Talana sat back and breathed a sigh of relief. Finally, it looked like everything would be coming to a close. They had pulled into the Citadel some time ago. A rather annoyed Dvoran Avalar was let off the ship, simply told that the mission was accomplished and that there was nothing left for him to do. Lucas had followed close behind him as he was told to immediately report to Alliance Command for debriefing. However, he was also suppose to meet with the rest of the crew for one final event. Julland glanced at him omni-tool timer.

"Well, I suppose we should all be going." Julland murmured. Suddenly, he and the Asari heard rapidly approaching footsteps. It was Dalora.

"Hey, come on, we're going to be late, we have to meet with the Council." Dalora announced. Merjj and Jima could be heard approaching right behind her. The excited mercenary went to join the Turian and Asari at the bridge but instead found herself navigating a minefield of Dolphos' tentacles which were sprawled all over the hallway.

"Dolphos, come on, we got to go." Dalora told the Hanar. The large jellyfish didn't answer.

"Dolphos?" Dalora asked, tapping the Hanar gently. Dolphos suddenly stirred.

"Hm? Oh, this one apologizes. It believes it must have fallen asleep." Dolphos stated, before collecting its many legs together and getting up off his chair.

"We all ready?" Julland asked the others.

"I believe so, we all look ready." Merjj observed.

"All right, lets go." the Turian agreed.

No one really said anything on the way to the Citadel tower. They really did not know what to discuss anyway. At least for the large space station, the daily grind of life went on in the hustling and bustling place. Apparently, few were concerned about any further outbreaks of the original Apollyon S1 strain. The Shiloh crew had belatedly received the news that the medical team was able to finally sterilize the Central Bank environment, albeit by thorough dousing of extremely caustic chemicals, acids and radiation. All the furnishings needed to be redone and the place stripped before being rebuilt. It was a small price to pay to eliminate any chances of further outbreaks.

At the floor of the Council chambers, they spotted Lucas waiting for them. He had replaced his weapons and armor for the simple Alliance formal uniform and a long black overcoat.

"I thought you were all going to be late." Lucas told them with a slight smile.

"You're just always early." Dalora stated.

"How was your debriefing, Lieutenant?" Julland asked.

"No one yelled at me." Lucas responded sarcastically. Finally, Julland, Dalora, Lucas, Jima, Dolphos, Talana and Merjj stood before the Council. The Asari Councilor, having seen both the assault on the Citadel by Sovereign and now a biological attack, seemed to be getting weary of her position. Nonetheless, she started the meeting.

"We are all glad that you, the crew of the SSV Shiloh, were able to be present for this affair. We have read your reports and pondered hard on what you had to say. Your actions, beliefs and spirits are an inspiration in the face of the intimidating odds you all faced in the past week."

"However, there is still the matter to attend to of your old captain, Spectre Nalia D'sara." the Salarian Councilor cautioned.

"As well as to what is to become of her." the Turian one finished.

Standing in front of them, having been there before they were, was Nalia D'sara, triumphant if slightly battered. She still had her proud stand, if slightly bowed from her ordeal. Some areas of her body were blackened but slowly regaining their natural color. She had also lost a bit of weight and she knew she would need to spend a lot of time in the gym if she were to regain her former strength. It didn't help that her memory was a bit slower despite her mind slowly starting to unfog. Nonetheless, she was still able to flash one of her usual sickly sweet smiles, grinning always to the end like she knew she was in control. The Turian Councilor continued.

"Although we must thank you for your actions in pursuing the pirates, raiders and all the parties involved and responsible for finding, testing and planting the devastating Apollyon virus, we can not ignore your actions along the way."

"You are guilty of disobeying direct orders to not cross deep into Terminus Space. Your crew is also responsible for the unlawful act of taking another Spectre hostage." the Salarian reminded. The Asari now spoke up.

"However, in light of your stories as well as all that has happened, we hereby pardon your crew for their actions against Dvoran Avalar. You, Nalia D'sara, will not be sentenced with jail time."

