NOTE1: Hello, folks! Welcome to another chapter! I know I promised to update my other two stories, but I really had inspiration for this one. Now it's the real deal, I'll update The Lost Civilization with two new chapters. And War of the Worlds as well! Alas, enjoy the chapter! Mistakes on the grammar level might still have slipped by, beware!

The Batarian race is one plagued by misfortune. They had to deal with slavery their whole lives. One individual of lower caste could fall into slavery if the circumstances were bad enough. Their spacefaring age brought them constant strife, both with the galaxy and themselves. They have been subject to numerous covert ops in multiple attempts to topple the Hegemony and institute a more friendly government, thus leading to inner strife between the state and the rebels. I won't debate on the subject, suffice to say that the instigators' argument of higher moral ground doesn't move me. It only caused more suffering for the average citizen. But recent history was especially harsh with them. Their luck didn't necessarily change for the better with Humanity as their new neighbors, or with the emergence of the Reapers as the greater threat.

(Liara T'Soni, doctor in archaeology, expert in Prothean society and galactic sociologist, Interbellum: Politics of the Galaxy)

Oh, the shit storm, as Udina would say, Atelas Razea created… It was truly unexpected, for all sides involved. And everybody tried to use it to further their agenda. It was a catalyst for the storm that was brewing over us. One event leads to another, and so did we come from peaceful negotiations to one step from slugging it out again in a matter of months. The Interbellum was more chaotic than the Reaper War at times. […] It threatened to start a three way war and drastically changed the balance of power.

(President Anita Goyle, former Ambassador of the Human Systems Alliance on the Citadel, Interbellum: Politics of the Galaxy)

Chapter 20: We Will Die Chasing This Feeling

Petra Nebula, Vetus System

Elysium, Illyria, 2160

Elysium, nicknamed the Jewel of the Verge, is Humanity's first and most developed colony in the Skyllian Verge. Established 25 years ago when the planet was discovered, its growth rate was on an astronomical scale since the discovery of the Elysian Fields in 2137, a large cluster of stars which Vetus – Elysium's star – is part of. The vast mineral riches discovered in this cluster attracted so many new colonists from Earth and the developed colonies that Elysium's population skyrocketed. A mere 25 years after its establishment, Elysium had a population of 270 million, with a projected population of 490 million in 20 years. It was the 5th largest colony by population, only surpassed by Reach which was home to 410 million people, Horizon with its 580 million, Terra Nova with 621 million inhabitants, and Eden Prime with a population of 679 million.

The capital city of Illyria housed 40 million of the total population of the colony, making it the largest settlement. It also housed the administrative and main military buildings. The AIC had a base as well. It was called Alliance Intelligence Xiphos Base. It was the AIC's main base of operations in this part of Alliance space. It wasn't large by any means. It was actually pretty small and the important parts were underground.

Anderson was in one of the wings in the underground part of Xiphos Base. He stared down the man opposite of him at the interrogation table. His black AIC uniform covered him well. His face was unreadable because of how the lighting was set up, all light sources focused on Anderson.

"Name, rank, service branch, and service number," the man demanded from Anderson.

"Anderson, David Edward. Captain, Systems Alliance Marine Corps, N7 Special Forces, MCN-0806126-134134," Anderson replied. [4]

"What was your last mission, Captain?"

Anderson's brows furrowed at that question, seeming annoyed. "You already know that. Why do you keep asking? It's not like you'll get another answer every time."

"Short and to the point, Captain," came the calm, yet threatening voice.

"CSR – combat search and rescue of an AIC team gone dark on an unknown planet, in an unknown system," he answered with professionalism.

"Why was your team dispatched?"

"The Fulminata was the fastest ship with adequate capabilities in the Verge. Distress signals have been picked up from the planet upon arrival. Captain Kahoku deployed the N7 and N6 detachment on board to investigate."

"What did you find on the planet? Where the distress signals have originated from?"

"A large structure, presumably a crashed ship, 2 kilometers at its longest. The AIC corvette was crashed on flat terrain three kilometers from the ship, possibly after an attempted emergency liftoff. We determined that it was the source of the signal."

"The crew of the corvette, the AIC personnel?" the interrogator queried Anderson.

"The crew was dead. One was shot in the back through the pilot's seat. The communications crewmember showed signs of struggle against the attacker. The commanding officer had been killed by two 10mm pistol shots to the chest. The fate of the other 11 is unknown, listed MIA. All in all, the whole scene was a firefight against an unknown opponent that disabled the ship with an accurate shot to the engines before boarding the vessel," Anderson told him.

"What kind of damage has the engine sustained?"

"Similar to ion cannon fire, or laser. The enemy was airborne at first."

"Any clues on who the attacker might be?"

"No concrete evidence, only injuries and minor clues. The attacker walked on two legs, had something akin to claws, was able to fire an M9A pistol, taller than the average Human male, and stronger."

"Your hypothesis is that it isn't Human," the man stated, not asked.

"Yes. An unknown alien life form that attempted to hack into the ship's computers after killing the deck crew."

"How can you tell?"

"The AI attached to the Fulminata observed that most of the data was deleted by the pilot with the commanding officer's confirmation code. The boarders haven't gotten any relevant intelligence, but corrupted data and information that will not jeopardize the Alliance. The attacker attempted to access the computers, the navigation log of the folders already in your possession."

"Did you find the attacker?"

"Negative. Nothing that fits the observations."

"Have you investigated the vicinity of the corvette?"

"We did. The hostile atmosphere made it hard, but we searched with both shipboard sensors and our own eyes. No intelligent hostile was found."

"No intelligent hostile?" the man quoted him.

"Indeed. My team was subjected to an attack by a pack of… monsters once we were about to board the two kilometer long wreck."

"Describe the attacker."

"Bulky, large, green and dark, more machine than flesh, many robotic eyes, large mouth, at least 150 kilograms in weight, in excess of two meters height. They acted like mindless predators that defended their territory. Lost a man to them. Then… robotic zombies crept outside. I'm still not sure, but I think one had an AIC patch on its chest," Anderson recalled the horrific memory.

"When did you leave?"

"As soon as Captain Kahoku gave the word. We had inbound aerial bogeys that appeared out of nowhere. The Kodiak came in hard to get the team out. We retreated to report back here as soon as we could."

"How many aerial bogeys were there, and how did you escape them? The Kodiak is not designed for sharp maneuvers."

"Three. Fulminata fired six Space Sparrow missiles that forced the enemy to disengage. The mission was a bust that moment. The alien aircraft were fast, faster than what we have. I don't exactly know what Alliance Intelligence found there, nor do I know how you found it in the first place, that far away from Human space. But whatever that is… it's screaming evil. And I hope you won't lead it to our doorstep." Anderson said with a hint of fear in his voice.

