Mass Effect 4 Awakening

by jamespaczer1992gmail

Tali romance This story braves the hard to solve ending of ME3 Shepard wakes up aboard the semi dead Reaper in ME2 Things are different Legion and the Geth are different But Shepard must still defeat the Reapers Learn the exact origins of the Geth Watch as Cerberus raises tension with other races And gaze in awe at the galaxy shattering end following the destruction of the Reapers

35. Primarch

Writers notes: in theory even other races would utilize the ground building roads.

Running count: Reaper Invasion Day 5-11

Shepard stood in the comm room on vid comm with the Turian councilor. They had been arguing for several minutes. "I'm trying, but it is hell to navigate military channels right now." Said the Turian councilor, sounding agitated.

"You've had four days to navigate, and you haven't gotten anywhere councilor. Replied Shepard hostilely.

"Shepard you have to understand. We're in a war. The Primarch has more pressing matters, then to speak to the council." Garrus walked in the comm room behind Shepard.

"Councilor I understand that, but your putting my back against the wall here, and I'm going around you now."

"If you can manage what I've been trying to get done, then go around me. Do what you have to Commander." The comm Channel closed and Shepard turned around.

"What was that all about?" Asked Garrus.

"The Turian councilor is dragging his ass." Answered Shepard, walking towards Garrus.

"Shepard you know he's right. The Primarch has more important things to do. He doesn't care to speak to a councilor right now."

"Hhh. Yeah I know, but what we're trying to do is important to. Shepard motioned to the door, and they began walking to the CIC. They would go through Liara's room.

"Look your never going to get a hold of the Primarch yourself. My father has a friend, who works close to Primarch Fadorian, and he listens to him. Maybe we can jump the line a bit. If I can get my father to talk to him."

"Your father would do that, after what happened back on Palaven?"

"My father isn't stupid Shepard. He may dislike what I do, but he'll understand there's a war going on, and everyone has to do their part. I'll ask him, but we need to make Palaven a priority then. We need to be there on call, for when ever they call us. The Primarch isn't going to wait around."

"Be there on time, got it. I'll have Joker plot a course. Are We ever gonna talk about Tartarus?" Shepard And Garrus entered the CIC.

"When we get this all sorted out, we'll sit down and talk. I promise." Shepard and Garrus separated, and Shepard walked toward Joker on the bridge.

"Joker plot a course to Palaven." Ordered Shepard.

"Uh, yes sir. Is there a particular reason we're going there?" Asked Joker.

"The Turian councilor is dragging his ass, and Garrus thinks he can get us a meeting, if he can speak to his dad."

"He can't do that over the comm?"

"Garrus says we need to be on call for the Primarch."

"And we're gonna pick up a few family members along the way. EDI told me about it. How come you didn't ask me, about getting my family. I've been with you longer then anyone. You know what it's fine. Lets just forget about poor little ass Joker, and go to Palaven okay."

"Joker I never asked anyone. Garrus and Thane both asked me. If you want me to do something, you need to get off your crippled ass, and ask."

"So we're gonna go get my family to?"

"I didn't hear you ask."

"Your such an ass sometimes Shepard. So Can we go pick up my family to?"

"Yes Joker we can. I'm doing it for anyone who needs it."

"Thanks, it's nice to know I'm not special."

"Not a problem. It's the least I can do. Hows the hand?"

"Oh that, EDI crushed it good."

"I bet that was a blow to the relationship?"

"Yeah kinda was, but it was that or get something else torn off during sex?"

"I've got to say ,that's weird to here Joker."

"What, robot sex? It's better her, then my hand, you know."

"So I am just the next best thing Jeff?" Asked EDI stating it.

"What, no. That's not what I was saying at all. See what you did now Shepard." Said Joker sounding annoyed.

"Want me to fix this for you?" Asked Shepard.

"No you've done enough Shepard." Replied Joker.

"Sorry." Shepard walked away as joker went back to dealing with EDI.

"Shepard. I have finished the decryption of the password, on the officials computer." Informed EDI.

"What'd you find?" Asked Shepard in reply.

"The information states the official was worried about a possible Cerberus infiltration, early within the log files. He believed that several other officials disappearance, then reappearance, was strange. They did not comment on their whereabouts during the duration of their disappearance, when they returned."

"EDI We already knew that Cerberus had followers within parliament."

"I am not finished Shepard. In a deleted, file the official continued to press the issue, and discovered where the officials had gone."

"Where was that?"

"A remote part of Russia."

"Did the official look into it any further?"

"Yes the official went as far as going to the location."

"What did he find, and where exactly was this location?"

"A remote region, in Eastern Siberia. As for what the official found it is unknown. The subject was dropped, and the official went on with his life as normal."

"EDI get Anderson on the comm."

Admiral Anderson is currently moving to a new ship, and the quantum particles was uninstalled. I will continue to attempt to contact him, but it is unlikely that he will respond, for at least one day."

"That figures. Send the information to Anderson as soon as you can. Was there anything on Udina?"

" Unfortunately no."

six days later at Palaven

Shepard, Tali, and Garrus stood waiting in a observation room, aboard a command station, above Palaven. The room window overlooked the construction of three dreadnought class ships and one heavy cruiser. "I'm sorry it's come to this Shepard. I didn't mean for us to be waiting six days." Said Garrus. They had only been waiting an hour on board the station.

"Garrus you've managed to do more then the councilor had managed. Besides the view is nice. Do you have any idea how long it will be, before those dreadnought are finished." Asked Shepard to Garrus.

"Another weak." Said Primarch Fadorian walking through the observation room door, walking up beside Shepard. "There beautiful aren't they? I've always had a fascination with ships. They don't have to do anything, but deter the enemy from attacking."

"I'm afraid those dreadnoughts aren't going to deter the Reapers from attacking Primarch. Neither is the rest of your fleet. Are they space worthy today? If they aren't I'd make that a priority." Said Shepard suggesting.

"Yes they are. They were being used as cargo ships until the treaty was suspended. All we have to do is install their weapons."

"Smart move."

"Yes. Enough about the ships though. I heard you're here to convince me to about allowing the council to command my fleets."

"Is that what you heard? No. We're here to talk about coordinating with the other races. I'm not about to force your fleet to do anything. We need to identify Reaper positions where ever they're at, and marshal fleets against them. The Reapers are expanding across all fronts. The Salarian and council ships are by no means enough to stop them. My military advisor has told me, that we're not utilizing our forces as effective as they could be."

"Commander, in my experience. Coordinating with allies, only cause chaos, and weakness along the providers front. I am to protect Palaven, and to work with the Salarians, and the council would expose Palaven to more danger."

"Yes, but there won't be a Palaven if you don't, the Reapers will strike in force, and they'll be nothing you can do about it. It only took five Reapers to take Surkesh, and the captain of one of your own dreadnoughts sacrificed his life and crew to take one of them down."

"It is to my understanding that one of the councilors medal in that battle. Who's to say they won't medal in our own stance against the Reapers."

"I can promise you, my military tactician will not allow that again. At the time we didn't have the equipment to monitor fleets. Now we do, and we'll be feeding you every bit of data we get."

"What if the councilor tries to access the console again?"

"You ships aren't tied into the console Primarch. They don't have to listen to anybody, but you if you want. But I have an AI watching it, and Javik stand there practically all day. So nothing will slip by them. I've also been told the console at the Citadel is under guard now."

"It should have been under guard in the first place."

"It was thought that the councilors would fully grasp the gravity of our situation. The Asari councilor obviously didn't, and they had a severally pissed off Prothean come through their doors, because of it."

"Is that suppose to make me feel better. Let me put it this way Commander. The most I'm going to do is share sensor telemetry. Now please don't harp on the subject, of the Turians lending aid. We have our on lines to consider. Said the Primarch walking away toward the door."

(Paragon or Renegade trigger - Chose Paragon)

Primarch before you go. I've heard your into extreme solutions. I have one, but I'm going to need your help, if we're ever going to implement it. The Primarch turned around. Then A Turian soldier bursted through the door the Primarch was going to, just after the Primarch turned.

The Turian soldier handed the Primarch a data pad. "Primarch, comms just went dark on the outer rim. They only got a short message out, and they said hundreds of ships just came through the relay." Said The Turian soldier.

"Reapers." Suggested Garrus.

"They did the same to earth in your vision." Added Tali.

"Have the fleets form up a blockade between Palaven, and those ships." Ordered the Primarch. The Turian soldier ran back out of the room.

"Shepard, my sister is still on Palaven." Said Garrus sounding concerned.

"We're going to get her right now Garrus." Said Shepard reaching up to accessed his comm. "Javik, Reapers just came through the relay."

"I know EDI detected them, with a long rang visual scan. Have you negotiated me command ability's? I'm watching the Turian lines form, and they are sloppy." Replied Javik.

"No I haven't. Coming here was a waste of time." Said Shepard looking at the Primarch. "Can you do anything to stop them."

"Citadel task forces are to far away from the relays to provide support. If the Turians are smart they'll abandon Palaven."

"Javik there not going to do that."

"Then get yourself out of there Commander."

"Come on we're going. Garrus have your dad meet us at the shuttle." Ordered Shepard.

"Your just going to leave?" Said The Primarch sounding concerned.

Shepard walked up to the Primarch. "I tried to work with you Primarch. You had a Prothean that might have saved you from a slaughter, but instead you chose otherwise. Now I'm not gonna sit around, to be part of something you created. We'll figure this war out without you. I hope you enjoy being the first Primarch to lose a battle on this scale. Come on. Said Shepard looking to his team.

"Fine we'll cooperate, what is there to do." Shepard looked back at the Primarch.

"Send your combat data to the Normandy, and do what ever Javik tells you to do." Shepard then held his hand to his ear. "Javik did you get that?" Asked Shepard.

"Yes commander. The Turians will have to retreat. The forces here are to massive to deal with. I'm scrambling Citadel assets to the area, but it will only give the support during the retreat to the relay. This is a losing battle no matter how we look at it. All we can do is save assets." Replied Javik.

