Shepard awakened, laying on a medical bed, after Doctor Chakwas had sowed him up. Shepard looked around to see if anyone was around. No one was not even Doctor Chakwas. Shepard scooted up and attempted to role off the table. No sooner did he try Doctor came through the Med bay doors.

Running count: Reaper invasion Eta 18 days 11 days by end of chapter.

"And just what do you think your doing?" Asked Doctor Chakwas

"Getting up." Replied Shepard.

"Back on the bed now." Said Doctor Chakwas firmly, pointing at the bed.

"Karen I can't spend my life in here."

"Then listen to your doctor for once."

Shepard rolled his eyes and layed back on the bed. "Remind me to get some pillows for the Med Bay... So how long do I have to stay here?"

"Until Garrus comes and gets you. Every time you move your legs you tear that wound open more, and more. You where half medi gel when I got you. I'm going to have to put you on bed rest for the next week at least."

"Why so long, I don't feel any pain?"

"That's the pain killers first of all, but its the location Shepard. You put a lot of strain on that area. Your lucky the round stopped just shy of the artery."

"So what am I suppose to do?"

"Sit on your bed and play your a computer games, or better yet read."

"Is their anything else I can do?"

"If your going, where I'm thinking no. You know your not allowed to do that, that's right up there with walking. Plus Tali shouldn't be doing any of that stuff, for at least three and a half more weeks."

"That's not what I was going for, but speaking of that, I've been wondering is there anything we can do. For her at least."

"I should lie to you right now, but I know you'll just go look it up on the extranet, and put yourself back in here. There is something you to can do together, but I wouldn't suggest it, because of Tali being a dextro. This is exactly what I ment by not doing anything you would regret."

"But if I'm careful then maybe I can get away with it?"

"Yes Shepard, but please don't do it."

"You know me Doctor."

"Yes, unfortunately I do."

Garrus and Jack soon walked in chatting with each other. "So do my tattoos really give you a head ache?" Asked Jack

"Well that depends on whether or not you playing a maze game with it." Replied Garrus.

"Where's the finish line?" Asked Jack Already knowing.

Garrus and Jack stopped next to Shepard on the medical bed. "You don't want to know. Seriously though it's good to see you walking around in some cloths, the hair is nice to."

"Well I figured I was teasing you all to much, and thanks, but your still not getting any. So Shepard when are you going to tell me about how you killed Miranda?" Asked Jack.

"When Garrus gets me out of this Med bay. No offence Doctor." Said Shepard.

"None taken Commander. Just stay off that leg, and don't do anything stupid." Responded Doctor Chakwas.

"I don't have to carry you, do I?" Asked Garrus.

"No, just help me hobble around." Replied Shepard.

Garrus helped Shepard off the bed. "Where to?"

"I need to go talk to thane, see how the mission went."

Garrus led Shepard out of the Med bay slowly. "The mission went good Shepard, a few hundred Geth Mecs in crates. Jacob disabled the ship, and sent out a transmission to the Salarians. Shepard, Garrus, and Jack left the Med bay heading for Thane.

"Do we know where the ship was heading?"

"No, Jacob says the crew wiped the computers, before they got to the bridge. Javik blames Jacob, but you know how things go in the field."

"Yeah I do. Look I still need to talk to thane."

"Hold up a minute. I want to hear about what happened to cheer leader. Sit him down on a table." Garrus redirected to a table. "Okay so why did you shoot cheer leader?" Asked Jack.

"Because she had Tali hostage. She was threatening to cut Tali's stomach open." Replied Shepard.

"Why the stomach? Why not the throat?"

"Tali's neck is armor plated, and was also pregnant at the time." Replied Shepard, a little shocked she didn't know.

"Wait so you got her pregnant?"

"And had the child."

"Hold up. You had a child and nobody told me."

"Yes I have a daughter."

"Holy shit Shepard. Congratulations, you knocked up a girl."

"Jack it wasn't like that, at least I hope that not why were together now. Look as far as I was concerned It was Miranda or Tali. I chose Tali."

"Hey Shepard I'm not complaining, I hated that bitch. I'm happy for you, and you chose not to knock this bitch up, so I'm good. Look I'm gonna go make sure Donnelly doesn't go digging through my stuff."

"Where did you get stuff?" Asked Garrus.

"I have my hiding places on this ship... Well alright see you Shepard, don't knock any more girls up while I'm gone. Said Jack. Jack started to walk away.

"Just so you know your next on the list." Said Shepard loudly joking.

"I better not be." Replied Jack continuing to walk away.

"Alright come on Shepard. I don't want to tow your crippled ass around all day." Said Garrus. Garrus pulled Shepard to his feet and they started to make their way to Thane.

"So Garrus what's with the pills?" Asked Shepard.

"Shepard you know what they're for. Isn't that enough?" Replied Garrus.

"Of course not Garrus. You pressed my trust, with the way you where acting. You said we where brothers. Where I come from, brothers look out for each other. I don't mean to stick my nose into your personal life, but why are you taking these. Are you using them for what they're suppose to be for or is their some sort of way you get high off this stuff."

"Shepard I don't do drug. I told you that."

"So your taking them for what purpose, beyond the obvious that is?

"Shepard this is a really uncomfortable topic, can we please drop it." Garrus stopped in front of the life support door.

"Answer me this then Garrus. Is this because of what we talked about in the bar last night?"

"Yeah."

"Okay. I think I have enough for now. You'll tell me the rest when you ready."

"Thanks." Garrus led Shepard into life support.

Thane was sitting at the table with his back to Shepard and Garrus. "Shepard I hope you will be able to use that leg again?" Said Thane asking. Garrus maneuvered Shepard in front of Thane

"I will. Chakwas says I have to stay off it for a week though." Replied Shepard.

"That is good news, not so much that you have to stay off the leg, but the week instead of longer. So what is it you need Shepard?"

"I wanted to know how Jacob handled the mission."

"He preformed admirably. Javik seems to be the problem."

"What do you mean?"

"Javik obviously wants to be in charge. When you are not around he feel he is the superior officer, and bludgeons his superior with mind games attempting to deter leadership. Without my continued reminder of your orders he might have faltered, and submitted to Javik."

"It shouldn't matter if Javik is playing mind games. A good leader can brush it off and get the job done." Commented Garrus.

"Yes, but how do you know your doing right unless some tells you at some point." Replied Shepard.

"True, you must know what the right thing is, before you can stand against the wrong. I would suggest a few words of confidence to Jacob let him know he did well." Suggested Thane.

"I'm not towing you all the way down there Shepard." Stated Garrus.

"I'll just do it over the comm, and I'll have a word with Javik sometime in the future." Informed Shepard.

"Is there anything else?" Asked Thane.

"No, that's it. Just tell Kelly thank you, for watching Saleen." Replied Shepard.

"I will, sorry about your leg Shepard." Said Thane apologetically .

"Theirs nothing you could've done for me. Alright take me home Garrus." Responded Shepard. Garrus and Shepard left life support, and headed to the elevator.

"So I guess it's time to take old yeller out back and shoot him, huh." Said Garrus Joking.

"Garrus my leg is gonna work again. I just need a few days to heal up, old yeller was a dog, and that's for horses. Replied Shepard.

