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POV: Aedon Eyes

Waking up after that incredible night the world just felt right. Like I had finally gotten everything that could ever be desired. We had made love before but that was something completely different and even now I basked in the afterglow. From everything going on around me this definitely wouldn't last but for now it was everything to me. Especially with Tali still snuggled up on me.

Smiling down at her I kissed her forehead before wiggling my way out from under her and went straight to the shower. The water was luke warm at best but as long as it did it's job it didn't matter. Finishing up the shower and walking back to the room Tali was groggily pushing herself up off the bed. Sleep still encapsulating her face and body.

She gave me a tired but beaming smile before getting up off the bed. She gave me a quick peck before getting her own shower. I was dressed by the time she got out and she quickly followed suit and got dressed. Right when she finished there was a knock on the door and we exchanged glances before she went and opened the door.

Kal stood there with two marines behind him. They made no move to do anything but Kal held out a datapad to Tali who took it and looked it over for a moment before turning to me and handing it to me. Grabbing it and looking at the words it seemed that the other two current Admirals, Raan and Koris, wanted to meet with me within the hour; and that Tali was not to attend. Sighing at that I nodded my head.

Handing the datapad back to Tali she handed back to Kal who left immediately. Once she did she gave me a quick peck on the cheek before saying that she would be waiting for my word on what the meeting was about. It was also extremely easy to see that she was furious about being barred from that meeting. She had faith they wouldn't do anything to me but she still wasn't happy about it.

Not saying anything to that besides giving her a reassuring smile and a kiss I left her. Getting into a shuttle a couple minutes later and making my way to the flagship it dropped me off in the hanger bay. Going straight to my ship I went inside and grabbed the device that the STG agent hd given me. I knew Gerrel didn't like me but this reeked of Reapers to me; doing what he did held absolutely no benefit for anyone.

Shaking my head at that and leaving my ship I pocketed the device before heading to where the Admirals wished to talk to me. Entering the conference room they were already sitting and sipping on tea. The woman who stood next to the tea gave me a curious nod towards the tea. Nodding my head eagerly I had missed the tea and it was expected that this meeting would be tedious and headache inducing, the tea would help. As soon as the tea was poured Koris opened his mouth and began to speak.

"It is on behalf of the admiralty that I express our deepest apologies for what happened last night. These last two months have been stressful for us and what looms on the horizon. Gerrel had barred everyone who was not a Quarian from having access to the fleet," it looked like he was about to continue but an extra loud slurp of tea and then a humm from myself cut him off.

"I am not Quarian, I recognize that but I am also Tali'Zorah's husband," I let that hang in the air for a moment before continuing. "I should've been afforded the right to visit the fleet and see my wife… You also just mentioned 'what looms on the horizon'. I might've been inclined to believe that you were preparing for the Reapers but since you have made no moves to connect with anyone outside of your race I can only assume you are preparing for war. War with the Geth for Rannoch."

Neither of them said a word as I finished. The tension in the air skyrocketing between us but I didn't do or say anything further beyond continuing to sip on my tea. After almost two full minutes of silence passed I shook my head and stood up from my seat and left the room. We needed the Quarians in this war and if they were too focused on Rannoch we wouldn't get them. Maybe if we can help then get Rannoch but that would mean Geth annihilation most likely and that's not mention that we'll have to focus on that which will take our attention from the war at large.

Though the Geth were susceptable to the Reapers, the Heretics had proven that without a doubt. So if the Reapers got their hands on the Geth as a whole they would be an increasingly tough enemy. One that could make massive adjustments in a fight in milliseconds if the situation called for it. Plus, all they had to do was build another geth if they wanted; machines didn't have to deal with pregnancy.

It might just be a blessing in disguise for them to be focusing on Rannoch. Doing so will force the Geth to stay in one place and make it harder for the Reapers to get to them. I had no doubt they would given enough time but at least this way they would be forced to head all the way to Rannoch to do so. In which the system it was in was on the complete opposite side of the galaxy from the Batarians. Then again, that relied on the hope that the Batarians would be the first to be targeted. One can only hope.

Karmic justice on the Batarians pushed aside it would be the best place to start for them. At least in a tactical mindset with all the slaves that'll undoubtedly be turned into soldiers for the Reapers. The Batarians were also incredibly stubborn and wouldn't ask for help until it was far too late… Maybe I could talk to Valern and see if he could get a few of those nukes on Batarian planets.

