Here y'all go! Enjoy it.

Review too, just gotta make sure I get all the rust off to make this story the best for y'all

POV: Aedon Wynne

It's been a few months since the Morinth debacle and to be honest nothing truly significant has happened. We've continued to grow as a mercenary group, at this point we're more of a PMC. Especially with the jobs we've been taking. Protection details, escort jobs, quiet assassinations, hit squad for a few people in the Terminous system. In other words we were quietly cleaning house as best as we could.

That being said we weren't even making a real dent but we were opening up trade routes with our protection details. Illium based companies haven't been happy in the slightest at the influx of competition but they haven't made to much of a stink yet. They know I'm fully capable and willing to get on Illium and clean house if they force my hand. I say that but they have made efforts to kill my people. A simple call from Liara to Nyreen and Nyreen to me and it was taken care of. Meaning I sent the heads of the assassins back to the companies HQ's with their eyes ripped out of their sockets. It took them sending three assassins to their deaths before the message got across.

As a side note of that the last assassin got a lucky Overload in. My shield generator is okay but from it's overuse over the past two years it needs to be replaced soon. The problem with that is that I'll need to go to Frank as it was custom built into the armor. Makes it stronger and more durable but a pain to replace and as such requires me to go back to the Citadel. I just don't know when that'll be to be honest. Hopefully soon.

As a side note with that I also took up the hobby of making my own IED's. Volio sent me some guides and his personal notes on them. I am not ashamed at all to admit that building them was a lot of fun. Seeing them do work in the field was even better.

Other than that Iris has become as close as she can get to a mini-me. She exemplifies all of my characteristics in more ways than I am honestly comfortable with. I want her to be able to protect herself but I don't want her to follow my footsteps. It isn't exactly a life where you get to live long. Though when I say she exemplifies my characteristics I mean it completely. She set her mind to it already and I won't be able to stop her. Just like no one could stop me; the only thing I could do was to train her and give her the best teachers available.

Speaking of that I asked a former child psychiatrist to check with Iris. About a day after she met with Iris she gave me the all clear. Saying Iris was just highly motivated; though she did suggest further evals every year or so to make sure she was okay. I asked Iris if she was okay with it and she was but she wasn't okay with the IQ test the psych wanted to do. We left it there.

Then there's Nyreen and Garrus. They've been looking more and more like a married couple with every day that passes and I won't be surprised if he drops to one knee soon… I don't know if Turians do that actually; I'm really curious now. Either way they both seem to be really happy together.

However, I can see it his eyes that he misses the adventure of the Normandy. I feel it too and I miss the crew, but it wasn't the time. While I've been waiting though I've steadily put Kelli, Vrul, Samuel and Ilok into more and more leadership roles. Mostly so when the Normandy gets here I can go and not worry about leadership. Though in Kelli and Vrul's case it is for the future. They will outlive me and probably my children too and will be needed for the future. Either way I look forward to getting back on the Normandy.

Bringing up the Normandy brings into question Iris and what will happen to her. As I previously stated though she will no doubt be joining us. Even if I said no to her she would come any ways so I'll use it as her first real test to see if she wants to be in this life or not. There is no one foot in and one out; you're either completely in or not at all. If she gets on the Normandy this is her life, if not I'll be the best father I can be.

Aside from that nothing has really happened at all. At the moment I was finishing up breakfast for myself. Iris had already left to the orphanage to be with her friends and be taught. As for myself today was one of the few days where I let Vrul, Kelli and the others have complete control. These days had been increasing in frequency lately but they were still rare.

As luck would have it too Garrus had his off day today as well. We planned on getting together later around noon and relaxing for a bit watching some sports. In the five hours until then I would get some training in. First stop was the gym; a lot of aerobic training with some quick reaction drills and finally weapons exercises to top it all off.

All of which went off without a single problem. Everyone left me alone to do my own thing and I mostly believe that was because they knew it was my day off. I cherished these days and the last one I was supposed to talk with Tali but it didn't happen as she got a last minute assignment and couldn't talk. Either way when I was done with everything it was about 11:30 and headed back to my apartment.

