The Lives and Deaths of Commander Shepard

by MosaicCreme

The essence that is Commander Shepard has fought the battle against the Reapers more times than she can count, only to find herself right back where it all started. Never the exact same body, never the same first name or history. The disembodied voice struggles to break her way through to the consciousness of her current incarnation, trying to find a way to break her own cycle.

49. Chapter 26: Darkness and Decay

Chapter 26: Darkness and Decay

Shepard sat on the edge of Jacob's workstation eating something that looked a little like a pear but tasted more like a strawberry. She couldn't remember where Gardner said they from or what he called them, but she found she loved them. Jacob worked on making repairs to an assault rifle that jammed the last time it was used.

Jacob looked up at Shepard. "I thought you chose the squads?"

"I do, but since this is your thing … I thought I'd give you a say in who goes. If I don't like it, I'll say so. I suggest Miranda, though. You two know each other well, right? It might make this thing a little easier." Shepard took another bite and caught the juice that dripped down her chin with a finger.

"You mean you want Miranda to come play babysitter for this one. Make sure I don't get out of hand," Jane said.

"Yeah, that's a part of it," Shepard thought.

"Miranda, huh?" Jacob asked.

"Sure. You don't think that's a good idea?" Shepard licked the juice off of her finger.

"I didn't say that. It's just that … Miranda and I aren't as close as we used to be. Still, it might be nice to have her there when I finally get some answers," Jacob said.

"You think Jacob will stand by idly if Miranda starts fighting us?" Jane asked

"OK, who else?" Shepard asked.

"Do we really need anyone else?" Jacob asked.

"Whose side do you think he would choose?" Jane asked.

Shepard thought about it for a minute and shrugged her shoulders. "Not if you don't want someone else."

"Samara," Jacob said.

"Ha! I bet you five thousand credits I can get Samara to kill Miranda, maybe Jacob, too," Jane said.

"Samara?" Shepard asked.

"Yeah. I like her, I think she's nice. And she hasn't been off the ship much," Jacob said.

"Samara it is. Anyone else?" Shepard asked.

"You're feeling lucky today, aren't you Dawn? You think that little breathing trick Thane taught you is going to save you? You're deluding yourself," Jane said.

"No, I think that's good, Commander. Hey thanks again for this. I don't expect to find much but maybe just something that will tell me what the hell happened to him," Jacob said.

"Anytime, Jacob." Shepard hopped down off of the counter and gave Jacob a smile. "I'll let Samara and Miranda know to be ready."

She tossed the pit into the waste bin as she left the armory. She hit the call button on the elevator, and Kelley smiled and waved at her while she waited. Shepard returned the smile as the elevator opened. She took it down to the third deck and stopped to wash her hands in the restroom before tapping on the door to the starboard observation. She entered when she heard Samara's soft voice beckon for her to enter. Shepard was a little surprised to see Samara actually sitting on one of the couches in the observation with a book opened in her hands.

"Shepard, I am glad you have come. I wished to speak with you," Samara said.

Shepard sat down on the couch next to Samara, turning sideways with a knee against the back of the couch. Samara closed the book and sat it on the couch beside her. Shepard glanced at the title, The Complete Tales and Poems of Edgar Allen Poe, and raised an eyebrow. Samara caught Shepard's reaction.

"It appears this man was very troubled, yet there is a particular elegance to his work," Samara said.

"I haven't really read any of his stuff since I was a kid in school and they made us read some of the classics. Maybe I should take a look at that when you're finished. Maybe now that I'm a little older it will make more sense," Shepard said with a smile.

"A fearful idea now suddenly drove the blood in torrents upon my heart, and for a brief period, I once more relapsed into insensibility. Upon recovering, I at once started to my feet, trembling convulsively in every fiber," Jane said.

"Don't," Shepard thought.

"Do you read often, Shepard?" Samara asked.

"I trust my arms wildly above and around me in all directions. I felt nothing; yet dreaded to move a step, lest I should be impeded by the walls of a tomb," Jane said.

"Jane, stop," Shepard thought.

Shepard shook her head. "Mostly just reports and correspondences."

"It has been years since I have stayed still long enough to read a book. I have spent the last four-hundred years on the hunt; it has not left me with much time to read. Many years ago, it was a favored pastime of mine," Samara said. "I am afraid that I must again set aside the books in favor of finding my quarry."

"Oh, you don't like 'The Pit and the Pendulum'? How about something from 'The Masque of the Red Death'?" Jane asked.

"You've found something?" Shepard asked.

"And now was acknowledged the presence of the Red Death. He had come like a thief in the night. And one by one dropped the revelers in the in the blood-bedewed halls of their revel, and died each in their despairing posture of his fall." Jane continued to recite even as Samara spoke.

"I have, with the information that you collected on Illium." Samara folded her hands in her lap and gazed out of the observation window. "It is a difficult thing that I wish to ask. I have sworn an oath to you, Shepard, and I have agreed to serve you on your mission but I fear if I do not go after her now, she will evade me once more."

"And the life of the ebony clock went out with the last of the gay. And the flames of the tripods expired. And Darkness and Decay and the Red Death held illimitable dominion over all," Jane said. "Reminds you of the Council pretending the reapers aren't real, doesn't it?"

"Enough, Jane! Samara is trying to talk to me, this is important to her," Shepard thought.

"So we don't let her get away, we'll go after her," Shepard said.

"What does it matter? You already know what she needs you to do?" Jane asked.

"You would help me with this?" Samara asked.

"You aren't the only member of this team to ask for help with something. You've seen that I've been willing to help them, why wouldn't I be willing to help you, too?" Shepard asked.

"And you're doing everything that you can to procrastinate the inevitable. Poe had some things to say about procrastination as well," Jane said.

"For fucksake just shut up for five minutes, please?" Shepard thought.

"All you needed to do was say please," Jane said.

Samara glanced down at her hands. "Perhaps I am still unused to having others willing to aid me. The life of a Justicar is all too often one of solitude. I should warn you that the fugitive I seek is extremely dangerous."

"If you're after her, I wouldn't expect anything less. What do you know about her?" Shepard asked.

"She is an Ardat-Yakshi," Samara said.

"A demon of the night winds," Shepard said.

Samara turned her eyes from the observation window to look at Shepard. "You surprise me, Shepard. This is not a thing that asari speak of to others. You have known another asari well enough to be trusted with a great secret of all asari."

Shepard brushed her hair behind her ear and rested her head on her palm and deflected revealing exactly how she knew of the Ardat-Yakshi. "There were two asari who died when the old Normandy was attacked … Dr. Liara T'Soni was a good friend of mine. She was obsessed with Protheans, and had a brilliant mind. Gods, she was only a hundred and six."

Jane stirred in the back of Shepard's mind but remained silent.

Shepard took a deep shuddering breath and gently cleared her throat. "The other was a colleague of Dr. Chakwas. Her name was Dr. Tulina. She and Dr. Chakwas were … very close. She joined the Normandy because she specialized in human psychology. She helped me through some rough times, though I didn't get the chance to know her very well."

"I am sorry. I did not intend to stir up the pain of such loss," Samara said.

Shepard smiled and shook her head. "Don't be. It hurts, but it's good to remember those I've lost along the way. So, where is this Ardat-Yakshi?"

"She is on Omega using the assumed name 'Morinth'. I believe she is using a nightclub called Afterlife as her hunting grounds. You are familiar with what an Ardat-Yakshi is and how she kills?" Samara asked.

"Yes, it's a rare genetic condition that alters the way an asari melds consciousness with others. Instead of simply joining another's mind, an Ardat-Yakshi overpowers the other, causing hemorrhaging and a slow death," Shepard said.

"That is correct. The Ardat-Yakshi gains intense pleasure from the meld and many become addicted to the process leaving a trail of bodies in their wake," Samara said. "When the condition firsts manifests, they are given the choice to live a life of seclusion or are killed. Morinth refused the offer and ran. She has been free and killing for four-hundred years, and I have been chasing her. When I find her, I must kill her."

"That's a long time to be chasing one person," Shepard said.

"She is my responsibility … she is my daughter," Samara said.

"Is she the reason you became a Justicar?" Shepard asked.

"Yes. I have two other daughters – two other Ardat-Yakshi – when they learned of their disorder they chose a life of solitude and moved to a monastery. I had nothing to keep me from pursuing Morinth when she ran, no other obligations. I saw a wrong, I knew what she was capable of and I took responsibility for tracking her down." Samara turned her attention back to the observation window. "I gave up all that I possessed and swore the oath of the Justicar. I swore to find my daughter, and kill her. Each life that she has taken since that day has been a reminder of my failure to stop her. My redemption lies in killing her."

"I'm assuming that asari have no control over this genetic disorder, even with as much control as they have over mating. You didn't choose for your daughters to be Ardat-Yakshi," Shepard said.

"Of course not, Shepard. No mother would choose this for their children." Samara's brow creased as she looked at Shepard in shock.

"Then why have you worked so hard to convince yourself that you are to blame for her actions?" Shepard asked.

"I – she is my daughter. I created her, gave her life. It was my duty to ensure that she was taught right from wrong, and I failed," Samara said.

"You have three daughters, Samara. Two of which chose the path that would allow them to live without killing others. One chose another path. It sounds to me as if she failed, not you," Shepard said. "Don't misunderstand me, I agree that she needs to be stopped and I am more than willing to help you but I see her as the one at fault here, and only her."

The silence stretched on for a few moments before Samar spoke again, "You are wise beyond your years, Shepard. I am not sure that I agree, but it is kind of you to say."