"Oh, so its time to take the prize stallion, and put it down."

"Haha, no Garrus, you just want my ship."

"I wouldn't do that to you. Even though you are nosey as hell sometimes."

"Would it make you feel better if I got you a date with Jack?"

"No, that would just lead to more head aches." Garrus and Shepard stepped into the elevator.

"Stop playing that maze game."

"So do I just walk you in, or do I have to worry about Tali being naked?"

"We'll knock on the door first."

"Damn I was hoping to catch a peak."

"But you already have a girl."

"Doesn't mean I can't peek."

Shepard knocked on the door. "Tell me something Garrus, what exactly do you see in Turian women."

"The same thing you see in every human girl. Well I guess maybe Quarian girl in your case." Tali came to the door suited up.

"I'll take him from here. Thanks for bringing him up." Said Tali.

"Anytime, well you know when I'm not busy." Replied Garrus.

"Of course, now give my man here." Garrus traded Shepard off to Tali and started to walk Shepard to the bed.

"See you later Garrus." Said Shepard waving behind him.

"Later." Replied Garrus. The door closed.

"So my girl has to take care of me now." Said Shepard smiling.

"No what your girl has to do is dump you on the bed, and get back to work on your daughters thermal element. Okay one step at a time." Said Tali leading Shepard down the stairs, to the bed. As Tali dumped him Shepard grabbed her pulling her down on top of him.

"haha, I got you."

"Yes you did, but Chakwas said not to do anything."

"Well what if I told you I talked to Chakwas, and she said their is something I can do for you."

"What would that be?"

Well first off, it involves me getting you out of your suit.

"Look what ever it is I'm sure it's fun, but I can't take care of you right now. Your daughter needs that thermal element fixed. I can already see you sweating." Tali rubbed the sweat off of Shepard brow.

"You're not using nerve pro on me, are you?"

"What? No, I would never."

"Look Tali it's okay, I just want you to be happy that why I even bothered to talk to Chakwas about it."

"I am happy."

Shepard looked deep into Tali's eyes. "Are you Tali? I looked at you when Reegar pulled you down. I couldn't see your face, but I saw your eyes. I know you where attracted to him, at that moment. Tali, I don't want what we have to be trap. I don't want you to be trapped because of a mistake you made with me. You can have a normal life with Reegar, your never going to have that with me. Look all I've ever wanted was you to be happy."

"I am happy, and yes I was attracted to him for a moment, but I find Garrus attractive to. You're acting like you didn't find Miranda and Ashley attractive, and I know you did. Look I am still the same girl you fell in love with, I'm just trying to be responsible right now. I want you more then anything, and that little girl makes my life even better. It is every girls dream, to be swept off her feet, by her knight in shining armor. Except for that Traynor girl which to be honest I find a bit weird, but I have mine. He's laying right here, under me, and I never want to let him go. Oh, and another thing nerve pro is nothing like having you. That Quarian girl on Illium has no idea what she's missing. I definitely promise we will make it all up when the time is up."

"Tali, will you stay here in my arms, at least for a few minutes."

"I really should take care of that thermal element, but yes at least for a few minutes." Tali layed her head on Shepard's chest. "I love you never forget that."

"I won't." Shepard and Tali layed their for several minute, before Tali decided to say something again.

"Hey your soaking my bed."

"Your bed. I thought all this stuff was mine, and I was sharing it with you."

"Nope, it's all mine." Said Tali happily

"What makes you say that?"

"I have to lay claim to everything. Now that Jack is so pretty, you might run off with her."

Shepard pulled Tali up to eye level. "I would never leave you for Jack, and you can't have my stuff. He then reached up, and pulled her mask off, kissing her. "But you can have me."

"Good, now I have to get up, and I have an idea. EDI can you lower the temperature in here ten degrees." EDI said nothing, but the room's ventilation kicked on. Tali stood up off of Shepard.

"What about Saleen?"

"Just give me a second, and Scoot yourself up on the bed."

Shepard pulled himself up to the back of the bed. "Okay, you know I still want to do that thing later."

"As long as it isn't stupid."

"It could be, besides you had your turn, now it's mine."

"You where already stupid on Rannoch, when I was having a baby." Tali was over at Saleen's crib and picked her up out of it. "So you have a girl to hold onto. You can keep her warm for a few hours, and bond." Tali walked Saleen over to Shepard and then layed her down on his chest stomach down.

"Tali your not suppose to do this."

Shepard started to roll Saleen over, but Tali stopped him. "We can do it. I did research on why you weren't suppose to, and it turns out that suit says we can."

"Your sure?"

"Yes I'm sure, but if you don't trust me, look it up."

"I trust you, I just wanted to be sure."

"Being a Quarian has it's advantages."

"You mean like having sexy ears, and toes."

"And a sexy suit. Now I have to get to work. Do you need me to bring over the computer to distract you, from distracting me?"

"Yeah I need to do some reading on the files we stole from Udina."

Tali started walking over to the computer. "Isn't that all written in code?"

"It is, but I'm hoping to see something EDI might have missed."

"Good luck with that."

"Do you not have faith in me."

"I have faith in you. But your trying to beat a AI, without a gun." Tali picked up the computer, and brought it over to Shepard.

Shepard took the computer from Tali. "We'll see about that, but before I do that. EDI patch me through to Jacob." Tali backed away going to Shepard's desk.

"Yes Shepard." Said EDI.

"Jacob are you free to talk for a minute?" Asked Shepard

"Yeah I'm free, just doing a little work. What do you need?" Asked Jacob.

"Sorry I can't come down there in person."

"I understand Shepard, the longer your down the less time we have to hit the Illusive man hard."

"Damn Straight. Listen I heard you did a good job out there today, and I wanted to let you know I'm proud of you. And next time I'll pull Javik off your squad, you get along with Grunt right."

"I don't know Shepard. You see I don't think it's about being friends with the squad. When where not on mission, Javik and I are fine. It's just out in the field. He just tries to run over me you know. You've brought him with you before, does he do the same thing to you?"

"No he doesn't. Now this is just a thought, but maybe he's trying to make you a better leader. If you think about it. How will you handle the Reapers, when they get here? I can tell you it's pretty scary, and if Javik can brake you down now, what are they going to do. I'm not trying to lecture you Jacob. I'm just saying don't take what Javik has to say, to heart. And another thing, until I talk to Javik don't confront him. I don't want him changing his alibi ."

"Sure thing Shepard. Is their anything else?"

"No that's it."

"Alright, well I need to get back to work. I'm doing some machining on the arc pistols thermal clip ports. Next time we run into a Cerberus Mec we'll stand a better chance."

"Don't work to hard."

"I won't Shepard, Jacob out."

"Pushing it off so you aren't proven wrong." Said Tali.

"Maybe." Replied Shepard.

"Well don't push it off too long, I'm only going to work on this until I need that recharge you promised.

"So I guess I get to be stupid tonight."

"Of course, it's your turn remember." Shepard smiled, and looked down at Saleen. Saleen was still sound asleep on his chest. Shepard left a kiss on the top of her, and then opened the computer next to him.

