No Such Thing as Miracles

"Gurren Senken! Gurren Senken!" Kamina insisted.

"What the hell does it even mean?" Joker snapped. "What even is a 'gurren?'"

Kamina rubbed in chin. "Y'know, Gurren is a kind of..." He flexed his bicep and then slapped it. "...or more like..." He thrust his hips a couple of times. "...just an all around..." He threw a punch combination and then spun around and struck a pose, his arm thrust toward Joker out with this fingers splayed. "Yeah?"

"No!" Joker cradled his head. "What are you doing. Make him stop, Shepard!"

This argument had been funny when it started. Hours ago. "How about you both shut up for a while?" she said wearily.

"But, Shepard, we still haven't decided on a name for the ship!" Kamina protested.

"Yes, we have," Joker said through clenched teeth.

Fortunately, Miranda came through the door before Shepard had a chance to respond. After taking a tour of the ship, they had settled into a room on the third level of the ship that had a nice view. "Ah, good. EDI said that you were all here," Miranda said. EDI was the ship's AI. Shepard wasn't sure how she felt about that, having killed more geth than the average marine. So far the AI had seemed like little more than a VI, though no VI could conduct electronic warfare on the level of EDI. Shepard also wasn't foolish enough to believe that the AI was anything less than a super-effective spy for the Illusive Man. "The final member of our crew has arrived," Miranda continued.

"You go on," Joker said. "I already met the guy." Something in his voice told Shepard that Joker hadn't enjoyed the meeting. "I'll rest here for a bit and head to the cockpit."

Shepard nodded and followed Miranda out of the room, Kamina trailing behind. They rode the elevator up to the second deck and Miranda took them to room just to the side of their conference area, which had been set up as a lab. The man waiting inside was slim, wearing a purple jumpsuit and had close-cropped green hair. He turned to them and Shepard noticed that he had eye shadow artfully applied. She raised an eyebrow. Between him and Miranda, Ouroboros certainly didn't seem to have the kind of regulations Shepard was used to in the Alliance Navy. "This is—" Miranda began.

"Leeron!" Kamina shouted. "Leeron?! What are you doing here?"

"I don't believe we've ever met," Leeron said amicably. "But that is my name."

Miranda gazed suspiciously at Kamina. "How do you know Leeron?"

"Uh, he..." Kamina brushed a hand through his hair, looking completely out of sorts. "I met him on Earth. Leeron, it's me! Kamina!"

Leeron drifted over to Kamina and looked up at him. Then he ran a hand down Kamina's arm and winked suggestively. "If I'd ever met you, I'd certainly remember. You are definitely my type."

Kamina shouted in alarm and jumped backward, drawing his shotgun. "You are Leeron!"

"Put that gun away!" Shepard snapped. Kamina reluctantly collapsed his gun. "Now explain, Kamina. How do you know Leeron?"

Kamina pointed at Leeron. "He was the mechanic for Gurren Lagann. He was from Littner Village. Me and Simon met him after we escaped."

"Littner? Gurren?" Leeron shook his head. "Sorry, honey, you're not making any sense."

Kamina threw up his hands. "Ah, whatever, Leeron!" He stomped away.

Shepard watched him go. I'll have to follow up on that sooner rather than later. Leeron stuck out a hand and said, "All that aside, it is a pleasure to meet you, Commander."

"Thanks. Good to meet you too." Shepard shook his hand. Though I'm not sure if I'm still a commander.

"Leeron is Ouroboros top scientist," Miranda said. "He's here to develop a countermeasure to the seeker swarms that have been attacking colonies and any other problems we run up against."

"Sounds like you'll be an asset, Leeron," Shepard said with a smile. More Ouroboros personnel. I suppose I should have expected this. Even Joker is technically Ouroboros.

"I hope to be," Leeron said with a slightly cocky smile.

"Now that we're all aboard," Miranda said. "We should see about following up some leads. The Illusive Man has been in contact with a krogan warlord named Okeer. He's been selling other krogan to the collectors so he may know something about them. He's also suggested that he might be willing to join us if we can meet some demands. I have the coordinates for the facility he is on. Shall we head there?"

"Not so fast, Miranda," Shepard said. "This is my operation, is it not?"

"Well, yes, but—"

Shepard cut her off. "And I am in command, right?"

"Yes, you are, but—"

"Then I will review all suggestions from the Illusive Man and decide if and when we act upon them. So for now, ask Joker to set course for the Citadel."

"The Citadel?" Miranda gasped. "Why?"

"Because I said so, Miranda. Now scurry along and tell Joker." Miranda's face went a little red and she didn't move. "Now, Miranda." With a huff, Miranda stalked away.

"Oooh, harsh," Leeron said, not sounding displeased.

"Miranda will try and take over this operation if I let her. Things will run smoother if I put her in her place right away."

"I can't say I disagree." Leeron waved a hand. "You don't have to worry about Leeron, though. I'm just happy to work in my little lab."

Shepard raised an eyebrow. "Glad to hear it." She left him behind and took the elevator up to the top deck. All of which was apparently given over to her cabin. Quite a bit more opulent that the my cabin aboard the old Normandy. She glanced at the desk and grimaced. A picture of Liara stared back at her. How had they known about her? Shepard hadn't put the picture up. It had been there when she first stepped in the room. The Illusive Man wasn't somebody who did things without a purpose. It was an implied threat. I need to find her.

First things first, though. Shepard sat down at her terminal and punched in a number she hoped to god still worked. After a moment, it connected and the head and shoulders of Captain David Anderson materialized on her desk. "This is Anderson—" He started, sounding annoyed. Then he gasped. "Shepard! Is that really you?"

"Yup. It's really me. Somehow. How're you doing?"

"Shitty. But maybe a little better now. What happened to you, Shepard?"

Shepard rubbed the back of her neck. "I'm not totally sure. I got spaced when the Normandy blew. I'm sure you heard that from Joker. Then I woke up in a lab two years later, told that I was brought back from veritable death and have been in a coma for all that time."

