and the Hong Kong would be taking once both ships were free in space after their trip aboard the Repository Žiuk'Durmah.

Sammy's concentration on her task was so intense she didn't notice the elevator door segments retracting into the bulkheads, so nearly jumped out of her skin when a voice, seemingly from right behind her said, "Hey, Especialista … How've you been?"

In spite of her surprise, Traynor quickly locked her terminal and spun about, seemingly in one smooth, uninterrupted motion; she was smiling as she turned, as no one had ever called her 'Especialista' except Lieutenant Vega. "Dammit, Lieutenant! You shouldn't be sneaking up on people," she laughed, "especially people that can plant your ass in the ground!"

James raised his hands, palms outward as he grinned back at her. "Sorry if I startled you, Ms Traynor. I just came by to say adiós and Buena suerte … that's good luck." James lowered his hands, offering his right hand for her to take as he did so. "I can't say it's always been a pleasure to serve with you, Samantha," he said in a low voice, "especially when you cleaned the hanger deck with me; I'm just glad you and I can part as comrades, maybe even as amigos."

Traynor swallowed hard. She had virtually forgotten about their little dust-up in the hanger bay—seemed like something from a distant time, long ago. Clearing her throat, she spoke softly: "James, I meant what I said the day after our dance in the hanger … about you losing your juvenile attitude regarding women? Remember? I really hope you've grown as a man since then … I truly want to see you do well in that school."

James nodded his head as he thought back to that day in the Crew's Mess. "No worries there, Specialist. I learned my lesson, and I am grateful you talked Shepard and Alenko out of demoting me." Vega grimaced at the memory, then smiled at Traynor as he said, "I'm going to make N7, Traynor … count on it." He wanted to give her a hug, but something in the tone of her voice told him he hadn't been totally forgiven for his behavior back then. He gently squeezed the hand he was still holding as he nodded and said, "So long, Chief Warrant Officer Traynor. I look forward to seeing you when I graduate."

Noting his use of 'when' instead of 'after', Traynor nodded as she replied, "If that's an invitation, you can count on it." Traynor grinned at the big man as she continued, "I'll try to get shore leave to attend the ceremony … I'd like to be the first to buy you a congratulatory beer."

James nodded as he released her hand; he had started to walk past the galaxy map when he turned back towards her. "If you don't mind, would you give my regards to Engineer Daniels, and tell her my heavy bag is all hers … I seriously doubt I'll need it for the school, and she can punch and kick hell out of it to her heart's content."

"I'll be sure to do that, Lieutenant," came the smiling reply. "May even get some use out of it myself."

James nodded again as he turned and started walking towards the ship's bridge, intent on saying his goodbyes to Joker and Edi.

Traynor watched his retreating back for a few seconds as he walked through the tactical passageway; with a heavy sigh, she logged back into her terminal and resumed her task.

• XO's OFFICE, DECK THREE •

While James Vega was saying his goodbyes to Specialist Traynor on Deck Two, Lieutenant Commander Steve Cortez was meeting with Gabby Daniels in the office he was now sharing with Greg Adams. "Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniels, as I've said before, you are now completely in charge of the Normandy's propulsion systems. As you will no longer be sharing working quarters with Engineer Donnelly, we have some help for you."

Gabby's eyes went wide at that revelation. "I thought Mr Donnelly would still be working in engineering," she said. "It's none of my business, Sir, but has he been demoted?"

"Demoted? No, Gabby, Mr Donnelly has been assigned to operate and maintain Normandy's environmental and internal power systems. His new station is one of two terminals in the tactical passageway on Deck Two."

"And Lieutenant Commander Adams is obviously not going to be in engineering any longer …" Face clouded in conflicting emotions, she asked, " … so, I won't be by myself down there? You transferred some people in to assist? …"

" …I did." Cortez looked at a data pad he was holding. "Petty Officer First Class Samuel Davison and Petty Officers Second Class Félicité Collins and Midori Yamashiro. All three come highly recommended." Steve looked up from his datapad. "Exploit their knowledge and talents, Ms Daniels. I want to see you apply your skills to overseeing operations and performing the fine-tuning of the systems you didn't have the time or energy for previously."