Terminus Systems, Nemean Abyss

Tortuga, Batarian External Forces bunker

Present day

In the bunker that served as a secondary command post in the Nemean Abyss for the Batarian External Forces – the branch of the Hegemony's military that was stationed outside of official borders, composed of soldiers with less training and equipped with older gear, or second rate soldiers as Turians call them – Ka'hairal Balak was busy managing the forces under his command. With the current rebellion on Anhur and the rest of Batarian controlled locations in the Terminus requiring extra attention, his forces were stretched thin.

The Hegemony couldn't send many reinforcements his way. The only way to receive them as the long way around – all the way through the other side of the galaxy, avoid Geth space, through secondary transit corridors once in Omega controlled space, and then to Anhur. Aria T'Loak was making it harder for the Hegemony. The rebellion raging now on Anhur was expected to be put down in a month. It's been months now. Balak's forces were bogged down in the ground fights. Their main arms supplier is Illo Nazario, a large Turian arms dealer. The Hegemony's External Forces were his biggest client.

Talking of weapons, Balak received dozens of reports stating that the Batarian and Asari rebels on the colony were using military grade weapons. He was suspecting outside factions for instigating the rebellion. The weapons were not the only hint. But how the uprising started, and its timing, were also peculiar. First, it was on Erszbat that a minor part of the population took to the streets. The protests soon degenerated into violence and riots once Hegemony law enforcement troops used violence to clear the cities' streets. From here it was only a small step to open rebellion.

Shortly after, it happened on Camala as well. With all the propaganda apparatus the Batarian leadership had at its fingers, information spread out. Unrest was observed on Camala, a small planet of great economic significance to the Hegemony because of the Eezo mining industry set up there. But Camala's rebels made use of firearms. No military or law enforcement section was looted before to explain that one. Balak suspected the presence of firearms in the hands of rebels is due to smuggling.

In an unusually open gesture, the Batarians allowed immigration of free citizens of other species, so long as they came from independent colony planets such as those in the Traverse and Terminus and retained non-citizen status during their stay. These strictures were small obstacles compared to the economic lure of Eezo, and soon the planet boasted spaceports and refineries that considerably enriched the Hegemony.

Any person with half a brain could tell that somebody used them to smuggle those firearms to the rebels. Undoubtedly the Council. Most likely the Salarians and Asari. And then Anhur. Same story – rebels got their hands on military grade firearms without any break-ins into military or law enforcement depots being reported. Those happened afterward. Those depots had been looted by armed rebels to boost their resource pool.

So, with the Hegemony's attention on Camala and Erszbat, the Anhur rebellion caught them completely by surprise. It put the Hegemony in a very bad spot. In a way, it was checkmate. Erszbat is among the top food producing planets for the Batarians. Camala is a vital organ of the economy. Anhur is the stronghold on the other side of the galaxy, the staging ground for any Hegemony operation against the Fledgling States, the Asari Republics (and the Council by extension), and the Terminus forces under Omega's banner.

Patriarch, the previous ruler of Omega, was on good terms with the Hegemony. Since Aria T'Loak took over, relations between Omega and the Hegemony soured drastically. Aria wanted to control all of Terminus space. She bashed head on with the Hegemony for that. Multiple small scale fights erupted in the past 150 years.

Balak knew he had to do with what he had. There were small chances of receiving reinforcements from home. He drafted Batarian pirates from the Nemean Abyss's roster of 'enforcers' loyal to the Hegemony to supplement his forces. He knew of the consequences he'd face if he was to lose Anhur. The High Hegemon would have his head.

Balak checked his omnitool for any messages in the inbox. The standard weekly updates from his information network was in. Four of them came later than the usual hour. But they were there. Balak simply scrolled through then to see if anything was amiss. Everything seemed alright. Balak's using a network of informants to keep him appraised with the latest developments, as well as to send orders to the Hegemony loyal warlords and pirates out there. Communications infrastructure wasn't top notch here in the Terminus. And there was a high risk of the transmissions being intercepted by a third party, thus compromising operations. Cryptology was his friend, the keys to decrypt the messages being unique for every agent he had.

He sent an update of orders to his network and resumed planning. Little did he know that half of his network wasn't totally his at this moment.

Sahrabarik System, Omega Station

Kenzo District, Batarian safe house

In the fight torn district of Kenzo, the Batarian Hegemony had one important safe house used by an agent of Balak's network. The prolonged instability and violence generated by clashes between the Blood Pack and a local group of thugs made this district perfect for relocating their safe house. Even Aria's eyes and ears were scarce here. The spy and local agent for the hidden Batarian forces on Omega resided in this safe house.

Resided – the past tense. For the events unfolding in the house were that of Balak's nightmare. But no eyes loyal to him were witnessing this. He'd never find out. At least not until it was too late.

"We've got him," Anto said into the communications device attached to his ear, with a little microphone extending to his mouth.

"Good to hear. I assume you've followed my list, took them in the order I've given you," Aria spoke on the other end.

"We did," Anto replied. "He's the last one."

"Have you found the decryption key?"

"We did. Made him confirm it for us."

"Then get rid of him and make it look like a firefight between the Blood Pack and the Grim Skulls. Don't leave traces. Not even in his omnitool."

"Copy that," Anto said as the line went dead. Anto is a Batarian, just like the one in front of his pistol. The difference between Anto and his target is that Anto grew up as a slave until he escaped the Hegemony. He bears the scars of his low caste on his skin, like marked cattle. He had listened to the man's pleas for mercy for the past few minutes. Anto had no mercy for Hegemony agents. He pulled the trigger and a large mass effect round slammed through his heart, through his flesh and out the back. The Hegemony agent fell dead in a pool of red blood.

"Bring that Turian body and leave it in the doorway," Anto ordered his men. "And the Krogan. Leave the Krogan in the room. Simulate a damn firefight. Throw a grenade or two after you're done."

It will be too late by the time anyone finds out what's really going on.

Citadel, Zakera Ward

Archangel Hideout

Garrus is a patient man. Or so he thought. But it depends on the person's definition of patient. Merely a week into the investigation and they had nothing to show that he and his colleagues from Hierarchy Intelligence were working on the case, nothing aside from constantly listening to Pallin's and Sparatus' calls, a few terabytes worth of regular C-SEC transmissions, and an extensive C-SEC schedule.

He got up from the computer with a loud growl to fetch himself some water. The apartment they were staying in was dubbed The Archangel Hideout by the team. And the team had only three members: Garrus – the leader; Metiana – the tech expert; and Casius – analyst, infiltrator and interrogator. All of them were proficient in combat. Apparently Metiana works at an electronics shop here in the ward as a cover, while Casius is employed as nonmilitary personnel at the Turian garrison on the Citadel, something about data analysis.

