Chapter 36: Wait, More Talking?

SSV Normandy SR-2

En Route to Krogan DMZ

March 9 2186

06:15 hours

Javik P.O.V.

The Prothean had spent a considerable time talking to the Human commander and the Asari archaeologist. They were most amusing to say the least, and the company within this ship was amusing too. There was a Turian, a synthetic, more Humans, the ancient and mysterious Forerunners, and then that other one, the Sangheili, from his conversation with the commander.

The Forerunner, Javik knew a great deal about. Although the Inusannon were the first race that Protheans evolved their technology, the Forerunners had been the ones to improve that technology further. It was discovered on the planet where he laid dormant for 50,000 years, technology of a race far superior than that of any species that came before. Some theorized that these Forerunners were not of this galaxy. In any case, their technology was studied, but when the Reapers came, they had to halt all studies. To ensure that it was not found by the Reapers, all connections were cut off from the moment that the Reapers overtook the Citadel.

Javik remembered when he was tasked with arguably the most important two tasks of his entire military career. It seemed like mere days ago that he received orders from his superiors. They had not given the orders via transmission. They sent him a pre-recorded message detailing his orders, the first priority being to make sure that the Forerunner technology was secure at all costs, and led to his second priority: saving a million Protheans from death. Ultimately, Javik knew from the start that these people would likely die in order to cover up the most advanced technology in the known galaxy, but somehow, it felt wrong to betray his people like this and lie to them about it.

But then his more rational side kicked in, telling him that if the Reapers knew about the technology, they could assimilate it and that it would make the struggle to destroy the Reapers even more difficult and maybe even impossible. Or if the machines destroyed them, then there would be many cycles before technology advanced enough for intelligent races to have a chance against the Reapers.

Now that he had realized that his mission was a success, he wanted to speak with the Forerunner that the commander had within her ship. Javik knew the ruins were important, but he had no idea that there was a living Forerunner within the ruins. He along with the large Sangheili were unlike anything he had ever seen before, so he wanted to get to know them.

It was not difficult to find where the Forerunner resided. His trail was very unique, very powerful, and very intelligent, but also mournful.

The door opened to Javik's presence, and he was greeted by a large being that was arranging some items, most of them technologically related. The Forerunner seemed to sense his presence, but did not turn around immediately.

"Javik," he said, "What brings you here?"

"I want to see what my people fought so hard to protect," Javik said, "And to know it was worth it."

The Forerunner instantly stopped what he was doing, and stared at the wall before turning towards the Prothean. Both of them stood three meters apart. It was somewhat awkward, but not entirely.

"I will not admit it to Shepard," the Forerunner said, "But she does not yet know what she plays with."

Javik moved closer to the Forerunner, and made physical contact with the being. Although the connection was but a few seconds, it was all Javik needed to see that this one clearly knew what true pain was.

"I can sense many things in you," Javik opened his eyes, "Many traits of that are commendable, but I also sense pain."

"I would like to think that it is my work, stopping the machines," Guardian continued, "I would like to think I am doing some justice in the name of my people."

"As do I," Javik nodded, "The commander is not really aware of our pain. Not completely at least."

"If she survives, this war," Guardian said, "She will feel the pain."

Javik took a small moment to think about the connection. While they both shared similar situations, how they went about it was entirely different. This Guardian clearly sought to honor his people by continuing their work, not seeking vengeance.

"You do not seek vengeance though," Javik pointed out, "You are a keeper of life."

"War is not always what I was born for," Guardian explained, "Before war, I was a keeper of knowledge. Being a warrior is but a necessity."

Javik grumbled a bit. So not a warrior by choice, but a warrior nonetheless, and a very powerful one at that. He had yet to see his skills in battle. He would reserve judgement on this one. He would do so for all of these primitives as well.

"You seem troubled," Guardian commented, "I know sad expression when I see them."

"You already know," Javik dismissed, "What does it matter?"

"If you persist with that attitude," Guardian warned, "Then you will find it difficult making any sort of connection with anyone on this ship."

"Why must I change for the sake of convenience," Javik argued, "I am here to fight the Reapers, not make friends."

"The two are not mutually exclusive," the Forerunner replied, "Surely you know better than anyone that strong friendships can be forged on battlefields."

Javik said nothing in response, but he couldn't deny that fact. Battles did make friends where they were least expected. In any other circumstances, Javik would have a hard time thinking of another way that he would connect with others if not in the midst of war.

