Unity Arc

Chapter 25

The Madness of Science

~I~

Krogan lifespans were perhaps the only thing their species was envied for, aside from their hardiness. But few krogan ever reached old age, let alone quadruple digits. Krogan life was brutal and often short, and when it wasn't they sought challenges that would make it so.

This has given the krogan a reputation as being brutish and reckless. And while true in many cases, the krogan were a people who recognized their constant closeness with death. It was the nemesis of all species, but death made itself known on their harsh world. It gave the krogan people an appreciation for defying death in their rites. Escaping death was not an uncommon occurrence, but a necessity in krogan life. This is why the rite holds such a central stage in krogan coming-of-age, because it shows the krogan is strong enough to fight against the dominant force challenging their kind.

And when one did, it was cause for great celebration. And a krogan celebration was a sight to behold. Krantts and clans gathered and together united in their joy of overcoming death. And the one for Grunt, who had only defied, but killed a mighty thresher maw, the face of death, would not be forgotten for many generations.

Shepard downed another shot of ryncol as the party roared throughout the chamber. The guests of honor were seated on the dias with Wrex and his closest krantt, everyone else was down below celebrating as krogan do: actively and loudly.

Wrex grinned. "Getting a taste for it, Shepard?"

Shepard grimaced as the liquid slithered down his throat. "It tastes like engine grease."

"It's good for that, too." Wrex laughed. "Ryncol's a tricky mix. It's an art form, like human wine. But unlike human wine, this stuff'll melt one of your livers if you mix it wrong. Humans only have one of those, right?"

"Yeah. I'd like to keep it that way."

"Huh. Avoid the stuff Grunt's drinking then. I'm surprised he's still standing."

Shepard looked down their short table. Grunt was standing on it and chugging a barrel of the green poison, and enjoying it. The rest of the krogan cheered their newest clansman on. Tank-bred be damned, anyone who could kill a thresher maw was someone they wanted to party with.

"Shepard...did he say this stuff'll kill me?" Naruto asked worriedly.

Shepard turned to Naruto who was seated to his right. He held a tankard of ryncol, the same stuff Grunt had been drinking. Wrex scoffed. "You punched a thresher maw and survived a Cain, and you're worried about a little liquid medicine?"

Naruto nodded, he was pale. "That explains the burning...everywhere." He held his gut and grimaced. The two krogan at his back laughed and patted his back so hard he almost hit the table.

Shepard smirked, "You were enjoying it until now. I'm surprised you're still on your feet."

"The Fox counts for something, at least." Naruto sighed.

One of the krogan grabbed his shoulders and leaned in, "Come on, finish it off!"

Naruto breathed and stared down the ryncol like it was a krogan about to charge him. Then he grabbed his mug and raised its bottom to the sky, draining the liquid like a champ. The krogan cheered, then immediately poured him another. The blonde gasped and smashed his head into the rocky table.

"...Ow..."

"You can take it. I'm right there with you," Shepard laughed and patted his friend's back. He was in a really good mood, a rarity these days.

Wrex said, "We used to make quality ryncol before the rebellions. Didn't taste like varren piss. The Asari even considered it a delicacy."

"What happened?" Shepard asked.

"The distilleries got bombed out by the turians, and most of the experts in 'em. Remember how I said ryncol was hard to make? Well good ryncol is even harder. We'd have krogan apprentices train a century or more before they could even touch the equipment. Once we had the genophage, my people had more important things to worry about than fancy drinks."

Shepard was impressed, "Where'd you learn so much about this?"

Wrex looked away, Shepard even thought he looked bashful, "Well, everyone has dreams..."

Shepard choked on his drink, "You wanted to be a distiller?"

"Yeah, so what?" Wrex said, somewhat defensively even if only his krantt and honored guests could hear, "I wanted to master the art and bring back real krogan ryncol."

"I'm not making fun of you."

"I know you aren't, Shepard." Wrex smirked.

"So why didn't you? What changed?"

"Because before I'd even entered the rite, the reality of the genophage was just setting in among my people. We were accepting this wasn't going away. So we needed warriors and weaponsmiths, not bartenders and artists. One day my father gave me a shotgun and left me in the wastes. It was his way of teaching me about reality." Wrex looked at his ryncol and contemplated, "I learned more in the three months it took me to get back to camp than I have ever since."

Shepard watched his friend, his eyes were on the drink but his mind was back in the wastes. Shepard didn't ask any further, he knew when Wrex wanted something left alone. He raised his glass, "Here's to a future with good ryncol."

Wrex's head whipped to Shepard and he grinned, "I'll drink to that." The clinked glasses and downed their drinks. "It'll take centuries to get anything near the quality of our golden age, you'll probably be dead by then."

"We all might, if the Reapers have their way."

Wrex grinned defiantly, "Not if we have anything to say about it."

"Damn straight!" Shepard shot back.

Wrex eyed his empty glass, "Got room for more?"

"My engines are thoroughly greased."

Wrex nodded, "How about something different?"

"The krogan have drinks besides ryncol?"

"Nothing I'd force on my worst enemies. Well, maybe Saren or Uvenk. Wait." Wrex got up and stepped behind his throne. He came back with several bottles, each with a colorful label in an alien language.

Shepard eyed them carefully, "What are those?"

Wrex put them on the table one by one. The first was purple, "My secret stash. We have asari selvia, which is like a human mead, if mead was purple and tasted like cheap sweets," he put down a green bottle, "Salarian gursk, which is a bit like wine, if wine could kick you in the teeth. It's only real gursk if they use the right plant near Surkesh's equator, which is a stimulant," next was red, "Now here's an odd one: hanar fivirri. it's almost as bad as ryncol, but hanar love the stuff. Now here," he set down an orange one, it was the largest of them all and had the citadel inter-language symbol for 'toxic', "is from the elcor. Can't pronounce the name, it's twenty syllables. But it's strong, stronger than anything I've ever tasted, including ryncol. It has to be given how damn big those elcor are. Don't tell anyone, but after a thresher maw, a krogan's worst nightmare would be a charging elcor. Good thing for us it takes them forever to pop out pups. A shot of this will put you flat on your ass."

The bottles just kept coming. Batarian ale, vorcha misk, even some authentic earth scotch. Shepard checked the label himself. Made in Thurso in the Scottish highlands. If Donnelly was here he'd be in heaven, though he was sure the engineer had some contraband hidden somewhere on the ship. This was an impressive collection!

"Where did you get all this? I'd have trouble finding this much variety on the Citadel." Shepard exclaimed.

Wrex crossed his arms proudly, "I've been wandering the galaxy for longer than your oldest human has been alive. I've been to every corner of Terminus and Council space. You bet I stopped for a few drinks."

"A few? I can see you stopping inside every dive bar you came across. Let's see...I've had the selvia, one of my squad mates snuck it into the barracks as contraband when I was in the Vila Militar earning my N1. And I've had the elcor one before as well."

Wrex looked shocked, "Wasn't expecting that. What made you try it?"

"I'd tell you if I could remember!" He and Wrex shared a good laugh. It felt good, and for a moment the stresses of the mission were gone.

Shepard turned to Naruto, "How about you? Wanna give the elcor drink a try?"

Naruto just finished downing another mug of ryncol. Two empty bottles were lying next to him, he'd been busy. He took one look at the orange toxin and his eye bulged. "I'm good, Commander..."

"I'll try some!" Grunt stormed over the table and grabbed the bottle. He brought it to his mouth and upended it, letting the orange monstrosity fill his mouth. Shepard caught Wrex's look, he was genuinely afraid. Grunt finished after draining a quarter of the bottle, "Ha! Good stuff!"

