1601 Hours, October 30th, 2182 (Unified Military Calendar)

Systems Alliance; Arcturus - Star System; Arcturus Station; Systems Alliance Ministry of Galactic Affairs - Arcturus Parliamentary Advisory Office on Galactic Affairs and Events - Lobby

Unlike the grandiose and opulent parliamentary chambers and offices that criss crossed Arcturus, the Ministry of Galactic Affairs offices had quiet and minimalistic strength to them. The lobby had wide open spaces with symmetrical sunken seating on vast floors of stainless steel. With walkways marked by gunsteel grooves inset with blue lights. Combined with the tall cathedral like ceilings made one sitting in the lobby very insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Probably the architect's and ministry's intent after all, he reflected.

He triggered his quantum entangled tachyon communication implant, his thoughts translated into binary and transmitted outward reaching instantly to the other side of the galaxy. "Status on Shepard."

Femine voice with subtle overtones of an Irish accent responded. "Shepard has taken command of the marine component of the SSV Normandy SR1 stealth frigate, appointed to act as supervisory ground force commander. Besides a minor incident involving a lapse in judgement, Shepard is still in prime position to begin the Spectre candidacy trials."

He straightened his overcoat's collar, before asking. "Incident?"

The voice paused a second, before launching into a brief. "An Intelligence Network faction involving colonel Nishikawa and colonel-general Ferro stripped Shepard of her Svetovid equipment. They reasoned that her reclassification revoked her access to Svetovid experimental armor and weaponry, we believe in an attempt to sabotage the trials. We believe they are working for or with Cerberus in this endeavor. We are working on solving this oversight."

He frowned. The chances of mission success would be lowered because of this instance of interagency politics. Especially against the Camazotz Threat, what a waste. "Understood. Which Spectre was chosen?"

Femine voice smoothly responded. "Nihlus Kryik. Shepard and him should meet in five hours and thirty six minutes. "

He thought for a moment, then smiled. Maybe the Council is playing hardball with the SA after all. Interesting. "Update me when that occurs. I'll be meeting with Goyle shortly."

1953 Hours, October 30th, 2182 (Unified Military Calendar)

Systems Alliance; Lancer - Star System; Levy - Planet; Low Earth Transfer Orbit - SSV Normandy SR1 Stealth Frigate; Normandy's Medical Facility

"Doc, doc, DOC, I'm good, I'm good. Better than good. No need for this!" Jenkins said, nervously as he was being strapped to the Normandy's sole MERI machine.

Sergeant Hortense Gorski lightly slapped him on the back of the head, "Jinxins let the good doctor do her work. The Lt nearly flattened you with that biotic throw."

"Don't know what you're talking about Sarge, but that throw was awesome!" Jenkins said obliviously unaware how much mortal peril he could have been in.

Kaidan internally cursed himself for this. He shouldn't have given into Jenkins cat calls, he was an officer for godsgone sake. Should have instead just given him a bit of a biotic nudge. Enough to knock him off his feet. Not throw him into a line of containers on the outer edge of the ramshackle exercise area that he and Valentine had setup a week past. There was still a dent where Jenkins had impacted the container, a visible reminder of his shame.

Dr. Chakwas reading off the MERI data from her omni-tool, broke Kaidan out of his revelries. "...besides what looks like a few hairline fractures in the Thoracic spine, you're remarkably clear of any other contusions. Two hours in the cellular regenerator and a back brace for 12 hours should take care of it."

Dr. Chakwas cast a look over to Kaidan, eyes beaming with what Kaidan figured was disappointment and annoyance. "While modern technology has advanced leaps and bounds Lieutenant, a little more force could have easily broken his spine. See to it that next time you don't fling your marines around in the hull of a ship. You were blessedly lucky he merely hit some containers instead of being impaled or electrocuted on something else."

Kaidan nodded vigorously, "Of course, Major Chakwas. I'll be sending a report to Captain Anderson about my failings in this regard."

Jenkins snorted loudly, still struggling in his restraints. "Oh please Lt that was awesome, one moment I was on solid ground and the next I was in the air. Felt like I was driving the Mako there for a second. It was just pure awesome sauce."

Sergeant Gorski facepalmed at this, before straightening up. "Permission Major to smack the stupid out of Specialist Jenkins?"