Gabby was feeling a bit overwhelmed. "That's … going to take some getting used to, Sir. It seems I've always done everything down there."

"You're correct … Normandy was understaffed, from my first day aboard." Steve shook his head as he continued, "Looking back, I wonder how we even managed to survive the entire war. Anyway, you're the Senior Chief Petty Officer; feel free to assign the three of them as you see fit … I'd even expect you to have them on different shifts so you're covered 24/7. Additionally, Collins and Yamashiro will be assigned to cover for our two HVAC engineers when one or the other has a day off—rotating schedule, so no one gets burned out—we're not at war, so we can spread the assignments around a bit."

Steve activated the terminal on his desk; Gabby's omnitool lit in response. "There's their bios, their work history. Once you've met with them and had a chance to get to know them, you can have Davison assign duties to Collins and Yamashiro. Get used to having the extra help so you can reevaluate how the systems are running, then fine-tune their jobs a bit. Davison will report to you, you report to me. Let me know if you have any problems."

Gabby had the feeling she had just been dismissed, so stood as she said, "Aye-aye, Sir. Thank you, Sir." Cortez called out as she turned to leave. "You're welcome, Ms Daniels."

• PORT SIDE AIRLOCK •

James Vega, carrying a large transfer bag filled with the last of the personal items he had left on the Normandy, paused at the open outer airlock hatch after saying his farewells to Joker and Edi; the pair had been busy checking and rechecking systems as they prepared for departure, but had taken the time to offer their congratulations on his acceptance to the Alliance's ICT program. Edi had surprised him with a hug, strong enough to make him think she'd possibly bruised his ribs. It had come as a total shock to him that her curvaceous 'platform' felt every bit as real as any human woman he'd ever been pressed up against. Even more surprising was the kiss she had bestowed on him … her lips were warm and soft, just as if they really were flesh and blood and not some synthetic product from a Cerberus laboratory.

As he stepped out of the ship, he nearly bumped into Doctor Karin Chakwas, herself carrying a large transfer bag and a smaller, black bag that looked suspiciously like the ones he'd seen country doctors carry back on Earth. Upon recognizing the walking mountain that had nearly run into her, she set her transfer bag down, saying, "Lieutenant? It's good to see you … but it looks as if you're on your way to your next assignment. Heading out for the 'villa'?"

"Yes Ma'am," came the smiling response. "Glad I ran into you … just saying farewell to my crewmates before the Normandy takes off."

Karin extended her right hand, which James took as she said, "I won't keep you … I'm just returning to the ship from Huerta Memorial." With a sigh of relief, she added, "It'll be good to be in space again on the Normandy." Fixing him with a serious look, she drew close while still hanging on to his hand. "Have a safe trip, James. Stay in touch … let us know how you're surviving while you're slogging around in the jungles there."

"Thank you, Doc … I'll do that. And good luck to you."

• XO's OFFICE, DECK THREE •

Steve Cortez was just finishing his report, an update of the personnel files concerning Chief Petty Officer Gabriella Daniels and Petty Officer First Class Kenneth Donnelly, when Greg Adams strolled in to take a seat at his own desk. "You talk to Daniels about her assignment, Steve?"

"Just finished our meeting," came the response. "Shocked the hell out of her that Donnelly would no longer be working with her. Surprised her even more that she'll have three people under her immediate command."

Adams chuckled as he shook his head. "Gabby is the perfect fit for head of the propulsion department on this ship. She knows theory better than most physicists I've met. Now we'll get to see if her engineering smarts can be used for organizing the people working under her."

Steve asked, "Have you spoken to Donnelly concerning his change in department?"

"Going to in a few minutes … actually sent word I needed to see him in here."

Cortez nodded as he responded, "I heard he went straight to the captain concerning his marriage proposal to Daniels … is reassigning him part of that?"

"It is," Adams said. "Only way I know to keep them serving on the same ship once they're married … Truthfully, they're both a distraction for each other. I'm betting she'll do a much better job without him in the same department … and maybe his performance will improve as well." Greg rubbed his chin as he thought about the two engineers. "I'm afraid sleeping facilities are going to be problematic, but I expect we can work it out in some manner. Those two will be the first couple on board the Normandy, not counting the commander and Dr T'Soni."