"How long on the reinforcements?"

"An hour at best, and I am sending everything within a reasonable range."

"Primarch you do realize this is a losing battle? Your going to have to retreat." Said Shepard.

"Retreat, but this is Palaven. We will not retreat. If this is the kind of help you offer, then we do not want your help." Responded The Primarch.

"Primarch this is a Prothean who has fought the Reapers in his time. He's killed more Reapers then we've seen until now. When he says to retreat, you had better damn well listen to him."

"Commander." Said The Primarch

"I don't have time to argue with you Primarch. If you want to argue deal with Javik. I'm not the one who commands fleets. Shepard started to walk out then stopped. And if I were you, I'd get those dreadnoughts out of here." Shepard lead the team out of the room, to the shuttle.

In the Shuttle, ride to Palaven

"This is all my fault Shepard. I told her she could stay on Palaven until we left, and now I'm risking your lives to go get her." Said Garrus mournfully. Garrus was looking out the window of the shuttle.

"Garrus it's fine. No one could have know the Reapers would show up today." Replied Shepard.

"They could shown up yesterday Shepard. I was playing with fire, and now I've burned all of us." Responded Garrus.

"Garrus stop blaming yourself. Your sister knew the danger, and she chose to stay anyway. Yes you probably should have pushed harder, but I am her father, and I allowed her to stay. This is my fault more then yours." Said Garrus's father.

"Garrus listen to your father. He's right. Where's your sister right now?"

"She's at work right now. She'll probably trying to make her way to a underground facility." Answered Garrus.

"Where's the nearest one?" Asked Shepard.

"It's not so much the nearest, but the one you were assigned to." Answered Garrus's father.

"Show us." Said Shepard.

Garrus's father walked up to Cortez, Shepard and Garrus followed. Garrus's father pointed out the facility on the map, and then pointed to another location. "This is where she's been assigned, and thats where she works." Said Garrus's father as he pointed.

"That's far away. What's to stop her from trying to go to a closer one?" Asked Shepard.

"They'll turn her away. You don't deviate from the plan, it's very organized, and you don't want to be caught out side when the enemy arrives?" Answered Garrus.

"So what are we going to see down there? Asked Shepard."

"There won't be a mob, by the time we get there, but theirs going to be a lot of people running for the shelter still."

"You know there's a good chance we won't find her. She could get lost in the crowd."

"I know Shepard, but we have to try."

Shepard walked back to the main sections of the shuttle. "Tali are you ready?" Asked Shepard.

"I'm with you until the end." Said Tali pulling her Graal.

"Shepard, advanced fighter squadrons have already broken past the Turian lines, and are heading for the the planet. They are going to drop Reapers on the planet with torpedo mounted crash pods." Informed Javik over the comm.

"Got it. Is there anything else I need to know?" Replied Shepard Asking.

"Yes. Don't take to long on the ground. The Reapers will be there in less then thirty minutes, even if the Turian lines stand strong."

"Understood. As soon as we get back have Joker get us out of here."

"Yes commander."

"Mr Vakarian, I have to ask you to stay with the shuttle when it lands." Said Shepard.

"But that's my daughter out there." Replied Garrus's father.

"And she's my sister to. If this area is about to get hot, we can't be looking out for you dad. I'm sorry, but stay here. I'll find her." Said Garrus.

Garrus's father cocked his head, turning it away slightly, tightening his face, as if he were annoyed. "Fine I'll stay with the shuttle." Replied Garrus's father. Fighters whipped by the shuttle.

"Okay. Cortez how much longer?" Asked Shepard.

"One minute to the drop point." Said Cortez. The shuttle landed a minute later Shepard and his team climbed out of the shuttle.

"I'll find her dad, or I'll die trying." Said Garrus turning around looking at his father. "I know you will son, and I'm proud of you." The shuttle door closed and the shuttle pulled away.

"I'm just moving to a safer location Shepard. I'm on call when ever you need me." Said Cortez on the comm. The streets where littered with people running all in the same direction tripping over eachother. Running away from something. Vehicles filled the road, while the sidewalks were covered by the civilian running. The spot they had landed was actually on top of some vehicles

"You call this organized Garrus?" Asked Shepard pulling his raptor.

"Well it was suppose to be organized, in theory, but I guess when shit hits the fan, not even my people can do things right." Replied Garrus.

"You can't expect civilians to follow orders." Shepard pushed into the crowd, as the streets where filled with vehicles. The crowd quickly cleared, and the team saw two marauders firing on civilians. Shepard raised his rifle, and fired on the marauders, taking them down.

"So that's why they were running, like that." Said Tali. As they walked up on the marauders "At least we stopped these two from killing anyone else."

"Yeah, but the worst part is they're just making an army Tali. Every civilian they kill, is one more Reaper for them to use against us." Replied Garrus.

"What will happens when they drop the virus?" Asked Tali.

"I think that's a Collector tactic, Tali." Replied Garrus. Shepard and the team pushed further down the road, where vehicles had been crashed up on the side walk blocking the path. As Shepard and the team walked up to the vehicles, there was no obvious danger in site.

"Look at that." Said Tali pointing to the sky thousands of fighters filled the sky in formation breaking off as they reached there destinations. A large swarm of fighters dove down towards the teams area. Small read flashes of light came from the fighters.

"Oh shit." Said Garrus. The fighters open fired on the street, staffing it with there weapons, blowing up vehicles, and then dropping two pods. Garrus open fired on the fighters as they swooped down dropping the crash pods. Shepard and Tali took cover behind one of the cars, while the fighters swept through the area, and dispersed. The Fighters had blown a winding path through the street. Shepard and Tali stood up form behind the car, and watched as a pod was broken open. A cannibals started to climbed out of the pod. Garrus quickly shot it. "Come on Shepard, we have to find my sister." Garrus lead the team over to the open area where the cars had been cleared by the explosions, and climbed over the single vehicle in the way. Garrus fired on another Reaper, before quickly moving up again.

"He's going to get us killed if he keeps this up." Said Tali, as they chased after Garrus. Garrus was rushing a Reaper filled positions. Shepard and Tali had fallen behind Garrus, and had to play catch up. They finally joined Garrus, locked in battle with cannibals, marauders, husk, that filled the street. Additional fighters began to sweep by again, dropping more pods. Garrus attempted to move up again, but Shepard pulled Garrus down.

"Were the hell are you going?" Asked Shepard knowing the answer.

"I'm just moving up, keeping the pressure on them." Replied Garrus.

"I didn't order you to move up Garrus. Your gonna get me, and Tali killed, because you can't fall in line. Probably even yourself." Tali took a hit, and was knocked to the ground. Shepard spun in Tali's direction, to see Tali getting back up. "Tali are you alright." Shepard Gave Tali his hand and she pulled herself up.

"I'm fine, I need help though, there's a banshee out there." Informed Tali.

Shepard looked at Garrus. Garrus had a half scared look in his face. "Garrus no more of this crap. I know You want your sister, but we have to do this right. Garrus." Yelled Shepard yelling his name again.

Garrus snapped out of it. "I understand Shepard." Said Garrus. Garrus stood back up followed by Shepard and Tali and began engaging the Reapers from behind the vehicles.

"We need to take down that banshee." Shouted Shepard over the gun fire. Garrus pulled a grenade, and lobbed it over at the banshee. The grenade exploded with such force that it knocked the banshee to the ground, sending wind into the team. Shepard fired on the banshee with his raptor. The Barriers on the banshee where gone, and the banshee quickly died before it could get up. "Nice toy Garrus care to share." Yelled Shepard over the gun fire, taking down a Kajhil.

"Concussive grenade." Shouted Garrus back. Garrus took another Reaper from the hoard.

"Come on let's move." Said Shepard. The team took off firing, following Shepard. Shepard climbed up on some vehicle before turning around, and giving Garrus and Tali cover. Garrus and Tali climbed up on the vehicles with Shepard, before Shepard continued to the next hole, made by the fighters. A kajhil was waiting for them. Shepard swung his right arm letting go of his rifle, activating his omni blade, while still holding his rifle with his left hand, and cut its head off, as he jumped from the vehicles. The kajhil stood there for a moment before falling over. Shepard and the team fell into more cover as they began to running into more resistance. "Garrus how much farther." Asked Shepard firing on Reapers ahead of them.

"Another two intersections, to the building." Answered Garrus.

"Why couldn't we have just landed at the building?" Shouted Tali making a point, that they would only find her dead on the street, if they found her, not at the building.

"We could miss her then." Replied Garrus.

"Keep moving." Ordered Shepard.

"Shepard lead the team through a long path, between the vehicles that had been made, reaching the first intersection. "This is the first intersection. Only one more to go." Said Tali.

"Actually one and a half." Responded Garrus.

"Of course it is. Said Shepard." Shepard pushed into some cover moving left back towards the sidewalks. Shepard heard Javik and Primarch Fedorian over the comm arguing, while Shepard engaged Reapers.

"Your lines are fail, and you are losing ships. Retreat is the only options." Said Javik on the comm.

"And lose Palaven. Never." Replied the Primarch

"Your going to loes Palaven anyway. The only differeces is your loesing assets doing it."

"Then why don't you help me?"

"I've tried helping. You only care to do as you want. Tend to your own fleets now. I will not help you, and reinforcements will not be joining you. Shepard the Turian line just shattered, they'll start sending the troop ships to the planet soon." Said Javik to Shepard on the comm.

"Understood." Replied Shepard.

"You say you want to beat the Reapers, but you won't even coordinate with my fleet." Said the Primarch

"Specialest Traynor, shut the comm off. I don't want to here him. EDI when he finally is willing to listen put him back up." Said Javik.

"I can't believe Javik just did that." Shouted Tali. Tali then Nailed a Reaper off a car.

"Really?" Said Garrus with disbelief.

"Come on." Said Shepard. Shepard pushed Tali to move, and they moved on to a another vehicles. Both Reaper and Turian fighters battled overhead. As they swooped in, several crashed into the vehicles on the ground, and buildings, after being hit. Shepard lead the team out of cove again driving them towards their goal.

