A/N

Here is the new one!

~Enjoy

Chapter 19: Chutes and Ladders

Garrus' POV

"Both times I've come here, its colder than being fit for habitation." noted Garrus as he hung up the hardline com with Shepard. He remembered the day he had helped get to Peak 15. All the events that had led to finding Matriarch Benezia, and how she had become indoctrinated by Saren. Worst of all, Liara had to help gun down her own mother, for Benezia knew she would never stop being under the influence of the Reapers.

"If I remember correctly, this place holds a lot of bad memories for you?" asked Teagann who with every other step made a loud clomping noise from her crutch. The hard stone floors were just the same as they always had been.

"Yeah, corrupt security guards. Even more corrupt management. Then there is the ever present knowledge that this place holds the branches of companies that are willing to go outside the laws for research. At least Cerberus isn't alone on that front." he responded as they headed back towards the Normandy.

This time around though, Garrus could notice a difference in how people reacted to the newer Normandy. The security and maintenance staff religiously followed their orders. The stuffy executives were busy inviting the crew for lavish dinners, even the young underling staff on the ship. Garrus couldn't help but smile.

"I love how everyone is kissing our asses now that the galaxy is being wiped out and we were right. I thought Port Han'shan would never let us dock here again. I'm glad things have changed when it comes to their hospitality." he said with a steely edge in his voice. Teagann just sighed as they slowly made their way.

"I wonder if John and the rest are okay?" she asked. Garrus figured they would be. They had found a warm place to hole up for the temp was down well into the negatives.

"I don't know, physically yes but, they just bolted the first chance they could. I think they are taking Ashley pretty hard." he answered. Garrus had helped begin the cleanup of the bodies, their names would be added to the memorial wall on the crew deck for their honored service.

"I know you are." observed Teagann. With his head low, he couldn't deny it. Ashley and Kaiden had both been here on Noveria. They fought like dogs as they made their way through the Rachni. Now, both of them were gone. So was Thane and Legion. So many were gone now that he thought about it.

"I knew the chances of us coming out of this were just about zero. I just..." Garrus let the thought hang as flashes of his last stand on Omega came to mind again. Would it ever stop haunting him? Would the faces of his dead team ever fade?

"Just what?" asked Teagann who was holding onto his forearm.

"I thought that we would all go down in a blaze. A big fight for the ages to witness. Not this whittling away shit. The attrition of this war, it is killing our hope long before our bodies." he answered as he got ready to get more work done. They had about another cycle before the storm lifted. And much more war to go.

Kyson's POV

Tali was staring harshly as the bar stool where she had eaten at before. She had watched the vid, had looked at the girls frozen on the deck. Tali hadn't entered any of the rooms since then either.

"I can't sit there." she stated. She sounded very angry.

"You need to eat babe. There is nothing you can do to help those girls..." Kyson began but, Tali stomped her foot in agitation.

"No, I won't sit there." she snapped before grabbing the plate of some meat and vegetables from Palaven. She went over to the main dining room table and sat down.

"Do you have another way of getting that food in there safely?" asked John with concern. Tali took her helmet off causing everyone to gasp. Tali didn't look back at them as she began to shovel food into her face. Kyson could understand why she was doing this. She didn't want to be like the young Quarian who had been tortured here. But, she wasn't.

"If you were wondering why I'm doing this, it's simple. I can't stand being in this suit. I hate it! I'm tired of being a slave to this damn thing. I'm also sick of seeing young girls being used, exploited for their bodies, and treated like trash." she explained before eating more. Kyson went over to the table making sure to leave his food behind.

"We know that. We all feel the same way as you. I just don't see what keeping your helmet off will accomplish." said Kyson.

"I'll tell you what it accomplishes. My freedom. I have been using Immunization boosters for over a year now along with slowly exposing myself to various environments on the Normandy. I'm not staying in that damn suit forever even if it kills me you hear?" she snapped. Kyson looked back at his friends at the bar. Both of them were busy eating very quietly.

"I know you are scared for me, Kyson. But I am not." she said before another round of food. Tali leaned back to look at the others.

"This is very good, John. Can you give me the recipe?" she asked as if there wasn't a very palpable awkwardness in the air. Shepard looked at her with a small smile.

"No problem. I'm glad you like it." he replied. Kyson began to shake his head. He was starting to understand her actions.

"Tali, you know you are already one of the strongest people in the galaxy." he said. Tali stabbed the meat on her plate with such force a loud clink was made.

"No, not really." she said before stuffing the food in her mouth. Kyson knew that every moment that ticked by could spell disaster for her.

"How strong am I really? I watched my friends get killed as soon as I left on my pilgrimage. I have had to rely on so many over the years to clean up my mistakes; keep me on my feet when I couldn't run. I have lost everyone who was under my lead, I have caused nothing but..." Tali was going to continue this dark path. Kyson could see it in her frown that caused dark shadows on her face. He slammed a fist on the table causing her plate to rattle.

