Episode 34-Discord

They eventually arrived at the Citadel. They docked the ship and exited. Just outside, they met with the admiral.
Hackett: "It's good to see you again, everyone."
Aera: "Yeah, good to see you. You're probably the only one that we look forward to seeing again at the moment."
Hackett: "Yes, I understand that you feel that way, Aera. I'm not all too thrilled about meeting with the council again either."

Aera scoffed a bit.
Aera: "That's a shame."
Hackett: "Now then, we need to get going. They're expecting to meet with us now."

They then walked off.
Star: "Yeah, sure, let's not keep the pompous head honchos of the Citadel waiting."
Jewel: "What do they want with us this time?"
Hackett: "I don't know, they said they just wanted to speak with you girls, said something about also wanting to meet with you the last time you came here."
Jewel: "But they didn't say anything to us!"
Hackett: "I know, I told them the same thing, but they spoke almost as though they should know whenever they want to meet with you."
Aera: "And how are we supposed to know that? Are we to meet with them every single time we stop here?"
Hackett: "I'm not sure, to be honest. I have told them that there was no way you would know without them telling you, but they spoke as though you should know otherwise."
Star: "Man, I hate this!"
Flare: "Yes, a most troubling endeavor."
Hackett: "I think they also mentioned wanting to meet with you specifically, Flare. They mentioned wanting to discuss your special powers."
Flare: "Oh! Is that…so? Hmm…I feel as though they wouldn't be pleasant about this."
Aera: "I wouldn't be surprised."

After having made their way to the Council Chamber, they stood before the holographic images of the council. They did not at all seem pleased as they stood before them.
Tevos: "This meeting that we are having is long overdue."
Aera: "I don't know why we're hearing about this just now."
Splash: "Um, excuse me, council people, but…did you really make any requests to see us the last time we were here?"
Sparatus: "What kind of question is that? No requests are needed. Our meetings should be frequent."
Ashley: "I don't recall answering to this."
Sparatus: "I'll have you know that this is obligatory. Since the girls are in charge of the safety of the galaxy and each of you have pretty much declared yourselves their legal guardians, you are to answer to us, no questions asked."
Splash: "Is that really true?"
Garrus: "No, it's not. In fact, I don't even know where this came from."
Flare: "What is it that you need to have us mention to you?"
Valern: "We received reports of unusual energy readings that we had just picked up on. Care to explain to us what all of this is about?"
Flare: "I fear that I do not know what you mean by that. Care to specify what it is you are referring to?"
Sparatus: "There have been some reports of some lingering magical energy of sorts throughout the entire galaxy, something about "visions of the past" or whatever."

Everyone stood by, startled.
Hackett: "That…information…has yet to be disclosed by anyone."
Liara: "How…could you have possibly known about that?"
Sparatus: "Never mind that, we need you to tell us what you know about this lingering magic and if it's true that you are able to see "glimpses of past events" as they are called."
Star: "So, what if it is? What are you going to say about it?"
Sparatus: "I was just wondering why we weren't told of this sooner. We would have appreciated any intel regarding any of these magical powers of yours."
Valern: "Indeed, we find it very strange that you would withhold important intel like this from us."
Aera: "Well, first off, the last time we were here, we didn't know about this, we just found out about it a while ago, after we left the Citadel the previous time. Second, I don't know why you're getting your mouth-flaps in a bind about this, third of all…"
Sparatus: "Hey, watch your attitude about my mandibles, young lady. You may not be aware of this, but such wording can be perceived as offensive to my kind."
Aera: "Is that really true, Garrus?"
Garrus: "I would hate to agree with him, but yeah, it is for some of us. Don't worry about mentioning our mandibles in front of me, Aera. I don't feel offended in any way."
Sparatus: "Also, show some respect, you should at least be grateful to have the privilege of this rare occasion you have of conversing with us."
Aera: "Oh, gee, lucky us, we get to have the honor of being chewed out by a bunch of higher-ups who believe that they can talk to us however they want."
Sparatus: "Don't get snarky with me, little girl."
Tevos: "Alright, I think that's enough. We apologize for calling you up out of the blue like this. We did not make any requests to meet with you the last time we were here."
Jewel: "Then why are you claiming otherwise?"