Right as I arrived at my apartment my omni-tool started to ring with a call. Looking at the ID I realized that it would only be the Council. Getting inside my apartment I closed the door and locked my omni-tool down and wired the audio to my translator so there would be no sound outside of my ears. Only once that was done did I answer the call.

"Go ahead," I spoke seeing the four councilors pop up on my omni-tools screen.

"We'd like you to investigate a rumor that has been circulating within the Terminus Sector for the past few months," Tevos said diplomatically. Judging from her tone and how the others looked they still didn't like me and or feared me. Both were good with me.

"What rumors?"

"That Shepard is alive and working with Cerberus," Sparatus cut right to the chase and admittedly it made me pause for a few moments because I should've already known about this… Liara. Did she really have the stones to keep that from me?

"I'll send out feelers to some people for confirmation but as of right now I do know that his body was recovered by Cerberus after the attack on the Normandy," my response was clipped and laced with anger.

"Could they have influenced him in any way?" Valern asked

"Maybe but I doubt it. Cerberus needs positive press and having a willing Shepard work for them would do wonders for them but that should be obvious to y'all… So why are you really calling me?" It was a bluff on my part but from how none of them reacted at all it told me I was on the money. Tevos recognized what I had done first and let out a small sigh before talking.

"We want you to confirm the rumors and if Shepard is alive to monitor him. Send us weekly reports on him to make sure he is still the Shepard who saved us. If not… eliminate him."

"Okay," they all blinked sheepishly at my immediate answer. They weren't expecting that I guess. "Anything else?"

"Investigate what Cerberus is looking into. We believe they may have something to do with the disappearances of whole human colonies in the Terminus Systems. Either a false flag op to get more sympathy or just general destruction on their part for a weapon. Find all the information you can," Sparatus said in his normal Military tone.

"I can do that. Anything else?"

"No. You know your job. However, if you do happen to come across more solid evidence of the Reapers send it our way. It'll be invaluable to sway the minds of our governments."

"I can do that. Have a good day Councilors," and with that I hung up. As soon as the call ended I dialed Liara's number. She would answer on the second ring.

"What can I do for you…oh," she saw my face. She knew what this was about.

"Yes. Oh; Liara, when were you going to tell me?"

"Aedon, there was no evidence and no confirmation he was actually back. For over three months he was a ghost. If it had been real something would've shown up by now."

"Doesn't mean you couldn't have let me know," I snapped at her, my frustration and feeling of betrayal showing. Liara responded by steeling her eyes before responding.

"Can you honestly say you wouldn't have gone hunting for him if I had told you?" even though I knew he wasn't up yet… he might be now and I would've gone looking. This wasn't just a game anymore; there were actually people and I considered Shepard a friend. And a good one at that.

"I understand your anger Aedon but I also know you understand. Three or four months ago and your people would've collapsed without you. Now is a much different story."

"Then what can you tell me Liara?"

"Not a whole lot to be honest… I know he's awake now and that the base he was being… rebuilt?... rebuilt at was attacked but he made it off the base alive. Other than that I have nothing."

"That's better than nothing Liara. Just keep me in the loop from now on," she gave me a slight nod before cutting the call.

With that done I went to the kitchen and made myself a small lunch. After that I stretched out for a little bit and then got into the shower. Usually I take cold, quick showers but today was not one of those days. I decided to treat myself with a nice and long, hot shower. Still, I only got a few minutes into it before my omni-tool started beeping for a call. Since it was built into my augmetic I really had no excuse not to answer. That being said, when I realized it was Tali calling I decided to have some fun.

Answering the call I gave her a full frontal view of my bare, wet chest; I would've paid good money to see her face at the moment but I couldn't. I then brought it all the way down to my hips teasing her the whole way before bringing it all the way back up to my face. I greeted her with a smirk and from the way she reacted my little tease had its intended effect.

"Bosh'tet," she sighed out giving me a mock glare.

"What's up Tali?"

"Shepard's alive… and he's with Cerberus," she stated trying hard not to let her eyes drift downward to my chest and failing miserably.

"Liara told me… Does he seem like himself Tali?"

