A/N: Hey guys!
KanisRussell with a small update here. The commission featuring Tali and Mads still isn't finished. However, I have another commission uploaded on my deviantart (KanisRussell) showing a glimpse of the future of this Fic. Draw your own conclusions from it, since I won't offer any spoilers, at least not here.
Enjoy the chapter, and remember to leave some reviews J
5/8 2185
Normandy, on route to Tuchanka.
"You fascinate me, Romanov. I have yet to meet someone with almost the same beliefs as me." Thane remarked. Mads looked out the window of the life support room.
"How so?" Mads asked.
"Religion plays an important role in your life, as it does mine. Your efforts in helping me proves as much. Of which I am eternally grateful." Thane replied, still keeping his fingers locked in a prayer. Mads stepped away from the window and sat down in front of him.
"Maybe... Maybe we are no different. I know which way the Lord has paved for me. Do you know yours?" Mads asked. Thane stared into Mads' eyes, which told him Mads believed what he just said.
"I don't enjoy killing, Thane. But when done righteously, it's just a chore... like any other. This galaxy is weak, and on the brink." Mads explained as he pulled out his pack of cigarette. He placed one between his lips and gave light to it. Thane continued to look at Mads curiously.
"Interesting. Is that your philosophy?" Thane asked. Mads puffed out some smoke as he leaned back in his chair.
"The council is unwilling to do what needs to be done. I however, am willing. People think I'm crazy... Maybe I am. But I stand by in what I believe." Mads replied taking another drag from his cigarette.
"That brings up the question. Are you willing as well?" Mads asked.
"I wish for a good galaxy. Kolyat was the only good thing I ever added to this world. I'll be damned if he is robbed of the galaxy." Thane said in a convincing tone.
"Good... If I may... How is it like to be a father?" Mads asked.
There was a long silence by Thane. He seemed deep in thought, trying to come up with a good answer. His fingers finally fell out of that prayer. "I'm hardly a good father. But Kolyat's birth was the happiest day in my life. I wanted for him to become something better. That's what fatherhood is all about. Caring and protecting. Seems I wasn't good at that." Thane remarked.
"There is still time. As soon as we are done with this mission, speak with your son. Try to understand him." Mads said.
"I hope it is that simple. Rest assured, I will do my best." Thane promised.
"That's all you can do. If you need some help, just call me. Okay?"
"Of course. Thank you Romanov... You have helped more than most. May the Gods watch over you." Thane replied.
"Don't mention it. As long as you help out with this mission, we're even steven." Mads said. Thane actually gave a smile and nodded.
7/8 2185
Tuchanka.
Tuchanka is a mess. No other way around it. If Mads thought Omega was a shithole, he was in for a whole new perceptive. He realized that almost as soon as he stepped off the shuttle. Grunt and Mordin followed him close behind. Both had asked for favors, and so he decided to indulge them. Grunt had to... Grow up. And Mordin wished to find his assistant.
Tuchanka looked like the world of Mad Max. The Krogan had done what kept the humans from killing each other in the cold war. Nuclear holocaust. They were probably proud of it. Walking through the ruins, they received ugly stares from the Krogans. This whole planet seemed to be divided into clans.
Mads remembered the Urdont clan, and Wrex. And for a brief moment he wondered where Wrex was. That was answered pretty soon. Sitting onto his throne like a king of his people. A throne of stone, symbolizing his rule perhaps? Or maybe they just didn't have anything better to work with. Mads couldn't help but be happy to see Wrex. It had been too long, but he seemed to have gotten off alright.
Wrex seemed thrilled when he saw Mads. He had been debating with another clan member about some reform issues they faced. Something about appearing weak. The life of a Krogan chief could not be an easy one.
"Is that?-... ROMANOV?" Wrex yelled out as he stood up from his throne and walked over to Mads.
"Wrex, you big fucking meatloaf. How are you?" Mads asked. He was pulled into an iron hug by Wrex that knocked the air out of his lungs. Wrex pulled away after a few seconds.
"Last I heard you died in space. How the fuck did you come back?" Wrex asked with curiosity.
"A small deal. Not to worry." Mads replied, keeping it short.
"No shit? You always were a tough son-of-a-bitch." Wrex laughed. "What brings you to Tuchanka?" Wrex asked, once again curious.
"These two fellas." Mads pointed to Mordin and Grunt. "The baby Krogan seems to have an unusual high aggressive attitude. Something called him back here." Mads explained.
Wrex went over to smell Grunt and looked him deep in the eyes. He was quick to conclude what was wrong, or rather, right. "There is nothing wrong with the kid. He is just growing up." Wrex said as he turned to face Romanov.
