Once again I apologize for the late chapter but thankfully I am now out of that job that was wrecking me. So I should be able to get more chapters out to you guys. Stay safe out there and take care of your feet.

Chapter 10: Duplicity

Shepard was coming to the CIC aboard the Normandy after seeing Chakwas below in medical. He had been complaining about headaches, though under initial examination it appeared that there was nothing unusual. The Commander stepped out of the elevator and he suddenly felt more pain in his forehead, like that of an intense migraine. He looked to Kelly working at her terminal by the galaxy map. Another shot of pain went through Shepard's head and he held his brow with his hand. After a short moment, grimacing through the wave of pain, he looked to Kelly again and thought he saw...a shadow of something.

The shadow appeared to the right of Kelly's head. Shepard just stared at it, as it started to coalesce a form began to appear. It began turning into a sort of gaunt face with two green eyes. The Commander could hear a ghostly faint laughing coming from the shadowy presence. A grin on the dark face formed and its eyes now looked to Kelly. Shepard began to sweat. He felt the instinctual urge to lash out at the face to protect his councilor. But his intellect knew it was just an illusion, that he was only hallucinating. Then the face looked right at him and began laughing. A ghostly yet familiar laugh that made him close his eyes and clutch at his forehead yet again. His low grunts of discomfort drew Kelly's attention.

She looked toward him and saw Shepard clutching his forehead. She quickly asked, "Commander? Are you okay?"

Shepard opened his eyes again and found that the face was gone leaving only a worried Kelly looking at him with a concerned expression in her eyes. The Commander shook off the discomfort and replied, "Ah! Oh...just exhausted. I've been having headaches lately. I just came back from medical. Chakwas said there was nothing physically wrong...maybe I am just tired."

Kelly approached the Commander, "Well then, go get some rest things aren't going to fall apart if you take a few hours for yourself."

Shepard shook his head, "There's still so much to do, people to get in touch with. Still have to...talk with the others about what happened." Shepard murmured, a feeling of uncertainty washing over him as he spoke.

"That can wait...you need time to take care of yourself." Kelly replied.

Shepard was quiet for a moment, then after finally allowing himself to feel his exhaustion he nodded, "Yea...okay. If anyone needs me I'll be in my cabin."

"Of course." Kelly gave a reassuring smile. Shepard turned and slowly stepped into the elevator behind him.

While he was in the lift heading to his cabin, he heard the whispered laughing again. Though he felt no pain this time, it was still unnerving. It brought up memories from Veridine, thoughts of Veronakh taking Jack and mocking him for his short comings. They flashed across his memory while he closed his eyes, listening to the lift going upwards. Upon reaching the top Shepard stepped into his cabin. Everything looked as it was when he had last left it, clean and organized. His fish were needing to be fed and so he quickly moved over to his aquarium to dispense the food to them. In the reflection of the aquarium's glass however, he thought he saw a gaunt figure behind him. Shepard turned and saw nothing, but he was starting to sweat again. Like at any moment he would be caught in another fight. He looked around before returning to the tank. He dispensed the food and was about to go to his bed to lay down and then he saw it. Sitting on his bed was...

"Hello Shepard." Veronakh spoke, literally with a moving mouth that turned into a metallic grin. Shepard had stopped in mid step, his mouth slightly agape at what he was seeing. Although it was Veronakh's voice his appearance was shorter than what the Commander had remembered. Less ornamentation as well and the fact that his mouth now moved when he spoke was also unsettling...unnatural.

"No...this...this is impossible." said Shepard shaking his head, still shocked at what he was seeing.

"Yet here I am. Such is our power Shepard...or perhaps it is just the delusion of your mind?" Veronakh gave a chuckle before grinning at the Commander's confusion.

"How did you get in here?!" the Commander scowled.

Veronakh simply smiled, "Oh my dear Commander...have you forgotten?"

"What?..." replied Shepard, confused as to the machine lord's meaning.

Shepard stared ahead and searched his memories, the feeling of being forced to his knees. The pain of his muscles fighting against a foreign will. The Spectre's eyes met Veronakh's again and the Necron Lord had a smug look on his robotic face, "Do you remember now? I told you before...your shackle is still within you."

A sharp pain struck the Commander and he grimaced, grasping his forhead with his right hand. The throbbing in his head was intense and there was a loud sound like one having tinnitus ringing in his ears. Then as quickly as it came the pain and noise subsided, leaving Shepard to open his eyes again to see Veronakh rise off his bed and approach him.