"I'm just giving you my honest opinion. Maybe you'll give it some consideration." Shepard stood and Samara looked up at her. "We'll get to Omega as soon as we can."

"Thank you, Shepard. There are no words to express what this means to me," Samara said.

Shepard nodded and started to leave. She stopped when she remembered why she came to see Samara in the first place.

"Oh, I almost forgot. Jacob has requested you as a squad mate for this next mission. He's received reports that the emergency beacon from the ship his father disappeared on ten years ago was activated. We're going to check it out," Shepard said.

"I see. This must be difficult for him. I will be ready to assist however I can," Samara said.

"Great, thanks, Samara." Shepard turned to leave.

"Commander? Might I ask you a question?" Samara asked.

Shepard turned back to see Samara had stood up and moved closer, speaking in hushed tones.

"Certainly," Shepard said.

"When we first met, you spoke to me about Cerberus and your plans for the operatives on the Normandy. I was curious if you have made any progress? Forgive me if it is not my place to ask," Samara said.

"Oh no, you're fine. Yes, I have made significant progress with both Miranda and Jacob. I am unsure about Kelley, Gabby, and Ken but I think they'll come around. Gardner even, perhaps. I haven't had the opportunity to speak with the other Cerberus crew. They tend to avoid me," Shepard said.

"This pleases me to hear. I believe Jacob is an honorable man. I did not wish to have to kill him when my service to you is finished," Samara said.

Smugness seeped through Shepard's mind, but still Jane was silent.

Shepard chuckled. "He seems to like you, as well. He said you're nice."

Samara smiled before returning to the couch and picking up her book. Shepard left the starboard observation and made her way to Miranda's office. She tapped on the door and entered when Miranda called out to her. Miranda was sitting at her desk sifting through a stack of datapads.

"Commander, good, you're here. Councilor Anderson just forwarded some of your medical records to Dr. Chakwas. Apparently much of it was classified and he insists that it can only be released to you in person. We need to go to the Citadel," Miranda said.

"It's going to have to wait a bit, Miranda. We have a lot lined up right now," Shepard said.

Miranda looked up from the datapads. "Commander, it is your call, of course but I cannot effectively help you until I have those records."

"She can't help us. She'll just want to cut us open again. Probably leave something shiny and new inside. Or maybe something dark and ancient," Jane said.

"I know, and we'll get there as soon as we can. I appreciate everything that you're trying to do to help, I do. I wanted to talk to you about something else though," Shepard said.

"Sure, have a seat." Miranda stood and crossed over to the chairs she had sitting next to the window across from her desk. "What's on your mind?"

"We're headed to check on the S.O.S. sent out by Jacob's dad's ship, the Hugo Gernsback," Shepard said.

"I'm aware," Miranda said.

"Right, and I'm aware that he got that message because of you." Shepard leaned forward, bracing her elbows on her knees. "What we find down there isn't going to be pretty, and it's going to do a number on Jacob. I let him choose who goes down with us, but I suggested you be a part of the squad and he's agreed."

"Isn't pretty doesn't cover it. Ronald Taylor is the epitome of everything that is wrong with humanity. He's as bad as the Illusive Man. We should kill him, too. Sometimes we do that, you know? Let the hunters have at him. Or convince Jacob to give him a gun with one shot left. Wouldn't it feel wonderful to put a bullet in his head yourself? Jacob would understand," Jane said.

"He's already dead, isn't he?" Miranda asked.

Shepard shook her head. "No, but it might have been better for Jacob if he were. I don't want to go into the details right now but it's a complicated mess and his father did some really terrible things. I know you and Jacob have a history, I don't know the details of that history, but I think he could really use some support down there."

"Of course, Commander. Things might not have worked out between Jacob and me, but I still care about him," Miranda said.

"I'm also asking you to go because you're one of the few people on board who understand what's going on with me. I would prefer to have someone around who will know what's going on if it something happens," Shepard said.

"Hmmm, we'll see," Jane said.

"Yes, I agree that would be wise. I will have smelling salts ready, should you need them," Miranda said.

"You should probably bring tranquilizers, too. Just in case." Shepard chewed on her lip. "It's possible that if she did take over, she might not do anything … you know, off the wall. But, she's not exactly fond of you anymore, Miranda. She shot Garrus, I don't think she'd hesitate to do you harm so … just be careful."

"I didn't mean to shoot him, not really. That isn't fair," Jane said.

"I'm sure I can handle it, Commander, but thank you for your concern," Miranda said.

"Ha! Oh that's rich. C'mon, Dawn, don't you kinda want to knock her on her ass now just to show her that she definitely cannot handle a pissed off N7?" Jane said.

"Uh huh. Sure. Look, Samara and Jacob don't know about this. I get that if something happens you're going to have to tell them something. Do what you got to do, I'll deal with the consequences later," Shepard said.

"What do you think Samara would say if she learned that you knew all along where Morinth was but you didn't tell her?" Jane asked.

"Samara is going with us?" Miranda asked.

"Yeah, that a problem?" Shepard asked.

"She is sworn to you, Shepard. How will she respond if I am forced to tranquilize you?" Miranda asked.

"Samara isn't exactly the shoot first ask questions later, type though so if you tell her it's for my safety I think she'll listen to what you have to say," Shepard said. "Besides, if it gets to the point where you have to tranquilize me … I don't think anyone will doubt it was necessary."

"I hope you're right," Miranda said.

"Do you really believe that, Dawn?" Jane asked.

"So do I. Anyway, I'll be in my cabin looking over reports until we get there," Shepard said.

"Hey Jane, why don't you give creepy bitch mode a rest and try being helpful for a little while instead?" Shepard thought.

Miranda nodded and Shepard left, making her way back to her cabin. She settled in at her desk and started looking over reports from the crew about the functionality of the ship and things they were running low on. Jane soon grew bored and quieted down.

"Shepard, there is a call coming in for you from Councilor Sparatus. Shall I patch it through for you?" EDI asked.

Shepard stood up from her desk and closed her laptop, hitting the button to turn her display case into a vid screen before giving the EDI the go ahead to patch it through. A moment later the image of Councilor Sparatus appeared on the screen, Shepard saluted.

"Commander Shepard," Sparatus said.

"Councilor. What can I do for you?" Shepard asked.

"Commander, the Council has decided that you should be kept apprised of the developments relating to The Dissension," Sparatus said.

Shepard waited quietly while the councilor worked past his apparent discomfort of speaking to Shepard. Sparatus shifted in his seat and clacked his mandibles. Jane stirred, listening to the conversation.

"Joram Talid has been arrested and charged with suspected connections to the terrorist organization The Dissension, as per the reports made directly to the Council by a Council Spectre – yourself, obviously." Sparatus paused, his mandibles flaring as he considered his next words. "Because of the nature of the threats made towards you, the Council requested that another Spectre look into Talid – Naepia Protalus."

"Haven't heard of them," Jane said.

Sparatus looked at someone off screen to his right. "Is this really necessary?"

"Yes, Councilor, it is." Shepard recognized Tevos' voice.

"I'm sorry sir, but is there a problem?" Shepard asked.

"Obviously, look at him squirm," Jane said.

Sparatus turned back to the screen and said, "Spectre Protalus was one of several names provided by Talid in an attempt to reduce his sentence. Hours after Talid provided the list of names, he was found dead in his cell and Spectre Protalus is missing. We believe she is involved with The Dissension and has gone rouge."

"Fantastic," Jane said. "Another distraction. Let me guess, he wants us to track down this rogue Spectre?"

"Tell her the rest, Sparatus," Tevos said.

Sparatus ran a hand over his face and snapped his mandibles tight against his jaw. "Although the list of names provided by Talid has also gone missing from our systems, it is my duty to inform you that my own name was among those listed. It is preposterous; of course, Talid was clearly doing everything that he could to save his own hide. That being said, I am recusing myself from the Council while I am under investigation."

"Shit … this isn't good," Jane said.

Shepard was speechless. She grabbed the back of her chair and stared into the eyes of the councilor on the screen as if she could find the answers there. Sparatus started to stand but abruptly stopped and turned back to the screen.

"Shepard … I know that our interactions have been … less than friendly but I had nothing to do with this. I am not involved with these people … and I certainly had nothing to do with what happened to you that night," Sparatus said. "And I'm sorry it happened at all."

Shepard took in the urgency in his voice and the strain in his face as he spoke. She wasn't sure what to believe, but her gut was telling her he was telling the truth.

"I don't know. This is all new to me. I can't help you with this mess," Jane said.

"Thank you sir," Shepard said.

Sparatus' mandibles flared wide before he nodded his head to her and disappeared from her sight. A moment later, Tevos took his place.

"Shepard, the other councilors and I would like to assure you that although we do not believe Councilor Sparatus to be guilty of these crimes, we will ensure that the investigation is thorough and we will remain objective throughout the process," Tevos said. "If you have anything that you would like to add to the investigation - any evidence, insight, or opinion, you are welcome to share that with us."

"I have nothing at this time, thank you. Councilor, if I may?" Shepard asked.

"Of course, Shepard," Tevos said.

"Does the Council plan to replace Councilor Sparatus during the investigation?" Shepard asked.

Tevos looked off screen briefly. "We are in the process of discussing that, but we believe it is necessary to replace Sparatus if for no other reason than to show publicly that we are not holding the entire turian population responsible for the actions of a few."

"Councilor, when the media gets wind of this … it's going to be a field day. This is going to fuel tensions between the turians and humans. How will the Council deal with this?" Shepard asked

"We will deal with things as they come, Commander. For now, we must show our due diligence with handling such a serious threat for the sake of both humans and turians," Tevos said.