"Growing up? You mean he is entering his puberty?" Mads asked with disbelief.
"I wouldn't call it that. He is without a clan." Wrex explained and turned to Grunt. "Do you desire to join a clan?" He asked Grunt.
Grunt looked at Wrex, and then looked at Mads. Perhaps for approval? It's hard to tell with these Krogans. "Do whatever is best." Mads sealed him off from the conversation.
"Yes." Grunt replied.
"Do you wish to join clan Urdnot?" Wrex asked. "I can smell you were born without a clan." Wrex remarked.
"Warlord Okeer made me." Grunt said.
"We have no love for Okeer." Wrex commented.
"Neither do I. I wish to join your clan." Grunt requested.
"Do you? Speak with the Shaman. He will decide if you are good enough." Wrex ordered. Grunt stepped away and Mads gestured for Mordin to step up.
"You bring me a Salarian? What kind of circus do you run this time around, Romanov?" Wrex asked with a laugh.
"The kind that will stop the collectors. Mordin here need your help." Mads said, giving the word to Mordin.
"We are looking for my lost assistant. He is believed to have been captured by a rival clan here on Tuchanka." Mordin, at his usual fast pace.
"Speak with the head scout. He'll know." Wrex dismissed. Mordin stepped down.
"Thank you Wrex." Mads said before leaving to see the Shaman.
The Krogan from before was there as well. Arguing with the Shaman regarding not sending Grunt to do The rite of passage. His name seemed to be Gatatog Uvenk. He seemed to be the traditional in Wrex's court. The Shaman seemed to dismiss the claims made by Uvenk.
"So this is the one?" The Shaman asked as Grunt stepped up.
"I'm a Grunt. Perfect Krogan." Grunt replied as he stepped right up to the face of the Shaman.
"That remains to be seen." The Shaman stepped up to smell him. A common way for Krogans to determine who the spoke to.
"You are not honestly considering this impure Krogan to be tested? He doesn't even have a mother!" Uvenk spoke with disgust in this tone.
"You are in no place to question what I do!" The Shaman fired back.
"He has no place along us!" Uvenk persisted.
"Shut up fuck face." Mads stepped in. "Grunt is willing to do what it takes." Mads confirmed.
"How dare you speak like that Human?" Uvenk snared.
"How dare I? Let me fucking show you." Mads went over to him. He stared at him for a minute. The Krogan dwarfed Mads, even though Mads was quite tall. Mads then, in a quick notion, kicking the knee of Uvenk. Uvenk quickly fell and Mads procced to punch him in the face a couple of times.
"Hah! I like your style human. A breath of fresh air compared to even some of the Krogan here." The Shaman laughed.
"Now-" Mads took a moment to regain his breath as Uvenk slowly arose from the ground mumbling a curse. "What does Grunt need to do?" Mads asked.
The Shaman still took a moment to think about if Grunt was able and worthy of doing the rite. Uvenk gave one last protest. The barking only drove the Shaman further to one option.
"Grunt is required to travel to the Keystone and prove himself worthy. However, he needs a Krantt. An ally to stand by him. What do you say Grunt?" The Shaman asked. Grunt took a few moments to think.
"Romanov is my Krantt. He is a worthy ally." Grunt said.
"Good, then it is settled." The Shaman began to prepare, and likewise did Mads and Grunt. What the fuck was the keystone? And what would they be doing there. If Mads knew enough about Krogan culture, he had an idea.
Grunt, of course, was all too thrilled to go. That much was certain as they rode in the big truck to the Keystone. The Shaman showed them the way. Mads realized he probably should have picked Garrus instead of Mordin for this, but there was no backing out now.
Stepping unto the grounds, Mads realized this place was where all Krogan came to do their rite. It was tradition. It ran in their blood. Fight wave after wave and survive to tell the tale. They would encounter it all, at least all Tuchanka could offer. Grunt was already getting ready for the fight ahead. Mads made sure all weapons had ammo in them.
"Hit the dinner bell!" Mads ordered. Grunt was all too happy to do it. The sound of the stones created the roars of the enemies coming for them.
"Stick together, and we'll get through this." Mads ordered. They both seemed to agree on that idea.
Varren was their first enemy. Mads had dealt with them many times before. They had lost their appeal. They weren't scary or tough anymore. Just annoying feral animals to deal with. They came in waves, and the team did well in holding them at bay.
At some point, they stopped coming. They must have killed enough to scare them off. Mads looked over at both Mordin and Grunt, who both nodded to procced. They pressed the buttons again, and it played that monologue about being strong.
