Breaking News! The new blared over the loudspeakers A Human colony on Eden Prime has been attacked by rogue synthetics! Updates to follow.

And so it begins. Time to find the best girl.

Looking at the screen a small smile graced my lips. It was finally starting and things were about to get moving. As much horror that would come to pass because of it, the excitement was still there for me. Taking my coffee and slamming the rest of it I stood up and stopped. Looking at Miranda it was decided to send one last 'fuck you' to Timmy.

"You know," I started putting my hand on Miranda's shoulder. "It was nice to meet you Miranda. Maybe next time you can buy me dinner while you try to hack me."

The look of shock that crossed her face at being found out so quickly was glorious. It would no doubt fuel me for a while just seeing that face. Leaving her sitting there I walked out of the cafe and disappeared into the Citadel. Winding turns and hacked surveillance cameras made sure that the Cerberus agents following me couldn't.

They were persistent and good but they didn't know the Citadel like I did. All the small shortcuts not on the schematics and areas where the homeless made problems made losing them easy. Not to mention the keepers, they always made new pathways and you could use them but only if you were familiar with the Citadel; if not you were likely to die in them.

It took about 2 hours to get back to Frank's place and when I walked in Frank was pacing back and forth behind the counter. Seeing me enter her took a long drag of his cigarette before putting it out.

"You got a job kid," he spoke with a hurried undertone.

"Hit me."

"Quarian Admiral called an hour ago. Don't know what's going on but apparently his daughters on her pilgrimage. Wants you to shadow her while she's on the Citadel; make sure she doesn't bite off more than she can chew."

"I can do that. Name?" I already know.

"Tali'Zorah nar Rayya."

"I'll get on it," I said as I made my way past him to go downstairs to the living quarters when he stopped me.

"You heard about Eden Prime?"

"Yeah, it was on the news. Why?"

"They're having the trial for it in 20 minutes. Apparently the human ambassador, Udina I think, is accusing Saren of leading the attack. Saren's the Council's top Spectre, no matter how this goes things are going to get heated soon?" shit, I'm behind already.

"How bad do you really think it could get?"

"Well, if he's convicted there will be riots in the streets. Some Turians revere the guy as almost a god because of his fame, they'll shout that the evidence was faked. Then there's the possibility that he isn't convicted and from what I heard he's got the Ambassador, an Admiral, a Captain who's a former N7 and a current N7, who was there, accusing him of being part of this attack."

"And we both know how humans are. Fuck, if he isn't convicted it'll get bad," he nodded at that and paused his pacing for a second before turning quiet and put his thinking face on.

"You think you can help set up boards?" I couldn't. As much as he needed it I couldn't right now.

"Not now, I got a gut feeling that wherever this Quarian is she'll be important to the case," I said as I began to open the door to the stairs.

"Kid…" He called out to me and I stopped. "Be sure to visit when you can. You'll always have a place here," He knew what was going on?! No, he must just be guessing that I'll get caught up in the Saren business, which I was, but still.

"I know that Frank. It's been a hell of a time," I sent him a smile and he sent me one right back. We didn't need to say anything else to each other; we knew that right here and now our paths diverged. It wasn't like it was the last time we were going to see each other anyways.

Going downstairs I passed the kitchen and Frank's room and went straight into mine. Truly looking at it for the last time it wasn't much. Not anything past 10 X 5 feet but it had a sink and mirror so it wasn't too bad. The bed took up most of the room, twin sized, not the most comfortable bed out there but the blue blanket on top of it was comfortable enough. Looking at it and examining the room from the nightstand to the drawer it felt weird that this would be the last time in here for a while.

Sighing, I began to pack what was needed. The armor that Frank had given me went on first and then my regular clothes, a bit tighter on the medium armor but still able to conceal a pistol. Once the pistol was strapped to my thigh I put the Breaker on my back and it connected to the mag strip, even through my clothes. After that, my backpack was filled to the brim with clothes; with, of course, deodorant, toothpaste, body wash, shampoo, and a toothbrush. With my civilian omni-tool stuffed in there as well. The Cipher one was now firmly locked into my right wrist.