"They are not my people," Javik answered, "They are not my concern."

"No," Guardian agreed, "They are not your people, but which is better: to be remembered as the last voice of the Protheans who was bitter and self-indulged, or as the last voice of the Protheans, a race that spoke of strength, courage, and duty?"

Without another word, Javik left the room, his time here already enough to satisfy his curiosity. He did not care to be lectured in philosophy. It was not where he was most skilled. As he said to Shepard, killing was his art, the only one he knew well.

And so he returned to his own place on the ship, his hands dipping into the water, feeling the cool sensation on his fingers. It was a nice and relaxing feeling. His mind began to focus less on his vengeance and more on thinking. He did this a lot now that he had the time.

As much as Guardian's words were annoying to him, they also struck a chord that he knew all too well. It was that of a memory that reverberated in his mind loudly. Those words, they were very similar to the words he had used once, in response to one of his men not wanting to save another subservient race. All races were considered Prothean, and as such, Javik felt it his duty to save them all, regardless of actual species. His men were not always so quick to be convinced. Still, he spoke the words, and believed them truly.

Javik lifted his hands from the water and watched the liquid drip from them. His eyes never left his hands as he carefully watched. It scared him more than he would ever admit, but the more things changed, the more they stayed the same. Water acted as it had in his time. The races of this cycle acted like Protheans would in his cycle. Was it truly a surprise?

Javik clenched his fists before letting out a growl. These damn Reapers, all of them. They would die one way or another, and he would be there to watch them go down into the infernos. They would pay.

Arbiter P.O.V.

The Arbiter swung his blade in a wide arc and he swung again, this time a strike close to his body. This was to conserve energy and reduce the time to strike. He then put his strength into a midsection cut, followed by an overhead strike. He then performed an uppercut. He continued to employ various strikes into a rapid motion that did not stop.

When he felt even minor fatigue, he instantly shifted the blade closer to his body to conserve and regenerate a small spark of energy. Even the tiniest amount could prove crucial, and he was not about to waste anything.

His blade continued to whirl with energy as his movements flowed. Keeping careful note of his environment, he remained within his enclosed area, keeping careful watch to not singe or damage any of the nearby crates. There was relatively little space, but Thel had trained in tight and narrow environments, and because of his physical stature, he had to be cautious when fighting smaller opponents not to get caught off guard.

"Shepard," he greeted, continuing to slash his blade.

"Arbiter," Shepard nodded, "You certainly don't waste time."

"It is instinct for me to rise early and attend to training," he responded, "If I do not continue to train, I may dull my edge."

"I appreciate your dedication," the commander said, "But don't overdo it."

The Arbiter snorted lightly, and finally halting his continued movements, deactivating his own energy sword and sitting down on one of the crates. Leaning forward a bit, his head turned to the Human woman. She understood him so well, and yet she understood nothing about him at all. She was an extremely intelligent person for a Human, able to see through many things, such as being able to see through people's masks. Yet at the same time, her idealism and naivety prevented her from seeing other things.

"Arbiter," she asked. "You there?"

"Yes," he replied after a moment, "I am physically still here."

"Smartass," Shepard muttered, "But seriously did you hear what I asked you."

"Depends on what you want me to tell you," the Arbiter answered, "Please specify what you seek."

"Your name," the Human stated, "You name isn't the Arbiter, that's for sure."

"Getting personal now are we," the Sangheili commented, "Tell me, how much is my name worth to you?"

"A lot, because for one thing, you're on my team. I'd like to think that the people I work for aren't just war machines. For another, I've seen the person underneath the Arbiter. I know he's there. And finally, because I can; it's my ship."

"Is that all," the Arbiter inquired.

The answer didn't come immediately, and the Arbiter noticed it. Shepard was actually having to consider something. When she did finally answer, the Arbiter chose to remain silent about it. He would let her believe that he had forgotten.

"I'm probably crazy for saying this, but you've become a friend, a very odd one, but a good one."

"Friend," the Arbiter inquired.

"I've been fighting for the galaxy for so long," Shepard sighed, "As much as I know that the galaxy will rally when I sound the call, Nobody can really understand the burden of being the sole hope of the galaxy. That's not to say that no one is hurting, but when people have problems, they come to me because I'm saving the galaxy."

The Arbiter said nothing, merely listening to a situation that was all-too much like his own as one of the leading figureheads of the Sangheili.