This time, it wasn't Varren. This time it was Klixen. A enemy Mads hadn't encountered yet. But, if it bleeds, you can kill it. And these fuckers bleed. They operated a bit like Rachni, and that it a bit more familiar. The AA-12 made quick work of them.
Grunt was overjoyed in his current situation. Simply slaughtering all that came within his path. Mads could see it in the eyes of the baby Krogan whenever he looked over at him. Grunt had almost found his calling, his purpose. How could Mads judge him? This was their culture. Like the Spartans of ancient Greece, only the strong were allowed.
Mordin however, seemed more annoyed than anything. He knew warfare, but didn't like it out in the open. STG teams were known for stealth. Still, he helped out where he could. More Klixen came than Varren, some were stronger than others, but all failed in doing any damage.
Finally, they stopped coming as well. Probably because they had learned their lesson and seen too many of their breathern die to these outsiders. Mads took a deep breath and let out a chuckle.
"We fucking did it." He laughed. However, the others didn't seem to share this view. They looked at something behind Mads. Mads was quick to turn around, and oh boy, was he in for a nice surprise.
"... Fuck me." Mads muttered as the Thresher Maw came into view. The ground shaking as the giant creature came shooting out of the ground.
Grunt let out a roar and promptly went to work. Mads and Mordin were quick to help him out. Lethal acid splattered around them, the creature let out a roar of its own. No doubt it wanted them all dead. They had stay behind cover, at least if they wanted their skin to be intact. Which Mads felt like. Last time Mads fought a Thresher Maw, he had the help of a fucking mako. Not this time, Mads really fucking hoped Grunt was the perfect Krogan.
The fight was long and hard, exchanging shots with the Thresher Maw was not how Mads saw this going. The fight was a stalemate, they didn't have much of anything to counter the Thresher Maw. Until Mads had an idea.
"Grunt!" Mads called out.
"What is it?" Grunt was disinterested in talking. Which was clearly understandable.
"Go out in the open and encourage it to spit acid!" Mads ordered.
"What?" Grunt thought he had heard wrong.
"JUST FUCKING DO IT!" Mads yelled. Grunt was never one to back down from something that seemed suicidal.
Stepping out, Grunt fired his weapons at the Thresher Maw. Slowly it began to turn its attention to Grunt. Grunt could see it lining up for an attack, and he was prepared for whatever would come next.
Mads jumped out of cover and quickly pulled the pin out of a grenade with his teeth and threw it into the Thresher Maw's open mouth. The foreign object in its mouth caused it to stop it's attack while it tried to figure out what it was.
Fortunately for them, it didn't figure it out before the grenade went off. Taking half of the Thresher Maw's head with it. The limp body fell to the ground and shook the entire place. The bigger they are, the harder they fall.
Mads went over and kicked the animal to see if it was still alive. He was relieved to find it as dead as it could be.
"Let's get the fuck out of here." Mads ordered. They both seemed to agree.
´Mads hadn't expected to see Uvenk again, at least not so soon. Yet there he was, standing on a rock and giving a speech about a possible loophole for Grunt, where they could accept him. Expect Grunt would be hidden and not granted the rights of some of the other Krogans.
"Shut. The. Fuck. UP!" Mads interrupted. The harsh tone did as intended. Uvenk stopped dead in his tracks and looked at him.
"The words you speak, so full of hypocrisy. Looking back in hindsight is always easy, isn't it? Grunt has proven himself today. He is as good, if not better, a Krogan than any of you shits could ever fucking claim to be." Mads ranted.
Grunt nodded in agreement. "I am true Krogan. I will not accept this weak position you offer me."
"Then you must be swept under the rug. A terrible shame, we could really have used someone who could take down a Thresher Maw." Uvenk stated before ordered his goons to take care of business.
Once again, they fought. How many bullets had Mads fired? How many people had he killed? The list seemed pretty damn long at this point. Like he didn't give it a second fought when he mowed down the horribly inferior Krogans and letting Grunt have his way with Uvenk.
Doesn't matter, that's what he thinks.
Doesn't matter? A stone cold killer, through and through Romanov.
Shut up. He doesn't need this. What do they know? There are but voices. Long dead by now, unable to touch him. Still, he fears them. He fears their judgment.
The world is weak. It's soft. It can't do what needs to be done. That's why he exists. To do what other people are unable to do.
The reapers. The name is supposed to install fear in anyone who hears it. To fear a fate that will come no matter what. The alliance is weak. The council is weak. The whole galaxy is weak. Too damn content on kicking their feet up.
The world is weak, the whole galaxy is weak.
Yet, seeing Tali dying in his dreams. Hearing himself scream and cry as she dies in his arms are enough to make him wonder. Is he weak? Is he slowing himself down?