The Commander grunted from his discomfort, "What do you want...our business was done."

Veronakh continued to approach with a smile, "Oh I just wanted to have a friendly chat."

Shepard frowned, "Despots like you don't just come around for 'friendly chats'..."

Veronakh stopped in front of Shepard with a raised hand, "Now Shepard, please understand that what happened earlier between us was nothing personal. Well...I suppose it was for you to an extent, but I am willing to look past that difficult beginning and...ask a favor of you."

"No..."

Veronakh feigned surprise still smiling, "No? Already? You haven't even heard what I was going to ask."

"You've killed and enslaved innocent people including my crew and think you can simply ask ME for a favor? You must be out of your god damn mind..."

Veronakh continued to grin, "Like yourself, talking to what could very well be a hallucination?"

Shepard blinked and Veronakh was gone from his sight. He shook his head and put a hand over his face. Suddenly he heard a metallic "hmmmmm" coming from behind him. The Spectre spun around and saw Veronakh with his left hand on his chin looking at Shepard's ship collection.

"An interesting display of ships you have here." said Veronakh, looking at a model of the Destiny Ascension.

"Get out!" Shepard spat at the Necron while stomping towards the smug robot.

Veronakh simply looked to Shepard again with a grin, "Or what? You'll force me to leave?"

The Spectre gave the Necron a deathly glare, "If that's what it takes."

"I do believe that didn't bode well for you the last time you stood against me." said Veronakh raising a metallic brow.

Shepard threw a punch at Veronakh's face only to find his fist hitting his own ship collection. Models fell from stands onto the Commander's desk and he gripped his hand in pain from the blow. The Spectre, angered at what was happening kicked a model that had fallen on the ground. It flew towards his bed, only for another hallucination of Veronakh to seemingly catch it with his metallic hand.

"That's no way to treat your own property you know." The Necron Lord said with another smirk on his face.

Shepard by contrast had his fists clenched ready to fight. A part of him knew it was pointless but his emotions had boiled over from all the taunting. He wanted Veronakh gone and he quickly moved towards the mechanical fiend seemingly ready to hit him again. The Necron Overlord for his part simply stood and waited for yet another futile blow. But when Shepard approached the Necron this time his features softened and he began to release the tension in his hands. Instead of attempting another punch, Shepard swiftly grabbed the model ship out of the robot lord's hand.

The Spectre closed his eyes for a few seconds and breathed, regaining his composure, "You're not real...you're just an illusion from that damn mindshackle aren't you?"

Veronakh finally stopped grinning and replied, "Perhaps...or perhaps I am Veronakh, reaching out to you through the mindshackle's connection. Though your will is quite strong, even you can only resist me for so long."

"If you are the real Veronakh then why are you like this?" Shepard asked.

"My Cryptek surmises its due to a combination of both your mind translating the signal and my own creativity. I thought that if I adopted a less imposing visage and had a face with which you could actually converse with... it would make our talk more...fruitful." Veronakh mused.

Shepard grimaced, "Well it isn't working..."

"Clearly, though your reaction was certainly entertaining. Worth the attempt at the very least." Veronakh's smile returned.

Shepard by contrast grew even more angry, "I told you...it's not going to happen. Nothing you say will convince me to do anything for you!"

The Necron lord grew more serious, "A shame...I suppose...an ultimatum will have to do."

Another eye blink from Shepard and Veronakh vanished. Shepard felt the sharp pain again but it passed more quickly this time. Feeling like he had gotten over what must have been another attempt to break his will, Shepard sat on the edge of his bed. He bent over and held his face in his hands but was quickly interrupted by the sound of his cabin door opening. The Spectre quickly got up and found Miranda stepping into the room.

"Miranda?" he asked.

The Normandy XO seemed to be simply staring out into the room blankly, but when Shepard drew closer he noticed the slight trembling in her face. Her brow was even attempting to convey something to Shepard but it was being suppressed to keep it still. Before Shepard could reach out to her and ask what was wrong she drew her sidearm. Miranda quickly pointed the weapon at her own temple, an expression of sadness finally breaking through whatever will was forcing her hand.

"NO!" Shepard leapt at Miranda to stop her as the gun discharged. When he hit the ground he found himself alone again. He held his side in pain and groaned, silently cursing himself for falling for another illusion. The Spectre got back up and slowly walked back to his chair at his desk near the model ships that were still scattered around. He sat down and then looked up, only to see Veronakh standing over him.

"Do you understand now Commander?"

Shepard just stared at the mechanical despot with an angry and pained expression.

