A/N: Hey fellers! Once again, I bring you a chapter… Although it's been a little while.

Truth is, the chapter would have been out a whole lot sooner, if it wasn't for Rockstar dropping RDR2 for PC. I have been playing that game almost religiously.

Anyway, enjoy the chapter!

Kind regards

KanisRussell.

28/3/2186

SSV Normandy.

"I gotta admit, it was about time we got a dedicated room for playing poker. I miss beating your ass." Kaminski laughed as he dealt the cards.

"I seem to remember that I took all of your money every time we played poker. You might want to employ Vega as your mentor." Mads suggested as he took a drag of his cigarette.

"The hot head marine? No thanks." Kaminski replied.

"Sure, he isn't that stable, but I doubt any of us are. But that dude knows how to play poker, if my Intel is correct. What about you Kaminski, have you lost anyone?" Mads asked. Kaminski remained quiet for a second of two, then sighed.

"I don't know about my deadbeat father. Probably dead, good riddance if so… I'm more worried about my younger brother Stefan. He is a good kid, joined the interstellar merchant marine. I haven't heard from him in almost two weeks." Kaminski confessed.

"Jesus… Sorry to hear that… You told me about your father years ago… He still as bad?" Mads then asked, hoping he wasn't pushing too far.

"He was a prick from the moment my mother died. Yeah… He was a priest for one of the catholic churches in Chicago. He kept up a good face for the public, if only did knew what the good Christian did behind closed curtains… He ruled with a fist, drank to he would pass out. He was a real son of a bitch. As soon as I was old enough, I ran off and tried for medical school… Only to find I didn't have the money for it… The Alliance came along, said they would pay for my scholarship if I joined up, so I did…" Kaminski explained. "Sorry, didn't mean to give you my life story." He apologized.

"Nah, it's no trouble… What about your brother?" Mads then asked.

"I took him with me. We shared an apartment. When he was old enough, he joined the merchant marine. I supposed he just wanted to get off earth. Clear his head or something." Kaminski answered.

"Sorry to hear that.. You have lived a rough life." Mads said.

"Not as rough as you did… I mean, the shit you went through? How did you cope… With loss I mean." Kaminski asked out of curiosity.

"I don't think I have dealt with it yet. It's haunting me, like some bad dream… Like voices you can't stop… I found that drinking away my sorrows was the best way to go about it, that and keeping it to myself. The Alliance paid for a therapist… I only went there two or three times before I stopped going, wasn't for me. I got a liver like a french goose, and lungs as black as the night's sky." Mads explained. It felt good to let it out once more. To just talk about it. Before the big reveal, he could only really talk to Anderson and his surviving family about it.

God, Harold and Joseph. They had disappeared to another galaxy… Sometimes he wondered if he should have gone with them. Go to see what live he could have lived there. But no, that was selfish. It was done, over. He had things to do here. For some reason, people saw him as the pargon of virtue. The man with all the answers. The knight who would fight for a better tomorrow… Mads missed Tali, she always lifted him up. Kept his spirits high. Now, he felt lost without her.

Tali had talked about Quarian bonding, and how it was very different from how humans did it. It happened in three stages, Pathway to the mind, pathway to the heart and pathway to the soul… Something like that… Quarians were definitely unique in many ways. Their bonding was much more… Natural. Mads felt lost without Tali at his side, like his thoughts couldn't be straight. He didn't know if Tali experienced the same thing. He just hoped he would get to see her again.

Mads and Daniel talked for a few minutes about their families while they continued playing. Kaminski was much like Garrus, always joking… But he also had moments of self doubt. He was a true big brother to his younger brother. Daniel always made sure that his little brother was secure.

"Anyway, I went down to the med bay earlier, to check up on our supply of medi-gel, and I managed to speak with the female Krogan. She doesn't reveal much, but she seems… Enlightened? Is that the right word? Not sure, but I think you should go and talk with her as well. Mordin hushed me out when he came back though. He spoke so fast, I only caught half of what he said" Kaminski switched the subject with a laugh.

"I think I will, once we wrap up this game. I also have to speak with Victus and Wrex about the problems they are having." Mads replied.