Shepard nodded her head. "Damn it."

"Damn it," Jane echoed.

"I'm sorry, Commander," Tevos said.

"We weren't able to save any of the other names? No other information was gathered from Talid?" Shepard asked.

"Unfortunately, without the statement Talid made, and without Talid alive to verify the statement – any names remembered would be considered suspect and inadmissible as evidence. We are required to protect the identities of those individuals named for the time being," Tevos said.

"Of course," Jane said.

"I see," Shepard said pinching the bridge of her nose.

"We will get to the bottom of this, Commander Shepard. However, in the meantime, we still recommend that you maintain an escort while visiting the Citadel whenever possible," Tevos said.

"Yes ma'am. Thank you, Councilor," Shepard said.

Tevos gave Shepard a sympathetic smile before ending the call. Shepard ran her hands through her hair and let out a deep breath, her bangs fluttering around her face. She hit the button to turn the screen clear again.

"EDI, please ask Garrus and Thane to come to my cabin. I need to speak with them," Shepard said.

A moment later EDI said, "They are on their way, Shepard."

Thane was the first to arrive, thanking EDI as he entered the cabin. He stopped a few feet inside and turned to Shepard. His eyes scrutinized and assessed her, Shepard tried to smile reassuringly.

"I'm fine, no need to subdue me. I just got off of a call with the Council. I'll wait for Garrus to get here to explain," Shepard said.

Thane dipped his head, his posture becoming a little more relaxed. Thane turned to look at Spike pressing his nose against the glass. Shepard moved to stand in front of the tank with him, her arms crossed over her chest. Even being next to him was somehow relaxing.

"I'm thinking about letting him go the next time I'm on Tuchanka," Shepard said.

"Do you no longer find him pleasurable to look at?" Thane asked.

"No, I do. And I like taking him out to hold him, but Mordin kind of made me feel like a real ass for owning a pet," Shepard said. "Apparently humans are deplorable for the way we treat animals, above all other atrocities we've committed in his eyes."

"Maybe he'll change his mind when he hears about Ronald Taylor," Jane offered. "I like Spike. We never had a snake before. Just fish that kept dying and a hamster that stayed hidden."

"He appears to be content and in good health. On Tuchanka, he would likely find the living conditions far harsher. Finding adequate water and food would be more of a challenge, he would have to fend off predators and likely be attacked in territorial disputes," Thane said.

"See, we should keep him," Jane said.

"Yeah, maybe we should." Shepard wasn't sure how long Jane would stay in an agreeable mood, but she wanted to encourage it as much as she could.

Shepard grabbed her desk chair and rolled it over to the tank. When she started to step up on the swiveling chair, Thane braced the back of it for her. She opened the top of the tank and reached her arm down inside.

"He bit the hell out of me the first time; I think he got quite a shock when his teeth met metal. Luckily, he didn't hurt himself," Shepard said. "I usually make Garrus do this because he doesn't have to stand on a damn chair."

Thane chuckled and watched as Spike raised upwards, his tongue flicking in and out, as he met Shepard's hand. He pushed his nose against her fingertips before slowly wrapping himself around her hand and crawling up her arm. Jane seemed to delight in the sensation. Shepard carefully retracted her arm and Spike from the terrarium. The cabin door opened and Garrus walked in as she stepped off of the chair.

"Please tell me you didn't call me up here to watch you baby-talk to Spike," Garrus said.

Shepard stuck her tongue out at Garrus and held Spike up in front of her face. His tongue darted out, testing her scent.

"Ignore him, Spike. He's just a big meanie. Yes he is. He's jealous because I don't baby-talk to him. Who's my good little predator? Hmmm? You are, aren't you? Yes you are," Shepard said.

"You're right. We're definitely not the same person," Jane said, amusement tinting her words.

"Spirits, woman. Please don't ever talk to me like that," Garrus said.

"Oh so I shouldn't start talking like this in bed?" Shepard asked with a smirk.

Garrus chuffed and Thane chuckled.

"So what's up?" Garrus asked.

"I just received a call from Councilor Sparatus. EDI? Can you play that back for us by chance?" Shepard asked.

"Absolutely," EDI said.

Shepard pushed the chair back over to her desk and stood in front of the glass display case as it darkened. Thane and Garrus moved closer to stand behind her as Sparatus appeared on the screen. Shepard let Spike slither over her hands and arms as the call played. Despite what she'd said, Jane almost seemed to coo in response. When it ended, Shepard looked over her shoulder at Garrus. His mandibles were tight against his face and he stood rigid. He had to understand the implications of this in turian politics better than she did, and clearly he was concerned.

Shepard wrapped Spike around the back of her neck and went downstairs to the liquor cabinet. She poured Garrus a drink and turned to see that the two men followed her downstairs. Shepard crossed the floor and handed Garrus the glass, letting him process what he'd just seen. She settled in on the couch and gestured at the empty seats. Garrus slowly lowered himself to the cushion at the end of the section Shepard sat on while Thane crossed to the other section to sit. Garrus took a long drink of the brandy before leaning forward, resting his elbows on his knees.

"I believe him." Shepard wasn't positive until she said it out loud. "Sparatus is kind of an ass, but I don't think he's involved with this."

"I think you're right," Jane said.

"I saw no indication of deceit," Thane offered.

"Neither did I, but depending on how this thing goes, it's not going to matter," Garrus said.

"There's going to be political backlash either way," Shepard said.

"Turian-human relations are still tense, our alliances might not be able to withstand this," Garrus said.

"What if this leads to war?" Jane asked.

"We'll do whatever we can to keep it from getting to that point," Shepard thought.

"Honestly, I'm more concerned about the turian's ability to unite when the reapers hit than I am about any conflict between our species," Shepard said. "The turian's military strength is vital against the reapers."

"Gods, you're right," Jane said.

Garrus ran the back of a gloved talon across his forehead. "No, when the reapers arrive, we'll be on the frontlines. It's who we are, what we do."

"It's not as simple as that, Garrus. When the reapers come … every other time, both Palaven and Earth were under attack. It was my job to convince everyone to band together for the final assault on Earth. I had to agree to help cure the genophage to get Wrex to help Primarch Victus –," Shepard said.

"Victus?" Garrus asked.

Shepard nodded and continued, "Wrex wouldn't help Victus fight on Palaven unless the genophage was cured, and Victus wouldn't lend Earth any support unless Palaven was covered. The reapers spread out through the galaxy, but they are gunning for Earth. The final showdown to this whole thing happens there."

"And with things already in motion to cure the genophage, and the potential of trouble between turians and humans … hmmm," Garrus said taking another drink.

"Exactly. So, we need to make sure that doesn't happen," Shepard said.

"How?" Jane asked.

"What do you suggest we do?" Garrus asked.

"We've got to help prove Sparatus innocent, and encourage positive human-turian relations while the turians work to ferret out The Dissension and squash the group before things get even uglier," Shepard said.

"It feels … dirty helping him, but if that's what it takes," Jane said.

"How may I assist, Shepard?" Thane asked.

"I want both of you to see what information you can turn up. On Talid, on Sparatus, on Protalus. This thing is going to hit the media. See if you can figure out where people stand," Shepard said. "We'll have to go to the Citadel soon, but do what you can from here. There's an Alliance reporter, Diana Allers, I haven't met her yet, but I know she can be trusted. I'll see if I can track her down. I want to make it clear that I support Sparatus publicly and she won't sugar coat anything. I'll talk to Emily Wong, too."

"Just avoid Khalisah al-Jilani," Jane said.

"Of course. Fuck that bitch," Shepard thought.

Jane snorted.

"I should bring Grundan Krul in on this." Garrus put the glass down on the table and stood, heading for the door. "He can help. Unless that's a problem for you?"

"He's not taking this well at all. Look at his eyes, they look so cold, and his mandibles … you couldn't pry them away from his jaw if you tried," Jane said.

"Not at all," Shepard said.

"What will happen to Garrus if we go to war with his people? We can't do that, can we? We can't participate in a war against the turians. We can't do that to him. He wouldn't do that to us. And what about the collectors and the reapers?" Agitation and panic started to creep in around the edges of Shepard's consciousness as Jane began to worry.

"No, we'll never participate in a war against the turians. Not so long as I have breath left in me. It's going to be OK, Jane. We'll find a way," Shepard thought.

"I'll let you know what we find," Garrus said.

"What did we do, Dawn? We never should have looked at that list. None of this would have happened if we hadn't looked at the list," Jane said.

"Shh, Jane, it's OK. It's OK. We'll fix it, alright? We'll fix it," Shepard thought.

Shepard stood and followed after him. Thane watched them with his hands tucked behind his back from the top of the stairs. She kissed Garrus and he pressed his head to hers. Despite her best efforts to soothe Jane, her worry was real and contagious. Shepard couldn't help herself from running through the worst of the 'what ifs' as Garrus leaned into her. Jane seemed to retreat, to wallow in her own fears. He squeezed her shoulder and left the cabin.

It wasn't until the door closed behind him that Shepard let the tears slip down her face. She turned around and swiped at her cheeks, glancing at Thane as she pulled the chair back to the tank. Thane moved to hold the chair without her needing to ask as she stepped up on it and coaxed Spike off of her arm and back into his tank.

"Remember to breathe, Siha. You have faced worse than this, I have no doubts you will find a solution," Thane said.

Shepard glanced down, more tears threatening to spill over her eyes. Thane held a hand out to her. She slipped her hand in his and stepped down from the chair. Pulling it back to wipe at her eyes again.