"He let me keep the person we were there to recover instead of making him go with Cerberus so I think so… A Cerberus Shepard wouldn't have let him go."

"What happened?"

"Ferris Fields, a human colony, went dark and Veelo was there helping them with their cyber security. He sent out a distress signal to the Flotilla and we went to investigate; he was the only survivor and from what we found it was the Collectors who attacked the colony," as she talked I turned my shower off and got dressed into sweats.

"According to the Cerberus cheerleader," I let out a chuckle at that. " Ferris Fields was the 4th colony to go dark in the last few months and Veelo and the data he had was their first real lead."

"They take the data since you got Veelo then?"

"Yes… but I also made a copy before giving it to them."

"You're amazing."

"I know"

"Can you send me the data?"

"Only if you give me a show," oh that stinker.

"I'm a terrible dancer."

"But you're one hell of a tease," I looked around my apartment just to make sure I was completely alone. Regardless, I made sure all my doors were locked along with my windows more blacked out than they already were. Once I was satisfied I spent the next 10 minutes giving her the best 'show' I could.

At the end of those 10 minutes she hung up on me. I was a bit miffed for a few moments before I got a file with all the data in a message. Then another message came through with a picture attachment; Tali really did have an amazing body.

Saving the picture for later I took the data package and sent it both Liara and the Councilors. Liara responded immediately with everything she had on the Collectors. It was next to nothing but it was something. With that done I opened the door for when Garrus arrived. It was just in time too, he knocked on the door as soon as I unlocked it. Calling out that it was open he opened it up with a bottle of good Turian Whisky and cigars in hand.

Grabbing the offered cigar I went into the kitchen and brought out two glasses for us. Sitting on the couch with him I handed him my cigar before pouring us each a healthy amount of whisky. While I did that he cut our cigars and traded the cigar for his glass of whisky. Lighting them up we relaxed and drank in a good silence for a few minutes. I had to break it though.

"Shepard's alive," Garrus went completely still before slowly turning to face me.

"How do you know?"

"Tali called. He's investigating the disappearances of whole colonies in the Terminus systems and the Collectors are behind it," he gave me a inquisitive look for a moment before opening his mouth.

"I thought they were a myth."

"Apparently not… And Cerberus is backing Shepard."

"You're joking."

"Wish I was. Cerberus were apparently the ones to bring him back and the Alliance isn't doing dick at the moment according to Liara. Shepard probably felt it was his only real option."

"I'm calling Nyreen. When the man gets here, and he will, we'll be leaving with him. Whatever he has planned with the Collectors he sure as hell isn't doing it without us. Especially if he's on a Cerberus ship," I opened my mouth to respond but before I could there was a knock on my door. Fiddling with my omni-tool I opened the door and as soon as it was open Nyreen opened the door and came inside.

"Vorcha have poisoned the airways," both Garrus and I exchanged looks before looking back to Nyreen.

"How bad is it?" I asked.

"Thankfully only one of our Civilian blocks got hit before we were able to cut off the air flow. As for the poison it has a 90% mortality rate on everyone that isn't human, not good odds right now. We lost around 260 people in total."

"That's not too bad all things considered. We responded to the problem quickly and did the best we could," Garrus stated mildly relaxing a bit. I agreed with him.

"I agree but it's spreading rapidly into Aria's territory and she seems inclined to let it run it's course for now. We should capitalize."

"Who's available on station to come with me?" was my immediate question. We absolutely needed to capitalize on this. However, Mordin bardged through the now open doorway at that moment and had a different opinion.

"Don't recommend. Already ran tests on blood; change in body too significant. Vulnerable to the virus if armor or air filter breached."

"Can you make a cure?"

"Working on it. Suspect a three day wait before proper treatment will be possible."

"Can you do better?" I asked as I was already putting on my armor.

"Don't have the facilities to do better."

"That's fine. Just get back to work and do what you can. Nyreen, give me your two best scouts; Samuel and myself will be going. Just pure scouting, nothing else," I tried to reassure them but Mordin still didn't like it and I could tell the others particularly didn't either. Still, it wouldn't stop me from doing this.

