Authors note: alright and the next chapter, sorry for the wait, but now we'll be getting into the REALLY FUN STUFF!

Also, thanks to everyone who is reading, reviewing and simply enjoying the story XD

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Widow System, Citadel. August 3rd 2139

In the year since Reitaisai, Alliance citizens on the Citadel had become, not common, but not unheard of either. No Alliance citizen had applied for citizenship, or for living space on the Citadel. And while many traders now frequented the Citadel, none of them stayed for longer than a week before leaving. It was something that irked the council severely, but no matter how much they brought it up to the ambassador, Flandre response was always the same.

"It's their choice if they stay or not. Who am I to force it one way or another?"

Councillor Tevos sighed. "Ambassador Flandre, while I agree with that sentiment, the fact remains that no Alliance citizens have taken to staying on the Citadel, yet a small handful of council citizens vocally keep bringing up being allowed to try for Alliance citizenship. The situation is one sided."

"And again, that is hardly our fault, or our intention." Flandre argued. "The Alliance has come to a decision about citizenship though."

"And that decision is?' Tevos asked carefully.

"The Alliance shall allow citizenship to be granted to those that seek it if they can pass a number of simple oral and written exams, and properly fill out the needed forms." Flandre said as she held up a thick stack of paper in her hand. "This many forms."

"That is quite a number." Tevos commented calmly.

"Most of it is just disclaimers, waivers, and the like. "Flandre admitted as she dropped them to the side and glanced at Tevos's Hologram. "Oh yes, that reminds me, today is the day that those who completed the basic magic course return, is it not?"

"Yes. We are hopeful as to the results. According to our spectre that was part of the program; it went well, for a small handful, while most did not . . . pass."

"Kicked out, killed when they secretly tried to kill a teacher, and voluntarily gave up." Flandre explained with a grin.

Tevos tensed slightly, never liking when she had to deal with Flandre for long periods of time. "Yes, well. We'll have to see, and I must prepare to meet our spectre. Is there anything else you need?"

"There is one thing, yes." Flandre said with a sigh, her wings visible drooping. "We've had a number of attempted attacks by the Hegemony again.

"The Hegemony or pirates?"

"Pirate technically, but all their crews were Batarians."

Tevos sighed. "I have told you and the Alliance before, pirates are not the Hegemony, and even if they are paid off by them, the Hegemony will deny any relationship with them. Without solid proof, there is nothing to be talked about."

Flandre nodded. "Very well. Just remember, as I've said before. If the Alliance is attacked in force by any group from the terminus, we will strike back, and if we find the Hegemony responsible for any of it, they will suffer for it."

Tevos sighed, having heard the same proclamation once already. It was a dangerous attitude, but not even the terminus warlord or the Hegemony would risk all-out war, so it would just sit as a proclamation, and nothing more. "Very well. Have a good day, Ambassador.'

Flandre waited until the connection was closed by Tevos and smiled. "Something tells me it will be a good day!"

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Desolas stepped off the cruiser and onto the docks of the Citadel, taking in a deep breath of the air. He expected it to be refreshing, but instead he found himself feeling like gagging, and did.

"I told you not to do that." Adaaya said as she walked up beside him and grabbed his arm, activating the bracelet on his wrist. "I also told you to turn that on, before you left the ship!"

"Yeah, I forgot." Desolas said with a cough as he looked at the bracelet. He and only four others had managed to complete the Alliances basic magic course. He now could use basic magic and even fly without any gear, though it still took some concentration. The price of course, was that his body now contained magic, and therefore would not react well to element zero or mass effect fields. A small price to pay for the ability to fire lightning from his fingertips.

"Well, don't forget in the future, or it'll be bad for you." Adaaya said as she took a couple steps forward and glanced around. "So this is the Citadel huh. Not bad I guess. You're heading back to your job then?"

Desolas nodded." Yes. Pallin gave me leave for this course, and that was it. And I think I need to get back to work."

"The academy ships are resuming their regular advanced courses. Patchouli did say there was room if you wanted in too."

"No, I need to get back to work," Desolas said, feeling an internal twinge of doubt. While taking the magic course he had done well in it, even more, he felt calm the entire time. Hell, he had gotten the best sleep in years while on that ship.

"Alright, that's fine." Adaaya said with a grin as she took a few steps forward and turned around to Desolas. "Me and a few of the assistants all figured we'd use this chance to take a look around the Citadel and are hitting a bar. The ship leaves in ten hours if you change your mind." and with that Adaaya rushed off, leaping into the skies of the Citadel, using her wings to propel her out of sight.

" . . . I hope she doesn't get hit by an aircar." Desolas said as he shook his head and walked out of the docks area, heading for C-Sec to check in with Executor Pallin.

Walking through the roads and areas of the Citadel felt good. Seeing the city in its entire shining glory made Desolas feel a bit calm, though with the magic he now also felt slightly uncomfortable as well. It was a mixed feeling, but a good one regardless.

The Citadel was abuzz with activity as it always was. Merchants sold wares, people went on with their business, and all in all nothing seemed to have changed much, including the lack of Alliance personnel. Sure he saw one or two walking around and had seen one Alliance merchant selling curios, but that was it. Considering the diversity of magic in the Alliance it made sense though, no one wanted to spend time in a place that made them consistently uncomfortable.

Just like the occasional glares Desolas could feel on his back.

Perhaps one of the most important things that Patchouli and the other teachers taught in the course was that magic could amplify ones senses passively if they knew what they were doing. It was essential to keep a magician safe from other who would do them harm, especially since many more difficult forms of magic could not be instantly cast without spell cards. Desolas had caught on relatively quickly and taken to that lesson extremely well, and now it was paying off.

There was a pair of people, though he was not sure who or what races they were, who were clearly following him at a distance.

Desolas scowled at this. The information of who had taken the course was supposed to not be public, so either it was just a random targeting or they were following him for a specific reason. Neither option was good. One meant they were pickpockets, and the other, something more dangerous. And until he checked in with Executor Pallin he couldn't very well start arresting people.

So instead of taking a normal route, Desolas ducked into a side road, hoping to see if the ones following him would continue to do so.

They did, and as they did, Desolas kept his pace constant, leading them on a merry chase, through places he knew that C-Sec had constant supervision over. He had hoped it would dissuade them, or at least make someone in C-Sec aware of it. But by the time Desolas had made it to C-Sec headquarters, the two tailing him hadn't disappeared, though their sight over him disappeared completely when he entered the buildings. Hopefully they ran off and would not wait around for him to come out again.

"Arterius?"