"I'm making a mess of this, Thane. None of this ever happened before. Things are falling apart and I'm not going to be around in the end to help him pick up the pieces," Shepard said. "Maybe Jane's right. Maybe I'm just making it all worse."

"I do not believe that she is … you shouldn't give up hope that you will survive this," Thane said.

Shepard gave a sardonic laugh. "Hell, Thane, you might just outlive me this time."

Shepard saw something flash in Thane's eyes to quickly for her to pinpoint before he turned his eyes to the ground.

"I – I find that an oddly discomforting notion. You are strong, Shepard. There is still time, you could survive this," Thane said.

Shepard shook her head. "That's not going to happen. He knows it. I know it. The best I can hope for is that when things go dark, they stay dark this time. And if it doesn't … well, I'm just glad that I was able to make at least some memories of my own to carry me through the times to come."

Thane put a hand on Shepard's shoulder and she forced a smile.

"Siha," he said.

"You know what scares me the most about it? Having to look at all of you through someone else's eyes and knowing that you won't even know I'm there. You won't see me. You won't know me. I'll just be another voice in someone else's mind." Shepard closed her eyes and took a deep breath and let it out slow.

Thane moved his hand to cup her cheek. "I see you now, Siha."

Shepard let out a wistful sigh. His touch calming her, she opened her eyes.

"I shouldn't be dumping this on you, I'm sorry," Shepard said.

"Don't apologize. I'm honored that you are willing to share these things with me." Thane opened his arms to her and she stepped into his embrace.

He held her in companionable silence, her cheek pressed against the cool leather of his jacket. After a moment, Shepard took another deep breath and chuckled.

"There you go spoiling me again." Shepard started to pull away.

Thane didn't release her though, his hands staying pressed against her back. Shepard's heart jumped and her eyes sought his, trying to understand the intent behind the gesture. His eyes were focused on her lips. The abrupt and complete shift in her thoughts made her mind stumble. He moved a hand back to her face, the tips of his fingers resting just below her jaw. He ran his thumb across her cheek and she could feel her pulse throbbing against his fingertips.

"You have taught me many things, Siha." His voice rumbled, soft and low like distant thunder.

Shepard licked her lips. "Oh?"

"I wonder if you are willing to teach me one more?" Thane asked meeting her gaze.

Shepard swallowed against the knot in her throat, her voice hoarse when she spoke. "What's that?"

He leaned in and brushed his lips feather light against hers. A small whimper escaped Shepard's throat when just as suddenly his lips had left hers again. His mouth hovered over hers, teasing her with its closeness yet feeling so far away.

"How to share," Thane whispered.

Shepard slid her hand along his jaw until her fingers cradled his head and pulled him closer, her mouth hungrily seeking his out. Heat surged through her as his lips parted, allowing her tongue entrance to his mouth. Raw lust and a wave of emotion crashed through her as he wrapped his arm around her waist pulling her in flush against his body. Shepard pushed against him, guiding him until his back pressed against the terrarium. She didn't hear the cabin door slide open.

"Shepard," EDI said.

Shepard ignored her, instead moaning into Thane's mouth.

"About damn time." Garrus' voice broke through Shepard's mind but she couldn't pull herself from Thane to turn and look.

Thane tried pulling from her but Shepard whimpered and pulled him back closer.

"Shepard, your brainwave activity –," EDI said.

Garrus was there beside her, his hands gently pulling her away as Thane freed himself from her grasp, as startled look on his face. Only then did she realize how close she was to losing herself to Jane.

"No. No, no, no." Shepard groaned.

"There's no time. So much is going wrong. We have to stop it. There's no time." Jane rattled on, her voice delirious in Shepard's mind.

"Stay with me, Dawn," Garrus said. "Are you helping or not, Krios?"

"The Dissension is working with the collectors. They must be. They're all indoctrinated. They're going to kill all of the humans. Harbinger has them now. We have to stop it!" Jane said.

Thane collected himself enough to speak up. "Shepard, just as this morning; deep breaths, acknowledge, and let it go."

Shepard nodded and focused on her breathing, clinging desperately to Garrus' arms as her head spun.

"Dawn, do you hear me? Dawn! We have to stop them. We can't let this happen. They'll take everyone. They'll take us all, put us in pods and melt us down. They're going to feed us into the human reaper they're making. We have to stop this!" Jane said.

"Jane you have to calm down. You're not making sense!" Shepard spoke out loud, her hand clenching at her head as pain lanced through her skull.

"EDI, get Dr. Chakwas up here," Garrus said.

Shepard's head was spinning. She had to fight the urge to throw herself on Thane even while fighting the urge to go running from the cabin, screaming in panic. Thane was still encouraging her to breathe and to let go of the emotions threatening to consume her but it wasn't working out for her quite so well this time. Dr. Chakwas came in and opened her omni-tool right away, moving to Shepard's side and scanning her head. Shepard felt herself becoming agitated on top of it all, as Dr. Chakwas began asking her questions.

Dr. Chakwas didn't wait any longer for the deep breathing exercises to help. She snapped open a vial of smelling salts and waved them in front of Shepard's face. Shepard coughed and pulled away from the odor. Dr. Chakwas waved it under her nose again once more for good measure until Shepard gave her a murderous look. Soon, Shepard's cabin was filled with people poking, prodding, and scanning as Mordin and Miranda joined her to draw blood and scan her implants. Shepard stood there as passively as she could, torn between anger and sympathy for the insane voice in her head.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry. I'm sorry." Jane whimpered. "They're coming. Oh gods, they're coming and they're going to kill us all."

Garrus stood off to the side watching her like a hawk. Thane had pushed himself back in a corner near the door, looking to Shepard as if he wanted nothing more than to flee but was making himself stay in case he was needed. He met her gaze and Shepard winced, looking away from him and focusing on Spike instead. The thorned serpent had curled himself into the corner of the tank and appeared to be sleeping despite all of the activity going on just outside of his tank. Tears began to slip down Shepard's cheeks and she angrily shoved them away with her free hand.

"Do you have what you need?" Garrus asked, stepping forward.

"Yes, I believe so," Dr. Chakwas said.

"I'd like to run a few more tests," Miranda said.

"They can wait," Garrus said.

Miranda looked up at Garrus and cocked an eyebrow, her lips parted as if she were about to scold him when she glanced at Shepard. Miranda's mouth closed and she looked down at her omni-tool.

"I suppose they can. Shepard, I would appreciate it if you would come to my office when you're feeling up to it," Miranda said.

Shepard nodded and Miranda closed her omni-tool. Dr. Chakwas squeezed Shepard's arm and headed for the door, Miranda right behind her. Thane stepped out of her way. Mordin followed, all the while explaining to Dr. Chakwas and Miranda why they should allow him to take blood samples from them for comparison. Shepard turned and walked downstairs to collapse on the couch. She shoved her fingers into her hair and hid her face in her palms.

She could hear Garrus and Thane talking quietly where she left them, but she couldn't make out what they were saying. She thought Garrus sounded a little angry once or twice but he didn't raise his voice. After a couple of minutes, Shepard heard Garrus come down the stairs and felt his body settle in next to her on the couch. When he wrapped his arm around her, she dropped her hands from her face and leaned into him.

"Thane leave?" Shepard asked.

"Yeah. He, uh, he said he wanted to give you your space," Garrus said.

"I saw the look on his face. He ran scared. Can't say that I blame him. That wasn't exactly the ideal first kiss," Shepard said.

"They're coming," Jane said.

"He's just concerned, Shepard. Hell, we all are. The way he sees this, he set Jane off. He doesn't want to risk it happening again," Garrus said.

Shepard smiled.

"What?" Garrus asked.

"You're defending him. That's a far cry from threatening to rip his throat out," Shepard said.

"Garrus. Garrus is the only turian we can trust. We can trust him, right? He's not working with the collectors. He won't let them have us," Jane said.

"Of course we can trust Garrus," Shepard thought.

"Yeah well, I'm still not getting into bed with the two of you," Garrus said.

"You don't let me have any fun," Shepard said forcing a smile.

Garrus chuckled. "How are you holding up?"

Shepard thought about it for a moment. "I'm pissed. And emotionally exhausted. I'm so tired of living this way, Garrus."

Garrus rubbed her arm. "I know, Shepard. I would fix this for you if I could. Maybe we'll get lucky and one of them will come up with a solution; figure out a way to make Jane go away."

"I don't want her to go away, Garrus. I need her. I just wish she would stop making it all so gods damned difficult," Shepard said.

"He wants me to go away? Garrus … wants me to go away?" Jane asked

"You don't need her, Shepard. You already know what's going to happen, and what you need to accomplish. You can figure out the details without her," Garrus said, tensing next to her.

"No, no, you need me. And we need Garrus. We need all of them." Jane's thoughts shifted away from The Dissension and focused in on Garrus' words. "I didn't mean to shoot him. Tell him I'm sorry, please! Tell him I'm sorry."

"You know, she's miserable over shooting you. She wants you to know that she's sorry," Shepard said.

"Hmmm. Well, if she's really sorry she'll stop doing this to you," Garrus said.

"I'm not so sure she can always help it, Garrus," Shepard said. "She keeps changing from one moment to the next. I'm not sure how much control she has over any of it anymore."

Garrus stood abruptly. "Are you going to be alright alone? I only came back up here to grab a datapad I left here last night. I need to finish filling Grundan Krul in on this whole mess with The Dissension and the Council."

Shepard watched as that old familiar coldness began to creep back into Garrus' eyes. "Yeah, sure. I'll be fine. No worries."