"That's all bullshit. You know it is damn it." Kyson barked. He crossed his arms as Tali stared at the table like an admonished child.

"You know you and I have in common, Tali? We're head strong, over thinking, egotists who can't take failure." he said no longer giving a damn.

"I'm what?" she asked with a wild look. Kyson could see she couldn't believe what he had just said.

"You heard me. You and I can't seem to let go of anything. We stuff it in neat little files ready for use whenever we need to beat ourselves up. I know what this is about. You think you wouldn't be as strong as those girls out there in the snow? You are. All of us here in this room are. We wouldn't be here if it was any other way. So stop being so worried about it." he said with an even tone. Tali looked at him for a long while before she nodded.

"Okay, you're right. It just, I was so focused on my thoughts I lost track of me." she admitted. Kyson nodded before he got up to eat his dinner that was getting cold. As he silently began to dig in, it was a first for stake to taste lackluster. He was mulling over Tali's actions when a hand was on his shoulders. It was Tali who had leaned in next to him.

"I am sorry, Kyson." she said. Kyson smiled for her. He understood.

"Besides, my immune system is strong enough for this small environment. I have been exposed to both John and Liara before so no worries." she said with a light smile of her own.

"When did this happen?" he asked.

"Shepard on several occasions in the Kodiak or Hammerhead when I had been shot, or a seal was knocked loose. Liara was when she visited us in our old room. I had forgotten to seal my chest piece to the bottoms." she laughed.

"So, you are okay?" asked Liara. Tali nodded with a growing smile.

"I am. I have gone farther than any other Quarian in leaving my suit. It has been painful, but it is paying off. I don't know if I will ever get out of it completely, but I can at least make little safe zones that are bigger than a shower stall." she replied happily.

"Man, we all have a lot on our minds don't we?" asked John. Kyson looked at Tali with mixed emotions. She was very strong, but also very reckless. This did make him grin. So was he.

Tali went into the fridge and grabbed a Turian ale.

"I know these were meant as gifts for the girl outside but, I think she would want me to have some." said Tali. Kyson got everyone drinks before raising his bottle in the air.

"Here's to the strong." he said. The toast was made before they began to relax again. Finally things began to settle down as they retired back to the fire. Tali was sipping on a Turian wine while the others had scotch. It started to get brighter outside but no one really cared. The sofas had been moved close to the flames that had Tali almost in a coma of comfort. She had her head on his shoulder as they flames flickered.

"Can you give me a cig, Kyson?" asked Tali.

"Oh, Tali. Don't you think that's a bit much?" asked a very tired sounding Liara.

"I have smoked these before. I researched everything in these damn things. In order for these to be on the market, they have to be pure tobacco. I chanced one a while back and paid very dearly for it. But, I tried it again after I got better. Now I'm fine." said Tali. Kyson wasn't comfortable for he still was upset that he had gotten her hooked on nicotine. He felt a hand rifle down his undershirt pocket. She snatched a pick of ciggs and put one up to her lips.

"Got a light?" she asked with a shit eating grin with the cig hanging out the side of her mouth. He just stared at her. She was looking more like her devilish self. A little more playful and much calmer.

"Well, you have one?" asked Shepard who got slapped for encouraging Tali by Liara. Kyson shook his head as he dug around for his brass trench lighter. He lit her up and got one for himself.

"You win, Miss Hepburn." he smirked. Tali's features lit up with delight.

"I loved her! She was always so tough looking but kept it so regal." said Tali before taking a deep drag on her cig. She winked at him before looking back at the fire. Kyson couldn't help feeling proud of her in a way. She was fighting back against her own demons. And maybe, if he tried hard enough, his own would soon be distant voices.

Time passed as the four fell asleep in front of the fire. They all were surprisingly wiped out from the day's events.

"Well, I'm not that surprised." said Kyson to himself. Pax was now a quarter of the way to its version of noon, the wind still howled and all he could make out was the ever present white outside the window. Tali was sound asleep on his chest. This had been the calmest moment in his life in almost a year now which was a bad sign if the three bodies and their story were considered quiet.

Getting up to put a few more pieces of wood on the fire, he found that being alone in consciousness here was nerve wracking. This time, he would drink some water. As he passed the dining table, he saw Tali's helmet. He was still nervous of the consequences. She would push herself too far in order to prove that she was made of something more than the average.

Returning to the couch, he noticed Shepard laying with his head in Liara's lap, snoring loudly and drooling.

"Toughest bastard in the galaxy. Hmph..." he chided in jest. Kyson was about to get back under Tali when her hand took the helmet from him.

