Epilogue
Three medical students, a Human, Asari and Salarian stood around the facility's main VI link. The facility staff was especially proud of this one VI. Despite the limitations on a VI being able to communicate and simulate a realistic discussion, this one certainly was skilled. This particularly VI, who responded to "Sholmet," stimulated such traits as sarcasm, concern, determination even a sense of humor. Sholmet was not self aware, but it certainly seemed like a much beloved staff member in the lab. The Asari spoke first.
"I can not believe that such a thing could happen on the Citadel. Yet, it seems like it is still very much remembered here, despite the few centuries that has passed since then." the Asari stated. Sholmet, an image of a young human male, nodded in agreement.
"It has indeed been a long time, but it is also the worse biological attack on the Citadel here. The Apollyon virus is cited in many medical textbooks, including your own. It is also used as model in many biological warfare military training exercises." Sholmet informed.
"Thank you for the information, Sholmet. You have been most helpful." the Salarian thanked.
"You are most welcome."
"If you don't mind my asking, what happened to them?" the human, a young female asked.
"Them? Are you referring to the people related to the story?" Sholmet asked.
"Yeah, like Vink Horlorn, Dr. Jima and all the others." the woman asked. Her colleagues nodded in agreement.
"Vink Horlorn was never brought to justice for his involvement in the Apollyon crisis. He lived his life as the CEO of the Elkoss Combine before dying in obscurity. Dr. Jima completed her training, as well as her work at the Gatekeeper facility, exact location classified. She is said to have served as an excellent Spectre and is rumored to have been cited for several decorations." Sholmet informed.
"How about Lucas and Dalora? Whatever became of them?"
"Lieutenant Lucas Von Seraph spent the next ten years serving with the Alliance, mostly as a chaplain at Jump Zero. When he wasn't doing that, or flying in space patrols or being sent to several minor conflicts as an infiltrator, he was working with Spectre Jima. After ten years, he retired to civilian life. Dalora Algre worked as a mechanic and security guard at Jump Zero. She is also rumored to have served with Spectre Jima on numerous occasions."
"Did those two ever get married?" the human interrupted curiously. The image of Sholmet folded his arms and smirked.
"I don't know, what do you think?"
"Well, you never know, something might have happened..."
"Ooh, you got to love drama and mystery. You may go look up the files yourself." Sholmet teased. The Salarian also had further questions.
"And Julland, Talana, Merjj and Dolphos?"
"They all served faithfully and without spot to Spectre Jima for the duration of her service to the Council. They all must have retired to quiet lives, since there is little in the records about them afterwards."
"And Nalia?" the Asari asked. The VI image smiled a bit.
"Matriarch Nalia D'sara chooses to live a quiet life back on her home planet. She is recognized as one of the longest living Asari Matriarchs, and is also considered one of the wisest. Her writings and stories of her life are among the best selling in the Galaxy." Sholmet revealed. One of the students hesitated.
"You know, you never mentioned what happened to Captain Methalos." the human observed.
"There are no official records as to what happened to the raider captain." the VI admitted.
The students remained for a small chat with the witty and engaging program before going off to complete their reports. Sholmet faithfully helped the visitors to the facility until closing time. The image of the human seemed to sigh during the after hours which were dark and lonely when the facility was empty. However, it still held a smile, as if it knew a secret. In fact, the official records on Methalos did not exist, but that didn't mean his story was lost to history.
The transition from man to machine is a slow process. It started with the pirate's arm and then eye. Eventually, as more injuries were sustained, more parts of his body became mechanized. In the years that passed, he soon retired to a quiet life. However, in one last daring journey, he went to make his mark on history.
Deep within the bowels of the VI terminal, was its central neural net, surrounded by its auxiliary memory units. It was this central net that the VI drew on its in-depth character and personality. However, one day, no matter how well the preservation of this unit was, it would one day cease to exist, as is what is meant for all physical things. When that happened, the depth, wit and personality to Sholmet would end, and it would become another typical VI unit. However, when that occurred, a preprogrammed order would go out, and alter the dialog should anyone ask the question again of what happened to the elusive Captain Methalos. Sholmet smiled as he thought on what their reaction would be. In the quiet, empty lab, the VI is sometimes heard to whisper.
"Like I care how soon they find out..."
Author's Note: Well, here is the end of Retrovirus. I put up the last chapters all at once so that there would be no confusion and that there would be no waiting time, especially when the chapters started to wind down. Feel free to look for symbolism and themes, I did intentionally put certain numbers, words and themes for reasons. The downside is that yes, some things may have become stereotypical, but I guess I'll have to get better at that. I am thinking about a sequel, so if any of you enjoyed this, and have ideas or comments on how to improve or what you would like to see if I do come out with a sequel, feel free to leave a message.
Special thanks to those who gave advice and input. You know who you are. It greatly contributed to the improvement of this story.