Shepard awoke from the vision the Prothean beacon had left behind. "It was the middle of the night. Shepard found himself drenched in sweat, with Tali laying right next to him. Saleen had been put in her crib hours ago, and the room's temperature had been turned up. Shepard sat up and turned to set his feet on the floor. Shepard then braced his elbows on his legs, rubbing his face. Shepard looked down at his wound. His cloths hid the wound. Shepard tried to stand on it, he assumed that Doctor Chakwas had made it out to be worse then it was. Shepard felt a sharp pain attempting to stand grunting on his way up.

Tali heard and opened her eyes. Tali quickly scrambled to pull Shepard down on the bed. Tali rapped her arm around Shepard's head, and looked down at Shepard. "What are you doing? Doctor Chakwas told you to stay off that leg." Said Tali.

"Tali I can't."

"Why?"

"The Reapers are coming. I can't be sitting around here crippled."

"Hey. It's the middle of the night. Their is nothing we can do right now. The only thing your going to accomplish, is riping open that wound again, and keeping yourself down longer. Tali let go of Shepard's head and Shepard sat up. Tali scooted in behind Shepard holding him. "Hey, I know all about being unable to move around. I know it's hard. I was pregnant remember."

"Yeah I remember and you where beautiful every moment of it to."

"No I wasn't I was a inflated balloon, but I didn't disturb the balloon, unless I had to. You can't get up, and move around. Not for a little while at least." Tali gave Shepard a kiss on the cheek. "What are you even going to do, anyway? The only lead we have is Bailey, and that's not even Cerberus. Only time is going to get us through this. We make the right moves at the right time, like that game we play. You getting out of this bed, by yourself, is not a good move. Why don't we break some rules tonight Okay? Tali gave Shepard another kiss on the cheek.

"No Tali I can't, you could get a major infection, I'll wait the three, and a half weeks. But I could us a quick shower to get this sweat off of me."

Tali leaned further over Shepard and kissed him on the lips. "That's my man, always thinking of something, and when where done, I'll change these sheets you soaked."

Shepard walked out onto the crew deck into the mess hall glade to finally get up. "So the fallen warrior rises again." Said Garrus Sitting at a table, with a bowl of noodles.

"Yeah spending that week in my room wasn't fun." Replied Shepard.

"You mean Tali didn't take care of you."

"Garrus that particular area is a no go for two and a half weeks still."

"Ah damn that's no fun then, well at least I know theirs no quit in you."

"Damn strait there isn't. It did give me a lot of quality time with my daughter though, she getting a little more active."

"I'm glad for you Shepard, The spirits know you deserve to be happy. Did Tali fix the heating element?"

"No she thinks it's shot. She's trying to build a new one now. What about you, any luck with your pills?"

"No, I shouldn't for a while, they build up in my system for months before I'll see an effect. Can we talk about that somewhere more private?"

"Sure, but not right now. We need to prep for a mission."

"Good, I didn't really want to talk about it anyway, just give me one second to finish this."

"So hows Reegar holding up."

Garrus scraped the rest of his noodles into his mouth and set the bowl down. Garrus held up a finger telling Shepard to wait while he chewed. Garrus finished what was in his mouth, and dropped his hand. "I think he's doing a little better. Losing your girl, and your crew doesn't exactly go away in a week. I would know."

"Have you talked to him any?"

"Yeah I tried. I think the most progress is coming from Kelly. He did asking to go on another mission though."

"You think it still hurts?"

"Oh it hurts Shepard, that kind of pain never goes away, killing bad people just makes it a whole lot easier. Especially people like Sidonis."

"I was thinking of taking Grunt or Jacob on this mission. Liara is still trying to get here contacts to help us out."

"Shepard, I'll respect you decisions, but I really suggest you take Reegar on this mission, it'll help work the heart ache out some."

"I trust your instant Garrus, we'll bring him along again. It's not like anyone normally want to volunteer for these thing anyway."

"Not if your sane anyway. That being said you do have a few volunteers as always. Me, Grunt, and of course Tali, and now maybe Reegar. He says he felt bad about the last mission, he thought he complained to much."

"I didn't find him to be to bad, I need someone like him. sometimes I get in over my head, and I need someone to pull my ass out before I get into it."

"Because your old buddy Garrus can't do it all the time."

"Yeah, but you do it with style when you do."

"You got that right. Let's go hit up Reegar, and get going."

Shepard and Garrus walked to the elevator, and took it down to the shuttle bay, knowing they'd find Reegar there. As they stepped out of the elevator, they found Reegar sitting on one of the tables with all his gear. "So Reegar you ready for the mission?" Asked Shepard.

"I had hoped Garrus would convinced you. So just in case." Reegar climbed off the table.

"Their was no convincing to it. A volunteer is a volunteer, and you did good on the last mission." Shepard and Garrus started grabbing his gear.

"Really? I thought I complained to much, I wanted to fall back but you kept driving on the fight."

"Reegar you may have been worried, but I didn't here any whining or complaining out of you. You held your ground, and gave your opinion, That's all I can ask for. Had we not gotten lucky you would have been right."

"If you say so Shepard."

"Your a good man Reegar, you just need to remember to leave the red thermal clip, and pick up the blue ones." Shepard Tossed Reegar three thermal clips, one at a time.

"Thanks Shepard."

"Just don't forget them again or I'll be busting your ass during training. Garrus don't forget those tech charges."

"You can try." Replied Reegar.

"Got them right here Shepard." Replied Garrus.

"Alright then, let's go before Tali realizes I escaped." Said Shepard. Shepard, Garrus, and Reegar walked the shuttle.

"I can't believe Gerrel gave us this piece of junk. Had I know my ship was going to be blown up, I would have given you one." Said Reegar.

"Hey don't you complain about my bird. I've got her all fixed up, she just needs a fresh coat of paint, and she'll be as good as new. Better then new in fact." Said Cortez walking out of the Shuttle.

"So no more mid flight engine failures?" Asked Garrus.

"That shouldn't happen anymore." Replied Cortez.

"Shouldn't doesn't sound very reassuring to me. I'd rather here it won't happen again." Said Shepard.

"Okay it won't happen again." Replied Cortez again.

"No to late Cortez the damage is don't" Replied Garrus smiling.

Shepard Accessed his comm, boarding the Shuttle. "Shepard, to Joker were ready down here."

"You better be careful." Said Tali over the comm.

"Thanks for not busting me Tali." Replied Shepard.

"Oh, you're busted, but I'll do it when you get back."

"I look forward to it."

"Hey, hey, hey, he called to talk to me, so shoe." Said Joker on the comm.

"Just be careful." Said Tali.

"I will. Joker will you open the shuttle bay doors?" Asked Shepard.

"Yeah good luck." Said Joker. Shepard turned off the comm, and sat down in one of the seats

"So that old war wound isn't going to slow you down is it." Asked Garrus?

"No, Chakwas says I shouldn't be able to tear it open." Answered Shepard.

"Good I don't want to have to carry your ass out of there."

"That hurts my feeling Garrus."

"Don't worry Shepard I'll carry you out of there." Said Reegar.

"You just don't want the extra duty, I'll give you for leaving me behind." Said Shepard.

"You think my training regiment will cut down because because of extra duty."

"I could hope."

"You are going to go a little easy on me right Reegar?"