Feeling deflated, Shepard made her way back to her desk as Garrus left her cabin. She stayed there going over reports and trying her hardest to not think about what was going on in Garrus' mind for fear it would upset Jane all over again. When EDI told her she had twenty minutes before they arrived at Aeia, she suited up and went down to the shuttles to meet her ground team. Miranda eyed her warily as she climbed into the shuttle.

"Are you well, Commander?" Samara asked.

"Yeah, I've just got a lot on my mind," Shepard said.

Once everyone was in the shuttle, Shepard closed the door and knocked on the wall to alert the pilot that they were good to go. The hangar doors opened and the shuttle lifted off the hangar floor, leaving the ship and flying down to Aeia. Shepard glanced at Jacob who seemed to be watching Miranda closely. She took that as a sign that Miranda had spoken to Jacob about the message he received. She idly wondered what else went into that conversation but she knew it wasn't her business.

The shuttle landed on Aeia and everyone climbed out. The sound of ocean waves lapping against the shore reached Shepard's ears. She took a moment to look around at the rocky ledges and palm trees surrounding her. She glanced up at the sight of the moons, so close to Aeia that it almost seemed like she could reach out and touch them. EDI's voice came over the comm, telling the team that there were no signs of life but that the ship might still hold valuable information. Shepard stepped aside and motioned Jacob forward.

Jacob looked at her, his eyebrows raised as if to ask her if she were sure. Shepard nodded and smiled. He gave her a firm nod and took the lead, moving down the path towards the wreckage of the Hugo Gernsback. Miranda stayed close to Shepard, as did Samara; both for very different reasons. Shepard caught Miranda's eye and then looked pointedly at Jacob's back. Miranda frowned at Shepard but moved up closer to Jacob.

She could hear the two of them talking softly to one another, only able to make out every few words. Miranda seemed to be trying to prepare Jacob for the worst, and Jacob seemed to be assuring her that he didn't expect to find his father alive. Shepard glanced at Samara who smiled at her warmly.

"It is very beautiful here," Samara said.

Shepard looked around her again and nodded. "Yeah, it is. Tranquil."

"It reminds me of the gardens on Thessia," Samara said. "Have you ever been to Thessia, Commander?"

"No, not yet. I'm sure I will someday. Liara use to talk about it sometimes. Mostly just the occasional story from her childhood … memories of a time before her mother … her mother was Lady Benezia. I don't know if you knew who she was, or of her involvement with Saren?" Shepard asked.

"I do not know of her," Samara said.

"She was a well-respected matriarch until she became involved with Saren. She thought she could help him, pull him back from the brink of insanity and keep him from hurting anyone else. But the longer she spent with him, with Sovereign; she became indoctrinated and was soon working to aid Saren." Shepard turned her eyes to the ground in front of her as they walked. "We had to fight her on Noveria. It tore Liara apart. Benezia broke through the hold the indoctrination had on her mind in the end, just long enough to give us a little information and say goodbye to her daughter."

Jane tossed and turned, restless in the back of Shepard's mind. Images of Liara began to float to the surface. Her smile lit up the room like no one else's. Shepard could see every freckle that dusted the asari's cheeks, and every curve of her crest.

"She was still very young, your friend Liara. I imagine that was devastating for her and for you as well," Samara said.

Shepard cleared her throat and looked back up at the wreckage as they approached the ship. "Yeah … anyway, one of the stories I remember Liara telling me was about how she use to dig in the garden at home when she was a child. Looking for ruins she said. It upset Benezia, but she helped Liara to realize her dreams as an archeologist."

They stopped at a stack of crates on the shore while Jacob listened to the logs on an active laptop. Shepard watched as the smile faded from Samara's face as the recording spoke of the mistreatment of the crew. The beacon stood nearby, the active VI giving off a repeated warning about the dangers of consuming local flora.

"Let's look inside the ship first," Jacob said. "Something doesn't feel right about this."

"It's your call, Jacob. I'm right behind you," Shepard said.

"Yeah," Jacob said making his way down the gangplank.

Jacob paced as the final recording played in the ship. "Is he … is he talking about raping that woman? Shepard, what the hell's going on here? What happened to these people? We got recordings of people talking about not being able to remember things – even things that happened a few minutes before – and this man talking about taking advantage of a woman!"

Shepard shook her head. She wished she could just tell Jacob exactly where his father was and what the sick son-of-a-bitch had done but she couldn't. It wouldn't change anything for him, anyway. The truth was there were no good answers for this.

"Maybe the beacon can tell us more," Shepard said.

Jacob looked behind him, as if he could see the VI through the ship's walls. "Yeah."

Shepard followed him as he made his way to the VI. He listened as the VI gave its warning about the local flora before he began asking it questions about the crash and the surviving crew. As Shepard expected, the VI wasn't able to provide much relevant information because Acting Captain Ronald Taylor had deleted records before reactivating the beacon almost nine years after it was fixed. The VI was able to confirm that those who consumed local food experienced neural decay regardless of decontamination or preparation, and although it was clear the effects were accumulative it was unknown whether they were permanent.

"Why would he delete records, and why wait so long to start the beacon back up once it was fixed?" Jacob asked.

"Perhaps he thought help was on the way?" Miranda suggested.

Jacob shook his head. "No, he deleted the records for a reason and waited almost nine years to turn it back on. He didn't want anyone finding him … I just wish I knew why."

"If there are still any survivors around, I doubt they went far." Shepard glanced uphill, knowing exactly where the survivors would be found.

"Yeah. Even if we don't find my father, if there are still people alive from this ship, we should get them some help," Jacob said.

"We had Cerberus pick up the survivors before … we thought they helped them but we thought they helped Talitha, too." Jane spoke up, her voice monotonous and sedate, for the first time since she finally quieted in Shepard's cabin.

"We won't call Cerberus in this time. I'll just call the Alliance." Shepard assured Jane.

Jacob slowed, becoming more cautious when he saw crates littering the path. A woman peered around the edge of a crate and ran out to meet them. She spoke excitedly to Jacob about the leader's promise that help would come and the hunters who would try to stop Jacob from helping. Jacob struggled to make sense of what the woman was saying; clearly she had been affected by the neural decay the VI spoke of. Shepard kept her eyes up, waiting for the group of feral men with guns to arrive. She signaled to Jacob when she saw the first one. Jacob pulled the confused woman back behind a crate and took cover himself.

Shepard and the others moved to cover and returned fire. Shepard cringed every time one of the hunters – as the woman had called them – fell to her team's gunfire. These men and women needed help, not to be shot, even if some of these men had participated in the atrocities that Ronald Taylor allowed on his watch. That Ronald Taylor participated in himself. She cringed inwardly again when Jacob denied that his father would have allowed these things to happen, he didn't even know the half of it.

"This was caused by eating food from this planet?" Samara asked.

"The VI said the effects were accumulative. The Hugo Gernsback crashed here ten years ago. Even with what rations they might have saved from the ship, it is likely that these people have had nothing else to eat for years," Miranda said.

"My father … this must be why he stopped the beacon. He wasn't in his right mind," Jacob said.

"It would be better if that were the truth," Jane said.

"Maybe. Only one way to find out. Let's keep moving," Shepard said.

Jacob helped the woman to her feet and she clung to him. Shepard helped him to disentangle himself and moved the woman to the back of the group, telling her to stay behind them. Jacob led the way up the inclining path until they came to the main encampment. Women milled about the area, some clustered together talking in groups. The woman broke away from Shepard's group to join the others, talking excitedly to them about the star that arrived. Crates of spoiled rations were strewn about. A statue forged from scrap from the wreckage, abstractly resembling a human figure had been erected in the center of the camp.

Shepard and the others tightened in around Jacob as the women began reacting to Jacob's presence. They spoke about him having the same face as the one who forced them to eat the food and decay. Others spoke of being punished and abused, of pleasing the leader as he demanded. Shepard watched Jacob as all of the things he'd been trying to put together and simultaneously deny began to fuse solidly into place in his mind. She watched as Miranda saw him draw the same conclusions she had likely already come to, and she saw the remorse etched into Miranda's face. Shepard watched as Samara surveyed the camp, listened to the muddled reports of the survivors and new that the Justicar, although sworn to wait and follow Shepard's lead, had already found Ronald Taylor to be guilty of horrible crimes and deserving of the swift action of a Justicar.

They made their way through the camp towards where the path picked up again and were confronted by LOKI mechs. Shepard didn't hesitate to open fire on the mechs, forcing them back to keep the fight away from the women in the camp. Samara glowed a brilliant blue-white beside Shepard as she used her biotic Throw to toss the mechs around. Miranda focused on using her Overload to take down the mechs' shields and damage their circuitry while Jacob used his biotic Pull to lift the mechs up into the air before shooting at them.

When the mechs were down, Shepard moved to the woman cowering on all fours not far from where the mechs came from. She stood to her feet when they approached and spoke to Jacob, telling him in a roundabout way that even though Jacob looked like his father it was clear that Jacob was there to help. She gave Jacob a datapad containing logs from the early days after the crash. Shepard watched as Jacob's mouth tightened into a thin line as he read over the logs. She waited for Jacob to be ready to speak, but Miranda wasn't as patient.

"What is it, Jacob? What does it say?" Miranda asked.

Jacob shook his head and handed the datapad to Miranda. He turned his eyes to Shepard, determination slowly replacing the pain. Shepard patted him on the shoulder.

"We'll find him and get to the bottom of this, Jacob," Shepard said.

"And when we do, he'd better have some damn good answers." Jacob gently shrugged Shepard's hand from his shoulder and began pacing. "I get why he'd think they'd need to keep the rations for the officers. I mean, yeah, if they all got the neural decay then who would fix the beacon. But the beacon was fixed a long time ago, and instead of turning it on and calling for help he and his men forced these people to become sick so they could be used as their personal play things! I can't believe my father would do this, Shepard. This isn't the man I remember."

