Chapter 15: Dueling Wraiths

Shepard left the restroom and held his stomach, maintaining his earlier deception of being ill. He walked back up the hallway and then came up to the server room where he slightly stumbled through the doorway. The techs operating in the room turned his way, surprised at Shepard's behavior, "Hey! Who are you?!"

"Sorry! It's me Han, I...don't feel so good." The Spectre said still maintaining his cover. All the while he held his stomach and kept stepping closer to the junction. He finally stopped when he got within range. The tech's kept staring at him wondering what was going on.

"Whatever your problem is, you should probably see a doctor." said an Asari manning one of the consoles.

Shepard waved her off, "No, I...just had bad food last night I think. Just gimme a moment and I'll get out of your hair."

The blue alien woman shrugged, "Okay, but the chief is going to have your ass if you don't get back to work in the next few minutes."

Shepard gave a nod while he kept his eyes on the junction. After a moment, the waypoint on the junction disappeared and the Commander waved at the techs, "Okay...I'm going. Sorry for bothering you guys."

A few techs shook their heads as Shepard left the server room and continued on down the hall. Suddenly he began to really feel sick as he got closer to the checkpoint where the data storage was. Granted it was part of the plan that he had discussed with Veronakh but he didn't think it would make his insides feel this uncomfortable. Drool began to come down his mouth and he could feel the fluids coming up from his stomach. The Commander stumbled in front of the checkpoint prompting two of the guards to come forward to investigate.

"Whoa! Hey you okay man?" asked one of the guards.

"Yeah I..." Shepard couldn't finish the sentence.

The sound of a stomach grumbling in distress was heard from the Commander's insides and then it happened. Shepard audibly wretched and fluids expulsed from his mouth and into his helmet. He fell to his knees and was on all fours, prompting the other guards to rush over to his aid.

One of the black armored men asked, "Jesus, what's going on with you!?"

"I dunno...I-" Shepard couldn't get out the words before he vomited again.

The guards leaned down and helped the ill Commander to his feet, "Look we need to get you to medical."

Shepard quickly shook his head, "No! Chief will kill me! Please just take me to the restroom so I can clean up okay!"

"Dude you're not well, we can have the doc take a look at you real quick-"

"I'm already in deep enough shit! Just please...take me back to the restroom."

At that moment a guard came out of the data storage room, his curiosity at all the commotion piqued, "Hey what's going on out here?" he asked the remaining guard still at the checkpoint.

"Ah looks like one of our guys is sick. Sounds like Han, poor bastard."

With the scene unfolding before them, the security team didn't notice the vent above them slowly being removed. While they watched the scene of Shepard being helped up and then taken away by his fellow guards back towards the restroom, a cloaked Kasumi came out of the vent. She nimbly snuck by both of them without making a sound and entered into the data storage area due to the guard leaving the door wide open for her. The guard from the room shook his head and returned back to his post within, shutting the door behind him.

The data storage area held several rows of large black servers, with green indicator lights slowly flashing as more data was compiled within them from the nearby server room. The guard within the room activated his Omni-tool and appeared to be texting about the incident which just occurred. Taking advantage of this distraction, Kasumi began stealthily parsing through the servers via her own tool.

Meanwhile, Shepard was taken into the restroom by the two guards holding him up on their shoulders. They got him to the faucet and began to run it in preparation for cleaning him up.

"Going to need to take your helmet off man." said one of the security officers.

The Commander shook his head, "No... you don't need to. I got this."

"Look there's nothing to be embarrassed about, these things happen."

"You really don't need to, you guys can go back I can take it from here."

"You sure?" One officer asked as they let the Commander go allowing him to stoop over the faucet.

"Yeah, I'm sure..." Shepard said, waving them off.

The guard closest to the door shrugged and proceeded through the door back to his post. His partner on the other hand slightly cocked his head examining Shepard with an air of uncertainty. The Commander looked down at the faucet but hesitated to take his helmet off. Even though the smell of his own puke was getting to him, he knew it would end badly if he took it off right now. The guard seemed to pick up on this and asked, "What's wrong?"

Shepard looked over his shoulder and responded, "Nothing...just a lot on my mind that's all."

The officer crossed his arms, "So much so that even a helmet full of puke keeps you from taking that helmet off?"

"I'm a mess okay...I don't need to show how shitty I look in front of everybody."

"It's just you and me in here."

Shepard kept his back to the guard and looked at his reflection in the mirror. The Commander was already considering several options of neutralizing the threat. He clenched his right fist and turned. The disguised Spectre found the guard was already too close to him. Then the security officer suddenly grabbed Shepard's helmet and yanked it off.

"There, now will-...who the fuck-!?"

Before the guard could finish his expletive the Spectre delivered a swift, powerful punch to the guard's head around the temple region. The guard tumbled to the ground in a heap as Shepard winced and then felt the puke on his face. He turned back to the faucet and began to clean off the vomit, though getting some of it out of his beard took a good minute. The fallen security officer began to groan as Shepard finished washing off the gunk. The Commander walked over to the guard and crouched over him, taking off the other man's helmet he said apologetically, "Sorry about this."

Before the downed guard could respond, Shepard hit the officer's unhelmeted face knocking him out cold. The Spectre lifted up the man and put him in one of the stalls, shutting the door behind him. Veronakh's voice spoke into Shepard's ear once more, "Well done Commander, Miss Goto is in and is close to finding the data."

Shepard removed the holographic interface device from the dirtied helm and installed it in the fresh one. He put on the officer's clean helmet, leaving the one full of puke by the faucet. Moving back into the hallway he continued to converse with Veronakh, "I hope you have an exit strategy planned."

"There were too many unknown variables for your usual extraction. However at the moment I have enough influence over the systems that I can create an exit for you and Miss Goto at anytime. I will inform you when it will be time to leave, until then simply play your part for now."

The Commander gave a nod as he proceeded back to his post. When he passed by the checkpoint by the data room, the guards called out to him, "Hey Han where's Goyle?"

"Oh! He's on the john, said he'd be out in a bit."

"Huh, okay. He better not take too long. You feeling better?"

"Yeah, I'm good, thanks!" Shepard replied, giving a thumbs up as he turned back to the hallway towards his posting.

He started jogging towards the checkpoint eventually seeing his fellow Turian guard tapping his foot impatiently, "About time you got back. A Spectre just showed up."

Shepard looked down the hall where the hallways intersected and saw the security chief and a Turian Spectre having a conversation. The Commander assumed his post and watched the two closely. Seemingly reading Shepard's situation, Veronakh began streaming audio from a nearby camera so that the Commander could listen in on what the two were talking about. A connection confirmation appeared in Shepard's HUD informing him of what his 'handler' was doing.

"Like I told my superior, we haven't seen or heard anything unusual sir. I run a tight ship here and my guys are some of the best we got on the Citadel." said the Security Chief.

The Spectre shook his head and was adamant, "I'd love to believe you chief and I mean no offense to your men but I need to be absolutely sure. I've already seen these suspects at several locations near here and as of right now, nothing can be left to chance. Not with the data at this site."

"Just trying to save you time and effort sir, if you want us to go through the motions of all this then you're welcome to it."

Then the security chief began to look towards Shepard's post, "Guess we may as well start there."

"Shit...", The Commander thought to himself.

The security chief and the Turian Spectre both approached the checkpoint, prompting both Shepard and his cohort to salute. The Chief returned it but the Spectre didn't, his eyes scrutinizing both guards. The Security Chief began his questioning, "Han, you recently came on shift. Did you notice anything suspicious on your way in?"

The disguised human Spectre shook his head, "No sir, I didn't notice anything and I had several other guys come in with me too. They didn't say anything either, least not to me."

The Chief looked to Gravinius who then asked his own question, "You're absolutely certain?"

"Yes sir." Shepard nodded.

The Turian Spectre then activated his Omni-tool and displayed a picture of the person of interest to both guards, "The suspect I am looking for is a human in a gray colored hoodie and mask carrying a large bag over his shoulder. You're certain you didn't see anyone like this?"

Shepard hesitated, "...Yes sir."

Gravinius picked up on it, "Where did you come in to work from?"

"I...came in from the back alley. I was...a little behind on my normal check in so I had to take a short cut." the Commander replied making it up as he went.

The Turian Spectre narrowed his eyes not entirely buying it. He looked to the Turian guard whom Shepard recalled was Verdius and asked, "You seen anything unusual today?"

The security guard shrugged, "Not really sir."

Gravinius gave Verdius a look that caused the guard to rub his shoulder due to anxiety, "Well...Han has been more distracted than usual."

"What the hell man?!" Shepard yelled.

Verdius pointed back at the Commander accusingly, "You have! Even the chief has put you on notice, don't think that me or Hadwell didn't see what happened earlier."

The Turian Spectre crossed his arms, "Mind explaining yourself Han?"

Shepard grabbed the back of his neck anxiously trying to think of something, "Well uh..."

Veronakh suddenly chimed in, "Shepard, Miss Goto is gathering the data now, in a few moments I'll open the way for you. Be ready."

The Commander looked back to meet the gaze of the Turian Spectre, "Its my wife sir, she...wants our upcoming anniversary to be perfect and has been messaging me constantly."

"She should know you're at work. Your wife is normally pretty good about inconvenient messaging." said the Security Chief who was now also getting suspicious.

"Its our anniversary sir! That and I've been working pretty hard these past few weeks haven't I?" Shepard pleaded.

The Chief seemed confused, "What are you talking about Han?"

"Huh?"

"You only just got back into rotation. You've had plenty of time off."

"Uh, guess I was thinking a bit farther back."

The Turian Spectre took a few steps toward Shepard, "Show me your face."

"Uhm, okay sir."

The Commander did as instructed and tapped his helmet twice, revealing his holographic disguised face. Gravinius took a look at him for a tense moment before ordering, "Take your helmet off."

The Security Chief came up alongside the Spectre, "Mr. Gravinius sir, that's not necessary. We've already checked him and this is the second time we've had to do a face check. Its policy to keep our armor up at all times unless you are on break or using the restroom."

"Doesn't matter, I want to see his face unobstructed." the Turian agent replied.

The Chief sighed and motioned with his head to the Commander to do as the Spectre ordered. Shepard whispered under his breath as his hands gripped his helmet, "You better be ready Veronakh."

"What was that?" Gravinius asked, hearing the disguised Commander mumbling to himself.

Shepard pulled off his helmet and looked the Turian in the eye, "Hope you're ready."

Gravinius' eyes went wide, "Shepard?!"

Just then, the lights throughout the building suddenly shut off shrouding the building's interior in darkness. Red emergency lights turned on revealing Shepard had disappeared from the hallway. Gravinius shouted to the chief, "Lock this facility down now!"

The Chief brought his hand to his helmet and attempted to raise the alarm but there was no response, "What the hell?! I'm not getting anyone from Central Control!"

Shots were heard coming from the security center's direction. The Chief drew his M-4 Predator sidearm while Gravinius readied his Phaeston. They motioned for Verdius to stay at his post while they headed towards the gunfire back down the hall. The two ran for a bit before getting close to the Central Control where they began to approach cautiously, sights aiming down the hallway. A radio call came in over the Chief's helmet, "Sir what's going on?!"

"Security has been compromised, all guards at checkpoints A5 through B7 begin sweeping for the intruder. The rest of you hold your positions and keep me informed. Get a team from B8 to my position at Central Control now!"