"Only until I'm sure you can keep up with the rest of us."

"I'll be sure to limp around on this mission then."

"Commander approaching drop zone, Storms pretty bad out here, a lot of lightning." Said Cortez sounding a bit worried.

"Damn rain." Said Garrus.

"Do you not like rain Garrus?" Asked Reegar.

"Turians don't really care for water."

"You could have stayed behind, Grunt was itching for this mission.

Believe me, I wanted to. but Shepard needs a moral compass and right now I'm it.

"You a moral compass Garrus." Said Cortez

"You'd be surprised how good of a person I can be Cortez. If your thinking I'm bad, just let Shepard run the show by himself, watch what happens. Replied Garrus.

"Garrus." Said Shepard.

"I know Shepard the circumstances gave little wiggle room, but you still did it." Replied Garrus.

"What did Shepard do?" Asked Reegar.

"I'll leave that up to Shepard, or Legion to tell the story." Said Garrus.

"I'm not going to talk to that Geth." Said Reegar, just before lightning struck the shuttle, and the engines kicked off.

The shuttle started free falling. "Everyone hang on to something. Come on baby don't fail me now." Said Cortez to himself.

"I thought these thing where suppose to be safe from lightning." Said Garrus.

"They are. Come on baby don't give up on me now." Said Cortez to himself

"Then why are we falling?" Asked Garrus.

"Cortez open the doors put some extra drag into her." Said Shepard.

"Come on come on." Said Cortez to himself.

"Cortez." Shouted Shepard.

"Got it." The shuttle engines kicked back on.

"Good work Cortez." Said Shepard. The shuttle landed Soon after in front of the facility.

"Damn this is a bad storm just look how dark it is." Said Garrus, turning on his light.

"You scared Garrus?" Asked Shepard flipping his light on.

"No I'm good, let's just get out of this rain." The ground had basically turned into mud, and the trees swayed extremely hard. The only light came from the facility lighting the door, and their guns. "Charges." Asked Garrus.

"Set it up Garrus." Shepard turned to Reegar. "Do you know if it ever rains on Rannoch like this." Asked Shepard.

"Word has it we got some bad storms like this once before." Answered Reegar.

"Do you like them?"

"Yeah."

"Me to, it makes the girls cuddle up to you." Said Shepard. Reegar looked down at the ground. "Sorry Reegar I didn't mean to bring up."

"I know what you where driving at Shepard. She died a week ago, I knew her for less then that. I have to move on right. Find a new girl. But she had a wonderful personality."

"That's all that matters with Quarian girls."

"Yeah I guess so."

"Just don't ever forget her."

"I won't."

"Shepard it's open." Said Garrus. Shepard turned and looked the door was open, but the facility was dark with lights flickering. Shepard Garrus and Reegar walked into the facility.

"I guess the storm knocked out the power." Said Shepard.

"The storm should effect the generators though." Responded Garrus.

"Shepard look structural damage to the wall." Said Reegar pointing his light. Shepard and the team walked up to the wall.

"It looks like a plasma burn." Said Garrus.

"Geth?" Said Shepard asking Reegar.

"Definitely not Geth. Look at the burn pattern. A Geth plasma weapon leaves a secondary ring on the impact site, where the plasma directly strikes. This looks more like a laser burn. Explained Reegar.

"Laser's that's a bit old school don't you think?" Said Garrus.

"You'd be surprised what a laser can do." Replied Reegar.

"Your people experiment with lasers to?"

"If it works we use it."

"Theirs no use speculating, if our answer is just around the corner. Let's move on find out what happened here." Ordered Shepard. Shepard, Garrus, and Reegar continued taking a ramp that winded back on the room elevating them about a foot. "Garrus get the door." Garrus set the tech charges, and triggered the door.

Garrus quickly dove over the railing behind him. "Collectors." yelled Garrus.

Shepard poked his head around the corner, and a particle beam burst sliced across the doorway. Shepard quickly pulled back in. "You where close Reegar. Particle Weapons. Garrus what's he doing." Garrus looked through the glass, between the railing, and the floor. The particle beam hit the thick glass. Shepard pulled his Raptor.

"He's on me Shepard get him." Shouted Garrus. Shepard leaned out, and shot the Collector several times with his Raptor.

"Nice Shot Shepard." commented Reegar.

"The rifle does most of the work, Garrus it's clear, get up here." Replied Shepard.

Garrus regrouped, and the team moved up on the Collector. "You have a lot of fancy toys Shepard."

"Garrus bought most of it, and the rifle was a gift from Tali. Bring this back for your people to study." Shepard took the Particle beam out of the Collectors hands, and handed it to Reegar.

"Will do Shepard. I've never seen a Collector."

"Well take a good look, this isn't the last time you'll see them."

"So what are Collectors doing here. This was suppose to be a blue suns facility." Said Garrus. Several blue suns mercs were laying on the ground, further up. "They can't be harvesting again, not with blue suns, to costly of a process."

"I don't think there harvesting." Replied Shepard. Shepard walked up a little further, and pulled the helmet off a Turian. The face looked like a marauder from his vision. They're building an army, and they're targeting merc groups, because no one will miss them." Shepard stood up, and pulled his pistol putting a round in each of the blue suns head."

"Shepard what did you do that for?" Asked Garrus.

"They're going to get up soon. We need to take them out before that happens. I've told you about this Garrus. Now come on let's keep moving, before they wake up."

"Shepard, and the team walked to the end of the hall, which turned left deeper into the facility. "Shepard more Collector. The Collectors had already spotted Garrus, and Garrus ran to cover firing. Shepard and Reegar took cover further up firing on Collectors. Husk in blue sun armor started running down the hall. Climbing over the cover taking Shepard down. Shepard started to punch the husk in the head activating his omni blade.

Shepard threw the husk off of him. "Fall back yelled Shepard." Shepard turned over and started standing up when another husk jumped on him. Garrus ran over sliceing the husk head off.

"Come on Shepard let's go." Garrus started dragging Shepard giving him no time to stand. Reegar gave cover fire, backing away. I got the last one. Their are only a few of them left now. Informed Reegar.

"Shepard are you alright?" Asked Garrus.

"Shepard stood up. Yeah I'm fine. You should have let me stand up." Answered Shepard.

"Sorry, but we didn't have time. That blue sun's armor is making this difficult."

"It's just going to get worse Garrus. Let's see what they're doing." Shepard Peaked around the corner. A shot whipped by. "Looks like they're out of reinforcements. Be ready to push." Shepard pulled a grenade, and lobbed it down the hall. "Go." The team moved in back behind cover, taking out the Collectors swiftly. The team continued to advance, reaching the end of the hall and finding a airlock. Garrus started planting tech charges, while Shepard found an alternative. Shepard punched a control panel on the wall hooking his omni blade in the panel ripping it off. Shepard then proceeded to rewire the door.

The door opened and Garrus looked at Shepard. Your slow Garrus. commented Reegar.

"Let me know when your going to do that next time Shepard." Said Garrus. Garrus Started pulling the charges back of the wall.

"I figured I'd save the batteries some. You can get the next one." Replied Shepard. They entered the Air lock, and Garrus started placing the tech charges again. the Air lock door opened, and warning alarms went off on Shepard's suit. "The Air in here is acidic tighten up your filters." Shepard adjusted his helmet with his omni tool.