"At least they're not dropping any Reapers right now." Said Tali, as they ran down the street into more cover. A Reaper troop ship moved in over the sky, near by, and what looked like rain fell from the Reaper. The reaper was moving in there direction.

"You had to say it Tali." Said Garrus.

"Hey, I thought I was good luck on a mission." Replied Tali.

"We need to move people come on." Said Shepard driving the team forward again. Shepard and the team moved out of cover again and battled there way down the street, climbing over vehicles. Shepard, Tali, and Garrus made it to the building where Garrus's sister worked.

"Shepard this is it." Said Garrus as they continued to gun down Reapers.

"Your sure. At this point all your buildings look alike." Said Shepard This wasn't true as Reaper and Turian fighters were lodged in buildings burning, and even without them there where still some differences.

"Yeah, I'm sure." Replied Garrus. Shepard, Tali, and Garrus battled into the building backing in. Several husk where inside wondering the room. The team quickly opened up on the husk, dropping them.

"Alright we're here Garrus." Said Shepard asked Garrus what's next.

"She works up on the twenty second floor."

"Should we try the elevator, it worked on Surkesh." Said Tali suggesting it.

"We can try, but I doubt it will work. Power looks like it's been knocked out." The team walked over to the elevator in the main room room. Garrus pressed the button to call the elevator. Nothing happened. "Like I thought, it's dead."

The building shook several times. "Do you know where the stairs are from here Garrus?" Asked Shepard.

"I think, follow me." Said Garrus in response. Garrus walked over to a door and pressed a button. The entire building was built to Citadel standers, of three years ago. The door opened as they where emergency doors with backup power. Grated stairs lead up to the top floor, with only small landings, with a door at each level. "Military standard." Said Garrus with a little bit of embarrassment. Shepard looked up through the small eye of the stairs well. A fighter had crash into the tenth floor stairs.

"Well I guess we know what the shaking was about." Said Shepard. Shepard, Tali, and Garrus climbed the first four flights of the stairs, before something happened. A Reaper crash pod broke through the celling, falling through on the entrance side of the stairs, down the the small eye. Shepard looked over the side to see if the pod survived the fall. The pod was quickly kicked open, and a cannibals climbed out. Shepard quickly fired on it taking it down. More pods quickly fell from through the ceiling of the stairs ripping through floor grates, on hire levels. One fell directly through the floor in front of them making a hole to the second floor. Some bounced when landing on a flight of stairs, and fell down through the eye hitting other railings on there way down. All the pods quickly sprung open. Cannibals and marauders climbed out. Shepard and the team began fighting as they climbed up the stares. fighting through Reapers as they dropped in.

"I am going to punish you Shepard." Said a voice from below sounding like Harbinger. Shepard looked down. A possessed Collector was amongst the group, following them up the stairs. Shepard fired through a the grating at the Collector, with his armor piercing rounds, as they made their way up the stairs. They reached the sixth floor where the stairs, aswell as the square grating for the eighth floor landing, by the door was torn away, and layed on the sixth floor stairs. Shepard stumbled going up the stairs to the seventh floor. Garrus went up to the seventh floor door and checked it.

"Somethings jammed the door." Said Garrus.

"Try the tech charges." Said Shepard firing at Reapers above. The possessed Collector had fallen behind now, as it walked instead of running like Reapers.

"That's not going to work. We need to try another door." Responded Garrus.

"Down isn't a option Garrus." Said Shepard hastefully.

"Then we go up." Replied Garrus. Garrus took off up the seventh floor stairs to the eighth floor landing. Shepard and Tali followed.

"How are we going to get through that door. The control panel is ripped off." Said Tali

"Just leave that to me, and keep them off me." Explained Garrus. Garrus jumped over to the door frame, it was slightly recessed, leaving a space for Garrus to stand. Shepard and Tali continued engaging the Reapers as they came down, and up the stairwell on them. Shepard glanced over at Garrus, he was placing tech charges on the door frame. Shepard looked back down his sight, looking down the broken landing. The possessed Collector was on the landing below.

"You have no where to run Shepard." Said Harbinger. Shepard nailed the possessed Collector with a concussive round knocking him to the ground Tali finished him off with some Graal Spikes.

"I got it Shepard." Shouted Garrus. The door opened slightly and Garrus forced it open the rest of the way, with his hand. Garrus climbed through the door. Tali then proceeded to jump the gap to the door next, followed by Shepard. Shepard turned around taking the tech charges off the door handing them to Garrus, and noticed a marauder becoming possessed.

"No matter where you go I'll find you Shepard." Said Harbinger, before shooting at Shepard. Shepard grabbed the last charge, taking hits to his kinetic barriers, and handed it off to Garrus, before shutting and locking down the door with the console on there side.

"Damn. So we're on level eight Garrus. Do you know where any more stairs are? Asked Shepard.

"Yeah, but not this side of the building." Said Garrus. Shepard and the team walked through the eighth floor checking corners, no Reapers where in site, but their had been Reaper crash pods that layed open near the windows of the building. The building was a office building of some kind.

"Garrus just what did your sister do?" Asked Tali, whispering.

"Floor manager for a call center, that deals with civilian and military surplus, visors and helmets." Answered Garrus whispering back.

"So did she get you that one of a kind eye piece then." Asked Tali.

"No comment." Replied Garrus. A shadow moved across the path, they where taking.

"Please no ravagers." Said Tali. Shepard shined his flashlight through the room. He saw nothing at first, but weapons fire quickly became the response to his flash light. The team took to cover, behind the little actual cover there was, and turned off their lights. Shepard hid behind a main structural beam, while Tali and Garrus took cover behind some less formidable dividers, for the work stations. Shepard leaned out around the the wall with his raptor he couldn't see anything.

"Garrus go up and around, Tali on me." Ordered Shepard half whispering, while switching to his Graal. The work stations where long tables, with dividers that only went so far, before a path between them existed. They currently weren't far from on. Shepard moved up on the Reapers, crouched with Tali, while Garrus went around. Shepard Cranked back his Graal and quickly took down a cannibal. Then Tali took the next while Shepard cranked his back again. Gun fire could be heard by Garrus further up, on the other side of the work station, between them. "Tali go help Garrus." Ordered Shepard. Tali when back, and around the work station regrouping with Garrus. Shepard continued on his own down the main path. Shepard noticed A glowing light, coming from the door at the other side of the path, he was moving to. Another possessed marauder stepped out.

"I told you, you couldn't run Shepard." Said Harbinger. Shepard fired a concussive round, from the launcher attached, to his graal. This unfortunately did not work as effectively, as it did on a Collector host and only stunned him. "I like this body Shepard." Said Harbinger as Shepard layed graal spikes into the host Turian. Harbinger returned fire and Shepard hid behind a wall divider. The rounds where slowed, but his barriers where still failing. Shepard reloaded his concussive shot and Cranked back his graal again before leaning out. Shepard let the concussive shot go first, then another barrage of spikes, firing the third set of spikes in quick succession. The host body disintegrated, and Harbinger spoke as it did so. "This is not over yet Shepard. I will come again for you." Shepard rushed forward after reloading his graal and concussive round. Shepard, Tali, and Garrus pinned the remaining Reapers in a cross fire taking them down quickly.

"Thanks for the back up Tali." Said Garrus, coming out of cover. "And thank you for sending her. I know it was hard for you."

"Damn right it was, I had to take down Harbinger all by my self. Now come on lets go." Ordered Shepard. Shepard, Tali, and Garrus moved to the stairs and climbed them with no resistance to the twenty second floor. Shepard and the team searched for Garrus's sister on the twenty second floor They found nothing. The team had met up in front of the elevator. "Garrus you knew this was a possibility." Said Shepard.

"I'm not giving up on her. We'll look again. Said Garrus in response. Garrus walked off, and Tali started to aswell. Shepard stopped her.

"Shouldn't we be looking?" Asked Tali.

"Tali we already checked this entire floor. We're not gonna find her here. Look when we get back to the Normandy, we need to talk. Stated Shepard.

"About what?"

"Nothing bad I promise, but this isn't the place."

Garrus walked back in their direction. "Hey what are you doing standing around." Said Garrus sounding agitated.

"Garrus she's not on this floor, she's got to be somewhere else. Is there anywhere else where she could be hiding?" Asked Shepard.

"No Shepard. You always follow the plan. It's drilled into you, sense the beginning."

"Then she's in either one of three places Garrus."

"No she has to be here somewhere."

"Garrus if she's here, then she didn't follow the plan."

"Maybe she got trapped somewhere. The elevator if it was working she may have tried to use it to get out of here. Shepard help me pry the doors open." Garrus attached the tech charges to the elevator, and triggered them, giving a place to grab. Garrus then took them back off the door putting them away. Shepard and Garrus pulled the doors open, and looked over the side. "Salona you down there." Yelled Garrus. Shepard looked at Garrus there was no response. "Shepard I need to go down there, and check it out."

"Go and make it quick." Garrus climbed into the elevator shaft and started climbing down. Shepard looked over at Tali and started to say something, but was interrupted by crash pods, ripping through the building window, and roof. "Tali get to cover." Shouted Shepard. Tali moved to some nearby cover. "Garrus we've got Reapers." Yelled Shepard down the shaft pulling his assault rifle. Shepard took off to some near by cover. Divider again where his cover, at a call station, that ran perpendicular to the call stations on the lower floor. As the pods kicked open Shepard engaged the Reapers putting them down with some difficulty do to the number. A fireball hit the side of the building just below the window, as more crash pods hit, and more Reapers came out. Shepard and Tali continued to engage the Reapers. Garrus came over the comm.

"Shepard I found my sister." Said Garrus.

"That's great Garrus, but we've got problems up here." Replied Shepard, as he blew a cannibal out the window, with a concussive shot.