Desolas looked up to see Seargent Haron looking at him where he stood, just to the side of C-Sec's front desk. He had a worried look on his face, and also looked like he had seen a spirit. "Haron? What's wrong?"

"Y-You, why are you here? You need to get off the Citadel!" Haron said with a hiss as he walked over to Desolas, making him notice that some other officers were glancing over with equally worried gaze's.

"What? why?" Desolas asked, becoming more confused with each gaze he noticed.

"Because-," Haron started until Executor Pallin stepped up beside him and shook his head.

"Artrius, my office. Quickly." Pallin said as he waved for Desolas to follow, just before he quickly walked off.

Desolas followed, noticing that a lot of officers had mournful expressions on their faces. What was going on?

"I take it you don't know what is going on?" Pallin asked as soon as he walked into his office, the door behind Desolas sliding closed.

"No." Desolas replied simply, knowing that Pallin would explain the situation.

Pallin let out an exhausted sigh. "The situation is this. Twenty seven hours ago, information was leaked onto the extranet in multiple places. Explicitly stating your name as the one responsible for the Hierarchy's surrenders to the Alliance on Shanxi."

"That information was supposed to be confidential. A lot of officers knew, but the public wasn't supposed to." Desolas said as he began getting worried. Was that why he had been getting tailed?

"I know. We're looking into it, but coming up with nothing as to who leaked this information. The problem however, is that there are many people that have been crying for you to be found. Some for simple words, others for a lot more." Pallin said grimly as he paused for a second. "Officers have already caught a dozen people with arms talking about attacking you, and one person that was trying to break into your apartment."

"Please tell me this is some sort of bad joke?" Desolas asked with a sigh, having difficulty believing what he was hearing.

"I wish I was. We caught a Turian trying to break into your apartment, and he had a remote detonating explosive device on his person. Deactivated, but that should sum up the situation."

"So because I had a minor hand in ending it before it got worse, I'm suddenly a wanted target now? I did it to save lives!"

"You know that, I know that, the councillors knows that! But whoever has released that information doesn't, or simply doesn't care!" Pallin exclaimed in anger, causing the glass walls of his office to actually shake for a second as he slammed his hand against his desk. "The problem is that with the situation as it is, I cannot safety put you back on duty, in fact it may be safest for you to leave the Citadel and hide out somewhere. You have family?"

"My mother and father live on Palaven sir, and my brother is training to enter the Spectres." Desolas replied calmly, before he finally sneered. "You want me to run and hide?"

"No, I want you to leave so we can solve this and calm things down without your presence complicating things." Pallin admitted as he tapped his Omni tool while speaking. "Look, I know this isn't exactly the welcome back you were expecting, but your presence will make things difficult with how things are."

Desolas let out a long annoyed groan. It made sense. If people were angry at him, his presence would just cause problems. It just was infuriating that as soon as he got back he was being told to run and hide! "Where do you suggest I go? Palaven will be in just as much of a state of chaos off this I would think, especially if I go there."

"I know. Illium could be an option perhaps. But I'd first head to the docks. I've already ordered officers to setup and watch the routes there so you can travel safety.

"Fine, I'll get out of your fringe." Desolas said in annoyance as he turned to leave.

"Wait, do you need a gun, in case the worst happens?" Pallin asked as he pulled out a simple handgun and placed it on the desk.

Desolas looked at it and shook his head. "No, I won't need it."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes." Desolas said as he half turn to Pallin and opened his hand, arcs of electricity jumping from one claw to another. "I did finish that basic magic course, so at the very least I have moderate ability with it now."

"I was wondering about that." Pallin said as he put the pistol away. "Haron will go with you to the docks."

Desolas nodded in understanding and left Pallin's office, finding Haron standing outside waiting for him, a sorry look on his face.

"It's not your fault." Desolas said as the two of them walked out of C-Sec headquarters and began heading for the docks. "I didn't have my Omni tool on me, or more accurately I can't anymore. You had no way to contact me."

"That doesn't change the fact that one of our own is in danger because of an information leak."Haron said seriously as he checked his waist, making sure his pistol was in easy reach if he needed it. "We're being followed."

Desolas nodded. "Probably the same two that followed me from the docks."

"You know there's two of them?" Haron asked quietly, not making the mistake of looking around nervously.

"Yeah, you know what I was gone for, right?" Desolas asked calmly, not showing his annoyance at the situation.

Haron nodded. "Executor Pallin explained it as you were taking external courses. He also explained it was the Alliances basic magic course, and that he was looking forward to seeing how it could help shape C-Sec. Many of us were."

"Why?"

"The idea of being armed without any visible weapons, and of being able to fly like the Alliance people have shown their ability to mainly." Haron admitted. "A lot of people are curious about it, and stories of those who failed the course have been circulating, albeit quietly. No one wants to admit they failed something after all. But you didn't, did you?"

"No. The Drell spectre, a Quarian, another Turian and I were the only Council citizens that passed the course. The spectre is probably talking with the council about it as we speak.

"Probably . . . . . we've got a couple more stalkers. These ones are not nearly as sneaky though."

"Agreed. A Turian and Asari, it seems. The other two are sneaky enough I cannot tell what races they are."

"Well, unless either group become violent, there's no need for us to do anything."

"I know." Desolas said with a sigh as the two of them turned around a corner, only to find a Turian in black armour standing in front of them. For a moment no one said anything, until Desolas smiled as he recognized who it was. "Saren! How have you been? I haven't heard from you!"

Saren however, did not smile, but instead glared at Desolas. "I am fine, but you are not, traitor!"

Desolas was stunned for a moment before he scowled. "Please tell me you're not joining in on this madness, brother?"

"I am not joining anything!" Saren said with a sneer. "I completed my training and am now a Spectre, and with that, I gained access to the Spectres information banks. I could not believe what I found though, that my own brother would betray his own people for those Alliance monsters!"

Desolas felt anger fill him, but kept control, knowing how badly it could now affect him after the magic training. And then began worrying about that as well. "Saren, it was that, or let our people die, and drop the entirety of council space into war! Is that what you want?"

"Of course not, but it would not be war, but a glorious victory for the Turian peoples! And instead of allowing that to happen, you betray your entire race!" Saren declared, his tone full of malice. "Our family has already been informed of your actions, and through unanimous agreement, you have been disowned from the family! We will not see each other again!"

"Saren wait!" Desolas called as his brother turned around and began walking away.

Saren stopped and looked over his shoulder. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I made sure no one would attack you until we spoke. Die in a gutter where you belong, traitor!"