"Christ," Anderson muttered. "At least you're alive. Things have turned into a real shitshow without you, Shepard. Everybody but me seems to want to sweep what you uncovered under the rug. We need you back. This is a goddamn miracle."

"No such thing as miracles, old friend. I might be back but things are already complicated as hell. The ones who saved my life are Ouroboros. They're probably recording this even."

"Shit," Anderson cursed. "Ouroboros. Are you sure?"

Shepard nodded. "Met the Illusive Man himself."

"Huh. I never would have imagined those terrorists doing something like this. Do you know why?"

"Yeah. The Illusive Man is worried about the reapers. More specifically, he wants me to figure out what is going on with the missing colonists in the Terminus Systems."

Anderson narrowed his eyes. "I've been hearing reports of that. Not a whole hell of a lot I can do about it though. Those colonists left Alliance space. They don't want my help."

"Maybe so but they're still people," Shepard said. "And I have a bad feeling about it. The populations of the colonies are disappearing in whole with no evidence of a fight. Only the reapers have that kind of tech."

"You may be right, Shepard," Anderson said. "I wish you luck. I wouldn't trust Ouroboros if I were you though."

"I don't." Anderson looked relieved. "Listen, Captain, there was another reason I called."

"What is it?"

"Do you know if I am still a Spectre?"

Anderson rubbed his chin. "I actually don't. You never lost your status but you have been presumed dead for two years. I'll have to ask the other Councilors."

"See if you can't confirm my status. It should allow me more freedom to act on my own rather than rely on Ouroboros."

"I see you point." Anderson nodded. "I'll do my best."

"Thanks. I'd also appreciate it if you put in a word to Admiral Hackett. I haven't reported in yet which might make me AWOL."

"Sure. He might want to talk to you."

"I expected he would. I'm coming to the Citadel straight away so we'll speak more when I get there."

"Sounds good, Shepard." He smiled. "It's damn good to have you back."

She grinned. "Glad to be back, sir." Anderson signed off and the grin slipped away from Shepard. This is going to be a huge mess. Two freaking years! Two lost years. Who knew how far the reapers had advanced in that time? On the other hand, this was an opportunity she had to take advantage of. She was free of all of the obligations she'd had when she 'died.' It was time to things right. Get set up as an actual Spectre. She'd had to go after Saren straight away after being made a Spectre and then been pushed off to hunt down geth. There was no time to set herself up as an independent force like other Spectres. She'd just been a special agent for both the Council and the Alliance Navy. All the red tape and divided loyalties that a Spectre wasn't supposed to have to deal with.

No more. Shepard flopped down on her bed. This time I'm going to do it right. I can't be beholden or subordinate to anyone if I want to take down the reapers. The Council, Alliance, and Ouroboros all have there own goals and motivations. They'd all want a piece of her. Shepard fell asleep determined not to let any of them get it.

"Commander." Shepard awoke to EDI speaking to her over the intercom. "We have reached the Citadel."

"Thank you, EDI." She gave the blue sphere that represented EDI a considering look. "You're always watching me, aren't you?"

"Affirmative, Shepard."

"Lovely." Shepard got out of bed, took a quick shower and brushed her teeth. Then she donned her armor and took the elevator to the second deck. A sour Miranda and an excited Kamina waited for her. "I guess you two are coming along?"

"Of course! Miranda said the Citadel was the center of the universe. Of course I'd want to see that!" Kamina shouted.

"Figuratively speaking," Miranda muttered. Then, in a normal tone, she asked, "If you don't mind, Shepard?"

"Of course not." They all exited the ship and Shepard frowned. This was a civilian port that she was unfamiliar with. What did you expect? They're not going to let this ship into the Alliance military port. There were advertisements everywhere and dozens of people bustling around the small port entrance. Not at all like she was used to. Miranda glanced around in disinterest but Kamina was staring with his red eyes wide as saucers.

"What is that?!" he practically screamed, pointing at a turian passing by. "Some kind of bird beastman? Birdman?!"

The turian glanced at Kamina and swiftly hurried the other way. Miranda slapped Kamina's hand down. "Don't point and keep your voice down! Could you at least try not to act like a complete moron?" Kamina rubbed his hand and glared at Miranda.

Shepard chuckled. "Try and keep an eye on him, Miranda."

"Huh? Where are you going?" Miranda asked with near panic.

"To meet with the Council." Shepard flashed a hard smile. "Spectre business."

"Wait, Shepard! What?" Miranda called desperately as Shepard walked away.

Kamina, playing is part to a tee, shouted over her, "Oy! Oy, Miranda! What is that thing? Lizardman?! Don't run lizardman!"

Shepard jogged away but froze as alarms started to go off. The turian monitoring the door said, "Sorry. Hang on a second." He pressed some buttons on his omnitool. "Huh. Says here you're dead." Then he snapped his head up and studied her. "Spectre?"

Shepard shrugged and tried to look apologetic. "Technically I was, for a little while at least."

"Okay..." the turian shook his head. "You'll have to see my supervisor." He directed her to the office of a C-Sec officer named Bailey.

Bailey was kind enough to see her right away and Shepard sat down in the chair in front of his desk. "So, back from the dead, huh?" He laughed. "This actually happens more than you would think."

Shepard brushed a lock of red hair behind her ear. "So what can I do about it?"

"Paperwork!" Baily said with perverse delight. "Our scanners have already verified that you are you but there is still plenty of bureaucracy to get through." He sent her a file and Shepard opened it on her omnitool.

She groaned. "Seriously?"

Baily shrugged. "Spending the year dead is a popular tax dodge. Unless the Council can intervene on your behalf, there isn't much choice. But I'll fix it so you stop sounding the alarm at least."

"Thanks, Bailey." Shepard got up and poked her head out the door. She was relieved not to see Miranda or Kamina. First she stopped by a human food seller and picked up a gyro for breakfast, then she went straight to Anderson's office. The human councilor was wearing clothing very similar to the dress blues of the Alliance navy but different enough to be distinct from the uniform. I know trying to walk that line all to well, Captain. Anderson got to his feet at the sight of her and hurried around his desk. He clapped her hand in his and shook it strongly.