Finally, taking out the case that held the helmet and staring at it for what seemed like an eternity I popped the case open. The red eyes of the helmet started into mine demanding that it be put on. Gently grabbing it on the sides and bringing it up to my face it felt right for it to be in my hands. This was the start of a new journey for me and could, quite literally, decide the fact of the galaxy. Opening the clasp of the helmet I put it on.

All systems active Pilot. Functioning at peak capacity.

"Thanks Sam," I responded before stopping. "Hey Sam, is there a way for us to talk without me speaking out loud?"

No. However, I always seal the helmet's vocals after I speak for exactly 5 seconds to wait for your response.

"Neat. Thanks Sam"

Your welcome Pilot

Time to face the best the galaxy has to offer.

Walking out of the room and back up the stairs with my pack over my shoulder Frank and Miss T'Kari were waiting there for me. Frank looked at me with approval and a smile on his face; he pulled me into a fierce hug. Holding it for a second he pushed me away towards Miss T'Kari. Putting a hand on my shoulder she looked me dead in the eyes, her gaze searing past the outer shell to stare into my very soul.

"Don't you dare fucking die Torchbearer," and with that she handed me a small Asari style dagger but with a blazing torch engraved on the handle. "It's yours. I expect that blade to be famous," she stated with a predatory smile and she handed me a sheath for it too.

"Be careful you two. I'll miss y'all. Even Ceelo and Volio," they both chuckled at that and I turned and left walking out the door of the shop.

The bright day of the Citadel was always something to be marveled at but today it felt overbearing. Like the eyes of god were looking down at me and uttering a simple phrase: Don't fuck it up. I had absolutely no intention of doing that. Time to kill, time to win.

Moving in silence I went into the back alley next to Frank's and made my way to Chora's Den. It was the best place to be at the moment, the center of the beginning of this whole shit show.

It took about an hour to get there without passing any high traffic areas, which considering where Chora's Den wasn't hard at all. Getting to the entrance where the transit cars would drop people off no one from the Shepard's group was there but the assassins were already lying in wait for them. It wasn't worth it to do anything to them at this point, they were waiting in a corner hidden in the shadows anyways. Coming directly at them was the only real option and four on 1 wasn't much of an option when they were already dug in.

Walking like a seemingly normal patron but with a mask to the bar they paid me no heed and just watched me walk past them. Going into the bar and sitting on the far side away from everyone I began to survey everything. Harkin was by himself at the otherside of the bar near an Asari dancer. Deciding not to pay him much heed I simply continued to survey the bar. Nothing out of the ordinary.

Well, except for the heavily armed guards who were slowly beginning to funnel into the bar/nightclub. Slowly, every 15 minutes like clockwork so you wouldn't really notice that it was happening unless you were trained to spot it or were looking for it. Eventually a waitress noticed me and made her way over to me to ask if there was anything she could get me. She only got a slow shake of my head and no verbal response, seemingly offput she left me to my own devices.

At the 50 minute mark Shepard walked in with Ashley and Kaiden. Kaiden, like how the game lore describes him, was a very handsome man. He had a strong jawline, close cut jet black hair and it was easy to see he was built. Even with his armor on it was easy to tell that the man could probably bench press a truck. Kind of surprising, all things considered.

Ashley was quite frankly beautiful. Not at all like how she looked in the first game, closer to the third game. Decent sized bust and a very form fitting body and her eyes were scanning the place the whole time looking for exits and possible ambush points. She also, unlike in the games, had deep sea green eyes that sparkled even in the dark lighting of Chora's Den. Her hair was done up like in the games though and a dark brown so that was at least accurate from the games. Not to mention though, that of the three she was the only one that actively had her gun in hand. Finger off the trigger but she was still holding it and seemed ready for anything.

Then finally Shepard. He was a carbon copy of the in-game default male model from the games but bigger and had broader shoulders. His eyes though, they held a vastness that told you that even without a gun in his hand he could rip you apart. His armor was the basic heavy N7 model from the games and on his back was both a shotgun and rifle. The shotgun being the Armageddon model and the rifle being the basic Avenger model. What was surprising about him though was the sparks of blue that danced around his fists every time he clenched them. He was a biotic with heavy armor, and had a shotgun; best guess he was a Vanguard and clearly incredibly dangerous.

They looked around the bar at the entrance for all of two seconds before they saw Harkin and made a beeline for him. After playing the games as much as I could it was easy to remember the conversation; the basic principle was that they were looking for Garrus and Harkin was going to point them in the right direction.

