Aftermath

By Spectre4hire

Conflict

Asari forces have made contact with a geth and quarian outpost. They have engaged them in battle.

In the time that followed Tali's revelation, the reports were verified. Asari scouting and reconnaissance forces made contact with a contingent of geth and quarian forces on a former quarian colony. Shepard needed to tread carefully in his attempt to resolve this situation. He knew if the galaxy continued to remain divided then all would fall to the might of the Reapers. To add pressure onto the Commander if the right decisions were not made, a galactic civil war could erupt between Shepard's allies and the Council species.

Shepard examined his scorched N-7 battle armor in the mirror. It had only been a few hours since he and his squad escaped the confines of a Reaper, which had pushed him to his limits both physically and mentally.

The tired Commander sighed; he could feel the immense weight on his shoulders only growing while his own doubts and fears of what were to come continued to gnaw at his insides. He began rotating his arm slowly, welcoming a distraction in an attempt to loosen his muscles before they were to arrive at the colony. Only after a few seconds of the exercise, a jab of pain hit his side and only intensified as he tried to will himself to continue. He knew that he needed to overcome his own exhaustion and injuries if he was to be successful in their pending mission.

He stopped his stretching, when he heard his cabin doors slide open. He looked over his shoulder to see Garrus, Tali, and Miranda walk in.

Garrus's eyes fell onto the space hamster cage by the Commander's desk. The turian went to investigate the specimen, tapping the glass cage with an extended talon. "Is this thing still alive?"

"Elvis? Of course he is," Shepard answered, turning to see that his other friend Tali was hesitantly petting Hades, who was already donned in his armor. The varren wagged its tail gingerly, its large black eyes focused on the quarian as it released a small purr of gratitude.

"Humans and your pets," Garrus commented, with a shake of his head.

Shepard turned to his XO who was watching him closely, their blue eyes met momentarily. "Are you alright John?"

He broke eye contact, bringing his attention back to his reflection in the mirror. "I am fine." He had answered too quickly to be convincing.

"You do not look fine," observed Tali, resting a hand on her hip.

"He always looks like that," teased Garrus, over his shoulder.

"Garrus!" Tali said, swatting his arm.

"Ow!" Garrus exclaimed after a dramatic wince. He finally turned to face the others, before offering Tali a shrug. "I thought friends were supposed to be honest with each other."

"Thanks Garrus," Shepard laughed. Though the laugh brought discomfort to his ribs, he couldn't deny that it helped lighten his mood. His friend's teasing was able to distract him from his gloomy thoughts. "Funny, I was never under the assumption that we were friends."

"Hah-hah," replied Garrus, crossing his arms.

Miranda playfully rolled her eyes at the banter between the two. "You would think they would be able to act mature once in a while."

Tali shook her head, before tapping the side of her faceplate as she spoke. "It is beyond their scope," allowing Tali and Miranda a good laugh at the two's expense.

"That's not true we can act mature. We just haven't found the occasion for it," defended Shepard, receiving a wry chuckle from Garrus before the turian nodded affirmatively.

"I hope we're never that close," commented Eli with mirth, stepping into the cabin with Wrex and Grunt flanking him.

"Uh-huh Eli, so the reason you stayed was…?" Shepard joked.

"To fight Paragon, trouble seems to follow you around."

"That's what Wrex always claimed too," Shepard replied, turning to the krogan warlord who only chortled.

"I cannot wait to go into battle with my battle master and my clan leader," Grunt admitted. The eager krogan showed a wide smile before turning from Shepard to Wrex.

"Yes, I must admit it will be good fighting with you again Shepard," Wrex agreed. "As well as with you Vakarian and Tali'Zorah."

"Don't worry Shepard hasn't changed his fighting styles," teased Tali.

"I never thought humans could be so fool hearty in battle and live to tell about it," Wrex remarked.

"Only because of a certain turian," Garrus added casually.

Shepard rolled his eyes, "you're delusional."

"You both are. Everyone knows I am the one who always has to save both of your asses!" Eli chimed in before beginning to list several examples that Garrus rebutted. The turian and batarian continued to trade playful remarks with the others watching on in different degrees of annoyance, amusement or interest.

Shepard couldn't help but smile as he looked on.

"John?"

He turned to see Miranda had appeared on his side, her blue eyes watching him closely. He smiled at her appearance before gently putting his arm around her.

She melted into his embrace. "Are you alright?" She asked softly enough so the others couldn't hear, but he could detect the sincerity and concern in her tone.

He mulled over her valid question for a moment as his eyes drifted to the others in the room who were absorbed in the continuing argument between Garrus and Eli. He was quick to notice the diversity in his friendship and how through their trials and tribulations their friendships were only strengthened, as was their resolve. In this moment Shepard was comforted with the reminder that he was not alone in this pending struggle and that there was no one else he would rather go into battle with.

"I am fine now," he whispered into her hair as he gently kissed her head.

"You would have been torn to pieces by the Mech if it wasn't for me!" Eli argued with mirth.

Garrus shook his hands in front of him. "No, I had it exactly where I wanted it without your interfering."

"Commander?" Jacob asked, standing on the threshold of the cabin. He sent a curious glance to Eli and Garrus who were pointing fingers at each other. They had paused in mid argument, leaving them both open mouthed.

"Yes, Jacob?"

"The shuttle is primed and the squad is ready," reported Jacob, turning his attention back to his commander.

"Then what are we waiting for?"

His reply was met by an excited growl from Grunt who pounded his fists into his chest plate.

Wrex showed a small smile amidst his ragged and scarred face as he put a hand on Grunt's shoulder, leading the pure bred to the elevator with a hesitant Jacob following.

Eli and Garrus immediately sobered up from their argument before trading smiles and nods, as the batarian and turian walked over to the elevator.

"We will continue this at a later point," Garrus remarked.

Eli shrugged, "why bother, we all know who is going to win."

"Oh Keelah," said a tired Tali following them. She was the last to enter the tight fitting elevator as the doors closed leaving Shepard, Miranda and Hades waiting for the next one.

Hades stretched its front legs, taking a few steps towards the elevator before turning back, letting out a soft purr as he waited for his master.

Shepard smiled, "yes, Hades you have been very patient." The Commander and XO joined the varren by the doors.

"This is going to change everything," Miranda said softly to no one in particular.

Shepard nodded, before pulling her closer; the action caused her to look up at him where she could see the seriousness in his eyes. "We will get through this. I promise."

Miranda could hear the sincerity in his voice; she gave him a thankful smile. "I will hold you to that."