"Hmmm, yeah… Glad I'm not captain of this ship. Seems like you have an awful lot to look after. If you need my help on any mission, just come knocking." Kaminski said.

"Thanks, I might do that. How is Riesman? Is he doing good?" Mads then asked.

"His family is safe. Though he is having trouble dealing with the possibility that they may die at any point… He is-… -He is afraid." Kaminski confessed.

"We all are. But we'll do everything we can to make sure that it doesn't happen. To limit the suffering as much as possible." Mads promised.

"I know Romanov. That's why you are such a good CO. You don't just say things, you actually do something about it. So many Commanding officers sit around with their thumb up their ass." Kaminski said, and Mads could hear just by the tone in his voice, that this was something Kaminski was really grateful about. Not a word of a lie.

"I try." Mads replied.

"You do more than try… By the way, I seem to remember you were a business man outside of this alliance stuff. Is that all… Still going?" Kaminski asked, referring to when Mads admitted to dipping his toes into the world of corporate enterprises on when they were on Noveria.

"Yeah, though half my investments on earth have stopped reporting back. I don't know what they are doing. Though my large stocks in the Sirta Foundation are booming." Mads replied.

"The Sirta Foundation? I thought they were non-profit?" Kaminski asked confused.

"Officially yeah. But being such a large investor, they have to kick back to me. I have reinvested all the money I got from the Sirta Foundation into the Alliance." Mads answered.

"Damn, how much?" He asked.

"I'm leveraged out the ass, Kaminski. I have called in every goddamn favor I have out there for this… But it doesn't seem to make any difference what-so-ever. I have donated close to 20 million credits to the Alliance, hoping it can buy them weapons, armor or maybe rations. I don't know." Mads replied.

"Jesus Christ on the cross." Kaminski remarked.

"Indeed." Mads replied.

20 minutes later.

Med bay, SSV Normandy

Mads had wrapped up the game with Kaminski and had, once again, taken his money. Kaminski, or course, swore revenge on him. So they had an agreement. Poker every other day, just to calm down and have some fun. It was a good way to take his mind of things. But, now he was heading to the med bay to speak with Mordin… And Eve. Both Kaminski and Mordin had said that she provided an interesting perspective.

Mads entered the med bay, and saw Mordin making himself busy with tests, and Eve sat on the bed. Just looking at Mordin working. As soon as Mads' jackboots made contact with the med bay's floor, Mordin spun around and greeted him.

"Romanov, excellent timing. So much work to be done. Very exciting!" Mordin proclaimed.

"Good to hear that. You think you can get it done?" Mads asked.

"Certainly! Challenging work, but appreciated. So many variables, so little time. Oh, and about the reveal." Mads knew what Mordin was going to talk about, but before Mads could stop him, Mordin went on. "- Remember the test I did on you six months ago? Yielded very interesting results. I had suspensions after working with you. Test showed more pure genes, less evolved than humanity now, and a rather unique tracing of blood. Very interesting. Of course, the leak confirmed the results." Mordin explained.

"Wait, so you took a blood sample to confirm that I wasn't who I said I was?" Mads asked.

"No. Your conduct was vastly different from other humans I have worked with. Of course, can't speak for all cultures, but I have met a few Russians over the years. But, cryo freezing? Had not thought about that. Very interesting." Mordin answered.

"Heh, so you tricked me, doc?" Mads asked with a slight chuckle.

"No, I also did tests on other human crew members. Was truthful about that." Mordin replied.

"Yeah, okay. So… I didn't think you would be back with STG though. Haven't you passed your retirement age?" Mads then asked, switching the subject.

"Like I said, someone else might have gotten it wrong. Have to be me. I enjoy the work. Once the war is over, might retire to a beach. Collect sea shells." Mordin replied.

"Sea shells? Are you sure you won't go mad from doing that?" Mads laughed.

"Might run tests on sea shells." Mordin nodded, determined to live out that plan.

"What about Eve, is she doing well?" Mads asked as he looked over at the female Krogan.

"She is fine, though her immune system is weaken after Maelon's cure. Not sure how she will being aboard human vessel though. Might be good to ask yourself." Mordin suggested.

