Chapter 21: Tribulations [part 1]

The Normandy arrived in a blast of energy as the Mass Relay of the Sahrabarik star system caught it. The frigate's own engines then engaged to send it hurtling towards the asteroid belt within the inner orbit of the system. After some travel time the stealth frigate soon found that the asteroid field surrounding the station was brimming with explosions. In the pilot's seat, Joker had a holographic window zoom in on what was ahead of them and saw the chaos. Miranda frowned and saw what Omega was up against. Three cylindrical ships in metallic purple alongside what looked to be the original Collector vessel as far as she could tell. But this ship was far bigger than previously encountered, bearing regal violet armor reinforcing its inner metal parts. The midsection and rear of the Collector ship now were part of a larger spherical superstructure located in the center of the overall vessel. It was like two ships blended into one, making it far more imposing a prospect to face.

The previous Normandy had encountered a Collector vessel only a year ago and now they were creating ships like this? The XO then brought up a hand and nipped her thumb as she tried to think of what to do against what was practically a dreadnought.

A communique from Solvatas soon chimed in, "About time you arrived here! There's no time to gawk at the battle, I need your ship in the fight, now!"

Miranda cocked a brow after seeing what was coming, "You really expect us to take on a battle group of three cruisers, multiple mercenary frigates and one dreadnought alone?"

"Did you really think I was so stupid to send you into battle unescorted? You underestimate your ship's Thanix cannon. I have already run the calculations and combat data has revealed potential weak points in the enemy vessels that your weapon can exploit. My Doom Scythe fighters have already cut down several of the cruisers, but the dreadnought and the innumerable drones have made any further attempts to engage difficult."

"How is our ship going to do more than your fighters?"

"The problem Miss Lawson...is range. While our Doom Scythes are unmatched, their weapons can only reach so far. A fact that the Collector's commander has clearly picked up on. He has established multiple anti-fighter screens in front of his battle group's line using drones, mercenary proxies, and the dreadnought's precision long range laser batteries. Kor'Pharas, the Praetorian leading the fighter wing, wisely is not going to waste any more precious craft in what is clearly a suicidal undertaking."

The XO crossed her arms, "So you want us to create an opening for your fighters?"

"Yes, we have analyzed the enemy formation and have noted several areas we can attempt to assault. However, the limitations of range prevents us from maintaining the initiative before we are repulsed. Every fighter we lose means more lost firepower in space and that is no longer acceptable. That is where you and my other assets come in."

"I thought you said they were all engaged?"

"Not inaccurate, the crews of the ships that will reinforce you have been fighting off the mercenaries and Collectors within my station's dockyard. The fighting is nearly finished and soon I will unleash all ships from Omega to join you in the fight."

"I'm surprised the Collecters haven't just gone all in and overwhelmed what forces you have."

"I presume their commander is wary himself, likely not taking any chances in case I have something else lying in wait. He knows his forces on the station are being culled and that more enemy ships are coming. I'm tracking down his more recent boarders. My assertion is that he will simply conserve his strength and then try to crush us in open battle in space to ensure victory. Meanwhile his latest boarders will attempt to reach Omega's reactor, either to shut it down or if necessary...destroy it."

"That is a lot of potential intel and research to lose by destroying the station."

"Maybe so, but I believe the Collector's desire is to inflict as much damage as they can against my people to impede my brother's plans. No matter how much they lose to accomplish it."

Miranda looked to the Normandy's pilot, "Well I've heard enough, Joker we're going in."

The Flight Lieutenant took a breath, "Okay...here we go."

The Normandy flew at full throttle into the warzone towards Omega. A swarm of drones quickly intercepted them. The frigate fired a salvo of two rounds from their disrupter torpedo tubes to knock out several drones but more kept pressing in, firing plasma rounds. Before Miranda could order Joker to ready the Thanix, a small squadron of scythe-like craft came up behind the swarm and fired a series of lightning arcs at the eyebots. The electricity jumped from drone to drone, cutting a safe flightpath for the human frigate to fly through.

A hail from one of the fighters got Joker's attention and he activated the comm, "Normandy, I am Triarch Praetorian Kor'Pharas, we will cut a path for you to rally with our forces."

"Uh...thanks? I wasn't expecting to get jumped by metal C'thulu eyes so early in this mess." replied the Normandy pilot.

"The drones small frame and the material they are made from apparently make them difficult for your current sensor suite to track. Fortunately, the Necrontyr do not suffer from such setbacks. Follow us to the rendezvous point."

"Whatever you say Mr. Roboto!"

Miranda cocked a brow towards the pilot, "This really isn't the time Joker."

The Flight Lieutenant turned off the comm before replying with a smile, "Oh come on! The way he spoke, all monotone and dead pan? Classic robot guy. There was no way I was not going to mention it in my own charming way. Who knows, maybe somewhere in that metal heart he found it amusing."

The XO shook her head and rolled her eyes, "Stay focused and don't let the robots do all the work for you."

"Aye aye...can't even have a little fun around here." Joker muttered to himself.

The Normandy sped through the wreckage of drones, knocking several dead husks out of its way with the Doom Scythes flying in formation beside it. As they drew closer to the station, Joker noted that the hangar bays on the station were opening. Out flew various ships up to frigate size, each being of different makes and models from around the galaxy. Some were armed to the teeth military ships or custom built pirate vessels made from civilian models. Others were unarmed transports and cargo haulers. The implications of the unarmed ships made Miranda a little wary. Furrowing her brow, she then looked out on the ship formation forming in front of them.

The Normandy and it's escorts quickly joined the formation of the Omega fleet while it organized itself and prepared to face off with the slowly approaching enemy battle group. The fleet formed itself into a standard wall formation, comprising of thirty-two corvette class ships, with a dozen frigates creating a diamond shape within the cluster of vessels. The Normandy found itself in the center of the diamond with fighter craft assembling into smaller clusters in front.

Joker quickly received another communique from Solvatas which he set to speaker, "This is all the ships I have been able to launch promptly. Most are skeleton crewed, but they will fulfill their objective for what it's worth."

"I'm presuming it's to get us some decent shots on those cruisers?" Miranda asked.

"That's part of it, but I'm not placing all of my faith on your ship Miss Lawson, useful at the moment that it is."

"How reassuring..." The XO replied dryly.

"I've been preparing a new weapon for myself to give me an edge in the coming conflict with the Terminus. Unfortunately, it requires my own personal ship to wholly complete, and with it locked down, I can't activate the weapon."

"So...we're buying time?"

"For me to storm my vessel and take it back, yes. The Blue Suns and Collector remnants from the dockyard have fallen back to my personal ship's dock and taken it over. Apparently they intend to use it as a last stand, likely to give their fleet the time it needs. Rest assured however, that if what I have seen thus far is their best, then our victory is inevitable."

"I wouldn't underestimate the Collectors at this point, seeing everything they've been able to achieve thus far, I'm wondering if they too have an ace they are waiting to use."

"A fair point, but irrelevant at this moment. Whether or not they have such an 'ace', our mission remains the same regardless. All ships assume assault formation and prepare for combat!"