"It's damn good to see you," he said warmly.

"You, too, sir." She studied his face. He looked beaten down. "You look like hell, though, if I may say so."

Anderson laughed. "You never were one to mince words." He sighed. "It's this job. I might not have taken it if I knew what I was getting into. I'm not cut out for the political games. I can't stand all the ambiguity and double-speak. The other councilors would rather turn a blind eye to anything unpleasant if they can keep power for themselves and their races."

"I've heard others saying similar things." Shepard shook her head in disbelief. "Is it true that all my warnings about the reapers have gone ignored all this time?"

Anderson nodded with a long-suffering frown. "I've been beating my head against a wall for two years trying to get them to accept the threat. They think that we're over-blowing the threat to keep humanity in power. Irissa, in particular, believes you let the other Council die on purpose." Shepard clenched her fists and grit her teeth. How could they think that? That was the hardest decision of my life! "Quentius is the only one who even sometimes listens to me. Without his support, I think the Council would have stripped your Spectre status."

"Quentius?"

"The new turian councilor. He's not nearly as much of an ass as the other one."

Shepard nodded. Turians could be real pains in the ass but they did seem more likely to look a hard truth in the face than the other species. "So my Spectre status has been upheld?" Anderson nodded. "And I'll have access to Spectre resources? Lines of credit? Back pay?"

"Sure, Shepard." He looked at her curiously. "Why so concerned with money?"

Shepard shrugged. "I'm not going to have the Alliance backing me on this mission, right? I'll need money for information, weapons, supplies and whatever else."

"Good point," Anderson conceded. "I'll make sure you have resources equal to any Spectre in service. The other councilors want nothing to do with you so you're free to do as you like. If you think this mission is important, you have my full support."

"That means a lot to me, Councilor."

Anderson eyed her. "I thought you were working for Ouroboros now, though? Don't they pay?"

"Working with. I'm going to stay as independent as possible."

"Good to hear, Shepard."

"So," Shepard said, taking a seat. "Why don't you bring me up to speed with what I've missed over the past couple years."

A couple hours later, Shepard left Anderson's office, shaking her head. How can they have grown so complacent? How could they forget the giant freaking spaceship that crushed their most powerful fleet, killed their top leaders and nearly took over the Citadel? Do they really think the geth are capable of that? It was infuriating to think about. At least Anderson was still on her side. He'd even promised to her whole 'death' situation sorted out without her going through all the hoops. The Captain had also moved all of her belongings into storage when the lease on her apartment had expired. Shepard arranged to have them moved to her cabin. It wasn't like she had a lot.

After she did that, Shepard did a little research and found the volus she was looking for. She strode into his little office and said, "Barla Von! Long time, no see."

It was impossible to see his reaction, since all volus needed to wear full suits when off their home planet. The length of time it took him to respond suggested shock, however. "Shepard," he finally said. "I thought you were dead." His rebreather made his voice sound breathy and thick.

Shepard rubbed the back of her neck. "I have a feeling I am going to be hearing that a lot."

"You don't understand," Von said. "If I didn't know you were alive, then how many people could? This is very valuable information."

Shepard suppressed a grin. Yes, he is just the person I need. "It might also interest you to know, then, that my Spectre status has been upheld by the new Council."

"Yes, Shepard, that is very valuable information." Von twisted his bulk around. "So what can I do for you?"

"Down to business." Shepard took a seat. "I think we're going to work very well together."

"Work together?"

"That's right. I'm a Spectre, which means I need to set up my own information network. You have the honor of being my first contact."

Von paused a moment before speaking, his rebreather cycling. "My rates are very high, Shepard. I am already an agent of the Shadow Broker, in any case."

"I'm not asking you to betray the Shadow Broker. I came to you because you're an agent of the Broker. You have connections in this universe that neither the Council nor the Alliance has. I just need your help finding some people and researching a few obscure topics."

"I see. Yet I am still uncertain you could afford me. My clients are...elite."

Shepard knew he was just being honest, not trying to antagonize her. She activated her omnitool and sent a few files his way. "You're a financial advisor in addition to being an info broker right? That's an estimate of all the money I'll have once I receive my back pay and my accounts are unfrozen."

"Not an insignificant amount but are you willing to give me your entire life-savings in return for a few pieces of information?"

"No but I'm willing to let you pay yourself. You a finance expert. Take that money and turn it into more money for yourself."

"So you want me to work for you and pass you information? That sounds like a very good deal for you."

Shepard smiled and leaned forward. "What if I were also to give you access to an unlimited line of credit from the Council?" Von stared at her. It was next to impossible to tell what a volus was thinking but she thought she had his attention now. "Anderson has promised to get me one. A clever and enterprising volus such as yourself could make use of such a thing. You know that Spectres operate with very loose supervision. I am sure that you are smart enough to use that credit line to make us both considerably richer without tipping off the Council."

Von said nothing for a long time, only the sounds of his breather filling the office. Then he said, "I think we may be able to work something out, Shepard."

Part 2

"So what is that thing? It's huge!" Kamina asked.

Miranda sighed, her chin in her hand. "It's a krogan. Stop staring at him or he'll try to kill you. Krogan consider staring to be a challenge."

Kamina considered continuing to glare, just to see what would happen. He sighed and looked away, not wanting to make Miranda mad. He couldn't believe somebody so beautiful could be such a bitch. Kind of like Yoko actually. He felt a little pang in his chest at the thought of Yoko. He'd promised to return her kiss after the battle against Dai-Gunzun. Now that probably wouldn't ever happen. The few things he'd heard about Earth since he'd woken up in this strange world suggested that it was nothing like the Earth he knew. But Kamina literally had no idea how that could be or what to do about it. For now, sticking with Shepard seemed like it would be fun. He was surprised that he missed Yoko nagging at him as much as he missed Simon, though. Maybe I should give Miranda another chance. Yoko certainly surprised me.

A woman stopped by their table and set food in front of both of them. "Tonkotsu ramen with veggies for the lady and tempura ramen for the man. Enjoy."

