A/N: Hello guys!

Tis' be I, KanisRussell, bring you a small update.

So, we are nearing the end of ME2, so we are about half way with the story ;) This should be interesting. We still have to do Arrival though.

For promotion, I'd like to say I have created a Mad Max/ Fallout story, and if that sounds cool, please check it out. Thanks guys!

Kind regards

KanisRussell.

25/8 2185

Normandy, approaching the Omega 4 relay.

Mads was looking over the map. He was studying the relay. They were getting closer, and the collectors had made it even more personal. He didn't think it was possible, but he was really angry at them. The nerve, to simply steal his crew, from under his nose no less? They would feel his wrath. They would feel pain after pain after pain. His left hand tightened around the rosary. He remembered that this mission was holy, and he needed to keep a clear mind.

"6 hours to the relay, Captain. You might want to get the last details in order." Joker remarked over the comm.

"Alright Joker. Enter the relay when you can, and keep your senses sharp. We're locked now, and we need to be ready." Mads replied.

"Understood Captain." Joker said.

"I'll be in my quarters if you need me. Praying and preparing." Mads said as he went over to the elevator.

"Aye aye Captain."

With that, Mads took the elevator up. He stepped off and stepped into his room. He looked around, and was pleasantly surprised at how clean it was. Tali insisted that it should be that way. She wasn't there at the moment. Most likely getting the last details in order down in engineering. Everything was in order for Mads: his weapons were cleaned, his armor had been checked several times for faults, and he was mostly prepared mentally for what was ahead.

He wondered if the others truly were. He had spent a long time getting their loyalty, helping out where help was needed. But, this mission was 'do or die'. To lay down your life faithfully for the mission was not an easy task to complete, to sacrifice your own life. These operatives were certainly skillful, no doubt about it. Loyal as well.

But it was far too late to have these concerns now. The Normandy had been upgraded as much as it could. It would be able to withstand a beating, and surely be able to deal a good one as well. A true masterpiece, and a milestone in shipbuilding. If they just did their job, and stuck to the plan, they should be all set.

That didn't stop Mads from pouring himself a glass of Vodka. He needed a little to calm the nerves. He might have died before, but that didn't mean we would be used to the concept, or would accept it too easily. If it was needed, then maybe. Still, it was hard to know how the big man had planned it all out. No doubt there were many details he hid from Mads.

Should they make it out, what would happen next? Mads knew it. He would cut ties, and he would do what is necessary to buy sand for the time glass. The alliance would need it. He would probably be branded as some sort of terrorist, his usefulness would die out when he had given them what they wanted. The cold reality of the world.

He drowned down the vodka and put the glass on the table. He took a deep breath as he fished out his cigarette pack from his back pocket and placed one between his lips. The flame of the Zippo lighter gave fire to the cigarette and gave a rush of nicotine to his system. Mads sat down in his office chair and took another drag of the cigarette.

He poured another glass of Vodka, and leaned back into the leather chair. He began to hum a bit for himself. The words slowly left his mouth as he felt both the vodka and cigarette taking effect, though it wasn't much.

"Amazing grace.

How sweet the sound." He softly sang.

"I once was lost, but now I'm found.

Was blind, but now, I see." He found himself relaxing with each word. No doubt a better connection with the big man, who seemed to have such grand plans for him. Mads wondered how the others would think of him if he ever told him of that meeting. They most certainly wouldn't believe him, and they would think he had finally lost it.

So, he kept it to himself. No shame in that. Pride was a sin, wasn't it? He had marked Elias with it. Maybe he should mark himself as well. No being is perfect. That is an equalizer, if there ever was one.

His soft humming was interrupted by the sound of his door opening. He thought it might be a crew member coming up for advice, or something else. But it wasn't. It was her, Tali. Standing before him. She didn't say anything, and she didn't need to. She looked nervous and tense. She could be hard to read at times, because of the visor, but her body language always said what was on her mind.

Mads smiled, and hoped it would ease her mind a bit. "How are you Tali?" He asked. Some tension left her body, and she looked him in the eye. Mads had a faint idea that her nervous nature wasn't because of the mission ahead, well, maybe a bit of it was. But there was something else happening in those eyes.