Shepard raised his brow, "what did you have in mind?"

Miranda replied with a playful smile just as the elevator doors opened, she sauntered into the elevator before turning back to see she had his attention. "I am sure I can think of something."

Shepard joined Miranda and Hades in the elevator as it descended towards the cargo bay. Even though doubts and fears still lingered within his gut, Shepard was strengthened and encouraged by those who followed him. The simple reminder helped numb his own anxiety, while he tried to clear his mind and prepare for what was to come. Not to mention the warmth and comfort he felt as he held his XO close to him as they rode down the elevator and prepared towards the mission ahead.


It was a tight squeeze into the shuttle for Shepard and his squad; the companions were shoulder to shoulder. Most were trying to prepare for the mission to distract them from the unease and uncomfortably of sitting so close together.

There was relative silence in the shuttle, a few soft whispers being conversed between the two krogan, the gentle humming of the shuttle's engines in the background, but all noise was soon drowned out by an angry shout from Jack.

"You're elbowing me four eyes!" The powerful biotic was in between Tali and Eli. She threw her shoulder into the batarian who was working on his omni-tool.

"Watch it baldy!" Eli snapped back, moving his arm in time to avoid Jack's swipe. "Or you might cause an explosion."

"Whose idea was it to have the two crazy love birds sit beside each other?" Garrus whispered to Shepard's left.

Shepard chuckled, whole-heartedly agreeing with his friend's question. He could only wonder how those two ended up sitting together. However he would have to address that at a later moment, since it was Eli's last words that sent up red flags in his mind. "Care to elaborate?"

He shot a withering glare at Jack at being called out by the Commander. She took the stare with a shrug and smile before pointing to Shepard. "The Commander asked you a question four eyes." Jack added sweetly.

Eli mumbled something incoherent before turning to Shepard. "I was able to upgrade my omni-tool and make a few purchases to its weapon's system." Eli paused seeing Shepard's raised brow at the words weapon system, so he elaborated. "Incinerate tech."

Grunt chortled from Eli's other side. The pure bred krogan sounded more than approving of the purchase. "Smart investment batarian."

"Incinerate tech very powerful, works well on vorcha. However can be considered unstable with the wrong calculations," began Mordin.

"The calculations are right," Eli injected. The infiltrator insulted at the mere thought of miss programming his omni-tool or the tech he was equipped with.

"Then I guess we have nothing to worry about," Shepard commented sardonically. He turned his attention to the window, showing that the shuttle had entered the colony's atmosphere.

Ranora, Shepard remembered the colony's name from the admirals who briefed him on the small settlement of geth and quarian forces stationed there. The planet was rocky and barren; numerous mountain ranges went up and down the planet's landscape. Wildlife or forestry supposedly died out centuries ago after the geth took over the planet.

"We are coming up on the colony." Miranda's accented voice came over the speakers as the XO had been piloting the shuttle.

Shepard looked down to see their destination was nestled at the tip of one of the mountain ridges. The small encampment formed a tight diamond formation of old buildings and a few added trailers in the distance he could see tall towers that towered over the encampment.

However as the shuttle descended he noticed several pockets of black smoke billowing from numerous spots around the encampment. He recognized it immediately as signs of battle and judging by the pattern, the asari's were creeping closer to the encampment. We are going to need to move fast.

The shuttle doors opened with a soft hiss, the first thing the squad was greeted with were two towering Geth Primes whose spotlight eyes shined into the small shuttle hold. Many of the squad members' instincts showed as they tightened their grips on their rifles and pistols; Tali and Garrus even raised theirs before catching themselves.

"Commander Shepard?" called a familiar voice, as a quarian dressed in a red-enviro suit emerged in between the two-geth primes.

"Kal'Reegar?" Shepard smiled, remembering the quarian marine from Haelstrom.

The quarian turned to Shepard before bowing his head, "you honor me Commander." The two geth primes backed away to allow the squad space to step out of the shuttle.

The companions dispersed around the shuttle many of them stretching cramp arms and legs from the short trip. A few still shooting the geth primes curious glances, nearly expecting them to open fire on them at any given moment.

"Kal good to see you," said genuinely happy Tali as she greeted her marine.

"Lady Zorah, it is good to see a friendly face," Kal replied before turning back to Shepard. "Your timing is impeccable Commander."

"What do you mean?" asked Miranda, who was standing to Shepard's left.

The marine let out a tired sigh, before drooping his head. "We have just received some dire news from one of our units who were guarding our AA cannons." He paused, turning to the direction of the giant towers that could be seen in the distance. "We lost the towers."

"That means we are pinned down," Garrus translated.

"Fuck! Now we are stuck here?" Jack vented, kicking up dust and sand.

"It would make any possible extraction or retreat suicidal. Cannons would tear apart ships in seconds," Mordin paused, with a shake of his head. "Disappointing."

"Then we need to get those towers back," Shepard said, turning to the others who gave their Commander firm nods.

"It will be difficult Shepard Commander. The asari are trying to break through our current defensive positions," informed Legion.

"Will they be successful?" asked Eli.

"Consensus has been reached. The asari could over-run this encampment in less than three hours."

"Shit, the news just gets better and better," Jack said.

"How can we reach the cannons?" asked Shepard.

"Through the tunnels," answered Kal.

"Tunnels?" asked a confused Miranda.

Kal nodded, "yes, the tunnels are the product of our ancestor's centuries ago. We constructed the AA cannons over one of the underground openings."

"Then that is where we are going," decided Shepard.

"Won't these tunnels be over-run by asari commandos?" asked Jacob, near the back of the squad.

"That's the fun of it," Grunt answered.

"If you hurry, you can possibly reach little resistance. The asari will be unprepared for your arrival and have only been in possession of the cannons for a few minutes," commented Kal.

"Asari commandos will be a tough foe. No matter their numbers," Wrex stated plainly.

Miranda crossed her arms. "It's our only hope if we want to get off this planet before this skirmish escalates into a full scale war."

"Then it is settled, my team will go through the tunnels and take back the cannons. In the meantime you should be preparing your ships and calling back your troops for a retreat. We are getting off this planet before the Alliance or turian fleets arrive."

"We can do that Commander, though it will be difficult, we have many wounded."

"Wounded?" Mordin asked, stepping forward. "I can help; I am well rehearsed in quarian anatomy."

Kal'Reegar looked over the salarian scientist before shrugging, realizing there was little alternative. "We will take all the help we can get."

"Then lead us to these tunnels," Shepard said.