"Thank you, Anne," Miranda said with a kind smile.

The waitress walked away and Kamina said, "You look nice when you smile."

She scowled at him. "Eat your ramen." Kamina sighed at picked up one of the shrimp. "Use a fork or the chopsticks!" Miranda snapped. "Good lord."

"Alright, alright!" Kamina used his fork to scoop up the shrimp tempura and popped it into his mouth. He chewed once and tears welled up in his eyes. "So good!" He shoveled some of the noodles in his mouth the tears actually started leaking down his face. "So much better than pigmole steak!"

"I'm...glad you like it," Miranda said. She was eating her own ramen at a considerably slower pace. "Pigmole steak?" she muttered under her breath.

Kamina finished off his ramen quickly and then ordered another bowl, this time the same kind of ramen that Miranda had only with beef instead of vegetables. He finished the second bowl and leaned back in contentment. There were a lot of nice things about this world. Chief among them was the fact that they were out among the stars. Kamina had always wanted to visit the moon. Now he was on a big floating space-city. If only Simon could be here with him!

"Well, I wonder what we should do now," Miranda said. "I never expected Shepard to ditch us like this. Maybe we should head back to the Normandy?"

"Gurren Senken," Kamina corrected her absently. "Why would you want to go back? We have this whole city to explore!"

"What's to explore? The Zekera Ward is mostly just full of expensive tourist traps."

"There are so many weird things, though." He spotted one of them walking by. "Oh! I know those things. Uh, uh, Tali was one."

"Quarian," Miranda supplied.

"Right! I meant to ask her. Why do they wear those suits?"

"Quarians have weak immune systems. If they breath unfiltered air or come in contact with strange bacteria, they're likely to die."

Kamina frowned. I didn't understand a word of that. He didn't think it would be smart to push Miranda on it though so he just said, "Is that so?" He crossed his arms. "If you know this Citadel, there must be something you like to do here."

"I suppose the Presidium is nice."

Kamina banged his fist on the table, rattling the bowls. "Let's go there then!"

"Calm down, alright?" Miranda stood up. "I suppose it is better than sitting around here, though."

Kamina followed her out. Kamina followed behind her, his head on a swivel. There were so many interesting things to see. He really hoped he got to meet a krogan or a turian soon. They seemed tough. When they reached the Presidium, Miranda took him to a big lake. Kamina thought that the Presidium was weird. The lake and all the trees in the same place as buildings. He was impressed by the big statue of a krogan, though. It would be neat if I had a big statue. That seemed to tickle at a memory but he couldn't call it up.

He squatted at the edge of the lake and stared into the blue water. He could see little fishes moving around in it. The water looked very refreshing. Kamina stood up and started removing his armor. "What are you doing?" Miranda asked.

"I think I'll go for a dive," Kamina grunted, pulling his breastplate over his head and dumping it on the ground next to him.

"I don't think you are allowed in the water," Miranda said, crossing her arms.

"Why not?" Kamina hopped around, pulling his boot off.

"It's just for atmosphere. Not for idiots to play in!"

"Don't be like that," Kamina lost his balance pulling off his second boot and fell into the lake with a shout of alarm. The water was nice though. Pleasantly cool. Kamina waded out deeper. "Come on, Miranda. It's nice."

"Absolutely not." Miranda glared at him with her icy blue eyes.

Kamina frowned. Then he stretched out with his new biotic powers. He wasn't quite sure how they worked but he'd been experimenting as much as he could. No point in a new power unless he used it to the max, right? Kamina goosed Miranda on the butt. She leapt forward with a cry of surprise and then her boots slipped on the bank and she tumbled in. Kamina laughed at her. On all fours, Miranda gave him a murderous glare, quite different from her normal cold distain. A green aura surround her and she used and biotic burst to dump a huge wave of water on him. Kamina tumbled backwards, completely enveloped.

Once he could see again, Kamina was treated to the sight of a very smug Miranda. Two can play at the game. Kamina called up his new powers and punched the surface of the water. A circular wave spread out in all directions from him and, of course, hit Miranda. It dumped her on to her bottom again. "Damn it!" she yelled. Kamina put his hands up expecting a retaliation. Instead, to his vast surprise, Miranda started laughing. "You're really getting pretty good."

Kamina didn't put his hands down. This was weird. "R-really."

"Yes. Most people don't have enough control to both create a big wave and do something as subtle as...pinching my ass. You're no asari but..." Miranda stood and brushed the dirt off her backside. Kamina blushed. Not only was that the first nice thing he could remember Miranda ever saying to him but her clothes were clinging to her even more now that she was wet. His stomach tightened. What do they feed the girls in this universe to give them bodies like that?

Before Kamina could think of anything to say, they were interrupted by one of the birdmen. Turians, Kamina remembered. He had a rifle cradled in his arms. "Alright, humans, that's enough frolicking. Get on out of there."

Just like that, Miranda was back to being furious, shooting him a look that promised retribution. Kamina sighed. I saw enough of those types in Giha village. The type that hated to get in trouble more than anything. Kamina waded out of the pond behind Miranda. My the time he made it to the surface, the turian arm had turned orange—omnitool, Kamina remembered—and was typing into it while saying. "I'm mailing you both the standard fine for entering the lake." He typed a few more times and then glanced at Kamina. "Er, where is you omnitool?"

Kamina brushed his wet hair from his face. "I don't have one."

"What? Who the hell doesn't have an omnitool? Who are you?"

Kamina smiled and rubbed his chin. "Kamina," he said. "The Great Leader of the Gurren Brigade, Kamina-sama! Now a proud member of Gurren Senken!" He pointed up. "The gallant ship that pierces the stars!" He held his pose for effect.

The turian looked from him to Miranda, who had her head in her hands, and then said, "You're weird, kid. I think you better come to the station with me."

"What?!" Miranda yelped. "Officer, that's really not necessary is it?"

"I'll decide what is necessary, human."

Miranda braced but Kamina never got to see what she was planning because the next second, Shepard came up behind her and threw an arm around her shoulders. "Ah, officer, my friends aren't giving you any trouble are they?"