"You...this ship...and your crew...are mine." said the Necron lord drawing close to Shepard's face. "You may be strong of will, but your subordinates?" Veronakh shook his head, "Far from it. How else do you think I have been able to keep you here?"

"What?"

Veronakh gave another chuckle at Shepard's reaction, "So forgetful Shepard...what did you say you were going to do? After our encounter on Veridine?"

Shepard's eyes fell to the floor as he once more tried to remember. Then he looked forward stammering, "I was...going to warn...the Alliance..the local authorities...about you."

Veronakh raised his metallic brow, "Really? Seems to me you have been rather...negligent about it... since Sigurd's Cradle has long since fallen."

Shepard's eyes widened, "...What? That's not possible...its only been.."

"A day or so? It's been nearly several weeks Shepard."

Shepard shook his head at the thought and then went to check his Omni-tool's clock function. Indeed the date was nearly two weeks after his recalled mission to Veridine. The Commander fell back into his chair staring forward in horror at the realization.

"How?..."

"I am no fool Commander. If brute force over your mind won't work...then a simple change of tact was all that was needed. Hence keeping you in this...'holding pattern'...I believe that's one of your people's descriptions of it." Veronakh explained slightly smiling.

Shepard looked at Veronakh, it was all coming together in his mind, "You...you manipulated everyone...including me into thinking it was the same day over and over?..."

Veronakh grinned, "Sometimes, it depended on what I needed you to believe to keep you thinking what I wanted you to. It was rather humorous watching you believe that you were heading in a meaningful direction, only to end up right where you started..."

"No..."

Veronakh laughed, "Do you understand now? Your resistance is pointless, your resolve merely delaying the inevitable. There are only two paths from here Shepard, either do as I ask...or stay trapped in this...limbo. Where at any moment, I could kill your crew...right in front of you...or simply drive you mad for my amusement."

The Necron lord laughed maniacally in Shepard's face. The Commander slumped further into despair, his head hanging low looking to the ground. The human Spectre's emotions were flaring in multiple directions of anger, despair, and sorrow. Finally Shepard grabbed his face with his hands, groaning in frustration trying to hold back anything that would give Veronakh more fuel for his taunts. A slight sob escaped and sadly it did not get by Veronakh's notice.

The metal lord drew close to Shepard quickly exclaiming, "Oh my! Has it happened?...Are you breaking at long last?"

"NEVER!" shouted Shepard defiantly.

"The tears on your face say otherwise Shepard. Aw, the pain of being alone again... it must remind you of Akuze doesn't it?" Veronakh taunted.

"FUCK YOU!"

"Being stranded on a barren world...all alone...your comrades dead and buried...leaving you with nothing but the guilt...and shame."

Shepard dug his fingers into his face and then his ears in order to shut the Necron Overlord out. He shouted at the top of his lungs and would have kept going if it hadn't been for the feeling of a woman's hands grabbing his wrists. Shepard opened his eyes, only to see another woman he remembered...but she was long dead.

"...Olivia?"

"I'm here Shep." the woman said.

The Commander shook his head, "But you're..."

"I know..."

Shepard was quiet for a moment, "...You're just another illusion aren't you?"

"Maybe...or maybe I've come back to remind you of something." Olivia said, still wearing her bloodied armor.

The Spectre grimly mused, "Heh...like what. I've gotten us all killed again Olivia...I led the way to where the Thresher Maw was. I led you all to your deaths...and now...I've done it again."

Olivia grabbed Shepards cheeks and forced him to look at her, "You are a survivor Shepard. You make mistakes sure, but you're only human. Remember what I told you?"

Shepard slightly nodded, "I remember...you were dying from the Maw's venom. I had pulled you away behind our vehicle while the others were getting swallowed up and killed... you said...No matter what it takes you find a way to make it."

"Do what you have to do to survive Shepard. You survived Akuze, you can survive this...do what you have to do." Olivia commanded.

The Commander continued to slightly nod, muttering, "Yeah...I gotta do...what I have to..."

Shepard blinked and once more it was Veronakh in front of him still wearing a satisfied grin. The Commander wiped the tears off with his hand and looked at Veronakh with resignation.

"What do you want me to do?"

Veronakh smiled, "Good..." he said as he withdrew back and gave the Commander some room to stand up from the chair.

"As I said earlier, I simply require a small favor of you Commander."

"I doubt its simple...or small."

Veronakh smirked at that, "I need a list of names...of the Spectres."