Kal and two other quarian marines led Shepard and his squad across the embattled encampment. Through rubbles and ruin the squad walked silently, distant explosives and the splatter of far off bullets and battle led the squad to tighten their grip on their weapons. The quarians stopped at a large door, the quarians who accompanied him went one to each side to access the terminal.

"We sealed the doors when our survivors came back," Kal stated, turning back to face Shepard's squad.

"Did they bring back anything useful?" asked Wrex.

"Yes as a matter of fact they did. The commandos who attacked our team were led by a Spectre," answered Kal.

Shepard's jaw instinctively clenched, he knew who it was without the quarian marine continuing.

"Her name was Marah Xoni."

A ripple of angry conversing and a series of head turns as the name riled up an anger and annoyance. Which was spurred on by this Spectre's unethical hounding of them in these last few months.

"That bitch," snarled Miranda, who had not forgotten Marah's involvement in kidnapping her sister and using her as bait to try to capture Shepard.

"You know of her?" asked a puzzled Kal, who had noticed the squad's reaction from the name.

"Yeah we do," answered Shepard.

Kal seemed to have understood from the Commander's tone and body language that the subject should be dropped as he gave an understanding head nod. "The best of luck then, open the doors."

The two quarians simultaneously entered the access codes into their separate terminals. The door slid open with a groan to reveal a narrow corridor with no sign of commandos or combat.

Shepard gave the signal as Wrex, Grunt, Jacob, and Eli stepped into the corridor, rifles raised and ready for any sign of trouble, they were closely followed by Garrus, Kolyat, Lucy, and Jack.

"Good luck Shepard we are on comm. delta one-five-nine."

Shepard programmed the comm. channel into his omni-tool before giving the quarian a firm nod. "We will feed you on-going reports, have your ships primed and ready. I want to get off this planet ASAP."

Kal saluted, "understood Commander." The quarian veteran turned back to Tali, "Keelah Se'Lai."

"Keelah Se'Lai," she replied before entering the tunnels with Shepard, Hades, Miranda, and Legion following.

"Legion have you uploaded the plans?" asked Shepard.

"Yes, Shepard Commander. Programming will be altered to follow through with instructions."

"Do you think we will make it out before reinforcements arrive Commander?" asked Kolyat.

"We have to," answered Shepard, receiving nods from his squad. "Let's get moving."

The squad traveled silently through the poorly lit corridors that were built by the quarians centuries ago. The squad was vigilant for any sign or sound of trouble as they went deeper and deeper through the tunnels. Their weapons were raised and were ready to fight on a moment's notice.

"Where are they?" groaned Grunt.

"Patience," Wrex replied.

"We should have bumped into something by now," commented Jacob.

"Yeah what gives?" asked Jack.

"Tali do you have the schematics?" asked Shepard, who couldn't help but agree with his squad's assessment. They should have bumped into something by now.

"One minute Shepard," Tali replied, typing fervently on her omni-tool as she drew up the three-dimensional lay out of the tunnels that would lead them to the AA cannons.

"What room is this?" asked Miranda, pointing to a large room.

"It's a hangar," answered Tali.

"Look at its location," remarked Wrex. The hangar was the room closest to the cannon elevators.

"Perfect place to camp," Garrus added, recognizing what his friend was referring to.

"So that is where they are waiting for us?" asked Lucy.

"Or waiting for supplies and support," commented Shepard.

"So we shouldn't linger unless we want to arrive when they are unloading fresh troops and weapons," Eli observed.

"What's this?" asked Garrus, noticing a second corridor that peeled away from the one they were standing in.

"It's another corridor which leads to the second level of the hangar," answered Tali.

"We should split the team then we can cover more ground," recommended Miranda.

"The second corridor could be caved in or its entrance blocked," Shepard said, with a shake of his head.

"Or lead to a pack of commandos," added Eli.

"I thought that was the point of a risk?" Garrus asked, shouldering his rifle.

"It could be our best bet of shutting down the cannon and escaping before the asari numbers are replenished," Miranda agreed.

"Ok Team one will go through on this corridor while team two will try the second corridor," Shepard began, pausing to see the nods of understanding from his friends. "Team one will include myself, Miranda, Hades, Eli, Wrex, and Grunt."

Grunt happily slapped his chest plate, "I can hardly wait."

"Just like old times Shepard," Wrex mused.

Hades growled approvingly. The varren's attention was straight ahead and already the beast looked ready and determined for action.

"Afraid to fight without me Paragon?" teased Eli.

"Someone has to watch your back," replied Shepard.

"Come on whelps lets scout the area," Wrex instructed, motioning with his rifle. Grunt and Hades followed the krogan warlord with a reluctant Eli and Miranda a few steps behind.

"Garrus you will be leading team two… No heroics."

Garrus sighed, feigning exasperation. "Yes, mother."

Shepard smirked at his friend's antics before turning to his friend. "Tali?"

"I know Shepard. I will watch him closely."

Shepard nodded his thanks, "be safe all of you and stay together and fight as one and we will have no problems."

"Will do Commander," Kolyat quickly said.

"Yeah, yeah Shepard, we know the drill already," Jack said, before showing a small smile that was quickly swallowed up as she prepared herself for battle.

"Understood Shepard Commander, this platform will do what is expected."

"Be safe Shepard," Jacob said with a salute.

"Don't worry Shepard. I'll have my eye on you," Lucy began, motioning to the sniper rifle she was holding. "The queen has too great of an interest in you."

"Thanks Lucy," Shepard smiled as he went straight down the corridor to where his squad was waiting for him, he turned back to see Garrus issuing orders and leading the squad down another corridor. The last two he could see were his two longest friends, Garrus and Tali.


"Took you long enough," Eli said in way of greeting when Shepard rejoined them a few minutes later. The batarian was loosely holding his shotgun in one hand.

Shepard shrugged, before cocking his auto-rifle. "You know me, I got to make sure everyone's ready."

Eli examined the Commander before nodding. "That's the reason why you're such a damn Paragon."

"Will you make yourself useful, and draw up the schematics of this place," Shepard said, with a dramatic sigh as he began walking forward. Miranda fell into step with him while Hades followed on his master's heel with the two remaining krogan a few steps behind with Eli whose attention was on his omni-tool and the drawn up schematics.

"Looks like we are going to be arriving at a very large door in ten meters."

"Yeah, I see it," Shepard said, pointing down the corridor to the door that Eli mentioned.

"Smart ass," Eli mumbled with no venom, as he shut down the schematics. The batarian then walked past the others before motioning to the tall doors in front of the squad. "Well can you see that it is going to be difficult to break through?"

