31/8/2185
Normandy.
Mads was really tired, more so than usual. It was hard knowing what he had done, and for some reason, it was even harder to talk to Hackett about it. They had been without a signal for two days now, and it was just beginning to come back. Mads knew Hackett trusted almost as much as Anderson did, but this was on a whole other level of fucked up. He had killed over 300.000 Batarians, sacrificed the weak. Deep down, he was conflicted. He knew it was the right choice, he brought everyone else time, but the again, it was a huge price. If it would turn out, that the alliance would not utilize this chance, there would be no telling what would happen. Nothing good at least.
But, Mads had to speak with Hackett at some point. Might as well be now. He hadn't informed the crew of the deal, they hardly even knew the details about what happened on that rock. Should they know? Maybe, but Mads had no time to deal with that at the moment. There were more pressing matters to attend to.
Mads stood in the comms room, awaiting Hackett. He would call at any moment. His mind lingered to what would happen. Most of all, how would Tali react? They had been together for….. A month actually, to the day. It was a weird feeling. But it was good, Mads could feel how great it was to be with her, and he wished for nothing more. But his wishes were hardly ever fulfilled in that regard. Like always, things would be stripped from him.
The hologram finally appeared. Hackett stood in full dress uniform. Mads fumbled with his lighter as he attempted to light a cigarette. There was some awkward silence between them in the beginning. Neither knew where to begin. This was a huge issue.
"I would have liked to have debriefed you in person, Romanov. But time is scarce as it is. However, this personal favor turned out to become something much more serious." Hackett said. His tone wasn't angry, but there was a hint of…. Something in there.
"I know. A colony destroyed, a relay gone. But if think, for even one second, I did this for personal or selfish reasons, then you can go fuck yourself." Mads replied.
"Listen Captain, I would like to know why there is 300.000 Batarians dead, and why their government is pressing us for answers." Hackett demanded.
"You were right. Dr. Kenson found evidence that showed a reaper invasion through the system. There were several drawbacks, however. Whatever evidence and data I could store, I can transfer to you now." Mads said as he transferred the files to Hackett.
"Kenson was in too deep. The artifact did things to her, the same that happened to Saren. She was prepared to let the reapers right through. She adored them religiously. I tried to help her, to save her, but it was too late. She drugged me, and I was gone for two days. When I came back, I had just about 2 hours to stop the invasion." Mads explained.
Hackett had a look on his face that read disbelief. He couldn't understand it. Mads knew he believed in the reapers, but it must have been the part about Kenson that threw him off. He had expected her to be alive. Loss is a hard thing to overcome, still, denial is the first part of the grieving process. Mads didn't blame him in the slightest.
"It was the only way to stop the invasion, admiral! I had no choice! Even if I did warm the colonists, it would have meant nothing. They home would have been destroyed. I brought us time. But, do not thing I take pride in doing this." Mads continued.
Hackett was quiet, and Mads found that worse than anything. He would rather receive an earful from him, than be given the silent treatment. Hackett let out a sigh as he rubbed his temples, he then took a deep breath.
"I believe you, captain. I believe you are telling the truth. You told the truth about Saren, you told the truth about the collectors, and I do believe you are telling the truth once again. But my words won't mean much compared to the rest of the alliance. This whole ordeal, it will be nothing but trouble." Hackett finally said.
"What about our deal?" Mads asked.
"Let me put it like this. The Alliance needs to get you, in order to avoid total war with the Batarians. You need to stand trial, face the music. But, in order to get to you, they have to accept that the rest of the crew walks free. I think they can understand that, and I do believe that handing over the Normandy will smooth things over." Hackett explained.
"Great. If I have to atone for my actions, then so be it." Mads replied.
"I'm glad to see you still have honor. It's a rare trait these days." Hackett remarked. "When can you be in the solar system?" Hackett asked.
"A few days, hopefully." Mads answered.
"Good, then I will inform the alliance. Be sure to be dressed nicely when you return." Hackett promised. "Hackett out." And with that, the hologram disappeared. Mads took a long drag of his cigarette as he stood in silence. He looked at his watch, and saw that the clock was nearing 8. Tali had written him a message just before he called Hackett. She wanted to meet him in his quarters.