"Good thing we brought helmets." Shepard, and the team walked in to what appeared to be the storage room for the read sand. The room was filled with a yellow green haze. "Why would the Collectors fill a room with an acid."

"Maybe they didn't, maybe the blue suns did it, hoping it would keep the Collectors out."

"Blue suns are weird like that, but look at that Batarian over there he should have been able to run, and there isn't a dead Collector around. Their hasn't been any, other then what we killed."

Shepard looked at the Batarian he was mutating. Shepard pulled his pistol, and put several bullets in his head. "They're just as bad in here. The Collectors did poisoned the air. With a Reaper virus. Shepard pulled his Graal just as a beating on a door further up ahead started."

"What was that?"

"Something big Garrus, be ready." A brute smashed its way through the door. "Take it down, and don't let it charge you." Shouted Shepard. Shepard Cranked back his Graal laying a blast right into it's head. The brute turned to Shepard, and started barreling through the storage crates. Shepard blasted it again before diving out of the way. The brute beat the ground, where Shepard was, while Shepard scrambled off the floor to get away from it. The brute looked at Shepard as he ran, but Garrus and Reegar distracted it firing there phaeston into it. Shepard gave it another good blast to the spine, bringing it down. Shepard and the team converged on the brute.

"The noise must have called it. What was this thing though." Asked Garrus.

"That was a damn brute Garrus?" Said Shepard.

"It looks like a Turian."

"This just only one form of mutation Garrus, they'll turn your people into a viable soldier to. Same with the Batarians."

"What about Quarians?" Asked Reegar.

"I don't know. They never did anything with the Volus either. That I saw at least." Answered Shepard.

"Maybe we just aren't useful"

"I don't believe that, but hopefully they never get any of your people. I don't wish this on anybody. Come on let's keep moving. We need to clear this place out." Shepard led the team through the smashed open door, and continued on there way to the processing center. As they pressed through another hall they ran into the marauders and cannibals .

"I can't believe you fought these things Shepard." Shouted Garrus, ducking into cover.

"Believe it, your doing it right now. If you need therapy, talk to Kelly when we get back." Shouted Shepard back.

"I think I'm good Shepard." Garrus tossed a grenade blowing up some Batarians.

Shepard advanced upon the enemy pushing them back, followed by Garrus and Reegar. Shepard grabbed the last marauders trying to retreat stabbing him under the mouth, severing the brain stem. "Am I just doing all this by self Garrus?" Shouted Shepard.

"This isn't a fare competition, you've had practice." Replied Garrus. Shepard and the team continued deeper into the facility reaching the processing center clearing it. "Shepard this is getting ridiculous. First Collectors then. I don't know what to call these things."

"Just call them Reapers."

"Okay Reapers. What are we doing here, are we blowing this place." A Blue suns human women. came stumbling out of a room. Shepard and the team pointed there guns at the women. The man was mutating, and stumbled into a table, falling on to the ground. "Shepard she's still alive."

Shepard walked over to the women. The women clawed at his face. "Hey. Hey snap out of it." Said Shepard Getting loud. The women stopped, and looked at Shepard.

"What, what are you doing here? What happened to those bug creatures?" Asked The women.

"They're called Collectors, and they're dead. What did they do to you."

"They pumped acid into our ventilation systems, and everyone started changing into weird things. I had to shoot my best friend he attacked me."

"They're called Reapers, and I'm sorry to tell you this. but your turning into one to."

"What. But I'm alive, everyone changed hours ago."

"I Know your scared, but your changing just like your friend, your going to hurt people when you do."

"Maybe we could get her back to the Normandy save her." Suggested Reegar.

"Shepard I have to disagree, look at her face she's clawing at it, and going feral. Theirs no way we'll be able to get him back to the Normandy in time. We need to put her down, before she hurts anyone. Suggested Reegar.

"Please don't kill me. I promise I'll stay right here, I won't leave. Responded the women. The women then went back to scratching at her face.

Shepard stood up. "We've still got a bomb to place." Said Shepard. Give me a minute to think. Garrus started planting the bomb. Shepard looked over at the Women. Garrus was right, she was going feral, in a matter of minutes she'd be to far gone.

"Bomb is set Shepard. It's time to go." Said Garrus. Shepard closed his eyes for a minute, thinking. Shepard opened them again and pulled his pistol. Shepard pulled the trigger several times putting the women down. "Shepard You did the right thing."

"I know Garrus. The squad comes first. Lets go." Ordered Shepard. Shepard, and the team made there way back to the shuttle. As the shuttle left the bomb exploded taking out the facility.

The team stepped off the shuttle. followed by Cortez. "Cortez find out why that lightning knocked out the engines, and fix it." Ordered Shepard. Shepard was holding his helmet.

"Will do Commander." Replied Cortez.

Shepard walked over to the weapons rack as Garrus was leaving. leaving Reegar and Shepard. "Hey Shepard. I just want to say I know what you did, and thank you." Said Reegar putting up his gear.

"What did I do?" Asked Shepard, also putting his gear away.

"Taking me on these missions I appreciate it, and next time I don't need to be brought along. Now I need time to reflect. Seeing what I saw down their makes me happy sometimes to know she's gone. I know she'll never turn into one of those things."

"I know what you mean Reegar, I'm always worried something like that could happen to Tali. I don't think I could pull the trigger."

"Shepard don't think like that, your only going to hurt yourself. Nothing like that will happen to her. I personally guarantees it. If you don't mind me saying, you might benefit from some counseling your self, just to air it all out."

"No, thanks, but I can handle my problems, if you'll excuse me I need to go get busted."

"Of course Shepard." Replied Reegar Laughing.

Shepard finished racking his gear, and started walking to the elevator. Shepard turned around walking backwards. "Oh. I'll have Gerrel transfer you under my command. Your part of the team now." Shepard started to turn around again, but turned aback backwards. "And another thing, I expect to see your name inscribed on those weapons, It's a rule of mine." Said Shepard

Shepard stepped into the elevator, and road it to engineering. Shepard entered Engineering to here Legion arguing with Tali. "Legion I don't care that she can be smarter. She's a kid. A baby, and deserves a happy childhood, not to have it filled with pain from implants." Said Tali Angrily. Tali was holding Saleen in here arms and Urz was laying next to her.

"Creator Zorah, we believe you are being over protective. The implants will benefit the child, extending its life, and there are many teaching games that we have on file. It Would be prudent to establish some basic skills sooner then later." Suggested Legion.

Shepard walked up. "First off she's not getting implants, until she's older. And second, that depends on what kind of skills we're talking about. She can learn how to walk and talk on her own. I don't want her walking around calling me Shepard commander."

Legion looked at Shepard. "Does Shepard commander find it insulating when we refer to him as Shepard commander?" Asked Legion.

"No Legion, I just don't want her doing it to." Replied Shepard.

"We can avoid this."

"Why are you so interested in teaching my daughter. You of all Geth. You don't have any of the core programing the others have. So why do you even care?"

"We are attempting to establish a better relationship with our creators. Naturally we are in the best position to do so."