"Aye aye!" replied the security officer as the comm clicked off.

The door opened before them and several techs rushed out where they were promptly shot in the back as they fled. Maius activated his Tech armor and his body was covered in crimson holographic barriers. He took the lead as he kept his sights on the door and approached it on the right side. The chief stayed back and provided overwatch on the door, waiting for his men to arrive. The Turian Spectre pressed himself by the door and peeked inside. He saw two of the guards fleeing out the opposite entrance to the Control Center that led to another hallway. Gravinius rushed in and was taken aback at what had happened. Dead technicians littered the area along with clearly hacked or destroyed consoles, their holographic interfaces flickering or presenting errors. After taking it all in, Maius continued in the direction of the two guards whom he had seen in the room previously and called up his teammates, "Gefren, Tel'Se get overwatch over the west side of the building I have two, possibly three suspects in the interior! Shepard is here!"

The Teqyt's outline shown through the clouds at midday on Sanctum. Veronakh had been brought down in a royal Ghost Ark and escorted by his entourage of Lychguard. Forbytr was by his Lord's side with eight of his fellows as Veronakh personally went to greet Xamutet. Colonists, Scarabs, and Spyders were all hard at work around them rebuilding the northern perimeter of the colony while the two Necron leaders met.

"Great One." Xamutet said giving a slight bow to his Overlord.

"Follow me Gravatar." Veronakh replied motioning with his hand while they toured the rebuilding efforts going on around them.

Some colonists stared at the two lords passed among the rubble. Then the Necron warriors guarding them reminded the humans of their priorities by getting in front of them and giving a silent warning with their weapons. After a moment of awkward silence Xamutet spoke up, "It was not necessary for you to oversee our efforts here Great One. I have the situation already-"

"Resolved? Hardly...while I admit you were able to claw your way through your blunder the source of your failure has not been addressed as of yet."

"The source?" Xamutet asked.

"You should know of that which I speak cousin..."Veronakh said stopping and turning to glare at the Gravatar.

Xamutet's eyes shifted to the side for a moment, averting his lord's gaze, "I suppose there could be several possible instances during my tenure here that could have been-."

"This all started because you mismanaged resources and prioritized the survival of your ship above the security of the colony under your supervision. There were many tactics, including the sacrifice of the vessel itself to ensure the dynasty's security. Even though our ships are priceless at the moment, eventually once we have the facilities and the means we would have been able to easily recoup such a loss."

Xamutet stood up straighter replying, "I was only following the order that was impressed upon me by Khazarakh."

"Yes...so that you could somehow learn to preserve dynasty resources." Veronakh said his green eyes shifting upwards akin to that of an organic rolling their eyes before returning their harsh gaze on the Necron lord, "I am well aware of what your father attempted to teach you."

The Phaeron looked behind him and motioned with his hand in the direction of the devastated colony, "Tell me, was the value of that ship truly worth what happened here? Look at what was wrought from your bungling!"

Xamutet once more looked to the snow laden ground again. He didn't need to have Veronakh remind him, he's been overseeing all of this since the beginning, "I know Great One."

"Thanks to you, my plans have been disrupted. Our enemy now possesses elements of our technology. This colony could take weeks or a month before resource operations can begin again! Resources I could have used for future operations!" Veronakh walked towards Xamutet, who was still evading his Phaeron's ire, "Instead I have to go through the motions of admonishing a lord who clearly should know better."

Xamutet didn't say anything in response. He knew full well that Veronakh was correct and that this tongue lashing from his Phaeron was well deserved. Then Veronakh relaxed his stance somewhat, "However, in spite of this failure you did make a good accounting of yourself in Sanctum's defense."

Veronakh looked to the gathering of husk bodies and collector materials now being loaded into Ghost Arks for transport, "Du'Maat will certainly have more than enough to work with in regards to understanding our enemy and their equipment. The results hopefully will be enlightening."

The Gravatar bowed his head in response. He would take whatever praise he could get from this mess, but the Phaeron was not quite done yet, "Despite your victory and the intelligence it will bring, this does not overlook what brought about this situation. As such, protocol demands punishment."

The dark skinned Necron Lord met his Phaeron's eyes, "I accept whatever comes Great One."

Veronakh nodded, "For what you were able to achieve, you will retain your rank. It is good to see that your gift for battle still is sharp despite all that has happened."

Xamutet nodded approvingly before Veronakh's green eyes narrowed to slits, "Since the Serap is the source of this issue...I have decided to relieve you of its responsibility."

"You are taking my ship from me?" Xamutet asked, unsure of how to process his lord's decision.

"It is only fair is it not? Considering the mess you will need to clean up here along with your poor performance as shipmaster, in a way I am doing you a kindness."

"But...how will I wage war between stars when the time comes Great One?"

"I suppose you will need to...dare I say...request passage with either myself or Solvatas. I won't waste what limited naval assets we have on those that cannot use them to their full potential."

Xamutet was bemused, his eyes quickly shifting indicating processes going through his mind at a rapid rate. A part of him was grateful that this was all that was being taken, but another part of him felt...anger? Frustration? Why? He explored those thoughts and found the word dishonor at the root. Having to grovel constantly just to simply travel would be bad enough. The worst aspect of this was having failed his father's last order, to ensure the ship's survival. In a way Xamutet realized that by having the ship stripped from him, he would have failed his father completely.

The Gravatar looked to his Phaeron again, "Great One, surely you can take something else from me, my collection, put me in charge of something more mundane if that is what you wish!"

Veronakh was surprised at Xamutet's response, "I never took you for being sentimental cousin and I understand the circumstances that imposed the protocol on you. But at this time pragmatism must be our watchword."

"I have been nothing but pragmatic since I was put in charge of this post. Enduring the fleshlings mulings and groveling, along with this...dull administrative work. It chides me relentlessly!

"Is there a point to this rambling?" Veronakh groaned.

"Yes! My point is that I endure this so that I may eventually return to the glory of battle. Taking the Serap from me...the dishonor..."

"By the gods, you complain to me about the fleshlings groveling and here you are doing the same simply because I am taking your ship? Because it shows you dishonored yourself?"

Xamutet looked to the ground again, "...Yes and that I truly failed Khazarakh..."

Veronakh brought his hand to his face, sighed and looked to Xamutet again before speaking more respectfully, "I know you and your father were close. You both share the same battle lust and sense of honor. However, he is dead and honor is a concept we can ill afford."

"Ill afford?! It dictates much of our protocols and traditions! Our dynasty is one of the few who still retains some semblance of honor. Now you are saying we must abandon it?!"

"Since your father is dead and I am now Phaeron... it is so. You could have had that future glory you desired had you managed the situation here properly. You will relent Xamutet and obey my directives. Lest you dishonor yourself further with disobedience and truly lose your opportunity for any glory to come."

Xamutet's rage was palpable, an audible growl of anger was made known through the dark lord's audio emitters, "I suppose honor to you is merely an inconvenience...Great One. Forgive my presumption. It is clear that nothing I say will sway you in this."

"No, it will not." Veronakh said as his eyes glowed a brighter green. A wireless burst of information was broadcast into Xamutet's artificial mind and Necron systems across the colony. It was a directive that then proceeded to delete the dark lord's name from the registry of the Serap. Xamutet was quiet as the silent command completed its task, "Dwell on the events that led you here and perhaps in time you will learn from them and redeem your disgrace. Until then, endure and continue your tasks here. For all your flaws cousin, the dynasty still requires your expertise."

Veronakh turned again, walking a short distance before stopping and turning his head in the Gravatar's direction, "I will remain here a while longer to oversee operations before I must go to Omega. It would seem Solvatas continues to rise in standing while you continue muling over your lost 'honor'."

The Phaeron and his entourage continued on, leaving Xamutet by himself to stew quietly. Multiple issues plagued the Gravatar's mind, coming out physically as a slight twitch in his dark hands before they formed into fists. The loss of honor, the anger he felt towards the Phaeron's disregard towards what he thought was important. Another audible growl was emitted from Xamutet before he began his trek back towards the main facility of the colony. On the way a man accidentally got in his path where he was promptly grabbed and slammed into the deck. The Gravatar kept going leaving the man broken, his life saved only due to the snow laden ground absorbing some of the impact.

Xamutet's mind was soon consumed temporarily by a single prevailing thought, "One day...I will destroy them all. All my enemies and all those who wrong me... this I promise."

Shepard had activated his cloak during the black out at the perfect time to escape the Turian Spectre. He had gone down the northern hallway, following a waypoint that Veronakh had laid out for him. It led to another area with server rooms, but more importantly it led to a side exit on the west side of the building. A squad of guards were now watching the hallways, fully alert with weapons drawn. Shepard was conflicted, he didn't want to have to kill these guys simply doing their jobs. But it would seem someone else decided that for him. A guard shouted out to someone at a hallway southbound, "Hey! Hold up!" Then suddenly the squad was hit with overload and fired upon by rifle fire along with a concussive blast for good measure, scattering the security team all around.

Veronakh spoke to Shepard once again, "The way is clear Shepard, Miss Goto is already exfiltrating and your men will be right behind you."

Shepard uncloaked and rushed for the exit, where Garrus and Zaeed were waiting. They came up from the dimly lit southern hall and formed up behind Shepard. The doors quickly opened and the team didn't hesitate. They ran out into the open and went along the western side of the building which squeezed into a narrow alleyway before reaching a sidewalk. They quickly headed left and Shepard could already hear the sirens of C-Sec patrol cars on approach. The Commander signaled his men to head towards a construction site close by, hoping to use it for cover and to possibly find an escape route.

Meanwhile Kasumi was still in cloak and had come down from the ventilation system on the north side of the building they had exited, where she began to go in a different direction. But she didn't notice a certain brown colored Drell nearby. He was wearing a set of goggles and made adjustments to it before putting two fingers up to his ear, "I've got one, likely their stealth expert. I'm sending you the light frequency I'm using for my thermals, moving to pursue." Kusko tapped his Omni-tool quickly before chasing after the mindshackled thief.

Following the fugitive Spectre, Maius quickly came out of the same entrance that Shepard had used with a team of guards behind. The Turian looked to the men and commanded, "Stay and secure the site! My team and C-Sec will handle the pursuit!"

The guard next to him nodded and motioned the security force to return to their building. Maius continued running down where Shepard had gone and contacted his sniper team, "Tel'Se, Gefren talk to me! Do you have him?"

"We did but he and his men ducked into some of the residential apartments under construction, currently changing position." Tel'Se replied while vaulting over the roof of a building and onto a platform of scaffolding that connected to another. Gefren meanwhile activated a jet pack that allowed him to leap from rooftop to rooftop. Tel'Se looked to the flying Volus and smirked, "You didn't mention you had a jetpack!"

Gefren waved to her with his little clawed hand, "Not in your size my dear, after all a Volus has special needs to be met in order to keep up with all of you!"

"Could've made it easier for me too if you had one in a larger size."

Gefren shrugged as he flew by her, "Well we do, they just happen to be made for Turians."

"Maybe when we get done here we can go window shop for one?" Tel'Se playfully suggested.

"Ah! Sounds wonderful, I think I may know someone who can-"

"Gefren keep the chatter down! Focus on Shepard!" Maius shouted over the comm.

"Right! Apologies friend! We're almost to our next position!" Gefren said as he landed on his targeted rooftop.

