Twin Fates

by Tobias5

Fate played as much a role in Shepard's defeat of the Reapers as did his skill. What if fate had different plans? Did you know that the Shepard on Mindoir was born as a twin? What if both had survived the raid? How would the Reapers have dealt with TWO great heroes instead of one? It's time to find out just how much better and worse things get with TWO Shepards fighting a war.

8. Chapter 7

Twin Fates

By Belle and Tobias

Automatic Disclaimer: We do not own the rights to the Mass Effect or any other referenced copy righted material.

Belle's Note: The delay in this chapter is completely on me. I hoarded it for months to the point that when Toby asked me how it was doing I would hiss at him and scurry up a wall to avoid him. Any hate on length of time between chapters...assume it was me.

Toby's Note: I can't make the joke here I wanted. Belle has threatened me. So I totally can't mention that she hasn't remembered till Christmas time to give me my birthday presents before…*feels impending sense of doom* Aw hell…

Belle's Second Note: That was last year...I was only late by a week or so for your birthday this year.

Chapter 7: Mind Games

Earth Date: July 7th, 2183 CE

Location: Citadel

"That's a hell of a situation, Shepards, but as far as I'm concerned you made the right choice," Anderson said at the small meeting. The Shepard twins sat on one side of the table in Udina's office, Udina at the head of the table with Captain Anderson and Admiral Hackett on the opposite side of the table. The three men were looking over the Shepards' reports.

"These are security images?" Hackett asked as he stared at the holos of Balak and Jane nodded.

"I made sure we got copies of all security footage before we left," Jane said and Hackett nodded at her.

"Good work, Shepard," he said. "I'll make sure these pass through the fleets, every Alliance soldier is going to know Balak's face before the end of the week. He got away today, but we'll be watching out for him from now on."

"The Council does nothing about the Batarians and their attacks," Udina spat and Jane could see a little of her own hatred in Udina. It made her feel dirty and she focused on the Captain and Admiral.

"I doubt he would be stupid enough to attack anytime soon," Anderson stated.

"He's smarter than I like," John commented.

"Smart terrorists are always bad, but he's dealing with more than us knowing his name and face," Jane said and Hackett turned to her.

"We managed to convince some of his men to leave. They were slavers only, the idea of being involved with a terrorist attack was too much. They left him and took off. He might be dealing with their bad press. Batarians spread reputations quickly. Best to know if you are going in with an experienced and successful slaver or a loud mouth who might get you killed. Balak could get unofficial credit for his efforts to pull off a terrorist attack with the Hegemony, but he'll lose reputation with the slavers who wanted a simple run and ended up not only not getting any slaves but losing crew members," Jane said and Hackett nodded.

"He'll have trouble getting allies from the slaver community then," he said. "I'll pass this along." The meeting ended and the Shepards left Udina's office with Admiral Hackett.

"It was good seeing you again, Admiral," Jane said holding out a hand and Hackett shook it.

"When you're finished with this Saren business, I could use a good CO on Arcturus," Hackett said and Jane smiled.

"That sounds like a job offer," John teased and Hackett nodded.

"I've known your sister since the Blitz. She's a good soldier, I could use a woman like her leading my ground teams," Hackett said and Jane smiled.

"We'll see what happens after Saren, Admiral, but I wouldn't say no if it works out okay with my Spectre duties," she said and Hackett nodded before heading off.

"Now that we've reported about Balak and his men, what do we need to do?" Garrus asked.

"We have a few things we need to get for the Normandy as well as our own personal needs," Jane said checking her Omni tool. "We should split up."

"Two teams," John joked and Jane smirked.

"I'll stick with you, Commander," Ash said to Jane and Kaidan nodded as he moved towards her.

"I'll go with you," Liara stated as she moved towards John with Tali quickly following.

"I think I'll stick with the other snipers," Garrus added and Wrex chuckled.

"I haven't gotten you into trouble yet," Wrex said as he gave John a smirk. His eyes moving to the two women who seemed very conscious of the male Shepard's location.

"I'll head over to the financial district, they have a nice selection there," Jane said and John nodded.

"I'll head to the markets and see about getting the rations," John replied.

"Remind him to get a selection, Tali, they got all the same thing last time," Garrus commented and Tali giggled.

"Hey, I thought I pressed the randomize button," John joked as the groups separated.

~*TF*~

John and the others were heading to catch a sky car when a voice called out to John that made him stop.

"Excuse me, Commander Shepard? Could you spare a moment of your time?" John sighed but turned around, ignoring the annoyed grunt Wrex made. A human was approaching John, with greying hair and brown skin. "My name is Samesh Bhatia. Forgive the intrusion, but I have nowhere else to turn."

"How can I help you sir?" John inquired. The man's respectful but pleading tone caught his attention when he would normally blow off a civilian. Most of them wanted him to solve problems better left to security anyways.

"My wife was a marine. She was in the 212 on Eden Prime. I've requested that my wife's body be returned to me for cremation, but the military has refused my request." Samesh explained and John frowned. That didn't sound right.

"Why did they refuse your request? There's got to be some reason." John asked. Samesh frowned.

"I don't know. All I know is that they have declared it impossible for my wife to be returned to me. The man in charge of my case is Mr. Bosker. When I last saw him, he was in the expensive bar over there." Samesh explained gesturing behind them up the stairs to bar located near the embassy.

"There's no reason for your wife's body to be held like this. Just wait here." John said and gestured for the others to wait for him too. Wrex growled, annoyed by what he probably saw as a waste of time. Tali nodded while Liara gave him a serene smile.

"Thank you for your time. I just want to give my wife a proper funeral and the respect she deserves." Samesh called after him as John made his way up the stairs. He found the man he was looking for leaning against the wall obviously waiting for a drink to be brought to him. John frowned. The man was obviously a civilian, so what was he doing interfering with the release of a soldier's body?

"Excuse me, I'd like a word." John said, stepping up to the man. He glanced at John, blinked and pushed away from the wall.

"My goodness, you're Commander Shepard! Your activities made for quite a briefing in the Diplomatic Corps! Is there something I can do to assist you?" the excited man said and John had hope this might make it easy to get the body released.

"I'm here on behalf of Samesh Bhatia for his wife, Nirali." John explained. Bosker seemed to deflate a bit before sighing.

"Serviceman Nirali Bhatia died on Eden Prime, as Mr. Bhatia no doubt told you. Her wounds are inconsistent with any type of weapon damage we've seen before. That is why her body is being held."

"So you're studying her injuries to learn more about Geth weaponry." John reasoned. He understood why they were holding her body but that was weeks ago.

"The tests we are conducting may lead to better defenses against Geth attacks. Respectfully, Serviceman Bhatia may save more lives in death than she did in life." Bosker explained, laying it out why they were keeping the body. John didn't approve at all. He could only think how he would feel if someone didn't release Jane's body back to him.

"I understand what you're trying to do, but holding the body is wrong." John replied and he was pleased to see Bosker flinch at that.

"Commander, you of all people should understand how far we must go to protect humanity!" Bosker tried to reason, not giving in. That just made John's blood boil.

"Not if we lose our humanity in the process!" John snapped. "I'm out there fighting to stop crap like this!"

"A-All right, Commander. You win." Bosker conceded and swallowed a lump in his throat. "It was hard enough refusing Mr. Bhatia. I'm not going to risk an incident by refusing you. Tell Samesh that the body is being shipped back to Earth. I'll go now to see to it myself." John grunt in satisfaction watching the man hurry away in obvious defeat. Now he would go back and tell Mr. Samesh the good news and finally get his own errands done.

~*TF*~

Jane and her group were walking along the Presidium when Jane noticed an exasperated Turian speaking to a Hanar.

"That's Lorquin, I can't believe he's having trouble with a Hanar," Garrus chuckled and Jane headed over.

"That Hanar refused to listen to reason! Why can't it act in an orderly and lawful manner?" Lorquin groaned as Jane approached.

"Are there laws being broken?" Jane asked and Lorquin sighed.

"I'm not unreasonable. The Hanar is free to spew its nonsense once it purchases an evangelical permit," he said and Jane looked at the Hanar. She honestly hadn't met one before, but she had watched plenty of Asari movies which depicted the Hanar as a little fanatical.

"If you'd like, I could talk to the Hanar for you," she offered and he blinked before shaking his head.

"I have argued with the stubborn jelly all afternoon. You are certainly welcome to try," he said and Jane approached the Hanar. It was amazing it could stand on its spindly legs.

"Do you desire to learn of the Enkindlers? Or has the honorable C-Sec officer enlisted assistance?" the Hanar asked in its melodious voice. Jane fought a smile, sometimes her life was amazing. She was talking to a sentient jellyfish.

"Is this really how you want to represent the Enkindlers?" Jane asked and the Hanar glowed.

"The truth of the Enkindlers must be made known. They gave the Hanar language and gave the universe the mass relays," it said. "This one only wishes to spread the truth to any who will listen. There is no intent to cause trouble."

"Is this how the Enkindlers would want you to use this gift of consciousness?" Jane asked.

"The Enkindlers would wish for their message to be spread to all sentient races!" the Hanar quickly stated.

"I doubt the Enkindlers would wish for their message to be spread by breaking society's laws," Jane pointed out and the Hanar flashed a bit before speaking.

"This one hears wisdom. Perhaps enthusiasm has clouded judgment in this matter. This one departs now, and will not intrude upon the Presidium again," the Hanar said before walking away. Jane watched it go before smirking.

"How do they do that?" Ash muttered.

"It's kind of hypnotic," Kaidan added.

"Yeah, makes you want to push their body just enough to watch them tip over," Garrus said and Jane laughed.

"That's not nice, C-Sec officer," she scolded as she walked over to Lorquin.

"I see the Hanar has left. Thank you," he said.

"I'm happy to help," Jane replied.

"Here. For your assistance in this matter," Lorquin stated offering payment. "Now, if you will excuse me, I should report to my superiors." The group watched him go.

"Let's upgrade our weaponry shall we?" Jane proposed and the group headed to the Emporium for some expensive upgrades.

~*TF*~

"Why are we stopping here, Shepard?" Wrex asked, annoyed. John shot the Krogan a grin.

"I just wanted to see if I could get a replacement for my assault rifle. The aim has been a bit off and maintenance can only take things so far. Besides I heard through the grapevine that not only can Spectres get access to the special stocks I can buy and give you guys the weapons. Might upgrade a few things while we're here." John replied. Tali seemed to dance with glee while Liara just smiled. Wrex let out what sounded like a pleased rumble, despite what his sister said, Krogans did not purr. Even thinking that felt just plain wrong! The requisition office was empty but as they looked around the C-Sec offices to find the requisition officer they were stopped yet again, this time by a Volus.

"Hey there...oh. You're not C-Sec, are you?" the Volus exclaimed. Wrex huffed as John rolled his eyes.

"Obviously. Why are you so desperate to find an officer?" John asked, his curiously getting the better of him.

"I'm just trying to get someone to believe me that my colleague wants me dead!" the Volus explained. John blinked at that.

"Who are you and how do you know he wants you dead?"

"My name is Jahleed and his name is Chorban. He's changed. He won't talk to me at work anymore, and...he started following me. Yesterday, he followed me all the way home. Just waiting for a chance. I don't care what anyone thinks; he wants me gone. I know it." Jahleed explained. Tali seemed to start at that.

"Is there something I can do? Talk to your friend, maybe?" John asked.

"Would you? That's all I want, someone to talk to him. Tell him to leave me alone. He thinks he can just push me around, but you'll show him, won't you?" Jahleed asked and John sighed as Wrex laughed.

"Just tell me where he is and I'll go find him."

"Oh, right. Well, he wanted to meet with me down in the wards, near the markets. He said he just wanted to talk, but I know better. He's a Salarian. You shouldn't have any trouble. He's just a scientist."

"Shepard, I think your sister scanned the keepers for him." Tali explained, drawing his attention to her.

"The keepers? Well...even more reason to go after him. That's against regulations." Jahleed chimed in. John grunted. What the hell was going on here?

"I'll look into this right after we finish up here and I check in with my sister. We'll find out what he's up to." John explained and the Volus sighed in relief.

"Anything's possible with Chorban these days. Well, good luck." Jahleed said before wandering over to a couch to obviously wait in the safety of the C-Sec offices. John turned around and headed straight for the lift that would take them to the markets. He ignored that news reports on the ridiculously long elevator ride, noting the banter the others were exchanging to keep themselves entertained. Apparently Wrex thought Tali should experience some Krogan relations before she went back to the fleet. John rolled his eyes as Wrex's innuendo seemed to keep flying over both ladies' heads. Wrex kept at it until they found Chorban on the lower section of the market not too far from Morlan's shop.

"Do I know you...wait, you were with Commander Shepard...you're the other Commander Shepard. Is there something you want?" Chorban asked, curiosity plain in his voice.

"You can start by telling us the truth, Chorban. What did you trick my sister into doing for you?" John demanded.

"I'm not sure what you're referring to," Chorban quickly replied. "My experiments are..."

"Your lies are catching up to you." Tali cut in. "We spoke with your friend, Jahleed."

"You...spoke with Jahleed?" Chorban bit out, flustered. "Then you know about the data?"

"No. But you're going to tell me." John snapped, narrowing his eyes at him. "Everything. Right now." Chorban looked over his shoulder to the other two Salarians.

"You boys can go." He ordered and the bodyguards left without a word. Chorban looked back to John and sighed. "Looks like my plans have changed. It's not as bad as you think, Commander. Jahleed and I just got a little...over our heads."

"Keep talking." Wrex growled.

"The company we work for developed an experimental procedure for use in medical scanners. Jahleed and I saw even more potential. So we stole the plans and secretly developed a tool to scan the keepers." Chorban explained. "Can you imagine? A tool that can actually get readings from the keepers? The keepers are almost impossible to scan, and you can't capture them or get samples. They just self-destruct. After centuries here, we still don't know anything about them. Don't you see? We were the first to scan them. Ever! Your sister has seen it herself, Commander. She knows we can do it."