Laiel Sparatus had been waiting in his office for the past hour. Earlier he had his morning schedule cleared, much to the chagrin of his Asari secretary who had been dealing with all the messages and requests for interviews from the media. The Turian Councilor for the Citadel turned on the holographic display at his desk to check the news quickly to kill some time before his only appointed guest arrived.

A Salarian news anchor began, "Questions and fears continue to rise as the Sigurd's Cradle Relay continues to be down. The Citadel Council has been quiet on the matter saying publicly that they are taking steps to investigate the situation. But due to the fact that the Relay is beyond Council Space and that it is in the Terminus Systems, there is very little officially they can do without causing tensions with local independent authorities. It has been over fourteen days since traffic to and from the Relay ceased, many families of the colonists on the other side in Sigurd's Cradle continue to ask when they will be able to speak with their loved ones or when it will be even possible to reopen the Relay."

Sparatus turned off the holo screen, his curiosity satisfied. The Turian sighed and laid back in his chair. Then he felt his right pocket on his blue and black suit. He nodded to himself, acknowledging that what he had was still there. Then finally his secretary sent an alert to him via his desk speaker, "Sir, he's here."

"Send him in." replied the Councilor as he pressed a button under his desk.

The windows behind the Councilor slowly closed shut as his guest walked in. It was another Turian, Maius Gavrinius, sporting his medium Turian military armor. The armor bore an urban camouflage pattern in grays and black, while he by contrast had a tan mouth and neck with the rest of his head slowly turning dark brown to black. He had green eyes and he even featured the blue markings of another well known Turian...Garrus Vakarian. His demeanor was typical of any drilled military Turian as he approached. Maius stopped short of the seat in front of Sparatus' desk and saluted.

"Reporting in as ordered Councilor."

"Sit, Maius." Sparatus said, motioning with his hand.

The Turian soldier took a seat while Sparatus sat back and asked, "How was your journey to the Citadel?"

Maius shrugged, "As dull and uneventful as one could hope in these 'peaceful' times. A nice change of pace considering my last assignment."

The Turian Councilor cupped his hands together and leaned forward, "I understand that your new role as a Spectre is a bit more...'hectic' than you would like?"

Maius shook his head, "I have no complaints sir, it's just a bit more complicated than what I was used to back in Spec Ops."

Sparatus removed something off his desk while he spoke, "I see...well I suppose we should get down to it, how much do you know?"

"Not much other than what the media has been saying, that the Hierarchy has sent recon teams to investigate connecting Relays to Sigurd's Cradle."

Sparatus leaned forward on his desk, a serious look forming on his face, "What is said from this point onward can not be spoken of outside this room, understand?"

Maius nodded as Sparatus once more leaned back in his seat and reached into his pocket. He withdrew what appeared to be an OSD and placed it on the desk in front of him before continuing, "I received this from a friend of mine in the Admiralty this morning. He hadn't heard from his son for some time... his name was Kirrus Treniso."

Maius' eyes widened a little as concern grew on his face, "Admiral Treniso's son? Oh boy..."

"From what Admiral Treniso told me his son wanted to see more of the galaxy as well as do his part in keeping the frontier secure. So he took his military training and put it to use as part of a security firm to protect new colonial prospects. His last assignment took him to the planet Veridine, located in Sigurd's Cradle."

Sparatus' eyes looked back to the OSD and he gently pushed it towards Maius who then picked it up. Maius eyed it and then asked, "I'm assuming he was able to give us a clue as to what happened to him?"

"Bits and pieces, Kirrus it seemed wanted to ensure that if anything happened to him out there, at least his father would know. So he sent a low tier data stream directly from his helmet that linked to a small orbital satellite. The satellite intentionally used an extremely weak FTL signal band to mask it from jamming attempts. Unfortunately that means it took time for the data to reach its destination. Followed by a few days of techs laboring to piece it all together. The implications on that OSD are...well...alarming."

The Turian Spectre activated his Omni-Tool, scanning and transfering over its contents. After going through the usual security checks and confirming his identity, a video began to play. However, it had static intermittent throughout the footage, along with obvious corruption. Eventually however, the video was able to show images of a stormy sky with green lightning, Kirrus getting his men into defensive positions, and finally what the unfortunate Turian witnessed. A whole formation of mechanical soldiers marching towards him and his men. They bore large weapons glowing with green energy. Maius stopped the video as Kirrus zoomed in on the face of one of the robots. The Spectre stared at the gaunt grim face of the robot for a moment before looking to Sparatus who merely said, "Keep watching, there's more."