Tel'Se climbed up from the scaffolding and linked up with her Volus compatriot who then activated his Omni-tool in order to create a hard light surface, allowing him to step up to peer over the edge. The Asari mercenary laid her rifle on top of the edge of the roof and looked through her scope to get a view down into the site below. Rows of apartment buildings with scaffolding setup all over them dotted the block of the Ward. The construction crews apparently were on break for the day, thankfully that meant no civilians to worry about. At the end of the residential areas was a warehouse that was being renovated to allow residents to store their belongings. Tel'Se scanned up and down the street trying to find Shepard. Suddenly a door to one of the lower apartments was opened and two individuals ran out. The Asari sniper spotted them and reported in, "I got eyes on two of them. One Turian, one human, both in black armor with no insignia like the other guards."

"The human might be Shepard, remember non-lethal take down only." Maius ordered.

"Got it." Tel'Se replied as she took aim at the human's back as he ran down the street.

Gefren was working his Omni-tool and switching vision modes on his suits ocular sensors. Knowing Shepard was an Infiltrator he tuned the light frequency on his vision's thermal sensors in case the human Spectre was cloaked. Quickly he noticed a hunched figure hiding in an apartment ahead of the other two that were running down the street. It was hard to tell but it had the look of someone holding a...the Volus quickly leapt at Tel'Se and knocked her down just before a sniper shot rang out and nearly took off her head.

Surprised to find Gefren on top of her, the Volus quickly apologized, "Sorry! He used his own men as bait!"

Gefren quickly got off his Asari cohort and let her press up to the edge of the roof where she asked, "Where did you see him?"

The Volus got back to his hardlight stepping stone and peeked over again, "Third building on the right, first floor apartment. Looks like he changed position."

"His men?"

"Out of sight for now, they may be in the buildings again." Ducking into cover Gefren got on the radio once more, "Maius, Shepard and his men are in our area moving towards the warehouse at the end of the apartment rows."

"Got it C-Sec has several cars moving in to assist and they're close. We also have a heavy transport of tactical units inbound to cordon off the area, ETA five minutes." Maius replied.

"Shepard could be gone by the time they arrive!" Tel'Se exclaimed.

Maius didn't seem too concerned, "True but he's stuck in there. That apartment row is like what the humans call a 'cul de sac', it loops around and has that warehouse at the end for storage. I've already ordered operators to lock down vent access and maintenence in that area. Even if he does start hacking through its going to take time."

"Got movement again!" Tel'Se called out as she scoped down range once more. She spotted a cloaked figure running out into the open. She activated the thermals on her scope with the light frequency adjustments from Kusko and sure enough a cloaked human in armor was confirmed.

This time Tel'Se took a shot at Shepard who was already about to reach the other side of the street. He evaded the electrical pulse round by rolling alongside a waste disposal bin. The Asari sniper found herself suddenly fired upon by assault rifles to her left and took cover. Gefren rushed over to the other side of the roof, pistol drawn and made another step with his Omni-tool to peer over the edge. Activating his heavy shielding he looked over and saw the Turian and human from before moving through the building across from them. They had used the third and second floor to fire on Tel'Se before shifting. Gefren opened fire on them but it was impossible for Gefren's pistol to do anything apart from applying some pressure.

Maius chimed in over the radio once more, "Heads up, I'm almost to the area and patrol cars should be coming in now!"

Tel'Se and Gefren could hear the sirens of said C-Sec cars coming in. Two of them flew over their roof and began to hover over the area before landing at the end of the street in front of the warehouse. The C-Sec officers quickly got out of their vehicles and used them for cover as they scanned for the suspects. One of the Turian officers shouted out over his vehicle's PA, "This is C-Sec! Come out with your hands up and weapons on the ground!"

The response to the officer's order was a burst of rifle fire hitting their police cars, forcing the officers to get down. Tel'Se scoped over the scene unfolding and looked to where the shots were coming from. They were firing from the apartment rows to the left of the street, second floor but the angle was bad to get a shot. All the Asari could do was be patient and wait for a chance. Gefren then saw a cloaked Shepard through his thermals sneaking up on the officers in cover, "Tel'Se Shepard's moving in!"

The Asari merc then switched over to the officers through her scope to see Shepard uncloak in front of one of them. Tel'Se still didn't have a shot as the human Spectre quickly smashed the officer over his head with the butt of his rifle before hip firing and shooting the other C-Sec Turian in his hand forcing him to drop his weapon. Before the other pair of officers could respond to this new threat, they were quickly headshotted from the apartments by Zaeed and Garrus. The Spectre then rushed and tackled down the remaining officer seemingly beating him while he was on the ground.

Gefren quickly reported, "Maius! We have officers down! Shepard is finishing off the last of them!"

"Spirits, already?! Do whatever it takes to slow him down!" Maius ordered.

Tel'Se saw Shepard's men jumping through the windows of the second floor and rolling when they hit the deck. They were moving to link up with Shepard by the patrol car where Gefren spotted the Commander setting up a firing position in between the patrol cars, "Get down!" the Volus shouted.

Tel'Se ducked as another sniper shot passed over her, but this time she quickly got back up and fired several shots from her rifle near Shepard's position forcing him behind the cars. The Asari merc ducked down and then quickly got Gefren's attention with a whistle before withdrawing her Vindicator rifle and throwing it to him. The Volus caught the rifle but was still surprised as the Asari explained, "I need to you to keep up the pressure on Shepard!"

"We're not trying to kill him! And a rifle like this may be a bit much for me-."

"I don't need you to hit him just keep pressure on him!"

The Volus grumbled but did his best to get the Vindicator setup on top of the edge of the roof. There he braced the rifle as best he could with his claw hands before sighting in and seeing Shepard setting up once more. The Volus fired bursts of rifle fire down onto the human Spectre's position forcing him back into cover once again. Tel'Se then spied the Commander's men still out in the open. They were about to reach Shepard's position but the Asari sniper quickly decided on a target, a human male running alongside his Turian compatriot. She fired a series of shots at him, eventually breaking his shield. Then the Asari interacted with her rifle, inputting commands on a holo interface. Blue lights glowed along the barrel and Tel'Se braced her rifle and squeezed hard on the trigger. The rifle charged and then fired a glowing round that slammed into Zaeed's back. The human merc hit the deck hard in front of the patrol cars, groaning as electricity surged and paralyzed his body.

"Zaeed!" The Commander called out.

The old merc was groaning in pain as Veronakh spoke, "He's not dead but he's been hit with some kind of electrical pulse round, causing paralysis."

Shepard ducked back into cover attempting to think of a way to get Zaeed out of there.

"Shepard, leave him." Veronakh coldly ordered.

The Commander shook his head, "No, there's got to be a way to-"

"There isn't, the enemy is coming and Miss Goto has her own pursuer whom I am currently attempting to lose. Get out of there...now!"

The Commander gritted his teeth and cloaked, leaving Garrus to cover him. Using the other pair of patrol cars for cover, the mindshackled vigilante put fire on Gefren and Tel'Se. In two bursts of rifle fire he forced both of them to get down into cover again. Shepard kept running toward the warehouse, while Garrus kept suppressing the sniper team. Once he found a position at the warehouse entrance Shepard setup and put his own suppression on the opposing team, freeing Garrus to move to his position. However Shepard spotted through his scope multiple C-Sec cars and the Turian Spectre from earlier now coming down the street. He put a couple of rounds down range, forcing Gravinius to take cover. Garrus reached the Commander at the entrance as rounds began to hit both their shields. The fugitives ducked into the warehouse and sealed the doors behind them as they went inside.

C-Sec officers quickly got out of their cars and rushed to join Maius while he ran out to subdue Zaeed and secure the area. He motioned the patrolmen to cuff Zaeed and to examine the four downed officers. Two were unconscious, with one having sustained a concussion and the other having multiple fractures and bruises. The other pair had both been shot in the head and the men who checked their vitals shook their heads. Maius looked to the warehouse and spoke over the radio, "Shepard has a lot to answer for."

"It would seem he has no intention of making it easy, whats the play chief?" Tel'Se asked.

"He's cornered. Though there is maintenance and vent access through the building its all shutdown. If we're quick we can catch him before he can cut his way out."

"And if we can't?"

Maius didn't answer at first. A large transport craft flew over his head and landed in front of the warehouse before him. The craft's back entrance opened and human tactical C-Sec units piled out and began to take up positions around the front entrance.

The Turian Spectre grinned, "Not possible. We got the men and the numbers, whether Shepard comes quietly or not, it ends here."

The Teqyt shifted in a flash back to real space and moved silently through the asteroid field. The Necron light cruiser eventually came upon the Omega station spinning among the floating debris and came up along side its glowing red spire. Those that looked out the windows facing it were both awed and rightfully terrified. For the Teqyt was quite possibly the largest and most advanced ship they had ever seen around the Terminus.

Instead of docking with the station, a gate assembled itself from necrodermis blocks installed recently in the docking area. A green portal quickly activated and out came forth an entourage of Lychguard along with a small force of elite royal warriors. Finally, Veronakh himself appeared, his guards assembling into an escort formation alongside him. The entourage found themselves amidst an assembly of other Necron warriors, each bearing a prisoner in the traditional fashion, an axe blade hooked around the neck. The prisoners were mostly comprised of either Turians or Batarians, although there were several humans and Salarians. These were apparently team leaders or high ranking thugs within the former Omega Queen's organization. Now they were all being escorted towards some kind of club in order to take part in the Solvatakh tradition of ascendancy. Eventually Veronakh came to the entrance to what used to be a nightclub called Afterlife. Reconstruction was already underway and workers were taking down the club's original holographic screen and adding Solvatakh iconography. It was the first step in turning it from a club to Solvatas' headquarters.

The new Omega Queen was waiting in the original tunnel entrance to the club. She was still in her Asari disguise giving a smirk in Veronakh's direction, "It would seem my request to maintain appearances has been denied."

Veronakh shrugged as he approached, "In the end they will learn the truth, no sense hiding who rules them in a fake wrapping of an illusion. No matter how much it would put your new subjects at ease."

Solvatas looked at her disguised hand while she explained, "I had thought by showing the people on the station that the leadership of the dynasty were organics, we could sustain a smooth transition of power. Oh well, I at the very least will maintain the illusion."

"If it suits you, fair enough. Such is your right after all." Veronakh replied.

"Indeed..." Solvatas looked away, contemplating something for a moment before looking to her lord again, "Has my performance been satisfactory to you Great One?"

Veronakh nodded, "Quite so! You were able to achieve your objective with little loss to precious resources and time once again! I am quite satisfied."

Solvatas bowed with a smile on her face, "It pleases me to hear it from you Great One, I strive for optimum efficiency."

Veronakh nodded approvingly before bringing a skeletal hand to his chin, "Perhaps...it is time I fulfilled my promise to you."

"...Truly Great One?" Solvatas asked feigning surprise.

"Oh yes...admonishing Xamutet and overseeing his operations as he muled about put me in a dour mood. A bit of charity towards my hard working sibling may balance the scales of the day more favorably."

Solvatas rose from her bow still smiling, "You honor me with your generosity Great One. I had thought that I would need to achieve greater heights before-"

Veronakh waved off the overt gesture of flattery, "Yes yes, no need to be so needlessly formal Solvatas. I know you've been expecting this for some time. As I said, it would be a fitting moment, especially now as you take your place on this station."

Solvatas bowed once more in her brother's direction, "Regardless, thank you Great One."