"So why are you trying to kill Jahleed?" John demanded.

"I'm not trying to kill him!" Chorban cried. "It was Jahleed's job was to disseminate our initial findings. But...he decided to keep the data for himself. Maybe to sell it. I don't know."

"So you're just trying to get back what Jahleed already stole." Liara reasoned and Chorban nodded.

"We lost our heads. We just couldn't let an opportunity like this pass us by. With all the data your sister collected for us...imagine what we might learn. She's due to make a bit of a profit herself." Chorban tried but shrank in on himself as John glared at him. He stared at the Salarian for a few minutes before sighing.

"I suppose a little scanning here and there won't hurt anyone." John allowed and Chorban sighed in relief.

"Very good. Uh…maybe if you wouldn't mind speaking with Jahleed. The data is useless if Jahleed won't help me analyze it." Chorban explained and John rolled his eyes.

"Fine. I'll go have a chat with him right now." John said moving away.

"What fun it is to walk with you everywhere Shepard." Wrex grumped.

"Oh shut up Wrex. Let's go deal with Jahleed and stop wasting our time on this lovers' spat between business partners."

~*TF*~

"Thanks, I always like to check in on Dr. Michel," Garrus stated as the group headed to the clinic.

"So, you got a crush on her," Ash teased and Garrus flared his mandibles.

"She's one of the few humans I've met willing to treat anyone. Can't say the same about all humans," he shot back.

"Now, now, children, play nice," Jane stated as she opened the door to the clinic.

"I need those supplies for my clinic. I can't!" Dr. Michel cried.

"You can and you will. Or your story won't stay secret for long," a, most likely Krogan, voice over a communicator snapped. "Don't disappoint me, Doctor." She looked disheartened before turning to see the group.

"Oh, Commander Shepard. I didn't see you come in," she said and Jane approached.

"Every time I come in here, I see someone threatening you. Who was that?" Jane asked and Dr. Michel kept her head up.

"Someone from my past. I can take care of it," she said with dignity.

"Please, just tell me what's going on," Jane said.

"I was fired by my previous employer for giving out free medical supplies to clinics like this. They never filed any charges. They just wanted me to leave without any fuss. But somebody must have found out. Now they're blackmailing me. I have to give them what they want. If the board finds out about my past, I could lose my license. They'll shut my clinic down," Dr. Michel sighed.

"Maybe I can get you out of this. Tell me what they want," Jane replied and Garrus nodded at Dr. Michel.

"I have to give some of my medical supplies to a merchant in the markets. They expect delivery today," she explained.

"Give me your contact's name. I'll deal with this guy, whoever he is," Jane said and Dr. Michel looked concerned.

"Deal with him? But, won't they expose my past?" she asked.

"I'll make sure they don't tell anyone," Jane replied with a reassuring smile.

"I was told to speak with a merchant named Morlan down in the markets. I really appreciate this, Commander, thank you," Dr. Michel sighed.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of this," Jane said.

"Good luck, Commander, be careful down there," Dr. Michel said as the group left. They headed towards the markets.

"I don't like people pressing on people like Dr. Michel," Garrus stated.

"No one does," Ash replied.

"What's the plan, Commander?" Kaidan asked and Jane smiled.

"We're going to stop them," Jane said.

"And how are we going to do that?" Kaidan asked and Jane paused.

"We'll try reason and if reason doesn't work...well, we'll use alternatives to reason," she stated as they headed down to the lower markets and approached Morlan's kiosk.

"Hello there, welcome to Morlan's famous shop. You want many good supplies, yes?" the Salarian behind the counter greeted. Jane looked at him carefully before looking around.

"You were expecting a delivery of medical supplies," Jane said and he looked concerned.

"But I was told that the doctor would be bringing them," he said.

"Things have changed," Garrus stated.

"Change? But the doctor...I don't...this is not right, human," Morlan was clearly not one of the sharper Salarians. Jane wondered if the slight burning smell was the lights or Morlan's brain.

"Shut up, Morlan!" a Krogan snarled as he approached. "I told Banes you'd screw this up. What the hell's going on here? Who are you?"

"Leave the Doctor alone," Jane stated as she looked the Krogan in his yellow-green eyes.

"We can end this if you just bring me those supplies," he replied. "Otherwise I'll start telling people about the Doctor's little secret."

"You're shutting down a medical clinic. What if someone needs treatment? What if you need treatment?" Jane asked, her body looked relaxed but she put her sniper glare on assessing the fastest way to kill the Krogan in her eyes. One shot in each eye and then through his neck and two in his chest.

"Hey, hold on! I'm just the middleman here. This is way more than I bargained for," the Krogan snapped before turning around and walking away. Jane felt unbalanced as she stared at his back. This...was not what she expected from a Krogan.

"Thank you, Human. It is good to see him humbled so," Morlan cried as he popped up from behind his counter. Apparently, Jane wasn't the only one expecting fireworks.

"What do you know about Banes?" Jane asked and Morlan shrugged.

"I have never met him, Human, I only worked with the one who spoke to the Doctor," Morlan explained.

"Goodbye," Jane stated before heading back.

"Well, that was anticlimactic," Garrus stated.

"I'll admit I was expecting more of a reaction than that," Kaidan confessed and Jane nodded.

"Maybe Dr. Michel will know more about this," Jane stated as they headed back to the clinic, Jane missed the blond man waving at her as she passed. They entered the clinic.

"Commander, how did things go?" Dr. Michel asked.

"He won't be bothering you anymore," Jane said.

"Really? That's a great relief, Commander. Thank you," Dr. Michel sighed. "I can't pay you for your help, but I can give you a discount on any supplies you purchase here." Jane nodded at that.

"The thug said he worked for a man named Banes," Jane informed Dr. Michel. "Sound familiar?"

"Banes...I wonder if he means Armistan Banes. We worked together a long time ago," Dr. Michel thought out loud.

"What can you tell me about him?" Jane asked.

"Last I heard the Alliance military was contracting him for some research in the Traverse," Dr. Michel muttered.

"I wonder if the Captain knows him," Ash said.

"We'll see what the Captain can tell us," Jane said.

"I wish I could tell you more," Dr. Michel said.

"We should stop by and see Captain Anderson," Kaidan stated and the group headed back to the embassy.

~*TF*~

"Commander Shepard? Excuse me, Commander Shepard! I'm Emily Wong. I'm an investigative journalist working here on the Citadel. Could I have a moment of your time?"

John groaned. On the way back to the markets to meet Jane and someone else was stopping them. John stopped and turned to the Asian reporter who had called out to him. "What do you need?"

"I've been hunting for evidence of corruption and organized crime on the Citadel, but there are places I can't go. I was hoping you might share anything you find during your own investigation. I can make it worth your time." Emily Wong explained. John nodded. That didn't sound too bad.

"Sounds like a good cause. If I find any information, it's yours." John allowed and she gave a big, knowing smile.

"Actually you might already have it. You took down Fist. I was sure he was a big player in anything going on here. Did you find anything in his office that could help me?" she asked and John remembered the disks Garrus had found.

"One second." He said, bringing up his Omni-tool and sending a call to Garrus. It opened a moment later, audio only.

"Something wrong Shepard?" Garrus's voice asked. Someone was speaking as Garrus talked and John was willing to bet it was his sister making snarky comments.

"Can you send me copies of those OSDs you found in Fist's office? A reporter is asking for copies." John replied. It was quiet for a moment before his Omni-tool beeped, indicating a new message.

"Sent, Commander. Your sister also says to quit dawdling meet us in the markets."

"Will do, see you there, Garrus." John said before disconnecting the called. He quickly transferred the files to some OSDs he had on him. "Here, these OSDs might have the information you're looking for."

"You've got Fist's files? This could be even bigger than I'd hoped! Here, Commander. For your trouble!" Emily exclaimed happily as she handed him a credit chit and John smirked. This kind of reporter he could work with and an idea came to him.

"What would my future cooperation be worth? Say, an interview when my investigation is over? Maybe me and my sister if I can convince her?" John said, dangling the idea out there. Emily promptly took the bait.

"Exclusive? You talk to me before you talk to anyone else? That would be worth quite a bit, and I'd be very happy to compensate you accordingly." She agreed and they shook on it. "Now if you'll excuse me, I should go see what's on these disks."

John shook his head at meeting the rare creature known as an honest reporter and led the others to meet the rest of the Normandy crew.

~*TF*~

"I'm sorry I couldn't tell you more, but Admiral Kahoku could have told you more," Captain Anderson said and Jane nodded.

"I was curious, but I know Admiral Kahoku was off looking into what happened to his men," Jane sighed before her Omni tool pinged. "Looks like John's done with his errands too. He's on his way to meet us at the markets."

"Too bad about Banes, I wonder who was using his name if he's supposed to be dead," Garrus muttered.

"Maybe we'll find out about it later," Jane shrugged. "We stopped the harassment, that's good enough for me." They headed towards the markets before Jane noticed John coming up the stairs. She went to head him off when they both saw the blond figure. Jane fought the urge to roll her eyes.

"Hey Commanders! It's me Conrad Verner! Remember me?" Conrad cried and Jane wondered if she would ever forget the kind but creepy man. "There are rumors on the extranet that you've been made the first human Spectres. That's incredible!

"Being a Spectre is a big responsibility," John said. "We want to make humanity proud."

"The vids are all talking about the Commander Shepards fighting for all of us back home," Conrad said with a rather official looking salute. "And they also say you don't take crap from anybody."

"Depends which one and from who," Wrex chuckled and Jane shot him a look while Garrus hid a chuckle behind a cough.

"You're showing them what humans can do. Hey can I get your picture?" Conrad asked and John gave Jane a look. Jane fought a groan but what would a picture hurt? Besides, there were always people like Conrad. John made Jenkins seem like a bit of a hero worshiper too so maybe that was why he was willing to indulge Conrad. At least she wasn't stuck on the ship with someone who idolized her.

"I don't have a problem with it, but why?" Jane asked.

"You're both heroes. Decades from now humanity's going to remember you and I'll have your picture," Conrad said with a bit of a creepy look and Jane instantly regretted agreeing to the picture. "Just stand back to back and hold up your guns." Jane pressed her back to John's and they both brought their pistols up.

"Perfect," Conrad purred. Jane wanted to play it off, but it was a purr of satisfaction. "Thanks. I'm going to hang this in my living room! My wife will love it!" Jane watched him walk away and shuddered.

"Be nice," John teased not that he blamed Jane. He felt a bit creeped out too.

"I didn't say it," Jane replied as they headed to rapid transport.

"You were thinking it," John replied.

"She wasn't the only one," Ash shot back and Jane laughed as they all headed back to the Normandy.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: July 10th, 2183 CE

Location: Argos Rho cluster

"-the hell do you want me to do about it Shepard?"

Jane paused, seeing John talking to Wrex. That wasn't an unusual sight, she'd often caught them talking about stuff before. Where exactly to place a knife blade for maximum damage, what weapon to use against who, so on and so on. She figured Wrex and John talked a lot because they were both 'meat tanks' as she affectionately thought of her brother and now the Krogan. This time however Wrex seemed to be getting angry about something. She got closer and noticed they were glaring at each other.

"I'm tired of sticking my ass on the line and getting nothing for it." Wrex finished with a snarl. John sighed.

"So you're just giving up on your people?" John snapped back.

"I gave up on a lost cause," Wrex retorted. "I'm no hero, Shepard. Bottom line, killing for credits simplifies things."

"So you never think about helping your people," John snapped. Wrex shifted uncomfortably before replying.

"I try not to," Wrex grumbled. Both men seemed to notice Jane and stopped.

"Anything you guys want to tell me?" she asked. Wrex shrugged and John shot him a look.

"He's been restless since we set course for this system," John explained, "and during PT earlier he bent a steel weight bar into a circle. I've been trying to ask him what's going on."

"Well save it for later," Jane chided "we've picked up encrypted chatter coming from planet Tantau in the Phoenix system. Gear up."

The two Shepards watched Wrex stomp over to his locker and yank the door open. John sighed and moved to the elevator to head for his and Jane's lockers.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: July 10th, 2183 CE

Location: Argos Rho cluster, Phoenix system, Planet Tantau

"I don't like this," Garrus commented as they entered the complex's main doors. "You'd think they'd have had more than three guards by the front doors."

"I know this feels all wrong," John agreed. He was about to open the next set of doors from the air lock area when he noticed Wrex. He was staring at the pirate tag painted not too far from them, an odd expression on his face.

"You okay T-Wrex?" Jane asked, noticing the Krogan's strange behavior as well.

"I know who runs this place," Wrex growled. John blinked and took his hand away from the door.

"Have you been here before?" John asked as the others exchanged looks.

"No but I was planning to come here before I met all of you," Wrex replied and the Shepards exchanged a glance. It certainly explained why the Krogan had been moody ever since they arrived in this cluster. "This place belongs to a Turian scum named Tonn Actus. It's a long story but he has something that belongs to me."

"Okay Wrex enough with the gruff merc act." John snapped. "We're all your friends here. Tell us what he took from you and we'll help you get it back." Wrex was silent for a moment, giving them a careful look before nodding slowly.

"Urdnot family armor," Wrex explained. "It's been with us for over five generations. Turian military took it from my father's father after the war. Somehow this ass wound up with it."

"We'll get it back," Jane assured, patting the Krogan on his hump. "Now let's move. We've got a Turian to introduce ourselves to."

"Right behind you Shepards." Wrex snarled.

~*TF*~

The fight had been brutal. Garrus' concerns about the lack of outside protection were valid. Almost as soon as they entered the inner area they were in one hell of a fire fight. Still, the Normandy team had really started to click and made short work of them. John shivered to himself as they followed Wrex upstairs to the storage room. Wrex had been a bit brutal though. Tonn had been the last one alive at the end and Wrex had knee capped the poor bastard before firmly grasping both mandibles, one in each hand and damn near ripping Tonn's head off as he snapped the Turian's neck by twisting Tonn's head around in an almost perfect 180. As they approached the safe Tali moved forward with no prompting to hack the security code on the armor shaped safe. As it swung open Wrex made an annoyed sound.