"No." was all she said before closing her eyes again. He felt selfish as he reached out and began to run his hands through her thick black hair. She grabbed his hand and brought it down to her lips giving him a light kiss.

"I love you." she said softly.

"I love you too." he replied warmly. He set her helmet on the ground before going back to the dining table. He picked up the dishes and figured doing some cleaning would do him good. He hated cleaning, it was boring. He needed that.

He didn't have headphones with him, so he put on his helmet and put on some music. Something livelier than the damn wind. He also put his suit back on just for the added warmth.

Kyson began. His foot began to tap lightly to the beat. It had been ages since he had listened to the music of his home. Good ole country. Mr. Cash to be specific. He laughed as 'Jackson' came on bringing back memories of his youth out in the woods. The stupid shit he had done, had gotten away with. He looked over at his brother who was now always standing close by him day and night.

"Come on you bastard, you know the words." he said as 'Folsom Prison Blues' came on. They used to sing it in the truck with dad. Kevin just glared at him as Kyson began to sing not realizing he could be heard. With dish soap still dripping from his hands he was turned around violently and ripping off his helmet Tali's lips met him sending him into another world as they always did. No words were spoken as she gave him a suggestive look before sitting down on a stool at the bar.

Kyson couldn't help but find how ironic it was that being domestic turned her on. It wasn't the first time. If he was going to get anywhere he wanted to go, Kyson would have to pick up the pace. He wouldn't lie, he was frisky all of the sudden and couldn't understand why.

He was so caught up in his little world that he failed to notice the secret door behind the fridge open up slightly. He was too busy being teased by Tali, who kept giving those damn doe eyes. The coup de grace was when she slipped her chest out of her armor. Kyson couldn't focus, but he was almost done. He winced as he put his helmet back on. She had him ready to go. But he stopped anyways. He looked back at his woman with amazement.

"Did you get a tattoo?" he asked. For sure enough a black skeletal claw was right in the center of her chest. Two of the fingers overlapped her breasts on either side. Tali looked down. She looked at him with wide eyes of confusion. Then she looked to his right, and screamed. Not his name, just the scream that comes with fear.

(Cut my Wings: By Seasick Steve)

Kyson looked at the now open doorway behind the fridge. He felt his blood freeze. It was one of the cat monsters. Red eyes beaming at him.

{Cut my wings, shot me down I cannot fly. Cut my wings, shot me down I cannot fly!}

With a lunge, the monster latched onto his leg making it so he couldn't draw his shotgun. He yelped as the pressure threatened to crush his armor. He could almost feel the teeth in his head.

"Tali!" he shouted as the monster dragged him down on the floor. The creature snarled as he clung onto the cabinets, the hinges broke making Kevin scream in fury.

{When I lay my head down at night, I sure do cry}

Kyson couldn't hear much outside of the song playing. He was scared, if his imaginary brother was angry, and worried looking. It was bad. He was going to be eaten alive.

{Cap'n how long Must I stand your evil ways?}

The other cat creature was waiting next to the body of doctor York as Kyson kept screaming. Now each leg had a cat thingy on it as he was dragged to the elevator. He could see Tali, who had her helmet back on and shotgun out. He could tell she didn't have a shot.

"Get the others!" he shouted before Kyson saw a very scary sight. With one of its back paws, the cat creature pushed the 'down' button on the command panel.

{Cap'n how long Must I stand you evil ways?}

"You have got to be shitting me!" he snapped as he began to punch the monster's nose as they descended. It just snarled even more before a massive paw pinned his arm to the floor. Kyson no longer could move. He began to plead to the god he had always denied for another chance. He didn't want to be a pile of bones in their lair!

{One day I get outta here, It's gonna be your very last day. Oh have mercy!}

The elevator had stopped leaving Kyson in the now sub-freezing complex. The two giants wasted no time in dragging him around in the pitch black corridors as they made for some god forsaken corner to finish him off. He was now being held by his feet, the jaws felt like vices as he bounced on the floor next to their shoulders. He got his shotgun loose, but it was crushed, the trigger and its guard had broken off.

{Cap'n how long, must I stand you evil ways? Cap'n how long?}

All he had left was his hammer, how it hadn't come loose would always be a damn mystery. He was able to get a single decent one handed swing on the shoulder of the monster with his left foot. He was dropped with a painful roar. Now he was sliding along by one foot, stretching his groin.

"Ahhhh!" he screamed as the pain increased. They had stopped.

{Cap'n how long, must I stand you evil ways?}

He tried to drive the spike end of his hammer into the gut of the monster still holding. Before this happened the hammer was grabbed, not swatted, but grabbed by the other cat. It was taken from him like he was being a bratty child. More growls could be heard. Kyson was grabbed by his left shoulder. They were off again. The pressure was causing him to feel sick.