Shaking my head at those thoughts I made my way back to the hanger and went off to the main Marine ship. Arriving there I began my usual workout starting with the shooting range. Three hours later and after doing another parkour session on the ship which had annoyed some of the training marines but upon recognizing me left it well enough alone. Some even joined in on the exercise.

Either way after that was done I grabbed some clothes from my ship, went back to Tali's room and took a shower. By the time my shower was done it was just a little before noon which beckoned lunch and then a nap. Maybe some more tea as well if I can find out where they sell that stuff, or at least where they had their stores of it. I'm sure that they wouldn't miss a couple boxes of it. I could even pay Tali for them, make it an official expense.

I spent two weeks with the Quarians doing honestly nothing. Just relaxing and being with Tali and calling Iris with Tali. Tali adored Iris and Iris felt the same towards Tali but in a definitely old sister type of way. Either way it was good to see that they got along even when they haven't ever met in person. That'll change as soon as the Reapers were dealt with or sooner if possible.

Moving on that night after the meeting with the Admirals Tali had talked to me about going after Rannoch. She had fought against it but she had been outvoted 3-1*, it was surprising that Koris was behind it but he represented most of the people and that's what they wanted. She explained the plan and being completely honest I wasn't exactly a fan. It basically just amounted to a pitched battle in space, that wouldn't work and I told her as such.

She agreed there and had spoken to the other admirals about it and when I left they were still in talks for the strategy. Other than that I told her that I didn't like that they were going after Rannoch but agreed that it will probably be the best decision they could make. She had been surprised at that but then I explained why. After hearing my explanation for the geth and their susceptibility to the Reapers she got this look in her eyes that told me she had an idea.

An idea that needed me as an envoy to the Council. She and the rest of the admirals couldn't leave, especially with Gerrel's successor not yet chosen. Speaking of Gerrel he hadn't been indoctrinated, he just took his job and dislike of me far too serious. No hair off my back anymore to be honest.

But now, instead of being on Omega where I wanted to be right now I was on the Citadel. Again at Frank's and he had welcomed me with open arms. We sat down at his table in the basement of the shop taking sips of whisky together. It was an old vintage from Kentucky in America and tasted damn good without too much bite.

"What you doing back on the Citadel so soon after your last visit, not that I'm complaining," he asked with a small smile as he sipped his glass of whisky.

"I need to talk to the Council about the Quarians and then Valern in private," he raised his eyebrow at the second part.

"What do you need to do about the Quarians, besides your wife. And the Salarians, you going after them too?" as he asked about the Salarians he let out a humorless chuckle.

"The Quarians want help retaking Rannoch," I purposefully didn't talk about the Salarians and when I didn't continue he got the message that it wasn't exactly something that could be talked about. Even in private and with the man who was my father in all but blood.

"Need to know?" he still asked and I nodded my head. "Why for the Quarians though? The Council won't help them retake Rannoch with the war looming on the horizon. Every merc and soldier knows something is coming but only the top brass knows it's the Reapers."

"Because of the geth," was all I said and for a moment it didn't register and then his eyes widened.

"That's smart of them. They get the help retaking their planet and it falls under the notion of denying the Reapers soldiers. The Asari who were present for the Morning War will line up in droves. Smart, who proposed that?" I just smiled at him and he shook his head. "Should've known it would be the girl."

"I just hope the Council sees the logic behind taking Rannoch from the Geth."

"They will, just don't know who they would send. I doubt any ships but soldiers definitely. Then with the Geth schism like you said who's to say peace couldn't be achieved with the remainging Geth? Having them would be quite the boon."

"My thoughts exactly."

After that we moved onto less sensitive topics and just enjoyed each others presence. Eventually developing into silence as we enjoyed our drinks. Which started to pile up until we finished the bottle about an hour and a half later. When we did we each stumbled to our respective beds having drank way to much way to fast.

The next morning each of us woke up with a hangover and stumbled out of respective rooms at the same time. Sharing a look between each other Frank immediately made a pot of coffee and grabbed some pain meds for the both of us. We drank the coffee lethargically and as we did so I sent a message to the council asking for a meeting. After which I sent a message to Valern and asked for a private meeting.

Valern responded immediately and told me to come to his office anytime before noon. Taking the next two hours to completely sober up, workout, shower and get dressed I left and made my way to Valerns office as anonymously as possible. Makeup and disguise being the main factors and doing so no one disturbed me and no one gave me a passing looking.