"This is it," Wrex said. He touched the armor a thoughtful look on his face. "I can't believe my ancestors ever wore this piece of crap but I got it back."

"I'm glad we could help you get it back," John said earnestly. Wrex grunted and shot him a grin as Jane unfolded a duffle from her belt and shook it out before handing it to the Krogan.

"I might just be starting to like you Shepards." Wrex mused.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: July 12th, 2183 CE

Location: SSV Normandy, Styx Theta Cluster

"Alright ground team we have no idea what to expect, just that we received a distress call planet side," Jane said looking at the ground team as the Mako was dropped.

"I love going in blind," Ash sighed sarcastically and Jane nodded.

"Snipers and Kaidan with me," Jane said. "We'll be defense. John, Liara, Wrex, and Tali will be offense. Whatever we face, we take it out. Snipers, we're on pistols and assault rifles, once we get the chance to rifle up, we do it. Kaidan, you watch our backs so we can go scope."

"Understood, ma'am," Ash said.

"Commander," Kaidan said with a nod.

"Right behind you, Shepard," Garrus stated. The Mako rocked as it hit the ground. They quickly zeroed in on the base only for a few familiar forms to appear.

"Jane," John warned and Jane's teeth clenched.

"Rachni..." she hissed.

"What did I say, Shepard?" Wrex snarled and Jane gave him a glare before looking at the insects as they approached. The Rachni scattered erratically and some even hit the Mako suicidally trying to latch on.

"These are the crazed Rachni," Jane stated.

"And how would you know?" Wrex asked and Jane pointed.

"Look how they move, that's the same pattern they moved on Noveria," she stated. "The Queen moved differently. Even when escaping, she moved with purpose, this is chaotic."

"What's the plan?" John asked. He thought Jane assumed too much sometimes about how people moved. He certainly didn't see it.

"It's not changed," Jane stated.

"They have a turret that looks intact but it's not firing," John said. "I'll drop you off here and bring Tali to fix it."

"Why do you say that?" Tali asked.

"If it's not firing and undamaged it's probably tech issues," John said. "Could be a power drain, and if it is we can use the Mako to power it. I had to do something similar during the Blitz, some of those turrets get crap batteries." He yanked hard on the controls as he braked the Mako, aiming the rear hatch at the defenders.

"Move out!" Jane ordered as she opened the rear hatch and the team slipped out. As soon as the team was clear John drove it to the turret, even dragging the hatch as it closed.

Garrus, Ash, and Jane spaced out behind Wrex and Liara while Kaidan moved to the back. Wrex let out a battle roar and took on the first drone while Liara threw the next. Jane and Kaidan each threw a Rachni before the sniper rifles were out.

"Garrus two to six, Ash, six to ten, I'll take ten to two," Jane ordered and the snipers faced away from each other.

"Most action is coming from nine to four," Garrus stated.

"I don't care, they're not stupid beasts, they might figure it out, let's keep that from happening!" Jane said. The assault seemed to stop and the group moved to the listening post, John jogging up with Tali by his side.

"Lieutenant Durand," a woman said, saluting.

"Commander Shepard," Jane said. "We got your distress call. How long have the Rachni been here?"

"Just a couple of days," she said and Jane shot John a look. They had wiped out Noveria's Rachni weeks ago. "These can't be Rachni."

"They are," Wrex growled shooting Jane a glare.

"Don't worry, they're weak to biotic attack," Jane said. "You've got four right now."

"Damn, we might just make it," she said. "Shit, there are more."

"The turret is running off the Mako's power," Tali cried as she moved to get into position with Liara.

"Round two!" Jane called pulling up her rifle. This wave was quicker with the whole team in action. They moved like a well oiled machine. The snipers weakening the Rachni while Liara stunned them so John, Tali, and Wrex could wreak havoc.

"Commanders. UVA shows there is a hollow space about 500 meters below the surface," a marine called and Jane looked at John.

"Looks like we're on a bug hunt," Jane stated.

"I wonder why," Wrex huffed and Jane gave him a look.

"If we find the Queen, we kill them all, if she's not here, these guys left Noveria before we ran the purge," Jane stated.

"I agree with that," Wrex snarled. Jane was getting tired of Wrex blaming her for her Rachni decision. She wasn't going to commit genocide. They made it to the mine and slowly entered.

"I have to say, I don't like walking into a nest like this," Ash said.

"To be fair, we can say something only Krogan could for a while," John joked.

"These may have escaped when we were making our way to Peak 15," Jane said and all hell broke loose as Rachni slipped out of the walls. Wrex roared and went to town as the rest closed ranks. Jane winced as acid hit her shoulder.

"On it," Kaidan said, applying medi-gel to the wound.

"Thanks," Jane said shooting the drone that spat on her.

Soon enough the nest was cleared out.

"Commander Shepard?" Lieutenant Durand's voice called over the comm.

"Yes?" Jane answered.

"Our sister post went quiet a few days before these guys showed up. We were getting ready to head there when shit hit the fan here. They're on Altahe, I'll send you the coordinates," Lieutenant Durand said and Jane gave John a look.

"We'll check up on them," Jane said and the group headed back to the Mako, prepared for more Rachni on Altahe.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: July 16th, 2183 CE

Location: SSV Normandy, Gorgon System, Argos Rho Cluster

The ground team entered the freighter and Jane looked around.

"This is the ship that passed by both listening stations. Be prepared," Jane warned as they moved to the main compartment of the ship. "We have to change it up for this one, we don't have the freedom we did on land. Biotics, we take the front, we blast them before they get too close. Liara and I will warp them, Kaidan and Wrex, you two push. While we do that, the rest of you blast them."

"Yes ma'am," was the reply.

They'd been able to easily wipe out the remaining Rachni on Altahe but had found journal entries that indicate that the Rachni had been shipped from Noveria by Cerberus. Jane had insisted they track down the ship and John agreed. Now they entered the ship and all was breaking loose. Jane stood between Liara and Kaidan, Wrex was next to Liara. They glowed as they pushed through the ship, each Rachni drone was stunned and the group behind took them out with extreme prejudice. Jane's boot slid a bit in the sludge of the Rachni remains but they managed to make it to the bridge but found nothing. It was in one of the modules that they found the terminal with the logs.

"They didn't escape, the Peak 15 scientists were experimenting with them out here," Garrus stated as the last log ended and Jane shook her head.

"We need to take care of this loose end and that should be the end of the Peak 15's insane Rachni," Jane said as her Omni tool beeped. "We need to move! Now!"

"What?" John asked as Jane began to run and the group followed her.

"Seventy second detonation time!" Jane cried.

"What the hell Jane!"

"Why did you set that?" Garrus cried.

"I didn't the idiot who set the explosives did! Joker once we are in the Normandy get us as far away from this ship as possible!" Jane cried and the group threw themselves into the Normandy.

"What the hell, Commander!" Joker cried and as the hatch closed the Normandy began to speed away from the freighter. The Normandy shook shortly after the shock wave from the freighter's explosion hit them.

"Sorry, Joker, the idiot who set the explosives up punched in a seventy second start time," Jane said.

"Jeeze, guess they were planning on setting them off from a safe distance like a sane person," Joker said sarcastically.

"Well, if the big nasty space bugs didn't eat them, I'm sure it would have worked fine," Jane said as she entered the Normandy and moved into the bridge.

"Big space bugs?" Joker asked and Jane nodded.

"Really big and really nasty," Jane stated as the rest of the team headed off to clean up.

"You stepped in something, Commander," Joker said and Jane nodded.

"Really big space bug," Jane replied and Joker stared at her.

"You're not joking," he said.

"No, that's why we have you, Joker," Jane replied and Joker looked at her.

"We'll reach Feros in thirty-eight hours," he said.

"Excellent," Jane stated.

"Are you going to change out of your armor?" Joker asked.

"You miss out on all the ground team stuff, I thought I'd let you enjoy the smell of what we've been doing the last couple of missions off the ship," Jane stated as she moved to sit in the co-pilot seat.

"How much longer are you in command?" Joker asked.

"Two hours," Jane replied and Joker nodded.

"How big?" he asked again.

"Really big, Joker," Jane stated and Joker was eternally thankful he wasn't ground team.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: July 18th, 2183 CE

Location: Feros Colony Landing Port

"This place is amazing," Liara exclaimed as the team exited the Normandy.

"It is also currently crawling with Geth," Tali reminded the Asari and Jane saw a colonist waiting near the end of the platform. He raised a hand in greeting.

"Fai Dan wants to talk to you," he said. Jane opened her mouth to ask the obvious, who was Fai Dan, when a Geth popped up. Before Jane could shout out a warning a rocket hit the man, sending chunks of him raining down on the team. Everyone dove for cover and Jane looked over at John.

"John's team take point, snipers and Kaidan, we know the drill!" Jane roared as she moved to the position closest behind John's team, Ash and Garrus picking points to the side. Kaidan moved to position beside Jane. She gave him a look.

"You're the one who needs the most cover," he stated, his dark eyes filled with a protective light, and she put her eye to the scope, hoping the slight blush would vanish. Wrex lifted a Geth and threw it off the platform. It was a long drop. John was rushing another, shooting his assault rifle up into its chest cavity. Liara was lifting two more and Jane put two holes through one while Ash and Garrus perforated the other. They were moving through the Geth like a hot knife through butter. Jane nodded as they finished off the Geth in the hangar. Jane looked at her scanner only to see it was still jammed, more Geth nearby.

She looked over at John and he nodded. He saw the same thing on his scanner, they moved together towards the stairs and there was the telltale sound of Geth clicks and beeps. John gave Jane a grin and Jane narrowed her eyes in response before she switched to her pistol and the two Shepards charged up the steps. Their team at their backs as Jane lifted and threw the Geth assassins while John took on the troopers. The rest of the team was quick to put holes in the various targets. The Shepards shared a look before they moved up slowly. They found concrete barriers with humans, looks of relief plain on their faces.

"Glad to see some soldiers. Our numbers are getting thin," one man said.

"Who is in charge here?" Jane asked.

"Fai Dan," the man said.

"He's back there," the woman replied and the ground team headed into the colony. Jane noticed a woman working on the water pipes.

"Has there been damage?" Jane asked.

"No," the woman snapped before sighing. "I'm sorry, but I can't stop to talk. I have to deal with the water shortage." John and Jane shared a look. Water was essential for colonies, in fact, most human colonies were established on planets with large water supplies, but this colony wasn't exactly normal. Jane's eyes moved over the ruins they were situated in.

"Is there anything we can do?" Jane asked.

"The utilities building was one of the first to fall under Geth control," the woman explained. "Find the mains and turn them back on. Until then, the colony is dry." Jane winced, water would be a major problem.

"We'll try to get the water back on," Jane said.

As they moved on, Jane looked at a woman working on a power station, she stopped and tapped the woman on the shoulder. The woman got up and dusted off her hands, looking at the group.

"Nice work with those Geth. Glad you showed up," the woman said. "I still need the power cells for this generator, though."

"Could we bring some power cells from the Normandy? We can certainly spare a few," John said.

"Your top-of-the-line ship doesn't use the same parts as the old generator we've got. The cells just aren't compatible," the woman said shaking her head.

"We'll keep our eyes open as we're looking around. If we find anything, we'll send it your way," Jane said and they left. Jane looked at the ship and head in. They were looking for a man and there was a guy hanging out looking deep in through. The group approached.

"Are you Fai Dan?" Jane asked the man in the corridor and he shook his head.

"No, I'm Davin Reynolds, you're the one who repelled that last wave. They'll be back. And if the Geth don't kill us, we'll die of hunger soon enough," Davin said and Jane blinked.

"Are you doing anything to remedy the situation?" John asked. Both twins were surprised one of the first things a colony did was secure its own food production.

"I need to boost rations with Varren meat, but it's too dangerous," Davin explained. "The alpha Varren, he's huge and he's mad. Rabid, maybe. Totally uncontrollable. I can't do anything until he's dead."

"Where is he?" Jane asked and Davin sent the location to her Omni tool.

"If you get the chance to take him out, we'd appreciate it," he said and Jane nodded.

"Where is Fai Dan?" Jane asked and Davin pointed to the other door out of the ship.

"He's near the elevator, guarding that entrance," he explained and Jane nodded.

"Thank you," she said as the group headed out of the ship. They looked around and John tapped Jane's shoulder, his head nodded to where an older man stood with a woman close to their age. The group approached.

"Ah, Commanders, I'm glad they finally sent somebody to help us," the man, Fai Dan, said.

"You're a bit late, aren't you?" the woman sneered and Jane found herself disliking the woman immediately.

"Arcelia!" Fai Dan scolded. "Sorry, Commanders. Everyone's on edge since..." There was the tell-tale sounds of Geth from the corridor beside the group.

"Watch out!" Arcelia cried and the group quickly moved into position. Jane and Garrus ended up behind the barrier directly across from the corridor. Jane popped up and threw the Geth back. It slowed them down and allowed John and Wrex to get beside each door while Kaidan stayed with Fai Dan and Arcelia, Liara and Ash took the other barrier. A small team of Geth walked right into the kill zone.

"Those damn Geth are in the tower," Arcelia snarled.

"We must protect the heart of the colony!" Fai Dan said. Jane approached them again.

"We'll go clear out that tower and take care of some of the issues we've seen around the colony," Jane said and Fai Dan nodded.

"Thank you," he said. As the group prepared to enter the tower Jane gave a look.

"John, you and your team clear out that tower. I'll take my team to get the water back up and take care of the Varren. These colonists are done if they don't get water and food," Jane said.

~*TF*~

John felt like Jane was still getting back at him for something as he led his team upstairs. There was a giant hole in the roof of the tower and a Geth dropship was of course using it to drop Geth platforms directly in.

"This is one of the best days ever!" Wrex roared as he happily ripped off the head of a Geth platform that had tried to rush the Krogan. John couldn't help but shiver a bit as gush of Geth hydraulic fluid sprayed from the neck stump.

