Chapter Sixty Five: Treaties and Biota-Ball

Colt liked the Krogan, hell he loved Wrex, and trusted Eve. However, love and trust sometimes weren't enough. Curing the genophage meant giving the Krogan people a chance. Giving them a chance meant allowing them to become productive members of the solar system, but it could also mean giving them the tools to obliterate the other races. Shepard could see things going either way. That is precisely why he had been working on a treaty.

The idea came to him while watching a documentary on the Krogan Rebellions. The Rebellions were a horrific time for the entire solar system; it left entire populations slaughtered. Krogan had been unstoppable; they had been the Reapers of a different time. Their sheer weight, secondary organ systems, thick hides, immunity to toxins, and the fact that killing them is next to impossible made them a formidable enemy. Winning would be hollow if the Krogan turned around immediately and took advantage of everyone's vulnerability.

Curing the genophage was optional. Shepard had nothing to gain from curing it, except for Krogan support. Defeating the Reapers entailed gathering all the support he could get, but getting Krogan support wouldn't be worth it if they were a danger to future generations. He could make due without them. Their chances against the Reapers severely dropped without the Krogan, however, so he wanted them with a promise of stability from them. The only sure way to do that was getting everything in writing.

For weeks now he had been working on a treaty and the time for signing was nearly upon them. Shepard planned on Wrex, Eve, the Primarch, several Human System Alliance admirals, matriarchs, and himself signing the document. At the moment he was going to discuss the conditions with Wrex.

"Shepard!" Wrex turned from his station the moment Colt walked into the war room. "I was wondering when you'd finally come around," the massive Krogan gave Shepard a bone crushing hug, making everyone in the war room laugh at the spectacle.

"Wrex, glad to see you too buddy, but you're hugging me to death," Shepard managed to get out.

"Sorry," Wrex did that chuckle that meant he wasn't really sorry. "I didn't realize how much I missed her," Wrex ran his hand over a metal side, indicating he was talking about the Normandy.

"Well, we missed you too Wrex. Thinking about joining me again?" Colt would have almost the entire SR-1 crew back together.

"I really want to Shepard, I do, but my people need me," Wrex blinked at him and then did a heavy sigh.

"I get it, it's fine. We both have places we need to be," Shepard really shouldn't have expected Wrex to say yes.

"But hey! I'm here in the meantime. Actually, I was kinda curious as to why I don't have a nice room like Liara. She has windows and everything," Wrex's beady eyes narrowed in laughter, "Probably because I can't kiss as well." They laughed for a good five minutes.

"I tell you what Wrex. If you are indeed a better kisser than Liara, I'll give you a nicer room. I'll even throw in a couple bottles of Ryncol to celebrate your skill," Shepard replied.

"Oh hell, I missed you Shepard," Wrex came in for another bone crushing hug. Colt could feel his soul being squeezed out of him. Despite the Krogan's legendary ferociousness, they took the cake for most frequent and thorough hugs.

"Missed you too," Shepard wheezed out. Soon his lungs would be coming out of his arse. "I was actually coming to talk to you about a treaty," Shepard was throwing out anything.

"I see," Wrex finally let Colt go. That hug made him want to sleep for the next century.

"Basically I don't want the Krogan Rebellions happening again once the genophage is cured, so I want you to sign something saying it won't," Colt believed he was in a fight with this one.

"Fine," Wrex said quite easily. This was a pleasant surprise.

"Just like that?" Shepard knew his grin was spreading across his face.

"I agree with you, it's time the Krogans became helpful to the rest of the lot," Wrex nodded his head/hump combo.

"Eve has rubbed off on you," Shepard felt his grin grow bigger.

"No, I have just realized the error of Krogan ways," Wrex puffed up slightly. Shepard continued to grin knowingly at him. "Okay, so she makes compelling arguments."

"She has you wrapped around her paw, or whatever Krogan have," Shepard knew his grin was growing into a smug look.

"Whatever. Did that salarian tell you where he got that tissue sample?" Wrex conveniently changed the subject. Shepard wasn't sure he wanted to answer the question. "My quad, Shepard. The pain medication he gave me isn't helping," Wrex's eyes glazed over with pain for a second.

Colt patted his arm in sympathy, "That's rough buddy." Wrex looked at Rosebud sadly. Then the Krogan leader picked up the varren and started petting her. Rosebud was always the main attraction, especially with Krogan. Wrex started talking to her, so Colt hung back so he didn't intrude.

...