"I have been thinking….." She started, taking a step forward and taking his empty glass out of his hand and placing it on the desk. "Actually, I have been thinking about a lot of things." She went on.

She gently placed her hand on his chest and moved closer to him, Mads certainly had an idea what this was now. "There are traditions in place for Quarians regarding….. This." She said.

"But…. With what is coming up, I feel like I can ignore traditions for now. I-….. I have never done this before." She admitted.

"It's okay. I love you Tali." Mads whispered as he pulled her close.

"I want you, Mads. I want us to be together. There is no telling if we come back, but before we leave, I want this." She finally admitted.

"I want you just as much. But we are only doing this if you are sure." Mads replied.

"I have never been more sure of anything in my life." She said, and took his hand. She guided him to the bed, and made them both sit down. Mads' hand trailed up her arm, and she relaxed into his touch.

"I just get nervous and I ramble on…." She stopped mid-sentence as Mads' hand landed on his visor, and the sound of a hiss was heard as Mads removed it. Tali stopped and almost looked like a deer caught in the headlights.

Mads saw her face, for the first time. And he couldn't lie, she was beautiful, in every regard. Her glowing eyes looking for approval in his blue eyes. Her purple skin looked perfect, small markings complimented her face in beautiful way.

Mads' lips formed into a smile, and it was all Tali seemed to need. She jumped on him, straddling him and all by assaulted his smirk with a hungry kiss. It was clear Tali had no experience in this field, but her enthusiasm made up for it, big time. The kiss went on for some time, but it still felt too short when Tali broke it for air.

"I swear Tali, you are fucking beautiful." Mads remarked. Tali blushed.

"You really think so?" She asked hopefully.

"Tali, have you ever known me to lie?" Mads asked back.

"Well, there was the whole thing about your past, and-" Mads stopped her mid-sentence and pulled her back into a kiss. She eagerly accepted it. It went on for several minutes, but Mads wasn't counting, and he was pretty sure Tali wasn't either. She didn't break away from the kiss as he began top strip Mads of his shirt, and began to help her with the suit. Though he wasn't rushing like she was with his clothes.

With each piece that came off, Mads realized how much of a shame it was to store away that body in a suit. Her skin was untainted, still…. Innocent, if that even was a thing. Just the right shape of purple and by god was it sexy. This experience was mirrored by how intoxicating she was.

This was all new to Tali. The skin on skin contact was something else entirely for her. To her, this was something she had only dreamed about, and now that she has been presented to the real deal, she can't help but moan at the feeling.

It was a new experience for both of them. The first time for Tali, and Mads' first time with a Quarian. But that wasn't all. There was something else in the mix, something Mads couldn't put his finger on. Tali had spoken of a bond, something unique to Quarians. Mads didn't understand it, but this felt different than any other time he has been with women.

Mads didn't count how long they were at it, but he knew it was worth it for him. Tali mentioned she took antibiotics and "herbal supplements". She wouldn't die, which was a huge relief. He would even go so far as to say Tali might think it was worthwhile as well, at least if the moans were anything to judge by. She would probably have a fever when they came back.

Mads sat on the edge of the bed. He wanted nothing more than to spend more time with Tali, here and now, but that wasn't in the cards at the moment. They had a job to do. An important one as well. Tali was busy putted her suit back on, while searched for the pieces that were scattered around the cabin. Mads was putting on his boots, but had yet to put on a shirt.

"That's probably the first time in over 10 years I have gone for several hours without a cigarette, unless I am sleeping of course." Mads said as he took a cigarette from his neglected pack and turned on his zippo.

"I suppose that's a compliment?" Tali asked with a smile as she sealed part of her suit up.

"You bet that sweet little ass of yours it was." Mads replied as he took a drag of his cigarette.

"Such a foul mouth. My father would have hated you." Tali remarked with a smile as she took a seat besides him on the bed.

Mads laughed as he took another drag of the cigarette. "I guess that's understandable. You have a bad taste in men." Mads replied with a chuckle.

Tali rested her head on Mads' shoulder. "I don't think so." She whispered in his ear.

"I doubt my father would have liked you either." Mads said.

"How come?" She asked as she looked up at him.

"He was a bit of a racist. It would have had nothing to do with your personality. But I doubt he would have approved of an alien lover." Mads recounted as he began to stroke her back.