Miranda passed the datapad to Shepard who scanned over it, already knowing what it would tell her before passing it on to Samara. The Justicar took her time reading the information.

"He exiled the male crew and divided the women as chattel among the officers and himself." Samara said. "These were not just actions. If he still lives, he must be held accountable."

"Then he killed the officers, too," Jane said.

"Don't worry, he will be," Jacob said. "Come on, the mechs came from up there. Maybe that's where he's at."

They fought their way through more mechs as they neared the secondary encampment where Ronald had holed himself up. His voice came in over a speaker system as they pushed forward, claiming that he had to keep them busy but it was getting dangerous. Shepard assumed he meant the hunters that were closing in on his location. Her team had to fight through the feral men as well as the mechs. The closer they got to Ronald, the heavier the resistance and more barricades.

Miranda was the first to spot the YMIR mech, but Shepard had been expecting it. She was in the process of switching to her grenade launcher when Miranda called out the warning. Shepard ducked behind cover and gave Miranda the order to use her Overload while she targeted the mech. Samara helped to break through its shields using her Reave and Jacob provided a distraction, moving from location to location as he fired off shots at the mech in an attempt to harry. Shepard caught the mech in her crosshairs and fired off several grenades, ducking back down as the mech exploded.

Shepard stood and slung the grenade launcher over her shoulder, her chest heaving as she turned to Jacob. He nodded and approached the door in a hodgepodge wall build from pieces of the wreckage. He followed the path up to a platform where his father paced, overlooking the water below. Hunters were already creeping closer in the distance, watching and waiting.

"You're here. I knew a real squad would blow through just fine. Sorry if the mechs scuffed your pads," Ronald said.

Jacob came to a stop a few feet away from his father, Shepard and the others forming a loose line next to him. Ronald's eyes roamed over the group, trying to determine the leader. Finally he settled on Shepard, she assumed because of her full armor and big guns. She leaned against a crate and turned her head to Jacob. Ronald followed her gaze and focused in on Jacob instead.

"What did you do?" Jacob asked softly.

"I'm sorry?" Ronald said.

Jacob lunged forward and grabbed his father by the shirt pulling him in closer to his face. "I said what the hell did you do?"

Miranda raised her pistol and biotics flared up around Samara. Shepard cocked an eyebrow; Jacob had never come at his father this strong before. Not at first at least. Miranda glanced at Shepard and she shook her head. Miranda lowered her pistol and the biotic haze around Samara began to die down.

"Should just let them shoot him, he doesn't deserve to live," Jane said.

"It's Jacob's father, his call," Shepard thought.

"Let go of me! Do you know who the hell I am?" Ronald asked.

"Acting Captain Ronald Taylor meet your son, Jacob Taylor. Jacob looks pretty pissed, wouldn't you say, Ron?" Shepard said.

"Pissed doesn't even begin to cover it," Jacob said.

Ronald's face fell, his eyes opening wide in shock. "Jacob?"

"That's right, Dad. Longtime no see. You know, it's crazy, I never thought I'd see you alive again but after seeing what you did here … what you did to these people … now I wish I hadn't." Jacob shoved his father back, releasing his shirt.

Ronald stumbled back, hitting his back against a crate and falling to his knees.

"So let me ask you again, what the hell did you do?" Jacob seethed through clenched teeth.

"I – I … Jacob, you don't understand. I – I never meant for things to go this way," Ronald said.

"Yet here we are," Miranda said.

Ronald pulled himself back to his feet. "This isn't me, Jacob. You know that. I made some bad choices … the realities of command … I thought I was making the right calls, keeping things together. Keeping the order while we got the beacon going again."

"That beacon was fixed almost nine years ago!" Jacob yelled.

Ronald looked at the ground in front of him. "It took a while to fix. The crew had already succumbed to the neural decay. There'd already been … incidences with some of the male crew trying to mutiny. By the time we got it fixed, things had already gotten out of hand. I didn't know how to explain this if help came."

"So you left the beacon off and played king? Killed off the rest of your officers and had your pick of whatever woman you wanted to abuse for the night? Ten years!" Jacob moved in closer to his father, but Ronald backed away. "You've been promising these people that you were going to get help for them but you didn't even try. You've been too busy living out some juvenile fantasy. What happened? Huh? The men you exiled came back for revenge and now suddenly you want help?"

"I think he's going to kill him. One less for the reapers," Jane said.

"I wanted out alive, Jacob. Surely you can at least understand that. I didn't expect you to be the one to show up," Ronald said.

"You think this would have looked any better to anyone else?" Jacob asked.

"I thought I could explain it somehow. Give a good enough excuse that no one would look too hard at. Even if I was wrong, life in prison sounded better than dying here," Ronald said. "Look at them. Even now they're gathering around waiting for a chance to take my blood."

"Maybe I should let them," Jacob said.

"Jacob, you don't mean that. Look, I know I was wrong but you can't just leave me here to die. You're better than that. Better than me," Ronald said.

"How the hell would you know?! I haven't seen you in thirteen years!" Jacob yelled pulling out his pistol and pointing it at his father.

"You want to kill him, Jacob, I don't think anyone here would hold it against you but either way he's not getting away with this. I've still got some friends in the Alliance. I can call Hackett, get him here to take him to prison – get everyone else out of here and the help they need. It's your call," Shepard said.

Jacob shook his head and took a few steps back closer to Shepard. He slowly lowered his pistol.

"Call him, Shepard. If he's even got a fraction of a conscious left it'll be worse for him to spend the rest of his life knowing what he's done every single day," Jacob said.

"It won't be a very long life. Not with the reapers coming," Jane said.

"Thank you, son," Ronald said.

"I'm not your son. Not anymore," Jacob said walking away.

Shepard nodded to Miranda and Samara who held Ronald at gunpoint while Shepard stepped away. Jacob watched the hunters as they edged closer and raised his pistol at them, warning them off. Shepard asked EDI to patch her through to Hackett and watched Jacob as she waited.

"It's alright. He's going to pay for this and we're getting you all out of here. Just … just stay back," Jacob called out to the hunters.

Admiral Hackett's secretary picked up the call and Shepard had to convince the other woman that it was in her best interest that she put the call through right away. Finally, she conceded and the call was patched through to Hackett.

"Commander Shepard?" Hackett said.

"Admiral Hackett, sorry to bother you sir, but I have something that needs the attention of the Alliance and, well, you're one of the few who has the pull and is still willing to listen to me," Shepard said.

"What's the problem, Commander?" Hackett asked.

"I'm in the Alpha Draconis System of the Rosetta Nebula on a planet called Aeia. I'll forward you the coordinates. We received information about an S.O.S. from a crashed ship called the Hugo Gernsback. One of my team had a relative on the ship, so we came to investigate," Shepard said.

She could hear movement on Hackett's end as he pulled up what information the Alliance had on the Gernsback.

"Sir, what we've discovered is that many members of the crew and a handful of officers survived the crash. First Officer Ronald Taylor was promoted in the field to acting captain when the captain didn't survive," Shepard said. "I'll give you all of the details in a report, but the long and the short of it is that Acting Captain Taylor deliberately delayed the reactivation of the beacon after coming to the realization that the crimes he committed against his officers and crew would condemn him to a life in prison."

"What kind of crimes are we talking about here, Shepard?" Hackett asked.

"Rape and murder, primarily, sir. It's more complicated than that though. The natural food sources on Aeia are toxic, and not fit for human consumption. The survivors have been here for ten years, forced to either consume the food of this planet or starve to death as Acting Captain Taylor horded the salvaged rations for himself and his officers," Shepard said. "He killed his officers after the beacon was fixed. Taylor is the only one here still alive not affected by some sort of neural decay caused by the food. There are a lot sick people here, sir, and some of them have gone feral and are attacking."

Shepard heard Hackett's chair squeak. "I see. I can have a medical transport team there in two days. Can you hold Taylor until then?"

"Two days? We're going to wait here for two days? But the reapers are coming. We have to stop them before it's too late," Jane said.

"Two days isn't going to make or break us, Jane," Shepard thought.

"Yes sir. I'll take him up to the Normandy and establish a ground guard until your team arrives," Shepard said.

"Thank you, Commander. Hackett out," he said before disconnecting the call.

"EDI, forward Admiral Hackett the coordinates and patch me through to Dr. Chakwas," Shepard said.

"Patching you through, Commander," EDI said.

"But The Dissension and the collectors … there's so much to do," Jane said.

"What is it, Commander? What's happened? Are you alright?" Dr. Chakwas shot out the rapid-fire questions faster than Shepard could think to answer.

"I'm fine doc. We've got a situation groundside. There are a lot of sick people down here, they've consumed local food sources and it's caused what is being called 'neural decay'. Some of them have become violent. I've got Hackett sending in a medical transport and I am securing a prisoner for them until they arrive," Shepard said.

"Oh dear," Dr. Chakwas said.

"I figure while we're waiting, it wouldn't hurt to see if you can help them at all. Make sure to leave enough medical supplies to cover us for a few days until we can restock, but otherwise use what you can to help these people," Shepard said. "I'll have EDI get a shuttle and a guard team set up."

"I'll start gathering supplies," Dr. Chakwas said.

"Thanks, doc," Shepard said.

"Of course, Commander," she said.