The council members stood by and said nothing.
Tevos: "If we came on as though we have, please disregard that. We never meant any of it. At least…I didn't."
Aera: "Could have fooled me."
Valern: "We will make certain to not bring out this confusion to you again."
Tevos: "Yes, you did nothing wrong as far as these meetings are concerned. It's just…"
Sparatus: "We would prefer to receive feedback on the current situation at all times. You know how much the galaxy is being threatened by your dark entity has riled up so many people."
Tevos: "And we know you girls are doing the best that you can to resolve this issue. So far, you have done a fantastic job with that."
Valern: "However, the denizens of this galaxy, this realm as you would call it, are concerned for their safety as well as many other occurrences."
Sparatus: "We want answers and many of us aren't very patient."
Star: "Well, screaming at us isn't going to make them come any faster."
Jewel: "Believe me, we want answers, too, and so many within this realm have been doing all they can to help us find them. We can only work so fast, so there really isn't anything else we can do about it."
Star: "And if that's not good enough for any of you, too bad. All of you will have to wait, whether you like it or not!"
Sparatus: "Hmph! I can…understand that. I speak not for my own impatience, but for the many of our citizens who want answers now."
Tevos: "We can do all we can to assure them that you're working as fast as you can."
Sparatus: "And your comments about your apathy towards their impatience is…also noted."
Star: "It's not that I don't care, it's just…it is what it is."
Liara: "They're right, they may be magical beings, but they're not miracle workers."
Garrus: "Believe me when we tell you that we're just as frustrated about not having all the answers as everyone else, but we have renewed faith that we will find them eventually and that's enough to keep our frustrations in check."

Flare was seen sulking. Several of the crew members took notice of this.
Miranda: "And we especially can't demand the girls to speed up the process of helping us to find those answers. We have to take our time with this."
Thane: "And we've already found out more than we could have possibly expected. This should mean a lot."
Valern: "Yes, I agree that we have found out so much that we thought we couldn't."
Sparatus: "Although, I find the whole magic being responsible for these miraculous survivals to be ridiculous, almost as ridiculous as these survivals even taking place."
Garrus: "Do you have a better explanation as to why they've been happening?"

Sparatus went dead silent.
Miranda: "Also, like it or not, these survivals are happening. We are so much closer to figuring out what has caused them or why they're happening in the first place than we have ever been."
Mordin: "Indeed, we are very well on our way. Would bet on it, absolutely."
Hackett: "My research team has also been working around the clock to solve these mysteries. They will indeed stop at nothing to figure out all we can."
FemShep: "And not to mention that we have coerced many of the other races into helping us since they clearly want to figure out all of this."

The council stood silent for a bit.
Tevos: "Well then…with that being the case…"
Sparatus: "Perhaps we should go back to the subject of this lingering magical energy that we were discussing earlier, the one that involves "glimpses of the past" as we believe."
Liara: "Sure, I suppose we can share that much with you."
Ashley: "A while back, we visited Tuchanka. Flare asked to be taken to where…the tower once stood."
Liara: "The same tower that undoubtedly dispersed the genophage."
Valern: "The same one that was built by my race. Yes, I know of that tower."
Sparatus: "I presume it was just a humongous waste of time considering there was nothing there."
Hackett: "Not really, though there was nothing there to see, we were able to pick up on something and I assure you, it was very well worth our time."
Liara: "It was there where we discovered the first trace of the lingering magical energy."
Samara: "The girls have mentioned something about it containing memories that belong to their deity, the Divine Source. From there, Flare was able to ascertain images of exactly what you have said they were: past events."
Tevos: "Is this really true? You were able to see these glimpses of the past?"

Flare stepped forward.
Flare: "Yes, from there, I have…seen…when it happened. The sacrifice that Mordin had made. However…there was…something else that I saw."
Tevos: "What else did you see? Were you able to find out how it is that Mordin is still alive?"

Flare stood silent for a bit as she recalled the image of a mysterious pair of glowing arms wrapping around Mordin.
Flare: "An unknown, glowing apparition. I am uncertain how it was able to, but…I believe that it was that being that saved his life. I could not see anything else."
Sparatus: "That is hardly a lot to go by, young lady. We need more than just a vague description of some entity embracing the salarian doctor."
Flare: "I am sorry, I have done all that can for the time being. In all honesty, this is the first time that I utilized this magical power of mine. I wasn't certain that I could, I am doing all that I can to perceive these visions."
Sparatus: "Perhaps you could "perceive" these visions faster so that we know what the hell has been going on with these unusual phenomena."
Garrus: "Hey! Don't you dare rush her! She had been working on improving these powers of hers. We can't risk having her strain herself just because you still can't overcome your own impatience."
Liara: "He's right, they need to take their time with their abilities. They've already had to deal with so much strain prior to arriving in our galaxy, we can't pressure them."
Mordin: "Of course, they're young, their powers and magical energy have much recovery, contemplation, rejuvenation and in need of some practice."
Sparatus: "Oh, so all of a sudden, we're all experts on magical beings. Do you expect me to believe that your know-how would be up to par? I hardly have any faith in the validity of these claims."
Garrus: "At least we're the ones who have been carefully looking over and studying a lot of this magical stuff. If your faith in us is so minimal, perhaps you should put together your own team of researchers to look over all of this. Otherwise, shut your mouths and let us do our jobs to the best of our abilities."