"Saren, I said wait!" Desolas said as he tried to follow Saren, only for a small explosive on the ground to detonate, harmlessly kicking up dust and forcing Saren to stop and block his face. By the time the smoke cleared, Saren was gone. "Dammit!"

"Look Desolas, I know that must be painful, but we need to move, now!" Haron said in a worried tone as he pulled his handgun out, the sounds of hardsuits and peoples voices coming from behind them.

"Dammit!" Desolas cursed as he heard the voices coming closer, their intent clear as he and Haron dashed down the road. "Just, dammit!"

"Swear later, move now!" Haron yelled as they turned onto another street, only for a gunshot to ring out, flying over their heads from behind.

"There he is, get him!" came an Asari's voice as a couple more shots rang out, missing both Desolas and Haron by only a couple centimeters.

"Ugh, just telling them to stop isn't going to work!" Haron muttered as they ran, dashing onto a side street to try to lose their pursuers.

"No, it isn't." Desoals said as he thought over what had just happened. His brother was the one who leaked that secret information. He had become a spectre, and immediate used his station for personal gain, for revenge over a simple concept!

The idea pissed him off, but what truly worried Desolas was not his brother, but his parents, their sister, his family. His family was relatively old among Turian families, and their ideals were the same. Serve the Hierarchy; that was what his father had always said. Being kicked from the Hierarchy's military was bad enough to made Desolas decide to hold off on contacting his family for over a year and counting, but the information that he helped the war end, his father would not like that in the least. His brothers words about him telling them, and being disowned by their family. . . . . it was likely true.

Disowned, Treated as a traitor to his people, when he had acted to save lives. It made him sad, but mostly in angered him greatly. If he hadn't, how many people would be dead? How much of council space would have felt the power of the Alliances weapons, how many people, ships and worlds on both side would be burning?!

"We're almost at the docks!" Haron said suddenly, pulling Desolas out of his worries, now feeling sure of what he would do.

If the whole of the Hierarchy and council space was going to consider him a traitor, then they would not care if he never returned!

"Haron, once we get to the docks, I'll head for the Alliance cruiser that is docked." Desolas said carefully. "I have a friend there and can get out of council space that way."

"Alright, we'll calm things down so you can return and-.."

"I don't, think I'll be coming back." Desolas interrupted, making Haron's mandibles spread in surprise.

"What?!"

"I'm no longer part of the Hierarchy's forces, and can never hold station. From the sound of it, my family has disowned me, and if this is anything to go by, more than just some Turians consider me a traitor. . . . . . . there's nothing really for me here, not now, not anymore."

Haron looked as Desolas for a second, his face saying he wanted to argue, though he said nothing until they came to the docks themselves and entered through one of C-Sec's special checkpoint doors. "Spirits I can't believe this. Look after yourself, okay? You're a good guy, and all of us will-.."

"Die traitor!" A Turian yelled as he leapt through the window behind them, causing a chain of alarms to go off. Before Haron could act, the assailant raised at handgun at Desolas.

But Desolas was faster, and thrust out his open palm at the other Turian, "Strike!" he cried, as a short bolt of electricity arced out from his palm right into the other Turians chest, sending him flying backwards onto the ground. His body twitched a bit, but he still was breathing, not dead, but completely unconscious.

Haron looked at Desolas wide eyed. "Was that, magic?"

"Yes, it was. You should get going and help with the cleanup for this. I'll continue to the dock. Good luck to you."

Haron smiled as he walked through the broken window. "That's my line. Take care of yourself, Desolas."

"You, as well." Desolas replied as he went through the rest of the building and into the docks main hangers. There was only three ships in the particular docks he entered, the Alliance cruiser, a Volus merchant vessel, and a Batarian merchant vessel. The docks themselves, as primarily commercial docks, were not very full of people. Tons of dockworkers and merchants moved about organizing goods, but the actual number of people was lower than other docks would be. And that was just fine.

Walking down into the docks, Desolas could not feel any particularly vindictive gazes upon him at all and he relaxed a bit, but the closer he got to the Alliance cruiser, the more tense he felt as stares began directing to him. Then it happened.

"Don't move!" A Turian said as he came out from around a storage container, holding a rifle in his hands and aiming it at Desolas. In seconds almost a dozen people came out from behind containers or cloaks, surrounding Desolas completely.

Turians and Slarians primarily, Desolas noted to himself, then also noticing that all of them had rifles and stood at the ready, clearly at least trained with their weapons.

"So, you're the wanted traitor to the Hierarchy!" The one Turian said as he took a couple steps forward and smiled. "You don't look like much, but I'm sure someone will pay a nice amount of credits for the privilege of killing you themselves!"

"You're going to kidnap me, in broad daylight, in the middle of the Citadel docks?" Desolas asked in surprise, unable to believe someone was so stupid.

"So? No one's going to come to a traitors rescue, and I doubt anyone would even report it! Not when the rest of C-sec is running around trying to stop the amateurs outside!"

Desolas looked at the Turian before him and began laughing at the hilarity of the situation.

"What is so funny!?"

"You are," Desolas said when he finally stopped laughing. I've been kicked out of the Hierarchy, disowned, chased around the Presidium, and now a bunch of mercenary rejects are saying they're going to kidnap and sell me to the highest bidder like some sort of Batarian slave lord! This day has been so ridiculous it's nearly comical!"

Many of those surrounding him shifted uncomfortably, some even stepping backwards, unsure of how to react to how Desolas was acting.

The boss however, was not amused. "I don't care you what you think because you're not armed, so give up and come quietly or we'll have to bust up your legs at the very least."

Desolas smiled, knowing that the docks were monitored, and that this was going to become quitet the topic of conversation among C-Sec for a long time to come. "Oh, I'm not armed, at least, not with a gun. Tempest: overloading Flash!" Desolas yelled a he dropped down to a knee and slammed a fist into the deck. As soon as his fist touched the steel flooring of the docks, and before any of those around him could react, a wave of electricity surged out from him in a sphere, striking every person around him. The electricity was not intended to incapacitate or injure however, but instead to overload every circuit in any gun around him. And in seconds every person had dropped their guns, either from them overheating and burning them, or from them simply sparking and smoking as internal workings overheated and broke. "Now then, I believe I'll be going past."

"N-no, you won't!" The leader said as he chased after Desolas, having been so stunned he hadn't immediately realized Desolas had walked past him. Drawing a knife he moved to attack Desolas from behind, until a gust of wind stopped him in his tracks.

"Hey Desolas, didn't expect to see you again so quickly!" Adaaya called s she dropped from the air and landed on the docks ahead of Desolas.