Maius activated the video again and scenes of carnage and static intermittent throughout unfolded. The film showed Kirrus witnessing his fellow security officers getting melted down by the bipedal machinery's weaponry. It was followed by the Turian's attempt to rally his men to retreat. Among the broken up video there was a scene of a shuttle being destroyed as well as Kirrus finally being swarmed by robotic insects before falling to the ground, the video returning to static once again.

"Spirits..." Maius said, turning off his omni-tool.

Sparatus nodded in response, his own earlier reaction to the video similar to Maius'. The Turian Spectre looked to the Councilor and asked, "When was this video taken?"

"Based upon what time stamp data they were able to get...two weeks ago." Sparatus replied grimly.

The Turian Spectre grimaced, "Great...so these bastards have a helluva head start on us. I assume they're being considered the most likely culprit for the relay being down?"

"More than likely, not even the Geth can bring down a Mass Relay like that. Along with those weapons and robotics...this new threat changes everything." The Councilor shook his head as he leaned back in his chair.

"Looks like Shepard was right about the Reapers it seems." Maius said.

Sparatus was quick to correct him, "We do know that these are not the Reapers Shepard was talking about Maius."

"Maybe, but they sure are similar...wait...you do know?"

Sparatus nodded, "Yes...since Shepard started cataloging data and sending back his routine reports regarding the Geth two years ago, we have more than enough data to compare that video. These machines do not operate in the manner that Shepard described the Reapers. Least as far as we can tell."

The Turian Spectre raised his brow at that, "But you yourself said that the Council "dismissed" Shepard's claim..."

Sparatus sighed before continuing, "Plausible deniability Maius. There are alot of ears in the Citadel and at the time I said that to Shepard...it was...too troublesome a topic to discuss out in the open like that. The other Councilors and I know that the Reaper threat is quite real. But to get the rest of our governments to move we need more information and evidence. We can't simply engage our war machine with little to go on let alone start a panic. We could be accused of preparing for invading independent space using the Reapers or the Geth as an excuse. This new potential enemy on top of all of this certainly changes our priorities."

Maius smiled, realizing what Sparatus meant, "Better to deal with the foe at hand rather than what is possible?"

"Indeed, hence the reconnaissance forces that were deployed. However its not going to be enough...we need more information. It's why I've called you in."

"Hmph, got any leads?"

Sparatus leaned in on his desk again, "Just one at the moment...Shepard."

Maius furrowed his brow, "Shepard?...If that's the case why hasn't he told you anything yet? I thought he was sighted around Sigurd's Cradle."

The Turian Councilor closed his eyes and then gave a serious look, "That's just it Maius, we have been unable to contact him ever since Sigurd's Cradle went silent."

Maius' eyes widened before asking, "Did they take him out?...well...again?"

Sparatus returned back to his normal posture, "We're not sure. The Normandy SR-2 has been sighted around several other locations such as the Valhallan Threshold and Rosetta Nebula. However, we have not been able to reach him either by transmission or mail."

Maius crossed his arms, "Definitely not Shepard's MO. He would never not tell someone, especially about a threat like this. Considering how much he tried to get everyone to believe him about the Reapers. I doubt he would become secretive about galactic threats at this point."

"That's why I've called you in Maius. We need you to find him and assess what happened. Shepard must know something, his vessel was the last ship in and out of Sigurd's Cradle before it went down. If he's alive, bring him in for questioning. If not, get what information you can from the Normandy if possible."

Maius gave the Councilor a questioning look, "You want me to arrest him?"

Sparatus shook his head, "No, we just need him to give us answers nothing more."

"What if he resists? It's possible he may have been compromised, like what happened to those he described as...indoctrinated."

"Then you are authorized to use more forceful, non-lethal means to bring him in. But you are not to kill him or his team. The last thing we need is another high profile Spectre, especially the first human Spectre, to die at the hands of a Turian. Our people's representation in the Spectres has already been tarnished enough by Saren's legacy. Let alone the strain it would put between us and humanity."

Maius nodded and sighed, "Yes sir. I understand."

"Good." Sparatus reached into his desk drawer and withdrew a data pad. He handed it to Maius saying, "This pad has all the information we were able to get on Shepard's recent activities. Before going silent he was apparently putting a team together to confront a race called the Collectors. We don't know how large his team is, but they seem to be a diverse group of elite specialists. Cerberus has been sparing no expense in making sure Shepard had the best people and equipment at his disposal."

Maius grimaced and sighed as he looked over the datapad, "Great...guess I'm going to have to pull from my savings to match what Shepard is packing."