The council was silent again.
Tevos: "Well then, we'll leave it to that. For the time being, would it be possible for Flare to demonstrate this special ability of hers?"
FemShep: "That depends on whether or not there are any traces of the lingering magical energy nearby."
Sparatus: "This is complete nonsense! Now you're saying there are certain conditions to these magical abilities?"
Tali: "Didn't we already go over this special power of hers having to do with the lingering magical energy? It would make sense, don't you think?"

Sparatus groaned a little.
Sparatus: "I suppose…that it would be obvious."
Flare: "Actually, while we're on the subject, I do sense that lingering magical energy here. Hmmm….yes…it's…very strong here…."

From there, she sat down into a lotus position and began to meditate. Everyone stood by silently as they observed this.
Sparatus: "Great, what is she doing now? This isn't the time for sitting around…"
Aera: "Will you be quiet? She's trying to focus the lingering energy around her."
Liara: "Yes, it's how she's able to focus her power to perceive the visions within them."

And with that, everyone remained quiet. As Flare sat and meditated, she saw visions and flashbacks of a terrible event that had occurred within the Citadel. She saw the geth attack, many areas of the space station being badly damaged, she even saw Sovereign attaching itself to the Citadel Tower. She also saw the battle with the different space cruisers taking place. As she was observing this, she was tense as so many of these were difficult to watch. Everyone that observed her was concerned.
Tevos: "Is she…is she OK?"
Liara: "Yes, do not worry about her. This is not stressing her out, at least not physically."
Garrus: "She had been like this before. Whatever she's seeing, it's no doubt very hard to watch."

This continued on, more and more images of that fateful battle continued to flash in her mind. She saw when Shepard managed to approach and confront Saren, she saw as he was killed and then his body was morphed into a terrifying form before it was finally destroyed by Shepard and his squad mates. She watched as many ships fought against Sovereign and destroyed it, but many of those ships were destroyed in the process.

Soon enough, she opened her eyes and stood up, panicking as though she had just woken up from a bad dream. She then looked around in a frantic manner. She then calmed down after a little while as she stood around idly.
Tevos: "Flare, what happened? Are you alright?"

Flare continued to stand by, silent for a bit as she processed the visions that she had seen.
Flare: "It was terrible…this entire place…the entire space station was in chaos. Many robots attacked this place. I also saw…one of those massive dark machines attach itself to the exterior structure, this structure. I also saw…another turian with a pallid face in the middle of all of this. That was Saren, wasn't it?"
Garrus: "Yes, that was Saren."
Tevos: "By the goddess…you saw…the Battle of the Citadel."

Flare looked towards the council.
Flare: "Yes, it was…that fateful battle. So many lives were lost that day. I could also feel…sadness…from the losses. So many needless deaths…that unfortunately became necessary at the time."