"I hear you." Mads replied with a sigh, and then walked over to Eve. Who was still just sitting there, observing what happened around her. She looked back at him. Even with his height of 6'5 feet, the females of the Krogan race also towered above him. So, when she was sitting on the bed, they were just eye level. "Hello, how are you?" Mads asked.

"Just fine, Captain." Her answer was short and to the point. "I want to thank you for saving my life. I didn't think the Krogan had any allies left in the galaxy." Eve said.

"I think we owe a lot to the Krogan. Keeping an entire species in shackles for past sins seems… A bit too extreme." Mads replied.

"Our actions have not shown our best light. I do understand the fears people have." She remarked.

"So, it occurs to me that I hardly know anything about you." Mads was fishing for some information.

"My name is no longer mine. When I became a Sharman, I had to give it up. If we make it through this, then you may know it." She answered.

"Interesting. So the females can be Sharmen as well?" Mads asked out of curiosity.

"Yes. After so long, the Krogan have forgotten the ancient ways of our culture and ideals. A few of us hope to preserve that culture, so that when the curse is lifted, we may flourish again." She answered.

"Huh, I do hope the Krogan can come out on top after this. They deserve a break, and hopefully I can give them one... Anyway, what is your opinion on Wrex being the chief?" Mads asked. Wrex had good ideas, but he was still a Krogan.

"Heh. When he isn't trying to breed half of Tuchanka, he is the best thing that has happened to us since the rebellion. Don't tell me that though, his head is already big enough… Literally!" She laughed.

"Wrex is a lot of things, but I do believe he is a good leader… At least that's what I tell myself." Mads remarked.

"I know that in his heart, Wrex wants what's best for us. Though not all clans will see it that way." She replied.

"I know. I saw what the different clans felt like when I visited Tuchanka 6 months ago. A damn shame if you tell me, but every race has those who refuse to see things the right way. I can't claim the moral high ground when we have Cerberus." Mads said.

"I suppose that is true." She replied thoughtfully.

"So, how does it feel? Knowing you might be the last hope of the Krogan?" Mads asked. In a way, he was the last hope for humanity in many areas, so he wanted to hear how she felt about it.

"Honored, hopeful, grateful and afraid… Afraid of failing, afraid of what will happen. That's how I feel about it." She answered, and she answered truthfully. Not that Krogan were easy to read, but she sounded like she told the truth. No point in lying.

"I know just how you feel." Mads remarked out of sympathy, for himself or her, he wasn't sure. "Rest assured. I will do everything within my power to make sure the Krogan get a future… And hopefully that future can be shared with the rest of the galaxy." Mads added. He didn't want to sound cold, but he really needed this to work.

"Thank you, Captain. That means a lot." She replied.

"I have to get going now. If you want to talk, just hit me up and I'll come running." Mads promised.

"I will." She said.

"Victus? You said you had something to discuss?" Mads asked. He was standing in the war room, and Victus had been keeping himself busying reading all the nasty details of the Turian fleet's status.

"Yes… I'm afraid this is a matter best kept between us at the moment. It's about a ship that crashed, planet side on Tuchanka… Trouble is: They are pinned down by reaper scouts, unable to move." Victus replied.

"Might I ask as to what they are doing on Tuchanka?" Mads inquired.

"I'm sorry… But that is classified, I'm afraid." Victus answered, switching his weight on his feet. He seemed rather nervous about this. "But, it's a matter of up most importance. If they aren't recused and complete their mission, it could severe the already fragile bond between us-" Victus looked over at where Wrex was standing. "-And the Krogan."

"I'll see what I can do. You better not be pulling the wool over my eyes though." Mads said.

"Thank you, Captain. It's for the right reasons." Victus assured him, for whatever that was worth. They both nodded to each other, and went their separate ways. Mads walked straight up to Wrex, who wasn't that far away. Within the same room, in fact. Mads wondered what Wrex had in store for him.

"Hello Wrex. Mind filling me in on your secret?" Mads asked. Wrex turned around and leaned against the terminal he had been using. He looked over at Victus.