It was, maybe, a five minute conversation before they seemed to have what they needed and looked about ready to leave. They were on their way to doing so too when Ashley tapped the commander on his side and motioned in my direction. He peeked in her direction before looking at me. His gaze was on par… no, surpassing that in intensity of Miss T'Kari's but there was no rage or determination in them. It was cold, calculating but with a sliver of dare I say naivety. A renegade who believed people could be better? Who knows, I'm about to find out anyway as all three made their way over to me.

"Who are you?" Ashley spat at me. Well, at least her attitude from the games was spot on. Always a spitfire with a bit too much to say.

"A citizen," I replied simply.

"Decked out in that gear?" came Shepard's voice. Yeah, even had the exact same voice from the game. Kinda freaky if you ask

"A paranoid citizen."

"C'mon sir. This isn't worth our time," came Kaiden's steady voice.

Shepard considered his words for a second before nodding and they began to leave. I, in my infernal wisdom, couldn't help myself from speaking.

"Be seeing y'all."

Antagonizing them doesn't seem ideal, Pilot.

"Couldn't help it."

Sigh.

"Did you really just say 'sigh'?" Sam didn't answer me.

All three stopped in their tracks and stared at me in unison. It was cool but downright terrifying to see knowing that if they decided to fight it would be over quick and not with me on top. Still, they looked at me and I'm surprised that my helmet didn't crack from their gaze but I returned it with all the intensity I could muster from behind my mask. Unblinking and uncompromising as the helmet was, it definitely helped with the illusion. After a few seconds they left me and left Chora's Den to go find Garrus.

Once they left I waited 5 minutes before going outside. The bodies of the four assassins strewn about and enough blood on the walls plus missing body parts told me enough. Those three could do some serious damage. Looking around the area I noticed a Vent and decided it was time to do one last job as the Torchbearer before joining up.

Dropping my bag and rifle in the darkened corner where the assassins had been hiding. Running up the wall I jumped at it and bounded off it as a parkour move and grabbed onto the ledge of the vent. Ripping it off the wall and climbing in it was a lot more crowded than usual but that's medium armor for you.

Getting into the vent and following the thumping of the music from Chora's Den I made my way through the area. It was remarkably slow progress but it wasn't all too hard. Just had to concentrate on the area where the music was the first, the loudest and then almost completely subdued. There was an exit to the vents and opening it carefully it was a wide open area with a few Keepers milling about but otherwise nothing. This would make things a bit easier as I didn't have to crawl and instead walking was an option. So that's what I did.

Finally reaching my destination after what seemed like forever I got a nice view of Fists head from above. Clad in full armor and definitely had his barrier active since he was expecting an attack I couldn't just shoot him like the Batarian all those months ago. Looking down at him he seemed to be alone so if there was a chance it was now.

Taking the knife Miss T'Kari had given me into my hands I jumped down right behind him. He reacted quicker than expected but it was already too late for him. Swinging around he made to put a pistol in my face with his right hand but I swatted it out of his hand and throat punched him.

When his hands went to his throat he received a punch right to his solar plexus. With all the air effectively out of his lungs I grabbed his hand with his omni-tool and slammed my knife into it. The omni-tool sparked once before going dark and I held my pistol up to his face pushing the barrel into his forehead.

"Where's the Quarian?"

"I *cough* don't know," he got out in a pained voice gasping for breath.

"Then where can I find her?" Not waiting for a response I put my forearm over his mouth and then taking the knife and twisted it, hard. I felt it break his wrist. He screamed into my forearm and once he calmed down I removed my forearm and put the gun back into his face. He got the message.

"She'll be in the back alley, by the markets," he breathed out, barely holding himself together.

"Thanks," and then I pulled the trigger. His brain and parts of his skull splattering all over the table. Playing with my omni-tool for a second my holographic app came to life and my signature torch became visible on his desk.

Good kill Pilot. Kill count: 1

"Thanks Sam. I plan on getting that number pretty high in the future."

Fantastic.

"Sam? What was the killcount for Frank?"

Pilot Frank's Killcount… accessing files… 1092.

"I'll beat that."

Good.