She clasped her hands together and hung her arms in front of her as she bowed.
Flare: "I am…terribly sorry for all of your losses."
Valern: "Your condolences is greatly appreciated, however…I'm just shocked by this…"
Sparatus: "So…it's true…you can see glimpses of the past. I…I would not have believed it if I hadn't witnessed it myself."
Ashley: "Yes, even a sceptic can be convinced."
FemShep: "We never even mentioned Sovereign to them or anything about that Reaper."
Splash: "Sovereign? One of those terrible dark machines had a name?"
Liara: "It was the first Reaper that we saw."
Tali: "It was Sovereign that revealed everything to us about the Reapers. I have to admit, the first time I heard that, my stomach dropped."
Liara: "I've spent so much of my life looking into prothean artifacts and the like and have discovered that many others have suffered the same fate as them. It was then and there that everything came together. Everything that I have looked into was being confirmed before us."
Jewel: "And you wouldn't believe them."
Valern: "You must understand something, young lady. There was no proof of this other than claims."
Sparatus: "From our perspective, they were just wild speculations."
Flare: "Yes, but such a serious claim should not have been brushed aside. We understand that it was something that no one wanted to believe, but…"
Star: "You could have at least tried to look into it to see if they were just that. I mean, denying these claims would have also been another baseless speculation."
Aera: "And your fancy titles, no doubt, gave you the right to have your baseless speculations to stand above Commander Shepard and his allies."
Javik: "Hmm, indeed they are smart for a bunch of young girls."
Sparatus: "Now listen here! There was no other way for us to confirm these speculations to be valid. We had other things that we were preoccupied with to look into these claims."
Aera: "Oh, really? There was no one else who could look into it or even had looked into it? I'm pretty sure there have been many others who caught on within the time it took for the Reapers to arrive here. Clearly if so many of those people came to you with the same speculations, I would think that you would heed them, unless you brushed their claims aside."
Jewel: "Maybe if you had been more attentive and began to realize what was in front of you this whole time, the casualties during the Reaper Invasion would have probably been greatly reduced."
Star: "At least something or someone had tried to compensate for that."

Mordin seemed astonished, he then pondered for a bit.
Sparatus: "What could you possibly understand about what had occurred here? Speculations were thrown all over the place, you couldn't expect us to believe that every claim of the Reapers' existence, much less their return, could have been so easily confirmed just because several others began to believe these claims."
Aera: "Not only believe, but found undeniable evidence of these claims or anything else remotely related to it. What part of this is so difficult to understand?"
Splash: "Have you no shame for your terrible mistakes? What harm would have come from believing in all of this?"
Sparatus: "I….you…you're just adolescence! You still have so much to learn!"
Javik: "Both may be true, but it's very clear that they have top notch insight and better instincts than many others even twice their age, especially the aquamancer. It shames me to be in the presence of such unscrupulous indifference from those who are supposed to be leading so many within this section of the galaxy."
Jacob: "Was it really any wonder that Shepard turned to Cerberus for aide? He was aware of what we were part of, but you should at least acknowledge that he did what he had to do."
Garrus: "We never liked Cerberus for what they were, but we don't regret working alongside them to help save humanity from the Collectors and the Reapers. Yes, the Illusive Man was a psychopath and yes, Cerberus' principles were based off of his messed-up morals, but he did make some valid points."
Tali: "If you really didn't want Shepard to affiliate himself with Cerberus, perhaps you shouldn't have pushed him away by brushing off his claims about the Reapers and treating him as though he was suffering from mental instability."
Tevos: "Yes, we…acknowledge those faults on our parts."
Sparatus: "But it doesn't excuse Shepard siding with terrorists!"
Aera: "Oh, does it really?"

Sparatus was silenced from there.
Tevos: "You…have indeed presented us with so much to think about."
Valern: "We will deliberate all that we have discussed here today. We must adjourn this meeting. We'll let you know when we would like to have this another in the future. Do not worry about having to see us the next time you return to the Citadel. It is not necessary."

The images of the council were terminated.
Aera: "Yeah, thanks so much for another good time."
Splash: "That was…horrible."
Star: "You said it."
Splash: "Can we go back to the Normandy please? I don't want to stay here anymore!"
Liara: "Yeah, let's go back."
Star: "The sooner, the better."

The group walked off.

They were making their way back to the Normandy.
Splash: "Oh, that was awful!"
Star: "Yeah, they're so infuriating!"
Flare: "Hmm…I do feel that they are at least understanding us a little more."
Jewel: "It does seem like they are much less dismissive of what we have to say, but…"
Star: "They're still stubborn jerks!"
Flare: "Hmm, indeed, they have yet to take complete responsibility for their mistakes and their poor judgment."
Splash: "Not to mention they're still treating us like children! How could they be so mean?"
Liara: "Hmm…some things about this exchange didn't seem right. The girls have made a lot of valid points."
Garrus: "But they're still arguing with us."
FemShep: "I'm afraid that's not even the worst of it."
Hackett: "Yes, I've noticed that, too. There was no way they would have found out about what the lingering magical energy could have possibly contained."
Star: "And that demand that we should know to meet with them frequently? What was that all about?"
Garrus: "That part also confuses me."
Liara: "But then they told us to disregard that, saying that it wasn't important."
Star: "Then why bring it up in the first place?"
Miranda: "That's a very interesting question, Star."
Splash: "I hope we weren't too impulsive with what we have said to them back there."
Jewel: "I know, I feel as though we were so disrespectful towards them. But…"
Star: "It also felt like they were pushing us too far! I don't regret anything that I say to them. They SO had it coming!"
Aera: "Just having to put up with those guys is so frustrating!"
Garrus: "I can't say I blame you for what you said to them. They've always been difficult."
Miranda: "And I agree with Liara that you have made some valid points during the meeting, with both our situation and yours."
Hackett: "You girls have presented good arguments. We are all proud of you."
Garrus: "Yes, we are."