On Solvata's order the fleet began to rearrange itself. The twelve frigates formed into three wings of four ships in a wedge formation. The corvettes were also divvied up into groups of eight and took up escort positions in a loose sphere around the frigates. The Normandy itself got it's own escorts along with five Doom Scythe fighters, also taking up a loose sphere formation. The remaining four Doom Scythes went on to join the other battlegroups to the left of the Normandy.

EDI's projection appeared and then changed to a tac map overview of the enemy fleet. The display showed the Collector fleet in a standard diamond formation, its three cruisers on the flanks and 'southern' point of the diamond. The dreadnought took up the northern point and in between all of the larger ships were a dozen mercenary frigates and countless swarms of drones. Based upon the data they were receiving, Joker noted the mercenary frigates looked to be deploying platforms of some kind.

The Vymark continued, "As you can see, the enemy fleet has taken a defensive posture due to Kor'Pharas' last attempt to penetrate the enemy line. He was able to get close to the dreadnought's escorts on the right flank and inflict many casualties before being forced to withdraw. The cruiser on that flank has also sustained heavy damage from the attack, hence why it is receiving more drones and defenses."

Kor'Pharas then chimed in over the comm, "The mercenary frigates here are registered to the Eclipse bands that were banned from Omega by the Vymark. While the Blue Suns forces have nearly been spent from their assaults, the Eclipse seemed to have been held in reserve up until this point. You can see they are deploying defensive platforms to supplement the enemy formation. Scans detect the weaponry of the platforms to be similar in make to the enemy cruiser's point laser defenses. This would make a frontal assault with our Doom Scythes...unnecessarily risky."

"How many do you have?" Miranda asked.

"Nine, two were lost in the initial skirmish with the lead elements of the enemy. Another was lost while attempting to reach the dreadnought. We do not have the numbers to continuously lance into the enemy fleet. We need a decisive strike in order to break them." replied the Praetorian.

The Normandy's XO covered her lips with her finger as she went over the visuals of the enemy forces, "I can see where we can do some damage, especially with your fighters supporting us. But that is a lot of drones and enemy fire between us and the initial targets."

Vymark Solvatas was quick to respond to Miranda's concern, "The corvettes and our fighters will protect you as long as possible using a sphere formation that will tighten up when you engage. Our Doom Scythe's weaponry can cut a swathe through the swarm, as you noted earlier. It matters not how many escorts are lost, only that your Thanix strikes down one or two of the enemy cruisers if you have the hull integrity to manage it."

"What about the dreadnought?"

"My secret weapon can take care of it. But admittedly that depends on it's condition. Hopefully, the enemy hasn't found it or at the very least sabotaged it in some way."

"So you don't even know it's current status?" Miranda asked incredulously.

"The chaos on the station along with the internal damage has cut off direct access. Until enough systems are repaired, I am uncertain as to whether or not it is still in working order."

"So this playing for time is also a gamble? Do have a plan b in case it doesn't work?"

"As of now? No...but the alternative is surrender which is unacceptable. We both know what the Collectors will do and I have no intention of making them even stronger."

Miranda sighed, "Fair enough. Joker, status on the Thanix cannon?"

Joker gave a thumbs up, "All systems good to go! Hopefully Garrus' impeccable calibrations didn't get messed up from his drinking last night."

"Wait, what?!" The XO exclaimed, wide eyed.

The pilot shrugged, "Hey, I told Shepard! Last I heard, he did go have a chat with him, thought everything was square. Then lo and behold, I see him going to the bar again the night before he went with that Kusko guy. I needed a snack and there Garrus was being all sullen and grumpy looking."

Miranda facepalmed, "EDI."

The holographic tac map quickly returned to EDI's normal holographic sphere, "Yes, Miss Lawson?"

"Double check the calibrations on the Thanix immediately."

"Executing...simulations complete. Thanix is operating at one hundred percent capacity, with an additional ten percent increase to power efficiency than the previously simulated test."

Joker laughed, "Wait, he actually did a better job while he was drunk?! Maybe Garrus being an alcoholic isn't such a bad thing."

"Joker!" Miranda shouted, not at all amused.

The pilot still smiled despite the XO's chagrin, "I mean, it'd make the mission banter a lot more interesting in my opinion and hey, the guy could use loosening up."

Suddenly the comm chimed in again with an annoyed Solvatas, "Normandy, the fleet is executing maneuvers. What are you doing?!"

Joker quickly turned his chair back to man his station, "Uh! Sorry! Had a moment there! We're on our way!"

Miranda shook her head and then looked at the display screen to the right. She pressed some of the holographic keys to punch up an overview of their fleet's formation. Seeing the Normandy and it's escorts lagging behind she sighed at their tardiness. The four battle groups of the Omega fleet then reformed itself into two large spheres as the overall fleet began their advance towards the enemy.

Solvatas explained once more, "Lawson, your group will move to engage the weakened cruiser, while the others will engage the southern tip of their diamond formation."

"They'll be hard-pressed once the enemy's left flank joins in. I suppose we'll have to make it quick." Miranda stated, pressing another button, she sent a communique to the rest of the battlegroup in their formation, "This is Normandy, prepare to go to maximum cruising speed on my mark."

The two battle groups now entered weapons range and the frigates of the Omega fleet began firing their long range torpedoes towards the swarms of Collector drones blocking their path. Explosions rocked the autonomous eyebots but it seemed to only disorient them temporarily. The Eclipse mercenary fighters that were caught in the explosions on the other hand were shredded into scrap. Then the screens of Eclipse fighters and Collector drones responded, retaliation raining down in the form of plasma fire and missiles onto the two battle groups. Thankfully, the ships in the Omega fleet seemed to take the initial barrage, their kinetic barriers activating. But the shields were quickly being depleted, the plasma fire in particular causing heavy shielding damage. Then the Doom Scythes responded, using the corvettes in the formation as barriers to hide from enemy fire, while they struck out and fired their Tesla Destructors. The green lightning arced and ripped through the offending drones and fighters, giving some respite from the plasma but more enemy swarms continued to engage.

Miranda called out over the comm, "Maximum cruising speed now!"

Joker pushed the Normandy to maximum cruise so as not to outrun the escorts who were now being battered by enemy fire. Some of the corvettes began losing their barriers and started taking fire from the plasma that was now scorching and scarring their hulls. The Doom Scythes in the Normandy formation fired more green Destructor lightning at the swarms in front trying to clear a path for the Normandy to the enemy cruiser. Eclipse fighters also began firing missiles and strafing the ball of ships in order to reach the famous stealth frigate. Corvettes in the Normandy's ship formation that were armed with weapons alongside their friendly frigates, retaliated against the fighter attacks. They fired their own missiles, ballistic cannon rounds, and short range point defense lasers at the enemy, now beginning to swarm all around them.

Support fire from the Normandy's fellow battle group assisted with long range torpedoes while they too shared the burden of enemy fire. Eventually they broke off to engage the southern end of the enemy's diamond formation, leaving the Normandy and its group to its mission. Slowly but surely the damage was stacking up for the Corvettes and already some were beginning to buckle and burn under the strain as the fighting moved into knifefight range. Lasers from the Collector drones began to cut into the smaller Omega ships causing several to fall out of formation and off to the side where they exploded. The shockwaves shook the Normandy itself, but it still kept moving, getting within eight hundred kilometers of their target.