"He's enjoying this way too much," John muttered to Liara. The Asari maiden nodded before slamming a Geth destroyer with a singularity. The destroyer's shields and armor were already gone thanks to Tali and the Geth let out a high pitched whine as it was torn apart. John took in a deep breath, tension leaving his body. That had been the last Geth unit. He stood up from cover, Liara standing with him. Tali was inspecting the remains of a Geth unit not too far from them and Wrex let out a roar of triumph.

"It's better than him-" Liara's reply was cut off as a Geth Prime slammed into the ground in front of them, not two feet from Wrex. It back handed Wrex, sending the Krogan flying, an expression of surprise on his reptilian features. He slammed into a wall, unconscious before he slid to the ground.

"Oh, what the fuck?!" John cried out as Tali dove for cover and Liara ducked back down. "That's just not fair!"

The Geth Prime didn't seem to care about what was fair as it removed its gun from its back. The barrels began to whine as they sped up as it took aim at the unconscious Krogan. John reacted on instinct, opening fire with his assault rifle. He held the trigger down till it overheated, trying to draw the Geth's attention.

It worked. The Geth's head swiveled to focus on John and it made an electrical gurgle and turned to the gun on the Spectre.

"Liara get Wrex!" John order, dropping his discharging rifle to yank his shotgun off his back. He blasted the Prime in the face and its shots went wide. John moved left keeping its focus on him. "Tali, I could use a little help here!"

"I'm working on it, Commander!" Tali snapped from behind her cover. John yanked a grenade off his belt and tossed it at the Prime. It exploded and the Geth's shield's barely wavered. It did seem to irritate the Geth and it began to stomp towards him in a charge. John dove out of the way at the last minute and it smashed into the wall behind him.

"Any day now Tali!" John roared, throwing two grenades this time. Just before they hit, the Geth's shields dropped in a bright blue flash and the grenades hit the Prime's back. They exploded and took the Prime's torso with them. For a moment there was just a smoking waist and legs standing there before they feel to the ground. John let out a deep sigh of relief as the Geth dropship roared, finally moving away.

"Thanks Tali," John replied, turning around.

"I was just thankful I didn't get your shields too." She replied, shooting him a thumbs up as she went to close her Omni-tool. She paused however as she saw something and began to type away at it. John turned his attention to where Liara was tending to Wrex. The Krogan was getting to his feet and shaking his head. John let out a snort as Wrex turned to the side and spat out a tooth.

"That damn pyjak is lucky you got him before I got back up," Wrex growled "it's damn annoying as a tooth grows back!"

"Just be happy they grow back," Liara chided. John began to inspect the area and what remained of the Geth for anything they might need or something that would give a clue as to why the Geth were on Feros when Tali spoke up.

"John, I'm picking up a Geth beacon coming from the tunnels where Jane went." Tali said, closing her Omni-tool. John sighed.

"And you can't get ahold of Jane can you?" John asked, seeing where this was going. Tali shook her head.

"Then I think we better take care of that beacon ourselves then."

~*TF*~

The tunnels were clearly the remains of the ruins.

"Liara must be thrilled to be here," Kaidan muttered and Jane nodded as they entered the tunnel and followed Davin's direction to a room.

"Well, we've killed Varren before, we can again," Ash said and Jane nodded.

"Too bad, I bet they would make great sheep dogs if you trained them," Jane said and the group all paused. "What? Nothing would eat your herd with those guys on duty."

"Except them," Garrus pointed out.

"I said if you trained them," Jane stated and Ash chuckled.

"Once a farmer always a farmer, huh ma'am?" Ash teased.

"Laugh it up, Williams," Jane shot back as they entered and quickly turned to see the Varren over the door.

"Clever girl," Jane muttered as she quickly threw them back.

"Damn, they're fast!" Ash cried as they began to shoot.

"Watch out," Kaidan cried, lifting a Varren rushing at Jane. She dropped to the ground and shot up. The Varren was dead when it landed and Jane was up in time to see the large, red Varren snarl before rushing them. She quickly lifted and threw the creature. It hit the wall and didn't get up.

"Hey, that old mako might have the power cells that woman was looking for," Garrus pointed out.

"You're right...and you know who would be best for carrying them?" Jane grinned and Garrus stared at the group.

"Now that's not fair," he sighed.

"How many water mains did we see?" Kaidan asked.

"I only counted two," Jane said.

"Let's check the rest of the tunnels before we turn them on," Ash said and the group nodded.

"I'm not carrying these forever," Garrus griped and Kaidan took one of the power cells.

"Shit!" Jane hissed as she entered the next tunnel only to see the welcoming committee. She ducked behind a barrier with Ash.

"I think we're going the right way," Ash stated and Jane nodded before pulling out her rifle. Ash kept the close ones pinned while Jane picked off the further ones. "Clear!" Garrus and Kaidan entered and the group moved.

"I think we've found all the mains," Jane said before she looked and held up a hand. She moved slowly out of the last tunnel to see a man. "Are you alright? Do you need help getting back to the colony?"

"You don't want to go down there!" he cried and Jane got a bad vibe off the guy.

"What are you doing down here?" she asked and he shot her a grin that made her wonder about his mindset.

"Nothing I should be, and anything I shouldn't," he said before he cried out in pain. "No! That was a good one. Very intense."

"What's the matter with you?" Jane asked and he smiled back up at her.

"Just invoking the master's whip," he said and Jane got a creepy feeling. "Helps remind me I'm still alive. You're here for the Geth, aren't you? You're not the only one interested in those...things." Jane blinked at that, he might be crazy, but crazy didn't mean stupid.

"Who else is looking for the Geth?" Jane asked.

"Not looking for; looking to get rid of," the man said. "They're a thorn in the side of the...waaaagh! Agh! Trying to get to the...aaiiee! Gyahh!" He began to laugh.

"He clearly needs medical help," Kaidan stated.

"Is there anything I can do to help you? Do you even want help?" Jane asked and the man gave her a very serious look.

"Help me? No. No one can help me now," he said and for some reason Jane felt his seriousness. "I would rather die fighting." Jane could relate to that statement, but what was he fighting.

"Fighting what?" Jane asked and the man's eyes weren't insane.

"Not that kind of fight. It's like running through a thorn bush. The more you struggle...time's up. Company's coming. Ask Fai Dan. Ask him about the...aaaagh!" Jane wanted to help the man.

"Look out!" Garrus cried and Jane turned around to see more Geth.

"Damn it," she hissed before she and Kaidan both threw the Geth back. They fired and Jane quickly moved into the tunnel. There were many more Geth that got in behind them. "Well, they seemed to appear out of thin air." Jane began firing when she heard the comforting sounds of familiar voices. The Geth at the end of the tunnel didn't expect John to appear with his group. Jane wondered if that was surprise she saw in the glowing lights of the Geth's optics. Probably not, but it was an amusing thought.

"You were taking forever, baby sister," John said from his end of the tunnel.

"I could have handled it and only by fourteen minutes," Jane stated as she got up and headed over to a water main, John did the same at his end of the tunnel. "Couldn't stand waiting for me?"

"Tali detected a Geth beacon down here so we took care of it," John said and Jane blinked.

"Good job, Tali," she called.

"Thank you, Commander," Tali replied and the groups joined back up.

"Well we have the food, water, and power covered," Jane stated and John nodded.

"Geth have been cleared out of this part of the colony," he said and the Shepards nodded as they headed back up to the colony.

~*TF*~

"Fai Dan." John called out as they approached the colony leader. The man turned to them, a hopeful expression on his face. "We destroyed a Geth transmitter in the tunnels. They won't be a problem any longer." Fai Dan sighed in relief at John's words.

"Thank you, Commanders. We're in your debt. You've taken a great weight off my shoulders. I just wish I had such good news for every problem."

"There's a guy living down in the tunnels. Is he one of yours?" Jane asked. John blinked. What guy?

"That would be Ian. He's very sick." Fai Dan explained and John rolled his eyes. It sounded like they were going to leave him there.

"We'll get back to you when we know more." Jane said. "We'll tell the others we've solved the other issues so you guys should be fine for a while."

"I'll take my squad to secure the Mako on the skyway and we'll meet you there, Jane." John said. Jane waved him off as she headed deeper into the colony. John removed his rifle from the back and headed for the skyway. Anything was better than going from colonist to colonist and saying 'It was done.'

~*TF*~

Jane stared out of the Mako as she fired on the Geth.

"This isn't too bad," John stated as they caught some radio chatter.

"That's not setting us up," Jane sighed as the Mako stopped.

"You're more superstitious than usual," John joked and Jane gave him a look.

"The best way to ensure we meet trouble is being thankful that we're out of danger," Jane stated as they exited the Mako and entered the tunnel.

"Geth nearby," Tali called and Jane put up a barrier just in time to avoid fire from a Geth behind some crates.

"Easy," John grinned as they cleared out the tunnel and headed back to the Mako.

"What could they be after here?" Liara pondered as they entered the Mako.

"Maybe something to build on the information from the beacon on Eden Prime," Jane replied.

"We still don't know what that is as well," Liara sighed.

"If I knew I would tell you, but it seems incomplete," Jane said before taking position in the gunner's seat.

"I'm picking up a comm signal. It's too weak to pinpoint, but there's definitely someone out here," Garrus stated as they pulled forward and the radio chattered.

"Any sign of movement? Lizbeth could still be in there. It's only been a few days. She's my daughter. I'll wait as long as I have to," a woman's voice called out over the radio and Jane began aiming at the Geth on the skyway.

"Someone in there is still alive at least," Tali said as they stopped where another tunnel that had Geth readings.

"At least we can give them some relief," John said as he led the way out and Jane nodded. At least they made it in time to keep the colony from being completely destroyed.

~*TF*~

"…we've got movement...some king of vehicle. Not one of the Geth. They must be close enough to see us…"

"There, that's where they have to be," Jane pointed out. They slowed the Mako to a crawl before piling out. John turned to the ramp and saw people moving about farther down. As they headed down to meet them a man pushed his way to the front ahead of them. He seemed twitchy, nervous as they approached. John frowned. If they didn't handle this carefully, this man might make a mistake that could get people hurt or worse.

"That's close enough!" the man shouted at them as they approached. John and Jane stopped, the others filing in behind them.

"Relax, Jeong. They're obviously not Geth." A woman said coming up the stand beside the nervous man.

"Get back, Juliana." The man snapped at the woman, Juliana, before focusing back at the Shepards and the Normandy team. "Who are you? What do you want?"

"I'm Commander John Shepard and this is my sister Commander Jane Shepard. The people behind us are our crew. We're here to remove your Geth problem." John explained. Juliana smiled.

"You see Ethan? You worry too much." She chided the nervous man.

"And you trust too easily, Juliana." Ethan retorted.

"I'm just glad to see a friendly face. I thought we were the only humans left on this planet." Juliana explained. John and Jane shared a look.

"Fai Dan and some of the members of Zhu's Hope are still alive." Jane revealed. John's eyes narrowed at Juliana's look of surprise and Ethan's look of panic.

"I thought you said they were all dead!" Juliana accused Ethan who glared at her.

"I said they were 'probably' all dead." Ethan explained. Jane rolled her eyes and John discretely jabbed her with his elbow.

"They're surviving, but the Geth really hit them hard." Garrus spoke up behind them.

"We know what that's like. Those damn synthetics are relentless." Juliana replied.

"We'll do whatever we can to keep them away from you. But we need some information." John explained and wasn't surprised to see Ethan narrow his eyes at him.

"What kind of information?" Ethan asked and Juliana rolled her eyes.

"Ignore him. The Geth are up in the ExoGeni headquarters. Just a bit further along the skyway." Juliana said.

"Those headquarters are private property, soldier. Remove the Geth and nothing else." Ethan cut in quickly.

"We're not interested in your company secrets." Jane stated curtly.

"Commander, before you go...My daughter, Lizbeth. She's missing...could you…?" Juliana tried to ask but Ethan cut her off.

"They shouldn't waste time poking around. We can do a proper accounting of our casualties after the Geth are gone." Ethan brushed her off. John glared at the man himself this time.

"That's my daughter you're talking about! She's still alive. I know it."

"Where is your daughter, Juliana?" John asked. She whirled around to face them defiant.

"She was working in the ExoGeni building when the attacks came."

"Oh, yeah! There are several places she could hide. For a short time." Ethan mumbled.

"If she's in there, we'll get her out." John assured her, Jane nodding in agreement.

"Thank you, Commanders. Thank you."

"Do you know what the Geth are after?" Jane inquired.

"I have no idea." Juliana said, shaking her head. "We certainly haven't found anything of use. Something ExoGeni is keen to remind us of."

"We need to recoup our expenses. It's nothing personal." Ethan tried to explain. John ignored the man.

"Tell us about the colony. Anything we should know?" John asked.

"We established ourselves here four years ago." Juliana began. "Growth was steady until the attacks. Our biggest challenge has been the lack of resources. There's just so little here of value. Still, we were making a go of it. It was even starting to feel like home."

"How did you get split up from the Zhu's Hope colony?" Jane asked.

"Most of us lived closer to the ExoGeni building. Zhu's Hope was mostly used as a port. When the Geth hit, we scattered. Until you told us about the others, we assumed they were killed in the first wave. If we had known they were still alive, we might have attempted to join them."

"They're fairly secure now. Maybe you should do that." John allowed.

"No, no, no, no." Ethan cut in quickly. "I don't think that's a good idea. We...we have no vehicles and the skyway offers little protection." Jane snorted and John agreed with his sister's unspoken comment. It was obvious Ethan was hiding something.

"Like the building we're in now?" Juliana barked back, whirling on Ethan again.

"Listen, our best hope is to sit tight and wait for company reinforcements. They'll come eventually." Ethan explained.

"What was the building used for?" Jane asked.

"We repurposed that structure to serve as headquarters for ExoGeni. It's mostly offices with a number of light duty R and D labs." Ethan explained.