Well, that wasn't exactly correct, with how many facial scars I had now it was hard to miss them but I made look less significant. Not only that but only maybe one would be present and it wouldn't look the same. Either way it was enough not to be recognized but not enough to go completely unnoticed.

Anyways, I found myself outside the office of the Salarian council not long after leaving Franks. The receptionist gave me a curious look when I asked to see the councillor and looked to be ready to call security. A quick message to Valern though that I was outside though and within moments the receptionist told me that I was free to go in.

Heading in the man stood up from his desk and motioned for the assistant in the room to leave. He did so without preamble leaving us in the room. Valern was quiet for a few moments before motioning for me to take a seat and I did so wasting no time and speaking as soon as my butt hit the seat.

"If you are capable I would like for some STG agents to plant nukes on Batarian planets," Valern was taken aback for a moment before adopting a thinking pose as he sat back down. After a moment he gestured for me to explain. "The Reapers sir, they make soldiers out of us and the Batarians have a lot of slaves, slaves of many different races that could be changed into any manner of husk for the Reapers."

"Mitigate the units we have no information on before they can become a real problem."

"Yes sir. I also believe the Reapers will hit the Batarians first, for the same reason as I want the nukes planted," Valern hummed contemplating what I said for a couple of seconds before responding.

"Will see what can be done. Production of nukes putting strain on equipment and resources. STG will be up to the task to complete mission if it can be done."

"That's all I ask sir," he nodded.

"Wanted a meeting with Council?" I nodded. "In person impossible, Sparatus off Citadel, Holo okay?" again I nodded. With that he stood up and went over to the holo projector in the corner of the room and activated it. After a couple of moments everyone appeared with both Udina and Sparatus having paperwork strewn in front of them.

"I am a busy man Torchbearer, what do you want now?" Udina snapped. I didn't rise to the bait and just straightened my back before talking.

"I would request that, if possible, you send a little aid to the Quarians," both Tevos and Udina opened their mouths to speak but I interrupted them. "I know I am not impartial here but they are planning on fighting the Geth for Rannoch."

"Why should we help them? They haven't answered any of our hails in the last few months and seemed to be focusing on something else, which was Rannoch as you just said," Udina stated indignantly.

"Because of the Geth sir. They have already proven that they can be influenced by the Reapers but with the Quarians attacking Rannoch it'll force the Geth to stay in one spot. Which will make it all the harder for the Reapers to get to them. Especially if I am right about where the Reapers will hit first."

"Batarians," Sparatus stated simply and I nodded my head. "I thought much the same. We've only seen human husks, who knows if different species will take on different traits. Traits we won't be able to prepare for until after they blitz us. And the Batarians are practically serving up a buffet of them for the Reapers."

"Exactly, and the Batarians are on the complete opposite side of the galaxy to Rannoch. The better we can pin in the Geth in the better it'll be for everyone involved," Sparatus nodded his head immediately but the rest of the councillors looked contemplative.

"I will need to speak with the Primarch but I have no doubt they'll agree to send at least a token force of ships and soldiers to help out. He'll get it from a tactical point at the very least," Sparatus spoke first.

"I'm sure some of the survivors from the Geth Uprising will be willing to volunteer. I don't believe we'll be able to lend any ships however," Tevos stated.

"The STG is spread far too thin at the moment. I don't believe we'll be able to help, maybe one team of four at the best," Valern spoke up immediately after Tevos. Udina was silent for almost a full minute after that before speaking.

"I will need to speak with Hackett and Anderson to get their input before I commit to anything."

"Thank you Councillors, that is all I had," they nodded before winking out leaving me with Valern. Turning to him I continued. "Watch Udina."

"Hmm, total rebuff bothering you? Emotions and attachments clouding judgment?" I shook my head.

"Cerberus, they're still active and only work with humans. I don't think they'll be bold enough to do anything to the Citadel but if they did it would be through him… Their leader also seemed keen on using Reaper tech to further their goals and I don't know how that'll effect their minds."

"Hmm, can't assign STG team. None available if we are to help Quarians, will watch him myself when there's time."

"All I ask sir. I'll take my leave and thank you for taking the time to listen," Valern waved it off and I began to leave but he cleared his throat as I got to the door of his office stopping me.