"I had one of my squad go missing. They were checking out the old Rachni relay.. Seems like they were rumors of trouble there." Wrex leaned in and replied.

"Rachni? I let the queen go on the condition that she stay out of any and all trouble." Mads remarked.

"Yes, I know. I was there. This could be big, who knows what they might be up to? This is a favor I'll ask of you, Romanov. I got Aralakh company on standby, give the word and I'll deploy them." Wrex offered.

"I'll look into it, not to worry." Mads reassured Wrex.

"Good, get on it." Wrex demanded.

29/3/2186

Flying towards the crash site on Tuchanka.

"So, what can you tell us?" Garrus asked as he arose from his seat in the Kodiak.

"We're trying to save a Turian platoon that crashed planet side. Commanded by a certain Tarquin Victus." Mads replied.

"Wait a minute… Victus?" Garrus had to make sure he heard that correctly.

"Yup. The Primach's son. Victus wouldn't come clean on what the Turians' mission was. So… Be ready for anything. Intel confirms that they are being overrun by reaper forces." Mads answered.

"I see… The Turian military code isn't… All that forgiven if the Primach himself put his son in charge and this thing goes belly up." Garrus remarked.

"Let's just see if we can help make this mission happen… Whatever it is." Mads replied. "Cortez, how are we doing this?" Mads turned around and asked.

"I'll have to drop you off a clicks away from the crash site. The LZ is way too hot at the moment according to my scans. But, it should give you the element of surprise." Cortez answered.

"Copy that. Make it happen." Mads ordered.

"Aye aye, Sir." Cortez replied as he began to approach the new LZ for them. It was as good a plan as any. With this plan, they dropped off behind reaper lines, giving them an early advantage. Liara and Garrus followed Mads off the shuttle and unto the hard surface of Tuchanka.

Mads wondered if anyone would even notice the reaper were here. Tuchanka was already a shit hole, the effects of the nuclear wars they had with each other. Eve claimed that given the chance, they could return to the time when the Krogan valued culture and tradition. Where they could be a peaceful race. Mads hoped that was the case.

They moved along the ruins, slowly making their way to the crash site. The screams of dying soldiers rang out, making an echo through this ruined world. They didn't have to travel far before they found a downed escape pod. There was some small arms fire coming from it, so it was safe to assume that some Turians were still alive and kicking.

"Let's help some of these Turians. No sense in more people dying." Mads ordered. Both Liara and Garrus nodded in agreement, Garrus most of all. Fucking the reapers from behind made for a nice change in pace. Suddenly the reaper forces were confused as to where they were supposed to shoot, creating a good advantage for the team.

That was until a Harvester showed it's ugly face. Mads called out for them to focus fire on the thing before it completely blew the Turians to hell. Luckily, the combined fire power from both the Turians and Mads, Liara and Garrus made for relative short work of the thing. With enough grenades, you can take down just about anything.

As the Harvester screeched and blew up into smithereens, the Turians waved their thanks from their position across the chasm. They promised they would re group with the main forces, who were still fighting for their lives. Mads ordered his squad to move along, hoping they could save more people.

Whatever this mission was supposed to be, it certainly had screwed up from the very start. Mads had saved who he could, which was about a handful of Turians who got to fight another day. Some were already dead when they got there. The unfortunate truth of war. Wrex wasn't kidding when he said that reaper scouts had been sighted on Tuchanka. The reapers were gearing up for a full on invasion. The Turians were in deep shit though, both here and on Palaven.

They fought all kinds of reaper forces, Havesters, Husk and what not. Seemed like the reapers were eager to stop these Turians, so the mission had to be important. The path to the main crash site wasn't long, but it was filled with reapers every step of the way. Luckily, Mads' AK 15 seemed to do the job greatly.

But, even in a hopeless situation, the Turians fought like true soldiers. The Turian military was something Mads admired, their discipline was second to none. If humans were brought up in the same way, they would have conquered half the galaxy by now. Still, even with discipline the situation was not in their favor. Reapers didn't take breaks, they didn't have mercy. They wanted them all dead.