"I've got an idea, I'll be up in a minute." Garrus then disappeared off the comm. A brute climbed up through the window near where the fire ball hit. Shepard fired on the brute, running the clip dry on his assault rifle, as it climbed in. Shepard switched back to his Graal, and cranking back a set of Graal spikes. The brute charged towards Shepard, but Shepard rolled out of the way, laying spikes into its chest. Tali hit it aswell covering Shepard, as he pulled back to the other side of the elevator with Tali. Shepard cranked back another set, and lobed it into the already dieing Brute. Shepard and Tali still fought with the remaining Reapers as they waited for Garrus. Garrus came walking out of the elevator firing his assault rifle a few moments later. "Come on." Said Garrus. Shepard and Tali pulled out of cover, and ran to Garrus seeing the elevator sitting there. Shepard and Tali hurried into the elevator, where they gave Garrus cover as he backed in. Another brute slammed into the room and quickly became a host of Harbinger's.

"I will have you Shepard." Garrus backed in, and hit the elevator button to the roof.

"No you won't. As long as those battery hold that is." Said Garrus after the door closed. Garrus had used the tech charges for batteries.

"Shepard I have detected Harbinger's amongst the Reapers, you should remain alert." Said Javik on the comm.

"I know I've been dealing with him. Cortez get to the roof of the building." Said Shepard over the comm.

"The one where Garrus sister works?" Asked Cortez.

"Yeah." Replied Shepard.

"Alright. Be there, when I get there though. Reapers are crawling all over the place." Stated Cortez

"I don't think that will be a problem." Replied Shepard on the comm. Shepard finally glanced over to see Garrus's sister standing in the corner of the elevator, looking scared. "You alright." Shepard got no answer as the elevator stopped with a shake. The lights flicker, and banging could be heard, as the floor bent inward. The team moved away from the center. "Garrus open the door." Garrus opened the door, and quickly ripped the charges from the elevator control panel. The elevator had stopped, just shy of lining up with the doorway.

"The roof is only three floors up, we can make it." Said Garrus. The team moved out of the elevator, running with Garrus's sister to the nearest stairs. Garrus took two of his concussion grenades, and lobbed them into the elevator as they left. The offices were made with glass walls, filled with desks and chairs. The glass was broken with Reapers inside several of the offices aswell. The team would have to shoot there way through to the stairs. They then began fighting there way through the one hundredth and twenty seventh floor of the building, as marked on the wall directly infrount of the elevator. The host brute climbed out of the elevator, just as concussion grenades went off, knocking the brute into the office across from the elevator. The team shot their way back to the stairs where the pods had fallen. Their was no resistance on the stairs, just holes to avoid. Shepard and the team managed there way up the stairs running from Harbinger in the brute he possessed. As they made they're way up the stairwell collapsed under Garrus's sister, with her barely making it to the edge of the grating. Garrus's sister began falling Shepard turned around, and reacted to this, grabbing her arm, pulling her back.

"Come on Said Shepard." Harbinger had fallen down the stairs, as he was the cause of the collapsed, and left the body as it fell. Shepard, Tali, Garrus, and his sister ran out to the roof, just as the shuttle was arriving. Holes were all over on the roof aswell as some pods that left husk on the roof. Harbinger took one of these husks as a host, and chased after Shepard.

"I will have you Shepard." Said Harbinger. The shuttle door opened even before the shuttle landed, and the team ran for it. Shepard was behind everyone and was taken down by Harbinger.

"Shepard." Shouted Garrus turning around seeing Shepard on the ground now turned over fighting with Harbinger. Garrus fired a concussive shot hitting Harbinger, knocking him away. Garrus ran to Shepard, and pulled him to his feet. They both ran to the shuttle, diving in backwards cutting down Harbinger, at the shuttle door.

"They're in. Go." Said Garrus's father. The shuttle took off and Tali closed the hatch. Shepard and Garrus both layed their heads back and then looked at each other, smiling.

"Hhh. I'm glad to have you by my side Garrus." Said Shepard with relief.

"Pulling you out with style. Haha." Said Garrus laughing.

"It's not over yet people. Javik I need that fighter cover." Said Cortez into the comm.

"It's on the way. Don't lose the Commander primitive." Tali walked over to Shepard and gave him her hand, pulling him up.

Garrus Got up on his own. Salona walked over and gave Garrus a long hug. You know you scared the crap out of me just now. I would have saved you, had I seen. Said Tali sounding concerned.

"You can't be everywhere Tali." Responded Shepard.

"Yes but I could have hung back with you. Now should we talk?" Asked Tali.

"No, we need to talk private." Replied Shepard.

"Salona had released Garrus from his hug. You guy aren't already talking about sex, are you." Said Garrus joking.

"No. At least I don't thinks so." Said Tali looking at Shepard.

"No we're not. So this is your sister?" Said Shepard.

"Yes, my names Salona and you must be Shepard and Tali. Thank you for saving me. Garrus has told me a lot about both of you. For the longest time though I thought you where Garrus's girl friend. He talked about a Quarian girl he had the biggest crush on." Said Salona.

"Me. Garrus's girl friend, please." Replied Tali.

"Is something wrong with my son?" Asked Garrus's father.

"No, it's just Garrus isn't the kind of man I'm into. Don't get me wrong. He's a great friend, but he not my Shepard." Explained Tali.

"I let him have Tali. I could have won her if I wanted to." Said Garrus confidently.

"I doubt that Garrus, but thanks anyway." Said Shepard happily.

"I guess Garrus still hasn't straightened out yet. What would mom think? I can see you sprung for new armor to, but you couldn't send any our way, for mom." Said Salona.

"Mom was already dead, when I got the money, and when I offered before neither of you would take it. So I spent it on equipment to keep myself alive. What was I suppose to do? Run around with armor that had holes in it? A lot of protection that would be. Just look at my face. Look at Shepard face. This just show you what I do isn't easy. I don't do it because I like it. I do it because of the money. I did all this for mom." Said Garrus yelling.

"Garrus leave your sister be. She been through enough right now." Said Garrus's father.

Garrus got in Salona's face. "Next time, before you start judging me, get all the fact. Especially after I just saved your ass. Again. Garrus walked away." And look out the window. "That's a lot of ships broken ships out there." Said Garrus sounding calm. Shepard walked over to the window up to Garrus.

"To many, and all because of a Primarch that couldn't listen to reason." There where many destroyed ships, both Reaper, and Turian. The Remains of the Turian fleet had managed to bypassed the Reaper fleet, heading towards a mass relay jumping into FTL. Shepard began speaking low. "You know I would have given you the money." Said Shepard.

"Shepard it wasn't my place to ask." Replied Garrus

"Yes it was Garrus. Your my friend, and my brother. Your family is my family."

"I wish I'd known then."

"Garrus you should have always known... Hey your sister may not like you, but your brother does okay."

"Thanks."

back on the Normandy

Shepard was in the comm room speaking with Anderson. The Turian forces where still in full retreat. "Anderson did you get my message about parliament?" Asked Shepard.

"Yes I did Shepard. It's a disturbing concept. If the Illusive man controlled parliament. I don't even want to finish that sentence. We're running all of them in as we speak. If they're being control, we'll stop it. Even if a bullet to the head is all we can do." Answered Anderson.

"So what's the word on the Ion cannon."

"I finally got to see it first hand today. In fact that's where I'm located, right now."

"You really should say that over the comm. Anyone listening in, loyal to Cerberus, or the Reapers tracking you might now know where it is."

"Trust me I know my room is secure I checked it out myself for bugs. Trust me Shepard. I was put here for a reason, and if there's someone loyal here, monitoring my interface. Then they already know where the weapon is."

"Good point. So what's the word?"

"We've had to modify the design some. The weapon is to big to be fitted to any of our ships. I doubt even that Quarian ship could move it."

"It was designed for a Prothean dreadnought."

"I know and obviously we have nothing in our arsenal, to move such a device."

"Enough ezo, and you could lower the mass enough to move it with anything."

"We thought of that, but you don't realize how big this thing is. It would take to much ezo to move it, normally. We've got a better plan. Titan engines."

"Titan engines?"

"Sorry sometimes I forget you've been out of the loop for that long."

"Some egg head engineer developed a better way to move a dreadnought with only half the effort, while getting one hundred fifty percent power. Oh no offence to your girl Shepard."

"None taken. So your going to strap a titan engine on it?"

"Not just one, more like twenty." Damn thing his bigger then a Reaper."

"There's got to be something more to it, otherwise the Protheans would have just done the same in the design."

"Maybe Shepard, but we are just figuring things out. We'll know more when we actually figure more of it out."

"In the meantime, I just keep fighting the good fight, right?"

"For the most part yes, and when you get some free time let me know, your mother want to hear from you."

"When I have time I will." Shepard backed up from the projection pad. EDI can you.

"Already done Shepard." Said EDI cutting Shepard off.

"Thanks." Replied Shepard. Shepard walked out of the comm room, and into Liara's room. Liara took notice, and spoke to Shepard.

"Sorry about the mess Shepard. I'll have it cleaned up in a few hours." Said Liara. Computers screens where spilled out onto the floor, and crates full of artifacts were spilled out aswell. One even layed over dumped out.

"Liara it's fine, it's your room. Live in it how you want. Just don't paint the walls pink." Said Shepard walking over, and stood up the crate, that was laid over. "So what's with all the computers?" Asked Shepard. Shepard was putting the artifacts in the crate now.

"I'm hanging up my archaeologist belt, for my contact network. Artifacts aren't going to be what saves us in this war. I had hoped to stumble upon a weapon of some sort, but Javik say what I have here, won't amount to anymore then rocks, to throw at Reapers."

"You let him insult your work?"

"He didn't insult it. He just suggested I put my skills to a more reasonable use right now. He also said this would be perfect for pelting a Reaper against a wall with biotics, if they ever board the Normandy." Liara picked up a long cylindrical artifact.

"I figure if I can save one ship, one person in this war with my information. I can say I did something to make this war go right."

"It will go right. We'll finish that Ion cannons, and win this. Now how about you tell me what you where talking about with Samara."