She has too many bullet holes. Too many to live through it. The setting can only be described as a ruined city, yet he doesn't know what city it is. Tali's voice is weak as it calls for him. Mads can't help but throw his rifle to the ground and run to her.
She collapses in his arms. With her dying breath, he can hear what she says.
"Why did you let this happen?" The body goes limp in his arms. A tear rolls down his cheek and drops unto her. He watches a dead face. A face of someone he loves. Yet she asks him a question he cannot answer.
Mads shoots up in bed. He is covered in sweat as he reaches for his Magnum and quickly scans the room for any threat. Tali is awaken by his sudden movements.
"Mads! Are you alright?" She asks as Mads try to regain his breath.
"Just a-... -A nightmare... Nothing to worry about." Mads states as he stands up from the bed and walks over to his desk to take the pack of Prince Cigarettes and pull out a single one. His hands are shaking as he attempts to give fire from his Zippo lighter.
"Come on you piece of shit." Mads mutters as he finally gets it to work. He is relieved as the nicotine enters his system and finally allows him to be calm.
"Do you want to talk about it?" Tali asks as she comes up behind him.
"No!" Mads almost yells. He quickly realizes it makes Tali go a few steps back. "It's nothing serious." He reaffirms. Just like the voices. Nothing anyone else should worry about.
She hugs Mads from behind. That hug calms him down more than any amount of cigarettes ever could. He smiles at the feeling. "I love you." She whispers into his back.
"I love you too, Mrs. Vas Normandy. More than you could ever know." Mads replies.
Now it's her turn to smile. Although Mads can't see it.
"Can I come with you tomorrow?" She asked.
Mads thinks about it for a moment. Wouldn't Tuchanka be dangerous for someone like her? That's irrelevant. She has been worse places, and she knows how to take care of herself. And he will be there to protect her if nothing else.
"Of course, my Lyubimaya." Mads said.
"What does that mean?" She asked with a curious tone.
"My favorite." Mads replied lovingly as he pulled her back to bed.
"You know Romanov. You didn't have to make such a big fucking deal out of this. Killing a Thresher Maw hasn't been done in the rite since I did it." Wrex mumbled as Mads, Tali and Mordin stood before him.
"Figured I would spice it up a little. And you won't be seeing much to Uvenk in the future." Mads replied.
"I know. He was a pain in my ass. Nicely done. Go see the scout master. He will give you the directions. If there is any." Wrex said.
"Thank you Wrex." Mads replied before heading away.
"It's nice to see Wrex again." Tali remarked as they went the short distance to the scout master.
"Really? Did you get along with him back on the Normandy?" Mads asked.
"Kinda, he showed me a thing or two about shotguns. Still, it's nice to see an old face that isn't Garrus." She joked.
"True enough." Mads laughed.
They managed to get the information out of the scout master, even though he didn't really want to share it. The Salarians were dead in his eyes, why keep an eye out for one in particular? Still, Wrex had told him to relay any information he had, and give them a ride. So he did as ordered.
The ride was short and almost to the front door. Now, they faced the matter of actually getting to the front door. This was a different clan, one that was content on doing things their own way. And they sure as well weren't going to let Mads, Tali and Mordin go right through. So, of course, this would be difficult. Clan Weyrloc was the name, but they were nothing to fear.
They finally found an entrance, and it didn't take long before Mads saw something that surprised him. There, on the filthy ground, lied a dead human. Mads squatted down to take a closer look, not sure what to expect, but most likely looking for answers. Mordin came up beside him and Tali stood right by Mads.
The body was littered with bruises, and looked far from healthy. Whoever they were, they had died recently. Mads closed the eyelids to mask the dead eyes looking back at him. "What's your thoughts, doc?" Mads asked as he still studied the body.
Mordin did a quick scan of the body and was quick with an answer. "Sores, Tumors. Bruises at ankles and wrists. Possibly restrains. Repeated track marks for injections entry points. Most likely a test subject." Mordin answered.
"Poor soul. May you find your peace with God." Mads regretted having to leave this body here, perhaps there was a family somewhere in the galaxy that the body belonged to. Yet, there was no way of knowing. "What are they testing on? And why are they doing it on humans?" Mads asked confused.
"Clearly used as a test subject for the Krogan Genophage." Mordin remarked.
"And remind me why they need humans for this?" Mads asked.
"Early testing. Human are diverse and useful for early doses. They are likely to use Varren later in development."
"This is fucking sick." Mads arose from his squatting position.
"Agreed. Nothing ethical about this. But cleaver usage by whoever is the head of staff here." Mordin said.