Kor'Pharas, leading his Doom Scythes within the formation, saw the point defense platforms and Eclipse frigates around the cruiser. Quickly he devised a stratagem, using the information on board his fighter-craft and his own combat experience.

The Praetorian hailed the human frigate, "Normandy, I have a targeting solution. Within thirty seconds fire at these coordinates."

Joker was confused, cocking a brow at where he was asked to shoot at, "Uh, okay! May I ask why you're asking me to miss the cruiser?"

"You are clearing my flight path, wherein I shall provide you an opportunity. Seize it when it presents itself. Twenty seconds..."

"Oookay..."

Kor'Pharas and two of his wingmen suddenly went full throttle out of the formation, green energy blasting out of their engine exhausts. Laser fire from the turrets, the cruiser, and drones lanced at them. The space around the wounded Collector cruiser was turning into a light show of blue lasers, but the Praetorian put all power to thrusters and engines. Concentrating all of his machine processing towards evasive maneuvers, Kor'Pharas and his wingmen danced and spun with their fighters at speeds that would have killed any organic pilot; preventing the laser fire from hitting or at the very least causing only minor damage to their hulls. Then as if on queue, the Necron fighters dispersed from each other as the Thanix cannon from the Normandy shot out from behind them. The beam of energized liquid metal went through multiple platforms and drones, before finally hitting an Eclipse frigate that had maneuvered above and behind the Collector cruiser.

While the Eclipse frigate split apart, Kor'Pharas' Doom Scythe went straight for the bisected ship, taking advantage of the reduced enemy fire. His wingmen broke off, each heading for an enemy frigate while the Praetorian opened fire on the frigate's reactor with his Death Ray. The green beam of energy boiled through and detonated the reactor as well as cooking off the missiles in the central hull of the bisected vessel. This caused an explosion that sent the front of the frigate flying forward and down into the Collector cruiser's aft section. The Eclipse frigate's remains smashed and bounced off the cruiser's hull, cracking it and throwing the Collector ship slighting off course. Still dancing around laser fire, Kor'Pharas was able to divert enough power to get a low powered shot off from his Death Ray onto the cruiser's weakened aft section. A green explosion then erupted from the metallic purple ship and the cruiser's laser weapons suddenly went silent.

The other Doom Scythes evaded away from the drones who then began to spray them with plasma fire but then went full throttle towards the Eclipse frigates slamming through them at maximum speed. The hardened necrodermis of the fighters proved superior to the frigate's armor plating as they flew away with nary a scratch on them. The Necron pilots continued to fire their engines at maximum burn to reach their leader who was now flying past the floating debris of frigate he destroyed while maneuvering against retaliating laser fire.

Joker saw on his HUD that the explosion had exposed the Collector cruiser's vulnerable side to the Normandy and that it's long range weapons were disabled. Miranda gave the command as they entered weapons range, "Open fire!"

The Flight Lieutenant smiled, "Open wide ya sons of bitches!"

The Thanix fired again and it's beam of liquid metal slammed into the exposed side of the cruiser, causing an explosion. Then the cruiser's reactor exploded, vaporizing it's rear end and sending it's now fractured remains tumbling through it's own defenders. Collector Drones and Eclipse fighters were smashed by the debris created by the explosion. The Doom Scythes continued to weave in and out through the lasers but at a far more lax pace then before. They regrouped with the Normandy's formation which was now losing several more corvettes and two frigates who were starting to take heavy damage.

"Recommend immediate withdrawal!" The Praetorian announced.

Joker grimaced, "Don't need to tell us twice!"

"All ships, withdraw and regroup! Follow us!" Miranda ordered.

The Normandy quickly rotated in tandem within the formation and began to fall back with the Necron fighters who once more were providing anti-drone support with their destructors. Miranda brought up the tac screen again and held onto the bulkhead above her as the human frigate began taking fire, causing the ship to shake from the impacts. On her screen she saw the other half of the Omega fleet. They were not doing well, having lost half their numbers.

Miranda frowned looking at the holo screen, "Surprised we haven't gotten an update from our local overbearing queen about all this. Looks like I have to take charge of this mess.."

Joker kept punching in commands quickly while replying, "She's probably busy, hopefully with that weapon she keeps talking about."

Another series of heavy impacts reverberated throughout the ship, forcing Miranda and the crew in the CIC to hang on tighter before replying, "That weapon better be the game changer she said it is or this battle will be over very soon."

Solvatas finally began unleashing her forces onto her personal docking area. Necron Pariahs and Warriors marched briskly and took up positions above and below the enemy survivors. Gauss Flayers blasted through the air of the catwalks leading to the Shuvat, Solvatas' personal vessel. The last of the Blue Suns and Collectors who were fighting to the last man, shouted curses, fired bullets, and unleashed plasma on the advancing Necrons that were coming in from all directions. The occupying teams were now scattered and disorganized, simply firing at any robots that they were seeing with little coordination. However, with the weight of numbers on their side, the Necron troops simply waded into the enemy positions at a walking pace, cutting them down with precision fire. The humanoid robots liquefied squad after enemy squad into ash, stomping the piles of melting flesh and bones as they advanced. The last of the Collectors guarding the door to the Necron vessel were swiftly cut down by Lychguards who had aggressively pushed forward at the behest of the Vymark.

With the entrance to her ship now secured, she had her forces setup a perimeter with a pair of Lychguard acting as the last line of defense. The Vymark approached the door and wirelessly attempted to tap into it. No response. She then pressed her hand on the door and began to physically connect to it. After a moment, the door lit up, responding to the Vymark's command override and opened slowly.

Forbytr entered the Shuvat with a squad of Immortals and warriors, his ocular lenses scanning his surroundings. Not detecting any enemies, he waved his fellows before the Vymark herself entered. The Necrons had quickly infiltrated the lower deck, several levels below the command throne. Since the lighting was disabled, only the glowing sweeping eyes of the Necron soldiers lit the room in any kind of illumination. Based upon Solvatas' last interaction with the onboard systems, the ship was still in maintenance mode, putting it into a low power state. Thankfully the reactor was still online and working, otherwise it would take more time to power it up.

Solvatas looked to her Lychguard handler, "Forbytr, you and your fellows hold the entrance while we sweep the deck."

"I'm afraid that is impossible Vymark. Under the Phaeron's directive, you are not to leave my sight under any circumstances."

The Queen of Omega groaned, "Fine, then have the rest of your fellows with some of my warriors hold this position. The rest will sweep the deck for signs of the enemy."

"Acceptable." The head of the Lychguard replied, sending directives to his fellow guards. They along with some of the warriors took up positions, while the immortals followed the two Necron leaders. The cadre of machine bipeds came into the hallway outside the room they had arrived in. Lighting was also disabled here, though the machine warrior's ocular lenses easily compensated for this by switching to a different vision mode. So far, all that could be heard was the clanking of the Necrons metal feet as the group proceeded to check the multiple rooms throughout the level along their path.