"No, but I assume it would be. Nothing is ever easy for us."

"Comes with the job Shepard," Wrex chuckled, before patting his friend on the back.

"Will you be able to open them?" Miranda asked.

"Why else would I be dragged along with Shepard?" Eli replied with a laugh before going to the terminal that handled the doors.

"You make it sound like you don't enjoy my company," Shepard joked, bending over to offer Hades, a friendly scratch behind the ears.

"That's the point Paragon," Eli called over his shoulder. His attention on the terminal as his omni-tool glowed while the infiltrator worked on over-riding the doors security.

"Can you open the door while keeping your mouth shut though?" teased Shepard.

"No respect for my skills," grumbled Eli playfully, dusting himself off and standing up. The doors opened with no trouble, showing a high arching room that could easily fit several frigates comfortably. Stone columns were positioned throughout the hangar to keep the ceiling up, however a few large blocks of crumbling pillars littered the hangar floor.

The companions were just able to step into the hangar before being greeted by a chorus of high whistles signaling that they were being attacked by a series of missiles that were spiraling towards them. Shepard and his squad instinctively dove for the ground as the missiles soared over them before smashing into the walls behind them, bringing down chunks of the walls and ceiling in a fiery explosion.

"Shepard," greeted a familiar voice. Marah Xoni stepped forward, dressed in battle armor and wearing a triumphant sneer. She was flanked by several commandos all of whom were equipped with matching rocket launchers.

"The bitch is back," muttered Shepard, looking over his shoulder to see that his squad was getting back to their feet.

Miranda's eyes flashed dangerously as she took in the asari Spectre before them. "Back after another failed attempt?"

Marah's eyes lingered on Miranda for a second after she had asked her question before returning to Shepard. The asari looked truly confident and pompous in her current circumstances. "I knew the risk of danger to any one of your allies would bring yourself to me."

"So this was all orchestrated by you to get another attempt at me?" asked Shepard, keeping the grip on his rifle tight.

Marah chuckled, "I wish I can take credit for luring you here but I was just following orders. It seems the council was more willing to risk the lives of others to spare them a civil war with a rogue Spectre."

"I do not seek civil war," argued Shepard.

"No, you just seek our aid against 'sentient machines' that are responsible for destroying every previous civilization," Marah rebutted, her tone was annoyingly patronizing as her commandos kept their stances and expressions neutral.

"I have proof that the Reapers are real and once I bring it to the council they will have no choice but to accept my theory," replied Shepard, casually looking around his current surroundings in an attempt to plan for the battle he knew was to come.

Marah retrieved her pistol from her holster before cocking it, "it doesn't matter what you bring forward Shepard because I am ending it now."

"You try it bitch!" Miranda stepped forward. Her body glistening in blue energy as she extended both her hands sending a powerful warp in the direction of the Spectre and commandos who were forced to dive for cover.

Wrex and Grunt immediately opened fire on the reeling commandos who were scampering for cover. The rounds of their shotguns ripping into the pillars that the commandos had taken shelter from.

Shepard and Miranda used the krogan's charge for their own advantage as they peeled off to the left and took shelter behind a large fallen stone pillar, "thanks about that."

Miranda smiled at his casual thanks while her biotics waned and she pulled out her pistol. "Someone has to save your stubborn ass."

Shepard smirked before peering over their shelter to see a handful of commandos coming their way but there was no sign of Marah. He turned to his XO to see the determination in her eyes; he gave her a nod which she returned before the two lovers revealed their position and unleashed a round from their rifle and pistol into the nearest commando whose body was peppered with bullets in seconds.

The other commandos immediately turned to the Commander and XO but Miranda was faster. Summoning her biotics, she enveloped the nearest commandos into a blue biotic field, carrying them up in the air before smashing the two commandos back down to earth puncturing a small crater onto the hangar floor. Miranda had just enough time to admire her work before she and Shepard had to duck for cover as the remaining commandos returned fire.

"Well we have their attention," Miranda commented, turning to her side, to see a smirking Shepard who was cradling his auto-rifle, wisps of smoke escaping the barrel.

"Yeah hopefully the others can distract them before we get pummeled," Shepard replied as the pillar they took shelter from was continuing to get assaulted by biotics and bullets.


"Damn commandos," cursed Wrex. The krogan warlord was alight with blue energy as he summoned his biotic field to two annoying commandos. Satisfied they could not escape, Wrex snapped his hand forward as the commandos were carried across the room before smashing into a pillar, blood, armor, and flesh spat in all directions.

Wrex didn't have time to admire his work as he was suddenly peppered with bullets that were absorbed through his shields. Clan Urdnot's finest warrior, spun around to see an asari commando charging him. Wrex raised his shotgun and fired, emptying his clip into the charging commando but she was able to dodge the bullets before she hurled a biotic warp at him. Wrex slid to cover, just as the warp sailed over him smashing into a pillar behind him.

Fire with fire, he thought as he stood back up, his body glowing blue revealing his own biotic prowess. He extended both his hands and sent biotic throws at the commando who was unable to dodge them, she was enveloped by the biotic attack. Wrex stepped forward, underneath the trapped commando with a grim smile as he tightened the hold on his shotgun before lifting it up. The body fell onto the ground with a thud in front of the krogan warlord after the third bullet tore through her head. Wrex nudged the corpse with his foot, just like old times.

Urdnot Grunt was ahead of his chief, shotgun raised; he was emptying round after round from a back pedaling commando. Grunt's attack was interrupted when he was hit by a concussive shot that caused the tank bred krogan to stagger backwards and the commando who fired the shot earned his ire.

Kicking up dust with his feet, Grunt let out a loud battle cry before bull rushing the commando. She tried to avoid the krogan bull rush with suppressive fire from her rifle but the bullets were absorbed into his shields.

Grunt took aim and emptied his clip into the commando; the bullets tore through her armor and her flesh. Large chunks fell by the wayside as the asari let out a painful cry before falling on her back, into a growing pool of her own blue blood.


Eli was standing behind a pillar, he had just seen the krogan make easy work of a few commandos but there were still plenty more and it was the batarian's turn. He concentrated on his omni-tool, entering a hacking code that would dissolve the asari's shields. Entering the final command, he risked a peek to see the three commandos, all preoccupied with trying to get their shields back on-line.

"After you Hades."