Dr. Chakwas looked over to Sergeant Gorski, her face speaking of exasperation of the antics that surrounded her. "Permission denied, Sergeant. I'll need to ask you two to leave, as said patient needs rest. Especially after the ordeal that he's been through. "

Kaidan saluted and exited the door, walking into Normandy's core living area. Normandy's core living area was unlike most other postings Kaidan had been in his career on SASF space vehicles. Unlike the claustrophobic and cramped interconnected compartments that honey combed most SASF vessels, the normandy had a singular lack of honeycombing.

Instead there was a giant open floor plan that constituted the living area. Where in the back 30 odd sleep pods were fitted into the ceilings and floors by 6 robotic gantries, allowing quick access by occupants. Connected to which was a multifunctional recreational and mess area with the ability to serve upwards of 40 crewmen at a time with it's automated self serving kitchenette. On the sides, were rows of lockers storing the individual crewmember few personal belongings and service uniforms. By the stairs and elevators, were the main restrooms and officer quarters. Four tiny rooms, each with a bunk bed. For the time being he was rooming in one of those with Joker, though with Commander Shepard aboard that might be subject to change.

Immediately outside the medical bay was Sergeant Haldor Holt, the tough no nonsense Mako commander and gunner, waiting for them. And lurking nearby Kaidan saw Corporal Kam Wang the conspiratorial gossiper of the Normandy's marines. The speaker of transhuman treachery and post-human conspiracies. Mostly nonsense she read off different planetary nets she had gathered over the course of this shakedown run.

Sergeant Haldor, stood from the pillar he was leaning against, and asked with a voice devoid of concern or empathy. "How's Jinxins?"

Sergeant Gorski put her hands on her hips. "Hairlines fractures, nothing serious Hald. No muscle damage or anything. So by tomorrow he'll be good to drive, and clean the storage bay up and down. It's not like Lt could crack Jinxins density."

Sergeant Haldor nodded, "Unfortunate. I'll have to listen to more of his commentary on… life."

Sergeant Gorski giggled, "What with saying awesome every other word, blaring Krogan rock for everyone to hear or doing shit only pogs do?"

Sergeant Haldor ignored Gorski's little commentary before nodding to Kaidan, "Lt next time Jinxins gives you crap for magical blue bullshit, can you please throw him into the tantalus drive core. There's only so much stupidity that I can take."

Kaidan shrugged, "I doubt it Sergeant. We have to keep at least a semblance of regulations in place. Plus, I expect Commander Shepard or Lt. Commander Pressly to be on my ass about this incident shortly."

Corporal Wang snorted loudly, "Yeah more likely Pressly, considering how much he's concerned with the regs. Commander Shepard, fuck if I haven't seen a walking and talking science experiment, probably doesn't two shits about what you did about Jinxins."

Kaidan crossed his arms, "What are you playing at Marine, the commander is a bit tall I'll give you that. I was just under the assumption she was a light worlder, we get a few of those from time to time."

Sergeant Haldor cleared his throat, "She isn't a light worlder sir. I've never seen a light worlder that can bench 175 kilos in 1g. Or curl what had to be at least 100 kilos either without breaking a sweat. Or being able to run a kilometer at two minutes flat. Most light worlders wouldn't have the bones or muscles to accomplish that feat.".

Corporal Wang twirled her ponytail, "You're being far too kind Sarge. I don't know if you guys haven't noticed she has literal glowing orange eyes. Like are you guys blind or something?"

Sergeant Gorski nervously chittered, "They are called electronic eyes Wangry."

Corporal Wang shook her head, "They are definitely not 'electronic eyes', I know the difference between electronic eye implants and the natural thing. My old man had some top flight electronic eyes that got replaced last year. What she has is the genuine article. Plus, considering what you told me, Gore, what I mentioned should be the least concerning feature of her."

Kaidan narrowed his eyes, not liking where this was headed. "I mean Commander Shepard, is unusual, sure. But nothing in my mind speaks of anything concerning... ?"

Sergeant Gorski sighed, "Well true, she doesn't have any of the... " she searched for the words vainly, "... usual female parts."