"Your tenacity may very well save this galaxy. There are extremely few people who are willing to sacrifice all that they are for victory. If you were Salarian you would be leading the STG, no doubt."

"I don't know how to take that sir."

"It is a compliment. I know your faith and most of your motivations and I know what you have asked of us has weighed heavy upon you… But we are facing an impossible enemy. One that has killed civilizations for longer than we can conceive. You are doing everything that could ever be asked out of one person."

"I know sir," I spoke my voice devoid of emotion. "It just doesn't feel right… How many am I sentencing to death to save others?"

"Less than the number would be if you did nothing," and that seemed to be the end of the conversation as he began to completely ignore me.

Leaving his office I made my way back to Franks and worked behind the counter with him for the rest of the day. There were a couple of customers that I helped out but that was it for my day and when it was time to close up we went downstairs and shared a few more drinks. After an hour of that we went to bed.

The next day I said my goodbyes to him, Volio and Ceelo then got on my ship and headed out. Destination was Omega and it took me a few hours to get there. With the closeness of the Relays to the Citadel and Omega it was easy and took longer than normal. My ship still wasn't back up to snuff since pushing that hard.

The reason the Quarians weren't able to help me was the fact that all the parts that needed to be replaced were custom to the ship. To get them shipped to the Fleet would've taken too long and been far to expensive so I just had them sent to Omega and should be waiting for me. Though, I'd have to get someone to actually put the parts on.

Either way when I landed in the hanger and parked the ship I went to the guy in charge of the hanger, a drell by the name of Metku Loul. He took one look at me and then at my ship before giving me a nod and held up two fingers. Fantastic, two days for that should be more than fine.

Like last time I arrived on Omega I picked up Iris and walked with her back to the apartment. She was much more animated during this time telling me about school and since she had moved up a few years after the tests were done she was finally getting a challenge. Getting and overcoming a challenge seemed to be what pushed her forward. That was good but at eight years old she was already taking classes meant for people in their sophomore year of high school.

It wasn't concerning, just really impressive. There was no doubt in my mind that she would graduate from everything that could be taught to her at that school within the next two years, at max three. I did wonder if she was still able to keep her friends and it turned out that she had which made me smile.

After dinner she did some studying for a couple of hours before going to bed. I followed her example and did so aswell. It was a dreamless night of peace and I woke up the next morning feeling great. Which resulted in a longer workout and a longer session of parkour training. Training I joined the recruits in and have no shame in saying that there were a good few that were better than me.

After training I made it back to the apartment in time to eat breakfast as Iris was making it. Waffles, they weren't the best but they weren't terrible. Either way after breakfast she left for school and I decided to join the meeting this morning. When I got there I got the pleasant surprise of an extremely happy Nyreen which did peak my curiosity as to why she was in a good mood. That was answered a minute later when Garrus walked into the meeting. We hugged and promised to meet for beers later.

Rest of the day went as usual and with me probably being here except for maybe a visit to Tali at some point I resumed my role as head of the spec ops division. I met with the various lieutenants and commanders to get an idea on what was going on. From what they had told me and my research after they left it turned out that we had made a name for ourselves in the galaxy.

We were now considered the best of the best when it came to protection details. If someone needed to be protected we were the ones to be called. We were on retainer, paid continually with the promise of always being available, for several companies and politics across the galaxy for protection details. Other than that we surprisingly efficient and clean in our assassination jobs; not a single one of our people had been caught or even suspected of any of the killings.

From the list of people we had assassinated all of them were deserving of it. Some more than others but they all were deserving. That made me happy above all else as we hadn't just killed some random who didn't have it coming. We start doing that we'll head down a slippery slope.

Either way at about 1700 I left my office and went to Nyreen's to have a few drinks with Garrus. Grabbing a six pack on the way he opened the door just as I was about to knock and let me in with a smile. We talked and caught up as best as we could, he wasn't allowed to tell me everything that was going on because of the classified locations and other stuff but it didn't bother me. In turn I told him about the nukes and everything in turn that had occurred of the last four months.

"How much time do you think we have until the Reapers show themselves?" he asked as we finished our beers and were just relaxing now. Nyreen was running late as one of her informants found something.

"Not long. Two months at best since Shepard said six months when he blew up the Relay. But I expect them to showup within the next 30, maybe 40, days. You?"

"Hell, I don't man. I'm just trying to make the most of the time I got. You visit Tali?"