"Good thing neither of us listened to our parents" Tali replied, pulled into Mads' touch.

"Yeah." Mads agreed. He took a look at his watch. It saddened him to think they couldn't stay like that forever. He arose and felt Tali whimper at the loss of contact. Mads snapped his belt into place.

"What happens next?" Tali asked while she looked at Mads, while he was changing into a shirt.

"We go kill some collectors and make sure they don't come back." Mads said as he fitted his magnum into the holster.

"No, I mean after we finish killing the collectors." Tali clarified.

"If we succeed." Mads corrected her.

"I thought you were pretty sure about this." Tali asked confused.

"That's just to keep morale high. I have no idea if this shit will backfire. But I will say this: With the current expertise and upgrades to the Normandy, we do have a solid chance of pulling this off." Mads explained as he took his glass and filled it with Vodka.

"Then what happens if we do succeed and come back?" She pressed.

Mads looked at her, he was deep in thought about the question. "I'll probably fall out of favor with Cerberus, and I think the Alliance would like to have a word with me, probably lock me up. But killing the collectors is only a part of the problem. The reapers are still out there, and they will come, it's only a matter of time." Mads said as he drowned his drink.

"I know..." She replied with a rather sad tone. "I wish we could have met under different circumstances." She added.

"Me too. But let's make the most of this." Mads suggested.

"Of course." She agreed and put on her visor. It wouldn't be long before they hit the Omega 4 relay, and no doubt it would be rough. This would be a great challenge for all of them, but if they worked together, and did it well, then they might just pull it off.

Joker was a damn fine pilot. No other words would be able to describe him. He took care of business. He kept them alive, and even took out the collector cruiser that had been harassing them for some time. Now, they were resting on the shell of the hornet's nest. The Normandy had suffered a little bit of damage, but it could be repaired fairly quickly. Edi was already on the job.

For the specialists, their job was about to begin. They stood gathered in the comm room, where all the previous mission briefings had been held. This was it, the air was tense and thick with doubt. For many, this was a suicide mission. Mads had made his peace, he hoped the others had done the same.

"This is it guys. We are finally here, after such a lengthy battle, we must fight again. Humans have been killed, humans have been abducted, and humans have suffered. But this goes beyond humanity's interest; this is a galaxy wide problem. We are here to solve it-" Mads knocked his hand down on the table to empathize the point. "-We will not let anymore suffer under the hands of the collectors and their reaper masters. This end here, today! This will be tough, but if we do this, and do it right, we might make it out live." Mads preached, the other began clapping at the end.

They began to study the layout, and how this should be done. There would be a lot of fighting, and they wouldn't be able to stick together for most of it. Someone had to lead another team, and someone had to crawl through a vent to unlock the doors for them. There were discussion about how was more fit for the job, and what was needed.

"Miranda, you take lead with the second firing team." Mads ordered.

"Understood Captain." She replied with a smirk, no doubt glad she was chosen.

"Legion, you'll be crawling through the vent. There shouldn't be any hostiles in there, but you need to move fast none-the-less. Me, Tali and Garrus will open the way for you. Understood?"

"Yes, Romanov-Captain." Legion answered and stood a little bit more straight.

"Okay, the rest is with Miranda and her firing team. Take care and thread lightly folks, this will be hard." Mads said as he equipped his helmet. The others followed suit, and began to make their way towards the exit.

Mads stopped by Joker before he left the vessel. "You going to be okay?" He asked.

"Yeah, We'll get this tin can flying again. You guys just... Go shoot the bad guys." Joker replied. Mads nodded at the request and padded him on the shoulder.

"Take care, we'll be back once it's done." Mads said as a final note as he went out the hatch to the outside. Tali and Garrus were by his side, as usual. This would be hard, but he knew Tali and Garrus were capable of handling this. Miranda was a capable leader as well. No doubt she would see the other team through.

"See you guys on the other side!" Mads said over the comms to the other, who waved back as the found their entrance.

Mads fired off a few rounds into a collectors chest, before turning his attention on a console. Legion was currently blocked from proceeding further. It was his, Tali's and Garrus' job to ensure he got there. If he didn't... Well, they might as well put a bullet in themselves. Legion was the key to succeeding here.