The girls seemed touched by this.
Hackett: "Sooner or later, they will have to concede to all aspects of our situation. It is apparent that they have all but dwindled many validations to their arguments."
Ashley: "Yes, they have to see things our way because we have seen so much of the conflict before us. They would have no other choice in the matter."
Aera: "And if they don't?"
FemShep: "Well, something tells me that we will have another difficult fight on our hands after the vigilante has been dealt with."

Jewel seemed quite concerned about this.

Much time later, they arrived at the docking bay where the Normandy was still docked. They were about to board the ship when they were stopped by an unknown voice.
Voice: "Hey, hold on there for a moment."

They stopped and turned around to see another human in the same kind of uniform as the admiral approached them.
Ashley: "Oh! Admiral Mikhailovich, what a surprise."
Hackett: "Good afternoon, Admiral. How have you been?"
Mikhailovich: "How have I been? What kind of question is that? There have been a number of strange incidents happening all over the galaxy; mysterious survivals are being discovered left and right, a looming darkness is hanging over our heads and there have been multiple reports confirming the existence of magic, how do you think I'm doing? Just what the hell is going on here?"

He then looked down and noticed that girls.
Mikhailovich: "So, you must be the magical girls who have brought this menace upon us, I don't know what you girls are thinking but we're dealing with far too much to have you come around and bring along more for us to handle."
Aera: "Oh, goodie, another self-important higher up who's come to brighten our day."
Garrus: "Hey, don't put this on them. If anything, they've got through a lot more than hell we have."
Mikhailovich: "And just who are you to talk to me like that? Their father? And what do you know about what they've brought here?"
Garrus: "I was going to ask you the same question. Listen, these girls are doing everything they can to fight off this threat, but they deserve some leniency since this monster has caused them and so much of their own kind a lot of pain and destruction. Besides, they didn't want to bring their problems to us."
Liara: "He's right. When they arrived in our galaxy, they were planning to leave much like they did with many others, however, their enemy managed to find them a lot faster than earlier."
Jewel: "We wanted so much to prevent this entity to not harm many others within those realms and we had feared the same within this one, but…things took an unexpected turn and because of other circumstances, we have to stay here. It was not our intention, but it was a decision that needed to be made."
Hackett: "I will also vouch for the girls. We've had our specialists look into this threat and Mordin has kept a watchful eye on them and their health. From what we had found, had they left our galaxy, things would have only gotten worse, not just for them, but for all of us as well as many other galaxies."
Mikhailovich: "Do you honestly believe that? These girls staying and risking the lives of everyone in the galaxy is for the good of the galaxy?"
Ashley: "We know the risks, we know that countless lives are being put on the line, but this is a decision that has to be made, whether we want to or not."
Hackett: "It's all in the data, this is the only decision that can and need to be made for the good of everyone. Not only that, but we have found many connections between their conflict and what has happened and has been happening in this galaxy for many, many eons."

Mikhailovich grumbled to himself in disbelief.
Mikhailovich: "If you really need me to believe all of this, then let me sort through all of the data that you have collected. Allow me permission to board your ship and gain access to all the data that you have collected on this whole mess."
Aera: "Fine, we can do that, if it would help to take you down a few pegs, then I don't care if you look into even some of our deepest and most well-guarded secrets."
Splash: "Aera!"
Mikhailovich: "I don't like your attitude, young lady. I suggest that you show me some respect. I'm one of these most decorated militants in the Alliance, with which I have worked hard to earn my rank, title and reputation."
Aera: "Yeah, my apologies, but my experiences with pompous higher-ups have not exactly been pleasant. I've lost respect for those with fancy titles ages ago, although some have been nice to me well enough for me to at least open up to them. If you really want my respect, I suggest you do the same."

Everyone stood around, concerned for her. Mikhailovich was about to say something to her, but then, the sky darkened again. They took notice of this almost immediately.
Mikhailovich: "What? What is that?"