Kaidan looked at Gorski puzzled, female parts? What is she missing her vagine or something? "Sergeant?"

Sergeant Haldor flatly stated, "She doesn't have breasts sir. Or femine hips. Or much of a butt. Or much.."

Kaidan interrupted him, "Ok Sergeant, I get it. No need to go into that much detail."

Sergeant Haldor shrugged, "I didn't think it was that much detail sir. I thought it was rather obvious."

Wang and Gorski nodded. Gorski finding her words again, "There is that Hald, there is that. It's more that she kind of lacks a... belly button."

Kaidan felt his mouth and right eye open a tad, before closing them. Incredulity seeping into his tone. "And how would you know that Sergeant? How can you tell she doesn't have a belly button?"

Gorski walked over to the rec table, and sat down motioning others to do the same. When everyone had done so, she leaned forward, her voice just above a whisper. "I was getting off my shift last night, thought I'd get in a shower before I hit the casket. I walked in on her as she was drying off. No belly button. No fucking nipples. Slim as a piece of rebar. I honestly thought she might have been living breathing barbie doll. Until I saw she was ripped head to toe in muscle that she covers up in her hoodies and cargos."

Kaidan was having trouble believing this. Commander Shepard that he met the other day was… strange and unusual, sure. Deciding to infiltrate the Normandy on what appeared to be a whim. Taking Prorok's fist by herself, if the scuttlebutt was true, insanity. Talking to her she seemed like any other special forces soldiers or marines he had come across; cold and professional.

All that could be explained however. There were always exceptions to rule. She could just be unusually athletic and freakishly tall. And the infiltration was just a test by Anderson to examine the crew. Not the first captain to try that. Nothing that really stood out in his mind at least, though it had been a little over 25 hours since she came aboard.

Sergeant Haldor broke Kaidan out his thoughts, as he growled, "Fucking shit. Just what I need. I thought this tour would be nice and easy. A mako commander on an experimental frigate. Lots of boredom and station leave. Instead our former CO does a combat run when our main driver isn't working and by some miracle we don't all die in the boarding action. And then our CO goes nuts and frags the Turian engineer that came along to observe. Who does he get replaced by? Captain David fucking Anderson, 5 time Star of Sol awardee, personal errand boy to MoGA. And who does he bring with? A fucking myrmidon"

Myrmidon? Kaidan wondered, before Wang rolled her eyes and hissed. "Sarge, please. They don't let myrmies out in public. I doubt this Commander Shepard is cloner. Watchtower would have a field day if heard any of this. With them blaring on every major news media site, transmitted to 8 corners of SA about the destruction of the human soul and body for war. "

Sergeant Haldor stared into Corporal Wang's soul, his knuckles whitening. "Oh yes the great font of knowledge, please share with us whatever pseudo-scientific illogical bullshit that you have to share with us."

Corporal Wang returned Haldor's look, green eyes meeting grey ones. "It's quite obvious. She's an Ambrosian."

Sergeant Gorski raised an eyebrow, "Ambrosians are comic book villains Wangry."

Corporal Wang huffed, "Please, comic book villains Gore? Are you going to take SA propaganda that the mountains of audio-video evidence of cities made out of bone, living ships and mechs that look straight out of evangelion, and genetically advanced superhumans are just… an ambitious advertisement campaign that got shelved. Don't insult my intelligence."

Sergeant holding his head in his hands, "Don't insult ours Wangry. I get enough as it is from Jinxins. It's been categorically proven these… Ambrosians don't exist. Four parliamentary investigations and even Citadel Spectres have gone after these rumors. What have they turned up? Nothing. While on the other Myrmidons definitely exist, the Fall of Neo-Prague caused the SA to unofficially acknowledge them."

Corporal Wang snorted, "I'm not saying Mymies don't exist, just that Shepard isn't one of them. Most myrmies have shit tons of augmentations, nano and anolog. Did you see extensive augmentation Gore?"

Sergeant Gorski considered it for a moment, "Not really. Just some bio input ports and neural port on the neck."

Corporal Wang sagely nodded. "SA is all about cover ups, gaslighting, smokes and mirrors. What do you expect from the Systems Alliance? Got to keep the citizenry in certain state of control. Without control? Panic and chaos. Most of all considering all the shit they've tried to cover up and failed, like the Prothean Warships controversy or that they knew about the Batarian planning Skyllian blitz years in advance. Ambrosians existing should be a no brainer, I don't understand your intransigence.."