Mads typed in the commands needed to open the next valve and allow Legion to proceed. Garrus and Tali held off the collectors as he did so. "Almost there, Legion!" Mads called out as he typed in the final commands.

The door opened for Legion and he was off, Mads quickly fired off a few rounds into the next collector bastard that came flying in. "Move!" Mads yelled to the other as they began moving forward. Speed was another key to success here, and they couldn't afford to slow down.

They finally came to the last valve before Legion had to open the big doors from within. It was the same procedure as last time, a few simple commands would ensure Leigon wouldn't die in there, and get forward. Mads could hear Tali and Garrus were hard at work behind him, firing off until their rifle would need a new thermal clip. There were certainly enough collectors here, and they were throwing all their numbers at them.

The last valve opened and Legion disappeared from their view. Now, they had to survive until the Geth could open the door and let them inside. The other team were let in first, as Mads, Tali and Garrus tired their hardest to keep the collector bastards at bay.

"Legion! Hurry the fuck up!" Mads ordered into his earpiece. Legion was indeed hard at work behind the big doors. He had already let in the other team, none of which had died. Finally, Legion got the door opened.

Mads was the last in, before Legion got the door shut again. They quickly scanned each other for injuries, making sure that the adrenaline wasn't covering up any pain. Mads chuckled after gaining his breath back.

"Nice work fellas, we survived the first part, and arguably the easiest." Mads laughed as he straighten up again. No one else laughed, Mads looked up confused at them.

"You might want to see this Romanov." Miranda said, and look up he did.

He did not like what he saw. Pods, like those he found on the collector cruiser, decorated the walls. Only this time, they weren't empty, and the people within were all too familiar. The Cerberus crew, or rather, his crew was trapped within them.

"Fucking get them out!" Mads ordered as he saw something was beginning to happen. One of the colonists began to... almost melt. Like she was being turning to a fucking liquid. They struggled to open the first one, and it was already too late for that colonist. They were however more successful with the other pods, Mads began to recognize some of the crew they saved. Kelly and Chakwas to name a few.

Mads quickly grabbed Chakwas as she was about to faint out on the floor. No doubt that it had been a horrible experience for all of them. Some of them tried to stand up, but it was understandable that they found difficult. "Dr. Chakwas! Are you okay?" Mads asked as he helped her cling on to conscious.

"Romanov... You came for us." She spoke softly, probably having trouble understanding what had happened.

"Of course I did. I wouldn't be a good captain otherwise." Mads replied as he helped her stand on her feet again.

Kelly expressed concern about what might have happened, had they not arrived at the time they did. Chakwas gave her own theory on the matter. It was scary stuff, not a fate he would have wished upon anyone, well... Maybe expect his enemies, but that was beside the point. Whatever matter was made from the colonists, were pumped through tubes. For what purpose, they did not know, but it was their job to find out, and stop it.

Joker gave the location of where the tubes went. They all headed into the control room. Mads could only imagine whatever horrors might be waiting for them up there. They way up there was dangerous as well. Overrun with seeker swarms.

"Can we use biotics? Maybe create a protection field around us?" Mads suggested.

"Yes, I do believe that could work. We can however only bring a small team through if we did." Samara replied.

"Most biotics would be able to do it. Who do you want to handle it?" Miranda asked.

"Samara, you're up. I'll take a small team with me, the rest of you will create a decoy, keep the main force off our back." Mads ordered.

"And who should lead the team?" Miranda asked.

"Garrus, you have good experience in this regard. Keep my people safe." Mads said.

"Will do Romanov." Garrus replied as he readied his rifle.

"What about us? We are in no shape to fight." Chakwas asked with concern. It was true, not only were they in no shape to fight, they couldn't be protected if they brought them along. Joker informed Mads that they had enough resources online to do a pickup.

"Mordin, you escort Chakwas and the rest of the crew back. Take it slow and try not to take too many risks." Mads ordered.

"Of course, I will do my up most." Mordin replied.

"Tali, Legion. You are with me and Samara. Let's get moving. Everyone knows what they have to do, now let's make it work." Mads ordered.

"Aye aye!" They all replied.

It was true; this place was really filled with seeker swarms. Not only that, but a few collectors were still around. Mads was grateful that Garrus and the rest of the team could take some pressure of their back here. They met the big force head on, but they were handling it fine. Garrus had remarkable potential as a leader, Mads could see that. When this all blew over, Mads could imagine him having control of his own ship.