Wrex watched as he marched back to his approving peers, "His livers are new, right?"

"Yeah."

"Not for long."

Naruto grimaced, "I think I'm going to get some air."

"Go ahead. You've earned it." Shepard said.

Wrex grinned knowingly, "You should know, Grunt got several breeding requests after his performance in the rite. You nabbed a few yourself, Uzumaki."

Naruto blanked. Shepard knew exactly what he was thinking. He'd charged plenty of krogan before, he didn't need to get any closer to one than that. "No thanks. I don't wanna die today."

"Suit yourself." Wrex said as Naruto walked down the dias and turned to Shepard, "You got one too. I even know who it's from. She's a looker."

"I'm sure she is." Shepard said sadly.

Wrex's expression did the krogan equivalent of softening, "Ashley, huh?"

Shepard felt annoyed by his friend's lack of tack, but he had to remember it was Wrex. "It's been over two years for you. It...didn't feel that long for me."

Wrex nodded, "She was a good warrior and she died proud. It was a privilege to fight beside her."

Shepard nodded as he felt the scab rip off of the wound. He would have lingered on it if Wrex hadn't gotten his attention, "Come on, if a pup can handle this stuff, so can we."

Shepard watched him pour a pair of shots of the elcor liquor. "That's gonna affect even you after everything you've binged."

"Bring it on. Nothing ever stopped us before." Wrex grinned and handed him a shot.

Shepard couldn't help himself. He smirked, "Damn straight. Now give it here."

Shepard smirked and accepted his friend's challenge. He eyes the glass, "You know, I feel like if we could get everyone together and sharing the drinks of our people, we'd be a lot more accepting of each others' differences."

Wrex nodded, "That's why we gotta get our old ryncol back. No one's gonna want to share a drink with us if it tastes like thorian guts. If we even get anything close to true ryncol, you're coming back and sharing the first bottle with me, Shepard. And I won't take no for an answer."

Shepard didn't tell Wrex how excited he was at the offer. All of his focus was dedicated to one mission, a suicide mission. There were no plans for what came after. He wasn't even planning for the Reapers. All thoughts seemed to end at the mission, as if nothing would come after for him. But Wrex was promising him something for the future. And for the first time in months, Shepard wanted to dream of after.

They clinked glasses, "It's a deal. Now raise 'em high!"

Shepard and Wrex downed their shots. The rest of the night would be a blur for the two friends...

~II~

Naruto slipped away from the chaos at the dias as one of Wrex's krantt challenged Grunt to a headbutting contest, which was enthusiastically received. Naruto wanted to escape before he was 'invited'.

He headed down to the core of the chamber and spotted Garrus heading up the hill of rubble. They exchanged a nod and Naruto kept going, but stopped when Garrus grabbed his shoulder. "Wait," he said.

Naruto turned, "Garrus?"

The turian was stiffer than usual, and since this was Garrus, that was saying something. He checked around them to make sure no one was listening in and carefully looked him in the eye. "I've...been thinking about some things."

Naruto looked at him curiously, "Anything important?"

"Kind of. I mean yeah. It's...I made some mistakes, since we left Illium."

The gears began to click in Naruto's head and he had an idea of what Garrus was trying to say. "We all did, but it's in the past now. We can let it go."

Garrus's expression hardened, apologies didn't come easy to him. "No, I need to say this first. Damn, why does this have to be so difficult? When you came back...well I could've handled that better. I know it was Shepard who dismissed you, but I was so angry that you just let it happen without a fight. It was like you were willing to leave. I was so sick of people turning their backs on us, on me...and I...didn't try and see everything that was happening to you. I saw today just how much you've been dealing with...on top of whatever the Collectors did with you. I can't even begin to imagine what having that thing inside you must be like."

Garrus paused, saying the actual words was the hardest part. He breathed sharply and steeled himself. "I'm sorry. I should have done more."

Naruto watched Garrus turn away and look at the wall as if it were suddenly so engaging. It was amusing to see Garrus so flustered, he wasn't used to apologizing for his actions. He was decisive and rarely looked back with regret about his choices. But when he did he meant it, and it was humbling. Naruto selfishly felt vindicated at Garrus's apology, because it meant that not all of the blame was his. That same part of him would have liked to relish this, to press Garrus and hear more about his own faults. But that wasn't a part of himself he cared to listen to. If Garrus was being genuine and up front, so would he.

Naruto reached out and clasped Garrus's shoulder. The turian turned and Naruto shot him a reassuring grin, "All water under the bridge, Garrus."

Garrus blinked, he couldn't imagine being forgiven so quickly. Then he grinned and clasped Naruto's shoulder, forming that connection. "Thanks. Just, don't hold this over my head too often."

"You're too tall for that anyways," Naruto joked.

He chuckled, sounding relieved and hopeful, "So, if you're ever up for some range practice again, let me know."

Naruto pointed to his eye, or rather his lack of one, "See the problem?"

"You've got a spare. I've handled more hopeless cases before. You'll be shooting offhand in no time." Garrus grinned, then looked up at the dias. "Well I should probably go make peace with Shepard too, I haven't been to kind to him either." He grimaced, "Do I have to do it in front of Wrex?"

"He'd know you meant it." Naruto grinned.

"You're not helping." Garrus continued up the rubble. He looked back and said, "We'll talk more later. Enjoy the rest of the party."

"You too, Garrus."

"Would if I could. Not many dextro drinks here, even the krogan aren't that reckless."

Naruto watched Garrus walk up the dias and felt lighter. Mending damaged relationships were never an easy thing. He'd tried to come up with a way to approach Garrus after Tali's trial, but it had been difficult. Garrus's mind was like a rock, rigid and steadfast against change. It had to be beaten down with time and patience before it would move. So Naruto had let him be and hoped for an opportunity to get his friend talking. He was happy it paid off. He'd be sure to get Garrus talking more later.

He continued into the heart of the chamber and cast a quick transformation to change into Jacob. He and Miranda had left for the Normandy for a briefing with The Illusive Man after the rite so he wouldn't have to worry about bumping into the genuine article. If he kept his original form, someone was going to try and make a name for themselves by challenging him. Word of the rite traveled quickly, and you bet the krogan wanted to meet the monster who could challenge a thresher maw in single combat. He'd already been headbutted five times, the last time without sage mode. That one hurt!

He kept to himself past the roaring crowds. Most of the krogan were separated into smaller groups and krantts, but this all changed near the major festivities. Naruto caught saw Zaeed by the fighting pits with a fistful of credits as he patted a blue-eyed striped varren. Then he threw it inside the pit and began barking encouragement with the rest of the krogan. The old man fit right in.

Naruto rounded a corner and passed a small group gathered around a pair of krogan arm wrestling. Naruto was half-tempted to enter the lists and regain his pride after being defeated by Grunt, but decided against it. If he entered, he wasn't leaving until his arm muscles were torn and numb. Even sage mode wouldn't save him now.

He rounded a corner and passed an alley, where a hand lashed out and pulled him in, slamming him against the wall with such force that his illusion broke. Naruto coughed and opened his eye to see his attacker. He would have grabbed the knife hidden in his pouch if he hadn't recognized Jack, even with her holding a gun to his chin. Her hand was trembling.

"What are you doing?" Naruto asked through gritted teeth. He kept his hand by his weapon pouch.

Jack's breathed raggedly. Her eyes darted over his face searching for any trace of the monster in her nightmares. Naruto wondered if she found it. "What's your angle?" Jack hissed.

Naruto's eye sharpened, "What are you doing!?"