Though, with Romanov fighting the Reapers from behind, it greatly improved the chance. Mads had already saved quite a few of the Turians, who all went back to regroup. The Reapers were annihilated by their combined firepower. When the smoke cleared, the reapers were all dead. Now food for the Tuchanka wild life. Mads saw what he thought to be Lt. Victus standing on the high ground, tending to the wounds of his fallen comrades.

"Lieutenant Victus?" Mads called out. The Turian in question poked his up and quickly jumped down.

"Captain Romanov. So glad you are here. Thanks for saving so many." Lt. Victus responded and he went in to shake Mads' hand.

Mads shook the Turian's hand. "Care to tell me what happened?" Mads asked, the Turian standing beside Victus grabbed the Lt. And proceeded to hold tight.

"He screwed up! He is the reason we are stuck here and so many are dead!" The Turian soldier proclaimed in pure anger. The fire in his eyes was evident.

"Stand down Soldier!" Victus ordered with a harsh tone.

"Fuck you Victus!" The soldier all but screamed back in the Lt.'s face.

"I said: STAND DOWN!" Victus ordered again, but the soldier wouldn't bulge.

"HEY! ALL OF YOU! SHUT YOUR FUCKING MOUTHS AND STAND DOWN!" Mads yelled. A clear order, and one the Turians obeyed, the soldier stood down and promptly went his way. "So, what happened here?" Mads asked as he holstered his rifle on his back.

"I made-… I made a bad call. This is all on me." Victus replied, hanging his head low in shame. Mads looked around and saw the looks the other Turians were giving him. Whatever he did here, it was really bad.

"Spit it out Lieutenant. What caused you to crash, and why were you here in the first place?" Mads demanded. Harsh tone, as usual.

"We-… I, chose to get creative. The head on approach was blocked by reapers forces. Continuing along that path would ensure heavy casualties… I decided it would be better to take a stealthier route, flying low over the ruins… Only this route was more doomed than the other one. We got spotted, and since we were flying so low, we-… We got shoot down, we had no room to maneuver." Victus wasn't proud of this at all. His voice carried guilt, he knew he was in deep trouble with the Turian fleet.

"Okay, I see… Bad business that… But why were you on Tuchanka in the first place? Your god damn father refused to anything." Mads demanded.

"There is a bomb! Okay? Cerberus has it…." Lt. Victus finally spilled the god damn beans. About time too. But, it was way more serious than what Mads was comfortable.

"A bomb? A fucking bomb?" Mads asked the question rhetorically. "Where? How big?" Mads then went on to ask.

"Very big. Should it go off, the Turians would be blamed and that would-" Victus was interrupted by Mads.

"-Fuck everything up. Yeah I get it. Then let's go fucking disarm it." Mads suggested.

"We can't!" Victus argued.

"What? Why the fuck not?" Mads was getting pissed off.

"We are down over thirty men! It would be suicide!" Victus replied.

"Suicide? You call yourself Turian?" Mads asked, Victus raised an eyebrow. "I realize these wounds are fresh, Lieutenant. Thirty men is a lot to lose in one day. But I care much more for the BILLIONS of souls crying out for relief right now. If the Turians don't get Krogan boots on Palaven, then they are done for. If the Turians are done for, then humans are god damn done for. Do you see my fucking point?" Mads asked.

"Yeah, I do, but-" Victus was cut off by Mads again.

"No fucking buts. You man up right now, and you tell what's left of your squad to follow your lead. I'll assist in your mission. But you need to step up, Lieutenant." Mads ordered the young Turian. He was quiet for a second or two.

"Yes… You are right, Captain. Just-… Just let me speak with my men." Victus requested. Mads nodded and allow Victus to proceed.

Mas had to give Victus credit. He managed to get the Turians back on track, and with that in order, they could focus on the real issue. If that bomb went off, then all bets were off and there was no telling what the Krogan might do. Mads simply wasn't willing to risk it. Plus, a chance to beat Cerberus sounded nice.

Meanwhile…

Onboard the FP Glory.