"Okay then …" Cortez replied, rising from his desk. "I have to go check-in with Master Guns Patton, see how she's doing with the small arms modifications." Steve ran a hand across the top of his head as he continued, "Also have to see Lieutenant Morse, maybe even over lunch … get a status update on the provisions being brought aboard." Steve moved to the exit and stood aside as it opened to reveal a nervous Ken Donnelly approaching for his meeting with the ship's executive officer.

"Come on in, Donnelly … Adams is expecting you."

"Yessir … Thank you, Sir," came the reply; Ken nodded as he walked past Cortez. As Donnelly approached the XO's desk, Greg waved him to an adjacent chair.

"Mr Donnelly … I wanted to speak with you about your decision to marry the Normandy's chief propulsion engineer."

Donnelly was sure his heart was about to stop cold as he watched Adams fiddling with a datapad … thinking, sure as death, he gonna transfer me offen Normandy! "As ah tellt th' Captain, Sir … it shouldn't be a problem."

Greg looked up at the young man. "But it is a problem, don't you see? Having you working in the same area as your soon-to-be-wife … never mind that she's your superior officer … just isn't going to work for me, Commander Cortez or Ms Daniels, so here's what I'm going to do. There are three consoles in the tactical passageway up on deck two, one of which is the master control for the environmental systems for the entire ship."

"Yessir … ah ken whaur they're located … hud tae uise yin or th' ither oan occasion." Kenneth was beginning to realize that Adams, despite his cool attitude towards him, was about to propose a solution that would enable him to stay aboard the Normandy.

"Donnelly, I'm placing you in charge of the ship's environmental systems. Your assigned station will be the master control console I just mentioned. You'll have an assistant, Petty Officer Second Class Janine Ramsey … she'll be performing some of the repairs and maintenance of the systems, under your direction, but …" Greg studied the petty officer carefully as he continued in a somber tone, " … she's not to be ill-treated or talked down to. I've overheard some of your conversations with Ms Daniels regarding other women on this ship; I expect you to treat Ms Ramsey with the utmost respect at all times. I get any negative feedback from her or Ms Daniels concerning you're dealings with her, I'll boot you off the Normandy at whatever port happens to be close, even if it's Omega Station. Are we clear?"

"Perfectly, Sur. There'll be na problems, sur."

"Good to hear." Holding up a datapad, Greg added, "This is the maintenance manual for the HVAC systems on this ship. I recommend you download it to your omnitool so you have it readily available. Give the datapad to Ms Ramsey when you meet with her … she should already be aboard. She can bring it back to me when she's done."

Donnelly couldn't wait to go tell Gabby he'd be staying aboard the ship. "Is that a', Sur?"

"Not quite … I expect there will be ten hours a day when both of you off-duty, so I want you and Ramsey working overlapping shifts, with an 'on-call' schedule; that way, either of you can roll out of your rack to repair or replace whatever piece of critical equipment breaks down during the third shift. We'll rotate on-call so neither one of you gets used up, and I plan on assigning Petty Officers Second Class Félicité Collins and Midori Yamashiro to alternately cover for whichever of you has a day off. Sound fair to you?"

"Yessir. We'll mak' it wirk, Sur."

"Good to hear," Greg replied. "Dismissed, Donnelly."

• SSV HONG KONG II •

Captain Yuán Xiùlán trotted up the semi-circular stairway to Deck One; ignoring the galaxy map, she walked around the projection well on its starboard side, nodding to Staff Lieutenant Cross as she passed him. She strode through the tactical passageway, stopping only when she reached the bridge.

Placing her hands on the top of the backrests, left hand on Flight Lieutenant Gordon Spencer's seat, right hand on Flight Lieutenant JG Wendy Hall's, she surveyed the nearly incomprehensible mass of electronic displays and haptic interfaces surrounding the pair as she spoke: "Wendy, open a comm channel to Captain Cody on the Normandy."

"Aye-aye, Ma'am."

After a brief pause, Cody's voice came over the speaker in the overhead. "Captain Yuán. You and your crew ready for a trip to the Horsehead Nebula?"