"Answer the question!"

Naruto scowled, "I don't know what you're talking about!"

Jack glowed, her grip over him wasn't just physical, but biotic, "The hell you don't! You might have everyone else fooled, but not me! Never me! What were you doing pushing me out of the way in the rite?"

Naruto blanked, then felt angry as if he'd been betrayed, "Saving you! What else could it be!?"

Jack twitched, she couldn't believe it, "That's a lie. You have an angle. You have a reason, you're trying to trick me! Lure me in, then snap my neck! What else could it be. What else-"

Naruto had enough. He unleashed all of his pent-up frustration at the woman and screamed, "If I wanted you dead, I could have left you there! I could have been rid of you without lifting a finger, and no one would have noticed! But I didn't! What the fuck do I have to do before I prove I'm not trying to hurt you again!?"

He didn't convince her. It would take a lot more than a few honest shouted words to cross the gap between the two. But she heard him, and it got her questioning. Her eyes softened with uncertainty and the glowing disappeared. She lessened her grip on Naruto and he felt his feet touch the floor. Jack kept her eyes on him, like an animal eyeing a predator through a pane of glass. "You can fool them all. You can convince them you're on their side. But I've seen what's inside you-"

"So have they! They know, Jack! They've seen it! You're the only one who's still terrified of me," Naruto paused, then his voice softened with guilt, "And I know why. No one else felt my hatred like you have. I would have destroyed you if Miranda hadn't stopped me."

Jack snarled, "Don't make me feel thankful to that bitch."

"That's not what I'm doing, and I'm not going to apologize for Purgatory. You threatened my friends. And I reacted." Naruto said, those venomous words would never be forgotten. "Neither of us were in a good place. I know you still aren't, Jack."

Jack's eyes widened, he made her feel vulnerable. She unconsciously covered her chest with one of her arms, "You don't know a thing about me."

"You never let me. Or anyone!" Naruto countered.

"Why should I? People only give a shit about themselves. Same with you, same with Shepard, and the rest of his cronies. As long as we all get what we want we don't really give a damn about what happens to each other. So I'll take what I want, and fuck you."

"So what do you want Jack?" Naruto asked, "It's not killing me, or you'd have pulled the trigger already. Do you want to feel strong, to knock me down and prove I'm not a threat?" Jack scowled and turned away, "And why did you come with us in the first place? What do you want those Cerberus files for?"

Jack growled, "You don't fool me, stop acting like you care."

"I'm trying, Jack. I'm really trying!" Naruto shouted in frustration, making Jack flinch. He breathed and calmed himself, "You're more than just hatred and rage. I know, because I've felt that way before too." Jack trembled and backed away, she looked like she was in pain. "And I think you know there's more to me, too."

Naruto closed his eye and breathed, then steadied himself and focused on Jack, "Miranda wanted me to keep you in check through fear. Well I'm done with that. I don't want to fight you anymore, Jack. I want to wipe the slate clean and try again. But I can't do that if you aren't willing." Jack was quiet and listening, Naruto held out hope, "Do you think, we could ever try?"

The chaos of the festivities faded and all either of them could hear was Jack's rapid breathing. Her chest rose and fell like a drumbeat. Her eyes were locked on his, she refused to blink. She was afraid, alone and angry. But Naruto knew the look in her eyes, and it hid fear and confusion. She didn't know how to respond. He wondered how many people had tried to accept her before, and meant it, since she became Subject Zero. He imagined the list was small.

Jack didn't, or couldn't, say a word. One moment she was still, and in a blink she was bolting from the alley. Naruto tried to follow, but she was already gone once he was outside. His first instinct was to follow, but he decided to give her space. It had worked with Garrus. And Naruto felt a small twinge of hope. Jack may not have accepted his gesture, but she hadn't fully rejected it either. Maybe there was still hope left.

His nerves began to settle, and he felt his left hand tingling. He hadn't noticed his omni-tool softly vibrating, indicating it had a notification. He opened it and saw he'd received a message from Tali. He was curious and opened it.

Hey, noticed you leaving the party. Head to the tomkah! The one at the end.

He looked over to where the tomkahs were parked. A dozen of them were lined up near the end of the chamber near the massive doors leading to the wastes. He wondered what Tali was up to and headed over to the massive krogan machines. He passed each one, noting their varied states of wear and tear. He wondered how long they'd been in service, and how the krogan built new ones.

As soon as he reached the last one the hatch opened. Tali's glove hand popped out and waved. Naruto smiled and jumped on top of the machine. He climbed down the hole and closed the hatch.

"Welcome," Tali said. Naruto saw her sitting in the commander's chair in the center of the control room. She sat like a lord judging her subjects. "Tali'Zorah vas Tomkah. Proud captain of the tomkah. Who dares approach me?"

Naruto stifled a giggle, Tali was not amused. "And who dares to laugh at the mighty vas Tomkah! State your name, before I banish you to the storage compartment!"

Naruto straightened up and managed a semblance of a salute, "Naruto Uzumaki, requesting permission to come a..." he couldn't finish over his giggling.

Tali leaned forward and sighed, "No discipline, I tell you. Well, you'll have to do. Come aboard."

Naruto climbed over the gunner's seat and sat in the lookout's seat next to Tali. "What are you doing here?"

Tali sighed, "Well I was with Garrus looking for some dextro alcohol, but then the headbutting started. Garrus could take it, he's as thick-headed as the rest of him. But I'd like to keep my helmet intact, you know, so I can stay alive."

"Isn't that ballistic glass?"

"And those are krogan skulls." Tali pointed out. "You even broke one of these yourself, remember?"

Naruto cringed, and so did Tali. She knew she'd screwed up. "Wait, no. I don't mean...it wasn't your fault."

Naruto waved her off, "No, it was. I could've handled it some other way." He smiled sadly, "I wonder how sick she was. I don't even know if she made it."

"I'm sure she did. We're not as fragile as most people believe." Tali assured him.

He smiled a little, "Thanks Tali." Thanks for trying, it may not heal his remorse, but it helped to know she cared.

Tali got up from her chair and sat in the rear of the tomkah. She patted the seat next to her for Naruto to join her, which he readily did. He settled himself in and leaned his head back onto the metal shielding. It was comfortably cool, which was a relief from the dry heat that permeated the world.

Tali tentatively put a hand on his knee. "Are you okay?"

Her question startled Naruto. He looked at her and asked, "What?"

Tali glanced away, "There was a moment when you woke up, after Shepard used the seal. You looked terrified…did something happen?

Naruto felt chilled, Tali was treading on uncomfortable territory. And Tali could tell. She said, "You don't have to answer."

"No, I want to." Naruto said. He wanted the crew to open up to him. He had to be willing to do the same. And it was something that had been dwelling in his mind, he needed to share it. He'd planned to talk with Zaeed about it later, but he was comfortable here with Tali in the privacy of the tomkah.

"Right before the seal absorbed the chakra, I saw...everything the Fox wanted me to see. Death, devastation...I saw my home burning. I saw Horizon annihilated in an instant. And...I saw the Fox rampaging on the Citadel. Its tails wrapped around the arms and tore them apart. And I saw it through his eyes. His tails splintered the wards and I felt it. And I heard the screams of...everyone. And I felt...joy, as they were killed. The Fox made me feel everything...and I enjoyed it. I used to fear becoming the Fox when I was young, and for a few moments, I was..."