Solvatas' main objective however, was the gate that led to her command throne. She wanted to make sure there were no enemies waiting to pounce as soon as she entered. Though time was pressing, likely the Normandy was by now committing to its attack run. Swiftly, Solvatas' Necron forces swept the surrounding area around the gate and found nothing. While the Vymark would prefer to sweep the whole ship level by level, she hadn't the time or manpower for that. The Necron lord touched the gate and began to reactivate it with her override. The obsidian block began to reform into a ringed gate of green energy. She had her forces train weapons on the gate just in case. After a short time of waiting, Solvatas prepared to enter with Forbytr right behind her. But before she could enter, the portal changed color to a purple tinge.

Suddenly, like a bolt of lightning, a violet clawed fist shot out over Solvatas' head and punched Forbytr in the face hard enough to knock him back. Solvatas jumped backwards to give herself distance and then the rest of the attacker's body came through along with metallic violet Collectors wielding energy shields. The one that had punched the Lychguard was a giant, a more heavily armored version of the Collector drones they had seen so far. Standing eight to nine feet in height with four muscled arms, it stared down the Lychguard as he recovered and entered a fighting stance. The warriors and Immortals armed with Gauss Flayers opened fire on the giant Collector, only to find the smaller insectoid drones protecting the giant with their energy shields. A blast of golden biotic power shot out from the portal and hit the ceiling above the Necrons. It quickly exploded above them and fired streams of what appeared to be golden biotic power down onto the Necron's heads. The blasts knocked many of the robotic warriors down including Solvatas, who was forced down onto one knee. Another violet Collector strode out from the gate, it's body surging with a fiery golden light bearing a pair of horns atop its armored head. It's four gold eyes looked down upon Solvatas who gazed silently back, while attempting to prop herself up with her staff of light. It only took her a second to realize who it was.

"We are the Harbinger of your destruction, usurper."

Solvatas responded quickly, standing up while also activating her staff of light. She brought the staff's beam down upon the elite drone possessed by Harbinger, causing an explosion as the green energy connected with Collector. When the blast cleared, Harbinger had it's hand outstretched and a gold biotic barrier encircling him along with his own forces. From behind the barrier the drones drew some kind of sidearms and began firing what appeared to be plasma rounds upon her. Activating her Chronometron, the Vymark became a blur and she quickly disappeared from view. Then she reappeared behind Forbytr who already had his Dispersion Shield at the ready, blocking the bolts of plasma flying his way. More Collectors rushed out of the gate, with Harbinger lowering the biotic field and declaring, "This body will be sufficient. Your technology shall serve our needs."

"Not for long vermin!" Solvatas declared back.

By now the rest of the Necrons had arisen and begun to counter attack with their Gauss flayers. The shield wielding Collectors formed ranks again, blocking the incoming fire and allowing their fellows to arrive from the portal. The reinforcing Collectors bore rifles with spherical canisters of blue energy and beam lasers that they then brought to bear upon the metal warriors. The plasma exploded upon the Necrons, melting and scalding their frames, blasting off limbs. More Necron reinforcements were on the way, as Solvatas sent out commands wirelessly to her warriors. They then joined the battle as the gate room became a bloody fire fight.

Harbinger suddenly pointed a finger at Forbytr and the Giant Collector broke rank and charged the Lychguard commander. For something so big it was surprisingly quick, shrugging off stray Gauss Flayer shots aimed at its head that only hit its armored shoulders. The giant insect smashed into Forbytr forcing Solvatas to roll out of the way or get caught up in the melee. She once more used her staff of light and brought the beam down upon the wall of Collector energy shields, horizontally slashing at the shield wall. The beam of light cut across the room and struck the Collectors, breaking most of the enemy's shields and allowing her warriors to make critical shots upon them. Several were shot through their eyes, their heads beginning to melt down into ash while screeching in agony. The insectoids scattered and took up whatever cover in the room they could, while the Necron leaders took on Harbinger and his pet giant.

The insectoid monster wrestled with Forbytr; pushing him back out into the hallway while Solvatas fell back behind her warriors, using their bodies as a shield against the incoming fire of plasma and lasers. Several Immortals with Tesla Carbines appeared at the entrance and unleashed chain lightning upon the Collectors, taking out several squads until Harbinger once more activated a golden biotic barrier to halt the lightning. He then fired a dark yellow biotic sphere that stopped in the midst of the Necron Immortals before closing his clawed fist. Suddenly the Singularity sphere siphoned in any nearby Necron troops into it, sticking them together into a metal ball of robot bodies before the biotic energy exploded outwards. The biotic explosion sent robot limbs and torsos crashing throughout the room; sometimes smashing into other Necrons or Collectors caught in melee.

Solvatas once again tried to use her Chronometron to slip through the chaos. But then she suddenly was intercepted and biotically charged into by Harbinger. The Vymark flew from the room, crashing onto the floor of the hallway where Forbytr and his opponent were fighting. From Solvatas' view, she could see the Lychguard pinned against a wall, his shield the only thing between himself and this raging insect. He lashed out with his sword and struck the wrist of one of the creature's lower arms, nearly severing its hand. It drew back the arm, weakening the pressure on the Lychguard who then pushed back against it. But when Forbytr attempted to push forward, the creature pivoted to the side and with its three arms, twisted the shield from the Lychguard's grasp ripping off his shield hand. The Giant Collector then threw the shield behind it and with a roar tackled Forbytr to the ground, where it began to pound on the Lychguard with all three fists to his head.

Seeing her comrade in trouble, Solvatas attempted to use her Chronometron to get past Harbinger who biotically charged her again. She was knocked toward the Lychguard and found herself on the floor beside Forbytr's Dispersion Shield. The Collector commander was about to bring his biotic fist upon the Vymark when she quickly grabbed the shield and covered herself. The Biotic punch's energy was dispersed and Solvatas then shield bashed Harbinger as she quickly rose up from the ground. Dropping the shield for now, she used her Chronometron once more, blurring from existence. While in the alternate phase of reality where time was slowed down, she rushed up next to the giant that had pinned down Forbytr. The Giant Collector's arms were both pinning down the Lychguard's sword arm and his body while the monster continuously headbutted the already dented warrior's head. Solvatas swiftly struck the arm holding down Forbytr's sword arm as she came out of phase shift, striking it behind the elbow.

The monster's arm bent backwards, causing the giant to screech out and break its assault. This gave the Lychguard the chance to slash at the giant's throat with his phase sword, splattering blue viscous fluid all over his upper torso. Solvatas swung her staff again to knock the mortally wounded brute off of her warden before helping him to his feet. The Lychguard then took his vengeance upon the giant that was attempting to stem the tide of blood loss from its throat with two of its claws. It held out its free claw hand futily, while the metal warrior brought his sword down upon the fallen Collector Giant's head several times. The Lychguard chopped the front of the monster's head in half, spraying blue viscous blood all around.

A biotic field suddenly enveloped the Lychguard and he was sent flying into the hallway. Solvatas looked to see Harbinger wreathed in a fiery yellow biotic field, his clawed fist closing. She turned to see Forbytr being crushed, his weakened limbs and neck sparking as the field began crushing his body like a beer can. The Vymark went for her Chronometron but Harbinger withdrew a plasma pistol and fired it like a quick draw gun man out of her hand. The explosion of the plasma bolt sent the device flying down the hallway, the Vymark's hand now scalded with plasma burns on her once shining metal hand.