{One day I get outta here, it's gonna be your very last day.}

Kyson only barely noticed that they had descended to the room with the window. Nine more of the cat creatures were waiting. This was it. Where he was going to be part of the food chain.

{One day I get outta here, it's gonna be your very last day.}

He was dropped roughly on the icy floor with the lights from the generator room putting his armor in bright relief. The other nine began to close in on him. Their hungry red eyes full of an intelligent hate. Cerberus must have been trying to experiment on them for all he knew. He wouldn't be knowing much soon.

{One day I get outta here, it's gonna be your very last day...and going to have some troubles.}

Getting off the floor, he put himself against the window, fists up. He laughed, for what was he going to do? Fight his way out? The cats stopped. The center one, the most massive of them stood up on its hind legs. Kyson would always remember the obvious smile. Cat's always liked to play with their food.

{Cap'n how long?}

The other monsters backed off while the two who had dragged him came back up. They got right in his face and began to sniff him. Their breath fogged up his visor. A noise from the hall they had come from made all of the cats jump causing Kyson to flinch. A small little canister slid into the room. It was a flash bang.

It went off like lightning. The boom was like a cannon in the small space. The monsters fled into their holes taking Kyson with them. He still couldn't see much, but he could make out the tunnel he was being dragged towards. He spread his arms wide, stopping himself from being dragged further. The tunnel was too low for a person to walk in, it also turned almost straight down. The cat growled as it realized he was resisting.

Shepard's POV

He had never run so fast in his life. Tali's screams had woken him up from a dead sleep. He had tried to warn her to wait for all of them to go, but she hadn't listened. His armor was still slick with blood as he had snapped it on. He not only caught up with the Quarian, but because of his better navigation and instincts had been the one to get to Kyson. The Young man's heavy armor had slowed the cats down.

Tali had managed to arrive when he threw the flash bang. The monsters had been so busy getting ready to eat his friend they didn't notice his loud footsteps. Now, they were holding on to Kyson's arms as they tried to pull him out of the floor.

"It's got my feet damn it!" shouted Kyson in pain.

"Those belong to me you stupid fur bag!" screamed Tali into the tunnel. A growl was the only noise in response. John could feel his grip failing and feet were also beginning to slide towards the opening. The young man was suddenly shaken side to side, smacking him against the sides of the tunnel. Tali cried out as it smashed her hands and forced her to let go.

"No!' yelped Kyson as John's grip failed. The engineer left grooves in the ice as he was dragged away.

"God damn over grown roof rabbit!" cursed Kyson as his voiced echoed back up. He kept cussing, the sounds becoming fainter quickly.

"Kyson! We have to get him!" said Tali as she began to go into the tunnel. John stopped her. He shown his light down the nearly vertical shaft. The massive cats had sharp claws they could use to slow their descent. Shepard and the others didn't.

"You go down that, you could be dead instantly." he said before looking at the other tunnels, they could be more easily traversed.

"Liara, you got our position?" he asked.

"Yeah...I'm almost there." came a very winded sounding Asari. Tali was bouncing off the walls while she waited. Shepard felt the same way. Once Liara showed up, they began their descent. Tali was trying to go down every side tunnel they came across. It was like trying to hold onto a toddler who wanted to go after every shiny object they saw. Only Liara had the forethought to start mapping their route right off the bat.

"He could be torn apart by now." said Tali over and over again as they traversed the tunnels. Claw marks became more common at every junction they came too. It did look grim.

"Some of those things were bigger than a Krogan!" said Tali in fear as she kept trying to take point. John was getting tired of her frantic movements.

"Tali, enough." he hissed. The Quarian looked like she was going to punch him. She did back down though. As John shook his head, he moved cautiously around the next corner. It was a good thing too. A low growl could be heard; it was very close. There were no side tunnels, and the one in front of him opened up so he could stand upright.

"Be ready" he whispered. He aimed down his rifle with the sights down the center, ready for anything. What he wasn't ready for was the cat that appeared inches away from his face. It was if it had come out of thin air. He pulled the trigger on instinct, blinding the whole tunnel. When he could see again. The creature was gone.

"They have an ability to cloak themselves." he grunted in frustration. For all he knew, there could be fifty of them in front of him. And how many were behind? He wondered.

"What? But they are animals?" said Tali with a new found fear. John Chanced a step forward, nothing happened.

"Come on. I don't like being the damn mouse." he griped. The team made it another five hundred yards at a slight downward slope. A vast hall could be seen nearly thirty meters wide, and possibly as tall. In the pure darkness, anything could be around them. They were in a bad place.

"John, I have movement. But I can't see them" whispered Liara quickly.