"As a matter of fact, they are, human. Who are you?"

"Shepard." Her fierce blue eyes went hard even as the rest of her face remained gregarious. "Council Spectre."

"Yeah, right. Shepard is dead." The turian fiddled with his omnitool for a few seconds and they his face went panicky. "Oh, shit, it is you. My apologies, Spectre."

"So there isn't going to be a problem, right?"

"No, of course not. Have a nice day." The turian practically sprinted away from them. Kamina gazed at Shepard with new respect. She didn't have an imposing stature and her features were a little too harsh to be beautiful, especially with the scars on her face that seemed to glow every now and again. Yet, there was a strange gravity to her. Kamina thought it was the eyes. They were so self-assured. It wasn't bravado or arrogance, just an absolute surety. She reminded of him of Simon. Rather, what Simon might have become one day.

"Thanks, Shepard," Miranda said, disentangling herself from the woman.

"No problem."

"I guess your Spectre status was reinstated."

"Yup." Shepard looked askance and Miranda and then whistled. "Damn, Miranda, you look like the your getting ready for a pictorial in Fornax."

Miranda quickly crossed her arms over her chest. "His Kamina's fault!" she wailed. "He pulled me into the water."

Shepard laughed and gave him a thumbs up. "Good work, buddy."

Kamina started and then grinned widely. I really did luck out running into her. He gave her a thumbs up in return and said, "Any time!"

Miranda threw up her hands. "You're both impossible!" Kamina and Shepard both spontaneously started clapping. Miranda returned her hands to her breasts. "God damn it!"

Shepard laughed again and said, "Alright, enough playing around. I have our next destination. Omega."

"Omega?" Miranda spat. "What could possibly be on that pisshole?"

"An old friend," Shepard said enigmatically. "Before that, though. Is there anything you need before we leave the Citadel, Kamina? I know you don't have any belongings. The Citadel has just about anything you could think of."

Kamina though moment. "Anything, huh?"

A few hours later, Kamina was aboard the Gurren Senken, admiring his reflection in the glass of the starboard observation deck. Kamina liked it here, where he could see the stars, and Shepard had told him to make himself at home here. Kamina was in his armor only, with the addition of a red cloak with gold fasteners, just like his old one. He had also donned a pair of red pointed shades exactly akin to the ones his father had given him so long ago. The Citadel really was an amazing place.

Kamina admired himself for a few moments more and then sighed. He removed his armor and sank on to one of the couches, feeling drained. It was so easy for him to remain upbeat when he was around other people but it was harder alone. This was like a dream. Aliens, new powers, ships that could travel through space with ease. It was also overwhelming. Everybody just knew everything about all of these new things. They all expected him to know too and didn't know what he didn't know. And Earth. He couldn't even make himself ask about it. How could it be so different?

He kicked his foot idly. He missed Simon. His blood brother was the one who was supposed to freak out so Kamina could put a brave face on things. Then Simon would be the one to diligently figure out what they needed to know. They were two sides of the same coin. And Yoko. Kamina rubbed a hand over his face. Why did you wait until the night before to tell me how you felt? You should have known I was too stupid to figure it out myself. Kamina drifted into a restless sleep, full of half-remembered images of gunmen, Simon and slaughter.

Shepard's hand on his shoulder woke him up. "Are you alright?" she asked softly.

Kamina sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Y-yeah. What's up?"

Shepard's eyes flashed in excitement. "I got something for you."

The fuzzy gloominess of his dreams was washed away. "Yeah?"

"Yup. An omnitool. You need one to function in this universe. I guess Miranda shoved a translator device behind one ear but you need a true omnitool."

Kamina deflated a little. "I don't know if I know how to work one."

Shepard waved away his protest. "I'll show you." She took his arm and soon the orange glow of the omnitool surround it. "Simple stuff for now. This is how to open doors." She laughed. "You won't need me or Miranda to escort you around now." Kamina was grateful for that at least. He pointed at the door to the observation deck and it opened and closed.

"Cool," he said happily.

"It gets better. A lot of people don't know you can use the omnitool as a weapon. I'm kind of an aficionado myself so I looked up how to do it." She moved around until she was beside him rather than in front. Then she pressed a button and the tool lengthened and sharpened until he had a half-meter long blade jutting out from his arm. Kamina took a couple of experimental swings, awed. "I know you said that you liked to use a sword and you like to get up close. This will let you skewer some bad guys when you do." She winked at him.

"Thank you, Shepard." Kamina felt a rush of gratitude, an emotion he wasn't used to feeling. He wasn't sure what he would have done if he hadn't run into Shepard.

She stretched. "I'm going to get some sleep now. You better get ready for Omega. It's a lot like the Citadel. Only horrible."

Kamina watched her leave and then sat back. Omega sounds interesting. He got back up and wandered out of the observation deck. There were two doors just outside of the deck. He glanced at one. That's the crew quarters and this other one in the toilet. He brought up his omnitool and pointed it at the door. "Open," he commanded, pressing what he thought was the right button. Nothing happened. Kamina growled and hit the button again.

""Mister Kamina, I feel I should inform you that—"

"Not now, EDI," Kamina snapped. "This stupid thing isn't working." Kamina's fingers flew over the tool. The door finally opened. "There!" he cried. Persistence pays off! He looked up. The sight beyond exceeded his wildest dreams. Miranda straightened up slowly, water running down her body. She didn't move to cover up, instead glaring at him with eyes cold as the blackest stretches of space. Kamina found that he couldn't move. There are miracles!

"Close the goddamn door already, EDI!"

The door closed. Kamina blinked. Then his mind snapped into coherence and he leaped away from the door. Sweat beaded on his forehead and he felt hyped up, like he was about to fight somebody. "I was trying to say before, Mister Kamina," EDI said. "That you were attempting to access the women's facilities. The men's are this way. I have taken the liberty to light up a guided path to the male facilities for you."

Part 3

"Aria doesn't like to be kept waiting, human," the batarian said.