When the call was disconnected Shepard told EDI to send down Zaeed and Grunt with Dr. Chakwas. She told her to relay to them the importance that they bring water and rations to last them a day because under no circumstances were they to consume anything on Aeia. Shepard would rotate them out after six to eight hours depending on how things went, but it was better to have more than what they needed just in case. With the orders given, Shepard ended the call and made her way back over to the others.

"I don't want to stay here," Jane said.

"We'll go back to the ship for the night, but I'm not leaving until the Alliance gets here. Look at these people, Jane. Half of them would be dead by the time help arrived if we just left them like this," Shepard thought.

"The Alliance is on the way with a medical transport. They'll be here in two days. We're taking Ron here to the Normandy until they arrive. I'm having Dr. Chakwas and a guard team sent down. We'll wait until they land before we leave. I want to make sure that the others won't be attacked in our absence," Shepard said. "Samara, make sure Ron here doesn't get any bright ideas of running. Miranda, with me. Ron, if I were you, I'd sit real still because I'm pretty sure the only reason Samara hasn't snapped your neck under the heel of her boot is because I haven't told her it was OK, and quite frankly, if you try to run I'm not going to care if she kills you."

Samara smiled serenely at Shepard. "As you will, Commander."

Shepard returned Samara's smile before turning to Miranda. "Stand watch with Jacob, I'm going to see if these hunters can be reasoned with."

"Are you sure that's a good idea, Commander?" Miranda asked.

"No, but I'm doing it anyway so keep your eyes open because I'm leaving my guns holstered," Shepard said.

"If you insist," Miranda said.

"I do," Shepard said.

They walked over to where Jacob stood, his pistol still trained on the group of men eyeing his father from a distance. Shepard filled Jacob in on the plan and Miranda took up position next to him.

"I'm coming over to talk to you, but my guns are staying put away, OK? I just want to talk," Shepard said.

They turned their attention to her and began to shuffle about nervously as Shepard held her hands out in front of her and walked towards them. They fidgeted with their stolen pistols, adjusting their grips on them and watching her cautiously but they didn't raise the weapons. Shepard stopped when she was a few feet away from the closest hunter.

"My name is Commander Shepard. I've called the Alliance and they're sending ships to take you all away from here. Ronald Taylor is being placed under arrest, he's going to prison for what he did to you. Do you understand?" Shepard asked.

"The liar doesn't deserve prison! The liar deserves death!" one of the men called out.

"That's what I've been saying," Jane said.

"I don't disagree, but that isn't my decision to make and unfortunately it isn't yours either. Now, I would very much like to have you all come back to the camp with the others where you can all be safe until the medical transport arrives, but I need you to put down your weapons to be sure you won't hurt anyone else," Shepard said.

"No! You're just like the liar! Making false promises!" One of the men raised his gun at Shepard only to jump back with a yelp when one of her team fired at the ground in front of his feet.

"I want to help you. Medical transport teams are on the way. Please, put down your guns and come back to the camp," Shepard said again.

Shepard watched as three of them shook their heads and ran off into the wilderness, disappearing behind the palms and outcrops. Four others hesitantly dropped their guns on the ground and moved towards Shepard, their eyes darting between her and her team. Three others watched, torn and undecided. One of them began to rap his knuckles over and over against the side of his head as he swayed back and forth; looking between Shepard and the trees the others disappeared behind.

"Listen, it's OK if you don't want to come right now. You can join us later if you decide to, just leave your weapons behind," Shepard said.

One more let his pistol fall from his hands and moved toward Shepard while the others backed slowly towards the tree line. Shepard stood surrounded by the five feral men who chose to surrender their weapons and come peacefully. They eyed her warily, one of them brave enough to reach out and touch her armor as if to assure himself that she was real. Shepard gestured toward Miranda and Jacob.

"Come on, the doctor from my ship is on her way down. I don't know what she'll be able to do to help you here, but she'll do what she can while we wait for the Alliance," Shepard said.

The men clustered together and shuffled forward toward Miranda and Jacob who at Shepard's signal lowered their weapons. Samara ordered Ronald to his feet and Shepard's group formed a wall around him, keeping him separate from the hunters and they made their way slowly back down to the camp. More hunters watched them, perched above on the rocks as they passed. A couple following along at the top of the ridge.

The women in the camp pushed back to the edges, clustering together and watching with fearful eyes as Shepard escorted their tormentor and the men who had been hunting them into the camp. The woman who had passed the datapad to Jacob was the first one bold enough to come forward.

"You are … taking him away? Back to the sky?" She asked Jacob.

"We're taking you all away. He's going to prison and the rest of you are getting medical treatment. We've got Alliance ships on the way. Tell the other, alright? Tell them you guys are going back to the sky. You're going home. Help is coming," Jacob said.

The woman smiled and Shepard thought she saw a hint of tears in her eyes. "Home … I will tell them … we're going home."

The woman went back to the others to spread the word. Moments later hopeful glances were being cast Shepard's way. The hunters and women stayed to themselves, separate groups watching the others warily until one woman slowly made her way forward.

"Him, I know him. I forget his name … but his face, I see it in here," the woman said tapping her head.

Shepard turned to look at the group of men, trying to pinpoint the individual the woman was talking about. It wasn't difficult because he was the only one who had his eyes locked on the woman in front of Shepard with obvious longing.

"You want to go see him?" Shepard asked, turning back to the woman.

Tears welled up in her eyes as she nodded her head.

"Alright, come on." Shepard guided the woman over to the group of men.

The others pulled back, leaving the man to stand on his own as Shepard came to a stop a few feet away. The man dropped his eyes to the ground as the woman cautiously moved to him. She reached out a shaky hand and touched his face. He lifted his eyes to her.

"Lina." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her to his chest.

"Shepard, we've landed. We've got company though." Zaeed's voice broke through Shepard's comm.

"Male or female?" Shepard asked.

"Male. They've got guns but they're just watching us," Zaeed said. "It's creeping me out. Do I shoot 'em or what?"

"Alright, listen, all of the people here have got something wrong with them. They're confused and unable to think coherently. The males are more aggressive, territorial. Be prepared to defend Dr. Chakwas but don't you dare fire first," Shepard said. "If any of them are close enough to hear you, tell them you're there to help and that the Alliance is coming with ships to take them all home."

"Whatever you say, doll. Where are you?" Zaeed asked.

"Just follow the path up past the wreckage. It's a straight shot. I think we got them all but if you see any mechs, take them down," Shepard said.

"You got it," Zaeed said.

"Jacob, Miranda I want you to take an inventory of this place. See if any of these food stores are still edible. See what we have to work with and clear an area of Dr. Chakwas. See if you can get a head count," Shepard said.

"Aye, aye, Commander," Jacob said moving to the nearest crate with Miranda at his heels.

By the time Dr. Chakwas arrived with Grunt and Zaeed, several of the women survivors had relaxed enough to try to help Jacob and Miranda. The men still stood around watching everyone with wide, wild eyes ready to fight or flee at the first sign that something wasn't right. They became increasingly agitated when they laid eyes on Grunt. Shepard cursed herself silently for not considering that they might react negatively towards the intimidating krogan.

"It's OK, the krogan is with me, he's a friend," Shepard said.

They relaxed only slightly when a handful of other disarmed hunters followed Grunt into the camp. Dr. Chakwas moved immediately to Miranda and Jacob's location before she opened her bag and began coaxing the survivors to her to be scanned and their wounds treated. This drew the attention of a couple of the hunters, still intelligent enough to recognize the actions of a doctor. Shepard nodded her head to them and told them to go get checked out before briefing Zaeed and Grunt on what was happening and what she expected of them.

Zaeed looked over at Ronald, sitting like an obedient dog at Samara's feet. A look of disgust pulled at the scarred features of the old mercs face and he spit on the ground.

"Should just kill him. Better yet, cut his nuts off and let these people have at him," Zaeed said.

"I like that idea best," Jane said. "Let's do that."

"We're not doing that," Shepard thought.

Grunt chuckled.

"The thought crossed my mind, but Jacob opted to turn him over to the Alliance so that's what we're doing," Shepard said.

With everything in place, Shepard got Ronald to his feet and prepared to take him back to the shuttle. Jacob insisted that he wanted to stay on the ground and help the survivors as much as he could. Miranda offered to stay as well but Shepard told her she needed to go back to the Normandy and rest. She'd have to rotate out with Dr. Chakwas and Mordin until the Alliance arrived.

Miranda, Samara, and Shepard led Ronald back to the shuttle, Shepard's pistol pointed at the back of his head the entire way. She could see hunters watching her from the rocks, and she wanted them to know that their Acting Captain wasn't getting away with his crimes. They piled into the shuttle, Shepard didn't lower her weapon until the doors were closed and the shuttle was in the air.

Shepard took Ronald Taylor to Grunt's quarters for the time being. She left Samara to watch over him with the promise that she would send someone to replace her soon. Samara insisted it was not a bother to her. Shepard had EDI call everyone else into the comm room for a briefing. She broke down the details of what they had found on Aeia and the fact that they now had a prisoner aboard the Normandy.

Jack cracked her knuckles. "I'll guard him."

"That's a wonderful idea," Jane said.

"I think it's probably best that we let the more level-headed individuals guard Mr. Taylor," Miranda said.

"I wasn't talking to you, Barbie," Jack said.

Miranda crossed her arms and opened her mouth to respond. Jack smirked and raised an eyebrow in challenge. Shepard held up a hand cutting them both off.

"I appreciate the offer Jack, we'll see. We might all have to take turns watching him when we're not on the ground. Miranda is right though, as disturbed as we all may be over Mr. Taylor's actions we have to treat him according to Alliance standards until we hand him over to the Alliance," Shepard said.