He had to inform her first. He felt that was the right call. Then he would inform the crew. They deserved to know what would happen. It wasn't the end of the world….. At least not yet. There was still time for that. They needed to know what would happen next. So, after putting out his cigarette into the ashtray, he went out to take the elevator. Only, it seemed very quiet on the vessel, but he didn't make much note of it.
When Mads finally reached his room, he took note that the lights were off. "Edi, turn on the lights." Mads ordered.
There was no response from Edi. The lights didn't turn on. That was strange. Mads took his magnum out of his holster and proceed with caution to the nearest switch. He raised his magnum as his other hand turned on the lights.
He damn near had a heart attack when he saw every one of his squad, plus a few extra, standing in his room waiting for him. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY!" They all yelled at once as balloons fell from the ceiling and one asshole tooted in a fucking horn.
"Jesus-Fucking-Christ! Y'all scared the shit out of me." Mads said as he relaxed his hand put his magnum down in his holster. Mads had to even out his heartbeat once he knew it was all clear. This had to have been Tali's idea. Of course it was. She had asked him when his birthday was, and he had made a point to say she didn't need to throw a party. Yet she did. She had a broken wrist and she still threw a party for him.
They all said happy birthday and wished him the best. It wasn't long before Garrus cracked open the alcohol and everyone went to get a drink. Mads couldn't help but smile at the sight of them all there. They had all been in on it, and no doubt it was Tali that had brought the issue before them. She really was perfect.
Joker and Garrus approached him, and handed Mads a small gift. Mads stared at them in disbelief. They had actually brought a gift for him?
"A little something you can celebrate with, considering everything that happen." Garrus said as Mads began to unwrap it.
Mads chuckled when he saw what it was. "Holy shit guys! A cigar! And a Cuban one none-the-less?" Mads was in awe over it. "Thanks guys, it means a lot. Though, I think I'll save it." Mads said as he pocked it.
"No worries, Captain. A small payment for all you have done for us." Joker replied.
"I think Tali wishes to speak with you." Garrus said after poking Mads in the side. He could see her standing over by one of the serving tables. They had made some cake, brownies to be exact. They were quite good. Mads wasn't sure where they had located the ingredients to it, but he wouldn't press for answers.
Instead, Mads approached Tali. She also stood with a gift in her hand. A rather large package, wrapped in some makeshift paper. She turns her attention away from Kenneth and guerrilla to face Mads. Mads has come to know her pretty well, and he can make out the signs she is smiling. She holds out the package for Mads to take.
"You shouldn't have." Mads said in a quiet voice.
"Yes, I should." She replies. Mads gives her a half smile as he takes the package.
"Go on! Open it!" She demands. Mads laughs and complies with her order.
He is stunned when he finally got a look at the item. He couldn't believe it. It seemed surreal even. His old note book, full of ramblings and sketches he used to make when he was younger. It was one of the few things he never got back. A thing lost to time, like so many other things.
"I'll be damned. You actually got my notebook? Where did you find it?" Mads asked in disbelief as he studied it. Mads couldn't help the smile that formed on his face.
"Liara located it. I asked her if she could find anything that was yours, and she found this book. I figured…. You would like it." Tali replied.
Mads put the book down on the table beside him. He then, in a swift movement, pulled Tali into a hug. He felt like keeping her in a hug forever. She cared, she really did. The party stopped their activities and looked at them. It felt like forever, yet not long enough, when Mads pulled away from her.
"What are y'all staring at?" Mads asked. The tone was more jokingly than anything. They all went back to whatever they were doing. "Thank you Tali, truly." Mads said.
"It's nothing. You have done so much for us, this is the least I could do." Tali replied while running her gloved three finger hand up and down Mads' cheek. God damn, he loved that woman.
The party went on for a while. People enjoyed themselves…. And liberally took from his liquor cabinet. But that didn't matter. In a few days, none of that would matter much anymore. Which reminded him: He had to tell them. His original plan was to tell Tali first, but he wanted to do it here. No doubt there would be protests to it, but it was for the greater good.