"I'll send Kalia with you. She's the most experienced in that area of Omega," Nyreen hesitantly said before sending me Kalia's contact information with a picture. She was a youngish looking brown skin and haired woman. Not much older than me if she even was but I could tell from just her eyes she had been on Omega a long while. Eyes that had seen too much but they had a sharp intelligence to them. Hopefully she's good enough.

Sending her and Samuel a message to gear up and meet at the entrance to the quarantine zone I deactivated my omni-tool and left my apartment leaving Garrus and Nyreen there alone. Making my way to the quarantine entrance I was the first to arrive of us three. Surprisingly both Samuel and Kalia arrived at the same time and at each others side. Both giving me the stink eye but I just chuckled. Giving them each a nod I went through the door and walked on through to the other side.

Getting through the door and into the affected area in our territory it was mostly quiet with the usual rumble of Omega keeping us company. A few minutes later we began entering Aria's territory and only then did it start to get noisy. Not a good kind of noise either; the kind that reminded me of a lot of dying people. Some through disease but I could hear plenty of gunshots and crying people.

Still, it wasn't our mission to help them. If we could we will but only if it doesn't effect the mission. I won't risk the lives of my subordinates for nothing. As callus as that is to say we needed to know what we were up against before we decided on any real course of action. That was just how it was.

That being said, we made it through Aria's area without being detected by any of the people wandering around or the Vorcha in the area. Only when we started to get close to the air vents did we run into any of them. The first one we found was completely alone and I let Kalia take care of him. A single knife thrust to their skull from behind and the Vorcha was dead.

That being said the closer and closer we got to the vents the more and more of them there were. We avoided fighting them at all and just made our way around them as efficiently as possible all the way to the main air filter area. Once we got there the total was about 100 Vorcha roughly that we passed and in the Air Filter room. None of them were armored and I guessed that at most only half had any type of shields. Still, we got what we wanted in our scouting mission and made our way back.

On our way back to the exit we ran into a small situation. A little boy and his sister, each no older than 12, were being surrounded but a couple of sick Batarians. No one said anything but I could feel Samuel's eyes on the back of my head. I didn't even have to think about it; we were here, our mission was done and they were children. We were going to help.

Giving a small motion of my hand to Samuel I put my rifle away and brought out my ax. Stalking forward with Samuel at my side I got right behind the Batarian on the left before swinging my ax downward onto his head. Samuel doing the same but with his kukri knife and into the lightswitch of the Batarian. With both the Batarians dead I picked up the boy and Samuel the girl. Once they were in our hands we made our way back to the quarantine entrance.

We ran into literally no on the way back and the kids knew to stay as quiet as possible; neither one uttering a single word. We did have a close call with a Vorcha but Kalia took care of him without a problem. After that it was smooth sailing all the way to the quarantine entrance we had gone through.

As we got close Garrus sent me a message to get to the HQ. After I got the message I radioed in that we were bringing back two kids and that I would need a seperate transport to get me to our HQ. Getting through the door there were a couple of medics there for the kids and a transport for myself. Getting a nod from Samuel I left both him and Kalia with the kid and hopped in the transport and made my way to our HQ.

Arriving at the HQ I jumped out of the transport and gave my thanks to the driver before heading in. The first step through the door I felt a sort of tension in the air. It wasn't suffocating but it was there. Walking through the hallway at a brisk pace I entered into our meeting room only to see it wasn't just Garrus and of just them Shepard, Miranda and Zaeed were there.

"I knew you liked to play dress up but I guess they were underselling it," Zaeed stated in his gravel like tone.

"I skinned the last Blue Sun I met Zaeed. Do you want to be added to that number, ex member or not," he just gave me a smile before responding.

"Also knew I would like you," he then shut his mouth and went back to leaning up against the wall in the corner. With that done I turned and stared at Shepard for a moment before unholstering my pistol and pointing it at Shepard as quick as lightning. Garrus and Nyreen reacted before Zaeed or Mirada could. Garrus closing the gap to Zaeed and putting a pointed claw against Zaeed's carotid artery; Nyreen putting Miranda into a stasis before she could even raise her eyebrows.