"Alright, move out!" Mads ordered to Samara. They were about half way there, but keeping the biotic field up was putting quite a strain on Samara. No doubt it was tough on her. At least Mads, Tali and Legion were able to take care of any threats.

Mads quickly changed his magazine in his rifle as a new set of collectors flew in. They moved a bit further before taking cover. "You holding up?" Mads asked.

"Just barely." Samara replied, her voice beginning to sound weak.

"We'll get there soon, no worries." Mads reassured her as he killed another collector.

It was hard for them all, but they needed to stay focused on the matter at hand. Mads kept firing rounds, most of them hit their target as they moved forward. There was interference between Mads and Garrus, so Mads didn't know the full extent on their situation, but it sounded like they were progressed as well.

"Almost there!" Mads yelled as he saw the door in question. Samara was probably close to collapsing from doing the biotic field on her own for so long. The collectors did a final desperate attack to stop them, for them, it too was now or never. Tali killed off most of them that got close with her shotgun, and Mads made sure a lot of them never got close enough for that.

Samara did a final trick as they reached the door. With her remaining strength, she used her biotic powers to clear the pursuing collectors and give the team some much needed breathing space. Mads quickly ran over to the other door when he heard the banging and calls from his ear piece.

Tali helped me open the door. It was true, Garrus and the team had taken on the most collectors, but like the skilled operators they were, they had survived. Although, Mads got really worried when he saw Garrus. It looked like he was injured.

"Garrus! Are you okay?" Mads asked as he ran over to him, to check for any injuries or something like that.

"Nah, I'm good." Garrus said as he straighten himself up. Mads patted him on the back. "We're almost done." Mads replied, and Garrus smiled briefly.

The door was sealed, and marked the end of that chapter. No doubt the next one would be really tough to carry out. They needed to use the platform to get close, but once again, Mads couldn't bring his entire team with him.

"Garrus, Tali, are you up for this?" He asked. They both nodded, and took Mads' hand as he helped them up to the platform.

"Fellas... This has been hard on everyone. We will all remember this day in different ways. We are here to do a job. The reapers are a threat to everything, and I do mean everything. If we lose here, it will most certainly mean the end of all that you love, all that you have fought for. We will succeed, or die trying. Go, walk the last mile and make us all proud." Mads preached. Most of them cheered.

"Let's move out. We have to finish this." Mads said, Tali and Garrus readied their weapons in the fight that would come just up ahead. Mads typed in a few commands on the console and off they went. Of course, it wouldn't be easy, the collectors saw to that. Whatever they had left, where dispatched after them.

"It's do or fucking die." Mads said to Tali and Garrus. They both looked at Mads with an understanding look, this was truly it. They were going to the center, and there was a high chance it would hard... No, scratch that, really hard.

Mads fired his AK until he was greeted with a click. But the last bullet didn't take down the new bunch of collectors flying in. Mads' hand moved in to grab a new magazine, but quickly noticed that the one sitting in his AK was indeed his last.

Fuck Mads thought. He quickly threw the rifle on his back and pulled out the Glock from his left holster. The shots went quick, even with it being semi-automatic. It's 10mm ammunition shredding its way through the flesh of the collectors.

"Okay, we'll take this platform there!" Mads called out as he hopped to the next platform. Tali and Garrus followed suit. With the final husk dead, Mads typed in the last commands on the console. They flied off, getting closer to whatever massive structure was sucking all the matter through the tubes.

Edi called through their ear pieces. "The tubes all lead straight ahead. If my calculations are correct, this super structure is a... Reaper." Edi explained. The structure in question came into view as the final words reached them.

"Jesus H. Christ." Mads muttered as he looked up at the thing. "It's a fucking human reaper." Mads added.

"Quite so. It does not appear to be finished yet. While thousands of humans have already been processed, at least a few millions more are required." Edi replied.

"Not sure if that's a relief. Poor souls." Mads remarked as he studied the reaper.

"Are you okay?" Tali asked as she placed her hand on Mads' shoulder.

"No, I'm not. But hopefully I will be once this thing is gone." Mads replied as he gestured to the reaper, hanging on life support. Being fed human genetic matter through tubes.