Mads hit the side of his glass with a spoon a couple of times. Everyone turned their attention to him. "Everyone! Please! May I have your attention?" Mads yelled out, in was actually pretty crowded in his quarters.
"I want to thank you all for what you have done. I-…. I didn't expect it. But, please know that I am forever grateful for what you have done, not only tonight, but for this entire mission. We survived hell and high water." Mads began. Everyone nodded in agreement.
"That is always why I feel like I should tell y'all something." Mads then changed his tone a bit, to know he was more serious this time around. "As you all know. I had to do a favor a few days ago. I know much of you don't know what went down there. Let me tell you: I learned of the reaper invasion through that system, and I decided to stop it." Mads took a break. "In order to do so, I had to destroy the relay. Give time to the alliance and the rest of the galaxy. But, I… Effectively killed over 300.000 Batarians in doing so." It was quiet in the room. People were processing the information.
"I did this mission solo, and there it is my burden….. My burden to carry alone. I have spoken with both Admiral Hackett, and Councilor Anderson about a deal. I think this deal will work out in y'all's favor." They all listened. No words were spoken in that room. It was silent. Mads downed some of his drink and continued.
"I gave Edi and Joker orders to head to earth. On the way, we will stop at the citadel…. You will all be relieved of duty there. I will pay for whatever transportation you need to get where ever you are going. I, however, have to head to earth." Mads took another break. He switched his drink to his other hand.
"I must atone for my actions." He said. Then, words of protest broke out. Mads tried to calm them all down, but it was hard.
"You can't be serious, Romanov!" Garrus yelled. "We can find another way!" Garrus was scanning his mind for possibilities to bypass the issue. The others did the rest.
"I appreciate it Garrus. I really do. But, I will do more good in alliance custody than on the run. This is also about honor. It's about doing the right thing." Mads replied, and they all went quiet again. "I secured freedom for all of you. Please use it wisely. Spread the word about the reapers. Prepare in any way you can. This is my final request for all of you." Mads said as a final note, before downing his drink completely.
Mads could hear the almost silent sobs from Tali. It was clear that this hit her the hardest, and he even shed a tear. Mostly when he thought about leaving her. But, this was settled. He wanted her to live in freedom, even if had to go through a trial himself. Mads doubted this trial would work out in his favor, but he was ready to face the music.
People gave their thanks to Mads, most of them urging Mads to reconsider his choice. But in the end, they understood that it was the right one. It was always going to happen like that. They took comfort in knowing Mads was prepared for his judgment.
When the final people left, Mads was left alone with Tali. She was still lightly crying on the bed as he locked the door after Garrus left. Garrus was always loyal, and he promised to honor Mads' request in every way he could. Mads stepped down the stairs and sat on the bed where Tali was. He pulled her into a hug and let her weep into his chest. They stayed like that for a while.
"It was always going to happen like this Tali. I can't run forever. This is the best choice." Mads whispered to her. She lightly nodded her head. She understood. She was always smart.
"I just can't stand losing you." She finally admitted, her voice meek and weak from the crying.
"You won't lose me. When the reapers come knocking, they'll be begging for my help. Until then, sit tight and gather support. That's all I ask of you. Believe it or not, you have the hard job." Mads tried to lighten the mood, but it was hard.
"I know you are afraid, Tali. But, please, try to understand that this is for the best. I'm certain we will see each other again." Mads remarked.
"…. I know." She replied. She stayed silent for a moment, and then she did something unexpected. She raised her hand to her helmet, and took off her visor. Mads stared at her confused for a moment.
"… Wait, didn't Chakwas tell you to-" Mads was silenced by Tali straddling him and locking him in a kiss. All Mads could do was hum into the kiss as it went on. She seemed even more eager this time around.
It took a while, but she finally broke the kiss to get some air. "Please, I need this." She admitted.
"Well….. If the misses insist-" Mads began.