"ExoGeni is a master at "re-purposing" anything and everything." Juliana bit out and John smiled.

"The company has to make a profit somehow, Juliana. Feros is a long way from self-sufficient." Ethan tried to chide her.

"Stay bunkered down until we find out what the Geth are after." John said, starting to lead the others back to the mako.

"Of course. And please remember, if you see my daughter..."

~*TF*~

Jane saw a man at a terminal near Juliana and Ethan, she elbowed John and headed over to the man. John shook his head at the rest of the team before following behind Jane.

"Hmm...they could survive out there, no problem," he muttered before looking up at the twins. "I was hoping you'd have a moment to speak with me. I've got a bit of a problem." Jane wanted to roll her eyes. There was always someone who needed them to do something else on these missions.

"What do you need?" John asked and Jane fought the sigh. Of course they would help them, they wouldn't be the Shepard twins if they didn't reach out to every soul.

"I need to retrieve some data. It's not a big job, but it pays well," the man said.

"Sounds easy enough," John said.

"What's the catch?" Jane asked.

"No catch, really. It's just dangerous work, but not for someone like you two," the man grinned and Jane did roll her eyes.

"What is it about us that makes people assume we enjoy being in harm's way?" Jane muttered and John chuckled.

"It's not that bad, really. All you need to do is find my console at ExoGeni headquarters and drop the data onto this OSD. It's that simple," he said offering out an OSD and Jane grabbed it.

"We'll look around if we get the chance," John said and Jane tucked the OSD in a pocket.

"I appreciate it. That data could be worth a lot of money," the man said. "Of course that depend on getting out of here alive."

"What is this data we're getting for you?" Jane asked.

"Plans for a few prototype mods. I'm a freelancer. Some of my mods are highly sought after," the man grinned and Jane was a little more curious now. A mod manufacturer was a useful friend.

"Why work in the middle of nowhere if your skills are so useful?" Jane asked.

"Maybe I've got a bit of frontier spirit in me. That, and the alternative is a bit too "secure" for my liking. Freelancers don't have to worry about security as much, so long as we keep a low profile," he said and Jane nodded.

"Do you have any idea what the Geth were looking for?" John asked.

"Ah, that's for smarter men than me to figure out. I have no idea what anyone would want with this ruin," the man sighed. Jane slapped John's arm.

"Time to get moving," she said and they headed out.

~*TF*~

On the remainder of the drive to the ExoGeni building there was nothing much waiting for them, not with the Mako. Wrex did grumble about cheating as when they drove up to the main entrance of the building they just fired the Mako's canon through the opening targeting the Geth they could see. After a few minutes they piled out of the Mako, Jane chastising the Krogan the entire time.

"For the last time it's not cheating Wrex," Jane was scolding the grumpy Krogan, "Anything that keeps us alive and wipes out the Geth without putting us in excessive danger is a win in my book." John was pointedly ignoring them as he swept the area with Tali and Kaidan as the others stood guard for any remaining Geth.

"Still isn't any fun," the Krogan grumbled. Jane sighed and shook her head.

"Well if you want something fun I think I can accommodate," John called out to them. Wrex and Jane turned to where John was, peaking into an open door on the opposite side of the room from the blue barrier. "There's a Geth Armature in here."

"That'll do." Wrex rumbled. He started for the room at slowly accelerating charge and darted into the room before either Shepard could respond. They were about to follow him in to give the big guy back up when Wrex let out a malicious laugh. Electronic whines and squeals were heard from the room and a large gush of white hydraulic flood splashed out into the hall. Wrex bellowed in triumph and more sounds of violence echoed from the room, a piece of Geth bouncing out.

"Yeah I'm not going in there," John said quickly, turning around and heading away from the room. "I think Wrex is working off some frustration. I told you that you should have let him shoot the Mako's guns."

Jane grumbled to herself marching into the room and pointedly ignoring her brother. John shook his head as he went towards Ash and Kaidan who waving him toward them.

"Wrex put down the leg!"

"What? I'm just beating him to death with his own leg!"

"It's already dead!"

"What did you guys find?" John asked curiously ignoring the shouting and sounds of violence coming from behind him.

"It appears that this hole goes under the barrier, Commander." Ash explained. John nodded, pleased.

"Good work you guys." John glanced at Kaidan. "Go get my sister and Wrex, LT. The rest of us will go on ahead."

"Yes sir," Kaidan said heading off. John motioned for the others to follow him down and he dropped down, landing at the bottom with a dull thud. Raising his assault rifle up, he moved into the new area the others following him. It was a large open area, more than likely a delivery entrance. Rubble covered the area along with various Varren bodies. John frowned sweeping the area. Had the Geth done this or was-

Shots rang out and John whirled around, his finger tightening on the trigger, an order on his lips to fi-

"Damn it! I'm so sorry. I thought you were Geth, or one of those Varren." A brunette in scientist scrubs exclaimed, lowering her weapon. John took a deep breath, holstering his rifle and motioning for the others to stand down. He heard three thumps in the distant and knew his sister wasn't far behind.

"You're safe now." John soothed her, heading for the woman. "Who are you and why were you here in the first place?"

"My name is Lizbeth Baynham." The brunette said, introducing herself. "And I'm here because it's my own fault. Everyone else was running and I stayed to back up data. Next thing I knew, the Geth ship latched on and the power went out. I was trapped. I tried to get out, but the way was blocked."

"Your mother asked us to find you. She's with some others from the colony. She's safe for now." John said and Lizbeth sighed in relief.

"Oh, thank God she's alive. I thought I was the only one left."

"We'll get you to her as soon as we find out what the Geth are after." John said and heard his sister come up behind him. He raised an eyebrow at her as he noticed large hydraulic stains on her armor. She shot him a withering look before turning her attention to Lizbeth.

"It's not the Geth; it's the energy field they put up. They don't want anyone else getting access to the..." Lizbeth trailed off and bit her lip, looking undecided.

"We're here for the Geth." Tali soothed her, surprising John at her speaking up. "It's very important that we find out what they're after."

"I don't know for certain, but I'm guessing they're here for the Thorian." Lizbeth blurted out and then winced.

"What's a Thorian?" Jane asked.

"It's an indigenous life-form. ExoGeni was studying it."

"Really?" Liara exclaimed excitedly. "To the best of my knowledge Feros was devoid of life! What else can you tell us? Do you know where we can find it?"

"I might be able to, but not with those Geth crawling around everywhere." Lizbeth mused before she shook her head. "Look, we need to get out of here, past that field."

"Do you know where we can shut it down?" John asked.

"No, not exactly. But I think the Geth ship is powering it. I've noticed the Geth laying power cables everywhere. You could follow those cables, but there's Geth all over the place."

"Anything else you can you tell us what you know about the Thorian?" Jane asked.

"I really don't know that much about it. I think it's some kind of plant being. I know it's very old. Thousands of year, even." Lizbeth said after a moment's hesitation.

"Why do you think the Geth would be interested in the Thorian?" Jane asked, and Lizbeth shrugged.

"It's just a plant. I don't know why the Geth would care. ExoGeni was studying it, but I don't think they found anything special."

"You stay put. We'll go open some doors." John said, un-holstering his assault rifle again. Lizbeth unclipped her id tag from her shirt and handed it to Jane.

"Here, take my ID. This should get you past any locked doors. Good luck with that field." After that she hurried away to an alcove in the wall.

"Let's head inside." John said. "I want to find out what these Geth are doing here."

~*TF*~

They started through the door and up the stairs. Jane immediately put a closed fist up as they reached the first landing, the team freezing in response.

"Stupid machine! Access encrypted files!" a Krogan voice snarled from at the top of the stairs. "No, I don't want to review protocol!" Jane gave the other two snipers point looks and signaled for the others to wait. Then the three took point, slipping up the stairs silently as the rest of the crew followed behind as quietly as possible, giving them the space they needed.

"I am unable to comply. Please contact your supervisor," a VI hologram stated as they reached the top of the stairs and saw the Krogan's back.

"Damn it. Tell me what I want or I'll blast your virtual ass into actual dust!" the Krogan snapped. Jane tapped Ash for the heart shots, Garrus for the head shots, and indicated herself for the spine shots.

"Please contact your supervisor for a Level 4 security exception or make an appointment with..." the VI began and the Krogan growled.

"Stupid machine!" he cried out in anger as the sniper team slowly began to get into firing position.

"If there is nothing else, please step aside. There is a queue forming behind you for the use of this console," the VI stated and Jane felt a deep agreement with the Krogan about the VI being a stupid machine. The Krogan turned and sneered, one hand moving to reach for his gun as his body turned.

"Oh good, I really need to kill someone!" he growled.

"Me too," Jane replied as she began to fire, Garrus and Ash following her lead. The Krogan took one step before he dropped. Jane quickly approached, firing two shots into the head, two to the chest, and three in the neck.

"Was that really necessary? He was dead!" John barked and Jane looked at Wrex, letting the Krogan know she wanted him to answer.

"You never know who has three hearts and we all have a redundant nervous system," Wrex stated and Jane looked at John.

"Think I should shoot him again?" John pondered as they passed the corpse to access the terminal.

"ExoGeni reminds all staff that the discharging of weapons while on company property is strictly forbidden. Welcome back Research Assistant Elizabeth Baynham. What can I do for you?" the VI asked.

"What information was the last user attempting to access?" Jane asked.

"Fetching data. The previous user was attempting to access details on the study of Subject Species 37. The Thorian," the VI said.

"Tell me everything you told the Krogan," Jane ordered.

"I was unable to provide the previous user with any relevant data. Aside from lacking proper access, there has been no new data available on Species 37. All sensors monitoring the observation post at Zhu's Hope have been inactive for several cycles," the VI stated and Jane's brows furrowed.

"What does Zhu's Hope have to do with the Thorian?" John asked, giving a voice to Jane's mental question.

"Species 37 is located within the substructure of the Zhu's Hope outpost," the VI said and Jane gave John a look.

"That's not good," John stated.

"Tell me everything you know about the Thorian," Jane ordered.

"The Thorian is a simple plant life-form that exhibits a sentient behavior uncommon with other flora. Through dispersion and the eventual inhalation of spores, it can infect and control other organisms, including humans. The Zhu's Hope control group has yielded interesting results. Before sensors went offline, almost 85% of all test subjects were infected," the VI explained and Jane's jaw clenched.

"Are you saying ExoGeni knew its people were getting infected?" John growled.

"It was deemed necessary to assess the true potential of Species 37," the VI explained.

"That would explain the odd behavior at the colony...I thought it was just a human thing," Garrus stated and Jane gave John a look.

"We should probably get a copy of the CRA," John said.

"And an Asari lawyer," Jane growled.

"CRA?" Kaidan asked.

"Colonists Rights Agreement," Ash said.

"The documentation all first generation colonists sign when colonizing a planet. It basically states in a situation like this where a major company is involved with colonization effort the individual rights of the colonists," John said.

"For most colonies, you don't have major companies as involved. Sometimes a company will be looking to set up a new raw material harvest site on the colony, so they build roads and schools and whatnot," John explained.

"However, there have been situations where companies used fine print to hide the right to mess with the colonists in their CRA. Technically all colonists are supposed to know everything in the CRA, but some people just don't check the whole document, they can be massively large," Jane said. "If we are lucky ExoGeni never included that in their CRA if we're not lucky...they have the right to do this to the colonists, they agreed to it."

"We should contact Joker," Kaidan suggested.

"Joker. Come in. Joker. Damn it. That field's blocking us," Jane hissed as she tried to reach the Normandy.

"We've been through worse," John stated and Jane nodded.

"We need to drop that field and get back to Zhu's Hope," Ash said.

"VI, what can you tell me about the Geth ship and the field its generating?" John asked.

"I have limited data on the Geth. They have effectively blocked all sensors within the facility. I have detected unusual fluctuations, but am unable to determine the source," the VI said and Jane remembered something important.

"Who is in charge here?" Jane asked.

"All decisions about local resource analysis and acquisition are made by onsite management, deferring to the board of directors only when seasonal quotas are missed or exceeded. Individual employee records are confidential," the VI explained.

"I bet Ethan is the onsite management," Jane growled.

"Tell us about the Thorian," Liara piped in.

"Species 37 was discovered several weeks ago when a small team was infected with spores while examining the ruins near the Zhu's Hope outpost. The outpost was quarantined immediately and study of the infection began. Within 21 days, 58% of colonists exhibited altered behavior. Within 28 days, 85%," the VI stated.

"What's the size of this thing?" Jane muttered.

"The Thorian appears to be a diffused creature. Its cognitive abilities are centered in large nerve bundles, but it receives data from kilometers of meandering tendrils. We have discovered bundle approximately one minter in diameter, but these seem insufficient to coordinate the massive sensory potential it possesses. It may simply process such stimulation slowly, or perhaps there is a nerve cluster of a greater magnitude we have not yet encountered," the VI stated.

"Is it intelligent? Can I reason with it?" John asked.

"The Thorian does not exhibit the focused behavior of a predator. The release of spores is an act of survival, not aggression. It does trigger advanced behaviors in the humans it enslaves, but we have yet to discover whether it recognizes, or is capable of recognizing, humans as more than tools. It is sufficiently alien as to defy classification at this time," the VI reported.

"Where is this thing?" Jane demanded.

"The Thorian is present as a weave of tendrils across much of the lower surface of Feros. Observation of enslaved subjects suggests there may be key clusters that are tended by thralls. Unfortunately, direct observation of Species 37 is limited or non-existent," the VI explained.

"This is not going to be easy to save the colonists," John sight.

"It is never easy," Jane muttered before thinking. "Please access 'my' personal files."

"What..." John began and Jane held up a finger.

"Elizabeth Baynham, Research Assistant, Bio-Medical Division. Security Level 4 exemption. You are currently under probation due to disagreements with management over established company policy. These sanctions may be lifted if your next evaluation is more agreeable.

"What triggered the probation?" Jane asked.