The varren growled appreciatively before taking off in a sprint. The large varren kicked up dust as it ran in between pillars and stone slabs to avoid any bullets. The varren leapt on top of a stone slab in its path, where it remained only for a second before launching itself through the air at the nearest commando. Its claws raked across the asari's face who let out a painful shriek as the varren and the asari tumbled to the ground. She tried to lift her rifle but Hades bit down on it, throwing his head side to side, forcing the asari to release the rifle that skidded across the hangar floor.

The asari tried to take it as her opportunity to try to push the heavy beast off of her but she could not through physical strength. When she tried to call on her biotics, pain stabbed into her side as Hades claws sunk deeper into her flesh. She let out a curdling scream which was gargled as Hade's jaws clamped down on her throat where her body flailed before going limp.

"You will die for that beast!" shouted an outraged asari commando who was pulsating her biotic aura. Before the varren could even leap off the corpse it was ensnared by the blue energy and hurled through the air where Hades landed with a thud and a yelp.

"Bad idea bitch," Eli shouted, revealing himself behind the pillar. His omni-tool alight, as a wisp of orange flames cut through the air suffocating the asari commando who burst into flames.

Eli did not have time to admire his latest tech as he was forced to take cover from another commando, whose bullets were eating through the pillar.

"Who do you think you are!" she shouted, enraged at how these attackers would cut down so many of her sisters. The asari was now only steps away, her auto rifle continuing to lay fire onto Eli's position, not giving the batarian time to counter attack.

Just as she was about to turn the corner to finish Eli, Hades bounded towards her out of nowhere. She spun around from her position to shoot the varren but that was all Eli needed. He jumped from behind his pillar, emptying his shotgun's round into the asari without her shields; her body was mutilated and fell to the ground in pieces.

Eli knelt down to pet Hades who flinched, as the batarian's hands went down the varren's side. The batarian was kneeling behind what was remaining of the pillar that had once served as his shelter but now was about to add to the ruin décor of the hangar. He pulled up his omni-tool, hoping the medi gel would soothe the varren's pain.

Hades reacted with a slight tremble as the medi gel was administrated but the varren recovered with a soft and appreciative growl as its black eyes fell on the batarian.

"You can thank me by helping me hunt down that Spectre."

Hades immediately lowered his head and let out a low, throaty growl, the spikes on its back were on end before it sprinted deeper into the firefight.

Eli chuckled darkly, the batarian could only hope that the varren had caught the Spectre's scent as he followed behind, all the while thinking of the creative deaths he would bestow on the annoying bitch.


Leave it to Shepard, Garrus mused. His squad had barely time to take in the second level before he witnessed Shepard and his squad engaged with the asari below. The second level served as an overhang over the first level, giving the squad's snipers plenty of good vantage points to rain down on the asari below. Garrus had immediately positioned Lucy and Legion to do just that.

He was leading the others forward, hoping to find his own vantage point but all he found were commandos waiting for them who greeted them with a barrage of bullets. Garrus. Kolyat, and Tali went behind one row of crates while Jacob and Jack went behind another in front of Garrus and Tali's position.

Tali had taken the initiative summoning her combat drone, which halted the commandos' attack as they focused their firepower on the annoying drone. They were able to destroy the drone in a few seconds but it went out in a shower of sparks and fire that engulfed the nearest commando, melting through her armor in seconds before her flesh was filleted.

The smoke from the explosion served the powerful biotic as Jack emerged from her position glowing and pissed. She sent a powerful shockwave into the teeth of the commandos' position who were unable to see the attack until it was too late. Two commandos were lifted through the air and over the railing where they fell onto the first level with a thud.

The rest scattered, realizing they lost the advantage but they had few places to hide and were immediately picked apart by Kolyat, Garrus and Jacob.

"They weren't that tough," Jack said, standing up and flexing her arms, which had gone sore from the constant crouching.

"Well now their dead," Garrus added wryly. The turian was shouldering his sniper rifle as he and Tali rejoined Jacob and Jack.

Jack smirked, "I am not complaining about that."

"We should get moving," Jacob suggested, looking down their path. The team still had a lot of ground to cover.

"Yes, area needs to be scouted," added Kolyat.

"They are right. You two can pat yourselves on the back later," Tali agreed, beginning to walk forward with Jacob and Kolyat at her side.

Jack glanced at the back of their heads before following. Garrus only chuckled while slapping a new clip into his sniper rifle while walking in pace with the powerful biotic.


Lucy and Legion had split up in hopes of not drawing attention to the commandos below. Lucy had found a nice sniper's nest, only taking her a few seconds to position and prepare herself for entering the conflict. She looked through her scope wanting to survey the first floor, she found that Shepard's squad had split up into three groups and were steadily advancing deeper into the hangar. However it was Shepard and Miranda's current position that brought worry to the former alliance corporal.

The Commander and XO were about to walk right into a trap, meters in front of them and well hidden were a troupe of commandos. "Shepard, heavy opposition in front of you."

She could see that her words had the desired effect as Shepard and Miranda came to an immediate halt.

"I'll try to lighten them up for you," she added while she brushed the loose ginger hairs out of her face before she put her finger gently to her trigger. She looked through her scope at the surrounding environment to see that the cluster of asari commandos had picked a position near explosive fuel tanks. Sometimes they make this too easy.

She squeezed the trigger; her aim was true as the bullets ripped through the tanks that immediately began to spit flames in all directions. The nearest commandos were incinerated while the force of the explosion carried the others through the air before they collapsed on the ground.

"Good shooting," praised Shepard.

"Yes, I think you managed to get the Spectre too," added Miranda, who sounded very pleased with the news.

Lucy watched Shepard and Miranda move forward unopposed through the smoldering ruins and pockets of small fire but the billows of smoke from the fires made it impossible for her to monitor their progress. "Commander, zero visibility on my end."

"Understood, we will be careful. Look out after the others."


Legion had successfully predicted the plotted trajectory of the two krogan and had provided ample cover fire. That was sending the commandos on the first floor scurrying for new shelter that caused them to reveal their current locations to the two advancing krogan who ruthlessly cut through the opposition.

The geth enigma known as Legion was about to slap in a new round into its sniper rifle went a distant clatter caused it to abandon its perch and turn around to see a commando advancing on it. Even though Legion was no expert on the emotions of these species, it properly deduced that the asari it was about to confront was furious.

Legion attempted to pull up its rifle and fire but its arms immediately were constricted by the commando's biotic singularity. Legion's arms slapped to its side, dropping its rifle in the process, as its body began to float off of the ground. "Request assistance."

The commando was wearing a vicious look, baring her teeth as she toyed with the geth soldier. "Leave it to the rogue Shepard to allow such treacherous company."