One day they were here, the other they were doing their cover-up job. He was the only one working on the case 24/7. His disguise when he arrived was as IT freelancer, yet he didn't even pretend to be that. No time for that. He has a traitor to rout out. He walked to the kitchen and poured himself a large can of water.

As he was about to take the step toward the exit of the kitchen, he saw his reflection on the metallic surface of the furniture. He thought it was someone else. Garrus instinctively reached for the sidearm but it wasn't there. Barely now did he remember that it was his new look for the time being. The wonders of modern technology. Programmable pigment cells had been introduced into his skin to change his skin color, the color of his face plates, and even the color of the markings on his face. In fact, he looked nothing like Garrus Vakarian. He averted his gaze from the reflection and walked back to his computer.

"This is getting us nowhere," he complained.

"This kind of work takes time, kid," Casius told him from his computer. Being older than Garrus he allowed himself to call him a kid. "Thought you got that when you were after that Salarian maniac… what was his name..? Sal-… Sal-… something with Sal."

"Saleon," Garrus finished for him.

"At least he put you chase false leads," Metiana said while monitoring something at her own post. "Spirits know it's a lot more interesting than waiting for something to happen…"

"They just have to make a move and we get them. That Salarian SPECTRE didn't give us his lead if he knew nothing would happen. Somebody's jury rigged that communications node from C-SEC's servers for a purpose. Keep your ears on the surveillance system."

"I should be out there in the field, looking for clues," Garrus said as he sat down and resumed his work. "It was stupid of Valern to confront Sparatus directly with that message from the Asari admiral. They'll keep a low profile for a time now."

"Whatever they're doing they'll have to make a move to accomplish their goals. With us and the STG keeping tabs on Pallin and Sparatus… I say we have good chances of finding something," Metiana said.

"Hey, check this out!" Casius suddenly said.

"What have you got?" Garrus asked after making his way right to his side, shortly followed by Metiana.

"Check this out. I've been looking with my VI through the past year's arrests and bailouts archives I've been able to get my hands on," Casius said while his VI highlighted some results. "There was a rise in the number of narcotics traffickers arrested in the last six months, the vast majority of them Salarians."

"What have they been trafficking?" Metiana asked.

"Various, but most prevalent is K14, a Salarian drug that's popular with Asari and Salarians. Nothing too bad for them, but deadly for Turians. That's not important. What's off is the following statistic," he answered. "Almost all of them have been bailed out because the charges were very minor and they served a week or two at most. Then they're caught again, brought in again, bailed out again… the same names pop up almost periodically," Casius explained and turned to Garrus for some input from the former C-SEC officer.

As if on cue, Garrus replied. "I was in the Investigation Division. Dealt with crimes mostly. Didn't work on any drug trafficking case. Although it is particularly odd seeing this… How were they arrested? Who was on the cases?"

"Enforcement and Investigations, Detective Chellick."

Chellick, one of Garrus' oldest and best friends at C-SEC used to complain about how he kept arresting the drug dealers without finding who they were working for. Every time he thought he had a lead or made a breakthrough, his suspects were released from custody because of a loophole in the laws. Being caught with minor amounts of drugs wasn't sufficient to be jailed for a long time, even more so when you were bailed out by somebody. But the money was always paid from unverified accounts and that was not according to law.

"He was reassigned from that task to tracking down a weapons trafficking ring on the Citadel," Garrus continued. "He was pissed off that his direct superior took the case from him. Curious how ...the frequency of these arrests plummets once he's no longer investigating."

"This is fishy," Metiana remarked. "What does C-SEC gain from this? The only ones who have to gain from this are the drug traffickers. Again, where were they arrested?"

Another image pops up on the screen, this one a rendition of the Citadel's general plan. "Lower wards, sewers, maintenance tunnels… mostly where the Keepers go to from time to time," Casius answered. "Spirits know this station has more secret passages running along it, leading into the depths of it, more than there were trenches on Menae during the Rebellions. They could be using the tunnels to smuggle the drugs. They could even have laboratories set up down there."

"Any arrests in the other wards for similar reasons, in similar places?" Garrus asked.

Casius' VI ran an analysis and compared the data sets. A new report appeared on the screen. "Yes, but a lot fewer. Zakera Ward saw 80% of these arrests because of Chellick's efforts."

"Ok… now… how does this help our investigation? It's fishy, indeed, but it might not be related to what we're after," Metiana said.

Garrus seemed to think it over for a few moments. "It's worth checking out. Casius, send me a report of what you have – places in the Zakera Ward where they've been apprehended, names, faces, the lot," he said as he moved toward the locker.

"What're you doing, kid?" Casius asked.

"Going to have a talk with Chellick."

"No, no, no! That's a bad idea," Metiana chimed in. "We don't want anyone to know we're investigating. I suggest we wait, do more digging, and see if we can link this to any other suspicious activities – other than the fact that the bails are paid from anonymous accounts, something concrete."

Garrus put the light Turian bulletproof vest on his torso before covering it with more casual looking clothes. "You do that. We can't afford the luxury to take our time. There's only the three of us. I'm going out."

"Kid…" Casius called after him before he left through the door. "Don't blow this op."

"I won't."

Citadel, Zakera Ward

Flux Bar & Nightclub

Garrus walked into the nightclub known as Flux shortly after Chellick did. He followed his colleague since he left the C-SEC HQ, melting into the people on the street, but in visual range of Chellick who seemed upset. He spotted Chellick sitting at the bar, an Asari maiden taking a sit to his left. Garrus decided to wait for the maiden to leave, hopefully without Chellick in tow, and thought of mingling with the people.

His attention was caught by a Human female standing at the bar, with her back to Chellick. Thinking of this as his best chance to kill time and keep an eye on his former colleague, Garrus walked to the woman. Unlike the vast majority of Humans he'd seen, she had red hair and blue eyes. A rather unique combination now that he tried to recall the hair and eye color of those he'd seen.

"Hello! What would you like to drink?" she asked Garrus as he leaned on the bar.

"Taetrian Rum, with cinnamon essence," he ordered. The waitress took out a glass designed for Turians and filled a fourth of it with alcohol. "Say, what's a lone Human doing on the Citadel? Working at a bar."

The woman glanced at him as she put the bottle below the table. "Not interested in Turians if that's what you're playing at," she responded with a little smile that radiated confidence.

"Oh, but I'm not playing anything," Garrus answered as he had a look in Chellick's direction. He was talking to the Asari maiden. He focused back on the Human in front of him. "I'm genuinely curious. I've seen Humans at the Alliance Embassy and around the Presidium. But not here in the Wards."

"Huh, that explains why everybody's looking at me for more than one second," she said. "Today's my second day here. Doran, the Volus owner, thought hiring me over the other two Asari would attract more clients. To see the Human in flesh and bone!" she said as her hands moved in a circular fashion, describing a circle with her at the center of it. He'd seen Shepard do that when they were at Galaxy Lounge, the restaurant on Arcturus Station that was opened by a Human-Quarian consortium.