Naruto buried his head in his knees and curled tightly. He was used to the Fox influencing his emotions. He'd expected to feel his rage enhanced. But this time the Fox had tried a different tactic: he'd let Naruto touch his mind. And he felt the same pleasure and pride as the great beast. He'd been invincible, the galaxy, the planets were mere ants, and the aliens were even lower than that. Had it felt this way when it attacked his village? He felt violated, forced to feel the emotions of a monster.

Tali massaged his head as she tried to comfort him. Her hand cupped his face, "Look at me." Naruto hitched, but relented and allowed her hand to guide his face until he was looking at her. She held his cheek and whispered, "I know who you are. And I'll be here to remind you whenever you need me." She leaned in and hugged him. Naruto enjoyed the weight of her helmet resting on his shoulder, he welcomed it and hugged her back.

"I don't want to fear this thing anymore. I thought I was free, but I won't always be strong enough to fight it alone."

"You won't have to," Tali said and held his hand. "I'm here. So is Shepard. And the others will come around in time. You aren't alone anymore."

Naruto marveled at how powerful the warmth of another could be. Tali's body was pressed against his side and her hand covered his own. Her body heat bled through her suit and onto him, it made him feel secure. He turned his hand over and held hers. "That means a lot."

"I'm glad...I want to be there for you. Now, and when you need me."

She squeezed his hand, Naruto returned it. Naruto followed her hand up her arm, to her shoulder, and then her face and glowing eyes, which were locked on his. He realized their closeness and felt his cheeks redden. Was this okay? Was Tali ready for this, or was she still recovering from the events of her trial?

"So...how about us?" he asked tentatively.

Tali squeezed his hand. "Thank you for the time."

Her eyes shone like radiant stars in the twilight. Naruto realized they were the only parts of her he could truly see. Everything else was covered, hidden from him by layers of heavy cloth and weave. But somehow he could feel so close to this person from another world. He felt the spark of a bond with room to grow, and expand into something he was afraid to lose, even before he had it. It scared him, it excited him, and it left him in wonder.

What were the possibility that the two of them would have ever had a chance, just of meeting in this wide, distant galaxy? Near zero. Infinitely near zero. But here they were, defying the odds. Growing this into something more seemed impossible too, but Naruto wanted to defy the odds again.

He slid his arm across her shoulders and pulled her close, and felt her lean further into him. "I want to be there for you, too."

"If I ever need some Admirals put in their place, I'll let you know." Tali quipped.

Naruto chuckled, with each laugh bringing more warmth inside him, "That too. But, I mean it, Tali."

"I know...thank you," she whispered shyly.

They were simple words, but the told of something they shared: a curiosity in each other, and a want for more.

She leaned closer and rested her head on his shoulder. "Comfy," she said.

Naruto chuckled, he wondered if it was any different through her helmet. But he enjoyed her weight. He rested his own on hers and sighed, "Hard..."

"Excuse me?"

"But good." Naruto laughed and Tali joined him. The sounds of the party were so far away inside the truck. The tomkah was a world of their own, and leaning against each other, the two were lost in their comfort into the night.

~III~

The creaking of the opening hatch violently woke the tomkah's occupants. Naruto looked up and rubbed his eye, the outside was so dark.

"Naruto! Tali! Already inside, excellent!" Mordin hopped into the tomkah. Garrus, Samara, Thane and Legion followed.

Garrus caught the two bundled together. He paused, then smirked, "Nice."

"Keelah," Tali groaned in embarrassment. She removed herself, though Naruto wish she'd have stayed a moment longer.

Naruto shrugged it off and looked to Mordin, "What's going on? Why is everyone here?"

Mordin looked more flustered than usual, and that worried him. "Little time to explain. Received ping from old STG colleague's omni-tool. Recognize hardware code in metadata. Located in Weyrloc clan facility. Asked teammates to assist."

"Those of us that weren't inebriated," Garrus added.

"You think he's alive?"

"Alive, possibly captured. Or killed and omni-tool in Weyrloc possession. Either way, potentially...compromising position. Need to go, find out what they know, rescue Maelon. Would appreciate assistance."

Naruto nodded, if his teammate needed his help, he was there. "I'm in. Where's Shepard?"

Mordin shifted uncomfortably, "Would prefer to keep this private. Informing the Commander...unnecessary."

Tali's eyes shifted behind her visor, "Why don't you want him finding out?"

"Sensitive matter. Not sure how Shepard would react. Would prefer discretion." Mordin sniffed, "Besides, Shepard passed out at dias. Urdnot Wrex as well. Elcor liqour, transphorisclomer-"

A thunderous voice rumbled from outside, "I'm in!"

The group turned as Grunt lugged his way through the hatch. Thane noted, "I'm surprised he fits."

"Its built for my people, skinny." Grunt scowled, then turned to Mordin. "Never been on a secret mission before. Could be fun."

Legion's plates flared and it turned to Grunt, "Alert: alcohol content in atmosphere has increased exponentially."

Naruto remembered that orange elcor drink and asked, "Grunt...are you drunk?"

Grunt looked at him questioningly, "I'm fine. Why?"

Apparently the perfect krogan didn't get drunk. Naruto noted it was something they shared in common, "Nothing, never mind."

Mordin seemed hesitant, "Ah, well, combat not preferred, stealth advised. Do not require...additional assistance."

Grunt grinned, "Don't worry, I can keep my clips cool. I understand now, I fight because I can, not because I have to!"

"Yes, but-" Mordin began, he clearly didn't want Grunt coming along.

But Samara made him stand down, "I've dealt with Weyrloc in the past. They are not known for their hospitality. We may regret not bringing him."

"I like you," Grunt beamed at her. Samara blinked, then gave him a small nod.

Mordin's brow rippled, but he relented. "Fine, fine. But need to hurry, depart before Urdnot clan wakes up."

"Works for me. We're in," Naruto said and patted Mordin's shoulder.

Garrus asked, "So, who brought the keys?" He looked around, no one answered. "...Do they at least know we're taking their tomkah?"

Again, no one answered. All eyes turned to Mordin, "Ah, forgot that detail. Sure they won't notice if back by dawn."

Samara blinked, "Their scouts are not that unobservant."

Grunt pounded his chest, "It's fine. I'm Urdnot in name, with all rights and privileges."

"To steal a tomkah?" Naruto asked.

Thane said, "Easier to ask forgiveness than permission."

Garrus nodded, "Point taken. Now about those keys..." No one answered. All eyes slowly drifted to Tali.

The engineer sighed, "I'll start the hot-wire."

Garrus sat in the driver's chair while everyone took their seats in the tomkah as Tali started the engines. Naruto sat next to Grunt, "So, did you enjoy your party?"

"Yeah! Breeding is awesome!"

"...what?"

"Come on! We got a secret mission to do!" Grunt roared enthusiastically.

~IV~

The stars were dimmed in the sky. There was little light pollution left on Tuchanka, some clans still relied on great fires to keep them warm when cold crept into the wastes. But the effects of the great krogan wars were still felt across the world. The radiation and dust still marred the air and shielded the world below from the wonders of the heavens. But Naruto and the team weren't complaining tonight. The darkness was perfect for their infiltration.

Legion had taken point with its rifle. It possessed a tracking mode* that allowed it to detect through solid matter at a distance. Naruto was behind Legion using his sage mode to detect any krogan battlemasters, with Mordin and the rest of the eight-man squad bringing up the rear.

They approached what Mordin confirmed to be the location of his colleague's signal: an old battle-worn krogan hospital. They'd parked their tomkah two kilometers out in a gully and approached on foot to maintain the element of surprise. Legion's detection helped them avoid the odd krogan patrol and reach the hospital without incident.

They approached the massive entrance of what must once have been a safe haven of healing. It reminded Naruto of a morgue now. The place itself was dead. "Legion, you see anything?"