The asari's gloating ended abruptly as a series of bullets exposed her position; signaling that Lucy had received Legion's message. The commando immediately dropped the geth soldier and went for cover.

Legion was able to land on its legs, advancing on the asari who was distracted by the other sniper. By the time the asari commando realized her mistake it was too late as the geth's metallic fingers wrapped around her throat stopping her from screaming.

Legion's faceplates flared up as it picked the commando off of the ground while it tightened its grip on the commando whose body flailed and shook in its grip. Her hands pawing at its arm trying to disrupt the revealed circuits that went up the geth's arms.

"Shepard Commander is in the right."

The commando had enough time to show a puzzled expression before the bones in her neck were crushed by the geth's superior strength and knowledge of the asari anatomy. Legion tossed the commando aside before retrieving its sniper rifle, reloading as it went back to position. "Assistance appreciated Corporal Lane."


Marah slammed into the ground hard, as the explosive had carried her meters backwards. Her body protested in pain as she breathed in the smoke that was rising all around her. Her perfectly laid plan had been foiled while many of her sisters had been killed or maimed by those traitors who had aligned themselves with that rogue Shepard.

The Spectre let out a snarl, her anger coursed through her veins at the name. She was not going to allow Shepard to continue to carry this injustice throughout the galaxy. He needed to be punished and she was going to make sure, that she was the one rendering the verdict as well as pulling the trigger for his justifiable execution.

Her eyes scanning the battlefield, trying her best to see through the smoke, when she was able to spot two figures without waiting for confirmation on their identity she opened fire on them who immediately dove for cover behind a fallen pillar.

She allowed herself a satisfied smirk, realizing that she had the two trapped and pinned, while she began to approach. "Shepard!" she screamed, her throat protested as she inhaled more smoke. "You coward!"

Marah watched as a biotic warp was thrown at her, but the Spectre easily sidestepped it. "Seems to me that you are accompanied by that Cerberus bitch." Without waiting for a reply, she emptied another clip into the pillar, as chunks of the abandoned stone began peeling off and crumbling to the ground. "It's over Shepard! You have lost!"

She continued, "I will not make the same mistake that the Council continues to make. I will not spare you! You deserve your fate! You have tried to sow rebellion into our civilization and you and your companions deserve the same fate. A traitor's death!"

Marah had her rifle raised; she could see the effects of her previous clips had led to the deterioration of the pillar that Shepard and Miranda were sheltering from. She could see the disdain on both of their faces, as their eyes met hers. She couldn't help but meet their stares with a smile that they returned.

Marah tilted her head to the side, unaware of why they would be smiling, but her thoughts were jolted when she heard a rumbling coming to her side. She spun around to see a large varren darting to her; she raised her rifle to fire but the varren was too quick as it leapt onto her causing the both of them to tumble backwards, she lost her rifle in the process.

"ARGHH YOU FILTHY ANIMAL!" she shouted, calling on her biotics to push the varren off of her, but before she could punish the creature further. She was thrown backwards by a powerful biotic warp as she hurled through the air she could see the Cerberus Operative smiling while glistening with biotic energy.

Marah crumpled to the ground; she recovered quickly, ignoring the pain in her legs and lower back. The Spectre went for her pistol and opened fire on the exposed XO. "All of you will die!"

Marah stepped forward, trying to regain control of the situation but a soft beeping in her ear caused her to lose her confidence as she realized her shields were being hacked into and were failing.

She spun around to see a grinning batarian holding a shotgun, she raised her pistol to fire at the culprit but she had lost focus on the biotic XO who had launched another biotic warp which sent Marah crashing into the wall, pieces of debris and stone fell around her.

Marah groaned, applying medi-gel that began to numb the increasing pain that was sprouting up in her neck, legs and lower back. She looked up to see Shepard was approaching her being flanked by the batarian, the varren and the Cerberus XO.

"NO!" she shouted, summoning her biotics allowing the energy to envelop her but she was not quick enough as the batarian sent a wisp of orange light towards her. The Spectre's eyes widened as she realized what the attack was, but nothing could have prepared her for the pain. She screamed in agony as she felt her legs being consumed by the incineration attack, biting down on her tongue while tears drizzled down her blue cheeks as the smelling of burnt flesh reached her nose.

The burst of pain was crippling, her legs and feet were charred and a numbing pain coursed through her veins. Her head tiredly swayed from side to side; the taste of metal in her mouth from the blood that she spat out after biting her tongue. It took most of her strength to stay conscious; it was her determination not to allow Shepard to win with her hatred for the rogue Spectre that kept her heart beating.

"Yield," came the firm voice of the most wanted criminal in the galaxy.

Marah looked up to see his companions were feet in front of her. The batarian and XO wearing expressions of disdain while the varren looked at her like a predator would to its wounded prey. It was Shepard's expression though that infuriated her; he looked down at her with pity.

"Never," she spat, her words laced with venom as she could feel blood dribbling down her cheek. "You can't win Shepard! Turian warships are approaching, as are asari reinforcements."

"Silence this bitch already," the batarian said.

Shepard sighed, if Marah didn't know better she would have thought the Commander was struggling to make a decision but before she could further her taunt, she saw him give a firm nod. In that moment Marah realized that her life was over, her only regret being she had failed in stopping the rogue Spectre John Shepard and as a final insult he would be the one to kill her. She could only hope the Council and the galaxy could forgive her and have them remember that she had served them faithfully till the end…

A smirk came to Miranda's lips as she received the order from Shepard. An order she had been waiting for since she had met the obnoxious Spectre all those months ago at the citadel. Miranda raised her pistol, without hesitation she squeezed the trigger, watching with a smile as the bullets tore through the Spectre's face and chest. The bitch was finally and justifiably dead.

"Finally," Eli proclaimed before raising his own shotgun and emptied a few bullets into the Spectre's corpse, tearing her torso into pieces. The Spectre's body was mutilated, making it impossible to recognize the corpse as the Spectre Marah Xoni. Her head was separated from her body with puncture holes in the skull.

"That's enough!" ordered Shepard.

Eli relented at once, lowering his shotgun before grumbling, "bitch deserves worse."

"Damn Shepard, you really let this one have it," Garrus commented, he and his team arriving.

"She really pissed you off," Jack grinned, showing her full approval of the action.

"It was Marah," Miranda clarified, whose eyes were still on the husk of the Spectre.

"The Spectre?" asked Kolyat.

"The very one," answered Eli.

"Shepard we still need to shut down the cannons," Tali injected.