They looked out. At the far-off distance, they noticed the same dark vortex that they have seen before as it hung high above the massive city far below them from that great distance.
Liara: "Oh, no! Not again!"

The dark vortex then sent out a huge hoard of monsters to the city down below. The girls stood beside each other as they stared out at the vortex with serious looks on their faces.
Jewel: "It's time to head out."

The others beside her nodded once.
Jewel, Flare, Star, Aera and Splash: "Metamorphose!"

They transformed again, then ran off the ledge of the docking port and materialized their wings before flying towards the Dark assault at great speed. The crew members plus the admirals stood by and watched as the girls flew off.
Mikhailovich: "So, that's that Dark entity that's the cause of all of this."
Ashley: "Yes, that's the one."
Mikhailovich: "Hmm…since you have been looking into this menace, perhaps you can tell me what you know about it."

They stared out at the dark vortex with the girls approaching it as they spoke.
Liara: "We were told that dark entity is being controlled by one of their own, a vigilante who had gone rogue and went on a killing spree."
Garrus: "The vigilante is one of their males. He was a hero who was devoted to protecting his…their realm. But…things took a turn for the worst when he made his first few kills."
Ashley: "The girls said that when he began killing, he felt that it was the best way for him to protect the innocent, if only…that were true."
Wrex: "We were told that it didn't take long for the innocent to fall into the crossfires of his senseless killing, he undoubtedly left a massive trail of blood in his wake."
Grunt: "Hold on, do Fayelons even have blood?"

Wrex looked at Grunt.
Mordin: "Hmm…an interesting question, but irrelevant for the time being."
Mikhailovich: "The issue with this mass-murdering vigilante wasn't one that bled out from their galaxy, I presume."
Liara: "Yes, galaxy, or realm as they would call it."
Mikhailovich: "Hmm…yeah, that had been mentioned many times before. I was wondering what they meant by that."
Garrus: "For them, realm is another word for galaxy, so when they mention that term, they mean galaxy, there's no doubt about that."

The other crew members nodded.
Mikhailovich: "So, how did these girls end up from bare-witnessing a bloodbath amongst their own kind caused by this menace to drifting from one galaxy to another, or realm as they would call it?"
Jacob: "Well, not long into the bloodshed, the vigilante took interest in a legend of their realm."
Mikhailovich: "A legend?"
Thane: "According to a legend of their realm, there is a door to a mysterious realm that is said to house the most powerful form of magic in the universe. However, to unlock that door, special keys are needed."
Mikhailovich: "A door? To an all-powerful force of magic in the universe? What is this, some kind of fairy tale?"
Garrus: "Hah! Fairy tale! We've already tossed out that belief a long time ago."
Miranda: "They don't necessarily know what is behind that door, be it what their legends tell, but it does house something important and whatever it is, they can't allow the vigilante to gain access to it."
Jacob: "Which was exactly what he tried to do."
Samara: "He managed to find the keys that would unlock this door. Upon finding out about this, the girls felt that they needed to act fast, so they snatched the keys and fled their realm. They had been on the run ever since."
Kasumi: "Obviously upon relying that they took those keys, their vigilante chased them all across the universe, from one realm to another, never staying less than a day or more than a few days within each. They just happened to arrive in our galaxy by chance."
Liara: "They told us that their vigilante would take a few days to find them but they would have already fled by the time that he was able to catch up to them within that realm, or rather tried to."
Mikhailovich: "So, how is it that they ended up staying here rather than leaving like they have done before?"
Garrus: "Their vigilante caught up to them, a lot faster than he had in the previous attempts to find them. Also, unlike the previous attempts that he had made to find them, he was able to find them within a few hours, which was something that they have said he had never done before."
Mikhailovich: "I see, but…are you sure that what they're telling you is the truth? What if they could be lying about all of this? Did you ever consider that?"
Liara: "That is a possibility, but I can't think of why they would want to lie to us."
Ashley: "And if they are, we would find out and it would be on them to suffer the consequences."
Liara: "But we truly and genuinely believe that they are telling us the truth."
Mordin: "Besides, they have helped us out a lot. We've found out so much of what had been occurring here because of them."
Liara: "Also, we have been able to confirm that some of what they have told us is the truth, even though there is still much about them and their realm that we don't know."
Samara: "Also, I can sense very little deception within them. If anything, I sense more pain and anguish."
Garrus: "I know these girls are not lying to us. There are plenty of reasons that convince us of such. They didn't intend on staying here, they wanted to take on these problems by themselves, but they chose to stay because it's clear that they can't take this on alone. I have never seen more sensible and responsible young girls in all my life."