William once again stood before the CIC on his warship. Sipping his coffee as he looked on all the possible targets he could hit. This style of command suited him more. He was never displeased with his time in the Alliance. If he hadn't gotten that life threatening illness on Akuze, then maybe he would still be flying Allinace colors.

But, like all things in life, events transpired. Now, all he wanted was to fight Cerberus. To right the wrong that had been dealt to him and Tombs so many years ago. Cerberus was just as big a threat as the Reapers. The rumors of Cerberus and the Reapers working together was sickening to William. Truly, that was something to fear.

Just as William was about to sip his coffee yet again, when his loyal second in command, Irsall, joined him. William looked over at him with a raised eyebrow. "Ah, Captain. Do you have a minute?" Irsall asked with a data pad firm in his hand.

"Sure, what's up?" William asked as put his coffee down on the table.

"Take a look at this. It's about Romanov." Irsall said as he handed William the data pad. William took it and studied it's content in details.

"Romanov? What about him?" William couldn't make heads or tails of the Intel.

"He seems to making moves on Tuchanka." Irsall replied.

"That much I gathered. And so what? I really don't understand this fan club of Romanov. Everyone seems so in love with him, like he is the only one trying to save the galaxy." William remarked. All the news could talk about was how Romanov was out there trying to save humanity and everyone else.

"Cerberus seems keen on trying to spoil his plans." Irsall pointed out.

"And what are his plans?" William asked scratching his chin.

"Forging an Alliance between the Turians and the Krogan." Irsall answered.

"What? That's impossible. How do you even know that?" William asked. What an outrageous thing to even suggest. There was simply no way in hell the Turians or the Krogan would ever bury the hatchet, even when faced with certain extinction.

"Romanov flew to Turian space and grabbed the Primach. According to my sources, he is on the Normandy… Alongside Urdont Wrex. They had gone to Sur'Kesh together, and Cerberus had been there. Now, my best guess is that the Turians and Romanov agreed to cure the genophage in exchange for Krogan support." Irsall explained.

"Jesus… Okay, A Krogan and Turian Alliance would be strong. I see how that would work.. But why should this concern me?" William then asked.

"Like I said, Cerberus is doing everything to stop this from happening. Apparently, the have hijacked a big surface-to-space cannon on Tucdhanka, big enough to punch holes in any ship. We could slip in and retake control, and make sure that Krogan airspace is a bit more secure." Irsall suggested.

"Shit… Okay. We need this alliance to work. Let's do our part." William ordered. Irsall smiled and nodded, before heading off to instruct Larpius to set course for Tuchanka. William had never been to Tuchanka, so this would be an experience. The Cerberus presence just made it juicer.

War room, Normandy

Mads almost pushed the Primach to the side. "You son-of-a-bitch!" Mads said though grinded teeth, though it was little more than a whisper.

"Captain, did you handle the issue?" Victus kept a calm tone.

"You could have at least have told me about the bomb! I had no idea what I was waking into! Now I have to escort your son to clean up this MESS!" Mads was boiling. Rage running freely through his veins.

"I'm afraid it was necessary. This was information that could have put Palaven in grave danger." Victus replied, trying to reassure Mads.

"Perhaps so, but would it have hurt to tell me? We're supposed to trust each other!" Mads asked.

"Would you have told me information that would have put Earth in more danger than it already is?" Victus asked.

"I'm not sure. But I do know that I need your help to save Earth. So I'll do whatever that takes. Maybe you should think about that… In the meantime, I'll go and solve this mess." Mads answered as he left. Feeling just angry as when he entered.

A few hours later.

Relocating to the bomb site, Tuchanka.

Mads was checking his AK for faults one last time before they reached the supposed bomb site. Mads was bitter that the Primach had chosen to not inform him that a bomb was part of the mission. But, like most things in life, it was just something he had to deal with. At least the Primach's son was there to help, alongside what was left of his platoon.

Mads had chosen to bring quite a few of his squad members along for this mission, mostly due to how vital it was that it actually succeeded. Garrus, Liara, James and Kaminski were there, primed and ready for action. Orders had been to prepare for anything. Intel was low, and what little there was, was not promising in any way.

"We're nearing the bomb site." Victus said over the video feed from his shuttle.