"Edi, can we bring it down?" Mads asked through his earpiece.

"Yes, the tubes are currently holding the reaper in place. If you destroy them, the reaper will collapse under its own weight." Edi replied.

"Then let's get to work." Mads ordered as he pulled out his magnum. "You guys take a tube each. Let's hope we don't get too much company." They both nodded at the order.

It was wishful thinking that no one would disturb them while they took out the tubes. Collectors flew in, and Harbinger took a personal control several times to try and ensure their demise. Garrus used his sniper to deliver the most amount of damage possible, while Mads kept the collectors off his back.

Mads heard the shattering glass as he put a bullet in the head of a collector. He looked up to see the reaper slowly collapsing as the whole thing went down. Mads sighed in relief as the giant reaper fell down to the dark abyss. Mads began chuckling, thinking they had finally done it. He emptied the bullet out of the chamber of the magnum as they all took a moment to breathe.

"If you guys can hear me, begin to retreat to the Normandy. We are almost done here. Joker? Prepare everything, I'm going to blow this place sky-fucking-high" Mads said into his earpiece.

"We'll get right on it. We have an incoming signal from the Illusive man. I'm patching you through now." Joker replied. Mads was currently pulling up the hardware that should allow him to do what needed to be done.

Tali projected the image of the Illusive man through her omni-tool. "Romanov. Well done, you have done the impossible" He said.

"My team did the impossible. Though I think some of the crew might have kicked the bucket. Poor souls." Mads replied as he kept his eye on the hardware.

"I am aware. Sacrifeces had to be made, they won't be forgotten. You conquered the base. Though, I am looking at what Edi sent me, and it would appear that a timed impulse would kill off any remaining collectors, while leaving this place intact. All this technology could be our saving grace. With this knowledge, we can turn the tide!" The illusive man trying to push his agenda. Mads looked up at the hologram of him, and had a look of disbelief on his face.

"Really? You want to save this place after everything that happened here? So many people are dead, this would not turn out in our favor." Mads replied.

"Please don't be short-sighted. If we are to stand any chance against the reapers, we should utilize any resources we can, that includes their technology."

"This entire base is a middle finger to the human race. If we use this, then I don't see how we are better than the reapers."

"This isn't about being better. This is about survival! I thought you, of all people, would understand. I brought you back because you died fighting for what you believe! I knew your potential. Think about what this base can deliver!"

"The Lord will judge me on what I chose in this moment. I have made my choice, for my belief and that of my crew." Mads said as he turned his back on the illusive man.

The Illusive man began rambling about betrayal and how ignorant Mads was being, only for Tali to turn off the hologram. Mads kept working on the hardware, they would have about 10 minutes before the whole place would blow.

Then, suddenly the earth began to shake like there was an earthquake happening. They all trying to regain their balance, but were horrified at what appear from the void below. The reaper wasn't dead, it would seem they had only pissed it off.

"FOCUS FIRE! HIT THE EYES!" Mads noticed the weak spot right away. Glowing like a fucking beacon. Garrus and Tali were both quick to do as told. Mads should have known it was too easy. At least there were no collectors around to fuck it up.

"It's working!" Garrus yelled as he hit the eyes with his accurate sniper. Mads jumped out of cover and unloaded his entire magazine from his Glock into the eyes of the reaper. As soon as he heard the click of his Glock, he switched to the magnum, thank God for it being a double action.

With a final shot from Garrus, the reaper finally couldn't take any more. Its systems began to malfunction, its eyes bursting out into flames as it rocked back and forth. As a last fuck you to Mads, it decided to collapse on the very platform they were standing on. It would take them into the void below. Mads noticed Tali was sliding down the almost vertical platform, Mads jumped after her.

Tali was sure that in that moment, she would die. She mentally prepared herself for it, said her farewell to Mads like he could read his mind. She could only think about what would happen next, as she fell closer to the edge. As soon as she fell over the edge, something unexpected happened. Mads was right behind her, and was quick to grab unto a structure. He grabbed Tali's wrist in a tight hold, unfortunately hard enough to pop her wrist out of its socket. She yelped in pain as Mads struggled to keep them both from falling.