"You were marked as combative about the operations of the Zhu's Hope project, specifically regarding the handling of the infected colonists. As a result, you were tasked with monitoring the safety of the colonists for the duration of the observation," the VI explained and Jane felt better that Lizbeth was standing up, if weakly against ExoGeni.

"That's enough for now," John stated.

~*TF*~

Shortly after finding the VI they came across an overhang with two Geth worshipping a ball of light between the claws of their ship jammed into the building. After quickly dispatching the Geth they climbed down to take a closer at look at the claw.

"The Geth use these claws to anchor their ships to the side of buildings," Tali said, examining the claws and ignoring the glowing light.

"That makes it more difficult," Ash Kaidan, "how do we cut the power to the claws if it's coming directly from the ship?"

"Well we could check the other claws for weaknesses," Tali mused. "It'll be difficult though, the Geth are very thorough."

"That sounds like it's our best bet. Let's find the other claws then," Jane stated taking lead. The others started to fall in but Tali was staring at the orb, her head cocked to the right. John had seen her do that before when something was making her annoyed. Letting Jane know that he, Liara and Tali would follow in a moment he jogged over to his Quarian friend. He waited a moment as Tali took readings with her Omni-tool. She huffed and stomped a foot as gun fire echoed down the halls. Knowing Jane would be fine John focused on Tali.

"Something bothering you Tali?" he asked and Tali huffed again, gesturing at the orb.

"This is," she bit out. John blinked and turned to the orb the Geth had been worshipping.

"It seems to be significant to the Geth," Liara said, voicing her thoughts. "Is it possible they set up this room to serve as a temple of sorts?"

"The Geth blur the line between organic and synthetic life. It's natural to assume they seek understanding from a higher power." Tali admitted, "I've just never thought of a Geth having a crisis of a spiritual nature before."

"Come on let's catch up to the others," John said, patting Tali on the shoulder. "If I know Jane she's already found that man's data and found a way to separate the ship from the building."

As they hurried up to catch up with Jane there was a loud crunch from the floor beneath them and the sounds of gun fire. The building seemed to shake and then the claw in the room they had just been in separated from the building. They hurried down as the Geth ship came crashing down. He reached Jane just as the comms finally crackled to life.

"-repeat, Normandy to shore party. Are you reading? Anyone there? Normandy to shore party. Come on, Commanders, talk to me!"

"Is that you, Joker? What's going on over there? "Jane asked.

"We're in lockdown here, Commander. Something happened to the colonists. They're banging on the hull, trying to claw their way inside the ship. They're freaking out! "

"They can't do any real damage. We're on our way back. Just hold your position." Jane ordered as John frowned. It had to be the Thorian. One threat had been dealt with, now it was trying to deal with another.

Them.

"Uh...yeah. Okay. Well, we'll just wait right here for you, Commander."

As Jane cut off the signal John gestured to the main entrance where the barrier had dropped and familiar figure was waiting for them.

"Good, saves us from having to hunt her down, I want some answers," Jane muttered heading for Lizbeth. John sighed and motioned for the others to follow.

"There you are. We should get out of here. I don't think this place is safe." Lizbeth exclaimed. She wilted as Jane stomped over to her with a glare on her face.

"I need some answers. You knew more about the Thorian than you let on." Jane snapped and John stepped next to her. Jane shot him and look and he shook his head. Jane took a deep breath but pulled back a bit from Lizbeth.

"I...I was afraid. I wanted to stop the tests, but they threatened me, told me I'd be next. When the Geth attacked, I stayed behind to send a message to Colonial Affairs. I tried to tell them where to find the Thorian, but the power cut before I could send the message. I...I never meant for this to happen!" Lizbeth burst out.

"You did what you could. I'll help them if you can tell me where to find the Thorian." John soothed. He felt like Jane did, especially about colonies, but he knew sometimes people were stuck in no win situations. For Jane there was the right way or no way. End of story.

"The Thorian is underneath Zhu's Hope, but the entrance is blocked. The colonists covered it with the freighter just before the Geth attacked." Lizbeth explained.

"But why are the Geth after the Thorian? What could Saren want with it?" John asked and Lizbeth sighed.

"Well, it does have unique mind-control capabilities. That's what ExoGeni was interested in." She explained.

"Normandy to shore party. Come in." Joker said, reaching out to them again.

"What is it, Joker? " Jane asked.

"We're getting a lot of Geth comm chatter. Looks like they're headed your way."

"Thanks for the heads-up, Joker." Jane said cutting off the comms again. "You heard the man; let's move out."

"I'm coming with you. I might be able to help. Undo the mess I helped create." Lizbeth piped up and Jane shot John a look. John shrugged.

"That might be a good idea. You might be able to help us free the colonist from the Thorian somehow."

~*TF*~

John was driving the Mako down towards where the ExoGeni staff was hold up when the radio burst to life.

"...anybody. Is there anyone picking this up?" Julia's voice came in.

"Get away from that radio!" Ethan's voice followed.

"What was that all about?" Lizbeth asked, a hint of panic in her voice. More static

"...this is Julia Baynham of Feros colony. Please help us..." the static cut in and out.

"That's my mom. Stop. Stop the rover!" Lizbeth cried and John did just that. She jumped from the Mako the second John stopped. Jane rushed to follow. Lizbeth was moving slowly and Jane followed suit as they moved down the ramp. Ethan was advancing on Julia and the various ExoGeni security goons were paying attention to that scene instead of the ramp.

"You can't do this, Jeong!" Julia said.

"Everyone shut up! Let me think!" he cried.

"What's going on?" Lizbeth asked Jane and Jane shook her head.

"You won't get away with this," Julia stated as the security personnel closed in on her.

"Get her out of here!" Ethan ordered and Julia was grabbed.

"Get away from her, you son of a bitch!" Lizbeth cried out and Jane wanted to groan as their cover was blown. John and the others were silently approaching from the ramp but it was too late.

"Lizbeth!" Julia cried out, breaking away so that mother and daughter could reunite.

"Damn it! Come out where I can see you! All of you!" Ethan demanded. The entire team entered. "Shepard...Damn it! I knew it was too much to hope the Geth would kill you. I found some interesting facts about you in the ExoGeni database. I know what happened on Akuze. This doesn't have to end like that." Jane felt her face drop into kill mode. If Ethan Jeong thought that trying to go after her weak spot was going to put him at an advantage, he was sorely mistaken. John stepped in front of Jane and it took all of her will power not to throw her brother to the side.

"We can talk this out. Nobody needs to get hurt," John stated.

"You don't understand. It's not that easy. Communications are back up. ExoGeni wants this place purged," Ethan explained.

"This is a human colony, Jeong. You can't just re-purpose us," Lizbeth cried out indignantly.

"It's not just you. There's something here far more valuable than a few colonists," Ethan scoffed.

"You're after the one unique thing Feros has: the Thorian," Jane stated coolly.

"The what?" Julia asked.

"It's a telepathic life-form living under Zhu's Hope. It's taking control of the colonists there. ExoGeni knew all along," Lizbeth explained to her mother. Julia turned to glare at Ethan.

"You won't get away with this, Jeong," she growled.

"So you keep saying. But nobody's going to miss a few colonists," Ethan dismissed Julia and Jane felt her biotics start to pick up. She closed her eyes and began some mental exercises to keep from flickering her biotics with her rage. Ethan Jeong was the most worthless type of human, the type that sold his fellow humans out.

"Can't you see the inherent potential in this colony? Think of the promotional opportunities!" John began

"Opportunities? What the hell are you talking about?" Ethan cried.

"They recovered from an alien attack on a frontier world. Add that to your company profile," John said and while Jane knew John was working Ethan, it made her furious to think that Ethan would put the company before the colonists.

"Well...yeah. No one's every gone broke playing the champion of humanity card," Ethan mused.

"Sadly, you'd probably make a killing. But if it will let us get back to our lives, I'm for it," Julia sighed and Jane agreed. Sometimes you had to work with vipers to keep the flock safe.

"It just might work. Wait, no, but the infected colonists will throw a bit of a wrench in that plan. No, no. They need to disappear," Ethan began to panic again.

"You can't just kill the colonists. It's not their fault," Julia pointed out. Jane nearly jumped as she felt a shoulder press into hers. She looked to see Kaidan standing next to her. It wasn't noticeable to anyone looking, but he was giving her something to focus on to keep her biotics in check. She took it and kept her eyes shut inside of her helmet. If she had a flare up now Ethan would back out of the deal and make this whole thing worse.

"If you kill only the Thorian, it might be enough to stop the infection. Maybe," Lizbeth theorized.

"It's worth a try, but I don't know how we can avoid harming the colonists," Jane threw in.

"There has to be another way," Lizbeth groaned.

"Maybe there is. Come and talk to me before you leave, Commander," Julia stated before walking away.

"Just make sure there's no evidence when you're done," Ethan snapped and Jane moved back to the ramp.

"You okay, Commander?" Kaidan asked.

"He was very close to getting a biotically crushed knee," Jane said and Kaidan nodded.

"If anyone deserves it more, I'd be hard pressed to find them," he said. They watched as John moved to give the OSD to the freelancer before moving to speak to Julia. Jane waited with Kaidan by the ramp. As John approached he handed a few grenades to Jane.

"What are these?" she asked.

"A gas grenade with a weak neurotoxin that should paralyze the colonists," John explained.

"A neurotoxin..." Jane started and John shook his head.

"I already asked. It shouldn't affect us as badly, it's supposed to be weak," he said.

"Let's go," Jane said.

~*TF*~

"What the hell are those?" John asked, slowing the Mako down just before the entrance to the colony parking garage, which had been locked since they had left. The team got out of the Mako and got a better look at the figures crouched down. They looked vaguely human but with brownish-greenish skin. They looked more plant than human too. Their eyes were eye black sockets and each finger was replaced with a six inch talon.

"What is that? It's not human, infection or not." Kaidan said and Ash shivered.

"They look like those creeper things we saw in that B movie we watched together," Ash muttered to Jane, making Jane shiver.

"Well the name certainly fits," Jane muttered as Wrex let out a laugh. "I bet these are something from the Thorian...a Thorian creeper."

"I wonder what color these bleed?" the Krogan exclaimed in joy.

"No hitting the colonists, even if the Thorian makes them fire on us. That's what the gas grenades are for." John said, beginning to hand out the aforementioned grenades.

"Snipers switch to impact rounds." Jane ordered, doing the same for her own rifle. After a few moments everyone finished adjusting their ammo.

"Everyone ready?" John asked, heading for the garage door switch.

"You got it, Commander. Let's do this." Kaidan exclaimed and John slammed a fist on the switch. The creepers let out moans and began to stand and rushed them in a hoard.

~*TF*~

They had ground through the hoard in the hanger and knocked out the colonists. The stairs were bogging them down and it seemed like every five feet was a cluster of Thorian creepers with a colonist guiding them and providing cover fire. It was slow going and Jane was getting frustrated. They had knocked out two colonists at the stairs down to the colony.

Jane checked the two colonists and nodded at John. Garrus and Ash sniped the two creepers at the base of the stairs before they could even get up.

"These two are out like lights," Jane said. "Garrus, Kaidan, head down there and give us eyes on the colony."

"Yes, ma'am," the two said before heading down.

"How many colonists so far?" John asked taking stock before there was the sound of gun fire coming from where Kaidan and Garrus had just gone. The colonists were inside the doorway, turning the hallway into a kill zone. It was a perfect trap and Jane had just sent Garrus and Kaidan right into it. Jane felt time slow as she saw a bright flash of red blood. Kaidan was going down, his barrier collapsed and his armor broken through. At the doorway a large hoard of creepers began to rush in. Garrus and Kaidan were pinned down and cut off.

"Jane!" John's voice never registered as Jane vaulted down the steps, somehow keeping her balance as she threw blindly. Two of the creepers were rushing Kaidan, he had been trying to throw them when he spun from the impact of the shot making it through his armor. Garrus had yanked Kaidan to the far side of the stairs and was aiming at the approaching creepers. They were pinned! Her throw caught a couple of the creepers, sending them back into the colonists. Jane raced to Garrus and Kaidan, covered in a barrier like a human shield. She was at Kaidan's side immediately, ignoring the approaching hoard.

"Shit!" John cried, his rifle overheating. They couldn't keep the creepers back and the colonists were still firing on the team at the base.

"Talk to me, Kaidan," Jane demanded. Knowing that fear was in her voice, she hated fear, but please, God, don't let Kaidan have taken a fatal shot. Kaidan blinked up at her, red staining his shoulder. Too high for lung or heart, just painful.

"It's just muscle and bone. I'll live Ja-Commander," Kaidan stated and Jane felt tears in her eyes as she pulled the medi-gel kit from his pouch and began applying it. Her barrier was flickering, she couldn't keep holding it up for much longer, but she would patch him up before she let it drop.

"More creepers!" Ash cried out, her own assault rifle overheat discharging by her feet, her sniper rifle in her hands as she desperately tried to keep them back. Creepers were rushing up the stairs, cutting the team off from the three below. "They must have set this trap up almost as soon as we left!"

"I can't get a singularity in the door way!" Liara cried out, firing her own pistol desperately. Jane, Kaidan and Garrus trapped at the bottom, the others cut off above. The three below would die if the rest of them above them couldn't keep the creepers back.

John's adrenalin kicked into high gear.

Snap decision.

"Wrex follow me, the rest of you cover Jane and the others. Work your way to them!" John ordered. He grabbed the edge of the concrete divider and leaped. Liara screamed his name as Wrex let out a laugh of joy.

-then John was falling, yanking his shotgun to bare, over clocking his shield generator. He slammed feet first onto a creeper, turning it to pulp. His shields were screaming in his ears warning him they were down. He didn't care, his sister was at his back vulnerable. John would kill every mother fucker trying to get to her and his men. He didn't even notice Wrex slamming down behind him. Then it was a nightmare of creeper green blood, shotgun rounds to the face, smashing fists into soft creeper throats, break necks, blowing off heads, tossing gas grenades at colonists, fists hitting noses, knocking them out with broken noses, then-

It was over. John was breathing heavily, his armor covered in Thorian creeper gunk, his legs ached from a two story fall dulled by his shields. Wrex threw his head back and roared a Krogan victory cry. The colonists were all unconscious and the ambush was over.