Looking around the desk for anything to write on there was a datapad on the corner. Grabbing it I typed into it that the Quarian could be found in the back alley by the markets and left it next to my symbol. Stepping onto his desk I jumped back up to the railing and made my way back.

It took just a little bit shorter than before with the overpass the keepers were working on. I had to eventually get back into the vent to get out but it took far shorter than getting there. Not fast enough for me to miss the gunfire that was now erupting below. Had to get a groove on.

Getting out of the vent I made my way to the alley on the far side of where the assassins would be. They didn't even take a second look at me, focusing so much on looking for Tali that they missed the armed assassin in their midst, amateurs. Sitting behind a crate at the top of those stairs by the door I put my bag down and my rifle under the bag pretending to be a vagrant.

Not long after setting myself up the door opened and Tali walked in. She spared a single look at me before walking bye, in a hurry and understandable. Good girl has her priorities straight, even if she is naive in believing Fist. Once she passed me I grabbed my rifle and set up. The assassins really were piss poor as they didn't notice me again setting up to kill them… maybe their brains were hindered; indoctrinated maybe? Who knows what havoc that does on your brain, even in the early stages.

As Tali stopped in the middle of the walkway I saw Shepard come around the corner with Ashley, Kaiden, Wrex and Garrus right behind him. Both Wrex and Garrus looked, to a tee, exactly like their in-game counterparts. Seeing me on the far side of the room Shepard, Kaiden and Ashley visibly tensed a bit. Thinking quickly so that they didn't start firing at me too I lifted my left hand off my rifle and showed them the jambo*. They saw it and all three responded with their own. Gotta love marines, tradition never dies.

Exactly a second after our interaction the cutscene from the first game starts. Tali slaps the Turians hand away and then all hell breaks loose. Firing an overload into the middle of the three grouped up Salarians they're taken out almost instantly by Shepard, Ashley and my AR fire. Two of the three Turians are biotically thrown into a wall leaving blue blood on the wall, their heads caved in. The third received a point blank shotgun blast from Tali and had their chest cavity blown apart.

The last two Salarian's fired sabotages at the group while being covered by a single Asari. She didn't last long with no cover after that and was finished by a Carnage shot from Wrex. Blew her into a fine pink mist. As for the last two Salarian's Tali hit them with an overload allowing Garrus and Shepard to put bullets into their heads. That was the first fight with the group with hopefully more to come. It was too short for my liking.

Pilot Killcount: 2. Combat efficiency grade: B

Grabbing my pack I slung it over my shoulder and walked up behind Tali as she talked to Shepard. Same thing as in the Game but a little variation, nothing to write about. When she said she indeed had info on Saren everyone seemed to get a little happier. Except for Wrex, he looked like he couldn't give a shit; he probably didn't.

"Now, I'll ask again. Who are you?" Ashley demanded once Tali was done talking while leveling her rifle at me, as did everyone else. Looking at them knowing I would die if I did anything stupid.

"Let me show you," I brought up my omni-tool and they raised their guns in response. "It's 6 on 1 with literally no cover, I'm nowhere near that stupid or good." that gave them pause.

"Then show me," Shepard stated, taking a step forward. Looking at him in silence I began to fiddle with my omni-tool before sending him a message. It only had a picture of a torch, that should get the message across. He looked at it for a second, with realization instantly setting in before he snapped his gaze back to me. The intensity in his eyes increased tenfold.

"What's your stake in this?" he asked sharply.

"Nihlus was a friend." c'mon, take the bs! The guy's dead anyways. The silence hung in the air for an uncomfortable amount of time. Enough for Kaiden to talk.

"Sir?" Shepard looked at him briefly before staring back at me.

"Can you follow orders?"

"Wouldn't be here if I couldn't."

He nodded his head sharply and then began to walk off. I was right on his heels and the others didn't take long to follow. Ashley was giving me an evil eye so powerful I could feel it burning into the back of my head. From the peeks I got of the rest from the reflections of windows we passed the others didn't really care much.

Both Garrus and Wrex didn't give a flying fuck, but were both watching me for any moves. Kaiden didn't pay attention to me at all and instead was looking for ambushes. As for Tali she was playing with her omni-tool. Doing what I found out as soon as we made it to the rapid transport. My omni-tool pinged, signalling to me that she was trying to hack me, quite successfully too judging by the way her eyes and body reacted in a small little jingle. At least Ceelo's counter measure popped up showing me that it had started it's thing, same with Miranda.