"Yeah, I didn't expect it either, but a couple of things have happened, including being disowned, yelled at by my brother and threatened by idiots with more arrogance than common sense." Desolas explained as he pointed behind him.

"Oh, and here I thought they were your fans!" Adaaya joked as her wings spread out full and beat forward, sending a gust of wind past Desolas that toppled all of them over, sending some skidding across the docks. "So did you come back for the advanced course then?"

"Yes, I suppose I did. There's . . . . nothing left for me here, not anymore."

"And you have your brother to thank for that?" Adaaya guessed, making Desolas look at her in surprise. "We heard a rumor in the bar, and I finished first so I volunteered to come back here, just in case you came back."

"I see. . . . . . Yes, that is, accurate I suppose." Desolas admitted as the one gang leader behind him got up, gripping his knife angrily.

"Then I'll text Patchouli saying such if that's alright. I'm sure she'll be fine with it, as she had invited you to continue anyway. . . . You want to deal with him or shall I?

Desolas turned around to see the gang leader charge him, and growled as he held his hand out toward the other Turian. "Bolt: Strike!"

The blast of electricity struck him dead on, sending him backwards into a Salarian that was getting up.

Desolas let out a sigh and turned to the cruiser. "Can I go aboard? I . . . really need to get out of here, even if it's just in a ship away from other Turians."

"Yeah it's fine, I'll call the others back and explain the situation. Let's get out of here."

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Attican Beta system, August 27th 2139

Holith Nar'Neema stared through the glass pane at the front of the shuttle he had bought, excitedly looking forward to returning to the migrant fleet. Three years he had been gone, and now he would return, bearing possibly the greatest gift he could bring to his people, something that was both information, and weapon all in one.

"Unknown shuttle, you are approaching the migrant fleet, please state your business." came a voice over the intership comms, making Holith's pulse rise with excitement.

"This is Holith Nar'neema, returning from pilgrimage and requesting permission to dock with the Neema."

"Very well, and?"

"Through shades of green and blue, I pass through the clouds of space, looking for the land the fleet commands."

" . . . . Acknowledge, you have permission to dock with the Neema. Would you like your kin notified?"

"Please."

"It shall be done. Welcome home."

"Glad to be home." Holith said before closing the communication and piloting the small shuttle toward the Neema.

The small council shuttle docked into the Neema and began its atmospheric scrubbing. The only problem with getting a ship and bringing it to the fleet was that they were never clean.

EVER!

As soon as the ship system had scrubbed themselves for the third time Holith felt it was as good as it was going to be and left the ship, coming into the closed docking bay. And right ahead of him was his mother and father, gleaming from behind their helmets.

"Son!" His father said happily as he came over and hugged Holith.

"Hey,Dad. You're not going to believe what I've brought back to the fleet!"

"Is it inside that shuttle there?" His mother asked curiously. "Because if that shuttle is all you've brought back . . . "

"No, it's not on the ship." Holith said he glanced around until he saw a small section of broken railing without wiring or piping connected to it, and raised his hand to it. "Metal symbol, molten growth." At his words the broken pieces of metal suddenly began glowing red hot, lifted up and stretched to each other before fusing together and cooling as quickly as they had heated. It all took only a handful of seconds, and when it was done the railing was whole, though the one section was slightly thinner than the rest of the railing.

"What, what was that? Some sort of omnitool app?" "His mother asked, clearly confused.

"Magic." Holith said, and then upon seeing his parent's reactions continued. "No I'm serious, it's magic. The fleet's heard about that incident with the Hierarchy and the Alliance right?"

"We've heard bits and piece, but not the whole story. It's a new race, three of them with odd technology right?"

"Yes, but they also have magic. It's not technology, real magic! I took part in a free learning course they offered to see if Council races could learn their magic, and while a lot of them failed, mostly because they were not trying or refused to believe it, a few of us passed it. I was one of them, I can use magic!"

Both of his parents looked at him, their expression a mix of curiosity and concern. "Holith," his father began. "Are you sure you don't have a suit puncture and were tricked into buying odd Omni tool apps?"

"Dad, I can't even use an Omni tool now, at least ones with Eezo in them. Scan me, you'll find no Omni tool, and no alterations or breaches to my suit."

His father pulled out his omnitool and began scanning and for many moments it was complete silence between the three of them. When he was done he let out a sigh. "I'm not finding anything like you said, but then how did you do that?"

"Magic!" Holith exclaimed as he held out his hand. "Look. Fire sigh, Firebolt." In response a small ball of fire appeared above his hand and with a twitch of a finger it flew out and crashed into the side of the shuttle, making a neat scorch mark on its hull.

"So, you learned magic?" His mother asked uncertainly.

"Yes, I also have all the up to date information on the Alliance, from the Alliance. Mum, they are masters at medical science. I talked with one of the instructors, and they said it was completely possible that they could free our people from our suits, rebuild our natural immune systems in a matter of years, for our entire species!"

"Look, Holith, I know you're thinking about everyone but, doesn't that seem a bit unlikely? " His father asked calmly.

"No, it isn't. You haven't seen them! The Alliance, they are completely different than the Council! Look, I have all this data on them. Look it over, and show it to the admiralty board! I'll even give a demonstration. Just give this information a chance and it can help our people more than you can even imagine!"

Both his parents looked at each other for a couple seconds before his father looked at him. "Alright let's take a look at this data. If it's really that good, we'll pass it on to the admiralty."

"Don't worry its good!"

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Attican Beta system, Quarian Migrant fleet Flagship Rayya, October 12th 2139.

The Quarian Admiraly Board looked over the information laid out before them. It was expansive, and they all had looked over it at length on their own. They had also all seen the demonstration by Holith Vas Neema. They had looked at both and had already begun forming opinions on their own, but now together, they were about to find out just how seriously their opinions did, or did not, coincide.

"So, we have all looked over the information given to us to the best of our abilities?" Admiral Han'Garrel Vas Neema asked cautiously to his four other compatriots.

"As well as we can!" Exclaimed Admiral Daro'Zen Vas Morah, the youngest member of the Admiralty Board. "You do realize there is more information here than would be kept in an entire Salarian Science frigate? And all of it is simple text and picture data!"

"Yes, I notice that as well. What I was able to look through was . . . . . enlightening, however." Admiral Rael'Zora Vas Rayya said calmly.

"I think the question is not how much we have looked over, but what we think our course of action should be." Admiral Zaal'Koris Vas Qwib Qwib said, sounding uncertain as he spoke.

"I agree." Admiral Shala'Raan Vas Tonbay said quickly. "We know nothing about this Alliance other than what is written here, but depending on what we ask of them, if anything, may change how they react to us!"