"Go on, I shall see you up ahead when it is time for the ceremony."

His Necron sister rose and proceeded down the tunnel where her own entourage of warriors waited for her. Veronakh looked behind him to see Kor'Pharas approaching him, "Ah our Praetorian arrives at last. You said you would join me once you had processed all incoming data regarding Omega's annexation."

"Yes and I have."

"Have our...'informants' relayed anything regarding the Council's response?"

Kor'Phoras shook his head, "Still too early to determine. Though it is likely they will no doubt seek either retaliation or reconnaissance via their Spectres. To send a fleet towards the Terminus could spark war."

"No doubt. Many relays must cross through this region of the Terminus. Once we are situated and secure here we will be able to hinder any hostile movement against me."

"Provided we fortify the station and arrange patrols quickly enough." Kor'Phoras reminded.

"Of course, we do not need a repeat of Xamutet's blunder here. Our foes are no doubt licking their wounds for the moment. We must not squander this time alotted to us."

Kor'Pharas gave his lord a slight nod, "News reports still are unclear as to who we are. Though no doubt Solvatakh's name is steadily being spread to other nearby systems."

Veronakh gave a light chuckle at that, "Yes and I look forward to see how they will have to entreat with me once I show them the futility of resistance."

Kor'Pharas continued to report, "An alliance of local systems and pirates working against us is still possible, though with Aria dead they will no doubt be unstable. I do not expect it will take much to break them."

"Quite, continue to monitor the reports as I go to prepare Solvatas' reward." Veronakh said.

"So you truly intend to return her shard and status?"

"Indeed, I feel she has earned it."

Veronakh turned to proceed back towards the gate at the docks, where Forbytr was waiting for him. Kor Pharas looked at his Phaeron before looking away and brought a hand to his chin in thought. The re-integration of a shard from a personality matrix could be a risky prospect to mental stability. He would have to observe the process closely, lest another lord potentially begin falling into the mental degradation already shown through much of the dynasty's past leadership.

Kusko continued to pursue the invisible hooded woman through a park as the two ran through the residential sector. The cloaked suspect blew past one person, knocking a drink out of their hand shocking them speechless before the Drell ran by the bewildered human civilian. Children of several races played in a sand pit when suddenly sand kicked into their faces, scaring the children and making them cry. Kusko leapt over the kids still crying and continued the chase. Then the suspect reached the edge of the park by a railing that overlooked the interior of the ward. Flying cars of various makes drove over and below the rail's edge. The hooded woman began getting on top of the barrier when Kusko drew his sidearm and shouted, "Stop!"

But the woman suddenly jumped off the railing before Kusko could charge a shot for his non-lethal pistol. He ran to the edge and looked over. A hover car suddenly took off from the parking lot down below. Through his goggles, he could see the hooded woman had gracefully landed on the car as it flew up to join the rest of the traffic. The female suspect simply waved at him as the car took off causing the Drell to grit his teeth in frustration. He quickly looked back down and saw another car taking off from the parking lot and took his chance. Kusko leapt from the railing and onto the top of the car causing the driver to panic and hit the gas quickly. This had the benefit of getting Kusko up into traffic more quickly though the driver was now driving erratically forcing Kusko to find any kind of hand hold he could find to stay on.

From atop his car the Drell could see the hooded woman still on her car's roof, also holding on tightly. All they both could do for the next few minutes was hold on and wait for an opportunity to get off. Then it came when both cars slowed to turn the same corner that led to another area of the ward. The hooded woman jumped first, hitting the deck and rolling before taking off in a sprint. Kusko quickly got off a few seconds later, still keeping up with her.

The woman kept running and slid through the midst of several Krogan. The group of saurian-like aliens smelled and heard something weird go by them and then looked in the hooded woman's direction confused. One of the Krogan then smelled Kusko coming and looked toward the Drell coming at him in a sprint. On reflex and getting annoyed, the towering reptile attempted to headbutt him, only for Kusko to slide under the large alien and hit the Krogan in the quad with his pistol. While the Drell quickly recovered from the slide and kept going, the large brutish alien held his crotch and keeled over roaring in pain while his friends attempted to help him.

Kusko kept up the chase as the hooded woman quickly turned the corner of an office building. When he reached the corner he found a flash grenade waiting for him. The Drell covered his face but he didn't cover his ears. He gritted his teeth as his ears rang from the loud bang. He felt slightly nauseous, but quickly shook himself out of it looking around once again for the suspect.

He looked out towards a plaza with a fountain in the center that proceeded from a staircase by an office building. He reacquired the target already reaching the end of another railing on the lower level. Kusko leapt down and rolled by the fountain. From a crouched position he charged his pistol and took aim. The suspect got to the edge of the barrier and looked down. Then a Kodiak shuttlecraft rose up over the edge of the railing. The Drell quickly noted the symbol on it as Cerberus. It's side door opened and two human soldiers in armor with the same insignia drew weapons and poured rifle fire on Kusko's position. Civilians screamed and ran from the area or hit the deck as the rounds flew. The Drell smuggler was forced to get down and use the fountain for cover as he was suppressed. The hooded woman leapt into the shuttle craft and the Kodiak swiftly turned to take off.

Kusko attempted to take aim again but the shuttle was already closing its side door and was departing. He quickly withdrew a kind of rifle from his back that unfolded in his hands. He took aim and fired a shot at the shuttle. A tracking device attached to the shuttle's black back side as it flew away. The Drell got on the line to Maius, "Kusko here, I'm afraid the target has eluded me and is now on board a human shuttle craft."

"What!? You lost her!?" The Turian Spectre exclaimed.

"Yes, but I was able to launch a tracker onto the craft. I am transmitting its frequency to you now. I'd suggest getting C-Sec or any available units to continue pursuit."

Maius sighed over the comm, "Well...I guess that's better than nothing. I'll have dispatch send whatever units they have after it but no guarantees they'll be able to catch her."

"What are my orders?" Kusko asked.

"Get back to my position at Tovana avenue, Shepard is locked down at a warehouse. We got one of his men in custody and he along with another are trapped like rats. May need you down here in case he gets out before we can get him."

"Understood, heading back now."

Kusko quickly spotted a transit console to call a cab in the plaza and activated it. A yellow hover car soon appeared a moment later and opened up revealing a Turian with white markings looking over to him and motioning him in. When the Drell got in the cab, the driver asked, "Where ya headin pal?"

"Tovana Avenue please."

"Sure thing!"

As the taxi took off, Kusko laid his arms on his legs and began to pray quietly to himself, "Amonkira, Lord of Hunters...forgive me for my failure. I ask for another opportunity to fulfill your will, so that the unjust may be brought to justice. Arashu, I ask for the protection of my colleagues as they move to capture the ringleader. Should the worst come to pass, grant forgiveness to us, for our cause is just."

The cab driver looked back for a second before once more looking to the road and shaking his head silently musing at how people can still be religious in these times.

Shepard was inside the storage warehouse with Garrus combing through it for a way out. He could hear the sounds of sirens and people outside. No doubt it would only be a matter of time before C-Sec and the Spectre breached the building. He continued looking around until finally in between storage lockers he spied an entrance into the lower maintenance system of the building. He activated his Omni-tool and attempted to gain access but was denied. The system was completely shutdown and not accepting any outside input. Shepard grunted in frustration at his Omni-tool. He may have to cut through the hatch, but a secure bulkhead had been closed on the entrance. Cutting it would take too long.

Veronakh chimed in once more, "Having difficulty finding the way out?"

"You said there was one here, as far as I can tell the whole building is locked down! You led me into a trap!" Shepard yelled.

"Only because I know there is a way out. This building is undergoing renovation. Its the oldest building in the block. Normally installing manual override junctions would be unnecessary but due to accidents this place became an exception. Maintenance reports have made a lot of complaints regarding this particular storage area. Namely hatch jams and some lost limbs due to the hatch system suddenly closing on body parts. Why haven't they fixed it? Laziness and expedience apparently from the company that owns the building. Once again poor fleshling management reveals why my kind will be necessary to restore efficiency to this galaxy."

"Wow, that makes me so much more reassured about your plan on getting me out of here..." Shepard replied dryly.

"Unless you intend on turning yourself in, which I do not recommend, it is better than nothing at this point. Regardless the junction should be easy enough to manually interact with. Mr. Vakarian should be able to handle it relatively easily and Miss Goto is losing her pursuers so the shuttle will soon be free and waiting for you. Once you're inside the system I'll have nav points guide you the rest of the way. I have matters to attend to."

"So you're leaving the rest to me huh? Just like that?"

"Well unless you want me to stay to keep you company." Veronakh chuckled.

"No, go on and do whatever you're going to do."

"Splendid, well I will see you up ahead then Shepard. I trust that you can handle the rest and that my data will soon be in my hands."

With that, Shepard was left to his task. He sent a signal to Garrus' Omni-tool to bring him over. Then the Commander tuned his own tool's scanner to sweep for one of the manual override junctions. A holographic beam emitted from the tool and swept near the hatch. He found the junction near a storage locker to the right of the hatch, but he would need to move said locker to reach it. Garrus quietly arrived and Shepard motioned the Turian to help him move the locker. Working together, the two of them were able to move the storage space several feet. Without skipping a beat, Garrus opened the panel and began interacting with the wires and cables.

Suddenly from outside a PA system from a C-Sec vehicle turned on again, making a loud noise that made Shepard wince, "Shepard, this is Maius Gravinius of Special Tactics and Recon! I'm demanding that you stand down and turn yourself in within the next minute, otherwise we are storming the building!"

Shepard began to move various storage crates, assembling them around to create some chest high cover and slow enemy movement along the passageway to the locker area. He reached into his pouches along his armor and found some specialized smoke grenades that he had on hand in the event he needed a get away. Now was as a good a time as any. Right before he activated one of them Maius called out again, "Thirty seconds Shepard! Then we do this the hard way! This can all stop with one text and your cooperation! This doesn't have to end like this!"

"Sadly...it does." Shepard thought to himself, quickly reflecting on everything going on. He wouldn't lose his people again, not for another mistake he made. He just had to do what he needed to and be patient until a way out presented itself. The Commander would do what he had to to make sure that his crew would survive. He clicked the button on the smoke grenade and tossed it into the entryway of the building and a second one into his passageway. Gray smoke started filling up the area. It seemed to get the C-Sec officers outside nervous because Shepard started hearing more shouting. Then he saw sparks flying as the team outside the main entrance began to cut through the locks. Veronakh must have kept them from being able to lift the lockdown forcing them to have to cut through the main doors.

Shepard readied his Avenger rifle and cloaked just when they were about to finish cutting in. The doors opened and Maius rushed in first along with a force of five heavily armed C-Sec officers. Wreathed in holographic red armor plates the Turian Spectre began to cough. Fearing the smoke may be harmful he quickly put on a rebreather from one of his suit's pockets and began hand waving officers to take up different positions. The Commander could see the Turian squinting in the fog commenting, "Damn, there must be a particulate in the smoke that's interfering with thermals. Pair up! Don't let him sneak up on you!"