With his remaining strength, Mads was able to haul her up from death. She didn't even have time to think, it all happened so fast. Only this wasn't the end of it, as soon as they had escaped death, it tried to come for them once again. A platform crashed into theirs, causing it all to fall apart. It knocked them all out cold.

Mads didn't know if he should drop to his knees and thank to lord for sparing him, or spit at his name for putting him here in the first place. But with the strength Mads could muster, he pulled himself out from under the metal plate. Mads coughed out the dust and smoke from his lungs and he began to check on the others.

Tali was laying a few feet to his side, he quickly rushed to her. She was alive, thank god. Her wrist needed to be snapped into place, but they could do that later. And he probably had to apologize for it. She looked fine otherwise, expect a little roughed up, but they were all roughed up.

Mads quickly went to check on Garrus after that. He pulled him from the wreckage that had landed upon him. But the tough bastard wasn't dead yet, thank god for that as well. The last thing he needed was Garrus haunting him.

"Captain! Do you read me?" Joker asked desperately.

"I'm here, did the others make it?" Mads asked out of principle.

"Yes, all are accounted for. We are waiting on you guys!" Joker replied.

"We're coming!" Mads said. Seeker swarms were fixed on making it hard for them, and Harbinger thought it would be a good time to have a little monologue. Though Mads didn't pay any attention to it. He was too focused on getting out alive.

"FUCKING MOVE!" Mads ordered hastily to them as he covered Tali and Garrus from behind. They were quite a ways in front of him. Mads could almost cheer as he saw the Normandy come into view. But he quickly realized it wouldn't mean shit unless he got to it.

Mads had never been happier to see Joker providing cover for him. He saw Tali and Garrus make the jump, and he knew they were safe. Now, it was only him remaining. Things were falling apart quick, and the collectors were hot on his ass. It didn't make it any better when he saw he had to jump for safety.

And jumped he did, and for a moment, he believed he wouldn't make it. His mind quickly read the situation, he was too low for the jump to be successful. He would tear the Lord a new asshole when he came back into heaven. What a shit way to kill him off.

Only he didn't fall, Tali grabbed his wrist for a change. Though Mads felt extremely bad when he heard her yelp of pain as she held on to him. She had grabbed him with her dislocated wrist. God, he really needed to make that up to her. With the help of Garrus, Tali pulled Mads up into the safety of the Normandy. Joker kept up his fire for a little longer as Edi steered the ship away.

Mads didn't get up from the wall immediately. He just laughed at the realization that they had actually done it. They had gone and fucked the collectors in their own home. Now, they just needed to get the fuck out of there. Joker was back in his seat as quickly as he could; Mads finally got up and followed him there.

Joker really was the best pilot he had ever seen. Those maneuvers were lifesaving in the end. They watched the base explode as the headed for the relay to carry them home.

The Normandy had suffered some great damage, but it could all be repaired in due time. Right now, as they had cleared their way back through the Omega 4 relay, all Mads needed was for the comms to work. The whole place was a mess, but they did work.

Mads called up the Illsuive man. They needed to have a final chat about what had happened. No doubt he would be pissed.

"Romanov. You have costed me far more than you are worth. Look at what you have done!" The Illusive man was close to losing his otherwise endless supply of patience.

"The Lord is my Shepard. This decision was the correct one to make." Mads replied as he placed a cigarette between his lips and gave fire to it.

"That base could have ensured Human dominance for a long time! Against both the reapers and beyond." The Illusive man snarled at Mads.

"I have a hard time believing that Cerberus would act in the interest of the greater good. I will do things my way from now on; I don't really care much about your opinion on the matter." Mads explained as he took a drag of his cigarette.

"Don't you turn your back on me, Romanov!" The Illusive man had finally risen from his sitting position in the chair, going on about what selfish Mads was being.

"Don't worry. I'm sure we will see each other again soon, Jack Harper." Mads smiled. The Illusive man had a look of disbelief on his face.

"How did you-"

"I know people, and it turns out you didn't erase your past so cleanly as you had hoped. Just like I didn't cover up mine as well as I thought. But you shouldn't worry about that. Joker, cut us loose." Mads ordered.

"Aye aye Captain." Joker replied over the comms. The vision cut from the Illusive man. They were officially rouge. Best thing to hope for, was that it was a good thing to be.