For many moment no one said anything, but after a while the silence became too much, Admiral Rael'Zorah spoke up. "Considering the Alliances stance with the Council, and their technological levels, I honestly doubt there is much we can give them. That said, I believe we should still contact them, if nothing else so they can choose how they see us, without the Council's influence."

"An intelligent, if simple and boring proposal." Daro'zen said with a huff. "Their technology is leagues different than the Councils, but our knowhow, our star charts, our information on robotics, and the Geth, we should use these to impress them. We need their technology, with it we can change things, return the Geth to where they should be, underneath us!"

"Or we could simply find an agreeable way to get their assistance in retaking our home world from the Geth!" Han'Gerral stated, clearly enjoying the idea from how loud his voice was. "The Council has controlled our actions for to long, let us make an alliance and destroy the Geth once and for all with the Alliances help!"

"And who is to say anything we could offer would even interest them?" Shala'Raan countered. "Let us be honest here. We are drifters with few galactic credits to our names, flying century's old ships using scrap parts to keep them together. Only our intellect has kept us going thus far, and we have nothing to trade with a coalition of races so advanced they scoff at the idea of relay travel!"

"I, sadly, agree." Zaal'Koris said with a sigh. "As interesting and useful the Alliance technology could be, we have nothing they do not already have or could obtain on their own. Star charts can be acquired easily; their technology works completely differently than Council technology, and therefore our own. And their magic is clearly leagues above Biotics, if I am to believe it supposed capabilities."

"Are we to just give up then? Their magic alone could annihilate entire legions of Geth!" Han'Gerral exclaimed, sounding angry that the idea was being pushed aside so easily. "And they seem willing to teach people, so why not take advantage of that?"

"Because-."

"Because it is not so easy to take advantage of the Alliance!" All five admirals turned to the source of the new, sixth voice that had interrupted Rael. Standing a couple meters away from them, without any space gear, or a suit of any kind, was an Alliance woman. She wore a dark purple suit and had a similarly colored umbrella over one shoulder, while her long blonde hair fell neatly behind her. A faint sphere of golden energy could be barely seen shimmering around her, and she smiled gently, while her eyes held something predatory. She stepped forward and bowed slightly to the admiralty, then flipped her umbrella around and touched its tip to the floor with a smile as she spoke. "Greetings, Quarian Admiralty. I am Yukari Yakumo, the Youkai head of the Alliance. How do you do?"

All the admirals were shocked for a moment, but Shala was the first to act, noticing a danger to the entire migrant fleet. "Why are you not in a sealed suit? You risk endangering the entire migrant fleet! And how did you get here anyway?!"

"Relax Admiral. I do not endanger anyone as long as this barrier field surrounds me." Yukari said as she gestured to the shimmering sphere around her person. "You'll find that nothing enters or leaves it, and by that same reasoning my available time here is limited, though not short."

"Then, you have still not answered Shala'Raans question." Zaal'Koris said nervously, tapping on his omni tool to call for the marines.

"I simply walked here." Yukari answered as she tapped her umbrella against the floor, forming a Sukima behind her and another a couple meters to the side. She then poked her umbrella through it, giving a perfect example of their use as the umbrellas tip came out the second Sukima. "And as to the why I am here that you surely are thinking of asking next, I have come here to see just what the Quarians intent is, and to perhaps, give your people an offer!"

For many moments the hall was silent, until Han'Gerral sighed. "Alright. We have not yet decided upon a course of action as of yet, but may I ask what this, offer of yours is?"

Tuari smiled, and as she did the entire room suddenly felt cooler. "Your people, due to both your original biology and current lifestyle, have absolutely no element zero in their bodies, not even trace amounts. A test that your one civilian volunteered for while on the MAS Philosophe has provided us with information that leads us to believe you people could be natural magicians if the right environment was provided. Your people are also very rigid and very capable of surviving, despite the rest of the galaxies intentions otherwise. As such, the Alliance is considering the possibility of the Quarian peoples joining the Alliance!"

"And. . .What would this entail for both sides?" Shala'raan asked after a moment of complete, stupefied silence.

"Oh good, one of you is not completely frozen!" Yukari beamed. "Would you like to hear how it would affect the Alliance, or the Quarian peoples first?"

"Our people." Rael'Zorah said instantly, his tone solid.

Yukari looked at him and nodded. "Very well. The Quarian peoples would have a few things required of them. Obviously understanding Alliance rules and regulations, but aside from that, the most important thing would be that the Quarian peoples, through the use of Alliance medicine, would be required to slowly relinquish your suit as a permanent necessity. Additionally, your ships would be taken apart and converted to materials, all element zero based technology would also be no longer allowed." Yukari paused for effect, knowing they needed to hear the last part perfectly. "And the Quarian peoples would have to give up on reclaiming their home world!"

The outcry from the admirals was immediate and completely chaotic. Three of the admirals shouting outrage over the other, while two in particular, Shala'Raan, and Zaal'Koris, remained silent. After a couple more seconds of this Yukari tapped her umbrella down, creating an instant bang so loud it shocked the three arguing admirals into complete shocked silence, thinking an explosion or hull breach had suddenly happened.

"I understand what I am saying, but allow me to explain the Alliances reasoning. While it would be culturally significant for your people to reclaim their world, as you currently are, it would take generations for you to re-acclimate to it naturally, and then there is the problem of the Geth. The Alliance is currently in the process of terraforming three worlds in our own sphere of influence, and all three of these worlds would be open to Quarian use as a new home world for your peoples. Your people as Alliance citizens would be allowed travel to all Alliance worlds as well. Now I can see that each of you wishes to argue or say something, so let's do this civilly, one at a time, yes?"

All the admirals looked at each other and one after another nodded, allowing Rael to look to Yukari and meet her gaze first. "While the idea of joining your people is, interesting, the idea that our people would forsake our home world is absurd! The cultural significance is far too important, and it cannot be just left to the Geth!"

"I agree with Rael." Han said stoically. "Reclaiming our home world is the dream of all Quarians. The Geth drove us from it, it is only right we fight for our birthright!"

"Even if fighting for it would condemn your entire species?" Yukari asked with a sly tone, before looking to Daro. "And what do you have to say?"

"I care not about the cultural significance, but our home world is already perfect for our people, and our biology's would not adapt well to other planets." Daro'Zen explained.

"I did mention the Alliance would provide medical assistance to the Quarian people to acclimate them. Our biologists estimate that we could have every Quarian out of their suits and breathing unfiltered air in as little as seven years."

"Truly?"

"Yes."