Kamina gaped at him. The batarian was spectacularly ugly. How many eyes does he have?! It hit Kamina that this was one of the creatures that destroyed Shepard's home village. He'd thought she'd meant beastman but this creature was uglier than any beastman Kamina had every seen. And now this thing was trying to bully Shepard. That didn't set right with Kamina. He stepped around Shepard so that he was eye to eyes with the batatrain. "Oy! Shepard with see this Aria when she feels like it." He poked a finger into the batarian's chest.

The batarian slapped his hand away. "I don't know where you think you are, human, but this is Omega. Shepard's reputation doesn't mean shit to us."

Shepard laughed. Not her normal laugh but a dark chuckle that made the hair on Kamina's neck stand up. She grasped a handful of the batarian's jumpsuit and pulled him close. "It should, batarian, it really should. Do you know how many of your species I personally murdered on Torfan? Do you know that I watched the Council die because it served my purpose? You know I convinced Saren, the most terrifying Spectre that ever lived, until me, to shoot himself in the head rather than fight me again?" She shoved away the batarian who stumbled and fell on his ass. "Yeah. You run along to Aria and make sure she know she can put to rest her little intimidation games."

The batarian scrambled to his feet and ran away. "What is wrong with you two?" Miranda cried plaintively. "We just got here and you already piss enough the woman who runs this place?"

"Aria's a bully," Shepard said with a shrug. "If she thinks she can intimidate us, she will."

"And if she thinks she can't, she'll probably try and kill you."

"She can try," Kamina said, flexing his hands.

"She could," Shepard agreed, smiling at Kamina. He grinned back.

Miranda dropped her head into her hands. "Sweet lord, give me the strength." She looked up. "What are we even doing here again?"

"Trying to find an old friend," Shepard said. "He's going by the name Archangel."

"I've heard of him," Miranda said. "Some kind of vigilante, right?"

"Right." Shepard nodded. "Well, I suppose we should go and see Aria."

Miranda stumbled and Kamina was forced to catch her. Once she was stable on her feet again, she asked with disbelief, "After all of that you're going straight to Aria, anyway?"

"Sure. She seems likely to have the information we need and she did invite us," Shepard said. "I just didn't want her to think I was coming because she commanded me to." Kamina nodded.

Miranda shook her head. "I don't understand you at all." Shepard just laughed.

They made their way to the club called Afterlife, where the batarian had said that Aria would be waiting for them. Shepard simply stared down the batarian bouncer that tried to bar their way. The inside of the club was dazzling. It was dark except of the bright violet lights here and there. The music was felt more than heard, deep pulsing rhythms that traveled through Kamina's body. And on the bars and raised stages were asari. Kamina had thought that their tentacle heads looked kind of odd but now, slithering to the music in skintight clothing—when they were wearing anything at all—Kamina was entranced.

A sharp elbow to his ribs broke him out of it. "Keep your eyes in your head," Miranda hissed.

Shepard shook her head. "And I said I'd take you to Chora's Den. That place doesn't even sniff this one." Kamina noticed her appraising the asari as much as he had been. Interesting. Shepard shook her head. "Time for this later. Let's go find Aria."

They went to the lounge overlooking the rest of the club. The batarians guarding it let them pass by with only suspicious looks until they reached the top. "Hold," one of them said. He started running his omnitool over them.

Aria was standing with her back to them. Kamina could see that her skin was a lot more purple than most of the asari he had seen. "If you think I'm giving up my weapons..." Shepard began menacingly.

"Of course I don't. Only a true moron goes unarmed at any time on Omega. I'm merely ascertaining that you are who you say you are. It's not hard to change your face," Aria said.

Shepard grunted and crossed her arms. "So you're Aria, the Pirate Queen of Omega."

The batarian grunted. "They're clear."

Aria turned around. "And you're Commander Shepard, the Butcher of Torfan." Kamina almost took a step away from her. She had an aura of power around her very akin to Shepard. "I can't say I approve of the way you abused my envoy," Aria continued.

"If you know I'm the Butcher of Torfan, you should know that I don't much care for batarians." She glared at the one who had been scanning them and he took several hasty steps back.

Aria laughed at that. "I can't say I blame you. But this is the Terminus. You're going to have to deal with them. And if they're mine, you'd do well to be polite. That batarian was an extension of my will...and on Omega, there is only one rule. Don't fuck with Aria."

Aria's pronouncement was met with silence. Then Kamina laughed. That's a good rule! "I should adopt something similar," he mused aloud.

"Who the hell are you?" Aria snapped.

Kamina grinned. He thrust out one hand and then placed one finger from his other hand on the bridge of his glasses. "The hot-blooded spacefarer! Kamina-sama! Once the great leader of Team Dai-Gurren, now illustrious crewmember of the fierce Gurren Senken! Kamina-sama! I am the man who will—" Kamina stopped and felt panic crawling in his throat. What is my purpose now?! ''I am the man who will help Shepard find the Archangel!" he eventually yelled.

"Who?" Kamina deflated. Aria switched her gaze to Shepard. "Archangel? Is that who you are here for?" Shepard nodded. "Well, you're a little too late then. The three biggest merc gangs on this rock hit him and his people about ten hours ago. I heard he managed to hold out for a while and turn it into a running battle but I can't imagine he's still alive."

"Shit." Shepard ran a hand through her short red hair. "Who hit him? Why?"

"The why is simple. He's been making life hell for the mercenaries here. He was smart enough to leave me alone but he's been making such a nuisance of himself that I can't say I'm sad to see him go. As for who, that would be Blood Pack, Eclipse and Blue Suns, the three biggest mercenary outfits in the Terminus. Asinine, if you ask me. Only a matter of time."

"You don't know he's dead for certain, though, right? Where is he?"

Aria laughed. "Don't get your hopes up. He retreated into the plague-zone hoping that would get the mercs off him. Not a bad idea really but he underestimated how pissed the gangs were. My info isn't so good there so, no, I don't know if he is dead for sure. But considering he's facing both mercenaries hell-bent on murdering him and a plague..."

Shepard clenched her fists. "You don't know him like I do. He's faced worse. Where is this plague-zone?"