"Affirmative. Weyrloc guards patrolling main lobby. We confirm twenty armed personnel."

Garrus's mandibles sharpened, "I don't like those odds. Is there a back way inside?"

Naruto said, "Even if there was, I doubt we're getting inside undetected."

Garrus nodded, "Should've brought a smaller squad, one more suited for stealth."

Samara said, "We could split up. One team could infiltrate while the other stands guard."

Legion said, "We detect multiple intrusion alarms. We rate chances of enemy detection as high."

Tali grumbled, "So what's left? Gun's blazing?"

"Poor choice. Krogan better armed, fighting in home territory. Defensive fortifications, known terrain. Kill zones. Chances of success, unlikely." Mordin chimed in.

Grunt growled, "So we can't sneak and we can't fight. What's left?"

An idea sparked inside Naruto's mind. He grinned. "It's obvious: we go in and have a chat."

The squad looked at Naruto as if he'd grown a tail. Again. "You sure that Cain didn't leave any lasting damage?" Garrus quipped.

"Weyrloc unlikely to negotiate. Compromise difficult, even for Shepard," Mordin said.

"I'm not Shepard, and I won't compromise." Naruto stated.

"So what's your idea?" Samara asked.

Naruto grinned, "Hope they're as impressed with Grunt's rite as the rest of the krogan."

Garrus mulled it over, then grinned. "Intimidation. I like it."

Naruto nodded, "Follow my lead. But if it doesn't work, I'll distract them with clones and we run like hell."

"As good a plan as any," Thane said, He had his pistol drawn just in case.

Naruto approached the door with the rest of the team at his back. He didn't hide, he wanted to be seen. He reached the door and shouted, "Good morning! We'd like a word with your boss, if it isn't an inconvenience!"

There was no reply for several seconds. Naruto tapped his foot and hoped his fervor was mistaken for impatience, "What, still asleep at this hour? Or is he too afraid to face us himself!?"

Seconds ticked by. Naruto prepared to taunt them again when Legion said, "Movement detected. Stand by."

The great doors parted and revealed the grand lobby to the bombed-out hospital. Inside were over three dozen krogan armed with dirty rifles, shotguns, hammers and blades. Naruto noted how they kept their distance, that alone gave him some confidence. He smirked as he stepped inside and walked to the center of the room. The rest of the team was close behind him, but let him take center stage.

Naruto scanned the crowds, "And which of you leads this paltry excuse of a clan? Or are they too afraid to face me themselves?"

A krogan on the balcony stepped forward. He crossed his arms behind his back and showed no fear as he looked down as the one-eyed blonde who challenged the thresher, and the krogan who killed it. "I am The Speaker for Clan Weyrloc. I speak for the soul of our great clan!"

Naruto scowled, "So your leader does cower and hide from us."

"Weyrloc Guld has no time for the rats of the waste. I stand before you as the voice of our leader and our clan. And I have but one word for you, human: leave. Leave before you become the base of the pile of corpses our clan shall climb to conquer the stars!"

Naruto kept his ground, even as the krogan readied their weapons. He noticed one trembling, they couldn't all hide their fear of the beast.

"We came here for a salarian. We aren't leaving here without him."

The Speaker scowled, "The salarian will not leave until he has repented for the sins of his kind! He will lift the curse of the genophage and make possible the rise of Weyrloc over all! You may have the worm when he is done and no longer of use to us."

Mordin spoke quietly, "Maelon here. Still alive. Working on...no. No, must end. Cannot be undone." Naruto heard him and wondered, but didn't have time to ask.

Naruto said, "One of us isn't getting what they want. And that won't be me. We're taking Maelon. It's your choice if I go past you, or through you."

"You do not frighten us, human. Your downfall will be forgotten in the histories. You name will mean nothing."

Naruto chuckled, frightening many of the krogan so that they flinched. "You keep calling me human...you still think that's what I am?"

The Speaker held his head high, "What has blood may have it spilled. What sees may be blinded. What breathes may be choked."

Naruto brought his hands together and formed a transformation seal. His friends would recognize it, the Weyrloc would not. He didn't change much, just the color of his eye, the thickness of his whiskers and the sharpness of his teeth. Just enough to give the hints of a transformation. He looked up with his animal eye, the room went dead quiet.

"There is so much in this galaxy left to explore. I've come from a place you've never seen, with beasts you've never fought and could never defeat. Mine is a world of monsters." Naruto flashed his sharpened teeth and altered his voice. Several krogan took steps back. "Now, who will be my meal today?"

Naruto didn't know what rite the Weyrloc held sacred, but whatever it was it hadn't prepared them for him. They'd all seen the footage of Grunt's rite, it must have spread like wildfire across Tuchanka, and who knows where else on the extranet. And that lack of preparation showed. Their fear was palpable and shuddered under his presence. Naruto felt powerful and in control.

But The Speaker did not falter, he showed no fear. "I channel the hopes and dreams of my clan. They speak through me, of hope for the future of krogan. They cry to regain our forgotten glory! Our voice spits on you, beast of the flames! Unleash your might! We are the truest krogan, and no challenge has never kept us in defeat!"

Naruto saw an even greater shadow step behind The Speaker. He was massive, matching Wrex in stature and authority, but there was a lust in his eye, a greed that demanded satisfaction. He pushed The Speaker aside and met Naruto's lonely gaze.

The Speaker was taken aback, "Weyrloc Guld, I-"

Guld motioned for the voice to be silent, his eyes never left Naruto. He said not a word, theirs was a silent challenge of wills. They saw their determination and strength in opposing eyes. Their promises were already on the table, the question was: which would back down first? Or would their impasse turn violent?

Naruto made the promise of his fury evident in his eye, even if it was all a bluff. He placed his faith in his ANBU experience, deception had been his life for two years. And it would not fail him now.

It didn't.

The clan leader looked away, "Let them pass. Take the salarian and go."

The krogan visibly relaxed as they lowered their weapons, they would not fight the monster. They would live to see morning. But The Speaker was beside himself, "You give up our future! You cannot-!"

Guld glared, "I am the decider. You are my voice. You speak when I command it."

The Speaker was defiant and gripped his fists, gazing at the krogan who threw away their destiny. "I will not speak for cowardice!" He turned and stormed into the compound. Guld nodded to the intruders and the door on the first floor opened, allowing them to travel deeper into the hospital.

The krogan parted and allowed the intruders into their base. Naruto walked through the center and kept his eye peeled for any sudden movements. None came, they dared not attack the one who challenged the thresher.

There were no krogan down the long hallway. The group was on their own. Naruto was relieved they made it through, but he didn't let his guard down. No telling if the clan leader would change his mind.

Thane stepped beside him and said, "Nicely done. The right reputation can be more powerful than any rifle." Grunt listened and mulled it over.

Mordin nodded, "Conflict avoided. Excellent, excellent. Can collect Maelon," he checked his omni-tool and pinged Maelon's tool, "This way. Not far-wait! Signal disappeared! Malfunction? Unlikely coincidence. But what? Weyrloc Speaker dissented with clan leader. May have gathered supporters, terminated signal! Move quickly!"

"Mordin, wait!" Naruto shouted, but he was already running down the halls. "Dammit, keep up!" Naruto bolted after him with the rest of the squad close on his heels.

The hallways were as worn as the exterior. They passed dozens of empty hospital rooms, each stripped of anything salvageable. Only moldy beds, withered plants and infested wood remained. Why would the krogan set up a base here? Surely there must be some shelter that would better serve as a military headquarters. This was no house of healing.