The Commander nodded, taking his eyes off of the person who had been hunting him for months who now lay dead at his feet. "Tali, Garrus, and Miranda will come up with me. The rest of you round up the others and make your way back across the hangar. Sweep the area to make sure there are no more commandos lurking."

Shepard watched as Eli, Hades, Kolyat dispersed to communicate his orders to the others. He turned back to his three closest friends who were all watching him carefully. "Come on let's get going."


It had only taken a few minutes for the cannon controls to be shut down permanently. They were now riding the elevator back down the hangar, wanting to escape this planet before Council reinforcements arrived. Shepard barely listened when Kal'Reegar gave his report that the evacuations had begun and that the process should take less than a half an hour since there were only a small contingency of geth and quarian forces here.

Shepard now stood near the back of the elevator, where he remained silent, knowing that he was receiving occasional glances from both Tali and Garrus while Miranda stood next to him. Seeing their faces forced Shepard to realize that Marah was right, he had doomed his friends. Their fates were sealed when they joined his cause. They were seen as nothing more but pawns by the Council and were to be shot on sight.

The unpleasant thought made him sick to his stomach, especially since they had placed their trust, their livelihood, on him and the simplest mistake made by him could lead to their execution.

"John?" Miranda's fingers squeezed his hand.

He realized that their elevator had arrived at the hangar. "I'm fine."

However before Miranda could tear apart his lie, Jacob's voice came across their comm.

"Commander we have trouble."

"What kind of trouble?" asked Shepard.

"An asari frigate is landing in the hangar as we speak."

"Fall back."

"But Commander-"

"That's an order Taylor! Return to the shuttle."

"Yes, Commander," Jacob's reply came across hesitant and unwilling but the soldier was not going to disobey his superior's order.

"That means we are trapped," Tali said.

Shepard shook his head, a plan forming in his mind. "No, not necessarily."

"What do you mean?" asked Miranda, who was watching him curiously.

"We can still escape."

"How? If an asari ship has landed that means commandos will be pouring out of there any second," observed the turian veteran.

"We take the second level," Shepard replied, motioning to the stairwell beside the elevator.

"They would spot us," Miranda interjected.

Shepard didn't meet any of his companion's eyes when he said the next part. "Not if they were distracted."

Even though Shepard's reply was simple and vague, his three friends all caught his meaning and what he was referring to in seconds.

"Absolutely not Shepard!" Tali protested, stamping her feet.

"Yeah Shepard, we can hold out," argued Garrus.

"There has to be another away," added Miranda, frowning at him for even making such a suggestion.

"No, we all know there is no other way," rebutted Shepard.

"Then we will stay and fight together," Garrus said stubbornly. Tali and Miranda nodded fervently agreeing with the turian's plan.

Shepard shook his head, "no, they will kill you on sight. All of you!" He paused, turning to each one, meeting their eyes. "I am not going to allow that. The Council wants me alive."

"Only to execute you publicly!" Miranda shouted.

"They will give me a trial," Shepard disputed. Though he was not very confident in how his case was going to be presented.

"In a kangaroo court!"

Shepard looked up at Miranda who had just spoken; he could see the determination in her eyes. Her fighting spirit was evident in her willingness to stay with him but she couldn't, none of them could and they needed to understand that.

He could hear the engines of the asari frigate shutting down, in a few minutes commandos would be pouring out and the window of escaping would be closed. He raised his rifle and took a few steps towards the hangar but felt three different hands grab him. He spun around to face his three loyal friends, he knew none of them were going to accept his decision; he only hoped they would accept his orders and understand his thinking.

"That's an order."

"It's one I can't follow Shepard," Garrus said simply.

"Me too," added Tali, holding her shotgun firmly.

"I am not going to lose you."

Shepard shook his head, furious that his friends did not understand that their lives were at stake. He was not going to allow them to be killed especially if he could have avoided it.

"Damn it this isn't up for negotiations. I am not going to allow you three to be killed!"

"And we don't want to watch your execution across the vids!" Miranda's blue eyes shimmered with unshed tears.

Shepard sighed, "I can't save you if you are killed! You can still save me if I am brought in to the citadel." He paused, seeing that his words had stirred something in his friends. "Hell I will be expecting it."

"Commander we have reached the shuttle and it is primed to launch. We are waiting for you," Jacob's voice, broke through the argument that the four friends were having.

Eli's voice followed, "Yeah, Paragon you might want to hurry, we are detecting more ships entering the atmosphere and if we don't leave in a few minutes we will be permanently grounded."

"You will be condemning us all if you do not leave now. I cannot watch you be killed especially if I could have prevented it," Shepard's voice came out gravely, but none of his friends moved. He could see the conflicting emotions in their eyes, all he could hope for was that their reasoning would triumph their emotional side.

"Now go!" He pushed Garrus.

The turian stumbled backwards, his eyes still on Shepard. He sighed before shaking his head; his eyes were hard on his friend, conveying his frustration with the situation and the decision he was forced to make. "Damn you Shepard."

Shepard let out a tired smile. "I know, but you know I am right."

Garrus sighed and finally nodded. He reached out and grabbed Tali's shoulder.

Who immediately slid out of his grip and closer to her friend and Commander. "Garrus!"

"He's right Tali; we can't help him or this galaxy if we are dead."

"But… but," sputtered Tali who was still unwilling to accept the realization that she was suppose to just abandon her friend.

"Go Tali," Shepard urged softly.

She turned from a defeated looking Garrus to a resolved Shepard, before she went to the latter to hug him tightly before whispering in his ear. "This isn't over."

"I know," Shepard said, watching as Tali and Garrus went to their stairwell. They both paused and turned back to see Miranda had yet to move.

The XO was staring at Shepard, tears threatening to burst through her blue eyes. She had bitten down her lower lip, in an attempt to stop it from quivering. She had dropped all of her masks and walls, of her ice queen and XO persona. Showing the true fear and uncertainty she was feeling at the thought of abandoning the man she loved.

"I am not abandoning you!" Her voice was raw, her protest adamant, her emotions bare for all to see.

Shepard cut the distance between them and enveloped her in a hug, she didn't protest as she allowed him to pull her close. "I can't afford to lose you."

"I can't lose you John." Her tone choked with the conflicting emotions that were going through her.

He kissed her hair before holding her at arm's reach so that he could meet her eyes. "You won't Miri, not if you trust me."

Tears ran down her cheek, "I won't allow them to kill you."

"I know you won't. You three will finally be able to repay the favor and save me for once," he said, smiling weakly. He bent down, his lips brushed over hers for a fraction of a second before he pulled away. "Go Miri."