Mordin never stopped working. Not in the way that Shepard or Liara never stopped working, he really never stopped working. Colt tried talking to him a few times, but was met with unfocused answers. So naturally Shepard let him work in peace; after all, the genophage was being cured. This time it was different; however, Shepard was determined to talk to his close friend. Back in his Cerberus days they were very close thanks to Rosebud (her time had been split between the two) and Shepard wanted that close bond again.

"Recommend using lots of pillows. EDI's body easily damages organic tissue. Can send lots of informational vids, brochures, packets," Mordin was speaking to the ceiling. Terror was a good way to describe what Shepard was feeling. He had stumbled onto something horrifying. Colt put his hands over Rosebud's ears; she was much too delicate to be hearing this.

"No, no. I was just curious, I'm not really considering that," Joker replied. Sweet Jesus, what had Colt stumbled upon? It was a tragedy that no one was there to cover his ears.

"Good idea to have someone, especially during war. Makes everything worthwhile, gives perspective," Mordin wisely suggested.

"I'll give that a thought Mordin. Can you do me a favor and not tell Shepard about this?" Joker sounded a little desperate. Shepard felt bad that Joker felt like he couldn't tell him something.

"Won't hear it from me," Mordin had a little smug look plastered on his face. He was staring at Colt knowingly.

"Shepard is standing right there, isn't he?" Joker sighed.

"Don't worry, I didn't hear the whole conversation," Shepard forced his voice to sound normal.

"I did," Eve shouted up. The poor Krogan looked shell shocked.

"Great," Joker sighed harder this time.

"I won't spread it around Joker. Something tells me that if I did, the Normandy would zigzag at just the right time and I would go flying out," Colt said this with a laugh. It was a nervous habit.

"Thanks Commander," Joker seemed so relieved. This was a topic that was obviously touchy with the galaxy's greatest pilot. Colt made a mental note to talk with him later.

"Commander?" Mordin pulled Colt from his thoughts. Rosebud was already receiving belly rubs from her other parent.

"I was hoping we could chat a bit," Shepard grinned hopefully.

Mordin did a slight smile, "About what?"

"What are you going to do after the war?" Colt was gathering ideas, just in case he survived the Reapers.

"Getting old, almost time to retire," Mordin looked at something no one else could see.

"Don't be ridiculous, you're a spring chicken. Retiring does sound nice though. Anything you have in mind?" Colt wanted to get ideas.

"Seashells. Always wanted to collect seashells. Go to beach, pleasant experience," Mordin looked so peaceful. Shepard couldn't wait to see Mordin pick up his first seashell. "Go with me?"

"You want me to collect seashells with you?" Colt smiled at the thought. It sounded like perfection.

"Yes," Mordin narrowed his eyes in what Shepard learned was a show of affection.

"After the war, I'll hunt for seashells with you. Legion should come too, he'd enjoy it," Colt smiled when he imagined the three of them walking along a beach. Then he remembered how much of a genius Mordin was, "But Mordin, you'd get bored."

"Run tests on the seashells, plus in good company," Mordin nodded towards Shepard and Rosebud.

"You and Legion would have to listen to my jokes all day. Think you can handle it?" Shepard was genuinely curious.

"Manage somehow. Legion has coping mechanisms programmed," Mordin smiled quietly. He knew how funny he was.

"It's a deal then. You, Legion, and I go seashell collecting after the war," Colt offered his hand to his friend. Mordin took it readily.

"Deal," Mordin narrowed his eyes again and thoroughly shook his hand.

Colt couldn't wait for their plans to become reality, "Now tell me about the genophage cure..."

...

Colt walked into Garrus's hideout and upon seeing him asked, "Ready for the game?"

"Oh yes...Shepard there's a dead animal on your head," Garrus was seemingly mesmerized by his hat.

"Don't worry, it's a hat. A stuffed animal hat," Colt had a lion hat on, plus his face was painted in his favorite biota-ball team's colors. He took his biota-ball seriously, especially when it came to the Lions. They were tearing up the competition this year.

"Is Liara coming?" Garrus was still eyeing the damn lion suspiciously.

"No, too busy," Colt started to lead the way out of the forward battery. Liara also mentioned how she didn't want to encroach on male bonding, but he didn't mention that to the Garrus.

"I've never been to a biota-ball stadium; do they have turian friendly food?" Garrus was looking at his shirt very intensely; it too was for the Lions. Shepard didn't go to biota-ball games unless he was in full Lions apparel.