Xiùlán smiled as she responded, "Crew's all aboard, fuel and supplies have been loaded. I actually haven't told anyone where we're going, Captain. Are you going to ride inside Harbinger?"

"Don't see a faster way to get there, do you?"

Xiùlán's smile did not reach her eyes. "I believe the Pax relay is in working order, Sir, and it's a straight shot from here. If Harbinger or Žiuk'Durmah don't trust it, we can use them as carriers. Are you ready for departure?"

Cody chuckled. "All our supplies have been loaded, crew members are aboard, assignments have been taken care of. Just making a few final adjustments, but you say the word, we'll follow you out to the relay."

"Okay then … here's hoping we have a safe flight. Hong Kong out." Wendy terminated the connection as her captain looked down, first at Spencer, then at Hall. "Flight Lieutenants, you know the drill … start the APUs; after the dock workers have shore power disconnected and power cables clear, close the hanger bay ramp and seal the ship. Light the burners under the eezo core and power up the engines at your discretion. We're going on a little expedition."

Gordon and Wendy were an efficient pair; in less than fifteen minutes, the slight vibration in the deckplates indicated the three APUs were running, with the overhead lights flickering ever so slightly as the dock-based power couplings were disconnected. The nearly subliminal purr echoing through the inner hull spoke to the rapidly increasing power output of the eezo fueled mass effect core.

After running through their cold-start, warm-up and pre-flight checklists together, Lieutenant Hall contacted Alliance docking control for clearance to 'pushback' and a vector for the Mass Relay.

"Hong Kong, Docking Control: you are cleared for departure on vector 082—71—260. Exercise caution when passing the Reaper destroyer circling near your position."

"Docking Control, Hong Kong," Wendy responded. "Cleared for departure, vector 081—00—060. Position of Repository noted … he will be following us to the Relay. Hong Kong out."

After a quick look up and back at her captain, Wendy turned her attention to Gordon and said, "We're good to go, Mr Spencer. Let's take her out."

Spencer activated several controls in sequence: he decreased the apparent mass of the ship to the point it was virtually floating, after which he had the dock VI release all the docking clamps and retract the swingout arms from over the thruster pod supports and under the nose. Speaking to Wendy, he said, "Bow thrusters, five second burn."

As she applied thrust that amounted to only a few kilograms for the requested duration, the ship slowly started moving away from the docks. Spencer began swinging the bow around as soon as the forward viewport deflectors cleared the station's kinetic barrier.

Xiùlán, still standing between the flight lieutenants, quietly spoke to the air around her. "Asharru. Are you monitoring the Hong Kong?"

›This one is prepared to follow Hong Kong-frigate.‹

"Thank you. Destination is the Horse head Nebula," Xiùlán said quietly. "Please confirm the receiving relay there has been repaired and is operating correctly."

›I will do as you request, Yuán-Captain.‹ came the reply. ›Please stand by.‹

Xiùlán grinned at Asharru's answer. Had anyone ever sent a request to any Reaper during the war? Wonder what the reply would have been then? »Sure, puny human! Just sit tight, we'll be right there! Once we indoctrinate you, you'll do whatever we say!« I can just see someone trying to explain that line of thinking to the admiral. Her quiet chuckle drew Wendy's attention.

Anything you care to share, Ma'am?"

Xiùlán's grin faded as she looked at the co-pilot. "Not really, Ms Hall … just some random, idle thoughts concerning our large synthetic friends out there."

She started to say more, but was interrupted by Asharru. ›Harbinger and Esiz'Qür confirm the receiving relay in Horse Head is operating to specifications and is ready to receive Hong Kong-frigate and Normandy-frigate.‹

"Thank you, Asharru. Will they inform Cody on the Normandy?"

›Harbinger is currently speaking with Cody-Captain.‹

Turning to look at Spencer's shoulder, she said, "Okay, Flight Lieutenant, set course for the Horse Head Nebula. We'll take the relays for this trip." Without waiting for an acknowledgement, Xiùlán turned and headed for the CIC, saying over her shoulder, "Inform Lieutenant Cross when we reach Widow, and notify me when we reach our destination." Spencer replied, "Aye, Ma'am," as he began sliding haptic interfaces back and forth; the Hong Kong responded like the thoroughbred she was, accelerating smoothly through the constantly shifting traffic around the Citadel and the relay.