A flaming gold biotic field quickly enveloped Harbinger and he biotically charged Solvatas slamming into her as she attempted to swing her staff at him. But the Collector commander was too quick and struck first, sending her flying into the wall on her right. In a blur, Harbinger continued his biotic assault; striking her with biotic punches to her head and midsection, denting her frame all over. Finally he grabbed her wrist bearing her staff with one hand, surged it with biotics and crushed it with a spark of wires and electricity surged out. He took her Staff of Light and threw it away down the hall while holding her by the throat.

Solvatas looked to the Collector leader with her slitted eyes and dented face, indicating her annoyance at how things had turned out. Harbinger spoke while maintaining the field crushing the Lychguard behind him, "Despite your proficiency usurper, this outcome was inevitable. The data from this battle shall serve us well for what is to come. But now, your usefulness has come to an end."

The Vymark's eyes returned to normal, making Harbinger think she had accepted her fate. With that, the Collector leader clenched his free clawed hand into a fist, charging it with biotics. Solvatas looked past the fist meant to crush her head and saw what she had been waiting for. A trio of Necron warriors, badly damaged and missing parts but still ready to fight, had broken from the firefight, answering their leader's call. They charged the Collector leader silently, raising their Gauss Flayers up to strike with their axe bayonets.

The metal warriors were ten yards from their target before Harbinger bothered to notice them and look back. He threw Solvatas into the wall and released his biotic field on the now thorougly crushed Lychguard to focus his now charged fist onto the assaulting robots. The first warrior to reach Harbinger attempted to bring its axe onto his head but instead met the Collector leader's fist to its face. The strike crushed the Necron's head and sent it flying off the robot's torso. The remaining two metal warriors tried to attack next, only to meet biotic punches that shattered the top half of one warrior and crushed the skull of the other.

Though it's skull was badly damaged, the Necron warrior still attempted to bring its axe down upon Harbinger. Only for the Collector commander to grab the weapon by the barrel and crush it. The Reaper controlled puppet then threw the broken weapon behind him and biotically body blowed the Necron, digging his clawed fist into its midsection. In one motion Harbinger ripped the top half of the robot off it's lower body and then with his other hand ripped off its head.

The Collector leader turned back to Solvatas, who was struggling to get back onto her feet. Harbinger strode over to her, once again priming his biotics to finish her off, "A futile effort. Accept inevitability." he said matter of factly.

Solvatas stood up best she could in her condition, her right hand to her side reaching for something while calmly stating to her foe, "Far from it Harbinger. I've won."

The elite drone suddenly lost it's biotic field and took a few staggered steps. It fell to one knee and caught itself. The body of Harbinger's host began to crack around it's eyes and joints, yellow energy leaking out. Solvatas by contrast, withdrew an orb from her person, raising it high. It glowed brilliant green and energy shown down upon all around it. The fallen bodies of the Necron warriors began to be affected by the green incandescent light, causing them to move once more. They began to put themselves back together again; their torso's reconnecting arms, legs, and heads. Forbytr's eyes glowed as he rose, his frame quickly being restored by the light from the orb. The Vymark herself had her own dent's quickly reshape back into their normal form.

Solvatas repocketed the orb and walked over to Harbinger's host, watching it continually break down, looking at it's hands now burning in energy and melting, stating, "I had been monitoring your energy output since our battle began. Your host's power source is quite powerful... but unstable. A predictable result, given your arrogance. I admit, your host this time was quite impressive vermin, but in the end, it still failed."

The Collector looked to Solvatas, it's eyes melting down from the fiery energy leaking from its head while Solvatas continued, "'The flame that burns twice as bright burns half as long' so the humans say. All I had to do was hold out long enough. For all that you know about our technology, you still clearly lack the control to wield it properly."

"We are not finished."

Suddenly the core of the Elite drone began to glow brilliantly. By now Forbytr had arisen, taken his place by the Vymark and he recognized what was about to happen. He quickly grabbed his fallen shield and swatted the brilliantly glowing Harbinger away from Solvatas. All the Necrons in the hallway got behind the Lychguard. He then activated his shield and braced himself. Harbinger's host detonated in an explosion of golden light, bathing the hallway in energy and concussive force. When the light faded, the Vymark peeked around her warden and saw the epicenter of the explosion had actually melted down the hallway's surrounding necrodermis walls. It would have been bothersome to reform from such a state if not for the Lychguard's quick action she thought.

With Harbinger defeated, Solvatas quickly returned back to the gate with her now refreshed warriors, retrieving her staff and Chronometron along the way. She found the surviving Collectors attempting to retreat back through the gate themselves, but she wouldn't allow for anymore delays. Forbytr lead the charge while Solvatas used her Resurrection Orb once more, reviving all the fallen Necrons still in pieces in the room. The Lychguard smashed into their enemies' futile attempt to create a shield wall, using his dispersion shield to crash into their ranks and break them. The Necron Immortals and warriors followed Forbytr's attack with axe bayonets and close range Gauss Flayer assaults, melting down or rending to pieces the remaining Collectors around the gate in a silent flurry.

The Lychguard then entered through the gateway to find a convention of insectoids around the darkened command throne area. They laid into the Lychguard Commander with laser fire and plasma, but the head of the Lychguard had had enough of these interlopers. He charged energy into his shield, raised it high despite taking enemy fire, and slammed it into the ground to throw the whole room of enemies off balance. Then his Necron comrades charged in, Gauss Flayers firing at the downed Collectors, rending heads and body parts to ash. The few enemy survivors of the assault fled from the throne room where they were continually being pursued by the Necron troops that kept coming in through the now recaptured gate. Solvatas strode through the gateway, satisfied with her forces rout of the enemy. She briskly went up the steps to her throne at the end of the room and lights began to turn on, indicating her connection had been established.

The Vymark sat down and began to reinitialize systems. The hum and thrum of power rebooting began to sound throughout the vessel. Green lights were once more illuminating the halls. Scarabs began to emerge all over the ship to once more begin maintenence and clean the ship of enemy dead. The Collectors still alive that were fighting on the ship soon found themselves swarmed by the robotic Scarabs either to be pinned down for capture or torn to pieces.

With her ship being secured once again, Solvatas checked the status of her 'weapon'. It seemed to still be in tact and functional though the frame around it was less so. Likely she would only get one shot from it and nothing more. It would have to be enough then. The Necron lord then looked to a holographic display that appeared in front of her, showing the state of the battle in space. The Normandy had done well, destroying a second enemy cruiser since joining the Omega's fleet fighting with the enemy's left wing. But her overall fleet's ship count was now less than half and the enemy still had a cruiser, multiple frigates, the dreadnought, and an overwhelming number of drones in reserve. To make it worse, another three Doom Scythe fighters had also been lost in the fighting and unless she deployed now her fleet would be overrun by the endless drones.

The Vymark sent a communique to her fleet, "All ships, I will soon join you in the fight. Hold the line for a few moments longer and this battle will be ours!"