"What did I send you the second time we met?" I asked Shepard as the tension in the air increased. After a moment of silence between us Shepard smiled before answering.

"Your symbol," as soon as he said the words I holstered my pistol and both Garrus and Nyreen backed off. Zaeed took it all in stride but Miranda looked incensed. As for Shepard and myself I popped off my helmet and we walked towards each other bringing each other into a hug.

"So you and Tali. When did that become official?"

"How much did you bet with Wrex?" he gave me a wry smile before responding.

"I bet it would be by the six month mark," I gave him a shake of my head.

"Tsk tsk. Shepard, you owe Wrex some money; it took eight months."

"If you hadn't been awol for three months I would've been right," I gave him a curious look at that, seeing my unasked question he answered. "I did some reading on the way here, I'm not completely caught up but I at least know you were on Illium for a bit too. Doing the usual of creating chaos."

"Thank you sir… Now, how exactly are you alive besides the obvious that Cerberus footed the bill?"

"Two years of work, my life's ambition and six billion credits," Miranda answered with a smug smile on her face. Shepard looked to her briefly before looking back to me.

"Yeah… I'm not the most thrilled about it but I'm alive and their intentions seem positive at this point."

"Collectors abducting whole human colonies in the Terminus Systems and the Alliance isn't doing anything," He gave me a raised eyebrow and I continued. "Liara let me know, as did Tali," his eyes gave a small sparkle at the menton of Liara. I forgot that their relationship was still in the honeymoon stages when he died.

"She's changed Shepard. Two years is a long time," Garrus butted in giving Shepard a small smile. His face fell slightly for a monet before it became a blank mask again.

"Not why we're here Shepard," Miranda stated in her cold voice as her and Nyreen seemed to be into a staring contest.

"Let me catch up with my men. It may have been only moments for me but it was two years for them," Miranda looked like she wanted to argue but relented after a few moments. "Anything else I should know?"

"If you want us, you'll have us," Garrus stated with a firm voice. Nyreen didn't look happy about it but she at least looked to be in tentative support of it. For my part I just gave him a nod of agreement.

"I also need a Mordin Solus. His medical background with unknown afflictions will be imperative to us. I need him to find a counter to collector swarms," Shepard stated, falling back into his commander tone I remember him having.

"Up to him but we have a situation we need to take care of before we do anything," Garrus stated as he lifted his sniper rifle onto his back.

"Situation?" was his question.

"Vorcha poisoned the air supply, it isn't affecting our territory but it needs to be taken car of and Aria doesn't look to be doing anything," I answered.

"Not true. Aria's people are mobilizing now; they started to do so about 20 minutes after you left Wynne," Nyreen cut in.

"Think she'll want help?" Shepard asked crossing his arms.

"No, but we aren't asking," was the only thing I had to say.

"Then let's stop talking and get moving," Zaeed stated with a bloodthirsty grin on his face.

"Agreed," Shepard stated. He got nods from everyone but Nyreen, Nyreen would be staying behind.

"I'll get the transport," Garrus stated turning and heading for the door but as he got close to it Tim, Mordin's assistant came into the room. He was a good man if a bit naive at times; excellent doctor though.

"Garrus and Mr. Wynne cannot participate in a combat mission within the quarantine zone," I audibly growled at his words and it threw me off at the noise from myself. Garrus brushed off the noise I made and just stared down Tim with defiance. However, Tim stared right back at both of us with defiance in his eyes; good but naive.

As for the rest of the people in the room Zaeed seemed like he didn't care in the slightest but that was a given. Miranda looked like she had some hidden knowledge with the smirk on her face and Shepard just looked confused. Nyreen just sighed already knowing where this would go.

"I understand Garrus but he's still coming regardless. Why Aedon though?" Shepard asked stepping forward towards Tim.

"I am not allowed to discuss that without the patients permission," was all Tim said before leaving the room. As soon as he left Shepard turned and looked too me. I saw Garrus opening up his omni-tool and making a call out of the corner of my eye.

"It's not important right now. Besides, you'll get the reason when you're all caught up."