"Let's move on." Mads ordered.
They proceeded further down the rabbit hole. Hoping to recuse Maelon and put a stop to whatever cure they were trying to make. Mads was not against making a cure for the Krogans, they deserve closure. But, this was the wrong way to go about it. And using humans for their test only made it more personal.
Finally, they were comforted by some Krogan of high level in the clan. They stood upon a catwalk as Mads, Tali and Mordin walked through one of those metal doors. The Krogan was there to deliver a threat. Leave and spread the message of their coming.
"Hey dickhead!" Mads yelled, the Krogan turned to him with an angry glare. "We're not leaving until we have the Salarian. You either step aside, or I'll make sure you'll be sent to your family in pieces." Mads threated back.
The Krogan laughed. "Ha! That almost sounded like a threat."
"It was, but now-" Mads took his magnum and fired a round into the gas pipe beneath them. Being thick headed, the Krogans didn't notice, instead taunting Mads. "It's a fact." The pipe bursted into flames that consumed the Krogans in its wrath.
They fought their way through the old hospital. Finding more bodies that were cast aside after experiments were performed on them. Some of them were Krogan females. They had even volunteered by the looks of it. Sick world, but they did it in the hopes of a better future.
Mads even had a discussion with Mordin, in the middle of their mission. They left on the note that they had a mission to do. It was clear they didn't see eye to eye on this whole Genophage issue.
It didn't take long before they located the sick Krogan the scout master had spoken off. He was sitting on the ground, like a man defeated. His voice deprived of that Krogan authority they usually had.
"You killed the blood pack?" The Krogan asked as he looked up at Mads.
"You're the lost scout? Get back to the camp, we cleared the way." Mads ordered.
"I can't. I'm doing this to better the Krogan future. They injected me with drugs, and told me it was for the better good."
"Didn't you hear me, shit-for-brains? Why the fuck are you sticking around?" Mads asked impatiently.
"I have to stay!" He fired back. "They are doing this for the good of all Krogan! I got caught, but this way I'll repay my debt!" He was a firm believer in that statement.
"Hmmmm. You are weak." Mads began to circle around him like a predator. "You are meat. Nothing good can ever come out of you."
"What? I'm not weak!" The Krogan began to feel fury flowing through him.
"Really? You're not weak? Then why do I see a Krogan who is whining about all the bad things that has happened on an even worse level than a Quarian with a tummy ache."
"Hey!" Tali said from the sideline. Ups... Forgot about her for a minute...
"I'm not WEAK!" The Krogan felt more adrenaline being pushed into his system.
"Then fucking prove it! March your sorry ass through that wasteland you call home, and report for duty!" Mads ordered.
"FUCK YEAH!" The Krogan got up in an instance and left feeling more pumped and ready for battle.
"Did you have to do that?" Tali asked as the Krogan was out of eardrop.
"Sorry, had to get the meatloaf moving somehow." Mads smiled under his helmet, careful not to give Mordin any ideas.
They agreed to find Maelon and put a stop to this. But that meant going through the rest of the clan and taking on the leader. It was easy though, they weren't the toughest of all Krogans. However, when they were done with the fight, they saw a scene that turned it all upside down.
Maelon was indeed alive, but his role there was a bit different than prisoner. He was actively working on the project. Hell, he probably ordered it all. Mads could see the disappointment in Mordin's face as he approached Maelon.
"Fuck me dead. So you were here willingly all along?" Mads couldn't believe it either.
They began ranting at each other. Maelon had adopted a completely different outlook than Mordin had. Was his mission noble? Maybe, but it was hard for Mads to completely accept it. Sometimes, the end justifies the means, but, this clan was hardly the ones who deserved the cure.
Mordin finally pulled a pistol on his former co-worker and was seriously tempted to pull the trigger. "Mordin." Mads spoke. "Don't do this, let the man go." Mads ordered.
Mordin kept his finger on the trigger for a little while longer, until he finally agreed. He dismissed Maelon and told him to never come near him again.
"And what I'm I supposed to do now?" Maelon asked.
"Don't know, don't care. Open a clinic on Omega or something." Maleon sighed at the suggestion from Mordin and quickly left the room.
"That leaves only the data and research." Mads said as he eyed the big screen.
"Should delete it." Mordin remarked as he began searching through it.
"I disagree. Keep it, and hold it secret. You might need it at some point." Mads suggested.
"Maybe you're right. I can always delete it later." Mordin pulled a copy to his harddrive. It was time for them to leave.
Maybe... Maybe one day the Krogans would be free. But not now. At least Mordin was on board now, full commitment.