Sergeant Haldor rested his weight on fists, staring holes into Wang. "That should tell you that if the SA knew about it, don't you think so underpaid aide or bureaucrat would leak it to the media at a drop of hat?"

Kaidan was still deciding whether this was the best time to intervene before this discussion got out of control, when he heard a voice behind him wryly say. "Are you Asari done gossiping? 'Cause I have a job for you to do." Standing behind him was Commander Shepard sporting a Onyx N hardsuit, examining them like a hawk examines prey.

"Commander Shepard!" Kaidan stood and saluted, and the rest followed shakily.

Shepard coolly gazed on them, her eyes glowing faintly before saluting in turn. "Suit up in your hardsuits, weapons passed out. I want the entombed roused as well. Meet in the storage bay in 15 minutes. Lt. Alenko a minute please."

With Shepard walking away, Kaidan followed her. Leaving his compratriots with shaky expressions and wide eyes. Corporal Wang in particular looked physically ill. His own stomach was in a state flux of anticipation and dread. Considering that he just gossiped behind his superior officer's back, he did not like his chances of getting out alive.

Kaidan followed Shepard as she rounded the corner into the elevator, her form precise movements perfectly timed like a windup doll. Kaidan didn't know what to believe exactly, but regardless whether she was whatever it was Haldor or Wang thought she was, she was still his superior officer. Professionalism should outshine all other concerns, especially her background and genetics. Even if he just violated that by listening to this hearsay.

Shepard hit the elevator switch and turned to face Kaidan,"Shortly a Turian shuttle carrying a Citadel VIP will be transferred onto the Normandy. I want a round a clock honor guard, at least 2 members standing by the comm room for the time being. "

Kaidan nodded once, wondering why there needed to be a honor guard of the comm room of all things. "Of course ma'am, I'll have the detail kitted out for his or her welcome. But may I ask a question?"

Shepard said with a little smirk, her tone sultry and mocking. "Within reason Lieutenant."

Kaidan nervously asked. "Who's the guest."

Shepard actually grimaced. "A Spectre, Lieutenant."

Shepard couldn't blame the Normandy marines or operators being curious about her. So, she wasn't going to put a boot down on them gossiping about her. That would merely force the issue underground. She had an inkling that this was likely going to occur when Mayumi informed her of being with so many baseliners. So, she had articulated herself her own cover story. It was vague enough to still fit in whatever story MoGA dreamed up, but gave her room in case there were any Watchtower lunatics on the Normandy.

The story? Rogue STG science experiment gone wrong. Some of the best lies are based on half truths based on the target's perception of reality. In this case, it was quarter truth. Was she an experiment yes, but not to the STG. Nevertheless there had been some notable cases of rogue STG members experimenting with human slaves sold to them by the Batarians. And considering that the greys had been abducting humans in the 20th century for live autospies, and the antipathy the SA had with the greys currently, most of the crew would follow that to its logical conclusion. Tricky bit is if the Citadel found out, but hopefully by that time MoGA diplo-rats had her covered.

Still Shepard had to be more careful around this Nihlus Spectre. He would be sharper than most humans. What with Turians having superhuman eyesight, hearing and smell compared to baseliners, nevermind Turians natural armored carapass and razor sharp claw. No wonder why SA forces suffered hundreds of thousand casualties at the Shanxi incident or as the racists called it, the Second Contact War, while turians suffered a measly thirty thousand casualties.

She still had to meet this Nihlus before she would come to any definite plans though. False assumptions are dangerous. Acting on those assumptions are always fatal. It was why she had most of the Normandy marine detail out in dark blue and black hardsuits with armor piercing ammo blocks loaded into their avengers, except that idiot Jenkins. It was best in Shepard's opinion to have meatbags to soak bullets for her if he turned out dangerous. She didn't have Tlahuiztli, so she had to use everything in her disposal to get out ahead.