The team spread out while Shepard quietly sneaked along the crates moving towards the passageway. A pair of the heavily armed soldiers were making their way towards Garrus through the smoke. The human Spectre knew he would have to deal with them first. At times the C-Sec officers kept bumping into the crates due to the smoke. One stubbed his foot on a crate, holding the pain back and clenching his teeth. The Commander grabbed him from behind and knocked the man into the same crate where the officer had stubbed his toe. The officer's partner looked to his friend when he heard the commotion and found his partner down before a rifle butt smacked him in his visor, cracking it and knocking him over. The C-Sec officer's head landed hard on another crate before he too lost consciousness.

Hearing bodies falling Maius knew instantly who was behind it and squeezed the trigger in the direction of the sound. The Turian's weapon charged and fired a five round bursts of electrical pulse rounds but Shepard had already rolled to cover, "Shepard's close! Cover my back!" Gravinius ordered.

"Yes sir!" one of the C-Sec troopers acknowledged.

The two remaining combat-ready officers formed up behind the Turian Spectre and covered his rear from any back stab attempt. Maius thought he saw a silhouette of a person in the smoke and charged his rifle to fire a burst at him. Shepard, while cloaked quickly leapt at Garrus and knocked him down before he was neutralized. It was then that Shepard realized that the hatch had been opened already. Looking at Garrus the Commander realized that the mindshackle had rendered the Turian unable to perform anything else until ordered to do so. Shepard then told him, "Go Garrus! Get through the hatch and find a way to the shuttle!"

Vakarian did as ordered though he didn't acknowledge the order. Much like a mech just obeying what it was told to do, the Turian got up and proceeded to go down the ladder at a slow but steady pace. Shepard got up quickly, still cloaked, in order to deal with the rival Spectre and his officers. He needed to buy Garrus time to get down the hatch.

Maius approached the smoke filled room very carefully after firing his burst. He listened intently for a moment. Then he thought he heard a muffled voice, he trained his sights down range in the sound's direction but still saw nothing in the smoke filled area. Then finally the smoke began to dissipate. He thought he saw the fading smoke on his right begin to shift and move. Thinking it could be Shepard attempting to sneak by, he attempted to strike the air with his weapon but found he hit nothing. Then he heard the sound of a weapon's safety being switched off close behind him. He whipped around and was surprised at what he found. The two C-Sec officers had their weapons trained on him and were about to shoot him from behind! Were they a part of Shepard's operation? In the split second of that realization Maius' combat instincts took over.

The Commander watched from the shadows just as surprised at the whole situation. His rival Spectre knocked the officer's weapon away with his own as it discharged and aggressively body checked the man down. The other C-Sec officer began firing on the Turian, but being a Sentinel with his tech armor on Maius' shields took the brunt. The Spectre then charged his biotics and hit the remaining officer with a throw field to knock the traitorous human off balance. To finish it, the Turian charged in and biotically punched the human in the chest, sending him flying back to the main entrance.

The smoke had nearly dissipated and Maius' thermal visor over his right eye was beginning to work again. He saw Shepard's silhouette light up as the human was about to get down the hatch. Quickly the Turian Sentinel charged and setup a biotic field that blocked access to the hatch. When Shepard attempted to step on the field he got knocked back and flung into the wall. Maius then took a charge from his pouch and flung it at the open panel with its exposed wiring. An electric discharge ran through the panel and the hatch sealed shut.

"Garrus!" Shepard called out as he got up.

Maius stepped over to the Commander while removing his rebreather, "It's over Shepard! Stand down!"

The Commander uncloaked, his rifle trained and sighted on Maius' head, "It's not over yet Gravinius."

The Turian still had his own weapon drawn at Shepard, holding it in a hip fire stance, "Don't push your luck anymore than you have today Commander."

"You're the one pushing your luck Gravinius. If you keep going like this you're not going to like how it all ends."

"Hardly, your Cerberus lackeys failed and I got reinforcements waiting outside who will be storming in at any moment."

"Yet they aren't, why?"

"To see if I can talk you down most likely. Whether you come quietly or not, today you're going into a cell. You've got a lot of explaining to do."

"I'm afraid that cell's going to have to wait a bit longer. I've got appointments I need to keep."

"Oh really? And how do you plan on getting past me, over twenty C-Sec officers, and the rest of my own team?"

"Simple... just deal with one problem at a time..." Shepard replied as he activated his tool and quickly sabotaged Maius' weapon. When the Turian attempted to pull the trigger the weapon's energy discharged in his hand causing him to drop it. Shepard cloaked and attempted to get past the Turian Sentinel but Maius clothes lined him as the human Spectre attempted to slip through, knocking Shepard to the floor. The hit also knocked away the Commander's weapon. Shepard kicked his rival in the chest when he attempted to subdue him, managing to push him away. The Commander got back up and brought up his fists ready to go hand to hand. Maius did the same when a radio call came up, Maius brought a finger to his ear and replied, "Stand by, I've got this."

Maius wasn't sure how many other officers out there were Cerberus and he didn't want a blood bath if that was the case. He would take Shepard on himself and put an end to all this. Shepard attempted to get inside for a punch, but Maius struck out first with a right hook. The Commander ducked under the blow and his Omni-tool unsheathed two Omni-blades with an electric current. The human Spectre attempted to thrust the blades into the Turian's midsection but Maius' left hand quickly grabbed Shepard's forearm. Maius then hit Shepard with a knee to the midsection before jabbing him with his right fist repeatedly. The human Spectre withdrew his M-4 Predator and began firing on Maius at point blank range. The pistol fire forced the former Cabal to let go and retreat to cover before his shields failed. Shepard kept firing on his position till he had to eject his clip and on reflex he cloaked fleeing up a staircase near the main entrance.

Gravinius withdrew his Tempest and saw Shepard's silhouette run up the flight of stairs and ran after him, "Tel'Se! Shepard is going up the stairs! How far is the roof?!"

"Five flights with lots of storage areas per floor. The emergency shutters are still sealed, I don't have a shot inside through the windows."

"Keep an eye on that rooftop Tel'Se! Officer Gervau! Have your men secure the first floor, don't let the suspect double back!"

"On it sir!"

Maius kept running up the stairs till he reached the fourth floor, the last one before the rooftop. He found the floor wreathed in smoke and once again his visor's thermals were blind. Suddenly he was punched in the face, knocking him back towards the staircase. Maius found himself nearly falling down the stairs. Hits to the body followed and Maius attempted to punch the cloaked Shepard but missed. More punches to the Turian's face followed along with a kick. Maius grabbed the railing on the stairs to get his balance and was hit in the face and body for his efforts. Holding on with all his strength, the former Cabal then powered his biotics to his barriers and then detonated his Tech armor.

The blast wave knocked Shepard back and from the way the smoke moved in the air, Maius guessed where the Commander fell. The Turian tackled the Commander, knocking him out of stealth as he tried to get back up from his fall. Having the advantage, Maius pinned Shepard down and a struggle ensued. The Commander headbutted Maius to loosen his grip and escape but Maius continued to hold on. They rolled around, both combatants punching each other and grappling looking to get a good hold on the other. Finally Maius got Shepard to roll over. He quickly got him into a sleeper hold and attempted to choke him out to make him fall unconscious. The Commander hit Maius with his elbow to the midsection but the Turian wouldn't flinch. Shepard kept hitting Maius, all in the hopes of getting out of the hold, but his vision was growing dark and it was hard to breathe.

"It's all over Shepard. Yield and this will be easy." Maius said panting and gritting his teeth.

Shepard barely got a few words out, "I...don't... do easy..."

"Have it your way then..." The Turian growled.

The grip on Shepard's neck tightened and now the human could barely breathe. The Commander attempted to again hit Maius but there was hardly any force left behind it. Darkness began to take Shepard's vision as he quickly began to lose consciousness. Then a voice in his mind made a metallic sigh as the human's sight became completely dark, "I leave you alone for a mere moment and look what happens. Perhaps I misjudged your capabilities Commander. Although I may have underestimated this Turian fellow, I would have thought you would have done better considering what you displayed on Veridine. Still...have no fear...I'll take it from here."

A green light engulfed Shepard's vision and he heard nothing more. Maius felt Shepard slowly beginning to relax and fall unconscious but he didn't release his grip yet. He wasn't going to leave anything to chance until he felt sure the Commander was out. Then suddenly the human Spectre elbowed him again so hard in the chest he nearly had the wind knocked out of him. Then the hits kept coming several more times until the Turian felt his ribs crack and blood coming up out of his mouth. Maius let go and fell back holding onto his chest, coughing and choking back the blue blood now oozing from his mouth. He looked to Shepard and saw the man stand up slowly, tap his helmet twice, revealing his face in the visor. It wasn't the hologram like before. It was the real Commander's smirking face, but it now featured two glowing green eyes with some dark veins around them.

Maius coughed up more blood and slowly got to his feet, "...Shepard?"

A voice spoke but it was Shepard's intermixed with another metallic sounding voice, "I had hoped the Commander could have handled this himself. But it seems you require some of my attention."

"Who are you?" The Turian asked.

"Who I am is irrelevant to someone who will be dead in the next few minutes." said the possessed Shepard as he cracked his knuckles.

Maius fought through the pain and readied himself, charging his biotics. With incredible speed Shepard rushed in and evaded the Turian's biotic punch, landing successive punches of his own to the ex-Cabal's mid-section. Maius spit up more blood as he attempted to counter with an overhand strike to get Shepard away from him but the Commander evaded the counter-blow. He punished the Turian with continuous blows to his jaw, chest, and mid-section with insane speed. By the end of the flurry of blows, Maius was barely standing. His jaw flanges had been dislocated and he had sustained multiple internal injuries and lost blood. Still the Turian attempted to put up a strong front and maintained a fighting stance which seemed to amuse his opponent, "You Turians truly are strong of spirit I must say." the robotic voice continued through Shepard's mouth.

"You...haven't seen anything yet...whoever you are." Maius spat.

"Hah! Such bravado! But sadly...I've seen better..."

The ex-Cabal charged his biotics again while Shepard moved in close. Working through the pain, the Turian unleashed another biotic punch which once again the possessed Commander dodged. But Maius didn't use up all the biotic energy in the attack. In his other fist some of the energy had been transfered over and Maius launched a surprise throw attack at Shepard. With both their shields down from their previous battle, the Commander was sent flying back down the passageway and into a series of lockers with a crash.

The Turian Sentinel quickly got on a comm still coughing, "Officer Gervau... get your men up here! The suspect is on the fourth floor... need support!"

"We're on our way hang on!"

As soon as Maius finished the call, he looked where Shepard had been sent flying and didn't see his body. He was also still in a daze and one of the hits must have damaged his visor because he didn't see the Commander suddenly appear in front of him and deliver a powerful uppercut to his lower jaw. It knocked the Turian off his feet and he blacked out for a few seconds before he heard that odd voice again, "It's been amusing Spectre...but I am afraid that thanks to you I must now cut my entertainment short."

The Turian quickly realized he was on the floor. He saw Shepard now standing over him glancing at his own hand. The human's hand shook as if it was in shock and Shepard had a puzzled expression on his face, "It seems in the heat of the moment I had forgotten how fragile an organic chassis was. Especially when used to its maximum potential. So for now, I suppose we will call it a draw. Until we meet again Mr. Gravinius."