She nodded, walking backwards to rejoin Garrus and Tali. Her eyes betraying her unwillingness to leave him, reflecting the pain her heart was bearing for having to make this decision.

He broke eye contact first, as he turned to the hangar entrance; he pulled out his rifle and stepped into the hangar. He quickly and quietly went over to the nearest cover to see the commandos were beginning to file out of the frigate and spreading through the hangar. If he didn't act quickly, then his friends were going to be spotted, he cocked his rifle and jumped from his position, with no particular target he opened fire.

The commandos' response was quick, all of them turned to his position and returned fire, he just had enough time to jump behind his cover. He knew that every eye on the room was on him from his escaping friends to his enemies. He had to prolong the fight if he was captured to soon, then not only would his friends be spotted but the others who were waiting by the shuttle would be unable to escape as well.

Shepard unclipped two grenades from his belt, detonating them; he hurled them over his cover. He could hear the commandos scurrying about while others shouted but all sound was muted when the grenades exploded, he heard no shouts or screams signaling that he hadn't hit anyone.

He took the grenades diversion to empty his final clip from his rifle into the smoke. He went back into cover as they returned fire; he tossed his rifle aside for his pistol. He was running out of ammo and judging by the proximity of the commandos' attack they were getting closer and his window for distracting them were closing.

He took a deep breath, reminding himself why he was fighting before he returned fire. He never saw it coming; a biotic warp picked him off his feet, before carrying him backwards where he was slammed against the wall. His body slid down to the ground, his back and legs were throbbing, he was sure bones were broken. He blinked to see several figures approaching, his lids became heavier and the desire to sleep increased but no matter how tired or sore he was he couldn't fall asleep not yet.

"John we made it back to the shuttle." Miranda's accented voice brought warmth to his chest, temporarily numbing the pain that was coursing through his beaten body. "I will not let you be a martyr." Her last words were spoken with a fiery determination that reflected the woman he had grown to love.

He let out a tired chuckle, "I am not expecting to be one." He looked up to see the asari commandos had surrounded him. He could see their smiles, the look of triumph on each face. He closed his eyes, but before slipping into unconsciousness he could hear the confidence in their voices.

"John Shepard, by order of the galactic Council you are hereby under arrest under the charge of treason."


"Damn it John!"

Miranda had lost count how many times she uttered the words in the last hour. One hour since she let Shepard follow through with his plan, which forced them to abandon him to the Council. One hour since she allowed herself to abandon the man who had done so much for her. She could hear her XO persona agreeing with Shepard's reasoning and deep down she knew he was right but through the tears and nausea she did not want to admit it.

She had just heard the breaking news reports on the vids of Shepard's capture and his trip to the citadel. His trial was to be immediate with his sentencing to follow. The lists of his injustices being reported while people celebrated on the streets of the citadel. All of them delusional, all of them oblivious to the truth, all of them mislead by the council, and none of them knowing the true threat was still out there.

Miranda collapsed on Shepard's bed; she had taken refuge in his room ever since returning from the colony.

"Miss Lawson?"

"Yes, EDI?"

"We are receiving an encrypted message on a Cerberus channel."

The name of her former employer caused her to sit up, looking up at the AI's avatar. "What did the message say?"

"It was from the Illusive man, he wishes to speak to you as soon as possible."

"Did he say why?" asked Miranda, a hundred different possibilities running through her mind of why the Cerberus leader was contacting them.

"No," answered the AI flatly.

"Set up the channel, I will be down in two minutes. Inform Garrus and Tali as well," instructed Miranda.

"Understood, Commander Lawson."

Commander Lawson, the words sunk into her stomach like rocks. Hearing the name causing her to loathe the title, because of the circumstances taken to her rank.

"What's this all about?" Garrus asked. He and Tali were waiting outside the briefing room.

"Yes, did Cerberus really contact us?" asked Tali.

Miranda nodded, before motioning them to follow her in. Garrus followed without hesitation but Tali stayed on the threshold, the quarian still fostered mistrust and hatred for the human organization.

"Did they say what they want?"

"What do you think he wants?" Garrus asked after seeing Miranda shake her head to Tali's question.

"Any number of things," she answered honestly. "But if he ends up wasting our time or trying to trace our position he will regret it." She looked to see Garrus and Tali had agreed with her sentiment and followed her into the briefing room.

"Miss Lawson, I wasn't expecting you to bring company," greeted the Illusive man civilly, as Miranda's projection along with Garrus's and Tali's appeared in his office.

"We're just here to make sure you don't waste our time," replied Garrus.

Miranda gave her former employer a curt nod, but did not speak. Her arms crossed, as her blue eyes examined the man before him, vigilant for any sign of mischief or trouble. She had already programmed Edi to make sure a trace could not be put on their ship when she was in contact with them.

"I see, Mr. Vakarian I must agree with your assessment time is of the essence," he said, taking their cold responses in stride. "I have received unsettling news… Shepard's capture is most disappointing."

"Why because you weren't the ones responsible," Tali cut in, her tone dangerously sharp and emotional.

The Illusive man's unnatural eyes fell on the quarian, "yes, Shepard and I did not leave on the best of terms but I hold no love towards the council either."

He took a drag of his cigarette before continuing; "I do not seek petty vengeance."

"Then what do you seek?" asked a guarded Miranda.

"Saving Shepard," answered the Illusive man casually.

Garrus's mandibles twitched in disbelief. "You expect us to believe that?"

Miranda raised her brow, having to agree with her friend's response. "Why?"

The Illusive man sighed, "We are wasting time with these questions. If you wish to save Commander Shepard then every second counts."

"I need to know why you are doing this? Why you contacted us? Are you looking for favors? Or being in our debt?" asked Miranda, who was cautious enough to know that her former boss always had an agenda.

"Even though Shepard split from Cerberus, I am smart enough to know that Shepard is our best bet in beating the Reapers," answered the Illusive man. "I don't do this favors, I am doing this for our future that is my agenda."

Tali and Garrus exchanged looks before turning to Miranda, the turian and quarian trusted their XO and friend in deciphering the man's motives.

She gave them a slow nod, which caused both of them to loosen their stances, but neither spoke. They were both looking for Miranda to finalize the deal with her former boss.

Miranda knew he was right, if they were going to save Shepard, grievances and grudges needed to be put on hold. She took a deep breath, preparing for the symbolic plunge that she and the others were about to take in rejoining Cerberus in trying to save Shepard from the council.

"Very well what did you have in mind?"