"So you're a waitress? Bartender?"

"Of sorts."

"Why'd you leave Alliance space? Aren't you afraid of aliens?"

She laughed at his question. "Nothing ventured, nothing gained. I'm not one of those who like sitting at home all day long, all their lives. There's a galaxy out there to explore. I want to see it before I die. Most people only see the corner of the galaxy they've been born into. I don't want to be like them. I want to see the world for what it is, with my eyes, not virtual reality." Garrus was genuinely surprised by the response. It did make sense, though. "Unlike many people back home, I don't hold a grudge for Shanxi. Left as soon as there was clearance to visit alien space."

"Where are you from?" Garrus asked.

"I was born in Acropolis, on Mars. Spent the better part of my childhood on the Red Planet. Not a lot to see on Mars, really. It's not recommended to stay outside the domes without a suit for more than a few hours, with all the terraforming done by the Alliance. So I left as soon as I could, at 18 years old. Been traveling across Human space ever since, taking minor jobs just to have enough to drink, eat, sleep, and travel."

"I imagine your parents miss you," Garrus said. He glanced in Chellick's direction again. He seemed to get annoyed at the maiden's company.

"I keep in touch with them. Besides, my sister's still with them. They aren't alone. By the way, name's Rita," she said and extended her right hand over the bar out of habit. Garrus' habit of shaking hands with Humans since his stay with them kicked in and he reached for her arm. It felt so soft to the touch, 'definitely a young woman' he deduced. Rita cocked an eyebrow and half a smirk was plastered on her face. "Unlike many other aliens, you seem awfully comfortable with shaking hands. Heard it was a Human only thing," she remarked.

'Oh, snap!' Garrus thought. He had to think of something, and fast. "Comes with the profession," he said. "If you want to have success as a reporter, you want to chase the best stories. Your species has been the best story in the past months. The habit rubs on you after shaking a few hands for interviews," he said, finding the most reasonable excuse he could think of. "Name's Lucius."

"Well, Lucius, you're the first half decent Turian I spoke to," Rita said, Garrus noticing her looking somewhere else, behind him. "Been nice chatting, but I've got work to do. See you around!" she said and left with a plate full of drinks to a table.

Garrus drank half of his remaining rum and moved to where Chellick was seated. He managed to send the maiden away. He noticed Garrus approaching, but his eyes didn't betray any recognition. Garrus took this as a good sign.

"Detective Chellick from C-SEC?" he asked while sticking to the role of the reporter.

"Yeah, that's me. Who's asking?" he asked between two sips from his drink.

"Lucius Vextus," he came up with a family/clan name on the spot. "I'm a reporter on an investigation into drug trafficking here on the Citadel. I've heard that you've worked on a case to bring down a smuggling cartel until recently."

Chellick put his drink down and turned to face Garrus. "And where have you heard that from?" he asked. Garrus was convinced now, he was really upset from work.

"Inside C-SEC source. Do you have a minute for a few questions? It will help big time."

Chellick looked at the Turian before him. Something felt eerily familiar at this man, although he hadn't seen him before. Although he wanted to dismiss him, his gut instinct told him to entertain him a bit more. "Off the record," Chellick said.

"Off the record," Garrus agreed. "Is it true that a large Salarian cartel has made an appearance on the Citadel?"

"Very likely. Although they seem to simply sell the drug, K14. They don't engage in violent activities, gang fights… robberies… They just smuggle the damn thing and I wasn't able to find the source," Chellick said.

"Who's been assigned to tracking down the cartel?"

"Lantar Sidonis, one of our newer detectives," Chellick answered briefly.

"I've also heard that most of the arrests you've presided over have been near the maintenance tunnels. Can you comment on this?" Garrus asked.

"I don't know what exactly they are doing deep in those tunnels. We're not allowed to go there, and, to get in, we need to obtain permission from higher ups. Many have gone missing while exploring those tunnels. Including C-SEC officers on a search and rescue mission. I think you know all too well the rumors of the Keepers who drag those they find there to the cleaning dumps," Chellick answered.

It was true. There were those unlucky enough to stray too close to the tunnels used by the Keepers, mostly during the late night cycle when the Keepers are cleaning the station. People went missing and search and rescue operations have been mounted by C-SEC. A few officers who ventured deep into the tunnels have never emerged. That's why there's a restriction on venturing into those tunnels. People perhaps mistaken for garbage, or some else obscure reason the Keepers had to make them disappear.

"Intersting…" Garrus said.

"Bet if there was will to bring them down the higher ups would do something about it. Pallin isn't moving a talon in this direction," Chellick commented. "If you ask me, it's almost as if C-SEC wants to let those traffickers go once the bail is paid. One wonders what's actually happening. And I fear the answer is somewhere in those Spirits forsaken tunnels," he finished speaking. Garrus watched him as he finished his alcohol in a few moment of silence and left the bar.

'I must go see what's exactly going on in those maintenance tunnels,' Garrus thought to himself. He wouldn't forgive himself if he didn't.

Citadel, Presidium

Alliance – Quarian Embassy

"Ma'am, I'm telling you, we still don't have the full image of the battle," the Human male told a Turian woman. The man was working here at the embassy. That much Atelas figured out. "We don't know exactly where each unit was deployed during the battle, especially Turian units."

"Please, you must know something! It's of great importance for me to know. It's ancient tradition for my people to go on a pilgrimage to visit their loved one's site where they fell," the woman explains to the man. "Please… I have to go. For my peace at the very least…" she begged.

"Ma'am, you can visit the Shanxi Military Cemetery where the dead have been buried. That's where your husband is most likely to be buried if he was killed in action," the embassy staff member tried to explain, but the Turian woman didn't budge. She kept staring at him. "Ah," the man sighed, "what was his unit?" he finally asked.

"Lieutenant Velus Tanetil, 2nd Company, 1st Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 27th Legion," she answered the question with renewed vigor.

The man introduced the data into his terminal and brought up the result of the search. "1st Battalion of the 2nd Brigade was deployed in the woods to the west of Tianxia. Many are still missing in action according to prisoner accounts," he finally told her what she wanted to hear.

"Thank you," the Turian woman told the man. She then turned and reached for a little Turian boy. Atelas always found Turian children to be cute. Their little frame, their face plates still growing, their little heads enclosed by their face plates, their eyes sparkling with youth and hope. She recognized him as a boy because of how his mandibles didn't extend very much backward, and the head fringes were growing longer. The child jumped down from the chair he was seated on.

"What did the Human say, mada?" The little kid asked. Atelas recognized mada as mother, spoken in an untranslated Turian dialect, perhaps a minor one from Palaven or its colonies.