Maius attempted to move but found his body too pained to respond. He groaned in frustration as the possessed Shepard tapped his helmet twice, returning his visor to black, before taking off once more for the stairs. When the Commander reached the roof he heard a hovercar flying over head and ran for the door. Upon opening the door to the roof, the possessed Shepard found a brown skinned Drell waiting for him. The reptilian man opened fire on him with a pistol that fired a burst of electrical rounds. The Commander dodged and cloaked away but the Drell followed up by withdrawing a cylinder that extended on both ends into a staff weapon. The possessed Shepard found himself struck in the chest with the staff after getting up from his roll and knocked to the ground. The Drell smuggler attempted to finish with a blow to the face to knock Shepard out but found his staff surprisingly grabbed by the Commander. The human Spectre then yanked both the Drell and his staff to the ground with incredible force. Shepard got up and threw the staff to the side, walking over to his opponent. The Commander glanced over his shoulder and saw a flash from a rooftop, he was then struck by an energy bolt and electricity surged through his body. The Drell watched the effect waiting for the paraylsis. Instead the electricity passed and Shepard shook it off and rushed in for another attack.

Tel'Se couldn't believe what she was seeing through her sniper scope several blocks away, "No way he's human..."

"He was the last time I checked." Gefren replied.

"That shot alone would've had enough energy behind it to knock out several men."

"Perhaps he's had a bit of tampering in his genetics or even cybernetics."

"Probably, still Kusko is in trouble and now he's in my shot."

Gefren zoomed in with his suit's vision upgrades and saw the fight on the rooftop as well. It was like something out of a martial arts vid. Both combatants were well matched and were matching each other's strikes with quick blocks. It kept going for a few more seconds until finally Shepard got the advantage with a grab and was able toss the Drell over his shoulder. Then Kusko attempted to kick out but the Commander grabbed Kusko's leg and then promptly twisted it in one deft move with pure strength.

"By the spirits!" Gefren exclaimed.

"I've got a shot!"

As Tel'Se squeezed the trigger, Gefren's audio receiver picked up a familiar sound. The sound of an incoming craft, a human Kodiak. The Volus turned and saw it coming in at full speed towards them.

"Tel'Se! Behind us!"

The Asari sniper turned and her eyes widened at the sight. The human transport craft then turned and slowed, its passenger door opening to reveal several armed soldiers. One of whom was carrying a Hydra rocket launcher. Tel'Se leapt over the side of the rooftops onto the scaffolding and Gefren jumped off as well as the rocket flew and struck their former position. They ran along the scaffolding that was below the edge of the roof while the human craft quickly changed positions. The troopers inside the craft quickly got sight on them and began firing. One soldier was firing his Avenger down on them while the rocket trooper reloaded before taking aim with the Hydra again. Tel'Se quick scoped and fired on the rocket trooper hitting him in the shoulder. The human trooper's aim went wide as he fell to the floor of the craft and the missile hit the side of the scaffolding instead, causing the supports of the scaffolding to collapse. Gefren and Tel'Se fell along with the scaffolding down several stories and were buried beneath pipes and lightweight boards. The Kodiak then turned and headed towards Shepard's position.

The alien controlled Shepard now was finishing his fight with the Drell, rushing in and punching him in the face as Kusko held his leg in agony. C-Sec officers were arriving on the rooftop and opening fire on the Commander as the Kodiak was coming in. More officers on the street level began firing on the human craft as the remaining armored soldier standing in the craft took up the Hydra and fired. The rocket slammed into several police cars parked on the ground sending C-Sec officers to the deck from the blast wave. The Kodiak then turned and showed its flank to the roof where Shepard was. The C-Sec officers there knew what was coming and spread out as a missile came flying into the entrance to the roof. The Kodiak quickly landed as the human Spectre rushed over and got on board. Those C-Sec officers who recovered quickly opened fire but it was too late. The shuttle's doors closed and the Kodiak took off.

One officer turned to his superior, "The suspect is getting away! We should get some units to-"

"Belay that! Just got word from HQ, we're to cease all pursuit immediately." said another of the officers, his hand up to his ear.

"What?! But we can't just let him walk away! He killed several of ours!"

"I know but its coming from the top, they're saying we're causing too much damage to the ward. Better to just let him go for now."

"You've got to be shitting me..."

"I don't like it either! But we got wounded to take care of." The officer on the radio then shifted focus back to his call, "Where are those damn paramedics! We got men down all over the place!"

Ringing sounded in Tel'Se's ears in the darkness. She didn't remember what had happened, something about falling. There was...an explosion and then darkness. Then the ringing began to subside and she heard a familiar voice, "Tel'Se!"

The Asari's eyes slowly began to open and she saw a Volus removing debris off the top of her. At first the name of the Volus eluded her but then she began to remember, "Ge...Gefren?"

"I'm here friend..."

"Wha...what happened."

"Cerberus, damn xenophobic barbarians fired on us with a missile launcher!"

The Asari then began to feel pain all over her body, "Oh...ah!..where am I?"

"Street level, paramedics are here and treating the wounded. Don't move too much, you and I took a bad fall."

"What about you?"

"Oh I'm fine my dear, a few scrapes here and there but there are perks to being a Volus in a very durable suit."

Tel'Se smiled, "Hah...lucky you."

Gefren turned and waved to some medical tech's leaving a nearby ambulance, "Over here! I could use some help!" The Volus then looked to the fallen Asari still covered in some rubble, " Don't worry medics are coming. I need to check on the others."

"Oh Goddess... you're right!" The Asari merc attempted to bring herself up but pain shot up through her lower back and legs, causing her to return back to the pile of debris.

"Easy now! You're in no condition to move around at the moment."

Tel'Se shook her head frustrated, "Dammit...I'm sorry."

A claw hand gently patted her shoulder, "No need for that, I'll take care of the rest. Just be still for now."

Tel'Se simply nodded at her Volus compatriot as the medics rushed over to her and began treatment. Gefren looked over the scene of carnage that had taken place. There was now a crater in the street where several C-Sec police cars once were parked. Said remains of the cars had been blasted in different directions from the rocket impact and there were several bodies nearby that were now covered and being cataloged by paramedics. Several ambulance hovercars had arrived and were now tending to the wounded.

Gefren kept walking to the building where Maius had gone in and saw paramedics bringing out a Turian on a mass effect lifted gurney. The Volus recognized the armor and waited by the ambulance that they were taking the downed Spectre to. Gefren also saw Kusko being helped along by several paramedics, albeit avoiding putting pressure on his right leg.

"Kusko! Good to see you still live!" The Volus commed over the radio link.

The Drell put two fingers by his ear, "Yes, though I was not expecting Shepard to be that physically powerful. Our dossier on him didn't mention cybernetics or gene enhancement."

"Could have been upgrades he received from Cerberus. Though we certainly have been bloodied, at least we're still alive."

"Yes..."

"Don't worry, under Spectre authority the medical techs won't look deeply into your files. For now just let the med teams do their work."

"Thank you and tell Maius I apologize for being unable to stop Shepard."

"I'm sure he'll understand."

The gurney carrying Maius finally arrived at the ambulance. The paramedics looked to Gefren and asked, "Hey! Who are you?"

"I'm his friend! Can I ride with him?"

"As long as you stay out of the way sure."

The Volus nodded and the paramedics brought the gurney into the ambulance and locked it into place while getting inside. One of the medics helped the Volus into the large hovercar and closed the doors, its emergency sirens and lights going off as it took off towards the nearest hospital. The medics immediately began treating Maius injuries and attaching him to life support devices. The injured Turian looked to his Volus friend and tried to speak, "Gef...Gefren."

"Try not to talk, let the paramedics do their work. Whatever it is can wait till after you're stable."

"Can't...Shep...Shepard. Wasn't...himself."

"That much is obvious."

"No...more than that...something...was wrong...another.."

"Another what?"

"Another...ah..." Maius eyes fluttered and his head slumped to the side.

The medical tech quickly explained, "The meds are kicking in, I don't think you're going to get much more out of him till later sir."

Gefren sighed, "Just rest for now friend...we'll get our answers soon enough."

The ceremony was approaching its conclusion. Solvatas sat upon a throne of metallic necrodermis, overlooking the floor that once held drunken patrons and sultry dancers. Maintaining her Asari appearance, Solvatas watched while all the warriors with prisoners got into position. Nev'El was by her side also, standing guard over her charge in her own organic disguise. A crowd of people watched were in the center of the main floor with Necron warrior guards around them. They were anxious of what was transpiring around them and what could come next. On the steps leading up to her throne the officers, bodyguards, and associates of the now deceased Aria'T'Loak were assembled into place, now on their knees with an axe bayonet hooked around their throats.

Finally the doors to her throne room opened and strange alien music played. It sounded like a song one would play at a funeral with low thrumming notes resonating throughout the space. The people turned and saw their new liege lord, Veronakh entering into the room along with his Lychguard. He was carrying several alien objects in his hands. They moved at a nominal pace as Veronakh took in the sight and an audible sound of satisfaction escaped his audio emitters. He approached his sister's throne, the crowd parting as he went.

He left his guard to go up a staircase while his escorts took up positions. Solvatas got up from her seat and faced her Phaeron, bowing before him. The Phaeron nodded in response and then turned to the crowd to address them and the cameras now flying around, "Citizens of Omega Station! I am Veronakh, Phaeron of Solvatakh and by extension, your sovereign. We have come here to honour, Thanatar Solvatas, whose dedication and adherence to efficiency has been nothing short of examplery. Because of this, I Veronakh decree that that which was taken from her, be at long last returned."

The Phaeron turned to Solvatas again, presenting a crown of bronze-like coloration in one hand and offering a sphere of necrodermis in the other, "I hereby return that which was taken and restore that which was lost. From this point forward you are no longer Thanatar. Solvatas of Solvatakh, you are to be Vymark. To be granted all the privileges and responsibilities that such a title demands. May you continue to serve me and by extension the dynasty with continued vigor as long as you exist."

Solvatas bowed and held out her hands to receive the items from her Phaeron. But they did not come immediately, much to her confusion. Her head slightly looked up and she saw the Phaeron's face. There was a slight jerking movement to his neck and head. His eyes were blinking green light as if something was being processed or...

Solvatas quiered via their internal comm link and she asked, "Great One? Is there a problem?"

Just as it had begun, the jerking motions ceased and the Phaeron's eyes returned to normal. "Ah...yes...a simple error needed to be corrected, nothing more."

"Ah...of course..." Solvatas replied, uncertain and slightly concerned at what she just witnessed.

The items were then placed in Solvatas' hands and she returned to standing from her bow. Handing the sphere over to Nev'El the newly christened Vymark took the bladed crown in her hands and placed it upon her head. In reality underneath the disguise the necrodermis crown fused into her head. Soon people in the crowd began to applaud with clapping, not out of genuine admiration of course, but fear. Solvatas turned to the crowd and smiled, "The Phaeron honours me and in turn I take this responsibility with humility and grace. Omega has always been notorious for its brutality of the weak and the hedonistic gangs and mercs that wage wars on each other in the streets. Today, that time of fear is at an end. Soon those who have terrified Omega's people and siphoned its life's blood shall be driven out and peace will come at last! But I also intend to preserve the spirit of this place and what good it is known for. As I have stated before, I would ask that those who have made legitimate deals with the now deceased Aria'T'Loak speak to me for negotiation. You will find I am quite reasonable and I assure all of you, that I will work not only for the dynasty, but also for all of you as well. For you are now a part of something so much more than just subjects of a benevolent ruler. You are now part of an ancient legacy that has spanned millienia! Its traditions going back to a time when the stars were young! Omega will be reshaped to reflect that legacy and over time you will all come to understand your purpose here. To be a beacon of order, in a region beset by chaos! Let this place be a flag, planted in our Phaeron's name, against the pirates and slavers and warlords. Against all those who would do harm! For you are all more than just your occupation...you...ARE A DYNASTY!"