"That's personal Shepard."

"Enough said. I'll catch you later then. Shepard got up from the crate.

"I'm pregnant Shepard. Well at least I think I am. I'm not entirely sure yet, but the last time Javik and I had."

"Sex."

"Yes, I couldn't slip into the same joining I normally would have. I thought I had figured out a way to avoid it, but apparently, I didn't."

Shepard put his hand on his head, and smiled. "Javik is going to be."

"Not a word to Javik." Said Liara cutting him off. "I'm still not sure, and to be honest, I don't even know if I want this child."

"Liara, this isn't a decision to be made on your own."

"I know Shepard, but I want to make sure I'm actually pregnant before I say anything. And I'm still fit for duty anytime you need me."

"I want to know the moment you're having problems. I don't want you dieing out there in the field, because I made you come along."

"I think I'll be fine for a good while Shepard. This war won't last long, either way this goes."

"Just how long is a Asari pregnancy?"

"About ten months. It's a long time, I know. Especially compared to Tali's seven months, but I'm doing all the work.

"Seven months ten days to be exact, and I urge you to keep this child."

"I don't know Shepard. You have things to do now though. Don't let me take up any more of your time."

"Okay, I'll talk with you later." Shepard walked out of Liara's room into the CIC. Shepard took notice Javik wasn't at his station, and walked over to Traynor. "Traynor where's Javik." Asked Shepard.

"He said something about needing time away from the war console, and to call him if something happens." Replied Traynor.

"Did he say why."

"No he was yelling about the Primarch, and having EDI send suggestions to the Turian ships individually. Then once the fleet was out of danger, and you got back he left. I can't believe you didn't see he was gone when you came through earlier. I don't understand Javik was so mad though. The Primarch was just defending his homeworld."

"You have to understand Traynor. We can't hold on to things like that anymore. We have to fight with the resources we have. Every ship could mean the difference between winning and losing. Javik already knows this more then anybody. His lost the war, and He's sworn vengeance on them. I can completely agree with his anger at the Primarch."

"I didn't realize the stakes were so high. I mean." Shepard cut Traynor off.

"Traynor we're playing with odds that are against us. That's why if you can do anything to improve those odds, then it needs to be done. No second guessing, just do it. You probably felt like I just yelled at you, but I wasn't trying to. I just want you to understand what is happening. This is our fight for survival."

"Right. I do, and I won't let you down."

"Good, now I'll let you work."

Shepard started to walk towards Mordins lab when he got a call on the intercom from Joker. "Shepard if you have a minute I could use you up here. It's really important if we're going to get out of here." Said Joker on the intercom. Shepard turned around and walked to the bridge with Joker and EDI. EDI had taken copilot just like in his vision.

"Joker what's the matter?" Asked Shepard.

"EDI won't let me fly us to the relay." Responded Joker.

"Why?"

"She says my hand is busted, and that I can't manage the controls."

"I did not say that your hand was busted Jeff. I said It was broken." Stated EDI.

"Same diff EDI." Responded Joker.

"Can you get us out of her?" Asked Shepard.

"Of course I can. That's like asking a cripple if he can't walk."

"Cripple stand for a lot of things Joker."

"Now's not the time to play Shepard. I can get us out of here, because the window is closing."

"What happens if we wait."

"We could be stuck here for weeks or who knows forever. The Reapers are right out there Shepard. They'll find us eventually."

"EDI let him fly the ship out of here." Ordered Shepard.

"Shepard, you are asking me to put my life in the hands of a crippled man." Stated EDI turning towards Shepard.

"Crippled man?" Said Joker sounding upset.

"EDI we've been putting our life in the hands of an AI, with the idea you may rise above your programing one day. Now please let him do it."

"Yeah let me do it." Said Joker acting like a kid copying Shepard.

"Yes Shepard." Replied EDI.

"Thanks Shepard. She locked out the controls earlier." Said Joker looking over his shoulder before looking at EDI. "And we're gonna have a talk about that cripple statement."

"It was only a joke Jeff."

"No it wasn't, and you're the one that broke my hand." Shepard walked away without saying a word. Shepard walked to Mordins lab, poking his head in. Lia was working in another location. Presumably the Genophage work.

"Mordin I'm sorry to bother you, but I need to know if you learned anything yet?" Said Shepard Asking.

"Yes, in fact you have good timing. Just witnessed results of latest test." Replied Mordin.

"And?"

"Found a way to neutralize Reaper ground forces on infested worlds."

"That great Mordin."

"Hm, not as great as you think. Also will kill all other living organism except plants. No possible way to cure either. Bacteria moves extremely quick. Kills you in hours."

"So we confine it to particular hot spots. Hit the Reapers where it hurts, and minimize civilian casualties."

"No, not how weapon will be used. Must keep look for alternative. Genophage horrific example, but also ideal example of how the weapon will be used."

"So I'm guessing you're not going to give it to me."

"Correct. Sorry Shepard, but the use of this weapons will cause to many deaths."

"I understand Mordin, and I won't attack you over your opinion, but when the time comes, and its needed I expect you to let it happen."

"Only as a last resort."

"I'll stipulate to that."

"Thank you Shepard." Perhaps Genophage modification not so bad after all." Shepard walked out of Mordins lab, and headed for the crew deck. Shepard walked to port observation where he saw Javik working with something on his arm.

"Javik You alright? Traynor says you stormed off." Said Shepard as he walked in.

"I did not storm off." Replied Javik.

"Sorry, My wording, not hers. So what's up with you?"

"Nothing. I am just working, and for now the console is in the same position as it will be for hours."

"On the shuttle you said you where sending fighter support. Did you get the Primarch to agree finally?"

"No the Primarch is dead. Ignorant fool. Luckily the new Primarch was more sympathetic to his men."

"So I take it we got the fleet?"

"No, but he was smart enough to listen to me, and withdrew the fleet."

"Some people just don't want to understand what you and I do, Javik. They'll never understand."

"The Reapers have to be stopped, and fools like Fadorian in charge, will cause us to lose." A long green blade came from the device on Javik's arm. The blade was extremely long and touched the floor.

"Omni blade?"

"No. A biotic blade. The tool you see, focus's my biotics into a blade."

"It is a little long don't you think."

"I am not in a good mood, the blade reflects that."

"So the madder you get, the bigger it will get to."

"Only to a point. The tool allows me to limit the size. It has lost it's memory and I am resetting it."

"Lost it's memory? how?"

"It has been without power for to long, and the minimal power requirements to maintain memory drain the battery, before you pulled me out of stasis. It has just recently reached full charge." Javik typed on his tool, and the blade shrunk.

"Does it have any other functions, other then the blade?"

"Yes, it works as your omni tools do. It would be how you would say, two in one." Javik reached down on the couch, and picked up the omni tool he had been using. "Here, you can have your tool back, I will no longer need it. The omni tool was a spare they had aboard the ship. Shepard took the omni tool. "You will need to speak to the new Primarch. I believe he will be very eager to delegate some of the burden of command, to the console."

"I will, thanks. I'm guessing you might want to be alone now, so I'll let you go." Shepard started to turn towards the door.

"Actually I would enjoy your company, a little while longer." Shepard turned back around, and walked over to a couch and sat. "I'm surrounded by morons. Those who do not understand the Reapers. You, Liara, and your women are the only ones who truly understand our circumstances."

"You want me around because I agree with you?"

"No because you understand, and I do not feel I am wasting my breath on you three, but you most of all. Said Javik walking over to the end of the other couch, sitting on the corner, facing Shepard. "Please ask any questions you may have."

"Are you sure you want to open that can of worms?"

"Nothing personal Commander, that is reserved for Liara."

"Okay. What can you tell me about Harbinger."

"The ship or it's monstrosities that it creates."

"Lets start with the ship."

"Harbinger is a vessel that my people highly feared in combat. It is smarter, and more powerful then other vessels. We have never been able to truly asses its Strengths. It never separates from the largest fleet in the galaxy, and always stays the furthest from battle."

"So what, he doesn't fight?"

"It, fights Commander, but it, has always seemed timid compared to other Reapers in battle." Javik emphasize the word it.

"It sounds like he has a big mouth, but has no balls."

"It, does Commander, It, appears to have authority over all other Reapers. Sovereign was what we believe to be the second in command."

"But Sovereign is gone now. That just leaves Harbinger in charge."

"Yes, and with the Ion cannon, I believe we can disorganize the Reapers."

"Cut the head off a military, and watch half of them reorganize."

"Yes, unlike a VI platform which follows their last orders. Their use of AI platforms may be their downfall. The Reapers will frenzy, some will retreat, others will stay and fight, they may even fight amongst themselves. What made me think of this, is your synthetics, and how they fought amongst each other. Do to the lack of a over ruling entity. The possibility that a organized hierarchy exist is there, but there is a chance that none exist. The evidence seems to supports the latter though."

"It sounds like the Metacons might have had a viable plan all along."

"Perhaps."

"Okay. What about the host he takes? Why do they turn to ash when he releases them?

"That I do not know, but what I do know is that he regularly hunted down other high value targets. Mainly government officials, or heros that are Illusive to his grasp. You should consider it a honor to be chased by Harbinger."

"I wouldn't call it an honor."

"haha, no I guess not."

"What about his host though? I only saw him ever take control of a Collector, but back on Palaven he took over what ever gave him a advantage."

"Harbinger has always done this, but it must remain in close proximity of his monstrosity's in order to maintain control. The exact reason he was able to control the Collectors, is do to a part of the brain, modified by cybernetics. It allows communication with other Collectors instantly. We did not understand how, but it mimics the way the Rachni communicate."

"How do you know this? I know I'm asking you the questions, hoping for answers, but I have to make sure your not making this stuff up, or making a assumptions.

"I would not make thing up, and as for making assumptions. I will tell you when it is a assumption. My platoon engaged indoctrinated forces. Collectors. We brought back one of the bodies for examination, our scientist came to this conclusion. My assumption is, this is something that It. The Reapers have not likely managed, for their current ground forces."