"However, you are still stripped of your status as Spectre. Although your actions were honorable in context, they are not an example we would want followed by others. What you did made right this time, but that is not always the case. More painful consequences may have resulted from your actions. There was a time these deeds may have been overlooked. However, these times are no more. Our human colleague could tell you of what a rogue Spectre could do, and now Spectres are being held to a higher standard." the Turian stated.

"That being said, as well as in light of the current circumstances of Council Space, we pardon you, Nalia D'sara for your actions but we do not return your privileges as a Spectre. However, we are willing to grant the status you once had to a member of your crew that you so deem to be worthy of the Spectres." the Asari concluded. Nalia bowed, still a bit too weak to make a wise remark, no matter how bad she wanted to. Turning slowly, Nalia walked up to her crew members and surveyed them all.

There were a few she had foremost in her mind. They had fought by her side, perhaps gotten her out of tight situations, and she even admitted they had become her close friends. She also knew that they had saved her when she herself would not have done the same thing had she been in their shoes. She realized that perhaps there were a few things she needed to change in her attitudes, but only a few. She glanced with a smile at Julland, her friend before all of this started. Somehow, this decision was not as easy as she thought it would be. It took some thought, but she finally made up her mind. She turned around the address the Council.

"I nominate Dr. Jima'Riznah vas Shiloh to take my place as a Council Spectre." Nalia stated.

"Are you sure of this?" the Salarian Councilor asked. Before Nalia could answer, she felt her shoulder getting poked feverishly behind her. It was Jima.

"Nalia, what-why are you doing this?" Jima demanded in a whisper.

"Because I believe you would be an excellent Spectre." Nalia smirked. Unknown to them, Jima's eyes held very high, unbelieving eyebrows.

"Nalia, you must still not be well. I am not a soldier or officer. I am doctor. I heal, I don't fight or chase down criminals." Jima protested.

"Exactly Jima. You heal and bring life. For too long the Spectres have been agents of defense and war. These are necessary, but too few of them have had the training to preserve life. In these days when we know the threat of the Reapers, as well as a highly charged galaxy, we will need more Spectres like you who can heal and bring hope as your first skill and priority." Nalia explained, placing a comforting hand on the Quarian's shoulder.

"But...I don't have the training..." Jima whimpered.

"You will be, sweetie, don't worry. Besides, you will have the support of many skilled and tough people, some closer than you think." Nalia smiled, motioning a hinting hand towards Julland, Dalora and Lucas.

"Are you sure I can do this?" Jima asked quietly.

"Of course." Nalia consoled before addressing the Council again.

"Everything cleared, Miss D'sara?" the Turian asked.

"Yes sir. Jima will be taking my place." Nalia reassured. The Asari Councilor replied.

"Very well. Dr. Jima'Riznah vas Shiloh will now be inducted into the Spectres. Because of her experience dealing with Apollyon, she will trained back at Jartar where she will also assist Council agents in properly dealing with the remains of the Apollyon virus. This hearing of the Council, is adjourned." the Councilors turned to leave when they heard Nalia's voice interrupt.

"Well, thanks for the job, it was fun working with all of you." Nalia giggled before walking off. The Turian raised an eyebrow while the others shrugged.

Everyone gathered in the Presidium next to the artificial lake. "Highly charged" couldn't really describe the atmosphere. Regardless, it was Jima who was able to speak with Nalia first.

"Nalia, this doesn't feel right. The Shiloh belongs to you."

"Jima, I am giving it to you. It's time there was a new trend in the Spectres and I believe you will set it. Like I said, don't worry. You've earned it." Nalia stated. Jima lowered her head for a moment in thought before looking up at Nalia again.

"Very well. It is rude to accept a gift, especially among my people. However, I would like to extend this one to you. You will always be welcomed to serve under the Shiloh again." Jima informed. Nalia looked up thoughtfully, weighing the idea.

"Tell you what, I need to spend some time off to recuperate. I also could use a vacation, probably do some serious thinking as well. However, when that's done, you'll be the first I come to." Nalia smiled.