Daro'Zen was silent for a moment before nodding to herself. "That, may change things for sure."

"What!? How can you even consider that, Zen?" Han'Gerral Exclaimed in shock.

"I can consider it, because the continuation of our people overrules both our anger at the Geth, and my own desires to experiment on them." She admitted, sounding upset at her own words.

"I agree." Kaal'Zoris spoke up. "The Geth are sentient, as much as some want to disagree. They have as much right to live as anyone else. If we can settle elsewhere, we should. At the very least it would give our people a new beginning, and some peace of mind not having to worry about our centuries old ships falling apart in transit!"

"How can you even suggest that-," Rael yelled out as another argument broke out, Shala'Raan the only one who was not joining in as she seemed to be deep in thought.

"What exactly does the alliance get from offering this to us?" Shala suddenly asked, the other four becoming silent upon hearing her question.

"The Alliance does not come out of this without gain." Yukari said with a smirk. "Your people are skilled technicians as a whole, as well as far more versatile than other races are willing to believe. A new peoples for the Alliance, a burst of population, as well as an in depth understanding of Council technology."

"Your people's technology is not usable alongside Council technology if I recall, no?" Daro'Zen asked curiously.

"That is correct, but that does not mean that having a better understanding of it would be bad. Additionally, your people's base technological and mechanical prowess would be useful, and I'm sure many would revel in the chance to use technology the Council likely will not be able to comprehend for decades, at the very least!"

"So your Alliance a more interested in growing your numbers, both of citizens and of skilled people then?" Shala'Raan asked carefully.

"Yes, there is always a need for skilled people, and besides, the Council races do not seem to give your people a chance at being more than what they think you are, vagabonds and thieves. Why not prove them wrong? Why not prove to them that your people can be just as successful, if not more successful, than they ever thought?"

"Your offer is extremely tempting," Shala'Raan said calmly. "But we cannot decide such a serious matter here and now without proper discussion and input from our people."

"Of course. I would expect no less." Yukari said as she created a new Sukima behind her. "The offer has been presented. Ah yes, and I almost forgot that if your people did join the Alliance your race would have a Head among us as well. I shall take my leave now. The offer shall continue to stand, if you wish to accept, merely travel to Shanxi and you shall be contacted." Yukari said as she backed halfway into the Sukima then stopped. "I shall leave you with a question though. Have your people survived this far, just to come this far?"

And then Yukari was gone, The Sukima closing and leaving the room exactly as it had been before she had arrived.

"I think, we have much to discuss now." Kaal'Zoris said with a tired sigh.

"Yes, it would seem so. We should also explain this to the fleet. All of it." Shala'Raan said with an equally tired sigh, feeling like just begin in Yukari's presence had drained her.

"You both cannot be serious!" Rael'Zorah exclaimed in surprise.

"We are!" Daro'Zen countered. "We all know you've sworn some ridiculousness about building a house on the home world, but as we are, that will never happen, and even if it did, we'd be in these suits for easily decades. This offer has to be at the very least considered. There is too much at stake not to!"

"And how exactly do you think our people will react when you tell them we're considering forsaking our home world?" Han'Gerral asked angrily.

"We tell them everything, exactly what the offer is, all it entails, and all it would give and take away." Shala'Raan said carefully. "We'll tell them everything, and let our people decide!"

Everyone began nodding carefully until only Rael'Zorah was left, letting out a sigh. "Very well, we'll see what comes of this."

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Aralakh System, Tuchanka. February 14, 2140.

Eirin Yagokoro stood in the laboratory of her ship and held up the vial to the light, glancing through its contents, a thin nearly luminous orange liquid. It was an answer, one of many. Whether it would be used however was still up to debate.

Placing it in a case and locking it up tight Eirin stretched and left her laboratory, eventually making her way out of her ship, and onto the landing platform where her ship sat.

The Krogan female clan village had changed much. The stone cliff where her ship sat was now twice its size and mad of metal, large enough for easily two more ships. The village below was now more like a small city, with its buildings having increased in size, more defences guarding it, and what few Krogan children existed playing around the village. While the majority of the village was entirely females, Bakara had managed to convince a handful of clans to her plan, less than a tenth of all Krogan clans, but even just a few was still a start. Laws were followed, and their people seemed to be flourishing, even while other clans tried to undo what she had done. It was a slow process, but it was beginning to bear fruit. And it was beginning to look sweet.

"Ah, Lady Eirin."

Eirin turned to see Bakara coming over to her, smiling even from behind her veil. "Good morning, Bakara. I trust everything is well?"

"It is, yes. And it's the afternoon, actually." Bakara said with a chuckle, having quickly learned how easily Eirin could lose track of time inside her laboratory.

"That is good. Your plan appears to be going well, I was about to take a walk through the village."

"Excellent, I was coming to get you actually. There is a pair that are interested in meeting you." Bakara said as the two of them began walking down the stairs away from the pads, and towards the city below.

"I see. Friends of yours?" Eirin asked, knowing that friends within Krogan clans were a rarity due to their naturally solitary natures though this was more for the men than women.

"Something like that. They both are from Clan Nakmor, and one of them is one of our oldest people. He was alive during the Krogan rebellions, and has seen firsthand how our people have fallen." Bakara said as they both came down to street level and began going down it. Every woman they past greeted them with a smile, children would run by unawares, and even the few men that were out and about gave them both nods. Considering how antisocial Krogan appeared to have been in the past, this was a major improvement, and Eirin was glad to see that Bakara's plan was slowly working. With her people's attitudes, slow was the only way it could.

"I understand. . . . Has Clan Urdnot come around? If I recall, you were hoping they would."

Bakara shook her head. "No, Wreave is not listening to my missives. Keeps saying this is doomed to fail, and that we should go back to what we were. If his brother was ruling the clan I'm sure he would come around, but he's somewhere in Council space working as a mercenary."

"I could make some calls if you'd like, see if he could be found." Eirin offered warmly. "It would take time, but I'm sure something would be found."

"No, that is alright. If I'm worrying about when he'll be found I won't be able to focus on matters here. Besides, I'm sure he'll hear about our movement sooner or later. Thank you for offering, though."

"It's no problem. Your success helps me as well. I haven't had so many samples to work with in a long time." Eirin admitted. "Ah yes, and I've completed the third part."

Bakara simply nodded as they walked. She knew what Eirin was referencing, but it was so important she didn't dare let information on it slip to the wrong people.

After a couple more minutes of walking they came to what was quickly becoming a sort of city square. In the centre of the square by an old, run down monument that had yet to lose any of its awe, was an old, wearing looking Krogan, and beside him a Krogan female who looked less than a quarter of his age, if not less.