Mikhailovich continued to stare out at the fight occurring at the massive distance before them.
Mikhailovich: "I just hope for all of our sakes that you're in the right about this."
Garrus: "Oh, we are, we truly are, but does that really matter at the moment?"

Mikhailovich was silent.

From the far-off distance, the girls fought off the monsters that were trying to descend to the city far below them. They utilized their abilities the best that they can. It was clear that they were struggling.
Aera: "It's no use! We can't fight them all!"
Splash: "But we can't let them attack all of these innocent people!"
Star: "You know, this is really getting on my nerves! One assault after another and this jerk still won't let up!"
Jewel: "I know…we'll have to combine our powers again to finish them off."
Flare: "Wait! I have something else in mind. However….I'm going to need the rest of you to keep your distance."
Aera: "Wha…..WHAT!?"
Jewel: "Flare….you don't mean…"
Splash: "Are you actually going to…do it? Unleash that power?"
Flare: "Yes, but not to worry, we are far from the innocent civilians for this to cause them any harm. Unlike Star's lightning, my power can be contained."

Star sulked as she grabbed on to her arm with her other hand.
Star: "Umm…"
Splash: "Please be very, very careful, Flare!"
Flare: "Of course. I usually am."
Jewel: "Right, we'll let Flare…do her thing, the rest of us will take care of the monsters that have managed to approach the populace."

The other girls nodded once and flew off, leaving Flare by herself. Aera, however, stopped to look back towards her.
Aera: "Flare? Umm…don't hurt yourself, OK?"

She then proceeded to fly down towards the city. Flare, pleased that her friends are at a safe enough distance, closed her eyes, then held her hands out and focused her powers. The girls below fought off the monsters that were within the city, chasing them out and blasting them with each of their special powers.

The Normandy crew continued watching this take place.
Garrus: "What is Flare doing?"
Liara: "I don't know, but the other girls seemed to have departed from her for some reason."

Mordin went on his omni-tool again.
Tali: "Could Flare also have a special power?"
Ashley: "That could be possible, since we have witnessed Star unleashing hers."
FemShep: "It might also be lethal, based on what we have witnessed on Fehl Prime."

Flare stood by, focusing her powers. Many monsters were seen nearby. Then at that moment, she opened her eyes, staring directly at them with a tense look on her face.
Flare: "Get blasted!"

From there, violent explosions erupted all around the monsters within the air. The crew members were startled by this as they watched.
Ashley: "What the…!?"
Liara: "I…don't believe it…!"
Traynor: "Did any of us know she had that kind of power!?"

They continued to watch explosions being unleashed over all the skies from the distance. This took place for a while longer.
Garrus: "What was that? Some type of explosive magic?"
Mordin: "Hmm, combustion magic. Detected traces of combustible magical energy. Flare can unleash devastating explosions much different from her regular pyrokinetic abilities."
Garrus: "Flare can utilize explosions!? Did you know anything about that?"
Mordin: "Hmm…did detect a different kind of magical reading, but was uncertain of what it could have been. Each Fayelon has another form of magical ability very much related to their own natural elements. Flare's must be combustion. Very common for pyromancers to carry out said power."
Liara: "I would imagine."

They stood by and continued watching Flare unleash her devastating attack.
Tali: "This must also be difficult for Flare. She does not seem like someone who would lose any self-control."
Wrex: "I know, right? She always seemed composed, for a pyromancer."
Grunt: "I always found that unusual, and here I thought that all pyromancers have fiery tempers. Heh, fiery."
Samara: "I was told that such pyrokinesis has been the main reason why members of her culture would exercise self-restraint. It is not hard to understand considering that fire is a very lethal element."
Garrus: "The other elements can also be deadly depending on how they're used, but yeah, it does make sense."
Traynor: "Her people must have feared their own powers for such a long time, so I'm guessing that these abilities to unleash explosions would be very terrifying."
Mordin: "Hmm, would comply with that, readings show this combustible magic to be very lethal, much like Star's lightning, however, one major difference being that Flare's special power is easier to contain."
Ashley: "Yeah, she really does a good job with keeping it from reaching anyone."
Garrus: "I would think it is easy, considering that she's very high above that city in that far distance."
Jacob: "Flare…poor girl must have been through a lot."
Kasumi: "I could imagine, having such a fearful power, but she's nothing like that."
Jacob: "We know that, but…still…it must be terrifying for her…"

Kasumi folded her arms and nodded.