"What type of question is that. Your god damn right I did. I was stuck on Dekunna for two and a half god damn months," Garrus openly laughed at that and when he did Nyreen came through the door. Looking troubled.

"Everything good?" I asked as I saw her and Garrus stopped laughing.

"Just one of my operators. They think someone is scouting the defenses of Omega, I ordered them to tail them yesterday and they haven't checked in since," Garrus and I exchanged a look before I spoke.

"Let me know if they don't check in by morning. I'm going to head back home and pass out for the night," Nyreen nodded towards me acknowledging the words and Garrus said goodbye as I left their apartment and headed towards mine.

I woke up the next morning, did my usual routine, made breakfast and then headed to the usual morning meeting. Everyone was there as usual including Garrus and a bland human standing in the corner but the surprise that I got was that Aria was there as well. Automatically ringing alarm bells in my mind and my hand was already on my ax. Any gun would be useless in this enclosed space with how close she was.

"I'm not here to fight," she held up her hands.

"Garcia has his report for us, he returned early this morning and upon hearing it decided he should be at the meeting for debrief," Nyreen stated as she gestured to the guy in the corner who calmly walked towards the table when she called his name.

"I followed the people who I had suspected were scouting out Omega's defenses yesterday. I only followed the one but when he got to a rundown and abandoned building on the 15th floor he was let in by another. They were joined by eight more people. All humans ranging from early 20s to late 30s. I recognized the last one as I served with him on the same squad in the Alliance.

Anton Fairchild, a great mechanic and demolitions expert but exceedingly racist. Was dishonorably discharged for blatant racism towards other species and several altercations with both Asari and Turian forces. All altercations happening during cross species training exercises. Both a Turian Commander and Asari Matriarch formally accused him of starting all the incidents and to save face he was drummed out. He'd be a good recruit for Cerberus and I believe that is who he works for now."

"How quick can we get a team ready for an assault?" were my first words as I looked at Kelli who was in the room. I haven't been back long enough to know it all yet, I needed another week at least.

"I can get one up and ready within the hour. We would just need the schematics for the building and the surrounding area. There would be no point in hitting them if even one of them escaped. We'll need to capture them all."

"That's where I come in," Aria stated as she fiddled with her omni-tool before sending the building schematics and the surrounding area to Kelli, myself, Nyreen and Garrus. "After this they'll know we are in at least some type of alliance, don't fuck it up," and with that she left.

After she left I began studying the schematics and the surrounding area that she had sent us. As for the building it was quite a simple two story building that had been abandoned but the fact that it was two stories made it a prime place for traps. A vertical insert onto the roof would be the best option while people surrounded the building so there was no chance of escape. As for the surrounding area there really wasn't anywhere that they could go but there were a few corridors that went into the bowels of Omega. If they got there they would disappear, would probably die down there but we wouldn't get anything out of them.

With that I had a semi decent plan within the couple minutes it took me to analyze everything. One team assaults the building from the roof, two maybe three surround it and another two teams at the corridors, one at each. The plan didn't take into account the actual breaching of the building or anything like that but it was the basis of what was needed. Not like equipment would be an issue either, breaching charges and smgs for the infiltration team, whatever everyone else wanted to use.

Sharing my thoughts for the plan got a nod out of all combat personnel in the room. When I asked Kelli who should be the infiltration team she suggested that I lead it and take Greg Sparks, a behemoth of a man who was a former N3, Samuel, and Anofu Tiek, a female Drell who was a former assassin. Nodding my head she then listed off the names for the teams that would be surrounding the house getting a nod of agreement from Nyreen on all their names.

Garrus also wanted to provide sniper overwatch and that was accepted. As for the teams at the corridors Kelli would take Vrul and Ilok to the closest one and Nyreen with Garcia and another of her subordinates would take the other. Once that was agreed to I suggested that we use Pequod for the insert, get above the building a 100 or so feet and rope down. Again, nods all around and with the plan formulated we split and made ready; there was still plenty of time until everyone would be in that house.

While we prepared we had someone watching the house marking when everyone was back, that was when we would move in. As for my squad all of us had Locust smg's, small, fast, portable and light; perfect for a house and could be wielded with one hand. When they asked about ROE it came simply down to this, if you can take them alive do so but make sure to knock them out fast, they probably have suicide measures. If you can't take them alive then kill them; essentially it was weapons free for everyone. Taking someone alive would be a happy little accident.