"Garrus, we wouldn't go if they didn't. You may or may not get cranky when you're hungry," Shepard carefully explained. The trip on the painfully slow elevator was filled with arguments over who ate more.

...

"Remind me to come to every sporting event with you. Was not expecting you to take off your shirt at every goal," Garrus tapped his chin. They were sitting in the hover car about to head for the Normandy, when everything just hit Colt.

"Get out of the car Garrus," Shepard stared at the steering wheel.

His cybernetics killing him was a carefully avoided topic, but the avoidance and silence was taking a toll. Colt needed to talk about it, needed the support. Soon he wouldn't be able to fight Cerberus or the Reapers - knowing that was a living nightmare. Colt couldn't think of anything worse. Someone, anyone, was what he needed, but everyone avoided the topic. It was getting to be too much - wading through being terminally ill alone.

"What?" Shepard didn't need to see Garrus to feel the heat behind his gaze.

"Get. Out," Colt said firmly. A moment later the hover car's door opened and closed. "Fuck. Fuck, fuck, fucking fucker. FUCK!" Colt started off muttering and ended up yelling.

"Why the FUCK does shit always happen to me?" He begged the empty car for an answer. "FUUUUUUUUCK!" He lay his head against the steering wheel, closed his eyes, and simply existed.

A few more minutes later he heard the passenger door open and Garrus slide in. Shepard was barely containing tears. When his voice wasn't so unsteady he told his friend, "The day I was made a Spectre, I was positive I would live to see two hundred. Now I know I won't see thirty five."

"Colt?" Garrus's voice was gentle, yet careful. He had never called Shepard by his first name only.

"Yeah?" Shepard still didn't raise his head.

"Never mind," Garrus sighed. A faint clicking noise was also heard, probably his mandibles.

"One year to live, Garrus... It's so goddamn unfair, and I'm going through this alone. I need a friend, I need someone there," Shepard placed his head in his hands, "Tell me I'm more than just a Reaper killer, and that I've lived a worthwhile life. I need to know if I'm a good person."

"Shepard, there is no one in this entire galaxy; actually there's no one in the entire universe who comes close to your paragon status. Sometimes I do something I shouldn't have, but you've never been like that. You have and always will do the right thing. As for a worthwhile life, if there was an award for that it would easily go to you. The number of people you have saved in the years I've known you is mind-blowing. I'd say that's worthwhile right there. Something else too, you are more than a Reaper killer, or a Collector destroyer, or a Citadel Savior. You are my best friend and I'm sure many people would say the same. You've also got a whole ship full of friends who love you. You're not alone in anything," Garrus put a talon/hand on Colt's shoulder. Sometimes it takes a friend to see through tough times.

"Thank you," was the only thing Shepard could get out through the lump in his throat.

"I love you, you piece of shit," Garrus had a way with words.

"Love you too," Shepard's words just didn't quite have the same elegance. Shepard sat up, started the hover car, and headed for home. The ride was silent as each of the occupants was lost in their thoughts.

...

Liara was glancing between Garrus and Shepard when they got into the mess hall. She was having lunch with Traynor. "Did you guys hear me?" Liara's voice pulled Shepard into reality. Their answer was a blank stare. "How was it?"

Colt was silently hoping that no one would ask that question. He looked at Garrus desperately answer, since he wouldn't be able to control his answer. In fact it probably come out as tears and nonsense; the lump in his throat was too great to answer properly. Garrus knew exactly what was happening however. "It was awesome, especially when the Lions got a goal. Our dear Commander took off his shirt every time and yelled on the top of his lungs," Garrus told Liara. Colt shot a thankful look at Gar Bear, which earned him a slight mandible flare (the turian equivalent of a smile).

Liara's eyebrows rose up and a smile took up residence on her face. "Sounds like I should come next time," her eyes took in his appearance greedily.

"You should," Colt regained his control and voice.

"I like biota-ball," Traynor suggested slyly. He fully believed her; a few days ago she had been wearing a rival team's jersey.

"Fine, fine. Next time we'll take the entire Normandy lot out," Shepard sat down next to Liara, threw his arm around her shoulders, and grinned at Traynor. Garrus really saved his ass. He owed him one.

...

Author's Note: I would like to thank every single person who has followed and favorited my little story. You people have great taste! A big thank you also goes out to all the lurkers (guests) of With Lions.

May I also point out that reviews are excellent things. They have the double purpose of giving you the power to change the story for the better (hopefully) and they also allow me to know if I'm doing Mass Effect justice. So pretty please, with Garrus shaped sprinkles on top, review.