Piling into the rapid transit car Shepard went in first, quickly followed by Garrus and then Ashley. Kaiden and Wrex were next with Tali and myself being the last two to enter the car. With the way it was situated Tali sat directly across from me within the car. She was staring intently at her omni-tool for a couple seconds as we rode along. Zipping by other cars and gigantic buildings none of it was noticed by Tali as she was furiously tapping on her omni-tool. Trying to clear out all the porn that now infested her omni-tool.

"Miss Zorah," I stated getting the attention of everyone in the car. Tali looked like a deer caught in headlights which was impressive given only eyes could be seen behind her mask. "I am a friend of your people. Don't make me an enemy."

Everyone in the car was now looking at her in mild confusion. Shepard stared at her and then at me but didn't do anything besides that. Garrus looked mildly amused, for what I don't know. Kaiden and Ashley betrayed nothing beyond mild curiosity. And Wrex, well didn't give a shit as usual.

"By the way. I hope you enjoy the porn," now that got Wrex to laugh, a deep almost bellow but it was a laugh. Everyone but Tali began to chuckle at once too. Though, Shepard looked somewhat concerned.

It didn't matter anyways as not long after we arrived at the embassies. Filing out we all made our way to the human embassy. We were silent as we walked but I had to pull Tali along twice as she was marvelling at the Citadel and how it looked from these parts. Can't say I blame her, it was beautiful. The river, the plants, and the scenery in general was gorgeous.

Finally going into the embassy Udina and Anderson were there arguing over something about Saren. Looking over at the band of misfits we were quickly becoming Anderson looked amused and Udina looked… well the shitstain looked down on everyone in the room. Like he was somehow superior in every way. Bit of an asshole if you ask me.

"Shepard," Udina spat. "I didn't expect you back so quickly… and with guests."

"They were instrumental in the acquiring of the intel… sir," Shepard stated diplomatically. Well, at least he didn't seem to be an asshole.

"How so?" asked Anderson, looking really interested now. Shepard just looked at Tali and she got the signal. Let me tell you right now though, Keith David's voice was majestic in all forms.

Stepping forward Tali started to talk. Same thing as the game so just tuned it all out. Instead I walked away from where everyone was grouped up and began to study the room. The plants were a nice touch being from Earth but it wasn't a selling point for me. Udina's chair screamed comfort, so I sat in it; it was really comfy. Standing up from the chair I went to where the projections for the Council were and just looked at them. Touching them nothing happened but they weren't anything special from looking at them, just holographic projectors.

I stopped my fucking around when I heard Benezia's voice. You know how in the games they say it doesn't sound like her. Yeah, we never met but her voice held nothing. Nothing to it, just hollow and broken. Like she was a puppet on strings being told what to say. It was damn near heartbreaking to hear a voice like that. Especially knowing that under it all she was still there fighting to get her sanity back.

"Sad," I breathed out. Too loud though apparently as everyone looked at me. Shepard looked at me with a thousand yard stare demanding I explain. "She sounds like a puppet on strings being fed words to say." I shrugged and that seemed to be the end of it until Anderson addressed me.

"And you are son?"

"A citizen."

"With that gear?" I couldn't help the smile that graced my lips.

"A paranoid citizen," I said, shrugging. I got a chuckle out of Shepard and Kaiden at that. Ashley looked mad but the rest didn't care not getting the inside joke.

"He's clean sir. He helped us recover Tali'Zorah from assassins, capable in combat," Shepard came to my rescue. Anderson and he seemed to have a conversation in silence as their eyes met. Udina, on the other hand, just looked at me with suspicion.

"I will head to the Council chambers to present this evidence. They can't possibly ignore this!" he stated slamming his hands together.

"And the Reapers?" Shepard asked, body still ramrod straight.

"If you want to present that to the Council you'll need more evidence than just a voice recording to convince anyone they're a real threat," Anderson said as Udina plowed past everyone on his way to the Council chambers.

We watched him go in silence and the rest of the group dispersed around the room to inspect it as I had. Shepard and Anderson talked quietly to each other with Kaiden and Ashley standing behind the Commander in silence. Wrex was looking out the window in silence. Garrus was sending messages on his omni-tool in silence as he sat on the couch in the corner. Tali was standing awkwardly off to the side wringing her hands together. Walking up to her she tensed in anticipation of anything but I had no intention beyond just talking.