"Bakara, it's been a while." The old Krogan said as Bakara and Eirin approached them.

"Yes, it has." Bakara said warmly. "Eirin, this is Nakmore Drak, and his daughter, Kesh. Kesh, Drak, this is Eirin Yagokoro, A Lunarian of the Alliance, and both a powerful warrior and scientist.

"I see. Bakara mentioned an Alliance scientist was overseeing her work," Drack said coolly. "She also explained what the deal was itself. You don't look like much of a warrior though."

"Looks can be deceiving." Eirin said with a smile.

"Ignore my father. You are a scientist, yes?" Kesh asked as she took a step forward. She was clearly fully grown, but when compared to her father, she looked like a newborn, and she sounded young as well.

"I am."

"My father says you are here, but are not curing the Genophage because of some cultural reason, is that right?"

"Yes, that is right, to an extent. " Eirin said with a smirk, just as she felt a twinge." You are both armed I take it?"

"Of course." Drack said grimly understanding the intent behind Eirin's question.

"Good. Get Bakara to safety." Eirin said quietly, just as the sound of three shots echoed in the square, and Eirin moved in front of Bakara. She expected mass accelerator rounds to tear into her flesh, but instead felt three squishy balls press against and stick to her body, one on her shoulder, another on her leg, and the final one on her stomach.

A second later they all exploded, blowing Eirins' body apart and showering the monument with gore.

"Scorpion, get to cover!" Drack roared as he pulled out a Graal spike launcher and began firing at an overhang of a building were he saw a flash, pushing Kesh and Bakara over to a nearby building even as he was fired back on by small arms fire, most of which simply bounced off his armour.

"She's gone just like that?!" Kesh exclaimed as the three of them leapt though a long window and hunkered down behind it, Kesh slowly pulling out a small pistol that she kept on her.

"You said it was a scorpion, right?" Bakara asked, getting a nod from Drack as an explosion reverberated against the wall. "That means STG. What are they doing here?"

"Trying to kill you from the looks of it. Seems like your cultural revolution got their attention." Drack said as he popped out from cover and fired off a shot from his Graal, narrowly missing a Salarians head, but taking one of his horns off with it instead before he popped down. A second later a mass accelerator round pinged off his headpiece. "You seem oddly calm about this considering your Alliance lapdog just died."

"Something similar to this happened a couple of weeks ago with some clanless thugs. She'll be fine."

"I don't think so. Not even I'd be fine if I was reduced to that." Drack said grimly as a round chipped the stone around him, and another almost hit Kesh's headpiece.

Bakara chuckled. "I beg to differ. Look."

Drack looked at Bakara before he realize what she meant, and against his better judgment took a look back in to the courtyard.

He instantly though he had drank too much Ryncol that morning.

The gore and pieces of Eirins body were slipping across the ground and gathering together, her body seemingly stitching itself together. In a matter of seconds her body was whole, even down to her clothing, and it looked like she had never been shot or killed. No blood was on the monument anymore, and when Eirin opened her eye Drack shivered. And that was something that hadn't happened in a long time.

Raising a hand up to the sky, a bow of metal appeared in Eirins hand. She gripped a non-existent string, forming both it and an arrow of light, and pulled back. The arrow flew into the sky, exploded into a shower of light, and then every single light formed together into a ball of energy that dropped down on the top of the building the STG was on.

The blast echoed like a thresher maw's death wail and knocked all three STG agents off of the roof with cries of shock and surprise. One agent landed on the monument, his back breaking instantly before he limply slid off onto the ground. Another agent fell down onto the metal pole that held up a sun cover, his body impaling itself on it gruesomely. The last agents simply fell to the ground with a heavy crack, one arm and both his legs twisted in ways no limbs should be.

"That is all of them, you can come out now." Eririn called as her bow disappeared, her call effecting more than just Bakara, Kesh and Drack. As they walked out Eirin walked over to the one Salarian, still alive and groaning in pain, and kicking him in the side so hard he flipped over onto his back, gasping. "Your orders, what were they?"

"You, will not-," The Salarian gasped out, having difficulty talking.

Eirin scowled and noted his omnitool flickering on and off on his broken arm, then planted her foot on that arm, making him cry out in pain. "Does someone have an axe?" Eirin asked calmly, the Salarians eyes going wide in horror.

In response Drack walked over and pulled out a modified hammer, and dropped it on the arm just below the omnitool, pulping it completely. "There."

"Thank you." Eirin said as she picked up the pulped limb and held it aloft, grimacing. "Bakara, is there someone among your people who could perhaps break this thing apart without compromising the data inside? The Eezo makes it, uncomfortable to be near."

"I can!" Kesh suddenly exclaimed as she ran over.

Eirin looked at Drack, who simply nodded. "She's good with machines. And I really want to know how you pulled that off!"

"I'm immortal, you can kill me over and over, and I still won't die." Eirin said as she pulled the omnitool off the limb and grimaced before tossing it to Kesh. I need that data to find out who ordered them here, and what their mission was, alright?"

"Right, I'll make sure the data is safe."

"Good." Eirin said with a smile as she began walking away from the Salarian.

"W-wait, you can't!" The Salarian gurgled in pain, trying to move with his one good arm.

"What do we do with him?" Bakara asked calmly, not looking effected at all by Eirin's little show.

"Kill them, strip them of their equipment. I'll hold the bodies for, clinical studies." Eirin said with a grin. "After all, if they're STG, then they're not even here, right?"

Drack smiled as he hefted his hammer over the wide eyed Salarian. "You're absolutely right!"

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Widow System, Citadel. June 17th 2141.

Flandre Scarlet, the Alliance ambassador to the Citadel Council liked her job, she really did!

Sure it was not as glamorous as being a head of the Alliance, or as violent as an operative out in the field, but she didn't need those. She helped protect the Alliance interest, got to experience a different world and culture, and still got to have some violent fun when muggers or people with stupidity to grind came at her. Hell, she had eaten absurdly well in the last couple years, being able to partake in almost every races blood except for Asari's. No way was she risking that!

Of course, for all the good points of her job, there were also bad points. The most obvious one being having to inform the Council of things they should already know, or telling them off about things that they did already know about, but for some strange reason came to her about anyway.

"We've told you this before, Ambassador. The pirates around your borders are just that, pirates that are not legally a part of the Batarian Hegemony." Counciler Tevos said, her hologram looking calm despite the intent of the conversation.