After an extensive amount of time, the monsters were defeated and the threat stopped. From there, the vortex faded and everything was calm again. The girls were able to reunite with one another. As they hovered beside one another, they looked down at the people below them, having heard that clapping and cheering of so many that they have saved. They smiled as they looked down at them.
Flare: "We've done it, we've saved them all."
Jewel: "Great work, everyone. Let's keep it up."
Star: "Yeah, absolutely. Wouldn't want that dark monster to do anything to them."

The girls all nodded. The crew members stood out towards them. They seemed quite happy.
Liara: "Well done, girls."
Miranda: "They've done a wonderful job."
Samara: "Yes, I am impressed by how they handled themselves."
Thane: "Indeed, they have saved many lives."
Garrus: "Great work. We're so proud of you."

The girls continue to bask and revel in the jubilation. However, they looked down and noticed something that caused them to become troubled. Within the jubilating crowd, there were some that glared up at the girls in disdain and disgust. They could barely see those people, but they did notice that they were there.
Flare: "Can you not feel that? Within the soothing Light of joy, there are small tinges of Dark energy. Some are indeed displeased by us."
Jewel: "I know, I can feel it."
Splash: "Oh, how unpleasant."
Aera: "Hmph! As if we should care about how some of those people think."
Star: "I agree with Aera. Let the haters hate. The people that we have saved and are grateful to us should be the only thing that matters."
Flare: "Yes, you are right. We must not concern ourselves with such disdain and contempt. We are here to do a job and we must carry it out for all those who are counting on us. I just hope…that they will all understand…in time."

At that time, the council was seen at a great distance looking out towards the girls. Suddenly, Flare could sense something that startled her, she then looked in their direction. She stared out as she remained startled.
Jewel: "What's wrong, Flare?"
Flare: "I…I can sense…an unusual spike in Dark energy from a great distance. It is…somewhat more potent than what I can sense from some of the denizens below us."
Jewel: "Can you sense who it is over there?"

Flare paused for a brief moment.
Flare: "No…it is…hazy, but…I have sensed this particular aura before. Who is that coming from?"

The girls flew back towards the crew members and reverted to their Dormant forms. Liara stepped up towards them just a little.
Liara: "Good job, girls. You've managed to save all of those people down there."
Star: "Eh, it was nothing, we're just happy to help."
Flare: "Hmm, indeed. We were able to sense the praises of so many down there, but…"

Flare paused for a bit as she sulked a bit. Liara also sulked a bit, too.
Liara: "I know…I could sense…small specs of Darkness. It is apparent that not everyone would appreciate you, but don't mind them. Hopefully in time, they will."
Flare: "I…am uncertain of that…however…I believe that many more will come to support us. In the meantime, there is still much work to be done."

Liara nodded once. The girls each went back to the different crew members that they have become affiliated with personally. Some embraced while others just stood near by. At that time, Mikhailovich approached them. The girls became worried about seeing him. However, Mikhailovich seemed less exasperated.
Mikhailovich: "I have to admit, you girls have done a splendid job defending all of those people down there. I should probably…give you the benefit of the doubt. Whether or not you brought this threat to our galaxy, it doesn't matter. It's here and it needs to be dealt with."
Aera: "Hmm, so you decided to treat us with a little more leniency? It's not everyday that a out to a pompous higher-up would become so chill, but every once in a while, they would come to their senses, so I would be happy to open up and give them a chance….maybe."
Mikhailovich: "Huh, well, aren't you an interesting, sassy little girl? I don't know what kind of issues you've dealt with when you were younger, but perhaps I can help you through giving authority figures the proper respect."

Aera developed another anime smug look.
Aera: "You can try."

Mikhailovich was a little startled by this.
Splash: "So, Mr. Other Admiral Guy, are you still wanting to come with us?"
Mikhailovich: "Of course, I still would like to get to know you girls as well as look into everything that all of you know."
Star: "OK, then, let's get to it!"
Jewel: "One other thing, if you decide to leave us and go over to wherever else you need to be, we would be glad to provide you with any transportation needed to get you there."
Mikhailovich: "I would greatly appreciate that. However, I would not be needed anywhere else at the moment."
Jewel: "OK, no problem."

And with that, the girls, the crew members and the admiral boarded the Normandy with Mikhailovich going with them. The Normandy then took off and left the Citadel.