Solvatas speech seemed to have moved more of the crowd as they slowly began to cheer and applaud even louder than before. The newly ascended Vymark looked out past the crowd and saw a glowing pair of eyes back in the tunnel from where the Phaeron had come from. It was Kor'Pharas observing her. He soon turned away and left, leaving Solvatas to wonder why he wasn't present along with the Phaeron for the ceremony. However, she decided to let it be for now. She needed to prepare herself for the shard's reintegration soon and hopefully she would finally be whole once again.

Shepard's vision was blurred as he stirred back from unconsciousness. It got better over time and eventually he thought he heard a familiar voice talking to him. A certain elderly woman who had always been a part of the Normandy crew.

"Commander? Can you hear me?" Dr. Chakwas asked.

Shepard's view came more and more into focus until he saw Dr. Chakwas' face looking down examining him, "Doc...Doctor Chakwas?" The Commander asked.

"Ah...good to see you're back with us Commander." Dr. Chakwas said relieved.

The human Spectre attempted to get up but found his body too sore and his arms in casts, "Agh! What...what happened?"

"I cannot say, but from your last mission it would appear you somehow fractured your hands and forearms. Almost as if you were striking something incredibly dense repeatedly."

Shepard brought his cast covered hand to his head, "I dreamed I got into a fight with a Turian. It got a bit tense towards the end. I...blacked out and...I don't even remember how I got back."

The doctor crossed her arms, "I would expect this kind of behavior from a blood raged Krogan rather than you. Even with your enhancements you're still human. You need to be more careful from now on, your cybernetics apparently somehow pushed your body beyond its physical limit for a short time and caused a great deal of trauma to your bones and tendons. Healing will take a few days and complete mending of the fractures may take a bit longer. I recommend rest for the next week or more along with-"

Shepard shook his head and attempted to get up again, "No I'm fine, I just need to-"

Chakwas moved to push him back down onto the bed, "I recommend against that action, even with your cybernetics and bone weave enhancement it will be a few more days before the mending of the bone fractures is even-"

The Commander continued to get up, "Alright I get it! I'll take a few days to recover at the very least. Right now, I think I'm good enough to at least walk around and get something to eat."

The Doctor sighed, "Well...at least you're willing to listen to some of my advice."

Shepard looked to Chakwas, "Yea well the galaxy won't wait for me to have a full recovery Doctor, but I'll go for the minimum at least...for you."

Suddenly Chakwas voice and tone became strange and mocking, "Aw that is so sweet of you Shepard."

"Chakwas?" Shepard asked confused at her change.

"Remember, you have to stay in tip top shape...for our mutual benefactor..."

"...Oh..." The human spectre said, realizing who was really talking to him.

"Is something wrong Commander?" Chakwas asked.

Shepard scowled, "Leave her alone Veronakh..."

"I don't know what you mean." said the elderly doctor, obviously feigning confusion.

"I said...leave her alone. If you're going to talk to me don't use my crew like they're your personal mouth pieces."

"As you wish." Chakwas said lightly chuckling.

With that Chakwas sat back into her chair and returned to typing random words into her terminal. Shepard wore a grim face seeing another friend enslaved in such a fashion. He left the med-bay and proceeded to the galley where Sgt. Gardner was waiting with food prepared.

"I hope you enjoy your meal sir! I made sure this one was special."

Shepard looked down at the prepared food and found a bowl with chopped mish mashes of a salad, mashed potatoes, fruits, and meat. Normally Rupert would have made sure that the meal was more organized. The Commander figured that something with the mindshackle was causing this delirium or it was just Veronakh messing with him.

Shepard gave a light smile as he took his bowl, "Thanks Gardner."

Rupert smiled back albeit in a somewhat creepy way. The Commander took his meal back to the table behind him. Other than Gardner it was just him, but he figured that Veronakh would reveal himself eventually. Shepard began to try to organize the mess that was his meal before he began to eat it. With the casts on his arms covering his hands, he had to be a bit more careful and sometimes there was a sting of pain, but he was making due. Finally he felt a presence behind him walking by laughing lightly. The human Spectre poked around in his food before finally wrapping some mash on a fork and eating it.

Veronakh's voice finally broke the silence, "Ah a meal for champions. I'm sure Gardner meant well, even if it wasn't to your liking."

Shepard kept eating his food, ignoring Veronakh, "Or you made him do this intentionally..."

Veronakh's lesser Necron Lord projection sat across the table from him, smiling a wry smile, "Me? Why would I do such a thing?"

"Because you're a sadistic bastard who enjoys watching people suffer."

Veronakh feigned being hurt by the comment, "Oh come now, I only tease in this manner because I find you so amusing. I broke you, yet it seems I haven't broken you enough as you've gone right back to thinking you can find a way out of this."

Shepard finished his mash and began eating some meat still not making eye contact, "I accept I am where I am Veronakh and I'll do what it takes to ensure myself and my crew survives your...favors. But I'll never do this because I owe you anything or out of any kind of loyalty."

"There are perks for valued service to me you know. You see, you've done quite the kindness. With the data in my possession I am already tracking several Spectres through my agents. It would certainly have been more tedious without the data and I am grateful to you for bringing it to me promptly."

Shepard just gave the Veronakh projection a look of disgust as he continued to eat. Veronakh leaned in closer on the table, "Protocol demands reward for services rendered. If its within my power and reasonable, I can ensure you get it."

The Commander swallowed his food scowling at Veronakh, "...I don't need any kind of reward from you."

"I insist. Tell me what you desire, weapons, armors, materials...ships for your model collection?"

Shepard shook his head and went back to eating, leaving Veronakh to ponder the reward by himself for a few seconds. Then the Necron smiled again, "Ah...perhaps something a bit more tantalizing than mere material possessions."

The human Spectre heard a door opening from Miranda's office and there she came walking out to the galley. Then mid-stride she changed her walk to a more sultry kind of walking and smiled at him. She strode up beside the projection of Veronakh and he glanced at her with his own smile before looking to Shepard who had stopped eating and was looking at Miranda also.

"I know you've wanted this one for quite some time Commander. You've been intrigued by her ever since she saved you from death. Eventually that gratitude grew into something more...you've been hoping she felt the same haven't you?"

Miranda then began to bring her own hands along her mid section until they went up to her chest where she began to unzip her skin tight uniform slowly, revealing more of her cleavage. Shepard gulped down the food in his mouth while staring at Miranda like a stoopified teenager, but then he quickly shook it off and looked away.

Veronakh pressed his advantage as he leaned in closer, "She can be yours right now Commander. The woman you've wanted all this time...in any way you desire."

Shepard once again scowled at the smirking Veronakh, "No...not like this."

Veronakh was taken aback, "Truly? I never took you to be the prudish sort Commander. Especially considering the fantasies I have seen from your mind. I can confirm that she does feel the same about you Shepard. Wondering what kind of man you are...under the armour." Veronakh said snickering.

"Doesn't matter what you say, what you're presenting me is...not her. You're just showing a facsimile of who Miranda is, not the whole person. You truly don't know anything about me or why I actually care about her. Because you can only see the image and make an interpretation, not knowing or understanding the context of why I want it."

"Then please tell me! I can have her be that which you want."

Shepard shook his head, "No...you can't. Look at how my mindshackled crew has been working. Without their autonomy, they're just...lesser. They can't work properly constantly being micromanaged. I lost Zaeed and I nearly lost Garrus because of it!"

Veronakh sighed and sat back, "Make your point Shepard, I already see where this is going..."

Shepard leaned in on the table, "My point is...if there is anything I want. I want my crew to have more autonomy...more freedom."

The Necron lord crossed his skeletal arms, "You know that is something I cannot so easily grant Shepard. Not without certain conditions."

"Then tell me what they are and I'll judge myself whether or not I think its worth it."

The Necron Lord sighed before laughing again, "Goodness, you are the most troublesome person to find a gift for."

Veronakh then waved off Miranda, who rezipped up her outfit and proceeded back to her office, "I'll tell you what. Since you are so insistent...I suppose I can give more autonomy to a select few of your crew. If they perform well in the future and you still desire it, more will be granted. But only through completing more favors to me."

Shepard just kept looking Veronakh in the eyes, unflinching, "If that's what it takes..."

The Necron Lord smiled and shook his head, "Hmph incredible...no hesitation. You are truly singular of purpose, I like that. Even after all the suffering and all that I have made you do...it hasn't dampened that aspect of who you are in the slightest."

The Necron glanced back to Miranda's office one more time before looking to Shepard again, "Back in my time of flesh there was hardly a Necrontyr that would pass up the opportunity to be joined with the one they desired. Healthy and strong mates were a luxury normally reserved for those of privelege...such as myself. Oh and I partook quite a bit in my time."

"You seem the type..." Shepard spat.

Veronakh shrugged, "Oh yes, though I don't remember much from those days. Merely the flickering images reminding me that they did happen." The Necron then sighed seemingly growing bored, "If this is truly what you want Shepard whom among your crew would you want to have more...autonomy?"

Shepard looked down and was quiet for a moment in thought, "Garrus, I need him as good as he can be to help me coordinate teams in the field. For that he needs to be able to direct and lead on his own. Miranda is the same, shes also proven to be a capable leader as well."

"Anyone else?" asked Veronakh, now beginning to grow more bored.

"Joker...I need him to be wholly himself to fly the Normandy right if a situation gets out of hand. He needs those instincts of his that can only come from being able to be who he is...jokes and all."

"Consider it done. I suppose we should cement this with the human custom of...shaking hands?" Veronakh's projection said, holding his hand out.

Shepard hesitantly took the robot's hand and they shook on it, Veronakh then stood up from the table, "Well if that is all I must be off, so much to do and so little time as they say."

Veronakh's projection then walked over by the elevator while Shepard quickly finished his meal and got up to begin heading over to the gun battery. The Necron lord called out to him one last time, "From this point you may do as you see fit Commander...for now. I hope you and your crewmates don't come to regret this choice Shepard. I've heard a saying that ignorance is blissful compared to living through harsh reality."

The projection echoed a laugh that rang in Shepard's ears one more time and the vision of the Necron lord disappeared out of sight. The Commander went down the walkway to the gun battery. The door opened to revealing Garrus, keeling over suddenly onto his console with a gasp. The Turian was finally free after weeks of being thralled, breathing in deeply.

"Garrus!"

The Turian turned, startled at the call of his name, "Ah! Shepard!...I..."

The Spectre went up to his friend and carefully helped him sit down on a stool by the console.

"Try not to push yourself...you...haven't been well."

"Damn right I'm not...I thought it was bad enough after Omega and that female robot beating the hell out of me. I guess I'm still processing everything." Garrus said holding his head.

The Commander stepped back to give his friend space, "What do you remember?"

The Turian looked to Shepard with a pained expression, "...Everything."

Shepard closed his eyes, shaking his head with guilt, "I'm so sorry Garrus..."

"Don't be...it was my fault too." Garrus said, his head hanging low.

"How is that?" The Commander asked confused.

"I dunno...maybe I didn't challenge your decisions enough. Maybe it was..."

Shepard cross his arms, "Garrus...the reality is that neither of us could have expected what happened on Veridine. We didn't have enough information."