"More than I care to admit, I'm struggling with my ability to help the galaxy. More than I care to admit, I'm...being torn apart by the Reapers. They...they're…"

"Is there something on your conscious," the Arbiter asked quietly.

"There was a boy on Earth," Shepard whispered, "A child, no more than seven years old. I…"

"Watched him die," the Arbiter interrupted, "I saw it too, and it frightens me."

"What," Shepard stuttered, "You saw it too?"

"Something about seeing that child was unnatural," the Arbiter whispered, "I felt that that very moment was preying upon a fear."

His eyes met hers, and she silently urged him on. Another thing to be afraid of, the Arbiter noted. Being able to silently communicate via eye contact was something only very close individuals shared.

"Have you had conflicting dreams? Have you seen yourself fail in your dreams? Have you seen yourself unable to do anything as events unfold?"
Shepard bit her teeth as she tensed up. Clearly, he had hit a spot that she had not talked to anyone else about.

"You have," Thel asserted, "I know this because I have as well. Until I came into contact with the Reapers, I have not had these sort of dreams."

It took only moments for Shepard to register what he was saying, and to say she looked scared was a bit of an understatement.

"Indoctrination," Shepard breathed, "You think we're indoctrinated."

I think we are more than that, the Arbiter mused to himself, The Reapers are toying with us, and they know it. Even if we are not in their proximity, we are affected by the aftertaste. We are inexplicably drawn to each other.

"Not completely," the Arbiter said, "But the Reapers are certainly trying, or they may be trying to attempt something beyond our control."

"Like what?"
"If I knew that Shepard, I would tell you," Thel shrugged, "Alas for us."

That was not a lie per say, but it was not really what he was truly thinking. Thel's concerns went far beyond that of what was happening or even what might happen. His thoughts were on a possibility that could very well be.

Since the dreams had invaded his mind, he began to wonder just how far the Reaper corruption could go. Could it possibly be affecting their minds in a way that made them believe in victory when there was no victory to be found? Could this cursed filth be somehow convincing them all that victory was certain? Was it possible that the Reapers knew about everything? Was this all a game to the Reapers?

Then the doubt was suddenly banished. Thel 'Vadam angrily shook his thoughts free from this. No, he was not contaminated. He would rather die than succumb to such a disease.

"Regardless," the Arbiter dismissed, "If the Reapers insist on playing mind games, then we will meet them head first, to shout, to deafen them and their kind. We will never submit."

Shepard's intense stare challenged his words. She wanted to believe that he believed in his own words. Any doubt, and she would likely be…

"I believe you," Shepard smiled, "I guess I've always believed in what you say and do. Strange as it is."

"It is not strange, In times like these we must...always be strong, for ourselves and...for each other."

That sounded too personal, but it was too late now.

"Thanks for the words of encouragement. I really needed that. With everything going to hell and with my crew on edge, it's hard to find any sort of comfort these days."

"Do not go speaking of it to the others," Thel growled, "Or I will cut out your tongue."

"You wouldn't dare," she challenged back, "You care too much for me."

"Do. Not. Test. My. Generosity," he threatened.

Laughing quietly, Shepard shook her head, then placed a gentle hand on his armored gauntlet. It was be wise to retract his hand now, before things got too-

"You're not retreating," Shepard smirked.

When he let out a small predatory growl, but she didn't back down, much to his dismay. Whatever happened to being able to dissuade her so easily?

Joker P.O.V.

As Flight Lieutenant Jeff Moreau stared out into the open ports, his hands instinctively keeping the Normandy on course to their destination, his mind began to wander off a bit. He was thinking about all of the recent passengers that had been picked up. Joker had gotten to talking to most of the crew, current and former. It was actually nice.

In the meantime, the Normandy was off to the Tuchanka, the place where the fate of a Turian-Krogan alliance would either be made or broken. Wrex was his usual self, as always, and he wouldn't be convinced otherwise. Joker couldn't really imagine anyone changing the old Krogan's mind. For one, he was older than all of the Normandy combined, so he definitely had enough experience to tell people to shove it. For another, he'd really turned around since the Normandy SR-1's destruction. He'd gone off and actually done some good. And finally, he wasn't quite as grumpy as he use to be.

Joker had conversed with him several times, and all of those times, he couldn't really get through Wrex's attitude. The recent conversation with Wrex was short, but it was actually a good conversation for once.

"Still a pain in the ass, Joker," Wrex joked.

"Still got a stick up your ass, Wrex" Joker threw back.