"I know. But why aren't they attacking?" he asked. He kept his fears clamped down tight. They were basically shuffling along as they all kept looking over their shoulders. A low, long moan could be heard not far ahead. It was like the sound of a woman mourning a loved one at a funeral. It made John shiver in his suit.

Loud, sharp breaths could be heard all around. They were surrounded. The cat like creatures were chuffing like many big cats who are trying to catch a scent.

"Shit." was all John could say. He figured he would have something more elaborate to say upon his death. Bright lights burst from the walls, causing the team to go blind. As their sight began to return, John could see the very stone above him brightly glowing. It was a sky blue, making him feel like he was in a deep pit above ground.

No less the fifty big cats were formed around them. The end of the hall was a dead end. They were in the den, the lair of the beast.

"John, what do we do?" asked Liara with full panic in her voice. John could feel his knees begin to go weak. There was no way they could fight out. Each cat looked like it could take ten shots from his rifle before it went down. Even Tali's shotgun would only piss them off.

"I...I don't know." he said as they cats closed in. They were all smiling, their prey had walked right into the living room.

Another low moan was heard, the cats all looked at the dead end as one. Shepard was ready to try and shoot the closest one in the head when out of the corner of his eye, the back end of the room opened. It slid to the right as one gigantic door. His Jaw dropped as he watched the cats around him stand on their back legs. No, they seemed to stand upright.

"I don't like this..." mumbled Tali. John couldn't agree more. Everything he was seeing was like that out of a strange dream. The cats parted as a massive cat came out of the tunnel. Not on all fours but on two legs with paws bigger than dinner plates. It was all white with the finest looking fur than he had ever seen. A mane of thick fur surrounded the head of this fifteen foot behemoth, running down in giant braids. It also had a tunic of sorts.

"This can't be real." said Liara who was in awe. The other cats, with many different colors and patterns formed a line on either side of the team. Standing at attention and saluting. John couldn't believe the articulation the creatures had. They all ranged from eight to roughly fourteen feet. This new one being the biggest.

The lion like creature stared down Shepard with crossed arms. An obvious frown on its wide face. These cats were sleeker than the ones back on Earth. Their heads were wider, slightly, and all had very small ears that were almost hidden by fur. The dressed cat opened its arms wide.

"Welcome, Commander. We have been looking forward to possibly meeting you." said the behemoth. John just stared back. He could hear Garrus' voice in the back of his head. 'Now, I know cats can't talk. But this one seems to have changed its mind' said the voice of Garrus.

"How...how can you?" Liara couldn't finish what she was saying. They were in utter shock.

"Come, there is much I must explain. And I am afraid there is very little time." said the big cat with a voice that filled the large room. John looked at the cats who hadn't flinched around him. They had no choice.

"Please forgive me, but I must ask one thing first." replied John. The giant cat slowly nodded, resembling a slight bow.

"There was another one of us. A man in black armor, what did you do with him?" asked John getting to the point. The big cat smiled showing a big, thick row of fangs. They were all over an inch long.

"That is the reason in which we must hurry." said the giant. John looked back at his team. Liara shrugged in response. She knew they had no choice for their path back had been blocked by the cats. Tali could see the hesitation of Shepard. She stormed right past him.

"Tali!" he snapped. She didn't listen. She walked right up to the giant lion, pointed her gun at its groin.

"Take me to him now." she growled. It resembled that of the cats. John knew that Tali was going to get them all killed. The giant kneeled down slowly, so Tali was level with its massive head.

"I will do that, Mrs. Sorley vas Rannoch." said the giant calmly. Tali nearly dropped her shotgun.

"How?" she stuttered. John had a feeling, a strange one. The way the cat looked at Tali suggested that they were in a safe place. He couldn't understand why.

"Oy! if you want to save your bloody boyfriend get a move on! It's fuckin' cold out here!" said an almost all black cat next to John. The cat had stopped saluting and was violently swishing a heavy looking tail around impatiently. The accent made John curious to. It was harsh, resembling a smoker mixed with an Australian.

"I haven't eaten in two days. Come on you little pinkies, move along, nothing but big scary space kitties to see here. Nothing new." said another. John couldn't help but move forward now. The big cat shook his head and sighed.

"Please forgive them. They hate being on the surface shift. It is boring work." said the big cat. John stayed quiet as the team was led into the new hall. It was getting warmer. His HUD showed a much more comfortable 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It started to get even warmer, settling out at a cozy 60.

"Please, feel free to take off your helmets. It is much nicer inside this area." said the big cat as if knowing. John did as he was offered. The warm air felt amazing. The scents that hit him were very strange as well. He didn't have a single reference for the metallic smells mixed with dirt.

"Who are you?" asked Liara. There was no surprise that Liara was the one to ask.

"Why, we are the Oomari. Who else would we be? Jekko, what else could we be?" asked the scruffy looking gray cat next to Liara.