"Wait, you have to have some basic core programing, otherwise you'd be standing there like a rock." Stated Tali.

"We have only one core function. Self preservation." Informed Legion.

"So one day you could just flip a switch, and go berserk." Stated Shepard.

"No."

"We're getting off subject here, and I'm not going to argue the aspects of life and how machines think. Right now your not trying to kill us, and that's good enough for me. As for my daughter you can teach her some basic skills like how to grab things properly, but I want her to develop mostly on her own, like a normal child. Shepard looked at Tali saying this, asking her if it was alright while telling Legion what he was allowed to do.

"I guess that will be fine, but not for at least another week." Said Tali.

"This is acceptable." Replied Legion. Legion walked away.

"It better be." Said Shepard looking at Legion. "So are you ready to bust me?"

"Maybe." Tali started to reach for Shepard, but she noticed his armor had pock marks in it. "What did you get into down there, it looks like acid is eating away at your suit."

"Oh shit, I forgot. Look I'll come find you later. I promises. Shepard quickly kissed Tali on her mask, and took off running, accessing his comm. "Garrus make sure you get that acid off your suit, it's still eating away at mine."

Shepard enter the elevator. "Reegar just told me I'm making my way to the men's room right now." Replied Garrus. Shepard came up in the elevator, and moved towards the men's room. The men's room door opened, and Shepard walked in with Reegar, and Garrus already inside. Shepard stepped under one of the showers, and started it. "Look at this Shepard." Shepard looked over at Garrus. "I've got pock marks all in my armor. If Reegar hadn't said anything who knows what would have happened."

"At least you still have another set of armor." Replied Shepard.

"Yeah, but I just broke this suit in."

"Sorry, Get uses to it, I can't spring for more armor. I almost put it all over Tali and Saleen."

"That could have been bad."

"Shepard, the acid has contaminated a large sum of water, and it is corroding my filters." Said EDI, over the intercom.

"Will they last?" Asked Shepard.

"I will require that Legion replace them in a few hours."

"I'll look in to getting some new backups. So you've got Legion running around inside you now. How does Joker feel about this."

"It is only maintenance , and I am still without the body to preform the task on my own." Sounding as if she had a tone of anger.

"Easy EDI you don't have to get all defensive. Still to many software glitches."

"No the mec is fully operational, I am attempting to apply the artificial epidermis, and so I am currently incapable of self maintenance."

"I'm not so sure about your AI getting a mec body Shepard. It could kill us all in our sleep." Stated Reegar.

That is not something you should concern yourself over. I am less of a threat then Legion. Responded EDI.

"Well excuse me if I Sleep with my rifle for now on." Replied Reegar.

"Good idea Reegar. We've got to many Mecs roaming around here these days." Said Garrus. Shepard finished rinsing off, and left the shower. Only to be called over the comm.

"Shepard I need to speak with you." Called Liara on the comm.

"How important is this?" Replied Shepard over the comm.

"Very."

"Alright I'm on my way." Shepard went for the elevator quickly taking it to the CIC, and going to Liara's room. "Liara what do you got for me?"

"My sources revealed that Cerberus is planning a coup Alliance Parliament tomorrow."

"Your sure about this?"

"Yes it came from one of my most trusted contacts."

"How trusted is this contact?"

"He helped me find you Shepard."

Shepard accessed his comm. "Joker get us to earth." Ordered Shepard.

"Are you kidding me. That's the kill zone, the DMZ, the last mil, that's game over." Stated Joker.

"I know, just do it Joker, we don't have a choice. If we don't Illusive man Will runs Alliance. Informed Shepard. Shepard started walking out of the room.

"Shepard where are you going?" Asked Liara.

"I don't know."

"How are we going to even get to earth, and even if we make it to earth, how are you going to walk into a secure Alliance building."

"I don't know."

"Then what are we going to do when we get there."

"I don't know Liara." Said Shepard getting Annoyed with her persistent questioning. "If Cerberus gets a hold of the Alliance It's over. Do you have any contacts who can sneak us in."

"Just who is this over for who Shepard? You, or are we talking about something more here? Your more worried about the Quarians then your own people aren't you."

"It doesn't matter who I'm more worried about."

"Yes it does Shepard. Your so worried about the Quarians, your turning your back on your own people."

"And how is that a crime Liara." Said Shepard starting to shout. "They turned their back on me. The Quarians and the council sheltered me from all this."

"Shepard they're using you, and you know it."

"Then What am I going to do Liara. Tell me."

"I. I don't know."

"This is just as much for my people as it is for the Quarians. You saw what the Reapers did Liara. You of all people know what they can do."

"Yes I do but."

"We have to stand together Liara. This is about my people just as much as it is about the Quarians, maybe even more. If Cerberus gets a hold on the Alliance they'll start fighting everybody. Just look at what Cerberus did to those soldiers back on Koris's ship. The council won't be the wiser, until it's to late. I gave the Alliance a Prothean super weapon. This is going to effect all races, not just Quarians. The Quarians are just going to get hit first, that's all. How would you feel if it was your people on the line. you'd be wanting me to race down there without a second thought. Back off about my loyalties, I know where they lye, and I'm not about to let this happen. Now do you have any contacts that can sneak us in there, by tomorrow."

"I'll uh, I'll see what I can do, but I make now promises."

"Just get it done Liara." Shepard walked out into the CIC.

Jokers voice came over Shepard's comm. Hey Shepard. "Uh, you want to tell me what's going on." Said Joker over the comm.

"I'll be up there in a minute Joker." Replied Shepard still pissed off.

"Commander." Said Kelly. Shepard looked over at Kelly. "Is everything okay? I heard yelling."

"Yeah everything's fine. I think." Replied Shepard.

"Commander you know my door is always open."

"I know Kelly, I just like to keep these things to my self."

"That can be hurtful, not only to you, but the team, especially with our mission. How about we set a appointment twenty hundred hours in the starboard observation room? If you come, you come. If not, oh well, you can't say I didn't try."

"I'll think about it." Shepard walked away making his way to Joker. "So you wanted to talk?" Asked Shepard.

"Yeah first off how'd the mission go. Before the mission you where all I hate the Alliance, and now your talking about going to earth. You didn't by chance take any of that red sand did you." Said Joker, jocking.

"No and I couldn't if I wanted to."

"So what happened down there then?"

"The Collectors where there."

"Really. I didn't pick up one of there cruisers anywhere."

"I didn't see one either, but they were there."

"Shit I thought we'd seen the last of them. I guess we couldn't have expected to have killed them all right?"

It was a nice dream, but at least we stopped them from finishing that Citadel.

"What where they doing down there then?"

"They where building a army for the Reapers."

"By going down to a bunch of blue sun's. Yeah, that's smart."

"No Joker. They were mutating the bodies."

"You mean like making husk?"

"They where doing more then that. The Reapers have all kinds of ways to change a body. They can mutate a Turian twice as big as a Krogan."

"Holly shit that's big. And so all this got you thinking about Earth?"

"No Liara told me Cerberus is planning a coup attempt on the Alliance parliament tomorrow."

"I don't know whether to hope that source is reliable or not. We go in there, and get cought where done. If we stop a Cerberus attack on parliament we're heros. We could finally go home."