"So, tell me more about this Cerberus bomb." Mads inquired as he stopped his cleaning and looked up at the video feed.

"It isn't Cerberus… It's Turian." Victus replied.

"Wait… What? Turian?" Mads asked, more confused than anything.

"Yes, it was planted there just after the Krogan rebellion. Cerberus is trying to blow it, and completely sour the relation between Turians and Krogan." Victus explained.

"Harsh, but I guess that makes sense. Put the Krogan down hard if they try anything." Garrus remarked.

"Jesus… Is there anything else you want to tell me?" Mads asked. He really wasn't in the mood for any more surprises like this one.

"No, I think that about covers it. We'll drop it from behind, while you take the frontal charge. As long as you can keep them occupied, then I'll work on disarming the bomb." Victus suggested.

"I guess that works. It's as good a plan as any." Mads replied. "Okay, we are coming up our LZ, we'll see you on the other side." Mads then said as he got up.

"Copy that, Captain. Fight well." Victus replied as he cut the feed. Mads took a moment to breathe and prepare himself. This was probably going to get ugly.

True enough, the door opened to prepared Cerberus troops. While the Kodiak was great was staying off radars, it couldn't do shit when the troops actually looked up in the sky. They all took cover as soon as they dropped off the shuttle. Bullets were exchanged freely between Cerberus and Normandy shore party. Cerberus were hell bent on fucking Mads over every chance they got. They had to be in bed with the Reapers, in some way at least.

Mads barked orders at his squad. They didn't really need it that much, at least in small scale battles like this. But it had to be a leadership gene in him… Or something, it was hard to explain. At least they performed flawlessly against the enemy, who both outnumbered and outgunned them. Cerberus had brought along some of their finest soldiers and equipment for this task. Luckily, Mads & Co was just as, if not more, skilled.

10 minutes later.

Nearing the bomb site.

Breaking the enemy's line had been rather hard, but they had done it without casualties. Victus and the remainder of his platoon had managed to get close to the bomb site, but were currently pinned by Cerberus troops. That just added more pressure to the mix, because some of the Cerberus troops were leaving. Normally, this was just probably the cowards running scared, but Mads knew that it was because the bomb was set to explode soon.

Moving forward, they could see that Cerberus had quite the operation going here. Seems this was an important matter to the Illusive man. Hopefully, stopping his plot here would send some sort of message that he couldn't get away with what he was doing forever.

Never-the-less, they pushed forward to the bomb site. Where a huge crane had been used to bring the thing above the surface. At this point, pretty much only Victus was left standing. Credit where credit is due, he was fighting like hell. Though, he wouldn't have lasted much longer if they hadn't arrived when they did.

"Spirits!" Victus exclaimed as his support came. "Captain, I need to disarm that bomb. Could you please cover me?" Victus requested.

"Copy that lieutenant. Get to work. We'll keep Cerberus at bay." Mads replied as he reloaded his AK. Victus nodded and began working on terminal to disarm the thing. In the meantime, Cerberus was dropping their troops back into the fight, seeing the possibility that their plan might get foiled.

It was wave after wave. Luckily, Mads' position allowed for good cover. Most of the Cerberus troops never made it off their shuttle. But, they had their ace: The ATLAS. The giant war machine lumped forward, hellbent on seeing the mission through. Mads once again barked some orders, ensuring that the ATLAS at the very least didn't bother Victus, who was still hard at work.

"Garrus! Get a vantage point and provide some more sniper support!" Mads ordered. Garrus nodded and went back to the bomb site to get a better view. Mads ordered the rest to spilt up and provide fire support on all angles, hopefully that would be enough to confuse the ATLAS and it's operator.

It took some time, as well as a lot of bullets, but the ATLAS yielded to superior firepower in the end. Mads could breathe, at least for a second. Mads saw that more Cerberus shuttle began to make their way down with fresh meat for the grinder. Just as Mads was reloading his AK, he heard Victus call out.

"Romanov! I think I got it!" Victus happily proclaimed, until there was a moment of silence. Mads looked back at Victus, and saw a shocked expression on his face. "Fuck… They put in a fail safe! It's counting down..." Victus was thinking desperately for a second. "I have to separate the trigger! Cover me!" Victus ordered.