"I would love to have you back. Julland, I know you quit C-Sec as well as any intentions of returning to the military. I could use someone like you on my ship now. Are you interested?" the Quarian asked. Julland in turn responded with a bow.

"It would be an honor." Julland stated.

"What about you, Lucas? Dalora?" Jima asked. Lucas fidgeted a bit.

"Well, I've been transferred back to Jump Zero. Despite our work, it seems I've given the guys up top a lot of headaches. I'll be given a desk job there, maybe even work on of the flight patrols that guard the area. They tell me that my work in the field will be limited, though not completely wiped off." Lucas explained.

"Oh, I see..." Jima stated. Lucas leaned in to whisper into her ear.

"However, that will make it all the more easier to drop my superiors an excuse note for my absence."

"Ahhh...well then, I'll try not to bother you too much." Jima snickered before looking at Dalora. The mercenary smiled sheepishly.

"You know...I'll actually be easy to contact. I'm kind of putting mercenary work down. Turns out I got a job as an civilian mechanic. You could probably contact me if you ever need my help." Dalora stated.

"Really? I never could see you taking up honest work." Nalia teased. Dalora scowled at her.

"Where will you be working?" Jima asked.

"Jump Zero."

"Hey, my transport will be leaving in a bit and I best catch something to eat before I go. Military rations get stale after living off of them." Lucas stated. He bid them all good-bye, finishing off with the Asari.

"You sounded very philosophical back there. I didn't know you had it in you." Lucas teased.

"Hey, you're not the only one with training in making words sound pretty. We used to have similar intentions. I just got corrupted." Nalia smirked.

"Stay out of trouble, Nalia." Lucas told her after a friendly hug.

"Me, trouble? I tell you boy, you're the one that's going to be in trouble if you're going to be having that biotic following you." Nalia grinned. Dalora too, also hugged her before leaving.

"Keep him out of trouble...and make him loosen up." Nalia whispered to her.

"I'll try. In the meantime, you get better." Dalora told her. The two humans left the others, knowing that they would see them all again in time. Jima, Merjj, Talana and Dolphos also had to return to the Shiloh. Although they knew they would see her again, it was still hard saying farewell. It was Nalia who had personally handpicked each of them to join her ship and now they had to see her leave. Talana could not help but shed a few tears. Nalia would always be her favorite captain that she served under. It was also amusing to watch Dolphos wrap Nalia with a single, snake-like tentacle as a type of hug. Merjj meanwhile pumped her arm in a handshake with typical Salarian speed. Soon, it was just Nalia and Julland left standing next to the lake, both watching the fountains play ripples across the water. As usual, it was Nalia who spoke up.

"So, looks like you'll be having a full time job with a Spectre." Nalia observed.

"I guess. I think I'll enjoy it." Julland murmured.

"Oh stop that, you know you will." Nalia jabbed her elbow into his side. Julland managed a smile.

"What about you? What are your plans?" Julland asked. Nalia sighed as she continued to grin like she always did. The Turian liked her this way. After joining conscious with her mind, he realized that Nalia wasn't really a jerk, and didn't really like being one. She just got a power high whenever she was in command. She was a more pleasant person when she didn't need to throw her authority around.

"I don't know. I'll go home first. I need to sort out a few things." Nalia decided.

"Will you really return with us back on the Shiloh when you're better?" Julland asked.

"Oh, I'm certain of it. Well, maybe I'll probably want to settle down, find a man to start a family with." Nalia smiled. Julland raised an eyebrow at her before scoffing.

"Nalia, I can't really see you as the type to settle down and have kids." Julland retorted.

"Oh come on, I won't be in my Maiden stage forever." Nalia defended. The Turian continued to stare at her, while crossing his arms skeptically across his chest. Nalia sighed.

"Who I'm kidding, you're right. I'm not that old yet. It will be some time till I'm better, though." Nalia whispered.