"So, Tali'Zorah nar Rayya," I stated and she adopted a surprised posture.

"You know my full name?"

"I tend to keep an eye on all children of admirals," crossing my arms in front of her as she mirrored my stance.

"You know?"

"Who do you think I am Tali?"

"I don't know. That was what I was trying to find out before your counter hack."

"You should've asked."

"Where's the fun in that?" She asked playfully and I chuckled, now that was surprising. Apparently this Tali had a bit more of a backbone at this age. Good for her.

"Can't fault you there. You cleaned out the porn yet?"

"Yes. I still want to know," I raised my eyebrows in a questioning manner but with the mask it didn't work. Instead I tilted my head to the side signaling curiosity in my body language. "Who are you?"

"How about you figure it out?" She pouted at that and I couldn't help but laugh a little. "That's what you get for not being polite." She looked ready to respond but Shepard beat her to it.

"Let's move people," It was said with such authority that none of us, even Wrex, questioned it at all and we just followed him.

In the brief time I had been around Shepard he was starting to remind me of an old buddy I used to have. He had just graduated from West Point last I heard but he was the type of person that you just follow. No question asked because he had an air about him; saying that he was in charge and there were no exceptions. It was a little freaky to see it in another person but coming from Shepard it made sense.

Falling out of the room behind Shepard we made our way to the Rapid Transport Hub again and got another car. It was even faster than the last one as it took us to where the Council was. We were greeted with Security when we arrived and they tried to stop us for a check but relented when Shepard simply stared at them. Never thought I'd see a Turian cowed by a simple stare but Shepard made it work. It was impressive.

Getting past security we made a beeline for the Council Chambers. We made it just in time as Udina was barking at the Council. He may be a dick and a traitor in the end but seeing how he fought the Council he was someone I wanted in my corner. We walked up just as he started the recording Tali had given him.

"Eden Prime was a major victory. The beacon has brought us one step closer to finding the Conduit."

"And one step closer to the return of the Reapers," and there was Benezia.

"You wanted proof," Udina stated as he pointed at the Council. "There it is."

"That is preposterous! Evidence gathered in a mere two hours. No doubt it's fa-" Saren started in his holographic form. Don't know why he's still here. So I interrupted his little monologue.

"Just fuck off buddy," I stated getting the attention of the whole congregation.

"You're all fools! And you'll die fools. I'll start with humanity," he was about to leave but I wanted the last word, fuck this dude.

"Oi!" I shouted, getting his attention. "Consider yourself a marked man split-lip."

"You'll be the first then human," he spat at me

"The ransom of a man's life is his wealth; but the poor man hears no rebuke. My hand is the Lords and those who wish to do harm to innocents will not live, their life ended by my hand with his guidance," the first sentence was from Proverbs 13:8. The rest I made up on the spot.

It was received with a stunned silence by everyone. Even Saren looked taken aback by my statement. Recovering quickly he simply shook his head before his hologram disappeared. I will be the one that kills him. Fuck that douche.

"Regardless," Sparatus began trying to take control of the situation. "The evidence is irrefutable. Saren will be stripped of all his privileges and his rank of Spectre. All efforts to bring him in will be made."

"I recognize the other voice," started Tevos and then all attention shifted to her. "Matriarch Benezia."

She then went on to explain who Benezia was but I was no longer paying attention. Simply looking at where the hologram of Saren had been thinking to myself. Maybe I was drawing a bit too much attention to myself but at this point it didn't matter. People were going to find out about me sooner or later. At least this way I could garner a reputation.

The council continued to talk with only Anderson, Udina and Shepard actively involved. The rest were just off to the side like me waiting. All this talking was a bit annoying, considering that I knew most of what they were going to say and couldn't skip through it like in the games. Now, it was about our future ops. Noveria, Feors, Therum and a lot more, all things considered we had a long road ahead of us but we'd get it done. Through fire and flame we'd get it done.

Tuning back into the conversation that was happening with the Council it seemed that Shepard was being inducted into the Spectres. It was a bit anticlimactic without the in-game music present but oh well. You could tell just how big it was from how everyone around us was actively paying attention and leaning over the rail in some cases to hear the Council. A step forward for all humanity and the future of the galaxy was changed at that moment.