"At least that stick up my ass is for a good reason," Wrex laughed, "The only thing you got to whine about is being crippled."

"Yeah," Joker snarked, "I already know what you think of me, but then again, I could just crash the Normandy and kill us all. Then we'll see how tough you are dead."

"At least you know how to threaten," Wrex responded, "I never told you this, but I always did agree with your glass-half-empty philosophy."

"Finally," Joker mocked-sighed, "Someone who appreciates true humor."

"Enjoy it while you can," Wrex chuckled, "I doubt Shepard's going around thinking like you do."

That conversation with Wrex was more less pretty good, but the talk with Garrus? Well, Joker knew very much that the Turian was extremely on-edge with everyone, and he heard that the former C-Sec officer had cracked and fought with Shepard. If Garrus wasn't one of Shepard's best and oldest friends, he'd be grinding Garrus for an apology to Shepard, but he tried something that he didn't do too often. Joker got on the com and tried to talk, but when he'd tried to talk to the Turian, all the Normandy's pilot got was a curt and dismissive tone.

"It's gonna have to wait. I've got work to do," Joker remembered Garrus saying.

"Garrus," Joker gritted, "Come on. I know you're better than this."

"Well apparently," Garrus growled, "You don't me well now."

"Jesus, Garrus," Joker exhaled, "I'm just trying to talk? I had no idea that was such a crime."

"I don't want to talk about it," Garrus persisted, "And I'm not in the mood to talk."

"So you'd rather face Shepard's anger," Joker exclaimed, "Fine, be my guest. Just don't come crawling back to me if Shepard tears you a new one."

Joker didn't comment on it to anyone; that one had left a bitter taste in his mouth. He was frustrated with Garrus's behavior. The Turian never really did learn how to control his emotions in the least, and now he was making a huge point of it. Garrus was never this bitter. And it was showing like a sore spot.

Liara wasn't in the best mood either. Joker talked to Shepard briefly, and she told him that the Asari was a bit shaken seeing one of her own people turned into an abomination. Joker had seen the footage, and those things, banshees, that was what they were called now, were a stark contrast to the normally-beautiful Asari. Joker could see where Liara was coming from. It was like seeing husks for the first time. Garrus had also been frustrated at her too. EDI had told him that fact, and it made sense, but in this instance, he didn't really choose sides. He couldn't do that, but he did try to talk to Liara.

"Liara, come on," Joker said, "Don't tell me the all-knowing Shadow Broker is losing her cool."

"It was horrible," Liara whispered, "I always knew that the Reapers were cruel, but I had no idea what everyone else felt until I saw that...that…"

"You dont have to say anything," Joker assured her, "We're all feeling the heat. That's how we'll all end up if the Reapers win."

"I'm sorry," Liara quickly apologized, "I know I shouldn't be crying about it. I need to do something about it."

"Liara," Joker bit his lip, "Don't forget, we all have to stop playing god, or goddess in your case, and start realizing that we're only mortal."

"I…"

Liara paused, her breathing indicating an attempt to calm down. Joker simply waited for her.

"Liara, I've known you for years now. You didn't shed a tear for your mother, and that got me worried. It's actually nice to see you like this. It makes you more Human in my eyes. And I get it, we gotta let it out. That's what everyone does. Anyone who says they've never cried are lying."

"I...think I understand," she conceded, "Thank you...Jeff."

"You know I'm here to talk to if you need it," Joker offered, "Just be prepared to put up with my jokes."

"And we both know how much your jokes mean to me," Liara replied, sounding truly genuine.

Well, that conversation was good, though Liara might say bittersweet was more like it, but at least she'd spoken what she wanted to say. That was the most emotional response that Joker had gotten out of the Asari archaeologist and information broker. She was always the more calm and collected.

Next on his list was Kaidan, and their conversation was simple, because for the most part, everything was out on the table in terms of where they stood.

"Shepard seems really occupied lately," Kaidan spoke, "I'm not sure if I should ask her or not."

"What's stopping you?"

"I don't know. Call it a gut feeling, but this is something that's beyond me even. I know that Shepard's going through things that no one else is."

"Golden words right there," Joker complimented, "I'm thinking that maybe being a little bit pushy about this might help."

"With the way things are now," Kaidan said, "I'd rather not push my luck. Our friendship is all I've got left."

"Well, eventually, she's either going to tell us or someone's going to get it from her. I'd like to think she'd fess up, but who knows what she's thinking."

"You think it's worth pushing?"