"I dunno, I always thought I was a bird, flying through the endless skies free from this grounded existence you know." snapped back the cat who must have been Jekko. The dressed cat growled so low John could feel it only in his chest.

"Enough of the banter. To answer your question Liara T'Soni, we are known as the Oomari. I know you have more questions than I could possibly answer." said the lion. John could see the smile from his position. They knew them apparently very well.

"Then I have one, you know us as if you have been on our ship. Care to explain?" asked John.

"You are right. We happen to know more about the goings on of the galaxy than even the Reapers swarming around us. We are not ignorant to the outside despite living in this frozen rock." answered the lion.

"Can you tell us your name, since you know us so well?" asked Tali. John could hear a bit of a sneer in her voice. She seemed to have no interest in this amazing discovery.

"Oh, she seems just peachy, doesn't she?" laughed the cat Jekko.

"Yes, I am Asa-fum. Or just Asa if you would like." said the dressed cat.

"Why can't we call you just 'Asa'? We have to be all like 'Yes master, and of course your excellence'." said Jekko with no attempt at hiding his sarcasm. Asa-fum laughed.

"That's because you are a kid. And don't know when to keep your mouth shut, least the shadows get you." said the leader.

"I know how you feel." said John to Asa. It reminded him to much of Kenneth.

"Hmmm, I would imagine so. But, it can wait. We have arrived." said the giant as they came to a door. Two cats dressed in very loose, primitive clothes with twelve foot tall pikes stood guard the saluted as they passed. John started to wonder how deep they had gone since they had chased after Kyson.

"Welcome to the outer reaches of our home. This is the most populated post near the surface. Our entire race lives under the crust of this planet at all of its far corners." said Asa as he turned and bowed to them. John was amazed as a great white chamber filled with no less than a hundred big cats talked and bickered. Many were running around, too busy to stay still. What was most impressive where two, three story statues of very scared, and intense looking cats. Both were dressed in the most fearsome looking armor John had ever seen. Sleek, angular, and brutally functional. They had guns of some kind in their hands that would make any army change their mind. The stood century outside a great hall leading gently downwards.

"Asa-fum. How have your people been here and not been noticed?" asked Liara who was amazed.

"You saw how we can hide ourselves. We can use a little gift called infra-sound. We use it to alter what you see. If we don't what you to see us, you don't'" explained the cat. John still was taking in his surroundings as their escorts dispersed.

"By every estimation, Noveria is a dead planet despite some sparse plant life near the equator. You must be a very old race, if no one has noticed." he observed. Asa nodded.

"True. We have only avoided detection because we have ways to falsify what is truly here. Most of our complexes lay well below the surface with only a few tunnels leading up to wards the surface. The first satellites that tried to scan this planet long ago showed it a barren rock. It's funny, it was only until this last cycle that a Race has tried to settle on the surface." chuckled Asa-fum.

"You mean, since you came here? How long ago was that?" asked Liara with bated breath. This made the big cat smile with a glint of mischief in the red eyes.

"We date back before the Innosunon, the civilization the Protheans built upon. The Innosunon built upon us." said the cat. Liara looked like she was about to faint.

"Then how come we haven't had any evidence of you?" asked Tali.

"Like I said, we didn't want to be found. Now come, we have much more to travel." said Asa. The big cat looked at an approaching sleek black cat. It was Jekko.

"Hey, I'm done here right? I'm flippin' starvin'!" asked the now obviously young sounding cat.

"No, you are to stay with me while we get to the observation room. Mind you manners Jekko." said Asa who was now starting to sound truly irritated. The younger cat stared down the older cat with an angry look. Black hackles raised as if hissing. But Jekko's face became calm, friendly looking as he whipped his long neck in the team's direction.

"I am sorry, let us be on our way." he said as he bowed. John looked at Liara. She looked very perplexed at this seeming instant change in demeanor. John was taking in everything he saw. As they went through the main hall, he could see the backs of the doors had metal lattice work which continued down the hall. It looked very ornate at first, but he realized it was nothing but tiny, repeating triangles.

"What's with the Faraday cage?" Shepard asked. Asa began to stroke his chin.

"It is what has allowed us to stay hidden all of these years. It also has to do with your friend." said the Oomari.

"I am interested in knowing how you did that still. Hiding all of this time. Your race dates back over one hundred thousand years." said Liara.

"Over two hundred actually. The Reapers passed us by twice, we developed very slowly compared to most species. But, as much as I want to let you loose here so you can explore I cannot. We have a very serious matter to address. Commander Shepard has given us a good starting point.

"I have?" asked John. He wasn't aware of anything outside of asking where Kyson was. The long hall choked down so only a single Oomari could fit through at a time. The tunnel closed down from the sides and the ceiling before a gate made of the triangle web would close off as a gate.