They caught up to Mordin before a massive door. It was cracked, a dim light spilled from inside. As did a pungent smell. It was dead. Mordin sniffed and said, "Putrefaction. Decomposing flesh. Hint of iron and nickel, krogan blood. Bodies cut Robust musk indicates...females."

Thane looked curious, "Correct...is this familiar to you?"

Mordin blinked and didn't answer.

Tali checked her omni-tool and scanned the door, "It's locked, and there's no nodes for me to hack into."

Grunt knocked Naruto's shoulder and grinned, "We're up."

Naruto realized what he was saying and felt an urge of excitement, "You go left, I take right?"

"Works for me."

Naruto motioned to Samara, "Can you give us a hand?"

She nodded, "Of course."

Naruto and Grunt got into position. They each grabbed an opening on their respective sides and heaved as Samara used her biotics to force the doors apart. There was a sharp grinding as the doors were forcefully opened.

Mordin rushed inside, "Maelon? Maelon!"

There room was filled with a dozen operating tables split parallel down the hall with a large console glimmering at the end. Each table was covering something large with a cloth. Dried dark orange covered their surfaces. A shuffling figure in the dark corner was stuffing a datapad into a sack. It froze. "Solus..."

Mordin lit up, he knew that voice! "Maelon! Was wrong, speaker supporters not interfering."

Maelon laughed, "For once, the great Mordin Solus admits he was wrong. That's a treat I never thought I'd hear."

Mordin paused, "What?"

Maelon stepped out of the shadows. He was young, at least compared to Mordin. He was wearing a white labcoat and gloves. They were covered with orange blood.

Mordin hitched, "Blood. Krogan blood. Mealon. What have you done?"

Mealon spat, "What you should have done ten years ago."

Naruto and the rest of the squad were spread across the room. Samara approached a table center-right in the chamber. It was the only one where the orange liquid hadn't dried. She ran her finger along the operating table and examined the liquid. Then she pulled back the cloth, and everyone discovered what created the smell of death.

A krogan female was lying on the operating table. Her center was split in two and her organs were stringing outside, held in individual containers at her side. She was dead, but only recently. "By the goddess..."

Naruto ran to her side, saw, and heaved.

Mordin glared at the dissected corpse and turned to Maelon. "What is this? What did Weyrloc make you do?"

"...make me?" Maelon gasped with the disbelief of a man who'd just been told the world stood on the back of a turtle, "You think they made me do this? How can you be so blind!? I came to Weyrloc, not the other way around! I came to fix our mistake once and for all!"

"What mistake? What did we-" Mordin's eyes widened, "Maelon, cannot talk about this here. If there was a problem with our solution, if it didn't take, should have messaged me. We could have-"

"The only flaws in your genocide were moral, Professor! But that never bothered you-!"

"Maelon! Not here!" Mordin shouted.

Maelon paused and stared at Mordin in disbelief. Then he scanned his companions, and coughed laughter, "They don't know? You never told them about your magnum opus?"

Naruto approached The Professor, "Mordin, what is he saying?"

Maelon pointed at Mordin with more hatred than a scorned lover, "We committed genocide on the krogan by following this bastard! He-"

"Stop!"

"-unleashed the genophage!"

The room went quiet as the dead females. Mordin's eyes flashed to Grunt in panic, but the krogan's head was tilted curiously. "Huh? Wasn't that a thousand years ago?"

Samara said, "Impossible, even I was not alive when the genophage was developed."

Maelon shook his head, "No, not initially. But a thousand years is a long time, enough to adapt. Successful krogan pregnancies began to increase. They were naturally overcoming the genophage! They were experiencing hope for the first time in a millennium! But then this doctor took that away from them! He led an STG Task Unit to restore the genophage, and destroyed any chance the krogan had to recover."

Naruto turned to Mordin and waited for him to deny it. To say that he was mistaken and that he had no part in this. But Mordin wasn't defiant, he looked vulnerable, and Naruto knew there was a blade of truth that had pierced his defenses. "Not to destroy krogan. Only modified genophage*, ensure continued effectiveness. Best for everyone, krogan included."

Garrus said, "Wait, hold on. So you actually worked on the genophage?"

Maelon said, "Yes, we did, and it worked. We took the krogan's future away again. We left them to squander their lives here in desolation, or as mercenaries across the galaxy to be gunned down!"

"Genophage ensured stable krogan population. Without stability, population would expand. Ran simulations, considered thousands of options. All others led to krogan fracture, inter-planetary clan wars. Repeat of krogan rebellions! Modified genophage best option! Greatest chance for peace!

"You ran your simulations, they're just flawed as you," Maelon accused, "Did your simulations predict the krogan would flock to Saren? Did they consider the krogan would enslave themselves if it ensured them a future?"

Mordin blinked, "Impossible to know with certainty. Make best decision with available data. We did."

"And we were wrong," Maelon said with disgust, both at Mordin and himself. "But you never considered the new data. I did. And I'm going to give the krogan back their future."

"With this?" Mordin exploded with rare anger, "This isn't science, this is butchery!"

"It's no worse than the crime we already committed against them!"

Thane examined one of the corpses, "There are no restraints...these might have been volunteers."

Mordin blew it off, "Could have been removed. Proves nothing."

Maelon seethed, "No, he's right. These were willing subjects. They volunteered to be studied. They had to be alive, I needed to run my tests while their systems were functioning, and they endured it. They willingly sacrificed themselves for a chance at undoing this! Don't you see? Can you!?"

Mordin shook his head in denial, "No, still best options. Most lives saved, irrefutable. Best for everyone."

Maelon relented, and smiled sadly, "No, you really can't. All you see is numbers. You never see the lives they represent. In all your years, did you ever hear their woes? Did you ever ask them about how this devastated them personally? Have you ever seen a krogan cry?" Maelon paused, Mordin said nothing. "I have. I've seen them. I've heard them, and I understand them. And I will give them what they deserve…and you too, professor. It's time everyone got their just rewards...so die!"

Maelon unleashed a gun he'd hidden inside his lab coat before anyone could react. But just before he could fire, he screamed, his body went rigid, and he fell to the floor.

Mordin deactivated the neural shock countermeasure he'd prepared and approached his fallen student. "Will alert STG of your activities. Leave you at pickup site in the wastes. Their problem now."

Maelon was twitching, but his eyes were still burning with rage. He knew he'd lost, there was no stopping what would come next. So he just wanted to make Mordin hurt!

"D-do you th-think the rest of us were alwa-always on your s-side?" Maelon asked through clattering teeth, "We followed b-because we ha-ad to. We could never over-overturn the gr-reat Mordin So-Solus." He seethed, "The doctor wh-who killed mi-millions!"

Mordin unleashed a more powerful neural shock. Maelon screamed, arched, and finally went limp in unconsciousness.

Mordin whirled around and approached the uncovered krogan cadaver. Naruto followed, and noted Grunt standing near the back of the hall. He looked lost, but Naruto saw the anger slowly dawning on his face.

Mordin looked over her body with unfeeling eyes, "Weyrloc female. Early third century. Broken crown, uterus coloring altered, modified dna, attempt to remove genophage. Failed, probable body confused cure attempt with virus, destroyed itself." He sniffed, "Painful end. Waste of life. Why?"

Legion approached, its eye flashed between red and blue as it examined the krogan, "The damage is equivalent to Creator Rael'Zorah's modification of Geth core programming. We do not understand why organics would willingly submit themselves to fatal treatment."

"I imagine I may have done the same, if I suffered her heartbreak." Samara said.