"Commander," Miranda piped up. "I don't know if going into a plague-zone is the best idea."

"I'm not afraid of the plague!" Kamina put it.

"Because you're a moron," Miranda grumbled.

"Well, I can't dispute that but actually humans do seem to be immune to the plague. You and vorcha. Go figure. I suppose its because you're so much like viruses yourselves," Aria said with a sneer.

If Shepard noticed the insult, she didn't care. "Great. Perfect. Where is the plague-zone?"

Aria shrugged and pulled up a map on her omnitool. She zoomed in on a section of Omega. "Here. And here is the last rumored sighting of Archangel. If he's still alive, just follow the sound of gunfire."

"Thanks, Aria." Shepard turned and started jogging away. Kamina followed her.

"If you find that bastard still breathing, get him the hell off Omega!" Aria shouted after them.

"Are you sure about this, Shepard?" Miranda whispered fiercely as they shoved their way clear of Afterlife. "Even if we are immune from the plague—and I'm not sure we should just blindly trust Aria on that—you're talking about taking on three huge mercenary armies."

"I kill mercs all the time."

"It's counter-productive!" Miranda hissed. "We're supposed to be figuring out how to stop the collectors, not start a war against the Terminus mercenaries."

Shepard stopped, grasped Miranda by the shoulder and pushed her against a wall, somehow lifting the woman off her feet with just one hand. "Listen, the turian they are trying to kill is my friend and one of the best soldiers I've had the honor of serving with. If I have to wipe the Blood Pack, Eclipse and Blue Suns off the face of the damn universe to save his life, you bet your ass I will."

Shepard let her go and walked on, Miranda glared after her, rubbing her shoulder. Kamina was fired up though. That's exactly right! He felt gleeful. Kamina honestly couldn't remember running into a person who thought the way he did. Even Simon was more the yin to his yang. Shepard knew what was what.

The closest entrance to the part of Omega that was designated as the plague quarantine zone had an asari and a batarian arguing in front of it. "You can't keep me out," the asari was pleading. "I live here. I need to get back. My home is going to be looted."

"Sorry, honey," the batarian said, sounding anything but. "Nobody gets in or out." Shepard never slowed down. She drew her rifle and gripped the barrel. "Hey, stop, hu—" Shepard smashed the stock into the side of the batarian's head, throwing him out of the way. The batarian hit a wall and crumpled into a heap.

"Pardon me," Shepard said to the speechless asari.

"She certainly has a way about her," Miranda muttered.

They fanned out at Shepard's command once they were in quarantined area. Shepard took point with Kamina to her left and Miranda to her right. "Keep your eyes peeled," she said. "Not only are we dealing with mercs but I'm sure there are looters and all kinds of desperate types around." She peered through the scope of her rifle. "Speaking of which. Looks like the Blue Suns have a little barricade set up to protect this exit." She paused for a moment, studying. "All right, you two work your way a little closer. When you see my signal, charge in. I'll cover you."

"What will the signal be?" Miranda asked.

Shepard chuckled. "You'll see."

Kamina ducked down and made his way forward, using cover where he could find it. Ambushes and surprise attacks weren't exactly his favorite tactics but he'd learned the value of them while leading the Dai-Gurren Brigade. Once Kamina thought he was about as close to the mercenaries as he could get without being discovered, he glanced back at Shepard, wondering what she was doing. He looked at her just in time to see her thrust her omnitool forward and launch a huge fireball out of it. Kamina watched the fireball soar overhead in wonder. So cool! How did she do that?

The fireball smacked one of the mercenaries—a turian, Kamina thought—right in the chest. The turian lit up like a candle and started running around, screaming. It was a nice distraction and Kamina didn't waste it. He sprinted toward the mercs, his new powers adding speed to his legs. He still didn't know what they were or where they came from but using them was instinctual. Is this what Simon feels like when he is operating the Lagann?

Kamina landed in the middle of the mercenaries and blasted the closet merc with his shotgun. Then he shot out his hand and punched another in the face, at the same time swinging is gun around and shooting one-handed. The recoil jerked his arm hard but his biotics allowed him to keep the aim steady. Miranda was next to him a second later spraying a deluge of bullets from her machine gun and simply flinging another aside with a flare of her biotic power. A bullet zipped by Kamina so close that he could feel the air displacement and smacked a batarian in the forehead. Kamina blinked at looked around. Just like that, there were no more mercs on their feet.

With a sour twist of his stomach, Kamina noticed that one of dead mercs was a human. He'd thought they were all aliens. Kamina had fought plenty of beastmen in his life but never another human. He couldn't be sure but it looked like it might have been a shotgun blast that killed him. Have I just slain my first man? Kamina shook his head. It didn't matter. Shepard's enemies were his, human or not.

Shepard certainly wasn't worried about it, not sparing any of the downed mercenaries a second glance. "Come on," she ordered. They fought there way deeper into the plague zone. Kamina soon learned about the different groups. Blue Suns wore blue and white armor and tended to be batarian, turian or human. Eclipse wore yellow and used mechs while most of their live soldiers were the lizard folk—salarians. The Blood Pack were the most disturbing. They were vorcha mostly—which Kamina hadn't encountered on the citadel. They looked especially freaky. The krogan were worse, though.

They were like walking nightmares, huge and bestial. Kamina had been excited about fighting one and they didn't disappoint. The first one he took on charged at him like a maniac. Kamina pumped a shotgun blast into his chest but it didn't even slow the mammoth alien. The krogan slammed into him and Kamina just barely got a biotic barrier up in time to keep from getting squashed. The impact had still thrown him several meters. Kamina then proceeded to fire his shotgun rapidly and with something close to panic when he was charged at again. It had been Shepard who brought the krogan down, however, with a volley of shot's to the back of his head.

"That thing..." Kamina panted. "Was pretty tough."

"Yes, he was. Krogan are nearly unkillable one-on-one," Miranda said meaningfully.