She watched as the turian shuttle docked with the Normandy. Turian shuttles looked like two glued together darts, with a bunch of aerofoils stapled haphazardly on, Shepard judged. The shuttle drifted into the Normandy, barely missing the parked Mako and the storage containers that respectively took up the left and right side of the bay. Before deactivating and dislodging one of the biggest Turians she had seen yet.

Standing a little over 2.5 meters tall armored up in a iconic Spectre black hardsuit with red trimmings, Nihlus was big. And he was ready for a fight. With what looked like a Krysae anti-materiel sniper rifle and an extended barrel Phaeston assault rifle peaking just over his shoulders, both likely modded to hell and gone. Considering his experience and years in the Spectres she could find from the limited data pull on the Normandy, and him being a solo hunter, she didn't have any preconceived notion of surviving such a fight. If she had her sword, it would be a fair fight. However as the situation currently stood, she would have to rely on surprise to get an upper hand on this one, if it ever came to it. After all he was her evaluator.

Shepard saluted, her hand still on her pistol. "Spectre Nihlus Kryik? Commander Shepard. Captain Anderson is waiting for you in his cabin."

Nihlus grabbed what looked like a modular storage bag that Turians carried before pounding the shuttle. Before looking at her, "Commander. Welcoming parade just for me? Feels like I'm back on Palaven already." His harmonics resonating in her head.

Shepard cocked her, sarcasm was difficult to tell with Turians. "Standard procedure sir when escorting persons of important status that are visiting the SA. Plus, we still haven't verified who you say you are? Lieutenant?"

Lieutenant Alenko had his omni-tool out scanning the Turian, with the rest of the marines with their weapons held down for the moment. "It's him commander."

Shepard nodded, and signaled the marines to ship their weapons. She kept her pistol out, for old times sake. "Great, we can get the parade rolling. Unless you want a full tour, sir."

Nihlus said, his mandibles flaring. "No commander, that won't be necessary."

2125 Hours, October 30th, 2182 (Unified Military Calendar)

Systems Alliance; Arcturus - Star System; Arcturus Station; Systems Alliance Ministry of Galactic Affairs - Arcturus Parliamentary Advisory Office on Galactic Affairs and Events - Cabinet Secretary Office

Goyle transferred him a dataslip, a streamlined multipacket limited datafile that self-destructs after a certain timeframe. Usually enough time to read it once, maybe twice if one was quick. The data flowed through him and he digested it. He understood. He knew. "How long ago was this transmitted?"

Goyle examined him closely, her cold blue eyes examining him like a bug. "Forty-two hours ago in keeping with Citadel Union's mandate on sharing discovered prothean ruins and active archaeological excavations with. Should entice Saren out, my analysts believe."

He mulled it over, his biocomputers crunching the numbers as his blood turned from red to black from the manufacture of nano-connectors. "218th Strike Group with dreadnought and HAC support is not enough. Even with orbital batteries and minefields, it'll be a slaughter. And more so if Saren uses Cerberus infiltrators and geth cyberwarfare routines to sabotage the orbital defense grid."

Goyle steepled her hands, "CENTCOM is more than willing to sacrifice the 218th Strike Group if it means that if we get combat data on Saren's forces. And it won't be a slaughter. It'll be an annihilation."

His thoughts connected random bits of information. Neurons turning into binary and binary into nano-augmented neurons. A complex weave of bioaugmentation was brewing under his skin, as he disseminated the chaff from kernels. And discovered what he was missing. "Systems Alliance Defense Authorization Act for fiscal year 2183 is currently being debated. Current projections forecast it's defeat within ten days from now. The annihilation of 218th will ensure it's passage given the current financially stringent session."

Goyle nodded, her eyes changing into a deeper blue. "In a single sacrifice, we'll expand our fleets by twenty percent and our empyrean project forces by fifty percent, bringing online new hardware to the rest of the military that has been stuck in skunkworks for the last four years. Which of course is only a tip of the iceberg of course. Public sentiment against the loss of the 218th strike group and ruin brought to Eden Prime will provide the support and recruitment for the long road ahead. National concerns will be truncated in terms of unity, and bickering nations of SA will have targets other than the Batarians. "

He nodded, the camazotz threat was a ruin against everything. Even if they couldn't stop it, they could maybe slow it down to let other contingencies come into play. "And Shepard?"

Goyle beamed, "Shepard shall become our hero."