"The medi-gel is going to keep you alive, but we need to get you to the Normandy now. Tali!" Jane barked and the Quarian appeared. Jane cupped Kaidan's face.

"We are going to distract the colonists and you are going to hack the ship. It's a tube that leads straight to those stairs. Get inside that ship, turn it into a corridor so if anyone is in there you lock them in their rooms. You contact the Normandy and ask for a retrieval team. You help Kaidan get back to the ship and to Dr. Chakwas with the retrieval team," Jane explained. She jumped to her feet and whirled to face John.

"Jane..." John said in a warning tone and Jane snatched her sniper rifle from her back.

"We use the old sniper technique we developed in N7 academy," Jane snapped and John paused.

"The rest of the team doesn't know that," John stated and Jane glared at him for a moment before conceding his point.

"Snipers on the ship, we fire and drop down, I shield us, you throw grenades from the side," Jane snapped to the rest of the team. Her jaw tightened as Tali helped Kaidan put his arm around her shoulders.

"Ash, Wrex, Liara, and I will take the long way around the ship, Tali, when you hear the retrieval team give that it is in position and the gunfire dies down, you get Kaidan to medical," John said.

"Why am I not on the roof?" Ash asked as Jane grabbed Garrus, helping him to his feet. She quietly asked if he was good to go to which the Turian gave a thumbs up.

"I can only shield two of us perfectly and you know Alliance methods John might use," Jane said, turning to the Chief. The groups split up and Jane quickly scaled the freighter with Garrus at her side. They were at the top and Jane kept low until she saw John's group engaging the creepers. She threw a grenade at the colonists that were set up in another kill zone. Tali used the distraction to hurry Kaidan behind them.

"Those creepers have to be controlled by that Thorian," Garrus muttered as they dropped to their stomachs and crawled. At the edge they began using their non-fatal rounds to keep the colonists pinned, Jane's shield protecting them from the very fatal colonist fire.

"I can't throw from this position," Jane growled.

"Doesn't matter, Wrex is clearing the way," Garrus stated as they watched the Krogan plow a path through the creepers. As the colonists started to aim, Garrus and Jane popped back up in time to let the remaining team set their grenades off.

"Get down first, I'll keep an eye out," Jane said as John and the others cleared the area for anymore threats.

"All alive," John called. Jane was about to drop when she saw a form moving towards where the team was gathered. John was working to lift part of the freighter. It was Fai Dan. Jane crept towards the edge, out of Fai Dan's line of sight.

"I tried to fight it, but it gets in your head. You can't imagine the pain," Fai Dan stated as he approached, drawing John's attention. "I was supposed to be a leader. These people trusted me." Fai Dan drew his gun and Jane began to run. "It wants me to stop you...but I...I won't." Jane was in the air and the butt of her gun ready. Fai Dan was turning the gun towards his own head when Jane landed, slamming the butt of her rifle into his face, knocking him cold. The gun fell.

"You could have taken his head off with a shot," John said approving of his sister's methods and Jane nodded as she kicked the gun away.

"If I didn't try he would have taken it off himself," she said before looking at the stairs under the freighter. She looked at John and he nodded at her. The two commanders descended next to each other. They went down into the deep structure and as they rounded a corner the Shepard twins slowed and stared.

"All right, we just need to find this creature and determine what it...what it...This was not covered by my training manuals," Garrus stated as he took in the massive plant...creature...thing...Thorian.

"That does not look like any plant I've ever seen," John stated and Jane looked at the creature.

"This may be...problematic," she muttered as she stared at the massive plant which looked too insect-like to her after their Rachni experiences. They approached the massive creature and it began to move. For a moment it looked like it was vomiting until a green Asari dropped from its...mouth? Jane hoped it was a mouth.

"Invaders! Your every step is a transgression. A thousand feelers appraise you as meat, good only to dig or decompose. I speak for the Old Growth, as I did for Saren you are within and before the Thorian. It commands that you be in awe!" the Asari spoke and Jane felt this might be one of those conversations that needed to be in a book about weird shit they went through.

"You gave something to Saren, something we need," John said.

"Saren sought knowledge of those who are gone. The Old Growth listened to flesh for the first time in the Long Cycle. Trades were made. Then cold ones began killing the flesh that would tend the next cycle. Flesh fairly given! The Old Growth sees the air you push as lies! It will listen no more!" the Asari cried and Jane glared.

"I won't let you keep your thralls. Release them. Now!" Jane snarled.

"No more will the Thorian listen to those that scurry. Your lives are short, but have gone on too long," the Asari cried. "Your blood will feed the ground and the new growth!" Her hand moved to lift her weapon and Jane pushed her. The Asari flew backwards off the edge of the platform, falling into the pit below the Thorian. Creepers began to groan around the group.

"Did you have to throw her into the pit?" John asked.

"What part of 'your blood will feed the ground' sounded like the start of a negotiation to you?" Jane shot back as she threw two creepers into the wall making them explode. "I think we can do the same with the Thorian."

"Drop it in the pit?" John asked and Jane nodded. "It does look big and heavy enough. It looks like there are only a few tendrils holding it up."

"I'm going to make this thing pay for what it's done to the colony and us. These creepers are clearly part of the Thorian," Jane snarled. John grunted in understanding. He blamed it too for Kaidan and the colonists.

"At least these Thorian creepers are easy to squish," Wrex laughed as he ran into one smashing it into a wall. Jane grimaced at the slime on Wrex's armor and crest, at least the Krogan was happy.

The team hurried through the first door. There was a giant, pulsating node connected to the Thorian and the room was filled with dozens of creepers.

"John and Ash destroy the nodes, everyone else focus on the creepers." Jane ordered. It was quick work to take out the node with the creepers occupied. As the node was popped for lack of a better work, the Thorian's tendril separated from it. The Thorian let out a wheezing scream and the whole area shook.

"Oh that had to hurt it!" John exclaimed, smirking. Jane nodded leading them deeper into the structure around the Thorian. The next node was up a ramp leading to a landing past dormant creepers. Working in sync without even saying anything the team quickly wiped the dormant creepers before turning their fire on the node. Again it burst and again the Thorian screamed.

"Shit Asari clone!" John snapped, seeing the clone come hurrying into the room before them.

"I don't have time for this bullshit!" Jane snapped. She gestured at the clone and it went flying over the edge in a biotic throw. It screamed in defiant rage as it fell to its death.

They moved from room to room, destroying dormant and active creepers, separating nodes and flinging clones to a death by gravity. Then the Thorian could no longer hold itself. Grunting and wheezing the ancient creature fell to its own death.

Jane and John shared a look as they stared over the ledge. Shepards never gave up. And they never forgave.

~*TF*~

As the group was leaving a small node on the wall near the entrance began to make noises and Jane whipped around to see a normal looking Asari drop to the floor. She looked dazed as she stood up and Jane lowered her weapon, but kept her finger on the trigger, just in case.

"I'm free. I...I suppose I should thank you for releasing me," she said looking at the group. John stepped forward, ever the hero for blue damsels in distress, Jane mused.

"Is everything all right? Are you hurt?" he asked.

"I am fine. Or I will be, in time. My name is Shiala. I serve...I served Matriarch Benezia. When she allied herself with Saren, so did I. Benezia foresaw the influence Saren would have. She joined him to guide him down a gentler path. But Saren is compelling. Benezia lost her way," Shiala said. "Benezia underestimated Saren. As I did. We came to believe in his cause and his goals. The strength of his influence is troubling."

"My mother spoke of this," Liara stated and Shiala blinked in recognition.

"We...were forced to kill Matriarch Benezia," Jane said. "She mentioned something about Saren's ship."

"Saren has a vessel. An enormous warship unlike anything I've ever seen. He calls it Sovereign. It can dominate the minds of his followers," Shiala confirmed and Jane shot a look at John. That was a similar story to Benezia's. "They become indoctrinated to Saren's will. The process is subtle. It can take days, weeks. But in the end, it is absolute. I was a willing slave when Saren brought me to this world. He needed my biotics to communicate with the Thorian, to learn its secrets. Saren offered me in trade. I was sacrificed to secure an alliance between Saren and the Thorian."

"Saren's pretty quick to betray his own people," Jane stated.

"He was quick to betray the Thorian, too. After he had what he wanted, he ordered the Geth to destroy all evidence of its existence. Saren knows you are searching for the Conduit. He knows you are following his steps. He attacked the Thorian so you could not gain the Cipher," Shiala said, looking at Jane.

"What's the Cipher? And why did Saren need it?" John asked, but Shiala kept looking at Jane. Jane wondered why Asari always had to give her looks. Thank God Liara was looking at John.

"The beacon on Eden Prime gave you visions. But the visions are unclear, confusion. They were meant for a Prothean mind," Shiala said and Jane suddenly realized why her vision seemed so difficult to understand, it was meant for a mind of a species long extinct. "To truly comprehend them, you must think like a Prothean. You must understand their culture, their history, their very existence. The Thorian was here long before the Protheans built this city. It watched and studied them. When they died, it consumed them. They became a part of it."

"So the Thorian taught Saren to think like a Prothean? How?" Jane asked.

"The Cipher is the very essence of being a Prothean. It cannot be described or explained. It would be like describing the color to a creature without eyes. To understand, you must have access to endemic ancestral memory. A viewpoint spanning thousands of Prothean generations. I sensed this ancestral memory, the Cipher, when I melded with the Thorian. Our identities merged, our minds intertwined. Such knowledge cannot be taught; it simply exists," Shiala explained and Jane started to get a feeling she was not going to like what was coming.

"We need that knowledge to stop Saren," John grunted. "Isn't there some way for us to understand?"

"There is a way. I can transfer the knowledge from my mind to yours, as I did with Saren," she said, making eye contact with Jane. "You were the one who accessed the beacon, it must be you." Jane stared for a moment. To share minds was very intimate for Asari and while it would be useful, Jane wasn't sure she wanted to try something that was close to Asari sex. Of course, to beat Saren, she needed to know understand the vision. So she sighed and stepped forward.

"Try to relax, Commander. Slow, deep breaths. Let go of your physical shell. Reach out to grasp the threads that bind us, one to another," Shiala said as she approached and Jane did as she was told with deep, slow breathing. "Every action sends ripples across the galaxy. Every idea must touch another mind to live. Each emotion must mark another's spirit. We are all connected. Every living being united in a single, glorious existence. Open yourself to the universe, Commander. Embrace eternity!"

Jane saw the vision again. The death destruction, the people being destroyed before they could mount a counterattack. The organic being turned by force into the synthetic. War that resulted in annihilation. A binary star system with a planet with a single moon. The approach of Sovereign. Jane opened her eyes to look at Shiala. Shiala gave Jane a look plagued by deep thought.

"I have given you the Cipher, just as it was given to Saren. The ancestral memories of the Protheans are a part of you now," Shiala said and Jane wiped her forehead.

"What happened? Are you okay?" Garrus asked.

"I saw the vision. It still isn't making sense," Jane said.

"You have been given a great gift: the experience of an entire people. It will take time for your mind to process this information," Shiala explained.

"You look a little queasy. We should get you back to the ship," Ash said.

"I am sorry if you have suffered, but there was no other way. You needed the Cipher. In time, it will help you understand the vision from the beacon. You have the Cipher, in time, your visions will clear. They will lead you to the Conduit. I only pray you find it before Saren does," Shiala said.

"Now that you're free of the Thorian, what are you planning to do next?" John asked.

"If you allow it, I would like to stay here with the colonists. They have suffered greatly, and I played a role in their suffering. I would like to make amends," she said.

"The colonists will need all the help they can get. They'll be happy to have you on their side," Jane said.

"Thank you, Commander. May fortune smile upon you," Shiala added.

~*TF*~

Earth Date: July 18th, 2183 CE

Location: Normandy leaving Feros atmosphere en route to Attican Beta Mass Relay

Jane entered the infirmary before the debriefing, Kaidan was laying on one of the cots in his uniform. He grinned as she entered.

"Hey Commander," he said.

"How are you doing, Kaidan?" she asked and he sat up a bit.

"I'm in one piece. Dr. Chakwas fixed me up, she made sure my shoulder is as good as new. Sorry I missed out on the Thorian," he said and Jane shook her head, her hand hovering over his arm. The fact she was still in her gear was the only reason she wasn't touching him...making sure he was still there.

"No Kaidan, I'm sorry. I should have see that it was a kill zone. I would have set it up just the same and I didn't see it!" Jane said, keeping her eyes on his shoulder, she couldn't see the wound.

"I'm fine," he said and Jane looked up at him.

"I failed you, Kaidan, it won't happen again," Jane said. "Get better." She quickly left medical to change and head back up for the debriefing. She took a seat and John stared at her.

"Are you okay? You look a little pale," he said.

"It's that damn Cipher! That Asari messed you up good! And for what? We still don't know here to find that stupid Conduit! What a waste!" Ash snarled and Jane could feel her exhaustion.

"She said it could take a while," John reminded. "Still I don't like seeing you like this, Baby Sister."

"We need the Cipher. I'm not sure how, but it will lead us to the Conduit," Jane said.

"Commander? You do look pale are you sure you are not suffering any ill effects from the Cipher?" Liara asked and Jane wondered if she was.

"The Cipher shook me up a bit," Jane said.

"I might be able to help you. I am an expert on the Protheans. If I join my consciousness to yours maybe we can make some sense of it," Liara suggested and Jane wondered if she was going to touch minds with two Asari in one day. She looked at John, he shrugged and Jane sighed.

"Do it," Jane said as she stood up and Liara met her in the center of the room.

"Relax, Commander. Embrace eternity!" Liara said and the vision flew through Jane's skull again. "That was incredible! All this time. All my research. Yet I never dreamed...I'm sorry. The images were so vivid. I never imagined the experience would be so...intense. You are remarkably strong-willed, Commander. What you've been through, what you've seen, would have destroyed a lesser mind."