Mordin turned, "Self-sacrifice unnecessary. Maelon promised false hope. Why risk life for increased fertility?"

"Having children can be...painful. But I will never regret having my daughters. I cannot imagine the pain of being denied them." Samara said.

"You had a family?" Naruto asked.

"Once," Her voice was final, and did not invite further questions.

Garrus tapped his fingers on the table, "If we were still in the rebellions, I might have done the same. But we're long past the rebellions. There isn't a krogan alive who committed those atrocities."

Mordin seemed surprised, perhaps he'd expected Garrus to be on his side. "Might think differently if you'd been in the Task Unit. Seen data. Seen hazardous future."

Garrus nodded, "I know you had your reasons, Mordin. But logic can fall flat when you're looking at the dead."

Thane returned from across the room carrying Maelon's sack, the one he'd packed when attempting to flee. He pulled out the datapad, "You should look at this."

Mordin examined the datapad's contents and scowled, "Test results, procedures, dead ends, theories...Maelon's data. Not close to a cure. On right track, though. But...Maelon fallen too far. Live subjects. Ethically void, tainted data. Should be destroyed."

"That's rich." Naruto's heart skipped. Grunt's voice was a low growl of a predator waiting to strike. Mordin flinched and saw the krogan approaching Mordin with murder in his eyes. Naruto caught the professor's hand resting by his omni-tool for a countermeasure, just in case. "And how many of my people did you have to cut open for your little science project?"

"None. No live subjects, all run in simulations."

"We were all your experiments! Or are you saying we don't count?"

"Different. Unnoticeable, never killed!"

Grunt motioned to the krogan female, "So she doesn't count either? None of them do?"

"Wasn't me. Reactionary, cannot control everyone."

"Keep hopping around the blame, you'll get hit eventually." Grunt growled.

Naruto was about to step between them, "Grunt, take it easy."

Grunt sneered, "Worried I'll attack him? Don't blame you. I want to. My blood demands vengeance. But I won't, I choose not to." He turned to Mordin, "But we are gonna talk about this later. Count on it."

Mordin flinched, then removed his hand from his countermeasure, "Acceptable. After we finish. This is...unexpected."

"I don't like what you did. If you were any other salarian, your head and body would be in separate parts of the room. But you're not." He pounded his chest. "You're krantt! So we're gonna argue and shout about this, and then we're gonna go bash in some collectors together."

Grunt lumbered away. Krantt or not, he couldn't stand looking at Mordin at the moment. But Naruto was proud that Grunt was at least giving him a chance.

Mordin hadn't expected that. He looked down and contemplated this, and as with everything he did, it was quick. A moment later he was back to the krogan female. "So unnecessary. Wasteful. Needless loss of life."

Naruto put a hand on his shoulder. He wasn't sure how to respond to Mordin's revelation. He couldn't be angry about Mordin keeping secrets, he'd kept plenty of his own that were just as questionable. It was hard to rationalize Mordin's decision when a corpse was right in front of you. But Naruto reminded himself that it wasn't his place to do so. He wasn't there a thousand years ago, he never felt the effects of the krogan rebellions. Mordin must have had his reasons, even if he couldn't understand them yet.

"This wasn't you. She isn't your fault." Naruto said.

Mordin nodded. "Yes. Made the right decision. Best for galaxy. Best for krogan. Best for them, as well-"

"Stop." Naruto said on impulse, his grip tightening on Mordin's shoulder. "Don't say that."

Mordin winced and removed Naruto's hand. "Why not? It's true-"

"No, stop it. Just stop. That's the same justification people gave me." Naruto said as his anger flared. Mordin turned and was taken aback, and Naruto continued. "Those demons on my world? They have to seal them in people to control them. And my life was ruined because of it. I grew up hated and feared. They sacrificed me to keep the village safe, but make no mistake, I was a casualty. Just like them." Naruto pointed to the dead female, "You can say you did this for the greater good, but don't you dare say that you saved her."

Mordin turned to the krogan and mulled over his words. His eyes changed in a way Naruto didn't recognize. And Mordin began to wonder. He looked from the female to Naruto, and a regret welled in his memory. "Maybe." He focused on the data. "...will keep the data for now. Will...try and hear their stories. Just this once. Not just numbers."

Mordin lowered the data onto the table and focused on the krogan, for the first time truly seeing her. He waved his hand, "Rest, young mother. Find your gods. Find peace."

Thane approached, "I didn't take you as a believer."

"Work on genophage not easy. Not like Maelon described. Affecting millions...contemplated meaning in universe. Still looking for answers."

Thane nodded and crossed his hands in prayer, "Kalahira, mistress of inscrutable depths, save these fallen souls from the endless abyss. Bring them to the sun, and guide them across the sea."

Samara closed her eyes, "Let go of your pains and sorrows, leave them with your mortal forms and find peace in the embrace of the goddess."

Naruto had never been welcome in places of worship, and so he had never come to truly believe in the gods of his world. But he knew the words, spoken far too often during the Fourth Shinobi World War. He spoke them now with all the meaning he could muster, "Lord Shinigami, wrap your cloak of darkness around these souls and ferry them to the world where all is pure."

Tali made no hand gestures for her prayer and simply said, "Ancestors guide you, may you find peace in their company."

Garrus fidgeted uncomfortably before he joined them. His was not a prayer, but a short hymn. His voice was richer than Naruto expected, "Despair begone, spirits salvation." He repeated it three times.

Grunt returned and looked focused. He was young and no prayers were shared in the tank. But these were his people, and he would have words for them, words he learned from his shaman. "May your bones return to the great mother. Return to the sands so that one day life can grow once more."

Legion watched the organic rituals curiously. Naruto saw him turn to the krogan female and chirp in Geth code. He couldn't understand what Legion was saying, but he imagined it was as close to prayer as Geth could have.

In that hallowed room filled with death, eight companions from across the galaxy shared the words of their people for the many tortured souls.

~V~

The ride back to the camp was quiet. Naruto was contemplating the horror he'd witnessed in the hospital, he imagined the others were doing the same. They only made one stop, to drop off Maelon's unconscious body on a rocky outcrop for STG pickup. Mordin carried him out alone. "My project. My student. My responsibility." Naruto saw him leave a small note inside Maelon's labcoat.* No one noticed him writing it and had no idea what he'd written. Mordin didn't comment on it when he returned and Garrus drove them to the neutral zone.

They parked just as the sun began to rise. The Urdnot scout recognized Grunt and welcomed them back to the safe zone. They parked and exited the tomkah one by one. Naruto was one of the last ones out, but Mordin stopped him before he climbed out the hatch. "Mordin?"

The scientist opened his mouth, nothing came out for several moments, "I'm sorry."

"What?"

"The collector cruiser. Got distracted. Delayed our escape. Allowed collectors to close in. Shoot you, capture you." Mordin looked away in shame, "Focused on mission, data, numbers. Didn't consider loss of life. Until we lost you."

Naruto had forgotten about the incident in the events following his return. He hadn't thought about Mordin's obsession with his samples and testing, and he hadn't rationalized blame for Mordin. But he could understand how it must have affected Mordin, who was showing genuine remorse. It wasn't something he'd expected to see in the doctor. If Mordin was opening himself up, Naruto was prepared to meet him. He smiled warmly, "You're forgiven. We've both come a long way since then. Let's leave it behind us."

Mordin nodded. "Yes. Learned much since then. Much..." Mordin closed his eyes, he wasn't ready to leave. "Will go to Grunt later. On Normandy. Will explain. And...with Shepard, too."

"If it's alright, I'd like to be there too. I want to know."