As Xiùlán drew even with Miranda's post in the CIC, she said, "Ms Lawson, send a message to Captain Cody on the Normandy … give him my regards and inform him the receiving relay in Horse Head is functional, so we won't need to ride Repositories to get there. Then contact Harbinger and Žiuk'Durmah, make sure they're coming along for the ride, especially Harbinger."

"Yes, Ma'am,"

• MASS RELAY, PAX SYSTEM · HORSE HEAD NEBULA •

Only recently repaired by a cadre of former Reapers, the unnamed Relay in orbit about Pax began to reorient itself from an Annos Basin vector to a Widow Relay pairing as the colossal gyroscopic rings slowly began increasing their rotational velocity, from a languid twenty RPM to an impressive sixty-five RPM; the near-blinding blue-white element zero core brightened in lockstep with the increasing rotation speed of the rings, until a flashing discharge of power arced into the distance, reaching for and enveloping an Alliance frigate in shifting blue-to-purple colored sheets of dark energy.

As the frigate slowed to sublight velocity and banked away from the relay, the energy sheets flashed out to envelope a more sinister shape—that of an old machine—a destroyer-class Reaper, which banked and turned to follow the frigate.

The frigate's captain called to the Reaper destroyer: "Asharru. Set your course for Lazarus Station and standby for the arrival of our other companions … home in on the tight beam signal from Iringù-Eßizkur. I'm going to notify Garrus and Liara we're nearby."

›As you wish, Yuán-Captain.‹

The gyroscopic rings continued their high-speed rotation, indicating another arrival from the Widow System. In seconds, another old machine, this one much larger than the first, decelerated from FTL as it drew even with the relay, wreathed in waves of energy fueled by the charged eezo core within the rings. A third Reaper appeared, this time escorted by another, somewhat larger Alliance frigate. These last two arrivals immediately joined the earlier arrivals, coming to a flanking position near the first Nazara-class Reaper as the blinding glow diminished and the rotational speed of the rings gradually returned to their idle pace.

"Connection established, Captain Yuán," Specialist Lawson reported. "Dr T'Soni standing by."

"Patch the feed into the conference room, Ms Lawson, then contact Normandy, let them know we'll be departing for the Lazarus Research Station in a few minutes." Xiùlán left the galaxy map platform and hurriedly walked around the partition bulkhead to the short ramp into the Hong Kong's main comms area. Taking a seat, she activated the viewscreen and said, "Dr. T'Soni … Garrus … How are you doing?"

"All things considered, we're doing okay. It's 'captain' now, is it not?" As Xiùlán was responding, Staff Lieutenant Cross's voice came through her ear-mounted comm. "Normandy standing by, Captain. Should I initiate the jump for Lazarus?"

"It is … hang on just a moment, please." Activating her personal comm, she replied to her XO, "Make the jump, Mr Cross." Returning her attention to the view screen, she answered T'Soni's question. "Captain is correct, Dr T'Soni." Feeling the subtle shudder in the decking beneath her boots, she added, "We just initiated the jump, heading for your location. Normandy is with us, as is Harbinger, Žiuk'Durmah and Asharru … that's a destroyer we found damaged and abandoned on Luna. I think he's adopted the Hong Kong … follows us around like an overgrown puppy."

"Is Miranda Lawson with you, Captain?"

"She is … in addition to her knowledge of everything concerning the Lazarus Cell, she's my comms and analysis specialist … oh, and Dr Chakwas is still on board Normandy." Xiùlán paused, then asked, "Have you returned to the cryo storage facility since we spoke last?"

"We have not … We didn't see what more we could gain by going down there. Garrus made some repairs in the station's hanger bay … should have no trouble getting a shuttle in there."

Xiùlán nodded as she responded, "Sounds good. We'll contact you when we arrive … should be about three hours, maybe less."

"Thank you, Captain. I am looking forward to talking to Rachaél on the Normandy."