The Commander and his team had just arrived on Tuchanka, amidst the ruins of the Krogan homeworld. Upon reaching the Urdnot clan's headquarters via shuttle they were hurried along to the clan leader's throne room where Wrex was in a meeting with an emmissary of another clan. As soon as the former merc saw his old human compatriot, he called out to him and came down, shoving past his guards.

"Shepard! My friend!" Shouted Wrex, shoving past his guard to shake hands with his old partner.

The Krogan gave the Commander a slap to the shoulder, smiling broadly, "You look good for dead Shepard. Should have known the void couldn't hold you."

"It's good to see you again Wrex." Shepard said smiling back

The scarred Krogan nodded back, looking over the crew that Shepard had brought with him, "These your people?"

"Yeah, this is Mordin Solus, Grunt, and Nemar."

"Heh, that last name sounds awfully familiar." Wrex said smiling wrly.

Nemar stepped forward feigning offense at the comment, "Oh come on ya old Klixen, I helped fix your shotgun and armor several times back in the day when your clan took me in. Sure it was a long while but you honestly don't remember me?"

"Yeah, I don't remember the useful little runt from a destroyed clan being so uppity cause an old guy like me didn't remember him."

"Hah, well nice to finally see you again too Wrex."

"Bout time you finally answered our call, are you ready to stand with us?"

"Depends on what we see today I think. But it's not about me here, it's about this kid, Grunt."

Wrex looked inqusitively to the young Krogan in question and then remembered he was in the middle of a meeting. He motioned the Commander's group to follow him, "Come on over, let's talk."

A Krogan with green eyes in a bluish silver armor near the throne protested, "Wrex! We're in the middle of an important discussion regarding your reforms. Can't this...interruption wait?"

Wrex glared at Uvenk, "This man has done more for me than anyone on this planet put together. So I'll hear what he has to say...your complaints can wait."

The emissary of clan Gatatog wanted to protest further but bit his tongue, groaning and stepped back. The group gathered in front of the stone throne with armed Krogan guards watching them while Wrex took his seat.

Shepard stepped forward and began the inquiry, "Looks like Clan Urdnot is doing well under your leadership."

"Hah! You made the rise of Urdnot possible. Though not everyone was happy about it." Uvenk shook his head in response as Wrex continued, "Destroying Saren's Genophage cure freed us from his manipulation. I used that to spur the clans to rally under Urdnot. So far so good, even created a neutral ground where we meet and settle issues between the clans."

"That's great! Nice to know there's some positive change going on in the galaxy."

"Doubt everyone would see it that way. But what's going on with the welp over there? I have a pretty good idea given the smell he's giving off."

"Yeah, he's pretty much ready for the rite of passage, we figured you could offer him to join the clan if he wants it."

Uvenk sniffed the air and frowned, "I smell something unnatural about this youngster."

Wrex gave the traditionalist Krogan a glare, "I gathered that Uvenk. So where are you from Grunt? Was your clan destroyed before you could learn what was expected of you?"

Grunt closed his eyes and recounted, "I have no clan, I was tank bred by Warlord Okeer. My line is distilled from Kredak, Moro, Shiagur-"

"You recite warlords...but you are the offspring of a syringe! From the hand of Okeer of all Krogan!" Uvenk accused, pointing at the tank-born.

Shepard scratched his head confused at the missing context, "I knew Okeer was notorious but what exactly did he do?"

"Okeer is a very old name...one that fought in the rebellions a long time ago, where he gained a reputation for sacrificing others to gain tactical advantages. Trust among Krogan is a hard won thing Shepard. The fact that Okeer sold many Krogan to the Collectors, left good soldiers to die, and backstabbed members of his own Krantt is why no one likes him." Wrex explained.

"He did say only the strong should survive, yet Krogan culture also follows that mindset." The Commander stated questioningly.

Wrex shook his head, "Yeah, but Okeer took it too far. The galaxy is trying hard enough to kill us as it is. The last thing we need is a rat bastard like him making things harder than it needs to be."

"You don't need to worry about that now, he's dead." Grunt assured.

Wrex shrugged at the news and brought a hand to his chin, "Hmph, I guess so. I doubt Okeer would have just let you off the leash if he was still alive."

"You can't possibly consider him to join your clan Urdnot Wrex! He's a tank born, an unnatural abberation created by a madman!" Uvenk protested.

Grunt gritted his teeth, "I'll speak for myself! I care not for Okeer's clan or his enemies! I only wish to sate my need for battle and clan, nothing more."

Wrex nodded approvingly, "So then, what do you say welp? Do you wish to stand with Urdnot?"

Grunt looked around him. Urdnot warriors nearby in full armor were now curious as to what all the commotion was about. They began to gather around the throne area waiting for the young warrior's answer. After a moment of observing his surroundings and the denizens, Grunt closed his eyes and opened them with a determined gaze, "It is in my blood, it is what I was made for!"

The scarred leader of Urdnot smiled at the response, "Good boy. Speak to the shaman upstairs back there. He'll guide you on the path you need to take."

Uvenk was livid, "This has gone too far Wrex! Your clan may rule but that THING is not Krogan!"

Wrex had had enough of the emissary's whining. He quickly got off his throne and stomped over to the Gatatog diplomat. The green crested Krogan surprisingly held his ground, until Wrex hit him with a headbutt so strong and so fast it knocked him off his feet and onto his back.

"I think I've heard enough of your complaints Uvenk. Go back to your hole and cool off. I've got other things to worry about rather then your pyjack ass riling me up."

Uvenk rolled over and picked himself up with an enraged look on his face. He turned and proceeded to leave, stomping off and pushing an Urdnot clan member away from him as he left.

Shepard looked to Wrex with concern, "So, will it really be okay for a tank bred Krogan to join clan Urdnot Wrex? I hope it doesn't create more problems for you than it needs to."

Wrex shook his head, "That boy is not much different from any other young blood I've seen in all my years. Doesn't matter where he comes from. If he passes the rite, than I say that's good enough. Let Tuchanka decide if he's worthy or not. Besides, the clans here like what I've got going and will do what I say. Uvenk will whine and try to be a pain in the ass. But he's not stupid enough for me to declare him unwelcome."

"What happens if you do?"

"Then my allies will destroy him and his clan. Word gets around fast, heh heh."

Nemar grinned, "Hear hear, nice to see that whiny bastard get one between the eyes."

"So where do we go from here?" Shepard asked.

Wrex pointed to the stairs behind his throne, "Speak to the Shaman like I told the welp. If ya like, you can even help him in his trial as a member of his Krantt."

The Commander gave a quick nod, "I'd be honored, not everyday you get to partake in a Krogan coming of age ritual."

"Krogan rituals often involve overcoming of likely fatal challenges." Mordin pointed out.

Wrex gave a curt reply, "Just the way it is here on Tuchanka, Salarian. You don't like it, you can always leave."

Mordin quickly elaborated, "Yes, but I was never one to shirk from challenges. Find them most rewarding actually! Overcoming of odds despite lack of resources! Couldn't ask for a more fulfilling experience!"

The scarred Krogan cocked his armored brow at that, "Huh, you sure do attract the odd ones Shepard."

The Commander shrugged, "Eh, comes with the job."

"You going to join in too Nemar?" Wrex asked.