"Hard to beat that kind of praise, huh Commander," Wrex grunted, elbowing John.

"What did you see?" John coughed.

"The beacon on Eden Prime must have been badly damaged. Large parts of the vision are missing. The data transferred into the commander's mind is incomplete," Liara stated and Jane's hopes sank.

"You must have seen something," Jane said.

"I was able to interpret the data relayed through your vision. What was there, at least. But something was missing. Saren must have the missing information. Maybe he found another beacon. If we can find the missing data from your vision I can...whoa!" Liara staggered. "I'm sorry. The joining is...exhausting. I should got to the medical bay and lie down for a moment."

"We're done here. Dismissed." John said, waving a hand to dismiss the crew.

~*TF*~

"I've sent off the Feros report, Commanders. You want me to patch you through to the Council?" Joker asked. Jane nodded and John spoke up.

"Patch them through, Joker."

"Setting up the link now, Commanders." After a few moments the hologram system in the room lit up and a hologram of the councilors was standing before them.

"Commanders, I'm sorry ExoGeni should have told us about the Thorian. It would have made your job much easier." Councilor Tevos said.

"You might have been able to capture it for study instead of destroying it." Valern mused and John shook his head as Jane fumed.

"The Thorian liked to enslave minds. Anyone who studied it would've ended up as one of its thralls." John explained.

"Perhaps it's for the best, then. At least the colony was saved." Councilor Tevos mused and Councilor Sparatus scoffed.

"Of course it was saved. I'm sure they would go to any lengths to help a human colony."

"Being human had nothing to do with it. They were in trouble." Jane snapped.

"Admirable. But sometimes Spectres have to make sacrifices. I hope you're willing to do that when the time comes." Councilor Valern cautioned them. John shot Jane a look and she bit her tongue.

"However the timing of you finishing your mission on Feros is most fortuitous. We received information that maybe critical to your mission against Saren." Councilor Tevos revealed.

"We'll take all the help we can get, Councilors," John said eagerly.

"We've received information from one of our infiltration regiments in the 'verse." Councilor Valern explained. "This particular team was dedicated to finding information on Saren. Unfortunately the message was little more than static. They must be in a situation where they can't send a proper interstellar communication. It was however sent on a channel reserved for mission critical communications. Whatever they were trying to tell us we know it was important. Considering your interest in Saren we thought you might want to investigate and find out what happened to our team. The signal originated from the planet Virmire."

"We'll look right into Councilors." John assured them and Jane grunted.

"The council prefers not to know the specifics of Spectre activity. We only wanted you to be aware of all your options Commanders." Councilor Tevos assured them. "Good luck Commanders."

"I think I'm going to go have a shower or blow off some steam." Jane grumbled after the signal cut out. John sighed.

"I'll do the same after I tell Joker our new course and clean my armor up."

~*TF*~

When John headed down to the cargo bay he saw Jane doing her Asari biotic training thing. He headed for where he had left his armor on the table maintenance table and blinked in surprise to see it already clean. Ash grinned at him and gave him a mock salute.

"Figured you were on your way to do that sir," she teased and John laughed.

"Thanks Chief, I appreciate that." John told her warmly. Ash blushed and focused back on her rifle, beginning to scrub away at a firing pin. After John set his armor by the elevator he turned to his sister who had her eyes closed in concentration as she biotically lifted a twenty five pound weight above her hand.

"Want to talk, sis?" he asked quietly as he approached. Jane sighed and the weight floated back to the rack and stored itself.

"It was my fault Kaidan got hurt, John, it's my fault and I should have known better. I would have set a trap up the same damn way!" Jane said as she turned away from her brother. "I put Garrus and Kaidan in danger. I lost focus and all I saw was them dying."

"Yeah but you had me, Jane. We completed the mission, but you could have killed yourself when you dropped down those steps into open fire like that," John said. Jane kept her back to him, running a hand through her hair.

"It was such a rookie mistake. I can't believe I did it," Jane confessed.

"You're not the only one to nearly kill a teammate," John reminded her gently.

"I don't like failing the people who put their trust in me," Jane bit back.

"You didn't fail Kaidan or Garrus. Garrus is fine and Kaidan will have a scar to show off to the ladies," John said and Jane winced. "Wait a second...this is more than just leadership concerns. Jane...don't tell me you're..."

"Shut it, John, I wouldn't risk the chain of command like that," Jane said and John paused.

"So all this time you were teasing me about Liara and here you were making doe eyes at the LT," John grinned.

"Don't go there John," Jane warned.

"No, no, I see. I'm pretty sure Kaidan will forgive you if you offer to nurse him to health, even if it's only for twelve hours" John grinned and Jane glared at him.

"Not funny. I'm having a serious moment here and you're turning it into elementary school all over again," Jane said.

"I nearly got Tali killed and you took my head off. You're moping about Kaidan getting shot and I'm teasing you because I now know you have a crush on him. I can give him a note with 'Do you like me? Check yes or no.' I would have to put your name since our initials are the same." Jane glared at him and headed to the elevator.

"You're not funny," she said and John grinned.

"I beg to differ, I am hilarious and you will quote everything I say," John retorted and as he opened his mouth for another comment a biotic field quickly formed around him. The next moment he was flung from the elevator to slam into the ground across from it, making Wrex begin to laugh.

"I merged nervous systems with your blue girlfriend before you," Jane snapped before the elevator doors closed. John sat up and stared at the elevator as Jane ascended to the mid level. He smiled to himself. Jane was no longer angry at herself and now she was angry at him. In the thirty-six hours till Virmire all would be well.

"Wait what?" John cried out, suddenly realizing what his sister had said.

~*Chapter End*~

Belle's Omake Note: The very first time I played Mass Effect I couldn't help but think the Asari mind meld thing was very much like brain rape, especially because you cannot avoid Shiala since she has the Cipher. Toby has found this little quirk of mine to be hilarious whenever we talk. For years we have been making jokes about Asari brain rape and now...my Omakes are a tribute to that

Omake 1:

"The beacon on Eden Prime gave you visions," Shiala said and Jane noticed the Asari was making deep eye contact.

"Why are you giving me that look?" Jane asked.

"But the visions are unclear, confusion. They were meant for a Prothean mind," Shiala explained moving towards Jane.

"Yeah, I know, right, too bad all the Protheans are dead," Jane said slowly back away from Shiala's approach.

"To truly comprehend them, you must think like a Prothean. You must understand their culture, their history, their very existence. The Thorian was here long before the Protheans built this city. It watched and studied them. When they died, it consumed them. They became a part of it," Shiala continued to advance, Jane trying to use the large platform to evade the creepy Asari.

"So weird, right, that a plant could do that," Jane said.

"The Cipher is the very essence of being a Prothean. It cannot be described or explained. It would be like describing the color to a creature without eyes. To understand, you must have access to endemic ancestral memory," Shiala stated, her eyes moving up and down Jane's body.

"Ha, too bad I don't have that," Jane said as her back hit a wall and she went rigid.

"A viewpoint spanning thousands of Prothean generations. I sensed this ancestral memory, the Cipher, when I melded with the Thorian. Our identities merged, our minds intertwined. Such knowledge cannot be taught; it simply exists. There is a way. I can transfer the knowledge from my mind to yours, as I did with Saren," Shiala explained as she cornered Jane with a deep penetrating look.

"There is a way. I can transfer the knowledge from my mind to yours, as I did with Saren," Shiala said, making deep eye contact with Jane.

"Nah, I'm good," Jane said.

"Try to relax, Commander. Slow, deep breaths. Let go of your physical shell. Reach out to grasp the threads that bind us, one to another," Shiala whispered.

"No means no! No means no!" Jane chanted.

"Every action sends ripples across the galaxy. Every idea must touch another mind to live. Each emotion must mark another's spirit. We are all connected. Every living being united in a single, glorious existence. Open yourself to the universe, Commander. Embrace eternity!"

"NOOOOO!" Jane cried.

~* Later *~

"Now Commander, where did the Asari touch you?" Joker asked, pointing to the doll as Jane sat curled up in the cockpit.

"In my brain!" Jane wailed.

"For the last time it was not brain rape!" John groaned.

Omake 2:

"It's okay Jane, you're safe now," John cajoled as Jane sat curled up in the fetal position in her chair in the conference room.

"No means no...no means no..." Jane whimpered.

"Commander? You do look pale are you sure you are not suffering any ill effects from the Cipher?" Liara asked but Jane kept rocking.

"She'll be fine," John said. He was also wondering if he should call someone. Was there someone to call when you sister was freaking out about an Asari touching her brain?

"Is there any C-Sec department that handles people who claim they were touched by an Asari without consent?" John asked, turning to Garrus. The Turian shot him an incredulous look.

"When most Asari offer to touch minds with people they go running to the Asari with open arms," Garrus explained. "Your sister is the first I've seen who freaks out over it."

"I might be able to help you. I am an expert on the Protheans. If I join my consciousness to yours maybe we can make some sense of it," Liara suggested and Jane's eyes shot up to look at Liara in horror.

"No need, I should be able to figure it out myself," Jane tried to say but it came out more of an intelligible groan. Liara got up and grabbed Jane's head.

"Relax, Commander. Embrace eternity!" Liara said. "That was incredible! All this time. All my research. Yet I never dreamed...I'm sorry. The images were so vivid. I never imagined the experience would be so...intense. You are remarkably strong-willed, Commander. What you've been through, what you've seen, would have destroyed a lesser mind."

Jane lay on the ground drooling.

"The beacon on Eden Prime must have been badly damaged. Large parts of the vision are missing. The data transferred into the commander's mind is incomplete," Liara sighed and Jane's hopes sank.

"You must have seen something," John said. He was also ignoring his sister. He seemed to still be sore about being thrown from elevators when she was angry.

"I was able to interpret the data relayed through your vision. What was there at least. But something was missing. Saren must have the missing information. Maybe he found another beacon. If we can find the missing data from your vision I can...whoa!" Liara staggered. "I'm sorry. The joining is...exhausting. I should got to the medical bay and lie down for a moment...maybe have a cigarette." Jane whimpered as Liara passed by with the others.

"Stop being a drama queen, Jane, you got to hit that Asari brain before me," John pouted.

"She touched me in the brain," Jane sobbed.

Omake 3: (Toby's note: Cause Belle is so not looking at this the right way.)

"There is a way. I can transfer the knowledge from my mind to yours, as I did with Saren," Shiala said, making deep eye contact with Jane.

"Nah, I'm good," Jane said.

"Try to relax, Commander. Slow, deep breaths. Let go of your physical shell. Reach out to grasp the threads that bind us, one to another," Shiala whispered.

"No means no! No means no!" Jane chanted.

Before anything could happen an old Earth song began to play.

"Tonight's the night we're gonna make it happen

Tonight we'll put all other things aside

Give in this time and show me some affection

We're going for those pleasures in the night"

Jane and all the other woman turned to the right. The men were all standing around, watching with wide grins. Wrex was munching on popcorn he'd gotten from somewhere. Garrus had his Omni-tool on which was playing the song. The worst was John, who was wearing a ball cap with the words 'SSV Normandy' on it while he was holding a large, professional film camera. With a wide angle lens.

"Don't mind us ladies," John grinned. "Just do what comes natural." Shiala shrugged before turning back to Jane.

"Every action sends ripples across the galaxy. Every idea must touch another mind to live. Each emotion must mark another's spirit. We are all connected. Every living being united in a single, glorious existence. Open yourself to the universe, Commander. Embrace eternity!"

"NOOOOO!" Jane cried. "John you fucking pervert help meeeeeeeeeeee!"

"Are you kidding? With the royalties we'll make off this we can buy our own fleet to kill the Reapers!"

~* Later *~

"I might be able to help you. I am an expert on the Protheans. If I join my consciousness to yours maybe we can make some sense of it," Liara suggested and Jane's eyes shot up to look at Liara in horror.

"No need, I should be able to figure it out myself," Jane tried to say but before she could that damnable music started up again.

"I'm so excited and I just can't hide it

I'm about to lose control and I think I like it

I'm so excited and I just can't hide it

And I know, I know, I know, I know, I know I want you!"

"The commander was right this is awesome!" Kaidan exclaimed, running the camera and wearing the hat this time. John and Garrus had note pads in their hands and Wrex had popcorn, again.

"You think Liara has to work harder or is it easier for her at her age?"

"Why do you think we're taking notes?"

"Relax, Commander. Embrace eternity!" Liara said.

"Damn you meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!"

~*TF*~

Toby's Author note: Well Belle has started posting this on Archive of Our Own as well. I feel kind of bad because they're getting chapters one after another unlike the wait you FFN folks have had since this fic started. Also sorry for the long wait. It's a massive chapter but things have been kind of busy for me and Belle this year. Court, evictions, job hunting, moving for both of us, it's just ugh.

Now I had us put viewer responses at the end of the last chapter but with AO3's response system that's not really fair to the FFN people so we're not going to do that anymore. Plus it adds unnecessary words and this chapter is already over 20,000 words per Word's counter. Yeesh. So we'll give general statements and thank the people individually on AO3. FFN people we're sorry but until they update their ad infested site to current standards we can't respond individually. I'm starting to like AO3, I might get an account there myself soon. Though Belle will continue to post Twin Fates.

So plus side news. Chapter 8 is being written, 9 is fleshed out and 10 is almost finished. How is that? 10 starts the ME2 arc, spoilers! *sticks out his tongue at them*

*Belle smacks Toby upside the head*

Ow!

Belle: Hey, it's fair! You post on FFN and I got AO3. We are CO-authors.

Toby: …anyways we're hoping, I repeat hoping, to release 8 thru 11 before the end of summer. But no promises. We're gonna try as we both feel really bad about the wait you folks have had while our personal lives came along and slapped us both in the face. Anyways, next chapter is Virmire! I can't wait for you to see who dies! It's so not who you think! *begins to cackle evilly*

Belle: Yeah, ignore that, he does that sometimes.

Toby: Till next time folks!