Mordin nodded. A bit of his gloom seemed to disappear as a small smile graced his lips. "Yes. Would like to share. Tired of secrets." he laughed, "Technically classified. Could be tried for treason."

"Same with my status as a jinchuriki. It used to be a secret punishable by death for sharing." The two shared a small laugh at how easily they betrayed their secrets. When they calmed down Naruto asked, "Ready to go?"

Mordin breathed deep, "Always. Let's go."

The two climbed out of the tomkah to the rest of the crew, and not just the ones they'd left with. Shepard was there with the remainder of the ground team, minus Jacob and Miranda who'd returned to the Normandy the night before.

Shepard looked like he was fighting frustration and a massive hangover. Wrex looked only slightly better. Shepard said, "There you two are. Maybe you'll answer, then. Where did you go last night?"

Grunt scowled, "Off for a joyride, I already told-"

"Mordin? Naruto?" Shepard asked pointedly.

Mordin replied, "Will explain later...not here. Please understand."

Shepard nodded and accepted a promise for an explanation later. "Anyone hurt?"

"No shots fired, Commander." Thane explained.

"By us or enemies," Garrus added genunely.

Wrex shrugged, "Well that's surprising. We have reports that Clan Weyrloc is tearing itself apart in a civil war. Started just before sunrise. We thought you had something to do with it."

"Civil war? They were peaceful when we-oh! Keelah..." Tali covered her visor.

Thane closed his eyes, "Busted."

Shepard narrowed his eyes, "We'll talk later."

Wrex continued, "Our scouts saw the explosions at a distance. Apparently their Speaker is attempting to overthrow the clan leader. Damn zealot is going to be the downfall of that clan. I expect the refugees will start flooding in any day now." Wrex sighed, "Enough, too early for damn logistics. The gang's all here, Shepard. Time to go?"

Shepard nodded, "Yeah, we still have a mission to accomplish."

"Don't you always. Wish I could come with you, but someone's gotta keep this rabble in line. And remember, Shepard. Ryncol. One of these days," he grinned.

Shepard had one to match and the two clasped hands one final time. "Just say the word."

"Come back if you need anything big, purple and mean taken down. I'll see what I can do." He held out his hand, "Shepard."

Shepard shook it one last time. "Wrex."

The krogan leader finished his farewell and headed back to his throne. Shepard called to his team, "Let's get going. No more wandering off, we're heading home."

The crew followed Shepard out of the bombed-out compound and through the broken halls to their shuttle. Several clansmen bid a fond, if rough farewell to the krantt of their newest clansman. It was the polar opposite atmosphere of their arrival.

Halfway down the hall EDI spoke over their shared comms, "Shepard, we've received a new message. It is addressed strangely."

"Could it be phishing, or some other kind of malware?" Shepard asked.

"I have scanned the document, it does not contain any malicious programs. A block prevents me from sharing its contents with the rest of the crew."

"Who's it addressed to?"

"Idiot."

Kasumi chuckled, "That's about half the crew."

"Including you," Tali shot back.

Kasumi imitated Tali's voice, "Civil war? They were peaceful when we-oh! Keelah..."

"...Touche."

Shepard asked, "What about the language? Which species sent it?"

"It is written in ancient prothean script."

"What's its native pronunciation? No translation."

"Dobe."

Naruto stopped. His heart, his movement, his mind, everything came to a halt. And then his brain jolted as if entering FTL. It was his language, and only one person ever called him that.

"...It's for me."

"Figures." Kasumi quipped. Naruto ignored her.

"You sure?" Shepard asked.

"Yeah, I'll tell you about it later." Naruto tried to brush it off casually, and knew he failed.

His omni-tool beeped as EDI sent him the message, but he'd discovered enough to keep him occupied for the time, he couldn't handle the revelations of the message itself. Dobe. The word stole his thoughts for the rest of their walk until they'd docked in the Normandy's hanger. A simple, impossible fact.

Sasuke was alive. His best friend was still alive.

Codex Entries

-Hunter Mode

Geth platforms are outfitted with advanced diagnostic hardware, collectively labeled the hunter mode suite, or hunter mode for short. It consists of a series of powerful radar to quickly detect organics and synthetics concealed behind solid matter. Producing radiowaves with the power and frequency to detect targets with high levels of accuracy requires most geth platforms to divert power from sub-systems such as shielding and movement to operate. It also makes geth units vulnerable to detection to any units capable of detecting and direction find against radio waves.

-Modified Genophage Results

The modifications made to krogan DNA was a success, introducing additional genetic sequences to attract garbage genetic code that was overwriting genophage attack sites. Salarian STG scientists estimate this move has preserved the genophage's longevity for approximately 350 standard galactic cycles. However, a consequence of the alteration has led to an increase in stillborn births among krogan females. Salarian STG analysts have accounted for this increase, as well as social effects of an increase in stillbirths, and have modified the genophage to increase fertility in females. Additional births offset the increase in stillborn children and expected loss in female krogan population due to rising suicide rates. Factoring all of this together, analysts estimate stable krogan population for at least the next 500 cycles. STG will continue to monitor the situation and conduct a thorough investigation of genophage effectiveness in 300 standard cycles.

-Mordin's Letter to Maelon (second paragraph written in invisible ink for STG to uncover)

Maelon, you were one of my brightest students. You were clever in ways I wasn't, offered conflicting hypotheses. I valued that greatly. I don't know what led you down this road, but I'm sure you had your reasons. I don't care what they are. You may consider the genophage a travesty, but you know nothing of morals, you trampled over every ethical rule of science with your research. I don't know if this is my fault, if I inspired you to walk down this dark road. If I did, then I'm sorry I failed you. If we do meet again, I hope that we can both come to terms with what we've done.

Couldn't transmit Maelon's dealings over krogan-controlled extranet portals at risk of interception. Made message seem sentimental, Maelon should keep it long enough for you to discover. Message me to confirm you've received it. Maelon conducted brutal experiments on live krogan subjects in attempt to cure genophage. Discovered 11 total subjects killed, suspect there may have been more. Recommend sending in covert team to discover the scope of these experiments. I'm unable to do so myself, I have my own mission to complete. Good fortunes.

-Doctor Mordin Solus

A/N

I try to follow the theme of the arc in each chapter. In this chapter, I feel unity is best represented by two things: alcohol and prayer. Though different, it's something every race has created and can share. These things can bring people closer together.

On a darker note, I wanted the modified genophage codex entry to be hollow and bland, and to emotionlessly cover the increase in krogan stillbirths. The genophage was a bit poorly explained, in ME1 it decreased fertility and in ME2 it also led to stillbirths. So my retcon is this: the modification did it. I want to try and fix some of the inconsistencies present in the game. Which is why the collectors do not use standard thermal clips.

I imagine many of you are celebrating the release of Andromeda. I'm conflicted, do tell me how it is if you have an informed opinion. For now, I've rediscovered ME3's multiplayer and have spent several hours downing the pawns of Harbinger on my PC. I'm uncertain when I'll make the switch to Andromeda, but I'm confident it will happen eventually.

I usually try to update once every other week, but I'll be going on vacation soon. Because of this, I expect to update this story in three weeks. I'll be updating two of my smaller stories each friday until then, those do not take nearly as long to write for. I enjoy the diversity of writing comedy, drama, and tragedy.

Hopefully the cliffhanger is reasonable, it's something I've been waiting to do for a long time. Outside of flashbacks, Naruto has been the only character in his universe to play a major role. That can finally change, and I'm excited to bring Sasuke into the fold. I hope you like what I have planned.

That's all for now. Please leave me your input, and leave a review!