"Where we could find padu," she answered the child's question as they strolled away and into another part of the embassy, the one with the words ALLIANCE TRAVEL PERMITS at the entrance. The Human Systems Alliance was taking steps to interface their tourism and travel system with the Citadel's. They already opened a website to the extranet where you could submit a request for an ATP – or Alliance Travel Permit – if you wanted to travel in Alliance space. Although very few did so far, she had no doubt many would follow.

"NEXT!" the woman that serviced the line Atelas was waiting at shouted. Atelas moved forward now. "How can we help you today, ma'am?" the woman in formal office clothes asked.

"Hello," Atelas said. "Uhm… I would like to request political asylum," she straight out said it. The woman's eyebrows shot upward, her eyes widening a bit. She seemed lost for a second.

"Uh… please hold on a moment," she said while she checked something on her computer. "Ma'am, we don't have an asylum application fill form for members of other species," the woman told Atelas.

"What? Surely I can fill that one?" she asked in return.

The woman thought it over before giving an answer. "Ma'am, I'm not sure it would be in accordance with legislature. I can't accept a form filled by you at this moment in time. A special form for any nonhuman must be promulgated first."

"You don't understand," Atelas tried to reason. "I have nowhere to live, nowhere to work at in Citadel space. My own government is oppressing me, they're trying to make my life hell… I could even be killed."

The woman leaned back in her chair and looked at one of the Marines standing in the room as security. The soldier acknowledged that knowing look and approached Atelas and the embassy employee. Perhaps he was paying attention to them beforehand.

"Please, you can't send me back out there," she reiterated and leaned a bit over the desk.

The Marine approached them. He was in his T-Kev full body armor. Atelas looked sideways at him. His armor was the standard dark blue with black areas of the Marines. The flag of the Systems Alliance was painted in more suitable colors for the camo on his right rerebrace [2], the left one having the insignia of the unit. The insignia of the division was that of an eagle holding an olive branch in its beak, a pair of arrows in the left claw and a scepter in the right claw. Below the insignia were the inscriptions 11DIV – 2MREG – 1BAT, indicating that he was part of the 1st Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 11th Marine Security Guard Division. His rifle was slung over his shoulder.

"Ma'am…" the soldier said. Atelas didn't recognize his rank, but the two chevrons on his right rerebrace, just below the Alliance flag, made her think he wasn't a high ranking soldier.

Atelas looked back at the woman across the desk. "You have to help me, please. There's nowhere I can go. They've seen me making my way to your embassy. There is nowhere I can go in Citadel space without the matriarchs' ire following me," she spoke now with louder voice, thus attracting the attention of almost everyone in the room. She knew she was taking a risk. But she hoped it would pay off, not be refused. Perhaps this was to be her luck?

"I'm sorry, ma'am," the human female said apologetically, "but neither me, nor anyone else can accept any application for asylum from any nonhumans at this moment in time."

"I can teach Human biotics, I'm sure you have them. I'm not a leech to live off society's back. I'm quite proficient in biotic combat."

As the scene was unfolding in the reception, three ambassadors were approaching from the corridor that leads to Goyle's and Rael's offices. Goyle, Rael'Zorah and Jath'Amon were walking together toward the exit.

"I will pass forward your proposals, Ambassadors Goyle and Zorah," Jath'Amon's deep voice said. "It was a most fruitful meeting. Thank y-" he wanted to continue, but was distracted by the scene they just stumbled upon.

"What's going on here?" Rael asked as he detached himself from the group of three. He looked at the Marine for clarification.

"Sir, I was about to politely ask the Asari civilian to follow me outside."

"Why is that?" he asked curiously.

"She was making a scene, sir. Regulations dictate that we maintain peace and order in the embassy, and the madam here is acting more and more erratic."

Goyle looked at the Asari and a look of recognition flashed over her eyes. "Admiral Atelas Razea?" she asked. At first, she didn't recognize her at all due to her civilian, almost human like attire.

"Ambassador Goyle… actually it's just Atelas Razea now. I'm no longer an admiral. Or part of the Unified Fleet," she replied after calming down, hoping Goyle would help her. The two had spoken to each other while Atelas was a prisoner, shortly after the Surrender at Relay 314. Jath'Amon looked between the two, wondering what the background was.

"Apologies," Goyle said a bit dumbstruck, "for I didn't recognize you at first. What is the cause for the scene?"

"I am seeking political asylum," Atelas simply said. "The Republics hate me since I've returned home, blaming every aspect of the war on me. They took my job, my home, my holdings, my possessions… I'm not even feeling safe walking down the street if I'm honest with you. Who knows when a crazy person out there simply shoots me out of… fanaticism and hatred?" she gave a more coded explanation to the Human and Quarian officials.

Goyle turned to look at the Human woman. "Emily, why didn't she receive an asylum fill form?" she simply asked.

"Ma'am, the legislature for asylum doesn't extend to nonhumans. The Parliament is working in that sense, but there's nothing out yet," she explained.

"I know that," Goyle said. "But according to Article 14 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Revision of 2110 by the Alliance Parliament, everyone has the right to seek and to enjoy in other countries / colonies / sovereign states asylum from persecution. Please provide her with the printed and digital forms." [3]

Goyle turned around to face the Batarian official. "I apologize for the interruption, Ambassador. But, rest assured, I'm glad that we've been able to settle and agree on the most pressing matters. Would it be alright if we make an appointment in a week from today at the Batarian Embassy?"

Jath'Amon nodded. "Of course. My associates will contact your embassy for the exact hour. I'll make preparations in that direction. Thank you," he said and left the embassy.

"I'll be in my office, in case anybody wants to see me," Rael said and walked away. He had a call with Daro'Xen scheduled.

Goyle turned her attention to the Asari in the room. Emily, the embassy employee, had already printed the application and a chip with the digital form. Atelas took them.

"Please follow me, madam Razea," Goyle said. "Emily, I'll be busy for an hour."

The two entered Goyle's office after a two minute walk through the embassy's corridors. Goyle offered Atelas to sit down in the guest's chair while she took her seat behind her desk.

"I must say, I'm very surprised to see you seeking asylum. Especially with the Alliance."

"It's the safest choice I could make, Ambassador," Atelas said. "Everything that happened was blamed on me. My rivals, who were much more resourceful than a matron of my age and standing is, took advantage of it and got rid of me. I guess they don't want an aspiring, promising young officer like me grow too much in the military."

"Hm… I see. Alright, if you would like to, we could proceed with filling that application for asylum."

"Of course."

Goyle asked the dumb AI that helps her manage her work to record, both audio and video, this process for future reference, and as proof.

"Now," Goyle started, "do you know how to write using the English alphabet?"

"No."