"Lame," Jack said.

Shepard smirked and turned her attention back to the group. "Mordin, Miranda, and Dr. Chakwas will rotate with the ground guards so that someone with medical experience is present at all times both on the ship and on the ground. Because of this, they will not be considered to be a part of the guard teams themselves."

She looked over the others trying to calculate the best teams. "Garrus, Jack, and Mordin be ready to relieve the ground team in six hours. I'll relieve you in the morning and work out a rotation from there. Legion, I'm going to have you watch our prisoner through the night cycle so those who require sleep can rest. EDI have Samara notify you when she's ready to be replaced. Everyone else, rest up while you can. And remember you do not eat or drink anything that you didn't bring with you while you're down there. Dismissed."

Everyone nodded or spoke their understanding as they began to file out of the room.

"Jack, got a minute?" Shepard asked.

Jack leaned against the table and waited for the others to leave. Shepard moved around to lean against the wall in front of her. Thane was the last person to leave, not before casting a concerned glance Shepard's way. Shepard smiled at him reassuringly before the door closed behind him.

"What's up?" Jack asked.

"Just checking to make sure we're good. You were gone when we woke up," Shepard said.

"Yeah, we're good," Jack said.

"You sure?" Shepard asked.

"Yeah. It just got too fucking weird. I mean, I get what you were trying to do … but I had to go," Jack said. "It was too soft for me."

Shepard smiled and nodded. "Afraid you'd wake up with a butterfly tattoo on your ass?"

"Ha! Look at you trying to make jokes. Good one, Alliance," Jack said walking out of the comm room. "Good one."

Shepard made her way to her cabin to ditch her armor and take a shower before making her way down to the mess hall. As soon as she finished eating, Grundan Krul slid into the seat next to her and set a cup of coffee in front of her. Shepard grinned and wrapped her palms around the warm mug.

"Thanks. I needed this," Shepard said.

"I know," Grundan Krul said.

Shepard snorted and nudged his side with her shoulder. A flicker of a smile crossed his face as he sipped from his own mug.

"So, miss Omega yet?" Shepard asked.

Grundan Krul shook his head slowly. "Not at all."

"Glad to hear it. We'll be headed back that way soon. I'd hate to have you abandon ship," Shepard said.

"There's a shop there that sells the best coffee. I'll stock up," he said.

"I guess he's not so bad. Not that it matters, none of it matters," Jane said.

"I think I love you. Marry me?" Shepard asked.

Grundan Krul smiled wide enough to show his sharp teeth and snorted. "Sorry, Shepard. You'll have to make due with Archangel. You humans are ugly as all hell with your one set of eyes, weird noses, and flat teeth."

Shepard gasped in mock offense. "Careful, your sense of humor is showing."

"Better than my ass," Grundan Krul said with a straight face.

Shepard let her head roll back as she laughed. "Thanks. I think I might have needed the laugh more than the coffee."

"I know," he said.

Shepard smiled, vaguely aware in the back of her mind how ironic it was for her to become fond of a batarian but he was working his way into her heart just like all the others. She drained her mug and set it on her tray.

"Make sure to get some sleep tonight. I'm taking you down with me in the morning." Shepard stood and picked up her tray.

Grundan Krul dipped his head to her and she patted his shoulder as she walked past him to drop her tray off with Gardner. She hesitated outside of the elevator and glanced at the door to life support. Jane stilled before retreating back to the recesses of Shepard's mind. She chewed on her lip and turned on her heels. Shepard knocked quietly on the door to life support before entering. Thane sat in his usual chair, his hands clasped in front of his face. He turned to look over his shoulder as she walked in.

"Can we talk?" Shepard asked.

"Of course, Siha," Thane said.

Shepard walked across the room to stand in front of the observation window. She looked out at the mass effect core, listening to its quiet hum and feeling its energy prick at her skin even from there. Thane sat silently, watching her.

"What happened earlier wasn't your fault, you can't take the blame for that. I won't let you," Shepard said.

Thane didn't speak.

"I got a little too enthusiastic when already in an emotional state and left the door open for Jane to try to step through, but that's on me, not you. I'd like to promise you that it won't happen again, but I can't. I get it though, if you decide that isn't something you want to deal with," Shepard said.

"My timing was unfortunate. I should have been more considerate of the fact that you were processing stressful news. I acted selfishly, seizing the moment before I could let doubt set in." Thane spoke softly. "That I do not regret."

Shepard turned to face him, leaning her back against the glass. He stood three feet away, his hands tucked behind his back. She hadn't heard him move, but it wasn't a surprise.

"I … lost myself in the moment and am ashamed that I didn't realize your … reaction was not yours alone," Thane said.

Shepard smiled and shook her head. "Don't be mistaken, Krios. Yeah, Jane and the others are always there and they have a way of amplifying what I'm feeling but that … that was mostly me going after what I've been wanting but didn't think I was allowed to have."

"You were rather enthusiastic. Intense." Thane smirked and took a step closer to her. "It was … intriguing."

Shepard rolled her eyes and shook her head, even as the blush crept into her cheeks. Thane stepped closer still and pushed her hair away from her neck before trailing his fingers down her throat.

"Perhaps we can use your enthusiasm to aid in your training." Thane leaned toward her, his lips posed to kiss her but when Shepard leaned into him to press her lips to his he pulled back again.

Shepard watched him with a growing hunger.

"To teach you patience." He brushed his lips softly against hers.

Shepard wrapped a hand around the base of his skull and tried to pull him to her but he resisted. Thane slid his hand up to meet hers and gently pulled it away, tucking her hand behind her back. Shepard raised an eyebrow.

"To teach you self-restraint." He leaned in and brushed his lips against hers again.

Shepard growled softly when his lips pulled away again.

"And perhaps, to teach you to accept suffering," Thane said.

"Sadist," Shepard said with a smirk. "You have to know that there's nothing submissive about me."

"Indeed, Siha. I do not ask you to submit to my will." Thane nuzzled against her neck, dragging his lips across her skin. "I ask you to commit to your training, so there will be a time that I needn't worry about … becoming lost in the moment."

Shepard squirmed. "I have conditions."

"I'm listening," Thane said.

"If you want to include this in my training, it stays in training. Designated time and place. Outside of that, we simply enjoy each other's presence however we see fit," Shepard said.

"Agreed," Thane whispered in her ear.

"Two more things," Shepard said.

"Name them," he said.

"You can never hesitate to take me down if things go bad. It isn't going to change how I feel," Shepard said.

"I will do as I must. What else?" Thane asked, his lips tracing a line across her throat.

Shepard's body trembled in response. "It doesn't start now."

Thane moved his mouth to hers, claiming her tongue with his own. Shepard wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him closer, reveling in the feel of his hand cupping her face while the other pressed against her lower back. After a few moments, she pulled away and rested her forehead against his, closing her eyes. Her chest heaved as she tried to control her breathing.

"Siha, is it too much?" Thane asked.

She knew he was asking if Jane was pushing for control, Shepard smiled and shook her head. "No, but I'm very near the point where it isn't enough. I don't want to rush you, so I'm showing some self-restraint."

"Ah." Thane let his hands slip away from her.

Shepard cleared her throat. "Um, so I'll see you in the morning first thing."

"Indeed," Thane said turning to the side so she could walk past.

Shepard started toward the door but Thane's hand wrapped around her wrist and tugged her back to him. He pressed his lips to hers before she could protest pulling them away again too quickly for her taste.

"Goodnight, Siha," he said.

Shepard smiled and wrapped her arms around his waist, laying her head on his chest. He wrapped his arms around her shoulders and held her there until she pulled away again.

"Goodnight, Thane," Shepard said.

Shepard was in her cabin an hour later filling out a report for Hackett when Garrus came in. She looked over her shoulder at him as he came to stand beside her, resting a hand on her back. She smiled up at him.

"Hey, how are you?" Shepard asked.

"I'm worried, Shepard. This thing with Sparatus and The Dissension could get real ugly," Garrus said.

Jane began to stir once more. Shepard really didn't want to get her started again, but she needed to be supportive. Jane had been right, Garrus wasn't taking this well at all.

Shepard nodded. "Yeah, it could. I'm worried, too. We'll figure it out, Garrus."

"Hmmm. We shouldn't have to. It shouldn't be our job, but Spirits know the Council won't do it themselves," Garrus said.

Shepard snorted. "They're actually being far more useful this time."

"If that's the case, I'd hate to see how it was for Jane." He rubbed small circles on her back. "What are you working on?"

"A report on Aeia for Hackett," Shepard said.

Garrus moved his hand to the back of her chair and pulled the chair back, dragging her away from her desk and turning her to face him. "Sooo, it can wait."

Shepard laughed. "It can wait."

Garrus put a hand on either side of her chair and leaned down close to her, taking in her scent. "I'm glad you two worked things out. I'm surprised he's not in here with you."

"I care about him, Garrus. I don't want to rush this with him too much. The whole idea of sharing a lover with someone else is new for him. I never imagined he'd agree to something like this," Shepard said.

"You have an alarming way of convincing people to see things your way, Commander." Garrus leaned in and nipped at her neck, opposite of where Thane's scent was the strongest.

Shepard tilted her head to the side, exposing her neck to him and caressed his head just beneath his crest.

"Come to bed with me, Dawn. Help me forget that we might soon be considered enemies at war." His voice was strained, his sub-vocals heavy with worry.

"We'll never be enemies, Garrus. I don't give a damn what our species decide to do," Shepard said.

"Never," Jane said.

Garrus tugged at her hand. Shepard closed her laptop and left the chair, letting Garrus lead her down to the bed.