"I don't think it'll be that simple, and Earth isn't my home Joker. I've lived in space all my life.

"Still you've got to care about it."

"It's just a rock Joker, It's the people who make it a home."

"You just give it all up for Tali, huh."

"Yeah."

Joker nodded his head. "So where's my EDI bot, Jack keeps blabbing about how she found it, but i haven't seen it."

"EDI's still working on it, and She's not yours Joker"

"I know, it's just a figure of speech."

"If you would like Jeff, I could use some assistance." Said EDI over the intercom.

"ooo." Said Joker leaning up in his chair.

"Easy Joker, stay in the chair. We need to figure out how to get to Earth. Now I've got things to do." Said Shepard. Shepard walked away.

"Yeah, leave the cripple stuck in his chair to figure it out."

"You know what I mean Joker." Shepard walked into Mordin's lab to find Lia'Vael and Mordin working together, Mordin was smiling. "You to find something interesting?" Asked Shepard.

"We're just working on the Genophage together." Answered Lia'Vael

Shepard looked at Mordin Surprised. "You mean he actually agreed?" Asked Shepard.

"Yes." Lia constantly making mistakes. "Cannot let her wipe out the Krogan. That being said, not actually working on cure. Just pointing out some of the flaws that could wipe out the Krogan." Explained Mordin.

"So are you still upset with me?" Asked Shepard.

"Haven't been upset for days." Replied Mordin.

"I assume Lia told you exactly what we where doing, and your okay with this?"

"Of course not, but cannot let Lia wipe out the Krogan with a cure."

"You do want this, don't you?"

"No, and can't see it distributing well either, but just in case."

"It'll get distributed the same way the Genophage was released."

"Without STG teams, unlikely."

"This is a cure Mordin, I could probably just hand it out on a street corner.

"More like a treatment." Informed Lia'Vael

"What ever it is it'll spread like wild fire. If you have a minute Mordin, I need a favor of you." Said Shepard. Mordin walked away from Lia. "We ran into Collectors, they wiped out the whole blue suns facility, and then they released a virus that mutated people into working soldiers for them."

"Husk I assume?" Asked Mordin.

"Yes and no, sometimes worse. We'll have a staff meeting about it, but I wanted to know if you could look into the virus they're using, find a way to counteract it or at least neutralize it."

"Of course just need a sample."

"The O2 filters in my helmet should be sufficient right." Mordin nodded "You'll have to dig them out yourself," Shepard held up his helmet to give it to Mordin. "and be careful we ran into an acid in there. You can see the damage it did to my armor."

"Yes I can, will look into it. Suggest you make repairs on your armor before going to earth. Can make a artificial skin mask if you would. like."

Shepard shook his head. "You, and your damn hearing Mordin. I could use one. It'll be weird, but I could use one."

"Will have one ready by the time you need it."

"Thanks." Shepard stepped out of the Mordin's lab, back into the CIC, going back down to engineering. Shepard walked into engineering to find Tali, but she was nowhere to be found. Donnelly was the only one in engineering. "Donnelly where's Tali?" Asked Shepard.

"She had to go take off to feed your daughter, at least she got Urz out of here." Replied Donnelly.

"Your still scared of him?" Asked Shepard.

"No of course not, he just tried to bight my hand off again today."

"Maybe because you constantly avoid him. He's a monster, but he's not an evil one."

"I beg to differ Shepard, but I have another question for you."

"What is it Donnelly?"

"Do you think I should just go for broke with Gabby?"

"Do you like her Donnelly?"

"I can't imagine my life without her."

"Do you think she likes you back."

"I don't know Shepard, back with Miranda she sounded jealous , but other time I think she hates me."

"I'd put out some feelers before doing that. You say you can't live without her, what if you drive her off."

"Right good point Shepard I'll try it your way."

"And just remember if it doesn't work out theirs always a whole flotilla of Quarians. Just don't touch mine."

"Right Shepard won't even dare."

Gabby walked into engineering, behind Donnelly, going to her console. "Talking about Quarian women again Donnelly?"
Asked Gabby.

Donnelly looked at Shepard, who shrugged his shoulders, and walked away. "I was just admiring how Shepard chose Tali based on her mind, and got rewarded by such a beautiful women."

"She is beautiful isn't she."

"Yes kind of like some one else I know." Shepard shook his head walking out smiling.

No sooner did Shepard make his way out of engineering, Shepard was intercepted by Grunt. "Shepard You left me behind." Said Grunt.

"Yeah, sorry I thought Reegar needed it more." Apologized Shepard.

"He likes killing things to?"

"I think it was more to relieve stress."

"Oh, I heard you fought the old enemy down there. I thought we got rid of them."

"The Collectors, I had hoped so, but I Guess not. I would have like to see what you would have done to that brute we ran into."

"Brute?"

"We're going to have a staff meeting over it but, essentially it was bigger then you Grunt."

"So a worthy enemy"

"Definitely Grunt, but you took down a Thresher maw so it couldn't be half as bad."

"When is the staff meeting I want to here more about these new enemy's?"

"They're called Reapers Grunt, and we'll start at nineteen hundred hours."

"So where are you off to Grunt?" Grunt led Shepard to the elevator.

"Going to go see Javik."

"Why?"

"He challenged me"

"Challenge you how?"

"Just a wrestling match, sounded like fun. I beat him last time during conditioning and, now I think he wants a rematch."

Be careful with Javik, he's probably got some trick up his sleeve, and don't break the window.

"Not even a crack Shepard." Said Grunt Joking.

"No, in fact drop the emergency bulk head to make sure. This way I don't have to worry about you getting to rough."

"Haha, alright Shepard, you have a deal." Grunt patted Shepard's shoulder hard and stepped out of the elevator. Shepard pressed the button for the room, and took it up.

The elevator door opened, and Shepard saw Urz sitting pretty in front of the room door. Shepard walked over, and pet him while trying to get in the room. Urz fell on his side in front of the door, enjoying the petting. Shepard was rubbing his belly when he got a call on the comm. "Shepard You need to get down here, Grunt and Javik are fighting."

"I know it's just a wrestling match nothing to worry about." Replied Shepard over the comm.

"I don't think this counts as a wrestling anymore."

"Why?"

"Grunt just tossed Javik across the the mess hall."

"Stop them." Shepard stood up and ran back towards the elevator hitting the button for the crew deck.

"I'll try. Hey knock it off." Shepard stepped out on the crew deck hearing banging." The commanders going to be down here in a minute, so you better stop." The banging continued. Shepard stepped out around the corner to find Javik, and Grunt stuck in a dead lock.

"Hey that's enough." Yelled Shepard walking into the mess hall. Grunt reluctantly threw his hands down. "What the hell is the matter with you two."

"This creature is a abomination, and he insults my people." Said Javik striking the pose Tali made on the flotilla. Grunt punched Javik in the face knocking him to the floor.

"Grunt I said that's enough." Shouted Shepard. Javik grabbed onto a chair and started pulled himself up. "Are you two finished now. Said Shepard in a lower annoyed voice.

"No." Said Javik. Javik blasted Grunt into a wall with a biotic blast.

"That's enough, now stop." Shouted Shepard again. Grunt pulled himself to his feet, and began to charge Javik. A barrier formed in front of both of them.