"Three pirate frigates, each one crewed entirely by Batarians." Flandre explained with an exasperated sigh. "Considering the Hegemony only allows certain castes to leave their planets, I find it hard to believe that many Batarians manage to leave and become pirates, all who happen to be probing Alliance territory."

"It is simply coincidence." Councillor Valern said calmly. "The Batarian Ambassador has guaranteed that none of those ships are in any way related to the Hegemony."

"And they're obviously lying and using the fact that they use pirate IFF's." Flandre aid with a sigh. "You do realize, that if we find evidence that proves this, the Alliance will not leave it at that, right?"

"That would mean war against the entirety of the Council, as the Batarians are an associate race of the Council." Councillor Spartacus said grimly.

"No, it would be the Alliance against the Batarians, especially if you cut them loose. But that is not why you have called, is it?"

The three councillors looked to each other, and after a second Tevos spoke up. "No. There are a couple things we'd like to speak to you about. The first is a minor thing. Ex-Captain Desolas Arterius, how is he doing?"

Flandre figured this would come up at some point. Kicked from the Hierarchy and falsely branded a traitor he had decided to go ahead with the advanced magic course that was open to him. And a couple of months later his name was the first to appear on Flanders's desk for Alliance citizenship. She had put it through almost immediately. She had even heard he had willingly gone through with a R&D Procedure that allowed him to constantly eat Alliance food without need for the pills. "The last I heard he was doing fine, and is currently at the top of his class in the Philosophe's courses."

"That is . . . good." Spartacus said with a sigh of relief. "I only wish we had been able to stop that leak before it happened."

Flandre grimaced at the way he said it. Since Saren had caused that leak he had started making a name for himself as one of the best spectre's. There was no way the Council would sell out one of their spectres. Then she remembered something, a report from only a week or so before that made her smile.

"Ah yes, that reminds me. Another Spectre was caught in Alliance territory. He entered legally, but tried to illegally enter and force his way into one of R&D's high security research labs. Would you like his remains returned?"

"His remains, not a body?" Valern asked calmly.

"He was caught by researchers doing weapons testing on the prototype for our next model of rapid fire laser machine gun. They decided to test it on him. There is, not much left of him or his equipment admittedly."

Tevos let out a sigh. "Please do. . . . There are a couple other things that we need to discuss, however. Matters that could be serious."

"And they are?" Flamdre asked, somehow knowing that whatever it was would be ridiculous, or stupid.

"First off, we've had reports of an Alliance cruiser that landed on Tuchanka, but has not left in over the year it's been there. It is possible that the owner was killed and we believe that it should be-.."

"I wouldn't worry about it. The owner is fine." Flandre interrupted, knowing from Eirins reports that not only did the Council know she had been there for longer than a year, they had been sending STG teams off and on for over a year easily. Every time it was the same thing too, them trying to kill Bakara, the Krogan trying to better her people. It seemed the Council was deadset on watching the Kogan slowly go extinct. And that made Flandre like them even less than she already did most of the time.

"Are you sure? Perhaps we should send in some STG agents to help secure the site?" Valern suggested, making Flandre's wing twitch, while the rest of her remained calm. As much as she wanted to blow the councillors apart for their terrible attempts at manipulation, she needed to stay in control and not react.

"No, that is alright, sending in agents will only make the situation dangerous. Our reports say that the situation is under control and there is no danger, in fact it is improving. What is the other thing you needed to speak of?"

"There have been reports of the Quarian migrant fleet nearing Alliance territory. To make sure they do not attempt to steal your technology or break your rules, we would suggest that your people make it clear they are not welcome. They are nothing more than wandering thieves and vagrants. We wouldn't want something to happen to any of your planets or facilities due to their presence."

Flandre had to clench her hand in a fist to stop her from blasting the Holograms, though the information they could be coming to accept the offer Yukari had supposedly offered them was a good sign. "Very well, I will take that under advisement and inform the Alliance of your, worries."

"Good, there one other thing," Spartacus said with a tired tone. "Again, our various militaries are requesting pieces of your weapons technology to study."

"Each time it is the same request, and each time my answer will be the same. The alliance does not yet feel the Council races would find any use from our weapons due to an inability to reproduce their power cores."

"Regardless many of our scientist are eager to try regardless. Would it be so dangerous if you feel as such?" Valern pushed.

"Very well, I will broach the subject to Kaguya and Hackett."

"Thank you for your understanding, Ambassador." Valrns said with a slight smile.

"Is there anything else you need, Councillors? I have a mountain of paperwork still to go through."

"No, there is nothing else." Tevos answered.

"Good. Then I shall bid you good bye for now." Flandre said as she moved to close the communication. "Just remember what I said, if we find anything connecting the pirates and the Batarians, they will not have a chance to regret it."

"Dully noted, Ambassador. Good day to you." Spartacus said as the communication closed, leaving Flandre alone with her thoughts.

"Haaaaa, I need a drink. Maybe Mei has some actual paperwork for me too. And maybe giant squids will attack us. Ha, as if!" Flandre muttered to herself, hoping some connection between the pirates and Batarians was found. The constant pirate reports were getting annoying. At least the Krogan and Quarian situations were going well though.

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Location unknown, August 21st 2142

Matriarch Escelva threw her arm to the side, her biotics flaring and sending a chair into the wall of her office with a scream.

"I tire of your excuses! We had a deal and you have been paid more than half of your price already. You will get nothing more until I get my samples!"

The Batarian on the other line, by the name of Bashok Griths, cringed slightly, but held back the majority of his intended reaction. "And we are almost ready. The Alliance's strange travel technology makes it impossible to catch their ships between their destinations. The only option we have is to attack one of their planets, and to take as many people as possible during the attack. You'll have your samples soon enough."

"I better, Griths, I've paid you far too much money as it is!"

"And you'll pay more if you want more samples!" he growled back in reply. "We're planning a massive operation here, the more money you fork over to help it succeed, the more samples you'll have guaranteed to you, above the initial three dozen I add!"

Matriarch Escelva sat for a couple moments as her biotics died down, and then finally gave a sigh. "Very well, I'm in this deep, a little more for extra samples could not hurt. I'll have an additional twelve billion credits transferred to you and your people. Remember, I want a dozen samples of Human, Youkai and Lunarians, with varying ages, each dozen half men and women, understand?"

"Yes, I understand, you're order will be delivered a promised, and we'll have the best catch in centuries!"

"I don't care about that, but when shall you act?"

"In a few months. We'll hit the Alliance on the anniversary of first contact, and show them what terminus warlords and the Hegemony can do!"

"See that you do. Watching the Alliance squirm and realize they are weak will be just as good as getting my samples. Good luck to you, Bashok. And don't get found out!"