"Not necessarily Maius...I've already made some arrangements for you. For one, you're getting a new ship. It's the latest scouting frigate to join the Turian Navy, though I had to pull a few strings. But thanks to Admiral Treniso and the evidence he had I was able to impress upon the Admiralty the necessity. It will be arriving in a few hours. Make sure you and your comrade are ready to go when it arrives."

"I'll need a team too, especially if Shepard has an elite group at his back."

"Your Volus companion Gefren Verni ought to know of a few people you can draw on. He once served in the Volus Auxiliaries as a merchant marine Captain as I recall."

Maius pocketed the data pad before asking, "Will that be all sir?"

Sparatus nodded and Maius got up from his seat before saluting to his superior. Sparatus looked to the Spectre, "Remember, we need Shepard alive. I know that normally your missions involve the permanent removal of threats. But you're the best tracker we have in the Spectres. This mission could determine the fate of the galaxy. Considering what we've seen today, this may only be the precursor to something far worse."

"I won't let you down sir." The Turian Spectre saluted.

Sparatus nodded one last time, "Dismissed...and good luck."

Maius was waiting at the dockyard for his new ship to arrive. Citadel workers had been gathering his equipment and bringing them over for the past two hours. He checked his omni-tool again, it was 11:58 Galactic Standard Time. In a couple of minutes the new frigate would be under his command. Though he was fond of his old corvette, the Fendrah, it was showing its age. He had intended to get it either refurbished or requisition a newer model but the spirits had other plans it seems.

Maius then heard a bellowing call from across the way behind him, "A-HO!"

The Turian turned and found it was Gefren Verni. The smaller alien stood a little bit taller than most Volus. His suit was streamlined and military with a camouflage coat similar to Maius' own. The two hanging bits from the 'nose' part of his head were also smaller and he carried himself with boisterous confidence. Gefren was surprisingly carrying two large bags in his arms and behind him was a Turian dock worker carrying twice as much.

The jolly Volus spoke across the way with remarkable projection as he waddled to Maius, "Apologies for the delay my friend!"

"Its alright Gefren, I know this transfer was short-notice." Maius replied.

Gefren gave several quick nods as he approached, "I understand, you don't live the Navy life resting idle in your cot without being able to pack up everything and move when the order comes down."

The Volus came up beside his friend and put down his bags before rolling his shoulders. Gefren turned to the worker behind him, "Take a rest dear boy, I can handle it from here"

The Turian dock worker put down the luggage and bags with a sigh of relief before asking, "Are you sure sir?"

The Volus waved him off with a reassuring claw hand, "Oh quite sure! I can pull my own weight given enough time."

The dock worker then turned and left, leaving the two friends alone. Gefren looked to Maius and then the surrounding equipment saying, "Ah! Well, I assume we have everything?"

Maius nodded, "Just about, the ship should be here at any moment."

"Ah! Good! Best to get this done promptly and be on our way. I also guess that our mission is the usual kind?" Gefren asked.

"Not exactly this time, I'll brief you when you're aboard. As the Councilor put it, too many ears on the station." The Turian Spectre eyed the various dock workers as he finished speaking.

"Of course." Gefren said with a slight nod.

Maius checked his omni-tool again, the ship was running several minutes late prompting a disgruntled grunt from the Turian. Gefren noticed and was about to say something when the sound of an approaching vessel reached his auditory system. The Volus turned to look along with Maius as a sleek frigate in a dark camouflage pattern arrived. Its wing like prongs extended outward from its port and starboard as it slowed to come into the docking arms like a bird. It had the usual hallmarks of Turian design with some differences, such as more fins along the front and a heavier looking aft section for what could be assumed was a larger more powerful drive core. While the ship was being stopped the Volus couldn't help but marvel at it, "Ah! A dark beauty, seems like your request for its coloration went through!"

Maius looked a little surprised at it, "It was mostly an off-handed request I didn't think they would actually have the time to do it."

Gefren spoke with an unseen smile under his Volus helmet, "Still, it looks its part. A void-born predator, ready to track down the galaxy's worst!"

"Well this next mission is going to be a bit more complicated than just tracking down a target... come on." The Turian Spectre said while he moved to a pile of gear.

"Alright!" said the Volus grabbing his bags, breathing heavily as he lifted them once again, "Once more onto another adventure! Ho-ho!"

Maius smirked and shook his head grabbing some of his own gear. He wouldn't exactly call this mission an adventure. Just another op that hopefully the galaxy wouldn't need to know about.