Traynor broke in on the intercom. "Javik sir, we just picked up a small Reaper task force. You said to contact you if anything changed." Explained Traynor.

"I know what I said, and thank you Traynor. Shepard it was a good talk." Said Javik, getting up from the couch, and leaving the room. Shepard got up after leaning back on the couch for a moment, before he walked out of port observation. Shepard walked towards Garrus's room. Rounding the corner Shepard saw Garrus carrying a crate, full of items out of his room Garrus was going towards the main battery. Shepard walked over to him, stopping him.

"Your moving out of your room?" Asked Shepard.

"Yeah I can't let my sister, and father sleep in the shuttle bay. I want to, but that would just be wrong." Replied Garrus with a smile. Shepard smiled back.

"Why don't you take a break, so we can catch up."

"Sure why not. I really don't want to move anyway." Garrus set the crate down, and walked over to the small table in the mess hall.

"So what was with you on Palaven? You didn't seem to break or anything, but you were rushing on ahead of us. Why? You know that could get you killed."

"Hhh, Shepard my sisters life was endanger, and I wanted to get to her as fast as I could."

"By running past me Garrus. You know their are no second chance here. They could have killed me and Tali, because you left us behind. They could have killed you, because you had no backup. Then where would your sister be. I don't want to lose my best friend Garrus. Please don't do that again."

"I won't Shepard. Thanks for caring about me. Now as promised the moment you've been waiting for."

"Tartarus? But things haven't settled down yet."

"Do you want to here the story or not."

"Alright go ahead." Said Shepard smiling again.

"Back in my Csec days, I ran with a partner for a short while. I preferred it at the time. Both my partner and I went to training together. We graduated together top of the class. We tied on graduation day. First time it ever happened. Exactly ninety seven, point five seven percent scores. Damn bastard turned in some extra credit exam that pushed his score up. I still got first though. He was fun to be around though, and we both liked to make the rules up as we went along. So naturally I picked him for my partner."

"They didn't want to stick you with some veteran?"

"Well the top scorer in the class gets to pick another partner from the class. Provided someone in the class scores above a ninety. They feel if you understood ninety seven percent of the knowledge that putting you with a veteran would drag you down. Make you veer away from the path of justice, and do what was right instead."

"But they were wrong about you."

"Extremely wrong. So me and my partner had it made. We went around hitting the crimes we could, and at the same times investigate some things, not so much in our jurisdiction.

"I'm guessing this is where Tartarus got you?"

"No, but it caught his attention. He started watching us. We didn't know it right away, but we soon cought glimpses of ourselves, on video, in the Csec office. Well I got a little scared started to straighten up a bit. I knew my dad would be pissed if I lost the job. Then one day we ran into a group of Batarians smugglers. Go figure right. Batarians. Anyway they where moving Illegal drugs on the Citadel. When we stumbled upon them, we drew on them. Then their was this young Turian girl who happened to step around the corner. She was also involved in the group. The assault rifle she was packing made it obvious. Well this girl, was the same girl my partner had been seeing, for months now. Needles to say he was shocked seeing her there."

"I'm guessing he let her go."

"And the rest of the smuggling detail."

"You didn't just let them go though, did you?"

"No, but my partner decided that girl was more important then our own jobs. She was doing exactly what we were hired to stop."

"So he put his gun on you, and told you to let them go, I'm guessing?"

Yeah, but the story doesn't end there. The one time Tartarus was actually physically watching us, my partner pulls this crap. The smugglers didn't make it far. Another Csec team swooped in, and gunned them down an hour later. He arrested my partner on the spot, and drug him back to the Csec office for processing. I was commended for trying to make the arrest. Later once he was put in a cell I went and talked to him. He made it a point to apologize about what he had done, and said he wished he'd listen to me. But he also made it a point, to point out how quickly Tartarus was on the scene. How he happened to be right in the area. He asked me to do some investigating on my own, to look into what had actually happened. He didn't know his girl had already gotten gunned down. So he asked me to visit her apartment, and if she was still there talk to her, find out what she was doing there."

"Did you tell him that she was dead?"

"No I didn't want to unload anymore crap on him, after what had just happened. When I got there, Tartarus was cleaning up the place. Making sure no evidence of his involvement, with the gang, was left behind. I knew I couldn't prove anything at her apartment, but I now knew it was a set up. So over the next couple of days I did more, and more investigating on the matter. I could never find anything, but Tartarus still got scared, and had my partner shipped off to some prison. Probably just trying to distract me. He died two days later, by the hands of some of the guys we put away together."

"And I'm guessing you still never found any evidence?"

"No never found anything, but I made it a goal in life to fuck his world up. He just happened to slip with Bailey, and gave me a opening. I did some snooping around on the Citadel after everyone went to sleep. Before the Normandy left port, and finally found evidence on his computer, that I dropped of to Csec."

"What happened?"

"He's going away for a lot more then smuggling arms, and red sand Shepard. I got him on murder of my partner, and a lot of other things, that he wanted to keep hidden."

Shepard sat back in his chair. "That's a hell of a story Garrus. I guess when someone finally gets me, I can count on you to catch them."

"I'll do more then catch them for you Shepard."

"Make them beg for mercy if it happens."

"I plan on it. Now I need to get back to moving."

"Do you want any help?"

"Sure, just take that crate to the main battery. I've got another two to get out of the room anyway. Shepard would carry the crate to the main battery helping Garrus. Shepard walked out of the main batter, and wondering back to the mess hall. Walking by the Med lab he noticed Thane sitting on a medical bed. Shepard quickly made his way into the Med lab.

"Thane are you alright?" Asked Shepard. Doctor Chakwas was scanning Thane.

"I'm fine Shepard. Thanks for the concern, but this is only a routine visit." Replied Thane.

"Good I was worried."

"Actually its not so good. Thane your lungs are on their last legs, and it's spreading to your other organs. I have to urge you to rethink the oxygen mask." Said Doctor Chakwas looking at her omni tool.

"What's with the oxygen mask?" Asked Shepard.

"Both her, and Mordin believe it will practically halt my Kepral syndrome" Explained Thane.

"So why not do it?"

"I would have to start breathing extremely dry air. The experience on the ezo asteroid, proved to be extremely discomforting. I found it harder to breath the less dry air, then she is suggesting. When Doctor Chakwas suggested it. I quickly refused."

"So you chose death over a getting better?"

"I would not get better Shepard, only continue to stave off the inevitable. I will not spend the remainder of my life in discomfort. Kepral syndrome will consume me. I have excepted this, and I hope those around me will except my decision. Whether they agree or not."

"I do Thane, but what about Kelly and Kolyat."

"They have always know my day would come. That one day my Kepral syndrome would take me, nothing should change if I continue on my path."

"Thane I wish you would reconsider, but if this is what you want, then we'll leave it at that."

"Thank you Shepard. Doctor are we finished here."

"Just let me give you your shot. Doctor Chakwas stuck Thane with a needle. There we go, all done. Thane hopped off the table, and walked towards the Med bay doors."

"We'll speak another time Shepard." Said Thane as he walked past Shepard. Thane disappeared out the door, and the door closed.

"I really wish he'd reconsider. Poor Kelly will be heart broken when he passes away." Said Doctor Chakwas.

"How long does he have?" Asked Shepard.

"At worst three months, at best maybe eight, but My doctors intuition says five to six months."

"I can't believe that's all the time he's got."

"I know it's sad, and even if he makes the first three months, he'll soon be in a lot of pain. Mordin and I will keep looking, but if this war keeps going the way things are right now, then it won't mean much will it."

"Karin we're going to when this war. I'm not losing this fight."

"The fire that's in you, when you say that, Makes me almost believe we can't lose. Now stand still And let me get a scan of you. No needles I promise." Doctor Chakwas walked over and took a scan of Shepard. "Huh. You might not believe this, but some of your implants have failed."

"Failed?" Said Shepard sounding concerned.

"Not to worry Shepard, your body has seemed to pick up the pieces, and is working on its own."

"So I'm becoming human again?"

"You've always been human Shepard. You just had a few extra pieces keeping you running. This is a good thing Shepard. I would get hit by an EMP anytime soon, but there may come a time when that's not a issue anymore. Go on, and get out of here now. I'm sure someone is looking to speak with you."

"Thanks Karin." Shepard left the Med bay, and walked towards the starboard observation room.

"Shepard, You should really practice walking softer." Said Samara as Shepard walked through the door"

"I can't help it. I'm a soldier not a infiltrator." Replied Shepard.

"Grunt walks lighter then you Shepard."

"Okay enough with the insults." said Shepard with a laugh behind his voice. Shepard walked in front of Samara. What's new with you.

"Nothing is new, but I continuously worry for my daughters."

"I would offer the same option I offer to everyone, but I know your code wouldn't allow for it."

"And what would that be Shepard?"

"Taking families aboard, so we can protect them from the Reapers."

"They would also be a danger to your crew."

"Your other daughters aren't like that, are they?"

"I would hope not, but it is not difficult to stray from the path. Temptation is the brightest light, that pulls us from the path. They are better off at the Monastery ."

"Hopefully they'll never see the effects of this war."

"Hopefully, but yet unlikely. Shepard I don't mean to send to you away, but I wish to be alone now."

"Sorry to bring up such thoughts."

"It is fine Shepard, now please leave me be." Shepard walked out of the port observation deck and took to the elevator to go to engineering. Shepard entered engineering behind Tali like always, and walked up behind her. Tali was holding Saleen making ship noises, while working and bouncing on her toes. Shepard walked up and touched her on the shoulder. Tali jumped then turned around.

"Oh it's you. You scared me." Said Tali

"I scared you, my face is that bad looking I hope." Replied Shepard.

"I'm just a little jumpy sense Palaven. And You have the most hansom face I've ever seen."

"Really. So why are you so jumpy then. It can't be Palaven we're on a ship, and no Reapers can get you here. I'm telling you it's the face."

"No it's not. Even your little girl isn't scared of your face. Shepard reached up, and tickled her belly.