"According to Alliance laws, if the applicant has no knowledge of how to write the paper forms, another person can assist the applicant with filling them. I can help you do that, but not without your express consent. Do you accept me as your assistant?"

"I do," Atelas offered short, to the point answers.

"We will first fill the papers, then the digital application that will go hand in hand with the papers. Let us begin. Do you want to apply for withholding of removal as well?"

"What does withholding of removal mean?"

"It will protect you from being returned to a home nation that threatens your life or freedom."

"Then yes, I wish to apply for withholding of removal as well."

"Family name?" Goyle asked as she prepared to write down with a pen.

"Razea."

"Given name?"

"Atelas."

"Any other names, including maiden names?"

"None."

"You don't reside in the Alliance, so… we will be skipping this part. "Gender?"

That question was followed by silence, until Atelas spoke. "Every other race views Asari as females. The answer is female."

"Marital status?"

"Not married."

"City, country, planet, and date of birth?"

"Serrice, Republic of Edosh, Thessia, March 3rd, 1620 CE."

"Present citizenship?"

"Edoshi and Standard Thessian, accepted in every corner of the Asari Republics."

"Nationality at birth?"

"Edoshi."

"Race, ethnic, or tribal group?"

"Ruavan Asari."

"Religion?"

"Siari."

"When did you last leave your home state? The exact date, please."

"I've left Edosh more than 200 years ago. But, if home nation extends to Thessia because of our political organization and relatively united race, I've left Thessia two days ago, October 20th, 2180."

"That will work. Next, what is your native language and dialect?" Goyle continued to read the relevant questions and fill the forms as they went along.

"Standard Thessian, Ruavan dialect."

"Any other languages that you speak fluently?"

"Salarian Standard."

"You might want to study English if your application is accepted. It will make things easier. Children?"

"None."

"Then we shall skip the next few pages… Information about your background. The last address where you lived before coming here, and what time period?"

"Thessia, Republic of Armali, city of Armali, Sel'Movi District, street 641-F, number 44, 21st floor, apartment 212. Between October 20th 2180 and…" she tried to remember but had to check on her omnitool for a copy of the contract, "…and June 1st 2090."

"Present address?"

"None. I'm homeless right now."

"Uh… this might complicate things a bit. Let's go on for now. What about your education? List all the institutions you've been through, including the time period and their addresses. Start with your most recent one."

She used the omnitool again to check the addresses and time period which she gave as she enumerated them. "Dardana Isona Academy of High Officers, Armali Naval Academy, Huntress Training Institution of Armali, Edoshi Huntress Institute…" were the most notable ones.

"Name and address of your most recent employer, your occupation, and the time period you were employed."

"Asari Unified Fleet Command, Thessia, Republic of Armali, city of Armali, Triumph Plaza. Ranked Admiral, liaison to the Citadel Joint Fleets, and commanding officer of the Asari – Salarian Expeditionary Fleet. Between 15th May 2180 and 30th June 2180."

"Full names of your parents, their city of birth, and current location if they are not deceased."

"My maai'a, mother who gave birth to me, was Helari Razea, died of old age 162 years ago. My maai'a selai, the second mother, or father in your culture, was Keliada T'nerus, presumed deceased," Atelas answered.

Goyle cocked an eyebrow at that. "Presumed?" she asked for clarification.

"Last time we heard from her was in 1828, during the Geth Uprising. She fought as a volunteer for the first Quarian Republic. We assume she was killed in combat by the Geth."

"Do you fear harm or mistreatment if you return home, to Thessia?"

"I would fear harm and mistreatment anywhere where the matriarchs have clawed their way in. That includes all of Council space, Illium, or the Terminus Systems."

"Have you or your family members ever been accused, arrested, charged, detained, interrogated, convicted and sentenced, or imprisoned?"

"No."

"Did you travel through or reside in other nations' sovereign space before coming to us?"

"No. Only in Asari space, on Thessia."

"Have you or your parents ever applied for and/or received any lawful status in other states?"

"No."

"Have you ever ordered, incited, assisted or otherwise participated in causing harm or suffering to any person because of his or her race, religion, nationality, member in a social group or political views?"

"No. I have killed during my military career, but only because of mission parameters. And they were pirates, smugglers, mercenaries, or part of any other hostile faction."

"Well… this would be the relevant fields for your situation. Please write here your name in your native dialect. The next part will be completed by me as your assistant when applying for asylum," Goyle clarified and proceeded to complete the last part. "The digital one will be sent to the Alliance, to the Office of Colonial Affairs since they're the ones tasked with immigration and this type of activities, and to the Bureau of Investigations," the ambassador said by purposefully omitting the Alliance Intelligence part. "You should receive an answer if you've made it to the interview part in less than a week."

Epsilon Eridani System, Alliance Heavy Shipyards

SSV Normandy, Starboard observation port

Anderson stood a mere meter from the window that offered him the perfect view of the small docks that served any ship below cruiser weight. The Heavy Shipyards are a marvel of spacefaring Humanity, a product of ambition, ingenuity, hard work, and above all, necessity. For necessity is the main dynamo of everything. Anderson once thought what pushed the Alliance to build this gigantic space construct when he was a Marine. Of course, when he was a trooper, the Heavy Shipyards weren't this large. They grew at an amazing pace after the Insurrection.

Anderson felt pride fill his chest. There simply was something special, something he couldn't exactly put his finger on, when it comes to watching your own people's military hardware. Even though his reasons for joining the Navy weren't truly what he wanted, he felt content with the status of his military career. He changed branches of service for the same principle he first enlisted: patriotism and to protect those he loved. It also allowed him to be taken more serious and push one of the military's most important laws with Hackett's support – the Hackett-Anderson Protocol.

He watched as the Heavy Shipyards shrunk more and more as the Normandy was pulling away from the docks. They were to rendezvous with elements of the Second Fleet, Fourth Fleet, and the ships under Rear Admiral Mikhailovich's command for war games.

One might wonder why the ship has a window. Shepard even asked him about it. Anderson recalls his answer to him pointing out that windows are structural weaknesses. "Somewhat true. Only that this room's inner walls are reinforced. And if we're getting shot at… then things have gone horribly wrong. It's not like the Normandy was designed to take hits. We go in, put a dagger in their backs, and get out before they even feel the pain. Besides, the view helps quite a lot when on long deployments. I'm telling this from experience. This is a welcome addition if you ask me."

It was a day just like today, 20 years ago, when the ship he was stationed on, the SSV Fulminata, responded to an emergency FTL SOS signal from an AIC corvette. He still has to deal at night with the nightmarish aliens his team fought on Jartar. How much of a technological disparity truly was between Humanity and whoever was behind the two kilometer ship and the fighter craft that downed a corvette with pin point accurate shots to the engines.