Hours later we sat in the shuttle with Pequod behind the wheel driving through the sky's of Omega. Turning to look at me in the back he tapped his helmet, mirroring the action to the others they nodded. With our radios now connected Pequod started explaining how he was going to get us to the point where we could drop down. Everyone else was already set up and waiting, we were to be the last ones to arrive.

Pequod then explained that we would be taking a vertical nose dive straight from the 20th floor to 100 feet above the target house. It was because there was very little air traffic in that area and if we came in on traffic he bet that we would be spotted and made before we would even be able to do much of anything. With that in mind all of us made sure our straps were tightened as much as they could be.

Another couple minutes of waiting and Pequod banged his fist on the side of the shuttle twice. Grabbing the straps with our hands and bracing we pitched forward and shot straight downwards. Doing so I could feel my stomach slam into my spine and my eyes go wide at the excretion that the move forced on us even within the cabin. As quick as it started though it was over and Pequod leveled out before the light in the back of the cabin went green.

Unstrapping ourselves we opened both sides of the shuttle before dropping the ropes that were already hooked up. Myself and Samuel went down first landing softly on the roof of the building. Greg and Anofu joining us moments later. Once they were on the roof with us I hit a pulse and got 10 signatures in the house with five right below us. Nodding to the Samuel and Anofu they set up rappels on either side of the roof and slowly rappeled upside down to peer through the windows.

As they were doing that Greg and myself set up the breaching charges on the room. Clicking my mic three times we waited three more seconds before I blew the charges and Anofu and Samuel opened fire from the windows. Moments later both Greg and I jumped down into the hole we had created. I was immediately grabbed around the waist and slammed into a wall upon landing.

It didn't daze me though and I simply put the barrel of my smg onto the mans spine in the middle of his back and pulled the trigger. As he dropped like a sack of potatoes Samuel and Anofu slammed through the windows as Greg had just finished slamming a womans head into the wall. The woman collapsed onto the ground and Greg checked her vitals before giving me thumbs up. Looking at Anofu I pointed to the woman and she ziptied the woman before standing guard.

Nodding to Samuel and Greg I hit another pulse and saw that there were only three left in the house. Two of them already sprinting away and the crack of a sniper rifle resounded a moment later. Pointing to where the other three were below us each of us would take one of them.

With that we sprung into violent action. Greg barreling straight down the stairs and into the door I had pointed out to him. Samuel and I likewise sprinted to our doors but had different ways of going about it. Samuel just started unloading on the door not caring about taking the person inside prisoner. I simply sprinted to my door before calmly opening it and stepping inwards pulling out my ax and wielding my smg in the other hand.

The man inside calmly looked at me and my ax as he held his foot above his terminal intent on destroying its hard drive. I simply shook my head and the man sighed before calmly lowering his foot. He didn't even bother fighting and just got on his knees putting his hands behind his head. Nodding at his apparent surrender I decided not to risk it and wacked him across the temple with the flat side of my ax's blade. He instantly crumpled to the ground and I ziptied the man.

Leaving the room with the man slung over my shoulder I hit my mic twice and got clicks from everyone back. Good, all clear. With that we regrouped at the main entrance of the building and walked out to see Pequod landing in front of the building. Throwing the bodies in we made our way back to our base where we would throw the prisoners in the brig but not after they were checked for anything that they could use to kill themselves. With that it was out of our hands, Nyreen and her people would handle the rest.

Leaving them I made it back to my apartment and sat down in the middle of the room. Meditating for a couple of minutes my eyes snapped open as the door opened at Iris walked in. She stopped in the doorway eyes wide in shock and mild fear. She raised a finger and pointed it at me.

"Why are you on fire?" looking down she was right, my entire torso and arms were covered in purple and blue flames. Just like when Hackett threatened Tali.

POV: Oleg Petrovsky

"Sir, our scouts on Omega have been impersonated for the past two weeks," my secretary stated. My head snapping up from my chess board to stare them down, they instantly coward.

"Why am I just hearing about this?"

"I was just informed by Intel sir. Apparently the past two weeks reports have been copies of other reports mixed together so it wasn't caught immediately. Little discrepancies showing new information as well but it has been decided by Intel that these reports are completely false."

"This should've been caught far sooner than two weeks. Explain."

"The reports had the identification codes for our agents sir. There was no reason to suspect that they were false," I sighed at this setback.