"Oh, they aren't so scary," Shepard said absently, peering through the scope of her rifle. "'Less they're a battlemaster like Wrex. A krogan with biotics, now that's something to be worried about." Miranda and Kamina shared a look, Miranda stunned and Kamina delighted by Shepard's cavalier attitude. "Ho! I think I just spotted him." She waved them on. "Let's get closer." Shepard ran ahead and Miranda and Kamina hurried after her. She scaled a building and looked through her scope again. "It is him!"

Kamina put a hand over his eyes and peered in the same direction as Shepard. On the roof of a building, he could just make out three figures firing at unseen enemies. A rumble under his feet made Kamina look up just as a gunship flew over his head. "Whoa!" he exclaimed.

"Shepard!" Miranda called. "That ship has Blue Suns colors!"

"I see it!" Shepard yelled. "Damn it!" She leapt off the ledge and hit the ground running. Kamina followed right after her, staring at the gunship. It circled around the building Shepard's friend was on and then released a volley of missiles. The rooftop exploded. "No!" Shepard screamed. Despite all they had already been through, this was the first time Kamina could remember Shepard actually sounding upset. They reached the building and Shepard commanded, "You two do something about that gunship. I'm going to get Garrus!"

Kamina halted. Will she be alright on her own? Then he laughed. Of course she would. He glanced up at the gunship, which was a dot in the sky but circling back to make another pass. "Now what am I gonna do about that?"

"I'll take it," Miranda said.

Kamina jumped. "What?!"

"You're a stronger biotic than me," she said grudgingly. "Somehow. But you don't know piss-all about technology right?"

That put Kamina's guard up. "I can figure it out. What are you going to do anyway?"

"Well, considering we don't have any heavy weapons..." Miranda closed her eyes and took a deep breath and said. "You're going to throw me at the ship and I'm going to land on it, hack it and bring it down."

Kamina's eyes went big. "What?!"

"I can do it!" Miranda snapped.

Kamina grinned. "You got guts, woman." He threw back his head and laughed. "I like it! I like it!"

"Hurry, the ship is coming back." Kamina concentrated, gathering power and scooped Miranda up. He eyeballed the approaching gunship and then used all of his power to fling her at it.

"GO!" Miranda soared at the ship and then used her own biotics to adjust and slow her descent so that she landed on top of the gunship in a crouch. Kamina laughed again as the ship disappeared behind the building. "Impressive," he said aloud.

"Agreed," said a deep bass rumble. "Let's hope you didn't waste so much power that this isn't an interesting fight though." Kamina turned and his jaw dropped. A krogan was striding toward him. He was huge, half again the size of the one Kamina had fought earlier. His crest and armor were blood red. "My name is Garm and I run the Blood Pack on Omega. Know that it is an honor to die at my hand." With that Garm flung out a hand and a huge shockwave of biotic energy rushed at Kamina. He tried to counter it but the force was so strong it still picked him up and dashed him against a wall.

Kamina groaned. A krogan with biotics, huh? Interesting! He got up and wiped the blood from the side of his mouth. "Is that the best you got?" he asked the giant krogan.

Garm laughed. "I like you, kid." He charged. Kamina brought up his shotgun and pumped three blasts into Garm but the krogan didn't even seem to notice. He barely managed to jump out of the way of the charge. Garm smashed head-first into the well, making a huge crater. When he pulled his head back, the krogan didn't seem fazed in the least. This could be trouble.

Garm brought around his massive shotgun and triggered a blast. Kamina heard his shields fizzle and die. That can't be good. With a roar, the krogan ran at him. Kamina desperately fired away but even though he could see spurts of blood shooting out of the krogan's giant head, Garm didn't flinch or slow. He smashed into Kamina and the human tumbled away. That guy hits like a runaway gunman, he thought weakly

Garm grasped his hair and lifted Kamina into the air. "Any last words, human?"

Kamina trembled. He didn't want to die. Again. Part of him want to beg and plead for this krogan to spare his life. Maybe he would. What was Kamina to him, after all? He hadn't even managed to injure the krogan. Kamina lifted his free hand. Garm trained one eye on it but didn't stop him. It would be so easy to beg. Kamina curled his hand into a fist and punched himself in the face. You are Kamina! Never surrender! He glared at the big krogan who was watching him with confusion. "Who the hell do you think I am?" Kamina snarled. He activated the blade on his omnitool and rammed it into the krogan's mouth.

Defying all reason, Garm caught the blade with his teeth. He jerked his head to the left, twisting Kamina's arm around. The human screamed as his elbow was dislocated. The blade died and Garm chuckled. "That really wasn't such a bad last effort human. Now die."

"Always did have a hot head, Garm. Perhaps this will help cool your temper." A blast of ice hit Garm square in the face.

"What?"Garm tried to turn to look at whoever had assaulted him but his movement was slow, since his head was starting to freeze over. Despite the pain, Kamina was able to realize this would probably be the last, best chance he had at keeping the mighty krogan from murdering him. Kamina raised his shotgun with his good hand and placed the barrel directly on top of the ice covering the krogan's head-ridge. When he pulled the trigger, the recoil wrenched his shoulder around painfully. It also reduced the krogan's head to little more than frozen chunks of meat.

Kamina fell to the ground and sat down hard, cradling his dislocated elbow. The creature who saved him kneeled down in front of him. It was one of the lizard-people—a salarian. He had brown and white skin and a cross-shaped scar on one cheek. "Alive, eh? Good for you. Though that does mean you heard my attempt at a quip." The salarian inhaled deeply. "Regrettable."

Author's Notes: Most of this chapter was dedicated to Shepard trying to make herself more independent. She never really felt like a real spectre to me. I love Mass Effect but I remember how excited I was when I first read about the concept of spectres during the lead up to Mass Effect and the games never really explored being one. Really hoping that Ryder in Andromeda has a bit more freedom. I don't need an overwhelming galaxy destroying threat but Bioware is very fond of them. Seriously what the hell even was Corypheus or whatever? Uh, anyway, from here I'm going to be drifting further from ME2. Another major Gurren Lagann character will show up in the next chapter. Probably the last one for a while.

Thank you to everybody that read this and special thanks to the few of you that reviewed it. I would appreciate more!

Kuragari