"Fair enough," Garrus gave him a nod as soon as the words were out of his mouth. He then he gave a motion with his hand.

Miranda and Zaeed went to his side at the sight of the motion and I was momentarily awed at the obedience and discipline; I wondered if we had looked like that. Either way they left the room and Garrus and I were right behind them.

Getting out of the HQ we were greeted with a transport waiting outside the front door for us. Piling in we made our way to the quarantine entrance as quickly as the driver could take us there. A few minutes later when we arrived the entrance still had Samuel there watching the entrance. Getting out of the car I walked up to him with Shepard and co behind me.

"Any change?" at my question he opened the radio on his omni-tool.

"Any change Kalia?"

"You know I won't respond to that," came Kalia's voice over the radio. Samuel and I silently stared at each other for a few moments. Even the others were now staring in open curiosity at Samuel. He looked at us for a few moments before sighing and opening his radio again.

"My Sw-" I wasn't about to let him say whatever else he was going to say. I had to be a bro.

"Report Kalia," I spoke, my voice brokering no argument. Samuel visibly relaxed at my intervention. Kalia for herself was silent on the other end for a few moments before responding.

"The Vorcha have started consolidating themselves towards the main air vents. From the radio chatter I've overheard too, Aria's forces have started their assault."

"Good… I expect professionalism at all times Kalia. All times. Am I understood," I growled out into the radio letting my tone convey my thoughts.

"Yes sir," she was sufficiently cowed from the tone in her voice. I'll let Nyreen know about this before we leave but for now it wasn't a problem to think about anymore.

With that I gave a 'go' motion towards the door and we headed in. Zaeed was first in through the door with Shepard and myself right beside him; Miranda and Garrus taking up the rear. As we got through the door though and got into a formation Shepard pointed to me and gestured for me to take point. I was already on my way to do so when he was giving the order.

Once there we started moving forwards towards the main air filtration room. Before we got barely a 100 feet into our trek though Nyreen was calling me over the radio. I answered and she started talking before I could even get a word in.

"I got a couple of squads coming in after you to pick up civilians who can be saved. I know it's not a priority but I'll be sending you a program so you can mark areas with civilians so my people can pick them up. You got it?"

"Wilco," and the radio cut out. A second later I got a message from Nyreen with a program. Uploading the program to my omni-tool it was obvious that it did just as Nyreen said it would. Still, it never hurt to check.

After that we began to make our way to the air filtration room in earnest. For the most part we ran into nothing but the sounds of gunfire were increasing the farther in we went. It was obvious that Aria's people were putting the pain on the Vorcha but when there's a force of 100 plus Vorcha in one area it will never be easy. Especially when it seems that they are at least somewhat organized.

Still, we did run into a couple of Vorcha. All were killed as quickly and as silently as we could. They were just sentries and alone as usual for the Vorcha so it wasn't a problem to take care of them; guess organized didn't mean smarter. Also along the way we found a couple of apartments with people in them and a few places where people were hiding out thanks to my pulse. I marked the spots with Nyreen's program and then we continued on our way.

Eventually though we made it to our destination. At the entrance of where we wanted to be though there was a group of 12 Vorcha all lounging around and waiting for anyone to get close or attack. We spread out as best we could and got as close as we could to get to them without getting spotted; Zaeed, Miranda and Garrus had to hang back the farthest. Zaeed wasn't sneaky, Garrus was too tall to hide properly and Miranda's perfume would let the Vorcha zero in on her soon enough anyways.

I was already going through plans to get rid of them and had zeroed in on a couple that would work to the extreme. However, I wanted to see exactly how much of Shepard was back so I waited for his word. I was not disappointed with his plan at all. It was perfectly quick and brutal. From it too it seemed Cerberus gave him a bit of an upgrade too.

One smalle nod from Shepard later and Garrus and Zaeed hit the two Vorcha wat hing the flanks with concussive shots. Then Shepard produced a singularity in the middle of thie group. When he did so I threw the already prepped grenade into the singularity. It ripped the Vorcha inside the singularity apart but kept the shrapnel inside of it. Then the cherry on top; Miranda hit the singularity with a Warp as we all dropped back into cover. The Warp detonating the Singularity and ripping the Vorcha inside it and all the ones still outside of cover apart. The ones that got caught in the blast looked like minced meat from the combnination of shrapnel and body parts hitting them.