"Space is vast, dark… and monsters lurk in that darkness." These words were spoken to him by the former AIC director after the Fulminata returned to Elysium. The same words were shared with Captain Adama three years later, as the captain confessed to Anderson then after the bombing mission on Jartar. Ever since, Adama and the Ebony Star became part of the Ghost Fleet, a ramification of Phoenix Contingency. He hasn't heard from the man since his covered up transfer in 2166. Anderson himself found out about the Ghost Fleet later on, in 2170.

The Normandy was now well clear of the docks and out of the way, already in the Outbound FTL Lane – a region of intrasolar space restricted to any sort of traffic other than outbound vessels. There was the Inbound FTL Lane, reserved for ships programmed to arrive via FTL in the system. He barely saw the small tear in space as the ship went into FTL.

In a darkness as black as hyperspace the demons lurk, the people unaware of their existence, totally unprepared. 'We will be ready,' he told himself with determination. Humanity, and, most importantly, Kahlee, had to be protected from those monsters lurking in the dark, waiting to pounce on us.

Apien Crest, Trebia System

Orbit over Aventen, THW Verrikan

Fleet Admiral Irix Coronati [1], Chief of Naval Operations for the Turian Hierarchy and commanding officer of the Hierarchy's First – also known as the Palaven Defense Fleet – and Second Fleets, stood aboard the bridge of the dreadnought Verrikan, one of the newer Impera-Class dreadnoughts.

The ship was in orbit of the planet Aventen, first planet from the local star. Multiple military installations had been set up over Aventen. Its main use since the Krogan Rebellions was that of a shooting range for ships. Today Coronati was observing how the new ammunition for dreadnoughts would perform. In a joint effort with the Asari Republics, Salarian Union and the Vol Protectorate to improve their capabilities for a possible future war against the Alliance, the big three came up with a new type of mass accelerator ammunition for their warships as discussed at the war summit.

This new ammunition was an advanced armor piercing mass accelerated slug designed to defeat the thick armor fitted on Alliance warships. They had tested it on a smaller scale for cruisers and frigates. Now it was time for the dreadnought caliber slug to be tested. The dreadnought Verrikan just finished aligning its spinal cannon with a large armor plate that served as their target. The thickness of the armor plate they were about to shoot at was on par with the estimated effective thickness of Alliance battle plate mounted on Spirit battleships and Ares cruisers.

The standard mass accelerator slug isn't designed to penetrate deep into the ship, but to deliver as much kinetic energy on contact and rip off chunks of hull plating, thus exposing the inside of the ship to the void and cause violent atmospheric venting and other damage that could effectively take the opposing ship out of combat. This slug was special. It was shaped like a Human bullet and had a tungsten core with tungsten tip. The slug was heavier than standard ones, weighing 25 kilograms – 5 more than standard dreadnought mass accelerated slugs. The 20 kg slug became standard for Citadel races after the Krogan Rebellions. In a similar way to NATO's STANAG (Standardization Agreement) policy, the Council species, at the behest of the Hierarchy, decided to adopt common calibers and create interchangeable parts for firearms to facilitate the war effort if they were to fight against a common foe again.

"We are ready to fire, sir," the weapons officer reported.

"Fire on my mark," Coronati ordered. "Five, four, three, two, one, mark!"

The slug that was loaded in the spinal cannon's barrel was accelerated to more than 4,000 kilometers per second. A gentle hum told the bridge crew that the slug cleared the barrel. All eyes were on the target. The slug raced toward the chunk of armor, leaving a blue tail behind due to element zero. The slug traversed the void and slammed into the target. The tungsten tip pierced the armor plate and started to peel off with the outer jacket. The tungsten core that was separated from the tip proceeded to pierce forward, going through the full five meters of military alloy and exiting through the other side. The slug continued its flight towards the local star, Trebia, where it would finish its journey.

"Sir, good effect on target. We've pierced the armor plate clean," an observer stated the obvious. He was the attaché from the research and development team.

Coronati approached him and congratulated him. "Congratulations, doctor. Your team got fantastic results in this short time," he said and then turned to General Oraka. "Congratulations, General. Without you it wouldn't have been possible to coordinate so efficiently with our allies and get these results."

"Thank you, Fleet Admiral," Oraka responded. "The Salarians and Asari will test the slugs on their own ships the following days. Considering the success we've had, I'd be surprised to hear they fared worse."

"Indeed. Send an update to General Corinthus and Palaven Command," he ordered to the communications officer before turning back to Oraka and the scientist. "What of our troops' kinetic barriers upgrade? Cybernetic warfare capabilities for the Navy?"

"Kinetic barriers are an issue across all of Citadel space," Oraka started. "We'd need to make the equipment heavier to house a larger power source capable to sustain barriers that would react to the lower velocity of Human bullets. That's what my men have concluded after an analysis of our technology," the General replied.

"That is achievable in the near future," the scientist said. "As you know, we've been trying to make armor lighter while offering the same, or better protection. This simply accelerates the time table. With enough funding for the right team, we will have a prototype for the Hierarchy's soldiers in a year at most. As for cyber warfare capabilities, we are still working. We have come up with stop gap measures to prevent another disaster. This must do until more complex and reliable solutions are developed."

Coronati nodded. "Very good. I'm glad to hear it. Thank you, doctor," he dismissed the scientist and budged Oraka in a manner that said 'walk with me'. Coronati walked ahead of Oraka who immediately caught up with him as they left the bridge through a door.

"General, what is the situation among our military forces on the Citadel?" Coronati asked. Oraka gave a sideways glance to the flag officer, not knowing what he was referring to exactly. Coronati picked up on that and explained. "We have a few flag officers ready to raise hell here on Palaven. Primarch Fedorian recalled them home from active duty due to some interesting finds in their periodic medical and psychological examinations. So far, they've been very vocal with their displeasure and views on the ongoing events. One might say they're almost trying to sow dissent in the high echelons of the naval forces. What's the situation at Naval Base Arx, on the Citadel?"

"I haven't heard of anything like that about the officers at Arx, or of the Citadel garrison," Oraka said after Coronati finished. "I've been busy coordinating with the Citadel Joint Fleets and the other military attachés to the Citadel. There's a lot of work if we want to be able to counter future Human attacks with any efficiency," he explained while they passed a pair of Naval Infantry guards on the corridor. "But… now that you mention it, I believe Councilor Sparatus is very unhappy with this turn of events. Lidanya even approached me on the matter and told me that she overheard the councilor muttering something about Fedorian meddling where he shouldn't."

Coronati averted his gaze from Oraka and looked forward. His mind was spinning, trying to find an explanation for what was actually happening in the Hierarchy's ranks. When he approached Fedorian to ask why flag officers had been recalled home from their deployed fleets, Fedorian had let him in on the possibility of a surprise Salarian attack if he hadn't. On the very strong possibility of a conspiracy in the works to either grab power by a group of few, or instigate a war. Another scenario that Coronati thought of by himself was that somebody, and he had no shortage of suspects, wanted to overthrow Fedorian and his regime. After all, there were plenty of angry people, especially in the Republics, who wanted Fedorian gone, the Turian whose economic reforms sent billions upon billions of Asari credits down the sinkhole.