"What if I told you there is something out there, just as powerful if not more than the Reapers?" asked Asa. John thought of Garrus again. He had asked if such a thing was possible for the shits of it.

"I would be very tiered after hearing such news. This war is taking enough of a toll." he answered. If they knew who he was, then they knew why he was here.

"Then you are going to be exhausted." said Asa-fum in a very deep voice. Shepard took it as concern, and a hint of anger. They kept walking as the hall chocked down four more times before opening up. At the last opening, many lights, and movement could be seen. As the passed through, John could see that the door was ten feet thick, with many layers of rocks and metals. It was a blast door like nothing he had seen before.

Then, the noise began. He could hear shouts, laughter, even children playing. Built into many lanes and corridors below them was a small settlement. Those living here looked like they had much more advanced lifestyles. Signs made of plastic, metal and even electricity came out of the comparatively large homes.

"The further we go, the more technology you will find. It is one of our safeguards against the Reapers. Even if they did spot one of us on the surface, they would see nothing but wild beasts. The group Cerberus, they also fell for it. Although those Humans felt it necessary to hold their discovery to themselves." laughed Asa.

"I see." said John as they descended the stairs into the settlement. John found himself being stared at from all directions as they moved on. Many of the youngest seemed to vanish in midair, before re appearing behind their parents legs. Even the adults look wary. But not unfriendly.

"Oh stop eying them up! Go back about your lives people. Nothing but the first species to meet us in one hundred and twenty five thousand years is all." said Jekko as he kept the growing crowd at bay. John once felt like he was in a land of giants once before. It was called Tuchanka. This however, had no equal. What other races could be out there hiding from the Reapers. And he didn't like the big question hanging over his head.

Just because they were being friendly, didn't mean they were allowed to leave.

They had made it to the other side of the settlement where what looked very much like a very simple railway was set up. Five big cars with seats made for giant people were waiting. They were offered seats by Jekko, who laughed when they said they would stand.

"Off we go then." said Asa as the train began to move. Almost instantly after going into yet another cramped tunnel, they began to descend.

"We are getting much father down now. How much longer until I see Kyson?" asked Tali, this time with more concern than impatience. Asa gave her a look that was easy to interpret. It looked like sadness.

"We are on the way now. Where you met us is far away from where we normally venture. That settlement is there only recently for one purpose. To study the Humans of Cerberus." answered Asa. Liara laughed.

"So they thought they had found a new race..." she began.

"And the dolts were the ones actually being studied by us. Duh." replied Jekko.

"Tali. I don't know your entire relationship with Kyson. But I know enough to know he is a bad place." said the elder cat in a solemn voice.

"I don't know how you know anything." replied the Quarian.

"You have met Khoshekh, am I right?" asked Asa. Jekko's ears perked up as he seemed to pay more attention.

"What? This is what all of this people snatching is about? I thought they had discovered our secret!" hissed the black cat at the end. Asa kept looking at Tali.

"I believe you lifemate, is lost to it. That darkness which you met. It has Kyson by his very soul." said Asa. John understood the gist of why he was here. It made sense too.

"I don't understand..." Tali began. But Shepard figured she was saying that to deny what the lion was saying.

"I can see why we didn't pick it up. Kyson is also being controlled by Khoshekh, isn't he?" asked John. Asa shook his big head.

"No, not yet. But you will see. We are slowing down. Due to the little time we have, we can't exactly ease you into the situation. Kyson is almost ready to be examined." Said Asa. Tali began to twitch.

"What are you going to do to him? I bet you think you know everything but being stuck down here has made you all stupid in the head. Kyson doesn't have that thing in him! He has a bond with me, and I would be able to feel it!" she snapped. Jekko began to chuckle while the train slowed down. A dark look of feral concentration was aimed at Tali.

"No, you are the ignorant one. You are blind to what Asa-fum speaks. We must go, and quickly. The other leaders have probably already arrived." said Jekko. John looked at Asa for answers.

"He is right. Tali, what you are about to see is going to be very difficult. I stress that you have faith in us." said the lion. The train had come to a stop outside a now more familiar looking concrete platform. It had clean lines, hazard signs for watching you step even though he couldn't read the signs they were obvious.

"How can I put faith in you if I just met you?" asked Tali. Asa looked at John with a very slumped posture.

"I know I ask for a lot. But, it may just save your lives. Follow Jekko, he is going to explain what is happening further. Despite the way he acts, he is one of our best historians. I will see you three soon." and with those words, Asa-fum left them. They were deep inside a planet that previously held no signs of life, but now showed a world filled with giant cat creatures that in order to hide for so long, had to have the most advanced tech that man could dream of.