"She gonna be our little engineer?"

"Maybe, or maybe her father will teach her to be a soldier."

"How about we teach her the best of both worlds."

"Defiantly."

"So what's up with you now?"

"I've just been thinking, if my people had not listened to you, the damage that could have been done. I mean there are only seventeen million of us left. What if they would have hit Rannoch. Palaven Didn't even have time to evacuate. Sure they got a few ships out, but that's it, out of billions. My people our only number in the couple millions."

"Seventeen million people Tali. Seventeen million, beautiful people. People who are going to survive this war, because of what you where willing to do. I didn't save your people, you did. You would have taken a seat of power, and thrown it away, to keep your people safe. I've never done anything like that. The Primarch may not have wanted to listen to the truth, but you did. You weren't going to get blinded to the truth, and that's what matters."

"Thank you for that."

"It's my pleasure, and no more jumpiness on the ship okay. Unless it is my face, then come out, and tell me."

"It's not your face trust me, Garrus is scarier."

"And yet you where interested in him."

"Only for a short while. Then Reegar came aboard. Remember though, I got better then both of them put together. I got you."

"I hope theirs no subtraction in there."

"No." Said Tali laughing. "Now please I have to get a little more work done before the movies tonight."

"Movie?"

"Movies. I found a set of movies we're going to watch, after we have our talk. The summary reminds me of this war were in, and it supposedly has a happy ending."

"Can I ask what it's called."

"No spoilers." Tali poked Shepard in the chest. "Damn those muscles." Said Tali sounding aroused. "Now let me work okay."

"I'll have dinner waiting."

"You know Tali I have muscles two you know." Said Donnelly flexing a arm. Shepard smiled at this, especially sense it was nothing compared to his.

"Kenneth the Commander is right there." Responded Gabby.

"He doesn't care. He knows the women I'm into."

"We all know Quarian girls."

"Who says it isn't you."

"Please Kenneth we're working."

"Dinner." Said Shepard to Tali before walking away. Shepard Shook his head, and walked out of of main engineering and made his way to the subdeck. Where he found Jack and Jacob together. Jacob was trying to hide when Shepard rounded the corner. "I see you Jacob." Said Shepard.

"I'm some figment of your imagination Shepard." Replied Jacob.

"Nice try Jacob, but there's no use hiding." Jacob turned around, and Shepard walked further in. "I don't see why you two feel you have to hide, what you have. Jack your a beautiful women, and Jacob your going places, when this is over. Neither of you should be ashamed of what you have." Stated Shepard.

"You mean to tell me no ones going to say anything about me, being with Cerberus." Said Jack with dis belief.

"If they're saying things, then they're doing it more right now, then if you would be out walking the ship."

"Really?" Said Jack with disbelief again.

"Think about it Jack. Your scary. Even I'm scared of you when I'm packing a gun. Why would anyone insult you, and as for you Jacob. Your a hell of a guy. Your friends with everyone on the ship. You know none of them will mean what they say."

"He's right Jack. Why are we hiding this." Said Jacob trying to convince.

"Because people don't need to know about our personal lives." Said Jack hostilely.

"Jack, that's no excuse. You can't hide down here for ever, and just think. You slipped not hearing me coming down the stairs. what's gonna happen when Gabby or Donnelly happen to catch you. Do you think Joker doesn't already know. It's going to slip out eventually, but instead of light playful badgering, it's going to be a lot worse, and both of you are going to regret not coming out with it."

"Ahh, I hate when your right." Said Jack.

"I'm normally right Jack."

"I know Shepard."

"So what do you say Jack. Do you want to try one walk out in public, and see what it's like. Maybe we can do some public displays of affection, that will make everyone want to barf."

"Slow down Cerberus. Hand holding comes first. Then sex on the mess hall table." Jack pulled Jacob in and kissed him.

"I need to really learn when to stop talking."

Yeah you should Shepard. Said Jack backing off, long enough to say that. Shepard quickly walked away, out of engineering, and headed to the starboard cargo bay. Shepard walked in to see Grunt doing one handed push ups.

"Grunt what are you doing?" Asked Shepard.

"Training for the next work out session. I almost beat Reegar last time, and now I'm going to win." Answered Grunt.

"Does any of this have to do with that stab wound?"

"No." Grunt stopped and stood up. "I figured if bailey could beat him. Why can't I. The wounds gonna scar up nice by the way. The women are going to be all over it. I just have to make up a better story, then a little phantom stabbing me in the back."

"Make it one of those large Geth Mecs. They're twice the size of a YMIR mec, and who says they don't have an omni blade."

Grunt gave one of his evil laughs. "You should be a dating service Shepard. Making up unbelievable battles. When the women ask did that really happen. I'll say of course, I was with Shepard. The second greatest worrier in the universe."

"Second?"

"Well I can't lie to the girls can I."

"Haha ha, no I guess not. I'll let you get back to your training. Your going to need those muscles for all the ladies you're going to get."

Grunt gave another evil laugh. "Thanks." Said Grunt before going back to his pushups. Shepard walked out of the cargo bay and headed to the shuttle bay. When Shepard got down to the shuttle bay he found Reegar relaxing against the tank. The Quarians had still not been dropped of, and apparently taken a tole on Reegar. Shepard walked over to Reegar and crouched down next to him.

"They waring you out?" Asked Shepard.

"Haha yeah. Funny how the admiralty board had you pick these guys up, but didn't even tell you where they are huh." Replied Reegar.

"Yeah a little. They wouldn't even let Legion tell me where they were."

"Don't take it to hard, they just don't know where to put them. As far as they're concerned they're safe here. Even if they did eat half our dextro supplies in a week."

"Half of them were starving."

"They would have made do. I did on my pilgrimage."

"What happened on your pilgrimage. I know Tali's story, but what about yours."

"I did a lot of odd jobs. Killed a few criminals for some cash, and did some basic maintenance ."

"Basic maintenance?"

"Scrubbing toilets, that sort of thing. All and all my pilgrimage was pretty uneventful. Nothing like Tali's, but it had it's moment. I saved the flotilla once to. Not that anyone believes me."

"Funny how you grouped that with uneventful, and I could believe you did it."

"Thanks Shepard. At least someone does. They didn't like that I came home with nothing more then some well armored suit, and my rifles. I didn't even offer the rifles as a gift. I just walked on the ship, told them I was a experienced soldier, and they'd be lucky to have me. They didn't even bother to check, and see that I just came back from pilgrimage, until about a month later. I got my ass chewed for It, but I kept my position. They didn't get a chance to look down on me and start me lower."

"It was their fault for not checking though."

"Yeah, but they didn't want to look at it that way. They didn't like that they got hoodwinked by a young kid, just off his pilgrimage. My voice has always given me a advantage. I sound older then I am."

"It suits you Reegar. When it comes down to it your wise as hell."

"Thanks. I feel sorry for Lia'Vael. She was spotted as soon as she came back from her pilgrimage, poor girl. If you hadn't picked her up, I would have. Then she'd be dead right now though."

"You know she's looking for friends right now. Someone like you who understands her situation, might be perfect for her."

"I know what your getting at Shepard. It's a nice thought, but she's to young for me. You know a pilgrimage tells everyone which one of the five different kinds of people you are.

"What do you mean?"

"Well first you have your average person who blends into the crowd. Then you have those with ambition, who tend to take risk things and get lucky. In other words, the ma'am. Then there is the ambitious who bring home amazing gifts to the flotilla, and they're good at what they do. I'm not saying Tali isn't good, but it's better to be lucky then good."

"So what about the other two?"

"Failed pilgrimages. Again you've got your ambitious, but this time they get lost out there, or have a very bad run of luck. They don't know what to do, and ultimately fail. That's Lia. Then there are the absolute complete failures, who come home, and just cause problems. Like that one you busted up in the club. Haha, The ma'am enjoyed that so you know."

"Sounds like you got it all figured out. So which one are you."

"That's the secret sixth kind of person Shepard. I'll check in with Lia, see how she's doing in a bit."

"Alright, I'll see you later." Shepard got up, and walked over to the elevator taking it back to the mess hall. Shepard entered the kitchen, where he started putting together a meal for Tali. He would take care of himself to, but the dextro food was becoming scarce.

"Shepard Legion wishes to speak with you." Said EDI.

"Where is he? I haven't seen him all day?" Asked Shepard.

"He is in my AI core room."

"Could you send him out? I'm a little busy."

"Of course Shepard." Shepard continued to search the crate, while Legion walked from the AI core, to the kitchen.

"Shepard Commander." Said Legion, while Shepard leaned over, and pulled a egg out of the refrigerated case. Shepard looked over at Legion, holding the egg as he stood up.

"I heard you wanted to talk to me?"

"Yes, but we would first like to inquire upon the substance Shepard commander is trying to obtain. Are you attempting to mimic a substance of your people?"

"Yes."

"Then we suggest a different egg."

"Okay, why?"

"The egg you currently hold, will not mimic the quality's of a chicken egg. There is one egg in the crate that will." Legions ednic memory with a quick glance allowed him to know this.

"Thank you." Shepard opened the crate again and switched eggs. "So what did you want to talk about." Shepard opened the frig and pulled out a package of sausage, and dropped one into the virus. Shepard then went back to the counter and started pealing potatoes keeping the dextro ones separate from the levo ones.

"Shepard Commander we are curious what are you attempting to assemble?"

"It's an old favorite of mine. Fried potatoes, sausage, and egg, and onion."

"What you are assembling is unhealthy, may we suggest an alternative."

"Legion most of what we eat is unhealthy, and I want Tali to try this."

"Then we will not hinder you with this subject any further."

"Okay then what was it you wanted to talk about?"

"Both, we and the Creators require your assistance.

"What do you need?"

"We have located a Metacon facility, that may assist in our understanding of there plans against the Reapers. We believe there may be a chance to communicate with them, in a non hostile environment."

"And you want to go check it out?"

"Yes."

"What about the admirals, what did they want?"