"She does." She Finished and locked him in a kiss again. He was in for a long night, but he wouldn't trade it for anything. It was fair to say they enjoyed themselves that night. The last time they will do it for quite a while.
04/09/2018
Citadel.
The day finally came. Mads had to say goodbye to them all, well, nearly all. Joker, and a skeleton crew was there to help make sure the Normandy got to Earth in one piece. But a huge part of the crew stepped off here at the citadel. Mads had kept his promise, and paid for their trips. It didn't feel right to strand them on the citadel.
"Take care brother. You call, and I'll come running." Garrus said. His sniper rifle was strapped to his back. Mads'….. Garrus' deagle was sitting neatly in his leather holster. Where they would end, Mads had no idea.
"Thank you. You take care as well. Don't get sidetracked by a gun store." Mads joked.
"Very funny." Garrus replied. They shared one last hug before nodding to each other. Garrus disappeared into the crowd after that. Mads had an interaction with all of them. Bidding them all farewell, either a handshake or a hug. They all promised to honor his wish, and try their best to put together some forces.
It was the farewell to Tali that took the most time, and that was the most heartbreaking for Mads. She cried again, but Mads spoke softly about his promise that they would see each other again. Mads had asked Garrus to try and keep an eye on her while he was away, just to make sure she would be okay.
"I'll miss you, Tali. I'll think of you every day. But…. Be strong." Mads ordered in a soft tone.
"…. Yes, Captain." She replied with a weak smile as she finally pulled away from their hug.
"That's the way it is." Mads remarked as he stepped back. He waved to them as they slowly disappeared, all of them. Lord knows when he would see them again. Hopefully soon enough.
06/09/2018
Sol system, close to the moon.
Mads stood on his post. Watching over the CIC, and the empty Normandy. Normally, there would be chatter all around. Not this time. This time, the only thing that could be heard was the orders thrown between Joker and Edi, and a few buttons being pushed every now and then. Mads had relocated his ashtray to his position at the CIC. He was dressed in a full ceremonial uniform for the occasion, though not an alliance one, but a Russian officer uniform for the presidential guards.
He was smoking a cigar. He enjoyed the peace and quiet, but his heart was already missing Tali. He was certain it had something to do with the whole bonding thing she spoke about, but he didn't know much about that. Mads instead puffed out some smoke as he awaited the vessel that would arrest him.
Joker kept up his usual joking attitude, but Mads could see the hurt in his eyes. Mads was certain Joker never forgave himself for not saving Mads back on the original Normandy. Mads would bet that Joker had the same sort of feeling now.
Once Mads was arrested, they would transport the Normandy into custody, and probably refit it to be an alliance ship, as they should. It would proudly fly the alliance colors again. Mads kept smoking as he finally heard Joker's voice on the intercom.
"We got a vessel requested permission to board. What are your orders." Joker asked, his voice weak.
"I'll allow it." Mads said as he took another drag of the cigar. Mads rested his other hand on his belt.
"Understood." Joker replied as he finished the boarding procedures. Mads knew that alliance soldiers would storm through the door as the soon as it opened. But Mads kept his cool and smoked on.
True to his prediction, they did indeed storm out. Mads slowly stepped down from his position at the CIC and slowly approached them. Mads was kinda surprised to see them wear N7 armor, he was actually honored that the alliance cared that much. Mads slowly put his cigar out. They all pointed their guns at him as Mads tilted his head to the side.
"DROP YOUR WEAPON!" One of them yelled, referring to his Magnum in his holster.
Mads complied with the request and slowly put the gun on the ground. As they came closer, they kicked the gun away. "That wasn't very nice." Mads remarked, but not before one of the soldiers landed a punch on his face.
"Shut up! You damn traitor!" He yelled at Mads.
Mads just laughed as he lightly smoothed over his bruise. "Is that the best you got?" Mads provoked. Another one of the soldiers put him in handcuffs. The other man took the bait and landed a punch straight into Mads' gut.
Mads coughed a bit, before coming back with a: "Is that the standard for N7s nowadays? Oh my, how far we have fallen." Mads kept up his shit eating grin as the man lined up for another shot. A voice, however, kept him from doing it.