After the biotic explosion we cleaned up the three Vorcha who were still alive. A couple shots from everyone later and they were down for the count. With that done we made our way through the Flank area and got exactly where we wanted. On the ledge above the main Vorcha force looking right down at their backs. I could physically feel the smiles coming off of everyone at our positioning; it couldn't have been better. Especially since Aria's group was at the entrance on the other side; the Vorcha were completely occupied on them and not even bothering to look at their overwatch.

"Pick your targets everyone. Edon, pick a group for a grenade; we go on you," Shepard stated as he zeroed in on a Vorcha Flame trooper. "Flamer at my 2 o'clock is mine."

"I got the commander at my 12, straight below," Garrus said as he played with his scope.

"Group behind the cover at my 1 will get the grenade," were my only words as I popped a grenade off of my bandolier.

"Bastard on the left with the grenade launcher is mine," Zaeed ground out.

"I'll watch our 6," was all Miranda said but as soon as the words were out of her mouth I threw my grenade.

It wasn't my best throw by a long shot. It was short by a couple of feet but it still confused the hell out of the Vorcha I had thrown it at. With that being siad I was able to grab and throw another before they could figure out where the grenade had come from. This time the throw was on the money and exploded right in between all three killing them instantly except for one who saw the grenade coming and dived away. However when they dived out of the way they exposed themselves to Aria's group at the other entrance and they killed the Vorcha almost instantly.

Other than my minor fuck up everyone else was right on the money with all their shots. Killing all of their targets that they had called out. When we had gotten our targets however we didn't let up. We had the best position we could possibly ask for and rained hell on the Vorcha. They were caught in a pincer between us and Aria's mercenaries; they did not last long at all. Maybe five minutes.

At the end of it all Garrus and myself slinked back away from the ledge so the mercs wouldn't see us. They probably had during the slaughter of the Vorcha but they wouldn't have gotten a good look at us and we didn't want to piss off Aria. The civilians who we saved would know but it would be a win for Aria and that was fine with me as long as people were being saved.

As we backed away Shepard said that his group would head down and link up with the mercs and meet back up with us later. That was fine with us and we simply nodded our heads before leaving.

With that we made our way back to our base through the quarantine zone and back to the transport. Samuel and Kalia weren't there anymore but the transport took us back to the HQ. Once there we went our separate ways to pack for going with Shepard.

When I got to my apartment Iris was sitting on top of four bags. One bag had my clothes, one had her clothes, one had my extra gear and equipment including my sniper and all my cleaning supplies. I could tell just from how they looked but the fourth bag I didn't know what was in it. I had never seen it before.

"What's in the bag Iris?" I asked pointing to it and trying to be menacing. Either she didn't care or just had an amazing poker face.

"A surprise."

"What is it?" this time my voice was hard. Iris kept her stance though and didn't back down. I respected it a bit.

"A surprise. I worked on it with Mordin and Anthony," Anthony was a former metal worker turned druggie turned counselor fot the addicts. Decent guy and always kind to others. DIdn't exactly narrow down what was in the bag though.

"Iris. Tell me, or you aren't coming," she immediately went to protest but I held up a hand. "I can't let something I don't know onto the ship. It could be dangerous to everyone."

"Fine! I won't bring it but you have to let me come with you," she pouted out raising her foot to stomp it before stopping. She still looked mad but it was the type of you would expect in an eight year old. Plus she wasn't throwing a tempertantrum so it was good.

"Earn it. Find the dock, find the ship and get on. If you can get on before we leave I'll advance your training. If you get on undetected I'll teach you how to made IED's," I am the anarchist cookbook at this point. Plus, if she wanted in on this life I was going to give her the hardest challenges without jepordizing her life.