Although not a real supporter of Fedorian, Coronati is a Turian who obeys the law and lines of succession defined by the Hierarchy at its founding days. Coronati believed the younger Fedorian to be the best cut out Turian to take the seat of Primarch of Palaven in 2155. At the time, he was a Rear Admiral who spent most of his time in Cipritine, organizing Hierarchy's logistics operations. He would be quickly noticed for his natural talent and intelligence, his initiative after the loss of a patrol group by the Terminus border being a catalyst to his career. He kept himself outside of politics, siding with neither Fedorian, nor Petadros – Fedorian's counterpart.

"I know you'll be returning to the Citadel soon," Coronati spoke after a few moments of silence. "I recommend you take a Blackwatch platoon with you from First Fleet. I'll personally recommend them." The older General was, obviously, curious why the younger Fleet Admiral would say this. As if on cue, Coronati continued his line of thought. "I've been around politicians and soldiers for long enough to read some of their character in a short time. You strike me as trustworthy, not a troublemaker. If you want to help the Hierarchy, take this Blackwatch platoon with you, under the guise of extra staff, of course."

"What will I do with them?" Oraka asked. Coronati stopped walking suddenly as the question was spelled out.

"Pray to the Spirits that they won't be needed. I cannot tell you anything more than the fact that… an internal crisis is developing. But you will know what to do if the situation calls for it. I'll do my best to prevent the keg of gunpowder exploding. If I fa- if we fail, you must defend the Hierarchy," Coronati answered before leaving Oraka alone to ponder on what he meant with those words.

Citadel, Presidium

Councilor Tevos' apartment

Councilor Tevos likes to enjoy her breakfast in the coziness of her own home. She doesn't eat any sort of breakfast, but the best one. And in line with her preferences. This morning, she had a specialty based on a selection of Thessian fish. The TV was running, its purpose to keep the matriarch informed of the latest developments in the more mundane politics. She was watching Citadel News Network, the morning news. Right now, the Yesterday In Ten Minutes was airing. It's a summary of the most important topics that will be presented by the presenters.

Tevos dipped the fish fillet in a vegetable sauce before putting it on her tongue. She focused at the TV while chewing.

"…Alliance spokesperson, Matthias Schultz, announced that the Hegemony and the Alliance have come to an agreement on local borders in the Skyllian Verge. This came after a period of unfruitful meetings between Ambassadors Jath'Amon and Anita Goyle. Although the negotiated terms haven't been shared with us, Spokesman Schultz assured us that it's a mutually beneficial agreement. The possibility of trade agreements is scheduled to be discussed between the two states in two days…"

The Batarians have come to an agreement on local borders in the Verge. Tevos and the matriarchy didn't expect it to happen so soon. Or ever! But, now that she thought better, the Hegemony had its own rebel problems. To have another major distraction was undesirable in their current predicament. This agreement couldn't have come at a better moment. When the operation she and the Armali Council have been cooking will start, the Humans will see the Batarians as even greater treacherous bastards.

The Alliance response would be even better, more violent preferably, in the wake of it. And all that anger directed at an unsuspecting Hegemony. The more violent the response, the better. It would also force the Turians to take sides, get involved. But, knowing Fedorian, he will surely dance to the matriarchy's song. If successful, this underhanded plan will bring the Republics back on top, both from a moral point of view, and technological. After all, she was promised an Alliance hyperspace FTL drive by a group of Human separatists who approached her the past days, seeking support to secede from the Alliance. Oh, the many possibilities this opens up!

"…paparazzi have spotted the former admiral of Unified Fleet, Atelas Razea, leaving the Alliance Embassy two days ago," her attention was caught again by the TV. "When approached, she refused to answer any question the journalists might have had. She disappeared in an apartment building purchased by the Human Alliance to house their embassy staff. Yesterday evening, during the press conference, when asked about the shamed admiral's presence at the embassy, Spokesman Schultz said that she requested political asylum in Alliance space…"

'This is not good!' Tevos' mind snapped a bit. 'Out of every place she could go to, she chose to flee to the Humans!? That pureblood bitch!' she cursed. Of course, this will be the motive for a huge public shaming of hers, even more so than the one for surrendering to the Humans. Now she could very well be branded as traitor. Tevos feared Razea would compromise a large part of the Asari military to the Humans. Or, even worse, part of the political agenda of the matriarchy. That could not be allowed to happen. She had to move fast, before the Humans can fructify this opportunity.

'Time to move the time table a bit early,' she thought as she got up from the table to make a few calls.

[1] Fleet Admiral Irix Coronati is a canon character of great importance to the lore of the universe during the Reaper War, but didn't make an appearance in game. I believe he was mentioned only in the codex. He's the mastermind behind the Fifteen Minute Plan and The Miracle at Palaven during the canon Reaper War. I want to develop his character a bit and add him to my story. He will be an instrumental character in this arc and the Reaper War.

[2] A rerebrace is a piece of armor designed to protect the upper arms (above the elbow and up to the shoulder).

[3] I referenced Form I-589 for this part of the story (USA application for asylum). Albeit a more simplified one. I'll be using standard Earth time so that I do not complicate myself (and you) with multiple time recordings like galactic standard. You can see it as translated for the reader's ease of understanding.

[4] The service numbers in this story will be formed from the abbreviation of the service branch (MCN – Marine Corps N7 Special Forces), the date of birth (Anderson, in this story, was born on 8th June 2126, 11 years earlier than canon), and a unique combination of numbers to uniquely identify each person if the previous two were not enough for 100% accurate identification (i.e. there are two people born on the same date and who are serving in the same branch). Might not be in harmony with real life service numbers, but it works here.

NOTE2: As you might see, I'm giving you some background info on the Alliance's experience with Reaper pawns and machinations in the past. This will tie in with Nihlus' experience with the Collectors. And the backstabbing behind the curtains is slowly unfolding in the political arena. The next chapter might show how shit hits the fan. I was planning to add one more large scene for Alex, but I decided to cut it out and show it sometime later in an interlude chapter. I hope my story won't feel as if it is only following the story, but the characters' thoughts and how and why they came to be and think like that. I want to give the feeling that they have more to live for, other than the team and crew, or the mission. They have their lives behind their jobs. Thank you!

NOTE3: Not sure if you picked up on it, but the name of the chapter is meant as foreshadowing, hinting at events and mindsets crucial in the future. And, as for the plot, everything is really starting to pick up speed.

A STORY BROUGHT TO YOU BY Apollonir