It seems that the Torchbearers group, or more accurately now, Nyreen Kandros' group had Aria as an ally. That would complicate things as it had been my intention to ally with them to take over Omega. Betrayal would, of course, occur but they would've been instrumental. Now, adjustments needed to be made and they were no doubt preparing. It seemed that the violence of action was needed.

"Initiate Code Five. We are starting the invasion early, have every soldier ready for combat within the next two days. As soon as they are ready we move," the secretary nodded her head and as she left I looked down at the chessboard to see my bishop had been taken by another. Good move.

POV: Elric Kalt

I looked at the assembled mechs in front of me. A good few thousand of them ranging from six different models. All with their own designations: MILITIA, STALKER, ARCHER, ARCHOR, BULWARK, and RESCUE. All ranging in abilities from front line soldier, scouting, sniping, communication, support and medical. Every single one of the designations had their own unique aptitude but each was beyond useful.

Never in my wildest dreams would I ever be able to create them but with the bottomless pit of money the church had they made it possible. Hell, I've been able to upgrade quite a few of their designs. Even installing advanced VI's in them that would be able to adapt on the fly. Learning from the Quarians though I made sure that they wouldn't be able to integrate with any systems and were all separated from each others systems. Plus, as a cautionary measure all were shackled in some way. There would be no point in fighting this war if AI's rose up again and decided to kill innocent people.

As for how they would be used I would be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed there. They wouldn't be front line fighters in this upcoming war helping every race. Well, they would but it would be in far limited numbers while the majority of them stayed on Earth and helped to defend it.

Not that wasn't a bad thing. It was most definitely a good thing and they were due to be shipped all across the world to churches in the biggest of cities to help the people there. However, I couldn't help but be a little selfish; I wanted the whole of the galaxy to know of my inventions and their abilities. Still, it was better to save as many as possible than to seek fame and glory. At least that's what Samantha has been hammering into me.

Samantha was my second in charge. A diminutive human woman who was, quite frankly, brilliant and had the temper to match. Thank God it took forever to get her angry but when she did it was best to stay as far away as possible so you didn't get in the way. Still, she helped with everything and I doubt my creations would be where they are without her.

Now, all that was to happen was for the Reapers to come and meet us. We'll be waiting and as ready as we could possibly be. Come at us.

POV: Tali'Zorah

Jolting awake I sprang out of bed and went straight for the bathroom making sure to take my mask off on the way. It had been a long night last night and even though I could walk freely without my suit in my room I had been too tired to take it off. Either way I stumbled into the bathroom, grabbed the edges of the toilet and vomited. I just looked down at my vomit for a moment before more came out.

It went on like that for almost fifteen minutes eventually devolving into dry heaves. When it finally subsided I brushed my teeth and washed my mouth out refusing to acknowledge what's been happening every morning for the past week. Only the second time ever we had unprotected sex and this happens… I. I needed to be sure and left my room ignoring everyone that I crossed paths with.

Hopping into a shuttle I went straight to the medical frigate and got an immediate appointment. The doctor was quiet when I walked into the room, each of us knowing exactly what I was here for. She took a blood sample quietly and left the room leaving me with my thoughts. This was exactly the moment in time I missed my mom and dad, they would console me, help me. And Aedon…

I didn't know how he would react if my fears were true. I know he's religious and a good man but for something like this to happen now of all times. Would he blame me? Himself? I just didn't know and that made it all the worse. I needed him here, I needed him now but I couldn't leave. I… I..

Before my thoughts could devolve further the doctor came back and looked at me for a moment before nodding. I couldn't help it, I cried… now of all times this happened. I mean I was over the moon ecstatic but did it have to be now? When we were so close to war, no child deserves to grow up knowing war and who knows how long this one will last. War with the Geth, war with the Reapers both slated to start within the next month and I was pregnant.

"Keelah."

How do I break this to Aedon?

POV: Eschuvivi Dashi

Ah, Oleg is making his move. Perfect time for a final lesson boy. Let's see what new things you have up your sleeve. No doubt you'll be full of surprises.

Hope y'all enjoyed! As some people have started asking why Aedon isn't using his 'meta' knowledge to help the story I'll explain quickly. He's forgotten it all; the trauma he's gone through, the multitude of concussions, the mild alcoholism, and trying not to remember the demons of his past. That's why.

1*: Gerrel was still an Admiral at the time the vote was cast.