"Now we're all going through a sleep-walking nightmare under the heel of some mechanical dictator because of it. Even worse...we're criminals now...aren't we?"

"I would have thought we were criminals just being associated with Cerberus."

"True, but...I never had to shoot innocent guards and C-Sec officers just doing their jobs..."

"That was Veronakh using you as a puppet, you didn't have control. I tried to limit the damage, you saw that right?"

"I think so...yeah..."

"If you had more control you would have done the same, I know you. You would know many ways to incapacitate someone without killing them. Again Veronakh took the shot, he just used your gun and hands to do it."

"And I just have to live with seeing all of it from my own eyes? I'll remember that next time I go to the bar...which I might need to in the next hour."

"Garrus..."

The Turian looked to his friend again, "Shepard...you've been able to exert more control than any of us could from this damn mind control bullshit. You have had that luxury from the beginning of this mess. I and the others never did until now for some reason. We just...kept doing routines we forgot we had done already or...spirits! I killed innocent people!"

"It wasn't your fault."

Garrus suddenly got up from the stool, an angry look in his eyes, "The hell it wasn't! I should have challenged you more! I never was a good Turian, I never just blindly followed orders! I didn't do what I needed to do because I...I trusted you!"

"I know...its all on me, I know that. I'm doing what I can to make up for my mistake."

Garrus took some steps toward Shepard pointing out to the side, "By helping that son of a bitch gain more power? How long do you think he'll string you along with the promise of getting more freedom for us? Until he has everything he could want?!"

"I don't know I'll figure it out Garrus."

"Some of us won't be able to wait that long!"

"What do you mean?"

Garrus got face to face with the Commander, scowling at him, "If you won't do what is necessary in this situation...then maybe one of us has to seize the initiative."

Shepard shook his head, "You're not suggesting..."

"Damn right I am...we blow the ship...a quick and honorable death for everyone enslaved and sparing the galaxy from another Spectre completely following Saren's footsteps."

"This is not like it was with Saren! This is different!"

"Because our benefactor has a shade of green instead of purple!? Come on Shepard, even you have to see how similar the situation is. Who knows if this mind control can even be cured? What if its permanent like indoctrination? Do you really want to make us commit more atrocities for our freedom?!"

"We're the only ones out here standing up to the Reapers and their pawns, if we don't survive and fight back they'll win!"

"Sure but right now we're just pawns of someone just as bad or possibly worse than the Reapers! Maybe the galaxy is better off being exterminated by the giant flying space squids versus being enslaved by mechanical humanoid assholes forever!"

"We don't know that! Besides I will find a way to stop the Necrontyr too, we just need time to figure out how!"

"What if you can't!?"

Shepard's eyes averted from his friend's gaze unsure, "Then...then maybe you're right and we..."

The Turian stepped away shaking his head at it all and Shepard threw up his hands in frustration. Garrus sat back down on the stool while the Commander looked to his friend again, "Just give me time Garrus. I know we can find a way. I just need time."

Garrus looked to the floor, eyes closed, he then sighed and lifted his head to look Shepard in the eyes, "Alright...I think after everything we've been through...I can at least trust you enough to give you that. At least once."

"Thank you, I'll find a way. We just need to hold out until an opportunity arises."

"And if you take too long or you can't find it, then I'll at least make sure the Normandy goes out in a blaze of glory. Either by overloading the drive core or maybe crashing it into a space station under that metal psychopath's control. Not sure yet on the details. But at least something that will do some kind of damage before the son of a bitch takes full control of us again."

"Let's hope it doesn't comes to that..."

"At this point, nothing is off the table Shepard."

The Commander came over and offered his Turian friend a hand to stand up from the stool but Garrus waved him off, "No, I'm fine. I think I'll just sit here and...think for awhile. Been a long time since I could do that."

Shepard sighed and decided it was for the best and left his friend to his thoughts. He headed back down the walkway and proceeded to Miranda's office. Upon entering the room he found Miranda with her face in her hands sitting on the couch by her desk.

"Miranda?" The Commander asked.

The Normandy XO's anxious face lifted from her hands and tears were coming down her face, "Shepard?"

"Are you okay?"

"I...no...I'm not okay."

The Commander sat down on the other side of the couch but gave Miranda space, "What did Veronakh do to you?"

"I don't know I... its all a blur of vivid dreaming and... I think I was doing work, least I thought I was. Then I had a dream of you and..."

More tears started to come down her face, "He mocked me...said you rejected me...even after telling you everything... how I felt about you."

"That was a lie, I never rejected you. Even after you...pushed me away. I wanted you to have time to think about things and I wanted to respect the boundaries you had set. I wanted to talk to you about what happened to Jack down on Veridine but...then he roped us into that favor of his and I never got the chance...until now."

Miranda shook her head, "I guess it doesn't matter now...whats done is done. I just wanted us to get back to work stopping the Collectors. Instead...I found myself just typing reports and staring out the window...for...hours. Not thinking...not feeling...anything."

Shepard's head hung low at hearing that as the Normandy XO continued, "I barely remember eating or drinking...I just existed. Then performing tasks that I thought I hadn't done yet. I looked at my screen not long ago and I realized I've written the same report over and over and over again."

Shepard stood up as he explained, "Veronakh was keeping us in a "holding pattern" until he needed us apparently. We've been like this for weeks."

"Bloody weeks?!" Miranda exclaimed.

Shepard nodded, "I only recently got Veronakh to allow for you, Garrus, and Joker to have more autonomy."

"Just us three? No one else?"

"He says he'll give more of the crew autonomy if we...do more favors for him."

Miranda's hand covered her face, "Oh god...he's using us as leverage to get you to do whatever he wants."

"For now...but-"

"Shepard...do you really think that he'll keep his word and that they'll be an end to this? Just do enough favors for him and he'll just let us go on our merry way?!"

"I've already talked this out with Garrus. He feels the same way you do and...we agreed that if I can't find a way to get us out of this...then we'll destroy the ship. Better that we and the crew die with whatever freedom we have than to be slaves to that bastard forever."

Miranda wiped away the tears from her face, regaining some of her composure, "Well...at least I'm not alone in wanting to wipe the smirk off that son of a bitch's face in any way possible."

"You and me both. He wanted to reward me for helping him with his favor, I told him to go to hell. He even offered you as a gift, that's probably why you thought I rejected you. Veronakh just twisted it around to mess with your head."

"Sick fucker...he's worse than my father."

Shepard nodded at that and then suddenly Miranda gasped, "Oh God! Orianna!"

"Who's Orianna?"

The Normandy XO quickly went over to her desk and began booting up her console. When she read the screen she saw messages flooding in, "Oh no...no!"

"What happened?"

"Orianna my sister...my father has her! Lanteia says it was due to...Neket?! But why would-?!"

"Slow dow Miranda! What's going on? You have a sister?"

"Yes...Orianna is my twin sister, she was living a normal life on Illium but my father tracked her down. I was going to ask for your help in transfering her to a new location but it seems I was betrayed when I didn't show up. Now my father has her...all because of that damned mechanical son of a bitch!" She yelled out hitting the desk with her fist.

"We'll get her back Miranda."

"I don't see how...my father could have taken her anywhere."

"You've got connections and Cerberus to back you up, it can't be that difficult to track where your father took her."

"Its not that easy Shepard and added to that there's our current crisis to solve."

"Yeah, so we're just going to have to solve one problem at a time."

"I don't see how that's going to be possible. Not with everything going on and an overlord who can just jerk us around whenever he wants."

"You just need to trust me. We have a plan, we just need to see it through and wait for an opportunity."

Miranda stood up, becoming overwhelmed by her emotions, her eyes tearing up again, "I...I want to Shepard. But..."

Shepard walked up to her as she tried to get control of her emotions again. He gently took a hand to her chin and lifted her downward head to look up at him. Miranda's tears were falling down her face, "Its okay, you're only human just like me. Veronakh broke me before, but now I know his game. I'm playing along for now, biding my time. I'll get us out of this somehow. We'll find your sister. Take down the Collectors. Maybe even find a way to hurt the Necrontyr somehow."

"...I...want to believe you."

"You can...just like I believe in you. Out of everyone on the crew I chose people I knew I could trust and who can keep things together. People I care about the most."

Miranda just looked into his eyes listening as Shepard continued, "Was it true what Veronakh said, that you felt the same?"

She didn't say anything, she simply took his hand and drew close to him. Then looking at each other without another word being uttered she kissed him. It was a deep kiss, one that makes you forget everything and lose yourself in the moment. From that, everything progressed quickly, they kissed again and again until they finally were on the couch, Miranda on top of him. Even with his mind going blank, losing himself to Miranda's affection, he still heard a faint laugh in the distance. Out of the corner of his eye he thought he saw a ghostly shadow watching him whispering, "Enjoy your reward Shepard."

It distracted Shepard for only a second while Miranda was continously kissing his neck. Eventually he decided to finally indulge in his own feelings towards her and let nature take its course.

The Commander awoke in his bed. At first he thought it was all a dream. Until in the dim light he could see the figure of Miranda sleeping alongside him under the bed sheets. Realizing they both had no clothes on, Shepard was relieved that what happened wasn't just a prank by Veronakh. He gently careesed her smooth face as she slept, smiling at finally consumating his feelings towards her. He quietly got out of bed and into some boxers. He was going to go over a few things on his terminal when he thought he heard Miranda stir a little and looked back. She merely pulled more of the bed sheets over her in her sleep. The Commander smiled at that, thinking it cute to see this side of her. When he continued to the terminal he saw a metal figure standing before him on top of the steps leading up to his desk. A figure with a blue flowing metallic cape and golden indentations on the chin and sides of its head stood before him. It wasn't Veronakh, it was another Necron he had met before but the name escaped him.

The nameless figure spoke to him, "Commander Shepard."

It had a feminine tone to its voice and then the Commander recalled the name, "You're...Solvatas?!"

"I was hoping you would remember me." She looked past him to Miranda and then looked back to the Commander, "I hope I'm not interrupting anything."

"What do you want?" Shepard said scowling.

"I came to ask you something." Shepard was silent as the projection of Solvatas came down the steps and drew close to him, "What would you be willing to do, if I could tell you there was a way to save yourself and your crew?"

Shepard's eyes widened as he took in the possibilities. No doubt Solvatas wouldn't give him the information for free. Hopefully the price she would want would be reasonable, because at this point he would be willing to do just about anything to free his people...and to free Miranda.

(Author's Note) Well this has certainly been my biggest chapter to date thus far. I feel like I've come a long way and yes I do plan to eventually address the errors and inconsistencies in previous entries eventually, but my editor prefers we finish what we have started first. In the meantime I feel the need to talk about GW's recent actions and my stance on it is that I stand with the creators who are shafted by GW's policies. Granted the company does have the right to enforce their IP, doing it in such a way when even paradies such as TTS Emperor don't feel safe making episodes is not good policy imo. It causes a chilling effect in a fandom's creative energy and destroys hype for official content. Long term I only see bad news for GW in exchange for only possible short term benefits from a service (warhammer+) which I don't think has enough content to survive. While this doesn't kill my love for 40k, it certainly dampens it a bit.

TL;DR, I'm going to keep writing and not let all this bad news for 40k creators to keep me from finishing this story. Too often I've made promises and not completed projects. At the very least, I'm going to see this story to its end, least as far as the ME2 storyline is concerned.