"Creator Admiral Xen has launched a exploratory mission on the planet Eingana in search of ancient technology."

"I'm guessing she hasn't reported in sense?"

"Correct. Creator Admiral Xen was warned of the dangers, and went despite the possible circumstances."

"Why would she even go there? It's not the first time someones been there. Everyone else who has been there hasn't found anything of value."

"This is not true. The We discovered a valuable ship for salvage."

"If it's so valuable why didn't you salvage it?"

"It would violate the treaty."

Shepard jerked his head back a little surprised. "I can't believe your actually adhering to that."

"The Geth agreed upon the terms of the treaty. We will not be the ones to violate them first."

"So what were these dangers then?"

"We knew of the ship before the attack, by the others. With their depleted numbers, they will likely attempt to salvage the vessel. In support of this belief our VI platforms that were sent to assist have stopped communicating."

"You think they hacked your there platforms?"

"It is likely. We received no data involving combat."

"How many platforms did you send?"

"Two destroyer platforms. They were sent to move objects with weight beyond average Quarian lifting ability.

"Where they armed?"

"Yes."

"Alright, EDI have Joker plot a course to Eingana."

"Already done Shepard." Said EDI.

"Thanks, both of you, and I promise we'll look into the Metacon situation after we find Xen. Shepard continued working on the food while Legion stood there. Shepard looked up. Was there something else Legion? If there is feel free to tell me." Said Shepard.

"No. We will no longer impede your progress." Legion walked away. Shortly after Legion walked away Salona walked up to Shepard.

"Hi." Said Salona.

"Hey, you finding everything okay?" Asked Shepard.

"Yes, Garrus is giving me, and my dad his room, while he moves into the main battery."

"I bet you feel sorry for what you said on the shuttle now, don't you?"

"Yes, but I didn't come over here to talk about him. I wanted to say thank you for taking us aboard, and thanks for coming after me."

"You don't have to thank me. I did it for Garrus." Shepard continued to cut the food, catching the edge of his finger. Shepard pulled his finger to his mouth.

"Here let me see." Salona reached over to look at Shepard's hand.

"Thanks, but I'm good." Salona dropped her hand. Shepard knew what that could lead to, and wanted to avoid it.

"So tell me something. Why did you want to stay behind on Palaven, when you knew the danger was coming?" Shepard examined the cut it was small and already stopped bleeding. Shepard went back to cutting the food.

"Well I didn't personally believe Garrus's warnings. I thought it was just some story he made up to sound like he wasn't a failure."

"Your brothers never been a failure Salona."

"I see that now, but he already lost his job at Csec, then there was promise of money for mom, if she need treatment. Then it was gone when we needed it. I just thought Garrus was making it all up. I mean I knew about the battle with the ships last weeks, but I thought it was over then."

"Now you know the truth though. I would suggest apologizing to your brother."

"I will. Soon."

"Can you answer me another question?"

"Sure."

"What was your brother like before he left home?"

"He was a player, had all the girls, average grades in school, and was friends with everyone, and he could fix, or rigs just about anything to work at least, for a short while. Dad didn't really see a future for him though. He had no goals. It seemed like he was right until now."

"That's a shame parents should have faith in there children. What can you tell me about that eye piece of his?"

"It was a discontinued model. I got it for him while he was in the military. All the others came back defective, but his worked. I don't know if he fixed it, or something, but that eye piece is twice anything the military uses today."

"What can you tell me about your father?"

"Theirs not really much to tell. He worked in Csec for so many years, and from what I can tell, been the same cold person all his life. Everything was always lessons to him. He never once played with me or Garrus as kids. The only one he really showed any affection to was mom, and well she's gone now."

"Not everyone is cut out for parenting. The child hood you had Shaped you though. Both of you are independent of your father. Most people want to break under the pressure of going out into the galaxy, but neither of you did."

"Thanks."

"One more question. Garrus said he saved you again. What did he mean by that?"

"A bunch of drunk guys tried to rape me in a back ally. Some guy scared them all away and I fell for him on the spot. We went back to his place and things got physical. I changed my mind before things went to far, but the guy wouldn't stop. Garrus had been watching me after the guy saved me, and beat down the door. I called for help. Then Garrus beat the guy to death. Look I better go before my brother thinks something is going on between us." Shepard looked around to see Garrus at the mess hall table. Garrus waved.

"Alright I better let you go then." Salona walked away, and Garrus got out of his seat, and walked up to Shepard.

"Smart move keeping your hands off my sister." Said Garrus looking serious.

"Do you not trust me Garrus." Replied Shepard sounding cocky.

"It's her I don't trust Shepard. She's a sucker for a hero, and you saved her."

"Garrus you know me I'd never betray Tali, but from what I heard, I'd probably be the best thing that could happen to her."

"Maybe Shepard, but you said your not interested. So I don't have to tell you to keep your hands off my sister."

Two hours plus cook time later

Shepard entered the room to see the lights dimmed, and Tali was nowhere in site. Urz was outside asleep. Shepard walked forward until Tali spoke, and then looked at her.

"You said you would have dinner waiting." Said Tali Holding a pose.

"Who say you weren't for dinner." Replied Shepard quickly though last time, even though he was careful had aggravated his stomach. Tali was standing by the bathroom door in his N7 hoodie he never wore, and a pare of his workout pants, while holding the computer in one hand. Tali walked up to Shepard. "Your looking sexier every day." Said Shepard Starring at her eyes, following them.

"And your getting worse about lying, but if you don't like it. I can go put my skin tight suit, you love on?"

"Tali your looking sexy as always."

"I wouldn't mind changing for you, you know."

"Tali your fine."

"Then are we ready to talk?"

"I guess, but can we sit down first."

"Sure, but on the bed." Shepard followed Tali to the bed. They sat at the top of the bed. "So which ones mine?" Asked Tali.

"Check my pockets for the ketchup, I'm using it to keep track." Tali reached in Shepard pocket, and pulled a bottle of ketchup. "This is Yours."

"Then this one is yours." Said Shepard handing Tali the plate opposite from the ketchup she pulled. "I hope you realize how hard it is to make you dinner."

"I know its hard, and I appreciate you doing it. Especially sense I can't cook, but what about drinks."

"Uh I forgot." There was a momentary pause while Shepard thought. "If you don't mind water, I've got a couple bottles in my hiding place. Personally I like this meal with water." Shepard tended to spoil Tali with flavored drinks.

"Then water it is." Tali got up off the bed, setting her food down, and walked towards Shepard hiding spot grabbing the water. "So what did you want to talk about." Asked Tali on her way back.

"We need to figure out something. I don't think it will happen, but Samara made a good point the other day."

Let me guess. A guardian for Saleen right. Said Tali, sitting down on the bed Shepard looked at here confused, about how she knew already. "She told me the same thing, and I didn't know how to bring it up."

"So have you given it any thought then?"

"Yes, and I don't know if they'll say yes, but I was thinking about Garrus and Zuula. Provided they stay together. Did you have someone else in mind?"

"No, I was actually going to suggest them. I know Garrus will make sure she's safe, and after talking with Salona. I know she'll be at least half raised right with Zuula. Also they're both dextro. But we still need a backup if they say no. I can't imagine Garrus doing that, but."

Tali finished Shepard sentence. "But he could. Who's a good second choice though?"

Shepard looked down. "There is only one other stable couple on this ship, and If you want Raan to look after her it's fine, but I have to say Javik, and Liara." Tali just stared At Shepard. "I know it's not the best but." Tali interrupted Shepard.

"It's fine. This is not about me, it's about making sure Saleen has a stable life. Javik seems to love Saleen, and as for Liara, she'll make a okay mom. I hope."

"I hope so to. So have we decided?"

"I think so."

"Good, now what's with the cloths."

"It was just easier, and it all smells like you. This way it seemed like you where around. I offered to." Shepard leaned over kissing her stopping mid sentence. "Change." Said Tali, as Shepard pulled his lips away from hers, leaving they're foreheads pressed together.

"Tali your beautiful the way you are, Your mind and everything else..., and as long as your willing to stay this way, I'll always love you.

"I also figured these cloths would be easier to get out of if we decided not to watch the movie." Said Tali, smiling, and being a little seductive.

"Movies remember, and as much as I want to do that. We need to eat this before it gets cold."

"Okay your loss." Said Tali still smiling. "So what." Shepard kissed her again stopping her. Tali smiled again and then finished her sentence. "So what is this?"

"This is fried potatoes, sausage, onion, and egg with a side of dextro bread and a Turian pickle. Or the dextro equivalent of it all at least."

"It sounds like it would be bland."

"And that's why I brought you ketchup." Tali gave Shepard a look, as if he was stupid for making something bland, just to add ketchup. "Tali I love to eat this stuff. Trust me, if it wasn't good I would have made you something else." Shepard and Tali still sat with their heads together.

"What's the bread for then?"

"To soak up the grease in your stomach. Plus it's another bland flavor." Shepard smiled at Tali.

"Okay I'll try it, but if I don't like it you don't get to see the movies." Tali and Shepard separated and she picked up her plate. Tali squirted some ketchup onto her food, and immediately fell in love with it, and quickly took another bite. Shepard was smothering his.

"You know I was hoping to skip the movies now."

"The anticipation will make it so much better." Said Tali being seductive again. Tali opened the computer, and loaded up the first movie.

"So what's this movie about?"

"It's about a bunch of different species that have to band together to defeat a giant eyeball, and his horde army of monsters. Meanwhile they're also fighting a person who has powers and his army of monsters. I call him The Illusive man, minus the powers of course."

"Do they win."

"Of course, just like we will." Tali kissed Shepard again after washing her mouth out with water. "You are so right, the water compliments it." Tali and Shepard scooted closer together and ate while watching the movie.

Writers notes: A happy ending, to a tactically disastrous chapter :) Hope you enjoyed. They're back. You didn't think I forgot about the Geth. I have to side track you guys while I fumble through developing (The Illusive mans)- This is written like that on purpose not random capitalization} plan.