"Well, don't hurt yourself." Julland stated. Nalia smiled before playfully poking him in the stomach.

"Admit it, you'll miss me." Nalia teased.

"I will not!...okay, maybe I will..." Julland relented.

"How are things with Elana, anyway?"

"Well, her father still forbids we talk and although they've calmed down a bit in light of my actions, I'm still technically a source of shame to them. Elana still has not gotten around to talking to me." Julland explained.

"Ah, forget her. You deserve better. I'm sure you'll find the right Turian girl some day." Nalia stated.

"All in good timing." Julland stated. They grew silent again, watching the water. They listened to the lapping of the small waves, soothingly caressing the shore. Nalia patted her taller Turian friend on the back.

"Thanks for coming, I really appreciated it." she told him.

"No problem...though, you owe me." Julland told her.

"I suppose...dinner at Flux?" Nalia offered. Julland hesitated.

"...Sure."

Data Entry

Dr. Jima'Riznah vas Shiloh: Head overseer of the formation of Gatekeeper Facility, charged with the objective of monitoring and guarding the location of the Apollyon virus cache and its study.

Uploading files...

It has been a month since the Apollyon crisis on the Citadel. Only a few weeks ago was the Gatekeeper facility completed and began the work of guarding the exact location of the Apollyon mine. So far, its location remains classified. Our studies into the virus have also been top secret.

The only known and recorded survivor of the Apollyon virus, Asari Nalia D'sara, survived due to extreme measures. The true reason for her survival is unknown. In the world of pathology, although this is rare, it is recorded of miraculous survivals for reasons beyond us. Modified Quarian antibodies injected into her system can not be verified to be the reason for her recovery. Even if they were the cause of her recovery, it may have only worked on the Apollyon S3 strain.

A total of nine hundred and eleven distinct strains of Apollyon were analyzed and cataloged. Several copies of each strain were also produced by the pre-Prothean race that engineered these viruses. We have been able to establish the reasons for their extreme measures taken in their programming of these viruses as well as their failure to produce any treatment or vaccine.

This race foresaw that the Reapers probably would not have come into contact with the virus the first time they passed. They may have even avoided a second or a third. It was hoped that in this event, the mine would eventually be swallowed by tectonic forces. At least several strains of the virus would have survived the extreme temperatures and eventually, they would be resurfaced back on the planet. In the wake of destruction, these viruses would be exposed to newly developing lifeforms. It was hoped that the either the virus would destroy this new life, forcing the Reapers to postpone their invasions, and perhaps eventually forcing them to capitulate due to lack of resources. It was also a possibility that the lifeforms would eventually evolve and take the virus or viruses into their genome.

This is not unheard of. Human DNA also contains long strands that may have once belonged to those of viruses that became incorporated into the overall human genetic blueprint. The same was hoped for Apollyon. If such a life form were to exist, it would be immune to the ill effects of the virus. It would also mean that the ultimate weapon against the Reapers would not be an implement of war, but something hidden within life itself.

To date, no life form is known that can withstand the rigors of the Apollyon virus. For now, many are skeptical if such an organism could exist. No genetic experiments or testing has been done or is planned to find out. Apollyon will remained buried and undisturbed as it had been for thousands, if not millions of years.

There are still dark rumors and quiet whispers that perhaps Apollyon has not been as contained as we have hoped. There is always a possibility that a stray virus or two of the S1 strain may exist in a dark corner or isolated space in the ventilation system of the Citadel or obscure passageway. There have been silent whispers of Keeper remains, all destroyed together trying to clean off the remains of other Keepers that mysteriously died in some less traveled areas of the Citadel. Extreme medical response teams in proper gear have handled the disposal of these finds, although officially, these stories are denied.

There is also the possibility that even a single viral strand hidden safely from the Dis sunlight, under a rock or other hiding place may exist outside this facility on Jartar. All it would take is one virus and one exposure. With that, the crisis could begin anew.

Officially, and to the best of our knowledge, Apollyon remains buried and undisturbed...