"Stop it! That's enough!" It was Anderson. Mads laughed as he saw the man he come to consider a father walk down the CIC of the Normandy.
"Don't not hit Captain Romanov, or your ass is going to get trialed too, lieutenant" Anderson ordered. His voice sounded tried. They soldier nodded in understanding and stood down.
"It's good to see you again, son. How are you?" Anderson asked with real concern.
"I'll live. Don't worry about me Anderson." Mads answered.
"We best be going then. They are waiting for you…. Down there." Anderson said.
"I know." Mads remarked. They walked in silence to the shuttle that would take them down to Earth. Mads could look forward to a trial within 24 hours. Set up personally for him. All the high military judges would be there, ready to trial him. Mads manned up and walked straight the whole way.
Mads gave one last nod to Joker as he was transported into the shuttle in handcuffs. Anderson tried his best to prepare Mads for what was ahead, but Mads knew there was no 'being prepared' for all of this. They would fly to Vancouver, where the supreme military court was.
Space travailing is such a fascinating thing. It took no time for them to get there, and even less for them to land. Mads hadn't foreseen all the press people gathered there, eager for the story of the month, or maybe even year. They crowded him and the two soldiers escorting him in no time.
One face stood out. One he didn't want to see. Khalisah al-Jilani, such a horrible person. "Captain Romanov! Are you prepared to face judgment for all you have done?" She asked.
"Yes." Was Mads' simple answer. She didn't seem impressed with the answer.
"Do you have any comment for all the people watching out there?" She asked. Hoping to get something to smear him with.
"That's the way it is." Mads simply replied before being pushed forward by the soldiers.
True to Anderson's words, Mads only had to wait 24 hours for the trial to be ready. It was an impressive court room. Huge and filled with things to look at. Things to distract him. It was filled with people. There were six judges, sitting quietly. The prosecutor was setting some data pads in order. There was light chatter in the room.
That was until the judges called for silence. It went quiet real quick, and Mads got a look from Anderson that said 'It's going to be alright'. Maybe, who knows?
"Captain Romanov. You have decided to appear without a defender. Do you stand by this decision?" The high judge asked.
"Yes, I do." Mads replied.
"Okay, let's get started." The judge remarked as he looked through his own data pads.
They listed all of his crimes. There were quite a few of them. Collaborating with a terrorist organization, destroying a relay and so on. Mads remained silent as the crowd was more and more in shock over each listed crime. The prosecutor had the floor first, and made a damn good case. Then, it became Mads' turn. He stood up, showing off his uniform and all its medals.
"Your honor, and people of this court. I have done a lot in a short amount of time. These things…. They can't be corrected. But I assure all of you, it was not done out of self-interest. It was done with the interest of all of mankind. I defeated the collectors to save the human colonies, I stopped the reaper invasion to save this galaxy. And I'll do it again if I have to." Mads said.
"I know most of you don't want to believe. It is a scary thing to realize. That some ancient machine race wants to wipe us all out. But, it's real. I stand here today, so that I can face judgment and atone for my actions. But, putting me in jail will solve nothing. I brought us time, and that time should be used to prepare."
"Do whatever you have to. Punish me in whatever way is righteous. Just, remember my words here today. Don't go home and forget. Be ready to fight, to fight for everything you love. That's all I'm asking. That… Is my statement." Mads finished and sat down. It was quiet for a little bit, but then a wild applause happened. It went on until the Judge threw the hammer down and yelled for order.
Mads said "Guilty" to his crimes, and that was the end. Dishonorable discharge and 10 years in a prison. A really mild sentence for what he had done. But Mads knew it would only last until the reapers showed up. Mads accepted the sentence. It was done.
Mads had never seen Anderson more sad then he did in that moment. He told Mads just how sorry he was. "Don't be, it was always going to happen this way." Mads smiled and said. "Just do the right thing." Mads added, and Anderson nodded to the request.
With that, Mads was escorted to his cell. Where he would rot away until the faithful day….. Where he would be right.