"If it involves Commander Jane Shepard, it's worth knowing talking about," Joker answered honestly, "But maybe it'd be best if we could somehow show her that telling would be the best thing to do."

"You know, I'm beginning to think you've lost your rocker, Joker. Why the hell would I want to guilt-trip Shepard into talking?"

"I didn't say that, Major. Let me say it again in english. What I meant to say is that maybe we need to somehow indicate that it's for her own good and our own good."

"Subtlety isn't exactly my thing," Kaidan sighed, "I like to say things as they are."

"Maybe you don't know," Joker agreed, "But someone on this ship does."

"Who?"
"You notice the tension between the Arbiter and Shepard," Joker asked.

"Notice," Kaidan seemed a bit confused.

"Shepard's been spending a lot of time with the Arbiter lately," the pilot reported, "EDI's been telling me."

"And this helps us get Shepard to speak how?"

"Arby's been able to get Shepard to talk in ways that no one else has been able to get her to talk."

"So ask him then," Kaidan deadpanned.

"Unless you're scared," Joker followed up, "I mean that guy seriously is too tall for his own good."

"I think I can handle it," Kaidan said annoyed, "Now you've given me extra work to do. Thank you so much Joker."

"Just doing my job, Major."

Kaidan's attitude had more or less been the same moderator he was when he first joined Shepard's crew. It was good for him to be here. Even though he'd royally screwed up with Shepard, he knew better than to hold onto something that wasn't his anymore.

Then there was James Vega, the overly-eager and confident marine, who shamelessly flirted with anyone, Shepard included.

"If you still want to get smashed by Reapers, I'd be happy to get you there LT. Or do you prefer to be turned into a husk? Or how about total molecular breakdown by red beam of death? Or maybe-"

"I'll pass this time," James commented, "I like telling death it can go suck one, but death doesn't play nice all the time."

"It played nice," Joker laughed, "Well maybe it let Shepard get back up, but since when did it ever start being nice?"

"Dead is overrated," James dismissed, "I've played dead lots of times. Didn't even break a sweat."

"Keep that attitude up," the Normandy pilot continued, "And you just might just end up dead with us."

"If you're trying to scare the fight out of me, broken bones, then you're not doing a good job at it."

"Ahem, who's the one keeping you alive in space and flying the ship?"

"What are you going to do? Ask EDI to evac the shuttle bay and blast me into space?"

"I am more than capable of doing such a thing, Lieutenant Vega, EDI chimed in, "Death in space is suppose to be a most painful way to extinguish life, and a very fun way to do it"

"..."

"That was a joke."

"Yeah," James trailed off, "I got it. Don't mess with the chick that can turn the ship against me. Gotta go."

Before Joker could comment further, James had cut the line. Maybe the guy wasn't as tough as his files said he was.

Now that those were out of the way, Joker considered between which ancient he wanted to talk to, and EDI had summed them both up in as simplistic terms as she could.

"Guardian, or Undying-Light-of-Protection, the Forerunner is a far-sighted individual. If you talk with him, you will spend hours talking to him. I have already done so."

"Undying-Light-of-Protection," Joker snorted, "What the hell kind of name is that?

"The kind that he has," EDI simply said.

"Yeah, no shit," Joker shook his head, "What about the other one?"

"Javik the Prothean, he is prone to simplifying everything he says. He is not much of a conversationalist. He is rather bitter and hateful. He thinks we are all primitive and lacking."

"To talk to the thinker or to talk to the hater," Joker considered.

A slightly longer-than-normal chapter. This is for character development if you guys didn't know. It's been awhile since I touched on Shepard and Arbiter interactions like this one.

And speaking of character development, I want to hear my reader's opinion. Is it better to lessen Shepard's squad interactions and stick to more Arbiter-Shepard-oriented chapters, or is it better to focus on everyone? Leave your opinion in your review. I'd like to know what people are thinking.

As always, if you loved this chapter, leave it in a review. If you hated this chapter, tell me why. If you want to offer your opinion or critique, then please do so. All reviews are welcome.

Thank you to all the reviewers for getting me to over 500 reviews. I never thought I'd get this far. Thanks to all of you, I've been able to continue to write this story and put my all into it, even if it was difficult at times. Thank you all for your support and belief in this story.

A special thanks to TheEnglishWriter and ForgottenGrimiore for beta-reading this chapter. You guys are awesome!

I hope you all enjoyed this story, and remember, listen, you only tease the ones you love.

Peace out!