The Krogan engineer smiled, "Hah! Why not! Not my first time right? It will be interesting to see how you Urdnots handle your rite of passage."

"I guess we better get going." said Shepard holding out his hand.

Wrex took it and the pair raised their clasped hands up where they both squeezed hard and nodded. The scarred Krogan leader smiled, "Try not to have too much fun out there Shepard. Tuchanka isn't exactly homely like Feros and Ilos."

"It will be nice to just get out there and just kill what's trying to kill you. Nice and simple. A welcome change from what I've had to deal with lately."

"Heh, then good luck and hunt well Shepard."

The Commander nodded and motioned his team to follow him to the Shaman where the next step of their journey awaited.

On the Citadel the hustle and bustle of midday foot traffic masked Kusko and Garrus' walk through the crowd in their civilian fatigues. Thankfully they didn't need to get too exorbitant for disguises since they weren't exactly wanted by C-Sec. At the same time though, they were limited to sidearms for protection. The pair reached their target, an apartment complex across the street from them in the Zakera Ward's mid town. Garrus had called in a favor from a friend still in C-Sec to find Kolyat's address. The young Drell had recently come home with a package that Kusko had mentioned earlier. Kusko explained to Garrus that it was from an old comrade of his and that the Drell had to stop the boy from making a terrible mistake.

They buzzed the apartment that Kolyat was attached to, but got no response. Then they tried several more times before an irrate voice came over the holographic comms, "What do you want?! I'm busy right now come back later!"

"Kolyat Krios?" Garrus asked.

There was silence for a moment before the young drell replied, "Who's asking?"

Kusko then answered, "Friends of your father. Do you have time to talk with us?"

"...No..come back later I've...I've got things to do." Kolyat muttered.

"Kolyat, your father...there are things you need to know before you decide on what you're going to do. All I ask is that you at least listen to us before you make a choice that could change your life forever." The older Drell pleaded.

Kolyat once again didn't immediately reply before Kusko added, "Please."

A click from the apartment double doors sounded and the holographic indicator in front turned green, indicating it had been unlocked by a tenant. Kolyat spoke over the intercom again, "You can come in."

"Thank you." Kusko said appreciatively.

The Turian and hooded Drell went through the entrance and took an elevator to the third floor of the complex, where they went down a hallway to the west wing. They knocked on door number thirty-four ninety-seven. "Yeah gimme a second." A young trilled voice on the other side said. After several minutes, the door opened and revealed a turquiose skinned Drell with black stripes running down parts of his head and face. He looked Kusko and Garrus over and then motioned them to come inside before walking back into the room. The room was small but big enough to allow space for one person on a budget. Kolyat sat down on the bed next to the window and closed the blinds while Garrus and Kusko sat at a small silver dinner table with two chairs.

Kolyat sighed, "Alright, so what is it you have to say to me?"

The brown skinned older Drell looked down thoughtfully before answering, "I knew your father, back in the old days. Back when we both followed the path of the hunter."

"You mean when you were both contract killers." The young drell curtly corrected.

Kusko clarified, "We were assassins, yes, but we were not criminals. We worked for the Illuminated Primacy, the Hanar government."

Kolyat was dismissive, "Doesn't seem like much of a difference to me."

Garrus crossed his arms, "There is quite a bit kid, but that's not why we're here."

The young drell glared at the Turian, "And you are?"

"A guardian angel, making sure everything going on here is civil that's all." The former C-Sec operative explained.

"Right..." Kolyat replied, unconvinced.

Kusko tried to steer the conversation back on track, "Kolyat, your father he-"

Kolyat suddenly stood, his anger on full display, "Is dead! I know! I got his package. All it had were a bunch of credits, goodbyes, and apologies for being a shitty dad!"

"Oh boy, here we go." Garrus thought to himself.

"There was more than that. I'm assuming he didn't want you to use those gifts to do something rash, say perhaps, looking around for hit contracts and purchasing weapons!" Kusko exclaimed back.

The young Drell was taken aback, "...How do you know that?!"

Garrus shook his head, "How do you think? You aren't that clever kid. Anybody who really wanted to find you and track what you're doing could. You just haven't done enough to warrant someone really looking into you. The world you're thinking about entering into is not something a young man with their whole future ahead of them ought to do."

"Then what should I be doing?! My parents are dead! I don't have any friends! All I have are...my dad's money, my shitty job, and..."

Kolyat looked around the room and picked up what looked like an old prayer book before again looking angrily at Kusko, "This shitty old book."

The young drell threw the book to the floor, landing in front of the brown skinned Drell. Kusko sighed then looked to Kolyat. He picked it up off the floor and wiped some detris off of the cover, "This was Thane's old prayer book. I can tell, I'd seen it on his person several times on some of the old contracts we did together."

Suddenly Kusko was overwhelmed by the memory, experiencing it again as he spoke aloud, "He withdrew it from his front left pocket. Asked me to join him in prayer. It's edges were all bent and even the first few pages had been worn along the top with age. We communed with the gods together, praying, 'Amonkira bless our aim so that our quary's death will be swift and true. May Arashu watch over us and cloak our presence to protect us. Kalahira, we ask for peace for those that will die today and should we die, we ask for forgiveness for the lives we have taken out of turn."

The older Drell came out of the memory and smiled. The wave of nostalgia and memories of communion was not unwelcome, but it didn't alleviate Kolyat's anger, "Forgiveness?! Wasn't it your job to kill people? Why should you care about how your target died?"

"Why should a hunter care about a clean kill? To minimize suffering. That is what we were taught from the beginning. We were not to kill for pleasure, death for us was like any other task that needed to be done. For the sake of the Compact with the Hanar, we were selected for this. We trained from childhood to be the best we could for this role."

Kusko stood up maintaining eye contact, making Kolyat back off a little bit, "You... were not made for this life Kolyat."

"I could be if...maybe you taught me-"

"No!" Kusko shouted.

Kolyat nearly fell back onto the bed but caught himself. He averted looking at the former assassin as he sat back down. The young Drell then sat back onto the bed and took a moment to think before asking, "Why not?"

"Because your father asked me to keep you from the life that ultimately killed your mother."

"What?"

Kusko closed his eyes and sighed, "The way of the hunter is filled with perils. Several times he and I became the hunted by either other assassins or vengeful associates of our targets. When Thane married Irikah in a private ceremony, I knew she would have to deal with a lonesome existence. Not because Thane wanted to stay away, but because as long as he was a hunter, he would have to...to protect the both of you."

Kolyat looked down, the anger was still there somewhat but not as strong. Kusko continued, "Eventually they found where you and your mother lived. I didn't know too much of the details, I was on assignment at the time. When I found Thane again, he simply said that Irikah was gone. I asked about you and he said the gods were merciful, Irikah had sent you away from home to be with relatives."

"They said she had died in an accident."

Kusko shook his head, "A necessary lie for a young mind unable to grasp the truth at the time. But...he asked me to help him with what came next."

"What was that?"

"Vengeance."