Once the Council was done Shepard was the first to turn around and leave. We all quickly followed the man and again just sat in the background as he talked to Anderson and Udina. While they did so Wrex came up to me.

"You got a quad boy." That's all he said before stepping away and not bothering to talk to me anymore.

Not long after that Shepard finished up talking to Anderson and Udina. He turned to his group and addressed us all.

"Docking bay A15. You have 30 minutes," and with that he left with Ashley, Kaiden and Tali hot on his heels.

"What do you say old man? You down for a rumble with galactic consequences?" I asked, looking at Wrex. Kinda done with being called a kid all the time but it is what it is.

"The battles will be legendary," his grin was predatory and if he could see my face he would see me returning it.

"Then let us become the legends," he let out a deep rumble of agreement before stalking off. "And you officer?" I said looking at Garrus who was already staring at me.

"Garrus. And yes. He's my collar and I'm gonna nail that barefaced bastard," determination was the only thing in his voice and I couldn't help my smile again. These guys were fun.

"Then let the best man win," outstretching my hand to him. He looked at it for a second before shaking it.

"Don't know how good of a shot your Lord is but I think I'm better," I laughed openly at that.

"We shall see, I guess."

"We shall."

With that, we left together towards the docks. We talked a little while we made our way there but it was just small talk. Finding out about each other. It was a nice little interrogation he was trying to make. Trying to figure out who I was but all my answers to the personal questions he sent my way were either dodged or given vague answers to. He seemed a little put off by that but it didn't seem to bother him too much; knowing he'd find out eventually he was content to wait it out.

As we arrived at The Normandy, Anderson and Udina were talking to Shepard. It seemed by the way that they were talking that Shepard had just been given the Normandy for the mission. He took it well and didn't say anything drastic. Only stating that he would use her to fulfill the mission and get Saren. Good.

Garrus immediately made his way to the cargo hold to put his gear away. Following him there was a locker for me too, well it would've been for Liara but I was here first. It wasn't like they couldn't get another one for her anyway. Smiling to myself and putting my gear in Shepard began to talk over the intercom. His speech from the first game reverberated over the speakers and let it be said: Shepard could fucking inspire people.

There was a tap on my shoulder and looking around I saw Ashley looking at me. Out of her armor, she was even more of a babe. Thank god for my helmet because from what I know about her, her seeing me check her out wouldn't be good for my health.

"You're religious?"

"Not many of us left huh," I said as I reached into my pocket and produced the rosary.

"No. Where was what you said earlier from?"

"When I called out Saren?" she nodded her head. "The first part was from Proverbs 13:8. The rest I made up on the spot," She seemed to contemplate that for a couple of seconds but decided against speaking and left me to my own devices.

The journey was just beginning. Time to make it memorable.

*POV Miranda Lawson*

The Illusive Man sat on his chair smoking a cigarette as I made my report.

"Torchbearer is simple. Not stupid but he seemed to have a simple way of looking at things and when he applies himself he does it simply. He takes the shortest route to finishing a mission and does it effectively.

No fuss, no showboating. Just does the job. As everyone who hired him can attest to and have said in their reports," The Illusive man took a long drag of his cig before speaking.

"And what of your meeting with him?"

"He made me," he betrayed nothing but the amusement was palpable from him.

"Can't be perfect all the time, Lawson. Did you at least execute the hack?"

"Yes."

"What did you get?"

"Nothing sir."

"Nothing?" I was unflinching in his gaze but I could feel the intensity of it.

"I got several files but nothing worth investigating. Dead ends."

"Pull them up."

There was no room for argument and so I did. Hoping that he wouldn't get too pissed off. Seeing the files he opened them on the computer in front of him and the porn Torchbearer had infected my omni-tool with played on the screen. An Asari and Drell in this video. Looking at him he betrayed nothing as the video played and he smoked his cig.

"Interesting." The hell?

"Sir?"

"Operative Lawson," ah, there's his 'I have a mission' voice. "Dig into the Citadel. See if you can find a Quarian named Ceelo'nas. Report back once you've found him."

"Yes sir."

The game is afoot. The first step into the Breach.