"Copy that. Make it quick." Mads replied as he began to open fire on the new troops arriving on the battlefield. Mads had his focus on the enemies storming him, and didn't look back at what was going on behind him… That was until the very last moment. Mads saw Victus hanging off the bomb. "VICTUS!" Mads yelled as he ran up to the bomb site. He made eye contact with Victus, and what he saw on the young Turian's face was worth remembering.

It looked like redemption. Willingness to get the job done. Mads could make out the words that Victus almost whispered to himself. "Victory at all costs." And with that, both Victus and the bomb fell into the dark abyss below. A large explosion was heard, like the final explanation mark of Victus .JR's story. Mads could almost catch a tear in his eye. The bravery of the man was to be commended, he made up for his mistakes in the end. Something Mads wanted to do as well… Hopefully one day.

"Spirits…" Garrus remarked as he joined Mads at the hole in the ground, recently made bigger thanks to Victus and his effort… A slightly bigger hole in the ground was a lot better than the whole valley engulfed in flames.

"How will the Hierarchy remember him?" Mads asked. He hoped that Victus' redemption would at least mean something in the end.

"Hard to tell.. This kind of thing is expected of all Turians. Give your life for the greater good." Garrus replied. "We're a hard bunch to please." Garrus added with a sigh.

"I hope he will be remember for this, and not for his failure. At least he made it right." Mads remarked.

"I agree… So I suppose it's time to head back?" Garrus asked.

"Yeah… Yeah, just give me a minute..." Mads requested. Garrus nodded.

Meanwhile…

The Migrant fleet

Tali had a funny feeling… In fact, she had a lot of those over the past six months. Like something twisting in her gut. She sat at her desk, newly giving to her, on account on her promotion to Admiral. She sighed as she buried her head in her hands. She knew where the feeling came from, and she feared for his life every day.

Often, she wanted to cry. She just wished she could, at the very least, speak to him. But, with her current obligations to the fleet, she had more pressing matters that needed her attention. Her hand found it's way to to the desk, and she pulled out the gift he had offered her almost 3 years ago. It was one among many gifts he had given her, but this had meant a lot to her. The crucifix, almost a family heirloom from his mother's side. Now, it was in her hands. She clutched it, tightly in fact. Her mind lost in thoughts and despair.

Then, there was a knock on the door, and she quickly put the gift back in her desk, before saying a meek "Come in!" to whoever was on the other side. The door opened and revealed Admiral Shala'Raan, Tali smiled weakly underneath her helmet.

"We just received the last equipment from that smuggler… What was his name?" Raan asked.

"Sergei." Tali answered and remembered back to when Mads had given her the number and what to tell Sergei, should she ever need it.

"Right, him. I don't know how you did it Tali, but not only did we get good quality equipment, but we got it at a very generous discount!" Raan excitedly remarked as she came over and leaned against Tali's desk.

"Don't mention it." Tali replied, once again with a sigh.

"You seem down, Tali. What's bothering you?" Raan asked concerned. Raan was pretty much the last family Tali had left at this point, and she knew just how to read Tali. Much to Tali's dismay.

"Nothing… It's nothing." Tali quickly replied.

"I know it isn't nothing… Is about your former Captain, isn't it?" Raan asked. She had the annoying habit of asking questions she already knew the answer to.

"How did you-" Before Tali could continue any further, Raan cut her off.

"It would take a blind fool to not see the connection you two share… You bonded with him, didn't you?" Raan asked further.

"I-, I mean- No, but-…. Yes, Yes I did…." Tali answered. "I fear for him. I miss him… Keelah I love him, Raan… The bond is tearing me apart. Being away from each other for so long… It's-… It's not doing me any favors." Tali explained.

"I know… The bond is unforgiving in that regard. From what little I know of Romanov, I have no doubts he will be fine. And if what happened at the trial is any indication, he is also eager to come back to you." Raan reassured Tali.

"I hope so… I hope so..." Tali replied. Though deep in her heart, she already knew the answer.