"Please, follow me everyone. The examination is about to begin. We will be watching from above." said the black cat as he went towards a gently sloping ramp. John didn't like the sound of the word examination.

"You have been pretty obvious about what this examination might be. You think this Khoshekh is also in Kyson." stated Shepard. Jekko gave him a side long glance.

"If he was dragged down here, there is no 'we think', we know. If we have not made true contact with an outside race for over a hundred thousand years, then why the hell would we jeopardize on a hunch eh?" asked Jekko.

"Point taken." was all John could say. They made their way up the ramp, a large amphitheater with tiered seating was filled with more Oomari. Many different fur patterns and sizes were present. Many wore clothes that resembled that of modern scientists. John once again passed on taking a seat, especially when the cats all looked down at his team. Not a word was uttered in their direction. No curious comments were made. They all looked back towards the wall on the right.

An extra thick window was separating everyone from another room below. Fifty of the great cats could be seen in full armor. The very same that the statues were wearing along with those guns, they reminded John of spear guns in a way. It was a very intimidating sight.

"What is this place?" asked Tali. Jekko sighed.

"It is where we shall see if Kyson is too far gone. We will see how much hold Khoshekh has over him." said the cat. All of the sarcastic bounciness had now left the black feline.

John was staring at the most prominent feature in the room below. A half round chamber built directly against a rock face. But as he tried to get a closer look, he noticed the glass in front of him had tiny lines in it. They made very faint triangles. Before he could ask for a clear answer for their purpose, Asa walked into the room below with a very old looking counterpart. This figure wore nothing but a brown robe and used a carved staff for support.

"Who is that with Asa?" asked Liara.

"One of the elders. The oldest and don't think for a second the most wise." said Jekko with a sneer. John still had no clue about a single inner working of the people, but he figured complex hatreds were once again proven universal.

The cats below stood at attention as ten older looking members came in. They made twelve. The elders of the Oomari. After a few moments the elders moved toward the chamber. Two technicians could be seen at a desk next to it. They had red hologram controls and seemed very excited about something. One of the techs nodded to Asa. They must have been ready.

"Sound is on." said a tech who was in the room with the team. Murmurs filled the room from below. The old man with the staff tapped his staff once. A hash fell over those assembled.

"My friends, my family of many ages. We gather here to see in person for the first time in almost sixty thousand years the true face of our oldest enemy. Bring in, Kyson Sorley." said Asa reverently. John's gut fell through the floor as Kyson was brought in. He was being handled by two beefy Oomari nearly thirteen feet tall. They had fully sealed suits as if Kyson was contaminated with something.

"Kyson! I need to go down there, I need to see that he is alright." said Tali.

"Not now. You will have your chance." said Jekko. Who seemed to be revolted by the sight of the young man below.

"You look disturbed." said Liara. That was when John looked behind him, all of the other cats looked aghast at what they were seeing. Most of all Jekko.

"Can you not see the death and destruction holding onto that boy? The fear and all the hatred? How can you not see it?" hissed Jekko causing John to reach for his rifle. Jekko stared at him angrily as if daring him to try. A heavy weight was on Shepard's shoulder then. He looked back at a very short scientist. He looked like a stuffed animal with his spectacles and kind smile.

"You forget, Jekko, that they cannot see what we do. They never will be either. Please, take these. They will help you understand." said the old man. Or, Shepard thought so due to the misleadingly deep, gravelly voice. Three visors were handed over.

"Put them on, they will let you see as we do. Hear as we do." said the old man. John looked at Jekko who had seemed to relax a bit. The cat nodded his approval. John handed two of the visors over to his team, then put his on. The world didn't change much. It had some richer greens, deeper blues. But the reds became like beacons in the night. It was very strange. Like an artist highlighting his favorite parts in a picture.

He then looked down at Kyson. He was stripped bare to his boxers with his head hanging low. That's when he saw it. A first it looked like Kyson had gotten a cliché tribal tattoo at first, one of those swirl patters. Upon further inspection he could see the dark lines moving across the young man's skin.

John slipped off the visor. Kyson looked like nothing was there save his other tats. With the visor, the swirling shadows again.

"Is this how you see you world?" asked John.

"It is watered down version, but yes. It is also how we are able to see Khoshekh and its influence." said Jekko.

"Those black lines. That is Khoshekh. You weren't kidding. I have seen that before, tell me what you plan to do with him." demanded Tali in a very severe and biting tone.

"We see if we can save him or we put him down." said Jekko quietly. John could see the dark lines moving all around Kyson. It seemed to always start from the spine.

"How would you save him?" asked Tali. Jekko for the first time looked as if he was remorseful for the situation.

"Ma'am, I can't even begin to describe what might take place. If I were you, I would pray he got a quick death." said the black cat.

Thoughts? Lol.

Review as you will as always.