With my peace said I looked through my gear and clothes she packed for me. I trusted her absolutely but she might've forgotten something and my paranoia demanded I check. Turned out I was right in doing soo too as she had only packed me two pairs of underwear. Nowhere near enough for this journey but other than that she had gotten everything in the bags that I would've packed myself.

Once that was done I slung the bag over my shoulder and made my way back to the HW. Getting there a few minutes later I went to my office and called Kelli and Ilok to come to my office. It took them only a couple of minutes to show up after I called them. Just enough time for me to get all the files ready and set to be transferred to someone else.

"What's up boss?" Kielli asked as she flung my door open; Ilok standing right behind her.

"I'll be gone for a few months. Something came up," was all I said as I started the transfer of all the files to Ilok.

"What happened?" Ilok asked, his voice tinged with concern. Kelli looked concerned as well but kept quiet.

"Entire colonies have gone dark. Evidence has come to light showing the Collectors to be the culprits and I've been hired to be a part of the group hunting them."

"Can you give us a realistic timeline?" Kelli asked as she looked at me.

"At least two months, probably closer to six months in total. I'll be back here a couple times though, just won't be for long."

"Would've liked some heads up boss. Who hired you anyways?"

"The Councilors unofficially. Shepard and by extension Cerberus officially," both of their eyes widened for a brief moment before understanding dawned on them. At least partial understanding.

"So you're keeping tabs on Cerberus then?" Kelli asked.

"More on Shepard actually. Cerberus were the ones to rebuild him million dollar man style; but it cost them 6 billion credits," Kelli's response to that number was to whistle.

"Worth investment if rumors and what you say of him are true," was Ilok's response.

"I think it will be… if Cerberus brought him back truly; it won't be if they didn't. If they didn't he'll die by my hand but if they left him untainted I'll follow the man to the ends of the galaxy."

"That strongly?" Ilok voiced with a confirmation of curiosity from Kelli.

Stopping my actions I looked up fully and stared at them in the face. It was at that moment that I realized that I never really explained or throught over my loyalty to the man to anyone. Honestly, it was hard to put into words completely but thinking about it for a few moments I had an answer.

"He's one of those rare individuals who can just inspire the absolute best in you without trying. Who you unknowingly want to do the best for. It's hard to put into words but that's the best I got."

"Sounds a lot like you boss," Kelli stated with a completely serious look, Ilok seemingly backing her up completely from the look on his face. It honestly completely shut me up and flabbergasted me. I knew I had taken strides as a leader, strides I never expected myself to make, but that level of devotion surprised me. Even after all this time leading the spec ops portion of this group I never expected that; it felt good.

"Thank you both. Seriously, but you also understand that I have to do this," they were both nodding as soon as the words were out of my mouth.

"We understand sir. Will you be available for calls? Suspect Vrul will get emotional if he doesn't get to say goodbye," Ilok stated with a smirk on his face.

"That shouldn't be a problem. I still don't know when I leave or what dock I'm leavi-" just then I got a message from Shepard saying 'Dock A12, 1hr'. "I leave from Dock A12 in an hour.

"What about Iris? She coming with you?" Kelli asked.

"If she finds the dock yes. If she can get on undeteected I promised to show her how to build IED's," it was then that all the files finished up on the transfer.

"Don't exactly agree with how you're raising her but know her look. She will follow your footsteps. Protector her, nurture her and make sure she grows up right," with that Ilok gave me and nod and left with Kelli. As they left Mordin took their place.

"Heard conversation; will help with Iris as well. Infiltration of Normandy undetected deserving of reward from myself as well."

"And that would be?" I asked slinging my bag over my shoulder and picking up my equipment bag.

"Hmm, best it be a surprise."

"Fair enough Mordin. Garrus ready?"

"Already left. Nyreen not happy but accepting; understands his reasons."

"Well, let's not waste any time then."

"Yes. Lets."

And the king hath returned. Let him rip and tear his enemies, leaving nothing but destruction and hope in his wake.

I'm back! Hope y'all enjoyed the chapter. Next chapter will be next Saturday as usual; will be a bit heavier than usual but y'all will like it. Of that I am sure.

Stay frosty my friends and don't forget to Review! I love to see the feedback.