The older Drell closed his eyes, once again diving into his memories for a moment before opening them wide and itirating what he saw, "It was cold and dark in that part of downtown. We had him cornered, the Turian who had made the call to kill her. His two guards dead by our hand at his feet, one Batarian, one blonde haired human. They were lucky, they were given clean deaths, shots to the heart and head. But for our target, Thane withdrew a knife, the lights of a passing car making the blade glint in the alleyway. The Turian named Gurinex cried out, "Please, I'll tell you anything you want, just don't do it!" Who gave the order?! Thane shouts. The Turian hesitates, looking to the ground. Thane grabs him and lifts him up from his knees, the knife to his face. Give me the name of the one who gave the order, my friend says. The Turian says he can't say, his family would suffer for it. Thane stabs him in the torso, I knew it wasn't mortal but I grimace at the sight. Thane asks for the name again, purple blood stained on his knife. Gurinex coughs up blood but still refuses to answer, gets stabbed again and again. The Turian finally gives up the name. Herfolas, he says. Thane lets his body fall to the ground and turns to leave. I stop him and ask, "Shouldn't we give him release from that?", Let him lie there, he says."

Kusko closed his eyes again, grimacing at the memories before opening them once again to see Kolyat's concerned expression. The former assassin continued, "We killed them all. The triggermen, the ringleaders, everyone who was involved in Irikah's death. But in doing so, we had violated a core tenet of our code...to kill cleanly. Thane didn't just want justice, he wanted to hurt them, to make them feel the pain he felt. The desire for revenge perverted not only him, but me as well. I may not have pulled the trigger on many of them, but I did help him. When it was finally done, I told him I couldn't continue to be a hunter. I felt we had gone too far. He admitted that he too couldn't continue to serve the Hanar after this. So we both requested to be on...indefinite leave."

Garrus cocked a scaled brow at that, "That almost sounds like putting a hit on yourselves. Didn't the Hanar government worry about any secrets you both knew?"

Kusko shook his head, "No, the Hanar knew our reasons and decided to respect our wishes. Our reputation and records spoke for themselves. From there, Thane and I ventured down different roads to redemption for what we did. He continued the path of the hunter, seeking noble causes, while I...was done with the killing altogether."

Kusko sighed before looking to Kolyat, who was looking away from the elder Drell, "This path is what prevented him from being the father you wanted him to be. In the end, it's darkness perverted even a noble soul like him, for a time. But I know what he wanted for you was to be free of it. To live a peaceful life away from the blood and death."

Kolyat did not take it well, "You call this a peaceful life? Living alone, scared, with no one to really rely on?"

The former assassin quickly replied, "Yes, compared to the life of constantly being hunted or hunting. Kill or be killed. Many like you are used as pawns in such a life. Used and thrown away like any other refuse for the sake of another's inflated ego. Your life may not be what you want, but at least its yours."

Kusko stood up and held the prayer book out to Kolyat who looked at it, "These old ways may be seen as preposterous and ridiculous by many today. But for those like us who faced death every day, it gave us a moment of comfort... of peace. Release from the pains of fear and doubt. To give us the resolution to continue, for a better future."

The young Drell took the book and continued to look at it thoughtfully as his elder continued, "Think on what I've said. Reflect upon your actions and you'll find the choice you ought to take. I am not your father Kolyat and I cannot tell you what you should do. All I ask is that you heed what has been spoken today and then you can find the answer."

The former assassin made a slight bow to the younger Drell, who was now looking to his window. Sensing the young man wanted to be alone, Kusko began to leave, motioning for Garrus to follow him. When the two got to the door, Kusko activated his Omni-tool saying, "If you ever wish to speak to me again, I've sent you my contact details. You're not alone Kolyat, remember that."

Kolyat still didn't look back, his head low looking out the window. Kusko and Garrus continued through the door where it then closed behind them and locked automatically. What the pair didn't see, was the young man beginning to sob as everything that was said finally began to overwhelm him.

Garrus and Kusko stepped out of the apartment complex and went to a nearby outlook to look upon the Zakera Ward's skyline. The Drell clasped his hands and began to murmur a prayer, while Garrus reached into one of his pockets to pull out a flask. He sighed looking at it, undecided if he should or shouldn't. A headache gnawed at him and he rubbed his brow in response. It didn't go unnoticed by the former assassin.

"You know that won't help." Kusko stated.

Garrus sighed, "Yeah...but for a little bit it can help me deal with certain things."

"So says anyone justifying an addiction. Using it as an escape from pain."

"Right and you're such an expert at escaping from pain huh? Am I going to get a lecture now too? Hand me a book and saying I have all the answers?"

"No, you already have a purpose in life and friends who care for you. It is not weakness to seek them out in order to get the help you need."

"They don't need to be bothered with my problems. It's just something personal eating at me."

"I was there too you know. On the other side tracking you all down. I'd been observing all of you for what little time I was there on the Normandy. I know you didn't mean to kill those men, that you were used as a tool."

Garrus was silent, his grip tightening on the flask. He wanted to take a swig right then and there. He hated hearing that, he hated seeing that nightmare again. Gunning down those innocent C-Sec officers, the voice of Veronakh mocking him. His anger and guilt made him grind his teeth.

Kusko continued calmly saying, "It wasn't your fault. Ultimately the responsibility lies with your Commander but even then, he had no idea what was going to happen. You had played into the enemy's hand, but now you are free again."

"Are we?"

"Yes, because you have the choice now to let go. You don't need to hold onto that guilt."

"I could have stopped it, should have followed my instincts. Instead I chose to trust Shepard."

"That wasn't wrong was it? You couldn't have possibly known. No one could have."

Garrus sighed but Kusko wasn't done, "You know better, there's no reason to turn to that drink to deal with the memories of what happened. You know there are people on the Normandy you could talk to. You're stronger than you think."

The former vigilante looked at the flask thoughtfully for a moment. Closing his eyes, he took a breath and threw the flask over the side of the overlook. Garrus looked to the brown Drell and gave a light smile, "Is that going to be your secondary role on the ship? Helping people with their personal problems?"

"No...I am afraid I will not be going with you."

Garrus was surprised, "But I thought you spoke with Shepard and that-"

"What I told Shepard was that I would decide after I had done this favor for Thane. After what I have seen, this boy will need guidance. Frankly, considering what you're up against and reflecting upon my own memories...it reminds me why I chose the path I did."

"But the galaxy is in jeopardy! It's going to need all we can muster to keep the Necrons from taking over much less the Reapers when they arrive!"

"True, but I am not Thane who threw himself towards noble causes. I choose now to be free of the path of blood, and who else is going to be there now for the son he left behind?"

Garrus grimaced but understood, nodding in acknowledgement at the Drell's decision. Thinking for a moment the Turian sighed and held out his hand to shake. Kusko took it and smiled, "Thank you for giving me this opportunity. I can only pray for your victory against the Necrons and the Reapers."

Garrus crossed his arms, "We'll see. Honestly I feel like we'll be lucky if we can even slow them down. We haven't exactly found a game changer to either of them yet."

"You may in time. So long as one stands, the war isn't over right?"

The Turian smiled again, "I guess so. Goodbye Kusko."

"Farewell Mr. Vakarian. May the gods keep your aim true and bless your steps."

Garrus shrugged and left, disappearing into the crowd, leaving Kusko to look once more towards the city skyline and to the path that he had chosen.