"Shepard said that's enough, and as much as I enjoy a good fight I would like to sleep. Which I can't do, with you two fighting up her, making noise." Said Jack Sounding Annoyed.

"Thank you Jack." Now I want to know what's going on here." Said Shepard.

"You want to know what's going on. I'll tell you what's going on. I've got no problem being the snitch, if it helps me sleep. This bug guy seems to think he's in charge. Been aging Grunt on all week sense Garrus won't let him push him around. He's trying to grab control where ever he can." Informed Jack.

"How do you know this?"

"I've seen it happen before, with some merc gangs I hung out with."

"Is that what this is about you two? Because guess what, neither of you are ever going to command this ship. Grunt Your to damn hostile, and Javik your too unstable." Said Shepard Angrily. Grunt Your bleeding all over the floor, go have Chakwas patched you up in the Med bay. Said Shepard returning to a somewhat normal voice.

"I'll be fine Shepard." Replied Grunt.

"Go now." Ordered Shepard. Grunt turned towards the Med bay and left. "Javik what the hell goes on in that mind of yours. The Reapers are suppose to be here in two weeks, and your busting up yourself, and my crew. I don't know what to do with you. I don't even know if you want to be on this ship, or not, so I can't force you to do anything. But you do something like that to one of my people again. Your ass will be off this ship, and I'll put you somewhere, where all you can do is watch. I was beginning to trust you, but this shit along with the mind games you play with Jacob is throwing my perspective of you, and not in a good way." Said Shepard scolding Javik. Shepard walk over to Jack. "Thanks for that. I couldn't have stopped either one of them."

"Hey they were keeping me from sleeping, no problem. Okay I want to go nap so I'm gonna go." Said Jack

"Alright see you later Jack, and thank you again." Jack left for the elevator, and Shepard entered the Med lab. "How's he doing." Asked Shepard to Grunt.

"He's fine, all I did was sit him down." Answered Doctor Chakwas.

"Grunt you need to not fight with him, whatever the reason. When you have a problem come go to me or Garrus. I can't have you killing each other right now." Said Shepard.

"Okay Shepard." Replied Grunt sadly.

"Hey don't let your Krogan pride be hurt because of this. He's a damn biotic, it's not fare for the rest of us." Said Shepard.

"Yeah I know Shepard." Replied Grunt still sounding sad.

"Good, because next mission, after we visit earth, I'm taking you and Javik we're going to work this problem out."

"Wasn't Javik also causing Jacob problems?" Asked Doctor Chakwas.

"Yeah, but I think that's different, a training method, because they're friends on the ship." Replied Shepard.

"Hm. So why are we going to earth, isn't that a death sentence?" Asked Doctor Chakwas.

"It might be but we have to. Cerberus is going to attempt a coup on Alliance parliament."

"What good would that do for them."

"Karin they can hide the Reaper tech, like they did in those Alliance soldiers. Illusive man will have complete control over them."

"But how would Cerberus get away with it though? As if no one would realize they where missing, for however long they're gone."

"He already has supporters in parliament, it's likely he'll leave them until last, and let them run things, until he has control of it all."

"Well I trust your judgment commander, but how are we going to get to earth? They'll have you tagged the moment the Normandy enters the system."

"Then the Normandy won't enter the system." Said Shepard spawning an idea.

"And how are you going to manage that?"

"It's a working plan. I don't know yet."

"Of course it is. What about once your on the ground?"

"Mordin's making me a skin mask hopefully it will be enough."

"A skin mask?" Doctor Chakwas shook like it game her chills.

"Do you have a better idea."

"No I don't, those things just feel extremely weird, and how anyone can walk around in them is beyond me."

"I've got to do it."

"Well just don't get cought Shepard, this war with the Reapers will be lost without you."

"I won't. Now I promised Tali I would go find her, and I keep getting side tracked.

"I'll talk to you later then commander." Shepard walked out of the Med bay. "EDI patch me in to Liara, and Joker." Ordered Shepard

"Yes Shepard." Replied EDI.

Shepard accessed his comm. "Joker, Liara I had an idea." Said Shepard over his comm.

"What is it Shepard?" Asked Liara.

"Can either one of you get me passage on a freighter, obviously no one can know I'm on board." Said Shepard.

"Obviously." Replied Joker.

"So can either of you do it? Asked Shepard.

"I'll try and track down a few people who might be able to help, but no promises." Answered Joker.

"Same here Shepard, I'll see what I can do, but just like Joker said no promises." Answered Liara.

"Just do what ever you can Shepard out." Shepard took the elevator back to his room. this time Urz was laying off to the side of the door sleeping. Shepard stepped through the door to find that it was cool in there, and Saleen was in her crib. Shepard over to the crib and felt the top of Saleen's helmet, before walking deeper in the room, to search for Tali. Tali came up behind Shepard grabbing him.

"What's this?" Asked Tali, holding up Shepard's fornax magazine.

"Uh, I don't know what your talking about."

"Do I need to remind you, page forty seven, the Quarian girl you folded the page so you could find it."

"You looked at that?"

"No just remembered."

"Tali I haven't touched that since we got together."

"I know it was buried in your desk. Why were you acting like you were in trouble. I just wanted to bust your butt for running off on a mission?"

"Because most women don't like it when a guy has that."

"Well I don't care, at least as long as you don't look at it."

"Well I haven't and won't I promise."

"Good." Tali tossed the magazine across the floor.

"It is okay to touch you now right."

"It should be, but it's kind of late for that isn't it."

Tali pulled off her mask. "No. I wanted to make sure I can do this." Tali turned Shepard's head, and locked her lips with Shepard. pushing him over on to the bed. Tali let up off of him for a moment, sitting on his back. "So what took you so long, and what did you get into?"

Shepard managed to turn over. "I'm sorry I took so long, I was getting pulled around everywhere. I made it to the door, and then had to go back down to stop a fight."

"A fight? Who was fighting?"

"Grunt and Javik. If it wasn't for Jack they would have kept going."

"Well I guess it's good we picked up Jack then. So what's with your armor, it looks like you got into a acid?"

"I did, I'm glade you saw it before you touched me. EDI says it's destroying her filters."

"I'm glad to then, the damage it could have done to the suit, but why was there acid down there?"

"We ran into Collectors they were mutating all the blue suns into Reapers. I'm not sure who released the acid, but it filled everything past the airlock, so I assume it was the Collectors."

"You mean we're already fighting Reapers." The shock had hit Tali. Time was drawing to an end.

Shepard leaned up and held Tali's face. "Hey, I won't let them get you. We haven't gone through all this so we can be harvested. We'll make it through this, we just have to make the right moves remember." Shepard gave Tali a kiss. "We're going to win this Okay."

"Okay." Shepard rolled Tali over kissing her, again and again.

Writers notes: At no point in this chapter has Shepard had actual sex with Tali, and the shower was just a shower nothing more. The Blue sun women was originally a man, but the women increased the dark tone of the mission. I want reviews people, I like feed back. Do you guys have questions? How do you feel about the Collectors building a Reaper army, the Cerberus coup plan? What do you think of the new Geth Mecs, and what do you think about Reegar? I would like to know these things.